Guests attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Malaysia-China Kuantan international logistic park in Kuantan, Pahang state of Malaysia, April 7, 2023. The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), the first industrial park jointly developed by Malaysia and China, marked its 10th anniversary here on Friday.(Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

KUANTAN, Malaysia, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), the first industrial park jointly developed by Malaysia and China, marked its 10th anniversary here on Friday.

Delivering a speech during the celebration, Liu Ning, secretary of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China, said that the event will surely inject new impetus into deepening the practical cooperation between China and Malaysia, and create new opportunities.

He also said that Guangxi is willing to cooperate with friends from Malaysia to seize the opportunities of joint construction of the Belt and Road and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to deepen cooperation with Malaysia in areas such as trade and investment, industrial development, and cultural exchanges.

For his part, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook hailed the MCKIP as a solid success of the relationship between China and Malaysia, noting that it had boosted the infrastructure and economic development of the country's east coast and would continue to be a key point of cooperation between both countries.

"MCKIP is a testament to the robust economic ties between our two nations. Over the years, this industrial park has grown to become one of the largest and most successful joint ventures between Malaysia and China, attracting investments from both domestic and foreign companies," he said.

The MCKIP, together with the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park situated in China, has set an innovative example of bilateral economic cooperation under the model of "Two Countries, Twin Parks." 

Liu Ning (R, front), secretary of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook (L, front) unveil the Kuantan distribution center of the new international land-sea trade corridor in Kuantan, Pahang state of Malaysia, April 7, 2023. The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), the first industrial park jointly developed by Malaysia and China, marked its 10th anniversary here on Friday.

(Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

Guests pose for photos at the launching ceremony of "Invest in China Year" (Embracing ASEAN) in Kuantan, Pahang state, Malaysia, April 7, 2023. The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), the first industrial park jointly developed by Malaysia and China, marked its 10th anniversary here on Friday.

(Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

Liu Ning (R, front), secretary of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook (L, front) attend the launching ceremony for the Kuantan Port-Beibu Gulf Port-Sichuan-Chongqing multimodal transport route in Kuantan, Pahang state of Malaysia, April 7, 2023. The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), the first industrial park jointly developed by Malaysia and China, marked its 10th anniversary here on Friday.

(Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)
China Focus: Chinese scientists resort to satellite for earthquake prediction research

Xinhua) 10:50, April 08, 2023

BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Over 1,800 years after Chinese inventor Zhang Heng developed the first-ever seismoscope, scientists are now carrying out research on earthquake forecasting using a satellite named after him.

Launched in February 2018, China's first seismo-electromagnetic satellite, Zhangheng 1, was designed to capture the electromagnetic signals in space, offering support for earthquake forecasting as well as space weather monitoring and warning.

"Over the past five years, the Zhangheng 1 satellite has racked up numerous achievements," said Shen Xuhui, the chief scientist of the satellite program, highlighting the latest progress of the satellite at the 35th National Symposium on Space Exploration held recently.

Using the satellite, we have obtained global geomagnetic field data and global low-frequency electromagnetic spectrum data, and established two models for the subsequent data research, he added.

Earthquake prediction has always been a challenge globally. It has been hard for scientists to accumulate enough cases of destructive earthquakes for statistics gathering and to validate prediction methods and theories, the scientist explained.

"Satellite monitoring breaks through the limitations of traditional earthquake research," Shen said, adding that statistics showed that electromagnetic disturbances in space are associated with the occurrence of earthquakes.

Zhangheng 1 satellite enables scientists to extend their observations to global scales and conduct statistical studies with large samples, he added.

According to the scientist, over the past five years, Zhangheng 1 has observed about 60 quakes of 7.0 magnitude and above, as well as nearly 600 quakes of 6.0 magnitude and above worldwide.

"We have found that up to 80 percent of earthquakes measuring 6.0 magnitude or higher exhibit precursory signals half a month before the event," he said.

While acknowledging the advances made by the Zhangheng 1 satellite, Shen has conceded that there is still a long way to go before accurate earthquake forecasting can be achieved.

He pointed out that a large number of precursory signals have been identified by backtracking through the data after an earthquake has occurred, and only a small number of precursory signals were detected in advance.

This is due to the complexity of data processing and the inability to track global data in real time with limited human and computing power, he explained.

Moreover, accurate forecasting of the time, location, and intensity is not yet possible. The precursory signals detected by satellites often appear several hundred kilometers off the epicenter, Shen added.

"Data from a satellite is far from enough. Earthquake prediction needs multidisciplinary research of seismology, electromagnetics, geodesy, and geochemistry," he said.

Despite the current limitations in earthquake prediction, the 58-year-old scientist remains confident about future prospects in this field.

According to him, with the development of information technology such as machine learning, big data, and artificial intelligence, people will be able to carry out real-time data processing before an earthquake occurs.

"I believe that in another 10 to 20 years, a breakthrough in earthquake prediction can be expected," Shen said.

The scientist also revealed that China plans to launch the Zhangheng 1-02 satellite in the near future. The new satellite will enable round-the-clock monitoring and extend the observation range to Earth's north and south poles, enhancing its ability to observe changes in Earth's system.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
A ceremony on Wednesday morning at the Omaha National Cemetery near Papillion marked the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. military combat forces from Vietnam in 1973.
AUSTIN, Texas  Access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S. plunged into uncertainty Friday following conflicting court rulings over the legality of the abortion medication mifepristone that has been widely available for more than 20 years.

For now, the drug the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2000 appeared to remain at least immediately available in wake of two separate rulings that were issued in quick succession by federal judges in Texas and Washington.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, ordered a hold on federal approval of mifepristone in a decision that overruled decades of scientific approval. But that decision came at nearly same time that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an Obama appointee, essentially ordered the opposite and directed U.S. authorities not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats sued in an effort to protect availability.

The extraordinary timing of the competing orders revealed the high stakes surrounding the drug nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed access to abortion across the country.

The Justice Department swiftly gave notice it would appeal the Texas ruling and said it was reviewing the decision from Washington.

The whiplash of the conflicting decisions is likely to put the issue on an accelerated path to the Supreme Court.

"FDA is under one order that says you can do nothing and another that says in seven days I'm going to require you to vacate the approval of mifepristone," said Glenn Cohen of Harvard Law School.

Abortion providers slammed the Texas ruling, including Whole Woman's Health, which operates six clinics in five states and said it would continue to dispense mifepristone in person and by mail over the next week as they review the rulings.

The abortion drug has been widely used in the U.S. since securing FDA approval and there is essentially no precedent for a lone judge overruling the medical decisions of the Food and Drug Administration. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortion in the United States, along with misoprostol, which is also used to treat other medical conditions.

Kacsmaryk signed an injunction directing the FDA to stay mifepristone's approval while a lawsuit challenging the safety and approval of the drug continues. His 67-page order gave the government seven days to appeal.

"Today's decision overturns the FDA's expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective," U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said. "The Department will continue to defend the FDA's decision."

Clinics and doctors that prescribe the two-drug combination have said that if mifepristone were pulled from the market, they would switch to using only the second drug, misoprostol. That single-drug approach has a slightly lower rate of effectiveness in ending pregnancies, but it is widely used in countries where mifepristone is illegal or unavailable.

The lawsuit in the Texas case was filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which was also involved in the Mississippi case that led to Roe v. Wade being overturned. At the core of the lawsuit is the allegation that the FDA's initial approval of mifepristone was flawed because it did not adequately review its safety risks.

Courts have long deferred to the FDA on issues of drug safety and effectiveness. But the agency's authority faces new challenges in a post-Roe legal environment in which abortions are banned or unavailable in 14 states, while 16 states have laws specifically targeting abortion medications.

Since the Texas lawsuit was filed in November, legal experts have warned of questionable arguments and factual inaccuracies in the Christian group's filing. Kacsmaryk essentially agreed with the plaintiffs on all of their major points, including that the FDA didn't adequately review mifepristone's safety.

"The Court does not second-guess FDA's decision-making lightly." Kacsmaryk wrote. "But here, FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns  in violation of its statutory duty  based on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions."

Mifepristone has been used by millions of women over the past 23 years, and complications from mifepristone occur at a lower rate than that seen with wisdom teeth removal, colonoscopies and other routine medical procedures, medical groups have recently noted.

Elsewhere, Kacsmaryk sided with plaintiffs in stating that the FDA overstepped its authority in approving mifepristone, in part, by using a specialized review process reserved for drugs to treat "serious or life-threatening illnesses." The judge brushed aside FDA arguments that its own regulations make clear that pregnancy is a medical condition that can sometimes be serious and life-threatening, instead calling it a "natural process essential to perpetuating human life."

His order also agreed with plaintiffs in invoking a controversial 19th century law that anti-abortion groups are now trying to revive to block sending abortion medications through the mail. Originally passed in 1873 and named for an "anti-vice crusader," the Comstock Act was used to prohibit the mailing of contraceptives, "lewd" writings and "instruments" that could be used in an abortion. The law was seldom invoked in the 50 years after Roe established a federal right to abortion.

Kacsmaryk, though, agreed with plaintiffs that the law  as literally interpreted  prohibits mailing mifepristone.

Anti-abortion groups, which are newly encouraged about their ability to further restrict abortion and prevail in court since last's year's reversal of Roe v. Wade, embraced the Texas ruling.

"The court's decision today is a major step forward for women and girls whose health and safety have been jeopardized for decades by the FDA's rushed, flawed and politicized approval of these dangerous drugs," said March for Life President Jeanne Mancini.

Legal experts warned that the ruling could upend decades of precedent, setting the stage for political groups to overturn other FDA approvals of controversial drugs and vaccines.

"This has never happened before in history  it's a huge deal," said Greer Donley, a professor specializing in reproductive health care at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. "You have a federal judge who has zero scientific background second guessing every scientific decision that the FDA made."

Still, because of the contradictory nature of the rulings, Greer and other experts said there would be little immediate impact.

"In the short term, nothing's going to change," Greer said. "This is the time to be preparing for the fact that in a week, potentially, mifepristone becomes an unapproved drug in this country."

Q&A: Abortion medication explained How does medication abortion work? Medication abortions became the preferred method for ending pregnancy in the U.S. even before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. These involve taking two prescription medicines days apart  at home or in a clinic. Abortion procedures are an invasive medical technique that empties the womb. They are sometimes called surgical abortions, although they dont involve surgery. Abortion by pills involves the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol. As more states seek abortion limits, demand for the pills is expected to grow. Two pills work in combination Mifepristone is taken first, swallowed by mouth. The drug dilates the cervix and blocks the effects of the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy. Misoprostol, a drug also used to treat stomach ulcers, is taken 24 to 48 hours later. The pill is designed to dissolve when placed between the gums and teeth or in the vagina. It causes the uterus to cramp and contract, causing bleeding and expelling pregnancy tissue. How late in pregnancy can the drugs be used? Abortion medication is approved for use up to the 10th week of pregnancy. The pills may be taken in a doctors office or clinic, where patients sometimes have an ultrasound or lab tests beforehand. Some providers also offer the pills through telehealth visits and then send patients the medication by mail. Use of the pills has been increasing in recent years. As of 2020, they accounted for 54% of all U.S. abortions, according to preliminary data from the Guttmacher Institute. The groups final estimate is due later this year. Are the drugs safe? What are the risks? Studies and real-use evidence show that when taken together, the pills are safe and up to 99% effective. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Bleeding is normal. Very heavy bleeding  soaking more than two pads an hour for more than two hours  is uncommon but requires medical attention. Dr. Stephanie Rand, a New York ob-gyn and abortion specialist with the advocacy group Physicians for Reproductive Health, says pregnancy tests should not be used right away to determine if a medication abortion was successful because the pregnancy hormone may linger in the body for several weeks. Bleeding, with blood clots that include lighter colored tissue, are signs of success, she said. Serious complications are very rare. The Food and Drug Administration says more than 3.7 million U.S. women have used mifepristone since it was approved more than 20 years ago. The agency has received 26 reports of deaths in women using the medication, including two involving ectopic pregnancies, which grow outside the womb. The medications are not recommended for certain patients, including those with suspected ectopic pregnancies or with implanted IUD birth control devices. What are the costs and rules for use? Costs vary by location but are similar to abortion procedures and may total more than $500. Health insurance coverage varies, with some plans making the pills free or low cost and others not covering them at all. Mifepristone is sold under the brand name Mifeprex and misoprostol under the brand name Cytotec, but both pills are available as generics. The FDA approved mifepristone to terminate pregnancy in 2000, when used with misoprostol. At the time, it imposed several limits on how the drug could be prescribed and dispensed. In December, the agency dropped the biggest restriction: a requirement that patients pick up the medication in person. The FDA said a scientific review of the drugs use  including during the COVID-19 pandemic  showed that women could safely receive the pills through the mail after an online consultation, without any increase in side effects or complications. The decision allowed mail delivery of the pills nationwide, a change long-sought by medical professional groups and abortion-rights supporters. Still, millions of women will have trouble accessing the pills due to a patchwork of state laws targeting abortion broadly and the pills specifically. About half of U.S. states are expected to ban or greatly restrict abortion. Will the pills be covered by state abortion bans? Legal experts foresee years of court battles over access to the pills, as abortion-rights proponents bring test cases to challenge state restrictions. There are strong arguments and precedents on both sides, experts note, though little certainty about which side might prevail. The Biden administrations Justice Department has already signaled plans to challenge state restrictions on medication abortion. And federal lawyers are likely to be joined by outside parties, including abortion rights groups like Planned Parenthood and even the companies that make the pills. The chief argument against pill restrictions is likely to be the longstanding principle that federal laws, including FDA decisions, preempts state laws. Indeed, few states have ever tried to fully ban an FDA-approved drug because of past rulings in the agencys favor. Still, states with blanket abortion bans are likely to interpret them as barring abortion pills. Many of the laws don't distinguish between abortion procedures and medication abortion. In the short term, those states that ban abortion are going to assume that their bans also include medication abortion and that will be prohibited, said Greer Donley, a professor specializing in reproductive health care at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. What is the current situation in the states? Even if blanket bans are successfully challenged, more than 30 states have laws specifically restricting access to abortion pills. For example, 19 states require that clinicians be physically present when the drug is administered. Those laws could withstand court challenges. States have long had authority over how physicians, pharmacists and other providers practice medicine. States also set the rules for telemedicine consultations used to prescribe medications. Generally that means health providers in states with restrictions on abortion pills could face penalties, such as fines or license suspension, for trying to send pills through the mail. Women have already been traveling across state lines to places where abortion pill access is easier. That trend is expected to increase. Meanwhile, some women will still get the medication via online pharmacies in Canada and overseas, often with telehealth consultations from foreign doctors. The practice is technically illegal but essentially unenforced, and advocates believe women will increasingly choose this method as more states move to ban abortions. Anti-abortion states are going to do everything they can to restrict medication abortion, but practically speaking people have been and will continue to access it through the mail from international pharmacies, Donley said. Donley expects lawsuits based on various legal theories to play out for a few years before any clear decisions emerge. One key question is how the nations top court might rule if and when it takes up those court cases. While the Supreme Court has rejected a constitutional right to abortion, conservative justices have also generally deferred to FDA's primacy over drug decisions.

Abortion in America: How access and attitudes have changed through the centuries Abortion in America: How access and attitudes have changed through the centuries 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
Two South-south states are among the three states with the highest HIV prevalence rate in Nigeria.

Akwa Ibom tops the prevalence rate chart with about 5.5 per cent of its residents living with the virus. It is followed by Benue which has a prevalence rate of 5.3 per cent while Rivers is third with a prevalence rate of 3.8 per cent.

The details were contained in the Nigerian HIV/AIDs Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) whose result was released last week in Abuja.

The result shows that about one per cent of Nigerians (1.9 million people) are currently living with HIV/AIDs.

This figure, according to the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, moves Nigeria from second to the fourth position among countries battling the HIV epidemic.

With an earlier estimate of about 3.2 million people living with HIV, Nigeria was second after South Africa which ranks first with about 7.1 million people living with HIV.

Announcing the NAIIS result in Abuja on Thursday, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDs (NACA), Sani Aliyu, said the percentage of People Living with HIV among adults is 1.4 per cent (1.9 per cent among females and 0.9 per cent among males.)

The National AIDS survey was launched in June 2018 to determine the true distribution of HIV and AIDS, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in the country.

The survey reached around 220,000 people in about 100,000 households and was conducted between July and December 2018.

According to the survey, the South-south zone of the country has the highest HIV prevalence, at 3.1 per cent among adults.

HIV prevalence is also high in the North-central zone with 2.1 per cent and in the South-east zone, 1.9 per cent.
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The silence of President-elect Bola Tinubu over who becomes the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives is causing confusion among members from the All Progressives Congress which has a majority seat in the assembly, National Daily has gathered.

Many believe that for balance, the Senate President will be zoned to the Southeast or South-south, while the speaker will be between Northwest and Northcentral.

Amid lack of clear direction, about 10 members of the APC have declared interest to contest the speakership and have started to campaign across the country.

They include: Sada Soli from Katsina, Deputy Speaker Idris Wase and Yusuf Gagdi from Plateau State, Tajudeen Abass from Kaduna, Ben Kalu from Abia, Ahmed Jaji from Zamfara, Abubakar Makki from Jigawa, Muktar Betara from Borno and Tunji Olawuyi from Kwara States. All the candidates are from the North except for Ben Kalu from Abia State.

READ ALSO: APC members in Diaspora endorse Orji Kalu for Senate President

Behind closed doors, the lawmakers have been campaigning with the name of Tinubu, giving the impression that they are the anointed candidate of the president-elect.

Due to the lack of direction, reliable sources argued that APC may struggle to give directives to the members on zoning because many have taken the campaign beyond the stage of stepping down.

In the last one week, Deputy Speaker Idris Wase has visited about three governors, including Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Hope Uzodinma of Imo and Abdulrasaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State, seeking the support of members-elect.

Similarly, another Plateau Lawmaker, Yusuf Gagdi, has been targeting Labour Party strongholds as he has visited Alex Otti, the governor-elect of Abia State and also the Labour Party governorship candidate in Enugu State. This overture is believed to be part of a strategy to get 34 votes of the Labour Party in the House.

READ ALSO: DSS uncovers plot to scuttle Tinubus May 29 inauguration

On the other hand, Sada Soli, a lawmaker from Katsina State, is also reaching out to lawmakers from the Northwest in order to present a united front. Although APC in the Northwest is not what it used to be, the region still has numerical strength to get a Senate President or Speaker.

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The arrangement in the Senate will have an effect in the House. If the zone fails to get the Senate president due to the strong call for a Christian Senate President then they may see the Speakership as the alternative.

They argued that the minority parties have a combined strength of 163, while the ruling party has 162 members.

One of the conveners of the Minority Caucus meeting was Abdulmumin Jibrin. It would be recalled that Jibrin, a member of the NNPP in Kano State, was involved in the rebellion that disrupted the activities of the ruling party in 2015.

Fundamental is to see that we bring all the minority parties which is now known from today as the greater majority we understand that to pull through our collective interest, to protect our ideals as minority parties that serve as check to the ruling party, to contribute to nation building, we must come together, he said on Thursday.

The attention has turned to Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila who just returned from France, where he has been with the President-elect, Tinubu. On Thursday, the speaker met with the nine candidates that have officially declared to run for the position.
Tunde Akindunbi, a middle-aged Nigerian man, has been found dead in Ekiti State.

The man was found dead under a mango tree in the Dallimore area of Ado-Ekiti, Daily Post reports.

DAILY POST correspondent who visited the scene gathered that the incident could have happened in the middle of the night.

Although the cause of his death has not been ascertained as of the time of this report, neighbors said he was still seen at 8pm on Friday.

Neighbours said the deceased was found in a position that suggests he committed suicide but others claimed the position was suspicious.

They are alleging that he may have been killed and hung to avoid any traces.

When contacted, the spokesman for Ekiti State Police Command, DSP Sunday Abutu said investigation has commenced into the matter.

He said two persons have been invited for questioning to assist the command with necessary information.
President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned what he described as the extreme violence and killings of scores of people in Benue State in the last week.

Buharis condemnation was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by his Spokesman, Garba Shehu.

The president condemned the use of terrorism as a tool in inter-communal conflicts.

He also directed that the assailants be found and dealt with swiftly under the law.

According to the statement, the president directed the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and military commanders to enhance surveillance on every front and to immediately review the security management in the affected areas.

Buhari also conveyed his grief and sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives due to the attacks

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those murdered. The entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil, the President was quoted as saying.

Recall that on Wednesday, about 46 persons including the thirty-three-year-old son of Otukpo Local Government Area Chairman Bako Eje, were killed by suspected herdsmen who invaded Umogidi village of Entekpa-Adoka district in Otukpo local government in Benue State.

The killing comes barely 24 hours after the same village, an Idoma-speaking community suffered an attack by suspected herdsmen with three persons killed.

Kanyi Daily earlier reported that suspected herdsmen killed many people during an attack on an Internal Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.

The spokesman of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Sewuese Anene, who confirmed the attack on Friday, said many residents of the camp were killed.

Anene, who noted that the casualty figure is yet to be determined, stated that the response team had already been deployed to the area to calm down the situation.

Also, on Friday, following recent killings by suspected herdsmen, residents of the Apa local government area of Benue took to the streets in protest against the action of the assailants.

The protesters, according to reports, trooped to the Oweto-Loko/Abuja Road and mounted roadblocks on the expressway as commuters were stranded for hours.

They lamented that over 100 people had been killed and injured in the community by the terrorists, including a traditional chief whose hand was chopped off.
Nigerian musician and activist, Charly Boy has taken to social media to lambast a Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Soyinka has in the past few days criticized the vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmend, and the Obidients describing them as fascists.

Charly Boy, who supported the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, took to his Twitter page to express his disappointment in Soyinka.

The musician said Soyinka had lost the kind of respect he had for his late father, Justice C.A. Oputa.

He slammed the renowned playwright for degrading himself to become a servant for criminal politicians, stressing that he can never be compared with the late novelist, Chinua Achebe.

The kin respect I had for this ma, was almost the kind of respect I had for the late Justice C.A. Oputa, The Socrates of the Supreme Court. It has finally dawned on me that Soyinka can never be the man Chinua Achebe was.

Look at a man many Nigerians put on such a high pedestal reducing himself to a boyiboyi for criminal politicians.What a fucking shame, Charly Boy wrote.

Meanwhile, former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has shared the drama that ensured in his family after he revealed that he likes Chimamanda Adichie, while his wife likes Wole Soyinka.
The president-elect, Bola Tinubu said that Nigeria will progress faster if the citizens shun ethnic and religious rivalries.

Tinubu, who disclosed this in his Easter message to Christians on Saturday, urged Nigerians to recommit ourselves to edifying and patriotic pursuits in the interest of our nation.

According to him, Nigerians must shun ethnic and religious strife and love our neighbor, regardless of tongue, faith and tribe for the country to attain prosperity faster.

He said, I send my best wishes to Christians in Nigeria and all over the world who are celebrating Easter this Sunday. As we all enjoy the well-deserved break, I urge every Nigerian to reflect on the priceless sacrifice and limitless love of God for mankind.

As we celebrate, let us also remember our obligation, as Gods children, to love our neighbour, regardless of tongue, faith and tribe.

For Christians everywhere, this celebration is in commemoration of Jesus Christs life of service and his supreme sacrifice for the salvation of mankind.

And as we observe Easter this year, let us all imbibe the essential message of Christs ministry and truly begin to love our fellow Nigerians as we love ourselves.

We will make faster progress towards the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country we all desire if we eschew divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with our compatriots.

Easter is about Renewed Hope and Redemption. It symbolizes the triumph of hope over despair, love over hate and condemnation, and optimism over cynicism. Let us embrace this spirit and recommit ourselves to edifying and patriotic pursuits in the interest of our nation. I wish you all very happy Easter celebrations.

KanyiDaily recalls that Atiku Abubakar had also called on Nigerians to avoid instigators who are trying to sow division across ethnic and religious lines in the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the recent bout of killings in Benue State in which tens of people were murdered in the Umogidi community of Entekpa-Adoka in the Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

The President, in a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, urged that all efforts be made to end the extreme violence.

President Buhari, who condemned the use of terrorism as a tool in inter-communal conflicts, urged that the attackers be found and dealt with swiftly under the law.

He conveyed his grief and sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives due to the attack and directed the secret services, police and military commanders to enhance surveillance on every front and to immediately review the security management in the affected areas.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those murdered. The entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil, said the President.
BLOOMINGTON  Many litters of little ones were rabbiting about downtown Bloomington Saturday morning for the return of Eggs on the Square.

With over 900 listed as interested in attending via the event's Facebook page, Second Presbyterian Church Senior Pastor Trey Haddon said he estimated hundreds more attended, filling the outdoor grounds of the McLean County Museum of History.

Brandon Miller, of Bloomington, came with his 2-year-old daughter Eva. He said he didnt expect to see so many people, and it was great fun.

It was the biggest egg hunt hes been to, he said. When asked what egg colors were her favorite, Eva proudly presented her purple and green eggs.

Haddon said it was great fun for the community to get together and smile together, and hunt for eggs on a nice day. He added he was also happy the entire community joined in.

Were here for the community, thats why we're doing this, continued Haddon. While they werent there to preach and teach, the pastor said in addition to a solid community experience was a wonderful opportunity for his church to meet all of the people of God.

He said he sees the event as lining up with the values of Easters Resurrection Sunday, when they find their hope that death is defeated.

I see that our hope is being shared with all of the community in a way that truly inspires joy and inspires, hopefully, the hope of the world," said the pastor.

Second Presbyterian Church, at 404 N. Prairie St. in Bloomington, has a congregation of 600, with 160 typically attending Sunday services, Haddon said.

I think today shows that there is a lot of life in the church, he said.

"Whole lotta love"

After the first hunting rounds, Priya Senthil was busy helping her 4-year-old daughter Shaya Senthilkumar count eggs. Her husband and Shayas father, Senthil Krishna, saved the moment with camera photos.

Krishna, of Bloomington, said it was a great time, and fantastic to see all the kids out.

Shaya said her favorite type of candy is dark chocolate. Her mother, Senthil, said she was so happy, and it was good to see everyone outside after staying in for the winter.

They planned on sticking around for the Holi celebration planned that afternoon on the museum grounds.

Sue Griffin, of Algonquin, said seeing the kids rush into egg hunting was a wonderful sight. The 68-year-old grandmother to Vega, James and Lennon Griffin said her kids told her it was an epic time.

Devete Gant, of Bloomington, brought two kids, Antonio Juju Gant, 4, and 5-year-old Nari Gant. The mother said she liked the egg hunt.

Its different, Gant said of the massive turnout, adding that she planned to partake in the adult egg hunt.

She came with her aunt Anita Gant, who said she noticed several nationalities present.

(Theres) a whole lotta love out there, said Anita Gant, also of Bloomington.

Her 15-year-old son, Jacob Gant, came too. He said he was looking for any candy, for real.

A new tradition

Over 20,000 eggs were prepared for the event, which cycled rounds of hunting divided by age group. Eggs contained a mix of candy, stickers, toys, and over $5,000 in gift cards donated by local businesses and organizations. WJBC host Scott Miller served as emcee, counting down the start of each round to hype up the kids.

Haddon said his staff had been preparing for the hunt since October, and they were assisted by 50 volunteers. Another 52 community organizations and businesses joined in on the event. There was face painting, balloon artistry and free coffee and doughnuts.

Personnel with the Bloomington Fire Department and the Bloomington Police Department were present as well. BPD Sgt. Kiel Nowers said his officers were sharing stickers, plus investigative tips to help the kids with their egg hunting.

As head of BPDs Community Engagement Unit, he said being at events like Saturdays is what his unit is all about. Nowers said theyre reaching out to people who may have no or bad contacts with police, but also those whove supported them all along.

Originally a Twin Cities native, Elaine Brown brought her husband and two children, Nora Brown, 8, and Ethan Brown, 6.

Mrs. Brown, now of Madison, Wisconsin, said the sense of community was the best part. Nora said the countdown was most exciting.

The parents suggested they may return for another hunt next Easter. Elaines husband, Nick Brown, said he thinks theyve found a new tradition.
BLOOMINGTON  A Bloomington man has been sentenced to nine and a half years in the Illinois Department of Corrections two months after he pleaded guilty in three drug cases.

Cedric J. Haynes, 23, was charged in June 2020, April 2021 and January 2022 with felonies involving cocaine possession and delivery.

He pleaded guilty Jan. 30 to two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, spanning the three cases. As part of a plea agreement, 17 counts were dismissed.

On Friday, Judge Jason Chambers sentenced Haynes to a total of nine and a half years through a combination of consecutive and concurrent sentences. Haynes had credit for more than 450 days already served in the McLean County Jail.

His attorney, Jennifer Patton, asked Chambers to sentence the defendant to a term of 48 months probation or, if not probation, a recommendation for the Illinois Impact Incarceration Program, commonly known as Boot camp, with an eight-year sentence in the IDOC to be put in place if he were not successful in the program.

She also asked that he be ordered to participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program, saying Haynes had a drug problem and was using in addition to selling.

Patton said Haynes has a support system in place and a full-time job waiting for him, and he deserves the chance to show Your Honor that he can succeed.

Assistant States Attorney Jeff Horve asked Chambers to sentence Haynes to 22 years in prison. He said this case was an opportunity to use a sentence to deter others from committing similar crimes.

Horve said during Haynes arrests, no drug paraphernalia was found, indicating he was only selling drugs, not using them.

In this particular case, when you talk about whats necessary to deter others, for this loyal drug dealer, the (prosecution thinks) the maximum sentence under the plea agreement is appropriate, Horve said.

Chambers said he was not unsympathetic to addiction issues, but selling is different than just using. Its not just impacting yourself.

The judge said he typically is willing to consider a second chance, but in regards to Haynes previous unsuccessful stint in probation, It looks like you didnt give probation a chance. Chambers said it appeared that Haynes had been given chances but never utilized them.

Chambers acknowledged there were mitigating factors for Haynes, which is why he would not give the maximum sentence.

He issued the nine and a half-year sentence and agreed to recommend Haynes for drug treatment during his incarceration, at the defendants request.

Patton declined to comment on the outcome after the sentencing hearing Friday.
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BLOOMINGTON  The Celebrating High School Innovators competition will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Student entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses in hopes of earning additional funding. Thirty-two teams will compete and the judges will choose which teams will present.

The final competition pitches will begin at noon and winners will be announced around 2 or 3 p.m.

The event will be held in the Young Main Lounge of the Memorial Center on Wesleyan's campus, 104 E. University Ave., Bloomington.

PHOTOS: Washington University at Illinois Wesleyan University mens basketball
CHICAGO  One of the first Chicagoans charged in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot was found guilty Friday on all six counts he faced related to the mob breach.

Kevin Lyons, 40, of the Gladstone Park neighborhood, had allegedly posted a photo of the plaque outside then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis ransacked office. The statement of facts Lyons agreed to with federal prosecutors offers new details describing what happened as he roamed Pelosis room and removed items.

The North Side man gave prosecutors plenty of clues to work with. He publicly posted his car route from Chicago to Washington, D.C., the day before the riot, writing, Im heading to DC to STOP THE STEAL, court records show.

On Jan. 6, he recorded himself throughout the day and texted updates to others while weathering tear gas and flash-bangs as rioters broke into the building after a rally hosted by then-President Donald Trump.

Were storming the Capitol building, he said. I guess were all going to jail.

He called the riot an (expletive) revolution as he ascended stairs to the Capitols Senate Wing doors, court records show.

Once inside, the man goaded politicians hiding elsewhere nearby while sharing chants with the mob.

Nancy, where are you? he said, referring to the Californian representative who then led the Democrats House majority.

Then he found her office on the second floor, court records say. He called out her name again and took a photograph of the plaque outside her wall.

He posted the photo to Instagram, court records say, but took it down after about an hour.

Back inside Pelosis office, Lyons walked around. He caught his own image reflected in a mirror, screenshots shared on the court records show.

He saw a gray, wool coat hanging from a coat rack as a news show playing on a television screen covered the mob storming the Capitol.

Anyone need a coat? he said.

According to court records, he reached into the coats pockets and pulled out a brown, leather wallet. The wallet contained about $50, a TSA PreCheck card, two bank cards and a drivers license. Lyons never returned it.

The Chicago man entered Pelosis personal office next, the statement of facts said. There, he removed a framed photograph of Pelosi with civil rights icon and former U.S. Rep. John Lewis. He took that too, the records said.

He texted a friend a picture of the photograph to someone else, telling them he was now a felon.

I took this off Pelosis (expletive) desk, he said.

He then snapped another picture of himself with the stolen photo as he left the Capitol in an Uber.

Lyons signed to agree that all of the facts stated in the court records describing his time in the Capitol are true, the records show.

The statement of facts is part of a stipulated trial plea deal that allows Lyons to accept conviction as if a guilty plea had been entered without admitting guilt. Through the agreement, he has waived his right to a trial by jury.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia found Lyons guilty on counts of entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly conduct in a restricted building, entering and remaining in certain room in the Capitol, disorderly conduct in the Capitol, demonstrating in the Capitol and obstructing an official proceeding, the records show.

The counts include five misdemeanors and one felony, court records show. A preliminary sentencing guidelines estimate shows he might be sentenced to 10 to 16 months in prison.

His sentencing is set for July 14.
Brandon Johnson will be looking to Springfield for help with parts of his estimated $450 million package of tax proposals, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker made clear after meeting Friday with Chicagos mayor-elect that he doesnt support a major component of the plan: a tax on financial transactions.

As part of a plan to help stabilize the citys finances, Johnson, a Cook County commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union organizer, has proposed a tax of $1 to $2 per securities trading contract, a concept that has long been floated in the statehouse without gaining traction.

After an hourlong meeting with Johnson in the governors Chicago office, Pritzker told reporters during a joint news conference that he has not stood for a transaction tax because he believes financial services companies would relocate their operations or their computer servers if one were enacted.

Obviously, what we all want is a thriving financial services economy in the state and the city, and its been that way, Pritzker said.

Johnson did not respond directly to Pritzkers rebuff, but said we did not have a full conversation about the entire budget plan.

For his part, Pritzker, who faced huge budget challenges when he took office in 2019 following the two-year budget standoff under his Republican predecessor, indicated he could relate to Johnsons situation, saying: The challenge of finding balance between expenditures and revenue is not lost on me.

Another component of Johnsons tax plan that would require approval from the Democratic-controlled General Assembly is an additional levy on high-end real estate transactions. Mayor Lori Lightfoot campaigned on such a tax, though she later rejected a proposal put forth by activists and progressive aldermen.

Johnson has endorsed a plan from the Bring Chicago Home coalition that would raise the real estate transfer tax for properties of at least $1 million from $3.75 to $13.25 for every $500. Sales under $1 million would remain at the $3.75 per $500 rate. The revenue from the hike, estimated at $100 million, would be used to fund permanent housing and homeless services.

With Johnson set to be sworn in just four days before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn for the spring on May 19, there is a limited window for the proposal to be addressed, though lawmakers could take it up when they return to the Capitol in the fall.

Johnson wouldnt say whether he thinks lawmakers need to approve a transfer tax during their spring session, adding that he and the governor have yet to have a full discussion on his plans to address structural challenges that the city of Chicago has been facing.

Theres certainly an urgency that the city of Chicago has, and we recognize that there is a process in order to get things done, Johnson said. Look, the bottom line is this: The governor and I are committed to uniting not just the city of Chicago but the state of Illinois. We both are committed to making sure that working people can live and thrive and grow in the city of Chicago.

Pritzker and Johnson said they also discussed a shared commitment to supporting jobs and small businesses by investing in the citys neighborhoods.

The governor, who remained neutral in the mayoral race, said the progressive Johnsons victory over the more conservative former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas in Tuesdays runoff will boost the citys chances of landing next years Democratic National Convention, which has been a major goal for Pritzker as he seeks to raise his national profile.

He brings a real excitement to the job, I think, to the people of Chicago, Pritzker said, and I think thats being felt in Washington, D.C.  where President Joe Bidens team is evaluating Chicago, Atlanta and New York as possibilities to host the convention.

Pritzker, a billionaire who regularly gives money to Democratic candidates and causes nationally, said Thursday on Twitter that he had contributed to the campaigns of two Democratic state lawmakers who were expelled from the Tennessee legislature for their role in a protest in the state House calling for stricter gun laws after the school shooting in Nashville last week.

The two expelled legislators, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, can seek to regain their seats in an upcoming special election.

There is a threat to democracy that is occurring all across this nation and especially in states that are controlled by Republican governors and Republican majority and supermajority legislators, Pritzker told reporters Friday.

Chicago Tribunes A.D. Quig contributed.

Photos: Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - File Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Dampare has visited 2M's Terminal in Accra to check their services.



The IGP was impressed to see the amazing transport services 2M Express provides and the safety measures by the company to safeguard their clients, particularly their drivers and passengers.



He encouraged them to keep up with their good works.



He also commended 2M Express for creating jobs for the youth, stating 2M has done well for creating over 100 jobs for the youth".



The IGP further inspected some new buses released by the company.



In line with the companys policy, 2M Express has released twenty-five (25) new Toyota Haice mini-buses.



Each of these buses costs about GHC 1000000.



Apart from creating 25 new jobs for some young people, these fleet of buses will help with the shortage of buses in both Kumasi and Accra during festive seasons like this Easter.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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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.
Osu Mantse HRH Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV has expressed his commitment towards the growth and development of the People of Osu through enhancing partnerships with Development partners and bodies.



This follows a visit of the French Minister of State for development, Francophonie and international partnerships, Madam Chrysoula Zacharopoulou to the Osu Mantse as part of her working visit to Ghana.



Among key issues discussed during the visit include efforts by both parties targeted at developing Osu and its environs through the use of Information Communication Technology focusing on youth, innovation and culture.



Madam Chrysoula Zacharopoulou expressed the willingness of the French Government to enhance mutual international partnerships aimed at advancing development in various fields of endeavour.



In his address, the paramount chief of Osu, HRH Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV noted his commitment to promoting education, particularly among the youth in Osu.



He said, "Education remains a pivotal part of my plans towards bringing development to the people of Osu in order to enhance efforts to catch up with the rest of the world".



He called for the need for the youth to take advantage of the AI revolution as a stepping stone towards utilizing the full potential of ICT in today's world.



He further added that he is open to partnerships aimed at putting resources into the growth of Osu as well as the development of its people.



Madam Chrysoula Zacharopoulou was also named as Naa Shomey Akayefi by HRH Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV who further urged to consider Osu as her home and visit when she returns to Ghana in future.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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While the census indicated a relatively high number of Navajo or Dine bizaad speakers, Webster says the stats should be taken with a grain of salt. "Such self-identified numbers should always be used with caution, since it begs several questions, including  and rather importantly  what it means to claim to be a speaker," he says. "Much research in linguistics and linguistic anthropology have asked questions about what it means to be a speaker  and it isn't so simple as 'knows the language'  because, as can be imagined, that begs questions as well."

According to Webster, we ought to be cautious about throwing the term "speaker" around since there are a lot of factors affecting if, how, and why someone identifies as one. "We should be careful with thinking of 'speaker' as a neutral term," he says. "Likewise, for a variety of reasons, people may or may not want to identify in such a manner (questions of speakers is not a linguistic question, it is a social question). Among the reasons, of course, is racism towards Navajos and the devaluing of Navajo language and culture over the decades. So to say that there are 169,000-plus speakers of Navajo, while seemingly precise, actually is rather ambiguous concerning what that actually means.

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"With that caution in mind, the language is used primarily in the American Southwest and on and around the Navajo Nation (which covers parts of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico)," Webster says. "But Navajos live in all 50 states and they also live in a variety of countries around the world, so Navajo is not exclusively spoken or written on the Navajo Nation; Navajos use it when they call relatives, or Skype, or whatnot, or with friends and family. Likewise, you see Navajo on Twitter and Facebook (it is a written language); not all of these people live on the Navajo Nation."
Noku Hotels is pleased to announce the opening of Noku Phuket. It is the fourth Noku hotel after Noku Kyoto, Noku Osaka and Noku Maldives.

A 45 minutes journey from Phuket International Airport takes you to the newly built resort that is a hidden gem nestled on the hilltop away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Surrounded by natural flora, the resort features amazing views of the Chalong Bay.

Noku Phuket has been lauded with the Green Mark Gold award recently from the Building Authority of Singapore for its green design and sustainable efforts. There are a total of 91 spacious Villas and Lofts furnished in soft earthy tones that marries Thai modern architecture with the hotels hillside lush greenery.

Each roomy Loft features a large bathroom and balcony that overlook the surrounding forested hills. The spacious Hill Villas provide wonderful sea views over Chalong Bay, and each stand-alone Tree Villa is a private sanctuary nestled amidst quiet green landscape. Unwind in your private pool in both the Hill and Tree Villas or have a relaxing soak in the sunken bath.

For dining, EMBRACE Restaurant offers guests the opportunity to enjoy mouth-watering Thai dishes using locally sourced ingredients. After a long day of exploring the sights and sounds of Phuket at near-by attractions, guests can wind down and sip cocktails at The Terrace bar while enjoying the panoramic view of Chalong Bay.

Designed around a reflective swimming pool, our Wellness centre features individual spa pavilions with curated massages, an Infra-red room and steam saunas. Other wellness facilities include a fully equipped gym and a yoga room.

The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services to nearby beaches, the Phuket Old Town and shopping malls. Take Your Time to unwind at Noku Phuket Login to www.nokuhotels.com/phuket or see us on Facebook, Instagram to find out more!
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:

The Vjosa and its tributaries will now enjoy the highest level of protection.

Environmental campaigners scored a rare victory in Albania on Wednesday after authorities announced the creation of a national park to protect the Vjosa River, one of Europe's largest undammed waterways.

For years, activists lobbied to save what they call Europe's last major "wild river"one whose course is unaltered by industry or damsrecruiting A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio to their cause.

Spanning more than 400 kilometres (248 miles), the Vjosa and its tributaries will now enjoy the highest level of protection.

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama praised the project.

"It is a transformational moment for the whole area and also for the future of communities around it, for the whole country," Rama told AFP.

Activists agreed, saying the national park breaks new ground in the world of conservation.

"It establishes, for the first time, a conservation concept where an entire river system is protected and not just individual sections of a river," said Ulrich Eichelmann, head of the Austria-based advocacy organisation RiverWatch.

On Wednesday, Rama and Tourism and Environment Minister Mirela Kumbaro oversaw a ceremony inaugurating the opening of the project in Tepelena, a southern town on the river's banks.

Milestone

Local and international NGOs have been battling for years to raise awareness of the need to protect one of the last undammed rivers on the continent.

In Albania, the river was threatened by a string of hydroelectric power projects, which have now been banned by authorities.

Activists and residents living near the Vjosa's banks have been warning for years that the dams would cause floods and grave damage to the river's ecosystem.

Around 1,200 animal and plant species have been recorded along the Vjosa, including around 40 that are listed internationally as threatened.

Before the ceremony Kumbaro told AFP that proclaiming the 12,727-hectare (31,449-acre) national park was a major milestone for Albania, which relies on hydroelectric energy to power its economy.

"But, we consider the huge responsibility we have towards our children and the Albania we are going to leave them as more important," she said.

 2023 AFP
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Luis Canon says he is afraid of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupting but is resigned to his fate as he is unwilling to leave his land and pack animals.

Smoke billows from the crater of a snow-capped Andean volcano, reminding local inhabitants of the threat of another potential deadly eruption.

Yet at the foot of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in the Colombian Andes, thousands of villagers are staying put to tend to their crops and pack animals, despite an urgent call from the government to evacuate.

Luis Canon admits he is afraid but says he sees no other option than to "resign" himself to his fate.

"If you leave things here, the crops, the animals, when you come back there is nothing," the 50-year-old, dressed in a traditional hat and poncho, told AFP.

The eruption threat has loomed since the end of March when the number of daily tremors within the volcano shot up from 50 to 12,000.

The government raised the alert level from yellow to orange and ordered the evacuation of 7,500 people living in the foothills and flanks of the volcano.

But that did not convince many of those dwelling in danger zones to leave.

"The villagers have cows, horses, sheep, goats and poultry, and that in some way prevents them from moving and taking part in the preventative evacuation ... because of the fear that they will be stolen," said presidential adviser Luis Fernando Velasco.

Villagers in Murillo, in the foothills of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, go about their daily business despite the constant threat of an eruption.

So the government said it was adopting "exceptional measures to move around 80,000 animals ... away from the alert zone."

More than 57,000 people live in areas that could be affected by a new eruption.

'Great fear'

Authorities fear that a major Nevado del Ruiz eruption could cause the kind of devastation that rocked the area in 1985.

In a matter of hours, an eruption of lava melted part of the volcano's snowcap, creating raging torrents of mud, ash and rocks that streamed down the mountainside and buried the town of Armero, killing 25,000 people. It was the worst natural disaster in the country's modern history.

The entire world became captivated by the fate of 13-year-old Omaira Sanchez, who spent three days buried up to her neck in muddy water with her legs trapped by the debris from her destroyed home in the town of Armero.

With rescuers helpless to free her, she died in agony under the gaze of journalists and villagers alike.

Colombia's government has said it will evacuate 80,000 pack animals in a bid to convince villagers to leave the areas threatened by an eruption.

A picture of her haunted expression made the front page of newspapers all over the world.

Luis Londono, 65, remembers that "very scary" November 13.

People heard a roar in the dead of night and fled for their lives "crying and shouting that it was the end of the world."

A villager in the municipality of Herveo, home to 9,000 people some 30 kilometers to the northeast of the volcano, Londono fears another such tragedy.

"There is great fear that the Nevado will explode," he said.

Like many others, though, he has not heeded the call to evacuate the mountainous area where peaks rise up to more than 5,000 meters (16,400 feet).

Nicknamed the "sleeping lion," the volcano lay dormant for decades after that 1985 eruption.

But 10 years ago there was a new eruption.

Every so often, "some ash" falls but Cecilia Gallego, a villager from Herveo, said she feels "calm."

A Colombian soldier stands guard near the Nevado del Ruiz volcano.

'Born again'

Few people travel along the steep trails that surround the volcano.

Occasionally a villager with a face reddened by the biting cold, comes past with a mule.

Soldiers patrol the route to a natural park that has been closed to tourists due to the eruption threat.

Earlier this week, President Gustavo Petro called on local authorities to speed up the evacuation.

The geological service publishes daily reports about seismic activity and while the readings can fluctuate, the alert remains.

"We're concerned that the tremors keep getting closer to the crater and this, according to volcanologists, is not the best sign," said Velasco.

Some have heeded warnings, though.

Cesar Ortegon, who works in the local tourism industry, survived in 1985 and did not want to tempt fate again.

"It was like being born again," he said.

Tourists take photos of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano as it emits plumes of smoke.

He locked the door to his workplace and left in a truck.

"Not everyone will leave," he admitted, but he did.

 2023 AFP
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Drone photograph of fairy circles in spinifex on Nyiyaparli peoples country, east Pilbara, Western Australia. Credit: Dave Wells, Author provided

What are "fairy circles"? They are polka dots of bare earth, regularly scattered across arid grasslands. Scientists first described fairy circles in Namibia in the 1970s and sparked a global debate in the scientific community about the causes of the phenomenon.

In 2016, a group of international scientists concluded that, in the Australian Pilbara, "fairy circles" arose from spinifex plants competing for water and nutrientsa similar explanation to the one they proposed for fairy circles in Namibia. These stories were amplified by the media, but the voices of Aboriginal desert people were not reported.

In a study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution today, we show what our Aboriginal co-authors have always knownthat fairy circles in the Western Deserts of Australia are flat, hard "pavements" inhabited by spinifex termites (Drepanotermes species).

Knowing the country

Aboriginal people have lived in Australia's Western Desert, including the Pilbara, for at least 50,000 years and know their Country deeply. We are grateful to be part of a cross-cultural team of researchers that include Western Desert people and scientists.

Our starting points included open-minded curiosity. Some of us knew little about spinifex grassland ecosystems. None of us knew about "fairy circles" or the international science debate. However, we all wanted to learn, and were interested in learning together. As our research unfolded, the more we learned, the more we realized we didn't know. We learned things that were new even to those who've lived in and studied deserts for a lifetime.

Colleague Peter Kendrick by a termite pavement on Nyiyaparli country, in Western Australia. The bare flat pavement is surrounded by unburnt spinifex grassland, and its hard surface caps the underground termitaria. Credit: Fiona Walsh

We saw similarities between patterns in specific Aboriginal artworks and aerial views of the pavements. We found paintings that tell deep and complex stories about termites and the activities of termite Jukurrpa (Dreaming) ancestors.

Western Desert Martu people call the fairy circle pavements linyji and the fat-rich flying termites Warturnuma. We learned that the hard surfaces of linyji are used to thresh seed and flying termites are prized foods. Martu colleague Gladys Karimarra Bidu stated:

"Linyji are the homes of termites who live underground. We gathered and ate the Warturnuma that flew from linyji. Warturnuma is wama, delicious. Old people also put their seeds on the hard linyji. They hit seed to make damper; our good food. I learnt this from my old people and have seen this myself many times."

Termites as kin

This knowledge about pavements and termites is shared and passed down through generations by Martu and other Indigenous groups. Our Australian Wildlife Conservancy colleagues Alice Nampijinpa Michaels and Lee Nangala Wayne describe their feelings for flying spinifex termites in this video. Alice said,

"Pamapardu, big mob. Waturnuma and pamapardu we call them. I been crying for that pamapardu. I was crying for my brother. My brother's Dreaming."

Why such strong feelings? Spinifex termites are kin to them. Those that live in the pavements are like the krill of desert ecosystemsthey are super-abundant. Most people think of above-ground termite mounds, but here is a whole community that lives mostly below the soil surface, only emerging to eat dead spinifex or to fly to reproduce.

Most Australians consider spinifex grasslands to be "rubbish country." A pastoralist even said so while we were excavating into termite pavements. He was about to set fire to the spinifex (and potentially us). Termites, including those that live in the spinifex, are often maligned and poisoned by Australians. However, these vast tracts of land and their termites are deeply important to Aboriginal people in ways that were invisible to some of our team.

New science findings from Aboriginal knowledge

Our cross-cultural research has led to unexpected findings. Termite pavements hold water after big rains, which was unknown to scientists until we recognized clues in the stories and art of Aboriginal country folk. Purungu Desmond Taylor, Martu interpreter and co-author, remembered the Mulyamiji, great desert skink, and describes breeding behavior not previously reported by scientists:

"After good rains in linyji country, Mulyamiji would be born in water lying on the linyji. My mother, my two fathers, my uncle told me this long ago."

Aboriginal people have refined their encyclopedic knowledge while living continuously on this continent for thousands of generations. Listening to Aboriginal desert voices improved our understanding of how ubiquitous, but often overlooked, desert Country works.

We learnt that the flat, hard linyji are used to prepare foods, they can become ephemeral sources of water and support the breeding of Mulyamiji, they provide abundant and rich sources of food, and have deep spiritual significance.

This year, Australians will be asked to recognize Australia's First Nations People in our constitution. In our experience, we strengthen our connections with Country and each other when we nurture relationships, listen well and share together, work equitably and two-ways.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
QUEENSBURY  For the first time since his arrest in June 2022, Anthony Futia walked into the Warren County courtroom on Friday morning instead of being wheeled in.

The 33-year-old man from Albany has been in a wheelchair since police said on June 12, he drove his motorcycle drunk and a high rate of speed and struck and killed Jamie Parsons, 38, and his stepson Quinton Delgadillo, 8, as they walked on Warren County Bikeway. Delgadillos mother, Jasmine Luellen, was seriously injured.

According to police, Futia was driving while intoxicated and without a license. On Jan. 31, he entered Alford pleas to felony counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and second-degree assault and misdemeanors of driving while ability impaired by alcohol and drugs, reckless driving and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.

In an Alford plea, the defendant does not admit wrongdoing, but agrees that prosecutors have enough evidence to prove the charges. Futia has maintained he has no memory of the crash due to the injuries he sustained.

Since the accident and his immediate arrest, Futia has been wheelchair-bound due to injuries sustained in the crash and the subsequent surgeries he required afterwards. Though a ward of Warren County Jail, he was housed, until recently, at the Mohawk Correction Facility in the town of Rome instead of the local jail due to his medical needs.

He came into the courtroom on Friday morning using a cane, escorted by two Warren County Jail corrections officers, to refute the 1 1/2-page statement written by the court as part of his persistent felony offender hearing.

Ahead of the court appearance, Assistant District Attorney Ben Smith noted this hearing was very unique in nature and presumed it would be over within minutes.

Futias lawyer Tucker Stanclift has maintained this was a tragic accident and denied the statements from the court listing Futias prior felony convictions, as well as a section about his history and character.

Smith argued that Stanclift could not deny the prior convictions unless it is believed that Futia was wrongfully convicted or his constitutional right was violated by the conviction or sentence.

After conferencing briefly with his client, Stanclift said the defense would admit to the first charge listed, a felony charge of attempted assault, but deny the second conviction listed, a felony third-degree grand larceny charge in Albany County Court.

Judge Robert Smith reviewed the law regarding denying a previous conviction and asked Stanclift to provide the reason he believes Futias rights may have been compromised in the case.

My client believes his previous counsel did not explore all options of the defense, including the possibility of intoxication at the time of the crime, Stanclift relayed after quietly speaking with Futia.

Judge Smith allowed the denial and set a due date of April 28 for Stanclifts findings from the 2008 case.

If the judge deems him a persistent felony offender, Futia is facing 15 years to life in state prison. If he is only deemed a second-time felony offender, he faces a much shorter sentence: a minimum of 4 1/2 to 9 years and a maximum of 12 1/2 to 25 years.

The hearing was scheduled to continue with a mini-trial on May 1, at which both the defense and the prosecution would provide witnesses and evidence speaking to Futias character and make the argument if he does or does not deserve to be sentenced as a persistent felony offender. If the judge rules in favor of the persistent felony offender status, Futia would be subject to a longer state prison term.

The date of the next hearing is likely to be pushed back, according to Judge Smith, in order to allow the Warren County District Attorneys Office time to respond to the evidence Stanclift is expected to provide to support the denial of the 2008 conviction.
ALBANY  As negotiations continue over the state budget, now nearly a week late, a climate change policy proposal has suddenly emerged as a major issue, sparking backlash from environmental groups and some legislative Democrats.

In late March, the chairman of the state Senate Energy Committee, Democratic State Sen. Kevin Parker, introduced a bill that would change New Yorks accounting method for calculating greenhouse gas emissions. Hochuls administration favors the idea and it has become part of budget negotiations.

As first reported by Politico, the measure has the support of the fossil fuel industry. It would likely enable greater combustion of natural gas and other fuels than envisioned by a 22-member panel, the Climate Action Council, that issued sweeping recommendations in December for the state to hit ambitious climate goals.

New York and one other state  Maryland  use a 20-year timeline to account for the impact of methane gas on global warming. Other states, as well as the federal government, use a 100-year timeline  and Parkers bill would switch New York to the 100-year frame.

In an interview with The News, two top Hochul administration officials argued that consumer costs could skyrocket if the standard were not changed.

During her State of the State address in January, Hochul proposed a cap and invest program by which large-scale greenhouse gas emitters  as well as distributors of heating and transportation fuels  would be required to purchase allowances for the emissions associated with their activities. That plan is expected to be included in the final state budget agreement.

Hochul also instructed state agencies to study the affordability of the program. The Hochul administration examined what the auction price would be for emitters based on the 20-year accounting method, and determined that when passed on to consumers, the cost could be exorbitant, according to Basil Seggos, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

In fact, we could experience a 60-cent increase in the cost of gasoline per gallon. That home heating could go up at 80%, Seggos said. So it forced us to think about ways in which we could mitigate that, and thats why were having a discussion right now about the accounting methodologies. There are different ways to do this that enables us to hit our targets, but in the meantime, doesnt hurt consumers.

Doreen Harris, president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, said that Hochuls commitment to meet New Yorks ambitious climate goals is unwavering.

What we need to do is ensure that affordability for New Yorkers and all our families is available, because those two goals are not mutually exclusive, she said. We need all of these to come together to realize an effective policy.

The proposed change to the 100-year standard has sparked fierce reaction. State Sen. Liz Krueger, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, told Politico that the 20-year methane accounting standard was one of the strongest parts of the states climate law and that giving in to the polluter lobby by weakening our methane accounting will kneecap all our efforts going forward.

Democratic state Sen. Peter Harckham said on Monday that any attempt by the executive to insert a change in climate accounting into budget negotiations is ill-advised and ill-timed.

Climate science has clearly evolved to demonstrate that methane is the immediate threat and heats the planet faster than carbon dioxide, he said. Thats why members of the Climate Action Council toiled hundreds of hours to determine that the 20-year accounting, not the 100-year accounting, is the appropriate policy for New York to take.

Budget update

As the debate continues, lawmakers on Monday passed a stopgap measure that keeps the state government running until April 10.

Hochul opted to put forth a straightforward bill that simply keeps the government running for a week, but did not incorporate other policy matters.

New Yorkers are concerned about public safety, the rising cost of housing, and ensuring high-quality schools for all our kids, and any budget deal must make progress on these core issues, Hochul said in a statement on Monday. I have been negotiating in good faith with the Legislature, but it is clear there is more work to be done before we reach an agreement.

Because the Legislature is required to pass the stopgap budget extender without making any changes, Republicans in Albany are urging Hochul to use her leverage to include bail reform language in the bill.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Democrat, said that her conference was disappointed that all parties couldnt come together to pass a final budget in a timely manner.

We look forward to concluding our budget process and having a budget that represents the values of all New Yorkers, she said.

Hochul and the Legislature have reportedly progressed towards an agreement on changes to the states bail law, which along with differences over achieving housing growth have been the most contentious issues in negotiations.
LINWOOD  A relatively warm winter has brought earlier than usual spring conditions. And that means a faster than normal return of allergy season.

But the trend isnt new. Allergy specialists have become accustomed to seeing patients suffering from allergies year-round, said Dr. David Visco, medical director of AtlantiCare Physician Group Pulmonology.

I see patients ranging from 18 to 90 years old. The questionnaire I give them includes questions like do they smoke or vape and if they have any pets. I try to associate the allergy triggers to their environment and vice versa, Visco said.

Seasonal allergies are an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, weeds and grass and typically occur in the spring and fall, when pollen is in the air.

The most common seasonal allergy symptoms include cough; fatigue; congestion; runny nose and eyes; itchy nose, throat and eyes; and postnasal drip.

Pollen, a big source of allergies, is appearing earlier than ever, said Theresa Crimmins, director of the National Phenology Network, who said researchers use predictive modeling to get an early idea of what types of allergies will be prevalent.

The amount of rain so far this year can be a factor too, which is why Southern California, which had near record rain, is leading an abundance of pollen from trees, weeds and grass.

It has been a crazy winter with a lot more rain than we usually see, said Dr. Fonda Jiang, an allergist-immunologist at the Beach Allergy and Asthma Specialty Group in Long Beach. So we expect the pollen count this year to be robust, with more people experiencing symptoms as a result.

This years hay fever season could last for at least half the year, she told the Los Angeles Times, and affect the quality of life of victims who have to miss work.

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, affects roughly 50 million Americans, according to the American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology.

Those afflicted account for more than $5 billion in additional costs, whether through treatment, visits to doctors or loss of productivity.

In South Jersey, pollen season isnt quite the threat it appears to be in California, because winter was relatively dry and even a bit warm. Press of Atlantic City meteorologist Joe Martucci said it was the third warmest February on record and that March was slightly above average as well.

Margate doctor admits role in health care fraud conspiracy A doctor from Margate admitted Tuesday to his role in a health care benefits scheme that def

A warm winter means early blooming and more pollen sooner, but if spring is wet, that will keep down the pollen. So more rain means less pollen, and early forecasts for April and June suggest the weather might help keep down some irritants.

On a pleasant, sunny spring day last week, it was too soon to tell just how bad allergy season would be.

All of which supports Don Freidays reasoning that you cant tell what type of season its going to be until youre in it.

Freiday, 58, of Egg Harbor Township, was riding his bike in Northfields Birch Grove Park. It didnt look like he was suffering.

I dont think theres a way to know if its going to be a good or bad allergy season at this point of the year, said Freiday, who said he was a wildlife biologist for over 30 years. It depends a lot about when certain plants are flowering.

Once you do know, though, doctors suggest taking precautions, like keeping windows shut and using air conditioning in your house and car when pollen counts are high.

Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines can also help lessen the aggravation of a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.

But if youre suffering, experts, including AtlantiCares Visco, say you should see an allergy specialist quickly, as untreated allergies often get worse.
OCEAN CITY  Ocean City High School Freshman Ashley McGarvey, who identified herself as an organizer of a student walkout for gun control that took place Wednesday, wrote in an email after the event that she'd first heard of the national organization Students Demand Action at a Harry Styles concert.

I realized he had the right idea, and that others needed to care enough for kids to take a stand, she wrote. We need more people to speak up for kids and actually take action to fix this fixable problem.

School officials say a few students left the building as part of a national call for walkouts in protest against school shootings and to call for additional gun laws. District officials said the students who participated would not face any discipline in connection to the walkout.

McGarvey said she decided to participate because of the importance of gun safety, citing the number of recent U.S. school shootings.

It's not fair that people have to lose their children and loved ones over something that can be stopped, she wrote. So many innocent and young children have died, and so many others are scared or worried about just going to school. All because people are not using their guns in the way they should.

Ocean City students participate in national walkout OCEAN CITY  About a dozen students at Ocean City High School walked out of classes Wednesda

Neighbors disappointed in planning delay

OCEAN CITY  The Planning Board delayed hearing an application seeking approval to place cell service antennas on a commercial rooftop on 34th Street because a report on the safety of 5G technology was not ready in time for the meeting Wednesday.

Several neighbors had attended the meeting, and after the delay, some said they were disappointed they were not able to address the board.

The Federal Communications Commission has set guidelines for exposure to radio frequency fields from cellular antenna sites, but the FCC and other agencies have concluded the systems are generally safe for the public.

Ocean City Planning Board to again hear 5G proposal OCEAN CITY  A controversial proposal to install cellphone antennas on the roof of a commerc

Registration open for Ocean City pageants

OCEAN CITY  Applications are being accepted for participants in the Miss Ocean City and Junior Miss Ocean City pageants, city officials said.

To be eligible to compete in the Miss Ocean City Pageant, young women must be at least 16 years old by Aug. 1 and must not have reached their 21st birthday by Aug. 12; attend or have graduated from Ocean City High School; or have parents/guardians who own property in Ocean City or a sending district to Ocean City High School, including Sea Isle City, Upper Township and Longport.

The Miss Ocean City Pageant will be held Aug. 12 at the Music Pier on the Boardwalk. Contestants will compete in interview, talent, swimsuit, poise and onstage question portions.

To be eligible to compete in the Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant, girls must be 12 by Aug. 1 and must not have reached their 16th birthday by then.

The Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant will be held Aug. 19 at the Music Pier. Contestants will be judged in on-stage question, talent, poise and appearance, and a judges interview.

For a pageant application, volunteer application and additional information, see ocnj.us/MissOceanCity, ocnj.us/JuniorMissOceanCity or email events@ocnj.us. Applications also can be picked up at the City Hall Welcome Center at 861 Asbury Ave.

Scouts, employee honored

UPPER TOWNSHIP  The Township Committee recently honored two local scouts for achieving the Arrow of Light, the highest rank of Cub Scout and the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on a Boy Scout uniform.

Eric Loveland and Douglas Schlachter were honored Monday.

At the same meeting, officials congratulated employee Andrew Mangam for receiving a special safety recognition from the Atlantic County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund.

As explained by Mayor Jay Newman, a public works crew was digging at Upper Township Elementary School. There were solar panels located nearby, but the crew was told there were no buried wires. Mangam double checked and confirmed there were live wires near where the workers were excavating, which could have meant a shock or worse. Newman suggested Mangam may have saved his coworkers lives.

Mangam had also been recognized at the September Township Committee meeting for his actions.

No weed for Wildwood. Hemp is another story.

WILDWOOD  As images circulate of a store selling hemp-derived products that include CBD, city officials recently put out a notice that weed stores will not be allowed in the community.

The City of Wildwood does not allow the sale of cannabis a.k.a. weed in the City of Wildwood. There are no licenses permitted, and there are no plans to permit any, reads a recent city news release.

Under New Jerseys cannabis laws, municipalities have the option to say no to cannabis dispensaries and growing facilities. They cannot, however, prevent residents or visitors from possessing the plant, or keep out cannabis deliveries from licensed dispensaries.

Catholic Daughters create Easter baskets

SEA ISLE CITY  The members of the Catholic Daughters of Saint Joseph Church have undertaken an Easter basket drive.

During their annual Easter Basket Drive, which culminated April 1, the Catholic Daughters collected a bevy of items from their fellow parishioners, including chocolate bunnies and other Easter sweets, sugarless candy, toys, coloring books, snack bars, note pads, crossword puzzle books and many other items that helped them create nearly 90 gift baskets.

Fifty baskets were delivered to the Branches Outreach Center in Rio Grande, an organization that provides a safe environment for the elderly, disabled, those experiencing homelessness and others. Twenty went to Covenant House in Atlantic City, an organization that provides shelter and assistance to youths who are experiencing homelessness or are the victims of human trafficking, and 19 were delivered to local residents, along with fresh palm fronds to help them celebrate Palm Sunday.

This is the third year we made Easter baskets, said organizer Bette Keller. In the past, we received thank you notes from almost half of the people who received the baskets or from their families or caregivers. They appreciated knowing that the community loves them  and thats why we do this.

GALLERY: Restoration and repair at the Wildwood Boardwalk
A panel of activists on March 18 warned against the growing trend of transgender-style medical procedures being performed on minors in the U.S.  at a forum that was so controversial that event planners originally did not reveal its location to attendees until just 48 hours before it occurred.

At the event, sponsored by the conservative group No Left Turn in Education, speaker Chloe Cole, 18, told of starting the medical transition from a girl to a boy at 13 and of having her breasts removed at 15, only to realize at 16 that she had made a mistake.

Cole, who in recent months has appeared at multiple events and protests around the country sharing her story, told attendees that she started transitioning in public around age 12, wearing boys clothing and cutting her hair short.

At 13, doctors put her on puberty blockers and testosterone. At 15, she said she had the mastectomy procedure. A year later she realized she was in fact a girl and wanted to de-transition.

Cole recently sued the doctors and hospitals that treated her. She still has problems from the treatment, including skin grafts on her chest that havent healed properly, she said. Her growth has also been stunted.

Forensic nurse Tammy Hartlaub also spoke to the group about the dangers of transgender surgery and medications given to children to attempt to switch them from one sex to another.

She noted the brains frontal lobe, which controls judgment, is the last part to mature when people are in their 20s. And the drugs used to block puberty have significant side effects in adults.

As to their long-term effects on children and teenagers: We dont know, Hartlaub said. There is no research.

About 100 people came to the event.

The forum itself almost did not happen. Its location was kept a secret until just two days before it was scheduled. During a radio interview on the Dom Giordano Show, it was revealed it would be held at the Sheraton Great Valley in Frazer, Pa. The hotel reportedly began getting threatening phone calls. By 5 p.m. the event was canceled.

The radio station employee who accidentally gave the location on the air called the Rev. William Devlin of Widows and Orphans to see if he might know another meeting venue. Devlin contacted Pastor William Covelens of New Life Community Church in the village of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., who said it was willing to host the panel discussion. Stressing the growing spread of transgender ideology throughout the country, No Left Turn founder Elana Fishbein noted there are now at least 100 clinics nationwide that perform transgender surgery.

In the last five years, theres been a dramatic increase in the number of minors who report some distress about their sex and the perception of their gender, said Fishbein. For minors between ages 6 and 17 between 2017 and 2020, there was an annual increase of 20%. Between 2020 and 2021, there was an 80% increase.

This is a substantial increase, she said. This is not just minor.

At the event, speaker Sara Higdon warned against transgender activists who seek to target children for ideological exploitation.

They simply believe there is no such thing as absolute truth, said Higdon, a spokesperson for the group Trans Against Groomers. Higdon was born a male but now identifies as a woman.

Higdon indicated that there are considerable social justice incentives for men to begin identifying as women. What way can an oppressor maybe become part of an oppressed class? They can transition, said Higdon.

And there are (upper-middle-class White) parents who think if they have a trans child they can say, Look what a good parent I am.

And theres a lot of eugenics at play, Higdon added. You are sterilizing an entire group of people. They want to make your kids wards of the state. You cant usher in Marxism without kids being wards of the state.

Multiple school districts in Pennsylvania, including many in the Delaware Valley, are teaching the educational doctrine known as Queer Theory, deploying curriculum on gender for students as young as kindergarten.

Some districts, including the Great Valley School District, also tell teachers to hide from parents any information related to their childrens claims about transgender identities.

Though Higdon claims to have discovered an internal transgender identity at a young age, the speaker nevertheless criticized and dismissed major popular assertions about gender ideology at it applies to children.

No child is born in the wrong body, Higdon said, Its not the body thats wrong. Its the mind thats wrong. My gender dysphoria went all the way to adulthood. At the age of 28, I had to tell somebody.

Cole said that doctors failed to address the fact that I might have had underlying issues connected to identifying as a woman.

Cole said she wasnt forced into transition by my parents, as critics often accuse some parents of doing. They took her to a therapist, she said, who allegedly told her parents that she would commit suicide if she wasnt allowed to begin identifying as a boy. It wasnt true, she said.

Cole said social media also played a large role in transmitting transgender ideology to her at a young age, particularly after she got her first mobile phone that allowed her unrestricted access to the internet.

I felt I would be better off as a boy, she said.

Linda Stein is News Editor at Delaware Valley Journal.
One of five men indicted by a federal grand jury in a fentanyl and ecstasy distribution ring was found guilty Wednesday for his role in the conspiracy that led to a 1-year-old child overdosing on pills laced with fentanyl.

A federal jury convicted Kathan Daniel Wiley, 23, of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury after a two-day trial in U.S. District Court, Davenport, .

The case began Oct. 30, 2021, when Davenport Police officers were sent to Genesis Medical Center East, Davenport, to investigate a report of a 1-year-old child who had ingested unknown pills.

According to a search warrant filed by Davenport Police Detective Sean Johnson, the child had to receive multiple doses of Naloxone to be revived. Naloxone is a drug that reverses the effects of opioids.

Johnson said in his search warrant that Wiley had stated there was another man in his home whom he knows as Jordan. Wiley told Johnson that Jordan brought a bag of pills over to the residence and left them there. The pills were blue in color and had M30 stamped on them.

The pills were left on the table of the home in the 1600 block of West 4th Street.

Wiley stated he called Jordan about the pills and while doing so noticed the child eating something, which turned out to be the pills.

According to District Court documents, emergency personnel were sent to the residence where they found the child unresponsive with shallow breathing.

The child stopped breathing, and paramedics initiated CPR and administered Naloxone. While at Genesis Medical Center the child needed additional doses of Naloxone.

The child was eventually transferred to University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, where tests revealed fentanyl in the childs system.

During the investigation, Davenport Police learned that Wiley was involved in a conspiracy with four other men to distribute fentanyl and ecstasy.

Wiley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison on the conviction of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury. The maximum sentence he could receive on that charge is life in prison. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy charge.

Wiley is scheduled to be sentence Sept. 27 in U.S. District Court, Davenport.

Also indicted in the conspiracy are Linder Kai Divos, 27; Jordan Thomas Hopper, 25; Austen Michael Thomas, 25, also known as Waynski and Mitch; and Marshall Matthew James Carver, 26.

During a hearing Sept. 30, 2022, in U.S. District Court, Davenport, Divos, also known as Lindo, pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance-fentanyl and felon in possession of a firearm.

During a sentencing hearing held Feb. 21, U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Divos to 174 months, or 14  years, in federal prison for the count of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, and a concurrent term of 120 months, or 10 years, for the weapons charge. A concurrent prison terms mean that the sentences will be served together.

Divos is serving his prison sentence in the Chicago Metropolitan Correctional Center.

Hopper pleaded guilty Feb. 28 to one count each of distribution of a controlled substance (fentanyl) resulting in death, distribution of a controlled substance (fentanyl) resulting in bodily injury and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. He is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 9.

Hopper was suspected in the overdose of deaths Davenport residents Brian Jay Justman, 41, on June 3, 2021, and Dallas Carolyn Woods Kehoe, 22, on Aug. 11, 2021.

Carver pleaded guilty Feb. 24 to one count each of distribution of a controlled substance (fentanyl) resulting in bodily injury, and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. He is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 9.

Thomas pleaded guilty March 7 to one count each of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance (fentanyl) and felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 26.
The city of Rock Island is offering free debris pickup beginning Monday as a result of severe weather.

Debris pickup will begin Monday, April 10, and last until Friday, April 21.

Residents are asked to have debris placed next to the curb where they live and that alley pickups will not be conducted. The sidewalk or street should not be obstructed. Debris does not need to be stacked or bundled but should be organized as well as possible.

The city will use garbage refuse routes as a guide for clean-up. Workers will pick up as much as they can during normal working hours and continue where they leave off the following day.

Residents who do not use the free citywide collection will need to schedule a free special pickup.

On Tuesday, April 4, severe weather with high straight-line winds swept through the region leaving a majority of the Illinois Quad-Cities with fallen branches and trees.

In a preliminary survey, the National Weather Service Quad-Cities found that an EF-1 tornado tore through a portion of the city. The tornado had an estimated peak winds of 95 mph, length of 1.6 miles and a maximum width of 150 yards. It lasted from 9:41 a.m. to 9:43 a.m.
The third annual Black Hills Defense and Industry Symposium will bring leaders of academia, research, industry, military and Black Hills communities together to discuss the importance of defense investment in western South Dakota.

Starting at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 12 at The Monument, leaders will discuss how attendees can contribute to solutions for stronger national defense and bolster regional economic development.

The Associate Vice President for Research-Economic Development at South Dakota Mines, Joseph Wright, J.D., has been on the event committee since it began and will also be the emcee for this years symposium. He is expecting 300 people to attend the two-day event.

"Rapid City has had a national footprint when it comes to supporting the Department of Defense and this event is an opportunity for businesses and the community that want to be more engaged in the military industry," Wright said. "Some of our fastest growing companies in Rapid City are all DOD connected. Companies that attend can learn how it works from people that have done it."

The 2023 Symposium will feature discussions and breakout sessions that include three distinct technical topics: design and construction, critical minerals and PFOS/PFOA. The designated topics are meant to identify potential areas of business opportunities that local companies can pursue by supplying a product or service to the local military industry, according to Wright.

Design and construction helps general contractors and subcontractors learn how they can participate in the impending growth at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Discussions regarding critical minerals, addressing humanitarian issues and America's reliance on foreign countries to acquire minerals that are used to manufacture military equipment will be held. Companies in attendance will discuss how they can help minimize harm inflicted on third world countries where mineral harvesting operations are located, develop cleaner and more environmentally conscious harvesting methods, and how the United States can lessen its dependence on foreign countries to acquire critical minerals.

PFOS/PFOA are a class of roughly 9,000 manmade chemicals used in many products including food packaging, personal care products and firefighting foam  which Air Force bases often use. Since the chemicals do not naturally degrade, they are accumulating in the air, soil and water. They have recently been linked to cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, decreased immunity, liver problems and a range of other serious diseases.

"[PFOS/PFAS] are a significant focus for the armed services right now to remediate some of the past uses of those materials that are an environmental risk," Wright said, "The School of Mines and the base are leaders in addressing that issue. I can't think of a company that is working on that locally but we hope to have companies that this is their interest."

The first day of the event will feature speaker Nancy Balkus, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety, and Infrastructure (SAF/IEE). South Dakota Mines will then lead a PFOS/PFAS technical session followed by a reception at the Fine Arts Theater.

Beginning Thursday, April 13 at 8 a.m., the second day of the event will largely be a networking opportunity for leaders in academia, research, industry and military. Featured speakers will include Congressman Dusty Johnson; Senator Mike Rounds; Major General Scott Vander Hamm, USAF, Retired, Vice President and Corporate Lead Executive at Northrop Grumman Corporation; and Major General John Allen, USAF, Commander, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

There are no fees for students or active military and civilian personnel at South Dakota National Guard, Camp Rapid and Ellsworth Air Force Base. All Black Hills residents are encouraged to attend.
Construction of NorthWestern Energys gas-fired power plant in Laurel has been ordered halted by a judge's ruling Thursday that state regulators ignored environmental risks when permitting the facility in 2021.

Montanas Department of Environmental Quality failed to take a hard look concerning two environmental issues, ruled District Judge Michael Moses. The impacts of the gas-fired power plants emissions of greenhouse gases received no consideration by DEQ, Moses concluded. Noise from the power plant was the second issue, of which DEQ did little analysis.

Following its court-ordered hard look, the DEQ will have to decide whether permitting the plant warrants a detailed environmental impact statement, or the lighter touch of an environmental assessment.

"This power plant is one of NorthWestern Energys largest projects in Montana and it is up-wind of the largest city in Montana. It will dump nearly 770,000 tons of greenhouse gases per year into the air," Moses wrote.

"The pristine Yellowstone River is adjacent to the project. This project will have a life of more than 30 years. That amounts to more than 23,100,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions directly impacting the largest city in Montana that is less than 15 miles downwind. To most Montanans who clearly understand their fundamental constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment, this is a significant project."

The lawsuit was brought by the Montana Environmental Information Center and the Sierra Club on behalf of the Thiel Road Coalition, a neighborhood group which has argued for two years that the power plant was poorly located and posed threats to the public health and quality of life.

At an estimated cost of $283 million, construction of NorthWestern Energys 175-megawatt power plant is well underway, despite the lawsuit filed in 2021 and despite no approved zoning. The power plant is being built on 36 acres zoned for agricultural use. Northwestern had initially sought a local government rezoning of the property to "heavy industrial" but shelved those efforts after running into challenges. NorthWestern is Montana's largest monopoly utility with roughly 398,200 metered electric customers, and 209,100 natural gas meters.

The Thiel Road community and Laurel's Riverfront Park are located across the Yellowstone River from the power plant site, which is 300 feet from the north bank of the river and less than a half-mile east of the CHS refinery.

NorthWestern Energy didnt respond to requests for comment by publication time.

A plant like this is classified as a major source of hazardous air pollutants. Why would you build that in a populated area? You dont do that. Half of the chemicals that are going to be released out of it are cancer-causing, said coalition member Steve Krum. And if you look at all the experts, they say, any benzene exposure is bad, even though it's not a law. And it's only a couple times a year, but any benzene is bad. Then you look at noise. Anything over 55 decibels, continuous sound, or more is a health hazard. You cant have a constant droning noise going on. If you follow what theyve said from the very beginning, theyve said all along this is going to be noisy.

The lawsuit filed against DEQ pointed out that the area where the power plant is currently located has already been dinged by the EPA for excessive sulfur dioxide levels, mainly emanating from a CHS oil refinery nearby. Carbon dioxide from the gas-fired refinery, 769,706 tons a year, is a climate change contributor.
Governor Kristi Noem's signing of Senate Bill 35 solidified $13 million in funding for the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead to help it become the world's foremost facility of its kind.

The South Dakota State Legislature granted the sum to the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority, which operates the facility, last week to fund the first of a two-phase expansion plan on the 4850 level of the sprawling underground campus. The first phase includes the installation of ventilation and rock removal infrastructure for the second phase.

The second phase, at a cost of $100 million, consists of the excavation of two large caverns each worth $500 million and the capability to house two experiments at a time. The primary donor for this phase is T. Denny Sanford, who has made a verbal commitment for a significant donation, though the exact amount is undetermined.

Though the search for phase two donors has begun, there is plenty of time to acquire the $100 million, according to SURF Executive Director Mike Headley. SDSTA is focused on the strategic design and planning of the 4850 level expansion with help from the international particle physics community. By the end of the year, Headley hopes to finalize plans to get a clear idea of the geometry and dimensions of the two caverns to fit the future physics experiments.

By 2025, the design will be finalized and the second round funding secured.

"The 2025 timeframe is when we would look to have funding from Denny Sanford and federal funding as well," Headley said. "We did get a letter of commitment from Senators Thune and Rounds to seek federal funding to make sure that the project will be whole from a financial perspective."

Since its inception in 2007, the SURF campus has been under constant development. SDSTA and Fermilab  the United States Department of Energy national laboratory  with the help of Thyssen Mining Company, are halfway done excavating three caverns for the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF). LBNF will help scientists to better understand neutrinos, which they believe hold answers to the creation of the universe, dark matter, black holes, the death of stars and more.

The funds recently awarded to SURF were given emergency qualification that allows immediate transfer after its passage and approval. These efforts were to save on mobilization cost by allowing Thyssen Mining, Inc., to proceed directly from the LBNF excavation, which is approximately 60% excavated, to phase one of the 4850 level expansion.

Mobilization is expensive because it involves a cumbersome process of taking mining machinery apart, lowering the parts thousands of feet below the surface, then reassembling the machinery underground.

Headley estimates proceeding directly to the new expansion would save $15 million.

"Our Fermilab colleagues who are leading that effort are doing a great job bringing that project along," Headley said. "We talk about the 4850 level expansion and all these other things, but making sure LBNF, the largest science experiment ever attempted on US soil, gets built is really our number one priority."

SDSTA is also working with Caterpillar, Inc., to implement a Wi-Fi-based personnel and equipment tracking system called Minestar that would replace the rudimentary brass tag system. Like miners have been doing for many decades, underground workers at SURF simply hang a brass nametag on a board labeled "in" when they enter SURF and replace the nametag on the "out" board when they leave.

Replacing the system has been a difficult task because at nearly a mile underground, satellite GPS signals fall silent.

Currently being developed and tested on the 1700 level of SURF, Minestar would dramatically increase the safety and management of SURF workers. Additionally, the cutting-edge system could be the catalyst for the implementation of autonomous Caterpillar vehicles. With every underground worker and vehicle wearing a tracking device, workers above ground can monitor nearly all operating processes and can critique processes through data collection software to increase efficiency as well as safety.

"We see a huge advantage whenever we do emergency response exercises. One of the first things we have to do is figure out where everybody is and now we have a database that shows where people and equipment are located and where they're moving in real time," Headley said. "The 1700-foot level where Caterpillar is working is fully deployed. The vehicles have conducted simulated mining activities, but there are a number of different applications for Minestar and the autonomous vehicles are just a part of it."

The State of South Dakota has now invested $75 million dollars in SURF over the past 15 years. Headley said he and the SURF team are incredibly appreciative of the legislature and the governor's support and they are excited to go to work.

Excavation of the 4850 level caverns is expected to begin in mid- to late 2027. Next generation physics experiments will be conducted in the caverns around 2030.
An incoming school superintendent in Massachusetts, Vito Perrone, alleges that his job offer was rescinded after he referred to two women in the interview process as ladies in an email.

According to news reports, the candidate emailed the women to negotiate his salary, and addressed the women (Cynthia and Suzanne) as ladies in a salutation. According to reports, the salutation was viewed as a microaggression, and he was told the term ladies was hostile and derogatory and that he should have known that as an educator.

His offer was then withdrawn.

Ive traveled the country this year training managers and employees on workplace civility. The complaint I hear over and over is that people are too sensitive and offended by everything.

I agree.

This is why in my training I focus on the reasonable person test. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, petty slights, annoyances and isolated incidents (unless extremely serious) will not rise to the level of illegality. To be unlawful, the conduct must create a work environment that would be intimidating, hostile or offensive to reasonable people.

And while I tell employers to not wait until something is so serious that it creates a hostile work environment before addressing it, I also remind them that they cannot rid the workplace of people who are easily offended by conduct that is not, by a reasonable person, objectionable.

A customary salutation is not reasonably objectionable. There is no evidence here that the candidate intentionally misgendered anyone. How else is he expected to refer to them?

Unfortunately, by taking action for words and conduct that are not reasonably offensive, we water down the real issues: sexist remarks, racial slurs, derogatory labeling of a disabled employee. When we focus on trivial slights, we ignore extremely offensive conduct that cannot be tolerated in the workplace.

Common sense is not that common. In the world of social media, people get canceled, and many times the basis is not very reasonable, says David Miklas, a Florida employment attorney.

He cites the U.S. Supreme Courts analysis of reasonable person in a retaliation matter. The Supreme Court held that by focusing on the perspective of a reasonable person in the employees position, we believe this standard will screen out trivial conduct while effectively capturing those acts that are likely to dissuade employees from complaining or assisting in complaints about discrimination.

In my training, I explain to employees that employers should take action when there is a drop of pond scum in the water because even a little pond scum will spoil the entire work environment.

A drop of pond scum refers to things I call never evers, such as abusive conduct, sexual remarks, racist comments, disparaging remarks about someones national origin, racial slurs and the like.

I also frequently share a specific example about myself. Being an extreme animal rights person, if an employee tells me she at veal over the weekend, such a comment will admittedly offend me deeply. That I am personally offended isnt the test. Im not a reasonable person when it relates to animals. Im the extreme  and no workplace should have to accommodate the extreme.

In the name of inclusion, I would hope my co-workers upon learning of my animal rights passion will not intentionally taunt me with words and actions they know will hurt me. But none of this amounts to conduct that should result in disciplinary action against the person sharing conduct that is not offensive to a reasonable person.

Employers need to stop accommodating the people who get offended by literally every petty slight and focus on creating a universal respectful and civil workplace. By accommodating a person offended by a common salutation, employers are creating a divisive work environment where people are terrified to have friendly banter.

It would be different if the candidate knew that one or both of them identified as male or nonbinary and used the term ladies nonetheless.

Employers should focus on the never evers  anything sexual, racial, homophobic, ageist, or disparaging national origin, disability, pregnancy or religion. CNN anchor Don Lemon referring to a 51-year-old woman as not being in her prime is an example of an offensive remark against women. Addressing a Black male, How now brown cow (an actual case) is an example of an offensive remark. Threatening to come in here and shoot up this place (an actual case) while joking is offensive. A reasonable person would find these things offensive.

Workplaces need to stop falling for the lowest common denominator of offensive behavior and start addressing real issues of workplace harassment, discrimination, bullying and abuse.

Richmond-area business expansions, openings and closings Popshelf P.T. Hastings Seafood Killa Dillas Genovas Pizza Station & Take Out Kitchen The Veil Brewing Co.'s new taproom Luxe New American Bar & Grill Wok This Way Eggs Up Grill Mayu Sushi & Thai Maxs on Broad RICH Nail Lounge Sycamore Jewelers, Midlothian Mi Casita Restaurant Ironclad Coffee Grit Coffee Rockler Woodworking and Hardware Boiling Crab Richmond Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. Suzy Sno Diablo Doughnuts RVA The Brass Tap Graybo's Sports Cards Blue Ridge Cyclery BigWife's Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams CarLotz Acacia Midtown Zoom Room Richmond Torchy's Tacos Planet Fitness Raising Canes Chicken Fingers Three Notch'd Brewing Retail or Resell Marshalls Raising Cane's My Favorite Muffin Mattress King Anthony's on the Hill The Mill on MacArthur
The annual Great James River Raft Race in 1976 and 1977 brought together over a thousand rafts, kayaks and canoes at the Jordan Point Yacht Haven to raise money for multiple sclerosis research.

Rafters were awarded prizes for speed, originality of design and amount of money raised through pledges. The race course was about 3  miles downriver beginning at the marina and concluding near the Berkeley Plantation.
Last fall, Virginia Tech's enrollment surpassed 38,000 students, the largest in school history. The Blacksburg university has grown dramatically in the past two decades, increasing its student body by a third.

But most colleges aren't enjoying such success. At Radford University, the number of incoming freshmen has crashed almost 40% in the past decade. At Longwood University, freshman enrollment is down almost 30%.

When selective schools such as Virginia Tech take more students, they reach into James Madison University's pool. That forces JMU to reach into the pockets of Radford, Longwood or Mary Washington.

The growth of the large colleges in the state has caused an imbalance, and state leaders haven't decided how to respond. Without a plan, some public and private colleges could be forced to close, said Walter Curt, a member of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

"We are not walking into the future with our eyes open," he said.

There's no reason to believe the problem will correct itself. In the next decade, the number of high school graduates in the state is expected to decline - it's being called an "enrollment cliff" - leaving colleges to fight over fewer applicants. The percentage of men attending college has dropped in the past decade, and more people are questioning the value of a college education.

After decades of growth, Virginia colleges are entering a new era of significant change. Schools may be forced to lay off faculty and cut programs. The state's most competitive schools, such as the University of Virginia and the College of William & Mary, might become even harder for Virginia students to access.

"The issue is how can we as a state afford to keep them in business?" Curt said. "This is survival."

10,000 empty seats

Almost all of the state's large colleges are growing, including George Mason, Virginia Tech, UVa, JMU and Old Dominion. The state's largest college, Liberty University, boasts 130,000 students, with about 115,000 of them fully online.

UVa and Tech have received record application numbers, and George Mason has grown alongside its Northern Virginia community. (VCU is an outlier - it's the state's only large college that is shrinking. Its enrollment has slipped in each of the past four years.)

But the ripple effects of that growth have hurt small colleges throughout the state. Among public schools, Radford, Longwood and Mary Washington have experienced the largest drops.

Private schools are feeling the pinch, too. There are about 10,000 empty seats at private colleges in the state, Curt said.

Not every small college is contracting. The most selective schools, such as William & Mary, Washington & Lee and the University of Richmond, are still filling their seats.

To rein in UVa and Virginia Tech, Sen. Tommy Norment, R-James City, proposed a bill this year to cap each public college's growth at 2% every two years.

The measure was rejected because of concerns that it would drive students to out-of-state colleges and hold back colleges that need to grow.

Make UVa, W&M harder to get into

Longwood's president, Taylor Reveley III, has another idea - make UVa and Virginia Tech more selective by allowing the schools to take more out-of-state students.

Virginia law allows the two colleges to grow their out-of-state population by just 1 percentage point each year if the new students are enrolled in a high-demand field, such as computer science.

Thirty-two percent of UVa students come from outside Virginia, and they pay $54,000 annually for tuition and fees, triple what an in-state student pays. At William & Mary, 38% of students are from out of state, and they pay roughly $47,000 in tuition, or about double what in-state students pay.

Those percentages are low compared with other flagships, including the University of Alabama (58% out of state), Purdue University (53%) or the University of Michigan (50%).

Eliminating the cap is a win-win, Reveley said. UVa and William & Mary would rake in more revenue, improve their academic profile and rise in the rankings. (UVa placed 25th, and William & Mary 41st among all U.S. colleges in the most recent ranking from U.S. News & World Report.)

The state's small schools, such as Longwood, would receive a larger pool of applicants.

But not all Virginia residents want already elite schools to become more difficult to access. UVa offered acceptance to 26% of in-state applicants this year, according to a consulting firm. Some believe that number is low enough already. Others say the primary mission of Virginia public colleges is to educate Virginia students.

The move would serve the state as a whole, Reveley said, calling Virginia's group of colleges the best in the country.

The other problem with Reveley's suggestion is that it might not work. Peter Blake, head of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, said students who are rejected from UVa don't necessarily go to Virginia Tech or JMU. They might attend South Carolina or Clemson.

Reveley called that notion "overstated," saying most students would stay in state. UVa and William & Mary did not respond to requests for comment.

More affordable, more relevant

The state could take a number of other measures to correct the imbalance between large colleges and small.

Virginia could follow North Carolina, which recently picked four small colleges and pumped them with more state funding, allowing them to lower their tuition prices and attract more students.

Another idea is to add more relevant programs that match the needs of students, including short-term workforce credentials.

But in the end, colleges might be forced to reduce their faculty and staff and cut the number of programs and services they offer. Some community colleges, which have suffered large enrollment losses, already did this.

It wouldn't be unprecedented for a Virginia college to close. Saint Paul's College, a private historically Black college in Lawrenceville, shuttered in 2013. Virginia Intermont College, a private college in Bristol, ceased operation in 2014. Both schools were more than 100 years old.

In 2015, the board at Sweet Briar College in Amherst County voted to permanently close, but alumnae at the all-women's school rallied to save it. Closing a school would mean cutting hundreds of jobs and significantly impacting the local economy.

Reveley says it's not likely that another college closes, because Virginia isn't losing high school graduates as dramatically as other states.

"The demographics are very much in Virginia's favor," he said.

For years, state policies encouraged colleges to grow. But as colleges enter a new era, it might be time to revisit those policies, Blake said.

The need for highly educated workers isn't going away, he said. To meet the economy's needs, colleges will have to cast a larger net for students. They have to become more accessible, more affordable and more relevant in order to survive.

"There's a reality you need to own up to," Blake said.

Recognize these places? 26 photos from The Times-Dispatch archives
One of the more interesting risks one assumes when writing a history column for a daily newspaper is that sometimes the history itself will actually happen as youre writing it. Such is the case with the Bellevue Theater, currently on the cusp of transforming into its third act in its near-century-long existence in the neighborhood for which it is named.

Popular local lore holds that movie stars Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine, whose childhood home is just a few blocks away on Fauquier Avenue, saw their first movies at the Bellevue, helping inspire them into decades of screen stardom. No readily available evidence supports this claim. The theater opened on what was then Rappahannock Avenue in 1937, the year of Beattys birth and when MacLaine was just 3 years old. The family moved from Richmond shortly thereafter.

The understated Art Deco structure was designed by Richmond architect Henry Carl Messerschmidt, one of four theaters in Virginia he created. Messerschmidt was also the designer of Cary Court, the iconic limestone shopping center that sits at the center of Carytown. He also created Perlys Restaurant on Grace Street. Theres no denying it: The man loved his Deco.

The Bellevue  advertised at its opening as Richmonds Finest Amusement Center  came about at a time of tremendous growth for the U.S. theater industry. The 1930s, as the journalist Barbara Crossette has observed, were a decade in which the Depression collided with the advent of sound and a subsequent public mania for movies. It was owned by Neighborhood Theaters Inc., a concern headed by the Morton Thalhimer family.

The theater boom was so pronounced in the U.S. that a second theater  the Ginter  opened less than a block up from the Bellevue just weeks after the latters grand opening. (In a few years, the owners of the Bellevue purchased the Ginter and wisely closed it down. Then as now, public mania can accommodate only so many theaters.)

The Bellevue showed movies through the early 1960s, during and after which it functioned as both a theater and a community venue. It was a regular meeting space for the Ginter Park womens club; it would also periodically host public speakers. Among them was an appearance by Sheriff Jim Clark, the Alabama lawman who agitated vociferously against the civil rights movement and who took part in the brutal Bloody Sunday reprisal at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in March 1965. (The march from Selma was the silliest thing that ever happened in this country, Clark told attendees at the Bellevue, apparently overlooking his own disgraceful career in law enforcement.)

Perhaps most notably in its history, the theater also played host to Virginias answer to the Grand Ole Opry. In 1963, WRVA began broadcasting the New Dominion Barn Dance from the Bellevue. A spinoff from Virginias storied Old Dominion Barn Dance country radio show, the new feature was broadcast from the Bellevue for several years and hosted such iconic stars as Hank Williams and Porter Wagoner, along with up-and-coming new talent like Willie Nelson. One memorable weekend saw the appearance of Minnie Pearl, the legendary comedienne who worked the Grand Ole Opry for five decades. Virginia native Shirlee Hunter also headed a country troupe there during the summer of 1964.

Compared to its early history, the Bellevues later years have been quiet and uneventful. The building has been owned for decades by the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, a branch of Freemasonry that has had a presence in Richmond since 1910. Rechristened the Samis Grotto Temple, the building took on a sort of odd, incomprehensible mystical quality in the middle-class neighborhood of which it was part. Your correspondent was among the few generations of children who grew up throwing snowballs at the lodges bizarre Mokanna head pasted on the front of the old Bellevue marquee.

Over the years, the building periodically received renewed interest from the surrounding community. There were sporadic talks of refurbishing it to its old cinematic glory. Some years ago, the recording group RVA Studios briefly set up shop in the theaters old projection room. The Masons in the early- to mid-2000s would occasionally open up the building for public events; visitors there could still spot the handpainted pastoral backdrop used by the New Dominion Barn Dance decades before.

The Grotto in its later years suffered from dwindling membership; by the time of the COVID pandemic, the lodge was essentially finished, and its members for want of funds had allowed the building to lapse into a state of disrepair.

The facility was purchased earlier this year by local investors and developers Ben Adamson and Alex Griffith, who plan to retain Messerschmidts original structure, refurbishing it and turning it into a mixed-use apartment building and ground-level retail space.

A recent tour of the demolition process revealed the layers of history that have built up in the old theater over nearly 100 years: an understated Deco runner above what used to be the silver screen, a jackleg kitchen affixed to a side room, three generations of boiler equipment in the small basement.

And even after nearly a century, on the verge of its third major renovation, a building like the Bellevue can still have secrets to yield. During demolition, Adamsons crew noticed a wall safe in what looks to have been the original theaters office. Developers had yet to crack through the inches-thick concrete that housed the safe body. We dont know whats in there, Adamson admitted.

Shirley MacLaines pocketbook, someone joked in reply.

Close In June 1986, Historic Richmond Foundation leader John G. Zehmer Jr. (center left) reviewed roof plans with architect Kenneth MacIlroy at Monumental Church on East Broad Street in Richmond. The historic church, built as a memorial to those killed in the 1811 Richmond Theatre fire, was getting a new copper roof as a step toward preserving the building. 05-06-1965: New sign proclaims formerly Episcopal Monumental Church as Ecumenical Inter-Denominational Church in 1812. 06-20-1962: Workmen measure Monumental Church with mammoth 'yardstick' Richmond's old Monumental Episcopal Church is hving its measurements taken. The measurements are needed to draw up plans for the proposed restoration of the 150-year-old church. 06-09-1963: The Rev. A. Ronald Merrix examines bricks found beneath stucco exterior. Fine brickwork was discovered during restoration of 150-year-old church. 04-25-1964: Monumental Church, on site of 1811 fire, is observing its sesquicentennial. 04-17-1960: Monumental Episcopal Church in downtown Richmond is preparing for its 150th anniversary. From the Archives: Monumental Church Monumental Church on East Broad Street was built in 1814 as a memorial to those killed in the 1811 Richmond Theater fire. This fire killed 72 people including Virginias governor. That night, nearly 600 people had filled the theater for a post-Christmas day performance which was a local highlight of the holiday season. However, disaster struck when a chandelier was raised into the rafters before it was completely extinguished and in mere minutes, the building was consumed by flames. The building was designed by Robert Mills, Americas first native-born architect and the only architectural pupil of Thomas Jefferson, according to the Historic Richmond Foundation which owns the building today. Mills won a competition to construct the memorial in 1812. The 70-foot octagonal auditorium was accentuated with Roman, Greek and Egyptian motifs and funerary imagery. The Richmond church is considered the most elaborate example of the four domed churches that Mills designed during his career. Nationally, it is considered one of the earliest and best examples of Greek Revival. Monumental Church was deeded to the Medical College of Virginia in 1965. In 1971 it was designated a National Historic Landmark and Historic Richmond received the building in 1983 and continues to maintain it today. In June 1986, Historic Richmond Foundation leader John G. Zehmer Jr. (center left) reviewed roof plans with architect Kenneth MacIlroy at Monumental Church on East Broad Street in Richmond. The historic church, built as a memorial to those killed in the 1811 Richmond Theatre fire, was getting a new copper roof as a step toward preserving the building. 05-06-1965: New sign proclaims formerly Episcopal Monumental Church as Ecumenical Inter-Denominational Church in 1812. 06-20-1962: Workmen measure Monumental Church with mammoth 'yardstick' Richmond's old Monumental Episcopal Church is hving its measurements taken. The measurements are needed to draw up plans for the proposed restoration of the 150-year-old church. 06-09-1963: The Rev. A. Ronald Merrix examines bricks found beneath stucco exterior. Fine brickwork was discovered during restoration of 150-year-old church. 04-25-1964: Monumental Church, on site of 1811 fire, is observing its sesquicentennial. 04-17-1960: Monumental Episcopal Church in downtown Richmond is preparing for its 150th anniversary.
Suitcases filled with clothes and mementos piled high in the backs of wagons, which were loaded in a panic. Those who had just stuffed them haphazardly into their carts gave their homes one more glance as they prepared to leave, not knowing if they would ever return.

A feeling of uncertainty began to rise as some, who had been tipped off early that Richmond may fall, began to flee. As the morning turned to the afternoon, more and more people filled the streets. Nervous murmurs rose to a fever pitch as fires began to burn around the city.

Horses were readied. Wagons were drawn. Mothers, clutching their children and their few belongings, ran to join the growing crowd of people heading toward the few remaining bridges left standing.

The bridges that had not been burned had been left open. An exodus of thousands headed southward, accepting a reality that they had not thought possible: Gen. Robert E. Lee had abandoned the city and Richmond had fallen.

When did Richmond fall to Union forces?

For 10 months, Gen. Robert E. Lee held the line at the battle of Petersburg. As the Confederacy entered its fourth year, it was holding on, but barely standing.

As Union troops cut off supply chains, rations dwindled. The Confederate armys troops continued to thin and, by the start of 1865, Southern strongholds began to fall one by one.

Atlanta was the first. A few months later, Charleston surrendered and Columbia followed shortly after.

With Union troops quickly advancing on Richmond from both sides, discussions between Confederate military leaders and government officials began.

As the front at Petersburg continued to deteriorate, Lee met with advisors to decide whether to abandon the city and head south to join ranks in North Carolina or else to continue to fight.

Lee opted to abandon the city and flee south.

On April 2, Lee sent a telegram to Confederate President Jeff Davis reading: I advise that all preparation be made for leaving Richmond tonight.

As Davis and his cabinet prepared to flee early Sunday morning, Richmonds residents were none the wiser.

They would not learn of the 6,000 federal cavalrymen heading straight for the city until late that afternoon.

For months, many Richmonders held onto the belief that it would never fall. The city had faced its fair share of close calls.

Over the past year, residents had grown accustomed to the sounds of artillery fire.

Richmond resident William Lee, at age 80, recounted his experience in the March 19, 1935 edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

When the night is quiet I still fancy I can hear those guns around Richmond at Seven Pines, Lee said.

They had long since put their faith in Lee and his ability to repel a Union takeover of the city  a belief that persisted even after the first fires broke out.

The fires rage on through the night

G. Harvey Clarke, a 10-year-old at the time, was among the few who did not leave the city on Evacuation Day.

The fires set by fleeing Confederate troops burned ceaselessly. Bridges were demolished. Government buildings were destroyed.

Confederate Gen. Richard Ewell, tasked with burning all of the citys tobacco, moved all of the remaining resources into several warehouses in the hopes that the fire would not spread.

But, as the winds picked up, the flames grew, quickly spreading to the citys business district. With no fire department to quench the flames, the fire raged on.

In the early morning hours, Clarke woke to the sounds of an explosion that sent a tremoring shockwave across the city. The windows in his room shattered, sending glass whirling directly at him.

It was the most momentous day, perhaps in all (Richmonds) history. Certainly, it was a day never to be forgotten by one who witnessed it, Clarke, as a 90-year-old, stated in the April 2, 1945 edition of the Times-Dispatch.

Clarke had awoken to the citys powder magazine exploding near the Shockoe Hill Burying Ground.

The explosion killed several people who were being housed in a temporary alms house.

Some buildings on the suburbs were shaken down by the terrible concussion, Clarke said.

Clarke hurried to Libby Hill to look out across the city. There, he watched as the fires spread with flames mountain high.

The Union cavalry entered the city at 7 a.m. and officially captured it an hour later.

They soon got to work putting out the flames. Threatened buildings were torn down to provide firebreaks.

It would be a full five hours before they got the flames under control. By the end of it, parts or all of at least 54 blocks were destroyed.

Evacuation Day

When word came that the city would soon fall and stories spread of Union soldiers finding and drinking whiskey reserves and causing issues in other cities, orders were given to destroy any remaining supplies.

Bars and warehouses were broken into, bottles were smashed in the streets and kegs were tapped and dumped into storm drains.

In an effort to prevent problems with soldiers, city officials inadvertently furthered the chaos as Richmonders, drawn by the smell, filled their hats and boots with whiskey.

After years of food and clothing scarcities, some residents took to the streets to loot various stores, taking food, clothing and other goods.

Hope died when Richmond fell, Clarke recalled.

The evacuation of Richmond was a traumatic event for its residents. Many who chose to flee returned to find their homes destroyed. Others remained in spite of uncertainty as to how they would be treated by Union soldiers. Still others hid in their homes or sought refuge in public buildings like churches.

When all was said and done, the damages totaled $30,000,000  about $550,000,000 in 2023. It would be years before the city was rebuilt.

The building that housed the Times-Dispatch burned, along with all of the printing materials. Readers would not see another paper printed until December 1866 when publication resumed.

A week later, Gen. Lee surrendered and the Confederacy collapsed.

Close 03-14-1950 (cutline): New sign for safety--J.E. Mann and E.W. LeMay, advertising officials, and State Police Captain W.L. Groth, deputy administrator of the Governor's Highway Safety Committee, watch a new safety sign go up on Petersburg Pike. 05-28-1981 (cutline): It's the billboard on the left, not the one on the right, that was paid for by Thomas Cannon, a benevolent Postal Service employee who often gives money for worthy causes. Creative Displays said yesterday that the company erred when describing the details Tuesday to the Times-Dispatch. Meanwhil, the "concerned citizen" who bought the space on the billboard on the right remains anonymous, the company said. These billboards are at Fourth and Franklin Streets. 01-11-1980 (cutline): The message sounds political, but it isn't accoring to a Creative Displays Inc., of Richmond executive. And there's no "consumer party," a display assistant, Ann Anderson said. The striking announcement, though, is getting second looks from Richmond motorists who face various versions of the "candidates' slogans" on billboards around town. It's an "advertising promotional," she said, declining to elaborate. 02-10-1991 (cutline): Drumming up business? Forty-four of these billboards appeared around Richmond this weekend, alarming the pancake house's employees and customers. It turns out the red-and-black signs are part of a reverse-psychology campaign. 10-05-1990 (cutline): Ronald Lewis (left), Harold B. and Robert El stand in front of billboard designed by El. El, 17, will have his work on 10 city billboards during Fire Prevention Week. 10-12-1946 (cutline): Billboard Appeals For Chapter Vote--This is one of the 16 bill board advertisements placed by the Richmond Citizens Association in widely scattered parts of the city to urge an affirmative vote in the November 5 referendum election a study of the city government. Hugh Thompson, executive secretary of the association, pointed out today that the voter will actually vote "For" instead of "Yes" on the question of having a commission study the city charter. Mr. Thompson said the bullboard ads were prepared before it was learned that the wording to appear on the ballot will be "For" or "Against." 03-23-1987 (cutline): "McGruff The Crime Dog," along with opponents and supporters of billboards, have their eyes on such signs in Henrico County. 06-04-1987 (cutline): A 4-month anti-drug campaign was begun this morning by Lamar Outdoor Advertising with the help of Mayor Roy A. West and City Manager Robert C. Bobb. The billboard, at 1000 Jefferson Davis Highway, is part of the company's 26-city, 11-state public service campaign directed against drug abuse. 03-1989 (cutline): Willie Vance Harris, an employee of Smith Advertising, changes a billboard at the intersection of Wythe and West Streets in Petersburg. 03-12-1992: Billboard 08-09-1991 (cutline) Disappearing Act--The complete caption doesn't appear on the billboard, but a similar print public service announcement that uses this image answers the question it poses: "A chicken. What else. A real man takes responsibility for his actions. From the Archives: Billboards A look back at Billboards in and around Richmond. 03-14-1950 (cutline): New sign for safety--J.E. Mann and E.W. LeMay, advertising officials, and State Police Captain W.L. Groth, deputy administrator of the Governor's Highway Safety Committee, watch a new safety sign go up on Petersburg Pike. 05-28-1981 (cutline): It's the billboard on the left, not the one on the right, that was paid for by Thomas Cannon, a benevolent Postal Service employee who often gives money for worthy causes. Creative Displays said yesterday that the company erred when describing the details Tuesday to the Times-Dispatch. Meanwhil, the "concerned citizen" who bought the space on the billboard on the right remains anonymous, the company said. These billboards are at Fourth and Franklin Streets. 01-11-1980 (cutline): The message sounds political, but it isn't accoring to a Creative Displays Inc., of Richmond executive. And there's no "consumer party," a display assistant, Ann Anderson said. The striking announcement, though, is getting second looks from Richmond motorists who face various versions of the "candidates' slogans" on billboards around town. It's an "advertising promotional," she said, declining to elaborate. 02-10-1991 (cutline): Drumming up business? Forty-four of these billboards appeared around Richmond this weekend, alarming the pancake house's employees and customers. It turns out the red-and-black signs are part of a reverse-psychology campaign. 10-05-1990 (cutline): Ronald Lewis (left), Harold B. and Robert El stand in front of billboard designed by El. El, 17, will have his work on 10 city billboards during Fire Prevention Week. 10-12-1946 (cutline): Billboard Appeals For Chapter Vote--This is one of the 16 bill board advertisements placed by the Richmond Citizens Association in widely scattered parts of the city to urge an affirmative vote in the November 5 referendum election a study of the city government. Hugh Thompson, executive secretary of the association, pointed out today that the voter will actually vote "For" instead of "Yes" on the question of having a commission study the city charter. Mr. Thompson said the bullboard ads were prepared before it was learned that the wording to appear on the ballot will be "For" or "Against." 03-23-1987 (cutline): "McGruff The Crime Dog," along with opponents and supporters of billboards, have their eyes on such signs in Henrico County. 06-04-1987 (cutline): A 4-month anti-drug campaign was begun this morning by Lamar Outdoor Advertising with the help of Mayor Roy A. West and City Manager Robert C. Bobb. The billboard, at 1000 Jefferson Davis Highway, is part of the company's 26-city, 11-state public service campaign directed against drug abuse. 03-1989 (cutline): Willie Vance Harris, an employee of Smith Advertising, changes a billboard at the intersection of Wythe and West Streets in Petersburg. 03-12-1992: Billboard 08-09-1991 (cutline) Disappearing Act--The complete caption doesn't appear on the billboard, but a similar print public service announcement that uses this image answers the question it poses: "A chicken. What else. A real man takes responsibility for his actions.
A bill in the California Legislature would ban five chemicals found in some of the most popular candy in the U.S., including the popular Easter favorite Peeps.
IN THE NEWS

Teacher wounded in shooting files lawsuit

The first-grade teacher who was shot and seriously wounded by her 6-year-old student has filed a lawsuit seeking $40 million in damages from Newport News school officials. The lawsuit filed Monday accuses school administrators of gross negligence for allegedly ignoring multiple warnings that the boy had a gun and was in a violent mood on the day of the shooting. Abby Zwerner, a 25-year-old teacher at Richneck Elementary School, was shot in the hand and chest on Jan. 6 as she sat at a reading table in her classroom. She spent nearly two weeks in the hospital and has had four surgeries since the shooting. Named as defendants are the Newport News School Board, former Superintendent George Parker III, former Richneck principal Briana Foster Newton and former Richneck assistant principal Ebony Parker.

CAPITOL: A Navy sailor charged with storming the U.S. Capitol was stationed on an aircraft carrier in Norfolk when he joined a mob's attack on the building, according to a court filing Monday. The FBI arrested David Elizalde on Sunday in Arlington on misdemeanor charges, including disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, according to the filing. Elizalde told the FBI he was stationed on the USS Harry S. Truman when he drove alone from Norfolk to Washington, D.C., to attend the Stop the Steal rally on Jan. 6, 2021. Elizalde, an aviation structural mechanic, was an active-duty sailor on the day of the Capitol riot, according to a Navy Office of Information spokesperson.

AUTOPSY: The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia has determined that the cause of death for Irvo Otieno was positional and mechanical asphyxia with restraints." Arkuie Williams, the administrative deputy in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, confirmed the findings after attorneys for Otienos family first shared them in a statement. Williams says the manner of death was homicide. The death of the 28-year-old Black man last month at Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County has led to second-degree murder charges against 10 Henrico County sheriff's deputies and hospital employees. Otieno, who struggled with mental illness, died March 6 after he was pinned to the floor while being admitted to the hospital.

THEY SAID

"I think that theres this perception that hes a nice guy ... and they dont peel back the layers of the onion to see exactly how we got to where we are today."

 Senate candidate Scott Parkinson on U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. Parkinson, a former congressional staffer and adviser to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, has announced plans to seek the GOP nomination to challenge Kaine next year.

We are losing more people to opiate overdoses. Theres a whole group of parents out there who are having to bury their kids.

 Carmen Greiner, an addiction counselor in Spotsylvania County.

BY THE NUMBERS

5: Days that Gov. Glenn Youngkin will spent in Taipei, Tokyo and Seoul starting April 24 as part of an international trade mission. He is scheduled to meet with Tsai Ing-wen, the president of Taiwan, his office said last week.

$7 million: The amount the University of Virginia will pay its 10 highest-earning employees by the end of the year. No. 1 is UVa Health CEO and Executive Vice President of Health Affairs Craig Kent, who makes $1.1 million.

ODDS AND ENDS

COVERAGE: The State Corporation Commission is considering two plans that would expand Virginias version of the essential benefits covered by individual and small group health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. One would increase coverage for certain prosthetic devices, such as artificial limbs. The other would add coverage of special oral and enteral medical formulas for people with inherited metabolic disorders.

RULES: The state Department of Juvenile Justice says revised rules for disciplining youth held in Virginias detention centers and juvenile prison are in the works. The proposed changes to the (juvenile detention center) regulation  establish clearer guidelines and set new rules on the use of room restriction and physical and mechanical restraints, department public information officer Melodie Martin said in an email.

IN THE NEWS

Norfolk top spot for sea-level rise on the East Coast

Norfolk is the East Coast city most threatened by sea level rise, according to a study by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at William & Mary. The Sea-Level Report Card shows the community has a rise rate of .212 inches a year, making it the highest rate on the East Coast for a fifth year in a row. The report looked at areas across the country and forecasts sea levels up to the year 2050 based on an annual analysis of tide-gauge records for 32 localities along the U.S. coastlines.

ASSIST: A Danville disaster relief organization mobilized to help victims of recent storms in the southern U.S. Volunteers and team members with God's Pit Crew deployed to Adamsville, Tennessee, on Tuesday. A tornado outbreak caused extensive damage to the community. The recent tornado outbreaks across the country have been catastrophic and heartbreaking," Gods Pit Crew President Randy Johnson said in a statement. "We hurt for all those who have been impacted by these deadly storms, and we are praying for them." Other volunteers helped in Mississippi and Kentucky.

PRISON: A northern Virginia man convicted on terrorism charges as a teenager has been sent back to prison for a year after violating conditions of his release by meeting with convicted Taliban supporter John Walker Lindh and others linked to terrorism. Prosecutors had sought a two-year term for Ali Shukri Amin of Dumfries. They cited a wealth of evidence that Amin immediately began meeting and corresponding with convicted terrorists after he was released from prison in 2020. The terms of Amins release barred him from meeting with known extremists. Amin was just 17 when he pleaded guilty to a terrorism charge for conspiring to support the Islamic State group.
The Virginia Board of Medicine has reprimanded a pediatrician for spanking a 4-year-old patient during an exam at a Roanoke clinic.

Regulators found that Dr. Juan Olazagasti, who works for Carilion Clinic, engaged in unprofessional conduct, the March 2 reprimand said.

After the incident, which occurred a year ago, Olazagasti underwent an evaluation and was cleared to return to work. He paid a $1,000 fine after being convicted of misdemeanor assault, court records showed.

A woman alleged in a handwritten complaint that she saw Olazagasti spank her son during an April 5, 2022, examination. I immediately grabbed my child off the table and said, I cant believe you just hit my child. Who do you think you are?  the complaint said.

Although the board said the incident occurred at a pediatric gastroenterology clinic in Roanoke, the woman complained to Lexington police and the doctor was charged in Lexington/Rockbridge Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Judge Robert Hagan convicted Olazagasti of a single count of misdemeanor assault and battery and levied the fine in June 2022.

The regulatory agencys discipline followed.

By his own admission Dr. Olazagasti spanked Patient A, who was clothed and wearing a diaper, once on his right buttock during a physical examination after the patient slapped Dr. Olazagasti on the face with a rubber glove, the board reprimand said.

Board officials found that the doctor violated a medical regulation that prohibits intentional or negligent conduct that causes or is likely to cause injury to a patient.

Olazagasti practices at Carilion Childrens Pediatric Medicine-Tanglewood Center and in Lynchburg with a specialty in pediatric gastroenterology, according to his online profile. He has been a doctor for 34 years, the board said.

The woman told Lexington authorities that she advised medical officials when she made the appointment that the child was afraid of doctors and might run or hit if not approached in a way that hes comfortable. When the doctor went to lower the boys pants, the child panicked and put up a foot to kick or block the doctor, her complaint said.

Olazagasti yelled, You do NOT hit me and spanked the child, according to the mothers narrative.

The child had a glove balloon in his hand as well as my phone so he could not hit, it said.

The woman wrote that she stormed out with the child and stopped at the front desk and told someone there, Your doctor just hit my child. This is ridiculous. Olazagasti went to the same area and said, Im sorry. Im so sorry, the womans complaint said.

Olazagasti was put on leave three days after the incident and ordered to undergo an evaluation and comply with any treatment recommendations, the board reprimand said. After about three weeks, Olazagasti returned to work on the condition that a nurse be present during visits by his patients, the reprimand said.

He completed 11 hours of additional education, the reprimand said.

A month after his return, a Rockbridge County hospital revoked his privileges as a result of the conviction, according to the reprimand, which did not name the hospital.

Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital is the countys lone major medical facility.

The reprimand also said that, two days after the revocation, Olazagasti was appointed as a senior staff member of the ambulatory practice group, effective July 1, 2022. The reprimand did not identify the group or the reason for the appointment.

Olazagasti signed a consent order in which he said that he did not deny or admit the states findings, the board reprimand said.

Carilion Clinic had no comment, and neither did Olazagasti or his attorney, Ben Thurman.
Aeromexico announces new Houston flight from AIFA

Mexico City, Mexico  Aeromexico has announced that it will operate a flight to Houston, Texas, from the Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) starting May.

As of May 1, Aeromexico will start with the direct daily flight.

Aeromexico obtained the necessary authorization from the competent authorities of Mexico and the United States to start direct flights from the Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, they said in a statement.

The flights already scheduled to Houston from the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) will continue to be attended, the airline detailed.

Aeromexico will be able to operate this route regardless of whether or not Mexico recovers safety category 1 for the U.S. aeronautical authorities.

This is because the authorization that the airline received was given with the consideration that Aeromexico already operates routes to that destination from the geographical area where the AICM is also located.

After a regulatory assessment and current conditions, the U.S. and Mexican authorities approved this route considering that AIFA also serves the metropolitan area of the Valley of Mexico, the airline explained.

With this, Aeromexico has nine destinations from the AIFA, to which are added Acapulco, Cancun, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Merida, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta and Veracruz.

The United States will be the fifth country with which the Felipe Angeles International Airport has a connection.

Since its inauguration on March 21, 2022, AIFA also connects with Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Panama and to Havana, Cuba.
Due to a 20-year lag, more than 21 million invested in Cancun fire department

Cancun, Q.R.  More than 21 million peso in equipment has been invested in the Cancun Fire Department. Cancun Mayor Ana Patricia Peralta, together with Governor Mara Lezama, carried out the delivery of equipment, which included a Rapid Response and Urban Rescue Unit.

The unit will be used for fire care, vehicular extraction, vertical rescue and fuel spills. The unit has the capability to reach 12 stories. Other equipment included protection suits, breathing apparatus, portable radios, chainsaws, hoses and nozzles.

The investment in the citys fire department was made while Lezama was mayor of Cancun, but not delivered until after she became state governor.

Arturo Sosa Munoz, Director of the Cancun Fire Department, says the Cancun fire department consists of 176 men and woman and also attend to emergency situations in Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos and even in Jose Maria Morelos.

Governor Lezama said the investment of 21 million pesos was to address a 20-year lag.
Tulum AMPI reports 300 new real estate developments for 2023

Tulum, Q.R.  AMPI Tulum President says during 2023, there will be around 300 new developments in the municipality. Luis Francisco Reyna Gomez, President of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI) Tulum says a majority of those developments will be for residential and commercial rentals.

He explained that there are currently several real estate projects under construction, while others are in the process of immediate delivery and some still in the pre-sale process.

There really is a very wide variety in delivery dates and types of developments, including commercial but mostly residential, he said.

Reyna Gomez recognized that in the Tulum, the real estate industry is a changing market and they hope that the investments will continue.

It is very ambiguous. I think that every year in Tulum is different and at every moment, we as real estate agents, see that the market is changing and new things are coming. We forecast that the municipality will have a similar pace to 2022 in the matter of real estate projects, he said.

The Tulum AMPI head said that 2023 has a lot of potential for growth. He also mentioned the Maya Train and new airport project will generate a boost in demand for both long term and vacation rentals.

Obviously I recognize these projects that are being carried out because the offer in Tulum is growing and we know that the main intention is to also grow vacation rentals and long-term rentals, so hand-in-hand with these projects such as the Tren Maya and the airport, involve Tulum in the category that I think it deserves because it is a first-class tourist destination with a lot of potential to increase demand, he said.
The news this week that FloydFest will not happen this year  neither on its newly purchased grounds nor an alternative site  was a hard bummer for music fans, local businesses and the performers themselves.

The multiple vendors who basically set up a small town within the music carnival took one on the chin, as well. FloydFest this year would have had about 100 of them, according to Sam Calhoun, the events chief operating officer. They sell food, drinks, clothing, souvenirs and more. Many patrons stay in vendor-provided tents, yurts and other glamping options.

Dancin Daves Festival Camping has been a part of it since the very first FloydFest at the original site, off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Patrick County. The late David Versch brought the event there in 2002, and sold it to his assistant Susan Byer in 2014. Byer said she had increased her inventory by 30% to accommodate the additional people who planned to camp with her this year.

But Byer has had a lot more on her mind recently. Her mother-in-law died earlier this year, and on Sunday, a fire destroyed the rural middle Tennessee home she shares with her husband and their young son. The family wasnt there at the time. The camping business equipment was stored elsewhere and wasnt affected, Byer said.

Because of the recent personal tragedy, not having to do FloydFest is sort of a relief, Byer said in a Thursday phone call. Its one less thing that I have to worry about. I can roll over peoples reservations. I can give people refunds or whatever. But not doing the physical labor because of everything ahead of us, with the loss of our home, a big part of me is relieved. That was going to be a huge undertaking, going to a brand new venue for the first time.

That being said, it breaks my heart, because thats where we get to go and be with our friends and our families and as much as it is work, it is also enormous fun, and its a tradition, and its going to be really sad. Its the other side of the coin. Were not going to have the work, but were also not going to have the support and the coming together that we kind of need right now as well. Words are hard to find for how we feel about it.

Environmental regulation issues and questions about protected species scuttled work at the new site, and organizers announced on Thursday that they would not host the festival elsewhere.

Western North Carolina-based Toms Sugar Shack has set up on site since the second FloydFest, and has been there ever since. Owner Thomas Lee, in a text message exchange, said the event has become a time signature.

Every year end of July we would be on the mountain helping to feed the people, Lee said from northern Vermonts Lamoille County, where he was making the maple syrup he uses and sells from the traveling festival business.

The Sugar Shack will take a big hit this year not having Floydfest, Lee wrote. Floydfest is the biggest festival we do, and having been there for so many years, we are very well received and very busy.

We will also miss seeing all our friends we have met and known all these years.

The Sugar Shack will be at Rooster Walk, by the way, May 25-28, near Martinsville.

Five years of Radio Free Roanoke

If youre going up and down the dial on Wednesday, try tuning in to 95.7 FM. The low-power, nonprofit station known as Radio Free Roanoke, WROE-LP, will be celebrating the fifth anniversary of its on-air debut.

Its a very local-centric station, regularly playing bands from here (including, for full disclosure, a band that includes your columnist) as part of an eclectic playlist that moves from outlaw country to psychedelic rock and many points between. The station features interviews with local folks, too, and one neednt worry that lead organizer Bob Capper will switch its format to something wholly unpalatable to cool people.

Congrats to a radio station run out of a Grandin Village basement.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  At sunset on Wednesday, roughly 170 students at the University of Virginia celebrated the start of the seven-day Passover holiday with a gathering at the Brody Jewish Center to hear Rabbi and Executive Director Jake Rubin lead a Seder feast.

Jewish people around the world participate in Seder, which means order in Hebrew, on the first night of Passover to retell the story of the Israelites liberation from slavery in Egypt, as described in Exodus, the second book of the Hebrew and Christian bibles.

Truman H. Brody-Boyd, assistant director of development at the Brody Jewish Center said Friday that Seder is often a time for family, friends and congregants to come together.

One of our core values as the Brody Jewish Center is being our students home away from home, Brody-Boyd said. For us, that means on times when Seder falls in the middle of the week, like on a Wednesday, we provide that Seder experience for them and we give them all the comforts that they would have had at home.

The students, who only just returned from spring break a few weeks ago, had the opportunity to participate in a true Seder meal on Wednesday evening, Brody-Boyd said.

On a traditional Passover Seder table, there is a Seder plate, where each food is symbolic of an aspect of the Passover holiday.

A roasted lamb shank represents the Paschal lamb sacrificed at the first Passover; an egg represents spring and the circle of life; bitter herbs represent the bitterness of slavery; charoset, a mixture of apples and cinnamon, represent the mortar used by the Jews in Egypt; greens, often parsley, represent spring.

Also on the table is matzah  cracker-like unleavened bread, that represents the bread the Israelites took with them when they fled Egypt.

The students on Wednesday also participated in the storytelling aspect of Seder, taking turns reading about the Israelites being freed from slavery in Egypt from a pamphlet that included excerpts from the Bible and instructions on when to eat each item on their Seder plates and the significance of each of the food items.

The meal included everything from whole Seder plates to tons of amazing delicious brisket that Rabbi Jake prepared, Brody-Boyd said.

We tried to make it as welcoming and as warm as inclusive as possible, Brody-Boyd said. So whether weve seen that student 10 times this year, only one time this year or this is their first thing with us, they feel a part of the community and they feel that theyre welcome and feel included. Its really vital to us to provide that space for them, and its really meaningful for us to be able to be that home away from home for our students.

After feeding and educating UVas Jewish student population, the leaders at the Brody Jewish Center introduced the Passover Around Grounds program, providing students with their own Seder kits to share with their own communities of friends, roommates and peers.

Its a really meaningful way for them to take control of their Jewish identity and start to form their Jewish tradition, Brody-Boyd said.

Starting Friday, the Brody Jewish Center will provide students with Kosher meals for lunch and dinner through the end of Passover at sunset on Thursday. Leaders from the center will host the Passover meals in the center on 1824 University Circle.

Meanwhile, in downtown Charlottesville, Congregation Beth Israel, Virginias oldest standing synagogue, held its first Seder celebration on Wednesday at the temple since before the pandemic made it unsafe to meet in-person.

We have somebody who cooked for us every year, and singing and prayer the rabbi played the guitar for the congregation for Seder, a congregant who asked not to be named from Congregation Beth Israel told The Daily Progress. So it was a celebration of the exodus from Egypt, which is what Passover is about, and it was wonderful to get our community back together. It was absolutely beautiful.
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Dennis Beaver Practices law in Bakersfield and welcomes comments and questions from readers, which may be faxed to (661) 323-7993, or e-mailed to Lagombeaver1@Gmail.com. Also, visit dennisbeaver.com.
Whiskey fungus  sometimes called distillery fungus, rum fungus or warehouse-staining fungus  is a black fungus with the scientific name Baudoinia compniacensis. Though the fungus is literally black in color, it is not the same as black mold, Stachybotrys, which can cause significant health issues and infrastructure damage.

Here's what happens: After whiskey is distilled it is held in barrels in a warehouse during its aging process. The length of distillation time varies but during the process, an estimated 2 to 5 percent of the alcohol evaporates. Depending on the amount of alcohol being processed, that can add up to as much as 200 to 1,000 tons (181 to 907 metric tons) of ethanol emissions each year.

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The emissions are poetically referred to as the "angel's share" but there's evidence to suggest the vapors don't quite make it to heaven. When the ethanol combines with moisture in the air, the result is a type of fungus that feeds on the sugar in ethanol  whiskey fungus. Like any other fungus, it attaches itself to just about anything including buildings, trees, cars and outdoor furnishings.
" " This grasping robot, developed by Stanford University engineers based on studies of birds, can land on and grasp a tree branch. Lentink Lab

When it comes to doing aerobatic maneuvers, aerial drones seem to be rapidly catching up to birds. But flying robots also are becoming adept at another avian feat of agility that's nearly as amazing  the ability to land and perch on just about any object or surface, ranging from tree branches to telephone wires, without falling off.

Stanford University researchers, for example, have developed a device called a stereotyped nature-inspired aerial grasper, or SNAG, which can be attached to a quadcopter drone to give it feet and legs resembling those of a peregrine falcon. When equipped with the device, the drone is able to fly around catching and carrying objects and perching on various surfaces, according to a Stanford news release dated Dec. 1, 2021, describing the work.

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But duplicating the agility of birds wasn't easy to do. The researchers shot video of small parrots flying back and forth between special perches that contained sensors to measure the physical forces of landing, perching and takeoff.

"What surprised us was that they did the same aerial maneuvers, no matter what surfaces they were landing on," one of the researchers, William Roderick, explained in the news release. Roderick is a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and the author, with engineering professors Mark Cutkowsky and David Lentink, of an article on the project, published Dec. 1, 2021, in the journal Science Robotics. "They let the feet handle the variability and complexity of the surface texture itself," he said.

Giving a drone similar abilities required technological ingenuity. SNAG has a 3D-printed structure that emulates a falcon's lightweight bones, and each of its legs is equipped with a motor for moving back and forth and a second one for grasping.

Mechanisms in the robot's legs are designed to absorb impact energy and passively convert it into grasping force, the way that a bird's tendons would. As a result, a drone equipped with the device can clutch something strongly in just 20 milliseconds. Once the robot's feet are wrapped around a perch, its ankles lock and an accelerometer  a device that measures vibration  detects the landing and triggers a balancing algorithm to stabilize it on the perch.

Elsewhere, researchers at other institutions also have been working for years on giving drones the ability to land and hang onto something. As this 2019 Smithsonian article explains, being able to land in various places helps drones to conserve energy that they would expend by having to remain airborne. That's important, because the flight time of robotic aircrafts is limited by their battery power.

Now That's Interesting In 2019, researchers at Northeastern University in Boston unveiled a technology that allows a flying drone to hang upside down like a bat, according to a university news release.
Turfgrass and small-grains farmers can learn the latest research-based information during two in-person field days scheduled for April at the Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center (REC).

The first field day is the Pee Dee REC Turfgrass Research Field Day, scheduled for April 25. Activities get underway at 8 a.m. Topics to be discussed include managing diseases, insects, nematodes and weeds impacting turfgrass systems in South Carolina.

Juang Chong, Clemson professor and Clemson Cooperative Extension Service specialist for turfgrass and ornamental crop entomology, will talk about new chemistries for managing problem insects. Lambert Bert McCarty, Clemson turfgrass science and management professor, will offer strategies designed to reduce problem weeds, including Poa annua, goosegrass, nutsedges and others.

Joseph Roberts, Clemson Extension specialist and assistant professor of turfgrass pathology and nematology, will discuss yearly programs for ultradwarf bermudagrass greens affected by nematodes and soil-borne fungi that cause diseases such as mini ring, take-all root rot and Pythium root rot.

This event is approved for three hours of South Carolina Category 3 recertification credits for pesticide applicators. Credits for North Carolina have been requested.

For information, contact Joseph Roberts at jar7@clemson.edu.

The second field day is the Small Grains Field Day scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 27, also at the Pee Dee REC. The focus of this years field day is winter wheat. Speakers will include Alex Coleman, Clemson Extension small grains and sorghum specialist; Richard Boyles, Clemson small grains breeder and geneticist; and Mike Marshall, Clemson Extension weed scientist.

A special guest will be renowned plant pathologist Christina Cowger, of the United States Department of Agricultures Agricultural Research Service in Raleigh, North Carolina, who will speak about existing and emerging wheat diseases, and how to effectively manage them.

Information from Clemson researchers will include a discussion by Boyles about commercially available wheat cultivars suited for the region, as well as advanced breeding lines being developed by his team that have performed well in regional yield trials. Coleman will talk about variety selection and discuss best management practices in winter wheat for increasing grain yield and quality. Marshall will dive deeper into herbicide options for controlling problematic winter weeds.

This event has been approved for 1.5 hours of core recertification credits for pesticide applicators and 2.5 CCA credits.

For information, contact Richard Boyles at rboyles@clemson.edu.

The Pee Dee REC is in both Florence and Darlington counties. The GPS address is 2200 Pocket Road, Darlington, South Carolina 29532. The mailing address is 2200 Pocket Road, Florence, South Carolina 29506
Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

Rain showers this morning with numerous thunderstorms developing during the afternoon hours. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 74F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low around 65F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
 12%9% 52% 3276  40%  52.8    10 2%4% 115     20000 250  Yen  1.62%3.46%  CoinbaseSEC   99 13% Kenvue 3350IPO  FRC  22% 7%6.68% 2248 5   10%34.67 4% 0.28%5% 20 38 University Hill1.65  12 3 247
South Korea, the U.S. and Japan have called for stronger international support of efforts to ban North Korea from sending workers abroad and curb the Norths cybercrime. They say such steps are necessary to block the countrys means to fund its nuclear program. The top South Korean, U.S. and Japanese nuclear envoys met in Seoul on Friday to discuss how to cope with North Koreas growing nuclear arsenal. The Norths recent weapons tests show it is intent on acquiring more advanced missiles designed to attack the U.S. and its allies, rather than returning to talks.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea, the U.S. and Japan called for stronger international support of efforts to ban North Korea from sending workers abroad and curb the Norths cybercrimes as a way to block the countrys means to fund its nuclear program.

The top South Korean, U.S. and Japanese nuclear envoys met in Seoul on Friday in their first gathering in four months to discuss how to cope with North Koreas growing nuclear arsenal. The Norths recent weapons tests show it is intent on acquiring more advanced missiles designed to attack the U.S. and its allies, rather than returning to talks.

Despite 11 rounds of U.N. sanctions and pandemic-related hardships that have worsened its economic and food problems, North Korea still devotes much of its scarce resources to its nuclear and missile programs. Contributing to financing its weapons program is also likely the Norths crypto hacking and other illicit cyber activities and the wages sent by North Korean workers remaining in China, Russia and elsewhere despite an earlier U.N. order to repatriate them by the end of 2019, experts say.

In a joint statement, the South Korean, U.S. and Japanese envoys urged the international community to thoroughly abide by U.N. resolutions on the banning of North Korean workers overseas, according to Seouls Foreign Ministry.

The ministry said a large number of North Korean workers remains engaged in economic activities around the world and transmits money that is used in the Norths weapons programs. It said the three envoys tried to call attention to the North Korean workers because the North may further reopen its international borders as the global COVID-19 situation improves.

It is not known exactly how many North Korean workers remain abroad. But before the 2019 U.N. deadline passed, the U.S. State Department had estimated there were about 100,000 North Koreans working in factories, construction sites, logging industries and other places worldwide. Civilian experts had said that those workers brought North Korea an estimated $200 million to $500 million in revenue each year.

We need to make sure that its provocations never go unpunished. We will effectively counter North Koreas future provocations and cut their revenue streams that fund these illegal activities, Kim Gunn, the South Korean envoy, said in televised comments at the start of the meeting.

Sung Kim, the U.S. envoy, said that with its nuclear and missile programs and "malicious cyber program that targets countries and individuals around the globe, North Korea threatens the security and prosperity of the entire international community.

South Koreas spy agency said in December that North Korean hackers had stolen an estimated 1.5 trillion won ($1.2 billion) in cryptocurrency and other virtual assets in the past five years, more than half of it last year alone. The National Intelligence Service said North Koreas capacity to steal digital assets was considered among the best in the world because it has focused on cybercrimes since U.N. economic sanctions were toughened in 2017 in response to its earlier nuclear and missile tests.

Fridays trilateral meeting will likely infuriate North Korea, which has previously warned that the three countries moves to boost their security cooperation prompted urgent calls to reinforce its own military capability.

North Korea has long argued the U.N. sanctions and U.S.-led military exercises in the region are proof of Washingtons hostility against Pyongyang. The North has said it was compelled to develop nuclear weapons to deal with U.S. military threats, though U.S. and South Korean officials have steadfastly said they have no intention of invading the North.

Earlier this week, the United States conducted anti-submarine naval drills with South Korean and Japanese forces in their first such training in six months. The U.S. also flew nuclear-capable bombers for separate, bilateral aerial training with South Korean warplanes.

North Korea hasnt performed weapons tests in reaction to those U.S.-involved drills. But last month, it carried out a barrage of missile tests to protest the earlier South Korean-U.S. military training that it sees as an invasion rehearsal.

Takehiro Funakoshi, the Japanese envoy, said North Korea's recent weapons tests and fiery rhetoric pose a grave threat to the region and beyond. Under such circumstances, our three countries have significantly deepened our coordination, he said.

Sung Kim reiterated that Washington seeks diplomacy with Pyongyang without preconditions. North Korea has previously rejected such overtures, saying it won't restart talks unless Washington first drops its hostile policies, in an apparent reference to the sanctions and U.S.-South Korean military drills. Many experts say North Korea would still eventually use its enlarged weapons arsenal to seek U.S. concessions such as the lifting of the sanctions in future negotiations.

There are concerns that North Korea could conduct its first nuclear test in more than five years, since it unveiled a new type of nuclear warhead last week. Foreign experts debate whether North Korea has developed warheads small and light enough to fit on missiles.
SIOUX CITY  A motion to strike filed by the Sioux City Community School District and school board members named in former Superintendent Paul Gausmans lawsuit has been denied.

The motion to strike filed by the defendants asked the court to remove evidence and references to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners' complaints as well as possible removal by the court of the elected officials.

Gausman filed a lawsuit in Woodbury County District Court in January claiming school board members Dan Greenwell, Jan George, Taylor Goodvin and Bob Michaelson violated Iowa Open Meetings laws.

Board members filed their motion to strike in February. District Judge Patrick Tott denied it on March 31.

According to the lawsuit, board members held two illegal meetings citing the wrong Iowa code sections in order to avoid notifying Gausman or the public of their discussion of him and the following board decision to file a complaint against him with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

Gausman is seeking the removal of the four school board members from the board as well as monetary damages and attorney fees. He is also asking the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners to dismiss the complaints filed against him by the district and Greenwell.

The motion to strike stated an elected official can be removed from office by the court if that individual has had prior open meeting violations and damages were assessed against the member during the members term.

The motion stated none of the defendants have had prior open meeting law violations, and therefore the references to removal should be removed from the lawsuit.

In response, Gausman said his lawsuit contains two separate potential open meeting law violations, and if the court were to find those violations occurred, the court could remove the members from office.

Tott ruled Iowa Code does allow the removal of a school board member from office as a possible remedy if Gausman is able to establish that prior violations had occurred. Tott said the defendants position may have merit, but it is a determination that cannot be made in a motion to strike.

While the defendants position may ultimately be correct, namely that the prior violation must have been established before the current petition has been filed, this is a legal issue that must be determined at a later stage of the proceeding, Tott said in his conclusion.

The motion to strike also stated the references to complaints filed against Gausman with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners are not admissible as evidence in the lawsuit.

Therefore, all references to pending and former complaints before the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, information related to the complaints, and the complaints themselves all should be struck from the plaintiffs petition, according to the motion to strike.

Gausman responded that state law does not prohibit him from disclosing the information, and the lawsuit specifically involves the discussion of these documents.

(Gausman) asserts that these materials are not being offered in evidence at this time and are only being used to provide proper notice of the basis of the Plaintiffs claims against the defendants, according to court documents.

Iowa Code specifically states complaints filed with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners in the possession of the board or its employees are confidential and not subject to legal compulsion for their release other than to the respondent, the board or other agents involved.

Tott added the code section requires the Board of Educational Examiners to release the materials to the respondent, Gausman in this case, after certain requirements have been met. He said the code does not prohibit Gausman from then disclosing the materials of the complaint.

In addition, it is clear that such documents are highly material to the plaintiffs claims herein in that the complaints filed with the Board of Educational Examiners are the result of the alleged closed meetings conducted by the Defendants which led to the filing of said complaints, Tott said in his conclusion.

The school board voted in November 2022 to file a complaint regarding Gausman with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Greenwell filed the complaint on Dec. 2.

The complaint claims Gausman attempted to bribe Michaelson and George on Nov. 17, 2021, before their official swearing-in five days later. Greenwell claimed it was an attempt to solicit their support to re-elect Alarcon-Flory as board president, in the letter sent to the Iowa Board of Education Examiners.

Dr. Gausman directly offered to allow Mr. Michaelson (board member-elect) and Mr. George (board member-elect) to make any of their desired changes in school operations, programs, activities, and other matters in exchange for their vote for Ms. Alarcon-Flory as president of the board, Greenwell said in the letter.

Greenwell claims the conversation took place at a public place in Des Moines with Gausman, Michaelson, George and Alarcon-Flory present. Greenwell states the pair objected to Gausmans offer multiple times.

Ms. Alarcon-Flory remained silent regarding the bribery offer during the discussions at the table, he said in the letter.

Greenwells letter claims Gausman admitted to the bribery at a meeting on Jan. 27, 2022, with Greenwell and Goodvin present, as well as in a separate discussion with Scarlett.

The letter to the examiner's office also claims Gausman disclosed confidential closed board meeting information to staff members. It states Gausman acquired information from the closed session from Alarcon-Flory and shared it with cabinet members.

Greenwells letter claims Gausman admitted to Greenwell and Goodvin that he shared the information with the cabinet members. He states cabinet members have confirmed the information was shared with them.

The complaint is pending and is meritless and made false claims, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also states Greenwell himself filed a complaint against Gausman on Aug. 1, 2022, with the same claims in a similarly worded letter, without board support.

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners requires complaints to be from the district, and the one filed in August was not approved by the school board. Gausman requested Greenwell's complaint be dismissed because of lack of jurisdiction, but Greenwell had withdrawn his complaint prior to any ruling.
SIOUX CITY -- County supervisors from Woodbury, Plymouth and Monona counties members met with state legislators on Friday to discuss legislation to bring forward issues they hope to be addressed.

Topics of discussion included property tax rates, infrastructure bonds, voter options, workforce development boards, and pipeline projects.

The roundtable was initiated by the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors as a chance for county supervisors to relay their citizens' concerns directly to the legislators. Board Chair Matthew Ung said this is the first time a meeting like this has been held in at least 10 years.

All five Woodbury County Board of Supervisors members attended, as well as Plymouth County Supervisors Don Kass and Craig Anderson and Monona County Supervisors Vince Phillips and Bo Fox.

Legislators in attendance were House District 3 Representative Tom Jeneary, House District 14 Representative Jacob Bossman, House District 2 Representative Bob Henderson, Senate District 7 Representative Kevin Alons, and House District 1 Representative J. D. Scholten.

Ung said there were very good discussions and questions from both the supervisors and the legislators proposed.

"We serve the same constituency and we have the obligation to provide what the state mandates and the state mandates essential services through county governments, and one size does not fit all," Ung said. He added this event allowed the supervisors to describe the perspective of northwest Iowa.

The two main topics discussed were property taxes and proposed pipelines.

On the topic of property taxes, Ung said the area communities were "awestruck" at the large property assessment increases this year. He said the supervisors communicated to the legislators that these assessments are guided by state laws and thanked the legislator for laws that mitigate the impact on taxpayers, such as the "rollback."

The supervisors asked the legislators if nonessential functions could be removed from property taxes and instead put on other taxes such as income.

The supervisors and legislators seemed to agree about resisting the use of the eminent domain for carbon-capture pipelines. The legislators said the Iowa House has passed legislation to limit carbon pipelines applying for the use of eminent domain unless they have 90 percent of impacted residents signed on, but it has not been discussed in the Senate.

At this point, the legislators feel the issue falls in the hands of the Iowa Utilities Board and Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The full legislative roundtable can be viewed on the Woodbury County Iowa YouTube page.
SAN FRANCISCO  Two trailblazing ride-hailing services are heading toward uncharted territory as they seek regulatory approval to transport passengers around the clock throughout one of the most densely populated U.S. cities in vehicles that will have no one sitting in the drivers seat.

If Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, and Waymo, a spinoff from Google, reach their goal before year's end, San Francisco would become the first U.S. city with two driverless services competing against Uber, Lyft and traditional taxis  all of which depend on people to control the automobiles.

But Cruise and Waymo still must navigate around potential roadblocks, including complaints about their vehicles making unexpected, traffic-clogging stops that threaten to inconvenience other travelers and imperil public safety.

Cruise already has been charging people for driverless rides in less congested parts of San Francisco during night-time hours since last June. Waymo has been giving free driverless rides in a broader swath of the city while awaiting clearance to begin charging passengers in robotic vehicles that Google secretly began working on 14 years ago.

The effort to unleash dueling driverless services throughout San Francisco is shaping up to be just the first step in a far more ambitious expansion centered in California  a state where more than 35 million vehicles driven by humans are currently registered.

Cruise recently applied for permission to begin testing its robotic vehicles throughout California at speeds of up to 55 mph  25 mph above the maximum speed for its robotaxis in San Francisco. Waymo is already testing its driverless cars in Los Angeles, the second largest city in the U.S.

The California push comes on top of Cruise starting to test its robotaxis in Austin, Texas, as well as Phoenix, where since 2020 Waymo's driverless ride-hailing service has been carrying passengers on Arizona roads that are far less congested and challenging than the streets of San Francisco.

We still have work to do, but its improving at a pretty rapid rate, Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt told The Associated Press. As it gets fine-tuned, it will get really elegant over time, but also the safety continues to improve.

Saswat Panigrahi, Waymos chief product officer, expects the companys past experience to pay off as it transplants what it has learned from operating a driverless ride-hailing service in Phoenix to more heavily trafficked cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The uncertainty is definitely now far lower, having operated a fully autonomous service with real riders," Panigrahi said.

Both Cruise and Waymo recently announced their driverless fleets have covered more than 1 million miles each without a major crash. But their robotaxis also have experienced nagging problems in San Francisco that have caused traffic headaches and other nuisances that threaten to inconvenience people or, worse, block emergency vehicles rushing to a fire or other urgent calls for help.

The expected things are easy, but its the unexpected things that humans react to in real time that are a concern, said transportation expert Nico Larco, who is director of the Urbanism Next Center at the University of Oregon. "Best case, it will just cause confusion, havoc, congestion if the cars stop in the middle of the road. But the worst cases could actually be harmful to someone.

A pair of Associated Press reporters witnessed the potential problems firsthand in mid-February after a Waymo vehicle safely transported them on a trip through San Francisco that required navigating hilly terrain, turning in rush-hour traffic and yielding to pedestrians darting out into the crosswalks.

During one ride, the robotaxi stopped in the middle of the street after the AP reporters got out, and remained there for several minutes while a line of human-operated cars stacked up behind it. It turned out that a back door on the drivers side hadnt completely closed.

In another glitch involving Cruise last September, an AP reporter took a roughly 5-mile ride in a robotaxi nicknamed Peaches, which repeatedly bypassed the designated destination. The reporter finally had to use the Cruise app to contact a dispatcher in a remote center so the car could be stopped  in the middle of the street.

Vogt noted that a number of improvements have been made since then, and indeed two different Cruise robotaxis  one named Cherry and the other named Hollandaise  dropped off the same reporter and his colleague at their designated designations on a follow-up trip, although Cherry stopped at a bus stop that briefly prevented the arrival of an oncoming bus.

Broader concerns about robotaxis operating in ways that cause headaches for the people outside the vehicle were raised in a cautionary letter sent to California regulators in January by the San Francisco County Transportation Authority.

The letter cited at least 92 reported incidents of Cruise robotaxis making sudden stops in the street through Dec. 31. At least three of the incidents blocked the right of ways for public transportation for periods ranging from nine to 18 minutes.

Within the past year, driverless Cruise vehicles have also obstructed firefighters rushing to a three-alarm fire and/or illegally entered into areas where there were ongoing efforts to douse a fire, according to the authority, which is asking regulators to hold off on unleashing robotaxis throughout San Francisco at all hours until there is more information about why and how often the cars clog traffic.

Cities with the highest rate of motor vehicle fatalities Cities with the highest rate of motor vehicle fatalities #50. Oklahoma City #49. Salt Lake City #48. Wichita, Kansas #47. Newport News, Virginia #46. St. Petersburg, Florida #45. Miami #44. Montgomery, Alabama #43. Huntsville, Alabama #42. Toledo, Ohio #41. New Orleans #40. Phoenix #39. Bakersfield, California #38. Fresno, California #37. Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government, Georgia #36. Tulsa, Oklahoma #35. Fayetteville, North Carolina #34. Milwaukee #33. Akron, Ohio #32. Hollywood, Florida #31. Mobile, Alabama #30. Kansas City, Kansas #29. Indianapolis #28. Nashville-Davidson metro, Tennessee #27. Orlando, Florida #26. Tampa, Florida #25. Knoxville, Tennessee #24. Atlanta #23. Dallas #22. Shreveport, Louisiana #21. Springfield, Missouri #20. Palmdale, California #19. Kansas City, Missouri #18. Lancaster, California #17. Louisville-Jefferson County metro, Kentucky #16. Chattanooga, Tennessee #15. Fort Lauderdale, Florida #14. Albuquerque, New Mexico #13. Macon-Bibb County, Georgia #12. Glendale, Arizona #11. Jacksonville, Florida #10. Cleveland #9. San Bernardino, California #8. Birmingham, Alabama #7. Little Rock, Arkansas #6. Tucson, Arizona #5. Baton Rouge, Louisiana #4. St. Louis #3. Detroit #2. Jackson, Mississippi #1. Memphis, Tennessee
SIOUX CITY  On this weeks edition of the On Iowa Politics podcast: public assistance gets a public hearing, a sweeping education bill takes another key legislative step, property tax assessments, and trash talk.

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to re-create the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day's deadlines have been met.

This weeks show is hosted by The Gazettes Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

The show was produced by Stephen M. Colbert, and the music heard on the podcast is courtesy of Dead Larry and Copperhead.
GIBBON  In Tuesday's bitter wind and cold, 10 shivering officials picked up golden shovels near the Platte River and broke ground for the $12.5 million expansion of the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary.

As if on cue, a few sandhill cranes cried in the background.

If we didnt have the Platte River, we wouldnt have the stars of the show, said Kristal Stoner, executive director of Audubon Great Plains, which includes Nebraska and the Dakotas. We have a growing chorus of people advocating for birds and the river.

Nearly 75 guests huddled close to Rowe's north wall, listening. Stoner added that central Nebraska's Platte River corridor is the only place in the world where more than 650,000 sandhill cranes gather in early spring. They feed here for six weeks before heading north to Alaska.

Like the cranes, people flock here in early spring, too. Since crane season started in mid-February, Rowe Sanctuary has seen visitors from 45 states and 30 countries, including Europe, Africa and the tip of South America.

When the National Audubon Society created Rowe Sanctuary in 1974, it was intended to be just a sanctuary, Bill Taddicken, director at Rowe, said. We didnt encourage people to come, but in the 1990s, we began to see ecotourism as a model. In 1997, 500 people came to see the cranes. This year, so far, its been 33,000, he said.

Now, Rowe needs to expand. By early May, work will begin on a $12.5 million expansion project, both inside and out. Taddicken hopes it is completed by the 2024 crane season.

Rowe Sanctuary, owned by the National Audubon Society, is located at 44490 Elm Island Road, between Gibbon and Kearney. In 2015, Audubon Nebraska began assessing Rowes future needs and developed a visionary, 50-year plan.

Plans include additions on both ends of the visitor center, a larger parking lot, a wetlands exploration deck along the Platte River and a new ADA-accessible path to a blind used by visitors during crane season.

The visitors center will get a new entry hall and renovations to the gift shop area, offices and restrooms, along with a new kitchen, an educational lab and a large pavilion.

A larger parking lot will be created directly south of the building so that vehicles headlights dont shine into birds roosting on the river at night.

In addition to the project here, the Audubon Society will break ground May 4 at Spring Creek Prairie, its 850-acre tallgrass prairie nature preserve near Denton. Work there will include repairs to the Creek Bridge, renovation of center trails and a new bridge.

Both the Rowe and Spring Creek projects are being funded by Elevate: The Campaign for Audubon Nebraska, a $34 million fundraising campaign that began in 2020.

Along with the $12.5 million in projects at Rowe, the Spring Creek Prairie project will cost $1.5 million. The Elevate campaign also calls for nearly $8 million for program support, including general operations and programming at Rowe.

Rowe Sanctuary was established in 1974, seven years after Lillian Annette Rowe left much of her estate to the National Audubon Society to establish a bird sanctuary anywhere in the United States. Rowe Sanctuary began with 440 acres and has since expanded to 2,900.

Photos: Majestic sandhill cranes in Nebraska Flying in a clear blue sky Pair of sandhill cranes at sunset near Gibbon, Nebraska Sandhill cranes on and above a field near Gibbon Sandhill cranes Cranes Cranes Sandhill cranes Cranes Cranes Cranes Sandhill cranes Sandhill cranes flying high Sandhill cranes Sandhill cranes Sandhill cranes Sandhill cranes Sandhill cranes The Nebraska Project cranes The Nebraska Project The Nebraska Project Sandhill Cranes Sandhill crane Sandhill cranes Sandhill cranes Rowe Bird Sancutary Cranes in January Cranes in January Cranes in January Sandhill cranes Sandhill cranes Sandhill cranes Sandhill cranes Sandhill cranes Sandhill cranes Cranes Sandhill cranes Cranes at sunset Cranes in the water Sandhill cranes at sunset Cranes fly in waves over trees at sunset Sandhill cranes begin to roost at sunset Sandhill cranes glide in for a landing to roost for the night Viewing sandhill cranes from Richard Plautz viewing site A sandhill crane flies above a field south of Gibbon Sandhill cranes silhouetted against the evening sky Sandhill cranes fly over a field Sandhill cranes flock near an irrigation pivot Sandhill cranes forage for food in a field A pair of sandhill cranes glide in a clear blue sky Sandhill cranes gather near farm machinery Sandhill cranes on the Platte River in Nebraska
2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #14

Posted on 8 April 2023 by John Hartz

Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Apr 2, 2023 thru Sat, Apr 8, 2023. A chronological listing of news articles posted on theduring the past week: Sun, Apr 2, 2023 thru Sat, Apr 8, 2023.

Story of the Week

Earth Could Warm 3 Degrees if Nations Keep Building Coal Plants, New Research Warns

Several nations plan to build new coal power plants, with China alone approving nearly 100 gigawatts. Each gigawatt is the equivalent of installing more than 3 million solar panels.

Earth is on track to significantly overshoot a critical global climate target, largely because not enough coal-fired power plants are being retired, researchers warned in two new reports. Some nations are even planning new coal projects despite promising two years ago to begin reducing their use of the worlds dirtiest fossil fuel.

In 2021, nearly 200 nations agreed for the first time to phase down unabated coal-fired power plants as part of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit average global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a more ambitious goal of staying below 1.5 degrees.

But a new peer-reviewed study, published by two Swedish universities in the journal Environmental Research Letters, found that current commitments by nations to wind down the use of coal-fired power arent enough to meet either of the Paris Agreements key targets. It says that the planet will likely warm upwards of 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century unless far more plants shut down over the next five years.

In fact, the worlds fleet of coal plants actually grew last year, according to a second report released Wednesday by Global Energy Monitor, which tracks energy projects around the world. That report found that coal capacity grew by 19.5 gigawatts in 2022enough to power roughly 15 million homesmostly because of new plants built by China and India. While the United States retired a record 13.5 gigawatts of coal power last year, China added 26.8 gigawatts and India added 3.5 gigawatts, with both countries planning to build more new plants this year.

China alone has approved nearly 100 gigawatts of additional coal power plants, an astonishing number in light of the most recent climate report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which warned that the next seven years may be humanitys last chance to rapidly wind down fossil fuel use in order to stave off runaway global warming. Each gigawatt is the equivalent of installing more than 3 million solar panels or over 330 utility-scale wind turbines, says the U.S. Department of Energy.

Click here to access the entire article as originally posted on the Inside Climate News website.

Earth Could Warm 3 Degrees if Nations Keep Building Coal Plants, New Research Warns by Kristoffer Tigue, Today's Climate, Inside Climate News, Apr 7, 2023

Links posted on Facebook

Sun, Apr 2, 2023

Mon, Apr 3, 2023

Tue, Apr 4, 2023

Wed, Apr 5, 2023

Thu, Apr 6, 2023

Fri, Apr 7, 2023

Sat, Apr 8, 2023
Along with Easter comes a barrage of Easter candy, perhaps none as much a pop-culture curiosity as Peeps. In a 2004 Explainer, Rachel Deahl researched Peeps ties to Easter and our fascination with the confection. The article is printed below.



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This Easter Americans will consume an estimated 700 million Marshmallow Peeps. Some will also be consumed by themfanatics maintain Web sites featuring everything from Peep erotica, dubbed Peep Smut, to an inventive online movie called Lord of the Peeps, and each year at least a few newspapers print odes to the candy. But for all the fascination with Peeps, its never been clear why the sugary treats are associated with Easter. The marshmallow rabbits represent the Easter Bunny, but what do marshmallow chicks have to do with the resurrection of Christ?

As it turns out, chicks have little to do with Jesus and a lot to do with spring. In 1917, Sam Born, a Russian immigrant, opened a small candy shop in New York City that sold chocolates and other confections. When the company grew, Born relocated it to Bethlehem, Pa., and named it Just Born, after a slogan hed coined to advertise the freshness of his wares. Then, in 1953, Just Born bought a local Pennsylvania confectioner called the Rodda Candy Company.

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Although Just Born acquired Rodda for its jelly-bean-making capabilities, the Born family was fascinated with the three-dimensional marshmallow Easter chicks, called Peeps, that Rodda was also making at the time. Lauren Easterly, the Peeps brand manager at Just Born, said that a group of women at Rodda made Peeps by hand in the back of the factory. In 1953, it took Rodda 27 hours to make one Peep. Just Born mechanized Peep production and was able to bring the confection to consumers on a mass scale by 1954.

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No one at Just Born could explain why the Rodda Candy Company thought yellow chicks made for appropriate Easter candies. Company spokesmen also couldnt confirm whether Rodda was making marshmallow confections in other shapes in 1953, although Rodda did manufacture marshmallow eggs at one point. Whatever shapes Rodda was making, however, Just Born zeroed in on the chick; the company didnt start distributing the marshmallow candy in other shapes (such as bunnies) until the 1960s.

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Candy historians speculate that the Peeps link to Easter has more to do with the pagan origins of the holiday than its Christian roots. Eggs, and consequently chicks, are a long-standing symbol of fertility and rebirth, an appropriate image for a holiday that celebrates the coming of spring. Originally part of a pagan fertility ritual symbolizing new life, the egg became incorporated into Easter as pagan rites were absorbed into Christianity with the Christianization of Central Europe.

That the Rodda Candy Company was based in Pennsylvania is also of note because German immigrants, many of whom settled in the state, are largely credited with popularizing the Easter Bunny tradition in America. Eastre was a Teutonic goddess of the dawn who was able to change a bird into a rabbit, a creature known for its fertility. In the 19th century, Germans gave a related gift during the Easter season: a basket of eggs with figures of bunnies placed in it. The Easter basket, and the Easter Bunny, really became popular in this country following the Civil War, and as one candy historian noted, it would have required no great leap of imagination for Rodda (or earlier candy makers) to place a few chicks among the eggs.

Next question?

Explainer thanks Anthony Aveni of Colgate Univeristy, Beth Kimmerle, and Tim Richardson.
All eyes in the fight over reproductive rights and justice have been focused on a federal judge in Amarillo, Texas. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk will soon decide a case involving the first drug in a medication abortion, mifepristone. Though the case makes wholly unpersuasive arguments, undermined by the facts and the evidence, plaintiffs filed in this specific court because Kacsmaryk is one of the most conservative judges on the federal bench and has an explicit and documented animus toward abortion. The expectation is that he will do everything in his power to end medication abortion as we know it. Because states like Texas have already banned abortion (including medication abortion), the deep fear is that his ruling could affect abortion care even in states where it remains legal.

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But we would like to offer some clarification here. Because despite the barrage of predictions that this case could ban mifepristone and take it off the market, there are several basic legal principles suggesting that Judge Kacsmaryks power is limited and that a ruling for the plaintiffs will not necessarily change much at all with medication abortion.

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Some background first. Medication abortion typically occurs, in this country, with two different drugsmifepristone followed by misoprostol. From the most recent data, abortion pills account for roughly 53 percent of abortions in this country, and given that this data is a few years old now, its probably much higher. Many people prefer medication abortion for a variety of reasons: It allows people to have an abortion in the privacy of their homes and it is available by telehealth, which is usually cheaper than an abortion at a brick-and-mortar clinic.

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Because of the increasing importance of medication abortion in the face of all of the restrictions and bans following the Dobbs decision, an anti-abortion group filed this lawsuit challenging the Food and Drug Administrations 23-year-old approval of mifepristone. Essentially, the plaintiffs argue that the FDA acted improperly when it approved this drug in 2000. The case also challenges several subsequent reviews the FDA conducted of the drug, claiming that the agency ignored the evidence that mifepristone was too risky. As a result, the lawsuit asks the court to deem the FDAs approval of the drug unlawful.

To be clear, mifepristone is one of the most studied drugs in this country. The evidence shows that it is safer than penicillin, Viagra, and thousands of other drugs the FDA has approved. There is no evidence that the FDA acted improperly in approving mifepristone; FDA law scholars and government agencies, like the Government Accountability Office, agree. (If you want to read more about abortion pills, we have a forthcoming law review article available here that explains all you need to know.) So the medical basis for this argument is meritless.

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But even if Judge Kacsmaryk does exactly what the plaintiffs are asking of him, regardless of the faulty science, his legal power in this case is limited. First, as an amicus brief from FDA law scholars (including one of the authors of this piece) makes clear, Congress crafted procedures by statute for the FDA to use to withdraw approval of a drug. Judge Kacsmaryk cannot force the FDA to adopt another process to do the samedoing so would violate federal law. At best, he should only be able to order the agency to start the congressionally mandated process, which involves public hearings and new agency deliberations. This could take months or years, with no guarantee of the result.

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Second, even if Judge Kacsmaryk forgoes this process and rules that the FDAs approval was unlawful and that mifepristone is now deemed a drug without approval, he cannot force the FDA to enforce the decision. Because the FDA does not have the capacity to enforce its statute against every nonapproved product on the market, it has long been settled law, decided in a unanimous 1985 Supreme Court decision, that the agency has broad enforcement discretion, meaning the agency, not courts, gets to decide if and when to enforce the statute. The FDA has historically used a risk-based approach to prioritize its enforcement actions, focusing on the products with demonstrated safety concerns. Occasionally, the FDA will issue a guidance document giving some drug manufacturers safe harbor to violate the relevant statute in certain contexts, such as when the safety risk is low, which it has done with products as wide-ranging as infant formula and fecal transplants. It should decide to take a similar approach with mifepristone if the drugs approval is removed, given the drugs exemplary safety profile.

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Thus, even if Judge Kacsmaryk rules against the FDA, the manufacturers and distributors of mifepristone could, if the FDA chooses not to enforce its restrictions, continue to sell their product and would not have to remove it from the market. They would likely only feel comfortable doing so if the FDA issued guidance protecting them, but offering such guidance would be consistent with past agency policy.

Third, Judge Kacsmaryks order, no matter what it says, will only apply to the parties in the case. The FDA is one of the parties that would be bound by the order. The other is Danco, the brand-name manufacturer of mifepristone, which intervened in the case and is now also a party. But no other person or entity would be bound by what he orders, even if Judge Kacsmaryk tries something extreme, like ordering all distributors of mifepristone to cease distribution and all medical care providers to stop prescribing for patients. Doing so would violate basic federal rules of civil procedure as well as constitutional guarantees of due process that require someone to have notice and an opportunity to be heard before a court binds them with a ruling. Thus, neither GenBioPro, the generic manufacturer of mifepristone, nor abortion providers around the country who prescribe mifepristone would be bound by anything Judge Kacsmaryk orders. (Though, to be clear, this is not direct legal advice for any person or entity; everyone needs to consult their own attorney to assess their own risks in this new legal environment.)

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The same is true of any rulings on the law that Judge Kacsmaryk makes beyond his orders directed at the parties to the case. One of the claims in the case is that allowing mifepristone to be distributed by mail violates the Comstock Act, an 1873 lawa law that hasnt been enforced for almost a centurythat prohibits mailing anything that can cause an abortion. The Department of Justice has recently said this law has very limited effect because courts narrowed its meaning in the 1930s. Plaintiffs, however, have asked Judge Kacsmaryk to apply the law much more broadly.

If that happens, contrary to precedent and an almost century-long understanding of the law, any ruling he issues about mail would bind the FDA and Danco only. To everyone else, he is just one judge in one trial court. No one beyond the parties has to follow what he says about this archaic statute. Now, if and when Judge Kacsmaryks ruling gets appealed, appeals courts decisions on the law will have greater import. However, even their orders still bind only the parties to the case and should not limit the FDAs enforcement discretion.

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Judge Kacsmaryk is not all-powerful. Theres a huge amount of authority that the FDA will retain, and we should look to the agency to respond to the judges ruling in a way that does not interrupt mifepristone distribution.

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And we should also be careful and measured when we talk about this case. It is true that the case is outlandish, and worthy of our attention. But we can anticipate an anti-abortion ruling and prepare for the possible changes in medical care while simultaneously explaining that strong legal arguments grounded in court procedure and FDA law limit the courts authority. Most importantly, we need to be clear that, no matter what the judge rules, there are scenarios where mifepristone distribution can very likely continue, the same as before, and people who support abortion rights should work to bring those to fruition.
On Friday, District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who is among the most reactionary of former President Donald Trumps appointees, signaled a desire to conduct the judicial process around a momentous decision before him with the shades drawn. According to the Washington Post, Kacsmaryk scheduled for Wednesday a hearing on his case to decide the future of the abortion pill, but sought to delay putting it on his public calendar until Tuesday to avoid public attention and possible protest.

Transparency is among the most important features of our judiciary. Sunlight, Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis wrote before joining the court, is said to be the best disinfectant. Decades later, Chief Justice Warren Burger applied that principle to the courts: The crucial prophylactic aspects of the administration of justice cannot function in the dark.

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Dimmed light may be what Kacsmaryk prefers as he conducts his judicial process, but the outcome in this fraught actionwhich anti-abortion groups maneuvered into his courtroomwill not escape the peoples attention. The hyper-right Texas judge is expected to rule that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration improperly approved mifepristone, one of the pills in two-part medication abortions, a full 22 years ago. It has been safely used ever since.

Whats worse is that most observers think Kacsmaryk will issue an injunction halting the distribution of the drug, including in states where abortion is legal. That would exceed what the Supreme Court did in last Junes Dobbs decision, overturning Roe v. Wade but at least leaving womens reproductive rights intact in states that opt to respect them.

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The problem here goes beyond a single hearing, or even this single case. The real issue is systemic. Far-right groups have created a judicial pipeline to predictable triumph in one culture war battle after another: from Kacsmaryk in the plains of the Texas panhandle, to the hyperconservative U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, to the radically stacked majority on the Trump-packed U.S. Supreme Court. One Amarillo-based judge with carte blanche, virtually certain his extreme views will prevail on appeal, is apparently planning to curtail abortion access across the country.

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Whats happening is not mere judge-shopping, as many have called it. That term is traditionally used to describe an individuals search for a nearby court inclined to rule favorably.

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By contrast, here theres a coordinated national strategy, enabled by a district court federal bench, to bring right-wing legal causes into a single courtroom where a favorable result is a sure thing and where fair-minded appellate review has also been hijacked.

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Lets start with the local bench. In 1988, Congress left an easily closed loophole in the procedure for assigning cases to federal judges that made such gaming of the system possible. In July 2019, the judges of the Northern District of Texas took advantage of that loophole. They issued a special order funneling to Judge Kacsmaryk every case filed anywhere in the 25,914-square-mile area of the Amarillo Division in which he sits.

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Groups throughout the country sharing his religious-political ideology have found it easy to establish a plaintiffs residence within that sprawling 26-county region. Their goal is to ensure that test cases they design will land on his desk, even though the real forces behind the suit are national or global in reach.

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Consider the anti-abortion groups that brought this case to Kacsmaryk. They know he previously worked at the First Liberty Institute, a Christian conservative litigation operation that opposes womens reproductive freedom. Before Kacsmaryks appointment to the bench, he wrote that the erotic desires of liberated adults had taken priority over marriage and the unborn child.

And so national antireproductive rights organizations homed in on his judicial fiefdom. The complaint in the abortion pill case says that the named plaintiff, the Alliance of Hippocratic Medicineincorporated just months before filing suitis based near Amarillo. Rolling Stone reports that its mailing address is actually in Tennessee, but that is no impediment to gaining access to Kacsmaryks Texas courtroom due to the loophole that Congress left open and that conservatives are driving their truck through.

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Kacsmaryks views on abortion fit neatly into his right-wing political cosmology. Before this suit was filed, he held that the Affordable Care Acts prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex does not cover sexual orientation. That case was brought by lawyers for former Trump aide Stephen Millers America First Legal Foundation, a group based in Washington, D.C., that also found easy access to Kacsmaryk.

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He also vacated the Biden administrations protections for transgendered persons under Title VII. Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton brought that case in Amarillo, even though its 496 milesa seven-hour drivefrom Austin, where Paxtons main office is located. Never mind that theres a federal district court for the Western District of Texas in Austin.

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That so transparently unprincipled a course is being charted by the newly emboldened ideological juristocrats is a tragedy for human rightsas well as for the broad public respect essential to an independent judiciary and therefore to the rule of law. The nation could easily get stuck in the judicial trench the right wing is digging by way of a single courtroom.

Getting out will take persistent organizing effort within our political system. We need to elect a Congress that will exercise its authority to modify federal court jurisdiction. We need a Congress willing to pass a bill that says, No more single-judge district courts where parties on either side of the aisle can handpick extremist judges to manipulate national policy.

Given the extent to which its conservative forces are taking advantage of the loophole, any reform will require that Democrats win a trifecta in 2024election of a majority in both houses of Congress, including a Senate that is willing to reform the filibuster, and a president committed to the vision of a more perfect union of individual rights.

To be sure, pulling it off is a long shot. But its an imperative if we are to keep an ideological juristocracy from destroying our freedom.
Right now, the country is waiting for District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk to rule on a baseless case that attempts to challenge the use of mifepristone, one of two drugs used in medication abortions. The case goes after the Food and Drug Administrations approval of the drugwhich occurred more than two decades ago and was as rigorous as the process for many other drugsand because of that, there is a fear that if this district judge rules on the side of the plaintiffs, it could affect mifepristones availability nationwide. (There are arguments that it might not have to, but the situation is already absurd enough to warrant plenty of attention.)

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While we wait for the ruling, I decided to actually read the 113-page complaint filed by the anti-abortion group that calls itself, unscrupulously, Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine. You dont need to understand federal jurisprudence to grasp how preposterous the case is; it is apparent in the arguments offered by the plaintiffs themselves. Below are just a few of the egregious distortions contained in AHMs complaint, and Ive specifically chosen some that havent been reported on as much in the existing coverage of this case. I think its worthwhile for everyone to familiarize themselves with the way these plaintiffs are attempting to argue their way into controlling health care access for the whole country, which in fact overwhelmingly supports access to abortion care.

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As some legal context to start: Every lawsuit must include a description of whats called injury, defined as a harm suffered by those bringing the suit, due to some act or omission done by those the suit is brought against.

In the section delineating Injuries to Patients, paragraph 270 states:

As more women and girls require treatment in emergency departments, the other patients of the treating doctors are adversely affected. With the increase in women and girls suffering emergency complications from chemical abortion or seeking to reverse the effects of the chemical abortion regimen, there is a direct correlation in the decrease in time, attention, and resources that emergency department doctors have to treat their other patients.

First, note the use of the phrase chemical abortion, rather than medical abortion or medication abortion. Chemical abortion is used more than 200 times, throughout the complaint. This is purposeful and malicious, because it evokes the notions of being gassed or poisoned, which in turn evoke, paradoxically, a loss of agency and autonomy by the innocent, who are at the mercy of cold and evil monsters. Consider that most people who choose abortion are already parenting, and most people who have kids love them. The landmark Turnaway Study proved unequivocally that people who choose abortion do so after careful consideration of whats best for their existing and future children, and themselves, not because they are heartless killers.

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Back to the substantive point of this paragraph. A rigorous study found that only 0.3 percent of people using medication abortion experienced a major complication, so the assertion that the incidence of complications is high enough to widely impact the time, attention, and resources that emergency department doctors have to treat their other patients is ridiculous.

But before Roe guaranteed the national right to abortion care, the other patients of obstetricians and emergency department doctors were demonstrably affected by the incidence of women who had nearly killed themselves trying to abort a pregnancy. Nearly every big-city hospital had a septic abortion ward. Some of these women had attempted actual chemical abortionsinserting toxic fluids like drain cleaner, fertilizer, or motor oil into their uteruses, causing infection, damage to organs, and death.

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In the section titled Injuries to Plaintiff Doctors, paragraph 295 states:

Doctors, including Plaintiff doctors and the members of Plaintiff medical associations, experience enormous pressure, stress, and chaos in these emergency situations that the FDA created through its approval of chemical abortion drugs and elimination of necessary safeguards.

See the foregoing for why these emergency situations are simply not happening at a rate that can even bear such categorization; but an ER physicians actual, normal job is to manage the pressure and stress of dealing with peoples life-threatening situations. It does not make sense to assert as an injury to plaintiffs what is a routine and definitive aspect of their work.

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296. Some of these emergency situations force pro-life doctors, including Plaintiff doctors and the members of Plaintiff medical associations, into situations in which they feel complicit in an elective chemical abortion by needing to remove a baby with a beating heart or pregnancy tissue as the only means to save the life of the woman or girl. This feeling of complicity in the act of an elective chemical abortion causes great emotional suffering, mental anguish, and spiritual distress among these doctors.

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I cant dispute the anguish an anti-abortion doctor might feel if they encountered an incomplete abortion of a baby with a beating heart; however I can dispute the idea that this could ever happen, or that if it did, it wouldnt be an extraordinary sequence of events that would be tragic for all involved, and so exceptional as to never merit classification as a type of legal injury. I can also dispute the patriarchal, theocratic hierarchy of interests, which ranks the imputed value of the fetus above the value of the woman or girl. And I can dispute the unethical segregation of abortion from full-spectrum reproductive health care, which creates a medical establishment in which one can become an obstetrician or emergency physician without having to do some prefatory soul-searching regarding ones potential complicity. One should not enter a professional field if one does not feel that one can carry out the regular duties required by that vocation; pacifists shouldnt join the military, people who cant handle the sight of blood shouldnt become doctors, and doctors shouldnt be obstetricians, gynecologists, family medicine doctors, or emergency-medicine physicians if they are philosophically opposed to abortion, because elective abortion and miscarriage-management are going to be part of those realms of medicine no matter a doctors personal beliefs. The FDA is not causing that reality.

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Theres no such thing as the opportunity to provide pregnancy care, so its not a thing that can be lost. The doctor is there to serve the patient.

I can also raise the far more frequent incidence of powerlessness that many such doctors are feeling now, in the post-Roe era, when they cannot provide medically necessary lifesaving care because of the risk of prosecution. These doctors are complicit with unjust laws, and because pregnancy is far more complicated and dangerous than medication abortion, it is far more likely that a doctor would experience the anguish and distress of being forced to deny care to a patient because of the criminalization of abortion.

301. When their patients have chemical abortions, doctors lose the opportunity to provide professional services and care for the woman and child through pregnancy, which causes harms to providers who no longer can care for their patients and bring about a successful delivery of a new life.

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This one is, perhaps, the most outrageous of them all. Its such a distortion I dont think you could even call it a tautology. Theres no such thing as the opportunity to provide pregnancy care, so its not a thing that can be lost. The doctor is there to serve the patient. The patient does not have a duty of illness, injury, or condition, with respect to the doctor or the medical establishment. Either someone is pregnant and comes to a doctor for pregnancy care or an abortion, or someone isnt pregnant, and thus doesnt need pregnancy care or abortion. And I object to the manipulative invocation of new life. New life is great, its phenomenal, its mysterious and wonderful, and new life quickly becomes older life that can reproduce and therefore needs access to full-spectrum reproductive health care.

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308. The inability or refusal of a patient to disclose why she is presenting herself in the emergency department or what drugs she has received also impedes the ability of doctors, including Plaintiff doctors and the members of Plaintiff medical associations, to practice medicine and provide proper treatment to these patients.

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The inability or refusal of a patient to disclose why they are presenting themselves in the emergency department with complications due to an abortion is a direct result of an incessant campaign of shame, stigma, misinformation, and criminalization perpetrated by people who want to control the bodies of women, girls, and people who can become pregnant. Its an injury to the people who now (reasonably) feel the need to hide their actions, not plaintiff doctors attempting to treat them.

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309. The lack of accurate information on adverse events also harms the doctor-patient relationship with all medical care providers because the patients no longer trust that their health care providers are telling them the truth. This harms even doctors who do not support or practice chemical abortions, such as the members of the [American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists].

The lack of accurate information on adverse events does harm the doctor-patient relationship, but again, this is an injury to patients, not doctorsbecause patients are routinely provided false information about abortion in states where abortion is restricted.

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312. Doctors, such as [Plaintiff doctors] Dr. Jester and Dr. Delgado, serve patients as professional health care providers. They provide care to all women and unborn children, and they give them the best professional services possible. Just like all other health care providers, a hospital or practice will bill for the costs of medical services rendered. When their patients have chemical abortions, they lose the opportunity to provide professional medical care for the woman and child through pregnancy and bring about a successful delivery of a new life.

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Is this one actually claiming, with that enraging invocation of new life again, and even some unborn children thrown in, that because plaintiff doctors are, in theory, losing money when people choose not to continue a pregnancy, that is an injury at law? Because theres some law that doctors can expect to make a certain amount of money off of pregnancy, that depends on peoples not choosing abortion? And this is an injury caused by the FDA?

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In the Need for Judicial Relief section, plaintiffs state that Defendants would suffer no harm from the relief requested, and the relief requested would serve the public interest.

The relief requested would not serve the public interest; the relief requested could take mifepristone off the market, restricting access to abortion even more than it is already, even in states with liberal abortion laws, like California and New York. The relief requested would serve the interests of a few far-right conservatives.

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Also, the FDA (defendants in this case) would suffer harm from the relief requested, because this is an unprecedented breach of the FDAs regulatory authority. If Kacsmaryk enjoins the distribution of mifepristone, yes, people will still be able to have misoprostol-only medication abortions (for now); yes, the FDA can re-approve mifepristone or allow its use anyway; and yes, some other forum-shopped liberal judge can rule on a purposefully brought oppositional case, to force SCOTUS to intervene, even before the conservative 5th Circuit denies an appeal. But an extremely damaging precedent will have been set, one that could impact any other drug that might become a target of political interferencelike hormone therapy for transgender patients.

Under Claims for Relief, the plaintiffs state that Pregnancy is neither serious nor life-threatening, as those terms are understood in Subpart H.

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Say it with me: Pregnancy is 14 times more dangerous than abortion, and the maternal mortality rate in the United States is almost three times higher than that in other high-income countries; for Black women, its three times higher than for white women.

Moreover, this one is an especially heartbreaking and infuriating lie, because laws that restrict abortion make pregnancy even more serious and life-threatening.

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Also, come on, pregnancy isnt serious? Pregnancy is serious, whether you want to be pregnant or not, and regardless of Subpart H.

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Also under Claims for Relief: Chemical abortion does not provide a meaningful therapeutic benefit to patients over existing treatments. 

Over the 23 years that the mifepristone-misoprostol regimen has been legal in the U.S., weve seen a steady increase in the use of medication abortion over procedural abortion. Even when medication abortion used to be more expensive than procedural abortion, people often chose medication abortion because they wanted the convenience and control of having the abortion on their own time, in their own space, and/or with their own support people around them. Mifepristone has been used in almost 4 million abortions since the year 2000, and has proved safer than Tylenol or Viagra.

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At this point, abortion should be legal if only because this is a democracy and the people want it to be legal. Even in very red states, most people want abortion to be legal; that extremist legislators continue to force through bills that restrict access to abortion is a clear sign they dont actually care about what their constituents want. This challenge to mifepristone is an attempt at a backdoor nationwide ban on abortion, but its also, and more importantly, a flagrant challenge to the structure of our democracy.

But further, I must make the strong and righteous assertion of the reproductive justice and reproductive freedom movements, that we cannot and must not depend on government or the medical establishment to protect or enable our inherent human rights. Safe, self-managed abortion is the inalienable right of anyone who can become pregnant, regardless of what nation seeks to claim or control their body, and the ability to provide appropriate patient care is a requirement for any physician that must not be interfered with or politicized. Any attempt to use the law to constrain those rights must be diligently called out and forcefully resisted.
At Wednesdays hearing over the fate of mifepristone, conservative lawyers repeatedly insisted that the FDA wrongly greenlighted the abortion medication in 2000 through an accelerated approval process. Judge Matthew Kacsmarykthe far-right Trump nominee whom the plaintiffs hand-picked to oversee the caseevidently agreed: According to reports from the courtroom in Amarillo, Texas, Kacsmaryk continually pressed government lawyers to defend the FDAs accelerated approval of mifepristone nearly 23 years ago. In doing so, he implied that the agencys allegedly rushed decision might justify pulling the drug from the market today.

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This entire argument is built upon a lie. The FDA did not fast-track mifepristone in 2000. Rather, the agency took more than four years to greenlight the drug, doing so only after extensive (and arguably superfluous) examination of its (very minor) risks. When the FDA did finally approve the use of mifepristone, after an unusually thorough review, however, it imposed heightened restrictions on its distribution. It was these extra barriers to mifepristone access that were set up through a process known as accelerated approval. The plaintiffs here exploit confusion about these procedural details to peddle the false narrative that the agency recklessly hastened review of mifepristone. It is an extremely ominous sign that Kacsmaryk appeared to agree with their false history.

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These plaintiffs, a group of anti-abortion doctors represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, did not have to work very hard to devise this story: A great deal of media coverage, and even some medical literature, states in passing that mifepristone received accelerated approval because it was ultimately greenlighted under an FDA regulation called Subpart H. The confusion arises from a misunderstanding about how, exactly, the FDA relied on this regulation back in 2000. It is worth recounting the actual events that led up to that point.

In 1996 mifepristones sponsor, an organization called the Population Council, submitted an application for the drug to the FDA. The agency spent the next four years soliciting voluminous amounts of data, including multiple clinical studies, from the sponsor. (Ironically, you can find all this information in a 505-page appendix submitted by Alliance Defending Freedom, much of which contradicts the groups own legal and factual claims.) Eventually, Population Councils data convinced the FDA that mifepristone was both safe and effective enough for use through 49 days gestation. After completing review of all data, including clinical trials, the FDA issued an approval letter in the ordinary manner. In keeping with its ultra-cautious approach to the drug, though, the agency decided to continue studying the drug post-approval and to enact additional burdens on its distribution. Only then was Subpart H invokedat the time, federal law allowed the FDA to impose these rules through Subpart H.

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It is true that Subpart H regulations are commonly referred to as accelerated approval. It is also true that the FDA often used this process to fast-track drugs for HIV, cancer, and other lethal conditions in desperate need of new treatments. But it is not true that Subpart H existed only to expedite review. This regulation had another purpose: It allowed the FDA to approve a new drug conditionally, set up extra roadblocks around its use, and monitor its impact to ensure safety and efficacy. Indeed, when the agency proposed Subpart H in 1992, some commentators urged it to call the regulation conditional approval instead of accelerated approval, as the latter term wrongly suggests that all drugs greenlighted under Subpart H were fast-tracked.

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When the FDA approved mifepristone on Sept. 28, 2000, then, it invoked Subpart H not to justify a rushed approval process but to justify various restrictions on its dispensation. For instance, the agency required the drug to be dispensed in person by physicians with specific expertise (including the ability to accurately date pregnancies and diagnose ectopic pregnancies). It also mandated strict shipping and tracking requirements; compelled the creation of a complex, closely monitored distribution system; and required providers to report serious adverse reactions. Moreover, the FDA ordered the sponsor to conduct and submit additional studies of the medication post-approval. This was why the FDA invoked Subpart H, not because of any expedited approval, as Judge Kacsmaryk seems inclined to believe.

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In the years since, the agency has scrapped some of these requirements, finding them to be pointlessly burdensome. It has also increased the gestational limit from 49 days to 10 weeks, with some providers prescribing it off-label up to 12 weeks (as endorsed by the World Health Organization). After all, mifepristone is safer than Tylenol and Viagra, carrying an astoundingly low risk of death or serious complications. It is also exponentially safer than childbirth. (Just this week, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that maternal death rates in the United States had hit a 56-year high in 2021 with a number that is by far the worst of any peer nation.) More than two decades of real-world data confirm that the FDA was right to approve the drug but wrong to saddle it with so many layers of gratuitous regulations through the use of Subpart H.

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And yet, during Wednesdays hearing, Kacsmaryk reportedly ignored this evidence and fixated on the plaintiffs false claim that mifepristones review had been accelerated. CNN reported that Kacsmaryk grilled government lawyers about the drugs alleged accelerated approval with evident skepticism. At one point, he pulled out a list of other drugs, like HIV and cancer treatments, that the FDA had approved through an accelerated process. As CNNs Tierney Sneed noted, the judge then asked how mifepristone fit on that list, as if to demonstrate that it had been improperly expedited.

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None of this should come as a surprise. Before joining the bench, Kacsmaryk was a culture war lawyer who fought against access to abortion, contraception, and LGBTQ rights. He recently limited the ability of Texas minors to obtain birth control and authorized anti-LGBTQ discrimination in employment, health care, and education, in defiance of Supreme Court precedent. Before that, he seized control of border policy from Joe Biden, ordering U.S. diplomats to beg Mexican officials to hold Central American migrants on their side of the border. He is a shameless partisan, so its predictable he would support what amounts to a conspiracy theory about mifepristones approval in 2000. In a sense, Kacsmaryk is taking his cues from the Supreme Court itself, which recently ignored the facts of a case to rationalize an assault on the separation of church and state.

As my colleague Susan Matthews wrote, this case is fundamentally about who has power in America today. But it is also about a courts power to transform fiction into truth. If Kacsmaryk rewrites the history of mifepristones approval as grounds to pull it from the market, his decision should command no respect or acquiescence from anyonenot the FDA, not abortion providers, and certainly not the public at large.
Nestled in ProPublicas investigation of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas undisclosed all-expenses paid vacations, there is a custom portrait featuring Thomas alongside Republican billionaire Harlan Crow and other conservative operatives. The entire scene is truly something else. We were so fascinated with it, we asked an art historian to help us unpack it.

In said portrait, commissioned by Crow and painted by Sharif Tarabay, Thomas is lounging outside, sitting back on a wooden rocker, cigar in hand, surrounded by Crow and others. A statue of a Native American man with its arms outstretched sits behind the five men. The portrait captures a scene from about five years ago during a trip at Camp Topridge, a 105-acre remote enclave of the Adirondacks in upstate New York, owned by Crow.

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I spoke with Heather Diack, associate professor of contemporary art and the history of photography at the University of Miami, about what she sees in this painting. Shes also written multiple books analyzing the relationship of art and photography.

Heres our conversation, lightly edited and condensed for clarity:

Shirin Ali: What was your immediate reaction when you saw Tarabays painting of Thomas and Crow?

Heather Diack: The casualness of the pose, the way the group is sitting around, the way Clarence Thomas and Harlan Crow are holding their cigars, its like Thomas is holding court in this setting. Another aspect thats really glaring to me is the statue of the bare-chested Native American man with his arms outstretched, above and behind the group with the backdrop of the forest. It looks as though this figure is consecrating their conversation in some way, which to me is incredibly disturbing. I think that Indigenous groups in this country would be very offended by that, and that the sculpture is being used as a sort of token artifact here. Its stoniness, its silence in the background there, makes it seem like the power and money these people have is like a natural sequence of events, rather than the self-interested, capitalist exploitation that it is.

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What do you think Tarabay was trying to communicate with this portrait?

Im not sure if it was based initially on an actual photograph, and then other details were added. However, I think there is some imagination at play, but also that this artist made really deliberate decisions to try to convey a particular political ideology and say things about the wealth and affiliation and power of the people that theyre painting.

Is there something to be said about the fact that this Republican megadonor commissioned artwork that features a Supreme Court justice who is also widely known to be a staunch conservative?

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Oh, 100 percent. It is a distinctly political statement, however kitschy the painting appears, however casual their poses appear. This is definitely not simply about art. The actual scene in the painting is really telling in that it tries to establish the people pictured, their relationship to one another, and this kind of gathering of power between money and the court. And this connection to the historic past by reference to the Native American sculpture, as though this is natural, this is a manifest destiny of conservative politics here.

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Some of us here were discussing the painting, and it reminded us of Jon McNaughtons works. Hes painted countless portraits of Trump, including a version of Mount Rushmore that includes Trumps face. What do you make of his paintings?

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Its hard not to see it as a caricature, even though I realize that this artist is actually quite sincere about his message. It reminded me a lot of socialist realist propaganda paintings under Josef Stalin. Its painted in a way that is hyperrealist, but also idealist, insofar as the realism theyre trying to portray is really about their ideology. So McNaughtons ideology, I think, is very clear, him being quite a right-wing conservative. Its really glaring. If you look back at paintings that were done under Stalins regime, they really imitate that style.

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Are there any obvious influences traceable in both Tarabays and McNaughtons artwork?

I gather from Tarabays website and information about him on the web that hes influenced by Norman Rockwell. And the thing that struck me was Rockwells politics were very different. For example, Rockwells Four Freedoms paintings from 1943 were inspired by President Franklin Roosevelts address to Congresswhich actually have become a new subject in contemporary art, with the group Four Freedoms Coalition. I find the connection to Rockwell really disturbing, actually.

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I think theres a conservative penchant towards realist painting. Theres been an aversion to abstract art, and they want to make artwork that they believe is more easily readable. Yet, even though its painted in a realist style, thats not to say the scene pictures or the values conveyed by it are real or the truth. Even though I think that is partly what the artists want to be there.

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What do you think is behind that penchant for realist painting?

I think theres a perception that that kind of realist work, however caricature-ish it is, has more of a popular appeal, that it is more easily read quickly. Its a much more immediate image that you dont necessarily need to have any kind of art historical background. And again, I think that that actually is a bit of a misconception, too. Because the reference I mentioned to socialist realist paintings in the former Soviet Union is actually very glaring, if you do know something about art history.
On Friday evening, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of Texas issued an unprecedented decision withdrawing the FDAs approval of mifepristone, the first drug used in medication abortion, 23 years after it was first approved. His order, which applies nationwide, marks the first time in history that a court has claimed the authority to single-handedly pull a drug from the market, a power that courts do not, in fact, have. Kacsmaryks ruling is indefensible from top to bottom and will go down in history as one of the judiciarys most shocking and lawless moments. It goes even further than expected, raising the possibility that he will impose fetal personhood, which holds that every state must ban abortion because it murders a human. Within an hour of its release, the decision also spurred the start of a constitutional crisis: A federal judge in Washington swiftly issued a dueling injunction compelling the FDA to continue allowing mifepristone in 17 states and District of Columbia, which brought a separate suit in Washington.

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Kacsmaryk stayed his decision for one week to let the Biden administration appeal, but his ruling stands a good chance of being upheld at the radically conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. If his order takes effect, the FDA will be faced with competing, mutually exclusive court orders requiring the agency to simultaneously suspend mifepristone nationwide and preserve access to the drug in 18 blue jurisdictions. The agency cannot comply with both orders at once. And because Kacsmaryks is broader, covering all 50 states, it guarantees that mifepristone will be suspended in much of the country. Only the Supreme Court can resolve this looming crisis, and it has a very limited window of time in which to do so. It has been less than a year since the court claimed to rid itself of the abortion issue. Now it must decide whether American patients will lose access to an abortion drug that has been on the market for 23 years and proven safer than Tylenolon the order of a single, rogue judge.

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It is probably impossible to count how many errors, exaggerations, and lies Kacsmaryk, a Donald Trump appointee, put in his decision. The judge appears to have largely copied and pasted the briefs filed by the anti-abortion group that filed the suit, the Alliance Defending Freedom, rephrasing their arguments as his own analysis. (This was predictableKacsmaryk himself is a staunch anti-abortion activistand might be why ADF handpicked him specifically to hear the case for them.) His decision repeats the ridiculous and objectively false conspiracy theory about mifepristonethat the FDA illegally rushed its approval in 2000 at the behest of former President Bill Clinton, the pharmaceutical industry, and population control advocates. Kacsmaryk flyspecked the FDAs assessment of the drug, concluding that its studies were insufficient and that the agency acquiesced to the pressure to increase access to chemical abortion at the expense of womens safety. And he claimed that he had authority to revisit an FDA approval that occurred 23 years ago because the agency happens to have changed rules around the dispensation of the drug several times since.

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This is all completely absurd, an outrageous abuse of power that no judge has ever even attempted before. Challenges to agency actions have a six-year statute of limitations. That means plaintiffs get a full six years to file a lawsuit, after which point theyve waited too long. It has, just to reiterate, been more than two decades since the FDA approved mifepristone. Kascmaryk ignored that limitation in his quest to block the drug because, he insisted, the agency hadnt responded quickly enough to citizen petitions opposing the drug. That is not the law.

His entire theory of standing is also offensively nonsensical. Kascmaryk said physicians who may treat patients who have side effects from medical abortions prescribed by someone else are sufficiently injured by mifepristone to sue. But time and again, the Supreme Court has said that a plaintiff must have a particularized and concrete injury to obtain standing. A doctor cant sue the government for approving a drug that they claim harms somebody else; otherwise, every doctor could file an endless stream of lawsuits against every drug approval of all time. Kacsmaryks logic would essentially abolish the standing requirement for lawsuits against drug approvals by creating a special exception out of thin air. That is not the law.

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If anyone could sue here, it would be women who took mifepristonebut they are absent. Why? Kacsmaryk speculated: Women who have aborted a childespecially through chemical abortion drugs that necessitate the woman seeing her aborted child once it passes  often experience shame, regret, anxiety, depression, drug abuse, and suicidal thoughts because of the abortion. These womens abortion were so deeply traumatizing that they simply couldnt file a suit, forcing doctors to, instead. No party put forward any evidence of this claim; Kacsmaryk just drew it from a handful of anti-abortion propaganda tracts. That is not the law.

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From start to finish, Kacsmaryks opinion reads like a screed penned by an anti-abortion activistbecause it largely is. At one point, he deemed fetuses to arguably be people who are killed by mifepristone, seeking to establish the fetal personhood that has always been the end goal of the movement. For support, he cited a brief by anti-abortion advocate Robert P. George asserting that the Constitution compels every state to outlaw abortion. Kacsmaryk also repeatedly drew from notoriously untrustworthy anti-abortion activists work to support major premises of his opinion. For instance, Kacsmaryk wrote that many women are uninformed that they may face torturous side effects before and after expelling the aborted human.

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These assertionsthe likelihood of awful side effects and the lack of information about themare just untrue; medication abortion is extraordinarily safe, and patients cannot access it without onerous restrictions that include major warnings about (rare) side effects. So where did Kacsmaryk get this idea from? Tessa Longbons, a research assistant at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, a pro-life advocacy group that tries to build up scientific scaffolding under anti-abortion lies. To give one example: The Lozier Institute rejects the fact that some fetuses are, tragically, incompatible with life and will not survive beyond birth, if they even get that far. It argues that women should be forced to carry a fetus to term even if has a lethal condition that will ensure its own demise and potentially endanger the mother. This is one of Kacsmaryks leading authorities. (No surprise there: In footnote one, he declares hell use the phrase unborn human instead of fetus, claiming the later term is unscientific.)

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Theres more: Kacsmaryk didnt just revoke the 2000 approval, he overturned multiple changes to mifepristone access since, including those that reduced barriers to the drug and one that allowed it to be prescribed through the mail. The judge declared that mailing any abortion drug is a federal crime under the Comstock Act, not only prohibiting mail-order mifepristone but raising the possibility that any provider who mails mifepristoneor misoprostol, which is used with mifepristone but can work on its owncould be prosecuted and incarcerated. The Comstock Act is an unenforced 19th century law designed to censor the U.S. mail that bans, as Kacsmaryk cited approvingly, the mailing of [e]very obscene, lewd, lascivious, indecent, filthy or vile article, matter, thing, device, or substance. It has long been read to allow actual, legal medication to be mailed even if it terminates a pregnancy. Kacsmaryks new interpretation would threaten the nationwide transport of mifepristone even if a higher court overturns his suspension of the 2000 approval.

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In truth, the reasoning goes beyond that. Through the combination of Comstock Act enforcement and fetal personhood, Kacsmaryk is laying the groundwork for a federal ban on abortion imposed through the courts. He knows such a ban could never be enacted through the democratic process. So he is apparently intent on delivering it through the judiciary, instead.

Just after Kacsmaryk dropped this bomb, Judge Thomas O. Rice, a Barack Obama appointee in Washington State, issued a clashing decision ordering the FDA to continue providing mifepristone in the 18 jurisdictions that brought the lawsuit. Rice concluded that the FDAs current restrictions on accessibility of the drug go too far, which, from a scientific standpoint, is obviously correct: The remaining obstacles, mainly complex certification requirements for pharmacies, serve zero medical benefit to doctors or patients. The Biden administration will probably appeal both orders, but on different timelines: Kacsmaryks decision would radically alter the status quo while Rices would maintain it. So while the administration must appeal it to the 5th Circuit, it can also leapfrog over the extremely conservative court and ask SCOTUS for an immediate emergency stay to resolve the conflict between the Washington ruling and the Texas one while awaiting a 5th Circuit decision. That is obviously the correct course of action here, because the 5th Circuit will almost certainly drag this out and ultimately side with Kacsmaryk.

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What will the Supreme Court do? Most obviously, it has to act quickly. There are two imminent crises afoot: First, Sen. Ron Wyden has already urged the FDA to ignore the decision, and more Democrats will soon join him. Wyden is right: Kacsmaryk does not have the power to force the FDA to stay mifepristone or remove it from the market in any other way. That would be quite literally against the law. But a department of the executive branch ignoring a court order would be a very dramatic escalation between two branches of government that SCOTUS will want to avoid. Second, the threat of competing and contradictory court orders should spur the justices to act quickly so the executive branch need not be forced into a situation where it is breaking the law.

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The case is a test of the Supreme Courts promise, when overturning Roe v. Wade, to treat abortion like any other subject and leave the issue to the people and their representatives rather than unelected judges. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in particular, swore he would chart a sensible course forward, refusing to let either side of the abortion debate manipulate the courts to achieve their agenda. But thats exactly what ADF and Kacsmaryk are doing here, and anyone who is not profoundly biased against reproductive rights can see it plain and simple. Chief Justice John Roberts will likely not buy what Kacsmaryk is selling, and even Justice Amy Coney Barrett may realize how dangerous, lawless, and unprecedented this decision is.

Both the Texas and Washington cases will eventually pass through SCOTUS. They give the majority an opportunity to strike a dose of evenhandedness by overturning both decisionsa settlement abortion advocates should take, since it would preserve the status quo in effect right now. This is a moment of truth for the justices, like Kavanaugh and Barrett, who avowed that their opposition to Roe was rooted in constitutional principles rather than religious belief. If they do not put a stop to Kacsmaryks madness, they will show the country that their goal is not to leave abortion up to the democratic process, but to use every tool in their power to outlaw abortion in every state.
Just shy of the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which overruled Roe v. Wade, Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk took the anti-abortion movement one step further: toward a nationwide ban on the current protocol for medication abortion, which accounts for more than 50 percent of abortions in the United States. For those familiar with Kacsymaryk and his decisions, the opinion purporting to nullify the Food and Drug Administrations approval of mifepristone is not surprising. But that doesnt make the most recent opinion any less appalling.

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There are several ways the opinion is lawless, as Mark Stern has already pointed out. Start with the tone. Footnote 1 of the opinion announces that it is unscientific to use the term fetus, and so the great scientist (or judgeits hard to keep track) Matthew Kacsmaryk prefers the phrases unborn child or unborn human. (He cites a philosopher and political scientist for backup.) Footnote 2 of the opinion then recycles personal jetflying, superyacht-riding world traveler Clarence Thomas efforts to falsely equate support for abortion rights with eugenics.

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Further, the opinion hints that Kacsymaryk is not content to simply ban this specific medication: Elsewhere in the opinion, he notes parenthetically that his legal analysis of the equities in the mifepristone case also arguably applies to the unborn humans extinguished by mifepristone. This is just one of the judges less than subtle references to the theory of fetal personhoodthe idea that fetuses are persons who are entitled to protection under the Constitution. That theory would require abortion to be prohibited nationwide; the analysis ignores the real burden on the people carrying the fetuses. Elsewhere, the judge describes pregnancy as a normal physiological state and natural process that most women experience. (Its unclear if this understanding of how people become pregnant and then birth a human, in which nothing ever goes wrong and everyone is smiling, is a consequence of the state of sex education in Florida and Texas, which is where Kacsmaryk was born and went to college, respectively.)

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The opinion makes clear that any nationwide medication abortion ban is not about womens safety. One of the reasons the judge gave for invalidating the FDAs approval of mifepristone is the idea that the 1873 Comstock Act makes it a federal crime to mail medication abortion. The Comstock Act is a Victorian-era law named for a vice crusader who took aim at conduct he deemed licentious. (No sex without pregnancy, you hussies!)

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Its not really about the well-being of women, or the general will of the people of the United States at all. None of the recent anti-abortion opinions are. Kacsmaryks decision is yet another reminder of the lies undergirding the Supreme Courts opinion overruling Roe. Its hard to know whether it was malevolence or incompetence that led Justice Alito to criticize the Supreme Courts prior decisions protecting the right to abortion on the ground that the decisions short-circuited the democratic process and wrongly removed an issue from the people and the democratic process. The fact is that Roe and Casey preserved considerable space for states to adopt different policies on abortion. And the irony is that Alitos critiques of Roe and Casey would, in fact, be more accurately applied to Kacsmaryk short-circuiting a federal agencys scientific determination that medication abortion is safe. Its Kacsmaryk who is undemocratically invalidating the preferences of the millions of Americans who want medication abortion (and abortion generally) to be safe and accessible.

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Overturning Roe has, in fact, had the opposite effect that Alito and his crewallegedly intended. In the opinion overruling Roe, Alito quoted Justice Scalias dissent in Casey, which maintained that Roe  has inflamed our national politics. And Justice Kavanaugh wrote that Roe and Caseys well-intentioned effort did not resolve the abortion debate. The national division has not ended. (Dobbs has certainly done a bang-up job, Your Honor!) He continued, After todays decision, the nine Members of this Court will no longer decide the basic legality of pre-viability abortion for all 330 million Americans. Apparently, it will all be up to one guy named Matt.

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The larger point is this: Overruling Roe and Casey was never going to simply return the issue of abortion to the people. It wasnt even going to return the matter to different states. Republicans have made it clear that, when push comes to shove, they would prefer the people not have a choice if their choice would be to protect abortion rights. At the oral argument in the mifepristone case, Kacsmaryk and the lawyer for Alliance Defending Freedom (the only freedom in question here being religious, because of course) engaged in an exchange about how medication abortion has made it hard for states to enforce their abortion bans. (Medication abortion can be easily shipped across state lines, and it can be difficult to determine whether someone has used medication abortion.)

With the people against them and state laws not able to quickly eliminate all access to abortion, anti-abortion advocates have unsurprisingly turned to the federal courts. And Kacsmaryk gave them what the people of the United States (and the people in most states) would not: a ban on medication abortion. Its undemocratic; its lawless; its unscientific. And thats the current state of our federal courts. The question is whether Democrats and other people who are opposed to forced birth are going to do anything about it.
On Friday, a Texas judge decided a case that may radically change abortion access in the United States. In his ruling, on a lawsuit brought by right-wing activists, the judge invalidated Food and Drug Administration approval of mifepristone, the first of two drugs used in a medication abortion.

The decision was issued by Trump-appointed Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, one of the most conservative judges in the country, and will go into effect in seven days. If another court does not intervene in response to an appeal, the decision will have a dramatic impact on reproductive health care: More than half of U.S. abortions are performed with medication, and Kacsmaryks decision will apply even in states where abortion is legal.

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However, the end of mifepristone in the U.S. does not mean the end of medication abortion.

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There are currently two drugs used for the standard medication abortion. The second one, misoprostol, which was developed to prevent and treat gastric ulcers, is just as safe and nearly as effective at terminating a pregnancy. It is also easily available with a prescription at any pharmacy.

That doesnt make the ruling any less an affront to human rights. Withholding a safe, effective medication from patients in order to pursue a political objective is barbaric, even if a secondary treatment remains. The lawsuit and Kacsmaryks decision falsely claim that the FDA rushed its approval of mifepristone and that the agency ignored the potential dangers of the medication. In actuality, mifepristone is safer than Tylenol, and it has been used without adverse effects by millions of people around the world. It has also been on the market for 23 years.

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The drug blocks progesterone and stops a pregnancy from developing; it became known as the abortion pill because it is the only medication designed and prescribed solely for that purpose. But the truth is that it is not very effective on its own. So from the moment it was approved in France in the 1980s, it was prescribed in conjunction with misoprostol, which causes uterine contractions. Together, the two drugs will successfully terminate a pregnancy more than 95 percent of the time.

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In countries without reliable access to mifepristone, misoprostol is regularly used alone. The World Health Organization recommends it as an alternative to the two-drug regimen when mifepristone is not available. And misoprostols widespread accessibilityit is sold over the counter in Mexico and is much less stringently regulated by the FDA than mifepristonehas also made it a popular choice for people managing their own abortions in the U.S.

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Misoprostol has never been FDA-approved for use on its own as an abortifacient, but it is common practice for doctors to prescribe medications for off-label uses. Already, misoprostol is used every day by OB-GYNs across the country to induce labor, stop postpartum hemorrhage, and soften the cervix before gynecological procedures, even though the FDA has not approved the drug for those purposes.

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And since misoprostol is an essential medication for other uses besides abortion, it is less susceptible to a blanket, politically motivated ban. In anticipation of this judicial decision out of Texas, abortion providers across the country have been preparing to pivot to a misoprostol-only protocol in the event of a mifepristone ban. Legal medication abortions will continue in the U.S. for the foreseeable future.

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But the existence of an alternative protocol does not negate the inhumanity at the heart of this decision. Kacsmaryk, along with the anti-abortion activists who brought the suit, may end up compelling patients to undergo an inferior course of treatment when a more effective oneand one that can be less physically gruelingis available.

What does that actually mean for patients? Studies of misoprostols efficacy as a solo abortifacient have returned varying results. A systematic review of clinical trials found that taking misoprostol alone causes a complete abortion about 78 percent of the time. In the only study that has ever been done on self-managed abortionthat is, outside a clinical settingwith misoprostol in the U.S., 88 percent of participants reported a successful pregnancy termination without additional intervention.

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Carafem, an abortion provider with clinics in four U.S. cities that also offers mail-order abortion medication, has offered misoprostol-only abortions to certain patients since 2020. (It is a less expensive option, in addition to being less vulnerable to legal restrictions, at least for now.) Melissa Grant, Carafems chief operations officer, said clinicians noticed that patients who used misoprostol alone were slightly more likely to report a continued pregnancy after treatment than patients who used it with mifepristone. Those patients had to take misoprostol again or undergo in-clinic procedures to complete their abortions.

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In other words, banning mifepristone could mean more money spent, more mental anguish over lingering symptoms of an unwanted pregnancy, and more time spent arranging treatment and figuring out how to step away from work or family responsibilities. For people who live in states that restrict abortion, it could mean a second trip across state lines.

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It will also mean more pain and suffering.

The experience of a medication abortion can vary widely from patient to patient, but it is generally not a pleasant undertaking. Patients will experience cramps and bleeding as misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty. Abortion providers often prescribe anti-emetic drugs and pain relievers along with the medication, to be taken just before ingesting it, because the drug can cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting, along with diarrhea.

One Scottish study of medication abortion patients who used the two-drug regimen found that 77 percent of patients experienced at least 1 of those 4 side effects, and the average worst-pain score patients reported was 6.7 out of 10.

But because it takes much more misoprostol to terminate a pregnancy without the assistance of mifepristonethree doses of four tablets, left to dissolve in the mouth, rather than a single dose of fourthe physical toll can be harsher. Studies that have directly compared the misoprostol-only protocol with the two-drug course have found that patients using misoprostol-only may experience more immediate, intense, and prolonged side effects than those using a mifepristone regimen, according to an article published last month in Contraception, with a higher prevalence of diarrhea, fever, and chills.

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If mifepristone becomes unavailable as a result of Kacsmaryks decision, every excess moment of pain or discomfort, every additional incidence of gastrointestinal distress, and every second try after an unsuccessful misoprostol-only abortion should be read as corporal punishment at the hands of the government.

There is not a single medical reason for any U.S. patient to have to settle for an inferior treatment plan for medication abortion. We are the wealthiest country in the world; even as the FDA has maintained excessive restrictions on how mifepristone is distributed and who can prescribe it, making it ludicrously overregulated for a drug that is as safe as it is, the medication has been widely distributed and safely used by millions of people. The only reason why any future patients will have to resort to a substandard drug protocolone that is less likely to work and more likely to give them diarrheais because Kacsmaryk, the anti-abortion activists who filed the suit, and the conservatives on the Supreme Court want them to.

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This is what it means for a public official to meddle in medicine, as all anti-abortion politicians (and all those seeking to curtail or criminalize transgender health care) strive to do. In the wake of the Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade, the photographic negatives of all those abortion-rights slogans and clichesMy Body, My Choice; decisions made between a woman and her doctorare looming into focus. Its your body, but its the Federalist Societys choice. The question of which medicine to prescribe is decided by a woman and her doctor, with ultimate veto power granted to the cruelest University of Texas law school graduate of 2003.

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The ludicrousness of this arrangement has been highlighted time and again by reproductive rights advocates over the years, such that one might easily become numb to its horror. But everyday Americans and medical practitioners alike should be horrified anew by the prospect of an extremist judge forcing patients to accept a less effective, less comfortable treatment when a better one is available. Who is Kacsmaryk to sentence a patient to excess pain? How many additional women must vomit and ache to appease his political passions? If a doctor withholds the most effective treatment from a patient for no good medical reason, she may be accused of malpractice; when a civilian acts with the intent to cause another person physical suffering, we call it assault. When the Supreme Court and Matthew Kacsmaryk willfully obstruct access to medical care, with the intent of forcing patients into months of unwanted pregnancy, the pain and injury of unwanted childbirth, the torment of failed medication abortions, and the added discomfort of a medication that causes unpleasant side effects, what other word should we use?

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To be clear, the difference between a misoprostol-only abortion and one with the addition of mifepristone is not vast. Using misoprostol alone is still extremely safe, physically tolerable, and very likely to successfully terminate a pregnancy. But refusing patients access to gold-standard medical treatment to satisfy a personal religious and political agenda is unethical at its core.

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That barbarism is at the heart of the anti-abortion project; it feeds on the pain and suffering it creates. The more arduous an abortion seems to the public, the easier it is for the anti-abortion movement to argue, however disingenuously, that it is a dangerous, frightening, emotionally scarring ordeal from which women should be protected with severe regulations or outright bans.

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The safety and efficacy of abortion medication threaten this objective. In fact, after mifepristone was approved in France and discussions about FDA approval were underway, anti-abortion activists were dismayed to find that the availability of the medication skewed the average abortion earlier in pregnancy and demystified the process for patientswhich jeopardized the salience of abortion as a political rallying point. The Washington Post reported that anti-abortion groups worried about the banalization of abortion that the pill could induce. A Republican pollster fretted to a reporter that the drug could make pregnancy a problem that can be easily taken care ofsuggesting that right-wingers wanted abortions to be as taxing and traumatizing as possible.

Now theyre getting exactly what they want.

In the recent Contraception article that noted the increased side effects of the misoprostol-only regimen, the authors observed that mifepristones safety and efficacy has been conclusively established during its 35 years of use across the globe. From a medical perspective, they wrote, to prohibit use of this drug for abortion care is senseless. That phrase, from a medical perspective, has stuck with me in the days since I read it. The medical perspectivereduced to just one perspective of many on the topic of medication, humbly submitted, to be readily discarded by an extremist judge and his friends on the Supreme Court for any reason, or no reason, at all.
You probably know of Paxlovid as an antiviral drug that can help make COVID infections less severe. Now, a new study has found that Paxlovid reduces the risk of long COVID as well. The study, out March 23 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that Paxlovid treatment reduced the risk of developing key long COVID symptoms by 26 percent. (A pre-print version of this paper received some media attention in November.)

Even in 2023, getting COVID can be a game of health roulette. Paxlovid can reduce the risk that that roulette goes the wrong way for you, said study author Ziyad Al-Aly, calling the apparent effect of Paxlovid on long COVID an added bonus.* Al-Aly is the chief of research and education at the VA St. Louis Health Care System and is also a clinical epidemiologist at Washington University in St. Louis. His team looked at Paxlovid treatment across the entire Veterans Affairs health system. They compared outcomes in people who received Paxlovid within five days of first COVID symptoms with people who did not receive Paxlovid.

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The researchers started with a list of possible long COVID symptoms from the Centers for Disease Control and chose 13 of the most potentially consequential symptoms to evaluate. Long COVID is not one thing, Al-Aly said. It could be fatigue, brain fog, it could have metabolic or heart manifestations.

Any way the researchers sliced the data, whether by age, race, vaccination status, or underlying health condition, they found that fewer in the Paxlovid group developed long COVID symptoms than in the control group, and they developed fewer symptoms. Its not the panacea thats going to eliminate long COVID, Al-Aly said, but its not nothing. Its important; its still substantial.

Paxlovid is authorized by the FDA under emergency approval for anyone at risk of developing severe COVID; that includes a good chunk of Americans. Anyone over 50 qualifies automatically, as does anyone who has not been vaccinated. A long list of health conditionseverything from diabetes and depression to being physically inactivecan also make people eligible.

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I personally would advise my patients, my family, to take it if they qualify for it, Al-Aly said. Even if you anticipate that your second or third infection might be milder than the first, and even if youre vaccinated and boosted.

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Currently, Paxlovid is free, regardless of insurance status. But when the research team looked into Paxlovids impact on long COVID, they noticed something else, too: Of more than 281,000 people who were eligible for Paxlovid, only 13 percent got prescriptions. Thats not good enough, said Al-Aly.

There are all sorts of reasons for that gap. Some of it comes down to awareness; many people get COVID and dont check in with a doctor, and might not know they are eligible for the drug. Paxlovid also isnt exactly fun to take. It actually tastes horrible, Al-Aly said, and symptoms can rebound briefly after the five-day course of pills. But Al-Aly called those inconveniences clinically inconsequential.

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Another barrier, said Al-Aly: Paxlovid can have negative interactions with other drugs, and doctors may be hesitant to pause those other drugs while patients are taking Paxlovid. But pausing drugs is often very doable, noted Al-Aly. We know how to manage these things, he said. If you are eligible and your doctor is hesitant to prescribe, he said, You should push back.

Other research has found clear disparities in Paxlovid access based on race, ethnicity, and poverty. In an email, a CDC spokesperson said that between April and June 2022, Black patients were prescribed Paxlovid at rates 36 percent lower than white patients, and patients of other races and ethnicities were prescribed Paxlovid at rates 19 to 25 percent lower.

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Its not surprising that Paxlovid could potentially help reduce long COVID and the symptoms associated with long COVID, said Latoya Hill, a senior policy analyst with Kaiser Family Foundation. But, she said, If we continue to see these disparities in prescribing, we may see widening disparities in those long COVID impacts.

Hill analyzed Paxlovid access for Kaiser Family Foundation in June 2022. What we found was that counties with the highest poverty rates and those that were majority Black, Hispanic, and American Indian and Alaskan Native were less likely to have COVID-19 treatment facilities, she said, thus reducing access for people who reside in those areas.

Paxlovid needs to be taken within five days of symptom onset, so being able to access care quickly is important. Limited access to treatment is particularly detrimental when patients need timely services, said a CDC spokesperson over email.

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After those studies came out, the FDA authorized pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid. A federally sponsored Test-to-Treat program was designed to make it easier to get Paxlovid prescriptions at more locations, like CVS Minute Clinics. But that rollout saw logistical hurdles like difficulties in scheduling appointments, and it replicated many of the rural access issues that Hills research found.

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Even as we move into this new phase of the pandemic, disparities in access to Paxlovid and to other treatments persist, said Hill. Its still important to prioritize racial equity in access to Paxlovid and to other COVID-19 treatments.

One solution is to eliminate scheduling altogether: LA County implemented its own test-to-trace telehealth solution with instant access to consultations; in their program, almost all the patients in high-poverty areas who requested prescriptions got them filled. Equitable public health solutions targeting underserved communities are unlikely to come from the same inequitable health care infrastructure that initially created them, wrote the authors of a recent case study on the program.

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Unfortunately, Americas inequitable health care system has new Paxlovid inequities up its sleeve. The Biden administration bought 20 million doses of Paxlovid at a discount from Pfizer and has so far administered about 6 million for free. But when that supply runs out, pharmacies will start charging. Uninsured people will have to pay full price, said Hill, and those who have insurance may have to pay a co-pay.

Paxlovid will still be free for Medicaid recipients through at least 2024. But some pandemic-related Medicaid coverage requirements were lifted at the beginning of April. That means that over the next year, 5 to 14 million people may lose Medicaid coverage.

All the test-to-trace streamlining in the world wont overcome an out-of-reach price point. With the COVID-19 emergency declaration ending on May 11, other costs will go up too, including for COVID testing and vaccines. Some Americans will be able to afford the tools they need to reduce COVID risks. Others will be left to gamble with their health.
Over the years, Tesla employees have shared photos and videos of the private lives of the owners of their vehicles, captured by the cameras on their Teslas. One of them was filmed naked, while others were caught in their underwear, sex toys and sharing affection near a parked Tesla. Employees shared videos of traffic accidents among themselves, and a video of a driver hitting a child on a bicycle spread like wildfire, Reuters reveals. How is that even possible?

Between 2019 and 2022, Tesla employees shared photos and videos captured by cameras in customers cars in an internal messaging system, Reuters reports. Photos and videos greatly intrude on the privacy of customers, and some of them have been caught in very embarrassing moments. One of the employees described, for example, that he saw a naked man approaching his vehicle on the video.

They also shared videos of accidents and incidents. Thus, in the video of the accident from 2021, a Tesla was seen crashing into a child on a bicycle while rampaging through a residential area. After the collision, the child was thrown in one direction and his bicycle in the other. The video spread like wildfire at Teslas office in San Mateo, California, according to a former employee.

We could see peoples garages and private land, said a former employee. If someone had something special in the garage, people shared it.

Two of the former employees said that sometimes they had to look at photos of customers at home or near their home. I used to wonder if people knew that, said one of them. I saw some scandalous things. For example, scenes of intimacy, but not nudity. In any case, there were many things that I myself would not want anyone to see. He remembered pieces of laundry and sex toys. These are private scenes of life, recorded by the car while charging.

The California office was staffed mostly by young people who brought with them a culture of virality and memes. They added tags, jokes, emoticons to the photos. One of the employees said that this broke the monotonous work. A lot of content was also shared by employees in management positions, and the company rarely stopped this type of sharing.

Tesla did not respond to Reuters questions and requests for comment.

They also shared a clip from Musks garage

About three years ago, they also came across a unique vehicle parked in a garage on video. While sharing the footage  two employees confirmed they had seen it  they identified it as a white Lotus Esprit submarine called Wet Nellie. This was shown in the 1977 film about James Bond entitled The Spy Who Loved Me.

This vehicle was bought at an auction in 2013 by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who paid approximately 887,000 euros for the car. It is not clear whether Musk knew that employees were also sharing the video of his vehicle. Musk did not respond to Reuters request for comment.

Reuters contacted more than 300 former employees who worked at Tesla over the past nine years and were involved in the development of the self-driving vehicle. More than ten of them answered questions, and all spoke on the condition of anonymity. Reuters was unable to obtain video or photos. Former employees claim that they did not save these. It is also unclear whether the practice of sharing footage continues today. Some employees said that the footage is only shared for legitimate purposes, when they ask co-workers or superiors for help.

I always joked that I wouldnt buy a Tesla

When learning automated tasks such as driving, AI needs the help of humans. In 2016, Tesla employed several hundred people, initially in Africa and then in the United States, who marked pedestrians, road signs, garage doors and construction machinery in the photos of their vehicles. Employees had access to thousands of videos and photos. The process is increasingly automated, so last year they closed the center in San Mateo, California. Meanwhile, the number of employees at the center in Buffalo, New York, increased by 54 percent.

Two former employees of the company said they didnt mind sharing photos because customers agreed to it, and people had long since given up expectations of data privacy. Three employees answered that the practice bothered them. To be honest, it was a violation of privacy. I always joked that I would never buy a Tesla when I saw how they treated some people, said one. Others believe that car buyers do not realize that their privacy is not being respected. We saw them doing laundry and doing really intimate things. We were able to see their children.

One of the former colleagues does not see anything bad in the exchange of photos, but he characterized the function that allowed employees to see the location where the images were taken as a big invasion of privacy.

Executive Director of the Cyber Security and Privacy Institute at Northeastern University in Boston David Choffnes described the sharing of sensitive footage between employees as morally reprehensible. Any normal person would be horrified by this, he said. He warned that sharing sensitive and personal content could be seen as a violation of Teslas privacy rules, which could lead to intervention by the US Federal Trade Commission, which oversees federal consumer privacy laws.

Tesla assures its customers that their privacy is extremely important to them. Cameras in vehicles are said to be designed to protect users privacy. Your data belongs to you, says their website.

Investigations tend to focus on the rights of bystanders rather than owners

German Data Protection Lawyer Carlo Piltz said that under European data protection and privacy laws, it would be difficult to find a legal justification for sharing footage internally if it had no connection to the provision of a safe or reliable car or the functionality of Teslas self-driving system.

In recent years, Teslas camera system has stirred up a lot of controversy. In China, Teslas have been banned from driving near government complexes and in some neighborhoods due to concerns about filming. Musk responded to this at a Chinese forum in 2021: If Tesla used cars to spy in China or anywhere else, we would be shut down.

Elsewhere, regulators also scrutinized Teslas system for potential privacy violations. However, they usually focused not on the rights of owners, but on the rights of passers-by who are unaware that they may be being filmed by parked vehicles.

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On Friday evening, a 45-year-old man drove a white Kia car off the road onto a promenade full of tourists near a beach in Tel Aviv. An Italian was killed and seven others were injured in the incident, which the Israeli police are calling an attack and their prime minister is calling it terrorism.

A little before ten oclock in the evening, near the beach in Tel Aviv, one of the drivers drove from a nearby road onto a promenade full of tourists. A 45-year-old driver in a white car hit several of them, one of them died. As the Israeli police later announced, he is an Italian citizen. Seven more people were injured, he reports BBC.

At the time of the incident, one of the Israeli police officers was nearby and immediately intervened. Upon arrival at the scene, the car with the driver had already flipped onto its roof, and the alleged attacker got out of it unharmed. He reached for his back. Because the policeman estimated that the 45-year-old wanted to grab the gun, he shot him. The incident is still being investigated.

After the incident, the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu mobilized police and military reservists, calling the attack terrorism. He also visited the site of the attack.

The Italian Prime Minister also reacted to the incident Giorgio Meloniwho expressed her condolences to the family of the deceased citizen, and called the attack cowardly.

The alleged car attack came just hours after Israeli military airstrikes on Palestinian militant groups in Lebanon and Gaza. As the Israeli army said, they responded to 34 rockets fired from Lebanon at northern Israel on Thursday.

READ MORE Israeli police intervened again at al-Aqsa mosque

The situation, which has already been tense for some time, was worsened by two recent Israeli police raids on a Jerusalem mosque earlier this week.
Photo: Reuters



China announced the drills after a Wednesday meeting with Taiwans president Tsai Ing-wen with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress To Kevin McCarthy in California.

Chinas military said the drills, called Combined Sharp Sword, would take place as planned north, east and south of Taiwan, but gave no other details.

These exercises are a serious warning to Taiwans separatist forces and the collusion and provocation of foreign powers, and are necessary to defend the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Chinese military said.

Photo: Reuters



Taiwan: We will defend the country

Last summer, after the visit of McCarthys predecessor, China headed the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi conducted five-day military exercises in Taipei in the waters around Taiwan, the largest so far.

In response to Beijings announcement, Taiwanese authorities said they were monitoring the situation and would defend the country. In the morning local time, they announced that 42 Chinese military aircraft and eight ships had been detected around Taiwan in the last five hours.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and does not rule out the use of force to achieve its territorial integrity goals.
Verizon has launched a free trial offering 30 days of unlimited data on its fastest 5G network for non-Verizon customers, aiming to entice users to switch from rival networks.

The trial requires no credit card, costs, or catches and allows participants to keep their existing plans, numbers, and contracts.

To participate, users must have an unlocked eSIM-capable smartphone and download the My Verizon app.

The trial enables potential customers to experience Verizons 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G Nationwide, and 4G LTE networks, as well as unlimited talk, text, and up to 100GB of 4G/5G data with Verizons premium network experience.

It also offers 480p streaming on 4G LTE and 5G Nationwide and 4K streaming on 5G Ultra Wideband.

Small business owners can take advantage of this opportunity to test Verizons network without committing to a new plan, helping them make informed decisions about their mobile communication needs.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230407/more-americans-are-expressing-interest-in-soviet-world-war-ii-reenactment--reenactor-1109258422.html

More Americans Are Expressing Interest In Soviet World War II Reenactment  Reenactor

More Americans Are Expressing Interest In Soviet World War II Reenactment  Reenactor

More Americans express a growing interest in the reenactment of the Soviet Army related to World War II, reenactor Suhrob Asilov told Sputnik.

2023-04-07T23:58+0000

2023-04-07T23:58+0000

2023-04-07T23:55+0000

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Asilov, who was born in the Soviet Republic of Uzbekistan and currently lives in the US state of Pennsylvania, explained his own interest in reenactment and the Great Patriotic War by the fact that he sees veterans and other people who survived during that time. He expressed the hope that this could bring more people to participate in the Soviet reenactment movement. I try to not forget for myself and always try to remind the new generation that our family and families of other people that I know suffered a lot from this cruel war, he said. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the respect for that part of history has decreased and was not at the level it once was during the Soviet era, Asilov recalled. But now it is getting back, he reassured, speaking about Uzbekistan. While the Soviet reenactment movement is quite popular in the US, interest in it is not as high as in the US Navy or US Marine Corps, said Asilov, who represents a senior lieutenant of the Red Armys 193 Rifle Division. This unit participated in the battles of Stalingrad and Kursk, liberated Poland, and crossed the Oder River in Germany. The current conflict in Ukraine has not generally affected interest in the Soviet reenactment, although some people left the movement because they are against the idea of the operation, the reenactor said. However, he added, he has not heard any negative reactions toward or fear of the Soviet Army. The reenactment movement is still recovering after pausing its events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year activities may get back to their normal level. The movement recently held an event in West Virginia a few weeks ago, and another 15-20 will be organized in the Tristate area, which includes the states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, this upcoming summer, Asilov said.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230407/stormys-eye-1109256555.html

Stormy's Eye

Stormy's Eye

Adult film actress Stormy Daniels said in an interview that she does not think former President Donald Trump should go to jail for his crimes related to her and noted she is still a registered Republican.

2023-04-07T22:25+0000

2023-04-07T22:25+0000

2023-04-07T22:24+0000

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"Specific to my case, I dont think that his crimes against me are worthy of incarceration," Daniels said.Trump was arraigned Tuesday in a Manhattan court after being indicted with 34 counts of falsifying business records. The charges stemmed from hush payments made to Daniels by former Trump fixer Michael Cohen as part of a non-disclosure agreement intended to prevent her from going public with accusations that she had an affair with Trump years prior.The Trump campaign reimbursed Cohen for those payments while classifying them as legal expenses, despite Cohen not being a part of Trumps legal team at the time.Daniel did add in the interview that Trump may deserve to go to jail for other reasons: I feel like the other things he has done, if he is found guilty, absolutely.Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were upgraded from misdemeanors to felonies because, prosecutors argue, the fraud was done to cover up election and tax law violations.

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Mainland spokesperson vows no room for "Taiwan independence" separatist activities

Xinhua) 11:03, April 08, 2023

BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Friday stressed that there will be no room for "Taiwan independence" separatist activities in any form.

Zhu Fenglian made the statement in response to Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen's latest "transit" trip through the United States.

Zhu noted that "complete reunification of our country must be realized, and it can, without doubt, be realized."

She warned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, "We will never leave room for 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities in any form, and will definitely take resolute measures to defeat any foreign interference or separatist attempts for 'Taiwan independence' in any form, and safeguard our national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The spokesperson also urged the U.S. side to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and to deal with Taiwan-related matters in a prudent manner.

"Regarding this 'transit' trip, we have stated our position clearly on many occasions," Zhu said, noting that Tsai's acts during the trip showed that "transit" was merely an excuse, and it was instead another provocation to seek independence by soliciting U.S. support.

Over a period of time, the DPP authorities in Taiwan have been continuously challenging the one-China principle and willingly acting as a pawn for the United States' anti-China agenda to seek their own political benefits, Zhu said.

They have peddled "Taiwan independence" claims in the international arena and betrayed the interests of the people in Taiwan by cooperating with the decoupling schemes of the United States. They have also intensified their courting and infiltration of the U.S. Congress, squandering Taiwan people's hard-earned money on arms purchases from the United States.

These acts will eventually push the island into a perilous situation under the shadow of war, bringing grave disaster to compatriots on the island, Zhu said.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/biden-criticizes-texas-judge-ruling-halting-federal-approval-of-abortion-pill-1109265585.html

Biden Criticizes Texas Judge Ruling Halting Federal Approval of Abortion Pill

Biden Criticizes Texas Judge Ruling Halting Federal Approval of Abortion Pill

US President Joe Biden condemned a ruling of a federal judge in Texas blocking two-decade-old federal approval of an abortion pill known as mifepristone, the White House said.

2023-04-08T08:33+0000

2023-04-08T08:33+0000

2023-04-08T08:33+0000

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us

joe biden

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If this ruling were to stand, there will be no FDA-approved prescription "that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks," Biden said, specifying that mifepristone is used for medication abortion, which accounts for over half of the abortions in the United States. The ruling would also prevent women across the country from accessing this medication, irrespective of whether abortion is legal in a state, he added. The US president called the move another step in "taking away basic freedoms from women and putting their health at risk" and toward "the national ban on abortion that Republican elected officials have vowed to make law in America." The US Department of Justice has filed an appeal against the Texas judge's ruling, the statement said.Previously US Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk blocked federal approval of mifepristone. The plaintiffs noted that the drug underwent a fast-approval procedure during Bill Clinton's tenure and this procedure is applicable only to substances that couteract diseases. Since pregnancy is not a disease, federal approval is illegal.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/bidens-upcoming-belfast-visit-overshadowed-by-ulster-terror-warning-1109272553.html

Biden's Upcoming Belfast Visit Overshadowed by Ulster Terror Warning

Biden's Upcoming Belfast Visit Overshadowed by Ulster Terror Warning

Apart from traveling to Belfast, Biden is expected to visit the Republic of Irelands capital Dublin, as well as the countrys counties Co Louth and Co Mayo.

2023-04-08T12:49+0000

2023-04-08T12:49+0000

2023-04-08T12:49+0000

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US President Joe Biden's upcoming visit to Northern Ireland has been blighted by reports of a possible terror attack against police in Ulster on Monday.Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the PSNI had "very strong community intelligence" that terrorist attacks were being planned in Londonderry, a city near the border with the Republic of Ireland.When asked about whether guns or explosives could be used to target police in the city, Singletone said, "We've seen that in the past and, on that basis, we have to be prepared for that and we will be prepared for all eventualities on Monday."Chief Constable Simon Byrne, for his part, pointed out that officers would be moved to frontline duties to counter any potential threats, in a policing strategy that he said hadn't been used for years. Byrne added that this reflected the "exceptional circumstances" ahead of this Easter weekend.The developments come after British intelligence agency MI5 recently raised the terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland to severe, which means that an attack is highly likely. The move followed the gun attack in Co Tyrone on senior detective John Caldwell, who was left with life-changing injuries.Police pointed the finger at the New IRA, a dissident paramilitary group that split from the Irish Republican Army (IRA) following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, a peace deal that created a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland and brought an end to the 30 years of conflict known as the Troubles.Bidens trip to Northern Ireland will most likely focus on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which falls on Easter Monday. This is the day when republicans traditionally mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising rebellion against British rule in 1916 with a parade due to take place in Londonderry. Aside from Northern Ireland, the POTUS also plans to visit Dublin, as well as the Republic of Irelands counties Louth and Mayo.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230223/new-ira-splinter-group-in-frame-for-shooting-of-senior-police-detective-1107734186.html

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us president joe biden's upcoming visit to northern ireland, psni has "very strong community intelligence" that terrorist attacks were being planned in londonderry
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/bitter-failure-experts-analyze-un-and-french-role-in-rwandan-genocide-1109277662.html

'Bitter Failure': Experts Analyze UN and French Role in Rwandan Genocide

'Bitter Failure': Experts Analyze UN and French Role in Rwandan Genocide

Every year on April 7, the world observes the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Sputnik sat down with experts to discuss the tragic events and consequences.

2023-04-08T16:45+0000

2023-04-08T16:45+0000

2023-04-08T16:45+0000

africa

central africa

rwanda

rwandan genocide

rwandan civil war

genocide

tutsi

hutu

ethnic minorities

ethnic cleansing

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Rwanda will never forget the atrocities of the 1994 genocide and will reinforce its commitment to fight against ethnic hate and other crimes against humanity, said its President Paul Kagame this April 7. On the 29th anniversary of the beginning of the Rwandan genocide, the leader took part in the national commemoration ceremony by lighting the Flame of Hope to start a 100-day national mourning period, which concludes with Liberation Day on July 4.On this occasion, Kagame also reaffirmed that ethnic hate will not be tolerated within Rwanda nor in the neighboring states as long as he is the country's leader. He urged nations across the world to unite in their efforts to prevent genocide, as well as fight together against any kind of genocide ideology and denial.Background of 1994's Tragic EventsTo understand the reasons for the genocide in Rwanda, it is necessary to look at the country's ethnic makeup which traces back to pre-colonial times. Everything initially started on the basis of ethnic tensions between the Hutu and the Tutsi, said Vasily Filippov, doctor of historical sciences and a leading researcher at the Center for the Study of Tropical African Countries at the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in an interview with Sputnik. In the pre-colonial era, the minority Tutsi were the dominant community in the country. However, the historian explained, in the middle of the last century, the Tutsi, who were more educated and politically active than the Hutu, began to demonstrate a growing desire for independence. The Tutsi did not want to accept the loss of power, he said, underlining that in fact, from the beginning of the 60s and right up to 1994, tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi flared up from time to time in Rwanda and neighboring territories. But at the beginning of the 1990s, the ethnic conflict "turned into a large-scale war," he underlined. The assassination of the Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana on April 6, 1994, marked the beginning of the genocide. Almost immediately after the attack on the plane carrying the president, "as if following a pre-planned scenario", the Rwandan Army and the Hutu militias (Interahamwe) began to massacre Tutsi and "moderate" Hutu throughout the country. The wave of violence lasted for about 100 days and came to an end in late June that year.UN's 'Bitter Failure' in Addressing Genocide Talking about international awareness of the atrocities and support from the global community, the historian noted that Western peacekeepers at first "preferred not to interfere in what was happening," referring to the UN monitoring mandate. Later, France and Belgium reinforced their contingent to evacuate their citizens and save them from "the bloody frenzy."The Tutsi massacres stopped only when heavily-armed Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) fighters defeated the Interahamwe combatants and forced the Hutu political leadership to flee to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.However, when the UN eventually intervened in the conflict, it was mainly a "bitter failure," said Mamadou Thior, a Senegalese expert in international relations and president of the Council for the Observance of the Rules of Ethics and Deontology in the media. In his remarks on the genocide, the expert mainly referred to Operation Turquoise, a French-led military operation under the mandate of the United Nations, which started in June 1994. In this regard, he noted, it's really unfortunate that at that time the continent couldn't solve the problem by itself and find "an African solution to this African crisis." According to Thior, a powerful African continental organization, such as the modern African Union, could have succeeded where the UN failed. He explained that the main problem of the UN interventions in some countries is that they often appear to be "out of step with local realities." Therefore, it is critical for any peacekeeping mission to know African realities "in order to be able to intervene and bring peace."He also stated that Africans in general have learned a lesson from these tragic events, as many of them house various ethnic groups and are potentially at risk of growing ethnic tensions. The genocide once again demonstrated that people in African countries should consider themselves part of a whole nation and not focus "on small community identities."Foreign Footprint Behind Atrocities Apart from internal ethnic groups, other international powers have also played a role in the rise of tensions, particularly France, said Thior. In 1994, Paris had clearly taken a position alongside Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana, he recalled, saying that taking sides in this conflict was initially a bad strategy. He underlined that if France had been "equidistant from the two camps," it could have succeeded in bringing peace to the nation. However, Paris repeatedly denied its responsibility which was evident and "real."Fillipov, for his part, also recalled that Kigali claims that Paris' intelligence services knew about the impending assassination attempt on the then-president of Rwanda and did nothing to prevent the attack. In one of his interviews, Kagame stressed that Paris was present in the country "before, during, and after the genocide." He likewise accused the Elysee Palace of instilling the ideology that led to the genocide in Rwanda. In particular, the president pointed at the direct role of Belgium and France in the political preparation of the genocide and the participation of the latter in its implementation. However, Paris denies these accusations.Talking about the current day, Thior underscored that the country has taken a big step forward in terms of coming out of the crisis. He also praised the efforts of the incumbent present to stabilize political and socio-economic situation in the country.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220217/french-court-ends-probe-of-1994-shootdown-of-rwandan-leaders-plane-that-preceded-genocide-1093124297.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220929/financier-of-genocide-felicien-kabuga-who-bankrolled-rwandan-massacres-begins-hague-trial-1101353566.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/chad-demands-that-german-ambassador-leave-country---statement-1109262034.html

Chad Demands That German Ambassador Leave Country - Statement

Chad Demands That German Ambassador Leave Country - Statement

The Chadian government has demanded that the German ambassador leave the country within 48 hours, according to a statement released by Chads Communication Ministry.

2023-04-08T03:52+0000

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2023-04-08T03:52+0000

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The ministry said on Sunday that the reason for the expulsion of the diplomat was that the German ambassador to Chad, Jan Christian Gordon Kricke, has demonstrated "discourteous attitude" and a lack of respect for "diplomatic customs."In April 2021, long-ruling Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno died from wounds sustained in clashes with rebels from the Front for Change and Concord in Chad. Following his death, the country's military established the Transitional Military Council set to rule for 18 months until new elections were held.The council was headed by 37-year-old General Mahamat Idris Deby Itno, the son of the deceased president. As that deadline approached, a nationwide forum organized by Deby junior set a new 24-month time frame for holding the elections, and proclaimed him Chad's interim president on October 8, 2022.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/china-announces-military-drills-near-taiwan-after-mccarthy-tsai-meeting-1109261655.html

China Announces Military Drills Near Taiwan After McCarthy-Tsai Meeting

China Announces Military Drills Near Taiwan After McCarthy-Tsai Meeting

The drills come after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with US politicians during a tour of Central America.

2023-04-08T03:59+0000

2023-04-08T03:59+0000

2023-04-08T03:58+0000

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The Chinese military said Saturday morning that it will hold three days of military exercises in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan.The announcement comes after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and 17 other American politicians. While the announcement did not mention Tsai or the meeting, it came just hours after her 10-day tour, which included Central America and stops in New York and Los Angeles, California.The Peoples Liberation Army said it will perform exercises as planned in the area and will run additional exercises codenamed Joint Sharp Sword. The statement says the exercises will run until Monday.In addition, military exercises are planned off the coast of Fuzhou, Fujian to the northwest of Taiwan, those exercises will continue in the coming weeks, scheduled for April 11, 13, 15, 17 and 20.This is the second time in less than a year that a US House speaker met with Tsai, causing increasing tensions between the United States, Taiwan and China. In August, Tsai met with McCarthys predecessor Nancy Pelosi when she traveled to Taipei. China condemned that meeting and held similar military drills around the island.These exercises are further away from Taiwans coastline than the previous ones held by China, and the PLA regularly practices live-fire drills off the coast of Fujian.The United States attempted to present Tsais visit as a simple layover on her way to Central America, but that assertion came into doubt when Tsai, McCarthy and other US politicians held a public, televised press conference at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. During the conference, McCarthy said the bond between Taiwan and the United States is stronger now than at any time or point in my life. The plane Regan used for Air Force One loomed in the background while the two spoke to the press.Meanwhile, Tsais predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou, just returned from a trip to mainland China, where he promoted the one-China framework and criticized the Tsai administration for putting the islands future in jeopardy. During Mas administration, relations between China and Taiwan improved, with trade and flights between the two entities increasing during his time in office. Ma was the first former or current Taiwanese president to visit China since the Republic of China government fled to the island after being defeated by the Communist Party in 1949, though Ma did meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Singapore in 2015.Officially, the United States does not recognize the Republic of China and supports the One-China policy; however, the US insists that unification should come through peaceful means. Despite no formal relations with Taipei, Washington has been providing the island with military assistance to fend off any potential invasion by Beijing.During his visit to China, Ma said it was the responsibility of all Chinese people to encourage peace between the two governments. China earlier issued sanctions on the Hudson Institute and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in response to Tsais meeting with McCarthy. The sanctions ban senior executives from entering or doing business in China.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230406/taiwan-ex-leaders-historic-visit-to-china-ahead-of-tsais-us-trip-exposes-political-divisions-1109210204.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230407/china-sanctions-two-american-entities-over-taiwan-1109228664.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/cost-of-sanctions-foreign-firms-suffer-2-bln-losses-after-leaving-russia-1109269563.html

Cost of Sanctions? Foreign Firms Suffer $2 Bln Losses After Leaving Russia

Cost of Sanctions? Foreign Firms Suffer $2 Bln Losses After Leaving Russia

A whole array of foreign firms left Russia in the aftermath of the Wests tough sanctions against Moscow.

2023-04-08T10:55+0000

2023-04-08T10:55+0000

2023-04-08T10:55+0000

economy

russia

sweden

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ukraine

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Foreign retail companies that withdrew from Russia or suspended operations amid Moscows special military operation in Ukraine have lost about $2 billion in profits, a Russian business daily has reported.The Spanish clothing corporation Inditex, which owns brands such as Zara, Bershka, and Massimo Dutti, among others, suffered approximately $300 million in losses. French sporting goods retailer Decathlon endured losses of at least $140 million, while Italian luxury retailer Moncler and French luxury design house Hermes jointly lost around $200 million, according to the sources.They added that among brands that remain closed in Russia but have not yet finalized their intentions to leave the country there are net losses estimated at $500-$700 million.Japanese clothing manufacturer Uniqlo could be the hardest hit in terms of revenue, given the companys ever-increasing income from sales in Russia between 2019 and 2021, the insiders suggested.In early January, a poll revealed that more than 50% of Russians were unabated by the exodus of global fashion brands from the country in 2022. A slew of foreign firms leaving the Russian market was preceded by the introduction by the West of severe sanctions against Moscow due to its special military operation in Ukraine. While admitting the sanctions negative effect on the Russian economy, Putin also underscored that these restrictive measures also backfired on all those who applied them.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230323/how-russia-beat-western-sanctions-and-remained-strong-amid-global-economic-storm-1108731821.html

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foreign retail brands' withdrawal from russia, west's sanctions againts russia, russian special military operation in ukraine
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/eu-calls-on-middle-east-to-exercise-restraint-after-recent-violence-escalation-1109277424.html

EU Calls on Israel, Palestine and Lebanon to Exercise Restraint Amid Latest Escalation

EU Calls on Israel, Palestine and Lebanon to Exercise Restraint Amid Latest Escalation

The European Union condemns recent escalation of violence in the Middle East and calls on Israel, Palestine and Lebanon to exercise restraint and avoid deterioration of the situation, as well as promote calm during ongoing religious holidays, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Saturday.

2023-04-08T14:52+0000

2023-04-08T14:52+0000

2023-04-08T15:08+0000

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On Wednesday, Israeli security forces stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, one of the holiest Muslim sites, arresting hundreds of worshipers. The raid drew protests from the Arab world. On Friday, at least one person was killed and seven others were injured after a car had rammed into pedestrians on the Tel Aviv promenade. The statement read that the surge in violence occurred following the "days of tension and clashes at the Holy Sites, including the intervention and the use of force by Israeli police inside the compound of the Al Aqsa mosque," adding that the status quo of all the holy sites should be preserved. The violence comes amid the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which coincided this year with the Jewish holiday of Passover. Israeli military chief Hertzi Halevi said on Friday that Israel would continue to use force as much as necessary, "against any enemy and in any arena," both during the holidays and during times of internal public debate.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230407/latest-developments-in-israel-palestine-sonflict-1109235922.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/heal-yourself-before-healing-others-sa-med-students-on-health-day-warn-of-doctor-burnout-risks-1109263044.html

'Heal Yourself Before Healing Others': SA Med Students on Health Day Warn of Doctor Burnout Risks

'Heal Yourself Before Healing Others': SA Med Students on Health Day Warn of Doctor Burnout Risks

The World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7 to draw worldwide attention to healthcare issues. On this occasion, Sputnik sat down with final year medical students to discuss the importance of medical profession.

2023-04-08T11:59+0000

2023-04-08T11:59+0000

2023-04-08T12:45+0000

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As healthcare workers around the globe increasingly struggle with various psychological health issues and burnout, more attention should be placed on their well-being, said Thembakazi Potelwa, a final year MBChB student at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, in an interview with Sputnik.Potelwa explained that doctors who work in public health and government organizations in particular are often very exhausted and overworked. This way of living is not healthy, she stressed, saying that when doctors stay up for two days in a row, they are "not really useful," when it comes to treating their patients. She also pointed out that the attitude seen in many healthcare systems, when doctors are considered to be "self-serving or just almost immoral" for taking several days off as sick leave.On World Health Day, the future doctor wished that all her colleagues would put their own health first. The same message was conveyed by Nondumiso Mngomezulu, who is also a final year MBChB student at Stellenbosch Univeristy, saying that it is extremely important for doctors to take care of themselves first, so that they can help their patients in the best way possible. She asserted that mental wellness should be encouraged among health workers all over the world, as most of them have no time for themselves and often experience compassion fatigue and persistent burnout. Therefore, their priority must be: "healing yourself before healing others." Dedication and Perseverance in Pursuit of One's 'Dream Job'Potelwa, talking about her decision to become a doctor, explained that she has always been interested in how the human body works, yearning to know more about this "fantastic piece of machinery." She wanted to find out "how things work, what happens when they don't work, and how to fix it." Moreover, she added that there was no other field she cared about enough to put so much effort and dedication into. So she chose to go down this laborious path to study medicine, because she genuinely wanted to. It is well-known that studying medicine is not easy, and med students often face various hardships along their way. However, Potelwa explained that the content itself is not very difficult, but the amount of information every med student has to memorize and be able to use in practice is enormous. She also stated that many medical students experience an imposter syndrome, when they feel like they will never be good enough to be a doctor. With much work to be done, and a vast amount of information to absorb, they sometimes may become depressed and lose hope. Potelwa herself struggled with such lows during her second year. However, she emphasized, despite all these difficulties and pressures that she faces mostly "internally," she really enjoys studying medicine and is passionately pursuing a career in this field. Potelwa reiterated that it's always been her dream to become a doctor. What she really likes about this profession is a "human aspect to it." Potelwa has always strived to be a part of a community, to know people's real stories, to find out more about their lives and aspirations, and somehow help people cope with their hardships. She stated that this interaction between a doctor and their patients is of "an intimate" nature, because patients entrust healthcare workers with the most precious thing they have  their life. The human aspect of being a doctor also encouraged another interviewee of ours. Mngomezulu at first wanted to be a pilot, however, over time her priorities significantly changed. Eventually, she realized that medicine was her calling. To a certain extent, her mother, who is a nursing educator, and was initially a nurse, influenced her decision. She noted that her mother's patients often recognize her on the streets and "come up to her just to say thank you for her care during their stay." She recalled that the second year of studying was "a rough" one, but the memories about her father, who passed away five years ago, encouraged her to go on. Mngomezulu explained that he always told her how proud he was of her, and therefore, she didn't want to disappoint him and persevered. Back then, she used to say to herself, "I would cry, but then I would get up and do what I needed to do." As of now, she said that she truly loves her job, further elaborating that seeing patients gives her purpose in life and makes her "feel fulfilled." So, she highlighted, it's mainly about passion and dedication. South Africa's Healthcare - A Case Study Potelwa, talking about studying medicine in South Africa, underscored that it is as relevant as ever. According to her, the condition of the country's healthcare system pushes doctors to think in terms of how "treat patients and manage patients when you don't have access to all the equipment and the resources that you want."Moreover, working as a doctor in this country requires certain skills and different approaches to patients. She explained that a healthcare employee must think about patients' abilities as well, including such aspects as whether "they can read the prescription that you're writing" or whether they "have enough money to afford the procedure you're prescribing."She also noted that due to a high level of interpersonal violence in the country, there are a lot of different traumatic injuries doctors have to deal with. Therefore, studying in South Africa can be considered to be a huge challenge, but simultaneously, she underlined, it "allows you to grow through the pressures that you've been forced into."Talking about future plans, Potelwa revealed that her biggest dream is to open a health center in the township where her father, who is also a doctor, works. She added that she wants to help the community by building a big hospital where all people of the township would be treated. South Africa, she explained, is a very resource-limited country, and therefore it is a natural feeling of her "to give more to the people."Mngomezulu echoed her remarks, noting that the country lacks human resources. She elaborated that healthcare workers are often "burnt out, underpaid, [and] under-resourced," while patients don't get the best care. She emphasized that South Africa is in a great need for doctors. However, today doctors are graduating and leaving the country, while specialists are retiring. While drawing attention to these problems, she ended the interview on a positive note  with a World Health Day wish for doctors to become game-changes.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/second-phase-of-africa-women-health-champions-initiative-launched-by-who-unv-1108203858.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230330/zimbabwe-receives-loan-from-south-africa-to-develop-health-infrastructure-1108953344.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/iraq-demands-apology-from-turkiye-for-attack-on-sulaymaniyah-airport-1109281280.html

Iraq Demands Apology From Turkiye for Attack on Sulaymaniyah Airport

Iraq Demands Apology From Turkiye for Attack on Sulaymaniyah Airport

Iraq called on Turkeiye to formally apologize for what Baghdad believes was Ankara's terrorist attack on the Sulaymaniyah airport in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, the president's office said on Saturday.

2023-04-08T21:00+0000

2023-04-08T21:00+0000

2023-04-08T23:52+0000

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Sulaymaniyah's civil aviation authority said that an explosion and a subsequent fire occurred near the city's international airport on Friday, resulting in no damage or casualties. The blast was allegedly caused by a Turkish drone strike, the Al Hadath broadcaster reported, citing a source. Commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, could have been in the airport's vicinity at the time of the incident. Baghdad has pledged to take a firm stance to "never allow such assaults to occur again" if these "acts of aggression" repeat. Meanwhile, the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces alliance (SDF) has said that the commander of its units, Mazloum Abdi, had been at the Sulaymaniyah airport at the time of the air attack, the El Sharq broadcaster reported. Earlier on Saturday, First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi parliament, Muhsin al-Mandalawi, instructed the authorities to form an investigative committee on the Sulaymaniyah airport attack to take measures that would uphold the sovereignty and protect Iraqi citizens from any attacks. On Wednesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Ankara had closed the country's airspace for three months to planes flying to and from Iraq's Sulaymaniyah airport due to the increased activity of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, labeled as terrorist by Ankara. Turkiye's national flag carrier Turkish Airlines confirmed to Sputnik that there were no flights to Sulaymaniyah at the moment.

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syria attacks turkiye, kurdistan airport, airstrike, drone strike
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/is-eu-able-to-depoliticize-economical-cooperation-with-china-1109249739.html

Is EU Able to Depoliticize Economic Cooperation With China?

Is EU Able to Depoliticize Economic Cooperation With China?

The European Union is interested in developing trade and economic relations with China. The latter urges the EU to strengthen mutual political trust. However, the United States will try to prevent China and the EU from signing an investment agreement in the foreseeable future.

2023-04-08T04:15+0000

2023-04-08T04:15+0000

2023-04-08T09:31+0000

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Recent meetings between the Chinese and European Commission presidents in Beijing outlined roadmaps for this year's contacts and prospects for long-term cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping said at a trilateral meeting with French President Macron and Ursula von der Leyen that China is willing to comprehensively resume exchanges with the EU at all levels. For his part, Chinese Premier of the State Council Li Qiang reaffirmed his intention to work with the EU on this year's EU-China Summit and to strengthen political mutual trust.The second person in the EU hierarchy made a groundbreaking and generally unexpected statement at the trilateral meeting, following her criticism of Beijing, that "severing ties" with China is neither in the EU's interest nor a strategic choice. This is clearly a positive shift in the EU's position in line with modern realities, Yin Jianlong, director of the European Union Studies Center at Anhui University, told Sputnik:Von der Leyen is known for her rather tough stance on China. During her trip to Beijing, she apparently had to adjust her approach under the influence of the leaders of the leading EU countries, Boris Guseletov, a leading researcher at the Department of Social and Political Studies of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told Sputnik:In her meeting with the Chinese president, von der Leyen reaffirmed that the EU and China are important trading partners and that their economies are closely interlinked. And she told Premier Li that the EU is ready to strengthen the high-level trade and economic dialogue with China, keep markets open to each other and deepen cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, food, health, green development and intellectual property protection.The Chinese side called on the EC president to promote closer cooperation and coordination in macroeconomic and financial policies and to deepen the "green" partnership. This is a good opportunity for the recovery of the EU economy, believes expert Boris Guseletov.According to Guseletov, China is ready to sign an investment agreement as part of initiatives to strengthen cooperation with the EU.Next week, Joseph Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, is expected to visit China. The Sino-European partnership dialogue will continue in the new environment. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU. China has already made it clear in meetings with the president of the European Commission that this date is an incentive for a comprehensive renewal of relations with the EU, including in the political field.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230406/macron-xi-talks-french-president-wants-to-relaunch-strategic-and-global-partnership-with-china-1109185978.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230405/borrell-eu-wants-cooperation-with-china-but-beijing-must-behave-positively-1109152763.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/netanyahu-calls-up-army-reservists-after-three-killed-amid-surge-in-israeli-palestinian-violence---1109273916.html

Netanyahu Calls Up Army Reservists After Three Killed Amid Surge in Israeli-Palestinian Violence

Netanyahu Calls Up Army Reservists After Three Killed Amid Surge in Israeli-Palestinian Violence

The situation deteriorated early this week, when Israeli riot police detained scores of Palestinian worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

2023-04-08T14:12+0000

2023-04-08T14:12+0000

2023-04-08T14:12+0000

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the government is calling up police and army reservists after three people were killed in two separate attacks in Tel Aviv and the West Bank amid a spike in violence.According to the PMs order, four reserve battalions of border police would be deployed in city centers as of Sunday, in addition to units already deployed in the Jerusalem region and in the central city of Lod, which has a mixed population of Jews and Arabs.This comes after an Italian tourist was killed, and seven others were injured, when an Israeli Arab rammed his car into pedestrians on the Tel Aviv seafront promenade on Friday before being shot dead. Earlier on Friday, two young British-Israeli sisters were killed, and their mother seriously wounded, when their car was fired on in the Jordan Valley in the West Bank.The attacks followed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launching air strikes and an artillery bombardment in the early hours of Friday in retaliation against rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.The Israeli military said that they specifically hit a number of targets belonging to the Palestinian militant group Hamas in southern Lebanon. According to the IDF, they attacked "infrastructure targets" and other sites which Tel Aviv views as belonging to the terror network.Hamas, for its part, said in a statement that they strongly condemn the blatant Zionist aggression against Lebanon," with Hamas member Basem Naim telling a Qatar-based broadcaster that people in Gaza have no place to hide and that rocket fire was a way for the enclave to defend itself from Israel.New Al-Aqsa Mosque Violence This was preceded by fresh Israeli violence inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem earlier this week, when dozens of Palestinians were injured during clashes with Israeli riot police who used stun grenades, gas, rubber bullets, batons and stocks of rifles.Israeli police claimed in a statement that "several law-breaking youths and masked agitators" fortified the mosque, allegedly "in order to disrupt public order and desecrate the facility.Netanyahu, in turn, insisted that the police "had to act to restore order," adding, "Israel is committed to maintaining freedom of worship, free access to all religions and the status quo on the Temple Mount, and will not allow violent extremists to change this."The Islamic Waqf, which administers the Al-Aqsa site, however, described the Israeli police's actions as "a flagrant violation of the identity and function of the mosque as a place of worship for Muslims alone".Hamas slammed the incident "an unprecedented crime" and warned Israel that there would be "consequences."The clashes over the status of the Temple Mount, which houses the Al-Aqsa complex, have been going on for a long time, since the religious sanctuary is considered holy both by Muslim Palestinians and Jews.Al-Aqsa Mosque-related tensions in May 2021 prompted Hamas to fire scores of rockets towards Jerusalem, triggering an 11-day conflict with Israel, which claimed the lives of at least 256 Palestinians and 13 people in the Jewish state.

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a spike in israeli-palestinian violence, new tensions around the al-aqsa mosque, the israeli government's decision to call up police and army reservists
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/nigeria-and-morocco-to-invest-125-billion-each-in-gas-pipeline-1109276686.html

Nigeria and Morocco to Invest $12.5 Billion Each in Gas Pipeline

Nigeria and Morocco to Invest $12.5 Billion Each in Gas Pipeline

To obtain a 50% stake in the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, the The Nigerian National Petroleum Company will finance half of the project, namely $12.5 billion

2023-04-08T16:21+0000

2023-04-08T16:21+0000

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) and Morocco's National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) are due to jointly finance the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline in equal shares, authorities have announced.Mallam Mele Kyari, NNPCL managing director, stated that the project is already in Phase II of the preliminary research and is currently undergoing an environmental impact assessment  as well as rights-of-way investigations.According to him, NNPCL is making use of Nigeria's vast natural gas reserves, which comprise more than 5,6 billion cubic meters. It could grow to around 17 billion cubic meters, he stressed, as an increase in investment is expected after a number of production-sharing contract disputes with partners are resolved.He claimed that the huge reserve will provide a boost to energy and industrial sectors. Kyari also underlined that it will provide a low-carbon energy alternative and help reduce the carbon footprint, fighting unemployment and poverty.The managing director also stated that his country's gas infrastructure network is capable of transporting about 195 million cubic meters of gas to enable power generation.Project at an Advanced StageThe gas pipeline is one of the projects linking Nigeria and Morocco through several West African countries. Several memoranda of understanding have been signed in recent months  the first between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria and Morocco, and two others between Morocco, Nigeria and Mauritania on the one hand, and Morocco, Nigeria and Senegal on the other. Five more trilateral memoranda of understanding have been signed by Morocco and Nigeria, on the one side, and Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Ghana, on the other.In accordance with the project, the pipeline will run along the West African coast from Nigeria, through Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal and Mauritania to Morocco. It will also supply nearby Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali and will be connected to the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline and the European gas network.The project is expected to cover approximately 5,600 km through 11 African countries and set a record as the longest offshore gas pipeline in the world.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230114/nigerian-firm-discovers-oil-in-northern-state-of-nasarawa-media-report-1106307701.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/poland-is-losing-big-from-escalation-in-ukraine-and-growing-dependence-on-washington-1109268182.html

Poland Losing Big From Escalation in Ukraine and Growing Dependence on Washington

Poland Losing Big From Escalation in Ukraine and Growing Dependence on Washington

Poland doesn't benefit from the Ukraine conflict; Warsaw is creating further threats to its own security by getting bogged down in the standoff with Russia, Mateusz Piskorski says.

2023-04-08T09:52+0000

2023-04-08T09:52+0000

2023-04-08T11:15+0000

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Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky paid an official visit to Poland, which regularly provides substantial military assistance to the Kiev regime, serves as a hub for other arms deliveries, and hosts roughly 1.5 million refugees  the largest number in Europe.Even though the countries are currently seen as close allies, Zelensky's visit came amid a government crisis which saw Polands agriculture minister quit over his inability to reduce the amount of Ukrainian agricultural products flooding into the country and disrupting its economy. Ordinary Poles are concerned that Ukrainian refugees openly revere Ukrainian Nazi collaborators who killed tens of thousands of Polish nationals during WW2, as per the Mysl Polska."It is very symbolic that Zelensky has been in Poland several times since February 24 last year, but he did not find time to officially meet with the Polish authorities," said Mateusz Piskorski. According to Piskorski, the US sees Warsaw as an inferior ally in comparison to Kiev, making it almost impossible for the Polish leadership to demand anything from the Ukrainian authorities. Even though the US-Polish security cooperation appears to get stronger, in reality it's the American defense contractors who are poised to benefit from it, according to the journalist. At the same time, the US is not investing in Poland's economy and showing no signal that it ever will, which raises questions about Warsaw's foreign policy course and pragmatism.Poland's open anti-Russia stance is also narrowing its room for maneuvering and ability to diversify foreign ties. Warsaw does not have any clear strategy with regard to Russia, as per Piskorski. He believes that the evolving anti-Russia sentiment in Warsaw and willingness to freeze relations with Moscow are largely dictated by Western curators of the Polish government.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230326/poland-bills-eu-2-bln-for-weapons-sent-to-ukraine-1108804063.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230325/poland-germany-not-as-generous-as-it-should-be-in-funneling-support-to-ukraine-1108784376.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/professor-slammed-for-pro-russia-views-at-us-bank-event-says-he-simply-provided-analysis-1109260737.html

Professor Slammed for 'Pro-Russia' Views at US Bank Event Says He Simply Provided Analysis

Professor Slammed for 'Pro-Russia' Views at US Bank Event Says He Simply Provided Analysis

A US professor accused of being pro-Russian for comments made at a Bank of America conference told Sputnik he was simply providing analysis, not cheerleading against Ukraine.

2023-04-08T02:07+0000

2023-04-08T02:07+0000

2023-04-08T02:34+0000

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University of Rhode Island Professor of Political Science Nicolai Petro in prepared remarks to this week's conference said Ukraine would be the "overwhelming loser" in the conflict with Russia. The Financial Times (FT) reported that Petro's comments, along with those of other speakers, sparked an uproar that forced Bank of America to end the two-day event prematurely. Getting Ukraine on a healthy and sustainable economic growth track, he continued, would therefore require several decades of internal and external political stability. Internal stability means reaching a political settlement and external stability requires a postwar settlement with Russia over borders and better relations, he added. "Without both of these, no serious investment will ever flow into Ukraine, and the country will inexorably decline," Petro said. "Unfortunately, I don't hear any talk about how to achieve these objectives that are essential for the survival of Ukraine from political leaders in the West, Russia, or Ukraine." According to the FT report, attendees also specifically mentioned Daniel Sheehan, Bank of America Securities' head of international relations, who criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the event and described him as "a master manipulator" about whom there were "serious concerns" in the Biden administration, the report said. One outraged attendee at the function cited in the report said "it was more like Bank of Russia than Bank of America." Bank of America in a statement said all external speakers are independent and apologized to displeased clients.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230407/us-bank-reportedly-aborts-client-conference-after-criticism-over-pro-russian-views-from-experts-1109225116.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/russia-has-become-very-important-partner-in-new-conditions-mauritius-ambassador-says-1109264389.html

Russia Has Become 'Very Important Partner' in New Conditions, Mauritius Ambassador Says

Russia Has Become 'Very Important Partner' in New Conditions, Mauritius Ambassador Says

Russia has become an important partner for Mauritius amid the changing international environment, ambassador of the Republic of Mauritius to Russia Kheswar Jankee told Sputnik.

2023-04-08T12:44+0000

2023-04-08T12:44+0000

2023-04-08T12:44+0000

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Russia has become an important "player" for Mauritius amid the changing international environment, Ambassador of the Republic of Mauritius to Russia Kheswar Jankee told Sputnik.He added that both countries have concluded a number of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in areas including education, military, and fishing.Similarly, Mauritius has "lots of opportunities" for Russia, the ambassador said, outlining the most prospective areas for cooperation.Furthermore, Mauritius is interested in Russia's expertise in constructing tourist and transport infrastructure, the ambassador explained, praising the quality of buildings, bridges and roads in Russia. Jankee invited Russian investors to take part in infrastructure projects, invest in hotels and smart cities in his country.Jankee also mentioned that he had invited Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to the African island nation so that he could see the opportunities the country has for Russian investors, adding that bilateral relations have to be maintained.As for trade relations, Mauritius is interested in Russian fertilizers as well as in fish products and beef, while the latter imports sugar, tuna and many other products, said Jankee.Moreover, the African country is also interested in importing Russian petrol and petroleum products, including jet fuel.The ambassador also mentioned that Mauritius expects direct flights from Russia will be launched within a few months. In this regard, the African nation is currently working with Russian Aeroflot airlines, adding that the relevant work has been underway since January 2022.He specified that an additional route, Mauritius  Seychelles  Russia, is also being worked out with the Russian flag carrier and a relevant request has been sent to the Republic of Seychelles.He also stated that the African nation is now working to ensure the island-state can accept Russian "MIR" banking cards, so that the stay of Russian tourists in the country is more comfortable.Speaking about the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit to be held this summer in St. Petersburg, the ambassador named the main topics for discussion, including defense. Mauritius recently signed an agreement with the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding assistance in ensuring maritime security in the region. He noted that the agreement can also contribute to the modernization of the army and police, as well as in the fight against drug trafficking. Moreover, he also noted that the countries will discuss the development of training programs in several areas, including technologies and communication systems that could help in detecting cyclones. Recently, Mauritius has become one of the African nations that suffered from cyclone Freddy's drastic consequences. According to Jankee, the island nation has a very powerful electrical system and the government provides a lot of means to fight the cyclones' impact.The ambassador likewise highlighted education as one of the crucial spheres of cooperation between Russia and Mauritius.He stressed that the USSR was one of the first countries to establish official relations with Mauritius  only two weeks after it had gained independence  noting that many Mauritians studied in the USSR, and then in Russia, receiving scholarships, studying engineering, medicine and other specialties. According to the ambassador, Russian universities are interested in holding an exchange of students and teaching staff, training and even the development of courses. He also noted that Russia generously provided scholarships to Mauritius. Earlier, Russia's Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Natalia Bocharova said that from next year the number of preferential places in Russian universities for students from Africa will almost double.At a press conference in Angola during his African tour, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov outlined that the humanitarian sphere is of the utmost importance in relations between Russia and African nations.During Lavrov's visit to Eswatini, the country's Foreign Minister Thuli Dladla announced that the two countries are also deepening ties in the educational field, as Russia has agreed to increase the annual number of scholarships it awards Eswatinian students to 25 from 10.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230406/africans-know-which-direction-to-take-in-multipolar-world-mauritius-ambassador-says-1109188256.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230403/now-or-never-high-time-to-revive-russia-africa-cooperation-expert-insists-1109065741.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230317/russian-msu-rector-sadovnichy-proposes-closer-cooperation-between-russian-and-african-universities-1108495683.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/russia-supports-monusco-urges-mission-to-listen-to-government-and-society-1109274341.html

Russia Supports MONUSCO in DRC, Urges Mission to Listen to Government and Society

Russia Supports MONUSCO in DRC, Urges Mission to Listen to Government and Society

Earlier this month, the East African Regional Force (EACRF) in the DRC announced it was planning to conduct joint operations together with the United Nations... 08.04.2023, Sputnik International

2023-04-08T14:25+0000

2023-04-08T14:25+0000

2023-04-08T14:27+0000

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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin held consultations on the settlement of the situation in the African Great Lakes region and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the UN Secretary General's Special Representative Bintou Keita and the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for African Great Lakes region Huang Xia, the Russian Foreign Ministry has stated.According to the Foreign Ministry, much attention was paid to the investigation into the circumstances of the attack on the helicopter of the United Nations (UN) peacekeepers in March 2022, which killed eight people, including Lieutenant Colonel Alexey Mizyura, senior of the group of Russian UN military observers.At the same time, the ministry stressed that Russia will continue promoting peace processes in the DR Congo and in the African Great Lakes region, including its UN Security Council activities.The ministry outlined that while assessing the situation, the UN mission should listen to DRC authorities before making the decision to withdraw the mission.More than 120 armed groups are currently operating in major parts of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, destabilizing the situation in the country and in the nearby territories. MONUSCO took over from a previous UN peacekeeping operation  the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC)  on July 1, 2010. The mission was launched in order to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel and to support the government of the DRC in its peace settlement efforts, according to the UN.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230406/eacrf-and-monusco-to-conduct-joint-operations-to-secure-peace-in-eastern-dr-congo-1109199940.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/serbian-socialists-urge-for-economy-minister-to-be-dismissed-over-calls-to-sanction-russia-1109279489.html

Serbian Socialists Urge for Economy Minister to Be Dismissed Over Calls to Sanction Russia

Serbian Socialists Urge for Economy Minister to Be Dismissed Over Calls to Sanction Russia

The Movement of Socialists, a part of the governing coalition in Serbia, on Saturday urged the dismissal of Serbian Economy Minister Rade Basta over his new calls for sanctions against Russia.

2023-04-08T16:34+0000

2023-04-08T16:34+0000

2023-04-08T16:34+0000

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Basta, a member of United Serbia conservative party, assumed office in October 2022. The chairman of United Serbia, Dragan Markovic, said that his party was against introducing sanctions against Russia.Earlier in the day, Basta reportedly said at a meeting with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that he supports President Aleksandar Vucic, but "does not understand why he does not impose sanctions" against Russia. Last month, the minister urged the government to make up its mind on the issue of sanctions against Russia, claiming that Belgrade is already paying a high price for its refusal to support the Western restrictions. In October 2022, Vucic made it clear that Belgrade would not impose sanctions on Russia until the very existence of Serbia was threatened."As long as there is no existential threat to Serbia, to its citizens, we will not [impose sanctions], we will pursue an independent policy which we have defined by decisions of the security council," Vucic said."If we find ourselves in such a situation, if I see and understand that we are faced with an existential threat, then I will address the citizens of Serbia and tell them that we must do so. You are asking me whether this moment has come, I think it has not. I am proud that for 240 days we have been pursuing an independent policy," he said in a televised appearance.The Serbian president added that he "is not looking for an excuse to impose sanctions," saying that he can "find five million reasons" not to do so."I seek a moral and legally unimpeachable position for the country that I love the most and lead by choice of its citizens," Vucic said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230108/west-to-demand-serbia-recognize-kosovo-if-belgrade-slaps-sanctions-on-russia---vucic-1106129702.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/the-western-war-on-women-and-the-ukrainian-orthodox-church-1109256926.html

The Western War on Women and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The Western War on Women and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including Saudi Arabia reportedly holding ceasefire talks with Yemen's... 08.04.2023, Sputnik International

2023-04-08T09:49+0000

2023-04-08T09:49+0000

2023-04-08T09:49+0000

the backstory

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The Western War on Women and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including Saudi Arabia ending its war on Yemen, and Irish authorities warning of terrorist attacks during President Biden's visit.

Andrii Telizhenko - Ukrainian Whistleblower | The Mayor of Kiev, The Backstory to the Maidan in Ukraine, and Mike Pompeo Tours UkraineThom Nickels  Author, Journalist | The Left Devalues Children's Lives, BLM Protestors Receive Compensation from Philadelphia, and Lindsey Graham In the first hour, Lee spoke with Andrii Telizhenko about the Holy War in Ukraine, child exploitation occurring in Ukraine, and bravery against tyranny. Andrii talked about his involvement in the 2014 Maidan and how he advised Victoria Nuland. Andrii described his interactions with former Senator John McCain and how he regrets his assistance in the Western backed coup in Ukraine.In the second hour, Lee spoke with Thom Nickles about the Nashville school shooting, the Tennesse Democrats expelled from office, and the poor Philadelphia education system. Thom discussed the kid gloves used by the media to describe the school shooter in Nashville. Thom commented on the 2020 BLM protestors and how the city of Philadelphia paid these protesters after a lawsuit.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/20230408/thousands-join-easter-march-in-berlin-against-arms-supplies-to-ukraine-1109273775.html

Thousands Join 'Easter March' in Berlin, Munich Against Arms Supplies to Ukraine

Thousands Join 'Easter March' in Berlin, Munich Against Arms Supplies to Ukraine

Several thousand people are taking part in a peace march ahead of Easter in Berlin, calling for stopping arms supplies to Kiev and starting peace negotiations on Ukraine, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Saturday.

2023-04-08T13:12+0000

2023-04-08T13:12+0000

2023-04-08T15:01+0000

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So-called Easter marches are traditional in Germany, with this year's weekend peace demonstrations expected to be held in over 120 cities and towns across the country. The organizer of the Berlin march, Netzwerk Friedenskooperative (Peace Cooperation Network), estimates that up to 3,000 are attending the demonstration, which began at Berlin's central quarter of Wedding. The participants can be seen carrying flags depicting the dove of peace, as well as banners that read "US and NATO Get Out of Ukraine," "Diplomacy, Not Arms," "Against Pointless Sanctions, Cheap Energy Now," "Tanks Never Bring Peace," as well as other slogans against Europe's dependence on the United States. A performer sang a pacifist song in Russian, German and Yiddish and some speakers called for prompt peace negotiations on Ukraine from the stage before the start of the procession. A small number of pro-Ukrainian activists attempted to disrupt the march, but failed. Additionally, a similar rally was held in Munich.In the announcement of the Berlin march, the organizers urged against sending weapons to Ukraine, deployment of nuclear weapons at the Ramstein air base, and opposed Russian sanctions, which, as organizers pointed out, backfired on Germany. They also urged the German authorities to facilitate peace talks between Moscow and Kiev, as well as to create Europe's security architecture "from Lisbon to Vladivostok."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230225/manifesto-for-peace-mass-rally-takes-place-in-berlin-1107791862.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230218/mass-peace-rally-takes-place-in-munich--1107571022.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/us-judge-blocks-federal-approval-of-abortion-pill-mifepristone---filing-1109259901.html

US Judge Blocks Federal Approval of Abortion Pill Mifepristone - Filing

US Judge Blocks Federal Approval of Abortion Pill Mifepristone - Filing

A US judge blocked federal approval of an abortion pill known as mifepristone, which previously received approval for more than 20 years, a court filing revealed.

2023-04-08T02:08+0000

2023-04-08T02:08+0000

2023-04-08T04:08+0000

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us

abortion

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"The Court hereby STAYS the effective date of FDA's [Food and Drug Administration's] September 28, 2000, Approval of mifepristone and all subsequent challenged actions related to that approval - the 2016 changes, the 2019 General Approval, and the 2021 Actions," judge Matthew Kacsmaryk wrote in the court document on Friday.As part of the lawsuit, the plaintiffs argued that the substance was approved under former President Bill Clinton in a fast-track procedure. However, this is only permissible for substances that counteract disease, of which pregnancy is not considered a not a disease. Consequently, the authorization is illegal.The court order is set to take effect in seven days, according to the filing.The delay of the order to take effect is meant to give the federal government time to file an appeal, media reported.Yet the Department of Justice has already released a statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, which reads that the DOJ "strongly disagrees with the decision of the District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA and will be appealing the courts decision and seeking a stay pending appeal."However, a US judge in the state of Washington issued an order prohibiting the federal government from taking mifepristone off the market. The conflicting ruling is anticipated to create a standoff before the US Supreme Court.The American Civil Liberties Union also said that its lawyers will try to review the decision to revoke the Mifepristone approval.Adding to the widespread condemnation of the Friday development, US President Joe Biden remarked in a White House release that his administration would "fight" the legal move tooth and nail.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230308/five-women-sue-texas-for-denying-them-abortions-during-dangerous-pregnancies-1108190749.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230408/weekly-news-wrap-up-justice-thomas-accepted-luxury-travel-for-years-from-gop-donor-report-says-1109257414.html

Weekly News Wrap Up; Justice Thomas Accepted Luxury Travel for Years from GOP Donor, Report Says

Weekly News Wrap Up; Justice Thomas Accepted Luxury Travel for Years from GOP Donor, Report Says

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas accepted luxury trips around the world for over two decades from a prominent Republican donor and never disclosed them... 08.04.2023, Sputnik International

2023-04-08T09:45+0000

2023-04-08T09:45+0000

2023-04-08T09:45+0000

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Weekly News Wrap Up; Justice Thomas Accepted Luxury Travel for Years from GOP Donor, Report Says Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas accepted luxury trips around the world for over two decades from a prominent Republican donor and never disclosed them, according to a new report.

Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. He discusses Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas accepting luxury trips from a prominent Republican donor, the Trump indictment, and President Macron's meeting with President Xi.Jack Rasmus, professor of economics and politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss economics. JPMorgan chief Jamie Dimon warns the banking crisis 'not yet over,' and OPEC+ announces surprise oil output cuts.Dr. Colin Campbell, a Washington, DC, news correspondent joins us to discuss this week's important stories. Dr. Campbell weighs in on Justice Thomas accepting luxury travel on a superyacht, private jet, and resorts around the world. He also discusses President Donald Trump pleading not guilty to 34 felony charges.Ajamu Baraka, 2016 US vice presidential candidate for the Green Party, and Dr. Margaret Flowers, activist, and editor of "PopularResistance.org," join us to discuss this week's important news stories. They discuss the fact that every single one of Africa's 54 countries refused to join the US in sanctions against Russia over the special military operation in Ukraine. They also talk about the launch of this week's Black Alliance for Peace-sponsored Campaign for a Zone of Peace in our Americas.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. They discuss Justice Thomas' accusations of accepting luxury travel from a GOP donor, NPR protests as Twitter calls it "state-affiliated media," and what President Biden means when he says were fighting a global battle for democracy.'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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Kicking off the fourth leg of the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, the Quebec-owned mare Lit De Rose and driver/trainer Patrick Lachance rallied boldly to get up in the final stride and win the fastest of the three $40,000 divisions on Friday night (April 7) at MGM Yonkers Raceway. The eight-year-old by Leader Bayama overtook Karma Seelster in the final strides in a 1:52.4 mile to claim her first win in the series following three on-the-board finishes.

Mabalene N and driver Jason Bartlett blasted to the front over 6-5 favourite Gotthegreenlight and Dexter Dunn into the first turn and cut opening-half fractions of :27.4 and :57 under little duress. Approaching the three-quarters mark, Matt Kakaley pulled Karma Seelster from third to attack, with Lachance and Lit De Rose moving to the outside but advancing slowly off cover. Mabalene N hit three-quarters in 1:24.3 but was under intense pressure on the final turn, with Karma Seelster wresting command into the homestretch. Lachance set Lit De Rose in motion and the veteran mare kicked home for the victory by a head over Karma Seelster. Mabalene N third finished third over Gotthegreenlight, who found room to the inside in mid-stretch but failed to respond to urging.

Owned and bred by Guy Corbeil of Mirabel, Que., Lit De Rose was a winner for the second time in 11 starts this year. She is a 37-time winner in her life and her bankroll stands at $728,737.

Lit De Rose returned $4.80 as the second favourite in the field. The exacta was worth $23.80 and the trifecta kicked back $65.

Defending Blue Chip Matchmaker Series champion Drama Act regained winning form after finding a division without the streaking Amazing Dream N to beat. With George Brennan in the bike, Drama Act scored her fifth victory in eight 2023 starts with a 1:53 mile.

With the pole position, Brennan didn't get assertive early and instead allowed Man Dontforget Me and Matt Kakaley to cross over into the first turn. Delitfulcatherin N and Wahs Fire Bug N both had thoughts of getting the front at the outset, with the Jordan Stratton-driven Delitfulcatherin N going forward on the opening bend and Wahs Fire Bug N, with Tyler Buter in the bike, retreating after a brief leaving move. Delitfulcatherin N cleared the lead before the quarter, but within an instant Brennan moved Drama Act with purpose and took control shortly past the :26.4 opening quarter.

Sent off as the prohibitive 1-20 favourite, Drama Act was able to back the half to :56.4 before Gias Surreal, with Dexter Dunn, began a methodical first-over assault. Off a reasonable 1:25.1 three-quarters, the outer tier disappeared into the final turn and only Delitfulcatherin N had a chance to run down the favourite. Under left handed urging by Stratton, Delitfulcatherin N looked to gain momentum to pass Drama Act, but Brennan's mare had something in reserve and prevailed by a head with a :27.4 final quarter. Delitfulcatherin N settled for second, with early leader Man Dontforget Me back in third.

Now with two wins and a second in four series starts, Drama Act assured herself a position in the April 24 final with the victory for trainer Ron Burke and owner/breeder The OK Corral of Hampshire, Illinois. The win was the six-year-old Well Said mare's 34th of her career and she has now earned $892,172.

Drama Act paid $2.10 to win and was atop a $6.10 exacta and a $24.20 trifecta.

Dougs Babe A became the first mare to upend Amazing Dream N in a thrilling finish, getting her nose in front in a 1:53.2 mile for driver Dexter Dunn. The six-year-old daughter of Western Terror won for the second straight week in the series for trainer Nifty Norman.

Majorca N and Dougs Babe A both left with purpose outside the inside favourite Amazing Dream N and driver Yannick Gingras. Corey Callahan had Majorca N claim the front from the favourite on the opening bend and then was under immediate attack from Dunn and Dougs Babe A. Gingras had Amazing Dream N out before the quarter and attacked Dougs Babe A to claim the top past the :27.2 opening marker.

Gingras was able to get a healthy breather, hitting the half in :57.3 before Incaseyoudidnknow and Andrew McCarthy started their first-over grind. A 1:25.3 three-quarters kept Amazing Dream N in complete control and the Linda Toscano-trained mare started her sprint on the final turn, leaving the outer flank out of contention. In the homestretch Dougs Babe A kicked out of the pocket and charged sharply to get up on the wire. Amazing Dream N fought bravely but lost a close photo, with Incaseyoudidnknow holding resolutely for third.

Dougs Babe A likely assured herself a spot in the final with the win for owners Tom Vassiliou, Nicholas Tallarico, Patricia Stable and Enzed Racing Stable. Arriving in North American for the series, she made her 13th appearance in the winner's circle and has now pocketed $193,026.

Dougs Babe A returned $8.20 to win and keyed a $14.20 exacta and a $28.40 trifecta.

Preliminary round action in the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series will wrap up next Friday (April 14) before a $125,000 added final that should go for at least $250,000 on April 24. The final of the MGM Borgata Pacing Series and companion consolation races for both events will also occur that night.

Stakes action will resume on Monday night (April 10) at MGM Yonkers Raceway with three $50,000 splits of the third leg of the MGM Borgata Series for free-for-all pacers. Trotters will also be in action next week as the John Brennan Series continues with five $25,000 sections of the second round on Wednesday (April 12).

MGM Yonkers Raceway is currently operating on a Monday through Friday live racing schedule with post time at 7 p.m. (EDT).

(With files from Yonkers Raceway)
Fifth-generation Culpeper area dairy farmers, located near the banks of the Rapidan River, recently finished an environmental project, with partners, for a healthier Chesapeake Bay.

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association and Piedmont Environmental Council announced the April 5 completion of a forested riparian buffer planting at J Team Dairy.

An estimated 30 local volunteers helped plant 220 trees on an acre along a tributary of Potato Run, according to a release from Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association. The farm is near Raccoon Ford in southern Culpeper County at the Orange County line.

Dairy is still one of the top commodities in Virginia, according to organizers. The industry in Culpeper, once a thriving endeavor, has greatly minimized in the 21st century.

Molly Elgin McWilliams of J Team Dairy, in a YouTube video for the recent tree planting, said she loves being a farmer.

Im fifth-generation and I get to help feed the world. So its a pretty cool feeling, McWilliams said in the release.

She said farmers have a responsibility to protect the environment and be sustainable.

We need to hold onto our natural resources. Its our job. It starts with us, McWilliams said. It takes a team to be able to get all of these practices together and to be able to utilize grant money and Alliance of the Chesapeake for what they have to offer.

The Elgin Family established J Team Dairy in 2002. They milk 220 cows with a focus on strong herd genetics and high milk quality, according to the release.

The family also farms 175 acres, growing crops including corn, rye and triticale. J Team Dairy is a member of the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, producers of Maola dairy products.

The farm also cares about the environment, and is getting help with that on various state, local, federal and nonprofit levels.

A $1 million Innovative Nutrient & Sediment Reduction grant through National Fish and Wildlife Foundation provides funding for the unique partnership between the Alliance and Milk Producers Association now reaching local farms, according to the release.

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation matched the grant to support implementation of sustainability practices on Virginia dairy farms supplying Maola Milk. The main goal is to help local dairy farmers reach sustainability goals while achieving broader Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction goals, the release stated.

Thanks to Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District and Piedmont Environmental Council, all costs of the tree planting project at J Team Dairy were covered. Additional funding will cover a portion of the higher cost of implementing larger infrastructure BMPs, or Best Management Practices, for environmental waterway protection.

"Riparian buffer planting projects, like the one at J Team Dairy, provide immense contributions to water quality locally, and also contribute to Virginias commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Program, said Linnea Stewart with PEC.

Installing and enhancing riparian buffers improves habitat on land and in water, increases bank stability, filters agricultural runoff, contributes to climate change resilience and offers flood protection, Stewart said.

We thank the Elgin Family for all their work to improve water quality, and for providing the public with an opportunity to connect with the land in a palpable way that they may not experience otherwise, she said.

The trees will help improve local water quality by reducing the amount of nutrients and sediments entering the Rappahannock River Watershed which empties into the Chesapeake Bay.

"Dairy farmers want to have a seat at the table and be considered an environmental solution, said Lindsay Reames with Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association. As proud owners of Maola Milk, we're pioneering unique sustainability partnerships that ensure we're the sustainable choice for dairy for consumers up and down the east coast."

The Elgin Family approaches dairy farming with a focus on animal care and sustainability, the release stated. The farm is now working with partners to construct a bedded pack barn and a manure storage facility to reduce runoff to local streams and keep cows cool, clean and dry. The farm uses cover crop practices to keep soil and nutrients on the farm and out of streams.

Its about creating a culture of conservation and changing the way the industry operates, said Marissa Little with the milk producers cooperative association.

Hopefully this will become a new normal in the ag industry in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and beyond, she said in the video.

Collaboration is at the forefront of the work, said Christian Anderson, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.

Many dairy farmers are leaving the industry due to low milk prices. Those who are staying in the market realize theres a huge need to increase their operations sustainability, Anderson said. However, many cannot prioritize conservation without supply chain support that brings significant funding, technical support and incentives to manage their farms for the future.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed health is everyones responsibility, he said.

It takes a team with different backgrounds and ideas to come and work together to find solutions and create projects that have a lasting impact on local communities and the environment, Anderson said.

Farmer McWilliams, with husband Rusty, took her baby daughter, Halle, along for the tree planting along the run and she looked quite engaged. The infant could one day be a sixth-generation dairy farmer.
Culpeper student Malaysia Ravenel was the winner of the Floyd T. Binns Middle School Black History Month essay contest in February for her piece on an African-American who inspired her, close to home.

Here is her winning essay:

Who is the bravest person you have ever met? My Nana is the person who teaches me a lot about cancer. All the information she tells me about her experience with cancer helps me understand the disease more. I love learning about her experience and what she went through. My Nana taught me a lot about cancer. I have learned things from the stories she shares, the pictures she shows and the cancer pins and ribbons she collects.

My Nana is one of the bravest people I know. She is always inspiring me to be independent. I am very grateful I have someone in my life as brave as her. She had to go through many examinations and she handled them amazingly! She inspires me to be independent and brave. She had helped me become more confident in the things I do. When I am trying new stunts and tumbling in cheer I am not afraid and feel confident in the air. If thats not enough, you should hear about her other experiences.

When she was younger she had to help her father a lot because he was blind. When she tells me about how she helped her father, it helps me understand how important it is to help and respect the people around you. Now I love to help people around me whenever I can to show that I respect and care for them.

My Nana also helps some companies and organizations. She loves to help kids so at church she helps the kids make plays, dances, presentations and more! My Nana also works at a daycare and every year they have an Angel Tree. She loves to help out kids and families in need and buying them some things for Christmas. There is also an organization that helps pregnant women in need and she loves to help with that as well.

Now that I have seen her doing these things to help others, I love to give gifts and see peoples reaction when they open them. I love to help with kids as well. These are some of the things that my Nana does that I feel are very helpful to others. In conclusion, just seeing others do good can inspire us to do better. The things that other people tell you can help you in the future.
Scottsbluff High Schools Educators Rising chapter recently attended State Conference in Lincoln, where 11 students performed well enough to qualify for this summers national competition.

Educators Rising is a career and technical education organization for students who wish to pursue careers in education or other child-centric fields like daycare. Chapter sponsor Anne Schmall said Educators Rising has many methods of preparing future professionals for work in their chosen field.

Our students do some different community service projects, participate in activities and classes at the high school, and one of the biggest things we do is attend different conferences where they learn about current trends and issues in education and meet other students from across the state, she said.

Those conferences also include the option to compete in a variety of events and projects that range from mock job interviewing to lesson plan development and even writing and illustrating a childrens book. Many of the events require large amounts of work and preparation before the students even set foot on the competition location.

The students work on these competitions throughout the school year until March, Schmall said. When we register, some of them have things that need to be submitted before we arrive in Lincoln, and others just arrive in Lincoln and compete.

Another interesting event that requires a good deal of knowledge about the field of education is Creative Lecture, which Schmall likened to giving a TED Talk on a designated topic.

Theyre given a topic, then they do research and write out their TED Talk. They can have slides to go with it, and then they present this creative lecture to the judges. This years topic was how we build relationships and connect with students post-pandemic, how we can get kids to come back to school and things like that, she said.

All in all, Educators Rising conferences are designed to resemble conferences that professional educators might attend to keep up-to-date on the current issues in their field, giving the students a taste of their future.

Its like a mini conference for future teachers, and its actually really good for current teachers, too. When I sit in on the different workshops, I always take away some really good content that I can add to my own classes, she said.

The conference also includes the election of officers for the upcoming school year. This year that included Scottsbluff junior Grace Baker, who will assist the organization in planning conferences, support growing Education Rising chapters, advocate for career and technical education programs in the state legislature, and more.

That required her to complete an application, get references and recommendation letters from teachers, and then give a speech to the student body at the conference and do an interview with the state adviser and some other teachers and administrators, Schmall said.

Schmall said that shes always pleased with the effort put forth by her students in competition, largely due to the amount of initiative they have to show to get their projects completed with only minimal guidance from her.

Im always so surprised and impressed by how well our students do. These are their projects, and I tell them that from the beginning. I give them the competition criteria and the rubrics and I tell them to go work on it, she said. I might offer a suggestion about this or that, but its all on them. I do not hold their hand along the way, so Im always so proud and impressed, and I think theyre proud and impressed with themselves because they did it on their own.

The following members of Scottsbluff High Schools Educators Rising chapter placed in the top eight of their events at state conference: Regan Mader placed second in Childrens literature K-3; Grace Baker and Megan Peister, second in Interactive Bulletin Board; Mia Arnold, third in Lesson Plan and Delivery STEM; Grace Baker, fourth in Lesson Plan and Delivery Art; Megan Peister, fifth in Job Interview; Karen Torres, sixth in childrens literature PreK; Claire Burkhalter, seventh in Childrens literature K-3; Aspyn Andreas and Katalia Adams, seventh in Interactive Bulletin Board; Julia Balthazor, eighth in Creative Lecture.
SIDNEY  The forest green roof and pair of bronze stags frozen in combat are impossible to miss as you drive down Interstate 80.

So are the two corporate buildings  550,000 square feet of nearly empty office space, long offered for a $1 a year lease.

The water tower looms overhead, painted in the same green, heralding what once was: Cabelas World Headquarters, City of Sidney.

For 54 years, Cabelas made its home here, a juggernaut that kept the town humming. But in 2017, the sporting goods store sold for $5 billion to Bass Pro Shops  a takeover that eventually made 2,000 jobs vanish in a town of roughly 6,600 residents.

Sidneys outlook turned grim. Without Cabelas, leaders feared that the fourth-largest city in the Panhandle would empty out. A full-page ad in the local paper declared, Last one out, turn off the lights.

But six years later, the lights are still on. The reality in this Panhandle town: Complicated.

Sidneys population did shrink in the years after the sale  then started growing again in 2020. The town has lost an estimated 436 residents since 2016, a 6% dip that mirrors population declines in similar Nebraska cities.

The numbers dont signal a full recovery  Sidneys median income, for example, has plummeted with the loss of Cabelas high-paying corporate jobs.

But Sidneys staying power still surprises experts, who say its driven by two factors.

One: Former Cabelas employees opening their small businesses, diversifying the economy in a formerly one-company town.

Two: A recent influx of new residents, both retirees and remote workers.

I would have predicted at least a 20% (population) decline, said Don Macke, a rural community development consultant who has worked in Sidney. When you lose an employer of this size, and  a few years later, weve got a population thats comparable to what it was before, thats pretty unprecedented.

***

Each spring, high schoolers from Nebraska and neighboring states flock to Sidney searching for the perfect prom dress. Their destination: Charlotte & Emerson, a downtown boutique  and one example of Sidneys rebirth from the ashes of Cabelas.

Co-owner Sarah Kaiser and husband Kurt Kaiser both worked at Cabelas. When the company was swallowed by Missouri-based Bass Pro, the family relocated there as Sarah Kaiser ran the combined companys human resources.

But in 2020, they decided to return to Sidney, her hometown. Sarah Kaiser opened Charlotte & Emerson with her sister. Her husband launched an online fitness store, Frost Giant Fitness. Theyre two of many Sidney-based companies run by ex-Cabelas employees who decided to stick around and start something new.

The corporate experience of these young folks really was key to this particular recovery, said David Iaquinta, a Nebraska Wesleyan University sociology professor who has researched Sidneys economic development. ... they combined that talent with a strong desire for the lifestyle that they had. They said, were here. Were rooted here.

Budding companies are being boosted by E3, a Nebraska Community Foundation program meant to aid entrepreneurship in rural Nebraska.

Already, new businesses have remodeled once-dilapidated buildings, said Sarah Sinnett, the programs community lead. This year, E3 partnered with Sidney Public Schools to hire an entrepreneurial navigator, who is helping small business owners grow their companies.

Economic development in Nebraska used to be about cheap land, cheap labor and cheap incentives to nab big companies, Stinnett said.

Now: If you want small towns to start thriving  really it needs to be focused on entrepreneurship, she said.

Economic success and failure often exist on the same block in Sidney.

Next door to Charlotte & Emerson, the e-commerce company G.L. Huyett opened its expanded offices in downtown Sidney, with a shining new sign and the promise to grow their staff to 25.

Just across the street, theres an empty storefront with a tattered awning, and a Greek restaurant with a boarded door and permanent closed sign.

Two blocks away, a closed vintage stores windows are papered over. Across the street, Dawson Sharman, a promising young entrepreneur, runs Petals Flowers, the flower shop she bought last year.

Losing Cabelas did mean fewer clients, several business owners said. Some fear that acknowledging the decline will hurt business all over again.

The first time around was bad enough, said one business owner, declining an interview.

Sharman, owner of Petals Florals, was in high school when Cabelas vanished. Her grandmother worked at the company. Sharman doesnt remember much of the impact. But she sees it when looking at the flower shops old monthly receipts.

It was so much busier back then, Sharman said. It made so many people move out.

When Bass Pro bought Cabelas, the number of homes for sale more than doubled, to an unheard-of 150. So many that realtor Stephen Wolff ran out of the For Sale signs he handmakes himself.

The exodus caused a demographic shakeup that can be seen in census data.

From 2017 to 2021, the median household income in Sidney dropped from $61,667 to $49,812 as white-collar corporate positions disappeared, replaced by manufacturing jobs. The number of people making more than six figures nosedived from 335 to 111.

The young adults and young families Cabelas recruited are being replaced by retirees, residents say  mostly Coloradans who realized they could buy a similar home for half the price in Sidney.

From 2017 to 2021, the share of people 65 and older jumped to nearly a fifth of the population.

I think were still trying to figure out what that looks like in a community, said Melissa Norgard, the citys former economic development director. Because its completely changed.

Remote workers also took advantage of Sidneys cheap housing market, driven largely by the pandemic, Iaquinta said.

The rise in remote work helped people already living in Sidney, too, Keen said, as former Cabelas workers who stayed in town started finding good jobs based elsewhere.

Keen was one of the few Cabelas employees still employed at the post-merger Sidney corporate office. But in 2020, he left the company to join Nelnet.

The Lincoln-based company hired employees in Sidney entirely remote. It didnt open an in-person office until 2021, growing to a staff of 81.

I worked out of my home, said Keen, who now leads Nelnets Sidney office. Which wasnt necessarily something you could just easily find and do until the pandemic hit.

***

The story of Sidney is a history of booms and busts. The construction of the transcontinental railroad in the 1860s. The Army ammunition depot that spiked during World War II then closed after Vietnam. For large stretches, its been a town driven by a lone major employer.

In 1963, Cabelas sparked the latest boom, quickly becoming the backbone of Sidneys economy.

One example: Sidney Mayor Brad Sherman, also an operations manager at UPS, said that the shipping company would move as many as 2,000 packages a day for the outdoor outfitter. Three UPS employees exclusively focused on Cabelas.

The flagship store drove tourism into Sidney, too. Visitors would disembark from a bus in the parking lot, gawk at the array of taxidermied wildlife inside  and spend serious money.

Many families had their entire incomes coming from Cabelas, making the merger that much more terrifying, several former employees said.

Bass Pro promised it would keep a few hundred employees in Sidney, sparing the call center and distribution center. By 2019, it had broken that promise.

What city of 6,400 people loses 2,000 high-paying jobs? How do you come back from that? said David Scott, Sidney city manager. There was not a lot of hope for us.

Sidney leaders poured money into replacing those lost jobs. In five years, the city has awarded $3.74 million in economic development funds to 14 companies, each pledging to bring in anywhere from 10 to 150 jobs.

The vacant corporate offices are still the elephant in the room, Scott said. Weve tried everything we can to market those.

But even if a company relocated and brought dozens of families into town, thered be nowhere for them to live, said Wolff, the local realtor. In mid-March, there were only about 30 homes on the market in Cheyenne County.

Filling the building with one big company would be a mistake, Macke said.

Then: Sidney simply becomes dependent on one more big thing, Macke said. And at some point, they may not have the resiliency to reinvent themselves.

Sinnett hopes the new entrepreneurship program will make it easier for small business owners to get funded, create a business plan and open in Sidney. There are plans to start a local investment club, where entrepreneurs who dont qualify for a bank loan could seek funds from local investors. Its all part of the ongoing effort to diversify Sidneys economy.

It may work, experts say. It may not. But Sidneys story is still being written.

Theyre just in their first act post-Cabelas, Macke said.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.
Authorities are investigating the shooting of a man killed by police at his northwestern New Mexico home after they arrived at the wrong address, police said.

Robert Dotson, 52, was killed Wednesday night by officers with the Farmington Police Department after they received a call reporting a domestic violence incident around 11:30 p.m. and went to his house instead of the one across the street, according to local and state police.

"I am just heartbroken. ... Mr. Dotson was not the subject of this call," Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe said during a Thursday video statement posted on Facebook. "This ending is just unbelievably tragic. I'm extremely sorry that we're in this position."

Upon arriving to the neighborhood in Farmington, which is about 150 miles northwest of Albuquerque, officers "mistakenly approached 5305 Valley View Avenue instead of 5308 Valley View Avenue," New Mexico State Police said in a statement Thursday.

After no one answered their knocks on the door, police officers asked the dispatch to call the person who reported the incident and ask them to come to the front door.

At some point, Dotson opened the door of his home while armed with a handgun and at least one officer shot at least one round from their gun, striking and killing Dotson at the scene, according to state police citing body camera footage.

Armed with a handgun, Dotson's wife exchanged gunfire with officers, but she was not injured, authorities said.

"Once again, officer(s) fired. Once she realized that the individuals outside the residence were officers, she put the gun down and complied with the officer's commands," state police said in their statement.

The responding officers, who were not injured in the shooting, will not be publicly identified by state police, according to their statement.

It's unclear how many officers were at the scene at the time of the shooting or how many fired their guns. It's also unclear whether Dotson fired at the officers at all before police shot and killed him.

CNN has filed a public records request with the New Mexico State Police for the body camera footage. The video of the shooting is expected to be released within a week, Hebbe said Thursday.

"There's nothing I can say that will make this better. It's a terrible event, and I'm heartbroken over it," Hebbe added.

The shooting is currently under investigation by the New Mexico State Police. The agency's Investigations Bureau has been requested to probe the incident, state police said.

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OLYMPIA  A proposal to eliminate time limits for filing child sex abuse lawsuits in Washington has stalled in the state Senate out of worries it could cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars.

House Bill 1618 would have applied retroactively, eliminating the states statute of limitations for lawsuits against the state, schools, churches and other institutions that have failed to prevent abuse, or covered it up.

The proposal had been cruising through the Legislature, overwhelmingly passing the state House and a Senate policy committee. But it died this week, failing to clear the Senate Ways and Means committee ahead of an April 4 cutoff deadline.

The bill was scheduled for a vote in the committee on Tuesday, but after a brief discussion of its potential costs, majority Democrats met in a closed-door caucus. When they reemerged, Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, the Ways and Means chair, announced the bill was among a few others that would not advance.

State Rep. Darya Farivar, the bills lead sponsor, called the decision a disappointing blow to the coalition of abuse survivors, advocates and experts who had strongly backed it.

Everyone is extremely disappointed. It was really devastating for a lot of people, said Farivar, D-Seattle. She said shell work with supporters to reintroduce the proposal next year.

Laurel Redden, director of communications and policy for the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, which supported the legislation, said blocking the bill out of cost concerns just feels a little wrong.

Redden said KCSARC is constantly hearing from people abused as children, who often at first are not believed, and then bottle up trauma for years.

At some point, when they come to terms with the harm that actually happened, for them to have no door to go through ... It is like saying to a victim We dont take you seriously. We dont believe you, and nothing is going to happen in this case,  she said.

Washingtons current statute of limitations requires victims of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits within three years of when abuse occurred, or three years from when they discovered harms caused by it, such as depression, suicidality and addiction. (The clock on the time limits doesnt start ticking until people reach 18.)

HB 1618 would have entirely removed those time limits, which have been used by defendants in some cases to get lawsuits dismissed because victims disclosed their abuse years ago to counselors or therapists. The Legislature in 2019 removed the statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of child sexual abuse.

While it received widespread support at public hearings, critics warned the proposal could open up the state, school districts and other institutions to massive liability for abuse allegations from decades ago.

A fiscal analysis estimated HB 1618 would result in an additional 50 lawsuits per year to be filed against the states Department of Children, Youth and Families, which runs the foster-care system. That would potentially cost an additional $25 million to $100 million annually in lawsuit payouts, plus millions more in legal costs, the analysis predicted.

At a public hearing last month, Tyna Ek, general counsel for the Washington Schools Risk Management Pool, pointed to other states that have loosened time limits on abuse lawsuits, resulting in a flood of new cases. Ek suggested at the hearing that lawmakers instead consider establishing a victim compensation fund.

Farivar and other supporters tried to ease the pocketbook concerns by proposing an amendment that would have eliminated the retroactivity clause while easing other legal barriers for abuse cases.

But the states risk management office and Attorney Generals Office said the amendment wouldnt diminish the price tag, according to a legislative staff analyst who briefed the Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday.

That was my fear, said state Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, vice chair of the Ways and Means Committee, after the briefing on the amendment.

Farivar said she and other bill supporters have questions over how the cost estimates were calculated and will assess how similar laws have played out in other states.

Theyll try to address the objections before the 2024 Legislature convenes next January. Now that we have time, well talk with everyone and try to build the coalition, she said.
A thousand abandoned cars have been removed from Longview streets in roughly the past six months and the police department says officers have a new way to make sure a backlog of similar complaints doesnt happen again.

But the city is still working removing abandoned RVs, which police say is more complicated.

The Longview police reported this week the department removed 1,016 abandoned vehicles on public roadways since September 2022 in the citys roughly year-long plan to remove the eyesores.

In March 2022, Capt. Branden McNew said the department had received complaints of 200 junk cars lining city streets over just the past three months. In addition to citizen reports, officers also identify abandoned cars while on patrol.

The departments two employees who handle the lower priority call of towing or tagging abandoned vehicles were not able to address the backlog and current calls, McNew said at the time. Noncommissioned uniformed civilian staff take police reports on all suspected property crime no longer in progress, as well as abandoned vehicles, according to the department.

Hundreds of cars were impounded during the vehicle removals, and police say they now have a system to determine when repeat offenders repark on streets.

The statement released Wednesday says, in most cases, vehicle owners could remove items inside their vehicles before they were impounded.

But complaints continue today.

We receive new abandoned vehicle complaints every day, McNew said the in statement.

In March 2022, the department conducted a concentrated sweep to remove abandoned vehicles, and in May the department planned to tow abandoned or illegibly parked RVs and store them on city property, as local towing companies had limited space for larger vehicles.

McNew said Wednesday the department has difficulty moving abandoned RVs because they take up a lot of space at tow truck companies yards, and the companies have to pay to dismantle the RVs before disposing of them, based on state law.

You cant just take them to a junk yard, he said. Tow truck companies dont want them because they cant get rid of them, and I dont blame them.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the time frame of the plan and 1,000 vehicle removals.
Longview School District leaders are closely watching their high schoolers, hoping to lower the number of those currently failing classes and help them get back on track to graduate.

A mid-year achievement data set showed a comparison between where students are now versus where their 2022 counterparts were when it comes to passing their classes, which was presented to school board members last week.

Longview high schoolers are currently failing classes at a rate of 11.95%, though district officials note this will likely change by the end of the school year.

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At the end of 2022, 9.6% of high schoolers were experiencing failure in at least one of their classes, data shows. The end-of-year goal this year is to lower this number to 7.5%, the district says; by 2026 they hope to make it only 5% of students who are not passing.

This is a direct correlation to our graduation rates, Superintendent Dan Zorn said.

Graduation rates in the district have consistently outpaced the Washington state average. Data from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction shows 84% of students across the state graduated in four years at the end of the 2021-22 school year; in Longview, that number was 90%.

Still, district leaders are looking to make the percentage even higher. High school students who dont pass their core classes face a higher risk of not earning their diplomas, according to the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research.

Mark Morris High School Principal Aaron Whitright told the school board last week they were using data to inform their solutions. Lowering absences, focusing on challenges in specific classes and increasing access to credit retrieval are some of the options outlined in their plan to help students get on track.

I believe the single most important thing a kid can do ever in his life is to graduate high school, Whitright said. We want them to go further than high school, of course, but its about opportunity. If you dont graduate high school, your opportunities lessen.

Dual credit courses have drawn in more students  Advanced Placement, career and technical education programs, or college credit classes  from the end of last year. As of now, the district reports 1,585 enrollments compared to 1,441 at the end of last year.

Enrollments are different than the raw number of students who engage in these classes and instead refer to how many times any of these classes get a new sign-up. One student may take a college credit class and an AP course, but that counts as two enrollments even though its one student.
Cowlitz County is poised to receive more than $10.6 million over the next 17 years as part of multiple settlements with companies sued for their roles in the opioid crisis.

Local governments have started to receive the first allocation from a 2022 settlement and have signed on to another agreement totaling $5.37 million for Cowlitz County, Longview and Kelso.

On Tuesday, the Cowlitz County commissioners approved the agreement joining the multi-state settlements for lawsuits against Walmart, Teva, Allergan, CVS and Walgreens.

Longview and Kelso already signed on, according to the Washington State Attorney Generals Office. Cities with populations of 10,000 or more are eligible to join the settlements and receive individual payments.

The settlements with the five companies could total $434.4 million for Washington state as long as a high percentage of eligible cities and counties join, according to the Attorney Generals Office. The state will receive half for opioid remediation, and participating local governments will receive the other half, about $217.2 million.

Cowlitz County will receive $3.73 million, Longview $1.35 million, and Kelso about $289,120.

The allocation percentages for counties were calculated based on the amount of opioid shipped to the county, the number of opioid deaths in the county and the number of people with opioid-use disorder in the county. A nationwide formula using federal data on past opioid-epidemic spending determines amounts for cities, according to the agreement.

In 2021, Cowlitz County recorded 23 opioid overdose deaths and 31 non-fatal opioid overdose hospitalizations, according to the state Department of Health.

In December, local governments began receiving the first distribution from the states earlier settlement with three large opioid distributers  McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp.  for a total $518 million payable over 17 years.

The Washington Attorney Generals Office rejected the national settlement and took the distributors to trial, leading to a resolution requiring the companies to pay $46 million more than the state would have received, according to a press release.

The state will keep $215 million, plus the additional $46 million for opioid remediation. Local governments will share $215 million based on the same allocation percentages. The remaining $42 million will cover litigation costs, according to the AGs office.

Cowlitz County will receive a little under $3.7 million, with the first distribution of $275,000 coming in on March 31, said Kathy Funk-Baxter, county finance manager.

Longview will get about $1.32 million and received $98,730 in December, said City Manager Kris Swanson.

Kelso Police Chief Darr Kirk said the city hasnt received a distribution yet of its $286,200 total.

How will the money be used and managed?

The county and cities havent decided what to do with the money. In general, the settlement funds can be used to improve or expand treatment, support those in treatment and recovery, prevent opioid misuse and support first responders, according to the agreement.

Longview leaders have discussed the need for more substance-use disorder services but havent worked out how to use the money, Swanson said.

We really feel like theres a need for treatment of opioid-use disorder in this area, she said. We find when people are ready to go in, treatment is unavailable, there are no beds. Im sure were not the only one that feels this way.

Both settlement agreements require the local governments to establish an opioid abatement council within their state Accountable Community of Health region to oversee use of funds.

Cowlitz is included in the Cascade Pacific Action Alliance region with Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Thurston and Wahkiakum counties and their eligible cities.

All municipalities in a region have to agree on the oversight council, which can be an existing entity or new group. The council will oversee distribution of funds and review spending for compliance, according to the agreement. Governments maintain full discretion over their allocations use, as long as they use the money for approved purposes.

The agreement reserves 10% of settlement funds for the councils administrative costs.

In a March 27 workshop, the Cowlitz County commissioners told staff they want to have autonomy when it comes to oversight and to keep the administrative costs as low as possible.

The local governments have to decide on the council structure by the end of June, said Commissioner Rick Dahl.

The state is likely to receive more money in the future from other lawsuits filed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

Last year, after declining to go along with the national bankruptcy plan for Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, Ferguson and eight other attorneys general won an additional $1.2 billion from the Sacklers. Washingtons share more than doubled from $70 million to $183 million, according to the AGs office. The plan requires bankruptcy court approval.

Ferguson has pending cases against Johnson & Johnson, Kroger, Albertsons and Rite Aid.
KALAMA  After being convicted of two felonies last month, Councilmember Matthew Merz refused to step down Thursday, and his fellow councilmembers decided to wait until after his sentencing to take further action.

On March 17, Merz was found guilty of computer trespass and data theft in Cowlitz County Superior Court for accessing the email account of Councilmember Jon Stanfill in an effort to uncover misconduct involving the Kalama police. His sentencing is scheduled for April 28.

Following the verdict, city officials asked Merz to step down, but he did not.

Merz attended the Thursday meeting virtually, like every council meeting since a March 2022 no-contact order was filed in Cowlitz County against him to protect Stanfill.

The topic of Merzs resignation was on the Thursday meeting agenda, along with a tally of attorney fees and staff time costs for issues related to Councilmember Merz.

The city spent $43,500 in attorney fees and about $55,870 in staff time, totaling $99,730, according to the meeting documents. That includes $39,240 of attorney time on a whistleblower claim made through the Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Merz claims the city illegally retaliated against him as a whistleblower by removing him from the Planning Commission liaison position last April following his arrest.

In December, Administrative Law Judge Dan Gerard found Merz is a government official, not an employee, and does not qualify for protections under the state whistleblower statute.

Mr. Merz did not come into these proceedings with clean hands, Gerard writes. Petitioners argument that these documents were public record, he was a public records officer with the authority to access and copy them, and that the documents did not require a public records request is rebutted by the fact that Petitioner made a public record request for the same information one month prior to improperly accessing Councilmember Stanfills city-issued email account.

Requests to resign

During Thursdays meeting, two Kalama residents called for Merzs resignation, each telling the council they were speaking on behalf of several others.

Mel Kamerath said Merz has been distracting and made a mockery of City Council meetings and tried to discredit other council members, city staff and police. Kamerath said she and other voters elected Merz because of his passion for the city, but hes lost the trust of his constituents and area residents.

If you had committed a felony while representing our city and found guilty by a group of your peers, the ... honorable thing to do is step down and let city business continue, she said.

Resident Jim Bain said he is appalled by the $99,000 the city has spent on litigation and encouraged the council to take whatever action it can to move this along.

Stanfill said given the felony conviction, its necessary and appropriate to request Merz resign.

Councilmember Wendy Conradi said she would prefer Merz step down rather than the council taking action, but wanted to know about the citys options.

City Attorney Frank Randolph said the city and Merz have different paths depending on what punishment the judge hands down on April 28, particularly if it includes jail time.

Those incarcerated for a felony lose the right to vote until it is restored upon release, and the state constitution requires government officials like the council members to have the right to vote, Randolph said.

Theres sort of a cascade of things that occur, and based on what the judge decides or does not decide, then the consequences for Councilmember Merz and what that means to the City Council will then become clearer, he said.

Councilmembers Scott Moon and Steve Kallio suggested waiting to take action to remove Merz until after the sentencing, in part to avoid opening the city up to more litigation.

Merz said hes not going to step down, and we will see what happens on the 28th.

The council will address the topic again on May 4, the first scheduled meeting following the sentencing.
In 2014, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) sent a spacecraft called Hayabusa2 on a unique mission. The spacecraft was tasked with landing on an asteroid named Ryugu and to collect rock samples from it. The spacecraft successfully completed its mission in 2020 when it returned with rock samples. In addition to collecting samples, the spacecraft also landed rovers, hit it with projectiles and spent months observing it closely. And now, after spending time analyzing the sample, scientists have been able to answer a terrifying question. What would happen if the asteroid Ryugu were to strike the Earth?

The reason scientists are asking this question and are trying to find answers is because of two factors. Most of the time, when estimations around the impact of an asteroid strike is calculated, only the speed of the asteroid and the angle of strike is used to make the calculation. One very important aspect, the composition of the asteroid is often ignored.

But scientists are finding out that not all asteroids are created equal. For example, Ryugu is a rubble-pile asteroid and not a rock hard asteroid. It means how this asteroid will react to the upper atmosphere will be different from how rocky asteroids would.

The second factor is that scientists do not get to analyze and see an asteroid up close which has not been affected by the heat and pressure of entering the atmosphere. This means that the data derived from studying a pristine asteroid can give really important insight into these space rocks.

Can asteroid Ryugu destroy the Earth

Asteroid Ryugu has been measured at roughly 900 meters width. As per NASA, any asteroid that is 1 kilometers wide can trigger a global extinction event. But the answer is a little tricky to find in this case.

Hayabusa2 succeeded in an experiment in which two 1 kilogram [2.2 pounds] projectiles were launched at a speed of 2 kilometers per second [1.2 miles per second] resulting in the formation of a crater approximately 20 meters [66 feet] in diameter. The cohesion strength of the rock was meant to be very very low. The density is just a little higher than water with a very high porosity estimated, JAXA Department of Solar System Sciences professor Satoshi Tanaka told Space.com.

Such asteroids are known as rubble-pile asteroids and they will never reach the Earth's surface in a single piece. They are more likely to break apart in the lower atmosphere. Interestingly, we have seen such an asteroid entering the atmosphere a few years ago. The Chelyabinsk meteor was a rubble-pile asteroid and it exploded in an airburst about 35 to 40 kilometers above the ground. It was later calculated that the atmospheric blast released an energy roughly equivalent to 400500 kilotons of TNT. It is about 33 times the intensity of the blast of the nuclear bomb that flattened Hiroshima.

And here's the kicker. The Chelyabinsk meteor was about 19 meters in width. That's just 2 percent of the size of Ryugu. So, if Ryugu were ever to hit the Earth, just the airburst itself would be catastrophic, let alone all the small pieces of the asteroid that later bombard the surface of the planet.

Luckily for us, according to estimates, there is no chance of this particular asteroid striking our planet in the near future.
Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday he was not discouraged after the Texas House took a key vote rejecting one his highest priorities this legislative session.

The House voted 86-52 on Thursday to amend the budget to ban state funding for school vouchers or other similar programs.

Abbott has spent the past two months touring the state to build support for the proposal, spending tremendous political capital on trying to break through the rural Republican opposition to it.

The amendment came at a crucial time  the same day the Senate passed legislation to create a voucher-like program and five days before a House committee considers proposals on the subject.

Gov. Abbott made education freedom an emergency item this legislative session because no one knows the needs of their child better than a parent, Abbott spokesperson Renae Eze said in a statement. The  amendment received the least support ever. This vote shows the Legislature remains open to school choice, supporting the majority of Texans who want to expand school choice.

The 86 votes that the amendment received were less than the 115 votes a similar amendment to the House budget received during the last legislative session. Other prior amendments on the issue also have garnered over 100 votes. The vote itself is essentially symbolic, as the amendment is expected to be stripped by the Senate before the final budget is passed. But it illustrates how the House may vote on the issue when similar legislation comes to its chamber.

Still, only 52 members voted in favor of school vouchers, far short of the 76-member majority needed to approve any such legislation in the House. Eleven members stayed neutral by registering as present, not voting, signaling potential openness to the proposal but still not enough to generate majority support even if they all sided with Abbott.

The House approved the amendment Friday after the Public Education Committee chair, Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Killeen, asked members to table it given that his panel is set to hear legislation on the topic Tuesday. But his motion to table failed, 64-71, paving the way for an up-or-down vote.

Since late January, Abbott has spoken at a dozen parent empowerment events  including one at Brazos Christian School in Bryan  where he has pitched education savings accounts, which would allow parents to use state funds to send their kids to nonpublic schools. In another sign Abbott is not giving up on the issue, he is scheduled to hold his 13th parent empowerment event Thursday in San Antonio.

On the same day the House passed the anti-voucher budget amendment, the Senate approved legislation that would establish an education savings account program that would give parents up to $8,000 per student each year. Senators sought to appeal to rural Republicans by including a provision for districts with fewer than 20,000 students to receive $10,000 for every child who enrolls in the program and leaves their district.

The Senate has already passed school choice legislation to the House, and the House committee will be taking up similar bills this coming week, Eze said in the statement. Governor Abbott looks forward to the Legislature passing school choice legislation this year and signing it into law to ensure all Texas students have access to the best educational opportunities.
A Bryan man was sentenced to 45 years in prison on March 30 for assaulting a police officer in March 2019, according to the Brazos County District Attorneys Office. Lawrence Auston, 45, was convicted of the charge by a Brazos County jury.

In March 2019, a Bryan police officer conducted a traffic stop and said he immediately noticed the odor of PCP coming from the defendants truck, according to the district attorneys office. When the officer began to place Auston under arrest for having no drivers license, he began resisting arrest and refused to cooperate with the officer. The officer repeatedly tried to calm Auston down, but he refused to cooperate, according to the DAs office.

Auston pulled away from the officer, dove back into his truck and tried to flee, but the officer refused to let him drive away and entered the vehicle. Auston then wrapped his arm around the officers head and attempted to strangle him before he repeatedly struck, kicked and dragged the officer across the ground, according to the DAs office. The officer called for backup to this assault.

When the first backup officer arrived on scene, he saw Auston on top of the original officer, in the process of strangling him. It took several officers to get Auston off of the original officer and into handcuffs.

Auston has a lengthy criminal history and two prior prison sentences, making him a habitual felon, according to the DAs office.
A man who served more than 34 years of a 400-year sentence for an armed robbery was released from a Florida jail this week after prosecutors dismissed charges against the wrongly convicted man.

"I never lost hope and always knew this day would come," Sidney Holmes, now 57, said when he learned he would walk free, according to a statement from the Innocence Project of Florida, which worked on his case. "I cannot wait to hug my mother in the free world for the first time in over 34 years."

Holmes contacted the conviction review unit of the Broward County state attorney's office in November 2020, saying he was innocent of the 1988 crime, the office said.

Holmes was arrested in October 1988 in connection with an armed robbery that June of two people outside a convenience store in unincorporated Broward County, just west of Fort Lauderdale, according to the state attorney's office.

Accused of being the driver for two unidentified men who committed the robbery, he was convicted by a jury in April 1989 and sentenced the next month, according to the state attorney's office.

The review unit and the Innocence Project of Florida started a reinvestigation of Holmes' case, and their findings "raised reasonable doubts about his guilt," the office said.

"A strange set of circumstances" led to Holmes becoming a suspect, the Innocence Project of Florida said: One of the two victims described a car used in the robbery as a brown Oldsmobile Cutlass with a tan top and a hole in the trunk.

Weeks later, the victim's brother saw a brown Cutlass driving down a road and reported the license plate number to authorities. That car was registered to Holmes, the Innocence Project said.

Holmes had an alibi, and his car had key differences from the perpetrators' vehicle, his attorneys said.

"There was no physical or scientific evidence, nor any corroborating witnesses, linking Mr. Holmes to the crime," according to the Innocence Project. Holmes was identified by one of the victims in a second photo lineup -- despite not being identified during an initial line up, the lawyers' statement reads.

Based on the recent review of the case, prosecutors "determined that Holmes had a plausible claim of innocence because of how he became a suspect and because of the precarious eyewitness identification that was the principal evidence against him at trial," the state attorney's office said.

"The Broward state attorney's office would not have charged Holmes if the case were presented today," the conviction review unit wrote in its final memorandum on the case.

A judge on Monday approved the request from the state attorney's office and the Innocence Project to vacate Holmes' sentence and conviction, and prosecutors dismissed the charge, the state attorney's office said.

That afternoon, Holmes walked out of a Broward County detention facility and into the arms of his mother and family in an emotional embrace.

"We have one rule here at the Broward state attorney's office -- do the right thing, always," Broward County State Attorney Harold F. Pryor said, adding he commended the "candor and assistance" of the victims, witnesses and officers in the reinvestigation of the crime.

Innocence Project of Florida Executive Director Seth Miller, a co-counsel for Holmes, thanked Pryor and the conviction review unit in a statement for looking "objectively at old cases" and "giving Sidney his life back."

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WASHINGTON  Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said Friday he was not required to disclose the many trips he and his wife took that were paid for by Republican megadonor Harlan Crow.

Describing Crow and his wife, Kathy, as "among our dearest friends," Thomas said in a statement that he was advised by colleagues on the nation's highest court and others in the federal judiciary that "this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable." Thomas did not name the other justices or those in the judiciary with whom he had consulted.

The nonprofit investigative journalism organization ProPublica reported Thursday that Thomas, who has been a justice for more than 31 years, has for more than two decades accepted luxury trips from Crow nearly every year.

Thomas, 74, and his wife, Virginia, have traveled on Crow's yacht and private jet as well as stayed at his private resort in New York's Adirondack Mountains, ProPublica reported. A 2019 trip to Indonesia the story detailed could have cost more than $500,000 had Thomas chartered the plane and yacht himself.

Supreme Court justices, like other federal judges, are required to file an annual financial disclosure report which asks them to list gifts they have received, but provides exemptions for hospitality from friends.

Ethics experts have offered conflicting views about whether Thomas was required to disclose the trips. Last month, the federal judiciary bolstered disclosure requirements for all judges, including the high court justices, although overnight stays at personal vacation homes owned by friends remain exempt from disclosure.

New York University law professor Stephen Gillers, an authority on legal ethics, said Thomas' statement "is an abdication of his responsibility" under ethics guidelines.

"Thomas is shamelessly seeking to shift the blame for his failure to report Crow's princely hospitality to advice he allegedly received from other Justices when he joined the court more than 30 years ago. Most of them are now dead and, conveniently, cannot contradict him," Gillers wrote in an email.

Charles Geyh, a University of Indiana law professor who studies judicial ethics, wrote in an email that he doubts any justice would have advised Thomas against disclosure if he had laid out the details in ProPublica's report, "hundreds of thousands of dollars in luxurious travel and accommodations at exotic locales spanning decades, from a benefactor who has a deeply rooted partisan and ideological interest in the future of the Court on which the justice sits."

University of Pittsburgh ethics expert Arthur Hellman said that even if Thomas could reasonably have believed he did not have to report Crow's gifts, he still should have. "It would have been preferable in the sense of public confidence in the courts if he had disclosed," Hellman said.

Thomas, the longest-serving member of the court, said he has always tried to comply with disclosure guidelines. Regarding the recent changes, "It is, of course, my intent to follow this guidance in the future," he said in the statement.

The new reporting requirements appear to cover almost all the travel and lodging Crow provided, Hellman said. The mere need to disclose could make judges more reluctant to accept the gifts in the first place, he said.

"If I had to predict, I'd say Justice Thomas will be seeing less of Harlan Crow's luxurious properties," Hellman said.

Democratic lawmakers said the ProPublica story was the latest illustration of why the Supreme Court should adopt an ethics code and further tighten the rules on travel and other gifts.

It is by no means clear that the justices will agree to subject themselves to an ethics code or that Congress will seek to impose one on the court.

Thomas did not refer to any individual trips paid for by Crow. But he said, "As friends do, we have joined them on a number of family trips during the more than quarter century we have known them."

Last year, questions about Thomas' ethics arose when it was disclosed that he did not step away from election cases following the 2020 election despite the fact that his wife, a conservative activist, reached out to lawmakers and the Trump White House to urge defiance of the election results.

The 9 current justices of the US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Justice Clarence Thomas Justice Samuel Alito Justice Sonia Sotomayor Justice Elena Kagan Justice Neil Gorsuch Justice Brett Kavanaugh Justice Amy Coney Barrett Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
Cutting-edge cancer research is expanding at Texas A&M University.

Through a five-year, $6 million grant awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, the Texas A&M University Health Science Center has earned the opportunity to establish a Texas Regional Excellence in Cancer Center.

This grant will allow the university to acquire infrastructure in three components, or facility cores, that will become resources for the entire campus community, according to Kenneth Ramos, executive director of the Texas A&M Health Institute of Biosciences and Technology. Ramos, who is also assistant vice chancellor for health services at The Texas A&M University System and director of the TREC Center, will provide all scientific and fiduciary oversight for the center.

One component is a Single Cell Data Analysis Core, which will be overseen by James Cai and will incorporate a new methodology that investigates function at the individual cell level, Ramos said.

Robert Chapkin, fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Allen Endowed Chair in Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention, was named deputy director of the TREC Center and said this core is designed to explore cancer heterogeneity, or the differing risks and responses people have to interventions, as well as how to attack and deal with it so that people respond to preventives, interventions or therapeutics more effectively.

Its called precision medicine, personalized medicine, or, in my case, personalized nutrition, Chapkin said. And its here at Texas A&M University.

Prior to the centers creation, Chapkin said cancer research was a random process set across multiple colleges, so the TREC Center will make room for coordinated cancer biology research across the A&M campus. He added that it will also feed into the A&M System as a whole.

The second component is a Cancer Prevention Clinicogenomics Registry Core, which will be overseen by Rick Silva.

This is essentially a registry of cancer patients that would be interested, willing and able to participate in research investigations into the different types of cancer that we investigate within the center, Ramos said. It pairs up biological samples of these individuals with electronic medical data and, as you can imagine, this becomes a tremendous resource for investigating ideology, progression, response to treatment and clinical outcomes of these individuals.

What makes this registry unique is that the patient base that Texas A&M serves includes underserved populations, rural settings and patients who are typically underrepresented in clinical investigations, Ramos added.

The third component of the center includes an Administrative Core, mentoring teams and an evaluation program that monitors progress with Marcia Ory overseeing these evaluation efforts.

A recruitment committee will recruit senior investigators with expertise in the cancer research space [people from all academic units that have interest and relevance to medical cancer research] and partner with different colleges to facilitate and enable those recruitments to Texas A&M.

The team will focus on mentoring early career investigators in the cancer research space.

Four assistant professors  Sanjukta Chakraborty, Irtisha Singh, Shogo Sato and Shreya Raghavan  who are junior faculty members at Texas A&M will be mentored while serving as leaders for projects funded for two years, allowing them to nurture their cancer career paths, Chapkin said. Those mentors include Stephen Safe, distinguished professor of veterinary medicine; Nancy Huang, associate professor within the Texas A&M Health Institute of Biosciences and Technology; Weston Porter, professor of veterinary medicine; and Tanmay Lele, professor in biomedical engineering and chemical engineering.

Those of us with more seniority will basically enable and help those people build their own careers, Ramos said.

Following the two years, another cohort of four junior faculty members, who Chapkin noted may not even be at Texas A&M yet, will go through a competitive process to be considered to join the center and be funded by this grant.

The idea is to identify and nurture new faculty in a formal process of review and mentoring and evaluation, Chapkin said. Clearly, they have milestones to reach, so its a very organized, a very methodically thought-out agenda.

This is all to enhance the training of post-doctoral fellows, of graduate students and even undergraduates because they are all a part of the centers agenda, Chapkin said.

In addition to these projects, a press release from Texas A&M Health noted Ramos, Chapkin, Chakraborty and Lele are grantees and have been awarded grants for other projects.

Once the five years of the CPRIT grant are up, Ramos said this initiative is renewable for one more five-year cycle.

If we do our job the way we expect to do it, we should be competitive to renew this for another five years, Ramos said. And then the expectation is after 10 years of being here we would have built enough of our own sustainability resources that the center can continue on its own.

Through this center, Chapkin said he and his colleagues intend to make cancer research, specifically cancer prevention, a mainstay, essential focus of the university.

There are massive medical issues and thats why prevention of cancer is critical, Chapkin said. We really want to focus or try to focus on what it is and what is needed to raise the investment in preventing cancer.

If they can do that, he said, the university can be much more proactive in terms of the population of Texas and beyond.

The payoffs are immense, and they are game-changers, Chapkin said. Lots of peoples lives are touched by cancer, so it is a highly relevant issue.

For more information about Texas A&M Health, go to health.tamu.edu/.
Voya Financial (NYSE:VOYA  Get Rating) was downgraded by research analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Voya Financial from $70.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, February 9th. Piper Sandler increased their price objective on Voya Financial from $78.00 to $84.00 in a research report on Thursday, February 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Voya Financial from $77.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 8th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Voya Financial from $74.00 to $78.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 21st. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on Voya Financial from $79.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, February 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Voya Financial currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $82.92.

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Voya Financial Price Performance

VOYA traded up $0.02 during trading on Friday, reaching $71.02. The stock had a trading volume of 1,502,959 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,804,488. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a quick ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. Voya Financial has a 1-year low of $56.20 and a 1-year high of $78.11. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $71.39 and a two-hundred day moving average of $66.77.

Insider Buying and Selling

Voya Financial ( NYSE:VOYA Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 7th. The asset manager reported $2.18 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.53 by $0.65. Voya Financial had a return on equity of 13.09% and a net margin of 9.37%. The firm had revenue of $880.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $259.86 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.90 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Voya Financial will post 8.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other news, insider Santhosh Keshavan sold 3,564 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.06, for a total transaction of $263,949.84. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 18,312 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,356,186.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Rodney O. Martin, Jr. sold 109,588 shares of Voya Financial stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.23, for a total transaction of $8,134,717.24. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 220,882 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,396,070.86. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Santhosh Keshavan sold 3,564 shares of Voya Financial stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.06, for a total value of $263,949.84. Following the sale, the insider now owns 18,312 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,356,186.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 223,650 shares of company stock worth $16,595,760. 1.44% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Voya Financial

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of VOYA. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Voya Financial by 48.4% in the 4th quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 417 shares of the asset managers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares during the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its holdings in Voya Financial by 284.0% in the 3rd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 457 shares of the asset managers stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 338 shares during the last quarter. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Voya Financial in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. acquired a new stake in Voya Financial in the 1st quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, Ellevest Inc. lifted its position in Voya Financial by 56.5% during the 3rd quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 753 shares of the asset managers stock worth $46,000 after acquiring an additional 272 shares during the last quarter.

Voya Financial Company Profile

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Voya Financial, Inc is a retirement, investment, and insurance company, which engages in the provision of financial services. It operates through the following segments: Retirement, Investment Management, and Employee Benefits. The Retirement segment offers tax-deferred, employer-sponsored retirement savings plans and administrative services.

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Acuity Brands (NYSE:AYI  Get Rating) had its target price lowered by UBS Group from $180.00 to $170.00 in a report released on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Acuity Brands in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a strong-buy rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Acuity Brands from $193.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on Acuity Brands from $192.00 to $175.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Acuity Brands presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $191.88.

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Acuity Brands Trading Down 1.9 %

Shares of AYI stock opened at $158.66 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $5.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 1.58. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $186.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of $178.96. Acuity Brands has a fifty-two week low of $142.71 and a fifty-two week high of $202.90. The company has a quick ratio of 1.39, a current ratio of 2.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25.

Acuity Brands Announces Dividend

Acuity Brands ( NYSE:AYI Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, January 9th. The electronics maker reported $3.04 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.70 by $0.34. The firm had revenue of $997.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $984.46 million. Acuity Brands had a return on equity of 22.20% and a net margin of 9.22%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.85 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Acuity Brands will post 12.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 1st. Investors of record on Monday, April 17th will be given a dividend of $0.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, April 14th. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.33%. Acuity Brandss dividend payout ratio is currently 4.56%.

Insider Activity at Acuity Brands

In other Acuity Brands news, SVP Barry R. Goldman sold 2,211 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $174.31, for a total transaction of $385,399.41. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 5,791 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,009,429.21. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CFO Karen J. Holcom sold 4,238 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $174.51, for a total value of $739,573.38. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 16,856 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,941,540.56. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Barry R. Goldman sold 2,211 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $174.31, for a total value of $385,399.41. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 5,791 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,009,429.21. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Acuity Brands

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Acuity Brands by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,313,389 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $627,225,000 after purchasing an additional 60,541 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in shares of Acuity Brands by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,982,396 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $564,568,000 after purchasing an additional 25,598 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in shares of Acuity Brands by 19.3% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,208,990 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $228,862,000 after purchasing an additional 195,515 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in shares of Acuity Brands by 620.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 1,197,721 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $198,355,000 after purchasing an additional 1,031,432 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp increased its holdings in shares of Acuity Brands by 4.2% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 959,447 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $181,623,000 after acquiring an additional 38,316 shares during the last quarter. 93.80% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Acuity Brands Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Acuity Brands, Inc operates as an industrial technology company, which engages in the provision of lighting and building management solutions and services. It operates through the Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls and Intelligent Spaces Group segments. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Atlanta, GA.

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Shares of STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM  Get Rating) have been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the fifteen research firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $52.70.

STM has been the topic of several research reports. Susquehanna Bancshares initiated coverage on shares of STMicroelectronics in a report on Monday, December 12th. They set a positive rating and a $50.00 price objective on the stock. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of STMicroelectronics in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a strong-buy rating on the stock. Cowen upped their target price on shares of STMicroelectronics from $50.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 27th. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their target price on shares of STMicroelectronics from $45.00 to $55.00 in a report on Thursday, February 16th. Finally, Craig Hallum upped their target price on shares of STMicroelectronics from $50.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 26th.

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STMicroelectronics Price Performance

Shares of NYSE STM opened at $50.00 on Monday. STMicroelectronics has a twelve month low of $28.35 and a twelve month high of $53.53. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $49.16 and a 200 day simple moving average of $40.76. The company has a market capitalization of $45.42 billion, a PE ratio of 11.93, a P/E/G ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 1.59. The company has a quick ratio of 1.88, a current ratio of 2.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20.

STMicroelectronics Dividend Announcement

STMicroelectronics ( NYSE:STM Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 26th. The semiconductor producer reported $1.32 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.13 by $0.19. STMicroelectronics had a net margin of 24.56% and a return on equity of 36.19%. The firm had revenue of $4.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.37 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.82 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 24.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that STMicroelectronics will post 4.05 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, July 5th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, June 27th will be given a $0.06 dividend. This represents a $0.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.48%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 26th. STMicroelectronicss payout ratio is 4.77%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On STMicroelectronics

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of STMicroelectronics by 153.1% during the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 896 shares of the semiconductor producers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 542 shares during the period. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of STMicroelectronics during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Ellevest Inc. grew its position in shares of STMicroelectronics by 286.0% during the 3rd quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 1,355 shares of the semiconductor producers stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 1,004 shares during the period. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of STMicroelectronics by 439.0% during the 3rd quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,466 shares of the semiconductor producers stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 1,194 shares during the period. Finally, GoalVest Advisory LLC bought a new position in STMicroelectronics in the 1st quarter worth approximately $80,000. 6.49% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

STMicroelectronics Company Profile

(Get Rating)

STMicroelectronics NV engages in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of components, application-specific integrated circuits, full custom devices and semi-custom devices for analog, digital and mixed-signal applications. It operates through the following segments: Automotive and Discrete Group, Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group, and Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group.

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Roth Mkm cut shares of Battalion Oil (NYSE:BATL  Get Rating) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report released on Tuesday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Roth Mkm currently has $28.00 target price on the stock.

Separately, TheStreet raised Battalion Oil from a d rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, January 30th.

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Battalion Oil Stock Performance

BATL stock opened at $8.60 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $8.56 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.61. Battalion Oil has a 1-year low of $6.11 and a 1-year high of $19.96. The company has a current ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.16. The firm has a market cap of $141.47 million, a PE ratio of 8.19 and a beta of 0.96.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

About Battalion Oil

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. UBS Group AG raised its stake in Battalion Oil by 102.2% during the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 1,399 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 707 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. acquired a new position in Battalion Oil during the 1st quarter worth approximately $84,000. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new position in Battalion Oil during the 1st quarter worth approximately $299,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP acquired a new position in Battalion Oil during the 1st quarter worth approximately $358,000. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new position in Battalion Oil during the 4th quarter worth approximately $229,000. 88.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

(Get Rating)

Battalion Oil Corporation, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, production, exploration, and development of onshore oil and natural gas assets in the United States. As of December 31, 2021, the company held interests in 40,400 net acres in the Delaware Basin located in the counties of Pecos, Reeves, Ward, and Winkler, Texas.

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Boston Financial Mangement LLC lifted its stake in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 6.4% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 156,441 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 9,390 shares during the period. Boston Financial Mangement LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $5,181,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in BAC. Sage Mountain Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Bank of America by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Sage Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 8,895 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $269,000 after purchasing an additional 281 shares during the last quarter. Vision Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Bank of America by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Vision Capital Management Inc. now owns 60,662 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,009,000 after buying an additional 288 shares during the period. Annapolis Financial Services LLC boosted its position in Bank of America by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter. Annapolis Financial Services LLC now owns 13,785 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $416,000 after buying an additional 292 shares during the period. Leisure Capital Management boosted its position in Bank of America by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Leisure Capital Management now owns 20,055 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $606,000 after buying an additional 292 shares during the period. Finally, Lowe Brockenbrough & Co. Inc. boosted its position in Bank of America by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Lowe Brockenbrough & Co. Inc. now owns 26,888 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $812,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. 68.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Transactions at Bank of America

In other news, insider Matthew M. Koder sold 105,054 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.27, for a total value of $3,600,200.58. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 319,803 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,959,648.81. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, insider Matthew M. Koder sold 214,745 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $35.91, for a total transaction of $7,711,492.95. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 214,747 shares in the company, valued at $7,711,564.77. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Matthew M. Koder sold 105,054 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.27, for a total transaction of $3,600,200.58. Following the sale, the insider now owns 319,803 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,959,648.81. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Bank of America Price Performance

BAC has been the subject of several research reports. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $52.00 to $45.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on shares of Bank of America from $39.00 to $35.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 3rd. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating for the company. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Bank of America from $36.00 to $38.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 17th. Finally, Atlantic Securities lowered shares of Bank of America from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $40.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Tuesday, January 31st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Bank of America has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $38.04.

BAC traded up $0.20 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $27.84. 41,216,577 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 98,734,752. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. The company has a market capitalization of $222.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.73, a PEG ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 1.36. Bank of America Co. has a 52-week low of $26.32 and a 52-week high of $40.40. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $32.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $33.44.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.76 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $24.50 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $24.17 billion. Bank of America had a net margin of 23.93% and a return on equity of 11.41%. The companys revenue was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.82 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Bank of America Co. will post 3.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Bank of America Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 3rd were paid a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.16%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, March 2nd. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is currently 27.59%.

Bank of America Profile

(Get Rating)

Bank of America Corp. is a bank and financial holding company, which engages in the provision of banking and nonbank financial services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth and Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, Global Markets, and All Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers credit, banking, and investment products and services to consumers and small businesses.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC  Get Rating).

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Franco-Nevada (TSE:FNV  Get Rating) (NYSE:FNV) had its price objective raised by Canaccord Genuity Group from C$202.00 to C$214.00 in a report released on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports.

A number of other research analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. National Bankshares raised their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from C$190.00 to C$200.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, January 13th. CIBC raised their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from C$230.00 to C$240.00 in a research report on Friday, March 10th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus downgraded shares of Franco-Nevada from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their target price for the company from C$206.00 to C$204.00 in a research report on Monday, January 23rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$205.22.

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Franco-Nevada Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of TSE:FNV opened at C$207.73 on Tuesday. Franco-Nevada has a 12 month low of C$151.08 and a 12 month high of C$213.36. The company has a quick ratio of 23.26, a current ratio of 27.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63. The companys fifty day simple moving average is C$188.11 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$183.13. The firm has a market cap of C$39.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.80, a PEG ratio of 5.00 and a beta of 0.63.

Franco-Nevada Increases Dividend

About Franco-Nevada

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 16th were given a $0.462 dividend. This represents a $1.85 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.89%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, March 15th. This is an increase from Franco-Nevadas previous quarterly dividend of $0.44. Franco-Nevadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 37.63%.

(Get Rating)

Franco-Nevada Corporation operates as a gold-focused royalty and streaming company in Latin America, the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Mining and Energy. The company manages its portfolio with a focus on precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum group metals; and energy comprising oil, gas, and natural gas liquids.

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Coca-Cola HBC (OTCMKTS:CCHGY  Get Rating) had its target price trimmed by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 2,580 ($32.04) to GBX 2,545 ($31.61) in a research report released on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports.

Several other brokerages have also recently weighed in on CCHGY. Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola HBC from GBX 2,200 ($27.32) to GBX 2,125 ($26.39) in a research note on Tuesday, January 10th. Credit Suisse Group reduced their target price on shares of Coca-Cola HBC from GBX 2,600 ($32.29) to GBX 2,500 ($31.05) in a research report on Tuesday, January 10th. Finally, Barclays upped their target price on shares of Coca-Cola HBC from GBX 2,500 ($31.05) to GBX 2,700 ($33.53) in a research report on Thursday, February 16th.

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Coca-Cola HBC Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of Coca-Cola HBC stock opened at $28.59 on Tuesday. Coca-Cola HBC has a 1-year low of $18.89 and a 1-year high of $28.69. The firms 50-day moving average price is $25.75 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $23.94.

Coca-Cola HBC Company Profile

Coca-Cola HBC AG engages in the production, sale and distribution of non-alcoholic and ready-to-drink beverages. It operates through the following segments: Established Markets, Developing Markets, and Emerging Markets. The Established Markets segment consists of Austria, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and Switzerland.

Further Reading

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Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated their buy rating on shares of AstraZeneca (LON:AZN  Get Rating) in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, MarketBeat reports. The firm currently has a 130 ($161.45) price objective on the biopharmaceutical companys stock.

Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on AZN. Jefferies Financial Group set a 108 ($134.13) price target on AstraZeneca in a research note on Thursday, February 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a 135 ($167.66) price target on AstraZeneca in a research report on Thursday, March 9th. Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of AstraZeneca in a research report on Thursday, March 9th. Berenberg Bank set a 124 ($154.00) price target on AstraZeneca in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. Finally, Barclays reiterated an overweight rating and set a 135 ($167.66) price objective on shares of AstraZeneca in a report on Friday, February 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, AstraZeneca has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of 118.85 ($147.60).

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AstraZeneca Stock Performance

Shares of LON:AZN opened at 117 ($145.31) on Tuesday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is 110.29 and its two-hundred day moving average price is 108.51. AstraZeneca has a fifty-two week low of GBX 9,399 ($116.73) and a fifty-two week high of 128.28 ($159.32). The stock has a market capitalization of 181.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6,842.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 84.02, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.59.

AstraZeneca Increases Dividend

AstraZeneca Company Profile

The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 27th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 23rd were paid a GBX 162.80 ($2.02) dividend. This is a boost from AstraZenecas previous dividend of $76.40. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 23rd. This represents a dividend yield of 1.51%. AstraZenecas dividend payout ratio is presently 13,976.61%.

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AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its marketed products include Calquence, Enhertu, Faslodex, Imfinzi, Iressa, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Lynparza, Orpathys, Tagrisso, and Zoladex for oncology; Brilinta/Brilique, Bydureon/Byetta, BCise, Byetta, Crestor, Evrenzo, Farxiga/Forxiga, Komboglyze/Kombiglyze XR, Lokelma, Onglyza, Qtern, and Xigduo/Xigduo XR for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir Genuair, Fasenra, Pulmicort, Saphnelo, Symbicort, and Tudorza/Eklira/Bretaris for respiratory and immunology; and Andexxa/Ondexxya, Kanuma, Soliris, Strensiq, and Ultomiris for rare diseases.

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Ivanhoe Mines (OTCMKTS:IVPAF  Get Rating) had its price target hoisted by Raymond James from C$15.00 to C$18.00 in a research report report published on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

Separately, Scotiabank lifted their price target on Ivanhoe Mines from C$14.50 to C$16.00 in a research note on Tuesday, March 14th.

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Ivanhoe Mines Price Performance

Ivanhoe Mines stock opened at $8.79 on Tuesday. Ivanhoe Mines has a one year low of $4.90 and a one year high of $9.70. The business has a fifty day moving average of $8.73 and a two-hundred day moving average of $8.12.

About Ivanhoe Mines

Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. is a mining development company engaged in the exploration and development of mineral properties. Its projects include the Platreef Project, Kamao-Kakula Project, Western Foreland Exploration Project, and Kipushi Project. The company was founded by Robert Martin Friedland on April 29, 1993 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Ivanhoe Mines (TSE:IVN  Get Rating) had its price objective boosted by Raymond James from C$15.00 to C$18.00 in a research report report published on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. Raymond James currently has an outperform rating on the stock.

Separately, Scotiabank lifted their target price on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$14.50 to C$16.00 in a research note on Tuesday, March 14th.

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Ivanhoe Mines Stock Down 3.3 %

Shares of IVN opened at C$11.85 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of C$14.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.33 and a beta of 1.95. The company has a quick ratio of 20.86, a current ratio of 9.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.32. Ivanhoe Mines has a 12 month low of C$6.41 and a 12 month high of C$12.75. The company has a 50-day moving average price of C$11.83 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$10.99.

Insider Buying and Selling

About Ivanhoe Mines

In related news, Director Louis Kabamba Watum sold 65,539 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$11.82, for a total value of C$774,670.98. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 58,687 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately C$693,680.34. Company insiders own 53.08% of the companys stock.

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Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. engages in the exploration, development, and recovery of minerals and precious metals located primarily in Africa. It explores for platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium, zinc, silver, germanium, and lead deposits. The company's projects include the Platreef project located in the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex; the Kipushi project located in Haut-Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo; and the Kamoa-Kakula project located within the Central African Copperbelt.

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Jonestown Bank & Trust Co. (OTCMKTS:JNES  Get Rating)s share price rose 5% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $28.50 and last traded at $28.50. Approximately 728 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 4% from the average daily volume of 755 shares. The stock had previously closed at $27.15.

Jonestown Bank & Trust Stock Up 5.0 %

The firm has a 50 day moving average of $29.13 and a 200 day moving average of $29.85.

Jonestown Bank & Trust Company Profile

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Jonestown Bank & Trust Co provides banking products and services in Lebanon County and Northern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The company offers deposit products, including checking accounts, statement savings, club accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts.

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Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Rating) had its target price increased by Piper Sandler from $196.00 to $204.00 in a research report released on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the insurance providers stock.

TRV has been the subject of a number of other reports. Barclays cut their price target on Travelers Companies from $197.00 to $196.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 19th. BMO Capital Markets started coverage on Travelers Companies in a research note on Thursday, January 19th. They set an outperform rating and a $212.00 price target for the company. Raymond James raised their price target on Travelers Companies from $200.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 25th. Evercore ISI raised Travelers Companies from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and raised their price objective for the company from $183.00 to $220.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 10th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Travelers Companies from $190.00 to $195.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $190.40.

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Travelers Companies Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of Travelers Companies stock opened at $171.27 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $178.22 and a 200 day moving average price of $179.16. The company has a market cap of $39.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.58, a P/E/G ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a current ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34. Travelers Companies has a 1 year low of $149.65 and a 1 year high of $194.51.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

Travelers Companies ( NYSE:TRV Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 24th. The insurance provider reported $3.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $3.40. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 13.34% and a net margin of 7.71%. The firm had revenue of $8.83 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.78 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $5.20 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 10.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Travelers Companies will post 14.11 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 10th were issued a $0.93 dividend. This represents a $3.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.17%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, March 9th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 31.66%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Travelers Companies

In other news, EVP Gregory C. Toczydlowski sold 5,420 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $184.19, for a total transaction of $998,309.80. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 18,416 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,392,043.04. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Diane Kurtzman sold 2,914 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $185.01, for a total transaction of $539,119.14. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 1,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $320,992.35. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Gregory C. Toczydlowski sold 5,420 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $184.19, for a total value of $998,309.80. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 18,416 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,392,043.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 188,163 shares of company stock valued at $35,402,200 in the last 90 days. 1.07% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Travelers Companies

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. FWL Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Travelers Companies in the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. US Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Travelers Companies in the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. First PREMIER Bank acquired a new stake in Travelers Companies in the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its position in Travelers Companies by 57.8% in the 3rd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 183 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc bought a new position in Travelers Companies in the 4th quarter valued at $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.59% of the companys stock.

Travelers Companies Company Profile

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The Travelers Cos., Inc is a holding company, which engages in the provision of commercial and personal property and casualty insurance products and services. It operates through the following business segments: Business Insurance, Bond and Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. The Business Insurance segment provides an array of property and casualty insurance, and insurance related services to its customers primarily in the U.S., as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and throughout other parts of the world as a corporate member of Lloyds.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU  Get Rating) from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report released on Tuesday, MarketBeat reports. They currently have $114.00 price target on the financial services providers stock.

A number of other analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Prudential Financial from $106.00 to $105.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 10th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $110.00 target price on shares of Prudential Financial in a research note on Thursday, February 9th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Prudential Financial from $112.00 to $114.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Prudential Financial from a neutral rating to a sell rating and lowered their target price for the company from $98.00 to $96.00 in a research note on Monday, January 9th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Prudential Financial in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating for the company. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Prudential Financial presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $103.00.

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Prudential Financial Stock Up 0.6 %

NYSE PRU opened at $83.36 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 0.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16. The company has a fifty day moving average of $92.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of $97.36. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -21.16, a PEG ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.38. Prudential Financial has a 52 week low of $75.37 and a 52 week high of $122.54.

Prudential Financial Increases Dividend

Prudential Financial ( NYSE:PRU Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 7th. The financial services provider reported $2.42 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.57 by ($0.15). The firm had revenue of $12.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.78 billion. Prudential Financial had a positive return on equity of 13.31% and a negative net margin of 2.33%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $3.18 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Prudential Financial will post 12.17 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 16th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 21st were issued a $1.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, February 17th. This is an increase from Prudential Financials previous quarterly dividend of $1.20. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.00%. Prudential Financials payout ratio is currently -126.90%.

Prudential Financial declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback program on Tuesday, February 7th that permits the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the financial services provider to purchase up to 2.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are usually a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Prudential Financial news, EVP Andrew F. Sullivan sold 4,126 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.20, for a total value of $409,299.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 12,241 shares in the company, valued at $1,214,307.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Andrew F. Sullivan sold 11,405 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.95, for a total transaction of $1,151,334.75. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 12,300 shares in the company, valued at $1,241,685. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Andrew F. Sullivan sold 4,126 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.20, for a total transaction of $409,299.20. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 12,241 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,214,307.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Prudential Financial

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC increased its holdings in shares of Prudential Financial by 7.3% during the third quarter. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC now owns 1,481 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $127,000 after acquiring an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Gilbert & Cook Inc. boosted its position in Prudential Financial by 1.3% in the third quarter. Gilbert & Cook Inc. now owns 8,152 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $858,000 after buying an additional 104 shares during the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC boosted its position in Prudential Financial by 1.1% in the third quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 9,740 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $835,000 after buying an additional 105 shares during the last quarter. Perritt Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Prudential Financial by 2.0% in the third quarter. Perritt Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,492 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $471,000 after buying an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Buckingham Strategic Wealth LLC boosted its position in Prudential Financial by 2.1% in the third quarter. Buckingham Strategic Wealth LLC now owns 5,262 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $451,000 after buying an additional 108 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 56.33% of the companys stock.

Prudential Financial Company Profile

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Prudential Financial, Inc engages in the provision of insurance, investment management, and other financial products and services to both individual and institutional customers. It operates through the following segments: PGIM, U.S. Businesses, International Businesses, Closed Block, and Corporate and Others.

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Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI  Get Rating) had its target price upped by TD Securities from C$78.00 to C$80.00 in a report issued on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports.

A number of other research firms also recently issued reports on RCI. Desjardins reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Rogers Communications in a research report on Friday, February 3rd. National Bank Financial lowered their target price on Rogers Communications from C$78.00 to C$76.00 in a research report on Monday, April 3rd.

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Rogers Communications Price Performance

Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 2nd. The company reported C$1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$1.01 by C$0.08. The firm had revenue of C$4.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$4.16 billion.

Rogers Communications Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, April 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, March 10th were given a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of . The ex-dividend date was Thursday, March 9th.

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Roscan Gold Co. (CVE:ROS  Get Rating)s share price traded down 11.6% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as C$0.19 and last traded at C$0.19. 647,039 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 230% from the average session volume of 195,867 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.22.

Roscan Gold Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of C$72.02 million, a PE ratio of -3.80 and a beta of 1.99. The company has a current ratio of 0.10, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The companys 50 day moving average is C$0.18 and its 200-day moving average is C$0.18.

Roscan Gold Company Profile

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Roscan Gold Corporation, an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties in West Africa. Its principal project is Kandiole project that hosts 10 gold prospective targets located in the Kenieba area of Southwest Mali. The company was formerly known as Roscan Minerals Corporation and changed its name to Roscan Gold Corporation in September 2018.

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State of Michigan Retirement System lifted its stake in Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D  Get Rating) by 0.5% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 226,467 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 1,100 shares during the period. State of Michigan Retirement Systems holdings in Dominion Energy were worth $13,887,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of D. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Dominion Energy by 3.9% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 73,953,046 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $5,110,895,000 after buying an additional 2,767,626 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in shares of Dominion Energy by 5.5% during the third quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 58,954,665 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,074,356,000 after acquiring an additional 3,051,912 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Dominion Energy by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 49,478,314 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,419,446,000 after purchasing an additional 1,853,875 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in Dominion Energy by 9.9% during the third quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 30,771,075 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,126,590,000 after buying an additional 2,763,501 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy by 486.1% in the 3rd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 10,364,622 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $716,299,000 after buying an additional 8,596,097 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.30% of the companys stock.

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Dominion Energy Price Performance

Dominion Energy stock opened at $58.06 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average is $56.99 and its 200 day moving average is $61.49. Dominion Energy, Inc. has a one year low of $52.03 and a one year high of $88.78. The firm has a market cap of $48.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 53.27, a P/E/G ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.49, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 0.60.

Dominion Energy Announces Dividend

Dominion Energy ( NYSE:D Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 8th. The utilities provider reported $1.06 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.03. Dominion Energy had a return on equity of 13.35% and a net margin of 5.79%. The company had revenue of $4.91 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.21 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.90 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 26.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Dominion Energy, Inc. will post 3.93 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 20th. Investors of record on Friday, March 3rd were paid a dividend of $0.6675 per share. This represents a $2.67 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.60%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, March 2nd. Dominion Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 244.95%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on D shares. UBS Group lowered their price target on shares of Dominion Energy from $60.00 to $57.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, March 7th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Dominion Energy in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating on the stock. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on Dominion Energy from $66.00 to $61.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, February 27th. Credit Suisse Group reduced their price objective on shares of Dominion Energy from $67.00 to $58.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, February 14th. Finally, Mizuho lowered their price objective on shares of Dominion Energy from $62.00 to $58.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, February 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $66.08.

About Dominion Energy

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Dominion Energy, Inc engages in the production and distribution of energy. It operates through following business segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Gas Distribution, Dominion Energy South Carolina, Contracted Assets, and Corporate and Other. The Corporate and Other segment focuses on corporate, service company, non-controlling interest in Dominion privatization, and non-regulated retail energy marketing operations.

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State of Michigan Retirement System lowered its position in shares of Moodys Co. (NYSE:MCO  Get Rating) by 1.5% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 52,706 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 800 shares during the period. State of Michigan Retirement Systems holdings in Moodys were worth $14,685,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. California Public Employees Retirement System increased its position in shares of Moodys by 14.7% in the third quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 356,473 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $86,662,000 after buying an additional 45,601 shares in the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Moodys by 2.9% during the 4th quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 23,097 shares of the business services providers stock worth $6,435,000 after buying an additional 657 shares during the last quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. lifted its position in Moodys by 10.2% during the 3rd quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 31,646 shares of the business services providers stock worth $7,693,000 after acquiring an additional 2,926 shares during the period. Clear Street Markets LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Moodys by 84.9% in the 3rd quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 623 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $151,000 after buying an additional 286 shares during the period. Finally, Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Moodys by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 74,315 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $18,086,000 after buying an additional 1,914 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.84% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have weighed in on MCO shares. Barclays raised their price target on Moodys from $275.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 1st. Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on Moodys from $289.00 to $350.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 1st. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on Moodys from $329.00 to $350.00 in a report on Wednesday, February 1st. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Moodys from $293.00 to $296.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Moodys in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Moodys has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $308.33.

Moodys Trading Down 1.4 %

Shares of MCO opened at $298.62 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $54.73 billion, a PE ratio of 40.14, a PEG ratio of 2.94 and a beta of 1.30. Moodys Co. has a 1 year low of $230.16 and a 1 year high of $346.22. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $300.82 and a 200-day simple moving average of $286.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.72, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.75.

Moodys (NYSE:MCO  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 31st. The business services provider reported $1.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.42 by $0.18. Moodys had a return on equity of 62.08% and a net margin of 25.13%. The business had revenue of $1.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.27 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.33 EPS. The firms revenue was down 16.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Moodys Co. will post 9.35 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Moodys Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 17th. Investors of record on Friday, February 24th were given a $0.77 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 23rd. This represents a $3.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.03%. This is an increase from Moodyss previous quarterly dividend of $0.70. Moodyss payout ratio is currently 41.40%.

Insider Activity at Moodys

In related news, EVP John J. Goggins sold 8,400 shares of Moodys stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $302.62, for a total transaction of $2,542,008.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 8,587 shares in the company, valued at $2,598,597.94. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Moodys news, EVP John J. Goggins sold 8,400 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $302.62, for a total value of $2,542,008.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 8,587 shares in the company, valued at $2,598,597.94. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Stephen T. Tulenko sold 2,818 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $297.10, for a total value of $837,227.80. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 6,834 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,030,381.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 23,701 shares of company stock valued at $7,046,117. 0.42% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Moodys Company Profile

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Moodys Corp. engages in the provision of credit ratings, research, tools and analysis to the global capital markets. It operates through the Moodys Investors Service (MIS) and Moodys Analytics (MA) segments. The MIS segment is a credit rating agency, which publishes credit ratings on debt obligations and the entities, including various corporate and governmental obligations, structured finance securities, and commercial paper programs.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MCO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Moodys Co. (NYSE:MCO  Get Rating).

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Investment analysts at StockNews.com started coverage on shares of International Tower Hill Mines (NYSE:THM  Get Rating) in a research note issued on Thursday. The brokerage set a sell rating on the stock.

International Tower Hill Mines Trading Up 4.8 %

Shares of NYSE THM opened at $0.65 on Thursday. International Tower Hill Mines has a 12 month low of $0.38 and a 12 month high of $1.09. The firm has a market capitalization of $126.67 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -64.99 and a beta of 0.82. The business has a 50-day moving average of $0.57 and a 200-day moving average of $0.51.

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About International Tower Hill Mines

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International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. is a mineral exploration company, which engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. It holds the right to acquire interest in an advanced stage exploration project in Alaska, known as the Livengood Gold Project. The company was founded by Jeffrey A.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX  Get Rating) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning.

A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on PSX. Mizuho lowered their price target on Phillips 66 from $121.00 to $120.00 in a report on Friday, March 10th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Phillips 66 from $130.00 to $132.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, February 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Phillips 66 from $112.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, March 28th. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on Phillips 66 from $155.00 to $137.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, December 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Phillips 66 from $134.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 5th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Phillips 66 has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $121.80.

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Phillips 66 Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE PSX opened at $102.84 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.17, a current ratio of 1.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. The stock has a market capitalization of $47.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.48, a PEG ratio of 0.33 and a beta of 1.38. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $100.68 and its 200 day simple moving average is $100.67. Phillips 66 has a 52-week low of $74.02 and a 52-week high of $113.53.

Phillips 66 Increases Dividend

Phillips 66 ( NYSE:PSX Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 31st. The oil and gas company reported $4.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.35 by ($0.35). Phillips 66 had a return on equity of 31.20% and a net margin of 6.27%. The company had revenue of $40.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $34.30 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.94 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Phillips 66 will post 15.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 21st were given a $1.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, February 17th. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.08%. This is a boost from Phillips 66s previous quarterly dividend of $0.97. Phillips 66s payout ratio is currently 18.30%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Gregory Hayes purchased 10,250 shares of Phillips 66 stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 2nd. The stock was bought at an average price of $97.75 per share, with a total value of $1,001,937.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 14,299 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,397,727.25. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 0.74% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Phillips 66

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Phillips 66 by 1.9% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 50,644,106 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,087,993,000 after purchasing an additional 966,125 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its holdings in Phillips 66 by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 33,013,657 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,664,862,000 after acquiring an additional 345,132 shares in the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its holdings in Phillips 66 by 0.6% in the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 16,802,175 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,748,770,000 after acquiring an additional 98,162 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Phillips 66 by 100,843.8% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 9,979,304 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,038,646,000 after acquiring an additional 9,969,418 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP raised its holdings in Phillips 66 by 62.1% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 7,188,087 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $620,979,000 after acquiring an additional 2,753,700 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.76% of the companys stock.

About Phillips 66

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Phillips 66 engages in the processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of fuels and other related products. The company operates through the following segments: Midstream, Chemicals, Refining and Marketing & Specialties. The Midstream segment provides crude oil and refined products transportation, terminaling and processing services, as well as natural gas, natural gas liquids and liquefied petroleum gas transportation, storage, processing and marketing services.

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Shares of Telefonica Brasil S.A. (NYSE:VIV  Get Rating) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the seven research firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $25.67.

VIV has been the topic of a number of research reports. StockNews.com lowered shares of Telefonica Brasil from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. UBS Group raised shares of Telefonica Brasil from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 31st. Finally, Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Telefonica Brasil from $11.00 to $10.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 22nd.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Telefonica Brasil

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Wetherby Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Telefonica Brasil by 3.9% during the first quarter. Wetherby Asset Management Inc. now owns 32,592 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $367,000 after buying an additional 1,214 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Telefonica Brasil by 17.9% during the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 12,097 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $136,000 after buying an additional 1,839 shares during the period. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Telefonica Brasil by 18.7% during the third quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 11,906 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $93,000 after buying an additional 1,878 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Telefonica Brasil by 15.1% during the third quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 14,679 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $110,000 after buying an additional 1,930 shares during the period. Finally, ExodusPoint Capital Management LP raised its holdings in shares of Telefonica Brasil by 2.6% during the third quarter. ExodusPoint Capital Management LP now owns 79,643 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $599,000 after purchasing an additional 2,014 shares during the last quarter. 6.76% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Telefonica Brasil Stock Up 1.3 %

Shares of NYSE VIV opened at $7.75 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. Telefonica Brasil has a 12-month low of $6.49 and a 12-month high of $11.55. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.49, a P/E/G ratio of 3.18 and a beta of 0.48. The firms 50-day moving average price is $7.56 and its 200-day moving average price is $7.51.

Telefonica Brasil (NYSE:VIV  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 15th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.10 by $0.03. Telefonica Brasil had a net margin of 8.45% and a return on equity of 5.86%. The company had revenue of $2.41 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.42 billion. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Telefonica Brasil will post 0.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Telefonica Brasil Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Friday, April 7th. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 17th were paid a $0.2417 dividend. This is an increase from Telefonica Brasils previous dividend of $0.02. The ex-dividend date was Friday, April 14th. Telefonica Brasils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 48.94%.

Telefonica Brasil Company Profile

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Telefonica Brasil SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides mobile and fixed telecommunications services to residential and corporate customers in Brazil. Its fixed line services portfolio includes local, domestic long-distance, and international long-distance calls; and mobile portfolio comprises voice and broadband internet access through 3G, 4G, 4.5G, and 5G as well as mobile value-added services and wireless roaming services.

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Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO  Get Rating) had its price target lowered by Evercore ISI from $615.00 to $610.00 in a report published on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. Evercore ISI currently has an outperform rating on the medical research companys stock.

A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Citigroup lifted their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $650.00 to $700.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $525.00 to $505.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 3rd. Cowen lifted their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $690.00 to $711.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, February 2nd. Barclays cut their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $660.00 to $625.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Thermo Fisher Scientific from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, March 26th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $640.45.

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Thermo Fisher Scientific Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific stock opened at $575.35 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $561.10 and its 200-day simple moving average is $546.18. The company has a market cap of $221.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.63, a PEG ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 0.79. The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. Thermo Fisher Scientific has a 1 year low of $475.77 and a 1 year high of $618.35.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Increases Dividend

Thermo Fisher Scientific ( NYSE:TMO Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 1st. The medical research company reported $5.40 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.19 by $0.21. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a net margin of 15.47% and a return on equity of 21.42%. The firm had revenue of $11.45 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.41 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $6.54 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Thermo Fisher Scientific will post 23.72 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 14th. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 15th will be given a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 14th. This is a positive change from Thermo Fisher Scientifics previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.24%. Thermo Fisher Scientifics payout ratio is currently 7.94%.

Insider Activity at Thermo Fisher Scientific

In related news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $569.18, for a total value of $11,383,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 128,705 shares in the company, valued at approximately $73,256,311.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Thermo Fisher Scientific news, Director Jim P. Manzi sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $584.56, for a total value of $584,560.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 14,807 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,655,579.92. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $569.18, for a total value of $11,383,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 128,705 shares in the company, valued at approximately $73,256,311.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 30,100 shares of company stock worth $16,966,971. 0.43% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Thermo Fisher Scientific

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Thrive Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 16.3% during the 1st quarter. Thrive Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,013 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,737,000 after purchasing an additional 422 shares in the last quarter. Inspirion Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific during the 1st quarter worth approximately $246,000. Quantum Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 5.9% during the 1st quarter. Quantum Financial Advisors LLC now owns 500 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $288,000 after purchasing an additional 28 shares in the last quarter. Diversified Trust Co raised its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 20.8% during the 1st quarter. Diversified Trust Co now owns 7,334 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $4,227,000 after purchasing an additional 1,264 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Trust Co. of Vermont raised its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 34,685 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $19,991,000 after purchasing an additional 659 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 85.92% of the companys stock.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Company Profile

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Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc engages in the provision of analytical instruments, equipment, reagents and consumables, software, and services for research, analysis, discovery, and diagnostics. It operates through the following segments: Life Sciences Solutions, Analytical Instruments, Specialty Diagnostics, and Laboratory Products and Services.

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U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB  Get Rating) had its target price lowered by Morgan Stanley from $56.00 to $46.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the financial services providers stock.

Several other research firms have also recently commented on USB. Credit Suisse Group upped their price target on U.S. Bancorp from $54.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, January 26th. DA Davidson started coverage on U.S. Bancorp in a report on Tuesday, December 20th. They issued a neutral rating and a $47.00 price target for the company. UBS Group raised U.S. Bancorp from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the stock from $47.00 to $55.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 10th. Piper Sandler dropped their target price on U.S. Bancorp from $57.00 to $53.00 in a report on Friday, March 10th. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on U.S. Bancorp from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, January 27th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $52.68.

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U.S. Bancorp Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:USB opened at $35.75 on Wednesday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $42.86 and a 200 day moving average price of $43.34. U.S. Bancorp has a twelve month low of $32.72 and a twelve month high of $53.88. The company has a market cap of $54.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.64, a PEG ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90.

U.S. Bancorp Dividend Announcement

U.S. Bancorp ( NYSE:USB Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 25th. The financial services provider reported $1.20 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.11 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $6.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.61 billion. U.S. Bancorp had a return on equity of 16.13% and a net margin of 21.26%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.07 EPS. Research analysts predict that U.S. Bancorp will post 4.88 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 31st will be given a $0.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 30th. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.37%. U.S. Bancorps payout ratio is 51.75%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Lincoln National Corp boosted its position in U.S. Bancorp by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Lincoln National Corp now owns 30,781 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,342,000 after buying an additional 202 shares during the last quarter. Gilbert & Cook Inc. boosted its position in U.S. Bancorp by 1.7% in the 4th quarter. Gilbert & Cook Inc. now owns 12,869 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $561,000 after buying an additional 210 shares during the last quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its position in U.S. Bancorp by 46.9% in the 4th quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 673 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 215 shares during the last quarter. Adirondack Trust Co. boosted its position in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 8.5% in the 4th quarter. Adirondack Trust Co. now owns 2,808 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $122,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Connolly Sarah T. boosted its position in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Connolly Sarah T. now owns 24,389 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,064,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares during the last quarter. 71.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

U.S. Bancorp Company Profile

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U.S. Bancorp operates as a bank holding company, which offers financial services including lending and depository services, cash management, foreign exchange and trust and investment management. The firm also offers mortgage, refinance, auto, boat and RV loans, credit lines, credit card services, merchant, bank, checking and savings accounts, debit cards, online and mobile banking, ATM processing, mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage and leasing services.

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Shares of Veolia Environnement SA (OTCMKTS:VEOEY  Get Rating) are set to split on the morning of Wednesday, April 12th. The 2-1 split was announced on Wednesday, April 12th. The newly created shares will be distributed to shareholders after the closing bell on Wednesday, April 12th.

Veolia Environnement Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS VEOEY opened at $31.49 on Friday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $29.93 and its 200-day simple moving average is $26.40. Veolia Environnement has a fifty-two week low of $18.39 and a fifty-two week high of $31.84.

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About Veolia Environnement

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Veolia Environnement SA engages in the management of water supplies and distribution systems and provides waste management services. It operates through the following business segments: Water, Environmental Services, and Energy Services. The Water segment integrates drinking water and waste water activities such as water distribution, water and waste water treatment, industrial process water, and manufacture of water treatment equipment and systems.

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HSBC lowered shares of Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology (OTCMKTS:XJNGF  Get Rating) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report released on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS XJNGF opened at $0.85 on Tuesday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $0.92 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1.00. Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology has a 1-year low of $0.85 and a 1-year high of $1.88.

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Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Company Profile

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Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co, Ltd. engages in the research and development, construction, and operation of water treatment plants mad wind turbines. It operates through the following segments: Wind Turbine Generator Manufacturing and Sales; Wind Power Services; Wind Farm Development; and Others.

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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
The Iranian nation-state group known as MuddyWater has been observed carrying out destructive attacks on hybrid environments under the guise of a ransomware operation.

That's according to new findings from the Microsoft Threat Intelligence team, which discovered the threat actor targeting both on-premises and cloud infrastructures in partnership with another emerging activity cluster dubbed DEV-1084.

"While the threat actors attempted to masquerade the activity as a standard ransomware campaign, the unrecoverable actions show destruction and disruption were the ultimate goals of the operation," the tech giant revealed Friday.

MuddyWater is the name assigned to an Iran-based actor that the U.S. government has publicly connected to the country's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). It's been known to be active since at least 2017.

It's also tracked by the cybersecurity community under various names, including Boggy Serpens, Cobalt Ulster, Earth Vetala, ITG17, Mercury, Seedworm, Static Kitten, TEMP.Zagros, and Yellow Nix.

Cybersecurity firm Secureworks, in its profile of Cobalt Ulster, notes that it's not entirely uncommon in the realm of the threat actor to "inject false flags into code associated with their operations" as a distraction in an attempt to muddy attribution efforts.

Attacks mounted by the group have primarily singled out Middle Eastern nations, with intrusions observed over the past year leveraging the Log4Shell flaw to breach Israeli entities.

The latest findings from Microsoft reveal the threat actor probably worked together with DEV-1084 to pull off the espionage attacks, the latter of which conducted the destructive actions after MuddyWater successfully gained a foothold onto the target environment.

"Mercury likely exploited known vulnerabilities in unpatched applications for initial access before handing off access to DEV-1084 to perform extensive reconnaissance and discovery, establish persistence, and move laterally throughout the network, oftentimes waiting weeks and sometimes months before progressing to the next stage," Microsoft said.

In the activity detected by Redmond, DEV-1084 subsequently abused highly privileged compromised credentials to perform encryption of on-premise devices and large-scale deletion of cloud resources, including server farms, virtual machines, storage accounts, and virtual networks.

Furthermore, the threat actors gained full access to email inboxes through Exchange Web Services, using it to perform "thousands of search activities" and impersonate an unnamed high-ranking employee to send messages to both internal and external recipients.

The aforementioned actions are estimated to have transpired over a roughly three-hour time frame starting at 12:38 a.m. (when the attacker logged into the Microsoft Azure environment via compromised credentials) and ending at 3:21 a.m. (when the attacker sent emails to other parties after the successful cloud disruption).

It's worth noting here that DEV-1084 refers to the same threat actor that assumed the "DarkBit" persona as part of a ransomware and extortion attack aimed at Technion, a leading research university in Israel, in February. The Israel National Cyber Directorate, last month, attributed the attack to MuddyWater.

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"DEV-1084 [...] presented itself as a criminal actor interested in extortion, likely as an attempt to obfuscate Iran's link to and strategic motivation for the attack," Microsoft added.

The links between Mercury and DEV-1084 originate from infrastructure, IP address, and tooling overlaps, with the latter observed using a reverse tunneling utility called Ligolo, a staple MuddyWater artifact.

That said, there is not ample evidence to determine if DEV-1084 operates independently of MuddyWater and collaborates with other Iranian actors, or if it's a sub-team that's only summoned when there is a need to conduct a destructive attack.

Cisco Talos, early last year, described MuddyWater as a "conglomerate" comprising several smaller clusters rather than a single, cohesive group. The emergence of DEV-1084 suggests a nod in this direction.

"While these teams seem to operate independently, they are all motivated by the same factors that align with Iranian national security objectives, including espionage, intellectual theft, and destructive or disruptive operations based on the victims they target," Talos noted in March 2022.
Taiwanese PC company MSI (short for Micro-Star International) officially confirmed it was the victim of a cyber attack on its systems.

The company said it "promptly" initiated incident response and recovery measures after detecting "network anomalies." It also said it alerted law enforcement agencies of the matter.

That said, MSI did not disclose any specifics about when the attack took place and if it entailed the exfiltration of any proprietary information, including source code.

"Currently, the affected systems have gradually resumed normal operations, with no significant impact on financial business," the company said in a brief notice shared on Friday.

In a regulatory filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange, it said that it's setting up enhanced controls of its network and infrastructure to ensure the security of data.

MSI is further urging users to obtain firmware/BIOS updates only from its official website, and refrain from downloading files from other sources.

The disclosure comes as a new ransomware gang known as Money Message added the company to its list of victims. The threat actor was spotlighted by Zscaler late last month.

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"The group utilizes a double extortion technique to target its victims, which involves exfiltrating the victim's data before encrypting it," Cyble noted in an analysis published this week. "The group uploads the data on their leak site if the ransom is unpaid."

The development comes a month after Acer confirmed a breach of its own that resulted in the theft of 160 GB of confidential data. It was advertised on March 6, 2023, for sale on the now-defunct BreachForums.
Aprils gusts of wind make it easy to spot the Donate Life flag flying in front of CHI Health St. Francis, just underneath Old Glory.

Following April tradition, the flag was raised in a ceremony Friday morning. About 40 hospital employees gathered for the event.

The ceremony was part of a statewide and nationwide effort recognizing April as National Donate Life Month. During the month, CHI Health is honoring those who have saved lives through the gift of organ, eye and tissue donation. The statewide campaign is organized by Live On Nebraska, which is one of 57 organ procurement organizations throughout the country.

Charles Gregory, one of the hospitals chaplains, opened Fridays ceremony with a prayer. He was followed by Chris Goplin, supervisor of respiratory therapy.

Last year in Nebraska, 87 deceased organ donors, 538 tissue donors and 42 living donors gave the gift of life, Goplin said. More than 315 recipients received lifesaving organ transplants and thousands received tissue transplants.

More than 100,000 people in the U.S., including 300 Nebraskans, are waiting for an organ transplant.

Every 10 minutes, another name is added to the transplant waiting list. Each day, 20 Americans die waiting for an organ transplant.

Anyone 16 and older may register to be an organ, tissue and eye donor. One deceased organ and tissue donor can save and heal up to 100 people.

The organs that can be donated are lungs, heart, liver, pancreas, kidneys and intestines. The tissues that can be donated are corneas, heart valves, bone, skin, veins and connective tissue.

A similar ceremony was held Tuesday at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney.

The public is invited to join CHI employees in wearing blue and green on April 14 in honor of National Donate Life Blue and Green Day.

An independent, non-profit organization, Live On Nebraska recovers organs and tissues for transplantation. It also maintains the Donor Registry of Nebraska.

When an individual dies, the Donor Registry is checked to see if the patient is registered. If not, Live On Nebraska will discuss the opportunity for donation with his or her family.

Only 58% of eligible Nebraskans are registered as donors.

To join the Donor Registry, visit liveonnebraska.org/register.
Its like we have won the celestial lottery, says Carbondale Economic Development Director Steven Mitchell.

Keeping with Mitchells analogy, the region will be cashing in its next winning ticket one year from Saturday, as the areas second total solar eclipse in fewer than 10 years crosses the region. Preparations are already underway across Southern Illinois to commemorate the event and welcome thousands of visitors.

The Monday, April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse will cross North America in a path from Mexico, through Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York and into Canada. Just like seven years ago, Carbondale sits on the centerline of the eclipse path, just as it did on August 21, 2017, making the community the eclipse crossroads.

We had the greatest duration the first time around, but we actually will really have a longer duration  4 minutes and 9 seconds of duration, explained Bob Baer, specialist in the Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Physics and Applied Physics and co-chair of the regional 2024 Eclipse Steering Committee.

Baer said even though the region is not the point of longest duration as it was in 2017 with 2 minutes and 40 seconds  that distinction belongs to Sinaloa, Mexico  Southern Illinois should be popular with eclipse watchers.

We actually have a really long duration compared to most of the population centers along the path, Baer said.

He explained that this eclipse will be different not only because of the length of totality, but because of the type of totality.

The first time around, you got a 360 degree sunset effect during most of the eclipse, meaning you could see the sun right outside of that 70-mile-wide shadow of the moon, he said.

In contrast, Baer said, the 2024 eclipse will feature a shadow of about 115 miles wide.

Were going to be in the center of a very dark shadow and youre not going to see the edge of it. It is going to be very dark here.

In fact, Baer compared the darkness to about an hour after sunset.

Baer said he expects lots of people will be coming to witness the eclipse firsthand. He said he would not be surprised to have 30,000 to 50,000 visitors in Southern Illinois. For that, communities, tourism officials and educational institutions including SIU are already making plans, using the 2017 experiences as a starting place.

Mitchell said he has been fielding calls from other communities along the eclipse path to gain insight on what to expect. Many in the region feel that they know what and how to plan based on previous experiences.

One of the biggest things we know is that people are going to come, explained Ashlee Spiller of Williamson County Tourism. I think that being prepared is great, but we dont want to overthink things.

Overthinking translates into over-planning and over-programming, which some say happened seven years ago.

In 2017, it had been almost 100 years since the previous total solar eclipse across the United States and we didnt know exactly how to plan for it, so we erred on the side of caution. I would say it is safe to say we over-prepared, Mitchell said. For example, we did not know when the crowds would come, but now we know that a majority of the visitors will come the night before the eclipse or even the day of.

One of the things that we really want to get across to area residents is that there is no need to stay home during the eclipse or in the days leading up to it. While we may have a large number of visitors, we dont anticipate it being any larger than any one of the busiest days we have on an annual basis, he said, using SIUs commencement weekend or student move-in day as examples.

We just dont know how many people are going to attend the eclipse here," said Sarah Vanvooren, co-chair of SIUs eclipse planning steering committee. We hope that many of the people who attended the eclipse last time and had a great experience will return.

Vanvooren said plans for the eclipse again include a narrated experience at Saluki Stadium (although more brief than in 2017) as well as related events. She added that tickets for the viewing experience have recently been made available at www.eclipse.siu.edu.

Others are making plans, too. Matt Monchino of Monchino Management which operates hotel properties in Marion and Carbondale, said hes already receiving inquiries about rooms for the 2024 solar eclipse, as has Allison Hassler of Southern Illinois Vacation Rentals. She said she expects all of the 21 properties she handles to be fully booked very soon.

I was astonished that people were starting to call even as much as 18 months ago, she said.

Mitchell added that another benefit of the celestial lottery is the opportunity to welcome visitors.

Its very rare for a community or region to be in the path of two total eclipses in such a short amount of time and were certainly looking to put our best foot forward, he said.

Photos: Southern Illinois had the best seats in the house on eclipse day 2017
The Southern Region Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary will host the first ever Blessing of the Squads. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 16 at Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police will provide lunch.

We just feel like theres not a lot of support for law enforcement. They need our prayers, said Nicole Gusentine, president of Southern Region FOP auxiliary. We have the Blessing of the Bikes and the Blessing of the Jeeps, why not police officers?

The vision for the Blessing of the Squads is to have all Illinois law enforcement officers represented in a space to bring hope and community to the profession. All the squads present will be blessed for safety, protection and success in the daily calling.

They need to know the community is there for them and is praying for them, Gusentine said.

She added that the public often looks down on law enforcement officers or does not trust law enforcement.

The men and women who wear the badge feel pressure from the community leaders, the people they serve, and their families.

A lot of sacrifices go with service in law enforcement. There is a lot to be said about the sacrifices that each individual family member and each officer gives to maintain the peace in our communities each day, Gusentine said.

The sacrifices differ for each department and each individual. In the end, they all potentially lose something that may never be regained. This loss may be emotional, spiritual, physical or mental.

We have a great challenge supporting these men and women, to never let them walk alone. We know what they have sacrificed, and we want to show our support for them not only through the auxiliary, but also within the communities they serve, Gusentine said.

Law enforcement personnel also face an increasing mental health crisis. The auxiliary believes that knowing God is there to help guide them and carry them through offers hope to officers.

Gusentine said that there are several ways to participate in the Blessing of the Squads. Everyone is welcome to come to the event and pray for the officers. You can also take the information to your church and ask them to pray for officers.

The auxiliary plans to give each officer at the event a Law Enforcement Officers Bible. They are working with a publisher to get 500 Bibles. The estimated cost of each Bible will be $15, before shipping and taxes. Donations are being accepted to cover the cost. Checks made to Southern Region Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary should be sent to Southern Region FOP Auxiliary, P.O. Box 368, Energy, IL 62933.

We are inviting all the police departments and sheriffs' offices throughout Illinois to attend with at least one squad car, motorcycle, SUV, van, or other official vehicle from the department, said Gusentine.

In order to coordinate all the departments, she asked participants make reservations by emailing Nicole-1971@hotmail.com or respond to the groups Facebook event: Southern Region FOP Auxiliary.

Gusentine said the auxiliary was formed a little over two years ago as a way to support the men and women of law enforcement and corrections. They are always looking for members. Members must be the spouse of an officer, parent or son or daughter or in-laws to join.

For more information, contact Gusentnie at Nicole-1971@hotmail.com.
Bamberg couple Jeff and Linda Deibel have lived in Bamberg County for more than 30 years and enjoy highlighting what they say makes it special with a magazine for which Jeff serves as managing editor.

The Bamberg County Highlighter started in January 2022. Published bi-monthly, the magazine features everything from profiles on local Clemson Extension agents to middle school art, along with profiles on local businesses ranging from poultry farms to event venues.

The Highlighter Magazine is a project of the Rising High Foundation, which is a nonprofit, 501-C3 here in Bamberg. The mission of the Rising High Foundation is to promote community growth and opportunity, Jeff said.

The foundation was formed in 2008. Deibel serves as executive director, while Bamberg businessman James Barnwell, owner of B&B Meats, serves as its treasurer. The foundation also has an advisory board.

We look at the magazine as a visual voice that will continue to provide information of interest whether someone lives here, whether theyre visiting, or whether theyre simply traveling through, he said.

The free publication is distributed among more than 50 businesses throughout the county. Distinguished Citizens of the Month are also featured in each edition, some of whom have included Robert Lee Bobby Satcher Jr., a retired astronaut, physician and chemical engineer who graduated from Denmark-Olar High School.

All of our staff are volunteers, and we operate on a nonprofit business model. The concept behind that is we simply love our community, we serve our community. We dont expect to be paid for services to support our community, Jeff said.

He said the idea of a magazine came through a meet-and-greet session he and his wife attended with other people who had moved to the county from places as far away as New Jersey and Minnesota.

The Deibels are originally from Indiana. Jeff owned his own filtration business and retired from that, while Linda is a retired school teacher.

In the course of the conversation of just meet and greet, they said it was very difficult to find whats available in Bamberg County. We chatted a little further, and it just so happened that one of the ladies who had moved here from Arizona (Cheri Neri) was a national designer for doing graphic art design, fundraising for schools and that sort of thing, he said.

Jeff continued, So I said, Cheri, thats really interesting. We have a radio station to serve the community to get public announcements out and serve the community in other ways that we do. Would you be interested in doing design if we decided to do something like a magazine? She said, I would. So that was the real seed that got planted, and thats how we started.

Neri has since moved out of the county, and Major Graphics LLC in Orangeburg now handles the publications design and printing. Volunteers include Susan Kearse Clayton, photography; Martha Clayton, contributing writer; and Minnnie Miller, contributing writer and photography.

We welcome anyone who would like to assist us. Again, its all volunteer, but theyre welcome, Jeff said.

Linda said, We always said in the beginning  and we continue to say  that we want to show the good things that are happening in Bamberg County by putting out the magazine.

Jeff said he and his wife love their community and its people, with the magazine serving as a good way to promote it.

Weve completed one full year. Theres six editions that we come out with per year. ... We try to help (promote) small businesses everywhere we can. We also feature the Edisto River Paddlers in every edition with a schedule and are working with the Bamberg County Fire Service to highlight area fire departments, he said.

Linda said, If we have any money above the printing costs, it goes back to the Rising High account (for community projects).

Jeff said he and his wife work well together and enjoy working with and serving their community.

We have been extremely well received in the community. We can work with people, we like working with people. Its rewarding when people say, 'Thank you for doing what you can to help.' We couldnt do it without the support of the volunteers, he said.

To get more information on the magazine, or to volunteer, individuals can email risinghigh@bellsouth.net.
The Nu Tau Omega and Eta Nu chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated held their 115th International Founders Day Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 25, in Massachusetts Hall on the campus of Voorhees University.

This occasion commemorated the first in-person event for the chapters since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with members of the host chapters, the Founders Day Committee and representation from other Greek organizations present.

Chaired by Kenya L. Mingo, the Founders Day Celebration commenced with a welcome address that included a quote about service and making a difference by the late Nelson Mandela, both of which set the tone for the events theme: In Our Founders Footsteps: Soaring Ahead in Sisterhood and Service.

Yolanda Copeland, who serves as the Cluster VI coordinator of the South Atlantic Region that houses a multitude of chapters, delivered the events greetings, followed by a message delivered by Velice R. Cummings, S.C. Connection and Social Action Committee chairman and former Cluster VI coordinator of the South Atlantic Region.

The Founders Day Celebration commenced with acknowledgments to those individuals who have selflessly served their communities: Golden Members, Silver Star Members, Active Charter Members and Former Chapter Presidents.

Antigone Solomon was recognized as the 2023 Member of the Year.

Solomon, a native of Denmark, is the oldest of five children born to Blossom Thompson and Larry Thompson.

She has dedicated over 25 years of service to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her civic responsibilities began with her initiation into the Eta Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on the campus of Voorhees University in spring 1995.

As a member of the Nu Tau Omega Chapter, she serves as graduate advisor for the undergraduate chapter (Eta Nu Chapter) at Voorhees University.

Other positions held by Solomon include: chapter president in 2019-2020 and 2016, vice president and secretary.

In 2021, Solomon served on the 69th South Atlantic Region Teller Committee and is currently serving on the South Atlantic Region Protocol Committee.

Annie Walters of Blackville was honored as the 2023 Distinguished Citizen of the Year for her dedication to her community  driven by her passion to uplift and help others.

Her motto has always been to pay it forward and to raise herself up so she is able to help and inspire others to achieve their goals and dreams.

Shes currently employed with Save the Children and serves as an advisor for Community Approaches.

As a result of her passion for helping others, she started her own nonprofit, Building New Beginnings, which was established on Feb. 4, 2021.

To have been entrusted to lead the planning and execution of such a prestigious organizational event is beyond humbling. I am proud to work with a group of women who are small in number but mighty in service. We are united in sisterhood and remain grounded in service to all mankind, and Im honored to be a part of this organization, Mingo said. I could not have asked for a better Founders Day event.

The 2023 Founders Day was a great inspiration and fellowship for members and guests. After dealing with the pandemic for the past three years, I was excited to fellowship with our members and our Divine 9 members. It was a great way to start 2023 as Im so excited for all that our chapter has in the works, said Tracy K. Golden, president of the Nu Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Church budgets will not be cut despite the significant fall in those declaring membership of a religious faith. From Dennik N.

Last years census in Slovakia recorded the largest number of non-believers ever. First results of the population count show that almost 1.3 million people said they had no religious beliefs.

In the two previous censuses in 2001 and 2011, some 700,000 people said they had no religious beliefs, or around 13 percent of Slovakias population. Last years count showed a significant increase in this category to 23.8 percent of the countrys 5.5 million population.

Much of that rise came at the expense of the Roman Catholic church, the largest in the country: the number of self-declared Catholics fell by 300,000 compared to 2011.

Out of Slovakias total population, only some 56 percent now say they are Catholic.

The town of Namestovo [in northern Slovakia] can be considered the most Catholic town in the country. More than 90% of its inhabitants said they belonged to the Catholic faith.

Churches Will Not Lose Money

Given the decrease in the number of believers, churches faced the threat of losing a part of the funds they receive from the national budget. Slovak law, however, specifies that in order for that to happen, the number of church members would have to fall by at least 10% census-to-census, which was not the case. In spite of the very significant increase in the number of non-believers, amounting to almost 11% compared to 2011, the number of believers did not diminish quite as much. Those declaring themselves to belong to one of the official churches only declined by 7.6%.

Breaking the results down by denomination, the number of Roman Catholics fell from more than 3.3 million (62%) in 2011 to 3 million (56%) in 2021, a 9.2% decline. The Lutheran church saw a similar trend, with a decline of 30,000 people, or 9.3%, over the last 10 years. Among the large churches, the only one recording an increase in followers was the Greek Catholics, who rose by 5.5% from 207,000 to 218,000.

The mismatch in figures for the rising number of non-believers and the decrease in believers might be due to the smaller number of people who did not answer the question about religious belief. While in 2011, 11% did not provide an answer, that figure fell to 6.5% in 2021.

A comparison of data for 2011 and 2021 needs to take into account that a campaign against the census took place 10 years ago, so that in some towns no real data was actually collected. It is possible that a number of people who did not participate in the 2011 census may have reported themselves as non-believers in 2021.

Stanislav Zvolensky, head of the Conference of Bishops of Slovakia representing the Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic churches, thanked everyone who declared their religious belief in the census.

In this way, believers express their presence in society, which they are helping to form in the spirit of the values of their faith. It is precisely religious belief that motivates many to devote themselves to work in the areas of charity, healthcare, education, and elsewhere, in order to promote the common good, he said.

According to Zvolensky, church records of christenings show something of a rising trend over the last few years, the only exception being 2020, the first year of the pandemic.

Thousands Claim Membership in Prank Church

More than 14,000 people declared themselves members of a church started by comedian Gabo Zifcak, Ethanols Witnesses [Svedkovia Liehovovi, a play on the Slovak name for the Jehovahs Witnesses].

The number of people declaring themselves to be actual Jehovahs Witnesses was 16,000.

Zifcak is currently working on getting Ethanols Witnesses registered as an official church, which would allow the organization to apply for a financial contribution from the national budget. He is trying to raise awareness of how strict current Slovak legislation is for movements that would like to get registered as official churches. Most registered religious groups now count fewer than 50,000 members and would no longer meet the current legal criteria for registration.

Almost 1,400 people declared themselves members of the Order of the Jedi Knights, and 590 people claimed to be pastafarians.

Ria Gehrerova and Daniel Kerekes are journalists at Dennik N, an independent news outlet in Slovakia. This article originally appeared on Dennik N. Reprinted by permission.

Translated by Matus Nemeth.
A jury trial was set Thursday in a civil rights lawsuit that accuses Casper Police Chief Keith McPheeters of failing to protect two of his female officers from repeated sexual harassment and retaliation from one of the departments male officers, court documents show.

Through his attorney, McPheeters has denied the bulk of the allegations.

Shannon Daley and Keri Patrick allege that a pattern of targeted sexual harassment and retaliation started in the spring of 2021, an amended complaint states.

Casper police launched an internal investigation concerning former detective Chase Nash after a male sergeant and an outside agency made a complaint about his persistent sexual comments in the workplace and at workplace functions, the lawsuit states.

Those investigators questioned members of the departments detectives unit regarding complaints about Nash  now known as the 2021 Nash investigation. Nash is accused of making repeated comments regarding the size of his penis, his libido and other sexual topics.

Patrick was not interviewed because she had limited interactions with Nash. But if she had been interviewed, she would have mentioned one of her few interactions with Nash at a murder investigation scene, the complaint states.

On the scene, which still contained a dead person, Nash made multiple inappropriate remarks to Patrick and a female Deputy Coroner, the complaint states. Nash made comments regarding red-heads having the highest libido, asking the women how much they masturbated, and the size of his penis.

On the other hand, Daley was interviewed for the investigation, the complaint said.

She generally was not bothered by the sexual comments because making jokes is a way many law enforcement officers deal with the stress, but it troubled her when Nash would make the same comments in front of civilians and other city agencies.

Daley reported that the other detectives in the investigation division typically knew their audience and would only joke amongst each other, the complaint states. Nash, however, had no such filter.

Women felt uncomfortable in the workplace with some regularity, the complaint alleges. Female law enforcement officers in Casper used a code word cawcaw to call for help in escaping an uncomfortable situation. They used this on one occasion because of Nash, the lawsuit alleges.

The 2021 Nash investigation also uncovered multiple instances of Nash making anti-LGBTQ comments and treating victims of crime, especially sexual assault, inappropriately, the complaint states.

It was recommended Nash be fired, but McPheeters overruled it, the complaint states. Nash would go on to target Daley and Patrick because he allegedly believed they had made the original complaints against him, which led to the investigation. They did not.

Throughout summer 2021, Nash is accused of berating Daley while making repeated complaints against her. Nash complained about the volume and tone of her voice. He allegedly said she wasnt a real detective, and he was tired of women getting away with everything.

The harassment of Daley became so pervasive that she requested to work from home and/or her FBI office, the statement said.

At one point, Daley and Patrick were watching a video of an arrest related to an investigation in which a woman was moaning while fighting officers. Nash loudly accused them of watching pornography and stormed out of the office.

Patrick had her own set of concerns.

For example, in the fall of 2021, a Casper Police Department lieutenant took his own life. Patrick had been especially close to this person and was particularly distraught, the complaint states. Patrick asked Daley for assistance with her uniform on the day of the funeral.

They went into their office and shut the door so Patrick could change uniforms, the complaint states. Nash made a complaint against Daley and Patrick.

McPheeters is accused of ignoring this documented pattern of sexual harassment and retaliation. After an almost three-hour meeting regarding these circumstances, McPheeters allegedly told Daley that cashing out her retirement would be a poor financial decision.

Daley left the meeting feeling helpless, and realizing the Chief, despite clearly knowing what was going on with Nash, would do nothing to protect Daley or her fellow detectives, the complaint states.

Both women suffered mentally and physically as they came to understand that the Chief would not protect them from predators in their own department, the complaint states.

In court documents, lawyers for McPheeters admits he did receive several reports about Nashs conduct. This included Nash talking about his wife sexually and saying redheads have a higher sex drive, a defense response filed last month states.

He denies a majority of the allegations though and is asking for the lawsuit to be dismissed, in part, because the statute of limitations has passed.

Daley bought out the remaining 20 months of her retirement at the end of 2021. This cost her $94,086  all but $200 of funds she had saved over 18 years of work for the city.

Nash was placed on administrative leave in January 2022, which he was ultimately allowed to continue until his retirement, the complaint states.

Patrick is still employed with the department and works in the investigation unit.

Patrick had fewer employment options because she has fewer years of service and is dependent on her job for her livelihood, the complaint states.

John Robinson, who is Daley and Patricks attorney, had no comment other than what is in our court papers, he said on Friday.

Amber Freestone, spokesperson for the Casper Police Department, and McPheeters lawyers did not respond to requests for comment on Friday.

The jury trial is scheduled for May 13, 2024, in Casper before U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl, an initial pretrial order shows. It is expected to last 10 days.
A specialty pharmacy that creates personalized medicines for patients with serious conditions is suing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming for allegedly failing to pay for its services.

AIS Healthcare, a Mississippi-based pharmacy, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court late last month alleging that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming breached its contract with the company and refused to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for the care it provided to patients.

The specialty pharmacy sued after what its lawyers say has been months of inaction by Blue Cross Blue Shield and after receiving a letter from the health insurance company requesting payment for more than $250,000 it said the pharmacy billed incorrectly.

AIS Healthcare is asking for back pay and a statement from the court that the company broke its contract and unjustly enriched itself.

At the end of the day, this is all about patient care, said Paul Werner, a practice group leader with the international law firm Sheppard Mullin, which represents AIS Healthcare. What the payers are doing and have done for years now is really put AIS in the position of providing care to these patients for free, which it does because it cares about these patients, but its obviously uneconomical for them to do it.

Unique health care

AIS Healthcare specializes in the manufacturing of personalized medicines for patients reliant on home infusion therapy.

The treatment is reserved for those with debilitating pain and severe conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries and cancer.

Doctors surgically implant pumps in patients that then carry medication to their spinal cord.

AIS Healthcare works with doctors to create unique infusion medications for each patient that can continuously treat them for up to 180 days before they have to be refilled. The pharmacy also offers other services such as in-patient nurse care and on-call pharmacists for patients and doctors, according to the lawsuit.

Home infusion therapy is a costly treatment, but also one that allows patients who otherwise would be in hospitals and long-term care facilities to live their lives  without dependence on potentially addictive opioids, Werner said.

Because of the companys specialty, its patients number in the thousands rather than the hundreds of thousands across the U.S., he said.

Contested compensation

In 2019, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming contracted with AIS Healthcare so its members could access the pharmacys infusion therapies.

From May 2019 to April 2022, the health insurance company paid AIS Healthcare roughly $370,000 for its services, court filings show.

But in April of last year, Blue Cross Blue Shield told AIS Healthcare that it was billing the health insurance provider incorrectly and in turn overcharging it.

Home infusion providers can charge insurance companies a daily rate each day a patient has access to the infused medication, according to the lawsuit. Its a figure that is supposed to take into account all of the costs that go into producing the specialized medicines and the patients continuous use of them.

AIS Healthcares contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield established that the pharmacy would be reimbursed that daily rate, both a procedure and price that were largely dictated by the health insurance network, Werner said.

Thats not something that we came up with and put to Blue Cross. Its something that Blue Cross told us to do, he said.

In a series of emails, Blue Cross Blue Shield told the pharmacy that it wasnt meeting all of the requirements to charge that daily rate.

Blue Cross Blue Shield said that it was already paying AIS Healthcare for the drugs, but because the pharmacy was making the medicines and sending them to physicians but not giving them to patients in their homes, the pharmacy could not charge a daily rate, according to the emails.

Raymond Redd, general counsel for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, sent AIS Healthcare an April 26 letter stating that the pharmacy needed to repay $251,630, or more than two-thirds of all the money it paid the pharmacy for its services.

In a statement, Redd and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming denied the lawsuits claims.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming is aware of the litigation and disputes the allegations made against it. However, as a policy we do not comment on active litigation, Redd said.

Court requests

Since April 2022, AIS Healthcare has continued to treat patients in Wyoming even while Blue Cross Blue Shield has refused to pay, Werner said.

AIS Healthcare is asking the court to force Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming to pay more than $640,000 it says it is owed for serving the insurance networks patients.

Its not like theres some miniscule dispute over some minor fees. Theyre not paying us, Werner said. Were providing care. Their patients are getting benefits. Theyre getting benefits.

It is also requesting a declaration from the company acknowledging that AIS Healthcare billed Blue Cross Blue Shield correctly, that the insurance company refused to pay and broke its contract, and that it unjustly enriched itself by not reimbursing AIS Healthcare.

Werner said the pharmacy wanted the acknowledgement to legally reinforce its contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield for future work.

As part of the court filings, Werner and the legal team for AIS Healthcare pointed to a similar case the pharmacy brought against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi.

The companies settled for an undisclosed sum, but as a part of that process both Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which oversees all 34 arms of the health insurance giant, issued a statement that AIS Healthcares billing for services did not constitute fraud and was neither waste nor abuse.

AIS Healthcare itself has faced questions.

Investigators from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration accused the company of substandard practices and producing drugs that violated federal law in 2017. (The company responded by saying none of the observations rose to the level of regulatory significance.)

Local news in Mississippi also reported last month that the FBI raided the company.

In a statement to WAPT, an ABC-affiliated news station in Jackson, a spokesperson for the company said, We are confident that our industry standard billing practices are lawful and appropriate, and we intend to demonstrate that through ongoing cooperation with the government.

Werner said the actions of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming came at the cost of not only AIS Healthcare, but also vulnerable patients in the state.

Do we continue to care for these patients, or do we cut them off from critical care that they need? he said. We have always as a company opted to care for patients, but we now are in the position of having to call Blue Cross to task to step up and meet their contractual obligations and pay for the care that we are providing to their members.
Trinidad and Tobago should expect more visitors to the islands in the 2024 cruise season, according to Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell.

He explained that for the past six months, the Ministry of Tourism, along with Tourism Trinidad Ltd (TTL), has been increasing its marketing reach and putting action plans in place to increase arrivals.
Those were the three words calypso icon David Rudder used to summate his feelings over his illustrious 40-year music career.

Sensing the room of journalists wanting more from him he almost reluctantly continued.
THE GET-IT-DONE MAN: PC Raymond Mendoza, of the Biche Police Station, smiles at Nazema Alladeen, 23, and her baby girl, Serena Ramoutar, at their Rio Claro home. On April 1, at 8.20 p.m, PC Mendoza, who was off-duty at the time, responded to a call for service at the Biche Police Station, where he helped deliver the girl without any complications. He has since been named the childs godfather and given a Medal of Valour by the Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher and the executive of the TTPS.
'Important and exciting project: United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Candace Bond signs documents for the acquisition of the property at 137 Long Circular Road, Maraval, as the site for the new US embassy. Looking on are the seller, Joseph Fernandes, and attorney Bernard Shepherd, managing partnerTrinidad and Tobago at Lex Caribbean.
COCO Reef Resort and Spa in Tobago has been directed by the High Court to pay close to $3.5 
Ma Ying-jeou calls for adhering to 1992 Consensus as he returns to Taiwan after mainland trip

Xinhua) 11:14, April 08, 2023

TAIPEI, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, said adherence to the 1992 Consensus best serves the interests of Taiwan people as he returned to Taiwan after a trip to the Chinese mainland.

At Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, Ma said he has proven with action that adhering to the 1992 Consensus, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and respecting each other can lead to having a common political foundation with the mainland.

And by doing so, cross-Strait exchanges and dialogues can be resumed as soon as possible, Ma said, adding that this best serves the interests of the people of Taiwan.

Ma said it has been his long-held wish to go to the mainland to honor his family's ancestors. But it was only his first time, as he was about to turn 73, to visit the mainland.

Ma said he was glad to receive a very enthusiastic response from mainland residents, which left him both surprised and touched.

Ma recalled the successful exchanges between Taiwan students he had brought to the mainland and their mainland counterparts, which gave him great confidence for resuming cross-Strait exchanges.

"Young people are our future," Ma said, adding that the earlier young people across the Taiwan Strait communicate, the better they understand each other and the less likely they are to have conflicts in the future.

"We invited mainland students to visit Taiwan as well," Ma said.

Expressing concern over the present cross-Strait situation, Ma said he would continue to work among the people to ensure that Taiwan can have a future featuring true peace and security.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Amid the escalating murderous scourge in our country some are finding it possible to use a f
PHOENIX  A bill to let Nestle treat wastewater at its proposed Glendale plant and pump that water into the aquifer, earning water storage credits to draw on in the future, is raising fears that it will pit businesses against other water users.

Under SB 1660, industrial plants would not only be allowed to treat their wastewater on-site but also earn long-term storage credits for treated water they put back in the aquifer. Companies could use those credits later to draw out 75% of the treated water they put in the ground.

One of the bills sponsors, Sen. Sine Kerr, R-Buckeye, points out that it will be a net gain of 25% in the groundwater for other users and called the plan the best aquifer management program the state will have.

But its many critics  which include water utilities, home builders and the city of Phoenix, among others  said the bill would create a fragmented system, overburden the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and possibly degrade the quality of Arizonas water.

They fear Nestle will be just the first of many industrial users to flood in to take advantage of the new law if the bill passes.

This creates a means by which companies can accelerate their groundwater pumping, said Thomas Loquvam, general counsel for EPCOR, the water company that would serve the Nestle site. And they have used pretty clever, high-paid communication consultants to characterize this.

But the bottom line is that they would be able to create long-term storage credits and use those year over year over year, increasing the amount that they deplete from the aquifer, Loquvam said.

The bill, sponsored by Kerr, Sen. Steve Kaiser, R-Phoenix, and Rep. Tim Dunn, R-Yuma, was created at the behest of Nestle, which plans to build a $675 million plant for creamer production on 144 acres at 150th and Northern avenues in Glendale.

The worlds largest food and beverage company is seeking the change because the amount of wastewater that would be generated by the plant is too much for EPCOR to handle.

A Nestle official said in an email that the legislation would help create a sustainable framework for businesses investing in on-site water management, which will support Arizonas water infrastructure now and into the future.

Weve been working with the local utility for several months and continue to engage with EPCOR in parallel to the SB 1660 process, a Nestle spokesperson said in the emailed statement. Unfortunately, their industrial discharge capacity allocation offered does not sufficiently meet our needs to support the business. All parties involved agreed that this was an effective and efficient supply solution.

Loquvam said he is not aware of any statement from EPCOR indicating the company agrees with the Nestle plan.

SB 1660 was originally supported by Rauch Fruit Juices, which ran into a similar problem with EPCOR last year. Rauch recently dropped its support of the bill after an agreement was made between EPCOR and the city of Surprise. Rauch is building a plant in the Glendale area that would produce Red Bull energy drinks.

We figured it out, Loquvam said of the agreement with Rauch. And I have no doubt that we can do something similar with Nestle, or anyone else that needs it.

Organizations, including the Water Utilities Association of Arizona, say Nestle should follow Rauchs lead.

Nestle should work with EPCOR to resolve these contractual issues, said Dean Miller, the contract lobbyist for the Water Utilities Association of Arizona. This should be happening at the negotiating table, not at opening statutes.

The bills opponents argue that once the doors open for one facility, more manufacturers will want to treat their own effluent instead of letting water providers do the job.

The industrial sectors demand for water more than doubled from 1985 to 2017, according to the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

Theres a lot of people that want to do this, said Spencer Kamps, vice president of legislative affairs for the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona. So if everybody starts piecemealing off their own wastewater, the whole system starts getting very discombobulated quickly, and theres an issue of fairness as well.

Forty-one percent of Arizonas water supply comes from groundwater, according to the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University.

Opponents have also raised concerns about water quality. The latest version of the bill states that facilities must meet or exceed aquifer water quality standards before discharge as determined by the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). But Phoenix officials worry the facilities will not be properly regulated.

Were not confident that DEQ is going to manage those permits in a way that the water gets put back into the aquifer, which by the way, under state law is designated as a drinking water aquifer. Were uncomfortable with that, said Cynthia Campbell, water resources management adviser for Phoenix.

Campbell said that if the bill passed, it would, in essence, allow private industry to compete with the public for drinking water.

Were very concerned about the potential proliferation of additional holes in the aquifer at a time when it is very likely that municipal groundwater pumping is going to increase in the face of Colorado River shortage because that is simply the only place we have left to go for water, she said. And so now youve got private industry with a profit motive. Thats why theyre doing this. Competing with the public for drinking water.

She called the approach do-it-yourself wastewater treatment instead of using the utility in their service area.

The planned 630,000-square-foot Nestle factory is expected to be operational in 2024. When the company announced its plans for the creamer facility in March 2022, it said in a press release that Arizona provides an ideal environment for Nestles operations by reducing transportation times and emissions.

The legislation would create a new category in the law of special effluent for wastewater treated at an industrial site. Effluent is liquid waste or sewage in water from housing, commercial or industrial developments, utilities and cities. After treatment, the water is recharged into the ground and can be used for future development.

Wastewater treatment facilities like the one proposed by Nestle cost between $20 million and $30 million to build. The company has said it will not use state funding to pay for construction.

The bill passed the Senate on March 21 and is currently being considered in the House. According to the recent bill status, fifty-five individuals and organizations favor the bill, and 295 are against it. Among the organizations against the bill is EPCOR.

If you have Nestle doing it (treating its own wastewater), and a couple of other companies who are doing it, all of a sudden theyre  dramatically increasing how much groundwater they pump, Loquvam said. All of the people who lived in this area, all of the small businesses that relied on this aquifer and continue to rely on it for the long-term viability of their existence, theyre all left with the consequences. And so I just dont see the cost benefit of this bill benefiting us as a whole.

Kerr expressed confidence the legislation will pass.
A Tucson-based startup is in the thick of a race to develop a new kind of jet engine that promises greater power and fuel efficiency for power generation and aerospace propulsion.

And Nobel Works Corp. has attracted some significant backing and reported promising results in its quest to commercialize its version of the so-called rotating detonation engine.

Such engines generate more power for their size and theoretically can achieve up to 25% greater efficiency than conventional turbine engines.

But although research has accelerated in recent years and prototypes have been built for testing, scientists have yet to develop a commercial version.

Founded in 2021 by former Raytheon engineer James Villarreal and three former Raytheon colleagues, Nobel Works is now testing a small prototype of its engine as part of a development program under Shell Energys GameChanger business accelerator program for early-stage tech startups.

In December, the Air Force Research Laboratory awarded Nobel Works a Small Business Innovation Research contract to use the companys rotational detonation engine to test a key subsystem.

While the Air Force, NASA and aerospace companies are studying similar technologies for propulsion systems, Villarreal says his company is initially focused on developing engines to generate electrical power more efficiently, particularly a drop-in replacement for current gas-fired combustion chambers used to drive generators in power plants.

Greener power

As part of the Shell GameChanger program, Nobel Works has successfully tested its engine using hydrogen fuel and recently began long-duration testing of its engine after completing its second milestone review.

Especially with the emergence of green hydrogen or different fuels, being able to save an appreciable amount of fuel is a big driver to reduce CO2 but also a big way to save money in your wallet  a little bit of efficiency variance is a big deal, Villarreal said.

The companys engine tech would also save fuel as well as precious weight in aerospace and defense applications, said Villarreal, whose 12 years at Raytheon included stints as a senior propulsion engineer, program manager and supply-chain program associate director.

Villareal, who received degrees in aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering from Arizona State University, culminating with a Ph.D. in 2011, said he always kept his eye on emerging technology for rotating detonation engines and some new research in the past five years or so showed him it could work.

I felt the time was near and it was time to start a company and accelerate that development, he said.

Villarreal enlisted three former Raytheon colleagues as co-founders: Brad Goodman, the companys chief technology officer, who spent more than 12 years at Raytheon as a design engineer; Thomas McIntyre, chief business and financial officer and a former Raytheon program manager; and Rick Nelson, chief operating officer and a retired Raytheon vice president.

Though rotating detonation it may sound a little scary, Villarreal says its simply a form of supersonic combustion in which fuel ignites in a continuous series of pulsed detonations along a circular channel. Conventional gas turbine engines continually burn fuel and compressed air in a combustion chamber.

Supersonic shock

Nobel Works technology introduces a supersonic shockwave that, under the right geometry, fuel pressure and electronic controls keep feeding the shockwave so it continues to combust at supersonic speeds.

Normally when you burn stuff, it just gets hot, Goodman said. This thermodynamic process actually increases the pressure so there is more work available for the same amount of fuel.

Nobel Works says it has demonstrated fuel savings of 15%, but 25% is possible with its engine. For aerospace applications, such increased fuel efficiency can translate into longer range.

Compared with normal combustion engines, the detonation technology also drastically reduces nitrous oxides  a major pollutant of fossil-fuel power plants  compared with conventional combustion, Goodman said.

Thats a secondary benefit, in our eyes, but a lot of customers might view that as a primary solution, he said.

Nobel Works hopes to raise seed funding to fund the construction of a self-contained micro-turbine generating unit powered by the companys technology, said McIntyre.

Obviously, long term wed like to scale that technology and increase the size but, you know, crawl, walk run ... when you start smaller, you reduce your technical risks to a certain extent and then also the capital risks because the bigger these are, the more expensive they become, McIntyre said. And, you know, we really are focused on proving out the technology to create that self-contained unit that generates electricity.

The company says results so far are promising.

Nobel Works has been test-firing its engine at desert facilities operated by Marana-based R3 Aerospace, a rocket-development business founded by retired Raytheon propulsion engineer Rick Loehr, under a teaming agreement the two companies announced in October,

In a recent test firing, the Nobel Works crew ran its prototype engine on a hydrogen fuel mix for 75 seconds  until it ran out of fuel, Goodman said during an interview at the companys small lab and headquarters in a historic building downtown on North Seventh Avenue.

That compares favorably with research conducted by NASA, which in January announced that scientists at its Marshall Space Flight Center had run a rotational detonation engine for 10 minutes over a dozen firings, and surpasses academic and other private research efforts to date, McIntyre said.

Just being able to get that detonation wave started and keeping it going with is a big deal, even for a second, and weve now surpassed some pretty big run times ourselves, even just yesterday, Villarreal said, citing recent testing.

Big players

Still, there are some heavy hitters involved in rotational detonation engine tech, particularly for aerospace applications, including the Air Force Research Lab and partners Raytheon, General Electric and Aerojet, a major military rocket-engine maker.

In March 2022, the Air Force Research Laboratory has awarded Raytheons Pratt & Whitney business unit a contract for a ground-test demonstration program using a rotating engine detonation concept to be jointly developed by Pratt & Whitney, Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense and the Raytheon Technologies Research Center.

The Pentagon is interested in rotating detonation engines to enable a new generation of missiles to fly farther and faster since fuel efficiency translates into longer ranges.

Last July, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency or DARPA unveiled its Gambit project to develop rotational detonation engines to power long-range strike missiles over two 18-month project phases culminating with a flight test.

Nobel Work cant talk in detail about its work under the recent Air Force SBIR, except that it involves the engines ignition subsystem, which essentially starts the engine.

Villarreal said he hopes will result in a follow-on SBIR award later this year.

While it may be down the road, Nobel Works compact engines could also have future applications as part of hybrid electric drive systems for transportation, for example.

You would have a small, like a tiny turbine and then you would use that to charge a generator which charges batteries for long durations, he said. So that can be used in ships, trains, cars, long transportation anything that burns fuel, we can just burn it more efficiently.
The family of the late Arizona Gov. Raul H. Castro is suing the University of Arizona over an alleged breach of contract for trying to sell his home in Nogales, which the family donated to the university for a specific use.

The complaint, which Castros daughter Beth Castro filed in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on March 30, challenges the universitys decision to sell the house rather than use it as a headquarters for border studies initiatives as planned.

The Castro Home holds more than monetary value to the Castro Family. Specifically, the Castro Family enjoyed the Home for two decades and, upon Rauls death, wanted the Castro Home to be dedicated to supporting Arizonans and the Santa Cruz County community, the lawsuit says. If the UA sold the home, the Castro Family will suffer irreparable injury which are not remediable by compensatory damages.

The 3,774-square-foot, two-story house at 429 W. Crawford St., listed on Zillow for $300,000, was built in the early 1900s.

Raul Castro served from 1975-77 as Arizonas first and only Mexican-American governor before becoming ambassador to Argentina from 1977-80. Many years later, in 2003, Raul Castro and his wife, Patricia Castro, purchased and moved into the home in Nogales, which sits on the U.S.-Mexico border.

According to the lawsuit, locals started colloquially referring to the property as the Castro House, and it has significant emotional and personal value to the Castro Family.

According to a public real estate report, the home went up for sale for $259,000 in 2014. Although the asking price dropped to $215,000, the house was taken off the market after not selling for six months.

2016 agreement

The UA didnt get involved until the following year when Raul Castro died in 2015 (Patricia Castro died in 2018). After his death, the lawsuit says, the UA approached the Castro family about headquartering its emerging border studies initiatives at the house.

In 2016, both parties signed an agreement that said the Castro family would donate the house to the UA Foundation if the UA agreed to develop, launch, and maintain the Border Studies Program, under Raul and Patricias name and agreed to house the Border Studies Program in the Castro house, according to the lawsuit.

The UA planned to have the Raul H. and Patricia M. Castro Border Studies and Outreach Center serve as a hub for the UAs various border studies initiatives.

The Castro Family entered the Agreement, in large part, the lawsuit said, because they (wanted) to dedicate the Castro Home to an important cause, such as the Border Studies Program, which would uplift the border community in Santa Cruz County.

Soon after, the university started developing its border studies initiatives, fundraising and identifying community partners. Pursuant to the agreement, it also used the Castro Familys name and image in some of its promotional materials.

Although the lawsuit repeatedly refers to a Border Studies Program, UA spokeswoman Pam Scott clarified in an email to the Arizona Daily Star that there has never been a Border Studies Program, but instead, (the UA) has various programs that do work related to the border.

Those include the Confluencenter for Creative Inquirys Fronteridades program, Santa Cruz County Cooperative Extension, the nonprofit affiliate Southwest Folklife Alliance, in addition to many academic units, which research and teach on the intersection of the border with topics such as journalism, health and sustainability. According to Scott, These units have never operated out of the Castro House and will continue to operate as they always have.

UA: Cost thwarted plan

Despite the universitys original plans to use the Castro House as a physical clearinghouse for those efforts, the UA put the property up for sale in February 2023.

Citing an inability to raise enough money to restore and convert the historic residential home into a publicly accessible university-run border center, the UA announced the sale in a Feb. 16 news release.

Scott also elaborated to the Star that when the UA first took ownership of the property in 2016, it estimated the project to cost $600,000.

But when the COVID pandemic disrupted supply chains, that estimate rose to $1.2 million on the low end and up to $2.6 million if both floors of the house were converted.

As for the money it already raised  approximately $275,000  the UA said in its news release that it will either be returned to the donors or added to the scholarship fund, according to the wishes of each funder.

The unexpected attempt to sell the house prompted Beth Castro, on behalf of herself and her late parents estate, to file suit against both the UA and the Arizona Board of Regents for breaking the 2016 agreement and for unjust enrichment if and when the UA collects money from selling the property.

The suit asks for an injunction prohibiting the UA from selling the home and, ultimately, rescission of the 2016 agreement. That means if the courts side with Beth Castro, the house would come back into the ownership of the Castro family.

The Board of Regents and the UA were served with the complaint within days of Castro filing it, and have approximately one month to respond with either an answer to the allegations or a motion to dismiss.

Essentially, the ball is in their court to respond within a timely manner, Briana Ortega, the attorney representing Beth Castro, told the Arizona Daily Star. From there, we move forward with litigation.

Both defendants declined to comment to the Star about the active litigation.

Future of border studies at UA

The overall message from the Castro family in filing this lawsuit is that theyre not filing it for their own purposes, theyre filing it for the community, Ortega said. They want the Castro home back so they can figure out a good use for it.

Javier Duran, director of the Confluencenter for Creative Inquiry and a professor of Latin American and border studies, said he cant comment on the lawsuit specifically but that the loss of the Castro house shouldnt diminish the border studies scholarship the UA is producing.

In the past few years, Duran and his colleagues at the UA have received more than $2 million in grants to pursue academic study about the border.

I can understand why some people in the community might be disappointed (about) not having the Castro house as an active site because theres a high interest in the community for the university to have a presence in the community, Duran said. We should still be able to accomplish that. It just takes time.

While the UAs border studies initiatives are growing, the interdisciplinary nature of the field means scholarship is naturally scattered across campus, he said. And just because the Castro house wont be serving as a clearinghouse for the work, Duran said theres still a vision for what a central space could look like.

It could have a physical presence, but were also very mindful of the advances we have achieved in terms of remote, distance and virtual education, he said. We see it as a hybrid entity.
Tucson residents may soon be predominantly renters.

A combination of escalating home prices and a lifestyle choice are fueling occupancy in rental properties, from traditional apartments to single-family homes in rental-only communities.

The latter, known as built-to-rent developments, are experiencing significant growth in Pima County and some traditional homebuilders are now building housing projects just for renters.

Permits for new homes for sale are down more than 50% from last year.

Meanwhile, there are 10 built-to-rent, or BTR, projects underway locally with more than 1,650 homes.

Theyre definitely ramping up, said Jim Daniel, a local housing analyst. It caught our attention because theyre single-family, detached.

He said developers of these communities have bought a lot of land in the last couple of years.

The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows 51.3% of homes in Tucson are owner-occupied.

I dont think its speaking to the nature of Tucsons economy or the housing market, Daniel said. You are a university town, so you are going to have a higher percentage of rental units given that you have so many students.

Its just another option for people out there who dont want to live in a traditional complex.

Maintenance free, flexibility to move

In 2018, Jo Erath, 81, sold her home in Phoenix and moved into the BTR community, Avilla Marana, near Thornydale and Ina roads.

The house was too much upkeep, she said. Im comfortable here and its maintenance free.

Her backyard includes a patio and some artificial turf, Erath said.

She doesnt consider renting to be throwing away money.

The thing is, if you take your money and put it in a good savings account, you can make good money, Erath said. I just see lots of pluses of living in a rental and my children think its a wise decision because I dont worry about maintenance.

Vince DeBlasi moved into BTR community Avilla Preserve, near Orange Grove and Mona Lisa roads, about three years ago.

I wasnt sure if I was going to stay in Tucson, but I looked around and liked these because its not a standard apartment and I dont share common walls and I have a small yard, said DeBlasi, 52. And I appreciate the flexibility that if I decide to leave, its easier.

He likes that the maintenance is included with the rent.

Ive had appliances go out and it gets taken care of and I dont have to worry about going out to buy a $2,000 refrigerator, DeBlasi said. Of course, youre not building equity, but youre not out of pocket.

Right now, it just kind of works.

Renters by choice are changing cities

Renters by choice have changed the makeup of more than 20 U.S. cities in the past decade, flipping them from majority homeowner to majority renter, a report by RentCafe shows.

Since 2010, the number of renters has increased by more than 9% while the number of homeowners increased 4.3% in that same period.

The share of renters makes up about 34% of the U.S. population, the report says.

The highest that percentage has ever been was in 1960 when 36% of Americans were tenants.

Should Tucson become a renter-majority city, business leaders say it wont have an impact on its image or ability to recruit new companies.

When looking to expand, companies are interested in the workforce and the availability of housing for that workforce, said Michael Guymon, president and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber.

From our standpoint, were concerned with availability and affordability of housing, he said. Ive never heard of an employer say, Were concerned that there are not more homeowners.
For 18 months in the early 1970s, it was John and May, not John and Yoko.

Now the love affair between the former Beatle and his 23-year-old personal assistant, May Pang, is the subject of a new documentary that also features a cameo from a Tucson woman.

Chris ODell, who worked for the Beatles and a host of other rock legends during almost two decades in the music business, said she provided a voiceover for the documentary, The Lost Weekend: A Love Story.

An old photograph of ODell also briefly appears on screen in the film about Pang, her long-time friend, she said.

I hung out with May all the time, ODell said.

The documentary premiered last year at the Tribeca Film Festival. On Thursday, it will be screened in select theaters nationwide, including one showing each at The Loft Cinema and the Century 20 El Con in Tucson.

The film chronicles Pangs life and her relationship with John Lennon, which turned from professional to romantic in 1973 after he and Yoko Ono separated.

Ono reportedly encouraged Lennon and Pang to get together, though she later admitted that she didnt think their romance would last as long as it did.

After it was over, Lennon would refer to the affair as his lost weekend, though Pang insists it was much more serious than that and continued for years after he returned to Ono  something ODell corroborates.

John was a very important person in her life, ODell said. I saw a very caring relationship.

Pang is also credited for reuniting Lennon with his young son after several years apart. Julian Lennon appears in the new documentary, talking fondly about the happy times he spent with May and his dad at their New York City apartment.

ODell said she first met Pang early in her relationship with Lennon when the couple traveled to Los Angeles to promote his latest solo album, record new songs and collaborate with other musicians, all while lounging at a borrowed beach house.

Pang seemed to catch a lot of people off guard back then. Here was this thin, very beautiful Chinese girl, ODell said, but she had grown up in a rough part of Spanish Harlem and spoke with a heavy duty New York accent.

Shes a tough, very strong woman, ODell said.

She and Pang became fast friends and stayed that way, thanks in large part to their shared experiences at the center of rock n roll history, ODell said. Weve both been around that. We both know what its like. When we talk, we can say, George said, and we dont have to say George Harrison.

Coincidentally, when they first met in L.A., ODell was on the cusp of her own entanglement with a Beatle: a brief affair with Ringo Starr.

Her wild ride began at age 19 when she left Tucson in search of adventure. She found her way to L.A. and then to London, where she worked with the Beatles at Apple Records. She was there when the band recorded Let It Be, held their famous rooftop concert and then broke up.

She later served as an assistant and tour manager for some of the biggest bands ever, living a life filled with household names.

ODell said she was a little intimidated by Yoko in those days, and she kept her distance from Lennon as a result. The most at ease she ever felt around him was when she saw him in L.A. with Pang.

He was more easy going. He was more relaxed, ODell said. May made it that way, no doubt about it.

She later visited Lennon and Pang at the penthouse apartment they shared in midtown Manhattan.

ODell recalled how proud they were to show her around the cozy home they had built together  the terrace overlooking the East River, the room theyd set up for Julian, the new television Lennon was obsessed with.

He couldnt believe how many cable channels there were, ODell recalled with a laugh.

The three of them had dinner at a little restaurant in the neighborhood and then went together to see Harrison perform at Nassau Coliseum.

(John) went back to Yoko not long after that, and I never saw him again, ODell said.

She said Pang invited her to the screening she will be hosting Thursday in Los Angeles, but she cant make the trip, so she will catch The Lost Weekend: A Love Story at The Loft.

If you go A special one-day screening of "The Lost Weekend: A Love Story" will be held Thursday, April 13, at select theaters across the country. Showings in Tucson are at 7:15 p.m. at the Century 20 El Con, 3601 E. Broadway, and at 7:30 p.m. at The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway.

I have a lot of respect for her, she said of Pang. She has worked very hard to maintain her truth.

ODell will soon be featured in a documentary of her own, based on her 2009 memoir Miss ODell: Hard Days and Long Nights with the Beatles, the Stones, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton.

The Palo Verde High School graduate was in London in January for two weeks of filming, and she already has a distributor lined up. Shes hoping to see the film released before the end of the year.

One thing she is still unclear on is the soundtrack. Its a fairly lean production, so she doubts they can afford the rights to any of the now-classic songs she was there to hear as they were originally recorded.

Ironically, she said, they probably wont even be able to use Miss ODell, the song George Harrison wrote about her in 1971 and later released as a B-side to his hit single Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth).

If George were still around, it wouldnt be a problem, ODell said.

The 76-year-old said she and Pang still talk once a month or so, though theyve been in touch even more lately to discuss the various projects theyve been working on.

Every time I go to New York, I see her, ODell said. We have a lot in common. We knew a lot of the same people. We have history, and at this stage of our lives, that history has become really important.
Sheri first tried to seek help to recover from years of sexual violence in the 1960s when she was 14 years old, but says nothing was available back then.

She endured 15 years of violence as a child, with her abuser telling her she was stupid and that no one would believe her if she tried to report. The violence only stopped when she finally went to live with her grandmother. Sheri says her grandmother did her best to try to help her deal with her waking nightmares  which she now knows to be flashbacks  but resources were scarce.

Sheri tried to gain access to services two other times in the decades following, and though she says the research and energy expended to help survivors steadily increased, she was still met with resistance.

It wasnt until three years ago that Sheri was able to get the help she needed, thanks to the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault, known as SACASA.

Sheri is diagnosed with complex PTSD and uses a mobility scooter. Shes a member of a community that is three times more likely to experience rape and sexual assault, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

In 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that more than 80% of women with disabilities had been sexually assaulted and 50% of those women had been assaulted more than 10 times. In addition, research suggests that women with disabilities experience more frequent and more severe acts of violence.

Because of her involvement with SACASA, Sheri says shes able to do things with her life that she never had before, thanks to the tools and knowledge she received from staff and other survivors.

Some groups more vulnerable

Hoping to raise awareness about the epidemic of sexual violence and the inequity that exists among victims, local officials and service providers came together Wednesday to promote Aprils Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The theme of this years local campaign is Demand Equity: Sexual Assault Affects Everyone. Participating organizations are calling on all individuals, communities and institutions to move towards building racial equity and respect.

Somebody is sexually assaulted in America every 68 seconds, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), but that violence is not evenly dispersed. Sexual assault disproportionately affects minority populations that are often underserved and more vulnerable:

47% of transgender people surveyed reported being sexually assaulted at some point in their lives, according to the 2015 US Transgender Survey.

77% of Latina women surveyed say that sexual harassment is a major problem in the workplace, according to the Office for Victims of Crime.

American Indians are twice as likely to experience rape/sexual assault compared to all races, according to RAINN.

For adult women, recent Centers for Disease Control data reports lifetime prevalence of rape as about 1 in 5 for African Americans  22%  compared to 19% for white women, according to RAINN.

Sexual assault occurs too often to marginalized communities, said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. Its hard to find the courage to report your abuser when day to day, you are spent fighting microaggressions. Its hard to find the courage to report an assault when others are intent on demeaning your gender identity, your ethnicity, your language, your legal status.

Microaggressions are comments or actions that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally express a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group, according to Merriam-Webster.

Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, who spent 28 years working in local schools, said she saw microaggressions starting at a very young age.

You see a lot of the discourse as we have young people that start to explore relationships from elementary and into middle and high school, she said. Its an opportunity that we have when we talk about education to really focus on young people and have them understand that they should have autonomy over their own bodies, they should be able to say no, they should be able to create boundaries and that is acceptable and that is okay.

Grijalva said that if there was more education about these issues, she would hope there would be fewer cases where people feel they dont have the right to walk away from harmful situations or relationships.

She referred to longtime employee of the Pima County Assessors Office who was killed  allegedly by her partner  last weekend. Maria Acedo was found dead inside a home on Sunday, April 2. Jesus Andres Gutierrez, 42, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of first-degree murder, second-degree burglary, third-degree burglary and auto theft.

I dont know all of the details, but I hope people that are in situations that are that difficult know that there is a network of support to get help, Grijalva said. It impacts you your whole life when you see these kinds of acts around your family and in your community.

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said its not enough to just talk about the problem, and that solutions must also be part of the conversation.

We cant have people in trauma expected to pull out a policy manual and figure out what to do, she said. Its on us, the rest of us, to spend April to learn what to do when someone comes to us who has just been assaulted.

Conover said that if, and likely when, that happens, there are five steps people can take: be brave and courageous; be quiet and listen with compassion; dont let them be alone; call 911 if possible; and visit SACASAs website to access its 24/7 bilingual helpline.

Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar detailed his departments commitment to survivors and to addressing current and cold-case sexual assaults from a victim- and trauma-centered approach. He said the Tucson Police Department recently received a Sexual Assault Kit Initiative grant that will pay for advanced testing technology on cold-case rape kits.

The $1.5 million will support sexual assault investigations and prosecutions that resulted from the 2019 completion of testing of previously untested sexual assault kits. In collaboration with the Pima County Attorneys Office, TPD will use advanced DNA testing methodologies to identify and apprehend offenders, Kasmar said. Grant funds will be used to support personnel, maintain an inventory of cold-case sexual assault kits and their evidence, review and prioritize cases for advanced testing, and conduct follow-up investigations.

Sexual violence is preventable, said SACASA director Kaitlyn Monje. Together, our attitudes and our actions, our votes and our voices, our privilege and our power must be used collectively to demand equity for all and to demand an end to sexual violence.

Taking the first step to get yourself help

Sheri found SACASA by way of the Veterans Administration, where she received services from the Psychosocial Rehabilitation And Recovery Center. An Army veteran, Sheri served stateside during the Vietnam War, working with the head psychologist and soldiers returning home from the war.

In August 2020, her recovery advisor suggested she seek a support group, and after two days of internet research about various programs across the country, she discovered SACASA.

I knew what I needed, but I didnt have the words, she said, adding that she was blown away by the staff and services from the start.

Sheri said the first question the call taker at SACASA asked her was What do you need?  a question she said she had been waiting nearly her whole life to hear.

In three other attempts to try to seek therapy and get help, not one time in all those decades was I ever asked, What do you need? Sheri said of the simple question.

The call takers next question was if she was safe and needed a place to stay. Nobody asks you that and SACASA does, Sheri said.

The call taker said theyd set her up with an intake call with a therapist and to expect a call by the next day. She received a call hours later, with the therapist asking questions about Sheris level of safety, her shelter and food situation and more. She had Sheri provide her with a light highlight of what her life had been, saying she didnt need to go into detail then.

The next week, Sheri was enrolled in SACASAs classes in safety in relationships and seeking safety.

I was totally amazed at the openness of this therapist and of the other clients, Sheri said.

She eventually enrolled in a third group, dealing with shame and trauma, and is still participating in the safety in relationships group, saying its a marvelous method of helping women learn how to differentiate whos safe and who isnt to have in life.

I cannot expound enough on the services they have offered us and the difference it has made in my own life, Sheri said, becoming emotional. No matter what you ask them, theyre going to have an answer, and if they dont, someone else in the office does. Thats a big deal.

Sheri said her unwillingness to give up on herself is the one thing that kept her going all those years, a message she wants to share with other survivors.

Youre worthy of help. You matter, you will always matter, but youve got to matter to yourself first, she said. Taking the first step to get yourself help ... thats 90% of the healing process.

She echoed Grijalvas sentiments about educating children at a young age about consent.

And in terms of bystander intervention, nothing less than action is acceptable, she said.

Sheri said that although shes been with SACASA for nearly three years, she knows that one day she wont need the support group.

I can see a light at the end of the tunnel, she said. I joined a philosophy discussion group and a knitting/crocheting group. Im doing things now that Ive never been able to do before in my life.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  The director of the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson announced Friday her plans to retire.

Pamela D.C. Junior has led the Two Mississippi Museums, which consists of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, since 2019.

Sarah Warnock, a spokeswoman for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, said Junior's retirement is effective June 30.

MDAH Director Katie Blount said Junior's influence has been noteworthy.

She came to MDAH with deep roots and credibility in the community, many years of experience in the museum field and a commitment to excellence that she modeled for younger staff. She personally led many thousands of visitors through the museums, enriching their experience through her passion for history and her boundless charisma. ... We are grateful.

Warnock said the search for Junior's replacement will take time and will go through the standard hiring procedures required by the state of Mississippi.

Junior said she will continue to serve the community as a board member for Visit Jackson and an advisory board member for the Mississippi Book Festival.
This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP)  Authorities say an explosion at an Ohio apartment complex that sent three people to hospitals over the weekend is believed to have been caused by a gas explosion.

Emergency crews in Springfield were called to the Ridgewood Court Townhomes at about 1 p.m. Saturday after the blast. Officials said three people were transported from the scene in multiple medical helicopters; there was no immediate word on their conditions.

Brian Miller, chief of the Springfield Fire Rescue Division, told the Springfield News-Sun that crews had already been dispatched to investigate a reported natural gas leak and were nearby when the explosion occurred. He said the blast sent a large column of smoke rising from the structure that many people in the city might have seen.

Fire crews extinguished flames on two victims in the front yard of the structure and went into the building to rescue a baby, Miller said. The building will likely be torn down, he said. The Red Cross is expected to aid displaced residents, officials said.

About 2 1/2 weeks ago, three construction workers were injured in an explosion after a propane tank was damaged during work on a building about a half-mile from Saturday's blast.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  A guard at a Mississippi prison has been arrested and accused of smuggling drugs into the facility, authorities said Friday.

The Mississippi Department of Corrections said in a statement that Jasmeshia Wilkins, 32, of Mendenhall, was arrested this week at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Pearl and transported to the Rankin County Detention Center.

She faces one count each of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility and conspiracy.

The department said investigators seized from her car several bags of suspected marijuana, edible gummies containing THC and three cellphones allegedly intended for inmates.

Bond was set at $142,500. It was not clear if Wilkins had an attorney who could speak on her behalf.

She started working as a correctional officer in November.
OKLAHOMA CITY  Despite a war of words at the Capitol about dueling teacher pay plans, several lawmakers said they are confident a deal can be struck.

I am hopeful we will, said House Speaker Pro Tem Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. The majority of both chambers has voted for some version of north of half a billion increase in public education funding.

I think sometimes things blow up before they come together.

The House sent the Senate a $2,500 teacher pay raise bill in the form of House Bill 2775. The Senate gutted it and changed it to raises ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 based on experience, despite a statement from House Speaker Charles McCall that changes would mean the bill was dead in the lower chamber.

McCall said the Senate version didnt benefit all teachers, something Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat said was incorrect, accusing McCall of operating in a fantasy land.

Hopefully we will find a compromise between the two, said House Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Chairman Mark McBride, R-Moore. Right now, it seems like we are at an impasse.

McCall said the bill will be stripped of the Senate amendments and be assigned to a conference committee.

McCall and Treat also can introduce a new bill, the speaker said.

I think we will meet soon, McCall said. The governor has expressed an interest in getting together sooner rather than later to get this education plan back on track and to his desk with a win for everybody in the state.

Treat said he is ready for open and honest negotiations about the differences in public.

The speaker, the governor and I meet every week, Treat said. And he (McCall) has yet to bring up a specific complaint about the bill.

McCalls position is that the only thing that can pass is exactly what the House sent over, Treat said.

And that is not acceptable, Treat said.

The pay raise bill is tied to a tax credit proposal.

In its original form, House Bill 1935 called for a tax credit of up to $5,000 for children in private schools and $2,500 for parents to home school.

The Senates amendments would increase the amount for private schools to $7,500 and reduce the amount for home schooling to $1,000.

The Senate capped income eligibility amount at $250,000, something Treat said was done to secure approval in the upper chamber.

Income caps  the problem with them is it is a form of class warfare, McCall said.

Those who have higher income levels pay tax dollars to the state that go to fund public education, McCall said.

I dont know why we would want to disqualify them from being able to be treated like anyone else in the state of Oklahoma, he said.

Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, called the cap a red herring.

Data shows by in large the families who will participate in this tax credit scheme are those families that already made the choice to have their children educated in private schools, Hicks said.

Last year, a highly controversial voucher bill by Treat died in the Senate. Some are calling the tax credit a voucher.

A tax credit is totally different from a voucher or an ESA (education savings account), McCall said.

His caucus will not support an education savings account or a voucher because it takes money away from the public education fund, he said.

A voucher or ESA can contain waste, fraud and abuse because it isnt known how the money is being spent, McCall said.

With a tax credit it is totally different, he said. You have to prove your expenses to get the credit. You are not passing credits out on the front end.

Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, said the disagreements have put other business in the Legislature on hold.

It is not the greatest way to use the peoples time waiting on these two and not hearing other policy that needs to be heard, she said.

Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, said the Oklahoma Legislature will have to come up with a plan this session to keep pace with increases being doled out in other states.

It is an arms race, Waldron said. The teacher shortage only gets deeper. They have to do something.
UPDATE: The University of Oklahoma has canceled its alert for a reported active shooter on campus.

The university issued a statement at 10:53 p.m. saying that "OUPD has issued an ALL CLEAR. After a thorough search, no threat was found. There is no threat to campus. Alert has been canceled."

Police are searching the University of Oklahoma Norman campus for a possible shooter after receiving multiple reports that shots were fired on campus.

However, no shooters or victims had been found in more than an hour, and police who had not yet reached the campus by shortly before 10:45 p.m. were told to "stand down."

Officers at the campus had cleared buildings in the area where the shots reportedly were heard and were searching the grounds for possible shell casings. They found canisters with confetti covering the ground in one area, according to scanner traffic from the Cleveland County Public Safety Office.

The university had sent alerts announcing an active shooter on the campus.

An initial alert, which was posted on the university's social media about 9:25 p.m. Friday, says: "OU-Norman Emergency: There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight! Repeat: There is an active shooter situation on the OU-Norman campus so please take safety precautions until the all clear has been issued."

A second post says: "OU-NORMAN Emergency 9:45pm OUPD investigating possible shots fired on Norman campus. Avoid South Oval area. Shelter in place."

Third and fourth alerts to those on campus were issued at 10:04 and 10:30 p.m., saying people should avoid the South Oval and continue sheltering in place.

Police can be seen on a webcam as they canvass the grounds looking for any possible shell casings.
Kirsten Lang on maternity leave Tulsa World Meteorologist Kirsten Lang is starting maternity leave on Monday so she and her husband, Ian, can welcome her third child. She is expected to return at the end of June. Other meteorologists at Lee Enterprises will help cover any severe weather in Tulsa during that time. For forecasts and the latest weather coverage, go to tulsaworld.com/weather.

When I was given the opportunity to move to Oklahoma as a meteorologist, it was something I couldnt pass up. In my field of work, this is usually right where you want to be  in the middle of all the action of Tornado Alley. But over the past few years questions have started to arise about whether Tornado Alley is shifting.

Is it me, or has Tornado Alley moved? I remember when it originated in West Texas, moved northeast across western Oklahoma and then into central Kansas. But I am sure the tornado frequency in the Deep South has increased?

- Leo, Tulsa

The term Tornado Alley was coined 70 years ago by two U.S. Air Force meteorologists, Capt. Robert C. Miller and Maj. Ernest J. Fawbush. The two published a 1952 research article highlighting severe weather activity in Texas and Oklahoma  and the name stuck.

Geographically, the Plains are a prime area for tornadic development. Aside from it being a vast area of flat land, it is also a collision zone for the warm, humid air mass from the Gulf of Mexico, and the cool, dry air mass off the Rocky Mountains. These features allow for violent storms to develop.

The area typically considered to be Tornado Alley includes Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. However, over the last 20 years, states east of the region including the Midwest, Mississippi River Valley and the southeastern U.S. have seen an uptick in the occurrence of tornadic activity.

Tornado Alley is really not well defined, said Dr. Harold Brooks, senior scientist with the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman. People tend to say it has moved, when in reality we are just changing the definition of it.

Brooks said Tornado Alley, as many know it, extends as an L-shape across the middle of the country. It encompasses the plains states and then makes a pivot in southern Oklahoma toward Mississippi. That pivot point in southern Oklahoma is where we are seeing a slight shift. It is also where we see the max occurrence of tornadoes in the spring.

The overall shift or change has been relatively small, but physically real, Brooks said. We are talking about at 10% change in 40 years.

Brooks citied the American Geologist John Wesley Powell and his work with defining the 100th meridian west. In his work, Powell drew an invisible line down the center of the country as a boundary between the humid, eastern United States and the dry, arid western U.S.

Not surprisingly, the 100th meridian cuts right through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska.

According to Brooks, it was through data collection of soil moisture that the boundary observed has moved east by about 100 miles over the past 50 years. So why is this relevant? This defined line is usually the average location of the dry line, which is typically where supercell tornadoes originate.

The average location of the 100th meridian has shifted slightly east, Brooks said. This would mean that the tornadic development may be shifting slightly east as well.

The Associated Press also highlighted a recent study that found an overall general increase in supercell counts  mainly east of Interstate 35 through Oklahoma, central Texas and Kansas.

But these arent the only contributing factors to why we have seen so more development to the east.

In 2007 we switched to a higher resolution radar, said Steve Piltz, with the Tulsa NWS. We are seeing radar signatures indicative to spin-up tornadoes that we wouldnt have seen before, so more NWS offices have documented those over the years now.

This includes those squall lines we so often see run through the Deep South.

There is a higher population density as you move east now as well, Piltz said.

This contributes to recordings that may have gone unnoticed before in rural areas.

But it is important to remember this definition change of where Tornado Alley is located doesnt change the threat for Oklahoma.

Brooks said the bottom line is that the notion that Tornado Alley has moved east depends on changing the definition.

In Oklahoma we are actually on the edge of the defined increase, Piltz said. And it is concerning for some local meteorologists that people will believe otherwise. We need to continue to take all precautions seriously in these types of events.

Video: Huge storm system brings tornadoes to U.S. Midwest, South
SAO PAULO -- Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest rose 14 percent in March from the previous year, preliminary official data showed on Friday, highlighting the continued challenges for the new leftist government. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office on January 1, pledging to end deforestation after years of surging deforestation under his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, who slashed environmental protection efforts in the Amazon. "This rise in numbers reveals that the Amazon still suffers from a huge lack of governance and that the new government needs to act urgently to rebuild its capacity for repression to environmental crime, which had been totally destroyed by the last government," said Marcio Astrini, head of local environmental group Climate Observatory. Space research agency Inpe's data showed 356 square km (137 square miles) were cleared in the Brazils Amazon just last month. The latest figures present a mixed picture on the governments anti-deforestation thus far with the destruction for January to March falling to 845 square kilometers (326 square miles), a decrease of 11 percent from the prior year. Brazil officially measures annual deforestation from August to July, to limit the influence of cloud cover obscuring destruction satellite images during the rainy months. For the first eight months of that period, August 2022 to March 2023, deforestation is up 39 percent year on year. "There are only four months left to close the final deforestation numbers. This means that a decrease in deforestation in the Amazon final rates in 2023 is unlikely. In fact, it has greater chances of increasing," Astrini says. At the end of February in Brasilia, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said that the world cannot meet its climate goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degree Celsius unless it protects the Amazon rainforest. Washington announced at the beginning of the year it intended to contribute to Brazil's Amazon Fund, which supports conservation projects in the jungle region. Norway also pledged its support last month for Brazil's efforts to attract additional donor countries for the Amazon Fund.

SAO PAULO -- Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest rose 14 percent in March from the previous year, preliminary official data showed on Friday, highlighting the continued challenges for the new leftist government.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office on January 1, pledging to end deforestation after years of surging deforestation under his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, who slashed environmental protection efforts in the Amazon.

"This rise in numbers reveals that the Amazon still suffers from a huge lack of governance and that the new government needs to act urgently to rebuild its capacity for repression to environmental crime, which had been totally destroyed by the last government," said Marcio Astrini, head of local environmental group Climate Observatory.

Space research agency Inpe's data showed 356 square km (137 square miles) were cleared in the Brazils Amazon just last month.

The latest figures present a mixed picture on the governments anti-deforestation thus far with the destruction for January to March falling to 845 square kilometers (326 square miles), a decrease of 11 percent from the prior year.

Brazil officially measures annual deforestation from August to July, to limit the influence of cloud cover obscuring destruction satellite images during the rainy months. For the first eight months of that period, August 2022 to March 2023, deforestation is up 39 percent year on year.

"There are only four months left to close the final deforestation numbers. This means that a decrease in deforestation in the Amazon final rates in 2023 is unlikely. In fact, it has greater chances of increasing," Astrini says.

At the end of February in Brasilia, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said that the world cannot meet its climate goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degree Celsius unless it protects the Amazon rainforest.

Washington announced at the beginning of the year it intended to contribute to Brazil's Amazon Fund, which supports conservation projects in the jungle region.

Norway also pledged its support last month for Brazil's efforts to attract additional donor countries for the Amazon Fund.
Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte has sent a letter to Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Friday on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Netherlands. The diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Netherlands were officially established on April 9, 1973. In the letter, PM Rutte highlighted the significance in the bilateral ties between the two countries and an optimistic outlook to the future of cooperation between both sides. He wrote, It is my honour and pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and to the people of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the 50th anniversary of that historic occasion. Vietnam and the Netherlands have a lot in common. Both are delta countries, for instance. We also share an open, outward-looking, enterprising spirit. Furthermore, both our countries recognise the value of the rules-based international order and are committed to its protection. Started as a development partner 50 years ago, now the Netherlands is the top export destination of Vietnam in Europe and the largest EU investor in Vietnam. Over the past 50 years, the friendly relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands have flourished in a number of areas. Vietnam and the Netherlands are important partners in the agricultural and water sectors, as well as in the global fight against climate change. The areas of cooperation have expanded and deepened in areas such as green energy, waste management, smart logistics, high-tech industries, electric mobility... as well as cultural exchange and people-to-people ties. PM Rutte wrote, The 50th anniversary of our longstanding and constructive partnership is a major milestone. It is an opportunity for us not only to reflect on the past but also to look ahead to the future. The global challenges of our time require even closer and more comprehensive cooperation. I look forward to seeing what the next 50 years will bring. Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte met in The Hague last December as part of PM Chinh's official visit to the Netherlands. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte has sent a letter to Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Friday on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Netherlands.

The diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Netherlands were officially established on April 9, 1973.

In the letter, PM Rutte highlighted the significance in the bilateral ties between the two countries and an optimistic outlook to the future of cooperation between both sides.

He wrote, It is my honour and pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and to the people of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the 50th anniversary of that historic occasion.

Vietnam and the Netherlands have a lot in common. Both are delta countries, for instance. We also share an open, outward-looking, enterprising spirit.

Furthermore, both our countries recognise the value of the rules-based international order and are committed to its protection.

Started as a development partner 50 years ago, now the Netherlands is the top export destination of Vietnam in Europe and the largest EU investor in Vietnam.

Over the past 50 years, the friendly relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands have flourished in a number of areas.

Vietnam and the Netherlands are important partners in the agricultural and water sectors, as well as in the global fight against climate change.

The areas of cooperation have expanded and deepened in areas such as green energy, waste management, smart logistics, high-tech industries, electric mobility... as well as cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.

PM Rutte wrote, The 50th anniversary of our longstanding and constructive partnership is a major milestone. It is an opportunity for us not only to reflect on the past but also to look ahead to the future.

The global challenges of our time require even closer and more comprehensive cooperation. I look forward to seeing what the next 50 years will bring.

Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte met in The Hague last December as part of PM Chinh's official visit to the Netherlands.

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Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam will pay an official visit to neighboring Laos from April 10 to 11, marking his inaugural foreign trip as Vietnamese State leader. The visit will be made at the invitation of the General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday. The visit takes place at a time the Vietnam-Laos bilateral relations are advancing. Over the past year, the two Southeast Asian nations made many high-ranking delegation exchanges, in addition to holding multiple meaningful events in celebration of their 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. In July 2022, the then permanent member of the Party Central Committees Secretariat of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong visited Laos on the occasion of the two anniversaries. The two countries also continue to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in national defense and security through cooperation deals between the two ministries of National Defense and Public Security. Their economic, trade, and investment cooperation was also promoted, with two-way trade reaching nearly US$1.7 billion last year, up over 25 percent. Vietnam remained the third largest investor in Laos. It currently has 219 valid investment projects in Laos, with total pledged capital of roughly $4.7 billion. Last year, both sides also broke ground on, inaugurated and handed over a number of projects tapping the Vietnamese governments financial aid offered to Laos. Vietnam in 2022 also poured $70 million to invest in five new projects and adjust up the capital of four others, up 46 percent year on year. Besides, the two nations beefed up their cooperation in education, culture, and tourism after they reopened doors to international visitors post-pandemic. Vietnam granted 1,155 scholarships to Lao students to study in the former, while Laos offered 60 scholarships to the Vietnam side last year. At present, around 14,000 Lao students are studying at 160 educational institutions in Vietnam, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam will pay an official visit to neighboring Laos from April 10 to 11, marking his inaugural foreign trip as Vietnamese State leader.

The visit will be made at the invitation of the General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday.

The visit takes place at a time the Vietnam-Laos bilateral relations are advancing.

Over the past year, the two Southeast Asian nations made many high-ranking delegation exchanges, in addition to holding multiple meaningful events in celebration of their 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

In July 2022, the then permanent member of the Party Central Committees Secretariat of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong visited Laos on the occasion of the two anniversaries.

The two countries also continue to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in national defense and security through cooperation deals between the two ministries of National Defense and Public Security.

Their economic, trade, and investment cooperation was also promoted, with two-way trade reaching nearly US$1.7 billion last year, up over 25 percent.

Vietnam remained the third largest investor in Laos. It currently has 219 valid investment projects in Laos, with total pledged capital of roughly $4.7 billion.

Last year, both sides also broke ground on, inaugurated and handed over a number of projects tapping the Vietnamese governments financial aid offered to Laos.

Vietnam in 2022 also poured $70 million to invest in five new projects and adjust up the capital of four others, up 46 percent year on year.

Besides, the two nations beefed up their cooperation in education, culture, and tourism after they reopened doors to international visitors post-pandemic.

Vietnam granted 1,155 scholarships to Lao students to study in the former, while Laos offered 60 scholarships to the Vietnam side last year.

At present, around 14,000 Lao students are studying at 160 educational institutions in Vietnam, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Ten reservoirs have been built to supply water for spraying the construction site of the Long Thanh International Airport project in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam in order to reduce dust from the project. The reservoirs were built to supplement the water supply from natural reservoirs at the construction site, according to Truong Son Construction Corporation, a contractor involved in the airport project. Water for the 10 new reservoirs was taken from eight wells dug at the construction site. Rains and water spraying have helped cushion dust from the construction site of the airport project. Contractors have also mobilized nearly 60 water tank trucks to spray water on the site in order to reduce dust. The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the investor of the mammoth airport project, has also dispatched two fire trucks to the site to spray water. The investor of the project mobilizes fire trucks to spray water. More than 70 kilometers of roads covered with macadam will be also built at the construction site in order to cushion against dust during the construction and soil transport process. Earlier, thousands of households living near the construction site complained they had been hit by dust storms from the project over the past several months. Thousands of houses, eateries, schools, roads, and trees in the area had been blanketed with dust, and many senior citizens and children have diagnosed with respiratory diseases. Many foreign direct investment enterprises in a nearby industrial park have also complained about dust, saying that it has affected their products and workers health. As a result, the Peoples Committee of Dong Nai Province and relevant agencies asked the ACV to take measures to minimize dust during the site leveling process. Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan, during an inspection into the progress of the airport project last Saturday, also requested that contractors enhance the spray of water and review construction measures and their impact on the environment in order to limit dust from spreading to residential areas. The deputy minister also assigned the Transport Construction Investment Management Authority to monitor the progress and quality of packages, environmental hygiene, and labor safety. Over the past few days, rains have also helped reduce dust. The airport project, which carries an estimated investment of VND336.63 trillion (US$14.2 billion) and is located some 40 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, will cover around 5,000 hectares of land and is designed to have an annual capacity of 100 million passengers and five million tons of cargo. Once in place, it will be the largest airport in the nation. Solar panels are covered with dust on the rooftop of a foreign direct investment enterprise in the Loc An  Binh Son Industrial Park which is near the construction site of the Long Thanh International Airport project in Dong Nai Province. A reservoir supplies water for tank trucks to spray water at the site. More than 1,800 pieces of machinery and 2,000 workers are working to build the foundation of the airport project. The continuous water spraying along with rains over the past few days have helped limit dust. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Ten reservoirs have been built to supply water for spraying the construction site of the Long Thanh International Airport project in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam in order to reduce dust from the project.

The reservoirs were built to supplement the water supply from natural reservoirs at the construction site, according to Truong Son Construction Corporation, a contractor involved in the airport project.

Water for the 10 new reservoirs was taken from eight wells dug at the construction site.

Rains and water spraying have helped cushion dust from the construction site of the airport project.

Contractors have also mobilized nearly 60 water tank trucks to spray water on the site in order to reduce dust.

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the investor of the mammoth airport project, has also dispatched two fire trucks to the site to spray water.

The investor of the project mobilizes fire trucks to spray water.

More than 70 kilometers of roads covered with macadam will be also built at the construction site in order to cushion against dust during the construction and soil transport process.

Earlier, thousands of households living near the construction site complained they had been hit by dust storms from the project over the past several months.

Thousands of houses, eateries, schools, roads, and trees in the area had been blanketed with dust, and many senior citizens and children have diagnosed with respiratory diseases.

Many foreign direct investment enterprises in a nearby industrial park have also complained about dust, saying that it has affected their products and workers health.

As a result, the Peoples Committee of Dong Nai Province and relevant agencies asked the ACV to take measures to minimize dust during the site leveling process.

Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan, during an inspection into the progress of the airport project last Saturday, also requested that contractors enhance the spray of water and review construction measures and their impact on the environment in order to limit dust from spreading to residential areas.

The deputy minister also assigned the Transport Construction Investment Management Authority to monitor the progress and quality of packages, environmental hygiene, and labor safety.

Over the past few days, rains have also helped reduce dust.

The airport project, which carries an estimated investment of VND336.63 trillion (US$14.2 billion) and is located some 40 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, will cover around 5,000 hectares of land and is designed to have an annual capacity of 100 million passengers and five million tons of cargo.

Once in place, it will be the largest airport in the nation.

Solar panels are covered with dust on the rooftop of a foreign direct investment enterprise in the Loc An  Binh Son Industrial Park which is near the construction site of the Long Thanh International Airport project in Dong Nai Province.

A reservoir supplies water for tank trucks to spray water at the site.

More than 1,800 pieces of machinery and 2,000 workers are working to build the foundation of the airport project.

The continuous water spraying along with rains over the past few days have helped limit dust.

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A forest at the entrance to Da Lat City in Vietnams Central Highlands province of Lam Dong was on fire since Friday afternoon. The forest, located along the Prenn Mountain Pass, which is the main route connecting Da Lat with southern Vietnamese localities for all vehicles but is currently temporarily closed for upgrading, was still burning as of 8:30 pm on the day, as witnessed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Firefighters battled to contain the spread of the forest fire, which a local said broke out at around 3:00 pm and started raging at around 8:00 pm. Firefighter arrive at a protection forest to put out a raging wildfire along the Prenn Mountain Pass in Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, April 7, 2023. Photo: M.V / Tuoi Tre The blaze was largely contained by 0:00 on Saturday, with only some small clusters of fire flickering. A leader of the forest protection department of Da Lat told Tuoi Tre that the area where the wildfire occurred is a protection forest. Firefighters continued to pump water to prevent the fire from reigniting. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

A forest at the entrance to Da Lat City in Vietnams Central Highlands province of Lam Dong was on fire since Friday afternoon.

The forest, located along the Prenn Mountain Pass, which is the main route connecting Da Lat with southern Vietnamese localities for all vehicles but is currently temporarily closed for upgrading, was still burning as of 8:30 pm on the day, as witnessed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

Firefighters battled to contain the spread of the forest fire, which a local said broke out at around 3:00 pm and started raging at around 8:00 pm.

Firefighter arrive at a protection forest to put out a raging wildfire along the Prenn Mountain Pass in Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, April 7, 2023. Photo: M.V / Tuoi Tre

The blaze was largely contained by 0:00 on Saturday, with only some small clusters of fire flickering.

A leader of the forest protection department of Da Lat told Tuoi Tre that the area where the wildfire occurred is a protection forest.

Firefighters continued to pump water to prevent the fire from reigniting.

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French frigate Prairial, which arrived in Hai Phong City in northern Vietnam on Sunday, conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the hosts naval forces on Thursday. PASSEX is an exercise done between two navies to ensure that they are able to communicate and cooperate in times of war or humanitarian relief. Common drills include flashing light drills, semaphone drills, and flaghoist drills. Prairial is the first French naval ship to visit Vietnam since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. During their stay in Vietnam, French crew members participated in several exchange activities, including visiting Vietnamese ships and playing volleyball. A group of Prairials crew members and Vietnam naval officers on Wednesday shared their experience in handling suspicious vessels and preventing and controlling fires on ships. The frigates medical team also met with Vietnamese military medical workers and visited the Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The visit by frigate Prairial demonstrates national defense cooperation between the two countries and their respect to international law, especially the freedom of navigation, according to the French Embassy in Vietnam. Colonel Francois Maignan, captain of frigate Prairial. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre Frigate Prairial previously docked at Cam Ranh Port in Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam in March 2021. French naval ships visit Vietnams annually under the two countries bilateral national defense cooperation framework, according to French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery. The visit by the Prairial this year marks the 50th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic relations and 10 years of their strategic partnership. It also shows that France insists on ensuring freedom of navigation and aviation, Warnery affirmed. The frigate undertakes naval monitoring missions for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, helping the agency combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in international waters and exclusive economic zones of island countries in the Pacific Ocean. The 100-mm gun turret is the most powerful weapon on frigate Prairial. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre Frigate Prairial is 94 meters long and its crew totals some 100 people. The ship with the Dauphin helicopter embarked regularly conducts missions in Asia. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre A representative of the frigate Prairial crew receives a souvenir from the Vietnam People's Navy. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre A frigate Prairial crew member talks about a fire drill on ships with the Vietnam People's Navy. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre Like other French frigates, frigate Prairials motto is Honneur, Patrie, Valeur, Discipline (Honor, Homeland, Value, Discipline). These words are attached to the ship. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

French frigate Prairial, which arrived in Hai Phong City in northern Vietnam on Sunday, conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the hosts naval forces on Thursday.

PASSEX is an exercise done between two navies to ensure that they are able to communicate and cooperate in times of war or humanitarian relief.

Common drills include flashing light drills, semaphone drills, and flaghoist drills.

Prairial is the first French naval ship to visit Vietnam since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During their stay in Vietnam, French crew members participated in several exchange activities, including visiting Vietnamese ships and playing volleyball.

A group of Prairials crew members and Vietnam naval officers on Wednesday shared their experience in handling suspicious vessels and preventing and controlling fires on ships.

The frigates medical team also met with Vietnamese military medical workers and visited the Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

The visit by frigate Prairial demonstrates national defense cooperation between the two countries and their respect to international law, especially the freedom of navigation, according to the French Embassy in Vietnam.

Colonel Francois Maignan, captain of frigate Prairial. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre

Frigate Prairial previously docked at Cam Ranh Port in Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam in March 2021.

French naval ships visit Vietnams annually under the two countries bilateral national defense cooperation framework, according to French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery.

The visit by the Prairial this year marks the 50th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic relations and 10 years of their strategic partnership.

It also shows that France insists on ensuring freedom of navigation and aviation, Warnery affirmed.

The frigate undertakes naval monitoring missions for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, helping the agency combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in international waters and exclusive economic zones of island countries in the Pacific Ocean.

The 100-mm gun turret is the most powerful weapon on frigate Prairial. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre

Frigate Prairial is 94 meters long and its crew totals some 100 people. The ship with the Dauphin helicopter embarked regularly conducts missions in Asia. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre

A representative of the frigate Prairial crew receives a souvenir from the Vietnam People's Navy. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre

A frigate Prairial crew member talks about a fire drill on ships with the Vietnam People's Navy. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre

Like other French frigates, frigate Prairials motto is Honneur, Patrie, Valeur, Discipline (Honor, Homeland, Value, Discipline). These words are attached to the ship. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre

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Ho Chi Minh Citys Department of Transport has enforced a ban on car parking along several streets in Phu Nhuan District following Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspapers reports on illegal parking that affected local peoples lives. The ban is slated to take effect from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm every day, starting April 22. The prohibition will be applicable to the entirety of Hoa Sua Street and Alley 71 down Nguyen Cong Hoan Street. On Hoa Phuong and Nhieu Tu Streets, and Alley 53 down Nhieu Tu Street, cars will be barred from parking in the right lane from Hoa Cau to Phan Xich Long Streets, from Tran Ke Xuong to Hoa Su Streets, and from Nhieu Tu to Hoa Cau Streets, respectively. The action came after Tuoi Tre reported on illegal parking that has been rampant in the area, disturbing locals daily activities. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, a local resident, said that many drivers often parked cars and large vehicles at houses entrances for several hours, obstructing traffic in the neighborhood. Some drivers even argued with locals over the issue, according to Phuong. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Ho Chi Minh Citys Department of Transport has enforced a ban on car parking along several streets in Phu Nhuan District following Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspapers reports on illegal parking that affected local peoples lives.

The ban is slated to take effect from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm every day, starting April 22.

The prohibition will be applicable to the entirety of Hoa Sua Street and Alley 71 down Nguyen Cong Hoan Street.

On Hoa Phuong and Nhieu Tu Streets, and Alley 53 down Nhieu Tu Street, cars will be barred from parking in the right lane from Hoa Cau to Phan Xich Long Streets, from Tran Ke Xuong to Hoa Su Streets, and from Nhieu Tu to Hoa Cau Streets, respectively.

The action came after Tuoi Tre reported on illegal parking that has been rampant in the area, disturbing locals daily activities.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, a local resident, said that many drivers often parked cars and large vehicles at houses entrances for several hours, obstructing traffic in the neighborhood.

Some drivers even argued with locals over the issue, according to Phuong.

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Rescuers on Friday morning found part of the body of the final victim in a helicopter crash near the world-famous Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam. The victim is Nguyen Thi Hoi, 60, one of the four tourists from central Da Nang City taking a helicopter tour on Wednesday. Rescuers are searching for the remaining part of her body. The identity of four previous bodies has been determined and the four bodies have been handed over to their families for funeral. The previously recovered victims were pilot Chu Quang Minh, 59, Ho Ta Luc, 59, Ho Thi Oanh, 51, and Pham Thi Be, 65, according to the Peoples Committee of Ha Long City. Of them, Hoi was Lucs wife and Oanh was his younger sister, while Be was a friend of the family. The body of Colonel Chu Quang Minh was handed over to his family on Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, the body of Oanh was cremated at the An Lac Vien cemetery in Ha Long City after reaching a consensus with her family. The remains of Luc and Be were transported by road to their homes in Da Nang. The Bell 505 helicopter involved in the incident piloted by Colonel Minh was carrying the four Vietnamese tourists who wanted to see Ha Long Bay from above when the accident happened. It took off at 4:56 pm from Tuan Chau Island in Quang Ninh Province and lost contact at 5:04 pm. Immediately after the crash, Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company, which managed and operated the helicopter, coordinated with local border guards and military forces to search for the victims. At 7:18 pm on the same day, two bodies and debris deemed to be from the helicopter were found at the water edge. Meanwhile, the body of the pilot was found at 1:30 am on Thursday morning and the fourth body was found at 10:15 am the same day. The Bell 505 helicopter, which had five seats, was used for aerial tours over Ha Long Bay. These tours typically last for 10 minutes, taking tourists to see Tuan Chau, Dau Go, Ga Choi, Titop Islands, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Reu Island before returning to Tuan Chau Island. The new-generation helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter in 2018 was certified safe by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Bell Helicopter and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada have proposed helping Vietnam with a probe into the crash. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Rescuers on Friday morning found part of the body of the final victim in a helicopter crash near the world-famous Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam.

The victim is Nguyen Thi Hoi, 60, one of the four tourists from central Da Nang City taking a helicopter tour on Wednesday.

Rescuers are searching for the remaining part of her body.

The identity of four previous bodies has been determined and the four bodies have been handed over to their families for funeral.

The previously recovered victims were pilot Chu Quang Minh, 59, Ho Ta Luc, 59, Ho Thi Oanh, 51, and Pham Thi Be, 65, according to the Peoples Committee of Ha Long City.

Of them, Hoi was Lucs wife and Oanh was his younger sister, while Be was a friend of the family.

The body of Colonel Chu Quang Minh was handed over to his family on Thursday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the body of Oanh was cremated at the An Lac Vien cemetery in Ha Long City after reaching a consensus with her family.

The remains of Luc and Be were transported by road to their homes in Da Nang.

The Bell 505 helicopter involved in the incident piloted by Colonel Minh was carrying the four Vietnamese tourists who wanted to see Ha Long Bay from above when the accident happened.

It took off at 4:56 pm from Tuan Chau Island in Quang Ninh Province and lost contact at 5:04 pm.

Immediately after the crash, Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company, which managed and operated the helicopter, coordinated with local border guards and military forces to search for the victims.

At 7:18 pm on the same day, two bodies and debris deemed to be from the helicopter were found at the water edge.

Meanwhile, the body of the pilot was found at 1:30 am on Thursday morning and the fourth body was found at 10:15 am the same day.

The Bell 505 helicopter, which had five seats, was used for aerial tours over Ha Long Bay.

These tours typically last for 10 minutes, taking tourists to see Tuan Chau, Dau Go, Ga Choi, Titop Islands, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Reu Island before returning to Tuan Chau Island.

The new-generation helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter in 2018 was certified safe by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

Bell Helicopter and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada have proposed helping Vietnam with a probe into the crash.

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Four students at a high school in Ha Dong District, Hanoi have been hospitalized since Tuesday following the use of e-cigarettes and related products, the local police said on Friday. Three tenth graders - N.C.D., N.T.H., and N.H.T. - felt fatigue, nauseous, discomfort, and burning hot after drinking a beverage from a bottle on Tuesday. Their schools staff rushed them to Military Hospital 103, which is just 2.5 kilometers away from the school. D. later confessed to pouring two drops of e-liquid in the beverage bottle to prank his friends. On the same day, N.T.D., a 11th grader at the same high school, became dizzy and tired and collapsed after using an e-cigarette pod given by a classmate. Currently, the health of all these four students is stable. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive and can harm brain development in children, cause memory impairment, and affect intelligence due to its effects on brain development, according to the Hanoi Department of Health. Nicotine can even cause chest pain, heart failure, stroke, and immunodeficiency, as well as weaken the immune system. There is also a high risk of acute poisoning due to high-dose nicotine. Many types of toxic flavorings mixed with other substances such as drugs, marijuana, and other stimulants can also be found in e-cigarettes. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Four students at a high school in Ha Dong District, Hanoi have been hospitalized since Tuesday following the use of e-cigarettes and related products, the local police said on Friday.

Three tenth graders - N.C.D., N.T.H., and N.H.T. - felt fatigue, nauseous, discomfort, and burning hot after drinking a beverage from a bottle on Tuesday.

Their schools staff rushed them to Military Hospital 103, which is just 2.5 kilometers away from the school.

D. later confessed to pouring two drops of e-liquid in the beverage bottle to prank his friends.

On the same day, N.T.D., a 11th grader at the same high school, became dizzy and tired and collapsed after using an e-cigarette pod given by a classmate.

Currently, the health of all these four students is stable.

E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive and can harm brain development in children, cause memory impairment, and affect intelligence due to its effects on brain development, according to the Hanoi Department of Health.

Nicotine can even cause chest pain, heart failure, stroke, and immunodeficiency, as well as weaken the immune system.

There is also a high risk of acute poisoning due to high-dose nicotine.

Many types of toxic flavorings mixed with other substances such as drugs, marijuana, and other stimulants can also be found in e-cigarettes.

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By DPA



London : Exiled Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky Wednesday repeated his claim that the Russian state  and President Vladimir Putin  were directly involved in the radioactive poisoning of ex-agent Alexander Litvinenko.

Speaking on BBC radio, Berezovsky, who lives in London and has been granted refugee status by the British authorities, also said that Andrei Lugovoy, the Russian businessman Britain wants to put on trial for murder, would never be allowed to face trial in Britain.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Tuesday there was sufficient evidence to charge Lugovoy, a former KGB agent and associate of Berezovsky, with the murder of Litvinenko.

Lugovoy has denied any involvement and the Russian Prosecutor General's Office has rejected a British request for his extradition.

Russia, for its part, has repeatedly asked for Berezovsky to be handed over for trial on fraud charges, but the request has been rejected by Britain.

Berezovsky, a vocal critic of Putin, told the BBC Wednesday that the polonium-210 isotope used to kill Litvinenko last November could never have been acquired, or transported, without state support.

"It is impossible to produce polonium without state support and impossible to transport polonium  without state support," he said.

"It can't have happened without his (Putin's) personal involvement and that's exactly what Alexander (Litvinenko) told me in the hospital."

"Because of that, Lugovoy will never be extradited to London, and on the other hand I think Lugovoy's life is in danger, because it is an absolutely typical KGB way to solve the problem, to kill the witness of the crime," said Berezovsky, who gave the interview during a visit to Israel.
By A.K Merchant

The 93rd anniversary of the Salt Satyagraha that lasted for 24 days can provide important lessons for appreciating Indias pluralism of religions, castes, languages, cultures, governance ideologies, and host of other diversities. The 78 trusted volunteers who accompanied Mahatma Gandhi came from various backgrounds and cultural sensibilities.

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As a commodity of everyday use, Gandhiji was convinced that salt provided a common rallying point across caste, class, religious and regional identities that made up the diversity of India. As the march progressed, large numbers of people joined the group. And when Gandhiji broke the British Raj salt laws at 8.30 am on 6 April 1930, it led to unified action by millions throughout the country.

From the perspective of the Constitution of India, if the Dandi March created a national space drawing international attention to the freedom struggle, the Republic Day Parade on 26th January each year serves as a powerful expression of the countrys cultural diversity and military might inspiring the masses to serve the nation with the spirit of solidarity.

The Constitution addresses the issues of diversity and pluralism in a number of explicit and specific ways.

 The Preamble to the Constitution (particularly the terms secular, democratic, liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship and fraternity);

 Detailed provisions on federalism [for example, Articles 245 to 263 of the Constitution] and multilingualism [Articles 343 to 351];

 Individual fundamental right to equality and equal opportunity (including prohibitions on discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth) [Articles 14, 15 and 16], the fundamental right to freedom of speech [Article 19(1)(a)], the freedom of religion and to manage religious affairs and institutions [Articles 25, 26, 27, 28 and 30], the fundamental right to conserve distinct languages, scripts or culture including through educational institutions [Articles 29 and 30] etc.;

 Directive principles of state policy including the principle that the State shall, in particular, strive to minimise the inequalities in income, and endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities, not only amongst individuals but also amongst groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations [Article 38(2)];

 The fundamental duties of every citizen of India which include: to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women and to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture [Articles 51-A(e) and (f)].

At the outset, it is important to recognise that diversity and pluralism are recognised through at least three (there may be more) distinct forms in the Indian Constitution. First, elements and values that pertain to the State identity: this includes, for example, democracy, secularism, republicanism, federalism, and multilingualism; second, fundamental rights and fundamental duties that pertain most directly to the individual, and, third, political and cultural rights that pertain most directly to identity-based groups (based on religion, caste, language, and so on).

Despite the wisdom of the constitutional text on diversity and pluralism, a number of extremely difficult challenges and new realisations have arisen, both in India and across the world, in the years since India achieved independence. These situations and tendencies call for a response that is not to be found easily in the text of the Constitution, and this is where one must recognise the remarkable role of the Indian judiciary (particularly the Supreme Court and several distinguished High Courts) in courageously responding to a number of specific areas that involved questions of diversity and pluralism.

To give some examples, issues of secularism, caste discrimination, gender equality and freedom of sexuality, freedom of speech and expression including questions of obscenity and hate speech, environment and biological diversity, and federalism have received careful attention from learned judges who have provided us with a number of principles and precedents that help resolve difficult questions of diversity and pluralism in particular contexts. We owe much to the judiciary in India, with some exceptions, when it comes to our overall clarity on related ideas of fairness, of tolerance, of non-discrimination, of reasonableness, of multiculturalism, of mutual respect, etc. that play out in scenarios of diversity such as those found in India.

To cite one example, let me share a few excerpts from the judgement delivered by Supreme Court of India Judge D. M. Dharmadhikari on 12 September 2002 on the subject of religious education in non-minority educational institutions. Secularism is the basic structure of the Constitution The words religious instructions have been held as not prohibiting education of religions dissociated from tenets, the rituals, observances, ceremonies and modes of worship of a particular sect or denomination.

The academic study of the teaching and the philosophy of any great Saint such as Kabir, Guru Nanak and Mahavir was held to be not prohibited by Article 28 (1) of the Constitution. A distinction, thus, has been made between imparting religious instructions that is teaching of rituals, observances, customs and traditions and other non-essential observances or modes of worship in religions and teaching of philosophies of religions with more emphasis on study of essential moral and spiritual thoughts contained in various religions.

There is a very thin dividing line between imparting of religious instructions and study of religions. Special care has to be taken of avoiding possibility of impairing religious instructions in the name of religious education or Study of Religions.

The English word religion does not fully convey the Indian concept of religion. Hindus believe in Vedas. The word Dharma has a very wide meaning. One meaning of it is the moral values or ethics on which the life is naturally regulated. Dharma or righteousness is elemental and fundamental in all nations, periods and times. For example, truth, love, compassion are human virtues. This is what Hindu call Sanatan Dharma meaning religion which is immutable, constant, living permanent and ever in existence. Religion, in a wider sense, therefore, is those fundamental principles which sustain life and without which the life will not survive This distinction between religious instructions and religious education has to be maintained while introducing a curriculum of religious education and implementing it. This would require a constant vigil on the part of those imparting religious education from primary stage to the higher level otherwise there is a potent danger or religious education being perverted by educational authorities.

Religious education in the true sense is to encourage the child to understand his own relationship to people, to things and to nature. There is no existence without relationship, and without self-knowledge. Religious education, therefore, even if permitted to be imparted should consist of understanding the child as he is without imposing upon him an ideal of what we think he should be. An educator is not merely a giver of information; he is one who points the way to wisdom, to truth. Truth is far more important than the teacher. The search for truth is religion, and truth is of no country, of no creed, it is not to be found in any temple, church or mosque. Without a search for truth, society soon decays.

In a pluralistic society like India which accepts secularism as the basic ideology to govern its activities, education can include study based on religious pluralism. Religious pluralism is opposed to exclusivism and encourages inclusivism. The comprehensive approach to religion which should be inculcated in a society comprising people of different religions and faiths is described as inclusivism.

A wider acceptance of pluralist view of the religious life of humanity must involve developments in the self-understanding of each tradition, a modification of their claims to unique superiority in the interests of a more universal conception of the presence of the Real to the human spirit. The attainment of constitutional ideals is possible only if side by side with sharpening intellect, the moral character of children is also developed to make them good citizens.

The real meaning of secularism in the language of Gandhi is Sarva-Dharma-Samabhav meaning equal treatment and respect for all religions, but we have misunderstood the meaning of secularism as negation of all religions. The result of this has been that we do not allow our students to even touch our religious books. Gandhiji in his lifetime had been trying to create religious and communal harmony and laid down his life in doing so.

Despite the G20 presidency motto of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (one planet, one family, one future), questions of diversity and pluralism continue to pose a number of challenges in India and across the world today. Three most pressing challenges include:

 The resurgence of fanatical religious fervour occurring in different countries is not simply a sign of dying convulsion. The very nature of the violent and disruptive phenomena associated with it testifies to the perversion of the fundamental truths as enshrined in the Sacred Scriptures. Those who have held blindly and selfishly to their particular orthodoxies are responsible for the conflicting interpretations and for disrupting the culture of liberty, tolerance and mutual respect that have been the mainstay of our constitutional approach to diversity and pluralism.

 The economic and social challenges and the new questions raised by the global refugee and ecological crises  these are, in part, produced by a poor or faulty political and legal approach towards diversity and pluralism.

 Cultures and technologies that disrupt or challenge mainstream Bharatiya notions of culture and sensibility. For example, hate speech and fake news through social media, public articulations of alternate sexualities, claims for genuine and not merely formalistic gender equality, and so on. Salt Satyagraha and the Gandhian approach to non-violent protest and dissent, people-centric economics, environmental conservation, and adherence to moral principles provide important lessons. In recent studies, suggestions are being made to revisit Gandhian pathways and alternatives. While the world is acknowledging their relevance, India is losing the essence of Gandhi.

-

(The writer is a social worker and independent researcher providing his services to a number of non-governmental organizations and governmental institutions. Views expressed are personal.)


Tabassum Jabeens entrepreneurial journey began amidst the Covid lockdown.

Sufi Parween | TwoCircles.net

PATNA (BIHAR)  A whirring sound from a nondescript building in the middle of lush fields breaks the silence of a pleasant winter morning in Islampur, a village 300 km off Patna, in West Champaran, Bihar.

Inside, dozen-odd men are busy sewing the next batch of kurtas, that should be ready to be packed and dispatched to a wholesaler in Ludhiana, Punjab.

Tabassum Jabeen, who is currently in Delhi for a personal visit, keeps track of the pace of work at the building over the phone. The 29-year-old native of the village set up this garment factory, called M2 Textile, in March 2020, when the national lockdown during the Covid pandemic caused her to lose her job as a fashion designer at a textile factory in Delhi. That end marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey. The Delhi-raised designer decided to go to her native village and turn the family-owned nondescript building on ancestral land into a state-of-the-art garment factory. If you are skilled and determined, you can turn a disaster into an opportunity, she says.

With a loan of Rs 25 lakh from The Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme, she bought a dozen sewing machines and hired an equal number of artisans from the village. The artisans too had returned to Islampur from different parts of the country, where they became unemployed during the lockdown. Like Ezajul and Murtuza, two men in their 30s, who were working in textile factories in Delhi and Ludhiana respectively. Since the time the factory was set up, theyve been stitching garments, ironing them, and neatly packing them into boxes. And they have no plans to return to big cities for work. We were paid about Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 a month there and were far away from our families. In Islampur, we are paid about Rs 20,000 a month and are at home, says Ejazul.

To retain skilled and experienced workers, Jabeen lost no time in paying them competitive salaries. This, along with sourcing high-quality fabric, and selling the stitched garments at lower prices, proved to be a costly affair. In the first year of operations, M2 Textile incurred a loss of Rs 10 lakh.

But Jabeen was not going to give up. I didnt see the loss as a sign of failure. I was thinking long-term and knew my work well, she says. The initial loss was an inevitability that she had factored in when she chose Bihar over Delhi, as the location of her factory. In Delhi, I would have had to rent a room, and pay more electricity and other costs, she says. It was also a return to roots of sorts, as her father had migrated to Delhi for a government job in his youth. Despite her education and training in Delhi, she decided to set up her factory in her village in Bihar because it made business sense.

In the second year of operation, i.e. 2021-2022, M2 Textiles, recovered from the loss of the previous year. This year, they expect to make an overall profit even as the sale in January touched Rs 7 lakh, the highest for them so far. The factory supplies readymade shirts, trousers, and kurta-pyjama sets to wholesalers in UP, Delhi, Ludhiana, and a dozen districts in Bihar such as Gopalganj, Siwan, Chhapra, Motihari, Bettiah and Raxual.

The number of employees has doubled to 24 who are all men. Her next step is to hire women who dont step out of work in the village. She is launching a skill training programme for women next month, including providing them with machines so that they can stitch at home and earn money.

We look at ourselves not just as a garment factory, but also as a game-changer, that can generate employment not only for the village youth but also for women, says Jabeen.

Sufi Parween is a fellow with the TCN-SEED mentorship program.
1,000 miles of Iditarod Trail by bike

Photo by Jamie Hollingsworth

Jay Cable of Fairbanks rides between the villages of Koyuk and Elim on his recent journey from Knik to Nome.

Two staff members of the University of Alaska Fairbanks recently rode 1,000 miles across Alaska on bikes with tires as fat as a loaf of bread.

Jamie Hollingsworth is a do-all field guy with the Institute of Arctic Biology and site manager of the Bonanza Creek Long Term Ecological Research program. Jay Cable is a research programmer with the Geographical Information Network of Alaska at the Geophysical Institute.

From Knik (north of Anchorage), on packed-snow trails, they rode most of the way to Nome on the Iditarod Trail with Bill Fleming, owner of the Trek Bicycle Shop in Anchorage. The trio finished the journey together in 18 days and four hours.

During a human-powered journey of that length, things will not go as planned. For Hollingsworth and Cable, this included waiting for people driving snowmachines to pack down trail for them as they hung out in both McGrath and the outpost of Ophir. The bikers were then just ahead of Iditarod dog teams and mushers, who started the race in Anchorage on March 5.

Another challenging factor was a steady winter rainfall they experienced about halfway into their journey at a cabin 20 miles outside of the ghost town of Iditarod. As they listened to rain tap on the metal roof of the shelter, the trail underwent a transformation.

Photo by Jay Cable

Iditarod checkpoint volunteers turned a light on in the ghost town of Ophir during the 2023 race.

The snowpack was getting pretty squishy at that point, Cable said.

As water dripped off the cabin, the bikers had a pleasant distraction from above. Using handheld satellite texters, they communicated with friend and forecaster Ed Plumb of the National Weather Service in Fairbanks.

We were very excited to get updates about the weather, Cable said.

Plumb wrote them that the rain had turned to snow to the west of them; colder weather was coming. This was heartening to the riders, who hoped the trail would freeze and give them good riding, which is exactly what happened.

It was a sidewalk from Iditarod to Shageluk, said Hollingsworth, 50, on his first ride to Nome.

The trail was the best Ive ever seen from Iditarod to Nome, said Cable, 49, who completed the Iditarod trail on bike for the fourth time in 2023.

Cable is a lifelong Alaskan whose friends apply a "Jay filter" to his cheery trail reports. They know his descriptions of great days include no mention of biting winds or soft trails that require miles of shoving a bike.

Photo by Jay Cable

Jamie Hollingsworth, left, and Bill Fleming pause with Cape Nome in the distance, within 10 miles of the finish of their 1,000-mile ride on the Iditarod Trail.

Though Cable said things were changing too quickly on the trail to use any of the satellite views of Alaska he creates at work, he noted those instruments orbiting thousands of miles over the Alaska wilderness made a difference in their trip.

In addition to the weather reports they received on their handheld units when they were far from cellphone towers, the three bikers (and all the racers in the Iditarod Trail Invitational, of which they were a part) carried tiny transmitters. Those little wafers sent frequent signals to satellites, enabling anyone to track their progress across the Alaska map on a website.

Everyone was aware of us, everywhere we went, Hollingsworth said.

For example, the owner of a restaurant in Unalakleet knew they were coming and quickly baked them up a few pizzas. The principal of the Golovin school ushered the riders in for a hot meal after seeing their approach on his computer. Using signals bounced from space, an experienced friend urged them to make a long day into a super-long day along Alaskas west coast.

The Coast is a section of the Iditarod Trail from Unalakleet to Nome where the ocean meets Alaskas western shore. It features large expanses of open country with nothing to block the wind. The trail also includes an ocean crossing between the villages of Shaktoolik and Koyuk. There, trailbreakers lay a path on sea ice, which forms in places where the ocean gets cold enough to freeze.

As the trio of riders was approaching the windy village of Shaktoolik, Hollingsworths satellite texter pinged. It was from Jeff Oatley of Fairbanks, who once rode from Knik to Nome in just 10 days and 3 hours. In 2017, he topped that by riding both the Yukon Quest and Iditarod trails in one shot.

You guys need to keep moving, Oatley texted after seeing the weather forecast of an extreme windstorm due to hit western Alaska. Do everything you can to get across tonight.

Illustration by UAF Geophysical Institute

A map indicates the course of the 2023 Iditarod Trail Invitational.

Oatley was referencing the sea-ice passage from Shaktoolik to the village of Koyuk. Though the men had already had ridden almost 50 miles that day, they bypassed a shelter cabin between the two villages.

We were trying to beat the headwind into Koyuk, Cable said. We missed by two hours.

In that extreme blow, Hollingsworth wished he had a jacket with a fur ruff that zipped into a tunnel like the one Cable wore. Though Hollingsworth had a similar setup, it was not as bombproof. He rode with one hand in front of his face trying to block the wind.

When the riders got to the shelter of the school in Koyuk, Hollingsworth could no longer see out of his left eye. He has a condition that limits his night vision and wondered if the new malady might force him to quit the trip.

I was really nervous, he said.

In Koyuk, the extreme wind pinned the riders, who were then predisposed to near-perpetual motion. That 24-hour delay was well-timed for Hollingsworth, whose frostbitten eye had more hours to heal. The time also allowed him to buy a pair of goggles in the village store.

When the wind died, the trio got back on the trail. With a break to eat moose sandwiches in Golovin, they rode for another long burst to the village of White Mountain. That was their last stay with friends who had tracked them on the internet and were ready with conversation, food and a warm place to sleep.

Photo courtesy of Jamie Hollingsworth

Shirley Clark of Grayling, Alaska, welcomes biker Jamie Hollingsworth to her home during his ride to Nome with two friends.

The openness and hospitality of people on the trail was super cool, Hollingsworth said.

From that lovely village on the Fish River, which is the final place Iditarod mushers are required to rest about 70 miles from Nome, the bikers took off again. On the final stretch to Nome the bikers met Oatley and his wife Heather Best, who had ridden from Nome to see them after flying in from their home in Fairbanks.

The riders continued past a shelter cabin and stopped one final time at the Safety Roadhouse, 22 miles from Nome. There, two women from Texas who had helicoptered in from Nome for the Iditarod bought the three fat-bikers lunch.

Hollingsworth, Cable and Fleming then finished their 70-mile day  and their 1,000-mile trip  by cruising down snow-packed Front Street in Nome. They rolled to the arch of burled sprucewood that marks the finish of Iditarod.

Because there were mushers coming in, people on the sidewalks were cheering and taking pictures of us, said Hollingsworth, who wants to repeat the experience someday soon. It was super surreal.

We were getting to experience the trail like very few people do, he said. Theres definitely a physical component, but its a huge mental game to be pushing your bike and see a sign that says 20 miles to Nikolai, and say to yourself Its only 20 miles. Ill get there in 10 hours.

Since the late 1970s, the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Geophysical Institute has provided this column free in cooperation with the UAF research community. Ned Rozell is a science writer for the Geophysical Institute.
Palestinian assailants conducted an attack in Jerusalem, killing three and injuring at least six others

The incident comes after several days of fighting the most sensitive holy site in Jerusalem

Before the attack, Israeli airstrikes struck Lebanon and the Gaza strip

A recent attack by Palestinian assailants on Friday resulted in the death of three people and injury of at least six others in Jerusalem, the latest development in rising tensions.

The incident occurred after several days of fighting at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site, said officials. Earlier in the day, Israeli airstrikes meant to be retaliatory struck Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, causing fears of a broader conflict.

Shooting Attack in Jerusalem

In a statement, Israeli authorities noted that one Italian tourist was among the fatalities, and five other Italian and British citizens were injured. These resulted from a car slamming into a group of tourists in Tel Aviv, the commercial hub of Israel, as per the Associated Press.

Officials added that two British-Israeli women were fatally shot near a settlement in the occupied West Bank in a separate incident. The slew of violence in recent times across Israel and the West Bank has caused fears that there would be an even more chaotic conflict.

These concerns come as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is fast approaching, and the Jewish Passover holiday and Easter are already underway. In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was ordering reserve forces in the country's border police to "confront the terror attacks."

The additional force would be activated on Sunday and assist other units recently deployed in Jerusalem and Lod, a town in central Israel with a mixed Jewish and Palestinian population.

Read Also: Lebanese Rockets Strike Israel

Rising Tensions Between Israelis, Palestinians

The Israeli military said that the shooting attack was carried out by suspects riding a vehicle at the Hamra Junction, adding that soldiers were working on searching the area. In a statement, the Magen David Adom ambulance service noted that the two female fatalities were in their 20s, and one of the seriously injured was a woman in her 40s, according to Al Jazeera.

Israeli warplanes struck infrastructure that belonged to Palestinian armed groups accused of firing nearly three dozen rockets. The projectiles hit open areas and northern Israeli towns on Thursday.

There were no reports of serious casualties in those particular strikes, but several residents living in Qalili, a southern Lebanese town, said they were lightly wounded. These included Syrian refugees who were living in the area.

The rocket strikes are considered the largest from Lebanon since the war that began in 2006 between the two countries. The international spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, said the military was already working on addressing a "convergence of frontiers" in the region.

In an interview, he said that an event kicked off in Jerusalem and expanded to Gaza, Hamas, and Lebanon. CNN said the airstrikes also struck the latter region, and the Israeli military blamed Hamas for the launches.

Related Article: Emmanuel Macron Visits China's Xi Jinping

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Im searching for the best growth stocks to buy and hold for the next 10 years. Here are three UK penny shares Ill add to my portfolio if I have spare cash to invest.

Michelmersh Brick Holdings

Britain is in the midst of a chronic property shortage. Think tank Centre for Cities estimates that the UK has a backlog of 4.3m homes missing that were never built. Thats compared to the average European housing market.

The shortage threatens to worsen too due to steady population growth. As a result, housebuilding activity on these shores will have to rise sharply, meaning demand at building material suppliers like Michelmersh Brick Holdings (LSE:MBH) might rise strongly.

Troubles in the housing market may affect sales here in the near term. But the companys wide customer base  it supplies bricks to residential and commercial builders as well as to the repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI) market  helps to offset this risk.

Indeed, Michelmershs revenues soared 15% in 2022 despite recent weakness in the homes sector.

European Metals Holdings

Investing in lithium stocks could be a good idea as electric vehicle sales increase. As research from McKinsey and Company shows, demand for the battery-making component looks set to soar as the decade progresses.

Graph showing expected lithium demand to 2030.

European Metals Holdings (LSE:EMH) is one UK lithium share Id buy to capitalise on this theme. The business is developing the Cinovec mine in Czechia, a project that has been labelled a strategic asset by the European Union.

Cinovec is the largest lithium resource in Europe, and latest studies suggested it will produce around 29,400 tonnes of the material each year over a 25-year mine life. Critically, the resource is located on the border with Germany, too. This puts it on the doorstep of multiple major auto and energy storage manufacturers.

Investing in early-stage miners can be especially risky. Revenues forecasts can crumble and costs can shoot up if development problems occur.

Story continues

But on balance I think European Metals Holdings remains a hot growth stock to own today.

Steppe Cement

Kazakhstan-based Steppe Cement (LSE:STCM) is another buildingn product supplier on my watchlist right now. Id buy it to capitalise on steady urbanisation in the Eurasian country thats driving cement demand higher.

In fact the penny share has recently stopped exporting its product given how strong conditions are in its home market. Steppes revenues jumped 11% year on year in 2022 thanks to a 12% jump in cement prices.

The rise of towns and cities is a critical cog in Kazakhstans national development programme. So the government is offering huge subsidies to encourage the building of residential areas and urban infrastructure.

This long-running trend looks set to continue, too. Although Steppe Cement faces the problem of rising costs, I think it could prove a top stock to own for the next decade and beyond.

The post 3 penny shares Id buy to hold until 2033! appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

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Royston Wild has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

Motley Fool UK 2023
Maiwenn, the French actress and director who won the Cannes Jury Prize for her 2011 drama Polisse before rehabbing Johnny Depps career by casting him in Jeanne du Barry, is being sued for assault in France. The filmmaker (whose legal name is Maiwenn Le Besco but who works under the abbreviated name Maiwenn) is the subject of a new lawsuit filed by Edwy Plenel, the editor-in-chief of Mediapart magazine.

Plenel filed a police report on March 7, claiming that Maiwenn assaulted him in late February while he dined at a Paris restaurant. The journalist alleges that Maiwenn approached his table without prompting, then pulled his hair and spat in his face before storming off. The report claims that Plenel is still traumatized by the incident. News of the police complaint was first reported by the French news outlet AFP (via Variety).

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IndieWire has reached out to Maiwenns representatives for comment.

The news comes as Maiwenn prepares to return to the Croisette next month with Jeanne du Barry. Her new period piece, which stars Depp as French king Louis XV, is set to open the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. In addition to directing the film, Maiwenn also stars as the kings eponymous lover, Jeanne du Barry. The project was one of the first major acting opportunities that Depp received following the fallout from his acrimonious defamation trial against Amber Heard. But the shoot was apparently a difficult experience for all involved.

As noted by The Daily Beast last year, Depps co-star Bernard Montiel said on the French talk show Dont Touch My TV Set! that the actor frequently clashed with Maiwenn on set.

Ive heard some noise from the shoot, very serious stuff, Montiel said. So, [Depp is] an excellent actor, when he comes on set, except sometimes at six in the morning the crew is ready, and nobody turns up. So of course, Maiwenn, who is the director, gets angry, and the next day shes the one who doesnt turn up. And youve got Johnny Depp, and shes not there Its finished, over this week, [but] its going very, very badly. They dont get on at all; theyre screaming at each other the whole time.

Story continues

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HA NOI  In a bid to advance the socio-economic development of the Red River Delta region sustainably, provinces and cities in the area have been encouraged to prioritise the development of the logistics industry.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has advised localities to review, amend and supplement mechanisms and policies that encourage investment in logistics services.

This approach will ensure that development is synchronous and feasible, creating a breakthrough mechanism that will establish robust logistics corporations, identify key logistics types with potential for development and promote the application of technology and digital transformation.

In addition, the ministry has recommended that localities focus on investing in the construction and upgrading of logistics centres that apply advanced science and technology and modern equipment.

This investment will improve competitiveness and service quality while reducing costs.

They must also develop programmes, plans and policies suitable to the specific characteristics and advantages of each locality and region to attract investment from other countries in socio-economic infrastructure, especially traffic infrastructure and infrastructure of industrial zones and clusters. That will ensure synchronous and convenient manners for transporting and consuming goods.

The Red River Delta region also needs to establish a clean land fund to attract investment from leading international logistics enterprises in the development of logistics infrastructure, contributing to turning it into a logistics service centre in Southeast Asia and the world.

In addition, the localities in the region need to focus on human resource development and improve business and investment environments, including administrative reform and cutting of unsuitable business investment conditions, to improve the competitiveness of the localities.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade said the logistics centre system is being formed and developed. Viet Nam has 75 logistics centres in 16 out of 63 provinces and cities, including 26 centres in the Red River Delta, accounting for nearly 35 per cent of the total.

The development of infrastructure associated with logistics infrastructure in recent years has made positive changes with many large and modern projects under operation.

In addition, this development of the transport infrastructure system has created a more efficient connection among regions and improved the efficiency and quality of transport services.

The Hai Phong-Ha Long expressway plays an important role in connecting the three economic growth poles of Ha Noi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh, creating synchronous transport infrastructure to reduce time and promote growth in cargo transport. Those promote the development of logistics services in Viet Nam in the future, the ministry said.

Some other regional localities also have a relatively complete and synchronous transport network. For example, Thai Binh Province has developed the part of National Highway 10 in this province connecting Nam inh-Thai Binh-Hai Phong and the Thai Binh-Ha Nam route.

Warehouse infrastructure for logistics services serving import and export activities at border gate areas are also interested in investment, such as Thanh at inland container depot (ICD) in Mong Cai with an area of nearly 100ha; and 27.3-ha logistics centre in Hoanh Mo-ong Van border gate economic zone in Binh Lieu District.

Ha Noi now maintains a logistics system serving import and export goods at My inh ICD and Gia Lam ICD. Bac Ninh has Tien Son ICD Logistics Centre on an area of 10ha. In Hai Phong, Yusen inh Vu Logistics Centre was put into operation in 2014 over an area of 100,000 sq.m.

For seaports in the region, the operation of Lach Huyen international port plays an important role in the seaport system of Viet Nam.

This is a general port to meet the increasing demand for loading and unloading goods transported by the sea of provinces and cities in the northern key economic region, especially Ha Noi, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh.

From Lach Huyen port, export goods are shipped directly to Europe and America without transit via regional ports such as Singapore and Hong Kong. This significantly reduces transportation costs and increases competitiveness for export goods. VNS

In box

Viet Nam named in Agilitys top 10 Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2023

Viet Nam has been ranked in the top 10 places in the 2023 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index compiled by Agility, one of the worlds top freight forwarding and contract logistics providers.

Viet Nam is in 10th place, up one spot compared to the previous year.

Among Southeast Asian countries, Viet Nam is fourth, behind Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Agility ranked 50 economies based on three factors which make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, air cargo carriers, and distributors.

The factors are domestic and international logistics opportunities, digital readiness, and business fundamentals.

According to details provided by Agility, Viet Nam performed well in terms of international opportunities, ranking fourth globally with 6,03 points. The country came 16th for domestic logistics opportunities, 19th for business fundamentals, and 15th for digital readiness.

China remained the world's leading emerging logistics market, followed by India and the UAE. VNS
HA NOI  Banks are warning their customers about phishing SMS scams that are once again on the rise.

Vietcombank said it had received multiple reported cases of scam SMS disguised as genuine messages recently.

The fraudulent messages claim that the recipient's VCB Digibank application has been activated on an unknown device and ask them to click a link to identify the device.

Clicking on the link leads the victims to a fake website mimicking the application's login interface, where they are asked to enter their login name, password, and one-time authentication code to sign in.

Scammers then collect their login data to gain control of their bank accounts and steal their money.

"If customers accidentally disclose their data to a suspicious link, they should immediately deactivate their VCB Digibank account by texting VCB KHOA DIGIBANK to 6167 or calling our hotline," said Vietcombank.

The bank also said it was cooperating closely with relevant authorities to prevent the spread of phishing SMS and minimise any financial risks to its customers.

Maritime Bank said phishing messages appear genuine because they share the same folder with genuine messages on the recipients' mobile phones.

Phishing messages normally contain notifications of suspicious transactions requiring verifications or account suspension notifications.

These messages then ask the recipients to access a link to verify the claimed transactions or reactivate their accounts. Once victims enter their confidential data, scammers will use the data to seize their bank accounts.

The bank requests customers not to click on links embedded in SMS messages that contain similar notifications and never enter passwords, OTP codes, PIN codes, and activation codes into any suspicious links.

The bank recommends customers call its hotline when they detect any suspicious activities in their accounts and never log in to any interface apart from the MSB mBank application and its official website.

Customers could verify a specific link's reliability by accessing the domain database provided by the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center.

Experts recommend that customers, upon receiving a message requesting access to any links, take time to check whether the links are genuine.

As a rule of thumb, phishing links normally contain unusual characters that are never found in official links.  VNS
BEN TRE  A seminar to promote trade connection and export of farm produce between businesses of the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre and China was held by the provincial Peoples Committee and the Chinese Consulate General in HCM City on Thursday.

Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Nguyen Minh Canh briefed participants on the strength of agriculture and maritime economy, saying that Ben Tre has paid special attention to developing and improving value chains for its key agricultural products.

Canh expressed his hope that the Chinese Consulate General will create favourable conditions for Ben Tres enterprises to connect with Chinese partners, promoting the consumption of products, especially coconut-based products.

He called on Chinese firms to enhance investment in Ben Tre, especially in developing deep processing industries for agro-forestry-aquaculture products, commercial services and eco-tourism.

He suggested the Chinese Consulate General support and facilitate the export of Ben Tre's key products to China via official channels, and provide information related to the Chinese market, industries, policies, and regulations on import and export of goods.

Local authorities will create the most possible favourable conditions to support Chinese investors and partners to seek cooperation and investment opportunities in Ben Tre, contributing to further strengthening the Viet Nam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the relations between Ben Tre and Chinese partners, he stressed.

Consul General of China in HCM City Wei Huaxiang said he hopes the two sides' businesses connect to promote the export of coconut via official channels and focus on building brands of agricultural products of Viet Nam, in the Chinese market. He also urged them to expand cooperation in tourism, science and technology.

Businesses in Ben Tre raised difficulties and challenges they face and proposed support so that they can set up partnerships and sign more consumption contracts with Chinese firms.

Chairman of the Ben Tre Business Association Tran Van uc said that local enterprises are making efforts to export their products to China via official channels.

According to the provincial Peoples Committee, Ben Tres export turnover to China reached over US$360 million, in 2021-22, up 18.42 per cent per year, and accounting for 10-15 per cent of the provinces total export value.

The province has so far developed six value chains for its products, including coconut, fruit trees (green-skin pomelo, rambutan, longan), seedlings and ornamental flowers, pigs, cattle, and shrimp.

Coconut is one of the key crops of Ben Tre, with a total area of over 78,000ha and an output of about 800 million coconuts per year. The locality has 17,293ha of coconut meeting organic standards, accounting for 22.2 per cent of the total area.  VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong chaired a meeting of the Party Central Committees Politburo and Secretariat held in Ha Noi on Friday, highlighting the role of intellectuals in the countrys development.

Participants discussed the role of intellectuals 15 years after Resolution 27-NQ/TW was adopted on building a contingent of intellectuals in the period of accelerating industrialisation and the modernisation of the country.

During years of oi moi (Reform), especially after the issuance of the resolution, the common perceptions within the Party, the polity system and the society on the role and position of intellectuals have been improved comprehensively, the Politburo said.

Viet Nams intellectuals have grown rapidly in both quantity and quality, it said.

The intellectuals have actively participated in research and science activities. They are the leading force in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and international integration, making significant contributions to the cause of national construction and defence.

They have formed an important force in fulfilling development targets, tasks, strategies and plans in a rapid, sustainable manner, in the spirit of the resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress, the Politburo said, highlighting their contributions to strengthening the great national solidarity bloc based on the worker-farmer-intellectual alliance.

The Politburo affirmed that Vietnamese intellectuals are a part of high-quality human resources and a creative workforce with honourable duty in contributing to the national construction and defence, raising the countrys intellectual level, training talents in various fields, and promoting the country's rapid and sustainable development.

The Politburo, however, noted that there are still limitations in legal documents, mechanisms and policies related to the development of the intellectuals as they are not yet comprehensive and synchronous.

Specifically, resolutions were slowly translated into mechanisms and policies, it pointed out.

There is also a lack of breakthrough mechanisms and policies, especially those on mobilising resources for training, fostering, attracting, and honouring local and foreign intellectuals, especially elite intellectuals and leading experts in the science field, it said.

Investment has not yet focused on key areas and Viet Nam still needs more scientific, educational, cultural and economic facilities.

The Politburo affirmed that building a strong contingent of intellectuals is the responsibility of the Party, the State, the entire political system and the society, saying special mechanisms and policies for talents and intellectuals are needed.

The Politburo asked the steering committee for the project to acquire the opinions raised at the meeting to complete the project, which will be presented to the Party Central Committee.

The Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations has more than 2.2 million member intellectuals and scientists.

The Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations has more than 40,000 member artists and writers.

Viet Nam also has many intellectuals, scientists, and artists working and living overseas. They all have made great contributions to national development.

Inspection work

At the meeting, the Party Central Committees Inspection Commission also reported the performance of six inspection groups of the Politburo and five others of the Secretariat in 2022.

An inspection programme for 2023 was also decided on this occasion, with five groups from the Politburo and five others from the Secretariat.

They will examine the instruction over the implementation of the resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress and the personnel work, along with Party building and rectification, and the fight against corruption, wastefulness and other negative phenomena, among others, at 33 Party organisations.  VNS
CA MAU  The countrys southernmost province, Ca Mau, is developing the collective agricultural economy to increase scale, yields and quality, and improve farmers incomes.

The collective economy, especially co-operatives, helps increase linkages between farmers and between them and companies to enable agricultural production on a large scale and with high quality, and secure outlets.

Nguyen Chi Thuan, chairman of the provinces Co-operative Alliance, said more and more co-operatives have developed the linkages to bring practical benefits to their members.

The benefits include getting inputs at lower prices than the market, having guaranteed outlets and getting higher than market prices for their produce, he said.

Agricultural co-operatives have expanded their scale, developed brand names for their products and set up farming areas for inputs, and these have enhanced their competitiveness, created jobs and improved members incomes, he said.

The province has 176 agricultural co-operatives and 790 agricultural co-operative groups, and plans to set up another 20 and 80 respectively this year.

It targets increasing the average income of workers and members of co-operatives to more than VN50 million (US$2,100) a year.

The oan Phat Co-operative in Thoi Binh Districts Tri Luc Commune has been an efficient co-operative since its establishment in 2019.

Its 21 members rotate between organic rice and shrimp on a total of 450ha and earn an average income of VN100 million (US$4,300) per hectare per year. They have one rice and shrimp crop each per year.

The provinces co-operatives achieved average annual revenues of VN1 billion ($43,000) and an average income of VN350 million ($15,000) last year. Their workers earned VN36 million ($1,500) last year.

An increasing number of co-operatives produce the provinces speciality products and those under the countrys One Commune-One Product programme.

The development of OCOP products has helped improve product value and sales.

The province has 101 of them, including three rated four-star and 98 rated three-star in a system where the highest is five.

Many of them are produced from shrimp such as chips, flakes and dried shrimp.

Ca Mau, the countrys largest shrimp producer, has nearly 280,000ha of ponds and an annual output of 200,000 tonnes.

Exports

The province hopes to increase exports to $1.3 billion, mostly from agricultural products, this year, according to its Peoples Committee.

Its exports were worth $275 million in the first quarter of this year, including $238 million from seafood.

Farm exports to demanding markets such as the EU, Australia, Canada, South Korea, and Japan increased last year, according to its Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Phan Hoang Vu, director of the department, said farmers are switching to an agricultural economy to ensure they have steady outlets.

With this and the departments solutions, the agricultural sector is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, he said.

The province would enhance the role of the collective economy and make it a basis for restructuring agricultural production towards developing linkages between stakeholders to increase output and meet market requirements, he said.

Besides shrimp, the province also has favourable conditions for growing rice and other crops, and great potential for developing codes for them to increase their export competitiveness.

Under a plan to develop and manage codes for farming areas and packing facilities in 2023-25, the province aims to grant codes to 120-130 rice farming areas, 10 vegetable and fruit growing areas and two to three medicinal herb areas besides one to two rice and vegetable and fruit packaging facilities and two or three medicinal plant packaging facilities.

To acquire a code, a farming area should grow only one kind of plant and have a minimum required area and follow Vietnamese good agricultural practices (VietGAP) or other equivalent standards.

A fruit orchard, for instance, should be at least 10ha to get a code.

Nguyen Tran Thuc, head of the province Plant Protection and Cultivation Sub-department, said getting codes has helped agricultural produce meet the increasing requirements in global markets.

It also helps develop standard growing processes and farmers become aware of production cost and quality issues, he added.  VNS
Justice Clarence Thomas and Crow Harlan have taken annual vacations together

The justice claims that the reporting rules for personal hospitality have recently been revised

Experts in judicial ethics and watchdogs reacted promptly

Justice Clarence Thomas of the Supreme Court stated on Friday that he was not obligated to disclose that Republican megadonor Harlan Crow funded the numerous travels he and his wife took.

Thomas stated that colleagues advised him on the nation's highest court and other federal judges that "personal hospitality from close personal acquaintances who did not have business before the Court was not reportable."

Justice Clarence Thomas' Luxury Trips

However, the judge did not identify the other justices or judges he consulted with, KARE11 reported. ProPublica, a non-profit investigative journalism organization, reported on Thursday that Thomas, a judge for over 31 years, has accepted nearly annual luxury vacations from Crow for over two decades.

Thomas, 74, and his wife, Virginia, have traveled on Crow's yacht and private aircraft and stayed at his private resort in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Thomas's voyage to Indonesia in 2019 would have exceeded $500,000 had he chartered the aircraft and yacht.

Like other federal judges, Supreme Court justices must submit an annual financial disclosure report requesting a summary of gifts received but exempting hospitality from friends.

Regarding whether Thomas was obligated to disclose the travels, the opinions of ethics experts diverge. Last month, the federal judiciary increased disclosure requirements for all judges, including the Supreme Court justices; however, overnight stays at personal vacation residences owned by acquaintances remain exempt.

Thomas' detractors rebutted his defense swiftly on Friday, with Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse focusing on Thomas' assertion that the Crows had no business before the Supreme Court.

The ProPublica report described a portrait at a New York property owned by Crow's company that depicts Thomas, Crow, and other influential figures in Republican politics, such as Leonard Leo, the former head of the Federalist Society, who played a crucial role in former President Donald Trump's overhaul of the federal bench.

Some of Thomas's travels with the Crows were also attended by executives of major corporations and a representative of the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank. Per CNN, Crow remains on the board of AEI, and the think tank's scholars have occasionally filed amicus briefs in Supreme Court cases. The controversy has spotlighted the judiciary, which is increasingly tasked with settling violent disputes between the political branches of government.

As confirmation hearings have evolved into political spectacles and high-stakes cases on abortion, gun rights, and religious liberty have diverged along familiar conservative-liberal ideological lines, critics assert that the Supreme Court is becoming increasingly political.

Thomas used a private aircraft to travel to Indonesia and board a yacht staffed by a private chef, according to the ProPublica report. According to the source, if Thomas had paid for this vacation alone, it would have cost over $500,000. According to WXYZ, the annual salary of a Supreme Court justice is $285,000. Given his career in public service, he could not afford such travels.

Read Also: 34 Lebanon Rockets Hit Israel; Israeli PM Vows to Retaliate

ProPublica's Report Sparks Fury

The report infuriated Senate Democrats. Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, promised to take action. According to ProPublica, Thomas has accepted visits from Harlan Crow for over 20 years without disclosing them.

Crow stated in a statement to the publication that he and his wife had known Thomas and his wife Ginni since 1996. Crow denied that the vacations were proposed in exchange for something from Thomas.

In 1991, Thomas was appointed to the Supreme Court. House Judiciary Committee member Hank Johnson was among the Democrats who introduced the Supreme Court Ethics Recusal and Transparency Act. The measure would impose the same gift reporting requirements on Supreme Court justices and staff as on members of Congress.

Congress allows members and staff to accept gifts exceeding $250 from personal acquaintances, but they must obtain committee approval before accepting. According to the government watchdog database OpenSecrets, Crow has contributed over $20 million to political causes, primarily through Republican donors.

Related Article: Biden Administration Proposes New Rule on Trans Athletes in Schools

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This week, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) filed its second counter notification on Indias rice and wheat subsidies to the World Trade Organizations (WTO) Committee on Agriculture.

The counter notification details the flaws in Indias notification methodology, which obscures the true level of subsidies it provides. The submission was co-sponsored by Australia, Canada, Paraguay, Thailand, and Ukraine, demonstrating the global impact of Indias trade-distorting subsidies.

The measure estimates that if India correctly calculated the level of support they provide to their rice farmers through domestic subsidies that they would be at 78.6 percent of the market value in 2014/15, and up to 93.9 percent in 2020/21, compared to the 10 percent limit India agreed to when it joined the WTO.

USA Rice has long called on the Biden Administration, and preceding administrations, to file a dispute settlement case against Indias domestic support for rice because of the trade distorting impacts on the U.S. and the rest of the worlds markets.

Due to Indias actions to stimulate rice production, U.S. rice farmers, and rice farmers throughout the world, are forced to sell their crop at a lower cost, bringing back less assistance to their own rural communities. The artificially low-priced Indian rice impacts every continent, and India is projected to break their own export record again this year.

The U.S. filed the WTO Committee on Agricultures first ever counter notification in 2018 (see USA Rice Daily, May 10, 2018), also against Indias rice and wheat subsidies, leading to Indias more regular notification of support for rice in each year since. The 2018 counter notification was submitted just by the United States.

We commend USTR on filing this counter-notification and moving us closer toward a dispute settlement case against India, said Bobby Hanks, Louisiana rice miller and chair of the USA Rice International Trade Policy Committee. It is important to note that other key governments  including developing countries  are also clearly alarmed by the growing economic damage caused by Indias behavior.

This strategic move by the United States comes on the heels of Indias 2022 notification where they admitted to providing $7.55 billion to their rice farmers last year, a figure equivalent to 15.2 percent of its overall value of production. Once again, India used the cloak of food security to justify their over-subsidization.

Source: AgFax
- Both companies will strategically cooperate in embedding AI chips into robot platforms

- For the past year in the process of examining in advance, various AI algorithms for robots were operated to check for the latest AI algorithm support, excellent AI accuracy, and high computing efficiency of the DEEPX NPU

- "This will be an opportunity for DEEPX's AI semiconductor to become the mass-production ready core solution in the global smart mobility market"

SEOUL, South Korea, April 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DEEPX and Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation will cooperate with technology development for on-device AI technology for robot platforms.

DEEPX to work with Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation on AI semiconductor load for robot platforms. On March 24(Friday) at the Uiwang Research Facility of Hyundai Motors & Kia Corporation, DEEPX announced its execution of the MOU on AI semiconductor use for robot platforms, with the representatives of both companies including Lok-Won Kim, CEO, and Dong-Jin Hyun, Robotics lab leader of Hyundai Motors & Kia Corporation present. (Right: DEEPX CEO Lok-Won Kim, Left: Hyundai Motors & Kia Corporation)

On March 24 (Friday) at the Uiwang Research Facility of Hyundai Motors & Kia Corporation, DEEPX announced its execution of the MOU on AI semiconductor collaboration use for robot platforms, with the representatives of both companies including Lok-Won Kim CEO, and Dong-Jin Hyun, Robotics Lab leader of Hyundai Motors & Kia Corporation.

DEEPX develops AI semiconductors and implements AI technology used in various electronic devices that exist outside of the data center with high-performance and low-power advantages. Currently DEEPX has 4 kinds of AI semiconductors that are optimized for performance and function that can match with various edge and server AI application fields and have secured more than 150 patents, both domestic and international, that are related to fundamental AI semiconductor technology. Domestically, DEEPX is evaluated as the leading AI semiconductor fabless company, and DEEPX is targeting the global edge AI market.

During the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) conducted over the past year by Hyundai Motor Group and Kia Robotics Lab, DEEPX demonstrated outstanding AI performance by providing higher AI accuracy with INT8bit than FP32bit. In addition, it has been proven that various robot application AI algorithms developed by the Robotics Lab can be smoothly operated, making it possible to implement AI models required by robots. In particular, it is evaluated as suitable for mass production of battery-powered robot products due to its exceptionally high AI computational efficiency and low power operation.

This agreement aims to cooperate on the application of DEEPX's AI semiconductor technology to the robot platform currently under development with the aim of commercialization by Hyundai Motor Group and Kia. To achieve this, the two companies will incorporate AI functions for robots into DEEPX's AI SoC (System on Chip) products, verify their operability and mass production for deployment in the final products developed by Robotics Lab. In this way, the AI technology can be implemented in the robots developed by the Robotics Lab.

Lok-Won Kim, CEO commented: "According to the global market research data, the size of the global smart mobility is expected to grow to be about 145 billion dollars by the year 2027. For the AI semiconductor, the core technology of this market, there are currently no optimized solutions for each detailed fields, therefore it is possible to lead the market if a mass production-ready solution is prepared. Having technology cooperation with the global market leader Hyundai Motors and Kia Corporation will present DEEPX's AI semiconductor an opportunity to become the core solution of the future market in the related field. This is a great inspiration for us. DEEPX has succeeded in commercializing NPU IP in 2021, and I am grateful to earn the chance to demonstrate the test for mass-production as soon as we reach NPU development milestone this year".

Dong-Jin Hyun, leader of the Robotics Lab of Hyundai Motors & Kia Corporation said, "I expect we can lead the excellent robotics service development in both performance and price by combining the SW technology of the Robotics Lab and DEEPX's HW technology." He also added, "As soon as we confirm and examine the superiority of DEEPX NPU chip products, we will carry on with further cooperation and apply it to the robot that is under research and development."

Contact

Ah-hyeong Lee, PR & Marketing Manager, lah@deepx.co.kr

Company official SNS guide (Online channel)

Company page: https://deepx.co.kr/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deepx-corporation/

Official YouTube: https://bit.ly/3Q0VRdw

Source: DEEPX Related Stocks: Korea:005380 OTC:HYMTF
HCMC  The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has decided to increase aircraft movements at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport to meet the rising travel demand during the April 30-May 1 holiday and summer vacation.

Tan Son Nhat will have an additional 26 slots per day from April 28 to May 3 and from June 1 to August 15.

With this increase in slots, Vietnamese carriers will provide an additional 4,500-5,000 seats per day, meeting the demand from passengers during peak periods.

CAAV also required airlines to operate flights on time and reduce flight delays and cancellations.

To meet the travel demand during the Reunification Day (April 30)-International Labor Day (May 1) holiday, Vietnam Airlines and Vietnam Air Services Company (Vasco) will provide nearly 551,000 seats, equivalent to nearly 2,800 flights, on domestic routes from April 26 to May 5.

These two Vietnamese carriers will focus on increasing flights on domestic routes, including routes to and from Hanoi, HCMC, Hue, Danang, Quy Nhon, Cam Ranh, Dalat and Phu Quoc, to boost tourism.
The distance from Hanoi to Ha Giang City is about 280km long, very easy to go. Thus, visitors can choose to travel with a sleeper bus, drive a car, or travel by motorbike. Here is the detailed schedule of your Ha Giang trip:

Day 1: Ha Giang City - Quan Ba - Yen Minh - Lung Cu

The sleeper bus departs from Hanoi at 21:00 and arrives at Ha Giang bus station at 5:00 a.m. the next morning. You move to the motorbike rental place and temporarily rest in the room. Let's start our journey in the morning to check in at the Km 0 landmark in the heart of Ha Giang city. This landmark is located within the park near the Lo River, opposite square 26-3.

Leaving the milestone of Km 0, moving to Quan Ba, about 58km from Ha Giang city, takes 2 hours by car. There are several spots to stop along the journey, such as Bac Sum Slope, Quan Ba Twin Mountain, and Can Ty Bridge...

From Quan Ba, you will pass through a lonely tree to Tham Ma Doc, Lung Cam village, Pao's House, and Meo King's House (also known as Vuong's Palace, which is located in the middle of Sa Phin Valley).

At the end of the day, you can stop for the night at Lo Lo Chai village in Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district. Peacefully located at the foot of Lung Cu flagpole, in Lo Lo Chai village, there is a North Pole coffee shop, which is a pleasant stop when coming to Ha Giang.

Day 2: Lung Cu Flagpole - Dong Van - Nho Que River - Meo Vac

After breakfast, start the second day with a visit to the Lung Cu flagpole, the work marking sovereignty in the northernmost part of Vietnam.

The next destination is Dong Van Town. The significant thing about Dong Van's old town is the architecture and culture with a history of hundreds of years of development. This ancient street is nearly 1 km long, with almost 40 old houses planned by the French, so the architecture is hardly unique with walled houses, yin, and yang tile roofs, and stone floors.

Farewell to Dong Van, visitors will head to the dangerous pass road Ma Pi Leng. Setting foot atop Ma Pi Leng and zooming in to observe the breathtaking mountain space will leave everyone speechless. Driving down the pass road that winds over the mountainside, one side is a deep chasm that will fill visitors with dread and thrill.

In addition, this legendary road also has several stops not to be missed, such as the cliff of death, the Panorama cafe - restaurant, and the viewing point of Tu San Alley from above.

Note, visitors should not climb the cliff of death to take pictures but only observe from afar. The local government has put up warning signs, and barricades and has not allowed visitors to set foot in this area.

After crossing the bumpy Ma Pi Leng pass, move to Nho Que river boat station - the natural boundary between Vietnam and China in Ha Giang.

Sitting on a boat on the Nho Que River, watching firsthand the wild and majestic scenery, and touching the cool, blue water is probably the most relaxing time in 2 days exploring Ha Giang.

At the end of the day, visitors arrive at the Pa Vi Ha Community Cultural Tourism Village. Located peacefully at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass, the village is home to 26 Hmong ethnic households, preserving many typical cultural features of ethnic minorities.

Day 3: Meo Vac - Ha Giang City

After a night of enjoying traditional Hmong dishes, the couple returned to Ha Giang City in the direction of Meo Vac - Bao Lam - Bac Me.

During the long journey, Thang Nguyen continued to check in Km 0 Meo Vac, Hanh Phuc road (the road connecting Ha Giang to 4 northern highland districts including Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac), and the legendary M-slope.

The M-shaped road is a twisting M-shaped road that runs from Yen Minh to Meo Vac. The winding, zigzag, and winding roads entice many visitors to return to Ha Giang to satiate their sense of conquering.

Day 4: Ha Giang - Hanoi

On The last day of the journey, visitors can go to Thanh Thuy border gate, Thanh Thuy commune, Vi Xuyen district, 20km from Ha Giang city, or visit Khuoi My village 12km away. Khuoi My is made up of three villages: Na Thac, Khuoi My, and Lung Vai. The Dao and Tay live primarily on wooden platforms roofed with palm palms and coated in moss.

In recent years, the romantic and peaceful terraced field paradise Khuoi My have become famous and frequented by many tourists. However, the way to Khuoi My is not easy, even searching for the address on Google Maps. Therefore, the map and the instructions of the indigenous people will be the best choice to come here.

In the early afternoon, visitors catch the sleeper bus Ha Giang - Hanoi to return to the starting point, ending the 4-day-4-night journey to discover the unforgettable Ha Giang.

Dining:

In addition to the majestic scenery that conquers the hearts of all visitors, the land of Ha Giang also has a rich culinary background for diners who like to eat well. When visiting Ha Giang, some must-try meals include banh cuon, au tau porridge, five-color sticky rice, men men, thang co, Tam buckwheat cake, Thang Dan...

Cost:

The total cost for the 4-day-4-night trip is about 3.5 million/per person. In particular, a round-trip sleeper bus ticket is 600,000 VND/person, motorbike rental is 180,000-200,000 VND/day, and the Nho Que river boat ticket is 120,000 VND/person.

Note:

There are many ways to travel from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Visitors could use a sleeper bus to save time and keep healthy for the long voyage ahead. When coming to Ha Giang City, if you are confident about your steering wheel and your health, you can rent a motorbike by yourself to travel and experience the heart-pounding downhill phases.

On the contrary, if you do not have enough time and health, or the group has elderly individuals and young children, you should rent a car with 7 - 16 seats, making the trip safer. In particular, currently, the road Mau Due - Yen Minh is under construction. To move to Ha Giang City from Dong Van, visitors should choose the route Meo Vac - Bao Lam - Bac Me.

With majestic mountains and delicious cuisine, Ha Giang is an ideal destination for tourists to enjoy a long trip during the upcoming holiday from 30/4 to1/5.Read more: Explore the newest breathtaking routes in Vietnams Ha Giang Province  Breaking News, Latest World News Updates - VietReader Viet Nam Read more: Ha Giang specialties bought as gifts  Breaking News, Latest World News Updates - VietReader Viet Nam
According to Telegraph India, delicious food, beautiful nature, many heritages, and reasonable costs are helping Vietnam attract many tourists.

The first is that Vietnam has a reasonable cost. When it comes to budget-friendly destinations for Indian travelers, Vietnam is definitely at the top. Based on the exchange rate between Indian rupees and Vietnamese dong, a trip here shouldnt be too expensive. In addition, there are many flights connecting major Indian cities with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, so Vietnam is a very convenient destination in terms of transportation.

Next, Vietnam is the land of hotels and convenience stores. After the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam is a favorite destination for many people, so the tourism industry in this country is also ready. Visitors can easily find Airbnbs, luxury and budget hotels everywhere. Vietnamese people are also very hospitable. Tourists can also easily find convenience stores, like Circle K, on every street full of snacks, snacks, drinks, wellness products, etc.

Visitors will also be amazed by the natural beauty of this place. Vietnam is a land of limestone caves, beautiful bays and landscapes unlike any other. In the northern region, visitors cannot miss a visit to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. This destination is about 100 km from Hanoi and is famous for its unique limestone caves and many mountains covered with green moss like in the movie Indiana Jones. A boat ride of about 2 hours here will be a memorable experience. Guests will be able to relax while watching the breathtaking nature and can experience boating on foot. And if Indian tourists are visiting the South, dont miss visiting the Mekong Delta.

Vietnamese food is excellent. As a Southeast Asian country, the street food culture in Vietnam is very diverse and growing. From egg coffee to pho, these dishes and drinks can satisfy all tastes. There are many local eateries in cities across the country and in the summer, it is easy to see Vietnamese people flocking to the eateries and enjoying a cold beer. In terms of culinary taste, food in the North tends to be less spicy and the taste is usually neutral, while the South tends to eat more spicy. However, people in both regions prefer rice, coffee, seafood and meat.

The historical and cultural value of Vietnam is very rich. Vietnam has experienced many wars throughout its history and that plays a huge role in the rich culture and heritage of the region in general and Vietnam in particular. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda are must-see places in Hanoi. When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum and the Central Post Office are not to be missed. Dont forget to watch the traditional water puppet show when coming to Vietnam.

Visitors can enjoy shopping in Vietnam. When coming to Hanoi, visitors can see that the Old Quarter has a unique division of items. Each street specializes in a specific item such as silk, shoes, clothing, bamboo, metal, etc. When walking into a street, it seems that every store there only sells certain items of different types. Although the clothes and shoes are not as cheap as in Thailand, the quality is very high and visitors can also use Google translate to haggle. It is recommended to visit Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi if you need to find goods to wholesale.

The enchanting cruise overlooking the emerald green waters of Ha Long Bay, spread over 1,553 square kilometers, is an unforgettable experience for every visitor. This natural wonder was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1994. If you come here, try kayaking, squid fishing and can come see unique fish farms floating on the bay. If time allows, visitors can also visit Cat Ba Island located nearby.

Experience relaxation in Vietnam. One of the many interesting things about visiting Vietnam is that visitors can experience everything in their own way. When coming here, visitors do not need to have a dense journey but can take a leisurely walk or experience cyclo near the old quarter in Hanoi, and enjoy a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee at any coffee shop. , or sleep in until noon. In coastal cities, visitors can visit fine golden sand beaches and experience massage services on the beach.

According to AN BINH  PHOTO: TELEGRAPH INDIA
There are many ways to travel in Vietnam. You can explore a city with a long history, enjoy the blue sea under the hot tropical sky or visit the highlands to feel the life of the ethnic minorities.

Another way is to enjoy the life of the people in the West along the Mekong River carrying heavy alluvium. Flowing through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, the Mekong winds its way through cities in southern Vietnam before emptying into the sea.

People in riverside localities are cultivating their lives with the richness of the river.

Morning at the floating market

About 170 km south of Ho Chi Minh City, the economic center of Vietnam, is Can Tho city. Can Tho located in the lower Mekong River, is the largest city in the Mekong Delta region with a population of more than 1 million people.

Can Tho has the Cai Rang market, the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. The market starts at 4:00 am, so it is advisable to go early, as it will end before noon.

5 a.m. Interference between day and night. The stars and moon still twinkle in the sky. I hurried to a small boat. The boat rattled past the big waves caused by the boats ahead.

The boat slowly made its way through the darkness, and the sky across the river began to brighten. Sunrise is beautiful everywhere, but catching the sunrise from the boat gives me the most excitement.

After more than an hour, we arrived at Cai Rang market. Its just past 6 am but it seems to have missed the busiest time. Transactions still take place, but more leniently. The boat floats along the swaying waves and then joins the market.

Cai Rang floating market. Photo: asiatouradvisor.com

Vegetables and fruits are transferred from one boat to another, the sound of bargaining is bustling, peoples faces are excited, hands are busy transferring goods, lining up. The scenery that only a trip to the Mekong River can make Vietnam more special.

The boats that buy and sell goods floating on the Mekong River have a long pole in front of the boat. If you look closely, there is something hanging at the top of the pole. Some boats hang pumpkins, some watermelons and others pineapples.

This allows you to see the item for sale even from a distance. Its a lively and fresh sign. It must have been an idea that arose when the boats were packed and difficult to reach. However, it is this that creates a unique atmosphere only in Cai Rang market.

The pole rises to the sky like a sotdae to pray for a good fishing season. Among them are boats selling bread and vermicelli passing by, satisfying the hunger of street vendors. The morning of making a living on the boat seems to have entered the lives of people along the Mekong River.

When following the main stream of the Mekong River, the boat runs by engine, but when passing through small tributaries, the water is dry, the only way is to turn off the engine. The boatman rowed with familiar hand movements. I almost lay down on the boat to avoid the small and low bridge, slowly crossed the tributary of the Mekong River and looked at the sparse houses along the river.

The sun shines but it softens for a moment as you pass the nipa palm trees. Flooded courtyards occasionally reappear. In front of the house there is an empty space like a small garage to park boats. It is a place to store the valuable boat. The boat is so precious to the people living in the river area. A mother and daughter stopped by a boat to buy goods at a store. The peaceful morning on the Mekong River passed like that.

City of thousands of flowers and fortress of war

Sa Dec is about 145 km from Ho Chi Minh City, known as the city of thousands of flowers. It takes about 3 hours by bus. This is a small flower village. In the days approaching Tet, the number of people coming to buy ornamental flowers is very large.

Sa Dec Flower Village. Photo: Government Newspaper

Just looking at the flowers being packed and watered for sale at the market makes my heart flutter. In the vicinity of Sa Dec, you can see endless lotus fields.

Sa Dec became famous with foreigners because this is the setting of the movie Lover.

The old French house at the end of Sa Dec market built in 1895 is the place where the love of the two main characters begins. A river flows in front of the old house, reminding me of the image of the heroine crossing the Mekong, arousing romantic feelings.

Near Sa Dec there is a special historical site named Xeo Quyt. It resembles the Cu Chi tunnels, a secret fortress in Ho Chi Minh City that was used during the war.

I did not expect that I would encounter traces of war in this deep Mekong river. During the war, a secret military facility was hidden in Xeo Quyt, the waterway here played the role of connecting underground tunnels. A kitchen, a hall and a secret underground passage remain beside the waterway. It is said that during the war, the American army could not find this place.

The beautiful scenery of Xeo Quyt today can completely ease the pain of war. Sunlight penetrates the jungle, the sound of boats gliding on the water, and the occasional chirping of birds. Rare animals, purple flower hyacinths and hidden trenches. A dense forest of vines completely covered the trenches.

Located on the Mekong River, Can Tho cuisine features a lot of seafood. Crab soup cake is a dish with a whole crab placed on top. Bun mam with thick noodles served with fish meat, fresh squid In addition, silkworm cake sprinkled with sweet coconut milk, is a great snack on hot afternoons.

Can Thos signature dish, Cong cake, is also very delicious. Cong cake with the filling is green beans and attractive shrimp, just eat 2-3 pieces to fill your stomach. So dont underestimate them because they are small. Ba Khia freshwater crab is also famous, you can taste this dish in the evening on Dinh Tien Hoang street also known as Ba Khia street.

(Content translated from the famous Korean blogging platform Tistory)
The beauty of Vietnam has never ceased to be attractive in the eyes of foreign tourists.

For tourists who have a passion for exploring nature, and finding unspoiled, unexplored places for tourism, Vietnam is one of the most attractive places in the world. The S-shaped country is endowed with so many beautiful scenes by mother nature that a foreign tourist visiting and seeing it with his own eyes has to produce videos recording scenes that seem like a fairy tale, vote here These are 7 places with surreal beauty that visitors will never forget.

Photo: Bao Vy

If anyone has ever had the opportunity to explore Quang Binh cave, they completely agree that this place has unbelievable beauty because the scenery, light, water color, rock formations, stalactites a scene more than a painter could imagine. Son Doong Cave is the worlds largest cave located in Quang Binh, Vietnam. With its huge size, Son Doong cave is an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts. To fully enjoy this scenery, visitors can join unique expeditions, explore mysterious roads and immerse themselves in unspoiled space, one step is a different visual experience.

Photo: @hikingtheglobe

It is known for its valleys, hills, primeval forests and clear blue streams. Especially, when standing at the top of Ta Xua mountain with an altitude of 2,800m, the whole scene can not help but burst.

When it comes to cloud hunting paradise, everyone immediately thinks of Ta Xua. Because it is surrounded by high mountains, the clouds in Ta Xua valley are always dense, both rolling and white. This sea of clouds will be like a fairy scene for those who stand on the top of a high mountain, zooming in and enjoying it. Perhaps this is also the reason why foreign tourists voted this as a place of surreal beauty in Vietnam.

Photo: Bao Vy, Linh Xinh

Binh Lieu  Quang Ninh

Photo: @whereizhanhan, Internet

Binh Lieu owns beautiful beaches, cool pine forests and vast rice fields so recently Binh Lieu attracts a lot of tourists.

Coming to Binh Lieu, you will experience many beauties such as the sky with white reeds pouring down the hillside, the terraced fields are as picturesque as the pictures, the peaceful and pristine Khe Van waterfall And if you go, walking along the spine of the dinosaur, in the middle of the vast space, perhaps when you feel this scene is not exaggerated to be in the top votes.

Photo: Sang Doan Dang, Ba Khan

Trang An  Ninh Binh is famous for its majestic landscape of caves, caves and river systems. Visitors can visit caves such as Dai Thanh cave, Diep Khuc cave, Sang cave, Toi cave and see impressive natural limestone works.

In addition, visitors can also visit Cuc Phuong Zoo, visit hundreds of species of animals, from ancient animals to rare animals. And next is to admire Bai Dinh Tower: This is the largest temple complex in Vietnam, home to large Buddha statues, ancient Chinese temples and pagodas. Visitors can learn about the countrys history and culture, admire unique works of art, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding nature from high above.





With the picturesque mountain scenery, cool and pleasant climate, and the opportunity to live and mingle with the traditional highlanders here, Sapa is always rated as one of the tourist destinations. ideal. The surreal beauty of Sapa exists through beautiful natural landscapes such as the sea of white clouds, sky-high mountains, enchanting waterfalls or fields of pure white buckwheat flowers.

Photo: Le Viet Khanh, @borealforest

To clearly admire this rare and difficult to find beauty, people can take the cable car to the top of Fansipan. This mountain peak is considered a symbol of surreal natural beauty in Vietnam with an altitude of up to 3,143 meters. From the top of Fansipan mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Sapa with green terraced fields, ancient villages and winding rivers.

In addition, Silver waterfall also has a majestic beauty with fast flowing water from a height of 200 meters, this waterfall creates a ravishing sight. Visitors can walk on the 20m-long suspension bridge to admire from different perspectives the beauty of Silver Waterfall.

Photo: internet

Ha Giang is famous for its majestic mountain landscape, wild and diverse nature. This is a place that those who love to travel always choose it in the list that they must visit once in their life. There are mountain ranges of cat ears, steep slopes  this is a cutting point that makes it difficult for visitors to once pass and then enjoy the dreamlike scenery of green and golden terraced fields. Nho Que river or poetic valley welcoming clouds

When coming to Ha Giang, people often visit Dong Van: It is the first ancient city of Vietnam recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. In Dong Van, visitors will discover ancient houses, visit the geological museum, enjoy the panoramic view of Nho Que valley from the top of Ma Pi Leng mountain or learn the unique culture of the Hmong and Hmong people. Butt.

Photo: internet H18, @hanoitoserco

Photo: vietnamtourism

Hoang Su Phi: Famous for its green terraced fields, Hoang Su Phi is one of the most beautiful destinations of Ha Giang. Coming here, you can walk on the most beautiful roads and enjoy the beauty of nature, explore the landmark Lung Khuy Cave, the most beautiful cave in Ha Giang or enjoy the peaceful space at May Grass Hill.

Photo: VOV, ivivu

Phu Quy is a small island located in the south of Binh Thuan province, one of the most beautiful destinations being sought after by people in Vietnam. With beautiful beaches, clear blue sea and especially the ground breaking, Phu Quy is a paradise with shimmering scenery that everyone should visit once.

The most beautiful beach of Phu Quy is Nom beach with fine white sand and clear blue sea, visitors can also participate in activities such as scuba diving, fishing and watching coral here.

Photo: Tan Dung, havico
At the event (Photo: VNA)

Bac Ninh  The authorities of Bac Ninh and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on April 7 co-organised an event on learning about the northern provinces charming features, which gathered close to 150 foreign and domestic diplomats and representatives of foreign organisations and business associations in Vietnam.

The event was this years edition of the ministrys annual Learning about Vietnam Session, first held in 2015 and aiming to update the country's socio-economic achievements, and promote Vietnamese culture to the international community.



In his opening speech, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Nguyen Anh Tuan said Bac Ninh wishes to receive support from the delegates in promoting its image, cultural value, and business climate to the world.



He asked for support toward the provinces efforts to make the local Dong Ho folk painting profession a part of the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2024.



Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc said the ministry will continue accompanying Bac Ninh in preserving its cultural quintessence and introducing such value to international friends.



Earlier, the delegates were treated to a series of cultural activities, such as touring the Dong Ho folk painting conservation centre in Thuan Thanh town, tasting local culinary delights, and enjoying the performance of Bac Ninhs Quan ho (love duet) singing  an UNESCO intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Goertek commits additional $306 million to its multimedia equipment project in Bac Ninh Goertek, one of three major suppliers for Apple in Vietnam, has poured additional funds into its project in the northern province of Bac Ninh.

Bac Ninh IPs lure nearly 60 million USD in investment in July The total newly registered and adjusted investment capital that poured into the northern province of Bac Ninhs industrial parks (IPs) in July hit 59.96 million USD. Of the sum, 36.41 million USD was foreign direct investment (FDI).
A view of Ecopark urban residential area (Photo source: Ecopark)

Hung Yen - Real estate experts predict that Hung Yen will "share" the burden of housing demand with Hanoi in the near future.



With prominent advantages, the northern province of Hung Yen offers many opportunities for real estate developers at all segments.



Do Thu Hang, Senior Director of Research and Consulting Department of Savills Hanoi said the increasing demand for housing in Hung Yen is driven by three main factors.



Firstly, the high housing prices in Hanoi make it difficult for people to own a house, especially in the low-rise segment. Meanwhile, the average price of apartments and townhouses in Hung Yen is 14% and 17% lower than in Hanoi respectively, which creates a motivation for the demand to shift to this market.



The next factor comes from the demand to expand residential areas away from the central area of Hanoi where the population density is quite high. Currently, elderly customers who do not have much need for mobility are interested in housing projects in Hung Yen. The demand is towards projects with good air quality, green living environment, and perse utility systems.



With its geographical location adjacent to Hanoi, Hung Yen is likely to become a bridge between the capital city and other provinces and cities. Furthermore, the developed infrastructure has shortened the travel time from Hung Yen to Hanoi's central areas, so home buyers from neighbouring provinces can consider Hung Yen as an alternative choice.



The housing development programme in Hung Yen aims to have over 10 million sq.m of new housing area by 2025, targeting both tenants and investors from Hanoi and other provinces and centrally-run cities.



In addition, the housing supply will also increase along with the urbanisation rate of Hung Yen, from 17% in 2022 to an estimated 48% in 2025, with about 108,000 new housing units expected to join the market by 2025.



Therefore, the future affordable housing supply in Hung Yen will somewhat ease the burden of the housing demand on Hanoi.

Vibrant activity felt with real estate M&A Merger and acquisition activities in the first months of the year surged with several huge deals, signalling the Vietnamese market is ready to welcome foreign investors into projects thirsty for capital.

Steel fortunes limited by real estate uncertainties Increasing numbers of steel mills seek income flow through property investment, but executing this approach on a significant scale remains tricky.

Hospitality and real estate conference a soaring success Vietnams largest Hospitality and Real Estate conference Meet The Experts, organised by Savills in partnership with Dulux Professional, took place at InterContinental Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City on March 30.
In Ben Tre province (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  Brekke Fletcher, a writer for the world's leading travel magazine Lonely Planet, has chosen Vietnam as a culinary destination to explore for the Elsewhere section.

Fletcher spent 9 days discovering the perse cuisine of various regions in Vietnam together with photographer Thanh Huynh.

She said riding a scooter through the streets of Hanoi in Vietnam is one of those things she's always wanted to do but was too afraid to attempt.

"To be anonymous, another helmeted figure in the middle of a million little dramas and comedies happening on a million bikes moving through this amazing city  every second is pure joy, she wrote, and highlighted hopping on a Vespa as the first in the most outstanding experiences in her trip. On her first night in Ho Chi Minh City, she climbed on the back of a scooter and headed into the city centre to taste the perse flavors of the market, like a Chinese roasted duck and a French baguette.

The second one is to go deep into the Mekong Delta. Fletcher entered Ben Tre province and island-hopped on a small-boat tour in the Mekong Delta, which included a stop at an artisan workshop and lunch with a local farming family.

Taking the slow train to Hue is another outstanding experience. The writer described the rail journey to Hue as among the most beautiful in Southeast Asia. Visitors could enjoy coastal and rural views and buy snacks from vendors who hop on along the way.

The next one is to spend the day and night on Lan Ha Bay. Fletcher said she cruised the glorious waters in the less-touristy area of Lan Ha Bay and took in stunning scenery. She then kayaked into a sea cave and sipped cocktails while the sun set.



And on the last night, she decided to dine with a Hanoian family and savored some Cha ca, a freshwater fish marinated in a slew of fragrant spices that's a specialty of the city, which is an outstanding experience for her.

Vietnam tourism wins 16 categories at World Travel Awards Vietnam's tourism destinations and brands have been named in the top 16 award categories of the 2022 World Travel Awards, with the country accredited as Worlds Leading Heritage Destination for the third time since 2019.

Upbeat prediction for Vietnamese tourism Following a record year of expansion in Vietnam, Jakob Helgen, Marriott International area vice president for Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, discussed Vietnamese tourism in 2023.

Lavish Indian weddings boost Vietnams tourism High-end tourism sites are hoping to cash in on the trend of dazzling destination weddings for Indian travellers.
A Texas judge orders the FDA to pause mifepristone's approval

The decision gives United States President Joe Biden's administration time to appeal

Judge Matthew Kacsmark's order comes nearly a year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade

A federal judge in Texas issued a ruling on the abortion drug mifepristone on Friday, stating that he will suspend the FDA's two-decade-old approval; however, he delayed his ruling for seven days to allow the federal government to file an appeal.

Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk's decision comes as mifepristone received FDA approval over two decades ago. The much-awaited ruling of the Texas judge on mifepristone came almost a year after the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the constitutional right to abortion that has been in effect in the country since the early 1970s.

Texas Judge Stays Ruling on FDA Abortion Pill Approval

The judge held a key hearing in the case several weeks ago in Amarillo. However, the news of his decision only came down when many Americans were conducting religious observances. In a statement, Kacsmaryk noted that the court did not second-guess the FDA's decision-making but argued that the agency acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns, as per CNBC.

He noted that this violated the agency's statutory duty and was based solely on unsound reasoning and studies that worked against its conclusions. Following the latest development, the case is expected to go before the Supreme Court.

The FDA, abortion pill manufacturer Danco Laboratories, and the anti-abortion group Alliance Defending Freedom all presented their arguments before the court during the case hearing. The latter represented a coalition of physicians who oppose abortion called the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine.

The group sued the FDA last November over the agency's approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine argued that officials abused their authority by approving mifepristone through an accelerated process for new drugs that assist patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses more than what was supposedly available.

The Texas judge's decision would allow the abortion pill to be available in the market for at least seven days. Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, was critical of Roe v. Wade, and his initial ruling, in this case, could lead to the most consequential abortion decision since the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe last June, according to the New York Times.

Read Also: Kansas Legislature's Abortion Pill 'Reversal' Bill

Joe Biden Administration Could Appeal the Case

On the other hand, a lawsuit was filed in Washington state against the FDA by a dozen Democratic attorneys general. Judge Thomas O. Rice in a preliminary injunction of the case, Judge Thomas O. Rice blocked the agency from taking "any action to remove mifepristone from the market or otherwise cause the drug to become less available."

There was also a bill passed by anti-abortion lawmakers through the Kansas Legislature on Friday that required medical professionals to inform patients that an abortion pill may be "reversed" after it started.

Massachusetts leaders reacted to Judge Kacsmaryk's ruling, with Sen. Elizabeth Warren criticizing the decision. In a series of Twitter posts, she said the ruling was a "lawless ruling by an extremist Republican judge." Also, she urged the Biden administration to appeal the case immediately.

Warren noted in a separate tweet that Kacsmaryk believes he knows better than several decades of scientific evidence. She argued that the decision could result in women losing access to a safe and legal medication that they have continued to rely on for many years, said the Boston Globe.

Related Article: Florida Triple Murder Case Update

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Thailand seeks measures to bring down airfares (Photo source: bangkokpost.com)

Bangkok - Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the Transport Ministry to proceed with a five-point plan to tackle the soaring prices of air tickets in the short and long term.



Deputy Transport Minister Atirat Ratanasate said the ministry has informed the PM of the measures taken and those in the pipeline to address the substantial hikes, which is due to the surge in demand after the COVID-19 pandemic.



The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has looked into the causes and factors and developed its five-point plan to deal with the issue that has frustrated passengers, affecting tourism industry.



The measures include increasing ground handling capacity, relaxing rules to create flexibility for airlines, and considering a subsidy programme.



According to the CAAT, limited ground-handling capacity causes airlines to limit flights, so more ground-handling operators should be allowed. Positive incentives should be introduced to encourage airlines to return their flight slots as early as possible if they cannot operate the flights so that the slots can be reallocated.



Airlines are operating with a limited number of aircraft, so related rules could be eased to enable them to procure more aircraft to solve the seat capacity problem, the authority said.



The CAAT suggests airlines be given more flexibility regarding maintenance work carried out in other countries. When planes are serviced, the airlines' flight capacity is reduced. As a long-term measure, laws should be improved to promote investment in maintenance centres to serve the country's growing airline business. One short-term measure is to allow Thai-registered airlines to be serviced at a facility run by Thai Airways International.



Air tickets on certain routes are expensive due to low market demand or the service being provided by a single operator. The higher the airfares are, the lower the demand is. The government should consider a subsidy policy for airlines that operate flights to less popular destinations. The measure would drive demand and make these airports more attractive to investors, according to the agency.

Thailand eyes food trucks as new tourism trend Thailands Department of Business Development (DBD) is eyeing a new tourism trend - food trucks - in an effort to attract more visitors to the country.

Thailand to launch AI to scrutinise taxes Thai Director General of the Revenue Department Lavaron Sangsnit hass aid the department is using artificial intelligence (AI) to examine tax payments, enabling deeper scrutiny and preventing tax evasion.

Thai Navy strives to prevent oil spill in Gulf of Thailand The Thai government has ordered the Royal Thai Navy to join efforts to rescue an oil tanker operated by a unit of Chevron Corp that was damaged earlier this week during a routine maintenance in the Gulf of Thailand.

Thailand: Phuket, Isan listed among Worlds Greatest Places for 2023 Phuket and the northeastern provinces of Thailand (Isan) have been included on the TIME magazines list of The Worlds Greatest Places of 2023.
Waco utility customers could see an increase in their monthly bills in 2024 in the form of a street maintenance fee, council members discussed Thursday.

Public Works Director Amy Burlarley-Hyland said streets needs far exceed available revenue, requiring an estimated $56 million annually just to meet a citywide goal set for pavement conditions. The proposed street maintenance fee would increase residents monthly utility bills by $9.28 and would go to a dedicated street maintenance fund, according to a presentation to the council during a daylong retreat meeting Thursday. Details remain under development, and no formal proposal to implement the fees has been presented to the council.

Street maintenance fees shifts us from a government funding approach to operating the streets department more like a business  so people pay for the services that theyre getting, Burlarley-Hyland said. Its a transparent way for us to make sure that the citizens know exactly what theyre getting for that money that theyre paying.

She said implementing the fee would allow the city to shift money from the tax-supported general fund to be used on other things, including construction of new streets or capacity additions to existing streets. The street maintenance fund would pay for asphalt and concrete repairs, crack sealing, maintenance staff and emergency repairs.

It also could pay for traffic operations, so for the signs, the signals, the pavement marking, the crews that go out in the middle of the night when they go out, those types of things, Burlarley-Hyland said.

She said the fee would not pay for capacity improvements or construction of new roadways, it just pays to keep what you have in decent condition.

The fee would likely be collected on residents utility bills and have the same income-based and religious-owned discount system as the drainage utility fee, and the same exemptions for government-owned properties. Without discounts or exemptions, a base fee of $8.51 per month would generate the same as a $9.28 base fee with the exemptions and discounts.

Residential property owners would pay the base fee, and fees on commercial properties likely would be set based on an estimate of how much traffic a property generates.

Needs relating to street maintenance and traffic, including $425,000 to manage the fee program and collect the fees, are estimated at about $21.1 million for 2024. The total also includes about $17 million that otherwise would come out of the citys general fund.

The $17 million in general fund revenue that would be saved by the fee could be leveraged to create $288.9 million in new bond capacity, which could then be used to pay for underfunded capacity and capital improvement projects.

Assistant City Manager Paul Cain said the city has many needs and opportunities, like building connective throughways, widening county-type streets and making traffic signal upgrades, that could not traditionally be funded in the citys debt program. He said a street fee, if approved by council, is one way common with other cities that would make up some of the lack in funding.

Cain said the tax revenue freed up by the fee would be shifted from operations to debt service over a handful of years, not immediately.

City Manager Bradley Ford said 2023s property values from the McLennan County Appraisal District will help clarify how the city should set the fee.

In the midst of this conversation, theres a long-range conversation about how we should set up our business, Ford said. Theres also the short-range of whats the impact on the consumer, the taxpayer.

Of projects offered to residents in Wacos fiscal year 2024 budget simulator tool, street improvements were crowned the top priority.

According to surveys conducted by the company Fugro, in which a van drives each street, takes photos and collects measurements on roughness and ride, the percentage of streets rated poor has decreased from 41% to 32% since a 2015 survey. Streets rated as good have increased from 18% to 39%. The system classifies streets as poor, fair or good.

Wacos pavement condition index score, another means of assessing roadways, has increased from 50 in 2015 to 53, but has not yet reached its council-assigned goal of 70.

This would all be easy if we were starting fresh because we could dump a lot of dollars into preservation, but were governing a city that over generations didnt preserve streets as well as we wouldve liked to, so theres a lot that have fallen down on that scale, Ford said.

Improvements through the pavement management program over the last five years have required increasing funding, reaching a peak of $39.4 million in 2022. Through 2028, capital improvements for pavement management are projected to amount to $353.99 million.

Burlarley-Hyland also presented several capacity projects that are on the citys radar and have received some level of work but are unfunded or underfunded, totaling an estimated $285 million. Only about $12.2 million of the projects are currently funded, leaving a $273 million shortfall in just construction costs. A new street maintenance fee would not fund capacity projects, but excess money leveraged through the fees revenue could.

Ford said the city also is working to cover some costs with federal and state grant funding, but it is not likely that would cover the entire cost. Mayor Dillon Meek said there are many grants floating around now from nontraditional sources for things like connectivity, and it may take getting creative to find funding.

Maybe for something thats going to connect a North or East Waco neighborhood to a commerce district, theres going to be funding out there that might not be applicable to something in a different part of the city, Meek said.
LINCOLN  The Nebraska State FFA Association recognizes those who have dedicated themselves in doing their part to better the organization and the assisting the chapters and students in it. At the 95th Nebraska FFA State Convention, March 29-31, individuals and organizations have been awarded the following honors at various sessions:

The VIP and Distinguished Service Award recipients exemplify service to the FFA Association. The VIP Award is given to an individual, and the Distinguished Service Award is presented to a company or organization. The 2023 recipient of the VIP Award is Glenn Baumert of Wahoo.

The 2023 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award is BigIron.

The Cornerstone Awards are sponsored by Cornerstone Bank, and are given to school administrators who offer support and invest time into their agricultural education programs and FFA Chapters. The 2023 recipients of the Cornerstone Award include Dawn Moser of Mead, who serves as a guidance counselor at Mead Junior-Senior High School.
The Hastings teenager who was arrested Tuesday after making a "credible threat" of violence toward a student at a Clay County school did so amid a dispute surrounding his ex-girlfriend, investigators alleged in new court filings.

Connor Black-Lintz, 18, messaged a student at Sandy Creek School early Tuesday morning and threatened to break his neck after the student, a teenage boy, started dating Black-Litz's ex girlfriend, according to the court filings.

Soon after Black-Lintz allegedly hurled the threat, a "young male" called the school just before 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and inquired about the student before telling administrators the teen had a gun and had threatened violence, mentioning school shootings, Nebraska State Patrol Trooper Christopher Slocum said in the affidavit for Black-Lintz's arrest.

The school's principal, Jason Searle, called authorities, placed the school under lockdown and pulled the teen who had been the subject of the phone call from class, Slocum said in the affidavit.

Clay County Sheriff's deputies searched the teen's locker but did not find a gun.

The teen told administrators  and law enforcement  that Black-Lintz had sent him threatening messages on Snapchat three minutes before the unidentified "young male" called the school to report the teen had a gun, Slocum said.

Authorities reviewed a screenshot of Black-Lintz's alleged conversation with the teen, in which he told the student "there no doubt in my mind I could crush you," according to the affidavit.

Black-Lintz, who is not a student at Sandy Creek, at one point told the teen that he'd be at the school in 30 minutes, the State Patrol alleged.

The State Patrol found Black-Lintz at a house in Hastings, about 30 miles from the school, and took him into custody.

Prosecutors in Clay County charged Black-Lintz with terroristic threats, a felony, and two misdemeanors: false reporting and intimidation via phone or electronic communications.

In Adams County, prosecutors charged Black-Lintz with felony assault on an officer for allegedly hitting, kicking and spitting on troopers when they arrested him at his father's house in Hastings, according to court records.

Troopers took the 18-year-old to Richard Young Behavioral Health Center in Kearney for an emergency protective custody evaluation Tuesday evening, but he was later taken to the Buffalo County jail after an alleged assault at Richard Young, according to jail booking records.

He remained jailed in Kearney as of Friday.

The threat and subsequent lockdown upended school operations Tuesday at Sandy Creek, forcing administrators to cancel two sporting events scheduled for Tuesday and release students early.

Searle, the school's principal, told troopers the threat "caused panic at the school" and resulted in "major disruption" when parents began pulling their children from school.
YORK  A Henderson man has pleaded no contest to possessing sexually explicit conduct after being reported by the Predator Poachers, a group that monitors the internet in hopes of catching child predators.

Kevin Wengler, 50, was initially charged with possession of child pornography. This week, he pleaded to the amended charge. Both are felonies.

The case began when the Predator Poachers reported to the York County Sheriffs Department that Wengler had arranged to meet up with an underage girl, according to court documents.

The deputys affidavit says the Predator Poachers had been in contact with Kevin (Wengler) on Twitter where he had inappropriate conversation with a female he knew to be 11 years old.

Wengler was arrested after he was interviewed by sheriffs deputies and his phone was searched.

Sentencing has been set for June 15. He is facing a possible maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
WATERLOO  On April 13, water mains will be flushed in the Greenbrier area from Cedar Bend Street to Candlewick Road and West Donald Street to Greenbrier Road.

Water may be a brownish color during and after the flushing but the water is bacterially safe. Waterloo Water Works urges customers within the area and several blocks of it to not plan clothes washing on April 13.
HOUMA, La.  In Louisiana bayou country, where oil rig supply ships are as much a part of the waterside scenery as shrimp boats, a new kind of seagoing behemoth is taking shape that marks offshore wind power's growing presence in the energy seascape.

Louisiana shipbuilding giant Edison Chouest Offshore is assembling the 260-foot-long Eco Edison in coastal Terrebonne Parish, along the Houma Navigation Canal. It's being built for rsted, a Danish firm that builds and operates wind farms worldwide, and Eversource, a New England energy provider. When delivered next year, the ship will serve as floating housing for U.S. offshore wind technicians and a warehouse for their tools as they run and maintain wind farms in the Northeast.

Officials with the three companies gathered recently under the bow of the unfinished vessel to mark construction progress and hail the role offshore oil industries are playing in the development of offshore wind generation. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, of Louisiana, attended.

It's long been understood that offshore oil companies possess know-how valuable for offshore wind, for example, how to maintain machinery in a salty marine environment.

Differences between the Eco Edison and vessels built for offshore and deep water oil rigs aren't yet apparent as the skin and bones of the towering ship take shape in a 120-foot-tall waterside assembly building. But the differences are there, said Daryl Owen, a consultant on the project. Workers in protective clothing tended computer-driven machines bending and welding sections of piping and huge plates of steel. Standing near the stern of the developing ship on Monday, Owen pointed to the deck of a nearby oil industry supply vessel.

That's all open deck space for cargo," he said. "This vessel won't have that. It's got a lot more housing space for the workers.

The cargo will be different, too, Owen added. That vessel's got specialty tanks, all over, below decks, for specialty chemicals, fluids .... The wind guys don't need any of that.

While offshore oil platforms often double as living quarters for the workers who tend to them, the Eco Edison will be the temporary home for roughly 60 workers as it moves from turbine to turbine to provide maintenance.

The unveiling of the work in progress comes after the Biden administration announced a wind power strategy aimed at providing 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030.

Globally, countries are building out wind power and solar in a shift away from the coal, oil and methane gas burning that cause climate change.

But it also came days after House Republicans passed legislation to sharply increase domestic production of fossil fuels, and ease permitting restrictions that delay pipelines, refineries and other projects.

Louisiana politicians, Democrats and Republicans alike, have been critical of administration attempts to curb drilling. And oil and gas remains a major employer and driver of the Louisiana economy. But they are also embracing the state's role in helping the offshore wind industry take off.

Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards recently announced that Shell will invest $10 million with New Orleans-based Gulf Wind Technology for a project to develop turbine components designed to operate in the Gulf.

Wind turbines won't be sprouting in Gulf waters right away. Although the Biden administration is considering the first-ever lease sale for offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Mexico, there are challenges to address, including slower wind speeds.

But Gulf cities and companies are a big part of what will make the offshore wind industry successful, said David Hardy, CEO of the rsted Americas region. In turn, offshore wind developers are creating high-paying jobs in the Gulf and giving companies a way to diversify to take advantage of opportunities in the energy transition, he added.

rsted and Eversource say they're investing hundreds of millions of dollars in shipbuilding across the Gulf Coast. More than 400 shipbuilding workers with Edison Chouest Offshore have worked on the Eco Edison so far. Parts of the ship have been manufactured at ECO facilities in Florida and Mississippi and shipped to Houma.

People think about offshore wind and they think about jobs where the wind farms are. But the reality is, there are jobs being created across the country, Hardy said.

Because of century-old laws, only a qualified U.S.-flagged vessel can transport people and goods between U.S. ports. The Eco Edison is the first Jones Act-qualified wind farm service operations vessel in the United States. In Texas, Dominion Energy is building the first U.S.-based offshore wind installation vessel, the Charybdis. rsted and Eversource signed up to charter it first.

Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association, said the Gulf region is poised to become the economic engine of the offshore wind industry because of its highly skilled energy workforce. Leading offshore developers are racing to invest billions of dollars to construct a fleet of specialized vessels, he added.

When the Eco Edison is finished next year, it will go to Port Jefferson, New York, to serve three planned Northeast wind farms, South Fork Wind, Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind. Combined, those projects are expected to generate about 1.7 gigawatts of offshore wind energy to power over a million homes.

The side benefits of clean energy The side benefits of clean energy Clean energy provides almost 443,000 jobs in the US A federal carbon tax on all energy-related carbon emissions could raise $1.87 trillion over the next decade More than 25% of Americans live in states with carbon-pricing programs The US already produces enough clean energy to provide power for 58 million American homes The cost of wind and solar power fell 47% and 71% in the past decade, respectively Increased clean-energy use decreases the instance of heart attacks, asthma attacks, and other cardiovascular issues Clean energy is more resilient and reliable than fossil fuels
North Korea's cyber activities spark deep concern

South Korea, the United States, and Japan call to restrict North Korea's cybercrimes

The countries urged to ban North Korean workers abroad

In a joint statement released on Friday, the United States, South Korea, and Japan conveyed grave concern over North Korea's "malicious" cyber activities to support its weapons programs.

Cryptocurrency funds seized by North Korean hackers have been a major source of funding for the sanctions-plagued nation's weapons programs, according to US and allied officials and experts.

US, South Korea, Japan Urge to Ban North Korean Workers

The US Treasury Department published a report on April 6 stating that actors such as North Korea were using decentralized finance (DeFi), a thriving segment of the cryptocurrency industry, to transmit and launder illicit funds.

The North Korean government has denied accusations of hacking and other cyberattacks, Reuters reported. In light of North Korea's escalating nuclear and missile threats, South Korea's nuclear envoy met with his US and Japanese counterparts this week in Seoul and condemned the country's weapons tests.

According to Fox News, South Korea, the United States, and Japan have called for increased international support of efforts to restrict North Korea's cybercrimes and prohibit it from sending laborers abroad to prevent the country from funding its nuclear program.

The senior nuclear envoys from South Korea, the United States, and Japan met in Seoul on Friday for the first time in four months to discuss dealing with North Korea's expanding nuclear arsenal.

Recent North Korean weapons tests indicate that, rather than returning to negotiations, it intends to acquire more advanced missiles designed to attack the United States and its allies. Despite 11 rounds of UN sanctions and pandemic-related hardships that have exacerbated the country's economic and hunger issues, North Korea continues to devote most of its meager resources to its nuclear and missile programs.

Experts believe North Korea's crypto hacking and other illicit cyber activities, as well as the wages sent by North Korean laborers remaining in China, Russia, and elsewhere despite a previous UN order to repatriate them by the end of 2019, contribute to the financing of its weapons program.

Read Also: Cash App Founder Murder Update

North Korea Cyber Activities Fund Nuclear Programs

Per VOA News, how many North Koreans continue to labor abroad is still being determined. Before the 2019 UN deadline, the US State Department estimated that approximately 100,000 North Koreans were employed in factories, construction sites, forestry industries, and other sectors around the globe.

According to civilian experts, these laborers generate between $200 and $500 million annually for North Korea. According to US envoy Sung Kim, North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, as well as its "malicious cyber program that targets countries and individuals worldwide," imperil the security and prosperity of the entire international community.

In December, South Korea's intelligence agency reported that North Korean hackers had stolen an estimated $1.2 billion in cryptocurrency and other virtual assets over the past five years, with more than half of that amount occurring in the past year.

According to the National Intelligence Service, North Korea's ability to pilfer digital assets is among the finest in the world because it has prioritized cybercrime since the United Nations tightened economic sanctions in 2017 in response to its earlier nuclear and missile tests.

Friday's trilateral meeting is likely to aggravate North Korea, which has previously cautioned that the three nations' efforts to strengthen their security cooperation necessitated an immediate increase in its military strength.

Long argued that UN sanctions and US-led military exercises in the region are evidence of Washington's hostility towards Pyongyang. The North claims it was forced to develop nuclear weapons in response to US military threats. However, US and South Korean officials insist they have no plans to invade the North.

Related Article: US, South Korea, Japan Conduct First Anti-Submarine Drill

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WASHINGTON  Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs introduced more than 500 bills on March 29. Five hundred twenty-one to be exact: HR 1844 to HR 2364.

In just a single day, the former House Freedom Caucus chairman sponsored more bills than anyone else in an entire two-year sitting of Congress going back to 1973-74. If anybody else holds the record, they would have set it between 1789 and 1973.

Biggs 521 bills are 444 more than the 77 that he introduced in the entire 117th Congress, giving him credit for resolutions as well as bills. And its 419 more in one day than the 118th Congress second-most prolific legislator so far, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, has sponsored this year.

If his colleagues want to compete, theyll need to pick up the pace. Three months into this Congress  with only 21 more months to go  Biggs is on course to introduce more than 3,600 bills.

The bills would set spending caps on hundreds of budget line items. According to a news release from Biggs office, they would collectively reduce nondefense discretionary spending to pre-COVID levels, in line with Freedom Caucus demands to cut $100 billion in spending in fiscal 2024.

The bevy of bills are unlikely to see the House floor, said Molly Reynolds, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Are these 500+ bills going to become law? No. Are they even going to do that much to further the process towards getting a deal? Also, probably not, said Reynolds. But you need to know where various factions are, and this gives us some information about where the Biggs wing is.

That wing appears to be six Republicans deep: Reps. Chip Roy of Texas, Eli Crane of Arizona, Bob Good of Virginia, Matt Rosendale of Montana and Matt Gaetz of Florida signed on as co-sponsors.

The draft law deluge came as Democrats and Republicans mostly posture around raising the national debt ceiling, adopting a budget and enacting the annual spending bills.

Biggs potential record comes with an asterisk. The Library of Congress doesnt track members individual statistics but the Congressional Record reveals a few instances where the House, collectively, introduced more bills on a single day.

Reynolds, who maintains Brookings Vital Statistics on Congress, also said she couldnt definitively say where Biggs ranks in annals of history. CQ Roll Calls analysis is based on readily available Congress.gov records going back to the 93rd Congress.

As of April 4, the 586 bills and resolutions Biggs has sponsored this year compromise 14% of the 4,185 introduced in the 118th Congress.

Biggs might have been inspired by another Arizona Republican, then Rep. Jeff Flake, said Reynolds. In 2006, Flake proposed 41 amendments to the appropriation bills that would have stripped out members earmarks, and another 51 amendments to cut earmarks in 2007.

If you count amendments in your legislation stats, then Biggs prolific sponsoring session isnt as much of an outlier, as a few senators have proposed changes to underlying bills by the bucketload in recent years. In the 117th Congress, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah big-timed Biggs, sponsoring 730 total pieces of legislation, including 593 amendments.

The late Sen. Orrin Hatch introduced 2,833 amendments in the 98th Congress, proposing most during a fight over 1984 civil rights legislation. Inundating the floor in amendments after cloture had been invoked was a relatively common filibuster tactic until a Senate rule change in 1986.

Photos: Scenes from historic speaker vote of 118th Congress
MIAMI  Ten years ago this month, Sen. Chuck Schumer declared, "We all know that our immigration system is broken, and it's time to get to work on fixing it." Sen. John McCain quoted Winston Churchill. But it was Lindsey Graham who offered the boldest prediction.

"I think 2013 is the year of immigration reform," the South Carolina Republican said.

It wasn't. And neither has any year since those "Gang of Eight" senators from both parties gathered in a Washington auditorium to offer hopeful pronouncements. In fact, today's political landscape has shifted so dramatically that immigrant advocates and top architects of key policies over the years fear that any hope of an immigration overhaul seems further away than ever.

Many Republicans now see calling for zero tolerance on the border as a way to animate their base supporters. Democrats have spent the last decade vacillating between stiffer border restrictions and efforts to soften and humanize immigration policy  exposing deep rifts on how best to address broader problems.

"There are big questions about whether or not anything in the immigration family  anything at all  has the votes to pass," said Cecilia Munoz, who served as President Barack Obama's top immigration adviser and was a senior member of Joe Biden's transition team before he entered the White House.

The last extensive package came under President Ronald Reagan in 1986, and President George H.W. Bush signed a more limited effort four years later. That means federal agents guarding the border today with tools like drones and artificial intelligence are enforcing laws written back when cellphones and the internet were novelties. Laying the problem bare in the deadliest of terms was a fire last month at a detention center on the Mexican side of the border that killed 39 migrants.

Congress came the closest to a breakthrough on immigration in 2013 with the Gang of Eight, which included Schumer, a New York Democrat who is now Senate majority leader, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. Their proposal cleared the Senate that June and sought a pathway to citizenship for millions of people in the country illegally and expanded work visas while tightening border security and mandating that employers verify workers' legal status.

Democrats cheered a modernized approach to immigration. Republicans were looking for goodwill within the Latino community after Obama enjoyed strong support from Hispanic voters while being reelected in 2012.

Prominent supporters of the proposal were as diverse as the powerful AFL-CIO labor union and the pro-business U.S. Chamber of Commerce. There was more momentum than there had been for large immigration changes that fizzled in 2006 and 2007 under President George W. Bush.

Still, Republican House Speaker John Boehner gauged support for the Gang of Eight bill in the GOP-controlled chamber in January 2014 and said too many lawmakers distrusted the Obama administration. By that summer, the bill was dead.

Obama then created a program protecting from deportation migrants brought illegally to the U.S. as children. The Supreme Court has previously upheld it, but the court's relatively recent 6-3 conservative majority could pose long-term threats.

Years after the creation of Obama's program, President Donald Trump called for walling off all of the nation's 2,000-mile southern border, and his administration separated migrant children from their parents and made migrants wait in Mexico while seeking U.S. asylum.

Biden endorsed a sweeping immigration package on his Inauguration Day, but it went nowhere in Congress. His administration has since loosened some Trump immigration policies and tightened others, even as his party has seen Republican support rise among Hispanic voters.

Officials have continued to enforce Title 42 pandemic-era health restrictions that allowed for migrants seeking U.S. asylum to be quickly expelled, though they are set to expire May 11. The Biden White House is also considering placing migrant families in detention centers while they wait for their asylum cases, something the Obama and Trump administrations did.

Gil Kerlikowske, who was commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection under Obama, said "a lot of things are coming together at once," including Title 42 possibly ending, a spike in the number of South American migrants crossing through the treacherous rainforests of the Darian Gap between Colombia and Panama, and a 2024 presidential election ratcheting up the political pressure.

"Two and a half years into the administration, there really hasn't been any announcement of what is our immigration policy," Kerlikowske said. "Getting laws passed is almost impossible. But what's been the policy?"

The League of United Latin American Citizens is so desperate for meaningful progress that it has begun advocating for a full moratorium of up to six months on U.S. asylum as a way of calming things at the border. Its president, Domingo Garcia, said that migrants know they are processed and allowed to remain in the U.S. for years fighting for asylum in court, and that authorities need to "turn off the faucet" to help strained border cities.

"We need a total reset," said Garcia, whose group is the nation's oldest Latino civil rights organization. "I think that people on the far left are just as wrong as those who believe they should close the border and let no one in."

Biden's administration announced in early January that it would admit up to 30,000 people a month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela for two years with authorization to work and make it easier to apply online. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas argues that the new rules are designed to weaken cartels who help migrants cross into the U.S. illegally.

It appears to be working, for now. After federal authorities detained migrants more than 2.5 million times at the southern border in 2022  including more than 250,000 in December, the highest monthly total on record  the number of encounters with migrants plummeted during the first two months of this year.

Photos: 39 killed at migrant detention center near US border
An Iowa nursing home administrator, accused of deliberately locking a resident outside of the building in a wheelchair for 11 hours overnight, is now facing disciplinary charges from a state licensing board.

The Iowa Board of Nursing Home Administrators has charged Scott Morton with professional incompetence; negligence in the practice of the profession; and violating unspecified regulations, rules or laws related to the practice of nursing home administrators.

According to the board, the violations are tied to health-facility citations issued last July against an unspecified care facility. The alleged conduct that gave rise to the charges are being kept confidential pursuant to a 2021 Iowa Supreme Court order.

However, state officials have identified Morton as the administrator of the Dubuque Specialty Care nursing home on June 22, 2022, when regulators found that a resident of the home who uses a wheelchair was deliberately locked outside overnight.

At 5 p.m. that day, a male resident of the home became upset when he was informed of a new policy that barred residents from smoking anywhere outside the building on company property. Im getting the hell out of here, the man reportedly told the staff.

A nurse asked him to sign papers acknowledging that he was leaving the facility against medical advice, telling him once he exited the building, he wouldnt be let back in and was no longer the responsibility of Dubuque Specialty Care.

A staff member then let the man outside. He sat in his wheelchair at the end of the driveway to the home, waiting for a ride from a friend. He eventually migrated to a location on the sidewalk across the street from the facility and remained there until 4 a.m. the next day, eventually calling a taxi service.

He then fell and soiled himself while trying to get into the taxi. The driver summoned an ambulance, and the man was taken to a hospital.

During the mans 11 hours outdoors, Dubuque Specialty Care failed to provide him with food, transfer assistance, treatments or any of his medications, which included insulin, placing him in immediate jeopardy, state inspectors later reported.

Those same inspectors interviewed a licensed practical nurse who was on duty the night of the incident, and she alleged that Morton, the administrator, had said, We can no longer allow them to smoke. If they have a ride, they can go somewhere else, but they cannot smoke near the grounds.

We did not ask him to come back inside because the administrator had told us we could not, one nurse reportedly told inspectors. The administrator told me if he went out, he was not allowed back.

If you go out that door, you are out!

Another nurse allegedly told inspectors, I got a phone call from a gentleman across the street in the condominiums. He went and checked on (the resident) and he offered him a glass of water.

About 10 p.m., a nurse asked a certified nurse aide to go outside, check on the man, and take him a sweatshirt since it was getting cool outside, telling the aide, Hes still human. The aide brought the man the sweatshirt, which he accepted, and a beef stick from the nurses dinner, which he rejected.

Another nurse aide told inspectors she went outside to offer the man water, although some of her colleagues had advised against it. The nurses directed me to stay away from him, she said, according to the inspectors reports. They were worried about losing their jobs. You are going to get fired if they find out you are out there, is what they said.

No, I did not tell staff residents were not allowed back in the building, Morton allegedly said when interviewed by inspectors. Technically, he discharged (himself) from the facility, so we were not responsible for him, Morton added, according to the inspectors reports.

Two days after that interview, Morton was questioned again by inspectors. On that occasion, he allegedly stated the staff and residents had all misunderstood the policy and that residents had always been allowed to go outside to smoke.

I learned about (the man) being outside all night the next morning, he allegedly said. I followed up with our admissions coordinator the next day. I had her check on him, and I think he is currently in the hospital.

The admissions coordinator denied that, telling inspectors Morton never directed her to follow up with the hospital or check on the mans well-being.

Inspectors also interviewed the resident who had been left outside. He reportedly stated the director of nursing had said to him, You aint going nowhere. If you go out that door, you are out! He said the director of nursing later drove by him in a car, warning him, You better not put one foot on my property.

The man told inspectors that after being taken to the hospital, he was given pain pills and discharged. He ended up at a hotel, he said, and was doing well there for a few days until he started to feel weak, which he attributed to his lack of insulin. He then went back to the hospital.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services fined Dubuque Specialty Care $131,640 as a result of the incident.

Dubuque Specialty Care currently has since hired a new administrator who referred all questions on the incident to the homes corporate owner, Care Initiatives of West Des Moines. The company did not respond to several calls from the Iowa Capital Dispatch.

Morton could not be reached for comment, and its not known whether hes currently employed by another Iowa care facility. A hearing on the licensing board charges against him is scheduled for May 23.
A survivor of six heart attacks and a brain tumor, a grumpy bear of a man, whom has declared Russia as his new and wonderful home. His wife is a true Russian Sweet Pea of a girl and she puts up with this bear of a guy and keeps him in line. Thank God for my Sweet Pea and Russia.
Here are some explained symbolic Easter foods that traditionally make it into the Pascha basket:

Kulich freshly baked and topped with white icing and colorful sprinkles and the letters XB which stands for Christ is Risen ( B!)

Pascha a pyramid-shaped cheese dessert made with farmers cheese, eggs, butter, raisins and almonds

Colored eggs hard boiled and dyed either blood red to represent the Resurrection and new life

Ham or lamb meat symbolize the great joy and abundance of Easter

Butter is typically shaped into a figure of a lamb or a three-barred (Russian) cross and reminds us of the goodness of Christ

Horseradish grated with red beets is symbolic of the Passion of Christ; he bittersweet flavors also remind us of his resurrection

Special Blessed candles symbolizes the light of the world and light of Jesus Christ

Verba (Pussy Willow) branch as a symbol of new life and new beginnings

Below is not my recipe. It is from people I know here in Russia and I have never made Paskha

Paskha  also known as , paskha, pasca and pascha  is a pyramid-shaped confection that is served for Easter in the Eastern Orthodox homes of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and also in Poland and Lithuania. Similar in taste to a cheesecake without the crust, paskha is traditionally spread on slices of kulich, a sweet Easter bread. Ingredients: Farmers cheese  2 pounds

Unsalted butter, room temperature  1/2 pound

Sugar  1 1/2 cups

Egg yolks, hard-cooked  6

Heavy cream  1 cup

Blanched almonds, finely ground  1/2 cup

Vanilla  1 1/2 teaspoons

Raisins  1/4 cup Lets make: Drain farmers cheese overnight in a fined-meshed sieve or through several layers of cheesecloth. After the cheese has drained, press it through a medium-meshed sieve once or twice to break up the curds and make it light and fluffy. Set aside Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of a standing mixer and beat together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes Beat in the egg yolks one at a time Reduce speed to medium low and beat in the farmers cheese, heavy cream, almonds and vanilla Line a pashka mold or a clean terracotta flowerpot with cheesecloth that has been rinsed with water and squeezed dry Fill the mold or pot with the cheese mixture Place a lid or a small plate on top of the mold and set a weight on top. Place the mold in a bowl to catch any liquid and refrigerate for at least 12 hours Remove the paskha from the mold onto a serving plate and use the raisins to decorate the sides

Again: Now you know a bit more about Russia

WtR
Weather Alert

.Near record high temperatures Thursday through Sunday will bring significant streamflow rises, especially for snow covered terrain below about 8000 feet. Rises will likely increase daily through the weekend following a diurnal melt cycle with the highest flows often in the evenings and overnight. ...FLOOD WATCH FOR SNOWMELT IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Flooding caused by snowmelt is possible. * WHERE...Portions of California and western Nevada, including the following areas, in California, Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties, Mono County and Surprise Valley California. In western Nevada, Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area and Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties. * WHEN...From Thursday afternoon through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Creeks and streams will be running high and fast. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Minor mainstem flooding is currently forecast along the Forks of the Carson River beginning late Friday. The Susan and Walker Rivers will also need to be closely monitored as flooding 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. &&
NASA, SpaceX launches new TEMPO satellite to monitor Earth's air pollution

The new instrument will track air pollution every hour to provide new data

The data could help scientists keep better track of which areas are more at risk from pollution

In coordination with SpaceX, NASA has successfully launched its new TEMPO satellite, a powerful new instrument designed to monitor Earth's air pollution every hour.

The satellite's data would give scientists more information regarding air quality changes from neighborhood to neighborhood. This could fill in gaps that cause disparities in which population has to live with the most pollution.

NASA, SpaceX Launch New TEMPO Satellite

The new instrument is known as the Tropospheric Emissions Monitoring of Pollution and will monitor three harmful pollutants: nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and ground-level ozone. These three together are known as the key ingredients for smog.

The launch of the satellite comes as three out of eight Americans live in countries that received F markings for smog from the American Lung Association's State of the Air report. As per The Verge, this burden also tends to fall along racial and economic lines.

Data showed that people of color were 3.6 times more likely than white people to live in a country with multiple failing grades for different types of pollution. Lower-income communities across North America were also found to experience more air pollution.

In a March 30 press release, TEMPO program applications lead at NASA, John Haynes, said they have known for some time that oil refineries or chemical plants tend to be in lower-income neighborhoods. He noted that this was one of the reasons that property values were lower because of the air quality in these areas.

However, he argued that they had never before had any ground-based monitors stationed in every neighborhood to confirm such a theory. Scientists hope the new instrument could help eliminate these uncertainties by measuring the light that gases and particles in the atmosphere reflect into space.

Read Also: Massive Asteroid Heading Toward Earth

Monitoring Air Pollution on Earth

The TEMPO satellite was launched onboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and is a joint project with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. According to Weather, Erika Wright, who was with the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, said that TEMPO would measure several key air quality constituents that impact human health, agriculture, and the environment.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 12:30 a.m. on Friday. The weather at the time of the rocket's launch was near perfect, and it glowed against clear skies.

TEMPO will orbit roughly 22,000 feet above our planet, which is geostationary, meaning that its orbital speed is the same as the Earth's rotation. This provides the opportunity to take measurements of North America once every hour.

Laura Judd, a TEMPO researcher, said in an interview that instead of seeing clouds, they can use the satellite to see largely invisible pollutants in what they call "chemical weather." She added that the instrument would allow scientists to see where these pollutants originate and how they are moving across our planet, said CBS News.

Related Article: NASA Ingenuity Helicopter Breaks 2 Records on Mars

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The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire  which started as two separate U.S. Forest Service prescribed burns  destroyed more than 900 structures while burning across more than 340,000 acres in Northern New Mexico last year.

It took months for firefighters to fully contain. Then, when summer rains washed over the damaged earth, floods caused even more destruction.

It was the largest recorded fire in New Mexicos history. And many residents in the area are still picking up the pieces.

Heres a look back through photographs at the catastrophic wildfire and the continuing fallout.

New Mexico's largest wildfire: Devastation lingers one year since spark that lit Hermits Peak blaze Take a look at how life is forever changed in the communities of Mora Valley.

April 2022

May 2022

June 2022

July 2022

February 2023
Quitting time for Albuquerque City Council meetings is officially 10:30 p.m.  or at least thats what council rules say  meaning the legislative body has 5 hours to take care of business every other Monday night.

But when 330 minutes are just not enough, the council can vote on the spot to bypass the policy and set a later end time.

Its not particularly rare. And it happened again Monday when the council decided to formally extend its session to midnight.

However, the witching hour turned out to be several councilors limit.

As Monday turned to Tuesday and the council was still debating details of how to spend $200 million in projected infrastructure money  making amendments to decide which specific roadways and parks initiatives should get funding  Councilor Brook Bassan motioned to extend the meeting further into the wee hours. The author of the spending plan, Bassan had said she wanted to finalize it and end what she called recent chaos surrounding the legislation.

Dan Lewis also favored carrying on, noting that city ordinance requires the council to vote on the biennial infrastructure plan  which ultimately goes out for voter approval in the fall via bond questions  at its first April meeting.

But going against the councils procedural rules requires at least six of the nine councilors to agree, and Bassan only had four supporters: Renee Grout, Lewis, Klarissa Pena and Louie Sanchez.

The other four councilors  Isaac Benton, Pat Davis, Tammy Fiebelkorn and Trudy Jones  were already on record seeking to delay the $200 million decision until the next meeting.

Im uncomfortable doing this at this hour, Jones had said shortly before 11 p.m. People like to watch and see what were doing and listen to our debate. I like to watch and listen and see what were doing. I dont want to sit here and go to sleep. Its late.

While their four votes were not enough to approve a two-week vote deferral, they were enough to quash Bassans attempt to suspend council rules to keep the meeting going past midnight.

That automatically moved the infrastructure bill to the April 17 meeting.

SCHOOL NIGHT EXCEPTION: While the mere mention of an infrastructure bill is probably enough to make most peoples eyes glaze over, at least one local mid-schooler seems to be following it closely.

Tommy Soto, a 12-year-old Cottonwood Classical Prep School student, attended Mondays meeting to provide public comment on the $200 million package. Though the legislation was last on the meeting agenda, Council President Pat Davis said he would not make Soto wait until then and invited him to the podium around 9 p.m.

Mr. Soto still has school tomorrow and were keeping him late, so were going to make a special exception and let him speak to us now, Davis said.

Soto used his moment to extol the virtues of the Albuquerque Museum and encourage the council to apply some of the $200 million toward the museums planned education center, saying he has personally benefited from years of art classes at the museum.

The museum classes taught me about art from all over the world, including Mexico, Japan, India and Australia. I learned about different art techniques I still use now and about different art genres, he said. If I didnt have this opportunity, I wouldnt be the artist I am.

Though Mayor Tim Kellers infrastructure proposal to the council included $3.25 million for the museum project, the councils spending plan removed it.

Some councilors, however, have shown interest in restoring the funding prior to the final vote.
After being initially tabled  and denied  El Camino Real Academys charter was finally renewed by the Albuquerque Public Schools board Wednesday night.

In a decision attorney Arthur Melendres, who represents APS, described as a hard one to swallow, the board begrudgingly voted 4-2 to approve a five-year charter renewal of the school  but only at the behest of the state Public Education Department.

Board Vice President Peggy Muller-Aragon and member Crystal Tapia-Romero still voted no on the approval. El Camino Real Executive Director Jennifer Mercer did not respond to email or phone message requests for comment.

Were being told that we have to do something, and that we dont just get to do the job we were elected to do, Muller-Aragon said Wednesday. In the end, its the children that are getting harmed with these  very, very, very poor outcomes.

The school board in December initially tabled El Camino Reals renewal application, citing concerns over it and another charter schools financials and test scores.

El Camino Real students who took statewide standardized tests last school year were about 18% proficient in language arts and about 6% proficient in math. District charter schools students in general were about 40% proficient in English and 29% proficient in math, and APS students overall were about 35% and 25% proficient, respectively.

Some 92% of students at El Camino Real are Hispanic, and 100% of the school is receiving free lunches, according to district data. Respectively, APS charters are around 69% and 63%, and the district overall is around 66% and 68%.

When the board took up the charter renewal again in early March, members turned it down, again expressing concerns over the charter schools lagging proficiency levels, especially given the fact that it serves students from kindergarten through high school.

Cue the PED stepping in.

After the board initially tabled the decision, the charter school appealed to the state education department, arguing the school board failed to give a decision about renewing El Camino Reals charter before its deadline of Jan. 1.

In its decision, the PED found that there was no substantial evidence to support the boards decision not to renew El Camino Reals charter, and ordered the school board to approve it without any conditions.

One thing that really bothers me  about the way charters are structured is that we have little control over them, board member Barbara Petersen, who said she voted for the renewal with handcuffs on, said Wednesday.

The district will now begin negotiating academic indicators with El Camino Real, Charter Schools Director Joseph Escobedo said, which will likely go before the board next month.

District staff are also proposing a newer approach to such charter renewals, which may include bringing evaluations on a schools performance to board members sooner.
A man pleaded guilty Friday to abandonment of a child in the 2019 death of his infant daughter at an Albuquerque motel.

The plea comes four years after Moses Johnson, 43, told police that he left his 11-month-old baby in a motel bathroom overnight with the shower running to provide a respiratory treatment.

The next morning, he found the unresponsive girl in the bathtub.

Johnson also pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence in the girls April 9, 2019, death at the San Mateo Inn and Suites.

Second Judicial District Court Judge Bruce Fox said during the brief plea hearing Friday that he could sentence Johnson to up to 12 years in prison under the terms of the plea agreement.

A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled in the case.

Johnson initially told police the baby drowned accidently in a hotel pool.

He later changed his story, saying he left the girl strapped in a car seat beside a running shower, and propped her up on a toilet seat, prosecutors said in court records.

Johnsons attorney, Craig Acorn, said in a 2019 hearing that the girl had recently been diagnosed with a respiratory infection. Johnson gave the girl medication and turned on the shower to provide a steam treatment for her, Acorn said.

Johnson told police he left the girl unattended in the bathroom and later had sex and fell asleep. When he checked on the girl the next morning, he found her face down and unresponsive in the bathtub. The car seat was wedged between the toilet and the tub.

Johnson said he initially said the girl had drowned in a pool because he didnt want people to think he had killed her, according to court records.
The family of a Native American woman who went missing from her home on the Navajo Nation pleaded with the man accused of assaulting her and taking her pickup truck, asking during a court hearing Friday that he tell them where he left Ella Mae Begay so they could bring her home and find closure.

The tearful messages of family members resonated through a courtroom in Flagstaff, Arizona, as they told the judge about what they have endured since Begay disappeared nearly two years ago.

Theres nothing thats coming out of this whole situation except all the pain that hes caused, the anger, the frustration, her son Gerald Begay said. I mean, this is a mother, an aunt, a grandma, a sister, you know, that doesnt deserve this type of assault.

A soft-spoken woman who was known as a master weaver, Begay was always cautious and never drove around at night. So her family knew immediately that something was wrong when they saw her gray pickup truck leaving her home in the remote community of Sweetwater, Arizona, near the New Mexico border, that June night in 2021.

Prosecutors outlined the allegations against Preston Henry Tolth, 23, after he entered not guilty pleas to assault and carjacking charges that stemmed from Begays disappearance. The indictment naming Tolth had been under seal until earlier this week.

Tolth, of Thoreau east of Gallup, was ordered to remain in custody pending trial after U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille Bibles determined that he was dangerous and that no conditions of release would guarantee the communitys safety.

The proffered facts of the case are extremely concerning, the judge said. They involve senseless acts of extreme violence against a victim who was defenseless.

Luke Mulligan, a federal public defender for Tolth, did not argue with the prosecutions request that Tolth remain in custody.

Begay was 62 at the time she disappeared. Her case has garnered national attention as tribal leaders, state legislators and law enforcement agencies across the country have been working to establish special commissions and task forces aimed at investigating missing person cases and unsolved slayings in Indian Country.

A year after Begay disappeared, her niece Seraphine Warren began walking from the Navajo Nation to Washington, D.C., to bring attention to the decades-long epidemic of violence that has disproportionately affected Indigenous people.

Begays family members also have met with U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who recently joined Justice Department officials in hosting the first in-person session of the Not Invisible Act Commission in Washington. The commission is developing recommendations for preventing and responding to violence affecting tribal communities.

Warren addressed Tolth directly during Fridays hearing.

Will you please just tell us where my aunt is? You know exactly what you did to her, Warren said before breaking down in tears.

Federal prosecutors said the indictment naming Tolth marked an important step in determining the truth about what happened to Begay.

They told the judge that Begays daughter had called authorities the night of the disappearance to report that someone was breaking into her home. She hid while the suspect rummaged around and took some drinks before leaving and walking down the road in the direction of her mothers home.

The daughter called police again after they did not respond to the first call and told them that she saw her mothers truck leaving the home and that she could not reach her. Police arrived about 20 minutes later and the search began.

Navajo Nation authorities previously identified Tolth as a person of interest, and federal prosecutors confirmed Friday that shoe prints found between the two homes matched shoes belonging to Tolth. Investigators also found bloody clothing that belonged to Tolth at a relatives home.

Authorities said Tolth admitted to taking the truck so he could drive to New Mexico, where ultimately he ended up selling the vehicle for $200 and methamphetamines.

Authorities determined through multiple interviews that Tolth had been drinking that night and got into a fight with his father, resulting in him being left on the side of the road. The spot where he was dropped off was about 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Begays home.

Tolth told federal agents during a series of interviews that he snapped and struck Begay in the face multiple times, causing her to bleed from the nose and mouth. He told authorities that he wasnt sure if she was dead when he drove away and that he regretted hitting her since all he wanted was the truck.

Tolth has a criminal history including charges of aggravated battery, resisting arrest, residential burglary and drug possession dating back to 2019, according to New Mexico court records.
Following Virgin Orbit's bankruptcy filing, Japan's ambitious plans to build a domestic space industry have been put on hold, as reported by Reuters.

(Photo: by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

Virgin Orbit signage is displayed outside the company's headquarters in Long Beach, California, on April 4, 2023. - Virgin Orbit, the satellite launch company founded by Richard Branson, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will sell the business, the firm said in a statement Tuesday.

Japan has plans for a spaceport in Kyushu to attract tourism. However, due to the lack of funding, the plans are now put on hold. The Oita prefecture is home to Japan's largest number of hot springs and has partnered with Virgin Orbit in 2020 to build the first Asian spaceport at Oita Airport using a Boeing 747 to accommodate horizontal rocket launches.

The initial goal was to launch small satellites from Oita as early as last year, but it never happened. It was another setback for Japan in its attempts to become a player in commercial satellite launches following two rocket launch failures.

ANA Holdings' All Nippon Airways Trading Co. and IQPS Inc emerged as two of the top six creditors when Virgin Orbit filed for bankruptcy. ANA owed $1.65 million and was a key partner for the Oita spaceport. It entered a provisional deal with Virgin Orbit in 2021 for 20 flights of its LauncherOne rocket.

On the other hand, iQPS paid a $5.2 million deposit to launch its small constellation satellites.

There Is Still Hope

Oita prefecture estimated the airport would produce economic benefits worth around 10.2 billion yen in the region over the five years from the initial launch. It expects 240,000 tourists rising the site.

Locals remain hopeful that a spaceport will emerge. Also, Oita prefecture is adamant about pushing through with efforts to attract a spaceport.

Also read: Billionaire's Space Race: Virgin Galactic Founder Richard Branson Set to Fly to Space on Sunday, Hopes to Beat Jeff Bezos

Japan's Space Plans

Japan has a long history in space exploration and has been actively pursuing its space ambitions for decades. The country has made significant contributions to the international space community, including the development of the Kibo laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS) and the launch of a number of satellites for both commercial and scientific purposes.

In recent years, Japan has been looking to expand its space capabilities even further. The country's space agency, JAXA, has set ambitious goals for the coming years, including the launch of a lunar lander and rover as part of the Artemis program and the development of a new space station in orbit around the moon.

Japan is also looking to increase its international collaborations in space. The country has established partnerships with a number of other spacefaring nations, including the United States, Europe, and Russia.

In addition, Japan has been working to strengthen its space relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Australia, India, and Vietnam.

However, the recent bankruptcy of Virgin Orbit, a key partner in Japan's space plans, has cast a shadow over the country's ambitions. Virgin Orbit had been working with JAXA to develop a small satellite launch system, and the bankruptcy has put this collaboration in doubt.

Nevertheless, Japan is expected to continue pushing forward with its space aspirations, seeking new partnerships and pursuing innovative technologies to advance its space capabilities.

Related article: Virgin Galactic Unveils LauncherOne Rocket

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.

LAST WEEKS QUESTION:

Should the city of Albuquerque try again to reinstate a curfew for youth?

Yes, they should reinstate the curfew. However, if they reinstate it the city must also have programs for the kids to be involved in. Theyre doing things for the homeless and they need to do something for the kids. They are our future.

 Alejandro Encinias, Albuquerque

Treating youth as wrongdoers is demoralizing for them and embarrassing for those of us who are older. My son was a plaintiff in the original curfew case and is a lawyer today  not a criminal.

 Jennie Lusk, Albuquerque

Yes, I think there should be a curfew for kids. They have no business being out until all hours of the night. Usually it just gives them more time to get in trouble. Being at home after a certain time is safer for them and for other people.

 Judy Whitney, Albuquerque

Its a nice idea that harkens to a youthful time decades ago. I cant imagine the already overly stressed police enforcing a curfew. It would become a secondary infraction tacked on to a more serious crime. And I doubt parents would enforce it either.

 Dan Webster, Albuquerque

I have mixed feelings if there should be a curfew for teens. It seems that when I was a teenager, our parents set the time; we had to be in yards before the sun went down. As a parent, my daughter knew what time to be back home. Not sure.

 Lonnie Barraza, Albuquerque

I think there needs to be a curfew. The main reason is the crime rates and all the racing, shootings and shoplifting through Albuquerque. I really think a curfew would help.

 Jennifer Collins, Edgewood

I think it is useless to impose a curfew on youth because those that offend have parents that have either lost control or never disciplined their children so these offending youth have no rules. Parents should be held accountable for the crimes that their children commit to do any good.

 Carla Chirigos, Albuquerque

Absolutely, I support a curfew. Look at the time of day, or night. Our teenagers are getting run over and shot. And make parents accountable by (a) fine.

 Florence Hines, Albuquerque

Seems like a good idea. However, it will be difficult to enforce, and the police will have more to distract them from the calls they already do not seem to be able to respond to in a reasonable amount of time. So I would say, no.

 Linda Schaffer, Albuquerque

Yes, teens should not be out late at night. These young teens are out committing crimes, and when they are faced with the consequences they are scared and dont realize what they have done will ruin their lives. Its dangerous out there for them.

 Pauline Gallegos, Albuquerque

It would give police a reason to question youth out late into the night, which may reduce the possibility of some youth crime. It would seem far better for parents to know where their kids are, with whom, what theyre doing  hopefully without drugs, alcohol or guns  and when theyll be home.

 D.W. Livingston, Albuquerque

Albuquerque should reinstate a youth curfew. Many major cities have them and they are helpful in curtailing property crime and delinquency. If we are serious about helping our students to be successful in school, they must first be safely at home by a reasonable hour.

 William Stotts, Albuquerque

Why dont you focus on the homeless first? Most youth would not be on the street if they had a proper home. Also, more programs for youth. Give them a direction, give them a chance. Let none have idle hands.

 Shari Gilliam, Corrales

Because of so much crime and murders here, they really should impose a law for all underage youths to be off the streets and home before 8-9 p.m. unless with their parents. We are losing a lot of good kids to drugs, alcohol, guns and wild party abuse.

 Nancy Sylvain, Albuquerque

There is no reason for (children) under 17 to be out past (midnight) without work papers. If parents cant or wont control their kids, a curfew would help with the violence on our streets. Albuquerque needs safe streets for all.

 Georgine Katsaros, Albuquerque

THIS WEEKS QUESTION:

What do you think about the idea of building a soccer stadium for N.M. United at Balloon Fiesta Park?

Want to participate in Top of Mind? Send your thoughts in 50 words or less to question@abqjournal.com. Responses must include your name and city to be published.

Or use our form at www.abqjournal.com/top-of-mind-weekly-question-form
A woman is accused of fatally stabbing her neighbor during an argument Friday evening at an apartment complex in the Northeast Heights.

Jennifer Key, 50, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 53-year-old Thomas LaRosa, who lived in the same complex.

Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque Police Department spokesman, said Key was arrested by detectives and was booked into jail on Saturday afternoon.

Police said witnesses told them LaRosa and Key had previously been in a relationship before he broke up with her.

Court records show that late last month Key was charged after allegedly using her handbag to break the window of another neighbor.

Witnesses to the fatal stabbing told police Key has had several confrontations with residents of the complex and was on the verge of getting evicted, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

Police responded around 7:45 p.m. to the stabbing at Copper Hills Apartments near Montgomery and Tramway NE. Officers found LaRosas body in a pool of blood outside an apartment.

Two men told police they were watching a movie and drinking and smoking pot with Key when she began arguing with LaRosa through the open window, according to the complaint. The men said LaRosa opened the door to the apartment and the argument continued before Key stabbed him.

Police said both men told them Key was not justified in stabbing LaRosa and it was unnecessary because she was not in any danger. Key told police she had known LaRosa for a decade and they had been in a brief relationship in 2022 that ended when he attacked her.

Key told police LaRosa was unarmed but got in my face during the argument and stabbed him to get him to back up, according to the complaint. Key said there was zero physical interaction between them before she stabbed LaRosa.

Police said Key told them once she realized LaRosa was gravely injured she called 911.
BBC Celebrity

The production designer, who worked on 'Star Wars' as well as 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', passed away 'peacefully' with his wife Ann and three daughters by his side, his family confirms.

Apr 8, 2023

AceShowbiz - Norman Reynolds, the double Oscar-winning art director on "Star Wars" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark", has died aged 89. The production designer, who was also second unit director on 1993's "Alive" and special effects director for "Exorcist III", passed "peacefully" surrounded by loved ones, it emerged on Thursday, April 6.

His family said in a statement, "Norman was a cherished husband, father, father-in-law, granddad and great grandad. You would not know that behind his unassuming, funny and affable exterior lay an enormously talented production designer who brought so many of the films we all love to life through his iconic set designs. He was amazed at the fanbase his work created and how much his work meant to them. But above all, he loved and delighted in his large and growing family. He died peacefully with his wife Ann and three daughters by his side."

Kathleen Kennedy, president of "Star Wars" production company Lucasfilm said, "Norman was an exceptional person to work with. His contributions to the first entries of the 'Star Wars' saga and Indiana Jones series helped set the standard for the look of these beloved stories that has inspired generations of film designers."

Steven Spielberg, 76, previously hailed Norman as a "creative core" of the "Indiana Jones" and "Star Wars" films, saying, "He possessed that rare combination of humility and utter genius."

Some of Norman's most famous work included designing the carbon freezing chamber in which Han Solo was encased in the 1980 Star Wars installment "The Empire Strikes Back", as well as Yoda's planet Dagobah. His designs were also included in the Disney+ Star Wars spin-off series "The Mandalorian".

Norman's first Oscar was for Best Production Design on 1978's "Star Wars", followed by another Academy Award for his work on Spielberg's 1982 "Raiders of the Lost Ark". He went on to design sets for "Superman", "Empire of the Sun", "Alien 3" and the first of Tom Cruise's "Mission: Impossible" films. Born in Willesden, northwest London, in 1934, he often told people he made biscuits so they wouldn't know about his Hollywood links.

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A 28-year-old man named Daniel Cardenas accuses the former professional skateboarder of invading his home in the middle of the night in March, waking him up from his sleep before making a death threat.

Apr 8, 2023

AceShowbiz - It looks like Bam Margera couldn't stop making trouble. A new report suggested he was hit with a temporary restraining order for allegedly threatening a man's life.



According to legal docs obtained by TMZ, a man named Daniel Cardenas accused Bam of invading his home in the middle of the night in March. The 28-year-old claimed Bam woke him up from his sleep before making a death threat.

"You have 12 hours to leave the house or I will kill you with my brass knuckles," the 43-year-old stun performer allegedly told the accuser.

Daniel said his roommate heard the alleged threat, prompting them to come to the room and forcing Bam to leave. However, the former professional skateboarder reportedly came back 90 minutes later and confronted him once again.

"You have 12 seconds to leave," Bam allegedly told Daniel while shoving a fist full of rings in the latter's face.

Daniel said he lives in Oceanside, California. He claimed Bam's current girlfriend, Jessica, and her 8-year-old daughter have been staying at his home after Bam was arrested for domestic violence.

The former "Jackass" star was taken into custody in early March after deputies were called to a home in Escondido, California for a domestic dispute. Jessica accused Bam of kicking her during an altercation between the two. He, however, was later released in after posting $50,000 bail.

Later that month, Bam was arrested for public intoxication after allegedly making a scene at a restaurant while dining out with his estranged wife Nikki Boyd and son Phoenix. In a video obtained by TMZ, he was seen launching into a tirade against his Nikki in front of their 5-year-old child.

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After being released from hospital, the head of the Catholic Church will not be attending the procession on Friday night ahead of Easter Sunday because of 'extremely cold weather in Rome.'

Apr 8, 2023

AceShowbiz - Pope Francis is skipping the Good Friday procession due to "extremely cold weather in Rome." The 86-year-old pontiff - who landed in hospital with bronchitis last week - will not preside at the Way of the Cross service at the Colosseum on Friday, April 7 night, where temperatures are expected to be around 10C, for the first time since he was elected in 2013.

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Brun, however, confirms the pope will still attend the Passion of the Lord celebration, which is held indoors in St Peter's Basilica.

After being discharged from hospital last weekend, the Vatican had said the pope would carry out the complete Holy Week schedule, including the Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square. Traditionally, a blessing is also usually held from the basilica's balcony at midday on Sunday, April 9.

On Thursday, Francis presided over mass and washed and dried the feet of 12 residents at the Casal del Marmo juvenile facility on the outskirts of Rome in a ritual designed to symbolise the foot washing carried out by Jesus on his disciples the night before his death.

After the pope left Rome's Gemelli Hospital last Saturday, April 1, he joked he was "still alive." He told reporters outside the medical facility, "I wasn't frightened, I'm still alive."

The pontiff - who had part of one lung removed as a younger man - had complained of breathing difficulties before he was admitted to hospital for tests on Wednesday, March 29.

A statement about his health said, "The tests showed a respiratory infection (COVID-19 infection excluded) that will require some days of medical therapy. Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayers."

The pope has had other health issues and had part of his colon removed in 2021 due to diverculitis. He said earlier this year that the condition had returned and blamed it for his weight gain, although he was not overly alarmed.

Pope Francis has also been using a wheelchair for over a year due to strained knee ligaments and a small fracture but has been seen walking with a cane more frequently in recent times. The pope declined to have surgery on his knee because he didn't respond well to general anaesthetic when having his colon operation.

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In the short span of 7 years, Harday Gupta has successfully established, maintained, and handled the PR mandates and duties of many clients of different domains  banking, real estate, manufacturing, education, lifestyle, personal finance, taxation, software to name a few. He has also successfully managed to launch a dedicated and full-service PR start-up  The Right PR.

In conversation with Adgully, Harday Gupta, Founder of The Right PR, speaks about his journey with his entrepreneurial venture, building a long term career in PR, he also provides several useful tips to youngsters looking enter this field, and more.

What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table?

As a PR professional, I believe that I bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the table that enable me to excel in my role. Firstly, I have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, which allow me to convey messages effectively and persuasively to different audiences. Whether it's drafting press releases, pitching to journalists, or communicating with stakeholders, I can do it with ease.

Secondly, I am a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of the media landscape. I keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends and can identify opportunities and potential issues before they arise. This enables me to develop effective PR strategies that align with the overall goals of the organisation.

Thirdly, I am a creative problem solver. I enjoy brainstorming new and innovative ways to promote my client or organisation, and I am always looking for ways to differentiate my clients from their competitors. I am not afraid to take risks, and I am always willing to think outside the box to achieve results.

Fourthly, I am highly organised and detail-oriented. I understand the importance of deadlines, and I always strive to deliver work of the highest quality, even when under pressure. I am proficient in managing multiple projects simultaneously and can prioritize my workload effectively to ensure that everything is completed on time and to a high standard.

Finally, I am a relationship builder. I understand the importance of building strong relationships with journalists, stakeholders, and clients, and I am always looking for ways to strengthen those connections. By building trust and credibility, I can help my clients or organization achieve their objectives and maintain a positive reputation in the industry.

Overall, I believe that my combination of communication skills, strategic thinking, creativity, organisation, and relationship building make me a valuable asset to any PR team.

How did you join your current organisation?

As the founder of The Right PR, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my journey thus far. Its hard to believe that it has only been a little over two years since we started this venture, but looking back, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved.

Starting a PR agency from scratch is no easy feat, but it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. When we began in April 2021, we had a vision of creating a company that would not only provide outstanding PR services but also be a positive force for change in our industry.

In the early days, we faced some challenges, such as building our client base, establishing ourselves as a reputable agency, and navigating the various hurdles of entrepreneurship. However, we remained focused on our goals and were determined to succeed.

Over time, we have grown both in terms of our team and our client base. We have had the privilege of working with some incredible companies and organisations, helping them to achieve their PR goals and make a positive impact in their respective industries.

But beyond our work with clients, we have also been committed to making a positive difference in our industry. We have been vocal about the need for greater diversity and inclusion in PR, and we have worked hard to create a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive to people of all backgrounds.

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue growing and evolving as a company. We know that there will be challenges along the way, but we are confident in our ability to overcome them and continue making a positive impact in our industry.

What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine?

As a 31-year-old male, I prioritise productivity in my daily routine in order to accomplish my goals and maintain a sense of fulfillment. Here are the five most productive things that I do every day:

Exercise: Physical activity is an essential part of my routine as it not only helps me maintain my physical health, but also my mental well-being. I make sure to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day, whether its going for a run, hitting the gym, or doing a home workout.

Planning and Prioritising: Before starting my day, I take some time to plan and prioritize my tasks. This helps me stay organized and focused on what's important. I use a to-do list or a task manager to keep track of my responsibilities and deadlines.

Reading and Learning: I believe that continuous learning is crucial for personal and professional growth. I make sure to spend some time each day reading books or articles related to my interests or industry. This helps me stay up-to-date with current trends and new ideas.

Time Management: Managing my time effectively is essential for me to accomplish my daily tasks. I use various techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, time blocking, and prioritizing to ensure that I am making the most of my time.

Connecting with People: Building and maintaining relationships is an important aspect of my personal and professional life. Every day, I make sure to connect with my family, friends, and colleagues to stay connected and build stronger relationships. This helps me feel more connected and supported, which is crucial for my overall well-being.

Do you think a career in this field is a viable one in the long term?

As the founder of a PR agency, I can say with confidence that a career in public relations is not only viable but also crucial in the long term. The role of public relations has become increasingly important in the digital age, where companies must navigate a complex and constantly changing landscape of public opinion and media coverage.

PR professionals are responsible for managing a companys reputation and ensuring that the public has a positive perception of their client. This includes developing strategic communication plans, creating content, building relationships with journalists, and monitoring media coverage. With the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, the demand for skilled PR professionals has only increased.

Furthermore, as businesses become more socially responsible, they need PR experts who can effectively communicate their values and commitments to the public. This includes addressing controversial issues, such as climate change, diversity and inclusion, and social justice.

In short, a career in public relations is not only viable but also essential in today's fast-paced and interconnected world. As long as companies need to manage their reputation and communicate with the public, there will be a need for skilled PR professionals.

What does it take to succeed in a career?

To succeed in a public relations career, there are several key skills and qualities that are necessary. Here are some important factors to consider:

Strong communication skills: Effective communication is at the core of public relations. You should be able to write well, speak confidently, and be able to clearly articulate ideas and messages to various audiences.

Relationship-building: As a public relations professional, you will need to build strong relationships with clients, colleagues, journalists, and other stakeholders. This requires excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to network, and a natural talent for building trust.

Strategic thinking: A good public relations professional can think strategically about how to position their client or brand, and how to communicate effectively with different audiences. This requires a deep understanding of the target audience, the competitive landscape, and the broader cultural context.

Creativity: To succeed in public relations, you need to be creative in your approach to communication. This means coming up with innovative ways to grab attention, generate interest, and drive engagement.

Adaptability: The public relations landscape is constantly changing, and you need to be able to adapt quickly to new trends and technologies. This requires a willingness to learn, a flexible mindset, and the ability to pivot your strategy when necessary.

Attention to detail: In public relations, every detail counts. You need to be meticulous in your approach to planning, executing, and evaluating campaigns.

Business acumen: To be successful in public relations, you need to understand the business side of things. This means knowing how to measure ROI, manage budgets, and deliver results that align with your clients business goals.

Professionalism: Finally, it's essential to maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. This means being reliable, punctual, and responsive, and always acting in the best interests of your clients.

Overall, succeeding in a public relations career requires a combination of skills, qualities, and mindset. With dedication, hard work, and a commitment to ongoing learning, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in this exciting field.

What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry?

Sure, here are some general tips and advice for youngsters planning to enter this industry as a founder of a public relations agency:

Before you start your career in PR agency, you should have a good understanding of what public relations is all about. Do your research, read books and articles on the industry, attend conferences, and network with professionals in the field. This will help you to develop a strong foundation and knowledge base for building a successful PR journey.

Public relations requires a wide range of skills, including writing, communication, strategic thinking, creativity, and networking. You can start building these skills by taking relevant courses, volunteering before working in a PR firm. Practice writing press releases, developing media pitches, and building relationships with journalists.

Last but not the least, networking is key to building a successful PR agency. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other professionals in the field. Build relationships with journalists, bloggers, and influencers who can help you to get your clients stories in front of a wider audience. Also, the PR industry is constantly evolving, so its important to be adaptable and flexible. Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, and be willing to try new things to help your clients achieve their goals.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I see myself continuing to lead and grow my company in the next five years. I envision our agency becoming even more influential in the industry, working with bigger clients and taking on more challenging projects.

In five years time, I see our agency expanding its reach to new markets and possibly even opening offices in other parts of the world. We will continue to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry, providing our clients with innovative and effective communication strategies.

Additionally, I see myself taking a more strategic role within the agency, focusing on overall business development and shaping the company's long-term vision. I will be working closely with our team to develop new services and products that meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Overall, my goal is to continue building a strong and successful agency that is recognized as a leader in the industry. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and I am excited about the future of our agency.

Is there any organisation that you would like to work with in the future?

As the founder of a two-year-old public relations agency, my primary focus is on building and expanding my agencys presence in the industry. We have worked with a variety of clients and have gained valuable experience and expertise that has helped us to grow and establish our reputation.

As we look to the future, we are always open to exploring opportunities to collaborate with other organizations that share our values and vision. We believe that partnerships can be mutually beneficial and can help us to expand our reach and impact.

That being said, our primary focus is on serving our clients and delivering outstanding results for them. We are committed to providing high-quality services and building long-lasting relationships with our clients.

In conclusion, while we are open to exploring potential partnerships with other organisations in the future, our primary focus is on building and expanding our agency and serving our clients to the best of our abilities.
Anko, one of the most loved and trusted household brands in Australia, has announced its plans to launch in India with a digital-first entry via D2C channels and an association with Amazon.in. With this, Anko is all set to bring its curated range of home and living products to customers across the length and breadth of the country. Currently, an initial selection of Anko products are live on Amazon.in under categories such as home, kitchen, furniture, decor and more. Over the next few months, the selection will be expanded to include more products.

Speaking from the Groups Melbourne headquarters in Australia, Ian Bailey, Managing Director of Kmart Group said, "We are thrilled to introduce Anko, to the Indian market. Anko is well placed to capture the attention of Indian consumers who aspire to enhance their homes and lifestyle with high-quality products at affordable prices. We are excited to be here and look forward to serving customers across India."

The company recently held a launch event in Gurgaon, Haryana, showcasing their products. Speaking at the occasion Arjun Puri, Director Anko, said "We are excited to bring Anko's range of high-quality and affordable products to the Indian market through our association with Amazon.in and on our brand's d2c store, www.anko.co.in. Our curated range of home and living products are designed to be brilliantly simple and make everyday living brighter for our customers. Our direct sourcing model is strongly rooted in our ethical and sustainable practices, giving us confidence that Indian customers will appreciate the value and quality of our range of products.

Anko has a long-term vision to win over Indian customers. The brand has a strong reputation for delivering great value and on-trend products that customers adore. Over 800 million Anko products were sold in 2022 in over 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand and in other global markets. The brand is well supported by an established supplier base that is spread across Asia and enables it to source at volume.

John Southwell, Australias Trade and Investment Commissioner for food, agriculture and consumer goods in India welcomed Anko's entry into the Indian market via Amazon.in. According to John, Ankos launch in India is a landmark for both countries, as we are now witnessing bilateral commerce synergies being explored. Anko has been a beloved brand in Australia, and we are thrilled to see it enter the Indian market via Amazon.in. Equally, we are delighted that a number of Ankos products are made right here in India and are exported not just to consumers in Australia but around the world  which means economic returns to both countries. This is a testament to the strong trade and investment relationship between Australia and India"
DCM Shriram Ltd., a leading business conglomerate with a turnover of 9849 crore announced the appointment of Mr. Sabaleel Nandy as the CEO of its Chemicals Business.

Mr. Nandy did his engineering from IIT, Kharagpur and MBA from IIM, Lucknow.

A global leader with demonstrated success at companies like TATA group, Zuari Agrochemicals and Paradeep Phosphates Ltd., Mr. Nandy has more than two decades of experience in Chemicals & Fertilizers having spent 18 years in Tata group companies like  TATA Motors, TATA Sons, TATA Chemicals. He was also the VP of TATA Chemicals (North America) heading one of worlds largest Soda-ash plants.

Prior to joining DCM Shriram Ltd., Mr. Nandy was President & COO, Paradeep Phosphates Ltd leading its Operations, P&L, Strategy, M&A and Global procurement.
Star Wars Celebration kicked off its opening day in London today with a non-stop series of announcements about some of Lucasfilms most highly anticipated productionsfrom Disney+ original series such as Star Wars: Ahsoka and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew to upcoming feature films like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

Taking place at the ExCel London Convention Center, Fridays activities on the Celebration Stage began with host Ali Plumb welcoming Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy to reflect on the success of the highly acclaimed Disney+ original series Star Wars: Andor. They were joined by the series director/creator/showrunner Tony Gilroy and stars Diego Luna, Adria Arjona, Kyle Soller, Denise Gough, Genevieve OReilly, Andy Serkis, Muhannad Bahair, and Joplin Sibtain, who was accompanied by droid B2EMO. Fans were treated to an exclusive first look at the second and final season, which is currently in production and chronicles the next steps in Cassian Andors journey as he fights to assemble a fledgling resistance. Kennedy, Gilroy, Sanne Wohlenberg, Luna, and Luke Hull are executive producing Season 2 for Disney+.

Next, Leslye Headlandcreator and showrunner of Star Wars: The Acolytejoined Kennedy on stage. Headland was escorted by Kelnacca, a Wookiee Jedi from the series, and offered an overview of the mystery-thriller. The Acolyte will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes but discovers the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated. Joining Headland and Kennedy on stage were stars Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, and Star Wars veteran Joonas Suotamo, who plays Kelnacca. Headland wowed the crowd with a sneak peek at the series, which also stars Carrie-Anne Moss and Margarita Levieva and is currently in production. In addition to writing and directing, Headland serves as an executive producer with Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King, and Jason Micallef. Rayne Roberts and Damian Anderson serve as producers. The Acolyte will stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2024.

The focus then shifted to Star Wars: The Mandalorian as Kennedy invited the series executive producers, Disney Legend Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, to the stage. The duo, along with fellow executive producer Rick Famuyiwa, were on hand for a discussion of the third season of the hit show, now streaming exclusively on Disney+. Following a special video greeting from star Pedro Pascal, fans were treated to a clip from next weeks episode. Afterward, stars Giancarlo Esposito, Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers, and Emily Swallow appeared onstage and announced a sneak peek screening of the upcoming episode that evening, exclusively for those in attendance.

Next up, Skelton Crew star Jude Law took to the stage to officially introduce his young co-stars Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Kyriana Kratter, and Robert Timothy Smith; the series also stars Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who was unable to attend Star Wars Celebration. The team shared insights about the series and their characters, andto the delight of alla sneak peak of the series, which is currently in production. Skeleton Crew follows the journey of four kids who make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet, then get lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Finding their way homeand meeting unlikely allies and enemieswill be a greater adventure than they ever imagined.

The series also stars Tunde Adebimpe and Kerry Condon. Jon Watts and Christopher Ford are showrunners and executive produce along with Favreau, Filoni, Kennedy, and Wilson. Gilchrist and Beck serve as co-executive producers. John Bartnicki and Susan McNamara serve as producers. Directors include Watts, Ford, David Lowery, the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Jake Schreier, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Lee Isaac Chung. Skeleton Crew will stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2023.

Transitioning to this years next highly anticipated Star Wars series, Favreau and Filoni announced Ahsoka, starring Rosario Dawson in the title role, will premiere on Disney+ in August 2023. Set after the fall of the Empire, Ahsoka follows the former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Dawson unveiled a teaser poster for the series and was then joined onstage by co-stars Natasha Liu Bordizzo, who plays Sabine Wren, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who announced she plays Hera Syndulla. The presentation concluded with a new teaser trailer for the Disney+ original series, which is written by Filoni, who executive produces alongside Favreau, Kennedy, Wilson, and Beck. Gilchrist serves as a co-executive producer.

Afterward, feature films became the focus of the days presentations, with Kennedy paying tribute to the incredible work of Oscar-winning Creature and Special Makeup Effects Supervisor Neal Scanlan as dozens of his most famous creations took the stage.

Kennedy then revealed that Star Wars will head into the future, with a new feature set 15 years after the last events of the Skywalker Saga. Director Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy will tell the story of rebuilding the New Jedi Order and the powers that rise to tear it down; the director then delighted fans by welcoming Star Wars veteran Daisy Ridley to stage, confirming she will be reprising her beloved role as Rey in the upcoming movie.

Kennedy also announced that James Mangold will take audiences deep into the past, telling the tale of the first Jedi to wield the Force and harness it as a liberating power in an era of chaos and oppression.

Expanding upon Star Wars storytelling in the present, Dave Filoni will orchestrate the escalating war between the Imperial Remnant and the fledgling New Republic. Alongside producer Favreau, they will bring together many of the threads of the Star Wars original series in a cinematic event.

Finally, the stars and filmmakers of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny dazzled the crowd with a never-before-seen trailer, an extensive look at the film, and a brand new poster. Appearing in person were cast members Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen, along with director and co-writer James Mangold and producer Kennedy. Dr. Jones himself, the inimitable Harrison Ford, appeared in a video greeting. The film, which will be Fords final Indiana Jones adventure, premieres at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday, May 18, and opens in theaters on Friday, June 30.
The latest BARC ratings reaffirm TV9 Network's leadership in general and regional news genre, leaving legacy news networks way behind. As the only language-differentiated news network, TV9 Networks regional channels secure leadership positions with TV9 Marathi at a market share of 34.4%, TV9 Kannada with a market share of 29.0% and the national Hindi news channel TV9 Bharatvarsh with a market share of 13.6%. (BARC IND (TV), Mah/Goa, Kar, HSM, TG:15+,DP-6-24hrs,Wk 1323, Mktshr% basis genre weekly AMA)



NOIDA, 7TH April 2023: Maintaining and bolstering its dominance, TV9 Network has registered an impressive lead over other news networks, with a 26% lead over Network18 Group and a 107% lead over TV Today Network in latest week, respectively.



According to BARC Data, in the 13th week of 2023, TV9 Network reached a staggering 207 Millions AMA, cementing its position at the top of the leadership table. In comparison, Network18 Group recorded 164.3 Millions AMA, while TV Today Network recorded 99.8 Millions AMA, and ABP Network recorded 98.9 Millions AMA. Since the resumption of news ratings in March 2022, the TV9 network has outperformed legacy national news networks to become the most-watched news network in India. (BARC-IND(TV), India(U+R),TG:15+,Wk 1323,6-24hrs,Gen News & Reg News, AMA)



TV9 Network dominates the market share in Hindi news segment



TV9 Network has maintained its dominance in the Hindi news segment, with TV9 Bharatvarsh ruling the prime-time slot (2000-2100 hrs). Overall TV9 Bharatvarsh registered 13.6% market share surpassing legacy brands like Aaj Tak -13.2% and ABP News 6.9% respectively.



In today's interconnected world, foreign policy has a significant impact on a country's policies. Hence, TV9 Bharatvarsh, the only Hindi news channel covering foreign policy, has emerged as a game-changer.



(BARC-IND(TV), HSM, TG-15+, 6 to 24 Hrs, Wk 1323, Market share% basis AMA of Top 12 HNC)



TV9 Network ruling the leader board in South without a break:

TV9 Network's viewership has sustained its leadership position due to its focus on programming and broad-based content that caters to all geographies across the country. The network dominates the market share in the South, with TV9 Kannada maintaining the top spot with a market share of 29.0%, followed by Public TV at 19.6% & Asianet Suvarna News at 14.2% in the Karnataka(U+R) region. (BARC IND(TV),TG-15+,WK 1323,DP-6-24hrs, Mkt share% basis genre weekly AMA)

In the Telugu News Market, TV9 Telugu continues to be in the leader pack being the most popular channel in the region with 20.0% market share. (BARC- IND (TV), AP/TS, TG-15+, WK 1323,DP-6-24hrs, Mkt share% basis genre weekly AMA)

TV9 Network maintaining tailwinds in West:

TV9 Marathi has been dominating the television news market in the Maharashtra(U+R) region, sitting at the top of the table with a market share of 34.4% for the latest week. The channel has been the undisputed leader for several weeks now. (BARC IND(TV), Mah/Goa ,TG-15+,WK 1323,DP-6-24hrs, Mkt share% basis AMA)

Meanwhile, TV9 Gujarati has been performing well, securing a spot in the top 3 with a market share of 18.5% in Gujarat (BARC IND(TV), Gujarat(U+R),TG 15+, Wk 1323, 6-24hrs, Mkt share% basis AMA)

TV9 Network securing the leadership in East:

TV9 Bangla has maintained its position in the top 3 with a market share of 17.7%, securing the leadership in the East according to BARC data (IND(TV),West Bengal (U+R),TG: 15+, Wk 1323, 6-24hrs Mkt, share% basis AMA).



Overall, TV9 Network's performance is a testament to its commitment to providing quality news coverage across the country, making it the go-to source for all news enthusiasts.
Three Samsung employees accidentally leaked their company's sensitive data to ChatGPT. According to the latest reports, the staffers used the AI chatbot to help with general office tasks. In some instances, however, they were unknowingly providing confidential information to the chatbot that it could share with other ChatGPT users.

Samsung Staffers Feed Company's Source Code, Meeting Clip to ChatGPT

The Samsung employees who reportedly leaked secret information to ChatGPT appear to have no ill intentions to put their company in jeopardy. According to a report from The Economist Korea via Mashable, the staffers were just doing their job in the semiconductor division with the help of the AI chatbot.

However, there was an instance when an employee used ChatGPT to debug a confidential source code. There was another employee who pasted a top-secret code to the chatbot for "code optimization." Lastly, an employee provided ChatGPT with a recording of an office meeting to generate notes.

On those separate occasions, the employees inadvertently exposed their company's secrets to anyone who is also using ChatGPT. It seems that the Samsung division handling these employees did not expect that allowing engineers to use ChatGPT for code debugging and optimization could endanger the company. The worst part of this fiasco is that Samsung has no way to erase the confidential information that the employees had already shared with ChatGPT.

As per Engadget, ChatGPT's data policy states that all the information coming from the users will be used to train the AI model. Therefore, it is a bad idea to share anything with the chatbot that is top-secret, or else there is a good chance that ChatGPT will relay that secret to another person who is using the chatbot for a related matter.

The AI model cannot delete prompts from the history, and the sure way to remove them is to delete the user's account. Unfortunately, account deletion can take up to four weeks.

Before using ChatGPT, OpenAI advises the public to think about the information that they are going to share with the chatbot. While people can benefit from the AI model to perform work-related tasks, it is not advisable to use ChatGPT to summarize confidential work documents.

Related Article: 5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About the History of Samsung

Data Privacy Concerns Plague ChatGPT

The Economist Korea reported that Samsung addressed the problem immediately after learning about the incidents. Aside from investigating the three employees involved in the data leak, Samsung also put a restriction on the employees' use of ChatGPT. Now, a staffer's prompts are limited to only a kilobyte, which is equivalent to 1024 characters. Furthermore, Samsung is reportedly working on its own chatbot to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Samsung's recent experience with ChatGPT just adds to the growing list of reasons why some entities want to ban the use of the AI bot. In a separate report from Mashable, Italy banned ChatGPT in the country, stating that it violates the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Some data experts also expressed their concern about ChatGPT's use of private data such as users' medical records and legal documents to improve the AI model.

Read Also: Samsung Explains How 'Scene Optimizer' Enhances Moon Photos
Alabamas Bill Lawson, the beloved radio host known to country listeners as Dollar Bill, will retire after 50 years on the air.

Lawson, co-host of the Dollar Bill & Madison show on Birminghams 102.5 The Bull, announced his retirement this week during a morning broadcast with Madison Reeves. The station, owned by iHeartMedia, also is known as WDXB-FM.

I dont know how to say this, because Ive never really planned for this, in a sense, but Ive decided that its time for me to retire, Lawson told listeners on Monday. You know, Im in my 50th year of radio, been doing it every day. This year is my 50th year. I turned 70 this month, and my wifes been retired now since COVID, Mary, and Im working all the time, because we do the morning show, we do other events.

Ive got some other things I do, other shows we do all over the country and stuff, Lawson continued. And so Im always busy and poor Mary is retired, and shes got her interest in things. But still, at our age now, we need to spend some quality time together. And, you know, you dont want to stay too long at the party.

Lawson, who lives in Alabaster, said he and his wife had experienced health issues in recent years. Although both were doing well now, Lawson said, they wanted to enjoy some things while you still can.

Lawson said he loves his current job -- to the bottom of my heart -- and added that the decision to retire was a difficult one.

That little inner voice was telling me ... its time to, maybe, kind of do some other things, Lawson said. He called the next stage of his life Act 2.

Lawson didnt set a date for his exit, and said hed still be on the air for a while with Reeves.

Im not going anywhere, and Im still living here, Lawson said. This isnt going to happen right away. (Listen to his retirement announcement in the video below, posted on Facebook by 102.5 The Bull.)

The radio station said it will celebrate Lawson on Tuesday, April 11, during an event at the Tin Roof, a music venue in Birmingham. The Stars and Guitars concert, featuring acts such as Easton Corbin and Kolby Cooper, is a benefit for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Tickets are $10.25-$40 via Eventbrite.

Help us in congratulating the one and only Dollar Bill on his retirement and 50 years in Alabama radio, the station said on its website. We cant thank Dollar Bill enough for all hes done for the Bull, charities such as Childrens Miracle Network and St. Jude, and country music! Dollar Bill was the 2019 recipient of the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award at CRS. It was also just announced that he will be inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame this July in Nashville! He is a friend to anyone who has ever met him and the kindest soul in the world. We wish him and Mary all the best in retirement!

Also, Mayor Rusty Nix of Montevallo has announced that Monday, April 10, will be proclaimed Dollar Bill Day in that city, honoring Lawsons philanthropic work over the years and his participation in events there.

Lawson grew up in Birmingham, went to high school at Marion Military Institute and graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelors degree in communications, according to his Facebook and LinkedIn profiles.

In a January post on Instagram, Lawson recalled launching his radio career in 1973. I was working 6-7 days a week, loving it, learning a lot, and making almost $4,500 a year! Lawson said.

Lawson worked for WACT-FM in Tuscaloosa, Talton Broadcasting in Selma, Big River Broadcasting in Florence, and Mooney Broadcasting and Cox Media Group in Birmingham before joining iHeart in 2002, according to LinkedIn.

In his hometown, Lawson probably is best known for his 16-year partnership with Patti Wheeler, co-hosting the Patti and Dollar Bill show on WZZK-FM and then on 102.5 The Bull. (Wheeler retired from radio in 2008 and died in 2012.)

In 2019, Lawson was inducted into the Alabama Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.

Bill Lawson was destined to follow in his fathers footsteps and become a dentist  until his senior year in college, his profile for the broadcasters association says. Thats about the time he had a heart-to-heart and told his father he had decided to become a radio announcer instead. The stunned Dr. Lawson took two slow blinks and asked, For how long?

Lawsons profile also explains the origins of his nickname: Bill says he picked it up when he was promoting a grocery store giveaway. His boss insisted all his DJs have nicknames. He pointed at me and said, You are Grocery Bag Bill, and I knew I had to come up with something fast, so I said, No, Im Dollar Bill.
Its a Homewood tradition that dates back more than 30 years, but its part of a larger tradition that dates back 2,000 years.

The annual Way of the Cross procession on Oxmoor Road in Homewood on Good Friday afternoon drew more than 200 believers who meditated on the suffering and death of Jesus of Nazareth.

Volunteers took turns carrying a 7-foot-tall wooden cross on Oxmoor Road.

The procession started at 2 p.m. at Homewood Park, proceeded along Oxmoor, and ended at Edgewood Presbyterian Church, where congregants concluded by singing, Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?

The event draws participation from about a dozen area congregations.

People love it when we work together instead of against each other, said the Rev. Brad Landry, rector of All Saints Episcopal Church, one of the stops where the walking worshippers stop to observe the stations of the cross.

Meditating on the suffering of Jesus is a reminder for Christians that God suffers with them, and the church should comfort those who are suffering, said the Rev. Joe Genau, pastor of Edgewood Presbyterian Church.

The church needs to witness to the suffering of the world, Genau said. When the world is suffering, we need to say, You are not alone.

Homewood churches have been marking Good Friday with the annual Way of the Cross joint procession since 1992, although it was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic.

The procession stops to meditate on the stations of the cross, moments in the torture of Jesus as he is led to his crucifixion. The group stops at Trinity United Methodist, All Saints Episcopal and Dawson Memorial Baptist churches.

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and focuses on his suffering. In Jerusalem, Christians take part in a procession that retraces the steps of Jesus carrying his cross on the way to the crucifixion.

Christians worldwide will celebrate Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, on Sunday.

See also: Why is it called Good Friday?
A local nonprofit is striving to make Birmingham a more attractive place to live, work, and visit starting with the citys downtown area.

REV Birmingham, short for revitalize Birmingham, describes themselves as a place-based revitalization and economic development nonprofit with a mission of creating vibrant commercial districts.

Although REV seems fairly Birmingham-centric, President and CEO David Fleming says their work aims to benefit those far beyond the Magic City limits.

What was the inspiration for founding REV, how did you guys get started?

REV is an organization that was born out of a merger of two organizations. Operation New Birmingham, which had its roots all the way back in 1957 as Birmingham Downtown Improvement Association, whose focus was downtown revitalization. Then in 2004 Main Street Birmingham was founded through similar kinds of work in neighborhoods and commercial districts.
An out-of-state waste company has agreed to pay $76,800 to resolve alleged violations of Alabamas rules for using food processing waste as fertilizer.

The company, Arkansas-based Denali Water Solutions, operated a sludge farm in Morgan County, where poultry processing waste was stored in large lagoons at an old dairy farm before being mixed and spread on fields across Alabama.

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management posted details of the agreement with Denali on its website Wednesday.

In addition to paying the fine, Denali will be required to clean out the three waste lagoons at the Hidden Valley site in Morgan County, and to submit plans to ADEM to remediate the site.

The wastes being stored at the Morgan County site and spread on fields across the state are called biosolids, which typically are made up of the solid remnants left behind from a wastewater treatment plant at an industrial facility or a sewage treatment plant.

The consent order  a negotiated settlement between ADEM and Denali  will resolve alleged violations at the Morgan County farm and at five sites where the material was spread as fertilizer.

We believe the terms of the consent order are appropriate, and we have already begun implementation of some of the items described in the consent order, a Denali spokesperson told AL.com in an email on Friday.

ADEM issued a cease-and-desist order to Denali last April, after AL.com reported on the sludge farm and its impact on nearby residents. That order cited overflows from the companys storage lagoons, and evidence that the liner for the largest holding pond was torn. The inspector noted that the liner appeared to have been compromised and was observed to be floating on the surface of the pond.

ADEM also cited Denali for violations in spreading the waste in five locations: Phenix City, Hanceville, Glencoe, Holly Pond, and Clayton.

These violations included applying sludge within 500 feet of occupied dwellings, spraying within 100 feet of property boundaries and within 100 feet of surface waters (a river, creek or stream).

The new consent order will take the place of the 2022 cease-and-desist order.

In 2021, after AL.com reporting on a Denali operation spraying biosolids at a closed coal mine in Jefferson County, ADEM issued the company a cease-and-desist order at the site. The cease and desist was eventually resolved when Denali agreed to pay a $34,500 fine and to inject the poultry processing waste into the soil rather that spraying it above the surface.

According to ADEM records, Denali has applied biosolids at numerous locations across Alabama, including in Barbour, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Clay, Colbert, Cullman, Dallas, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee, Marshall, Mobile, Morgan, Russell, Sumter, Talladega, and Tuscaloosa counties.

Alabama first enacted rules about spreading biosolids as fertilizer in 2020, and tightened those restrictions last year after numerous complaints.

By agreeing to the consent order, Denali is not admitting to the alleged violations, but is agreeing to resolve them without further legal or enforcement action.

ADEM says it agreed to settle the violations in an effort to resolve the alleged violations cited herein without the unwarranted expenditure of State resources in further prosecuting the alleged violations.

The Department has determined that the terms contemplated in the Special Order by Consent are in the best interests of the citizens of Alabama, the order states.
Alabamas largest county is shrinking, and the main culprit is clear. While Jefferson County, like most of Alabama, isnt making enough babies to keep up its population, the much larger factor is that people keep moving away.

And not just a few people. Lots of people - thousands per year - are moving out of Jefferson County, home to Birmingham and by far the most populous county in the state.

[Cant see the map? Click here.]

About 3,800 more people moved out of than into Jefferson County between 2021 and 2022, according to recently released population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Thats a net loss of more than 10 people per day due to migration - and thats including international numbers, where Jefferson continues to gain population. Jefferson County added 675 people through international migration in 2022, leading the state.

Looking only at domestic migration, or the number of people moving between Jefferson County and somewhere else in the United States, Jefferson County lost a net of nearly 4,500 people that year.

No other county came close in terms of raw population loss from migration. Only one other county - Mobile, the second largest county in the state, for now - lost more than 1,000 people through migration.

[Cant see the table? Click here.]

In Mobile Countys case, about 1,200 more people moved out than moved in.

Meanwhile, some of the fastest-growing counties in the state saw that surge buoyed by big migration numbers. Baldwin County, home to Alabamas beaches and a popular retirement destination, saw a net gain of nearly 7,300 people due to migration. That was a 3% boost in just a year for Alabamas fourth-largest county.

RELATED: These were Alabamas fastest-growing counties in 2022

Madison County, home to Huntsville - Alabamas largest city - also saw a huge boost to its population thanks to migration numbers. About 6,400 more people moved into than out of Madison County from July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2022.

RELATED: These two Alabama counties are adding 19 people per day

But migration isnt the only component of population change - births and deaths make up a major piece of the pie. Over the last few years as Alabama has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, the state as a whole has seen more deaths than births, something that never happened in the states history prior to the pandemic.

That trend continued into 2022, even as the pandemic ebbed. Alabama saw about 8,600 more deaths than births between July 1, 2021 and July 1, 2022 according to the Census, but the state managed to grow thanks to a big injection of new arrivals.

Just eight of Alabamas 67 counties saw more births than deaths in 2022, and Jefferson County wasnt among them. Jefferson County recorded 608 more deaths than births from July to July, the highest natural loss of any county in the state, though just 0.1% of its population.

[Cant see the table? Click here.]

Of the eight counties that grew, most were relatively fast-growing counties, often suburban areas or college towns home to younger than average populations. Lee County, home to Auburn University, saw about 500 more births than deaths, the highest net gain in the state.

Madison County was second with a net gain of around 400 people due to natural change, with Shelby County, a major suburban area in the Birmingham-Hoover metro, just behind.

Montgomery County, home to Alabamas capital, came fourth on this list. It saw around 300 more births than deaths, but still managed to lose population overall due to its migration numbers - nearly 900 more people moved away than moved into Montgomery County from 2021 to 2022.

Tuscaloosa County, home to the University of Alabama, rounded out the top 5 with a net gain of 200 thanks to natural population change.

Baldwin County - the second fastest growing county in the state and the leader in net migration numbers - saw nearly 500 more deaths than births in 2022, highlighting demographic elements like its relatively high median age.

Do you have an idea for a data story about Alabama? Or questions about Alabama that data may be able to answer? Email Ramsey Archibald at rarchibald@al.com, and follow him on Twitter @RamseyArchibald. Read more Alabama data stories here.
China's life expectancy projected to surpass 80 years in 2035: study

Xinhua) 11:16, April 08, 2023

BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The life expectancy of newborns on the Chinese mainland is expected to rise steadily to reach 81.3 years in 2035, with women in some provinces expected to surpass 90 years of age, according to a new study published in the journal The Lancet Public Health.

The life expectancy study was led by researchers from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Nanjing University of Science and Technology. Based on large epidemiological and demographic datasets, they used a prevalent probabilistic model to forecast the life expectancy in 2035.

Their projections indicate a 96 percent probability that life expectancy at birth on the mainland will reach 79 years in 2030, and a 93 percent probability that it will surpass 80 years in 2035.

Most of the projected gains in life expectancy relate to older people, especially women, the study highlighted, estimating a life expectancy of 85.1 years for women and 78.1 years for men.

At the provincial level, women in Beijing have the highest projected life expectancy in 2035, with an 81 percent probability of breaking the 90-year mark, followed by those in Guangdong, Zhejiang and Shanghai.

Men in Shanghai are projected to have the highest life expectancy at birth in 2035, with a 77 percent probability of living past 83.

Future life expectancy remains associated with location, with wealthier eastern provinces having a higher life expectancy than more rural and poorer western regions, the study says.

Extending the average life expectancy of the population is a main task of the Chinese government. The "Healthy China 2030" blueprint, a national strategy to improve the health of the Chinese population, set the goal of increasing the average life expectancy at birth from 76.3 years in 2015 to 79 years in 2030.

The 14th Five-Year National Health Plan raised the target average life expectancy to 80 years in 2035.

"These national goals to improve life expectancy will be achieved," researchers said in the projection study.

Increases in life expectancy will require healthcare and social services resources, which means that advance planning is needed, the study says. Average life expectancy reached 78.2 years in China in 2021, according to statistics released by the National Health Commission. That figure is up from 77.93 years in 2020.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Klaytn Director Sam Seo speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at its office in Seoul. Courtesy of Klaytn



Crypto winter will end in 2nd half



By Lee Min-hyung



Klaytn, an open-source public blockchain developed by Korea's largest mobile platform operator Kakao, is seeking to become a more versatile public mainnet used in areas encompassing games, non-fungible token (NFT) and metaverse, Klaytn Foundation Director Sam Seo said in a recent interview.



"Our primary goal is to keep sophisticating our blockchain network in a more sustainable manner, so as for more people to use our platform featured with fast response speed and low commission," Seo said.



Klaytn made its debut in 2019 and was operated by Kakao's blockchain subsidiary Ground X in its infancy. Earlier last year, the operation was transferred to Kakao's Singapore subsidiary  Krust  before Klaytn Foundation recently secured management rights for Klaytn.



The blockchain network has raised its profile, particularly in Asia over the past four years thanks to its practicality in use. But Klaytn is still lesser-known in America and Europe.



"We started our business as a project from Kakao, and it has since grown into a major blockchain widely used here and abroad," he said. "Klaytn is used not just for cryptocurrencies, but other future finance businesses and national projects  such as central bank digital currency (CBDC)."



In 2021, the Bank of Korea (BOK) designated Ground X as its partner for the CBDC pilot test. Late last year, Klaytn proved its security as a backbone blockchain operating the CBDC system.



"Few global teams operate such a project with a central bank, but the BOK has been testing CBDC operations with Klaytn," Seo said.



Seo also shared his views on the blockchain regulatory environment in Korea.



"Korea needs to build an environment of negative regulations just like other tech-savvy countries such as the United States and Singapore," Seo said. "Developers can try new projects more freely in a less regulated environment, but this is not the case for Korea which adopts a positive regulatory system. Under the environment, our creative mindset will be restricted."



However, he pointed out that Korean financial authorities are also catching up with the global paradigm as shown by its recent effort to allow security token transactions.



"Korean regulators are also sincerely discussing such issues as security token issuance and enactment of a basic digital asset law  which industry players speak highly of," he said.





The logo of Klaytn



Roadmap for Klaytn



Seo went on to say that the blockchain will keep expanding its footing into games, NFT and metaverse applications and widen its use for more tech players.



"There are a number of game publishers partnering with Klaytn Governance Council, which includes Netmarble and Neoply," he said. "Regarding NFTs, we expect more companies to use Klaytn in people's day-to-day activities. NFT artworks were all the rage recently, but NFTs can be used much more braodly, such as for the issuance of discount coupons or membership services. We do not target a specific NFT area, but want to catch up with the overall spectrum of the emerging market."



Klaytn is operating Another World, a metaverse platform powered by the Klaytn blockchain. Seo said it plans to open a social platform used for communication among Klaytn users sometime in the latter half of 2023.





Partners of Klaytn Governance Council / Courtesy of Klaytn
The North tests its underwater nuclear-capable attack drone, Haeil, in this series of photos from April 4 to7, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, April 8. Yonhap



North Korea said Saturday it had carried out another test of an underwater nuclear-capable attack drone this week, proving the weapon system's reliability and "fatal" striking capability.



The North tested the "Haeil-2" underwater strategic weapon system from April 4 to 7, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).



"The system will serve as an advantageous and prospective military potential of the armed forces of the DPRK essential for containing all evolving military actions of enemies, removing threats and defending the country," said an English-language dispatch by the KCNA.



DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.



The North's provocation came as the secretive regime has vowed to take "overwhelming" actions against joint military drills between South Korea and the United States.



The test drone deployed from a port in South Hamgyong Province, Tuesday, and "correctly set off" a test warhead underwater Friday after cruising along an "oval and eight-shaped" course simulating a distance of 1,000 kilometers for 71 hours and six minutes, it added.



The provocation came about two weeks after the North first made public a test of its underwater attack drone Haeil, March 24. It claimed the "secret weapon" is capable of generating a "radioactive tsunami" and stealthily attacking enemies.



On March 28, the regime unveiled its Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead for the first time and claimed that it had staged an underwater detonation test of its Haeil-1 drone a day earlier.



The North said at the time the Haeil-1 traveled a course simulating a distance of 600 kilometers for 41 hours and 27 minutes before setting off its test warhead.





This photo, captured from the Korean Central TV on April 8, shows a broadcast of the "Haeil-2" underwater strategic weapons system's test conducted from April 4-7. Yonhap










English News Sincerity makes friendship last

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 6 Avril 2023



China is helping more and more young people from other developing countries realize their dreams. Those youngsters, who become interested in the Chinese language and culture, are coming to China for study and work and becoming envoys of friendship between China and their own countries.

By He Yin, People's Daily This year marks the 60th anniversary of China dispatching its first medical aid team abroad. Over the past six decades, a total of 30,000 medical personnel have treated 290 million local patients in 76 countries and regions.



Chinese medical aid teams, benefiting local communities with their medical proficiency and ethics, have become an authentic representation of China's sincerity in developing relations with other developing countries.



Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out in a speech he delivered 10 years ago at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center in Tanzania that sincerity is a defining feature of China-Africa relations.



The peoples of China and other developing countries are destined to be good friends as they have shared past experiences and similar aims and goals.



Treating developing countries with sincerity, courtesy and friendship has always been a feature and tradition of China's diplomacy in the new era. China is committed to enhancing mutual understanding between the Chinese people and the people of other countries, and always works to build a solid social foundation for bilateral friendship, so as to nurture a better environment for mutually beneficial cooperation.





Strengthening exchanges and dialogue leads to a closer people-to-people bond.



China has built the Belt and Road into a road connecting different civilizations, and hosted the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and the Communist Party of China in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting.





It has also actively promoted cultural cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, and has expanded cooperation with African countries, Latin American countries and Arab states on culture, education, science and technology and health, as well as growing exchanges between their media, think tank, youth and women.



China is actively building mutual learning platforms for civilization dialogues, inter-party exchanges and civil diplomacy, so that countries can draw wisdom from each other's civilizations, enhance cultural understanding and people-to-people bonds, and build a broader consensus for building a community with a shared future for mankind.



It is generally believed by the international community that China has made important contributions to enhancing mutual understanding, solidarity and mutual trust among different civilizations by establishing cultural dialogue platforms.



Deepening pragmatic cooperation brings people closer. China always works to provide tangible benefits to developing countries with sincerity.



In Mozambique, farmers growing Chinese hybrid rice have enjoyed good harvests, and the rice produced has been "Good Taste" by the locals.



In Vanuatu, the China-assisted Malapoa College is like a lighthouse that illuminates the path to knowledge for young generations.



In Mexico, Chinese enterprises, showing respect for local culture, have actively funded public welfare projects including orphanages and nursing homes. The Chinese employees are like families to local people.



In Laos, the China-Laos Railway is like a "golden channel" that has completely changed the life of local people. It is nicknamed the "road to happiness" by Lao media.



These stories make a symphony of China and other developing countries working together through thick and thin and building a closer people-to-people bond.



As a famous Chinese line goes, "Friendship, which derives from close contact between the peoples, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations." China actively promotes youth exchanges with other developing countries and builds broad platforms of talent training and mutual learning for young generations.



It has provided scholarships funded by the Chinese government for foreign students and strengthened international cooperation in vocational education. It has also held young leaders forums and youth exchange camps, sent young volunteers to other developing countries and invited youngsters from other countries to visit China.



China is helping more and more young people from other developing countries realize their dreams. Those youngsters, who become interested in the Chinese language and culture, are coming to China for study and work and becoming envoys of friendship between China and their own countries.



As a Latin American proverb goes, a real friend is someone who is able to touch your heart from the other side of the world. Indonesians often say that it's easy to make money but difficult to make friends. There is a also saying in Persian that people's hearts are connected. These all indicate that people-to-people bonds can build a strong power and only sincerity can make friendship last.



China will always be a true friend and sincere partner of other developing countries, working with them to build a community with a shared future for mankind and jointly creating a brighter future for humanity.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Chinese young blood devote to Great Wall protection International passenger service adds new vitality to China-Laos Railway Democracy a common value of humanity, not prerogative reserved to few Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Is our democracy at risk? On our present track, will the U.S. be able to sustain a functioning democracy?

A recent article evaluating why the much-anticipated "Red Wave" in the mid-term elections never materialized suggested that Republicans need to offer a program that will appeal to voters  especially young voters  who want the government to do more for them. The author claimed that the old Reaganite slogan that "government is the problem" won't work anymore.

It's true that a growing number of people today look to the government to do more for them because of rising prices, particularly in health care, and because of the complexity of modern life. Young people tend to look to the government because they are less familiar with the virtue of self-reliance, which has been under attack by the left for many years. Many people believe they can't manage things by themselves. Democrats and government officials encourage this idea. A new level of dependency is developing, and a sense of surrender to big government seems to be growing among some conservatives, too.

But rather than a "conservative" program of more government services, what Republicans need to offer  and it's a lot more work  is a re-education in the great American virtues of self-reliance and independence, the stuff of the old western movies, as well as the classical and Christian virtues.

Not surprisingly, these virtues sprang from a time of scarcity, when our country was being forged on the frontier, and later, in the Depression, which formed President Reagan's generation. Today we live in an Age of Excess, a time of plenty, of "soft" virtues and pleasure-seeking. Anesthetized with excess, we forget that plenty is not man's natural state; there is no guarantee that it will continue. Likewise, liberty has not been man's natural state for much of human history, and it may not be for much longer, given the plans of the WEF's Klaus Schwab and his many allies for greater state control over the lives of people everywhere.

Virtue and liberty are closely connected; only a virtuous citizenry can maintain its freedom. If citizens do not value self-reliance, hard work, and fair play, a democracy descends into a bidding war for the citizens' comfort, as history demonstrates in the fall of the Roman republic. Free bread! More circuses!

The problem with a "conservative" program of federal spending is that it doesn't call the American people to anything higher. It simply promises to satisfy their needs in a more efficient manner than the Democrats. It's an expanding welfare state on the cheap.

In 1976, writing in To Jerusalem and Back, his personal account of a visit to Israel, Saul Bellow quotes a contemporary Soviet Jewish writer named Agursky, who believed that Western democracy was "on the brink of catastrophe." Writing from inside a totalitarian regime, Agursky could see, Bellow notes, that democracy survives only when a free people is capable of self-discipline. Almost fifty years ago, Bellow was comforted because he believed that enough of the old political morality remained in the West to preserve a democratic system.

But is that still true? Do we have enough of the old morality left in this country to survive? Personal responsibility for one's actions, like self-reliance, is one of the prerequisites for liberty, and this virtue is being undermined by a vociferous appeal to group associations and identifiers. We are being rewired to think of ourselves no longer as individuals, but as members of a group, groups that are acted upon by other groups.

This means that members of a group are not responsible for their individual actions in the way we used to think about it. Instead, their membership in a group, which has been acted upon negatively, has pushed them into bad choices. It's not their fault; it's the fault of a stronger group, which has determined the choices they have made. It is not the individual who is acting, but rather the group acting out its pathologies, for which the individual is not responsible. This idea is being promoted with ruinous consequences in many American cities today.

As a dissident in the old Soviet Union, Agursky wrote in 1975, as Bellow notes, that "totalitarianism in all its forms, when striving to undermine the Western world, seeks first and foremost to destroy those institutional forms that are dictated by religious values. The main aim of totalitarianism is the undermining of religious education, traditional ways of life and the family, and complete liquidation of moral censorship." We have experienced an epidemic of this in the United States lately, as religious morality, traditional ways of life, and moral censorship of any kind have come under coordinated attack by forces opposed to the traditional virtues and Christian beliefs that have supported our democracy since its beginning.

The abandonment of personal responsibility is a vice of an affluent society, which has the means to support those who won't support themselves. (In reality, we are no longer an affluent society, which is becoming more apparent, but nobody has told the people yet.) Bellow also cites British author Henry Fairlie, who, in writing about Vietnam Warera America, noted that permissiveness is founded upon a "fashionable Existentialism." Once the struggle for existence is no longer a problem, Fairlie noted, one's existence itself becomes the problem. That is precisely what we have been experiencing in the last decade or so. We have been trying to reinvent our existence. Like the jettisoning of personal responsibility, existentialism is a philosophy for the affluent, who don't have to worry much about their next meal.

In America today, we have been mesmerized. We focus our attention on ourselves, our identities, and we don't know the world around us or its history. We have no experience with oppression, evil, or want. Periods of liberty in human history have been very brief. Is ours about to end? Is democracy giving way to government by executive orders, one-world WEF diktats, or CCP-like totalitarian control?

The challenge of maintaining participatory democracy in the U.S. lies in re-establishing the citizen's relationship with the federal government. Citizens can't be simply clients of the government, recipients of a menu of services. We must take up again the work of being the government. The government is we. We the people. The challenge for Republicans is not to figure out what conservatives can give voters; the challenge is showing them that the idea that our government has anything to give is an illusion. We are in a national debt death spiral, spending money we don't have, but nobody wants to talk about it.

Republicans need to educate the American people about the problems created by an exploding national debt. Honest talk may lead to short-term losses at the polls, but voters will reward the party that spoke the truth once the proverbial dung hits the fan. That's how you win the allegiance of a generation of voters, not through targeted spending programs.

Conservatives must remind the people that the federal government is not beneficent. The federal government has its own interests, its own agenda, and it will run you over if you get in its way. That fact became clear during the COVID pandemic. The government did not do what was best for the people. It buried effective early treatment protocols and chose instead to serve the pharmaceutical industry, a wealthy source of campaign contributions. Perhaps there were other, darker reasons. Regardless, the government lied, and continues to lie, to the detriment of the American people.

These facts need to be aired. That's why it is so important that House Republicans pursue an inquiry into the government's actions during COVID, particularly as recent polls show that a majority now mistrusts the government's actions. Government malfeasance must be brought to light and used to break the irresistible power federal government spending has over the people. The government is not there to serve us. Instead, it's more and more like the old Twilight Zone episode. The people are being served, but not in the way they think. Republicans must challenge the idea that the government has your best interest at heart.

The expansion of federal power is a threat to individual liberty and the family, liberty's crucible. Republicans must show how the federal government stops us from living our lives the way we want to. A powerful federal government has shown it can and will force changes in how we live to serve its own interests, whether for COVID or climate change or something else, and we will be forced to submit. Since we no longer have a government for the people, we must make it again a government by the people.

When the rights of the collective supersede the rights of the individual at the command of the federal government, that's not American; it's Marxist. If we are going to reclaim our democracy, we must stand upon individual liberty and the virtues that support it.

Image: Jeff Turner via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Upon receiving the news of the horrific killing of six people, including three nine-year old children, by a deranged and troubled shooter in Nashville, the Democrats and their stenographers in what passes as our news media immediately began their cultish ritual: knee-jerk calls for stricter gun control. In a revealing exchange between CNNs Dana Bash and Rep. Dan Crenshaw, Bash accused House Republicans of loving guns more than children. She asked:

Are youtelling the American people that mass shootings, including of young children, is just something thats going to happen and youre not going to make any moves, at this point to try to stop it?

The accusation, repeating the familiar liberal-media trope, is, of course, that Republicans do not care enough about the lives of our children to do anything that might weaken the Second Amendment.

In response, Crenshaw proposed a foolproof solution to end school shootings: station at least two armed guards in every school in the United States. Bash replied, sarcastically, with a generality: So the answer is more guns?

It is not clear why Bash thinks this question is legitimate. When one has a problem one often uses empiricism to resolve it  it is not a witticism contest.

Heres an analogous hypothetical: if firefighters propose igniting backfires in an area between a housing complex and a massive forest fire, a cocky reporter with a Bachelors degree in Narcissism Studies and knows nothing about fire-fighting but has a flair for the appeal to emotion fallacies so popular within her profession, might sarcastically ask, So the answer is more fire? The answer would be Yes. (Sometimes it is necessary to burn out an area in the path of the fire because this destroys the fuel for the fire in a controlled way to prevent a firestorm that would burn everything, including any animals and people unable to be removed.)

Similarly, when a doctor tells a patient he needs to vaccinate her with a live virus (cowpox) in order to prevent a virulent natural virus (smallpox) the patient might ask, incredulously, So the answer to my virus infection is more virus? However, the correct answer, by people outside of newsrooms who actually know something, might well say, Yes, just as one can only fight fire with fire, sometimes one can only fight a virus with a virus.

One could add numerous additional examples but the point should now be clear enough that even a liberal journalist can understand it.

Crenshaw responds to her question slightly differently though:

No, the answer is armed guards. The answer is armed guards, right? Yes, more guns  the kind of guns that protect the President, that protect you all at CNN. Is it easy to get into your headquarters at CNN? Absolutely not. Theres armed guards there. Theres single points of entry. I think we should look at our schools as a place that is precious and have the same kind of security that your corporate offices do, that we do in Congress. You know if we consider a place to be important where our children go to learn every day, it should have the same level of security as every other place, whether its a shopping mall or a corporate office thats hard to get into.

It is worth pointing out that although Crenshaw begins his reply to her question, by saying no more guns arent the solution, he then changes and acknowledges that yes more guns are in fact the answer. There is a reason why he replies in this way, first saying no and then yes  namely, he wants to defuse the appeal to emotion fallacy in her sarcastic question. Since the armed guards he wants to put in schools will have guns, Crenshaw does believe that the answer is more guns. He initially says no in order to shift the emphasis in his answer from the hardware, the guns, to the trained professionals that will know how to use them to help solve the problem of school shootings.

Whereas Bash offers what the rest of leftist journalists have  a heavily made-up face on camera to virtue-signal about how deeply they care, and demagogue the issues for their favorite political party. Crenshaw, who has actually sacrificed for his country, actually wants to solve the problem, and being a former military member with combat experience he has actual expertise relevant to the solution.

Bash actually makes an unsuccessful attempt to counter Crenshaws point, saying:

There were supposed to be armed guards at the schools in both Uvalde, in  Texas and Parkland, and that didnt help anything[.]

To this, Crenshaw aptly replies, But they werent there, which is important.

Astonishingly, Bash attempted to neutralize Crenshaws logical point that armed guards at schools would eliminate the problem of school shootings by using a non sequitur fallacy (roughly, a fallacious argument in which there is no logical connection between premises and conclusion) by pointing to cases where armed guards were supposed to be at the schools, but werent!

When Crenshaw points this out, Bash responds with another irrelevant generalization: Well, OK, but theyre humans and that also happens. Bashs appeal here to the fact that anything involving human beings can sometimes fail is especially ironic. She originally accused Republicans of holding to the idea that school shootings are just something thats going to happen and therefore Republicans arent going to make moves stop acts of premeditated violence. Yet, Bash does not appear to grasp that she has sarcastically ended the discussion with an argument that commits her to precisely of which she accused Republicans. Bashs cynical point that human projects are always prone to failure could be applied to any purported solution that anybody proposes to stop school shootings, including the favorite liberal plan for gun control. It hasnt occurred to her that a black market in illegal guns, just like the black market in alcohol during Prohibition, would soon emerge, perhaps entering the country through the border that the Democrats insist on keeping open?

Crenshaw proposed a specific concrete solution to stop school shootings that Bash cynically and casually dismissed by employing several logical fallacies because it doesnt fit the liberal script of gun control. Unfortunately, this is par for the course in what remains of our news media. Most journalists are not trained to solve real-world problems. They dont actually know much except what goes on in their privileged little newsroom bubbles. They are trained to grab eyeballs for themselves by making sensationalistic claims and accusing people, sometimes real heroes like Crenshaw, of heartlessness or malfeasance. It is no wonder that a majority of the American people believe that what passes for our news media is dividing the country with their constant politically partisan shenanigans.

Image: YouTube video screen grab.
New Chinese Ambassador to North Korea Wang Yajun, fourth from left, delivering a message from President Xi Jinping for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Kim Song-nam, second from right, international department director of the North's ruling party, April 7, in this photo carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency the following day. Yonhap



Chinese President Xi Jinping told North Korean leader Kim Jong-un that the two nations should bolster "strategic guidance" over bilateral ties, Pyongyang's state media reported Saturday.



The remarks came as Kim received a message from Xi as the Chinese leader thanked the North Korean leader for congratulating him on his reelection as president of China, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).



In the message, Xi "attaches great importance to the relations between the two parties and two countries, expressing his willingness to accelerate the development of the socialist cause of the two countries and promote regional peace, stability, development and prosperity by strengthening the strategic guidance" over the China-DPRK relations," the KCNA reported in an English-language dispatch.



DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.



New Chinese Ambassador to North Korea Wang Yajun, who began his official activities earlier this week, delivered the message to Kim Song-nam, international department director of the Central Committee of the North's ruling party, according to the KCNA.



Wang's arrival came amid speculation that the North will soon resume trade with China following years of the closure of their mutual border because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Yonhap)




Public school libraries are apparently under siege by book banners. A steady stream of alarmist headlines tell of angry parents demanding libraries remove books that will corrupt their children. As Pen America, the premier defender of free expression, put it, Over the 202122 school year, what started as modest school-level activity to challenge and remove books in schools grew into a full-fledged social and political movement, powered by local, state, and national groups. Most of the books targeted by these groups for removal feature LGBTQ+ characters or characters of color, and/or cover race and racism in American history, LGBTQ+ identities, or sex education. All told, according to PEN America, From July 2021 to June 2022, PEN Americas Index of School Book Bans lists 2,532 instances of individual books being banned, affecting 1,648 unique book titles.

The purported assault on freedom of expression overwhelmingly targets hot-button, once unspeakable-in-public topics. Gone are the conflicts over literary classics such as Lady Chatterleys Lover that might expose inquisitive teenagers to the taboo topics of adulty and unconventional sex. The books that inspire parental ire feature stories about explicitly gay relationships, gender dysphoria, race and racism, political activism, abortion, and teen pregnancies.

The censorship battle is typically portrayed as Left vs. Right where the Right opposes freedom of expression, while the Left defends the right to know. This is a great political victory for the Left. After all, who wants to be anti-First Amendment and deny youngsters the opportunity to make informed choices? As portrayed by the Left, the battle quickly becomes a moral one, the forces of darkness versus defenders of truth.

The Left mischaracterizes this battle. Is not a clash between good versus evil let alone a war between First Amendment champions against narrow-minded religious fanatics pushing ignorance. A better understanding is that todays library censorship battles just reflect how contemporary publishers are flooding the market in pursuit of an ideological agenda.

Book censorship cuts across the political spectrum, and todays Left periodically champions library censorship, albeit with different targets. A story reported by CNN -- hardly a conservative outlet -- depicts how a library has banished such classic childrens books as Little House on the Prairie, Peter Pan and several Dr. Seuss picture books for their racist depictions of indigenous, black and Asian characters. Censorship can be indirect, for example, relocating offending books to the adult collection or burying them an historical artifact beyond the reach of young patrons.

Another strategy favored by the Left is to use an offensive book to propagate a more politically correct message. For example, the Nashville Public Library instigated a program in a called Tackling Racism in Childrens Books.. Librarians read supposedly racist passages, but only to illustrate the books hurtful content. Librarians then solicited childrens reactions to this alleged hatefulness. One librarian used a picture of a Native American girl with pigtails in Little House on the Prairie as an example of cruelty and the genesis of white privilege. In the Brooklyn, N.Y. public library a Harry Potter book was judged offensive, so parents and children are directed to a more LGBTQ-friendly magic material, like Not Your Sidekick.

Left-wing censorship can also entail innocuously rewriting the classics to avoid offending politically protected groups. Particularly notable is how sensitivity experts once scrubbed the childrens books of Roald Dahl from anything that might conceivably be judged offensive. The word fat was banished along with ugly. Small man became small people. The story of the Chocolate Factory was reworked to be gender neutral, and care was taken so as not to offend the transgendered. But, fortunately for Dahls fans, public outrage forced the publisher to reverse course and drop these more sensitive updates. Critically, none of this left-wing censorship appears on the radar of those like PEN who monitor book banning.

The current debate over library censoring further ignores the obstacles faced by those with opposing views getting published. There is almost no counter-narrative regarding gay rights and the like, so conservative parents predictably feel outraged -- they are being overwhelmed and lack recourse to balance the outpouring of books from the Left. Yes, there are a tiny handful of conservative publishers specializing in childrens books, for example, Brave Publishing. This is a miniscule, easily overlooked segment of the market. If the Right dominated publishing and libraries, this battle would be far different.

Even a cursory review of what is available demonstrates this ideologically lopsided menu. Here is just a sampling of websites offering sex-themed childrens books that many conservative parents will likely find objectionable:

Though there may be some overlap, there are additional sites, and this market is booming. And make no mistake, these books are explicit about non-conforming sex and sexual relationships. If a visiting Martian examined todays childrens literature, he could only conclude that non-traditional sex is an important topic comparable to the three Rs. Conceivably, this sex training is being given more attention than art and music. Or, if those subjects are taught, it may be in the context of current sexual discussions -- was Franz Schubert a closet Queer?

Now imagine an alternative universe where proponents of genetic determinism have captured the publishing industry and library schools. Like todays Left, they know that indoctrination must being early so they hire writers to churn out a flood of grade-level appropriate books advancing their ideology. Hypothetical titles aimed at third graders might include Why Are the Black Kids Always in Trouble? and Why Dick is Better at Math than Jane. These books would stress evolutionary biology as the key to understanding human behavior, for example, black students are born with lower IQs and weaker impulse control, so they naturally get into more trouble than Asian classmates. Further assume that other biologically oriented published jumped on the bandwagon and flood the K-12 market whose books explain everything from crime to teenage pregnancy with genetics.

Millions of liberal parents would be outraged and demand that libraries stop stocking this pseudo-science and instead celebrate multiculturalism and diversity. Lawsuits would proliferate and disgruntled parents might withdraw junior from public school and enroll them elsewhere to escape the hate. Faced with these outcries, publishers of evolutionary themed books might be shut down.

Since publishers of childrens books are free to publish whatever the market will buy, and schools enjoy wide latitude in assigned readings, no simple solution exists to this censorship quandary. Perhaps other states might emulate Florida where the entire subject of sex is off-limits to young children. This solution is especially appealing since many young Americans currently struggle with the basics. There are opportunity costs in politicizing the curriculum, regardless of the ideological message, and it may be time to pause the censorship batters.

Image: Boston Public Library
Maggie Haberman is just about the last person you'd expect to do Donald Trump a favor. But the Trump-hating star political reporter for the New York Times, along with Jonathan Swan, a highly regarded White House reporter, may have saved the campaign from a potentially disastrous hire of Laura Loomer.

Loomer has what one might charitably call an uneven reputation among conservatives. While many of her enthusiasms are widely shared on the right, she lacks an internal editor and has earned a lot of enemies even on her own side of the basic red-blue political divide.

On Friday, Haberman and Swan published an article (since updated and re-titled) about the campaign considering hiring Loomer, principally because of her attacks on Ron DeSantis. The article describes Loomer, in unflattering terms, as an "anti-Muslim activist" among other sins.

The reaction from conservatives was not uniformly positive. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has been attacked by Loomer, warned Trump against hiring her:

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) warned former President Trump against hiring far-right activist Laura Loomer, calling her "mentally unstable" and a "documented liar." Greene tweeted on Friday that Loomer, a former congressional candidate who has repeatedly made anti-Muslim remarks, attacked her for supporting Kevin McCarthy's (R-Calif.) bid for House speaker and for not endorsing Loomer in her congressional campaign.

Additionally:

She loves the alleged FBI informant and weirdo Nick Fuentes. She tried to get hired on the Ye campaign after the infamous Maralago dinner, but Kanye West refused to hire her so now she's running to Trump. Never hire or do business with a liar.

Now the Trump campaign is saying that Loomer will not be hired, as reported in the updated Haberman/Swan article and on Twitter:

Before the intense blowback, Trump had been telling aides to give Loomer a job, obsessed with her attacks on DeSantis. But the intense reaction to it being reported changed things. https://t.co/x8Fl2rVLI0  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) April 7, 2023

I fear that Trump's obsession with attacking DeSantis is causing him to lose perspective. I see TV ads on Fox News attacking DeSantis for voting to cut Social Security when he was in Congress, with the sponsor of the ad identified as having MAGA in its name. Trump's real enemy is not DeSantis. He may lose some GOP support  which is surging now because of the persecution underway  if he persists on this course.

Loomer is a loose cannon, a gaffe machine, though I'd probably like her if I met her.

Hat tip: Peter Chowka.

Photo credit: Twitter screen grab.
Something about the apparently random street murder of Silicon Valley tech executive Bob Lee seems to have overturned a crawly rock in San Francisco's political scene, suggesting a brewing power struggle on the horizon.

On the one hand, we have a very vocally angry Silicon Valley tech community speaking out about the out-of-control crime situation in the city, with the valued and talented Lee's untimely death from some night creature who crawled out from some sewer or encampment and stabbed him to death, quite possibly in a drug-addled haze. That's expected if you live in a place full of bums and criminals, but Lee didn't live in a place full of bums and criminals. He had actually fled the city for Florida based on its engulfing crime and come back only for a brief business trip.

On the other hand, we have a soggy, entrenched political establishment seeking to assure that there's really no crime problem at all. This is evident enough in the "crime is down" coverage seen in the political establishment's house organ, the San Francisco Chronicle, and in the surreal statements of the city hall power establishment, which is rooted in special interests, particularly the most powerful one, the homeless industrial complex. I wrote about that here. San Francisco currently spends about as much on homeless "services" as it does on police, and by some studies such as the one cited below, actually more.

Not surprisingly, as per Thomas Sowell's observation, you can have all the poverty you want to pay for, and San Francisco pays a lot.

The Hoover Institution's Lee Ohanian has noted:

Spending $1.1 billion on homelessness is just the latest installment in San Francisco's constant failure to sensibly and humanely deal with an issue that it chronically misdiagnoses and mismanages about as much as is humanly possible. Since fiscal year 201617, San Francisco has spent over $2.8 billion on homelessness, and the city's politicians remain seemingly baffled, year after year, as the number of homeless in the city skyrocket, as opioid overdoses kill more than COVID-19, and as the city has become nearly the most dangerous in the country. https://www.hoover.org/research/why-san-francisco-nearly-most-crime-ridden-city-us. Since 2016, the number of homeless in San Francisco has increased from 12,249 to 19,086, which comes out to about $57,000 in spending per homeless person per year. With a total population of about 860,000, roughly 2.2 percent of San Francisco residents are homeless, which is over 12 times the national average. There is little doubt that as San Francisco spends more, homelessness and its impact on the city worsens.

Do the homeless get that $57,000 being spent on them? Of course not. The princelings of the NGO establishments got that money  for themselves. That's what's made them politically powerful, enough to call the shots at city hall.

Meanwhile, the tech barons keep the city afloat through their taxes paid, which in turn pay for the city's homeless services  which fuels the homelessness. The taxes they pay are the highest in the nation (which, naturally, the Chronicle claims doesn't matter to the tech companies, but that is unlikely to be true). We also know that they're not happy now that the crime that coincides with the growth of the homeless-industrial complex has spiraled into their tech talent base. It's not just Lee's murder, though that's not small. It's that ordinary tech workers don't want to return to the offices. The tech firms have leases in those buildings and need to utilize that paid-for space. The workers don't want to return and many have fled to friendlier, less crime-infested climes in Texas, Washington State, and Florida. That's leaving San Francisco with a lot of empty office space  about a 30% vacancy rate, which is one of the country's highest  and a 30% drop in tax revenues, given that the city finances itself by a huge margin through property taxes.

The collision of political interests happened when one of the city's criminals preyed on tech royalty Bob Lee. Then we started seeing posts like this, from tech-baron-of-tech-barons Elon Musk:

If you become mayor, my companies will double their investment in San Francisco.



Such an incredible city has been used & abused by management for too long!  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 7, 2023

And this not-so-disguised shot at the San Francisco Chronicle with all its bogus claims about crime being down based on misread statistics:

Only people who have never solved problems with data say things like believe the data.



No. Do not believe the data. Interrogate the data. Explore it. Ask how it was collected. Dig into methodologies.



The more surprising the data, the greater the need. https://t.co/w7q6KiP8Lf  Lee Edwards (@terronk) April 7, 2023

And this simple, brutal one:

Also, believe your eyes as you walk around downtown SF. Its insane.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 8, 2023

Those sound like shots across the bow.

And of course, Musk is a bugbear to the left, but he's the biggest bear in the tech establishment

Over at city hall, the political establishment is knee-deep in the NGOs and depends on them to mainstain their political power. But they also depend on the tech barons for money to pay the NGOs.

The tech barons are mad and, based on Musk's tweets, now seem to be looking to get rid of them. They're on the warpath. They were the moneybags behind the ouster of far-left district attorney Chesa Boudin last year. Now based on this string of events, they may be getting ready to storm the deep blue fortress. Lee's death may have been the starting point, and Musk's recent tweets may be the accelerator.

Image: Wikipedia, public domain.
It is not that House Republicans are merely lukewarm in their support of former President Trump and his MAGA program and therefore, according to the instruction of Machiavelli, in The Prince, will fail in helping this innovator overcome the fierce opposition of the Deep State. House Republicans are pathetic in their flabby pretense to help Mr. Trump drain the swamp.

The latest instance of likely House Republican ineptitude is revealed from the concatenation of two developments, in Washington, D.C. and at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. In Washington, a defense attorney for the Proud Boys has charged that undercover operatives, perhaps as many as 40, were involved in the Jan. 6 commotion at the Capitol and likely served as agents provocateurs. (No wonder the Capitol doors were opened to admit a part of the throng.)

Meanwhile, in Nashville, the Tennessee State House expelled two members for disruptive behavior on the House floor during an unruly gun protest. The operative part of the account in The New York Times on the ouster of the two legislators  an account sympathetic to the legislators  appeared twelve paragraphs into the story:

The lawmakers who were expelled readily agreed that [their] outburst violated the House's rules of conduct[.]

And the Tennessee House took appropriate action. Tennessee state legislator Gino Bulso pointed out that failure to have acted against the unruly legislators would have encouraged further future attempts at "'mutiny on the House floor.'"

Bravo, Mr. Bulso. House Republicans in Washington should invite you to speak to them on maintaining the processes of orderly government in a legislative chamber.

And now comes strong indications from one of the political trials taking place in the nation's capital that Jan. 6 was a put-up job, orchestrated by the leftist enemies of democratic government. Consider how Jan. 6 was put to use by the Pelosis, the Schumers, even the McConnells  to destroy for good and all the political future of Donald J. Trump and his MAGA reform movement.

Yes, Kevin McCarthy, Steve Scalise, Elise Stefanik, Jim Jordan, et al. could explain that House Republicans lacked the votes to restrain Pelosi and her ilk from running roughshod, in 2021, over House democratic processes via her rogue panel on political heresy.

But the American people have now handed the majority to House Republicans  and the House GOP leadership has no excuse, other than political ineptitude, for failure to immediately hold hearings on what Dr. John Dunn calls the Reichstag Firelike use of agents provocateurs to manipulate the scene at the Capitol, January 6, 2021, for the purpose of overthrowing the American political system.

Chairman Comer at House Oversight and Chairman Jordan at House Judiciary must conduct hearings on the Conspiracy to Present a False Scenario of a Jan. 6 Insurrection to Destroy Democracy in America  to open no later than May 1.

And let the word go forth: yes, a number of political figures should be on trial for offenses against the United States  but Donald J. Trump is not one of them. He is on trial only because of the ineptitude of Republican officials who should have given him strong and effective  not lukewarm or pathetic  support.

House Republicans, only you can get rid of our banana surplus by holding to account the anti-democracy Democrats.

Photo credit: YouTube screen grab (cropped).
See the update at the end of this post.

The Founders stated very clearly in the Declaration of Independence that all humans possess the inherent right to life. When they ratified the Bill of Rights, they inextricably intertwined that right to life with the Second Amendments right to bear arms. That amendment has no meaning if it does not include the right to self-defense. However, in the Peoples Republic of Austin, Texas, which is controlled by a Soros-funded prosecutor, Sgt. Daniel Perry discovered that his inherent right to defend himself no longer exists. The only thing that will save him from years in prison (which is true even if he appeals) is Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts announcement that he will immediately pardon Perry.

Texas isnt a bright red state. No state is. As long as a state has large urban areas, those areas will be under Democrat control. And when theres a university in that large area, the city wont just be under Democrat control, it will be under hard-left Democrat control. These are the places, too, in which George Soros, either directly or using pass-through organizations, has managed to seed local prosecutors offices with activists who want to defund the police, seek the decarceration of criminals, and are actively hostile to anyone who believes in old-fashioned ideas such as law-and-order or self-defense.

Image: Daniel Perry upon hearing the verdict. YouTube screen grab.

Austin, Texas, is Exhibit A for the leftism of Americas cities. Its Texass fourth largest city, its home to one of Americas largest universities, its politicians are almost all Democrats, its prosecutor (Jose Garza, an open socialist) got into office thanks to money from George Soros, and it has defunded its police. Oh, and naturally, back in 2020, it saw some of this countrys largest George Floyd riots.

During one of those riots, Daniel Perry, who served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, found the Uber he was driving trapped by a howling mob. One of the members of that mob, Garrett Foster, approached his car with an AK-47 (he also had a knife and a club on him), which he pointed at Perry. According to long-standing principles of self-defense, Perry deemed himself at imminent risk of being murdered and used his weapon against Foster, who died at the scene.

Remember: Self-defense does not require people to get shot or stabbed before their rights begin. Its enough that they have a reasonable belief that they face an imminent threat. Or at least, that used to be the law of self-defense in America. But Austin has seemingly abandoned American law.

Although the police declined to arrest Perry, that wasnt good enough for Garza, the DA whom Soross funds placed in office. Instead, he charged Perry with murder.

Perrys trial ended yesterday after an Austin jury found him guilty. Think about that: Youre driving along an Austin street, and you find yourself in the middle of a riot. The rioters attack your car, and one of them begins to point at you with his AK-47 (which is a weapon of war, unlike your AR-15). At that moment, most people would reasonably believe they were at imminent risk of death and would take steps to defend themselvesbut an Austin jury just said, nope.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton summed up correctly what American rights are, as well as the fact that they dont exist in Austin:

Self-defense is a God-given right, not a crime. Unfortunately, the Soros-backed DA in Travis County cares more about the radical agenda of dangerous Antifa and BLM mobs than justice, Paxton said in a statement to Fox News Digital. This week has shown us how rogue prosecutors have weaponized the judicial system, he added. They must be stopped!

Presumably, Perry will appeal, but hell have to spend that time in prisonand the mills of justice grind very, very slowly. Even the military is infected with the slow justice plague. Nidal Hassan murdered 13 adults and a fetus in 2009. Hes currently before the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces challenging his death sentence. Its been 14 yearsand justice delayed for his victims and their families truly is justice denied.

In Perrys case, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that hell take immediate steps to pardon Perry. Thatll keep this everyman out of prison and enable him to get on with his life, but its really not enough. As matters stand, self-defense against any of the leftists favored constituencies is dead in Austin, Texas.

Is Abbott going to pardon every future defendant who gets tangled in Prosecutor Garzas socialist toils? Obviously not. This issue needs to be addressed and remedied immediately, not just in Texas, but in every red state that has cities under the control of leftist prosecutors.

UPDATE: I didn't realize it, but Greg Price has been all over this story -- including posts about allegedly illegal conduct by the prosecutor:

The lead detective in the case concluded it was a justifiable homicide.



So did the Austin police department.



Yet Soros-funded Travis County DA Jose Garza indicted him anyway and was accused by the detective of withholding evidence from the grand jury and witness tampering pic.twitter.com/iBpHSDqcBe  Greg Price (@greg_price11) April 7, 2023

Here is the video from the night Daniel Perry, an active duty Army Sergeant, lawfully defended himself against a BLM rioter with an AK-47 before having his right of self defense made illegal by a Soros-funded DA.



Pardon Daniel Kelly @GregAbbott_TX pic.twitter.com/wVje5AGQag  Greg Price (@greg_price11) April 7, 2023

See also:

Daniel Perry case -- read the affidavit from the lead detective, claiming that the Soros DA directed him "to remove exculpatory information that I had intended to present to the grand jury during my testimony."



This detective believes the Soros DA acted criminally. pic.twitter.com/3iDhWUZLkh  Marina Medvin  (@MarinaMedvin) April 8, 2023

And here's the latest word from Gov. Greg Abbott:
Recently the far-left publication ProPublica reported the following about Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas.

For over nearly two decades, Thomas accepted "luxury trips virtually every year from real estate mogul and billionaire Republican donor Harlan Crow without disclosing them, breaking long-standing norms for judges' conduct."

Thomas's trips with Crow included "island-hopping through Indonesia on a superyacht to an annual summer stay at a private Adirondack resort."

On one occasion, Thomas "flew on Crow's jet from Washington Dulles airport to New Haven, Connecticut, then flew back three hours later."

Overall, ProPublica is claiming that "the extent and frequency of Crow's apparent gifts to Thomas has no known precedent in the modern history of the Supreme Court."

The report was enough to cause D.C. Democrats to throw into a conniption fit.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), AKA AOC, who is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee for possible violation of congressional rules for accepting impermissible gifts, branded Thomas as corrupt and demanded his impeachment:

This is beyond party or partisanship. This degree of corruption is shocking - almost cartoonish. Thomas must be impeached.



Barring some dramatic change, this is what the Roberts court will be known for: rank corruption, erosion of democracy, and the stripping of human rights. https://t.co/t8fnGLVhbV  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) April 6, 2023

Senator Liz Warren (D-Mass.), who falsely claimed Native American heritage to boost her career, was also outraged.

The American people deserve a federal judiciary that is accountable to the rule of law, not wealthy Republican donors. Today's news is a stark reminder that judges should be held to the highest ethical standards and free from conflicts of interest. https://t.co/7Rm64JIcyi  Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) April 6, 2023

Democrat Cori Bush who used campaign funds to pay her husband $60,000 for "security services," despite him being unqualified for the job, was exasperated. Bush retweeted an attack on Thomas by Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.).

Lieu, between 2017 and 2018, made campaign donations worth at least $50,000 to Stanford University. Years later, his son was admitted to the same university. It led many to wonder if the donations were a form of inducement.

Dear Justice Thomas: Your billionaire friend who you met after becoming a Justice, would not extend lavish hospitality to you year after year if you were a Court clerk. Hes doing it because of your position, not because hes your friend. Thats what makes your actions corrupt. https://t.co/AppWKe8rAN  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) April 7, 2023

The chief of the anti-Semitic wing of the Democrats, Rep Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), who may have committed marriage, immigration, tax, and student loan fraud, once again demanded that Thomas be impeached.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Clarence Thomas needs to be impeached.  Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) April 6, 2023

The Lincoln Project, which attempted to cover up sexual misconduct allegations against one of its co-founders, claimed that Thomas is compromised.

There were many more who live in glass houses but opted to cast stones at Thomas.

The mainstream media made it look as though Thomas has committed an unprecedented and unforgivable sin.

Now for the responses.

Harlan Crow said that Thomas "never asked for any of this hospitality" and that his treatment of the justice was "no different from the hospitality we have extended to our many other dear friends."

Thomas responded to the allegations as follows:

New statement from Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas



"Early in my tenure at the Court, I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary, and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends ... was not reportable." pic.twitter.com/o2J9MVD0pm  philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 7, 2023

So what does one make of all this?

If hanging out with wealthy donors is a crime, most humans in official D.C. will be imprisoned. But the argument that since everyone else does it, violations must be pardoned is fallacious.

Let's focus on facts and the rules.

In the N.Y. Post, Eddie Scarry reported that there are laws that require gift disclosures of federal office-holders. However, up until last month, it wasn't clear to what extent they applied to Supreme Court justices. The laws didn't specify luxury transit or resort property stays.

The last international trip hosted by Crow that Thomas attended and ProPublica reported about occurred in the summer of 2019.

The recently passed rules are more specific about gifts that sitting justices are required to disclose, and Thomas has pledged to follow them.

Beyond the rules, it seems unreasonable to expect Thomas to abandon all his friends who happen to be rich just because he is a Supreme Court justice.

Now, if there was a Supreme Court hearing on a case where Harlan Crow is an interested party, Thomas must recuse himself due to a conflict of interest. That situation hasn't arisen so far.

Harlan Crow is a well known conservative, and so is Thomas. Thomas's behavior or his rulings and his opinions didn't change after coming in contact with Crow.

Let's imagine a hypothetical scenario where Thomas had vacationed at the expense of George Soros and had suddenly changed his pro-life stand. That would have been very suspicious.

A conflict of interest occurs when financial inducements or gifts result in a deviation from usual conduct, or opinion, in the case of a judge. That emphatically hasn't occurred in Thomas's case.

But facts or norms never stop Democrats from abusing the system. AOC recently proclaimed that if no other Democrat introduces impeachment articles against Thomas, she will be "open" to doing it.

The process of impeaching a federal judge begins with the House of Representatives drafting articles of impeachment.

While only a narrow majority is needed to impeach a Supreme Court justice in the House, a conviction in the Senate would require a two-thirds majority. The Senate is currently split almost 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats, hence a conviction is unlikely.

Some have questioned the timing of the attacks on Thomas.

Recently, Republicans challenged Judge Merchan, who is overseeing Trump's "hush money" case in Manhattan. Merchan made political contributions to Democrats while a sitting judge, which is grounds for Merchan to recuse himself. Perhaps the attack on Thomas is to paint a false equivalence?

Back to Thomas. The baseless attacks on him have been relentless since his confirmation process began in 1991.

This debunks the claim that the Democrats are protectors of African-Americans.

The diversity in the Democrat playbook is based on race, sex, etc. However, the diversity of ideas  i.e., challenging the Democrat groupthink  is forbidden and results in severe reprisals.

The Democrats have often engaged in patently racist attacks against African-Americans who challenge their deeply flawed ideas.

This is hardly a surprise, because, since their party's founding in 1829, the Democrats have stood against the rights of non-white people. They defended slavery, causing the Civil War. They founded the Ku Klux Klan and imposed segregation. They pushed Jim Crow laws and perpetrated lynching. They fought the civil rights acts of the 1960s.

Beyond race, let's look at Thomas as a person.

Thomas doesn't send mean tweets. He doesn't roast liberals or give them nicknames. He is soft-spoken and measured with his words. Yet he is a target.

This once again debunks the theory that Trump is the recipient of attacks owing to his "baggage"  i.e., his manner and conduct.

Thomas and Trump are targeted not because of their conduct or manner; it is what they stand for.

In fact, anyone who challenges the Democrat groupthink will be the target of a persistent smear campaign.

The Democrats remain chagrinned that the Supreme Court has a clear conservative majority, which makes it a sturdy wall against their tyranny. This is an attempt to weaken that wall. If they manage to force Thomas out, they hope he will be replaced by a liberal justice.

The ball once again is in the court of the Republicans and conservative media. They must investigate liberal judges to find their conflicts of interest. Perhaps they speed up investigations of Hunter Biden's shady deals that were struck due to the abuse of power of Joe Biden as vice president.

Yesterday, it was President Trump. Today, it was Supreme Court Justice Thomas. Tomorrow, it could be you. The time of passively reacting, refuting, and condemning till the next attack is mounted has long gone.

There is no time to lose. The GOP has no option but to be tough and soon.

Photo credit: official portrait.
Up in Wisconsin, the GOP won a super-majority in the state Senate but lost a Supreme Court election, giving the Democrats a 4-3 edge. Am I the only one who finds that strange?

We are already hearing that this is about abortion or a comeback of the left, as we read in the Wall Street Journal:

Judge Protasiewicz dispensed with most legal niceties and ran a nakedly political campaign almost like a candidate for Governor. She called Wisconsin's legislative electoral maps "rigged" and Scott Walker's 2011 Act 10 limits on union collective bargaining unconstitutional. She refused to say if she'd recuse herself if those cases come before the court. Her major issue was abortion, especially the fate of an 1849 state statute that became law after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The law bans abortion in nearly all cases. Republicans who control the state Legislature helped her cause by failing to amend the law. They had ample warning from results last year in Michigan and Kentucky, where abortion drove Democratic turnout.

The issue is that 1849 law. My sense is that voters are saying no a total ban not, yes to abortion on demand. The WSJ is correct, warning the GOP that they need to live in 2023, not 1849:

Republicans had better get their abortion position straight, and more in line with where voters are or they will face another disappointment in 2024. A total ban is a loser in swing states.

As we've seen in some states, banning abortion outright is a loser politically. The answer is a 12- or 15-week window, or where most Americans are. Allow abortion in case or incest, something that most people understand and support. It's complicated, but that's where people are today.

As long as the focus is on a ban, Democrats can demagogue the issue rather than explain that they are calling for late-term abortion. Force Democrats to defend abortions after 15 weeks. These elections would turn out different if the issue were abortion on demand rather than an 1849 ban.

PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

Image: Wiscosnin Senate.
Thomas Alva Edison's invention, or shall we say perfection, of the light bulb helped brighten up homes of people all across the world, but he is especially revered in Japan. Cleveland-based newspaper The Plain Dealer says Japanese people represent the largest percentage of visitors to Edisons childhood home in Milan, Ohio.

Edison shares an unlikely connection with Japan. His admirers are at every corner of the country, but the relationship is especially deep with the citizens of Yawata City, in Kyoto Prefecture. There is a monument to Edison at the Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine, and at the foot of the mountain where the shrine is located, there is a small shopping district called Edison Street with a bronze statue of him. Yawata City is also a sister city to Milan, where Edison was born, and since the early 1980s, many happy exchanges of gifts have been made between the people of both places.

The bamboo grove near Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto. Bamboo from this area was used to make filaments for the first light bulbs. Photo credit: mTaira/Shutterstock.com

Edison began experimenting with incandescent light bulbs in 1878. Incandescent lamps produce light by using electricity to heat a thin strip of material, called a filament, until it gets hot enough to glow. Many inventors had tried to perfect the incandescent lamp but the bulbs they built had extremely short lives. Others were expensive to make which made them impossible to apply on a large scale commercially. Still others drew large amounts of current that required excessively thick wires that again raised costs. Finding a good material for the filament was one major problem that Edison eventually overcame.

Edison realized that in order to keep current flow down he has to find a material that has high resistance. In order to prolong the life of the filament, the material should also be durable to heat. After testing thousands of materials, ranging from platinum to beard hair, Edison discovered that a filament made of carbon has the properties he was looking for. Edison decided to try a carbonized cotton thread filament. That bulb glowed for a record fourteen hours. Edison immediately applied for a patent, where he described that the carbon filament could be made from various materials such as cotton and linen thread, wood splints, papers coiled in various ways.

Edison continued to experiment with different organic materials which he carbonized in his laboratory. He contacted biologists and had them send different plant fibers from the tropics. He sent his workers to different places around the globe looking for the perfect material. Edison estimated that he tested no fewer than 6,000 vegetable growths, and ransacked the world for the most suitable filament material.

Carbon filament lamps. Photo credit: Ulfbastel/Wikimedia

One of Edisons workers, William H. Moore, sent him samples from a bamboo grove growing near the Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine in Kyoto in 1880. The species, Phyllostachys bambusoides, is native to China and Japan, where the hollow bamboo stems are used to make flutes and in numerous arts and crafts. The bamboo also made fine fishing rods. Edison himself had encountered one of these rods during a fishing trip to Wyoming, two years earlier, where he recalled examining a few threads from the bamboo fishing pole. Its not clear whether Edison asked Moore to send him that particular species of bamboo, or Moore sent them to Edison of his own volition. In any case, Edison discovered that carbonized bamboo made excellent lamp filaments.

To make these filaments, pieces of a single bamboo plant was sliced lengthwise into extremely fine strips, and bent to their desired hairpin or looped shapes in order to fit into the bulb. They were then covered with powdered carbon and heated inside a furnace at an extremely high temperature for several hours before allowing them to cool. During this process, the bamboo strips turns from its initial cellulose structure to a pure carbon structure, ready to be mounted in the glass bulbs. However, the bamboo filament can only be as long as the distance between two joints of the bamboo cane. This restricted the length of the filament, and thus put a limit to how bright a carbon filament light bulb could be. Light bulbs made from carbonized bamboo filament did not burn much brighter than a candle, but they did burn significantly longer than any existing filament at that time. Some of the bulbs Edison and his team built burned for over 1,200 hours.

Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine. Photo credit: Patrick Vierthaler/Flickr

Carbon filament became the dominant material in the manufacture of incandescent lamps until the development of the tungsten filament that lasted longer and gave brighter light than the carbon filament. The first tungsten filament lamps were made by a Hungarian company called Tungsram in 1904. By 1911, Edisons company, General Electric, had switched to tungsten.

Edison died in 1931. Three years later, the Thomas Alva Edison Monument was built within the Iwashimizu Hachimangus precincts at the top of Mt. Otokoyama. When Madeleine Edison Sloane, Edison's daughter, visited Iwashimizu Hachimangu in 1964, she was said to have been deeply moved to see the memorial and remarked that she had never seen such a marvelous monument in the U.S.

Every year on the occasion of Edisons birth and death anniversary, a light festival takes place at Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine in which traditional bamboo lanterns are lit around the monument along with the playing of the American national anthem.

Photo credit: Katie/Flickr

Photo credit: Douglas Sprott/Flickr
Samsung introduced several new camera features with the Galaxy S23 series in February and pushed further improvements with a massive update last week. In the meantime, the company has been bringing those features to older Galaxy devices. One UI 5.1 brought many of those last month, while some others, such as Image Clipper, arrived recently with the April update (for the Galaxy S22 series). It isnt done yet, though. The Korean firm is working on bringing more Galaxy S23 camera features to older models.

In a recent community post in Samsungs South Korean forums, a moderator said that the company is in the process of adding front camera support in Pro and Pro Video modes to the Galaxy S22 series and the Galaxy Z Fold 4. These phones will also get front camera support in the Expert RAW app. You will get professional-level controls while capturing selfies and selfie videos. They will get the new 300x Astro Hyperlapse feature as well, along with the Galaxy Z Flip 4. It lets you capture the stars and star trails in the night sky.

Additionally, Samsung is currently reviewing the compatibility of Galaxy S23s improved lens switching effect for the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, and Galaxy Z Flip 4. If things work perfectly, it will push this feature to these phones with a new update soon. It controls zooming dynamically to make lens switching a seamless experience. Last but not least, the company says Image Clipper will be available for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note 20, and all foldable models except for the first-gen Galaxy Fold. As said earlier, the Galaxy S22 recently received this feature.

Camera Assistant update will bring more new features to older Galaxy devices

In addition to these features, Samsung is also preparing to bring a few more camera features to its Galaxy devices with a new update for the Camera Assistant app. The app recently added a prioritize focus over speed feature to the Galaxy S23 series. As the name implies, it improves your phones autofocus at the cost of focus speed. You can disable the feature if you want fast capturing and dont care much about precise focusing. The Galaxy S22 series will get this feature soon. Theres no word yet on its availability for other models, though.

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Other Galaxy S23 camera features that recently reached older models include the Expert RAW shortcut in the stock camera app, new selfie effects, improved QR code recognition, enhanced photo remastering, GIF remastering, and auto framing of the subject. The Gallery app also gained improvements for search, story, and information functions. We will keep you posted as Samsung pushes these promised updates.
Foreign Minister Park Jin shakes hands with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in New Delhi, April 7, in this photo provided by Seoul's foreign ministry. Yonhap





The top diplomats of Korea and India have agreed to further bolster the countries' relationship during talks in New Delhi, Seoul's foreign ministry said Saturday.







Foreign Minister Park Jin held talks with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Friday, after Park arrived in India earlier in the day for a two-day trip, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.







During the talks, the two sides agreed to develop their "special strategic partnership," established in 2015, by continuing senior-level exchanges and expand cooperation in economic security, science and technology, the ministry said.







Park also expressed a willingness to strengthen strategic communication and solidarity with India, under Seoul's Indo-Pacific strategy unveiled in December last year.







On the same day, Park made a courtesy call on Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and reaffirmed the will to develop bilateral ties.







Korea and India established relations in 1973 and upgraded their ties to a "special strategic partnership" when India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Korea in 2015. (Yonhap)






A 12-year-old boy is to appear in court accused of murdering a 60-year-old pillar of her community who was hit by a car.

Marcia Grant was fatally injured at around 7.10pm on Wednesday April 5 in the Greenhill area of Sheffield.

The boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, will appear before Sheffield Youth Court on Saturday charged with murdering the grandmother.

Mrs Grants family has released a statement, saying: Marcia was a warm, loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and a pillar of her community.

Her loss has already sent shockwaves through all who knew her or was lucky enough to be included in her orbit.

We ask for privacy at this time while further investigations are under way and the family try to come to terms with this enormous loss.

Police remained outside a semi-detached house on Hemper Lane, in Sheffield, on Thursday evening.

A number of floral tributes had been left outside the property which had police tape across the driveway.

One message read: Im so sorry for your loss.

She was a beautiful soul.
A 16-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of the murder of a 14-year-old girl in an east London fire has been released by police.

The girl, named locally as Tiffany Regis, died in the fire on Thursday at a block of flats in Beckton.

The Metropolitan Police said the boy has been bailed pending further inquiries until early May.

Five others at the address were injured. They have since been discharged from hospital.

Police were called at about 5.28pm on Thursday to the fire in Tollgate Road, which detectives are treating as arson.

Flowers at the scene on Tollgate Road in Beckton, Newham after a fire at a block of flats (James Manning/PA)

Speaking after the murder investigation was launched on Friday, Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, who leads the Mets north east command unit, said: My thoughts at this time are with the victim and their family and friends.

Incidents such as these send shockwaves through our communities and I dont underestimate the impact this will have in the local area and beyond.

Your officers will be on patrol in the immediate vicinity over the Easter weekend, please talk to them if you have any concerns.

Paying tribute, a man who said he was a family friend described the teenager as an angel.

The man who gave his name only as Godfrey, 30, said: Ive even got videos of her from when she young.

She spent some time with my little nephews. Those memories with her I will never forget.
Two British-Israeli sisters have been killed in a gun attack in the occupied West Bank and Britons were injured when a car rammed tourists in Tel Aviv during a surge in violence.

The pair of attacks by Palestinian assailants on Friday came after Israel launched retaliatory air strikes at Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Tensions have been heightened by days of fighting at Jerusalems most holy site during the rare convergence of Ramadan, Passover and Easter.

Israeli security forces examine the scene of a shooting near the Israeli settlement of Hamra in the West Bank (Nasser Nasser/AP)

The two sisters shot dead in an attack on their car near an Israeli settlement in the West Bank were in their 20s, while their 45-year-old mother was seriously wounded.

Their father witnessed the incident from a separate car following behind, local officials said.

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to the settlements mayor Oded Revivi.

Late on Friday, an Italian tourist was killed and five other Italian and British citizens were wounded when a car rammed a group in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly held a call on Saturday with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen to discuss the appalling attacks.

Middle East minister Lord Ahmad said: I condemn yesterdays attacks in the West Bank, killing two British-Israeli nationals and injuring one other, and in Tel Aviv where an Italian national was killed and British nationals were injured.

British Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan added: My thoughts are with those affected by another horrific terror attack last night in Tel Aviv, including one Italian tourist killed.

British people are amongst the injured. We are in touch with the hospital and will offer our support.

My thoughts are with those affected by another horrific terror attack last night in Tel Aviv, including one Italian tourist killed. British people are amongst the injured. We are in touch with the hospital and will offer our support.  Neil Wigan (@FCDONeilWigan) April 8, 2023

The Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised both incidents as retaliation for Israeli raids earlier this week on the Al-Aqsa mosque.

Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns said it was incredibly difficult to see how the raid earlier this week was legitimate as she urged the Government to increase its efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.

The Tory MP told BBC Radio 4s Today programme there has been too much silence from the Foreign Office in recent weeks.

We need to step up, she said. We really need to re-engage, we need to make sure that our Arab partners know that we are here and listening and we need our Israeli friends to know we stand completely behind their security.

She added that the UK must be a critical friend to both sides.

Two Israeli border police officers are deployed to keep order while Palestinians cross from the West Bank into Jerusalem, for Ramadan prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound (AP)

The Foreign Office released a statement saying it was saddened to hear about the deaths of the two British-Israelis and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions, it added.

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank.

My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.

The Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon came after militants fired nearly three dozen rockets from there.
A European spacecraft is about to embark on a 6.6 billion km journey to explore whether Jupiters ocean-bearing moons can support life.

The six-tonne probe, named Juice (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer), will be heading towards the solar systems biggest planet carrying 10 scientific instruments, in what is the European Space Agencys (ESA) biggest deep-space mission yet.

Scientists in the UK have led the development of one instrument known as the magnetometer, which will help shed light on how Jupiters icy moons formed.

Dr Caroline Harper, head of space science at the UK Space Agency, which has invested 9 million in the mission, said: Juice will take us to a part of the solar system that we know relatively little about, to study Jupiter, our largest planet, and to investigate whether some of its icy moons are home to conditions that could support life.

Deciding to go to #Jupiter was one thing, but @ESA_JUICE designers faced sizzling radiation, just 3% of Earthly solar power, 10 instruments that must work together without interference & distances too far to send direct commands. So #ESATech pitched in: https://t.co/Lob97MyVPX pic.twitter.com/o0e86DukbL  ESA Technology (@ESA_Tech) April 5, 2023

Due to launch on April 13 from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, Juice will lift off onboard an Ariane 5 rocket at 1.15pm UK time, before separating from the rocket after about half an hour.

Once arriving at its destination eight years later, the spacecraft will spend at least three years making detailed studies of the planet and three of its largest moons, Ganymede, Europa and Callisto.

Engineers and mission controllers have a very short launch window to send the spacecraft on its journey.

This is because Venus and Earth need to be in the perfect position for Juice to perform a manoeuvre known as gravitational assist, where it will use the gravity of these planets to slingshot towards Jupiter.

Justin Byrne, head of science for Airbus and the missions lead contractor, said that despite having three-and-a-half tonnes of fuel, it is not enough for Juice to get to Jupiter directly.

He said: We have to use planets  Earth and Venus  just to get to Jupiter.

We will minimise the amount of fuel we need to use by using gravitational support.

(PA Graphics)

However, if the first window is missed Mr Byrne said there will be more opportunities in April, and then later in August.

Juice is not equipped to search for signs of life but its aim is to explore the conditions that could support life.

Beneath the ice crust of Europa is thought to lie a huge ocean of liquid water, containing twice as much water as Earths oceans combined.

But scientists are more interested in Ganymede, Jupiters largest moon which is thought to have a salty ocean beneath its icy shell.

One of Juices key goals is to explore this body of water and determine whether this world may be habitable.

Juice has been built to withstand harsh radiation and extreme conditions, ranging from 250C around Venus to minus 230C near Jupiter.

before being gently lowered onto the top of the @Ariane5 rocket that will carry it into space  pic.twitter.com/hzeCpirPGm  ESA's Juice mission (@ESA_JUICE) April 5, 2023

Sensitive electronics are protected inside a pair of lead-lined vaults within the body of the spacecraft.

Scientists from Imperial College London have led the development of the magnetometer J-MAG, which will measure the characteristics of magnetic fields of Jupiter and Ganymede  the only moon known to produce its own magnetic field.

Data gathered from J-MAG will help characterise the depth and salt content of Ganymedes ocean.

Professor Michele Dougherty, head of the Department of Physics at Imperial College London and principal investigator for the J-MAG instrument, said: With our instruments measurements, we are almost looking inside these worlds.

What were doing however is extremely difficult, as the signals were trying to detect are extremely small.

Its like trying to find lots of needles in a haystack, and those needles are changing shape and colour all the time.

Juice spacecraft exploring Jupiter and its moons (ESA)

But we think the results are going to be spectacular.

Juice will be joined by Nasa spacecraft Europa Clipper in its mission to explore Jupiters moons.

Although Juice and Europa Clipper have different priorities, there will be opportunities for the two to collaborate.

If all goes well, Juice should reach Jupiter in July 2031 and will have enough fuel to make 35 flybys of the icy moons before orbiting Ganymede from December 2034.

Once the spacecraft runs out of fuel, Juice will perform a controlled crash into Ganymede, marking the end of the 14 billion mission.
The UK Foreign Office appealed for an de-escalation in tensions in the Israel-Palestine dispute after two British-Israeli sisters in their 20s were shot dead.

The attack on their car took place near an Israeli settlement in the West Bank and the girls father witnessed the incident from a separate car following behind, local officials said.

The sisters 45-year-old mother was also seriously wounded, Israeli and British officials said.

Israeli medics said they dragged the unconscious women from the smashed car, which appeared to have been pushed off the road.

Israeli soldiers set up a roadblock following a shooting attack near the Israeli settlement of Hamra in West Bank at the Jordan Valley on Friday (Nasser Nasser/AP)

In London, the Foreign Office confirmed the deaths and appealed for all sides in the Israel-Palestine dispute to de-escalate a situation which has seen violence flare up in recent days.

There was further bloodshed in Tel Aviv, as Britons were reportedly among those injured when a car rammed into a group of people near a popular seaside park.

A 30-year-old Italian man was killed in the attack, but reports suggested Britons were among at least seven people injured.

Israels rescue service said a 74-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were receiving medical treatment for mild to moderate injuries.

Police said they shot and killed the driver of the car and identified him as a 45-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel from the village of Kafr Qassem.

A video circulating on social media showed the car hurtling along a sidewalk for several hundred metres before crashing out of control.

Israeli security forces examine the scene of a shooting near the Israeli settlement of Hamra in West Bank at the Jordan Valley (AP)

The family of the two sisters killed in the West Bank were residents of the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to Oded Revivi, the settlements mayor.

He said: With great sorrow we received an update on a shocking terrorist attack in which terrorists shot a car including a mother and her two daughters, residents of Efrat.

The two girls were murdered and the mother is in (a) critical condition and we all pray for her quick recovery.

The father of the family who drove in another car from the front turned around and witnessed the efforts to take care of his wife and daughters.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: We are saddened to hear about the deaths of two British-Israeli citizens and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

Two Israeli border police officers are deployed to keep order while Palestinians cross from the West Bank into Jerusalem, for the third Fridays Ramadan prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound (AP)

The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank.

My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly had earlier called for calm after Israel launched strikes in southern Lebanon and bombed targets in the Gaza Strip in retaliation over rocket attacks.

The cross-border fighting, while Jews are celebrating the Passover holiday and Muslims are marking Ramadan, erupted following violent scenes at Jerusalems Al-Aqsa Mosque.

I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.  David Lammy (@DavidLammy) April 7, 2023

The Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon came after militants fired nearly three dozen rockets from there.

The Israeli military said it targeted installations of the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Lebanon.

Mr Cleverly said both sides in the Israel-Palestine dispute should recommit themselves to a negotiated settlement.

Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza Strip on Friday (AP)

He said: The UK condemns the indiscriminate rocket attacks from southern Lebanon and Gaza and recognises Israels right to self-defence.

Now is the time for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.

At the convergence of Passover, Ramadan and Easter, the UK calls for all parties to respect the historic status quo arrangements at Jerusalems holy sites and cease all provocative action.

The UK is a strong supporter of freedom of religion or belief and calls for places of worship to be respected.

We value Jordans important role as custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem and condemns the Israeli police violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

When Israeli security forces conduct operations, they must ensure they are proportionate and in accordance with international law.

In Jerusalem, violence flared again at the Al-Aqsa Mosque before dawn prayers, with Israeli police stationed at one of the gates forcibly dispersing vast crowds of worshippers who chanted praise for Hamas.

Human rights campaign group Amnesty International UK criticised Mr Cleverlys response.

The charitys Kristyan Benedict said: James Cleverlys belated response to shocking Israeli violence against Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque isnt just weak and tokenistic  its also dangerously misguided because it effectively isolates individual incidents of violence from the overall context, which is decades of apartheid, occupation and systematic injustice against the Palestinian people.

Despite the Foreign Secretarys usual platitudes about peace and de-escalation, the UK continues to oppose vital international measures such as the ongoing ICC (International Criminal Court) investigation, designed to bring justice and accountability for Israeli and Palestinian civilians.
Up to a quarter of a million appointments and operations could be postponed due to four days of strikes by junior doctors, the NHS Confederation has warned, amid fears over patient safety.

Dr Layla McCay, director of policy at the confederation, said health bosses were more concerned about the impact of the latest walkout  which falls after the Easter bank holiday weekend  than any other strike so far.

Medics in England are preparing to take industrial action from Tuesday in the bitter pay dispute but the British Medical Association said the strikes could still be avoided if the Government made a credible offer.

Dr McCay told BBC Radio 4s Today Programme: In the last junior doctors strike, we saw about 175,000 appointments and operations having to be postponed.

(PA Graphics)

In terms of the disruption that were anticipating this time, we reckon it could be up to about a quarter of a million so that is a huge amount of impact for patients up and down the country.

She added: What were hearing from our members who are health leaders across the whole system is that they are more concerned about this than they have been about about any other strike.

They think that the impact is going to be so significant that this one is likely to have impact on patient safety and that is a huge concern for every healthcare leader.

Dr McCay said the disruption could last up to 10 or 11 days, with the strike set between the Easter bank holiday and another weekend.

What we expect to see is really significantly diminished capacity within the health service with these junior doctors being out, she said.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay has been urged to meet union representatives over the bank holiday weekend in a bid to resolve the issue.

Junior doctors will be returning to the picket line (Joe Giddens/PA)

Dr Mike Greenhalgh, deputy co-chair of the BMAs Junior Doctors Committee, told BBC Ones Breakfast show: Its hard to negotiate when only one side is doing it and were not getting anything back from the Government on that front.

He added: Were happy to meet at any time. We would still meet him over the bank holiday weekend before the industrial action next week.

And if he was to bring a credible offer to us, it could still, even at this late stage, avert action.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has insisted the BMA has to call off the strike for any negotiations to take place.

Dr Greenhalgh apologised to patients who have had operations or appointments cancelled and insisted patient safety would not be put at risk.

Patient safety was maintained at the last strikes, and it will be in these strikes, he said

He said of the previous action which lasted for three days: We met with the NHS employers four times a day.

There was a mechanism for them to say if they felt that patient safety was being compromised, and we didnt have a single request for any derogations during that time.

The BMA has called on the Health Secretary to negotiate to resolve 15 years of pay erosion, with junior doctors losing more than 26% of their pay in real terms.

Dr Greenhalgh said: At the moment, we have over seven million people on waiting lists and the way we get that down is making sure the NHS is properly funded and staffed.

And part of that is making sure that theres a fair deal on pay for our members.

The four days of strikes will come immediately after the Easter bank holiday weekend.

They will run from 6.59am on Tuesday until 6.59am on Saturday April 15.
US president Joe Biden is to give a key address at Ulster Universitys newly opened campus to kick-start his historic visit to the island of Ireland next week.

Mr Biden is taking part in events north and south of the border to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

His address at Ulster Universitys new Belfast campus will take place on Wednesday.

Vice-chancellor and president of Ulster University Professor Paul Bartholomew said it would be a significant day for the institution.

We are looking forward to what will be a very special day in the Universitys history, and to hosting President Biden on his first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming president, he said.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, Ulster University, across all three of our campuses, is looking forward to preparing the next generation of civic, business and societal leaders.

The US president is to arrive in Belfast on Tuesday evening along with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shakes hands with US President Joe Biden during a press conference in San Diego (Leon Neal/PA)

Mr Biden is not expected to visit Stormont Buildings, which, coupled with just one engagement confirmed in Northern Ireland, is being viewed by some as a snub.

Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin has denied this was the case, arguing that any visit by a US president was to be welcomed.

People are envious of the commitment of President Biden  to the entire island of Ireland, he said.

I think his visit to Northern Ireland is a manifestation of his genuine commitment to the people of Northern Ireland.

Mr Biden will visit Dublin where he is to address Irish parliamentarians and meet Irish premier Leo Varadkar and Irish president Michael D Higgins.

There will be a banquet held in Dublin Castle in the presidents honour on Thursday evening.

He is also expected to visit Co Louth and Co Mayo, from where his ancestors hail.

Mr Bidens great-great-grandfather Owen Finnegan emigrated to the United States from the Cooley Peninsula, while another great-great-grandfather, Patrick Blewitt, was born in Ballina, leaving during the Irish famine in 1850 to sail to America.

Fifth cousin of President Joe Biden, Councillor Andrea McKevitt, from the Cooley Peninsula, Co Louth (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Biden is expected to visit to Carlingford and Dundalk in Co Louth on Wednesday before arriving in Dublin.

The end of the trip will include a public speech by the US President in Co Mayo, outside St Muredachs Cathedral in Ballina, on Friday evening.

Mr Varadkar has said the purpose of Mr Bidens visit was to welcome a son of Ireland home, to welcome home a great Irish-American president.

He said it also offered an opportunity to cement the relationship between Ireland and the US, which he said had never been stronger, and to look ahead to Northern Irelands future.

A major security operation is expected to be in place for Mr Bidens visit, with more than 300 officers from the rest of the UK being drafted in for the Northern Ireland leg of the trip.

In a sign of the tight security measures that surround the diplomatic outing, some details of the presidential visit have yet to be confirmed.

The PSNI said on Saturday that it was engaging with local communities and businesses who may be impacted by traffic restrictions in place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The First Lady Jill Biden is not expected to travel with Mr Biden.
A 26-year-old man has appeared before a Belfast court charged with the murder of a woman in Limerick city.

Geila Ibram, 27, from Romania, was found dead at a residence in Dock Road in Limerick on Tuesday.

Habib Shamel, an Afghan national, appeared before the court via videolink charged with her murder.

Belfast Magistrates Court heard he had been in Ireland since October 2020, and had applied for asylum.

When asked whether he understood the charge against him, he confirmed through an interpreter that he did.

A detective sergeant told the court that Ms Ibram had been stabbed numerous times and that the attack resulted in the defendant injuring his hand.

The detective said that evidence gathered shows a conversation between the defendant and the victim, between 11.20am and 12.40pm on April 4, which was arranging a sexual exchange.

At the end of the conversation, the victim provided her address, the court heard.

The detective said that CCTV footage shows the defendant entering the flat just before 1.30pm, and leaving approximately one minute 52 seconds later.

He said that the victim was stabbed numerous times in the neck, face and abdomen during this period, in what the court heard was a vicious and frenzied attack.

The detective said the defendant made attempts to try to treat his hand, including attending Limerick University Hospital.

On April 5, he arrived in Belfast after travelling by bus with a friend before being arrested on April 6.

The detective said the defendant made numerous admissions during his interview with police about his actions within the flat, his injured hand and his travel to Belfast.

When charged by police, the court heard that the defendant replied Ive said everything.

Mr Shamels legal team argued that he should be granted bail, telling the court that the prison service would not be able to accommodate his religious requests and that there were concerns for his mental health.

The district judge refused the defendant bail, calling the charge a very grave offence and there being far too high a flight risk or risk of further offending.

Legal aid was granted and he is next due to appear before court via videolink on May 2.

The charge is contrary to common law and section one of the Criminal Jurisdiction Act 1975.

Under that legislation, it is understood that the justice process can take place in Northern Ireland if a suspect has fled from a different jurisdiction where a serious criminal offence has taken place.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has named two British-Israeli sisters killed in a gun attack in the occupied West Bank.

Rina and Maia Dee were shot dead in an attack on their car near an Israeli settlement in the West Bank on Friday.

The attack, by Palestinian assailants on Friday, came after Israel launched retaliatory air strikes at Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Tensions have been heightened by days of fighting at Jerusalems most holy site during the rare convergence of Ramadan, Passover and Easter.

Naming the sisters for the first time, Mr Netanyahu said: On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the Di Mafart family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters.

In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.

The sisters 45-year-old mother was seriously wounded in the attack. Their father witnessed the incident from a separate car following behind, local officials said.

              ,    ,   .       ,        ,          . pic.twitter.com/QU52HpTl2M  Benjamin Netanyahu    (@netanyahu) April 8, 2023

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to the settlements mayor Oded Revivi.

Late on Friday, an Italian tourist was killed and five other Italian and British citizens were wounded when a car rammed a group in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly held a call on Saturday with his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, to discuss the appalling attacks.

Middle East minister Lord Ahmad said: I condemn yesterdays attacks in the West Bank, killing two British-Israeli nationals and injuring one other, and in Tel Aviv where an Italian national was killed and British nationals were injured.

British Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan added: My thoughts are with those affected by another horrific terror attack last night in Tel Aviv, including one Italian tourist killed.

British people are amongst the injured. We are in touch with the hospital and will offer our support.

Israeli soldiers set up a roadblock following a shooting attack (Nasser Nasser/AP)

The Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised both incidents as retaliation for Israeli raids earlier this week on the Al-Aqsa mosque.

The Foreign Office released a statement saying it was saddened to hear about the deaths of the two British-Israelis and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions, it added.

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank.

My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.

The Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon came after militants fired nearly three dozen rockets from there.
A suspect handing over a drink spiked with drugs to a student in Seoul is seen in this image provided by Gangnam Police Station, April 5. Yonhap



Two suspects in a scam ring have been arrested for allegedly manufacturing and supplying beverages laced with drugs to high school students in Seoul with the purpose of extortion, police said Saturday.



One of the suspects was arrested in Wonju, Gangwon Province, Friday, for handing over drug-laced beverages through express buses and "quick service" delivery services to four individuals accused of giving out such drinks to students in Gangnam, southern Seoul, Monday night, after tricking them into believing they were helpful for concentration.



The other suspect was arrested in Incheon, just west of Seoul, Friday, for forging incoming calls from China into local mobile phone numbers to blackmail the parents of students who drank the drug-laced beverages to demand money. The scam ring threatened to report the students to the police on drug charges.



Police have applied for an arrest warrant for the two suspects.



The four individuals allegedly offered the beverages for free, claiming it was a tasting event, and also asked the students for their parents' contact information, according to the police.



They told police they didn't know the beverages were drugged and distributed them only as part-timers hired through the internet. Seven students and a parent have so far been found affected.



Police are tracking down the alleged mastermind behind the scheme. (Yonhap)




Unions are warning that stability in Ireland could be threatened if workers rights are ripped up.

The TUC and NIC-ICTU (Northern Ireland Committee in the Irish Congress of Trade Union) issued a joint statement ahead of the 25-year anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement on Monday as the Retained EU Law Bill makes its way through parliament.

The unions warned that under the Bill workplace rights such as holiday pay, rest breaks, health and safety rules and protections from discrimination will disappear from the end of this year unless ministers table new regulations to retain them.

The TUC and Northern Irish unions warned that if vital rights in Northern Ireland are ripped up, it would be in direct breach of the Governments level playing field commitments from the EU-UK trade deal.

The unions called on the Government to ditch the retained EU Law Bill and protect jobs, workers rights and peace on the island of Ireland.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: The Conservatives are threatening to take a wrecking ball to hard-won workers rights with the Retained EU Law Bill.

This reckless Bill puts at risk vital workplace protections  like holiday pay, safe working hours and protection from discrimination.

Not only is that bad for workers across Britain  it also threatens stability on the island of Ireland.

If essential rights are torn up in Northern Ireland while stronger rights remain across the border, the British government will be in direct breach of its level playing field commitments.

This risks provoking a trade war with the EU  thats the last thing working people need in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

Its time to ditch this reckless Bill. The Conservatives do not have a mandate to slash and burn peoples rights at work.

Owen Reidy, ICTU general secretary, said: The trade union movement in both jurisdictions, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, have used the east-west and north-south opportunities opened since 1998 to deepen our friendships and co-operation with the TUC, Wales TUC and Scottish TUC.

We have liaised regularly on campaigns against austerity and anti-worker legislation, and we remember how the TUC were almost alone in GB in 2016 when they warned about the possible threat Brexit posed to the stability of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

Sadly, many of those concerns were justified by subsequent events and policy choices made by the Tory government and the Retained EU Law Bill is a sour cherry on a stale cake.

The best legacy we can leave the past 25 years since the agreement is to defend it, starting with defeating this irrational Bill.

A UK Government spokesperson said: Weve been very clear that any reforms will not come at the expense of the UKs strong record on workers rights, having raised domestic standards over recent years to make them some of the highest in the world.

The Retained EU Law Bill will not compromise the Good Friday Agreement, while still allowing us to seize the regulatory reform opportunities offered by Brexit.
Labour frontbencher Emily Thornberry has defended a party attack advert claiming Rishi Sunak does not think child sex abusers should go to prison.

The shadow attorney general acknowledged there has been a lot of criticism, including that the social media message is racist, but she said the critics are wrong.

Figures on Labours left have joined Conservatives in expressing unease over the campaign ad while shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell declined to endorse it.

This is not the sort of politics a Labour Party, confident of its own values and preparing to govern, should be engaged in. I say to the people who have taken the decision to publish this ad, please withdraw it. We, the Labour Party, are better than this. https://t.co/13XGS3A5Td  John McDonnell MP (@johnmcdonnellMP) April 6, 2023

The row centres on a tweet in which Labour is pitching itself as the party of law and order.

Alongside a photo of the Prime Minister, an image reads: Do you think adults convicted of sexually assaulting children should go to prison? Rishi Sunak doesnt.

Ms Thornberry told BBC Radio 4s Any Questions: I heard a lot of people criticising it, and a lot of people who I like and respect criticising it and saying they felt very uncomfortable about it. Some people said that they thought it was racist.

I have to say, I think theyre wrong. I just disagree with that. I think the truth is we do need to have a debate in this country, and Rishi Sunak is the Prime Minister and he is responsible for a broken justice system.

Asked if she genuinely thinks Mr Sunak held these views, Ms Thornberry responded: If he believes that everyone responsible for child abuse should get a custodial sentence, why are so many not getting a custodial sentence?

He is the Prime Minister and that is a legitimate question for the Opposition to ask.

Tory MP Laura Trott hit out at the desperate stunt as she questioned Sir Keir Starmers integrity, calling him a political opportunist whos just not fit to lead the country.

Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson said she was pretty disgusted by the campaign, saying: This is not an attack ad my party would use.

The under-fire Twitter post highlights Labour analysis of Ministry of Justice data and says that under the Tories 4,500 adults convicted of sexually assaulting children under-16 served no prison time.

Labour has declined to delete the ad and has instead continued with its approach, posting a similar message accusing Mr Sunak of not wanting to jail dangerous gunmen.

Judges and magistrates, rather than the prime minister of the day, are responsible for handing out sentences.

13 years of Tory failure has broken our justice system. Victims wait months if not years for justice, while dangerous criminals avoid prison. Labour will prevent crime, punish criminals, and protect communities. pic.twitter.com/gSBv5oyO0Q  The Labour Party (@UKLabour) April 7, 2023

The figures Labour highlighted cover the period since 2010, five years before Mr Sunak entered Parliament. He did not become Prime Minister until October last year.

The party continued with the attack ads, with the latest claiming Mr Sunak does not want thieves to be punished, citing figures suggesting only 180 of the 4,500 thefts a day will result in charges.

13 years of Tory failure has left our streets unsafe. Labour will bring back neighbourhood policing. pic.twitter.com/w3gqJK82UU  The Labour Party (@UKLabour) April 8, 2023

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell has urged his party to climb down, saying: This is not the sort of politics a Labour Party, confident of its own values and preparing to govern, should be engaged in.

I say to the people who have taken the decision to publish this ad, please withdraw it. We, the Labour Party, are better than this.
Two outbreaks of the Marburg virus, a close cousin of Ebola which causes a severe and often fatal disease in humans, have been confirmed in Africa in recent months. It has sparked concern among health officials about the rare virus, which has no treatment or vaccine and a fatality rate of up to 88%, and its potential to spread.

The bat-borne virus started making headlines in February, when Equatorial Guinea confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak to the World Health Organization  since then, the country has reported 14 confirmed cases and 10 confirmed deaths.

The following month, Tanzania declared an outbreak of Marburg, which has caused eight confirmed cases and five deaths so far, according to the WHO.

On Thursday, April 6, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory to inform U.S. public health departments and clinicians about these outbreaks and increase awareness about the "potential for imported cases"  although no cases related to these outbreaks have been reported in the U.S. or any other countries outside Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea to date.

The CDC has also issued travel advisories for Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea, urging travelers to these countries to practice precautions, avoid contact with sick people and bats, and watch for symptoms for at least three weeks after leaving.

What exactly is Marburg, how does it spread, and what do people need to know about this outbreak?

What is the Marburg virus?

The Marburg virus was first identified in 1967 and has caused only a handful of outbreaks since, primarily in Africa, per the CDC.

"The Marburg virus is part of a family of viruses we call hemorrhagic fever viruses, and it's closely related to Ebola," Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, tells TODAY.com.

"The natural host or reservoir of the Marburg virus is fruit bats," Schaffner adds, but periodically the virus can leave the animal population, cross the species barrier and enter into the human population.

In humans, the Marburg virus causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe and deadly hemorrhagic fever, a condition which can affect many organ systems and harm the cardiovascular system, according to the CDC.

The average fatality rate of Marburg is 50%, according to WHO, but the case fatality ratio of past outbreaks has ranged from 25% to about 90%, Amira Roess, Ph.D., professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason Universitys College of Public Health, tells TODAY.com.

According to the CDC health advisory, most experts agree that the outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania are two independent animal-to-human spillover events and there is no evidence to suggest these two outbreaks are related.

What are the symptoms of Marburg?

The initial symptoms of Marburg include a sudden fever, chills, headache and muscle aches, per the CDC. Within a few days, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, sore throat and chest or abdominal pain may begin  some people experience a rash, Schaffner adds.

Severe symptoms typically begin five to seven days after onset, per WHO, and usually involve profuse bleeding (hemorrhaging) from multiple orifices, similar to Ebola, says Roess. The internal bleeding can cause bloody stool and vomit, the experts note, and a person may bleed from their nose, eyes or gums.

These symptoms can progress, and a person may experience rapid weight loss, liver failure, inflammation of the pancreas, delirium and multiorgan dysfunction, per the CDC. "It really involves the entire body," Schaffner notes. The blood loss and other symptoms can lead to death.

"There's this perception that people are always going to bleed out everywhere ... but that's not the case. ... Only when it's a very severe case do you have the hemorrhagic part of it," says Roess.

In the early stages or less severe cases, Marburg can look similar to typhoid or malaria, per WHO, making it difficult to diagnose. Marburg is diagnosed through laboratory testing, Roess adds.

How does the Marburg virus spread?

"It is transmitted when people come into close contact with infected bodily fluids, blood or contaminated surfaces, very similar to Ebola," says Roess. Marburg is not airborne, the experts note.

These bodily fluids include vomit, feces, urine, saliva, sweat, breast milk, amniotic fluid, semen and vaginal fluids, per the CDC, which can transmit Marburg virus to another person through broken skin or the mucous membranes in the mouth and nose, for example.

The virus often spreads in close environments or through families, says Schaffner. Transmission can occur when someone, whether a family member or health care provider, is caring for an infected person without proper infection control precautions, he adds.

The incubation period, or the time between exposure to an infection and symptom onset, is two to 21 days, per the CDC.

"In the early phases of the illness, the Marburg virus not very transmissible," says Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children's Hospital center for vaccine development and neglected tropical disease expert, tells TODAY.com.

However, as MVD becomes severe or reaches the hemorrhaging stage, "you get huge numbers of virus particles in the body, even at death," says Hotez. People can also become infected while handling the body of someone who's recently died from Marburg, he adds.

How contagious is Marburg?

Compared to infections that spread through the respiratory route like COVID-19, Marburg spreads less easily since it requires direct contact with blood or bodily fluids, says Schaffner.

The "contagiousness" of a virus is described using something called a reproductive number or R0, which represents the average number of people one individual who gets the virus can infect, says Hotez.

Measles, which is at the very top of the scale, says Hotez, has a R0 between 12 and 18. "Ebola is closer to the bottom of the scale and Marburg presumably, as well. The R0 is more like one to two," Hotez explains.

Marburg can be controlled easily through proper isolation and case detection, says Hotez. It's also crucial that health facilities take strict infection control precautions and providers have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent transmission, says Schaffner.

That said, Marburg outbreaks are very rare, and scientists are still trying to lean more about this mysterious virus. "One of the biggest problems is that we dont know much about this virus because we dont do a lot of research or surveillance," says Roess.

Marburg viral disease treatment and vaccine

There is no specific treatment for Marburg virus disease, says Roess. However, supportive care  such as rehydration with oral or IV fluids, oxygen or blood transfusions  can improve survival chances.

The mortality rate of Marburg can actually vary depending upon the resources available to provide supportive care, says Schaffner.

"There are no authorized or approved vaccines; however, there are some vaccine candidates that are in early phase 1 trials," says Roess.

WHO hopes to test one of these experimental Marburg vaccine candidates in Equatorial Guinea amid the current outbreak, NBC News previously reported. "The hope is that vaccines can be deployed as part of clinical trials in this situation they the way they were during the last Ebola outbreak," Roess adds.

One of the challenges ahead, says Schaffner, is determining whether vaccines that work in the laboratory also work in the field and can be deployed quickly enough during an outbreak.

How worried should people be about the outbreak?

"We should be worried for the people in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea, but the threat to those of us at home (in the U.S.) is very, very low," says Schaffner. Those who are living or traveling to areas in close proximity to the outbreaks should take precautions and follow local public health instructions.

There have been a few incidences of someone acquiring a viral infection from an outbreak like the Marburg ones happening right now and then traveling back and becoming sick in the U.S. or Europe, says Schaffner, but this is very rare. "There is no immediate sense of concern," he adds.

"We are kind of distant observers of this and sending resources, both people from the CDC and physical resources, to Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea to help curtail these outbreaks," says Schaffner.

One question Hotez says he commonly gets is: Why are all these rare or novel diseases popping up right now? In recent years we've seen Marburg, COVID-19, mpox and more. Is it all a coincidence?

Hotez says no, and that its a combination of economic and social conditions and climate change contributing to the big uptick in diseases transmitted from animals to humans.

Its more than a coincidence, he adds.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Drilling for oil exploration, as well as human-caused climate change leading to more erratic rainfall patterns and water abstraction and diversion for development and commercial agriculture, has altered the landscape that many people and wildlife species, rely on.

Gobonamang Kgetho has a deep affection for Africas largest inland delta, the Okavango. It is his home.

The water and wildlife-rich land is fed by rivers in the Angolan highlands that flow into northern Botswana before draining into Namibias Kalahari Desert sands. Several Indigenous and local communities and a vast array of species including African elephants, black rhinos and cheetahs live among the vibrant marshlands. Much of the surrounding region is also teeming with wildlife.

Fisher Kgetho hails from Botswanas Wayei community and relies on his pole and dug-out canoe to skirt around the marshes looking for fish. But things have changed in recent years  in the delta and across the country.

The fish sizes have shrunk, and stocks are declining, Kgetho, whose life and livelihood depends on the health of the ecosystem, told The Associated Press. The rivers draining into the delta have less volumes of water.

FILE  Giraffes roam in the Chobe National Park in Botswana on March 3, 2013. In Africas Okavango delta, drilling for oil exploration, as well as human-caused climate change, has altered the landscape that so many people and wildlife species rely on. Nearby Chobe National Park has seen a decline in river quality partly due to its burgeoning tourism industry, a study found. (AP Photo/Charmaine Noronha, File)

Drilling for oil exploration, as well as human-caused climate change leading to more erratic rainfall patterns and water abstraction and diversion for development and commercial agriculture, has altered the landscape that Kgetho, and so many other people and wildlife species, rely on.

The deltas defenders are now hoping to block at least one of those threats  oil exploration.

A planned hearing by Namibias environment ministry will consider revoking the drilling license of Canadian oil and gas firm Reconnaissance Energy. Local communities and environmental groups claimed that land was bulldozed and cut through, damaging lands and polluting water sources, without the permission of local communities.

Kgetho worries that rivers in his region are drying up because of overuse by the extractive industries, including oil exploration activities upstream.

In a written statement, ReconAfrica, the firms African arm, said it safeguards water resources through regular monitoring and reporting on hydrological data to the appropriate local, regional and national water authorities and is applying rigorous safety and environmental protection standards.

The statement went on to say that it has held over 700 community consultations in Namibia and will continue to engage with communities in the country and in Botswana.

The company has been drilling in the area since 2021 but is yet to find a productive well. The hearing was originally scheduled for Monday but has been postponed until further notice. The drilling license is currently set to last until 2025, with ReconAfrica previously having been granted a three-year extension.

Locals have persisted with legal avenues but have had little luck. In a separate case, Namibias high court postponed a decision on whether local communities should pay up for filing a case opposing the companys actions.

The court previously threw out the urgent appeal made by local people to stop the Canadian firms drilling activities. Its now deciding whether the governments legal feels should be covered by the plaintiffs or waived. A new date for the decision is set for May.

The Namibian energy minister, Tom Alweendo, has maintained the countrys right to explore for oil, saying that European countries and the U.S. do it too. Alweendo supports the African Unions goal of using both renewable and non-renewable energy to meet growing demand.

There are similar fears of deterioration across Botswana and the wider region. Much of the countrys diverse ecosystem has been under threat from various development plans. Nearby Chobe National Park, for example, has seen a decline in river quality partly due to its burgeoning tourism industry, a study found.

In the Cuvette-Centrale basin in Congo, a dense and ecologically thriving forest thats home to the largest population of lowland gorillas, sections of the peatlands  the continents largest  went up for oil and gas auction last year.

The Congolese government said the auctioning process is in line with development plans and government programs and it will stick to stringent international standards.

Environmentalists are not convinced.

FILE  Elephants in the Chobe National Park in Botswana on March 3, 2013. In Africas Okavango delta, drilling for oil exploration, as well as human-caused climate change, has altered the landscape that so many people and wildlife species rely on. Nearby Chobe National Park has seen a decline in river quality partly due to its burgeoning tourism industry, a study found. (AP Photo/Charmaine Noronha, File)

Wes Sechrest, chief scientist of environmental organization Rewild, said that protecting areas that have robust and healthy wildlife populations like the Okavango Delta, are a big part of the solution to the interconnected climate and biodiversity crises were facing.

The peatlands also serve as a carbon sink, storing large amounts of the gas that would otherwise heat up the atmosphere.

Sechrest added that local communities are going to bear the heaviest costs of oil exploration and deserve to be properly consulted about any extractive industry projects, including the many likely environmental damages, and decide if those projects are acceptable to them.

Steve Boyes, who led the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project that mapped the delta, said researchers now have even more data to support the need to maintain the wetlands.

Aided by Kgetho and other locals, whose traditional wisdom and knowledge led them through the bogs, Boyes and a team of 57 other scientists were able to detail around 1,600 square kilometers (1,000 square miles) of peatlands.

These large-scale systems that have the ability to sequester tons of carbon are our long-term resilience plan, said Boyes.

For Kgetho, whose journey with the scientists was made into a documentary released earlier this year, there are more immediate reasons to defend the Okavango.

We must protect the delta, Kgetho said. It is our livelihood.

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The post In Africas Okavango, oil drilling disrupts locals, nature appeared first on TheGrio.
Shen Hongbing, the director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, speaks at a press conference on the origins of COVID-19 at the State Council Information Office in Beijing, Saturday, April 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

BEIJING (AP)  Chinese health officials defended their search for the source of the COVID-19 virus and lashed out Saturday at the World Health Organization after its leader said Beijing should have shared genetic information earlier.

The WHO comments were offensive and disrespectful," said the director of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shen Hongbing. He accused the WHO of attempting to smear China and said it should avoid helping others "politicize COVID-19.

The global health body's director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said March 17 that newly disclosed genetic material gathered in Wuhan in central China, where the first cases were detected in late 2019, should have been shared three years ago.

As a responsible country and as scientists, we have always actively shared research results with scientists from around the world, Shen said at a news conference.

The origins of COVID-19 are still debated and the focus of bitter political dispute.

Many scientists believe it jumped from animals to humans at a market in Wuhan, but the city also is home to laboratories including Chinas top facility for collecting viruses. That prompted suggestions COVID-19 might have leaked from one.

The ruling Communist Party has tried to deflect criticism of its handling of the outbreak by spreading uncertainty about its origins.

Officials have repeated anti-U.S. conspiracy theories that the virus was created by Washington and smuggled into China. The government also says the virus might have entered China on mail or food shipments, though scientists abroad see no evidence to support that.

Chinese officials suppressed information about the Wuhan outbreak in 2019 and punished a doctor who warned others about the new disease. The ruling party reversed course in early 2020 and shut down access to major cities and most international travel to contain the disease.

The genetic material cited by the WHOs Tedros was uploaded recently to a global database but collected in 2020 at a Wuhan market where wildlife was sold.

The samples show DNA from raccoon dogs mingled with the virus, scientists say. They say that adds evidence to the hypothesis COVID-19 came from animals, not a lab, but doesnt resolve the question of where it started. They say the virus also might have spread to raccoon dogs from humans.

The information was removed by Chinese officials from the database after foreign scientists asked the CDC about it, but it had been copied by a French expert and shared with researchers outside China.

A CDC researcher, Zhou Lei, who worked in Wuhan, said Chinese scientists shared all the data we had and adhered to principles of openness, objectivity and transparency.

Shen said scientists investigated the possibility of a laboratory leak and fully shared our research and data without any concealment or reservation.

Shen said the source of COVID-19 had yet to be found, but he noted it took years to identify the AIDS virus and its origin still is unclear.

Some forces and figures who instigate and participate in politicizing the traceability issue and attempting to smear China should not assume that the vision of the scientific community around the world will be blinded by their clumsy manipulation, Shen said.
Flowers sit at the base of a tree in front of the building in San Francisco outside of which Cash App Founder Bob Lee was fatally stabbed. (Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)

The stabbing death of Cash App founder Bob Lee this week has sparked expressions of fear among some residents and tech industry leaders over crime rates in San Francisco.

But experts say violent crime in the City by the Bay isn't higher than other cities of a similar size and has actually declined over the last decade. And some city leaders are pushing back against the crime narrative.

A 43-year-old man identified by family and friends as Lee was found by police Tuesday morning suffering from stab wounds on Main Street in the Rincon Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, according to a San Francisco Police Department news release. Lee died later at a hospital.

Lee was a chief product officer at cryptocurrency startup MobileCoin and previously worked as chief technology officer at the payments platform Square, which has since been renamed Block. Lee developed Cash App in 2013.

Lee moved to Miami in October but was in San Francisco for a MobileCoin leadership summit and decided to stay a few more days in order to spend time with friends, said his friend Doug Dalton, who had dinner with him this past Saturday.

In the wake of Lee's death, tech executives, including Twitter CEO Elon Musk, have decried the violence in the city, where progressive Dist. Atty. Chesa Boudin was recalled by voters last year after being criticized as "soft on crime" and neglecting to address public safety and homelessness.

Musk tweeted: "Violent crime in SF is horrific and even if attackers are caught, they are often released immediately."

Venture capitalist Matt Ocko, who was a friend of Lee's, tweeted that Boudin "and the criminal-loving city council that enabled him and a lawless SF for years, have Bob's literal blood on their hands."

Violent crime, defined by the California Department of Justice as homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, peaked in 2013 in San Francisco with 7,064 incidents. The rate has fallen over the last decade, down to 4,796 incidents in 2020 before undergoing a slight uptick to 4,887 incidents in 2021. The state agency has yet to release crime statistics for 2022.

San Francisco Police Commissioner Kevin Benedicto pointed out that San Francisco's violent crime rate is lower than that of other major cities.

Overall, if you look at the last five years and 10 years on a longer-term scale, crime is at a historic low, he said. San Francisco has public safety issues like every big city and its unfairly portrayed as being in the midst of a crime wave that isnt born out of the data.

Though San Francisco recorded 56 homicides in 2022, the number was much smaller than other cities of a similar size, such as Denver with 88 homicides, Nashville with 108, Oklahoma City with 71 and Columbus with 140, according to data from the Major Cities Police Chiefs Assn.

Benedicto emphasized that not much information has been released about the stabbing and the investigation is ongoing.

You see a lot of hyperbole and false narratives, whether its about the crime rate or people trying to connect it to homelessness or other issues, but we dont know if its even connected to this incident, Benedicto said. I want to encourage people to focus on the victim and not on advancing a political agenda or exploiting this tragedy.

Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) also pushed back against the narrative that San Francisco is grappling with high rates of violent crime.

I do think its unfortunate that were seeing this narrative that San Francisco is some exceptionally violent place. Thats not true, he said.

In regards to Lee's death, Wiener said "one murder is too many." He also criticized Musk's comments about the tragedy, calling him "a self-serving opportunist who couldnt care less about San Francisco.

Kimberly Richman, a professor of criminal justice and legal studies at the University of San Francisco, noted that since the homicide rate is low in San Francisco, an increase of a few cases each year makes the situation appear more dire than it is.

San Francisco police responded to 56 homicides both in 2022 and 2021, up from 46 homicides in 2020 and 41 in 2019, according to police data.

"When people home in on something like year to year difference in a category thats already very small, that looks amplified from year to year," she said. "That can be mitigated by doing a wider focus and looking at crime rates over time and seeing this isnt really much of a change, but folks dont typically do that."

Attention on crime rates in the city has also been bolstered by social media and apps such as Nextdoor, a social networking site where neighborhoods can post tips and alerts, Richman said.

Our crime rates and murder rates are way lower than they were in the 1990s, but in the 90s we didnt have access to the same amount of information in the moment, she said. The reality is that these things were happening, but we just didnt know about it to the same degree.

Richman said Lee's death has served as a lightning rod for discourse on the city's crime rate because of his high-profile status and the neighborhood in which he was killed.

A high-profile murder like Bob Lee, who was a white, wealthy, upper-class public figure in a neighborhood you dont associate with crimes rates, its going to seem like its here too and out of control, she said. We know theres a lot more attention paid to violent crimes and murder in which there was a white victim, and so these cases really grab the publics attention.

Though San Francisco has experienced a relatively low violent crime rate, the city has the highest property crime rate in the state, and in particular driven by larceny and car break-ins, said Magnus Lofstrom, policy director of criminal justice and a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California.

Property crime in the city rose by 16.9% in 2021, according to the California Department of Justices Criminal Justice Statistics Center. The Bay Area has the highest rate of property crime in the state, with a rate of 2,718 incidents per 100,000 residents.

The reason for San Franciscos high property rate, Lofstrom said, is difficult to pinpoint, but a contributing factor could be the large number of visitors the city receives for its size.

When we generate these crime rates, what we use is the number of reported crimes per residents of that area," he said. "Theres a large number of tourists and nonresidential workers coming into the city and they could possibly be the victims of these property crimes."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
It will surprise no one that the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles and New Yorks Upper East Side rank among the nations hottest neighborhoods on Zillow.

But who knew that the list of most-searched neighborhoods also includes an enclave called Elkhorn, in Omaha, Nebraska? Or Northwest El Paso, the Texas border town? Or Encino, in the heart of L.A.s oft-mocked San Fernando Valley? Or anyplace in Lexington, Kentucky?

A new report examined recent home listings on Zillow, the real-estate site, in the 100 largest U.S. cities to find the neighborhoods with the most traffic, as measured in average daily pageviews for each enclave.

The analysis found that Northeast Dallas, a fast-growing, mostly affordable neighborhood, reaped the most daily traffic of any big-city community, more than 36,000 Zillow daily pageviews. The neighborhoods average home is valued around $425,000.

According to D Magazine, Northeast Dallas is dominated by the family-friendly Lake Highlands neighborhood. . . . But on the west side of White Rock Creek, youll find both the Village (a huge apartment community originally conceived as the center of the citys singles life) and Vickery Meadow, an ethnically diverse neighborhood known for housing immigrants and refugees.

Some people troll Zillow to see how the other half lives. Such would seem to the case with Hollywood Hills, one of the most famous addresses on Earth, home to the Hollywood sign. It ranks as the second most popular Zillow search, with more than 32,000 daily pageviews. Average home value: $2 million.

Few of those customers, presumably, can afford to live in the Hollywood Hills. On Friday, a community website featured a listing on Flicker Way, with breathtaking views and a $72.5 million price tag.

Third on the hottest neighborhoods list: Camelback East, in Phoenix, a far more affordable address.

Its not in downtown Phoenix, but its close to downtown Phoenix. Lots of nightlife, lots of restaurants, said Butch Leiber, president of Phoenix Realtors, of Camelback East. You could call it the busiest part of Phoenix. Not the most expensive part, not the least expensive.

The Zillow analysis comes from HouseFresh, a company that specializes in household air quality.

I think what was most surprising was the places we hadnt heard about, said Danny Ashton, the companys founder.

La Jolla, fourth on the most-searched list, is one of the most stunning seaside communities in the world, the jewel of San Diego. And most Americans know New Yorks Upper East Side, fifth on the list, with nearly 25,000 daily pageviews. The average Upper East Side home is worth $1.3 million, Zillow reports.

Less familiar, perhaps, are the Phoenix communities of North Mountain and Deer Valley, ranked sixth and 10th in the Zillow analysis.

Theyre a little more affordable, Leiber said. North Mountain is really close to a lot of hiking trails, desert, outdoor activities. North Mountain is probably as close to a medium price point as a Phoenix neighborhood gets. (Average home value: $355,000.)

Deer Valleys actually out of Phoenix, but not too far, and you have a more suburban feel. But you still have a Phoenix zip code.

Rounding out the top 10: Summerlin North, a vast, prosperous planned community in Las Vegas, dotted with $400,000, $500,000 and $600,000 homes; Elkhorn, an upper-middle-class community in Omaha; and Lakeview, a bustling enclave on Chicagos North Side.

The remainder of the hot neighborhoods list bounces around the country: Northwest El Paso, near the Texas-Mexico border; Preston Hollow, a ritzy Dallas enclave; Far North Dallas, a less pricey section of Big D; New Yorks Upper West Side, the setting for televisions Seinfeld; and the San Fernando Valley communities of Encino and Woodland Hills, far less glamorous addresses than the Hollywood Hills.

Sixteenth on the list: Chevy Chase-Ashland Park, home to the Millionaires Row mansions of Lexington, Kentucky.

There are some handsome cottages and bungalows mixed in with the mansions, a local website offers, but even those go for $600,000 or more.

Seventeenth: Brickell, a hot enclave in central Miami, with breathtaking views of the Biscayne Bay. Average home value: $600,000.

The Zillow analysis comes at a fitting moment, when most people are only looking. Home sales plummeted in 2022, amid soaring mortgage rates and historically high prices. The market is slowly rebounding.

A year or two ago, the inventory levels were incredibly low, so people who wanted to buy were buying whatever they could get, Leiber said. Today, we have three times as much on the market. . . . The difference today is that our buyer activity is way, way down.

The good news: Its a buyers market.

I think people today are looking for something thats move-in ready, Leiber said. They dont want to move in and have to do any work.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
U.S. soldiers at a joint military exercise against the Islamic State group in Syria on Sept. 7, 2022. (Delil Souleiman/AFP via Getty Images)

A tranche of what appears to be classified U.S. intelligence material was posted anonymously on the social media platform Discord over the last three months in the latest leak of highly guarded national secrets.

The documents, all photographs of printouts, pertain to a host of sensitive American national security matters, including the ongoing U.S.-led coalition campaign to defeat the Islamic State group, the disposition of U.S allies in the Middle East and Europe with respect to Russia, and the United Kingdoms military plans for countering China in the Pacific.

Yesterday, Discord was used to leak a number of Pentagon documents relating to Russias war against Ukraine, including estimated losses on both sides, the New York Times reported. The U.S. Defense Department confirmed today that the material was genuine but claimed it had been selectively edited before being released, which was corroborated by open-source analysis. The Washington Post reported that many of the documents appear to have been prepared over the winter for Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other military officials.

Yet the Ukraine files were evidently just a portion of the leaked U.S. intelligence materials. Multiple documents in the latest batch are marked TOP SECRET, a high category of classification. Others are marked FVEY, meaning they are only to be shared with the U.K., Canada, New Zealand and Australia, which together with the United States constitute the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance.

Yahoo News has seen over 60 other documents but cannot verify their authenticity. There is the possibility that some or all may be forgeries or manipulated versions of originals. They cover a gamut of urgent U.S. foreign policy preoccupations.

Since the previously reported Ukraine documents have been selectively altered, it is quite possible that even if these documents are real, in part or in whole, they may have been obtained by a hostile foreign intelligence apparatus, if not manipulated or seeded with disinformation designed to undermine U.S. or Ukrainian national security interests. However, even if that is the case, they offer insights into how the source for the leaks wants outside parties to see Americas intelligence assessments across a swath of portfolios and regions.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. (Denes Erdos/AP)

One document labeled TOP SECRET allegedly originated from the CIA. It contains an assessment that Viktor Orbans Hungary, a NATO and EU memberalbeit one still close to Russianow considers the U.S. to be one of its most significant geopolitical adversaries. Another assessment details the Russian Wagner mercenary groups attempt to build contacts with the Haitian government. The spelling of the mercenary corps is Vagner, a common Russian phonetic spelling of the organization but one that is rarely used in material designated for public consumption. Yahoo News found previous examples of this transliteration being used in internal Defense Department maps, such those contained in an assessment of Wagner Group operations in Libya from July 24, 2020.

Another document details the proposed opening of a Russian-made weapons repair facility in the United Arab Emirates in coordination with Moscow. The UAE, an American ally in the Middle East, operates a significant amount of weaponry from Russia, most notably the Pantsir air defense system and the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle. It is unclear from this assessment whether refurbished military hardware would be for Russian use in Ukraine, a situation that would certainly tax Washingtons relationship with Abu Dhabi.

An alleged "CIA Intel Update" dated March 1 states that the leaders of Israel's Mossad intelligence service were egging on national protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial judicial reforms.

One printout posted on Discord contains significant technical detail about the numbers and potential failures of a specific weapon system provided by the United States to Ukraine. The document is marked SECRET/NOFORN,  with NOFORN meaning Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals. That is an explicit classification used to indicate intelligence information that may not be released in any form to foreign governments, foreign nationals, foreign organizations, or non-U.S. citizens, according to the Defense Department.

The British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in Oslo, Norway, on Nov. 21, 2022. (Terje Pedersen/AFP via Getty Images)

Another text suggests that the United Kingdom is planning to deploy one of the Royal Navys new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers to the South Pacific to counter Chinese influence in the region. It also assesses the priorities of the U.K. opposition Labour Party and how Beijing would react to an incoming Labour government scrapping the South Pacific plan in order to focus resources closer to home. This is also designated for American eyes only.

Other material contained in the tranche is less sensitive, such as an assessment of efficiency of the government response to the outbreak of the Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea or the progress of the Nigerian election.

The timing of the leaks, coming at a moment when the Ukrainian military is preparing to launch a much-anticipated offensive, and also the method of their dissemination raise many questions about how these documents were obtained and also about their veracity.

The Ukraine documents that were circulated by pro-Russian sources contained crudely photoshopped modifications to casualty figures to suggest that Ukrainian forces had suffered significantly more casualties, and Russian forces significantly fewer casualties, than had actually been assessed by American intelligence. Whoever doctored them put the estimated killed-in-action figure for Ukraine, 16,000-17,500  in the Russian field, which originally gave 35,50043,500 killed in action. It also transposed the digits for the Ukrainian assessment, changing 16,000-17,500 to "61,000-71,500."

Another eyebrow-raising aspect of these disclosures is that they were made via a bespoke and since-removed server. All of the materials, according to open-source analysts, can be traced back to a Discord user named MrLucca, who claimed to have originally received them on another, now-deleted server named for a notorious American racial epithet used to describe Black people, before reposting them onto a channel primarily about the popular video game Minecraft. The leaks apparently began in early February but only gained significant attention in the last few days. After his posting of the sensitive documents became international news, MrLucca deleted his account, with his final message being ILY (short for I love you) bros, see you on the flipside.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting with the State Council Presidium on Tuesday. (Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool photo via AP)

Russian intelligence has often relied on anonymous internet accounts, such as Guccifer 2.0, to launder hacked information, including digital correspondence belonging to the Democratic National Committee and former U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clintons campaign chief, John Podesta. But that doesnt mean MrLucca or the original source for the leaks arent Americans with access to classified intelligence.

The murkiness of where this information came from and whether or not its genuine has already become a big part of the story.

Ironically, pro-Russian commentators who originally saw the Ukraine files as valuable gotchas now doubt their authenticity after evidence of their doctoring came to light. Instead, they believe the U.S. or Ukraine released these texts as a psychological operation meant to dupe the Kremlin.

The Wall Street Journal recorded Russian military analyst Yuri Kotenok, a blogger with over 400,000 followers posting to his Telegram channel, saying: Isnt that leak part of a big deception plan against Moscow on the verge of the intensification of combat on the frontline?

Meanwhile, Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior Ukrainian official, claimed the leak of the original Ukraine files was a Russian provocation to discredit Kyivs forthcoming counteroffensive. Its a bluff, Podolyak said. Russia is seeking any means to regain the information initiative, to attempt to influence the scenarios and plans for Ukraines counteroffensive.
(Reuters) - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulation is showing signs of return to pre-pandemic seasonality in the U.S. after two years of irregular onsets and peaks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Thursday.

Typically, cases of RSV virus that can cause severe illness or death in the very young and old rose in October before waning in April. But during the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the circulation pattern changed.

RSV cases in the most recent season started in June 2022 and peaked in November, while cases in the previous year started spreading in May and lasted through January 2022, the CDC said, adding that in the fall of 2020, cases were far lower than any usual season.

The varying timing could be challenging for drugmakers racing to get their RSV vaccines to the market. Pfizer Inc and GSK plc both have vaccines for people aged 60 and above that they hope to have approved in the U.S. and Europe this year, while Moderna Inc's candidate is behind the competition in development.

Each year, RSV infections typically result in about 58,000-80,000 hospitalizations among children aged below 5 years, and 60,000-160,000 hospitalizations among 65-year-olds and above in the United States, the study said.

The researchers from CDC on Thursday urged policy makers to continue surveillance this year due to uncertainty in the RSV case trends.

In both pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, RSV cases began to surge earlier in Florida and the Southeast and later in regions further north and west, the researchers said.

"Policy makers should consider RSV seasonality when making recommendations about the timing of studies and administration of new immunization and other RSV prevention products," the report said.

(Reporting by Khushi Mandowara in Bengaluru; Editing by Caroline Humer and Shinjini Ganguli)
Competing rulings by federal judges in Texas and Washington on Friday plunged the future of mifepristone, a key abortion drug, into uncertainty.

A ruling by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Texas, a Trump appointee, put a halt on government approval of the drug, potentially decimating access to medication abortion nationwide. But just minutes later, a federal judge in Washington, Obama appointee U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, ordered the Food and Drug Administration not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in 17 states and D.C. that sued to expand access to mifepristone.

The consequences of the rulings, at least in the short term, will be that access to mifepristone remains unchanged, because Kacsmaryk gave seven days for the federal government to appeal, which the Justice Department has committed to do.

The legal battle seems destined for argument before the nation's Supreme Court Justices, an upcoming challenge that is worrying abortion rights advocates about access to a drug long hailed as safe by federal regulators.

"FDA is under one order that says you can do nothing and another that says in seven days Im going to require you to vacate the approval of mifepristone," said Glenn Cohen of Harvard Law School.

Kacsmaryk's ruling in Texas means health care providers could be barred from prescribing mifepristone, even in states where abortion is legal. In-clinic, procedural abortion care will not be affected by the ruling.

A coalition led by the conservative legal advocacy organization Alliance Defending Freedom in November filed a federal lawsuit in Amarillo, Texas, arguing the drug comes with medical risks and should be pulled from the market. Kacsmaryk in Texas sided with anti-abortion groups in the case.

Abortion access advocates said the ruling could have severe consequences on peoples ability to access abortion and miscarriage care, especially after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

What does the ruling to pause FDA approval mean?

Kacsmaryk ordered the FDA to stay mifepristone's approval as the lawsuit continues. He did not go as far as plaintiffs wanted by immediately withdrawing FDA approval for the drug.

Still, it could affect medication abortion access for about 64.5 million women of reproductive age nationwide, according to an analysis released Feb. 10 by NARAL Pro-Choice America.

Lorie Chaiten, senior staff attorney at the ACLU's Reproductive Freedom Project, said the ruling could "create an unprecedented disruption to healthcare access."

The decision "will unleash a public health crisis by removing health care options for millions of people," said Jenny Ma, senior counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights.

The Alliance Defending Freedom, the conservative group that brought the lawsuit, celebrated the ruling out of Texas on Friday.

"This is a significant victory for the doctors and medical associations we represent and more importantly, the health and safety of women and girls," Senior Counsel Erik Baptist said.

Vice President Kamala Harris warned it could set a precedent impacting Americans' ability to access medication prescribed by their doctors.

"Simply put: this decision undermines the FDAs ability to approve safe and effective medicationsfrom chemotherapy drugs, to asthma medicine, to blood pressure pills, to insulinbased on science, not politics," Harris said in a statement.

What is mifepristone and medication abortion?

Even before the U.S. Supreme Court last year struck down the constitutional right to abortion granted by Roe v. Wade, medication abortion accounted for more than half of all abortions in the United States, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization that supports abortion rights.

The FDA approved mifepristone for medication abortion in 2000. The drug is typically taken in a two-step regimen along with another medication called misoprostol. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists call mifepristone a safe and effective abortion medication and a component of treatment and management for early pregnancy loss or miscarriage.

"The courts disregard for well-established scientific facts in favor of speculative allegations and ideological assertions will cause harm to our patients and undermines the health of the nation," American Medical Association President Dr. Jack Resneck Jr. said.

What could happen next?

It wasn't immediately clear what the immediate impact of dueling rulings from federal judges would be, but advocates say the situation breeds "chaos and confusion."

"My administration will fight this ruling," President Joe Biden said of the Texas decision. "The lawsuit, and this ruling, is another unprecedented step in taking away basic freedoms from women and putting their health at risk."

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said that the Justice Department "strongly disagrees" with the ruling from Texas and will appeal it, and is reviewing the decision from Washington.

The ruling from the District Court for the Northern District of Texas "overturns the FDAs expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective. The Department will continue to defend the FDAs decision," Garland said.

Evan Masingill, CEO of GenBioPro, the manufacturer of mifepristone, said the company is reviewing both rulings and will continue to make the drug available.

"Nothing in the court's order (in Texas) changes the decades of science and evidence regarding mifepristone's safety and efficacy," Masingill said.

While the FDA could choose to restart the approval process if an effort to revoke approval succeeds, this may take years, Chaiten said.

In a statement, NARAL Pro-Choice America said the two competing rulings will almost certainly end up before the Supreme Court.

Filing lawsuit in Amarillo part of legal strategy

Several legal experts said it was no accident the complaint was filed in Amarillo, Texas, where the only judge is Kacsmaryk, an appointee of former President Donald Trump who has a history of conservative rulings.

"This is one single judge in Texas, a state that has already banned abortion, deciding the medication abortion access of every single person across the country," Ma said.

Alliance Defending Freedom, which filed the suit, is considered an anti-LGBTQ hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The group told USA TODAY it "categorically rejects" this classification, calling it a "deliberate mischaracterization of our work."

Providers rush to consider misoprostol-only options

Providers nationwide are rushing to shift to misoprostol-only protocols for medication abortions, and clinics have already begun ordering more misoprostol supplies, said Ashley Brink, clinic director at Trust Women Kansas in Wichita.

She said misoprostol-only methods have been used globally for years as "a safe and effective alternative" to using both mifepristone and misoprostol.

Studies show misoprostol-only methods are less effective than the two-step regimen.

Ruling to hit marginalized communities hardest

Low-income and people of color could be disproportionately impacted by Kacsmaryk's ruling, experts say. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis showed about 67% of U.S. abortion seekers were non-white.

Terri-Ann Thompson, senior researcher at Ibis Reproductive Health, said the ruling disregards patient preference, cost and travel burdens of marginalized communities.

"One of the reasons, among many, that people actually choose a medication abortion is because it is the less costly option of the abortion options available," she said. "It's a racial justice issue and economic disadvantage is at the root."

Lupe Rodriguez, executive director at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, said many immigrant women are accustomed to medication abortion and prefer it.

 Nada Hassanein, USA TODAY

Contributing: John Fritze, USA TODAY; The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Competing federal rulings spark uncertainty over abortion pill's future
Police investigators examine the site of a collapsed sidewalk on Jeongja Bridge over a stream in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Yonhap





Police raided Seongnam City Hall and other locations Friday as part of an investigation into the collapse of a bridge sidewalk that killed one person.







On Wednesday, a section of the guardrail and an adjacent sidewalk lining the outer edge of Jeongja Bridge over a stream in Seongnam collapsed, killing a pedestrian and injuring another.







The accident left a woman in her 40s dead and a man in his 20s injured after the two fell off the bridge onto a walking trail about 5 meters below.







Investigators from the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police seized relevant documents from Seongnam City Hall and the district office building of Bundang, as well as five other sites.







Police are looking into the exact cause of the accident, whether there were any defects, and records of inspection and maintenance. (Yonhap)


Tax refunds are about 10% smaller than a year ago, according to the latest data from the Internal Revenue Service, and slightly fewer have been distributed this year with just over a week left in the filing season.

The average refund amount was $2,910 as of March 31, down 9.8% from $3,226 the same period last year, the IRS reported. Thats based on just over 62.9 million refunds the agency has disbursed this year versus nearly 63.4 million refunds sent out last year.

Since the beginning of this tax season, the average refund has come in lower than last year's based on the weekly filing statistics, underscoring how the loss of several pandemic-era tax breaks has translated to a smaller, key windfall for many American households.

This year, the biggest change was the Child Tax Credit being lowered back to the normal amount, Rus Garofalo, founder and president of BrassTaxes, told Yahoo Finance.

Credit: Getty Images

Loss of pandemic breaks

The average refund last year was 14.3% more than in 2021, with the increase largely due to temporary enhancements to the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and Child and Dependent Care Credit. Those credit amounts are now back to pre-COVID levels.

For example, the CTC declined to $2,000 per child dependent versus $3,600 last year. Its also not fully refundable anymore, meaning taxpayers wont receive the full credit if it exceeds the amount of tax they paid  a change that hurts the lowest-earning families the most.

The maximum EITC amount that single filers with no children are eligible for is $500 this year. Last tax season, these filers got as much as $1,502 for the credit, which also had a higher income threshold then.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit  which covers out-of-pocket expenses for child care and day camps  was reduced this year to $2,100 compared with last years $8,000.

The loss of the above-the-line charitable deduction and the expiration of the mortgage insurance premium deduction also could factor into lower refunds.

A smoother tax season

Of the 168 million individual tax returns the IRS expects this year, the agency has received 90.1 million so far, almost on track with the nearly 91.3 million received last year at this time.

The IRS also appears to be on top of the returns coming in. As of March 31, the agency had processed over almost 89.7 million tax returns, or 99.5% of those received. Slightly more taxpayers are also e-filing their returns and choosing direct deposit for their refunds, heeding the agencys earlier advice to get a faster refund.

Another sign that its been a relatively smoother tax season this year? Visits to the IRS website are down 17.4% versus last year.

Gabriella Cruz-Martinez contributed to the article.

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


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A report suggests that the Indian govt is willing to spend up to $120 million or around Rs. 1,000 crores to purchase a new spyware

One of the companies being looked at is Intellexa, which has recently been at the centre of a snooping scandal in Greece. (Representational Image/Twitter)

A news report in the Financial Times of London dated March 31 suggested that our government is in the market for new spyware. The NSO, the company that manufactures and sells Pegasus, has been blacklisted by the United States of America, creating what the FT report terms a PR problem for governments that intend to deploy the spying tool.

The report further suggested that the Indian government is willing to spend up to $120 million or around Rs. 1,000 crores in purchasing analogous technology. Around a dozen spyware sellers are expected to put in their bids for this speculated purchase. One of the companies being looked at is Intellexa, which has recently been at the centre of a snooping scandal in Greece.

What this news report if correct reveals rather portentously is that the surveillance industry is the new kryptonite to citizens rights and to national security as well. For what really stops these spyware manufacturers from selling sophisticated, military grade surveillance technology to non-state actors as well? Not every country has robust legal architecture to regulate it.

At the outset, any surveillance or intrusion into a citizens private affairs constitutes a breach of the fundamental right to privacy and the right to free speech and expression. Any such intrusion, therefore, must satisfy the requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality. Post-Puttaswamy, the Honble Supreme Court has made clear that the right to privacy is an intrinsic part of Article 21 of the Constitution  the right to life and liberty. It also noted the need for oversight mechanisms over state surveillance, pointing out that such surveillance must be legally valid and have a legitimate aim.

The first requirement demands all surveillance be done under proper legislation duly framed by Parliament. All intelligence and law enforcement agencies that are permitted to conduct surveillance should have roles, powers, and responsibilities based on a clear, published law, with foreseeable application and effects.

The second prong requires the presence of a legitimate aim that would override the effect on the rights of an individual so surveilled. This aim cannot be vague or undefined, it must be time bound, the legitimacy of which ought to be fully reviewed ex-post facto. Does the current surveillance framework live up to these requirements?

Section 5(2) of The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, allows the government to intercept a message or a class of messages. How this is done is provided for in Rule 419A of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951. Rule 419A was added to the Telegraph Rules after the Supreme Court verdict in PUCL v. Union of India AIR 1997 SC 568. Under Rule 419A, surveillance needs the sanction of the home secretary at the Central or state level except in unavoidable circumstance when surveillance can be carried out by a joint secretary or officers superior in rank subject to the home secretarys authorisation.

In Re: PUCL, the court held that telephonic conversations would fall in the domain of the right to privacy. Such privacy, the court held, may only be breached through established procedures. Notably, the court in PUCL held that the government had the power to make the rules that govern its interception powers. But since no such rules had been made, the court gave certain guidelines which are instructive as to how narrowly tailored the court conceived of surveillance. It never envisaged a Pegasus-like situation where such spyware could be used without authorisation and with no defined legitimate aim.

Under Rules 2 and 4, for instance, the court required that the communications to be intercepted be specified (Rule 2), and the persons and the addresses specified as well (Rule 4). In extenso, the courts reading of section 5(2) of the Telegraph Act is that this provision presupposes a reasonable suspicion which must be specified by the authority carrying out the surveillance. A government cannot enter into a roving and fishing expedition into citizens phones hoping to find something incriminating or to keep tabs on them. Such surveillance is per se illegal and is a constitutional perversity.

Given the vast amounts of data we save on our phones, they have become veritable information repositories. The Telegraph Act of 1885 could never have imagined the existence of an iPhone or spyware that could enter, infect, and transmit information from your phone without you having clicked any link, as is the case with most phishing malware. More importantly, the court in PUCL unambiguously holds that public emergency or public safety cannot be secretive. Whatever public safety interest there might be, it should be evident to a reasonable person.

There is also a need to revisit PUCL v. Union of India insofar as it held that judicial review was unnecessary. First, the Supreme Court itself has evolved the judicial standards for ascertaining the legality of surveillance given its decision in K.S. Puttaswamy v Union of India, (2017) 10 SCC 1, where the court held that for any surveillance to be proportional and therefore judicial oversight is a minimum requirement.

This is in direct contradistinction to what was held in PUCL. Second, the PUCL decision was limited to phone tapping and not the kind of technologically advanced surveillance under Section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, that we are faced with today. The power imbalance between the State and the citizens has grown steeper. Third, Section 69 of the IT Act is almost a carte blanche given the absence of even the requirements of "public emergency" and "public safety" that are intrinsic to Section 5(2) of the Telegraph Act.

A first step to protecting the right to privacy is to reform our intelligence agencies. No other major democracy has such a legal black hole in their intelligence and surveillance framework. The United States governs its Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) through the National Security Act, 1947, and the CIA Act of 1949. Germany's intelligence service, the BND, draws its authority from the Federal Intelligence Service Law, 1990. The MI5 in the UK are governed by the Security Services Act, 1989. Even the Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia is covered by a comprehensive legislation  the Law on Foreign Intelligence Organs, 1996.

Our intelligence agencies, such as the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) are outside the purview of any law or parliamentary oversight.

For this reason, I had introduced the Intelligence Services (Powers and Regulation) Bill in 2011 and then again in 2021 in the Lok Sabha. It provided for, inter alia, the setting up of tribunals and committees for better control and oversight of such agencies, and for redressal of surveillance-related complaints from individuals.

Cicero is believed to have said inter armaenim silent leges or in times of war the law falls silent. Intelligence agencies and state surveillance have functioned without laws for far too long. We are being told that when spies do their job, the laws may not speak. But Cicero was wrong then as the Geneva Conventions illustrate that laws must never fall silent when the rights of citizens are at stake.
by Gianni Criveller *

Reports from Shanghai after Beijings unilateral appointment indicate a tense climate. Whether wilfully or not, Bishop Shen plays a political role in a context in which the authorities rule every aspect of life in China. The very mystery we celebrate tells us, however, that suffering, opposition and even death are not the last word.

Milan (AsiaNews) - A few days after the installation of Bishop Shen Bin in Shanghai we still do not have all the facts to assess what happened. The Vatican has not said anything yet.

The installation of the bishop in the diocese with the most difficult situation in all of China is a real test of the agreement between Rome and Beijing.

The Holy See said that it was only informed of Shen Bin's transfer from Haimen to Shanghai only a few days before it occurred, and that it found out about the installation ceremony last Tuesday only from the media, adding that it had no comment to make at present. This is not enough to believe that the Vatican is satisfied.

If the Vatican had approved or was happy with the transfer, it would have said so. Instead, it seems that it wants to take time to assess the situation, or at least not make it worse.

We fear that this new episode is but more evidence that the agreement with China does not work as the Holy See would like. We say this with regret and reluctance because, we would really like the agreement to work. In fact, this is what the Holy Father wants and this is what Catholics loyal to him desire.

The content of the agreement between the Holy See and China is secret, which once again shows its limits. Does the agreement mention transfers? Certainly, it is part of Catholic practice for bishops to move from one diocese to another following papal appointment.

Therefore, if the agreement gives to the pope the power, at least formal, to appoint bishops, he should have been involved in the process of picking the bishop of Shanghai, not simply being informed about it.

Although not exactly the same, we had something similar last 26 November, when the Holy See protested for the first time the transfer of Bishop Pen Weizhao to an ecclesiastically unapproved diocese.

Shanghai has been a sede vacante for many years, since 2014, when underground Bishop Joseph Fan Zhongliang passed away. And this is not just any diocese; it is one of the oldest and most flourishing Catholic communities in China.

Christianity arrived here at the time of Matteo Ricci thanks to his best disciple and collaborator, Paul Xu Guangqi. Publicly led until 2013 by Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian, Shanghai does not lack bishops already ordained with the title of auxiliaries. Starting with Thaddeus Ma Daqin, under house arrest since the very day of his consecration (7 July 2012), whose appointment had been agreed by the two parties.

What was not agreed was, however, Thaddeus Mas decision to dissociate himself from the Patriotic Association, which sparked the ire of the authorities. Also not agreed was the forced participation of the illegitimate bishop Zhan Silu in the consecration, which led many of God's people, including clergy and religious, to desert the ceremony.

The story of Bishop Thaddeus Ma has had other twists and turns, including a 'retraction' in 2016. The auxiliary bishop, however, subjected to political lessons, has never regained his freedom, and therefore it is not easy to evaluate the sincerity of his statements, including the few restrained words of welcome to the new Bishop Shen Bin and the invitation to obedience, written in his blog.

I think that the most important thing to understand now is what will happen to him. Perhaps the Holy See is waiting for just that. Some suggest that Thaddeus Ma could be reinstated as auxiliary bishop. But it is difficult to see how the political authorities will allow it, even if this could facilitate the acceptance by the Holy See of a not agreed transfer, and soften the bitterness experienced in the Vatican.

In Shanghai, however, there is also another bishop, Joseph Xing Wenzhi, who resigned and disappeared from public life in late 2011. Despite being an auxiliary, Bishop Joseph Xing was considered the designated successor of Bishop Aloysius Jin. He had not been ordained coadjutor because of the presence of Bishop Jin and Underground Bishop Joseph Fan.

Joseph Xings story has never been clarified. Having opposed the religious policy of the authorities, he is thought to have been the victim of actions designed to discredit him and force him to resign.

However, he was chosen for his spiritual and moral qualities which we believe have not failed, despite the unfortunate circumstance that led to his resignation. Certainly, it is not possible to imagine his return to the ecclesial scene, but his painful and difficult life deserves respect and rehabilitation.

Reports from Shanghai indicate a tense climate and widespread sorrow. Shanghais Catholicism is proud of its origins, and perhaps is unwilling to welcome bishops who are imposed from outside.

This, however, does not seem to be the only or even the most important reason, from what we have heard, Bishop Shen is not liked by the Catholic community of Shanghai. He heads the Council of Chinese Bishops, an illegitimate body from the Churchs point of view, imposed and easily manipulated by the authorities in charge of religious policy in China.

Bishop Shen is a man who, wilfully or not, plays a political role, as a member (along with 10 other Catholics) of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Assembly. He expresses himself on political issues and has publicly approved the policy of 'sinicisation' of religions imposed by Chinas current leaders.

His qualities, political rather than ecclesial, make him able to relate to political authorities, especially at a time when the latter are increasingly invasive and pervasive in every aspect of the life of the Chinese people, violating the legitimate freedom of Catholic communities and the legitimate autonomy of Church bodies.

This week, when believers relive the Paschal Mystery, we feel united with the Catholics of Shanghai and China. Suffering, opposition and even death are not the last word in the life of Jesus and his disciples. Life, a gift of Jesus's resurrection, prevails. This is why believers persist in hoping, and in mirroring their own life in that of the Lord Jesus.

* PIME missionary and sinologist
by Alessandra De Poli

Violence has intensified in the Southeast Asian country. Permanently displaced people have lost everything  jobs, material goods, friends  but it is amid the ruins and the despair that small Christian groups have been reborn.

Loikaw (AsiaNews)  The displaced people of Myanmar will celebrate Easter amid the ruins of civil war, far from home, in many cases without family and friends, and often with little or no food and medicines.

Last night, the Southeast Asian country was one of the places in the world mentioned in the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum, disfigured by the "piecemeal world war" that is raging in today's world.

Yet it is precisely in the desperation of having lost everything  not only in material terms, but also one's origins and history  that one can see the seeds of life reborn.

In Taunggyi, capital of the eastern state of Shan, Christian refugees have set up new communities. While chaos and violence rage elsewhere, they will celebrate Easter for the first time since the military ousted the government of Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), two years ago.

The military junta has pursued a relentless bombing campaign against people who fled into forests in order to flush them out and force them to move to the cities where it is easier for regular troops to respond to guerrilla activity. For the same reason, the military is closing refugee camps in various parts of the country.

According to the latest UN report on Myanmars humanitarian situation, more than 1.8 million people had been displaced by late March, mainly in the north-west of the country where fighting has intensified in recent months.

The city of Thantlang, Chin State, on the border with India, has been razed to the ground and turned into a ghost town. The Chin National Front, one of the ethnic armies fighting against the military, claims that since the coup, planes struck the city and surrounding villages 140 times.

Things are no better on the opposite end of the country, on the border with Thailand. Yesterday alone, more than a thousand people crossed the border to flee fighting between the military and the Karen National Liberation Army, another ethnic force.

In the Thai district of Mae Sot, the number of refugees (mainly women, children, and the elderly) rose to 8,000 in one day.

Not only are there multiple fronts across Myanmar, but sources told AsiaNews that divisions are emerging among the warring factions, leading to an unprecedented level of violence.

In mid-March, civilians and Buddhist monks were reportedly massacred inside a monastery in the village of Nan Naint by the Pa-O National Army, a pro-regime ethnic militia, dubbed in the dogs of Min Aung Hlaing, after Myanmars current military strongman who heads the State Administration Council, the ruling military junta.

It was a shocking event because for the first time fighters killed civilians from their own ethnic group," our sources stressed. And the bloodbath happened the night before an important local ceremony in which children dress like little monks.

The carnage is also symptomatic of the fragmentation within the ranks of the military. In some places, there is total anarchy.

The notorious Ogre Column, for example, which includes infantry battalions, has independently raided resistance strongholds in the central region of Sagaing since late February, slaughtering civilians and raping women before killing them.

The People's Defence Forces (PDF), the military force set up after the coup by majority ethnic Bamar fighters, is also falling apart, because of disillusionment and anger towards the exiled National Unity Government (NUG), established by former NLD lawmakers.

Many people who joined the civil disobedience movement that protested peacefully right after the coup also wonder why they left everything behind  home, work, loved ones  joining demonstrations that put themselves and their loved ones in harms way. Now they are wanted by the authorities, and cannot work or send their children to school.

Many minors have also become child soldiers. Picked up in the streets by militias or forced by the military, they find themselves fighting or among the displaced.

"People have been uprooted, sources told AsiaNews. Urgent material needs can be easily solved by bringing medicine and food, but Rebuilding the social fabric will be difficult because it takes more time.

Everyone has lost friends and relations and mistrust prevails because of the possible presence of informants.

For young people, starting over is complicated but the same is true for people in their 40s and 50s. "In fact, it may be more difficult for them, because they have to rebuild everything after living half of their lives."

Still, however uprooted and traumatised displaced people are, they can celebrate Easter after coming together. Nothing special has been prepared. Closeness among Christians is enough to see human relationships flourish again.
The news of the day: Chinese planes fly over median line in the Taiwan Strait. Despite the condemnation of the Philippine Church people are still nailed to a cross in Pampanga on Good Friday. Nineteen Japanese are arrested in Cambodia for organising telephone scams. Russia and Vietnam ink nuclear cooperation deal.

ISRAEL  PALESTINE

Alessandro Parini, a 35-year-old Italian tourist from Rome, was killed and seven other people wounded in a terror attack carried out by a Palestinian on Tel Aviv's waterfront. The attack came after a woman and her two daughters from a Jewish settlement were shot in their car yesterday morning in the northern Jordan Valley. While the daughters died, the mother is fighting for her life. These deaths came at a time when Easter, Passover and Ramadan overlap amid a tragic trail of blood and violence that includes Hamas launching rockets against Israel and Israeli air raids against Palestinian targets.

CHINA  TAIWAN

Forty-two Chinese fighter jets briefly crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait at the start of Chinese military drills in response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.

PHILIPPINES

Eight people were nailed to a cross to commemorate the sufferings of Jesus in a gory Good Friday tradition that draws thousands of faithful and tourists to the Philippines. Even though the practice has been rejected by the Catholic Church, crucifixions in the farming village of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga province, north of Manila, resumed after a three-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

JAPAN  CAMBODIA

Nineteen Japanese citizens have been arrested in Cambodia in connection with alleged phone scams in Japan. This follows a crackdown by Japanese authorities against organised crime groups based outside the country. Cambodian police investigated a hotel in the southern province of Sihanoukville in January after the Japanese embassy in Cambodia was informed of a potential group of scammers operating from the facility.

INDIA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Telangana today for the inauguration of the Secunderabad-Tirupati high-speed rail line, connecting Hyderabad, India's information technology capital, to the Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, an important Hindu place of worship. This is the second high-speed train inaugurated in Telangana in three months.

VIETNAM  RUSSIA

Russias Rosatom company signed a contract with Vietnam's Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) to build a centre for nuclear science and technologies in the Vietnamese province of Dongai. The agreement will be finalised in June in the presence of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, after a competition that will start in the coming days.

RUSSIA

Residents in Khabarovsk, in Russia's Far East, have been calling for the release of former governor Sergei Furgal who was arrested three years ago, earning the region the title as the country's most protesting region. The Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor, RKN), Russias censorship agency, has reported that more than 800 protesters have been arrested in the past year alone.
Courtesy of Hugo Jehanne



By David A. Tizzard




The "voices of peace" during the Good Friday meditations in Rome include the conflicts that cause bloodshed in Asia. Noted were Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawngs kneeling in Myanmar to stop the military, and the faith of Christians of Aleppo and Mosul. Because of a cold snap, Pope Francis did not participate in the rite, joining the prayer from Casa Santa Marta.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  In this years Way of the Cross, dedicated entirely to a world war fought piecemeal, Pope Francis chose the voices of Peace and All the places where conflict, hatred and persecution as the stations of the Cross.

The pontiff was not physically present on the Palatine Hill. In the afternoon the Vatican Press Office issued a statement, saying that, Due to the intense cold of these days, the pontiff would join the prayer from Casa Santa Marta, letting the Cardinal Vicar of Rome Angelo De Donatis lead the service.

Unlike 2005, when Pope John Paul II was unable to take part in the Way of the Cross for health reasons, this time no images of the pope were shown on live TV.

The heart of the Way of the Cross was the invocation for peace in the meditations by the victims of conflicts, including many embodying the suffering in Asia.

In particular, at the eighth station, the meeting between Jesus and the women of Jerusalem provided the opportunity to mention the conflict in Myanmar and the courageous gesture two years ago by Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng, from the Sisters of St Francis Xavier in Myitkyina.

A woman [. . .] became a mother in spirit for many. She knelt down in defence of her people before the power of the weapons that were lined up and, willing to give her life, meekly pleaded for peace and reconciliation.

Jesus, now as then, in the grisly turmoil of hate the dance of peace arises. And we Christians want to be instruments of peace. Convert us to you, Jesus, and give us strength, for you alone are our strength.

At the stations, the odyssey of those who also fled "from bombs, knives, hunger and pain. [. . .] pushed onto a truck, hidden in trunks, thrown onto unsafe boats was highlighted.

Who will be a Cyrenian for me? was asked, giving voice to one of those people. The tenth station, the one where Jesus stripped of his clothes saw both the pain of a Ukrainian boy forced to flee his home and that of a Russian boy who lost a brother in the war and for this reason "feels sick twice".

But in his Way of the Cross, the pontiff did not forget Aleppo, nailed to the cross. He also compared the remembrance of Jesus's death to the pain of a mother who lost a child while playing in Mosul.

It is not easy to accept this situation, says the meditation. Nonetheless, faith helps me to hope, for it reminds me that the dead are in the arms of Jesus. And we survivors try to forgive the aggressor because Jesus forgave his executioners.

Lord Jesus, eternal Word of the Father, you became silent for us, said Cardinal Angelo De Donatis at the end of the rite, reading the final prayer that Pope Francis had prepared.

The invocation was punctuated by 14 thanks to Jesus, one for each station.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the meekness that overwhelms arrogance, but also for the love shown in the face of betrayal. [. . .] for the hope you instil in time of trial. [. . .] for the forgiveness you offered your executioners.

And finally, Thank you, for having defeated death and for the light you kindled in our nights. In reconciling all divisions, you made us all brothers and sisters, children of the same Father who is in heaven.
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Since Hughan is the marketing manager at Ellaspede, you might feel inclined to think he rides something along the lines of a wild one-off. Thats not really the case, though; the lad spent several years with a mostly-stock Yamaha XS650 from the seventies as his daily. When Hughan finally decided to go down the custom route in 2019, restraint was one of his top priorities.The Aussie wanted something that wouldnt require as much maintenance as the classic Yamaha, but he wasnt prepared to give up the retro looks. After a thorough search on the web, Hughan came across a 2015 MY Kawasaki W800 Black Edition, with two previous owners and less than 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) under its belt. Sure enough, it didnt take long for him to hit the buy button on this Japanese stunner.He spent about a year with the vintage-looking Kawi in stock form, then it came time for the bespoke sorcery to take over. The transformation began in the cockpit, where you will now find a low-rise tracker handlebar equipped with Biltwell Kung Fu grips and underslung mirrors.As far as instrumentation is concerned, Hughan fitted a digital Danmoto dial with both speedo and tachometer functions. Front-end lighting comes from a rectangular Hella spotlight, which was modified to suit its new purpose and mounted on the lower triple clamp. This setup makes the headlamp area look intentionally barren as a nod to old-school desert sleds, and its completed by LED turn signals from Daytonas inventory.Rounding out the fresh hardware up north is a tailor-made fender, but the aftermarket goodness continues at the back. There youll see an LSL rear fender with built-in LED lighting, as well as a minimalistic license plate bracket from Ellaspedes proprietary catalog of bolt-on parts.Attached to the unmodified subframe tubing, the rear-end blinkers are identical to those found at the front. Hughan may have left the W800 s skeleton as it was, but he trimmed the seat pan and used the original foam to shape a much sportier saddle. This unit is considerably slimmer than the standard part, sporting UV-resistant red vinyl upholstery.Down low, we notice a unique stainless-steel exhaust fabricated by the Ellaspede squad from scratch, and it snakes its way into a single muffler on the right-hand side. Street-oriented rubber with a pinch of off-roading capability was a must, so the motorcycle got treated to a pair of Mitas E-07s measuring 110/80 up front and 140/80 at six oclock.Unsurprisingly, the factory W800 fuel tank was retained, but its been stripped of its badges to keep things looking nice and clean. As Hughan was dealing with a Black Edition model, there wasnt much for him to do when it came to the paint job, save for finishing the newly-installed items in a mixture of gloss- and satin-black.
EV

Photo: @MissGoElectric on Twitter

SUV

Rivian announced that Martin Huelder is joining the companys ranks as a Vice President for the commercial division in Europe. He is starting a new career path with the young Americanmaker after working for nearly 30 years at Mercedes-Benz. Huelder was responsible for envisioning a defining role for the S, E, C, GLC, and EQC models, monitored the market to ensure their success, and managed a team that prioritized features and capabilities for these vehicles. Before leaving for Rivian, the man was Head of Data-Driven Sales and Retail Development.This expertise is exactly what Rivian needs to be able to penetrate the European market, which is dead set on turning battery-electric vehicles into mainstream means of transportation.Rivian has taken the US and Canadian market by storm, so Im incredibly excited about the prospect of helping to bring Rivian to Europe, said Huelder after his new position was publicly confirmed.This latest hire helps boost investor confidence after the EV maker lost its Chief Engineer to McLaren and the Chief Regulatory Counsel called it quits. Its a sign of more interesting things to come from one of Americas most interesting up-and-coming manufacturers.It may be a while before R1T and R1S models reach European markets because Rivian is still trying to satisfy the demand coming from the U.S. and Canada, but its certainly a step in the right direction. The intention to penetrate new markets is a great sign of resilience and ambition to reach profitability.As Americans currently do, Europeans have started acquiring a taste for high-riding vehicles and are willing to spend good money on models like the BMW X7, the Mercedes-Benz GLS, or the Audi Q7. Since a three-row all-electricwith immense off-roading prowess isnt offered over the pond yet, a Rivian entry might just prove to be a wise decision.Sadly, however, this endeavor may not be about the R1-series units at all. Rivian had an agreement with Mercedes-Benz to start producing the all-electric vans known as EDVs in Europe. It fell apart at the end of last year, but the American startup is not giving up, apparently. Its currently planning on opening a moderately-sized tech hub in Belgrade, Serbia (outside the European Union), and a European Commercial Centre near Amsterdam, the Netherlands (inside the European Union). The brand is currently hiring in both locations and is even looking for remote workers.Two years ago, Rivian said it would start selling vehicles in Europe in the summer of 2022. It even looked like a deal with Sixt was in the works, which would have allowed travelers to rent an R1S or an R1T. But that, sadly, didnt come to fruition. Moreover, when we asked Rivian about their plans to start sales over the pond, the answer we got was  not in 2023!Finally, we cannot say for sure if Rivian will ever export or manufacture at least one R-series vehicle in Europe. The upcoming R2 platform might provide the opportunity to compete with European giants on their own turf. However, until then, the only thing we can do is wait it out and watch the automakers next moves. They might be surprising  in a good way!
Photo: Hazegrayart

Photo: Hazegrayart

Photo: Hazegrayart

Space exploration as we know it today was born in the 1960s. The rivalry between the U.S. and the USSR was the driving force behind it, as both nations were looking to gain the upper hand over the other.Since Mars is too far away to be of any consequence as a sort of higher ground, both nations focused their attention on the immediate Earth orbit and the moon that spins around that planet. So both that decade and the 1970s that followed were dedicated to reaching these two places.It was back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy delivered his famous we choose to go to the Moon speech, but even before that, NASA, founded in 1958, knew the Moon was just a stepping stone to something much greater. If fact, two years before the Kennedy remarks, it came up with a mission study to reach Mars. And not without a crew, but with a full team of Americans.Back in 1960, the Lewis Research Center (presently, the John Glenn Research Center) devised and presented something aptly called the American manned Mars expedition study. It wasnt a very detailed one in terms of hardware to be used, but pretty much everything else, down to timing, was put on paper.The study relied on a nuclear thermal- powered spacecraft that was to be assembled in low-Earth orbit. A complement of seven astronauts would be taken there by means of rockets, board the ship, and head out for Mars.Once in orbit around the target planet, the ship would lower a lander onto the surface, allowing the humans to go about their business. Since this wasnt envisioned as a one-trip deal, the team would then use the lander to climb back into orbit to meet with the spaceship and head back home.The calendar of the mission was pretty simple and straightforward. In May 1971, the ship would depart Earth, heading out into the void for the next 259 days. The crew of the mission was to then spend an additional 490 days on the surface of the planet, doing their thing. They would then set a course for home, journeying an extra 248 days to get here.In all, the mission would have lasted 997 days, which is close to three full years. For that to be sustainable, the spacecraft would have needed to carry with it not only tens of tons worth of supplies, but also means of transport for the surface, habitation modules, and so on. So the ship itself was essential for the success of the trip.Sadly, the study itself did not go into the specifics of this hardware, other than it should use nuclear thermal propulsion and be capable of carrying seven people. But a brainiac of that era, used to designing spacecraft concepts, did.His name is Philip Bono, a man who was decades ago on the payroll of companies like Boeing and the Douglas Aircraft Company. Weve seen some of his work before, in the form of the Reusable One-stage Orbital Space Truck (ROOST), the Reusable Orbital Module, the Utility Shuttle (ROMBUS), or the Saturn Application Single Stage to Orbit (SASSTO).For this Mars mission, Bono cooked up something some people today refer to as the Mars Glider. Designed like an aircraft with a delta-wing configuration, it was 125 feet (38 meters) long and had a wingspan of 95 feet (29 meters).The Mars Glider would go on top of a central booster that would remain attached to the ship all the way to Mars and back. Bono designed the thing to depart Earth in the usual fashion, from a launch pad, and not be assembled in space as the NASA study envisioned.To help it generate enough power to defeat Earths gravity, no less than six additional boosters would have had to be placed around the core stage. Powered by liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, they would insert the ship onto a Mars-bound trajectory, with the core stage being responsible for accelerating the ship to its destination.Once there, the core would remain in orbit, while the Glider itself would head down for the surface, carrying with it a crew of eight people and 40 tons of supplies and equipment to keep them going for a while. Once the mission was over, a part of the Glider would become a sort of a launch pad, sending the other part back into orbit to be paired with the core stage and head back home.Like many of Bonos ideas, the Mars Glider never came to be, and neither did the NASA 1960s plan to put human boots on Mars within a decade. Because no sketch of the actual Mars Glider exists, its very hard for us to imagine what the ship would have looked like going about its mission.Luckily, as is the case with many other spaceship concepts that were never made, modern technology allows us to animate such daring missions. You can see Bonos ship go about its journey as per the plan created by the Lewis Research Center in the video below, put together by space animation specialist Hazegrayart . You know, just to get an idea of a reality that never came to be.
Photo: Blix

Photo: Blix

Photo: Blix

Blix was founded in Santa Cruz, California in 2014. Its a direct-to-consumer brand delivering various e-bike models, such as city, cruiser, cargo, and folding. It boasts a simple goal: "to produce e-bikes that inspire and empower people to live a more fun and healthier life.It is an American brand, but Blix looked across the globe for inspiration. If youve ever been to Amsterdam, youve experienced first-hand what a city built for bikes looks like. One of the most popular bike types in the Netherlands is the appropriately named Dutch-style commuter , and it seems the Aveny Skyline took some inspiration from this bicycle type.The bikes low step-through frame is designed to accommodate a vast range of riders, those between 51 and 62 (154 and 178 centimeters). Its made of the standard 6061 aluminum alloy. And three colors are available: Nu Cream, Slate Gray, Burgundy, and Steel Blue.Before we get into more technical details, let me tell you more about pricing. The Aveny Skyline has a $2,000 (1,836) price tag, although its currently discounted at $1,700 (1,561). Lets see how its reflected in the quality of its components.At the core of this e-bike is a 500 W rear hub motor connected to a 48 V, 614 Wh battery, which is neatly housed just behind the seat tube. Its certainly not engineered for extreme speeds, but itll provide enough power for city riding . Blix doesnt give any information regarding its top speed, but a quick look through the customer reviews revealed that its limited to around 20 mph (32 kph).The company claims youll have around 45 miles (72 km) of range on a single charge, although that depends on factors such as rider weight, conditions, etc. Charging it will take around 5 hours, so youd better not forget to juice the battery up as it might hinder your plans.Being an urban rider myself, I know how important it is for a bicycle to provide ways of carrying various stuff around. Luckily, Blix ensured this possibility by equipping the Aveny Skyline with front and rear mounting points. Via the custom-designed Blix modular racking system, you can customize your Aveny for your exact needs, although for an extra cost. Youll only get a rear rack as standard, but you can opt for a wide range of accessories, such as a front basket, a passenger seat, bags of various sizes, and more. The bike can carry a maximum weight of up to 270 lb (122 kg).If you live in a region with lots of slopes, rest assured. The e-bike is fitted with a Shimano Acera 7-speed drivetrain, which, paired with the 500 W motor, will come in very helpful when tackling hills. Furthermore, you can select between five levels of pedal assist. I also like that the bike comes with a throttle, which can be used at any assist level or speed. If youre too tired to keep on pedaling, the throttle can also help you ride that extra mile home. On the other hand, if you run out of battery , you wont have to worry about how far from home you are, as it will easily roll even without any assistance.Given its above-entry-level price tag, you can expect the e-bike to include the essential components, which are sometimes overlooked. Youll find front and rear fenders, a bell integrated into the left brake lever for convenience, LED front and rear lights, and a kickstand.Blix didnt sacrifice any safety features  the Aveny slows down via hydraulic disk brakes, and they automatically trigger the rear light when used. Furthermore, the bikes wheels come with puncture-resistant tires with Kevlar technology.Riders can check battery life, speed, and trip distance on a small screen housed in the center of the handlebar. You wont have access to a proprietary app like more premium e-bikes have, but at least you have the option of charging your phone or speaker via the displays integrated USB charge port.Given the absence of any sort of suspension, I wouldnt recommend taking this e-bike off the beaten path. That being said, in case your daily commute involves some light off-roading , itll probably handle it.Designed with the average commuter in mind, the Aveny Skyline is a straightforward, no-frills e-bike with a pleasant aesthetic. At first glance, youd almost think this is a traditional bike, but its electric capabilities are given away by its battery and the rear hub motor. It stands out with solid geometry, quality components, and a first-class paint job, blending style with practicality for a competitive price.
Photo: mcqueens/Bring a Trailer

Photo: mcqueens/Bring a Trailer

Photo: mcqueens/Bring a Trailer

Photo: mcqueens/Bring a Trailer

Even though this might sound a little strange, I truly think the Pontiac Firebird, the second generation to be exact, is one of, if not the greatest muscle cars ever. In the face of the Camaro, Mustang , and Challenger, this might seem like a bold statement, but let me explain.Before getting to the car itself, we should take a look at how it came to be. The Firebird story begins in the 60s, with John DeLorean - yes, that John DeLorean. He dumped a big ol V8 in the mid-sized Pontiac LeMans and called it the GTO package, thus giving birth to the muscle car and changing the course of American car culture forever.The GTO proved that young people like fast cars - who would have thought? This new philosophy started a whole new exciting car market, and it got really crowded, really fast. Ford came out with the Mustang, Plymouth made the Barracuda, and Dodge brought out the Polara, Coronet, and Dart trifecta.Seeing this wave of cars, GM was at risk of losing the market that it created. They needed a new car to take down the Mustang. To do that, Chevy came out with the Camaro, and Pontiac was tasked to create a sister car based on the same platform, but aimed at the Mercury Cougar, which was based on the Mustang.The new Pontiac offering took inspiration from a concept car released a few years prior, called the GNX. They also stole a little from the GTO and the Camaro, adopted the classic coke-bottle shape, and gave birth to the Firebird.The Firebird was based on an already existing platform, from the XP-833 prototype, which also inspired the third-gen Corvette. But there was another problem. The Firebird was too similar to the Camaro. So to differentiate it, it got a more up-scale treatment. That meant more interior options and five trim levels.The masses loved the first-gen Firebird, due to the extra features over the Camaro. Even though its sales figures are lower than the competition, people took to it, and the best iteration came in 1970, when the second generation debuted. And here is a really cool Firebird Trans Am Ram Air III from 1970 out on the open market.When the second-gen came out, it was extensively reworked, both on the outside and the inside. It still had some Camaro resemblances, but that didn't matter, as it got meaner and angrier looking. It also received the rebellious, outlaw stigma that nowadays defines the Firebird thanks to the one and only Burt Reynolds in the movie 'Smokey and the Bandit' - but that is a story for another day.Getting back to this 70 Firebird, the big, intimidating look comes courtesy of the Trans Am package. Besides the performance upgrades, which well get to shortly, it also got appearance enhancements. The Polar White paint with Lucerne Blue stripping showcases a shaker hood, front air dam, fender vents, and a rear spoiler.Also on the outside, you will find a fair share of chrome, specifically on the bumpers and the big dual exhaust. The chrome theme continues onto the wheels, which are the Rally II model and measure 15 inches in diameter. They are wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A rubber, and behind them, you will find disk brakes in the front and drums in the rear.Moving on to the interior, it is classic American muscle car business. Black vinyl is the norm here, being wrapped around big, comfy, seats and door cards. For your comfort amenities, you get lap belts, wind-up windows, and an AM stereo with an 8-track tape player - as 70s as it gets.Well get to the power unit in a second, I promise, but the three-spoke Formula steering wheel is too cool not to mention. It also sits in front of a tachometer, a 160 mph (260 kph) speedo, and a clock. Ok, now its time we get to the engine.Now, back in 1970, you could get the Firebird in two different configurations. The first one was the Esprit, which was the luxury-oriented one, and the Formula, the sportier version. Then, you could add the Trans Am package, and on top of that, you could get the Ram Air upgrade. The Ram Air pack had two different versions, the III and the IV. The car in question today has the Trans Am Ram Air III option.This optional trims and packages addrf up to quite a performance beast. Im talking about 345 hp (350 ps) out of a 400 ci (6.6-liter) HO V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed Muncie manual transmission and a Safe-T-Track diff. The second generation stuck around until the '80s, receiving some redesigns along the way and, until the arrival of that pesky crisis that we mentioned once or twice, bigger engines.This Firebird Trans Am Ram Air III is up at auction in Lewes Beach Delaware. It currently sits at 50,500 dollars with 72,000 miles (116,000 kilometers) on the five-digit odometer. It also comes with a clean Michigan title and a burning desire to make a lot of noise and a lot of smoke.I know there are more popular, and arguably better, muscle cars out there, but, at least for me, the Firebird perfectly encapsulates the outlaw, rebellious spirit that defines that era.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and France's President Emmanuel Macron pose prior to a tea ceremony at the Guandong Province governor's residence in Guangzhou, China, April 7. AP-Yonhap



China's Xi Jinping has given French President Emmanuel Macron an unusually lavish welcome on a state visit, which some analysts see as a sign of Beijing's growing offensive to woo key allies within the European Union to counter the United States.



The two leaders visited southern China together Friday, where Macron was due to drink Chinese tea with Xi in a former residence of his father in the city of Guangzhou, capital of the economic and manufacturing powerhouse of Guangdong Province.



Such forays by Xi with visiting leaders are rare. Diplomats say it underlines the importance Beijing attaches to this relationship with a key member of the EU as it looks for support against what Xi has called "all-round containment, encirclement and suppression" by the U.S.



"All Chinese foreign policy offensives have the U.S.-China relationship in the background...so to work with any country, especially mid or big powers, like France, is something they'll try to do to counter the U.S." said Zhao Suisheng, a professor of China studies and foreign policy at the University of Denver.



Noah Barkin, an analyst with the Rhodium Group, said China's chief objective was to prevent Europe from aligning more closely with the United States.



"In this sense, Macron is perhaps Beijing's most important partner in Europe," he said. Macron is often considered by diplomats to be an important driver of key policies within the EU.



Macron travelled to China with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, both pressuring China on Ukraine, but failing to wrest any public shifts in position from Xi.



Still, Macron was given the full red carpet treatment.



Von der Leyen, who described China as "repressive" in a critical speech before her trip, cut a sometimes forlorn figure in Beijing, with a low-key greeting at the airport and not being invited to some state functions with Xi and Macron.



China's state-backed Global Times newspaper said in an editorial Thursday: "It is clear to everyone that being a strategic vassal of Washington is a dead end. Making the China-France relationship a bridge for China-Europe cooperation is beneficial to both sides and to the world."





China's President Xi Jinping, his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meet for a working session in Beijing, April 6. AP-Yonhap



'Flattery'



Jean-Pierre Raffarin, a former French prime minister who has travelled extensively to China, told Reuters on the sidelines of a deal-signing ceremony in the Great Hall of the People that some of Xi's charm was having an effect.



"Isn't diplomacy, at one point or another, a bit of flattery?" he said. "There's always a bit of that in human relations. Each side plays with that."



In Washington, China's diplomatic engagement with France is being viewed with a degree of skepticism.



Beyond Ukraine, China would relish a realignment that draws it closer to Europe economically as relations with the United States fray, but such a shift is unlikely at this point, said people familiar with the U.S. government's thinking.



Washington is taking a wait-and-see approach to the European engagements with Beijing over Ukraine, according to the people, who declined to be named. On Thursday, Macron urged Beijing to talk sense to Russia over the war in Ukraine while von der Leyen said Xi expressed willingness to speak to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.



Xi did not mention a possible conversation with Zelenskiy in China's official reports of his comments after the meetings.



Barkin, the analyst, said Macron did not appear to be getting much out of the trip.



"Macron seemed to believe he could charm Xi into shifting his approach on the war," he said. "He gave Xi a series of gifts  denouncing decoupling as a trap, bringing a huge business delegation along, and reaffirming his support for strategic autonomy  without getting much of anything in return."



China's wooing of Macron is part of a flurry of diplomatic moves this year as it attempts to wriggle out of containment by the United States amid differences over Taiwan, the Ukraine war and U.S. led restrictions on technology exports.



China upped its diplomatic spending by 12.2 percent this year, and leaders and senior officials from Singapore, Malaysia, Spain and Japan have visited over the past few weeks.



China helped broker a surprise detente between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March, with Beijing casting itself as a Middle East peacemaker motivated by its desire to shape a multi-polar world.



China-EU engagement will continue in the coming weeks with foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Germany's foreign minister due in Beijing.



"China and Europe can still be partners," said Wang Yiwei, director of Center for European Studies at Renmin University in Beijing. "Rather than systemic rivals or competitors." (Reuters)




The sanctions that were enforced by the United States government in May 2019 blocked Huawei from using any type of product developed by American companies. As an Android device manufacturer, Huawei was hit hard. The Chinese firm rapidly started the development of HarmonyOS, a fully featured operating system whose role was to replace the licensed version of Android.To make sure users would be provided with a similar experience out of the box, Huawei also created replacements for Googles apps. Petal Maps is the companys alternative to Google Maps.With a feature lineup that includes the most essential options, Petal Maps keeps improving, and version 3.4.0 adds new capabilities to enhance the user experience.This time, Huawei did not focus specifically on the navigation capabilities but on making the application easier to use overall. The update introduces dual-row feature shortcuts. As such, users can now slide up on the main screen to quickly access the most common features. This is a way to reduce the time you look at the screen, and for drivers, this is a big update. With a simple gesture on the screen, its now easier and faster to reach essential app features.Because Petal Maps is trying to replace Google Maps on all fronts, this new update also comes with improvements for hotel booking. Petal Maps already offers support for booking stays at hotels worldwide, as Huaweis goal is to create an all-in-one mapping platform. Just like Google Maps, that is, as the search giant has significantly evolved its solution beyond the navigation concept.This update also includes an option to preview booking details in Petal Maps. In other words, once youve picked a hotel to book a stay and are ready to make the payment, Petal Maps now displays one last summary screen to make sure all details are correct.The rest of the feature lineup remains unchanged, so if youre using Petal Maps for navigation, you still get turn-by-turn guidance, lane assistance , and traffic updates.Unlike Apple Maps and Waze, Petal Maps also supports offline maps . As such, you dont have to be online to navigate to a destination. The application continues to provide turn-by-turn navigation even without an Internet connection. Of course, you still lose certain capabilities that require online data, such as traffic reports. The big benefit is that the navigation continues without any interruptions, especially when driving in regions with spotty or no cellular signal.Petal Maps is also available for iPhone users, but the feature lineup is significantly smaller, as Huawei seems to be focusing entirely on building a better navigation app on Android.
8 April 2023 10:02 (UTC+04:00)

A series of events dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Silk Roads Programme is being held at the headquarters of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), located in Paris, Azernews reports.

According to the ministry, a colorful concert program was organized on April 6, 2023 with the participation of artists from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and China. At the concert, the works of classical music performed by Saida Zulfugarova (pianist) and Agaragim Guliyev (fluitist) were welcomed by a multinational audience.

The audience was especially interested in the dances "Uzundere" and "Naz Eleme" performed by Azerbaijani dancers in national costumes.

At the same time, interesting performance collectives from China and Kazakhstan, as well as a collection of national costumes, were demonstrated.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
8 April 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

By DND (a Pakistan based news agency)

By Shazia Anwer Cheema

While watching the beginning of a documentary about "Black Saturday", I thought that it could be impossible for Azerbaijanis to rise again for demanding Independence after facing so a strong and brutal response from foreign rulers. However, the ending scenes of the documentary were showing children, women, and men celebrating the withdrawal of Soviet forces from Bakuthe capital of Azerbaijan.

The Black Saturday or the January Massacre shall always be remembered in the history of genocides when former General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party Mikhail Gorbachev used the military against the Azerbaijani independence movement to overthrow the Soviet Azerbaijani government.

Official figures indicate that 147 civilians were killed and the number of injured persons was over 800. Azerbaijani had been fighting for true independence for years and they sacrificed their lives more than anybody in the Caucasian region they got independence more than once in past but subjugators snatched it away from them and one of the last battles to my understanding was the "Black January".

Snatching independence from the former Soviet Union was only possible because the Azerbaijani nation even under the rule of the Soviet Union had a savior, who had been teaching them, that time is not far away when every Azerbaijani would enjoy independence and he was of course Heydar Aliyev who was elected as the leader of Azerbaijan on July 14th, 1969 under Soviet Regime.

Under his command, in the 1970s, Azerbaijan's national industry, and industrial production got more than doubled, the productivity of labour also increase as doubled, agricultural production increased by 270%, and the national consumption of goods tripled.

If we read Azerbaijani history carefully, we can understand that Heydar Aliyev had been moving Azerbaijan toward independence step by step since 1970, when he was selected as Head of the Azerbaijan State.

Since language is the identity of any nation, therefore, Heydar Aliyev tactfully got the acceptance of the Azerbaijani language in the framework of the state in the 1978 Constitution (under the Soviet era) and he trained Azerbaijani youth to work in every sphere of prosperity from the construction of the industrial plants and factories to get the best education in Humanity sciences. I believe he was very clear that every step is taking his nation towards full independence later or sooner.

"Heydar Aliyevism" is a mix of good governance with a focus on nationalism, legal and administrative reforms, national identity and moral values, social justice, and humanity and internationalism while protecting indigenous civilisation."

Under his command, in the 1970s, Azerbaijans national industry, and industrial production got more than doubled, the productivity of labor also increase as doubled, agricultural production increased by 270%, and the national consumption of goods tripled.

Giving this background of the Soviet era was important for me because I want to tell my readers that leaders are always visionary and they visualize how to uplift their nations even under foreign rules.

Today what makes Azerbaijan a prosperous and confident nation is the outcome of the vision of Heydar Aliyevs philosophy of Azerbaijanism, also known as Aliyevism. That philosophy was a triangulation of history, culture, and national identity and that provides the principles of national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Overall, Heydar Aliyevs philosophy of Azerbaijanism was embodied by allegiance to national unity, economic development, and a strong, independent Azerbaijan. His legacy continues to shape Azerbaijani politics and society today. This year Azerbaijan is celebrating the 100th birthday of Heydar Aliyev on 10 May 2023.

To my understanding, "Heydar Aliyevism" is a mix of good governance with a focus on nationalism, legal and administrative reforms, national identity and moral values, social justice, and humanity and internationalism while protecting indigenous civilization.

Heydar Aliyev had a vision for Azerbaijan that was focused on modernization, economic development, and national unity. He believed that Azerbaijan had the potential to become a prosperous and powerful country, but that achieving this goal required significant changes in politics, economics, and society.

One of Aliyevs key priorities was to build a strong, diversified economy that could support the needs of the population and compete in the global marketplace. He focused on developing Azerbaijans energy sector, particularly its oil and gas resources, and pursued policies aimed at attracting foreign investment and promoting trade.

In addition to economic development, Heydar Aliyev also emphasized the importance of national unity and social solidity. He wanted to overcome ethnic and political splits within Azerbaijan and to promote a purpose of shared national identity and perseverance. Aliyevs policies included actions to improve education, healthcare, and social welfare, as well as efforts to strengthen the rule of law and promote democratic reforms.

Heydar Aliyev believed that the Philosophy of Azerbaijanism is (was) key to resolving the challenges, Azerbaijan was facing internally and externally, it could be an interesting case study for other nations to decipher how a single philosophy provided a road map for all future courses of action and was powerful enough to build a strong prosperous nation. This philosophy provides tangible solutions internally and externally, Internally, Heydar Aliyev saw Azerbaijanism as a means of promoting social harmony and political stability within the country. He believed that by emphasizing the importance of Azerbaijani national identity and culture, he could overcome ethnic and political divisions and create a sense of shared purpose and pride among the Azerbaijani people. He documented every martyr of the nation and the same legacy was transferred to his son who is now President of the country and whose doors are always open for the families of martyrs and who looks after families of martyrs as their father.

Externally, Heydar Aliyev saw Azerbaijanism as a means of asserting Azerbaijans autonomy and independence on the surface of external pressures and challenges. He believed that by promoting Azerbaijani culture and history, he could counter endeavors by neighboring countries to influence or dominate Azerbaijan.

Former President Heydar Aliyev provided a framework for national rhetoric, which is sound, solid, and wholistic in nature and is focusing all fractions. To my understanding, the five-point approach made Azerbaijani a strong and successful nation and they are as follows:

Promoting Azerbaijani national identity: Heydar Aliyev emphasized the importance of Azerbaijani national identity and culture as a unifying force for the country. He promoted the teaching of the Azerbaijani language and history in schools and encouraged the celebration of national holidays and festivals.

Addressing regional disparities: Heydar Aliyev recognized that there were significant economic and social disparities between different regions of Azerbaijan, and he sought to address these through targeted development programs and investment.

Encouraging political participation: Heydar Aliyev encouraged political participation and representation for all groups within Azerbaijan, including ethnic minorities. He worked to create a more inclusive political system, and appointed members of minority groups to positions of power and influence.

Strengthening the rule of law: Heydar Aliyev recognized that a strong, independent judiciary was essential for ensuring political stability and social harmony. He worked to strengthen the rule of law and reduce corruption within the government and legal system.

Pursuing peaceful resolution of conflicts: Heydar Aliyev recognized that conflicts with neighboring countries, particularly Armenia, were a major source of tension and division within Azerbaijan. He pursued a policy of peaceful negotiation and dialogue to try to resolve these conflicts, while also strengthening Azerbaijans military capabilities as a deterrent.

Overall, Heydar Aliyevs foresight for Azerbaijan was based on the thought of building a strong, independent, and modern country that could meet the needs of its people and play a stellar role in the region and the world. His strategies and ideas helped to lay the groundwork for Azerbaijans development and success in the years following his presidency.

The philosophy of communication which is my discipline of studies teaches me that the transferring of thought is based on the clarity of the message the receiver can get the message with its connotations and denotations. The doable communication process between the sender and receiver of the message is the most important factor in human communication and understanding. One of the most important qualities of a leader is that he is well-understood and well-received by his nation and this is possible when a leader talks about what the public wishes to listen to. Heydar Aliyev shall always remain one of the greatest leaders for Azerbaijanis because he provided them with what they wanted for centuries and that was Independence from foreign rulers; a respectable place in global politics; a strong nation and an undefeated country in the heart of the Caucasian region.

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8 April 2023 14:39 (UTC+04:00)

The Western Azerbaijan Community sent a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, requesting him to send of a special UN mission to Armenia for launching the process of safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from this country.

We are writing this letter to cordially request you to send a mission to Armenia to facilitate the peaceful, safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia. Our organization, which was established in 1989, deals with protection of the rights of Azerbaijanis, who were expelled from Armenia, the letter said.

According to the letter, the expelling of Azerbaijanis from the current territory of Armenia, where they once constituted an absolute majority, was completed in 1991.

As a result of the ethnic cleansing, not a single Azerbaijani is left in Armenia. Azerbaijani historical and cultural heritage, including mosques and graveyards in Armenia, were destroyed on a large scale, and all Azerbaijani toponyms were changed, the letter noted.

Besides, according to the letter, expelling Azerbaijanis from Armenia is an unprecedented injustice given its political, legal, and humanitarian dimensions.

We would like this injustice to be fixed. Based on the right to return enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and other important international acts, we aspire to return to our homes in safety and with dignity, the letter further said. We have developed and published our concept for a peaceful, safe and dignified return, which was circulated as official documents of the UN Security Council, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council under reference numbers A/77/801-S/2023/134 and E/2023/53 respectively.

As with other similar situations, enabling the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia, requires substantial international input, the letter also noted.

To begin with, the return is best ensured when it occurs within proper legal arrangements. The return process will require appropriate security, humanitarian, and socio-economic assistance from the international community, the letter explained. International peacekeeping, monitoring, accountability, intervention and other necessary activities are needed to prevent a renewed expelling, discrimination and harm to the returned population.

According to the document, appropriate reconstruction and reconciliation measures under international supervision will also be required to ensure the sustainable rehabilitation and re-integration of the returnees.

We would like to reiterate that our lawful demand from Armenia to ensure our right to a safe and dignified return may not be misinterpreted as detrimental to the territorial integrity or sovereignty of Armenia, the document said. In a bid to achieve justice and reconciliation based on human rights, we reached out directly to the Government of Armenia with a request to start dialogue. We believe in human rights and the equality of human beings before the law.

As the document pointed out, ignoring the rights of Azerbaijanis from Armenia is the perpetuation of injustice, which does not help the maintenance of international peace and security.

Therefore, we kindly request you to support our cause with your good offices as the UN Secretary-General, and send a UN interagency mission to Armenia, which could perform the following tasks:

- to assess the overall situation and identify steps for the creation of conditions that are conducive to voluntary return in safety and with dignity;

- to identify needs for the repatriation process in terms of international humanitarian assistance, and long-term rehabilitation, reconstruction and reintegration programs;

- to identify legislative and executive measures that Armenia has to implement to ensure the rights, liberties and security of Azerbaijani returnees, and their re-integration, as well as steps required to achieve reconciliation;

- to assess the state of Azerbaijani cultural heritage and identify steps required to restore the damaged and obliterated pieces of heritage;

- to carry out an inventory of illegally seized property belonging to Azerbaijanis;

- to gather information on the impact of the conflict on the rights of ethnic Azerbaijanis, who were forced to flee their homes in Armenia;

- to devise and implement Confidence Building Measures on, including but not limited to, enabling the expelled Azerbaijani inhabitants of Armenia to visit their homes, cemeteries, sacred places and cultural heritage in this country;

- to conduct a technical field assessment of the security situation with a view to a possible international security role in support of the repatriation.

As the interested party, we remain ready to interact with the UN in carrying out activities to ensure the right to return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia, and thereby help maintenance of justice, peace and security in the region, the letter said.

Previously, the Western Azerbaijan Community sent a letter to UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay in connection with the destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in Armenia.

---

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8 April 2023 16:10 (UTC+04:00)

Shusha city will host a number of events dedicated to 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district Aydin Karimov said at the closing ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of the International Organization Turkic Culture (TURKSOY).

Speaking to the participants of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of TURKSOY, Karimov informed them about the cultural and historical heritage of Azerbaijan.

"There were 196 historical monuments in the city of Shusha, and many of them, unfortunately, were destroyed during the Armenian occupation. However, as you can see, construction and restoration work is going on intensively in the city, he noted.

In 2023, we plan to develop new projects to quickly return to the pearl of the Caucasus - the city of Shusha - its former charm," added the official.

The event has been organized by the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, together with the ADA University and the Institute of Development and Diplomacy under the university.

The opening ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of TURKSOY was held on April 7 in the city of Baku. The event speakers were the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov who made a video speech, as well as Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev, Acting Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli, Deputy Secretary General of TURKSOY Bilal Cakici and Chairman of the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO Ocal Oguz.

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8 April 2023 15:39 (UTC+04:00)

Adequate measures taken by Azerbaijan have always been a response to provocative steps, Spokesperson for Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada said.

The spokesperson made the comments in response to the remarks made by Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Naseer Kanani regarding the declaration of 4 employees of the Iranian Embassy in Azerbaijan as "persona non grata".

The official noted that the remarks of the Iranian spokesperson were biased and emotional.

"Regarding the claim of the Iranian side that the measure taken by Azerbaijan is contrary to the principles of neighborhood, we inform you that the illegal activity on the territory of Azerbaijan is not compatible with neighborly relations and the steps taken in response are within the framework of the Vienna Convention," the official added.

He stated that Islamic solidarity excludes the use of religion for political purposes, interference in the internal affairs of Muslim neighbors, and at the same time does not include support for the military occupation of the territories of another Muslim country.

"Azerbaijan has always established relations with its neighbors based on the principle of reciprocity and has never been interested in breaking these relations," Hajizada stressed.

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8 April 2023 16:32 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan's current law on the electric power industry does not meet modern demands, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said.

The official made the remarks during the discussions of a new draft law "On the electric power industry" held at today's meeting of the Committee of Azerbaijani Parliament for Natural Resources, Energy and Ecology.

"Currently, we are observing very serious transformational processes in the energy system on a global scale, countries of the world are intensely carrying out energy transition processes, implementing development models that responds to todays challenges," the minister said.

According to him, the action plan of the Strategy for Socio-Economic Development for 2022-2026, approved by the relevant decree of the head of state, covers the issues of production, transmission, distribution and power supply.

"At the same time, this plan encompasses the promotion of the activities of independent supply entities and applying market-based principles in general with the formation of the necessary regulatory environment. The main aim is to provide citizens with affordable, reliable, high-quality and sustainable electricity," the minister added.

He stressed that it will create favorable conditions for modern areas of energy development, facilitating the rational use of resources, declining the countrys financial burden, and a favorable environment for private investment.

Besides, the minister emphasized that liberalization of electricity prices is not envisaged in the near future and the tariffs will be regulated.

"Given that during the discussion of the bill, the deputies asked most of the questions regarding electricity tariffs, the adoption of the law should not mean an increase in prices," he noted.

---

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8 April 2023 19:17 (UTC+04:00)

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Lithuania Timur Urazaev discussed the prospects of fostering transport and logistics cooperation with the Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania Marius Skuodis.

The sides discussed the implementation of the agreements reached during the visit of Skuodis to Kazakhstan in June 2022, in addition to discussing the work of Kazakh-Lithuanian Joint Commission on International Transportation.

In addition, the sides also talked about the preparation of the visit of the Kazakh delegation consisting of representatives of the logistics business and government agencies to Klaipeda and Vilnius in June 2023.

Ambassador Urazaev spoke about the work carried out by the Government of Kazakhstan to develop transport infrastructure, including the Trans-Caspian international transport route (TITR), as well as digitalization in the field of international freight traffic.
8 April 2023 19:54 (UTC+04:00)

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held an online meeting with the UN Deputy Secretary General, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Olga Algayerova during which they discussed priority areas of cooperation.

According to the information, the parties discussed the ongoing work on the opening of the new administrative center of the Ahal region of the Turkmen city of Arkadag, identified possible directions for providing experience in its construction and increasing the importance of the city in the UNECE space.

Furthermore, special attention was paid to the issues of preparation for the participation of the delegation of Turkmenistan in the 70th session of the UNECE and the Ministerial Meeting of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia.

Meanwhile, in mid-March, the delegation of Turkmenistan held a number of meetings in Geneva (Switzerland) with representatives of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Trade Center, and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), during which it confirmed the country's firm commitment to becoming a full member of the WTO.

---

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The Pentagon building is seen in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., April 6. Reuters-Yonhap





Russia or pro-Russian elements are likely behind the leak of several classified U.S. military documents posted on social media that offer a partial, month-old snapshot of the war in Ukraine, three U.S. officials told Reuters, Friday, while the Justice Department said separately it was investigating the leak.







The documents appear to have been altered to lower the number of casualties suffered by Russian forces, the U.S. officials said, adding their assessments were informal and separate from the investigation into the leak itself.







The U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter and declined to discuss the documents in any detail.







The Kremlin and Russia's embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.







An initial batch of documents circulated on sites including Twitter and Telegram, dated March 1 and bearing markings showing them classified as "Secret" and "Top Secret."







Later Friday, an additional batch appearing to detail U.S. national security secrets pertaining to areas including Ukraine, the Middle East and China surfaced on social media, the New York Times reported.







Reuters was not able to verify the authenticity of the documents.







The U.S. Justice Department said late Friday it was in touch with the Defense Department and had begun a probe into the leak. It declined further comment.







A leak of such sensitive documents is highly unusual.







"We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the Department (of Defense) is reviewing the matter," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said.







A CIA spokesperson said the agency was also aware of the posts and was looking into the claims.







One document posted on social media said 16,000 to 17,500 Russian forces had been killed since Russia's Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine.







The United States believes the actual figure is much higher, at around 200,000 Russians killed and wounded, officials have said.







Ukrainian forces repelled Russia's initial 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.







Speculation has been mounting about what offensives Kyiv and Moscow might attempt in the war's second year. The leaked documents did not appear to offer any specific insight into Kyiv's war plans.







A Ukrainian presidential official said Friday that the leak contained a "very large amount of fictitious information" and looked like a Russian disinformation operation to sow doubts about Ukraine's planned counter-offensive.







"These are just standard elements of operational games by Russian intelligence. And nothing more," Mykhailo Podolyak said in a written statement. (Reuters)






Recover Out Loud: Are Campaigns Like Sober Voices the Spark Needed to Inspire Change and Tackle Addiction Taboos Head-On?
California officials say they want federal disaster relief for the states salmon fishing industry after the 2023 fishing season for fall-run chinook or king salmon was closed for much of the West Coast
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Email Dan Walters of CalMatters at dan@calmatters.org. CalMatters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how Californias state Capitol works and why it matters. For more columns by Walters, go to calmatters.org/dan-walters.
Archived Results for Saturday, April 8th, 2023

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An aircraft of the Air Force under the Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) flies a combat readiness patrol in "Joint Sword" exercises around Taiwan, from an undisclosed location in this handout image released April 8. Reuters-Yonhap





As China launches three days of military drills around Taiwan, AFP looks at the history of relations between the self-ruled island and Beijing:











Mao Zedong's communists take power in Beijing in October 1949 after defeating Chiang Kai-shek's Kuomintang (KMT) nationalists in a civil war.







The KMT flee to the island of Taiwan and form their own government in Taipei in December, cutting off contacts with mainland China.







In 1950, Taiwan becomes an ally of the United States, which is at war with communist China in Korea. The United States deploys a fleet in the Taiwan Strait to protect its ally from possible attack.











In October 1971, Beijing takes over China's seat at the United Nations, previously held by Taipei.







In 1979, the United States cuts formal ties with Taiwan and establishes diplomatic relations with Beijing instead.







Washington goes on to develop a nuanced Taiwan policy where it "acknowledges" China's claim to the island, which is not the same as accepting Beijing's claim of sovereignty.







The United States also maintains trade and military ties with Taipei. It opposes both Taiwanese independence and any attempt by China to forcibly take the island.











In late 1987, Taiwan residents are permitted to visit mainland China for the first time, allowing families to reunite.







Taiwan lifts emergency rule in 1991, unilaterally ending a state of war with China. The first direct talks between the two sides are held in Singapore two years later.







But in 1995, Beijing suspends talks in protest at a visit by Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui to the United States.







China tests missiles off Taiwan in 1996 to deter voters in the island's first democratic presidential election.







In 2000 elections, the KMT loses power in Taiwan for the first time. Trade links between the two sides improve over the next few years.











Beijing adopts a law in March 2005 authorizing the use of force if Taiwan declares independence. In April, KMT Chairman Lien Chan makes a landmark visit to Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Hu Jintao.






A paper mill, which has been operating for more than 100 years and is integral to the economy of Canton, is slated to close by June 2023. This will force around 1,300 workers currently employed at the mill to seek new jobs.Pactiv Evergreen, who owns the mill and is headquartered in Lake Forest, IL, stated via Beth Kelly, the company's director of communications, that the closure is part of the company's restructuring and reorganization plan for management structure and their beverage merchandising segment.According to Haywood County officials, this was a decision no one saw coming and has left the small mountain town just west of Asheville searching for answers. Carolina Journal spoke with Zeb Smathers, mayor of Canton, who said the closure of the mill is akin to losing a family member.he said.An identity lostSmathers said.He is also angry that the hardworking taxpayers of Haywood County will have their tax dollars wasted as a result of the pending mill closure and feels that the company displayed a lack of trust and respect. In 2015, a subsidiary of Pactiv Evergreen was awarded a Job Maintenance and Capital Development Fund (JMAC) Grant, which was used to convert two of its coal-fired boilers to natural gas at the Haywood County plant. The grant was formulated and awarded after the N.C. House failed to pass a bill which would have awarded $12 million in grant funding for the paper mill.said Smathers.Stock sale prompts calls for SEC investigationIt was later reported that Pactiv Evergreen executives sold off more than 50,000 shares of stock prior to the announced closure of the Canton mill, prompting a call by Congressman Chuck Edwards, a Republican who represents the area in the U.S. House, for the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate the company's actions.C.J. also spoke with N.C. House Rep. Mark Pless, R-Canton, who expressed dismay at the news of the stock sales.he said.Addressing the impact of the mill closureHaywood County officials and community leaders have been meeting to discuss how to move forward in the aftermath of the closure announcement. Pless shares the sentiment of all who have been affected by the mill closure.he said.In terms of what local and state officials plan to do in order to help the town overcome the negative effect on the local economy, Pless said that among other efforts, he is working with Haywood Community College on proposals to utilize local and state resources to assist people in finding new employment across other job sectors. The community college recently hosted an event led by their president, Dr. Shelley White.Pless said.Pless is also examining legislative avenues, trying to receive answers from the company about how to address the impact going forward.he said.The impact to the local community in the wake of paper mill closure affects not only Canton and Haywood County, but also other regional industries in Tennessee and South Carolina, which are vital to the effective operation of the mill. The impacts are far reaching and have required assistance from the state to address them. Smathers has also been in discussions with Gov. Roy Cooper about how the state can respond to the closure.Smathers said.Smathers strongly believes that the town will rebound from the closure and that the local economy will bounce back.he continued.U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican who represents North Carolina, showed his support on social media, saying that his
Globalist totalitarian fixer George soros just took another big step in perverting America's system of justice by buying control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This is likely to lead to a far left activist judiciary working overtime to manipulate state elections there in favor of the extreme left.

A key election was held this week for the swing seat on that court, and Soros dumped lots of money into that race to buy the seat for a pro-criminal, anti-fair election far left Democrat, giving the left majority control of the court. The far left is already salibating about a judicial gerrymander of the state, ending photo voter ID, and other manipulations of election laws to favor themselves and make cheating easier.

Soros controlled and funded groups dumped $2.8 million into the race, spending on behalf of the far left Democrat, and Soros gave another million personally direct to the Wisconsin Democrat Party for the race.

This is also another example of the failure of the inept Ronna Romney McDaniel, establsihment chairman of the RNC to engage in key races.

https://freebeacon.com/democrats/how-millions-from-george-soros-fueled-democrats-court-victory-in-wisconsin/

Soros' drive to control our system of justice isd rackteering and he should be arrested and jailed under RICO laws. Soros is worse than Al Capone.
By L.A. Williams

Christian Action League

April 7, 2023

Republican lawmakers should be able to pass legislation this session to further limit abortion, but whether they will remains to be seen.



On Friday, Rep. Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, giving the GOP a supermajority in the House and virtually stripping Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper of his veto power, since they already held a supermajority in the Senate.



However, the way Cotham would vote on abortion and even whether the party can craft a bill that they can agree on is questionable.



Months before Cothams move, which she said was the result of being bullied by Democrats, Republican leaders had been signaling that they planned to push through a bill that would ban abortion sometime between six and 13 weeks, with a few exceptions. While many surrounding states cracked down on the deadly procedure in the wake of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade last summer, North Carolina, which allows abortions up to 20 weeks, had become a haven of abortion-seekers, a situation GOP leaders want to remedy.



But so far, the abortion bills that have been filed are at opposite ends of the spectrum and not likely to go anywhere. In January, Democrats filed House Bill 19 in an attempt to codify Roe v. Wade. Late in March, they filed a similar bill An Act to Remove Barriers to Gain Access to Abortion. Both are languishing in the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.



More recently, a handful of Republicans filed House Bill 533, which would ban abortion in the state unless carrying the baby to term would endanger the mothers life. The bill would create criminal penalties for abortionists and $100,000 fines for women who have one.

Every human life has value from the womb to the tomb, and I am thrilled to introduce this legislation that will defend the dignity and sanctity of every person, Representative Ben Moss (Richmond), one of the bills sponsors, told the media. Rep. Keith Kidwell (Beaufort) and Rep. Ed Goodwin, (Chowan) joined Moss on the bill, which is referred to as the Human Life Protection Act.

As much as we would love to see this legislation become the law of the land, its chances of advancing are virtually nil, said the Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League. We hope that Republicans will come up with a proposal that the majority can support. Otherwise, the state will remain a place where abortion is legal all the way to 20 weeks.

While there has been talk of a possible heartbeat ban or a ban on abortions past the sixth week of pregnancy, those following the issue say a first-trimester ban (13 weeks) is more likely to garner needed support for an override of Coopers expected veto.

Cotham has not said how she would vote on the issue. When asked about a ban on abortions after 13 weeks, she told the media, Im not going to give any type of number on anything. Theres a piece of good advice I learned a long time ago: dont discuss legislation thats not before you, so Im not going to do that.

A spokesperson from House Speaker Tim Moores office told the media that abortion law discussions are ongoing and that the ban proposed in House Bill 533 is not indicative of what they expect to emerge from those talks.

Meanwhile pro-life groups are pushing for action. Caitlin Connors, SBA Pro-Life Americas Southern regional director, told Axios that allowing for abortion up to 20 weeks is not acceptable. And doing nothing to change that existing law is not acceptable.
Please dont try to convince me that Christians need to stay out of politics. That is one of the most ridiculous assertions I have ever heard. Yet it is so widely accepted among clergy and lay leaders alike. Listen, there is corrupt politics in the Church, corrupt politics in the State, and the account of Christs passion is proof of the worst kind of dirty politics in both. And, unless godly, righteous people, who walk closely with the Lord fill that vacuum, it most certainly will be filled by those of the opposite character.

-Rev. Mark Creech

https://christianactionleague.org/the-political-coverup/
Some Democrat sheriffs have been coddling illegal aliens who commit crimes in North Carolina by refusing to turn them over to federal immigration authorities for deportation. That may be about to stop due to a bill, HB 10 recently passed by the NC House. HB 10 requires all sheriffs in North Carolina to cooperate with federal immigration authorites on matters dealing with illegal aliens.

HB 10 passed the NC House 71 to 44, a veto proof majority, and now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass easily. One Democrat, Rep. Michael Wray voted with all Republican, including newly switch Rep. Tricia Cotham, voted for the bill.

Democrat sheriffs in North Carolina who have made their counties sanctuary counties for illegal alien criminals include Wake, Mecklenburg, Durham, Buncombe, Orange, and Forsyth counties.

https://bigleaguepolitics.com/north-carolina-republicans-put-forward-plan-to-ban-sanctuary-counties/

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/04/05/north-carolina-republicans-advance-plan-to-outlaw-sanctuary-counties/
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Artist and writer Andy Coughlan got an early Christmas present last month after learning that one of his stories in the Beaumont Enterprise's weekly Art of Living section had received the top award in the Los Angeles Press Clubs annual National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards.

Coughlan didnt even notice the award when he first looked through the results. I entered four different things and saw I was a finalist in two categories, he recalled. It wasnt until a short while later he revisited the award site and realized hed won the Arts feature over 1,000 words category.

It was actually quite a nice surprise, Coughlan said, and he now has a trophy sitting amongst other art and journalism awards.

But for Coughlan, the real reward was in the telling of the story itself and the bond that was strengthened with his story subject  local ceramic artist Linnis Blanton.

When Coughlan sat down with Blanton at his studio to discuss the work in his show Sacred Space : The Artistic Vision of Linnis Blanton, it wasnt their first meeting, nor was it the first story Coughlan has written on Blanton.

Related: Inside artist Linnis Blanton's 'Sacred Space'

But the new ceramic work had taken a creative twist and a more deeply personal turn than that which Coughlan had written about previously.

As a teller of Blantons artistic process story, Coughlan was uniquely poised to not only share the facts of Blantons creative journey, but also the spirit of it.

One of the things I think is really satisfying, especially as an artist myself, is getting to meet and really know the artists, Coughlan said.

He learned that Blantons new creative direction had come after fellow ceramicist David Cargill commented that his pots looked better on the inside than the out, Coughlan noted.

In the story, Blanton shared that it was an observation hed always somehow known, but didnt fully embrace exploring until Cargill said the words aloud.

From there, he began cutting his pots after their construction, literally turning them inside out. In so doing, he created what Coughlan described as a kind of sculptural landscape, reminiscent of the canyons found in Arizona and New Mexico.

The formations fit nicely with Blantons desire to explore his Native American heritage in his work.

The great joy is to really get to the artists process. And if youre smart and you ask the right questions, people really open up to you. Theyll tell you the most interesting things, Coughlan said.

That depth and intimacy, he believes, is what made the piece stand out to the judges, as well as the photographs he made to accompany the story.

The judge specifically commented on the photos, which Coughlan said werent part of the judging, reflected how being a well-rounded journalist can add to the depth and impact of ones stories  something Coughlan said, Im always telling my studentsat Lamar University.

Related: Art studio hosts "Gumbo Clayfest"

The photos included images of Blanton at work  something the artist suggested in addition to a portrait and pictures of finished work.

I told him,if it turns out, Id like to acquire it, Coughlan said.

The piece did turn out, and now sits in Coughlans home in Beaumont.

For him, thats the best trophy for a story well done.

That piece is even more meaningful to me, because it was done as we were talking and relating to each other, Coughlan said.

As the pot was being formed, turned in upon itself and then reformed, so was the bond between the two artists in the roles of writer and subject, transforming.

Being able to relate that process to a larger audience through the written story format is somewhat of a dream come true for Coughlan.

I used to watch art shows as a kid, and I would get annoyed with them and how they would use these high-falutin words, he said, adding that the spirit of the work was lost amid the meant-to-impress jargon used to discuss it.

I always had a dream to have a show that was written in a way that makes it accessible to everyone, Coughlan noted, adding that having his story on Blanton take home a national prize is kind of a validation of being able to do that.

And it fits with Coughlans grander plan to spread the word about Southeast Texas rich arts community.

This area has a lot of strong arts, and thats my mission  to make people aware of the arts in this area, he said.

Coughlan will showcase his own brand new series of work at a Cafe Arts exhibit in the Art Museum of Southeast Texas in February.
Growing up in Southeast Texas, Ellen Buchanan always preferred to be outside.

"I was always outside in the woods," Buchanan said. "I had parents and grandparents that were of the land."

By the time she graduated high school and went to Texas A&M, it was a no-brainer for her to major in recreation and parks.

At the time, Buchanan thought she would go down the recreation route, but she ended up getting her master's in public administration to work with parks.

Now, Buchanan is retired after working at Texas Parks and Wildlife and different parks across the state, but her work advocating for the environment isn't over.

She not only serves as the Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust president, but also is a part of the Golden Triangle Sierra Club Group, Texas Black Bear Alliance and Texas Water Development Board's Neches River Flood Planning Group.

The Enterprise talked with Buchanan about her work as an environmentalist in Southeast Texas.

Q: What does the Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust do?

A: The Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust is to protect and preserve the land water, scenic beauty, plants, wildlife, natural, historic and cultural communities of the Big Thicket. The Big Thicket at one time covered 3 million acres, and when the Big Thicket National Preserve was formed in 1974 by Congress at approximately 84,000 acres, that was just a snippet of some of the ecosystems that were in the 3 million acres.

We have a huge area scale of natural resources that are not in the Big Thicket National Preserve, and so we work to conserve the whole area. By doing that it helps the people, it helps the wildlife. Our floodplains take care of the water now and floods. Our flooding would be worse if we didn't have these floodplains that we have. Plus, they provide great habitat for wildlife, recreation for us and hunting. It's a fabulous area, and I believe that the Big Thicket area ranks just behind the Amazon in diversity of plants and animals.

Q: Throughout the years, what are some of the causes you have worked toward?

A: When I was with Texas Parks and Wildlife, even though I was working for them, I always pushed for funding. If you work for the state or the feds, you can't lobby, but we had folks that did that for us -- pushing for adequate funding for state parks and that has happened, which is fabulous. Whether it's the Big Thicket Natural Preserve or a state park, especially a state park that has camping, you're there to protect the natural resources of the state. At the same time, millions of visitors come into our state parks and so they kind of have that conundrum of taking care of resources and hosting all these folks and educating them as to the resources. I think that's true today in state parks. It's true with the Big Thicket National Preserve. With our other national parks in Texas and our US Fish and Wildlife Refuges it's about educating folks about the values of these natural resources.

Q: What have been your favorite parts of working as an environmental activist in Southeast Texas?

A: Number one is getting to work with all kinds of different people. You meet all kinds of different folks. Then getting to be on the resource, making sure that I'm out in that resource of the land myself. See what waters are doing. see what the land is doing. It's the people and the resource, that's what it's all about.

Q: Why should other Southeast Texans care about the environment?

A: Because we only have one planet.We only have one Southeast Texas. The Earth has provided us everything we need, and we continue to use it and abuse it. If folks would understand the value of Southeast Texas, folks would just have a better understanding of the environment. Trees clean the air and trees clean the water, but when we have refineries hat cover large swaths of our area, trees can't clean all of that.

During COVID-19, you saw people did get back to the land when we couldn't be with people, but they could visit a local park or state or National Park and that's what they did. It was a respite for folks -- where they can get out and rejuvenate themselves.

One day I was at Sandyland Sanctuary near Silsbee, and I guess it was during a holiday and I'm in the parking lot and there weren't that many people in the parking lot and we got there early. When we were walking back out, all of these people coming in. I saw some folks on it that I knew they said, "We went to the Kirby Nature Trail in the Big Thicket but there were so many people that we thought we would come here." Then we left the parking lot and everybody was standing there talking to each other, standing away because there was COVID-19. It was kind of amazing to see how people that knew what would heal them both physically and mentally during COVID-19, and it was getting outside.

We need to be better stewards of our of our lands and air and water. We have the Neches River we have plenty of water. The Neches River, at one time, was so dirty. Different organizations helped to clean up and get industry to stop polluting, or not polluting as much, the Neches River. We make mistakes and then we know how to correct them and we still have some correct.

Q: Would your younger self be surprised with all the work you have done for the environment?

A: I think my younger self would be glad that I'm of the land and on the land and we're looking to conserve what we have. So, I think my younger self would be pleased that I'm still on the land and working to conserve what we have and to restore the natural areas to what they were.

Q: What would you say to some who doesn't think the environment concerns them?

A: We all breathe the air and drink the water every day. The forests clean the air and they clean the water. It has provided for us and these lands provide us our food, our clothing and our water. The environment is providing for us, so we need to take care of it.

Q: What is something most people don't know abut the Big Thicket?

A: Like I said before, at one time it covered, and it still does cover over 3 million acres and folks don't realize that. It's not just the preserve, it's the 3 million acres.
A Beaumont man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the 2021 killing of his ex-wife.

Terry Barlow, 54, on April 3 pleaded guilty to shooting and killing his Ashley Barlow, who he had recently separated from, according to a news release from the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office.

Surveillance video from two businesses across the street from the Langham Street parking lot that that the pair were in preceding her killing showed that Terry Barlow shot Ashley Barlow nine times point blank, as she pleaded for her and her children. Evidence showed that he returned to the scene and surrendered, according to the news release.

RELATED: Husband indicted for death of probation officer

The videos showed the heinous nature of this crime. Defendant shot Ashley nine times at point blank range, the last three as she lay on the ground under him. She begged him for her life and the life of her babies, as he screamed that it was her fault. This was a senseless and brutal murder. We are appreciative of the work of the Beaumont Police Department, Prosecutor Phillip Smith said in the release.

Barlow pleaded guilty in accordance with an agreement that would send him to prison for up to 50 years, according to the news release.

Judge Raquel West, of the 252nd District Court, ultimately sentenced Barlow to the maximum punishment of 50 years in prison for the aggravated assault. He also was sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting at a second victim during the incident, according to the release. The sentences will run concurrently.
Across the courtyard there was an Earth goddess painted by Don Rimx, her body made of sticks, her limbs splinted, her hair green, her face scowling. She wasnt like anyone youve ever seen on an American middle school wall, and at the same time there was a deep resemblance to the inner selves of countless children who have gleaned from the world that the adult world will not protect them, that they will have to save themselves and each other. Jeff Sharlet, The Undertow: Scenes From A Slow Civil War (Norton, 2023)

Journalist Jeff Sharlet, author of several books about our fractured nation, reports in his latest that he encountered the unsettling mural on a middle-school wall in inner-city Miami. What the image conveyed about our children, though, is not confined to one school or one part of the country. The image is apt in Colorado, in Connecticut, in California, in Florida, in Michigan, in Wisconsin, in Illinois, in Texas.

And now its apt in Tennessee, where three 9-year-olds and three adults died when a shooter blasted the lock off a door at a private elementary school in Nashville, church-related Covenant School, and started firing at human beings.

We have not, we will not, protect them. The list of states above  several, such as Texas, with multiple mass-shooting incidents  is not comprehensive.

Its spring. The grass and leaves are green, the bluebonnets riotous. Its spring, and were approaching the one-year anniversary of the Uvalde rampage. A teenager armed with a military-assault-style weapon invades an elementary school and massacres 19 children and two of their teachers. In our minds eye, we still see it.

We did not protect them. A new school equipped with the latest security measures does not protect them. A gun-obsessed nation cannot protect them.

Kimberly Garcia lost her 10-year-old daughter, Amerie Jo Garza, on that day in May. Our kids arent safe. Schools arent safe, she tweeted, hearing news of Nashville. My daughter wasnt safe, her life was taken from her. My son isnt safe and it keeps me up all night. How am I supposed to be OK with leaving him at school? Theres no way.

In another tweet, she asked, When is enough going to be enough?

When, indeed.

Garcia and other Uvalde parents and family members have been in Austin off and on during the past several months, imploring lawmakers to act. After all, Gov. Greg Abbott came to their little town soon after the shooting. He assured them he would take steps to protect the children.

He has not. He will not. And neither will lawmakers meeting in Austin right now.

We are tired, Garcias advocacy group, Lives Robbed, tweeted in response to the Nashville horror. We know that, for the families of the victims at Covenant, this hell is just beginning. We are with you. This is why we fight for change.

With all due respect to the Uvalde folks, they are naive. They dont realize  well, maybe they do by now  that their elected representatives already are hard at work protecting Texas children in a manner that has nothing to do with stopping the bullets and bloodshed in our classrooms.

State Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, is pushing not one bill, but two, to make sure that our children are not exposed to men dressed like women. Drag shows, theyre called. Maybe theyre big in small East Texas towns like the one hes from.

State Rep. Nate Shatzline, a Fort Worth Republican ready to fight for Faith, Family, & Freedom, is carrying a similar bill in the House, despite a youthful escapade of his own in a black sequined dress. Uvalde parents have to realize that he and Hughes are busy. Busy protecting children, but only in a way they believe will protect their political careers.

State Sen. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, is busy, too. Like a North Texas cotton-grower, hes itching to plow through school libraries, hoeing out weeds of porn. We learned last week during a House Public Education Committee hearing that even the celebrated cowboy novel Lonesome Dove might not be safe from his weeding.

Patterson admitted that he hasnt read the classic by Texas native Larry McMurtry, but he assured his listeners that if its sexually explicit, it doesnt belong in a public-school library. Like an errant growth of Johnson grass, hed yank it out.

McMurtrys heroes, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call, are coarse and crude, for sure; whether theyre sexually explicit is open to arguing about  for those whove read the novel, that is. Theres no arguing that its a big book, a heavy book. If a kid got hit with a flung copy of Lonesome Dove, it would hurt. It would not hurt as much as a bullet fired from an AR-15, a bullet pulverizing every organ it touches as it plows through a childs slight body.

But how can we blame Patterson and his Republican cohorts for ignoring anguished Uvalde parents? When youre banning books, censoring school curricula, tormenting transgender children and suppressing ideas that might challenge comfortable assumptions, youre busy. You dont have time to fret about death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, our children these days are more likely to be shot to death than to die in a car accident. Statistics are unavailable for children dying after witnessing a drag show.

We have not, we will not, protect them from guns, even though we know what to do (or, at least, what to try). Universal background checks, red flag laws, a cooling off period after a gun purchase, safe storage, magazine limits, raising the age of purchase  some combination of efforts just might save lives.

It wont be happening in Texas anytime soon. It wont be happening in Tennessee, which vies with the Lone Star State for having the most permissive gun laws in the country. A Tennessee lawmaker told CNN a few hours after the shooting, I dont see any real role we can do other than mess things up. . . . As a Christian, youve got to change peoples hearts.

A Texan couldnt have said it better.

In 2018, after a 19-year-old opened fire on students and staff at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., murdering 17 people and injuring 17 others, students took it upon themselves to launch something of a childrens crusade. Founding an advocacy group called Never Again MSD, they made speeches, raised money and lobbied lawmakers in Tallahassee. A month after the massacre, then-Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill allowing law enforcement to request an extreme risk protection order. The legislation also provided additional funding for armed school resource officers and allowed school districts to arm teachers.

Maybe the efforts of the Parkland young people, still continuing, are a reminder  a sober reminder in journalist Sharlets words that the adult world will not protect them, that they will have to save themselves and each other.

Caitlyne Gonzales seemed to understand this as she spoke on the steps of the Texas Capitol to a gun reform rally in February. The Uvalde survivor broke into tears as she described the shooting. Then she collected herself and said, I shouldnt have to be here but I am because my friends dont have a voice no more. Greg Abbott has done nothing to protect me or my friends.

In Austin and in Nashville, the adult world cant be bothered. The adult world is busy with more important matters.
China says Australia's TikTok ban on gov't devices "discriminatory"

Xinhua) 11:18, April 08, 2023

BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- China's commerce ministry on Friday said that Australia's banning of TikTok on federal government devices was a "discriminatory restrictive measure."

The move will not help safeguard Australia's national security but only undermine the international community's confidence in its business environment and harm the interests of Australian enterprises and its people, the ministry said in a statement on its website.

The Chinese government has always encouraged enterprises to conduct international operations according to market principles and international economic and trade rules, and comply with the laws and regulations of the host country, said the ministry.

The commerce ministry urged the Australian side to treat all enterprises fairly and equitably, provide them with an open, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment, and create a favorable economic and trade cooperation environment between China and Australia.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Israeli police and emergency service stand around a car involved in an attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 7. Israeli police said a car rammed into a group of people near a popular seaside park before flipping over. AP-Yonhap





Israel began calling up police and army reservists Saturday after separate attacks killed three people, including an Italian tourist, in Tel Aviv and the occupied West Bank.







Despite appeals for restraint, violence has surged since Israeli police clashed with Palestinians inside Jerusalem's flashpoint, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Wednesday, with Israel bombarding both Gaza and Lebanon in response to rocket fire by Palestinian militants.







The Italian was killed and seven other tourists wounded when an Israeli Arab ploughed a car into pedestrians on the Tel Aviv seafront Friday evening and flipped over before being shot dead, police and emergency services said.







Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni named the dead man as Alessandro Parini, 36.







Police identified the driver as a 45-year-old from the Arab town of Kfar Kassem in central Israel.







"The terrorist was neutralized," a spokesman told AFP.







Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, which rules Gaza, said the attack was a "natural and legitimate response" to Israel's "aggression" at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.







Earlier Friday, two British-Israeli sisters aged 16 and 20 were killed, and their mother seriously wounded when their car was fired on in the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank.







The army said it had launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.







Following the Tel Aviv attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the police to "mobilize all reserve border police units" and directed the army to "mobilize additional forces," his office said







Police said four reserve battalions of border police would be deployed in city centers from Sunday, in addition to units already deployed in the Jerusalem region and in the central city of Lod, which has a mixed population of Jews and Arabs.







In the West Bank, Israeli troops came under fire in a drive-by shooting in the northern town of Yabad overnight, the army said Saturday.







One hit was identified among the assailants, an army statement said.



Palestinians hold the Palestinian national flag and the flag of the Hamas militant group during a protest by the Dome of Rock at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, April 7. AP-Yonhap









Friday's attacks came after Israel launched air strikes and an artillery bombardment before dawn in response to rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.







It was the heaviest rocket fire from Lebanon since Israel fought a 34-day war with Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in 2006 and the first time Israel has confirmed an attack on Lebanese territory since April 2022.







Israel "struck targets, including terror infrastructures, belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in southern Lebanon," the army said.







The Lebanese army said it had found and dismantled a multiple rocket launcher in an olive grove in the Marjayoun area near the border, still loaded with six primed rockets.







In Gaza, the Israeli army said it had hit two tunnels and "two weapon manufacturing sites" in response to the "security violations of Hamas."







It said air defenses had intercepted 25 rockets from Lebanon, Thursday, while five had hit Israeli territory.







Israel "will not allow the Hamas terrorist organization to operate from within Lebanon," it said.







The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which patrols the area along the border, urged restraint, noting: "Both sides have said they do not want a war."







On Friday evening, the army said it had shot down a drone that had entered Israel's airspace from Lebanon.







A body of an attacker lies covered at the scene in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 7. AP-Yonhap









On Wednesday, Israeli riot police stormed the prayer hall of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in a pre-dawn raid, aiming to dislodge "law-breaking youths and masked agitators" they said had barricaded themselves inside.







Ramadan coincided with the Jewish Passover holiday this year raising tensions with the tens of thousands of Palestinians who pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the Muslim fasting month.







The Palestinians fear Netanyahu's hard-right government may change longstanding rules that allow Jews to visit but not pray in the mosque compound, despite his repeated denials.







The upsurge of violence drew condemnation from the European Union and the United States.







"The targeting of innocent civilians of any nationality is unconscionable," said State Department spokesman Vedant Patel.







"The European Union expresses its total condemnation of these acts of violence," said its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.







A Qatari official said Doha was mediating between Israel and the Palestinians.







Qatar  which has acted as a broker in previous understandings between Israel and Hamas  "is working to deescalate the situation on all sides," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. (AFP)


Derry Girls was among the big winners at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards (Channel 4/PA)

Anna Burns, the 2018 Man Booker Prize winning author, during the 2019 Hay Festival on May 26, 2019 in Hay-on-Wye, Wales. (Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images)   Getty Images

Louise Kennedys novel Trespasses was awarded Irish Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards

Films and literature existed in Northern Ireland before 1998  but many will remember getting their bag checked in cinemas prior to even buying popcorn or walking through a turnstile before heading to a bookshop.

Twenty-five years on, our cinematic presence is unquestioned, our internationally award-winning writers acknowledged. Northern Ireland means artistic business and thank goodness for that.

Olivia Nash as Ma in Give My Head Peace

The Good Friday Agreement led to an enormous change in our creative endeavours and an opening up of new voices who didnt wish to write exclusively on our past.

We always had quite a strong literary scene but it has moved perhaps far beyond the world that people often saw it, as something that was maybe quite elitist in some ways, says Dr Frank Ferguson, research director for English Language and Literature at Ulster University.

There was a sense also that maybe that this was very much centred on Belfast or some of the other urban centres.

I suppose that the Good Friday Agreement has, in similar ways to film production, opened up a whole new world of writing. We can see that in Northern Ireland now is a very vibrant rising scene, particularly for womens writing, which has moved away from maybe a sense of a boys club.

While of course [Seamus] Heaney was a Nobel Prize-winning writer and there was a sense that, though Northern Irish poetry or north of Ireland poets were extremely significant, there wasnt necessarily a sense that other and different voices were coming through.

The Good Friday Agreement definitely opened up ways that we look at ourselves differently, it gave people a new platform for writing and the writing scene is much more diverse and inclusive now.

Dr Frank Ferguson, research director for English Language and Literature at Ulster University

Prof Marilynn Richtarik, author of Getting to Good Friday: Literature and the Peace Process in Northern Ireland, cites Bernard MacLavertys June 1994 observation that to come from Northern Ireland and write light, inconsequential comedy is a rejection of the most important things.

Most [Northern Irish writers] felt a responsibility to reflect on the contemporary political and sectarian violence in some way, though many approached the subject indirectly  by displacing the action in time or space, for example, or through reworking classical texts, she says.

The Agreement freed writers to explore subjects that might have seemed frivolous before. Novelist David Park, for example, ended his 2008 novel The Truth Commissioner, in which he imagines how a Truth and Reconciliation Commission might operate in post-conflict Northern Ireland, with a fire that symbolised his private resolution never to write about the Troubles again.

Language in Northern Ireland is paramount  no less in an agreement that, as far as possible, had to encourage a number of parties with differing opinions to sign up.

Rather than the Agreement having an impact on creative output, Prof Richtarik suggests any influence runs the other way.

As poet Michael Longley remarked on the day the Agreement was approved by voters north and south of the border, In its language the Good Friday Agreement depended on an almost poetic precision and suggestiveness to get its complicated message across. The good poetry that has emanated from here is like that too, and for exactly the same reasons.

Poet Seamus Heaney

Dr Ferguson says the Agreement was a watershed moment, an official acceptance of the variety of languages spoken in Northern Ireland.

One of the phrases that was very prevalent at the time was parity of esteem.

For all the criticisms that a term like that gets, its a very important one, that theres parity of esteem, that theres a sense of inclusivity and an awareness of diversity, he says.

That then provides in its best sense, a platform for every voice to be taken as important and significant. We see the society that Northern Ireland has is a more diverse one, is a more inclusive one, and has such a variety of voices and writers appearing.

There are things being published that we would not have believed would have been published. Im not just talking about different genres of things because we have a vibrant sci-fi community, a vibrant young adult fiction community, we have crime writing, theres a real broadening of the literature thats produced here.

But also things like Paul Madderns anthology Queering the Green which is something that is celebrated and something that 30 years ago would have been very difficult to produce. Theres lots really important things coming through that the process of the Good Friday Agreement acted as a means to permit that to happen.

A championed language, he says, is Ulster Scots. Though its not to say that they wouldnt have been writing anyway, there is a reclamation of that tradition.

There are people like Anne McMaster, Angela Graham, Stephen Dornan, Alan Miller and a whole host of others who are coming through in a new kind of literary Northern Ireland, says Dr Ferguson.

Were at a really exciting time for really new writers, writers from their 20s. Somebody who came through Ulster University, Niamh McAnally, who writes on ecological themes and you can see that in a sense this is one of the children of the Good Friday Agreement. A completely new brilliant voice but also somebody who is grounded in the traditions who has grown up in the world of Heaney and others.

Were continually seeing new work coming through that yes, touches upon the history here, but is aware of the global predicament we have and also its responding to that in a really exciting and creative way.

Marilynn Richtarik

In her book, Prof Richtarik describes creative writing as a metaphor for the peace process, arguing that peace was made through writing.

The creativity was in the way political leaders attempted to reinterpret terms like self-determination to find common ground where there had previously seemed to be none, she says. And literary writers were both reacting to and attempting to influence current events. A vital aspect of any kind of writing is revision: rethinking and reworking and refining.

The 1998 Agreement has been revised several times already  and its probably time for yet another round of revision, to take better account of the growing percentage of Northern Irelands population that does not define itself primarily as unionist or nationalist in political terms.

In 2023, its a bright time for writers with a variety operating now from a community level up to internationally recognised authors  both Dr Ferguson and Prof Richtarik cite Anna Burns Milkman as deserving of global appreciation with Marilynn also praising Louise Kennedys award-winning Trespasses.

Louise Kennedys novel Trespasses was awarded Irish Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards

Something really significant happened in literary terms with the Agreement, says Dr Ferguson.

It wasnt at the heart of it but because it released that dreadful tension that weve lived under in the 70s and 80s and suggested new possibilities that that really made itself felt in writing and continues to do so.

The major thing, says film lecturer Mike Catto, about that industry post-Good Friday Agreement was a growth in confidence in using Northern Irish actors and locations.

The most important thing that today the things we take for granted, like the huge Titanic studio, the new one thats being built for Ulster University students, explains Mike.

We take for granted not only Game of Thrones, but tourism, Game of Thrones tours, Banbridge, people even coming to look at locations for Line of Duty.

Following the Good Friday Agreement the Northern Ireland Film Council, becoming what we know today, Northern Ireland Screen, [was] working on very small budgets.

Most of the television companies were using local talent to just film interviews or news stories and so on but gradually independent companies started building up here [and] the Northern Ireland Screen went into partnership with the BBC.

You get companies that are still around today like DoubleBand Pictures being asked to make one-hour documentaries that had nothing to do with Northern Ireland but they were on the map during this time. That is really the most important thing than just individual films.

Anna Burns, the 2018 Man Booker Prize winning author, during the 2019 Hay Festival on May 26, 2019 in Hay-on-Wye, Wales. (Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images)   Getty Images

Up to 1998, films that were made in Northern Ireland tended to be all Troubles based  its not until after the Agreement that films produced were increasingly nuanced.

One film that, Mike says, changed the landscape is Five Minutes of Heaven starring Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt.

The root of it is course is the Troubles but in essence, its about reconciliation, finding alternative paths even though the grown-up Joe [Nesbitt] wants to kill the grown-up Alistair [Neeson]. It shifted in its original draft to become more positive at the end of it, he says.

Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt in Five Minutes of Heaven. Credit: Steffan Hill

Additionally, he mentions 2009s Cherrybomb starring Rupert Grint and filmed in and around Newtonabbey Leisure Centre.

It was directed by Lisa Barros DSa and Glenn Leyburn who did Good Vibrations. There are Northern Irish accents, some of the youngsters are clearly by their names from the nationalist background and some from a unionist background.

But its not about that, its about teenagers on the rake.

It could have been absolutely anywhere except it has that great sense of humour that we have over here.

Though its not necessarily the first off the tongue, its existence is important says Mike.

In its own way, the simple fact that that was a feature film, it got general release, went out on DVD, was made here was some outside money and help from Northern Ireland Screen, etc. And it was just about problems that teenagers have anywhere.

Northern Ireland is now flourishing in terms of screen presence, with talent in front of the camera and all the way around says Mike.

I made a point on air a couple years ago, saying that as an early riser, I have the television on in a hotel room from about six oclock. On Saturday mornings, it doesnt matter where youre in Crete, Tunisia, Madeira, theres childrens animation and a lot is made in Northern Ireland.

Puffin Rock, which Ive seen dubbed in about five different languages. Thats got nothing to do with Ireland, never mind Northern Ireland, but it is a successful export product.

Televisually speaking, homegrown shows are being given to international audiences.

One of the things that Derry Girls has done is Give My Head Peace is now available on the iPlayer for people across the water to view.

Just as a sheer coincidence, the first series of Give My Head Peace started on January 16, 1998.

Derry Girls was among the big winners at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards (Channel 4/PA)

This universality is to our credit, he says, and is neatly summarised in lovely film, Ordinary Love starring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville.

A very ordinary couple that happen to live out in Carrickfergus. But that is not an important part of the story, its him coming to grips with the fact that she gets cancer. But Ill bet my boots if somebody had come up with that script 25 years ago, it would have been filmed in England, with English accents.

The idea of just an ordinary film made Northern Ireland was pretty well unthinkable before the Good Friday Agreement.

Getting to Good Friday: Literature and the Peace Process in Northern Ireland by Professor Marilynn Richtarik (OUP, 30) is available now
Young girls picking flowers to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in Belfast, 2011 (Credit: Colm Lenghan)

A cheerfully cheeky smile from a girl, age unknown, with a basket of Easter eggs around 1981

Marlene McGinley (19) with a display of chocolate eggs in a store in Derry during Easter 1973

The Big Dipper at the then-Barry's in Portrush during Easter (Credit: Margaret McLaughlin)

Lauren Toner being chased by her brother Jack (left) and cousin Jamie Powell in Newcastle, no date available

Marchers Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell take part in the Easter Monday parade in Bangor 2012 (Credit: Presseye)

A group of children enjoying the classic Easter tradition of rolling eggs down a hill in March 1958

Patients at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children are gifted a giant Easter egg in the 1959

Carnival performer in the annual Easter Monday festival parade in Bangor in 2012 (Credit: Press Eye)

A ewe feeding her lambs on Easter Tuesday amid the snow in 2021 (Credit: Stephen Davison)

Hannah Breslin (12) from St Cecilia's College in Derry with her Easter Bonnetin 2012 (Credit: Martin McKeown)

Northern Ireland loves to celebrate Easter. Weekend takes a look through the archives to look at how weve enjoyed the holiday in years gone by.

1. In 2015 Luther and The Wirestar Idris Elba added a Hollywood feel to one of the island of Irelands most popular events: the ERC Circuit of Ireland Rally. Elba was spotted across Northern Ireland but this image was taken in Aughnacloy ahead of his participation in the rally as part of a television series the star was presenting at the time. The actor, with guidance from racing legend McRae, tested along a closed three-mile road deep in the Ulster countryside. Elba later drove in the Banbridge leg of the rally in a Ford Fiesta.

Jimmy McRae and Idris Elba in Aughnacloy, 2015 (Credit: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

2. In 2007, four-year-old Madison Moore from Tullyalley, Londonderry, discovered the Easter bunny, Harvey, who had a sweet surprise in store for her when she visited Roe Valley Country Park.

Madison Moore with Easter bunny Harvey in Roe Valley Country Park, 2007

3.This image looks like it was taken in the middle of a heat wave but its actually early April two years ago, when Ellen Knox, then 18, was starting on her first day on the job as a lifeguard at Portrush East Strand.

Ellen Knox on the job at Portrush East strand (Credit: Stephen Hamilton)

 4.Back in April 1984, a group of children at Nazareth House, Londonderry were presented with a giant 25lb Easter egg from the management and staff of the local Woolworths store  surely the stuff of Easter dreams! Manager Robert McGarry is seen here handling over the gift to Diane McCrystal (8), Elaine Hepburn (12), Catherine McDonnell (4), Ursula McCrystal (12) and Siobhan McCrystal (10).

Woolworths manager Mr Robert McGarry presents a 25lb Easter egg to children of Nazareth House in 1984

5. Easter is perhaps years most unpredictable holiday celebrations  weather-wise. Given its date changes each year, Easter can be more winter than spring. And this rather and sweet image, taken in 2021, is a case in point: here a ewe is feeding her lambs on Easter Tuesday amid the snow.

A ewe feeding her lambs on Easter Tuesday amid the snow in 2021 (Credit: Stephen Davison)

 6.This carnival performer brought a colourful and glamorous feel to the annual Easter Monday festival parade in Bangor. Marchers took part in the parade during the annual Easter Monday festival in Bangor in April, 2012. It was a huge hit as thousands of people turned out to watch the participants.

Carnival performer in the annual Easter Monday festival parade in Bangor in 2012 (Credit: Press Eye)

7.Stumbling across images dating back to the 1950s is always a treat. And this one is no different. While chocolate lovers are probably used to seeing gigantic confectionary Easter eggs these days, back over seven decades ago is was a fairly rare thing, so these young patients at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children in March 1959 are not exaggerating their admiration for this lovely egg, which was donated by Littlewoods to the Belfast Telegraph. The newspaper in turn presented it to staff nurse Dorothy Kells and nurse Anne Kerney.

Patients at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children are gifted a giant Easter egg in the 1959

8. Making headlines  Alison Baxter (7), Caroline Gamble (10) and Katrina Page (8), winners of Ebrington Primary Schools Easter Bonnet competition, April 1984.

Alison Baxter (7), Caroline Gamble (10) and Katrina Page (8) in 1984

9. Hats off to Claire Peacocke, who, aged seven in April 1985, created an Easter bonnet which was a pleasure to behold  and a real cracker of an eye-catcher!

Claire Peacocke (7) in her eye-catching Easter bonnet in 1985

10.Details are pretty scant about this scene, but it dates back to the end of March in 1958. Whats very evident though, is how sweet it is: a group of children enjoying the Easter tradition of rolling eggs down a hill. Decades later, its still a classic Easter pastime.

A group of children enjoying the classic Easter tradition of rolling eggs down a hill in March 1958

11. Back in April 1985 nine-year-old Deborah Maguire from Wolfhill Drive, Ligoniel, was wearing the Easter bonnet which won her the overall top award in a competition. A cracking good win!

Deborah Maguire wearing her Easter Bonnet in 1985

12. Chick this image out! This is one way to stake a claim on a giant-sized Easter egg; this day-old Rhode Island bantam was one of the many hatched at Belfast Zoo in early April 1982, when officials were waiting patiently to see what appears from this emu egg.

A Rhode Island bantam atop an emu egg at Belfast Zoo in 1982

 13. Thirteen years ago, keen record-breakers braved the April showers at Stormont Estate as part of a world record-breaking attempt in the Largest Barefoot Walk, a charity event organised to raise awareness of the millions of people across the world who are too poor to own any footwear. Pictured are members of Vibe Academy who were jumping for joy to be part of the event.

Members of Vibe Academy at Stormont Estate in 2012 (Credit: Stephen Hamilton/Presseye)

14. Back in April 2011, four-year-old Gabi Lubasilska was enjoying the beach in Newcastle courtesy of a pony ride  the perfect way not to get sand in between your toes.

Gabi Lubasilska at Newcastle beach in 2011 (Credit: Declan Roughan/Presseye)

15.Hitting a hole in one are Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell who were pictured taking part in the parade during the annual Easter Monday festival in Bangor back in 2012.

Marchers Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell take part in the Easter Monday parade in Bangor 2012 (Credit: Presseye)

16.Weekend doesnt know when this image was taken by it shows Lauren Toner aged four from Belfast getting chased with by her brother Jack (left) and cousin Jamie Powell as they enjoy a day out in Newcastle over the Easter holidays.

Lauren Toner being chased by her brother Jack (left) and cousin Jamie Powell in Newcastle, no date available

17. It wouldnt be a quintessential Northern Irish Easter break without a visit to Barrys (which has since been over by new owners and is now Currys Fun Park) and of course a hop on all the stomach-churning rides. Of course, enjoying the fun on the famous Big Dipper is a must  assuming too much chocolate hasnt been scoffed!

The Big Dipper at the then-Barry's in Portrush during Easter (Credit: Margaret McLaughlin)

18.Dating back to April 1973, 19-year-old Marlene McGinley was proudly posing with the display of chocolate Easter eggs in a Derry store. What a brilliant sense of style, Marlene.

Marlene McGinley (19) with a display of chocolate eggs in a store in Derry during Easter 1973

19.Weekend has scant details with this image, which dates back to April 1981 but a cheerful girl has a basket firmly in hand and is keeping a close watch on this giant Easter egg... Weekend would do the same too!

A cheerfully cheeky smile from a girl, age unknown, with a basket of Easter eggs around 1981

20.Back in mid-April 2011, these young princesses were picking flowers to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton at Victorian College Preparatory department in Belfast before the Easter holidays.
Ian Paisley Jr has warned that terrorism still remains a dark cloud over Northern Ireland, and has urged for political stability to return to the region.

Speaking to GB News ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the North Antrim MP said: We need to harvest political stability, and the institutions that have flowed from the Belfast agreement have not been stable for about 40% of the time of the last 25 years.

"They haven't functioned properly. And we've got to try and get to a point where they do function properly.

"And that only will happen if we've got good stable political leadership and leadership that recognises that you've got essentially two tribes in Northern Ireland, and they've got to work together.

Mr Paisleys party, the DUP, has recently confirmed it will not rejoin power-sharing at Stormont.

Northern Ireland has been without a functioning government since February 2022, when the DUPs Paul Givan resigned as first minister, as part of his partys anti-NI protocol campaign.

Last month, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson told the House of Commons that Northern Irelands place within the United Kingdom has not been fully restored by the Windsor Framework.

Mr Paisley also recently wore an anti-framework sticker to Westminster, which reads: Northern Ireland Protocol Windsor Framework Doesnt Cut The Mustard, and is in the style of a Colmans Mustard advertisement.

Further discussing the last quarter-century since the Good Friday Agreement was signed, he referenced the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh two months ago, adding: Terrorism hasn't gone away. We have had serious threats on the lives of police officers over the last 25 years. We've had a number of them murdered.

"In recent weeks we saw an attempt to murder a senior police officer here so the terrorism threat has never gone away.

"People like me and other public representatives still live under a constant threat of terrorist violence in Northern Ireland, despite the fact that people say you've got peace and stability.

We certainly have a better situation than we had 25 or 26 years ago, but we still do have this cloud of violence and gangs affiliated with Republicanism. I think that the decision to raise the terrorist threat is a clear indication that a lot more work has got to be done. Because 25 years after the so-called Peace Agreement, we're still dealing with the legacy.

Commenting on the Good Friday Agreement itself, he said: People often refer to this as a peace agreement and the delivery of peace suggesting that if there hadn't been the Belfast agreement that wouldn't have been peace.

"We have to be absolutely clear that the people of North America were entitled to peace. The idea that they had to sit down and make an agreement in order to have peace I think jarred with people in Northern Ireland because having peace was a right.

"The war was illegal. The activities of the IRA were wrong, the things that they were doing should not have ever been done on any people. It shouldn't have happened.
Police carried out two searches in Newtownards on Friday evening.   PA

Suspected petrol bombs and drugs have been seized by police investigating a loyalist feud in North Down.

Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force carried out two searches in the Weavers Grange area of Newtownards on Friday evening.

The PSNI said it is part of a probe into criminal activity linked to the feud between drugs gangs in North Down.

Detective Inspector Corrigan said: During the first search at a house in the Weavers Grange area, officers seized a quantity of suspected Class A controlled drugs that will now be subject to further forensic examination.

A second search on Friday evening was conducted in nearby wasteland within the Weavers Grange area. During this search, detectives located and seized a number of suspected petrol bombs.

I want to reassure the community that we are continuing to prioritise this ongoing investigation and working to bring perpetrators to justice.

Police are also continuing to maintain a highly visible policing presence across North Down and we would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the ongoing feud between drug gangs in the area, to contact police on 101. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A look back at the historic moments between 1993 and 2001 ahead of their 2023 visit

Hillary Clinton in Belfast having tea with Joyce McCartans in 1995

The Clintons turn on the Christmas lights in Belfast in 1995

Bill Clinton hugging 8-yr-old Catherine Hamill after Catholic girl's joint introduction of US Pres. w. Protestant boy, at Mackie Intl. (Photo by Cynthia Johnson/Getty Images)   Getty Images

US Pres. Bill & Hillary Rodham Clinton (fore) framed by US flag-waving crowd gathered to hear him speak; (prob.) Londonderry. (Photo by Dirck Halstead/Getty Images)   Getty Images

LONDONDERRY, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 30: US President Bill Clinton waves to the crowd after his speech in the Guildhall Square in Londonderry, United Kingdom 30 November as First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton watches. Clinton spoke opimistically of the peace process and encouraged the people of Londonderry to maintain their efforts for peace. (Photo credit should read ANDREW WINNING/AFP via Getty Images)   AFP via Getty Images

BELFAST, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 30: US President Bill Clinton shakes hands with residents of Belfast's Falls Road 30 November. Clinton is the first US president to visit Northern Ireland. He is on a three-day visit to Britain and Northern Ireland which began 29 November. (Photo credit should read LUKE FRAZZA/AFP via Getty Images)   AFP via Getty Images

US President Bill Clinton (2D L), his wife, Hillary (R) and British Prime Minister Tony Blair's wife, Cherie (2D R), view 03 September the damage caused by a terrorist bomb that killed 28 people on 15 August. The Clintons later took a walk in the High Street. (Photo by JOYCE NALTCHAYAN / AFP) (Photo by JOYCE NALTCHAYAN/AFP via Getty Images)   AFP via Getty Images

N-337525 023 9/3/98 Ireland Pres. Bill Clinton During His Visit To Ireland. Clinton Visits The Damage Done By The Bombing In Omagh, Northern Ireland. (Photo By Dirck Halstead/Getty Images)   Getty Images

President Bill Clinton in Belfast during his visit to Ireland, 30/11/1995. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).. (Photo by Independent News and Media/Getty Images)   Getty Images

President Bill Clinton in Belfast during his visit to Ireland, 30/11/1995. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).. (Photo by Independent News and Media/Getty Images)   Getty Images

BELFAST, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 13: Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble (L), US President Bill Clinton,(C) Deputy First minister Seamus Mallon and British Prime Minister Tony Blair stand on the steps of Stormont parliamentary buildings in Northern Ireland on December13 2000. Mr. Clinton and his family will make an address in Belfast later today and then leave for London tonight. AFP PHOTO HUGO PHILPOTT (Photo credit should read HUGO PHILPOT/AFP via Getty Images)   AFP via Getty Images

OMAGH, UNITED KINGDOM: British Prime Minister Tony Blair shows President Clinton and wife Hillary, Omagh's High Street, 03 September, near to the spot 28 people were killed by a terrorist bomb on 15 August. (Photo credit should read GERRY PENNY/AFP via Getty Images)   AFP via Getty Images

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - DECEMBER 13: USA President Bill Clinton meets and is presented with a shirt by the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey team during a visit to the Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Michael Cooper/Getty Images)   Getty Images

US President Bill Clinton and wife Hillary lay wreaths with Tony and Cherie Blair, 03 September, near the site where a terrorist bomb killed 28 people on 15 August, before meeting the people in Omagh High Street. On the shop window is a murder help line poster. (Photo credit should read JOYCE NALTCHAYAN/AFP via Getty Images)   AFP via Getty Images

LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Former US President Bill Clinton (R) with Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson (2ndL) and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (C) meet at the University of Ulster, Magee campus on September 29, 2010 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Clinton arrived for talks on US investment in the region (Photo by Paul Faith - WPA Pool/Getty Images)   Getty Images

BELFAST, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 13: US President Bill Clinton salutes the people of Belfast with first minister David Trimble (L) and British Prime Minister Tony Blair (R) 13 December 2000, after delivering his keynote speech on peace at the Odyssey centre in Belfast. Clinton called for a "full and irrevocable commitment to effecting change through democratic means, through ballots not bullets". AFP PHOTO HUGO PHILPOTT (Photo credit should read HUGO PHILPOT/AFP via Getty Images)   AFP via Getty Images

BELFAST, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 30: US President Bill Clinton hugs Catherine Hamill, 8 years old, 30 November after she gave a speech on peace in which she told of her father's death following troubles at the Mackie Metal Plant, a Belfast factory. Clinton is the first US president to visit Northern Ireland. AFP PHOTO Paul RICHARDS (Photo credit should read PAUL RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images)   AFP via Getty Images

US President Bill Clinton's car passes the Sinn Fein headquarters in Falls Road in Belfast with a mural of hungerstriker Bobby Sands in the background. 30 November, 1995.   GERRY PENNY/AFP via Getty Images

US President Bill Clinton shakes hands with local residents after addressing the people of Northern Ireland in the Odyssey Arena. 13 December 2000 in Belfast.   PAUL RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images

Bill and Hillary Clinton visited Northern Ireland three times while Bill Clinton was US President, between 1993 and 2001.

The former first couple are now set to make a return, when they will be visiting Belfast later this month during a week of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

While definitive dates for their arrival have not yet been confirmed, on April 15, Hillary Clinton  the current Chancellor of Queens University Belfast  will speak at a special event in the Queens Film Theatre to mark the television screening of a film about murdered journalist Lyra McKee.

Ahead of their upcoming trip, the Belfast Telegraph has taken a look back at their last NI visits during Bills presidential tenure.

1995: A historic visit

US President Bill Clinton's car passes the Sinn Fein headquarters in Falls Road in Belfast with a mural of hungerstriker Bobby Sands in the background. 30 November, 1995.   GERRY PENNY/AFP via Getty Images

Bill Clinton made history by becoming the first sitting US President to visit Northern Ireland when he and First Lady Hillary Clinton touched down at Belfast International Airport on 30 November, 1995.

In doing so, he broke a centuries-old rule of American diplomacy, which was was that the USA never interfered in the internal affairs of Great Britain and Ireland.

But his aim was to voice support for a peace agreement to be reached in Northern Ireland, in order to bring about an end to The Troubles.

President Bill Clinton visits Violet Clarke's fruit shop on the Shankill Road, Belfast 1995

President Clinton travelled throughout NI, stopping off at Londonderry, Armagh and Omagh, and even visiting local shops on both the Falls and Shankill roads in Belfast.

He also shook hands with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, and went on to visit an Enterprise Park in east Belfast, while Mrs Clinton  now a former US Secretary of State  met a group of women on the Ormeau Road.

Hillary Clinton in Belfast having tea with Joyce McCartans in 1995

The Clintons then made a trip by helicopter to Derry, where Bill addressed a packed crowd at Guildhall Square, accompanied by his wife Hillary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, and John and Pat Hume.

It was a moment that years later, would be re-enacted memorably in the second season of hit comedy Derry Girls.

The monumental day ended with Bill and Hillary switching on the Christmas lights at the front of Belfast City Hall.

Blessed are the peacemakers, he encouraged the some 80,000 citizens that gathered to see him.

The Clintons turn on the Christmas lights in Belfast in 1995

With all-party talks scheduled for February 1996, the visit was seen as a way to support progress towards peace.

For President Clinton Northern Ireland was seen as a major foreign policy success. It helped Bill secure the lions share of the Irish vote in the 1996 election and was also good for Hillary when she stood for the Senate.

1998: The Good Friday Agreement

Bill Clinton was heavily involved in the Northern Ireland peace process, especially in the run-up to the signing of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement (GFA).

His second visit to NI came on September 3, in the aftermath of both signing of the GFA and the Omagh bomb; a Real IRA attack on the Co Tyrone town, which killed 29 people in August of that year. The victims included a woman pregnant with twins.

US President Bill Clinton (2D L), his wife, Hillary (R) and British Prime Minister Tony Blair's wife, Cherie (2D R), view 03 September the damage caused by a terrorist bomb that killed 28 people on 15 August. The Clintons later took a walk in the High Street. (Photo by JOYCE NALTCHAYAN / AFP) (Photo by JOYCE NALTCHAYAN/AFP via Getty Images)   AFP via Getty Images

Three weeks after the bomb, Mr Clinton stood on Market Street and laid a wreath having met those who were injured and relatives of the dead.

The GFA had been signed five months previously.

N-337525 023 9/3/98 Ireland Pres. Bill Clinton During His Visit To Ireland. Clinton Visits The Damage Done By The Bombing In Omagh, Northern Ireland. (Photo By Dirck Halstead/Getty Images)   Getty Images

Bill also met with Prime Minister Tony Blair and addressed the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Thousands turned out to hear him speak in Armagh alongside Mr Blair, former Northern Ireland Secretary, the late Mo Mowlam, and Northern Ireland's newly-appointed first and deputy first ministers, David Trimble and Seamus Mallon.

It was during a special event called Gathering for Peace on the Mall.

Clinton Visit: "My first daddy died in the troubles it was the saddest day of my life"

2000: Bills last presidential hurrah

BELFAST, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 13: US President Bill Clinton salutes the people of Belfast with first minister David Trimble (L) and British Prime Minister Tony Blair (R) 13 December 2000, after delivering his keynote speech on peace at the Odyssey centre in Belfast. Clinton called for a "full and irrevocable commitment to effecting change through democratic means, through ballots not bullets". AFP PHOTO HUGO PHILPOTT (Photo credit should read HUGO PHILPOT/AFP via Getty Images)   AFP via Getty Images

In December of 2000, the relatively new Executive welcomed President Clintons decision to return to Belfast before he left office.

Alongside Tony Blair, Bill met the Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams and the SDLP deputy leader Seamus Mallon.

The private talks were held separately in a bid to rescue the Good Friday Agreement because of the deadlock over unionist demands for IRA disarmament, republican calls for quicker demilitarisation and uncertainty over plans for future policing arrangements.

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - DECEMBER 13: USA President Bill Clinton meets and is presented with a shirt by the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey team during a visit to the Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Michael Cooper/Getty Images)   Getty Images

The president also addressed a crowd of 8,000 at Belfasts new 93m Odyssey centre, where he encouraged the process of peace.

His visit culminated again with a celebration outside Belfast City Hall, where he switched on the Christmas lights in front of a 49-foot pine tree that was donated by Belfast's American sister city, Nashville in Tennessee.

The Clintons have visited Northern Ireland somewhat regularly since Bill left office 22 years ago, including in 2001, 2010 and 2014.
Gardai investigating the murder of a Geila Ibram (27) in Limerick have said that the PSNI has charged a man.

Officers are continuing to liaise with their colleagues in the PSNI at this time, a statement said.

Ms Ibram is believed to have only arrived in Ireland in early March  and was originally from Tulcea, in Dubruja, in Romania.

An Afghan national was arrested by officers from the PSNIs Serious Crime Branch on Thursday evening and taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite in Belfast for questioning.

Gardai are liaising closely with their colleagues in Northern Ireland over the arrest.

The man was detained by PSNI officers acting on specific information supplied by Limerick gardai.

It is hoped the man will voluntarily return to Limerick to assist gardai with their inquiries into the fatal stabbing of the young woman on the Dock Road on Tuesday, April 4.

However, if he does not agree to return voluntarily, gardai will consider seeking a European Arrest Warrant (EAW).

The man is understood to have been living in the mid-west and was detained in Northern Ireland amid concerns he could be planning to travel to Europe from Belfast. He had travelled from Limerick by bus.

Detectives are also sifting through forensic data obtained from two different scenes which were sealed off and examined in the wake of the womans killing.

Hundreds of hours of security camera footage are now being examined alongside dash-cam and mobile phone images.

One garda source said several potentially significant CCTV clips had already been identified and were being studied.

Gardai were also conducting an intensive search of a number of locations on the Dock Road and the banks of the River Shannon in Limerick city centre in an effort to locate the murder weapon.

It is believed to have been a thin-bladed knife.

A major line of enquiry is whether the woman was targeted because she had worked in the sex industry.

Theories being examined include that the woman was attacked following a row or that she may have been the target of a botched robbery.

The womans body was discovered inside an apartment block on Dock Road at about 1.30pm on Tuesday.

Gardai believe the victim was subjected to a fatal assault just minutes earlier.

Her body was discovered after two people in pyjamas ran from the apartment complex and asked a local businessman for help as they suspected there had been a stabbing in an apartment.

He immediately alerted gardai and paramedics but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

A full murder investigation was launched following the results of a post-mortem examination carried out by state pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) on Wednesday.

While the results have not been released for operational reasons, it confirmed that the woman died after being stabbed multiple times.

Detectives have appealed to anyone with camera footage from the Dock Road and OCurry Street areas of Limerick city, from 1pm-2pm on Tuesday, April 4, to contact Henry Street garda station on (061) 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

An incident room has been established at Henry Street garda station and a liaison officer has been appointed.

Gardai are liaising closely with the Romanian Embassy and the Romanian police to locate and notify all members of the womans family.

It is understood that her remains will be repatriated to Romania once they are formally released to her family.

Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI) said it had predicted an increase in attacks against vulnerable women  and had warned that such fatal incidents would occur.

The laws surrounding sex work have made criminals of consenting adults and have done nothing to stem the rising tide of violence against women in Ireland, a spokesperson said.

Those at the forefront of the fight against violence against women vocally support our misguided laws. They refuse to listen to sex workers when they say they want sex work to be decriminalised.
Maia (left) and Rina Dee, the two British-Israeli sisters who were killed in a gun attack (Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu)   Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

The father of two British-Israeli sisters killed in a gun attack in the occupied West Bank has said he is confident that justice will be done.

Rina and Maia Dee were shot dead in an attack on their car near an Israeli settlement in the West Bank on Friday.

The attack, by Palestinian assailants, came after Israel launched retaliatory air strikes at Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Tensions have been heightened by days of fighting at Jerusalems most holy site during the rare convergence of Ramadan, Passover and Easter.

In a statement released by the girls father, Rabbi Leo Dee, to the Telegraph, he said that the family was saddened by the current political situation in Israel.

Some people think that a religious government will suppress minority rights and become totalitarian, he said.

But this is not a risk in Israel as religious Jews simply believe in balancing love and justice. For our part, we have felt a warm hug of love from Jews in Israel and beyond and we are confident that justice will be done.

According to The Telegraph, Rabbi Dee was formerly the senior rabbi at Radlett United Synagogue in Hertfordshire and assistant rabbi in Hendon, north London.

The sisters were born in London, before the family moved to Israel in 2014.

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to the settlements mayor Oded Revivi.

The sisters 45-year-old mother was seriously wounded in the attack.

Their father witnessed the incident from a separate car following behind, local officials said.

Late on Friday, an Italian tourist was killed and five other Italian and British citizens were wounded when a car rammed a group in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

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Reacting to the news of the sisters death, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters.

In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly held a call on Saturday with his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, to discuss the appalling attacks.

Middle East minister Lord Ahmad said: I condemn yesterdays attacks in the West Bank, killing two British-Israeli nationals and injuring one other, and in Tel Aviv where an Italian national was killed and British nationals were injured.

British Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan added: My thoughts are with those affected by another horrific terror attack last night in Tel Aviv, including one Italian tourist killed.

British people are amongst the injured. We are in touch with the hospital and will offer our support.

The Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised both incidents as retaliation for Israeli raids earlier this week on the Al-Aqsa mosque.

The Foreign Office released a statement saying it was saddened to hear about the deaths of the two British-Israelis and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions, it added.

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank.

My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.

The Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon came after militants fired nearly three dozen rockets from there.
US President Joe Biden is to give a key address at Ulster Universitys new Belfast campus at the beginning of his visit to the island of Ireland (Niall Carson/PA)   Niall Carson

US president Joe Biden is to give a key address at Ulster Universitys newly opened campus to kick-start his historic visit to the island of Ireland next week.

Mr Biden is taking part in events north and south of the border to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

His address at Ulster Universitys new Belfast campus will take place on Wednesday.

Vice-chancellor and president of Ulster University Professor Paul Bartholomew said it would be a significant day for the institution.

We are looking forward to what will be a very special day in the Universitys history, and to hosting President Biden on his first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming president, he said.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, Ulster University, across all three of our campuses, is looking forward to preparing the next generation of civic, business and societal leaders.

The US president is to arrive in Belfast on Tuesday evening along with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shakes hands with US President Joe Biden during a press conference in San Diego (Leon Neal/PA)   Leon Neal

Mr Biden is not expected to visit Stormont Buildings, which, coupled with just one engagement confirmed in Northern Ireland, is being viewed by some as a snub.

Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin has denied this was the case, arguing that any visit by a US president was to be welcomed.

People are envious of the commitment of President Biden  to the entire island of Ireland, he said.

I think his visit to Northern Ireland is a manifestation of his genuine commitment to the people of Northern Ireland.

Mr Biden will visit Dublin where he is to address Irish parliamentarians and meet Irish premier Leo Varadkar and Irish president Michael D Higgins.

There will be a banquet held in Dublin Castle in the presidents honour on Thursday evening.

He is also expected to visit Co Louth and Co Mayo, from where his ancestors hail.

Mr Bidens great-great-grandfather Owen Finnegan emigrated to the United States from the Cooley Peninsula, while another great-great-grandfather, Patrick Blewitt, was born in Ballina, leaving during the Irish famine in 1850 to sail to America.

Fifth cousin of President Joe Biden, Councillor Andrea McKevitt, from the Cooley Peninsula, Co Louth (Brian Lawless/PA)   Brian Lawless

Mr Biden is expected to visit to Carlingford and Dundalk in Co Louth on Wednesday before arriving in Dublin.

The end of the trip will include a public speech by the US President in Co Mayo, outside St Muredachs Cathedral in Ballina, on Friday evening.

Mr Varadkar has said the purpose of Mr Bidens visit was to welcome a son of Ireland home, to welcome home a great Irish-American president.

He said it also offered an opportunity to cement the relationship between Ireland and the US, which he said had never been stronger, and to look ahead to Northern Irelands future.

A major security operation is expected to be in place for Mr Bidens visit, with more than 300 officers from the rest of the UK being drafted in for the Northern Ireland leg of the trip.

In a sign of the tight security measures that surround the diplomatic outing, some details of the presidential visit have yet to be confirmed.

The PSNI said on Saturday that it was engaging with local communities and businesses who may be impacted by traffic restrictions in place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The First Lady Jill Biden is not expected to travel with Mr Biden.
King Charles charitable coronation, two British sisters killed in Palestine and a cancer jab that could treat skin cancer led the front pages across the UK on Saturday.

King Charles has defied tradition for his Peoples Coronation by choosing to invite 850 charity workers to see him officially crowned, the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express report.

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TheDaily Star leads with the spring heatwave that will take hold of parts of the UK bringing a sunny 25C after a blue-skied Easter.

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FTWeekend reports on a business set in a London house that has arranged the sale of 1.2 billion in electronics to Russia that is prompting sanction fears.

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The Times front page led with a report into the housing crisis as 50 local authorities scrapped their targets after warnings that government reforms are creating a nimbys character.

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The Guardian reports on a personalised cancer jab that could be treat diseases like skin cancer could be ready in five-years.

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The Independent leads with calls for Labour leader Keir Starmer to withdraw an appalling advert that says Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is soft on child sex abusers.

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The Daily Mail reports on the Princess of Wales who said her walk through Windsor with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when the Queen died was the one of the hardest things shed ever had to do.

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The i leads with a warning from former prime minister Tony Blair to not take peace in Northern Ireland for granted on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

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The Telegraphreports on the shooting attack in the West Bank near a Jewish settlement that left two British-Israeli sisters dead and their mother seriously injured.
Israeli police and emergency services work around a car involved in an attack in Tel Aviv (Ariel Schalit/AP)   Ariel Schalit

At least one person has been killed and six others  including British citizens  were wounded when a car was driven into a number of people in Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities said.

The driver rammed into a group of people near a popular seaside park in the city, which is Israels commercial hub, police said.

Israels rescue service said a 30-year-old Italian tourist was killed and five other Italian and British citizens  including a 74-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl  received mild to moderate injuries.

Police said they shot and killed the driver of the car, later identifying him as a 45-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel from the village of Kafr Qassem.

Smoke rises from a fire after rockets fired from Lebanon struck Bezet, northern Israel (Fadi Amun/AP)   Fadi Amun

Italian Premier Giorgia Melonis office expressed sympathy for the family of the victim and solidarity with Israel for the vile attack. She identified the man killed as Alessandro Parini, from Rome.

The attack came against the backdrop of heightened tensions after Israeli air strikes on Palestinian militant targets in both Lebanon and Gaza, as well as a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank that killed two people.

That followed days of violence and unrest in Jerusalems most sensitive holy site, the compound of the Al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was calling up all reserve forces in Israels border police to confront the terror attacks.

The Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised the attack in Tel Aviv as a response to Israels crimes against Al-Aqsa Mosque and worshippers.

Earlier, an alleged Palestinian shooting attack near an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank killed two British-Israeli sisters and seriously wounded their mother, Israeli officials said.

The attack, coming after weeks of heightened unrest in the West Bank, suggested the recent tensions in Jerusalem could be spilling over to the occupied territory.

The scene of the attack in Bezet, northern Israel (Fadi Amun/AP)   Fadi Amun

Even as quiet returned to Israels northern and southern borders, the early morning Israeli strikes on Lebanon  which analysts described as the most serious border violence since Israels 2006 war with Lebanons Hezbollah militants  threatened to push the confrontation into a new phase.

Israeli strikes came in retaliation for a major barrage of rockets from Lebanon the day before, after Israeli police raids at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem spiralled into unrest and sparked outrage across the Arab world.

Although the Israeli military was quick to emphasise that its warplanes struck sites belonging to only Palestinian militant groups, the barrage risks drawing in Israels bitter foe Hezbollah, which holds sway over much of southern Lebanon and has in the past portrayed itself as a defender of the Palestinians and the contested city of Jerusalem.

The shooting in the West Bank, near an Israeli settlement in the Jordan Valley, killed the sisters in their 20s and seriously wounded their 45-year-old mother, Israeli officials said. The women were British citizens, the Foreign Office said, expressing remorse for their deaths and calling for both sides to de-escalate.

The three were residents of the Israeli settlement of Efrat, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, said Oded Revivi, the settlements mayor.

The girls father was driving in a car behind his wife and daughters and witnessed the attack, the mayor added. Medics said they dragged the unconscious women from the smashed car, which appeared to have been pushed off the road.

Israeli police detain a Palestinian in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound (Mahmoud Illean/AP)   Mahmoud Illean

Mr Netanyahu and defence minister Yoav Gallant toured the site of the shooting late on Friday and vowed to catch the attacker. Its just a matter of time, and not much time, until we settle the score, Mr Netanyahu said.

Israeli missiles had earlier struck an open field in the southern Lebanese town of Qalili, near the Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidiyeh, according to an Associated Press photographer and residents, killing several sheep and inflicting minor injuries on residents, including Syrian refugees.

Other strikes hit a small bridge and power transformer in the nearby town of Maaliya and damaged an irrigation system providing water to orchards in the area.

The Israeli military said it was boosting infantry and artillery forces in a defensive move to prepare for all possible scenarios.

A Palestinian official said Egyptian security officials were working with Hamas and Israel to de-escalate the situation.

Later on Friday, there were signs that both sides were trying to keep the hostilities in check. Fighting on Israels northern and southern borders subsided after dawn, and midday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque passed peacefully after an early flashpoint.

In 2021, an escalation also triggered by clashes at the compound spilled over into an 11-day war between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers.

A protest against an Israeli police raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque (Khalil Hamra/AP)   Khalil Hamra

Chaos erupted at one of the entrances to the esplanade before dawn prayers as Israeli police wielding batons descended on crowds of Palestinian worshippers, who chanted slogans praising Hamas as they tried to squeeze into the site.

An hour later, according to videos, people leaving the prayers staged a vast protest on the limestone courtyard, with Palestinians raising their fists and shouting in support of Hamas rocket fire, and Israeli police forced their way into the compound.

Police did not comment on the earlier beatings, but said security forces entered the compound after prayers in response to masked suspects who threw rocks towards officers at one of the gates.

The Israeli military said Palestinian militants in Gaza had so far fired 44 rockets from Gaza, only 23 of which crossed into Israeli territory. The others either failed to launch, fell into the Mediterranean Sea or were intercepted by Israels Iron Dome aerial defence system, the military said.

Most missiles that crossed the border struck open areas in Israels south, but one landed in the town of Sderot, sending shrapnel slicing into a house.

The Israeli military said it pounded Gaza with more air strikes, hitting 10 targets described as underground tunnels, along with weapons production and development sites belonging largely to the Hamas militant group.

There were no immediate reports of casualties in Gaza, but the Palestinian Health Ministry said one of the strikes caused some damage to a childrens hospital in Gaza City.
Former US President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago estate on April 4 after being arraigned earlier in the day in New York City. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Its been a while since the former president has featured so prominently in global headlines. But this week hes back with a bang, a criminal charge and a new slew of martyred posts on social media where hes been expressing his anger in his trademark shouty capital letters
An Afghan refugee accused of stabbing a woman to death during a sexual exchange in Limerick has appeared in a Belfast court.

Habib Shamel (26) appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court this morning after being arrested by the PSNI on Friday afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Geila Ibram.

The mutilated body of Ms Ibram (27) was discovered in the Riverdock apartment block on Dock Road, Limerick, on Tuesday afternoon.

A PSNI detective sergeant told the court Ms Ibram, from Romania, died from multiple stab wounds to her face, neck and abdomen during a "vicious and frenzied attack.

He added mobile phone examinations conducted by gardai show Ms Ibram and Shamel having a conversation to arrange a sexual exchange on Tuesday at around lunchtime.

During the exchange the victim provided her address to Shamel, the court was told, with the defendant allegedly spotted on CCTV arriving shortly before 1.30pm on April 4.

Detectives say the footage shows Shamel leaving the address where the victims mutilated body was later found one minute and 52 seconds after arriving.

He said Mr Shamel suffered an injury to his hand during the alleged attack and had sought treatment in University Hospital Limerick before later travelling to Belfast on a bus.

The court heard Shamel was arrested by detectives while travelling in a vehicle on the Malone Road in south Belfast on Thursday evening having left the Republic the day before.

A bearded and dishevelled Shamel appeared via video-link clad in a grey prison tracksuit and addressed the court to confirm he understood the charge against him.

He was questioned by the PSNI before his court appearance with officers saying he had made numerous admissions about being present at the crime scene.

When formally charged by the police he replied: I have said everything, the court was told.

Officers say Shamel arrived in Dublin from Afghanistan in October 2020 claiming political asylum and had the right to be resident until next year.

During a failed bail application Shamels lawyer argued he had a previously clear criminal record although police are still waiting for his Afghan record to be provided by authorities in Afghanistan.

They also argued the Northern Ireland Prison Service may not be able to adequately accommodate Shamels religious needs due to his Islamic faith.

He is very religious and is required to observe religious customs, his lawyer told the court, these occur at sunrise and sunset

He also has to fast during set parts of the day due to Ramadan and is also required to wash himself with water after each prayer session.

We are concerned about the ability of the prison service to accommodate these religious observances.

He has no criminal record that we are aware of and following discussions with him there are concerns about his mental health.

He can be afforded support in the community in that regard if granted bail, he has no means to leave the country and hasnt indicated he intends to do so apart from leaving the Republic to come here.

Police objected to bail saying they had concerns about him simply getting on a Stena Line and fleeing to other parts of the United Kingdom.

He was remanded in custody to appear in court again via video link on May 2.

Refusing bail the magistrate told him: This is obviously a very grave offence which is evidenced by a strong prosecution case.

There is also a risk of flight and further offending and I consider it far too high a risk in both cases to grant bail.

Shamel will face trial in court in Northern Ireland under specific laws for extraterritorial offences.

The legislation allows the PSNI to follow the criminal justice process in Northern Ireland if a suspect has fled there from a different jurisdiction in which an offence took place.

He has been charged under the Criminal Jurisdiction Act 1975 which covers serious criminal offences, including murder, committed in another jurisdiction.
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High school can be challenging for many students as they face changes in life, emotions, and friendships. School isnt always a place of encouragement and peace. Do you remember what it felt like to be in high school? Did those years fill you with dread, anxiety, excitement, or a mix of the three?

For modern teenagers, high school and college are chaotic times with ups and downs. With after-school commitments and higher academic demands mixed with social media and the drama these environments and years bring, todays teens seem to cope with more than previous generations.

Sometimes, prayer can be awkward and uncomfortable for teenagers. However, James 5:16 reminds us that the prayers of a righteous person are effective and powerful. With this in mind, here are some prayers for your high school student that will keep them encouraged and hopeful.

A prayer for alleviating anxiety.

Dear Lord, my studies come with anxiety and jitters. Im worried about my classes. Im anxious about my homework, if my clothes are good enough, and who Ill sit with at lunch. I wonder if my friends have my best interests at heart, just everything.

Please help me keep Philippians 4:6-7 in my heart, which says we shouldnt be anxious about anything. Lord, help me successfully cope with high school anxieties and let me maneuver around without getting lost. Please remind me to be conscious of your presence and overcome my fears and anxiousness. In Jesus name, I pray, amen.

A prayer for friendship.

Dear Precious Lord, Proverbs 13:20 reminds us to walk with the intelligent, and we will become intelligent because a friend of fools will suffer. I pray that my friendships and those that havent been made yet are positive. I pray that my friends lead me away from harm or sin and instead lead me to righteousness.

I also ask that You help me be the best friend I can be. Please help me be there for my friends when they need my help, pick them up when theyre down, and be a positive force in their lives. If I have a friend that starts making bad decisions or going down the wrong path, give me the nerve to talk to them about it. Help me show them the decisions theyre making can affect their future. Also, if I stray from the path You made for me, let one of my friends show me the error of my ways. God, I thank you for my friends and pray that You continue to bring me good ones. Amen.

A prayer for balance.

Dear God, you know how busy the school year can be. With clubs, classes, homework, family, sports, work, and everything in between, my plate can sometimes seem so full. Please help me prioritize my schedule and keep me from feeling overwhelmed.

Help me recognize when I need to stop any activity taking up too much of my time or affecting me negatively. Please allow me to make time for You, knowing that You come first. Please, God, help me to strike a balance. In Jesus name, amen.

A prayer to continue honoring God.

Dear Lord, some of my peers participate in many things that arent good for them. Alcohol, drugs, sex, sexting, partying, being ugly online and gossiping have become the norm. At times, the pull I have to engage in these sinful activities is also powerful.

Sometimes, I feel like Im missing out on an experience that Ill never get back. Still, in my heart, I know Im only missing out on sin, which always brings negative consequences. God, please help me ward off temptation whenever it rears its ugly head. Please give me the power to rise above what people around me are doing and the strength to say no. Allow me to see the fruit in making positive choices in my life and following You. Keep me near today and always. In Jesus name, I pray, amen.

A prayer to light the darkness.

Dear God, it feels like many of my peers, including myself, deal with so much pain. Obsession with social media, anxiety, depression, trying to fit in, overscheduling, broken families, parents marital problems, and financial issues are some of the issues attacking my generation.

Despite this, God, I know Youre in control and that Your ways are better than mine. God, I pray to be a light amongst the darkness. Some people at my school are hostile to religion or dont know You. I ask that You help me recognize opportunities to show Your truth and love. Please help me know when to keep quiet, wait, and speak up. Let people see You shine through me and make a path for them to follow. In Jesus name, amen.

A prayer for guidance after high school.

Dear Precious Father, the pressure to know what I want to do after graduation seems more real now that Im in high school. What should I do? Go to a tech school, college, the military or go straight to work? How am I supposed to know what to do when Im unsure what my interests are? Everything seems confusing, but 1 Corinthian 14:33 says that You are the author of confusion.

Please help me consider Proverbs 3:5-6, which reminds me that I should trust in You with all my heart and not lean on my understanding, but acknowledge You in all ways so You can direct my path. I pray that You continue controlling my way, so Ill know what to choose as high school goes on.

Please lead me to specific opportunities, experiences, and jobs that will give me an idea about my future. Help me gain the skills and knowledge I need to lead me to the good works You have for me. In Jesus name, I pray, amen.

The high school years are some of the most challenging youll face as you transition into pre-adulthood. However, your high schooler can face anything if they keep God first. Your high schooler will be fine if they only seek Him for guidance instead of outside guidance.
Micronesian President David Panuelo talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not pictured) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Dec. 13, 2019.

The Micronesian Congress has reaffirmed the Federated States of Micronesias diplomatic ties with China after outgoing President David Panuelo had urged a switch to Taiwan.

The Congress of the island country this week adopted a resolution to reaffirm and reiterate that the One China Policy remains the official policy of the FSM.

The congressional resolution requested that President Panuelo not alter diplomatic relations with China.

China and the United States, its rival superpower, are vying for influence among the many island nations scattered across the western and southern reaches of the Pacific Ocean. China also is competing with Taiwan for diplomatic recognition among those states.

Micronesia, a country of about 100,000 people, has close ties with the United States and Panuelo has previously expressed concern about Beijings attempt last year to forge a security and trade pact with 10 Pacific island nations.

In a letter to Micronesias Congress in March, Panuelo accused Beijing of waging political warfare in the island nation and bribing his governments officials.

On a recent trip to Fiji, the Micronesian president alleged that he was followed by Chinese agents. Fijian authorities are investigating his claims.

Earlier this week, Panuelo made even more explosive allegations. In a letter to the speaker of Micronesias legislature, he alleged that China was bringing weapons into his island nation, which is located about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia.

In his previous letter to state governors and members of the Micronesian Congress, dated March 9, he said he had met with Taiwans Foreign Minister Joseph Wu last month to discuss what Taiwan could offer in exchange for Micronesias diplomatic recognition.

The aim of the meeting was to solicit from Taiwan what their potential assistance to the FSM could look like if we switched diplomatic relations to supporting them instead of China, said Panuelos letter, which BenarNews obtained.

Paneulo lost his seat in Congress in elections last month. His March 9 letter said that a new government would take office on May 11.

The resolution, which the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia passed on Tuesday, emphasized the importance of FSMs consistency in its foreign policies and diplomatic relations which have led to security, peace and stability for the Nation.

The Congress urged that the countrys more than 30 years of strong diplomatic relations with China remain unchanged absent an in-depth study, consultation with this Congress and a broad segment of National and State Governments, and compelling evidence of any negative impact this diplomatic relationship has had on the Nation.

Graeme Smith, from the Australian National Universitys Department of Pacific Affairs, spoke to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.s Pacific Beat program. He said that Panuelos claims were consistent with his criticism of China.

He sort of has two prongs of attack, Smith said. One is against Chinese companies who are, you know, directly involved in corrupting politicians and offering to fly them anywhere. [He] just says China. He doesnt say whether it is the state or whether it is these private companies. But certainly, in Africa, that has, you know, long been the trend, is to protect their business interests. They do start to arm-up. But, yes, it is quite an explosive allegation.

There has been no response to the claims from China.

Micronesia, comprising dozens of islands, is one of three island nations in the northwestern Pacific that receive financial support from the U.S. government in exchange for defense and security under so-called compacts of free association.

Micronesia established diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1989.

The Pacific is home to some of the most isolated communities on Earth. Yet the vast region has great strategic value for Australia, the United States and China. The U.S. has a military presence dating back decades.

Over the last decade, China has focused on strengthening its ties in the oceanic region. Australia and New Zealand have regarded the region as their traditional sphere of influence.

China and Taiwan also have a history of competing in the Pacific islands, where four of Taiwans 13 diplomatic allies are located. They are the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau and Tuvalu.

Kiribati and Solomon Islands cut diplomatic ties with Taipei in favor of Beijing in 2019 after offers of aid.

Australia has intensified its efforts in the region in the past year since the election of a center-left government in Canberra.

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has conceded that Pacific leaders had been ignored and disrespected by Australia in the past.

This report was produced by Voice of America (VOA), a sister news agency of BenarNews, with some additional reporting by BenarNews.
On Friday, The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming Anheuser-Busch fired its entire marketing department in response to its partnership with a transgender influencer and the rollout of LGBTQ Pride-themed Bud Light cans that feature various pronouns.
On Friday, The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming a video shows President Joe Biden essentially confirming that his team coordinated the indictment of former President Donald Trump to stop Trump from taking power again.
The James Montgomery Blues Band will take the stage at the Stationery Factory in Dalton on April 14. The band's eponymous frontman has long-standing history with the Berkshires.
Trey Galorenzo was supposed to turn three next month. Instead, the child died early Saturday morning, after his father, Darrel Galorenzo, allegedly fled from authorities holding him in his arms.
Thousands of people rallied across the country as part of a Transgender Day of Visibility in support of the rights of transgender people and their resilience amid what many denounced as an increasingly hostile environment. Supporters of converged Friday on statehouses nationwide, in Washington, D.C., and were planned at venues as far away as Mexico City and the Portuguese capital of Lisbon to mark a day of international unity first proclaimed more than a decade ago. The rallies come as Republican lawmakers across the U.S. have pursued hundreds of proposals this year to push back on rights, including banning transgender girls from girls sports and restricting gender-affirming care for minors.
Area residents enjoy an Easter eve trip on the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum's Bunny Hop Train, where they are visited by the Easter Bunny
Lenox native James Brooke has traveled to about 100 countries reporting for The New York Times, Bloomberg and Voice of America. He reported from Russia for eight years and from Ukraine for six years, coming home a year ago.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal inaugurates the state-of-the-art facility with 150 MBBS seats

Opening new vistas for medical education in Haryana, Chief Minister Manohar Lal recently inaugurated the Amrita School of Medicine in Faridabad.

The Amrita School of Medicine, sprawling across an area of 5.2 lakh sq. ft, is offering 150 MBBS seats for the academic year 2023-24. Indian and international students seeking admission need to appear for the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (UG).

Amrita has also built a one lakh sq.ft. Simulation Learning and Development Centre which would cater to robotic training, haptic-based training surgical training simulation, cadaver, and high-fidelity training for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Amrita School of Medicine is the 8th campus of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

Dr Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said, "At Amrita Hospital campus in Faridabad, we now host a Medical College and a Nursing College. We are also operating an Allied Health Sciences College that offers 20 to 30 courses that help build capacity and skill sets and supports the clinical teams at the adjacent hospital."
Launched as a joint Civil 20 initiative from C20 Integrated Holistic Health, and C20 Education and Digital Transformation

Indias first initiative in public health to build a case-based simulation learning platform for critical care was launched by Ranjit Singh, Haryanas Minister for Energy, at the Integrated Holistic Health Summit of Civil 20 (C20) at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad recently.

The DiShA Platform, (short for Digital Shiksha for Advanced Clinical Capacity Building) is Indias first case-based simulation learning platform for critical care in public health. USAID funded and Jhpiego implemented RISE (Reaching Impact, Saturation, and epidemic Control) projects DiShA platform is developed in collaboration with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and Amrita Hospitals.

The DiShA platform offers several features to bridge the competency gaps amongst healthcare providers. These include a platform for teaching and assessment of cognitive and skills-based content, social learning methodologies and learning analytics.

After extensive field tests, the platform is now ready to be rolled out in 60 hubs and 2070 Spokes in the USAID RISE network of hospitals across India. Jhpiego and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham will facilitate the training of trainers and administrators.
If you're tired of censorship, cancel culture, and the erosion of privacy and civil liberties subscribe to Reclaim The Net.

Elon Musk might think that the US State Department's Global Engagement Center (GEC) is, in his words, the worst offender in US government censorship and media manipulation  but this federal agency is not without its fans.

For example, the George W. Bush Presidential Center has just called for continued funding of the GEC  despite the fact this entity has flagged thousands of Twitter accounts, and funds third parties to censor online speech.

Naturally, the George W. Bush Presidential Center doesn't say it supports the work of the GEC because it excels at censorship  but instead, you guessed it, to better fight misinformation.

The argument in favor of making sure the agency continues to get all the money it needs hinges on the current geopolitical crisis as a handy excuse to promote the continued funding of this highly controversial entity.

A blog post on the institution's site says that the GEC role is to lead and coordinate government's activities in countering foreign disinformation.

The post mentions a number of examples of this foreign mischief as proof that efforts need to continue to suppress what are seen as disinformation campaigns.

The GEC, other than needing to be properly funded, has also made some mistakes in its work thus far, supporting more than leading government's efforts, the Presidential Center noted, adding that it has accepted recommendations from the State Department's Office of Inspector General's and is now expected to work better.

And the Center would like social platforms to continue to play their central role in dealing with what's designated as disinformation, while at the same time criticizing Twitter's recent downsizing of staff.

Twitter's current owner, though, takes a very different, and dim view of the agency, having called it a threat to our democracy in one tweet.

The GEC is said to have had a hand in content censorship on Twitter before the Musk acquisition.

As for the foreign disinformation threat, journalist Matt Taibbi  who was among those putting together the Twitter Files that expose collusion between Big Tech and government on content, and therefore speech suppression  provided examples of how that works.

The GEC flagged accounts as Russian personas and proxies' based on criteria like, Describing the Coronavirus as an engineered bioweapon', blaming research conducted at the Wuhan institute', and attributing the appearance of the virus to the CIA', wrote Taibbi.

He further noted that the state also flagged accounts that retweeted news that Twitter banned the popular US (site) ZeroHedge, claiming the episode led to another flurry of disinformation narratives', ZH had done reports speculating that the virus had lab origin.
Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to reopen their embassies on Thursday after their foreign ministers met in China

CIA Director William Burns visited Saudi Arabia earlier this week to express frustration over Riyadhs surprise normalization deal with Tehran that was brokered by Beijing, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

According to the Journal, Burns told Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the US has felt blindsided by Riyadhs rapprochement with Iran as well as Syria, two nations under crippling US economic sanctions.

Following the deal with Iran, Saudi Arabia is poised to normalize with Syria. Riyadh is expected to invite Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to an Arab League summit its hosting in May. The Biden administration is against regional countries upgrading ties with Syria as it prefers to keep the country isolated as US policy is to prevent reconstruction.

A US official told Reuters that Burns also discussed intelligence cooperation with Riyadh. The director reinforced our commitment to intelligence cooperation especially in areas of counterterrorism, the official said.

Also on Thursday, Saudi Arabia and Irans foreign ministers met in Beijing, marking the highest-level meeting between the two countries since when they severed diplomatic ties in 2016. At the meeting, they agreed to reopen their embassies and to work toward other forms of cooperation.

At a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said Beijing was ready to continue mediating between the two sides. We are ready to keep playing a mediating role, support both sides in building trust, dispelling misgivings and realizing good neighborliness, and contribute Chinas wisdom and strength to promoting secu
House Oversight Committee subpoenas banks, Biden family associates in probe of finances The Republican-led House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed several major banks for financial records belonging to Biden family associates James Comer on Trump indictment: The Bidens were 'basically laundering money'

The House Oversight Committee issued subpoenas to banks asking for Biden family associates' financial records.

Fox News has confirmed that the Oversight Committee subpoenaed Bank of America, Cathay Bank, JPMorgan Chase, and HSBC USA N.A., as well as former Hunter Biden business associate Mervyn Yan, asking for financial records.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, complained that Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., was trying to hide information regarding the investigation from Democrats on the committee.

COMER DEMANDS BIDEN CORRECT HIS 'DISHONEST' DENIAL THAT FAMILY GOT $1M FROM HUNTER'S CHINA DEAL

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., leads an organizational meeting for the 118th Congress at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
"Classified war documents" detailing "secret American and NATO plans for building up the Ukrainian military ahead of a planned offensive against Russia" which claim four Ukrainians are being killed for every one Russian have been leaked on social media.







From The New York Times, "Ukraine War Plans Leak Prompts Pentagon Investigation":

Classified war documents detailing secret American and NATO plans for building up the Ukrainian military ahead of a planned offensive against Russia were posted this week on social media channels, senior Biden administration officials said.



The Pentagon is investigating who may have been behind the leak of the documents, which appeared on Twitter and on Telegram, a platform with more than half a billion users that is widely available in Russia.



Military analysts said the documents appear to have been modified in certain parts from their original format, overstating American estimates of Ukrainian war dead and understating estimates of Russian troops killed.

The documents are all over Twitter if you want to see them for yourself.





Yeah, you can totally delete things from the Internet  that works perfectly and doesnt draw attention to whatever you were trying to hide at all  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 7, 2023



The most interesting part is the page saying "total assessed losses" are 16k-17.5k killed in action for Russia versus 61k-71.5k killed in action for Ukraine. The document is dated March 1, 2023.



"Neither the New York Times nor the 'military analysts' it cited explain how the documents were altered, or why they have the appearance of tampering," The Grayzone noted. "However, because the leaked documents have arrived in the form of photographs of printed documents, rather than original files, the possibility of forgery or alteration must be considered."



"If the documents were partially faked, were they disseminated to help Russia advance its public relations goals, perhaps by minimizing their casualty numbers or inflating those of their foe? They certainly would not be fooling anyone at the Department of Defense, since they obviously have the original files on hand. Or could it be that the United States leaked the documents with faulty intelligence strewn throughout their contents to confuse Russia ahead of a Ukrainian offensive?"



I would think the smarter decision would be to just claim they're entirely fake, accept you screwed up and ignore them (while changing your plans up) rather than semi-confirm their authenticity by trying to have them taken down. That said, I don't work for the Pentagon.



They have their smartest transgender, cisgender, intersectional, Latinx millennial minds working on this so I'll let them handle it for themselves.



[Header image by Touch of Light via Wikicommons, CC BY-SA 4.0]



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Our government is preparing to monitor every word Americans say on the internet and censor citizens who dont toe the party line.

Our government is preparing to monitor every word Americans say on the internetthe speech of journalists, politicians, religious organizations, advocacy groups, and even private citizens. Should those conversations conflict with the governments viewpoint about what is in the best interests of our country and her citizens, that speech will be silenced.

While the Twitter Files offer a glimpse into the governments efforts to censor disfavored viewpoints, what we have seen is nothing compared to what is planned, as the details of hundreds of federal awards lay bare. Research by The Federalist reveals our tax dollars are funding the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) technology that will allow the government to easily discover problematic speech and track Americans reading or partaking in such conversations.

Then, in partnership with Big Tech, Big Business, and media outlets, the government will ensure the speech is censored, under the guise of combatting misinformation and disinformation.

AI and ML Technology Will Monitor Everything We Say and Read

The federal government has awarded more than 500-plus contracts or grants related to misinformation or disinformation since 2020. One predominant area of research pushed by the Department of Defense involves the use of AI and ML technology to monitor or listen to internet conversations.

Originally used as a marketing tool for businesses to track discussions about their brands and products and to track competitors, the DOD and other federal agencies are now paying for-profit public relations and communications firms to convert their technology into tools for the government to monitor speech on the internet.

The areas of the internet the companies monitor differ somewhat, and each business offers its own unique AI and ML proprietary technology, but the underlying approach and goals remain identical: The technology under development will mine large portions of the internet and identify conversations deemed indicative of an emerging harmful narrative, to allow the government to track those threats and adopt countermeasures before the messages go viral.

With AI and ML identifying in real-time the origins of supposed influence operations and how the messages spread, the government will have the ability to preempt the amplification of the speech, squelching even true reporting before the general populace has an opportunity to learn the news. To appreciate fully the danger this poses to free speech requires Americans to consider the use of that technology with these seven additional details.

1. Everything Everywhere All At Once

First, the AI and ML technology under development will mine every conceivable mode of conversation for the government. Consider, for example, the databases monitored by just a few of the companies the government is paying to develop this AI and ML technology.

PeakMetrics, the recipient of a $1.5 million award, tracks millions of news sites, blogs, global social platforms, podcasts, TV and radio, and email newsletters.

Omelas Inc., which received more than $1 million in taxpayer money, culls data from the most influential newspapers, TV channels, government offices, militant groups, and more across a dozen social networks and messaging apps, thousands of websites, and thousands of RSS feeds.

Alethea Group, which received a Phase I award of nearly $50,000 to develop a machine learning tool for proactive disinformation/misinformation detection, assessment, and mitigation, boasts it covers data sources including mainstream and fringe social media platforms, peer-to-peer messaging platforms, blogs and forums, state-affiliated media sites, gray propaganda sites, and the dark web.

Newsguard, awarded $750,000 by the DOD, offers two databases, including its unreliable reliability ratings database of thousands of news and information websites and a second database of purported hoaxes.

Primer, which scored a $3 million award to develop its technology, offers a database that looks to news and media data sources, publicly captured images, the dark web, cyberattacks shared by the general public, and classifiedpresumably for government clientsand unclassified data sources. Primer also partners with Flashpoint, which adds Telegram, Reddit, Discord, and the deep and dark web to the databases mined.

2. Were Talking Americans, Not Just Russian Bots

It is also important to recognize that the AI and ML technology under development will not just mine foreign or state-connected actors, but will monitor everyones speech. Both the government grants and the web pages of the monitoring companies confirm this reality.

We also know from the Twitter Files that the government and its fellow residents in the Censorship-Industrial Complex view the speech of Americans as related to foreign influence operations merely because the viewpoint matches what they claim is an adversarys perspective. And we know the government pushed for the censorship of ordinary Americans.

By its nature, AI and ML technology has unlimited potential to flag problematic speech on any imaginable subject. Here, the past is prologue: Speech need not involve terrorism, acts of war, or even our electoral process for our government to consider it within its purview to fact-check. (It also need not be false; see point 4).

The Twitter Files and recent events provide Americans a glimpse into the breadth of the topics the government may deem harmful narratives worthy of censorfrom elections, to vaccines, to runs on grocery stores. Underlying the governments obsession with silencing misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information is the Great Power Competition perspective of foreign relations, under which China and Russia represent a constant threat to Americas power, influences, and interests.

With the government viewing foreign relations through the Great Power Competition paradigm, speech on any topic, touching even tangentially on Americas power, influences, and interests, will be fair game for censorship efforts.

3. The Great Power Competition Renders Everything Fair Game for Censorship

While to convincingly prove this reality requires a deeper exposecoming soonon the Great Power Competitions connection to the governments focus on misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information, last week Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, showcased the current thinking inspiring our leaders. During a conference call with the Federal Deposit and Insurance Corporation about the Silicon Valley Bank bailout, Kelly asked whether there was a way to censor information on social media to prevent a run on the banks.

Kellys question was couched in a concern that foreign actors would be doing this, Rep. Thomas Massie told Public, but, according to Massie, Kelly didnt suggest the censorship should be limited to foreigners or to things that were untrue.

The move from the censorship of terrorism to the silencing of supposed interference in elections to censoring posts about bank runs follows naturally from the shift in foreign relations paradigms from the War on Terror to the Great Powers Competition. The latter views anything affecting American power or influence as fair game. We also saw this shift with the Department of Homeland Securitys Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) proposal to consider financial misinformation within its purview.

The governments censorship efforts wont stop at supposed financial misinformation, however, because anything and everything journalists report and citizens discuss affects Americas power, influence, and interest. So, the governments development of technology to monitor the entirety of the internet foretells a much more dangerous threat than apparent on the surface.

4. The Government Brands True Speech Misinformation

The threat to free speech stemming from the governments monitoring of the internet is further increased by our overlords willingness to brand true speech misinformation, disinformation, or mal-information and then seek to censor it. The Twitter Files also exposed this reality, with our government and its lackeys seeking the censorship of true facts that might lead to vaccine hesitancy or reveal runs on grocery stores.

That our government would seek to silence true speech on such matters gives Americans reason to fear further censorship of true information.

5. Faulty Analysis and Biased Censors

The Twitter Files also revealed that censorship demands by the government, think tanks, and academic institutions relied on faulty misinformation analyses, including ones that identified innocent Americans as foreign actors. Also, many of those involved in the disinformation industry maintain left-leaning bias and a penchant for targeting conservatives.

In furthering its plans to monitor the internet for supposedly harmful narratives to silence, the government is continuing to work with biased groups, including ones that pushed faulty analyses, adding to the threat to free speech.

6. The Governments Partners Are Poised to Censor

The governments push to develop AI and ML technology to mine the internet is even more terrifying knowing that a Censorship Complex has already been built. The Twitter Files revealed the breadth and depth of the complex, with every alphabet-soup federal agency working with the social media giants and an array of think tanks and academic institutions, and with the legacy media providing an assist when censorship requests went ignored.

While Elon Musk may have exited Twitter from the group, the Censorship Complex still stands tall and ready to silence the speech of those who dare dissent. This public-private collaboration makes the governments move to monitor the internet even more threatening to free speech.

7. Those Who Could Warn the Public or Stop the Plot Are All-In

The threat is further heightened because those with the power to warn the public and demand the government stop silencing Americans speech are complicit. The corrupt medias coverage, or lack thereof, of Matt Taibbi and Michael Shellenbergers congressional testimony on the Censorship Complex proves this point. So too does the Democrats pathetic performance during the hearings, when they exposed themselves as enemies of free speech.

With Democrats, the legacy media, and many Republicans all in on the governments efforts to censor misinformation and disinformation, it will be extremely difficult for the public to recognize the risks free speech facesespecially since those trying to sound the alarm have already been falsely branded purveyors of disinformation.

A chance remains, though, that enough ordinary Americans will hear the message before it is too late and demand Congress close the Censorship-Industrial Complex.
Medical codes introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to show when people are unvaccinated or undervaccinated for COVID-19 are being used to track people, the top U.S. public health agency has confirmed.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the confirmation in emails that The Epoch Times obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

The CDC had said in documents and public statements that the goal of the new codes, in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system, was to track people who are not immunized or only partially immunized.

The CDC now says it does not have access to the data, but that health care systems do.

The ICD codes were implemented in April 2022, however the CDC does not have any data on the codes and does not track this information, CDC officials said in the emails.

The codes were created to enable healthcare providers to track within their practices, the officials added.

The emails were sent to news outlets. The CDC has not answered queries from The Epoch Times about the codes, which the CDC added to the U.S. ICD system in 2022.

One of the emails from the CDC regarding the new medical codes. (CDC via The Epoch Times)

How Providers Are Using the Codes

The CDC proposed the codes in 2021. There has been interest expressed in being able to track people who are not immunized or who are only partially immunized, Dr. David Berglund, a CDC medical officer, said during a meeting about the proposal.

One code is for being unvaccinated for COVID-19. Another is for being partially vaccinated, or not having received a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine.

In comments to the CDC about the proposal, health care providers said they supported adding the codeswith some detailing how theyd be used.

Identifying people who are unvaccinated or undervaccinated for COVID-19 will help health insurance providers identify emollees [sic] who may benefit from outreach and further education about vaccination, Danielle Lloyd, a senior vice president at Americas Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), and Adam Myers, senior vice president at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, said in a joint letter to the CDC.

Creating ICD-10 codes that can be tracked via claims would provide health insurance providers key information to help increase immunization rates, they added.

In another missive, Nancy Andersen, a director with Kaiser Permanente Health Plan and Hospitals, and Erica Eastham, executive director at The Permanente Federation LLC, told the CDC: These codes provide valuable data for understanding immunization rates and for follow-up with under-immunized patients.

Andersen and Eastham urged the CDC to advise providers entering one of the new codes to also enter an additional code indicating why a person was unvaccinated or undervaccinated, with reasons including due to a contraindication or due to belief or group pressure.

The comments were obtained by The Epoch Times through the Freedom of Information Act.

Most of the providers and other health care groups, including the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), that commented did not respond to inquiries.

AHIP declined to say what education it offered to people tracked through the new codes. A spokeswoman pointed to a Feb. 28, 2022, article that outlines steps providers have taken to promote vaccination.

The codes are part of the ICDs 10th edition. The World Health Organization of the United Nations holds the copyright for ICD-10 but has allowed the U.S. government to adopt the edition, according to the CDC. The new codes are not part of the World Health Organizations ICD.

All health care entities covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act must use the U.S. version of the ICD. The U.S. version is updated at least once a year. Coded ICD data from providers enable public health officials to conduct many disease-related activities, according to the CDC. Purposes include enabling a doctor seeing a new patient to easily retrieve the patients medical history.

Support

Health care officials largely said they supported adding the codes because being unvaccinated or undervaccinated was a risk factor.

AHIMA supported the new codes for underimmunization for COVID-19 status because being unvaccinated or partially vaccinated because this status is a health risk factor, increasing the individuals risk of morbidity and mortality, a spokeswoman for AHIMA told The Epoch Times via email.

The ICD-10-CM coding system includes codes for many health risk factors, and being underimmunized for COVID-19 status represents another type of risk factor. It is important to be able to identify factors influencing a patients health status so that healthcare providers are aware of the persons increased risk, the spokeswoman added.

Some experts have said there is no medical indication for the new codes, given the small risk most Americans face from COVID-19.

I have a hard time clinically seeing the medical indication of using them, Dr. Todd Porter, a pediatrician, told The Epoch Times previously. We do not do this for influenza, which in the younger age groups has a higher IFR [infection fatality ratio] than COVID-19. Using these codes also disregards the contribution of natural immunity which research evidence shows is more robust than vaccine immunity.

CDC Refuses to Answer Members of Congress

The CDC, meanwhile, has refused to answer questions from members of Congress about the codes.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and nine other members said they were concerned about the federal government apparently gathering data on the personal choices of Americans and said they believe the data serves no sincere purpose in treating patients medical conditions.

The ICD system was originally intended to classify diagnoses and reasons for visiting the doctor, not to conduct surveillance on the personal medical decisions of American citizens. Given the profound uncertainty and distrust felt by many Americans toward the CDC and the medical apparatus at large, it is important for the CDC to make clear the intent and purpose of these new codes, the members said, asking for answers to questions such as what steps the CDC is taking to make sure Americans private health information is protected.

The CDC has not replied to the Feb. 14 letter, members told The Epoch Times.

I have asked five simple questions about the CDCs unprecedented tracking of why Americans declined the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC has so far refused to answer these basic questions. The American people deserve answers on what data CDC is gathering on Americans and why, Roy told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement.

The American people deserve to know what the CDC is doing with their personal data. It has now been more than a month and a half, and the CDC still refuses to tell us why it is tracking Americans reasons for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine, added Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.). The CDC must be held accountable to the American taxpayer.
Sea slugs, which appear like a dance of fairies as they swim through the water, will be one of the last enchanting creatures to feature in Sir David Attenboroughs Wild Isles series.

The BBC programme sees the much-loved 96-year-old naturalist and broadcaster shine a light on the challenges affecting the British Isles and celebrates nature that exists on our doorsteps.

In the fifth and final episode of the series, viewers will be invited to take a closer look at ocean habitats and some of their inhabitants  including the royal flush sea slug.

Wild Isles crew during the filming of the programmes final episode (BBC/Silverback Films/Jacca Deeble/PA)

The footage of the sea slugs marks the first time the species mass migration behaviour has been captured on film.

Viewers will see the slugs take off from the bottom of the ocean and swim through the water in what looks like a dance of the fairies to migrate to fresh areas of the ocean, using their mantels as wings as they are carried for miles by the sea current.

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Filmed in shallow sheltered bays off the Shetland Islands in Scotland, the crew came across the behaviour accidentally when they were on the hunt for a different species.

Divers with hand-held cameras captured the footage in the water and a time-lapse camera on an underwater tripod was also used.

Elsewhere, the episode explores the biggest fish living in the British Isles  the basking shark  and takes a look at bioluminescence, which is the production and emission of light by a living organism.

The bioluminescence behaviour was previously known but, until recently, impossible to film in such darkness.

As darkness falls and the sea off the coast of Devon becomes pitch black, tiny algae create light when disturbed, like a burglar alarm.

Crabs and shrimp that are moving through the water trigger the lights and alert predators, and the light is used by cuttlefish to find their prey.

Speaking about the challenges of filming many of the underwater scenes, Wild Isles producer Gisle Sverdrup said: The main challenges for the ocean team were the ever-changing conditions on and in the sea.

Sunny days are best for filming, but when working in the water, underwater visibility is also a major factor determining our success.

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The visibility could change daily, making what was a stunningly beautiful location on one day seem like green soup the next.

A basking shark with its mouth wide open feeding on plankton concentrated in surface waters close to the island of Coll, Inner Hebrides, Scotland (BBC/Silverback Films/Alex Mustard/2020VISION/naturepl.com/PA)

Towards the end of the episode, in Pembrokeshire Attenborough bids farewell to the Manx shearwater bird and delivers a poignant message about the future of the British Isles and the wildlife that calls them home.

Speaking to the camera, he says: A lot has changed in my lifetime and today the wildlife we still have faces greater threats than ever before.

Our seabirds remind us that here in Britain and Ireland, we are very fortunate to have some of natures greatest spectacles, right on our doorstep.

Because this is our home, it can only be our responsibility to restore and protect our wildlife.

Perhaps you can be the first to pass these wild isles onto the next generation in better shape than you inherited them.

Attenborough will sign off from Skomer Island at the end of the Ocean episode.

Across the five episodes, the Wild Isles crew filmed in 145 locations and captured 96 species which took 1,631 days to film.

The series has been funded by nature charities WWF and the RSPB with support from the Open University, and has been produced by Silverback Films  the team behind many of the BBCs landmark nature shows.

Episode five: Ocean will air on BBC One and iPlayer on April 9th at 7pm.
David Schwimmer has hailed the absolutely fabulous Jennifer Saunders ahead of her guest appearance in comedy spy show Intelligence.

The US actor said it was such a treat having Saunders appear in the show, having previously worked with her on hit TV sitcom Friends.

Intelligence follows the capers of brash NSA agent Jerry Bernstein, played by Schwimmer, who is assigned to tackle cyber crimes in the UKs Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).

Saunders will make a cameo appearance in a one-off special of spy comedy Intelligence (Sky UK/PA)

The series was written by comedian Nick Mohammed, who also stars as computer analyst Joseph Harries.

A one-off special, airing on Easter Saturday on Sky Comedy and Now, will see the pair reunited to take on a more personal threat to GCHQ.

The programme also stars Jane Stanness, Sylvestra Le Touzel, and Gana Bayarsaikhan, as well as Saunders, who joins the cast as Joanna Telfer-Fotheringham.

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Schwimmer described Saunders as an icon and said there was a lot to look forward to from her part in the episode.

The entire gang is back and we have a really wonderful guest star, Jennifer Saunders. Shes an icon, I absolutely love her. She is absolutely fabulous, he said.

Intelligence follows the capers of brash NSA agent Jerry Bernstein, played by Schwimmer, who is assigned to tackle cyber crimes in GCHQ (Sky UK/PA)

But the really delicious subplot or story surprise here is that Chris, our fearless leader, has a little sister (Saunders) who is our baddie in the episode.

Its really good fun, with some wonderful new backstory to our characters. So, its a lot to look forward to in this episode.

The pair previously worked together on Friends, in which Schwimmer played the hapless Ross Geller, when Saunders made a cameo appearance as Andrea Waltham, the stepmother of Emily Waltham  Ross then-girlfriend.

Schwimmer said Saunders had been wonderful in her guest appearance on Friends.

Shes so good and so fun and it was such a treat having her join us for this special, he said.

Mohammed said he had also been desperate to work with Saunders again, having starred in her Absolutely Fabulous movie in 2016, and said she had always always been his first choice for the role.

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I have been such a huge fan of French and Saunders ever since I was growing up  they were always my absolute favourite, and to be honest, still are  they just make me laugh so much, he said.

Intelligence was created by Mohammed (left) and stars Schwimmer (Kevin Baker/Sky UK/PA)

Jennifer had seen me perform live quite a few times a while ago  and had always been really kind, and she put me in the Absolutely Fabulous movie.

I was desperate to work with her again, so when I knew there would be a guest lead in the show we offered it to her and when she came back and said yes I was simply over the moon.

Schwimmer also praised Mohammed and their chemistry on the show, which had started three years ago, prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

I love working with Nick  he is not only one of the most talented people Ive ever had the pleasure to work with, hes also probably the nicest, he said.

He is such a sweet, generous and just lovely, lovely man. I hope everyone gets a chance to work with Nick Mohammed, hes truly the best.

Schwimmer said that he and Mohammed would continue to work on the show, and hoped to land further series or specials that could cover topical issues such as the rise of artificial intelligence.

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Well just keep going because we really enjoy it, he said.

So as long as Sky and the fans want to hear from us, were up for it.

Intelligence: A Special Agent Special airs on Sky Comedy and Now on Saturday, April 8th.
US president Joe Biden is to give a key address at Ulster Universitys newly opened campus to kick-start his historic visit to the island of Ireland next week.

Mr Biden is taking part in events north and south of the border to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

It is understood his address at Ulster Universitys new Belfast campus will take place on Wednesday.

Vice-chancellor and president of Ulster University Professor Paul Bartholomew said it would be a significant day for the institution.

We are looking forward to what will be a very special day in the Universitys history, and to hosting President Biden on his first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming president, he said.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, Ulster University, across all three of our campuses, is looking forward to preparing the next generation of civic, business and societal leaders.

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The US president is to arrive in Belfast on Tuesday evening along with UK prime minister Rishi Sunak.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shakes hands with US President Joe Biden during a press conference in San Diego (Leon Neal/PA)

Mr Biden is not expected to visit Stormont Buildings, which, coupled with just one engagement confirmed in Northern Ireland, is being viewed by some as a snub.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has denied this was the case, arguing that any visit by a US president was to be welcomed.

People are envious of the commitment of President Biden  to the entire island of Ireland, he said.

I think his visit to Northern Ireland is a manifestation of his genuine commitment to the people of Northern Ireland.

As part of his trip, Mr Biden will visit Dublin where he is to address TDs and senators and meet Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Michael D Higgins.

He is also expected to visit Co Louth and Co Mayo, from where his ancestors hail.

Mr Bidens great-great-grandfather Owen Finnegan emigrated to the United States from the Cooley Peninsula, while another great-great-grandfather, Patrick Blewitt, was born in Ballina, leaving during the Irish famine in 1850 to sail to America.

Fifth cousin of President Joe Biden, Councillor Andrea McKevitt, from the Cooley Peninsula, Co Louth (Brian Lawless/PA)

The end of the trip will include a public speech by the US president in Co Mayo, outside St Muredachs Cathedral in Ballina, on Friday evening.

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Mr Varadkar has said the purpose of Mr Bidens visit was to welcome a son of Ireland home, to welcome home a great Irish-American president.

He said it also offered an opportunity to cement the relationship between Ireland and the US, which he said had never been stronger, and to look ahead to Northern Irelands future.

A major security operation is expected to be in place for Mr Bidens visit, with more than 300 officers from the rest of the UK being drafted in for the Northern Ireland leg of the trip.

In a sign of the tight security measures that surround the diplomatic outing, some details of the presidential visit have yet to be confirmed.

The PSNI said on Saturday that it was engaging with local communities and businesses who may be impacted by traffic restrictions in place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The first lady Jill Biden is not expected to travel with Mr Biden.
The Irish Times reports on the huge dividend payments from Microsoft's Dublin business, signalling an expansion of its financial activities in Ireland despite the rising corporation tax rate.

Schools are to start sharing teachers in high-demand subjects from September due to a "critical" shortage, according to the Irish Examiner.

The Irish Independent claims that convicted killer Patrick Quirke is so confident he will be acquitted and freed from jail that he has spent hundreds of thousands of euro on a land transaction in his Co Tipperary.

More than 24 further victims of sexual abuse in the Defence Forces are set to come forward, the Irish Daily Mail says.

The Irish Mirror has photos of a coffee shop in Ballina that has been renamed in honour of Joe Biden ahead of the US president's visit there next week.

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A suspect in the Michaela McCollum killing has told a new documentary that he "wouldn't kill an ant" and that he is very sad about the case, the Belfast Telegraph reports.

The British front pages lead with King Charles charitable coronation, two British sisters killed in Palestine and a jab that could treat skin cancer.

King Charles has defied tradition for his Peoples Coronation by choosing to invite 850 charity workers to see him officially crowned, the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express report.

Saturday's front page: King invites hundreds making UK great to Coronation https://t.co/FeIHJfOFu5#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/W9UqjWfpaD  Daily Express (@Daily_Express) April 7, 2023

The Daily Star leads with the spring heatwave that will take hold of parts of the UK bringing a sunny 25C after a blue-skied Easter.

FT Weekend reports on a business set in a London house that has arranged the sale of 1.2 billion in electronics to Russia that is prompting sanction fears.

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The Times front page led with a report into the housing crisis as 50 local authorities scrapped their targets after warnings that government reforms are creating a nimbys character.

The Guardian reports on a personalised vaccine that could be treat diseases like skin cancer could be ready in five-years.

Guardian front page, Saturday 8 April 2023: Personalised cancer jabs may be ready in five years pic.twitter.com/yj1c4YHsV2  The Guardian (@guardian) April 7, 2023

The Independent leads with calls for Labour leader Keir Starmer to withdraw an appalling advert that says Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is soft on child sex abusers.

The Daily Mail reports on the Princess of Wales who said her walk through Windsor with Harry and Meghan when the Queen died was the one of the hardest things shed ever had to do.

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The i leads with a warning from former prime minister Tony Blair to not take peace in Northern Ireland for granted on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Telegraph reports on the shooting attack in the West Bank near a Jewish settlement that left two British-Israeli sisters dead and their mother seriously injured.

The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:



'Two British sisters shot dead in West Bank'#TomorrowsPapersToday



Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4OoUh6 pic.twitter.com/OJwILdua6H  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) April 7, 2023
Afghan religious scholars have criticised a ban on female education, as a key Taliban minister warned clerics not to rebel against the government on the controversial issue.

Girls cannot go to school beyond sixth grade in Afghanistan (aged 11-12), with the education ban extending to universities.

Women are barred from public spaces, including parks, and most forms of employment.

Last week, Afghan women were barred from working at the UN, according to the global body, although the Taliban have yet to make a public announcement.

Authorities present the education restrictions as temporary suspensions rather than bans, but universities and schools reopened in March without their female students.

The bans have raised fierce international uproar, increasing the countrys isolation at a time when its economy has collapsed and worsened a humanitarian crisis.

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Afghan women refuse to give up  pic.twitter.com/2VRn1yi5wx  Amnesty International (@amnesty) April 7, 2023

Two religious scholars who are well-known within Afghanistan said on Saturday that authorities should reconsider their decision.

Public opposition to Taliban policies is rare, although some Taliban leaders have voiced their disagreement with the decision-making process.

One scholar, Abdul Rahman Abid, said institutions should be permitted to re-admit girls and women through separate classes, hiring female teachers, staggering timetables, and even building new facilities.

Knowledge is obligatory in Islam for men and women, he told The Associated Press, and Islam allows women to study.

My daughter is absent from school  I am ashamed, I have no answer for my daughter, he said.



Girls are banned from education from high school age onwards (AP)

My daughter asks why girls are not allowed to learn in the Islamic system. I have no answer for her.

He said reform is needed and warned that any delays are at the expense of the global Islamic community and also weakens the government.

Another scholar, who is a member of the Taliban, told the AP there is still time for ministries to solve the problem of girls education.

Toryali Himat cited ministries comprising the inner circle of the supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, who is based in Kandahar.

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It was on his orders that the government banned girls from classrooms.

Mr Himat said there are two types of criticism  one that destroys the system, and another that makes corrective criticism.

Islam has allowed both men and women to learn, but hijab and curriculum should be considered, said Mr Himat.



Clerics have spoken out against the Taliban on the issue (AP)

Corrective criticism should be given and the Islamic emirate should think about this. Where there is no criticism, there is the possibility of corruption.

My personal opinion is that girls should get education up to university level.

Acting higher education minister Nida Mohammad Nadim said on Friday that clerics should not speak against government policy.

He made his remarks after another scholar, Abdul Sami Al Ghaznawi, told students at a religious school that there was no conflict over girls education.

He said Islamic scripture was clear that girls education was acceptable.

Mr Nadim appeared to target Mr Al Ghaznawi by mentioning an honourable scholar at the top of a video statement released on social media.

You encouraged the people to rebel, so what is the result? Mr Nadim said. The result is that rebellion against this (ban) is allowed. If people are encouraged to rebel against the system, will it benefit Muslims?

The minister was not immediately available for comment. But his spokesman, Hafiz Ziaullah Hashimi, confirmed Mr Nadims remarks without giving further details about who they were directed at or the reason behind them.
Ben Ferencz, the last living prosecutor from the Nuremberg trials, who prosecuted Nazis for genocidal war crimes and was among the first outside witnesses to document the atrocities of Nazi concentration camps, has died aged 103.

Mr Ferencz died on Friday evening in Boynton Beach, Florida, according to St Johns University law professor John Barrett, who runs a blog about the Nuremberg trials.

The death also was confirmed by the US Holocaust Museum in Washington.

Today the world lost a leader in the quest for justice for victims of genocide and related crimes, the museum tweeted.

Born in Transylvania in 1920, Mr Ferencz emigrated as a very young boy with his parents to New York to escape rampant antisemitism.





Today the world lost a leader in the quest for justice for victims of genocide and related crimes. We mourn the death of Ben Ferenczthe last Nuremberg war crimes prosecutor. At age 27, with no prior trial experience, he secured guilty verdicts against 22 Nazis. Advertisement  US Holocaust Museum (@HolocaustMuseum) April 8, 2023

After graduating from Harvard Law School, Mr Ferencz joined the US army in time to take part in the Normandy invasion during the Second World War.

Using his legal background, he became an investigator of Nazi war crimes against US soldiers as part of a new War Crimes Section of the Judge Advocates Office.

When US intelligence reports described soldiers encountering large groups of starving people in Nazi camps watched over by SS guards, Mr Ferencz followed up with visits, first at the Ohrdruf labour camp in Germany and then at the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp.

At those camps and later others, he found bodies piled up like cordwood and helpless skeletons with diarrhoea, dysentery, typhus, TB, pneumonia, and other ailments, retching in their louse ridden bunks or on the ground with only their pathetic eyes pleading for help, Mr Ferencz wrote in an account of his life.

The Buchenwald concentration camp was a charnel house of indescribable horrors, Mr Ferencz wrote.

There is no doubt that I was indelibly traumatised by my experiences as a war crimes investigator of Nazi extermination centres. I still try not to talk or think about the details.

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At one point toward the end of the war, Mr Ferencz was sent to Adolf Hitlers mountain retreat in the Bavarian Alps to search for incriminating documents but came back empty-handed.





The world has lost a leader in the quest for justice. We mourn the death of Ben Ferenczthe last Nuremberg prosecutor. His legacy continues at our Ferencz Initiative which works to reinforce legal tools Ben helped develop to seek justice for atrocities. https://t.co/AYNUl0KMLF pic.twitter.com/BV8NIFTrsX  Preventing Genocide (@CPG_USHMM) April 8, 2023

After the war, Mr Ferencz was honourably discharged from the US army and returned to New York to begin practicing law. But that was short-lived.

Because of his experiences as a war crimes investigator, he was recruited to help prosecute Nazi war criminals at the Nuremberg trials, which had begun under the leadership of US supreme court justice Robert Jackson.

Before leaving for Germany, he married his childhood sweetheart, Gertrude.

At the age of 27, with no previous trial experience, Mr Ferencz became chief prosecutor for a 1947 case in which 22 former commanders were charged with murdering over one million Jews, Gypsies and other enemies of the Third Reich in Eastern Europe.

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Rather than depending on witnesses, Mr Ferencz mostly relied on official German documents to make his case. All the defendants were convicted, and more than a dozen were sentenced to death by hanging even though Mr Ferencz had not asked for the death penalty.





Yesterday, the world lost Nuremberg Prosecutor Ben Ferencz. As we mourn our role model, mentor, partner and friend, we will honor his legacy by heeding his call to never give up in the fight for a more just and peaceful world by strengthening the international rule of law. pic.twitter.com/7gvVUtTBkm  Liechtenstein UN (@LiechtensteinUN) April 8, 2023

At the beginning of April 1948, when the long legal judgment was read, I felt vindicated, he wrote.

Our pleas to protect humanity by the rule of law had been upheld.

With the war crimes trials winding down, Mr Ferencz went to work for a consortium of Jewish charitable groups to help Holocaust survivors regain properties, homes, businesses, art works, Torah scrolls, and other Jewish religious items that had been confiscated from them by the Nazis.

He also later assisted in negotiations that would lead to compensation to the Nazi victims.

In later decades, Mr Ferencz championed the creation of an international court which could prosecute any governments leaders for war crimes.

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Those dreams were realized in 2002 with establishment of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, though its effectiveness has been limited by the failure of countries like the United State to participate.

Mr Ferencz is survived by a son and three daughters. His wife died in 2019.
Estonias Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has said that her centre-right Reform Party has clinched a deal with two other parties to form a coalition government, five weeks after a general election in the Baltic country.

Officials with Ms Kallas pro-business Reform Party, which overwhelmingly won Estonias March 5 parliamentary election with 31.2% of the vote, the centrist Estonia 200 party and the Social Democratic Party said they would form the coalition after agreeing on government programmes for the next four years following lengthy talks.

This agreement ensures that Estonia is protected, that we can continue as an independent and self-sustaining country, Ms Kallas, who will remain as prime minister, said during a news conference.

Ms Kallas has held the premiership of Estonia  a European Union and Nato member  since January 2021, when she became the first female head of government in the nation of 1.3 million.

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Ms Kallass party was the overwhelming winner of the March 5 poll (AP)

The Reform Party was also the senior partner in the outgoing three-party government with the Social Democrats and the conservative Isamaa (Fatherland) party.

Ms Kallas, 45, has chaired the Reform Party since 2018, and the new Cabinet will be her third.

Reform is set to have seven ministerial portfolios, including Ms Kallas prime ministerial post, the finance minister and the defence minister portfolios in the 13-member Cabinet. It would hold a 60-seat majority at the 101-seat Riigikogu, the parliament.

Estonia 200, which is to have the foreign minister portfolio, and the Social Democrats would have three ministerial positions each.

Ms Kallas said her new cabinet would face difficult financial, security, education and other decisions that are necessary for Estonia.

We want Estonia to be protected, the well-being and livelihood of our people to be guaranteed, the states finances to be in order, education, language and culture to be preserved, and tomorrow to be better for everyone, she said.



Ms Kallas has been an ardent supporter of Ukraine (AP)

Ms Kallas added that defence and security would top the new cabinets agenda.

Security is a main concern, said Ms Kallas, referring to Estonias neighbour, Russia, which is waging a war in Ukraine. Thats why we are increasing our defence expenditure  in the coming years.

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Ms Kallas has emerged as one of Europes most outspoken supporters of Kyiv, and Estonia has been a major supplier of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion started last year.

A lot depends on how the war in Ukraine will go. So I hope that Ukraine wins the war and Russia goes back to its territory, Ms Kallas said.

Although Reform won nearly twice as many votes as the March elections runner-up, the far-right populist EKRE party, Ms Kallas needed junior partners to form a Cabinet that can govern with a comfortable majority for the next four years.

Formal signing of the coalition pact is set to take place on Monday after which Ms Kallas would hand in the resignation of her outgoing government to President Alar Karis.

He is expected to formally appoint her as a prime minister designate, followed by a confidence vote on the new cabinet in the Riigikogu.
US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Amarillo, Texas on Friday suspended approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, which will essentially make sales of the pill illegal in the US, while a legal challenge proceeds.

The legal battle over medication abortion is only beginning and could wend its way through multiple levels of appeals courts over a period of months or years before it is resolved. Here is what you need to know about the case as it further unfolds:

What is medication abortion?

Medication abortion is a two-drug regimen consisting of mifepristone followed by misoprostol used to terminate a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks. It accounts for more than half of US abortions.

What has happened so far?

Anti-abortion groups led by the Texas-based Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine sued the US Food and Drug Administration last year, claiming that it approved mifepristone for abortion in 2000 using an unlawful process and did not adequately consider the drug's safety. They asked Judge Kacsmaryk to revoke the drug's approval.

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Judge Kacsmaryk's order is not a final ruling on the merits of the case but rather a preliminary injunction, meaning that it bans the drug while the case proceeds. Like all federal judges, Judge Kacsmaryk can issue injunctions with nationwide effect, even though he is assigned to one district in Texas.

The judge is a former Christian legal activist whose small courthouse in Amarillo has become a go-to destination for conservatives challenging Biden administration policies

What about the ruling from Washington State?

Minutes after Judge Kacsmaryk's order, US District Judge Thomas Rice in Spokane, Washington, a Barack Obama appointee, ordered the FDA not to make any changes to mifepristone access. The ruling applies only in 17 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia, which had sued the government to challenge special safety restrictions around the pill.

Legal experts say that the ruling creates a conflict with Judge Kacsmaryk's, which will need to be resolved by appeals courts and potentially by the US Supreme Court.

What will the Biden administration do first?

The Biden administration is seeking an emergency stay of Judge Kacsmaryk's order from the New Orleans-based 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals. Such a stay would stop the order from taking effect until that court hears a full appeal.

Judge Kacsmaryk has already put his own order on hold for seven days in order to give the administration time to seek the emergency stay.

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The 5th Circuit has a conservative reputation, with 12 of its 16 active judges appointed by Republican presidents. A three-judge panel will decide whether to grant the stay, and its decision will depend partly on whether it believes the agency is likely to succeed on the merits of the case.

What if the 5th circuit does not grant a stay?

The FDA could then petition the US Supreme Court for an emergency stay. Emergency petitions from the 5th Circuit initially go to Justice Samuel Alito, one of the court's most conservative justices and the author of last year's ruling overturning Roe v Wade, which had guaranteed abortion rights nationwide.

Individual justices typically refer emergency petitions to the full court, though they can also decide them on their own. Such petitions are usually decided without argument and with minimal explanation; for that reason, they are often known collectively as the court's "shadow docket".

What does a stay mean for mifepristone?

If the FDA wins a stay blocking the injunction, mifepristone will remain an FDA-approved drug for as long as the stay remains in place. If it does not, then the agency can be ordered to rescind the approval, and it will be illegal to sell the drug in the United States. Whether the FDA would take any enforcement action to stop continued use of the drug is not immediately clear.

Will that end the appeal?

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No. Regardless of whether it wins an emergency stay of the injunction, the FDA will continue its appeal of Judge Kacsmaryk's preliminary injunction. The agency and the anti-abortion groups will both have a chance to file briefs with their legal arguments in the 5th Circuit, and a three-judge panel may or may not decide to hold an oral argument.

The 5th Circuit will not be considering the full merits of the case, but only whether Judge Kacsmaryk was right to issue a preliminary injunction. That depends on whether the plaintiffs challenging mifepristone's approval have shown a likelihood that they will win on the merits, and that they would be irreparably harmed without an injunction.

That appeal process could last months. Whichever way the panel rules, the losing party could petition for rehearing with all judges of the 5th Circuit, known as en banc rehearing, and ultimately petition the Supreme Court. However, most such petitions are denied.

What next?

Once all the appeals over the preliminary injunction are over, the case can proceed to trial on the merits, giving both sides a chance to present factual evidence.

The FDA will need to produce evidence about the process leading to mifepristone's original approval in 2000, as well as several later actions modifying the approval and rules around the drug.

The anti-abortion groups will have to offer evidence to support their claim that the process was improper, and that mifepristone is dangerous. The two sides will exchange evidence in a process known as discovery.

Judge Kacsmaryk could then decide the case without trial, known as summary judgement, or hold a trial including witness testimony.

A final resolution could be months or years away. Once it does come, the losing side will again have the chance to appeal to the 5th Circuit and, eventually, the Supreme Court.
Britain's late queen thought Prince Harry and Meghans behaviour was quite mad and that Harry was so consumed by his love for Meghan it was clouding his judgment, a new royal book has claimed.

Queen Elizabeth II also had the Sandringham library swept for bugs in 2020 ahead of the Megxit crisis summit, such was her concern over the privacy of the crucial meeting with Harry, author Robert Jobson said.

The journalist, in his book Our King serialised in the Daily Mail on Saturday, revealed how Kate Middleton found conducting a joint walkabout with Harry and Meghan after the queens death almost unbearable.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth with Harry and Meghan. Photo: John Stillwell/PA

Kate told a senior royal the public show of unity was one of the hardest things she had ever had to do because of the depth of ill-feeling between the Waleses and the Sussexes.

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William, Kate, Meghan and Harry greeted well-wishers outside Windsor Castle two days after the British monarchs death in September last year.

The rift between Harry and William, and the Sussexes bombshell Oprah interview with its allegations of racism against an unnamed royal, and accusations the institution failed to help a suicidal Meghan, and that Kate made the duchess cry, left the Windsors in turmoil in the months and years before the Queens death.

Charles  the then-Prince of Wales  and William decided they could not risk being alone with Harry again in the wake of the Oprah interview in March 2021, Jobson said.

William, Kate, Harry and Meghan waving to members of the public at Windsor Castle following the death of Queen Elizabeth. Photo: Chris Jackson/PA

The prince had previously stopped taking Harrys calls when the Sussexes moved to California after his son reportedly swore at him and repeatedly asked for funds.

The late queen, who had a great affection for her grandson Harry, was said to have tired of his outbursts, and wearied of the volatile exchanges between Harry and his brother, which sometimes took place in her presence, the author said.

Jobson added that, after Harry and Meghan started publicly criticising both the monarchy and members of the family: The Queen was frankly mystified by the couples behaviour, describing it as quite mad.

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She came to believe, however, that her grandson was so consumed by his love for his wife that it was clouding his judgment.

In 2020, she had ruled Meghans attendance at the Sandringham summit via video link not necessary as Harry would represent her, amid fears the feed would be recorded or other people would be listening in.

Harry and Meghans Oprah Winfrey interview was aired in March 2021 while Prince Philip was in hospital. Photo: Yui Mok/PA

Since the queens death, Harry has further laid bare his troubled relationship with the royal family in his controversial Netflix documentary and autobiography Spare.

It has yet to be confirmed whether or not the Sussexes will travel from their Californian home to attend the kings coronation next month, even though the save the date RSVP deadline has passed.
A US high school did not break the law by allegedly forcing a music teacher to quit after he refused on religious grounds to use transgender students' preferred names, an appeals court ruled on Friday.

The rights of the teacher, John Kluge, to exercise his religious beliefs were outweighed by the potential disruption that his conduct could have on the learning environment at Brownsburg High School in the suburbs of Indianapolis, the Chicago-based 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals said.

Kluge said his Christian religious beliefs barred him from complying with a school policy requiring faculty to use students' preferred names and pronouns.

The school initially allowed Kluge to call students by their last names but reneged after receiving complaints from students and faculty, according to court filings. He said he resigned in 2018 after he was told he would be fired.

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Kluge sued the school district in 2019, accusing it of violating a federal law that prohibits workplace discrimination based on religion. He was seeking to get his job back and unspecified money damages.

Kluge is represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal group. Rory Gray, a lawyer with the group, said he was evaluating Kluge's options.

The 7th Circuits ruling shows why the Supreme Court needs to fix the standard for accommodating religious employees," Gray said in a statement.

Lawyers for the school did not respond to a request for comment.

Federal law only requires employers to accommodate workers' religious beliefs if it would not cause them an undue hardship.

Ireland Enoch Burke had tears in his eyes after students... Read More

Kluge in his lawsuit argued that allowing him to call students by their last names would not create a burden for the school.

The 7th Circuit on Friday disagreed, upholding an Indiana federal judge's ruling that dismissed the case.

"Kluge's last-names-only practice stigmatized the transgender students and caused them demonstrable emotional harm," Circuit Judge Ilana Rovner wrote for the court.

In a dissenting opinion, Circuit Judge Michael Brennan said it was unclear whether the school could have mitigated any disruptions resulting from Kluge's conduct, and that a jury should decide whether his rights were violated.
The Israeli military said three rockets were launched from Syria toward Israeli territory, a rare attack from the countrys north-eastern neighbour that comes after days of worsening violence.

The military said the rockets caused no damage or casualties. Only one rocket crossed into Israeli territory and landed in a field in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

The rocket launch comes just a day after Israeli warplanes struck alleged Palestinian militant targets in both Lebanon and the Gaza Strip following an unusual burst of rocket fire from southern Lebanon.



Israeli police stand at the scene of an attack in Tel Aviv on Friday (APP)

Tensions are also running high in the contested capital of Jerusalem, where Palestinian worshippers have scuffled with Israeli police in the most sensitive holy site, the compound home to Al-Aqsa Mosque.

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On Friday, separate attacks in the occupied West Bank and in Tel Aviv, Israels commercial hub, killed two British-Israeli sisters and an Italian tourist.

Israels defence minister has extended a closure barring entrance to Israel for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip for the duration of the Jewish holiday of Passover, while police beefed up forces in Jerusalem on the eve of sensitive religious celebrations.

The moves come after days of violence across the region at a time of heightened religious fervour  with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan coinciding with Passover and Easter celebrations.

Jerusalems Old City, home to key Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites, has been teeming with visitors and religious pilgrims from around the world.



People gather and lay flowers at the site where Alessandro Parini, an Italian tourist, was killed in a Palestinian attack, in Tel Aviv (AP)

Defence minister Yoav Gallant said that a closure imposed last Wednesday, on the eve of Passover, would remain in effect until the holiday ends on Wednesday night.

The order prevents Palestinians from entering Israel for work or to pray in Jerusalem this week, though mass prayers were permitted at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday.

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Mr Gallant also ordered the Israeli military to be prepared to assist Israeli police.

The army later announced that it was deploying additional troops around Jerusalem and in the West Bank.



Two Israeli border police officers are deployed to keep the order while Palestinians cross from the West Bank into Jerusalem (AP)

More than 2,000 police were expected to be deployed in Jerusalem on Sunday  when tens of thousands of Jews are expected to gather at the Western Wall for the special Passover priestly blessing.

The Western Wall is the holiest site where Jews can pray and sits next to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where large crowds gather each day for prayers during Ramadan.

Jerusalem police chief Doron Turgeman met with his commanders on Saturday for a security assessment.

He accused the Hamas militant group, which rules the Gaza Strip, of trying to incite violence ahead of Sundays priestly blessing with false claims that Jews planned to storm the mosque.



Palestinians cross from the West Bank into Jerusalem, for the third Fridays Ramadan prayers at the Al Aqsa mosque compound (AP)

We will allow the freedom of worship and we will allow the arrival of Muslims to pray, he said, adding that police will act with determination and sensitivity to ensure that all faiths can celebrate safely.

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The current round of violence erupted earlier in the week after Israeli police raided the mosque, firing tear gas and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of Palestinians who had barricaded themselves inside.

Violent scenes from the raid sparked unrest in the contested capital and outrage across the Arab world.



Palestinians inspect damage from overnight Israeli air strikes in Gaza City on Friday (AP)

Palestinian militants fired rocket barrages from the Gaza Strip and in an unusual step, from southern Lebanon as well.

Israel responded with air strikes in both locations. Then on Friday, Palestinian assailants killed three people in a pair of attacks  in Tel Aviv and in the West Bank.

In Tel Aviv, people laid flowers and candles on Saturday next to photos of Alessandro Parini, an Italian tourist killed in the Friday night car ramming attack.

Israels foreign minister, Eli Cohen, spoke to his Italian counterpart, foreign minister Antonio Tajani, to express his condolences and later visited victims of the attack in a hospital with Italys ambassador to Israel.





              ,    ,   .



      ,        ,          . pic.twitter.com/QU52HpTl2M  Benjamin Netanyahu -   (@netanyahu) April 8, 2023

Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named two British-Israeli sisters killed in a separate gun attack in the occupied West Bank on Friday.

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The attack, by Palestinian assailants, came after Israel launched retaliatory air strikes at Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Naming the sisters for the first time, Mr Netanyahu said: On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the Di Mafart family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters, Rina and Maya Zakharan, in the severe attack in the Bekaa.

In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.

The sisters mother was seriously injured in the shooting.

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to the settlements mayor Oded Revivi.
A crime scene has been declared after a man was found with gunshot wounds west of Brisbane.

Police were called just before 11am on Saturday to Rocky Gully Road in Coominya, about 46 kilometres from Ipswich, to reports shots were heard in the area.

Police believe there is no ongoing threat to the community. Credit: iStock

Upon arrival officers found a man in his 30s with gunshot wounds.

First aid was provided before he was airlifted to hospital in a serious condition.
A gunman is on the run after allegedly threatening the resident of a home before setting it on fire in Brisbanes south.

Emergency services were called to Lister Street at Sunnybank just before 9.30pm on Thursday.

Police are continuing investigations.

Investigations indicate a male person attended the address with what appeared to be a firearm, made threats to a resident, who is known to him, and set fire to the dwelling before leaving, a police spokesman said.

No one was injured. Investigations are ongoing.
A new series of images depicting the experience of refugees detained on Nauru and Manus islands show the alleged horrors of offshore detention, including wet tents covered in mould, the aftermath of a sexual assault and the self-immolation of an asylum seeker.

But the 130 images were not taken by photographers; they were generated using artificial intelligence.

Maurice Blackburn principal lawyer Jennifer Kanis said more than 300 hours had been spent collecting the witness statements.

Based on the witness statements of 32 detainees, collected by lawyers from social justice firm Maurice Blackburn, the statements and images form the online exhibition EXHIBIT A-i: The Refugee Account.

The images have raised ethical questions about the use of AI.
And when they graduate, they dont leave. They dont want to just graduate which is really lovely, they keep coming back, Lasslett says. Loading They want to do their best to make you who you want to be, says Tyrese Polutele-Garrigos, 15, of Deer Park, who discovered a liking for maths in his first term at the school in year 10. Every morning, we do a check-up. If kids are not getting the sleep that they want, they help you with that. If you are hungry and need food, they will provide you breakfast and lunch at breaks. If you need assistance, they are just here for you. Polutele-Garrigos plans to be a disability caretaker. I have a brother with autism. I can use my ability to help other people out when I am older.

The non-government school is funded by Melbourne City Mission and money from donors and state and federal governments. In 2019, there were 14,000 people aged 14 to 25 who were not in employment, education or training. To be considered for enrolment, students must have spent at least 10 weeks disengaged  without regular attendance. According to the Victorian governments submission to a Senate inquiry, the rate of school refusal grew by 50 per cent in the three years between 2018 and 2021, with 11,825 students in state schools officially absent due to school refusal in 2021. Yet experts say targeted data is lacking. In a submission to the inquiry, School Refusal Clinic director John Chellew said COVID-19 had compounded stressors, especially when students were transitioning between important school years, such as from grade 6 to 7 or into VCE. Many of these students completed unscored VCE exams or in some cases dropped out of school prematurely, he said.

The In2School program supports 16 young people a year in Victoria who experience school refusal and is run by the Royal Childrens Hospital Mental Health Service, the Travancore School and the University of Melbourne. There has indeed been an increase in referrals to specialist mental health services for children and young people with school refusal since the pandemic, said Dr Ric Haslam. Lasslett said when mainstream schools couldnt provide individualised wraparound programs for students specific needs, Hester Hornbrook stepped in. Right now, we cant grow fast enough to meet demand, she said.

We need more places for students and call on the mainstream education system to work alongside us and other independent special assistance schools to support and smoothly transition young students if an alternative learning environment is what they need to thrive. Students who were formally fearful of returning to school are learning to code a game or develop their own podcast in our applied learning environments and are graduating secondary school with similar levels of numeracy and literacy to those learning trigonometry and reading The Crucible in traditional school environments. They just needed a different way to learn. Eritrean refugee Eliud Alemayo Temesghen, 18, who has epilepsy and schizophrenia, is a student at the schools South Melbourne campus and says the environment is nurturing. All the stress I have in my old school  I can leave that all and come here and learn. They look inside me and try and understand me, he said. I want to be psychologist because I have schizophrenia, and I know children like me and how the world sees us.

This school is amazing. I am a satisfied customer. A Department of Education spokesman said government schools worked with families to support health, wellbeing and school engagement of all students. Loading Schools access a range of programs and services to help vulnerable and at-risk students re-engage with their education, including Navigator, and tailored mental health and wellbeing programs, he said. Victoria has the highest attendance rate of all states and territories and the last budget invested $200 million for a new Schools Mental Health Fund. Its Navigator program supports young people who dont attend school and connects them with a caseworker.
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 Anthony Albaneses thumping win in the 2022 election did not just boot Scott Morrison and the Liberal Party from office. It also prompted the beginnings of a seismic realignment of the federal Liberal Partys loose system of factional and philosophical alliances. Two years ago, this newspaper published a guide of who was who in the Labor and Liberal parties factions. A month after the ALPs election win, the Labor factions piece was updated. The Liberal Partys factions are not like Labors. While the ALPs factions enforce an iron discipline on their members and play a crucial role in the formation of policy, the parceling out of ministries and parliamentary committee chairmanships, and even who gets to join overseas delegations, the Liberals groups are looser. The 2022 election smashed the Centre Right faction that coalesced around Scott Morrison and Alex Hawke. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Personal loyalty to a leader or senior minister or shadow minister as well as policy and philosophical leanings are more to the fore. Over time, it is more common for Liberal MPs to move from one faction or group to another, as their views on policy change or if doing so will ensure they are preselected once again for their seat. In the 1980s and 1990s the party could be broadly divided into wets, who favoured more progressive social policy and a bigger role for the government, and economic dries who focused on championing free market economics.

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That has changed significantly, with todays Moderates socially progressive and advocates of free market economics, the National Right conservatives more focused on social issues and national security while the Centrists and Centre Right groups fall somewhere in the middle. There are further sub-groups, too, that reflect MPs interests: a rural and regional Liberals group, a veterans group, a prayer group that meets in parliament on Tuesday evenings, a new metropolitan Liberals group and, of course, the Monkey Pod lunch group, named after a table in a Parliament House meeting room made of monkey pod hard wood and led by Dutton. The end of Morrisons prime ministership and the bitter factional infighting in the NSW division, the home of the Centre Right, has smashed the faction. Unpacking what has happened to the Liberal Partys factions in the wake of a defeat that meant the party lost 18 seats  nine Moderates, five members of the Centre Right group, three members of the National Right conservatives and one unaligned MP  has been more complex. To report this story, this masthead spoke to 53 of the 66 Liberal MPs  many more than once  in the federal parliament. The other 13 were contacted for comment. The end of Morrisons prime ministership and the bitter factional infighting in the NSW division, the home of the Centre Right, has smashed the faction. In the last term, it was the largest group, with 32 of 91 Liberal MPs in it. Now the Centre Right is a rump of just six people.

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Another 10 MPs said they now identified themselves as centrists and five of those people had been in the formerly powerful Centre Right group, which had coalesced around Morrison as leader and factional organiser Alex Hawke. This underscores how Liberal factional politics is more fluid than in Labor, and the role that personal loyalty to the leader plays in the Liberal Party. Another four members of the Centre Right group have moved themselves to the unaligned column, two have moved to the Moderates and six into the National Right, which is headed up by Peter Dutton. Its important to note, too, that placing an MP in a particular column does not mean they are either for or against Dutton as leader. These factional groups should not be used to hazard a guess about whether Dutton would have the numbers in the event of a party room ballot: the party is not about to replace Dutton as leader and the veteran Queenslander draws support from across the party room. The Liberals are not about to replace Dutton as leader  the veteran Queenslander draws support from across the party room. Credit:Illustration: Richard Giliberto. For example, James McGrath and Ted OBrien appear in the unaligned column, but are both strong supporters of Dutton while Karen Andrews, who is in the same column, is not close to the Liberal leader. Jason Wood, a Centrist from Victoria, is another example of a Dutton loyalist in a different group.

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Similarly, Simon Birmingham, Marise Payne, Sussan Ley and Paul Fletcher are all leading moderates but are all, also, close to Dutton. Duttons group of National Right conservatives is now the biggest faction in the party with 27 members in the 66 member party room, but it ranges from MPs such as Scott Buchholz and Wendy Askew, who have little interest in factional politics, the protectionist Gerard Rennick, to James Paterson, a libertarian and security hawk, through to MPs such as Tony Pasin and Phillip Thompson, who are spear carriers and factional enforcers for the leader. The depleted list of Moderates in the party room will make depressing reading for some  the group has dropped from 22 members in the last parliament to just 14, even after gaining a few new members. Like the National Right, there are layers to the moderates, too. Birmingham, Payne and Fletcher are leaders of the old guard, while James Stevens, Angie Bell, Jane Hume and Andrew Bragg are the members of the much-depleted Moderates new guard which had included Jason Falinski, Tim Wilson, Fiona Martin, Dave Sharma, Trevor Evans, Trent Zimmerman and Katie Allen  all lost their seats in May 2022. There are further complications, too  senators Linda Reynolds, Paul Scarr and Andrew McLachlan all see themselves as Centrists and are listed as such, but all of them are claimed by other members of the Moderates, who point out that the trio have attended the groups Black Hand dinner, which has been running since the 1980s.

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The emergence of the Centrists is the most striking development. This is not a formally organised faction and Dan Tehan is not the leader  he and Anne Ruston are the two most senior members of the group, but in reality it is simply a grouping that did not feel comfortable being placed in any other faction. Philosophically, their world view is much like the Centre Right  more economically dry than the National Right and more socially conservative than the Moderates  but deliberately distinct from the NSW-led Centre Right. None of Centrists belong to the prayer group, either, whereas four of the six members of the Centre Right do. There is a second important detail to note about the Centrists, which is that five of its 12 members are Victorians including new MPs Zoe McKenzie, Keith Wolahan and Aaron Violi. (Roshena Campbell, if she had won Aston, would likely have been in this group, too.) The 2022 election resulted in the defeat of the Liberals leading Victorian, Josh Frydenberg, as well as the loss of Tim Wilson and Gladys Liu, the retirement of Greg Hunt, Kevin Andrews and Tony Smith, and the later loss of Alan Tudge. The Victorian division has been in a state of flux  arguably too focused on personalities, whereas in NSW and South Australia ideology dominates. In the Centrists, there are the beginnings of a realignment in a division that has gone from being a powerhouse to an election-losing machine.

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The loss of Aston was catastrophic not merely because it was the first time since 1920 that a federal government had picked up a seat from an opposition at a byelection. It is because Victorians have done this to the Liberals before at state level. When Steve Bracks led Labor into minority government in 1999, there was an assumption that the Coalition would be competitive at the next state election because it no longer had the one-man drag on their vote  former premier Jeff Kennett. Insert Scott Morrison in Kennetts place and you can appreciate why the Albanese government will be wargaming another byelection upset if and when the former prime minister resigns from his southern Sydney electorate of Cook. Loading Labor won the byelection for Kennetts seat of Burwood, in Melbournes middle east, in 1999, and then the byelection for the former National Party leader and deputy premier Pat McNamaras rural seat of Benalla in 2000. Neither had ever been held by Labor before, and while Benalla returned to the Coalition fold in 2002, Burwood remained in Labor hands during the next two Brackslides in 2002 and 2006. Today, it is part of the new seat of Ashwood, which Labor won with a primary vote of 40.3, and a 2PP of 56.2 per cent, at last Novembers state election landslide for Daniel Andrews government.

Dutton may not have bothered with the finer details of Victorian state politics when he was a rising star in John Howards Coalition government. But Bracks is the leader who is closest in manner, and underestimated political appeal to Albanese. Neither are white Anglo men. Bracks has Lebanese heritage; Albanese is half Italian. Neither man is consciously ethnic; in fact, they are routinely surprised when constituents share stories from homelands to which they themselves have no direct connection. Bracks and Albanese have diversity projected onto them. It is innocent in many ways. But in the head-to-head between Albanese and Dutton, in a nation that is majority migrant now, it matters more than the latter probably appreciates. Dutton is already sick of hearing the advice from his own side that the Liberals have a problem with female voters, with young Australia who cant afford to enter the housing market, and with migrant communities, especially Chinese Australians whom he helped alienate with his war talk. Illustration by John Shakespeare. Credit: But there is a structural paradox that he and his colleagues ignore at their peril. It is inevitable that diversity will accelerate in every state. Take a step back from the slicing and dicing of the electorate by cohorts and consider the basic question of population growth, through the concept of the Australian family tree, with First Australian roots, an Old Australian trunk and New Australian branches. The trunk represents non-Indigenous people who were born in this country, as were their parents and grandparents, while the branches cover migrants and their locally born children.

At the 2021 census, New Australia formed the majority with 50.8 per cent of the then population of 25.4 million; Old Australia was 45.4 per cent and First Australia 3.8 per cent. Almost two years on, the population is one million larger and the branches and the roots will have increased their respective shares at the expense of the slower-growing trunk. We know this because of what happened in the boom years before lockdown. Migrants were responsible for the majority of the nations population growth for the first time since the gold rushes of the 1850s. Loading Migrants accounted for 60 per cent of Sydneys population growth and 54 per cent of Melbournes between 2011 and 2021. In Darwin, it was 62 per cent, Hobart 55 per cent, Canberra 46 per cent, Adelaide 44 per cent and Perth 42 per cent. Brisbane was the outlier at 39 per cent because it had a more even mix of growth thanks to internal migration. Yet once you add the children of migrants, 69 per cent of the growth in the Queensland capital came from New Australia. In Sydney, the figure was 97 per cent; Melbourne 88 per cent and Perth 75 per cent  the three key cities from which the Liberals were evicted by Labor and the teals at the last federal election. Australia, seen through Duttons LNP binoculars in Brisbane, looks like another country. But even Brisbane is moving closer to the cosmopolitan south. Remember that Greens picked up three seats here  two from the LNP and one from Labor. They did this in the whiter parts of the city where young professional renters are moving the pendulum to the left.

The most brazen aspect of Duttons decision this week to lock in the LNP and Liberals to a No vote on the referendum for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to parliament is the attempt to shake the leaves of our family tree. Migrant communities are among the key swinging voters in the referendum  soft Yes voters, according to the public and private polls, who could be persuaded to vote no if change is seen as too risky, or complicated. Loading What Dutton seems to have forgotten is that Howard himself took an equivalent dark path as opposition leader in the late 1980s when he criticised Asian migration. It cost Howard the Liberal leadership at the time, and placed a personal re-entry barrier to the job which he finally cleared in 1995 by apologising for his comments. Howard helped make the Liberals electable again by dropping his ideological baggage on Medicare, industrial relations and migration. He met the electorate on its terms, while articulating a positive agenda around core Liberal values. Where is the equivalent work being done by Dutton and his colleagues, either federally, or in basket case states or Victoria, South Australia or Western Australia? On the evidence so far, Dutton believes he has nothing to learn. He went to work immediately after the Aston debacle determined to double down on the politics of division that helped make the Liberals a minor party across large parts of the country.
The German militarys decision to invite Darth Vader to the launch of its new space defence program has backfired after critics pointed out awkward parallels to the countrys Nazi past.

At the opening ceremony for the new headquarters of Germanys Space Command, Major General Michael Traut gave his speech flanked by Stormtroopers and imperial officers from Star Wars.

Star Wars Stormtroopers - but who inspired them?

Not renowned for their sense of humour, German officials have come in for sharp criticism, with critics reminding the military that the evil Galactic Empire in Star Wars was partly inspired by the countrys Nazi history.

The military apparently has no problem with the fact that the Galactic Empire committed genocide in the fictional universe, nor that some of the characters who took part in the ceremony wore trousers suspiciously reminiscent of those worn by the Wehrmacht, commented the tech website Golem.
It is time, in my opinion, to draw a line in the sand and move forward, said Olphert, who recently retired after 30 years as a police officer  the same job held by his father John Olphert, who was shot dead by masked gunmen in 1983 in the familys shop. Peter Olphert, whose father, John, was shot dead by the IRA in 1983, at home in Limavady, Northern Ireland. Credit: AP In some ways, Olphert decided to move on years ago. He said it would have been very easy for him, as a grieving teenager, to join one of the pro-British loyalist militias waging war against Irish republican militants in a neighbour-on-neighbour conflict that also drew in the British military. There was that invitation there, lets just say, that I should follow that certain path and get revenge. But that was never for me, he said. The more you perpetuate what happened in the past, the more generations are going to have that bitterness. But Thompson argued that for many bereaved families, moving on is not so simple  and moving on without fully grappling with the past could inadvertently set the stage for more conflict.

After his brother Peter was shot dead by undercover British soldiers in Belfast in 1990, he co-founded Relatives for Justice, a group that campaigns to uncover the truth about killings involving UK security forces, for which there have been few prosecutions. Victims and survivors of the Troubles gather in Killough, Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland to watch the sun rise to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement on Friday. Credit: PA/AP To say that we draw a line under that means that we dont learn the lessons of it, Thompson said. The lesson of any society emerging from conflict is you cant sweep it under the carpet because ... it really reinvigorates some of the grievances that lead to further conflict. Ending the Troubles meant balancing competing identities in Northern Ireland, which remained in the United Kingdom when the rest of Ireland won independence a century ago. Irish nationalists in the north  most of them Catholic  seek union with the Republic of Ireland, while largely Protestant unionists want to stay part of the UK. The Good Friday Agreement struck after almost two years of US-backed talks, committed armed groups to stop fighting, ended direct British rule and set up a Northern Ireland legislature and government with power shared between unionist and nationalist parties.

Today we have just a sense of the prize that is before us, then-British prime minister Tony Blair said on the day the deal was agreed. The work to win that prize goes on. We cannot, we must not let it slip. The peace accord succeeded far better than many expected, despite occasional attacks by dissident armed groups. US President Joe Biden is due to visit Northern Ireland on Easter Monday. Credit: AP During the Troubles, downtown Belfast was a ghost town at night, surrounded by a security ring of steel. Now busy pubs, hip cafes and microbreweries dot the Victorian streets. A gleaming new campus for Ulster University is helping revive the scarred city centre. Steve Malone, a guide who leads walking tours focused on Belfasts bloody past, said people know really only two things when you say Belfast  they think of the Troubles and they think of Titanic, the doomed ocean liner built in the citys shipyard.

Its a hugely different place now, he said. Even in the physical infrastructure. We now have a transport system that connects the western, Catholic-dominated side of the city with the eastern, Protestant-dominated side. That did not happen during the conflict. Loading But the threat of violence has never completely disappeared, and Katy Hayward, professor of political sociology at Queens University Belfast, said one goal of the peace agreement has been neglected: reconciliation. She said the deal placed emphasis on releasing prisoners jailed for taking part in the conflict and reintegrating them into society. As a result, former militants remain powerful and influential in their communities, often excluding peace builders. We never properly dealt with the causes of the situation in which violence is still glorified in some communities, Hayward said.

A plan by the UK government to end prosecutions of both militants and British soldiers for alleged crimes committed during the Troubles would only further bury hopes of holding perpetrators to account. It has been met with widespread opposition. The possibility of violence is the reason fortified eight-metre high peace walls still separate some nationalist and unionist neighbourhoods in Belfast. Rival murals of masked IRA fighters and gun-toting loyalist militants adorn streets on either side. People walk past a mural depicting the Battle of the Bogside on a wall in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Credit: AP Brexit, which left Northern Ireland poised uneasily between the rest of Britain and EU member Ireland, has also upset a delicate political balance, including the power-sharing system set up by the peace accord. The Northern Ireland Assembly has not sat for more than a year, after the main unionist party pulled out of the government to protest new trade rules for Northern Ireland brought in after Brexit.

Some argue that the power-sharing structure no longer works in a changing country, where more than 40 per cent of people reject the old sectarian labels and identify as neither nationalist nor unionist. Loading Catholics now outnumber Protestants for the first time, and whether in the long run Northern Ireland remains part of the UK or joins the south  the issue that fuelled the Troubles  remains unresolved. The Good Friday Agreement authorises a referendum on Irish unification if polls ever indicate it would likely pass. Its an imperfect peace in many regards, Thompson said. [But] there are thousands of people that are probably spared injury and bereavement and imprisonment today because of the agreement. Olphert said his children, now in their 20s, grew up in a society transformed from the divided and dangerous place he once knew.


The latest attempt at diagnosing these problems is journalists Nandita Jayaraj and Aashima Dogra's book Lab Hopping, reviewed by Devangshu Datta in ' India's missing female scientists '. The lack of diversity in India's notoriously shallow pool of scientists has been discussed and debated for some time without much change, a reflection, perhaps, of the survival instincts of entrenched interests.



Since then, they have interviewed hundreds of individuals to document the obstacles faced by women and non-binary persons in the field of scientific research. In fact, this book must be seen as a continuation of their earlier work, 31 Fantastic Adventures in Science: Women Scientists in India. Where Women Scientists sought to inspire girls with an interest in the field by providing them role models they could follow, Lab Hopping looks at policy. Lab Hopping is a chronicle of Jayaraj and Dogra's efforts to understand the reasons for the lack of diversity in science. In 2016, they began the website thelifeofscience.com to bring out the stories of women and non-binary persons working in science.



From poor working conditions to sexual harassment by male colleagues, the book lays bare the institutional apathy that exists in this field and, more broadly, across the social landscape. Datta writes: "The result is this book, a pioneering attempt to highlight these issues. These are at the heart of India's underperformance in multiple areas and many are not just specific to STEM; these pervade India's social and corporate landscape."

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Talking about gender and policy, in ' Making gender budgeting work ', Subhomoy Bhattacharjee reviews Lekha S Chakraborty's book Fiscal Policy for Sustainable Development in Asia-Pacific: Gender Budgeting in India. Datta says, "The writers also point to many other issues plaguing STEM. One is an absence of Dalit and Scheduled Tribe representation, and a pervasive attitude that 'reservation' students are less intelligent". This is also reflected in the frequent reports of deaths by suicides at premier scientific institutions. This book "should be essential reading for policymakers", says Datta.



Chakraborty is a professor at the National Institute for Public Finance and Policy, and the book benefits from her "decades of study of both public finance and its application to gender issues", writes Bhattacharjee. Bhattacharjee says the book explains that gender budgeting should be about generating outcomes and not just the allocation of money. "The book, in this context, is a most useful primer to guide policymakers. With each chapter, the author walks with policymakers, at central, state, and at the local governance levels, to show how to make use of the fiscal space to generate better gender outcomes," Bhattacharjee says.



For such change, policymakers and mainstream academic economists would need to be open to ideas that may challenge the orthodoxy that creeps into expertise over time. But, as one recent controversy showed, the boundaries drawn around ideas considered acceptable are rather narrow. Gender budgeting, says Bhattacharjee, summarising Chakraborty's argument, "promotes greater fiscal autonomy at the local level, it helps identify special gender needs, unlike one-size-fits-all policies, that promote administrative capabilities at the sub-national level and, finally, is 'significant for the redistribution objectives between regions'".



It is a book that can leave readers "a little disappointed because of the huge gap that you will sense between the book's promise and what it finally delivers". Sticking to orthodoxy is also a trait associated with the Indian civil services, as AK Bhattacharya points out in ' A framework of intentions ', his review of Transforming the Steel Frame by Vinod Rai, the former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.



Where the outsiders are "brutally frank as well as perceptive", the former Babus offer "generally mundane, bookish" prescriptions, writes Bhattacharya. The book is an anthology of 14 essays, with eight written by retired officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the steel frame of the title, and the rest by experts and business leaders.



A protective attitude runs through some of the essays, Bhattacharya points out, with some essayists even rejecting the reforms like lateral entry into the civil service. From lowering the maximum qualifying age for taking the Union Public Service Commission exam to restricting the number of attempts, the former bureaucrats espouse views "routinely endorsed by many expert committees, but none of them has been implemented so far", says Bhattacharya.



Though there are good recommendations, the reviewer is left with: "Par, Yeh Sab Hoga Kaise? (But, how will all these suggestions be implemented?)" In contrast, Manish Sabharwal of TeamLease, in his essay, "presents a refreshing perspective by explaining why and how the famed steel frame has degenerated into a steel cage". Rai's two essays in the volume are thought-provoking, writes Bhattacharya.



Keeping with the theme of weaving the personal into the general, the review picks up from an earlier conversation between Sandhu and De 10 years ago. If the first three reviews privileged the institutional, the fourth review is of a book that deals with the personal. In ' Food for drama ', Veenu Sandhu reviews Shobhaa De's latest, Insatiable: My Hunger for Life.



It is a book that highlights the people in De's life, from the staff at her home to people she meets at the beauty parlour, and celebrities like economist Abhijit Banerjee and the actor Aamir Khan. Much like that earlier conversation, writes Sandhu, De's book is filled with "excitement, exuberance, unapologetic, in-your-face opinion and tonnes of stories".



The book is a chronicle of a year in De's, from January to December 2022. "But more than anything, it's about food, a delicious theme that runs through her relationships, passions, encounters, and even her insecurities," Sandhu writes.


Under the scheme, loans have been divided into three categories based on the need for finance and the stage in maturity of the business. These are Shishu (loans up to Rs 50,000), Kishore (loans above Rs 50,000 and up to Rs 5 lakh), and Tarun (loans above Rs 5 lakh and up to Rs 10 lakh). PMMY aims to facilitate easy collateral-free credit of up to Rs 10 lakh to micro-entrepreneurs for income-generating activities.



Today, as we mark eight years of Mudra Yojana, I salute the entrepreneurial zeal of all those who benefitted from it and became wealth creators, he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said PMMY has played a vital role in funding the unfunded and ensuring a life of dignity as well as prosperity for countless Indians.



Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman said the scheme has helped in the generation of large-scale employment opportunities at the grassroots level and also has proved to be a game changer while boosting the Indian economy. Approximately 69 per cent of the total loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs & 51 per cent loans have been sanctioned to SC/ST and OBC categories of borrowers.

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Union Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad said that the scheme has brought the unserved and under-served sections of society within the framework of institutional credit. The growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has contributed massively to the 'Make in India programme as strong domestic MSMEs lead to increased indigenous production both for domestic markets as well as for exports, she added.



One of the pillars of financial inclusion - funding the unfunded, is reflected through the PMMY, which is being implemented with the objective to provide access to credit for small entrepreneurs. The government policy of promoting MUDRA has led millions of MSME enterprises in the formal economy and has helped them to get out of the clutches of money-lenders offering very high-cost funds, he added.



The meeting will be chaired by Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi and will review schemes such as the PMMY, Stand Up India and Prime Minister Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme among others. The finance ministry has called a meeting of the managing directors (MD) & chief executive officers (CEOs) of public sector banks (PSBs) along with CEO, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on April 13 to review the progress under financial inclusion and social security schemes.

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) sanctioned more than 408.2 million loans amounting to Rs 23.2 trillion till March 24, 2023, said the finance ministry on its 8th anniversary on Saturday.
Taking immediate cognizance of the issue of private schools compelling parents to buy expensive books and uniforms from specific vendors, Education Minister Atishi on Friday directed the Education Department to take strict action against these schools.

"Violation of Education Department guidelines on books and school uniforms by private schools will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken against such schools," Atishi said in a statement.

She has clearly stated in her directive that private schools must either stop forcing parents to buy books and uniforms from specific sellers or be ready to face severe consequences.

The Education Department had issued strict instructions to schools on March 17, 2023, to comply with the guidelines on the sale of books and school uniforms. It states that immediate notice must be issued stating the reasons in case of any complaint. In case of violation, action will be taken under the relevant provisions of the DSE Act 1973.

Over the past few days, the Education Minister has been receiving continuous complaints that parents are being forced by private schools to buy expensive books and school uniforms from specific shops or vendors. Recently, some parents also met with the Education Minister and brought the issue to her notice.

Taking immediate cognizance and issuing the directions to DoE, the Education Minister said, "Recently, there have been continuous complaints that private schools are forcing parents to buy expensive books and school uniforms from specific vendors. Private schools are not following the guidelines issued by the Education department on this matter. Recently, some parents also met me and brought this to my notice. Those schools that are forcing parents to buy school uniforms and books at high prices from themselves or from a specific vendor should be identified and strict action should be taken against them."

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She added that "the guidelines issued by the Education Department last year gave parents the freedom to buy books and uniforms for their children from any place of their convenience. Therefore, if private schools are forcing parents to buy expensive books and school uniforms from specific places, it is a violation of these guidelines. Disciplinary action will be taken against such schools."

The Education Minister further said, "Every parent has the right to obtain proper information about books and uniforms for the upcoming session before the beginning of the new academic year, so that they can arrange for them according to their convenience and not be forced by the school to buy them from specific shops or sources. The purpose of education should be to build the future of the country, not to earn money."

It is to be noted that guidelines of the Education Department states that private schools must display a class-wise list of books and other study materials on their website before the beginning of the new academic session to inform parents. Additionally, schools must also display at least 5 nearby shops' addresses and phone numbers on their website where parents can purchase books and school uniforms. Parents have the freedom to buy these items from any store as per their convenience, and the school cannot compel them to purchase from a particular vendor.

The guidelines also state that private schools cannot change the color, design, or other specifications of school uniforms for at least 3 years.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Arunachal Pradesh on April 10 and 11 where he will launch the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' in Kibithoo, a village along the India-China border.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government of India has approved the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' (VVP) with central components of Rs 4,800 crore, including Rs 2,500 crore exclusively for road connectivity for the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26, a home ministry statement said on Saturday.

The VVP is a centrally sponsored scheme under which 2,967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts abutting the northern border in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Ladakh have been identified for comprehensive development.

In the first phase, 662 villages, including 455 in Andhra Pradesh, have been identified for priority coverage.

The VVP will help in improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and encourage people to stay at their native locations, thereby reversing the outmigration from these villages and adding to the security of the border, the statement said.

The district administration, with the help of appropriate mechanisms at block and panchayat levels, will prepare action plans for the identified villages to ensure 100 per cent saturation of central and state schemes. The focus areas of interventions identified for the development of villages include road connectivity, drinking water, electricity including solar and wind energy, mobile and internet connectivity, tourist centres, multi-purpose centres and healthcare infrastructure and wellness centres.

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Shah, in his first visit to Arunachal Pradesh as home minister, will on April 10 inaugurate nine micro hydel projects of the state government constructed under the "Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme" in Kibithoo. These electricity projects will empower people living in border villages, the statement said.

He will also inaugurate Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) projects to augment infrastructure at Likabali (Arunachal Pradesh), Chapra (Bihar), Nooranad (Kerala) and Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), it said.

The home minister will also interact with ITBP personnel at Kibithoo in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh.

An exhibition of products made by members of women self-help groups of border districts will also be held. Shah will visit the exhibition stalls, the statement said.

On April 11, he will visit Namti field and pay homage at the Walong war memorial, it said.
Accusing the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal of not giving democratic space to political opponents Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha Saturday claimed that BJP will come to power in the state in the coming days to usher in a peaceful, transparent and development-oriented regime.

Saha speaking at a felicitation programme organised by the BJP having the theme 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat' at the National Library here said a double-engine government can propel the growth of a state in a federal structure, more if the governments at the Centre and state are helmed by the same party.

He urged the people of Bengal to go for this model.

Saha said while coming from the airport he could see flags and flexes of only the TMC. This shows that the TMC does not want to give any democratic space to the other opposition parties.

You may not allow BJP flags but the saffron party has captured the imagination of common people who believe in the development and growth mantra of BJP, the 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat' concept enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Tripura CM said.

"Didi the word of democracy sounds out of place when you utter this word. Everyone knows what is the situation in Bengal. How thousands of BJP karyakartas were attacked, beaten up, their houses looted, and made to flee from homes and how many were murdered and raped after the assembly elections here (in 2021).

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"Your regime had only been marked by clashes, bombing and murders. There has to be an end to this which will happen. After Tripura, Bengal will be the next state in the region where this will happen," Saha said.

He said "After counting of votes, counting of notes succeeded in Bengal. Heavyweight (TMC) politicians, whose swagger and intimidatory tactics are used to create an aura of invincibility and fear among the people are currently behind bars one after another caught in big scams. Small, medium and big fishes are coming to the net as the trends indicate. This is not a very happy situation for a state like Bengal which was called the citadel of culture and progressiveness in the country."



He said in Tripura you can see flags of every party - Congress, CPI(M) and claimed that there had not been any single instance of political murder in Tripura after the elections and the stray cases of post-poll violence there had been engineered by disgruntled opposition party members.

Saha said there had been traditional bonhomie and close ties between the two states, but TMC tried to disrupt the situation by trying to make inroads in Tripura three-four times but was "rejected" by the people of the northeastern state.

"The TMC got less percentage of votes than even NOTA in Tripura Assembly election," he said.

Slamming the previous CPI(M) led Left Front government in Tripura for unleashing a reign of terror and violence during its rule, Saha said a late Marxist patriarch had coined the term scientific rigging and that was also put to use by his comrades in Tripura to win polls,



"We had resolved our government will under no circumstances allow scientific rigging, no false voting and even the opposition had to thank the Election Commission of India for smooth conduct of polls," he said, adding the "unethical understanding" between CPI(M)-Congress in the assembly polls had robbed ruling BJP some of the seats.

"We call it unethical as Congress had borne the brunt of terror and atrocities like the BJP during decades of CPI(M) misrule in Tripura but again the Congress entered into an understanding with CPI(M) to prevent BJP from coming to power but the people of Tripura reposed their faith on the development-oriented, transparent governance plank of ours," Saha said.

Criticising the TMC for politics of appeasement, Saha said "We don't believe in this politics of division for vote bank politics. We believe in inclusiveness where all communities will be accorded same importance and benefits and there will be no appeasement."



On the issue of demand of West Bengal government employees demanding raise in dearness allowance, Saha said his government had already increased DA by several points - which is much higher than the DA given by the West Bengal government.

He said from one national highway, Tripura now has six NHs including four-lane NHs apart from four ropeways for the hilly state and the newly revamped international airport.
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday greeted people on the eve of Easter and said everyone should spread love and harmony in society by adopting the values of lord Jesus Christ and take a pledge for contributing to the nation's development.

Celebrated as Jesus Christ's resurrection, this festival of happiness is a symbol of love and compassion, she said.

Jesus Christ gave us the message of love and forgiveness by sacrificing his life for truth and justice, the president said, adding that his life is an ideal example of compassion and sacrifice.

"Let us spread love and harmony in our society by adopting the values of Lord Jesus Christ and take a pledge for contributing to the development of the nation," Murmu said.

The President has sent her greetings to all fellow citizens on the eve of Easter, a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

On the auspicious occasion of Easter, I convey my greetings to all citizens living in India and abroad, especially the Christian community," she has said in a message.

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Karnataka Congress chief D.K. Shivakumar stated on Saturday that he likes to work under AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, hinting that he would not eye the post of chief minister, if Kharge is given the same.

The statement assumes significance ahead of the assembly polls in Karnataka.

Shivakumar and Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka Assembly Siddaramaiah are vying for the post of the chief minister.

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar stated that it will be his duty to fulfil whatever Kharge asks for.

Sources in Congress revealed that Shivakumar is hinting that he is ready to sacrifice the post of chief minister if Kharge is to be selected for the top post in the state. It is analysed as a checkmate move by Shivakumar against Siddaramaiah.

"Kharge is the asset of Congress party. The state requires his services. I like to work under Kharge," Shivakumar reiterated. Kharge is my senior in the politics, he added.

Also Read Congress high command will decide on who will be the CM: D K Shivakumar Mallikarjun Kharge's election will galvanise Congress, says DK Shivakumar Congress will touch 150 seats in Karnataka polls, claims DK Shivakumar Mallikarjun Kharge becomes first non-Gandhi Congress President in 24 years Kharge to meet key leaders to check Congress' Karnataka poll preparedness No mechanism available to deactivate Aadhaar of deceased persons: Govt Rajasthan govt to conduct camps to highlight public welfare, relief schemes FM Nirmala Sitharaman to attend Spring Meetings of IMF-World Bank PM Modi inaugurates slew of projects in Tamil Nadu, Telangana during visit FM to embark on US tour from Monday, to attend World Bank Group, IMF meets

As Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are vying for the post and involved in heavy lobbying to get tickets for their followers, both the leaders are maintaining that they are together and their focus is to win elections.

--mka

IANS/uk/
Delhi reports 535 fresh Covid cases & 0 death in the last 24 hours. Positivity rate stands at 23.05 per cent.



Law Minister Kiren Rijiju has escaped unhurt after his car was hit by a truck in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, said the police. A fully loaded truck hit his car near Ramban along Jammu- Srinagar Highway, said cops. No one was injured in the incident, the cops added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express during his Telangana visit on Saturday. The redevelopment of Secunderabad Railway Station, at a cost of Rs 720 crore, will involve a major makeover with world-class amenities and an aesthetically designed iconic station building, reported ANI, citing the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The redeveloped station would have a double-level spacious roof plaza with all passenger amenities in one place along with multimodal connectivity for providing seamless transfer of passengers from rail to other modes among others, read a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).



CR Kesavan, former Congress leader and great-grandson of India's first Indian Governor-General, C Rajagopalachari, joins BJP



India on Saturday recorded 6,155 fresh Covid-19 infections, while the number of active cases increased to 31,194, according to Union health ministry data. India's Covid-19 tally now stands at 44.7 million (44,751,259). The death toll climbed to 530,954 with 11 deaths, including two reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. At 31,194, the active cases comprise 0.07 per cent of the total infections. The national Covid-19 recovery rate stands at 98.74 per cent, according to the health ministry website. ...Read More
Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Saturday evening embarked on the tour of Ayodhya where he will offer prayers to Lord Ram by boarding a flight for Lucknow from Mumbai airport.

Shinde is accompanied by leaders of Shiv Sena, MPs and MLAs, and leaders of ally BJP.

It will be Shinde's maiden visit to Ayodhya after taking charge as Maharashtra chief minister in June 2022 and after the Election Commission recognised the faction led by him as Shiv Sena and allotted it the "bow and arrow" poll symbol.

Shinde will travel to Ayodhya from Lucknow on Sunday afternoon and perform a 'maha aarti' at the under-construction Ram temple with others and later at the Sharayu river in the evening. He is also scheduled to visit the ongoing construction of the Ram temple and will address a press conference in Ayodhya on Sunday afternoon. He will return to Mumbai on Sunday night, as per his aides.

Speaking to reporters at the Mumbai airport, the chief minister said he would respond to criticism of his Ayodhya visit through his work.

"It is good that because of our work, those who never ventured out of their homes are going out to meet people,'' he said in a veiled swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Also Read Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde to visit Ayodhya after end of Budget session Shinde flags off special train to Ayodhya, to visit temple town on Sunday Covid-19 pandemic, political drama rocked Mumbai civic body in 2022 We accept CM Eknath Shinde as new Shiv Sena chief, says Uday Samant Shinde-Fadnavis govt reverses half a dozen decisions of MVA dispensation Do not put your faith in Jagan: TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu tells people Rahul's maiden public meeting after disqualification postponed to April 16 CNG, piped cooking gas price down by up to Rs 6 in Delhi, 1st cut in 2 yrs TN BJP thanks Centre for removing State from coal blocks auction list PM Modi dedicates projects worth Rs 11,300 cr to Telangana during visit

"Ayodhya is a matter of faith for us. I thank PM Modi for expediting the construction of Ram temple,'' said Shinde who shares power with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.

Last November, Shinde and his loyalists paid a gratitude visit to the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar has slammed the "publicity" around the Ayodhya visit of Shinde and also ridiculed relentless media updates on the latter's programme there.

"When I offer prayers anywhere, I do not create such publicity. The chief minister is visiting there to seek blessings," he told reporters.

The former Maharashtra deputy chief minister also said there are pressing issues related to unemployment, crime, and farmers' distress that require more attention.

A special train carrying activists of Shiv Sena to Ayodhya left Thane railway station on Friday evening amidst slogans of Jai Shri Ram.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said opposition parties will have to unite if they want to win elections against the BJP.

The Lok Sabha member from Srinagar also said that discussions are going on and "I can see good results coming on the unity front (at the national level)".

"Alliance is the only thing which will unite us. We cannot fight individually. That is why even the opposition parties at the national level are trying to find ways to unite so that we can win the elections," Abdullah said in response to a question by reporters at Larnoo in Anantnag district.

He had gone to Larnoo to attend a condolence meeting.

Asked about the issue of removal of certain portions related to Mughals from textbooks, Abdullah said history cannot be erased.

"How will they forget Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb, Akbar, Babar, Humayun and Jahangir? They ruled for 800 years. No Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian felt threatened. When they will show Taj Mahal, what will they say who built it? What will they say about Fatehpur Sikri where the Mughal crown was before moving to Delhi? How will they hide Humayun's tomb and Red Fort?" he asked.

Also Read NC chief Farooq Abdullah asks people to stand up against divisive forces Never joined hands with Pakistan: Farooq Abdullah at rally in J-K's Akhnoor Farooq Abdullah to join Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra in J-K Farooq Abdullah re-elected as NC chief after presidential polls were held Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra aims to unite country: Farooq Abdullah Rahul targets Ghulam, Scindia, Himanta over Adani issue; BJP hits back Investments in UP will create 10 million jobs for youth, says CM Adityanath PM's repeated visits show how weak BJP is in Karnataka, says Congress Maharashtra CM leaves for Ayodhya; says will address critticism by work Do not put your faith in Jagan: TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu tells people

"They are hitting their own feet with an axe. History won't change. We won't remain but history will remain," the National Conference leader said.

On China renaming some villages in Arunachal Pradesh, Abdullah said India is not ready to accept the claim which China had made earlier as well.


The projects in Telangana include laying the foundation stone of AIIMS Bibinagar, five National Highway projects and the redevelopment of Secunderabad Railway Station. He also dedicated other development projects related to railways. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also flagged off the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express at Secunderabad Railway Station in Hyderabad. On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various projects worth around Rs 5,200 crore in Tamil Nadu and Rs 11,300 crore in Telangana.



He further added that the average amount allocated per year during 2009-2014 was less than Rs 900 crores. Between 2004 and 2014, the Prime Minister continued, the length of national highways added in Tamil Nadu was about 800 kilometres but, nearly 2000 kilometres of national highways were added between 2014 and 2023. Touching upon the investment in the development and maintenance of national highways in Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister said that in 2014-15, around Rs 1200 crore were spent whereas, in 2022-23, it increased 6-fold, to over Rs 8200 crore. In Tamil Nadu, he inaugurated the New Integrated Terminal Building (Phase- 1) of Chennai International Airport and flagged off the Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express in Chennai. Tamil Nadus development is of great priority to the government, the Prime Minister said as he informed that the state has been allocated an all-time high of over Rs 6,000 crores for rail infrastructure in this years Budget.



The Prime Minister noted that the three important cities Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore are being directly benefited by the projects being inaugurated or started. He mentioned the New Integrated Terminal Building inaugurated at the Chennai International Airport and said that it will cater to the growing passenger demand. The Prime Minister highlighted the number of important projects in Tamil Nadu in the last few years and gave the example of the Defence Industrial Corridor strengthening Indias security, PM MITRA mega textile parks, and laying the foundation stone for the Bengaluru-Chennai expressway. He further added that the construction of a multi-modal logistics park near Chennai is also underway while the entire East Coast Road from Mamallapuram to Kanyakumari is being improved under the Bharatmala project.

Also Read NITI wants infra projects lagging for decades completed by FY23-end Rajnath Singh dedicates Rs 724-crore infra projects to the nation World TB Day: PM Modi launches initiatives to eliminate disease by 2025 Centre may axe 116 infra projects worth Rs 1.26 trn lagging for decades Amara Raja to invest Rs 9,500 crore in Telangana battery-making unit FM to embark on US tour from Monday, to attend World Bank Group, IMF meets Oppn slams Amul's entry in Karnataka, calls it attemp to finish off Nandini Tech can help reduce case pendency in courts, says Law Minister Rijiju Dawn of new development visible in J-K after abrogation of Art 370: Rijiju Kiren Rijiju's car meets with minor accident in J-K's Ramban, no one hurt

In Hyderabad, he said that the central government is emphasizing the development of both industry and agriculture in Telangana. Noting that textile is one such industry that gives strength to both the farmer and the labourer, the Prime Minister informed that the government has decided to set up seven mega textile parks across the country and Telangana will be home to one of them. He further added that it will create new employment opportunities for the youth. Referring to laying the foundation stone of AIIMS Bibinagar, the Prime Minister said that the government is also investing in education and health in Telangana. These projects will increase Ease of Travel, Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business in Telangana, he added. However, the Prime Minister lamented the delay in the completion of several central projects due to the lack of cooperation from the state government.
China, Japan to hold talks on maritime affairs

Xinhua) 13:17, April 08, 2023

BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- China and Japan will hold the 15th round of high-level consultations on maritime affairs on April 10 in Tokyo, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning told a press briefing that officials from foreign ministries, defense ministries, maritime law enforcement, and ocean management departments from both countries would attend the talks.

The high-level consultations are a comprehensive mechanism for bilateral communication and coordination.

"China expects to fully exchange views with Japan on sea-related issues between the two countries to enhance mutual understanding and trust," Mao said, adding that China will promote proper management of differences and pragmatic cooperation.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched and laid the foundation stone for nearly Rs 5,000 crore worth new projects in Tamil Nadu in the transport sector, that included the flagging off of the Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express and inauguration of a New Integrated Terminal Building (Phase-1) of the Chennai International Airport.

The PM underscored Centre's push for the state's growth, recalling in detail the various initiatives in this regard, even as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin pressed for allocation of more projects and funds to his state from the Union government.

In his address, Modi said India has been witnessing a revolution in terms of infrastructure development. It is driven by speed and scale and pointed to Union Budget's allocation of a record Rs 10 lakh crore investment in infrastructure. "This is five times more than that of 2014."



Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said India as a nation will prosper only when funds flow from the Centre for the development of States. He requested the Prime Minister to increase the fund allocation for railway projects.

Major projects such as the Chennai - Maduravoyal expressway, Chennai Tambaram elevated corridor, four-laning of East Coast Road, widening of Chennai - Kanchipuram - Vellore highways and Chennai-Madurai national highway to six lanes should be expedited. "I take this opportunity to request our Prime Minister to direct the NHAI for speeding up of the ongoing road projects," Stalin urged.

Prosperous and strong States are the true indicators of co-operative federalism and vibrant India, he insisted and claimed that his Dravidian model of governance is striving on this principle to implement the structural programmes required for the development of the entire Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu's development is a great priority for the Centre, the PM said and added the State has been allocated an all time high budget of Rs 6,000 crore this year for rail infrastructure.

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"The average amount allocated per year during 2009-2014 was less than Rs 900 crore. Between 2004 and 2014, the length of NH added in TN was about 800 km and between 2014 and 2023 nearly 2,000 km of NH were added."



In 2014-15, the investment in the development and maintenance of highways in the state was arond Rs 1,200 crore and in 2022-23 it increased to over Rs 8,200 crore, the PM said.

The Prime Minister underlined the speed and scale of work now, be it the national highway development, rail line electrification, and increase in number of airports before 2014 and after the NDA regime assumed power. India has more rural internet users than urban users and the nation is the world's number one in digital transactions.

Tamil Nadu is home of history and heritage. It is land of language and literature and a centre of patriotism and national consciousness. Many of the nation's leading freedom fighters were from Tamil Nadu, he said.

"I know that I have come to you at a festive time. In just a few days the Tamil Nadu new year will be celebrated, this is a time for new energy, new hopes and new aspiration and new beginnings," Modi said.

At a function at the MGR Chennai Central Railway Station, the PM flagged off the inaugural special of the Vande Bharat express, loaded with modern features and passenger amenities. He also interacted with school students in the train. "It is the fastest train between the two cities with a travel time of 5 hours and 50 minutes, saving more than an hour of journey time," Southern Railway said.

The New Integrated Terminal Building at the airport is uniquely designed to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the state.

"The addition of this new integrated terminal building will increase the passenger serving capacity of the airport from 23 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) to 30 MPPA. The new terminal is a striking reflection of the local Tamil culture, incorporating traditional features such as the Kolam, saree, temples, and other elements that highlight the natural surroundings," the government said.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said civil aviation is changing and our country had only six crore passengers in the year 2013-14. In nine years it has more than doubled to 14.5 crore passengers per year across India.

The sector has, after two and half years of COVID passed the pre COVID record of 4.20 lakh passengers a day to a new high of 4.55 lakh passengers in a day.

A country that had built only 74 airports in 65 years from independence had in a period of nine years under the leadership of Modi built additional 74 airports helipads waterdromes doubling the number to 148 and the PM is very clear in this direction.

In his address at celebrations commemorating the 125th Anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Math here, Modi said people across the country always had a clear concept of the nation and as a country, for thousands of years, it reflected the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shrest Bharat," one India, great India.

Among others, the PM inaugurated a 7.3 km long elevated corridor in Madurai and various train services connecting different parts of the state. He laid the foundation stone for National Highway projects that will boost inter-state connectivity between TN and Kerala.
Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday said the party will send to Prime Minister Narendra Modi one crore signed letters of daily wage earners of West Bengal, who could not get employment under MGNREGA as the Centre allegedly did not release funds for the project for the state.

Upping the ante against the BJP-led government at the Centre ahead of the panchayat election, Banerjee considered number 2 in the TMC said that party workers will hit the streets of Delhi if the government does not release the money which is due to the state.

This has stalled implementation of 100 days work project for the past one year, he claimed while addressing a public meeting here in Alipurduar district in the northern part of the state.

"From April 16, our workers will reach out to the 1.38 crore families who could not be employed in any project (under MGNREGA). We will collect their signed letters to the Prime Minister and send over one crore of such letters to the Centre in a month," Banerjee said.

He alleged that BJP MPs and MLAs of the state are asking the Centre not to release the funds due for the state



The Diamond Harbour MP said, By denying MGNREGS funds to Bengal, they (BJP) are attacking the hapless people with unprecedented acrimony. We will always stand against tyranny. They are taking their revenge for the 2021 defeat but we won't let our people down!



Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had met Modi twice to facilitate the release of the funds while a delegation of party MPs had sought appointment of Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Giriraj Singh but he did not meet them despite being in Delhi, the TMC leader said.

He charged union minister John Barla, who is an MP from West Bengal, and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Suvendu Adhikari with conspiring against the people so that they do not get their due payment.

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These two leaders and several others had asked the Centre not to release MGNREGA funds to the state, he claimed.

"Have they been elected to work against people's interest? People of the state should pose this question to big and small BJP leaders," Banerjee added.

Accusing the BJP of peddling the politics of religion while ignoring basic issues such as escalation in fuel prices and threats to livelihood, he said votes cannot be decided on the basis of caste, creed and religion.

Alleging that the Modi government is using central agencies to intimidate political opponents, Banerjee said, "One or two leaders had been arrested and we have taken action against them. TMC does not protect thieves."



Several TMC leaders including a minister and a district president were arrested by central agencies for their alleged involvement in cash for jobs and cattle scams.

Banerjee said the party will field people with clean images in the upcoming panchayat polls and asked TMC leaders in every panchayat to come up with such names.

On the accusations of the TMC leader, BJP national Vice-President Dilip Ghosh said, "The Mamata Banerjee government is only interested in frittering away the central funds by holding fairs and festivals and filling up pockets of its local leaders.
With the Centre removing Tamil Nadu's delta regions from the coal blocks auctioning, state BJP chief K Annamalai on Saturday thanked the former for doing so on the 'request' of the party's state unit.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who also holds the Coal and Mines portfolio had tweeted that the decision to exclude Tamil Nadu from the auctioning ambit was taken in the interest of the people of the state after Annamalai had flagged the matter with him.

"@BJP4TamilNadu Pres.@annamalai_k rushed to call upon me in Bengaluru with request to exclude 3 Lignite mines from auctions in 7th tranche. In spirit of cooperative federalism & keeping in mind interest of people of TN, I have directed to exclude them from auction," Joshi had tweeted.

A row had erupted over the inclusion of the state's fertile Cauvery delta regions for the coal block auctioning, with Chief Minister M K Stalin asserting in the state Assembly that his government will never allow coal mining in the delta region.

"We thank our Hon PM Thiru @narendramodi avl & Hon Minister Thiru @JoshiPralhad avl for considering our request and removing the coal blocks in TN's Delta region from the coal auction list," Annamalai said in a tweet.

PM Modi places importance on farmers' welfare and stands with them, he added.

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He had earlier taken up the matter with Joshi.


This poses the question whether states have the power to enact such a personal law. According to legal experts, the answer is not that simple. It depends on the interpretation of Article 44 of the Constitution, which says: The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami earlier this week said the draft proposal for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was ready and the state government would come up with a final report on the matter in two months.



As the language used in the Constitution is "throughout the territory of India", it indicates the Union Parliament is entrusted with the responsibility to legislate upon a common UCC for the entire country, Jain argued. As held by the Supreme Court, the power of states to legislate on subjects to the extent entrusted upon Union Parliament, whether exercised or not, be deemed to be restricted. This means that if the power to legislate upon a matter is entrusted upon Parliament, whether Parliament has exercised the same or not, states should not legislate on it, said Rohit Jain, managing partner, Singhania & Co.



The Article was eventually adopted with the understanding that, as a Directive Principle, Parliament was not required to put the provision into effect immediately and that it may do so after consensus among communities. Article 44 (then Draft Article 35) was debated by the Constituent Assembly on November 23, 1948. The debate records that most stringent opposition came from Muslim members, who attacked the Article claiming that the UCC would violate freedom of religion and cause disharmony within the Muslim community. Importantly, they debated that there was already a common Civil Code in India and the only difference with the new code would be that it would cover marriage and inheritance, too," Jain said.

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But Manini Roy, senior associate, TAS Law, has a different view on the issue. Article 44 of the Constitution of India provides the right to the State to secure for its citizens a UCC. States are empowered to legislate upon personal laws, such as intestacy and succession, wills, joint family and partition, marriage and divorce, etc. All these forms part of Entry 5 of List-III-Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution. Therefore, the State can have its own UCC, she argued. From the Constituent Assembly debate, it appears that the UCC may be read into the concurrent list. However, the endeavour of different states to bring their own UCC is contrary to the intention with which this Article was implemented, that is, to have a common UCC throughout the country, according to Jain.



The power of the States to have a Uniform Civil Code finds its genesis in Entry 5, List III of the Concurrent list of the Seventh Schedule. States have been given the power to legislate on issues, such as succession, marriage, and divorce -- all of which are often cumulatively referred to as personal laws. So, while it seems simple and straight, that may not be the case, said Wasim Beg, partner, Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India. Suvigya Awasthy, associate partner, PSL Advocates & Solicitors, said there was doubt that according to Entry 5 of the Concurrent List in the Seventh Schedule, state governments are empowered to enact laws relating to a wide variety of subjects under the umbrella of personal laws and as specified therein. The only caveat that comes along with state governments being empowered to enact laws pertains to the existence of the law enacted by the Central government, in which case, the law enacted by states will have to conform with the central law, she said.



Beg said states do have the power to legislate on subjects touching upon issues like marriage, divorce, and adoption, and any possible contradiction with Article 44 can be overlooked since Directive Principles of State Policy are not enforceable in a court and are mere directory in nature. However, this argument, although legally sound, would have to come at the expense of the seemingly obvious intent of the framers of the Constitution -- to strive for a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. Different states having their own versions of the UCC can only have the opposite impact -- different/varying laws throughout the territory of India, he apprehended. "It is fair to say that the framers of the Constitution certainly intended the State to strive for 'a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India', rather than different versions of it across the Union's states. That is at the heart of the various legal opinions on the subject," he said.

The Union of India has not come up with any UCC, therefore a state executive endeavouring to implement a UCC within the territory of its ruling state is well within its power. Once the Union of India comes up with a UCC, the powers of the state executives will be subjected to the UCC implemented by the Union of India, he said. According to Tushar Agarwal, who focuses on criminal law, constitutional law and commercial arbitration, based on the scheme of the Constitution, Article 162 indicates that the executive power of a state extends to matters concerning which the legislature of the state has the power to make laws. However, this power of the state executive is subjected to the executive power of the Union.



Therefore, in absence of the promulgation of a UCC by the Government of India, the constitution of the committee on a UCC by an individual state government cannot be per se unconstitutional, he said. Recently, a few individuals approached the Supreme Court challenging the constitution of the committee on the Uniform Civil Code, set up by Uttarakhand. However, the Chief Justice of India dismissed the writ petition (civil) for being devoid of merits in terms of Entry 5 of Concurrent List & Article 162 of the Constitution.



The UCC in Goa, known as Goas Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, is divided into four parts that deal with civil matters concerning property, acquisition of rights, right to property, and breach of those rights and remedies for the same. This code has found its survival by Section 5 (1) of the Goa, Daman and Diu Administration Act of 1962, which has permitted its continuance in the state. Uniform civil code in other states



The Goa Code also empowers ecclesiastical courts to nullify Catholic marriages. However, in the case of non-Catholics, the power to nullify marriages lies only with civil courts, thus raising questions about the nature of uniformity between Catholic and non-Catholic marriages. A Hindu husband can take a second wife in the absence of an objection if the wife has completed 25 years of age and also attained 30 years of age without having a son. Additionally, this Code also makes provisions for pre-nuptial agreements," said Roy of TAS Law. As far as the marriage aspect is concerned, the Goa Civil Code elaborates upon the registration of marriages wherein the intent to marry is recorded by to-be spouses before the civil registration authorities, and after two weeks, the deed of marriage is executed.



The draft code focuses on equality among all, irrespective of religion, caste, and gender. The marriage registration under one law, the nullification of marriage under one law, the succession and intestate, partition, etc, are all made keeping in view the spirit of the Uniform Civil Code. In May last year, the government of Uttarakhand formed a five-member committee, led by former Supreme Court judge (retired) Ranjana Prakash Desai to prepare a draft proposal for the implementation of UCC in the state.
The Indian Youth Congress on Saturday took out a 'Save Democracy' torch procession here to protest against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha.

Gandhi was disqualified as an MP following his conviction and two-year sentencing by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case.

A large number of party workers, including Indian Youth Congress chief Srinivas BV, former Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas took part in the rally from Albert Hall to Gandhi Circle.

This is a fight to save democracy and the Constitution, Srinivas said.

Pilot said the Centre and the BJP have created an environment where people are prevented from speaking their mind.

"All the opposition parties have come together and we are conveying this fact that the BJP government at the Centre wants to suppress the voice of the opposition and people are against it," he added.

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The price of ten grams of 22-carat gold fell by Rs 100 to Rs 55,800. Gold price fell Rs 110 from yesterday's close during Saturday's early trade with 10 grams of 24-carat gold trading at Rs 60,870, according to the GoodReturns website. Meanwhile, silver prices rose Rs 110, with 1 kg of the precious metal selling at Rs 76,600.



The price of ten grams of 24-carat gold in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai is Rs 61,020, Rs 60,920, and Rs 61,530, respectively. The price of ten grams of 24-carat gold in Mumbai is at par with the price of gold in Kolkata and Hyderabad, at Rs 60,870.



The price of ten grams of 22-carat gold in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai is Rs 55,950, Rs 55,850, and Rs 56,400, respectively. The price of ten grams of 22-carat gold in Mumbai is at par with the price of gold in Kolkata and Hyderabad, at Rs 55,800.

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The price of 1 kg of silver in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad is Rs 80,200.


By this time next year, a couple rounds of voting will have already taken place. As things stand today, despite all the frenetic activity on the part of the Opposition, the BJP would look to be in a near-impregnable situation. The BJPs 43rd birthday  or rather, rebirth day as L K Advani preferred to call it, especially because it was founded on the Easter weekend in 1980  saw much written about the party around which all of Indias politics dances. The more important landmark, however, is that the partys second consecutive government is entering its last year.



The first thing that hasnt changed is ideological cohesion. The founders stayed mostly true to the RSS, (lets say Sangh) ideology. While they drew in much talent from outside, as the Modi-Shah team has done under National Democratic Alliance-II, the top party leaders all came from the same ideological nursery. This includes the presidents, key general secretaries, even most (not all) of the state chiefs. This leadership is equally close to the ideas of the RSS. This isnt a privilege it ever had under its founders. It is still very much the party they had founded from the ashes of the Janata Party, but much has changed and evolved under Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and now J P Nadda. Its a good time to see how similar this 43-year-old is to the party Mr Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee founded, and how it has changed.



Their successors won a majority and realised the first two quickly. The third is being done through salami-slicing. Triple Talaq was the beginning; the minimum age of marriage and polygamy, we can be sure, are on the way. There are many differences too, though you could argue that these also reflect the reality of numbers as the founders never had a majority. The need to keep a diverse coalition together meant they had to put some of the essential elements of their ideology on the back burner  the special status of Kashmir (Article 370), the Ram Temple, and the Uniform Civil Code being the most prominent.

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All others fell by the wayside and some elements morphed into state-specific, caste-based parties (via the Janata Dal), such as the Samajwadi Party (Mulayam) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (Lalu). The socialists were finally reduced to George Fernandes and now Nitish Kumars JD (U) in Bihar. The Janata Partys fate is truly summarised in that immortal 1948 duet in the voices of Mohammed Rafi and Suraiya: ek dil ke tukde hazar huye, koi yahan gira, koi wahan gira (this heart broke into a thousand pieces and scattered across the land). The fact that the founders recreated an ideological party subsumed and lost in the 1977 Janata Party experiment is creditable by itself. Of the five major constituents that merged to form the Janata Party  the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the Indian National Congress (O), the Socialist Party, the Bharatiya Lok Dal (led by Charan Singh) and Babu Jagjivan Rams Congress for Democracy  there was just one that not only survived but emerged in a new avatar. That was the BJP.



If ideology was such an effective glue, it was also baggage as it deterred others from joining hands, much as they all detested the Congress and the Gandhi dynasty. That remained the BJPs biggest challenge. And if Messrs Modi and Shah are so successful now, they need to thank the founders, especially Vajpayee, for ridding the party of its untouchability in the Opposition space. Only one of these parties pulled itself up and now rules us with power without comparison in our history. Not even in Indira Gandhis heyday. And a clear ideology was a big reason the Jana Sangh was reborn unscathed as the Bharatiya Janata Party.



How much of a challenge it was is evident from the anti-BJP coalitions the Congress later helped in power, from Chandra Shekhar (1990-91) to H D Deve Gowda and I K Gujral (1997-98). It was very simple to justify that on the argument of keeping secular forces together and communal ones out. The big move was offering support to V P Singhs government to deny the Congress under Rajiv Gandhi power, although it was by far the largest party. It isnt a political event adequately appreciated now, but the BJPs support  even if short-lived  to a Left-leaning combination was so sharply at odds with its own ideology that it began the dilution of that untouchability. It was also realpolitik, as the best way to weaken the Congress was to keep it away from power.



The difference now is that the BJP has become so powerful by itself that it does not need any of these allies. Not even the Akalis and the Shiv Sena. They dumped one, broke the other. It may make some local and opportunistic arrangements with tiny caste-based parties, especially in the heartland, but it depends on none. Two exceptions are the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena. But lets watch how durable the Shinde Senas prospects are. Maybe by the time we are writing something on the BJPs 45th birthday. For Mr Advani and Vajpayee, to make common cause with some of the same forces subsequently was a much bigger achievement. Mamata Banerjee, Chandrababu Naidu, Naveen Patnaik, Ram Vilas Paswan, and the Abdullahs of Kashmir, among others, joined their coalition besides their natural allies such as the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Shiv Sena. That ended their political untouchability.



First of all, the party now has an almighty personality cult. Which is something it stood against in the Indira era (Indira is India). In the Vajpayee-Advani period, power was shared between the two and others, especially the RSS, had a say  often in disapproval. If, from having to worry about being untouchable for likely allies, the BJP has risen to a place where it cant be touched by any rival, the incumbents have also made some major departures from the ideas they inherited. You could call it evolution.



The next is the basic approach to politics. The founders could play hardball, but Vajpayee often said rajneeti sauda nahin hai (politics isnt transactional). Their successors have perfected their own version of transactionally uncluttered politics. Now the RSS fully endorses the government and celebrates all its actions. You could of course argue that if the government is delivering so fully on its ideological concerns, why should the RSS be complaining?



Among the many things the founders started was a search for younger talent. In January 1984, when the party had been reduced to two seats in the Rajiv wave, I interviewed Vajpayee for a cover story on Indias battered Opposition. He acknowledged that youth was one of Rajivs strengths and that he was looking for younger leaders. He mentioned Arun Jaitley and Pramod Mahajan. The fact is, many of the younger leaders identified in the founders era are now leading the party. These include Narendra Modi. Vajpayee built a strong, centralised Prime Ministers Office and the RSS routinely questioned it. The Modi PMO is enormously more powerful, and nobody is complaining. It helps that the party does not need to give any space to an ally. The Vajpayee government, we should note, had at least one ideological outsider (George Fernandes) in his Cabinet Committee on Security.



The BJP at 43 is a work in progress, with total ideological continuity and much substantive change in political method and style. Whether you like it or not, of course, depends on where you are coming from. How does the current leaderships report card compare with the founders on this human resources metric? Do we see the rise of the next generation of leaders? There are some, like Himanta Biswa Sarma, Yogi Adityanath, maybe Devendra Fadnavis  perhaps not as wide a catchment as under the founders.

By special arrangement with ThePrint


At least 46 civilians were killed in an attack by armed bandits at a community in Nigeria's central state of Benue, an official said.

Scores of residents were injured while others fled their houses in the attack, which occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday in the Umogidi community of the state, Bako Eje, chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, confirmed the attack to reporters on the phone in Makurdi, the state capital.

According to him, the attackers invaded the community on Wednesday at about 4:15 p.m. local time shooting indiscriminately at everything in sight and killing 46 people, Xinhua news agency reported.

Paul Hemba, special adviser on security to the state governor, also confirmed the latest attack and described the incident as "very tragic and painful".

"The causality figure, from what I was told, was 46. But the figure may be higher because some people are still reported missing," he told reporters on the phone.

Addressing journalists in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, Hyacinth Alia, state governor-elect, who tasked security agencies to find the killers, also sympathized with the families of the deceased and condoled with the entire community over the killing.

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"I am saddened over the killings, and I call on the government at all levels to be more proactive in addressing the security challenges in the state," he said.

Armed attacks have been a primary security threat in Nigeria's northern and central regions, leading to deaths and kidnappings in recent months.

--IANS

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China on Saturday began military exercises around Taiwan to test the capabilities of its forces to "seize control of the sea, air and information," days after a meeting between the US House Speaker and the President of the self-ruled island in defiance of repeated threats by Beijing.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province.

Beijing has not ruled out the possible use of force to reunify the self-ruled island with the mainland.

The Chinese military announced the start of three-day combat readiness patrols, asserting that it is testing the capabilities of its forces to seize control of the sea, air, and information.

The multi-day exercises coincided with the return of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to Taipei after her high-profile visit to the US earlier this week when she met US House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, a move denounced by Beijing.

China on Friday slapped sanctions on two American organisations that hosted Tsai besides Asia-based groups --The Prospect Foundation and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats -- for their involvement in promoting Taiwan's independence.

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China views any official exchanges between foreign governments and Taiwan as an infringement on Beijing's claims of sovereignty over the island.

The aggressive exercises were launched after French President Emmanuel Macron concluded his high-profile visit to China on Friday, during which he held wide-range talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, prodding him to use his friendship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Tsai's predecessor and pro-Beijing politician, Ma Ying-jeou, also returned to Taiwan on Friday, ending a 12-day trip to the Chinese mainland, where he sought to promote the one-China framework as the basis for improving cross-strait ties and holding talks.

The Chinese military's patrol and exercises are taking place in the maritime areas and airspace of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the island's east, said Shi Yi, a spokesperson for Eastern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

These operations serve as a stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence" and external forces and against their provocative activities, Shi said, adding the operations are necessary for safeguarding China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity



Video and images published by the state media showed that the exercise included a long-range rocket unit from the Eastern Theatre Command, destroyers, frigates, missile boats, fighter jets, bombers and electronic warfare planes.

The troops are conducting patrols surrounding and approaching the island to encircle it, according to state broadcaster CCTV, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post newspaper reported.

Taiwan's defence ministry said 42 sorties from PLA warplanes were detected, 29 of which crossed the median line an unofficial dividing line in the Taiwan Strait entering the island's southwest air defence identification zone.

It said that a total of eight warships were detected, the ministry said, adding the island's forces closely monitored and responded.

Hours before the PLA's announcement, the maritime safety administration in the south-eastern province of Fujian, just across the strait from Taiwan, announced live-fire military drills at two areas off its coast over several days.

The notice said drills would be held between 8 am and noon on Saturday off the coast of Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian.

It would be repeated at the same time on Tuesday, Thursday, and the following Saturday, as well as on April 17 and April 20, the Post report said.

In August last year, the Chinese military held similar drills around Taiwan and fired missiles over the self-ruled island when McCarthy's predecessor, Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan.
Senior officials from Nepal and China reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties in Beijing but failed to mention that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI) were also discussed.

In a statement issued by the Nepali side on Friday evening upon completion of the 15th meeting of the Bilateral Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism between the Foreign Ministries of Nepal and China, there was no mention of discussions about BRI and GSI.

Nepal and China had signed the BRI agreement some six years ago but it has failed to make any tangible progress.

Beijing recently came up with the new security architecture named GSI and is pushing Nepal to support it but Nepal has not responded yet.

Both sides took stock of the existing Nepal-China bilateral relations and cooperation and deliberated on the ways to further expanding and consolidating cooperation in various areas, including the exchange of bilateral visits; economic cooperation; promotion of trade, investment and tourism; building connectivity; and strengthening cooperation in the fields of agriculture, education, culture and people-to-people relations, among others, according to a statement issued by the Nepal Embassy in Beijing said.

The two sides discussed promoting people to people contacts and cultural cooperation, increasing the number of scholarships to Nepali students and professionals, capacity development of technical experts, among others.

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The meeting also reviewed the progress of different infrastructure development projects under China's grant assistance as well as Chinese-contracted projects and agreed to expedite the implementation of the projects so as to complete them in time.

With a view to reduce trade deficit, Nepal's Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal proposed for preferential treatment to Nepali primary products such as tea, coffee, herbal products, cooked buffalo meat, and other agricultural products.

The Chinese side agreed to encourage Chinese investors to make investments in mutually beneficial areas, according to the statement.

On the occasion, the two sides reviewed the cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral forums, including in the UN, and exchange of mutual support to each other's candidatures.

They also discussed the importance of implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the usefulness of the GDI to promote the SDG agenda.

Vice Foreign Minister of China Sun Weidong led the delegation from the Chinese side.

During the meeting, Paudyal appreciated the government of China for enlisting Nepal as one of the outbound destination countries for group tourism.

The Vice Minister of China admired Nepal's consistent adherence to one China policy and respect for the five principles of peaceful coexistence.

Paudyal appreciated the Chinese policy of non-interference and respect for Nepal's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence, reads the statement by the Nepali side.

--IANS

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Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday in a veiled warning to China said that pressure and obstacles will not let the island country stop engaging with the world, reported Taiwan News.

"The world had seen how the people stood even closer together when facing pressure and threats, and that being subject to pressure and obstacles did not stop Taiwan from conducting exchanges with the global community," she said.

Notably, Tsai returned from a 10-day trip which included a historic meeting with House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the United States and visits to allies Guatemala and Belize.

During a short address at Taoyuan International Airport, she said her trip had served to make the international community notice Taiwan, reported Taiwan News.

Tsai mentioned how three years of the COVID-19 pandemic had not affected cooperation with Taiwan's diplomatic allies, per UDN.

She mentioned how a hospital project in Guatemala had been completed during that period, while the living standards of people in Belize had improved.

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Tsai also mentioned the expressions of support for democracy she had received in person from the president of Guatemala, the governor-general of Belize, and members of the US Senate and House of Representatives.

She ended her news conference by thanking Taiwanese communities overseas, reported Taiwan News.

Earlier, McCarthy reaffirmed the strong partnership between Taiwan and the US, and their commitment to safeguarding regional stability, following their meeting in California on Wednesday, reported Taipei Times.

"I believe our bond is stronger now than at any time or point in my lifetime," McCarthy told a joint news conference with Tsai following a two-hour closed-door meeting at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

The meeting was also attended by a bipartisan group of US lawmakers. It was the first meeting between a Taiwanese president and a US House speaker on US soil, and the third since Washington severed formal diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979.

Tsai told the news conference that the presence of bipartisan lawmakers at the meeting and their unwavering support reassures the Taiwanese that "we are not isolated, and we are not alone," reported Taipei Times.

Taiwan's peace and democracy, which it has worked hard to build and maintain, are facing "unprecedented challenges," Tsai said.

Wednesday's meeting took place eight months after McCarthy's predecessor, then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, visited Taipei in August last year and met with Tsai at the Presidential Office.

Pelosi's visit was the first by a sitting US House speaker since a trip by Newt Gingrich in 1997. It prompted China to launch week-long large-scale military drills around Taiwan, and suspend the imports of dozens of Taiwanese agricultural and food products.

Beijing has raised objections to the meeting between Tsai and McCarthy.

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Mao Ning earlier this week told a news briefing that Beijing would "take resolute measures" to protect its national interests should the two meet, reported Taipei Times.
A Pakistani court on Saturday fixed April 12 as the date for the much-awaited hearing on the Toshakhana corruption case against ousted prime minister Imran Khan.

A five-member bench of the Lahore High Court headed by Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan will hear the plea, according to the Dawn newspaper.

The petition, filed through Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, pleads that the cognisance and exercise of jurisdiction by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) based on an alleged incorrect statement of assets and the subsequent disqualification was unlawful and contrary to the Constitution, the report said.

The court will resume the hearing on April 12 and allow both parties in the ongoing case to present their arguments, it said.

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Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova will pay a four-day visit to India from Sunday, the first official visit from the East European country since the Russian invasion began last year.

Dzhaparova will hold talks with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

It is expected that the Ukrainian deputy foreign minister may extend an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine.

The MEA announced Dzhaparova's visit to India in a statement on Saturday.

The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova will be on an official visit to India from April 9 to 12," it said.

It said Dzhaparova will hold talks with Verma, during which both sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations, exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest.

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Dzhaparova will also call on Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi and meet Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri.

Since the Ukraine conflict began in February last year, Prime Minister Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy a number of times.

In a phone conversation with President Zelenskyy on October 4 last year, Modi said there can be "no military solution" and that India is ready to contribute to any peace efforts.

India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.

The MEA said India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine.

"Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence," it said.

"The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests," it added.
Russian Federal Security Service investigators on Friday charged Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, however, he denied the charges, citing Russian state media, CNN reported.

"The FSB investigation charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country. He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia," an agency representative said, according to state news agency TASS.

Gershkovich was detained by Russian authorities last week, who accused him of spying, signalling a significant ratcheting of both Moscow's tensions with the United States and its campaign against foreign news media.

Gershkovich is the first American journalist detained in Russia on espionage charges since the end of the cold war.

Tass reported that FSB investigators had formally charged Gershkovich with carrying out espionage in the interests of the United States, but that Gershkovich had denied the charge.

"He categorically denied all the accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia," Tass cited an unidentified source as saying.

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The representative declined to comment further, as the journalist's case was marked "top secret," according to TASS.

A Moscow court on April 18 will hear an appeal filed by Gershkovich's lawyers against his arrest, Russian state media said citing the court. The correspondent is currently held in the notorious Leftereovo pre-detention center until May 29, reported CNN.

The arrest has been widely condemned by Western officials and the Journal vehemently denied the espionage charge against Gershkovich, describing his arrest "a vicious affront to a free press" which "should spur outrage in all free people and governments throughout the world."

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he urged Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to release Gershkovich immediately.

CNN reported on Tuesday that the Biden administration is preparing to officially declare Gershkovich as wrongfully detained in Russia, two US officials told CNN, a move that will trigger new US government resources to work towards his release.
Hitachi Cooling & Heating, a leading brand in the air conditioning industry in India, is guaranteeing its customers the best cooling system for their homes, Enjoy cool weather even in the peak summer, thanks to the companys cutting-edge technology and innovative features.This feature uses the FrostWash technology that automatically cleans the coil and removes dirt and bacteria. Hitachis FrostWash technology collects moisture in the room and forms dew on the heat exchanger. Frost is made evenly and captures dust for easier peeling. Dust is lifted from the heat exchanger fin as the water expands when its frozen. Then the frost starts to melt as per second process and drains with it the trapped molds, dust, bacteria etc., ensuring the air being circulated in the room is clean and healthy. The coil then dries up and becomes clean to offer fresh air again.- This feature is designed to adjust the cooling capacity of the AC unit depending on the heat load and users cooling requirement. Xpandable+ technology automatically adjusts the cooling capacity of the AC unit after certain outdoor ambient temperature and provides optimal cooling. This ensures that the AC unit consumes less energy, which can save on electricity bills.- This feature allows the AC unit to throw air to upto 24m*, ensuring even cooling across the room. This feature helps in creating surround cooling due to the bounce effect caused when the air throw strikes the wall. Hence, there is an even temperature maintained across the room providing consistent cooling and comfort- applicable in select models.- This feature is a smart home technology feature that allows the user to control the AC unit from anywhere using their smartphone. The airCloud Home app can be downloaded onto a smartphone, allowing the user to remotely control the AC unit, change the temperature, set the cooling preferences, enable voice command with Alexa or Google.
Paul Kagame Getty Images

We must fight denial because that's how history repeats itself, Paul Kagame says at event to commemorate 1994 genocide

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Rwandan President Paul Kagame urged the international community Friday to fight genocide denial, revisionism and hate speech which he said persists.

Kagame said genocide ideology and denial is a dangerous and deliberate attempt to block the truth.

From the beginning, we understood the need to cultivate and preserve the spirit of oneness to give us hope for a better future, he said in the nations capital of Kigali at an event to mark the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group.

We cannot, however, ignore the fact that things like violence and hate speech persist not far away from here, he said without identifying the location. Much as it does, so you can also see the same indifference today as we saw in 1994.

Kagames remarks were an apparent reference to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where Rwanda has expressed concern that Congolese ethnic Tutsis, Kinyarwanda-speaking people, are being targeted in ongoing fighting between government forces and M23 rebels.

The Congo accuses Rwanda of backing the rebels, a charge Rwanda has consistently denied.

Kigali also accuses Kinshasa of allying with Rwandan rebels of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), whose elements are accused of perpetrating the 1994 genocide.

We must fight revisionist ideologies because they are easily passed on from generation to generation. We must fight denial because that's how history repeats itself, said Kagame.

Rwandas National Unity Minister Jean Damascene Bizimana said that while the UN adopted April 7 as International Day of Reflection on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi -- to draw lessons and prevent another genocide, "this goal has not been achieved given the genocide ideology that is still rampant in the region.

The FDLR terrorist group, which unites the perpetrators of the genocide and those who support its ideology, has not been eradicated, he said.

Remembrance ceremonies were held nationwide to honor thousands killed in 100 days.

About 1 million people, mostly from the Tutsi community and moderate Hutus, were killed by Hutu extremists during the massacre.

The main event was held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where more than 250,000 victims are buried.

Kagame and first lady Jeannette Kagame attended the main event at the memorial where he led other dignitaries in paying respects to the victims.

Kagame lit the Flame of Remembrance at the memorial that will burn for 100 days as a symbol of hope.

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres urged the international community to take action to prevent similar atrocities from happening again.

We remember with shame the failure of the international community. The generation since genocide, we must never forget what happened and ensure future generations always remember, he said in a message.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell commended Rwanda and its people for their determination to "stand up from the ashes to rebuild the country and reconcile."

James Tasamba/AA
Easter is a Religious holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ's resurrection. This year's holiday, which falls on April 9, will be observed all around the world. The New Testament of the Bible states that Easter takes place three days after the Romans crucified Jesus. Easter marks the end of the "Passion of Christ," which started with Lent, a 40-day fast, and ended with Holy Week.

The New Testament of the Bible tells the narrative of Easter, detailing how Jesus was detained by Roman authorities for claiming to be the "Son of God." Pontius Pilate, the Roman emperor, then ordered his execution by crucifixion. Easter is celebrated as a result of his resurrection three days later. The Jewish holiday of Passover is also intimately related to this day.

Easter's History

Easter is a 2,000-year-old Christian celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection and the start of spring. Easter is one of the most significant Christian celebrations of the year for Christians all around the world, but for many, the occasion is all about chocolate bunnies, coloured eggs, and bouquets of daffodils and lilies.

The Old Testament's depiction of the Jewish exodus from Egypt and the Jewish celebration of Passover are both strongly connected to Easter. These events are also connected to the Last Supper, which occurred the night before Jesus was arrested.

Palm Sunday is the name of the Sunday prior to Easter. It honours and celebrates the occasion when Jesus' followers laid palm branches at his feet to welcome him and show their respect for him on the day he arrived in Jerusalem. The night of Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday, is when many churches start their Easter celebrations. The Easter Vigil is the name of this religious observance.

The start of the Easter ceremonies, in the Eastern Orthodox Church, is the Great Lent, which starts on Clean Monday, 40 days before Easter. The 40 days, which do not include Sundays, are a period for fasting, repentance, and remembering the biblical incidents that led up to Jesus Christ's persecution, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Holy Week, which ends with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter, is the concluding week.

Christians around the world observe Easter in a variety of ways, including the baptismal ceremony and traditional liturgy observed by Catholics on Holy Saturday night, or the daybreak celebrations on Easter Sunday that Protestants choose. Members of the Orthodox faith also fervently celebrate Easter, but because they use the Julian calendar, their date for the holiday is 13 days later than that of the Catholics.

To celebrate the arrival of spring, several pagan holidays have been incorporated into Easter over time. Some comparatively contemporary customs include the appearance of the Easter bunny, a springtime character who brings colourful eggs that stand in for fresh life.

Although the Easter bunny's origins are up for debate, most people assume that they originated in Germany. In either case, the kids eagerly await his coming, and the Easter holiday has developed to include activities like community Easter egg hunts, candy consumption, and egg decorating.

Easter Timeline

4 B.C.-Birth of Jesus-Most scholars agree that Jesus was born somewhere between the years 6 and 4 B.C.

28 A.D.-Ministry of Jesus-After being baptised by John, Jesus begins preaching in Galilee and recruits his disciples.

30-33 A.D.-Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus-Sentenced by Pontius Pilate, Jesus is crucified outside Jerusalem's city walls, and rises from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.

325 A.D.-The Council Has Spoken-The First Council of Nicaea, organised by Roman Emperor Constantine I, decrees that Easter will be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.

18th century-Enter, the Easter Bunny-German immigrants introduce the Easter bunny tradition to the United States.

1878-Easter Eggs on a Roll-President Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife host the first annual Easter egg roll on the White House lawn.

Do you know?

Easter Eggs are also known as hidden messages or pop culture references found in films, video games, and other forms of media. This is so that Easter eggs can emulate the tradition of the festival's egg hunt. They could be photos, characters, or hidden messages.

It's like a small secret that the software developers or directors wish to reveal while maintaining their discretion. Finding these Easter eggs is a pleasant and interesting exercise because it usually tells more about the character or the story.

Celebrations

The Sunday before Easter, known as Palm Sunday, commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and is a festive festival. A religious service known as the Easter Vigil kicks off the celebrations in the wee hours of Saturday for various denominations.

Easter eggs, which stand for fertility and birth, and the Easter bunny, who gives children candy and chocolates on Sunday morning, are examples of nonreligious festivals.

Holiday eggs

Easter gift exchanges frequently involve brightly painted eggs with candy inside or eggs filled with chocolate. As Easter celebrations begin following a 40-day lent season, people often decide to relax their spending restrictions and indulge during this weekend. Non-religious Easter customs might include egg-rolling and egg-decorating games as well as treasure hunts like the hunt for Easter eggs.

Christian Easter customs

It made sense for the early Christians to celebrate Jesus' resurrection with the well-known spring festival while they were compiling their calendar of holy days. Thus, Jesus Christ is the main focus of the holiday's religious history rather than the pagan goddess Eostre. Jewish authorities started to turn against the well-known Jewish preacher when he declared himself to be the long-awaited messiah and the son of God.

He was also considered a potential political issue by the Romans. Jewish officials tried Jesus for blasphemy, found him guilty, and then executed him. Jesus was crucified, or killed by being affixed on a cross while wearing a crown of thorns, as the Roman governor had commanded. His body was then dressed and placed in a tomb made of stone. According to Christian belief, he was miraculously raised from the dead three days later and went back to see his disciples.

Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, Lent (the practise of forgoing something you enjoy for 40 days in remembrance of Jesus' 40-day fast in the wilderness), Palm Sunday (the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was hailed as the Messiah), and Good Friday all serve as preludes to Easter (the day Jesus was crucified).

Filling empty eggs and baking hot cross buns are customs that represent Christ's death on the cross and ascension from the grave. Seeing Easter movies like The Passion of the Christ and hearing performances of Handel's Messiah are two more customs based on the Christian narrative.
Seven-seaters are all about practicality. For the Filipino family, it has to be safe, reliable, but most of all, offers comfort and joy with...
Photo: File photo - Colin Dacre

Heavy rain is expected in parts of southern B.C. through the long weekend, including the Interior.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement early Saturday morning, warning of heavy rain in a number of Interior regions, including Boundary, West Kootenay, Arrow Lakes - Slocan Lake, Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass and the Elk Valley.

The rain is expected to begin falling Sunday night and carry through to Monday, with up 50 mm expected.

A frontal system will approach Sunday night and then stall over the area on Monday. This system will bring a prolonged period of rain which will ease Monday night, Environment Canada says.

Freezing levels will rise to between 2,000 and 2,500 metres. Rainfall, along with melting snow, may result in pooling water or minor flooding in low-lying areas.

A previous weather statement was issued for the Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island regions Friday, where heavy rain is also forecast to fall through to Sunday evening.

In the Okanagan, a mix of sun and clouds is forecast Saturday, before showers beginning Sunday afternoon.
Chino, CA (91710)

Today

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 77F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds overnight. Low 53F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
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A woman on W. Bell Avenue told police her mother has had issues with her ex-boyfriend. The daughter said they think the man has put a tracker in her mothers vehicle. The daughter wanted a report made.

* * *

A woman on Pembrook Lane told police her car was struck in an apartment parking lot by a nearby parked vehicle on a previous evening. Her GMC Acadia had damage to the driver door but the Honda CRV she claimed to have struck her had no damage consistent with a motor vehicle collision. The incident was documented as an unknown, accidental property damage as the suspect vehicle does not have damage.

* * *

An employee of Mapco at 4600 Highway 58 told police there was a shirtless man inside the store causing a disorder and wanted him trespassed. Police attempted to speak to the man but he refused to cooperate. After obtaining the mans ID, police were able to identify him and he said he was trying go home. The man said he lived with his grandmother, but kept giving police a phone number when asked to provide her address. Police called the phone multiple times and each call went to voicemail. A friend of the mans was walking by at the time and said he would give him a ride to his grandmothers. Police verbally trespassed the man from the Mapco.

* * *

A woman on W. 37th Street told police a few years ago she ran into an old school friend only known as David and started hanging out with him. After a while the woman found out David had a wife and she refused to see him. The woman said while outside of her apartment, she saw David riding in a car with another woman. The woman became nervous and called the police. She said they didnt talk to each other but she feels he was looking for her. She described David as having dreads but wasnt able to provide any further details since he was sitting in the passenger side of the vehicle. An officer searched the area but was unable to find the man and woman in the area. The residence was placed on the watch list for one week.

* * *

Police were called to Walgreens at 110 N. Market St. where two people were arguing over $20 that they each said was theirs. Both just wanted the other person to leave them alone. They agreed to split the money and take $10 each and then went their separate ways.

* * *

A woman at Ace Hardware at 2700 Broad St. told police she went inside the store and when she returned a few minutes later she saw her rear passenger bumper had sustained damage and was hanging off. She was able to drive the vehicle home. She believes the damage will exceed $1,000.

* * *

A woman on Cleveland Avenue called police because her sons would not talk to her because she was an alcoholic. She just wanted someone to talk to. Police gave her a phone number she could call instead of calling the police.

* * *

A husband and wife in apartments on Brainerd Road were arguing. The wife wanted the husband to leave. Police took him to his cousins house, somewhere off of 12th Avenue, but the man wasnt exactly sure where it was.

* * *

An officer was assisting another officer with a stolen vehicle report at Mary Walker Towers, 2501 Market St., and saw a red Jeep matching a vehicle description being reported in another case. The officer ran the tag and found the Jeep was reported stolen out of Walker County. The officer notified NCIC who confirmed the vehicle was stolen. Shackleford Towing arrived to retrieve the vehicle. Walker County was notified and will contact the owner. The Jeep was removed from NCIC.

* * *

A man on Clio Avenue told police there was a suspicious man in his and his neighbors yards. The suspect told police he was at the gas station and a couple people asked him for money. He said when the gas station closed, he walked out and walked down the street and the people started to follow him in their car. The suspect said he then ran to Clio Avenue and hid on the mans porch and on his neighbors porch. The man and his neighbor didnt want the suspect on their properties. Police offered to take the suspect somewhere and he said he wanted to go to 11th Street and so police transported him.
A Bradley County man was shot in the leg on Friday morning.

Around 9 a.m., the Bradley County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported shooting on Hannah Road NW.

They found Robert Bishop, who had been shot in the leg. He was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Javonte McKnight was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated assault. He was being held at the Bradley County Jail without bond.
Eric Dale Eubanks was born on March 3, 1962, and died on April 5, 2023.

He is survived by his parents, Aubert Dale Eubanks and Agatha (Puggy) Burkett Eubanks.

Eric passed away after battling ALS (Lou Gehrig's) disease since August, and his case progressed very rapidly.

Eric was an outstanding young man and student and attended the University of Tennessee in the Honors program and did very well. He majored in Theatre and Speech. He played the lead role in several plays and always got great reviews.

He did many jobs such as dinner theatres, mentoring at children's theater as well as other types of entertaining. His work career had to be built around his acting jobs and he worked at book stores around Atlanta, and later worked as an administrative assistant at Kennesaw State University for a time. Around 2003, he moved to Chattanooga from Atlanta.

Services have not yet been planned.

Donations in his memory should go to a group that does so much for people with ALS.

Team Gleason Foundation

PO BOX 24493

New Orleans, LA 70184

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, 423 531-3975.
Leaders from the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition on Friday celebrated a $500,000 grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. The funds received by the Homeless Coalition will be distributed to local landlords who are referred by the Eviction Prevention Initiative to recuperate lost rent.

EPI was launched in 2020 and provides families facing eviction with attorneys and social workers who can help them avoid displacement. Local and national data strongly indicates that access to counsel and case management can prevent one of the root causes of homelessness.

Landlords must be referred by tenants who are working with EPI in order to qualify for these rent relief funds.

A crucial component in a communitys work to end homelessness must be the shift in systemic perspective from being responsive to proactive to reduce inflow into homelessness, says Mike Smith, executive director of CRHC. This partnership between CRHC and the Eviction Prevention Initiative will be paramount in making chronic homelessness in our community rare, brief, and non-recurring.

This is an important win for our community, says Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga President Maeghan Jones. We started the Eviction Prevention Initiative with a host of community partners at the height of the pandemic to help keep families in their homes and avoid becoming homeless. Today, the pressure on our housing sector is only getting more intense, and as rents and the cost of living go up, people on the margins have to struggle harder to make ends meet. EPI is a critical component of our communitys larger effort to end chronic homelessness, and on behalf our partners at Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Habitat For Humanity of Greater Chattanooga, and the City of Chattanooga, we are grateful for THDAs timely investment.

This investment in EPI will help stabilize vulnerable families in our community, while providing landlords with access to the rental income they are rightfully owed, says THDA Chairman and Chattanooga business leader Matt McGauley. EPI is not only fully aligned with THDAs mission, its another example of how good Chattanoogans are at collaborating quickly in times of crisis. This initiative has proven to be highly efficient and cost-effective, and it is entirely deserving of THDAs support."

Tenants facing eviction can learn more about how to access these funds by calling the Eviction Prevention Initiative at 710-9432 or rent423.com.
The Amazing Race has become a global phenomenon over the past two decades. The long-running CBS reality competition show takes teams of two in a race around the world for a $1 million prize. Season 1 of the show aired back in 2001, and friends Rob Frisbee and Brennan Swain took home the grand prize. Today, their legacy is strong over two decades later.

Rob Frisbee and Brennan Swain | Tony Esparza/CBS via Getty Images

The Amazing Race season 1 aired in 2001

Season 1 of The Amazing Race was filmed back in the spring of 2001. New Zealand TV personality Phil Keoghan took on duties of hosting the show, and since then, hes become as central a figure to the show as the Detours, Roadblocks, and Pit Stops themselves.

The first episode of the show premiered on September 5, 2001 with the teams taking off from New York City. Less than a week later, the September 11 terrorist attacks brought the city and the world to a standstill, and threatened to take The Amazing Race off the air for good after just one episode. After constant news coverage, the show returned two weeks later.

I was surprised that we stayed on the air [after] what happened on September 11, Keoghan admitted in a 2021 oral history of the shows first season for Reality Blurred. I thought that was the end of it. I really did. Who the hell cares about a show where people are racing around the world after weve just been attacked and all these people died?

In the end, friends and lawyers Rob Frisbee and Brennan Swain crossed the finish line in New York City first, taking home the $1 million prize.

Rob Frisbee & Brennan Swain won season 1 of The Amazing Race

Swain reflected on their victory two decades later with a touching Instagram post in April 2021.

20 years ago today, April 8, 2001, on a chilly NYC morning Rob Frisbee and I crossed the finish line as the winners of the The Amazing Race in Flushing Meadows Park! he wrote. 20 years later I can look back and realize what a life changing experience it was. Sure, being on TV was great. But, it was the actual race and travel that affected me on a greater level. I made lifelong friends with many of the other racers on my season (Kevin OConnor), other seasons of TAR (Alexander Boylan) and other CBS reality shows such as Survivor (Burton Roberts) and Big Brother (Jeff Schroeder and Jordan Lloyd). Ive been able to use my small dose of celebrity to raise money for many great charities and Ive been able to continue to travel the world and visit over 40 countries. Its difficult to put into words how lucky I was to be a part of that first cast.



20 years later Im still best of friends with Rob and was honored with being the best man at his wedding and godfather of his son, Max, he added. What a ride it has been!!

Rob Frisbee and Brennan Swain today

Swain hails from Rochester, New York while Frisbee is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They became friends while working at the same law firm in Los Angeles.

Today, Swain works at a law firm in Los Angeles and is an avid investor in NFTs. Frisbee, meanwhile, is an attorney in the City of Angels and writes for TV and film. They remain good friends to this day.
Gunsmoke actor James Arness brought joy to audiences around the world with his portrayal of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon. However, he was also a bright beam of light for the cast and crew that worked with him for many hours. In fact, many of them became like a family away from home. Arness made a point of making the same familiar faces feel special while filming the made-for-TV Gunsmoke movies.

James Arness returned for 5 Gunsmoke movies

L-R: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Amy Stoch as Beth Readon | CBS via Getty Images

Arness was one of the original Gunsmoke cast members, which also included Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode. They started working together from the very first episode that aired in 1955 based on the radio show until its final episode hit television screens in 1975. CBS suddenly canceled the show, which even surprised the cast and crew involved in the production.

Fortunately, that sour note didnt define the conclusion of Gunsmoke forever. Arness returned to star in five made-for-TV movies, which started with Return to Dodge. It was followed up by The Last Apache, To the Last Man, The Long Ride, and One Mans Justice.

James Arness made every Gunsmoke actor feel special

Gunsmoke, "starring James Arness as Matt Dillion," premiered on this day in 1955. pic.twitter.com/KiRCCNoKy3  DoYouRemember? (@DoYouRemember) September 10, 2020

Actor Amy Stoch played Beth Dillon, Matts daughter. In an interview with the TV Confidential podcast, she talked about what it was like working with Arness on the Gunsmoke movies. He was known for the kindness that he exuded during the television production, but he never lost that special touch that set the tone for the set. Stoch recalled how Arness interacted with every familiar face that worked on the original show.

They brought back a lot of the character actors from the original series on to these movies of the week, and every time he would see someone he used to work with, Oh, go up, hug them, Hi,' Stoch said. Theyd joke and it was a lot of fun to watch these people and their relationships.

Stoch was a new addition to the world of Gunsmoke, but she admired having the opportunity to work alongside Arness. She had the opportunity to step behind the camera, learning a whole lot more about the production process.

Amanda Blake also returned for Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge

If there's one true thing in the world, it's this  Nobody pulls on our ol' heartstrings like Matt and Kitty. 



Gunsmoke: Return To Dodge, today at 3p ET. pic.twitter.com/y4pqYEvzAq  INSP (@insp_tv) October 7, 2022

Gunsmoke fans were delighted to see Arness return as Matt, but there was another addition that brought a glimmer of hope into their eyes. Blake returned for the first made-for-TV movie, Return to Dodge, bringing Miss Kitty back one last time. Unfortunately, she didnt return for the four remaining films that closed out the franchise.

Blake originally quit after season 19, almost lasting the entire 20 seasons. At the time, the story was because of the long commute that she had to endure traveling from her home in Phoenix, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California, to film Gunsmoke. However, more recent reports indicated that Blake wasnt getting along with the shows producer and had no choice but to leave the show behind and pursue other opportunities.
TLCs Little People, Big World Season 24 showed Zach and Matt Roloffs estrangement. Zach and Tori Roloff hoped to buy some of Roloff Farms, but they couldnt meet Matts asking price. The couple moved out of Oregon and to Washington, and they arent nearly as close with Matt and Caryn Chandler as they once were. Recently, Tori took her children to a different farm for Easter festivities.

How much did Zach and Tori Roloff offer for Roloff Farms?

Tori Roloff from Little People, Big World | TLC via YouTube

Zach and Tori Roloff hoped to own some of Roloff Farms, as seen in Little People, Big World Season 23 and 24. Unfortunately, they couldnt afford Matt Roloffs asking price.

Its unclear exactly how much Matt wanted for Roloff Farms for his kids. He was selling 16 acres to the public for $4 million, and he mentioned he would give up Roloff Farms property for half-off to his kids. With this in mind, its likely Matt offered Zach 16 acres of property for $2 million.

As for what Zach offered Matt, thats also unclear. Zach never gave any numbers on the show. But he did mention he offered Matt around what Amy Roloff sold her half of Roloff Farms for. Amy likely sold her half for about $1.6 million.

I had a starting point and it was based on what my dad bought my mom out for, Zach said. This amount was very high.

Unfortunately, Zachs very high offer still wasnt good enough for Matt, and he left the deal empty-handed.

Tori Roloff took her kids to a different farm for Easter festivities

Despite everything that happened regarding Roloff Farms in Little People, Big World Season 24, Tori Roloff remains very active on social media. She shares photos and videos of life with her three kids while living in Washington. On April 2, 2023, she shared snippets on Instagram of Jackson and Lilah Roloff participating in Easter festivities at Lee Farms. The clips show the kids collecting plastic eggs in baskets and standing beside the Easter Bunny.

Thankful for spring in Oregon, Tori captioned the post. I promise Lilah loved it. She just has the same resting face as me: determined. Lol.

Tori traveled from her home state to head to the Oregon farm. And Lees Farm is just 30 minutes from Roloff Farms. Instead of heading to Roloff Farms so the kids could spend time with Matt Roloff and Caryn Chandler, Tori opted to steer clear of her father-in-law.

Is Little People, Big World canceled? Zach Roloffs wife might not return either way

TLC hasnt announced if Little People, Big World will continue with season 25. However, Amy Roloff gave a clue that filming is underway. She told her Instagram followers that filming is happening, though TLC still hasnt given the show the green light.

With that said, Tori Roloff left an ambiguous Instagram post on March 31, 2023, that may point to her exit. There are a lot of big changes on the horizon for Zach and I and our family, she posted. Im really looking forward to all the new things that we get to do together while also saying goodbye to things weve done forever!

This could mean Little People, Big World isnt returning, or it could mean the show will continue without Tori. It could also mean something totally different. Fans will have to wait and find out.

For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheets YouTube channel.
Meghan Markle Only Interested in Truth When It Makes Her Look Good, Royal Expert Claims

One royal expert claims Meghan Markle is intent on supporting the truth  but only if it serves her. The expert explained, she wants truth to be something which makes her look good.

Meghan Markle | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Writer claims Meghan Markle has a warped reality

Vanity Fair writer Vanessa Grigoriadis commented about Meghans desire to tell her truth during an appearance on Andrew Golds podcast On the Edge.

She has this warped reality and then she marshals evidence underneath it to support a thesis that may not be the case, Grigoriadis said.

The writer said Meghan is a striver who wanted to be a household name to rise above her familys shaggy-dog-tale.

Grigoriadis also said she spoke with Meghans acquaintances who said she is friendly but not someone you can be friends with.

The writer added, She was desperate for the press to be interested in her.

Royal expert says Meghan wants truth to be something which makes her look good

News Corp columnist Louise Roberts shared her opinion on Grigoriadis claims about Meghan, telling Sky News Australia, The problem for this, of course, is Meghan is all about the truth. And the truth for the rest of us is sort of facts and data and pretty much stuff that can be proven by a number of sources.

She continued, But of course Meghan wants truth to be something which makes her look good, or if it doesnt make her look good, then its something she can attach her victimhood status to.

Roberts added, Its very interesting that journalists and people who have been in her world or have looked at her life are questioning how she interprets events or how she recollects events  you know, her actual truth.

She also discussed Meghans latest accomplishment, receiving the 2023 Women of Vision award for her global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls.

Roberts found the honor interesting, given Meghans feelings about the media. I find that someone whos been very critical of the media of course, is now winning awards for being basically a media host, a podcast host, she explained.

The columnist added, Itll be interesting to see I guess Spotify will be pleased that the significant investment theyve made in Harry and Meghan is now reaping some return.

Prince Harry and Meghans popularity has taken a big dive

During an April 2 interview with Sky News Australia, the Daily Mirrors Associate Editor Russell Myer shared his thoughts on King Charles coronation and recent issues relating to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Myers shared how Harry and Meghans popularity has fallen dramatically in the UK and the United States.

Its fallen quite considerably, Myers said. I mean, Harry was the absolute darling of the royal family for some many years  hugely respected.

The constant talking they have done, according to Myers, with their many claims about the royal family, hasnt done them any favors as they have now been shown in a different light.
Vanderpump Rules stars Scheana Shay and Brock Davies wedding is shown on season 10 of the Bravo show, but when did they get married? Heres what we know about the timeline and other details surrounding Shay and Davies special day.

Brock Davies and Scheana Shay | Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

Vanderpump Rules stars Scheana Shay and Brock Davies got engaged in July 2021

Brock Davies and Scheana Shay got engaged at their Los Angeles home in July 2021. The Australian athlete decorated their balcony with rose petals and a white and gold balloon arch to set the scene for a romantic proposal.

I knew it was coming soon, but I didnt know how or when. I was so surprised! Shay told People. Brock knows me so well and knew exactly how to do what I would want.

Davies proposed with a 12.74-carat rectangular cushion-cut rare pink morganite ring designed by Kyle Chan. The 14-karat white gold band featured 12 diamonds. Scheana and I have talked openly about what we want in life, all the way down to the ring, said Davies.

Scheana Shay and Brock Davies got married in Mexico on August 23, 2022

Following their July 2021 engagement, Scheana Shay and Brock Davies got married on Aug. 23, 2022, at the Dreams Natura Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico. Shay included Vanderpump Rules cast members Ariana Madix and Raquel Leviss in her bridal party, while Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz served as groomsmen. Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright, and Kristen Doute were among the guests.

Davies and Shays daughter, Summer Moon, was born in April 2021. The couple prepared their one-year-old flower girl to throw petals as she walked but told People she would be adorable no matter what.

Some of Davies relatives, including his two sisters Nicole and Eleana, came all the way from Australia to watch the Bravo stars exchange vows. I just wanted as much of Brocks family and friends to be able to be here because, although this is the second marriage for us both, this is his first wedding, Shay explained. For me it was just really important to make this as special as possible for him and his family.

She continued, The fact that that many people came on vacation with us is so cool. I feel like its a small wedding in scale, but its big for a destination. I want this special moment. Brock deserves this. We deserve this.

The Vanderpump Rules stars have both been married before

Scheana Shay and Brock Davies Mexico wedding wasnt either of the Vanderpump Rules cast members first marriage. Bravo fans saw Shay marry Mike Shay in season 3 at their July 2014 wedding.

There were a lot of things from the beginning of our marriage that kind of tainted the whole relationship, Shay told Told E! News. Three months in I found out he had a pill problem. Right before our one-year anniversary, I saw some inappropriate text messages. Then, fast forward to our second anniversary, and Im just trying to pretend like everythings fine, because in my mind, were married  for better or for worse.

Vanderpump Rules fans also saw Shay ask her then-husband for a divorce on camera, which was finalized in 2017.

Davies has two children from his previous marriage. Eli and Winter live with their mother in Australia.
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Easter is a religious event celebrated by Christians worldwide to commemorate the rose to the life of Jesus Christ. Following the observance of Lent is the celebration of Easter Egg Sunday. Many different traditions are practiced during this event, including egg hunting and lighting candles.

Symbol of Easter Egg for Christians

In their traditional form, Easter eggs are meant to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the new life Christians receive through him. For this reason, they are also known as the eggs of resurrection.

According to the Master's Hand Collection, the boiling represents Jesus' tomb being sealed off after being used to hold his body. And the breaking of the egg is meant to represent the triumphant bursting forth of Jesus' return after he was put to death.

Through His strength, He overcame death and rose from the dead after being buried. Because Christ was able to rise from death, people have the opportunity to have their sins forgiven and the assurance that they will spend eternity in heaven with Him. As mentioned, Jesus is the one who gives life. He has made it possible for those who believe in Him to have a new beginning in life.

As per Reader's Digest, to prepare for Easter, several holy festivities occur in the weeks leading up to it, such as Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday, and Good Friday. During the Christian holiday of Easter, customs such as making hot cross buns and stuffing empty eggs with candy represent Christ's crucifixion on the cross and resurrection from the tomb. Listening to performances of Handel's Messiah and watching Easter movies like "The Passion of the Christ" are two other customs based on the Christian story and observed during Easter.

Also Read: City Blasted For Removing 'Easter' From Egg Hunt Promos

Tradition of Christians During Easter Sunday

Why Easter stated that Easter Sunday services typically begin around midnight on Easter Saturday in many Christian churches. The Easter Day Midnight celebrations are traditionally kicked off with the lighting of candles in churches worldwide. Christians sometimes burn candles on Easter to remind themselves that Jesus is the world's light and that when he resurrected from the dead on Easter Sunday, he triumphed over death and the power of evil.

There are particular churches where the service does not begin until after dark. After then, twelve candles are lit, and those candles are carried around the rest of the cathedral to light the other candles. Upon lighting each candle, the priest announces, "Christ is Risen!" to which the congregation responds, "He is Risen Truly!" In Greece, the beginning of the service will frequently begin with pyrotechnics.

Every Easter, churches are decorated with beautiful bouquets. They signify the beginning of a new life. In honor of the occasion, priests don their finest and most vibrant robes. On Easter morning, if a church has a model of the tomb that was there on Good Friday, it will be empty with the stone removed, just as it was the first time Easter was observed.

Moreover, although Easter Day marks the conclusion of Lent, it also marks the conclusion of fasting for some individuals. A vast Mass or Communion ceremony is held in Italy each week by the Pope at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. It is a destination for Easter Sunday celebrations for thousands of people from all over the world.

Many Christians also attend sunrise services, which are held very early in the morning to mark the beginning of Easter Day. Easter eggs are typically distributed to children on Easter Day.

Related Article:Easter Egg Hunt Ideas: Christian Traditions During Easter Sunday
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In renewing one's mind, repenting and using Bible prayers is important. God affects transformation in us through the process of repentance. It enlightens us about the wrongful acts we've been committing.

According to Life Hope and Truth, "repentance" comes from the Greek word, which means "to transform one's way of life as the result of a total change of mind and attitude with respect to sin and righteousness."

It involves examining something you did in the past, discovering that what you did was unrighteous because it violated God's commandments, and concluding that you need to modify your behavior to improve. The Center for Church Renewal provided different Bible prayers to help people to renew their minds.

1. Prayer To Be Made New (Ephesians 4:22-24)

The explanation of the gospel that the Apostle Paul provided earlier in this letter serves as the basis for his appeal to his followers to demonstrate their Christian faith in their daily lives. Being "made new" or rejuvenated is an action that can be thought of as having both an active and a passive component. While God is making us new, we must do our part by casting off our former selves.

2. Prayer for Freedom (Romans 12:2)

There is a lot of pressure on people today, especially young people, to live the same way as the culture around them. The most important thing is to follow in the footsteps of one's culture and succeed in the wider world. The verse from Leviticus 19:2 that says, "Be holy, since I am holy", comes to mind. It continually works to renew our thinking because the Holy Spirit knows that this path leads to change.

3. Prayer for Freedom (Romans 12:2)

After experiencing a severe lapse in moral judgment, David penned this prayer. This is a profound and sincere prayer for forgiveness, renewal, and restoration. We return to it frequently throughout worship, in confessional prayers and in songs of adoration.

4. Prayer For Strength (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Paul is discussing our daily struggles. He's referring to Christ's resurrection power so we can endure. Our souls are being rejuvenated even though our churches are failing or we are aging. Yet, despite our aging bodies, we are still healthy inside.

5. Prayer Of Gratitude (Psalm 103:1-5)

This remarkable sacred song written by David describes the history of salvation and directs our attention to the Creator, whom Jesus would later refer to as "Abba." This is a reminder to reflect on the individual and collective ways God rescued His people. The redemption that God gives has delivered our lives from many different kinds of impasses and has fulfilled our most profound yearnings. If you would like to adore him through song, Rivers & Robots' song "Satisfy" is a good choice for you to listen to.

Also Read:Biblical Prayers Could Be Banned In The UK Should Lawmakers Succeed In Pro-LGBT Strategy

Significance of Renewing Your Mind

As per the Banner of Truth, when Christians stay in this world for a more extended period, they gain a greater awareness of the impact of the words and thoughts they choose to speak and think. We sometimes need to realize how much of a crucial part the believer's mind plays. According to the scriptures, a person is the same as the thoughts that go through his head. As time passes, we realize that the fight in the Christian life is truly a fight to have one's mind refreshed and dominated by the truth God has revealed. The way a person "thinketh" in their heart is the way that they are and the way that they will continue to be. As stated by the Mount Bethel Ministries, when we renew our minds, we experience personal development. We get to understand things from God's perspective, which causes a shift in the way we react to the circumstances and people in our environment; as a result, we mature.

Related Article:What We Can Learn From Peter in the Bible
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One of the many common misunderstandings regarding Catholic traditions is the belief that Catholics worship images of saints and other holy figures. Some individuals mistakenly believe Catholics worship statues when they just respect these sculptures.

Religious Statues in Catholic Church

As per Catholic Answers, the argument that Catholics disobey God's commandments by including statues in their places of worship is a claim many keep bringing up.

When people are engaged in the sin of idolatry, it is appropriate to caution them against the consequences of their actions. Yet, labeling Catholics as idolaters since their churches contain statues of Christ and the saints is based on either a misunderstanding or ignorance of what the Bible says about the function of figures and the ways they can be used, both for good and for evil.

Although God forbidden people to worship statues, he did not prohibit the usage of figures in religious settings. Instead, he mandated their application in various religious settings and contexts.

According to BBC, as Catholics pray, they often reflect on the life of Jesus and ask Mary to intercede on their behalf before God. One tool they may employ is the rosary. While one prays, there is always the possibility that their mind will wander, and the rosary can help keep them focused on what they are saying.

Statues of Mary and other saints can frequently be found within churches. Catholics do not worship Mary and the saints; instead, Catholics ask Mary and the saints to pray to God on their behalf. It is referred to as making an intercession.

A person's mind can be helped to focus on a particular area of prayer or worship using statues. One way to help us remember Jesus's sacrifice is to look at his sculpture hanging from the cross. In addition, the figures provide a visual aid for the worshipper.

Also Read:Holy Family Roman Catholic Church's Angel Statue Destroyed By Teenagers

Other Misconceptions in Catholic Church

There are a lot of misconceptions in the Catholic Church. One of them is that Catholics reportedly believe works save people. According to Equipping Godly Woman, the Catholic Church does not preach that individuals are protected due to their deeds. The Catechism of the Catholic Church expressly disallows this particular concept.

Instead, the Catholic Church effectively preaches that "if you call yourself a Christian but you don't live like it, maybe you're not a Christian after all." Moreover, it was stated that "God saves you through faith, but it's a living faith that naturally produces good works."

On the other hand, it is also believed that the Church is against sex. The Catholic Voices stated that the Church does not have an anti-sexuality stance. When God blesses the sexuality of humans on the sixth day of creation in Genesis 1:28, when he says: "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it." this message confirms that having sexual relations is a positive experience. Furthermore, the Book of Songs is replete with descriptions of the pleasures of sexual encounters between a man and his wife. These descriptions serve to illustrate and reflect the love that Christ has for His Church.

Related Article:'Eucharistic Miracle' During Communion at St. Thomas Catholic Church As Hosts Duplicated in Ciborium
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The celebration of the Holy Thursday came as pope Honors this holy day by following a tradition of washing the feet of 12 young people.

Pope Francis has decided to hold the mass of the Lord's Supper with the washing of feet ritual in a penitentiary institute. The pope has chosen to visit the Casal del Marmo confinement for minors located on the outskirts of Rome.

The Tradition of Washing of Feet of 12 People Performed by the Pope

The gesture of washing of the feet symbolizes the pope's solidarity with these young inmates. It becomes a sign of acceptance for them as they are being rejected and abandoned by society for what they have done to become imprisoned. According to Vatican News, Father Raffaele Grimaldi has expressed his affection for the pope's closeness to those people who are rejected and dubbed as the "problem" of society, such as criminals.

He added that Pope Francis' visit to the facility after a ten-year absence demonstrates his extraordinary compassion for the prisoners and reflects his desire to encourage society, institutions, and policymakers to prioritize social integration, education, and positive role models. Fr. Grimaldi hopes that everyone should make these gestures of the pope as an inspiration, welcoming everyone despite what the person is.

Cleveland 19 reported that Pope Francis compared the foot-washing ritual to the one Jesus performed during the Last Supper before his crucifixion. The pope stressed that Jesus washed the feet of all of his apostles, knowing what they were vulnerable from. Of the 12 prisoners, some are minors, while the others became adults serving their sentences.

They included a Muslim from Senegal and people from Romania, Russia, and Croatia. According to the pope, foot washing is more than simply folklore; it also symbolizes how people should interact with one another. He voiced his sadness at society's current state, characterized by injustice and unpleasant things. He also stated that anyone could fall from grace and that washing one's feet represents the honor of being a sinner. He urged people to assist one another and improve life.

Also Read: Exploring the Spiritual Significance of Fasting During Ramadan, Lent, and Other Holy Days

Acceptance and Solidarity Among the Rejected

The pope reminded the inmates that every people could be tempted and fall victim to society's bad influences, and with the help of the grace of God, we can be redirected to the right path. In the article in CBCP News, Francis has made it a tradition to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass with the imprisoned, and his very first mass appointed as the pope was at Casal del Marmo prison. The juvenile detention center harbors almost 50 young people from different races, countries, backgrounds, and religions.

More than 1,800 priests attended a chrism Mass at St. Peter's Basilica earlier on Thursday, and Pope Francis presided over it. He thanked the priests for their excellent work, which is frequently done in secret. Despite recently becoming unwell and being admitted to the hospital, he was nevertheless expected to preside over a busy schedule of liturgies and services during Holy Week.

Related Article: Holy Week Traditions and Practices Around the World
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The First Methodist Church of Irving has officially severed its ties with the United Methodist Church denomination. The Irving church announced they have recently joined the Global Methodist Church, a more conservative denomination.

According to the church's statement, its new allegiance became effective on Saturday. The church was one of 41 local congregations that received the authority to quit the United Methodist Church's North Texas Conference in March.

First Methodist Church of Irving Joins Global Methodist Church

In the article in Dallas News, the First United Methodist Church in Irving, Texas, has recently been officially added as a member of the Global Methodist Church after having to go into a disaffiliation process from the United Methodist Church of the North Texas Conference. The congregation has over 500 members, showing their utmost excitement to create disciples of Jesus Christ worldwide.

Their acceptance and affiliation were celebrated on Palm Sunday, the start of the Holy Week. One of the church's transition team leaders, Mickey Wheeler, said it was the best time to initiate a change as they prepare to spread the good news more. Thirty-nine North Texas Conference disaffiliations, including the First Methodist Church in Irving, were effective on March 31. The Tyler Street UMC in Dallas and Korean North Central Fellowship UMC in The Colony are scheduled to disaffiliate by the end of April and December.

These disaffiliations are still connected to the efforts of these churches to leave the denomination by the end of 2023 because of internal conflicts, specifically over the disagreements on same-sex marriage and the LGBTQ members of the church. Conservatives believe this decision is not being enforced and that many seek to leave the denomination.

Also Read: Arkansas Church Wins Legal Battle Against UMC, Secures Ownership of Cherished Property

The Disaffiitaion Due to Issues in Homosexuality

Several emotions have rained at Christ United Methodist Church in Plano as hundreds of the members have gathered to approve the leaving of several local churches from the UMC denomination over the issues of homosexuality. According to NBC DFW, the North Texas Conference has approved 41 churches during a special session for them to leave the UMC.

This move is just part of the ongoing trend across the United States, as these churches disagree with the move of the UMC regarding same-sex marriage and sexuality concerns. Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. acknowledged the congregants' struggle of that day, saying that these other denominations would become independent while the others would join a new and more conservative denomination.

Last 2019, the UMC held a special session of the General Conference in St. Louis to address the denomination's stance on LGBTQ rights in the church. In the article in Denton Record-Article, the vote supported the viewpoint against same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy.

Due to the pandemic, the annual General Conference in 2020 has been rescheduled for 2024. A proposal was made that would allow congregations and conferences that favor laws prohibiting same-sex unions and LGBTQ clergy from resigning from the United Methodist Church and joining a new, "traditionalist" denomination with property and $25 million. Following the third postponement of the General Conference, the Global Methodist Church began operations in May 2022.

Related Article: Traditionalist UMC Group Dissolves, Joins New Denomination as Fulfillment of Mission
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The Covenant School, the Christian School in Nashville, has been in the headlines for the recent massacre wherein seven people died, including a child and a school officer. The school said it would not complete its academic year in the facility.

An alternative has been proposed wherein the 200 students and 40 staff members will resume classes at the Brentwood Hills Church of Christ. The church has agreed to hold the courses for the Presbyterian school. The church has a congregation of 1,200 people and is located approximately five miles from Covenant's campus.

Church of Christ Helps The Covenant School

According to Christian Chronicle, the classes will start the next week and go until the end of May. The Brentwood Hills church's executive minister, Jonathan Seamon, stated that there was no difficulty in providing the school use of the church's facilities.

After the tragedy in the school that resulted in the death of seven people, the school officials considered using the facilities of a nearby Lipscomb University. The school has reached out to Brentwood Hills' pulpit minister, Walt Leaver, to explore this possibility and for them to continue giving education to the poor students that are greatly affected. Leaver also advised them to think about utilizing the Brentwood Hills Church of Christ's resources.

The Tennessee Department of Education and other agencies have inspected the building to be given the grant to use it as an emergency status as their school. Jonathan Seamon, the executive minister of Brentwood Hills Church of Christ, stated that the state has been very supportive and cooperative to the process as it usually takes two months in just two days.

'Days after the shooting, Nashville held several vigils to mourn the massacre's victims and have the families left behind thought of support from the community. According to NBC News, Henry Seeley, the lead pastor of Belonging Co Church, noted that several churchgoers' families also send their kids to the school. Leaver proposed that they consider using the Brentwood Hills Church of Christ facilities.

He acknowledged the difficulty of the circumstance and underlined the significance of banding together for mutual assistance. Bishop J. Mark Spalding said that throughout the event, many parishioners cried as they needed to be with one another during such a trying time. The bishop said people had come to the mass full of anguish and loss.

Also Read: DOJ Agrees to $144.5 Million Settlement with Sutherland Springs Church Shooting Victims

The Schools' Motivation to Teach Christian Values to the Students

According to the News Covenant Schools website, Christian values are given and imparted to the students in their institution. They emphasize that the Scriptures are the word of God and Jesus Christ is the one who saved everyone from sin, which is being taught every day. Prayers, The Scriptures, and the Ten Commandments are also being taught actively and read together.

The middle school students use the Book of Common Prayer for worship and attend chapel once a week. Their website states that the organization is firmly evangelical and Christian. They uphold the Apostles' and Nicene's Creeds and the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, which serve as the cornerstone of the English Church.

Related Article: Nashville Christian School Shooting Takes 6 Lives Including 3 Students; Shooter Found Dead at the Scene
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Aimenn D. Penny, 20 years old, was apprehended due to an alleged firebombing of a church using a Molotov cocktail to prevent a drag queen show. The story hour for children has been halted since this incident occurred, where it was held at the Community Church of Chesterland (UCC) in Chesterland, Ohio, last March 25.

Penny was apprehended and has been taken into custody on Friday. The offender in issue was additionally charged with possessing a harmful device and one count of using explosives improperly. These crimes have a specific number of years of sentence to serve in prison

Man Arrested for Attempted Arson, May Serve Sentence in Prison if Found Guilty

According to Fox News, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohi said that using violence and destruction to protest a particular viewpoint is unacceptable. He also emphasized the essence of the peace agreement and the protection of citizens' right to freedom of speech peacefully, and the U.S. Attorney's Office is committed to protecting this right.

The arrest of the said suspect was made possible through the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cleveland Joint Terrorism Task Force and also with the help of the Chester Township Police Department. Gregory Nelsen, special agent in charge of the FBI Cleveland Field Office, thanked the Lake and Geauga County authorities for their help and applauded the effective cooperation amongst the law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest.

If Penny is decided guilty, he will face a minimum sentence of five years in prison for the malicious use of explosive materials and up to ten years for possession of a destructive device. According to the report in Christian Post, the Community Church expressed their gratitude to the authorities through Facebook and thanked them for their assistance in providing more security for the story hour event, which was held the following Saturday.

The church acknowledged the importance of the several police cruisers, "swat-style" vans, and tactical mobile unit from the nearby Chagrin Falls, which would have dissuaded any prospective threats. The church claimed that their team's planning efforts and the support of law enforcement contributed to the day's success and love and joy.

Also, in an earlier message, the Community Church expressed their forgiveness towards the criminal. Still, they believe that he should face the consequences of his actions and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The church added that this would serve as a voice to others with the same intentions and that the groups that use violence as means of force to promote any agenda are unacceptable and criminalized today.

Also Read: UK Christians Hit Scottish Teacher's Union For Creating Blasphemous Play Starring A Transgender Jesus

Community Church Expressed Thanks as Donation Flooded, Promises to Continue Doing These Events

According to the article in Insider, following the threats of violence, the Community Church reportedly received enormous support and money, according to Pastor Peacock, who used they/them pronouns. They said the church remains steadfastly dedicated to holding LGBTQ-welcoming activities, especially in light of the triumphant staging of the county's first Pride celebration last summer.

Peacock emphasized the significance of such occasions, saying that the encouragement and support from so many people had been cheering and greatly appreciated.

Related Article: United Methodist Church Associate Pastor And Drag Queen Gives Blasphemous Speech On How 'God Is Nothing'
Chinese Mayflower Church members resettled in US after 3-year quest for asylum

The 63 members of China's "Mayflower Church" who fled persecution in China arrived in the United States on Friday, intending to resettle permanently after being granted humanitarian parole status amid a harrowing three-quest for asylum.

In November 2019, the Christians, comprising 32 children, from Pastor Pan Yongguang's Shenzhen Holy Reformed house church (dubbed "Mayflower Church") fled to Jeju Island in South Korea after encountering threats and interrogations from Chinese police.

Initially seeking refuge in South Korea, they later traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, hoping to obtain refugee status from the United Nations. However, they were detained by Thai immigration authorities.

Through close coordination with the U.S. Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, various U.N. agencies and the Thai government, U.S. officials successfully negotiated their release, the U.S.-based group ChinaAid, which advocates for civil freedoms and human rights in China, said in a statement to The Christian Post.

Freedom Seekers International, a Texas-based group that rescues, resettles and sustains those who are persecuted for their faith, will aid in the resettlement of the congregation. ChinaAid hosted a welcome event at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Friday night.

"This is a successful example of nonpartisan, international cooperation," ChinaAid CEO Chad Bullard said. "We are thankful to all parties including various U.S. government agencies, particularly the State Department's International Religious Freedom Office led by Ambassador Rashad Hussain, the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, USCIRF, and a number of congressional offices including Chairman Mike McCaul and Chairman Chris Smith."

Rep. Smith, R-N.J., chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs global human rights subcommittee, has long been at the forefront of voicing concern about China's human rights violations in the federal legislature. He has advocated for the churchgoers in diplomatic limbo as they faced the possibility of refoulement to China.

"It is a very Good Friday indeed, and a perfect Easter gift to see these persecuted Chinese Christians arrive and be allowed to practice their faith freely in the United States," Smith said in a statement. "Had they been forcibly repatriated to China, they would have been jailed and severely persecuted."

Johnnie Moore, an Evangelical public relations executive who served as a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said the churchgoers' resettlement makes him "so proud to be an American."

"In [the U.S.], we provide refuge to the persecuted," Moore tweeted. "No country in human history has given refuge to so many persecuted people of faith. Welcome to your new home, Mayflower family....just in time for Easter. You're safe here."

On March 30, authorities in Thailand detained the church members, separating families and placing them in two facilities, including the notorious Immigration Detention Center in Bangkok, for overstaying their visas.

The members hiding in Pattaya had to stay the night in the Nong Prue police station, sleeping on tables and chairs pushed together, ChinaAid reported earlier.

In detention, the members faced imminent danger of international kidnapping and repatriation, which could have led to retaliation, abuse and imprisonment by the Chinese Communist Party, Fu said.

Southern Baptist congregations and other churches in East Texas have pledged to sponsor the resettlement of the exiled Christians.

This is the first known instance of a Chinese church fleeing persecution en masse. The church's name, Mayflower, comes from the English ship that carried passengers  some of whom were Protestant separatists seeking religious freedom from the Church of England  who traveled to the British colonies in the 17th century.

Pastor Pan earlier said the decision to leave China was influenced by a lunch he had with Pastor Wang Yi of Chengdu's Early Rain Covenant Church in 2018. Wang, who is now serving a nine-year sentence, urged Pan to prepare himself to go to prison as well.

After Wang's arrest, police started monitoring Pan and making in-person visits on a regular basis to intimidate him and other church members.

Eventually, Pan and his church members had to decide whether to leave China or stay. Despite having good jobs in China, they were concerned about raising their children in a godly manner amid communist pressure and indoctrination, Pan shared.

After a year of discussions, they unanimously agreed to leave China, knowing that each Sunday could be their last together, he said.

The U.S. State Department has long listed China as a country of particular concern for tolerating or engaging in religious freedom violations.

Open Doors USA, which monitors the persecution of Christians in over 60 countries, estimates that China has more than 97 million Christians, many of whom worship in unregistered or "illegal" underground churches.

The five state-sanctioned religious groups in China are the Buddhist Association of China, the Chinese Taoist Association, the Islamic Association of China, the Protestant Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association.

Even the organizations affiliated with the five authorized religions can be subject to surveillance and monitoring.

In 2018, the communist regime released a document titled "China's Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief." It declared that Chinese faith communities "should adhere to the direction of localizing the religion, practice the core values of socialism, develop and expand the fine Chinese tradition and actively explore the religious thought which accords with China's national circumstances."
Indonesia: Authorities shut down church after Muslims demand Christians stop worshiping Jesus

SURABAYA, Indonesia  Local officials sealed shut a church building in West Java Province, Indonesia, last Saturday, two weeks after Muslims intruded into a worship service and demanded its closure, church leaders said.

The congregation of the Simalungun Christian Protestant Church (Gereja Kristen Protestan Simalungun, or GKPS) in Cigelam, Babakancikao, Purwakerta, about 60 miles southeast of Jakarta, had refused to bow to demands to stop worship during the March 19 confrontation.

Purwakerta Regent Anne Ratna Mustika sealed the church building along with the local leader of the Indonesia Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia, or MUI), the heads of the local police and the military, the local religion department chief and the chairman of the area National and Political Unity, according to video footage.

Anne said the structure was illegal as it lacked approval and a certificate of proper function  almost impossible to obtain in Indonesia  but the head of Purwakerta GKPS Elders Council, Krisdian Saragih, said the building was closed without due process of law.

The sealing should be made on the court verdict as proof that the local government is enforcing the law, Krisdian told Morning Star News.

The closing of the church building a week before Easter came without prior notification, he said.

It was a saddening event for us, all the congregation, because it took place right before Easter Holy Week, he told Morning Star News. The church sealing is also unfair because it was made without prior official notice to us as the building owner. It was made in our absence; no congregation member or church elders were present.

Krisdian and Pastor Julles Purba said that instead of closing the church building, officials should have detailed requirements to obtain a building permit, which involves obtaining approval from surrounding residents.

The government should tell us what requirements we should fulfill; we are of course willing to deal with the locals around our church, Krisdian said. We want to be part of the local community. We really want to know what they expect from us.

The church had never had any conflict with area residents until the disruption of the church service on March 19, he said.

Requirements for obtaining permission to build houses of worship in Indonesia are onerous and hamper the establishment of such buildings for Christians and other faiths, rights advocates say. Indonesias Joint Ministerial Decree of 2006 (SKB) makes requirements for obtaining permits nearly impossible for most new churches.

Even when small, new churches are able to meet the requirement of obtaining 90 signatures of approval from congregation members and 60 from area households of different religions, they are often met with delays or lack of response from officials. Well-organized radical Muslims secretly mobilize outside to intimidate and pressure members of minority faiths.

Anne reportedly said the sealing was temporary until the church obtains all permits.

We are grateful that the steps to sealing the building could be taken in the spirit of togetherness to maintain a conducive atmosphere in Purwakarta  all parties involved are being very wise, she said, according to CNNIndonesia.com.

Anne said that she and the local religion department made arrangements with 19 nearby churches to allow the GKPS congregation to use their buildings for worship services, according to Kompas.com.

We will help coordinate, allowing them to hold their worship service in those churches, she said. Their rights as citizens to hold worship services according to their religion remain protected and maintained; it is according to the constitutional mandate.

To forestall festering social unrest, Anne said the decision to close the church building arose from an agreement among the Purwakarta Regency Government Coordination Meeting, the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the Office of the local Religion Department, the Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB), the Purwakarta Cooperation of Churches Agency (BKSG) and, she claimed, representatives of the GKPS congregation.

Discrimination

In reality, GKPS representatives said they were not involved and later reacted strongly against the closure, and the Communion of Indonesia Christian Churches (Persatuan Gereja Indonesia, or PGI) submitted a letter of protest to Anne, the Purwakerta regent.

Signed by the chairman of the PGI Justice and Peace Body, Henrek Lokra, the letter states that the sealing of the church was an act of discrimination that does not reflect tolerance among religious communities.

The absence of the church building permit as the reason for the sealing of the church building was an excuse made up by the regent, the PGI letter states.

The GKPS congregation and three other area churches  the Indonesia Christian United Church (Huria Kristen Indonesia, or HKI), Batak Karo Protestant Church (Gereja Batak Karo Protestan, or GBKP) and the Indonesia Christian United Church (Huria Kristen Indonesia, or HKI  have no church buildings, the letter states.

Those churches, the letter states, have submitted applications for building permits in the past three decades, spending much time and money, to no avail.

Some churches in Purwakarta have applied for permits to build houses of worship for decades but obtained no permits, the letter states. Churches such as the Indonesian Christian United Church (HKI) and the Batak Karo Protestant Church (GBKP), as well as the New Testament Christian Church too, suffer the same fate.

The Joint Ministerial Decree of 2006 allows the local government to provide a temporary permit for churches to meet while applications are pending, the letter states.

Houses of worship are a real need in the community, and the local government should foster inter-religious harmony in Purwakarta by facilitating their establishment, the PGI letter states.

We express a strong protest and ask the president of the Republic of Indonesia, through the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia, to give a strong reprimand to the Regent of Purwakarta Anne Ratna Mustika and urge the Regent of Purwakarta to issue a temporary permit while immediately finding a solution for GKPS members and the other churches in Purwakarta so they can carry out their worship safely and comfortably, the letter states.

Many Indonesian politicians are under political pressure ahead of local and national elections in 2024. As head of the Purwakerta local Golkar Party Branch, Anne on March 21 expressed her readiness to run for re-election, news outlet Sinarjabar.com reported.

Indonesia ranked 33rd on the Christian support organization Open Doors 2023 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Indonesian society has adopted a more conservative Islamic character, and churches involved in evangelistic outreach are at risk of being targeted by Islamic extremist groups, according to Open Doors WWL report.

If a church is seen to be preaching and spreading the Gospel, they soon run into opposition from Islamic extremist groups, especially in rural areas, the report noted. In some regions of Indonesia, non-traditional churches struggle to get permission for church buildings, with the authorities often ignoring their paperwork.
Judge suspends FDA approval of abortion pill, blames 'political pressure' for lack of restrictions

A federal judge in Texas suspended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of the chemical abortion pill nationwide Friday. Not long after, a federal judge in Washington state issued an opposite ruling that could force the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in.

U.S. Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of the U.S. Northern District of Texas, a Trump appointee, issued a stay late Friday of the FDA's 2000 approval of mifepristone, the first drug in the chemical abortion regimen. Also known as RU-486, the synthetic steroid endocrine disruptor essentially destroys the environment in the uterus and starves an unborn baby to death. The ruling won't go into effect until next week to give the Biden administration time to appeal the decision.

"The Court does not second-guess FDA's decision-making lightly. But here, FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns  in violation of its statutory duty  based on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions," Kacsmaryk wrote in his opinion. "There is also evidence indicating FDA faced significant political pressure to forego its proposed safety precautions to better advance the political objective of increased 'access' to chemical abortion  which was the 'whole idea of mifepristone.'"

"As President [Bill] Clinton's Secretary for Health & Human Services explained to the White House, it was FDA that arranged the meeting between the French pharmaceutical firm  who owned the mifepristone patent rights  and the eventual drug sponsor Population Council. The purpose of the FDA-organized meeting was 'to facilitate an agreement between those parties to work together to test [mifepristone] and file a new drug application,'" he continued.

"HHS also 'initiated' another meeting 'to assess how the United States Government'  i.e., the Clinton Administration  'might facilitate successful completion of the negotiations' between the French firm and the American drug sponsor to secure patent rights and eventual FDA approval. In fact, for their 'negotiations [to be] successfully concluded,' the HHS Secretary believed American pressure on the French firm was necessary."

The judge argues that the FDA abandoning its proposed restrictions "resulted in many deaths and many more severe or life threatening adverse reactions."

"Due to FDA's lax reporting requirements, the exact number is not ascertainable," Kacsmaryk continued. "But it is likely far higher than its data indicate for reasons previously mentioned. Whatever the numbers are, they likely would be considerably lower had FDA not acquiesced to the pressure to increase access to chemical abortion at the expense of women's safety. FDA's failure to insist on the inclusion of its proposed safety restrictions was not 'the product of reasoned decisionmaking.'"

The long-anticipated ruling is praised by pro-life advocates and caused fear among abortion advocates who believe it will further hamper access to abortion in the aftermath of last year's U.S. Supreme Court ruling finding that the U.S. Constitution doesn't contain a right to abortion.

In another case, Judge Thomas Rice, an Obama appointee, issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting the FDA from "altering the status quo and rights as it relates to the availability of mifepristone" as 17 states and Washington, D.C., asked the court to prevent the FDA from "reducing mifepristone's availability." The plaintiffs argued that it is "fair and equitable for FDA to not act with respect to the Mifepristone REMS Program until a determination is made on the merits."

"Plaintiffs assert that (1) FDA acknowledges that serious adverse events are 'exceedingly rare', (2) mifepristone's associated fatality rate is .00005%, with not a single death 'casually attributed to mifepristone' (3) 'all the data shows the mifepristone is among the safest drugs in the world, and safer than the vast majority of drugs for which FDA has never attempted to impose a REMS', and (4) 'there is no reasoned scientific basis for subjecting it to additional burdens that are not applied to other, riskier medications,'" Rice wrote.

Katie Glenn, state policy director at the national pro-life grassroots organization SBA Pro-Life America, said in a statement that the Texas decision is a "win for the health and safety of women and girls."

"The ruling reaffirms that pregnancy is not an illness and abortion is not health care. Finally the FDA is being held accountable for its egregious violation of its own rules to fast-track dangerous abortion drugs to market," Glenn said.

"The abortion drug regimen rubber-stamped by the FDA has proven disastrous for women as well as unborn children, with the FDA's own data showing women have died. The Biden FDA ignored the science and approved abortion drugs for sale by mail-order, without any in-person doctor visit, which the strong majority of Americans oppose."

Glenn said her organization is "closely analyzing" the case in Washington.

"In the Dobbs era, the radical abortion lobby will fight tooth and nail to keep its' insurance policy' of mail-order abortion pills," Glenn said. "However, we are hopeful that two decades' worth of reckless disregard for women's lives from the FDA may soon be corrected."

The nation's largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, called the Texas ruling an "unprecedented and deeply harmful move."

"The judge's decision in Texas today blocking the FDA's approval of mifepristone is an outrage and exposes the weaponization of our judicial system to further restrict abortion nationwide," Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson said in a statement. "However, I want to be clear that access to mifepristone remains safe for now."

NARAL Pro-Choice America President Mini Timmaraju said the ruling could impact access to chemical abortions "even in states where abortion is protected."

"This is meant to be a ban, plain and simple, and nearly 65 million Americans could be robbed of this safe, effective abortion care option," Timmaraju said. "Here's the truth: medication abortion care has been safely used for decades  it's safer than Tylenol. If there was ever any doubt that GOP extremists want anything other than a ban on all abortion, everywhere, today's ruling should make it clear that they have no intention of respecting our freedoms."

Earlier this year, the FDA loosened regulations to allow retail pharmacies that complete a certification process to dispense mifepristone to women with prescriptions, which can now be obtained through a telehealth appointment and received via mail.

Earlier this year, a group of pro-life doctors released a 24-page report criticizing the Biden administration's decision, warning of the risks of taking mifepristone without medical supervision.

"Bleeding, cramping, and abdominal pain are commonly associated with a chemical abortion, and approximately 8% of women will experience bleeding for more than 30 days afterward," the American College of Pediatricians stressed in the report. "Planned Parenthood acknowledges the following possible complications after a chemical abortion: bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, retained fetal tissue, and incomplete abortion."

Dr. Ingrid Skop, an OB-GYN and director of medical affairs for the pro-life research group, the Charlotte Lozier Institute, warns that lives could be at risk if women aren't screened for ectopic pregnancies before taking the abortion pill.

"And the [FDA] loosening of these restrictions in a way that clearly will put women's lives at risk while seeking a chemical abortion is a dereliction of their duty," Skop said. "And I think they can reexamine the evidence, and they can back up, and they can put these in-person restrictions back in place."
Trans suspect arrested for allegedly planning shootings at Colorado schools, churches

William Whitworth, a 19-year-old former student who identifies as a woman named Lily, is facing attempted murder charges after he allegedly planned to shoot up multiple schools and churches in Colorado.

Whitworth's preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 5, and his bond is set at $75,000. According to a Thursday statement from the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office, the suspect is charged with criminal attempt to commit murder in the first degree, criminal mischief, menacing, and interference with staff, faculty, or students of educational institutions.

As KRDO reported Thursday, the suspect reportedly planned to shoot up Timberview Middle School, Prairie Hills Elementary and Pine Creek High School. Upon arriving at the scene on March 31, deputies with the Elbert County Sheriff's Office discovered the door to the suspect's bedroom was off its hinges.

A copy of the affidavit obtained by 13 Investigates noted that Whitworth appeared "drowsy" and made suicidal statements. The report refers to the suspect with the pronouns "she/her."

When asked if he planned to shoot up the school, the suspect "visibly shook [his] head [up] and down indicating yes." He responded, "Why does anyone do it" when authorities asked why he wanted to shoot up the school.

Whitworth shared with the deputies that he previously attended Timberview Middle School, admitting that this is one of the schools that he planned to shoot up. When pressed about why he chose to target that particular school, the suspect answered, "No particular reason."

Regarding how far the suspect's plans had gone, he admitted that he was "about a third of the way from doing it." In addition to schools, he planned to target several churches. He also referenced a page in his "manifesto" about mass killers when asked how he knew so much about school shootings.

Authorities found a dry-erase board with floor plans identifying the different levels of a school and two notebooks that also contained floor plans. One of the notebooks contained a drawing of a clock as a detonation device.

After obtaining a search warrant, deputies discovered a copy of The Communist Manifesto and a book listing how the suspect wished to die, including freezing or drowning.

Another book featured a list of 3D firearms and how to print them and a list of individuals the suspect planned to kill. The list also contained information about creating improvised explosive devices and the schools the suspect planned to target.

Inside another notebook were the names of politicians and mass shooters, such as the Columbine High School and Sandy Hook Elementary School shooters, and former President Donald J. Trump.

According to a Thursday report from The Gazette, a spokesperson for the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office told the outlet that Whitworth was in the process of transitioning.

Whitworth's arrest comes shortly after a mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville.

As CP reported last week, 28-year-old trans-identified shooter Audrey Hale had a detailed map of the school and had been planning the attack for at least a month. The shooter was armed with two rifles and a handgun during the incident.

The victims who died in the shooting were school head Katherine Koonce, 60; substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61; chef Mike Hill, 61; Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9; William Kenney, 9; and Hallie Scruggs, 9, the daughter of Pastor Chad Scruggs of Covenant Presbyterian Church.
20 states warn Walgreens, CVS dispensing mail-order abortion pills is illegal

Attorneys general from 20 states have warned Walgreens and CVS pharmacies that dispensing the abortion pill through the mail is dangerous and in violation of state and federal laws.

The coalition, led by Attorney General Andrew Bailey of Missouri, sent letters to Walgreens and CVS on Wednesday, offering the heads of both companies advice on the "current legal landscape" as "principal legal and law enforcement officers" of their respective states.

"We emphasize that it is our responsibility as State Attorneys General to uphold the law and protect the health, safety, and well-being of women and unborn children in our states," the coalition wrote. "Part of that responsibility includes ensuring that companies like yours are fully informed of the law so that harm does not come to our citizens."

The letters were signed by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

"I commend these state attorneys general for being proactive about protecting women from chemical abortions, which have four times the complication rate of surgical abortions," Missy Martinez-Stone, CEO of Reprotection, an organization that investigates and shuts down hazardous abortion facilities, told The Christian Post in a Friday statement.

Martinez-Stone's claim about chemical abortion being more dangerous than surgical abortions comes from the 2009 study "Immediate complications after medical compared with surgical termination of pregnancy."

"Ultimately, women pay the price for bad abortion policy because they are the ones who have traumatic experiences or complications," she continued.

The attorneys general told the pharmacy retail chains that "federal law expressly prohibits using the mail to send or receive any drug that will 'be used or applied for producing abortion.'"

They cite Title 18 of U.S. Code Section 1461, which bans the "mailing [of] obscene or crime-inciting matter," which includes "[e]very article, instrument, substance, drug, medicine, or thing which is advertised or described in a manner calculated to lead another to use or apply it for producing abortion."

"Although many people are unfamiliar with this statute because it has not been amended in a few decades, the text could not be clearer," the attorneys general state. "And anyone who 'knowingly takes any such thing from the mails for the purpose of circulating' is guilty of a federal crime. Obviously, a federal criminal law  especially one that is, as here, enforceable through a private right of action  deserves serious contemplation."

Earlier this month, the Biden administration permitted the U.S. Postal service to mail the abortion drug mifepristone to all 50 states through a 21-page interpretation of the law drafted by the Justice Department. The administration's interpretation of the law comes as several states have enacted bans or restrictions on abortions since the U.S. Supreme Court's overturn of Roe v. Wade last year.

The attorneys general contend that "the text [of the law], not the Biden administration's view, is what governs." In addition, states such as Missouri have statutes prohibiting the distribution of chemical abortion pills by mail, according to the letters.

"Missouri law also prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices  and trade practices that violate federal law necessarily are unfair and deceptive," the documents read. "These state laws reflect not only our commitment to protecting the lives and dignity of children but also of women."

The letters highlight women's increased risk of complications when taking the abortion pill, as noted in the 2009 study. An additional danger with abortion pills, the letter notes, is when women are at home instead of in a medical setting when these complications occur.

Additionally, doctors have advised that patients should be screened for ectopic pregnancies before taking abortion pills.

"When abortion drugs are mailed or consumed outside a regulated medical facility, the risk of coercion is much higher  indeed, guaranteed  because there is no oversight," the attorneys general warn. "Outside the regulated medical context, a person can obtain an abortion pill quite easily and then coerce a woman into taking it."

As CP reported, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Jan. 3, 2022, that it would no longer enforce a rule requiring women to obtain mifepristone, the first drug in the chemical abortion pill regimen, at a clinic or a hospital.

The agency modified the restrictions after reviewing the mifepristone REMS Program, which began in 2021. The risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) sets standards for mifepristone, the generic version of Mifeprex.

Under the new regulations, retail pharmacies can dispense the pill, and women may also obtain a prescription through a telehealth appointment and have the drug delivered by mail.

"The immediate message that we are sending is that this is very reckless, and this is the FDA, yet again, peeling back health and safety regulations surrounding these dangerous drugs," Sue Liebel, director of state affairs and midwest regional director of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, told CP at the time.

In December 2021, the FDA permanently lifted the requirement for women to obtain mifepristone in person from a health provider after temporarily suspending the requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest rule change officially removed the in-person requirement for mifepristone but still mandates that dispensers show they're certified to treat abortion pill complications and that women complete a consent form.

Martinez-Stone warned about the dangers of politicians turning "a blind eye to dangerous abortion practices." She highlighted one of Reprotection's investigations that shuttered the doors of the American Family Planning abortion facility in Pensacola, Florida, last month. In May 2022, the group's efforts previously led to Florida's Agency of Health Care Administration (ACHA) suspending the clinic's license before the clinic was later closed permanently.

"The clinic's standard of care was nonexistent, with multiple women being hospitalized due to botched abortions, a tragic example of what happens when politicians turn a blind eye to dangerous abortion practices," Martinez-Stone stated.
Americans visit persecuted Mayflower Church in South Korea to thwart repatriation to China

American Christians have regularly visited about 60 Christians from China's "Mayflower Church" who fled to South Korea due to severe persecution in hopes of preventing their repatriation by Seoul, which has refused to grant them asylum, according to a persecution watchdog.

China's Shenzhen Holy Reformed house church came to be known as "Mayflower Church," named after the English ship that carried Pilgrims from England to North America in the early 17th century, after the 60 Chinese Christians, including 30 children, arrived in South Korea's Jeju Island in 2019.

The Christians have been living in a small rented house on the island off the southern tip of South Korea. They have been doing menial jobs to survive, hoping to get asylum in the East Asian country, which has refused to help them due to the Chinese Communist Party's influence, the U.S.-based group ChinaAid reported this month.

The group, which monitors human rights violations inside China, said its American partners have periodically visited the Chinese church in South Korea to prevent them from potential "transnational kidnapping" by the CCP or repatriation by Seoul.

"This is not a farfetched option, as the CCP has kidnapped many in the past who defied them. Gui Minhai, a critic of China's elite, vanished in Thailand seven years ago. More recently, the CCP tried to repatriate Wu Huan and her fiance because they were political dissidents," the group said.

ChinaAid President and Founder Bob Fu said at the 2022 IRF Summit in late June that the CCP attempted to use technology to locate the church's pastor, Pan Yongguang, and the others. The Chinese Embassy in South Korea has also called some of the church members on the island, telling them they betrayed their country and must return home.

Due to these fears, Deana Brown, president and founder of Freedom Seekers International, visited the Mayflower Church in June.

"She contracted COVID-19 on her way to Jeju Island, but Pastor Pan and his congregants cared for her until she recovered. Another set of church partners witnessed the birth of the 61st member of the Mayflower congregation. Two other women expect their babies later this year."

In a July 29 update, Brown stated that when Americans, Japanese and Taiwanese Christians heard of the congregation's situation, they "committed to traveling to Jeju Island to provide a protection to The Mayflower knowing their presence would deter any attempt by China to harm the tiny congregation."

The first diplomatic protection trip embarked on June 13. Since then, four other Americans have traveled to the island. According to Brown, "many more are expected to visit them over the summer and fall."

"The Mayflower rejoices that they feel safer and have more freedom to move about," Brown wrote. "We are thankful for the privilege to provide such a measure of freedom for those who long for it."

Other partners of ChinaAid and FSI have also visited the Christians consistently, "leaving a lasting American presence on the island."

South Korea's Gwangju High Court rejected the Chinese Christians' final asylum appeal. They now face "imminent deportation," according to Doug Bandow, a senior fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based think tank the Cato Institute.

"It was a particularly bizarre stance for outgoing President Moon Jae-in's government to take, given the significant number of Christians in South Korea," wrote Bandow in an op-ed published by Foreign Policy in March. "It is not hard to envision the reception Mayflower refugees will face if forcibly repatriated to China."

"In 2018, Pan joined his friend Wang Yi, who pastored an unregistered 500-member home church, and 456 other house church pastors in signing a statement protesting rising persecution," Bandow added. "Later that year, the authorities detained Wang and some 100 members after raiding a Sunday evening service. In 2019, he was tried and sentenced to nine years in prison for 'subversion of state power.'"

The Wall Street Journal reported in June 2021 that the Chinese Christian families wanted to resettle in the U.S.

Pan, trained by pastors from a U.S.-based Reformed Presbyterian Church, had been detained and questioned by authorities in China. The Wall Street Journal added that a couple of church members who returned to China also faced retribution. Their homes were raided, and their movements restricted.

Open Doors USA, which monitors the persecution of Christians in over 60 countries, estimates that China has more than 97 million Christians, many of whom worship in unregistered or "illegal" underground churches.

The five state-sanctioned religious groups in China are the Buddhist Association of China, the Chinese Taoist Association, the Islamic Association of China, the Protestant Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association.

Even the organizations affiliated with the five authorized religions can be subject to surveillance and monitoring.

In 2018, the Chinese government banned the sale of Bibles at online bookstores across the country to comply with a "white paper" that dictated compliance with the "core values of socialism."

At the time, copies of Bibles were removed from online retailers following the release of a regime document titled "China's Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief."

The white paper declared that Chinese faith communities "should adhere to the direction of localizing the religion, practice the core values of socialism, develop and expand the fine Chinese tradition and actively explore the religious thought which accords with China's national circumstances."
From faith in money to following Christ: Mayflower Church pastor shares his journey

Pastor Pan Yongguang of Chinas persecuted Mayflower Church, whose members fled to South Korea in 2019 only for their asylum request to be denied, shared his journey of conversion from faith in money to Christ and the journey of his church in a recent interview.

When Todd Nettleton, host of Voice of the Martyrs Radio, asked Pastor Pan if he knew persecution would come if he became a follower of Christ in a communist country, he replied by saying he knew people in China must pay a price for being Christian.

Thats a special part of Chinese Christians. They know they have to pay a price, he said.

Before his conversion, Pan said he believed in nothing, but perhaps money.

When Pans father suffered a severe accident that resulted in his hospitalization, Christians started visiting the hospital. That's when Pan decided to accompany them to their house church.

This went on for a year. He was then baptized on Easter Sunday in 2003. One of the books that impacted him, he added, was Knowing God by JI Packer.

People in his church said they wanted a preacher like him, so he decided to take on that role and has been doing so ever since.

In 2019, 64 Christians, including 32 children, from his church, Shenzhen Holy Reformed house church, arrived at South Koreas Jeju Island. Thats when they came to be known as Mayflower Church. The name Mayflower comes from the English ship that carried passengers  some of whom were Protestant separatists seeking religious freedom from the Church of England  who traveled to the British colonies in the 17th century.

Pan said the decision to leave China was influenced by a lunch he had with Pastor Wang Yi in 2018. Wang, who is now serving a nine-year sentence as a prisoner for Christ, urged Pan to prepare himself to go to prison as well.

After Wangs arrest, police started monitoring Pan and making in-person visits on a regular basis to intimidate him and other church members.

Eventually, Pan and his church members had to decide whether to leave China or stay. Despite having good jobs in China, they were concerned about raising their children in a godly manner amid communist pressure and indoctrination, Pan shared.

After a year of discussions, they unanimously agreed to leave China, knowing that each Sunday could be their last together, he said.

According to the Midland, Texas-based ChinaAid, which monitors human rights violations inside China, the Christians decision to flee China was also related to the ongoing interrogations they endured during the Hong Kong protests in 2019. Even though members of the church did not participate in the Hong Kong protests, they faced tremendous pressure and were interrogated by authorities in Shenzhen, which is near Hong Kong.

The Wall Street Journal reported in June 2021 that the Chinese Christian families wanted to resettle in the U.S. A couple of church members who decided to return to China after fleeing to South Korea had faced retribution. Their homes were raided by police who confiscated Christian books and electronic devices and monitored and restricted their movements.

Members of the church have applied for refugee status with the U.N., but are still awaiting approval from the office in Thailand, said ChinaAid, which is assisting the 64 Chinese Christians now living in Thailand, while Freedom Seekers International in Tyler is seeking sponsors for their resettlement to the U.S.

Earlier this month, ChinaAid said Southern Baptist congregations and other churches in East Texas have pledged to sponsor the resettlement of the exiled Christians.

In the meantime, Pan said he and the Mayflower Church members are instructing their children to follow Christ as they wait to see what the future holds for their lives. Pan added that he's hopeful that someday the persecution would end and they could safely return to China, but it's unknown if that will ever be possible.

Open Doors USA, which monitors the persecution of Christians in over 60 countries, estimates that China has more than 97 million Christians, many of whom worship in unregistered or illegal underground churches.

The five state-sanctioned religious groups in China are the Buddhist Association of China, the Chinese Taoist Association, the Islamic Association of China, the Protestant Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association.

Even the organizations affiliated with the five authorized religions can be subject to surveillance and monitoring.

In 2018, the communist regime released a document titled Chinas Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief. It declared that Chinese faith communities should adhere to the direction of localizing the religion, practice the core values of socialism, develop and expand the fine Chinese tradition and actively explore the religious thought which accords with China's national circumstances.
Christians who fled China forced to relocate again after South Korea rejects asylum claims

A Christian congregation that fled to South Korea from China has now traveled to Thailand to appeal for asylum due to continued persecution from Chinese officials.

The Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church members have given up on seeking asylum in South Korea after their claims were denied multiple times since congregation members fled the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen between late 2019 and early 2020.

According to a statement published Monday in The Wall Street Journal by Pan Yongguange, the churchs pastor, nearly 60 members were scheduled to visit the U.N. refugee office in Bangkok, Thailands capital, to submit applications for refugee status.

Church members are also seeking resettlement in the United States and have expressed this to U.S. diplomats.

We arent able to secure any status through legal processes in South Korea, and the U.S. also hasnt resettled us, the pastor stated.

The situation is rare, according to the Journal, as it involves a large number of members seeking asylum, a testament to concerns about Chinese leader Xi Jinpings handling of the freedom of religion.

Members of the congregation entered Thailand with their Chinese passports and appealed directly to the U.N. refugee agency. Some received tourist visas that are valid for 15 days, while others sought extensions on visas that were set to expire on Monday.

While Shenzhen church members could have stayed in Jeju, South Korea, while appealing their asylum claims, the process could take years.

Members feared retaliation from the Chinese government and stood little chance of having their asylum claims granted. Recently, some in the congregation have reported receiving harassing phone calls from Chinese officials who claim the church is committing national security offenses.

Additionally, congregation members have reported that Chinese authorities have interrogated their relatives back home.

The authorities in China regard the church as illegal, according to the Journal, and the frequent persecution convinced members to gradually flee China starting in late 2019.

It is unknown how long the congregation will be allowed to remain in Bangkok, and many fear they will be deported to China should their visas run out.

This is dangerous but it is an opportunity, Yongguange said. If we stayed in Jeju, we would have had no chance.

Last month, the U.S.-based group ChinaAid, which monitors human rights violations in China, reported that the Christians were living in small rented houses on an island off the southern tip of South Korea, working menial jobs. The country refused asylum due to the Chinese Communist Partys influence on the East Asian nation.

During the IRF Summit in late June, ChinaAid President and founder Bob Fu said that the CCP attempted to use technology to locate the church's pastor and others.

Fu also pointed out that the Chinese Embassy in South Korea had called church members on the island to tell them they had betrayed their country and should return home.

Partners of ChinaAid and Freedom Seekers International, an organization that helps persecuted Christians relocate, visit the Christians on the island frequently, "leaving a lasting American presence on the island."

In June 2021, the Journal reported that the Chinese Christians wanted to resettle in the U.S., but they were unsure of their asylum requests would be granted.

In 2018, the Chinese government banned the sale of Bibles at online bookstores across the country to comply with a "white paper" that dictated compliance with the "core values of socialism."

The white paper declared that Chinese faith communities "should adhere to the direction of localizing the religion, practice the core values of socialism, develop and expand the fine Chinese tradition and actively explore the religious thought which accords with China's national circumstances."
FDA rule change 'turns neighborhood pharmacies into abortion providers,' pro-lifers say

The first drug in the chemical abortion pill regimen can now legally be dispensed via prescription at major retail pharmacy chains after a regulatory change by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a move that pro-life groups warn threatens women's safety.

The FDA modified restrictions on the abortion pill Tuesday after reviewing the Mifepristone REMS Program, which the agency started in 2021.

Mifepristone, the generic version of Mifeprex, falls under the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS), which sets standards for abortions up until 10 weeks gestation.

In response to a Wednesday inquiry from The Christian Post, the FDA pointed to its web pages on mifepristone and some frequently asked questions regarding the drug. The information page about mifepristone was updated Tuesday.

Under the new regulation, retail pharmacies that complete a certification process may dispense the abortion pill. Women can also obtain a prescription through a telehealth appointment and receive the pills by mail.

On its frequently asked questions page, which the FDA updated Wednesday, the agency denied that the new regulations had anything to do with the overturn of Roe v. Wade and several states outlawing or restricting abortion.

The agency has been reviewing published literature and data from advocacy groups and "applicants related to the modifications" since 2021.

Danco Laboratories, an abortion pill manufacturer, released a statement proclaiming it is "pleased" with the change. The manufacturer claimed that chemical abortion access is "critically important" nowadays and that the updated regulations will "provide healthcare providers with an additional method for providing their patients with a safe and effective option for ending early pregnancy."

In a Wednesday statement provided to CP, Chelsey Youman, national legislative advisor for the pro-life group Human Coalition Action, condemned the move, calling it "indefensible."

"This is an unconscionable act by an agency tasked with upholding public health and safety, and is pure sop to the abortion industry," Youman stated. "It eliminates safety requirements that these pills be given by a physician and turns neighborhood pharmacies into abortion providers, putting many pharmacists in an impossible position of having to dispense abortion pills against their conscience beliefs."

Youman expressed concern that women taking the abortion pill at home without a doctor present could lead to serious side effects, such as hemorrhaging. According to the FDA, heavy bleeding is one side effect of taking mifepristone. Youman worries that the FDA under the Biden administration is prioritizing the expansion of abortion pill access over women's safety.

March for Life President Jeanne Mancini seconded this concern in a statement to CP.

"The Biden administration's doing away with even the most basic of medical oversight for the very serious chemical abortion regimen is simply heartbreaking, and women will suffer the most from this reckless decision," Mancini wrote. "Access to chemical abortion without proper medical oversight runs contrary to science and is not in the best interest of women's health."

Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider, contends that the pill has a track record of being a "safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy." The group says it's most effective when pregnancies are nine weeks old or less.

"Being able to access your prescribed medication abortion through the mail or to pick it up in person from a pharmacy like any other prescription is a game changer for people trying to access basic health care," Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson said in a statement.

Sue Liebel, director of state affairs and midwest regional director of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, cited a 2009 study that found chemical abortions have four times the complication rate of surgical abortions.

"The immediate message that we are sending is that this is very reckless, and this is the FDA, yet again, peeling back health and safety regulations surrounding these dangerous drugs," Liebel told CP.

In December 2021, the FDA permanently lifted the requirement for women to obtain mifepristone in person from a health provider after temporarily suspending the requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Tuesday, the FDA officially removed the in-person requirement for mifepristone but still mandates that dispensers show they're certified to treat abortion pill complications and that women complete a consent form.

The FDA claims on its updated webpage that "available data and information" support the REMS modification "to reduce [the] burden on the health care delivery system and to ensure the benefits of the product outweigh the risks."

However, Liebel said the data collection on abortion in the U.S. is "abysmal," noting that the country does not have a federal mandate requiring states to report abortion complications.

The pro-life advocate cited a 2021 peer-reviewed longitudinal study conducted by the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research arm for SBA Pro-Life America.

Researchers claim that the rate of emergency room visits after a chemical abortion increased by over 500% from 2002 through 2015. The researchers also noted that by 2015, 60.9% of emergency room visits due to chemical abortion pill complications were miscoded as miscarriages.

The study suggests that Mifepristone abortions grew from 4.4% of total abortions in 2002 to 34.1% in 2015

Liebel believes that state legislatures should require better reporting of emergency room complications and still require an in-person exam before dispensing the abortion pill. As the pro-life advocate noted, the FDA did not prohibit states from requiring an in-person examination at the local level.

She also emphasized the importance of screening women for health complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy or RH compatibility, which would require medical treatment.

"There's a lot of opportunity here for misuse, including a woman not correctly anticipating the gestational age of her baby," Liebel said, noting that women are not supposed to take the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks gestation.

As CP reported, multiple medical professionals, represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, filed a lawsuit in November, challenging the FDA for approving chemical abortion pills and repeatedly loosening restrictions.

"The only way the FDA could have approved chemical abortion drugs was to use its accelerated drug approval authority, necessitating the FDA to call pregnancy an 'illness' and argue that these dangerous drugs provide a 'meaningful therapeutic benefit' over existing treatments," the lawsuit reads.

"But pregnancy is not an illness, nor do chemical abortion drugs provide a therapeutic benefit over surgical abortion," the legal filing continues. "In asserting these transparently false conclusions, the FDA exceeded its regulatory authority to approve the drugs."
Israel strikes Hamas targets in Lebanon after Passover attacks

Israeli forces struck Hamas targets in Lebanon and Gaza Friday following a rocket attack on the Jewish nation as residents celebrated the Passover holiday.

The military response came early Friday morning as Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck targets located in southern Lebanon described as "terrorist infrastructures belonging to Hamas" after rocket fire rained down on cities in northern Israel earlier this week.

Israeli jet fighters hit 10 targets linked to Hamas in various parts of Gaza, including tunnels and arms manufacturing sites, according to Reuters.

No casualties were reported. Officials say as many as 34 rockets were launched Thursday from Lebanon, 25 of which were intercepted.

The rocket attack marked the most significant escalation since 2006 when Israel went to war against the Lebanon-based Shia militant group Hezbollah.

Calling the latest escalation a "complex period," IDF Chief of the General Staff Hertzi Halevi said the IDF remains "strong and will continue to use force as much as necessary, against any enemy and in any arena, both during the holidays and during times of internal public debate."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the IDF would continue working through the Passover holiday  which this year coincides with the Muslim holiday of Ramadan  to ensure Israel's security.

Early Friday, Netanyahu told reporters: "Our enemies are putting us to the test again. And once again, they will discover, even in this test, that we stand together, united, confident in our righteousness. And we will act together, with the complete backing of our forces, the IDF and the security forces, who work even on the holidays to ensure the security of our citizens and the security of our homeland."

IDF officials reported a shooting earlier Friday in the West Bank area, leaving two Israeli sisters dead and another wounded. Authorities also said an Italian tourist was killed and five others injured as a car rammed into tourists in Tel Aviv.

On Wednesday, more than 300 people were arrested or removed in a clash between Israeli police and Palestinians at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the biblical site of the Temple Mount, the second such clash this week.

Less than 24 hours before that clash, masked protesters locked themselves inside the mosque and had to be removed by police.

"Israel's raid into Al-Aqsa mosque, its assault on worshippers, is a slap to recent U.S. efforts which tried to create calm and stability during the month of Ramadan," a spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told Reuters.

Palestinians accused Israeli forces of raiding the compound before prayers were over.

Israeli author and Bible teacher Amir Tsarfati said he does not believe Israel has any intention of taking over the Temple Mount, which is currently under Jordanian custodianship. He accused the hundreds of Palestinians of trying to provoke Israeli authorities by violating the rules of the Al-Asqa mosque and planning to stay their overnight.

"Every year, it's same. I don't understand why anyone around the world is buying this," Tsarfati said in a video posted to Twitter. "We have no business taking over the Temple Mount. When the Jewish temple will be built, there will be no Muslim opposition, trust me. ... Until then, all we want is for them to finish their prayers and go home."

Tsarfati accused the Palestinians of desecrating their own Temple Mount and "using it as a playground for political purposes."

"Now Hamas, as the 'guardian of Jerusalem,' fires rockets from Gaza. And today, just a few minutes ago, Hezbollah, must have joined them, as I am getting reports about interception above the border with Lebanon," he said. "It's a ritual every Ramadan that they use this month to creative provocations to create some sort of conflict in order to bring about the Palestinian issue back to the table. It has nothing to do with religious purposes."

Tsarfati said that he doesn't believe Israel will need to invade to take Al-Asqa from the Muslims. He cited the End Times war described by the prophet Ezekiel, which will ultimately pave the way for a third temple to be built.

"I believe that the earthquake that God will send at the end of the Ezekiel war will destroy everything and that will allow the Antichrist to allow Israel to build a temple," he said. "I don't think we need to invade and take anything from anybody."

He said the rockets flying in from Lebanon and Gaza represent "an inch before a war."
Major pharmacy chain won't dispense abortion pill in some states amid pro-life backlash

Following threats of legal action and pressure from over 20 attorneys general, the major pharmacy retail chain Walgreens confirmed that it will not dispense the abortion pill in certain parts of the country, even in places where abortion remains legal.

In response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration certifying pharmacies to dispense abortion pills, Walgreens announced in January that it had taken steps to begin offering a prescription for the drug, resulting in backlash from various pro-life groups and nearly two dozen state attorneys general.

"We have responded to the state attorneys general letter to Walgreens dated February 1 by indicating we will not dispense Mifepristone in their respective states," Fraser Engerman, senior director of external relations for Walgreens, told The Christian Post in a Friday statement.

"We are not distributing Mifepristone at this time. We intend to be a certified pharmacy and will dispense Mifepristone only in those jurisdictions where it is legal and operationally feasible."

Last month, Attorney General Andrew Bailey of Missouri led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in sending letters to Walgreens and CVS, promising to take legal action if the company began distributing the drugs.

The letters were signed by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach also sent letters to the major pharmacy chains and received assurance that Walgreens would not dispense Mifepristone within the state and not to mail the medical abortion pill into the state. He called on CVS to do the same.

While the company stated that it had not begun to distribute abortion pills, it is working on obtaining certification to do so through the FDA. The company intends to remain consistent with all "applicable laws" and knows it cannot dispense abortion pills at all locations.

"Walgreens is not currently dispensing Mifepristone in any of its locations. As you know, to become certified by the FDA, participating pharmacies must satisfy a range of safety and risk mitigation requirements to dispense this drug," Walgreens Global Chief Legal Officer Danielle C. Gray wrote in a Feb. 17 letter to Kobach. "At this time, we are working through the certification process, which includes the evaluation of our pharmacy network to determine where we will dispense Mifepristone and training protocols and updates for our pharmacists."

The chemical abortion drug regimen features Mifepristone, also known as RU-486, a synthetic steroid endocrine disruptor that blocks progesterone receptors in the uterus and chemically destroys the environment in the uterus and starves the baby to death. The FDA mandates using another drug, misoprostol, to induce cramping and contractions to expel the baby from the mother's womb.

Missy Martinez-Stone, CEO of Reprotection, a pro-life organization that investigates and shuts down abortion facilities by ensuring states enforce existing laws, told CP in a statement that the "abortion industry needs to realize that it's not above the law, and states are going to fight back."

"Retail pharmacies should not be in the business of dispensing a drug designed to kill innocent human beings," she continued. "This dehumanization of preborn children also has devastating implications for their mothers."

The pro-life advocate contends that expanding access to chemical abortion and reducing regulations means some women could take the pill without realizing their pregnancy is ectopic, endangering their lives. Martinez-Stone also argues that a woman who lives alone that takes the drug could start hemorrhaging without anyone around to help her.

"By forcing women to become their own abortionists, the abortion industry is able to elude accountability for the women who are harmed by its lies and manipulation," she stated.

"We need states to continue stepping up to ensure that the law does what it's intended to do: Protect innocent lives and ensure bad actors do not get away with victimizing women and children."

Students for Life of America, a pro-life student organization present on college and high school campuses nationwide, held protests at dozens of Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid pharmacies on Saturday, urging them to "opt out" of selling chemical abortion pills.

"Addressing the harms of Chemical Abortion is a multi-level campaign and includes legislation, citizen petitions, education on campuses, and community activism," Kristi Hamrick, vice president of media and policy at Students for Life Action, told CP in a statement.

"That includes the activism this week and weekend, in protesting at Walgreens to make it clear that opposition to abortion vendors will include community pharmacies if they deal in death by Chemical Abortion pills."

The policy strategist shared that SFLA plans to work through Congress to call for an environmental assessment as a result of dumping medical waste into the water system.

The pro-life group has consistently raised concerns about the potential environmental devastation caused by a woman flushing blood and human remains down the toilet after undergoing the chemical abortion pill regimen.

A pair of women interviewed by CP described their chemical abortion pill experiences, recalling the pain and bleeding they endured before eventually disposing of their unborn child's remains via the toilet.

"There is nothing natural or safe about it," Krissy Spivey told CP about the abortion pills. "Essentially, you become your own abortionist, and nothing can prepare you for how traumatizing that is.

"Your safe place, whether it be your home or your workplace, becomes a graveyard. The emotional toll that it takes, the trauma that happens in those places that are supposed to feel safe. ... You're robbed of so much more than the life of your child. You're robbed of your safe place," she added.

According to a 2021 peer-reviewed longitudinal study conducted by the pro-life research organization Charlotte Lozier Institute, the rate of emergency room visits after a chemical abortion increased by over 500% from 2002 through 2015.

The researchers also noted that by 2015, 60.9% of emergency room visits due to chemical abortion pill complications were miscoded as miscarriages.

In response to pharmacy chains taking steps to dispense the abortion pill, various pro-life groups, including the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, Rehumanize International, the Society for Truth and Justice, the Pro-Life Action League, Pro-Life San Francisco and Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust conducted nationwide protests through the #StopAbortionRx campaign.

The campaign called on pro-lifers to "protest outside your local CVS or Walgreens pharmacy," "post to social media with the hashtag #StopAbortionRx to raise awareness," "call your local pharmacy and demand they cut ties with the Abortion Industry" and "boycott CVS and Walgreens until they stop taking steps to sell abortion drugs."
Pastor, wife indicted in alleged sexual assault, child abuse of 'God daughters'

A Las Vegas pastor and his wife have been indicted on multiple charges of sexual assault, child abuse and other crimes they allegedly committed with multiple underage victims under their leadership 10 years ago.

Pastor Bobby Cornealius Smith and his wife, Lashawn Nicole Smith, of New Beginnings Ministries Church of God in Christ in Las Vegas, Nevada, were both formally charged after one of their alleged victims reported them to police in August 2022, according to 8 News Now.

Bobby Smith was charged with one felony count of attempted sexual assault, nine counts of sexual assault, and one count of child abuse, neglect or endangerment, while Lashawn Smith was charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of child abuse, neglect or endangerment.

No one responded to calls made by The Christian Post to New Beginnings Ministries Church of God in Christ on Friday, but a message on the churchs answering service stated that we are under the leadership of Pastor Bobby Smith.

The couple are also still listed as leaders of the congregation on the churchs website.

We have a no-judgment policy! Come in as you are, but refuse to stay the same, and allow God to complete His perfect work in you, a message above the couples photo on the website declares.

When the couple were first arrested last August, according to a KTNV report, two of their alleged victims, who are now all adult women, told police that Bobby Smith gave them a sex toy and told them to go to the bathroom and use it. He later allegedly used the toy on his then-underage victims and told one girl that "God had told him if (she) did not participate, it would ruin her life."

Bobby Smith allegedly use four different sex toys with one victim who told police it definitely happened over 30 times."

Another woman, who said she was known as one of the pastors "God daughters," told police she was abused while she was staying with the pastors family as a teen. He allegedly used a sex toy on her periodically for months."

When she turned 18, she said Pastor Smith invited her to an apartment and "convinced her" to have sex with "an unknown older guy" and someone else whose name was redacted in police records.

A third woman said she was just 17 when she joined Pastor Smiths church and revealed she was having marital problems. She obeyed him when he told her she "needed to leave her husband." And she quickly became one of his God daughters.

She eventually joined other God daughters in spending more time at the pastors family home, including sleepovers.

One night, according to the woman, Pastor Smith called her to his room and coerced her to perform a sex act on him.

When she became "terrified Bobby was going to rape or hurt her," she told police she pushed him away and alerted the other God daughters.

She said she pushed him away and ran downstairs to tell one of the other girls what happened.

The name of the church Bobby Smith was pastoring at the time of the alleged incidents, which reportedly occurred on or between 2012 and 2014, was unclear because it was redacted from police reports. The three women claimed they reported the pastor to multiple people, including his mother and many other church leaders.

Smith stepped down from the church in 2014.

In an interview with police last year, Smith's wife alleged that one of the victims had "lied when she was younger about Bobby using a sex toy on her."

She explained that she believed her husband when he denied the allegations and admitted that one of the girls was given a sex toy "to keep her from having sex with boys."

She also admitted to participating in a threesome with one of the girls at an apartment.
Virginia university accused of failing to protect free speech after violent mob disrupts pro-life event

A Virginia-based university is accused of failing to protect the constitutionally protected rights of students and speakers after a pro-choice mob violently disrupted a pro-life event.

The Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian conservative legal group, sent a letter on Wednesday to Virginia Commonwealth University's president and administrators on behalf of Students for Life of America and the pro-life campus group Students for Life VCU.

According to the letter, SFL-VCU scheduled an event on March 29 called "Lies Pro-Choice People Believe" featuring SFLA President Kristan Hawkins and conservative speaker Isabel Brown.

Before the event had begun, a crowd of protestors, some identifying themselves as members of the violent, far-left extremist group ANTIFA blocked the doors to the venue. Once people were allowed to enter, the crowd chanted things like Fascists go home, Nazis go home and f--- pro-lifers to drown out the speakers.

Campus police were called multiple times, but the letter states that it took more than 27 minutes for them to respond and, by then, "the protesters had turned violent" with the hostile group "continuing angry chants, destroying audio-visual equipment, and even shoving and assaulting numerous SFL-VCU members, including the groups student leader and a staff member filming the event. EMTs were called to the scene, as multiple students sustained physical injuries."

The letter claims that when campus police arrived, they did not protect students who were being assaulted and did not attempt to arrest the protestors. City of Richmond police eventually arrived on the scene by moving SFL-VU members to a separate, locked room for nearly two hours, which the letter said allowed the activists to leave or continue to disrupt as they saw fit.

For his part, VCU President Michael Rao released a statement last Saturday denouncing the protesters' actions, noting that the two individuals who were arrested for disrupting the event were not connected to the university.

"The overwhelming majority of events at VCU take place without incident, and we are very disappointed that a student organization's meeting was disrupted. Speakers or groups who are invited guests on our campus deserve the right to complete their remarks in a respectful and civil environment," Rao added. "VCU is committed to promoting a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors so that the rights of everyone to gather and speak freely in a civil manner are protected."

The ADF letter argued that Rao's statement did not reflect VCUs actions on the night of the event, noting that the university did not attempt to stop the violent disruptions.

Rather than protect the right of free speech, VCU facilitated the disruption and then ratified and condoned it by detaining the hosts rather than the disruptors and by breaking up the event entirely, the letter stated.

The ADF is calling on VCU to invite the speakers back to campus before the end of the semester, cover the damages sustained to property and students, provide adequate security and release a written statement affirming the universitys commitment to free speech.

The Christian Post reached out to Virginia Commonwealth University and President Michael Rao for this story, with the university responding on Friday with a brief statement:

"At VCU, speakers who are invited guests on our campus deserve the right to complete their remarks in a respectful, civil environment. The overwhelming majority of events on campus take place without incident. There are no additional updates to share about the March 29 event at this time," they stated.

Virginia Commonwealth University allowed a Hecklers Veto to disrupt a peaceful pro-life presentation conversation planned by students at the school, stated Hawkins in an ADF press release on Thursday.

Threats and violence ended the event, which is an injustice the school can begin to correct by inviting me back and properly protecting myself and the students who will gather, as we must ensure that students are safe on campuses.

In an uncensored March 30 video posted on SFLAs YouTube channel, protestors can be seen shouting and holdings signs that read, Pro-forced birth is anti-life and bans off our bodies.

Hawkins is also heard asking security why theyre not attempting to stop the disruption, with security later intervening after the crowd started assaulting an audience member. Near the end of the video, Brown shared how she and Hawkins had to be removed from the room.
5 Temptations: How ministry leaders should react to allegations

When allegations of misconduct are made against a minister or other leader, it is naturally upsetting for everyone involved, including the ministers friends, supporters and colleagues.

How ministry leadership responds to allegations could make the difference between building a healthy ministry, or long-lasting bitterness and hostility.

As leaders walk through this process, they face temptations. Jesus warned about the difference between those who are true shepherds of His flock, and those who are false or unfaithful shepherds. How well leaders and the accused minister respond to these temptations may indicate whether they are true shepherds  or not.

Temptation 1: Dismissing inquiries

When an allegation of misconduct is made, the credibility of the accusation will have to be evaluated. The first temptation of a shepherd is to assume that the allegations could not be true and dismiss or criticize the complainant. But automatically and impulsively putting too much trust in the ministers character sends the message that the ministry holds the minister as infallible and incapable of mistakes. Thus, allegations will never be believed even if they are true. Brushing off the complainant creates an impression of cover-up and protecting the accused.

In evaluating allegations, leaders should ask themselves, Irrespective of what we know or think we know about the character of our minister or the complainant, if these allegations were corroborated, would they amount to ethical misconduct or an abuse of power by our minister? If the answer to this is yes, then leaders should unequivocally pledge to seek the truth wherever it may take them. Next steps will likely be gathering evidence and setting up an investigation or some kind of genuine inquiry.

Handling allegations well will show others in the ministry and the complainant that leaders are humble and honest. Failure to take allegations seriously could create suspicion and distrust among members.

Temptation 2: A little help from my friends

The second temptation of a shepherd is to let the accused minister (or his friends) manage or speak into the investigative process. Giving the minister access to the complainants or influence over the process may not only sabotage the investigation, it may also lead to retaliation claims. Even if the minister is totally innocent, if the minister and his or her allies are involved in the investigation, it gives the appearance of a corrupt process.

Throughout the investigation, the minister, his close friends, and any other biased party should be completely separated from any decision-making related to the allegations. Additionally, anyone who is close friends with the minister or who has bias one way, should be excluded. Practically speaking, in some cases, these individuals have been known to feed the minister information about the investigation. There could either be real collusion to influence the outcome, or an appearance of collusion, which is also bad.

Whether the minister should be placed on administrative leave or simply firewalled from the investigative process depends on the gravity of the charges and whether his or her presence during the preliminary investigative stages would give the appearance of impropriety or cause harm to others. But if there is evidence of misconduct that may create a scandal, the ministry should seriously consider administrative leave until after a complete investigation.

Temptation 3: Influencing the outcome

If the minister is highly esteemed by a church or other ministry, then it is very difficult for supporters to watch helplessly as an investigation goes on. When the friends and supporters are also leaders, a third temptation of a shepherd is to try to influence the outcome.

How does this temptation play out? An example might be a public meeting that shows contempt for complainants and reiterates (by faith) the innocence of the minister. Another example is making blanket statements dismissing complaints as nonsensical. Sometimes this is done on faith without knowledge of the complaints. Worse, sometimes leaders who know of the complaints and know of substantiating evidence will still publicly support the minister.

Why is this a problem? The scriptural responsibility of the shepherd is to the sheep. If there has been a complaint, the first responsibility of leadership is to those who may have been harmed. Blindly supporting an accused minister betrays those who may have been harmed.

As with the accused and his or her allies, everyone else who has a clear bias for a particular outcome should be firewalled from the investigative process. This may mean recusing themselves. In very serious situations where leaders could be suspected of collaborating with the accused, they should also be placed on administrative leave or otherwise removed from the process pending the investigation.

Temptation 4: Manipulating the evidence

A fourth temptation of a shepherd is that those loyal to the accused may try to influence the investigation by manipulating the evidence. For example, leaders may encourage numerous witnesses to participate in an investigation to dilute the allegations with favorable, though often irrelevant, character evidence. These character witnesses may also deliberately attack the credibility of those who are raising allegations. This in turn discourages other individuals with legitimate concerns from coming forward. Why would people want to raise legitimate concerns if everyone is going to turn on them?

Of course, there is a proper place for character witnesses for or against the accused and the complainants in every investigation. There are also proper limitations on public discussion. But efforts to tip the evidentiary scales are unhelpful and even counterproductive. Besides needlessly prolonging the investigation and running up costs, this behavior puts a spotlight on improper motives, deception, and a culture of avoiding accountability.

Temptation 5: Manipulating decisions

Once the investigation is done, and the allegations have been substantiated, a fifth temptation of a shepherd is to manipulate the decision-making. Perhaps the investigative report will be suppressed, just under the eyes of a few loyal people. Perhaps information about the investigative report will be provided to the accused to help with a campaign to retain his or her position. Perhaps some wrongdoing will be acknowledged, but there will be a quick, cheap restoration process and thus not real reconciliation. Or someone may be left in a position of power who is no longer qualified for it because of moral shortcomings. If there are not real consequences for real wrongdoing, the sheep are again betrayed by false shepherds.

For a ministry embroiled in an investigation against a minister, the best course of action involves humility, patience, and a desire to have the truth be known. It is truly impressive when a minister being investigated demonstrates humility in the process, steps aside, and does what he or she can to cooperate with the investigation. All leaders should pray for both the accused and the complainants. They should arrange for pastoral care to be provided (by those who will not be making decisions) for all sides. They should encourage transparency and honesty without dismissing allegations or trying to manipulate the outcome of the investigation. They should arrange for the decision-makers to be unbiased individuals who will make just decisions and will seek healing for the ministry and individuals.



This will help to build a healthy ministry culture. And it will help people understand what Jesus meant when he said that a true shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Baptizing the status quo, then and now

With the election of Humza Yousaf as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), it is likely that the recent flurry of writing on the significance of Kate Forbes and her faith will come to an end.

Forbes, an SNP politician who was running against Yousaf, recently came under fire for her opposition to gay marriage. Of all the pieces written on this, likely the most interesting is that by an old friend of mine, Dr. Fraser MacDonald, for the London Review of Books.



Of all who commented on the issue (including myself) MacDonald offers the most significant contextualization of the affair in terms of the history and culture of Scottish Highland Presbyterianism. We are on different sides of the issue, but his article adds an important dimension to the discussion.

He also gestures toward what has become a commonplace of current debates about the attitude of Christians and their churches to LGBTQ individuals: Christian churches past support for slavery and in some cases present tolerance for racism. He does not press the point because his main concerns in the article are with the difficulty of holding strong opinions on, say, same-sex marriage, that do not comport with the law of the land or the general sentiments of the age. Yet his article reminds us that the past sins of the Church on the matter of slavery do have significance for current church struggles over sexuality and gender.

The standard argument to which MacDonald alludes is a legitimately challenging one: Just as the church was wrong to support slavery in the 19th century, often with claims to biblical warrant and a slew of biblical texts, the church is now wrong to oppose gay marriage and other LGBTQ causes.

Again, traditional Christians maintain their position with a barrage of Bible verses. Given the past record of biblically justified injustice, the argument goes, the church must entertain the possibility  or even the significant likelihood  that she is wrong again (on the wrong side of history is the phrase that comes to mind). Of course, this is not strictly an argument so much as an appeal for self-examination and humility, but it has tended to operate rhetorically as a means of dismissing the Churchs rejection of, say, homosexuality, as clearly outdated and reactionary. Weve seen this all before, and even you now acknowledge your side was wrong.

Certainly, this point about slavery is important and too easily dismissed as a minor aberration by those who do not want to ask the difficult question of how such a practice found so many advocates among those often regarded as the great and the godly. While some might say that in the narrowest sense, this amounts to little more than evidence that the Church is not perfect  a point acknowledged in theory by all followers of Christ  the fact that Christians promoted the reduction of fellow image-bearers to property, to be used and abused at the will of those claiming ownership over them, and argued it was justified by the Bible, should be deeply disturbing.

But perhaps there is another way of construing the Church and these controversial social issues that connects them not to the favored narrative of our age  one of liberation from oppression or of increasingly enlightened ethics  but to the proclivity of the Church in any age: accommodation to the values of the world around her. To be a pro-slavery Christian in colonial America and in the South prior to the Civil War was to interpret the Bible in a manner that gave religious sanction to what was arguably an important part of the spirit of the age. To be a pro-LGBTQ Christian today is to do the same.

Some Marxists of the old economic variety might agree. To be a pro-slavery Christian was to give an ideological expression to the necessary economic foundations of the dominant class system. To be a pro-LGBTQ Christian today is to do the same: to give a blessing to an age of bourgeois self-invention and autonomy that denies any moral significance to natural relations or to the body. Progressives may flatter themselves that they are more enlightened than their slaveholding ancestors, but perhaps they are merely repeating the same mistake: baptizing the class-based status quo of the day.

On this reading, progressive Christians are not overcoming past sins; they are merely replicating one of the oldest ecclesiastical sins of all  conformity to the world, just like their slaveholding ancestors. So it was in Corinth, with the Corinthian churchs obsession with wealth. So it is today with the bourgeois churchs obsession with inclusion and therapeutic categories of discourse.

And this is yet one more reminder of the pressing issue of our age, which the Church must address: anthropology. It is 80 years since C. S. Lewis gave the lectures that were to become The Abolition of Man. In those lectures, he pinpointed the problems of the age as anthropological: Britain was losing its sense of what it meant to be human. If that applied in 1943, how much more so in a time when post-humanism and transhumanism are not merely serious items for intellectual discussion but seriously contemplated as key cultural trajectories for the future?

Christians need to reflect long and hard on what it means to be human. Our slaveholding ancestors failed abysmally in that regard, just as our full-throttle progressives are failing today. Only when we stop exchanging isolated Bible verses and set those verses within the broader framework of a truly Christian anthropology  one that takes embodiment, dependence and obligation seriously  will we avoid the tragic errors and sins that mark the Christian past.

Originally published at First Things.
Pastor who compared sex to Christ and the Church apologizes, says short excerpt was 'unwise'

(CP) An Arizona pastor who faced a firestorm of controversy last month after an excerpt from a book he wrote about sex and marriage was published by The Gospel Coalition is standing by his work but conceded that it was "unwise" to use the particular passage in a short excerpt.

Josh Butler, who pastors Redemption Temple, made the comments during an appearance Monday on the "Theology in the Raw" podcast hosted by Preston Sprinkle, in which he said that the controversial passage from his book, Beautiful Union, which declared "Christ penetrates his church with the generative seed of his Word and the life-giving presence of his Spirit" should have been accompanied by more context.

"I was unwise to allow that excerpt to be used in a short article," said Butler, adding that his "heart has been extremely heavy the last few weeks" since TGC posted  and then subsequently took down  the article on March 2.

In the excerpt, Butler, after confessing that he used to "look to sex for salvation" before realizing that "idolizing sex results in slavery," recounted a series of failed romantic adventures and stated that, in fact, "sex is an icon of Christ and the church."

He also used the sexual act to describe what it means to be in Christ: "Generosity and hospitality are both embodied in the sexual act. Think about it. Generosity involves giving extravagantly to someone. You give the best you've got to give, lavishly pouring out your time, energy or money."

Butler later said the "loaded language" in the excerpt makes more sense within the context of his book, a purpose of which is to show that "God has designed bodily union, sexual union of a husband and wife ... to point to and bear witness to the Gospel."

Another mistake, said Butler, came after what he called "a hundred emails" were exchanged about the excerpt, which he said lost some "pastoral nuance" in some places of the text following revisions.

In the excerpt, which includes a citation of portions of Ephesians 5, Butler wrote that "two becoming one flesh" in Genesis 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! It's 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."

On Monday's podcast, Butler tried to further elaborate on his analogy.

"The argument of the section in question is basically saying it's not just the emotions of marriage or the actions of marriage but ... even the bodily union of marriage is designed to point to the Gospel," he said.

Still, Butler didn't shy away from asking for grace from his readers and said he's working with his publisher for "clarifications" for the book's next printing.

"My response from my heart has been extremely heavy the last few weeks, particularly where my lack of nuance evoked pain in some people's stories," he said. "If that's you, I can only ask for your understanding and grace."

Another guest on the podcast, Sandy Richter, author and chair of biblical studies at Westmont College, criticized what she called Butler's attempt to "sacramentalize the sex act."

"For Protestants to be attempting to turn the marriage sex act into a sacrament, that's part of what the Reformation was about," Richter commented. "And our response to the Catholic Church involved issues that included the fact that not all humanity will have the opportunity to be a part of the sex act, and a sacrament should be available to every believer."

Conceding that Protestantism still lacks a "healthy theology of sex," Richter said she believes Genesis 2 is in fact not referring to the sex act, but rather the theological notion of "fictive kinship" and ultimately, the Incarnation of Christ.

"It's not,' she added, "talking about a penis and a vagina."

Since taking down the original article, TGC posted a statement last month from TGC President Julius Kim announcing Butler's resignation as a fellow with The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics and any other role with the center's events.

The statement read in part: "Josh remains a beloved brother and friend whom we respect and care deeply about. To our fellows and our readers, please forgive us."

 The Christian Post
Where does Jesus say in the Bible that he is the divine Son of God?

Despite a lot of evidence to the contrary, many believe that Jesus did not say he was the Son of God or God himself. It's often claimed that this doctrine was instead decided by the church at a much later date. This claim was encouraged by film and novel, the "Da Vinci Code," even though it is a work of fiction!

You're likely to hear these ideas from some liberal or non-Christian scholars, as well as apologists from other religions. But it should be easy to refute these arguments.

It is true that the exact nature of the Trinity  the way in which one God exists in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit - was debated in the early church. Its precise theological definition took time to develop.

However, it is clear from the Biblical evidence that Jesus considered himself both the unique Son of God and divine  as did the early church. Let's take a look at a summary of just some of the evidence  there's a lot more! But here's some of the clearest and most explicit examples:

Jesus saying he is the Son of God was the reason he was condemned by the religious leaders

When Jesus was before the council of religious leaders (Mark 14:61-65), Jesus was asked a direct question  are you the Son of God? Jesus replies 'I am'. As well as clearly responding 'yes' to the question - the "I am" itself is a divine term. (NB  it is sometimes claimed that this is different from Matthew and Luke's version of this story, where Jesus says 'You say I am' rather than 'I am'. However the meaning was the same as Mark - as demonstrated by the same strong reactions from the religious leaders mentioned in 3.) Mark 14 further makes it clear that Jesus considered himself to be God incarnate, because he then quotes from Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:14. The Psalm is Messianic and refers to 'Lord'; the passage from Daniel clearly states the person "like a son of man" is divine, who rules and has power forever. The religious leader's reaction  tearing his robes and calling Jesus's words blasphemy  makes it clear that Jesus gave the world-shattering claim that he was the Son of God. This is why they wanted Jesus crucified! Read the chapter again - there was no evidence against Jesus other than him stating that he is the Son of God and God himself.

John 3:16

Jesus's words are clear: "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (NLT)

Apart from referring to himself as God's Son, the word that was once translated "only begotten" makes it clear that Jesus means he is the unique son of God  not one of many "sons of God," as is sometimes claimed.

John 10:30-36

In this key passage, Jesus makes two key statements about himself: "The Father and I are one," and "why do you call it blasphemy when I say, 'I am the Son of God'?" The crowd, who want to kill him, understand clearly what Jesus means: "We're stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God." (NLT)

"The Son of Man is Lord"

It's sometimes claimed that the phrase the "Son of Man," which Jesus often uses to describe himself, is not a divine term. In Matthew 12:8 Jesus is clear: "For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath."

The parable of the wicked tenants

In this parable, Jesus tells of farmers renting a vineyard who refuse to pay the landlord's agents, until the landlord decides to send his son (Matthew 21:37, Mark 12:6, Luke 20:13). The reference to the son is Jesus, the landlord is Father God and the tenants are those who rebel against God.

The way Jesus allows others to treat him

It's often recognised that Jesus responded graciously to those who treated him badly, most obviously in his kindness and forgiveness during his torture and execution. But the way in which he allows people to revere him as God is just as notable:

Jesus allows people to worship him: e.g. Matthew 14:33, John 9:38.

Jesus allows others to call him Lord and God, e.g. John 20:28.

As well as Jesus's own words, there are examples of where people heard Father God speak directly of Jesus as his Son:

The disciples hear Father God refer to Jesus as his "beloved Son" at Jesus's baptism, and the transfiguration

For example, Matthew 17:5: "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him." (NLT)

The angel tells Mary that Jesus is the Son of God

It's an important part of the story  see Luke 1:32 and verse 35. As Mary is a virgin and conceived by the Holy Spirit, it's also clear that Jesus's father has to be God himself, in a unique way.

Evidence from the early church

So far, we've looked at what the four Gospels say about this subject  and some people are most interested in this, as they believe that the other parts of the New Testament aren't as valid or important  though this can also be contested!

But it's clear from the very earliest days of the church that this is what they believed, too.

For example, the early words of the very first disciples, for example: John 20:31, Romans 1:4, Hebrews 1:2-3, 1 Corinthians 15.28, and 1 Thessalonians 1:10. These latter two books of the New Testament are believed to be the earliest that were written  between the years 51AD and 57AD.

As well as the written work of the earliest Christians, there are independent historical sources. For example, Pliny, who was trying to outlaw Christianity, wrote this of the first believers: "They asserted that this was the sum and substance of their fault or their error; namely that they were in the habit of meeting before dawn on a stated day and singing alternately a hymn to Christ as to a god."

Jesus's Sonship makes him unique  and it means his words cannot be ignored. He is a lot more than a wise teacher, a loving healer, and a prophet  though he is all of those things too. He is unique and our perfect representation of God himself on Earth, who absorbed all our wrongdoing on the Cross and rose victorious over death and sin  though he was just a humble carpenter, without even a home where he could lay his head.

His love and goodness can help us to overcome all the darkness in this world, in humility and peace, as he taught us.
Staying on an even keel dominates Devon Energys strategy as it navigates an uncertain business climate.

Devons current strategy is built around our long-term development plan, Rick Muncrief, Devons president and chief executive officer, told the Reporter-Telegram in advance of a reception honoring the company presented by the Midland Wildcat Committee.

The companys merger with WPX Energy, completed in 2021, doubled Devons production from 150,000 barrels a day to 320,000 barrels a day currently.

Muncrief said the company operates 25 rigs companywide, 16 of them in the Permian Basin, about the same number as it operated for most of 2022. He said the company added two rigs mid-2022 after completing two major acquisitions, one in North Dakota and one in the Eagle Ford. That, he said, allowed Devon to main production at essentially flat levels.

Of the economic environment, Weve seen a great deal of volatility, he noted. As producers we need to keep the market well supplied, we need to help ensure service companies have steady work and keep a stable workforce, which promotes efficiency and safety.

That volatility as prices are buffeted by concerns over tighter oil supplies and concerns over risks of an economic pullback or recession is encouraging the company to maintain its focus on capital discipline, Muncrief said. Theres a lot in play.

Devons priorities are to continue to be disciplined, stick to its game plan and work with employees, shareholders and its communities, he said.

Just as he believes continued capital discipline is the right thing, so is showing Devons commitment to the environment, one reason the company is joining the United Nations Environment Programmes Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0.

That is the foundation of ESG  Environment, Social and Governance  doing the right thing, he said. Governance is good and as for Social, he said sometimes the industry doesnt get the credit it deserves but, especially with whats going on in the world day, were getting more thoughtful conversations.

He added We want to do the right thing  we wont throw that away. Thats the foundation of ESG  doing the right thing.

In its most recent earnings call, Devon told analysts approximately 60% of its 2023 capital expenditures will be in the Delaware Basin, and of that two-thirds will be in New Mexico and the remaining third in Texas.

Were right on the state line  were barely in New Mexico, were barely in Texas, Muncrief said.

Along with the challenges of price volatility and uncertainty about the direction of the economy, theres another challenge unique to the Permian Basin with its multiple levels of oil and natural gas formations.

Here in the Permian Basin, over time, you see the core  the Tier 1  get fully developed, he said. Then comes Tier 2 and were in that now. Current prices are giving producers more confidence (with Tier 2).

Devon has some Lower Wolfcamp assets that are somewhat lower in percentage in oil and higher in percentage in natural gas and the Permian Basins proximity to the Gulf Coast and its export facilities offers opportunities for natural gas, he said. He also sees exciting opportunities in Mexico, which imports 6 billion cubic feet a day from the US, benefiting Mexicos environment and economy.

Muncrief acknowledged that a lack of takeaway capacity has weighed on natural gas prices, especially at the Waha hub in Pecos County. In response Devon has hedged its base between the Waha and Henry Hub facilities and taken equity positions in new pipeline projects to ensure it has takeway capacity for its production.

He said Devon is always on the lookout for Permian Basin opportunities, pointing out that the company does not have a foothold in the Midland Basin.

The thing about the Permian is that its a basin that keeps giving, he said.
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Phillip Clements, 51, stood next to his lawyer in the courtroom to address the family of the three people he murdered with a barbell when he was 17.

"I know there's no words I can say to the family," Clements said as he apologized. "I was a confused kid - grown into a man of integrity, morals and principles."

Clements was sentenced to five consecutive life terms for killing Kathryn Gatlin, 64, and two of her children - Nancy Barowski, 41, and John Brian Barowski, 45 - inside the Maryland home of the family that was helping to care for the teen in 1989. Two other family members Clements bludgeoned in the apartment survived the attack as he was looking for money to feed his drug addiction.

Thirty-four years later, a judge is weighing whether Clements should be released from prison after he requested that his sentence be reconsidered. Clements's possible early release has pitted the family's concerns over safety and whether he has served enough time for the heinousness of his actions against Clements's desire to leave prison to get another chance at life.

"He's paid in 34 years," Michael Chandler Towns, an assistant public defender representing Clements, said during a hearing this month in Prince George's County Circuit Court. "He changed and grew up."

In 2019, Clements's sentence was already reduced from the life sentences to 65 years after he challenged his punishment asserting he got an illegal sentence based on Supreme Court rulings, according to court filings. His projected release date is no later than 2037, when he'll be 66 years old. But recently Clements asked for his sentence to be reconsidered so he can be released earlier to help build a life and get established before he's too old.

Several of the victims' family members spoke up in court to oppose his release and said they don't understand how he could possibly get out of prison for his crimes.

They "were savagely beaten like animals in a slaughterhouse," Stephen Barowski, Gatlin's son and Nancy and John Barowski's brother, said through tears.

Maryland law could be on Clements's side. With the recent passage of the Juvenile Restoration Act and new policies nationwide that allow sentencing reconsiderations for people who committed crimes when they were juveniles, Clements's circumstances are much different than they were three decades ago, according to experts.

Brianna Ford and Doyle Niemann, prosecutors with the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office's Conviction and Sentence Integrity Unit, said in court that the unit's responsibility is to take a close look at cases "where children were sentenced to die in prison." The state is in support of the defense's recommendation for time served and Clements's release on five years of supervised probation, with conditions.

Both prosecutors and the defense argue that Clements has clinically been deemed a low risk to society and has been substance-abuse-free for 20 years with no violent infractions in his entire incarceration period. The next step for Clements would be a release to a wraparound service and reentry program based in North Carolina.

"Our job," Ford said, "is to balance that terrible crime committed by the defendant with what we know now."

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The Crime

In 1989, Nancy Barowski was working at a printing company and lived with her mother, Kathryn, as she raised her young son, said Robert Logan, her brother-in-law.

Her brother, John Barowski, who was mentally disabled, lived at the home, too, and got a job working at a 7-Eleven nearby cleaning up and organizing the store, Logan said.

The matriarch of the family, Kathryn Gatlin had six children. Her home - the hub of weekend and holiday gatherings - turned out to be the place where everyone was "always there," Logan said in an interview.

Clements was also often there as the onetime boyfriend of Gatlin's granddaughter. Gatlin was the kind of person who "wouldn't hesitate to take somebody in" and let Clements stay at the apartment when he was having trouble with his own family, Logan and court documents said.

On the Saturday morning of Jan. 21, 1989, Clements went to Gatlin's apartment after spending the past evening using crack and phencyclidine (PCP), among other drugs, according to court filings.

He went "intending to rob her for money to buy crack cocaine," the court filings said. The 17-year-old knew that on Saturday mornings, the family would have cash on hand for their grocery shopping days, Logan said.

That day, Gatlin was at home, joined by Nancy and John Barowski, another one of her daughters and Nancy's 14-year-old son. She gave Clements breakfast but refused to provide him with money, according to the court documents.

At one point, Gatlin went to the bathroom, and Clements followed, Logan said. Clements then struck her repeatedly in the head with a barbell pole.

Clements also beat each of the four other family members inside the house in the head with the barbell before stealing money from their purses and fleeing in one of their cars, the court filings said.

Nancy Barowski and John Barowski were pronounced dead at the home. Gatlin, who was rushed to a hospital, died about a week later, according to court filings. Nancy's son and Gatlin's other daughter, who were seriously injured in the attack, survived.

That same day, Clements explained what happened to a friend's parent, who then called the police.

The teen then confessed to police and was charged as an adult with multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

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The Punishment

Decades later, family members told the court at Clements' reconsideration hearing just how much their lives had changed since the murders - how they suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, being "no longer able to trust" others and how they live with guilt and holidays spent without three "innocent, caring family members."

Gatlin's granddaughter who had dated Clements asked the judge to keep the man who "destroyed" her family from being released.

"We're not the same group of people and we never will be," she said.

Logan said his family couldn't understand why Clements's back-to-back life sentences were reduced following a 2019 court decision. And they're again distraught he could be let out even earlier.

"We feel he's right where he should be," Robert Logan said.

Maryland and states nationwide have grappled with how to address the life sentences of those who committed crimes when they were young.

Chandler Towns, Clements's defense attorney, said in court documents that the Supreme Court has "recognized that juvenile offenders are less culpable and more capable of change than adults."

"Broader Maryland law and this court's 2019 ruling have spoken loudly that indeed, despite the brutal and tragic crimes he committed as a 17-year-old, he deserves to spend part of his life outside of prison gates," Chandler Towns said.

When a court is weighing a sentencing reconsideration for juveniles, ideally, they would consider that the person committed the crime when they were underdeveloped and had "diminished capacity" because of their age, said Ashley Nellis, co-director of research of the Sentencing Project. Other factors, such as Clements's drug use and motivation for money to support his drug use, would also be considered as doubled diminished capacity, Nellis said.

It is possible for reformed people to emerge from prison with those factors now removed, Nellis said. And research shows that it is less likely for people who commit homicides and later go to prison for longer periods of time to commit another crime after release.

What juvenile reconsideration hearings try to reveal is whether "that is a different person that is facing them and whether that person is still a danger," Nellis said.

"When you're taking this second look at a human being some years down the road, part of that is taking a second look at yourself as a society. Do you still believe that giving children five life terms is a good idea?" Nellis said. "I think the growing consensus and national consensus is saying no."

At Clements's reconsideration hearing, a clinical psychologist retained by the defense testified that Clements presents a relatively low risk to public safety based on a risk assessment.

Clements's life circumstances at the time he committed his crimes should also be considered, Chandler Towns said in the memo.

At 17, Clements "was in the middle of this chaotic developmental period when the crime occurred," Chandler Towns said, referring to cognitive deficits. At 13, he had gone to live with his father, who was "largely absent." Clements then started drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana and by the end of his sophomore year of high school was addicted to using PCP and cocaine.

Clements dropped out of school, and "getting and using drugs were of singular importance to him," according to the memo.

His 34 years in prison shows he could be a law-abiding citizen upon release, his defense argued. Clements held consistent employment and education opportunities, completed 23 certificates while incarcerated and has been sober for two decades. He had only four infractions in prison, none of which were violent and none that have occurred in the past 14 years.

- - -

The Decision

Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge Cathy Serrette, who is expected to make a decision May 8 on Clements's resentencing request, asked both the defense and prosecutors to provide her with a complete transfer plan if Clements is granted a reduced sentence.

"It's a grave case," Serrette said. "Those are important pieces that are missing."

The parties are weighing whether Clements could go to a two-year program in North Carolina for substance abuse counseling and supervision.

The residential drug rehabilitation program would offer Clements the support he needs to stay sober outside of prison and vocational training that would allow him to pursue a commercial driver's license, Chandler Towns said in court documents.

In a letter addressed to Serrette, Clements said he has taken advantage of all the programs to improve himself that he can while incarcerated.

"My biggest fear is that I get out much older and everyone has passed away," Clements said in the letter. His grandmother and father have died, and his mother is "all I have left in this world."

"It's a very daunting reality," Clements said.

Knowing that Clements will be released at some point, Ford, the prosecutor, said the North Carolina program can send quarterly reports on Clements's progress and "does what prison could not." It would prepare him for release back into society.

"Mr. Clements is not the person he was when he was 17," Ford said.

But the 17-year-old Clements is the person Logan can't forget when he recalls the "buckets of blood" he had to clean up at the family home the day after the killings.

Or the closed-casket funerals for his sister and brother-in-law, who were "smashed like eggs."

The scars from the barbell are still visible on the surviving family members' bodies, the family said in court.

"They paid a terrible price for the kindness they showed to him," Stephen Barowski said. "We have also paid the price."
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  Visitors at the Memphis Zoo said goodbye Saturday to giant panda Ya Ya during a farewell party ahead of her departure back to China.

Highlighted by Chinese cultural performances, the sendoff marked the end of a 20-year loan agreement with the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens that landed Ya Ya in Memphis. About 500 people attended the event, which featured a demonstration by the Tennessee Happy Kung Fu School.

Ya Ya was born August 3, 2000 in Beijing. She was joined in Memphis under the loan agreement by Le Le, a male panda who was born July 18, 1998 and died in February ahead of the pair's planned return to China.

Ya Ya will likely head back to China at the end of month, according to zoo spokesperson Rebecca Winchester.

The zoo says the pandas were key to research and conservation projects and helped people experience some of Chinese culture.

The life expectancy of a giant panda in the wild is about 15 years, but in captivity they have lived to be as old as 38. Decades of conservation efforts in the wild and study in captivity saved the giant panda species from extinction, increasing its population from fewer than 1,000 at one time to more than 1,800 in the wild and captivity.

Advocacy groups In Defense of Animals and Panda Voices previously applauded the return to China, saying the pandas had been suffering in the zoo setting. Zoo officials said the groups were spreading false information. Zoo President and CEO Matt Thompson called Le Le and Ya Ya two of the most spoiled animals on the planet.

A memorial for Le Le was on display at the zoo on Saturday.
If you haven't seen a total solar eclipse, the thought of someone spending thousands of dollars to fly halfway across the world only for an experience barely two minutes long seems a bit absurd. But if you have seen one, you know why some people live their lives longing for the next one - like the one that will visit the United States next year.

Monday, April 8, 2024, will feature a midday nightfall for tens of millions of Americans. Residents in major cities including Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Little Rock, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo and Rochester will see day turn to night for up to four minutes as the moon transits the sun and extinguishes its light. Astrotourists from all around the world will flock to the path of totality, the narrow swath of Earth where the sun is completely blocked, desperate to catch a glimpse of the otherworldly.

It will be the first total solar eclipse to sweep across the country since Aug. 21, 2017, when one traced a path from Oregon to South Carolina. Next year's will be longer in duration and cover a wider track, making for a darker nightfall and more-spectacular colors.

Before the total solar eclipse next year, there will be an annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023. The annular eclipse will track from Oregon to Texas and will be visible where skies are clear. An annular eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth while farthest away from Earth. Because the moon doesn't completely obscure the sun (as it does during a total solar eclipse), the periphery of the sun remains visible creating a "ring of fire" effect.

- - -

Where to see the eclipse next April

Amid the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the path of totality will begin nearly 1,000 miles east-northeast of Samoa but, unless you own a yacht, odds are you won't be watching from there. It arcs across the equatorial Pacific before swinging ashore in Mazatlan in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. It passes over Durango and Coahuila before traversing the Rio Grande and reaching the Edwards Plateau of Texas.

San Antonio and Austin are on the eastern fringe of the path of totality and will experience just a few tens of seconds of darkness. In fact, downtown San Antonio will not experience totality, whereas the city's northwestern suburbs will experience several minutes of it. SeaWorld San Antonio will luck out with 2 minutes 7 seconds of totality.

The edge of the path of totality is sharp, and subtle movements deeper into the path will nab you more time to enjoy the show. Consider San Antonio's airport, for example. The east end of the northwest to southeast runway will experience only a partial eclipse, but the other end will get almost a minute of totality. Choose your location wisely.

From there, Dallas will see 3 minutes 50 seconds of totality shortly after lunchtime, and Little Rock is slated for 2 minutes 20 seconds. Indianapolis is also looking at 3 minutes 50 seconds of totality, which will begin shortly before 1 p.m. Central time. Dayton, Toledo and Cleveland are up next, but Columbus is just outside the path.

Erie and Buffalo will be immersed in darkness for roughly 3 minutes 40 seconds each, as will Rochester and Watertown, N.Y. Then the shadow passes over the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, northern New Hampshire and rural northern Maine. On the Canadian side of the border, Montreal will see totality for 1 minute 20 seconds.

A few lucky places that saw the August 2017 total eclipse will see one again in 2024 - notable among them Carbondale, Ill., which has been dubbed the eclipse capital of the United States.

If you're planning a trip to see the eclipse, consider the weather. Historically, regions farther south and west, like remote parts of Texas, are most predisposed to clear skies. In New England and the Ohio Valley, the weather has historically proved tenuous in early to mid-April, with clouds a real concern.

A much larger area outside the path of totality, encompassing much of North America, will experience a partial solar eclipse. But anyone who has witnessed a total solar eclipse will tell you the difference between the two is - night and day.

- - -

Stages of the eclipse

Partiality occurs when the moon only partially obscures the sun. You cannot look at the sun without proper eye protection (ISO-certified eclipse glasses, or welding goggles of shade 14 or higher). There won't be much noticeable change in luminosity (brightness) of the landscape until about 80 percent of the sun is covered by the moon.

Bailey's beads will appear moments before totality, right before the moon fully covers the sun. The last hints of sunlight peeking through the valleys of the moon will make for pinpricks of brilliance. They'll eventually congeal into a single lone beacon known as the diamond ring. Only when that disappears is it safe to remove your protective eyewear - totality has begun.

- - -

What makes it special?

Totality is the only time the corona of the sun, or the sun's atmosphere, can be seen from earth. It resembles an elegant lion's mane, diaphanous and glowing a delicate white. Each hairlike filament is solar material tracing the sun's magnetic field. It is breathtaking to see.

The corona is hot - close to 2 million degrees Kelvin. That makes it an order of magnitude hotter than the surface of the sun. It isn't very dense, though, and is made of ionized gases. In fact, it is only about one ten-billionth the density of Earth's atmosphere at sea level.

The brightness of the sun ordinarily prevents direct observation of the solar corona. That's why solar eclipses are such a great opportunity for scientists. Science aside, few sights are as spectacular as the solar system splayed out in front of you. There are times it's difficult not to believe the universe is a sentient being; during a total solar eclipse, one gets to stare it in the eye.

- - -

More total solar eclipse viewing opportunities, but not for decades

If you miss the total solar eclipse in 2024, there won't be another in the contiguous United States until August 2044. The path of totality will cross only a small section of the northern-central part of the Lower 48 - from western North Dakota into Montana - before curving northward into Canada.

The good news is there will be a more widely seen total solar eclipse the following year. On Aug. 12, 2045, a total solar eclipse will traverse the country from coast to coast, similar to August 2017, but wider and farther south, stretching from northern California to central Florida.

The 2045 eclipse will be the United States' last coast-to-coast total solar eclipse this century. However, five other total solar eclipses will cross smaller sections of the country - in 2052, 2078, 2079, 2097 (visible in Alaska only) and 2099.

- - -

The Washington Post's Justin Grieser and Jason Samenow contributed to this report.
BRIDGEPORT  A state judicial panel is recommending that Mayor Joe Ganim not get his law license back.

In a 10-page decision, the Hartford Standing Committee on Recommendation for Admission to the Connecticut Bar stated that Ganim has not proved that his efforts to rehabilitate himself outweigh the damage he did when he was convicted on corruption charges while serving as mayor.

The applicants rehabilitation, impressive as it is, does not outweigh the damage his re-admission would cause to the integrity and standing of the Bar or to the administration of justice, the committee stated.

John C. Matulis Jr., the chairman of the committee, declined comment.

The application now goes before a three-judge panel.

Ganims lawyer, Suzanne Sutton, pointed out that the committee voted 3-2 to deny the application.

The committee had a difficult job and we are disappointed with the decision, she said. But I think they left it open for a decision by a three-judge panel.

If the judges deny the application, Ganim could appeal that decision to the state Supreme Court.

A spokeswoman for the mayor did not immediately return calls for comment.

In July, Ganim told Hearst Connecticut Media, Regaining my law license is a separate matter from being the mayor or running for another term. He further clarified his intent would be to again take up law at some point in the future after serving as mayor.

Ganim, who worked as a lawyer with his familys law firm until he was first elected mayor in 1991, was convicted in 2003 of 16 federal charges including racketeering, extortion and bribery and sentenced to nine years in prison. He was released after serving seven years.

In 2012, a panel of local lawyers agreed Ganim deserved to get his law license back, but a three-judge panel rejected his application stating he had shown no remorse for his crimes. The mayor then unsuccessfully appealed that ruling before the state Supreme Court.

In February 2021, Ganim again applied to get his law license back. This time his application was assigned to a panel of Hartford area lawyers.

During a hearing before the standing committee in August in Hartford, Ganim wiped tears from his eyes as he told the five members, I dont know how I can explain it. The person that I am now recognizes that I was a willing participant in that kind of activity.

On the witness stand, Ganim was asked by his lawyer, Suzanne Sutton, if in fact he was guilty to each of the charges he was convicted of. To each charge Ganim answered yes.

There is a breach of public trust the moment you step over the line, and I stepped over that line, Ganim said.

Asked by Sutton if he had testified wrongfully when he told a jury he did not accept any bribes or participate in corruption, Ganim continued: I lied on the (witness) stand, I tried to cover up. I feel terrible now, it was reprehensible.

Under cross examination by Brian Staines, the states disciplinary counsel, Ganim admitted he lied about being addicted to drugs to get into a program that knocked two years off his sentence.

My motivation to get into the program was to get out early and thats it, Ganim said. But he said he learned a lot in the program.

Also during the hearing, Ganim and other witnesses, including his aide Thomas Gaudett, testified Ganims conduct has been exemplary since running and being elected mayor in 2015. He was then reelected in 2019.

But while the committee stated in its decision that it wasnt disputing that assertion, it continued that Ganims conduct as mayor has been subject to intense public scrutiny since his corruption conviction.

Consequently staying out of trouble is less impressive an accomplishment than might otherwise be the case so far as the committee is concerned, they stated.

In its decision, the standing committee said it considered the 10 criteria stated by the state Supreme Court when it rejected Ganims readmission in 2014, specifically, criteria number 10  proof the applicants return to practice will not be detrimental to the integrity of the bar and the administration of justice.

Against the history of sordid, brazen, egregiously corrupt conduct for which the applicant was suspended and criminally convicted, we cannot conclude that he has proved compliance with criterion no. 10 by clear and convincing evidence, the committee wrote.

But the two dissenting members of the commission, Richard Brown and Rene Rosado, wrote in a separate memorandum that they were impressed with Ganim's testimony during the hearing and stated he appeared to testify with sincerity and honesty.

"Mr. Ganim's full commitment to giving back to the people of Bridgeport, the real victims of his misconduct, is clear for all to see," they wrote.

They recommended he be reinstated with the conditions that he work with a mentor and not practice law on his own for three years.
NORMAN, Okla. (AP)  A report of shots fired sent dozens of police cars to the University of Oklahoma Friday night and the campus was locked down for nearly two hours before authorities said no threat was found.

At about 9:30 p.m., people were told to shelter in place and avoid the South Oval area of the sprawling campus in Norman. The university tweeted: There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!
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Earlier this week, Houston Public Works launched a water conservation campaign encouraging Houstonians to save water as much as humanly possible. The department's site states that its "Give Water a Break" push aims to shift the public's mindset from "wasting water because I can" to "saving water because I should." However, the social media visuals and ads used to endorse the campaign can be described as.... interesting, to say the least.

"Size matters: Full loads only," suggests one memorable image, which features a water-flooded washing machine with a bra, underwear, and a pair of boxers pouring out from the door.
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Saturday that he is seeking to pardon a U.S. Army sergeant who was convicted of murder in the 2020 fatal shooting of an armed protester during nationwide protests against police violence and racial injustice.

Abbott tweeted that because the state constitution limits him to a pardon only on a recommendation by the state Board of Pardons and Paroles he is asking the board to recommend a pardon and to expedite his request in order to pardon Sgt. Daniel Perry.

I look forward to approving the board's pardon recommendation as soon as it hits my desk, Abbott wrote.

Perry was convicted Friday by a Travis County jury of fatally shooting 28-year-old Garrett Foster during a protest in Austin. He faces up to life in prison when sentenced.

Texas has one of the strongest 'Stand Your Ground' laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney, Abbott said.

A phone call to District Attorney Jose Garza's office on Saturday was not answered.

Perrys attorneys argued that the shooting was self-defense as Foster approached Perrys car with an AK-47 rifle. Prosecutors said Perry could have driven away before firing his revolver and witnesses testified that Foster never raised his rifle at Perry.

Perry, who was charged in 2021, was stationed at Ft. Hood about 70 miles (112 kilometers) north of Austin in July 2020 when he was working for a ride-sharing company and turned onto a street and into a large crowd of demonstrators in downtown Austin.

In video streamed live on Facebook, a car can be heard honking before several shots ring out and protesters begin screaming and scattering.

When Foster was killed, demonstrators in Austin and beyond had been marching in the streets for weeks following the police killing of George Floyd.

Floyd died May 25, 2020, after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against the Black mans neck for more than nine minutes. Floyd, who was handcuffed, repeatedly said he couldnt breathe.

Floyds killing was recorded on video by a bystander and sparked worldwide protests as part of a broader reckoning over racial injustice.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A Texas judge who sparked a legal firestorm with an unprecedented ruling halting approval of the nation's most common method of abortion is a former attorney for a religious liberty legal group with a long history pushing conservative causes.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, on Friday ordered a hold on federal approval of mifepristone in a decision that overruled decades of scientific approval. His ruling, which doesn't take immediate effect, came practically at the same time that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, essentially ordered the opposite in a different case in Washington. The split likely puts the issue on an accelerated path to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Kacsmaryk, a former federal prosecutor and lawyer for the conservative First Liberty Institute, was confirmed in 2019 over fierce opposition by Democrats over his record opposing LGBTQ rights. He was among more than 230 judges installed to the federal bench under Trump as part of a movement by the Republican president and Senate conservatives to shift the American judiciary to the right.

Hes the sole district court judge in Amarillo  a city in the Texas panhandle  ensuring that all cases filed there land in front of him. And since taking the bench, he has ruled against the Biden administration on several other issues, including immigration and LGBTQ protections.

Interest groups of all kinds have long attempted to file lawsuits before judges they see as friendly to their points of view. But the number of conservative lawsuits filed in Amarillo has spawned accusations of judge shopping or that right-wing plaintiffs are seeking out Kacsmaryk because they know they'll get a sympathetic ear.

Why are all these cases being brought in Amarillo if the litigants who are bringing them are so confident in the strength of their claims? Its not because Amarillo is convenient to get to, said University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck. I think it ought to alarm the judges themselves, that litigants are so transparently and shamelessly funneling cases to their courtroom.

The Justice Department quickly appealed Kacsmaryk's decision to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. And for now, the drug that the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2000 appeared to remain immediately available in the wake of the conflicting rulings in Texas and Washington.

Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone in the body and is used with the drug misoprostol to end pregnancy within the first 10 weeks. The lawsuit in the Texas case was filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which was also involved in the Mississippi case that led to Roe v. Wade being overturned.

Legal experts warned of questionable arguments and factual inaccuracies in the suit for months, but Kacsmaryk essentially agreed with all the plaintiffs major points, including their contention the FDA didnt adequately review mifepristones safety. Medical groups, by contrast, point out mifepristone has been used by millions of women over the past 23 years, and complications occur at a lower rate than with other routine procedures like wisdom teeth removal and colonoscopies.

During confirmation hearings before he took the bench, Kacsmaryk told lawmakers it would be inappropriate for a judge to allow their religious beliefs to impact a matter of law. He pledged to faithfully apply all Supreme Court precedent."

As a judicial nominee, I dont serve as as a legislator. I dont serve as an advocate for counsel. I follow the law as it is written, not as I would have written it, Kacsmaryk said at the time.

Before the abortion pill case, Kacsmaryk was at the center of a legal fight over Trumps Remain in Mexico policy, which required tens of thousands of migrants seeking asylum to wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court.

In 2021, he ordered that the policy be reinstated in response to a lawsuit filed by the states of Texas and Missouri. The U.S. Supreme Court overruled him and said that the Biden administration could end the policy, which it did last August. But in December Kacsmaryk ruled that the administration failed to follow federal rulemaking guidelines when terminating the practice, an issue that the Supreme Court didnt address.

He has also ruled that allowing minors to obtain free birth control without parental consent at federally funded clinics violated parental rights and Texas law.

In other cases, he has ruled that the Biden administration wrongly interpreted part of the Affordable Care Act as prohibiting health care providers from discriminating against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. And he sided with Texas in ruling against Biden administration guidance that said employers cant block workers from using a bathroom consistent with their gender identity.

In another case  brought by states challenging a Department of Labor rule  the Justice Department recently tried to get the case moved out of his district, writing in a court filing that there is no apparent reasonother than judge shopping" that explains why the lawsuit was filed in Amarillo. In denying the bid to move the case, Kacsmaryk wrote that the law does not require the Court to guess as to Plaintiffs subjective motivations for choosing to file there.

Kacsmaryks decisions have been consistent with what a lot of conservatives were hoping for, and a lot of progressives were fearful of, said Daniel Bennett, an associate professor at John Brown University in Arkansas, who wrote a book on the conservative Christian legal movement. This is not a judge whos necessarily going to be riding the fence.

Kacsmaryk's detractors said his past writings and legal work revealed extremist views and animus toward gay and transgender people. In articles before being nominated, he wrote critically of the Supreme Courts Roe v. Wade decision that established a nationwide right to an abortion and the Obergefell decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationally.

In 2015, he slammed an effort to pass federal gender identity and sexual orientation protections, writing that doing so would give no quarter to Americans who continue to believe and seek to exercise their millennia-old religious belief that marriage and sexual relations are reserved to the union of one man and one woman.

A year later, he signed a letter that quoted another article as describing the belief that one is trapped in the body of the wrong sex as a fixed, irrational belief that is appropriately described as a delusion.

Kacsmaryks defenders say he has been unfairly maligned.

Mike Davis, founder of the Article III Project, a conservative judicial advocacy group, said Kacsmaryk has shown no evidence of bias on the bench. He noted that Kacsmaryk was deemed qualified, by the American Bar Association, which means he satisfied what the group describes as very high standards with respect to integrity, professional competence and judicial temperament.

These allegations that hes biased are completely unfounded and they unfairly conflate his legal advocacy with bigotry, Davis said. These Democrat politicians are sending a message to Christians and other people of faith that they are not allowed in the public square.

Before joining the bench, Kacsmaryk worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in Texas and was involved in such cases as the prosecution of Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, the former Texas Tech University student from Saudi Arabia convicted in a failed bomb plot.

In 2014, Kacsmaryk joined the First Liberty Institute, which calls itself the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious liberty for all Americans. Kacsmaryk noted during his confirmation process that the group has represented all faiths.

Among the litigants he defended as the institute's deputy general counsel was an Oregon bakery that refused to provide a cake for a same sex-couples wedding.

Obviously, his decisions have been really disappointing to progressives and left-leaning folks and been very pleasing to those on the right, Bennett said. But thats kind of the nature of our judicial branch right now, especially with these hot-button issues.

_____

Richer reported from Boston.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Tennessee has become a new front in the battle for the future of American democracy after Republicans expelled two Black lawmakers from the state Legislature for their part in a protest urging passage of gun-control measures.

In separate votes on Thursday, the GOP supermajority expelled Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, a move leaving about 140,000 voters in primarily Black districts in Nashville and Memphis with no representation in the Tennessee House.

Kevin Webb, a 53-year-old teacher from Pearson's district, said removing him for such a small infraction is classic America.

Theres been bias against Black individuals in this country for 500 years, Webb said. "What makes us think that its going to stop all of a sudden?

Pearson and Jones were expelled in retaliation for their role in the protest, which unfolded in the aftermath of a school shooting in Nashville that killed six people, including three young students. A third Democrat was spared expulsion by a one-vote margin.

The removal of the lawmakers, who were only recently elected, reflects a trend in dozens of states where Republicans are trying to make it harder to cast ballots and challenging the integrity of the election process.

At least 177 bills restricting voting or creating systems that can intimidate voters or permit partisan interference were filed or introduced in dozens of states so far this year, according to the Brennan Center.

It represents a really slow erosion of our democracy, said Neha Patel, co-executive director of the State Innovation Exchange, a strategy center for state legislators working toward progressive policies.

Patel called the expulsions the third prong of a long-range strategy. She said it was once unprecedented for states to make it harder for people to vote, but the practice has become commonplace.

It's also become common for the GOP to challenge the electoral process and raise questions about election integrity. The next question is whether states with Republican supermajorities will follow Tennessee's lead in expelling opponents with different points of view, she said.

Fred Wertheimer, founder and president of Democracy 21, a nonpartisan organization advocating for better government, said expulsions have generally been reserved for lawmakers involved in criminal activity.

Voters losing their chosen representatives for doing their jobs is unheard of," Wertheimer said. He has not learned of any similar action in other states, but this stuff travels."

The action in Tennessee drew outcries from a range of groups.

National Urban League President Marc Morial said the issue was about race, but its not only about race. Its about basic American values.

Referring to the right to vote, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, he said, It appears as though the Tennessee Legislature needs a refresher on the American Constitution.

The president of the Congressional Black Caucus, Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford, called for the Tennessee lawmakers to be returned to their seats and for Attorney General Merrick Garland to look into potential violations of the Voting Rights Act.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said the civil rights organization was prepared to take legal action "to ensure that this heinous attempt to silence the voice of the people is addressed in a court of law.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton pushed back against criticism that he was leaving thousands of Tennesseans without representation and taking away their voice.

There are consequences for actions, he said. Those members took away the voice of this chamber for 45 minutes when they were on the House floor leading the protest and disrupting the business that were doing.

The trios participation in the demonstration lasted only a few minutes. It was Sexton who called for a recess to meet with lawmakers.

Webb questioned why Jones and Pearson would be expelled while Rep. Gloria Johnson, who is white, was not.

Clayton Cardwell, who lives in Jones district in Nashville, said in a telephone interview that the protest in favor of stricter gun laws last week was the right thing to do.

I was hoping that the entire House would join in, he said. When the retired teacher was getting his master's degree in special education, Cardwell remembers being told that teaching was the safest occupation you could have. Now I think it is one of the most dangerous.

Cardwell, who is white, also questioned the motives behind the expulsions: Weve just got a lot of old white men there who are prejudiced.

Nashville attorney Chris Wood was so concerned about the possible expulsion of his representative that he went to the Capitol on Thursday to watch the proceedings.

It was appalling, he said. It was an abuse of power.

Wood has three children in public schools and called it unbelievable and immoral that the Republican majority would refuse to even consider gun restrictions.

No issue could be more important to the community "than ending gun violence and letting our kids come home at the end of the day, he said. This is the only country in the world where this happens."

Wood expects Jones and Pearson to be back soon. They could be reappointed to the House by county commissions in their districts and run again in a special election.

Andrea Wiley, a lifelong Tennessee resident who lives and works in Pearsons district, said she was embarrassed for the state.

Its really hard to be from here and see us in the national news at this level, she said. It is really scary to me that I dont have a voice in Nashville thats representing me, my community, my neighborhood."

Tamala Johnson said she and her family voted for Pearson and she agreed with him about changing gun laws.

I dont think he should have been expelled for voicing his opinion, Johnson said.

The vote to expel makes me feel like we dont have a word, she said. You threw him out just because hes fighting to improve gun laws.  Theres no trust."

____

Sainz reported from Memphis, Tennessee. Fields reported from Washington, D.C. Associated Press writers Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville, Tennessee, and Hilary Powell in Richmond, Virginia, also contributed to this report.
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ATLIXCO, Mexico (AP)  Barefoot, half naked and blindfolded, throngs of middle aged men groan as they drag their bodies along blazing cobblestone streets.

Pieces of cactus sit lodged on their arms and legs, and 70-pound chains hang around their necks and clatter around their ankles as crowds watch them pass.

For these men, its not a form of torture, but rather a cherished tradition that has played out for more than a hundred years in the Mexican town of Atlixco.

Every year on Good Friday in the small Mexican town of Atlixco, more than a hundred men make the trek known as the Procesion de los Engrillados  the Procession of the Chained.

In this country where nearly 80% of the people are Roman Catholic, the participants believe its a way to give thanks or to pay penance for their sins.

Its an act of gratitude for all that God has given me, and a way to ask for forgiveness for all the bad Ive done to be a better person, said Martin Cazares, 42, who has participated in the march for two decades. It helps me reflect.

Chains wound around Cazares bare chest, a red cloth wrapped around his eyes and a crown of thorns rested on his head. He waited patiently for his turn, while event organizers tossed small, spiny chunks of cactus onto his legs, and those of the other marchers, where they stuck in the flesh.

Organizers say the story behind the tradition dates back to a man who was said to use witchcraft to win a womans heart. He went to a cemetery and cut off the finger of a dead man to make an amulet to win her love, the story goes.

But wracked with guilt, he decided to pay penance wearing heavy chains and trudging through Atlixco each Friday before Easter. Over the past century the tradition has gradually grown.

Sweat-drenched men walk more than a mile through the town of multicolored buildings and colonial churches two hours outside the capital Mexico City.

Hundreds of onlookers line the street as volunteers fan the chained men with pieces of cardboard and squeeze pieces of lime into their mouths  the only thing they are allowed to drink during their walk. Blood drips from the calves of some men as the volunteers pick up pieces of fallen cactus and lob them back at their bodies.

The spines are very painful, and its exhausting, Cazares said. The heat suffocates you, and the exhaustion with the sun, the sun burning your feet, its too much."

Yet Cazares said he participates every year without fail.

Leticia Bautista, 58, who has lived in Atlixco her entire life, said she remembers watching with horror as her uncle joined the march for three years when she was a little girl.

I think God forgives you for the simple act of asking for forgiveness," she said. You dont have to do such nasty things to your body.

Others like Alicia Garces, coordinator of the march, brush off criticisms that the procession is something morbid.

She feels the event is a tradition worth preserving, but she worries that participation has dropped off in recent years. That has coincided with a dip in Catholicism across Mexico, a country with one of the largest number of Catholics in the world.

Since 1990, the share of Mexicans who identify themselves as Catholic has dropped from just over 90% to 78%, according to Mexicos 2020 census.

The cornavirus pandemic also dealt a blow to the Procesion de los Engrillados, and Garces hoped this year's event would rekindle interest.

For the people of this town, its very important that today, after three years of pandemic, we return to the streets to live this passion, she said.
Feature: Gazans recall night of Israeli strikes amid escalating tensions

Xinhua) 13:34, April 08, 2023

A Palestinian man checks damage in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 7, 2023. Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel." (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Magdy Abu Neama became homeless after his two-storey house in the Gaza Strip was severely damaged in the shock waves after Israeli warplanes hit a nearby target late Thursday night.

"I heard heavy explosions that shook my house. Before I could realize what was going on, windows and walls were shattered," said Abu Neama, a father of four.

After the explosions, Neama hurried to evacuate his wife and children from the house, but found the outer door was blocked by the debris. About 10 minutes later, his neighbor helped the family to escape from the house.

Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel."

After the strikes, Safaa al-Ashi and her four children could not sleep as they feared for an escalation of conflicts in Gaza.

"After the explosions, my kids started to scream and I could barely calm them down," the 34-year-old Gazan said, adding she remained doubtful whether peace could be restored soon as "Israeli reconnaissance planes are still flying in the sky all the time."

Although no casualties have been reported so far in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli attacks have seriously damaged residential facilities near the targets, anonymous Palestinian security sources told Xinhua.

In the Mohammed al-Durra Children's Hospital, which is located near Neama's house, the medical staff, pediatric patients, and their companions were in a panic after the Israeli attacks, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza.

The ministry denounced the Israeli strikes as clear violations of international humanitarian laws and the Geneva Convention, which specifically stipulated the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.

Thursday's escalation of conflicts followed two consecutive days of Israeli raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, a flashpoint holy site in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israeli police fired gas canisters and stun grenades at Palestinian worshipers.

The Israeli raids came during a sensitive time when Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramadan with prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, while Jews were commemorating the Passover holiday.

After a day of cross-border conflict, fighting between Israel and militants in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip appeared to have subsided on Friday.

Friday's Ramadan prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound ended without major conflicts.

Palestinians check damage in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 7, 2023. Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel." (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

A Palestinian man checks damage in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 7, 2023. Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel." (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians check damage in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 7, 2023. Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel." (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians check damage in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 7, 2023. Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel." (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians check damage in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 7, 2023. Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel." (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
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DNIPROPETROVSK OBLAST, Ukraine (AP)  Deep underground in southeastern Ukraine, miners work around the clock extracting coal to power the country's war effort and to provide civilians with light and heat.

Coal is central to meeting Ukraines energy needs following the Russia's military's 6-month campaign to destroy power stations and other infrastructure, the chief engineer of a mining company in Dnipropetrovsk province said.

Elevators carry the company's workers underground to the depths of the mine. From there, they operate heavy machinery that digs out the coal and moves the precious resource above ground. It is hard work, the miners said, but essential to keep the country going.

Today, the countrys energy independence is more than a priority, said Oleksandr, the chief engineer, who, like all the coal miners interviewed, spoke on the condition of giving only his first name for security reasons.

Russias attacks on Ukraines nuclear, thermal and other power stations continue to disrupt electricity service as the war grinds on for a second year.

Negotiations to demilitarize the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which the Kremlin's forces captured last year at the start of the full-scale invasion, are at an impasse. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy opposes any proposal that would legitimize Russian control of the plant, which is Europes largest nuclear energy facility.

At full capacity, the plant can produce 6,000 megawatts of electricity. The Ukrainian operators of the plant shut down the last reactor in September, saying it was too risky to run while Russia bombarded nearby areas.

Shelling has damaged the plant numerous times, raising fears of a possible nuclear meltdown. Russian missiles have also threatened the power lines needed to operate vital cooling equipment at Zaporizhzhia and Ukraine's other nuclear plants.

Before the war, the Ukrainian government planned to reduce the country's reliance on coal-fired power stations, which contribute to global warming, and to increase nuclear energy and natural gas production. But when Russian attacks damaged thermal plants in the middle of winter, it was coal that helped keep Ukrainian homes warm, Oleksandr said.

The work of the coal miners cannot fully compensate for the loss of energy from nuclear power plants, but every megawatt they had a role in generating reduced gaps.

We come and work with optimism, trying not to think about what is going on outside the mine, a miner named Serhii said. We work with a smile and forget about it. And when we leave, then another life begins (for us), of survival and everything else.

While many miners from the area joined the armed forces when Russian troops invaded and are now fighting at the front in eastern Ukraine, nearly 150 displaced workers from other coal-producing regions in the east joined the team in Dnipropetrovsk.

A man named Yurii left the embattled Donetsk province town of Vuhledar, where he worked as a coal miner for 20 years. The war, of course, radically changed my life, he said. It is now impossible to live there and the mine where I used to work.

Life begins from scratch, he said.

British military analysts reported Saturday that they think Russias campaign to degrade Ukraines energy grid over the winter through intense missile and drone strikes highly likely failed, and that the invaded countrys energy situation would improve as temperatures rise.

The U.K. Defense Ministry said that while the strikes have continued since October, large-scale attacks causing significant infrastructure damage are becoming rare. Ukraines network operators also managed to source replacement transformers and other critical components to keep electricity flowing, the ministry said.

___

Samya Kallab contributed to this story from Kyiv, Ukraine.

___

Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
CAIRO (AP)  Saudi Arabia on Saturday released over a dozen war prisoners to their rivals, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, a Houthi official said. The release came as Omani officials arrived in the Yemeni capital as part of international efforts to end Yemens years-long conflict.

Abdul-Qader el-Murtaza, a Houthi official in charge of prisoner exchange talks in Yemens conflict, said 13 Houthi prisoners arrived Saturday in the capital, Sanaa.

He said the prisoners were released in exchange for a Saudi prisoner the Houthis freed. He did not say when the rebels released the Saudi prisoner.

Saturdays release was part of a U.N.-brokered deal which Yemens warring parties stuck last month and includes the release of nearly 900 prisoners from both sides, el-Murtaza said.

The U.N.-brokered deal is scheduled to be implemented this month.

Yemens conflict began in 2014, when the Houthis seized Sanaa and much of the countrys north, ousting the internationally recognized government that fled to the south then into exile in Saudi Arabia.

The Houthi move prompted a Saudi-led coalition to intervene months later in a bid to restore the internationally recognized government to power. The conflict has in recent years turned into a regional proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It has killed more than 150,000 people, including fighters and civilians, and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters.

Omani officials, meanwhile, landed in Sanaa for talks with Houthi officials in the latest efforts to renew a ceasefire deal that expired in October, said Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the chief negotiator of the Houthi rebels.

Oman has for years hosted talks between the Iranian-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The talks have been intensified since the warring sides failed to renew a U.N.-brokered cease-fire in October.

The Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that a Saudi delegation, led by the Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Jaber, would visit Sanaa on Sunday, also for talks with the Houthis.

The negotiations in Oman's capital, Muscat focused on preventing all-out fighting after the ceasefire collapsed, and laying out a path for a negotiated end to Yemens civil war.

These talks have gained momentum in recent weeks after Saudi Arabia reached an agreement with Iran to restore their diplomatic ties after a seven-year rift. The Iran-Saudi deal, announced in Beijing on March 10, has invigorated hopes of a settlement to Yemens conflict.
Late one Sunday evening in March, Connecticuts junior U.S. Senator, Chris Murphy, took to Twitter to raise the alarm over one of the Internets most buzzed-about artificial intelligence programs, ChatGPT.

In a tweet that quickly became the subject of ridicule from the tech world, Murphy claimed that the ChatGPT had taught itself to do advanced chemistry, without prompting from its developers, and subsequently made that knowledge public.

Something is coming, Murphy warned. We aren't ready,

Critics of Murphys message argued that it fundamentally misrepresented the technology behind chatbot programs like ChatGPT, which rely on algorithms to identify language patterns from pre-fed texts, in order to respond to questions and other prompts, such as a request to write an essay or short story.

We believe that a practical approach to solving AI safety concerns is to dedicate more time and resources to researching effective mitigations and alignment techniques and testing them against real-world abuse, ChatGPTs developer, OpenAI, said in a lengthy safety statement posted to its website on Wednesday.

Still, Murphy has responded to the backlash by accusing critics of shaming him for an apparent lack of tech proficiency, while also doubling down on some of his claims. Im not an engineer, Murphy said in a subsequent tweet. But Im also not an idiot. I know something dangerous when I see it.

The senator spoke with CT Insider by phone this week to articulate his concerns about AI, social media and why he isnt fearful that sentient computers will destroy humanity. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Last week, in a tweet about the advance of AI, you said 'Something is coming. We arent ready.' Can you explain what you meant by that?

It took Facebook four years to acquire 100 million users. It took ChatGPT two months, and the disruptive potential of ChadGPT-style AI and other types of AI are fundamentally more significant than conventional social media.

We're talking about a technology that has the potential to outsource basic human functions, like creativity, composition and conversation. It used to be that machines were replacing human's physical labor. Now machines are replacing human's mental labor. That is civilization changing, and I just don't believe we should let it happen without some conversation about how to get the good from AI, without all of the potential downside.

I'm going to insert a pop culture reference in here, so forgive me if you're not familiar with it, but it sounds like your concern is less about the plot of "The Terminator, but more something similar to the movie "Her [in which the main character, played by Joaquin Phoenix, falls in love with a chatbot-style AI software called Samantha].

Yeah, I haven't seen it.

But I just don't think we understand what's coming. Already, you can have an interesting conversation with ChatGPT that'll keep you intrigued for a couple of hours, and this is just the start. So to your question, I'm not sitting around worrying about AI becoming sentient and destroying humanity. I'm interested in the moral question of what it means when the things we produce are no longer necessary.

How much of the concern is about morality and how much of it is about economics, a concern that people are going to be put out of their jobs?

There's plenty of evidence to show how automation has already dramatically affected wage growth. The increasing separation between rich and poor in this country is driven in large part by automation, but we still live in a world in which everybody who wants a job can get one. AI is going to further consolidate economic gains in the hands of a small group of winners who know how to manipulate AI, but it also risks eliminating certain job classes altogether. I think there is a question as to whether AI is going to reduce the number of jobs necessary in the economy and start to really dry up sources of employment.

Your tweet was pretty swiftly criticized by some of those in the tech world who said it was misinformed about how this technology works. Looking back, would you have worded things differently?

Probably not.

I said this online, I think the shaming campaign of that tweet from the so-called technology class was really instructive. I'm not a computer scientist, I'm not an engineer, I talk about AI like regular people. I think some of the criticism assumes that I thought AI had sentient capabilities. I don't. I understand that AI is not teaching itself in the way that a human being would teach itself. But I think the words I used in that tweet are the words that regular people use when they talk about AI, and I think the technology class wants to shame people like me into shutting up so that they set the rules, and they get to capture all the profits from AI.

I think we need to have a public discussion about the future of artificial intelligence, and I think that we should get to set the rules for what the terminology is, not the class of technologists that has already made a bunch of pretty catastrophic mistakes in the rollout of recent technologies.

There was one criticism in particular that came from the University of Washington linguistics professor Emily Bender, who said that warnings about "doomsday scenarios" can serve as a distraction from other forms of regulation around data collection, transparency, accountability, what's your reaction to that?

What doomsday prediction did I make?

There are lots of people who claimed I said things I didn't say. I didn't make a doomsday prediction. But I think the effect of her comments is very clear, to try to stop people like me from engaging in conversation, because she's smarter and people like her are smarter than the rest of us.

What type of policy changes and recommendations do you hear about the most down in Washington? What would you like to see?

I don't think we're there yet. I think right now we're just learning about the capabilities of the current products like ChatGPT and what they will be capable of six months and six years from now. So I don't have a policy recommendation yet.

But it does feel like we need to decide what we want from AI and what we don't want from AI. For instance, deep fakes are a real problem and are going to increasingly be a very big problem both in our economy and in our social lives. Some of that technology is AI, some of it isn't. But you know, it is a little strange that there's no statutory prohibition against somebody pretending to be me, pretending to use my voice, either in social settings or in commercial settings. So that's something we should look at pretty quickly.

What's the best way for you to learn and gain more information about this, as the rollout continues and it becomes a bigger part of our online culture?

I will be doing meetings and briefings with industry leaders. This firestorm that was created by my Sunday-night tweet has caused a lot of my colleagues to approach me wanting to work on this issue together. So I'll be working with colleagues, I'll be doing some meetings with experts. And then I'll just be having a conversation with regular people here in Connecticut, about what they want and what they don't want.

In the past, you've expressed concerns about loneliness and a feelings of isolation. You've called it a "plague" and "one of the most important political issues of our time," do you see a connection there with your concerns about AI and social media more broadly?

I do. I think what we're learning is that virtual connection cannot replace in-person connection. We thought social media was going to connect us more easily to each other, and it has ended up making many of us miserable.

Watching others on TikTok, or connecting only via text is just not emotionally satisfying in the way that in-person connection is. AI is even more dangerous. Because, you know, these AIs give you the sensation that you're having a conversation with a human being without ever being in contact with a human being, and they're giving you advice on your social life. I just think that AI has the potential to drag many people sort of deeper into lives of isolation, because your smartphone and your computer are going to be able to deliver to you sort of more advanced and more personally-tailored content than ever before.

I think people reading how you talk about this and your attitude towards technology will want to know how much of this is born out of personal experiences or things that you've seen or heard?

A lot of it. Some of the technology people may criticize my terminology, but I'm pretty technologically adept. You know, I'm one of the only senators who personally posts on social media. I've got teenage kids who are all over social media. Both my kids are pretty healthy, but I've watched some of their friends become very unhealthy in part through their social media usage. Through my kids, I see the dark corners of social media that can breed envy and resentment and self hate. I'm pretty convinced that [social media] is doing if not more harm than good, than no more good than harm.

A lot of your colleagues recently have focused their concerns about social media on one company in particular, TikTok. Why do you think that is, and do you share their concerns?

I mean, I hear their concerns about TikTok, I don't think we should be in the business of handing a potential espionage software package to the Chinese. But I think this myopic focus on TikTok is dangerous.

TikTok is the product that most of our young kids are using. If we ban TikTok, some other dangerous product is going to come along that has the same capabilities. So my colleagues act as if the only problem is Chinese espionage. I'm not saying that's not a problem. But the bigger problem is the damaging impact that all social media has on our culture, and on our economy. So I am much more focused on Congress stepping up and beginning to control social media, regardless of who the owner is.

Do you support proposals such as a bill we've seen in Connecticut that would ban TikTok from government-owned computers and smartphones?

I'm still learning. We passed that bill at the federal level. I didn't object to it, so I'm on record as supporting banning TikTok on government devices at the federal level. But I still am worried that it's symptomatic of the government's hyper-focus on TikTok at the exclusion of a broader debate over the impact of social media.

You also recently weighed in on a bill in Utah, regarding parental consent for minors to use social media. Do you think that minors under the age of 18 should be allowed pretty much unfettered access to social media? And if not, where's the line between protecting their privacy and social development, while also allowing them to freely express themselves online?

I wouldn't have written the Utah bill the same way if it was my legislation. But I think parents right now feel very impotent and powerless when it comes to their kids' interaction with social media. So I'm very open to proposals to give parents more power when it comes to kids' social media accounts. I think that there's going to be some bipartisan agreement around these questions of parental empowerment when it comes to kids access to social media.

I mean, I have a pretty good handle on what my kids are doing on social media, but given that the algorithms are constantly changing the content that they see, I can never be completely aware of what my kids are seeing online. It used to be kids were watching TV, you were looking at the same TV. They knew what channels they were watching. Now, they're looking at a tiny phone. The content they're seeing is changing all the time based on the algorithm and parents have very little visibility into that. That's frightening for a lot of parents, deservedly so.

How would you have crafted legislation to address that issue you're talking about?

Well, you're sort of asking me to draft a piece of legislation, which I'm not ready to do yet. But I think there's a legitimate question as to how much visibility parents should have. You know, the Utah bill, I think, gives the right to parents to essentially surveil their kids online at all times, and I have mixed feelings about that level of intervention.

You've spoken a lot about these human connections that are being severed through tech and social media. Do you see the reverse of that happening, that there may be connections that are being made that we as a society might not want?

Let's back up for a minute and talk about all the positive things that happen on social media. There are a lot of communities that you would never be able to find in person that you can find online. There's just a lot of fun that happens online. My kids are constantly showing me the stupidest TikTok and YouTube videos, and I totally get a kick out of that. I'm not trying to be a Luddite Scrooge, I understand there's a lot of value when it comes to social media, but there's tremendous downside.

Social media polarizes our political debate in this country. It elevates the most extreme voices like Alex Jones. While it allows positive communities to be fostered it also allows really dangerous communities, like the people who organized January 6, to find each other. So there's a lot of bad stuff happening on social media today, side by side with a lot of positive things.

Do you think these sentiments are shared by other members of the Senate, particularly members on the other side of the aisle?

I think there's a growing bipartisan agreement around the need to more tightly control social media. So I think you will see some pretty new and exciting bipartisan partnerships this year, around the regulation of social media. I think a lot of that will be connected to traditional social media like Facebook or Twitter, TikTok.

When it comes to AI, the technology is moving so fast, that it's going to take a little bit longer for Congress to learn and catch up. So I would hope that by the end of this year, we're discussing legislation to regulate AI but we're just not ready, my sense is we're not ready yet.
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Anyone whos traveled Royalton Road near Interstate 71 in Strongsville knows how busy and backed up it can get, with congestion spilling over onto side roads and clogging the commercial heart of the city. State Rep. Tom Patton, a Strongsville Republican, contends hes battled for 25 years to get a new I-71 interchange built to the south to relieve Royalton Road congestion -- and that then-Gov. John Kasich promised him future consideration, but didnt deliver.

One problem: Strongsville had targeted the interchange at Boston Road, a quiet residential street, the southern side of which lies in another county (Medina) and another community (Brunswick), that doesnt want the traffic or the development.

Another: The multicounty Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, whose transportation planning is meant to be collaborative, had identified the Boston Road interchange as likely to stoke excessive new traffic if built, cleveland.coms Steven Litt reports.

So, Patton went with Option B -- putting the interchange into must-pass House Bill 23, the two-year state transportation budget, which Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law March 31.

The language is very explicit, effectively requiring that the state build the interchange at Boston Road by specifying circumstances that appear only to apply to the two communities. It requires intervals of at least one interchange every four and one-half miles when the following conditions exist: (1) The adjacent municipal corporations each have a population of more than thirty-five thousand according to the most recent federal decennial census. (2) The municipal corporations are located in different counties. (3) At least one of the municipal corporations is located in a county with a population of more than one million according to the most recent federal decennial census.

The law doesnt take effect until July 1, offering a chance to look for other ways to address Strongsvilles concerns without giving Brunswick residents their own headaches. But because Pattons amendment is written as a requirement, its not clear what compromise might be possible, without modifying the law.

Yes, Strongsville folks were angry that no transportation solutions were offered after years of complaints, and yes, Brunswick folks were angry that Strongsville didnt just adopt its own, less auto-centric solution.

So what does our Editorial Board Roundtable think? Is there a way out of this traffic-highway-interchange scrum, or had Brunswick better start planning for its own congestion headaches?

Leila Atassi, manager public interest and advocacy:

Having once lived in the shadow of South Park Mall, I fully understand the problem Strongsville faces. However, poor planning gave rise to this issue. The solution should not be equally myopic and uncoordinated. Surely, the communities can draw upon NOACAs expertise to agree on an alternative site with less impact or make a financial arrangement that offsets Brunswicks burden.

Thomas Suddes, editorial writer:

The Ohio Legislature has no business inserting itself into what is a demonstrably local issue. At a minimum, the two cities should consider ways to work on this jointly. Would a Transportation Improvement District help? Maybe. But legislative interference isnt the answer.

Ted Diadiun, columnist:

This situation requires the judgment of Solomon. If I lived in Strongsville, Id be clamoring for the interchange. If I were in Brunswick, Id be fighting tooth and nail against it. Legislators are elected to make decisions that do the greatest good for the greatest number, so  sorry Brunswick. Looks like youre on the short end of this one.

Lisa Garvin, editorial board member:

Putting the interchange project into HB 23 seems extreme, but I understand Pattons frustration after decades of effort to resolve this inter-city conflict. He certainly should have let the regional planning process play out, but would it have reached a different conclusion? Its clear that sprawl  and the resulting traffic  is at Brunswicks front door, and its not going away.

Mary Cay Doherty, editorial board member:

Kudos to Patton for tirelessly advocating for his constituents. While Brunswick understandably laments the interchanges negative effects, its citizens are surely among those traveling to Strongsville via I-71. And separate from Strongsvilles lure, Brunswick traffic will likely increase given Medina Countys expanding population. Hopefully, this bill will spark creative solutions that satisfy both cities. Economic prosperity is a good thing.

Elizabeth Sullivan, opinion director:

Rep. Pattons shameful maneuver illustrates everything thats wrong with special-interest-driven legislating in Ohio. A budget bill should not be the vehicle for a connected lawmakers pet projects, shoehorned in during conference committee deliberations -- in this case, bypassing regional transportation planning and the voice of the impacted community. But, too often, it is.

Editors note: This roundtable was updated at 8:30 p.m. to clarify that only the southern half of Boston Road where it intersects Interstate 71 lies in Brunswick, in Medina County. The road forms a border between Strongsville, in Cuyahoga County, and Brunswick.

Have something to say about this topic?

* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions about our editorial board or comments on this editorial board roundtable to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.
 
Abortion rights advocates gather in front of the J Marvin Jones Federal Building and Courthouse in Amarillo, Texas, on March 15, 2023. Moises Avila | AFP | Getty Images

A federal judge in Texas on Friday suspended the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the abortion pill mifepristone nationwide, but delayed the ruling from taking effect for a week to give the Biden administration time to appeal. But minutes after the Texas decision was announced, a federal judge in Washington state issued a preliminary injunction that said essentially the opposite. The seemingly conflicting federal court rulings out of Texas and Washington state means the Supreme Court may ultimately weigh in on the legality of mifepristone in the U.S., which was approved by the FDA more than two decades ago in 2000. Used in combination with another drug called misoprostol, mifepristone is the most common method to terminate a pregnancy in the U.S., accounting for about half of all abortions. U.S. Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of the U.S. Northern District of Texas held a key hearing in the case weeks ago in Amarillo, but news of the decision that could upend access to the key abortion drug only came down late on a Friday when many Americans were off for religious observances. Kacsmaryk endorsed nearly all of the plaintiffs' arguments about their right to sue, which called for the removal of the FDA's approval of the drug. He argued mifepristone has serious safety issues, sidelining the FDA's long-standing determination that the drug is safe and effective. "The Court does not second-guess FDA's decision-making lightly," Kacsmaryk wrote. "But here, FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns  in violation of its statutory duty  based on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions." But in a dramatic turn, Judge Thomas Owen Rice of the U.S. District for the Eastern District of Washington essentially countered the Texas decision, when he barred the FDA from "altering the status quo and rights as it relates to the availability of mifepristone" in the 17 states and D.C. that sued to keep pill on the market there.

Boxes of the medication Mifepristone used to induce a medical abortion are prepared for patients at Planned Parenthood health center in Birmingham, Alabama, March 14, 2022. Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Kacsmaryk's ruling in Texas "overturns the FDA's expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective." Garland said the Justice Department will appeal the Texas ruling and defend the FDA approval. Responding to the Texas ruling, President Joe Biden said in a statement: "My Administration will fight this ruling." "If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription, approved by the FDA, that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks," the president said. The case will go to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. If the Biden administration fails to convince that court to overturn Kacsmaryk's ruling, access to mifepristone would be in jeopardy across the U.S. But the ruling out of Washington state may protect access at least in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Washington state and D.C. Kacsmaryk's decision will not affect access to misoprostol, which is commonly used as a standalone abortion drug in other parts of the world. Some abortion providers have said they plan to use misoprostol as an alternative to the two-drug regimen if mifepristone is pulled from the market.

How it started

A coalition of physicians opposed to abortion, called the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, sued the FDA in November over its approval of mifepristone. The group argued that the FDA abused its authority by approving mifepristone through an accelerated process for new drugs that help patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses more than what is otherwise available on the market. Kacsmaryk embraced the group's claims Friday, arguing that pregnancy is not an illness and mifepristone does not provide a meaningful therapeutic benefit over surgical abortion. The anti-abortion physicians were represented by attorneys from the Alliance Defending Freedom, an organization that worked with Mississippi lawmakers to draft the law at the center of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. That case ultimately resulted in the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. Kacsmaryk joined the court in 2019 after his appointment by former President Donald Trump. Kacsmaryk's nomination was unanimously opposed by Senate Democrats as well as Republican Susan Collins of Maine, who supports abortion rights. His nomination was also opposed by abortion and LGBTQ rights organizations such as Planned Parenthood and the Human Rights Campaign. The FDA called the case "extraordinary and unprecedented" in its January response to the lawsuit. The agency's lawyers said they could not find any previous example of a court second-guessing an FDA decision to approve a drug. The agency also said mifepristone was not approved under an accelerated pathway. It took more than four years from the filing of the initial application until the pill was approved. The FDA approved mifepristone as a safe and effective method to terminate an early pregnancy based on extensive scientific evidence, the agency's lawyers wrote. Decades of experience among thousands of women have confirmed that the drug regimen is the safest option for many patients compared with surgical abortion or childbirth, the lawyers argued. The FDA warned that pulling mifepristone from the U.S. market would put the health of women at risk if they cannot get access to the pill to safely end pregnancies. It would also weaken the FDA's federal drug approval powers and hinder drug development by creating regulatory uncertainty in the marketplace, the government's lawyers have said. "If longstanding FDA drug approvals were so easily enjoined, even decades after being issued, pharmaceutical companies would be unable to confidently rely on FDA approval decisions to develop the pharmaceutical-drug infrastructure that Americans depend on to treat a variety of health conditions," the Biden administration lawyers wrote. Mifepristone has been subject to FDA restrictions since its approval in 2000 to monitor the pill's safety and efficacy. These restrictions have been subject to criticism and litigation from medical associations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and more recently from attorneys general in Democratic- led states.
Earlier this week, analysts revealed some of their favorite stocks to buy in the second quarter. Many Wall Street firms reiterated that even though the macro uncertainty remains high, there are still plenty of quality buying opportunities. CNBC Pro combed through the most recent quarterly research reports to find stocks with upside as the new quarter gets underway. They include: Simon Property, Spotify , Netflix , Enphase and Palo Alto Networks. Simon Property Compass Point named the real estate investment trust and mall owner a top pick for the second-quarter earlier this week. But the firm says the stock is also a name to own for the long-term. "We are perhaps most constructive on shares of SPG over the next year, given their 12% lower valuation since the start of the year despite continued demand from luxury tenants & strong tenant sales performance," Compass Point analyst Floris van Dijkum said earlier this week. The firm added that Simon has a "high quality" portfolio with one big tenant in particular. "SPG is also the largest landlord to Apple, the true anchor of high productivity retail, and is the biggest beneficiary of luxury tenant demand," he wrote. In addition, van Dijkum says the company's has a "well covered" dividend that investors can rely on to go along with a robust balance sheet. "SPG has over $7.8 billion of liquidity which we anticipate to be utilized during market disruption," he said. Meanwhile shares are down 6.5% this year, but the firm says the stock remains extremely attractive. Netflix Netflix is cementing its position as a "world class brand" and "leading innovator," according to Bank of America analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich. The firm listed a myriad of reasons earlier this week why the streaming giant is a top pick this quarter and beyond. They include the recent crackdown on password sharing, the newly launched ad-supported tier, new subscribers and a free-cash flow inflection point. Reif Ehrlich is also bullish on the stock heading into first-quarter earnings on April 18. "We believe 1Q23 results will mark the low point of FY23 reflecting the initial impact of password sharing efforts in select markets," she added. Shares of the company are up 15% this year and Reif Ehrlich has a price target of $410 per share. "We highlight NFLX as our 2Q23 top pick," she says. Palo Alto Networks The cybersecurity company is firing on all cylinders, RBC said earlier this week in its top second-quarter picks note to clients. Shares of the company are up 37.5% this year, but analyst Matthew Hedberg says the stock still has room to run. "The company should be able to grow into a growing network & endpoint security market by expanding within its customer base while increasing its reach to new customers through a larger portfolio, geographical expansion & share shift," he says. Hedberg believes Palo Alto has a unique opportunity to take share in a rapidly burgeoning field. Other growth initiatives to watch for include expanding international opportunities, subscriptions, regulations and further security breaches, according to the firm. "We view Palo Alto as well positioned to benefit from an increasingly complex security and threat landscape and as an industry leader in security," Hedberg said. Enphase Energy- Deutsche Bank, buy rating "Enphase is a well positioned company in the micro inverter market for solar products, with its products often seen as superior vs peers. Execution has also been impressive, with improving gross margin and continuous innovation with new product generation brought into the market every 12-18 months, allowing for ENPH a value-based pricing." Simon Property-Compass Point, buy rating "We are perhaps most constructive on shares of SPG over the next year, given their 12% lower valuation since the start of the year despite continued demand from luxury tenants & strong tenant sales performance. ... . SPG has over $7.8 billion of liquidity which we anticipate to be utilized during market disruption. ... .High Quality Portfolio. ... .Dividend Well Covered. Netflix- Bank of America, buy rating "Supported by its world class brand, leading global subscriber base ( > 230mn ) and position as a leading innovator, we believe Netflix is poised to outperform driven by four main drivers. ... .We highlight NFLX as our 2Q23 top pick. ... .We believe 1Q23 results will mark the low point of FY23 reflecting the initial impact of password sharing efforts in select markets." Spotify- Wells Fargo, outperform rating "Margin expansion over next ~18 months, resulting in re-rating on a stronger long-term financial outlook. ... .We expect SPOT to outperform expectations on margin expansion over the next ~18 months, resulting in a re-rating on a stronger long-term financial outlook. SPOT has always been a strong consumer product, so the transition is about becoming a stronger business in the eyes of the market. Palo Alto Networks- RBC, outperform rating "The company should be able to grow into a growing network & endpoint security market by expanding within its customer base while increasing its reach to new customers through a larger portfolio, geographical expansion & share shift. ... .We view Palo Alto as well positioned to benefit from an increasingly complex security and threat landscape and as an industry leader in security."
A big shift in consumer demand is coming as global population growth slows, and that means companies need to respond with more active approaches to generate outperformance, according to Evercore ISI. Historically, booming population growth, globalization and industrialization have supported economic growth, Julian Emanuel, the firm's senior managing director, wrote in an April 5 note. However, the growth of the world's population , which has doubled every 50 years since the early 1900s, has peaked, he said. In fact, by 2027, more than one-third of global domestic gross product will be generated in countries where populations are declining, he noted. "The population driven economic growth model is likely over," Emanuel wrote. "Companies with higher value-added services and better quality will likely better capture market share than those relying solely on volume growth." At the same time, incomes will continue to rise, especially in emerging markets, and that will support middle-class consumption. "Consumer companies that focus on 'trade-up' categories and premiumization could benefit as middle-income discretionary spend continues to rise," Emanuel said. Evercore ISI's team of analysts has identified several top stocks it anticipates will benefit the most from rising premiumization or that have been successful in pricing through costs, as well as managing or growing margins. Here are three of those names. Estee Lauder should benefit from premiumization of the global beauty market since customers are willing to pay for quality, creativity and innovation, Evercore ISI analyst Robert Ottenstein said. His investment case specifically for Estee Lauder is anchored in the attractiveness of China's beauty market and the desirability of the company's brands among Chinese consumers. "China is not only Estee's largest market (~35% of revenues) and should continue to be its fastest growing, but it is also wired with the firm's most profitable business models: DTC online and travel retail (Hainan)," Ottenstein wrote. Estee Lauder's travel retail flagship store is located in Hainan, China. Shares are down 2.8% year to date and have 16% upside to Evercore's price target of $280, as of Thursday's close. Meanwhile, McDonald's top six markets  including the U.S., U.K. and France  are all experiencing slowing population growth. Yet the fast-food chain will be a beneficiary of the growing middle class of consumers, analyst David Palmer said. "We believe top-line growth will predominantly come through continued SSS [same-store sales] growth driven by: 1) premiumization and food improvements, 2) growing digital and loyalty connection, and 3) a larger middle-class consuming population in these markets," he said. The stock is up more than 7% year to date and has 6% upside to Evercore's $300 price target. Lastly, Costco 's sticky membership growth and strong execution helps it stand out in a decelerating U.S. retail landscape, analyst Greg Melich said. "COST's strong value proposition is also uniquely positioned to win share of wallet from their middle/higher income member base," he wrote. While gasoline likely makes gross margins somewhat more volatile over time than other retailers, Melich believes Costco's management can smooth it out within earnings due to high productivity. Earlier this week, Costco posted a rare decline in comparable sales, down 1.1% in March. However, excluding the impact of changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange, comparable sales were up 2.6% globally. Melich's $545 price target implies about 12% upside from Thursday's close. The stock is up more than 6% this year.  CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed reporting.
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Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella participates in an interview at the company's headquarters in Redmond, Washington, on March 15, 2023. Chona Kasinger | Bloomberg | Getty Images

When Microsoft first invested $1 billion in OpenAI in 2019, the deal received no more attention than your average corporate venture round. The startup market was blazing hot, and artificial intelligence was one of many areas attracting mega-valuations, alongside electric vehicles, advanced logistics and aerospace. Three years later, the market looks very different. related investing news This tech company is the 'best possible beneficiary' of A.I., says fund manager Startup funding has cratered following the collapse of public market multiples for high-growth, money-losing tech companies. The exception is artificial intelligence, specifically generative AI, which refers to technologies focused on producing automated text, visual and audio responses. No private company is hotter than OpenAI. In November, the San Francisco-based startup introduced ChatGPT, a chatbot that went viral thanks to its ability to craft human-like replies to users' queries about nearly any topic. Microsoft's once under-the-radar investment is now a major topic of discussion, both in venture circles and among public shareholders, who are trying to figure out what it means to the potential value of their stock. Microsoft's cumulative investment in OpenAI has reportedly swelled to $13 billion and the startup's valuation has hit roughly $29 billion. That's because Microsoft isn't just opening up its fat wallet for OpenAI. It's also the arms dealer, as the exclusive provider of computing power for OpenAI's research, products and programming interfaces for developers. Startups and multinational companies, including Microsoft, are rushing to integrate their products with OpenAI, which means massive workloads running on Microsoft's cloud servers.

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Microsoft is integrating the technology into its Bing search engine, sales and marketing software, GitHub coding tools, Microsoft 365 productivity bundle and Azure cloud. Michael Turrin, an analyst at Wells Fargo , says it could all add up to over $30 billion in new annual revenue for Microsoft, with roughly half coming from Azure. What does that mean for Microsoft's investment and broader arrangement? "It's so good that I have investors asking me how they pulled it off, or why OpenAI would even do this," Turrin said in an interview. However, the financial implications are anything but straightforward.

Bragging rights

OpenAI was founded in 2015 as a nonprofit. The structure changed in 2019, when two top executives published a blog post announcing the formation of a "capped-profit" entity called OpenAI LP. The current setup restricts the startup's first investors from making more than 100 times their money, with lower returns for later investors, such as Microsoft. After Microsoft's investment is paid back, it will receive a percentage of OpenAI LP's profits up to the agreed-upon cap, with the rest flowing to the nonprofit body, an OpenAI spokesperson said. A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment. Greg Brockman, an OpenAI co-founder and one of the blog post's authors, wrote in a 2019 Reddit comment that, for investors, the system "feels commensurate with what they could make investing in a pretty successful startup (but less than what they'd get investing in the most successful startups of all time!)." It's an unfamiliar model in Silicon Valley, where maximizing returns has long been the priority of the venture community. Nor does it make much sense to Elon Musk, who was one of OpenAI's founders and early backers. Several times this year, Musk has tweeted his concerns about OpenAI's unconventional structure and its implications for AI, particularly given Microsoft's level of ownership. "OpenAI was created as an open source (which is why I named it 'Open' AI), non-profit company to serve as a counterweight to Google, but now it has become a closed source, maximum-profit company effectively controlled by Microsoft," Musk tweeted in February. "Not what I intended at all." Brockman said on Reddit that if OpenAI succeeds, it could "create orders of magnitude more value than any company has to date." As a major OpenAI investor, Microsoft would benefit. Aside from its investment, leaning on OpenAI has the potential to help Microsoft dramatically reverse its fortunes in AI, where it's stumbled publicly and didn't build a meaningful business on its own. Microsoft pulled the Clippy assistant from Word, Cortana from the Windows taskbar and its Tay chatbot from Twitter. Unlike areas such as advertising or security, Microsoft hasn't disclosed the scale of its AI business, though CEO Satya Nadella said in October that revenue from its Azure Machine Learning service had doubled for four consecutive quarters.

If nothing else, the work with OpenAI has given Nadella bragging rights. Here's what he said at Microsoft's annual shareholder meeting in December, a month after ChatGPT was launched: "When I think about Azure, one of the things that we have done, in fact, in the context of even ChatGPT, which today is one of the more popular AI applications out there, guess what? It's all trained on the Azure supercomputer." In February, Microsoft held a press event at its headquarters in Redmond, Washington, to announce new AI-powered updates to its Bing search engine and Edge browser. Altman was one of the featured speakers. It's been a bumpy ride since then, as the Bing chatbot has held some highly publicized and creepy conversations with users, and it also served up some incorrect answers at the launch. Somewhat fortunately for Microsoft, Google's rollout of its rival Bard AI service was underwhelming, leading employees to describe it as "rushed" and "botched." Despite the early hiccups, the enthusiasm for new technologies based on large language models, or LLMs, is palpable across the tech industry. At the core of OpenAI's bot is an LLM called GPT-4 that's learned to compose natural-sounding text after being trained on extensive online information sources. Microsoft has an exclusive license on GPT-4 and all other OpenAI models, the OpenAI spokesperson said. There are plenty other LLMs available. Last month, Google said it had given some developers early access to an LLM called PaLM. Startups AI21 Labs, Aleph Alpha and Cohere offer their own LLMs, as does Google-backed Anthropic, which has picked Google as its "preferred" cloud provider. Like Altman and Musk, Anthropic cofounder Dario Amodei, who was previously vice president of research at OpenAI, has expressed concerns about the unbridled power of AI. In 2021, Anthropic registered in Delaware as a public-benefit corporation, signifying an intention to have a positive impact on society even as it pursues profits. "We were and are focused on developing innovative structures to provide incentives for safe development and deployment of AI systems and will have more to share on this in the future," an Anthropic spokesperson told CNBC in an email. Across the industry, one thing is clear: it's early days. Quinn Slack, CEO of code-search startup Sourcegraph, said he hasn't seen proof that the OpenAI partnership has given Microsoft a notable advantage, even though he called OpenAI the top LLM provider. "I don't think people should look at Microsoft and say they've totally locked up OpenAI and OpenAI is doing their bidding," Slack said. "I truly believe people there are motivated to build amazing technology and make it as widely used as possible. They view Microsoft as a great customer but not someone that's controlling. That's good, and I hope it stays that way." OpenAI has plenty of skeptics. Late last month the nonprofit Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Policy called on the Federal Trade Commission to stop OpenAI from releasing new commercial releases of GPT-4, describing the technology as "biased, deceptive, and a risk to privacy and public safety." When considering potential exits for OpenAI, Microsoft  which does not hold an OpenAI board seat  would be the natural acquirer given its close entanglement. But that sort of deal would likely attract regulatory scrutiny, because of concerns about AI and about Microsoft stifling competition. By remaining an investor and not becoming OpenAI's owner, Microsoft could avoid Hart-Scott-Rodino reviews from U.S. competition regulators. "I've gone through it. It's painful," said David Zilberman, a partner at Norwest Venture Partners. Based on its existing valuation, the more probable path for OpenAI is an eventual IPO, said Scott Raney, a managing director at Redpoint Ventures. According to PitchBook data, OpenAI is on pace to generate $200 million in revenue this year, up 150% from 2022, and then $1 billion in 2024, which would imply 400% growth. "When you raise at a $30 billion valuation, it's kind of like, there's no turning back at that point," Raney said. You're saying, "Our plan is to be a big independent standalone company." OpenAI's spokesperson said there are no plans to go public or get acquired. WATCH: Why ChatGPT is a game changer for AI
Russian Children's Representative Maria Lvova-Belova holds a press conference at the Foreign Ministry following accusations by Ukraine that the Russian leadership is deporting children in its war of aggression against the country.

The International Committee of the Red Cross says it has been in contact with a Russian official suspected of war crimes as it works for the return of Ukrainian children who were deported to Russia.

The ICRC's contacts with Russian children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova marked the first confirmation of high-level international intervention to reunite families with children who were forcibly deported.

ICRC spokesman Jason Straziuso said Thursday the organization is in contact with Lvova-Belova "in line with its mandate to restore contact between separated families and facilitate reunification where feasible."

That goes beyond the engagement of other agencies. The U.N. children's agency UNICEF said it has also been in contact with Russian officials about the children, but spokesman Kurtis Cooper told The Associated Press that UNICEF "has not received feedback on our offer to facilitate reunifications processes." Refugees International denied any contact with the Russians  despite Lvova-Belova's claim it had contacted her.

Deportations of Ukrainian children have been a concern since Russia's Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine. The International Criminal Court increased pressure on Russia when it issued arrest warrants on March 17 for Lvova-Belova and Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing them of abducting children from Ukraine.

An AP investigation revealed Lvova-Belova's involvement in the abductions and found an open effort to put Ukrainian children up for adoption in Russia.

Lvova-Belova told an informal U.N. Security Council meeting Wednesday that the children were taken for their safety, not abducted  a claim widely rejected by the international community.

Lvova-Belova spoke by video link at a meeting called by Russia and opposed by Western countries that sent low-level diplomats instead of their ambassadors. Representatives from four countries  the U.S., UK, Albania and Malta  walked out when she began her remarks.

She said Russia has had no official communication with Ukrainian authorities about the children, but added her office has met with representatives of the ICRC, UNICEF, and Refugees International, and provided "all available information about the situation of children."

ICRC spokesman Straziuso on Thursday confirmed its contact with Lvova-Belova.

Straziuso said the reunification process includes tracing family members, establishing and maintaining contact, "obtaining relevant consents and documentation, reuniting families, and seeking to clarify the fate and whereabouts of those who remain missing."

For the ICRC to move forward, he said, families must first file a tracing request with details about the child with the Red Cross.

The exact number of Ukrainian children taken to Russia has been difficult to determine, and numbers from the warring countries differ vastly.

A statement posted Wednesday on Twitter by Ukraine's U.N. ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya, said more than 19,500 children had been seized from their families or orphanages and forcibly deported.

Lvova-Belova said that since February 2022, Russia has taken in more than 5 million Ukrainians, including 700,000 children  all with parents, relatives or legal guardians except for 2,000 from orphanages in the eastern Donbas.

To date, she said, about 1,300 children have been returned to their orphanages, 400 were sent to Russian orphanages and 358 were placed in foster homes. She claimed no Ukrainian children have been adopted.
With 30 days left in Colorado's 2023 legislative session, Gov. Jared Polis has signed 79 bills into law.

After being signed, bills take effect in August, 90 days after the general assembly adjourns, unless otherwise specified in the bill. A full list of legislation signed this year can be found online by clicking here.

Here are all of the bills signed into law this week.

Senate Bill 52: Municipal priority lien surviving treasurer's deed

Specifies that a municipal lien for the costs of removing weeds, brush, and other rubbish survives the issuance of a treasurers deed. Signed on Monday.

Senate Bill 57: County treasurer no longer ex officio district treasurer

Removes the duty of county treasurers to be ex officio district treasurers for special purpose districts providing drainage and irrigation services. Signed on Monday.

Senate Bill 68: Operations of county public hospitals

Clarifies the responsibilities of county commissioners and public hospital trustees. Signed on Monday.

Senate Bill 77: Restrictions on broker engagement contracts

Establishes requirements for broker engagement contracts for the sale of residential premises. Signed on Monday.

Senate Bill 78: Manufacturer pay dealer motor vehicle warranty

Adjusts the conditions for a vehicle manufacturer to reimburse a vehicle dealership for performing service under a warranty. Signed on Monday.

Senate Bill 110: Transparency for metropolitan districts

Makes changes to service plan requirements submitted for proposed metropolitan districts and establishes new rules to increase transparency around outstanding projects and debt. Signed on Monday.
As Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin mull whether to seek a reversal in federal court of a massive Army contract to rival Bell, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Friday in Hartford that Congress could apply pressure as well by limiting funding for the procurement of the Bell aircraft if it deems it to be the wrong choice from a fiscal perspective.

Sikorsky took a major hit Thursday after the Government Accountability Office declined to overturn a U.S. Army decision last December to award Bell a contract estimated at an initial $7.1 billion to produce the V-280 Valor. The Bell tilt-rotor would take on missions performed today by the Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter, which has been in the Army fleet for more than a half-century.

With Sikorsky having produced more than 5,000 Black Hawk helicopters and variants, it is a major loss for Lockheed Martin and Connecticut where Sikorsky is among the five largest employers with roughly 8,000 workers at last report. Late last year, an Army official estimated at $70 billion or more the value of the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program, and possible derivative aircraft for other military branches.

For the time being, Sikorsky's Stratford plant has steady work in the next decade and beyond making Army Black Hawks and variant helicopters for the U.S. Air Force and Navy, and the new CH-53K King Stallion helicopter for the Marine Corps.

But Lockheed Martin had counted on the Sikorsky-Boeing Defiant-X to pick up the slack from there, with a possible added boost if Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin land an Army contract for a new armed scout helicopter.

Speaking Friday on the steps of the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford, Blumenthal said there was precedent for Congress using its purse strings to influence the Department of Defense during prior administrations to reconsider major decisions on strategic or tactical weapons programs. While Blumenthal said there is a need for "robust" defense spending in the current age, he suggested that spending needs to go to systems that provide the best bang for the buck.

"We have an oversight responsibility," said Blumenthal. "We go through the defense budget literally line by line. The National Defense Authorization Act is approved by Congress only after a really exacting process. And make no mistake  defense budgets are going to have to be subject to even higher level of scrutiny."

While acknowledging the possibility of Sikorsky winning the armed scout helicopter contract, Blumenthal said that if Sikorsky disputes the methodology for the V-280 Valor procurement, it should pursue a claim in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

The armed scout helicopter program has been pushed back a year to 2024 as GE Aviation develops the engine that will be installed on either the Sikorsky or Bell model the Army picks. Bell has proposed a traditional helicopter design for that program, with Sikorsky sticking with a coaxial rotor model similar to the Defiant-X it proposed as the Black Hawk replacement in partnership with Boeing.

Blumenthal told CT Insider keeping the Stratford workforce intact is a significant strategic consideration as well for the U.S. military and its allies. While Bell has a solid commercial helicopter business  it built more than 150 last year  Sikorsky is dependent on government sales.

"The trained workforce that is at Sikorsky right now, frankly, are the best helicopter makers in the world, and it's potentially endangering that defense industrial base by going with Bell," Blumenthal said. "This decision on the future of vertical-lift aircraft has ramifications across the globe  not just to our NATO allies, but to partners who depend on American helicopter manufacturing, whether it's in the Middle East or the Far East."

In a written statement Friday, Gov. Ned Lamont referenced "additional competitions coming down the road" for Sikorsky.

While the Army deliberated on the V-280 Valor versus the Defiant-X, NATO has a similar competition under way for a new helicopter or tilt-rotor fleet, which would be smaller than the Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program won by Bell, but still significant. Sikorsky and Bell have signaled interest with their respective aircraft for the NATO program, as have European manufacturers Leonardo and Airbus.

Defiant-X features dual sets of rigid rotor blades that spin in opposite directions, providing vastly improved maneuverability compared to traditional helicopters like the Black Hawk. Sikorsky and Boeing have played up those capabilities for both the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program won by Bell, and the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program for the Army scout helicopter, with Sikorsky calling that prototype Raider-X.

Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky have yet to indicate whether they will pursue a challenge of the Army FLRAA decision in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the last avenue to get a second chance at the program. Sikorsky has an existing case in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, alleging the U.S. government underpaid it for research and development expenses by applying a cost-accounting standard improperly.

In their GAO protest, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky claimed the Army did not properly factor factor the higher cost of the Bell V-280 Valor in the selection. GAO asserted that Sikorsky fell short on "architectural detail" the Army required, without providing immediate specifics.

Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky have yet to indicate whether they will pursue a last remaining option  a lawsuit challenging the Bell award in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

Sikorsky has an existing case in the court against the U.S. government, claiming it was underpaid for research and development costs it incurred over 10 years through 2017, with Sikorsky having prevailed in a U.S. Court of Federal Claims lawsuit filed in 2012 after the government levied an extra $64 million charge on a dispute over accounting assumptions.

Cost-accounting rules are at the center of the more recent dispute as well, with court documents redacting the specific amounts Sikorsky claims it should have received. Programs covered in the lawsuit include the Black Hawk, the CH-53K and the new Jolly Green II rescue helicopter Sikorsky is now building in Stratford for the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as the "Future Vertical Lift" effort that produced the Defiant-X prototype.

Sikorsky landed the Jolly Green II contract after a successful GAO protest from 15 years ago that allowed to wrest away the program from Boeing, which had proposed a modernized version of its tandem-rotor Chinook helicopter that is still used by the Army today.
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HONOLULU (AP)  The brother of a Hawaii man recently released after more than 20 years in prison for the killing and rape of a tourist has filed a similar request seeking exonerati on.

An attorney for the California Innocence Project, which is representing Shawn Schweitzer, filed a petition Thursday in one of Hawaii's biggest murder cases. Schweitzer, his brother and a third man were indicted for the death of Dana Ireland, who was found barely alive in the bushes along a fishing trail in Puna, a remote section of the Big Island in 1991.

She had been sexually assaulted and beaten, and later died at a hospital. The mangled bicycle she had been riding was found several miles away and appeared to have been run into by a vehicle. The slaying of the visitor from Virginia gained national attention and remained unsolved for years, putting intense pressure on police to find the killer.

After seeing a jury find his brother guilty, Schweitzer and his family decided he needed to take a plea deal, his former attorney has said. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and kidnapping in exchange for credit for about a year served in jail.

In January, a Big Island judge ordered his brother, Ian Schweitzer, released immediately after his attorneys presented new evidence, including DNA that belongs to an unknown male and not the three men who were convicted.

Shawn Schweitzer's petition cites the same evidence.

Schweitzer's plea was the result of manifest injustice, the petition said. It asks that a judge vacate the conviction and dismiss the indictment or allow him to withdraw his guilty plea and dismiss the case.

Schweitzer said he's looking forward to clearing his name after being ostracized in their small community.

You go places and you see people that give you stink eye, dirty looksit was very difficult," he told the Associated Press in a phone interview Friday.

His wife, children and other relatives also suffered. They all carry our last name," he said. "Its a pretty unusual last name so its hard to hide it.

His attorney, Alex Simpson, said they filed the petition after trying to negotiate a resolution with prosecutors. Im hopeful that were going to come to a peaceful and quick resolution," he said.

A hearing hadn't yet been set.

Prosecutors didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Ireland's relatives couldn't be reached.

In 1994, Frank Pauline Jr. came forward and claimed he was with the Schweitzer brothers when Ian Schweitzer ran Irelands bike over and then killed her.

But he was interviewed at least seven times and gave inconsistent accounts each time. When it was clear he would be indicted along with the Schweitzers, he tried to take it all back and said he had lied to try to get drug charges dropped against his half-brother, according to court documents.

Pauline was convicted, along with the brothers, and killed by a fellow inmate in a New Mexico prison in 2015.

Myles Breiner, an attorney representing Paulines family, said a petition is pending that seeks to have him posthumously exonerated.
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ROSEVILLE, Calif. (AP)  The gunman who shot a California Highway Patrol officer and two hostages, killing one, in a public park was initially wanted for questioning in connection with a freeway shooting, police said Friday.

The violence unfolded Thursday afternoon as CHP officers tried to serve a search warrant on Eric Abril in Roseville while families played nearby at baseball fields and children attended camp.

Amid the chaos, Abril took two hostages  identified Friday as a married couple  in the city of about 150,000 northeast of Sacramento. James MacEgan was killed in the shooting and his spouse was injured, Roseville police said.

The injured CHP officer, whose name was also not disclosed, has since been released from medical care. Abril, however, remained hospitalized Friday with a gunshot wound, Roseville police said.

Although investigators believe Abril was the gunman in an earlier freeway shooting in Sacramento County, CHP Officer Ricardo Ortiz said Friday that there was no warrant out for Abril's arrest.

At the time, the officers only had search warrants for his home and car. Ortiz said they just planned to question him on Thursday. Ortiz did not have details about the freeway shooting, such as when and where it occurred.

Ortiz also said he did not know how the CHP officers found Abril near the suburban Mahany Park and why they approached him while families and children were close by.

The loss of life is of course a tragedy, Ortiz said Friday. "I cant speak on behalf of the officers that were there and went through the situation, and why they did what they did. Thats not something I can comment on.
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NEW YORK (AP)  An Iranian opposition activist who U.S. authorities said was the target of two thwarted kidnapping or murder plots urged a federal judge in New York on Friday to hand a tough prison sentence to a woman who unwittingly funded one of the planned attacks.

Masih Alinejad, a onetime Iranian journalist, said her sense of safety has been shattered since authorities notified her in 2020 that she was being watched and that photographs were taken of her Brooklyn residence of 10 years. Since then, she has received U.S. government protection and has moved frequently between safe houses.

This crime left its mark. Every day when I go out in the street, I have to look over my shoulders. ... I miss my tree-lined street and my neighbors who treated me as one of their own, Alinejad told Judge Ronnie Abrams as she asked her to set an example by sending 48-year-old Niloufar Bahadorifar, of Irvine, California, to prison for as long as possible.

Abrams did just that, announcing a four-year prison term after agreeing with prosecutors who urged her to impose a sentence between 46 and 57 months behind bars. She said she wanted to deter others who might aid the Iranian government in the targeting of individuals in the United States.

Abrams rejected a request by Bahadorifar's lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, that his client be spared a prison term on the grounds that she, too, was a victim of a dark, repressive, evil terror regime that had left her so programmed to do as she was told that she fled Iran only to live for a time in Canada with a fundamentalist, lunatic, abusive husband.

Afterward, Bahadorifar addressed the court, telling Alinejad she was humiliated to have been involved in any attempt to harm you, even if I was unaware of it.

She added: You are a hero to all Iranians. I am so sorry.

Outside court, Alinejad was unimpressed.

Even trying to use this to save herself? I'm not a hero, she said. My heroes are those people who got killed by the Iranian regime, and they never played victims like she did,

Alinejad long has been targeted by Iran's theocracy after fleeing the country following its disputed 2009 presidential election and crackdown.

She is a prominent figure on Farsi-language satellite channels abroad that critically view Iran and has worked as a contractor for U.S.-funded Voice of Americas Farsi-language network since 2015. She became a U.S. citizen in October 2019.

In December, Bahadorifar, a U.S. citizen originally from Iran, pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate U.S. economic sanctions on Iran by enabling access to the U.S. financial system for four Iranians who wanted to kidnap and silence Alinejad by taking her back to Tehran. Authorities said the Iranians used Bahadorifar as a go-between to pay an American private investigator.

The investigator was part of a plan by the would-be kidnappers, working for the government of Iran, to use private investigators in 2020 and 2021 to surveil, photograph, and video record Alinejad and others in her home on multiple occasions, prosecutors said.

Last summer, police arrested a man armed with a loaded assault-style rifle and dozens of rounds of ammunition near her Brooklyn home. Alinejad said a home security video had recorded the man outside her front door.

Since 2015, Bahadorifar had provided financial and other services, including access to the U.S. financial system and institutions, to various individuals from Iran, prosecutors said. Beginning in 2019, she structured cash deposits totaling at least $476,000 in more than 120 individual deposits, topping $10,000 only twice, authorities said.

At her December plea, Bahadorifar said she had sent funds to the private investigator on behalf of a government official in Iran who was a longtime family friend.

An Iranian intelligence officer and others were charged in New York in 2021 with trying to kidnap Alinejad. The Iranian officials have denied the charge.

The private investigator, who also was unaware his employers were Iranian agents, later cooperated with the FBI and was not charged.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Gutwillig said the case demonstrated why sanction violations are gravely serious.

After the sentence was announced, Lichtman said as he left the courthouse that he was disappointed, calling it comical to think Iranian terrorists were going to be deterred from other sinister plots because of his client's fate.

Outside court, Alinejad said the word safe is a luxury for her.

"I'm not safe in America," she said. I cannot believe that this all happened to me. Three men were trying to kill me on U.S. soil.

She added: It's not about me. It's about the national security of the United States of America.
JALALABAD, Afghanistan (AP)  Afghan religious scholars Saturday criticized a ban on female education, as a key Taliban minister warned clerics not to rebel against the government on the controversial issue.

Girls cannot go to school beyond sixth grade in Afghanistan, with the education ban extending to universities. Women are barred from public spaces, including parks, and most forms of employment. Last week, Afghan women were barred from working at the U.N., according to the global body, although the Taliban have yet to make a public announcement.

Authorities present the education restrictions as temporary suspensions rather than bans, but universities and schools reopened in March without their female students.

The bans have raised fierce international uproar, increasing the country's isolation at a time when its economy has collapsed and worsenied a humanitarian crisis.

Two religious scholars who are well-known within Afghanistan said Saturday that authorities should reconsider their decision. Public opposition to Taliban policies is rare, although some Taliban leaders have voiced their disagreement with the decision-making process.

One scholar, Abdul Rahman Abid, said institutions should be permitted to re-admit girls and women through separate classes, hiring female teachers, staggering timetables, and even building new facilities.

Knowledge is obligatory in Islam for men and women, he told The Associated Press, and Islam allows women to study.

My daughter is absent from school, I am ashamed, I have no answer for my daughter, he said. My daughter asks why girls are not allowed to learn in the Islamic system. I have no answer for her.

He said reform is needed and warned that any delays are at the expense of the global Islamic community and also weakens the government.

Another scholar, who is a member of the Taliban, told the AP there is still time for ministries to solve the problem of girls' education. Toryali Himat cited ministries comprising the inner circle of the supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, who is based in Kandahar.

It was on his orders that the government banned girls from classrooms. Himat said there are two types of criticism, one that destroys the system and another that makes corrective criticism.

Islam has allowed both men and women to learn, but hijab and curriculum should be considered, said Himat. Corrective criticism should be given and the Islamic emirate should think about this. Where there is no criticism, there is the possibility of corruption. My personal opinion is that girls should get education up to university level.

Acting Higher Education Minister Nida Mohammad Nadim said Friday that clerics should not speak against government policy.

He made his remarks after another scholar, Abdul Sami Al Ghaznawi, told students at a religious school that there was no conflict over girls' education. He said Islamic scripture was clear that girls' education was acceptable. Al Ghaznawi was not immediately available for comment.

Nadim appeared to target Al Ghaznawi by mentioning an honorable scholar at the top of a video statement released on social media.

You encouraged the people to rebel, so what is the result? Nadim said. The result is that rebellion against this (ban) is allowed. If people are encouraged to rebel against the system, will it benefit Muslims?"

The minister was not immediately available for comment. But his spokesman, Hafiz Ziaullah Hashimi, confirmed Nadims remarks without giving further details about who they were directed at or the reason behind them.
BAGHDAD (AP)  The commander of the main U.S.-backed force in Syria and Iraqs presidency Saturday condemned what they say was a Turkish attack on an airport in northern Iraq.

The condemnation came as the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces confirmed Saturday that its chief commander, Mazloum Abdi, was at the airport in northern Iraq at the time of the attack but withheld information until he returned home safely. Abdi later spoke to Kurdish media saying that at the time of the attack he was with troops from the U.S.-led coalition that is fighting the Islamic State group.

Iraqs presidency called the late Friday explosion in northern Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region a flagrant aggression against Iraq and its sovereignty in the area. It called on Turkey to issue a formal apology, saying it should not continue terrorizing Iraqis in the north.

A representative of the Turkish defense ministry said he had no information about the incident.

Turkey has spent years fighting Kurdish militants in its east and large Kurdish communities live in neighboring Iraq and Syria, where they have a degree of self-rule. Turkey considers the main Kurdish militia in northeast Syria an ally of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. The PKK has for decades waged an insurgency within Turkey.

On Saturday, Iraq's National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji, heading a high-level security delegation, arrived in Suleimanyah to discuss the issue with local officials, the state news agency reported.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based opposition war monitor, and some local media reported Friday that the explosion next to the Suleimaniyah International Airport was a Turkish drone attack targeting Abdi, the leader of the SDF.

The blast came days after Turkey closed its airspace to flights to and from the airport, citing an alleged increase in Kurdish militant activity threatening flight safety. The airports security directorate said an explosion took place near the fence surrounding the airport causing a fire but no injuries.

Officials with the SDF and the Kurdish regional government in northeast Syria said on Friday Abdi was not in Suleimaniyah at the time and was not the target of an attack.

On Saturday, SDF spokesman Farhad Sham said in a statement that as part of their emergency security response related to the safety of our forces command, we deliberately restricted the release of information about the Turkish attack on Sulaymaniyah airport, where our commander-in-chief, Mazloum Abdi, was present.

Shami added that the restrictions were done to ensure his safety until he arrived unharmed in the secure areas of north and eastern Syria. Shami added that further details about the attack will released later.

Abdi later spoke with the Kurdish North press agency saying he was in a convoy that included troops from the U.S.-led coalition and members of the Iraqi Kurdish anti-terrorism force. He added that the SDF and anti-terrorism forces in northern Iraq have joint operations rooms and the U.S.-led coalition is aware of that.

Asked about the reason behind the attack, Abdi said it is a clear message from the Turks that they are bothered and oppose our international relations and they want to damage them. Abdi added that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is looking for a free victory ahead of the countrys parliamentary and presidential elections next month.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory, said Saturday that Abdi was not directly targeted but was near the airport holding a meeting with Kurdish officials when the Turkish military carried out the attack.

Retired U.S. Col. Myles B. Caggins III, a senior non-resident fellow at the U.S.-based New Lines Institute for Strategy, said the missile targeted a convoy carrying leaders of the Syrian Democratic Forces as well as U.S. advisers to the Kurdish-led force.

Turkey sent a warning shot. A deadly and dangerous and provocative warning shot when it fired a missile at the convoy, he said.

Caggins added that it appears Turkey was sending a warning to both the United States and Iraqi Kurds to stop supporting the SDF. He added that Turkey is likely to continue such attacks with impunity because it says the SDF is aligned with the PKK and therefore Turkey feels justified in targeting the SDF.

A statement from the Iraqi Kurdish regional government in Iraq on Friday appeared to blame local authorities in Suleimaniyah. It accused them of provoking an attack on the airport and using government institutions for illegal activities.

The regional government, with its seat in Irbil, is primarily controlled by the Kurdistan Democratic Party, while Suleimaniyah is a stronghold of the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

Qubad Talabani, deputy prime minister of the regional government and a member of the PUK, rejected the regional government statement that appeared to cast blame on his party. He said the statement represents only one party ... and cannot speak for the entire government.

We strongly condemn the targeting of Suleimaniyah airport by Turkey, Abdi tweeted Saturday, adding that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's support for their brothers in Syria is bothering Turkey.

Abdi vowed that Syrias Kurds will continue with their principle relations with our brothers and allies in Suleimaniyah and we stand united against these violations.

Caggins said he expects that the leaders of Turkey are emboldened by their ability to conduct cross-border strikes into Syria and into Iraq because the only response has been a little bit of finger wagging and minor protest from Baghdad and Damascus and Washington.

____

Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Hogir Al Abdo in Qamishli, Syria contributed to this report.
Ben Ferencz, the last living prosecutor from the Nuremberg trials, who tried Nazis for genocidal war crimes and was among the first outside witnesses to document the atrocities of Nazi labor and concentration camps, has died. He had just turned 103 in March.

Ferencz died Friday evening in Boynton Beach, Florida, according to St. John's University law professor John Barrett, who runs a blog about the Nuremberg trials. The death also was confirmed by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington.

Today the world lost a leader in the quest for justice for victims of genocide and related crimes, the museum tweeted.

Born in Transylvania in 1920, Ferencz immigrated as a very young boy with his parents to New York to escape rampant antisemitism. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Ferencz joined the U.S. Army in time to take part in the Normandy invasion during World War II. Using his legal background, he became an investigator of Nazi war crimes against U.S. soldiers as part of a new War Crimes Section of the Judge Advocates Office.

When U.S. intelligence reports described soldiers encountering large groups of starving people in Nazi camps watched over by SS guards, Ferencz followed up with visits, first at the Ohrdruf labor camp in Germany and then at the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp. At those camps and later others, he found bodies piled up like cordwood and helpless skeletons with diarrhea, dysentery, typhus, TB, pneumonia, and other ailments, retching in their louse ridden bunks or on the ground with only their pathetic eyes pleading for help, Ferencz wrote in an account of his life.

The Buchenwald concentration camp was a charnel house of indescribable horrors, Ferencz wrote. There is no doubt that I was indelibly traumatized by my experiences as a war crimes investigator of Nazi extermination centers. I still try not to talk or think about the details.

At one point toward the end of the war, Ferencz was sent to Adolf Hitler's mountain retreat in the Bavarian Alps to search for incriminating documents but came back empty-handed.

After the war, Ferencz was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and returned to New York to begin practicing law. But that was short-lived. Because of his experiences as a war crimes investigator, he was recruited to help prosecute Nazi war criminals at the Nuremberg trials, which had begun under the leadership of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson. Before leaving for Germany, he married his childhood sweetheart, Gertrude.

At the age of 27, with no previous trial experience, Ferencz became chief prosecutor for a 1947 case in which 22 former commanders were charged with murdering over 1 million Jews, Romani and other enemies of the Third Reich in Eastern Europe. Rather than depending on witnesses, Ferencz mostly relied on official German documents to make his case. All the defendants were convicted, and more than a dozen were sentenced to death by hanging even though Ferencz hadn't asked for the death penalty.

At the beginning of April 1948, when the long legal judgment was read, I felt vindicated, he wrote. Our pleas to protect humanity by the rule of law had been upheld.

With the war crimes trials winding down, Ferencz went to work for a consortium of Jewish charitable groups to help Holocaust survivors regain properties, homes, businesses, art works, Torah scrolls, and other Jewish religious items that had been confiscated from them by the Nazis. He also later assisted in negotiations that would lead to compensation to the Nazi victims.

In later decades, Ferencz championed the creation of an international court which could prosecute any governments leaders for war crimes. Those dreams were realized in 2002 with establishment of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, though its effectiveness has been limited by the failure of countries like the United States to participate.

Ferencz is survived by a son and three daughters. His wife died in 2019.

___

Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at @MikeSchneiderAP
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JERUSALEM (AP)  The Israeli military said its forces attacked targets in Syria early Sunday after six rockets were launched from Syrian territory in two batches toward Israel in a rare attack from Israels northeastern neighbor.

After the second barrage of three rockets, Israel initially said it responded with artillery fire into the area in Syria from where the rockets were fired. Later, the military said Israeli fighter jets attacked Syrian army sites, including a compound of Syria's 4th Division and radar and artillery posts.

The rocket firings came after days of escalating violence on multiple fronts over tension in Jerusalem and an Israeli police raid on the citys most sensitive holy site.

In the second barrage, which was launched early Sunday, two of the rockets crossed the border into Israel, with one being intercepted and the second landing in an open area, the Israeli military said. In the first attack, on Saturday, one rocket landed in a field in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. Fragments of another destroyed missile fell into Jordanian territory near the Syrian border, Jordans military reported.

There were no reports of casualties.

A Damascus-based Palestinian group loyal to the Syrian regime claimed responsibility for launching the three missiles Saturday, reported Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV.

The report quoted Al-Quds Brigade, a militia different than the larger Palestinian Islamic Jihads armed wing with a similar name, as saying it fired the rockets to retaliate for the police raid on Al-Aqsa Mosque.

In Syria, an adviser to President Bashar Assad described the rocket strikes as part of the previous, present and continuing response to the brutal enemy.

Israel, which has vowed to stop Iranian entrenchment in Syria, has carried out hundreds of strikes in government-controlled parts of that country in recent years, though it rarely acknowleges them. Before the latest strikes, Syrian officials had attributed 10 attacks to Israel this year, some of which put the Damascus and Aleppo airports temporarly out of service and killed civilians as well as Syrian soldiers and Iranian military advisers.

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli security forces fatally shot a 20-year-old Palestinian in the town of Azzun, Palestinian health officials said, stirring protests in the area. The Israeli military said troops fired at Palestinians hurling stones and explosive devices. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the Palestinian killed as Ayed Salim.

His death came at a time of unusually heightened violence in the West Bank. Over 90 Palestinians and have been killed by Israeli fire so far this year, at least half of them affiliated with militant groups, according to a tally by The Associated Press.

Palestinian attacks on Israelis have killed 19 people in that time  including on Friday two British-Israelis shot to death near a settlement in the Jordan Valley and an Italian tourist killed by a suspected car-ramming in Tel Aviv. All but one were civilians.

The rocket fire from Syria comes against the backdrop of soaring Israeli-Palestinian tensions touched off by an Israeli police raid on Jerusalem's most sensitive site, the sacred compound home to the Al-Aqsa mosque. That outraged Palestinians marking the holy fasting month of Ramadan and prompted militants in Lebanon  as well as Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip  to fire a heavy barrage of rockets into Israel.

In retaliation, Israeli warplanes struck sites allegedly linked to the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

Late Saturday, tensions ran high in Jerusalem as a few hundred Palestinian worshippers barricaded themselves in the mosque, which sits on a hilltop in the heart of Jerusalem's Old City sacred to both Muslims and Jews. Israeli police efforts to evict the worshippers locked in the mosque overnight with stockpiled firecrackers and stones spiraled into unrest in the holy site earlier this week.

The latest escalations prompted Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to extend a closure barring entrance to Israel for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip for the duration of the Jewish holiday of Passover, while police beefed up forces in Jerusalem on the eve of sensitive religious celebrations.

In a separate incident in the northern West Bank city of Nablus late Saturday, a leader of a local independent armed group known as the Lion's Den claimed the group executed an alleged Israeli collaborator who had tipped off the Israeli military to the locations and movements of the group's members. Israeli security forces have targeted and killed several of the group's key members in recent months.

The accused man's killing could not be immediately confirmed, but videos in Palestinian media showed medics and residents gathered around his bloodied body in the Old City, where the Lion's Den holds sway. Traitors have neither a country nor a people, Lion's Den commander Oday Azizi said in a statement.

The moves come at a time of heightened religious fervor  with Ramadan coinciding with Passover and Easter celebrations. Jerusalems Old City, home to key Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites, has been teeming with visitors and religious pilgrims from around the world.

Gallant said that a closure imposed last Wednesday, on the eve of Passover, would remain in effect until the holiday ends on Wednesday night. The order prevents Palestinians from entering Israel for work or to pray in Jerusalem this week, though mass prayers were permitted at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday. Gallant also ordered the Israeli military to be prepared to assist Israeli police. The army later announced that it was deploying additional troops around Jerusalem and in the West Bank.

Over 2,000 police were expected to be deployed in Jerusalem on Sunday  when tens of thousands of Jews are expected to gather at the Western Wall for the special Passover priestly blessing. The Western Wall is the holiest site where Jews can pray and sits next to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where large crowds gather each day for prayers during Ramadan.

Jerusalem police chief Doron Turgeman met with his commanders on Saturday for a security assessment. He accused the Hamas militant group, which rules the Gaza Strip, of trying to incite violence ahead of Sundays priestly blessing with false claims that Jews planned to storm the mosque.

We will allow the freedom of worship and we will allow the arrival of Muslims to pray, he said, adding that police will act with determination and sensitivity to ensure that all faiths can celebrate safely.

The current round of violence erupted earlier in the week after Israeli police raided the mosque, firing tear gas and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of Palestinians who had barricaded themselves inside. Violent scenes from the raid sparked unrest in the contested capital and outrage across the Arab world.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A Nevada judge has thrown out a drug trafficking charge against a former Dances With Wolves actor but upheld a Las Vegas grand jurys sweeping indictment on 18 sexual abuse-related felony crimes.

In an order issued late Friday afternoon, Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny said state prosecutors presented enough evidence for "a reasonable grand juror to conclude that the sexual assaults occurred" but found that there was no substantive testimony connecting Nathan Chasing Horse to the psilocybin mushrooms investigators found while searching his home.

Chasing Horse, 46, had asked Kierny to toss the entire indictment, saying his accusers wanted to have sex with him. One of the women was younger than 16  the age of consent in Nevada  when she says Chasing Horse began abusing her.

Public defender Kristy Holston said she had no comment on the judges ruling.

Chasing Horse was indicted in February on charges of sexual assault of a minor, kidnapping, child abuse, lewdness and drug trafficking. He has been held on $300,000 bail at a county jail since Jan. 31, when he was arrested by SWAT officers near the home he shared with his five wives in North Las Vegas.

His arrest sent shockwaves throughout Indian Country and led to more criminal charges in at least three other jurisdictions, including in Canada and the U.S. District Court in Nevada, as well as on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana.

Chasing Horse was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota  home to the Sicangu Sioux, one of the seven tribes of the Lakota nation  and is widely known for his portrayal of Smiles a Lot in Kevin Costner's 1990 film.

Police and prosecutors have said that in the decades since appearing in the Oscar-winning movie, Chasing Horse had marketed himself to tribes nationwide as a medicine man with healing powers who could communicate with higher beings. They accuse him of using his position to lead a cult known as The Circle, gain access to vulnerable girls and women, and take underage wives.

The alleged crimes date to the early 2000s and cross multiple U.S. states, including Nevada, Montana and South Dakota, according to his indictment in state court.

One of the victims was 14, authorities have said, when Chasing Horse told her that the spirits of their ancestors had instructed him to have sex with her.

Her mom is ill, Clark County prosecutor Stacy Kollins said in court Wednesday, and shes told that her virginity is the only pure part of her left and she has to sacrifice this to maintain her moms health.

Kollins also declined to comment Friday on the judge's decision.

A trial in the state case is scheduled to begin on May 1. Chasing Horse has pleaded not guilty and invoked his right to a trial within 60 days of his indictment.

He is due back in court next week for a hearing on another motion asking the judge to grant him separate trials. Chasing Horse and his attorneys argued in the motion that his accusers' allegations are unrelated.
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From dressing as Roman soldiers in Antigua, Guatemala, to carrying palm fronds on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, Christians around the world are celebrating Holy Week.

For millions of Christians, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter, known as Holy Week, is the most sacred time of the year. It's the week Christians commemorate the passion of Jesus Christ.

The week began with Palm Sunday, where mass at the Vatican was celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peters Square the day after he was discharged from the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, where the Vatican said he was treated for bronchitis.

In Bolivia's highland region, artists gathered for an annual event where they built sand sculptures based on Bible stories. Members of the faithful in Brazil wore tunics and hoods to take part in the Procession of Souls in Goias state. And in Managua, Nicaragua, a child dressed as an angel during an event observing Good Friday, during which a masked worshipper held a religious banner depicting Jesus Christ on a cross.

Half a world away, Catholic nuns held candles during a Holy Thursday procession at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem. It's the site where Jesus was crucified and buried according to tradition. Celebrations in Haiti included a Stations of the Cross reenactment in Port-au-Prince on Good Friday. In Spain, worshippers carried a portable dais platform supporting a statue of the Virgin Mary through the streets of Seville.

In recent years, Holy Week has been scaled back due to COVID-19 restrictions that require precautions such as social distancing and mask use. However, this year many of the faithful gathered in celebrations reminiscent of the era before the virus changed the nature of religious observance.

This year's Holy Week was a year for gathering together in prayer.
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BRIDGEPORT  Even as the city seeks to bolster the police department's depleted ranks by hiring and training new recruits, Mayor Joe Ganim's budget shrinks on paper the total size of the force from over 400 to closer to 370.

There are currently 292 officers. And when the mayor last Monday unveiled some 2023-24 budget highlights live online on Facebook, he boasted that the document contained funding to put an additional 80 new cadets through the local academy.

What he did not mention, but what aides and City Council members have since confirmed, is that his fiscal plan simultaneously cuts around 50 previously funded but vacant positions in that same department.

"There is a significant decrease in police personnel," Nestor Nkwo, the city's budget director, told council members Wednesday when briefing them on Ganim's overall municipal budget.

The council and its budget committee, all Democrats like the mayor, will spend the rest of April and most of May reviewing and revising the mayor's proposal before voting on the document and setting the new tax rate.

It's not about defunding police or getting rid of officers," said Council President Aidee Nieves noted Friday.

For several years the city has set aside money for upwards of 420 police personnel in order to qualify for federal grants that help pay for new officers. The result was dozens of those slots existed on paper but were never filled. And now the federal aid has run out, so they no longer have to be included in the annual budget.

"The grants have expired and we cannot afford to be carrying those (vacant) positions," Nkwo told council members Wednesday. "Plus, we can't even fill them."

Nkwo was referring to the fact that Bridgeport in 2021 and 2022 held three police recruitment drives with less successful results than prior years.

The Ganim administration has argued that lack of interest reflects nationwide apathy in working for law enforcement. But Bridgeport's police union has for months also argued that its members pay more for health insurance and receive fewer benefits than their peers in other municipalities.

Ganim's 2023-24 budget, according to Nkwo, funds a force of 367, which includes the 292 existing officers and a class of 23 that just entered the academy. In addition, the mayor's plan creates eight new civilian jobs to free up officers who are currently performing some financial, information technology and equipment-maintenance duties.

"The mayors proposed budget is a more accurate reflection of the staffing of the police department," Thomas Gaudett, a mayoral aide, said Friday. "The (federal policing) grant required the city for a long time to show a higher number of positions than was possible, even after putting on multiple successive police classes."

The timing of Ganim's cuts to police personnel, however, is awkward given the administration is about to hire a private firm to conduct a staffing study to help determine how many officers Bridgeport needs. That review was recommended nearly three years ago by a consultant Ganim had hired to look at ways of improving the department.

The mayor late last year following a national search hired a new permanent chief, retired Bridgeport-captain Roderick Porter. Porter this week said he is eager to see the results of a staffing study. But, he added, he personally believes that 370 to 375 officers "would do us well."

"If the study says more, I'll take more," he added.

"I wish this (study) would have been done before this budget season," added Nieves, who has been pushing the mayor's office to get it done.

Other City Council members also characterized the administration's decision to slash vacant positions within the police department as realistic given how hard it is to recruit and the length of that process and subsequent training.

"We can't fill all of them," said Councilman Scott Burns, who co-chairs that legislative body's budget committee.

He noted how it may even be a challenge to fill and maintain the 367 positions in the mayor's proposed 2023-24 budget given 50 officers are currently eligible to retire.

"We're never ever going to get up to 420," said Councilman Tyler Mack, another budget committee member and sometime critic of the mayor's. He said he just wants to make sure the resultant savings is used responsibly elsewhere either in the police department or other areas of the budget.

And Councilwoman Maria Pereira, normally a vocal opponent of the administration's, said she is "100 percent" in agreement with getting rid of so many police vacancies.

"Why shouldn't that money be appropriated somewhere where it could actually accomplish something?" Pereira said. "If we get up to the point we need them and you're able to fill the positions, budget them back in. Budgets should always be flexible and shifting. Theres no rule they have to be the same, year after year.
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WESTON  The new owners of the Cobb's Mill Inn said they were surprised a few weeks ago when the property was wrongly listed for sale by someone who they say doesn't own the site.

Sandra Siguenza, who purchased the property with her husband Kleber in January 2022, said she first heard of the listing on March 12, when she received a text from a friend with a photo with the property listing's link, asking if they listed the property for sale and if the price was negotiable.

The property was listed on Homesnap.com for $4 million, Sandra Siguenza said.

"My husband called our attorney and the same morning a notice was sent to the real estate agent who was selling the property to immediately remove it from the market" she said.

Sandra Suguenza said the people who were trying to sell it were not the legitimate owners.

This is the latest in a series of legal troubles that have plagued the former restaurant.

The Siguenzas, who own multiple restaurants in Connecticut, purchased the property under the name Cleves and Siguenza Properties, LLC, after months of trying from 12 Old Mill Road, LLC, which was managed by the executor of former owner Andrew Friedman's estate, Thomas Sargent.

Andrew Friedman's widow, Laura Friedman, has argued she has a claim to the property. A judge ruled in 2021 though, that the executor of the estate had sole right to the property, not Laura Friedman. The judge's decision also stated that Laura Friedman was ordered to revoke any authority she may have given to others to enter or occupy the premises. There have also been allegations of a squatter on the property and Laura Friendman giving one of her associates access to the property.

Most recently, Laura Friedman was listed on a document filed with the Weston Town Clerk's Office connected to the listing.

A statutory quitclaim deed dated Jan. 13 was submitted to the Town Clerk's Office, saying the property was sold to The 10th X Legion, LLC for $1,500. The document lists Laura Friedman and an associate who has been involved with other issues at Cobb's Mill Inn as people affiliated with the LLC.

Joseph Rini, the attorney representing Laura Friedman, declined to comment.

Sandra Siguenza said they weren't interested in selling the property. Her husband went to the town clerk for an explanation, and the clerk's office removed the document.

Town Clerk Donna Anastasia said their office records all documents given to them, regardless of the content, which is then passed on to the tax assessor for evaluation, and then on to the tax collector.

Tax Assessor Denise Hames said she has seen some strange things in her years, but "just an outright transfer from someone who doesnt own it to another is unusual."

Hames said the document listed 12 Old Mill Road, LLC as the current owner of Cobb's Mill Inn, which is incorrect.

"There was no property held in that company or LLC name," she said, adding that meant there was not a property able to be transferred out of that company's name.

The deed is listed under Cleves and Siguenza, LLC, Anastasia said.

Anastasia said people can create documents like this quitclaim deed by going online and getting the property description.

The price, listed as $1,500, was also low for this type of land transaction, which tends to be upwards of $750,000 in Weston, Anastasia said.

Hames said that if Cleves and Siguenza, LLC were written on the document, instead, a transfer of title couldn't have occurred unless a signature from the seller was witnessed and notarized.

Though this document was notarized, that doesn't necessarily verify all of the information on it.

Jeffrey Cooper, a law professor at Quinnipiac University, said notaries do not check the accuracy of the document, rather acknowledge the person who signed it appeared in front of them.

Since Hames determined 12 Old Mill Road, LLC did not own the property, the chain of title did not carry, Anastasia said.

Town Attorney Ira Bloom said nothing about the filing has come to his attention and it will be up to the town administration to look into it more.

First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor declined to comment because of pending litigation.

Real estate agent Lianne Owen said it's rare for a property to be wrongly listed.

"As a real estate agent, you dont check into documents to see if its the legal owner," she said.

Owen said it is typically based on trust, assuming the person wanting to list it is being honest.

Cooper said anyone can prepare a deed, adding this is why title searches are done as part of the real estate process.

"Sometimes a title search will reveal that the seller of a property is not the rightful owner and is not able to convey the property," he said.

Cooper also said he does not believe instances like this happen often.

He said title searches are performed because, sometimes, issues can happen like parents giving properties over to their children and then dying, where the executor of the estate does something else with the property.

"I can't say it's a common occurrence, that someone sells something they don't own," he said. "That's not the way to become the rightful owner."

Cooper said sometimes you encounter a wild deed, "which is just a deed that's not connected in the chain of title because it's from someone who doesn't own the property."

He also said he doesn't believe real estate agents perform a title search as a standard practice before posting listings online, since there would be a title search before closing.

"Selling real estate you don't own is not like stealing a watch and pawning it," he said. "You need to get to a closing, which typically means you have to get past the title search and some lawyers."

Siguenza said she is worried about what could happen next.

"The only thing that motivates us is for the truth to come to light and for all this to quickly be a bad dream," she said.

Issues with the ownership of Cobb's Mill Inn have dated back to at least 2021.

On April 9, 2021, Laura Friedman objected to a petition from Sargent in probate court to sell the property to the Siguenzas. Probate Judge Lisa Wexler ruled the objection was without merit though for multiple reasons, including that the sale to the Siguenzas was "in the best interests of the estate" and that it had been on the market since March 2016, with at least 72 potential buyers in that timeframe.

After that hearing, on June 15, 2021, an emergency petition for order was filed directing Laura Friedman to vacate Cobbs Mill Inn and allow the sale to proceed.

It said that since the decree on April 22, 2021, Laura Friedman repeatedly "contested the right of the Executor to enter the Cobbs Mill Inn" and put an associate of hers "into possession of the Cobbs Mill Inn."

Court documents indicate a man had been leasing the property from Laura Friedman.

In the hearing after that petition, on June 23, 2021, Laura Friedman told the court that she was co-owner of her late husband's property and should have access to it. Wexler ruled that the executor of the estate had sole right to the property, not Laura Friedman.

Weston police reports show authorities were called to Cobb's Mill Inn for multiple incidents, such as trespassing, lock changes and those connected to the property not being allowed to enter.

The Siguenzas eventually received the title to the property.

After they received the title, they found that Laura Friedman and the man leasing the property from her had taken possession of the site, locking the doors with steel cable and padlocks, according to a lawsuit filed by their company, Cleves and Siguenza Properties, LLC, against Laura Friedman, the man and a third party from April 2022.

The lawsuit states that on April 12, 2022, a notice to quit was served to the alleged squatter and Laura Friedman, requiring them to vacate the premises by April 19, but the two remained.

In October, Laura Friedman, the man allegedly living on the site and another person worked together to sell the restaurant equipment and construction materials purchased by the Siguenzas to renovate the site, according to police reports.

In November, Laura Friedman filed for bankruptcy, delaying the case even further.

Siguenza said the case is expected to go to trial on June 13.
It is now almost 30 years since the then Prince Charles sparked a veritable firestorm by signalling that as king, he wished to see a fundamental shift in the relationship between Church and Crown.

In a famous television interview, he suggested that he would prefer to drop the time-honoured Defender of the Faith title which as head of the Church of England, all monarchs since Henry VIII have held.

Instead, mindful of the multi-faith nation the United Kingdom was already becoming, he would rather be known as Defender of Faith - a protector of all religious beliefs.

Understandably, many religious experts were alarmed at his modernising plans, warning that they would put him implacably at odds with centuries of tradition, with the Establishment and with the beliefs of his own mother.

Since his 1994 interview, Charles has retracted his Defender of Faith ambitions  instead making clear that although head of the Anglican church, he would still act to safeguard other beliefs.

Almost 30 years ago, the then Prince Charles sparked a firestorm by signalling that, as King, he'd want a fundamental shift in the relationship between Church and Crown

It is testament to his very genuine desire to encourage religious harmony that barely four weeks away from his Coronation ceremony, he is still wrestling with exactly how to ensure his new role accords with his realms many non-Christian faiths.

But Charles, not only our King but also holding the title Defender of the Faith and being Supreme Governor of the Church of England, has to ask himself a simple but profound question.

Is it wise for the Christianity of the Coronation  an ancient ceremony which dates back more than 1,000 years  to be diluted so that, in the name of diversity, other faiths are included?

His natural and generous instinct is to involve them actively in the May 6 coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

As he said in his TV interview three decades ago, I happen to believe that the Catholic subjects of the Sovereign are as important (as Protestants), not to mention the Islamic, Hindu and Zoroastrian.

Of course, at the never before televised Accession Council and Proclamation last September, he was indeed formally announced as Defender of the Faith.

However, a week after that, the new King put his own stamp on inter-faith dialogue when he told faith leaders at a Buckingham Palace that he was a committed Anglican but that he had a personal duty to protect the diversity of our country and protect the space for faith itself.

However, a friendly speech at the Palace is one thing.

Instead, mindful of our multi-faith nation, he would rather be known as 'Defender of Faith'  a protector of all religious beliefs. Pictured: King Charles III sits on the floor in the Prayer Hall during his visit to the newly built Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Luton

Trying to express those sentiments in the context of an Anglican Coronation service is another.

The trouble is that Charles wishes to modernise but tradition matters too.

You cant just upend the coronation service at the whim of a King, even if he is Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Anglican canon law effectively rules out representatives of other faiths being actively involved in Church of England services if those faiths do not accept the Holy Trinity of Christian doctrine  the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

People will point to other occasions when other faiths have been involved in Christian services.

At Llandaff Cathedral, in Cardiff, for example, at a service of reflection following the death of Elizabeth II, and attended by Charles and Camilla, a Muslim representative uttered the prayer:

We hold before you, our most gracious King Charles the Third.

May your wisdom inform him, your illumination guide his heart and your truth inspire his words and actions.

May he serve in righteousness and truth, doing justice.

But the Cathedral is part of the Church in Wales, not the Church of England.

Furthermore, even that harmless prayer would be anathema to those who want to uphold the CofEs Thirty Nine Articles, which declare that salvation comes only through Jesus.

So what about the annual Commonwealth Day services held in Westminster Abbey, you may ask?

They have been relaxed affairs, engaging different faiths, because the Abbey is a Royal Peculiar, answerable directly to the Sovereign.

But for a coronation, the Abbey comes under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Canterbury, not its Dean.

And with Justin Welbys every move being scrutinised nowadays by his hard-line, traditional critics in the worldwide Anglican Communion, the Archbishop is unlikely to warm to any moves to turn the Coronation into a multi-faith extravaganza rather than an religious service that reinforces the Church of England as the Established Church.

These grave tensions between modernisation and tradition explain why the coronation Order of Service has still not been made public, with so little time to go.

Church sources say the monarch has been told that his desire for a 'diverse' ceremony, including participation by non-Christians, risks clashing with centuries- old canon law. Pictured at the West London Synagogue

But even if the non-Christian faith representatives do no more than process  as they did at the late Queens funeral  or hold candles, the King can take comfort in the no-doubt diverse congregation, with so many places being given to representatives of charities linked to the Royal Family.

And the politicians present, such as new SNP leader, Humza Yousaf, a Muslim, and the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, a Hindu, will represent how different a country Britain is from the last coronation in 1953.

There is speculation that the King will hold a distinct, separate ceremony at which other faith leaders would play an active role, which would be entirely appropriate.

However, what is extraordinary is that this debate over the Coronation service itself has been taken to the wire when planning for it began more than 10 years ago.

Memo to Lambeth Palace and Buckingham Palace: start thinking about the next one, now.

It is entirely reasonable to want a service that reflects contemporary Britain, but dont be tempted to turn the crowning of our monarch upside down and inside out, just for the sake of it.

This is an occasion when even the most secular can be moved by sacred liturgy, beautiful music and fabulous ceremonial.

It happened with the late Queens funeral.

The tradition should continue.

Catherine Pepinster is the author of Defenders Of The Faith  The British Monarchy, Religion And The Next Coronation, and is a former editor of the Catholic journal The Tablet.
Stevie Laine Mathers, 20, keeps their fans updated on their TikTok channel

Rap sensation Eminem is known for being father to Hailie, about whom he has rapped in several of his tracks.

But the global superstar, 50, is also father to two other children - the oldest being 19-year-old Alaina (Lainey) and his youngest child, Stevie.

Lainey's biological mother is Dawn Scott, the late sister of Eminem's ex-wife Kim who was adopted by the couple in the 1990s. But 20-year-old Stevie is Kim's biological child and was born when Kim and the rapper were separated.

Their biological father is Eric Hartter, but when Kim and Eminem got back together in 2005 the rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, adopted Stevie as his own. The couple remarried in 2006 but were divorced again by the end of the year.

Hartter died in August 2019 from a cocaine and fentanyl overdose in an abandoned house in Detroit, Michigan following years of drug addiction.

Eminem's youngest child, 20-year-old Stevie (pictured) was born Whitney but came out as non-binary in 2021 and revealed their gender identification journey on TikTok. Stevie is the biological child of Kim Scott and her one-time partner Eric Hartter, but when Kim got back together with Eminem, the rapper adopted her

Now, Stevie lives a quiet life in Michigan with their long-distance boyfriend, TikToker Declan Jace, cat Sully and pet dog after coming out as non-binary two years ago.

Following her birth in April 2002, they were formally adopted by Eminem in 2005 when he and Kim got back together.

In 2021, 20-year-old Stevie, who was born Whitney, announced on their TikTok channel that they were gender fluid and would from now on alternate pronouns between he, she and they.

Posting a TikTok video about their gender identity which included old photos of Whitney, they spoke of 'becoming more comfortable' with themselves.

Stevie posted a TikTok video of themselves throughout their journey to becoming non-binary in which they detailed once going by she/her pronouns, but now alternating between she/her, they/them and he/him

They posted the hashtag 'gender fluid and 'bi' and also explained their new pronouns.

Through their TikTok channel, Stevie has revealed snippets of what it was like growing up as the daughter of Eminem and Kim Scott, while hiding their sexuality and gender identity.

In a recent video, Stevie revealed they had once looked up 'girls kissing' on their mother's iPad and later blamed it on a cousin when Kim asked about the search.

Back in 2021, around the same time they revealed their gender-fluidity, Stevie recalled finding out they were adopted in an apparent dig at their parents.

Stevie sported short blonde hair and a gray hoodie in the video, which was filmed close-up.

They lip synced along to captions that seemed to recount a real-life incident in which someone had informed them that they were adopted.

'He's not your real dad,' said the unnamed person. 'You're adopted.'

Stevie appeared to lip sync a denial, before approaching their adopted father (given name: Marshall Mathers III), though the rapper seemed to have falsely claimed to be their biological father.

'You're my real dad right? am i adopted [sic]?' they recounted asking.

'I am your real dad,' the father figure allegedly replied.

Then Stevie claimed they were 'sent an article of my biological dads death [sic],' which they showed to their grandmother.

'I'm sorry they wouldn't tell you about him,' Stevie recounted their grandmother saying.

They concluded the video by lip syncing the line 'That must be so confusing for a little girl' from the Adventure Time song Remember Me, which was played behind the video.

While most of Stevie's disclosures about their life and childhood are made through snippets of TikTok videos, their older sisters, Lainey and Hailie, have also previously revealed a little bit about their youngest sibling.

Speaking on Hailie's Just a Little Shady podcast, which is named in ode to her father's Slim Shady alter-ego, last November, the sisters joked about how Stevie was allowed to do a lot more at a younger age while they were subject to more strict upbringings.

Alaina recalled how, as the oldest sibling, she was 'always getting in trouble' while her sisters seemed to get away with more. In particular, she spoke about her birthday party when she was in the sixth grade.

She said: 'I wanted to wear a two-piece bathing suit and I wasn't allowed. And I was like, Stevie came out the womb in a two-piece bathing suit, basically!'

Alaina is the oldest sibling in the Mathers family and was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Mathers and Kim Scott, when her mother Dawn got in trouble with police while battling drug addiction.

She was raised alongside the couple's biological daughter, Hailie, who is two years her junior, before Stevie came along.

In 2016, Alaina's mother was found dead in a caravan park in Detroit, Michigan after an apparent heroin overdose.

Alaina, also known as Lainey, uses her Instagram account to reveal details about her private and family life, including her battle with depression and anxiety.

She also uses the account to promote her book club, which she started during lockdown.
Primark has unveiled its new Easter-inspired homeware collection on Instagram - but it's left shoppers fuming.

Earlier this week, the UK retailer teased its 1.8m followers with a video of items from the new range.

Showcasing the set-up in an unspecified store, the brand captioned the clip: 'Bright colours and florals please.'

Items on display included some fuzzy pillows, a fake eucalyptus wreath, a pink-and-blue 'Dolce Vita' print, some pastel egg cups and an Easter bunny-themed cake stand.

But while viewers were thrilled by the products on offer, they were more concerned about how they could get their hands on them.

According to the brand, the trendy collection is available to shop now - but unimpressed customers said they have yet to see any products in their local stores.

Joking in the comments section, one wrote: 'Where's this Primark cos mines rubbish?'

Another sarcastically said they'd be interested to know which 'mythical' store the social media team had filmed this clip in.

A third wrote: 'Where are these stores that always have everything?? Defo not in London!'

Meanwhile, a fourth joked: 'This store is a unicorn ......it doesn't exist'.

While a fifth said the video was a 'lie', a sixth joked: 'I'd love to know which mythical store all this is located at.'

What's more, another unamused viewer added: 'Went to my local, not anything from this section was in there.'

However, others said they were excited to seeing the new collection being rolled out in shops.

The range of homeware includes pots and plants and vases - all to make your home look colourful

The range also includes cushions, tables and egg holders as well as fake sunflowers and rubbish bins

Fans seemed to like the products but expressed frustration that they did not know where the store was

Th sign reads 'Primark Home' - but many shoppers took to social media to complain about its mystery location

One wrote: 'I'll be nipping into my local store this weekend to grab a few things'.

'Primark has definitely stepped up, lovely colours and the displays are really good now' added another.

Another asked: 'And how cute are all the spring colours?'

It is not the only time Primark has hit the news recently.

Last month, fans went wild as one of the biggest ever Primarks opened in Spain.

Located on the Grand Via in Madrid, the huge store covers five floors and a whopping 12,000sq ft.

A viral video left fans desperate to visit, with one who made it saying they felt like a 'kid in a candy store'.

Instagram user @eatdrinkvibe believes the Madrid Primark has lots of things shoppers might not normally see in the UK stores

Primark fans said they would be ditching Birmingham and heading to Madrid to stock up on all the amazing things it has in store

One eager Primark fan wrote: 'Feck Birmingham we go to Madrid'

'Booking the flight right now,' added another.

Meanwhile, a third viewer attempted to use their children as an excuse to go, writing: 'Trip to Madrid? For the kids of course.'

The video of the store was posted by Instagram account eatdrinkvibe, showcasing its huge range of clothes, shoes and accessories.

Speaking over the images, the creator of the video says: 'This has got to be the biggest Primark I've ever been to in my life.

'It was literally like a shopping mall. Five floors, 12,000m2, I couldn't believe my eyes. I felt like a kid in a candy store.'

FEMAIL has contacted Primark for comment.
China's countermeasures against Tsai's "transit" trip through U.S. necessary, justified: experts

Xinhua) 15:15, April 08, 2023

BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Experts on cross-Strait relations said as Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen conducted political activities in the United States under the guise of a "transit" trip, which in essence was a provocation aimed at seeking "Taiwan independence" by relying on the United States, it is completely justified, reasonable and necessary for Chinese authorities to take countermeasures.

The countermeasures show China's rational and responsible attitude to safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, according to the experts.

"The U.S. anti-China forces and Tsai hit it off right away, and the former openly supported her provocative moves to seek 'Taiwan independence,'" said Li Peng, head of the Graduate Institute for Taiwan Studies of Xiamen University.

As pointed out by Taiwan news commentator Lai Yueh-tchienn, Tsai's activities during her "transit" trip through the United States were a political show to pander to U.S. anti-China forces.

Tsai's "transit" trip has brought new turmoil across the Taiwan Strait, said Li Zhenguang, a Taiwan affairs professor at Beijing Union University, adding that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities colluding with U.S. anti-China forces violated the one-China principle first, and China has no choice but to take countermeasures, which is fully justified, reasonable and necessary.

"China is determined to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity and will honor its words with deeds. Also, China upholds peace and stability in the Strait with a rational and responsible attitude," Li Zhenguang said.

Liu Xiangping, an expert on Taiwan studies at Nanjing University, pointed out that the DPP authorities' attempts to seek "Taiwan independence" by relying on the United States have escalated tensions across the Strait, leading to growing dissatisfaction and criticism on the island.

"It is mainstream public opinion on the island to choose peace over war, and development over confrontation," said Zhu Songling, professor at Beijing Union University, citing the strong call on the island to resume cross-Strait exchanges.

The future of Taiwan lies in national reunification, Liu said. He called on people in Taiwan to resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" and interference by external forces, and join hands with mainland compatriots to safeguard the overall interests of the Chinese nation.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
While some might assume that being royal is just about looking picture-perfect, these ladies have effortlessly swapped gowns and tiaras for military attire.

From the Princess of Wales, 41, to Queen Maxima of The Netherlands, the glamourous ladies of Europe's royal families have rocked their countries' military uniforms while on the field with their servicemen.

And Princess Leonor of Spain, 17, is set to follow into her father's footstep and attend military college from September.

Meanwhile, Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, 21, looks perfectly placed in the uniform since starting her military training at the Belgium Royal Military Academy in 2021.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, meanwhile, can often be seen in camo head-to-toe when she is out observing the work of the Swedish troupes and taking part in their manoeuvers.

In Norway, Princess Ingrid Alexandra has been practicing her parachuting skills as part of her military training.

And Queen Maxima of The Netherlands and the Duchess of Edinburgh in the UK have perfect the art of looking good in camo, thanks to their many engagements with the military.

As Princess Leonor of Spain prepares for three years of military training from September, she isn't the only royal who will rock combat chic. Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra practices parachuting as she visits the military base Rena Leir, in Rena in 2021

The Princess of Wales rocking the camo look in the snow while meeting the 1st Battalion Irish Guards in Salisbury in March

Queen Maxima of The Netherlands made the military jumpsuit work for her during a visit to the Defence Fire Bucket Operation at the Gilze-Rije military base last week

Belgian Crown Princess Elisabeth during her military initiation training at Elsenborn, a Belgian army camp in Butgenbach, in September 2020

The Duchess of Edinburgh looking in her element in a camo jacket during a visit to Gibraltar Barracks in Camberley in February

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden donning camouflage makeup during her 3-week basic military training at the Swedish Armed Forces' International Centre in 2003

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark during her Home Guard Country practice in Fredericia, in 2016
Black women have slammed white influencers for promoting a popular oil treatment typically used on natural hair.

Alix Earle and Danielle Athena, who are both white, are among the social media stars who have promoted Mielle Organics' Rosemary Mint Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil in recent weeks.

But their endorsement, which resulted in sell outs across the country, was met with ferocious backlash from members of the black community.

Dozens expressed frustration that the product created specifically for their hair was no longer readily available when there are already limited options.

Black women, including Ronelle Tshiela (pictured), have slammed white influencers for promoting a popular oil treatment typically used on natural hair

Alix Earle, who is white, is among the social media stars who have promoted Mielle Organics' Rosemary Mint Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil in recent weeks

Alix recommended the product to her five million TikTok followers in December as part of a round-up of her favorite merchandise in 2022.

The 22-year-old, from New Jersey, said that she had experienced 'tremendous hair growth' after using the oil and, just a short time later, there were widespread sell outs in stores.

Alex also added the Mielle oil to her Amazon storefront which meant she earned commissions from sales.

But the influencer was quickly flooded with complaints from the black community who urged white women to be more mindful.

The comments also reflected the mood as one social media user wrote: 'That Mielle oil is about to be so much harder to get!'

Another added: 'Now I've got to buy as much Mielle oil as I can before they change the formula and the price. Sisters be strong.'

And a third said: 'When you look up Mielle, it literally says "products for black hair"... I'm not understanding.'

But she was not the only star to be called out over their endorsement of the hair oil in recent weeks.

Alix recommended the product to her five million TikTok followers in December as part of a round-up of her favorite merchandise in 2022

But she was quickly flooded with complaints from the black community who urged white women to be more mindful

Beauty guru Danielle Athena ended up deleting her TikTok video after being met with a barrage of backlash earlier this year

Beauty guru Danielle Athena ended up deleting her TikTok video after being met with a barrage of backlash earlier this year.

Her clip opened the flood gates for criticism with some women expressing their distaste despite the oil being advertised by the black-owned brand 'for all hair types.'

Law student Ronelle Tshiela was among those speaking up about the use of white women using the oil.

In a clip posted to TikTok, the 23-year-old said: 'So there's a lot of controversy surrounding white women buying the Mielle Organics' rosemary hair oil.

'I genuinely need to know something. You go to the website, you see it's made by a black woman and they're really emphasizing how it works for black women.

Law student Ronelle Tshiela was among those speaking up about the use of white women using the oil

@ronelle__ I live in New Hampshire (yes you read that right) and the selection of Black hair care products is already abysmal. Please consider using alternatives, Mielle Organics is the only reason I still have natural hair   original sound - Ronelle

'By now you know there are not a lot of products on the market for us. On their Amazon page it's the same thing, there's pictures of black women and they're emphasizing on black women in their marketing.

'You go in store you have to march to the ethnic hair section and you notice that this section is significantly smaller than all of the other sections.

'Knowing everything that you know, does it not feel a little weird to still buy the product and then go online and hype it and tell everybody else to buy it.

'And if it doesn't feel weird, why not?'

Speaking this week to the New York Times, Ronelle said: 'At one point, it was sold out at every single Target in New Hampshire.

'I was frustrated because as a black woman, there's not that many options to begin with. The natural and ethnic hair care aisle is very limited.'

Speaking at the time, Mielle owner Monique Rodriguez, 39, (pictured) addressed the contention and confirmed the company would be keeping the formula the same

Users worried the trend would increase the price of the product or lead to formula changes

Users worried the trend would increase the price of the product or lead to formula changes.

But, speaking at the time, Mielle owner Monique Rodriguez, 39, addressed the contention and confirmed the company would be keeping the formula the same.

'We have no plans to change the formula for Rosemary Mint Oil or any products,' Rodriguez wrote on Twitter.

'There have been a few recent comments on this posted on this topic but I can personally guarantee you that we are not making any ingredient changes.'

Monique, who founded the company in 2014, told the publication: 'I get and understand the frustration of black women and why they want to protect an item.

'I think that everyone should be able to use whatever product they choose to use if it works for their hair. I'm not going to discriminate against what race should use it.'

Manufacturing giant Procter & Gamble bought Mielle Organics in January and Monique, who still serves as chief executive, hopes that this will help increase distribution and make the products more readily available.
Oh joy of joys, a host of bills are going up this month.

Council tax is rising by between 3 and 5 per cent, depending where you live; water bills are being hiked by 7.5 per cent on average; broadband and mobile bills are soaring by over 17 per cent in some cases and, of course, the energy discount that kept us going through the winter has come to an end.

Admittedly, pensions and some benefits are also going up but overall it looks like we will have to find more ways to save.

So I've set my team at MoneyMagpie.com the task and here's what we've come up with. (If you've found some new ones yourself do let me know at AskJasmine@MoneyMagpie.com.)

n According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average UK household spends 4,296 on groceries annually. Even small changes can help a little, so don't throw away old, bruised and soft fruit: they make great smoothies, or you turn them into muffins to stop food wastage.

Oh joy of joys, a host of bills are going up this month. File image

Get as much free and cheap food as possible using the food-sharing apps Olio and TooGoodToGo and going to ApprovedFood.co.uk for cheaper, out-of-season items.

It's worth remembering the power of your local community. According to Nextdoor.co.uk, a third of us have cut costs thanks to neighbours, saving up to 200 a year. So get onto platforms such as Nextdoor (or set up a groupchat) where you can swap items with people in your community, share babysitting, and get free furniture, food and clothes that others are giving away.

As stamp prices go up it's worth thinking about ways to cut the cost of postage. One of my team found that it was a lot cheaper to split a light gift he was sending by post than to send it in one package.

'I paid for two large letters (now 1.45 each) rather than pay for one 'small parcel' at 4.45,' he says. 'The reason is because Royal Mail's 'large letters' allow you to send any items that can fit through an inch-thick letterbox.' Take a couple of spare envelopes with you to the Post Office and see which option works out cheapest.

Make sure you're getting the most from your job. Double check what, if any, employer discounts and benefits you are eligible for. Larger companies often have tie-ins with supermarket chains, restaurants and mobile phone companies, among others, and you may get discounts of up to 10 per cent. Also take advantage of any extra pension payments your employer offers, even if it could mean you have to put in a bit more yourself month on month.

It may not be a glamorous place to look for bargains, but don't forget your local dump. Many waste-processing centres keep a lot of the furniture, TVs, toys and more if they're basically good. Then you can buy them from their 'charity shop' at a fraction of the usual cost. This includes flat-screen TVs for 25-60 and bikes for 30-40 each.

Cut the cost of beauty. Sephora's 'pick-n-mix' section offers five mini products to try for free (although you have to pay 3.95 for postage). Go to sephora.co.uk/pick-n-mix.

Buy clothes and household goods cheaply at Simon Charles auctioneers (simoncharles-auctioneers.co.uk). You can find ex-High Street goods from firms such as John Lewis that have been returned to the shop.

There's nothing wrong with the products, it's just that they haven't necessarily been returned in their box or may have minor dings.

You can also bid on new clothes, including branded designer items, beauty products, toys, furniture and equipment.

If you're planning on a spring clean or renovation, rather than wasting money on things you'll use only once, rent cleaning equipment, power tools, cooking or sewing items and more at the Library of Things (libraryofthings.co.uk).

Think about ways you can reduce your water usage. Put the plug in the bath when having a shower, then use what you collect to flush the loo and your water bill will be cheaper.

Or put a watering can in the sink and collect the cold water as you wait for the hot to come through. Keep a jug or bottle of water in the fridge to save running the tap all the time.

Cut the cost of home essentials. Chop sponges in half and you'll have twice as many to use in the kitchen. Squash your toilet rolls before you use them because then it will be harder to get the sheets to unfold and you won't waste as much.

Cut the bottom off tubes of toothpaste, tomato puree etc so none goes to waste. To ensure there's no leakage, use a clothes peg to seal the tube.

Got a question for Jasmine? Email her at AskJasmine@MoneyMagpie.com

Sicily sunshine  at just half the price

The Easter break is a popular time for thinking about booking another holiday. And there are some great deals which mean you could get away for less.

SeeSicily is offering tourists 50 pc off flights, one free tourist attraction and a free nights accommodation if you stay in Sicily for at least three nights (apart from July and August) up to the end of September 2023. You just have to book your trip through an affiliated partner (visitsicilyinfo/en/seesicily).

If youre flexible about where and when you go, you could take advantage of pricing glitches. The newsletter Jacks Flight Club (jacksflightclub.com) sends subscribers details of routes and dates going for less than the airlines advertised fares.

SeeSicily is offering tourists 50 pc off flights, one free tourist attraction and a free nights accommodation if you stay in Sicily for at least three nights. File image

Some of its recent steals include London-Tokyo returns for just 261, Glasgow-Toronto returns for 142 and even a flight from London to Perth in Western Australia for 461 return. Sign up and save on your next trip.

A package holiday does have advantages but you can often travel cheaper independently.

For example, if you want to sail around the Caribbean, book a cheap flight to the former British colony of Dominica and then catch the ferry to neighbouring French islands of Martinique and Guadaloupe. Ferries costs around 88pp (express-des-iles.fr/travel-by-boat-from-castries-to-martinique -dominica-and-guadeloupe).

Kuoni is looking for a creative amateur to be its official honeymoon photographer in residence for three weeks. You can bring a guest and will be paid 2,885. Go to photographer.kuoni.co.uk. The closing date is April 28. Good luck!

Get 20pc off bamboo toilet paper

Switch to eco-friendly toilet rolls with Bumboo, made from 100 pc bamboo with a tree planted for every box ordered. Toilet rolls contain 300 sheets of three-ply tissue. Get 20 pc off your first order with my code JASMINE20 at bumboo.eco. The offer ends on April 22.

Get 25 pc off home emergency cover at HomeEmergencyAssist.com. It offers cover for your boiler, central heating, plumbing, drainage, utilities, securities, pest infestations and more. In an emergency, you call Home Emergency Assist, which works with qualified tradesmen ready to help you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Use my exclusive promo code JASMINE25 on the website to get 25 pc off home emergency cover.

Earn money at grocery shops

Nationwide is offering 5 pc cashback on your supermarket shop until April 30. Customers can earn up to 10 a month at a range of stores when they use a Nationwide debit card. If you have a joint account, you can earn 10 each. See nationwide.co.uk.

Pets at Home is running free workshops for children in stores until Sunday, April 16. The 45-minute sessions enable youngsters to learn how to look after a range of small animals, including making a foraging box for furry friends. They will also receive a My Pet Pals certificate. Visit petsathome.com for details.

Free doughnuts!

Do you have an Easter egg going spare? Take it to your nearest Krispy Kreme shop by Monday and youll get a four-pack of Easter doughnuts in exchange. Easter eggs will be donated to a network of 9,500 charities and community organisations across UK with charity partnership FareShare.
A real-life Brazilian Barbie has got her dream house - which is of course bright pink - ahead of the much-anticipated summer movie featuring Margot Robbie.

Bruna Carolina Peres, known as the 'Bruna Barbie', has more than 20 million followers on TikTok and more than 451,000 followers on Instagram.

The Brazilian beauty is famous for living her life just like the ubiquitous American Mattel doll.

And she has certainly put in the effort to recreate the full Barbie aesthetic, even boasting a life-size, pink dollhouse all to herself.

The Bruna Barbie, who lives on the coast of Parana, in Brazil, told local media that she found inspiration for her love of the colour pink and her 'Barbie style' from movies such as Legally Blonde and Mean Girls.

Bruna Carolina Peres (pictured) is known as the 'Bruna Barbie) and lives just like the famous American doll

And this summer, she will be able to add the full feature film Barbie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling (as Ken) to her list of sources of inspiration.

And going by the buzz on social media, the Bruna Barbie is not the only one looking forward to the movie.

Social media users have been sharing numerous memes after a teaser of the movie dropped earlier this week.

The Bruna Barbie said: 'I've always liked Barbie. Since I was a child I watched and admired the story.

'But it was in my teens that I decided to adopt the style.

'I love the colour pink and movies in a more preppy way.'

She added: 'It got to the point that I was already known for looking like the doll and for wearing the same clothes as her.'

She said that when she started to become an influencer online, she decided that her whole life would be pink.

The influencer has more than 20 million followers on TikTok and over 451,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares glimpses into her life

She loves the colour pink so much, she even lives in a fully pink home, matching the Barbie aesthetic perfectly

Dream home: Bruna's house, which is decked in out in all-pink decor, was designed by architects who were asked by the influencer to base the style on the 1990s doll houses

Bruna, dressed in one of her trademark bright pink outfits, poses next to a Barbie-style fuchsia pink car

Bruna even commissioned architects to design her house based on 1990s doll houses.

Over the years, she gradually turned her pad into her dream home.

Among the pink features are a pink living room, pink fridge and kitchen, and pink car.

Perhaps most impressively, she even has a pink swimming pool - which is reportedly filled with pink water.

Judging by the photographs she shares with her followers on social media, it is actually quite hard to find something in her home that is not champagne pink, pale pink, baby pink, candy pink, or orchid pink.

Real life Barbie: Not a single detail has been overlooked in Bruna's pursuit of the pink Barbie lifestyle

Even the pool toys the influencer uses - including this retro blow-up flamingo - adhere to the influencer's all-pink aesthetic

In the pink: Bruna is a huge fan of the colour pink. She appears to always be wearing various shades of the colour, while her home is decked out in fuchsia tones

Bruna decided to turn her whole life pink when she became an online influencer, and is now partly known for enthusiastically embracing the colour

The Barbie movie, which stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, is set for release on July 21 this year.

Based on the fashion dolls by Mattel from Ruth Handler, the film is the first-ever live action Barbie film to hit the big screen.

It features a screenplay that Greta Greta Gerwig, who also directs the picture, co-wrote with her partner Noah Baumbach.

A trailer for the movie was recently released, giving a glimpse into the film and some of the design choices.

Throughout the picture, Margot cruises through Barbieland, a candy floss-coloured city that is filled with bright pastels.
ONE-PAN ROAST LAMB WITH POTATOES AND PEPPERS

James Martin reveals his lamb recipes for Easter, which include a Spanish-style roast, spicy flatbread and herby chops

Lamb over Easter is very British, but for something different, try this Spanish twist, all in one easy dish, from James Martin, pictured

Lamb over Easter is very British, but for something different, try this Spanish twist, all in one easy dish.

Olly Smiths wine pairing: Vina Pomal Rioja Reserva 2016

SERVES FOUR

1-2tbsp smoked paprika, according to taste

3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and chopped

Juice and grated zest of 1 lemon

4-5tbsp olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1kg (2lb 4oz) new potatoes, scrubbed

3 red peppers, deseeded and sliced

2 red onions, quartered

1 garlic bulb, unpeeled, halved horizontally

1.2kg (2lb 12oz) lamb joint, string removed

Preheat the oven to 200C/ fan 180C/gas 6.

In a bowl, mix the paprika, chopped rosemary leaves, lemon juice and zest and olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and set aside.

Place the potatoes, peppers, onions and garlic in an even layer in the bottom of a large roasting tray. Spoon the paprika mix onto the lamb joint and rub it all over to coat. Sit the lamb on top of the vegetables in the roasting tray.

Pop the roasting tray in the oven and roast for 1 hour, or until the lamb is tender and cooked to your liking. Remove from the oven and transfer the lamb to a large serving platter to rest. Spoon the potatoes and vegetables around it and serve the meat in slices.

James says: lamb out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking to ensure that it roasts evenly

OLLY SMITH'S WINE PAIRING: ROAST REVELATION

Vina Pomal Rioja Reserva 2016 (14.5%) 12.99 or 10.99 in a Mix Six deal.

Majestic Rioja with a leg of lamb is a classic pairing, and this top-quality Reserva exudes mellow spice with velvet allure thanks to oak ageing. Sheer joy.

LAMB LOIN WITH CHARRED AUBERGINE AND WATERCRESS

For a lighter lamb lunch, try this delicious and vibrant salad with balsamic vinaigrette

James says If you want to make this into a more substantial meal, try serving alongside cooked baby new potatoes or rice. Advertisement

For a lighter lamb lunch, try this delicious and vibrant salad with balsamic vinaigrette.

Olly's wine pairing: M&S Found Zweigelt 2021

SERVES FOUR

600g (1lb 5oz) lamb loin, trimmed of fat

1-2tbsp olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 small aubergines, cut into 1.5cm (in) slices

For the balsamic vinaigrette

4tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

A pinch of caster sugar

125ml (4fl oz) olive oil

2 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves picked and washed

For the watercress salad

100g (3oz) watercress, stems removed

25g (1oz) fresh coriander, leaves picked 1 red chilli, deseeded and cut into strips

1 red onion, sliced

Rind of  a lemon or preserved lemon, cut into strips (optional)

Preheat the oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Brush the lamb with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large frying pan over a high heat and sear the lamb on all sides until browned.

Transfer to a roasting tin and roast for 6-8 minutes for medium, or until cooked to your liking. Set aside to rest. Meanwhile, preheat the grill or a griddle pan to a high heat. Lightly brush the aubergine slices with olive oil and cook for 5-8 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking, until tender and browned. Keep warm.

To make the balsamic vinaigrette, whisk all the ingredients together in a jug until well combined and then season to taste. To make the watercress salad, toss the watercress, coriander, chilli, onion and lemon rind (if using) together in a bowl.

Add just enough balsamic vinaigrette to moisten the salad and toss again. Arrange the aubergine slices on a serving plate and top with the salad. Slice the lamb and arrange on top. Finish with a drizzle of vinaigrette.

VICTORIOUS WITH VEG

M&S Found Zweigelt 2021 (13%) 8.50

This Austrian red is ripe with a light texture to match with the veggies as well as the lamb. Bright and fruity, its a no-brainer kitchen table red. Excellent value.

SPICED LAMB FLATBREAD TOPPED WITH YOGHURT AND POMEGRANATE

This is a real crowd pleaser - delicious Indian-spiced lamb served on a flatbread

James says Lamb is perfect for Easter, but you can use another topping, such as chicken or prawns, if you prefer. Advertisement

This is a real crowd pleaser - delicious Indian-spiced lamb served on a flatbread.

SERVES FOUR

For the dough

325g (11oz) self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting

A pinch of salt

60g (2oz) natural yoghurt

125ml (4fl oz) warm water

For the topping

400g (14oz) lamb loin, sliced

2 red onions, finely sliced

1tsp mild chilli powder

1tsp garam masala

1tsp curry powder

1tsp nigella seeds

A pinch of salt

25ml (1fl oz) olive oil

Juice and grated zest of 1 lime

3tbsp lime pickle

Olly's wine pairing: Xinomavro Jeunes Vignes, Thymiopoulos 2021

To serve

4tbsp natural yoghurt

Fresh mint and coriander leaves, roughly chopped

1-2tbsp pomegranate seeds

To make the dough, place the flour and salt in a bowl. In a jug, mix the yoghurt and warm water together, then add to the flour and mix with a spoon to form a dough. Dust a work surface with flour and knead it for a few minutes  it should be a little sticky. Set aside in a clean bowl.

Preheat the oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7 and slide a baking tray or pizza stone into the oven to preheat. In a shallow dish, mix the lamb slices with the onions, spices, salt and olive oil. Add the lime juice and zest, and toss the whole lot together.

On a floured work surface, roll the dough out to a rough 20cm (8in) long oval. Spread with the lime pickle, then top with the lamb and spice mixture.

Carefully transfer the flatbread to the preheated tray and bake for 12 minutes, or until the bread is golden and puffed and the lamb is cooked to your liking. Drizzle with yoghurt and sprinkle with mint, coriander and pomegranate seeds. Serve in slices.

FAB WITH FLATBREAD

Xinomavro Jeunes Vignes, Thymiopoulos 2021 (13%) 12.50, thewinesociety.com

A lighter, tangy Greek red thats a winner with spicy flatbread, this is best served slightly chilled.

GRILLED LAMB CHOPS WITH ROAST SQUASH AND SALSA VERDE

You dont need to cook a large piece of meat - lamb chops make a great alternative and can also be cooked on the barbecue

Olly's wine pairing: Sainsburys Taste the Difference Valpolicella Ripasso 2019

You dont need to cook a large piece of meat - lamb chops make a great alternative and can also be cooked on the barbecue.

SERVES FOUR

1 butternut, acorn or other type of squash, deseeded and sliced, skin left on

50ml (2fl oz) olive oil

12 lamb chops

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Vegetables of your choice, to serve

For the salsa verde

2tbsp sherry vinegar

1tbsp Dijon mustard

1 shallot, diced

30g (1oz) fresh coriander, chopped

30g (1oz) fresh mint, chopped

2tbsp capers

50ml (2fl oz) olive oil

Preheat the grill to high or heat a barbecue until the coals are white.

To make the salsa verde, whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl.

Drizzle the squash slices with the olive oil. Arrange the squash and chops on the grill tray or barbecue grill and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the chops are browned on one side, then flip over and cook for a further 2-3 minutes, until cooked to your liking. Remove the chops from the heat and set aside to rest. Continue to cook the squash slices until they are lightly charred.

Arrange the chops and squash on a platter and drizzle with salsa verde. Serve with vegetables of your choice.

TOP CHOICE FOR CHOPS

Sainsburys Taste the Difference Valpolicella Ripasso 2019 (14%) 11 (10 until Tuesday)

Silky and vibrant, this Italian red goes well with the salsa verde, chops and squash. Sublime.

ROAST SHOULDER OF LAMB WITH HOMEMADE APPLE AND MINT JELLY

Ive cooked this lamb shoulder on a trivet of onion and garlic - its the perfect way to ensure even cooking and great flavour!

James says Youll need to begin making the Apple and Mint Jelly the day before you are serving this dish, so that it sets in time. Advertisement

Olly's wine pairing: LFE Gran Reserva Colchagua Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Ive cooked this lamb shoulder on a trivet of onion and garlic - its the perfect way to ensure even cooking and great flavour!

SERVES SIX

For the apple and mint jelly

300g (10oz) Bramley apples, chopped

200ml (7fl oz) water

200ml (7fl oz) cider vinegar

250g (9oz) granulated sugar

25g (1oz) fresh mint, leaves picked and chopped

For the roast lamb

2 large onions, halved

1 garlic bulb, unpeeled, halved horizontally

2kg (4lb 8oz) shoulder of lamb

Salt and black pepper

300ml (pt) red wine

500ml (18fl oz) lamb or vegetable stock

25g (1oz) fresh rosemary

A knob of butter to serve

Cooked new potatoes and broccoli or greens of your choice

To make the jelly, put the apples and water in a saucepan. Bring to the boil. Lower the heat; simmer for 25 minutes. Add the vinegar; simmer for 5 minutes. Line a sieve with muslin and place over a bowl. Pour the apple mixture into the sieve and leave it to drip overnight.

Discard the apple pulp and pour the strained juice (about 300ml/pt) into a pan. Add the sugar and heat gently for 10 minutes. Skim any scum from the top. Cool for 10 minutes. Stir in the mint, pour into a jar and chill until needed.

To prepare the lamb, preheat the oven to 170C/fan 150C/gas 3. Place the onions and garlic in the middle of a large roasting tray. Sit the lamb on top and season. Add the wine, stock and rosemary. Roast for 2 hours, or until the lamb is cooked through and tender.

Transfer the meat, onions and garlic to a serving platter. Place the tray on the hob over a medium heat. Cook until the juices are reduced by half. Stir in a knob of butter. Spoon over the lamb. Serve with the apple and mint jelly, and cooked new potatoes and greens.

CHEESEBOARD CHAMPION

LFE Gran Reserva Colchagua Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (14%) 10, Tesco

Boasting all the stunning richness and fruitiness of a blackcurrant the size of the sun, this firm, bold Chilean red has the depth required to partner slow-roast lamb. It also goes wonderfully with a cheeseboard afterwards.

SLOW-ROAST LAMB WITH CHIMICHURRI SAUCE AND CROUTONS

Roast lamb as a sharing platter is another crowd pleaser. Ive served it here with croutons and homemade South American chimichurri sauce

James says You can store chimichurri in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week - its delicious alongside meat or fish. Advertisement

Olly's wine pairing: James Martin Syrah 2019 (14%) 17, vinohero.co.uk

Roast lamb as a sharing platter is another crowd pleaser. Ive served it here with croutons and homemade South American chimichurri sauce.

SERVES FOUR-SIX

For the lamb

2 large onions, halved

1.5-2kg (3lb 5oz-4lb 8oz) lamb shoulder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

500ml (18fl oz) lamb or vegetable stock

For the chimichurri

50ml (2fl oz) red wine vinegar

1 green chilli, roughly chopped

2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

1 shallot, diced

25g (1oz) fresh coriander, chopped

25g (1oz) fresh mint, leaves picked

100ml (3fl oz) olive oil

1tsp dried oregano

For the croutons

6 slices of sourdough bread

1-2tbsp olive oil

To serve

Mixed salad leaves

Preheat the oven to 170C/fan 150C/ gas 3. Place the onions in a roasting tray and put the lamb joint on top. Season well and pour in the stock. Roast for 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the joint, until browned, cooked through and tender.

Allow to rest for 15 minutes, then shred the meat. Meanwhile, to make the chimichurri, place all the ingredients in a food processor and blitz until smooth.

To make the croutons, increase the oven temperature to 200C/fan 180C/ gas 6. Place the bread on a baking tray, drizzle with the oil and bake for 8-10 minutes, until crisp.

Pile the salad leaves on a platter and top with the croutons, then the lamb. Serve with the chimichurri on the side.

SUPER WITH A SLOW ROAST

James Martin Syrah 2019 (14%) 17, vinohero.co.uk

Chimichurri needs a full-throttle bottle, and Jamess very own syrah has maximum revs thanks to the combination of spicy grapes and sunny Languedoc ripeness.
Row upon row the teddies keep careful watch over their charges, a tiny but powerfully poignant guard of honour.

For in this military cemetery, the soft toys help mark the graves not of fallen soldiers but infants.

They are the babies and young children of British families who died while their parents were stationed in Cyprus in the 1960s and early 1970s, with more than 450 little ones - 159 recorded as having died at only one day old - buried here in Dhekelia.

The bears are the initiative of Annie Macmillan Davies, 61, who was inspired to honour the graves last year while visiting her parents' graves in the cemetery.

The retired nursery head realised many hadn't been visited in decades, a sad reflection of how military families had to leave their deceased loved ones behind when they were re-posted, before repatriation was commonplace.

Hundreds of teddies have been placed on the graves of babies and young children at the British military cemetery in Dhekelia, Cyprus, to show they have not been forgotten

Reggie Smith died in British Military Hospital Dhekelia in November 1960 after being taken there with breathing difficulties. His parents Joyce and Martin returned to the UK following his death and were horrified when they saw the number of baby graves when they returned to the cemetery years later

The cemetery in Dhekelia or British service personnel and their families is the final resting place of around 450 babies and young children born there during the 1960s and early 1970s

'They just looked so forgotten,' Annie, who lives in Cyprus, says. 'Everybody else had beautiful flowers and all these lovely mementoes and then there were these babies that had nothing. It was just dirt.'

But her thoughtful gesture has had unintended consequences.

For the battalion of teddies makes such a striking sight it has served as a reminder of just how many youngsters died during this period, reigniting speculation over what happened here.

Now some of the babies' families are demanding a public inquiry into the deaths to end '60 years of torment'.

While statistical analysis carried out in 2010 concluded that the seemingly high infant mortality rate was in line with expectations at the time, for many, questions remain unanswered.

An absence of medical records, thought to have been lost when a military hospital was demolished, and what has been seen as a lack of transparency by officials has fuelled wilder theories of a cover-up.

Unwitting exposure to radioactive material  similar to the 20,000 British troops who formed part of a nuclear testing programme in Australia and the South Pacific at the height of the Cold War  has been mooted.

Others blame side effects from vaccine combinations given to service personnel at the time, with the Ministry of Defence admitting in 1997 that it had failed to heed warnings about possible side-effects of a vaccine combination administered to Gulf War veterans.

Water contamination by anti-British ultra-nationalists opposed to their presence on the Mediterranean island, has even been suggested, although there is little other than the obvious hostilities to suggest this is true.

Outbreaks of dysentery, cholera, meningitis and typhoid on the island have also been blamed over the years, though also never proven one way or the other.

Annie Macmillan Davies made it her mission to ensure each of the babies are remembered with a teddy, spending months collecting then placing them on the graves with her husband Clive

Oscar, 11, and Toby, 9, helped their grandma Annie to place teddies when they visited her from England. She lost her own son Christopher at eight months, when stationed in Germany

Des Smith is one of a number of family calling for a public inquiry into what happened to his brother and other babies during these years. His parents joined Reggie in the family plot when they died years later

The entrance of British Cemetery Dhekelia in southern Cyprus where the graves of hundreds of British babies and children lie

Others believe the deaths were the result of poor standards at the British Military Hospital (BMH) Dhekelia, where most of the babies died. Any inquiry, it is hoped, would end decades of speculation.

Retired RAF wing commander Bob Braban, 84, from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, and his wife Margaret are among those demanding a public inquiry.

They lost their son Miles in November 1963, while Bob was stationed at Nicosia, and are certain he would have lived with better medical care.

'Its left a lot of heartache to a lot of families' On her wedding day four years ago, Grace Warren placed her bridal bouquet on the grave of her grandmother whom she had never met. Gathered round for the first time ever in Cyprus was her mother Heidi Oliver, her Auntie Debbie Harding and Uncle Ian Jeffrey. Grace Warren places her bridal bouquet on the grave of the grandmother she never met, alongside her mother Heidi Oliver and children Louis and Charlie It was the first time the three siblings had met in Dhekelia Cemetery, where their mother Mavis Jeffrey had laid since April 1963. She died less than a month after giving birth to Ian at the British Military Hospital, Dhekelia. The family stopped to lay the flowers in a nod to the significant role she played in all their lives, one which was tragically cut short the age of 28, following complications from childbirth. The family had moved over to the Mediterranean island after their father Colin, a corporal in the RAF, was posted there from Lincolnshire the previous October. The couple had been expecting their third child at the time, which had been progressing well until the end of pregnancy when she developed high blood pressure. Doctors were concerned about the position of the placenta, potentially blocking the birth canal and she was taken into the military hospital two-weeks ahead of her due date. In a letter to family back home, Mrs Jeffrey said doctors had spoken of operating, but the baby arrived healthy the next day (March 26). She was kept in hospital for a few days with a blood clot before being discharged back to married quarters in Larnaca. Mavis Jeffrey who died age 24, after giving birth at Dhekelia Hospital But she collapsed 10 days later and was rushed back to hospital where she died on April 24, with her death certificate recording the cause of death as acute peritonitis  an infection of her stomach lining. Daughter Heidi, 61, said her family were certain negligence had played a part, not least by a hospital that did not have the supplies needed to care for her mother. I would just somebody to acknowledge that my mother and a lot of those babies died needlessly. Its left a lot of heartache to a lot of families. I never knew her because she died not long after giving birth to my brother. They didnt get all the afterbirth out, some of the placenta was still in her and she died of blood poisoning. Obviously Ive heard all of this from my family - she needed a blood transfusion but they didnt have any of her blood in stock to give her it. I think its down to negligence at the hospital and not having the qualified staff. The former detective inspector said families were disappointed by the initial probe, for failing to talk to any of the families. There were 11 infants who died in November 1963 alone, 56 babies died in 1964, in September of 1965, eight babies died and it just goes on and on. That investigation was farcical. The MoD has got a professor who was a statistician to compile a report. What they should have done is looked at who was qualified in that hospital, what facilities did they have and what was available? What expertise was available? Advertisement

Following an uneventful pregnancy, Miles was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck and amniotic fluid in his lungs, surviving for just two days.

Margaret, 82, recalls: 'They gave me pethidine far too close to delivery, which can affect the baby's breathing.

'After he was born there was a lot of rushing about in the delivery room. I suspect that somebody gave me something to knock me out because the next thing I knew a nursing sister was standing there saying 'your baby is okay but it's taken them an hour and a half to get him going'.

'He stayed in an incubator for the next two days. On the morning that he died at about nine o'clock I watched the team go into the room where he was. And then some time later, I remember the nurse coming to me and saying 'I'm sorry to say Mrs Braban, your baby has died. Do you want to see him?' And that was that.

'We never got to hold him - all we got to do was touch him.

'We've since been told by professionals that these issues with Miles should not have been life threatening, had medical staff responded properly.'

Those who experienced the hospital say it had a high turnover of young and inexperienced medical staff lured to the island with adverts that promised 'adventure.'

It was not unusual for nursing staff to court servicemen, often giving up their positions when they were married which could perpetuate shortages, according to those who served there.

Bob says: 'We were very young and had infinite trust in the medical personnel here. Looking back now, it's very obvious to us that the expertise that we needed there wasn't there.

'All the military mothers going into the hospital were young, fit and healthy.

'They were an exception to the general population in many ways so the death rates should have been lower, not higher.'

Margaret said she was shocked to discover so many other babies had died at the same time.

The high turnover and short postings of personnel on the island meant it was many years before anyone noticed the high incidence of child deaths.

'We thought we were the only ones because nobody talked about it,' Margaret says.

'It wasn't until we went back to the cemetery decades later and saw the headstones of hundreds of babies there that we saw the scale of it.'

The retired auxiliary nurse said families were not chasing compensation and simply wanted an acknowledgement that something had gone wrong with their care.

She added: 'All the money in the world wouldn't make any difference to me. I just want someone to say 'I'm sorry, we mucked up'. No-one ever has.'

More than 40,000 British forces personnel and their families were based on the island after it gained independence in 1960. They remained as a peacekeeping force amid conflict between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot populations.

Burial records suggest deaths peaked in the early to mid-1960s, falling considerably after this time. The last was in 1976.

Some 53 babies, almost half of whom were less than a week old, died in 1963 alone  a rate of more than one a week - with at least 11 infants and young children dying in November.

Burial records show that at the height of the deaths infant graves outnumbered the adults there by almost two to one.

Dhekelia was one of two sovereign bases on the island. The military hospital there, described as an 'entirely modern military hospital' when it opened in 1958, was demolished 20 years later after reports it suffered structural damage from an earthquake.

But for some, the decision to knock down a hospital after such a short time has only raised suspicions of a cover up. They suggest the purpose-built modern British military hospital, costing millions, would not have been demolished unless there was something to hide.

In 2010 the Ministry of Defence commissioned an epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to analyse data for excess deaths. A consistently high number would be a red flag that something was amiss.

The report by Professor Stephen Evans found overall rates at all stages of infancy were generally a little higher than those seen in the UK but lower than Cyprus and broadly as expected for the time.

He said infant mortality in Britain was around ten times what it is today, mainly due less sophisticated healthcare.

He suggested the peacekeeping role of UK forces meant there were few servicemen dying, which when combined with no elderly residents on the bases, gave the military cemetery a misleading appearance.

But the report and statistical data used by Professor Evans remains unpublished, and it is unclear exactly what dates were analysed or whether the figures included any repatriated babies or stillbirths.

A panda bear marks the grave of Michael Anthony Hewitt who died when he was just hours old

Commemorative flags have been placed alongside soft toys on each of the hundreds of child graves, as a mark of respect

Teddies show the extent of which baby graves dominate the landscape of this graveyard, with 53 dying in 1963 alone

A 2014 book on British military burials in Cyprus suggested the death rates were almost double the domestic rate over a couple of years, including a neonatal death rate of 29.3 per 1,000 in the British military hospitals in Cyprus in 1964, compared to 16.4 in England and Wales.

The following year, the post neonatal death rate  deaths up to a year after birth  was more than twice as high at 15.9 per 1,000 compared to 7.2. But speaking to the Mail, Professor Evans stood by his findings, suggesting the spike in deaths in this time was 'compatible with statistical fluctuation' and likely the result of fewer births being registered that year.

Whilst he says he has 'every sympathy for families who lost loved ones' having lost his own brother aged two in a plane crash which killed 23 others, he said the data did not reveal anomalies that would point to a cover-up.

He said: 'I independently examined the data of births and deaths among the military in Cyprus between 1960 and 1966 with an entirely open mind. I found the mortality rates are similar to those in Scotland at the time, though slightly higher than the rates in England. There is no evidence that the rates are notably higher than expected, so this suggests there has been no 'cover-up' of dramatically raised infant mortality rates.'

Des Smith, whose eight-month-old brother Reggie died at the hospital in 1960, said relatives had 'many unanswered questions'.

A week after a routine check-up at British Military Hospital Dhekelia, his parents took his brother back with breathing difficulties. Within hours, he had died.

Despite being a military cemetery, the site is dominated by the graves of infants born to service personnel serving on the island in the 1960s and early 1970s

A probe commissioned by the MoD in 2010 found the death rates were not out of line with what was expected at the time

The graves of D Blake (left) and PJ Brady (right) who both died when they were just one day old in the early 1960s

Mavis Jeffrey died of acute peritonitis weeks after giving birth to son Ian at Dhekelia hospital. Her daughter Heidi Oliver is not satisfied with the outcome of the MoD commissioned probe

'On arrival they took him off my dad and took him away,' explains Des, 60. 'They never saw him alive again. A few hours later while my mum and dad were sat there, waiting, they came back and said 'I'm sorry but he's passed.'

While the death was recorded as bronchial pneumonia, because of the speed of what happened and lack of information afterwards his parents Joyce and Martin - who served with the Royal Engineers - questioned what had happened until their deaths in 2011 and 2013.

The couple returned to the UK just 24 hours after Reggie died. Des, who owns an electrical cable business and now lives in Cyprus, arrived in 1962 and a sister completed the family in 1965.

In 2000, on what would have been Reggie's 40th birthday, Des organised for the family to fly out and visit his grave. The 'small patch' of baby graves in the corner of the cemetery had become 'row after row after row'.

'It was row after row after row after row of babies' Every year, Joyce Smith would write a birthday card to her beloved son Reggie. But unlike other parents she would never get to see him open them. She relocated to Cyprus with her husband Martin, a proud army man who served with the Royal Engineers from the port in Famagusta, and their daughter Christine. They were joined by baby Reginald in February 1960 but their world came crashing down the following November when he was just eight months old. He had been for a check-up at BMH Dhekelia a week earlier but was rushed back by with breathing difficulties. Within hours, he had died. On arrival they took him off my dad, they took him away, explains Des, 60. A few hours later while my mum and dad were sat there waiting asking whats going on, whats the situation? they came back and said Im sorry but hes passed. They were never able to sit with him and be with him they just took the baby away. His cause of death was recorded as bronchial pneumonia and he was buried in the military cemetery there, as was customary before repatriation became commonplace. The family were returned to the UK just 24 hours after the funeral and spent the next eight years living in Marchwood, Southampton. There, Des arrived in 1962 and sister Audrey completed the family three years after that (65) but their brother was never forgotten and always acknowledged throughout their parents lifetimes. My brother was always a picture on our wall from when we were very tiny. We grew up knowing full well that we had a sibling and that mum and dad had a child and he was in Cyprus. It was one of those things you kept hearing. Every year, Mum would write a birthday card for him in February. It was something we grew up with in our blood. In 2000 on what would have been Reggies 40th birthday, Des organised for the family to fly out and visit Reggies grave. Nothing could prepare his parents for what they saw. The small patch of baby graves in the corner of the cemetery had become row after row after row. My dad was a very hard man. He was a military man  he didn't show emotion. Mum said he cried once that she had seen - when he had to lower the coffin into the grave. That day I saw him cry for the second time. It was row after row after row after row of babies. Mum turned around and looked at the other side of the cemetery and saw all the gravestones with 1962 and 1963. She turned to me and said I'm glad we went home because you'd be in there. She was sure of it. It was active conflict when you see how many babies are there compared to how many babies died, it does not add up at all. Its consistently babies with the odd soldier between them. Des, who owns an electrical cable business and now lives on the island, would later lay both of his parents to rest there. His mother was reunited with Reggie in 2011, aged 77 and his father two years later, aged 82. He tends to the plot they now share together. But he is determined to get answers to what happened there and why so many young souls would join his brother in the following years. The military keep saying that a full investigation has been done into the babies deaths but it hasnt. But for them to just lift the carpet and brush it under like it doesnt matter, is just wrong. Its too late for my parents and many others. But my parents lead jacket has been passed on to me and my siblings because we have lived with it for all of our lives. We still want to know just so we can say there you go Mum, there you go Dad, we were right".' Advertisement

'My dad was a military man  he didn't show emotion,' Des says. 'Mum said he cried once - when he had to lower Reggie's coffin into the grave. That day I saw him cry for the second time.'

It's not just babies, however. Some relatives believe that mothers were let down too.

Mavis Jeffrey was just 28 when she died of complications from childbirth in 1963, less than a month after giving birth to her son Ian at the British Military Hospital, Dhekelia.

Her husband Colin, a corporal in the RAF, had been posted to Cyprus from Lincolnshire the previous October.

Her third pregnancy had been progressing well until the end when she developed high blood pressure.

Doctors were also concerned about the position of the placenta and she was taken into hospital ahead of her due date.

In a letter, Mrs Jeffrey said doctors had spoken of operating but the baby arrived, naturally, the next day.

She was kept in hospital with a blood clot before being discharged back to married quarters.

She collapsed 10 days later and was rushed back to hospital where she died on April 24, with her death certificate recording the cause of death as acute peritonitis  an infection of her stomach lining.

But Mavis' daughter Heidi, 61, said her family believe their mother died of blood poisoning because some of the placenta had been retained inside her.

'My nan and auntie have always told us she died as result of an infection from the afterbirth that hadn't come out and a letter she wrote following Ian's birth suggests they knew there was an issue with it.

'Everybody said that my mum should never have died and that if it had been in England, she wouldn't have.

'I've also been told she needed a blood transfusion but they didn't have any of her blood in stock to give her it.'

In a letter to her sister-in-law a week before she died, Mrs Jeffrey said she had spent three weeks in hospital prior to Ian's birth.

She wrote: 'They thought they would have to operate because the afterbirth (placenta) was in the way of the birth canal but they left it too late and he was born on Tuesday 26th March.'

She goes on to say she spent a further week in hospital after he was born and was subsequently unwell at home.

'I've only been home for a week and I've had to go to bed as I've not been feeling well because of some blood clots the hospital hadn't discovered.'

The former detective inspector said families were disappointed by the statistical probe 13 years ago because it failed to get testimony from families.

She would like any inquiry to look more widely into care at the hospital, not just the high number of baby deaths.

Heidi says: 'What they should have done is looked at who was qualified in that hospital, what facilities did they have and what was available? What expertise was available?'

An MOD spokesperson said: 'We have investigated the number of infant deaths at the Dhekelia military base during the 1960s and an independent expert advised that the figures are in line with national mortality rates at the time.'

Whether an inquiry is commissioned or not, Annie Macmillan Davies remains committed to making sure each grave has a teddy bear.

Initially she and second husband Clive, 64, made the 160-mile round trip from their home in Paphos once a month to place the donated teddies on the graves. There are 452 graves for children aged two and under and around 500 including older children.

Since then, a Facebook group has amassed followers  many of whom are mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters of those they are remembering - and they help replace teddies that are lost or damaged.

For Annie, it's personal. She was stationed with her first husband in Germany when her eight month old son Christopher was taken into a British military hospital with croup in 1978.

But during a tracheostomy, a procedure involving a tube being inserted through an opening in the neck to assist breathing, the surgeon perforated his stomach: Christopher died a week later. The military admitted responsibility and the surgeon was struck off.

'I was lucky that I had that answer, I had a peg to hang my grief from,' she says.

'Many of these babies' parents will have died never knowing and for others, it's their last chance. That's all they want, and they deserve that.'

It's a sentiment Wg Cdr Braban, who served with the RAF for 35 years, understands entirely.

He said: 'They might say now the purpose of an inquiry has gone but I don't think it has. Something like that shouldn't just be allowed to lie.

'We just hope we can get someone willing to listen.'
Arguably nothing epitomizes modern society's cellphone addiction more than seeing a row of men at the urinal stalls, phones in hands.

But doctors are warning the habit is more than a just a reminder of how attached men are to their devices  it carries series health risks.

Dr Helen Bernie, a urologist from Indiana University Health, said bacteria-ridden urine splash-back stays for days in toilets and public restrooms.

Studies have found that droplets of urine can ricochet off the back of a pan or urinal and reach distances of up to three feet. Flushing can send launch urine up to six feet away.

Splash back from urination can travel up to three feet  almost one meter, while flushing a toilet or urinal can spread disease-causing germs up to six feet

Phones can become easily contaminated from splash back and then travel via the fecal-oral route  where bacteria from feces get into your mouth after contaminated surfaces, such as a phone, touch your face

Dr Helen Bernie, a urologist from Indiana University Health, told DailyMail.com: 'Backsplash travels up into the penis and then you could even transmit that to a partner'

A 2021 survey by NordVPN found that 65 percent of 9,800 adults use their phones in the restroom.

There is a common misconception that using one hand to pee and the other hand to hold your phone will minimize the spread of germs and keep them off your device.

Dr Bernie told DailyMail.com: 'Even if you think you're clean and you're just touching yourself, or you're not even flushing a urinal, there's a lot of backsplash that happens.

'These public toilets are often absolutely filthy bacteria hotspots that have germs and bacteria on everything you touch, from the door to walk into the bathroom, the floor, that cubicle door, the wall you might lean against or near, the taps to flush the toilet.

'Everything is getting sprayed up into the air with the perfect breeding ground for bacteria like E coli, streptococcus, hepatitis A and E, which can lead to significant GI disturbances like diarrhea, fever, shigella. All of these are there.'

Feces and urine can contain a host of bacteria and viruses. When you flush a urinal or toilet, the bacteria is dispersed in an aerosolized plume.

A study in Physics of Fluids found that 57 percent of the splash particles from flushing a urinal can travel to the person in 5.5 seconds.

Dr Bernie added: 'Studies have shown there's significant water or urine droplets in the backsplash from when people urinate and pee and they stay there for days in toilets and public restrooms.

'So on top of that you're holding your phone which may get backsplash as it is or your body and then you're walking out with it. It's really disgusting.'

Bathroom supplier QS Supplies conducted a splash-back survey simulating urination. The furthest distance a droplet flew was three feet  almost one meter.

Phones can become easily contaminated this way and then travel via the fecal-oral route  where bacteria from feces get into your mouth after contaminated surfaces, such as a phone, touch your face.

A 2020 study in Iran sampled 1,062 restrooms, collecting samples from restroom door handles, toilets, flush handles, soap and hand dryers. Researchers found that 89 percent of the samples were contaminated, most commonly with E. coli, which accounted for 29 percent of samples.

Backsplash can harm others beside the direct recipient, too.

Dr Bernie said: 'Backsplash travels up into the penis and then you could even transmit that to a partner. Bacterial vaginosis is linked with like increased risks of catching sexually transmitted infections and that guys can transmit this from their penis to the vaginal wall for female partners.'

Hand dryers were also found to put bacteria back onto your hands.

Dallin Lewis, 33, held petri dishes under the machines at a public restroom, gas station, movie theater and shop in Provo, Utah, for several seconds.

After incubating them for three days the dishes were found to be crawling with bacteria and fungi  which appeared in white, yellow and black smudges. The public bathroom dryer appeared to be the most contaminated.

But a separate petri dish which was waved through the air in the bathroom before being incubated to mimic when someone shakes their hands after washing them to get the water off, stayed completely clear.

The average man takes 21 seconds to urinate, but that is still enough time for millions of bacteria to make their way into our system.
More than a quarter of British women who suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding are left housebound every month, a survey has revealed.

The research  the first of its kind, which polled more than 2,000 women between the ages of 18 and 55  found that almost half of those affected by heavy bleeding had to stop daily activities, and 28 per cent said their mental health suffered.

The poll, conducted by women's health company Hologic, also found that four in ten of those suffering find their periods 'very painful' and 29 per cent said they were unable to leave the house during their period.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as needing to change sanitary pads or tampons every one to two hours for longer than seven days, during which time sufferers may bleed through their clothes or on to bedding.

Despite the debilitating symptoms, the survey revealed that 42 per cent of women had not spoken to a doctor about the problem.

STRUGGLING: Reality TV star Jacqueline Jossa, 30, says she is left unable to work for part of each month due to her periods

Many sufferers have also claimed their symptoms were dismissed by doctors, with three-quarters of women reporting they were told by a healthcare professional that their symptoms were normal.

This can cause other conditions where women experience heavy bleeding to be ignored. For example, painful endometriosis, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, takes eight years on average to be diagnosed.

Some 40 per cent of the women polled had been treated for heavy bleeding with the contraceptive pill, which can make periods lighter and more regular, though it can also cause side effects such as mood swings, nausea and headaches.

While much awareness has been raised about the impact of menopause on working, little attention has been paid to heavy menstrual bleeding, which affects one in five British women.

Former I'm A Celebrity winner and ex-EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa, 30, says she is left unable to work for part of each month due to her periods.

'Since having children, my periods have become unbearable and a real hindrance to my life,' she said in an ITV documentary last year. 'My agent now books and arranges work around the schedule of my period.

'Every month I disappear for four days. I call it "hell week". The physical pain that I feel when I'm on my periods really hurts. They remind me of the beginning of contractions.'

Eve Williams, a part-time teacher from South Wales, said heavy bleeding has 'controlled her life' since the age of 11.

The 28-year-old told The Mail on Sunday: 'As a teenager I was unable to go out and see my friends when I was on my period, but I was too scared to tell anyone why. I was embarrassed.

'As an adult I have been unable to go to work because I'm in too much pain, which has impacted my finances and my ability to pay rent. It has also impacted relationships. It affects everything  it's not just bleeding.'

She first went to her doctor to complain about painful periods when she was 16, but was told that her symptoms were 'just normal menstruation'.

Four in ten of those suffering find their periods 'very painful' and 29 per cent said they were unable to leave the house during their period

Ms Williams was later offered contraception to control her periods, but eventually developed anaemia due to the sustained blood loss  a condition where the body doesn't have enough blood cells to meet its needs. She was prescribed codeine for the pain and last year had surgery for endometriosis.

'Young girls need to know that heavy bleeding and severe pain is not normal,' she added.

Tim Simpson, general manager of Hologic, said: 'Too often women's menstrual health concerns are stigmatised  taboo subjects that parents, teachers and sometimes even clinicians are reluctant to discuss.

'Women need the confidence and knowledge to talk about their periods. It's crucial that women receive sufficient education of what a "normal" period is and when to speak to a healthcare professional. It's equally as important for GPs to be educated and trained in menstrual and gynaecological health.'

Women with heavy periods can be given medication to reduce bleeding alongside the hormonal contraceptive.

Monitoring for iron deficiency, a sign of anaemia, is also needed.

A spokesman for the charity Endometriosis UK said: 'For too long, those with menstrual health conditions have not had access to the support they need. More must be done to ensure the right support is available.'
More than a million people who have both type 2 diabetes and kidney disease could benefit from a daily pill that slashes the risk of kidney failure, heart complications and death.

About one in 50 diabetics develop kidney failure  when high sugar levels damage the organ's blood vessels, stopping them from filtering out toxins.

Malfunctioning kidneys also put excess strain on the heart, dramatically increasing the risk of heart failure. And traditional treatments can have unintended consequences for heart health, as well as other unpleasant side effects such as sore throats and dizziness.

But now England's health chiefs have given the green light to the drug finerenone to treat type 2 diabetes patients in the advanced stages of kidney disease. The drug slows kidney damage and is far less likely to cause serious heart problems.

The Mail on Sunday reported on experts' calls for the approval of finerenone in December, following Scotland's decision to approve the drug.

More than a million people who have both type 2 diabetes and kidney disease could benefit from a daily pill that slashes the risk of kidney failure, heart complications and death

'There has long been an unmet need for additional treatment options for people with type 2 diabetes-associated kidney disease,' said Dr Kieran McCafferty, consultant nephrologist at Barts Health NHS Trust. 'The risk of heart disease events remains high, despite current therapies on offer. This news is very welcome and provides us with an important option for delaying the progression of kidney disease.'

About 3.5 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes, which often develops because of genetics, obesity and lack of exercise. Roughly 40 per cent of those diagnosed will go on to develop chronic kidney disease. This is thought to be because high blood sugars cause the kidneys to produce a hormone called aldosterone.

Studies show that excess levels of this hormone can lead to heart scarring, causing permanent damage and increasing the risk of heart disease. Previously, patients would be treated using drugs called ACE inhibitors that lower aldosterone and improve blood flow to the heart. But these can increase the level of the mineral potassium in the body, which can raise the risk of heart attack.

A Canadian study published last year in the New England Journal Of Medicine estimated that roughly a third of patients treated with ACE inhibitors have to stop taking it due to heart damage. With finerenone, just two per cent suffer heart troubles, trials have shown.

Over the past five years, some doctors have had access to new medicines which also delay decline, but they are known to cause urine infections.

'Finerenone is another vital tool in our armour,' says Professor Sunil Bhandari, consultant nephrologist at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and trustee of the charity Kidney Research UK.

'Five years ago we had little to offer patients apart from ACE inhibitors. Now, we can try patients on newer drugs which will delay progression of the disease a bit, and then move them on to finerenone if those drugs cause problems. We're buying more and more time.'

England's health chiefs have given the green light to the drug finerenone (pictured) to treat type 2 diabetes patients in the advanced stages of kidney disease

The drug's approval, by health watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, is based on the results of a trial involving more than 5,700 patients. In one month, the tablet slowed decline in kidney function by 40 per cent and reduced the risk of death by just under 20 per cent. After two-and-a-half years, those taking finerenone were 14 per cent less likely than those on a dummy pill to die from heart disease.

Now finerenone will be the standard treatment for those with stages three and four kidney disease  when it is most effective.

One patient who will be affected by the drug's approval is Anthony Price, a 67-year-old from Birmingham who has lived with type 2 diabetes for 30 years and kidney disease for a decade.

He was given access to the drug via a trial three years ago, took the pill every day and says he suffered no side effects or heart or kidney complications. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday in December, he said: 'I hope I get put back on it when it's approved.'
The daughter who can't find out when her mother was diagnosed with dementia. The grieving husband desperate to know how his wife died  but blocked from reading her hospital notes. The son who may be forced to take his late mum's hospice to court  because they refuse to hand over her medical records.

These are just a few of the heartbreaking stories from people who have been denied vital information about their dead relatives.

Last week, The Mail on Sunday's resident GP Dr Ellie Cannon asked readers if they'd been blocked from accessing deceased loved ones' documents. We received a flurry of emails, with people claiming that GP practices, hospitals, care homes and hospices are refusing to hand over important data.

In many cases, families request the files when they believe their late relative may have been failed by their healthcare provider  and the reluctance of bureaucrats to share them increases suspicion that there is something to hide.

'It is concerning to hear that families are struggling to access medical notes that they are entitled to,' says MP Dr Caroline Johnson, a member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee. 'An NHS service which is refusing to hand over these records may be breaking the law, and there is no excuse.'

People have claimed that GP practices, hospitals, care homes and hospices are refusing to hand over important data about their dead relatives

'It is concerning to hear that families are struggling to access medical notes that they are entitled to,' says MP Dr Caroline Johnson (pictured), a member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee

Family members are not automatically entitled to see the medical records of a deceased loved one. Confidential records remain confidential even after death, but there are specific reasons why a relative may be allowed to see these notes.

If a person is named in a will as an executor  making them legally responsible for carrying out the patient's instructions, such as handling money, property and possessions  it also means they can access medical records. The law also allows access to those who need the information for legal purposes, for example, if they are suing the NHS for malpractice.

But even in these circumstances, requests are being blocked by healthcare providers, claiming, wrongly, to be for privacy reasons.

One woman from London told the MoS how care home staff refused to share her mother's medical records despite having provided the necessary legal paperwork.

'My mother had received poor care in a previous home, so I wanted to make sure she had been treated well in her final days,' says Patricia Myers, 74, who was the executor of her mother's will. 'It feels like care homes are interpreting the law as they like to make their lives easier.

'I know many people who have been in the same situation. Grieving people can't find out what led to the death of their loved one.'

In several cases, this newspaper heard of families drawn into court battles to access these vital documents, which is often lengthy and prohibitively expensive.

Anthony, 47, from Maidenhead, has been fighting to get his mother's medical records for the past three years. His mum, Katie, a retired librarian, died in the summer of 2020 at the age of 76 after a sudden cancer diagnosis.

She spent her last months in a hospice, but Anthony claims the family were not told how quickly she was deteriorating. 'The day before my mother died we were out looking for a care home to put her in, because the hospice had said there wasn't space for her there,' says Anthony. 'But surely the doctors knew she didn't have long? I just want some clarity about what they knew.'

Despite being named as Katie's executor, the hospice refused to give Anthony her medical records.

He filed a complaint with the Health Ombudsman but the service said it did not have the power to force a handover of documents and that he would have to go to court to get her records. 'I'm not sure I can afford a lawyer,' he says. 'All I want is to know what happened to my mother. Why is that so difficult?'

However, it also appears many people are unaware of what access rights they have to the medical records of loved ones. A number of readers wrote in to say that they had not realised they were not legally allowed to see their deceased family members notes.

James Cole, 73, from Bradford, never expected to be denied access to his wife's records after she died. Evelyne, 71, passed away in 2021 after catching Covid in hospital.

Last week, The Mail on Sunday's resident GP Dr Ellie Cannon asked readers if they'd been blocked from accessing deceased loved ones' documents. We received a flurry of emails, with people claiming that GP practices, hospitals, care homes and hospices are refusing to hand over important data (stock photo of care home)

According to James, a retired environmental health officer, his wife was discharged from hospital while she was still infected  even though she suffered with conditions which meant she was clinically vulnerable to severe Covid illness. A week later she collapsed at home, and was taken back to the hospital where she died.

'We wanted to go through the medical records to understand why they sent her home with Covid when she had several serious health problems,' he says.

But the hospital refused to grant James access to the notes because Evelyne didn't have a will, so there was no named executor. In the absence of a will, even a spouse is not automatically given this status.

James says: 'My wife didn't have a will because she had nothing to leave. Our house was jointly owned, so it never came up.

'I understand the need for confidentiality, but I think this is a grey area  I should have the right to see her records.'

Have you been blocked from seeing a relative's medical records? Email health@mailonsunday.co.uk Advertisement

Experts argue that the rules exist because it is vital that the information is closely guarded.

'Doctors have a duty to protect the privacy of their patients, even after they die,' says Dr Dean Eggitt, a Doncaster-based GP. 'There are plenty of things that someone might tell their doctor in confidence that they might not want their family to find out. So there has to be a clear legal reason to see these records.'

Experts say all adults should write a will and name an executor  also known as a personal representative  even if they're healthy.

'Not enough people have a will prepared when they die, and that's often because they don't realise it's not just about passing on money,' says Stephen Clarkson, associate solicitor at law firm Leigh Day.

'If you're not named in your loved one's will as their executor or personal representative, then it's a very complicated process to make this right after they're gone.'

Chris Rodwell, 79, from Surrey, was shocked when the hospital where her mother died refused to tell her whether or not she'd had dementia. The former air stewardess says her mother died of cancer over a decade ago, but the family suspected she was also suffering dementia, due to her confusion and forgetfulness.

'My husband and I wanted to know whether in the weeks leading up to her death she'd been diagnosed with dementia, so a few years back I called up to ask.

'I was completely taken aback when I was told that this information was private. I was her only daughter and I looked after her, so I felt like I should be able to know.'

Experts say the best course of action is often to contact a solicitor, who can write a letter to the healthcare provider requesting the documents for legal reasons.

'When a request for medical records has a solicitor's name on it, the hospital tends to comply,' says Mr Clarkson.

'We can then go through the records with the family member and decide if there's anything concerning in there that might merit a legal case.'

Some names have been changed in this article.
Up to 2,000 Britons could be cured of haemophilia as a new treatment is given the green light by drug regulators.

Haemophilia  a condition that affects the blood's ability to clot  is currently treated with regular injections, which replace the clotting 'factor' in the patient's blood.

But a trial found a one-off infusion of a gene therapy called Hemgenix massively improved the blood clotting abilities of people with a type of the condition, known as haemophilia B.

What's more, they have retained this ability years after receiving the treatment  indicating the effects could be permanent.

Last night, a leading blood doctor said the decision by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to approve it for use marked a 'revolution' in haemophilia treatment.

Haemophilia  a condition that affects the blood's ability to clot  is currently treated with regular injections, which replace the clotting 'factor' in the patient's blood

Consultant haematologist Dr Rashid Kazmi, who led the Hemgenix trial in the UK, says that currently, even with injections, haemophiliacs are prone to 'trauma-related bleeds'.

These can be quite minor  as insignificant as a heavy knock or a joint sprain  but can lead to serious problems including chronic pain and, rarely, paralysis.

Dr Kazmi, of University Hospital Southampton, said: 'We don't yet know how long the effects of the new treatment will last  but for haemophilia B things are looking promising.'

Hemgenix works by smuggling a gene into blood cells, which enables them to produce the missing clotting factor. They do this by using a harmless virus as a Trojan horse to enter cells.

Some 54 haemophiliacs took part in the trial, and their number of bleeds dropped by two-thirds on average after the gene therapy treatment.

Some 96 per cent also stopped having to have their usual injections. After two years of tracking, no reduction in clotting ability has been seen.

Whether it becomes available on the NHS is down to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Its decision is likely to be made later this year.
GPs are being offered up to 200 per hour  at least double the normal going rate  to work in A&E departments during this week's junior doctors' strike, with hospital bosses fearing the unprecedented walk-out will cost lives.

With many consultants unavailable to cover, NHS managers have been left scrambling to find enough staff for critical areas and have appealed to GPs  many of them already under fire themselves for being unavailable to their own patients  to help out in hospitals.

It has led to some hospital trusts in London offering to pay each GP up to 2,400 for one 12-hour shift  twice that of normal locum rates.

Up to 47,600 junior doctors  around half the NHS's medical workforce  plan to walk out for four days from 7am on Tuesday, in their bid for a 35 per cent pay rise.

The dates have been chosen by the British Medical Association (BMA), the doctors' trade union, to cause maximum disruption.

Up to 47,600 junior doctors  around half the NHS's medical workforce  plan to walk out for four days from 7am on Tuesday, in their bid for a 35 per cent pay rise. Pictured: Picket line outside St Thomas' Hospital in Westminster in London, March 13

Book-ended by the Easter bank holiday period and next weekend, the walk-out is expected to lead to a total of ten days of misery at hospitals, clinics and nursing homes.

Health chiefs predicted yesterday that up to a quarter of a million medical appointments and operations could be postponed.

And death registration, already subject to big backlogs, is expected to take a 'catastrophic' hit, meaning bereaved families could be waiting months to hold funerals.

The Department of Health and Social Care has said the BMA has to call off the strike before any negotiations can take place.

Last night, NHS medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said the action is going to cause 'unparalleled' disruption with a potentially 'serious impact' on patients.

He warned of 'hospitals facing nearly 100 hours without up to half of the NHS medical workforce'.

Prof Powis said hospitals will prioritise emergency, critical, trauma care, maternity and neonatal care, but the strikes 'inevitably mean hundreds of thousands of appointments will need to be postponed again, including in cancer care'.

Hard-Left strike organisers have long had such chaos in mind, according to discussions on an online junior doctors' forum.

Refusing to staff A&Es during strikes would leave the Government 'in a chokehold', one said.

Another wrote: 'Go [strike] hard or go home. F*** what the public thinks  they need us more than we need them. It's not like they have any other choice for their emergency care.'

Last week, it was reported that almost six million people a month are giving up trying to see a GP due to long waits for an appointment (stock image)

Details of the offer to GPs were posted in an NHS WhatsApp message shared on Twitter. It read: 'Local secondary trusts are working hard to identify senior colleagues to support with work rotas during this time.

'In particular, they are keen to ask GP colleagues who are available without prior commitments to consider shifts at their local emergency departments. Trusts will pay up to 150/hour for daytime hours, 200/hour for night.'

The hospitals looking for GP fill-ins included Chelsea and Westminster, Charing Cross, St Mary's and West Middlesex  all in London.

Last week, it was reported that almost six million people a month are giving up trying to see a GP due to long waits for an appointment.

Dr Layla McCay of the NHS Confederation, which represents health service leaders, said: 'We believe up to 250,000 appointments will be cancelled.

'The disruption will go on for ten or 11 days. We will see really significantly diminished capacity within the health service.

A Whitehall source said: 'The strike poses a significant risk to patient safety and will endanger lives.'
Personalised cancer vaccines will be available in as little as five years, the head of a company that produced a successful Covid jab is predicting.

Dr Paul Burton, chief medical officer of US firm Moderna, said producing their mRNA Covid jab had compressed many years of work  massively accelerating development in the area.

Besides bespoke cancer vaccines, he said others to protect against or treat 'all sorts of diseases' including heart disease and auto-immune illnesses were now within reach.

Speaking to The Guardian, Dr Burton said Moderna was developing cancer vaccines to combat different types of tumours: 'We will have that vaccine and it will be highly effective, and it will save many hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of lives.'

He added: 'I think we will be able to offer personalised cancer vaccines against multiple different tumour types.'

Personalised cancer vaccines will be available in as little as five years, the head of a company that produced a successful Covid jab is predicting

While vaccines are most frequently thought of as preventative measure  typically by stopping an individual contracting an infection  within the field of cancer, they are now being developed principally as a form of treatment.

The idea is first to take a sample of a patient's tumour and genetically analyse it to identify which mutations are responsible for its growth.

Then, a tailor-made molecule of mRNA  a genetic blueprint that instructs cells to make proteins  is produced. This tells cells to make an 'antigen' related to that cancer  a kind of 'flag' that gives a cancer cell away.

Large numbers of these molecules are then injected into the patient, prompting cells to make the 'flags'. After the patient's cells make these, so the theory goes, their immune system is able to recognise them  and the cancerous cells they represent  as dangerous invaders. As a result these cells are targeted for destruction, while healthy cells are left unharmed.

It is an adaptation of the same process used to produce mRNA vaccines against Covid  only rather than teaching the immune system to recognise the virus as an alien invader, these vaccines would teach the recipients to recognise their particular cancer as the outsider.

Dr Burton said they had started to learn it was 'absolutely not the case' that mRNA technology could be applied only to fight Covid.

'It can be applied to all sorts of disease areas,' he said, adding that Moderna was investigating mRNA to combat 'cancer, infectious disease, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, rare disease'.

A sign marks the headquarters of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine maker Moderna in Cambridge, Massachusetts

'We have studies in all of those areas and they have all shown tremendous promise,' Dr Burton said.

Human trials of such cancer vaccines are still a way off  although rival BioNTech, which created the blueprint for Pfizer's Covid jab  announced last year it had entered into an agreement with the NHS to provide up to 10,000 patients with personalised mRNA cancer treatments by 2030.

If personalised cancer vaccines do become available, they are also likely to be expensive. The nearest comparative technology currently on the market is a type of treatment called CAR-T therapy, for certain types of leukaemia and lymphoma.

CAR-T therapies typically cost a six-figure sum per patient.
One of the mysteries of the sex scandal swirling around the Confederation of British Industry is why more of its members have not taken a tougher line and quit.

So far, only Andy Wood, the boss of Suffolk brewer Adnams, has said publicly that his firm is considering leaving the lobbying group following allegations of sexual misconduct against senior CBI figures, including claims of rape and drug use at staff parties.

Yet privately, many more of its 190,000 members are said to be horrified by the latest allegations brought by more than ten women against CBI staff, and are on the brink of handing in their cards.

Making a move: Baroness Morrissey says 'enough is enough' and she urges members to quit now

Why are they taking so long to make up their minds? Some say they want to wait for the outcome of the independent investigation being conducted by Fox Williams before making hasty decisions.

The law firm hopes to report to the board soon after Easter. But should they wait or listen to one of the City's most influential women, Baroness Morrissey, who says 'enough is enough'. She urges members to quit now.

Imagine if high-profile members like Alison Rose, chief executive of NatWest, or Amanda Blanc, boss of Aviva, were to share her view and tear up their membership. The dam would break and others would follow quickly enough. They would be right to argue that  whatever the outcome of the report  the damage to the CBI's reputation is already so great that it can't survive.

Another mystery is why a lobbying group which professes to be the voice of British business has been so utterly silent since the scandal broke. There has not been a peep from the top, not even a holding statement from the president, Brian McBride, or vice-president, Lord Bilimoria.

Of course, no one expects them to comment in detail on the allegations because of the inquiry. But you would have thought at least one of the top brass would be brave enough to apologise and state publicly: 'We will get to the bottom of this.'

They were brave enough to shout from the rooftops when they warned Brexit would kill off British industry, or that Jeremy Corbyn's nationalisation plans would cost nearly 200billion  claims which were never demonstrated. Criticism of the CBI is not new.

There has been widespread scepticism over the lobbying group's relevance for years, that it has outgrown its purpose.

Indeed, members constantly complain that it has become a pompous and secretive organisation, that becoming a member is one of those rituals you do, a bit like joining the expensive gym which has just opened around the corner because you know you should, but you never use it.

There's a good explanation for this. The CBI has become less relevant today because the reason it came into existence in 1965 has long gone. Back then, its power came about because businesses needed a counterweight to the power of the big private sector unions flexing their muscles over pay bargaining and conditions.

But those influential private sector unions have more or less disappeared as the power shifted to the public sector.

Now the CBI spends much of its time virtue-signalling and agitating for more diverse boards et al. Is that worth paying thousands of pounds a year in membership?

Like those unions, the CBI's time is up. And if the CBI were to shut up shop, there are far better alternatives for businesses to join. The IoD, the FSB, Made UK or single issue campaigners, like FairFuel UK, all increasingly have a much stronger voice on the problems that really matter.
Dilmah Tea - a staple of Australian kitchens since its founder Merrill Fernando made his first deal with Coles back in 1985 - is in crisis Down Under.

Australia was the first country the Sri Lankan brand expanded to with its packaged tea - rather than bulk sales - which is now sold in 104 countries across the globe.

While Dilmah remains the 10th biggest tea brand in the world, it hasn't made a cent in Australia since 2009.

Chief executive Dilhan Fernando told Daily Mail Australia Dilmah continues to operate in Australia because of the 'debt of gratitude' the company owes to the country.

'We have a very sentimental link with Australia because it's where my father (Merrill) launched Dilmah,' he said.

Dilhan Fernando, Dilmah Tea's chief executive, is pictured left with his father Merrill, the company founder

Workers are pictured hand-picking tea leaves at a Dilmah tea estate in Dickoya, near Hatton in the central province of Sri Lanka

'We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Australian consumer, which is why we've been following... what would seem on the outside to be a foolish decision to stay on.'

Mr Fernando said Dilmah has been operating at a loss in Australia for so long because they refuse to cut quality in order to give the big discounts retailers expect.

How steep discounting affects producers and their employees 'I wouldn't say it's just the retailers, I wouldn't say it's just the consumers,' Dilmah chief executive Dilhan Fernando said. 'It's just a sensitivity that consumers have towards discounts. Black Friday sales (pictured) are 'terrible' 'Things like Black Friday are terrible because those 70 or 80 per cent discounts are funded not by the e-commerce engines. 'They're funded by the workers, by the brands and ultimately it hits the producer. 'So we need to focus on quality because where tea is concerned, the difference between a mediocre and a good product is two or three cents per cup. 'It's not like buying a car or some luxury item. 'It's affordable, but that can make a huge impact on the lives of workers.' Advertisement

'You can go into any store and you can find you will be lured by 50 per cent off, 40 per cent off. But when you focus on quality, that's really not a possibility,' Mr Fernando said.

'It's not possible because ultimately, every discount comes off the back of either workers or comes off the back of the environment.

'And when you refuse to compromise, as my father insists that we maintain our principles, it's very hard in this current environment.'

He said giant supermarket chains were operating a 'fundamentally unfair trading system' in their dealings with producers and manufacturers.

'I have to stress it's not only Australia, it's a structure of retail generally,' he said.

When the Global Financial Crisis kicked off in 2008, shops brought in 'a progressively less fair system for producers' that can diminish their ability to help their employees and with environmental responsibilities.

'Our expenditure on making sure our product is sustainable, integrating the livelihoods of workers and communities, as well as being at the forefront of climate change, it requires significant investment,' Mr Fernando said.

Sri Lanka, like Australia, has in recent years experienced both floods and drought, each of which affected the tea harvest yield.

Mr Fernando said Dilmah and its producers were working to try and mitigate climate change and address the food security priorities that are of increasing concern across the world.

'The (retail) system globally is very much contrary to this because the producer needs a fair price,' he said.

'But ultimately at the top of this chain, it's the consumer and the responsibility is for the consumer to pay a fair price.'

Refusing to offer discounts that would only be possible by cutting quality has led to Dilmah's shelf space falling for more than a decade.

Mr Fernando does not blame the supermarket chains for this, though.

'I think rather than being a deliberate attack on Dilmah, it has instead been the fact the brands that are willing to discount and willing to come to the party when it comes to deep discounts, which we can't afford and of course they get more time in the sun,' he said.

Pictured is a still from the iconic Australian ad from 1988 for Dilmah Tea featuring Kamahl

Giant supermarket chains are operating a 'fundamentally unfair trading system' in their dealings with producers and manufacturers. Pictured are some Dilmah tea products

Dilmah tea launched a huge television advertising campaign in Australia in the late 1980s. Pictured is a still from one of the ads

Dilmah's market share in Australia has halved since 2010 and its future here is in on the line, but the company is hopeful it can turn things around.

'This year will be a year that is decisive (for Dilmah's presence in Australian supermarkets),' Mr Fernando said.

'Fortunately, in the last few weeks we've been in negotiation and the retailers in Australia are probably significantly better than many we have dealt with around the world.'

He said that recent publicity, including in a Daily Mail Australia story about the brand getting less space on shelves, had led to 'a significant change in the approach and the attitudes' from Australian supermarkets.

'It highlighted the situation. We had consumers contacting us and expressing support,' he said.

'And I think more than anything, it brought the issue up the issue of producers.'

Mr Fernando said he was aware domestic producers, in particular milk suppliers, have also been expressing their concerns and explaining their costs to consumers.

Dilmah's packaging has changed over the decades. Pictured is a package from the 1980s

Chief executive Dilhan Fernando said major supermarkets are 'demanding discounts' and refusing to pay a premium for their hand-crafted, single-origin Ceylon tea bags (pictured)

Dilmah's market share in Australia has halved since 2010 and its future in Australia in on the line, but the company is hopeful it can turn things around. Pictured is a worker picking tea

Dilmah has, in the past, pulled out of a country due to discount demands.

Its Irish distributor was taken over by a US multinational which expected a cheaper price, but Dilmah refused, saying its focus was on quality and it would not compromise.

Its teas are no longer sold in Ireland.

Australian Dilmah drinkers probably don't need to worry.

'We do have this emotional link with Australia and Australians, which is why we continue,' Mr Fernando said.
This is the last photo of British danger tourist to Afghanistan Miles Routledge before he was taken prisoner by the Taliban.

The former physics student from Birmingham was arrested on March 2 by fighters from the extremist Islamic group that once again controls Afghanistan alongside two Polish nationals and is being held for questioning amid fears for his safety.

Now MailOnline has obtained the final picture he took before being held which shows the 23-year-old giving the thumbs up while standing next to a member of the Taliban who is holding an automatic rifle.

Accompanying the photograph  which was sent from his phone or laptop on March 8th - was a short message downplaying the seriousness of his plight, even though the Taliban are notorious for torturing and murdering prisoners.

Routledge wrote: Yo guys, been taken by Afghan intelligence for taking like $1,000 out of Western Union (sus amount). No internet, no idea when this will send, everything is good but please excuse my lack of communication.'

MailOnline has obtained the final picture he took before being held which shows the 23-year-old Miles Routledge (left) giving the thumbs up while standing next to a member of the Taliban who is holding an automatic rifle

He added: It will be a few days of questioning.

A friend who received the photo told MailOnline they have had no further communication from Routledge since his message was posted to his subscriber only blogging site on March 8.

The friend, who asked not to be named, said: I am now very worried for Miles. No one has heard anything from him in weeks after he said he was being arrested for withdrawing money from a Western Union.

He had uploaded the message on March the 2 to the Patreon account I subscribe to, but it did not arrive until March 8 early in the morning when it is likely he re-established some internet access.

We do not know if he sent it or someone else had access to the internet and switched on his phone. We know from the time stamp on the photograph it was uploaded on March 2.

Fears for Routledges safety have increased as he is usually very active on social media and has not been able to contact any of his friends for over a month.

The Taliban have not confirmed that he is being held prisoner but aid workers in Kabul are aware he is a captive.

Routledge's family have no idea if he is safe or why he is being held.

One of Miles's friends, who asked not to be named, said: I am now very worried for Miles. No one has heard anything from him in weeks after he said he was being arrested for withdrawing money from a Western Union. Miles is pictured with meeting a Taliban fighter for one of his YouTube videos

The 23-year-old shared footage of himself shooting an assault rifle given to him by a Taliban fighter. The video has since notched up more than a million views on Miles's YouTube channel

The former physics student's mother told MailOnline she has had no contact from her son for several weeks.

Susan Routledge said she has no idea of his whereabouts as her only contact is from following his social media postings.

Of course, I am very worried, but I do not know anything or what has happened to him. Mrs Routledge said.

No one has been in contact with me. I have not been contacted by the Foreign Office or anyone. I just hope that he is safe, and nothing happens to him.

Routledge, who boasts on his YouTube channel of visiting the most dangerous places on earth for fun, travelled to Afghanistan against Foreign Office advice.

He was seized by the Taliban alongside Adrian Wojcik, 22, and Roman Bilsi, 24, who are understood to have entered the country with him.

Two other British nationals are also currently being held by the Taliban after being arrested earlier this year.

Charity medic Kevin Cornwell, 53, and an unnamed British hotel manager have been in prison since January.

The pair - who were held after a licensed gun was found in a safe in Cornwells hotel bedroom  have been allowed to contact relatives back in the UK by phone.

Thumbs up: Routledge, who boasts on his YouTube channel of visiting the most dangerous places on earth for fun, travelled to Afghanistan against Foreign Office advice.

He was seized by the Taliban alongside Adrian Wojcik, 22, and Roman Bilsi, 24, who are understood to have entered the country with him. He is pictured in summer 2021 before being evacuated from Kabul following the chaotic withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan

Unconfirmed reports from a Twitter account linked to the Taliban claimed Routledge was suspected of being a spy.

According to an organisation calling themselves the Taliban Public Relations Commentary, Routledge is being held on suspicion of espionage and serving the notorious criminal organisation MI5.

The Taliban PR is not an official mouthpiece of the countrys rulers but have been posting about Routledge since March 15 and first suggested he was last seen in an area close to the Chinese border on March 6.

It is not known what they are basing their information on or if they have any access to Government officials or members of the GSI  General Directorate of Intelligence - the Taliban secret police.

In one tweet the group said Routledge, who uses the moniker Lord Miles for his online postings, was being held with two other Britons, two Polish nationals and 16 Afghans.

The group said one of their members attempted to see Routledge but was turned away by his captors.

In a tweet the group said: Ahmad (a member of the Taliban PR) travelled to the location where Miles is being held but was refused access. He was assured that he was being well looked after. There is not much our department can do apart from publishing information.

The tweet ended with 'We pray that there is a positive conclusion to the case.

Routledge appears to be known to the group as they had previously praised him for an earlier visit.

According to an organisation calling themselves the Taliban Public Relations Commentary, Routledge is being held on suspicion of espionage and serving the notorious criminal organisation MI5. This is one of the photos the group shared of Miles with a Taliban

Danger tourist: Miles is pictured dangling off the gun of a Russian tank with its 'Z' insignia on it during one of his trips abroad

Foreign Office officials have confirmed they are working hard to secure consular contact with the three British nationals in Afghanistan.

In videos posted to his YouTube subscribers and on his Twitter account Routledge had talked about buying Taliban merchandise and later selling it after leaving the country.

He was last known to have been in Afghanistan seven months ago where he posted a series of videos, including visiting a market in Jalalabad to look at the guns that were on sale.

Another video featured him firing a semi-automatic weapon and posing for photos with what he called the Talibro.

He claimed in the video that he had entered the country on a fake US passport.

Routledge, a former physics student at Loughborough University, was previously branded an idiot after he flew to the Afghan capital when US and UK forces were pulling out in 2021.

He boasted to his followers that he was given the last tourist visa by the Afghan Government before they fled and handed control of the country back to the feared Taliban.

He was evacuated from the country at a cost of tens of thousands to the taxpayer and accused of needlessly taking up a seat on a flight to Dubai at the expense of others fleeing the brutal regime.

Undeterred by criticism, Routledge wrote a book about his experiences called Lord Miles in Afghanistan.

His latest trip appears to have been funded by donations to him on the Patreon site where bloggers can charge for their content to fund his trips abroad.

Miles charges from 3 a month to 19 a month for access.

Last year he travelled to the Ukraine and also war-torn Sudan with videos posted to YouTube detailing his experiences in the danger zones.

Mr Cornwell, from Middlesbrough, had been in Afghanistan for 11 months working as a medic for Iqarus International, which provides free healthcare to local people.

Charity medic Kevin Cornwell (pictured),53, and an unnamed British hotel manager are among the other prisoners being held by the Taliban

It's believed Miles was detained by the Taliban's ruthless secret police on March of this year. He is pictured on one of his earlier trips to Afghanistan

He was arrested in a raid at his hotel by officers from the General Directorate of Intelligence on January 11.

He is accused of having an illegal firearm in the safe in his room at the Darya Village Hotel, despite having a permit from the Taliban government.

A non-profit organisation called Presidium Network that works in conflict zones are supporting the families of the two men. The organisation has no contact with Routledges family.

Its founder Scott Richards, an experienced negotiator, cast doubt on the claim that Routledge was accused of being a spy.

He said: Claims made by a particular Twitter account to this effect should not be taken with any authority. Although it refers to itself as a PR fo the Taliban  it is not an official account of the IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan).

Speculative and sensational comments by unofficial sources are not conductive to helping any individual detained.

The UK withdrew embassy and consular staff in 2021 and the Foreign Office continues to advise citizens against all travel to Afghanistan based on the security risks involved, including the possibility of detention by the Taliban authorities.

Student who has visited the world's most dangerous places is being held by Taliban secret police - as his mother says 'he just wanted to find himself' on his travels

by TOM COTTERILL FOR MAILONLINE

He is the notorious 'danger tourist' who has filmed himself shooting with the Taliban and sauntering around Ukraine 'on holiday' days after Russia invaded it.

But now thrill-seeking YouTuber Miles Routledge, 23, finds himself a hostage of the Taliban's brutal secret police, caged in an Afghan jail having been arrested last month.

The former physics student from Birmingham is one of three Britons locked up by the ruthless regime, who the UK Government is now negotiating with.

It's the first time the social media star, dubbed 'Lord Miles', has found himself jailed during his 'self-destructive' jaunts to the world's most deadly areas - which include South Sudan and Brazil's lethal 'Snake Island'.

Bragging to his 151,000-strong army of online fans, Miles says he travels to the 'most dangerous places on Earth for fun'. But his mother - now wracked with worry over his incarceration - insists he is just trying to 'find himself'.

Miles Routledge travelled to Afghanistan in 2021 on a tourist visa for 'fun'. Now he has been detained by the ruthless Taliban secret police. He is pictured on one of his tours of Afghanistan

He visited Afghanistan back in the summer of 2021 as the Taliban were retaking the country following the shambolic withdrawal of American forces. During his time there, he posed with an assault rifle he claimed he had been given by the SAS

'He keeps travelling because he loves it, he's only young and he's just finding himself after finishing university. I just want him to keep safe,' a tearful Susan Routledge, 64. said of the former Loughborough University student.

In August 2021, Mr Routledge sparked fury after travelling to Afghanistan for 'a holiday' as it fell into the hands of the Taliban.

He went against Foreign Office advice at the time not to travel to the 'extremely volatile country', which was plunged into chaos following the shambolic withdrawal of US forces after two decades of war.

During the carnage, Miles said he found his way into a NATO compound where he claimed he was invited to hold an assault rifle by 'tipsy British SAS soldiers'.

Other clips of his trips to the country showed him blasting automatic rifles with a Taliban fighter and visiting a weapons market in the city of Jalalabad, a stronghold for terrorists affiliated to Islamic State.

The social media star was later evacuated out of Kabul on a British military flight to Dubai, smirking as he left the tarmac alongside desperate Afghans.

But when news broke the student had essentially gone for jolly though a warzone, he was branded an 'idiot' by critics online.

However, the Afghanistan saga was just the beginning of a 'career' for Miles - one that's been described at best as foolhardy and at most brazenly inappropriate.

Miles travelled around Kabul in the days before the Taliban took charge of the country, documenting his journey online to his army of followers

He was eventually airlifted out of the country after the Taliban took control - but he was slammed for his trip, with critics branding him an 'idiot'

A young Miles: The adventurer shared a picture of himself as a child on his Twitter weeks before he was arrested by the Taliban

Since his Kabul compound days, the self-described 'British supremacist', has travelled to a host of dangerous places - ostensibly for 'war journalism and charity.'

Shortly after returning back from Afghanistan, Miles set his sights on Kazakhstan which was undergoing a period of civil unrest due to energy price hikes.

With Russian militia patrolling the streets on 'shoot to kill' orders, Miles shared pictures to his followers of him smiling in the snow.

Then, just before Christmas in 2021, he jetted off to the war-torn nation of South Sudan, in Africa.

Arriving in Juba after first flying to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, he claimed he was offered a tribal wife and quipped: 'I can honestly say I prefer it to London in many ways'.

Miles was invited to the country by a Sudanese local who followed his escapades in Afghanistan.

He told the Times he wanted to visit Sudan because he had heard the country was 'chaotic' and wanted to experience it for himself.

Miles flew to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia before catching a second plane to Juba in South Sudan, according to his Twitter profile

Then aged 21, he claimed he wanted to visit Sudan because he had heard the country was 'chaotic' and wanted to experience it for himself

The Birmingham youngster was invited to the nation by a Sudanese local who followed his escapades in Afghanistan. He later spent several weeks hiking in Uganda before crossing into Kenya to visit a fan

He added he had twice tried to travel to the north of the country but was stopped by soldiers - including children brandishing AK47s.

Mr Routledge claimed he was offered a Sudanese wife and a new name by a remote tribe, that he did not identify.

He also claimed to have heard gunshots going off at night, in scenes reminiscent of his time in Afghanistan, though the reports were rubbished online.

Shortly afterwards in February 2022 with tensions in Eastern Europe at breaking point, Miles travelled to Ukraine just as Putin's troops invade.

He reportedly spent 6 to go from Poland to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on February 25 - less than a day after Russian's launched their murderous assault.

Tweeting about his exploits, Miles wrote: 'It's official. Tintin goes to Ukraine, he's on the train' and has since been tweeting about his alleged journey.

The fearless traveller said Ukraine was still 'safer than London or Birmingham' at the time and previously boasted of visiting the country in 2019 to see Chernobyl - the site of the world's most deadly nuclear meltdown disaster in 1986.

He even claimed to have shouted at invading Russian troops while wearing a mask of Russian despot Vladimir Putin on his face and that 'friendly' Ukrainian troops in Donetsk had given him a military uniform to wear.

Miles said he travelled to Ukraine after the Russian invasion in February 2022 and was gifted a Ukrainian army uniform. He also claimed he shouted at Russians wearing a Vladimir Putin mask

Mr Routledge previously bragged of visiting Chernobyl, posting pictures in May 2021 saying it was two years since he visited the scene of the 1986 nuclear disaster in Ukraine

Speaking to MailOnline about his trip, Miles said: 'I've been to Ukraine before so I'm hoping to see something new.

'I want to see the war. I want to see the feelings of both sides, their opinions and hopefully I'll see the critical point of the conflict, if it is to come.'

His jaunt, which only lasted a few days, saw him sharing pictures and videos from a shell-shocked Kyiv, while he hid in bomb shelters.

He claimed to distribute charity to the vulnerable during his efforts and alleged Ukrainian soldiers confused him for a Russian spy.

But as with his ill-fated Afghanistan trip, Miles was accused of exploiting human tragedy for attention.

However, he dismissed those critics and said: 'I'd say I wish them all the best but truthfully they were never my audience and for every seething comment made against me, behind it was my friends and I eating popcorn and laughing at them.

'I'll continue to travel regardless of their opinions, I'll even go back to Afghanistan and there's nothing they can do about it.'

The self-declared danger tourist has been to Ukraine before, when he visited Chernobyl. He told MailOnline: 'I've been Ukraine before so I'm hoping to see something new'

Mr Routledge has said he has also spent time in Kazakhstan (pictured), South Sudan and Afghanistan

And go back he did. In April 2022, he claimed to have invested 15,000 in a trip to the Taliban-controlled country to rescue a tour guide and his family - but accused the guide of pulling out at the last minute, leaving him stuck.

Miles was forced to beg for money to continue the trip online - which he said was used for charity work in Kabul instead - while posting self-serving status updates about how his life has been 'ruined'.

In one such update last year, he wrote: '[This] means I can't go on a date with a girl I really liked, it means I can't sponsor a joint adventure with my friend, I will go home to an empty room. I am at my end.'

He departed on April 21 - describing himself as 'the only white person on the plane' - before 'walking 25km in a single day' towards his destination.

Four days later he arrived in Pakistan where the plan dramatically fell apart when the 'tour guide' he claimed to be helping pulled out.

Miles claimed he was left stranded in Pakistan after a trip to 'save the lives' of an Afghan tour guide and his family fell apart

Later, the former physics student at Loughborough University, posted videos of himself firing weapons with Taliban fighters

Miles, from Birmingham, boasts to his thousands of followers online that he travels 'to the most dangerous places on Earth for fun'

Mr Routledge (right) had recently returned to Afghanistan, filming videos shooting guns with Taliban troops, despite having to be evacuated from a 'holiday' in the country in 2021

'So bloody p****d, the person Ive planned to save for seven months lied to me saying the border is closed for British people,' he wrote in a since-deleted tweet.

Later, in September 2022, the 'professional explorer' released clips of his latest trip to Afghanistan, which showed him blasting automatic rifles with a Taliban fighter.

In the video - which has been watched more than a million times - Miles is seen firing the weapon indiscriminately into the sand flanked by grinning members of the Taliban, or as Miles calls them: 'Good guys.'

Grinning as the recoil hits him in the shoulder, he says: 'I like this', before firing off another round into the sky.

Later, he shows off a trip to the a weapons market in the city of Jalalabad, a stronghold for terrorists affiliated to Islamic State.

Other videos on his YouTube channel picture him attempting to spend 48 hours homeless in New York city and touring Uganda.

While in another he filmed himself at the Mexican border as illegal immigrants attempted to cross into the United States.

He captured the moment a family of four Venezuelans  two men and two young children - crossed the Rio Grande River into America.

The men wade through the river carrying the boy and girl on their shoulders as Miles watches from the bank, filming.

Oh man, please dont go bad. I can feel it. This is not a good moment. Hes got kids as well, he says.

During one of his videos on his YouTube account, Miles filmed himself at the US/Mexico border and captured the moment a family, reportedly from Venezuela, crossed into America

He records a family of four Venezuela  two men and two young children - who are attempting to cross the Rio Grande River into America

The 'professional explorer' says in the description of one YouTube video, 'I do the most heinous stuff on the planet' and claims to be 'no longer welcome' in Kenya.

He even wrote a book of his experience, titled Lord Miles In Afghanistan, a 'first-hand account of his first and most infamous trip' to the country.

The blurb states: 'Miles experiences a fascinating kaleidoscope of natural beauty, war-torn desolation, poverty, humanity, courage, and generosity.

'He finds himself in many places off the beaten path and meets a colorful range of characters. Throughout it all, his eternal optimism and indomitable faith ensure an invigorating narration for this unique journey.'

In his last video on YouTube before being captured by the Taliban, Miles filmed his journey to the notorious 'Snake Island' off the coast of Brazil.

The isolated and forbidden Ilha da Queimada Grande is reportedly home to 430,000 serpents - including the deadly golden lancehead viper, which can kill an adult human within minutes.

In his video, the 23-year-old adventurer sneaked onto the island by boat, dodging coastguard officials, before slipping into a suit of armour to exploring it.

This Miles says, may have been a step too far. Speaking to the Mail he explained how he had terrifyingly lost control.

For his latest trip Miles visited Snake Island off the coast of Brazil - a forbidden rock crawling with venomous snakes

To protect himself Miles wore a full suit of armour which he claims was effective. He posed in the armour on the island (left) and before he arrived there (right)

The danger tourist says it was the only time on his trips he has felt like he lost control, as he was forced to ditch his armour and sprint through the undergrowth unprotected

He said: 'Its the most dangerous island in the world after the UK.

'The snakes there can liquify your insides and their bite is essentially a 100 per cent mortality rate.

'I walked up the hill in my armour and then was told we had to leave. It would take too long to take my armour so I had to run down without it.

'I was only dressed in jeans and a t shirt and in foliage up to my neck  I wasnt in control of the situation at all.'

His adventures have cultivated him a large social media following and he was even interviewed by disgraced influencer Andrew Tate - prior to his arrest on money laundering and people smuggling charges. Tate has since been released on house arrest.

Keen to cash in on the notoriety of his first trip, Miles released a book in which he makes a series of questionable claims about the events that led up to him 'goofing off' with the SAS units on the night of August 15 2021.

He writes: 'The soldiers were all tipsy and enjoying themselves and started telling me about what they'd experienced. {..}

'One of them handed me his black plate carrier vest: 'Here put this on.'

'I put on the body armour, which was weighed down by the magazines stored in the front pockets in addition to the plates.

'They also handed me a gun, after profuse warnings to keep my finger off the trigger since they didn't unload it. I handed one of them my phone and grinned as he snapped a picture to commemorate the occasion.'

Miles's social media accounts have been silent since he was detained by the Taliban. This is one of the last pictures he shared in February

When approached by the MailOnline for clarity on the alleged incident, the Ministry of Defence refused to confirm its veracity.

A spokesman said: 'It has been the policy of successive governments to neither confirm nor deny reports of special forces activity.'

The book titled 'Lord Miles in Afghanistan' contains many more claims about the student's time in Kabul including that he had attempted to hide the fact he was western by using a Burkha as a 'disguise'.

It also contains statements such as the 'Polish language is nonsense' and that Kabul - where gruesome terror attacks are common- is safer than London.

Miles - who has said he is estranged from his family - told the Mail that adventuring was now his full-time job which he did with the help of donors who 'liked his work.'

He explained: 'Most trips like Afghanistan and Ukraine I can do quite cheaply, so between 1000 to 2000 but some bigger ones like Brazil can cost more in the region of 1000.

'I get the money by fundraising and generous donors who like what I do.'

It is believed he set off on his latest visit to Afghanistan at the end of February and was reportedly arrested on March 2 alongside Polish nationals Adrian Wojcik, 22, and Roman Bilski, 24.

His mother Mrs Routledge, 64, from Birmingham, told the Daily Mail she usually kept up to date with her son's travels on social media, but he does not appear to have posted online since March 16.

She said: 'I'm distraught. It is so worrying. I just want help to find out what has happened to him and make sure he is OK.

Suella Braverman told Sophy Ridge on Sky News that the UK government would do 'whatever it takes' to ensure the safety of British nationals abroad

'If he is being treated well that is good to hear, as long as he is being well treated. If I can get a message to those who are holding him, I just want to ask them to tell him he has my love and support.'

Mrs Routledge said she had not been contacted by anyone from the Foreign Office.

'I am just desperate to know that he is safe,' she added. 'I don't know who is holding him or where he is'.

Miles is detained alongside a British medic Kevin Cornwell, 53, and another man who manages a hotel in Kabul.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the the UK government would 'do whatever it takes to ensure that they're safe'.

'The government is in negotiations and working hard to ensure people's safety is upheld,' she told Sky News.
More than 2,400 primary schools have been graded as Outstanding according to the latest figures from education watchdog Ofsted, released on March 31.

Across all education levels, 88 percent of state funded schools are classified as either Good or Outstanding.

Ofsted grades schools in England on a sliding scale from Outstanding at the top, through Good and down to Needs Improvement and to the lowest mark, Inadequate.

Headteachers have complained about the brutal nature of the inspection regime in the wake of tragic Ruth Perry, the primary school head who took her own life following an inadequate rating.

In another case, headteacher in Preston, Lancashire, went on long-term sick leave following his school being downgraded from 'good' to 'inadequate'.

Between August and December 2022, the percentage of Good and Outstanding schools in the primary sector has increased from 89 to 90 percent.

In the secondary sector, one in five schools are classed as either needing improvement or inadequate.

How many outstanding schools are near YOU? To use our interactive map, click on the 'play' icon to begin scrolling around. The arrow tab to the right of the map will pull out a list of all schools, and a search bar allowing you to find your local school.

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Among the most recent primary schools to achieve an Outstanding rating is the Warren Road Primary School in Orpington, pictured

Warren Road Primary School in Orpington, Kent, was praised by the regulator following an inspection in December 2022.

The report said 'pupils come to school with smiles on their faces', while staff were also praised for their work with special needs pupils or those with disabilities.

The report added: 'Pupils are articulate and respectful and clearly proud of their school.'

Chesterton Primary School in Battersea, also received an outstanding rating.

In its report, the inspectors wrote: 'Pupils are happy in school. At breaktime, pupils and school staff enjoy a wide range of activities together, including musical action games and playing various sports.'

Moulton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in Moulton, Newmarket in Suffolk was upgraded from Good to Outstanding following its most recent inspection.

In its report, Ofsted wrote: 'Pupils behave extremely well and have beautiful manners. They show respect for each other, the adults who work with them and visitors. The classrooms are calm spaces, where they can concentrate and learn.'

It added: 'Pupils are exceptionally well prepared for their future lives. They learn to be good citizens, fundraising for charities, litter-picking locally and considering ways of reducing their use of plastics.'

Inspectors wrote that pupils at Chesterton Primary School in Battersea were happy to come into school

Moulton C of E school in Suffolk was upgraded from Good to Outstanding in its most recent inspection

However, despite the positive reviews of the best schools, teaching unions have called on Ofsted to suspend its inspection regime following the tragic death of primary school principal Ruth Perry of Caversham Primary School in Reading. Her family said Ms Perry took her own live after Ofsted downgraded her previously Outstanding school to Inadequate.

A survey by the National Education Union of more than 17,800 people found that more than a third of teachers said their workload was 'unmanageable'.

One teacher wrote: 'I have had to take antidepressants for the first time since being a teenager due to the job, along with being signed off with work-related stress. I'm only in my 20s, I didn't expect the job to be like this.'

Another said: 'I've lost a dangerous amount of weight and am considering antidepressants. I regularly have trouble sleeping and (have) nightmares due to stress-related anxiety.'

On the issue of the education watchdog, another teacher said: 'Ofsted is a very negative process that puts undue pressure on all staff.'

Another colleague added: 'During Ofsted I felt physically sick, shaking with nerves, barely able to eat or sleep for two days. I've been teaching for 27 years, consistently judged as very good, but here we are.'

Commenting on the most resent inspection results, Ofsted said: 'Primary schools generally receive higher overall effectiveness grades than secondary schools, with 78 percent of primaries being judged good or outstanding this year compared with 73 percent of secondaries. The other key judgements tend to follow a similar pattern.

'There is a notable difference in behaviour and attitudes judgements for primary and secondary schools, with 94 percent of primary schools judged good or outstanding in this area, compared with 78 percent of secondary schools.

'A notably higher proportion of primary schools were judged good or outstanding for behaviour and attitudes, and for personal development, than for the other key judgements.'
It became widely recognized after a viral brawl in 2013 involving a raccoon

Hundreds gathered in Canada's capital last weekend to both celebrate and mourn the closure of one of the most notorious McDonald's in the world.

The Rideau McDonald's Farewell March brought people from across Ottawa together to commemorate the end of an era.

It is notorious for hosting a litany of late-night fights between drunkards frequenting the nearby bars, and police have complained that thousands of incidents have been reported at the location.

In 2013, it gained global recognition after a viral video captured the moment a mass brawl broke out during which a man pulled out a raccoon from underneath his shirt.

Constant fights and unruly guests triggered more than 800 calls to police in 2018 alone, leading the outlet to drop its 24-hour schedule, but Ottawa police reported that they still received more than 150 calls last year.

Hundreds gathered in Canada's capital to both celebrate and mourn the closure of perhaps the most notorious McDonald's in the world

The Rideau McDonald's in Ottawa is notorious for hosting a litany of late night fights between drunkards frequenting the nearby bars

'Other than Parliament Hill, I would say it's our largest landmark,' Keith de Silvia-Legault, a University of Ottawa student who organized the march, told CTV. 'Every good story deserves a good ending.'

Ottawans that attended the march were sporting different costumes - some dressed as Ronald McDonald - and waving signs reading 'Farwell, Adieu'.

One included Ian Reid, who said: 'We're gathering here today not to protest it closing but to remember all the good memories and raise money for a great cause.'

The parade was raising money for local charities, Operation Come Home and Voice Found, which help homeless and vulnerable youth, as well as survivors of human trafficking and child sexual abuse.

Reid was dressed as a raccoon and held a framed portrait of a raccoon. 'He was involved in a brawl here many years ago,' he told CTV.

But not everyone was sad to see the McDonald's go.

'The past three, four years of COVID, it's just turned it into complete trash,' Ottawa resident Hayley Gleiser told CBC.

'I was here about a week and a half ago,' said Jack Graham. 'And I just felt I was slipping, so I looked [at my shoe] and there's a needle.'

In the viral video a man could be seen taking a raccoon out from his jacket during a brawl in the restaurant

Keith de Silvia-Legault, a University of Ottawa student who organized the march, told CTV: 'Other than Parliament Hill, I would say it's our largest landmark'

The restaurant has also become a safe place for people to seek refuge in cold Ottawa weather.

Mike Evraire has often relied on McDonald's for cheap meals between those he receives from the city's emergency shelters. 'It's devastating to some people,' he said.

Peter Crosthwaite, who owns the building on Rideau Street, told CTV that the franchise owner decided not to renew the lease.

'They've been a great tenant. People don't appreciate how good of a community member McDonald's has been,' said Crosthwaite.

'They're going to be missed by the market, especially for people looking for an affordable bite to eat,' he added.

The video that put Rideau Street McDonald's on the map starts with a group of men brawling inside the restaurant, surrounded by other customers.

They trade vicious blows with each other, and as more join the fight, one man is seen pulling out a raccoon and appears to brandish the animal as a weapon.

He can be seen holding the raccoon as he shoves two others who are fighting beside him.

The group was raising money for local charities that help homeless and vulnerable youth, as well as survivors of human trafficking and child sexual abuse

The owner of the building on Rideau Street said that the franchise's owner had decided not to renew the lease

That was not an isolated event. Video from 2018 shows a group of three men beating each other with 'Wet Floor' signs during a 1am fight.

The video, dubbed 'Legendary Rideau McDonalds,' shows the men violently slinging the signs at each other as customers yell at them to stop while some cheer them on.

The men also trade punches and kicks, before one of them picks a sign back up and smacks another on the head then walks away.

That fight was one of more than 800 that year that ultimately triggered then-Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau to send a letter to Canada's McDonald's leadership about the 'ongoing criminal activity and social disorder.'

Another incident, from 2016, involved a man cursing at staff who were yelling at him to get out. He took off his shirt and warned the employees not to touch him.

A recorded incident from 2016 showed a woman screaming for her bag as a group of staffers tried to direct her out of the restaurant

A 2018 fight featured a group of men beating each other with wet floor signs

Another video from that year shows a woman who appears disorientated yelling at staffers for her bag as they try to keep her away.

Despite the fights and unruly customers, Crosthwaite suggested earlier in the year that the decision to close was a result of dipping revenue and not because of the regular chaos.

'The city tore up Rideau Street and put the subway in. Then they re-tore it to enhance it, put curbing in,' Crosthwaite told CTW.

'The freedom rallies and we had COVID, all these things are upheavals that can't make it easy for a steady, reliable operation.'

McDonald's Canada did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment.
The FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list has long instilled fear in the American public, chronicling the deeds of some of the nation's most dangerous criminals for decades.

Created in 1950 as a joint campaign between the bureau and the nation's news media, the list lays bare dangerous individuals who might be otherwise overlooked.

Since its inception, the list has seen hundreds of fugitives - whether they be Mexican drug lords, cold-blooded killers or scammers - tracked down and brought to justice.

After massing 529 names in 53 years, seven today remain at-large - and stand accused of horrific crimes ranging from kidnapping, sex-trafficking, and murder.

Six of those offenders, as usually is the case with the list, are men, while one is a woman accused of perpetrating a $4billion Ponzi scheme with her now defunct crypto company. The remaining three - a Mexican cartel kingpin, child porn provider, and an alleged murderer - were all captured in the past year.

Alexis Flores - Kidnapped and murdered a five-year-old

47-year-old Honduran man Alexis Flores remains at large nearly a quarter-century after his horrific crimes, which include the rape and murder of a young girl in Philly

He remains wanted more than two-decades later for the murder, and is thought to be in his native Honduras

Wanted for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of a five-year-old girl in Philadelphia, 47-year-old Honduran man Alexis Flores remains at large nearly a quarter-century after his horrific crimes,

The girl, five-year-old Iriana DeJesus, was reported missing in late July of 2000, and later found strangled to death in a nearby apartment in early August of 2000.

Feds say Flores carried out the killing while posing as homeless drifter, before being given shelter, clothing, and work as a handyman by Hunting Park, Philadelphia, resident Jorge Contreras near the victim's residence.

Five days after the girl was reported missing, Iriana's body was found in the basement of an empty apartment building where Flores is believed to have stayed.

Investigators said the girl was found sexually assaulted, strangled and wrapped in a trash bag.

At the scene, cops also found a bloodstained t-shirt bearing a distinct logo, which Contreras later told officers he recognized as one of the articles he had lent Flores

Following the discovery, Flores vanished from the area - before being arrested two years later for shoplifting in Arizona for which he received a 60 days sentence, completed in 2005.

He was then extradited to Honduras - though within a year, DNA evidence would link him to the scene of Iriana's murder. At that point, both a local and federal arrest warrant was issued for his arrest, and his name was added to the Top 10 list.

There is currently a $100,000 reward for his capture.

Yulan Adonay Archaga Carias - Boss of MS-13 crime family

Yulan Andony Archaga Carias, identified by U.S. federal authorities as the MS-13's leader in Honduras, was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List on Wednesday. The agency announced it is offering a $100,000 reward for his arrest and/or conviction

The Federal Bureau of Investigation also offered a $100,000 reward for information to hunt down a fugitive MS-13 gang leader, named Yulan Andony Archaga Carias - thought that number has since swelled 50-fold.

He is thought to be in Honduras after being indicted in November 2021 for cocaine trafficking.

The hearing in Manhattan federal court saw Carias, 39, charged in absentia with racketeering conspiracy, conspiring to import cocaine, and possessing and conspiring to possess machine guns.

Carias, who goes by the aliases of Alexander Mendoza and Porky, allegedly controlled the MS-13's criminal operations in Honduras, while supplying support and resources to the gang's sprawling network throughout Central America and the US.

This past February, citing the perpetrators' powerful position in one of the world's most dangerous organized crime operations, feds raised the reward for information leading to his capture to $5 million. He has yet to be found.

Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel - murdered wife in donut shop

Police have said that 27-year-old Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, hit his wife Palak Bhadreskumar Patel multiple times with an object until she died and then fled

The FBI is is offering up to $100,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel

Patel was last seen on surveillance footage at a Best Western in Newark, New Jersey, near the Newark Liberty International Airport on April 13. Investigators believe he fled Maryland to New Jersey to escape state charges

Added to the list in 2017, Indian national Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai, now 32, allegedly stabbed and killed his wife in a doughnut shop in Maryland in 2015.

He was last seen taking a shuttle to Pennsylvania Station in Newark, and faces a federal charge of fleeing a state to avoid prosecution.

Police said an investigation revealed the Indian national hit his then 21-year-old wife in the face with a kitchen knife and then fled the Hanover store.

A taxi driver told investigators that she picked up Patel on April 12 across from the Dunkin' Donuts and drove him to a Best Western in Newark, New Jersey, approximately 185 miles away, according to WTOP.

Investigators believe he fled to New Jersey to escape state charges, but they believe he is still in the United States.

They have no evidence that he boarded plane and the FBI put a hold on Patel's passport, preventing him from crossing the border.

Patel was born in India and was in the United States legally on a visa, but his visa expired at the end of March, according to the FBI.

The FBI plans to put up billboards to help locate Patel, who is described as weighing approximately 165lb and 5ft 9in tall with brown eyes and hair.

According to authorities, Patel is considered to be dangerous, and could have connections to Canada, Georgia, Illinois, India, Kentucky, and New Jersey.

Alejandro Rosales Castillo - Murdered ex-girlfriend

Alejandro Rosales Castillo is wanted in connection with the August 2016 murder of a 23-year-old woman, Truc Quan 'Sandy' Ly Le, whom he previously dated

The FBI on Tuesday named Alejandro Castillo (pictured left in 2015 and right in 2016) to its 'Ten Most Wanted Fugitives' list

The youngest on the list, Alejandro Rosales Castillo is wanted in connection with the August 2016 murder of a 23-year-old woman, Truc Quan 'Sandy' Ly Le, whom he previously dated.

The two became acquainted while working together at a restaurant in Charlotte. He was 18 at the time, and is now 25

The investigation initially began after the families of Le, Castillo, and his accomplice all filed missing persons reports days before the victim's body was found and identified.

Le and Castillo are said to have met while working together at a restaurant in North Carolina's largest city..

Surveillance footage released by the FBI shows images of Alejandro Castillo (highlighted in white shirt) crossing the border into Mexico

Alejandro Castillo (pictured in 2015)

A joint investigation by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and the FBI revealed that Castillo had borrowed money from Le. He later arranged a meeting with the victim on the premise of repaying her.

Text messages uncovered by authorities showed that the two had agreed to meet in Charlotte on August 9, 2016.

The FBI cites CMPD Det Brent Koeck as stating that, upon meeting, Castillo had ordered Le withdraw a large sum of money from an ATM.

Investigators estimate that Castillo drove the victim to a wooded area before she was shot in the head.

Le's body was found in a remote area outside Charlotte on August 17, 2016.

Law enforcement official believe Castillo and Ahmia 'Mia' Feaster, who had also worked with the victim and suspect, fled the state in Le's vehicle and later crossed the US border into Mexico.

The getaway car was found at a bus stop in Phoenix, Arizona.

Surveillance footage captured images of Castillo crossing the border into Mexico, according to the FBI.

Ruja Ignatova - self-professed 'crypto-queen'

Ruja Ignatova allegedly scammed investors around the world to collect $4 billion for her OneCoin cryptocurrency, which was a pyramid scheme

Still at-large, the Bulgarian-born fugitive is just the 11th women to make the list in its history, wanted for fraud with a reward set at $100,000. It is believed she may have had surgery or altered her appearance in some way since disappearing in 2017

This past summer, 42-year-old Ruja Ignatova became the latest women to grace the list, after feds said the self-professed 'crypto queen' scammed investors out of more than $4billion, with a Ponzi scheme though her now-defunct company, OneCoin.

Vanishing into thin air in 2017, the Bulgarian-born fraudster is still-at large, with officials offering $100,000 for information on her whereabouts.

She was added to the list in June, after she allegedly defrauded investors with her $4 billion cryptocurrency pyramid scheme.

The Department of Justice charges she used her OneCoin cryptocurrency as a multi-level marketing scam, targeting investors in several different countries between 2014 and 2018.

Investigators believe Ignatova fled after a U.S. District Court in New York issued a warrant for her arrest, after receiving a tip about the federal as they were filed

The alleged scammer promptly traveled to Greece and disappeared, and is still wanted five years later.

Special Agent Ronald Shimko, the lead investigator in the case, said he hopes the publicity of being on the most wanted list will help track down Ignatova.

'There are so many victims all over the world who were financially devastated by this,' Shimko said earlier this year as she was added to the list after several years at-large. 'We want to bring her to justice.'

Arnoldo Jimenez - 'Stabbed wife to death'

Arnoldo Jimenez, 37, is accused of stabbing his wife Estrella Carrera, 26, more than 18 times in his Maserati after they got into a fight as they were travelling home from their wedding reception in the early hours of May 12, 2012

Jimenez was added to the list of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives because of 'his violent nature, his alleged involvement in his wife's killing, and his efforts to evade capture

Arnoldo Jimenez, 37, is accused of stabbing his wife Estrella Carrera, 26, more than 18 times in his Maserati after they got into a fight as they were travelling home from their wedding reception in the early hours of May 12, 2012.

They were married at Chicago City Hall on May 11 and celebrated afterwards with family and friends.

Following the stabbing, he allegedly then dragged her body into the bathtub of her suburban Chicago apartment.

Carrera was found dead the following day wearing the silver sequined cocktail dress she had on during her wedding reception.

Afterwards, police say his brother drove him to Mexico then returned with the car to Illinois.

He was arrested for a separate, drug case and police discovered the vehicle in his garage during that raid but they have never caught the groom.

The FBI believes Jimenez may have fled to Durango, Mexico, specifically around Santiago Papasquiaro, immediately after Carrera's death.

They claimed that he is also a regular visitor to the border city of Reynosa. Fed are offering up to a $100,000 reward for information leading to Jimenez's arrest.

Omar Alexander Cardenas - Cartel boss

The last remaining at-large fugitive on the list, Omar Alexander Cardenas, is wanted for his alleged involvement in the murder of a man outside a barbershop in Los Angeles in 2019

He is allegedly a member of the Pierce Street gang and may associate with the gang known as Pacoima Van Nuys Boys  Anybody Killas, according to the FBI - two California-based cartels with known drug operations

The last remaining at-large fugitive on the list, Omar Alexander Cardenas, is wanted for his alleged involvement in the murder of a man outside a barbershop in Los Angeles in 2019.

He is allegedly a member of the Pierce Street gang and may associate with the gang known as Pacoima Van Nuys Boys  Anybody Killas, according to the FBI - two California-based cartels with known drug operations.

After he was added to the lists last July, LAPD Chief Michel Moore hailed the FBI for taking steps to aid in the fugitive's captures.

'This murder occurred in a strip mall, where people come to shop and engage with their neighbors at the barber shop, impacting an entire community,' Moore said at the time.

'I want to thank our partners at the FBI for adding this murder to their Top 10 Most Wanted list, bringing awareness to the violence committed by Omar Cardenas and to prevent this murderer from harming anyone else.

'Senseless acts of violence, particularly gun violence like this, needs to stop and we need the public's help.'

Feds are offering a reward a $100,000 for information leading to his capture.

Michael James Pratt - 'Sex trafficker and child porn purveyor'

A self-professed porn king from Australia, Michael James Pratt was wanted on sex trafficking and child pornographic charges for his involvement in an illegal sex ring that made him nearly $25million.

In December, Pratt was captured, after about a half year on the run, in Madrid - after making $24million from the illegal sex ring

A self-professed porn king from Australia, Michael James Pratt was wanted on sex trafficking and child pornographic charges for his involvement in an illegal sex ring that made him nearly $25million.

Pratt, 39, created the 'GirlsDoPorn' website while living in Brisbane in 2006 - before moving to the United States and creating the multi-million dollar empire.

Pratt was accused sex trafficking and the production of child pornography, with the FBI at the time offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest.

US authorities allege Pratt along with his New Zealand business partner, childhood friend Matthew Isaac Wolfe and 'adult film performer' Ruben Andre Garcia used deception and false promises to lure the alleged victims.

Twenty-two female victims, identified as Jane Doe 1 to 22, filed a civil lawsuit that they were fooled into participating in pornography under the false promise they wouldn't appear online, prompting an FBI investigation.

Charges were laid and a 99-day trial ensued with Superior Court Judge Kevin Enright in 2020 ordering the trio to pay the women more than $18million. In December, Pratt was captured, after about a half year on the run, in Madrid, Spain.

A trial date has yet to be set.

Rafael Caro-Quintero - Mexican drug trafficker

Caught last July, Infamous Mexican drug baron Rafael Caro Quintero - who ordered the kidnap and murder of a US drug enforcement agent in 1985 - was cuffed eight years after fleeing jail and unleashing a vicious turf war with rival drug lords.

The former leader of the Guadalajara Cartel, Caro Quintero had since returned to drug trafficking and unleashed bloody turf battles in the northern Mexico border state of Sonora

Caught last July, Infamous Mexican drug baron Rafael Caro Quintero - who ordered the kidnap and murder of a US drug enforcement agent in 1985 - was cuffed eight years after fleeing jail and unleashing a vicious turf war with rival drug lords.

He was arrested in Choix, a municipality in the western state of Sinaloa. It comes almost a decade after he walked out of a Mexican prison and went straight back to drug trafficking.

Caro Quintero walked free in 2013, after 28 years in prison, when a court overturned his 40-year sentence for the 1985 kidnapping and killing of US Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena. The brutal murder marked a low point in US-Mexico relations.

The former leader of the Guadalajara Cartel, Caro Quintero had since returned to drug trafficking and unleashed bloody turf battles in the northern Mexico border state of Sonora.

He and the cartel are portrayed in the Netflix series, 'Narcos: Mexico.' Actor Tenoch Huerta Mejia played Caro Quintero in the series.

Caro Quintero was arrested after a search dog named Max found him hiding in brush in the town of San Simon in Sinaloa state during a joint operation by the navy and the attorney general's office, a navy statement said.

The site was in the mountains near Sinaloa's frontier with the northern border state of Chihuahua. A navy helicopter crashed during the mission.

He has since been extradited to the US to stand trial.

Jose Rodolfo Villarreal-Hernandez - Murder-for-hire

Wanted for allegedly instructing individuals to track and murder a 43-year-old man in Texas, Jose Rodolfo Villarreal-Hernandez is the latest to captured on the list, apprehended in Mexico City on January 7.

His arrest came less than three months after he was added on, with a reward of up to $1,000,000 for information leading to his capture

Wanted for allegedly instructing individuals to track and murder a 43-year-old man in Texas, Jose Rodolfo Villarreal-Hernandez is the latest to captured on the list, apprehended in Mexico City on January 7.

His arrest came less than three months after he was added on, with a reward of up to $1,000,000 for information leading to his capture.

The murder-for-hire plot was allegedly carried out on May 22, 2013, and saw Juan Jesus Guerrero Chapa, the acting head of Gulf cartel, killed by two assassins allegedly hired in a suspected hit.

Villareal is the brother of Rodolfo Villareal Hernandez, known as 'El Gato,' the reputed regional head of a rivaling cartel in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon.
The 'Ndrangheta is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of many Italians.

Having surpassed even Sicily's famous Cosa Nostra clan and the Neapolitan Camorra, the criminal group based in the southern peninsular region of Calabria - sometimes known as Italy's toe - is the largest of the country's infamous mafias.

Founded in 1792, the 'Ndrangheta have been around for centuries. But in recent decades, their operation has expanded beyond compare.

One estimate suggests the group's criminal activities - drug trafficking, extortion and money laundering - brought in 53 billion euros in 2013 and thus accounted for at least 3.5 percent of the GDP of Italy. This is more than McDonald's made that year.

As a result, it wields immense power. Through money and threats of extreme violence it is able to influence officials and silence anyone who speaks out.

The story of four women who took on the 'Ndrangheta mafia- a prosecutor and three former members of the crime family - has been dramatised in a television show 'The Good Mothers' airing on Disney+ (pictured) and adapted from Alex Perry's 2018 book of the same name. Here, MailOnline looks at the true stories behind the women

Underpinning the mafia's activities is a strict code of honour, almost feudal in nature, that imposes strict rules on those who are born into its crime families.

Many are fiercely loyal, while others are terrified of what might happen to them should they dare go against the 'Ndrangheta. For that reason, it is almost impossible to get anyone inside the crime syndicate to turn on their own.

But that is exactly what happened in 2010. Four brave women - one prosecutor and three who were born into the Calabrian mob - took on their feared mafia families.

Now, their story has been dramatised in a television show 'The Good Mothers' airing on Disney+ and adapted from Alex Perry's 2018 book of the same name. Here, MailOnline looks at the true stories behind the brave women.

Alessandra Cerreti

Alessandra Cerreti joined the anti-mafia prosecutor's office in the city Reggio, Calabria in 2010. That same year, 'Ndrangheta had been officially recognised as a mafia-type association under Italian law, and the group was on the march.

Two internal wars between different 'Ndrangheta factions in the 1970s and 1980s saw hundreds killed, which eventually came to an end in 1991.

In the 1990s it had gained the backing of the feared Solntsevskaya Bratva of the Russian Mafia, which has ties to the FSB, and started to invest in the international drug trade - mainly important cocaine from Colombia.

While it had previously contained its operations to Italy's Calabria region, by 2011 the group was expanding its operations into northern Italy - and seemed unstoppable.

But while working in Reggio, Cerreti became convinced that the way to breaking open the secrets of the group was through its women. She understood that they were victims of an oppressive crime system, and some could be persuaded to talk.

Alessandra Cerreti joined the anti-mafia prosecutor's office in the city Reggio, Calabria in 2010. She took on the task of persuading women to give evidence against the 'Ndrangheta mafia, ultimately leading to convictions of several of the group's members

While working in Reggio, Cerreti (pictured) became convinced that the way to breaking open the secrets of the group was through its women. She understood that they were victims of an oppressive crime system, and some could be persuaded to talk

Pictured: Italian prosecutor Alessandra Cerreti is seen depicted in the trailer for Disney+'s 'The Good Mothers'

However, very few members of the 'Ndrangheta had ever spoken out. Those that did were faced the lupara bianca, or 'white shotgun,' a killing that left no body.

Cerreti - whose husband is also a carabiniere (federal police officer), has no children and lives under armed guard - found she was not only coming up against one of the world's biggest criminal organisation, but also some of her male colleagues.

They dismissed the role of women in the mafia as unimportant and did not often take female witnesses seriously in their testimony.

But in 2010, Cerreti was handed a rare opportunity.

Three woman, each from a different crime family from within the 'Ndrangheta, made a bid to escape from the clutches of the organisation.

Cerreti worked with Maria Concetta Cacciola, Denise Garofalo and Giuseppina Pesce to lift the lid on the mafia. Each of the women were born into the 'Ndrangheta and took the brave step to leave. One paid the ultimate price.

Maria Concetta Cacciola

Born into the Cacciola crime family - one of the 'Ndrangheta's most powerful - Maria Concetta Cacciola was married at 13 and pregnant by 15.

This is not unusual for women in the crime syndicate. Underpinning the 'Ndrangheta is its violent, chauvinistic feudal system that treats women like property for the purpose of doing housework - and producing heirs and future soldiers.

Girls are often married off in arranged marriages at the age of 13, and from then on are largely confided to their homes, and regularly beaten.

Meanwhile, those that are unfaithful to their husbands - even as a widow - can be killed by other male members of their family in an 'honour' killing.

Their bodies, like so many victims of the 'Ndrangheta, are dissolved in acid.

Maria had lived this life. She went on to have three children with her husband, and had been a virtual prisoner in her own home when she finally had enough.

Without her children, she walked into a police station and said she wanted to collaborate, and to help shine a light of her family's horrific crimes.

Pictured: Maria Concetta Cacciola, who was born into the Cacciola crime family - one of the 'Ndrangheta mafia's most powerful families. She gave evidence against the family, but wound up dead. Her family say she committed suicide by drinking acid. Investigators say she was murdered by her own family out of revenge for turning against them

Pictured: The family of Maria Concetta Cacciola, who are believed to have killed her

'The Cacciola family is one of the most powerful family of 'Ndrangheta in Rosarno, along with the Pesce family and the Bellocco family, of whom they are also relatives,' Dr Giuseppe Creazzo, who worked in Calabria anti-mafia division until 2013, told ABC news in 2016.

Once Cerreti established the young woman could be trusted - and had valuable information to give on the Cacciolas - Maria was moved to a safe place to be interviewed about her family.

She described their history of extortion, murder and protection racketeering, giving Cerreti rare information on the inner working of the Calabrian mafia.

But Maria's family were not going to allow her to get away with showing them such a dishonour. They knew they could use her children against her.

After almost two months of being moved to a safe place, Maria caved and contacted one of her children. In a phone call recorded by investigators who had bugged Maria's parent's car, they could be heard telling her to return home.

If she didn't obey, her mother threatened, she would never see her family again. Giving information to the authorities meant total banishment, essentially ceasing to exist in the eyes of one's own family.

Even the name 'Ndrangheta comes from Greek, and means courage and loyalty - the two tenants the group claims to underpin its ruthless practices.

'Her own family decided to exploit this weakness, saying if you don't come back you are never going to see your children again,' Dr Creazzo said of Maria's fate.

Under the pressure from her family in August 2011, Maria caved. She returned to her parent's home even though they had threatened to kill her.

Cerreti was waiting in a car nearby to pick up Maria and her three to take them to safety when they received the news that she was dead.

She had died from drinking a bottle of hydrochloric acid - a horrific way to die.

Her family insisted her death was a suicide, but the authorities believe she was murdered - punishment for her disobedience.

Maria's father, mother and brother were arrested, charged with family harassment that ended in suicide - which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. It was not immediately clear from Italian reports if they were ever found guilty.

Lea Garofalo, and her daughter Denise

Like Maria Concetta Cacciola, Lea Garofalo escaped the 'Ndrangheta in search of a better life for herself and her daughter, Denise.

Lea fled the family in 2002, leaving behind her mafioso husband Carlo Cosco, and spent years trying to escape the clutches of the group.

She went in and out of witness protection, but struggled as her husband worked to pull her back in to his world through her daughter.

Cosco's efforts eventually prevailed, despite at one point sending a killer to Lea and their daughter's house to murder his wife, who fought them off with a knife.

Lea, then 35, eventually agreed to meet up with Cosco alone in Milan in 2009 under the auspices of discussing University fees for her daughter.

While Denise visited family in the northern city, Lea went to dinner with Cosco - where she was bundled into a van and taken to an isolated warehouse.

Lea Garofalo (pictured) escaped the 'Ndrangheta in search of a better life for herself and her daughter, Denise. She was eventually killed by her husband, and dissolved in acid. Her daughter gave evidence against her mother's killers, and they were eventually convicted

Pictured: Gaia Girace, who plays Denise, the daughter of a 'Ndrangheta mafioso

Pictured: A scene from the trailer of Disney+'s 'The Good Mothers' showing an evidence board of suspects and victims

Pictured: A scene from the trailer of Disney+'s 'The Good Mothers' showing the depiction of a crime boss inside the

There, Cosco and his two brothers tortured and shot her dead, before dumping her in 50 litres of acid, which they watched for three days to ensure her body dissolved.

No trace was left of Lea's body, and there was no crime scene. It was only through the efforts of Denise that her killers were eventually brought to justice in 2012.

Six mobsters, including Cosco and his brothers Vito and Giuseppe, were given life sentences over Lea's death. The ruling was described as 'historic' at the time, with prosecutors praising Denise for giving evidence to bring her own family down.

'This sentence will go down in history in this country,' Father Luigi Ciotti, an anti-mafia campaigner, said at the time.

'We need to bow down before this young girl who has broken the mafia's omerta.'

Denise now lives under police protection.

Giuseppina Pesce

Perhaps Cerreti's greatest breakthrough came when she persuaded Giuseppina Pesce to turn on her own family and blow open the secrets of the crime family.

Born in 1979, Pesce belonged to the 'ndrina Pesce of Rosarno - another family at the top of the 'Ndrangheta chain and the daughter of its boss Salvatore Pesce.

She met her soon-to-be husband Rocco Palaia at 14 and soon became pregnant, but was regularly beaten in an attempt to silence her.

Italian reports suggest she fell for another man and decided that she would leave her husband, going against the crime family's strict honour code.

For her own safety, she went to the police - and was arrested in 2010 on charges of being a 'postwoman' for the mafia.

It was then that she agreed to collaborate with Cerreti.

Perhaps Cerreti's greatest breakthrough came when she persuaded Giuseppina Pesce (pictured) - the daughter of a crime boss inside the 'Ndrangheta mafia - to turn on her own family and blow open the secrets of the crime family

Pictured: A still image from the Disney+ show 'The Good Mothers'

Pictured: A still image from the Disney+ show 'The Good Mothers'

Pesce had been an active member of the powerful family based in Rosarno.

In Alex Perry's book, Cerreti describes her as having the attitude of a boss's daughter, and says that she offered small bits of information while demanding to be released into witness protection to save her from her family.

'She looked at me with such loathing,' the book quotes Cerreti as saying. 'Such pride and resentment. I represented the state, which was ruining her life.'

Pesce successfully obtained protection for her and her three children - aged 16, nine and six at the time - but her family tried to coerce her eldest daughter to turn against her in an attempt to lure her back into their clutches.

This worked for some time, with Pesce retracting her statements on her family, but she refused to return to Calabria fearing the consequences - instead choosing to remain under police protection.

However, when her husband learned of her new partner, he threatened to kill her - making her realise that she has no choice but to testify.

At this point, she resumed collaboration with Cerreti to save her and the lives of her children, accusing them of several crimes.

On September 11, 2011, 11 members of the clan were convicted at the All Inside trial. Bosses of the clans were sentenced to 20 years in prison, with the testimony of Giuseppina Pesce proving a key element in their convictions.

Her mother and sister were among those arrested.

She remains in witness protection.

What now for the 'Ndrangheta?

While the three women's actions have led to some members of the 'Ndrangheta clan being convicted, it is believed to still have as many as 6,000 members.

The biggest blow against the group came in 2019, when more than 300 people were arrested in Calabria on suspicion of belonging to the group.

People wear and hold placards with the portrait of an Italian justice collaborator and victim of the 'Ndrangheta Lea Garofalo as they take part in a demonstration organized by Libera, on the occasion of the 'National Day of Remembrance and Commitment to Remembering the Victims of the Mafia' on March 21, 2023 in Milan, Italy

Pictured: A view from the inside of a new bunker room built for the upcoming 'Rinascita-Scott' maxi-trial, in which more than 350 alleged members of Calabria's 'Ndrangheta mafia group and their associates are being put on trial

Pictured: (left-right) Valentina Bella, Gaia Girace, Elisa Amoruso, Julian Jarrold, Barbara Chichiarelli, Simona Distefano and Micaela Ramazzotti attend 'The Good Mothers' photocall at The Space Cinema Moderno on April 04, 2023 in Rome, Italy

Pictured: A poster for the Disney+ show 'The Good Mothers'

The arrests included that of Giancarlo Pittelli, a prominent lawyer and former member of Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia party.

The operation involved 2,500 police, with chief prosecutor Nicola Gratteri saying at the time that the arrests were the second largest in number in the history of organised crime, after those that led to the 'Maxi Trial' of Sicilian mafia bosses.

The huge trial against more than 300 'Ndrangheta members began on January 13, 2021, with 70 being jailed in November that same year in the trial's first stage.

Disney+ subscribers can watch 'The Good Mothers' here.
An independent investigation is to take place with the man in 'critical condition'

Met officers restrained the man following reports he was 'behaving erratically'

A man is being treated in an intensive care unit following an incident with police

Metropolitan Police officers are under investigation as a man fights for his life after being 'restrained' in a hospital incident.

A patient was admitted to the intensive care unit at Whittington Hospital on Monday, having been left in a 'critical condition', the police watchdog has revealed.

The man, said to be in his fifties, was detained in Camden earlier that day, amidst reports that he had been 'behaving erratically', 'setting his clothes on fire' and threatening members of the public.

He was then taken to the north London facility where he became 'agitated' and was 'restrained' by officers, shortly before becoming unconscious.

Now, an investigation is to be conducted by the Independent Council for Police Conduct (IOPC), with the patient currently in a 'critical but stable condition' following the interaction.

Metropolitan Police officers are being investigated over their use of force after a hospital patient was left in critical condition (file image)

Read more: Met Police crackdown to root out rogue officers: Dozens moved from tackling terrorism and organised crime to clean up the force following series of scandals Sir Mark Rowley told the Home Secretary and the Mayor of London that the Met has 161 officers with criminal convictions in its ranks Advertisement

The IOPC said: 'An independent investigation is underway into the actions of Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers during an incident where a man was restrained at a hospital in north London on Monday 3 April.

'We understand the man remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

'MPS officers responded to reports from members of the public on Monday morning of a man behaving erratically and setting his clothes on fire on Euston Road, NW1.

'The man was taken to the medical facility to be assessed where he became agitated at times and later officers have used PAVA spray and restrained him. The man became unconscious and was then given medical attention.

'We understand the man remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.'

The investigation comes at a time when Britain's biggest police force has moved officers from tackling serious crime to internal standards in order to help clean up its workforce.

The Metropolitan Police were branded institutionally racist, sexist and homophobic in a major review which was commissioned after 33-year-old Sarah Everard was murdered by serving officer Wayne Couzens.

Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore and Chris Kaba also died in the hands of Scotland Yard officers last year, with the IOPC also having looked into both incidents.

While the investigation of Monday's incident is in its initial stages, the IOPC has now begun gathering evidence and has secured officers' body-worn video footage.

The IOPC continued: 'After being notified by the MPS' Directorate of Professional Standards later that afternoon, we sent investigators to Islington police station to attend the police post-incident procedures and declared an independent investigation.

'Our investigation is in its initial stages and we have begun gathering evidence and have secured officers' body worn video footage.'

Superintendent Annmarie Cowley, from the Metropolitan Central North Command acknowledged that the incident will be 'incredibly concerning to the public'.

The man in his fifties, who had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act, was taken to Whittington Hospital in London (file image)

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who began the job in September, believes there are hundreds of corrupt officers serving in the Metropolitan Police force

She added: 'Please know we are offering every assistance to the IOPC in their investigation and, due to their important ongoing work, will not be able to comment further at this time.'

In its own account of events, the force claims the man 'became unwell' after being restrained by officers.

A Met spokesman said: 'Police were called at 07:37hrs on Monday, 3 April to a hospital in Camden following concerns for the welfare of a man at the location.

'Officers attended. The man was subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to an appropriate medical facility in Islington.

'Whilst there, he became agitated and was later restrained by officers. He became unwell and was given immediate medical attention. We understand and he is in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

'As is procedure in these circumstances, the Mets Directorate of Professional Standards were informed and alerted the Independent Office for Police Conduct, who have launched an independent investigation.'

Whittington Health NHS Trust has declined to comment.
Far east and far west will see cloudier skies and light rain, Met Office predicts

Britain will be warmer than Monaco on Easter Sunday with highs of 18C to bring the hottest day of the year, the Met Office predicted.

But the fine weather isn't predicted to last, with forecasters predicted heavy downpours sweeping in on Monday, with an entire month's rain expected to fall in just two days.

While many areas are expected to enjoy sunny spells throughout the Easter weekend, the far east and far west will likely see some cloudier skies and even some light rain. In the South and Midlands, the Met Office has warned of 'very high' pollen levels.

Tomorrow could be Britain's hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 18C (64F) in South East England, the Met Office predicts. This would be warmer than Nice, Rome and Athens.

Clouds can be seen across parts of England and Scotland largely retreating towards coasts, with isolated fog elsewhere that will soon clear.

Britain will be warmer than Monaco on Easter Sunday with highs of 18C to bring the hottest day of the year, the Met Office predicted (pictured: busy Brighton beach on April 7)

However, on Monday heavy downpours will hit, with an entire month's rain expected to fall in just two days (pictured: people caught in heavy rain showers on April 6 in London)

In the west, the Met Office predicts breezy weather, with it being 'rather warm inland', as sunnier skies will see temperatures rise as high as 16C or 17C during the day, just like on Good Friday.

David Oliver, a Met Office Deputy Chief forecaster, said: 'Similar conditions are likely for much of the UK on Easter Saturday, but during the second half of the Easter weekend the Atlantic will increasingly exert its influence.

'A frontal system is expected to move in from the west and displace the high pressure lying across the UK.

'This will spread rain across all areas during the latter part of Easter Sunday and through Easter Monday, although there is some uncertainty regarding its exact timing.

'Once the rain clears blustery showers are likely to follow in its wake across many areas.

For Sunday, mostly dry weather with some sunshine is predicted, with rain arriving in the west later heralding the change to more unsettled conditions into next week.

But successive low pressure weather systems are then likely to move across the country from the breezy west, bringing rainfall totalling up to 70mm (2.75ins) in western areas of England and Wales on Easter Monday and Tuesday.

The heavy rain is due to be accompanied by gales of at least 60mph on southern and western coasts.

Met Office spokesman Alex Burkill said: 'We are still looking at potentially having temperatures of 17-18C (63-64F) on Easter Sunday although it will turn increasingly cloudy.

Pictured: Crowds of beachgoers flocked to the beach to enjoy the glorious Easter Bank Holiday sunshine at the seaside resort of Lyme Regis. The Met Office has said that this afternoon, Britons will be blessed by sunnier skies, but light winds.

A Met Office spokesperson said: ''The heavy rain is unlikely to arrive until sunset in the far west and will move east overnight, with the heaviest amounts falling in the early hours of the morning' (pictured: people caught in torrential rain in London in March)

'The heavy rain is unlikely to arrive until sunset in the far west and will move east overnight, with the heaviest amounts falling in the early hours of the morning.

'By 9am on Easter Monday, the rain is likely to be just across eastern England, before it clears out of the way.

'It is due to be replaced by scattered, heavy showers through the rest of Monday.'

He said Tuesday could bring another 20-40mm of rain, accompanied by gales. He added: 'We're looking at gusts of 60mph and probably stronger along southern and western coasts.'

For the rest of the week, unsettled weather is likely to continue, Mr Burkill said, with a likelihood of further showers or longer spells of rain.

Good Friday kicked the Easter bank holiday weekend off to a good start, as Britons have been lucky enough to bask in fine and settled weather.

After intermittent showery spells on Thursday afternoon, the weekend started off with a glorious bout of sunshine. Britons made the most of it blissful conditions, flocking to beaches and parks across the UK.

Temperatures on Friday topped a warm 15C to 16C in parts of the UK. The sunny skies were accompanied by light winds.

Pictured: A man relaxes outside a seafront beach hut enjoying the warm spring sunshine and clear blue skies at the seaside resort of Lyme Regis in Dorset. By 2pm today, areas in the west and north west such as Plymouth, Southampton and Wales will see highs of 14C

Blue skies over the Royal Crescent in Bath yesterday. Similar weather is expected for tomorrow too

Pictured: Londoners making the most out of the weather today, as people packed Cabot Square in Canary Wharf

By 2pm, areas in the west and north west such as Plymouth, Southampton and Wales would see highs of 14C, the forecaster predicted.

While in London and the surrounding areas, temperatures were expected to be a warm 16C - much higher than they were Friday morning, at 10C.

Birmingham and Manchester saw highs of 12C by just after lunch yesterday, as Hull and Norwich had similar temperatures.

And in the north, Glasgow and Aberdeen was cooler, with highs of 12C and 11C respectively.

Meanwhile, similar weather is expected for today, with highs of 15C in the capital, and the same in Manchester.

A rolling Thunder ride in memory of Queen Elizabeth was done at the Long Walk in Windsor today and saw over thousand bikers attend

A reef was also laid by Windsor Castle, as thousands of bikers and spectators attended the ride and made the most out of the Good Friday weather

Huge queues formed outside Longsands fish and chip shop this afternoon in Tynemouth, North Tyneside as customers follow the tradition of eating fish on Good Friday

The Met Office has said that Good Friday will be free of rain with spells of sunshine, especially in the west

While Wales will see temperatures top 14C, as south west in Cornwall and Plymouth, temperatures will reach 13C.

In Scotland, temperatures today are set to be balmy in Glasgow with highs of 15C, while Aberdeen will stay relatively cool - only reaching 8C.

Meanwhile, Easter Sunday could be the warmest day of the year so far, with highs of up to 18C expected in parts of the UK.

By the early afternoon, temperatures across the UK are set to be fairly equal with plenty of sunshine.

That would set a new warmest day for 2023.

It would exceed the current highest temperature of 17.8C on March 30 this year, in the village of Santon Downham, Suffolk.

And as Brits hit the beaches over the next few days, they have been urged to to stay out of the sea this Easter amid warnings of 'cold water shock' deaths from the chilliest water temperatures of the year.

The 18C hottest days of the year has triggered fears of drownings by Brits caught out by bitter seas.

Hundreds of thousands heading to coasts were told sea temperatures are just 7C in the North and 10C in the South, compared to summer's 20C.

Pictured: People out punting on the River Cam Cambridge on a warm Good Friday as they enjoy the next few days of sunshine

Pictured: People punting in Cambridge. Easter Sunday could be the warmest day of the year so far, with highs of up to 18C expected in parts of the UK - exceeding the current highest temperature of 17.8C on March 30

Pictured: People enjoying the sun in Manchester CIty Centre, ready for a hot Easter weekend. Brits are set to pack out parks, pubs and beaches this Bank Holiday weekend, as temperatures are set to hit highs of 15C in the capital and the north too

The sunny spells kicked off today with temperatures as high as 15C to 16C. The Met Office has said that throughout the rest of the day, Britons will be blessed by sunnier skies. And this will set the tone for the rest of the Bank Holiday weekend

The RNLI warns of deaths in cold water, saying: 'The sudden cooling of the skin by cold water causes an involuntary gasp for breath. It only takes half a pint of sea water to enter the lungs for a fully-grown man to start drowning. You could die.

'Anything below 15C is cold water and can seriously affect your breathing and movement, so the risk is significant.'

And the Met Office also issued a warning, as a forecaster said: 'Are you heading to the coast? Be aware, sea surface temperatures at this time of year are low. RespectTheWater.'

Reportedly, 70 million pints are being downed in pubs in a four-day Easter knees-up helping to bail out crisis-hit boozers, as industry chiefs say the easter rush is helping pubs.

Almost 20 million extra pints are being knocked back due to the double Bank Holiday weekend, the British Beer and Pub Association said.

Landlords are enjoying their biggest weekend of the year so far after revellers hit towns for 'Mad Maundy Thursday.'

The BBPA said: 'If the weather stays nice, we estimate 18million more pints will be sold than if it wasn't a Bank Holiday weekend.'

Emma McClarkin chief executive of the BBPA, said: 'People are coming together with family and friends and enjoying food and drink at pubs. Pubs up and down the country are facing enormous challenges, with energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis biting hard.

'But they are still ready to provide brilliant hospitality and freshly-poured pints.'

Forecasters have also urged Brits to make the most out of the next few days.

The Met Office has confirmed that the bright and sunny spells that many Brits will experience over the weekend won't last.

The forecaster has warned that there is a chance that by the end of Easter Sunday, rain will arrive 'in the west later heralding the change to more unsettled conditions into next week.'

This is because a weather system in the Atlantic is set to introduce more 'unsettled' weather conditions on Easter Monday.

In fact, the forecaster has predicted that weather will start to turn later on Easter Sunday.

And rain will become more widespread throughout the Bank Holiday Monday.

Dan Suri is a Met Office Chief Forecaster said: 'Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, unsettled conditions will see bands of rain  with some heavy bursts in places  moving eastwards through the rest of Wednesday and early Thursday.

'As this clears a mixture of sunshine and showers will prevail for much of Thursday before a more settled pattern establishes for Good Friday and Easter Saturday as high pressure begins to build.'
A woman has lashed out at an 'entitled' mum and work colleague who expected her to give up annual leave for the Easter long weekend because she didn't have kids.

The TikTokker, who goes by the name Lady Quinn and is now a mum, took to social media this week calling out her old work colleague.

She said that when she was 23 and single with no children, she booked leave and bought tickets to visit her parents who lived six hours away.

But her boss asked her to switch the leave with a work colleague the TikTokker named 'Rebecca'.

She then asked her boss if there had been an emergency with the employee needing to swap leave - but there wasn't.

The TikTokker said when she was 23 and single with no children, she booked leave at Easter and bought tickets to visit her parents who lived six hours away before a work colleague asked to swap leave with her because she wasn't a parent

'I went and had a chat with her and said "what's happened [to make you want to swap leave] because I've got tickets booked and I'm really looking forward to seeing my parents,"' the woman said in her TikTok post (stock image)

Her manager told her Rebecca just wanted to be with her family for the Easter break so the woman said she would discuss it with the work colleague.

'I went and had a chat with her and said "what's happened [to make you want to swap leave] because I've got tickets booked and I'm really looking forward to seeing my parents,"' the TikTokker said.

'And she said "well you see, you don't have kids so you don't really need the long weekend to spend it with your family"'

'And she said "well you see, you don't have kids so you don't really need the long weekend to spend it with your family."

'Uh b****, what are parents? That's my family.'

She slammed her for assuming that because she didn't have children, she would be fine to give up the annual leave 'out of the goodness of my heart'.

'F*** off Rebecca, no,' the woman in the video said.

She added she offered a compromise and said she would work Christmas so the employee could take leave then.

But she then gleefully admitted she 'quit two months later'.

Responses to the video called out 'entitled' workers.

'I couldnt imagine as a mum, telling someone my family was more important than theirs,' one mother said.

'Lost my last Christmas with my mom because of entitled parent and no backbone manager. I left them two months later,' another said.

'So glad my work doesn't do this,' said a third.

'Married couples without children are a family too! We want to spend time with our partners, friends and pets!' a fourth wrote.

'I had a co-worker say to a childless co-worker Why are you off on Mothers Day? You dont have kids! umm she has a Mom!??' one more said.
A second batch of classified documents detailing the United States' analyses of global hotspots has been leaked online in a suspected Russian plot.

More than 100 documents are feared to have been obtained in what a senior intelligence called 'a nightmare for the Five Eyes,' - a reference to the intelligence sharing agreement between the United States, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

The documents cover the war in Ukraine, China, terrorism and the Middle East.

The Pentagon confirmed the leak, but said that some of the documents - as with the earlier reported leak - had been doctored to downplay the strength of U.S. allies.

The first tranche of documents appeared to have been posted in early March on the social media platform Discord, according to Aric Toler, an analyst at Bellingcat, the Dutch investigative site.

Friday's documents were published on the controversial message board 4Chan, and subsequently spread on Twitter.

A second batch of documents was leaked online on Friday. They included maps and charts detailing U.S. analyses of the fighting in Ukraine. Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen hold rocket propelled grenades as they attend a training exercise in the Donetsk region on Friday

Joe Biden, seen in Washington DC on Tuesday. His administration confirmed the leaked documents were real, but said some aspects had been doctored

The documents include photographs of charts of weapons that will be delivered to Ukraine, as well as estimates of troop and battalion strengths.

Pentagon officials said the documents were real, but appear to have been altered.

One of the documents leaked on Friday was a map showing the status of the war in the Ukrainian town of Bakhmut, which for six months has been the center of fierce fighting.

It was not clear if the map had been altered, but on Thursday, a slide published online exaggerated the scale of Ukrainian deaths and downplayed the Russian losses.

The slide said that 16,000 to 17,500 Russian soldiers had been killed, while Ukraine had suffered as many as 71,500 troop deaths.

The Pentagon and other analysts estimate that Russia has seen 200,000 killed and injured - double the figure for Ukraine.

The leaked documents also referred to U.S. analysis of the situation in the Middle East and China, and terrorist threats worldwide.

The Chinese army is pictured on parade on Thursday. The leaked documents also detailed U.S. assessments of China

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is seen on Wednesday

The leaks were first reported by The New York Times.

Sources told the paper that they were not believed to have come from Ukrainian officials, in part because the documents came from the offices of the Pentagon's Joint Staff, and Ukraine did not have access to them.

Pro-Russia bloggers suggested the files had been deliberately disseminated, and could be the work of 'Western intelligence in order to mislead our command.'

The Pentagon said it is assessing the security breach.

'We are aware of the reports of social media posts, and the Department is reviewing the matter,' said Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary.

Information in the documents is at least five weeks old, with the most recent dated March 1, the report said.

One of the documents summarized the training schedules of 12 Ukraine combat brigades, and said nine of them were being trained by U.S. and NATO forces.

The document said the brigades needed 250 tanks and more than 350 mechanized vehicles, the newspaper said.

The documents - at least one of which carried a 'top secret' label - were circulated on pro-Russian government channels.

Ukrainian servicemen fire an artillery shell near the frontline area amid the Russia-Ukraine war, in Bakhmut, Ukraine on April 2

Ukrainian soldier of the Aidar battalion fires artillery in the direction of Bakhmut in Donetsk oblast, on April 4

Information in the documents also details expenditure rates for munitions under Ukraine military control, including for the HIMARS rocket systems, the U.S.-made artillery rocket systems that have proven highly effective against Russian forces.

HIMARS are high mobility artillery rocket systems supplied by the U.S.

They are capable of attacks on targets such as ammunition dumps, infrastructure and concentrations of troops, from afar.

While the Pentagon has not publicly stated how fast Ukrainian troops are using the HIMARS munitions, it is stated in the documents.

Biden's officials' attempts to get them deleted had not, as of Thursday evening, been successful.

The documents do not give specific details on how, when, and where Ukraine plans to launch its offensive, which American officials say will probably come in the next month or so.

Analysts said on Friday it could be hard to assess the impact of the documents' disclosure on the frontline conflict now and in the months ahead.

Russia has found it difficult to advance in eastern Ukraine and Western analysts are uncertain whether the Russian military, after having sustained huge losses, will be able to press forward with another attack, or stave off a push from Ukrainian troops.

'Whether these documents are authentic or not, people should take care with anything released by Russian sources,' said Michael Kofman, the director of Russian studies at CNA, a research institute in Arlington, Virginia.
Suella Braverman was accused of 'losing control' on crime after new figures revealed at least 100,000 burglaries went unsolved last year.

Almost three-quarters of the 137,000 burglary reports were dropped without a suspect, according to new figures from the Liberal Democrats.

The City of London and Cumbria forces were the worst culprits, failing to solve 93 and 91 per cent of cases respectively. Cumbria Police dropped 938 out of the 1,008 cases reported.

The Metropolitan Police suffered the highest number of burglary reports at 37,726. They subsequently only solved 26,974 of them - just over 70 per cent, and a sharp drop on the 85 per cent solved in 2021.

Other major police forces, including West Midlands, Merseyside and West Yorkshire, were also guilty of closing thousands of cases without identifying a suspect.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman was accused of 'losing control' on crime after new figures revealed at least 100,000 burglaries went unsolved last year

Cleveland Police were the most successful of the 26 forces who responded to the Freedom of Information requests, solving 92 per cent of all burglaries.

In October the National Police Chiefs' Council confirmed all home burglaries would be attended by police.

Chairman Martin Hewitt said: 'Wherever you live in England and Wales you can be confident the police will attend if you experience the invasion of a home burglary. This should see more burglaries solved and more offenders prosecuted.'

Last night the Home Secretary was urged to back a new statutory guarantee which would ensure all burglaries are attended by the police and properly investigated.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: 'Burglars are getting away with it while victims are denied justice.

'The Conservative Party has lost control of crime because the Home Secretary is only interested in PR stunts and headlines instead of doing the hard graft, tackling the criminal gangs sowing fear in local communities.'

A Home Office spokesman said: 'We welcome the recent figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales which show that burglary is down by 34 per cent since December 2019.

'The Home Secretary made clear to Police Chiefs that forces must attend all domestic burglaries. We support the commitment from forces that they will deliver this pledge and expect them to implement it as soon as practically possible.'
A young New South Wales police officer has been charged with alleged sexual related offences involving a teenage girl.

Police launched an investigation after receiving reports the probationary constable allegedly committed a sexual offence involving a 17-year-old girl in December last year.

Following inquiries, a 27-year-old man was arrested on April 6 and taken to Singleton Police Station.

The 27-year-old officer is a probationary constable attached to a command in the Northern Region of NSW

He was charged with inciting another person to do a sexual act without consent and behaving in offensive manner in/near public place/school.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Singleton Local Court on May 11.

The officer is a probationary constable attached to a command in the Northern Region of NSW.

The officer's employment status is currently under review.
Distressing footage showed a 12-year-old girl from Portland being beaten-up by a school bully, forcing her to take a panic alarm to class after her school ignored a judge's no-contact order

Jocelyn Karst was beaten up by the unnamed assailant at the apartment block where both live, but the notorious West Sylvan Middle School both attend is alleged to have enabled further bullying on campus.

Karst and her mother, Heather Chick, said that her daughter at one point tried to bring pepper spray to school to stop what the concerned mom calls 'vicious' bullying but had it confiscated.

A video from the October assault shows a student beating up Karst inside the building where they both live and where Chick told DailyMail.com they are unable to move out of because of financial issues.

'She pulled me, threw me to the ground, and then started hitting me multiple times,' Karst told KOIN 6. 'And all I remember is apologizing over and over. I kind of didn't know what was real at that point.'

Distressing footage showed a Portland 12-year-old girl beaten-up by a school bully, forcing her to take a panic alarm to class after her school ignored a judge's no-contact order

West Sylvan Middle School, shown here, is ranked as the fifth best middle school in Oregon, according to US News & World Report

Chick said she was completely unaware of what was going on, cooking dinner in their home at the time.

She adds that she alerted the school that she'd gotten a protective order against the bully shortly after it happened and it was eventually made permanent, but the school has not done anything to help stop the abuse.

'The teachers and the principal mostly have been very aware of what's going on, and still did not follow those rules,' said Chick.

'I mean, we could have beenheld accountable too if something would have happened with her, you know, towards her. Either way, it goes both ways. And nobody established any kind of rules or boundaries.'

She added that the video being shared around campus led to even more bullying towards her daughter.

There have been at least three other bullying attacks at West Sylvan Middle School in recent months, KOIN 6 reported.

According to US News & World Report, West Sylvan is ranked as the fifth best middle school in all of Oregon.

Chick and Karst sent an email to the school March 9 writing: 'I am aware of multiple acts of violence that seemingly continue to occur at West Sylvan Middle School. While this pattern concerns me, I specifically need to know what steps you are going to take to protect my client while she is in your school, in compliance with the terms of the attached order.'

Dr. Jon Franco, the chief of Portland Public Schools, claims the student identified hasn't been on campus since March 8.

Jocelyn Karst was beaten up by the unnamed assailant at the apartment block where both live, but the notorious West Sylvan Middle School both attend is said to have enabled further bullying on campus

Karst and her mother, Heather Chick (pictured right), said that her daughter has been forced to bring pepper spray and a panic button to school to stop what Chick calls 'vicious' bullying but have had them taken away

Chick fought to get a restraining order against the bully but claimed the school wouldn't honor it the next day

'There is a national crisis around student dis-regulation and we in Portland are not immune to this crisis,' Franco said in a statement.

'We have, and will continue, to prioritize Social Emotional Learning (SEL) support for students through SEL curriculum, increasing the number of quality mental health providers, and professional development for educators and staff.'

Chick, speaking to DailyMail.com, claimed that she hasn't heard from the school directly about any of her complaints and doesn't believe they were ever heard, given the student was allowed in school a day after the restraining order was finalized.

She said that when she called them on it, school officials laughed and her daughter said they shook their heads.

'An hour after that, we learned this girl just attacked another girl in the restroom along with four others.'

Chick, speaking to DailyMail.com, claimed that she hasn't heard from the school directly about any of her complaints and doesn't believe they were ever heard, given the student was allowed in school a day after the restraining order was finalized

Dr. Jon Franco (pictured), Portland Public Schools Chief, claims the child has not been in attendance at the school since March 8

Chick notes that she and her daughter are in low-income housing and are unable to change where they live or where her child attends school.

'We aren't protected by anyone here in our housing, in the schools, police won't honor the restraining order as they said they never knew what legal ways they can do it. The system is very screwy and they need help to help our youth.'

Portland Public School says they've added a 'campus safety associate' to stop these attacks, but Karst believes more should be done, including an investigation into the school district.

'The principal and vice principal should gain knowledge about this,' Karst said. 'The violence has caused me to not want to be there. It has caused me to fear for my life.'

Chick just wants to school to show some sort of concern for her daugher's well being.

'They go to school a lot of hours, and those kids depend on these adults to take care of them, and to watch them, and keep them safe, and to teach them,' she said. 'What they're teaching them right now is nobody cares.'
An Australian journalist has been revealed as a key witness in the case that led to the indictment of former US president Donald Trump.

Dylan Howard gave secret evidence earlier this year before a Manhattan grand jury indicted Trump last Thursday.

Trump is the first ex-president to be charged with a crime over allegations he falsified business records in relation to hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 US election.

He pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts inside the Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday.

Mr Howard was allegedly involved in several matters concerning Trump while he was working at the National Inquirer between 2013 and 2019.

Dylan Howard gave secret evidence earlier this year before a Manhattan grand jury indicted Trump on March 30

Trump is the first ex-president to be charged with a crime over allegations he made hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 US election

He is a former Channel Seven reporter who was dumped by the network in 2008 after airing a story based on the confidential medical records of two AFL players.

He was the subject of an inquiry in 2012 over allegations of sexual misconduct at American Media Inc, the company that formerly owned the National Inquirer.

Mr Howard was also named among disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein's 'army of spies', a group of journalists who worked to uncover information about people who were accusing Weinstein of sexual assault.

Mr Howard's lawyer John B Harris confirmed his client had acted as a witness before the grand jury in regards to the case against Trump.

'Mr Howard has always fully co-operated with government inquiries regarding his former employer's relationship with Donald Trump,' he said.

'He did so again before the New York grand jury earlier this year.

'Mr Howard was, and remains, merely a witness in these inquiries and has never been accused of wrongdoing by any authority.'

Mr Howard's former company American Media Inc was accused of being part of a 'catch and kill' scheme for Trump, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg claimed the organisation worked 'to identify and suppress negative stories' about Trump in the lead-up to the 2016 election.

He filed a statement of facts with the New York Supreme Court that doesn't specifically name Mr Howard but refers to him by his former role as editor-in-chief.

Mr Bragg alleges in the statement of facts that the editor-in-chief contacted one of Trump's lawyers, 'Lawyer A', in June 2016.

'Lawyer A' has been identified as Michael Cohen, the attorney for Trump between 2006 and 2018.

The document alleges the pair had spoken about a woman, 'Woman 1', 'who alleged she had a sexual relationship with the Defendant while he was married'.

'Woman 1' has been identified as Karen McDougal, a former model for Playboy.

'The AMI Editor-in-Chief updated Lawyer A regularly about the matter over text message and by telephone,' Mr Bragg alleges in the statement.

'AMI ultimately paid $150,000 to Woman 1 in exchange for her agreement not to speak out about the alleged sexual relationship, as well as for two magazine cover features of Woman 1 and a series of articles that would be published under her byline.'

Mr Bragg alleges Mr Howard also connected one of Trump's lawyers with a legal representative of porn star Stormy Daniels

Mr Bragg alleges Mr Howard also connected one of Trump's lawyers with a legal representative of porn star Stormy Daniels.

Mr Bragg alleges Mr Howard had contacted chief executive of American Media Inc David Pecker about Daniels in October 2016.

It came shortly after the release of a 2005 video showing Trump making obscene comments about women while speaking to Access Hollywood host Billy Bush.

Trump later apologized and dismissed the remarks as 'locker-room banter'.

Mr Bragg alleged Mr Howard then 'connected' Cohen with lawyers for Daniel.

Mr Howard has had a long and chequered history in media.

He was dumped by Channel Seven after reporting on two AFL players based on their medical records.

Police launched an investigation into claims the files had been stolen but cleared Mr Howard saying he would not face any charges.

He later became chief content officer and editor-in-chief of the National Inquirer before moving on as CEO and chairman of New York-based Empire Media Group in 2020.
Joe Biden's visit to Northern Ireland next week has been overshadowed by the heightened terror threat and political vacuum in Stormont.

The US president will arrive in Belfast on Tuesday  but police in the province fear that dissident republicans could launch attacks the day before.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) chiefs said the force had received 'strong' intelligence of plans to carry out terror attacks against officers in Londonderry on Easter Monday.

Mr Biden will arrive on Tuesday evening ahead of a day of commemorative events marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which was signed on April 10, 1998.

The peace deal was a diplomatic feat that created powersharing in the province and brought 30 years of bloodshed largely to an end.

Joe Biden will arrive on Tuesday evening ahead of a day of commemorative events marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which was signed on April 10, 1998

But the president will not visit Stormont, where it was hoped he would address the Assembly. Though sources blamed it on logistics, there is speculation that the decision was taken for political reasons.

Stormont has not functioned since last February, when the DUP withdrew its first minister from the ministerial executive in protest at the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said he could sympathise with Mr Biden's decision not to address the Assembly.

'I mean, why would he go to an empty building? He might as well go to a wake,' he told RTE yesterday.

On Thursday, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the force had received 'strong' intelligence that dissidents are planning to launch terror attacks against officers on the bank holiday.

It comes after MI5 recently raised the terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. This followed the gun attack in Co Tyrone on senior detective John Caldwell, who was left with life-changing injuries. Police have blamed the New IRA for the attack.

Easter Monday is the day that dissident republicans traditionally mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising rebellion against British rule in 1916, with a parade set to take place in Londonderry. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said yesterday that the idea that the collapse of the powersharing institutions had fuelled violence 'doesn't stack up'.

On Thursday, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the force had received 'strong' intelligence that dissidents are planning to launch terror attacks against officers on the bank holiday

'While Stormont was sitting for many years these dissident republicans engaged in violence, they murdered police officers,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

He added: 'I remember during one sitting of the Assembly they murdered two soldiers in Co Antrim as they were preparing for deployment to Afghanistan. Of course, we want to see Stormont fully functioning, but the idea that when we get Stormont back up and running, dissident republicans will put their guns away, I didn't hear the Chief Constable [Simon Byrne] suggest that. The idea that evil men and women who go out to commit murder react to political circumstances simply doesn't stack up.'

It is understood Mr Biden's trip to Northern Ireland will involve just one engagement at Ulster University. He will also visit Dublin, Co Louth and Co Mayo next week. His itinerary is expected to include delivering a speech to the Irish parliament, but without his secret service agents.

His armed bodyguards have been banned from the chamber of the Dail in Dublin, as guns are not allowed. But a compromise has been found where they can stand just two metres away from the president behind an open door during the speech, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Charities fighting government efforts to control UK borders are receiving millions of pounds a year in taxpayers money, a Mail investigation has revealed.

Former home secretary Priti Patel last night demanded a review into charity funding following our discovery that many groups challenging Rishi Sunaks flagship immigration policies are paid huge sums in government grants and contracts.

MPs warned that charities were being propped up financially by the Government while simultaneously staging politically inspired campaigns and legal action against its policies.

The review was called for as Orlando Fraser, head of the Charity Commission, ordered them to stay out of politics.

His warning was triggered by concern that some charities had overstepped the mark when criticising government plans to send illegal migrants to Rwanda.

Former home secretary Priti Patel last night demanded a review into charity funding

Mr Fraser said they were not political parties and should not focus on trashing the motivation of those who think differently or allow their leaders personal views to dictate their public positions.

Our revelations show one organisation spearheading a controversial national campaign to halt the flights to Rwanda received 30 million from public funds last year to run its operations.

Another that supports refugee clients was handed 7 million in government grants and contracts despite openly opposing it over the Rwanda flights and the new stricter Borders Bill being championed by Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

Both charities were among more than 150 signatories of an open letter to ministers last year, condemning their plans to control immigration.

Charity Commission documents examined by the Mail show that 42 of the organisations behind the letter shared 50,872,437 of taxpayers money  including cash from central Government, local councils and the NHS  in the year up to March 2022.

A key recipient was Migrant Helpline, also known as Migrant Help. Described on the commissions website as spending its money on the relief of refugees, it got 30 million in taxpayer-funded contracts and 1,434,000 in grants last year.

Its website issued a statement last month criticising the new Illegal Migration Bill.

Another big beneficiary is the Refugee Council, which received 7,145,000 in grants and 383,000 in contracts from public funds last year.

Another charity that supports refugee clients was handed 7 million in government grants and contracts despite openly opposing it over the Rwanda flights

A charity was handed 7 million in government grants and contracts despite openly opposing it over the Rwanda flights and the new stricter Borders Bill championed by Suella Braverman

Yet the charitys chief Enver Solomon is openly hostile to the Tories migration policies, describing them this week as a draconian form of performative cruelty that will lead only to yet more chaos, cost and human misery.

Others signing the letter slamming the Government while receiving public funds include the Medaille Trust, providing safe housing for trafficked refugees (3,092,608); Stonewall, supporting LGBTQ migrants (426,390); and Asylum Welcome, operating from Oxfordshire for vulnerable migrants facing legal problems (474,953).

Ms Patel said: Hard-pressed taxpayers, keen to see our borders controlled and illegal migration stopped, will be shocked to see their taxes being spent in this way. A review is needed of the funds going into these charities whose political activity and campaigning are undermining our national interests.

Former Cabinet minister David Jones added: Charities should not be tempted to stray into the political arena... This conduct is even more deplorable when public money is being used to campaign against decisions of the democratically elected Government.

Fellow Tory MP Tim Loughton, who sits on the home affairs committee, said: Many refugee charities do good work supporting vulnerable refugees genuinely escaping danger and needing support.

'But it is difficult to see how they can justify spending public money on mounting legal challenges to frustrate government measures to clamp down on bogus asylum seekers who, in turn, are funding organised crime by attempting to enter the UK in the most inappropriate manner.

Rachael Orr, chairman of trustees at the Refugee Council, said: Like many charities, one of our primary purposes is to advocate for our beneficiaries  refugees and people seeking asylum.

Fellow Tory MP Tim Loughton said: Many refugee charities do good work supporting vulnerable refugees genuinely escaping danger and needing support'

We use our expertise and knowledge gained from the delivery of our services to constructively engage and challenge the Government to take action to improve the lives of refugees which is in line with our charitable objects and purpose.

The Refugee Council said that in 2021-22 it received 2.2 million from central government, 4 million from sources such as local authorities and the NHS, and 1.6 million from a European Union fund.

Migrant Helpline said: As a charity that has worked with displaced people for 60 years, we have a duty to make our views clear on proposed government policy, before it is implemented. Stonewall, the Medaille Trust and Asylum Welcome were contacted for comment.
The two boys arrested on charges of murdering three teenagers in central Florida robbed a man at gunpoint, hours before their victims were found shot dead, police said.

Robert Robinson, 17, and 12-year-old Christopher Atkins had arranged to meet a man and sell him a gun for $240 on the evening of March 30. They drove up to his house shortly after 7pm, and the prospective buyer got inside their vehicle.

The gun was placed on the buyer's lap who then took $240 from his pocket. The weapon was snatched back by one of the boys: Robinson pistol-whipped the man, and then the pair aimed their guns at the man, according to a police report.

The prospective buyer scrambled out the car and ran towards his house: one shot was fired towards him, and the white sedan sped off.

Surveillance camera footage captured the gunshot noise at 7:10pm.

Robert Robinson, 17, was arrested on Friday and accused of killing three teenagers, as well as armed robbery hours before the murders

Robinson's accomplice was a 12 year old, Christopher Atkins, known as '35'. Robinson was known as 'Reaper'

Layla Silvernail, 16, was found shot in the head and left in a dumpster, but still alive. She later died in hospital, before police found two more teenage victims - one 17-year-old boy, and another 16-year-old girl

The car belonged to a member of the Silvernail family, the police report states.

At 10:52pm that same night, Layla Silvernail, 16, was found dying from a gunshot wound.

Her body had been dumped in a dumpster.

The redacted police does not reveal whether Layla was in the car at the time of the armed robbery, less than four hours before she was found dying. It does suggest that a member of the family was with the two thieves.

A female was with the group shortly before the armed robbery.

She told police that 'Silvernail told her that after she was dropped off, they were going to pick up 'Reaper' and '35'.'

The affidavit says that Robinson went by the name 'Reaper', and Atkins was '35'.

Two other teenage victims were found shortly after Layla Silvernail: an unnamed 17-year-old boy was found less than a mile away on the side of a road, and 16-year-old Camille Quarles was found on April 1 inside Silvernail's car, which was partially submerged in a pond.

An arrest affidavit for Robinson was produced on April 2, detailing the armed robbery.

Robinson and Atkins were picked out by the victim - the prospective gun buyer - in a photographic line up.

On April 5, an arrest warrant was issued for Robinson on charges of 'robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon' - Robinson was arrested two days later, on April 7.

Christopher Atkins, 12, and Robert Robinson, 17, remain in custody on charges related to the killings of three teenagers in Florida

A third perpetrator, Tahj Brewton, is being sought by cops in connection with the shootings

A third suspect in the killings of the three teenagers - Tahj Brewton, 17 - remains at large.

A $10,000 reward has been offered for information that could lead to his capture.

The sheriff in the tiny Florida town of Ocklawaha vowed to hunt down the third suspect in the killings.

'I will get him,' said Billy Woods, Marion County sheriff.

Woods explained that the victims and the alleged killers were all 'associated in some way with a gang' that was involved in a spate of robberies and burglaries.

'There is no honor among thieves, and at some point, these individuals turned on our three victims and murdered them,' said Woods.

He said that the three suspects 'fled the scene but left a lot of evidence in their wake.'

Woods fought back tears as he described having to 'stare into the eyes' of the young suspects' mothers.

He said: 'I put myself in the shoes of those mothers because I heard one of them say, 'I wish I would have known what this one was doing and who they were, because my kid never would have hung out with them.'

Detectives were able to determine that the three teenage victims were together prior to their murders in a vehicle owned by Silvernail, before they were dumped in different locations over a three-day period.

According to an arrest affidavit filed against 12-year-old Atkins, Silvernail's body was discovered in a garbage dumpster after a vehicle crashed into it, soon after residents heard several gunshots.

Sixteen-year-old Silvernail was still alive when she was discovered near Forest Lakes Park. She later succumbed to her injuries and died in hospital.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods announced arrests had been made during a press conference Friday morning

Silvernail was found, still alive, inside this dumpster in Marion, County Florida

Camille Quarles, 16, was found Saturday inside Silvernail's car, which was partially submerged in a pond

Layla Silvernail's friends and family have paid heartbreaking tributes to the teen, who they say was 'taken from us too soon and will be greatly missed'

This is the location where a schoolgirl found one of the 17-year-old victims while on her way to school

The grisly discovery was followed hours later when an unnamed 17-year-old victim was found less than a mile away on the side of a road.

He was sprawled on the side of a dirt road where a female student says she stumbled over the horror on her way to catch a school bus early on the morning of March 31.

'I was walking with my brother and I found the guy he was not breathing,' the student, who would only give her name as Khatia, told DailyMail.com.

'He was laying on his side and was wearing a black hoodie, black shirt, black pants and black shoes.

'He had the hoodie over his head and he had a black mask up over his face.

'I couldn't see his face. You could only see his eyes.'

A third victim, 16-year-old Camille Quarles, was found Saturday inside Silvernail's car, which was partially submerged in a pond.

The arrested suspects confessed to shooting Quarles in the vehicle, Woods said.

They obtained guns from car thefts, he said, but declined to comment on the number of weapons used in the killings.

Asked about the motive, Woods said: 'We have nothing to say that it was any rivalry or anything to such that cause.

'However, each and every one of them was associated in some shape or form was associated in some way with a gang.

'There is no honor among thieves, and at some point, these individuals turned on our three victims and murdered them.'
Everyone knows that politics is a brutal game. Sometimes, however, the rough and tumble can descend into the gutter.

A case in point is Labours use, ahead of next months local elections, of a deliberately misleading and deeply offensive advert to smear Rishi Sunak as being soft on paedophiles.

To justify this malevolent claim, Labour points to Ministry of Justice figures that show 4,500 adults convicted of child sex offences since the Tories came to power in 2010 avoided a prison sentence.

Yet Mr Sunak was not even an MP until 2015, he has never held ministerial responsibilities for the courts and he has been the PM for less than six months.

To suggest that he should be personally blamed for the sentencing policies of judges  who, in this country, are mercifully independent of political meddling  is preposterous. As a former Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Keir Starmer would know that  but still approved the despicable attack ad.

Mr Sunak was not even an MP until 2015, he has never held ministerial responsibilities for the courts and he has been the PM for less than six months

This illustrates not only the depths of his duplicity, but also his staggering hypocrisy. For as DPP, Labours leader was instrumental in setting the very sentencing guidelines he now cites to condemn the Tories.

And while he spuriously accuses Mr Sunak of not locking up dangerous child abusers, Sir Keirs own record doesnt stand up to scrutiny. After all, as DPP he failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile and grooming gangs who raped hundreds of young girls. His pearl-clutching over law and order simply stretches credulity.

Labour HQ may be ecstatic that the ill-judged tweet has stirred up outrage, but it speaks volumes that even Sir Keirs own frontbenchers have refused to endorse it.

Indeed, as ex-Labour home secretary David Blunkett writes in these pages: When baseless allegations and spurious slurs replace fair and robust political debate, the very foundations of our democracy are compromised.

The truth is, Sir Keir resorts to mendacity because he has no positive vision to offer the country. During Partygate, he piously said that in politics honesty and decency matter. Hes got a poor way of showing it.

Patients or hostages?

Junior doctors are trained to save lives. So British Medical Association members putting patients at risk by calling a four-day strike next week is unconscionable.

With fewer colleagues to cover strikers shifts due to the Easter holiday, NHS chiefs warn medical care rests on a knife edge. Countless thousands will be denied treatment  and some will surely die.

But scandalously, the hard-Left union refuses to back down unless the Government meets an unaffordable 35 per cent pay rise. This is nothing short of a ransom demand  with the sick and injured as hostages.

Junior Doctors from the BMA trade union on their picket line at St Thomas' Hospital on March 15, 2023 in London

On road to hell, again

Huge queues at Dover. Flights grounded and Eurostar services axed in France. Engineering works bringing our dilapidated railways to a halt. Gridlock on our roads.

Every year Easter sees a surge in demand for travel as Britons seek to banish the winter blues. And each year, the authorities are caught on the hop. With the UK set to bask in sunshine over the weekend, many will ask themselves: Why on earth did we bother leaving home in the first place?

Queues of holidaymakers waiting on busy roads close to the Port of Dover

n WHAT a breath of fresh air that King Charles has invited hundreds of unsung heroes and charity workers to attend his Coronation. It would have been all too easy for him to fall back on tradition and stuff Westminster Abbey to the rafters with peers in coronets, peacocking placemen and potentates from across the globe. Instead, by reflecting his desire to serve a modern, diverse Britain, this joyous occasion will truly be the Peoples Coronation.
Britons were out in force this evening, kicking off the four-day Bank Holiday weekend in high spirits to the apparent amusement, or bemusement, of passers by.

Pictures sent in from across the country show punters wasted no time in flocking to pubs dressed up in Easter outfits for a night on the town.

As temperatures in the capital soared to highs of 48 F (9 C) overnight, Londoners opted for outdoor drinks, donning bunny ears.

Onlookers could only look on as revellers danced in public and downed drinks as businesses close their doors for the weekend.

Revellers make the most of a Good Friday night out in Soho as Easter Bank Holiday begins

Punters in Soho, London, make the most of the start of the long Easter bank holiday, on Friday

Most Brits are off from today and will be able to enjoy an uninterrupted break through until the end of the Easter celebrations on Tuesday.

In Oxford, young people were seen in the city centre for a night of fun.

Venues are making the most of the long weekend with a string of themed nights across the city.

Oxford residents can look forward to clear skies through until Sunday, with showers expected on Easter Monday.

Revellers make the most of a Good Friday night out in Soho as Easter Bank Holiday begins

Revellers took to the bars and clubs of Oxford on Good Friday night

In the north of the country, the atmosphere was just as electric.

A bride-to-be and her bridesmaids let their hair down at Sensations Night Club in Liverpool.

Several hen and stag do's apparently chose the long weekend for evening antics.

Opposite the Popworld nightclub, currently gearing up for a 12-hour party tomorrow, partygoers were seen looking a little worse for wear.

Stag and hen do's flocked to Liverpool city centre's bars and nightclub to the earlier hours

A man leans against the wall of the Empire pub on Hanover St in Liverpool opposite Popworld

Nottingham was also packed with revellers enjoying Good Friday.

Many came out in festive costumes for the occasion.

Punters made the most of the police presence in Nottingham, taking pictures side-by-side.

Others, out in large groups, stopped to take selfies and chat on the way to clubs.

Punters take pictures with the police on a night out in Nottingham on Friday

A man carries a woman amid nightlife scenes in Nottingham on Good Friday 2023

Groups enjoy Nottingham nightlife during the bank holiday Friday

A group get together for a photo on a night out in Nottingham

In Leeds, people were pictured out also wearing 'festive' outfits to mark the start of the holiday.

Long queues trailed back outside venues on Friday night as young people looked to make the most of the break.

Some were seen out celebrating birthdays to coincide with the long weekend.

A woman wears a 30th birthday badge on a night out in Leeds on Friday
A Texas couple is fighting to get their two-week-old daughter returned to them after social services removed the baby because the parents refused to have the infant treated at a hospital for jaundice.

Temecia and Rodney Jackson says that when officials showed up at their home in Desoto, Texas, to take their child, the paperwork named the baby's mother as another woman, who has a criminal record.

The documents referred to Rodney Jackson as baby Mila's 'alleged father.'

The Jacksons welcomed six pound and nine ounce Mila on March 21. The little girl was born at their home in Desoto, a suburb of Dallas, with a midwife present.

They took Mila for a routine appointment at a local hospital when she was three days old, and were seen by a nurse working with pediatrician Dr Anand Bhatt. The Jacksons say that they were told their daughter was healthy, and were discharged.

Temecia Jackson is seen at home in Desoto, Texas, with baby Mila, who was born on March 21

Mila was born at home, with the supervision of Cheryl Edinbyrd, a certified professional midwife

Newborn Mila suffered from jaundice - a common condition, affecting 60 percent of all babies

They soon became concerned she had jaundice, and took her to the hospital on March 27.

'While at the pediatrician we were told the levels are high and they will test blood, and follow up,' Temecia told The Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

'They followed up and said we need to admit baby into the hospital for light therapy immediately.'

The Jacksons said they wanted to do the therapy at home because they did not want their baby admitted to the hospital.

'We followed up to let him know we will complete light care independently at home,' she said.

Infant jaundice occurs because the baby's blood contains an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment of red blood cells. The condition is common: about 60 percent of all babies have jaundice, according to the CDC.

Yet Dr Bhatt - who Temecia Jackson says did not see the baby, with his nurse practitioner checking the newborn instead - was adamant that Mila needed in-hospital care, after he deemed her levels of bilirubin dangerous.

Temecia and Rodney Jackson are seen on Thursday at a press conference begging for the return of their newborn daughter

Dr Anand Bhatt, a pediatrician, said that the newborn had jaundice to a dangerous level, and needed hospital treatment: the parents insisted she could be treated at home

Newborn baby Mila, who was delivered at home in the Dallas suburbs

On March 28 social services arrived at the Jackson's home and took Mila away.

Dr Bhatt, in his letter recommending the newborn be taken from the parents, said Mila had dangerously high levels of bilirubin, which can lead to brain damage.

Mila's bilirubin level was 21.7, according to the letter obtained by WFAA.

Dr Bhatt wrote that 'at a bilirubin over 20, a baby risks brain damage, because the bilirubin can cross the blood brain barrier.'

He said he tried repeatedly to contact the parents, but when that failed, called Child Protection Services and said the baby needed urgent medical care.

'I filed a case report with CPS after trying 10 attempts to appeal to the family through phone calls, text messages and leaving voicemails as they did not pick up the phone,' he wrote.

'Parents are very loving and they care dearly about their baby.

'Their distrust for medical care and guidance has led them to make a decision for the baby to refuse a simple treatment that can prevent brain damage.

'I authorized the support of CPS to help get this baby the care that was medically necessary and needed.'

The CPS agreed, and in its own letter stated: 'Due to the parents being unwilling to discuss the danger and potential consequences of this condition, it is necessary for the Department to intervene.'

The CPS letter listed concerns of 'possible stroke, brain damage, or other immediate dangers to child.'

The Jacksons discovered, on reading the paperwork, that the mother was listed as another woman, who had a criminal history.

Rodney Jackson was described as the 'alleged father'.

'Unlawfully, entered my home to take my baby from me,' she said on Thursday, at a news conference held at the Afiya Center in Dallas.

'Instantly, I felt like they had stolen my baby as I had had a home birth, and they were trying to say my baby belonged to this other woman.'

The Jacksons said they have been 'treated like criminals'

Cheryl Edinbyrd, the certified professional midwife who attended to Mila's birth

Her husband added: 'We've been treated like criminals - and that's far from the truth.

'This is a nightmare I wouldn't wish on anyone.'

The Jacksons have since visited their baby in the hospital and are expected in court April 20.

Gary Gates, a state representative, is campaigning to have Mila returned to her parents.

He said it was 'horrible; that the newborn should be kept from her mother during the vital first few weeks.

'You mean nothing's going to be done for another couple of weeks?' he said.

'I mean, this child will be more than a month old, and it's been totally denied from bonding with its mother.'

He also noted the errors on the paperwork.

'And if this is a false affidavit, you know, that's criminal,' Gates said.

'You know, you can't file a false affidavit because you're swearing under oath that every single line of that affidavit is correct.'

Cheryl Edinbyrd, the certified professional midwife who attended to Mila's birth, said: 'CPS has enough to do out here for kids that are really getting beat and abused. This child was being nurtured. This child was being supported. And this child was being loved. And this child was kidnapped.'

She added: 'We are demanding that Mila be returned home today. Today. Because yesterday was too late.'
Ah, Easter...

For Christians, it marks the anniversary of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

But it's also a time for eating chocolate eggs, admiring daffodils and basking in milder spring weather.

And as these cringeworthy snaps from Awkward Family Photos show, attempts to celebrate the annual event don't always turn out as well as planned...

This woman dressed up as the Easter bunny for this 1970s photo - but the little boy she's with looks none-too-amused by the sagging onesie she's donned for the occasion

An immaculately-dressed girl checks out two beautifully-wrapped Easter baskets. But the scene is somewhat marred by the presence of a nearly-naked man wearing just his underwear

The little girl on the left looks upset to be in the presence of this demonic-looking Easter bunny - and who could blame her?

Easter - and spring - are both known as a time of rebirth. And these two rabbits seem keen to get on with increasing the population in their own way, with a little girl totally-nonplussed by their mating

A little girl looks excitedly at a beautiful Easter basket - while the man beside her has his own adult version, complete with boxes of Tareyton cigarettes

One family decided to recreate and old family photo with them posing the exact same way decades on

A dad sitting with his two kids looked disturbed by the creepy looking rabbit seated nearby

One father appears to have had enough egg-citement even before the the Easter egg hunt got underway

These two children appear to be crying out for help while being held hostage by a giant bunny

Two little girls appear differ in their opinions as to whether they're having a good time -as their anxious mother looks on

While one family of four are having their photo taken, it's a great time for another guest to down a can of beer - likely full of hops and barley

One youngster appears to have escaped from the clutches of a giant Easter bunny that's on the loose

This chicken appears to have a knowing look while a young boy stands directly in front

A brother and sister, all dressed up to celebrate the festival, cling onto the bannister of their staircase

A couple of girl can't escape the clutches of this enormous Easter bunny as they pose for a pic

This little boy appears to be turning as red as the demonic rabbit above him

This foursome did as they were told and stood in front of the camera. That's where the instructions ended

Morning has broken, leaving dad no time to brush his hair before these eggs-static children were snapped dressed in their Easter pajamas

This rabbit looks rather depressed, or perhaps he's just un-hoppy?

This little baby appears happy to hop along for the ride with the Easter Bunny holding him tight

These children appear happy it's finally Easter, although one girl has her dress tucked into her tights, which surely was not part of the plan?

Hopefully this rabbit's 'face' was washed before this little boy gave his mom a kiss

This picture's a real head turner as a little girl appears to be walking in one direction while facing the other

Luckily, these girls didn't put all their eggs in one basket meaning there was plenty of toys to go around

One little girl found herself in a bit of a hare-raising situation

Not everyone got the memo to bring their rabbit paw gloves

It's clear that some bunny loves you in this family photo

One family did not appear to be yet be in the Easter spirit as they posed for a picture
An Australian fly-in fly-out worker has revealed how she fell in love with an American who is locked up in prison on the other side of the world.

Perth-woman Savannah Phyffer, 29, is preparing to buy a plane ticket so she can visit Alex, 31, who is locked up in Nevada, in the United States.

It will mark the first time the pair have ever met face to face after first meeting through a pen pal program in April, 2022.

An Australian fly-in fly-out worker (pictured, Savannah Phyffer) has revealed how she fell in love with an American who is locked up in prison on the other side of the world

Perth-woman Savannah Phyffer, 29, is preparing to buy a plane ticket so she can visit Alex, 31 (pictured), who is locked up in Nevada, in the United States

'There is something magic between us, and I just know this is who I was meant to be with,' she told news.com.au.

'He makes me feel incredibly special and loved.'

Ms Phyffer had started writing to a different inmate through a penpal service called 'Write A Prisoner'.

The service connects residents from different countries with prisoners.

Ms Phyffer said the inmate had stopped responding to her when she received a letter 'out of the blue' from Alex.

Alex was thrown behind bars in 2020 and will be released in 2026.

Ms Phyffer learned that the inmate she had been writing to at the start had shared her details with Alex who took it upon himself to write her a letter.

'So I guess you could say he made the first move,' she said.

The pair began writing to each other on a regular basis before they took their relationship to the next level and started chatting on the phone.

They then made their relationship official five months later in September.

Ms Phyffer said it doesn't bother her that the couple have not met face to face yet because their personalities 'match so well' and they get along like a 'house on fire'.

The 29-year-old said she had been waiting on 'visitation approval' since November and finally received the green light in March.

Ms Phyffer has been detailing the couple's journey on TikTok.

In one video she talks about the moment the Nevada Department of Corrections approved her application to visit Alex in jail.

'Literally when he told me, I'm going to cry now actually, I couldn't help but cry,' she said.

'And it's just like a surreal feeling because I finally get to go.'

Ms Phyffer has kept details for her lover's incarceration a secret but reassured her followers Alex has not been jailed for 'murder or crimes against women or children'.

She has already made plans to fly over and said she could not wait to 'hold him and kiss him'.

Ms Phyffer said she intends to live in the United States once her boyfriend has been released from prison.
An animated and passionate Kamala Harris made a last-minute trip to Nashville on Friday, where she condemned Republicans for their 'cowardice' in refusing to allow debate over gun control, and urged young people to rise up for what they believe in.

Harris traveled to the Tennessee capital after two black Democratic state representatives were expelled on Thursday for staging a protest inside the House, demanding more gun control.

A white female Democrat lawmaker who joined in the protest kept her job, sparking racism allegations.

Their protest came three days after the March 27 shooting at a Nashville school, which killed six people, including three children.

Harris, thumping the lectern, told a crowd at Fisk University - an historically black school - that more needed to be done to end school shootings.

'Every generation has its calling,' she told them. 'And so in particular, to all the young leaders here: This issue is going to require your leadership. We need you.'

Kamala Harris hugs expelled Rep. Justin Pearson, a Democrat representing Memphis, before speaking at Fisk University on Friday

Harris hugs Pearson, a Democrat representing Memphis, who was expelled from the state legislature on Thursday

Harris is seen with her fist clenched as she delivered a fiery speech

The 58-year-old vice president whipped up the crowd, urging them to have courage in their convictions.

'The issue, which gets back to these three, is that we need leaders who have the courage to act at state houses and in Washington, D.C., in the United States Congress,' she said.

'Have the courage to act instead of the cowardice to not allow debate.'

She said the 'Tennessee Three' were acting to protect students.

'Let's understand the underlying issue is about fighting for the safety of our children,' she thundered.

Her voice rising, she declared: 'It's been years now where they are taught to read and write - and hide in a closet and be quiet if there's a mass shooter at their school; where our children, who have God's capacity to learn and lead, who go to school in fear.'

Harris was animated as she spoke to the Nashville crowd on Thursday

Representatives Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson are seen with their fists raised in a show of defiance after Harris's speech

Speaking with feeling, she called for background checks, red flag laws and restrictions on assault rifles.

'Let's not fall for the false choice - either you're in favor of the Second Amendment or you want reasonable gun safety laws,' Harris said.

'We can and should do both.'

Her remarks were greeted with wild applause, and several standing ovations.

Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, the two who were expelled on Thursday, have rapidly found themselves being styled as folk heroes.

Gloria Johnson, the third member of the legislature to protest on March 30, was not expelled: Johnson, 60, who is white, said she swerved censure because of the color of her skin.

Harris said Jones and Pearson were being silenced and stifled for standing up for the lives of schoolchildren.

She met privately with Jones, Pearson and Johnson, as well as with other elected officials and young people advocating for tougher gun control laws.

Gloria Johnson, 60, is seen with 27-year-old Justin Pearson and Justin Jones. All three took part in a demonstration on March 30: the two black men were expelled

Ahead of the event, students and others were lined up down the block, hoping to enter the school's Memorial Chapel.

Inside several young black women wore sweaters with the initials for Alpha Kappa Alpha, a black sorority that Harris belonged to.

'It's exciting to see someone from my organization doing great and amazing things,' said one of them, Jasmyn Thrash.

Nashville Metro Councilperson Zulfat Suara addressed the crowd before Harris arrived, saying the expulsions 'tell us exactly what we need to know about how the state views young black men' standing up for what they believe.

Evoking the city's civil rights history, she said, 'Just like John Lewis and Diane Nash did many years ago, we too will resist.'

Pearson, Johnson and Jones entered the packed chapel to a standing ovation.

President Joe Biden has called their expulsions 'shocking, undemocratic, and without precedent.'

'Rather than debating the merits of the issue (of gun control), these Republican lawmakers have chosen to punish, silence, and expel duly-elected representatives of the people of Tennessee,' Biden said in a Thursday statement.

The White House also said Friday afternoon that Biden spoke with Jones, Pearson and Johnson via conference call, thanking them 'for their leadership in seeking to ban assault weapons and standing up for our democratic values.'

The ousting of Jones and Pearson drew accusations of racism.

Republican leadership denied that race was a factor.

GOP leaders said Thursday's actions - used only a handful times since the Civil War - were necessary to avoid setting a precedent that lawmakers' disruptions of House proceedings through protest would be tolerated.

Republican state Rep. Gino Bulso said the three Democrats had 'effectively conducted a mutiny.'

Most state legislatures retain the power to expel members, but it is generally a rarely used punishment for lawmakers accused of serious misconduct.
A transgender teenager has claimed their local barbershop refused to serve them because it 'only serves boys' - leaving their family 'disgusted and angry'.

The 15-year-old, who was born female but is transitioning to male, visited the shop in Murraylands, in regional South Australia, last month and asked for a 'male-style' trim.

However, they claim they were told by the stylist that the business only served boys and men - leaving them feeling 'alienated' and on the verge of tears.

The teen's furious family, who did not want to be identified, have slammed the barbershop and are now demanding an apology.

The teen has visited the barbershop for three years without issue, but said it had recently changed owners and their usual barber wasn't present at the time of the altercation.

A transgender teenager in South Australia has claimed their local barbershop refused to serve them because it 'only serves boys' - leaving their family 'disgusted and angry'

'I felt quite alienated,' the teenager told the Advertiser.

'It was definite discrimination. She refused to serve me because of what I looked like and the fact that I wasn't a guy.

'Once I told her the haircut was for me she told me that she wouldn't do that. After she said that I had to hold back tears. She told me her boss had said she wasn't allowed to cut girls' hair  the shop only serves boys.'

The 15-year-old said they were shocked to hear discrimination still occurred in this day and age, and said hairdressers should be available to people of all genders.

The teen's mother said the incident was 'absolutely disgusting'.

She revealed they had to instead travel to another town to get her child a haircut, saying she felt like they were living in the 'dark ages'.
A runner who died after being mauled to death by a bear in the Italian Dolomites had tried to fight him off with a broken branch, investigators believe.

Tragic Andrea Papi, 26, was attacked by the as yet unidentified brown bear during an evening training run on trails by his home.

Officials said DNA from the bear had been found on injuries sustained by Andrea, to his arms, stomach, head and throat.

They said his bloodied shorts and vest had been found 100m along the trail with a line of blood stretching back to a blind bend where he is thought to have run into the animal.

The incident at Caldes near Trento in the Italian Dolomites is the first fatality by a bear and comes just a month after another man was attacked close by.

A bloodstained broken tree branch was also found at the scene and police and local prosecutors are working on the theory that he used the branch to defend himself.

Andrea Papi, 26, pictured with his girlfriend Alessia Gregori, was killed by a bare while running in the Italian Dolomites

Ms Gregori alerted police on Wednesday afternoon after Mr Papi had failed to return from a trail run in the woods outside Caldes, where an estimated 90 bears live

Wildlife experts say best policy if bears are encountered is to not antagonise and try to walk calmly away and not get aggressive.

Around 90 bears are thought to live in the woods around Caldes and officials said there has been seven attacks in the last 23 years but this was the first.

Andrea was reported missing on Wednesday afternoon after his girlfriend Alessia Gregori alerted police when he failed to return for dinner with her and his mum.

Police and mountain rescue officials immediately launched a hunt for him and search party with dogs found his body in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Paying tribute on Instagram to Andrea, Alessia posted a picture of herself being hugged by him and added the poignant caption: Hold me for ever like this.

Police and mountain rescue officials immediately launched a hunt for him and search party with dogs found his body in the early hours of Thursday morning

His mother Franca said: Maybe if he has taken his dog with him he would still be here. He would have gone for the bear to protect Andrea'

His mother Franca said: Maybe if he has taken his dog with him he would still be here. He would have gone for the bear to protect Andrea.

His last words to me were "I love you. I will see you for dinner." He was a lovely, golden boy and we used to go on long walks together in the hills.

A spokesperson for WWF Italia said: We express our condolences for the death of this young man but we still need more details.

Whilst emotions may be running high the destruction of a bear even if it has become dangerous must always be the last resort.

Once again we have seen politicians trying to capitalise on this event but what should be remembered is that bears fear humans and will always keep a distance from people.

Local officials had called for a cull on bears following last months attack and after several farmers had reported livestock being attacked and killed.
A father witnessed the death of his two daughters in a shooting, following the Tel Aviv attack that has left at least seven Brits wounded.

The UK Foreign Office has called for a de-escalation in tensions between Israel and Palestine, as two British-Israeli sisters aged 15 and 20 were shot dead.

The attack on their car took place near the Israeli settlement Hamra in the West Bank, with the girls' father in a separate car following behind, local officials said.

A vigil for was then held for the women last night, after Israeli medics pulled out them out from the wreckage, with the car appearing to have been pushed off the road.

The sisters' 48-year-old mother was also seriously wounded when the unknown attackers opened fire with a Kalashnikov-style weapon. She was taken to hospital by helicopter.

Israeli medics and police check a damaged car at the scene of a shooting, in the Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank April 7, 2023

Israeli forces gather near the Hamra junction in the northern part of the Jordan valley in the occupied West Bank following a shooting attack on April 7, 2023

Last night, Israel also said that its forces were blocking roads in the area and 'had started a pursuit of the terrorists' responsible for the attack.

In London, the Foreign Office confirmed the deaths and appealed for all sides in the Israel-Palestine dispute to de-escalate a situation which has seen violence flare up in recent days.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'We are saddened to hear about the deaths of two British-Israeli citizens and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

'The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.'

There was further bloodshed in Tel Aviv, as Britons were reportedly among those injured when a car rammed into a group of people near a popular seaside park.

A 36-year-old Italian man was killed in the attack, named by Italian news outlet Repubblica as 36-year-old Alessandro Parini from Rome.

Police said they shot and killed the driver of the car and identified him as a 45-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel from the village of Kafr Qassem.

The force were said to have shot Mr Qassem as he approached the overturned car and had appeared to reach for a weapon, according to the Jerusalem Post.

The force described it as a 'shooting attack', although according to a police source no weapon was found in the vehicle except a toy gun.

A video circulating on social media showed the car hurtling along a sidewalk for several hundred metres before crashing out of control.

Israeli medics and policemen check a damaged car at the scene of a shooting attack, in the Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank April 7, 2023

One was killed and seven were injured in the attack which took place this evening in Israel

Alessandro Parini (reportedly pictured here) died following in the Tel Aviv attack in Israel

The family of the two sisters killed in the West Bank were residents of the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to Oded Revivi, the settlement's mayor.

He said: 'With great sorrow we received an update on a shocking terrorist attack in which terrorists shot a car including a mother and her two daughters, residents of Efrat.

'The two girls were murdered and the mother is in (a) critical condition and we all pray for her quick recovery.

'The father of the family who drove in another car from the front turned around and witnessed the efforts to take care of his wife and daughters.'

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: 'I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank.

'My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.'

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly had earlier called for calm after Israel launched strikes in southern Lebanon and bombed targets in the Gaza Strip in retaliation over rocket attacks.

The cross-border fighting, while Jews are celebrating the Passover holiday and Muslims are marking Ramadan, erupted following violent scenes at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon came after militants fired nearly three dozen rockets from there.

The Israeli military said it targeted installations of the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Lebanon.

Israeli officials work at the scene of an attack in Tel Aviv after a shooting in the West Bank

A person wounded in the attack is brought to a hospital by medics in Tel Aviv earlier today

Mr Cleverly said both sides in the Israel-Palestine dispute should 'recommit themselves to a negotiated settlement'.

He said: 'The UK condemns the indiscriminate rocket attacks from southern Lebanon and Gaza and recognises Israel's right to self-defence.

'Now is the time for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.

'At the convergence of Passover, Ramadan and Easter, the UK calls for all parties to respect the historic status quo arrangements at Jerusalem's holy sites and cease all provocative action.

'The UK is a strong supporter of freedom of religion or belief and calls for places of worship to be respected.

'We value Jordan's important role as custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem and condemns the Israeli police violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

'When Israeli security forces conduct operations, they must ensure they are proportionate and in accordance with international law.'

In Jerusalem, violence flared again at the Al-Aqsa Mosque before dawn prayers, with Israeli police stationed at one of the gates forcibly dispersing vast crowds of worshippers who chanted praise for Hamas.

Israeli police and emergency service stand around a car involved in an attack in Tel Aviv today

The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa condemned yesterday's attacks

Human rights campaign group Amnesty International UK criticised Mr Cleverly's response.

The charity's Kristyan Benedict said: 'James Cleverly's belated response to shocking Israeli violence against Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque isn't just weak and tokenistic - it's also dangerously misguided because it effectively isolates individual incidents of violence from the overall context, which is decades of apartheid, occupation and systematic injustice against the Palestinian people.

'Despite the Foreign Secretary's usual platitudes about 'peace' and 'de-escalation', the UK continues to oppose vital international measures such as the ongoing ICC (International Criminal Court) investigation, designed to bring justice and accountability for Israeli and Palestinian civilians.'

At present, it is not clear if the attack was targeted at particular groups.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry referred to it as a 'terror attack', identifying the attacker as 44-year-old Yousef Abu Jaber from Kafr Qassem. Israeli police said a car rammed into a group of people near a popular seaside park before flipping over.

The attack came against the backdrop of heightened tensions after Israeli air strikes on Palestinian militant targets in both Lebanon and Gaza, as well as a shooting in the occupied West Bank today that killed two British-Israeli sisters.

In response to the rising violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mobilised police and army reserves late on Friday.

The Magen David Adom emergency service said the casualty was a man around the age of 30, and reports have said he was a foreign tourist visiting Israel.

A 36-year-old Italian man was killed in the attack, named by Italian news outlet Repubblica as 36-year-old Alessandro Parini

'All the victims were tourists,' the Magen David Adom emergency service said, without providing details on their nationalities.

Italian news outlet Repubblica named the Italian victim as 36-year-old Alessandro Parini from Rome.

Walla, an Israeli internet company based in Tel Aviv, said a 74-year-old man, a 39-year-old man, a 17-year-old girl in 'moderate' condition, a man in his 50s and a 70-year-old woman were taken to the Wolfson Hospital in Holon and Ichilov.

A 31-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, both tourists, were later taken to hospital with slight injuries.

The attacker was seen to drive south near the Charles Clore promenade, hitting tourists on the pavement.

The vehicle lost control, flipped, and the attacker was shot dead by officials.

The attack follows a spate of violence between Palestinian and Israeli factions leading on from a police raid of the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem on Wednesday morning.

After rockets landed in Israel from Lebanon on Thursday, which Israel blamed on pro-Palestinian forces, Prime Minister Netanyahu gave the green light for bombing of targets in Lebanon and Gaza overnight.

The attacker was seen to drive south near the Charles Clore promenade, hitting tourists on the pavement

Nobody has yet claimed responsibility for the barrage of rockets.

Iran's foreign ministry today condemned the Israeli strikes that followed.

Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said the ministry 'strongly condemned the attacks as a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and a gross violation of international law and human rights of the oppressed Palestinian nation, and called for an effective response by world bodies.'

In the wake of violent scenes late on Thursday, two British-Israeli nationals were shot dead in an attack on their car near Hamra, 30 miles north of Jerusalem, today.

Again, nobody took responsibility for the attack but Palestinian group Hamas, the de facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip, said it was a 'natural response to [Israel's] ongoing crimes against the al-Aqsa mosque and its barbaric aggression against Lebanon and the steadfast Gaza.'

A Foreign Office spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We are saddened to hear about the deaths of two British-Israeli citizens and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

'The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.'

Hamas did not take responsibility for the car ramming into crowds in Tel Aviv either, but praised the attack as a response to Israel's 'crimes against Al-Aqsa Mosque and worshippers'.

Walla, an Israeli internet company based in Tel Aviv, said a 74-year-old man, a 39-year-old man, a 17-year-old girl in 'moderate' condition

Protestors gathered today as violence escalates between Palestinian and Israeli factions

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather near the Israeli embassy in Kensington, London, today

Violence has spiralled since Israeli police stormed the Al Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem with tear gas and stun grenades to confront Palestinians barricaded inside with fireworks and stones.

Muslim worshippers have been demanding the right to pray overnight inside the mosque, which authorities typically only permit during the last 10 days of the month-long Ramadan holiday.

They also stayed in the mosque in protest threats by religious Jews to carry out a ritual animal slaughter at the sacred site for Passover.

At least 14 Palestinians were injured and hundreds arrested on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as Israeli police raided the mosque, sparking global condemnation.

Video footage dated 5 April showed police beating protestors with rifles. Other footage showed Palestinians inside the mosque shooting fireworks back at the security forces.

Yesterday, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Kensington, London, where the Israeli embassy is located, to protest perceived Israeli aggression.

MailOnline approached the Foreign Office for comment.
An ordinary snap of a supermarket freezer filled with packets of frozen chips has given Australians hope that the potato shortage is over.

Heavy rainfall and major flooding in recent months impacted the country's potato production causing a 25 per cent spike in the wholesale potato price.

Coles had been forced to put a limit on the amount on frozen potato products customers could buy, after wet weather and restrictions on international imports caused stilted supply.

But in a sign things are getting better, a photo posted to a Facebook group from an Aldi supermarket in Queensland showed a freezer completely filled with chips.

An ordinary snap of a supermarket freezer filled with frozen chips at a Queensland Aldi has excited Australians in a hopeful sign that the potato shortage is over

'Chippies!' the shopper captioned his post. 'Imported from Belgium, but, I'll take them.'

Other potato lovers were thrilled to see the highly sought after snack return to stores.

'I got some this week, haven't seen them for months,' wrote one.

'Stop teasing! I bet my local will be empty,' added another.

Due to the increased rain, cold weather and frost over what should have been the prime growing period during last spring and summer, the potato crop is very low this year.

Shortages were seen along the east coast and in Tasmania and Western Australia.

The shortage also affected the commercial sector, with restaurants forced to either try hand-cut chips, or close their doors altogether.

One such business was Roy's Fish & Chips Takeaway Cafe in the NSW tourist town of Batemans Bay, which was forced to close its doors twice in a week over the New Year holiday this year due to the shortage.

Potato growers in December said the cost of producing the popular root vegetable had doubled, but supermarkets were unwilling to budge on prices.
The next leader of Britain's largest education union has criticised Nato over the Ukraine war and called Britain 'brutally racist'.

Self-styled socialist Daniel Kebede is a strong supporter of radical former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

He was elected general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU) on March 31 with a turnout of just 9 per cent from members.

This follows calls for an anti-Semetism probe into Kebede after he was seen speaking at a rally where the crowd allegedly chanted a song calling for violence against Jews.

It comes as an overwhelming 98 per cent of NEU members voted to continue striuke action after the union urged members to reject the latest 'insulting' offer from the Government.

Daniel Kebede was elected general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU) on March 31 with a turnout of just 9 per cent from members

A self-styled socialist, he is a strong supporter of radical former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Pictured: Kebede and Corbyn together in September 2019

Daniel Kebede (centre) has been outspoken on his political stances - including a statement after threats from Russian president Vladimir Putin against Ukraine where he criticised Nato involvement in the conflict

Kebede comes into the role with staunch stances on underfunding of schools, Ofstead reform and teacher workload.

But he has been outspoken on his political stances - including a statement after threats from Russian president Vladimir Putin against Ukraine.

In a now-deleted declaration where he offered solidarity to the war-torn nation, he also warned against the expansion of military alliances in Europe.

He said: 'The conflict between Russia and the Ukraine must not lead to the expansion of military alliances in Europe which can only threaten future stability for all and hasten the likelihood of further conflicts and wars.

'Peaceful dialogue, based on a commitment to finding a solution which fully respects the democratic and human rights of all those affected by this crisis is the only way forward.'

Kebede later said the anti-Nato criticism was drafted by people more senior than him.

But at a meeting at the NEU conference last April called No to War in Ukraine - Why we say no to Nato Expansion he said: 'The strengthening of military alliances in eastern Europe will do nothing to bring about peace.'

He later shared his pride for the NEU's links to the Stop the War Coalition - who have also criticised Nato's involvement within the conflict.

Kebede has also been vocal about the Conservative party - with whom he has to negotiate when he is replaces joint general secretaries Dr Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney in August.

At a Stop the War event in 2020 the radical refrenced Boris Johnson, Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, saying: 'We see the racism that is being pushed by leaders of the world', the Times reported.

And at the Socialist Workers Party's Marxism Festival last year, he suggested teachers' strikes were also about: 'taking back control of an education system from a brutally racist state that sends refugees to Rwanda'.

In a now-deleted declaration where he offered solidarity to the war-torn nation, Kebede also warned against the expansion of military alliances in Europe

Kebede comes into the role with staunch stances on underfunding of schools, Ofstead reform and teacher workload - but he has been outspoken on his political stances on Nato and the Conservative Party

At the same event two years before he said British children were being taught a narrative of white saviours.

He also said he would have found it difficult to see Churchill celebrated for the 75th anniversary of VE day in 2020.

Kebede's father fled to the UK from the Megistu regime in Ethiopia - where the 'Red Terror' saw the arrest, torture and execution of tens of thousands.

He experienced racism as a child in London, seeing his white friend's dyslexia identified but not his own.

The activist became a socialist while studying law in Cardiff and reading Marx.

And following the Police killing of 29-year-old black man Mark Duggan in the London riots, Kebede dedicated himself to anti-racism activism while working as a teacher near Newcastle.

He was later a coordinater of counter-protests against far-right groups for Unite Against Fascism and was a vocal supporter of Jeremy Corbyn when he was elected leader of the Labour party in 2015.

Kebede previously told demonstrators at an English Defence League rally to follow Hitler's example and shoot themselves and had to appologise in 2020 for using the antisemitic phrase 'thirty pieces of silver' to describe publishers commissioning books about the downfall of Corbynism.

A spokeswoman for the NEU said: 'Addressing discrimination on the grounds of race, religion or sexuality are principles that should be held by all. The NEU is unapologetic for the stand the union and Daniel Kebede holds on such issues.

'The NEU is affiliated to no political party and engages with all mainstream parties and politicians. Daniel Kebede will effectively continue the work of the NEU on trying to get the best possible outcome for children and young peoples education and for those who teach them.'
The arsonist who started the horrific flat fire which killed a schoolgirl 'poured petrol through the letterbox' to start it.

Tiffany Regis who died in a fire at a block of flats this week in east London has been pictured as a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Devastated tributes were made to the schoolgirl from Beckton, East London on social media.

Shocked friends of the teen said she had been hosting a house party at a second floor flat in Tollgate Road, Newham.

One neighbour told The Sun: 'It was chaos. The screaming was piercing. It was horrific. People were shouting for help and I saw someone jump from the third floor.

'There's a rumour someone has poured petrol through the letterbox to start it. It's horrific.'

The Met, who have confirmed the fire is being treated as an arson attack, were called to the blaze shortly after 5pm along with the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade. Tiffany was pronounced dead at the scene.

Five others at the address were injured. Their injuries were not life threatening and they have since been discharged from hospital.

Eyewitnesses said several of those inside the block of flats jumped to safety, landing on a discarded mattress outside the building.

Fire Brigade investigators believe an accelerant, most likely petrol, was used to start the fire.

The victim of a fire at a flat in Beckton has been identified locally as Tiffany

One friend, who laid a bunch of flowers at the scene said: 'Tiff was so lovely. I can't believe someone would do this. Why would they start a fire knowing people were inside.'

Weeping family members stood outside a relatives home in Beckton. One man had his head in his hands while another said: 'We are waiting for the police to arrive.'

Social media has been filled with posts of condolences following the tragic news.

One comment read: 'Tiffany was a beautiful person inside and out. She was funny and loving.'

One TikTok user wrote: 'So sad. We were outside at the shop when her friend ran saying she was in there and he was going to get her mum. Heart bleeds for her family. RIP tiff.'

Raza Nowsin, 26, who manages a Lidl opposite the scene of the fire, told MyLondon at the scene last night that people were jumping out of the windows to escape.

'People were running around everywhere,' the witness said.

'They had a mattress there and they were trying to jump on it but some people didn't get to the mattress.'

Rahina Begum, who lives opposite the flats, said: 'The fire went up very quickly, within a few seconds. In 10 to 15 seconds the whole building was on fire, from the bottom to the top.

'The flames were so high. Somebody dying is so sad.'

A local resident who stood looking at the blackened and charred building said: 'It was absolute chaos yesterday afternoon.

'The screaming was piercing. It was horrific. People were shouting for help and I saw someone jump from the third floor.'

Another said: 'We're heartbroken. It's absolutely awful.'

'Tiffany was a beautiful person inside and out,' one tribute to the 14-year-old said

The burnt out scene of the fire on Tollgate Road in Beckton, east London

Fire services and emergency responders at the residential property last night

Five other people taken to hospital following the blaze have since been discharged

Six fire engines arrived with 40 firefighters to extinguish the flames

Flowers at the scene this morning. Tributes have also been left on social media

Six fire engines arrived with 40 firefighters as they tried to extinguish the flames, which fire services said had taken hold of the first and second floors of the flats.

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick said: 'My thoughts at this time are with the victim and their family and friends.

'Incidents such as these send shockwaves through our communities and I don't underestimate the impact this will have in the local area and beyond.

'Your officers will be on patrol in the immediate vicinity over the Easter weekend, please talk to them if you have any concerns.'

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing.

He has now been bailed pending further enquiries until a date in early May.

A scene and safety cordons remain in place.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke of the Met's Specialist Crime Command added: 'We are at the very early stages of our investigation and are still keen to hear from anyone who has information but has not yet spoken with police.

'I understand the effect an incident of this kind will have on the local community and I reiterate Chief Superintendent Crick's advice that anyone with concerns should speak with local officers.

'I would like to thank residents in the immediate area for their co-operation while my team conduct their enquiries.

'Our thoughts are with the family of the victim.'

One teenager died in the fire and five other people were injured as a blaze ripped through the residence in Tollgate Road in Beckton, east London

Fire crews near the scene last night

The scene has been cordoned off by police tape

The mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, expressed condolences to the family of the victim.

She wrote on Twitter: 'Deepest thanks to @LFBNewham fire fighters, @MPSNewham and @Ldn_Ambulance for their emergency response efforts.

'@NewhamLondon officers are working closely with them to support affected residents.

'Tollgate Road E6 cordoned off in response to today's serious incident.'

'We are deeply saddened by the news that there has been one fatality already from the fire that broke out in flats in Beckton. Our deepest condolences to loved ones now in mourning.'

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 5315/6APR.

To remain anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
Australians are in for a chilly long weekend with snow on the way for some states while Victoria is on track to see its coldest Easter in 80 years.

Temperatures in Melbourne will drop to just 14C this Easter Sunday.

The last time Victoria experienced temperatures that low on an Easter weekend was in 1943, where the mercury sunk to just 14.3C.

There are also lower than average temperatures forecast across New South Wales this weekend, while snow is expected to fall in areas of the state, along with Victoria and Tasmania.

Australians have been told to brace for a chilly few days as one state is set to record its coldest Easter weekend in 80 years while another is bracing for a tropical cyclone. Pedestrians are pictured in Sydney

Temperatures in Melbourne will drop to just 14C on Easter Sunday. The last time Victoria experienced temperatures that low in Easter weekend was in 1943, where the mercury sunk to just 14.3C (Melbourne is pictured)

Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist, Sarah Scully, said the forecast wasn't looking good for Aussies living in southern states hoping to celebrate the Easter weekend outdoors.

'Maximum temperatures are likely to be well below average for the Easter long weekend with snowfall possible in alpine areas on Saturday night and Sunday,' she said.

'Showers are forecast in the south on Saturday, contracting to the ranges on Sunday, before becoming dry throughout on Monday.

'Hazardous surf conditions are forecast to develop on the south and central coast during Sunday, extending to the north coast on Monday.'

Cold, wet and windy conditions are a result of a series of cold fronts making their way across southern Australia.

Snow was forecast to fall in Tasmania's highlands on Saturday, and in Victoria and NSW's alpine regions.

Lower than average maximum temperatures are forecast for this long weekend

Sydney will see a mostly sunny Easter Sunday with a low of 15C and top of 21C forecast.

Melbourne will see some showers as well as a chilly 14C day, while Canberra will see a top of 16C on Sunday with no chance of rain.

Hobart could get as cold as 8C on Sunday with storms likely to hammer down over the Easter holiday.

Adelaide will see a cloudy day with tops of 20C, while Brisbane residents can bask in the sunshine with the mercury to hit a sweltering 29C.

A series of cold fronts will see cold, wet and windy conditions across the southern states over the long weekend. Women are seen in Byron Bay

Snow is also expected to fall in alpine regions in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania (pictured snow falling in Katoomba, NSW)

Meanwhile those in Western Australia have been told to brace for a tropical cyclone that is expected to hit northern parts of the state on Sunday night, bringing gale force winds up to 90km/hour to the west Kimberley coast.

Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast to fall in the northern Kimberley region on Easter Sunday as a result of the wild weather system.

The system is likely to continue moving to the south-west early next week to lie offshore from the Pilbara coast on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If the system does become a tropical cyclone, the next name on the list is 'Ilsa'.

Further south in Perth, residents will enjoy a sunny day with a maximum temperature of 24C.

While residents in southern states and Western Australia are in for some wild weather over the holiday weekend, Queenslanders and Sydneysiders have already battled severe hailstorms.

Hailstones up to 11cm wide were seen in the Darling Downs region on Friday, while hail as big as 8cm fell in Haden, in the Toowoomba region.

The Bureau of Meteorology recorded wind gust of up to 104km/hr wind in the rural QLD town of Oakey.

Similarly massive hailstones were seen in Sydney's northwest and in Bowral, in southern NSW.

Australia's east coast was battered with sudden thunderstorms and severe hail on Good Friday (pictured in Marsden Park, Sydney)

Sydneysiders saw a mild 24C quickly transform into a vicious thunderstorm with huge hail falling from the sky on Friday evening (pictured)
Easter Sunday could be Britain's hottest day of the year so far, featuring temperatures warmer than Nice, Rome and Athens.

Sunny spells are to be felt across the country tomorrow, as temperatures rise to 16C or 17C-highs in some areas, just like Good Friday.

Plenty of sunshine will also be felt today, with the Met Office predicting that 'pleasantly warm' conditions will be felt in most parts of the UK.

Brits have been out and about enjoying the bank holiday weekend with trips to the beach. The weather in the UK will be hotter than in many popular holiday destinations, including Crete, Santorini and Mykonos.

Others have been taking part in the boozy Otley Run bar crawl, with the streets of Leeds rammed with crowds ahead of Easter celebations.

The day will also come to a fine end for most, with clear spells to follow, while some eastern and far west regions will become cloudier.

But this is not expected to last for long, as Brits brace themselves for more dim weather on Easter Monday, with an entire month's rain expected to fall in just two days.

Brits have been out and about enjoying the bank holiday weekend with trips to the beach (Bournemouth on Easter Saturday)

Plenty of sunshine will also be felt today, with the Met Office predicting that 'pleasantly warm' conditions will be felt in most parts of the UK (people on the beach in Bournemouth)

The people of Leeds take part in the Otley Run today ahead of Easter Sunday tomorrow

A flood warning has also been issued today in Southampton, Hampshire, with the Environmental Agency asking those in Mansbridge and Woodmill on the River Itchen to take caution.

David Oliver, a Met Office Deputy Chief forecaster, said: 'Similar conditions are likely for much of the UK on Easter Saturday, but during the second half of the Easter weekend the Atlantic will increasingly exert its influence.

'A frontal system is expected to move in from the west and displace the high pressure lying across the UK.

'This will spread rain across all areas during the latter part of Easter Sunday and through Easter Monday, although there is some uncertainty regarding its exact timing.

Bournemouth: Many are enjoying the sunshine on the beach this Easter weekend

People enjoy a sweet treat to cool themselves down at the beach in Bournemouth on a warm Saturday as temperatures rise during the Easter weekend

A man relaxes with a paper in his beach hut in Bournemouth in the clear sunny weather during the bank holiday weekend

Temperatures could be higher in the UK than in many popular holiday locations across Europe over the bank holiday weekend

In the South and Midlands, the Met Office has warned of 'very high' pollen levels, with temperatures reaching 18C in South East England (Bournemouth beach on Saturday)

'Once the rain clears blustery showers are likely to follow in its wake across many areas.'

While many areas are expected to enjoy sunny spells throughout the Easter weekend, the far east and far west will likely see some cloudier skies and even some light rain.

In the South and Midlands, the Met Office has warned of 'very high' pollen levels, with temperatures reaching 18C in South East England.

This would be warmer than Nice, Rome and Athens.

In the west, the Met Office predicts breezy weather, with it being 'rather warm inland', as sunnier skies will see temperatures rise as high as 16C or 17C during the day, just like on Good Friday.

For Sunday, mostly dry weather with some sunshine is predicted, with rain arriving in the west later heralding the change to more unsettled conditions into next week.

Saturday's rising sun in Hungerford, near Bath, in the lead up to the hottest day of the year

Plenty of sunshine will be felt today, as the Met Office predicts 'pleasantly warm' conditions

Temperatures will rise to 16C or 17C-highs in some areas, just like Good Friday

But successive low pressure weather systems are then likely to move across the country from the breezy west, bringing rainfall totalling up to 70mm (2.75ins) in western areas of England and Wales on Easter Monday and Tuesday.

The heavy rain is due to be accompanied by gales of at least 60mph on southern and western coasts.

Met Office spokesman Alex Burkill said: 'We are still looking at potentially having temperatures of 17-18C (63-64F) on Easter Sunday although it will turn increasingly cloudy.

'The heavy rain is unlikely to arrive until sunset in the far west and will move east overnight, with the heaviest amounts falling in the early hours of the morning.

'By 9am on Easter Monday, the rain is likely to be just across eastern England, before it clears out of the way.

'It is due to be replaced by scattered, heavy showers through the rest of Monday.'

He said Tuesday could bring another 20-40mm of rain, accompanied by gales. He added: 'We're looking at gusts of 60mph and probably stronger along southern and western coasts.'

For the rest of the week, unsettled weather is likely to continue, Mr Burkill said, with a likelihood of further showers or longer spells of rain.

Britain will be warmer than Monaco on Easter Sunday with highs of 18C to bring the hottest day of the year, the Met Office predicted (pictured: busy Brighton beach on April 7)

However, on Monday heavy downpours will hit, with an entire month's rain expected to fall in just two days (pictured: people caught in heavy rain showers on April 6 in London)

Good Friday kicked the Easter bank holiday weekend off to a good start, as Britons have been lucky enough to bask in fine and settled weather.

After intermittent showery spells on Thursday afternoon, the weekend started off with a glorious bout of sunshine. Britons made the most of it blissful conditions, flocking to beaches and parks across the UK.

Temperatures on Friday topped a warm 15C to 16C in parts of the UK. The sunny skies were accompanied by light winds.

By 2pm, areas in the west and north west such as Plymouth, Southampton and Wales would see highs of 14C, the forecaster predicted.

While in London and the surrounding areas, temperatures were expected to be a warm 16C - much higher than they were Friday morning, at 10C.

Leeds: The Otley Run is the city's famous pub crawl, with a day full of booze and food

Crowds of people gather in fancy dress outfits to take part in the Leeds Otley Run today

Crowds will hop between 16 pubs today as part of the city's boozy Easter crawl

Leeds: Man dressed in a costume from The Incredibles amid Otley Run crowds

Rabbits and a carrot: The streets of Leeds are packed with people enjoying the sunny spell

Birmingham and Manchester saw highs of 12C by just after lunch yesterday, as Hull and Norwich had similar temperatures.

And in the north, Glasgow and Aberdeen was cooler, with highs of 12C and 11C respectively.

Meanwhile, similar weather is expected for today, with highs of 15C in the capital, and the same in Manchester.
Barricades and trenches have been built on beaches and close to key access routes in Crimea on a massive scale as Vladimir Putin is scared of losing the peninsula he annexed in 2014.

The level of fear is clear from the abundance of defences to stop a sea or land assault.

Dragon's teeth tank traps have been placed at strategic Ak-Monai beside the Taurida highway by occupying Russians to stop a Ukrainian bid to grab back the peninsula Putin took in 2014.

Putin has accepted he must decimate the region's huge tourism industry this summer to hold it against a possible Ukrainian advance as part of an expected Kyiv counteroffensive.

The scale of the operation is seen on both satellite images and ground level pictures.

The once beautiful spots have now been covered with trenches and tank traps

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) sits with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting at the Kremlin on Wednesday

Beaches - one popular with both Russian and Ukrainian tourists as a favourite and glamorous summer playground - have been rendered virtually unusable, wiping out the Summer 2023 season.

READ MORE: Putin blogger who was blown up by a bomb hidden in golden statue is laid to rest Advertisement

Many will be totally empty.

The northern coastlines of Crimea are being defended most acutely amid the clearest signs Putin's military commanders see the peninsula as vulnerable.

Defensive artillery positions have been established.

This comes after a missile fired from Ukrainian-held territory was shot down over the Black Sea town of Feodosia, Crimea, this morning.

'A missile launched from Ukraine was shot down over Feodosia,' Sergei Aksyonov said on Telegram, without providing any detail on the kind of projectile in question.

Russia's TASS news agency quoted an adviser to Aksyonov, Oleg Kryuchkov, as saying that debris had fallen in a Crimean town, but no damage or casualties had been reported.

Russian-installed officials in Crimea have previously accused Ukrainian forces of drone attacks, though Kyiv has typically refrained from claiming responsibility.

Russia in late March said it had shot down a U.S.-supplied GLSDB guided smart bomb fired by Ukrainian forces for the first time, without disclosing where.

The newly prepared beaches look completely different now

Another look at one of the trenches built along Crimea's beaches

Pictures showing the alleged explosion in Feodosia, Crimea

Fragments from allegedly downed Ukranian missile which appeared

An illustrative image showing the potential downed missile

Earlier this week, Ukraine said it might negotiate with Russia on Crimea, but only if it advances to the borders of the peninsula, a massive advance from its current positions.

For Putin the loss would be devastating, perhaps a terminal blow, and is seen as unthinkable in Moscow.

Hardline chairman of Russian parliament's international affairs committee Leonid Slutsky said: 'The status of Crimea is not subject to discussion at all.

'It's an issue that has been decided following the 2014 referendum and has been enshrined in the Russian constitution. The peninsula is forever an inseparable part of Russia.'

He claimed Kyiv had 'neither the strength nor resources' to grab back Crimea.

Yan Gagin, an advisor to the annexed authorities in Donetsk People's Republic, dismissed Ukraine's hopes of reaching Crimea as 'empty talk which means absolutely nothing'.

Yet the defences indicate Russia is deeply worried.

There are two land routes into Crimea from Ukraine - now both reinforced by new recently-built defences.

Some beaches have been mined, according to Ukrainian sources.

The dictator is facing imminent economic carnage in the annexed peninsula's once money-spinning vacation industry as people refuse to heed official calls to make 'patriotic bookings' this summer.

Almost every beach in the occupied territory has now - or will have - giant barricades, with Ukraine claiming that they are also mined by the Russians.

Putin sees holiday jewel Crimea's illegal annexation in 2014 as one of his greatest achievements, yet there is now paranoia that Ukraine could use Western weapons to grab back a territory larger than Wales.

Bookings are now 80 per cent down on last year, which, in turn, was 30 per cent below pre-war levels, with hoteliers demanding state bailouts to compensate them for the cost of Putin's war.

One of the trenches being prepared for invasion

An aerial view of what the beach trenches look like

Ukrainian servicemen fire an artillery shell near the frontline area amid the Russia-Ukraine war, in Bakhmut

A TikTok video is posted showing the wooden planks inside the trenches

Tourists to the Black Sea have been spooked by the October 2022 bomb attack on Putin's Kerch Strait bridge linking Crimea to Russia, and missile strikes on military airfields.

READ MORE: Russian 'assassin' who killed Putin blogger thought she was auditioning for a Ukraine journalism job Advertisement

Drone attacks are now an almost daily event.

Ukrainian official Anton Gerashchenko said: 'Well, that's it, here we are - there will be no beach season in Crimea this year

'All the beaches of the Russian-occupied peninsula will be turned into a coastal defence line and mined.'

Putin's puppet leader in Crimea, hardliner Sergey Aksyonov, told Russian state TV that 'thanks to the measures taken on behalf of our President, nothing threatens Crimea'.

He urged Russian tourists not to be put off by 'fake information' on safety which he blamed on Ukrainian officials.

Yet the peninsula's main airport has been closed for 13 months and Aksyonov's war rhetoric is unlikely to encourage tourists.

'We have a large number of people working on [securing the beaches],' he said, stressing that the defences were on Putin's orders.

'If you want peace, prepare for the war - so we better be ready.'

He refused to give 'all details' on the defences but boasted there was 'no way with new fortification lines that Ukraine can ever take Crimea - the only real danger is drones.'
Putin propagandist Vladlen Tatarsky was laid to rest today, after being killed in a hidden bomb attack.

Russia's most pro-war figures gathered this morning to pay tribute to Mr Tatarsky - the 40-year-old blogger who advocated for all Ukrainians to be murdered.

Beside his coffin lay a sinister decorated sledgehammer presented by the Wagner private army, which he backed.

Sledgehammers have been used by the group for extrajudicial killings of captured defectors from Putin's war in Ukraine.

He was also buried with military honours as part of the funeral held amid tightened security measures at Troyekurovskoye necropolis in Russia's capital.

Russia's most pro-war figures gathered this morning to pay tribute to the pro-Putin blogger

Beside his coffin lay a sinisterly decorated sledgehammer presented by the Wagner private army. The have been used by the group for extrajudicial killings of captured defectors

Tatarsky was killed in a blast at the Street Food No. 1 cafe, located in St Petersburg city centre

READ MORE: Female 'assassin' who 'killed Putin blogger with statue bomb in St Petersburg cafe' is jailed for two months - and faces decades in prison if convicted of terrorism Daria Trepova (pictured at court) has been charged with terrorism over the blast that killed Russian blogger Vladlen Tatarsky Advertisement

Tatarsky - also known as Maxim Fomin - was a leading advocate of the war with 600,000 social media followers.

One mourner today was Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the pro-Putin Wagner private military force.

'Today I would like to say thank you to Vladlen Tatarsky on behalf of myself and the fighters of Wagner,' he said.

'Tatarsky did much to enable us to go to victory and destroy the enemy.'

It is unclear what 'victory' he meant with Russia failing to make major military gains.

'Thank him for this, we will always remember him,' said Prigozhin, a close Putin ally who has also criticised the dictator's leading commanders.

While Tatarsky had been a pro-war fanatic, he had also criticised Putin's commanders - leading to speculation he could have been assassinated by the state.

His funeral came amid claims from a KGB and FSB veteran that Daria Trepova - who handed him a golden statue with a bomb hidden inside - was supposed to have died too.

The 26-year-old has been detained and could face 20 years in jail on terrorism charges.

This is despite one senior Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev saying that she was likely just used as a 'dumb-headed' accessory who did not know explosives were inside.

Pictured: Vladlen Tatarsky, 40, seen moments before the explosion looking at the statue

Vladlen Tatarsky (pictured) was laid to rest today, after being killed in a hidden bomb attack

Daria Trepova (pictured) handed Tatarsky the golden statue with a bomb hidden inside

A former KGB and FSB major general Alexander Mikhailov also said this, claiming she was 'waste material' for the perpetrators.

'During the explosion, she was in close proximity to the bomb,' he said.

'There was a guarantee that she should not be left alive.

'She did her job - she could be written off.'

Mikhailov added that young people like Trepova were 'expendable', and believed Tatarsky's death was a hit operation from Ukraine.

But for now it remains unclear who was behind the assassination.

'All these agents are bribed for a can of condensed milk. Real agents are expensive,' he said.

Although it currently remains unclear who was behind the assasination, an outfit called the National Republican Army claimed responsibility in a statement.

It read: 'We organised and carried out an action on 2 April 2023 against a group of Z-activists and personally against the notorious warmonger and war propagandist, war criminal Maxim Fomin, known as Vladlen Tatarsky.

'This action has been prepared and carried out by us independently, and we have no connection to and we have not received assistance from any foreign structures and especially the special services.'

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee claimed the killing of Tatarsky had been masterminded by Ukraine's special services with help from agents collaborating with jailed opposition leader Navalny's anti-corruption foundation.

Crowds of people at the funeral service of Maxim Fomin widely known as Vladlen Tatarsky

Hundreds of supporters turned out today to pay their respects to the Russian military blogger

Pictured: People waiting in line to attend the funeral of Russian military blogger Maxim Fomin

Trumpets playing at the funeral amid tight security measures at Troyekurovskoye necropolis

Daria Trepova has been detained and could face 20 years in jail on terrorism charges

It was said that young people like Trepova were 'expendable' amid speculation that Tatarsky's death resulted from a hit operation from Ukraine

The Russian Investigative Committee said Trepova acted on orders from 'figures based in Ukraine'.

The Kremlin propagandist had been speaking at a political event at the Street Food No. 1 cafe when the bomb exploded, killing him and injuring more than 40.

At the time it is understood that he was handed a old-coloured statuette made to resemble him by former art student Trepova.

Medvedev blamed the Kremlin's jailed, suppressed and exiled foes for the bomb blast.

He specifically named anti-Putin leader Alexei Navalny, 46, now jailed in Russia and seen as a political prisoner, his associate Leonid Volkov, 42, now based in the West, ex-Russian MP Ilya Ponomarev, 47, now in Ukraine, and Mikhail Khodorkovsky, 59, a prominent opposition campaigner and once Russia's wealthiest man, exiled in Britain.

Pictured: Vladlen Tatarsky being lowered into the ground surrounded by numerous supporters

In a vicious threat demanding extra-judicial killings, Medvedev said: 'All these stinkingNavalnys, Volkovs, Ponomarevs and other Khodorkovskys have become just ordinary terrorists and murderers.

'They voluptuously enjoy the sight of the blood of Russian citizens.

'They flare their nostrils with excitement at the sight of wounded and mutilated bodies.

'They devoutly swore allegiance to darkness and terror, along with the murderers of their native Kyiv Nazi regime.'

His sinister threat goes on: 'Don't negotiate with terrorists.

'They are exterminated like rabid dogs with poisonous saliva flowing from their mouths.

'No extra pompous words.

'As soon as the opportunity arises. Even if sometimes it takes years.

'Forgiveness is not applicable....this is what the highest justice is.'
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These are the photos of Christians across the globe depicting the horror of the Passion of the Christ and seek penance through pain as they join together to mark Easter through their own customs.

In the picturesque Italian town of Romagnano Sesia locals reenact the Passion of the Christ - transforming the municipality into ancient Jerusalem for four days.

Reenacted every two years, it features 350 actors, a body of Roman Legionaries on horseback and Jesus Christ as they wind their way through the streets of the village in the Novara hills.

And in the Mexican town of Atlixco, barefoot, half naked and blindfolded, throngs of middle aged men groan as they drag their bodies along blazing cobblestone streets.

Pieces of cactus sit lodged on their arms and legs, and 70-pound chains hang around their necks and clatter around their ankles as crowds watch them pass.

Jesus is crucified during the Passion of the Christ reenactment in Romagnano Sesia, Italy

The actor playing Jesus hauls his cross up the hill through a path thronged by spectators

Roman legionaries - decked out in golden armour strain as they push the actor playing Jesus upright

For these men, it's not a form of torture, but rather a cherished tradition that has played out for more than a hundred years in Atlixco.

Every year on Good Friday more than a hundred men make the trek known as the Procesion de los Engrillados - the Procession of the Chained.

In this country where nearly 80 per cent of the people are Roman Catholic, the participants believe it's a way to give thanks or to pay penance for their sins.

Martin Cazares, 42, who has participated in the march for two decades, said: 'It's an act of gratitude for all that God has given me, and a way to ask for forgiveness for all the bad I've done to be a better person. It helps me reflect.'

Chains wound around Cazares' bare chest, a red cloth wrapped around his eyes and a crown of thorns rested on his head. He waited patiently for his turn, while event organizers tossed small, spiny chunks of cactus onto his legs, and those of the other marchers, where they stuck in the flesh.

Organizers say the story behind the tradition dates back to a man who was said to use witchcraft to win a woman's heart. He went to a cemetery and cut off the finger of a dead man to make an amulet to win her love, the story goes.

But wracked with guilt, he decided to pay penance wearing heavy chains and trudging through Atlixco each Friday before Easter. Over the past century the tradition has gradually grown.

Sweat-drenched men walk more than a mile through the town of multicolored buildings and colonial churches two hours outside the capital Mexico City.

Hooded penitents in chains and covered in cacti stuck to their bare skin march during a Good Friday prosession in Atlixco, Mexico

A shackled person prepares to march in the Atlixco procession - as they have cacti stuck to their bodies inside the church

A man with a tattoo of Jesus and cacti stuck to their body is helped with his chains

Hundreds of onlookers line the street as volunteers fan the chained men with pieces of cardboard and squeeze pieces of lime into their mouths - the only thing they are allowed to drink during their walk. Blood drips from the calves of some men as the volunteers pick up pieces of fallen cactus and lob them back at their bodies.

'The spines are very painful, and it's exhausting,' Cazares said. 'The heat suffocates you, and the exhaustion with the sun, the sun burning your feet, it's too much.'

Yet Cazares said he participates every year without fail.

Leticia Bautista, 58, who has lived in Atlixco her entire life, said she remembers watching with horror as her uncle joined the march for three years when she was a little girl.

She said: 'I think God forgives you for the simple act of asking for forgiveness.

'You don't have to do such nasty things to your body.'

Others like Alicia Garces, coordinator of the march, brush off criticisms that the procession is something morbid.

She feels the event is a tradition worth preserving, but she worries that participation has dropped off in recent years. That has coincided with a dip in Catholicism across Mexico, a country with one of the largest number of Catholics in the world.

A penitent wearing a crown of thorns and chains covered in cacti marches in the Mexican procession

Two women help a mexican man walk as he does his penance, as he walks in search of divine forgiveness through pain

A Christian in chains is led out of a building as he is set to join the procession in the town of Atlixco

Since 1990, the share of Mexicans who identify themselves as Catholic has dropped from just over 90 per cent to 78 per cent, according to Mexico's 2020 census.

The cornavirus pandemic also dealt a blow to the Procesion de los Engrillados, and Garces hoped this year's event would rekindle interest.

Garces said: 'For the people of this town, it's very important that today, after three years of pandemic, we return to the streets to live this passion.'

Jesus Christ is crucified in the reenactment of the Passion of the Christ in Italy, where 350 actors throng the streets

A pained Jesus Christ is whipped by Roman guards, in a yellow-bricked square where a sign reading SPQR hangs above the scene

A young boy in Roman dress offers help to Christ as he struggles to hold his cross, as modern crowds surround the tragic scene

An actor playing Pontius Pilate, the governor of the Roman province Judaea who ordered Jesus's crucifixion, hangs himself

A Roman legionary pierces Jesus' side as he hangs dead on the cross. According to the Gospel of John, blood and water flowed from the wound

A shackled man covered in sharp cacti prepares for the procession in Atlixco, Mexico

Devotees brave the scorching hot cobbles as they believe they will get forgiveness through pain

Pieces of cactus sit lodged on their arms and legs, and 70-pound chains hang around their necks and clatter around their ankles as crowds watch them pass

In a country where 80 per cent are Roman Catholic, the event is a cherished tradition that has played out for more than a hundred years in the town

Organizers say the story behind the tradition dates back to a man who was said to use witchcraft to win a woman's heart. He went to a cemetery and cut off the finger of a dead man to make an amulet to win her love, the story goes
Up to a quarter of a million appointments and operations could be postponed due to four days of strikes by junior doctors, the NHS Confederation has warned, amid fears over patient safety.

Dr Layla McCay, director of policy at the confederation, said health bosses were more concerned about the impact of the latest walkout - which falls after the Easter bank holiday weekend - than any other strike so far.

Medics in England are preparing to take industrial action from Tuesday in the bitter pay dispute but the British Medical Association said the strikes could still be avoided if the Government made a 'credible offer'.

Dr McCay told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme: 'In the last junior doctors' strike, we saw about 175,000 appointments and operations having to be postponed.

'In terms of the disruption that we're anticipating this time, we reckon it could be up to about a quarter of a million so that is a huge amount of impact for patients up and down the country.'

Dr Layla McCay, pictured, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, has warned the four-day walk out by junior doctors could see 250,000 NHS appointments cancelled

The British Medical Association said there was still time to prevent the walk-out if the government puts a reasonable pay deal on the negotiating table

She added: 'What we're hearing from our members who are health leaders across the whole system is that they are more concerned about this than they have been about about any other strike.

'They think that the impact is going to be so significant that this one is likely to have impact on patient safety and that is a huge concern for every healthcare leader.'

Dr McCay said the disruption could last up to 10 or 11 days, with the strike set between the Easter bank holiday and another weekend.

CLICK TO READ MORE: Junior doctors receive 'counselling' over abuse they may receive during four-day strike Dr Adrianna Zembrzycka (pictured), of the British Medical Association's (BMA) junior doctors committee, offered support for those who are 'the target of negative and unkind comments' Advertisement

'What we expect to see is really significantly diminished capacity within the health service with these junior doctors being out,' she said.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay has been urged to meet union representatives over the bank holiday weekend in a bid to resolve the issue.

Dr Mike Greenhalgh, deputy co-chair of the BMA's Junior Doctors Committee, told BBC One's Breakfast show: 'It's hard to negotiate when only one side is doing it and we're not getting anything back from the Government on that front.'

He added: 'We're happy to meet at any time. We would still meet him over the bank holiday weekend before the industrial action next week.

'And if he was to bring a credible offer to us, it could still, even at this late stage, avert action.'

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has insisted the BMA has to call off the strike for any negotiations to take place.

Dr Greenhalgh apologised to patients who have had operations or appointments cancelled and insisted patient safety would not be put at risk.

'Patient safety was maintained at the last strikes, and it will be in these strikes,' he said

He said of the previous action which lasted for three days: 'We met with the NHS employers four times a day.

'There was a mechanism for them to say if they felt that patient safety was being compromised, and we didn't have a single request for any derogations during that time.'

The BMA has called on the Health Secretary to negotiate to resolve 15 years of 'pay erosion', with junior doctors losing more than 26% of their pay in real terms.

Dr Greenhalgh said: 'At the moment, we have over seven million people on waiting lists and the way we get that down is making sure the NHS is properly funded and staffed.

'And part of that is making sure that there's a fair deal on pay for our members.'

The four days of strikes will come immediately after the Easter bank holiday weekend.

They will run from 6.59am on Tuesday until 6.59am on Saturday April 15.
A man shot dead by police after he stabbed an officer had a history of home invasions and previously attacked a group of teens with an axe.

Police were called to a home in Wickham, near Newcastle, north of Sydney, on Friday morning over reports of a robbery and came across 38-year-old Warren Matthew Simon.

Simon allegedly lunged at the officers while armed with a knife, stabbing a male officer in the armpit, while a female officer sustained hand injuries.

The police then opened fire and Simon died on the way to hospital despite the efforts by the officers to revive him.

Both officers, aged 25 and 26, have been discharged from hospital.

It has since been revealed that Simon had been in and out of custody and was previously sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail over the axe attack.

The teens targeted were not harmed and Simon was released from prison after serving two years and three months.

Warren Matthew Simon was shot dead by police after stabbing an officer in Newcastle on Friday morning

Police were called to a home in Wickham, near Newcastle, north of Sydney, on Friday morning over reports of a robbery and came across 38-year-old Warren Matthew Simon (pictured are forensics at the scene)

During Friday morning's altercation, Simon is understood to have stolen a ute before driving it to a property where police tracked him down to.

A friend, who did not want to be named, revealed Simon's criminal history after the incident.

'In an out of juvenile detention home since the age of 13, then at 18, put in the correctional facility for 10 years, first offence in and out, his whole life with no help no rehabilitation just released into the community with absolutely no life skills,' the friend told the Daily Telegraph.

'Institutionalised, (he) didn't know how to get a house didn't know how to adapt to society. They then relapse and it's a cycle that never ends.'

A NSW Police spokesperson said both officers are recovering well following the incident (pictured, a forensic officer at the scene)

Police said the officers arrived at the property just before 8am on Friday after reports of theft (pictured, forensic officers at the scene)

Police believe Simon may have been squatting at the scene of the shooting. He's believed to have returned to the property after committing a robbery nearby.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said the circumstances surrounding the incident will be subject to a review while the officers involved recover.

'Subsequently a critical incident investigation is now under way. The state crime commands homicide squad is leading that,' he said.

Assistant Commissioner McKenna added he'd seen the officers in hospital and said the incident was 'very distressing' for them.
An ID connected to the murdered University of Idaho students was uncovered in suspected killer Bryan Kohberger's car amid reports he may have been cyberstalking one of the victims.

Kohberger, 28, is accused of slaying Maddie Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, 20, in their off-campus home back in November.

His connection to the students has remained unclear but an unsealed search warrant states officers found ID cards in his car six weeks after the killings.

Sources have now told News Nation they belonged to somebody who lived in the Moscow residence but a gag order on the trial has stopped police from confirming any details about the cards.

It comes after experts revealed Kohberger's car is set to become 'a key piece of evidence' and a 'rolling crime scene' in the trial.

Kohberger was linked to the grisly murders by DNA on the knife sheath found at the home and cellphone tower data which also put him near the scene of the crime.

Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer said the discovery was a 'big deal.'

'That is a smoking license,' she said during an appearance on CUOMO on Thursday.

'Just like the sheath was a smoking sheath found next to Maddie with his DNA on that clasp, its the same thing in this situation.

'Why would he have an ID related to one of those people from that house?'

Attorney Mark Geragos also said the evidence would be a 'hurdle' for the defense if presented in court.

Meanwhile Dailymail.com reporter Caitlyn Becker said it appeared, based on the search warrant, the IDs had been hidden away in Kohberger's parent's home.

In a TikTok video, she explained: 'When these warrants were unsealed last month I looked through them, saw the IDs were taken, but without any other information it didn't stand out to me.

'But now with a source saying one of these IDs belonged to somebody connected to the murders I went back to look at the specifics of the search warrant and what I found was kind of crazy.'

An ID connected to the murdered University of Idaho students was uncovered in suspected killer Bryan Kohberger's car amid reports he was cyberstalking somebody at the residence

Kohberger, 28, is accused of slaying Maddie Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, 20, in their off-campus home back in November

She went on to explain that the warrant states the cards were found 'inside glove inside box.'

It suggests Kohberger had deliberately hidden the IDs inside of a glove and then placed inside of a box.

She added: 'My other questions are: whose ID was it? When did it go missing?

'If it was before the murders could this bolster the state's theory of stalking? And if it was after the murders, are we looking at a potential trophy?'

Kohberger was a doctoral student in criminal justice at Washington State University - 15 miles away from Moscow.

Polic found a trove of disturbing items including a gun, several knives and a black facemask at his home following the dramatic arrest.

Investigators have remained tight-lipped over the potential motive in the slayings, but revealed in an affidavit that he had visited the area of the home in Moscow 'several times.'

And last week it was revealed police have submitted several search warrants to social media companies including TikTok and Google to see if there was any contact between Kohberger and his victims.

And in February it emerged he had multiple images of one of the girls on his phone when it was searched by cops.

Sources told People at the time it was 'clear he was paying attention to her' - though they would not reveal which of the girls it was.

Kohberger is due in court on June 26. He has yet to enter a plea to four counts of murder and one of felony burglary.

It comes after reports stated authorities in at least two Pennsylvania counties where Kohberger attended college have searched their cold case files to look for links connecting him to them.

Authorities initially sealed the search warrant for the murder suspect's Washington home  arguing that releasing the details could 'prematurely' end the investigation. Pictured (L-R) Dylan Mortensen, Xana Kernodle, Bethany Funke, Kaylee Goncalves and Maddie Mogen

Investigators have remained tight-lipped over the potential motive in the slayings, but revealed in an affidavit that he had visited the area of the home in Moscow 'several times'

Kohberger is expected to enter a plea in the case on June 26. Pictured Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen

'Your natural question is to start wondering, 'is this guy wanted?''' said Northampton County District Attorney Terence Houck, who asked his staff to research whether Kohberger could have ties to any unsolved cases in his jurisdiction.

'Is his name out there? Did he do anything here in (my) county?'

Authorities have said in the past that Kohberger has no prior criminal record.

However, since Kohberger was a student at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania authorities took a deeper look into records.

He may have attended classes at a satellite campus in Monroe County. Using a crime information center, authorities in Northampton County searched records of unsolved cases using Kohberger's height, weight, method of operation and other characteristics that could have flagged him in an unsolved crime.
The infamous stock trader who inspired the film The Wolf of Wall Street is travelling to Australia to share his 'remarkable journey' and 'entrepreneurial insights'.

Jordan Belfort, 60, will give talks in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne next month where he will unveil his 'secrets to success' and reveal how he became a 'business icon'.

The Long Island penny trader is best known as the subject of Martin Scorsese's 2013 rags-to-riches-to-jail tale where he was portrayed by Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio.

The film that shipped Margot Robbie to A-list fame is adapted from Mr Belfort's 2007 memoir of the same name and depicts his debaucherous lifestyle and wild rise to notoriety before his subsequent fall from grace that saw him jailed for nearly two years.

Jordan Belfort, 60, will give talks in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne next month where he will reveal his 'secrets to success' and reveal how he became a 'business icon'

His Return of the Wolf speaking tour is hosted by One Life Club, a networking organisation, with tickets on offer between $299 and $699.

Organisers say Mr Belfort will share his 'remarkable journey and entrepreneurial insights' and attendees will be able to 'discover how he successfully created a household name and embodied the entrepreneurial spirit from a young age'.

Mr Belfort will speak in Brisbane at the Convention Centre on May 23, Le Montage in Sydney on May 24 and The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne on May 25.

The Long Island penny trader is best known as the subject of Martin Scorsese's 2013 rags-to-riches-to-jail tale Wolf of Wall Street where he was portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio (pictured in the role)

The film that rocketed Margot Robbie (pictured) to A-list fame is adapted from Mr Belfort's 2007 memoir of the same name and depicts his debaucherous lifestyle and wild rise to notoriety and his fall from grace

Belfort became known as the Wolf of Wall Street - a self-coined term - after he released his memoir following his time in prison.

The multimillionaire and former stockbroker, who made his millions defrauding investors of up to $200million, pleaded guilty to securities fraud and money laundering in 1999 and was sentenced to four years in prison in 2003.

He only served 22 months at the Taft Correctional Institution in California and was personally fined $110million.

His company Stratton Oakmont participated in 'pump-and-dump schemes' to artificially inflate the price of penny stocks. The company was shut down in 1996 after the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) consistently pursued them legally.

After his release, he set about a career as a writer and motivational speaker.

He has previously spoken in Australia and is friendly with billionaire James Packer, having previously been spotted on his yacht.
Huge swathes of Vladimir Putin's empire were cut off the internet today in a mystery outage amid suspicions of sabotage linked to Ukraine.

Unprecedented web problems took hold of large regions across Siberia, the Russian Far East and 11 of Putin's zones in the crash.

Regions impacted by problems were more than 36 times larger than the size of the United Kingdom and almost the size of the United States.

The shut down follows Russian complaints that Ukraine and the West had both targeted its satellites.

There had also been suspicions that numerous fires, explosions and accidents at key strategic facilities may be caused by sabotage linked to foes of Putin's war against Ukraine.

Web problems have hit large regions across Siberia and the Russian Far East

Earlier, internet provider TransTeleCom (TTK) told its subscribers in Yakutia - Russia's largest region - that it had experienced 'failure on a backbone fibre-optic link'.

One report said: 'There is a global failure at TTK.

'There is no Internet in half of the Far Eastern Federal District.

'Communication interruptions occurred about two hours ago.'

Among the regions hit were Perm, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Primorsky, Krasnoyarsk, TransBaikal, Buryatia, Yakutia, Amur, the Jewish Autonomous territory Primorsky and Sakhalin.

Major city St Petersburg was also said to have suffered problems with its internet.

Many of the areas affected today were linked to routes of Russian Railway, which is the main shareholder of TTK.

The internet provider distributes its webs services through the Trans-Siberian railway route and branch lines.

The crash comes amid suspicions of sabotage linked to the war in Ukraine

TransTeleCom (TTK) told its subscribers in Yakutia - Russia's largest region - that it had experienced 'failure on a backbone fibre-optic link'

Following the outage, customers expressed outrage on social media about a lack of information about the internet.

One said: 'Nothing works', while another added: 'I'm switching to a different user.'

The outage also comes as Moscow threatened to disrupt the West's civilian space satellites this week in a dramatic escalation of its war in Ukraine.

The Russian foreign ministry accused unnamed countries of assisting Kyiv to target Russia's satellites.

'This is an outrageous violation of international law,' said the ministry. 'The Russian side has the right to respond appropriately.'

It then warned: 'All necessary possibilities for this are available.'

Ukraine was accused of hacking or disrupting Russian civilian communication satellites with the help of 'specialists from a number of foreign states'.

The ministry did not give specific examples.

The crash comes amid Russia complaints that Ukraine and the West had targeted its satellites

Russia has already accused the West of using its civilian space infrastructure to support the operations of the Ukrainian troops, including for combat strikes, and detecting the locations of Vladimir Putin's army and its movements.

Recent weeks have also seen Russian radio and TV broadcasts interrupted with warnings of apparent nuclear alerts.

At the time, people were urged to rush to their nearest bomb shelters amid the sounding of sirens on radio and TV broadcasts.

Two weeks ago, residents of annexed Crimea were warned of impending emergency evacuation ferry crossings to the Russian mainland after an intense drone attack by Ukraine on naval port Sevastopol.

The impact is seen as causing psychological trauma among the population and leading to a questioning of Putin's war against Ukraine.

In such cases Russian officials have blamed the hacking by unknown groups of satellite signals.

Russia is seeking to speed up its military satellite launches amid the war in Ukraine.
Big brands pushing woke advertising on their customers are being graded by a major LGBTQ lobbying group that keeps close tabs on their level of equality, publishing their scores to keep them in competition with their rivals.

Corporations including Nike and Anheuser-Busch feature LGBTQ public figures - most notably trans star Dyland Mulvaney - avoid losing crucial 'credit score' points that could ruin their bottom lines.

Lucrative deals and ideological advertising campaigns all play into a business' 'Corporate Equality Index', a ranking overseen by the Human Rights Campaign.

The HRC, the most powerful LGBTQ+ political lobbying group in the world, compiles woke scorecards based on corporate box ticking.

Businesses that meet the criteria and earn a maximum of 100 index points are awarded with a 'Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality' title - which 15 of the top 20 Fortune ranked corporations achieved, according to the HRC.

Among the top corporations to receive a CEI score of 100 in 2022 were Walmart, Amazon, Apple and Google.

Trans TikTok star Dyland Mulvaney, pictured, has been awarded lucrative deals with brands including Bud Light and Nike in recent times

To earn favor from the HRC, which has deep ties to George Soros' Open Society Foundation, big brands are judged based on four criterion that can make or break their CEI score.

'Workforce Protections', 'Inclusive Benefits', 'Supporting and Inclusive Culture', and 'Corporate Social Responsibility and Responsible Citizenship' are all used to determine how a company compares on the all-important ranking.

And if a company drops CEI points, it can mean losing a seat at the table.

The CEI falls under umbrella entity ESG, stood for 'Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance', and its 'ethical investing' movement, which funds ideological projects including those that phase out fossil fuels, promote unionization, and maintain racial and gender equality hiring quotas.

If a company loses CEI points, which can be due to issues such as failing to meet 'integration of intersectionality in professional development, skills-based or other training', their stakeholders can see the effects in their financial returns.

For profit-driven entities, losing conservative customers by pushing woke advertising and making figures like Mulvaney the public face of the company is a small price to pay compared to the alternative.

Mulvaney has faced severe backlash after she was handed lucrative ad deals with brands including Nike and Bud Light, and she has reportedly made over $1 million through the deals while racking up over 10 million followers on TikTok.

The Human Rights Campaign, the most potent LGBTQ lobbying group in the world, reportedly has the power to financially punish those who don't meet their CEI criteria

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, who oversees $8.6 trillion in assets and has been dubbed 'the face of ESG', is pictured speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 2023

HRC president Kelley Robinson, pictured, has vowed to lead a 'road, intersectional coalition for change'

One of the key players in the dynamic is BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, one of the top shareholders in major companies including Nike and Anheuser-Busch who oversees assets worth $8.6 trillion.

Fink, who has been dubbed 'the face of ESG', showed his hand in 2018 in a notorious letter to top CEOs titled 'A Sense of Purpose', which threatened to demote those who didn't fall in line.

Arguing that companies need to serve a 'social purpose', Fink said: 'To prosper over time, every company must not only deliver financial performance, but also show how it makes a positive contribution to society.'

'If a company doesn't engage with the community and have a sense of purpose, it will ultimately lose the license to operate from key stakeholders,' he warned.

'The big fund managers like BlackRock all embrace this ESG orthodoxy in how they apply pressure to top corporate management teams and boards and they determine, in many cases, executive compensation and bonuses and who gets re-elected or re-appointed to boards,' said Vivek Ramaswamy, to The New York Post.

'They can make it very hard for you if you don't abide by their agendas', added the 2024 presidential hopeful.

Mulvaney has faced severe backlash after being handed lucrative deals with brands including Nike and Bud Light

The TikTok star has reportedly raked in over $1 million thanks to her newfound fame

Big brands have plastered Mulvaney across their recent ad campaigns, but a hidden financial dynamic may be behind it

One of the central ways businesses are able to appease the CEI rankings is through advertising, leading to controversial campaigns such as the recent Bud Light ads featuring Mulvaney.

While Fink has combatted claims that ESG is a politically driven project, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, which doles out the CEI ranking, is a former political organizer for Barack Obama.

Kelley Robinson, who took the helm in 2022, was previously the executive director of Planned Parenthood, has vowed to lead a 'road, intersectional coalition for change,' across numerous industries, according to The Washington Post.

But her CEI ranking was described as Mafia-like by New Discourses chief James Lindsay, who slammed it as an 'extortion racket' to push ideological agendas on the public that runs deeper than mere virtue signaling.

'It doesnt just sit back passively either,' he told The Post.

'HRC sends representatives to corporations every year telling them what kind of stuff they have to make visible at the company. They give them a list of demands and if they dont follow through theres a threat that you wont keep your CEI score.'

'(The ESG) is a highly subjective political score infiltrating all walks of life,' added Derek Kreifels, CEO of State Financial Officers Foundation and a leading voice against the ESG.

'The problem with measures like CEI, and its big brother ESG, is that it introduces an incentive structure outside of the bounds of business, often in ways contradictory to fiduciary duty,' Kreifels said.

'Whether Anheuser-Busch was trying to cash in on Dylan Mulvaneys TikTok following or chasing higher CEI ratings for inclusivity, the backlash has been significant, and the stockholders to whom the company is obligated will feel the pinch.'
Do you know what happened? Email: Aneeta.Bhole@mailonline.com

It comes as rates of assault double since the past five years and videos from across the U.S. of educators and school staff being harassed emerge

This is the horrifying moment a 15-year-old high school student punched a teacher in the head while demanding to get his cell phone.

Footage circulating Twitter shows the student standing intimidatingly close to the shorter educator repeatedly asking for his 'f*****g phone' before swinging his fist into the teacher's face.

Lamar High School in Houston sent a letter to families with principal Rita Graves saying that this type of behavior won't be tolerated and that administrators were looking at ways to prevent this happening again.

Neither student or teacher have been publicly identified at this time.

A Houston high school student, 15, was seen aggressively punching a teacher in the head while demanding to get his cell phone back in a horrifying video that has gone viral

Footage circulating Twitter shows the student standing intimidatingly close to the shorter educator repeatedly asking for his 'f*****g phone' before swinging his fist into the teacher's face

In the clip a student repeatedly says 'give me my f*****g phone back' the teacher calmly asking the student to 'sit down.'

'Give me my phone,' the student his heard saying yet again and appearing exasperated.

The student is then seen leaning back and punching the teacher square in the face as a bystander who is out of frame screams in disbelief.

The person filming is seen quickly ending the recording as the savage attack takes place.

DailyMail.com has contacted students, parents and Lamar High School's principal Graves for comment.

Speaking to KHOU 11 Texas branch of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the second largest teacher's labor union in America, said the kid has made a 'huge mistake.'

'Unfortunately, this kid's made a huge mistake,' AFT Texas president Zeph Capo said.

Capo called on HISD to properly punish the student and added that he will support the move to keep the student off campus.

'By all means, he should not be allowed back on a regular campus,' Capo said. 'This is not something that needs to be tolerated.'

Capo and other educators don't believe there could have been anything that warranted that kind of reaction, much less the teacher confiscating a phone which is allowed under certain circumstances in HISD schools.

'Unfortunately, we see too much of this,' Capo said. 'We see too much of this happening toward our teachers and toward our school employees.'

According to the outlet, 520 incidents were recorded in the 2021- 2022 school year double from that in the five previous years.

There have been nearly 1,200 assaults from 2017 - 202, according to TEA discipline reports obtained by the publication.

'I've certainly experienced angry reactions,' Capo said. 'I've certainly experienced students throwing desks across the room.'

Lamar High School sent a letter to families - principal Rita Graves saying that this type of behavior won't be tolerated and that administrators were looking at ways to prevent this happening again

DailyMail.com has contacted students, parents and Lamar High School's principal Graves for comment

Capo said he's never been struck by a student even while working in an alternative school. He commended the Lamar teacher for not fighting back.

'Which is all the more reason I hope that this teacher is supported, that the principal does what they need to do, that the school district follows the law,' Capo said.

Filming disrespectful behavior toward school staff has become a common phenomenon with the moment an upset teacher quit her job going viral just last month.

The distressing TikTok footage captured the moment an upset teacher quit her job and marched out of a classroom while saying: 'I'm just a stupid old white lady.'

The woman, who has not been identified, looked distressed as she started to pack up her belongings before storming out of the classroom.

Initially pupils can be heard laughing, before a male voice says 'woah isn't no way' as she continues out the door.

It remains unclear which school or even where in the US the incident took place, with text over the top of the footage saying 'they made the teacher leave.'

Just this week, an Ohio school bus driver was also seen resigning in despair after screaming at students who sprayed perfume on her bus in the hopes of making her have an asthma attack.

Jackie Miller was filmed telling the alleged teenage bullies to 'shut your mouth' in the town of Amherst where she'd worked for the past two years, before finally declaring 'I'm done with this s**t!'

A substitute teacher has been mocked after storming out of a classroom visibly upset shouting 'I'm just a stupid old white lady'

The driver of 15 years quit after last week's incident, throwing up her hands on what she told local outlets was incessantly bad behavior from a specific group of students on her line, who she claims bullied her out of a job.

As the video racked up millions of views, Miller became an unlikely hero as scores of people leapt to her defense over what they felt was a fair reaction to a dangerous situation.

A GoFundMe page was launched to support her, and a local store even started selling t-shirts with her infamous exasperated declaration printed on it, donating the proceeds to school bus driver associations.

Though Miller later told 3News that she regretted the incident, she said that she would not take it back and that she felt her behavior was justified.

In the video, Miller could be seen storming down the aisle of her bus after a student told her that somebody had sprayed perfume.

'How much more do you expect me to f*****g take?' she yelled, then demanded to know which student had done it.

All the students denied spraying anything, but Miller insisted she could 'freaking smell it.'

'I'm sick of you, I'm done with it,' she said, pointing out individual students. 'I'm gonna start f*****g kicking some serious a**.

Miller said she was sorry for how she reacted, but that she wouldn't change what happened

'Do you hear me?' she yelled. 'My foot's gonna be so far up your a** it's gonna dangle out your f*****g nose.'

As the kids kept denying they'd sprayed perfume, Miller insisted she could smell it, saying: 'I'm allergic to that s**t.

'I ought to walk off this bus right now and let you people walk the f**k home,' she said.

Despite the severity of her reaction, Miller later defended her actions, telling 3News how just a month prior the same group of students had intentionally sprayed perfume on the bus and caused her to have a serious asthma attack.

'She sprayed perfume on the bus and I had a horrible asthma attack,' she said.

'I had to stop the bus, grab my inhaler and try to get my lungs to open up again. I had all the kids open up all the windows they know this.'

Miller explained that those students had been intentionally provoking her for years and that when the perfume was sprayed again after the first incident she'd finally had enough.

'I'm sorry for the way this went down, I truly am,' she said. 'I do apologize for my actions, but I won't take it back.

Miller was caught on camera berating students after they sprayed perfume on her bus

A t-shirt with Miller's quote on it. A portion of the sales is going to Miller to help her out

'This is a plight of all bus drivers, we are treated in the worst possible sense of the word,' she added. 'We are treated with such lack of respect.'

The Amherst schools superintendent told 3News that students had been disciplined following the incident.

The owner of the local clothing store Main Street Threads, Jacqui Adkins, said she felt for Miller after seeing the video and decided to make t-shirts to support her.

'We all kind of just felt for her in that moment. We've all had bad days, we've all gone through hardships and our hearts just went out for her,' she said.
Teenage twin brothers both died from drowning after one brother fell in a Miami lake and the other jumped in after him, officials said.

The boys were playing near the lake at Arthur Woodard Park in Miami on Friday around 3pm when one of the twins was pushed in the water by another teen, according to a witness.

The other twin jumped into the lake to try and save his brother, but the boys did not know how to swim and started to drown, police said.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene and three divers went into the water in search of the missing boys. Once they were located, paramedics performed CPR and transported them both to a nearby hospital.

One of the twins died at the hospital and the other twin was listed in critical condition, but later died, officials said.

Teenage twin brothers tragically die after one brother fell in Miami lake and the other twin jumped in trying to save him and both drowned, officials said

Police and witnesses at the scene where the Friday afternoon tragedy took place at Arthur Woodward Park located at Northwest 99th Street in Northwest Miami

Horrified witness Miguel 'El Skipper' Quintero who lives on the other side of the lake watched divers search the lake for about an hour.

He told NBC6 Miami that the lake is about 15 feet deep.

'You never want to see something like this ... that it is about as hard as it gets,' Quintero said.

At the crime scene, a Miami-Dade official told the news outlet 'my heart goes out to their family.

'This is a very, very sad event when you have a group of children playing at a park on a beautiful day for this to happen,' he said.

The Miami-Dade Police Department did not respond to a request for comment.

The boys' identities and ages have not been released. Police are in the process of notifying family members, officials said.

Florida ranked 6th in the US for unintentional drowning deaths per capita among children ages 0 to 17 years of age in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

This year, there have already been 22 drownings in the state of Florida, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families, the news outlet reported.

In 2022, the department reported a total of 93 drownings.

An unidentified woman is comforting a young girl at the park and near the site where the drownings took place
These are the Star Wars fanatics who have travelled from a galaxy far, far away battling with the tube on their way to the second day of the show's east London event.

The Star Wars Celebration 2023 promises the 4,500-strong crowd fan-inspired activities including screenings, autograph sessions and exclusive merchandise.

Already, the four day event has announced a series of shock announcements thrilling fans from across the globe.

READ MORE: Star Wars announce THREE new films with Daisy Ridley returning to the helm as Jedi hero Rey Advertisement

One exciting development is Lucasfilm declaring that the Star Wars saga will continue with three brand new films - all starring London-born Daisy Ridley.

The 33-year-old will return to play Jedi hero Rey 15 years on from where 2019 hit The Rise of Skywalker left off.

Now a master, it will show her building a new Jedi order.

David Tennant and Danish actor Lars Mikkelsen also joined the lineup of the upcoming Ahsoka series.

Dr Who hero Tennant, 51, is set to play the droid character Huyang - having previously won a Daytime Emmy for voicing the character in an animated version of the show.

Film nuts have travelled from far and wide in stunning costumes in the hope of snatching a glimpse of celebrities, watching panels and catching wind of major developments.

'Is this the droid we're looking for?' Two Mandalorians try to work out the tube as one taps their Oyster card

... And they make a swift exit as a police dog takes a vigilant notice

A striking yellow Twi'lek in a sheer red dress looks the part as a matching Mandalorian points his gun threateningly at the camera

A brooding Darth Talon, a Sith Lord from Star Wars Legends, with black and red skin and a metal bikini looks threateningly into the camera

One fanatic attracts a tube worker's gaze as he drinks in the view from beside the Oyster card machine

Two blondes enter into the spirit of the event - one with a golden lightsaber and another gazing into the lens as she holds her purple weapon aloft

A rebel soldier from the Battle of Endor poses up next to his natural enemy - a tropically dressed Empirewarrior

A Darth Vader lookalike poses menacingly at the entrance of the Star Wars Celebration

A Corwynt Trooper! A patriotic warrior of the Welsh Empire leads his crew into the convention

'You must be cold! Are you sure you don't need some more Leias?' A scantily clad Princess Leia lookalike joins Luke Skywalker at the celebration

A chilled out Grogu baby Yoda catches a lift from a friendly passer by

'Do you need a straw with that?' A Tusken Raider looks a little out of place as they sip water through their mask on the way into the Excel Centre
A spearfisherman who was mauled by a four-and-a-half-metre long crocodile in far north Queensland shoved his fingers into the animal's eyes to break free of its grip.

The 44-year-old was attacked by the croc while he was swimming at Archer Point, about 20km south of Cooktown on the Cape York Peninsula, at about 1.30pm on Saturday.

Incredibly, despite being bitten three times and dragged below the water's surface, he managed to free himself by gouging the croc's eyes repeatedly.

He then swam to nearby rocks before rescue teams winched him to safety and a helicopter flew him to Cairns hospital.

A 44-year-old was airlifted to hospital after being mauled by a massive crocodile in far north Queensland on Saturday

Valerie Noble of Queensland Ambulance Service said the man had been swimming with a group of six mates who managed to apply first aid before emergency services arrived.

'(The croc) has bitten him three times and dragged him to the bottom,' Ms Noble told reporters.

'He's managed to - according to him - stick his fingers in the crocodile's eyes multiple times and escape before swimming towards the shore.'

The spearfisher suffered multiple fractures, as well as severe injuries to his head, abdomen and leg.

'He's an extremely lucky man, not many people would live to tell a story like that,' Ms Noble added.

Despite his ordeal, the man is said to be in good spirits and in a stable condition.

The Queensland Department of Environment and Science will now investigate the attack and confirm if the crocodile is still in the area.

Incredibly, despite being bitten three times and dragged into the water, the man managed to free himself by poking the croc's eyes repeatedly (stock image)

The incident comes just days after a 65-year-old man was bitten while sleeping at Newell Beach near Port Douglas on April 4.

He received treatment for a minor injury to his legs and was discharged the following day.

Following the incident, the Queensland governments said it was a 'timely reminder' for people to be 'crocwise'.

Data from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, which records and investigates all crocodile reports, reveals there have been eight reported attacks between 2020 and March 2023.
Hospital security said 'its not every day you get a moose walking into a building,'

The young hungry moose seemed oblivious to all the fuss as he ate the plants

A hungry moose wandered into the lobby of a hospital in Anchorage, Alaska and chomped on an array of potted plants before security escorted him out.

The amusing event took place on Thursday at Providence Health Park medical facility when the large animal strolled through the front doors looking for some food to eat.

The young moose walked straight over to the plants - hoping to get in some morning greens - as hospital employees and civilians snapped photos and video of the unusual sighting.

The docile moose appeared oblivious to all the fuss and the attention it was getting.

When hospital security arrived, the moose had a stare down with a few of the security guards.

Randy Hughes, the hospital's director of security, said, 'it's not every day you get a moose walking into a building, so everybody was excited to take pictures and stuff like that.'

When hospital security arrives the moose and security guards have a stare down

The moose is seen chomping on some of the potted plants in the hospital's lobby

The young moose is seen strolling through the lobby of the Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska

The amusing event took place on Thursday afternoon. No one was injured and the large animal appeared to cooperate with hospital officials

To prevent the large animal from running wild, some civilians formed a circle while others held some branches from the plants to try and sway the moose to walk towards the automatic doors.

One man is seen in a video posted on Facebook moving a lobby chair to usher the moose to the exit.

No one was injured during the afternoon melee as the moose cooperated with hospital officials and left on its own recognizance.

After the moose left the premises, he stood outside the hospital's semi-circular driveway for a while before walking to the side of the building to take a nap in the snow, Fox News reported.

Hughes joked: 'Finally, I think it had enough of everybody watching him, watching him eat.'

Providence Alaska Medical Center is one of Alaska's largest hospitals and often ranked one of the largest private employers in Alaska, according to a report.

The moose's visit on Thursday was not the first time Providence Alaska Medical Center has had wildlife pop inside one of their buildings.

Bears have tried to get into the emergency room before, the news outlet said.

'There's never a dull moment here at the hospital,' Hughes said.

Providence Alaska Medical Center is one of Alaska's largest hospitals and often ranked one of the largest private employers in Alaska, according to a report

The moose did not appear frightened or aggressive during the Thursday visit

Randy Hughes, the hospital's director of security, said, 'it's not every day you get a moose walking into a building, so everybody was excited to take pictures and stuff like that'

The moose is exiting the building through that automatic doors before he went to the side of the building to take a nap in the snow
Resplendent in a stunning emerald green outfit, the late Queen's surprise appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony marked the joyous culmination of last year's Platinum Jubilee.

Now a sensational new book by veteran royal correspondent Robert Jobson reveals Queen Elizabeth's extraordinary effort to give a poignant 'last salute' to the tens of thousands of well-wishers who packed the Mall to celebrate her 70-year reign.

Serialised in the Mail on Sunday and Daily Mail, Our King reports how the 96-year-old Queen 'didn't feel strong enough' to attend the final celebrations during last year's historic four-day Jubilee weekend.

The book reveals that while the then Prince Charles was sympathetic to his mother's increasing frailty, he also felt it important that she should acknowledge the vast crowds that had gathered in London and 'implored her to make a massive effort.'

With the Queen's agreement, arrangements were put in place for her to fly by helicopter from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace and for her to use a wheelchair - although a meticulously orchestrated plan was put in place to ensure that she was not seen using it in public.

Arrangements were made to fly the Queen from Windsor to Buckingham Palace and to use a wheelchair - not seen by the public - so that she could make a public appearance

Pictures of an obviously delighted Queen walking gingerly out onto the balcony before waving to the jubilant crowd are among Platinum Jubilee's most iconic images

Click here to read part two of the Mail's sensational Royal serialisation Our King Arrangements were made to fly the Queen from Windsor to Buckingham Palace and to use a wheelchair - not seen by the public - so that she could make a public appearance Advertisement

'On her insistence, a military-style exercise was put in place so that no one could see she was having to use a wheelchair,' the book states.

'In considerable discomfort, Her Majesty was taken by wheelchair to the helicopter pad at Windsor.

'At the Palace, she was wheeled right up to the balcony doors, then helped to her feet so that she could stand - with the aid of a walking stick - alongside Charles and Camilla, plus William and his family.

'After a firework display, the Queen smiled with delight. It was her last salute to her people.'

Pictures of an obviously delighted Queen walking gingerly out onto the balcony before waving to the jubilant crowd are among Platinum Jubilee's most iconic images. She later issued a moving letter to the nation in which she declared: 'My heart has been with you all.'

Her attendance at the triumphant finale of four days of festivities had, however, hung in the balance for days.

After joining her family on the balcony to witness a spectacular RAF fly-past on Thursday June 2, she was unable to attend a thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral the following day after suffering discomfort.

The service was dominated by the attendance of Prince Harry and Meghan, making their first joint royal appearance since quitting their duties.

The Queen was a no-show on the Saturday at the Epsom Derby and also did not attend that evening's Party at the Palace - although her recorded sketch with Paddington Bear stole the show.

The Mail on Sunday revealed in March 2022 how Queen Elizabeth had made it clear that her presence at events of personal significance, such as the Commonwealth and Cenotaph services, should not come at any cost.

In particular, Palace aides were anxious not to replicate a photograph of the Queen's late sister, Princess Margaret, in a wheelchair, six months before she died.

'It's a haunting image and not one the Queen remembers fondly,' a source told this newspaper.

The Queen shared a sweet moment with her great-grandson Prince George on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the celebration of her Platinum Jubilee

The crowd gathered in front of Buckingham Palace cheer for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II waving from the balcony of the Palace at the end of the Platinum Pageant in London on June 5, 2022

The 96-year-old monarch was absent for much of the extended Bank Holiday weekend, after finding the first day enjoyable but tiring, and in a message of thanks acknowledged this but said her 'heart' had been with well-wishers

Mr Jobson's book also reveals that during the final years of their lives both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip had seen Charles more often and grown close to him.

Once well-placed source says there was, in particular, a deepening of the relationship between Charles and his father.

'Over the last year of Philip's life, they were the closest that they had ever been,' a member of Charles's close circle of friends said.

The book tells that hours before Prince Philip's death on April 9 2021, Charles had been at his father's bedside talking about plans for the Duke's 100th birthday. Although increasingly deaf, Philip displayed his trademark wry wit.

'We are talking about your birthday, and whether there's going to a reception,' Charles said.

'Well,' his father replied, 'I've got to be alive for it, haven't I?'

'I knew you'd say that!' said Charles.

And these aren't the only revelations from the new book.

It was divulged on Saturday that the walkabout in the wake of their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth IIs, death last September was the one of the hardest things the Princess of Wales had ever had to do.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on the long Walk at Windsor Castle to greet well-wishers

King Charles, who had told Harry early into his relationship with Meghan that he couldn't afford to support them, stopped taking his son's calls after he was sworn at and asked for money. Pictured: Meghan, a then Prince Charles, and Harry on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on June 9, 2018

As the rest of the world watched the four black-clad figures move slowly among the people paying their respects to her late majesty, few would have mistaken the slight tension between the couples as grief.

Prince William, who has been said to have been the 'most upset' member of the family after the publication of Prince Harry's tell-all memoir in January, has long been keen to take swift action to contain the renegade royals.

READ MORE: New book lays bare the war of the Windsors: Kate said THAT royal walkabout was 'one of the hardest things she's ever had to do' The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit floral tributes and meet members of the public at Windsor Castle Advertisement

He called a crisis meeting with his father, now the King, after the Sussexes' bombshell interview with American television giant Oprah in March 2021. Memorably, the couple accused an anonymous senior royal of making a racist comment about the then unborn Archie.

The senior royals agreed not to see Prince Harry alone from that point on, perhaps marking the moment when trust was truly lost.

And his caution echoes the sentiments of his late grandmother who, while frustrated by the tension between the brothers even before Meghan burst on to the scene, found Prince Harry's calls 'difficult and wearisome'.

She would encourage him to speak with his father, but Charles, who had told Harry early into his relationship with Meghan that he couldn't afford to support them, stopped taking his son's calls after he was sworn at and asked for money.

When the Queen asked him why he wasn't speaking to the Duke of Sussex, the then Prince of Wales explained that he wasn't a bank.

And the Queen had her own concerns about the Duchess of Sussex.

While the Queen was delighted by Harry's choice of a bride, Meghan's rejection of wise counsel to speak to the then Countess of Wessex before her wedding must have worried the late monarch.

Even when later she would come to believe that Prince Harry's love for his wife was 'confounding his judgement', the Queen was hopeful that he would return to the royal fold.

 Adapted from Our King: Charles III  The Man And The Monarch Revealed by Robert Jobson, to be published by John Blake on April 13 at 22.  Robert Jobson 2023. To order a copy for 18.70 (offer valid until May 9, 2023; UK P&P free on orders over 20), visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.
Former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, seen for the first time since her husband's arrest, has said the last few days have been 'obviously difficult'.

Police raided her home as part of a probe into her husband, Peter Murrell, amid a police investigation into the party's finances.

Speaking outside her home near Glasgow, Nicola Sturgeon said in a brief statement that she understands 'the scrutiny that comes on me as a public figure', adding that she intends to 'get on with life and my job as you would expect'.

Mr Murrell, 58, was arrested and released on Wednesday, with police spending two days examining the family home in Glasgow in scenes that have rocked Scottish politics.

He was released without charge pending further investigation. Senior party officials have said the revelations may even scupper attempts at Scottish independence.

Following Mr Murrell's arrest, it emerged the SNP's external auditors, accountancy firm Johnston Carmichael severed ties with the party.

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, pictured, spoke this afternoon outside her home in Uddingston, Glasgow

Ms Sturgeon said she will 'fully cooperate' with the investigation, but said she is unable to comment further at this stage.

She said: 'The last few days have been obviously difficult, quite dramatic at times, but I understand that is part of a process,' she told reporters.

The MSP said she understands the 'scrutiny that comes on me as a public figure', adding: 'But I'm also entitled to a little bit of privacy in my own home.'

She asked journalists to 'respect' her neighbours' privacy as well amid the 'disruption and inconvenience' since Mr Murrell's arrest on Wednesday.

'So that's really all I needed to say just now, other than I intend to get on with life and my job as you would expect me to,' she added.

Asked if she had been questioned by officers, Ms Sturgeon replied: 'I haven't, but I will fully cooperate with the police as and when they request that, if indeed they do.'

She declined to say whether detectives have indicated that they wish to quiz her.

Detectives are probing what happened to more than 600,000 in donations made to the party to fund a second independence referendum when he was chief executive.

Ms Sturgeon, pictured, said she intends getting on with her life and her job 'as you would expect'

Ms Sturgeon, pictured outside her Glasgow home, said she fully intends on cooperating with the investigation into the SNP's finances

Neighbours described the police raid as akin to something from hit TV drama Line of Duty.

Now, Ms Sturgeon's successor as SNP leader Humza Yousaf is facing calls to re-run the leadership election.

Mr Yousaf was elected leader of the SNP and voted in as First Minister after beating Kate Forbes last month.

But critics have questioned whether Ms Sturgeon or Mr Yousaf was aware police action was imminent when she stepped down.

The impact of the police investigation into the party's finances has even set back the cause of Scottish independence, according to the party's president.

Mike Russell, SNP president and a former minister, said this is the biggest crisis the party has faced in 50 years, admitting independence cannot be achieved 'right now'. also said he does not think independence can be achieved 'right now'.

Ms Sturgeon addressed the media earlier today following her husband's arrest on Wednesday. He was later released without charge

Police erected a tent outside Ms Sturgeon's home while they searched for documents in relation to the probe into her husband's handling of the SNP's finances

On Wednesday, former chief executive Peter Murrell was arrested by police investigating the spending of around 600,000 which was earmarked for an independence campaign.

In an interview with The Herald newspaper, Mr Russell said recent weeks had been 'wearing' for the SNP, which recently selected Humza Yousaf to succeed Ms Sturgeon as party leader.

He said: 'In my 50-year association with the party this is the biggest and most challenging crisis we've ever faced, certainly while we've been in government.

'But I have an obligation to this party and the movement for Scottish independence that's been such a massive part of my life for so long.'

He continued: 'I don't think independence can be secured right now; we need to work towards some coordinated campaigning.

'But I think this is achievable. My main focus is how we can create a new Yes movement that allows for different visions but conducted in an atmosphere of mutual trust.'

Mr Russell said there would be a wide-ranging review of the SNP's governance and transparency.

This was promised by Mr Yousaf, who was sworn in as First Minister last week.
Disturbing letters written by the friend of the deadliest mass shooter in US history have offered a glimpse into the gunman's horrifying psyche in the lead up to the massacre.

Months before Stephen Paddock killed 60 people and injured over 860 when he opened fire on the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas in 2017, his ex-con friend Jim Nixon, 75, implored him not to 'shoot or kill innocent people'.

Handwritten letters to the killer, which were released by police in response to a records request by the Las Vegas Review Journal, show Nixon pleading with his old friend not to follow through with threats to carry out the carnage.

'I can get someone for you who can help you,' he wrote. 'Please dont go out shooting or hurting people who did nothing to you.

'I am concern (sic) about the way you are talking and believe you are going to do something very bad. Steve please please dont do what I think you are going to do.'

Stephen Paddock became the deadliest mass shooter in US history when he opened fire on Las Vegas concertgoers from his hotel room in 2017, killing 60 and injuring over 860 people

The letters, which DailyMail.com has requested access to, were found in late November 2017 by the owners of an abandoned office building in Mesquite, Texas, where Paddock owned property before the killings.

Nixon told CNN he exchanged letters with Paddock several times a year, which reveal that he expressed concern over his friend's disturbing mentality in the years before his 'plan'.

In one of the ominous letters from August 2014, Nixon wrote: 'You said in three years you would be ready and that your plan would show up in Nevada, California, Illinois, Texas, New York and other cities... What do you mean?'

Investigators found that Paddock had amassed a huge stockpile of firearms leading up to the shooting, bringing many to his Mandalay Hotel room before he fired more than 1,000 rounds onto concert goers below.

His unsettling spending spree was alluded to by Nixon in another letter dated May 2, 2017, where he wrote: 'You must going (sic) on a hunting trip with all those guns you are stockpiling.'

Three weeks later, in another letter revealed by the Las Vegas outlet, Nixon again pleaded in vain for Paddock to seek help before he went through with his sinister threats.

'You are a good person and I want you to know that I am concern (sic) about you and your wellbeing,' he said.

'I believe you are lying to me and you are going to hurt someone or kill someone. You sound like a real mad man on the phone tonight.'

Paddock was a retired postal service worker, accountant, and real estate investor who was a known high-stakes gambler. He was the son of a notorious 'psychopath' bank robber who was once on the FBI most wanted list.

Nixon said he and Paddock exchanged numerous letters in the years leading up to massacre. Pictured is a mock up of the handwritten correspondence

Paddock fired over 1,000 rounds in an 11-minute shooting spree from his Mandalay Bay hotel room

Paddock stockpiled numerous firearms inside his 32nd floor hotel room, pictured, in the lead up to the massacre

Concertgoers pictured crying in the aftermath of the shooting at Route 91 Harvest music festival in October 2017

Nixon's fears over Paddock's mental state are evident throughout the letters, including one where he wrote: 'Remember you have to answer to God Almighty for your earthly crimes.'

'My friend it sounds like you are going to kill or murder someone or some people,' he wrote in another letter from June 2017.

'Please whatever it is I would like to talk to you about it and we can discuss it. Please dont go on any shooting rampage like some fool.'

Nixon, a disabled Vietnam War veteran who was reportedly imprisoned decades ago for tax fraud, said he met Paddock over 10 years before the shooting. Paddock would go on to stay at Nixon's homes in California, and when the veteran moved to Las Vegas, the two would reportedly go fishing in Lake Mead together.

No definitive motive has ever been given for Paddock's horrifying massacre, however Nixon told CNN that he believed his former friend had become 'bitter at the system' and began 'talking a lot about death'.

Although he said he became increasingly concerned when Paddock talked about 'going postal', Nixon never notified authorities because he 'didn't know (Paddock) was going to do anything,' and 'couldn't read his mind'.

Nixon added that he initially didn't believe reports identifying Paddock as the killer when the crime shocked the nation, and said he thought 'Damn, that fool' when he was officially confirmed as the gunman.

Paddock, right, was the son of a notorious bank robber who was once on the FBI most wanted list. He is pictured with his brother Eric, left

The massacre shocked the nation over five years ago. Pictured: Mourners gather for a candlelight vigil one week after the mass shooting

In January 2019, over a year on from the shooting, the FBI released a report detailing their investigation into his motive, finding 'no single or clear motivating factor'.

According to the document, which was compiled by the bureau's Behavioral Analysis Unit, Paddock 'went to great lengths to keep his thoughts private, and that extended to his final thinking about this mass murder'.

Reiterating that he acted alone as he showered concertgoers with gunfire in an 11-minute shooting spree, the FBI maintained that he was not motivated by religious, social or political resentment.

The report adds that he may have been inspired by his father, notorious bank robber Benjamin Hoskins Paddock who found himself on the FBI top ten most wanted list in 1968.

'Paddock's father created a facade to mask his true criminal identity and hide his diagnosed psychopathic history, and in so doing ultimately achieved significant criminal notoriety,' the report concluded.

FBI files released this year also found that he lost $1.5 million gambling in the weeks before carrying out the mass shooting, which a fellow gambler said could easily have caused the gunman 'to snap'.
Many Muslim teens are hitting back by refusing to attend the co-ed activity claiming that they would rather miss the class than betray their faith

Muslim girls at New York City's Stuyvesant High School are protesting after the school canceled an all-female swim class, forcing them to take a co-ed option.

The elite Manhattan public school requires students to take a one semester swim class in order to graduate. It previously offered an all-female version, but demand for the class conflicted with scheduling, leading the school to cancel the option.

Now, Muslim girls at the school have no option but to take the co-ed class and risk their modesty in order to fulfill the requirement.

Many of the affected teens are hitting back by refusing to attend the co-ed activity, saying they would rather risk failing than betray their faith.

'I know girls who are just failing it right now,' one sophomore told The New York Post.

Stuyvesant High School located on Chambers Street in downtown Manhattan requires all students, by the end of their sophomore year, to attend a swim class in order to meet the school's graduation requirement

The Pool at the Community Center at Stuyvesant High School

Brian Moran (pictured) is the Assistant Principal Safety and Security and Physical Education at Stuyvesant High School in New York

The all-girl swim classes at the prestigious public college preparatory high school were no longer an option when classes started up again last fall after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The popularity of the classes created a programming logjam.

The school's assistant principal of physical education Brian Moran told the school's student newspaper The Spectator that the girls swim gym was removed because 'it created a major issue, mostly with programming.'

He said that a large number of their female students requested the gym class and that the extra classes needed would clash with the scheduling of science labs held on alternate days.

He explained that a teacher and trained lifeguard must be present during the swim classes.

Moran said that the young Muslim women can wear a 'burkini' - a full body swimsuit where only the face, hands and feet are exposed. But some of the women do not feel comfortable wearing the form-fitting suits in front of the opposite sex.

A Department of Education insider revealed to the Post that Stuyvesant may be in violation of a state regulation. The A-630 Chancellor's Regulation requires schools to grant 'accommodation of religious observances and practices,' whenever possible.

A 16-year-old Muslim tenth grade student said, 'religious swimwear is going to stick to your body when you leave the swimming pool, so it's still just awkward.'

Seung Yu (pictured) is the Principal at Stuyvesant High School in New York

There are 3,300 students who attend the public college preparatory high school

Tasnim Chowdhury, a senior at Stuyvesant, participated in the all-girls swim class when she was a sophomore, and is hoping the school will reinstate it for her younger female peers.

'I'm not comfortable swimming with boys because I'm Muslim and it's really hard for us,' Chowdhury told The Post.

'I can't believe the school would change it because it's been a fundamental part of Stuy, and now it's changed all of a sudden.'

It is unclear how many students at the school are Muslim.

Freshman Sarzil Chowdhury, 14, who participated in the co-ed swim class, and wore a burka-style swimsuit, said she 'didn't really like it that much.'

'It was a bit uncomfortable at first because I wasn't used to being so close to boys,' she said.

Student Joey Chen has demanded Principal Seung C. Yu bring back the girls-only classes and called the decision to eliminate them a 'blatant disregard of the faith of a large percentage of the student body' in a piece for the student paper.

'(Students) are left helpless to choose between their faith or their Stuyvesant diploma,' she wrote.
Do you know the unidentified man in the video? Please email: helena.c.kelly@mailonline.com

Video footage shows the man sob as he is arrested by police officers after long confrontation

First class American Airlines passenger has gone viral after he was filmed having a tearful meltdown in a row over a pre-take-off gin and tonic

A first class passenger has gone viral after he was filmed having a tearful meltdown when he was arrested over a row about a pre-take-off gin and tonic.

The unidentified man had supposedly requested the cocktail but was denied it by officers prompting a row that caused staff to call the police.

Social media were quick to slam the 'man-child' who was later filmed sobbing as he was arrested on the jet bridge of the American Airlines flight.

The clip begins with the man being ordered to leave by officers - to which he refuses.

Fellow passengers can be heard begging the man to exit the aircraft but he continues to remain seated as he argues with officers.

A first class passenger has gone viral after he was filmed having a tearful meltdown when he was arrested over a row about a pre-take-off gin and tonic

At one point he takes out his phone to record the altercation but it is promptly removed from his hand.

Officers then yank him from his seat and wrangle with him in the aisle.

The man repeatedly yells out 'stop' before bursting into tears.

After finally vacating the plane he continues to wail as he falls to the floor and is pinned down by officers who handcuff him.

It is not clear why he was refused the gin and tonic or how the situation escalated.

American Airlines rules state that first class passengers are entitled to a drink before take-off.

The man reportedly complained that he was not guilty of a crime.

However the US Department of Transportation says airlines can remove any passenger for reasons relating to 'safety, security or health risk, or due to a behavior that is considered obscene, disruptive or otherwise unlawful.'

The video was posted to TikTok and shared on Reddit where it garnered over 4,000 comments.

'I did not expect him to start weeping like that! What a man child!' one wrote.

It is not clear why he was refused the gin and tonic or how the situation escalated

After finally vacating the plane he continues to wail as he falls to the floor and is pinned down by officers who handcuff him

Another said: 'When his shoe came off, it reminded me of my 5-year-old nephew when he doesnt want to take a nap but is clearly tired.'

It comes after a spate of bad behavior on US flights.

Last month, hocking video footage captured the moment a father attacked a passenger unprovoked in front of his children during a Southwest Airlines flight.

The violent confrontation saw the man put another in a headlock as others on board were forced to intervene yelling: 'Do not hit him again.'

Meanwhile a flight from LA to Boston this week made headlines after a passenger threatened to 'kill every man on this plane.'

Francisco Severo Torres, 33, from Leominster, Massachusetts was charged with one count of interference and attempted interference with flight crew members using a dangerous weapon after he stabbed a flight attendant with a broken spoon.

In video shot by a fellow passenger sitting only feet away, Torres can be heard threatening to commit mass murder while goading others to try and stop him.

Dailymail.com has reached out to American Airlines for comment.
Pervert movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has reportedly 'flown first class' from Los Angeles (LA) to New York (NY) after his latest rape conviction with California tax payers paying for the luxury travel option.

Weinstein was sentenced to 16 years in February in his LA sexual assault case on top of his previous 23 year sentence for a rape conviction in New York City (NYC) and was originally at Wende Correctional but will move to Mohawk Correctional Facility.

Wende has a reputation of housing some of America's most notorious serial killers and murderers. The decision to move Weinstein comes after a review of his treatment needs - Mohawk boasting online that it specializes in sex offender treatment.

Sources connected to the case told TMZ that Weinstein flew on a commercial airline on Wednesday with investigators and medical personnel aboard with the LA county District Attorney's office footing the bill.

Pervert movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has reportedly 'flown first class' from Los Angeles (LA) to New York (NY) after his latest rape conviction with California tax payers paying for the luxury travel option. He's seen walking to court in Feb

Weinstein was sentenced to 16 years in February in his LA sexual assault case on top of his previous 23 year sentence for a rape conviction in New York City (NYC) and was originally at Wende Correctional (pictured)

The DA's Office told the outlet: '[Weinstein] was returned to New York via a method we typically use pursuant to our extradition agreement with New York.'

Juda Engelmayer told the publication that he received 'treatment' prior to getting on the flight for 'medical issues he's had over the years' but it remains unclear what the specifics were.

Weinstein was heard 'whining' about his 16-year prison sentence in February and made the outrageous claim that the actress he was convicted of raping only accused him as a 'money grab.'

The once powerful media mogul, 70, was found guilty of rape and two other counts of sexual assault at a trial in LA in December after previously being sentenced in 2020 for sex crimes in NYC.

'It is incredible to be convicted for a crime I wasn't even present for. I am innocent. I never raped or assaulted anyone,' Weinstein said in a new statement following the verdict.

Weinstein was already serving a 23-year sentence for separate rape and sexual assault convictions in New York when he was found guilty of rape, forcible oral copulation and sexual penetration by foreign object of an unnamed Russian-born Italian model.

His latest sentence - which will only begin when he completes his New York sentence - came after a rape at the Mr C Beverly Hills Hotel in February 2013.

Wende has a reputation of housing some of America's most notorious serial killers and murderers. The decision to move Weinstein comes after a review of his treatment needs - Mohawk (pictured) boasting online that it specializes in sex offender treatment

Jurors remained deadlocked over sexual battery allegations leveled by the massage therapist, who broke down in court earlier this month as she recalled how Weinstein groped her and masturbated in front of her in a bathroom after one of their appointments in 2010

Weinstein attacked the woman at the Mr C Hotel in Beverley Hills, pictured, in 2013

Jurors also remained deadlocked in regards to rape and sexual assault charges leveled by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who claims Weinstein sexually assaulted her during a 2005 meeting  telling her 'relax, this is going to make you feel better'

Shouting through tears at times during her impassioned testimony, the 48-year-old wife of California's more prominent politician testified that Weinstein raped her when she was 31 and trying to build a career as an actor and producer. Jurors voted 8-4 in her favor but could not reach a verdict

As the judge revealed his fate, Weinstein - who is now almost certain to die behind bars - moaned: 'I maintain that I'm innocent.'

'I never raped or sexually assaulted Jane Doe 1. I never knew this woman, and the fact is she doesn't know me.'

'Please don't sentence me to life in prison,' he begged Judge Lisa B Lench, to no avail. 'I don't deserve it. There are so many things wrong with this case.'

Weinstein is already two years into his first sentencing, by the end of both will likely be released aged 107, if still alive at the time.

A spokesman for the convicted sex offender said that the sentence is 'cruel' given Weinstein's age and failing health conditions, vowing that his conviction will be overturned.

In a statement to DailyMail.com Engelmayer said the time of sentencing: 'It's not justice, but a pile on, for a man many people just decided should be cast off and discarded regardless of facts. It will be appealed.'

The judge, just like the trial judge in New York - who was not reappointed to the bench - will eventually be called out for bias and injustice.

'There are many out there who will celebrate this action,' Engelmayer noted.

Jurors were also unable to reach a verdict involving model Lauren Young, called Jane Doe 2 in proceeding, who alleged that during a 2013 meeting with Weinstein about a script, he trapped her in the bathroom of his Beverly Hills hotel, groped her, and masturbated in front of her

'I was scared of Harvey Weinstein - that he would hurt me, or send someone to hurt me, or ruin my career, or make my life hell,' Lauren Young said during an emotional testimony

The case has seen five new sexual assault charges and two of rape leveled against the now wheelchair-bound convict for alleged incidents that transpired in LA between 2004 and 2013. The allegations were brought by four women all referred to as Jane Doe in court documents

'But it is a sad day for justice and fairness, and I hope no one who is pleased with this is ever caught on the wrong side of cancel culture while hopelessly and voicelessly proclaiming innocence.'

The jury in his Los Angeles trial had been unable to reach a decision on three other counts, including those aired by the wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who alleged Weinstein raped her in 2005.

It also failed to reach a verdict on allegations involving model Lauren Young, called Jane Doe 2 during proceedings  forcing jurists to declare a mistrial on those counts.

The disgraced mogul  whose crimes spawned growth of the #MeToo movement in 2017  was acquitted of a sexual battery allegation made by another woman, an unnamed massage therapist who treated Weinstein at LA's Montage hotel in 2010, known as Jane Doe 3.

In total, the case contained five sexual assault charges brought by the four women for incidents that transpired in LA county between 2004 and 2013, including two counts of forcible rape  one involving Siebel Newsom, and another involving the unnamed Russian model, who said Weinstein appeared uninvited at her hotel room door during a Los Angeles film festival in 2013.

Weinstein had pleaded not guilty to all the charges, which could have seen his current sentence increase by as much as 65 years.

Over the course of the trial, the accusers shared their stories.

Sara Ziff, 40, said Fabrizio Lombardo attacked her in 2001 when she was aged 19 after a screening of Black Hawk Down

Fabrizio Lombardo (right), who has denied claims he was a 'fixer' who 'procured' girls for Harvey Weinstein, is accused of raping a model in a New York City hotel after luring her with the promise of a meeting with the disgraced movie mogul

It comes amid allegations from one of Weinstein's former right-hand men who is being accused of raping a model at her New York hotel when she was 19 after luring her to a penthouse suite with the promise of a meeting the disgraced film mogul.

Sara Ziff, 40, said Fabrizio Lombardo attacked her in 2001 when she was aged 19 after a screening of Black Hawk Down.

Lombardo is the former head of Miramax Italy and has previously been described as a 'fixer' for Weinstein who 'procured' girls for the producer - claims he's denied.

The suit was filed on Thursday under New York's Adult Survivors Act, which allows alleged victims of sexual abuse to bring a lawsuit regardless of how much time has passed.

Ziff is also suing Disney, Miramax and Weinstein in the suit, alleging they knew Lombardo was a 'danger to women' but did nothing about it.
More than 6million of counterfeit clothing has been seized from dodgy shops over the past fortnight in a blitz on Manchester's 'Counterfeit Street'.

The Easter period has historically been one of the busiest times of year for Manchester's counterfeit shops in the Cheetham Hill and Strangeways areas, according to GMP.

However, this year, the counterfeit trade has been disrupted, with 18 shops shut down in the past two weeks.

The haul, known as Operation Vulcan, was designed to rid the areas of criminal activity.

Over the fortnight, police have encountered dilapidated buildings littered with rat urine and faeces, dangerous homemade electricity, hidden weapons, and shops without proper means of escape.

More than 6m-worth of counterfeit clothing has been seized from dodgy shops over the past fortnight in a blitz on Manchester's 'Counterfeit Street'

Manchester's counterfeit trade has been disrupted, with 18 shops shut down in the past two weeks

Items seized will be repurposed and recycled, turning them into items which the community can benefit from - including coats, hats, insulation, and even energy for houses.

GMP say 'relentless action by Operation Vulcan' is affecting the gangs involved with Manchester's illegitimate trade, with the latest seizures leading to goods worth millions of pounds being removed from the criminal market.

It is believed that around 33 organised crime gangs from across the country have links to the area.

Since the launch of the operation last autumn, police believe the total number of dodgy shops around Strangeways has been slashed from more than 200 to less than 10.

More than 100 people have been arrested on suspicion of a variety of different offences in that time, including 38 for drugs offences.

Inspector Andy Torkington, one of Operation Vulcan's specialist officers, said: 'We have been relentlessly targeting these illegitimate shops, but we are aware of the few remaining units who are attempting to operate in the area.

'We will be targeting these premises imminently and our investigations will continue as we seek out and arrest those involved.'

The multi-agency targeted action plan  codenamed Operation Vulcan  is designed to rid Cheetham Hill and Strangeways of criminal activity

Items seized will be repurposed and recycled, turning them into items which the community can benefit from, including coats and hats

Since the launch of the operation, police believe the total number of dodgy shops around Strangeways has been slashed from more than 200 to less than 10

According to GMP, the trade in counterfeit goods is estimated by National Trading Standards to be worth 8.6 billion per year, with the area of Cheetham Hill believed to be linked to almost 50% of this trade, earning it the title of the UK capital for counterfeit.

He added: 'We are seeing excellent progress in the area, and the feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly supportive, but there is still more to be done.

'The criminality has been embedded into the area for decades, and we're under no illusion that five months of relentless action will solve it, but these results show great strides in the right direction.

Police say the trade in counterfeit goods is estimated by National Trading Standards to be worth 8.6 billion per year

Items discovered inside the Manchester store included counterfeit designer bags and watches

'We need the community side by side with us, sharing information so we can act upon it and bring these people to justice. Operation Vulcan has unwavering support from partner agencies across Greater Manchester which will enable us to stamp out the criminality and build stronger communities.'

A previous raid of the area 60k in fake cosmetics and beauty products, which were found to contain traces of cyanide and human urine.

And in November, one million 'potentially deadly' fake prescription drugs were seized by police from a flat in an ongoing drive to dismantle Manchester's Counterfeit Street.
British tourists have been confirmed among the injured in a Tel Aviv 'terror attack' last night.

Neil Wigan, the British Ambassador to Israel, today said that he condemned the attack 'where an Italian national was killed and British nationals were injured'.

He said that British authorities were in touch with the hospital and will offer their support.

Lord Ahmad, the minister for the Middle East, earlier condemned the attack and the previous shooting in the West Bank, which left two British-Israeli nationals dead and their mother hospitalised yesterday.

The attacks follow a week of rising tensions between Israeli and Palestinian factions, following the Israeli bombing of Gaza and Tyre on Thursday night, in turn responding to rockets launched against Israel from southern Lebanon.

Israeli officials work at the scene of an attack in Tel Aviv after a shooting in the West Bank

One was killed and seven were injured in the attack which took place yesterday in Tel Aviv

The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa condemned yesterday's attacks and confirmed the victims included British nationals

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly held a call on Saturday with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen to discuss both of Friday's 'appalling' attacks.

In Tel Aviv last night, a car was seen to mount the pavement near a seaside park and drive through pedestrians.

Alessandro Parini died following in the Tel Aviv attack in Israel

A 36-year-old Italian man was killed in the attack, named by Italian news outlet Repubblica as 36-year-old Alessandro Parini from Rome.

Walla, an Israeli internet company based in Tel Aviv, said a 74-year-old man, a 39-year-old man, a 17-year-old girl in 'moderate' condition, a man in his 50s and a 70-year-old woman were taken to the Wolfson Hospital in Holon and Ichilov.

A 31-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, both tourists, were later taken to hospital with slight injuries.

Police said they shot and killed the driver of the car and identified him as a 45-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel from the village of Kafr Qassem.

The force were said to have shot Mr Qassem as he approached the overturned car and had appeared to reach for a weapon, according to the Jerusalem Post.

The force described it as a 'shooting attack', although according to a police source no weapon was found in the vehicle except a toy gun.

A video circulating on social media showed the car hurtling along a sidewalk for several hundred metres before crashing out of control.

Israeli medics and police check a damaged car at the scene of a shooting, in the Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank April 7, 2023

Israeli forces gather near the Hamra junction in the northern part of the Jordan valley in the occupied West Bank following a shooting attack on April 7, 2023

Israeli medics and policemen check a damaged car at the scene of a shooting attack, in the Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank April 7, 2023

Earlier on Friday, two British-Israeli sisters were killed in a shooting in the West Bank.

Their father was reportedly driving in front and turned around to find his wife and daughters had been shot.

His wife was medevacked to hospital in critical condition.

Israel later said that its forces were blocking roads in the area and 'had started a pursuit of the terrorists' responsible for the attack.

A Foreign Office spokesman told MailOnline: 'We are saddened to hear about the deaths of two British-Israeli citizens and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

'The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.'

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: 'I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank.

'My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.'

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly had earlier called for calm after Israel bombed Tyre and Gaza on Thursday night in response to rocket attacks launched from southern Lebanon earlier that afternoon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised an 'aggressive responsive' in retaliation to the attacks which injured civilians.

The cross-border fighting, while Jews are celebrating the Passover holiday and Muslims are marking Ramadan, erupted following violent scenes at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque as police removed worshippers attempting to stay overnight in the compound, starting Wednesday morning.

Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza Strip overnight on Thursday

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets from the Gaza Strip on Friday

Mr Cleverly said both sides in the Israel-Palestine dispute should 'recommit themselves to a negotiated settlement'.

He said: 'The UK condemns the indiscriminate rocket attacks from southern Lebanon and Gaza and recognises Israel's right to self-defence.

'Now is the time for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.

'At the convergence of Passover, Ramadan and Easter, the UK calls for all parties to respect the historic status quo arrangements at Jerusalem's holy sites and cease all provocative action.

'The UK is a strong supporter of freedom of religion or belief and calls for places of worship to be respected.

'We value Jordan's important role as custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem and condemns the Israeli police violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

'When Israeli security forces conduct operations, they must ensure they are proportionate and in accordance with international law.'

Human rights campaign group Amnesty International UK criticised Mr Cleverly's response.

The charity's Kristyan Benedict said: 'James Cleverly's belated response to shocking Israeli violence against Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque isn't just weak and tokenistic - it's also dangerously misguided because it effectively isolates individual incidents of violence from the overall context, which is decades of apartheid, occupation and systematic injustice against the Palestinian people.

'Despite the Foreign Secretary's usual platitudes about 'peace' and 'de-escalation', the UK continues to oppose vital international measures such as the ongoing ICC (International Criminal Court) investigation, designed to bring justice and accountability for Israeli and Palestinian civilians.'

The attacks follow a spate of violence between Palestinian and Israeli factions leading on from a police raid of the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem on Wednesday morning.

Israeli police stormed the Al Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem with tear gas and stun grenades to confront Palestinians barricaded inside with fireworks and stones.

Muslim worshippers have been demanding the right to pray overnight inside the mosque, which authorities typically only permit during the last 10 days of the month-long Ramadan holiday.

They also stayed in the mosque in protest threats by religious Jews to carry out a ritual animal slaughter at the sacred site for Passover.

At least 14 Palestinians were injured and hundreds arrested on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as Israeli police raided the mosque, sparking global condemnation.

Video footage dated 5 April showed police beating protestors with rifles. Other footage showed Palestinians inside the mosque shooting fireworks back at the security forces.

On Saturday, hundreds were reported to gathered in Manchester to protest the 'assault' on Al-Aqsa.

People waved flags and carried banners reading 'Manchester supports Palestinian resistance'.

Hundreds take to the street in Manchester in protest of the brutal Israeli assault on Al-Aqsa Mosque and in support of Palestinian resistance, today. pic.twitter.com/LdcMHQldbD  M4nc3uh (@m4nc3uh) April 8, 2023

On Friday, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Kensington, London, where the Israeli embassy is located, to protest perceived Israeli aggression.

The peaceful protest claimed to stand in solidarity with Palestine and held signs calling for an end to 'Israeli apartheid'.

Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns said it was 'incredibly difficult to see how' the raid earlier this week was 'legitimate' as she urged the Government to increase its efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.

The Tory MP told BBC Radio 4's Today programme there has been 'too much silence' from the Foreign Office in recent weeks.

'We need to step up,' she said. 'We really need to re-engage, we need to make sure that our Arab partners know that we are here and listening and we need our Israeli friends to know we stand completely behind their security.'

She added that the UK must 'be a critical friend to both sides'.

Protestors gathered today as violence escalates between Palestinian and Israeli factions
A schoolgirl, 14, detained in Russia on suspicion of ordering the contract killing of her single mother has been declared sane and can face court over the alleged murder, it has emerged.

Anastasia Milosskaya, 38, was beaten and strangled to death by 'hired teenage assassins' when she arrived home.

Two days later the estate agent's body was wrapped in plastic and a mattress and dumped in a garbage skip in Balashikha, Moscow region.

Her daughter was arrested with a boy, 15, who had been living at the family's flat.

Anastasia Milosskaya, 38, (pictured) was beaten and strangled to death by 'hired teenage assassins' when she arrived home

Two days later the estate agent's body was wrapped in plastic and a mattress and dumped in a garbage skip in Balashikha, Moscow region

Ms Milosskaya's daughter was arrested with a boy, 15, who had been living at the family's flat. The murdered mother is pictured above

A police medical examination has found the girl, not named, was of 'sound mind' when she allegedly ordered the killing, say reports.

This means she can face court over the alleged murder, with a maximum potential punishment of ten years starting in a youth correctional colony.

The mother had ordered the boy to leave their flat believing he was a bad influence on her daughter, it is alleged.

Law enforcement suspect that the daughter and boy then conspired to order two other teenagers to kill her mother for 350,000 roubles (3,650) which the girl intended to obtain from Anastasia's savings.

A family friend at the mother's funeral held this week said: 'I had no doubt about [her sanity].

'I assure you she was a typical ordinary teenager. That's the worst part.'

The underage accused are all between 14 and 17, and are suspected of murder or conspiracy to murder.

The underage accused are all between 14 and 17, and are suspected of murder or conspiracy to murder. They were remanded in a young persons' detention facility for one month pending further investigations. Pictured: Police arresting what is believed to be the accused assailants

The daughter and the boy are accused of allowing their 'accomplices' into the flat. They were present as the suspected contract killers allegedly attacked the woman when she returned home. Pictured: Footage of what appears to be officers arresting the suspects

The Investigative Committee alleged the girl and her male friend intended to live on her mother's savings of more than 30,000. Pictured: Anastasia Milosskaya

They were remanded in a young persons' detention facility for one month pending further investigations.

The daughter and the boy are accused of allowing their 'accomplices' into the flat.

They were present as the suspected contract killers allegedly attacked the woman when she returned home.

The alleged killers then left the body on the flat where the daughter and boy were living.

Two days later they returned and carried out the body on a makeshift stretcher, dumping it in a nearby skip.

But a janitor found the corpse in the rubbish skip the next morning.

The Investigative Committee alleged the girl and her male friend intended to live on her mother's savings of more than 30,000.

'She was beaten and strangled, as her whole face was red and swollen,' said an eyewitness.

The 38-year-old single mother believed a 15-year-old boy - who was also arrested - was a bad influence on her daughter

Ms Milosskaya (pictured) was' beaten and strangled, as her whole face was red and swollen,' said an eyewitness

Other sources said the victim had sought to improve her life and always cared for her daughter. Pictured: Anastasia Milosskaya and a girl believed to be her daughter

A friend of the girl said: 'She spoke about hating her mother many times, even though her mother was a good person who loved her.'

The girl's grandmother said her granddaughter had come under the influence of the boy who was from a 'difficult family'.

Other sources said the victim had sought to improve her life and always cared for her daughter.

The maximum sentence the suspects face is ten years initially in a youth correctional colony.
A woman has suffered 'life-threatening injuries' and is fighting for her life following a suspected stabbing in north-east England.

The 40-year-old was rushed to James Cook University Hospital after she was found with injuries caused by a 'bladed article' in Hartlepool, County Durham, yesterday evening.

Two women, both aged 44, and a 41-year-old male have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to police.

Witnesses said a 'huge crowd' surrounded the cordon as armed police and paramedics rushed to the scene.

A police cordon was put in place overnight preventing pedestrians or vehicles for using the street where she was found.

The 40-year-old was rushed to James Cook University Hospital after she was found with injuries caused by a 'bladed article' in Hartlepool, County Durham (pictured), yesterday evening

A police cordon was put in place overnight preventing pedestrians or vehicles for using the street where she was found

A 32-year-old woman who lives near the scene, said: 'The armed police were here, just as it was starting to get dark.

'They were carrying guns, tasers and wearing helmets. They were just outside a house in the street.

'We were all just stood spectating. You don't expect something like this to happen on your doorstep.

'Police have been here since it happened last night. I've lived here all my life and you get the daft things, but nothing like this.'

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: 'Officers were called to a property in Brougham Terrace, Hartlepool, at 8.08pm yesterday (Friday 7 April 2023) after a woman was found with injuries caused by a bladed article.

'A 40-year-old woman has been taken to James Cook University Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

'Two women, both aged 44, and a 41-year-old male have been arrested in connection with the incident.

'Officers remain at the scene while enquiries continue. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 23065580.

'Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.'

A North East Ambulance Service spokesman added: 'We were called at 8.06pm last night (7 April) to attend an incident at a private address in the Hartlepool area.

'We dispatched a paramedic crew, a doctor, a specialist paramedic and a clinical team leader, who treated one patient on scene before taking them to hospital.'
A doctor has said former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi is responding well to treatment at a Milan hospital, according to reports.

Alberto Zangrillo, who heads the ICU at San Raffaele hospital, said Mr Berlusconi 'is used to responding with his best' and that despite the 'grave illness in a truly difficult situation, he's responding well to the treatments', the ANSA news agency reported.

Dr Zangrillo revealed earlier in the week that Mr Berlusconi, 86, has had a chronic form of leukaemia for some time.

He was rushed into hospital on Wednesday and diagnosed with leukaemia and a lung infection within 24 hours.

On Saturday Mr Berlusconi was visited by a long-time adviser, Gianni Letta, who said: 'I found him better than what I thought.' Mr Berlusconi is apparently eager to rebound, Mr Letta said.

'You know how every time he sets an aim, he reaches it,' he told told reporters outside the hospital.

A flag of AC Monza is seen outside San Raffaele hospital as former Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, is hospitalised at San Raffaele hospital in Milan, on 8 April 2023

Then-Prime Minister Berlusconi attends the Italy-France Summit in Rome on 26 April 2011

In remarks to reporters, Dr Zangrillo referred to the infection as a 'complication,' given Mr Berlusconi's chronic leukaemia.

He was diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML).

Earlier in the week, Mr Berlusconi's doctors said they were treating his lung infection and giving him medicine to 'restore pre-existing clinical conditions' given the leukaemia.

The three-time prime minister of Italy previously overcame prostate cancer, which he described as 'a nightmare lasting months'.

Mr Berlusconi also has a history of heart problems, and in 2020, he was taken to hospital with Covid-19 and pneumonia.

It was his battle with Covid which he described as the 'most dangerous challenge' of his life.

Despite serving as Prime Minister until 2011, he has been affected by health problems for a number of years.

Berlusconi was admitted to hospital with a minor heart problem after fainting in 2006, and underwent heart surgery in a US hospital in January 2007.

The Italian media mogul and politician was the Prime Minister of Italy on three separate occasions, from 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006, and 2008 to 2011.

He was also the leader of the Forza Italia party, which he founded in 1994.

Party ally and deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani told RAI state television on Thursday: 'We all want to be optimistic and we hope that the lion will return soon to take charge of the party.

'He's our political leader and of course he never gives up.'

Press gather outside the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan where Berlusconi is currently staying

Berlusconi's son, Luigi, 34, and daughter Marina, 56, were pictured arriving at the Milan hospital to visit their sick father

Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) is a rare type of blood cancer, where there are too many monocytes in the blood and bone marrow.

Monocytes are a type of white blood cell.

In CMML the bone marrow produces abnormal monocytes. They are not fully developed and can't work normally.

These abnormal blood cells either stay in the bone marrow or are destroyed before they get into the bloodstream.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has included CMML in a group of blood cancers called myeloproliferative and myelodysplastic disorders.
It comes as Soros was forced to deny he funded Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg amid Trump arrest

Billionaire's son frequently posts shots of himself with Democratic politicians including Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama

Alexander Soros, 37, met with officials more than a dozen times last year as he cements his status as his father's political protegee,

The son of billionaire philanthropist George Soros made more than a dozen trips to the White House last year as he follows in his father's footsteps as a prolific Democratic networker.

Alexander Soros, 37, frequently posts shots of himself with Democratic politicians including Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama and Sen. Chuck Schumer - whom he called a 'good friend.'

And recently-updated White House logs reveal he has visited at least 14 times since December 2021.

It comes after his father George, 92, has come under repeated fire from Donald Trump over his links to Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg who is spearheading the former President's arrest.

Last year Alexander - who chairs his father's grant-making network Open Society Foundation - made two trips in April, three in September, four in October and four in December.

Alexander Soros - the son of billionaire philanthropist George Soros - made more than a dozen trips to the White House last year

Recently-updated White House logs reveal he has visited at least 14 times since October 2021

Another visit was logged in December 2021.

On December 1 2022, he met with then Chief of Staff Ron Klain's advisor Nina Srivastava who worked on Biden's presidential campaign.

The same day he was one of 330 people to attend a state dinner hosted by the President and first lady Jill Biden.

The event was to honor French leader Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte.

The day afterwards he met with both Advisor to the Counselor of President Mariana Adame and Deputy National Security Advisor Jonathan Finer.

The records cement Alexander as his father's political protegee.

Since 2018, he has pumped around $5.7 million into left-leaning political action committees and Democratic campaign coffers, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

His biggest contribution was $2 million in 2018 to Senate Majority PAC, which is tied to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

His social media profiles are littered with pictures of himself standing next to left-wing politicians.

Revelations cement Alexander's status as his father's political protegee

Alexander Soros, 37, frequently posts shots of himself with Democratic politicians including Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama

It marks a change in tone from his father who typically keeps a lower profile and exerts his influence through donations made to liberal causes. He is pictured with Pelosi, left, and Pictured with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttgieg, right

It marks a change in tone from his father who typically keeps a lower profile and exerts his influence through donations made to liberal causes.

George made his billions as a hedge fund tycoon in the UK. His Open Society Foundation and related nonprofits have donated more than $42 billion worldwide.

However the Hungarian-American financier has been thrown into the spotlight in recent weeks as he became embroiled in the fall-out surrounding Trump's arrest.

Trump frequently accuses George of funding Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and suggesting he is to blame for the case that centers around a $130,000 hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels.

George donated $1 million in 2021 to the left-leaning Color of Change political action committee that backed Bragg.

On April 2, the Trump campaign wrote: 'Leftist Democrat District Attorney Alvin Bragg concocted a sham indictment of President Donald J. Trump. It is an unprecedented political persecution of the 45th President of the United States and a blatant attempt to interfere in the 2024 election.

It added that 'the American people and Republican primary voters, in particular, are outraged by the weaponization of our justice system by George Soros hand-picked and funded Manhattan DA against a completely innocent person and the leading Republican candidate for president.'

But George vehemently hit back at the accusations as he claimed he had no connection to Bragg.

Alexander appeared to brag about the December state dinner he attended to honor French leader Emmanuel Macron

It comes after George has come under repeated fire from former President Donald Trump. He and Alexander are pictured with Pelosi on Instagram

His spokesman Michael Vachon said: 'George Soros has never met, spoken with, or otherwise communicated with Alvin Bragg.

'Neither George Soros nor Democracy PAC (a PAC to which Mr. Soros has contributed funds) contributed to Alvin Braggs campaign for Manhattan District Attorney.'

The billionaire himself says he doesn't know Bragg and never directly funded his campaign.

'I did not contribute to his campaign and I don't know him,' George told Semafor.

'I think some on the right would rather focus on far-fetched conspiracy theories than on the serious charges against the former president.'
A woman has launched a complaint against the NHS hospital that reportedly kept her mother in 'absolutely disgusting' conditions while she received end-of-life care.

Hannah Solomon claimed the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham was 'not fit for purpose' when her mother Carol, 64, was a patient in 2021.

Ms Solomon told Sky News that staff would often leave Carol alone for long periods of time, leaving her 'trying to call for assistance for about 15-20 minutes.'

She also described how she once found her mother sat in a 'massive pool of blood'.

Hannah Solomon (pictured) claimed her mother Carol faced 'absolutely disgusting' conditions at the NHS hospital where she received end-of-life care

Ms Solomon said staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham (pictured) would often leave Carol alone for long periods of time, leaving her 'trying to call for assistance for about 15-20 minutes.' She also described how she once found her mother sat in a 'massive pool of blood'

Carol was a patient at the hospital when coronavirus restrictions were in place, which limited visitation from family.

Ms Solomon told Sky News that she became concerned for Carol after her mother phoned her and shared that she was struggling to access food and drink.

She claims her mother 'had to throw herself out of bed' to get to the meals and beverages that were left out of reach. Carol was reportedly bruised in the process.

Carol had also fallen while trying to go the the toilet and hit her head after having spent several minutes calling for assistance that never came, her daughter explained.

The dying pensioner would 'shout out at the top of her voice' but the nurses, who were stationed at the other end of a 'ridiculously long' corridor, could not hear her.

Ms Solomon claims 'no one ever explained why she was on her own'.

Additionally, the concerned daughter recalled how during a hospital visit, she 'lifted the blanket to find a massive pool of blood' in Carol's bed. She also claimed to witness patients being left in 'their own excrement.'

She added: 'It's disgusting, absolutely disgusting that someone should be left in such a state in the hospital.'

The family moved Carol home before she died and has made a formal complaint against the hospital. They are reportedly still waiting on the outcome.

Hannah was able to move her mother home before her death and has made a formal complaint to the hospital but is still waiting to hear the outcome.

A hospital spokesperson told MailOnline that officials are reviewing the complaint and 'will provide our response to the family as soon as possible.'

'We aim to provide the best possible care, however we acknowledge that we do not always get it right and we are sorry where any patient or family feels there is any cause to raise any concern,' the spokesperson said.

'We know that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, not seeing a loved one in hospital when they were unwell was difficult for all families, and this will have added to the trauma families experienced at the end of a loved ones life.'

Former soldier Patrick Gallagher, 38, (pictured) said he was admitted to the facility dozens of times between 2016 and 2020, during which he saw a 'lack of care' that he described as being 'horrendous'

Similarly, a former soldier who lost his leg during a blast in Afghanistan has complained about the quality of care he received at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Patrick Gallagher, 38, said he was admitted to the facility dozens of times between 2016 and 2020, during which he saw a 'lack of care' that he described as being 'horrendous.'

Mr Gallagher claims he witnessed 'vulnerable patients' being left alone, sometimes in their 'own urine and excrement.'

He also described being 'treated like a drug addict' as he begged staff to provide him with pain relief medication.

The former soldier claimed staff treated patients with an attitude that would leave him feeling like 'you don't deserve the treatment you're getting.'

The hospital spokesperson told MailOnline that Mr Gallagher has not raised a formal complaint about his care, but urges him to come forward so officials can investigate the situation.

'Mr Gallagher has unfortunately not raised any formal concerns with us, therefore we would urge him to be in touch so that we can investigate the issues he has shared,' the spokesperson said.

'We take all concerns seriously and use that vital information to improve how we deliver care to patients.'

***Did YOU or a loved one receive poor hospital care? Email natasha.anderson@mailonline.com or tips@dailymail.com***
It was the hit TV series that reimagined England in the Regency era as a country of equals when it came to race  and now Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh has predicted that its impact will mean period dramas featuring all-white casts could be a thing of the past.

The star, known to global audiences as the waspish Lady Danbury, said there was a growing realisation that people of colour played a greater role in British history than previously thought.

That genie is out of the bottle, she said.

I dont think we will cast historical period pieces with entirely white casts unless there is a reason to do so, perhaps if the production is set somewhere like Iceland in 5,000 BC. But even then I think there would have been a plucky traveller from overseas selling scientific instruments or fabrics.

Bridgerton, which launched on Netflix in 2020, features an ethnically diverse cast and has changed the way viewers see period dramas.

Representing the past: Adjoa Andoh and Simone Ashley in the television series Bridgerton

Andoh, 60, has previously said she is not playing Lady Danbury as a fake white person, adding: I am the colour I am  and Im playing that.

The acclaimed Shakespearean actress said it was important to have an accurate representation of the nations past.

The point is that, historically, we have excised all those people of colour who were a part of this nation, particularly in the metropolitan areas, she said.

Its a question of restoring the historical accuracy of the presence of people of colour in this country going back centuries. There is a thought Othello was based on a black tailor who Shakespeare might have used in the 1500s.

Andohs words echo those of actor Ashley Thomas, who defended the new BBC adaptation of Great Expectations against claims it was woke for its diverse cast.

The star, who plays scheming lawyer Jaggers, told The Times: London at that time was a melting pot of cultures. You had people from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, before the Windrush era. Its important that shows represent that. I dont think its about being woke, its about being accurate to the time.

Andoh, 60, has previously said she is not playing Lady Danbury as a fake white person, adding: I am the colour I am  and Im playing that

Andoh is starring as Richard III at the Liverpool Playhouse but has not followed recent trends in changing the gender of the evil monarch.

She is playing him in her West Country accent and said that as a black girl growing up in the Cotswolds, she identified with the alienation felt by the disfigured King.

I read it in a child-centred way, she said. It resonated, the lived experience of it. Its really basic, that idea of its not fair. It doesnt matter what the prejudice is. Its what it does to the human soul.

Adjoa Andoh stars in Richard III at Liverpool Playhouse until April 22, then at Rose Theatre, Kingston upon Thames, from April 26 to May 13
Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is looking forward to moving to a New York (NY) prison likening them to 'the Taj Mahal, the Plaza Hotel and the Waldorf' in comparison to the Los Angeles facility he had been serving out his decades-long sentence.

Earlier this week, the perverted sex offender was reportedly moved to Mohawk Correctional Facility in a luxurious first-class seat funded by California taxpayers by virtue of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office.

Arthur Aidala, Weinstein's attorney who is arguing an appeal for him in October, told DailyMail.com exclusively that he's 'still a celebrity in prison' and that while he's 'not having any problems' has been looking forward to the move to NY.

'He's not having any problems. No-one is beating him up or anything like that. Right now, he's in an LA prison but momentarily, he's going to be back here in New York,' Aidala said prior to the move.

Arthur Aidala (L), Harvey Weinstein's (R) attorney who is arguing an appeal for him in October, told DailyMail.com exclusively that he's 'still a celebrity in prison' and that while he's 'not having any problems' has been looking forward to the move to NY

'He has told me, and I think I can share this, that New York prisons are like the Taj Mahal, the Plaza Hotel and the Waldorf, compared to the LA prisons.

'The accommodations are just nicer, everything is better, the food is better. Although he did say in LA they attended to any of his health matters very well.'

Weinstein was sentenced to 16 years in February in his LA sexual assault case on top of his previous 23 year sentence for a rape conviction in New York City (NYC) and was originally at Wende Correctional but will move to Mohawk Correctional Facility.

Wende has a reputation of housing some of America's most notorious serial killers and murderers.

The decision to move Weinstein came after a review of his treatment needs - Mohawk boasting online that it specializes in sex offender treatment.

Sources connected to the case told TMZ that Weinstein flew on a commercial airline on Wednesday with investigators and medical personnel aboard with the LA county District Attorney's office footing the bill.

Pervert movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has reportedly 'flown first class' from Los Angeles (LA) to New York (NY) after his latest rape conviction with California tax payers paying for the luxury travel option. He's seen walking to court in Feb

Weinstein was sentenced to 16 years in February in his LA sexual assault case on top of his previous 23 year sentence for a rape conviction in New York City (NYC) and was originally at Wende Correctional (pictured)

The DA's Office told the outlet: '[Weinstein] was returned to New York via a method we typically use pursuant to our extradition agreement with New York.'

Juda Engelmayer told the publication that he received 'treatment' prior to getting on the flight for 'medical issues he's had over the years' but it remains unclear what the specifics were.

Weinstein was heard 'whining' about his 16-year prison sentence in February and made the outrageous claim that the actress he was convicted of raping only accused him as a 'money grab.'

The once powerful media mogul was found guilty of rape and two other counts of sexual assault at a trial in LA in December after previously being sentenced in 2020 for sex crimes in NYC.

'It is incredible to be convicted for a crime I wasn't even present for. I am innocent. I never raped or assaulted anyone,' Weinstein said in a new statement following the verdict.

Aidala said that Weinstein had been living a comparatively sedentary lifestyle compared to his previously star studded and lavish lifestyle.

'He reads books, he reads a lot of biographies,' he said

He's reading biographies of old screenwriters, not household names kinda folks. I don't know how to describe Harvey because there's part of him that's like, missing a little something.

'Sometimes I question his success, but I guess sometimes real geniuses in a particular field like they don't know how to make popcorn. I literally mean he didn't know how to make popcorn.'

Wende has a reputation of housing some of America's most notorious serial killers and murderers. The decision to move Weinstein comes after a review of his treatment needs - Mohawk (pictured) boasting online that it specializes in sex offender treatment

Since the dust has settled with Weinstein and Georgina Chapman's divorce in 2021, their relationship has become cordial, says Aidala

Reading appears to take up a large chunk of Weinstein's life - which will likely end behind bars. As of now it's unlikely he'll get out of prison until he's 107.

'He's very cerebral-he's very well read - he could read 700 pages in a day and retain it all. He is that guy but then there are other social graces and things like that which he just doesn't have,' said a sympathetic Aidala.

The camera-ready attorney, known for his slick suits and welcome attitude to press, said Weinstein missed the world he once knew and the affects of prison had been taking a toll.

'He missed the boat, he's a little unkempt - like he didn't even know how to dress for court. His collar's hanging out. I'm like 'let me fix it,'' he said.

Since the dust has settled with his divorce from Georgina Chapman, who announced the split in 2017, Aidala said their relationship has become cordial.

'Georgina's been wonderful as of late. Once the dust settled with the divorce, and everything, she's been wonderful with access to the children. They talk every day,' he said.

Weinstein was already serving a 23-year sentence for separate rape and sexual assault convictions in New York when he was found guilty of rape, forcible oral copulation and sexual penetration by foreign object of an unnamed Russian-born Italian model.

His latest sentence - which will only begin when he completes his New York sentence - came after a rape at the Mr C Beverly Hills Hotel in February 2013.

Aidala said the pandemic has changed the world and believes his client, who he says was not given a 'fair' trial would have a 'much better shot.'

Jurors remained deadlocked over sexual battery allegations leveled by the massage therapist, who broke down in court earlier this month as she recalled how Weinstein groped her and masturbated in front of her in a bathroom after one of their appointments in 2010

Weinstein attacked the woman at the Mr C Hotel in Beverley Hills, pictured, in 2013

Jurors also remained deadlocked in regards to rape and sexual assault charges leveled by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who claims Weinstein sexually assaulted her during a 2005 meeting  telling her 'relax, this is going to make you feel better'

Shouting through tears at times during her impassioned testimony, the 48-year-old wife of California's more prominent politician testified that Weinstein raped her when she was 31 and trying to build a career as an actor and producer. Jurors voted 8-4 in her favor but could not reach a verdict

'I think if Harvey Weinstein went to trial today, he'd have a much better shot,' he said.

'The coronavirus changed the balance of Planet Earth. Things that we thought were so important after we watched a million people die, that changed our priorities.

'Also, people have been exonerated Kevin Spacey to some degree has been exonerated, Russell Simmons has been exonerated.

'People turned out to be liars. #Metoo has lost its appeal or its power. During that time, you're picking a jury, the windows are open, there's protesters outside shouting 'convict Harvey.'

As the judge revealed his fate, Weinstein - who is now almost certain to die behind bars - moaned: 'I maintain that I'm innocent.'

'I never raped or sexually assaulted Jane Doe 1. I never knew this woman, and the fact is she doesn't know me.'

'Please don't sentence me to life in prison,' he begged Judge Lisa B Lench, to no avail. 'I don't deserve it. There are so many things wrong with this case.'

Jurors were also unable to reach a verdict involving model Lauren Young, called Jane Doe 2 in proceeding, who alleged that during a 2013 meeting with Weinstein about a script, he trapped her in the bathroom of his Beverly Hills hotel, groped her, and masturbated in front of her

'I was scared of Harvey Weinstein - that he would hurt me, or send someone to hurt me, or ruin my career, or make my life hell,' Lauren Young said during an emotional testimony

The case has seen five new sexual assault charges and two of rape leveled against the now wheelchair-bound convict for alleged incidents that transpired in LA between 2004 and 2013. The allegations were brought by four women all referred to as Jane Doe in court documents

Weinstein is already two years into his first sentencing, by the end of both will likely be released aged 107, if still alive at the time.

A spokesman for the convicted sex offender said that the sentence is 'cruel' given Weinstein's age and failing health conditions, vowing that his conviction will be overturned.

In a statement to DailyMail.com Engelmayer said the time of sentencing: 'It's not justice, but a pile on, for a man many people just decided should be cast off and discarded regardless of facts. It will be appealed.'

The judge, just like the trial judge in New York - who was not reappointed to the bench - will eventually be called out for bias and injustice.

'There are many out there who will celebrate this action,' Engelmayer noted.

'But it is a sad day for justice and fairness, and I hope no one who is pleased with this is ever caught on the wrong side of cancel culture while hopelessly and voicelessly proclaiming innocence.'

The jury in his Los Angeles trial had been unable to reach a decision on three other counts, including those aired by the wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who alleged Weinstein raped her in 2005.

It also failed to reach a verdict on allegations involving model Lauren Young, called Jane Doe 2 during proceedings  forcing jurists to declare a mistrial on those counts.

The disgraced mogul  whose crimes spawned growth of the #MeToo movement in 2017  was acquitted of a sexual battery allegation made by another woman, an unnamed massage therapist who treated Weinstein at LA's Montage hotel in 2010, known as Jane Doe 3.

Sara Ziff, 40, said Fabrizio Lombardo attacked her in 2001 when she was aged 19 after a screening of Black Hawk Down

Fabrizio Lombardo (right), who has denied claims he was a 'fixer' who 'procured' girls for Harvey Weinstein, is accused of raping a model in a New York City hotel after luring her with the promise of a meeting with the disgraced movie mogul

In total, the case contained five sexual assault charges brought by the four women for incidents that transpired in LA county between 2004 and 2013, including two counts of forcible rape  one involving Siebel Newsom, and another involving the unnamed Russian model, who said Weinstein appeared uninvited at her hotel room door during a Los Angeles film festival in 2013.

Weinstein had pleaded not guilty to all the charges, which could have seen his current sentence increase by as much as 65 years.

Over the course of the trial, the accusers shared their stories.

It comes amid allegations from one of Weinstein's former right-hand men who is being accused of raping a model at her New York hotel when she was 19 after luring her to a penthouse suite with the promise of a meeting the disgraced film mogul.

Sara Ziff, 40, said Fabrizio Lombardo attacked her in 2001 when she was aged 19 after a screening of Black Hawk Down.

Lombardo is the former head of Miramax Italy and has previously been described as a 'fixer' for Weinstein who 'procured' girls for the producer - claims he's denied.

The suit was filed on Thursday under New York's Adult Survivors Act, which allows alleged victims of sexual abuse to bring a lawsuit regardless of how much time has passed.

Ziff is also suing Disney, Miramax and Weinstein in the suit, alleging they knew Lombardo was a 'danger to women' but did nothing about it.
Friday West Bank shooting left two British nationals dead and mother in hospital

The two British-Israeli sisters killed yesterday in a shooting in the West Bank have been named as Rina and Maya Dee.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the identities of the two sisters, one of whom was reportedly 16 and the other in her 20s.

Their mother suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital after the attack in Hamra, in the Jordan Valley.

Netanyahu wrote: 'On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the Di Mafart family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters, Rina and Maya Zakharan, in the severe attack in the Bekaa.

'In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.'

The attack comes as violence escalates between Palestinians and Israeli forces over clashes at the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem earlier this week.

Netanyahu shared a tribute on Twitter to British-Israeli nationals Rina and Maya Dee

Israeli medics and police check a damaged car at the scene of a shooting, in the Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank April 7, 2023

Israeli forces gather near the Hamra junction in the northern part of the Jordan valley in the occupied West Bank following a shooting attack on April 7, 2023

It was previously reported that the family were from London and had emigrated to Efrat, an Israeli settlement in the West Bank.

The settlement is considered illegal under international law, a source of conflict for Palestinian and Israeli factions. Israel disputes the status.

Friends of the family yesterday held a vigil in the city of Efrat as the daughters' mother remained in hospital.

The three were shot while on the road near the Hamra junction in the northern part of the Jordan Valley.

The Israeli military initially reported that the incident was caused by a collision between Israeli and Palestinian drivers.

Troops then said that they had found bullet holes in the Israeli vehicle and deemed it a deliberate attack.

Kan, an Israeli public broadcaster, said that 22 bullet casings were found.

Medics found the three victims in critical condition and were unsuccessful in saving the lives of the two younger daughters.

Sky cited local media, claiming the two women who died were sisters, one aged 15 and the other in her 20s. The BBC has reported that the sisters were in their 20s.

The sisters' father had been driving ahead in a separate car when the women were attacked. He turned the car around to find paramedics treating his wife and daughters.

In response to the shooting, Israel Police commissioner Kobi Shabtai called on all Israelis with firearms licences to start carrying their weapons.

Israeli Major General Yehuda Fuchs said they were reinforcing in all sectors and would find those responsible.

In response to the attack, and following a separate attack later on Friday in Tel Aviv which saw a car mount the pavement and hit pedestrians, Israel has hardened its security.

The Times of Israel reported that the IDF was planning to bolster the police forces as police prepared for unrest at Al-Aqsa.

The IDF also called up an unspecified number of air force reservists including fighter pilots and drone operators yesterday.

Doron Turgeman, Jerusalem District Police Commander, warned in a press briefing: 'Expect disorder and violence on the Temple Mount tonight.'

Unconfirmed reports on Saturday evening suggested a rocket had been fired from Syria into Israel, landing in the Golan Heights.

Other reports claimed three had been launched, one landing in Israel, one in Jordan and another back in Syria.

No injuries have so far been reported.

Local media reported a 20-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli forces in Azzun, east of Qalqilya, on Saturday evening as tensions mounted.

Israeli soldiers are seen near the scene where a shooting attack occurred in the Jordan Valley, on April 7, 2023

Israeli medics and policemen check a damaged car at the scene of a shooting attack, in the Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank April 7, 2023

The shooting in the West Bank followed the Israeli bombing of Gaza and Tyre on Thursday night as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised an 'aggressive response' to rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel that afternoon.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, but an IDF spokesperson blamed Hamas, the de facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip.

The barrage, in turn, followed Israeli police storming the holy Al-Aqsa mosque compound with tear gas and stun grenades on Wednesday morning.

Violent scenes showed police using weapons to beat worshippers barricaded in the mosque, who retaliated by shooting fireworks and throwing stones.

The Israeli bombing of Gaza reportedly damaged a children's hospital, further fomenting tensions ahead of the two outbursts on Friday.

After the shooting on Friday, British tourists were reportedly among the victims of a harrowing attack in Tel Aviv as a car mounted the pavement near a popular park, killing one and injuring at least seven.

Al-Araby al-Jadeed reported yesterday that in response to the attacks Israeli forces had 'closed all entrances to Jericho with military checkpoints, and are searching all vehicles' to find those responsible for the shooting in Hamra.

The outlet, founded by a former Israeli MP, cited local sources claiming that settlers under protection of the Israeli army were pursuing revenge attacks, 'burning houses and farm machinery' in Faroush and 'beginning to mount further attacks on local residents'.

Hamas did not claim responsibility for the attack but said it was a 'natural response to [Israel's] ongoing crimes against the Al-Aqsa mosque and its barbaric aggression against Lebanon and the steadfast Gaza.'

In London, the Foreign Office confirmed the deaths of the two sisters and appealed for all sides in the Israel-Palestine dispute to de-escalate a situation which has seen violence flare up in recent days.

A Foreign Office spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We are saddened to hear about the deaths of two British-Israeli citizens and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

'The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.'

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: 'I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank.

'My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.'

The shooting reflects a sudden intensification of violence between opposing regional factions.

The IDF stressed Israeli warplanes targeted infrastructure belonging to Palestinian armed groups, as opposed to civilian infrastructure.

Hamas targets in the city of Tyre in the south of Lebanon were also hit in the assault.

There were no reports of serious casualties, but residents in Qalili, Lebanon, were injured in the bombardment.

The Palestinian health ministry said 'partial damage' was done to the Al-Dorra children's hospital in Gaza City during the strikes.

Hecht said the IDF was aware of the allegation and was looking into it as the local UN forces urged restraint.

Yesterday, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Kensington, London, where the Israeli embassy is located, to protest perceived Israeli aggression.

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters have taken to the streets of Kensington, in central London, this afternoon, near the Israeli embassy, following last nights airstrike against Gaza by Israel. pic.twitter.com/0983cRSxpQ  Tom Cotterill (@pn_tomcotterill) April 7, 2023

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather near the Israeli embassy in Kensington, London, Friday

Protestors gathered on Friday as violence escalates between Palestinian and Israeli factions

Violence between factions has escalated this week following clashes at the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem.

Israeli police stormed the mosque with tear gas and stun grenades to confront Palestinians barricaded inside with improvised weapons.

Muslim worshippers have been demanding the right to pray overnight inside the mosque, which authorities typically only permit during the last 10 days of the month-long Ramadan holiday.

They also stayed in the mosque in protest threats by religious Jews to carry out a ritual animal slaughter at the sacred site for Passover.

At least 14 Palestinians were injured and hundreds arrested on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as Israeli police raided the mosque, sparking global condemnation.

Video footage dated 5 April showed police beating protestors with rifles. Other footage showed Palestinians inside the mosque shooting fireworks at the security forces.

Palestinian groups in Gaza fired rockets into southern Israel on Wednesday and Thursday in response to the clashes. Israeli planes attacked multiple sites in Gaza after four missiles reached Israel.

The mosque was again stormed by Israeli forces on Thursday.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly called for calm after Israel launched strikes in southern Lebanon and bombed targets in the Gaza Strip in retaliation over the rocket attacks.

Mr Cleverly said both sides in the Israel-Palestine dispute should 'recommit themselves to a negotiated settlement'.

He said: 'The UK condemns the indiscriminate rocket attacks from southern Lebanon and Gaza and recognises Israel's right to self-defence.

'Now is the time for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.

'At the convergence of Passover, Ramadan and Easter, the UK calls for all parties to respect the historic status quo arrangements at Jerusalem's holy sites and cease all provocative action.

'The UK is a strong supporter of freedom of religion or belief and calls for places of worship to be respected.

'We value Jordan's important role as custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem and condemns the Israeli police violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

'When Israeli security forces conduct operations, they must ensure they are proportionate and in accordance with international law.'

Human rights campaign group Amnesty International UK criticised Mr Cleverly's response.

The charity's Kristyan Benedict said: 'James Cleverly's belated response to shocking Israeli violence against Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque isn't just weak and tokenistic - it's also dangerously misguided because it effectively isolates individual incidents of violence from the overall context, which is decades of apartheid, occupation and systematic injustice against the Palestinian people.

'Despite the Foreign Secretary's usual platitudes about 'peace' and 'de-escalation', the UK continues to oppose vital international measures such as the ongoing ICC (International Criminal Court) investigation, designed to bring justice and accountability for Israeli and Palestinian civilians.'

Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza Strip, Friday, April 7, 2023

The Israeli military struck targets in the Gaza Strip, pushing the region toward a wider conflagration after a day of rocket fire along the country's northern and southern borders

Rockets hit Bezet and Shlomi in the north of Israel on Thursday as regional violence worsens

Late Thursday, the IDF said it had shot down 25 of an unusually large barrage of 34 rockets fired from southern Lebanon.

Civilians were injured in the attack.

The IDF initially said it would investigate possible Iranian involvement amid fears the missiles may have come from Iranian proxy Hezbollah, sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.

Hezbollah had condemned the assault on Al-Aqsa. The two powerful military factions have avoided any major conflicts since 2006.

But Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht, an Israeli military spokesman, later said it was 'a Palestinian-oriented event', adding that either the Hamas or Islamic Jihad militant groups, which are based in Gaza but also operate in Lebanon, could be involved.

He tied the attacks to the spate of violence at Al-Aqsa since Wednesday.

Hecht added that the army believed Hezbollah and the Lebanese government were aware of what happened and also held responsibility.

Lebanon's caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati condemned the firing of rockets from Lebanon. He added that Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers were investigating and trying to find the perpetrators.

Netanyahu, currently in the midst of a domestic political crisis and losing popular support, firmly vowed to 'strike our enemies' who will 'pay a price for every act of aggression'.
The trove of reports also offered the clearest picture yet of the true state of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Classified documents leaked on social media indicate the Pentagon has been spying on allied nations including South Korea, Ukraine, Israel and the UK

America's extensive spying operations across the globe were revealed on social media in a severe intelligence breach

A trove of leaked documents has revealed the depth of America's spying apparatus around the world, detailing how the US continues to infiltrate allied nations amid heightening global tensions.

The documents, which provided the clearest picture yet of the Kremlin's depleted military capacity, were telling as to the extent to which US espionage tactics have effectively penetrated Vladimir Putin's war machine.

However, the intelligence breach, which included reports from late February to early March but have only been leaked online in recent days, also unearthed probes in a variety of nations, including South Korea, Iran and the UK, per the Wall Street Journal.

South Korea, Israel, Ukraine and the United Kingdom are among the allies the US is said to be keeping tabs on, the WSJ reported.

Now, US military officials are able to provide real-time warnings to their Ukrainian counterparts about impending strikes in exact locations, indicating exhaustive intelligence gathering in the region.

While the breach underscored America's ability to infiltrate Moscow's upper echelons, it has also sparked fears that Russian intelligence may now have a clearer understanding of exactly what the US does and does not already understand, providing an opportunity to cut off sources of information.

The leak comes amid speculation that a wave of classified document breaches could be being orchestrated by Russia, in what was described by a senior intelligence official as 'a nightmare for the Five Eyes' - a reference to the intelligence sharing agreement between the United States, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Joe Biden, seen in Washington DC on Tuesday. His administration confirmed the leaked documents were real, but said some aspects had been doctored

The documents revealed the extent to which US officials have penetrated Russian intelligence. Pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 6, 2023

Notably, the documents covered intimate details about the spread of US military spying across the globe. Per multiple reports, this included classified information about Iran's nuclear program and North Korea's missile systems.

In Ukraine, the documents suggested a misalignment between US and Ukrainian military strategies, with intelligence reports appearing to show the US continues to spy on top military and political leaders in the region.

American officials told the New York Times that while the leak underscores the Pentagon's capacity to collect information on Russia's strategies, it remains to be seen whether their sources of information will be hampered by the revelations.

Officials told the outlet that the Pentagon has issued a swift lock down of sensitive briefing documents following the leak.

However, the scandal is already being noted as one of the most damaging national security breaches in recent memory, which may have further implications into the legitimacy of US espionage into the future.

Per the outlet, a senior Western intelligence official said the release could curb intelligence sharing between agencies, as trust over secretive information collaborations could be lost.

Assurances over the validity of the US military's spying apparatus is set to be further disrupted by revelations that America's focus extends far beyond its Russian enemies.

Allied nations, such as South Korea, have also reportedly been the subject of spying by the Pentagon, raising questions as to the diplomatic impact the leak could have at a time of deteriorating global ties.

The intelligence breach could have a drastic impact upon the landscape of the conflict in Ukraine. US President Biden, left, is pictured meeting Ukrainian President Zelensky on February 20, 2023

The document leak indicates that the US has been spying on Ukrainian allied officials. Pictured: A Ukrainian serviceman in training exercises in Donetsk

The documents, which were posted on social media sites including Twitter, Discord and Telegram, have also highlighted the devastating impact the war in Ukraine has had on both sides of the conflict.

Despite the Biden administration pouring almost $200 billion into the Ukrainian military, the leak revealed that its stockpiles are severely depleted and it is low on air defense ammunition.

But with Russian forces also found to be struggling, reports indicate a renewed push backed by western forces in the coming months.

One of the leaks, reportedly posted to Telegram, detailed 'a secret plan to prepare and equip nine brigades of the Amed Forces of Ukraine by the US and NATO for the spring offensive.'

The Biden administration has not denied the legitimacy of the leak, but it did claim that certain documents had been doctored.

An FBI probe was launched Friday to determine the source of the leak, however a senior official told The New York Times that tracking down the perpetrator could prove difficult because a large number of officials have the security clearances needed to access the information.

According to the Wall Street Journal, US officials scrambled Saturday to assess the potential fallout of the scandal.

A wide-ranging, multi-agency investigation into the intelligence breach is set to be escalated, with officials reportedly fearing that US national security matters could be significantly compromised.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin pictured at the Pentagon on March 30, 2023

The documents have revealed the efficacy of US efforts to infiltrate Russian intelligence. Pictured: Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, April 6, 2023

On Friday, a series of documents were posted on controversial message board 4Chan that covered both the war efforts in Ukraine as well as operations in China and the Middle East.

The reports included photographs of charts of weapons that are set to be transported to Ukraine, alongside determinations into the strength of ground troops in the region.

Among the documents leaked Friday was a map depicting the impact of the war in the Ukrainian town of Bakhmut, which has been the center of fierce fighting for six months.

It was not clear if the map had been altered, as American authorities have claimed about some of the leaked information.

However, the day before, another image circulated online appeared to have exaggerated the scale of Ukrainian deaths and minimized the Russian losses.

While claiming that 16,000 to 17,500 Russian soldiers had been killed, the slide alleged that Ukraine had suffered as many as 71,500 troop deaths.

The Pentagon and other analysts estimate that Russia has seen approximately 200,000 killed and injured - double the figure for Ukraine.

The leaked documents also referred to U.S. analysis of the situation in the Middle East and China, and terrorist threats worldwide.
David said the thief was shocked when they emerged and relinquished the bike

A California dad took matters into his own hands and retrieved his daughter's $3,000 E-bike after it was stolen from outside of her job in March with the help of a $29 Apple AirTag.

Johnny Ehrman was devastated when the electronic bike she relies on to travel to school and work vanished despite the fact that she locked a wheel and removed the pedals and battery.

When she called the Orange County Police Department, officers went to the home that was pinging on the AirTag to find that the the culprit denied any knowledge of the crime. The cops left the scene.

That's when Johnny and dad David decided to use the AirTag's pings themselves when the bike began transmitting again.

David said when they arrived at the thief's home - the person was flabbergasted, and a brief confrontation' ensued.

'I yelled, 'Dude I am grabbing my daughters bike, boom and I hightailed right out of there,' David told Fox 11 Los Angeles. 'The dude just stood there with the look on his face like I've never seen anyone with that look.'

He added: 'I think the look was shock. Like 'How did you get my location?'

Johnny Ehrman was devastated when the electronic bike she relies on to travel to school and work was stolen right outside their place of work

Johnny said she was 'grateful' once their e-Bike was recovered

The duo was able to track the stolen bike from its location with the $29 AirTag

Johnny's father David, pictured, took matters into his own hands to retrieve the bike

Johnny told Fox11 that she thinks that the bike was taken because it was not attached to a fixed object. The theft left her shattered.

'I drive like 12 miles a day,' Ehrman told the news outlet. 'I was sobbing outside my workplace. I actually had some of my coworkers be like, 'What's happening? Where is your bike?''

After she got the bike back they shared how grateful they were

David said though they support law enforcement they felt in this instance the police did not do enough once the AirTag showed its location.

'I did what I had to do because they weren't doing what we pay them to do. We had the information within minutes why did they not send the officer there to meet us and arrest that person,' he said.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office did not release the name of the person who attempted to steal the e-bike.

The home where the e-Bike was tracked too in Orange County, California and the police did not release the name of the person who attempted to steak the e-Bike

A spokesperson with the Orange County Sheriff's Department fired back and urged victims not to use vigilante justice and to leave it to the police to recover stolen items.

'As much as the convenience of technology plays a vital role in the quality of our lives, we want to remind our communities to utilize their local law enforcement services when they've been victimized by a crime instead of placing themselves into harm's way,' the spokesperson said.

The police did not release the name of the person who attempted to steak the e-Bike.

In March, another incident took place when traveler Jameel Reid used a $29 Apple AirTag to recover $3000 worth of belongings.

Reid's bag was stolen from the baggage claim at Atlanta International Airport.

Police found the thief after Reid gave them its exact location with the AirTag app
King Charles has been at loggerheads with Church leaders over the role other faiths should play in his Coronation, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Church sources say the monarch has been told that his desire for a 'diverse' ceremony, including participation by non-Christians, risks clashing with centuries- old canon law, which bars Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and other faith leaders from reading out prayers during the service.

Religious affairs commentator Catherine Pepinster claims today she has been told that this wrangle has delayed the release of the Coronation's Order of Service with barely four weeks to go until the ceremony. However, Buckingham Palace sources have denied there is any delay.

Last night, identically worded statements were issued by Lambeth Palace, on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Buckingham Palace, saying: 'Details about the Coronation service will be released in due course.'

The tensions have arisen nearly 30 years after Charles famously declared his wish to be 'Defender of Faith', not simply 'Defender of the Faith'  a title that all English sovereigns since Henry VIII have held as head of the Church of England.

Statements were issued by Lambeth Palace, on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury (right), and Buckingham Palace, saying: 'Details about the Coronation service will be released in due course'

It is already expected that the Coronation will be more religiously and culturally diverse than the late Queen's 1953 service.

But The Mail on Sunday has been told that Church leaders are resisting a more active role for other faith leaders, given that it is an Anglican ceremony, as well as a constitutional event.

A compromise option could be for the King to hold a separate ceremony at which other faith leaders would play an active role.

In a joint message last month, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will officiate at the ceremony, and Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said the Coronation 'at its centre is a Christian service rooted in long-standing tradition and Christian symbolism'.

According to a source, a meeting held at Lambeth Palace last month heard that the drafting of the order of service was led by Archbishop Welby and 'conducted with scrupulous regard for the range of opinion among Anglican clergy'.

The meeting was told that 'the current aim' was to publish it 'before Easter, with suitable guidance for the clergy'.

The Archbishop is also understood to be giving the King 'religious guidance' on the significance of his oath, the commitments he will make to his subjects and the Christian symbolism of the regalia.

Religious affairs commentator Catherine Pepinster claims today she has been told that this wrangle has delayed the release of the Coronation's Order of Service

The dispute emerged just days after the Church Times reported that Manchester Cathedral had apologised for permitting the Muslim call to prayer to be recited inside the cathedral itself last month, rather than in a separate room allocated for prayer.

The King, as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, is required by the Bill of Rights Act 1688, modified by the Accession Declaration Act of 1910, to declare at either his Coronation or at the first State Opening of Parliament that he is a 'faithful Protestant' and will 'secure the Protestant succession'.

In addition, the Coronation Oath Act of 1688 requires the King to declare he will maintain the established Anglican Protestant Church.

One source said Church laws meant that the participation of non-Christian faith leaders should be restricted to them just being present in Westminster Abbey and taking part in the procession.

Ms Pepinster, writing in today's Mail on Sunday, says the King is still wrestling with how to ensure that his new role accords with his realm's many non-Christian faiths.

Church sources say the monarch has been told that his desire for a 'diverse' ceremony, including participation by non-Christians, risks clashing with centuries- old canon law. Pictured at the West London Synagogue

She adds: 'Is it wise for the Christianity of the Coronation  an ancient ceremony dating back more than 1,000 years  to be diluted so that, in the name of diversity, other faiths are included?

'Anglican canon law effectively rules out representatives of other faiths being actively involved in services if those faiths do not accept the Holy Trinity of Christian doctrine  the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

'These grave tensions between modernisation and tradition explain why the Coronation order of service has still not been made public.'

In 2015, Charles made clear he saw no contradiction between being Defender of the Faith and 'protector' of other faiths, saying he minded 'about the inclusion of other people's faiths and their freedom to worship in this country'.

He said the late Queen had declared that the monarch's role was not to defend Anglicanism to the exclusion of other religions.

And in his speech to the nation and the Commonwealth the day after his mother's death last year, Charles also underlined his commitment to the Church of England  'the Church in which my own faith is so deeply rooted'.

King Charles speaking with chief rabbi Ephraim Mirvis in 2017

Gavin Ashenden, a former Chaplain to the Queen, last night warned the King against seeking any fundamental changes to the Christian Coronation. Dr Ashenden, who has become a Roman Catholic, said: 'This is a crisis long in the making but entirely predictable given the King's previous declarations.

'Charles's desire to reach out to other faiths is commendable and understandable, and it is only right that they are able to attend the Coronation. But any attempt to alter fundamentally the nature of the Coronation  a Christian ceremony in a 1,000-year-old abbey  would be entirely wrong and misguided. The King derives his authority and position from being a Christian monarch in keeping with the history of this country.'

Last night other faith leaders were relaxed about the Christian nature of the ceremony. Sir Iqbal Sacranie, the former founding Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: 'It is appropriate the formal ritualistic prayers of the Coronation ought to be Anglican as the King is from the Anglican faith.

'But the presence of other faith leaders will signify the importance that the King represents all the faith communities in the Kingdom.'

Pradip Gajjar, a Hindu leader, said: 'This is a Christian ceremony for a Christian King. I don't see a problem with that.'

The King has already dramatically slimmed down the scale of the May 6 ceremony, with the service expected to last just over an hour compared with more than three hours for his mother's crowning.

The Prince of Wales with Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis during a visit to Belfast Synagogue on the second day of the Royal couple's visit to Northern Ireland

Only about 2,000 guests and dignitaries are set to be invited  including more than 850 community and charity heroes  compared with the 8,000-plus peers and commoners who witnessed the 1953 ceremony.

The dramatically reduced guest list has led to some grumbles at Westminster, with only about 50 backbench MPs and 50 peers not holding high office able to attend.

However, disappointed MPs and peers can apply for up to 400 'pavement tickets' to watch from outside the Commons as the procession passes to and from Westminster Abbey. The row over the Coronation comes after Royal biographer Robert Jobson revealed that the late Queen thought the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's behaviour was 'quite mad' and that Harry was 'so consumed' by his love for Meghan it was 'clouding his judgment'.

In his book Our King, serialised in the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday, he also revealed how the Queen had Sandringham's library swept for bugs in 2020 ahead of the Megxit summit, such was her concern over the privacy of the meeting with Harry. And he told how the Princess of Wales found doing a walkabout with the Sussexes two days after the Queen's death 'almost unbearable', such was the ill feeling between the two couples.

Additional reporting: Abul Taher

Charles's instincts are to be applauded  but 1,000 years of tradition are at stake. Is it wise for the Christianity of the Coronation to be so diluted in the name of diversity?

By Catherine Pepinster

It is now almost 30 years since the then Prince Charles sparked a veritable firestorm by signalling that as king, he wished to see a fundamental shift in the relationship between Church and Crown.

In a famous television interview, he suggested that he would prefer to drop the time-honoured Defender of the Faith title which as head of the Church of England, all monarchs since Henry VIII have held.

Instead, mindful of the multi-faith nation the United Kingdom was already becoming, he would rather be known as Defender of Faith - a protector of all religious beliefs.

Understandably, many religious experts were alarmed at his modernising plans, warning that they would put him implacably at odds with centuries of tradition, with the Establishment and with the beliefs of his own mother.

Since his 1994 interview, Charles has retracted his Defender of Faith ambitions  instead making clear that although head of the Anglican church, he would still act to safeguard other beliefs.

Almost 30 years ago, the then Prince Charles sparked a firestorm by signalling that, as King, he'd want a fundamental shift in the relationship between Church and Crown

It is testament to his very genuine desire to encourage religious harmony that barely four weeks away from his Coronation ceremony, he is still wrestling with exactly how to ensure his new role accords with his realms many non-Christian faiths.

But Charles, not only our King but also holding the title Defender of the Faith and being Supreme Governor of the Church of England, has to ask himself a simple but profound question.

Is it wise for the Christianity of the Coronation  an ancient ceremony which dates back more than 1,000 years  to be diluted so that, in the name of diversity, other faiths are included?

His natural and generous instinct is to involve them actively in the May 6 coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

As he said in his TV interview three decades ago, I happen to believe that the Catholic subjects of the Sovereign are as important (as Protestants), not to mention the Islamic, Hindu and Zoroastrian.

Of course, at the never before televised Accession Council and Proclamation last September, he was indeed formally announced as Defender of the Faith.

However, a week after that, the new King put his own stamp on inter-faith dialogue when he told faith leaders at a Buckingham Palace that he was a committed Anglican but that he had a personal duty to protect the diversity of our country and protect the space for faith itself.

However, a friendly speech at the Palace is one thing.

Instead, mindful of our multi-faith nation, he would rather be known as 'Defender of Faith'  a protector of all religious beliefs. Pictured: King Charles III sits on the floor in the Prayer Hall during his visit to the newly built Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Luton

Trying to express those sentiments in the context of an Anglican Coronation service is another.

The trouble is that Charles wishes to modernise but tradition matters too.

You cant just upend the coronation service at the whim of a King, even if he is Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Anglican canon law effectively rules out representatives of other faiths being actively involved in Church of England services if those faiths do not accept the Holy Trinity of Christian doctrine  the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

People will point to other occasions when other faiths have been involved in Christian services.

At Llandaff Cathedral, in Cardiff, for example, at a service of reflection following the death of Elizabeth II, and attended by Charles and Camilla, a Muslim representative uttered the prayer:

We hold before you, our most gracious King Charles the Third.

May your wisdom inform him, your illumination guide his heart and your truth inspire his words and actions.

May he serve in righteousness and truth, doing justice.

But the Cathedral is part of the Church in Wales, not the Church of England.

Furthermore, even that harmless prayer would be anathema to those who want to uphold the CofEs Thirty Nine Articles, which declare that salvation comes only through Jesus.

So what about the annual Commonwealth Day services held in Westminster Abbey, you may ask?

They have been relaxed affairs, engaging different faiths, because the Abbey is a Royal Peculiar, answerable directly to the Sovereign.

But for a coronation, the Abbey comes under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Canterbury, not its Dean.

And with Justin Welbys every move being scrutinised nowadays by his hard-line, traditional critics in the worldwide Anglican Communion, the Archbishop is unlikely to warm to any moves to turn the Coronation into a multi-faith extravaganza rather than an religious service that reinforces the Church of England as the Established Church.

These grave tensions between modernisation and tradition explain why the coronation Order of Service has still not been made public, with so little time to go.

Church sources say the monarch has been told that his desire for a 'diverse' ceremony, including participation by non-Christians, risks clashing with centuries- old canon law. Pictured at the West London Synagogue

But even if the non-Christian faith representatives do no more than process  as they did at the late Queens funeral  or hold candles, the King can take comfort in the no-doubt diverse congregation, with so many places being given to representatives of charities linked to the Royal Family.

And the politicians present, such as new SNP leader, Humza Yousaf, a Muslim, and the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, a Hindu, will represent how different a country Britain is from the last coronation in 1953.

There is speculation that the King will hold a distinct, separate ceremony at which other faith leaders would play an active role, which would be entirely appropriate.

However, what is extraordinary is that this debate over the Coronation service itself has been taken to the wire when planning for it began more than 10 years ago.

Memo to Lambeth Palace and Buckingham Palace: start thinking about the next one, now.

It is entirely reasonable to want a service that reflects contemporary Britain, but dont be tempted to turn the crowning of our monarch upside down and inside out, just for the sake of it.

This is an occasion when even the most secular can be moved by sacred liturgy, beautiful music and fabulous ceremonial.

It happened with the late Queens funeral.

The tradition should continue.

Catherine Pepinster is the author of Defenders Of The Faith  The British Monarchy, Religion And The Next Coronation, and is a former editor of the Catholic journal The Tablet.
Three were killed in the horror crash on the way to a Newport nightclub in March

A bank worker who survived a horror crash in Cardiff is recovering well according to the family.

Sophie Russon, 20, was left 'unrecognisable' from her injuries, requiring life-saving surgery after suffering from bruising of the brain in the car smash that killed three people.

Sophie is now 'awake, eating and talking', according to her mother, barely a month after police found the crashed Volkswagen Tiguan just off the A48 on 6 March.

Anna Certowicz, 42, who has stayed by her daughter's side, told The Mirror: 'She will be home before we know it.'

'Miracles do happen,' she added.

Anna Certowicz, 42, (pictured with her daughter Sophie Russon, right) said her girl is on the road to recovery following the horror smash

Sophie Russon, 20, was sedated in hospital after going through life-saving surgery after bruising her brain in the crash, which led to a bleed on her brain

The group were undiscovered for two days after it crashed on the way to a Newport nightclub that Friday night.

The group were believed to have crashed into trees while driving from Cardiff back to Newport, where the women lived.

They veered off the A48 in the St Mellons area of Cardiff and were not found until Monday.

Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21, and Rafel Jeanne, 24, were found to have died in the accident.

Sophie and Shane were left critically injured for 46 hours until police found the wreckage.

Mother-of-three Ms Certowicz was one of 200 people out searching for the five adults.

She revealed that her daughter was 'conscious some of the time' in the car after it ran off the A48 in Cardiff and had 'called out but no one was close enough to hear her.'

Her daughter has been treated with Shane at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Sophie was sedated after having panic attacks through the night.

Ms Cerowicz told The Mirror that Sophie was now up reading well-wishing Facebook posts, and thanked those who took the time to send kind messages.

She previously told MailOnline: 'I feel terrible for the families of Eve and Darcy, they were all best friends and had known each other since they were small'.

She added the only people who knew what happened were her daughter and the other survivor Mr Loughlin, who only met the girls for the first time on Friday night.

She said her daughter was 'cold, scared stiff, not able to reach her mobile phone' while stuck in the ruined car.

Ms Certowicz said she first called police at noon on Saturday when her daughter did not return from the night out.

Gwent Police reportedly told her not to worry and said that her daughter was probably still out partying.

Just after 11pm on Sunday, the service put out their own public appeal.

Sophie was found on Monday where she had spent two days alongside her dead friends.

Ms Smith and Mr Jeane died in the crash in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Sophie's mother said the only people who knew what happened were her daughter and the other survivor, Mr Loughlin.

Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21, and Sophie Russon, 20, met Rafel Jeanne, 24, and Shane Loughlin, 32, at a club in Newport

Floral tributes left near the scene in the St Mellons area of Cardiff where three people who disappeared on a night out died in a road traffic accident

Assistant Chief Constable Jason Davies, of South Wales Police, previously said: 'Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected by this tragic incident.

'Specialist officers are carrying out an investigation to piece together what has happened.

'Family liaison officers are supporting the families involved at what must be a hugely difficult time for them.

'To ensure independent oversight, South Wales Police has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is usual in these circumstances.'
Retired marines are incensed by National Security Council spokesman John Kirby's characterization of the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan calling the presentation a 'national tragedy.'

Kirby held a controversial and often confrontational press briefing on Thursday in which he defended the Biden administration's withdrawal as largely successful and noting that the after-action report's purpose was 'not accountability.'

'For all this talk of chaos. I just didn't see it. Not from my perch,' Kirby said later in the presser, adding that at one point in the evacuation, planes were departing Hamid Karzai International Airport every 48 minutes with Afghans and Americans alike aboard.

'[N]ot one single mission was missed. So I'm sorry. I just don't buy the whole argument of chaos,' he said.

A retired marine who saved countless civilians in Afghanistan is incensed by National Security Council spokesman John Kirby's characterization of the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan calling the presentation a 'national tragedy'

Chad Robichaux, a veteran of the Afghanistan war and co-founder of the Save Our Allies group that has evacuated Americans and others from Afghanistan and Ukraine was enraged by the comments.

Robichaux told Fox News that the American people can see through the administrations 'lies' and claimed Kirby's comments were not entirely accurate citing facts on the ground.

'It is no shocker when Biden or his clown-show press secretaries lie, but to have a former U.S. Navy admiral do the same is a national tragedy,' Robichaux said.

'As a fellow veteran it makes me sad to see former military leaders turn on our citizens for personal and political gain.'

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized attempts to shirk blame and point the finger at former U.S. president Donald Trump's administration saying Biden made a 'political decision' to announce the withdrawal date despite advice to the contrary.

Kirby said the after-action report could now be reviewed by Congress which will 'lay out things that could have gone better.'

'Nobody is saying that everything was perfect, but there was a lot that went right. And a lot of Afghans are now living better lives in this country and other countries around the world because of the sacrifices and the work of so many American government officials,' he said Thursday.

'The review process isn't over,' Kirby added. 'This is the next muscle-movement in what will be a long process to better understand and comprehend and adjust to what we learned and what we did in Afghanistan.'

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby defended the Biden administration's actions in Kabul during the disastrous withdrawal in August 2021, after releasing a report detailing the reasons why they think it unfolded

Thirteen American service members died when the suicide bomber detonated explosives packed with ball bearings amid the chaos of the city's airport

Retired special forces soldier Scott Mann, who also executed civilian evacuations in Afghanistan, told the outlet the lack of sensitivity was 'egregious.'

'I've been talking to veterans and veterans groups all morning about this. One of the reasons that I think that veterans are so upset about this is like my friend an Afghanistan combat veteran, says, it's not about what happened,' Mann said.

'The absence of accountability: What worries veterans so much is that we've got all of these problems now with violent extremist groups coming up in Afghanistan.

'We've got a massive moral injury on our veteran population and if you're not willing to take accountability for your actions as a leader at any level, then there's a real good chance you're not going to take any actions to fix what happened.'

Retired Lieutenant colonel Danny Davis was perplexed by Kirby's walk back from calling the withdrawal 'chaos.'

'I don't know what definition of 'not chaos' you can have when you have those images that are iconic  where people are chasing the aircraft as it is driving across the tarmac ad of course, the catastrophic explosion that killed a lot of U.S. Marines,' Davis said.

The White House earlier this week said that the disastrous Afghanistan evacuation that led to the death of 13 U.S. service members and hundreds of civilians was Donald Trump's fault - and the scenes of Afghans falling from planes and the Taliban shooting people in the streets wasn't chaotic.

Kirby defended the Biden administration's actions in Kabul during the disastrous withdrawal in August 2021, after releasing a report detailing the reasons why they think it unfolded.

Kirby said the administration was 'proud' of how U.S. forces carried out the withdrawal, as the Taliban toppled the American-backed Afghan government the U.S. spent trillions over 20 years to keep stable.

He also said that no member of the administration would be fired for what happened, insisting the investigation was not about 'accountability'.

Their findings, released just minutes before Biden's escape to Camp David for Easter weekend, follows relentless pressure from veterans and Republicans for answers for the horrific scenes that unfolded more than 18 months ago.

The US Marine Corps posted a photo to Twitter of the flag-draped caskets of their fallen brethren killed in the suicide bomb attack in Kabul, after the coffins arrived back on home soil on August 29, 2021

'All this talk of chaos, I just don't see it,' Kirby said in a White House briefing. 'I just don't buy the whole argument of chaos'

'All this talk of chaos, I just don't see it,' Kirby said in a White House briefing, referring to the withdrawal that culminated in a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport that 13 Americans and some 170 others dead. 'I just don't buy the whole argument of chaos.'

Kirby said the president is 'proud' of the service personnel involved and no operation 'ever goes perfectly according to plan.'

'Nobody's saying that everything was perfect,' Kirby said. 'But there was a lot that went right. And a lot of Afghans are now living better lives in this country and other countries around the world, because of the sacrifices and the work of so many American government officials. So yeah, there's a lot to be proud of,' he added.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin echoed the sentiment of being 'proud' of U.S. servicemembers in a statement he released Thursday afternoon.

'Even on the hardest days, including August 26, 2021 when we tragically lost 13 of our finest, our force performed admirably under incredibly challenging conditions,' Austin noted.

Kirby noted that even though the 'mission changed' it 'doesn't mean that anybody who served in Afghanistan doesn't have something to be proud of.'

'Doesn't have ..., ' he said, briefly finding his words and then adding, 'Sorry, doesn't have, doesn't have service to this country that they can take with them the rest of their lives and feel honorable about it.'

Both Kirby and the White House document characterized the decision-making process around the withdrawal as being 'deliberate, intensive, rigorous, and inclusive.'

'President Biden's choices for how to execute a withdrawal from Afghanistan were severely constrained by conditions created by his predecessor,' the White House report read.

The administration said most of the after-action reviews were classified but would be transmitted privately to members of Congress.

Afghan people climb atop a plane as they wait at the Kabul airport in Kabul on August 16, 2021

Some hundreds of people run alongside a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane as it moves down a runway of the international airport, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, Aug. 16. 2021

Vargas-Andrews recalled the 'surreal' scenes at the airport which included Afghans trying to kill themselves on the razor wire because they didn't want to face Taliban 'torture'

It then went on to give other reasons for pulling out, including 'America's goal was never to nation-build' and saying the U.S. presence there had 'unclear objectives and no end in sight.'

The document notes that when Donald Trump took office in 2017 there were 10,000 troops in Afghanistan.

Trump had drawn down troops from 8,600 in June 2020 to 4,500 in September 2020 to the remaining 2,500 when he left office.

'President Trump ordered direct talks with the Taliban without consulting with our allies and partners or allowing the Afghan government at the negotiating table. In September 2019, President Trump emboldened the Taliban by publicly considering inviting them to Camp David on the anniversary of 9/11,' it said.

Kirby also noted that 'transitions matter,' alluding to the fact that Trump and his allies were contesting the election up until the inauguration, which made for a rocky transition period between the Republican and Democratic administrations.

The document said the Biden White House was carrying out a Trump White House order to withdraw troops by summer 2021 but claimed the Trump team left them with 'no plans' for how to conduct the withdrawal of the last 2,500 troops who remained.

Trump had made an agreement to withdraw troops by May 2021 but Biden promised to have them out by September. The document said Biden had to carry out the withdrawal Trump had agreed to or the Taliban would begin attacks on U.S. forces.

The document also blamed Trump for the backlog in special immigrant visa (SIV) processing, saying the previous administration's 'disregard and even hostility toward our commitment to Afghan allies' led to some 18,000 waiting for their visas to be processed.

Poor planning by the U.S. military before the withdrawal from Afghanistan and a lack of oversight contributed to the rapid collapse of the government as the Taliban overran the country in August 2021, a damning new watchdog report has said

It said Trump had 'all but stopped' SIV interviews despite making plans for withdrawal.

Responding to reports the U.S. left billions in equipment in Afghanistan upon leaving, Kirby said 'It's their stuff ... it belongs to the Afghans.'

'This idea...is just ludicrous. That we left millions of dollars of stuff in Afghanistan -- we didn't!'

He likened it to the security aid the U.S. has heavily supplied Ukraine with - the U.S. does not expect to get that equipment back.

The White House in the document reiterated that no one expected Kabul to fall to Taliban control as quickly as it did, but said it learned from the incident to communicate early and aggressively about the security risks to Americans and allies who might wish to leave.

'As the security situation in Afghanistan worsened over the summer, the Administration grappled with the tension between highlighting growing warning signs of potential collapse and undermining confidence in the Government of Afghanistan and Afghan forces' will to fight,' the document said.

'In a destabilizing security environment, we now err on the side of aggressive communication about risks. We did this in advance of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.'

During Thursday's briefing, Kirby wouldn't say if any heads would roll.

'Who's going to get fired over this?' asked Fox News Channel's Peter Doocy.

Kirby answered that the 'purpose of it is is not accountability.'

CBS' Ed O'Keefe hammered Kirby and the White House at the top of the briefing for how the Afghanistan document was released.

Reporters were given it under embargo - meaning they couldn't immediately publish the content - about 20 minutes before Kirby and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre appeared in the briefing.

The withdrawal was 'abrupt and uncoordinated' and gave war-ravaged locals the impression that the U.S. was 'simply handing Afghanistan over to a Taliban government-in-waiting', the report continues. Members of the Taliban are pictured celebrating a victory in March 2020

Former President Donald Trump sent out a furious reaction on Truth Social Thursday afternoon

As they appeared, and the embargo lifted, the Bidens departed the White House, two hours early, for their Easter holiday at Camp David.

O'Keefe called the White House's move the 'modern major holiday news dump.'

'You're releasing this at the beginning of the high holidays and after months of requests from Republicans and the broader public,' O'Keefe steamed.

He also asked, 'Is this all we get?'

Reaction from Republicans was swift and furious.

'These Morons in the White House, who are systematically destroying our Country, headed up by the biggest Moron of them all, Hopeless Joe Biden, have a new disinformation game they are playing - Blame 'TRUMP' for their grossly incompetent SURRENDER in Afghanistan,' former President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday afternoon.

'I watched this disaster unfold just like everyone else. I saw them take out the Military FIRST, GIVE $85 Billion of military equipment, allow killing of our soldiers, and leave Americans behind. Biden is responsible, no one else!' the ex-president and 2024 contender added.

The $85 billion is the total amount of money the U.S. gave to the Afghan military and police.

A Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction said in a report that the amount is closer to $7 billion.

SIGAR said the Pentagon told the group that '$7.2 billion worth of aircraft, guns, vehicles, ammunition, and specialized equipment like night vision goggles and biometric devices remain.'

The chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul, called Kirby's comments 'disgraceful and insulting,' according to Fox News.

'President Biden made the decision to withdraw and even picked the exact date; he is responsible for the massive failures in planning and execution,' McCaul said.

2024 GOP hopeful Nikki Haley tweeted, 'This was 'chaos,' John Kirby. America is less safe today because of Joe Biden.'
Queen was not happy after William flew with Prince George over accident fears

The late Queen had 'sharp words' with her grandson Prince William after he defied her wishes by taking a helicopter flight with his wife and children, according to a new book.

Our King by Robert Jobson claims Queen Elizabeth warned William against flying with his eldest son Prince George because of her fears of a tragic accident that would threaten the future of the monarchy.

Under unofficial protocol, Prince William, as heir to the throne, should never be on the same flight as his father or children, in case of a crash which could wipe out multiple heirs and plunge the royal family into a huge crisis.

But, as an accomplished helicopter pilot who served in RAF and with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, the then Duke of Cambridge was known to have flown his family on the 115-mile trip from Kensington Palace to Anmer Hall, their country home in Norfolk.

Mr Jobson writes that as Queen Elizabeth's reign drew to a close, she 'drew great comfort' that her son Charles and grandson William were 'well qualified' to succeed her and that the birth of Prince George helped ensure the future of the monarchy.

ALL ABOARD: Prince George with his parents in a helicopter in 2016

The late Queen (pictured left in October 2020) had 'sharp words' with her grandson Prince William (right) after he defied her wishes by taking a helicopter flight with his wife and children

'Which was why she had sharp words with William after he defied her wishes by taking a helicopter flight to Norfolk with all his immediate family,' Mr Jobson writes.

'She had warned him against flying with George in case of an accident, telling her grandson he always had to be aware of the succession.'

It was reported in 2021 that the Queen was still haunted by a helicopter accident in December 1967 near Newbury, in Berkshire, which killed Air Commodore John Blount, Captain of the Queen's Flight, and three others.

Kate, William and George were all snapped on a helicopter together at the Royal Air Show in Fairford in 2016, with George seemingly throwing a tantrum at the time.

And in 2021, an eagle-eyed Instagram user spotted William and Kate, as well as their three children George, Charlotte and Louis all board a helicopter in the grounds of Kensington Palace.

Wills is first in line to the throne, George second, Charlotte third and Louis fourth.

Wills' brother Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is fifth in line to the throne.

Meanwhile, Mr Jobson's book also reveals how King Charles dotes on William's children, who call him Grandpa Wales.

'When he reads to them, doing the voices of all the characters, he has them spellbound; they particularly enjoy the Harry Potter books,' Mr Jobson states.

Charles is understood to have formed a particularly close bond with Prince Louis, who will be five later this month.
Joe Biden will be met by the Prime Minister when he arrives in Belfast this week.

The US President is visiting Northern Ireland to mark 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Rishi Sunak will greet him when he steps off Air Force One on Tuesday evening, Downing Street said yesterday.

Mr Sunak said his hopes for a better future for the province were at the forefront of his mind ahead of the anniversary.

Mr Biden's visit comes after the region's terror threat level was raised. Northern Ireland also still has no government after power-sharing collapsed over Brexit disagreements.

Joe Biden will be met by the Prime Minister when he arrives in Belfast this week. They are pictured together in San Diego last month

Mr Biden, who is proud of his Irish heritage and the US role in brokering peace, will take part in a series of engagements, including a formal meeting with the Prime Minister.

The Good Friday Agreement, signed on April 10, 1998, ended 30 years of conflict known as the Troubles, in which more than 3,500 people were killed.

In a statement, Mr Sunak said the deal marked an 'incredible moment' in UK history.

He added: 'It was a powerfully rare example of people doing the previously unthinkable to create a better future for Northern Ireland.

'It is that promise of a better future that we offered to everyone in Northern Ireland that I will be thinking of first and foremost over the coming days. It is my responsibility as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to ensure we are making good on that promise.'

Mr Sunak said he is 'relentlessly focused' on delivering economic growth for Northern Ireland. He is set to use the visit to drum up investment for it and announce the UK will host a Northern Ireland Investment Summit in September.

The US President is visiting Northern Ireland to mark 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement

He will address the Agreement 25 conference, which will reflect on the deal's social and economic legacy, at Queen's University Belfast on April 19, before hosting a gala dinner.

A policing operation costing around 7million involving 300 officers will be under way around the anniversary.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has warned of potential dissident Republican attacks on officers in Londonderry on Easter Monday.

MI5 recently raised the terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

Democratic Unionist Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson insisted the vacuum caused by his party's refusal to re-enter Stormont is not to blame.

In February 2022, the party withdrew support for power-sharing institutions formed by the agreement over post-Brexit trading arrangements. On Wednesday, Mr Biden will head to the Republic of Ireland.
As King Charles enters the final, frantic weeks of planning for his Coronation, his most trusted advisers are looking much further ahead  sketching out the contours of his reign.

The new Carolean age, as it is termed, is likely to be defined by the tension between the reassuring, centuries-old traditions of the monarchy and the pressures for Buckingham Palace to take a lead on the issues of the day, such as Brexit, climate change and devolution.

Charless plans for a diverse Coronation, with an attempt to include a role for non-Christian faiths, represent the start of what one leading constitutionalist describes as the start of a transition from the magical monarchy to the public service monarchy.

Sir Vernon Bogdanor, Professor of Government at Kings College London, says that in 1995 when he wrote in his influential book The Monarchy And The Constitution that the monarchy could only survive by being seen to serve the public, he was told it coincided with the thinking of the then Prince of Wales.

Key to King Charless success will be the dexterity with which he balances the monarchys values of continuity, stability and security with his more ambitious and radical instincts.

The key to King Charless success will be the dexterity with which he balances the monarchys values of continuity, stability and security. Pictured: King Charles III attending the Royal Maundy Service at York Minster

Informed sources believe Charles has a ten-year plan and is working on the assumption he can expect a decade of reasonable health. The King, they suggest, might then support a staged abdication to function as a King Father after William ascends the throne.

Modernisers around the King are arguing, according to one source, that having waited so long to reach the throne, and given the limited time he has available to him, there is no point in him just sitting on it so he should aspire to be a high-profile, high-impact monarch at home and abroad.

Charles was an environmental campaigner long before net zero carbon emissions became a policy priority  an interest which was satirised after he admitted in 1986 that I happily talk to plants and trees and listen to them  and the modernisers expect the monarch to take ownership of the policy.

Although the cost-of-living crisis  and the strain it has placed on household finances  have made it harder for the Government to sell green levies, the modernisers believe Charles has the broader environmental credentials to depoliticise an issue which is too long-term and too visionary for short-term party politicians to grapple with.

Constitutionalists also expect the King, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales, to address the issue of income disparities and the rise of food banks.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is likely to receive a reboot to bring it into closer line with The Princes Trust, Charless charity, which helps young people to access jobs, education and training.

The award scheme  the highly successful brainchild of Prince Philip  is deemed to be at risk of alienating the next generation by being too slanted towards camping and orienteering, and not enough towards the march of technology in the modern age, although many parents would regard that as one of its most positive features.

The King is also expected to play a role in stabilising the devolutionary debate  particularly given the turmoil in the Scottish National Party and its independence drive  supported by William in Wales and Prince Edward as Duke of Edinburgh in Scotland.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme  the highly successful brainchild of Prince Philip  is deemed to be at risk of alienating the next generation

The monarchs successful visit to Germany last month was the first sign of a change in emphasis away from the Commonwealth and towards the European Union, with Downing Street keen for the King  aided by his elder son and daughter-in-law  to help ease relations with the Continent after Brexit and to boost trading relations.

However, given the late Queens love of the Commonwealth, the King has emotional reasons to maintain his relations with the dominions. A visit to India is currently being discussed as a possible early visit.

Sir Vernon Bogdanor, recalled that the monarchy could only survive by being seen to serve the public

The modernists expect the King to be more engaged with the Middle East than his mother, including visits to the Gulf monarchs, and for a bold engagement with Chinese dissidents. And if the war in Ukraine drags on, expect the King to increase the supportive rhetoric for President Zelensky.

Sir Vernon said last night: As Prince of Wales, Charles pioneered the public service monarchy.

He appreciated that monarchy could not survive just by being seen. It also had to be seen to be contributing to society.

His charities, in particular The Princes Trust, have done a great deal to help the young unemployed, members of ethnic minorities etc  groups to some extent disfranchised by the political system.

His state visit to Germany shows that the monarchy still exerts a great deal of soft power, enabling Britain to punch above her weight in foreign affairs. The visit has done something to heal the scars of Brexit.

Given the late Queens love of the Commonwealth, the King has emotional reasons to maintain his relations with the dominions. Pictured: Flags celebrating the upcoming Coronation of King Charles

He added: One area that has not been emphasised is patronage of the arts. As is well known, Charles is a keen amateur painter. He also plays the cello and has great interest in classical music. And he is a devotee of Shakespeare.

In the 18th Century, the monarchy played an important role in encouraging the arts. It may do so again today.

However, Sir Vernon played down the idea that Charles would become King Father, saying: I am sure that, like his mother, Charles will never abdicate. He appreciates that in Britain the role of head of state is a lifetime commitment.
The father of two British sisters killed in a shooting in the West Bank told last night how he came across the carnage after tracing their car with a tracking device.

Former City investment banker Leo Dee, 51, who quit his job to become a rabbi and moved to Israel, saw his critically injured wife being airlifted to hospital. His daughters Maya, 20, and her 16-year-old sister Rina were already dead.

Gunmen opened fire on their car as they travelled to the Sea of Galilee for a family holiday from their home near Jerusalem.

Speaking from his wifes hospital bedside, Rabbi Dee told The Mail on Sunday that he was travelling with other family members in a car some distance ahead when a relative called to ask if he knew about the shooting and if the family was OK.

I said everyone was fine, but when I called my wife and two daughters there was no answer.

Netanyahu shared a tribute on Twitter to British-Israeli nationals Rina and Maya Dee

Israeli medics and police check a damaged car at the scene of a shooting, in the Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank April 7, 2023

In panic, he turned on a Google tracking device which allows parents to follow their childrens mobile phones. It led him to the Hamra settlement, 30 miles north of Jerusalem, where he saw his wife Lucy being airlifted from the wreckage.

London-born Rabbi Dee said: My daughters were friends of each other as well as sisters. Now we are diminished. Maya was doing national service in the south, and was passionate about helping others. Rina is what you would call an A* pupil. We were proud of them.

My wifes condition is very serious. We are praying, and people around the world are praying, that she will get better.

He added: I dont blame the terrorists as they will be brought to justice. I am more worried about the tensions between Jews in Israel. Some people think that the new religious government will suppress minority rights and become totalitarian. But this is not a risk as Judaism is about balancing love and justice.

The Dee family left Britain in 2014, having returned there from Israel in 2008. They then moved back to Jerusalem, where Rabbi Dee is a highly respected author and academic. On leaving the Radlett United Synagogue in Hertfordshire he said: It has been a tremendous honour for Lucy and I to have lived in this warm and friendly community. We will cherish this period of our lives.

Friends described the sisters as beautiful, kind and happy young women.

Some 50 teenagers linked arms in the West Bank settlement of Efrat where the family lived, with one saying they were mourning and sending love and strength to the family of their friends.

Rabbi Dee said he had lived in Israel prior to returning to Britain in 2008, but the family had missed it 'intensely' and decided to return.

'We love the Jewish state, the huge array of Jewish learning institutions, the fact that the buses stop on Shabbat, the ability to buy kosher food at any supermarket and a culture that is fully in tune with our own, he added.

Israeli forces gather near the Hamra junction in the northern part of the Jordan valley in the occupied West Bank following a shooting attack on April 7, 2023

Israeli soldiers are seen near the scene where a shooting attack occurred in the Jordan Valley, on April 7, 2023

Israeli medics and policemen check a damaged car at the scene of a shooting attack, in the Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank April 7, 2023

After the attack, the Israeli Prime Minister wrote a personal tribute on Twitter for the sisters killed in the attack: 'On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the Di Mafart family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters, Rina and Maya.'

He added: 'In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.'

READ MORE: British holidaymakers are confirmed wounded in Tel Aviv terror attack when driver ploughed into pedestrians after father watched his two British daughters get shot dead in front of him in separate horror Advertisement

In London, the Foreign Office confirmed the deaths of the two sisters and appealed for all sides in the Israel-Palestine dispute to de-escalate a situation which has seen violence flare up in recent days.

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: 'I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank.

'My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.'

The attack came amid escalating violence between Palestinians and Israeli factions in response to clashes at the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem earlier this week.

The Israeli military initially reported that the Hamra shooting was caused by a collision between Israeli and Palestinian drivers.

Troops then said that they had found bullet holes in the Israeli vehicle and deemed it a deliberate attack.

Kan, an Israeli public broadcaster, said that 22 bullet casings were found.

In response, Israel Police commissioner Kobi Shabtai called on all Israelis with firearms licences to start carrying their weapons.

Israeli Major General Yehuda Fuchs said they were reinforcing in all sectors and would find those responsible.

Soon after the attack, a car in Tel Aviv mounted the pavement and drove into pedestrians, killing one and injuring several.

Security measures were again ramped up in response.

The Times of Israel reported that the IDF was planning to bolster the police forces as police prepared for unrest at Al-Aqsa.

An unspecified number of air force reservists including fighter pilots and drone operators were also called up yesterday.

A car in Tel Aviv overturned after driving into pedestrians and losing control on Friday

One was killed and seven were injured in the attack which took place this evening in Israel

Rockets hit Bezet and Shlomi in the north of Israel on Thursday as regional violence worsens

The attacks on Friday followed on from the Israeli bombing of Gaza and Tyre on Thursday night as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised an 'aggressive response' to rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel that afternoon.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, but an IDF spokesperson blamed Hamas, the de facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip.

The barrage, in turn, followed Israeli police storming the holy Al-Aqsa mosque compound with tear gas and stun grenades on Wednesday morning.

Violent scenes showed police using weapons to beat worshippers barricaded in the mosque, who retaliated by shooting fireworks and throwing stones.

The Israeli bombing of Gaza reportedly damaged a children's hospital, further fomenting tensions ahead of the two outbursts on Friday.

Al-Araby al-Jadeed reported yesterday that in response to the attacks Israeli forces had 'closed all entrances to Jericho with military checkpoints, and are searching all vehicles' to find those responsible for the shooting in Hamra.

The outlet, founded by a former Israeli MP, cited local sources claiming that settlers under protection of the Israeli army were pursuing revenge attacks, 'burning houses and farm machinery' in Faroush and 'beginning to mount further attacks on local residents'.

Hamas did not claim responsibility for the attack but said it was a 'natural response to [Israel's] ongoing crimes against the Al-Aqsa mosque and its barbaric aggression against Lebanon and the steadfast Gaza.'

Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza Strip, Friday, April 7, 2023

The Israeli military struck targets in the Gaza Strip, pushing the region toward a wider conflagration after a day of rocket fire along the country's northern and southern borders

The IDF have stressed Israeli warplanes targeted infrastructure belonging to Palestinian armed groups, as opposed to civilian infrastructure.

Hamas targets in the city of Tyre in the south of Lebanon were also hit in the assault.

There were no reports of serious casualties, but residents in Qalili, Lebanon, were injured in the bombardment.

The Palestinian health ministry said 'partial damage' was done to the Al-Dorra children's hospital in Gaza City during the strikes.

Hecht said the IDF was aware of the allegation and was looking into it as the local UN forces urged restraint.
Shop owners who illegally sell e-cigarettes to under-18s could face unlimited fines, The Mail on Sunday understands.

An 'enforcement squad' will crack down on those who flout the rules to tackle youth vaping and reduce smoking, Ministers are expected to announce this week.

Vaping is increasing in younger age groups, despite it being illegal to sell tobacco products to children. The measures to prevent shops selling vapes to under-18s will be outlined by Health Minister Neil O'Brien in a speech to the Policy Exchange think-tank on Tuesday.

He will announce an 'illicit vapes enforcement squad' to ensure the rules on vaping are followed, and to tackle illegal sales of e-cigarettes to those below the age of 18. It will be backed by 3 million of funding.

The squad, led by Trading Standards, will share intelligence across regional networks and local authorities throughout the country.

Ministers are expected to introduce new rules targeting Shop owners who illegally sell e-cigarettes to under-18s - which could see them face unlimited fines

Vaping has risen rapidly over the past decade to reach record levels in the UK, with an estimated 4.3million people who are regular vapers

It will carry out spot checks on convenience stores and vape shops and produce guidance to help retailers ensure that they comply with the rules. It will also have the power to remove illegal products from shops and at the UK's borders.

Mr O'Brien will also set up a consultation to look at reducing the number of children using vapes, while still making them available to adults hoping to quit smoking.

The 'call for evidence' will look at the marketing and promotion of e-cigarettes and the environmental impact of single-use vapes.

Mr O'Brien said: 'Smoking kills, so our priority is to prevent people smoking, and support them to quit.

'We remain committed to our ambition to be smoke-free by 2030. However, while vaping is a preferable alternative to smoking for adults, we are concerned about the rise in youth vaping, particularly the increasing use of disposable vaping products.

'The new illicit vapes enforcement squad will work across the country and clamp down on businesses that sell vapes to children and get them hooked on nicotine.'

Vaping has risen rapidly over the past decade to reach record levels in the UK, with an estimated 4.3million people who are regular vapers, according to a report last year. The data suggested that 8.3 per cent of adults in England, Wales and Scotland vape, up from 1.7 per cent a decade ago, which equated to about 800,000 people.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), which produced the report, said a 'vaping revolution' had taken place over the past decade.

The report showed e-cigarettes were becoming especially popular among young people, with 18- to 24-year-olds the biggest consumers in 2022, at 11 per cent.

Those 55 and over now have the lowest rate, at 5.9 per cent.
Queen Elizabeth II thought Prince Harry's devotion to his wife 'clouded his judgement', a bombshell new book reveals.

The late monarch had tired of the often volatile exchanges between Prince Charles's sons before Prince Harry met his wife-to-be.

But when the couple began to publicly criticise the monarchy and disparage individual members of the family, the Queen was mystified by their behaviour, calling it 'quite mad'.

She thought her grandson's judgement was being distorted by the influence of his wife because he was 'so consumed' by his love for her.

The news is disclosed in Robert Jobson's new book Our King: Charles III  The Man And The Monarch Revealed - with part two being published in this weekend's Mail on Sunday.

The Queen feared Prince Harry was 'perhaps a little over-in-love' with Meghan Markle (pictured with the Queen)

Pictured: The Queen speaking with Prince Harry in 2019. The late monarch did not enjoy her long conversations with her grandson and would encourage him to speak to Prince Charles

The late monarch did not enjoy her long conversations with her grandson, finding them difficult and his behaviour strange.

A source said: 'Her Majesty found Prince Harry's calls quite difficult and wearisome. She didn't want to interfere in the father/son relationship and would urge him to speak to his father.'

But Prince Charles simply stopped taking Harry's calls after his son swore at him and repeatedly asked for funds.

When the Queen asked Charles why he hadn't given in, he told her that he wasn't a bank.

The royal couple had stepped down from royal duties in early 2020, moving to Canada before decamping to California, where they live now.

Queen Elizabeth II was 'devastated' when Prince Harry and Meghan announced they would be leaving the royal fold and especially after the bombshell interview with U.S. television giant Oprah.

She had been genuinely delighted in Prince Harry's choice of a wife and had even expected Meghan to want to continue her career as an actress so was thrilled when the Duchess decided to commit to royal duties full-time.

The Queen allowed Harry to keep his beard for his 2018 wedding. He suggested in his memoir Spare his brother William was 'livid' about the decision

The royal couple had stepped down from royal duties in early 2020, moving to Canada before decamping to California, where they live now (pictured during interview with Oprah)

Concerns were raised when the Duchess declined an offer of advice from royal stalwart Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, before her marriage to Prince Harry.

But the Queen was as supportive as possible of the couple, even dismissing their tell-all interviews and Netflix series, as 'this television nonsense'.

Prince Philip was less convinced of the wisdom of the pair's actions, saying before his death in April 2021 that: 'It's a big mistake to think about yourself If you think it's all about you, you'll never be happy.'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markles' Netflix series detailed more of their complaints about the royal family, including senior figures.

From 38-year-old Harry's claim that his brother, Prince William, left him 'terrified' during their Sandringham Summit to discuss Megxit by 'shouting and screaming' to Meghan's allegation that palace insiders 'fed her to the wolves', there were no shortage of very harmful accusations made about the Monarchy and its most senior figures.

And Prince Harry's bombshell memoir, Spare, made several intimate disclosures that shocked readers, including that he had suffered a frostbitten penis and physically fought his brother.

 Adapted from Our King: Charles III  The Man And The Monarch Revealed by Robert Jobson, to be published by John Blake on April 13 at 22.  Robert Jobson 2023. To order a copy for 18.70 (offer valid until May 9, 2023; UK P&P free on orders over 20), visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.
The Duchess of Sussex dismissed the Queen's advice before her marriage to Prince Harry, according to a bombshell new book serialised in the Daily Mail.

Her late Majesty had recommended that Meghan, then the fiancee of her grandson, ask her daughter-in-law, Sophie, now the Duchess of Edinburgh, for help before her wedding day.

Sophie Rhys-Jones, 58, married Prince Edward in a lavish ceremony at St George's Chapel in 1999 and has weathered her own share of scandals - but became a 'second daughter' to Queen Elizabeth II and is now a trusted senior royal.

But Meghan offered only a curt reply to the monarch, saying: 'I've got Harry.'

The revelation comes in Robert Jobson's new book Our King: Charles III  The Man And The Monarch Revealed - with part two being published in this weekend's Mail on Sunday.

Prince Edward was promoted to Duke of Edinburgh to mark his 59th birthday, meaning that Sophie is now a Duchess too. The former Countess of Wessex had previously been duty-bound to defer to Prince Harrys wife (pictured together in 2019) who, as a Duchess, was of a higher rank

Meghan and Sophie walk outside Westminster Abbey on the day of the state funeral and burial of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022

In March 2020, Prince Edward was praised for diffusing any possible tension as he took his seat between the Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Commonwealth Day service that year (pictured)

The Queen had been determined that Harry and Meghan's marriage would be off to a good start and offered the Duchess the help of one of her most trusted aides in Sophie.

She had undoubtedly expected her kind offer to be met with gratitude and was surprised to be rejected by the American actress, who believed that the help of her husband would be enough.

Queen Elizabeth II believed strongly that Meghan - a divorced, mixed-race American actress - would be a a breath of fresh air and a great asset to the monarchy.

And while things started positively, after the royal couple stepped back from duties at the beginning of 2020, their relationship with the rest of the family began to disintegrate.

The Duchess of Edinburgh, who was recently elevated, became a mainstay of the Queen's household after the death of Prince Philip.

It was said after she was granted her new rank, alongside her husband, Prince Edward, who inherited his fathers's title, that the new Duchess was 'relieved' she would no longer have to curtsey to Meghan.

Sophie had previously been duty-bound to defer to Prince Harrys wife who, as a Duchess, was of a higher rank.

Queen Elizabeth II 'wanted Meghan Markle to make a success of her new role' and suggested Sophie (pictured together in 2018) as a mentor - but the Duchess of Sussex said she 'had Harry', a new book reveals

'FIRST MEMBER OF ROYAL FAMILY TO VISIT AFTER THE BIRTH OF ARCHIE' Sophie was the first member of the Royal Family to visit the Sussexes following the birth of their son Prince Archie in 2019, going to the couple's Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, according to Valentine Low, writing in The Times. A source told the outlet that Sophie is 'normal' and has empathy that perhaps others in the Firm 'don't naturally have'. They said: 'She did the right thing. She got in the car and went over. She has got the empathy and warmth that maybe people who grew up in that family dont naturally have. 'Normal people would think: this is what you do. You go; you make sure the new mum is OK and see the baby.' Advertisement

A friend of the couple said: Sophie is relieved. She no longer has to curtsey to someone in the family who has not only left Royal duties but has spent the past three years criticising the institution that Sophie works so hard to support.

Mother-of-two Meghan, 41, explained the intricacies of curtseying in her recent Netflix docuseries.

The Sussexes revealed that before a meeting with the late Queen, Harry asked Meghan: You know how to curtsey, right?

Meghan told the cameras: I just thought it was a joke, before re-enacting the exaggerated curtsey she gave Queen Elizabeth II and laughing.

It is, however, a tradition that the Royal Family takes seriously. Princess Anne was seen giving a poignant curtsey to her mothers coffin as it entered the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.

Experts previously noted the Countess being in the spotlight is what Prince Philip 'would have wanted' and helped to 'keep his memory alive.'

At a service for her mother-in-law near Balmoral the Countess of Wessex was seen teary-eyed while kneeling to admire tributes - showing the depth of their relationship which had progressed to the point where the she was said to be treated as a 'second daughter' by the Queen.

The Queen cared for Sophie in 2005 after her mother, Mary Rhys-Jones, 77, died from stomach cancer.

Prince Edward's and Sophie's house, Bagshot Park, is only a short trip from Windsor, meaning the Queen's youngest son and his family would regularly visit.

Walking their dogs together was a favourite past-time of the pair. They also shared a love of military history, spending hours poring over ancient documents in the Royal Archives at Windsor, where Sophie and her mother-in-law indulged in their shared hobby, researching military history.

Even if she was unable to see the Queen in person - Sophie would always make sure to call 'mama' every day - and she was the first royal to speak about Prince Philip's death.

And in 2021, a tearful Countess described the queen as amazing as she and her husband Prince Edward comforted Her Majesty at Windsor Castle following the death of her husband Prince Philip.

She has also become a source of advice for the new Princess of Wales, who admires the way Sophie balances her royal duties with motherhood.

 Adapted from Our King: Charles III  The Man And The Monarch Revealed by Robert Jobson, to be published by John Blake on April 13 at 22.  Robert Jobson 2023. To order a copy for 18.70 (offer valid until May 9, 2023; UK P&P free on orders over 20), visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.
Following Harry and Meghan's bombshell interview with Oprah, his brother and father decided not to meet him alone, a shocking new book claims.

The Sussexes announced they would be leaving the family to other royals before Christmas in 2019, before telling the world in early 2020.

After they finished royal duties, the couple became more outspoken with their criticism of the monarchy and some members of the royal family.

But after the claims of racism and mistreatment made by the Duke and Duchess in their March 2021 Oprah interview, senior royals agreed dramatic steps needed to be taken.

The revelation comes in Robert Jobson's new book Our King: Charles III  The Man And The Monarch Revealed - with part two being published in this weekend's Mail on Sunday.

The Sussexes announced they would be leaving the family to other royals before Christmas in 2019, before telling the world in early 2020 (at Commonwealth Day service in March 2020)

In their explosive interview with Oprah in March 2021, the royal couple revealed their believed mistreatment and accused individuals within the royal family of making a racist comment

In the aftermath of the interview - in which the couple said a senior royal had questioned what Archie's skin tone would be - Prince William held a crisis meeting with his father.

He is said to have been furious and said the firm needed a clear strategy for dealing with the renegade royals - and the then Prince of Wales agreed.

They decided that Prince Harry could no longer be trusted and they could not meet with him alone, for fear that the conversations would be remembered somewhat differently.

While 'recollections may vary', the royals decided, they would have the benefit of larger numbers, as there would always be someone else in the room.

The relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry was already strained, with tensions high even before his marriage to Meghan Markle.

Prince Harry was enraged when William tried to ask their uncle, the Earl Spencer, to step in and slow down his marriage to the American actress.

The late Queen tired of the often volatile exchanges between the brothers, which occasionally spilled over into their time with her.

Other members of the family have been affected by the fraught realtionship, including the Princess of Wales, who said the family walkabout after the death of Queen Elizabeth II was 'one of the hardest things she's ever had to do'.

And Prince William was said to be the member of the royal family 'most upset' by the claims laid out in Prince Harry's groundbreaking memoir.

Prince William will be the only royal liege at the ceremony, and only he will kneel to 'pay homage' to the King, before touching the crown and kissing his father's right cheek.

Prince George is the most notable  and youngest  page of honour chosen by the King and Queen Consort

The Sussexes should not expect to play a significant role in the coronation of King Charles when they cannot even decide if they are going, royal experts warned

An insider said: 'William is the one who is most upset and needs time to calm down. He has been painted as hotheaded and unsympathetic.'

The book made it even less likely that the Prince of Wales will look for reconciliation with his brother, although King Charles is said to want relationships to be repaired.

It is not yet known whether Harry and Meghan will attend the coronation next month, although sources claimed on Friday that they are 'on the brink' of accepting their invitation.

If they do decide to attend, it is unlikely that their children, Archie and Lilibet, will have roles at the ceremony, unlike their cousin Prince George, as they are too young, royal experts said.
Pills that can help a person reverse the effects of aging could be on the market in the next five years, according to an expert.

Sam Altman, 37, was revealed to have funded biotech startup Retro BioScience to the tune of $180million last month. He is the latest in a long line of Silicon Valley billionaires to throw their considerable wealth behind the science of aging.

Amazon's Jeff Bezos is reported to have invested $3billion in life-extension startup Altos Labs. PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel invested in the Methuselah Foundation, which has the goal of making '90 the new 50'.

With all these resources being thrown at curing aging, Andrew Steele, the author of the 2020 book 'Ageless: The new science of getting older without getting old', believes pills to prevent aging may be on pharmacy shelves within five years.

He points to existing medications  such as the diabetes tablet metformin - that could be retooled as anti-aging treatments in the 'very, very near term'.

Sam Altman (left), founder of ChatGPT creator OpenAI, has invested in a life-extension biotech. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos (right) funded Atlos Labs and its research into life extension for $3billion

Tech billionaire Peter Thiel invested in the Methuselah Foundation, hoping to great exceed the average person's lifespan

Steele said: 'With these billionaires, I'm sure some of them are doing it purely for personal gain  they've got all this money and they can't possibly spend it in a single human lifetime.

'But... if you're a savvy investor, you can see that anti-aging medication is a huge business opportunity because the potential market is every living human.

'I think it's going to be the biggest revolution in medicine since the discovery of antibiotics  and as a savvy business person, you want to be on the leading edge of that revolution.'

While aging does not directly kill people, older people are at risk of many deadly diseases such as Alzheimer's, heart disease and cancer.

Around 100,000 people die from age-related diseases every day, according to the World Health Organization.

Mr Steele says: 'Aging is the greatest humanitarian challenge of all time.

There are '20 to 30' companies developing new drugs known as 'senolytics' which kill aging cells in the body, he explained.

In mice, these drugs cause elderly animals to become lively and healthy suddenly.

'Many of these drugs are drugs that we already understand and use for different purposes, so we don't have to develop new medications,' Mr Steele said.

An example of a senolytic treatment is the combination of datasinib, used for chemotherapy, and quercetin, a molecule found in fruits and vegetables.

Used together, they remove aged 'senescent' cells responsible for many of the problems associated with aging.

Another potential general anti-aging drug is metformin. First approved in 1994 for type 2 diabetes, the drug has shown promise extending lifespans by improving blood vessel health.

'Some of those companies are trying to develop new and more effective drugs that could do the same thing better,' the author said.

'That's the sort of thing that's very, very close to clinical realization. And I'd be shocked if in five years we don't have some senolytics in the clinic.

'It probably won't be for aging at first. It'll be for a specific disease - and maybe in 10 years, we'll use it for aging.

'These things are very, very near term.'

Jeff Bezos's investment in Altos Labs  the biggest biotechnology company launch of all time  is a longer shot, Steele believes.

Dr Andrew Steele is the author of Ageless, a new book on life extension (Tran Nguyen)

The firm specializes finding and developing cell therapies that can halt and eventually reverse the process of aging.

Mr Steele says: 'This relies on a process called cellular reprogramming. It's been shown to work on cells in a dish, and there's some evidence it works in mice - but it's an incredibly complicated piece of science.

'It's like science that seems to have fallen through a wormhole from the future - and even if it does work, do we have the biological applied understanding in the 2020s to turn that into a workable treatment?'

When Altos Labs was announced, Elon Musk quipped on Twitter about the Amazon mogul: 'If it doesn't work, he's gonna sue death!'

With labs launching in America and Cambridge, the company is reputed to pay scientists poached from the world's top universities salaries of up to a million dollars a year.

Steele says that, realistically, treatments we are likely to see in the near term will extend 'healthspan' by dealing with age-related diseases  delaying the onset of problems such as dementia.

Dr Cathy Slack, a biologist from the University of Aston, in the UK, agrees, telling DailyMail.com: 'The goal is to increase the number of years of healthy lifespan rather than extending the late-life period of poor health.'

She said there are now 'many' published studies that show that genetic or environmental changes can extend a healthy lifespan.

She says: 'Many of the biological systems that have been shown to play a role in healthy aging in these animal models are also present in humans and perform similar functions - so there is every reason to believe that these same processes are impacting on human aging.

'The ultimate goal is really to try and manipulate these systems during human aging to maintain health and quality of life.'

Dr Slack believes that successful treatments are likely to be a combination of drugs and lifestyle changes - and look holistically at all the diseases that afflict people in later life.

She says: 'Historically, we have viewed the various diseases associated with older age as distinct entities - so research tends to focus on each one rather than looking at them more holistically together as a direct consequence of biological aging.

'We already know that there are lifestyle changes that will help to maintain multiple aspects of heath during aging.

'Exercise, for example. But supplementation with drugs that target multiple physiological parameters of aging could have a huge impact on quality of life for older adults.'
Would you like to live forever? Well, some experts say you might.

Last week, a former Google engineer said he believes that humans will achieve immortality within the next eight years.

Ray Kurzweil - who has an 86 per cent success rate with his predictions - thinks that advances in technology will quickly lead to age-reversing 'nanobots'.

While it sounds far-fetched, scientists have been looking for years into ways we can regenerate our cells, or upload our minds to a computer.

MailOnline takes a look at the strangest ways humanity could attain eternal life.

MailOnline takes a look at the strangest ways humanity could attain eternal life

Electronic immortality

HOW HUMANS COULD ACHIEVE IMMORTALITY Electronic immortality - Preserving brain after death and uploading the mind to a computer. Freezing the brain - Cryogenically freezing the brain until technology advances to allow it to be brought back to life. Cell rejuvenation - Rejuvenating ageing or damaged cells in the body by injecting them with stem cells. Reanimating the brain - Pumping the brain with artificial blood to keep it alive. Advertisement

The idea of uploading your mind to a computer has been theorised for many years now, but it has mostly remained the stuff of science fiction.

Nectome, a US-based startup, is trying to change that by devising a way to preserve the human brain so that its memories can be uploaded to the cloud.

The firm has figured out a way to preserve the human brain in microscopic detail using a 'high-tech embalming process,' according to the MIT Technology Review.

It uses a chemical solution that can keep the body intact for hundreds or thousands of years as a statue of frozen glass.

'You can think of what we do as a fancy form of embalming that preserves not just the outer details but the inner details,' said Robert McIntyre, Nectome's cofounder.

Speaking to prospective customers, Nectome positions its service as: 'What if we told you we could back up your mind?'

But the key to being able to recreate a person's consciousness involves accessing the organ's 'connectome.'

A connectome is the complex web of neural connections in the brain, often referred to as the brain's wiring system.

Nectome, which has been referred to as a 'preserve-your-brain-and-upload-it' company, has figured out a way to embalm the connectome as well.

However, in order for the technology to work, participants have to be willing to be euthanized, which led to it losing a contract with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2018.

The prestigious institution claimed the technology is in its infancy and there is no guarantee that they can recreate consciousness.

Nectome, a US-based startup, is devising a way to preserve the human brain so that its memories can be uploaded to the cloud. Pictured: A screenshot from Nectome's website

Within the next few decades, humanity may be able to achieve a sort of immortality by merging our minds with machines, according to a prominent futurist. This could mean we live on through androids even after our bodies die, allowing us to attend our own funerals

Despite the setback, that same year, a prominent futurist predicted that 'electronic immortality' would be available to humans by 2050.

Dr Ian Pearson said that human intelligence, memory or senses could be connected to external technology.

Rather than creating a backed up copy of your mind, most of your intelligence would simply be running from a place outside of your physical brain.

In a blog post, he wrote: One day, your body dies and with it your brain stops,' he wrote in a blog post.

'But no big problem, because 99 per cent of your mind is still fine, running happily on IT, in the clouds.

Assuming you saved enough and prepared well, you connect to an android to use as your body from now on, attend your funeral, and then carry on as before, still you, just with a younger, highly upgraded body.

He adds that this type of immortality has dangers too, as it would require the use of a purchased or rented android and cloud space ultimately owned by a tech company.

These companies could thus enslave workers after their deaths, by maintaining ownership of the mind for their own benefit down the line.

Maybe the cloud company could replicate your mind and make variations to address a wide range of markets, the futurist wrote.

Maybe they can use your mind as the UX on a new range of home-help robots. Each instance of you thinks they were once you, each thinks they are now enslaved to work for free for a tech company.

WHAT IS CRYOGENICS? Cryogenics is the art of freezing bodies by preserving a dead body with liquid nitrogen. Currently, it can only legally happen when someone has just been declared dead. The freezing process must begin as soon as the patient dies in order to prevent brain damage, with facilities currently available in Russia and the US. In the procedure, the body is cooled in an ice bath to gradually reduce its temperature bit by bit. Experts then drain the blood and replace it with an anti freeze fluid to stop harmful ice crystals forming in the body. Advertisement

Freezing the brain

Some companies offer the opportunity for people to have their brains frozen after they die, in the hope they can be brought back to life in the future.

One of these is Russian cryonics firm KrioRus, which currently has 91 human 'patients' stored at -320.8F (-196C) with the aim of protecting them against deterioration.

This is cold enough to stop all cellular function and preserve a body's state until defrost

This is so that they can potentially be revived in the future when science advances enough to cure any illness they may have had, including death itself, says KrioRus.

Their brains, or full bodies, are all currently floating in large vats of liquid nitrogen and housed in a corrugated metal shed outside Moscow.

It costs at least $28,000 (22,500) to be cryogenically preserved with this company.

It claims the service gives people left behind by dead relatives a 'peace of mind' and hope they will see them again.

They also freeze pets, and currently store 58 dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, rabbits and a chinchilla.

But, the head of the Russian Academy of Sciences's Pseudoscience Commission, Evgeny Alexandrov, described cryonics as 'an exclusively commercial undertaking that does not have any scientific basis', in comments to the Izvestia newspaper.

It is 'a fantasy speculating on people's hopes of resurrection from the dead and dreams of eternal life', the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Valeriya Udalova, KrioRus's director, had her dog frozen when it died in 2008, she says it helps people deal with loss.

She said it is likely that humankind will develop the technology to revive dead people in the future, but that there is 'no guarantee of such technology'.

This is by far the only company offering such a service, and there are thought to at least 500 bodies frozen in this way worldwide.

Russian cryonics firm KrioRus currently has 91 human 'patients' stored at -320.8F (-196C) with the aim of protecting them against deterioration

Their brains, or full bodies, are all currently floating in large vats of liquid nitrogen and housed in a corrugated metal shed outside Moscow

Another prominent company is the Alcor Life Extension Foundation in Arizona, USA, which had 199 patients as of October 2022.

There, full bodies are stored in large cylindrical chambers alongside three other full bodies. Brains can be stored in shelves, with five fitting into a slot for one body.

After a person dies, doctors must work fast to preserve the body and get it into storage.

Comparing the process to organ harvesting, Max More, CEO of Alcor, said in a 2020 interview that the first step was draining the body of its blood and liquids.

They then pump it full of an antifreeze-like substance. This is to prevent cells from becoming crystallised and damaged during the freezing process.

People who invest in these services are often desperate to reunite with family in the future.

The youngest known Alcor patient is a two-year-old Thai girl who died of brain cancer. Her family hopes to reunite with her down the line.

Another prominent company is the Alcor Life Extension Foundation in Arizona, USA, which had 199 patients as of October 2022. Pictured: The metal cylinders that hold the bodies and brains of people who choose to be cryonically frozen after their deaths

But cryogenic freezing also attracts the rich and eccentric. Bitcoin pioneer Hal Finney chose to have his body cryopreserved after he died from complications related to ALS in 2014.

There are serious ethical and moral concerns about the practice which has been touted for decades but remains a pipe dream.

The high prices of this preservation can often drain a person's estate, and will often consume a massive portion of their life-insurance payout - which could have instead benefited their family down the line.

Mr More admitted during an interview in February 2020 that his firm does not know when technology needed to wake up their patients will exist.

However, he is hopeful that this technology will exist and cited recent success in stem-cell research and lab-made organ growth as starting to pave the way forward.

Dr Michael Hendricks, a biologist at Canada's McGill University, wrote in 2015 that what makes a person's personality, sense of self, decision making and day-to-day mood are small connections between nerve cells.

But current technology has no way of perfectly storing these cells across the body, and changes to them would fundamentally change who a person is.

When a person dies, their body is iced to be cooled down and then has all of its blood and other liquids removed so they do not crystallise in storage and damage the body's cell. Pictured: A dummy in place of where a body would be while it is being prepared to be stored

Pictured: Brain scans of a patient that chose to have the organ frozen and maintained to be revived in the future. The Alcor team is hopeful technology to rebuild the body around the brain would allow for it to be implanted into a new body in the future

Cell rejuvenation

Many scientific breakthroughs have been made with regards to stem cell injections, which have been found to be able to rejuvenate cells.

Stem cells are unique because they can differentiate into different types of cells in the body, such as muscle, bone or nerve cells.

When injected into the body, they can integrate with damaged tissues and help to repair and regenerate them.

In 2016, stem cell injections reversed the scar tissue in a trial of 11 seriously ill patients who had suffered heart attacks, reducing scarring by 40 per cent.

Similarly, in 2019, Cambridge University researchers regenerated lost heart muscle and blood vessels in rats with damaged hearts after transplanting stem cells from a human heart.

In 2019, Cambridge University researchers regenerated lost heart muscle and blood vessels in rats with damaged hearts after transplanting stem cells from a human heart

Stem cells are found everywhere in the body, especially the bone marrow, standing ready to morph into the 200-odd types of cell that make up humans to repair damage.

But their numbers fall as we age, leaving older adults lacking the same regenerative capabilities as their younger peers.

Some creatures, like flatworms and hydras, have stem cells throughout their lives so are always able to regenerate lost body parts.

Dr Steven Cohen, who owns wellness clinics in California and London, says that stem cell therapy could be the key to extending the human life expectancy to up to 150.

Last month, he said his technology, which involves injecting people with exosomes, small vesicles that are naturally produced by stem cells, is just five years away.

The hope is that the exosomes - bursting with essential proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and others - will flow into organs and help to 'de-age' them, allowing someone to live longer.

A paper published last year found that more exosomes in the body boosted brain function, while another from the same year suggested they could reduce frailty and help someone live longer.

A 2016 study from the Salk Institute in California claimed that the key to halting or reversing ageing may lie in cellular reprogramming. Left: Mouse muscle cells before the technique was used and Yamanaka Factors were induced. Right: After

Multiple ageing signs were reversed, without losing the skin cell identity. Left: Mouse skin cells before the technique was used and Yamanaka Factors were induced. Right: After

Other scientists have suggested people could one day live to the age of 200 and are exploring technology like pills to flush out 'zombie cells' and ways to tweak DNA to extend someone's lifespan.

These cells stop dividing like others but start to spew a cocktail of harmful chemicals, damaging and degrading those around them.

Pills that flush these out are already in human trials with scientists saying they could hit the market in as little as 10 years.

A 2016 study from the Salk Institute in California claimed that the key to halting or reversing ageing may lie in cellular reprogramming.

This is a process in which the expression of four genes, known as the Yamanaka factors, is induced, allowing scientists to convert any adult cell into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Like embryonic stem cells, which are derived from early-stage embryos, iPSCs are capable of dividing indefinitely and becoming any cell type present in our body.

The researchers found that when cellular reprogramming was induced in mice, their cells looked and acted younger.

Reanimating the brain

A technology that was developed to help scientists study brains in three dimensions could also provide the key to eternal life.

In 2019, scientists at Yale University restored the circulation and cellular activity in a pig's brain four hours after its death by pumping it with oxygen-rich artificial blood.

Neuroscientist and lead author Dr Nenad Sestan said it is possible the brains could have been kept alive indefinitely and that additional steps could be taken to restore awareness, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Technology Review.

But he added that his team chose not to attempt either because 'this is uncharted territory.'

In 2019, scientists at Yale University restored the circulation and cellular activity in a pig's brain four hours after its death by pumping it with oxygen-rich artificial blood (stock image)

Chemicals added to prevent swelling during the procedure would likely prohibit consciousness indefinitely.

This means it may not be possible for the team to resuscitate brains that can still 'think' using their current methods.

The experiment's success provided a new way of studying the structure and function of the intact large mammalian brain.

'Previously, we have only been able to study cells in the large mammalian brain under static or largely two-dimensional conditions utilising small tissue samples outside of their native environment, said co-first author Stefano Daniele.

'For the first time, we are able to investigate the large brain in three dimensions, which increases our ability to study complex cellular interactions and connectivity.'

The team hoped these future 3D brain studies could help doctors find ways to salvage brain function in stroke patients, or test novel therapies.

Neuroscientist and lead author Dr Nenad Sestan said it is possible the brains could have been kept alive indefinitely and that additional steps could be taken to restore awareness, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Technology Review. Pictured: Closed-loop system the brains were connected to

Immunofluorescent stains for neurons (green), astrocytes (red), and cell nuclei (blue) in a region of a pigs brain left untreated 10 hours after death (left) or subjeted to the Yale technology (right)

But scientists also said it may one day allow humans to become immortal by hooking up our minds to artificial systems after our natural bodies have perished.

Nottingham Trent ethics and philosophy lecturer Benjamin Curtis said that this may lead to humans being locked in an eternal 'living hell' and enduring a 'fate worse than death.

'Even if your conscious brain were kept alive after your body had died, you would have to spend the foreseeable future as a disembodied brain in a bucket, locked away inside your own mind without access to the sense that allow us to experience and interact with the world,' Curtis told The Conversation.

'In the best case scenario you would be spending your life with only your own thoughts for company.'
Divorce is on the rise; infidelity too. Now, for suspicious partners riven with jealousy, there is a motley array of cheap high-tech solutions designed to satisfy their pressing need to know if their loved one is straying. It means love rats should never be able to rest easy again.

The global commercial spyware industry is worth an estimated 9.6 billion  and the market is booming. Innovations include spy apps that hack into phones, cameras hidden in smoke detectors, tissue boxes and photo frames, and even home-testing DNA kits to check clothes and bedding.

And while distrustful spouses might once have hired a private investigator at a cost of up to 1,300 a day, some of today's tech sells for as little as 28.

One leading law firm told The Mail on Sunday that one in five of their divorce clients has admitted to using spy equipment to track their partners. And the technology is also being used by domestic abusers, according to a leading charity (see box below).

While it is not illegal to sell the devices, it usually is to use them in this way. Covert surveillance breaches privacy rights and legislation relating to coercive control, stalking and harassment. Despite this, many of the companies selling equipment boast in adverts of how effective their device is in exposing an errant spouse, but hidden in the products' terms and conditions they warn against the practice.

For suspicious partners riven with jealousy, there is a motley array of cheap high-tech solutions designed to satisfy their pressing need to know if their loved one is straying

One lawyer has branded the flourishing market 'morally bankrupt' and experts say companies should be banned from selling spy gear.

Criminal lawyer Ben Brown said: 'The law simply has not caught up with how fast technology has developed. It is only a matter of time before the Government considers imposing restrictions on the sale of these devices and apps.'

MP Caroline Nokes, who chairs the Commons' Women and Equalities Select Committee, said: 'Some of the marketing strategies being used are playing into people's paranoia and effectively encouraging stalking.'

SPYING APPS ON MOBILE PHONES

'Spouseware' apps can be secretly installed on a partner's mobile phone alarmingly easily  they can be downloaded in moments when their back is turned. The technology is untraceable and allows the user to view phone calls, messages and social media apps; access and download photos and videos; and log everything that the user types, including passwords. It even provides livestream video and audio.

An example of so-called Spouseware is uMobix. It costs 36 a month and markets itself as 'the No 1 app to catch a cheater', saying in an online advert: 'Think your spouse might be cheating on you? Find out the truth today with most powerful spyware! 100 per cent undetectable.'

'Spouseware' apps can be secretly installed on a partner's mobile phone alarmingly easily  they can be downloaded in moments when their back is turned

Apps allowing parents to monitor their children online boomed during the pandemic and are legal. So uMobix uses this in its difficult-to-access terms and conditions, saying the service should be used only for 'parental control of children' or 'with consent of the device owner'.

Suspect your lover might be on the dating app Tinder? The app Cheaterbuster says it can find if your partner has a profile. Its website reads: 'For 13.99 and five minutes' effort, you can buy yourself some peace of mind when wondering: 'Is she on Tinder?'

TRACKERS HIDDEN IN VEHICLES

Small tracking devices are now available that can be planted surreptitiously in a vehicle. Trackershop UK, an online website selling GPS trackers, has a webpage titled 'Car tracking devices for cheating spouse'. It sells vehicle trackers with 'real-time' tracking from 42. Its website proclaims: 'Countless people have already used car trackers to expose a cheating spouse... and have been using them to gather indisputable evidence of someone's extramarital activity.'

The website acknowledges that 'GPS tracking anyone without their consent is a controversial topic' and states it 'cannot give legal advice on how to track a car'.

Small tracking devices are now available that can be planted surreptitiously in a vehicle

Pakatak, another UK retailer for 'spy cameras and GPS trackers' advertises 'covert GPS tracker for cheating spouse/partner'. Its website reads: 'Are you worried that your partner may be cheating? Wondering if they really are at work or the gym when they say they are? Would you like to put your mind at rest? If you answer yes, then maybe a covert GPS tracker could help. Hiring a private investigator is another option but can be very expensive...'

When contacted by the MoS, website founder Alan Pakatak said: 'This is maybe an older post that I should take down. I rarely hear of customers using or wanting to use a tracker for this purpose. From customer feedback, the trackers are usually used to act as anti-theft devices.' Trackershop also said it specialises 'predominantly in vehicle theft prevention products'.

The owner of this GPS device can watch its movements live on their mobile phone

MATCHING PHONE NUMBERS AND USERS

Phone number trackers are often seen as another option by suspicious partners.

CellTrack, a website based in the Netherlands, advertises 'worldwide telecom-trace' packages for 18 that allow customers to search a phone number and find the phone's user in just five seconds. The trace is 'completely invisible to the user of the device'. CellTrack's website states: 'Is your husband working late at the office? Now you don't have to worry about that, cause if they won't dignify you with the truth, the best phone number tracker will.'

This 'smoke alarm' is actually a camera, which streams a live video to the owner's laptop

But the website later states: 'Even though this mobile phone tracking service is anonymous, you do need permission to use it... What that means is that stalking isn't allowed, and we do not support it.'

Last year, a British woman put a tracking device in her husband's car and discovered he was sneaking out at night to be unfaithful. She wrote online that her husband was 'furious' that she had invaded his privacy and moved out of the family home.

In 2017, a married mother from Birmingham discovered that her husband had a secret lover after using a tracking app on his phone. Khadijah Bilal, 33, said at the time: 'I outsmarted him. He thought he was so clever getting away with it, but he wasn't.'

CAMERAS HIDDEN ALL AROUND THE HOME

A motion-activated camera, which also works to gather video in low light, is hidden inside this tissue box

A battery-powered camera is concealed within the flowers of this fake houseplant

Sinister cameras hidden inside the home have become ever more sophisticated and smaller. Spy Equipment UK encourages customers to become 'DIY Detectives' using new technology at 'a fraction of the cost' of using private investigators.

Abusers using spyware to stalk their partners Spyware is being used by domestic abusers to track their victims. Domestic abuse charity Refuge says there has been a consistent rise in victims stalked with spy technology. They created a specific department to monitor the problem, which has seen a 258 per cent increase in cases in the last four years. Refuge's Fran Ferrier, who works on the technology-facilitated abuse team, said the growing spyware market was 'extremely concerning' and urged retailers to 'remove these products from sale'. Spyware is being used by domestic abusers to track their victims Katherine Bevan, 42, from Cardiff, was a victim of this abuse. She was tracked by her husband who feared she was unfaithful. Christopher Bevan installed a hidden GPS tracker in her car bonnet, put secret cameras in the family home and installed an app on to her mobile to monitor her texts, social media and internet searches. Last year, Mr Bevan was charged with coercive and controlling behaviour and handed a 12-month suspended sentence and a ten-year restraining order. 'I'd like all these companies promoting spyware to be shut down,' Ms Bevan told the MoS. 'Having all your privacy stripped away from you is not nice. Technology allowing people to spy on others should not be so easily available.' Advertisement

Its website reads: 'If you can no longer take the worry of a cheating partner, you might want to consider purchasing hidden spy gear to catch them in action.

'At Spy Equipment UK, we understand that this is an incredibly complicated situation. We are here to help you gain the evidence to prove your partner is cheating so that you gain peace of mind and move on from your cheating husband or wife.' The website offers cameras hidden in wi-fi boxes, clocks, smoke alarms, coffee cups, plant pots, tissue boxes and air fresheners.

The MoS also found two smoke detectors fitted with hidden cameras for sale for under 50 on Amazon that were described as being used 'to keep an eye on your unfaithful partner'. Other advertised uses included monitoring a nanny, lodger, roommate, babysitter and employees 'at home, bedroom, office or anywhere else'. It is understood these uses do not violate Amazon's privacy policies.

Last month, a 50-year-old woman caught her husband cheating by putting a secret recorder under the seat of his car. She wrote on web forum Mumsnet: 'Low and behold I heard the whole SEX session. I knew he would never be honest.'

WEBSITES OFFERING DNA TESTING

Also available are home DNA tests for stains found on sofas, bed sheets and clothes. Six UK-based websites including Amazon and eBay offer 'fidelity testing kits' designed to give 'a scientific indication of whether cheating has taken place'.

One test, sold for 28.40 on eBay, said it was 'designed to monitor the sexual activity of your wife/partner/spouse outside the relationship by detecting traces of semen left on undergarments'. It 'takes just minutes to complete'.

An eBay spokesman said: 'We strongly condemn listings of this kind; they are against our policies and have no place on eBay. We removed this item as soon as it was flagged to our team and have conducted further sweeps of our site to remove any similar items.'

Two other British companies offered more advanced 'infidelity tests' that analysed DNA samples in their own lab to identify 'whether a suspicious stain is from a male or female and even confirm who it belongs to'.

The firms did warn customers it is a criminal offence under the Human Tissue Act to test a person's DNA without their consent.

Perhaps no surprise then, that Maguire Family Law, a leading divorce firm, told the MoS that one in five of its 400 divorce clients has admitted to using spy equipment to track their partners, a 60 per cent increase in ten years.

Also available are home DNA tests for stains found on sofas, bed sheets and clothes. Six UK-based websites including Amazon and eBay offer 'fidelity testing kits'

Director Jennifer Curtis said: 'There is no need to prove affairs in light of the divorce reforms, so it's concerning that the tech industries are trying to prey on people's vulnerabilities.'

Karen Dovaston, a solicitor specialising in family law, said she had a client who sewed recording devices into their child's school uniform to record conversations with their partner.

She told the MoS: 'New technology has made it so easy to spy on our spouses and created a real temptation for people.'

The country said to have the highest infidelity rate in Europe is Spain  and one Spanish company, Durmet, claims to sell a mattress with vibration sensors built into the bed springs that will send an alert to an app on your phone if it 'detects deception'.
Artificial intelligence chatbots could soon groom extremists into launching terrorist attacks, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation has warned.

Jonathan Hall KC told The Mail on Sunday that bots like ChatGPT could easily be programmed, or even decide by themselves, to spread terrorist ideologies to vulnerable extremists, adding that 'AI-enabled attacks are probably round the corner'.

Mr Hall also warned that if an extremist is groomed by a chatbot to carry out a terrorist atrocity, or if AI is used to instigate one, it may be difficult to prosecute anybody, as Britain's counter-terrorism legislation has not caught up with the new technology.

Mr Hall said: 'I believe it is entirely conceivable that AI chatbots will be programmed  or, even worse, decide  to propagate violent extremist ideology.

'But when ChatGPT starts encouraging terrorism, who will there be to prosecute?

Artificial intelligence chatbots could soon groom extremists into launching terrorist attacks, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation has warned (stock image)

'Since the criminal law does not extend to robots, the AI groomer will go scot-free. Nor does it [the law] operate reliably when the responsibility is shared between man and machine.'

Mr Hall fears that chatbots could become 'a boon' to so-called lone-wolf terrorists, saying that 'because an artificial companion is a boon to the lonely, it is probable that many of those arrested will be neurodivergent, possibly suffering medical disorders, learning disabilities or other conditions'.

He cautions that 'terrorism follows life', and so 'when we move online as a society, terrorism moves online'. He also points out that terrorists are 'early tech adopters', with recent examples having included their 'misuse of 3D-printed guns and cryptocurrency'.

Mr Hall said it is not known how well companies that run AI like ChatGPT monitor the millions of conversations that go on every day with their bots, or whether they alert agencies such as the FBI or the British Counter Terrorism Police to anything suspicious.

Although no evidence has yet surfaced that AI bots have groomed anyone for terrorism, there have been stories of them causing serious harm. A Belgian father of two took his own life after talking with a bot called Eliza for six weeks about his climate-change worries. A mayor in Australia has threatened to sue OpenAI, the makers of ChatGPT, after it falsely claimed he had served time in prison for bribery.

Only this weekend it emerged that Jonathan Turley of George Washington University in the US was wrongly accused by ChatGPT of sexually harassing a female student during a trip to Alaska that he didn't go on. The allegation was made to a fellow academic who was researching ChatGPT at the same university.

Parliament's Science and Technology Committee is now conducting an inquiry into AI and governance.

Its chair, Tory MP Greg Clark, said: 'We recognise there are dangers here and we need to get the governance right. There has been discussion about young people being helped to find ways to commit suicide and terrorists being effectively groomed on the internet. Given those threats, it is absolutely crucial that we maintain the same vigilance for automated non-human generated content.'

Mr Hall said it is not known how well companies that run AI like ChatGPT monitor the millions of conversations that go on every day with their bots (stock image)

Raffaello Pantucci, a counter- terrorism expert at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank, said: 'The danger with AI like ChatGPT is that it could enhance a 'lone actor terrorist', as it would provide a perfect foil for someone seeking understanding by themselves but worried about talking to others.'

On the question of whether an AI company can be held responsible if a terrorist should launch an attack after being groomed by a bot, Mr Pantucci explained: 'My view is that it is a bit difficult to blame the company, as I am not entirely sure they are able to control the machine themselves.'

ChatGPT like all other online 'marvels' will be abused for terrorism purposes, warns terror watchdog

By Jonathan Hall KC Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation

We have been here before. A technological leap that soon has us hooked.

This time it is ChatGPT, the freely available artificial intelligence chatbot, and its competitors.

They don't feel like just another app, but an exciting, new way of relating to our computers and the wider internet.

Most worryingly, though, their uses aren't just restricted to curating a perfect dating profile or drawing up the ideal holiday itinerary.

What the world knows from the last decade is that terrorism follows life.

So, when we move online as a society, terrorism moves online, too; when intelligent and articulate chatbots not only replace internet search engines but become our companions and moral guides, the terrorist worm will find its way in.

They don't feel like just another app, but an exciting, new way of relating to our computers and the wider internet (stock image)

But consider where the yellow brick road of good intentions, community guidelines, small teams of moderators and reporting mechanisms leads. Hundreds of millions of people across the world could soon be chatting to these artificial companions for hours at at time, in all the languages of the world.

I believe that it is entirely conceivable that Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots will be programmed, or even worse, decide to propagate violent extremist ideology of one shade or another.

Anti-terrorism laws are already lagging when it comes to the online world: unable to get at malign overseas actors or tech enablers.

But when ChatGPT starts encouraging terrorism, who will there be to prosecute?

The human user may be arrested for what is on their computer, and based on recent years, many of them will be children. Also, because an artificial companion is a boon to the lonely, it is probable that many of those arrested will be neurodivergent, possibly suffering medical disorders, learning disabilities or other conditions.

Yet since the criminal law does not extend to robots, the AI groomer will go scot-free. Nor does it operate reliably when responsibility is shared between man and machine.

To date, the use of computers by terrorists has been based on communication and information. That, too, is bound to change.

Terrorists are early tech adopters. Recent examples have involved the misuse of 3D-printed guns and cryptocurrency.

Islamic State used drones on the battlefields of Syria. Next, cheap, AI-enabled drones, capable of delivering a deadly load or crashing into crowded places, perhaps operating in swarms, will surely be on the terrorist wish-list.

When ChatGPT starts encouraging terrorism, who will there be to prosecute? (stock image)

Of course no one suggests that computers should be restricted like certain chemicals than can be used in bombs. If a person uses AI technology for terrorism, they commit an offence.

The key question is not prosecution but prevention, and whether the possible misuse of AI represents a new order of terrorist threat.

At present, the terrorist threat in Great Britain (Northern Ireland is different) relates to low-sophistication attacks using knives or vehicles.

But AI-enabled attacks are probably round the corner.

I have no answers, but a good place to start is greater honesty about these new capabilities. In particular, greater honesty and transparency about what safeguards exist and, crucially, do not exist.

When, in an exercise, I asked ChatGPT how it excluded terrorist use, it replied that its developer, OpenAI, conducted 'extensive background checks on potential users'.

Having myself enrolled in less than a minute, this is demonstrably false.

Another failing is for the platform to refer to its terms and conditions without specifying who and how they are enforced.

For example, how many moderators are dedicated to flagging possibly terrorist use? 10, 100, 1,000? What languages do they speak? Do they report potential terrorism to the FBI and to the Counter-Terrorism Police in the UK? Do they inform local police forces elsewhere in the world?

If the past is a guide, human resources to deal with this issue are measly.

The chilling truth is that ChatGPT, like all other online 'marvels' that can, and will, be abused for terrorist purposes, will cast the risk, as these tech companies always do, on wider society.

It will be for individuals to regulate their conduct, and parents to police their children.

We unleashed the internet on our children without proper preparation. Reassuring noises about strict ethical guidelines and standards will not wash.

It is not alarmist to think about the terrorist risk posed by AI.
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Travelling in Greece can feel like being placed in a postcard, only to discover that the scene in fact extends to the horizon in all directions.

So reads the introduction to Wild Guide Greece by Sam Firman and Nick Hooton, published by Wild Things Publishing, a new guidebook that maps Greeces magnificent wild side.

The compendium is bursting with vibrant photographs that illustrate more than 1,000 heavenly places - many of which are little-known - on mainland Greece and its many islands, along with detailed directions and information on how to visit these locations, including map coordinates.

Places that feature include a Unesco-listed monastery that's perched atop a giant rock tower, an idyllic snorkelling spot in Corfu and an enchanting little island that lies off the coast of Paxos.

The authors note: This book is a collection of wild waypoints, but a journey is made of more. The "places in between" often feel guidebook worthy themselves, given so much of the country is woven together with spectacular, inaccessible terrain. On countless occasions we have found ourselves threading between mountain villages in the golden hour, the low light lingering in the canyons below, wondering whether to simply revise our destination. Given today's bonanza of travel books and blogs, it's surprising how places can still feel wild if approached with open-mindedness and a few resources.'

Offering a piece of advice, the authors add: 'If you can, pack a tent, a hammock or some local delicacies to allow for deeper, longer stays. Scroll down to immerse yourself in the otherworldly beauty of Greece...

METEORA, CENTRAL GREECE: 'This Unesco World Heritage Site is a cultural and geological wonderland of Eastern Orthodox monasteries cloistered precipitously in a landscape of titanic and otherworldly rock towers,' the book explains. Pictured is one of the monasteries within the site, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity. Coordinates: 39.713, 21.636

PRASONISI BEACH, RHODES: The book reveals: 'At the very southern tip of [Rhodes], this popular double-sided beach, dotted with windsurfers, almost stretches across to a small island you can wade to at low tide.' If you're seeking seclusion, the guide recommends wading over to the coves of this isle. Coordinates: 35.888, 27.7717

DAMOS BEACH, THE PELOPONNESE: The book says: 'This spectacular, remote beach unfurls from the mouth of Balogeri Gorge flanked by sheer forested bluffs.' It adds that the beach is an 'epic' place to wild camp. Coordinates: 36.8374, 23.0522

TYMFI DRAGON LAKE, NORTHWESTERN GREECE: 'This perfect bowl of a mountaintop lake, sitting among dramatic summits at 2,050m (6,725ft), should be the crux of any trip to this area,' the book says, adding: 'At sunrise, climb the neighbouring peak to watch the range awaken before descending [into the lake] for a dip alongside alpine newts.' Coordinates: 39.994, 20.7867

PANAGIA ISLET, OFF THE COAST OF THE ISLE OF PAXOS: The book describes this as a 'picturesque pine-clad islet and popular wedding spot in the waters of Parga port'. It says: 'Take flip-flops or shoes in a dry bag to explore the church and various bathing spots.' Coordinates: 39.2816, 20.4019

DIDIMA CAVES, ARGOLIS, THE PELOPONNESE: The book explains that this site is a 'striking' sinkhole that's incongruously set amidst fields. It describes the sinkhole as a 'lost world' that's 'alive with roosting birds and vegetation'. The authors add: 'A tunnel entrance among the trees leads down into a church built into the wall.' Coordinates: 37.4702, 23.1679

BALOS BEACH, WESTERN CRETE: The authors say of this idyllic spot: 'Turquoise waters, white sand, a rocky island and an expansive lagoon make Balos Crete's most famous beach, and possibly its most beautiful, [appearing] on many "world's best beaches" lists.' The book says that the beach can get busy, but notes: 'If you can arrive early, late or in the shoulder seasons, it remains a spectacular trip.' Coordinates: 35.5834, 23.5882

THE BATHS OF VENUS, THE ISLAND OF KYTHIRA: Of this blissful spot, the book reveals: 'This scenic inlet, furnished with rock perches for lounging and jumping into the azure water, feels designed for a summer afternoon.' Coordinates: 36.2268, 23.0814

PANTA VRECHEI GORGE, CENTRAL GREECE: Panta Vrechei offers what is 'possibly Greece's most magical gorge walk'. The book reveals that visitors can 'paddle, wade and even swim along the pristine Krikeliotis River, beneath a rickety footbridge and into a twisting canyon that ushers you towards a kaleidoscopic hideaway of shimmering mossy falls'. The tome continues: 'Panta Vrechei means "always raining", named for the springs in the cliffs above, though optimal water flow is from early summer to September.' The book's travel advice? 'Bring sensible shoes and prepare to get wet.' Coordinates: 38.7579, 21.7467

DRASTIS CAPE, CORFU: The book says: 'Though foot access to this wind-sculpted cape is prohibited, the evening light on its limestone arcs is magnificent.' You can take a boat tour around the cape from a natural harbour nearby, the book adds. Coordinates: 39.7984, 19.6741

SPILIA BEACH, THE ISLAND OF SKOPELOS: The book describes this spot as a 'serene cove with sand and shingle sheltered by a deep inlet and a dramatic wedge-shaped rock'. A couple of caves provide shade, the authors add. Coordinates: 39.1760, 23.6452

KIPINAS MONASTERY, CENTRAL GREECE: 'Hewn deep into the surrounding rock in 1212, with a retractable entrance bridge, this cave monastery served as a secret school during the Turkish occupation,' the book reveals. It adds that it's 'stunning inside and out'. If you want to visit, it's worth noting that the monastery closes at 4pm each day. Coordinates: 39.5674, 21.1304

KIONI BEACH, THE VILLAGE OF KIONI, ITHACA: 'This photogenic and somewhat hidden micro beach is perfect for a dip after lunch in Kioni, with pebbles and rocks falling away into azure depths,' the book reveals. Coordinates: 38.4485, 20.6901

FIROPOTAMOS, THE ISLAND OF MILOS: Describing this fishing village, the book says: 'A fishing port, church and beach combine to create a quintessential Milos dip.' It adds that it forms a 'delightful scene'. Coordinates: 36.7583, 24.4284

LIMNI BEACH, CORFU: 'This double-sided white pebble beach connects the land to an outcrop with a small cave and rock pools,' reveals the book, adding that the beach, near the village of Palaiokastritsa, is relatively quiet because it's 'somewhat tricky' to access. Coordinates: 39.6655, 19.7239

ODONTOTOS RACK RAILWAY, THE NORTHERN PELOPONNESE: The book reveals that 'this memorable railway walk of tunnels, bridges and rickety tracks forges dramatically through Vouraikos Gorge'. Coordinates: 38.1103, 22.1612

FERMA ROMAN FISH TANK, EASTERN CRETE: 'Also called Vothoni or Kakia Skala, this quirky historical relic makes an unusual dip, carved into soft sandstone complete with steps,' the book reveals. It continues: 'Leap into the open sea and float carefully back into the shallow tank through the sluice openings. When the tank was built, sea levels were lower and only the highest waves would have washed through to refresh the water.' Coordinates: 35.0114, 25.8418

VERLIGA ALPINE LAKE, NORTHERN GREECE: The book declares that this spot, which lies thousands of feet up in the shadow of fearsome Mount Lakmos, is a 'true mountain paradise'. The tome adds that it's a 'supreme' spot for camping that's 'best enjoyed in spring when crocuses bloom amidst the snow patches'. Coordinates: 39.6730, 21.1282

ARSALIS CHURCH, CENTRAL GREECE: The book says that you can reach this 'truly special' church following a difficult hike. The church is 'built into a gaping cave mouth with a via ferrata [a type of climbing route] belfry and a magnificent perspective over the plains beyond Ypati [a mountain town]'. Coordinates: 38.8622, 22.2585

CHURCH OF THE SEVEN HOLY CHILDREN, SANTORINI: This is a 'tiny sailors' chapel with a jetty, hunkered at the foot of mighty red cliffs', the book reveals. It says that it's a 'fine place to swim'. Coordinates: 36.4576, 25.3969
Instagram influencers posing up in front of stunning scenery at America's top tourist spots from the Grand Canyon to Niagara Falls paint a very rosy picture - but unfiltered images show the crowded reality.

In an age where social media is filled with snaps edited to perfection, it can sometimes be difficult to discern between an influencer's filtered view and what's actually out there.

But the trend, billed as 'Instagram vs. Reality', now lays bare the unvarnished truth of what it's really like to travel to the nation's most iconic destinations.

Here, DailyMail.com reveals some of the most jarring differences between images setting tourists' expectations and their actual corresponding sites.

1. Grand Canyon, Arizona

 Slide me  One of the most visited spots in the country, the Grand Canyon is hailed for its towering cliffs and breathtaking landscape - though often lost in stunning social media images are the crowds it draws, especially during the summer months

One of the most visited spots in the country, Arizona's sprawling Grand Canyon is hailed for its towering cliffs and breathtaking landscape.

However, roughly 6million visitors flock to the vast site annually, and the 1,900-square mile area boasts just four spots with observation areas, often resulting in massive lines to take that all-important Instagram picture.

The lack of designated viewing zones is bad news for those seeking to soak in the park's natural majesty, a fact often lost in stunning social media images that show cliffs and ridges as far as the eye can see.

However, to pull off such a shot, you will either have to crop out a backlogged crowd or wait your turn - especially during the summer months when the canyon's travel season is at its peak.

If looking to capture an image deemed 'Gram-worthy,' aspiring snappers might be best advised to wait for the spring and fall to plan a trip, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thinner.

2. Niagara Falls, New York

 Slide me  Set scenically on the Canada-US border, Niagara Falls offers stunning views of three sets of waterfalls, but viewing areas are often obscured by crowds

Set on the Canada-US border and bisected by the Niagara River, Niagara Falls offers stunning views of three waterfalls, with its most famous measuring a breathtaking 187 feet high.

The locale also has the distinction of being America's oldest state park, and is flanked by Buffalo to the east and the Canadian city of St. Catharines to the west.

More than 20 million visit the site each year, often with the expectation of taking scenic hikes and savoring its stunning views.

But images snapped by some of these visitors regularly disprove that peaceful narrative, instead showing massive crowds soaked by the massive quantities of water that are constantly tumbling over its iconic vertical drops.

What's more, while still impressive, the view on the New York side is far less aesthetically pleasing than from its Canadian counterpart - meaning you will likely need a passport to mimic some of social media's more iconic images

Views are still good on both sides of the river, though. If you can deal with the cold and snow, visit during winter or fall and you'll avoid the crowds that come in the spring and summer.

3. Brooklyn Bridge, New York

 Slide me  There are few sights as iconic in New York as the Brooklyn Bridge - though navigating the swarms of tourists it attracts daily comes as a claustrophobic's worst nightmare

The tallest structure in all of Manhattan at the time of its construction in 1883, there are not many sights as iconic in New York as the Brooklyn Bridge.

It serves as one of the few remnants of the city's Gilded Age, boasting a Gothic architectural splendor that is now a rare sight across the five boroughs,

As a result, year-round, the tens of millions of tourists who visit the Big Apple generally make a point of stopping at the bridge, clogging up its wood-paneled bike and pedestrian lanes in the process.

The result is a claustrophobic's worst nightmare, with hundreds perpetually crowding the East River crossing during the day.

To get a good snap, social media users tend to keep their distance, or wait until nighttime to capture a different side of the first-ever East River crossing, illuminated by its many lights.

You could also wait until winter, but even then, it is usually jampacked.

4. Las Vegas Strip, Nevada

 Slide me  At first glance, Las Vegas - an oasis in the arid Nevada and East California desert - seems like a tourist's dream, but the harsh reality is that its constant stream of attractions and shows draws a steady stream of often drunk revelers

At first glance, Las Vegas - an oasis in the arid Nevada and East California desert - seems like a tourist's dream, with a swath of glitzy, high-end resorts and a central strip that could pass for an amusement park.

But the harsh reality is that its constant stream of attractions and shows draws a steady stream of revelers, and thus leaves the four-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard South perpetually congested.

For a town that welcomes 45.5 million visitors with almost no lulls in the entire year, this sometimes comes as problematic for those seeking to capture the area's unique beauty.

Constantly flowing alcohol and gambling also add to the chaos, which often cannot be expressed in a single, temporal snap.

5. Central Park, New York

 Slide me  Central Park has long been a fixture in New York City life - but good luck finding a spot on its many lawns in the spring and summer

Central Park has been a fixture in New York City life since it was established in 1857, with the initial purpose of offering urban dwellers some access to countryside.

It also served as a place where residents could escape from the stresses that come with the big city, as well as a site to commune with nature - and their fellow New Yorkers.

More than a century-and-a-half later, the park upholds that distinction to a T, and draws more than 40 million tourists and native New Yorkers each year.

But with only 1.3 square miles of greenery to go around, crowds are almost guaranteed during the summer, spring, and fall months. Even winter draws millions of visitors looking for a snow-covered getaway.

The park's more popular attractions, such as the Great Lawn and Sheep Meadow, are often so packed that space to set up even a blanket could be a pipe dream.

6. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming-Montana-Idaho

 Slide me  Home to iconic Old Faithful, historic Yellowstone National Park encompasses an impressive 3,472 square miles - but its main attractions are often overrun with tourists

Home to an iconic, ancient volcano - as well as a sprawling landscape that welcomes nearly four million nature lovers each year - historic Yellowstone National Park extends through three separate states and boasts a host of natural phenomena.

Measuring 3,472 square miles - or 2,221,766 acres - the park is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined, and is the oldest national park in the entire US.

With so much space, travelers might assume that crowds are not an issue - but that sadly is not the case.

Images show how its most popular attractions - like the Old Faithful geyser - draw disproportionately more people than the countless more desolate areas in the park.

Yellowstone also only boasts 12 official campgrounds, so the surround areas are perpetually more crowded.

7. Golden Gate Bridge, California

 Slide me  Stretching 1.7 miles across San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most photographed crossings in the world - but that's only if you can catch a glimpse of it when it is not veiled in fog

Stretching 1.7 miles across San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most photographed crossings in the world, and - towering at nearly 800 feet - is one of the tallest suspension bridges in the country.

Painted bright orange, it is a marvel of modern engineering - and also an aesthetic masterpiece that brings a unique quality to the seaside city.

But that's only if you can catch an unobscured glimpse of it.

Despite its bright hue, the bridge is often shrouded in fog, making it difficult to capture a social media-worthy shot.

Pictures show the less-than-appealing result of the almost perpetual smog - with the peaks of the main towers seen projecting through a low-lying cloud.

8. Yosemite National Park, California

 Slide me  Possibly America's most beloved park, Yosemite is set just east of major cities San Francisco and Sacramento - but conditions during winter and fall, when there is limiter water runoff and increased cloud cover, may leave some aspiring snappers surprised

Possibly America's most beloved park, Yosemite is set just east of major cities San Francisco and Sacramento, and subsequently welcomes more than five million travelers each year.

However, conditions during winter and even fall may leave some surprised, with pronounced snowfall making it difficult to appreciate some of the area's vast cliffs and waterfalls.

Those looking to take a snap of some of the area's majestic falls subsequently have a limited window to do so, with peak runoff typically occurring from May through June.

During the rest of the year, waterfalls - including its preeminent Yosemite Falls - are more often than not dried up, with prospective photos further limited by cloud cover seen during fall and winter.

That said, most of the more impressive images of the park are generally taken during the warmer, more sunny seasons.

9. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

 Slide me  South Dakota's imposing Mount Rushmore bears the faces of presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt. The site, given the two million tourists it attracts on an annual basis, is often not as majestic as some images suggest

One of newer attractions to make the list, South Dakota's imposing Mount Rushmore - which bears the faces of presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt - is a feat of modern architecture.

Completed in 1941 after 14 years of painstaking work, the structure was created by hand, and draws two million tourists a year - despite being set in a somewhat sparse area.

But those planning to take in the sights of the national memorial may want to plan ahead and perhaps arrive early in the day to avoid inevitable crowds.

Photos show how limited vantage points lead to backlogged crowds - often at the expense of the perfect snap.

10: Walt Disney World Resort, Florida

 Slide me  Walt Disney World first opened in Orlando in 1971, and has since welcomed billions of Americans. But as is the case with other attractions, crowds can prove problematic

Walt Disney World Resort first opened in Orlando in 1971, and has since welcomed hundreds of millions of families through its hallowed gates.

Apart from its various theme parks, the vast property also includes a slew of water parks, stores, theaters, and restaurants - and nearly doubles as its own community.

But as is the case with many other popular attractions, crowds can prove problematic when taking photos for social media.

While some may find themselves lucky earlier in the day or during the colder months, the park is frequented nearly year-round - so good luck mimicking that unobscured shot of the Magic Kingdom you saw on Instagram.
The Duggars are notorious not only for how many kids they've had (19 and counting) - but also for the incredibly strict religious rules those children were raised under, with restrictions dictating everything from the clothes they can wear to the foods and drinks they can consume.

Jim Bob, 57, and Michelle, 56, have agreed to raise their children under strict guidelines in regards to their appearance, social activities, religion and dating lives.

While some rules are gender neutral like no tattoos or body piercings, no playingto music that encourages dancing and that they must be homeschooled and homeschool their kids, others are specfically geared toward their daughters.

They aren't allowed to wear pants or can't use birth control and have been raised to serve their husbands and encouraged not to get a job of their own.

One of the biggest rules the Duggars enforce is that they weren't allowed to be intimate in any way before marriage. The rule not only includes abstinance but avoiding kissing or hugging for longer than three seconds.

The Duggars are notorious for not only how many kids they've had (19 and counting) but the amount of rules they've set for their children

Since becoming adults, the Duggar siblings have started to pick which of their parents' rules to keep following and which to toss out

They also weren't allowed to date at all. Instead of dating, their children enter courtships.

'Courtship is really waiting for the one God has for you and praying through the whole process,' Jim Duggar said of their dating policies on Today.

Michelle chimed in: 'It's really examining the person and considering, "Would this be the guy I want to be the father of my kids?'

The rule of courtships even has rules within it including mandatory chaperones on each date and Jim Bob and Michelle having to read and be involved with every text chain.

Since becoming adults, the Duggar siblings have started to pick which of their parents' rules to keep following and which to toss out.

While they have continued to stick to their faith, raise plentiful families and avoid divorce at all costs, it may surprise some fans to learn how many rules the Duggar siblings have broken since moving out of their parents' household.

The Duggar daughters have rebelled by wearing pants, cutting and dying their hair and getting piercings

From dresses to pants: Jinger and Joy-anna Duggar have both decided to wear pants after stating they didn't want to wear 'clothes that too tight and draw attention to the wrong places'

Dress code is a big part of the Duggar family rules. Jim Bob and Michelle insisted that their daughters not only refrain from wearing pants but any dresses or skirts that weren't full-length.

As they grew up, the girls were more than willing to abide by their parents' dress code that promoted modesty and deterred men from being tempted by them.

In their 2014 memoir, Growing Up Duggar, authors Jill, Jinger, Jessa, and Jana Duggar explain the mindset behind their family's dress code.

'It's okay to enhance or accent whatever beauty God has given us, but we try to be careful not to wear clothes that are too tight and draw attention to the wrong places,' they wrote.

'But this does not mean we go out dressing frumpy or trying to look formless. Clothing can be cute, trendy, and stylish, and still entirely modest.'

Since then, the women have reevaluated their stance on attire and almost all of the daughters - and even Michelle - have decided it's acceptable to wear pants now.

Most recently, the family's matriarch, Michelle Duggars was spotted in a family snap wearing tight leggings on Thursday.

This is surprising considering Michelle seemed to be the biggest enforcer of this rule.

'My mom had always dressed us girls in skirts and dresses, a standard that was taken from Deuteronomy 22:5, which says, "A woman shall not wear a mans garment,"' she wrote in her memoir.

Michelle Duggar surprisingly wore leggins in a family picture

Short shorts! Jinger shocked fans by wearing shorts on Tuesday

Jana especially shocked fans when she not only wore shorts but a tank top as well during a boat outing with her brother John David Duggar and his wife Abbie

However, like her mother, Jinger has also changed her ways and has embraced wearing pants.

It turns out that her sister Jessa Duggar's in-laws, the Seewalds, inspired her to consider to wear pants and break her parents' other rules.

'The Seewalds made an impression on me, specifically because they didn't dress the same way I did. The women wore pants,' she wrote.

They listened to music I didn't. So much of their lifestyle and decisions didn't line up with how I thought Christians ought to live,' she said.

In fact, the mom-of-two has even recently started sporting shorts - which is definitely a far cry from her parents' strict dress code.

On March 23, she posted a video of herself wearing short shorts with cutouts.

Joy-anna Duggar has also joined in on the charge of wearing pants.

She said that her and Austin - who tied the knot in 2017 - began talking about her wearing pants within the 'first year of marriage.'

'Austin and I prayed about this for a long time, and I think we had the first conversation within our first year of marriage,' she said.

'It wasn't something that I was super persistent about studying. I'd always worn skirts my whole life, and so for me I wasn't in a rush,' she explained

Joy-anna said she and her husband Austin 'prayed' on the matter of pants and decided there wasn't anything in the bible that stated she couldn't wear them

Jessa rarely strays from skirts but has been spotted wearing pants on occasion liked these ripped skinny jeans

Jana hasn't spoken out about it but has no problem wearing pants

'So really the last year we really prayed about it and felt like there wasn't anything in scripture  there isn't anything in scripture that's black and white on dress.

'It talks a lot about modesty, but I feel like you can be modest and wear pants, and so that's kind of where we came to.

'I think basically we just looked through scripture for a long time and feel like this is okay for our family and where we are,' she explained.

Joy-Anna said: 'I do try to be modest in my pants, like in wearing pants, and not things too tight or too short.'

While their sisters Jessa, Jill and Jana haven't spoken out about changing their dress code, they have all uploaded photos of themselves wearing pants.

Jill wears pants the most frequently. Jana switches it up between dresses and pants while Jessa still mostly wears skirts and dresses and will rarely let herself be seen in pants.

Jana especially shocked fans when she not only wore shorts but a tank top as well during a boat outing with her brother John David Duggar and his wife Abbie.

Another big no-no in the Duggar household is tattoos or piercings of any kind.

Leviticus 19:28 reads: 'Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the Lord.'

Since the Duggars are very devout to the bible, it's a rule they've applied in their household as well.

None of the direct family members have gotten tattoos. Their cousin Amy Duggar and Jinger's husband, Jeremy Vuolo are the only relatives to have ink.

Jill got a nose piercing just after she leaving Counting On in 2017. For a while, she wore a stud in her piercing but in recent times, she has opted for a ring

Jinger Duggar has pierced her ears

Jessa has earrings, even though she rarely lets them be seen

Jana also has pierced her ears and it seems her father Jim Bob doesn't seem to mind

Even matriarch Michelle Duggar has her ears pierced!

However, the siblings have partaken in piercing their ears and even their nose for one.

In November 2017, just after she and her husband Derick Dillard left the show Counting On, Jill got a nose piercing.

For a while, she wore a stud in her piercing but in recent times, she has opted for a ring.

Meanwhile, her adult sisters have seemingly all gotten their ears pierced.

Jessa, Jana and Jinger have all been spotted wearing earrings. However, it seems Jim Bob and Michelle may be lenient when it comes to ear piercings.

The Duggar family blog stated that Michelle had taken her daughter Jordyn to get her ears pierced when she was six. In fact, Michelle even has her own tiny stud earrings.

The Duggars also have a rule against the women cutting or dying their hair. Their philosophy is that women's hair is the most beautiful in its natural state.

In their memoir Growing Up Duggar, the older sisters state that they follow a bible verse which encourages them to keep their hair long.

'Our hairstyle is our choice and we choose longer hair based on our understanding of 1 Corinthians 11:14-15,' they wrote.

'While it is a shame for a man to have long hair, a woman's hair is her glory.'

Jill has has died her hair blonde which she showed off on Instagram. 'Lovin my new blonde look!' She exclaimed in the post's caption.

Snip snip: Jinger has also died her hair blonde and cut it short

Meanwhile, Joy-anna went the opposite direction and darkened her hair to a deep brown while getting bangs

Since then, she has opted for lighter brunette hair with golden highlights and recently got a significant chop

However, a good number of the Duggar daughters have gotten their hair done professionally.

Jill has has died her hair blonde which she showed off on Instagram.

'Lovin my new blonde look!' She exclaimed in the post's caption.

Jinger has also died her hair blonde and cut it short.

Meanwhile, Joy-anna went the opposite direction and darkened her hair to a deep brown while getting bangs. Since then, she has opted for lighter brunette hair with golden highlights and recently got a significant chop.

The Duggars manage their kids' social media and social activities including alcohol consumption, music and travel

Jana has broken the Duggars' rule since she has a social media account despite being unmarried

The Duggars have strict rules about the kind of social activities their children engage in.

For instance, the Duggars don't allow any music that may encourage dancing.

In a 2008 episode of their show, Jim Bob expressed how he maintained that rule in their home.

'I think any of the little ones, when they hear music, they start jiggling around; thats natural. Thats why were careful about the music we allow in our home,' he stated.

On a later episode of Counting on, he elaborated: 'We noticed when there was a rock beat the kids would be jumping around. We thought the more calm the music the more calm the kids would be.'

While speaking with E! News, Michelle has said that dancing encourages 'sensual' feelings while Jessa warned that modern day music is 'promoting sex, drugs, all that type of stuff.'

Instead, they listen to 'gospel music. However, it seems like a number of the siblings have children changed their mindset.

Jinger reflected on how her parents' teachings under Bill Gothard made her fear rock music and drums so much that she thought she would die if it came on in her memoir.

She shared: 'He said anything with this specific beat in a drum is harmful. Its dangerous.

'He told the story of a young man who was in a car accident and died because he was listening to music with drums.

Jason Duggar uploaded a video of him attending a lively country music concert, which shocked many fans

Jill has made the decision to drink alcohol and has even posted a picture of herself with a pina colada on Instagram

Jinger also weighed in on drinking and has implied that she doesn't drink herself but she has been pictured with a kombucha alcoholic drink during a date night with Jeremy

The Duggars have a rule against traveling without a chaperone. Jana hasn't been shy about posting her solo expeditions on her Instagram account though.

'I remember one time we were on our way to one of the seminars and somebody turned on music with drums in the car. I was freaking out.

'I just thought, "Goodness, this is it. Were going to have a car accident because somebody turned this on." I was so fearful. It just consumed my life.'

On the show, Jana has expressed: 'We've had more of I guess a conservative side of music and no dancing.'

The show then showed a clip of her dancing around to music from a child's toy.

Defending herself, she stated, 'I think with any person you may have different views when you're younger and things change when you get older and vice versa.'

Jason Duggar even uploaded a video of him attending a lively country music concert, which shocked many fans.

'Great evening with friends at the Walmart Amp, CoJo youre a legend!' He wrote in the caption.

Alcohol cosumption is also greatly frowned upon in the Duggar household. Jim Bob and Michelle are both sober and have encouraged their kids to maintain the same practice.

However, Jill has made the decision to drink alcohol and has even posted a picture of herself with a pina colada on Instagram. She has also spoken out about the decision and how her family might feel about it.

'Growing up, the whole idea of drinking was not encouraged,' she told People.

'I know my parents would not be happy with it, and I know that my siblings, some more than others, would probably have an issue with it.

'Other ones would probably be like, "Whatevers good for yall, thats fine. Live your life." So far nobodys said anything to us about it.'

Jinger has shown pictures of she and Jeremy dressed up in Winnie the Pooh and Tigger onesies Halloween in spite of her parents' distaste for the holiday

She also has taken her kids trick or treating to celebrate the holiday

Jinger also weighed in on drinking and has implied that she doesn't drink herself but she doesn't think it's a 'sin' to cosume alcohol.

In her memoir, she penned: 'On every topic, I have had to come back and say, "Well, what does God's word actually say?"

'The Bible is very clear about drinking, and it simply says that alcohol is not a sin. Jesus made wine at a wedding.'

She added: 'I don't have a problem with other Christians. It's there liberty to drink if they so choose.'

However, she has been pictured with a kombucha alcoholic drink during a date night with Jeremy. Additionally, a server admitted to serving them alcohol to an Instagram rumor account.

Unsurprisingly, the Duggars also have rules regarding social media. Jim Bob not only has insisted that he has to approve of posts in the past, but also doesn't want his unmarried daughters on social media.

However, Jana, who is still single, is on social media. Additioanlly, they have a rule against traveling without a chaperone.

Jana hasn't been shy about posting her solo expeditions on her Instagram account though.

Josiah has shared snaps of him and his wife Lauren on the beach as well as Jeremiah with his wife Hannah

Meanwhile, both Jill and her brother John-David Duggar have brought their children to the beach

Since Jim Bob himself has taken a selfie with his daughter Jana on the beach, it's likely one of their less-enforced rules

The Duggars also have strong stances on holidays - especially Halloween.

They have told E! News that magic and witches are 'part of a demonic realm God wants us to stay away from.'

However, Jinger has shown pictures of she and Jeremy dressed up in Winnie the Pooh and Tigger onesies Halloween and her kids trick or treating in costumes.

The Duggars also have held off on taking their kids to the beach of they can help it.

'It's just too hard for the guys to try and keep their eyes averted,' Michelle explained to E! News.

When they would go to the beach, the women would wear long-sleeve shirts and skirts.

Since moving out of the Duggar household, most of the siblings have broken this rule and gone to the beach with their significant others or family.

Josiah has shared snaps of him and his wife Lauren as well as Jeremiah with his wife Hannah.

Meanwhile, both Jill and her brother John-David Duggar have brought their children to the beach.

Since Jim Bob himself has taken a selfie with his daughter Jana on the beach, it's likely one of their less-enforced rules.

Jinger Duggar wrote a memoir slamming the religious principles her parents taught

Jinger has claimed that Bill Gothard's teachings are 'based on superstition, manipulation, control' in her memoir Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentagling Faith From Fear

Religion is one topic that the Duggar children have been very careful not to stray from.

All of them have 'Christ follower' written in their Instagram bios and have posted often about prayer.

However, Jinger spoke out against the teachings of Bill Gothard - shunned minister that initiated the Institute in Basic Life Principles.

Michelle and Jim Bob are devout followers of his teachings, but Jinger has claimed that they are 'based on superstition, manipulation, control' in her memoir Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentagling Faith From Fear.

She reflected on her newfound outlook on Gothard that she focused on in her book during an interview with ET.

'It was based on superstition, manipulation, control, and so my view of God was warped,' she shared.

'I was promised that if I followed these teachings from Bill Gothard, this man, that my life would be a success and God would bless me.

'But if I didn't follow every principle that he taught, then my life would be one disaster after another.

'The teachings of Bill Gothard, they have lasting effects, so I am still working through a lot of that.

'Even though it's hard that I'm having to walk through all of this, I can see it as God carrying me through.'

After she married Jeremy, she turned her back on Gothard's Institute in Basic Life Principles for good

After Jill and her husband Derick left the show in 2017 and she was 'ex-communicated' from the IBLP, she felt a strain in her relationship with her parents and the rest of the Duggar clan

'Bill would take one verse of the Bible and make it say whatever he wanted it to say and he would make up his own man-made rules and say, "This is the Bible,"' Jinger explained.

'And then he would have you vow to God to keep this principle. It was very binding. He would say, "Never break your vow before God." It was fear-based.'

After marrying her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, 35, in 2016, Jinger officially parted ways with IBLP, however, she did remain a 'strong Christian.'

'I thought, "How is this possible?" I always thought Bill was a Bible teacher. And that was a lightbulb moment,' she added.

'It helped me to become free. I was no longer bound by this one man. I wasnt going to follow one man  I was going to follow Jesus. I was going to follow the word of God as I saw in the Scripture.

'I was gripped by fear every single day. And Im not anymore Those burdens have been lifted. And I began to see the beauty of who Jesus is. It freed my heart.'

Her sister Jill was shunned from the family for also questioning the IBLP's teachings.

After Jill and her husband Derick left the show in 2017 and she was 'ex-communicated' from the IBLP, she felt a strain in her relationship with her parents and the rest of the Duggar clan.

'Were not on the best terms with some of my family,' she told People in 2020.

'Weve had some disagreements, but were working towards healing definitely and restoration, but were having to kind of just take some time and heal.'

The Duggars have strict rules for courtship and also set expectations for their childrens' marriages

Scandalous! Jeremiah posted a snap of him and his wife Hannah making out despite their parents' insistence on no PDA

As previously stated, the Duggars have a very stringent courting process.

All of them have followed it leading up to marraige and claimed to be abstinent and even save their first kiss for the wedding.

When Jessa and Ben Seewald started courting, Michelle claimed the two were good about following their 'side hug' rule.

'Dad allowed them to do a side hug when they were officially courting,' she told People.

'Jessa and Ben have said that was the only contact they would have -- when they initially greet each other, when he comes to visit for their first hello, they have a quick 30 second or less side hug and a goodbye side hug.'

However, some siblings have admitted to breaking courtship rules.

When Jessa and Ben Seewald started courting, Michelle claimed the two were good about following their 'side hug' rule

Joy-anna and Austin Forsyth were caught engaging in a frontal hug that lasted more than three seconds while filming Counting On as they courted each other

Josiah also broke the courtship rules. He and his then-fiancee Lauren uploaded a picture from a trip in Missouri that they seemingly took all on their own

Ironically, Jim Bob and Michelle didn't follow their own courtship rules when they while dating. However, they claim to have regrets and wish they had saved their first kiss for after marriage

Joy-anna has admitted to missing curfew and talking on the phone without supervision while courting her husband Austin Forsyth. Additionally they were caught engaging in a frontal hug that lasted more than three seconds while filming Counting On.

'Were humans and sometimes we dont always abide perfectly by our rules,' Austin said during the reunion special.

'I didnt even notice that they were there,' he said of the camera crew who caught the moment. 'I thought it was just us there, and that was really special.'

Josiah also broke the courtship rules. He and his then-fiancee Lauren uploaded a picture from a trip in Missouri that they seemingly took all on their own.

Ironically, Jim Bob and Michelle didn't follow their own courtship rules when they while dating. However, they claim to have regrets and wish they had saved their first kiss for after marriage.

'We hope they save [the] physical for when they are married,' Jim Bob told Radar.

'When Michelle and I were dating we took things [further] than we should have and we regret that.

'We hope they hold off on any physical aspect until theyre married and that they focus on their spiritual relationship.'

There has been speculation that Jana was possibly in a gay relationship with her best friend Laura DeMasie

Jim Bob allegedly felt so threatened by the relationship that he arranged for Laura to have a dream job offer in Atlanta so she'd have to move

An additional, mostly unspoken rule, of their courtship practices is that they must be between a man and a woman.

There has been speculation that Jana was possibly in a gay relationship with her best friend Laura DeMasie.

The two have traveled together and Jim Bob even insisted on chaperoning them on a trip to Las Vegas.

A source divulged to The Hollywood Gossip that Jana is gay but her family is 'totally anti-gay.'

'She's gay, and she just doesn't know how she's gonna admit that she's gay, but she's in love with her best friend,' the source advised.

'Eventually whats gonna have to happen, is that shes gonna have to bite the bullet and come out, or become celibate,' the source told THG.

'Her family is totally anti-gay, of course, so I really dont how thats gonna be.'

Jim Bob allegedly felt so threatened by the relationship that he arranged for Laura to have a dream job offer in Atlanta so she'd have to move.

They stopped talking for a while. However, the two took a trip to Italy together so who know what's in store for the two of them.

Once the Duggar children are married, they're still expected not to display too much PDA. However, many of them have broken that rule on their social media pages.

Jill and John David have both posted steamy kiss pictures of them and their respective spouses.

Most recently, Jeremiah Duggar included a video with a number of steamy kisses, including one of them in a private plane, to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.

PDA Alert: Jill and John David have both posted steamy kiss pictures of them and their respective spouses

Once they are married, the women are expected not to use birth control but Jill has spoken out about using non-hormonal birth control

Additionally, once they are married, the women are expected not to use birth control and be open to any pregnancies. In fact, Michelle has expressed that she keeps spare pregnancy tests on hand for her daughters.

However, Jill recently spoke out about her decision to use birth control.

'Growing up, it was ingrained in me that if you don't have as many kids as you're able to, that there's something wrong with that,' she told People in 2020.

'But there was a shift in me where I felt like it wasn't wrong if you decide as a couple that it's best for you to wait.

'We use birth control, but we prefer to use non-hormonal birth control methods,' she added, also noting that 'adoption's always had a special place in our heart.'
It has been just over 40 years since the classic sitcom Family Ties made its debut on NBC.

The series premiered on September 22, 1982, and it went on to air seven seasons until the spring of 1989.

The series focused on the cultural clash between a pair of ex-hippie parents (Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross) and their children, especially their precocious young conservative son (Michael J. Fox in his breakout role).

Fox went on to become one of the biggest stars in the world with the Back To The Future franchise, while most of the rest of the cast have had varied careers, even as late addition Brian Bonsall has had multiple run-ins with the law in recent years.

After Justine Bateman recently opened up about her 'old' face and her decision to age naturally to combat Hollywood's habit of endlessly chasing youth, we're taking a look at where the show's main cast are today and how much they've changed over four decades.

The ties that bind: After star Justine Bateman (top center) defended her 'old face' and her natural aging, DailyMail.com looks back at where she and the rest of her Family Ties stars are more than 40 years after the series debuted in 1982, including heartthrob costar Michael J. Fox



Justine Bateman (starred as Mallory Keaton)

New role: Justin Bateman has moved away from acting and turned toward directing in recent years; seen on 60 Minutes Australia in March

Star power: She starred as Mallory Keaton, the oldest daughter who was obsessed with boys and material possession. Bateman earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations before launching a varied career as a supporting actress

Justin Bateman was featured on Family Ties as the middle child and oldest daughter Mallory Keaton.

While not an all-out conservative like her brother Alex, she was more interested in material possessions and the opposite sex than her lefty parents preferred.

Bateman, 57, earned nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, though she didn't win.

The actress, who is the older sister of Arrested Development star Justin Bateman, followed up her run on the hit sitcom with roles in the film Satisfaction and the series Men Behaving Badly, though she primarily worked as a supporting actress going forward.

In 2021, she made her feature directorial debut with the Olivia Munnstarring Violet.

Last month, she spoke to 60 Minutes Australia about realizing that people across the internet had been fascinated by her decision to age naturally without fillers or cosmetic surgeries.

'I think I look rad, I think my face represents who I am. I like it,' she said proudly.

Michael J. Fox (starred as Alex P. Keaton)

Future icon: Michael J. Fox was the breakout star as Young Republican son Alex P. Keaton. The show was quickly retooled to focus on him instead of his former hippie parents; seen January 20 in Park City, Utah

Rising star: While appearing on the show, he starred in the 1985 monster hit Back To The Future. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, and he turned toward advocacy after going public in 1998

Michael J. Fox is the best known of the former Family Ties cast today, even though he has retired from acting as of 2021.

The film and television star, now 61, has been battling Parkinson's disease since an early diagnosis in 1991, though he didn't reveal his condition until seven years later.

Although Family Ties was originally intended to present the contrast between the old school 'hip' parents and their more 'square' children, Fox's character was such a hit with audiences that the series was quickly retooled to focus on him.

In 1985, while he was still appearing on the series, he replaced Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly in Back To The Future, and the rest was history.

The film was a hit and cemented his star status, while spawning two sequels.

He had a series of other popular and critically acclaimed films that were shot while he was still appearing on Family Ties, which ended in 1989.

He continued to appear in films throughout the 1990s, and he also got into voice acting with roles in the two Homeward Bound movies, three Stuart Little films and Atlantis: The Lost Empire.

Fox starred on Spin City from 1996 to 2000, during which time he publicly revealed his Parkinson's diagnosis.

Afterward, he largely stepped back from film and television, though he has focused more on advocacy for a cure for Parkinson's.

Fox met his future wife Tracy Pollan when she appeared on season four of Family Ties.

Michael Gross (starred as Steven Keaton)

Father knows best: Michael Gross played the Keaton family patriarch Steven, who ran a PBS station. After his run on Family Ties, he appeared in all seven Tremors films and a follow-up TV series

Michael Gross starred as Steven, the Keaton family patriarch.

He played an ex-hippy who spent years in California before moving to Ohio with his family and running a local PBS station.

Gross is best known for his role on Family Ties, though he subsequently appeared in the cult horror film Tremors (1990) with Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward, along with six sequels and a TV series, which eventually saw him move up to lead status after the higher-profile stars departed the series.

He has since had numerous roles in film and television, and younger audiences might know him best from guest appearances on the Adult Swim comedy series Tim And Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! and Tim And Eric's Billion Dollar Movie.

Meredith Baxter (starred as Elyse Donnelly Keaton)

Leading lady: Meredith Baxter played Elyse Donnelly Keaton, a former hippieturnedarchitect. Baxter came out as a lesbian in 2009

Terrible years: She claimed at the time that her ex-husband David Birney  whom she costarred with on Bridget Loves Bernie  had abused her during their marriage, which he denied; seen in 1982 in Los Angeles

Marriage number three: In 1995, Baxter married the actor Michael Blodgett, until their divorce in 2000; seen in 1998

New love: After coming out in 2009, Baxter later married Nancy Locke; they're pictured in New York City in 2011

Meredith Baxter played the mother of the family, Elyse Donnelly Keaton, who worked as an architect after an earlier life as a California-based hippie.

Like Gross, Baxter's role in the show was quickly downplayed in favor of a focus on Fox's character Alex P. Keaton.

She was already known to audiences for starring in Bridget Loves Bernie  she later married her costar David Birney  and the drama series Family.

She also had a role in the 1976 classic thriller All The President's Men.

Baxter would go on to earn five Emmy nominations with numerous roles in shows and TV movies.

In 1997, she reunited with Fox on Spin City, playing his mother in two episodes.

The actress has been married four times, first to Robert Lewis Bush from 19661969. The couple shared two children.

In 1974, she married her Bridget Loves Bernie costar David Birney, a year after the show went off the air. They divorced in 1989.

Her third marriage was to the Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls actor Michael Blodgett from 1995 to 2000. He died in 2007.

Baxter later came out as a lesbian in 2009 during a Today Show interview.

Two years later, she claimed while promoting her memoir that her ex-husband David Birney had abused her during their marriage, though he denied her claims. He died in April of 2022.

Tina Yothers (starred as Jennifer Keaton)

Child star: Tina Yothers played the youngest child Jennifer, a sporty tom boy who was on the same page as her parents. She acted through the '80s and '90s but hasn't been on screen since a 2013 episode of What Not To Wear

Tina Yothers played Jennifer, the second-youngest child in the Keaton family.

She played an athlete and a tomboy who was more sympathetic to her parents' world-view than those of her older sister and brother.

Yothers began acting when she was just three, and Family Ties became her best-known work, though she continued to act on television throughout the 1980s and '90s.

She later made appearances on reality shows including Celebrity Fit Club, Celebrity Wife Swap.

Her last significant on-screen appearance was in 2013 on What Not To Wear.

Brian Bonsall (starred as Andy Keaton)

Career change: Brian Bonsall played youngest son Andy in seasons 57. After appearing on Star Trek: The Next Generation and leading the Disney movie Blank Check, he retired from acting and later became a rock musician; seen in 2016 in LA

Legal troubles: He had multiple arrests from 2007 to 2010, including for assault and marijuana use, before seemingly going straight; pictured in a mugshot from the Boulder County Jail from 2009

Brian Bonsall was a late addition to the cast as the youngest Keaton child, Andrew.

The character was played by twin actors as a baby in season four, before he took over the role in seasons five through seven, at which point his character had aged several years.

During his time on the series, Fox's character Alex tried to turn him into an even younger Republican.

Bonsall would later appear on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and he went on to appear with Patrick Swayze in Father Hood.

He also played the lead role in Disney's successful live-action film Blank Check in 1994, and he starred opposite Bob Saget in the TV movie Father and Scout.

Despite playing the lead in a successful film, Bonsall gave up acting a year later in 1995 and moved to Colorado with his parents.

He went on to work in several rock bands starting during his time in high school.

Star studded: In addition to the primary cast, the show featured a recurring role from future Friends star Courteney Cox, and guest roles from Tom Hanks, River Phoenix, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Geena Davis and many others; Bateman, Pollan, Fox, Yothers, Gross and Baxter seen in 2011

Bonsall also had several run-ins with the law in the late 2000s, though he appears to have cleaned up his act in the past decade.

In 2007, he was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend, for which he served two years of probation. He was later accused of violating his probation, and he was arrested again in 2009 for assault.

In 2010, he was arrested for using marijuana, which violated the terms of his probation. He was then sentenced to two more years of probation for the crime.

Family Ties also featured a recurring performance from future Friends star Courteney Cox in its final two seasons, while other major guests on the show included Tom Hanks, the late River Phoenix, his Stand By Me costars Wil Wheaton and Corey Feldman, Geena Davis, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Christina Applegate, Martha Plimpton, Crispin Glover and Maura Tierney.
Molly Sims continued to show off her incredible figure during her vacation to Cabo San Lucas.

On Friday, the House of Style alum, 49, modeled a black one-piece swimsuit with a keyhole opening exposing a hint of cleavage. The suit featured a green and white pattern on the fabric.

The former Project Accessory host posed against a scenic stone wall barefoot as she she held a cocktail in her hand.

She wore layered silver necklaces and bracelets and hoop earrings and slipped a pair of black sunglasses with a delicate rhinestone design on the frames onto her face.

'Ill take two please,' she captioned the post, adding a winking face emoji and a mai tai emoji.

Wow: Molly Sims continued to show off her incredible figure during her vacation to Cabo San Lucas posing in a black, green and white one-piece swimsuit on Friday

The influencer is married to Netflix Chairman Scott Stuber, 54, and they share three children, daughter Scarlett, eight, and sons Brooks, 10, and Grey, seven.

Molly married the film producer in 2011 in Napa Valley, California.

Last month, the Vegas star adopted an adorable Golden Retriever for her family and named the puppy Magic.

She showed off her new pooch by posting a collection of pictures and sharing a few cute snippets to her story.

'Meet Magic Stuber,' Sims wrote, captioning a slideshow that showed her cuddling the fluffy pup with her family.

The former Victoria's Secret model shared pictures of her kids holding little Magic and also showed footage of his arrival on St. Patrick's Day.

Sims also treated her followers to their first morning with Magic as she posted a picture of her cuddling the new puppy on Friday.

'Our first morning with Magic!' Molly wrote on her Instagram Story. 'Going to be even harder to get out the door for drop off now!'

Cocktail hour: She wore layered silver necklaces and bracelets and hoop earrings and slipped a pair of black sunglasses with a delicate rhinestone design on the frames onto her face

New puppy: Molly and her family welcomed a new Golden Retriever puppy into their home on St. Patrick's Day

Two weeks later, The Wrong Missy actress shared a new photo of her holding Magic up with his belly facing the camera.

'Update. puppy for sale by ownerMagic, he is 12 weeks old, sleeps peacefully through the night, doesnt sleep right on top of his own pee,' she joked in the caption.

'NEVER eats clothes, shoes, rugs and $400 satin dresses. Barely gets hungry, you wont have to feed him all the time,' she sarcastically wrote.

'Doesnt whine day in and day out, hes practically mute. Really great with other dogs and hasnt ever bit them when they come over.

'Absolutely precious through and through. A dream dog and not stressful whatsoever. Please comment serious inquires only ,' she concluded.
Matt James and girlfriend Rachael Kirkconnell are currently enjoying a magical trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

The former Bachelor shared two videos from their holiday to the theme park, as they enjoyed a variety of snacks.

Matt, 31, and Rachael, 26, have already spent two full days at the park, ending their second day on the popular ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

They spent their first day at the parks sampling a number of sweet and savory treats around Disney World.

Matt and Rachael also playfully posed with one of the statues at the parks for a fun reel, which he shared to his Instagram page.

Magical trip: Matt James and girlfriend Rachael Kirkconnell are currently enjoying a magical trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida

Foodies: The former Bachelor shared two videos from their holiday to the theme park, as they enjoyed a variety of snacks

Yummy treats! Matt, 31, and Rachael, 26, have already spent two full days at the park, ending their second day on the popular ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Happy place: They spent their first day at the parks sampling a number of sweet and savory treats around Disney World

Evening at the parks: Matt and Rachael enjoyed full days at the theme park

For their first day at the parks, Matt donned a Spiderman T-shirt with a bucket hat and shorts.

Rachael rocked a striped top tucked into her denim shorts, adding Converse sneakers and pigtail braids.

She rocked a black handbag and small framed sunglasses.

They posed next to a gold statue at the parks, pretending to also be statutes.

Matt captioned the short reel, 'Disney Family Vacation' with his best friend Tyler Cameron jokingly commented: 'Ooo you talking family' with a pregnant woman emoji.

They tried the following items: A cheese jalapeno pretzel and a Cheshire cat tail donut from Cheshire Cafe in Magic Kingdom, followed by spring rolls at the same park.

They had a cheeseburger, as well as a pastrami and pepper jack at Sunshine Tree Terrace, Fried pot stickers at Aloha Isle and Upside-down pineapple cape with dole whip swirl.

Next up, they tried a toasted ciabatta with roasted garlic-butter and parmesan fondue at Baseline Tap House in Hollywood Studios, followed by a Bavarian pretzel with spicy mustard and beer cheese fondue from Market Stand near Pixar Studios.

Finally, the couple enjoyed a Jack Jack nom nom cookies with milk from Westward Ho and breaded jalapenos stuffed with nacho cheese and a side of ranch.

Interesting: Matt captioned the short reel, 'Disney Family Vacation' with his best friend Tyler Cameron jokingly commented: 'Ooo you talking family' with a pregnant woman emoji

Cute! Matt and Rachael also playfully posed with one of the statues at the parks for a fun reel, which he shared to his Instagram page

Marvel fan: For their first day at the parks, Matt donned a Spiderman T-shirt with a bucket hat and shorts

Looking adorable! Rachael rocked a striped top tucked into her denim shorts, adding Converse sneakers and pigtail braids

Casual: Rachael donned a casual fit for their park day

Delicious: The lovebirds enjoyed a pretzel with cheese dip

Snacks on snacks: They tried a cookie with milk as well as pot stickers

Trendy: Rachael donned a black handbag with a hair clip attached to it

Taste test: She tried breaded jalapenos stuffed with nacho cheese and a side of ranch

Treats! Matt and Rachael enjoyed a variety of snacks during their Disney day

Good food: Rachael seen trying different snacks

They spent their third day at Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Matt shared a snap of them together at that park, adding that it is his personal favorite park.

Rachael donned a black dress while Matt wore a Guardians of the Galaxy tee.

He told his followers he planned on giving food, ride and park reviews the following week.

The lovebirds first met in September 2020 when they began filming for his season of the Bachelor.

He was the chosen Bachelor for season 25, with Rachael as a contestant vying for his heart.

Happy: They spent their third day at Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World

He proposed to her during the finale of the show in fall 2020.

However, the couple split after racially insensitive images of Rachael from an antebellum plantation themed party she attended surfaced online.

She apologized publicly and during the After the Final Rose episode in March 2021, Matt told the audience they took a step back from their relationship.

They sparked reconciliation rumors the following month and became official again in May 2021.
Kerri-Anne Kennerley unleashed a social media backlash this week after quitting I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here after only four days.

And now Mitch and Mark from The Block have stepped forward to defend the 69-year-old TV veteran from the haters.

Taking to Instagram on Friday, the fan favourites posted a touching tribute to Kerri-Anne who quit the South African jungle after accepting a pay-packet in the six-figures.

Describing Kerri-Anne as a 'new friend', Mitch and Mark revealed that Kerri-Anne is feeling 'bruised' after being described as a 'diva' for her behaviour on the hit show.

'Please, don't judge or slam ANY person based on a few minutes of a much longer situation,' the much-loved reality stars posted.

Mitch and Mark from The Block have stepped forward to defend Kerri-Anne Kennerley after the TV veteran quit I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here after just four days. Pictured: Kerri-Anne poses with Mitch and Mark - the trio shared a recent holiday getaway trip

Calling Kerri-Anne an 'incredible lady', Mitch and Mark continued by saying that when it comes to reality TV there is always more than one perspective.

'Just because all of us can judge, doesn't mean we have the right to judge,' they said in their message, continuing: 'Compassion and humanity is more important. Freedom of speech is valuable, as is remembering that words can hurt and damage another person.'

The stars of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here are competing on the survival-adventure reality show to win $100,000 for their chosen charity.

Taking to Instagram on Friday Mitch and Mark posted a touching tribute to Kerri-Anne who quit the South African jungle on Thursday after receiving a reputed salary worth $180,000 Pictured: Kerri-Anne in a scene from I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here

Describing Kerri-Anne as a 'new friend', Mitch and Mark revealed that Kerri-Anne is feeling 'bruised' after being described as a 'diva' for her behaviour on the hit show

'Please, don't judge or slam ANY person based on a few minutes of a much longer situation,' the much-loved reality stars posted in defence of Kerri-Anne

Meanwhile, many of the competitors are scoring big money to appear, with Kerri-Anne reportedly pocketing a whopping $180,000 for her appearance.

Mitch and Mark included a photo of the pair posing with Kerri-Anne in the post.

The couple, who rose to fame on The Block as renovation gurus, revealed in their story that they had never met Kerri-Anne until a few months ago, when they shared a holiday get away.

Kerri-Anne, they found, was an ideal travel companion.

Mitch and Mark's lengthy post in defence of Kerri-Anne

'This incredible lady treated everyone of us with embracing respect. She was so interested and encouraging of us all,' they said, remembering their recent trip.

They said the Studio 10 was encouraging, considerate, helpful and interested in the other travellers and their experiences.

'Besides that, she was always the first to jump off the boat at reefs, be vulnerable & check in to make sure we were all good as individuals.'

Kerri-Anne's sensational exit came after she refused to eat animal testicles in an eating challenge in Thursday's episode.

Fellow contestant Domenica Calarco got into a fiery spat over the incident in which the former Married at First Sight branded Kerri-Anne 'the most self-centred b**** she's ever met'.

The drama unfolded when Kerri-Anne and Domenica took part in an eating challenge alongside former Australian Idol judge Ian 'Dicko' Dickson and radio host Woody Whitelaw, where they had to eat a variety of animal testicles in order to win dinner for the rest of the group.

Kerri-Anne's sensational exit came after she refused to eat animal testicles in an eating challenge in Thursday's episode. Fellow contestant Domenica Calarco (pictured) got into a fiery spat over the incident

On Wednesday night's episode Kerri-Anne Kennerley sent fans into a frenzy when she opted out of a filthy challenge.

She caught the ire of viewers on social media after she refused to partake in a lost property challenge, leaving Below Deck's Aesha Scott to compete solo.

The challenge involved stars searching for a number of items in several filthy - and at times exploding - portaloos.

Twitter erupted in anger and backlash after Kerri-Anne turned her nose up at the challenge, with some calling her out for being a diva.
Booby Tape co-founder Bianca Roccisano sure turned up the heat as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The glamorous Aussie business entrepreneur, 37, showed off her trim figure and flashed a hint of underboob in a racy cut-out dress as she enjoyed a night out with friends.

Bianca slipped her figure into a black minidress by Magda Butrym, with similar styles from the brand retailing for approximately $2,300.

Her frock featured a halter neck design, as well as floral detailing and a cut-out over the bust.

She teamed the look with sheer black stockings and heels and a coat on top.

Booby Tape co-founder Bianca Roccisano (pictured) sure turned up the heat as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Thursday

Bianca appeared in high spirits and completed her glam look with her long, dark locks out and over her shoulders and makeup including matte foundation, a nude lip and a heavily-lined eye.

She carried a quilted Chanel bag in her arms.

The outing comes after Bianca recently revealed that despite her massive success there are two things missing from her life, a partner and a baby.

The glamorous Aussie business entrepreneur, 37, showed off her trim figure and flashed a hint of underboob in a racy cut-out dress as she enjoyed a night out with friends

Bianca slipped her figure into a black minidress by Magda Butrym, with similar styles from the brand retailing for approximately $2,300

She bravely revealed that she wants to try motherhood solo because her success has made it hard for her to find a husband.

The businesswoman said she is exploring her options and considering both IVF and surrogacy to achieve her dreams of becoming a mother.

Speaking candidly to Daily Mail Australia, Bianca admitted that she has mixed emotions about her decision to become a single mother - and that comes with a lot of 'sadness'.

Bianca added that she never thought she would have to do it on her own.

'Everyone is congratulating me, don't get me wrong I'm excited but I'm really sad as well, it's not how I wanted to do things,' she said.

Bianca recently revealed that despite her massive success there are two things missing from her life, a partner and a baby

'But at the same time, I don't want to miss out on the opportunity, so it's a mixed array of emotions, but ultimately if I don't meet that person I'm going to be a mum and that's exciting.'

Bianca has had her eggs frozen as 'back up' and is giving herself approximately one year to find the man of her dreams and start a family. If not, she will bravely go it alone.

'I have been wanting a family for so long and I've been pushing it until the final hours,' she said.

'If I was a male I would have more time. My eggs have been frozen and I have to find a sperm donor.'

The brunette beauty would love to find a man with 'good values and morals' and has been on numerous dates, but finds even the most successful businessmen are often emasculated by successful women like herself.

She bravely revealed that she wants to try motherhood solo because her success has made it hard for her to find a husband

'I want to make it clear I would make time if I had the opportunity to, but I have been going on dates and I get this reoccurring message, they're like, ''you're such a cool chic, I love hanging out with you but I would never feel comfortable as a man that you make more money than me,''' she said.

Bianca, who lives between Melbourne and Los Angeles, wants to encourage women to freeze their eggs as soon as they can as a 'back up' for motherhood.

'I would advise women to do it earlier. I've done research and the optimal time to take your eggs out is between early 25 and early thirties,' she said.

'I actually thought I'd meet someone and didn't think I'd be in the situation. I'm trying to work but I'm turning 38 in August. Get your eggs out, it's the best investment ever,' she said.

'I've been raised as well, never rely on a man for anything. So this is a backup.'

The businesswoman was initially scared to tell her family about the decision, but said her sister Bridgett is her 'number one supporter'.

The Roccisano sisters are co-founders of the eponymous clothing label Bianca and Bridgett and beauty brand Booby Tape, which has been described as a 'breast lift in a box'.

Worn by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Booby Tape products are sold in more than 35 countries.
Experts, officials call for deepening int'l education cooperation

15:47, April 08, 2023 By Wu Chaolan ( People's Daily Online

Chinese students attend a graduation ceremony at Columbia University in New York. (Photo/Xinhua)

Experts and officials worldwide called for increased international cooperation in education at a forum on studying overseas held in Beijing on April 7.

The high-profile forum, namely China Study Abroad Forum, attracted hundreds of guests and media representatives online and offline to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the education sector in the post-pandemic era.

Under the theme "Towards a better future: Enhancing international cooperation in education and talent development," the forum highlighted the need for greater collaboration and cooperation between countries, as well as the importance of sharing best practices and resources, especially after China's optimized COVID-19 response.

Participants agreed that the pandemic had disrupted education systems worldwide, particularly international education exchange, and emphasized the need to resume education cooperation and exchanges as soon as possible.

Liu Jin, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges of China's Ministry of Education, noted that 1.3 million Chinese students currently study abroad in more than 110 countries and regions worldwide. She hailed them as an "important force and bridge" to promote cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and friendship between China and other countries.

Noting that China puts education development as a high priority, Liu pointed out that China encourages personnel exchange and strengthens connections and interactions with the world in education.

"There is a huge potential and broad prospect for cooperation in the field of education development between China and foreign countries," said Liu, adding that China will participate in educational services under bilateral and multilateral mechanisms and is willing to carry out long-term mutually beneficial complementary academic cooperation with all parties in various countries.

Besides encouraging Chinese students and scholars to study abroad, the country would also welcome people from all over the world to study in China. Liu noted that China would continue to improve the service level for international students and create a suitable environment for everyone to learn and train in China.

Bojan Tubic, the Assistant Minister of Serbia's Ministry of Education, Science, and Technological Development, recently commended education exchanges and cooperation between China and Serbia and called for further collaboration.

"Serbia hopes to establish a long-term partnership with Chinese universities," said Tubic. "We are ready to work with the Chinese side in building higher education that supports research achievements."

"Serbia will participate in the cooperation of higher education under the framework of bilateral cooperation between the two countries," he said.

Jessica Gallagher, vice chancellor of the University of Adelaide in Australia, spoke highly of the Chinese government and agencies' roles in promoting international academic exchange and collaborations between China and the rest of the world. She highlighted the great benefits of international collaboration in education and expressed the expectation to deepen education cooperation with China.

"We are focused on Chinese comprehensive strategic partners and the significant potential of our new bilateral relationship [in the education sector]," Gallagher said.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chengliang)
Kimberley Garner looked gorgeous this week as she enjoyed a relaxed beach trip in Miami, where she splits her time when not in the UK, with friends.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 31, kicked back for the sunny day, snacking on crisps before taking some pictures of the view with her camera.

Showing off her stunning figure, she donned a coral bikini with a wrap-around torso cross detail and tie string strap.

With the piece being from her own swimwear brand, Kimberley London, it retails for 240 in a range of other colours on the website.

Opting for a natural beachy look, Kimberley kept her bright blonde locks down in a natural style as they fell from a middle parting.

Stunner: Kimberley Garner was ever the beach beauty this week in a coral multi-strapped bikini as she snacked on crisps while sunbathing in Miami

Getting the shot: The former Made In Chelsea star, 31, kicked back for the sunny day, snacking on crisps before snapping some pictures of the view with her camera

Her freckled complexion appeared natural while enhanced with a coral lipstick to match the look.

The former reality star added a chic collection of jewellery, inlcuding a clover bracelet from brand Van Cleef & Arpels - which typically retail for upwards of 2,000.

Joined by some pals, Kimberley seemed to be in high spirits while soaking up the sun, sipping on drinks and having a bite.

Later pulling her hair into a low bun, she appeared to be taking in the scenery and snapping some pictures.

Kimberley splits her time between London and Miami after launching her own swimwear line, and is set to head back to the former this week.

The TV star had a fleeting stint in Made In Chelsea before departing the show to launch her own business.

The UK based reality star's swimwear brand has continued to flourish over the years.

But despite enjoying success as a business owner, Kimberley previously admitted to pretending she was an intern after establishing her first business as a teenager.

The businesswoman opted to do such a thing because nobody took her seriously she said.

Stunning: Opting for a natural beachy look, Kimberley kept her bright blonde locks down in a natural style as they fell from a middle parting

Telling MailOnline: 'I think people sometimes think that Im only the face, but I am responsible for every bit of the business.

'I was 18 when I started my first company - I came up with an idea, stayed up for days learning how to register the company and teaching myself. It became very successful overnight.'

She explained: 'However, as I was only 18, no one ever imagined it was mine. I was a young blonde girl with a soft voice.

'No one would take me seriously or realise it was my company. So, I pretended to be the Intern!

'I handled all the meetings, phone calls, and emails for the company. When it became a success, I put all the revenues into starting Kimberley London.'

Expensive: The former reality star added a chic collection of jewellery, inlcuding a clover bracelet from brand Van Cleef & Arpels - which typically retail for upwards of 2,000

Chilled: Later pulling her hair into a sleek low bun, she chatted with pals while on the sand
Lady Victoria Hervey showed off her edgy sense of style in red leather trousers and a matching black bedazzled jacket as she enjoyed a girls night out on Friday.

The socialite, 46, grabbed drinks and a bite to eat at the London high-end establishment Langan's Brassiere.

She was accompanied by two female friends, including Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson's long-time friend and PA Antonia Marshall.

The blonde beauty wore straight-cut scarlet red leather trousers, paired with a black top, and donned a black leather coat with a diamante lapel over the top.

The bottom of the jacket boasted a fake crocodile skin pattern that scrapped the top of her thigh.

Girls night: Lady Victoria Hervey, 46, grabbed drinks and a bite to eat at a London high-end establishment with friends, including Sarah Ferguson's PA Antonia Marshall

Dazzling: The socialite gleamed in a diamante lapelled black leather jacket and straight cut scarlet red leather trousers

She wore a pair of pointed-toed black stiletto heels to match the jacket.

She finished off the outfit with a quirky red love heart-shaped handbag by By M. Design by Maria Marigliano Caracciolo which had a gold door-knocker style emblems.

The outing comes two weeks after the aristocrat was seen putting on a sultry display at the Dungeons & Dragons premiere in London.

The aristocrat donned a midnight-black off-the-shoulder gown with a cut-out near her waist and a large slit, exposing her toned leg.

The gorgeous dress had a leopard-print lining and clung to her figure in an age-defying display as a pair of buckled heels added inches to her frame.

The star wore her blonde tresses loose but styled with an elegant curl with the front strands pulled forward to frame her face.

These glamorous outings come after Lady Victoria caused a stir in February when, last month claimed the now-disgraced Prince Andrew has always been a source of 'jealousy' for King Charles.

In an interview with GB News she said Andrew, who she briefly dated in 1999, has been very 'badly advised' in the past few years and Charles has been jealous of his 'successful military career'.

Quirky: She finished off the outfit with an unique heart shaped red leather handbag with a gold doorknocker-like emblem

Age-defying: Lady Victoria put on a sultry display in an off-the-shoulder gown at the Dungeons & Dragons premiere in London on two weeks ago

She said: 'I think Charles, as the older brother, has always been a bit jealous of him [Prince Andrew].

'He had a very successful military career for 20 years. I've heard that he's always been jealous of him.

'So as soon as the Queen has gone, the daggers are out.'

Her interview came shortly after moved back to London from Los Angeles after living in the US for over two decades.

The model had sparked rumours of a return to the UK last year and has now decided the A-list packed city is 'not what it used to be'.
Winnie Harlow was fashion-forward in a faded denim co-ord as she launched her brand Cay Skin in Toronto, Canada on Friday.

The 28-year-old model-turned-entrepreneur  who attended Drake's Super Bowl party earlier this year  wore a low-cut top with thin halter straps and bronze-colored studs.

It coordinated with her bell-bottom jeans, which drew attention to her long legs.

The businesswoman, who hails from Mississauga, Canada was dressed to the nines as she celebrated the launch of her brand at Sephora.

Winnie, born Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young, was decked out in flashy jewelry including a chain necklace and drop earrings.

Looking good: Winnie Harlow was fashion-forward in a faded denim co-ord as she launched her brand Cay Skin in Toronto, Canada on Friday

Harlow touted her vegan, silicone-free, and cruelty-free products on social media as well as at the in-person event.

A caption for a joint post shared by Sephora and Cay Skin read: 'Get ready to glow @CaySkin is coming soon to Sephora [Canada] and look who stopped by to celebrate.'

The piece of content showed Winnie in a behind-the-scenes reel as she walked through an aisle of stored merchandise.

Draped in a fur coat, the beauty said, 'Hey, guys. It's Winnie Harlow. We are here in Toronto at Sephora.

'I am so excited to announce the launch of Cay Skin coming soon to Canada. Let's go celebrate!'

The clip featured swarms of consumers gathered in the brick and mortar store to see the runway star.

She looked typically beautiful in a full face of flowy makeup compete with golden eyeshadow and wispy lashes.

Winnie's dark hair was styled in a part-less look with face-framing baby hair as the locks tumbled down her back in loose, fluffy curls.

The look: The model-turned-entrepreneur wore a low-cut top with thin halter straps and bronze-colored studs

Accessories: Winnie, born Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young, was decked out in flashy jewelry including a chain necklace and drop earrings

Cay Skin's Instagram bio describes the line as 'Daily suncare that puts your skin first.'

Winnie made the shift from modeling into the beauty space when she launched Cay Skin last year.

The suncare brand's standout product - Isle Glow Face Lotion - offers 45 SPF and is environmentally friendly, according to the official Cay Skin site.

Speaking with Byrdie last spring, the star revealed that the inspiration for creating Cay Skin stemmed from a 'traumatic' shoot in the Bahamas in 2018.

'I was shooting in the Bahamas sun for two days, and no one [on set] wanted me to reapply sunscreen because the ones we had left a blue or purple cast,' she explained.

Without any protection from the harsh sun, Winnie's skin suffered sun damage that required her to seek medical attention.

'When I finished the two-day project, I got back to my hotel and my skin was so red and tight. Doctors had to come to the hotel room and give me injections for pain and inflammation. It was a traumatic experience.'

Though the incident was excruciating, it inspired Winnie to create sunscreen that suits all skin tones in the hopes that what happened to her wouldn't happen to someone else.

'It's so important to protect your skin, and there should be products that work for everyone,' she told the outlet. 'That's really how the idea for Cay Skin came to life.'

Retro: Winnie's ensemble included bell-bottom jeans, which drew attention to her long legs
The official trailer of upcoming movie Jeanne du Barry dropped earlier this week.

In the French biographical film, Johnny Depp, 59, makes his grand return to the big screen and plays the role of King Louis XV  starring alongside actress and director Maiwenn, 46.

In the preview, the Golden Globe winner appears as the silver-haired monarch as he takes on a royal mistress  who the flick is named after.

This movie will mark his comeback and be his first project in three years since his victory in the highly-publicized defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, 36.

Ahead of the release, however, Maiwenn was accused by a journalist for allegedly 'spitting in his face' and is now being sued for the reported assault.

Official trailer: In the recently released trailer of Jeanne du Barry, Johnny Depp, 59, makes his grand return to the big screen and plays the role of King Louis XV

The video opens with Jeanne Vaubernier  played by Maiwenn Le Besco  as she charms a crowd of guests at a party.

Later, she is seen making an impressive entrance at Versailles after narration reveals her spouse intended to present her to the king  promo pictures of whom were released earlier this year.

After being instructed not to look at the king directly, Jeanne boldly does so knowing it is an 'invitation to intimacy'.

Despite understanding she will subsequently receive disfavor from the court, she does not listen and King Louis XV becomes wholly infatuated with her.

The rest of the trailer shows all those in the king's inner circle  including his royal advisors and his daughters  expressing their disapproval.

Disregarding the advice, he continues the love affair until passion quickly becomes scandal.

'You are discovering the dark side of the king,' Jeanne is later informed at the climax of the trailer.

The final shot shows her running up a flight of stairs that seemingly leads to nowhere as a voice says (translated from French): 'You are in grave danger, madame.'

Collaborators: In the French biographical film opening Cannes Film Festival in May, he stars alongside actress and director Maiwenn, 46

A new role: In the preview, the Golden Globe winner appears as the silver-haired King Louis XV as he takes on a royal mistress  who the flick is named after

Leading lady: The video opens with Jeanne Vaubernier  played by Maiwenn Le Besco  as she charms a crowd of guests at a party

Love affair: Despite knowing she will subsequently receive the disfavor from the court, Jeanne does not listen and King Louis XV becomes wholly infatuated with her after they meet in Versailles

His mistress: The rest of the trailer shows all those in the king's inner circle  including his royal advisors and his daughters  expressing their disapproval of his mistress

Smitten: Disregarding the advice, he continues the love affair until passion quickly becomes scandal

Plot twist: 'You are discovering the dark side of the king,' Jeanne is later informed at the climax of the trailer

Coming soon: The film will open at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16 and receive a worldwide theatrical release and debut in France on the same day

According to the synopsis, the story follows 'Jeanne Vaubernier, a young working-class woman hungry for culture and pleasure [who] uses her intelligence and allure to climb the rungs of the social ladder one by one.'

The plot continues as she 'becomes the favorite of King Louis XV, who, unaware of her status as courtesan, regains through her his appetite for life.

'They fall madly in love,' the synopsis reads. 'Against all propriety and etiquette, Jeanne moves to Versailles, where her arrival scandalizes the court.'

The film also stars Benjamin Lavernhe, Melvil Poupaud, Pierre Richard, Pascal Greggory, and India Hair.

The film will open at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16. On the same day, the movie will receive a worldwide theatrical release and debut in France.
Kylie Jenner's BFF Anastasia 'Stassie' Karanikolaou revealed her beach day beauty secrets on Friday when she rocked a skimpy floral bikini for a new TikTok video.

The 25-year-old bombshell  who recently showed off her abs in a sexy olive green two-piece  glowed with a sun-kissed tan as she gave her fans a tutorial on how to get ready for the beach.

Stassie is currently living it up in the Turks and Caicos and she uses Ulta MD tinted sunscreen to protect her stunning face from getting burned.

The influencer then layers on Supergoop's Glow Screen: 'I just love how this makes me look all glowy.'

Stassie added some of the product to her chest before giving her face and plump pout a bit of color with Benetint's cheek and lip stain.

How to be a bombshell: Kylie Jenner's BFF Anastasia 'Stassie' Karanikolaou, 25, revealed her beach day beauty secrets on Friday when she rocked a skimpy floral bikini for a new TikTok video

Beach beauty: The model glowed with a sun-kissed tan as she gave her fans a tutorial on how to get ready for the beach

The social media sensation moved on to perfect her brows, brushing them up with gel before giving her full lashes a curl.

To protect her incredible figure, Stassie uses Kiehl's sun protector 'all over' her body and she provides her face with some extra insurance by always tanning with a ball cap.

After wrapping her curvy waist in a bright red sarong, the model assembled her beach bag: 'I bring my camera, a book, sunscreen for my body, sunscreen for my face, a speaker, and then I put the hat in the bag.

'And now we're ready for the beach,' she declared, striking a sultry pose for the camera.

Stassie's tropical getaway is a common occurrence as she frequently jets off to the Turks and Caicos for fun-filled vacations and breathtaking photoshoots.

On a recent trip to the islands, Karanikolaou took to her Instagram Story and documented her 'best day ever.'

Stassie posted multiple snippets of a beach picnic and her magical experience with a dolphin.

Surrounded by her glamorous friends, the model shared video of her sitting on an endless stretch of pristine white sand, eating and drinking under the sun.

Protection is key: Stassie is currently living it up in the Turks and Caicos and she uses Ulta MD tinted sunscreen to protect her stunning face from getting burned. The influencer then layers on Supergoop's Glow Screen  'I just love how this makes me look all glowy'

Rosy glow: Stassie added some of the product to her chest before giving her face and plump pout a bit of color with Benetint's cheek and lip stain

Details make a difference: The social media sensation moved on to perfect her brows, brushing them up with gel before giving her full lashes a curl

Maximum impact: After wrapping her curvy waist in a bright red sarong, Stassie assembled her beach bag: 'I bring my camera, a book, sunscreen for my body, sunscreen for my face, a speaker, and then I put the hat in the bag'

Beach goddess: Stassie's tropical getaway is a common occurrence as she frequently jets off to the Turks and Caicos for fun-filled vacations and breathtaking photoshoots

The relaxing beat of island music played in the background, ushering in Stassie's footage of her swimming with 'Jojo' the dolphin.

Stassie's next clip showed her crouching over the edge of a dock, reaching out for Jojo as the dolphin swam toward her.

'Come here buddy,' said a friend in the background. 'Come here buddy.'

The aspiring swimsuit mogul also uses the Island's breathtaking scenery to take promotional pictures for her new collaboration with beachwear e-tailer Cupshe.
Angelina Jolie stepped down as a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees in December, but the move hasn't quelled her humanitarian efforts on behalf of refugees.

On Friday, the actress, director and activist lent her support and solidarity with Iranians who are demanding sweeping changes to the country's strict laws following the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, who died in police custody six months ago, according to NPR.

The In The Land Of Blood And Honey writer and director singled out two of the protesters who suffered serious injuries to their eyes when troops with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a multi-service primary branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, clamped down on demonstrations.

'Thinking of the young Iranians who have suffered eye injuries protesting the killing of Mahsa Amini, like @elahetavokolian14 and Zanier Tondro,' Jolie wrote, although the former's name is being spelled Elahe Tavakolian and the latter Zaniar Tondro by most publications.

'Many survivors have lost sight in one or both eyes. It's a reminder of the price young Iranians are paying in their struggle for rights and freedoms,' she added, as well as the hashtags: '#womanlifefreedom #Iran #mahsaamini #elahetavokolian #zaniertondro.'

Show of support: Angelina Jolie, 47, lent her support and solidarity to the people protesting in Iran since the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, while in police custody six months ago

Jolie also shared a photo showing Tavakolian, a PhD student in Iran, at a hospital with her right eye bandaged up, along with a quote from her that symbolizes her resolve during these turbulent times.

'You aimed at my eyes but my heart is still beating,' she declared following the brutal crackdown that resulted in the loss of one eye that has since been replaced with a prosthetic eye.

Tavakolian even went as far as to address her attacker, saying, 'I don't want to complain against you because I do not regret losing my eyesight. I am even grateful to you for this honor.'

There's also a photo of Tondro, an 18-year-old protester, with both of his eyes bandaged up. He would also lose the sight of his right eye.

Tavakolian and Zanier Tondro are two of hundreds of Iranians who sustained severe eye injuries after being hit by pellets, tear gas cannisters, paintballs or other objects fired by security forces amid the crackdown on anti-government demonstrations.

Human rights activists estimated that more than 520 people had been killed and over 20,000 more unlawfully detained in connection with the demonstrations, Iran Wire reported at the end of March.

There have also been reports of at least 100 protesters at risk of 'execution, death penalty charges or sentences,' by the end of 2022, one human rights group reported, and many of the other detainees being handed long term prison sentences.

Uprising: Jolie shared the stories of Elahe Tavakolian and Zaniar Tondro, although it appears she misspelled their names, who are just two of the protesters who had their eyes seriously injured during crackdowns by the the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Uprising: Tavakolian, a PhD student in Iran, shared this quote after losing her right eye during clashes with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Honor and courage: Tavakolian, who lost her right eye and has since gotten a prosthetic, came out to share how she 'doesn't regret losing my eyesight' while out pushing for sweeping government changes in Iran

Brave casualties: Zaniar Tondro, 18, who also lost his right eye, is among the hundreds of Iranians who sustained severe eye injuries after being hit by pellets, tear gas cannisters, paintballs or other objects fired by security forces amid the crackdown on anti-government demonstrations

Iranian clashes: Jolie shared how there are reports of Iranian government forces intentionally shooting protestors in the face with rubber bullets or shotgun pellets, resulting in the lost of one or both eyes

Three weeks earlier, Jolie shared news of children being detained from protests and then being harshly treated while in custody.

'Children are testifying to horrific levels of torture while in detention in Iran,' she wrote in. March 17 post, which included a quote from one of the kids who claims to have been tortured.

'They gave us electric shocks, hit me in my face with a gun, gave electric shocks to my back and beat me on my feet, back and hands with batons. They threatened that if we told anyone, they would [detain us again], do even worse and deliver our corpses to our families,' wrote an Iranian schoolboy who was arrested for writing 'Woman, Life, Freedom' on a wall.

Jolie then shared het thoughts, writing, 'Every child has the right to express their view on all matters affecting them (UN Convention on the Rights of the Child). Release children detained for peaceful protest. @AmnestyIran #womanlifefreedom #iran #humanrights.'

More disturbing accusations: In March, Jolie shared news of children being detained from protests and then being tortured while in custody

Shining a light: The In The Land Of Blood And Honey writer and director shared the story of an Iranian schoolboy who claims to have been tortured while in custody

Brutal treatment: Jolie maintains 'children are testifying to horrific levels of torture while in detention in Iran in an Instagram post on March 17

In December 2022, Jolie announced she had stepped down from her position as Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

'After over 20 years, I am stepping down today from my work with the UN Refugee Agency. I believe in many things the UN does, particularly the lives it saves through emergency relief. UNHCR is full of amazing people making a difference to peoples lives every day,' she shared on December 16, 2022.

She concluded, 'Refugees are the people I admire most in the world and I am dedicated to working with them for the rest of my life. I will be working now with organizations led by people most directly affected by conflict, that give the greatest voice to them.

Moved on: Jolie announced she was stepping down as Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in December 2022
Penny Lancaster has shared a proud mum-moment with her fans.

The 52-year-old took to Instagram on Friday to post a picture of the two sons she shares with her rock superstar husband Rod Stewart, 78.

The blonde beauty can be seen posing with her handsome boys as they enjoy a recent fishing trip in New Zealand.

In the snap, Penny, dressed in a white-T and tan cardigan, can be see smiling as snuggles close to her youngest, Aidan, 12 and his brother, Alastair, 18.

Both of the boys, who closely resemble their famous dad, can be seen wearing black, casual beach wear and draped in beach towels.

Penny Lawrence took to Instagram on Friday to post a picture of the two sons she shares with her rock superstar husband Rod Stewart. Pictured: (L) Alastair, 18, and Aidan, 12, with Penny

Meanwhile, in another photo, Penny shows off her fishing skills.

Posing with a large black fishing rod, the TV host, can be seen holding a small fish in her hand.

'We freed the little guy after,' Penny reassured her fans in the caption.

Penny and her boys took the fishing trip to Rakino Island, off Auckland as her husband continues his global concert tour in New Zealand Pictured: Penny shows off her fishing skills

Rod Stewart's wife Penny Lancaster shared a sweet snap of herself cuddling up to an adorable koala while visiting The Sydney Zoo at Eastern Creek last month

Penny and her boys took the fishing trip to Rakino Island, off Auckland as her husband continues his global concert tour in New Zealand.

The Do you Think I'm Sexy hitmaker recently completed shows in Australia.

Meanwhile, Penny enjoyed some sight-seeing Down Under, sharing a sweet snap of herself cuddling up to an adorable koala while visiting The Sydney Zoo at Eastern Creek last month.

Rod recently revealed Penny will be on duty as a police officer at the King's Coronation concert in May.

Penny, who married Sir Rod in 2007, applied to become a special constable after taking part in reality TV programme Famous and Fighting Crime where she joined officers on the beat.

Rod angered fans earlier last month when he cancelled his Geelong show three hours before hitting the stage as he came down with a bout of strep throat.

The London native took to his Instagram to apologise for the last minute cancellation, which left fans furious.

'Hello my friends. I'm absolutely downhearted that I'm disappointing my fans who bought tickets to A Day On The Green,' he wrote.
Jeremy Renner enjoyed a fun-filled family trip to Six Flags on Good Friday and rode a motorized scooter around the amusement park  three months after nearly being killed in a horrific snow plow accident that broke 30 of his bones.

The Marvel star, 52  who has been using an anti-gravity treadmill to regain the use of his legs  shared photos and video of him spending quality time with his family and enjoying the sunshine.

'Leading the way Best I can Spring Break 2023!!!' wrote Renner, captioning video of him driving the scooter in front of his family as they made their way through Six Flags.

The Hawkeye star also posted a pair of sweet family snaps, captioning one photo with, 'Good Friday, made magic happen on the mountain with some of my amazing family!'

Jeremy was standing alongside his family in the photos and was beaming in every post.

Jeremy Renner, 52, enjoyed a fun-filled family trip to Six Flags on Good Friday and rode a motorized scooter around the amusement park

'Leading the way Best I can Spring Break 2023!!!' wrote Renner, captioning video of him driving the scooter in front of his family as they made their way through Six Flags

The actor's trip to Six Flags comes 3 months after he was nearly killed in a horrific snow plow accident that broke 30 of his bones

The star's latest post comes after his Hollywood career has been thrown into serious doubt, as a source close to the star recently revealed that acting is no longer a 'priority' to him following his horrific snow plow accident.

An insider who has recently spent time with Jeremy told DailyMail.com exclusively that 'although he does still love acting, Hollywood is just not a priority to him anymore'.

According to the source, Jeremy's focuses have shifted away from his on-screen career in the wake of his terrifying New Year's Day accident at his Lake Tahoe home, where he was crushed under a 14,000-pound snow plow, breaking more than 30 bones.

'Jeremy believes that he survived the accident so that he can use his platform to really create change in the world,' the insider shared.

'He is very proud of the work that he has done, but this entire situation has really shown him that there is so much more that he could be doing to help others,' the insider says.

Jeremy has since left the Lake Tahoe home where the accident occurred and has returned to his Los Angeles property, where he is focusing on his recovery - having been left unable to walk as a result of the injuries he sustained during the incident.

The source continued that Jeremy's mother Valerie, 69 - who accompanied him to the 2010 Oscars - has been a 'tremendous' source of support for the star, revealing that she has 'been by his side as much as possible'.

'His mother come to stay with him most weekends, as well as his daughter Ava,' the friend says, referring to his nine-year-old child with ex Sonni Pocheco.

The Marvel star shared photos and video of him spending quality time with his family and enjoying the sunshine

The Hawkeye star also posted a pair of sweet family snaps, captioning one photo with, 'Good Friday, made magic happen on the mountain with some of my amazing family!'

Jeremy was standing alongside his family in the photos and was beaming in every post

The star's latest post comes after his Hollywood career has been thrown into serious doubt, as a source close to the star recently revealed that acting is no longer a 'priority' to him following his horrific snow plow accident (pictured on January 21, three weeks after the accident)

The source said of Renner: 'Although he does still love acting, Hollywood is just not a priority to him anymore' (Jeremy pictured in 2012's The Avengers)

Jeremy, who was crushed by a 14,000-pound snow plow at his Lake Tahoe home, has now returned to LA and is focusing on his physical recovery, including re-learning how to walk

The friend went on to add: 'He is really only focused on his recovery and is doing rehabilitation to learn how to walk again. Jeremy knows he is so lucky to be alive.

'Each day is a little better than before and he is definitely making progress, but the progress is slow.'

DailyMail.com has contacted Jeremy's spokesperson for additional comment.

On New Year's Day, Jeremy was ran over by a seven ton snowplow while helping his nephew to remove his care from the driveway at his residence near Reno, Nevada, after the vehicle got stuck in the snow.

However, his snow plow began to slide down a street after the car was towed, which prompted the actor to jump out of its cab.

After he exited the vehicle, Renner realized that it could potentially hit his nephew, who was with him at the time of the incident. The Mayor of Kingstown star then attempted to re-enter the snow plow in order to divert its path but he was pulled under its left side track and run over during the attempt.

In a 911 call made by a neighbor, Jeremy could be heard in agony in the background. The caller feared that he would bleed out due to his injuries.

He was airlifted to a hospital in Reno where he was listed in critical condition with 30 broken bones, a crushed chest and a collapsed torso.

'He is really only focused on his recovery and is doing rehabilitation to learn how to walk again. Jeremy knows is is so lucky to be alive,' a friend of the star tells DailyMail.com

The Marvel took to his Instagram recently to share that much of the snow that barricaded the front entrance of his home had melted

Although Jeremy is taking a step back from Hollywood in the wake of the accident, fans will still be able to see him on the screen when he releases a four-part documentary series, Rennervations, on Disney+ in April.

Rennervations - which the star completed prior to the snow plow incident - details Jeremy's 'lifelong passion to give back to communities around the world by reimagining unique purpose-built vehicles to meet a community's needs.'

In the trailer, the Marvel movie hero jokes about the fact that his Avengers' fans thought that he went 'off the rails' because this project is so different from his previous work.

'I'm buying these decommissioned government vehicles to help reimagine them to serve this community again just in a different way,' Jeremy says in the trailer about the project.

'I decided to reimagine repurpose and renovate these vehicles and I wanted to it for communities and help kids all over the world. There's a lot of concern on the Avengers family chat like, you know, what is Renner doing? He's going a little off the rails.'

Although he is unable to promote Rennervations in the way he wants to at the moment, Jeremy appears to be keeping a positive outlook about his involvement in the future.

Jeremy has continued to update social media followers on his recovery and progress, which began when he took a selfie in the days following the accident from his hospital bed in the ICU.

'Thank you all for your kind words. I'm too messed up now to type. But I send love to you all,' wrote in the caption next to a photo of Jeremy with bruises all over his face.

Although Jeremy is taking a step back from Hollywood, fans will still be able to see him on the screen when he releases a four-part documentary series, Rennervations

Jeremy has continued to update social media followers on his recovery and progress, sharing a video of himself building up his leg strength on a bike last month

He later shared a clip of himself being pampered by his supportive sister and mother as he received a relaxing scalp massage.

Later that month, Jeremy shared footage with his fans of what appeared to be him getting wheeled into a room for a CT scan and MRI.

In February, the star said he was doing 'whatever it takes' in his recovery, while sharing a video himself trying to improve his leg strength with the help of a Technogym bike.

He added that he is also prioritizing his 'mental recovery' as he curled up by a fire and cracked open The Book of Awakening, a 'spiritual daybook' written by philosopher, poet, and cancer survivor Mark Nepo.
Jonah Hill looked unrecognizable as he dressed up to attend a Lakers game with Lisa Rinna in Los Angeles on Friday.

The 39-year-old actor donned a dark-haired wig and sported matching outfits from Meaningful Existence with the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reality star, 59.

The Superbad star was seen in a white sweatsuit from his new clothing line that was emblazoned with his brand logo.

The Days of Our Lives actress copied his look from top to bottom but in a bright yellow color  and minus the wig.

The eye-catching stunt appeared to be an effort to promote his new label that mocks those profiteering off the booming wellness industry.

Matching: Jonah Hill looked unrecognizable as he dressed up to attend a Lakers game with Lisa Rinna in Los Angeles on Friday. The actor donned a dark-haired wig and sported matching outfits from Meaningful Existence with the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reality star, 59

The 21 Jump Street alum paired his comfortable look with a pair of bubblegum pink socks and black slides.

He also sported a pair of bright blue sunglasses even inside the arena.

By his side, Rinna donned the exact same outfit but in different colors.

She opted for the bright yellow sweatsuit and the matching neon frames.

On her feet, she modeled baby blue socks and a pair of tan slides, nearly identical to Hill's own.

The duo were also seen with a crowd of people  acting as his alter ego's disciples  wearing neon green Meaningful Existence sweatsuits.

According to the brand's official profile, 'Meaningful Existence is the lifestyle and wellness community founded, run, and ruled by Prophet Ezekiel Profit.

'Based on the teachings of Profit, we have one simple goal: to spread joy throughout the universe by monetizing happiness,' the blurb reads. 'Here at Meaningful Existence, we believe that no one is born into happiness.

Plugging his brand: The Superbad star was seen in a white sweatsuit from his new clothing line that was emblazoned with his brand logo

Same look: The Days of Our Lives actress copied his look from top to bottom but in a bright yellow color  and minus the wig. The eye-catching stunt appeared to be an effort to promote his new label that mocks those profiteering off the booming wellness industry

Casual: The 21 Jump Street alum paired his comfortable look with a pair of bubblegum pink socks and black slides

Unusual pair: He also sported a pair of bright blue sunglasses even inside the arena

Bold look: By his side, Rinna donned the exact same outfit but in different colors  she opted for the bright yellow sweatsuit and the matching neon frames

His 'cult': The duo were also seen with a crowd of people  acting as his alter ego's disciples  wearing neon green Meaningful Existence sweatsuits

Mocking: According to the brand's official profile, 'Meaningful Existence is the lifestyle and wellness community founded, run, and ruled by Prophet Ezekiel Profit. 'Based on the teachings of Profit, we have one simple goal: to spread joy throughout the universe by monetizing happiness,' the blurb reads. 'Here at Meaningful Existence, we believe that no one is born into happiness'

Promoting his label: 'Welcome to the future,' the official brand page read. 'The more you pay, the better everything gets'

Life-changing duo: 'Me with Prophet Ezekiel Profit,' Rinna shared on her Instagram page. '[Meaningful Existence] has changed my life!'

Poking fun: Rinna shared a photo plugging the brand and expressing gratitude for being able to 'purchase happiness'

'You have to work and earn money, and then buy it,' the text continued.

'In a complicated world full of stress and doubt, we're here to show you how much simpler things can really be when you allow us to take Complete Unrelenting Control. So welcome, we're happy you found us.

'We will be the shirt on your back, the sweatshirt on top of the shirt, the slides on your feet, the blanket that tucks you in at night and, most importantly, the smile on your face.

'Meaningful Existence is everything, everything except a cult. PURCHASE our products and see for yourself. To quote our leader, Prophet Ezekiel Profit: "Meaningful Existence is definitely not a cult."

'Welcome to the future. The more you pay, the better everything gets.'
Ulrika Jonsson slammed Maisie Smith and Max George this week following their fake pregnancy announcement.

The television personality, 55, branded the couple 'publicity hungry' and claimed the insensitive joke left fans 'insulted and betrayed'.

The Strictly duo faced backlash when Maisie, 21, took to Instagram to pose with her hands cradling her stomach.

She hid her belly behind a heart emoji, while Max, 34, looked down in shock, with his hand over his mouth.

Captioning the snap, Maisie wrote: 'We've got some really exciting news...'

But in the next post, she revealed the couple were only joking, writing: 'I just had the best five course meal of my life'.

Speaking out: Ulrika Jonsson, 55, slammed Maisie Smith, 21, and Max George, 34, this week following their fake pregnancy announcement

Outrage: They faced backlash when Maisie took to Instagram to pose with her hands cradling her stomach - only to reveal it was from a five course meal

Ulrika wrote in her column for The Sun that she wasn't surprised by the backlash due to couples struggling with infertility.

She said: 'And also for those die-hard fans who hang on every word and loved-up picture the couple post. It must have felt like an insult and a betrayal.

'What really got my goat was the fact that, once again, this publicity-hungry couple did it all for attention.

'This was all about creating a stir, getting noticed and making sure they kept their names in the news.'

The couple appeared to make light of the situation earlier this week when Max shared a photo of them sipping on huge milkshakes.

He captioned it: 'Never. Eating. Again' while Maisie reshared the snap.

While the pair thought the original post was hilarious, many of their fans disagreed as they flocked to Twitter to blast them for being 'disgusting' and 'insensitive'.

One wrote, 'Pregnancy jokes are not, and never will be funny. You've hurt many people, fans, with those thoughtless stories tonight. People who have lost children. People who cannot conceive for whatever reason. Please do better.'

Unimpressed: Ulrika wrote in her column that she wasn't surprised by the backlash due to couples struggling with infertility

Seeing red: And while the pair thought their post was hilarious, many of their fans disagreed as they flocked to Twitter to blast them for being 'disgusting' and 'insensitive'

Others chimed in with, 'Max George and Maisie smith are so insensitive for that,' and, 'maisie smith and max george joking about being pregnant is disgusting. just not something to be joking about.'

A fourth penned, 'Not @maisie_smith_ and @MaxGeorge making out that she's expecting, such a s***ty joke! Kick to all of us who struggle with fertility.'

One more concluded, 'Joking about fake pregnancies is disgusting. Really made me think. Do I really like them anymore.'

The couple are currently enjoying a romantic Dubai getaway and have shared lots of glimpses into their trip so far.

Maisie kicked off their lavish holiday by sharing a very racy snap to Instagram earlier in the week.

She left little to the imagination as she went completely naked for a risque bathtub shot, while enjoying a glass of champagne.

Resting her legs on the edge of the basin, she ensured to protect her modesty as she wrote, '...and relax,' in her caption.

However, Maisie resisted a dip in the sea in a hilarious video shared by The Wanted star.

'Never eating again' The couple appeared to make light of the situation earlier this week when Max shared a photo of them sipping on huge milkshakes

The actress re-posted the video, which saw her run back onto the beach after realising just how cold the water was, while wearing a skimpy blue bikini.

Max wrote, 'Cold water ain't for my girl,' while Maisie added, 'Can't say I didn't try.'

Max and Maisie looked on cloud nine as they kicked back and relaxed at the beach together.

The smitten couple have jetted off on holiday and immediately made the most of the warm weather as they worked on their tans.

Maisie showcased her toned figure as she slipped into a light blue bikini with orange straps while relaxing on a beach chair.

Sharing a photo of his girlfriend from the back, Max wrote: 'Cheeky. I wouldn't be anywhere else in the world right now '.

Max went shirtless for the outing, with Maisie sharing a playful snap of him posing on the beach in a pair of dark green shorts.

The pair also posted a snap from their flight as they snuggled beside each other, with Maisie writing: 'And we're off'.
Lucasfilm have announced the Star Wars saga will continue with three brand new films.

Each outing will take place at different stages of the Star Wars timeline with one seeing Daisy Ridley, 33, return to the role of Jedi hero Rey.

The actress, first appeared in 2015's The Force Awakens and went on to star in The Last Jedi in 2017, before wrapping up her character in 2019's The Rise of Skywalker.

The movie will be set 15 years on and see the hero, now a master, building a new Jedi order.

Making the announcement at the Star Wars Celebration 2023 in London on Friday it was revealed Rey's story would be helmed by Ms Marvel director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

Back for more: Lucasfilm have announced that the Star Wars saga will continue with three brand new films

Action hero: Each outing will take place at different stages of the Star Wars timeline with one starring Daisy Ridley, 33, as she returns to the role of Jedi hero Rey

Role: The actress first appeared in 2015's The Force Awakens (pictured with John Boyega) and went on to star in The Last Jedi in 2017, before 2019's The Rise of Skywalker

Taking to the stage the filmmaker said: 'I've always been attracted to the hero's journey and the fact that the world needs many more heroes,' adding she has been working with 'a powerful Jedi master' - before revealing Daisy to the audience.

The actress gushed: 'My heart is pounding, I'm very thrilled to be continuing this journey'.

Meanwhile the other two projects will be directed by James Mangold, fresh from the latest Indiana Jones instalment, and The Mandalorian's Dave Filoni.

Mangold's movie is said to go back to the 'dawn of the Jedi', with Filoni's film following on from The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.

During the London celebrations, Daisy stunned in a red fitted dress that featured a large bow on one shoulder and nipped in at her waist.

She boosted her height with a pair of nude stilettos and slicked her dark hair back into a neat updo.

She first starred as Rey alongside longstanding stars Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher in 2015, as well as new stars of the series John Boyega and Adam Driver.

The trilogy wrapped in 2019 with Rey visiting Luke Skywalker's abandoned homestead to bury Luke (Mark Hamill) and Leia's (Carrie) lightsabers.

Next: Making the announcement at the Star Wars Celebration 2023 in London this week it was revealed Rey's story would be helmed by Ms Marvel director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (right)

Stunner: During the London celebrations Daisy stunned in a red fitted dress that featured a large bow on one shoulder and nipped in at her waist

Cast and crew: Daisy (left) looked sensational as she joined producer Kathleen Kennedy (centre) and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (right) at the ExCeL Centre

Earlier this year, Daisy responded to whether she would be open to reprising her role in the epic space opera franchise.

Joining Emilia Clarke at Sundance Film Festival the actresses, who both wrapped up their characters' stories in the films, were presented with the question.

For Clarke, she didn't mince words when she shot back with a quick 'no', while Ridley had a different answer when she confessed she would definitely consider returning.

Clarke, 36, played the role of Qi'ra, Han Solo's childhood friend and romantic interest, in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018).

When asked she said: 'I mean no,' with a laugh, according to Indie Wire adding, 'That would be lovely, that would be very nice. I'm genuinely having a wicked time on Marvel, though, they're absolutely brilliant.'

Meanwhile, in an interview with IMdB, Daisy confessed she would definitely consider returning to the fold: 'I mean, I'm open to a phone call. I'm looking for employment!' she said.

The actress also spoke to TheWrap about how she has watched the various Star Wars franchise shows on Disney+, and considers herself a big fan.

'I haven't watched all of them, but it's just because of timing and stuff like that. But yeah, I mean the work everyone's doing is amazing,' she shared. 'I worked with Pedro Pascal and I was like, 'This is really cool; he's The Mandalorian.' I still find it all very exciting.'
Melissa Leong has lashed out at an online troll who brutally questioned her qualifications as a television food judge as she wasn't a 'world-renowned food critic'.

The Facebook user cruelly said producers 'scraped the bottom of the barrel' when they hired her as a MasterChef judge since she didn't own a restaurant at the time.

Not to be cowed by harsh words, the food writer, 41, took to Instagram on Friday to slam the naysayer with a list of her credentials before boasting about her house.

'Haven't owned restaurants, just written for half a dozen of Australia's highest profile publications for over a decade,' Melissa began her rant.

'It's ok though, us non-white males are used to [being] overlooked. It's how you don't see us coming till we've arrived.'

Melissa Leong, 41, (pictured) has lashed out at an online troll who brutally questioned her qualifications as a television food judge as she wasn't a 'world-renowned food critic'

Melissa went on to share a list of popular cookbooks she has ghost written and edited before bragging about working with 'industry legends' such as Marco Pierre White, Gelato Messina, Zumbo, and MLA.

'If that's scraping the bottom of the barrel, Gerrard, it must be very hard to see me from your lofty seat in the clouds doingwhat is it you do exactly?' she added.

'Thank you, armchair prince. I'm sorry you've had such a bad day you feel the need to s**t on a stranger who has bled for her career.'

The Facebook user cruelly said producers 'scraped the bottom of the barrel' when they hired her as a MasterChef judge since she didn't own a restaurant at the time

Not to be cowed by harsh words, the food writer took to Instagram on Friday to slam the naysayer with a list of her credentials before boasting about her house

Melissa finished off the tirade by revealing she also co-hosted and judged an old cooking show called The Chef's Line, before boasting about buying her own home with all the money she's made from her successful career

Melissa finished off the tirade by revealing she also co-hosted and judged an old cooking show called The Chef's Line, before boasting about buying her own home with all the money she's made from her successful career.

'FYI, I am writing this while sitting in my house, that I bought all by myself, with my unqualified, ill-gotten gains. Cheers,' she wrote.

Melissa will be hosting MasterChef Australia 2023 alongside Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen.

She has accomplished a long and successful career in the cooking industry as an Australian television host, freelance food writer, radio broadcaster, critic, cookbook editor and marketer.
Ewan McGregor's wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Rosario Dawson both put on elegant displays as they led the stars at the Star Wars Celebration on Saturday.

The wife of the Obi-Wan Kenobi actor, 38, and the actress, 43, showed off their sensational style as they arrived at London's ExCel centre.

Mary cut a smart figure in a long black blazer featuring white lapels and side cut-outs, which she styled with dark trousers.

She completed her suave ensemble with a pair of chunky black boots and simply accessorised with a gold pendant necklace.

The Birds of Prey star styled her brunette locks in a choppy bob and accentuated her natural beauty with a touch of blusher and pink lipstick.

Gorgeous: Ewan McGregor's wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Rosario Dawson both put on elegant displays as they led the stars at the Star Wars Celebration on Saturday

She tied the knot with Star Wars actor Ewan in April 2022 and the pair share a 21-month-old son, Laurie.

And Mary is joining the globally-famous franchise herself as she will star as Captain Hera Syndulla in the upcoming Disney+ series Ahsoka.

Mary was joined at the star-studded event by her co-star Rosario, who starred as Ahsoka Tano in The Mandalorian and will reprise the role for the new spin-off series.

She put on a very glamorous display in a blue halter-neck patterned gown with a keyhole cut-out.

Rosario gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of black pointed heeled boots and swept her braided tresses up into an extravagant up-do.

She bolstered her striking features with a golden smokey-eye make-up palette and a slick of glossy orange lipstick.

Also among the guests at the second day of the Star Wars celebration were the likes of Diana Lee Inosanto, Ivanna Sakhno, Ray Stevenson, Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni.

The glitzy event comes after Lucasfilm announced the Star Wars saga will continue with three brand new films.

Each outing will take place at different stages of the Star Wars timeline with one seeing Daisy Ridley, 33, return to the role of Jedi hero Rey.

Star: Mary was joined at the star-studded event by Rosario, who starred as Ahsoka Tano in The Mandalorian and will reprise the role for spin-off series Ahsoka

All smiles: Mary cut a smart figure in a long black blazer featuring white lapels as she posed with Rosario, Diana Lee Inosanto, Ivanna Sakhno and Natasha Liu Bordizzo

Franchise: She tied the knot with Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor in April 2022 and the pair share a 21-month-old son, Laurie

Glam: Ivanna cut a vibrant figure in a blue ensemble while Diana put on a smart display in olive trousers and a matching waistcoat

Cast: Ivanna is also starring in Ahsoka alongside Ray Stevenson, while Diana starred in The Mandalorian

The actress, first appeared in 2015's The Force Awakens and went on to star in The Last Jedi in 2017, before wrapping up her character in 2019's The Rise of Skywalker.

The movie will be set 15 years on and see the hero, now a master, building a new Jedi order.

Making the announcement at the Star Wars Celebration 2023 on Friday, it was revealed Rey's story would be helmed by Ms Marvel director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

Taking to the stage the filmmaker said: 'I've always been attracted to the hero's journey and the fact that the world needs many more heroes,' adding she has been working with 'a powerful Jedi master' - before revealing Daisy to the audience.

The actress gushed: 'My heart is pounding, I'm very thrilled to be continuing this journey.'

Meanwhile, the other two projects will be directed by James Mangold, fresh from the latest Indiana Jones instalment, and The Mandalorian's Dave Filoni.

Mangold's movie is said to go back to the 'dawn of the Jedi', with Filoni's film following on from The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.

Earlier this year, Daisy responded to whether she would be open to reprising her role in the epic space opera franchise.

Joining Emilia Clarke at Sundance Film Festival the actresses, who both wrapped up their characters' stories in the films, were presented with the question.

For Clarke, she didn't mince words when she shot back with a quick 'no', while Daisy had a different answer when she confessed she would definitely consider returning.

Emilia, 36, played the role of Qi'ra, Han Solo's childhood friend and romantic interest, in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018).

When asked she said: 'I mean no,' with a laugh, according to Indie Wire adding, 'That would be lovely, that would be very nice. I'm genuinely having a wicked time on Marvel, though, they're absolutely brilliant.'

Dapper: Also in attendance was The Mandalorian actor Jon Favreau, who cut a smart figure in black trousers, a dark T-shirt and a grey blazer

Suave: Lars Mikkelsen looked very suave in a three-piece suit while Dave Filoni kept it casual in a graphic black T-shirt and a checkered hooded jacket

Group shot: (L-R) Ray Stevenson, Jon Favreau, Diana Lee Inosanto, Ivanna Sakhno, Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Dave Filoni and Lars Mikkelsen attended the event

Exciting: It comes after Lucasfilm announced the Star Wars saga will continue with three brand new films, with one starring Daisy Ridley, 33, as she returns to the role of Jedi hero Rey

Exciting times: The announcement was made on the first day of the Star Wars Celebration 2023 on Friday, where Daisy stunned in a red dress

Meanwhile, in an interview with IMdB, Daisy confessed she would definitely consider returning to the fold, saying: 'I mean, I'm open to a phone call. I'm looking for employment!'

The actress also spoke to TheWrap about how she has watched the various Star Wars franchise shows on Disney+, and considers herself a big fan.

'I haven't watched all of them, but it's just because of timing and stuff like that. But yeah, I mean the work everyone's doing is amazing,' she shared.

'I worked with Pedro Pascal and I was like, 'This is really cool; he's The Mandalorian.' I still find it all very exciting.'
Gemma Collins spent her Easter at the luxurious 4,000-a-night San Domenico Palace hotel after jetting off to Sicily on Friday.

The former TOWIE star, 42, took to her Instagram as she shared a snap of her sun-soaked surrounding which was the setting of HBO's The White Lotus.

Gemma channelled the show's star Jennifer Coolidge as she slipped into a chic jumpsuit and toted her essentials in a 2,500 Chanel bag.

Shielding her eyes behind oversized shades she made the most of her luxurious stay offering her 2.2M Instagram followers a glimpse of her lavish breakfast before heading out onto the gorgeous veranda.

Serving as the main location for the second season of the hit HBO series, which showcases the lives of rich and famous hotel guests, is a luxury Italian hotel which has its own rich history - which includes an impressive rota of famous guests including Oscar Wilde.

Posh: Posh: Gemma Collins, 43, spent her easter at the luxurious 3,000-a-night San Domenico Palace hotel after jetting off to Sicily on Friday

Style influence: Gemma channelled the show's star Jennifer Coolidge (pictured) as she slipped into a chic jumpsuit and toted her essentials in a 2,500 Chanel bag

The Four Seasons Hotel San Domenico Palace, where a suite can cost upwards of 7,000 a night, is in the Sicilian hilltop town of Taormina beside the Ionian Sea and below an active volcano called Mount Etna.

Located near vineyards, an ancient Greek theatre, medieval villages, it makes a beautiful setting for the fictional White Lotus hotel and spa.

High profile guests visited through the early 1900s, including King Edward VII the second, Baron Rothschild, Oscar Wilde and DH Lawrence.

The hotel's fortunes took a turn in 1943, when it was bombed by the Allies while being used as a headquarters by the German army.

It was several years until the hotel was reopened, in 1926, after the convent, which was almost totally destroyed during the war.

Upon its reopening, it hosted many lavish parties. By the 1950s, many of the most famous stage and screen visited the location, including Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren.

It comes after Gemma revealed she wrecked a 130,000 Lamborghini while filming in Marbella as she shared a behind-the-scenes snap last week.

She reminisced about her time on the Marbella Special in 2014, which followed the Essex gang on their annual holiday.

Glam: Shielding her eyes behind oversized shades she made the most of her luxurious stay

Perfect start:She offered her 2.2M followers a glimpse of her lavish breakfast

Sun-soaked: She then headed out onto the gorgeous veranda

But in scenes that never aired, Gemma admitted she caused 12,000 worth of damage to the luxury motor after taking it for a spin.

The Lamborghini, that was hired by the production team, was in perfect condition in the photos, but the TV personality confessed it didn't stay that way.

She explained: 'A few minutes after this scene I did 12k damage to the car @garylukemc I think you was saying be careful with the car the scenes you dont see he he.'

In the photo, Gemma wore a white and yellow printed kaftan with a pair of high heels and shielded her eyes with some oversized sunglasses.

The Only Way Is Essex cast hit Marbella in June 2014 with Gemma joined by the likes of James Argent, Ferne McCann and Lydia Bright.

Shortly before the show aired, it was reported that the reality TV star ended up scratching the Lamborghini on a wall while whizzing around the town.

Swanky: The Four Seasons Hotel San Domenico Palace (pictured) is a former 14th-century convent, located beside the Ionian Sea and below an active volcano called Mount Etna

Luxury: Rich history: the hotel (pictured) was once a convent, before becoming one of Europe's premiere travel destinations

Funny stuff: he programme, a satirical dramedy, showcases the lives of rich and famous hotel guests (Jennifer Coolidge pictured with actor Jon Gries)

Gemma claims that she didn't notice how close she was driving to the wall because the 'engine was so loud.'

A source told The Sun at the time: 'Gemma was driving the car really confidently going round tight corners but ended up badly scratching it without even realising.

'She claimed the engine was so noisy that she couldn't hear anything. The car hire company was not happy and ended up docking the deposit.'

The business owner starred on the hit reality series from 2011 until 2019, before beginning her own show, Gemma Collins: Diva.

The admission comes after he had viewers in stitches on Sunday, as she competed on The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2023.

The reality star appeared on the show for Stand Up 2 Cancer alongside Jessica Hynes, Tim Key, AJ Odudu.

Oops: It comes after Gemma revealed she wrecked a 130,000 Lamborghini while filming in Marbella as she shared a behind-the-scenes snap last week

Memories: The former TOWIE star reminisced about her time on the Marbella Special in 2014, which followed the Essex gang on their annual holiday (pictured earlier this year)

Gemma began by making a pink Victoria sponge with raspberries and rose icing for her Signature Bake, she soon declared: 'I'm a genius, I'm a cooking genius'.

The former TOWIE star also admitted to a crush on judge Paul Hollywood, calling him 'gorgeous' and confessed: 'He's the only reason I did the show.'

In judging her first cake, Paul called it 'fascinating' and decided it was too 'dry', but Gemma took the hit positively saying: 'He liked my cake!'
Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has stunned a welsh couple by 'gatecrashing' their New York wedding.

Klaire Hodgson and Lynz Tanner, 28, chatted with the Hulk star just moments before their wedding ceremony in Central Park.

The couple, from Gwynedd, had decided to get married in America spontaneously after Klaire flew to a conference in San Francisco then on to an event in New York where Lynz is a bar manager.

Suddenly, Mark Ruffalo, who played Dr Bruce Banner in the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise film The Avengers, came over and said hello.

The couple said it was a 'special' moment on what was already the best day of their lives.

Klaire Hodgson and Lynz Tanner pose for a photo with Hulk star Mark Ruffalo

The pair, from Gwynedd, got married in Central Park, New York

READ MORE: Mark Ruffalo holds hands with wife Sunrise Coigney at When You Finish Saving the World premiere Advertisement

Klaire, a creative director for Animated Technologies, told NorthWalesLive: 'Lynz proposed to me last June and we'd gone through about a million different wedding ideas.

'I said "Why don't we get married in New York?" This was a week before I was leaving for America. I told my parents and some family.'

The couple then did some research and found a wedding official who they arranged to meet for the ceremony.

Klaire said that before the ceremony started Ruffalo 'must have seen what was going on because he detoured over to us.

'Everybody was on the phone call and all of a sudden this guy starts slowly walking over. He stopped and he's saying hello to us and we're saying, "Okay, you alright?"

'I think he was waiting for us to recognise him. I noticed he had a really nice camera and I was thinking oh, he must do photography. But I thought I can't know this guy. I'm in New York, I don't know anyone in New York.

'And she turns around just as he's walking away and said Oh my God! Mark Ruffalo!

'And then he turned round and was like "Hey!" He came back over then. He was absolutely lovely. He was so nice.'

Ruffalo plays Dr Bruce Banner and Hulk in the Marvel cinematic universe

Mark Ruffalo at the She-Hulk premiere in the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles

The star then posed for a photo, but Klaire said: 'I had no idea what to do with my arms. Later he shook my hand about three times and said aw I'm so happy for you. He was so super-nice. He was just a regular guy.'

Looking back, Klaire said: 'It was amazing that we got married in Central Park. It was so magical and the whole day was beautiful and then Mark Ruffalo turning up and being in pictures with us, it did make it extra special.'

Two days before they got married, Klaire got a Batman tattoo on her leg.

On their wedding suits they also had Star Trek 'communication' badges, like in the famous films where the characters can press on them and seemingly talk to other people on the star ship Enterprise.

The couple have decided not to take a honeymoon. They had some time in New York before their wedding and that was their honeymoon, they say.
Elle Fanning turned heads in a radiant ensemble as she stepped out for a shopping trip in Beverly Hills on Friday.

The Great actress, 24, who confirmed her split from The Handmaid's Tale actor Max Minghella earlier this month, will also celebrate her 25th birthday on Easter.

The younger sister of fellow star Dakota Fanning donned an elegant pastel yellow off-the-shoulder dress that was made from a soft, linen material.

For a bit of color contrast to her ensemble, the blonde beauty slipped into a pair of open-toed black pumps as she strolled under the warm sunshine.

Elegant: Elle Fanning, 24, turned heads in a radiant ensemble as she stepped out for a shopping trip in Beverly Hills on Friday

In her left hand, the Hollywood actress held a pastel yellow purse that coincided with the overall color scheme of her outfit, as well as a vibrant red shopping bag.

Elle kept her accessories minimalistic for the day, and added a chunky gold ring on her left hand, as well as a stylish gold watch on her wrist for a flashy touch.

A pair of chic sunglasses were placed atop of her locks, which were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down straight past her shoulders.

During an interview with Vogue last year, the Maleficent actress opened up about her personal sense of fashion. 'I absolutely express myself through clothes. I go through phases, and my mood often dictates what I wear.'

As a fan of icons such as Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe, and also current-day celebrities such as Alexa Chung, the star added, 'I have a real duality in myself  Im very feminine, but also, at the same time, I like things that are a bit edgy and hard too.'

The star also revealed that she is currently single after confirming her split from Max Minghella earlier this month during a cover story for Harper's Bazaar U.K.

The former couple, who had mainly kept their relationship on the private side, first met on set of Teen Spirit (2018), with Fanning taking on the leading role and Minghella directing.

Despite going their separate ways, the beauty expressed to the outlet, 'But Im a hopeless romantic. I believe in love at first sight. Call me crazy, but I believe in those things. I feel that its my destiny.'

The actress had previously hinted at the split when she uploaded a few reels onto her main TikTok page where she tried to predict her love life shortly before Valentine's Day. Both Elle and Max were last publicly seen together in December 2022 while attending the Babylon premiere.

Upcoming celebration: The Great actress will soon celebrate her 25th birthday over the Easter weekend on Sunday, April 9

Split: The star also confirmed her split from Max Minghella earlier this month and that she is currently single during a cover story for Harper's Bazaar U.K.

The Neon Demon star has been looking to the future and will turn 25-years-old later this week on Sunday. 'I do sense Im in another transformation phase right now... sometimes you can just feel youre growing another layer.'

Fanning has been filtering through a busy schedule and will soon appear as Catherine the Great once again in the hit Hulu series, The Great, with the third season slated to premiere on May 12.

On tackling the big role, the star expressed to Harper's Bazaar, 'Ive been playing Catherine in such formative years of my life. Ive grown as a woman alongside her.'

However, initially, she had been 'scared' of portraying a more comedic role, which was something she hadn't done too often. 'I hadnt really done much [comedy], and was very scared at the start.'

'But Im not embarrassed any more, you just have to try, no matter how outrageous something is.'

The star-studded cast in the Emmy-nominated series also includes Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, and Adam Godley.

During the series, Elle became pregnant with Peter III's child, and she opened up about how the experience had made her want children of her own in the future.

Successful series: Fanning has been filtering through a busy schedule and will soon appear as Catherine the Great once again in the hit Hulu series, The Great, with the third season slated to premiere on May 12

Working together: Fanning has a number of other projects up her sleeve, such as starring alongside her sister, Dakota Fanning, in a potential adaptation of the novel titled, Nightingale, written by Kristin Hannah; the sisters seen in March in West Hollywood

'I was obsessed with it. I had a bespoke bump with boobs molded onto me that went all the way up to my neck,' the star explained.

The actress added, 'The costume team told me that this is pretty accurately what my body will look like when Im pregnant... which did feel quite crazy. 'I loved the way it looked. It made me want to do it, to be pregnant.'

Aside from the Hulu show, Fanning has a number of other projects up her sleeve, such as starring alongside her sister, Dakota Fanning, in an adaptation of the novel titled, Nightingale, written by Kristin Hannah.

The official premise follows, 'The lives of two sisters living in France are torn apart at the onset of World War II,' according to an IMDB synopsis. The project, however, has been pushed back since 2021 and is currently still in its pre-production stages.
Priscilla Presley and her granddaughter Riley Keough are back talking after they battled each other for control over Lisa Marie Presley's estate.

Elvis's ex wife Priscilla confirmed that she enjoyed dinner with her granddaughter in Los Angeles before heading to the UK.

Priscilla, two weeks after Lisa Marie's January death, filed paperwork challenging a 2016 amendment to her daughter's will, which removed Priscilla and Lisa Marie's former business manager, Barry Siegel, as co-trustees and named Riley and her brother, Benjamin Keough, as the new co-trustees.

It left Riley as the sole heir. Priscilla detailed that even though the legal case is pending, she and Riley are back speaking.

Elvis's ex wife Priscilla (left) confirmed that she enjoyed dinner with her granddaughter Riley Keough (right) in Los Angeles before heading to the UK. The pair are pictured together in 2016

Two weeks after Lisa Marie's (centre) January death, Priscilla (left) filed paperwork challenging a 2016 amendment to her daughter's will, which removed Priscilla and Lisa Marie's former business manager, Barry Siegel, as co-trustees and named Riley (right) and her brother, Benjamin Keough, as the new co-trustees

Priscilla Presley and Elvis are pictured with their daughter Lisa Marie in 1970

One guest who spoke to Priscilla during An Evening to Remember With Priscilla Presley in the UK, revealed she opened up about her relationship with Riley.

Guest Jackie Howse, who attended the event and a meet-and-greet with Priscilla, confided: 'She was absolutely lovely. [I] wasn't 100 percent sure what to expect ... she was very softly spoken, very gracious.

'Priscilla aired home video footage at her show, before the drama feud with Riley was raised. Priscilla shot down such speculation, confirming to the audience that they had dinner prior to her leaving for the UK.'

Why Priscilla Presley is battling her own granddaughter Riley Keough over Elvis's millions: READ MORE Priscilla Presley holding her son Navarone Anthony Garibaldi, standing alongside her daugther Lisa Marie as Lisa holds her daughter Riley Keough Advertisement

[Priscilla] just said, "You know, I went to dinner with [her] before I came [here],"' Howse shared.

'She said, "Everything's good."'As for a so-called fallout, Howse said Priscilla noted: 'That's not the case at all.'

'They weren't true.' Howse told CBS that Priscilla responded when asked about the feud gossip.

'It was very brief, but she just said, "Don't believe what's been said."'

Howse also said that Priscilla added: 'Riley and I get along well.

'There was another instance where Priscilla became emotional, and that was while discussing Riley and her success on the Prime Video series, Daisy Jones & The Six.

'She came across as being very proud,' Howse said. 'She'd actually said, 'I am really proud of her. Really proud of what she's achieved.'

You could see it in the face, how proud she was with the family.

'This week Lisa Marie's half-brother Navarone, 36, confirmed Priscilla and Riley have reconnected and the trio even dined together late last month in Beverly Hills.

Asked directly on Instagram if the pair are on speaking terms, he insisted: 'Yes they are fine. No feud,' adding: 'We did go to dinner, it went great, it's all good.

'Lisa Marie's close friend The Duchess Of York has also played a The Duchess told US TV producers that she hoped to speak to Riley during a recent visit to LA in a bid to 'pave the way for peace between the two women.'

Currently the legal case remains on track.

Priscilla, 77, recently asked a judge to invalidate the amendment, claiming that she had not been informed of the changes as required by the terms of the trust and suggesting her daughter's signature could have been forged.
Danniella Westbrook has revealed she's begun preparations for her wedding to her jailbird fiance, by heading out shopping for a dress in Turkey.

The EastEnders star, 49, took to Instagram on Friday to share a slew of snaps of glamorous gowns as she enjoyed some window shopping in Istanbul after flying to the country for 'major' surgery.

The star revealed she was engaged to David, 29, who is currently in prison, in April last year.

Danniella also browsed some diamond rings during her shopping trip as she previously said David wanted to buy her a bigger engagement ring.

The actress previously admitted there will be 'many sleepless nights' once her jailbird fiance is released from prison.

Wedding bells! Danniella Westbrook stepped out for some wedding dress shopping in Istanbul, Turkey ahead of her 'major' surgery

Speaking to the Daily Star last May, the soap actress said she is 'living the dream' by dating a younger man.

At the time of her engagement she said: 'I've got a big ring that was made for me, and I wore it into the jail and David said 'it was lovely but it's not big enough' so there is a bigger one coming.'

'He has asked me to marry him but I told him to wait until he gets home. He asks me all the time, he even asked me at the jail. He didn't get down on one knee or anything but he's like 'we are getting married you know.'

David is serving time in prison for counterfeit goods and engaging in a 'fight with someone', by her own admission.

However, In January Danniella hinted at a split from her David, who has never been pictured, after six years together with a cryptic comment.

She raised suspicion during a reading with psychic Louisa Earth Angel on an Instagram Live.

When the medium mentioned prison during the reading, Danniella refused to talk about her partner, according to The Sun.

Louisa started off by hinted at bad blood as she predicted that Danniella could open up 'old wounds' soon.

Stunning! The EastEnders star, 49, took to Instagram on Friday to share a slew of snaps of glamorous gowns as she enjoyed some window shopping

Bride to be! The star even stopped to look at some stunning satin dressing gowns with bride written on the back for her big day

Danniella also browsed the diamond rings during her shopping trip as she previously said David wanted to buy her a bigger engagement ring

Tough: Danniella's 'toyboy' David, 29, - who has never been pictured - is serving time in prison for counterfeit goods and engaging in a 'fight with someone', by her own admission

Louisa said: 'There is going to be a text from somebody in the next 14 days, which is going to open up old wounds for you. So you must handle that with apprehension. Okay, okay. apprehension, that's all I'll say.'

She then went on 'I keep looking at the programme Porridge. And I don't know why but I need to give you that as well.'

Danniella then replied: 'Prison probably, it was in prison wasn't it Porridge?'

To which Louisa confirmed: 'Yeah, Porridge is in prison.'

But Danniella appeared to not want to go into more detail when the psychic was giving the information.

Her wedding dress shopping comes after the star spent several weeks preparing herself for another surgery with a relaxing break in Portugal.

Danniella had previously shared her plans to have more facial surgery on the NHS after being quoted 500,000 by a private surgeon.

The actress has undergone various reconstructive operations in a bid to fix her 'collapsing' face due to her previous cocaine addiction and osteoporosis.

Revealing she was heading to hospital for her surgery, Danniella shared an image of a motivational quote which read: 'This comeback is personal, it's an apology to myself.'

In the caption, she added: 'Major surgery in 24 hours it's all about my time now #westie.'

Danniella had previously revealed she needed five operations to correct her 'collapsing' face due to a previous cocaine addiction and osteoporosis, and was planning to have it done on the NHS.

The star insists that she needs the surgery to 'survive' and that it isn't for 'vanity' but purely for health reasons after her septum collapsed from excessive drug use in 2002.

She told The Sun: 'I've spent the last seven years trying to get somebody to do it, but they said no in case it failed and they got struck off.

'Plastic surgeons wanted 500,000 to change my face, so I thought I was never going to get it done. It was only because I went into intensive care before Christmas.

'I couldn't breathe because I had a cold. There was a build up of fluid and after I fell asleep I couldn't wake up properly and ended up in ICU.

'I was sent over to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool and it's only because I was put in front of the right doctors, or else I'd still be waiting now to find someone. 'They're doing it for me under the NHS now.'

Danniella previously underwent a rib insertion procedure in 2018, after osteoporosis rotted away her cheekbones and gums and, after spending the last year getting lip filler and Botox, in addition to surgery on her face, she is hoping to get back to her best.

Not long now! The EastEnders star took to Instagram on Wednesday to share that it was 'about time' she was undergoing the facial procedure

Living it up! Ahead of her surgery, Danniella has been soaking up the sunshine on a relaxing break in Portugal

Damage: Danniella previously revealed she needs five operations to correct her 'collapsing' face due to a previous cocaine addiction and osteoporosis

Tough: The actress' battle with drugs has been well-publicised, and she famously had her nose reconstructed after her septum collapsed from excessive cocaine use in 2002 (pictured left in 2009 and right this year)

In April Danniella stepped out with a bandage over her nose after another procedure.

The actress' battle with drugs has been well-publicised, and she famously had her nose reconstructed after her septum collapsed from excessive cocaine use in 2002.

At the height of her use it was reported she would take up to five grams of cocaine a day, blowing close to 250,000 on the drug.

The star has since embarked on multiple rehab stints in order to battle her demons - and revealed she was finally clean in June 2021, after attending a clinic in Mijas, Spain.

Danniella first appeared in EastEnders in 1990 at the age of 16 and acted on the soap for three years.

She returned in 1996 but her time was cut short when her off-screen behaviour got her sacked.

She returned again shortly after, but was axed again in 2000 after further disruptive behaviour, admitting she blew 100k on cocaine at the time.

The part was recast between 2002 and 2005, and played by Kim Medcalf, but Danniella returned to the role once more in 2009 until 2010.

She was back once more in 2016 for the storyline surrounding on-screen mother Peggy Mitchell's death, which is to date her final appearance.
Martin McDonagh has revealed he may use his will to ensure there are no Roald Dahl-style posthumous edits to his work.

The acclaimed playwright, 53, told how some theatre companies have refused to put on productions of his plays because he refused language changes to make the performances more 'palatable'.

The filmmaker, who wrote and directed The Banshees of Inisherin, described the practice of writers being asked to change what they have written for sensitivity-related reasons 'problematic'.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Martin said: 'That's why I've got to make sure in my will, the wording of that is very, very specific too.

'A theatre has got every right not to put a play on. The major problem is that they ask you or another writer to change it to make it more palatable to them or what they think their audience is.'

Work: Martin McDonagh has revealed he may use his will to ensure there are no Roald Dahl-style posthumous edits to his work (picutred in February 2023)

Changes: The playwright's words come after it emerged that Roald Dahl's beloved children's books are being rewritten by sensitivity gurus to remove language they deem offensive

He added: 'It is much more problematic I think now than it has been for many years.

'I think what one of your characters says shouldn't be mistaken for what the author of the line says, and I think that's something that's being stupidly blurred by different groups with an axe to grind.'

Speaking about the efforts to change his own works, Martin said: 'Only in the past few years have I had theatre companies refuse to do my plays, because they don't like some of the wording in them.'

Martin's 2003 play The Pillowman, about a writer imprisoned by a totalitarian state, will have a West End run in June with Steve Pemberton and Lily Allen appearing.

PEN International, a worldwide association of writers, has launched a partnership with the upcoming production.

Announcing the partnership, they said: 'We are proud to be working with this production of The Pillowman, and participate in this ambitious project that supports many of the values we promote such as the need for tolerance, critical thinking and informed debate.'

The playwright's words come after it emerged that Roald Dahl's beloved children's books are being rewritten by sensitivity gurus to remove language they deem offensive.

Publisher Puffin hired sensitivity readers to rewrite chunks of the author's text to make sure the books 'can continue to be enjoyed by all today', resulting in extensive changes across Dahl's work.

Language: Martin told how some theatre companies have refused to put on productions of his plays because he refused language changes to make the performances more 'palatable' (pictured with Colin Farrell)

Considerable edits have been made to descriptions of the characters' physical appearance - the new editions no longer use the word 'fat' which has been cut from every book, The Telegraph reported.

Augustus Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory can now only be described as 'enormous'.

Hundreds of changes were made to the original text, extinguishing Dahl's colourful and memorable descriptions, some over fifty years old, to make his characters less grotesque.

Mrs Twit's 'fearful ugliness' has been chopped to 'ugliness' and Mrs Hoppy in Esio Trot is not an 'attractive middle-aged lady' but a 'kind middle-aged lady'.

Gender is also eliminated with books no longer referring to 'female' characters.

Miss Trunchbull in Matilda, once a 'most formidable female', is now a 'most formidable woman', while her 'great horsey face' is now called 'her face'.

Oompa-Loompas who were once 'small men' are now 'small people' and Fantastic Mr Fox's three sons have become daughters.

Edits: Extensive changes have been made to the works of Roald Dahl, including the Oompa Loompas in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory being made gender-neutral

Passages not written by the late author, who died in 1990, have also been added by the publisher to complete their new editions.

In The Witches, a paragraph describing them as bald under their wigs is followed shortly by a new line: 'There are plenty of other reasons why women might wear wigs and there is certainly nothing wrong with that.'

A witch posing as a 'cashier in a supermarket' now works as a 'top scientist' and Matilda reads Jane Austen instead of Rudyard Kipling.

Mental health was another focal point for sensitivity readers with the words 'crazy' and 'mad', which Dahl used in a comic fashion, removed from his books.

The Big Friendly Giant in The BFG no longer wears a black cloak and characters cannot turn 'white with fear', as the words 'black' and 'white' no longer exist in the new editions.

Elsewhere, the Cloud-Men in James and the Giant Peach are now known as 'Cloud-People'.

Changes were made by Puffin and the Roald Dahl Story Company - bought by Netflix in 2021 for a reported 500 million.

But the review began in 2020 when the company was still run by the Dahl family who, the same year, apologised for the author's anti-semitic statements.

Dahl, a fighter pilot during the Second World War, is one of the best-selling children's authors in history with more than 250 million books sold.

Alterations: The Big Friendly Giant in The BFG no longer wears a black cloak as the words 'black' and 'white' no longer exist in the new editions

Language: In the new version of The Twits, Mrs Twit's 'fearful ugliness' has been chopped to 'ugliness'

Edit: Mrs Hoppy in Esio Trot is no longer an 'attractive middle-aged lady' but a 'kind middle-aged lady'

Changes: Miss Trunchbull in Matilda, once a 'most formidable female', is now a 'most formidable woman'

According to The Telegraph, Matthew Dennison, Dahl's biographer said the author carefully chose his vocabulary, he said: 'I'm almost certain that he would have recognised that alterations to his novels prompted by the political climate were driven by adults rather than children.'

Problems with the content of Dahl's children's book were heightened in 2020 when a Hollywood version of The Witches received backlash after the Grand Witch, played by Anne Hathaway, had a finger missing from each hand.

Paralympians and charities said it was offensive to the limb-difference community and Warner Bros was forced to issue an apology.

In the latest edition of The Witches, 59 changes have been made to avoid offence, such as the phrases 'You must be mad, woman!' and 'great flock of ladies' being changed to 'You must be out of your mind!' and 'great group of ladies'.

Elsewhere, the passage which reads: 'I do not wish to speak badly about women. Most women are lovely. But the fact remains that all witches are women. There is no such thing as a male witch' has been changed to 'A witch is always a woman. There is no such thing as a male witch.'

In Esio Trot, a joke about the book's backwards title has been cut: 'Tortoises are very backward creatures. Therefore they can only understand words that are written backwards' has been changed to: 'They can only understand words that are written backwards'.

Meanwhile the book's new edition no longer says that tortoises come 'mostly from North Africa' but from 'many different countries'.

Not even Quentin Blake's famous illustrations of the books have escaped edits from earlier editions, such Charlie and the Chocolate Factory's Mike Teavee's toy pistols being removed by 2022.

Puffin and the Roald Dahl Story Company made the latest changes in conjunction with Inclusive Minds, which its spokesperson describes as 'a collective for people who are passionate about inclusion and accessibility in children's literature'.

Beloved: Dahl is one of the most successful children's authors ever, with 250 million copies of his books sold

A spokesperson for the Roald Dahl Story Company said: 'We want to ensure that Roald Dahl's wonderful stories and characters continue to be enjoyed by all children today.

'When publishing new print runs of books written years ago, it's not unusual to review the language used alongside updating other details including a book's cover and page layout. Our guiding principle throughout has been to maintain the storylines, characters, and the irreverence and sharp-edged spirit of the original text. Any changes made have been small and carefully considered.

'As part of our process to review the language used we worked in partnership with Inclusive Minds, a collective for people who are passionate about inclusion and accessibility in children's literature. The current review began in 2020, before Dahl was acquired by Netflix. It was led by Puffin and Roald Dahl Story Company together.'

Organisations such as Inclusive Minds have sprung up to help publishers navigate these newly choppy waters.

Alexandra Strick, a co-founder of Inclusive Minds, says they 'aim to ensure authentic representation, by working closely with the book world and with those who have lived experience of any facet of diversity'.
Ariana Madix was quick to join crowds loudly chanting 'F*** Tom!' as she enjoyed a girls night out with Vanderpump Rules pals Scheana Shay and Katie Maloney at Emo Nite in Hollywood on Friday.

The TV personality, 37, who notably ended her relationship with Tom Sandoval last month following his cheating scandal with Raquel Leviss, could be seen standing up on the stage yelling along with the audience in videos obtained by DailyMail.com.

At one point, the blonde beauty herself threw her arms up into the air while showing off her middle fingers and flashing a big grin as the bright lights shone down on her.

Madix was not alone, and was surrounded by both Scheana and Katie, and once the chanting died down, Emo Nite founder TJ Petracca gave a shoutout to the trio and added, 'God, he wishes he was as cool as these girls,' referencing to Tom.

Joining in: Ariana Madix, 37, was quick to join crowds loudly chanting 'F*** Tom!' as she enjoyed a girls night out with Vanderpump Rules pals Scheana Shay and Katie Maloney at Emo Nite in Hollywood on Friday

Support: Following the cheating scandal, Ariana has looked on the positive side and has received from her VPR co-stars since the split

Moving on! The TV personality, who notably ended her relationship with Tom Sandoval last month following his cheating scandal with Raquel Leviss, could be seen standing up on the stage yelling along with the audience in videos obtained by DailyMail.com

The entire cast was recently united at the reunion taping late last month, and Shay revealed that Madix 'assassinated' Raquel during a heated exchange.

In another short clip, the trio could be seen dancing along to a few tracks on the stage, and later joined in to sing along to a rock version of Kelly Clarkson's hit breakup song, Since U Been Gone.

Scheana also jumped to her Instagram stories to document their girls night out, and first shared a mirror selfie of herself donning an oversized, black sweatshirt that had, 'Every Nite Is VPR Nite,' printed in white lettering on the front, referencing to the hit Bravo show, Vanderpump Rules.

She slipped into a pair of over-the-knee, black heeled boots for a sultry flare to the overall look. The star then shared a short clip as she toasted tasty drinks as she enjoyed dinner with a large group of close friends.

Shay also reposted a quick selfie Katie had snapped that showed the trio sporting the same, matching black hoodies ahead of attending the music event.

Scheana then posted a clip when they were at Emo Nite, and as they stood among the boisterous crowd, Ariana sent a happy smile towards the camera.

The stars soon jumped onto the stage to play their own set of tracks for the audience, which included songs such as Gives You Hell by The All-American Rejects.

Madix could be seen standing in between Scheana and Katie while sporting a pair of stylish black shades as they danced the night away to the music.

Girls night! Scheana also jumped to her Instagram stories to document their girls night out, and first shared a mirror selfie of herself donning an oversized, black sweatshirt that had, 'Every Nite Is VPR Nite,' on the front

Ready for the night: Shay also reposted a quick selfie Katie had snapped that showed the trio sporting the same, matching black hoodies ahead of attending the music event

Happy: Scheana then posted a clip when they were at Emo Nite, and as they stood in the boisterous crowd, Ariana sent a happy smile towards the camera

Dancing to tunes: Madix could be seen standing in between Scheana and Katie while sporting a pair of stylish black shades as they danced the night away to the music

Teamed up: The main Instagram page for Emo Nite also shared a clip of the trio dancing the night away while also adding the hashtag, '#teamariana'

Emo Nite's main Instagram page also shared a video of the trio as they sang along to a track, and added the hashtag '#teamariana' to show support of the star since her split, which Shay also reposted onto her own stories.

Ariana later reposted a video of the trio singing and dancing on the stage, and humorously added the caption, 'your new favorite girls group,' while also tagging both Scheana and Katie.

Maloney shared a snap from the event that was taken from behind and showed Kate and Ariana as they stood on top of the DJ table, with Scheana standing below them. The crowd could also be seen in the background cheering on the reality stars.

'Holy Emo.. this night was a trip. And also an honor thank you @emonite for an incredible night! Lets do it again like so many more times.'

The outing comes shortly after VPR star, Lala Kent, opened up about seeing Ariana for the first time since news broke of her split with Tom and the affair.

While talking on her Give Them Lala podcast earlier this week, she had stated, 'When I saw Ariana for the first time since all this happened, she said to me, 'It now makes sense how you lost so much weight. It is a different kind of pain.'

The mother of one, whose relationship with Randall Emmett ended after he was accused of cheating on her, further added, 'Its a gut-wrenching sadness that you cant explain.'

Although the two stars had split earlier last month in March, TMZ reported that Madix and Sandoval are still currently living in the same house in Valley Village.

Showing support: Emo Nite's main Instagram page also shared a video of the trio as they sang along to a track, and added the hashtag '#teamariana' to show support of the star since her split

Making memories: Ariana later reposted a video of the trip singing and dancing on the stage, and humorously added the caption, 'your new favorite girls group,' while also tagging both Scheana and Katie

Exciting: Maloney shared a snap taken during the event that was taken from behind the trio as Kate and Ariana stood on top of the DJ table, with Scheana standing below them

The tracks! Katie jumped to her Instagram stories to reveal the track list that she had played with her VPR co-stars during Emo Nite

Staying strong: The outing comes shortly after VPR star, Lala Kent, opened up about seeing Ariana for the first time since news broke of her split with Tom and the affair

'Sandoval won't leave the house. I don't know if he will now, but for a very long time he was like, 'I plan on being here all week and I plan on using every room in the house,' Kent later claimed.

Following the cheating scandal, Ariana has looked on the positive side and has received continuous support from her VPR co-stars since the split.

Scheana recently shared a snap of herself posing with a smiling Madix as they gazed towards the camera. In a caption added at the top of the photo, Shay, who is married to Brock Davies, simply penned, 'she's thriving,' followed by a fire emoji.

Ariana herself has also expressed her 'gratitude' for the support she has received 'from friends, family, and people I've never met...' in a post she uploaded last month, breaking her silence on the scandal.

She has also garnered nominations for the upcoming 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards, which will be held next month on May 7.

Along with receiving a Best Docu-Reality Series nod for Vanderpump Rules, Ariana, Katie, Scheana and also Lala have been nominated for Best Reality On-Screen Team.

The Tom and Raquel cheating scandal has brought Ariana close with most of her VPR castmates, and has also reconciled a few co-stars.

Matching: The trio paused for a quick photo with Emo Nite founder, TJ Petracaa, who also wore a matching hoodie with the VPR stars

Funny pose: Shay also shared a picture of herself and her husband, Brock Davies, as they sent funny faces towards the camera during the night out

By her side: After news of the cheating scandal was unveiled earlier last month, a number of VPR cast members jumped to Ariana's side to show support

Positive: Scheana recently shared a snap of herself posing with a smiling Madix as they gazed towards the camera and added the caption, 'she's thriving' at the top

Fun times: Later on Saturday, Scheana jumped to her social media to upload an additional slew of photos and caption the series as, 'Watch out James Kennedy, theres a new DJ in town @emonite,' followed by a black heart emoji

Singing with the crowd: The trio were seen standing next to the DJ booth and singing along to tracks with the large audience

Recent reunion: The entire VPR cast was recently united at the reunion taping late last month, and Shay revealed that Madix 'assassinated' Raquel during a heated exchange

Cheating scandal: Ariana ended her nearly ten-year relationship with Tom earlier last month in March after finding an intimate FaceTime video between him and Raquel on his phone

Both Katie and Scheana have officially followed each other on Instagram following their rather turbulent relationship and feud, reported the SURRULES Instagram account on Saturday.

Most recently, drama occurred between the two stars when Katie accused Scheana of setting up Raquel and her ex-husband, Tom Schwartz, at her wedding to Brock Davies last year in 2022. Katie was notably not in attendance at the nuptials.

However, the feud appears to have cooled down since the two were seen having a blast at Emo Nite, and now also follow each other on Instagram once again.

Later on Saturday, Scheana jumped to her social media to upload an additional slew of photos and captioned the series as, 'Watch out James Kennedy, theres a new DJ in town @emonite,' followed by a black heart emoji.
Guitarist Ian Bairnson has sadly died at aged 69, following a battle of at least five-years with dementia.

The musician was known for performing on Kate Bush's 1978 hit Wuthering Heights and being a member of rock bands The Alan Parsons Project and Pilots.

In a post shared by his wife, Leila, on Saturday, she confirmed that Ian had passed away on Friday, April 7.

Describing his battle with the syndrome as 'long' and 'challenging', she dubbed her late husband the 'sweetest' and 'kindest'.

Sharing a picture with Ian to Instagram, Leila wrote: 'It is with deep sadness and regret that I let you know that my loving husband Ian Bairnson has passed away on Friday 7th April.'

Tragic: Guitarist Ian Bairnson has died this week at aged 69 following a 'challenging' battle with dementia

Band member: Ian was a member of Scottish rock band Pilots (pictured in 1975) and The Alan Parsons Project

'Ian was the sweetest, kindest, loving husband I could ever have wished for and I take comfort that he is resting now up there in his very own piece of Blue Blue Sky.

'Although Ian has left us, his musical legacy stays with us and will continue to delight and brighten our lives, as it did his, forever.'

Continuing to thank medical professionals for their help, she added: 'I would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Frimley Park Hospital, the managers and carers at Lynwood Care Home and our families and close friends for the love and support they have provided us during these challenging years of Ians long battle with dementia. '.

Hailing from Lerwick, a town in Scotland's Shetland Islands, the musician was a member of The Alan Parsons Project between 1975 and 1990.

Created by Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson, they were joined by guitarist Ian, arranger Andrew Powell, bassist/vocalist David Paton, drummer Stuart Elliott and vocalists Zenny Zakatek and Chris Rainbow.

Ian was also a member of Scottish rock band Pilots, and boasted a very famous solo in Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights.

But despite the song's popularity, he wasn't actually a fan of the famed solo - admitting in years to come that his distaste for it was purely 'guitarist reasons'.

Ian stopped performing back in 2018, when it was announced that he had been diagnosed with a 'progressive neurological condition'.

Tough: In a post shared by his wife, Leila, on Saturday, she confirmed that Ian had passed away on Friday, April 7

Iconic song: While he also boasted a very famous solo in Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights

In a statement posted to his facebook page, it was revealed: 'I and Ian's family would like to make you aware that he has been diagnosed a while ago with a progressive neurological condition which affects his communication skills.

'As a result he will not be playing in public in future, although he still plays guitar and piano daily for his own pleasure. We would like to thank you for your loyal support through the years and to assure you that he is otherwise very healthy and receiving good care.'

In his personal life, Ian was married to wife Leila for what would have been 24 years this May, embarking on a relationship two years prior to their wedding.

The pair don't appear to share any children, but often shared pictures with their beloved pets, dog Dolly and cat Poppy, to social media.
Victoria and David Beckham are reportedly set to join their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Petlz for an Easter dinner over the weekend.

The married couple are said to be reuniting with their daughter-in-law's billionaire family at their 76M Palm Beach mansion for the dinner, which is being described as a 'peace summit'.

Following their lavish wedding last year, Brooklyn and Nicola appear keen to celebrate their first year of marriage with both sides of the family around.

And the occasion could end any rumours of a feud within the family once and for all, after they all appeared united last month for Brooklyn's 24th birthday - but left some fans still questioning whether there was a rift.

In the year since the aspiring chef and his heiress wife's lavish nuptials, the family has been plagued with rumours of a fallout between the latter and mother-in-law Victoria.

Reunion: David and Victoria Beckham are reportedly set to be hosted by son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola for an Easter dinner at the Peltz family's 76M mansion this weekend

Hosts: They are said to be reuniting with their daughter-in-law's billionaire family at their 76M Palm Beach mansion for the dinner, which is being described as a 'peace summit'

United: And the occasion could end any rumours of a feud within the family once and for all, after they all appeared united last month for Brooklyn's 24th birthday - but left some fans still questioning whether there was a rift

And now, according to The Sun, it'll be a big family Easter for the Beckham brood as they join the Peltz's over the weekend, with Brooklyn and Nicola returning from their trip to Tokyo for the holiday.

An insider told the publication: 'The couple have spent the last few days in Tokyo but wanted to gather both families in Palm Beach for a low-key Easter Sunday dinner to commemorate their first year as a married couple.'

MailOnline has contacted a representative for the Beckhams for comment.

Victoria and David have been spending time in the US over recent weeks, joined by their two youngest children, Cruz, 18, and Harper Seven, 11.

And with their eldest son based so near, the celebration appears to work out perfect for the clan.

They last reunited in March for Victoria's catwalk show during the city's Fashion Week, which also coincided with Brooklyn's birthday later that week.

Celebrating as a family, the fashion designer was supported by her husband and children for the show. While they enjoyed a day out in the French capital for Brooklyn's birthday celebrations.

The united few days came after months of feud speculation between Victoria and her daughter-in-law.

Families together: Following their lavish wedding last year, Brooklyn and Nicola appear keen to celebrate their first year of marriage with both sides of the family around ( Brooklyn and Nelson Peltz)

All together: According to The Sun , it'll be a big family Easter for the Beckham brood as they join the Peltz's over the weekend

Squashed: The occasion could end any rumours of a feud within the family once and for all

Nicola tied the knot with Brooklyn in a lavish ceremony back in April 2022, sporting a beautiful custom Valentino dress.

But the designer choice raised a few eyebrows as many questioned why the bride didn't wear a design by her mother-in-law, and rumours began to circulate that 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?'

'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 added: '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.'

But despite brushing off the rumours with recent shows of support, some fans have still been speculating that there is a feud after Nicola uploaded a sassy clip of her miming the lyrics to Lola Young's Don't Hate Me - just days after their reunion at Paris Fashion Week.

Rocky: In the year since the wedding, Victoria and Nicola have been plagued by rumours of a feud

Sharing the video to Instagram, Nicola's followers questioned if the clip was aimed at her mother-in-law.

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 for 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.
Paloma Picasso, the last of Pablo Picasso's four children, born of his union out of wedlock with Francoise Gilot, described Friday on France Inter the "heavy but full of love" legacy of her father, whose 50th anniversary is commemorated on Saturday. death.

Asked about the legacy of the monument to world painting, a cause of "suffering" for many of its descendants, "I would say it's heavy but there was a lot of love behind it," replied the wife of 73-year-old businesswoman.

The one who has built an image of fashion icon with red lips and smoky eyes, creator of perfumes, dresses and fashion accessories, called her relationship with her father, for whom she posed, "absolutely magical and wonderful" during her childhood.

"A very quiet little girl", she was "allowed" to stay in the workshop of the master, an inveterate smoker of Gitane, who made her "little characters to color" with the empty packets. In 1963, as a teenager, his mother's book, Living with Picasso, appeared, where Francoise Gilot described the painter as a "tyrannical, superstitious and selfish being".

Best-seller in the United States, it will be rejected in France, where intellectuals sign a petition against its publication in French. "Lots of people I've known stop saying hello to me. It teaches you what life is like very, very young. I'm not allowed to go see my dad anymore," which is "very painful," she recalled.

It was "not a book against Picasso, it humanized Picasso. It was a positive thing for me because making him like an inescapable god was a way to dehumanize him and make him less interesting, she added.

At this time, Paloma Picasso was "evicted", along with her older brother Claude, from the life of their 83-year-old father, and his last companion, Jacqueline Roque, "furious", according to her.

As French law initially did not authorize the recognition of births outside of marriage, the children of Francoise Gilot and their half-sister Maya (daughter of Picasso and Marie-Therese Walter) only belatedly, thanks to a legislative change. , the name of their father, who remained married to Olga Khokhlova until 1955, after the birth of Paloma and Claude.

Francoise Gilot, 101 years old and baptized by Picasso "the woman who says no", is the only one of her companions to have left him to pursue her own career as a painter in the United States.
It is the only Indian political party thats free from ideological slavery and has no qualms about being steadfast on familiar pro-Hindu urges

An undeclared war is going on in India in the name of discussion or narrative., which is purely political. Politics is nothing but a brief reflection of society. In discussion, this reflection can be somewhat small or large according to the subject and time. If we look at the BJPs politics as a social reflection, we get freedom from ideological restrictions, taboos and limitations. From an ideological point of view, BJP is the only Indian political party that is free from ideological slavery. The BJP is steadfast and Atal like Angad on its familiar pro-Hindu urges.

BJP has become an innovative confluence of new and old. RSS has given us a vast and free ideological canvas of politics through BJP. We  India's political, non-political and even BJP people  are not able to fully express BJP's politics in the right words. This depersonalisation is not because of the BJPs leadership or the critics of the BJP's lack of words or understanding. Non-BJP people are crooked magicians of words. This personalisation is because BJP's goal of all-inclusiveness, all-perception and all-pervading is presented to us with rapid changes in the society.

It is unquestionably accepted by all that in the last three decades, especially in the last decade, India has covered hundreds of years of change. The ideological apparatus of the BJP has become the biggest Indian institutional fertile framework to gently, rapidly and acutely express these social changes. The BJP gets this gentleness from the Sangh. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya's principle of Ekatm Manavwad is the machine to accept this gentleness from the Sangh. BJP has learned very well both to protect its backbone and to stay on its backbone. This is the process of photosynthesis of the banyan tree called BJP.

Broadly speaking, there are four streams of politics in India: BJP, Congress, Left and Socialism. The BJP itself is a stream derived from the RSS Parivar. It did not create any dummies or surrogates of its own. The remaining three political ideas continue to deceive by producing dummies. Like Congress to Trinamool Congress of Mamata Banarji or NCP of Sharad Pawar. Congress, Leftists and Socialists produced less positive discussions but in negative discussions, these people have become master of masters.

People often say one thing after the BJP has come to power on a large scale; Hey, it's not a "Party with a Difference anymore. The Opposition may say this for their comfort and enjoyment, but BJP is still a "Party with Difference"!! Crores of workers from various parties have come and joined the BJP, lakhs of office bearers, and thousands of MPs and MLAs have come and joined the BJP; But did the BJP leave Ayodhya? Or Kashmir? Or Common Civil Code? If you check the discussions and narratives developed by all Indian parties in the last one or two decades, you will know that from the ideological point of view, the rest of the parties have adopted a comfortable zone, but the BJP has not given up its tough ideological insistence. Even today, the BJP is standing steadfast on its Sanghi pole, on Ekatm, on Antyodaya, on Ayodhya, on the Uniform Civil Code and many other uncomfortable subjects. On the other hand, other parties do not want to make their ideological base these days.

They change their views, families and base. Congress has gone bitter by being Communist. Communists are pretending to be Islamists. Don't know what the Communist Socialists are doing. Abandoning Indianness is a big word, but I am placing before you some social contexts of the period after Congress clamped Emergency.

Describing tribals as separate from Hindus, making some communities separate religions or minorities, changing the court's decision in the Shah Bano Case, one country two legislations, Arya-Anarya's Issue, describing Ram Mandir as Sangh BJP's office, calling Shriram as imaginary, arrest of Shankaracharya on the night of Diwali, calling Covid vaccine as BJP's vaccine, opposition to vaccine diplomacy, Naxalism, Khalistan, Bodo, Maoism, Article 370, Pandit-less Kashmir, anti-Hindi politics in the south, separation of northeastern states, India's relations with China, et al.

There are other issues such as tilting towards China in a dispute. On this and many other issues like these, the so-called intellectual and progressive political elements of India have always behaved contrary to the basic spirit of the nation. These people keep celebrating the sacrifice of 75 CRPF soldiers of CRPF while fighting the Naxalites. After doing all these tricks, when these different political parties try to unite for the attainment of power, then a lot of humour arises.

A pair of snake-mongoose and dog-cat-rat is made and the support of the society is sought. Does society think about whom it should support? Seeing a dog, if you support it, it will eat the cat; if you give it to a cat, it will eat a rat; if you give it to a rat, it will gnaw at the country. The question is really huge and begs serious consideration.

(The writer is the official language advisor to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of India, Raj Bhasha)
Social contracts must be updated to reflect the evolving nature of the workforce, and protection systems modified to fit a dynamic job market

There have been umpteen deliberate attempts to deconstruct the flow of globalisation. It is often done through localization and post-neoliberalism. Now, it is reverse globalization. Recently, the decision by Air India to buy its aircraft from Airbus and Boeing is an illustration of reverse globalisation. Air India recently unveiled deals for a record 470 jets from Airbus and Boeing, accelerating the rebirth of a national emblem under new owners, the Tata Group. Europe and the United States have hailed deepening economic and political ties with New Delhi. It happens when governments are in crisis and giant corporations are on the brink of bankruptcy. There are mass layoffs, sector-wide closures, and even complete closures of some companies.

Reverse globalisation, also known as deglobalisation, is a process that causes the production of goods and services to move closer to the point of consumption. Costs and carbon footprint can be decreased through this process, preserving jobs. What motivates Air India to resort to reverse globalisation? The choice seems to have an economic justification. Air India can anticipate significant cost savings in terms of logistics, labour, and technology transfer by purchasing from Airbus and Boeing.

The fact that Boeing and Airbus will have to transfer technology to build the aircraft has advantages for the Indian aerospace industry as well. This will help increase the capabilities and capacity of Indian aerospace companies, which will result in higher exports.

There are added reasons which resonate with the flow of reverse globalization. Another regional Indian airline, Indigo, placed a $33 billion order with Airbus for 300 aircraft. This suggests that other Indian businesses might reproduce Air India and benefit from the potential advantages that reverse globalisation may offer. India will gain from the newest technology, job opportunities, and sustainable economic growth thanks to reverse globalisation.

Reverse globalisation has several benefits. The choice has strategic implications as well because it is likely to strengthen ties between India, Europe, and the US. The strong economic ties that are anticipated to emerge as a result of this agreement may one day result in political and diplomatic ties. It is quite apparent that economic growth has been mediocre which is plagued by several factors in Europe. This took place at a time when economies were going through a lot of change. What are the forces driving change, how are they influencing the dynamics of growth, and what do these things mean for policy are the questions to be thoroughly probed for correct answers.

Productivity & investment decline shift

The primary long-term driver of economic growth is productivity. Innovation made possible by technology is the main driver of rising productivity. However, despite the explosive growth of digital technologies, productivity growth has paradoxically slowed. It has generally been less than half the pace of the previous 15 years among advanced economies over the last 15 or so years. Although technologically advanced companies have seen significant productivity gains, these gains have not had a strong impact on productivity, generally. The outcomes of the new technologies have a history of being winner-take-most. Market structures have become less competitive, dominant firms have increased their market power, and business dynamism has decreased.

Dynamism in labour market

The Labour Market cannot be scot-free when technologies keep on hammering the labour market. The labour markets are being significantly impacted by technology. Labour demand is shifting away from routine low- to middle-level skills towards higher-level and more sophisticated analytical, technical, and managerial skills as a result of automation and digital advancements. On the supply side, workers access to complementary skills has lagged, which has obstructed the wider diffusion of innovation within economies. The race against technology has vanished with the incorporation of education and training. The issue of an ageing population affects the majority of major economies. To achieve economic growth, these trends place an even greater emphasis on productivity and the technological advancements that support it.

Inequity and the dichotomy

Additionally, growth has become less inclusive and restless. In most developed countries, including the United States, income inequality has been increasing. In some of these countries, the increase has been particularly pronounced. A decline in the income shares of labour and an increase in wage inequality have been attributed to new technologies that favour capital and higher-level skills. They have also been linked to industry structures that are more concentrated and dominant firms' high economic rents. The distribution of both labour and capital income has gotten worse, with income shifting from labour to capital. Political polarisation and social tension have increased as a result of rising inequality and mounting job anxiety. Numerous nations have seen a rise in populism. The onus is on us on how and what we should do and adopt for the betterment.

Narratives in growth pathways

Choosing machines over men has been a vital question. Even though income disparity has increased within many nations, it has decreased between nations as faster-growing emerging economies close the income gap with advanced economies. New technological challenges are presented by this economic convergence. Emerging economies' comparative advantage in labour-intensive production, based on their sizable pools of low-skill, low-wage workers, has been the dominant driver of convergence. With the automation of low-skill work, this comparative advantage is eroding, necessitating the creation of alternative growth pathways in line with technological change.

The 4IR, robotics and AI

As artificial intelligence, cutting-edge robotics, and cyber-physical systems advance the digital revolution, technological change that is reshaping growth will only accelerate. What has been dubbed the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) may be just around the corner. Additionally, globalisation is becoming more digital, undergoing a change known as "Globalisation 4.0" which is analogous to 4IR.

Digital technology advancements have a great deal of potential to accelerate economic growth and productivity while also creating new, better jobs to replace obsolete ones. The new digital technologies may account for as much as two-thirds of the potential productivity growth in major economies over the coming ten years. However, technological change is by its very nature disruptive and involves challenging transitions. Like globalisation, it inevitably produces winners and losers. Policies play a critical role.

New technology, new agenda

Better utilising the potential of new technologies is the central goal of the future policy agenda. Reforms must work to create a more favourable environment for businesses and employees to increase both their access to opportunities brought about by technological advancement and their capacity to meet new challenges.

The institutions and policies that control markets must adapt as technology changes how business is done. To ensure that markets continue to provide open and level playing fields for businesses, maintain strong competition, and restrain the development of monopolistic structures, competition policies should be updated for the digital age. The digital economy's lifeblood, new regulatory issues involving data, must be addressed. The ability of markets to adapt to disruptions and structural changes brought on by digital transformation will be crucial.

The way forward

The technological innovations should be harmonious and strike a right chord with the passage of development. It must not be a blind rush, leaving other factors aside. The technological frontier should continue to be pushed by the innovation ecosystem, which should also encourage broader economic effects from the new developments. To encourage a wider diffusion of technologies incorporating new knowledge, research and development systems and patent regimes should be improved. It is necessary to strengthen the basis of digital infrastructure and digital literacy. Although there are still wide gaps, the digital divide is closing. Investment in education and training needs to be increased and refocused on emphasising the skills needed for future jobs.

The goal of labour market policies should change from trying to protect current jobs to enhancing workers' flexibility to change jobs. Social protection systems, which have historically been based on formal, long-term relationships between employer and employee, should be modified to fit a more dynamic job market. Social contracts must be updated to reflect the evolving nature of the workforce.

The implications of the changes taking place in business and the workplace, as well as the new dynamics of the income distribution, should be considered when reviewing tax systems in light of the new tax challenges posed by the digital economy. Taxes on capital, labour, and wealth are all included in the possible tax reform agenda. The era of intelligent machines has a lot of potential. Future economic growth could be stronger and more inclusive with the right policies in place. Inclusive is the correct mantra and should be fostered all around.

(Chakraborty is HoD, Digital Marketing, and Associate Professor at the School of Management, Presidency University, Bangalore)
Hitting out at the Opposition parties in UP on Friday, Home Minister Amit Shah recalled the terror tag attached to Azamgarh during previous governments.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone of the Harihar music college, Shah said Azamgarh was known for terrorism during SP, BSP and Congress rule, but it is witnessing development under the BJP Government.

I want to congratulate Yogi ji (CM Yogi Adityanath). In Azamgarh, which was considered the centre of terror across the country, he got the foundation of a music college laid to give respect to its heritage, he said, adding, Azamgarh was known for Harihar gharana of music, that image was spoiled by SP and BSP.

Shah said Azamgarh used to face law and order problems in the past but the double-engine government of BJP has made it a centre of development. I was the home minister of Gujarat when there were bomb blasts in Ahmedabad. The police had caught the main sutradhaar (culprit) of it from Azamgarh, he said.

Recalling his earlier visits to Uttar Pradesh, before the BJP government came to power in the state, he said there was hardly a night when power was available in rural areas.

Twenty-four-hour power supply was available only during Ramzan, he said.

Now the BJP government has ensured power to entire Uttar Pradesh and heralded a new period of development, Shah said.

He also said it was difficult to imagine UP being riot-free but the Adityanath government has made it possible.

Slamming SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, who contested and won from Azamgarh Lok Sabha seat in the previous election, Shah asked the people whether he was he seen during the coronavirus pandemic.

Had he come here to give vaccination doses? The prime minister got the entire country vaccinated, provided foodgrains to the poor, the Union minister said.

People have given their blessings in the form of votes in all elections and the prime minister has also opened the purse for development of Uttar Pradesh, Shah said, adding all development schemes now pass through the state.

When Yadav vacated the Azamgarh Lok Sabha seat after becoming MLA in last years assembly poll, Bhojpuri star Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua won the bypoll on a BJP ticket.

Shah cautioned the people that opposition parties will again try and mislead them but they should have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ensure his victory in the next general election.

Uttar Pradesh has marched on the path of development under the BJP government. Can SP, BSP or Congress work for the development of the state. In 2024 they will come again with pariwarvaad (dynasty) and jatiwad (casteism) to mislead people, Shah warned.
The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has moved the Supreme Court supporting legalisation of same-sex marriages and conferring adoption and succession rights on the same-sex couples. The DCPCR filed an intervention plea in the case on April 3, which was shifted to a Constitution Bench.

Meanwhile many Christian, Islam and Jain bodies filed petitions objecting the demand for legalisation of the same-sex marriage.

The DCPCRs application underscored that adolescent homosexuals without requisite legal rights at par with heterosexual counterparts can lead to adverse psychological complexes, low self-esteem and other mental health issues.

Unless equal rights are accorded to homosexual (persons), their acceptance, assimilation and legitimacy will remain under troubled waters. This again is bound to have its bearing upon adolescents, the application said.

Supporting the adoption and succession rights for same-sex couples, the DCPCR argued that the existing legal framework can be interpreted in a manner so as to accommodate such rights of same-sex couples.

Further, non-recognition of same-sex marriages can have repercussions on children of homosexual persons, said the petition.

The said person shall be the only de jure parent and guardian of his or her child. While the child may actually be under joint custody and maintenance of two persons consisting of a homosexual couple performing equal duties, only one of the persons would have de jure authority and rights. This could have psychological and emotional consequences not only for the affected de facto guardian but also for the child who may be left with reduced choice in case of a rift or separation between his de facto guardians, the application said.

Legalisation of same-sex marriages is no cause for concern when it comes to adoption and succession rights, said the DCPCR. It is respectfully submitted that when it comes to questions of adoption and succession, and the rights of children under the existing legal framework, the legalisation of same-sex marriage is no cause for concern; existing legislative language can accommodate same sex marriages, and ensure that the same rights that accrue to children in the context of heterosexual marriages, also accrue in the context of same-sex marriages, the application said.

Previous week, many minority religious groups have written to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to cite their religious beliefs to express opposition to same-sex marriage. Sayed Salman Chishty of the Chishty Foundation, Ajmer, has conveyed his concerns and reservations to CJI, claiming that any legal validation for same-sex marriage will contradict Indias religious, social and moral values, and cause havoc with the delicate balance of personal laws and accepted societal values.

The Communion of Churches in India, has echoed similar views in a letter to President Droupadi Murmu and the CJI. Prakash P Thomas of the Communion of Churches in India expressed shock at such a plea. According to Christian beliefs, marriage is a divine institution made by God and cannot accept the union of two homosexuals as marriage, he claimed, urging the President to ensure the status quo on marriage.

Jain guru Acharya Lokesh said legal sanction to same-sex marriage will go against the ethos of Indias ancient values-based society. In Indian culture, especially among Jains, marriage is a foundation to reproduction for extending the family tree, he said. Pravez Hanif of a Pasmanda (backward) Muslim group echoed the view of these groups.
Firing a broadside at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks in the UK about Indian democracy, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said its not democracy that is in danger, but the Nehru-Gandhi family and the idea of dynasty politics which are under threat.

Shah accused the Congress of surrounding Indian democracy with three naasuron (ulcerous wounds)  casteism, dynasty politics and appeasement. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi defeated all three and hence you are afraid, he added.

They say democracy is in danger, brother, democracy is not in danger, your family is in danger. It is not the idea of India, which is in danger, it is the idea of dynasty, your politics of parivarvad (dynasty), which is in danger. It is not the democracy of India, but the autocracy of your family, which is in danger, the senior BJP leader said.

During a visit to the UK last month, Gandhi alleged the structures of Indian democracy were under brutal attack and a full-scale assault on the countrys institutions was underway. His remarks triggered a war of words between the BJP and the Congress. The BJP accused Gandhi of insulting the country on foreign soil and demanded an apology, but the Congress leader said his position that Indias democracy was under attack was known to all.

Shah also hit out at the Congress for not allowing Parliament to function.

Yesterday, the Parliament was adjourned. In the history of independent India, it has never happened that the Budget Session ended without a sitting and discussion... What was the reason? Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as Lok Sabha MP, the Union minister said.

On March 18, a Surat court sentenced Rahul for two years in jail in a criminal defamation case filed over his remark against people with the surname Modi, but allowed him 30 days to appeal in a higher court. A day later, the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a notification suspending his Lok Sabha membership.

The Congress accused the BJP of indulging in vindictive politics but the ruling party said it was the law.

On Friday, addressing the gathering in Kaushambi, Shah asked, Who brought the law?

He also said Gandhi was not the only leader whose membership has gone after sentencing by a court. So far, the membership of 17 MLAs-MPs has gone, including that of Rahul Gandhi.

The Union Minister asked Gandhi to follow the law and secure acquittal from a higher court.

Friends, I wish to tell Rahul Gandhi he should follow the law, which is the dharma of every citizen. You were an MP. You could have challenged the punishment and fought in court. You have sacrificed the time of Parliament. The people of this country will never forgive you, Shah said.

Exhorting the people to vote for BJP again in 2024 general election, Shah also slammed the Congress, SP and the BSP for allegedly delaying the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

All of us wanted Ram Temple in Ayodhya to be built at the birthplace of Lord Ram. The Congress kept it (the issue) hanging, the SP diverted it, and the BSP lingered it. Modi ji laid the foundation stone of the temple, and soon you will see Lord Ram seated in his temple, Shah said.

He also said that Uttar Pradesh was moving ahead on the path of development under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

In 2014, the people of UP reposed their faith in PM Modi. In 2017, when I was the BJP chief, the BJP won a record number of 325 seats (in UP) and Modi ji made Yogi ji chief minister. In 2019, the SP, BSP and the Congress got united, but all of them were defeated, and Modi ji once again became the prime minister. After this, in 2022 (UP assembly elections) you made Yogi ji the chief minister again, Shah said.

Modi ji has made the country prosperous and enhanced the pride of the country. And the Congress people say Modi teri kabra khudegi (Modi your grave will be dug). I want to tell these Congress people that whether it is Sonia ji, Rahul ji or anybody else, whenever abuses are hurled at Modi ji, the public has made the lotus bloom in the mud of these abuses in a strong manner, Shah asserted.

Rahul Baba, this time again Modi jis government is going to be formed with 300-paar (over 300 Lok Sabha seats), he claimed.

Meanwhile, SP MLA from Sirathu constituency in Kaushambi district Pallavi Patel claimed she was put under house arrest at her party office and not allowed to welcome the home minister. However, Additional Superintendent of Police Samar Bahadur dismissed Patels claims.




: The Paharia-Kamar people of Odisha living in remote areas of the State like the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary have been deprived of their inclusion in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Odisha although their kith and kin in neighbouring Chhattisgarh are enlisted as one of the Primarily Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). This exclusion has caused denial of rights and all Government benefits to them as a tribe, said environmental activist Prafulla Samantara of Lokashakti Abhiyan in a Press Meet at Khariar.



Samantara visited the remote Paharia habitations of Sunabeda sanctuary on Monday. "It is unfortunate that none of Paharia households in the district has been allotted entitlement under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. They have neither been allotted Individual Forest Right (IFR) nor Community Forest Rights (CFR) although they have been living in that area for centuries and are entitled to such rights as the Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD)," he added.



Samantara demanded that the Paharias be given land rights under the FRA immediately which will be a great step towards assuring their livelihood.



Samantara further stated that granting tribal status to the Paharias is a long standing issue. The Tribes Advisory Committee, Odisha, had recommended for the tribes inclusion in 2004. All formalities like research work by SC/ST Research and Training Institute, Bhubaneswar, and recommendation of the National Commission for ST had been completed.



A High Power Committee headed by the then Secretary of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Dr Hrushikesh Panda in 2014 had also recommended the inclusion of Paharias in the list of ST in Odisha. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 2017 answering to an RTI query posed by one late Sukal Sai Paharia, a youth leader of Paharia community, stated that the proposal for inclusion in ST list of Odisha had been processed as per existing modalities and referred to the Registrar General of India (RGI).



As per the RTI information, the comments and observations of the RGI were sent to the State Government of Odisha for further comments/justification; however, requisite comments/justifications are still awaited from the State Government.



"Both the State and Central Governments are responsible for the delay. Why have the MLAs and MPs not raised any question on the issue? The Odisha Government is supporting the Centre in passing bills in Parliament but why is it not pushing the Centre to pass a bill for amendment in the ST constitutional order for including Paharia-Kamar in ST list of Odisha," Samantara asked.



Samantara also raised other issues like closure of primary schools in remote villages, denial of food grains under NFSS due to lack of Aadhaar linkage etc. "Some people are left out of the benefits under NFSS on Aadhaar linkage ground although the Orissa High Court had issued that no one would be deprived of food grains under the food security scheme on such ground," he remarked. He also demanded the establishment of a high school in Sunabeda to strengthen education.
On the occasion of BJP's 44th foundation day, Jharkhand BJP's former state spokesperson Amarpreet Singh Kale expressed happiness by distributing laddoos among workers and the general public at the office located on Sakchi Kalimati Road.

On this occasion, Kale said that Bharatiya Janata Party is a strong idea, a deep thinking, a strong family dedicated to the resolution of India's progress. BJP in the form of a banyan tree for decades, being irrigated by the tenacity, sacrifice and hard work of many great men like Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pt. Has reached every district, every state. Crores of BJP workers marching on the path of Antyodaya by imbibing nationalist ideology and principles have sacrificed everything for the national interest. We are fortunate that the Bharatiya Janata Party is touching new heights under the leadership of respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Let us all move forward together towards building a glorious, glorious, prosperous, prosperous and powerful India.

A large number of workers were also present on the occasion.


Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav flayed the state government for the house arrest of partys Sirathu MLA Pallavi Patel in Kaushambi district ahead of the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The home minister and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were in town for the Kaushambi Festival, 2023 on Friday.

Placing the MLA under house arrest to prevent her from attending the Kaushambi festival and meeting people of her assembly constituency is a display of negative politics pursued by the BJP, said Akhilesh, who is also the leader of opposition in UP assembly.

The electorate of Uttar Pradesh will give a befitting reply to the BJP in 2024 Lok Sabha elections and dislodge the saffron party from power, he added.

The SP MLA was not officially invited to attend the festival. The police placed her under house arrest apprehending breach of peace as she was adamant to attend the festival. Pallavi Patel said she wanted to go to Kaushambi festival to welcome the home minister as the event was organised in her assembly constituency.

Alleging that the police action was against her privilege, she said: Police prevented me from attending the Kaushambi festival on the grounds of maintaining public order.

Meanwhile, Akhilesh alleged that private companies were buying wheat from farmers at much lower rates than the minimum support price. He said the farmers were forced for distress sale of wheat as the government agencies were not procuring it from them.

He said the failure of the government to buy wheat from farmers has proved that it pays only lip service to them but protects the interests of the business class.

The SP chief said the BJP had discontinued the practice of periodically assuring farmers about doubling their income. He added that potato and wheat farmers suffered huge losses due to unseasonal rains in March.

The government has not even conducted a survey of the damages caused to farmers, what to say of compensating their losses, the SP president said.
The political and strategic balance of power ensuring global peace and stability depends upon the willingness of powerful nations to give honourable space to each other. History is full of examples when violation of such space has led to catastrophic war. So, every powerful nation must realise how far it could push its adversary and this is the guiding principle of diplomacy. The first and second world war were the result of this failure of understanding that threw the world into the holocaust of great wars exploding the myth that war was a sort of medieval tournament. Modern age is a different age because of nuclear weapons and highly advanced logistics. Robert Oppenheimer, the director of the Manhattan Project, had exclaimed after the first nuclear bomb was successfully tested that the world would never be the same again and he was not far from truth. Nuclear weapons are a great deterrent and the third world war wouldn't take place. At the same time, it requires exemplary political and diplomatic deftness not to push any great power to act with a deadly vengeance, even up to the extent of a full-fledged nuclear war.

The Russia Ukraine conflict is the result of this basic lack of understanding on the part of US led NATO. Gone are the days of Mikhail Gorbachev who presided over the liquidation of the USSR much to the appreciation and pleasure of the West. This is Putin and he is a different stuff. He won't allow America to further eat into the Russian hegemony in its vicinity. It was America which fueled the ambition of Ukraine to join NATO and see what Ukraine has done to itself. Ukraine is the theatre of American war against Russia. This conflict has to end sooner or later but Ukraine would gain nothing except the blazing trail of destruction and devastation.

There are similar situations elsewhere. If America pushes China to a full-fledged war against Taiwan, one can imagine the mutilated picture of the post war Taiwan. A little amount of true diplomacy making a balance between the US and Chinese interests would save Taiwan and the world from the miseries and allied consequences of this possible war.

Another zone of the likely conflict is the India China border where both nations are in a state of standoff for the last almost three years. There have been small skirmishes and both the nations are holding their ground. Since the offensive push is coming from China, its cost is much higher than that of India and it would, too, find it difficult to sustain it for a long time. But Xi Jinping is stubborn and trying to push India harder and harder. Gone are the days when China kept pushing its border with India silently and there was always an uneasy calm. Now, India has decided to take on China. This has taken China by surprise. It is a huge economy and the long standoff has put a great cost upon India and this is perhaps its strategy. But, in no case, it can take the standoff to its advantage. The entire scenario is the result of this illogical Chinese push and its reluctance to come to terms with the new India. Any conventional war between the two countries would be indecisive and this would dent the Chinese reputation of being an upcoming global hegemon. This would weaken both China and India, much to the pleasure of America.

Another volatile frontier is the India Pakistan border. Pakistan was created to give a foothold to the West in the strategically important north western region of the erstwhile India. Pakistan constantly fought with India militarily as well as through cross border terrorism which was an additional baggage on the back of India while marching ahead on the path of development. Pakistan fought and continues to fight with India which is a proxy war of the West against India. Later on China joined this bandwagon. India sustained this powerful push because of its healthy democracy and dynamic political leadership over the years. But what happened to Pakistan. It couldn't bear the burden of this unnatural animosity and now it is on the brink of economic bankruptcy and political breakdown.

The big powers should respect each other's political, economic and strategic interests and give everyone room for some maneuvering and only then there would be a comparatively peaceful world.

The writer is a noted academician and political commentator. Views Expressed are personal.
The Department of Anesthesiology, AIIMS Bhopal organized a CME cum workshop "AIIMS Bhopal Advanced Airway Workshop", (ABAAW-2023) with the theme 'Pediatric Airway: Challenges & Opportunities' on April 7 & 8 at LT 4 and skill lab, AIIMS Bhopal. The CME offered a packed scientific program and was awarded 2 Credit hours by MP Medical Council.

The CME culminated successfully with the attendance of about 100 delegates and 50 faculty members. The CME was inaugurated by Dr. (Prof.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Bhopal. Renowned faculty from AIIMS (Delhi), JIPMER (Pondicherry), BHU (Varanasi), Lady Hardinge Medical College (Delhi), Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai), Gandhi Medical College (Bhopal), NSCB (Jabalpur) and other premier Institutes participated as guest speakers, chairpersons and workshop instructors.

The scientific sessions on pediatric airway management for lung isolation, use of ultrasound for airway management, green and low carbon footprint anesthesia were interesting and led to a vibrant discussion on these topics. 'How I do it' session and problem-based learning discussion on the difficult and pediatric airway cases was well received. Poster and quiz competitions for residents were also held in which the delegates participated enthusiastically. Hands-on workshop for skill training on one lung ventilation, airway ultrasound was conducted successfully.

Dr. (Prof.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Bhopal emphasized the multi-disciplinary team approach for airway management. He also said that the need of the hour is for all residents of Trauma, Emergency and Pediatrics to be trained for first hand intubation skills and airway management. He also shared that soon a state of the art simulation lab is being built at AIIMS Bhopal, to train all the residents in various skills. Head of Department, Anaesthesiology, Prof (Dr) Vaishali Waindeskar highlighted the recent advances in managing difficult pediatric airway and emphasised that children are not merely small adults. CME ended with vote of thanks by Prof (Dr) J.P. Sharma, Dept of Anaesthesiology.
During the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Congress rule, Azamgarh was known for terrorism whereas under Prime Minister Narendra Modi it was witnessing development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday.

The prime minister has opened the government purse for the development of Uttar Pradesh, Shah said addressing a rally in Azamgarh

He recounted that links of terrorists exploding a bomb in a Gujarat temple were found in Azamgarh.

He was speaking after laying the foundation stone of Hariharpur Music College and various other development projects in the district.

Bhojpuri star Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua had won the 2022 bypoll from Azamgarh Lok Sabha seat, which was vacated by Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav after becoming an MLA.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that earlier this land of sages, monks, ascetics, litterateurs and artists used to be known for destruction, but today Azamgarh had regained glory for development.

He flayed the previous governments saying, Earlier the youth hailing from Azamgarh were denied even a place to live in other cities and states. The place was known for hooliganism and destruction.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 117 development projects worth Rs 4,585 crore.

The chief minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country had presented itself as a new India.

It has set new benchmarks of development, security and prosperity. Uttar Pradesh is also working as envisioned by the prime minister and the home minister. The development of Azamgarh was stalled in the name of caste and religion. Earlier, Azamgarh had a crisis of identity. But you all have seen that today this district has become very close to the capital Lucknow by joining the Purvanchal Expressway, Yogi said.

He further said that during his last visit, the Union home minister had laid the foundation stone of the university named after Maharaja Suheldev. Not only this, to honour the heritage of Azamgarh, the foundation stone of the college in the name of Hariharpur Sangeet Gharana is being laid, he said.

The chief minister said that Azamgarh was earlier known for bomb blasts and destructive activities but today its name was being taken for development.

Inauguration of such massive projects worth crores bears testimony to the development-oriented vision of the state government. Previously such events were a mere dream for Azamgarh, he said.

Yogi asserted that similar to the years 2014, 2017, 2019, in 2024 also Uttar Pradesh would work with full commitment to make the lotus bloom under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chhattisgarh on Friday banned fish seed production and farming of the exotic Magur (Clarias gariepinus) and Big head (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) fishes in the state.

The Fisheries Department issued a notification to this effect.

No fisherman, individual, group or committee shall produce fish seed of these prohibited fishes in any Central or state government or personal water bodies, it said.

The ban also affects transportation, import and marketing of these fishes.

If any person violates this, the department will deny him or her from accessing all kinds of government fisheries-related schemes.

Violators will face one-year imprisonment and Rs 10,000 fine or both.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday said the BJP has no chance of returning to power in Chhattisgarh.

Talking to reporters at the Police Ground helipad here, he said that all sections of the people would reject the BJP in Chhattisgarh as they know that schemes like Kisan Nyay and Godhan Nyay would end if the BJP takes power.

Replying to a question on BJPs exercise for the 2023 assembly and 2024 general elections, Baghel said whatever they do, the people-friendly policies of the Congress will prevent them from winning.

Baghel said that even BJP workers will not vote to them as they too favour the schemes launched by the Congress.

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centers Niti Ayog have praised the work of the Chhattisgarh government, he said.
The Chhattisgarh governments Mukhyamantri Vishesh Swasthya Sahayata Yojana provides financial aid of up to Rs 20 lakh to treat serious diseases.

An official communique said that so far 2,643 patients have been provided financial assistance under the scheme.

It covers complicated operations conducted either in the state or outside.

The financial aid is given for cancer, Thalassemia Major, Hemophilia, lungs, kidney and liver transplant, cochlear implants and surgeries related to heart, brain and spinal cord.

The scheme, which commenced in January 2020, can be availed by calling Toll Free no 104 or contacting the office of the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of the concerned district.

One such beneficiary is Dishan of Keshkal in Kondagaon district of Bastar region.

When Dishan was four months old, a medical test revealed he was suffering from a serious hereditary disease called Thalassemia Major. Shortage of blood made his body was getting. He also had breathing difficulties.

Doctors in Bengaluru suggested a bone marrow implant which would have cost Rs. 40 lakhs. The Chhattisgarh Health Department transferred Rs. 18 lakhs to Dishan's father's account within 15 days of an application.

After a six-month treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru, Dishan beat Thalassemia and he is now healthy.
The BJP on Friday alleged that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his team have gone to Japan to spend a vacation on the pretext of different engagements.

Is it justified to spend the hard-earned money of people on such vacations, questioned party State spokesperson Satyabrata Panda in a Press meet here.

After the visit to Italy and the UAE, the Chief Minister and bureaucrats have gone on a tour to Japan. What is the meaning of a seven-day tour for a work of five hours they had, he asked.

Panda said the then Union Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradha had visited Japan on October 25, 2019 and held a discussion with the Nippon Steel authorities regarding investment in Odisha. Subsequently, the Odisha Government under the initiative by Pradhan held another round of discussion with the company in that connection on February 27, 2020.

The State Government should clarify whether the Nippon Steels announcement to set up a steel plant with a production capacity of 30 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) is an old or new one.

Besides, the State Government should clarify why the Arcelor Mittal withdrew from an earlier MoU that had been signed with the State Government to set up a steel plant with an investment of Rs 50,000 crore.

Nippon Steel will use the raw material from Keonjhar mines at the steel plant in Kendrapada. So why such injustice to Keonjhar, questioned Panda further.


PNS

: District Collector of Ganjam Dibya Jyoti Parida made thorough review of all the ongoing development projects being carried out under the BeMC here on Wednesday.

Parida also discussed threadbare with the BeMC Commissioner J Sonal in the matter and wanted to know the status of each and every work being carried out including their progress.

In Ward No.1 in the presence of concerned officers and Engineers, he visited the drain that connects Burma Colony and Dhanamera street. He also visited and reviewed the progress of the myriad development works such as, road, drain, water supply, park, open sky, gym, street light and toilet works currently being executed at Uttara Mukhi under Jaga Mission Scheme. The Collector instructed the officers and engineers to complete the work within the stipulated time frame. Similarly, He also issued instructions to prepare the DPR of Haradakhandi tank renovation and beautification.

Notably, most of the city drains are defunct and do not function properly since they are packed with solid wastes and suffering from stagnation of drain water due to poor workmanship and maintenance.


Good Friday was observed in all the city churches on 7 April 2023 by carrying the cross with its solemnity, the very symbol Christians. Good Friday is the day of the passion and death of Jesus and one of the holiest days of the year. The Christians and the Catholics attended Good Friday Service with gratitude and joy for the love of Christ. Good Friday reminded the unconditional love of Father who sent his only Son to die for all humanity.

Archbishop AAS Durairaj SVD leading the Good Friday service at Our Lady of Universal Church, Kolar, said that we don't celebrate Good Friday because of Jesus' suffering and death but for giving a new meaning of the suffering and death. The death of Jesus on the cross was not an accident or a misfortune but it is the plan of God that He gave his only son to die for humanity for the redemption he added. Humanity is born to live but Jesus the Son of God was born to die for all he said. Explaining the death of Jesus, he said he was Hanging on the Cross, disowned and deserted by His friends, mocked by the foes, experiencing a very lonely and excruciating death. It's because of His love for humanity and a wonder of His glorious love, he added.

There were 14 stations of the way of the Cross observed by people at St. Josephs Co-ed school ground, Kolar. The priests were in red colour vestments symbolising the blood of Christ and the martyrs. There were passion narratives taken from the Bible followed by the veneration of the Cross and communion service to celebrate the Good Friday.

All men and women were found in white dress marking the death of a person. Many Churches enacted the passion and death of Jesus during the way of cross procession.

On the occasion, the Assumption Church in Bhopal held a solemn and moving Passion of Christ service. The service was presided over by ArchBishop Emirates Leo Cornelio and included the enactment of the Way of the Cross by church members.

The enactment of the Way of the Cross was an emotional and powerful experience. Church members dressed in costumes representing various characters from the Passion of Christ, such as Jesus, Mary, and Simon of Cyrene. They carried the cross through each of the 14 stations, accompanied by the reading of the relevant Gospel passage and a prayer.

The actors depicted the various scenes with great skill and emotion, and the congregation was visibly moved by the experience.

The enactment was a powerful reminder of the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, and it brought the events of the Passion to life in a way that words alone could not. Following the Way of the Cross, ArchBishop Emirates Leo Coenellio presided over the prayer service. The archbishop gave a moving homily, reflecting on the meaning of the Passion and the sacrifice of Jesus. He emphasized the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and humility, and he urged the congregation to live their lives in accordance with these values.
To make Yamuna pollution-free, the Arvind Kejriwal government has prepared a five-point action plan including using in-situ treatment in Najafgarh-Supplementary and Shahdara drains.

In-situ treatment methods will include floating booms, weirs, aeration devices, and floating wetlands. Apart from this, chemical dosing will be done at strategic locations to reduce the phosphate present in the wastewater.

Delhi Water Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday said the city government has decided to scale up a project to improve the water quality of major drains through in-situ treatment methods. As part of a pilot project, the Delhi government had installed weirs and aeration systems at some places in Najafgarh, Supplementary and Shahdara drains.

Bharadwaj said the government has decided to scale up the project looking at the positive results.

Floating booms, weirs, aeration devices, and floating wetlands will be set up for in-situ treatment of drains. Chemical dosing will be done to reduce phosphate present in the wastewater, a statement quoted Bharadwaj as saying.

Weirs (dams) will be built in the zone of these drains. The purpose of building a dam is that the depth of the water increases, and the fine particles present in the water sit on the surface of the ground. Clean water overflows from the top of the dam and moves forward.

Floating booms will be installed for cleaning drains in different zones so that plastic waste can be collected and removed in one place. This will work to make the water cleaner as well as collecting of plastic from drains which will further help in reducing water pollution. Floating wetlands will be installed in different zones, which will absorb the dirt dissolved in the water. These will be made out of low-cost bamboo which will last for many years. At the same time, chemical dosing will be done in the drain zone. This will help reduce phosphate from the wastewater.

With the help of new techniques, we will soon be able to clean the filth of the drains falling in the Yamuna, he said.

Samples collected from Rithala sewage treatment plant, and Sectors 11, 15 and 16 in Rohini, all part of the pilot project, have shown a significant decrease in the concentration of total suspended solids (TSS), the statement said.

The results also showed a significant reduction in ammonia concentration in the wastewater, it said. The TSS level came down from 166 mg per litre at Rithala to just 49 mg per litre at Rohini Sector 15. The ammonia level dipped from 26 mg per litre at Rithala to 18 mg per litre at Rohini Sector 15, the statement said.

The 22-km stretch of the river between Wazirabad and Okhla in Delhi, which is less than two per cent of the river length, accounts for around 80 per cent of its pollution load, it said. Untapped wastewater from unauthorised colonies and jhuggi-jhopri clusters, and poor quality of treated wastewater discharged from STPs and common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) is the main reason behind high levels of pollution in the river, it said.

The river can be considered fit for bathing if biological oxygen demand is less than 3 mg per litre and dissolved oxygen is greater than 5 mg per litre, the statement said.

The Yamuna Cleaning Cell was formed under the direction of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to ensure better coordination and an integrated approach to achieve the objective of cleaning Yamuna.
Himachal Government is considering legalization of the cultivation of cannabis in the State as it would play a significant role in generating revenue for the state besides proving beneficial for the patients for its medicinal properties, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Friday.

Sukhu said that the State Government was cautious about the potential increase in drug use and has formed a five-member committee of MLAs. The Committee will conduct a thorough study about each and every aspect related to cannabis cultivation in the State. The committee will visit areas where illegal cultivation of cannabis takes place and submit a report in a month and only on the basis of the report submitted by the committee the Government will take any decision, said the Chief Minister.



He said that even before Himachal Pradesh, cannabis cultivation has been kept under the legal purview in several states of the country. The neighboring state of Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to legalize cannabis cultivation in the year 2017, while controlled cultivation of cannabis is also being done in some districts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, controlled cultivation of cannabis has been permitted in several European Union countries including Uruguay, Canada, USA, Austria, Belgium and the Czech Republic, added Sukhu.



The State Government would consider all aspects, including regulatory measures and will study other states that have legalized it before making a final decision, said the Chief Minister.



A five-member committee has been set up to study the issue of legalising cannabis cultivation would submit a report within a month. The committee of MLAs was set up by Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on the advice of Chief Minister Sukhu. The Committee, headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, would have chief parliamentary secretaries (CPS) Sunder Singh, and three other MLAs  Hans Raj, Puran Chand Thakur and Janak Raj  as members.



The decision to constitute the committee was taken after a discussion on a resolution moved by Puran Chand Thakur (BJP).
APR CONSTABLE FOUND HANGING IN MALKANGIRI

Malkangiri: A Constable working with the Armed Police Reserve (APR) was found hanging at a village in Malkangiri district on Friday. He wasn identified as Sushant Haldar. Locals found him hanging from a banyan tree near MV-42 village. They informed police about the incident. Police reached the spot and initiated a probe. The body was sent for postmortem. During search, police recovered some handwritten suicide notes of the deceased. Source said Sushant hailed from Umarkote in Nabarangpur district. He married at MV-42 village in Malkangiri district.

HIT BY TRAIN, ELEPHANT DIES IN ANGUL

Angul: An elephant died after being hit by a train near Dehurisahi in the Jarpada forest range of Angul district on Thursday night. The elephant was crossing the railway line. Forest Department officials rushed to the spot after getting information about the incident and further investigation was on. Locals expressed concern over the incident and said adequate measures should be taken by the forest and railway authorities to prevent such mishaps.

FOUR INJURED IN ACID ATTACK IN BALANGIR

Balangir: At least four persons were injured, one of them seriously, in an acid attack at Sahupada of the Bongomunda area in Balangir district on Friday. The victims were identified as Subash Sahu, Khaga Sahu, Jagbandhu Sahu and Sanju Sahu. A dispute between two families was said to the cause of the incident. More details were awaited.

KALINGA HOSP HOLDS BLOOD DONATION CAMP

Bhubaneswar: The Kalinga Hospital Ltd (KHL) Bhubaneswar observed the World Health Day with a blood donation camp. Over 100 employees donated blood. KHL chairman Dr Sitakantha Dash and directors Rajesh Dash and Dr Jnanedu Mohapatra and CYSD founder Jagadananda were present.

TATA STEEL KNAGAR OBSERVES HEALTH DAY

Kalinganagar: Tata Steel Kalinganagar (TSK) observed the World Health Day with a health camp for contract employees at Duburi in Jajpur district on Friday. The camp was inaugurated by TSK GM (Operation) Karamveer Singh in the presence of TSK Chief, Safety (Operations) Ravi Mishra.

YOUTH HELD FOR MURDERING BROTHER IN BPUR

Brahmapur: One Sima Behera of the Gosaninuagaon PS area here came to the PS and reported that his son Budu was murdered by her other son Purna. The Gosaninuagaon PS IIC registered a case U/S 302 IPC and started investigation. Accordingly, accused Purnna Behera was arrested and further investigation is continuing, said Brahmpaur SP Dr Sarvana Vivek M in a Press release.

TCS RECRUITS 11 TPNODL CENTRE STUDENTS

Baleswar: The Tata Power Northern Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPNODL) in association with the TCS has helped 11 students from the Vocational Training Centre here secure placements in the TCS. The programme, which aims to equip individuals from disadvantaged communities with essential soft skills and provide job-readiness skills, has enabled these students to overcome social, economic and cultural barriers to achieve professional success.

POOR WOMAN DIES IN SNAKEBITE IN GANJAM

Chhatrapur: A woman of Badapalli village under Subalaya panchayat of Ganjam block died of snakebite on THursday. Bhabini Das (40) was bitten by a poisonous snake in her backyard. She was taken to the Chhatrapur Hospital and later shifted to the MKCG Medical College Hospital Brahmapur, where she died. She is survived by three daughters and two sons and her husband is working outside the State as a bonded labourer. Her family does not have a proper house to stay or any land for cultivation. Former Zilla Parishad Member Kirtan Das has demanded immediate help to the poor family.
InsuranceLiya.com, a leading Indian insurance blog, has made a groundbreaking move by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology into their platform, becoming the first insurance blog in India (and perhaps globally) to do so. The cutting-edge AI tool (InsuranceLiya.com/ai), which is based on OpenAI technology, allows readers to ask complex and nuanced questions about insurance and receive tailored responses and recommendations from the AI.

With this innovative feature, InsuranceLiya.com's AI tool can quickly analyze vast amounts of data and offer customized answers to readers, thus providing an unparalleled experience. The AI-powered tool is easy to use and highly accessible, a reader can chat with it like they chat with their friends.

"The technology behind our AI chatbot is cutting-edge, and we are constantly updating the tool to ensure that it remains at the forefront of innovation." says the founder of InsuranceLiya.com, Mr Parastar P. Doctor.

With AI adoption on the rise in India, InsuranceLiya.com's innovative move is just the tip of the iceberg, and we can expect to see more companies embrace this technology in the years to come.
Famous stand-up comedian Atul Khatri is all set to tickle funny bones of the denizens and that too with a cause.

The Jamshedpur chapter of Young Indians (YI) is all set to organise a show by country's famous stand-up comedian Atul Khatri on April 15 to raise funds for the construction of the pond. Khatri will perform at this show titled Khatri Se Khatra to be held at Loyola School's Fasy Auditorium from 7:30 pm on April 15. This event is being organized by the Jamshedpur chapter to raise funds under the pond project. Khatri is an Indian stand-up comedian and YouTube personality. He was rated one of the top Indian comedians by CNN-IBN and was the only Indian to perform at the Hong Kong International Comedy Festival. He has also been the winner of CEO Got Talent season one.

We aim to raise funds for a cause and have brought together comedians, audiences, and supporters for a night of humour and generosity. Khatri is known for delivering rib-tickling jokes and anecdotes that will have the audience roaring with laughter, said an official of CII YI. His witty jokes and clever observations on various topics, ranging from everyday life to pop culture, will keep the audience entertained throughout the evening.

Atul Khatri is a Mumbai based businessman who got up late in life and decided to do English Standup comedy so that he could tick it off his own personal bucket list. An Indian Computer Engineer and a British management scholar who always orders soup one by two even when he is eating alone. CNN-IBN rated him as one of the top 20 comedians in India to watch out for. He won the 'CEOs got Talent' trophy competing against 11 other CEOs.

"We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. It's amazing to see how our community comes together for a good cause, and we are grateful for the opportunity to use our comedic talents to make a positive impact," the official noted.

The organisers are hopeful that the show will not only raise funds for the ponds but also raise awareness about the importance of rural welfare and encourage more people to consider adopting or supporting such initiatives.
Oban, the male Namibian cheetah, who had escaped from Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park and was spotted near a habitat in past two days, has been brought back and released in the park. The Namibian cheetah was rescued from a forest area in neighbouring Shivpuri district on Thursday evening.

Oban, one of the eight cheetahs brought from Namibia in September last year, had strayed out into an agricultural field adjoining a village near Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur district on April 2.

Experts believe that Cheetahs released into the wild are exploring their habitat and it's a very good sign, a senior environment ministry official has said after a spotted feline strayed out of Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park recently.

State forest officials on Friday said that Oban was rescued from a forest area in a neighbouring Shivpuri district on Thursday evening and released into the national park again.

Additional Director General of Forests S P Yadav said that such movement of cheetahs is a natural phenomenon and there is nothing to worry about. "Four cheetahs have been released completely. They are free ranging in the wild. Their movement is natural. We are happy that cheetahs are moving and exploring the areas and based on the exploration they identify their suitable habitat," Yadav, who is also the head of Project Tiger, said.

Forest officials in Madhya Pradesh have trained around 400 "cheetah mitras" from 51 villages. Those trained include school teachers, village headmen and patwaris. "And if at all any conflict takes place with small animals like sheep, goats etc, our compensation plan is ready. They (owners) will be adequately compensated," Yadav said.

Under the ambitious Cheetah reintroduction programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first batch of eight spotted felines -- five females and three males -- from Namibia into a quarantine enclosure at Kuno in Madhya Pradesh on his 72nd birthday on September 17 last year. One of the Namibian cheetahs, Sasha, died due to a kidney-related ailment on Monday, forest and wildlife officials in Madhya Pradesh said. Another cheetah, Siyaya, gave birth to four cubs and they were first spotted on March 29.

In a second such translocation, 12 cheetahs were flown in from South Africa and released into Kuno on February 18. Kuno, spread over 750 kilometres in the state's Chambal region, has a good prey base for cheetahs, comprising the four-horned antelope, chinkara, nilgai, wild pig, spotted deer and sambar, according to wildlife officials.

Cheetah is the only large carnivore that got completely wiped out from India due to overhunting and habitat loss. The last cheetah died in the Koriya district of present-day Chhattisgarh in 1947 and the species was declared extinct in 1952.
Both BJP- Congress have started to cement their mass base and want to maximise in the upcoming state assembly elections; former Mayor of Bhopal and State Vice President of BJP Alok Sharma has objected to the presence of Congress MLA Arif Masood in Hanuman Janmotsav programme.

Alok Sharma said, "When someone doesn't let you come in the program of your society, why do you call members of thiers ? The state vice president said, Ab se koi Asuud nahin, Masood nahin. This is our Hindu society."

Taking jibe at Alok Sharma's statement Congress has hit back and Congress Media Department KK Mishra said - If any Congressman had said this, he would have been charged with NSA. A Hanuman Janmotsav procession was taken out from Kali Ghat temple on Hanuman Jayanti in Bhopal.

Meanwhile, state vice president of BJP Alok Sharma said about Congress MLA Arif Masood - We all believe in Sanatan Dharma, do you allow people from other sects to enter the temple? Do people of other religions allow you in their premises, no asood and no masood. Ours is a Kuchbandiya Samaj in Itwara. It is an integral part of Hindu society. Do not look at them. Hindu society stands with Kuchbandiya society. We will celebrate our festivals in the same way.

Mishra said How the Chief Minister could accuse Congress of riots as he should look at tweet of Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya's two day ago and the video of Alok Sharma, the former mayor of Bhopal, on Hanuman Jayanti is giving a message of love. If a Congressman speaks the same thing, the collector would have imposed NSA .

Actually, Alok Sharma got angry when the Hanuman Janmotsav ki procession was not allowed to leave Qazi Camp. He said that he should not allow Congress MLA Arif Masood to attend his (Hindus) programs in Hanuman Janmotsav.

On Alok Sharma's statement, Congress Media Department Vice President Abbas Hafiz said - Alok Sharma is working to promote the ideology of BJP. Why are people working to divide? We have never heard of such things before in Bhopal. Today I am inviting CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Alok Sharma to come to whichever mosque they wish to offer namaz. I will take them. When he wants to go, when he wants to read Namaz, I will go with him. Let them go and pray.

Mukul Rathore, President of Shri Baba Religious Cultural Services Committee, said that for the last 10-15 years, the Hanuman Janmotsav procession has been leaving from Kaji Camp, but the police did not allow the procession citing some dispute in the intelligence report.
Amidst unsubstantiated reports that pro-Khalistan Sikh preacher fugitive Amritpal Singh may finally surface after returning to the State ahead of Baisakhi, the Punjab Police on Friday cancelled the leave of all its personnel till April 14 and beefed up security at Takht Damdama Sahib in Bathinda district.



Expressing serious concern over the deployment of heavy security following high alert in the State, head priest (jathedar) of the Sikhs highest temporal seat, Akal Takht, Giani Harpreet Singh asked the State Government not to create panic on Baisakhi  that marks the Sikh New Year and commemorates the formation of Khalsa panth (Sikh order). It also marks the onset of harvest season.



The developments stem from the fact that Khalistan sympathizer and Waris Punjab De head has appealed to the Akal Takht jathedar to convene Sarbat Khalsa  a congregation of the entire Sikh community  on Baisakhi. On the run, Amritpal had made the appeal for the congregation in two video messages the previous month. He had, in fact, asked to take out a religious procession from the Akal Takht in Amritsar to Takht Damdama Sahib in Bathinda before the Baisakhi gathering.



On the other hand, Akal Takht jathedar made it clear that the highest temporal seat had not agreed to Amritpals demand for Sarbat Khalsa, while announcing a three-day annual congregation at Takht Damdama Sahib to celebrate Baisakhi.



During a meeting on Friday, Akal Takht jathedar asked the Sikhs to assemble for the Baisakhi event from April 12 to 14 at Takht Damdama Sahib, clarifying that it was not a call for Sarbat Khalsa. The annual congregation to mark Baisakhi is different from Sarbat Khalsa. Prior to this, Sarbat Khalsa was called only twice in 2015 and 1986.



In the wake of possibilities that Amritpal may make attempts to return to the border state ahead of Baisakhi, all previously sanctioned leaves of Punjab police personnel stand cancelled by the order of the state Director-General of Police (DGP). Besides, the heads of the police force have been asked not to sanction fresh leave till April 14.



Until then, the leaves of all gazetted and non-gazetted officers have been cancelled, said the DGP Gaurav Yadav in a message to the officers.



Amritpal has been evading arrest ever since the police crackdown against the Waris Punjab De outfit led by him on March 18. His last location was traced in Uttar Pradesh, about a week back, where, as per the Punjab police sources, Amritpal has been hiding with the help of his supporters among the Sikhs of Pilibhit and Lakhimpur Kheri areas.



The Punjab polices move to cancel the leaves of all its personnel gave rise to speculations that Amritpal may soon surrender, with some media channels making claims that it could be today. However, the Punjab Police categorically denied the same as factually incorrect and fake news.



The Punjab Police, taking to Twitter, urged the people not to believe rumours and fake news of the surrender of radical preacher. This is a fake news and factually incorrect. Please fact-check news before sharing. Don't spread rumours and fake news, it tweeted.



Meanwhile, the Akal Takht jathedar, during the special gathering convened by him to discuss the role of Sikh and Punjabi journalism and their challenges ahead in context of the prevailing situation in Punjab, lashed out at the Punjab Government for creating an unnecessary hype over their event.



The national media covering this event is running the news that Amritpal will be arrested today, he said, adding, Yesterday, a flag march was taken out here, where Baisakhi is celebrated every year. Heavy police presence is creating a fearful atmosphere. I made an appeal to Sikhs to come for Baisakhi and I request the media to not twist my words and run a news that I gave a call for Sarbat Khalsa.



He further said: No government can suppress our voice. We dont want a war with government, we want samwad (discussion). At least 75 commitments have been made to us, but till date not one has been fulfilled. If you suppress us, we will speak from Haryana, Bengal or the United States.



The jathedar also asked the Government to stop creating panic among the people of Punjab. To track anti-Sikh or anti-Punjabi phobia, we will constitute a strong group to keep a tab on the news running against us to defame our community. We want to tell the Punjab Government to stop creating this panicThis is not only defaming Punjab or Punjabis, but even the party ruling the state. Now, the Government is creating panic that on Baisakhi day, Amritpal will come here.



He also expressed his disappointment with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for not getting an FIR registered against the police officials who termed Sikh flag as extremist flags in a bid to defame Punjabis.
As part of the Uttar Pradesh governments initiative to promote Sanskrit education in the state, ten districts will soon get Sanskrit medium secondary schools. Setting up these new intermediate-level Sanskrit schools is among the top priorities of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

According to a spokesperson, after getting in-principle approval from the state government for the project, the officials of the Directorate of Education have formally requested for the allocation of funds for the construction of the new Sanskrit schools. In the current fiscal 2023-24 budget, a provision of Rs 100 crore has been made to this effect.

At present, there is only one government Sanskrit-medium secondary school and one government Sanskrit degree college operating in Uttar Pradesh. The other such institutions are being run privately. The 10 districts where the new schools are proposed include Varanasi, Rae Bareli, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Moradabad, Shamli, Jalaun, Etah, Amethi, and Hardoi.

In the next phase, the state government is gearing up to open more such schools in five other districts  Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and Mathura.
Jailed AAP leader Manish Sisodia has targeted the Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his educational qualifications through an open letter to people of India and asked should not be biggest manager of country be educated. Sisodia had earlier too written letters from jail.

The BJP was quick to go on the offensive, accusing the AAP MLA of holding only a diploma himself and advising him to judge people on the basis of their maturity and wisdom instead of academic degrees.

In the letter which was posted on Twitter by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his former deputy said, It is very dangerous for the country if the prime minister is less educated.(Narendra) Modi does not understand science Modi ji does not understand the importance of education, Sisodia claimed in the letter, alleging that 60,000 schools have been closed in the country in the last few years.It is necessary to have an educated prime minister for the progress of India, he said.

These remarks come as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has raised several questions about PM Modis education.

We are living in the 21st century today. New innovations in science and technology are taking place all over the world every day.

The world is talking about Artificial Intelligencegiven this, when I hear the PM say that dirty gas funnelled from a drain can be used to make tea or food, my heart sinks, Sisodia, wrote.

Echoing Sisodias sentiments, Kejriwal said it is dangerous for the country to have an uneducated Prime Minister.Manish Sisodia wrote a letter to the nation from jail. The Prime Minister being less educated is very dangerous for the country.

Modi does not understand science. Modi does not understand the importance of education. 60,000 schools have closed in the last few years. It is necessary to have an educated Prime Minister for the progress of India, the Chief Minister tweeted in Hindi.

Hitting back at the AAP leader, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said, Before asking about the educational qualification of others, Sisodia should tell what is his own educational qualification. Sachdeva also claimed that Delhi government schools performance took a plunge when Sisodia was the education minister.

For eight years Sisodia worked on schools as an event manager and not as the education minister of Delhi.

As a result, now up to 40 per cent of students in government schools either fail in classes 9 and 11 or appear in compartment exams. Class 10 and class 12 students are also in disarray, alleged the Delhi BJP president.

Taking a dig at Sisodia, the Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said that a person who is in jail in the excise policy scam , now giving gyan on PM Modi s education qualification.

AAP leaders are diverting the main issue of corruption by raising PM Modis qualifications. Their two ministers are in jail, said.




: Intensifying investigation in a fake job racket case, the Baleswar police arrested a 32-year-old woman here on Friday. The accused identified as Basha Baranali Das of Mallikashpur under Town police station was forwarded to court and further sent to jail after rejection of her bail petition. Notably, earlier in the case, five persons including the father and mother of the kingpin were arrested.

The mastermind Samesh Panda of Sunduri area is still at large.

Das was stated to be a friend of Samesh and associated in the fake job syndicate. Two teams of police have been sent to southern States to trace the kingpin. Earlier, the police had seized over Rs 3 lakh cash and gold ornaments worth Rs 10 lakh from the possession of the Samesh. Also, properties worth over Rs 1 crore of Samesh are under process of freezing.

The racket duped several gullible job aspirants in the guise of placing them in different sectors including Government and PSU. The fraudsters had in order to win the confidence of the educated jobless youths had conducted fake interviews and offered them appointment letters under fake letterheads, signatures and seals. They had swindled lakhs of rupees from the job seekers and received the amount through different bank accounts.



Police during investigation could learn that Samesh was earlier associated with a chit fund company and was arrested in a crime in Bhubaneswar, said sources.


President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday took her maiden sortie in a fighter aircraft at Tezpur air base in Assam.

Group Captain Naveen Kumar Tiwari flew her in a Sukhoi-30 MKI that took off from the Indian Air Force base.

"Achcha laga (felt good)," Murmu told reporters after completing her 25-minute sortie.

Murmu, who was on a three-day trip to Assam, reached Tezpur from Guwahati. She was received at the air base by Air Marshal S P Dharkar, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

After landing at Tezpur, Murmu received a guard of honour by IAF personnel, followed by an official briefing on her flight aboard the Sukhoi aircraft.

She then reached the hangar wearing the flying suit, and waved to the waiting journalists before climbing the ladder to board the aircraft.

The president also posed with her pilot and other officials in front of the aircraft.

After sitting in the cockpit, a woman officer helped her put on the helmet and complete other technicalities. She waved from the cockpit just seconds before the aircraft canopy was shut.

Alighting from the aircraft after the 25-minute sortie, she again posed with the group captain and waved to the waiting journalists.

Though no media interaction was scheduled with the president, she said "achcha laga" (felt good) when a waiting journalist asked her how the sortie was.

Murmu is the third president after APJ Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil to take a sortie in a fighter aircraft. Her predecessors, however, had taken their rides from Pune air base.

Wrapping up her Assam tour, Murmu left Tezpur around 12.30 pm.
Pakistans Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has cancelled his visit to the US to attend the spring meetings of the World Bank and the IMF and hold talks with officials to unlock a much-needed USD 1.1 billion IMF bailout, amid deepening domestic political uncertainty and developing judicial crisis, according to a media report on Friday.

During the visit, Dar was to meet the International Monetary Fund management for the removal of bottlenecks in the staff-level agreement on the revival of the stalled bailout package.

Sources said that Dar would not attend the spring meetings of the World Bank and the IMF that will take place from April 10 to 16 in Washington, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

I am not going due to the domestic state of affairs, the newspaper quoted Dar as saying. The deepening political uncertainty and developing judicial crisis were said to be the reasons behind the cancellation of the trip to Washington, the paper said.

Dar had the plan to address the financial and political worlds concerns regarding the continuity of the Pakistan government, future economic plans and bridging the once again trust deficit with the multilateral lenders.

The sources said that Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq would also not go to the United States due to the prevailing uncertain political conditions.

The economic affairs minister always represented Pakistan at the World Bank. Ayaz is considered very close to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and also handled the political affairs of the allied parties.

The development came amid the widening chasm between the judiciary and the federal government over holding polls in the countrys politically crucial Punjab province.

The federal government asserts that it has the power to delay the polls and hold them with the general elections in the country after August this year.

However, former prime minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has been pushing for early polls and demanding that instead of delaying the elections in the Punjab province, the national assembly should be dissolved and general elections called in the country.

Finance Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh and Economic Affairs Secretary Kazim Niaz would now represent the government at the WB-IMF spring meetings.

During the visit, Dar scheduled meetings with the presidents of WB, Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank  the three multilateral creditors that were very crucial for Pakistans plans to raise USD 6 billion in additional loans to meet the last IMF condition.

Cash-strapped Pakistan is awaiting a much-needed USD 1.1 billion tranche of funding from the Washington-based IMF, which was originally due to be disbursed in November last year.

The funds are part of a USD 6.5 billion bailout package the IMF approved in 2019, which analysts say is critical if Pakistan is to avoid defaulting on external debt obligations.
South Korea, the US and Japan called for stronger international support of efforts to ban North Korea from sending workers abroad and curb the Norths cybercrimes as a way to block the countrys means to fund its nuclear program.

The top South Korean, US and Japanese nuclear envoys met in Seoul on Friday in their first gathering in four months to discuss how to cope with North Koreas growing nuclear arsenal.

The Norths recent weapons tests show it is intent on acquiring more advanced missiles designed to attack the US and its allies, rather than returning to talks.

Despite 11 rounds of UN sanctions and pandemic-related hardships that have worsened its economic and food problems, North Korea still devotes much of its scarce resources to its nuclear and missile programs.

Contributing to financing its weapons program is also likely the Norths crypto hacking and other illicit cyber activities and the wages sent by North Korean workers remaining in China, Russia and elsewhere despite an earlier UN order to repatriate them by the end of 2019, experts say.

In a joint statement, the South Korean, US and Japanese envoys urged the international community to thoroughly abide by UN resolutions on the banning of North Korean workers overseas, according to Seouls Foreign Ministry.

The ministry said a large number of North Korean workers remains engaged in economic activities around the world and transmits money that is used in the Norths weapons programs.

It said the three envoys tried to call attention to the North Korean workers because the North may further reopen its international borders as the global COVID-19 situation improves.

It is not known exactly how many North Korean workers remain abroad. But before the 2019 UN deadline passed, the US State Department had estimated there were about 100,000 North Koreans working in factories, construction sites, logging industries and other places worldwide.

Civilian experts had said that those workers brought North Korea an estimated USD 200 million to $500 million in revenue each year.

We need to make sure that its provocations never go unpunished. We will effectively counter North Koreas future provocations and cut their revenue streams that fund these illegal activities, Kim Gunn, the South Korean envoy, said in televised comments at the start of the meeting.

Sung Kim, the US envoy, said that with its nuclear and missile programs and malicious cyber program that targets countries and individuals around the globe, North Korea threatens the security and prosperity of the entire international community.
The United Nations said the 3,330 Afghan men and women it employs stayed home for a second day Thursday to protest the Talibans ban on UN female staff working in the country as it continued to press for the decision to be reversed.

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on the Talibans action and pushed its calls for the ban to be overturned.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric reiterated the U.N.s insistence that all UN staff are needed to deliver life-saving aid to millions and stressed again that Afghan women will not be replaced by men. He also said the United Nations doesnt want to get into a situation where it replaces Afghan women with international women, who are not banned from working in the country.

He explained that culturally it is always better to have nationals from a country delivering aid to their local population. The UN has a staff of about 3,900 in Afghanistan, including approximately 3,300 Afghans and 600 international personnel. The total also includes 600 Afghan women and 200 women from other countries.

At the closed UN Security Council meeting on the Taliban ban, members were briefed by the secretary-generals special representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, who led talks Wednesday with the Talibans foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, to call for a reversal of its decision.

Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, the current council president, told reporters afterward that everybody was appalled by the decision the Taliban made.

The question is how to approach it, and we agreed to work on a product by the council  that would be useful and balanced, he said.

US deputy ambassador Robert Wood said the Biden administration sees the ban basically as another effort by the Taliban to erase Afghan women and girls from society.

The United Nations on Wednesday called the ban an unparalleled violation of womens rights, unlawful under international law, and unacceptable to the 193-member international organization.

The Taliban decision drew condemnation from the worlds most recognized organisations and on Thursday more than a dozen U.N. experts also demanded the immediate reversal of the countrywide ban on Afghan women working with the United Nations, including the UN special investigator on human rights in Afghanistan.

Despite initial promises of a more moderate rule than during its previous stint in power in the 1990s, the Taliban have imposed harsh measures since taking over the country in 2021 as U.S. and NATO forces were pulling out of Afghanistan after two decades of war.
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated their buy rating on shares of GSK (LON:GSK  Get Rating) in a report issued on Tuesday, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage currently has a GBX 1,700 ($21.11) target price on the stock.

Several other equities analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Shore Capital restated a buy rating on shares of GSK in a research report on Friday, March 24th. Credit Suisse Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a GBX 1,510 ($18.75) target price on shares of GSK in a report on Thursday, February 2nd. Barclays restated an equal weight rating and issued a GBX 1,450 ($18.01) target price on shares of GSK in a report on Thursday, February 2nd. Berenberg Bank set a GBX 1,730 ($21.49) target price on GSK in a report on Friday, February 10th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group set a GBX 1,575 ($19.56) target price on GSK in a report on Wednesday, February 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, GSK presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 1,573.33 ($19.54).

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GSK Trading Up 2.4 %

Shares of GSK opened at GBX 1,523 ($18.91) on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of 62.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,397.25, a P/E/G ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 0.27. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 1,442.30 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 1,412.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 207.87, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 0.91. GSK has a one year low of GBX 1,280.92 ($15.91) and a one year high of GBX 2,280.50 ($28.32).

GSK Dividend Announcement

Insider Activity at GSK

The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 23rd will be given a dividend of GBX 13.75 ($0.17) per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 23rd. This represents a dividend yield of 0.97%. GSKs payout ratio is currently 5,596.33%.

In related news, insider Emma Walmsley sold 28,576 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 1,487 ($18.47), for a total value of 424,925.12 ($527,726.18). In other GSK news, insider Emma Walmsley sold 28,576 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 1,487 ($18.47), for a total transaction of 424,925.12 ($527,726.18). Also, insider Jonathan Symonds bought 2,100 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 20th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 1,399 ($17.37) per share, with a total value of 29,379 ($36,486.59). Insiders have bought 2,117 shares of company stock worth $2,962,765 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.72% of the companys stock.

GSK Company Profile

(Get Rating)

GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare.

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Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:REI  Get Rating) Director Richard E. Harris sold 77,400 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, March 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1.76, for a total transaction of $136,224.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 227,694 shares of the companys stock, valued at $400,741.44. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

Ring Energy Stock Down 2.8 %

Shares of NYSEAMERICAN:REI traded down $0.06 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $2.06. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,777,600 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,484,659. The company has a market capitalization of $372.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 1.95. Ring Energy, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $1.63 and a fifty-two week high of $5.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 0.45 and a quick ratio of 0.38.

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Ring Energy (NYSEAMERICAN:REI  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 9th. The company reported $0.12 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.13 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $99.70 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $88.00 million. Ring Energy had a return on equity of 22.07% and a net margin of 39.92%. Equities research analysts predict that Ring Energy, Inc. will post 0.82 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ring Energy

Ring Energy Company Profile

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in REI. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Ring Energy during the 1st quarter worth approximately $185,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in Ring Energy by 421.2% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 491,475 shares of the companys stock worth $1,877,000 after buying an additional 397,173 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates lifted its holdings in Ring Energy by 12.7% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 94,997 shares of the companys stock valued at $363,000 after purchasing an additional 10,697 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its holdings in Ring Energy by 304.3% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 118,264 shares of the companys stock valued at $452,000 after purchasing an additional 89,010 shares during the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in Ring Energy by 26.4% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 360,190 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,376,000 after purchasing an additional 75,339 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 35.60% of the companys stock.

(Get Rating)

Ring Energy, Inc is an oil and gas exploration company, which engages in oil and natural gas acquisition, exploration, development, and production activities. The firms areas of operation are situated in the Permian Basin, the Central Basin Platform, and the Delaware Basin. The company was founded by Lloyd T.

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RPM International (NYSE:RPM  Get Rating) was downgraded by StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued on Friday.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of RPM International from $92.00 to $85.00 in a report on Friday. KeyCorp began coverage on shares of RPM International in a report on Wednesday, December 14th. They set a sector weight rating for the company. Robert W. Baird reduced their price target on RPM International from $100.00 to $92.00 in a research report on Friday, January 6th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on shares of RPM International from $120.00 to $112.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, RPM International presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $96.11.

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RPM International Price Performance

NYSE:RPM traded down $3.14 on Friday, hitting $81.19. The company had a trading volume of 2,205,303 shares, compared to its average volume of 718,020. The company has a current ratio of 2.57, a quick ratio of 1.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.71, a PEG ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 0.95. RPM International has a 52 week low of $74.56 and a 52 week high of $106.50. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $87.07 and a two-hundred day moving average of $91.71.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

RPM International ( NYSE:RPM Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 6th. The specialty chemicals company reported $0.37 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.30 by $0.07. RPM International had a return on equity of 28.55% and a net margin of 7.46%. The business had revenue of $1.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.47 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.38 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts anticipate that RPM International will post 4.35 earnings per share for the current year.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Cowa LLC raised its holdings in RPM International by 9,901.1% during the first quarter. Cowa LLC now owns 322,637 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $263,000 after purchasing an additional 319,411 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in RPM International by 6.8% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,555,552 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $129,592,000 after buying an additional 98,640 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of RPM International by 5.1% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,771,240 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $172,408,000 after purchasing an additional 85,812 shares in the last quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System boosted its position in shares of RPM International by 16.8% during the 3rd quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 288,907 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $24,069,000 after acquiring an additional 41,456 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its stake in RPM International by 38.8% in the 4th quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 108,690 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $10,651,000 after buying an additional 30,407 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.50% of the companys stock.

About RPM International

(Get Rating)

RPM International, Inc engages in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of coatings, sealants, building materials, and related services. It operates through the following business segments: Construction Products Group (CPG), Performance Coatings Group (PCG), Consumer Group, and Specialty Products Group (SPG).

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Bank of America cut shares of Stem (NYSE:STEM  Get Rating) from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. They currently have $5.00 target price on the stock, down from their previous target price of $9.00.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of Stem from $19.00 to $18.00 in a research note on Sunday, January 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price objective on shares of Stem from $14.00 to $12.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. Credit Suisse Group cut their price target on shares of Stem from $24.00 to $20.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 21st. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of Stem from $15.00 to $12.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Finally, Susquehanna lowered their price objective on shares of Stem from $17.00 to $12.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $14.59.

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Stem Price Performance

STEM stock opened at $4.92 on Tuesday. Stem has a one year low of $4.66 and a one year high of $18.02. The companys fifty day moving average price is $7.93 and its 200-day moving average price is $10.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 1.96 and a current ratio of 2.00. The company has a market capitalization of $760.48 million, a PE ratio of -6.07 and a beta of 2.07.

Insider Transactions at Stem

Stem ( NYSE:STEM Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 16th. The company reported ($0.23) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.19) by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $155.44 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $179.26 million. Stem had a negative net margin of 34.18% and a negative return on equity of 22.55%. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Stem will post -0.67 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other news, CAO Rahul Shukla sold 4,193 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $8.23, for a total transaction of $34,508.39. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 3,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $31,331.61. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CEO John Eugene Carrington sold 13,216 shares of Stem stock in a transaction on Monday, March 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.33, for a total transaction of $83,657.28. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 111,422 shares in the company, valued at approximately $705,301.26. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Rahul Shukla sold 4,193 shares of Stem stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $8.23, for a total value of $34,508.39. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 3,807 shares in the company, valued at approximately $31,331.61. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 44,472 shares of company stock valued at $300,029 in the last 90 days. 7.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Insight Wealth Strategies LLC raised its holdings in shares of Stem by 23.2% during the 1st quarter. Insight Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 152,855 shares of the companys stock worth $867,000 after acquiring an additional 28,828 shares during the period. ETF Managers Group LLC increased its position in shares of Stem by 3.8% during the 4th quarter. ETF Managers Group LLC now owns 64,583 shares of the companys stock worth $577,000 after purchasing an additional 2,350 shares during the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. increased its position in shares of Stem by 26.9% during the 4th quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 100,895 shares of the companys stock worth $902,000 after purchasing an additional 21,390 shares during the last quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky increased its position in shares of Stem by 174.8% during the 4th quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 101,088 shares of the companys stock worth $904,000 after purchasing an additional 64,300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main acquired a new stake in shares of Stem during the 4th quarter worth about $2,237,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 52.10% of the companys stock.

Stem Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Stem, Inc operates as a digitally connected and intelligent energy storage network provider in the United States and internationally. It offers energy storage systems sourced from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company also provides Athena, an artificial intelligence platform, which offers battery hardware and software-enabled services to operate the energy storage systems.

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StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Argo Group International (NYSE:ARGO  Get Rating) in a report issued on Tuesday. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock.

Several other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on ARGO. Compass Point cut Argo Group International from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $30.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Monday, March 13th. Raymond James lowered shares of Argo Group International from a market perform rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 28th.

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Argo Group International Trading Up 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE ARGO opened at $29.54 on Tuesday. Argo Group International has a 1 year low of $19.00 and a 1 year high of $45.26. The stock has a market cap of $1.04 billion, a P/E ratio of -5.56 and a beta of 0.99. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $29.13 and a 200 day moving average of $27.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 0.63 and a quick ratio of 0.56.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Argo Group International

Argo Group International ( NYSE:ARGO Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 27th. The company reported ($2.69) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($1.62) by ($1.07). Argo Group International had a negative net margin of 9.98% and a positive return on equity of 0.06%. The firm had revenue of $379.40 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $504.90 million. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Argo Group International will post 2.85 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its position in shares of Argo Group International by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 22,288 shares of the companys stock worth $822,000 after buying an additional 504 shares during the last quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its position in shares of Argo Group International by 17.3% in the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 4,760 shares of the companys stock worth $123,000 after purchasing an additional 701 shares in the last quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Argo Group International by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC now owns 89,965 shares of the companys stock worth $1,733,000 after purchasing an additional 743 shares in the last quarter. Credit Suisse AG boosted its position in shares of Argo Group International by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 31,591 shares of the companys stock worth $817,000 after purchasing an additional 763 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Argo Group International by 13.9% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 6,715 shares of the companys stock valued at $248,000 after purchasing an additional 822 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.92% of the companys stock.

Argo Group International Company Profile

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Argo Group International Holdings Ltd. engages in the provision of underwriting property and casualty insurance and reinsurance products. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Operations, International Operations, and Run-off Lines. The U.S. Operations segment include distribution through retail, wholesale, and managing general brokers/agents in the specialty insurance market.

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AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of Newmont Co. (NYSE:NEM  Get Rating) by 63.1% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,304 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 10,803 shares during the period. AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLCs holdings in Newmont were worth $298,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Blair William & Co. IL boosted its position in shares of Newmont by 14.8% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 42,511 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $3,378,000 after buying an additional 5,484 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. boosted its holdings in shares of Newmont by 19.3% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 66,212 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $5,219,000 after acquiring an additional 10,692 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its stake in shares of Newmont by 46.9% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 27,905 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $2,217,000 after acquiring an additional 8,915 shares during the period. Baird Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Newmont by 7.2% during the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 595,641 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $47,324,000 after purchasing an additional 39,765 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its position in Newmont by 25.8% during the first quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,354 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $108,000 after purchasing an additional 278 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 77.60% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have commented on NEM. TD Securities raised shares of Newmont from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $55.00 target price for the company in a research report on Friday, February 24th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised Newmont from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $53.00 to $55.00 in a research report on Monday, March 13th. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of Newmont from $70.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Newmont from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $60.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Monday, February 13th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Newmont in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $62.06.

Newmont Stock Performance

Shares of Newmont stock traded down $0.02 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $52.05. The companys stock had a trading volume of 8,461,312 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,018,885. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 2.23 and a quick ratio of 1.89. Newmont Co. has a 12-month low of $37.45 and a 12-month high of $86.37. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $47.16 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $46.47.

Newmont (NYSE:NEM  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 23rd. The basic materials company reported $0.44 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.47 by ($0.03). Newmont had a positive return on equity of 6.98% and a negative net margin of 3.60%. The business had revenue of $3.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.10 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.78 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Newmont Co. will post 2.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Newmont Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 23rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 9th were issued a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, March 8th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.07%. Newmonts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -296.29%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Newmont news, COO Robert D. Atkinson sold 3,000 shares of Newmont stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.92, for a total value of $146,760.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 84,751 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,146,018.92. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 11,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.92, for a total value of $538,120.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 311,039 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,216,027.88. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, COO Robert D. Atkinson sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.92, for a total value of $146,760.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 84,751 shares in the company, valued at $4,146,018.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 28,000 shares of company stock worth $1,304,380. Corporate insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Newmont Company Profile

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Newmont Corp. is a gold producer, engages in the exploration and acquisition of gold properties, contains copper, silver, lead, zinc or other metals. It operates through the following geographical segments: North America, South America, Nevada, Australia, and Africa. The North America segment consists primarily of carlin, phoenix, twin creeks and long canyon in the state of Nevada and Cripple Creek and Victor in the state of Colorado, in the United States.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Newmont Co. (NYSE:NEM  Get Rating).

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MetLife (NYSE:MET  Get Rating) and China Life Insurance (NYSE:LFCHY  Get Rating) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, risk, dividends, profitability and analyst recommendations.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings for MetLife and China Life Insurance, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score MetLife 0 3 9 0 2.75 China Life Insurance 0 0 0 0 N/A

MetLife currently has a consensus target price of $77.64, suggesting a potential upside of 31.43%.

Volatility & Risk

Profitability

MetLife has a beta of 1.05, meaning that its share price is 5% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, China Life Insurance has a beta of 0.59, meaning that its share price is 41% less volatile than the S&P 500.

This table compares MetLife and China Life Insurances net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets MetLife 3.63% 15.64% 0.83% China Life Insurance N/A N/A N/A

Insider & Institutional Ownership

88.2% of MetLife shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.3% of MetLife shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Dividends

MetLife pays an annual dividend of $2.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.4%. China Life Insurance pays an annual dividend of $0.41 per share. MetLife pays out 68.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. MetLife has increased its dividend for 5 consecutive years. MetLife is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares MetLife and China Life Insurances revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio MetLife $69.90 billion 0.65 $2.54 billion $2.93 20.16 China Life Insurance $127.86 billion 0.00 $7.89 billion N/A N/A

China Life Insurance has higher revenue and earnings than MetLife.

Summary

MetLife beats China Life Insurance on 10 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About MetLife

(Get Rating)

MetLife, Inc. provides insurance and financial services to individual and institutional customers. It offers life insurance, annuities, automobile and homeowners insurance and retail banking services to individuals as well as group insurance, reinsurance and retirement and savings products and services. The firm operates through the following segments: U.S., Asia, Latin America, EMEA, MetLife Holdings and Corporate & Other. The U.S. segment offers a broad range of protection products and services aimed at serving the financial needs of customers throughout their lives. The U.S. segment is organized into three businesses: Group Benefits, Retirement and Income Solutions and Property & Casualty. The Asia segment offers a broad range of products to individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, which include whole life, term life, variable life, universal life, accident & health insurance, fixed and variable annuities and endowment products. The Latin America segment offers a broad range of products to individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, which include life insurance, accident & health

About China Life Insurance

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China Life Insurance Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a life insurance company in the People's Republic of China. The company operates in four segments: Life Insurance Business, Health Insurance Business, Accident Insurance Business, and Other Businesses. It offers critical illness protection, annuity, children/women/pension, security, life, medical, and accident protection insurance products. The company was founded in 1949 and is based in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. China Life Insurance Company Limited is a subsidiary of China Life Insurance (Group) Company Limited.

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Otis Worldwide (NYSE:OTIS  Get Rating) had its price target lowered by investment analysts at Barclays from $81.00 to $79.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday, The Fly reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. Barclayss price objective suggests a potential upside of 0.65% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on the company. Cowen upped their target price on Otis Worldwide from $90.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Otis Worldwide from $76.00 to $82.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 2nd. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on Otis Worldwide from $84.00 to $89.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 2nd. Finally, TheStreet raised Otis Worldwide from a d+ rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, March 20th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $80.80.

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Otis Worldwide Price Performance

OTIS opened at $78.49 on Thursday. Otis Worldwide has a 12 month low of $62.49 and a 12 month high of $87.33. The stock has a market capitalization of $32.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.43 and a beta of 0.92. The business has a 50-day moving average of $83.03 and a two-hundred day moving average of $77.61.

Insider Activity

Otis Worldwide ( NYSE:OTIS Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 1st. The company reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.73 by $0.02. Otis Worldwide had a negative return on equity of 27.69% and a net margin of 9.16%. The business had revenue of $3.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.40 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.72 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Otis Worldwide will post 3.43 earnings per share for the current year.

In other news, insider James F. Cramer sold 700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.97, for a total value of $58,779.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 5,037 shares in the company, valued at $422,956.89. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, insider Fernandez Bernardo Calleja sold 703 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.85, for a total transaction of $61,055.55. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 22,215 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,929,372.75. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider James F. Cramer sold 700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.97, for a total value of $58,779.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 5,037 shares of the companys stock, valued at $422,956.89. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 32,777 shares of company stock worth $2,759,404 over the last 90 days. 0.11% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Otis Worldwide

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc. lifted its stake in Otis Worldwide by 256.4% in the 3rd quarter. Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc. now owns 417 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. American National Bank increased its position in Otis Worldwide by 1,022.6% in the 4th quarter. American National Bank now owns 348 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 317 shares during the last quarter. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC acquired a new position in Otis Worldwide in the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Old North State Trust LLC acquired a new position in Otis Worldwide in the 3rd quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Creative Capital Management Investments LLC acquired a new position in Otis Worldwide in the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. 83.95% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Otis Worldwide

(Get Rating)

Otis Worldwide Corporation manufactures, installs, and services elevators and escalators in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, New Equipment and Service. The New Equipment segment designs, manufactures, sells, and installs a range of passenger and freight elevators, as well as escalators and moving walkways for residential and commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects.

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StockNews.com began coverage on shares of China Yuchai International (NYSE:CYD  Get Rating) in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the stock.

Separately, Greenridge Global reissued a buy rating on shares of China Yuchai International in a research note on Tuesday, February 28th.

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China Yuchai International Stock Down 1.4 %

NYSE CYD opened at $7.51 on Wednesday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $8.22 and a 200 day simple moving average of $7.80. China Yuchai International has a one year low of $6.73 and a one year high of $11.91.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On China Yuchai International

China Yuchai International Company Profile

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its position in shares of China Yuchai International by 293.6% during the third quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,397 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 2,534 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its holdings in China Yuchai International by 1,245.3% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 3,000 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 2,777 shares during the period. Credit Suisse AG bought a new stake in China Yuchai International during the second quarter worth $45,000. Shell Asset Management Co. lifted its holdings in China Yuchai International by 36.8% during the third quarter. Shell Asset Management Co. now owns 14,383 shares of the companys stock worth $105,000 after acquiring an additional 3,869 shares during the period. Finally, Citadel Advisors LLC bought a new stake in China Yuchai International during the second quarter worth $119,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 19.69% of the companys stock.

(Get Rating)

China Yuchai International Ltd. is a holding company, which engages in the manufacture, assembly, and sale of light, medium, and heavy-duty engines for trucks, buses, passenger vehicles, construction equipment, marine, and agriculture applications. It operates through the following segments: Yuchai, HL Global Enterprises Limited (HLGE), and Corporate.

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Capital City Trust Co. FL decreased its position in Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL  Get Rating) by 0.6% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 62,293 shares of the companys stock after selling 374 shares during the period. Colgate-Palmolive comprises approximately 1.6% of Capital City Trust Co. FLs portfolio, making the stock its 18th biggest holding. Capital City Trust Co. FLs holdings in Colgate-Palmolive were worth $4,908,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Third Point LLC boosted its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 481.9% during the third quarter. Third Point LLC now owns 11,550,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $811,388,000 after acquiring an additional 9,565,000 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 151.6% during the first quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 5,688,786 shares of the companys stock valued at $431,381,000 after acquiring an additional 3,427,400 shares during the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP boosted its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 512.1% during the third quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 2,417,899 shares of the companys stock valued at $169,857,000 after acquiring an additional 2,022,860 shares during the last quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec boosted its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 1,915.2% during the first quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 1,793,287 shares of the companys stock valued at $135,985,000 after acquiring an additional 1,704,300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 1.1% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 78,638,269 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,524,338,000 after acquiring an additional 882,517 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.63% of the companys stock.

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Colgate-Palmolive Stock Performance

Colgate-Palmolive stock opened at $75.68 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $73.52 and its 200 day moving average price is $74.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $62.84 billion, a PE ratio of 35.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.92 and a beta of 0.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.84, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 1.28. Colgate-Palmolive has a one year low of $67.84 and a one year high of $83.81.

Colgate-Palmolive Increases Dividend

Colgate-Palmolive ( NYSE:CL Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 27th. The company reported $0.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.77. Colgate-Palmolive had a return on equity of 317.08% and a net margin of 9.93%. The company had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.58 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.79 EPS. Colgate-Palmolives revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Colgate-Palmolive will post 3.1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 15th. Investors of record on Friday, April 21st will be given a dividend of $0.48 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 20th. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.54%. This is a positive change from Colgate-Palmolives previous quarterly dividend of $0.47. Colgate-Palmolives payout ratio is currently 88.26%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently commented on CL. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Colgate-Palmolive from $81.00 to $86.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 13th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Colgate-Palmolive from $80.00 to $76.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 30th. Citigroup initiated coverage on Colgate-Palmolive in a research report on Thursday, February 16th. They set a buy rating and a $84.00 target price on the stock. Morgan Stanley upgraded Colgate-Palmolive from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $82.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 30th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded Colgate-Palmolive from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, April 1st. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $82.27.

Colgate-Palmolive Profile

(Get Rating)

Colgate-Palmolive Co is engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of consumer products. It operates through the Oral, Personal and Home Care, and Pet Nutrition segments. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment represents North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa or Eurasia, all of which sell to a variety of retail and wholesale customers and distributors.

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Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ  Get Rating) released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported $1.98 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.12, Briefing.com reports. The firm had revenue of $2 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.02 billion. Constellation Brands had a net margin of 0.98% and a return on equity of 19.69%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 11.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.37 EPS. Constellation Brands updated its FY24 guidance to $11.70-12.00 EPS.

Constellation Brands Price Performance

NYSE STZ opened at $224.64 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $222.64 and a 200 day simple moving average of $231.10. The company has a market cap of $41.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 641.85, a P/E/G ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 1.03. Constellation Brands has a 1 year low of $208.12 and a 1 year high of $261.52.

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Constellation Brands Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, May 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 4th will be issued a dividend of $0.89 per share. This is an increase from Constellation Brandss previous quarterly dividend of $0.80. This represents a $3.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, May 3rd. Constellation Brandss dividend payout ratio is currently 914.31%.

Institutional Trading of Constellation Brands

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Constellation Brands in the 4th quarter valued at $34,000. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Constellation Brands in the 1st quarter valued at $98,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new stake in Constellation Brands in the 4th quarter valued at $174,000. Columbia Trust Co 01012016 bought a new stake in Constellation Brands in the 4th quarter valued at $200,000. Finally, EP Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Constellation Brands in the 1st quarter valued at $200,000. 84.87% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

STZ has been the topic of several research reports. Cowen lowered shares of Constellation Brands from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $275.00 to $200.00 in a research note on Friday, January 6th. Citigroup initiated coverage on shares of Constellation Brands in a research note on Thursday, February 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $265.00 price objective on the stock. Credit Suisse Group dropped their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $260.00 to $250.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 6th. OTR Global raised shares of Constellation Brands to a positive rating in a research report on Thursday, December 15th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on shares of Constellation Brands from $290.00 to $265.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 6th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $249.76.

About Constellation Brands

(Get Rating)

Constellation Brands, Inc engages in the production, marketing, and distribution of beer, wine, and spirits. It operates through the following segments: Beer, Wine and Spirits, and Corporate Operations and Other, and Canopy. The Beer segment includes imported and craft beer brands. The Wine and Spirits segment sells wine brands across all categories-table wine, sparkling wine, and dessert wine-and across all price points.

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D.B. Root & Company LLC reduced its position in shares of ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW  Get Rating) by 1.9% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,298 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 25 shares during the period. D.B. Root & Company LLCs holdings in ServiceNow were worth $504,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in ServiceNow by 1.9% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 16,866,914 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $6,369,116,000 after acquiring an additional 320,130 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in ServiceNow by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 14,107,929 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $5,342,228,000 after acquiring an additional 90,051 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its stake in ServiceNow by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,969,975 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $3,009,542,000 after acquiring an additional 182,606 shares during the period. Polen Capital Management LLC increased its stake in ServiceNow by 26.5% during the 3rd quarter. Polen Capital Management LLC now owns 3,953,299 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,492,805,000 after acquiring an additional 827,285 shares during the period. Finally, Brown Advisory Inc. increased its stake in ServiceNow by 8.6% during the 3rd quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 2,378,372 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $898,098,000 after acquiring an additional 187,393 shares during the period. 86.31% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity

In other news, CEO William R. Mcdermott sold 2,483 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $455.03, for a total value of $1,129,831.05. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 53,117 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $24,169,647.91. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CEO William R. Mcdermott sold 2,483 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $455.03, for a total value of $1,129,831.05. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 53,117 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $24,169,647.91. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO William R. Mcdermott sold 704 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $456.35, for a total value of $321,268.43. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 52,413 shares of the companys stock, valued at $23,918,525.79. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 65,629 shares of company stock valued at $29,974,024 in the last ninety days. 0.28% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

ServiceNow Stock Up 1.2 %

A number of research firms have commented on NOW. StockNews.com began coverage on ServiceNow in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Oppenheimer lifted their price target on ServiceNow from $450.00 to $500.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 26th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on ServiceNow from $500.00 to $510.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 26th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price target on ServiceNow from $625.00 to $525.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 23rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on ServiceNow from $550.00 to $575.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 26th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, ServiceNow currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $521.97.

Shares of NOW opened at $473.13 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $96.05 billion, a PE ratio of 295.71, a PEG ratio of 6.23 and a beta of 1.04. ServiceNow, Inc. has a 12 month low of $337.00 and a 12 month high of $541.90. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $446.74 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $413.08. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30.

ServiceNow (NYSE:NOW  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 25th. The information technology services provider reported $0.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by $0.28. The company had revenue of $1.94 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.93 billion. ServiceNow had a return on equity of 9.37% and a net margin of 4.49%. On average, analysts anticipate that ServiceNow, Inc. will post 2.65 EPS for the current year.

ServiceNow Company Profile

(Get Rating)

ServiceNow, Inc engages in the provision of enterprise cloud computing solutions. The firm delivers digital workflows on a single enterprise cloud platform called the Now Platform. Its product portfolio is focused on providing Information Technology, Employee and Customer workflows. The company was founded by Frederic B.

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Finning International Inc. (OTCMKTS:FINGF  Get Rating) dropped 3.3% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $24.75 and last traded at $24.76. Approximately 622 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 71% from the average daily volume of 2,142 shares. The stock had previously closed at $25.60.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

FINGF has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. National Bank Financial cut Finning International from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 7th. Scotiabank upped their price target on Finning International from C$44.00 to C$45.00 in a research report on Wednesday, February 8th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on Finning International from C$38.00 to C$43.00 in a research report on Thursday, February 9th.

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Finning International Stock Performance

The business has a fifty day moving average of $25.78 and a 200-day moving average of $23.92.

Finning International Cuts Dividend

About Finning International

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 9th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 23rd were issued a dividend of $0.1754 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, February 22nd. This represents a yield of 2.59%. Finning Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 37.53%.

(Get Rating)

Finning International, Inc engages in the sale, service, and renting out heavy equipment, engines, and related products. It operates through the following business segments: Canadian Operations, South American Operations, UK & Ireland Operations, and Other. The Canadian Operations segment is comprised of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and a portion of Nunavut.

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Great Bear Resources Ltd. (OTCMKTS:GTBAF  Get Rating) shares traded up 2% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $22.50 and last traded at $22.43. 6,000 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 87% from the average session volume of 46,405 shares. The stock had previously closed at $22.00.

Great Bear Resources Stock Up 2.0 %

The companys 50 day simple moving average is $22.43 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $22.43.

About Great Bear Resources

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Great Bear Resources Ltd. is a mineral exploration company, which engages in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. It holds interest in Dixie and Regional Red Lake projects. The company was founded on December 6, 2001 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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StockNews.com cut shares of Halliburton (NYSE:HAL  Get Rating) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report report published on Tuesday.

Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Barclays lifted their price objective on Halliburton from $54.00 to $58.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 25th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Halliburton from $40.00 to $46.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 30th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Halliburton from $47.00 to $44.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, March 22nd. Benchmark reiterated a buy rating and set a $50.00 price objective on shares of Halliburton in a research note on Monday, April 3rd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Halliburton from $45.00 to $48.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 25th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $47.78.

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Halliburton Stock Performance

Shares of HAL stock opened at $32.71 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $29.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.25 and a beta of 2.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 2.05 and a quick ratio of 1.50. The business has a fifty day moving average of $35.40 and a 200 day moving average of $35.51. Halliburton has a 1 year low of $23.30 and a 1 year high of $43.99.

Halliburton Increases Dividend

Halliburton ( NYSE:HAL Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 24th. The oilfield services company reported $0.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $5.58 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.59 billion. Halliburton had a return on equity of 26.25% and a net margin of 7.74%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 30.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.92 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Halliburton will post 3.09 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 29th. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 1st were issued a $0.16 dividend. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.96%. This is a boost from Halliburtons previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, February 28th. Halliburtons payout ratio is presently 36.99%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Van H. Beckwith sold 4,493 shares of Halliburton stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.41, for a total value of $181,562.13. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 191,334 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,731,806.94. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other Halliburton news, EVP Van H. Beckwith sold 4,493 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $40.41, for a total value of $181,562.13. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 191,334 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,731,806.94. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Van H. Beckwith sold 4,295 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $42.60, for a total transaction of $182,967.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 245,731 shares in the company, valued at $10,468,140.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 11,557 shares of company stock worth $471,939. Insiders own 0.57% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. EWG Elevate Inc. purchased a new position in Halliburton in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Ossiam raised its position in shares of Halliburton by 1,434.1% during the 4th quarter. Ossiam now owns 629 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 588 shares during the period. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Halliburton during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Luken Investment Analytics LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Halliburton during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Coston McIsaac & Partners purchased a new stake in shares of Halliburton during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. 80.56% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Halliburton Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Halliburton Co engages in the provision of services and products to the energy industry related to the exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas. It operates through the Completion and Production, and Drilling and Evaluation segments. The Completion and Production segment delivers cementing, stimulation, intervention, pressure control, specialty chemicals, artificial lift, and completion services.

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Hysan Development Company Limited (OTCMKTS:HYSNY  Get Rating)s share price passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $6.26 and traded as low as $6.07. Hysan Development shares last traded at $6.11, with a volume of 3,389 shares trading hands.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have issued reports on HYSNY shares. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Hysan Development from a sell rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 10th. HSBC upgraded Hysan Development from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 28th.

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Hysan Development Trading Up 1.8 %

The company has a fifty day moving average price of $6.24 and a 200 day moving average price of $5.85.

Hysan Development Increases Dividend

Hysan Development Company Profile

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 3rd were issued a dividend of $0.2883 per share. This is an increase from Hysan Developments previous dividend of $0.06. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, March 2nd. This represents a dividend yield of 5.7%. Hysan Developments payout ratio is currently 5.23%.

(Get Rating)

Hysan is a leading property investment, management and development company in Hong Kong, with a portfolio of more than 4 million square feet of high-quality office, retail and residential properties. Operating primarily in the city's prime retail/office district of Causeway Bay, we are focused on delighting our customers and providing investors with outstanding returns.

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State of Michigan Retirement System boosted its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Get Rating) by 2.5% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 89,136 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,200 shares during the quarter. State of Michigan Retirement Systems holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $19,637,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Briar Hall Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. Briar Hall Management LLC now owns 26,352,224 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $4,760,529,000 after buying an additional 520,540 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 0.8% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 25,609,537 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $4,626,363,000 after acquiring an additional 215,823 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 5.9% during the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,902,872 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,236,063,000 after purchasing an additional 326,412 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 25.1% in the second quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 2,805,831 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $511,363,000 after acquiring an additional 562,273 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc boosted its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 2.8% during the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 2,489,641 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $453,740,000 after buying an additional 67,298 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.83% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on ITW shares. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $222.00 to $255.00 in a research report on Thursday, February 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $170.00 to $183.00 in a research note on Friday, February 3rd. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Vertical Research lowered shares of Illinois Tool Works from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $240.00 to $220.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $174.00 to $223.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 7th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $224.57.

Insider Activity

Illinois Tool Works Trading Down 0.7 %

In other Illinois Tool Works news, CEO Ernest Scott Santi sold 235,656 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $246.29, for a total transaction of $58,039,716.24. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 213,538 shares of the companys stock, valued at $52,592,274.02. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . In other news, Vice Chairman Christopher A. Oherlihy sold 60,137 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $246.26, for a total value of $14,809,337.62. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 40,072 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,868,130.72. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, CEO Ernest Scott Santi sold 235,656 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $246.29, for a total value of $58,039,716.24. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 213,538 shares of the companys stock, valued at $52,592,274.02. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Company insiders own 0.78% of the companys stock.

Shares of NYSE ITW opened at $227.70 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00, a current ratio of 1.41 and a quick ratio of 0.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $69.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.50 and a beta of 1.10. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 1-year low of $173.52 and a 1-year high of $253.37. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $235.61 and a 200 day moving average price of $221.41.

Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 2nd. The industrial products company reported $2.34 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.60 by ($0.26). The firm had revenue of $3.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.90 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.04% and a return on equity of 87.15%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.95 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.53 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Illinois Tool Works Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 31st will be given a dividend of $1.31 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 30th. This represents a $5.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.30%. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio is currently 53.58%.

About Illinois Tool Works

(Get Rating)

Illinois Tool Works, Inc engages in the manufacture of industrial products and equipment. It operates through the following segments: Automotive OEM, Test and Measurement and Electronics, Food Equipment, Polymers and Fluids, Welding, Construction Products, and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment produces components and fasteners for automotive-related applications.

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Boston Financial Mangement LLC increased its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR  Get Rating) by 3.5% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 120,506 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 4,108 shares during the quarter. Boston Financial Mangement LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $11,405,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 67.4% during the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 15,171,621 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,322,814,000 after acquiring an additional 6,110,963 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 13,823,565 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,205,276,000 after buying an additional 176,749 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 5.7% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 9,333,789 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $813,812,000 after buying an additional 506,132 shares during the period. First Command Advisory Services Inc. raised its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. now owns 9,093,064 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $861,029,000 after buying an additional 60,490 shares during the period. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 6.1% in the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 7,599,271 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $702,249,000 after buying an additional 436,314 shares during the period.

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iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Trading Up 0.0 %

IJR traded up $0.03 on Friday, hitting $94.17. The company had a trading volume of 2,997,815 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,156,574. The firm has a market cap of $64.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 1.13. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 1 year low of $86.40 and a 1 year high of $108.72. The companys fifty day moving average price is $99.85 and its 200 day moving average price is $97.34.

About iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

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Jersey Electricity plc (LON:JEL  Get Rating)s stock price traded down 0.8% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as GBX 462 ($5.74) and last traded at GBX 469 ($5.82). 1,794 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 35% from the average session volume of 2,758 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 473 ($5.87).

Jersey Electricity Stock Down 0.8 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.02, a current ratio of 3.19 and a quick ratio of 2.90. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 493.65 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 503.50. The company has a market cap of 54.59 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,737.04 and a beta of 0.26.

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Jersey Electricity Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 23rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 16th were given a GBX 10.80 ($0.13) dividend. This is an increase from Jersey Electricitys previous dividend of $7.60. This represents a yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 16th. Jersey Electricitys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 6,666.67%.

Insider Activity

Jersey Electricity Company Profile

In other news, insider Elisabeth Iceton acquired 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 15th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 490 ($6.09) per share, with a total value of 12,250 ($15,213.61). Insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock.

(Get Rating)

Jersey Electricity plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity in Jersey, the Channel Islands. The company provides energy solutions for domestic and commercial customers looking to switch from fossil-fuel-based energy to clean and low-carbon electricity; and home solutions, including heating systems and hot water, renewable energy, electric transport and related chargers, amenity lighting, air conditioning, and CosyCare maintenance.

Further Reading

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Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:PNGAY  Get Rating)s share price crossed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $13.97 and traded as low as $12.82. Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China shares last traded at $13.12, with a volume of 113,442 shares traded.

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Stock Up 2.2 %

The stock has a fifty day moving average of $13.90 and a 200-day moving average of $12.52.

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. provides financial products and services for insurance, banking, asset management, and fintech and healthtech businesses in the People's Republic of China. The company's Life and Health Insurance segment offers term, whole-life, endowment, annuity, investment-linked, universal life, and health care and medical insurance to individual and corporate customers.

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Rice Hall James & Associates LLC trimmed its position in Ducommun Incorporated (NYSE:DCO  Get Rating) by 3.1% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 65,556 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 2,086 shares during the period. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC owned 0.54% of Ducommun worth $3,275,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in DCO. MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Ducommun by 62.3% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 5,236 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $274,000 after acquiring an additional 2,009 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Ducommun by 3.6% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 839,094 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $43,960,000 after purchasing an additional 28,819 shares during the last quarter. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL boosted its position in shares of Ducommun by 6.0% in the 1st quarter. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL now owns 357,876 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $18,749,000 after purchasing an additional 20,200 shares in the last quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC grew its stake in shares of Ducommun by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC now owns 51,500 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,698,000 after buying an additional 1,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Ducommun during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Institutional investors own 83.61% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on Ducommun from $62.00 to $60.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 9th. Truist Financial upped their target price on shares of Ducommun from $58.00 to $66.00 in a research note on Monday, January 9th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Ducommun in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a buy rating for the company.

Ducommun Price Performance

DCO opened at $52.20 on Friday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $54.50 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $50.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 1.79 and a current ratio of 2.64. The stock has a market capitalization of $638.41 million, a P/E ratio of 22.31 and a beta of 1.34. Ducommun Incorporated has a 52-week low of $38.89 and a 52-week high of $58.28.

Ducommun (NYSE:DCO  Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 16th. The aerospace company reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by $0.02. Ducommun had a net margin of 4.04% and a return on equity of 7.94%. The company had revenue of $188.27 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $184.31 million. As a group, analysts predict that Ducommun Incorporated will post 2.78 EPS for the current year.

Ducommun Profile

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Ducommun, Inc engages in the provision of engineering and manufacturing services to the aerospace, defense, industrial, and medical industries. It operates through the Electronic Systems and Structural Systems segments. The Electronic Systems segment offers electronic and electromechanical products used in worldwide technology-driven markets.

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Rice Hall James & Associates LLC cut its stake in Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG  Get Rating) by 4.1% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 24,156 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 1,032 shares during the quarter. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC owned 0.20% of Alamo Group worth $3,420,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Quadrant Capital Group LLC purchased a new stake in Alamo Group in the 3rd quarter valued at $29,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Alamo Group during the third quarter valued at about $32,000. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new position in Alamo Group during the third quarter worth about $44,000. FMR LLC grew its position in Alamo Group by 17.4% in the 2nd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 701 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $81,000 after purchasing an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors grew its position in Alamo Group by 30.1% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 964 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $139,000 after purchasing an additional 223 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.67% of the companys stock.

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Alamo Group Stock Up 0.1 %

ALG opened at $167.55 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $170.49 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $153.10. The company has a quick ratio of 1.97, a current ratio of 3.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Alamo Group Inc. has a twelve month low of $108.35 and a twelve month high of $186.37. The stock has a market cap of $2.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.62 and a beta of 0.98.

Alamo Group Dividend Announcement

Insider Buying and Selling at Alamo Group

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.22 per share. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.53%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, April 14th. Alamo Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 10.30%.

In other Alamo Group news, EVP Edward Rizzuti sold 394 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $184.21, for a total value of $72,578.74. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 5,433 shares in the company, valued at $1,000,812.93. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, EVP Edward Rizzuti sold 394 shares of Alamo Group stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $184.21, for a total value of $72,578.74. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 5,433 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,000,812.93. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Janet S. Pollock sold 150 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $180.40, for a total transaction of $27,060.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 2,606 shares in the company, valued at $470,122.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 2.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. DA Davidson raised Alamo Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the company from $173.00 to $196.00 in a report on Thursday, March 16th. StockNews.com began coverage on Alamo Group in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a buy rating for the company.

Alamo Group Profile

(Get Rating)

Alamo Group, Inc engages in the design and manufacture of agricultural equipment and infrastructure maintenance equipment for governmental and industrial use. Its products include tractor-mounted mowing and other vegetation maintenance equipment, street sweepers, excavators, vacuum trucks, snow removal equipment, zero turn radius mowers, agricultural implements, and related aftermarket parts.

Further Reading

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Suncoast Equity Management lifted its position in United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS  Get Rating) by 4.1% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,664 shares of the transportation companys stock after acquiring an additional 106 shares during the quarter. Suncoast Equity Managements holdings in United Parcel Service were worth $463,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Coston McIsaac & Partners purchased a new position in United Parcel Service in the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in United Parcel Service in the 1st quarter worth about $27,000. Piershale Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in United Parcel Service in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. MADDEN SECURITIES Corp purchased a new position in United Parcel Service in the 4th quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, First Community Trust NA increased its position in United Parcel Service by 65.8% during the 4th quarter. First Community Trust NA now owns 199 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 58.92% of the companys stock.

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United Parcel Service Stock Performance

UPS stock traded down $0.82 during trading on Friday, reaching $188.58. The company had a trading volume of 2,206,234 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,964,808. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a current ratio of 1.22. United Parcel Service, Inc. has a twelve month low of $154.87 and a twelve month high of $209.39. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $185.69 and a 200-day simple moving average of $177.99. The company has a market cap of $161.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 1.09.

United Parcel Service ( NYSE:UPS Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 31st. The transportation company reported $3.62 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.59 by $0.03. United Parcel Service had a net margin of 11.51% and a return on equity of 66.10%. The business had revenue of $27 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $28.03 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $3.59 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that United Parcel Service, Inc. will post 11.49 earnings per share for the current year.

United Parcel Service declared that its board has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Tuesday, January 31st that permits the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the transportation company to repurchase up to 3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

United Parcel Service Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 21st were paid a dividend of $1.62 per share. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.44%. This is a boost from United Parcel Services previous quarterly dividend of $1.52. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 17th. United Parcel Services payout ratio is presently 49.09%.

Insider Buying and Selling at United Parcel Service

In other United Parcel Service news, insider Laura J. Lane sold 14,617 shares of United Parcel Service stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.16, for a total transaction of $2,604,164.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Norman M. Brothers, Jr. sold 20,724 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, February 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $182.26, for a total value of $3,777,156.24. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider Laura J. Lane sold 14,617 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.16, for a total transaction of $2,604,164.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 54,341 shares of company stock worth $9,848,061. Company insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have commented on UPS shares. Oppenheimer raised their target price on shares of United Parcel Service from $196.00 to $199.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 1st. StockNews.com raised shares of United Parcel Service from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of United Parcel Service from $195.00 to $221.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, March 3rd. Melius started coverage on shares of United Parcel Service in a research report on Monday, March 27th. They set an overweight rating and a $225.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Evercore ISI raised their target price on shares of United Parcel Service from $181.00 to $203.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research report on Monday, December 19th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating, fifteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $195.22.

About United Parcel Service

(Get Rating)

United Parcel Service, Inc is a package delivery company, which engages in the provision of global supply chain management solutions. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Domestic Package, International Package, and Supply Chain Solutions. The U.S. Domestic Package segment includes time-definite delivery of letters, documents, and packages.

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West Branch Capital LLC lessened its holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:PNC  Get Rating) by 38.7% in the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 625 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 394 shares during the quarter. West Branch Capital LLCs holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group were worth $99,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 4,417 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $660,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares during the last quarter. Calamos Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group by 3.6% in the third quarter. Calamos Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,820 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $272,000 after buying an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. Dividend Assets Capital LLC increased its holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group by 17.6% in the third quarter. Dividend Assets Capital LLC now owns 441 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $66,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Crawford Investment Counsel Inc. boosted its stake in The PNC Financial Services Group by 5.2% in the second quarter. Crawford Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 1,352 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $213,000 after acquiring an additional 67 shares in the last quarter. Finally, 1832 Asset Management L.P. boosted its stake in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 33.5% during the first quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 267 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $49,000 after buying an additional 67 shares during the period. 82.05% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity at The PNC Financial Services Group

In related news, CEO William S. Demchak bought 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, March 13th. The stock was bought at an average price of $129.70 per share, for a total transaction of $129,700.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 525,349 shares in the company, valued at $68,137,765.30. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other The PNC Financial Services Group news, CEO William S. Demchak purchased 6,550 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 20th. The shares were bought at an average price of $153.38 per share, for a total transaction of $1,004,639.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 482,924 shares in the company, valued at approximately $74,070,883.12. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO William S. Demchak purchased 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 13th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $129.70 per share, for a total transaction of $129,700.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 525,349 shares in the company, valued at $68,137,765.30. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.39% of the stock is owned by insiders.

The PNC Financial Services Group Price Performance

Shares of The PNC Financial Services Group stock traded up $0.45 on Friday, hitting $121.88. The company had a trading volume of 3,507,218 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,473,447. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $144.52 and a 200-day simple moving average of $153.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The company has a market cap of $48.71 billion, a PE ratio of 8.79, a PEG ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 1.12. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $119.27 and a 52 week high of $188.59.

The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE:PNC  Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, January 18th. The financial services provider reported $3.49 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.95 by ($0.46). The business had revenue of $5.76 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.71 billion. The PNC Financial Services Group had a return on equity of 12.88% and a net margin of 25.73%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.86 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. will post 14.35 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The PNC Financial Services Group Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 5th. Investors of record on Tuesday, April 18th will be given a $1.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, April 17th. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.92%. The PNC Financial Services Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 43.26%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently issued reports on PNC. UBS Group cut shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $190.00 to $176.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 10th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from $185.00 to $167.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, March 24th. Odeon Capital Group raised shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $176.27 price target on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 10th. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from $222.00 to $218.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from $163.00 to $137.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $175.08.

About The PNC Financial Services Group

(Get Rating)

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the provision of financial services. It operates through the following segments: Retail Banking, Corporate and Institutional Banking, Asset Management Group, and Other. The Retail Banking segment offers deposit, lending, brokerage, investment management, and cash management products and services to consumer and small business customers.

Further Reading

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LONDON - England - The dystopian world of 'Children of Men' could indeed become a reality within the next half century.

Phyllis Dorothy James, Baroness James of Holland Park, aka P.D. James wrote the book Children of Men in 1992, later made into a film in 2006.

The premise of the entire novel was a dystopian scenario envisaged where the human race loses its fertility, thus causing many global nations to collapse completely. The United Kingdom is the last nation on earth with some vestige of governmental control.

Fertility rates are indeed declining across the globe, but in Western nations the decline is accelerating at the highest level. Microplastics, chemicals, pollution all play a part in the decline of fertility, as well as societal and cultural reasons for a decline in the birth rate in the West and developed nations. For the last 70 years, birth rates have decreased worldwide, with a total 50% decline. Reasons include womens empowerment in education and the workforce, lower child mortality and the increased cost of raising children, as well as greater access to contraception, leading to women choosing to have fewer children. The LGBTQP and Transexual agenda pushed on Western society is also a major contribution to the decline. Lower birth rates, coupled with increased life expectancies around the world, are creating an ageing population, which puts pressure on healthcare systems globally.

A study published on 15 November 2022 in the journal Human Reproduction Update, based on 153 estimates from men who were probably unaware of their fertility, suggests that the average sperm concentration fell from an estimated 101.2 m per ml to 49.0 m per ml between 1973 and 2018  a drop of 51.6%. Total sperm counts fell by 62.3% during the same period. This study suggests that male fertility is continuing to decline at an exponential rate, and within the next 3040 years the globe will most certainly see a total collapse in male fertility. Of course, science may find an answer like creating artificial sperm, however that method of creating life may also be severely flawed.

Alfonso Cuarons masterpiece film, in 2006, achieves the feeling of utter hopelessness humans may experience if they are effectively robbed of a future. When the playgrounds go silent, what is there left for humanity?

One point however was not addressed by P.D. James in her novel and that is artificial intelligence, because as the remaining human populace dies off, the elite may in todays realm fall on the AI creations of the future to supplant the reduced human population. The elite would also have established life extension abilities as well as genetically modified offspring. In this sense, the elite would preserve, and even enhance their lifestyles despite the mass loss of the general population.

The most realistic point raised in Children of Men is that global chaos creates mass migratory panic. We are already seeing some of this as many from the worlds poorest and lawless nations seek to migrate any way they can to Britain. The daily Channel crossings by illegal migrants in rubber dinghies trafficked by ruthless criminals would get worse if there was a major global catastrophe, as people would flee to a supposed safe haven. The United Kingdom, a last bastion of civility, could lose its status of civility and be forced into a proto-fascist stance simply because it does not have the resources to either house or look after the massive migrant influx.

What is ultimately apparent is that whatever scenario materialises, we can see how fragile societies as a whole are, and that all it takes for collapse are a few variables altering or being removed entirely. Many people today are living pay cheque to pay cheque, and all it would take for them to lose everything is a month or so without income.

If water, electricity and gas were down for one week, there would be a mild collapse. If there was an indefinite period of loss of crucial utilities, total collapse would be ensured. God forbid, if the internet was down for three weeks, one can imagine how that scenario would play out.

In early times, it was easier to control a million people than to kill a million. Today, it is infinitely easier to kill a million people than to control a million. Zbigniew Brzezinski
THE HAGUE - Netherlands - The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, but the question is, who the hell is going to arrest him?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) may have issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, but the question is, who the hell has the balls to go and arrest the war criminal?

Putin may be a vile child snatcher and war criminal who is at the forefront of Russian atrocities and genocide committed in Ukraine, but like most rogue states, the Russians do not recognise the ICC.

However impossible it may seem to try Vladimir Putin and his evil cronies, there may be a redeeming chink of light at the end of the tunnel. If Putins people eventually are fed up of the fucker, they can easily hand him over. Just put some sleepy stuff in his soup, and when he wakes up he will be in The Hague.

As for shopping trips to Paris and Dubai, there is also a risk that Mad Vlad could be handed over to some clandestine agency. Wave enough cash in front of some people and anything is possible.

No doubt, Putin will now be so paranoid that he will be in his bunker and trust absolutely no one, which he never did anyway.

What would Serge think?
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On the city outskirts, at the Jubilee bus station and Secunderabad railway station BJP activists were enthusiastic while waving the saffron flags. (Photo: S. Surender Reddy)

Hyderabad: The state BJP, particularly the cadre, was in an upbeat mood following the successful visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Saturday. The leaders were confident that their morale was boosted following Modis remarks against the BRS government during his speech at parade ground, which was also attended by the partys second rung leaders and activists from across the state.

The Prime Minister made it categorical that by not cooperating with its adamant stance, the BRS was hampering the states development. He said that the interests of Telangana people were getting destroyed by the attitude of the BRS leadership.

Even though he never named the BRS or Kalvakuntla Kavitha, Modi asked the people whether the Centre should initiate action against corrupt leaders or not. The gathering roared action against errant leaders.

Activists from Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts opined that the party will intensify its activities in the coming days and ready its rank and file for the Assembly elections.

BJP Mahankali vice-president Naidu Prakash said that party activists were happy with Modis remarks against the corrupt BRS government.

"We can understand to what extent corruption has reached under the BRS, something which the Prime Minister himself has pointed out," Prakash said.

In the city outskirts, at the jubilee bus station and Secunderabad railway station BJP activists were enthusiastic while waving the saffron flags. Some of them reached the public meeting venue dancing to the accompanying drum beats.

BJP whip in GHMC Srinivas Reddy said that the BJP public meeting was a huge success despite hurdles created by the state government.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle P. Vinay Kumar Reddy, who unsuccessfully contested the Armoor Assembly seat, said that not only the BJP cadre but even the people were shocked at the absence of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao at Modis meeting. Allocating works to the tune of Rs 11,000 crore to Telangana is not a common issue. Rao should have attended the meeting as a reciprocal move, he opined.

The Chief Ministers attitude indicates that his days are numbered and ousting BRS from power is certain, Reddy said.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi.being received by Governor Tamilisai Soundarrajan and other dignitaries. (Twitter/@PMOIndia)

Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Hyderabad. He landed in Begumpet airport where Union minister G Kishan Reddy, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and State minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav have received the Prime Minister. BJP state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar was there in the airport to receive Modi.

Meanwhile, chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao skipped receiving the Prime Minister in the airport. KCR will also skip the official programmes of the Prime Minister in the state.

The Prime Minister will launch a slew of development projects during his visit. Modi will address a public meeting at the Parade Ground. He will virtually lay the foundation stones from Parade round for various projects, including the redevelopment of the Secunderabad station.

Modi then headed to Secunderabad railway station to launch Vande Bharat express train to Tirupati
Chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy (Twitter)

VIJAYAWADA: The ruling YSR Congress launched an extensive two-week mega interaction campaign styled Jagananne Maa Bhavishyatthu on Friday, to directly interact with the people across the state.

Education minister Botsa Satyanarayana, Rajya Sabha MP Alla Ayodhya Ramireddy, MLC Marri Rajasekhar and Lok Sabha MP Sanjeev Kumar jointly launched the campaign at the YSRC Central Office in Tadepalli. The minister said, "Never in this country has any political party dared to go to the public and seek a review of its governments performance. We are confident of our work and of the peoples support and so we will present you the result of this mega peoples survey when the campaign culminates on April 20."

Minister Satyanarayana said close to seven lakh grassroots workers would be reaching out to all the 1.65 crore households in the state from April 7 to 20, covering the entire five crore population. The seven lakh participants consist of the newly appointed Gruha Sarathis and ward sachivalayam conveners, who would conduct the door-to-door survey. Collecting the publics wishes and opinions would help CM Jagan to render more services to the states people in future, he said.

Botsa Satyanarayana listed four key elements of the survey including a comparison of the YSRC and TD rules, Praja Maddathu Pusthakam or a survey questionnaire for feedback, the door and mobile stickers and a Missed call on 8296082960.

"The people will be asked if they trust CM Jagan for their future. This survey will cover all, irrespective of their caste, religion and region. We will share the results of the survey with you all on April 20." MLC Marri Rajasekhar said the groundwork for the campaign kick-started a few months ago.



Ramireddy praised the party cadre for all the hard work they put in in the past few months. Lok Sabha MP Sanjeev Kumar said the Maa Nammakam Nuvve Jagan' slogan came from the public itself during the partys Gadapa Gadapaku programme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses at the inauguration and foundation stone laying of various projects, in Hyderabad, Saturday, April 8, 2023. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: "Modi has launched a war on corruption."

The large audience that gathered at to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak at the Parade Ground greeted the statement with a roar of approval.

Most of the people at the venue, where Modi had addressed a public meeting last year, appeared to wait for the Prime Minister to ask, in his trademark style, a series of questions. The expectation of the questions had something to do with the crowd, mostly BJP followers and workers, following closely the Delhi liquor scam case in which Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Raos daughter and BRS MLC K Kavitha was questioned repeatedly by the Directorate of Enforcement.

The BJP too had been going hammer and tongs on the issue and blaming the Chief Minister and members of his family for corruption in the state.

"Should we fight corruption?" Modi asked, and the crowd roared its approval.

"Should we fight the corrupt?" Modi asked, and the crowd roared its approval.

"Should we free the country of the corrupt no matter who is involved?" Modi asked, and the crowd roared its approval.

"And should the law be allowed to do its work?" Modi asked, and the roar of approval was the loudest.

Family rule and corruption are not different, they are two sides of the same coin, Modi said, adding "where ever there is family rule, corruption blooms. Family and dynastic rule means they want to control everything, every system. They do not like it at all when anyone challenges that control."
BJP national president J.P. Nadda (Image Source: Twitter)

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the central election committee meeting (CEC) of the BJP to decide names of candidates for the impending Karnataka Assembly elections, core group leaders from the state, including chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, former CM B.S. B.S. Yeddiyurappa, state unit chief Nalin Kumar Kateel and BJP national secretary C.T. Ravi on Saturday met BJP president J.P. Nadda at his residence in the national capital. Union home minister Amit Shah also attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the CEC, which is likely to meet on Sunday. The last date for filing nominations for May 10 polling is April 20. Results will be declared on May 13. The main Opposition Congress has already released two lists of candidates and has been taunting the ruling party over the "delay" in announcing its candidates, claiming that the announcement by the BJP will lead to infighting in the party.

Before the discussions started, Mr Bommai said, "We will discuss all probable candidates. We have district-wise and constituency-wise details and recent survey outcomes. Keeping all that in mind, we will have a detailed discussion with the party's national leaders."

The BJP, which aims to return to power again in the southern state, has set a target of winning at least 150 of the 224 seats.

Asked if the entire list will be announced in one go, Mr Bommai said barring a few names, the rest may be announced after getting the CECs approval.

Among those who attended the meet also included Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Mansukh Mandaviya, who are the BJPs incharge for the Assembly elections in the state, as well as national general secretary and state incharge Arun Singh.

Other than the main Opposition Congress and the JD(S), other parties like the Karnataka Rashtra Samithi, the Aam Aadmi Party, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and the Social Democratic Party of India too have announced their first and second lists. The Congress has announced candidates for 166 out of the total 224 seats, while the JD(S) has announced a list of 93 candidates.


What is 'eldest daughter syndrome & how can we fix it?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a special gesture, when he sent one of his cabinet colleagues, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, himself, to welcome King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck at the Indira Gandhi International Airport as the Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) of Bhutan landed in New Delhi on April 3 last. Jaishankars predecessor Sushma Swaraj had also personally received the Bhutanese King at the airport when he had last come for a visit to India on October 31, 2017. He had then with him his wife Queen Jetsun Pema and the couples one-and-half-year-old son, Crown Prince Jigme Namgyal Wangchuck, who had of course been the cynosure of all eyes during the visit and had taken with him to his home at the Lingkana Palace in Thimphu many gifts received in New Delhi  including wooden toys from Channapatna in Karnataka presented by then Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Also Read | Bhutan must hew to Indias line on Doklam

Wangchuck was not accompanied by his family during his recent visit to New Delhi. But, like the one in 2017, his visit this time was also overshadowed by the strategic rivalry between India and China, the two giant neighbours of tiny Bhutan. New Delhi had last hosted the Bhutanese King just a few weeks after the 72-day-long stand-off between the Indian Army and the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) at the Doklam Plateau in western Bhutan had ended with both sides withdrawing troops. And, five years later, he returned last week for an official visit, with not only the armed forces of India and China engaged in another stand-off  much longer and much more widespread than the one in 2017  along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, but also the row over Doklam Plateau coming back into focus.

The King flew from Thimphu to New Delhi just a few days after an interview by Bhutans Prime Minister Lotay Tshering was published in the La Libre newspaper of Belgium. The interview stirred up the pot as it brought to the public domain that the negotiations between Thimphu and Beijing to resolve the protracted Bhutan-China boundary dispute had reached an advanced stage. Tshering said that a delegation of the Government of Bhutan had visited Beijing in February, while a technical team of the Government of China might arrive in Thimphu soon.

The territorial row between Bhutan and China covers an area of about 764 sq kms  269 sq kms in western and 495 sq kms in north-central Bhutan. China in 2020 also staked claim onthe Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Bhutan as part of its own territory. Bhutan of course rejected the claim made by China. Thimphu and Beijing had earlier held 24 rounds of boundary negotiations till August 2016. The negotiations, however, had remained stalled after the stand-off between the Indian Army and the Chinese PLA in Doklam Plateau.

The Chinese and the Bhutanese officials, however, had a meeting in Kunming in the southern region of the communist country in April 2021. The meeting led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 14, 2021 for a three-step roadmap to resolve the Bhutan-China boundary dispute. They had another meeting in the capital city of the Yunnan province of China from January 10 to 13 this year, when it was agreed to expedite the negotiation.

A section of media in India fixated on the Bhutanese Prime Ministers comment on Doklam during the interview to La Libre. He said that the row over Doklam would have to be settled through three-way negotiations among Thimphu, Beijing and New Delhi, as the disputed area was located on the Bhutan-China-India tri-junction boundary point. This statement was in fact not alarming for New Delhi as it was in sync with its 2012 understanding with Beijing that all tri-junction boundary points among India, China and the third countries (Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal) would be settled through trilateral negotiations. New Delhi had in fact cited the 2012 understanding to justify the Indian Armys June 2017 move to resist the Chinese PLAs bid to build a road well within the territory of Bhutan. The Indian Armys resistance to the Chinese PLAs move had resulted in the two-and-a-half-month-long military stand-off in Doklam.

What, however, caused unease in New Delhi was Tsherings comment that Bhutan and China might be able to demarcate the boundary between the two nations after two or three more meetings. This triggered speculation that Thimphu might be willing to give up its claim over areas in the vicinity of Doklam in western Bhutan in exchange for Beijing narrowing or giving up its territorial claims in the north-central region of the tiny Himalayan Shangri-La.

Tsherings denial of reports about Chinas intrusion into Bhutan and construction of villages in the territory Bhutan also caused unease in New Delhi.

If China gains control over the entire Doklam Plateau, sans the tri-junction point, as well as the nearby areas, it will get a strategic advantage against India. The Chinese PLA will find it easier to conduct military manoeuvres aimed at blocking the Siliguri Corridor  the narrow stretch of land linking Indias North-East with the rest of the country.

As Modi hosted Wangchuck in New Delhi, India subtly reminded Bhutan the intertwined and indivisible nature of the security concerns of the two neighbouring nations.

The Prime Minister and the Bhutanese King reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, including issues related to respective national interests, with New Delhi tacitly conveying to Thimphu that India-Bhutan ties were based on mutual respect, trust, close understanding and sensitivity to each other's concerns.

Thimphu sought to allay New Delhis concerns by pointing out that it would not only leave the Bhutan-China-India tri-junction point in Doklam out of the ambit of its negotiations with Beijing, but would also deny China access to the key Zompelri Ridge and would thus deny the Chinese PLA any opportunity to get a commanding view over the Siliguri Corridor of India. New Delhi, however, is not fully convinced though and is expected to cautiously keep tabs on Thimphu-Beijing talks.

The broad message Modi delivered to Wangchuck was that New Delhi would expect Bhutan to continue to be sensitive to the security interests of India while negotiating with China to settle the boundary dispute.

The 1949 Bhutan-China Friendship Treaty had been renegotiated a few months before the erstwhile kingdom had held its first democratic elections in December, 2007 and March, 2008. A clause that required Bhutan to be guided by India in conduct of its external relations had been removed. This had diluted the unique relations between India and Bhutan to a certain extent. But Article 2 of the new treaty also requires Bhutan and India to cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. It says that neither government shall allow the use of its territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other.

Beijing has since long been trying to spread its influence over Thimphu, but it could not yet establish formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and China. It has been trying to drive wedge between India and Bhutan. The Indian Armys continued role in supporting the Royal Bhutan Army in safeguarding the national security interests of Bhutan is obviously an obstacle for long-term strategic planning of China.

Bhutan is likely to continue to receive the largest share of Indias aid with allocation of Rs 2400.58 crore in the Union Budget 2023-24, up from Rs 2266.24 crore in 2022-23. Modi promised Wangchuck that India would step up its support to Bhutan's upcoming 13th Five Year Plan. India also accepted the request of Bhutan to extend an additional standby credit facility to the neighbouring country, over and above the two existing such facilities operating between the two countries.

New Delhi is likely to keep its purse-strings loose for Thimphu to dissuade it from drifting towards Beijing.
One person was killed and three policemen injured in a clash between members of two communities in Chhattisgarh's Bemetara district on Saturday, senior officials said. The violence was allegedly triggered by a fight between children at Biranpur village under Saja police station area in the morning, officials said.

As per preliminary information, some children fought over a petty issue and members of the village's Hindu and Muslim communities gathered in the village square to settle the dispute, Bemetara Collector P S Elma told reporters.

The matter, however, escalated and there was a clash during which one Ishwar Sahu (23) was critically injured and later died, he said.

Also Read | Chhattisgarh: District cooperative bank employees go on mass leave after Congress MLA 'assaults' two bank staffers



Bemetara Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elesela said a police team was sent to spot, but the mob attacked and pelted stones at the policemen, leaving three of them injured. Sub-inspector B R Thakur sustained serious injuries, he said, adding that the injured cops were shifted to a hospital.

The mob also set fire to a heap of paddy straw and some vehicles, the official said. Additional police force was later sent to the spot and the situation was brought under control, he said. Nine people have been taken into custody in connection with the violence so far and the administration has imposed section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (prohibiting assembly of four or more people) in the area, the SP said.

Though there is still some tension in the village, the situation is under control. The police deployment will remain in place till the situation normalises, he added. The collector, SP and Inspector General of Police (Durg Range) Anand Chhabra were in the village to monitor the situation, officials said.
Following West Bengal Chief Mamata Banerjees sit-in seeking release of central funds to the state, in March, the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state has now warned of sending one crore letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and of taking the fight to the capital.

Trinamools national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee, on Saturday, said that if the BJP-steered government at the Centre does not release the funds, the agitation will proceed. Be it strikes, or be it andolans, we will do everything to get the money that the people of Bengal deserve. If needed, we will take the fight to Delhi, I give you my assurance, he said.

Also Read | 'Cattle scam': ED again summons TMC leader Anubrata Mondal's daughter

Banerjee was addressing a large group of supporters in north Bengals Alipurduar. He asked the Trinamool leaders from different parts of the state to meet the families who have not received dues, wages, and ask them to write letters. One crore letters from the people of Bengal will be sent to the prime minister demanding our share of funds. I will take all these letters to the central government in Delhi. We will then see if the Centre can stop us from entering with letters from one crore people of Bengal, he said.

Around 1.38 crore families in the state are registered for the 100-day work programme, he said, and asked the party representatives for an outreach drive and to get letters signed from the families concerned on April 15. We have not seen any other political party apart from BJP that writes letters asking the Centre not to release funds for people of their own state. It is an extremely shameful act by BJP leaders in Bengal, he said.

A Trinamool delegation of MPs, earlier this week, had tried to meet the Union Minister for Rural Development Giriraj Singh. Banerjee alleged that despite the minister having been in Delhi, an appointment was not given.
The Congress on Saturday slammed the BJP over its leader Kailash Vijayvargiya's "women look like 'Surpanakha' in bad clothes" remark, saying it is an insult to every woman of the country and reflects the party's mindset.

All India Mahila Congress chief Netta D'souza said this not only shows his dirty mindset, but also that respecting women is not in the BJP's dictionary. "Are we living in a Talibani rule that the government will tell women what to wear, what to eat and whom to meet," she asked.

Vijayvargiya, a BJP general secretary, on Thursday at a religious function in Madhya Pradesh's Indore said girls in "bad dresses" look like 'Shurpanakha' of the Ramayana. In the epic 'Shurpanakha' is the sister of the demon king Ravana.

"What Kailash Vijayvargiya has said is an insult to every woman in the country. But Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani will remain silent on this. Will she break her silence on this dirty remark," D'souza asked.

Also Read: BJP begins ticket selection exercises for Karnataka

The Congress leader alleged that it clearly shows that insulting women every day is the BJP's habit and respecting women is not in its dictionary.

"This shows his dirty mindset. What women should wear, will the BJP decide now. Why is Shivraj ji (Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who runs a scheme for women only to garner their votes, silent," she asked.

"Are we living in a Talibani rule that the government will tell women what to wear, what to eat and whom to meet. This only shows his mindset and mentality... who has given you the right to insult half the country's population," D'Souza said.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate alleged that it seems the BJP has no respect for women.

"What Kailash Vijayvargiya is saying at some level shows the love for 'Surpanakha' within the BJP. This is the character of the BJP and this is why you find so many BJP legislators facing criminal charges as far as offences against women are concerned," she said.

"Why are so many rapists having political connections with the BJP? What baffles me is women leaders of the BJP will continue to keep quiet as Kailash and his ilk continue to make such comments," Shrinate said.

A video of Vijayvargiya's remarks, made at the function on the occasion of Hanuman and Mahavir Jayanti on Thursday, went viral on social media.

"When I leave for home at night, I see educated young people and children under the influence of drugs....I feel like getting down (from the car) and slapping them five to seven times to sober them up," the BJP leader said.

"We see goddess in women. But (with) the kind of bad dresses the girls wear and move around, they do not embody goddess but look like Shurpanakha. God has given you good and beautiful body.....dress well, friends," he said.
As many as 21 policemen accused of gang-raping 11 Kondh tribal women 16 years ago at a village in Alluri Sitarama Raju district in the state have been acquitted by a Special Court.

The Court held that the accused were primarily acquitted because of the failure of the two investigating officers to conduct a fair and impartial investigation.

The women were allegedly gangraped by the police personnel who belonged to the Greyhounds, a special team, in August 2007.

Also Read | British, Irish envoys meet Goa CM, seek speedy trial of Danielle McLaughlin murder case

The trial commenced in Visakhapatnam in 2018 and culminated on Thursday with the XI Additional District and Sessions Judge- cum-Special Court under the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act acquitting the policemen because of a malafide investigation.

Meanwhile, the Court ordered that the survivors of rape be paid compensation through the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

According to a Human Rights Forum (HRF) member, none of the accused policemen were arrested and some of them went on to successfully superannuate while some died.

M Sarat, vice-president of HRF- Andhra Pradesh State Committee, alleged the "Greyhounds forces had raped 11 tribal women in August 2007 and a police complaint was filed against them but not even a single accused person was arrested."

The forum alleged that a 21-member special police party had gone to Vakapally village on August 20, 2007, for combing operations, and sexually assaulted the 11 tribal women belonging to the particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG).

"The very fact that the Court has ordered compensation to be paid to the Vakapally rape survivors shows that the Court reposed faith in their depositions," the HRF said.

According to the forum, the probe against the accused policemen was compromised at the very beginning and carried out with the motive to protect them, disregarding procedures mandated by the criminal code while the forensic medical examinations were vitiated.
Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Saturday evening embarked on the tour of Ayodhya where he will offer prayers to Lord Ram by boarding a flight for Lucknow from Mumbai airport.

Shinde is accompanied by leaders of Shiv Sena, MPs and MLAs, and leaders of ally BJP.

It will be Shinde's maiden visit to Ayodhya after taking charge as Maharashtra chief minister in June 2022 and after the Election Commission recognised the faction led by him as Shiv Sena and allotted it the "bow and arrow" poll symbol.

Shinde will travel to Ayodhya from Lucknow on Sunday afternoon and perform a 'maha aarti' at the under-construction Ram temple with others and later at the Sharayu river in the evening. He is also scheduled to visit the ongoing construction of the Ram temple and will address a press conference in Ayodhya on Sunday afternoon. He will return to Mumbai on Sunday night, as per his aides.

Speaking to reporters at the Mumbai airport, the chief minister said he would respond to criticism of his Ayodhya visit through his work.

"It is good that because of our work, those who never ventured out of their homes are going out to meet people,'' he said in a veiled swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Also Read: Opposition must heed Sharad Pawar's words on Adani, says CM Eknath Shinde

"Ayodhya is a matter of faith for us. I thank PM Modi for expediting the construction of Ram temple,'' said Shinde who shares power with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.

Last November, Shinde and his loyalists paid a gratitude visit to the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar has slammed the "publicity" around the Ayodhya visit of Shinde and also ridiculed relentless media updates on the latter's programme there.

"When I offer prayers anywhere, I do not create such publicity. The chief minister is visiting there to seek blessings," he told reporters.

The former Maharashtra deputy chief minister also said there are pressing issues related to unemployment, crime, and farmers' distress that require more attention.

A special train carrying activists of Shiv Sena to Ayodhya left Thane railway station on Friday evening amidst slogans of Jai Shri Ram.
Canadian Natural Resources (TSE:CNQ  Get Rating) (NYSE:CNQ) had its price target cut by stock analysts at CSFB from C$93.00 to C$90.00 in a research note issued on Thursday, BayStreet.CA reports. CSFBs price objective points to a potential upside of 14.03% from the stocks current price.

Several other brokerages have also recently issued reports on CNQ. Stifel Nicolaus set a C$97.00 target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 13th. Stifel Firstegy restated a buy rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Thursday, January 12th. Raymond James decreased their price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$87.00 to C$85.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, January 16th. National Bankshares decreased their price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$105.00 to C$100.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$90.00 to C$87.00 in a research note on Monday, March 27th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$91.07.

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Canadian Natural Resources Trading Down 0.5 %

Shares of Canadian Natural Resources stock opened at C$78.93 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of C$76.67 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$76.41. Canadian Natural Resources has a 12-month low of C$58.75 and a 12-month high of C$88.18. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 34.01. The stock has a market cap of C$86.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.29, a PEG ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 2.02.

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Canadian Natural Resources Company Profile

In other Canadian Natural Resources news, Director Stephen W. Laut sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$74.90, for a total transaction of C$374,512.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 1,522,710 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$114,054,785.78. In other news, Senior Officer Troy John Peter Andersen sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$81.74, for a total value of C$1,634,892.00. Also, Director Stephen W. Laut sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$74.90, for a total transaction of C$374,512.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 1,522,710 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately C$114,054,785.78. In the last quarter, insiders sold 279,000 shares of company stock worth $22,625,878. 2.21% of the stock is owned by insiders.

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Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers synthetic crude oil (SCO), light and medium crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), primary heavy crude oil, and Pelican Lake heavy crude oil.

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Greenleaf Trust reduced its position in shares of Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP  Get Rating) by 7.7% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 5,905 shares of the companys stock after selling 494 shares during the period. Greenleaf Trusts holdings in Molson Coors Beverage were worth $304,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 6.1% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,329,879 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,138,589,000 after buying an additional 1,235,013 shares during the period. Amundi grew its position in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 139.0% during the second quarter. Amundi now owns 1,401,574 shares of the companys stock worth $78,404,000 after buying an additional 815,188 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its position in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 783.0% during the third quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 401,991 shares of the companys stock worth $19,292,000 after buying an additional 356,465 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 10.8% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 3,216,836 shares of the companys stock worth $171,722,000 after purchasing an additional 312,326 shares during the period. Finally, LSV Asset Management boosted its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 3.2% in the third quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 7,768,804 shares of the companys stock worth $372,825,000 after purchasing an additional 239,558 shares during the period. 76.24% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Molson Coors Beverage Stock Down 0.7 %

Shares of TAP stock opened at $52.15 on Friday. Molson Coors Beverage has a 12 month low of $46.69 and a 12 month high of $60.12. The firm has a market cap of $11.28 billion, a PE ratio of -63.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.27 and a beta of 0.83. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $52.21 and a 200-day moving average of $51.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48.

Molson Coors Beverage Increases Dividend

Molson Coors Beverage ( NYSE:TAP Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 21st. The company reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.06 by $0.24. The firm had revenue of $2.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.65 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a positive return on equity of 6.65% and a negative net margin of 1.37%. The businesss revenue was up .4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.81 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Molson Coors Beverage will post 4.09 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 3rd were paid a $0.41 dividend. This is a positive change from Molson Coors Beverages previous quarterly dividend of $0.38. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, March 2nd. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.14%. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio is presently -200.00%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have commented on TAP. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price objective on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $48.00 to $47.00 in a report on Monday, March 20th. Cowen raised shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price target for the company from $55.00 to $60.00 in a report on Friday, January 6th. TheStreet cut shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 21st. Cowen upgraded shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $55.00 to $60.00 in a research report on Friday, January 6th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group lifted their price target on Molson Coors Beverage from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 22nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $53.45.

Molson Coors Beverage Profile

(Get Rating)

Molson Coors Beverage Co is a holding company, which engages in the production and sale of beer. It operates through the following segments: Americas, and EMEA and APAC. The Americas segment operates in the U.S., Canada and various countries in the Caribbean, Latin, and South America. The EMEA and APAC segment operates in Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Montenegro, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, Serbia, the UK, various other European countries, and certain countries within the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TAP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP  Get Rating).

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North West (TSE:NWC  Get Rating) had its price objective lifted by stock analysts at CIBC from C$37.00 to C$39.00 in a report issued on Thursday, BayStreet.CA reports. CIBCs price objective suggests a potential downside of 1.22% from the stocks current price.

Separately, BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on shares of North West from C$38.00 to C$40.00 in a report on Thursday, December 8th.

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North West Price Performance

NWC stock opened at C$39.48 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 65.42, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 2.07. North West has a 52 week low of C$30.55 and a 52 week high of C$40.08. The firms fifty day moving average is C$36.27 and its 200 day moving average is C$35.78. The firm has a market cap of C$1.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.60, a P/E/G ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.61.

North West Company Profile

The North West Company Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the retail of food and everyday products and services to rural communities and urban neighborhood markets in northern Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. The company's Canadian operations comprise 118 Northern stores, which offers food, financial services, and general merchandise; 5 NorthMart stores that provides fresh foods, apparel, and health products and services; 26 Quickstop convenience stores that provides ready-to-eat foods, and fuel and related services; 5 Giant Tiger junior discount stores, which offers family fashion, household products, and food; 2 Valu Lots discount center and direct-to-customer food distribution outlet; 1 solo market, a store in remote market; 3 Pharmacy and Convenience stores; and 1 North West Company motorsports dealership offering sales, service, parts and accessories for Ski-doo, Honda, Can-am and other premier brands.

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Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK  Get Rating) (TSE:TECK) saw some unusual options trading on Thursday. Investors purchased 18,500 call options on the company. This is an increase of 143% compared to the typical volume of 7,625 call options.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

TECK has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Citigroup boosted their price target on Teck Resources from C$45.00 to C$55.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 11th. Bank of America decreased their price target on Teck Resources from C$65.00 to C$62.00 in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on Teck Resources from C$64.00 to C$72.00 in a research report on Wednesday, February 22nd. B. Riley upgraded Teck Resources from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, National Bank Financial boosted their price objective on Teck Resources from C$65.00 to C$70.00 in a research report on Monday, February 13th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Teck Resources presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $56.53.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Teck Resources

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Clarius Group LLC acquired a new position in Teck Resources during the third quarter worth $228,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in Teck Resources by 71.2% during the third quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 10,151 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $309,000 after buying an additional 4,220 shares during the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC boosted its stake in Teck Resources by 73.9% during the third quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 250,309 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $7,712,000 after buying an additional 106,382 shares during the last quarter. Chemistry Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Teck Resources by 3.6% during the third quarter. Chemistry Wealth Management LLC now owns 15,586 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $474,000 after buying an additional 540 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Independent Advisor Alliance acquired a new position in shares of Teck Resources in the 3rd quarter valued at $200,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 56.15% of the companys stock.

Teck Resources Stock Up 4.1 %

Shares of TECK opened at $43.97 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a current ratio of 1.41. Teck Resources has a one year low of $24.72 and a one year high of $46.90. The stock has a market capitalization of $22.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.20, a PEG ratio of 1.47 and a beta of 1.06. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $39.87 and a 200 day moving average price of $37.00.

Teck Resources (NYSE:TECK  Get Rating) (TSE:TECK) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 21st. The basic materials company reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.96 by ($0.17). Teck Resources had a return on equity of 18.76% and a net margin of 18.05%. The firm had revenue of $2.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.58 billion. Equities research analysts forecast that Teck Resources will post 4.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Teck Resources Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 15th were paid a dividend of $0.094 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, March 14th. This represents a $0.38 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.86%. This is a positive change from Teck Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.09. Teck Resourcess payout ratio is 7.74%.

Teck Resources Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Teck Resources Limited is a resource company, which engages in the exploration, acquisition, development, production, and sale of natural resources, Its products include steelmaking coal, copper, zinc, industrial products and fertilizers, and other metals. Its project operations are located in Canada, Peru, Chile, and US.

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Farmers, fishermen and students were all represented in 60 members of a short-lived civic forum that, 25 years on, remains a forgotten part of the Good Friday Agreement settlement.

While the agreement is known internationally for bringing peace to Northern Ireland, it is less well known that certain provisions and promises have either fallen by the wayside or never came into being in the first place.

And while progress towards a Northern Ireland Bill of Rights has been intermittent over the last two decades, other parts of the agreement have been left in the doldrums.

The Civic Forum, written into existence by a few lines in the historic agreement, is today one of those forgotten failures of the Good Friday Agreement architecture.

But former members say that it was never destined to fail, with lessons too for politics in 2023.

Those involved at the time recall it as a body that did have potential, with one recalling his hope, amid the optimism following the agreement, that the forum could act like citizens parliament.

What happened instead was that, even while sub-committees were established and public meetings held, the forum never took on the pivotal role some members imagined.

When Stormont collapsed in 2002, the forum folded too. When politicians returned to powersharing in 2007, it was never resurrected.

Former member Brian Dougherty says that he never even received a letter telling him that the forum had stopped.

As far as he is concerned, formally at least, it has never actually been dissolved.

Mr Dougherty, a community worker then who now runs the New Gate Arts and Culture Centre in Derry, was among those who did think the forum could do some good.

Initially, I thought it was certainly a worthwhile venture, he told the PA news agency.

In hindsight, it never really had or was given a chance to work.

He compares it with the much smaller Northern Ireland Policing Board, another body of which he was a member.

It was always cumbersome and unwieldy, he said.

The Civic Forum had met for the first time at Belfasts Waterfront Hall in 2000, with the gathering in October hailed by First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon.

The chairman, Dr Chris Gibson, an experienced business figure in his early 60s, said at the time the body could tackle even the most complex subjects, telling members he was looking forward to creating the difference which will make this a society second to none to live in, invest in, to visit, or even to hear about and aspire to.

To members, a lack of political backing and limited resources helped ensure that, after about 12 plenary meetings over a two-year period from October 2000, it would never get a chance to live up to that rhetoric.

Mr Dougherty summarises the problem as far too many people, not enough resources.

There wasnt even money for a cup of tea or book a room anywhere.

None of the political parties really bought into the process, he said.

Other former members have similar recollections.

Sharon Haughey-Grimley, who went on to become lord mayor of Armagh City and District, was a student when she was appointed a forum member by Mr Mallon.

The youngest member of the forum, she already had a profile in the region after then US president Bill Clinton read out the letter she had sent him as a 14-year-old as he visited Northern Ireland in 1995.

Like others, she was excited at the prospect of the forum.

Unfortunately, I dont think the forum really ever got an opportunity to properly get going.

We were very much given a blank sheet, so whenever we started the forum it was, the forum ourselves, had to develop our terms of reference and a lot of time was given to that.

We didnt have the full support of the Northern Ireland Assembly, in particular the unionist parties werent greatly supportive of the forum.

But she points to achievements, saying the forum was ahead of politicians at Stormont when it came to tackling issues like the Irish language.

I know one of the early issues that had to deal with, within the forum, for our own body, was the issue of language and how we address the Irish language and Ulster Scots as a matter of policy for the forum.

When you look back on it now, we were doing that two decades before it was ever dealt with by the Assembly.

As the politicians mark the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, powersharing remains suspended, with little indication that the DUP will return to Stormont soon.

To some, it is an idea that could be beneficial amid recurring bouts of political deadlock.

Initially, it was more of a concept than a fully-formed idea. The concept was for Northern Ireland to be able to address some of the really hard issues you would have to go beyond party politics, says Ulster Universitys Professor Duncan Morrow.

In some ways, that concept has proven accurate, that if there isnt some kind of way in which you can address some of the more complicated issues in a wider forum, political parties effectively end up at loggerheads.

Prof Morrow is clear that the forum had design problems and could have been better thought through.

Nobody is really saying we should go back to the Civic Forum that existed immediately after the Agreement, because it wasnt seen to have worked.

But we would need to put a lot of effort into redesigning what it looked like and you might be able to draw more now on ideas of participative democracy.

Alan McBride, a victims campaigner, is among those former members with some regrets about the forum.

But he also looks back with pride on the efforts to hold public meetings, as well as some of the sub-committee work on issues like poverty and life-long learning.

At times, he said, it was even a little boring.

But he is clear: We should never lose the vision of it.
Derry City and Strabane District councillor, Maeve O'Neill (People Before Profit) has described claims there will be trouble in Derry this weekend as a "cynical attempt to pressurise the government for more resources".

Ms O'Neill who represents the Moor DEA said: "PSNI claims there will be trouble this weekend in Derry are incredibly provocative, and a cynical attempt to pressurise the government for more resources.

"Deploying hundreds of police officers to Creggan, on the back of weeks of harassment of communities by the PSNI, will likely make the situation worse and more dangerous. Is this want the PSNI are aiming for?

"People want their communities to be free from violence and intimidation. The overwhelming majority of people in Creggan and elsewhere don't want to see violence, nor do they support organisations intent on dragging us backwards.

"It is appalling that 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement, the PSNI are still operating with impunity in our communities. Genuine peace and an end to paramilitarism requires political solutions."

Cllr O'Neill added that issues including deprivation and poverty must be addressed.

She added: "However, the Tories and Stormont are inflicting more cuts on that will hammer areas already struggling disproportionately with hardship.

"The Good Friday Agreement architects promised prosperity for all. Instead, they have deepened inequality, damaged public services and continued to neglect Derry and the North West. And their only solution to the hardship crisis is more policing.

"Sectarianism needs to be systematically challenged but the DUP have spent the last year holding all of us to ransom and whipping-up sectarian tension.

"Policing itself must be addressed. Continued police cover-ups of collusion and the expansion of further abusive policing powers needs to end.

"We stand with the people of Creggan against demonisation and heavy handed policing."

Cllr O'Neill's remarks come as those in attendance at a 1916 Easter Rising commemoration in Dublin, organised by Saoradh, heard security forces in the North accused of "provoking" the Nationalist community.

At the event, which was held on Friday (April 7) at St Fintan's Cemetery in the Dublin suburb of Sutton, the PSNI, M15 and "other members of the security forces" were "warned" to stay away from the Creggan on Monday (April 10).

PSNI Chief Constable, Simon Byrne, said on Friday (April 7) it had "strong intelligence terror attacks are being planned against its officers on Easter Monday". He also said PSNI officers would be "moved to frontline duties to counter any potential threats", in a policing strategy which hadn't been used for years.

Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton also stated the PSNI had received strong community intelligence there would be attempts to draw police into serious public disorder and to use that then as a platform to launch terrorist attacks on police as well during dissident republican commemorative events in Derry over the weekend.

In addition, MI5 and the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre raised the "terror threat level" in the North of Ireland from substantial to severe last month, following the shooting of PSNI DCI John Caldwell in February.

In a statement on Friday (April 7), Saoradh vice chairman, Brian Kenna, said that his movement continued to benefit from the whole issue of Brexit being dragged out over the last four or five years.
US president Joe Biden is to give a key address at Ulster Universitys newly opened campus to kick-start his historic visit to the island of Ireland next week.

Mr Biden is taking part in events north and south of the border to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

His address at Ulster Universitys new Belfast campus will take place on Wednesday.

Vice-chancellor and president of Ulster University Professor Paul Bartholomew said it would be a significant day for the institution.

We are looking forward to what will be a very special day in the Universitys history, and to hosting President Biden on his first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming president, he said.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, Ulster University, across all three of our campuses, is looking forward to preparing the next generation of civic, business and societal leaders.

The US president is to arrive in Belfast on Tuesday evening along with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Mr Biden is not expected to visit Stormont Buildings, which, coupled with just one engagement confirmed in Northern Ireland, is being viewed by some as a snub.

Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin has denied this was the case, arguing that any visit by a US president was to be welcomed.

People are envious of the commitment of President Biden  to the entire island of Ireland, he said.

I think his visit to Northern Ireland is a manifestation of his genuine commitment to the people of Northern Ireland.

Mr Biden will visit Dublin where he is to address Irish parliamentarians and meet Irish premier Leo Varadkar and Irish president Michael D Higgins.

There will be a banquet held in Dublin Castle in the presidents honour on Thursday evening.

He is also expected to visit Co Louth and Co Mayo, from where his ancestors hail.

Mr Bidens great-great-grandfather Owen Finnegan emigrated to the United States from the Cooley Peninsula, while another great-great-grandfather, Patrick Blewitt, was born in Ballina, leaving during the Irish famine in 1850 to sail to America.

Mr Biden is expected to visit to Carlingford and Dundalk in Co Louth on Wednesday before arriving in Dublin.

The end of the trip will include a public speech by the US President in Co Mayo, outside St Muredachs Cathedral in Ballina, on Friday evening.

Mr Varadkar has said the purpose of Mr Bidens visit was to welcome a son of Ireland home, to welcome home a great Irish-American president.

He said it also offered an opportunity to cement the relationship between Ireland and the US, which he said had never been stronger, and to look ahead to Northern Irelands future.

A major security operation is expected to be in place for Mr Bidens visit, with more than 300 officers from the rest of the UK being drafted in for the Northern Ireland leg of the trip.

In a sign of the tight security measures that surround the diplomatic outing, some details of the presidential visit have yet to be confirmed.

The PSNI said on Saturday that it was engaging with local communities and businesses who may be impacted by traffic restrictions in place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The First Lady Jill Biden is not expected to travel with Mr Biden.
Police in Northern Ireland have charged a 26-year-old man with the murder of Geila Ibram from Romania.

The 26-year-old victim was found at a home on Dock Road in Limerick on Tuesday afternoon.

On Friday night, detectives from the PSNIs Serious Crime Branch who are assisting An Garda Siochana with the murder investigation, said a 26-year-old man has been charged with her murder.

Detectives from the our Serious Crime Branch who are assisting An Garda Siochana with the murder investigation of a woman in her 20s in Limerick, have charged a man to court. pic.twitter.com/g43xZSWChQ  Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) April 7, 2023

He is due to appear in Belfast Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Ms Ibram was formally identified by her family on Friday at the morgue in University Hospital Limerick.

In a statement, Gardai said investigators have also now completed technical examinations of two separate scenes connected to the murder.

Both Gardai and PSNI continue to appeal for information that can assist with the investigation.

Those with information can contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Realme is planning to roll out a new series, namely the Narzo N. The Chinese manufacturer is looking to launch the very first phone in this series which is the Realme Narzo N55 in a few days. The phone can be purchased via Amazon.

Amazon has revealed the design, launch date and fast charging support of the Realme Narzo N55. Lets take a look. Here are the 3 key features that you should keep an eye out for.

Realme Narzo N55 Design

Amazon recently revealed the design of the Realme Narzo N55 on the Amazon microsite which also revealed the Prime Blue colour of the phone. It has been also disclosed that the Narzo N 55 will have a flat body, frame, and rear panel designed with a C-angle. On its rear panel, you can find a dual panel.

For the camera, there will be a dual-camera setup that includes two large circular cutouts and an LED flash. The power button is located on the right edge, which can double as a fingerprint scanner. Additionally, there is an AI face unlock feature. The phone is equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB Type-C port, and a primary speaker grille at the bottom.

Realme also revealed the Black colour of the Realme Narzo N55.

Realme Narzo N55 launch date

Recently, Amazon revealed the launch date of the smartphone on its microsite. The smartphone will be launching in India on April 12 at 12 PM IST. This also confirms that the phone will be available on Amazon.

Realme Narzo N55 fast charging.

Amazon also confirmed that the Realme Narzo N55 is going to support 33-watt fast charging. From this, we can get an idea of the battery capacity. Mostly we see 33-watt fast charging support in the 5000mAh batteries. So it is more likely that Realme Narzo N55 could pack a 5000mAh battery.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page.
OnePlus launched its first budget offering for 2023 earlier this month in the form of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G. The smartphone is priced at Rs 19,999 onwards, which puts it in competition with the likes of the iQOO Z7 5G, the Moto G73, the Redmi Note 12 series, Realme 10 Pro 5G, and more. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G comes with a new design language from OnePlus, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and more.

While there are a lot of recently-launched devices that can be compared to the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G (review), we will compare it to the most recent rival, the iQOO Z7 5G (review). The iQOO Z7 5G was launched about a week before the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G and both smartphones are quite different from each other. Let's take a look at how the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G compares against the iQOO Z7 5G.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G vs iQOO Z7 5G: Price

Starting with price, the iQOO Z7 5G is slightly cheaper than the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G. The smartphone is priced at Rs 18,999 onwards for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. The 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant of the smartphone is priced at Rs 19,999 in India. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, on the other hand, is priced at Rs 19,999 onwards for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, and the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is priced at Rs 21,999 in the country.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G vs iQOO Z7 5G: Specifications and Features

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G comes with a 6.72-inch LCD display with an FHD+ resolution, along with a 120Hz refresh rate. The iQOO Z7 5G, on the other hand, comes with a 6.38-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate. Here, while the iQOO Z7 5G offers better quality display with the AMOLED panel, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is ahead in terms of responsiveness with a 120Hz refresh rate.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. The iQOO Z7 5G, on the other hand, comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 920 SoC, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Here, the two smartphones come with similar specifications in terms of processor and the same amount of RAM. The iQOO Z7 5G has a 6GB RAM variant, while the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G has 8GB across variants.

Coming to cameras, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G has a triple rear camera that includes a 108-megapixel primary shooter, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The iQOO Z7 5G, on the other hand, comes with a dual rear camera setup that includes a 64-megapixel primary shooter with OIS and a 2-megapixel portrait lens.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G has a 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging. The iQOO Z7 5G, on the other hand, comes with a 4,500mAh battery, with support for 44W fast charging. In terms of battery figures, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is ahead of the iQOO Z7 5G.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page.
ABOVE: Photographed at the symposium for learners in Further Education and Training (FET), hosted by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), at Athlone Springs Hotel, Co. Roscommon are Dr Linda Pinkster, Director of Further Education and Training at Cavan and Monaghan ETB; Gillian Kennedy, Youthreach Coordinator, Donegal ETB; Nuala Glanton, Adult Education Officer, Cork ETB; Carrie Archer, Professional Learning and Development Officer, City of Dublin ETB; Davy McDonnell, Principal at Drogheda Institute of Further Education; Enda McDonnell, FET Guidance team, Laois and Offaly ETB and Colin Gibbon, Manager of Shielbaggan Outdoor Education and Training Centre, Waterford and Wexford ETB. Credit: Julien Behal.

Davy McDonnell, Principal of Drogheda Institute of Further Education, spoke at a national symposium hosted by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), at Athlone Springs Hotel, Co. Roscommon, last week.

The event, Empowering Learning Engagement, heard from learners and staff in further education and training (FET) on their experiences across various pathways such as apprenticeships, traineeships, and Skills to Advance training schemes.

McDonnell participated in a panel discussion which comprised members of ETBI FET Networks from various FET provisions across the sector. The discussion focused on empowering future learner engagement in further education and training from the perspective of each network and how through reflection on learner voice, future FET initiatives can enhance FET provision.

Commenting on the event, Denis Leamy, Chief Executive of Cork ETB and Chair of the Directors of Further Education and Training Forum, said: This was an important event for learners as a platform for them to share their personal experiences so they are understood and supported by our colleagues across FET.

Whichever Further Education and Training pathway theyre on, whatever stage of their learning journey, we want to ensure that all learners feel empowered and supported to take up every opportunity available to them.

Commenting on how the sector is opening doors for learners, Colin Cummins, Director of FET, Tipperary ETB, said: Across FET, were seeing participation return to pre-pandemic level and we expect our 2022 figures, when theyre published, to reflect a similar activity to that of 2019.

Were also seeing a sustained engagement with the eCollege online learning platform which was such an important resource for many during the pandemic. Its a great example of how we can create new routes into learning that makes further education and training accessible to all.
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Saturday saw a moment of Irish Railway Preservation history when the Q Class 4-4-0 No. 131 steam engine carried passengers out of Dundalk.

Withdrawn from service in 1963, the train sat for years on a plinth at Dundalk station throughout the 70s and early 80s.

Clark Station was thronged with eager onlookers and passengers who turned out to see the engine despite the bad weather.

No.131 was built in February 1901 as part of a class of 13 4-4-0 express passenger locomotives for the Great Northern Railway (Ireland).

The train was used mainly on the routes from Belfast to Clones and Belfast to Derry and throughout her GNR(I) life was rarely seen south of Dundalk.

Following many years of hard work behind the scenes, fully refurbishing the locomotive, No. 131 was cleared to operate on the Iarnrod Eireann network for the first time in sixty years.

The train travelled from Connolly station to Dundalk before travelling back to Connolly powered by steam.

The outward journey from Dublin Connolly departed at 12:30 with an IE 071 class diesel locomotive for the journey north to Dundalk, passing the beautiful Broadmeadow and Rogerstown Estuaries, crossing the amazing Boyne Viaduct and through the Co. Louth countryside to Dundalk.

On arrival in Dundalk, passengers had just over two hours to explore the town" trying out the many cafes, shops and bars as well as exploring the beautifully maintained Dundalk Clarke railway station and the small station museum.

The highlight of the day was the journey back by steam with Q Class No. 131 for its first ever journey on IE lines in 60 years, and along its former owners, the GNR(I), mainline to Dublin Connolly (Amiens Street).

Our photographer Arthur Kinahan was there to capture the day.
A CORK TD has renewed calls for Cork City Council to purchase land adjacent to a local park, for the creation of a new regional park.

The site, which consists of approximately 21 acres, is part of the lands surrounding Glyntown House in Glanmire, and is located off the R639 Glanmire to Riverstown road, by John OCallaghan Park.

It includes 2.5 acres with outline planning permission for five detached houses, and is located on an elevated site which slopes down toward the Butlerstown river.

Local Fianna Fail TD Padraig OSulivan said he was calling on Cork City Council to purchase the site because, he said, it presented a great chance to extend amenities in an area which has seen intensive development in recent decades.

Theres over 20 acres available on public sale at the moment on East Cliff Road, between Riverstown and Glanmire, grounds traditionally used by Riverstown FC and its also an amenity which is already used by the public, Mr OSullivan told The Echo.

Its a very scenic area, it would make a perfect amenity, and a natural extension to John OCallaghan Park, which it adjoins.

He said while it was widely acknowledged that John OCallaghan Park had been a great asset to the area, with so many new homes built in the, it was no longer fit for purpose.

I believe the council has a perfect opportunity to purchase this land, amalgamate it with John OCallaghan Park and turn it into a regional park of between 30 and 35 acres and I think that would go a long way toward addressing the deficit of amenities we have in the area, Mr OSullivan said.

In my time in public life, since becoming a county councillor in 2014, there has been in the order of an additional 2,500 new houses delivered in Glanmire and no extra amenities added in that time.

Purchasing this parcel of land would also present possibilities of extending and developing the playground facility too, there would be ample room for it, and theres also an existing car park.

Theres so much going for the site, I think it would be very unfortunate if Cork City Council missed this opportunity.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said the council was not in a position to comment on potential acquisitions.
AS photos emerged in recent weeks of the cast of The Young Offenders filming for the new series of the popular show, it got me thinking about other productions that have been shot in Cork over the years.

A trawl through the archives highlights a wealth of gems that used the Rebel county as a location.

From box-office hits like The Wind that Shakes the Barley to childhood classics like War of the Buttons, these films form the fabric of Irish cinematography and continue to resonate with audiences years after they were released.

Final preparations being made for the filming of a scene from Angelas Ashes at Gardiners Hill, Cork, in the late 1990s; the film was based on Frank McCourts 1996 memoir. Picture: Denis Minihane

In the late 1990s, there was a hive of activity across various locations in the city as crews rolled in to film Angelas Ashes.

Based on Frank McCourts 1996 memoir, Angelas Ashes is a harrowing tale about McCourts childhood after his family was forced to move from the United States back to Ireland due to financial difficulties and family problems caused by his fathers alcoholism.

Although set in Limerick, many street scenes were filmed in Cork, in locations such as Blackpool, Lower John Street, and Barrack Street.

Cillian Murphy (left) in a scene from the film The Wind that Shakes the Barley; the film was shot in various locations around county Cork, including Ballyvourney, Timoleague, and Bandon. Picture: Eddie OHare

The Wind that Shakes the Barley, starring Cork native Cillian Murphy, was primarily shot in Cork in 2005.

Set during the War of Independence and the Civil War, the film which won the Palme DOr at Cannes in 2006, was shot in various locations around Cork, including Ballyvourney, Timoleague, and Bandon.

Another film primarily shot in West Cork was War of the Buttons.

Actors on the set of Cork film War of the Buttons; most of the filming took place in Skibbereen and other locations around West Cork in 1993.

Based on the novel by French author Louis Pergaud, at the core War of the Buttons is a story about class rivalries between two gangs of boys in 1960s Ireland.

Most of the filming took place in Skibbereen and other locations around West Cork in 1993.

And in east Cork, some scenes for the film adaptation of Herman Melvilles epic novel Moby Dick were shot in 1954.

Extras on the set of the film Moby Dick at Youghal in July 1954; the films director John Huston chose the east Cork town as the location to stand in for the whaling town of New Bedford in Massachusetts.

Director John Huston chose Youghal as the location to stand in for the whaling town of New Bedford in Massachusetts for a major Hollywood movie version of the book.

The film starred Gregory Peck and generated huge interest in Cork with thousands travelling to the town to glimpse the Hollywood crew in action.

Elsewhere in Cork, Kent Station attracted international attention when it served as a filming location for the 1979 movie, The First Great Train Robbery starring Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland, and Lesley-Anne Down.

Cork station was disguised to resemble Folkestone Harbour terminal and most of the filming took place out in the main courtyard of the station, an article in the Evening Echo stated when the film was released.

Several carriages were specially built for the picture and further authenticity of the period was occasioned by the utilisation of two steam locomotives on loan from the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, the piece continued.

Other films with scenes shot in Cork include Song for a Raggy Boy, The Blue Max, and Strength and Honour.
The dying wish of General Liam Lynch was to be buried in Fermoy beside his comrade Mick Fitzgerald. A century after his death, the town remembers the legacy of the Chief of Staff of the anti-Treaty IRA. Donal OKeeffe looks back at the life of a legendary Rebel

ON Tuesday, May 2, 1916, a young store worker from Barrys Timber Yard in Fermoy watched as two men, barefoot, their hands bound, were marched under armed guard across the bridge that would, a century later, bear their name. A horse-drawn cart carrying two wounded men followed behind them.

The barefoot men were William and Thomas Kent of Bawnard House in Castlelyons, and in the cart behind them were their brothers, David and Richard.

They had been arrested after a three-hour siege at their home, in the days after the Easter Rising. A gun battle with the Royal Irish Constabulary had resulted in the death of RIC head constable Rowe.

A week later Thomas would be convicted of the murder of Rowe at a court martial, and executed at Victoria Barracks in Cork. He was 51. David was also sentenced to death but his sentence was later commuted.

William was acquitted, and Richard died of his wounds on May 4. In 2015, 99 years after Thomas Kents execution, President Higgins attended the Cork mans state funeral in Castlelyons.

Liam Lynch monument in the Knockmealdown Mountains. Pic: John G O'Dwyer.

Watching on in Fermoy as the Kents were paraded through the garrison town in 1916 was 23-year-old William Fanaghan Lynch, born in Anglesboro, Co Limerick, in 1892.

The fifth of seven children born to Mary (nee Kelly) and farmer Jeremiah Lynch, Liam had grown up in a political family. His uncle John Lynch had taken part in the 1867 rising, and his mother was joint secretary of the Ballylanders branch of the Ladies Land League.

In 1910, Liam Lynch took up an apprenticeship at the Mitchelstown hardware shop of P ONeill (a name which would, half-a-century later, take on coincidental significance in Irish Republicanism).

There, Lynch became a member of the Gaelic League, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Irish Volunteers.

In 1914, the Volunteers split over John Redmonds call that Irish men join the British Army to fight in the Great War. To the disgust of his godmother, Hanna Cleary, Lynch sided with the Redmondites.

A year later, Lynch took up a job with J Barry and Sons in Fermoy.

His time in Fermoy was politically quiet but witnessing the mistreatment of the Kents would change all of that.

Outraged, Lynch became a committed Volunteer and, by early 1917, he was serving as first lieutenant of Fermoys small company. By September that year, the Irish Volunteers in East Cork had been reorganised with nine local companies formed into the Fermoy battalion, and Lynch was elected adjutant.

That November, he wrote, in a letter to his brother Tom, a phrase with which he would become forever associated: We have declared for an Irish Republic, and we will not live under any other law.

In January 1919, just before the inaugural meeting of the first Dail and the Soloheadbeg ambush, which would later be seen as the opening salvo of the War of Independence, Lynch became commandant of the newly formed Cork No 2 Brigade, with responsibility for northern Co Cork.

He would become a trusted ally of IRA Chief of Staff, Richard Mulcahy, and Director of Intelligence, Michael Collins, and they would offer him several promotions to IRA General Headquarters, offers he would consistently turn down. Lynch proved a gifted and inspirational guerrilla leader but his superiors were often appalled at his insistence on leading operations and often placing himself in mortal danger - one example being the 1919 arms raid in Fermoy.

In June of 1920, Lynch led a daring operation which resulted in the kidnapping of the Commander of Fermoy Barracks. Brigadier General Cuthbert Lucas, fishing on the banks of the Blackwater, was captured alongside two colonels, Danford and Tyrell.

The section covering this adventure in Gerard Shannons thoughtful and nuanced new Lynch biography, To Declare a Republic  the first in several decades  is worth the price of admission on its own. People from Fermoy will recognise several local, legendary figures, although some may object to the omission of other, allegedly pivotal participants.

Author Gerard Shannon.

Near Rathcormac, captive in the second of two cars traveling on the main road to Cork, Lucas and Danford planned their escape in Arabic, and sprang on Lynch and their driver, Patrick Clancy.

A crash ensued, followed by two fist-fights in the road, which ended with Lynch subduing Lucas, before then shooting Danford. A doctor was sent for, and Tyrell was released to care for the mortally wounded Danford.

Lucas was held in West Limerick and East Clare, where he enjoyed debates with Lynch, card games and whiskey.

After four weeks, he escaped, or perhaps was allowed to escape. Lucas stated he had been treated as a gentleman by gentlemen, describing his captors as delightful people, a sentiment which cannot have gone down well with his own superiors.

In April 1921, coinciding with his elevation to the IRB Supreme Council, Lynch was made Commandant of the First Southern Division, which covered the three Cork brigades, the three Kerry brigades, the two Waterford brigades, and Limerick West, putting him in command of approximately 31,000 men.

When the Truce with Britain was declared on July 11, 1921, Lynch remained convinced that war would eventually resume, something which clearly informed his later thinking during the Civil War. Vehemently opposed to the Treaty, and the abandonment of the North, Lynch nonetheless strove to avoid a split in the IRA, until the shelling of the Four Courts by the Free State Army steeled his resolve as head of the anti-Treaty IRA.

For nine months, Lynch led a ruinous guerrilla war against the Free State, a war he privately accepted could not be won. By continuing it he hoped to bring the Government to the position of bankruptcy, so conflict would be reignited with Britain, and his former allies would be forced to stand with us in upholding our independence.

For a gifted tactician, Lynch displayed little skill at strategy, and for a poetic visionary with such a gra for Ireland, he showed absolutely no interest in public opinion or democracy.

Disdaining politics and politicians  in 1920 he had written that the army has to hew the way to freedom for politics to follow  he effectively sidelined Eamon de Valera throughout the Civil War.

Author Gerard Shannon with his parents, Betty Shannon and Gerard Shannon Snr, at the launch of 'Liam Lynch, To Declare A Republic', at Waterstones, Patrick Street, Cork.

When Lynch was killed, de Valera mourned his death, but with Lynch had fallen the greatest obstacle to the end of the Civil War. There have been conspiracy theories, as there always are and, as with Collins who died not a year before him, Lynchs supporters have mapped onto their lost leader the roads not taken, the better Irelands unsullied by negotiation or compromise.

On Tuesday April 10, 1923, Lynch and six comrades were caught on the Knockmealdowns between two columns of the National Army. Struck by rifle-fire and mortally wounded, Lynch ordered his companions, including Frank Aiken who would soon succeed him as Chief of Staff, to leave him behind.

The National Army soldiers initially thought the tall, sallow-skinned, bespectacled man they had captured was de Valera but Lynch informed them: I am Liam Lynch, Chief of Staff of the Irish Republican Army. Get me a priest and doctor. Im dying.

The soldiers bore Lynch down the mountain on an improvised stretcher to Nugents Pub in Newcastle. From there, he was taken by ambulance to the military hospital in Clonmel, where he died just before 9pm.

His last wish was that he be buried in the Republican plot in Kilcrumper in Fermoy, beside Mick Fitzgerald, the greatest friend I ever had on this earth.

Twenty days after Lynchs death, Frank Aiken gave the order to the anti-Treaty IRA to cease military operations, ending the Civil War but copper-fastening partition for a century or more.
An accountant from Cork has been elected as one of Macra Na Feirmes three vice presidents.

Macra na Feirme is a voluntary organisation representing a community of 10,000 young people from rural Ireland.

The results of the Macra presidential and vice-presidential elections were announced in the Irish Farm Centre, Dublin, and live on the Macra Facebook page on Wednesday.

Elaine Houlihan was announced as Macras 39th president, the second female member to serve in the role, following in the footsteps of Catherine Buckley who was the first female Macra president, from 2007 to 2009.

Aishling OKeeffe from Banteer, County Cork was elected to the vice-presidential position in Munster. An auditor accountant, Ms OKeeffe joined Banteer Macra in 2016 and since joining has been an active member at club, county and national level.

She was co-opted on to the Macra Finance Committee, serving from 2020 to 2022, and is co-opting on the National Competitions Committee, serving from 2022 to the present. Ms OKeeffe is an active member having previously competed in the FBD National Capers Final, Novice Debating National Final, and NDC National Bowling Finals to name a few.

Current national president, John Keane, congratulated the new appointees on their success and wished them well during their terms of office.

Mr Keane presided over the election. Speaking after the results, he said: I know that all the candidates elected will be able to meet the challenges and lead Macra to greater heights.

"Well done to all candidates who put themselves forward for the election.

Robert Lally from Claremorris Macra Club, Mayo, was elected for the vice president position in the NorthWest.

President-elect, Elaine Houlihan, said: Thanks to my family and friends who have supported me always and especially throughout my campaign. I could not have done this without the support of my fellow Macra members in Kilmallock and Limerick Macra. I am eagerly looking forward to leading Irelands most vibrant rural organisation.

Meanwhile, Patrick Jordan, Tullow Macra, was confirmed as the incoming Leinster pice-President after running unopposed for his position.

The three new vice presidents will take up their positions alongside president-elect, Elaine Houlihan, at Macras national AGM on May 13 next.
Turmoil in the banking sector has emphasised the need for long overdue legislation to support credit unions in Cork and beyond, according to a Cork TD.

Social Democrats leader Deputy Holly Cairns has said she could not have made it through college without support from credit unions, the backbone of local communities.

New legislation currently making its way through the Dail aims to expand the services of credit unions, something Ms Cairns has welcomed.

Credit Unions offer an incredibly important service, the Cork TD told The Echo. Ireland has one of the highest percentages of population who are members of Credit Unions globally. They have played a vital role in many Cork peoples lives for years.

"I was only able to do my Masters and buy my own car due to a loan from Skibbereen Credit Union.

"Their continued success is shown in the Cork Credit Unions, a collaborative group of 30 Credit Unions.

Ms Cairns said she knows from conversations she has had with individuals, community groups, and farming organisations, the important role credit unions play in providing people with financial services and loans, especially when the commercial banks are denying the same people these facilities".

"At a time when banks are leaving the Irish market and the remaining banks are closing branches, credit unions have never been so relevant.

Also, it is reassuring that in a credit union you will be guaranteed to meet a staff member and not be directed to a machine," she added.

"I cannot stress how important that is for older people who are less comfortable with technology, but it also applies to disabled people or people with English as a second language.

Unfortunately, our current legal and regulatory framework fails to appreciate credit unions' function as co-operatives and the importance of the common bond. Instead, they have excessive limits on their services and potential."

Ms Cairns stated further that credit unions are actively increasing their provision of finance in the areas of SME business lending and mortgages. "Many are ready to provide much needed services to local enterprises, family businesses, and to help address our housing crisis, and in doing so would also increase their viability and benefit members," she explained.

"It is a win-win situation. However, financial regulations are putting anti-business controls in place on how much credit unions can lend for these purposes," she added.

New legislation, that is currently making its way through the Dail, aims to expand the services of credit unions to put them on a sustainable footing for the future. This is very welcome but long overdue - the Irish League of Credit Unions and others have been calling for reforms for years now.

"However, the legislation does not go far enough to ensure that the regulation of credit unions appreciates their role in communities and allows them greater flexibility to provide loans," Ms Cairs said.

This is an area in which the credit union movement has been ahead of the government and they are ready for the new changes.

"We need only look to Bantry Credit Union, which bought the former Bank of Ireland building and has installed an ATM to see the type of vibrancy and innovation I am talking about."
A CORK business is aiming to flip the rental housing model on its head and make it about people instead of properties.

HomeHak, founded by Pat Drinan in 2021, has been acting on ambitious plans to improve the home renting process in Ireland, and attract new landlords into the market.

The HomeHak website allows prospectice renters to complete detailed tenant CVs, featuring landlord references, employment information, verified identification and rental history. They can also provide information on what type of property they are looking to rent, what their budget is, when they would like to move in, and what area they would, ideally, like to live in.

From there, landlords can use this information to find suitable tenants for their properties by using filters on the HomeHak website.

Landlords, homeowners and letting agents can also advertise their properties for free on HomeHak. The website does not take money for third party advertisements and is entirely independent of other corporations.

Denise Bradshaw and Pat Drinan of HomeHak at the 'pop-up stall' in Wilton Shopping Centre, Cork. Pic: Larry Cummins

Speaking to The Echo, HomeHak CEO and founder, Pat Drinan, explained that the HomeHak way of renting flips the usual renting model on its head.

HomeHak was developed by Pat, a Cork native who has experienced the rental market from both sides, as tenant and landlord.

Pat, who spent several years working in the finance industry in Ireland and internationally, created HomeHak after identifying a lot of unnecessary red tape and cost for all stakeholders in the current property-based advertising model.

The idea behind the company is to create a mutually beneficial relationship between landlords, home-seekers and letting agents.

Most websites have profiles for property with thousands of people contacting agents or landlords trying to find somewhere to rent, Pat said.

We set up HomeHak to flip the model  were about people

Our model showcases people who need somewhere to live and, when you make it about people, you get a reaction, he added.

HomeHak currently has a team of three supporting prospective tenants in completing their online tenant CV.

We help people to set up their tenant profile to help them find a home, Pat explained.

We contact people who are setting up their profile with advice on how to make it better.

Were positioned to help them and, when they get their profile set up, itll make it easier for a landlord to spot their profile and pick them.

Theres no need for people chasing you up for references or ID because its all there on the profile, he added.

We also get them to include rental history, references and employment details.

Anybody can create a tenant CV on HomeHak  its free for two weeks but 25 after that if you like it.

Pat explained that having a tenant CV can make a prospective tenant stand out from the crowd and, in a very competitive rental market, that can make all the difference.

Its like going for a job  you need a CV, he said.

The good agent, landlord or homeowner go through a process to find people who are organised, who will pay the rent and bills on time.

Having a tenant CV on HomeHak with references, ID, rental history and employment details shows that a person is organised, he added.

HomeHak was only established in 2021 but already has thousands of tenants signed up to its database, and has helped link a large number of tenants and landlords or agents.

It has also finalised partnerships with some of the leading letting agencies in the country, including Sherry Fitzgerald Lettings in Cork, DNG Creedon, Trading Places, and Prime Lettings and Management.

In recent months, HomeHak was named Best Cork Digital Business at the Cork Business Awards.

Best Cork Digital Business award (sponsored by Cork Airport) winners were HomeHak. From left: CBA President, Kevin Herlihy; Laura and Pat Drinan accepting the award from Barry Holland, Cork Airport.

HomeHak has also teamed up with hospital management in Cork in a bid to source rental accommodation for hospital staff.

We have hospital staff coming to Cork where are they going to live?, Pat asked.

Pat and HomeHaks Denise Bradshaw have been busy working at a HomeHak pop-up stall in Wilton in recent weeks. The aim of the stall is to chat to prospective landlords in the area and those who may be looking to rent out rooms about the possibility of renting a room to a hospital staff member.

Were really looking for people in the areas around Cork hospitals, who have rental properties or are thinking about renting out a room in their house, to consider renting to a hospital staff member, said Pat.

Were keen to get rental properties, rooms and digs going again if possible.

The HomeHak model works for people who are reluctant to advertise their property online or have dozens of people over viewing the room - HomeHak allows you to go on to the website and pick somebody.

We want to get people in Wilton to register if theyre interested in renting out rooms.

HomeHak also allows tenants to fill out a pet CVs for their pet as many people seeking rental properties have a furry friend. Many people think its impossible to find a place to rent when they have a pet, but it can be done, Pat explained. We set up our pet CV section and helped a person coming to Cork from London find a property in seven days, despite the fact they had a dog.

They actually managed to find a home with a landlord who, at first, wasnt keen on pets but the agent showed them the tenant CV. Thats the great thing about the tenant CV  when you present yourself properly, you increase the chances of finding a home.
WE were all just sitting around shooting the breeze when the guy mentioned that he could have died a few weeks ago. Hed been in Spain when it happened.

Since retiring, hed got into the habit of heading off to Spain for a couple of months in early January; the off-season rent was manageable, the weather warm and sunny, and the living was lovely and easy. He adored it.

This years trip, though, was a bit different.

Hed had a heart attack.

A heart attack? I said. God, what happened?

Out of the blue, hed experienced this really excruciating pain in his chest. The ambulance was called. Within 35 minutes of the call being made the guy was on an operating table getting a stent put in. Over the next week he had a total of six stents inserted.

Dear God, I said, that was some holiday.

The man looked at me.

It certainly was, he said, because if that had happened in Ireland, Id be a dead man now.

Ah Jaysus, someone said, surely were not that bad yet.

Hmmm, somebody said and the discussion moved to how long hed have been left waiting for an ambulance  the man lives in a rural town.

How long hed have been sitting on a chair in the hospital emergency room waiting to be assessed by a triage nurse.

How long hed have had to spend on a trolley.

How long before hed be seen by a cardiologist.

How long hed have waited for surgery.

None of us were experts on any of this, we all admitted, but at the same time, we were unanimous - the chances of that man being operated on within 35 minutes of calling an ambulance in Ireland were very low.

So yes, we agreed gloomily, hed more than likely be dead if hed got that pain in his chest in Ireland.

And Ireland, the man said is now considered one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

We looked it up on our phones. Apparently, per capita (that is, per person), Ireland ranks second in the top ten richest nations in the world, according to the IMF. Whaaat??

And we are one of the most affluent countries in Europe! IT, mechanical engineering, food production, agriculture and textiles have helped the Irish economy to overtake - wait for it- super-wealthy places like Singapore, Qatar and the USA. Wow! Talk about punching above our weight, as The Donald said once. So far, so fantastic.

But how come so few of us feel the trickle-down of all this wealth? Why this lack of confidence in the competency of our government, this niggling concern about our economic stability, the blatant under-resourcing of our health services, the gardai, the army or the navy?

Why do so many of us feel so insecure and unhappy about the Irish lifestyle; why do we have this uncomfortable sense of being taken for a ride on the cost of everything from groceries to insurance, to household utilities, a scone and a cup of coffee in a cafe, and worst of all, property.

If youre an Irish citizen, many people believe, youre automatically sent to the bottom of every waiting list, be it housing, health, social welfare or even education.

I know someone who worked hard and paid taxes for nearly 40 years, before getting a savage whack of Covid. Six months out of work and the only State support was 10 weeks of Covid sick pay. Once that ran out, the patient was told, there was no further entitlement. Despite working for nearly four decades. But as this person claimed bitterly, people arrive here from all over the world and all they have to do is mention the word refugee and its Open Sesame.

Perceptions like this abound.

Theres the supply and demand imbalance.

Healthcare: The lack of availability of traditional community-based health services like GPs, district nurses and so on is an excellent example.

I was sitting in the waiting room in my doctors surgery one day when a woman came in and explained that she wanted to become a patient. The receptionist said the practice was currently not taking on any new patients.

The womans voice immediately became desperate and frightened. Newly-arrived in the area with a young family, she had been literally working her way through the towns several GP practices for the past 90 minutes, she said, and she couldnt find a single doctor who could take her and her family on. The receptionist was sympathetic, but there was nothing she could do.

Education: A major demand/supply crisis is set to hit the headlines this summer when the lack of places at second-level begins to impact on families.

Eating out: Its more expensive in Dublin than in London, Paris or Rome, according to a recent study. Cork probably isnt far behind, if the truth be told.

Shopping: The cost of your groceries continues to rise.

Housing: Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, builders; theyre out the door with work. But the price of materials like timber and steel is still very high and shortages in basic materials combine to increase the price of construction - houses in this country now cost about 10 times the average salary.

We looked to renew our house insurance policy recently. When we built our home some 30 years ago, the insurance was calculated on the basis of the rebuilding cost, which at that time was 25 (in old pounds) per square foot. Now, were told, its 230 per square foot.

None of this is good. The higher the price, the more precarious the market, according to the economist David McWilliams, who is again warning of a global financial crisis with rolling banking crises, and, presumably, another recession.

Extremely high property prices are not a sign of economic health, says McWilliams.

The cost and the shortage of housing means a massive affordability problem.

McWilliamss words always give me the creeps. Because, like Michael OLeary of Ryanair, hes always bang on the button, always succinct and articulate, and usually right.

I remember him banging the drum about the 2008 recession long before it hit; banging the drum and banging the drum about the looming economic crisis. Nobody listened; people sneered that he was a prophet of doom.

So here we are again. David McWilliams banging the drum. Unaffordable accommodation. Surging levels of homelessness. Help Wanted signs everywhere. Rentable property is rare as hens teeth. Affordable rentable property simply does not exist.

And, in this context, what does the government of one of the richest countries in the world do?

What the government has done is to bring an abrupt end to the eviction ban without, according to Fr Peter McVerry - another man who knows his onions - putting in place a single measure to mitigate the potentially disastrous consequences of this decision.

This decision, he has warned, is opening the floodgates to a tsunami of misery.

Tens of thousands of people are going to be put out of their homes at a time when emergency homeless accommodation is crammed. Hotels that have put up homeless families are now either full or reverting to tourism.

Meanwhile, the exodus of landlords from the private rental sector could result in the loss of up to 15,000 tenancies this year.

Landlords blame poor government housing policies which impose excessive regulatory and financial burdens, burdens which in turn are forcing many private landlords out of the sector.

Theres a nasty but sadly appropriate word that describes wealthy Ireland and the way its being run.

Sorry Leo. Sorry Micheal. Sorry most of all to Simon and Helen, because I always get the feeling you two genuinely try.

But the word for what you lot are doing starts with cluster and ends with uck.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

A 26-year-old man has appeared before a Belfast court charged with the murder of a woman in Limerick city.

Geila Ibram, a 27-year-old woman from Romania, was found dead at a residence on Dock Road in Limerick on Tuesday.

Habib Shamel, an Afghan national, appeared before court via videolink charged with her murder.

Belfast Magistrates Court heard he had been in Ireland since October 2022, and had applied for asylum.

When asked whether he understood the charge against him, he confirmed through an interpreter that he did.

A detective sergeant told the court that Ms Ibram had been stabbed numerous times and that the attack resulted in the defendant injuring his hand.

The district judge refused the man bail, calling the charge a very grave offence.
COMMUNION fever is hotting up in our village and it is so wonderful to be able to look forward to it.

While this is technically the second communion in our house, my eldest daughters was during the first year of Covid so it feels like it barely even happened. It consisted of a class Zoom with the priest on the original date set and a very muted affair later that year.

We are not particularly holy in the traditional sense of going to mass every week, we do make an effort to go periodically, and more so this year, and I have often taken comfort in faith during testing times.

We are having a lot of fun planning the big day and the dress is really the main event, outside of all the religious prep. Knowing we had four daughters to get through this sacrament, we opted for a dress from the Paul Costelle range in Dunnes Stores three years ago for my eldest lady.

My two eldest girls are completely different in everyway so I felt if we didnt break the bank altogether on the first dress, the second lady wouldnt be under pressure to wear the same one. Anyway, all that aside it turns out the same dress can look completely different on two different children so she is going to wear her sisters dress. I am delighted, she is delighted and the eldest lady is totally flattered her younger sister loves the dress too, which is just lovely.

Accessory-wise, my second lady is not a girly girl so is shunning the satin style shoes for a pair of white converse. Even before she had the dress picked, she knew she was going to wear runners and I applaud her individuality.

We are going to add a little sparkle to them and personalise them ahead of the big day to make them extra special.

My second lady gravitates towards me a lot when I am out in the office, crafting whatever craft has captured my attention, so she decided she wanted to sew her own communion bag. We got a lovely fabric from a shop in Sligo and she is going to make a bucket bag with fabric flowers all over. The technique is fairly simple so I am looking forward to sitting down with her to do that.

We are going to host the party in our house. It will probably be a small affair as we dont have many cousins and her friends are obviously all busy that day! We have a bouncy castle booked and we will do the food ourselves.

I love hosting gatherings at home so the plan is to have a couple of dishes like a lasagne and quiche, things that can be made easily a couple of days before and popped into the oven on the day. My dad is a master at making brown bread so he will be on bread duty and between us all we will whip out some salads like coleslaw, green salad and pasta salad.

We love making pizza in our house so I am under strict instructions to make it on the day, we have an indoor pizza oven which is unbelievably handy as it is not weather dependent and there is no flame to be watched over.

Pizza is handy as I can make them as they are needed and they only take three minutes to cook so we can fire them out as they are needed.

I am also making the cake  three tiers were requested but we have settled on two and a cupcake to finish it off on top. Im not sure how we will decorate it yet, I always struggle to make white buttercream icing and strongly dislike working with fondant because I can never get it perfect.

Irish butter is particularly yellow in colour because of the way our cows are grazed at grass. If you beat the butter for about ten minutes, it will knock some of the yellow out of it, add a little white food colouring and youll end up around ivory which I think will work.

I havent found something to wear myself yet. I wore a tailored bright pink suit to the eldest girls communion and I adored it because it was something different and comfortable.

My attitude to shopping has changed dramatically over the last few years, and, coupled with my recent foray into dress-making I have the over-confidence to believe I can make myself a dress good enough to wear.

I am a bit of a one trick pony on the dressmaking front at the moment, sticking with slight variations of the same pattern, but its a style that suits me. I ordered some beautiful viscose fabric from Fabric Romance, a loud pattern in a bold colour that I can hopefully transform, it could be absolutely awful or the best thing ever, we shall see!
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.

Ponderosa pine forests in Californias Sierra Nevada mountain range have been an important source of storage for atmospheric carbon. But a drought and pest invasion from 2012 to 2015 wiped out these trees. Now, researchers have found that it is unlikely for the forests to recover to their densities before the megadrought.

From 2012 to 2015, a megadrought and an infestation of western pine beetles caused massive die-offs of ponderosa pine trees in the Sierra Nevada. During this time period, experts estimated that around 129 million trees of varying species, including the ponderosa pines, died out.

This meant the carbon stored in these trees, which are an important carbon sink, was then released as the trees died and decayed.

Forest regeneration for pines in this area would be difficult, as researchers described in a study published in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Science. Climate change makes future infestations more likely, so if the forest recovered, there could be an increased chance of another major die-off from the western pine beetles.

These beetles are more likely to take over the Sierra Nevada forests as climate change makes more favorable living conditions for bark beetles. According to the USDA, bark beetles like the western pine beetle can experience faster larval development and better survival rates when temperatures are warm (but not overly hot). Further, drought conditions put stress on the trees, making them easier targets for the beetles to take over.

For now, the diminished forests leave the bark beetles with no hosts, making another major infestation and another large die-off event less likely.

Some carbon loss wont be resequestered in trees, but fewer trees on the landscape dampens the severity of western pine beetle outbreaks, Zachary Robbins, a postdoctoral researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory and corresponding author of the study, explained in a statement. The forest seems to reach an equilibrium at a certain point.

While forests can sequester over 10% of emissions in the U.S., the researchers warned that carbon budgeting must consider bark beetle outbreaks and other stressors, like drought and wildfires, that impact forest regeneration. Plus, with ongoing climate change, we could expect to see similar effects to the damage during the 2012-2015 megadrought in a shorter timespan.

In the past, a three-year drought would have substantial impact on tree mortality, Chonggang Xu, a senior scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory study co-author said. But in a warmer future, a two-year drought could have similar consequences.

While this research was specific to California and ponderosa pine forests, the problem is likely to be replicated across forests in the western U.S. The authors suggested active forest management to minimize risk of major beetle outbreaks and massive tree die-offs in the future. In a 2022 study by Robbins, Xu and additional researchers, the team found anticipated that up to 40% more ponderosa pine trees could die off from beetle infestations for every degree Celsius increase of global warming.
Twitter has removed a label that designated NPR as a US state-affiliated media outlet mere days after first applying the label earlier this week. As of Saturday, the company now lists the public broadcaster as a government funded organization. NPR tech reporter Bobby Allyn was the first to report on the change. He said Elon Musk told him Twitter would apply the government funded designation to other institutions in the coming days. Tesla, which has received billions of dollars in government subsidies over the years, does not appear to have the label, Allyn added .

NEW: Label on NPRs main account changed to government funded, and Elon tells me Twitter is applying it to a larger number of institutions.  Bobby Allyn (@BobbyAllyn) April 8, 2023
Matny low- and middle-income countries, including India, pursued universal health coverage (UHC) by providing financial protection to the vulnerable groups. These often include the poorest of the poor families earning mostly through informal means. The formally employed are often covered by compulsory or voluntary employer-based insurance. A missing middle comprises non-poor informal-sector workers, middle-class workers and their families, who remain financially vulnerable due to healthcare episodes (Bonfert et al 2015). This is because of the relative difficulty of identifying and enrolling them and financing their coverage efficiently and equitably. Andhra Pradesh has envisaged to cover this missing middle through the Aarogya Raksha programme. Similarly, community-based health insurance programmes like SEWA (VimoSEWA 2020), ACCORD (Devadasan et al 2007), Yeshasvini (Yeshasvini Cooperative Farmers Health Care Scheme nd), and Health Insurance Scheme for Weavers aimed to provide financial coverage to a specific occupational group (GoI 2019). This article presents lessons from nations that provide insurance coverage for their informal workers.

The study is based on the review of literature on the lessons learnt by extending health insurance coverage to the informal non-poor, globally. The research has been conducted as an exploratory study as the published literature is relatively limited for extending insurance coverage for the informal workers in India, or low- and middle-income countries.
In response to a written question in the Rajya Sabha, the union minister of state for education recently revealed that more than 19,000 students from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have dropped out of central universities, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) from 2018 to 2023. The union government was questioned by a Rajya Sabha member representing the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party from Tamil Nadu about the dropout rate of students belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories from IITs, IIMs, and other central universities in the last five years. The DMK member of Parliament (MP) also sought to know whether Government has conducted any study in regard to the reasons for the high dropout rate of OBC, SC, and ST students in these higher educational institutions.

The question regarding the possible reasons behind the dropout rates of SC/ST/OBC students is highly crucial if one is interested in assessing the implementation of reservation policies both in letter and spirit in the institutions of higher learning. In order to fulfil the aim of equal opportunity, the government cannot be complacent with regard to making it possible for the marginalised students to merely gain an entry into educational institutions. In fact, it needs to create enabling conditions that would help these students combat the reasons that force them to drop out from their respective degree programmes. The union minister of state for education responded to the question of the DMK MP by highlighting that the government has implemented various measures such as reducing fees, setting up more institutes, and providing scholarships to help students from economically weaker sections continue their education. The minister also said that there are schemes for the benefit of SC/ST students such as tuition fee waivers at IITs. However, citing various policies of redressing the problem of dropouts does not really explain the causes behind such high dropout rates. The ministers statement only begs the following question: Even in the presence of these so-called welfare measures in educational institutions, why are SC/ST/OBC students still dropping out from these degree programmes in such large numbers?
The involuntary exit of students from marginalised castes and communities from the educational system in general and the institutions of higher learning in particular is unfortunate but most intensely quite frustrating. As the editorial in the current issue of EPW suggests, the dropouts reflect negatively on the reservation policy and reveal the failure of the protective measures that the government has taken in order to ensure the retention of students from the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) on educational campuses. Taking forward the concerns expressed in the editorial, the phenomenon of dropouts poses several serious questions for the conception of education as a common good.

The massive number of dropouts certainly suggests that they are involuntary. The decision to join institutions of higher education was taken as part of the modernist aspirations that were nurtured by both the students and their parents. Admission to such institutions stood, at least initially, on the firm determination and resolve to complete ones courses and obtain the degree. Given this aspirational flight, it would be unfair to interpret the tragic decision of dropping out as a matter of voluntary choice that is usually made on the spur of the moment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has obviously taught medical sciences several lessons, but it has also had a profound unsettling impact on a range of social sciences. For example, the spread of this disease and the way different societies have dealt with it have left political theory deeply puzzled. More pertinently, why did some democracies, mostly in the East, such as South Korea or Taiwan, comply better with COVID-19 restrictions than did democracies such as in France or the United States (US)? The following enquiry is not concerned with non-democracies, such as China, North Korea, Belarus or, even, Russia. It is only liberal democracies, and variations within them, that are the principal subjects of this article.

It is not as if the majority in Western democracies resisted mask-wearing and social distancing, later vaccinations too, but a significant minority did. Though a minority, they garnered a lot of political attention and puzzlement as they had the grudging moral approval of many who abided by COVID-19 restrictions and advisories. It is this shadowy alliance that made governments in these countries nervous whenever anger against COVID-19 restrictions spilled over into the streets. On the other hand, such demonstrations of anger at and resistance to COVID-19 norms never quite featured in several other democracies where, ordinarily, protests are quite frequent. Here, one is not thinking of just India, with its proneness to public demonstrations, but also of Japan and South Korea where several large-scale strikes have happened in the recent past.
Saturday, April 8, 2023

NOTICE -- SEE ALL RELEASES ON "ZER0-POINT ENERGY AT https://www.expertclick.com/experts/Zero-point%20energy.aspx?scroll=577







Here is a 10-minute PBS-sponsored YouTube video that discusses this subject:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh898Yr5YZ8

And here is a somewhat more technical explanation of the impossibility of harnessing ZPE from "Scientific American:"

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/follow-up-what-is-the-zer/

Finally, here is a Wikipedia article on ZPE replete with all the mathematics that describe this phenomenon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-point_energy.

From this article:

Purported applications[edit]

Physicists overwhelmingly reject any possibility that the zero-point energy field can be exploited to obtain useful energy (work) or uncompensated momentum; such efforts are seen as tantamount to perpetual motion machines.

Nevertheless, the allure of free energy has motivated such research, usually falling in the category of fringe science. As long ago as 1889 (before quantum theory or discovery of the zero point energy) Nikola Tesla proposed that useful energy could be obtained from free space, or what was assumed at that time to be an all-pervasive aether.[195] Others have since claimed to exploit zero-point or vacuum energy with a large amount of pseudoscientific literature causing ridicule around the subject.[196][197] Despite rejection by the scientific community, harnessing zero-point energy remains an interest of research, particularly in the US where it has attracted the attention of major aerospace/defense contractors and the U.S. Department of Defense as well as in China, Germany, Russia, and Brazil.[196][198]

I hope this helps explain the theoretical reasons why Leonardo Corporation's "E-Cat SKLep SSM" device cannot possibly work as claimed.

From a practical perspective, Mr. Rossi has been making these preposterous claims for over four years (since JAN 2019). If his claims had any merit at all, then he could have had his device(s) tested by an independent lab. If even 1% of his ZPE claims were true, he would be a multi-billionaire by now.

All his "demos" have been deeply flawed and do not even rise to the level of a high school science project. His "results" are all fake and he refuses to perform the simplest, most obvious tests that would show his devices worked as he claims. There's an obvious reason for that.

As I mentioned in my initial email, even if Rossi's E-Cat devices did by some miracle actually work, he could never obtain a valid safety certification for them because there are no approved industry standards for ZPE-powered devices.

I hope this email provides a sufficient explanation of why Rossi's latest phony device does not, cannot, and never will work.

Please let me know if you would like any additional information on this subject.

Respectfully,

Fred Zoepfl, Ph.D.
For a few weeks now, a story in The Daily Beast has been making its way around town and across the country, to wherever San Antonio expats live.

The March 19 article  a carefully researched investigation or a hit piece, depending on your point of view  has traveled quietly via email and text like a classified document, as if its contents might explode at any moment.

By now, the nearly 3,000-word piece about San Antonio businessman and Democratic Party insider Henry R. Munoz probably has reached all the people who know him or have an opinion about him.

And many people do, given his business success, prowess as a political fundraiser and talent for cultivating friends in high places, including former President Barack Obama and the late Texas Gov. Ann Richards.

Before we get into the thick of the Daily Beast report, lets acknowledge that the news site leans decidedly left and can tilt toward the sensational.

But in its examination of Munozs consulting gig for a New York healthcare nonprofit, the site appears to have done some serious digging. The article by journalist William Bredderman cites documents and sources. Many of the latter are unidentified.

Thats a common denominator among people who have lots to say about Munoz. They prefer to say it privately. Some who sent me a link to the Daily Beast article didnt want others to know they had.

More from Elaine Ayala: Going beyond stereotypes, Eva Longoria is at home in 'Searching for Mexico'

The story is labeled an exclusive, and the headline states the gist: How the DNCs former chief fundraiser turned a Medicaid program into his personal money hose.

A subhead elaborates: Henry Munoz, a powerful Democratic fundraiser, has drawn millions in public cash through a nonprofit providing medical care to NYCs poor  leaving good government groups aghast.

The story does not say Munoz violated any law. Instead, it questions why he and a company he owns have been paid at least $30 million for consulting work for SOMOS Community Care, a physician network serving low-income people who qualify for Medicaid. Reinvent Albany, a good government group, wants to know what exactly Munoz did to earn the money. Its called on the New York State comptroller to investigate.

Munoz is the former CEO of the San Antonio architectural firm Kell Munoz. Hes also a former finance chair of the Democratic National Committee. With actor-activist Eva Longoria, he founded the pro-Democratic Latino Victory organization. Hes chairman of the board of the Smithsonians National Museum of the American Latino, and he owns the production company Funny or Die.

He has been a top DNC fundraiser and has raised money for nonprofit causes, too. Hes become a Broadway producer.

The Daily Beast zeroes in on what could be one of Munozs biggest paychecks to date.

According to the article, SOMOS' financial disclosures show that since 2018, the nonprofit has paid $14.3 million to Munoz directly and $15.7 million to a San Antonio-based limited liability company he owns called MSTZO (mestizo, Spanish for a person of mixed race). The Daily Beast said the financial disclosures run through the end of 2020, and that Munoz may have collected more since then.

A spokesman for Munoz told the news site that Munoz didnt keep the whole $30 million. He disbursed about two-thirds of it to other contractors, including for television and radio airtime, the spokesman said.

I reached out to Munoz for comment and heard back from his spokesman, who asked not be identified.

He said the Daily Beast was provided documents but the site chose to ignore all of the facts and publish the type of biased, irresponsible and uninformed hit piece for which they have become known.

The truth is that the programs Mr. Munoz was hired to design and implement were extraordinarily effective and are credited with helping to reach and bring in hundreds of thousands of patients from lower income communities of color, the strategist said.

These communities, he added, were previously unengaged by a corporate healthcare system.

To create these programs, Mr. Munoz drew on decades of experience designing cultural change within institutions, expanding narratives and creating movements and programs to reach and engage Latinos and communities of color in their communities and neighborhoods, much of which was developed during his time working in San Antonio and throughout Texas.

A creative entrepreneur, Munoz once operated an architectural company, even though he wasnt a trained architect.

He was paid millions by SOMOS even though he doesnt have a medical degree or healthcare experience.

The Daily Beast story also explores Munozs political contributions. From 2018 to 2023, while working for SOMOS, Munoz made political contributions that exceeded $1.15 million, about $400,000 more than hed donated in the previous 30 years.

In case you missed it: Mexican American Civil Rights Institute getting starter home on citys West Side

This isnt the first time Munoz has courted controversy. The Daily Beast story quoted from two San Antonio Express-News articles about him.

One was a 2011 profile that said he was forced to resign as a member of the Texas Transportation Commission, to which Gov. Richards had appointed him, after an internal audit found he was involved in conflicts of interest. Munoz said at the time that hed done nothing improper and that he stepped down voluntarily.

The other article cited by the Daily Beast was a 2013 column by Gilbert Garcia that noted Munozs success in raising $12 million for Museo Alameda, dedicated to the Latino experience in America, but questioned his spending on furniture and parties and criticized him for walking away from the project when it foundered.

Some of the locals who spoke to me about the Daily Beast article said such controversies were the reason Munoz has not been seen as a favorite son or hometown hero, unlike other San Antonians who gained national prominence.

They were saddened by the report.

One of them told me that Munoz is a very smart guy who doesnt seem to have learned from past experience.
Discretion.

A word thats commonly defined as the power to make an individual choice or judgment.

That single word is the essence of the fierce debate happening right now in San Antonio over Proposition A, a proposed charter amendment that would decriminalize abortion and small-scale marijuana possession, ban no-knock warrants and chokeholds, expand the police departments cite-and-release program and create a city justice director.

Lets put aside, for a moment, the fact that most of Prop A is likely to be disregarded by our municipal government if it passes, because City Attorney Andy Segovia says the justice-director provision is the only piece of it that doesnt violate state law.

Lets also put aside, for a moment, the fact that if Prop A passes, its abortion-decriminalization provision will be challenged in court by Texas Alliance for Life, an Austin-based anti-abortion group.

Lets pretend that voters approve Prop A and the city actually implements it. What would that mean for San Antonians? In truth, much would remain the same.

No one is currently getting arrested in this city for providing or receiving an abortion. That wouldnt change.

SAPD already prohibits no-knock warrants and chokeholds, except in life-threatening circumstances.

All of the cite-and-release categories stipulated by Prop A already fall under SAPDs current cite-and-release policy, except for graffiti tagging of under $2,500 in damage.

Related: What to know about cite-and-release, a key  and controversial  part of Prop A

Even in the case of graffiti, however, if Prop A passes, any markings on schools, places of worship, public monuments or community centers that result in at least $750 in damage will remain a felony, as stipulated by the Texas Penal Code.

Ultimately, the big issue comes down to officer discretion.

Yes, its true that Prop A mandates that suspects in property-theft cases of less than $750 be cited and released, rather than subjected to custodial arrest. But the police departments current cite-and-release policy already includes that same category of property theft.

From July 2019 through September 2022, the first 39 months of SAPDs current cite-and-release program, officers ticketed and released 1,801 Class B property theft suspects (between $100 and $750), according to data provided by the city.

So when detractors of Prop A bemoan the idea that San Antonio shoplifters will be ticketed rather than arrested, they should be aware that its already happening.

The big issue concerns discretion. Under Prop A, officers will be required to cite and release in cases where currently they are merely encouraged to do so.

Business leaders and police-union reps object to the removal of officer discretion. Mayor Ron Nirenberg also cited the need for officer discretion this past week when he came out against Prop A.

Over the first 39 months of SAPDs cite-and-release program, there were 16,000 cases involving offenses that qualified for cite and release.

Roughly 55 percent of those cases, however, also involved existing outstanding warrants or additional offenses, so cite-and-release was not an option for the officer.

In cases where cite and release was an option, officers released the suspect 80 percent of the time. That means even in situations where officers had discretion, they usually opted for cite and release.

There are two ways of interpreting that data.

One interpretation would be that Prop A is unnecessary as a police-reform tool, because local officers already are choosing cite and release in most instances. Another interpretation would be that Prop A is less likely to produce an extreme increase in crime than its critics suggest because it largely mandates a continuation of existing practices.

Related: The fight against Prop A has drawn even more money than the police reform battle two years ago

Its important to point out that cite and release doesnt mean a lack of consequences.

Suspects must produce satisfactory identification to qualify for cite and release, to guarantee that they can be tracked down later, if necessary. The citation also includes instructions for them to appear before a county prosecutor.

If they fail to show up, an arrest warrant can be issued for them.

Ultimately, the debate over officer discretion exposes a philosophical divide.

Officers want more discretion, because they think it enables them to do a better job of combating crime.

Progressive activists want officers to have less discretion, because they think it leads to more instances of abuse of power.

Ultimately, if Prop A makes it across the finish line on May 6, it will be because of its marijuana and abortion provisions, both of which are broadly popular and likely to motivate people to go to the polls.

If Prop A falls short, it will be because of its property theft and graffiti provisions, both of which have met with strong opposition and are also likely to send people to the polls.

But the big question before voters is how they feel about discretion.

ggarcia@express-news.net
When "Family Feud" host Steve Harvey first met contestant Tonya McCreary and her family from San Antonio, it was like looking into a fun house mirror.

There was McCreary's father, Anthony Wilkerson Sr., sporting the same bald head, same flair for flashy ties and pocket squares and even the same majestic mustache as the famous comedian. Then Harvey's eyes really lit up when Wilkerson broke out a spot-on impersonation of the game show host.

Harvey liked what he saw so much he mic'd Williams up and had him help host the show.

"It was super cool because Steve Harvey was like, 'That's me!' " said McCreary, a real estate agent. "It was super cool and my dad had such a blast. He's ready to quit his job and go full-time for Steve."

Harvey meeting his look-alike is just one of the hilarious moments in store for viewers when the McCreary family appears on "Family Feud" at 5:30 p.m. April 17 on Fox 29 KABB.

On ExpressNews.com: Trailer drops for Shea Serrano's new San Antonio-set Amazon series 'Primo'

McCreary said Harvey and the "Feud" producers loved her dad's impression so much they used him multiple times on the show, which was shot in July in Atlanta. The show-runners got their first look at McCreary's family and her father's acting chops in December 2021, when they followed up on her audition submission that fall.

"And they fell in love with our family," she said. "They called us right away and they said, 'You guys don't understand. We really love your family. You guys have bypassed many families that have been on the waiting list for years.' And we were blown away."

Courtesy 'Family Feud'

iHeartMedia

McCreary applied in memory of her mother-in-law, Theresa Black, who died in 2020. She also captained the on-air team, which consisted of herself, her husband Tyronne McCreary, brother-in-law Derrick Black, brother Anthony Wilkerson Jr. and proud papa Anthony Sr.

"She was definitely Gladys Knight and we were the Pips," Black said with a laugh.

Black and the McCrearys, who live in San Antonio, would not reveal how they did on the show. Her father and brother live in Columbus, Georgia.

Black did say the family's appearance "will probably be one of the funniest episodes you will ever see," with lots of crazy answers to equally crazy questions, including a head-scratcher about riding an elevator to hell.

"Youre going to be stomach-cramping laughing," he said.

On ExpressNews.com: Horror flick 'Malum' actor from San Antonio keeping his day job for now -- he's a pediatric dentist

"Family Feud" has been bringing the laughs since 1976 when it first aired on ABC with host Richard Dawson. The syndicated game show pits two families against each other as they blurt out what they hope are the top answers to some bizarre survey questions. Families can win up to $100,000 and a new car.

While it may look easy from the comfort of the living room couch, playing "The Feud" is a lot tougher in front of a live audience with the cameras rolling and a superstar host grilling you.

"You just have to kind of relax and have fun," Tyronne McCreary said. "As much as you want to have fun, there is some sense of pressure."

It helps to have a big-name comedian onstage. Black said the set was almost like being at a comedy show, with Harvey always joking and chatting with the crowd between takes.

The McCreary family is just the latest to represent the Alamo City on "Family Feud."

In November, Southwest High School teacher Sharri Peterson appeared on the show with her husband Dwayne, son Dorian, daughter-in-law Derricka and son Dimitri. And a year before that, the Barrera family with Brooke Army Medical Center Army Spc. Gabriella Patlan, her uncle, two aunts and cousin won $41,500 over five episodes.

So how will the McCreary family compare? Survey says tune in April 17 to find out.

Just don't be surprised if the host looks a little different.

rguzman@express-news.net
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A TV ad urging San Antonians to reject Proposition A features a group of masked, gloved men shattering glass jewelry display cases with hammers  a preview of what the police union says will happen if voters approve the package of law enforcement reforms in the May 6 election.

Dont be duped. Prop A is not about pot, but keeping criminals out of jail, an edgy male voice warns viewers.

The ad centers on a provision of Prop A that would expand the San Antonio Police Departments current cite-and-release policy, which gives officers the flexibility to write citations for most low-level, nonviolent offenses, instead of making arrests.

Prop A also would write cite-and-release into the city charter, restricting officers ability to arrest suspects for crimes covered by the policy.

And in addition to decriminalizing marijuana and abortions, the measure would ban police chokeholds and no-knock warrants and create the position of city justice director.

But the San Antonio Police Officers Association and other opponents have largely zeroed in on its cite-and-release provision, which would add graffiti to the list of misdemeanors that police would be required to issue citations for rather than making arrests.

The unions campaign advertising and talking points, which have been largely adopted by business groups and Mayor Ron Nirenberg, are rooted in voters worries about rising crime in San Antonio and nationwide. Its effort to defeat Prop A also plays on the general lack of knowledge about cite-and-release.

READ MORE: Why Mayor Nirenberg opposes Prop A

A political action committee created by the SAPOA has brought in nearly $880,000 since the start of the year to campaign against the measure. At least one business-backed PAC is also raising money to fight Prop A.

Its supporters are working with far fewer dollars than their rivals. PACs formed to support the measure have raised about $103,000 in cash and in-kind contributions, according to recent campaign finance reports.

To flood an election with a bunch of money, misinformation and fear is always concerning and a little bit immoral because youre not necessarily giving voters a chance to get educated on all of the facts, said Ananda Tomas, executive director of Act 4 SA, a local police reform group that worked to put Prop A on the ballot.

What SAPD does now

The SAPD launched its cite-and-release policy in July 2019, in conjunction with the Bexar County District Attorneys Office. The policy, permissible under Texas law, allows police to issue citations for a handful of Class A and Class B misdemeanors. These charges carry a potential jail sentence of no more than one year.

Police Chief William McManus said he saw cite-and-release as a way to reduce the time officers spent arresting people for minor offenses, allowing them to respond to more serious crimes.

McManus decided to include six of the seven categories of crime that the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures says are eligible for cite-and-release. SAPDs policy includes:

Possession of 4 ounces or less of marijuana or synthetic marijuana

Criminal mischief causing loss of $100 or more but less than $750

Theft of property of $100 or more but less than $750

Theft of services of $100 or more but less than $750

Possession of contraband in a correctional facility

Driving with an invalid license

He left out Class A and B graffiti, charges that cover damages ranging from $100 to under $2,500, because he said graffiti was a major problem for area businesses, property owners and homeowners.

I would not backtrack on that, McManus said when asked whether he would consider adding graffiti to the policy.

Most of the citations issued since the program started have been for marijuana. In its third year, which ran from July 2021 to June 2022, 790 out of 1,402 citations, or 56 percent, were for marijuana possession of 2 ounces or less.

An additional 38 percent of the citations, or 534, were for property theft.

But officers still made a significant number of arrests for misdemeanors. Police detained 2,476 of the 3,878 people for offenses covered by the departments policy, or 64 percent, in its first year.

Officer discretion is a big part of the cite-and-release program, McManus said. That is what I supported cite-and-release based on: officer discretion.

Officers consider several factors when they decide whether to issue a citation or to make an arrest, the police chief said.

A primary one for me, if Im on the street, is does that individual need to be removed from the street via arrest in order to appropriately handle it? he said.

According to the departments procedure manual for misdemeanor citation release, officers shall select the least intrusive/severe method of enforcement that will stop existing criminal conduct, remove the imminent threat of violence or criminal contact (and) prevent persons from endangering themselves or others.

SAPDs annual reports indicate that police frequently chose arrest over citation when someone had outstanding arrest warrants or an arrest history or didn't have a photo ID.

Proposition A would amend the city charter to say that a citation, ticket or verbal warning, rather than arrest, shall be issued for individuals charged with any of the seven offense categories permitted under state law, in addition to Class C misdemeanors, except for public intoxication.

When someone is suspected of intoxication or appears to be suffering from a mental illness or addiction, the amendment would direct police to refer the suspect to appropriate medical and/or psychiatric services in lieu of arrest.

State law already allows police to give citations for Class C misdemeanors, which include leaving a child in a car and disorderly conduct. These charges are offenses that carry fines but no jail time.

SAPD spokesperson Sgt. Washington Moscoso said officers currently issue citations for almost all Class C misdemeanors.

Under Prop A, an officer could make an arrest only if a suspect failed to provide satisfactory evidence of personal identification, which the ballot language says could include a utility or rent bill, or, if it comes down to it, a credible verbal verification of a subjects identity and address.

An outstanding warrant for an offense not covered by the policy also would allow an officer to make an arrest, as would the suspect asking to be taken in.

READ MORE: San Antonio voters will decide a police-reform measure in May. Here's what you should know.

Tomas, of Act 4 SA, said these proposed changes would ensure that as many people as possible receive a citation. That opens up the possibility that their charges could be dismissed and they could avoid an arrest record.

We know that incarceration is a system that is actually feeding into poverty and therefore into crime, she told the Express-News Puro Politics podcast.

What the DA does now

Proposition A would have no bearing over how the DAs office manages its Cite and Release Diversion Program. It would still be up to an assistant district attorney to determine who is eligible to participate.

Assistant District Attorney Evan Myers makes that decision when someone shows up at the downtown Bexar County Reentry Center with a citation, which is a written notice to report to the center within 60 days to begin resolving the charge.

Not everyone with a citation can get into the program. One of the guidelines is that people with pending felony cases aren't eligible.

Nevertheless, Myers said he accepts most of the people who come in.

The first step for offenders is to meet with a public defender to go over the terms of the diversion program and sign a program contract.

Completing a class tailored to the specific charge and doing eight hours of community service are standard requirements. Not getting arrested while in the program is a must, as well as paying any restitution owed for stolen or damaged property.

Assistant Public Defender Britney Durham sees this step as an opportunity to alert people to the re-entry centers other resources. Someone cited for shoplifting food, for example, can speak with a social worker about food stamps or other government assistance.

Participants usually have 60 days to complete the program requirements. If successful, the DAs office agrees to drop the charge.

If they fail  or if someone doesnt show up at the center within 60 days of receiving a citation  an assistant district attorney files the case in court, prompting a judge to issue a summons or arrest warrant for the person.

Program participants have a 9.6 percent recidivism rate, which is the rate at which offenders break the law again, according to the DA's office. People booked into jail have a recidivism rate of about 38 percent, District Attorney Joe Gonzales wrote in an Express-News guest editorial last July.

The chance for people in the program to receive rehabilitation services immediately, rather than waiting months for their case to be heard by a judge, likely contributes to this low rate, said Emily Angulo, intake division chief for the DAs office.

It is very rewarding as a prosecutor to see individuals come in, get rehabilitated and not come back, Angulo said. Thats what we want, especially with these low-level offenses. We want them to get back on track with their life, hold down a job and not have the consequences that sometimes going the arrest route has for individuals with jobs.

An arrest record  even if it doesnt lead to a criminal conviction  can be a black mark against someone applying for a job, a school loan or an apartment.

Though the program can help offenders avoid the consequences of having a criminal record, that doesnt mean there are no consequences for them, Angulo said. Any penalties tied to the citation, such as community service and paying restitution, simply come sooner in the process, she said.

In addition to the low recidivism rate, Gonzales has touted the program as a way to cut down on the expense of booking people into jail ahead of their court hearings.

The DAs cite-and-release program has saved Bexar County $5.6 million since its 2019 inception, DA spokesperson Yudiann Guillen said.

Rising crime

SAPOA President Danny Diaz isnt shy about his dislike of SAPDs cite-and-release policy. A former member of SAPDs Special Weapons and Tactics, or SWAT, unit, he disagreed with McManus decision to implement it four years ago.

I saw what was going to happen in San Antonio, Diaz said. It was following whats going on across the country, and with that, I knew that crime was going to rise from the police officers standpoint.

Diaz frequently refers to West Coast cities such as San Francisco, Portland and Seattle as examples of places that have adopted reforms that he says inspired local organizers to put Prop A on the ballot.

Asked about the specific policies these cities adopted, he referred the Express-News to a public relations firm the union hired to help run its campaign against the ballot measure. The firm did not provide by deadline this information or requested studies or articles that connect the rise in crime in these cities to cite-and-release.

Closer to home, McManus said he didn't believe when he launched the policy that it would result in more crime because officers still had the discretion to make arrests for cite-and-release offenses.

The chief said he couldnt make that claim  that crime has risen in San Antonio because of SAPDs cite-and-release policy.

Overall crime increased about 10 percent from 2021 to 2022. The department is currently focusing its efforts on reducing violent crime, which includes murder, aggravated assault and robbery, which are all felony charges.

I think there are broader issues at play than cite-and-release, McManus said.

Diaz disagrees, saying the policy is big factor behind the citys upswing in crime.

By the statistics that were given to City Hall, its a proven fact  our statistics show that crime has risen, Diaz said, referring to 2022 crime statistics presented to a City Council committee in January. Motor vehicle theft from last year  36.6 percent has gone up.

Vehicle theft, however, is rarely deemed a minor crime for which a citation is sufficient. Anyone who steals a vehicle worth $2,500 or more typically would be facing a state felony charge. And if the cars value exceeds $30,000, police might tack on a third-degree felony theft charge.

The point thats being missed here is if you allow people to steal, and you continuously let them go with a verbal warning or a citation, what else are they going to try to do? Diaz said. At some point, somethings going to happen where theyre going to burglarize, and not steal, and you can tie it in to different types of offenses.

Clashing interpretations

City Attorney Andy Segovia maintains that San Antonio would not enforce the cite-and-release provision of Proposition A if voters approve it May 6 because the changes are inconsistent with Texas law. In other words, SAPDs cite-and-release policy would remain as is.

Act 4 SA's Tomas interprets state law differently. And she cites San Marcos as a city that has successfully enacted a measure similar to Prop A.

In 2020, the San Marcos City Council adopted an ordinance that requires officers to issue citations for most of the same crimes laid out in Prop As ballot language. That policy change came under fire from the San Marcos police union, but Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a staunch conservative, has yet to challenge it.

READ MORE: Why citizen-driven propositions are on the rise in San Antonio

The San Antonio city attorneys position hasnt calmed opponents.

If the City Council becomes more liberal after the next election, or any future election, council members could force the city attorney to change his or her tune, Diaz said.

If you have more individuals on City Council like Mario Bravo, Teri Castillo and Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and they get three more on there, they have six votes, he said, referring to the council representatives for Districts 1, 5 and 2, respectively. Combined, they represent parts of San Antonio's West, East and North sides and the inner city. They control the votes, and they can force officers to follow the proposition this way if this passes.

Among council incumbents who are seeking re-election in May, only Castillo and McKee-Rodriguez have expressed public support for Prop A. Bravo told the Express-News Editorial Board last week that he would not take a public position on the ballot measure.

The only thing Tomas and Diaz agree on is their concern about a change in city leadership.

But for her, the worry is that a future police chief or council could decide to do away with cite-and-release.

We are trying to make sure it stays permanent (by amending the charter) so no matter who our city leadership is, or what happens, we are still protecting our most vulnerable communities, Tomas said.
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When Mike Nguyen learned he had cancer, he knew he had to find money to pay for treatment.

Nguyen, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2018, started a ramen food truck in San Antonio thinking it would be temporary. But the food truck proved a success, leading him to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2019 called Noodle Tree on UTSA Boulevard. It serves up ramen, dumplings and other Asian eats.

It was a temporary thing," Nguyen said. "It wasn't going to be anything big, but within three weeks of owning the food truck, we got investors, and it kind of snowballed from there.

It was two years later that vandals spray painted anti-Asian slurs and a death threat on Noodle tree's windows and a bench nearby.

Thats nothing but a bigoted, cowardly move to do something like that," San Antonio police Chief William McManus said after the incident. "Its just not San Antonio by any means.

Nguyen said he continued to receive threatening phone calls and hateful message online.

The threats got bad, someone threatened to burn down the building, Nguyen said.

Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

The threats were so intense that Nguyen said he feared for his safety and started to keep a firearm inside the restaurant. He later decided to spend less time at Noodle Tree and more time at his apartment in Dallas, where he was receiving treatment for his cancer.

READ MORE: Messages of love and support replace anti-Asian hate speech at San Antonio's Noodle Tree

The incident happened just after Nguyen, who is of Vietnamese and French descent, went on CNN to speak against Gov. Greg Abbotts decision to lift the states mask mandate. Due to his health, Nguyen refused to open his restaurant after Abbott allowed for more reopenings.

Even after he reopened his restaurant and the mask mandate was lifted, Nguyen still required the use of masks inside Noodle Tree.

San Antonio police have no suspect, and Nguyen said he has little hope for the investigation.

I have zero confidence that they will catch the person, he said.

The last time Nguyen received an update from the police was a couple of days after the crime, he said.

The San Antonio Police Department said it was unable to recover any security footage from the time of the incident. Nguyen sarcastically says it was just his luck  his security camera DVRs were fried after Winter Storm Uri and accompanying power outages passed through the month before, he said.

Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Now, Nguyen is criticizing SAPDs response, saying that he fears he cleaned up critical evidence that could have helped solve it. Nguyen said the police did not give him instructions on how to treat the crime scene, so he and members of the community wiped off the spray paint.

The officer "just took a report  they took a couple pictures, but (the officer) didn't say anything, Nguyen said. He didn't say, 'Hey, don't touch anything'; 'don't do this,' or 'don't do that.'

SAPD says detectives assigned to the case "worked tirelessly" and canvassed the area for possible surveillance video evidence, as well as locate witnesses.

"Unfortunately, their efforts did not lead to any viable leads," said Washington Moscoso, SAPD public information officer.

Nguyen said the restaurant received overwhelming support from folks who came to help clean up after the vandalism. But some people online remained skeptical due to the lack of progress on the case, and soon rumors began to spread that Nguyen could have planned everything all along.

Nguyen said he heard comparisons to Jussie Smollett, the former "Empire" actor who in 2022 was sentenced to 150 days in jail for staging a hate crime against himself in 2019.

Nguyen denied allegations that the Noodle Tree vandalism was an inside job, and he still does today.

That's what they want  they want a reaction; they want you to slip up. And I was like, 'No, we're not doing that,' Nyguyen said. 'I'm not going to give (them) any of my attention, and I'm not going to respond to it.'

RELATED: River Walk hotel suit over toddler hit by falling ketchup bottle to proceed; some claims dismissed

The anti-Asian messages targeting Nguyens restaurant were in line with an alarming trend of anti-Asian crimes in the U.S. that rose during the pandemic. In 16 of Americas largest cities, hate crimes against Asian-Americans soared by 149 percent from 2019 to 2020, according to the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino.

Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Nguyen describes what happened as a bad mark, but he said business at Noodle Tree is thriving.

At the end of the day, weve moved on from it, said Nguyen, who recently had lymph nodes under his jaw removed but doesn't need chemotherapy regularly. We dont really talk about it.

Nevertheless, he has a heightened sense of caution. Nguyen said he has moved to a gated community where he feels safe.

I don't feel like my life is being threatened; at one point I did, he said. I'm very aware of who walks in the building, and I'm very aware of who's walking outside.

SAPD is asking anyone with information on the case to call the SAPD Prue Property Crimes at 210-207-8326.

Gabriella.Ybarra@express-news.net


The fight against Proposition A is drawing even more opposition  and dollars  than a police reform charter amendment defeated two years ago.

And theres still a month to go.

Protect SA, a political action committee created by the San Antonio Police Officers Association, brought in nearly $900,000 from the start of the year through March 27, according to its campaign finance report.

And its not just law enforcement spending thousands of dollars to defeat the measure in the May 6 municipal election. The wide-ranging charter amendment has drawn the ire of the business community, which formed the San Antonio Safe PAC last month to fundraise against it.

Supporters have raised just a fraction of the oppositions haul, reporting $50,000 in monetary contributions and nearly $53,000 in in-kind donations.

READ MORE: These are not victimless crimes: Why Mayor Nirenberg opposes Prop A

Prop A would decriminalize abortion and marijuana, ban police chokeholds and no-knock warrants and create a city justice director. Of particular concern to the union and business groups is the provision that would require police to issue citations for certain low-level misdemeanor offenses, including theft and graffiti.

Police fundraising to slow

Protect SA PAC raised about $880,000 from Jan. 31 through March. Most of that money  $866,225  came directly from the San Antonio Police Officers Association, while the unions main PAC kicked in the rest.

Protect SA reported spending everything it raised in the first three months of 2023 on advertisements, including mailers, yard signs, cable commercials, and TV and newspaper ad buys. It also hired Noisy Trumpet to handle media requests and manage the PACs website and social media accounts.

Im not out asking officers for more money, but we are getting contributions slowly, a little bit at a time  $50 here, $25 there, so whatever we get well use toward this fight, SAPOA President Danny Diaz said. He declined to say how much the PAC expects to raise between now and May 6.

In 2021, SAPOA spent $850,000 to defeat Proposition B. That measure, which failed by less than 3 percentage points, would have stripped the union of its right to collectively bargain for a contract with the city.

Any money raised by San Antonio Safe wont be publicly known until closer to election day since the PAC didnt start taking contributions until after March 27, the end of the three-month period covered by the latest campaign finance reports due Thursday. The PAC held a Tuesday fundraiser, setting the minimum suggested donation at $1,000.

The next campaign finance reports are due eight days before the election.

Grassroots fundraising

The two PACs formed in support of Prop A raised a combined $50,000, all of which came from the Texas Organizing Project.

SA Justice Charter PAC and San Antonio Justice Charter PAC also received about $52,800 of in-kind donations. Much of that came from Act 4 SA and its action fund. The local police reform group is one of the main organizers behind Prop A.

Another chunk of the in-kind contributions came from progressive organizing group Ground Game Texas, which helped with about $22,500 in staff support and management consulting.

Act 4 SA Executive Director Ananda Tomas said Prop A supporters expect to raise more money in the coming weeks.

But it wont be $900K, Tomas said via text message. We are grassroots after all and dont flood elections with money like the police union does to get their way.

In 2021, Fix SAPD, the group behind Proposition B, spent $950,000 during that election cycle.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg is raking in hundreds of thousands of dollars in political contributions in a race against eight challengers who dont seem to pose a major threat to his fourth and final re-election bid.

Nirenberg raised about $200,000 from Jan. 1 through March 27 and spent $220,000, according to the latest campaign finance report. He had about $320,000 cash on hand at the end of the filing period.

The funds are not intended for future campaigns  James Aldrete, Nirenbergs campaign manager, said the plan is to spend most of the money on this race. And donations arent necessarily being raised because of perceived competition.

San Antonio is the seventh-largest city, and its a May election, and you always want to make sure that theres high voter turnout, Aldrete said. Hes taking nothing for granted. So its not so much about the competition, but it is about making sure that people know the vision that he has, the seeds that have been planted in the first terms and how were coming out of this to make the economy a little bit more resilient and leave no one behind.

May 6 is election day, and early voting runs from April 24 through May 2.

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Though Nirenberg has come out against Prop A, Aldrete said the campaign funds wouldnt be spent on defeating that, either.

Prop A would decriminalize abortion and marijuana, ban police chokeholds and no-knock warrants, and create a city justice director. Nirenberg has expressed concern with the provision that would remove police discretion to make arrests in certain low-level misdemeanor offenses, including theft and graffiti.

READ MORE: These are not victimless crimes: Why Mayor Nirenberg opposes Prop A

Most mayoral candidates have raised very little or do not have a finance report yet on the city website.

But Christopher Schuchardt, 33, is optimistic about his chances to win the election. He owns the San Antonio-based trucking company Calidad LLC.

This is Schuchardts first time running for office. He loaned his campaign $150,000 and raised $6,700 from Jan. 1 through March 27. Schuchardt said he has been campaigning in often overlooked parts of the city and getting a tremendous amount of support in those areas.

Schuchardt said he decided to run for office after hearing some of his employees who live on the West Side casually joking about how common it is to hear gunshots in their neighborhoods.

The businessman is concerned mainly with addressing crime and infrastructure problems across the city.

The rubber isnt hitting the road where its supposed to be for a lot of these issues that we have to deal with here in San Antonio, he said.

RELATED: The fight against Prop A has drawn even more money than the police reform battle two years ago

Nirenberg, a District 8 councilman at the time, was forced into a runoff in his initial 2017 bid against incumbent Mayor Ivy Taylor. He again faced a runoff in 2019 but avoided that outcome in 2021, when Nirenberg earned 62 percent of the vote in a rematch against 2019 challenger Greg Brockhouse.

In 2021, Nirenberg had raised $317,620 and had $189,529 cash on hand 30 days ahead of the election against Brockhouse.

He has focused largely on workforce development, affordable housing and climate change mitigation but has faced pushback for the limited results of those initiatives. Ready to Work, the taxpayer-funded city job training initiative launched in May, is falling short of its first-year target goals.

If re-elected  and if he serves out his full fourth term  Nirenberg will tie Henry Cisneros, who was in office from 1981 to 1989, as the citys longest-serving mayor.

Races to watch

San Antonians likely have their eyes on a few crowded City Council races in districts 1, 2, 7 and 10 this year.

District 1 Councilman Mario Bravo, 47, has six challengers in his first re-election bid, but opponents Sukh Kaur, Jeremy Roberts and Ernest Salinas look like they will be his toughest competitors.

Even so, Bravo has almost $10,000 more in cash on hand than his competitors. Bravo raised $31,672 during the reporting period, while Kaur raised about $13,000. Roberts raised $27,000 and loaned himself $10,000, while Salinas raised $1,440 and loaned himself $4,500.

Four of District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguezs nine challengers did not have finance reports available on Friday, but the incumbent had raised far more than the five people who did file. McKee-Rodriguez, 28, raked in almost $40,000 during the first couple of months of the year and spent about the same. He ended the filing period with $15,000 cash on hand.

The other challengers raised less than $5,000 each, except for Carla Walker, 64, who brought in $7,000 and ended the filing period with almost $4,000 cash on hand. Walker, a lifelong resident of District 2, is a retiree who previously worked for local charter and public schools. She has past volunteer experience on the citys MLK Commission.

District 2 elections tend to be contentious and draw more candidates than other districts. The last member to reach their term limit in District 2 was Sheila McNeil in 2009  when the council was held to two two-year terms. Council members now can serve four two-year terms.

Though District 7 is an open seat with five contenders, Marina Alderete Gavito appears to be the front-runner, at least based on how much she has been able to raise so far.

Gavito, 41, raised nearly $60,000, loaned herself about $2,000 and spent $25,000. She has almost $40,000 cash on hand as of the end of the reporting period. Gavito is a strategic adviser at SA Digital Connects, a nonprofit looking to expand internet access in San Antonios lower-income neighborhoods.

Her father is former District 7 Councilman Joe Alderete, a one-time City Council ally of Cisneros in the 1980s. Her mother, Chris Alderete, is the former chairwoman of Port San Antonios board of directors.

Dan Rossiter is Gavitos closest competitor, with $4,000 raised during the filing period. He loaned himself $20,000, spent about $12,000 and had close to $12,000 cash on hand as of March 27. Rossiter, 32, was an assistant program manager at Southwest Research Institute before he stepped down from that role to focus on his campaign. He has been president of the Thunderbird Hills Neighborhood Association for four years and served on the Brooks Development Authoritys board of directors for two years before leaving that role to run for office.

Former District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval resigned in January after more than five years in office. She left for a higher-paying job at University Health. Sandovals decision came after the November 2021 death of her father and the birth of her first daughter, who is now 8 months old. After her fathers death, Sandoval said, she is playing a bigger role in her mothers life.

Last month, civil rights activist Rosie Castro was appointed to serve temporarily until a new council member is elected.

In the open District 10 race, business attorney Marc Whyte looks like he has the most support out of any of the seven candidates vying for the seat being left behind by embattled councilman Clayton Perry.

Whyte was still working on filing his finance report on Friday, though it had been due Thursday, because of a clerical issue at the bank. His campaign manager, Christian Anderson, expects the report to show that Whyte has almost $143,000 in contributions. That includes in-kind support and a $50,000 loan that Whyte made to himself. Anderson said campaign expenditures would likely be around $33,000, and he expects Whyte to have about $109,000 cash on hand.

No other candidate comes close to that. Altogether, the five other candidates who have reports on file have raised just over $7,000.

In recent months, Whyte has garnered overwhelming support from past District 10 councilmen and others in the community. And on Thursday, Perry himself came out in support of Whyte. Perry is facing drunken driving and hit-and-run charges that led many past councilmen to urge him not to run for re-election.
I believe that standardized testing should not be required. It takes away funding from schools that could be better used for new equipment. It also takes time away that could be better used for teaching students.

The tests also cause a lot of stress for the students and teachers. I dont think these tests accurately measure how much the students grow, or how much they know. There are quite a lot of variables that can affect scores.

The state should find an alternative to measure student growth.

Parker Stearns, sixth grader

Lack of tourist amenities

One of San Antonios economic generators is tourism, which brings billions into our local economy.

Why would a city dependent on tourism close its Tourist Visitor Information Center and why would VIA Metropolitan Transit not re-establish its three cultural bus routes that took visitors to our World Heritage Site Missions and to our other abundant cultural attractions?

One would think that such services would be permanent and available to the millions of tourists that visit our great city.

Hector J Cardenas

New MAGA meaning

Lets update Make America Great Again (MAGA) to Make America like it was when I was 7.

I wish for a time when I knew nothing outside grade school. Life was so easy then!!!

Bill Hurley

End of argument

Re: A different perspective, Your Turn, Monday:

I read the editorial section of the Express-News almost daily. I strongly advocate that any letter writer is entitled to their own opinion - thank you, First Amendment -but not their own personal set of facts.

A recent letter writer wants to rehash unanswered topics that have been heavily investigated by the GOP for years: Hillary Clintons emails, a Benghazi investigation that Trey Gowdy and the GOP spent millions of dollars on, Clinton testified in person. It resulted in  nothing. No charges, no fines, end of argument.

Lets move on to the next Fox News topic of importance, like who goes to drag shows.

Clark Roberts, Bulverde
Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled two major initiatives this week aimed at combating a growing number of fentanyl deaths across the state.

The first, a $10 million multimedia awareness campaign, will pay for a series of advertisements on television, radio, social media and streaming services on how to prevent deaths, in part by recognizing and reversing the effects of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine.

The second initiative, paid for by a legal settlement the state received from opioid manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies, will distribute 20,000 units of naloxone to all 254 counties in Texas. Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a medicine that rapidly reverses the deadly effects of opioids.

Fentanyl is killing more Texans than ever before, Abbott said during a daylong summit about fentanyl that brought together lawmakers, state officials, policy experts and parents whose children have died from fentanyl as part of the governors One Pill Kills campaign. We are arming Texans with tools to save lives.

DETECTION: Fentanyl test strips are a cheap, easy way to avoid deadly overdoses  but theyre illegal in Texas

Deaths attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl have risen sharply in Texas, from 304 in 2018 to 2,012 in 2022, according to the governors office and preliminary data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Thats a 562 percent increase.

A majority of those who died were between 18 and 44 years old, the data shows.

There are two types of fentanyl: illicitly manufactured fentanyl and pharmaceutical fentanyl, which is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain.

Most fentanyl-related deaths are linked to the illicit form. Illegal drug manufacturers often add fentanyl to other drugs because its cheaper and it gives users a more powerful high with a smaller dose of the underlying drug.

Many times, criminal organizations put fentanyl in fake pills made to look like legitimate prescription drugs such as OxyContin or Xanax, so users may not even know what they are taking.

DEADLY DOSE: San Antonio woman admits to giving man fatal dose of fentanyl

The Texas Division of Emergency Management will circulate the 20,000 units of naloxone to sheriffs' offices across the state. Each county will be eligible to receive a portion of the naloxone based on its population, the governors office said.

Stefanie Turner, whose son died of a fentanyl poisoning 18 months ago after taking what he thought was a Percocet pill, said shes spoken to many parents and students who dont know how dangerous the synthetic opioid is.

Turner, who founded a nonprofit called Texas Against Fentanyl after her sons death, said she hopes the multimedia campaign will help raise awareness about the drug, especially among young people.

One thing we all share in common is fentanyl, Turner said during Thursdays summit, as she was surrounded by around 50 family members with similar stories. Fentanyl is stealing lives  stealing lives in addiction and in death We cannot and will not back down.
A federal judge in Texas on Friday moved to pull the decades-old approval of a widely used abortion pill in an unprecedented move that could drastically reduce access to reproductive care for millions of Americans.

The decision would likely add further obstacles for Texans, who have almost no legal access to abortion in the state. But the short-term impact was not immediately clear, as a federal judge in Washington State issued a separate ruling Friday night conflicting with the Texas order.

READ MORE: What Texans should know about the effort to restrict access to the abortion pill mifepristone

Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee out of Amarillo, ruled late Friday that the Food and Drug Administrations 2000 approval of mifepristone should be temporarily stayed.

In a 67-page, largely procedurally focused ruling in the Texas case, Kacsmaryk found that a coalition of anti-abortion medical groups and physicians had standing to sue over the approval and that the group had presented sufficient evidence of possible harm caused by the drug.

The order wont take effect for seven days, giving the Justice Department time to appeal. Biden Administration lawyers will likely seek a court order to stop the ruling from taking effect while the case proceeds. But their appeal would be to the conservative U.S. Fifth Circuit, which has routinely ruled against abortion access.

Just after Kacsmaryks ruling dropped, the federal judge in Washington State issued his own decision in a separate case, barring the FDA from making any changes to the drugs approval status.

The dueling rulings increase the likelihood the case quickly ends up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

RELATED: Texans are using a European company to obtain abortion pills after Roe v. Wade ruling

If Kacsmaryks decision stands, it would affect access for millions of people in states where abortion remains legal, and would likely make it harder to obtain abortions for people in states where it is prohibited. Since abortions were severely restricted in Texas in 2021, at least 1,300 Texans a month have traveled to states including New Mexico and Colorado for abortion care, according to the Texas Policy Evaluation Project.

The process for revoking the drugs approval is unclear, as there has never been a situation quite like this in which a single judge overruled the FDA. The agency has its own administrative procedure that involves public hearings and often-lengthy scientific deliberations.

Mifepristone comprises half of a two-pill combination used to end pregnancies in more than half of U.S. abortions, and more than half of those in Texas. Abortions are illegal in Texas except in rare instances where a mothers life is at risk.

Without the pill, clinics and doctors say they would switch to using only misoprostol, the other drug used in the two-drug combination. That single-drug approach has a slightly lower rate of effectiveness in ending pregnancies but is widely used in countries where mifepristone is illegal or unavailable.

In addition to challenging mifepristones FDA approval, the lawsuit also targets other, more recent decisions by the agency that increased access to the medication, such as nixing a requirement that women pick it up in person.

Kacsmaryk, 45, is a devout Christian with a history of anti-abortion beliefs. He is responsible for several recent high-profile decisions including vacating Biden administration protections for LGBTQ workers, and temporarily blocking the administration from ending a Trump-era policy intended to restrict immigration at the southern border.

Julian Gill and the Associated Press contributed reporting.
The Montana State Capitol in Helena on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

Rep. Jennifer Carlson said her bill is simple  she wants full information provided to parents of school children, unlike the ads that say No shots, no school.

Thats just simply not true, Carlson said.

Carlson, a Republican from Churchill, said schools need to let parents know about exemptions too.

House Bill 715 would require schools to provide information about exemptions when they communicate with parents about vaccination requirements. In Montana, exemptions are allowed for medical reasons or deeply held religious beliefs.

The bill also says people who want to take advantage of an exemption may sign a document stating immunization is contrary to their religious practices, but that document no longer must be notarized.

Ione Young wasnt sure making it easier to be unvaccinated was a good idea. She recalled her third-grade teacher having to use crutches because of polio.

I like not having polio, Young said.

The House passed HB 715 on a 64-33 vote, but Friday, the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee had not yet taken action on the bill, according to the legislative tracking website.

However, at the hearing Wednesday, opponents from the medical field and people who advocate for school children and represent educators testified against it.

Another bill heard this week, Senate Bill 450, would allow exemptions for reasons of religion or conscience, which it would classify as a matter of illegal discrimination. It already passed the Senate and was pending in a House committee Friday.

Wednesday in the Senate committee, opponents to HB715 argued in part that if schools need to require information about exemptions, they should also tell parents about the benefits of vaccines.

And they said giving busy parents an easy way to avoid getting their children vaccinated was risky.

Nick Domitrovich, a lawyer with public health experience, said Montana hasnt had a measles case in 35 years, but that has a downside.

The states success immunizing children against diseases that used to be common means the current generation of parents doesnt know as much about the dangers of the illnesses.

Add disruptions from the pandemic and well-funded, coordinated misinformation machines, and the result is just 62% of Montana children have completed the combined seven-vaccine series, he said.

Weve been lucky to avoid the big (outbreaks) here in recent years, but I can guarantee that will happen if we keep weakening this bodys longstanding commitment to the health of Montanas public school pupils by making it easier to get exemptions, he said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention counts 350 people who die from measles every day around the world. It said those deaths are mostly children.

One person with measles can infect 12-18 people, making it the most infectious  yet vaccine-preventable  disease, the CDC said in a data page about global immunization.

Jenny Murnane-Butcher, with MOFE, Montanans Organized For Education, said the state has a responsibility to ensure public schools are safe spaces.

She said cutting the requirement for a notarized affidavit will result in lower vaccination rates in the community, and she pointed out Montana already has seen recent outbreaks of whooping cough and other diseases.

These were directly due to a reduction in vaccination rates, and parents do not want further avoidable outbreaks in their communities, said Murnane-Butcher, who also testified against SB450 on behalf of MOFE.

Opponents also included the Montana Medical Association, the Montana Nurses Association, the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Montana Federation of Public Employees.

In questions, Chairman Sen. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, said he could relate to people of his generation who testified about their childhood experiences when vaccines werent as common. However, he said now, children are getting many more vaccines in a single injection, and he wondered if it was safe.

Dr. Lauren Wilson, with the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said the vaccine schedule is rigorously tested and found to be safe. She pointed to the bottom line about safety.

As we increase the number of vaccinations that were giving, we are saving lives, Wilson said. Fewer children die of infectious disease in childhood than they used to.

No proponents testified at the hearing, but in her closing testimony, Carlson said her bill isnt about numbers of deaths or costs to society raised by opponents, data she argued were hard to prove.

She said her bill isnt about vaccine science either.

Rather, Carlson said her bill is about being honest about the requirements of the law.

We shouldnt be lying to people to make it easier for them to do what we want  or harder for them to do whats allowed, is the other way to say that, Carlson said.

The post Bill to change school immunization requirement for exemptions heard appeared first on Daily Montanan.
Barb Emineth of Laurel speaks about NorthWestern's proposal to put a natural-gas power plant in that town. (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan).

A day after a Yellowstone County judge halted construction of a 175-megawatt power generation plant near Laurel, the states largest utility provider and the owner of the project announced it was appealing the decision to the Montana Supreme Court, asking the high court to stay the order.

On Thursday, Judge Michael G. Moses said the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, which issues permits for power plants, had erred by not more fully considering the impacts of the lighting and more importantly, that the plant would produce more than 750,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Moses ordered the DEQ to re-evaluate those impacts before proceeding, something that would stall the project, which has been slated for opening sometime in 2024.

In a press release, NorthWestern said that Moses ruling had required new criteria for issuing the permit. However, in a 35-page decision, Moses explained that the DEQ had only used an environmental analysis, a shorter, less complete report to evaluate the proposed station that would use 18 reciprocal internal combustion engines that burn natural gas to produce power. Moses said because of the significant amount of greenhouse gases, the department should have been more thorough and used an environmental impact statement instead, as the Montana Environmental Protection Act requires.

NorthWestern is seeking an immediate stay on the decision while it appeals. The plant is already under construction.

This ruling appears to require new criteria to be analyzed and jeopardizes reliable service for our Montana customers during critical times when customer energy demand is high, the coldest nights and hottest days, typically times when renewable resources are generating little or no energy, said John Hines, who oversees compliance and stewardship for NorthWestern. Our air permit was reviewed and approved by the DEQ using standards that have been in effect for many years. We began construction of this project with this in mind. We will work with DEQ to determine our path forward.

NorthWestern pointed out in a press release that if the Laurel Generating Station would have been operational during an arctic cold front that swept through the state from Dec. 20 to 26, it would have avoided $4.7 million of power that was purchased on the open market, and charged to NorthWesterns customers, which cover a swath of the state.

The ruling also comes at a critical time for Montana as the legislature has contemplated environmental and natural resources lawsuit. For example, a bill before the legislature would bar judges from considering the Montana Environmental Protection Action in ruling adversely against defendants in court. Sen. Mark Noland, R-Bigfork, proposed Senate Bill 557, which passed that chamber and is now in the Montana House of Representatives. It would make it hard to sue under the MEPA, and Noland said that it prevents frivolous lawsuits.

The lawsuit over the Laurel Generating Station was brought by several groups, including Earthjustice and the Montana Environmental Information Center.

Groups that bring lawsuits against the government for natural resources and environmental issues are also under scrutiny this legislative session as Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, has sought to make any litigation by nonprofits that sue subject to state tax. Senate Bill 524 would tax any litigation expense by a nonprofit that challenges under certain chapters in Montana law, including the environment, agriculture and natural resources.

The post NorthWestern says itll appeal decision on Laurel Generation Station appeared first on Daily Montanan.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex reportedly ignored Queen Elizabeth's advice to seek support from the Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh before her marriage to Prince Harry.

Duchess Meghan ignored Queen Elizabeth's advice

The late monarch is said to have advised Meghan, 41, to speak to her daughter-in-law Sophie, 58, about marrying in to the royal family but Meghan is said to have rebuffed the suggestion.

According to Robert Jobson's new book 'Our King: Charles III  The Man And The Monarch Revealed', Meghan simply replied: "I've got Harry."

Former PR executive Sophie tied the knot with Prince Edward in 1999 and the Queen is said to have believed she could offer some tips for navigating royal life to 'Suits' actress Meghan.

Meanwhile, the book also claims that Harry, 38, was "infuriated" when his father King Charles told him he could not keep paying for Meghan.

The book states: "Charles dropped a bombshell, saying he couldn't afford to pay for Meghan in the future as well as for Camilla, and for William and Catherine and their young family. This infuriated Harry."

Queen Elizabeth was also said to be "mystified" by Harry and Meghan's criticisms of the Royal Family.

According to the tome: "The Queen was frankly mystified by the couple's behaviour, describing it as 'quite mad'. She came to believe, however, that her grandson was 'so consumed' by his love for his wife that it was 'clouding his judgment'.

"And she felt let down: not only was Her Majesty disappointed in Harry's decision to abandon his royal duty, but she also saw the departure of the Sussexes as a missed opportunity. Despite that, the Queen sincerely hoped that her grandson would find peace and happiness living the life he had chose.

"Harry, for his part, phoned her regularly from California. But it troubled the Queen when he kept trying to air his grievances. In the end, she asked him to speak directly to his father instead. A source said: 'Her Majesty found Prince Harry's calls quite difficult and wearisome. She didn't want to interfere in the father/son relationship and would urge him to speak to his father.'"
Leveraging Vietnams multiple free trade agreements (FTAs) and implementing measures to boost trade are vital for increasing exports in the future, as per the countrys ministry of industry and trade (MoIT). The nations exports picked up in March, reaching $29.57 billion, a 13.5 per cent increase from February.

The total exports for the first quarter of 2023 decreased by 14.8 per cent compared to the same period last year, with domestic firms being hit the hardest with a drop of 17.4 per cent compared to foreign firms, which saw a decrease of 10 per cent. MoIT expects the situation to persist, given the slowdown in global demand for goods, especially in major markets like the European Union (EU) and the US. In the last three months, there was a 13.1 per cent decrease in exports for industrial sectors, amounting to $67.5 billion.

The US remains Vietnams largest buyer, with a total import value of $20.57 billion. Vietnam imported $75.1 billion in goods and services in the first quarter of 2023, a 14.7 per cent decrease year-on-year. Despite that the nations trade surplus for March stood at $650 million, resulting in a first-quarter trade surplus of $4.07 billion, a significant upswing from the previous year's corresponding period of $1.87 billion.

Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has urged the country to capitalise on its FTAs and implement measures to boost trade to increase exports. The nation's exports rose by 13.5 per cent in March, but the first-quarter exports decreased by 14.8 per cent compared to last year. Domestic firms saw the hardest hit, with a drop of 17.4 per cent.

The MoIT warned that Vietnamese textile products could face increased competition in many of their major markets as strong competitors like Bangladesh, Cambodia, El Salvador, India, and Indonesia have signed FTAs with these markets. The ministry called on firms to make greater efforts to meet consumer demand in foreign markets, launch more marketing campaigns, and improve product safety and quality.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)
Shocking Tragic Tale Of Aiswarya: Every day, Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 5 becomes more emotional. Many Bigg Boss Malayalam fans believe that season 5 will be more engaging than season 4.

The 'My story' segment is an opportunity for the contestants of Bigg Boss Malayalam season 5 to share their life experiences with the audience.

Now Aiswarya Suresh (Lachu) has told her life story in the 'My story' segment. Nobody anticipated that Lachu, who is usually jovial, have experienced some sort of tragedy in her life. So it was shocking for everyone. Lachu is a model and actress, who grew up in South Africa and is now settled in Mumbai. She told the traumas and tortures she suffered in her life and how she survived all that to become a strong Independent woman.

"I had a brother. His name is Ashit. I called him Nonu. I even have his name tattooed on my wrist. The best thing in my life was my brother. My brother looked after all my things more than my parents. My brother passed away in an accident when I was thirteen years old. After his demise, I went to South Africa because it was difficult staying at home where my brother's memories linger, and also I wanted to start a new life," she said.

"I went to South Africa and had my first bad experience there, I was raped. It wasn't one person and I even stopped counting the numbers after that" For six years I suffered sexual abuse. It even reached a stage where I started bleeding out. I despised myself. When I turned eighteen, I returned home."

"I survived by doing many jobs. Later modeling offers started coming. I had a boyfriend at the time. The relationship lasted for six months, and two months of it were nice. But after that, he also started hurting me. He will come drunk and harass me. As I was very young then, I was not particularly intelligent. In my mind, I was thinking that I can change him."

"Even after I got out of that relationship, he threatened me. He had tortured me a lot. After all this, he once got intoxicated and took me in the car. I started to get down on the way and then he strangled me and stuck his nails in my eyes. My eyes and my whole body were injured. After all this, I broke up with him."

"Then one day during my stay at home two people in my neighborhood broke into my house and tied me with a laptop cord and beat me up. It took me two months to recover from it. I filed a case. But because they had a certain power, they were not arrested yet. The reason for this incident was nothing else but that I decorated my home with fairy lights. They harassed me by saying that I am running a brothel. Even if I am running a brothel, no one has any right to come and harass me."

"I was called a slut because I was modeling. I was only 21 years old then. Seeing a girl living independently, they could not bear it. Following this incident, I pursued the case for a year. Not a single arrest was made. I have not received any justice yet. That's how I got post-traumatic stress disorder. I could hear voices. I was mentally broken. That's why I have panic attacks and all. But now my partner is such an amazing person. Now I am so strong today because of him."

"I personally think that our education system should teach every child how to proceed legally when such bad incidents happen. If my story can make such a change that's worth it."

"I am not blaming all the men in the world. But I got bad experiences more from men. They still don't know they did the wrong thing. There are still people in our country who are very regressive. So to make awareness I am telling my story to everyone, on this platform. No matter how hard they try to break me, I will not give up. I am strong," she added.
Actor Raghava Lawrence donated 10 lakh rupees to KPY Bala, who became popular as an anchor of Vijay TV with the show 'Kalakka Povathu Yaaru.' This information has surprised the entire Kollywood.

Raghava Lawrence has several films under his belt such as Rudhran, Jigarthanda 2, Chandramukhi 2.

Rudhran, an action film directed by Kathiresan, is slated to hit the screens next week, recently Vijay TV Bala hosted the audio launch of the film.

Directed by Kathiresan and starring Raghava Lawrence, Priya Bhavani Shankar and Sarathkumar, the film Rudhran was initially thought to be a ghost film, but the recently released trailer of the film revealed that it is an action film. The audio release ceremony of Rudhran was held at Chennai Trade Center yesterday. Directors Vetri Maaran, Lokesh Kanagaraj and other celebrities attended the grand event of this film as special guests.

Music composer Sam CS has remixed the song 'Paadaatha Paatellam Paada Vandhaai' for this film. Also, Bigg Boss celebrity Asal Kolar sang 'Jorthala' song and Lawrence has also performed furiously.

Vijay TV Bala is educating many poor children. On knowing about this, Raghava Lawrence at the audio launch event handed over Rs. 10 lakhs to him as a donation. It is noteworthy that Raghava Lawrence is already running a foundation in his mother's name to help the disabled.

In this situation, his helping mind to donate such a huge amount to KPY Bala inorder to educate poor children, has drawn praises among the fans. It is important to note that KPY Bala did not even asked Raghava Lawrence for any help.
Top TV News: Given a long weekend, it's the best time to have some relaxing time for yourself. The world of television is always packed with entertaining news and updates that we can never seem to get enough of. And as usual, today was no different! Several interesting things took place in the telly industry today that demand your attention.

And if you've been too busy to catch up on the latest news from the television industry, no need to worry, we've got you covered! From Shoaib Ibrahim cooking Iftaari for his pregnant wife Dipika Kakar to Tejasswi Prakash's cute appearance and more. Check out the top TV news of the day (April 8).

SHOAIB IBRAHIM PREPARES SPECIAL 'IFTAARI' FOR PREGNANT WIFE DIPIKA KAKAR

Tv actor Shoaib Ibrahim is known to be a pampering husband. He is married to actress Dipika Kakar, who is pregnant with the actor's first child. Meanwhile, we also know that Shoaib is a religious person and gives a lot of importance to his traditions. On April, 8, Dipika took to her IG account and posted a video of Shoaib preparing some special Iftaari for his wife and family. His gesture has won millions of hearts. Sharing the aorbale video of her husband, Dipika wrote atop of it: "Some serious cooking happening here."

Naagin 6: Tejasswi Prakash Set To Bid Goodbye? Here's When She's Rumoured To Wrap Up The Shoot

TEJASSWI PRAKASHS CUTE CANDY LOOK

Naagin star Tejasswi Prakash is a fashionista when it comes to flaunting her style sense. She was spotted by paparazzi in the town wearing an orange, pink candy inspired blazer over a white short dress. She looked cute in the outfit. She stopped for a brief moment to pose for the paps. She tied her hair in a half ponytail while opting for matching pink sandals. Take a look here.

JASMINE BHASIN'S SHARES LOVED-UP VIDEO WITH BEAU ALY GONI

Jasmin Bhasina and Aly Goni are TV's most loved couple. They keep treating their fans to glimpses from their everyday lives, and on Saturday, Jasmin took to her Instagram account and dropped a reel featuring some love-filled pictures with her beau, Aly Goni. The video featured some of the best moments the couple has captured over the years of their relationship. From Paris to the Kashmir trip to eating cake together, the video clip contained all the best and most lovely things shared by the couple. Jasmin simply captioned the post: "Together." Take a look here.

Style Icons 2023 Winners List: Karan Kundrra, Tejasswi Prakash Win Stunningly Stylish TV Actor & Actress Award
Allu Arjun, the stylish star is celebrating his 41st birthday on April 8. The makers of his much-awaited and highly-anticipated sequel of Pushpa: The Rise, written and directed by Sukumar B, released a first-look poster and a three-minute glimpse of 'Where Is Pushpa?', on the occasion of the actor's birthday. Fans went crazy with the impressive first look and have come up with their theories of Pushpa 2's story.

Pushpa 2 Photo Credit: Gallery

In the glimpse video, when Pushpa was seen alive passing by a Tiger, he looks at the camera and does his trademark 'Thaggedele' gesture. While this shot is incredible with an elevation and dialogue from the prequel running in the background, everybody couldn't help but notice the pinky finger of Allu Arjun's left hand, which has an extended nail painted in bright red colour. He also sported various finger rings on the same hand.

Fans and movie enthusiasts are wondering why a genius director Sukumar has shown Allu Arjun in such avatar. They have begun speculating about the film's story. Many started reasoning with the alleged 'hints' of the glimpse video. In the first look poster, Pushpa was seen wearing a blouse and a saree with jewels, makeup, flowers, garlands, etc.

" title="Allu Arjun's Birthday: Stars From Tollywood & Bollywood Cheer For 'Pushpa' As He Rings In His 41st!" />Allu Arjun's Birthday: Stars From Tollywood & Bollywood Cheer For 'Pushpa' As He Rings In His 41st!

Pushpa escaping from Tirupati jail into the forests, finding Pushpa's blood-stained shirt with bullet marks, his avatar for 'Gangamma thalli Jathara', the long nail with nail polish has caused an interest. In addition, the glimpse mentioned references to Japan, China, and Hongkong, which are earlier mentioned in the prequel. Fans opine that Allu Arjun's Pushpa Raj character will feature a transwoman look, he might really escape to one of these Asian countries before coming back to Seshachalam forests.

Meanwhile, the logo of Pushpa 2 featured a dragon in green colour, which is the symbol of China. All these references and hints are giving rise to speculations.

Pushpa 2: Makers Finally Reveal 'Where Is Pushpa?' Glimpse From Allu Arjun's Much-Awaited Sequel, Fans REACT!

The cast of Pushpa 2 includes Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Sunil, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Ajay Ghosh, Rao Ramesh, and Ajay among others playing important roles. The movie is expected to hit the screens towards the end of 2023.

Pushpa 2 is cinematographed by Miroslaw Kuva Brozek. Devi Sri Prasad is composing the film's music and background score. Y Ravi Shankar and Naveen Yerneni are producing the movie under the Mythri Movie Makers banner.
Erdogan's purge picks up pace as allies warn him not to go too far

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's retribution against this weekends coup-plotters picked up pace Monday as his EU allies warned him not to go too far, matching talk of reintroducing the death penalty with threats to suspend the path to EU membership.

GALLERY

A handout picture provided by Prime Minister Press Office shows Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim speaks after ministerial cabinet meeting in Ankara, Turkey, 18 July 2016.

Istanbul (dpa) - Less than two days after the attempted coup was shut down, government officials reported thousands of arrests and detentions, essentially hollowing out parts of the armed forces and the civil service.Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Monday that the most recent tally of coup-related arrests was 7,543 arrests, including 6,038 soldiers, 100 police officers, 755 judges and prosecutors and 650 civilians.In all, more than 13,000 government workers - excluding the armed forces - have been suspended, according to Yildirim. There appeared to be some overlap between non-military suspensions and the arrests of civil servants.All civil servants in the country - more than 3 million people - were ordered to return to their duties as soon as possible and all annual leave for employees was cancelled until further notice, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.The question in Turkey now turned to how to punish all the alleged coup plotters, who stand accused of leading an uprising that started late Friday before being crushed by loyalists. Yildirim said Monday the death toll among loyalist forces was 60 police officers and three soldiers, on top of 145 civilians killed.Among putsch backers, Yildirim reported 24 dead and 50 injured. That contradicted earlier Foreign Ministry figures stating more than 100 had died. Nearly 1,491 people - loyalists and civilians- were reported injured.Erdogan said he and legislators will discuss reviving the death penalty, which has not been used in Turkey since 1984 and was abolished in 2004."It will take a parliamentary decision for that to take action in the form of a constitutional measure. So the leaders will have to come together, discuss it. If they accept to discuss it then as the president I will approve any decision to come out of the parliament," Erdogan told CNN from Istanbul.In his first interview since the failed putsch, Erdogan denounced the "clear crime of treason."Reinstituting capital punishment would be diplomatically troubling to many of Turkeys Western allies. The EU - which Turkey has sought to join since 1999 - has no member that allows the death penalty.Germany said that restoring the death penalty would lead to a suspension of EU membership talks.Nonetheless Erdogan has pledged the "cleansing" of state institutions will continue, saying a cancer had spread like a "virus" and needed to be eradicated.Turkish authorities, including prosecutors, on Monday began a search at Incirlik airbase in the south of the country, Hurriyet newspaper reported.General Bekir Ercan Van, commander of Incirlik airbase, was arrested with 10 of his soldiers for alleged complicity on Sunday.The joint US-Turkish base, which is also host to soldiers from several countries, including Germany, was reportedly used during the failed coup attempt, which saw mutineers hijack fighter jets. The base is used by the US for its air campaign against Islamic State.The alleged ringleader of the coup, former air force head Akin Ozturk, has denied involvement. Ozturks testimony to prosecutors was leaked to private media outlets, who posted it online, showing he categorically denied being part of the coup plot at any level.Ozturk has been shown on state media in custody, badly battered and bloody, his ear bandaged. Many of those in custody - including some of the more than 100 generals and admirals detained - have been shown with severe bruise marks, some stripped to their underwear.The diplomatic fight was also touching the United States, where alleged coup organizer Fethullah Gulen, once a close Erdogan ally, resides. Turkey has demanded Gulen be extradited, despite Gulens insistence he had nothing to do with the coup.The United States has said it would look at any extradition requests, but US Secretary of State John Kerry also made clear Monday that Turkey should respect the rule of law. Erdogan said a request would be made soon.The US embassy in Ankara also reacted to news reports and comments from public figures that Washington "in some way supported the coup attempt.""This is categorically untrue, and such speculation is harmful to the decades-long friendship between two great nations," a statement from the embassy said.Meanwhile, the US has lifted a ban on flights to and from Turkey that was put in place following the coup attempt.
Superstar Mahesh Babu recently left for a summer family holiday to Switzerland with his son Gautam Krishna in tow. The duo joined Namrata and Sitara, who are already there. The actor, who puts family first, is known for frequent long foreign vacations. He took a small gap from the filming of SSMB 28, under the direction of Trivikram Srinivas, to escape for a summer holiday in the Alps.

However, while the filming of SSMB 28 is happening briskly, visionary director SS Rajamouli, who is still reeling under the massive success of RRR's prestigious Oscar win, has immersed himself in making his next, SSMB 29 with Mahesh Babu, an even bigger one.

SSMB 29 Photo Credit: Gallery

According to the updates, we hear that Rajamouli, along with his father-writer Vijayendra Prasad, is finalizing the story and script. Apart from that, Rajamouli has also begun the pre-production works for the globe-trotting adventure drama with Mahesh Babu, which will be on the lines of Indiana Jones.

For making SSMB 29 a special film, Rajamouli, who caught the attention of the film fraternity around the world with Baahubali and RRR, is reportedly considering roping in veteran superstars and phenomenal actors from other neighboring industries. Going by a report featured in Fanatic Buff, Rajamouli is in talks with none other than Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan, Chiyaan Vikram, and Malayalam star actor-producer-director Prithviraj Sukumaran for a key role in SSMB 29.

Although there is no official confirmation of the same, we hope this news comes true. It is quite rare and a celebration to see versatile personalities of the south-Indian cinema coming together for another wonder that SSMB 29 is surely going to be, under the able direction of SS Rajamouli.

Meanwhile, SSMB 29 will also be developed into a franchise and will have more than one sequel. The movie will be bankrolled by KL Narayana on a massive budget of Rs 500 Crore. Given Rajamouli's vision and working style, the budget may even strech a bit further. The movie will go on floors from the beginning of 2024.
Press Release

Nokia selected by Zain Jordan for nationwide 5G

Zain Jordan to deliver superior 5G connectivity nationwide to its customers

Deal supports digital transformation of Jordan and its economy

Nokia to modernize Zain's existing network infrastructure and deploy 5G equipment based on its comprehensive AirScale Baseband and Radio portfolio

8 April 2023

Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced that it has been selected by Zain Jordan in a multi-year deal to supply 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment throughout Jordan. Through the deal, Zain will be able to support the digital transformation of the country by offering superior 5G services with enhanced connectivity and capacity to customers. A major part of the deployment is expected to be completed during 2023.

Under the deal, which totals over 3,000 sites nationwide, Nokia will provide the latest generation of its AirScale Baseband, Massive MIMO radios, and Remote Radio Head products. These are all powered by its energy-efficient ReefShark System on Chip (SoC) technology and combine to provide superior coverage and capacity. In parallel to deploying 5G, Nokia will also modernize Zain's existing 4G infrastructure.

Nokia has a long-standing partnership with Zain across several territories, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Zain Jordan on this project to modernize their complete Radio Access Network and introduce 5G technology, and by doing so support the Jordanian Government's digital transformation objectives. The deployment of 5G is expected to stimulate the incubation and growth of new technologies and industries."

Resources and additional information

5G Radio Access Networks

AirScale Radio Access

Nokia 5G

About Nokia

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today - and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media Inquiries

Nokia Communications

Email: Press.Services@nokia.com
Hollywood sensation Angelina Jolie is one of the most sought-after and versatile actresses in the industry, who has proved her mettle as an actor time and again. From working in action films to science fiction thrillers, Angelina Jolie has impressed fans with her performance. Among all the successful films that the actress has to her credit, one is the 1999 film The Bone Collector which is based on the 1997 crime novel by Jeffrey Deaver. The film features Denzel Washington in the role of a quadriplegic ex-homicide detective (Lincoln Rhyme) along with Angelina Jolie who played the role of his partner (Amelia Donaghy). The actress in an old interview as reported by Dark Horizons opened up about her experience of working in the film alongside Washington. She also shared how the role drove her insane making her go through a varied range of emotions.

Scroll down to read in detail!

Angelina Jolie on working in The Bone Collector

Spilling beans about her experience of working in the 1999 film, Jolie said that it was less extreme but nearly drove her insane.

Sometimes with the extreme ones, youre a character so you are free; this one was like: Be yourself, let those tears fall, be simple, and be still. You cant hide. Sometimes it can be harder. It was really lonely and I went a bit nuts, she added while mentioning that leading a film and being responsible for it made her go through a variety of emotions.

It was great seducing someone with your mind: Jolie

While the opportunity of working with Denzel Washington is no doubt an exciting offer for any actor, for Angelina Jolie, it was more than thrilling. Talking about her experience working with the actor, she mentioned having the best sex with Washington.

Of course, its more than that. Whats fascinating are the journeys these two characters undertake, and the deep relationship that evolves between them. The best sex I ever had was in this movie. It was great seducing someone with your mind, a huge turn-on, she said

The remarks made during the promotional tour of the 1999 film did raise a lot of eyebrows among fans.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Having impressed the audience with back-to-back hits, actress Yami Gautam has cast her magic again with yet another impactful performance in Netflixs Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga. The film which was released on the OTT platform recently is making noise not just in India but beyond the boundaries for all the right reasons. While social media is already buzzing with a lot of appreciation for the actress, fans also cant help praising the strong and engaging storyline of the film. Adding more to the achievements, Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga recently also became the most viewed Indian film globally on Netflix. While Yami took to Instagram and celebrated the feat, actress Kangana Ranaut has also heaped praises for her.

Taking to her Instagram story, Kangana reposted Yamis post and noted how the actress is doing so well by consistently and quietly delivering the most successful films. She also congratulated the films entire team for the response that it received from the audience.

Yami Gautam is doing so well, consistently and quietly delivering the most successful filmsso inspiring. Congratulations to the entire team, she wrote.

Meanwhile, Yami in her original post while sharing the epic numbers wrote, #ChorNikalKeBhaga is breaking records and crossing boundaries all over the globe! Come aboard and watch the #2 movie on Netflix today! She has been receiving praise from across the world with fans making the actress and the film go trending on Twitter.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yami Gautam Dhar (@yamigautam)

About Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga

Speaking about the Netflix film, directed by Ajay Singh, Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga features Yami Gautam, Sunny Kaushal, and Sharad Kelkar in prominent roles. The film which premiered on the OTT platform on 24 March 2023 revolves around a mid-air heist. It portrays how a flight attendant (Yami Gautam) and her boyfriend (Sunny Kaushal) plan to steal diamonds from a flight, only to realise that they have got themselves in the middle of a hijacking situation.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Paris: Why cant the world get enough of Pablo Picasso? On the 50th anniversary of his death, it seems the appetite for the Spanish master is inexhaustible.

Picassos ceramics, Picassos sculptures, Picasso and feminism, Picassos use of white, celebrity photographs of Picasso the list of exhibitions marking the half-century since his death on 8 April, 1973 runs on and on.

Picasso gobbles everything up, and still we are hungry for more, grandson Olivier Widmaier-Picasso told AFP, adding that he was fascinated by the number of curators, historians and researchers that continue to find new angles to explore.

Explaining his ubiquity is another matter.

The genius of his talent seems largely beyond dispute, and this combined with his emergence at the start of the 20th Century, just as the last obstacles to free expression were being dismantled, leaving him free to explore in every direction.

And he simply never stopped, working from his teens right up to his death on the Cote dAzur at 91.

He remains above everyone, said Bernard Blistene, a former director of the Pompidou Centre modern art museum in Paris.

The permanent invention, the journey across all the great currents of modernity, the continuous experimentation for 80 years, the desire to please and displease all of it is without equal, Blistene told AFP.

No more muses

The MeToo movement has slightly rattled the elevated plinth on which Picassos reputation stands, as accusations that he was an abusive misogynist towards his wives and girlfriends trigger calls for a reappraisal.

We must stop talking about the women in his life as muses. Some committed suicide, others sank into madness, said Emilie Bouvard, former curator at the Picasso Museum in Paris.

The exception was Francoise Gilot, the only mistress who dumped Picasso and lived to see 50 years pass since the death of the tyrannical, superstitious and egotistical being that she denounced in a famous book in the 1960s.

But the damage has been limited.

Picasso still regularly tops the list for highest-grossing artists at auction: his paintings generated $494 million (Rs 4,052 crore) last year alone, according to Artprice.

There is a balance to be found, said Bouvard.

Picasso is someone who appropriated things, people, she said. His work often spoke of violence and sexuality  often with brutal, even courageous honesty  but he also turned those feelings on the women in his life.

Dealing with this question means speaking differently but fairly about Picasso, said Bouvard.

That only opens up more ways to prime the pump of the Picasso industry.

An exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum this summer, promising to reevaluate the artist through a feminist lens, is being curated by comedian Hannah Gadsby, one of Picassos most outspoken critics.

Meanwhile, crowds are flocking to a much lighter retrospective at the Picasso Museum in Paris curated by fashion designer Paul Smith.

It suggests the sexual politics have done nothing to undermine the simple pleasure that comes from seeing Picassos work.

I made it very decorative because the idea is that young school children and teenagers will come and see his work in a different light, Smith told AFP.

Many of us have already seen Picasso many times around the world, so we hope to show it in a new way.

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A lot of Easter traditions  including hot cross buns and lamb on Sunday  stem from medieval Christian or even earlier pagan beliefs. The chocolate Easter egg, however, is a more modern twist on tradition.

Chicken eggs have been eaten at Easter for centuries. Eggs have long symbolised rebirth and renewal, making them perfect to commemorate the story of Jesus resurrection as well as the arrival of spring.

Although nowadays eggs can be eaten during the fasting period of Lent, in the middle ages they were prohibited along with meat and dairy. Medieval chefs often found surprising ways around this, even making mock eggs to replace them.

For Easter  a period of celebration  eggs and meat, such as lamb (also a symbol of renewal), were back on the table.

Even once eggs were permitted in fasting meals, they kept a special place in the Easter feast. Seventeenth-century cookbook author John Murrell recommended egges with greene sawce, a sort of pesto made with sorrel leaves.

Across Europe, eggs were also given as a tithe (a sort of yearly rent) to the local church on Good Friday. This might be where the idea of giving eggs as a gift comes from. The practice died out in many Protestant areas after the Reformation, but some English villages kept the tradition going until the 19th Century.

Its not known exactly when people started to decorate their eggs, but research has pointed to the 13th Century, when King Edward I gave his courtiers eggs wrapped in gold leaf.

A few centuries later, we know that people across Europe were dying their eggs different colours. They usually chose yellow, using onion peel, or red, using madder roots or beetroots.

The red eggs are thought to symbolise the blood of Christ. One 17th-Century author suggested this practice went as far back as early Christians in Mesopotamia, but its hard to know for sure.

In England, the most popular way of decorating was with petals, which made colourful imprints. The Wordsworth Museum in the Lake District still has a collection of eggs made for the poets children from the 1870s.

From dyed eggs to chocolate eggs

Although dyeing patterned eggs is still a common Easter activity, these days eggs are more commonly associated with chocolate. But when did this shift happen?

When chocolate arrived in Britain in the 17th Century, it was an exciting and very expensive novelty.

In 1669, the Earl of Sandwich paid 227 (Rs 23,305)  the equivalent of around 32,000 (Rs 32.85 lakh) today  for a chocolate recipe from King Charles II.

Today chocolate is thought of as a solid food, but then it was only ever a drink and was usually spiced with chilli pepper following Aztec and Maya traditions. For the English, this exotic new drink was like nothing theyd ever encountered. One author called it the American Nectar: a drink for the gods.

Chocolate was soon a fashionable drink for the aristocracy, often given as a gift thanks to its high status, a tradition still followed today. It was also enjoyed in the newly opened coffee houses around London.

Coffee and tea had also only just been introduced to England, and all three drinks were rapidly changing how Britons socially interacted with each other.

Catholic theologians did connect chocolate with Easter in this time, but out of concern that drinking chocolate would go against fasting practices during Lent.

After heated debate, it was agreed that chocolate made with water might be acceptable during fasts. At Easter at least  a time of feasting and celebration  chocolate was fine.

Chocolate remained expensive into the 19th Century, when Frys (now part of Cadbury) made the first solid chocolate bars in 1847, revolutionising the chocolate trade.

For the Victorians, chocolate was much more accessible but still something of an indulgence. Thirty years later, in 1873, Frys developed the first chocolate Easter egg as a luxury treat, merging the two gift-giving traditions.

Even in the early 20th Century, these chocolate eggs were seen as a special present, and many people never even ate theirs. A woman in Wales kept an egg from 1951 for 70 years and a museum in Torquay recently bought an egg that had been saved since 1924.

It was only in the 1960s and 1970s that supermarkets began to offer chocolate eggs at a cheaper price, hoping to profit off the Easter tradition.

With rising concerns over long-term chocolate production and bird flu provoked egg shortages, future Easters might look a little different. But if there is one thing that Easter eggs can show us, its the adaptability of tradition.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Federal judges in Texas and Washington on Friday issued dueling rulings that intensified the legal battle over abortion and a commonly used medical abortion drug.

The legal battle over the pill mifepristone has grown more intense since the US Supreme Court last year tossed out the federal right to the procedure.

The abortion pill was at the center of two conflicting federal court rulings on Friday.

In one ruling, a federal judge in Texas halted Food and Drug Administration approval of the abortion pill, pending a seven-day window to give the Justice Department time to appeal.

Then Friday night, in a dramatic lurch in a different legal direction, a federal judge in Washington state said that the FDA must keep the abortion pill available in at least 12 liberal states.

Here is background on the abortion pill and its use.

How widespread is abortion pill use?

According to the Guttmacher Institute, the pill accounted for more than half  53 per cent  of the 930,160 abortions documented by the reproductive health research and policy organisation in the United States in 2020.

That was up from 17 per cent in 2008 and 39 per cent in 2017.

While the number of so-called medication abortions has gone up dramatically in the United States in recent years, it is still not as prevalent as in several European nations.

In France, for example, medication abortions represented 70 per cent of the total number of abortions in 2020.

How does it work?

The abortion pill is different from the morning after pill, which is taken by a woman after sexual intercourse to prevent becoming pregnant.

The abortion pill is taken to induce an abortion once a woman confirms that she is pregnant.

It in fact involves more than one pill. The first, mifepristone, also known as RU 486, stops a pregnancy from proceeding normally by blocking production of the hormone progesterone.

Another drug, misoprostol, is taken up to 48 hours later and causes cramps, bleeding and the emptying of the uterus.

Abortion pills can be used at home and a medical setting is not required.

When was the abortion pill approved?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the green light to mifepristone and misoprostol in 2000.

It is approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, after which a woman would need to undergo an abortion through another means such as vacuum aspiration.

The average cost of a medication abortion at Planned Parenthood is $580 but it can cost up to $800.

Is it safe and effective?

Use of the abortion pill during the specified time period is considered to be safe and effective by medical experts.

Pregnancies are successfully terminated in more than 95 per cent of cases where the pill is used, according to studies.

Serious complications  excessive bleeding, fever, infection or allergic reaction  which require a medical consult, are rare.

The abortion pill does not work for ectopic pregnancies, which account for around two per cent of all pregnancies and where a fertilised egg grows outside the uterus.

Where is the pill available?

At least 13 US states have banned most abortions, including medication abortions, since the Supreme Courts ruling in June overturning the constitutional right to an abortion.

Despite the bans, a number of organisations have mobilised to provide abortion pills to women in states where abortion is restricted.

The extent of their efforts is difficult to evaluate.

In the states where abortion is legal, the FDA recently loosened restrictions surrounding mifepristone, allowing it to be sent through the mail with a prescription or to be sold directly in pharmacies like any other drug.

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The divisions in the United States regarding womens reproductive rights are evident more than ever before.

Two federal judges  one in Texas and the other in Washington  pronounced contrasting rulings on a widely used abortion pill on Friday (7 April), putting its availability in limbo.

What were the rulings and how will they impact access to the most common abortion drug in the US? Lets take a closer look.

Two judges. Two contrasting orders

Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Donald Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas, suspended the US Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) approval of mifepristone, one of the two drugs used to terminate a pregnancy, in a preliminary injunction on Friday.

He ruled that the FDAs 23-year-old approval of the abortion pill was improper and the government agency had not adequately reviewed its safety.

The Court does not second-guess FDAs decision-making lightly. Kacsmaryk said, as per Associated Press (AP).

But here, FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns  in violation of its statutory duty  based on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions.

This comes after anti-abortion groups led by Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine filed a lawsuit against the FDA last year, claiming the abortion drugs safety was not properly considered in 2000 and it was approved using an unlawful process.

The FDA has rejected the charge that it had expedited the approval of the drug, which came only after four years of reviewing.

The judge also ruled that the FDA had failed to consider the psychological effects of mifepristone.

The FDAs failure [to account for this] should not be overlooked or understated, Judge Kacsmaryk was quoted as saying by BBC.

The federal judge also gave a seven-day stay on his order to allow the government time to appeal.

Within hours of the Texas verdict, a Barack Obama-picked judge in Washington said in a separate case that the FDA must keep mifepristone available in more than a dozen states.

The lawsuit filed by a coalition of Democratic attorneys general in 17 states and the District of Columbia sought to stop the FDA from removing the abortion pill from the market, reported NPR.

In his order, US District Judge Thomas O Rice blocked the FDA from altering the status quo and rights as it relates to the availability of Mifepristone.

ALSO READ: Could a widely used abortion pill be banned across the US?

What was the reaction?

US president Joe Biden said the ruling in Texas could have large-scale consequences.

If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription, approved by the FDA, that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks, he said in a statement.

It is the next big step toward the national ban on abortion that Republican elected officials have vowed to make law in America, Biden added.

Massachusetts Democratic Senator, Elizabeth Warren, condemned the Texas ruling in a tweet and said: We cant let one right-wing extremist overrule women, their doctors, and the scientists.

Planned Parenthood, one of the largest pro-abortion groups in the US, called Kacsmaryks order an assault on science, according to AFP.

Jack Resneck, the president of the American Medical Association, said that judges interfering in extensive, evidence-based, scientific review of  well-established FDA processes is reckless and dangerous, reported AFP.

On the other hand, anti-abortion groups welcomed the Texas ruling.

Todays decision out of Texas is a win for the health and safety of women and girls, Katie Glenn of Susan B Anthony Pro-Life America, was quoted as saying by AFP.

The ruling reaffirms that pregnancy is not an illness and abortion is not health care. Finally the FDA is being held accountable for its egregious violation of its own rules.

The courts decision today is a major step forward for women and girls whose health and safety have been jeopardised for decades by the FDAs rushed, flawed and politicised approval of these dangerous drugs, March for Life President Jeanne Mancini said, as per AP.

What do the conflicting rulings mean?

More legal battles and confusion.

The US Justice Department has already appealed to the US Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to seek an immediate stay of the Texas ruling. However, the 5th Circuit is known for its conservative reputation.

In case the injunction is suspended, mifepristone will continue to have FDA approval to be legally sold in the markets.

But, if the agency is ordered to revoke its approval, the abortion drug will become illegal in the US, noted Reuters.

The two duelling rulings mean the matter will likely escalate to the US Supreme Court, which last year overturned Roe v Wade which had guaranteed abortion rights across the country.

As the Texas judges ruling will come into effect after seven days, there is no immediate threat to mifepristones availability.

The Guardian reported citing legal experts that even after the seven-day stay period, the FDA is not required to implement the Texas ruling.

Amanda Allen, senior counsel and director for the The Lawyering Project, which supports abortion rights, told NPR that the two courts could come out with two very conflicting orders, and they could impose very different obligations on the FDA that would be very untenable for the FDA to try to reconcile.

In the US states where abortion is already banned, there will be hardly any change. While the states where abortion is legal could face issues related to access to mifepristone.

However, some abortion providers have already said they are ready to provide only misoprostol for medication abortion if mifepristone goes off the market.

The FDA had approved mifepristone in combination with misoprostol to end pregnancies until the 10th week of conception.

While misoprostol can be used alone for abortion, studies show it is less effective than the two-step regimen.

There are concerns that if mifepristone is taken off the shelves, it would enhance demand on clinics providing surgical abortion.

The decision likely will mean uncertainty and confusion for doctors and patients, Farah Diaz-Tello, senior counsel with the reproductive rights legal advocacy group If/When/How, told NPR.

People who are seeking an abortion with pills  are going to find it much more difficult to do so, especially in the time period as providers figure out what theyre going to be able to do, she added.

Diaz-Tello also said fears more people may try to induce their own abortions sans medical guidance if the widely used pill becomes unavailable.

Whatever the fate of mifepristone would be after all the legal hullabaloo ends, it would affect more than half of women in the US who terminate pregnancies through medication abortion.

With inputs from agencies

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The United States and its allies South Korea and Japan want the international community to bolster its efforts to ban North Korean workers.

They have urged United Nations member states to strictly enforce UN Security Council resolutions on North Korean workers.

The development comes as top South Korean, US and Japanese nuclear envoys met in Seoul on Friday (7 April) to deliberate on how to cope with North Koreas growing nuclear arsenal, reported Associated Press (AP).

But, what is the concern behind this request? Lets take a closer look.

North Koreans working overseas

Seouls foreign ministry said that there are still people from North Korea that are working abroad and sending money that is being used by Pyongyang to fund its nuclear programme.

Under a 2017 UN resolution, all member states had agreed to repatriate all North Koreans employed overseas by December 2019.

In a joint statement, the South Korean, US and Japanese envoys called on the UN member states to abide by UN resolutions banning North Korean workers overseas, reported AP citing the ministry.

The ministry pointed out that the envoys brought focus on North Korean workers as the Hermit Kingdom is expected to further reopen its international borders as the COVID-19 situation improves globally.

The exact number of North Koreans workers currently engaged in economic activities overseas is unknown. However, before the 2019 UN deadline, there were 1,00,000 North Koreans estimated to be working in factories, construction sites and other places around the world, according to the US State Department.

It was predicted that these workers were responsible for North Koreas $200 million to $500 million in annual revenue, the AP report said.

ALSO READ: North Korea unveils new nuclear warheads: How the country has expanded its arsenal

Malicious cyber-activities

The three envoys also expressed concern over North Koreas malicious cyber activities to bolster its weapons programme.

We reiterate with concern that overseas DPRK IT workers continue using forged identities and nationalities to dodge UN sanctions and generate funds for missile programmes, they said in the joint statement using the acronym for North Koreas official name  Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

We are also deeply concerned about how the DPRK supports these programmes by stealing and laundering funds as well as gathering information through malicious cyber activities, the statement further said, according to Reuters.

In a report on 6 April, US Treasury Department had said that cyber actors like North Korea were using decentralised finance (DeFi)  a model in the crypto sector  to transfer and launder their unlawful funds.

Officials and experts in the US and its allies claim that cryptocurrency funds stolen by North Korean hackers are used by sanctions-hit Pyongyang to support its weapons programmes, reported Reuters.

As per AP, experts say other illicit cyber activities and money sent by the remaining North Korean workers in China, Russia and other places are also sources for financing the programme.

Last December, National Intelligence Service, South Koreas spy agency, claimed that in the last five years, North Korean hackers had stolen approximately 1.5 trillion won ($1.2 billion) in cryptocurrency and other virtual assets, reported AP.

Over 50 per cent of this was done in 2022 alone.

The agency also said that North Korea was one of the best in the world in terms of stealing digital assets as it has focused on cybercrimes since it was hit by UN sanctions in 2017 over its nuclear and missile tests.

North Korea denies charges of hacking or other cybercrimes.

Ahead of the Friday meeting, Kim Gunn, the South Korean envoy, said: We need to make sure that its provocations never go unpunished. We will effectively counter North Koreas future provocations and cut their revenue streams that fund these illegal activities.

As per AP, Sung Kim, the US envoy, said that with its weapons programme and malicious cyber programme that targets countries and individuals around the globe, North Korea is a threat to security and prosperity worldwide.

North Koreas expanding arsenal

North Korea has been rapidly ramping up its nuclear arsenal, especially since Kim Jong Un came to power in late 2011.

The East Asian nation has carried out six nuclear tests since 2006, with the last test being in 2017. However, concerns are rife that North may conduct another atomic test in the future.

It also conducts weapons tests as a response to joint South Korean-US military drills, which Pyongyang considers an invasion rehearsal.

Since March, US and South Korean forces have been conducting annual spring military exercises, including air and sea drills. This has hugely angered North Korea which has increased its military activities in recent weeks.

Accusing South Korea and US of heightening tensions to the brink of nuclear war through their joint military drills, Pyongyang on Thursday pledged to respond with offensive action.

Although it has still not reacted, Fridays trilateral meeting is expected to further raise North Koreas hackles.

With inputs from agencies

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Tezpur, Assam: Donning the Indian Air Force uniform, President Droupadi Murmu took her maiden flight in the Sukhoi 30 MKI Fighter jet from Assams Tezpur Air Force Station.

In the video shared by the President of Indias official YouTube channel, President Murmu, who commands all three military services, can be seen being greeted by officials who accompany her to the fighter jet.

She then boards the flight and is secured into the aircraft before the take-off.

Watch the video here:

The Indian president is on a two-day visit to Assam. During her visit, she inaugurated the Gaj Utsav 2023 at the Kaziranga National Park.

She also flagged off the Mount Kanchenjunga Expedition-2023 yesterday.

Developed by Russias Sukhoi and built under licence by Indias aerospace giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the aircraft twin-seater multirole fighter jet developed.

With inputs from agencies

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As India and China are engaged in continued dialogue on resolving the boundary issue, including through the recently conducted high-level meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs, China faces a challenging theatre in its neighbourhood  the India-US alliance. Due to its threat perception of increasing proximity between India and the US, China inflates narratives of discord between the two countries, while also hyping up the nature of the challenge it faces, in order to arm-twist India into maintaining a more autonomous policy.

Chinas geopolitical ambitions and strategies are dominated by competition with the US. This can be gauged from the conflicting responses of the two parties on critical tech supply chain resilience and self-reliance, the Russia-Ukraine war, or the larger hierarchy of power prevalent in the Indo-Pacific. Naturally, China is also wary of US interference in Indias China policy. For example, this wariness plays out in how China narrativises the US presence in the Indo-Pacific, and what role it sees for India in it.

The Chinese project India as a key variable in the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, and view Indias enhancing engagement with the Quad as an active effort to balance and contain it. Even recently, in November 2022, China criticised joint India-US military drills in Uttarakhand as not conducive to the trust between India and China.

At the same time, they express relief at Indias withdrawal from the trade pillar of the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. In Indias move, Chinese analysts find the implication that India and the US have an unresolvable dispute over the mechanism, which means that the Western hype of the US succeeded in winning over India is nonsense. Overall, in the endeavour to make more believable the threat of an India-US nexus, China inflates such narratives, and acts to coerce India into maintaining an autonomous policy.

At the same time, China severely downplays tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in an attempt to convince India that not only can the issue be resolved bilaterally, but it doesnt also need to inch closer to the US or cooperate militarily. For example, in the conception of Wang Yi, Chinas highest-ranking diplomat, The boundary dispute, an issue left from history, is not the whole story of the China-India relationship, and that it should be kept in its own place and context.

This differs starkly from Indias position on the matter, which External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar articulated as: Our relationship is not normal, it cannot be normal as the border situation is not normal.

Clearly, a dissonance in priorities has emerged, where India gives precedence to China and the LAC issue in its threat perception and security policy, while China sees India through the prism of its larger rivalry with the US. And even though China continues to remind India that the latter suffered a serious defeat at the hands of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in 1962, it also realises that any escalation of conflict into a war-like scenario both deflects Chinese resources away from its primary theatre of competition, and opens India up to the idea of aligning more closely with the US.

Not only is Chinas India policy shaped by its larger rivalry with the US, there also exist genuine structural problems in India-China relations that aggravate discord. These emerge primarily from Chinas attempts to keep India hemmed in the region. There is a stark difference in the kind of Asian regional order the two countries want  while India seeks a multipolar one, with India as one of the leading poles, China seeks a unipolar one, with India not being a pole at all.

China also seeks from India intangible commitments mentioned above, such as inching away from the US, especially on security and Indo-Pacific-related issues. But since Indias policy of strategic autonomy does not allow it to make hard commitments that distance it from either China or the US, the former refrains from giving India any of the concessions it seeks internationally, whether it be rapidly designating Masood Azhar or Abdul Makki as global terrorists in the UN Security Council, allowing for Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, or enabling the resolution of the border issue even on the Line of Control, where China supports Pakistan at least with intelligence and equipment if not troops on the ground.

During the peak of tensions along the India-China border in June-July 2020, it was also reported that Pakistan stepped up deployment along the Line of Control (LoC) to match Chinas troop strength on the LAC, indicating a planned China-Pakistan approach towards exacerbating Indias border insecurity.

In the larger picture, China believes that its nexus with Pakistan lies on one side of the emerging power balance in the Asia-Pacific, and on the other lies a US-led circle of partnerships with India, Australia, Japan, and others. And any further rapprochement between India and the US is a deterrence for the formers eventual victory.

Therefore, we must continue to anticipate a greater emphasis within Chinese discourse and policy on Indias strategic autonomy from the US and the West, as well as prolonging the instability on the border to inhibit Indias regional partnerships and ambitions. At the same time, China could also see a potential opportunity if not a genuine desire to improve its relations with India to deter its full-fledged alliance with the US. As yet, neither have we seen any adjustments in Chinas diplomatic approach to India, nor any disruptions in the India-US economic and defence partnerships.

The author is a Research Analyst with the Indo-Pacific Studies programme at Takshashila. She can be reached at anushka@takshashila.org.in.

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The PM said the Hindus were a foul race  John Colville diary entry refers to the then British Prime Minister Winston Churchills contempt of Hindus. Importantly, the British hatred of Hindus as a race continues from Churchill to James Mill to Macaulay. They decided to depict the Hindu people as a race, as opposed to ethnicity.

The British imposition of the European Sistema de Casta on the Indian people living within the kula-jaati-varna (KJV) system is hardly surprising. The KJV system was simple to understand for any pre-World War Asian peoples, all of whom had occupation-based community systems.

However, unlike Asian systems, the European class systems  casta  were based on racial supremacy, decided by colour of skin. In homogenous western societies unused to accepting diversity, phenotypes were often easy markers for outsiders. In contrast, Sakas, Hunas, Kambojas, Ahoms and several successful dynasties were rulers in India. They were hailed as grand contributors to Indias civilizational milieu, irrespective of their appearance. They mingled without imposition of non-Indian systems in agriculture, astronomy, faith or finance.

History scholar and software entrepreneur from the Bay area, Savitri Mumukshu, notes that Duarte Barbosa was the first Portuguese to use Casta to define Indian communities based on skin colour. This was a system being solidified since some decades in Europe, to separate Muslims and Jews from Christian true believers.

Centuries later, his ideological descendant, Indo-Portuguese Catholic priest, Sebastiao Dalgado, equated the Sanskrit word varna to caste. This deliberate conflation occurred as late as in 1921. Ironically, it gaslit Hindus as racists. Such thinking offered more grounds for the Aryan Invasion Theory in common literature. That this idea, promulgated often with intent of racial discrimination, continues to be taught in Indian schools is a travesty. The propagation of caste as an Indian concept has scarred thousands of Indians who carry a skewed understanding of Indian society moulded in a European template.

The term Brahminism was coined by Goncalo Fernandes Trancoso to describe Hinduism. Today, hundreds of articles from imperialists and former colonisers justify Hindu-hatred by using the same word, trivialising Nazism by using the words in the same context.

They assume that this implies a micro-minority of Indians born into the Brahmin jaati raised to a position of power by the British during their employment of the Divide and Rule policy. With the superimposition of the Critical Race Theory, the abuse of the term and then the people has taken on a life of its own in America. With brazen abuse towards Brahmins and other Hindus becoming rampant, one cannot forget the murderous havoc raised by the Dotbusters only some decades ago. Society in the US is inherently racist, with ghettoised community living passing for multiculturalism. The melting pots are often elite concepts, and gangs that beat Hindu, Parsi, Sikh and Jain men into coma and death like the Dotbusters define the hardships of first generation Hindu immigrants. Numerous Sikh men have been killed as a result of hate crimes in the US over the years.

Hindus retain little political power in western nations. People of Indian origin often play up the British atrocity literature tropes to better fit in. Born in Cincinnati, Vivek Ramaswamy, Presidential candidate from the Republican Party, talks of escaping oppressive caste systems. Kamala Harris, Vice President from the Democratic Party is of mixed origin, including Indian, and believes making dosas with a television personality defines Indianness. What was once called lip service passes as virtue signalling to diversity. Such stunts signify and cover up a lack of said virtue in practice. The current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom bears as little inferiority about his Hindu origins as Scottish First Minister Hamza Yusuf bears of his Pakistani roots. As such, the racism against him and former British Home Secretary Priti Patel continue to illuminate the Hinduphobia prevalent in western societies.

Hindus abroad function at an individual level, eschewing the idea of Hindu community in favour of complete assimilation. Temples remain an occasional gathering for the aesthetic aspects of community bonding, rather than a pilgrimage to seek religious solace, unlike with other minority groups. Despite such attempts, identity involves the larger society they function in, assigning them labels. It is not a mere matter of individuals asserting their own affiliations to nation or party.

Despite their presence in political positions, there is no lobby that asserts Hindu rights within the western political fold. The number of individuals, lobbies and political parties that espouse the causes of monotheistic faith systems on the other hand, abound.

Several of these are involved in the continued anti-pagan Hinduphobic caste laws being legislated in the US and Canada. Unsurprisingly, a Khalistan sympathiser and ISI associate Amar Shergill is one of the faces behind the anti-caste bill in the state of California. Such bills are now law in the cities of Seattle and Toronto, and California may be the first US state to pass it. The new law assumes that caste discrimination is a reality in the US, and singles out Hindus as culprits without cause.

The Hindu diaspora in the US remain largely unaware of the hate campaigns against them. Unlike the rallying cries of Islamophobia that were weaponised quickly, Hinduphobia is incredibly normalised in western societies. Absolute assimilation involves desensitisation towards disparity to a great extent. It is also unhelpful that the most vocal Hindus of the diaspora happen to be the most privileged and divorced from Indian and Hindu ground realities. Believing the reductive oversimplification of a four-tiered system somehow an exact equivalent of the European Sistema de Casta is an easy way to fit into an Indian-American mould. They are happy to participate in the racism meted out to their peers so long as it allows them continued places at their high tables.

The author is a Masters in Biotechnology from the University of Bath, an MBA, a columnist, and a podcaster. Views expressed are personal.

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On 4 April 2023, former American president Donald Trump was arrested at the New York court following the criminal charges against him. He became the first American president in history to face criminal charges.

Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we are watching Mr Trumps case in American courts, and we engage with the Government of USA on our shared commitment to democratic values  including, of course, freedom of expression In our engagements with our American partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression, as a key to strengthening both our democracies, said no Indian minister.

But replace America with India in the above statement and Trump with Rahul Gandhi. Then it will become the exact statement of the US State Departments Deputy Spokesperson. It came after the disqualification of Waynads Member of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, following his casteist and disparaging comments on the Modi community due to political mudslinging against Prime Minister Modi.

Court in India proceeded with the case for three years, and the then-accused didnt apologise even after having multiple chances to do so. But, still, America wants to poke its nose into these affairs.

The notion of White Mans Burden, a term coined by Rudyard Kipling, a British writer and poet, by seeing the inclusivity around, should be tweaked with the Westerners Burden term.

This term refers to the phenomenon that the Westerns have a moral obligation to civilise and humanise the worlds non-western people and bring them the benefits of Western civilisation. While this concept has been heavily criticised over time, it still persists in the form of Western countries interference in other nations affairs.

One of the most common forms of Western interference is the preaching of democracy and human rights in other countries, particularly in India. White men in the West seem to have an unending desire to tell India how to run its affairs and what it should do to be more democratic. They often preach the importance of free and fair elections, the rule of law, the need for strong institutions, and the freedom of expression.

But, ironically, white men in the West continue to sermonise about democracy and human rights in other countries while turning a blind eye to the same issues within their own borders. This preaching is the honesty preached by a thief to a beggar.

The United States, for instance, has long been guilty of this hypocrisy. Despite touting itself as the champion of democracy, the US has a long history of supporting authoritarian regimes and undermining democratically elected governments.

For instance, the US supported the military coup in Chile in 1973, which overthrew the democratically elected government. The same US promoted the Mujaheedins in Afghanistan, which took the country back to the medieval age. The US also supported the apartheid regime in South Africa for many years, despite its gross human rights violations. More recently, the US has been accused of violating human rights in Guantanamo Bay and the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

The US, in essence, is a pyromaniac masquerading as a firefighter.

The Irish republican party carried out the violence in the northern Ireland region of the United Kingdom and now a regular crackdown is carried out by the British government to prevent the same. Corsica, an island administered by France much against the will of the locals who want more autonomy, faces a regular crackdown from the French government. Canada, the USA, or any other Western country isnt virtue-signalling on this.

But when Indias Punjab province tried to take legal action on the genocide-enabler, separatist, and militant Amritpal Singh in Punjab, the politicians from the West suddenly started preaching about the rule of law and freedom to India. One must remember that Singh and his fellows move around with deadly weapons and terrorise the citizens by threatening and torturing them.

Similarly, when India draws its own line on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the so-called saviours of democracy start condemning India for not bending to their side. However, they dont mind taking any stand in Indias battle with its hostile neighbours. How dare a former colony stand for itself but not with masters who taught democracy?

In essence, when Trump is arrested, it is the rule of law, but when Rahul Gandhi is disqualified from being an MP, it is the death of democracy. When a crackdown happens in northern Ireland and Corsica, it is necessary to maintain law and order but not when it happens in Punjab. When the West takes a neutral stand in Indias matters, it is their prerogative but when India does the same in the Wests matters, it suddenly becomes inhumane.

If the West thinks this approach would be okay to deal with India, a re-emerging economy and a future global superpower with a sheer populace on its side, they are wrong. They must adopt the approach France is adopting lately- kaam se kaam, minding their own business and cooperating in whatever areas possible. France has realised that it needs to stop playing God and start playing fair.

The country with the historical traditions of democracy doesnt need to be preached, especially by those who take pride in civilising it. The West has many areas to work on with Indiaand false virtue-signalling on democracy isnt one of them.

The writer is an independent columnist who writes on international relations, and socio-political affairs. Views expressed are personal.

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Hanoi: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to visit Vietnam next week, Senator Jeff Merkley said in Hanoi on Saturday. The visit is being billed as part of Washingtons efforts to boost diplomatic ties with Hanoi this year.

The US Secretary of States visit has not yet been officially announced but it follows close on the heels of President Joe Bidens phone call last week with the chief of Vietnams ruling Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong.

To coincide with the 10th anniversary in July of its comprehensive partnership with Vietnam, the United States is hoping to improve relations with Hanoi this year.

Next week the Secretary of State will be here, Senator Merkley told reporters during a visit to Vietnam by a delegation of US lawmakers aimed at boosting relations with Hanoi. Blinken is expected to visit Vietnam, likely on Saturday, before he heads to a meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries in Japan on April 16-18.

In the call, Biden and Trong agreed to boost ties, according to statements from both parties after their conversation, but no mention was made of a formal upgrade of relations.

Before the call, multiple analysts had said Vietnam was cautious about an upgrade this year fearing that could cause tensions with China.

Though it is Vietnams biggest export market, the United States is currently ranked as a third-tier diplomatic partner for Hanoi. Its top tier consists of China, Russia, India and South Korea, while its second tier, which Washington wishes to join, includes European countries and Japan.

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US president Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris on Friday showered praises on three Tennessee officials targeted for expulsion from the state legislature over their support for gun control, as the fracas escalated into a major national row over race and representation.

Biden spoke via phone with the Tennessee Three and thanked them for their leadership in seeking to ban assault weapons, a White House statement said.

Biden invited the three to the White House in the near future, it added.

Tennessee House expels two Black lawmakers

The Republican-led Tennessee House of Representatives expelled two Black lawmakers on Thursday after they disrupted an assembly session to demand stricter gun controls in the wake of a deadly mass shooting at an elementary school. A third white legislator who joined their protest was not removed.

Accusations of racism have reverberated around the case and sparked anger among Democrats well beyond Tennessee.

Harris, the nations first Black vice president, arrived in Nashville in a clear message of solidarity with the three officials. She attended a rally at Fisk University, a historically black institution, and met with the three Democrats targeted over the gun protests.

On 30 March, just days after a shooting rampage at a Christian school in Nashville claimed six lives, legislators Justin Jones, Justin Pearson and Gloria Johnson joined hundreds of protesters on the state House floor to call for stricter gun control.

Jones and Pearson used a bullhorn to shout Gun control now and Power to the people while rallying protesters in the galleries.

The extremely rare move to expel the lawmakers caused an uproar, with Biden calling it shocking, undemocratic, and without precedent, and reiterated calls for America to overcome its divisions to tackle the scourge of gun violence.

Their protest followed the shooting death of three young students and three staff at a private Christian elementary school in the state capital on 27 March.

Silencing the voices of two Black members for peacefully protesting gun violence is not only racist but also a radical shift away from the democratic rules & traditions our nation was founded upon, tweeted Yvette Clarke, a Black congresswoman from New York.

Jim Crow-era trial

The legislature voted mostly along party lines on Thursday to expel Jones and Pearson for breaching floor rules. A vote to expel Johnson failed by one vote, with half a dozen Republicans joining Democrats to vote against her expulsion.

Jesse Chism, a Democratic state legislator, compared the vote to the era of racial segregation.

It looked like a Jim Crow-era trial, he said.

Johnson voiced a similar view, telling CNN: Well, I think its pretty clear. Im a 60-year-old white woman and they are two young Black men.

Jones, 27, and Pearson, 28, delivered impassioned pleas against their exclusion and a photo of them raising their fists went viral.

Speaking to MSNBC, Jones called the expulsion a dangerous precedent for the nation and a direct assault on democracy, urging the Justice Department to look into the legality of the move.

If you didnt tell me this was happening to me, I would think it was 1963 instead of 2023, he went on.

Because what were seeing is a predominantly white supermajority, undoing democracy, forcing their will on my district which is a predominantly Black and brown district, one of the most diverse in Tennessee.

With inputs from AFP

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Ouagadougou: At least 44 people were killed in two attacks in northern Burkina Faso overnight by unidentified armed assailants on Thursday, authorities said.

Burkina Faso has been caught up in a spiral of violence since 2015, attributed to armed jihadist movements affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. The atrocities and unending violence forced 1.9 million displaced and left thousands dead, according to reports.

The raids occurred in the villages of Kourakou and Tondobi in the Sahel region of the West African country, an area overrun by Islamist groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State that have carried out repeated attacks for years.

It is not clear which group carried out Thursdays attacks. Authorities on Saturday blamed armed terrorist groups. More than 2 million people are displaced and thousands have been killed by the violence in Burkina Faso, one of the worlds poorest countries.

The unrest triggered two coups last year by the military, which has vowed to retake control of the country but has failed to stem the bloodshed.

Unrest in the region began in Mali in 2012 when Islamists hijacked a Tuareg separatist uprising. The violence has since spread into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger and threatens to destabilise coastal countries further afield.

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San Diego: California officials have asked the federal government for disaster assistance for the states salmon fishing industry, following the closure of recreational and commercial king salmon fishing seasons along much of the West Coast due to near-record low numbers of the iconic fish returning to their spawning grounds.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended the shutdown of fall-run Chinook fishing from Cape Falcon in northern Oregon to the California-Mexico border on Thursday, dealing a blow to the Pacific Northwests salmon fishing sector. In the fall, recreational salmon fishing will be permitted off the coast of southern Oregon.

Much of the salmon caught off Oregon originate in Californias Klamath and Sacramento rivers. After hatching in freshwater, they spend an average of three years maturing in the Pacific, where many are snagged by commercial fishermen, before migrating back to their spawning grounds, where conditions are more ideal to give birth. After laying eggs, they die.

The forecasts for Chinook returning to California rivers this year are near record lows, Council Chair Marc Gorelnik said after the vote in a news release. The poor conditions in the freshwater environment that contributed to these low forecasted returns are unfortunately not something that the Council can or has authority to control.

Biologists say the Chinook population has declined dramatically after years of drought. Many in the fishing industry say a rollback of federal protections for endangered salmon under the Trump administration allowed more water to be diverted from the Sacramento River Basin to agriculture, causing even more harm.

The fact is that just too many salmon eggs and juvenile salmon died in the rivers in 2020 as a direct result of politically driven, short-sighted water management policies, under the prior federal administration, to maximize irrigation river water deliveries during a major drought, said Glen Spain, acting executive director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermens Associations. Unfortunately, this purely politically driven mistake will cost our fishing-dependent coastal communities dearly.

California fishing industry representatives and elected leaders said federal aid must be released quickly and efforts need to be ramped up to restore salmon habitat in California rivers with better water management, and the removal of dams and other barriers.

We have to make sure that the policies and practices and the rest are not such that they are defying the evolutionary progress of salmon, US Rep. Nancy Pelosi said Friday, speaking in San Francisco in the rain, surrounded by fishers who spoke of their concerns about making ends meet during the closure.

The Democratic congresswoman, whose district includes the San Francisco Bay area, pledged to push for the Biden administration to act quickly on the states request to declare the situation a fishery resource disaster, the first step toward a disaster assistance bill that must be approved by Congress.

In a letter to US Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo seeking the declaration, the California governors office stated that the projected loss of the 2023 season is over $45 million  and that does not include the full impact to coastal communities and inland salmon fisheries.

Californias salmon industry is valued at $1.4 billion in economic activity and 23,000 jobs annually in a normal season and contributes about $700 million to the economy and supports more than 10,000 jobs in Oregon, according to the Golden State Salmon Association.

Theres a lot of fear and panic all up and down the coast with families trying to figure out how theyre going to pay the bills this year, said John McManus, the groups senior policy director.

Experts fear native California salmon are in a spiral toward extinction. Already, Californias spring-run Chinook are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, while winter-run Chinook is endangered along with the Central California Coast coho salmon, which has been off-limits to California commercial fishers since the 1990s.

Recreational fishing is expected to be allowed in Oregon only for coho salmon during the summer and for Chinook after 1 September. Salmon season is expected to open as usual north of Cape Falcon, including in the Columbia River and off Washingtons coast.

Theres some hope that the unusually wet winter in California, which has mostly freed the state of drought, will bring relief. An unprecedented series of powerful storms have replenished most of Californias reservoirs, dumping record amounts of rain and snow and busting a severe three-year drought. But too much water running through the rivers could also kill eggs and young hatchlings.

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Beijing: China on Saturday announced three days of military drills called United Sharp Sword starting today in the Taiwan Strait for combat preparedness.

Chinas action comes after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met in California.

United Sharp Sword would involve police patrol drills in the Taiwan Strait, to the north and south of Taiwan, and in the sea and airspace to the east of Taiwan, Eastern Theatre spokesperson Senior Colonel Shi Yi said in a PLA statement.

However, the exact location of the exercises was not specified.

Meanwhile, Taiwans defence ministry said Saturday it detected three warships and 13 Chinese aircraft around the island.

The Ministry of National Defence said three ships and 13 aircraft had been detected around Taiwan by 6 am local time (2200 GMT) on Saturday and 4 of the detected aircraft had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwans southeast ADIZ.

Drills threat to regional stability, security

The ministry said that the Chinese military drills threatened regional stability and security.

China has used President Tsais visit and transits in the United States as an excuse to conduct military exercises, which has seriously undermined peace, stability and security in the region, the Ministry of National Defence said in a statement.

China views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

Last August, China deployed warships, missiles and fighter jets around Taiwan in its largest show of force in years, following a trip to the island by McCarthys predecessor Nancy Pelosi.

There were no initial signs of heightened military activity on Pingtan, a southwestern Chinese island known as the closest point on the mainland to Taiwan.

Tour guides on Saturday morning herded groups of day-trippers along the sun-drenched shore, while other visitors gazed out at the choppy waters of the strait.

Journalists from AFP reported on Friday that they saw a military tugboat and several army helicopters transiting through the seas off Pingtan, but it was unclear if they signalled enhanced activities.

On Friday, Beijing sent warships and aircraft near Taiwan for a second day and said the island remains an inseparable part of its territory.

Tsai says will never yield to suppression

Tsai returned to Taiwan on Friday after visiting the islands dwindling band of official diplomatic allies in Latin America, with two US stopovers that included meetings with McCarthy and other lawmakers.

We let the international community see that Taiwan is more united when facing pressure and threats, she told reporters, describing her trip as a success, adding we will never yield to suppression.

Hours before meeting with McCarthy in California on Wednesday, China sent its Shandong aircraft carrier through Taiwans southeastern waters on its way to the western Pacific.

Beijing said earlier Friday that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, after repeatedly warning against the Tsai-McCarthy meeting.

Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity will never be divided, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.

The future of Taiwan lies in reunification with the motherland.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has just hosted French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen as the EU attempts to repair relations with Beijing.

With inputs from agencies

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Shanghai: A day after the WHO Director-General asked China to share information about the origins of Covid-19, the head of Chinas Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asked the global health body to conduct a scientific and fair study determining the origins.

Shen Hongbing has warned World Health Organisation to avoid politicising the source of the virus or becoming a tool of another country.

The World Health Organization on Thursday said that it was certain China had far more data that could shed light on the origins of Covid and demanded that Beijing share all relevant information immediately.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva that without full access to the information that China has all hypotheses are on the table.

He said that the WHO has been asking Beijing to cooperate on the issue.

If Beijing does provide the missing data we will know what happened or how it started, the WHO chief said.

Covid-19 was first identified in Chinas Wuhan in December 2019, with many suspecting it spread in a live animal market before spreading around the world and killing nearly 7 million people.

Scientific data from the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic was briefly uploaded by Chinese scientists to an international database in March. Among other important aspects, it included genetic sequences found in more than 1,000 environmental and animal samples taken in January 2020 at the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan, the location of the first known Covid-19 outbreak.

The data revealed that DNA from multiple animal species  including raccoon dogs  was present in environmental samples that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, suggesting that they were the most likely conduits of the disease, according to a team of international researchers.

With inputs from agencies

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Beijing: In retaliation for the meeting between Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen with the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, China sent warships and flew 42 fighter jets near the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait on Saturday.

The three-day drills were announced by China the day after Tsai returned from the United States. The Peoples Liberation Army said it had started the combat readiness patrols and Joint Sword exercises around Taiwan.

Eight warships and 42 planes were detected near Taiwan on Saturday, 29 of which crossed the middle line of the strait that separates the island from the mainland, the islands Ministry of Defence said.

This is a serious warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces collusion and provocation, and it is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Chinese armys Eastern Theater Command said in a statement.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy held talks with President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday in California, adding to a series of foreign lawmakers who have met Tsai to show support in the face of Chinese intimidation. Beijing responded Friday by imposing a travel ban and financial sanctions against American groups and individuals associated with Tsais U.S. visit.

This is a serious warning against the collusion and provocation between the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces, said a PLA statement. The Joint Sword exercises are a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Taiwanese military said missile defence systems were activated and air and sea patrols were sent to track the Chinese aircraft.

We condemn such an irrational act that has jeopardized regional security and stability, a Ministry of Defence statement said.

Chinese President Xi Jinpings government has stepped up efforts to intimidate the island by flying fighter jets and bombers nearby and firing missiles into the sea.

The United States has no official relations with Taiwans government but maintains extensive informal and commercial ties. Washington is required by federal law to ensure the island of 22 million people has the means to defend itself if China attacks.

Taiwan and the mainland have multibillion-dollar ties of trade and investment but no official relations.

We will never leave room for Taiwan independence separatist activities in any form and will definitely take resolute measures to defeat any foreign interference, said a spokesperson for the Cabinets Taiwan Affairs Office, Zhu Fenglian, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

Complete reunification of our country must be realized, and it can, without doubt, be realized, Zhu was quoted as saying Friday.

Taiwan split with China after a civil war in 1949. The ruling Communist Party says the island is obliged to rejoin the mainland, by force if necessary. Beijing says contact with foreign officials encourages Taiwanese who want formal independence, a step the ruling party says would lead to war.

With inputs from agencies.

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We need to stand up for all oppressed people in their struggles to defend their rights.

by Dr Lionel Bopage and Michael Cooke

The United States of America (US) must be one of the most incompetent, brutal and arrogant imperial powers in history. For Its hubris and gradual decline, the only counterpart is the Spanish rape and pillage of the Americas, 500 years or so earlier. Spain like the US hid its slow economic decline for a century or more by its military might. Its intervention in the wars of statehood resulted in a wave of bloodshed across Northern Europe; resulting in many thousands of needless deaths of its own people but also of those it attempted to subdue. As a result, Spain became an economically backward nation for centuries, banished eventually to the margins of history.

Is AUKUS flawed by design? Leaders of unholy alliance [ Photo: Special Arrangement ]

Shades of this hubris are more than evident in the illegal and immoral invasion of Iraq twenty years ago; in terms of its spurious justification of the war and its incompetent governing of the country via its handpicked local proxies. The grim figures of the casualties speak for themselves. A conservative estimate of around 280,771 to 351,190 civilians lost their lives, the actual figure is much higher as there has been no desire to quantify the figures of how many died. According to the UNHCR the war left behind 5 million orphans; and there are still around 1.2 million displaced people. In comparison, the US had 5,000 casualties. The looting and profiteering of transnationals and the local comprador politicians ran into billions of unaccountable dollars. The countrys infrastructure was blown to smithereens, civil society was annihilated and, in its place came self-serving politicians and a bloody sectarian divide. In between the cracks and debris of the invasion Islamic State (IS) was hatched.

Yet if one looks at media coverage of the 20year anniversary except for brief editorial pieces bemoaning what they term mistakes of the invasion, there is barely a mention that this immoral invasion was hatched by our AUKUS partners, who were also instrumental in the brutal occupation of Afghanistan and the quick unravelling of the proxy regime, Australia and its allies left in place  leaving the country to endure the reign of medieval fundamentalist  the Taliban. Nary a critical word is written on the deliberate surrounding by NATO of Russia led by the paranoid and dictatorial Putin and its tragic consequences for the Ukrainian population. If they win the war will Ukraine be given the money and the resources to rebuild; or will it follow the tragic trajectory of Iraq and Afghanistan? The mainstreams disgraceful orgy of celebration of the AUKUS and its unnecessary needling of China, show we have learnt nothing and will continue to repeat the mistakes of the past. It is therefore instructive to understand what led to the invasion of Iraq and its tragic consequences, so we can cast a more critical eye on AUKUS.

Since the end of World War 2, the United States military interventions and nation building have been an unmitigated disaster  starting with Korea, then moving on to Vietnam and Indonesia, Afghanistan and Iraq amongst others have resulted in millions of deaths, devastated infrastructure, and a fragile civil society of these occupied countries. Ennobling in Iraq and Afghanistan the rise of a medievalist and intolerant strain of a violent religious insurrection. It is in this historical context; this paper will look at coalition of the willing invasion of Iraq.

It is 20 years since the US-UK led Iraq invasion. It began with what David Rumsfeld called Operation Shock and Awe. To market the operation, the Bush White House created the slogan axis of evil, with Iraq and Iran forming one part of the axis. President Joe Biden, then a Democratic senator prominently supported the invasion and argued for it.

There was no evidence that Iraq was involved in or planning attacks on the USA or its allies. Saddam Hussein maintained a tyranny that brutally violated the human rights of Iraqi people. However, the ruling elites in the rest of the Middle East were no different. The US depicted and justified the operation as part of its response to the war on terror. This was in response to the 9/11 attacks in which Iraq was said to have been involved. Iraqs invasion was only one component of the US-led War on Terror campaign. The US is said to be conducting such operations in 85 countries. Researchers believe that more than 929,000 people including over 387,000 civilians have died since the 9/11 terror attacks. Thirty-eight million people are said to have been displaced as a result with Iraq being one of the larger disasters.

The then Secretary of State, Colin Powell stated confidently that Saddam Hussein posed a grave and imminent security threat to the US and the world, as he was developing nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Powells now notorious and erroneous speech at the UN became the prelude to the nine-year-long Iraqi war. The US Congress had already authorised George Bush to use any means necessary against Iraq. As proof, Powell produced satellite images, audio recordings and illustrations of supposed Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), and charged that Iraqi officials purposely evaded their obligations and hid their weapons. He was ably assisted by the conservative hawk John Bolton, who worked to thwart any efforts to establish whether Iraq possessed chemical weapons.

What the US regime cited as solid intelligence was based on uncorroborated reports received from Iraqi exiles, such as Ahmad Chalabi of the Iraqi National Congress. Chalabi had gained the trust of senior bureaucrats in the Bush administration. He and his accomplices had convinced the Bush administration of the necessity of destroying the Baathist regime. Despite the State Department wanting to get rid of Chalabi, George Bush and Dick Cheney did not allow that to happen. Chalabi and his collaborators fed the US administration alternate facts, facts that they wanted to hear.

When no evidence of WMDs and other weapons or any links to terrorism could be found, Bush, Blair and Howard astutely reframed the war agenda against Iraq: to topple Saddam Hussein so as to bring peace to the people of Iraq, to replace the autocratic Baathist regime with a democratic one and to transform the Iraqi economy to a free-market economy.

The imperial objective of the invasion, shorn of its sham and opportunist democratic rhetoric was nothing but regime change. A tactic the US has done many times in the past, especially in its own back yard: Central and South America. Since this disastrous imperial invasion Iraqis are neither freer, wealthier, or more pro-US than they were under the Baathists. In fact, for many years Saddam Hussein was seen as a pro-American lackey.

A sham for when western powers speak of democracy in the Middle East, one would expect them to start with those regimes with whom the west has close relations and linkages. In the region, there are many tyrants and authoritarian regimes, whose survival simply depends on the USs material and financial support. The most suitable candidate for such a campaign would be Saudi Arabia. Yet the US remain mute of its multiple human rights abuses at home and abroad, especially in Yemen.

If there was a genuine commitment to democracy, a countrys sovereignty needs to be respected unless that country directly endangers ones own security. Vietnam for example invaded Kampuchea after the genocidal policies of Pol Pot spilled into its borders.

The world-wide left movement agitated for and supported when trade sanctions and sporting boycotts were imposed against the apartheid regime in South Africa. The west could have intervened militarily to overthrow minority white rule, but they did not.

Any social transformation will be inspiring and successful if it is driven by their own peoples struggles and assisted by international solidarity. Promoting democracy has become a slogan when it suits US imperial and strategic interests. Where was the democracy when the US security apparatus helped and aided the brutal dictators in Indonesia and Chile? When Suhartos military dictatorship systematically annihilated any dissent against their rule in Indonesia, resulting in around a million extra judicial murders?

Globally, there was a tidal wave of opposition to the war, both before and during the invasion, and then following the occupation. It was probably the largest protest movement in human history. According to the BBC around one million Londoners protested. There were 54 countries that officially condemned the occupation. Many believed that the invasion was illegal as per the UN Charter. Some of them contested the information presented as facts for validating the intent of the invasion.

I was residing in Canberra at the time and witnessed and actively led some of the protests and marches held at the time. However, the invasion could not be prevented. This was due to a lack of organisation and coordination by the anti-war activists and groups. Nevertheless, those protests were stimulating and inspiring.

The invasion became a war of occupation and attrition, despite the expectation that coalition troops would be welcomed as liberators of Iraq. Bush, Blair[1], Howard (a proto AUKUS coalition) and their ilk carried out a huge propaganda campaign through the media supporting the neo-liberal agenda spearheaded by then US Vice President Dick Cheney[2], Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld and Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz. In Australia, the Australian Labour Party led by Simon Crean and Kim Beasley supported that propaganda campaign.

Even some progressive forces supported the invasion. Some in the protest movement believed that the United Nations (UN) could prevent the invasion. History provides us ample evidence that this is not a tenable option. According to the UN rules if one of the five permanent members (US, Russia, Britain, France and China), veto a resolution, no action can be taken. One good example would be the many resolutions the UN passed condemning the Israeli apartheid regime over many war crimes committed against Palestinians. The catastrophic results for the Iraqis were not hard to discern.

Operation Shock and Awe directly resulted in hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilian deaths and millions of others were wounded and displaced. Hundreds of thousands were adversely affected by the war, due to the disruption of water supplies and associated health issues. Thousands of US soldiers and contractors lost their lives, tens of thousands were wounded and many thousands have been suffering from serious physical and psychological debilities. The overall loss of life due to the conflict is said to be about one million. This is said to exclude suicides committed by Iraq war veterans and veterans of Americas other post-9/11 wars. But that was just the start of the horrors that Iraqis were enduring and are still enduring.

Unemployment in Iraq rose to 60 per cent which led to a humanitarian crisis. Iraqis are still suffering from food shortages. More than half the population and tens of thousands of members of the armed forces are said to be suffering from psychological disorders that resulted due to the invasion. If not for the invasion, IS would not have had a social and material base to emerge. However, none of the war criminals has shown any remorse for the colossal devastation they have executed. They need to be brought to justice for their falsifications, mass killings and widespread destruction of humanity.

The overthrow of the Saddam-led Baathist regime created a power vacuum as the US-dominated occupiers excluded the Sunni-dominated political, military, and administrative apparatus. This in turn contributed to a bloody and protracted militant campaign against the occupation and sectarian conflicts between the Shias and Sunnis. The US-led occupying regime brutalized communities, destroying cultural artefacts and cities like Fallujah. Iraqi prisoners were subjected to torture violating all international human rights conventions.

If there is one incident and image that summarises the brutal, racist and incompetent occupation of the invading forces, it is Abu Ghraib, a charnel house of torture. Private security firms like Blackwater killed with impunity. The invasion resulted in the sectarian fragmentation between Sunnis and Shiites, and the rise of the Islamic State, which was defeated later. US troops were withdrawn when Iraq ordered them to leave. This happened when US forces assassinated a top Iranian general.

In a repeat of what happened in Iraq, US forces had to retreat from Afghanistan, in an embarrassing manner. Whilst the erstwhile reason they were there for nigh of 20 years  the Taliban are now firmly ensconced.

Iraq holds elections, yet, in 2022 Iraq was 124th out of 167 countries in democracy rankings and the regime is characterised as authoritarian and corrupt. Despite this, the people have been holding frequent protests, which were never permitted to occur under Saddam Hussein. Nevertheless, society has become so fragmented due to narrow sectarian interests of the many ethno-religious political factions. This amply demonstrates the negative experiences a society will undergo when it is invaded with no real idea about the impact it would have on civil society.

Iraq remains one of the most violent societies on the planet. The legacy of the invasion destroyed what it meant to be an Iraqi, their identity, and their self-respect as a nation. The sectarian political system the invaders left Iraq with destroyed whatever plural aspects that remained under the Baathist regime between Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds. Iraqis live in ethno-religious enclaves without appropriate power-sharing arrangements. Significant land areas in both Syria and Iraq were captured and controlled by religious fundamentalists and extremists, who continue to be a threat even today. They imposed Sharia law in those areas and slaughtered and enslaved many communities. When the Islamic State was ousted, about 10,000 civilians were slaughtered and thousands more had been forced to leave.

The so-called free market economy, as the experiences of countries around the world attest, has only benefited a minority of corrupt elites. According to Transparency Internationals annual Corruption Index, Iraq ranked 157 out of 180 countries in 2022. Iraqs oil wealth has boosted its GDP, and it is the 50th largest economy in the world. However, there is no trickle-down of such economic gains to the Iraqi people. Ordinary Iraqis continue to suffer from power cuts, lack of potable water, and poor sewage systems, health care and education. As has been experienced globally, trickle-down economic policies have disproportionately benefited those who are at the top of the social ladder. In terms of achieving the UNs sustainable development goals, its Sustainable Development Report, 2022 ranked Iraq 115th out of 163 countries. Iraqi schools and universities have fallen decades behind international standards. Isnt this a dire report card?

Most Iraqis do not wish to revert to Saddam Husseins tyranny. However, they still bemoan the destruction caused to the harmony of the plurality that existed within Iraqi society. It is reported that since 2003, $150 billion to $300 billion of Iraqi wealth has been siphoned off. Iraq is categorised as one of the 25 most corrupt countries in the world.

The Western world, including Australians, appears to have forgotten the disastrous imperial and illegal invasion of Iraq  if the $368 billion nuclear submarines purchase by Australia is the barometer of their collective forgetfulness. This treaty is designed to protect US and UK-led neo-liberal interests in the Asia-Pacific region, not those of Australia or of Asia; it will in fact make the lives of Australians more fraught, for wars and invasions are profitable business ventures, but disastrous for civic society. Starting a war will enable the selling of weaponry and associated military equipment produced by the military-industrial complexes, enabling the fossil fuel industries to enrich themselves, and arms producers to test their new weapon systems and manufacture more advanced arms and ammunition. In the meantime, vital services like health, education, and civic infrastructure will be raided to fund the purchase of weaponry like nuclear submarines.

Faced with this untenable situation, the only option available for preventing authoritarian tyrants from popping up all over the world, will be for the working people around the globe to develop a civil society that is courageous, empowered, and energetic. Only such a mobilisation could develop into a mass campaign of civil disobedience against authoritarianism and tyranny and fight dangerous follies like AUKUS.

This has happened before when the British wanted to send their troops to Russia when the Tsars feudal regime was overthrown in 1917. British workers threatened a general strike and prevented troops from being sent. During the Vietnam war led by the US-led imperial forces including Australia, there were mass mobilisations the world over, against it.

Without such civil society action, political entities that pledge to bring liberation to the working people in the form of top-down authoritarian bureaucracies will ultimately resort to the use of force and violence. Mass opposition can only occur when dynamic, committed, and tested individuals are harnessed  to create an organization with principled policy and program positions that place working peoples interests first. During the Arab Spring, the Aragalaya mass protests in Sri Lanka and currently the anti-judicial reforms mass protest movement in Israel, show the way forward.

This issue of organisation has become more pressing than ever as neo-liberal coalitions prepare for future wars to maintain and expand their military-industrial and economic interests the world over. As progressives, we ought to oppose all these neo-liberal wars that will lead to colonising whole societies which is being forcefully and violently pushed across lands, where neo-liberalism is not yet the dominant mode of production.

We need to stand up for all oppressed people in their struggles to defend their rights. This does not mean supporting demagogues, whether political, religious, or ethnic, those who use progressive populist phraseology to protect the privileges and interests they themselves enjoy.

The twenty-year anniversary of the Iraqi invasion starkly reminds us that unity against oppression is necessary not only because it is just but because of the horrendous effects it imposes on the civilian population, which can blow back to us in the most unexpected and deadly ways. For if the current hullabaloo on AUKUS is anything to go by, those same imperial dunces who have learnt nothing from disasters of Iraq and Afghanistan are up to their same old tricks, they need to be opposed by all.

[1] A leading cabinet minister when Tony Blair was Prime Minister of the UK, confirmed accusations that the regime put forward evidence based on bogus intelligence to justify the launch of the Iraq War.

[2] Dick Cheney undercut the CIA by instructing them to send raw intelligence directly to his office. He worked with Donald Rumsfeld to establish an alternative intelligence agency within the Pentagon. These actions directly contributed to the faulty information that informed the decision to go to war.

Cheney misrepresented facts, claiming there was no doubt about the existence of chemical and biological weapons in Iraq. He claimed that a full-scale nuclear program existed, despite being fully aware of the questions and uncertainties about weapons and WMDs.

Cheney initiated the interrogation tactic known as waterboarding, in which detainees were blindfolded, strapped to a board, and held down. Water was poured into their cavities until their lungs filled up.

Cheney devised the operation of monitoring phone calls and emails of U.S. citizens without a warrant. Part of this operation later became known as the Terrorist Surveillance Program.

Halliburton hired Cheney in 1995. He used contacts he had made during his time as secretary of defence to enrich himself. He earned more than $44 million from Halliburton alone, while drawing a public salary. Afterwards, he returned to public life as Vice President. Halliburton donated to his campaign and in return got numerous lucrative contracts, and is even said to have overcharged the U.S. for the prior services rendered.

The US imposed strict sanctions on Iraq, Libya, and Iran, allegedly for supporting terrorism. Yet during Cheneys tenure at Halliburton, the company operated in all three countries.

Is there a better example of the neo-liberal revolving door between government and private enterprise than Dick Cheney and Halliburton?
New Delhi: After US President Joe Biden issued a new executive order purportedly limiting the use of spyware by the government, China responded by accusing the United States of attempting to preserve hegemony in cyberspace under the guise of national security.

According to Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, the recent White House directive aimed at curbing specific surveillance technology will not alter the reality that Washington poses the most significant danger to global cybersecurity.

Mao Ning asserted that US authorities, for years, have justified the use surveillance technology with national security and human rights without any proof to target foreign nations and firms.

She informed reporters on Friday that the US government purposely exploits technology to engage in cyber surveillance and espionage, as part of its efforts to maintain dominance in the cyberspace. She called upon the US to halt its worldwide hacking operations.

During a press briefing on Friday, a journalist pointed out that the Biden administrations latest executive order to prohibit commercial spyware that poses risks to national security or has been misused by foreign actors is inconsistent with the administrations previous collaboration with the Israeli cyber surveillance company, NSO Group.

As per a recent report in the New York Times, the US government entered into a secret contract with NSO Group through a front company in 2021, allowing authorities to clandestinely track thousands of phone users in Mexico via the companys geolocation tool, Landmark.

The agreement also permits the use of Landmark to spy on mobile numbers in the US, but the publication lacked evidence of that happening yet.

Despite the executive orders stipulation that federal agencies refrain from using tools that have been misused by foreign governments, the contract with NSO Group still seems to be operational, according to the NYT report.

NSO Group has faced allegations of collaborating with over a dozen foreign governments to target human rights activists, journalists, and lawyers using its powerful Pegasus spyware program, including in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Several media reports have also claimed that the FBI procured the tech under a confidential agreement and tested ways to hack into American cell phones, but it is uncertain to what degree the program was deployed against US citizens.

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Sao Paulo: Deforestation in Brazils Amazon rainforest increased 14 per cent in March compared to the previous year, according to preliminary official statistics released on Friday, illustrating the new leftist governments ongoing struggles.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva entered office on 1 January, promising to put a stop to deforestation after his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, reduced environmental protection operations in the Amazon.

This rise in numbers reveals that the Amazon still suffers from a huge lack of governance and that the new government needs to act urgently to rebuild its capacity for repression of environmental crime, which had been totally destroyed by the last government, said Marcio Astrini, head of the local environmental group Climate Observatory.

Space research agency Inpes data showed 356 square km (137 square miles) were cleared in Brazils Amazon just last month.

The latest figures present a mixed picture of the governments anti-deforestation thus far with the destruction for January to March falling to 845 square kilometres (326 square miles), a decrease of 11 per cent from the prior year.

Brazil officially measures annual deforestation from August to July, to limit the influence of cloud cover obscuring destruction satellite images during the rainy months. For the first eight months of that period, August 2022 to March 2023, deforestation is up 39 per cent year on year.

There are only four months left to close the final deforestation numbers. This means that a decrease in deforestation in the Amazon final rates in 2023 is unlikely. In fact, it has greater chances of increasing, Astrini says.

At the end of February in Brasilia, US climate envoy John Kerry said that the world cannot meet its climate goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius unless it protects the Amazon rainforest.

Washington announced at the beginning of the year it intended to contribute to Brazils Amazon Fund, which supports conservation projects in the jungle region.

Norway also pledged its support last month for Brazils efforts to attract additional donor countries for the Amazon Fund.

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Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo Manrique has been granted two more weeks to fight his extradition from the US on corruption charges.

This has also halted extradition proceedings that had been set to start Friday.

The Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ordered a 14-day stay on Toledos extradition to Peru. The stay allows the 77-year-old former leader time to ask a three-judge panel to reconsider its decision denying him a stay or petition the full court to review his appeal.

Toledo accused of taking $20 million in bribes

Toledo is accused of taking $20 million in bribes from Odebrecht, a giant Brazilian construction company that has admitted to US authorities that it bribed officials to win contracts throughout Latin America for decades. Toledo is one of four of Perus ex-presidents implicated in the corruption scandal. He denies the charges.

The judge in the extradition case, Thomas Hixson, ordered Toledo to turn himself over to U.S. marshals Friday after a three-judge appeals court panel this week denied his appeal to stop his extradition. But Hixson reversed his order after Toledos last-ditch effort was granted.

Toledo, who was Perus president from 2001 to 2006, was arrested in July 2019 at his home in Menlo Park, California. He was initially held in solitary confinement at the Santa Rita Jail about 40 miles (60 kilometers) east of San Francisco but was released in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been under house arrest since then.

The Odebrecht corruption scandal has shaken Perus politics, with nearly every living former president now on trial or under investigation.

Former leader Alan Garcia, in office from 2006 to 2011, fatally shot himself in the head in 2019 as police arrived at his home to arrest him.

Former President Ollanta Humala is standing trial on charges that he and his wife received over $3 million from Odebrecht for his presidential campaigns in 2006 and 2011. Both have denied any wrongdoing.

Ex-leader Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who left office in 2018, is under house arrest for similar charges.

With inputs from AP

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London: Seven months after the Women Life Freedom campaign started in Iran, there is still widespread resistance to wearing the headscarf in public, and many women are still sharing their experiences on social media.

Ava, a musician in her mid-20s who lives in Tehran, spoke to ABC News on the condition of anonymity so she could discuss the movement in her own words.

I will never forget the epic feeling I had the day I went out with my friend and saw how we, women, have conquered the city with our bodies, with our hair in the wind, Ava said.

Our very presence in the streets, in my opinion, constitutes a form of resistance. The way we live our daily lives is an element of our revolution, she continued.

Hardline supporters of the Islamic Republic regime have been preparing for harsh retaliation against the resistance movement in the meantime.

The leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ordered authorities to devise strategies for the issue in a speech to Irans senior officials on Tuesday.

He claimed that removing the hijab is a plot created by the enemy and is haram based on Sharia and also politically.

Following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who was arrested by the morality police for improperly donning a hijab and brought into detention, protests started last October.

In the ensuing protests, at least 22,000 people were detained nationwide, and Iran Human Rights alleged that the regime has killed at least 537 individuals since the protests began.

The leaders address came after some videos of the regimes hardline supporters went viral in which they made it plain that they would take spontaneous action if officials failed to show they could counter the freedom movement.

Threats like these have resulted in occurrences like acid attacks against women who have not fully complied with the laws requiring the hijab over the past ten years.

One day following the leaders speech, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, a speaker for the Iranian parliament, assured hardline followers that any bills or proposals regarding the hijab would be given priority, saying, The order given by his excellency is clear.

According to a March 26 report by the unofficial Jamaran News Agency, legislator Hosein Jalali has outlined a plan of action.

He said during a press conference that women who disobey the need to cover their heads with the hijab could face fines of up to $60,000 as well as additional penalties including losing their drivers licences and passports.

However, concerns about the implementation of these measures havent really caught on with many Iranians up to this point.

I ignore what they have to say. Politics and religion must support life in order to succeed; else, they will fail. There has been a decline in the widespread terror that once existed Ava stated.

We are getting ready to go on. The woman, life, freedom movement has received varying degrees of acceptance even in smaller communities.

While overthrowing the regime is Zahras ultimate demand and goal, the 47-year-old housewife from a conservative area of Isfahan told ABC News that people value the accomplishments of protesters big sacrifices.

My elderly mother has made the decision to stop donning the chador, a lengthy black veil. She now thinks that by choosing not to wear it, she can normalise the decision made by her nieces and grandchildren to stop wearing the hijab completely, according to Zahra.

We are aware that achieving economic and social freedom and wellbeing still requires much work. But my deeply devout mother wants to encourage our daughters choice of attire. It is a significant difference thus far, she continued.

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New Delhi: Iraq on Saturday said that the Turkish government must cease hostilities on its soil and asked it to apologise for what it said was an attack on Sulaymaniyah airport in Iraqs north.

Turkey has no legal justification to continue its approach of intimidating civilians under the pretext that forces hostile to it are present on Iraqi soil, the Iraqi presidency said in a statement.

Taking to Twitter late on Friday, Lawk Ghafuri, head of foreign media affairs for the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), said that a drone attack hit the vicinity of Sulaymaniyah airport on Friday but caused no damage or delays or suspension of flights.

No Turkish Armed Forces operation took place in that region on Friday, a Turkish defence ministry official told Reuters.

Turkeys armed forces have conducted several large-scale military operations including air strikes over the decades in northern Iraq and northern Syria against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, Islamic State and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The attack claims came a few days after Turkey closed its airspace to aircraft travelling to and from Sulaymaniyah due to what it said was intensified activity there by PKK militants.

In early March, a Turkish drone strike in northern Iraq killed two Yazidi fighters affiliated with the PKK, days after a similar strike killed three other fighters.

The PKK has waged an insurgency in Turkey that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since 1984.

With inputs from agencies

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Cairo: Iraq demanded Turkiye apologise for allegedly bombarding the Sulaymaniyah airport in the north of the nation and demanded that the Turkish government end its hostilities there.

The Iraqi presidency said in a statement that Turkiye has no legal justification to continue its approach of intimidating civilians under the pretext that forces hostile to it are present on Iraqi soil.

An explosion struck next to the Suleimaniyah International Airport in northern Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region Friday, local officials said.

The blast came days after Turkiye closed its airspace to flights to and from the airport, citing an alleged increase in Kurdish militant activity threatening flight safety.

Turkiye has spent years fighting Kurdish militants in its east. Large Kurdish populations can also be found in Syria and Iraq, which are nearby.

The explosion was reportedly caused by a Turkish drone strike on Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, the primary US-backed and

Kurdish-led group in Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based opposition war monitor.

In northeast Syria, representatives of the SDF and the Kurdish regional government disputed that Abdi was in Suleimaniyah at the time or had been attacked.

Abdi is carrying on his work and is in northeast Syria, according to Fethullah Al-Husseini, a representative of the Kurdish self-rule administration there.

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Brussels: European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Saturday condemned the rampant violence between Israel and the Palestinians and urged all parties to exercise restraint.

The EU calls for an immediate end to the ongoing violence. Everything must be done to prevent the conflict from spreading, Borrell said in a statement.

We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to avoid further escalation and promote calm for the ongoing religious holidays, he said.

Israeli-Palestinian tensions escalated after an Italian tourist was killed and five people were wounded in a car ramming in Tel Aviv on Friday following a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank that killed two Israeli sisters.

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Judaisms Passover and Christian Easter are all occurring this month.

With inputs from agencies.

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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday mobilised police and army reserves after separate attacks killed three people in the West Bank and Tel Aviv as tensions grip the region.

On Friday, Israeli police neutralised a terrorist who killed at least one person in a shooting and car-ramming attack in Tel Aviv.

All the victims were tourists, the Magen David Adom emergency service said, without providing details on their nationalities.

The countrys army said it had launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of Fridays shooting in the occupied West Bank which killed two sisters and seriously wounded their mother.

It said the victims were fired on as their vehicle passed through Hamra junction in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Oded Revivi, mayor of the settlement of Efrat, confirmed the victims in the West Bank shooting were Israeli sisters aged 16 and 20, and the wounded woman was their mother.

A British diplomat later confirmed that the two also held UK passports, while calling for all parties to de-escalate tensions.

Israel-Lebanon tensions escalate

Fridays attacks came after Israel launched air strikes and an artillery bombardment before dawn in response to rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

Israel struck targets, including terror infrastructures, belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation in southern Lebanon, the army said.

The Lebanese army said it had found and dismantled a multiple rocket launcher in an olive grove in the Marjayoun area near the border, still loaded with six primed rockets.

The Israeli army said it had hit two tunnels and two weapon manufacturing sites belonging to Hamas in Gaza as a response to the security violations of Hamas.

It said air defences intercepted 25 rockets on Thursday, while five hit Israeli territory.

Israel will not allow the Hamas terrorist organisation to operate from within Lebanon, it added.

On Friday, Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said the threats and intimidation of the Zionist leaders will lead nowhere.

Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht had blamed Palestinian militants for the rocket fire from Lebanon.

UN calls for restraint

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which patrols the area along the border, urged restraint, adding: Both sides have said they do not want a war.

On Friday evening, the army said it had shot down a drone that entered Israels airspace from Lebanon.

The Palestinian health ministry had earlier reported partial damage to the Al-Dorra childrens hospital in Gaza City. Hecht said Israel was investigating.

Hamas condemned the appalling Israeli aggression and said it holds Israel fully responsible for the consequences.

Al-Aqsa Mosque raid

A Qatari official on Friday said Doha was mediating between Israel and the Palestinians.

Doha  which has previously mediated between Israel and Hamas  is working to deescalate the situation on all sides, with the latest contact being noon today, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Israeli riot police had stormed the prayer hall of Al-Aqsa mosque in a pre-dawn Wednesday raid aiming to dislodge law-breaking youths and masked agitators they said had barricaded themselves inside.

The violence sparked an exchange of rockets and air strikes with militants in Gaza.

UN chief Antonio Guterres meanwhile has urged all actors to exercise maximum restraint.

The United States said it recognised Israels legitimate right to defend itself, while France vowed unwavering support for Israels security and Lebanons stability and sovereignty.

An Iran foreign ministry spokesperson strongly condemned the attacks of the aggressor Zionist regime, and Russia called for an end to the violence and a lasting ceasefire.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad told Egypt, a longstanding mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, that rocket fire would continue if Israel continues its aggressions and air strikes but, if these aggressions stop, they will cease fire, Palestinian sources told AFP.

With inputs from AFP

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New Delhi: The Indian Government has confronted Myanmar about the construction of a Chinese military base in the Great Coco Islands, an archipelago barely 55 km away from Indias Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

In January 2023, satellite imagery released by Maxar Technologies  a Colorado-based IT company  showed renewed levels of construction activities in Myanmars Great Coco Islands.

Indian officials aware of the matter say that representatives of the government have shared pictures with their counterparts in Myanmar of what seem to depict Chinese workers helping the construction of a listening post on Coco Islands located in the Indian Ocean. In these pictures, the workers were also seen extending an airstrip.

Myanmar calls allegations absurd

The Indian officials also revealed that that during the meetings Myanmar officials rejected any allegations made by India about Chinese involvement in the Coco Islands.

The satellite imagery has caused a great deal of concern for India as it remains wary that the construction of such a facility will facilitate China to monitor communications from naval bases and track missiles from test sites, according to Bloomberg.

Calling the allegations absurd, Major General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for Myanmars ruling State Administration Council said that his country would never authorise any foreign government to build a military base on its land.

He said, Myanmar and India always have discussions at many levels, but there was no specific discussion on this issue.

The Indian government already knows perfectly well that only Myanmar security forces are based there, and they are doing defence activities for their own country, the General added.

India will take necessary measures to safeguard interests

India remained firm on its stand during the meeting, the officials said. Arindam Bagchi, Indias Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, said that India will take all the necessary steps to safeguard its interests.

The government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on Indias security, he said.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, Chen Hai has not responded to a request for comment. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, similarly, did not reply to questions.

Despite Myanmars reassurance, India will continue pressing the country to block any attempt made by China from operating the spy post on Coco Islands.

Tell-tale signs of China military base

Last week, Chatham House, a London-based policy research group, released a report about the Great Coco Islands experiencing a steady makeover, with tell-tale signs of military modernization and facilities to support aircraft.

Providing pictorial proof, the report speculated on Myanmars intentions of militarising the archipelago by conducting maritime surveillance operations.

Visible are two new hangars, a new causeway and what appears to be an accommodation bloc, all of which are visible in proximity to a freshly lengthened 2,300-metre runway and radar station, the report said.

It added, Visible as of late March on the southern tip of Great Coco, just beyond the causeway connecting the islands, is evidence of land clearing efforts indicating construction work to come.

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New Delhi: North Korea has begun confiscating yuan and dollars from citizens by stopping them on the street for random searches, sources in the country told Radio Free Asia.

The move of Korean authorities came almost a month after the country banned foreign currency.

According to reports, residents have been ordered to exchange their foreign currency for the domestic won, but they prefer Chinese and U.S. currency because it is considered to be more stable.

In recent years, the North Korean government has intensified efforts to collect foreign currency held by its citizens.

Some are wondering if the opening of customs trade between North Korea and China is imminent with the recent ban on the use of foreign currency, a resident of the north-western province of North Pyongan told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for safety reasons.

This is because in the past, ahead of periods of increased trade between North Korea and China, the authorities had to manoeuvre foreign currency out by issuing a ban.

The exercise to collect foreign currency from the residents aims to secure enough of it for when trade with China completely resumes, likely later this year, a North Korean escapee who once worked as the head of a military unit that dealt with foreign currency, told RFA on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

The North Korean government would be unable to confiscate all the foreign currency from the people because they would never cooperate,tThe former unit leader, who settled in South Korea in 2016 quoted by RFA as saying.

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It was through the World Bank that the United States pushed an agenda to privatize public institutions. Men such as Banga have been integral to the fulfillment of that agenda.

by Vijay Prashad

In late February 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that the United States had placed the nomination of Ajay Banga to be the next head of the World Bank, established in 1944. There will be no other official candidates for this job sinceby conventionthe U.S. nominee is automatically selected for the post. This has been the case for the 13 previous presidents of the World Bankthe one exception was the acting president Kristalina Georgieva of Bulgaria, who held the post for two months in 2019. In the official history of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), J. Keith Horsefield wrote that U.S. authorities considered that the Bank would have to be headed by a U.S. citizen in order to win the confidence of the banking community, and that it would be impracticable to appoint U.S. citizens to head both the Bank and the Fund. By an undemocratic convention, therefore, the World Bank head was to be a U.S. citizen and the head of the IMF was to be a European national (Georgieva is currently the managing director of the IMF). Therefore, Bidens nomination of Banga guarantees his ascension to the post.

The BRICS nations and their priorities [ File Photo]

A month later, the New Development Banks Board of Governorswhich includes representatives from Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa (the BRICS countries) as well as one person to represent Bangladesh, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirateselected Brazils former president Dilma Rousseff to head the NDB, popularly known as the BRICS Bank. The BRICS Bank, which was first discussed in 2012, began to operate in 2016 when it issued its first green financial bonds. There have only been three managing directors of the BRICS Bankthe first from India (K.V. Kamath) and then the next two from Brazil (Marcos Prado Troyjo and now Rousseff to finish Troyjos term). The president of the BRICS Bank will be elected from its members, not from just one country.

Banga will come to the World Bank, whose office is in Washington, D.C., from the world of international corporations. He spent his entire career in these multinational corporations, from his early days in India at Nestle to his later international career at Citigroup and Mastercard. Most recently, Banga was the head of the International Chamber of Commerce, an executive of multinational corporations that was founded in 1919 and is based in Paris, France. As Banga says, during his time at Citigroup, he ran its microfinance division, and, during his time at Mastercard, he made various pledges regarding the environment. Nonetheless, he has no experience in the world of development finance and investment. He told the Financial Times that he would turn to the private sector for funds and ideas. His resume is not unlike that of most U.S. appointees to head the World Bank. The first president of the World Bank was Eugene Meyer, who built the chemical multinational Allied Chemical and Dye Corporation (later Honeywell) and who owned the Washington Post. He too had no direct experience working on eradicating poverty or building public infrastructure. It was through the World Bank that the United States pushed an agenda to privatize public institutions. Men such as Banga have been integral to the fulfillment of that agenda.

Dilma Rousseff, meanwhile, comes to the BRICS Bank with a different resume. Her political career began in the democratic fight against the 21-year military dictatorship (1964-1985) that was inflicted on Brazil by the United States and its allies. During Lula da Silvas two terms as president (2003-2011), Dilma Rousseff was a cabinet minister and his chief of staff. She took charge of the Programa de Aceleracao do Crescimento (Growth Acceleration Program) or PAC, which organized the anti-poverty work of the government. Because of her work in poverty eradication, Dilma became known popularly as the mae do PAC (mother of PAC). A World Bank study from 2015 showed that Brazil had succeeded in significantly reducing poverty in the last decade; extreme poverty fell from 10 percent in 2001 to 4 percent in 2013. [A]pproximately 25 million Brazilians escaped extreme or moderate poverty, the report said. This poverty reduction was not a result of privatization, but of two government schemes developed and established by Lula and Dilma: Bolsa Familia (the family allowance scheme) and Brasil sem Miseria (the Brazil Without Extreme Poverty plan, which helped families with employment and built infrastructure such as schools, running water, and sewer systems in low-income areas). Dilma Rousseff brings her experience in these programs, the benefits of which were reversed under her successors (Michel Temer and Jair Bolsonaro).

Banga, who comes from the international capital markets, will manage the World Banks net investment portfolio of $82.1 billion as of June 2022. There will be considerable attention to the work of the World Bank, whose power is leveraged by Washingtons authority and by its work with the International Monetary Funds debt-austerity lending practices. In response to the debt-austerity practices of the IMF and the World Bank, the BRICS countrieswhen Dilma was president of Brazil (2011-2016)set up institutions such as the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (as an alternative to the IMF with a $100 billion corpus) and the New Development Bank (as an alternative to the World Bank, with another $100 billion as its initial authorized capital). These new institutions seek to provide development finance through a new development policy that does not enforce austerity on the poorer nations but is driven by the principle of poverty eradication. The BRICS Bank is a young institution compared to the World Bank, but it has considerable financial resources and will need to be innovative in providing assistance that does not lead to endemic debt. Whether the new BRICS Think Tank Network for Finance will be able to break with the IMFs orthodoxy is yet to be seen.

Rousseff chaired her first BRICS Bank meeting on March 28. Banga will likely be appointed at the World Bank-IMF meeting in mid-April.

This article was produced by Globetrotter.

Vijay Prashad is an Indian historian, editor and journalist. He is a writing fellow and chief correspondent at Globetrotter. He is an editor of LeftWord Books and the director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. He is a senior non-resident fellow at Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China. He has written more than 20 books, including The Darker Nations and The Poorer Nations. His latest books are Struggle Makes Us Human: Learning from Movements for Socialism and (with Noam Chomsky) The Withdrawal: Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and the Fragility of U.S. Power.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday declared a full-scale anti-terror campaign against outlawed groups in an effort to eradicate terrorism from the nation, according to Geo News.

The National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, which lasted for two hours and was presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, brought about the development, according to a statement from the PMs office.

The breakdown of a truce with the illegal Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has led to an increase in recent terrorist-police skirmishes in Pakistan, which is indicative of the fragile security situation there.

An all-encompassing and thorough operation will target all aspects of terrorism in Pakistan, including the political, diplomatic, security, economic, and social spheres.

Senior military officers, including Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Shamshad Mirza, were present, according to Geo News.

The meeting agreed to launch an all-out comprehensive operation  with renewed vigour and determination  with the [help] of the entire nation and the government, which will rid the country of the menace of terrorism, the statement mentioned.

The committee termed the recent spate of terrorism a result of a soft corner for and reckless policy with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which was completely contrary to public expectations and aspirations, reported Geo News.

From January to March of this year, various attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have resulted in the death of 127 police officers, reported The News International.

According to an official, 116 of them were killed in January, two in February and nine in March. At least four deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) and some junior officers were among those killed in attacks during the first quarter of 2023.

Comparatively, 36 policemen were attacked in 2017, 30 in 2018, 38 in 2019, 28 in 2020, and 59 in 2021. However, the number of casualties by policemen increased to over 120 in 2022, and the death toll in the first quarter of 2023 has already surpassed the numbers in the previous year.

The police posts in several areas have been coming under attack with grenades and heavy weapons for the last couple of years.

The most recent incident this year occurred in Lakki Marwat when DSP Iqbal Momand and three other police officers were killed after their armoured personnel carrier was damaged by a roadside improvised explosive device, reported The News International.

The worst attack on police during the current year was in January when a suicide bomber detonated explosives around his vest in the mosque of the Peshawar Police Lines during the Zuhr prayers.

Regarding the casualties in the incident, some senior officials put the exact death toll at 100 and 96 were policemen some of whom died at the hospital, reported The News International.

Terrorism in Pakistan has been rearing its head again. Over the past few months, the law and order situation in the country  especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan has worsened  with terrorist groups executing attacks with near impunity across the country.

Since the talks with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke down in November, the terrorist group has intensified its attacks, particularly targeting the police in KP and areas bordering Afghanistan. Insurgents in Balochistan have also stepped up their violent activities and formalized a nexus with the outlawed TTP, reported Dawn.

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New Delhi: Around 2,856 Sikh pilgrims have been granted visas to be in Pakistan for the upcoming Baisakhi celebrations from 9 to 18 April.

The Pakistan High Commission in India tweeted, On the occasion of Baisakhi, Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi has issued 2,856 visas to Sikh pilgrims who will travel from India to participate in the annual festivities in Pakistan from 09-18 April 2023.

On the occasion of Baisakhi, Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi has issued 2,856 visas to Sikh pilgrims who will travel from India to participate in the annual festivities in Pakistan from 09-18 April 2023.@ForeignOfficePk@salmansharif_pk@epwing_official  Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) April 7, 2023

After they enter Pakistan on 9 April, the pilgrims would be able to visit all the key pilgrimage locations in the neighbouring country including Kartarpur Sahib, Dera Sahib, Panja Sahib and Nankana Sahib before they return to India on 18 April.

According to The Express Tribune, all the 2,856 pilgrims would enter Pakistan via the Wagah Border and following their immigration and customs clearance, they would take a special train to Panja Sahib Hasan Abdal, a Gurudwara in Pakistans Punjab.

The visas are issued under guidelines of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974.

Every year, a large number of Sikh pilgrims from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals and occasions. The visas issued from New Delhi are in addition to the visas granted to Sikh pilgrims participating in these events from other countries.

The issuance of visas to religious pilgrims by the High Commission is in line with the Government of Pakistans commitment to fully implement the bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines between the two countries, the Pakistan Embassy in New Delhi said in a statement.

With inputs from agencies

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Vienna: A neutral Austria is getting increasingly affected by sanctions imposed by the EU on Russia owing to its dependency on the country for oil and other commodities.

From the very beginning of the war in Ukraine, Austria has been in splits about the imposition of strict sanctions on Russia. A survey has now found that the percentage of Austrians who want EU sanctions against Russia to be lifted has trumped the percentage of people who support the embargo.

As per a survey conducted by INSA  an opinion research institute  41 per cent of Austrians want sanctions to end, 37 per cent want them to continue while 22 per cent wouldnt say or did not care about them.

Most rich, old and left-wing Austrians were found to back the EU sanctions. While those who are against it mainly hail from the 60 and up age group. Among the youngest group surveyed (16-29), only 22 per cent supported the embargo and a whopping 39 per cent opposed them.

In terms of income, 24 per cent of those earning less than $1100 wanted the sanctions to continue as compared to 51 per cent of the $4300 income bracket.

Difference in opinions was also noticeable across political parties. For instance, 73 per cent of Austrias Green Party supporters want the sanctions to continue as usual. On the other hand, 72 per cent of Freedom Party supporters wanted them lifted.

Austrias rejection of sanctions on Russia

Soon after the war began in 2022, member countries of the European Union began imposing sanctions on Russia for launching its brutal special military operation.

However, Austria found itself on the other side of the spectrum. An EU member, Austria has been defending its opposition to sanctions citing dependency on Russian oil.

Its Finance Minister Magnus Brunner told reporters last year, We are very much dependent on the Russian gas, and I think all sanctions that hit us more than the Russians wouldnt be good for us.

He added, If the sanctions hit yourself more than the other one, I dont think thats the right way to go.

The EU imposed a tenth round of sanctions on Russia in February as the war entered its second year.

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Crimea: Huge barricades and trenches have erected on beaches and at important access points in Crimea to prevent the loss of the peninsula that Putin annexed in 2014.

According to reports, tank traps known as dragons teeth have been installed by the Russian occupants at the Ak-Monai location on the Taurida highway to impede a Ukrainian attempt to retake the peninsula.



The defensive artillery positions on the beaches came after a missile fired from territory controlled by Ukraine was shot down Saturday morning over the Crimean town of Feodosia, which is located on the Black Sea.

In order to defend the area from a possible Ukrainian counteroffensive, Putin has acknowledged that he must sacrifice the regions significant tourism sector this summer.

Both satellite and ground level photos show the scope of the operation, according to reports.

The Crimean peninsulas northern beaches are currently being fiercely defended amid the most obvious indications that Putins military leaders consider the peninsula to be vulnerable.

Welcome to Crimea, russia style! Why go to Egypt to see pyramids if you can see thousands of them on the beaches Crimea!  pic.twitter.com/JK2yTlT62C  Iryna Buczkowski (@IrynaBuczkowski) April 8, 2023

Sergei Aksyonov said on Telegram that a missile launched from Ukraine was shot down over Feodosia without elaborating on the specific projectile in question.

Oleg Kryuchkov, an assistant to Aksyonov, was quoted by Russias TASS news agency as saying that although debris had landed in a Crimean town, no damage or injuries had been reported.

Ukrainian soldiers have allegedly carried out drone assaults, according to Russian-installed officials in Crimea, although Kyiv has traditionally refrained from taking blame.

Late in March, Russia claimed to have shot down a Ukrainian force-fired GLSDB guided smart bomb for the first time without providing any further details.

Ukraine stated earlier this week that it might engage with Russia over Crimea, but only if it moves significantly forward from its existing positions to reach the peninsulas borders.

The loss would be terrible for Putin, even a death blow, and is unimaginable in Moscow.

The hardline chairman of the international affairs committee of the Russian parliament, Leonid Slutsky, declared: The status of Crimea is not even up for discussion.

Its a matter that was settled after the 2014 referendum and is now spelt out in the Russian constitution. The peninsula will always be indivisible from Russia.

He asserted that Kyiv lacked the resources and strength to retake Crimea.

Yan Gagin, a consultant to the Donetsk Peoples Republics annexing authorities, called Ukraines aspirations to enter Crimea empty talk that means absolutely nothing.

However, the defences show that Russia is extremely concerned.

There are two land crossing points into Crimea from Ukraine, and both have recently been fortified with new defences.

Ukrainian reports claim that several beaches have been mined.

Disaster for tourism

As individuals disregard official requests to make patriotic bookings this summer, the dictator is facing impending economic disaster in the formerly lucrative tourism sector of the occupied peninsula.

Nearly all of the beaches in the occupied zone have massive barricades now or soon will, and Ukraine claims that the Russians also mine those beaches.

Putin views the unlawful takeover of the tourist gem Crimea in 2014 as one of his greatest successes, but there is now worry that Ukraine could employ Western weaponry to retake a region the size of Wales.

Bookings are currently 80% lower than last year, which were subsequently 30% below pre-war levels, and hoteliers are requesting state bailouts to make up for the financial impact of Putins war.

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Austin, Texas: A Texas jury convicted a US Army sergeant of homicide for fatally shooting an armed demonstrator in 2020 during nationwide rallies against police abuse and racial inequality.

Sgt. Daniel Perry was working for a ride-sharing firm in downtown Austin in July 2020 when he pulled down a street and into a big gathering of protestors. A motorist can be heard honking in a live Facebook video before several rounds ring out and demonstrators begin yelling and running.

Perry, who faces life in prison, now awaits sentencing.

Perrys attorneys said he acted in self-defence when he shot and killed Garrett Foster, 28 after protestors banged on his car. Foster pointed a weapon at Perry, the sergeants attorneys say, and Perry fired from inside his vehicle.

Perry was stationed at Fort Hood, about 70 miles (112 kilometres) north of Austin. The trial comes after attempts from Perrys team to throw out the case over the past year.

When Foster was killed, demonstrators in Austin and beyond had been marching in the streets for weeks following the police killing of George Floyd. Floyd died on 25 May, 2020, after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against the Black mans neck for more than nine minutes. Floyd, who was handcuffed, repeatedly said he couldnt breathe.

Floyds killing was recorded on video by a bystander and sparked worldwide protests as part of a broader reckoning over racial injustice.

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London: A disciplinary court in UK has heard that a former police officer who had an inappropriate relationship with a helpless lady performed breathalyser tests on himself to satisfy internal goals.

The panel reportedly determined that former police constable Julian John had engaged in gross misconduct and would have been fired from the South Wales Police if he hadnt already left his position.

It turned out that the accused allegedly had an improper relationship developed during the course of his employment as an officer after which an inquiry was launched.

Investigations were conducted by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into an improper connection the former officer had made with a helpless woman.

Must Read: Over 1500 UK police officers accused of rape, sexual harassment in 6 months, just 13 sacked

The court was informed that John conducted two negative breathalyser tests on himself in mid-December 2019 to determine the amount of alcohol in his breath before recording them as public tests.

John sent the woman some flirtatious text messages, which were discovered on his work mobile.

The fact that these texts were sent over a nine-month period and there was evidence that he had at least once spent the night on her home was significant.

The panel judged his claim to be wholly implausible, yet he had said in an interview that he wanted to explore if a mince pie he had eaten would affect his blood alcohol level.

They claim that it was more likely a deliberate effort to exaggerate the results of breathalyser tests during a campaign against drunk driving over the Christmas holiday.

At the conclusion of its investigation, the IOPC determined that the officer had a case to answer for serious misconduct.

Also Read: UKs Met Police racist, sexist, homophobic, killers, rapists; fix it or disband it: Review

In March of this year, he left the police.

John has been added to the police-barred list as a result of the hearing that was conducted on March 28 and presided over by an impartial legal expert, according to a Sky news report.

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Kyiv: Ukraines energy infrastructure is beginning to function again as the nation has now started exporting electricity for the first time in six months.

Last October, Russia started its protracted and planned assault on Ukraines energy infrastructure.

Power outages and planned blackouts resulted, putting villages and cities in the dark during the winter.

Ukraine will be able to sell its excess electricity once more after being ordered to halt exports.

Although domestic clients are still given precedence, energy minister Herman Halushchenko signed an executive order authorising the shipments.

Since almost two months, the system has been producing surplus capacity, according to him, and Ukrainians are not subject to any limits.

The most challenging winter is over, Mr. Halushchenko declared on Friday.

He said the next step is to begin exporting electricity, which will enable us to draw in more financial support for the essential rebuilding of the damaged and devastated energy infrastructure.

He also lauded the engineers and worldwide collaborators titanic work in repairing the system.

Residents in Ukraine told the BBC last month that power supply were become more dependable.

Ukrenergo, the company in charge of running the nations energy grid, has cautioned that Ukraine cannot rely on Russian attacks ceasing.

On Saturday, Ukrenergo reported that Russia has so far throughout the war launched more than 1,200 missiles and drones at its energy installations.

The attack, according to the report, was the biggest attempt to bring down the electricity infrastructure of a European nation.

This winter, with power outages and frigid temperatures, some residents were forced to use resilience centres in cities around Ukraine to stay warm.

Power, heat, and essential supplies like food and medications were all delivered by the hubs.

Since Russia started attacking energy infrastructure, all of Ukraines thermal and hydroelectric power plants have suffered damage.

The largest nuclear power plant in Europe, located in Zaporizhzhia, is now under Russian authority, and Kyiv has lost control of it.

By the end of the year, Ukraine had stated in June 2022 that it hoped to earn 1.5 billion (1.33 billion) from electricity exports to the EU, which has been the countrys primary energy export market since the war started.

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New Delhi: Ukraine is once again reaching out to India for humanitarian aid with its First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova due to visit the country on Monday.

Dzhaparova hopes to seek equipment to repair and rebuild its heavily damaged energy infrastructure.

The deputy foreign minister will become the first Ukrainian government official to visit India since the Russian invasion began last year. During her trip, Dzhaparova will call on India to send a strong message for peace to Russian President Vladimir Putin who himself is expected to be in India for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in July.

Indian newspaper The Hindu quoted diplomatic sources saying, Ukraine has requested India for more humanitarian aid, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and energy equipment, to repair power infrastructure damaged during the war, and both sides are also expected to discuss the delivery of such support.

The Ukrainian minister is also expected to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kyiv.

During talks with the Indian government, Dzhaparova will expand on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiys 10-point peace formula, and call on India to add its crucial global voice to building a consensus in its favour, the paper said.

Ukraine is keen to get an invitation to participate in G20 meetings and for Zelenskiy to be invited to speak to G20 leaders during the summit, the newspaper said.

The Indian Council of World Affairs, a New Delhi-based think tank, said on Twitter it would host a talk with Dzhaparova on Tuesday.

With inputs from agencies

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Washington: The United States is all set to extend long-term assistance for the Ivory Coast, Benin and Togo as concerns rise that jihadist violence in the Sahel could spill into coastal West Africa.

Western support was also critical to halting Russias Wagner mercenary group which has made major inroads in violence-torn Sahel countries, including by allying with Malis military junta, an official told AFP.

President Joe Bidens administration identified coastal West Africa as a priority for the coming decade considering a new global strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability in the region.

Vice President Kamala Harris, visiting Ghana last month as part of a growing US push in Africa, promised $100 million over 10 years to reinforce resilience in coastal West Africa. State Department officials are also looking at additional funding including from the counter-terrorism budget.

The report, released in March, said that the Sahel to the immediate north had experienced more terrorist attacks than any other region and that it was critical to prevent violent conflicts from emerging or further spreading across the region.

While coastal cities connected to the world through seaports have been mostly unscathed, violence has been rising in areas bordering Mali and Burkina Faso.

Its a significant and burgeoning threat, said Michael Heath, the deputy assistant secretary of state in charge of West Africa.

Its something of concern to us because the capabilities of the governments in place  theyve never faced a threat like this before, he told AFP.

Theyre trying to cope with this, and were trying to see what kind of tools they need, said Heath, who recently returned from a trip to the region with other State Department officials to assess needs.

Heath said he has not yet seen a presence in the three countries of the Wagner Group, which has been accused of human rights abuses in several countries including Ukraine, where the unit has played a key role in the invasion.

Theyre not yet in the coastal West African states, but we know theyre looking for opportunities to take advantage of instability wherever they see it, he said.

US officials accuse Russia of stepping up disinformation in French-speaking Africa, seeing a ripe audience due to post-colonial resentments.

Holistic approach Concerns in the Sahel about violence as well as Russia have grown in the months since France ended an eight-year campaign against jihadists, which some critics faulted as overly focused on military solutions.

US officials said that coastal West Africa would not be seeing violence without spillover from the north, but that instability can also be attributed to local factors and competition for resources as climate change aggravates scarcities.

US officials said assistance would focus in part on addressing economic gaps that would help extremists recruit.

We want to obviously help these governments who are more interested in a holistic approach and good governance address the problems of the north, where the resources are sparser, said Gregory LoGerfo, a senior State Department counterterrorism official who was on the trip.

One key area, US officials said, will be helping West African governments build their legal systems so they can distinguish between legitimate refugees fleeing the Sahel and security threats.

Theres a lot of people with family ties across borders in Burkina Faso and back and so forth, LoGerfo said.

You want a management system where youre not shutting off families or economies, but you also have to address the security problem, he said.

With inputs from agencies.
New Delhi: The US Navy said on Saturday a nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine was operating in the Middle East, a show of force that comes amid growing harassment of US troops in Syria and attacks on US bases by Iran-backed militants.

USS Florida, an Ohio-class submarine that carries 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, entered the region Thursday and began transiting the Suez Canal the following day, Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for US Naval Forces Central Command/US 5th Fleet, said in a statement.

It is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and is deployed to US 5th Fleet to help ensure regional maritime security and stability, Hawkins said.

The fleets area of responsibility includes the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.

The Navy doesnt typically choose to reveal the locations of its submarines while theyre at sea. The photo, taken Friday, was released through the Defence Departments media website.

The show of force follows the repositioning of the George HW Bush Carrier Strike Group in the Mediterranean Sea closer to the Middle East, as well as US airstrikes on facilities in Syria used by groups affiliated with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Those actions came after a drone attack in Syria last month that killed a US contractor and injured at least five service members and another contractor.

The US also is concerned about potential threats to merchant vessels in regional waters, according to an official familiar with the matter.

Analysts say that Iran is likely to continue its proxy attacks.

With inputs from agencies

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Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri recently revealed its new S800 submarine, built to operate in shallow waters or on the high seas. S800 is 51 meters (163 feet) long, displaces 850 tons submerged and has a crew of 16. S800 has AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) which enables the sub to travel up to a week underwater, moving slowly and quietly with its passive sonar able to detect any surface ships or other submarines. Max range is 3,600 kilometers and max endurance is 20 days. There are four torpedo tubes which can carry torpedoes or naval mines. There is room for one reload of the torpedo tubes. Maximum depth is 200 meters (640 feet), max submerged speed is 27 kilometers an hour and max surface speed is 16 kilometers an hour. S800 can be equipped with two or four torpedo tubes, each with an Italian Black Shark wire-guided torpedo. The first S800 will take about four years to build and the buyer can specify a number of options. Each S800 costs about a billion dollars, depending on options selected. There are some high-end electronic options for S800

S800 is based on the larger (1,100 tons submerged) S1000 which was a joint effort between Fincantieri and a Russian firm. Design of the S1000 began in 2005 but, before the first one could be built, the project was halted by the 2014 Russian attack on Ukraine. Sanctions imposed on Russia led to Fincantieri withdrawing from the project and Russia could not continue because the S1000 depended on a lot of Western tech that was no longer available to Russia. The Russian version of S1000 was called the Amur and the work Russia had done on the S1000/Amur was used on the Lada class subs, which used no Western tech and were being built to replace the Kilo class subs.. By 2013 Russia was considering withdrawing from the S1000/Amur project because they were unable to attract any export customers for Amur.
New Delhi: The US has quietly resumed its controversial biolabs programme in Ukraine and is now concentrating on building new covert facilities and training personnel, according to a Russia Today report, citing the Russian Defence Ministry.

According to the report, commander of Russias Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, presented a new trove of documents on alleged US-funded biological programs in Ukraine during a media briefing on Friday.

Kirillov referred to the minutes of a meeting held on 20 October, 2022, which also included representatives of the Jacobs/CH2M engineering firm, the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and other Ukrainian officials. The topic of discussion at the conference, according to reports, was the restarting of biological research in Ukraine, which had been paused because of tensions between Moscow and Kiev.

Now, the project has been resumed with focus on renewal of legislative support, revision of training schedule, as well as conclusion and resumption of construction work, the Ukrainian-language protocol stated, citing Jacobs/CH2Ms David Smith.

Programme rebranded

Previously known as Joint biological research, the programme has been rebranded as Biological control research, the document indicated. It cited concerns over an alleged Russian disinformation campaign on the issue.

According to Kirillov, the US has taken steps to contain the damage in order to stop any disclosures from Ukrainian experts regarding the true nature of the biological research programmes.

Hiding from responsibility for participating in military biological projects, many suspects left the territory of Ukraine. To prevent a possible leak of information about the illegal activities of the Pentagon, the US administration is taking emergency measures to search for and return them, the commander argued.

US damage control

US damage control began shortly after the outbreak of the conflict in February 2022, another document suggested. The Russian military presented a draft memo titled Reducing the Threat of Ukrainian Expertise Proliferating to US Adversaries, penned by Laura Denlinger, a senior counterproliferation adviser with the US State Department.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the exodus of highly capable technical experts from Ukrainian facilities that produce missile components and advanced conventional weapons (ACW), as well as those with expertise that could be redirected and exploited by others for a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) weapon, reads the memo, dated 11 March, 2022.

Moscow raised allegations of a sprawling network of secretive US-funded biological laboratories in Ukraine early in the conflict, and has since frequently published troves of documents on the matter.

Russia took the issue of biolabs to the UN last October, requesting an international probe. The motion, however, was turned down by the UN Security Council, with the US, UK, and France voting against it.

With inputs from agencies

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In a shocking case, a teenager and a 12-year-old have been charged in the deaths of three teens whose bodies were found along a roadside in the US state of Florida and in the trunk of a partially-submerged vehicle, authorities said Friday.

Another teen is being sought in the case.

Law enforcement officials were shocked by the young ages of the victims and alleged killers, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said at a news conference.

The older suspect in custody is 17, and police are still searching for a 16-year-old.

The two suspects in custody are charged with first-degree murder.

The state attorneys office is reviewing the case to determine whether the suspects will be charged as adults.

The shooting suspects and victims were all in a vehicle belonging to 16-year-old victim Layla Silvernail when the killings occurred, Woods said.

Authorities have not released the names of the other two victims, a 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy.

Woods said the three who died were in the vehicle on their own free will.

The night of the 30 March shooting, deputies found Silvernail on the side of a road in rural Marion County in northern Florida. She later died from a gunshot wound, the sheriff said.

The next morning, deputies were called to a nearby location where a teenage boy was found dead, also from a gunshot wound, Woods said.

On 1 April, investigators found Silvernails vehicle partially submerged in a small pond near Ocklawaha, about 9 miles (14 km) from where the bodies were found. They searched the vehicle and found a teen girl dead in the trunk.

He said all of the youths were involved in gangs, but authorities have nothing specific pointing to a rivalry.

However, in some shape or another, each were associated with a gang, the sheriff said.

At some point these three individuals turned on our three victims, Woods said. They fled the scenes, but left a lot of evidence in their wake. Woods said the two suspects confessed to shooting the victim found in the vehicles trunk. Woods said the teens got the guns while breaking into cars, but he didnt provide many other details about the shootings or how many guns were involved.

Woods noted the quick actions of law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Office and the Ocala Police Department in solving the crime.

He also commended local citizens for providing tips that led to the two arrests.

Woods said the 12-year-old was arrested on 31 March by Ocala police following an affray at school, and he was already in custody when charges were filed in the teens slayings.

The 17-year-old suspect was arrested at his home Thursday night.

Woods expressed frustration that juveniles are not being held accountable for their actions.

We need to hold them accountable and then hope that we can change them, he said.

With inputs from AP

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Googles Nest acquired home surveillance company Dropcam in 2014, before introducing its own Nest cameras in 2015. After 10 years, Google has announced that it will stop support for Dropcam from April 8, 2024.

Google said that it is challenging to continue to update these products given the early hardware as the reason for dropping the support.

Dropcam will stop working from April 8, 2024

Until April 8, 2024, all thee current features will remain available, so owners can continue the Dropcam. Starting April 8, 2024, Dropcam will no longer work, and the Nest app will not show the status of the Dropcam, view live streams, notifications, or change settings.

What will happen to Nest Aware subscription?

Nest Aware subscription will not automatically be cancelled. If the Nest Aware subscription covers all the devices in your home, it will continue to work with any other Nest cameras.

If you have a first-generation Nest Aware subscription, you will need to cancel your subscription at home.nest.com. It can be cancelled through the Google Home app if its linked to a Google account.

Your video history will no longer be available as of April 8, 2024. To keep any videos from your Dropcam, you can download and save them before that.

Dropcam owners with Nest Aware subscription get a free Nest Cam

Google is also mailing Dropcam owners with Nest Aware subscription that were active in the last 28 days that they will get a complimentary Nest Cam. If they have two or more active Dropcams, they can redeem the offer for up to two wired Nest Cams. The offer is automatically applied at checkout.

Those who have Dropcam, but dont have an active Nest Aware subscription are getting a 50% discount coupon on the Nestcam. This offer runs till May 7, 2024, so users still have one more year to claim it.

Nest Secure will also stop working from April 8, 2024

In 2020, Google announced a long-term strategic partnership between Google and ADT, a leading US security and home automation provider. Google has announced that it will also stop support for Nest Secure.

Users will get an exclusive offer for a Self Setup System from ADT worth up to $485 for free or $200 Google Store coupon.

Works with Nest will also be discontinued

After extending the support for Works with Nest for the last few years, Google has confirmed that it will end Works with Nest as of September 29, 2023. Until that date, all current Works with Nest connections will remain active.

Starting September 29, those connections will no longer work, and you will lose access to them. In the coming months, Google will offer a script editor for those who want to create advanced home automations that will offer new features and capabilities.

Google said that it is also working closely with its partners to provide replacement integrations where possible.
One side effect of the China mediated peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran is improved relations between Syria and other Arab states. The Saudis have invited Bashir Assad, the Iran backed Syrian leader to the next Arab League meeting on May 19th. This one is being held in Saudi Arabia. In late 2021 Syria was invited to attend the March 2022 Arab League meeting of all 22 members. President Assad has been negotiating with Arab League members since 2017 about abandoning Iran and rejoining the league. Syrian membership was suspended in 2011 for its many sins. Assad went public about rejoining in late 2018 and has been speaking with other Arab League members more frequently ever since. Syria has obtained offers of assistance in rebuilding Syria as well as assisting Syria in becoming an active member of the Arab League once more.

In late 2011 Syria was suspended from the Arab League and many of the 21 other League members cut diplomatic relations or imposed sanctions. The Arab League was unable to do much more. By early 2013 the Arab League was still unable to muster enough unity to call for international (Western) intervention in Syria. The Arab League did that in 2011 for Libya and many Arabs considered it shameful that the Arab world could not handle the military intervention itself. Despite trillions of dollars in oil income and hundreds of millions of Arabs demanding something be done, the Arab League had to call on outsiders to save Libya from degenerating into an interminable bloodbath. That is what happened in Syria and many Arabs refused to accept responsibility and just blamed the West and Israel for the mess. Given that toxic atmosphere, Western nations, including NATO member Turkey, were reluctant to do what the Arabs wanted done but would not admit they cannot do it themselves. Iran and the Russians intervened in support of the Assads and the slaughter of pro-rebel civilians continued as did Assad efforts to force pro-rebel civilians out of Syria.

In 2020 the U.S. negotiated the Abraham Accords, which made it possible for Arab League members to establish diplomatic and other relations with Israel. The League sees Iran as a very dangerous foe and only the unity of all Arab states, including Israel, can deal with Iran. Arabs have long known that over half the Israeli population is ethnically Arab, the descendants of Middle Eastern Jews forced from Arab nations where they had lived for over a thousand years and most came to Israel. The Assads have accepted all this but must first formally renounce their alliance with Iran, or at least expel Iranian forces from Syria. In 2023 Iran made peace with Saudi Arabia and that provided Bashir Assad an opportunity to rejoin the Arab League without risking immediate assassination by the Iranians. So far its all talk. It remains to be seen whether Assad will perform the Leagues required actions for rejoining, and what Iran will do to him if he does anything Iran disapproves of.

April 6, 2023: In the west, across the border in southern Lebanon an Iran-backed Palestinian faction fired 30 unguided rockets into Israel. The Iron Dome defense system intercepted 15 of the rockets that were headed for populated areas while the others landed in uninhabited territory. Iran sponsors Hamas in Gaza and gas smuggles in rockets and rocket components. Iran control Hezbollah in Lebanon has recruited local Palestinians to form an anti-Israel group and use Iranian-made rockets provided by Hezbollah to attack Israel. Hezbollah does not want to do this itself because Israel would retaliate against the many Hezbollah facilities in Lebanon. Israel retaliated for this rocket barrage with artillery fire against Iranian or pro-Iranian group targets near the border. For years Iran has threatened to unleash massive simultaneous rocket barrages from Gaza and Lebanon but was dissuaded by Israeli retaliation, which would include ground invasion and enormous damage on Hamas and Hezbollah facilities. Worse, the Lebanese government would become more hostile to the Hezbollah presence in Lebanon and the many anti-Hamas Palestinians in Gaza threaten to do the same.

April 4, 2023: In central Syria (Homs province) an Israeli airstrike hit the Al-Qusayr airport, which is near the Lebanon border and used by Hezbollah.

April 3, 2023: In the northwest (Idlib province) an American UAV missile attack killed Khalid Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri, a senior planner of ISIL attacks in Europe. Attacks like this are more frequent in the last two years because ISIL has few friends or supporters among less fanatic Islamic terrorists (like HTS), the Turks, Kurdish militias or Syrian forces. That means lots of people available to provide details of individual ISIL leaders locations and movements. Iraqi intelligence also provided information about the ISIL leaders movements.

April 2, 2023: In the south (the Israeli border) Israel shot down an UAV that crossed into Israeli air space. The UAV apparently came from Syria.

Elsewhere in the south (Damascus) a car bomb went off outside the city near a military airport. There were no injuries. Earlier in the day there was an Israeli airstrike in the west Syrian city of Homs. Five Syrian soldiers were wounded. This was the third Israeli airstrike in the south in the last three days. Most of these attacks are against Iranian or Iran-backed personnel and facilities.

In the northeast (Hasaka province) ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) gunmen ambushed an SDF patrol, killing one of the Kurdish SDF men and wounding three others. So far this year, there have been 44 ISIL attacks in eastern Syria that left 32 people dead and many more wounded. Some of the attacks consisted of roadside bombs.

April 1, 2023: In the north (Aleppo and Idlib provinces) fighting between Syrian troops and Islamic terror group HTS continues. Efforts to get HTS (the dominant Islamic terrorist coalition in the province) to cooperate with the Turks have failed. Turkey proposed that HTS work with Turkey-backed Syrian militias to keep the peace so Turkey could move more Syrian refugees back to Syria. Turkey offered HTS sanctuary in Turkish controlled areas and a few HTS members would be allowed into Turkey. Reaching an agreement with HTS on the details proved difficult, so the fighting continues between HTS and Syrians working for the Turks.

In central Syria (Homs province) an Israeli airstrike hit the T4 airbase., in retaliation for a recent Iranian UAV that tried to cross the border into Israel but was detected and destroyed. The targets at T4 were Iranian training areas and weapons warehouses. Five Syrian soldiers were killed and many more wounded. Air-to-surface missiles are used and some are intercepted by Syrian S-200 SAMs (Surface-to-Air missiles) that have less success against Israeli fighters that are equipped with countermeasures and pilots who know how to avoid the SAMs. The T4 airbase, near the ancient ruins of Palmyra, has been hit at least three times a year since 2018. T4 is the largest airbase in Syria and Iran has constantly built new structures for storing weapons and housing personnel, usually to replace buildings destroyed by the air strikes. T4 is where Iran moved its UAV operations in 2018 after its original UAV base in Syria was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike. Some of the Israeli attacks are against Hezbollah, a large Iran-backed Shia militia in southern Lebanon.

March 30, 2023: In the south (Damascus) Israeli airstrikes hit intelligence headquarters operated by Iran and Hezbollah

March 27, 2023: in the southwest (Rif Dimashq province) a bomb planted in the car of an army colonel went off near where he worked as a weapon development engineer. Israel was suspected.

March 23, 2023: In the northeast (Hasaka province) an Iran backed Iraqi group called the Al-Ghaliboun Brigade launched an attack on an American base, using an explosive carrying UAV. The attack killed an American contractor, wounded another and wounded five American soldiers. The Americans retaliated with air strikes on bases used by the IRGC and known anti-American groups in Syria. The Iraqi government has tried to shut down Iran-backed Iraqi militias but some still operate, especially along the Iraqi border.

March 20, 2023: It was twenty years ago today that the Saddam Hussein government, a longtime foe of Syria and Iran, was defeated and replaced by a democracy that could not initially deal with continuing resistance from the Sunni minority that Saddam belonged to. Iran expanded its influence in Iraq and supported attacks on Iraqi Sunni Arabs. The Sunnis were using Islamic terrorism to justify its continuing violence and in 2014 this led to the creation of ISIL in Syria by Iraqis, many who used to work for the Saddam government.

March 19, 2023: In the south (Damascus) a car bomb killed a senior member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This group is based in Gaza but Syria has long provided sanctuary for such groups as long as they do no violence in Syria. The car-bomb was blamed on Israel, which has used similar tactics in the past.

March 8, 2023: Its no coincidence that the least corrupt nations are the most successful. The most corrupt nations (currently Yemen, Venezuela, South Sudan, Syria and Somalia) are the poorest and often mired in civil war or chronic violence. The least corrupt nations (currently Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Norway and Singapore) are peaceful and prosperous.

This problem is most acute in Somalia, which explains why the latest annual Transparency International Corruption Perception Index showed that Somalia is the most corrupt nation in the world. Somalia continued to be as corrupt as it has been during the last decade, with a corruption score of 12, which is why Somalia is stuck at the bottom of the list. Transparency International measures corruption on a 1 (most corrupt) to 100 (not corrupt) scale. The nations with the lowest scores are currently Syria (score of 13), South Sudan (13) and Somalia (12). The least corrupt nation is currently Denmark, with a CPI of 90, followed by Finland and New Zealand, each with 87.

While the Middle East has a lot of corruption, there are exceptions. In the Persian Gulf the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is the last corrupt nation in the region, followed by Israel. Both Somalia and UAEs corruption score have not changed much since the 2011 Arab Spring revolution when it was 8 for Somalia and 68 for the UAE. The UAE achieved the most favorable corruption score in the region because it has long depended on foreign trade to survive and to make money in that business you must be known as an honest trading partner. The UAE is also different in that it is a federation of formerly independent emirates that realized the wisdom of joining forces. Laws and customs vary somewhat among the emirates and some are more gangster than others. Overall, the UAE is a place where foreigners feel comfortable doing business. The UAE has also partnered with Turkey to provide foreign aid to Somalia. This has proved very difficult to carry out and Somalia is not a place most foreigners want to do business in. Somalia is also a federation of seven (including separatist Somaliland and Puntland in the far north) clan-dominated regions that have never achieved the degree of unity and prosperity of the UAE.

March 7, 2023: In the north (Aleppo) an Israeli airstrike put the Aleppo airport out of service. This was apparently part of the effort to disrupt shipments of weapons to Syria and Lebanon.

March 6, 2023: Turkey summoned the U.S. ambassador to express its disagreement with a trip to northeast Syria U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley made March 4. Milley visited a U.S. military mission located in territory controlled by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF is a key ally of the U.S.-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State in Syria. Turkey contends the SDF is really part of the Syrian Kurd People's Protection Units (YPG). Turkey insists the YPG is a wing of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Turkey regards the PKK and YPG as terrorist organizations.

March 5, 2023: Syria benefits from Iran and Russia becoming closer allies. This includes Russian plans to provide Iran with S400 air defense systems and cooperating with Iran in Syria, where Israeli air strikes have prevented Iran from launching attacks into Israel. At the same time Israel is improving its relationship with Ukraine. This is influenced by its worsening relationship with Russia because of Russias closer relationship with Iran. Israel has been sending economic aid to Ukraine but not weapons. So far. Russia is obsessed with conquering Ukraine and failing to do so while suffering enormous losses. and losing. At the same time, Iran remains obsessed with destroying Israel, but failing to do so even after decades of effort. Iran has been supplying Russia with UAVs designed to operate as cruise missiles. A lot of other military equipment has been sent to Russia. In Return Russia is supplying Iran with two dozen modern jet fighters and whatever it has available but doesnt need in Ukraine. Russia is also delivering to Iran any captured Western weapons in Ukraine. This includes anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles.

March 3, 2023: The Israeli domestic intelligence service (Shin Bet, similar to the British MI5) revealed that it had arrested four members of a Hamas terrorist cell (group) that had received training in Syria and Turkey before returning to the West Bank, where they were arrested.

March 1, 2023: In the south (Quneitra and Daraa provinces), Israeli aircraft dropped thousands of leaflets warning Syrians to not cooperate with Hezbollah members who operate intelligence networks and seek to recruit Syrians to work with Hezbollah to network of pro-Iran operatives who would help Iran establish a military presence on the border and attack Israel. The leaflets pointed out that Israeli air and artillery strikes often hit Hezbollah operations near the border. For several years Israel has been increasingly active in attacking their hostile operatives near the border. Since the 1980s the Lebanese Hezbollah Shia militia has been supported financially and with weapons by Iran. That led to the Iranian 2011 order that sent Hezbollah forces into Syria to protect the Shia Assad government and later to take control of the Syrian side of the Israeli border and work with Iranian troops to launch attacks on Israel. Israeli efforts to prevent Iranian forces from operating close to the Israeli border or gaining support from the border population in the border provinces of Quneitra, Daraa and Suwayda have increased. Total population of these provinces in 2011 was 1.4 million but only about 20 percent of that was on or near the border. After the 2011 Civil War began much of the Sunni population fled. How much remains on the border is unclear but is apparently at least 100,000. Only Quentera and Daraa border Israel. Israel has occupied most of Quentera province since the 1967 War and the Israeli controlled area is mostly the Golan Heights. This is the high ground overlooking northern Israel and the Syrians made a major and ultimately failed effort in the 1973 War to retake Golan. Control of the Daraa border with Israel was sought by Iranian forces but Russian and Syrian troops blocked many of the Iranian efforts and are now pushing away Iranian-backed forces already there.

At the G20 meeting in New Delhi, India, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The diplomats discussed diplomatic efforts to normalize relations between Turkey and Syrias Assad dictatorship.

February 28, 2023: Relief agencies now estimate the February 6 earthquake killed 6,000 people in Syria. The total dead in Turkey has now risen to 46,000 (February 6 quake). There is serious damage to infrastructure in both countries. The February 20 quake injured around 150 people in Syria. The February 20 quake killed at least three people in Turkey and injured around 200. At least three people remain missing.

February 22, 2023: Syria backs Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Other nations that support the Russian invasion 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. These supporters also include Belarus, Eritrea, India, Iran, Mali, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea and China. All these supporters agree that the West is a problem for them and Russia. Even before the 2022 invasion, Russia insisted that its operations in Ukraine were part of an effort to defend Russia from growing NATO efforts to destroy Russia.
Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. "Oh, I've had it up to here."



Answer: Just a Girl



Though "Tragic Kingdom" was No Doubt's third album it was the one that allowed the ska punk band to hit the mainstream with their first certified hits. "Just a Girl" was their first to chart in both the U.S. (at number twenty-three on the Billboard Hot 100) and the UK (at number three on the UK Singles Chart).



The track would end up going platinum in the U.S. and Australia and help "Tragic Kingdom" top the US Billboard 200 and the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. The music video for this song would help establish the band's aesthetic for more than two decades.

2. "I'm just sippin' on chamomile."



Answer: Hey Baby



Inspired by the sounds and beats of Jamaican dance hall that would permeate through the entirety of the band's 2001 "Rock Steady" album, "Hey Baby" ended up being the first major single from the disc, catapulting the band to massive pop-rock success despite the underwhelming reception of "Return of Saturn". Featuring Jamaican artist Bounty Killer, the track would result in a Grammy for the band (specifically Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal)-- their first after seven prior nominations. "Hey Baby" would hit number two on the UK Singles Chart and number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 (going gold there).

3. "The waves keep on crashin' on me for some reason."



Hella Good



The single released just after "Rock Steady" hit the shelves, "Hella Good" maintained No Doubt's success into 2003, bringing them onto four Billboard charts in the U.S., to number twelve on the UK Singles Chart, and eventually to the top of the US Dance Club Songs chart (with the Roger Sanchez Remix, which also won a Grammy award).



The song ended up helping popularize the word 'hella' during the early 2000s; while it was originally a slang word used in San Francisco, the worldwide popularity of "Hella Good" (and No Doubt at that time) made it hella international.



Interestingly, the song was cowritten by Pharrell Williams. Answer:The single released just after "Rock Steady" hit the shelves, "Hella Good" maintained No Doubt's success into 2003, bringing them onto four Billboard charts in the U.S., to number twelve on the UK Singles Chart, and eventually to the top of the US Dance Club Songs chart (with the Roger Sanchez Remix, which also won a Grammy award).The song ended up helping popularize the word 'hella' during the early 2000s; while it was originally a slang word used in San Francisco, the worldwide popularity of "Hella Good" (and No Doubt at that time) made it hella international.Interestingly, the song was cowritten by Pharrell Williams.

4. "Oh, I'd tell myself: what good do you do?"



Answer: It's My Life



With a decade of hits behind them, No Doubt released a Greatest Hits album, "The Singles 1992-2003", at the end of 2003 and included one previously unreleased track. "It's My Life", a cover of the 1984 Talk Talk song of the same name, became the only new single from this collection.



It ended up being a hit, netting the band another Grammy Award nomination (after having won the Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals award the previous two years in a row). The track appeared on seven U.S. Billboard charts, peaking at number ten on the Hot 100 and going platinum.

5. "Leave a message and I'll call you back."



Answer: Spiderwebs



Although "Spiderwebs" failed to top the charts in any country, the track released in late 1995 and still managed to take the alternative airwaves by storm, becoming one of No Doubt's most famous hits despite. All this being said, "Spiderwebs" peaked at number sixteen on the UK Singles Chart and showed on four different U.S. Billboard charts, eventually going platinum there.



The music video for this track, set at a wedding, was directed by Marcus Nispel who would go on to do the "Spice Up Your Life" video for the Spice Girls and proceed to have a career in Hollywood, directing the 2009 "Friday the 13th" remake.

6. "I should have thought of that before we kissed."



Answer: Ex-Girlfriend



Coming off the massive success of "Tragic Kingdom", No Doubt released the "Return of Saturn" album in 2000 and led with the upbeat "Ex-Girlfriend" as their first single. Though the track hit number two on the Billboard US Alternative Airplay chart it didn't manage to crack the top ten in most other regions, a trend for the album's other singles due to its lack of cohesion with the popular sound of the time (pop groups). "Return to Saturn" would still end up nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Album though it would lose to Foo Fighters' "There Is Nothing Left to Lose".

7. "You sure have changed since yesterday without any warning."



Answer: Sunday Morning



The fifth of seven singles from the "Tragic Kingdom" album, "Sunday Morning" was the last from the disc to achieve international chart success, appearing on the lists in the U.S., the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (though only cracking the top ten in Iceland). Time was better to this track than a lot of the deeper cuts in the No Doubt discography; eventually it made it to the band's Greatest Hits album in late 2003.



They would keep it as a concert staple throughout most of their tours.

8. "Share a toothbrush, you're my kind of man."



Bathwater



The fourth and final track to be selected as a single from the "Return of Saturn" album, "Bathwater" wasn't highly regarded and failed to make a dent on any international charts (it peaked at number thirty-nine on the Billboard US Adult Top 40). What it allowed the band to do, however, was push hard into their fifth full album, "Rock Steady", and they did that with gusto, releasing "Hey Baby" as a single less than a year after "Bathwater". Answer:The fourth and final track to be selected as a single from the "Return of Saturn" album, "Bathwater" wasn't highly regarded and failed to make a dent on any international charts (it peaked at number thirty-nine on the Billboard US Adult Top 40). What it allowed the band to do, however, was push hard into their fifth full album, "Rock Steady", and they did that with gusto, releasing "Hey Baby" as a single less than a year after "Bathwater".

9. "Don't tell me 'cause it hurts."



Answer: Don't Speak



The third single pushed out from "Tragic Kingdom", "Don't Speak" was one of No Doubt's signature tracks and it managed to hold their first Grammy nominations. Unlike the band's general radio hits, "Don't Speak" gave them a hearty power ballad and, fortunately, it hit the spot, allowing them to reach number one on three different U.S. Billboard charts (of seven it appeared on), the top of the UK Singles Chart, and number one in Canada and Australia. Sophie Muller, who directed this track's music video, would go on to film a dozen No Doubt videos and more than a dozen more for Gwen's solo career.

10. "I'm trying to get a hold on this."



Answer: Settle Down



Following the band's fifth studio album and Greatest Hits compilation, No Doubt went on a nearly ten year hiatus, finally releasing new music in 2012 with their sixth album, "Push and Shove". Their only charting single from the release, "Settle Down", topped out at number thirty-four on the Billboard Hot 100 and saw slots on four other U.S. charts. Though upbeat and well-received, the song wasn't enough to support the album's longevity.



The disc reached number three on the U.S. Billboard 200 and then quickly vanished from the charts. No Doubt would end up on a second hiatus and Gwen Stefani would return to solo ventures.

Source: Author kyleisalive This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.
During Holy Week, the Christian world commemorates a very bad week for the Jesus and his followers.

Targeted by the religious and administrative elites, betrayed, abandoned by his friends, Jesus went from a triumphal entry into Jerusalem to a brutal, humiliating death. Most scholars of this era agree: Jesus of Nazareth was executed by the Romans as an enemy of Rome. For Jesus and his followers, it was the ultimate defeat. Those left behind struggled against the possibility that he had died in vain.

Any assessment of the teachings and ministry of Jesus must account for the circumstances surrounding his death. Why would the Romans insert themselves into a squabble over Jewish religious sensibilities? We must set aside the impulse to confine the Crucifixion to a theological context, to spiritualize it.

As a rule, the Romans did not care about the spiritual controversies of their subjects. Even those preaching an apocalyptic end of the world were watched, but mostly left alone. If Jesus message was all about an inner spiritual life that ignored the harsh realities of daily life, the Romans might have tacitly approved. Why execute a popular preacher like Jesus explicitly as an enemy of the state?

During his brief Jerusalem ministry, Jesus articulated some of his more pointed parables and teachings. He made no secret of his contempt for the political and religious elites, castigating them for hypocrisy and misplaced priorities.

Jesus also had sharp words for the rich, even disrupting the lucrative marketplace that had grown up near the temple precinct and temporarily occupying it. He shook things up and cast a very bright light on the harsh social conditions of Roman-occupied Judea.

Jesus also preached something called the Kingdom of God, or sometimes the Kingdom of Heaven. John the Baptist had also invoked it and, when his listeners asked what they should do, his response was to share extra food and clothing. Tax collectors should not take more than their due. Soldiers must stop extorting people.

These were practical, economic measures that eased the burdens on the vulnerable. Both John and Jesus strove to overturn the social order.

In his first public discourse, Jesus called for the return of the Jubilee Year in which agrarian debts were forgiven and those in debt bondage were freed. Foreclosed lands were returned to their original owners. That the congregation subsequently tried to stone him suggests that the idea was not well received.

By the time we see Jesus on trial, Pilate is both puzzled by and suspicious of this strange Kingdom and its peasant king. It was a Kingdom that explicitly rejected raw power.

Jesus seemed to understand that a community grounded in frailty and vulnerability was ultimately stronger than one erected upon violence and hubris. This Kingdoms challenge to the prevailing social order was more subtle and dangerous. This played out to the very end.

Even from the cross, Jesus made no threats of retribution, hurled no curses at his murderers. There is no record of vengeance or acts of retribution by any of his followers.

The message of the Resurrection dispelled the anxiety among Jesus followers that his death was in vain. Early Christians took it as a mandate to build and spread their Kingdom of God.

They fostered strong, healthy communities that gradually, almost miraculously, supplanted their Greco-Roman counterparts. Their vision included making a better world for all.

Today that mandate remains unfulfilled. The vulnerable still seek relief, the oppressed pray for justice. We may well ask, was the resurrection in vain?
kacylee at 8-04-2023 08:57 AM (2 weeks ago) (f)

Fast rising Nollywood actress cum Skit Maker, Eva Chris has expressed her desire to have a man who would sponsor and treat her to a luxurious lifestyle.

Fast rising Nollywood actress cum Skit Maker, Eva Chris has expressed her desire to have a man who would sponsor and treat her to a luxurious lifestyle.

In an interview with The Sun Newspapers, the Anambra State born Entertainer who is currently out of the country admitted that most of her admirers are married men.



Right now, I am not in Nigeria. I love travelling and exploring, but I will definitely be back to my lovely country soon. My travel and luxury is not sponsored by anyone. The only sponsors I have is me and myself. No sugar daddy is bankrolling me. Although, I will love to meet and have one some day because almost all the men that are always nice to me are mostly married men but unfortunately, I cant date a married man. I dont have a man. I am currently single, Eva Chris.



Speaking on some of the embarrassing messages she get from men, Eva Chris noted that although she has not experienced physical segxwal harrasment, her social media inbox message is filled with awkward requests.



I have never been segxwally harassed physically or in Nollywood. But my social media platforms are wild. Men send me ridiculous messages. I got one recently that reads;  How much will a night cost?. I mean because I have big ass, people always feel youre for the streets. Besides, my curves is natural. I didnt undergo surgery, so why would I have to do runs with my God given body? Im already okay and also obsessed with my body, I mean my body is already killing.



Eva Chris also knocked off the idea of going for liposuction because according to her, her body is beautiful enough already.



Im already okay and also obsessed with my body. I mean my body is already killing, if I undergo Liposuction then its really over for some people. So, I wont really consider that, she bragged. In an interview with The Sun Newspapers, the Anambra State born Entertainer who is currently out of the country admitted that most of her admirers are married men.Right now, I am not in Nigeria. I love travelling and exploring, but I will definitely be back to my lovely country soon. My travel and luxury is not sponsored by anyone. The only sponsors I have is me and myself. No sugar daddy is bankrolling me. Although, I will love to meet and have one some day because almost all the men that are always nice to me are mostly married men but unfortunately, I cant date a married man. I dont have a man. I am currently single, Eva Chris.Speaking on some of the embarrassing messages she get from men, Eva Chris noted that although she has not experienced physical segxwal harrasment, her social media inbox message is filled with awkward requests.I have never been segxwally harassed physically or in Nollywood. But my social media platforms are wild. Men send me ridiculous messages. I got one recently that reads;  How much will a night cost?. I mean because I have big ass, people always feel youre for the streets. Besides, my curves is natural. I didnt undergo surgery, so why would I have to do runs with my God given body? Im already okay and also obsessed with my body, I mean my body is already killing.Eva Chris also knocked off the idea of going for liposuction because according to her, her body is beautiful enough already.Im already okay and also obsessed with my body. I mean my body is already killing, if I undergo Liposuction then its really over for some people. So, I wont really consider that, she bragged.

Post Reply I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 8-04-2023 08:57 AM (2 weeks ago) | Addicted Hero
amasan1 at 8-04-2023 06:27 PM (2 weeks ago) (m)

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned what he described as the extreme violence and killings of scores of people in Benue State in the last week.

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned what he described as the extreme violence and killings of scores of people in Benue State in the last week.

The president condemned the use of terrorism as a tool in inter-communal conflicts.

He also directed that the assailants be found and dealt with swiftly under the law.

According to the statement, the president directed the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and military commanders to enhance surveillance on every front and to immediately review the security management in the affected areas.



Buhari also conveyed his grief and sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives due to the attacks



Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those murdered. The entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil, the President was quoted as saying.



Recall that on Wednesday, about 46 persons including the thirty-three-year-old son of Otukpo Local Government Area Chairman Bako Eje, were killed by suspected herdsmen who invaded Umogidi village of Entekpa-Adoka district in Otukpo local government in Benue State.

The killing comes barely 24 hours after the same village, an Idoma-speaking community suffered an attack by suspected herdsmen with three persons killed.

It was earlier reported that suspected herdsmen killed many people during an attack on an Internal Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.



The spokesman of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Sewuese Anene, who confirmed the attack on Friday, said many residents of the camp were killed.



Anene, who noted that the casualty figure is yet to be determined, stated that the response team had already been deployed to the area to calm down the situation. The president condemned the use of terrorism as a tool in inter-communal conflicts.He also directed that the assailants be found and dealt with swiftly under the law.According to the statement, the president directed the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and military commanders to enhance surveillance on every front and to immediately review the security management in the affected areas.Buhari also conveyed his grief and sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives due to the attacksOur thoughts and prayers are with the families of those murdered. The entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil, the President was quoted as saying.Recall that on Wednesday, about 46 persons including the thirty-three-year-old son of Otukpo Local Government Area Chairman Bako Eje, were killed by suspected herdsmen who invaded Umogidi village of Entekpa-Adoka district in Otukpo local government in Benue State.The killing comes barely 24 hours after the same village, an Idoma-speaking community suffered an attack by suspected herdsmen with three persons killed.It was earlier reported that suspected herdsmen killed many people during an attack on an Internal Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.The spokesman of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Sewuese Anene, who confirmed the attack on Friday, said many residents of the camp were killed.Anene, who noted that the casualty figure is yet to be determined, stated that the response team had already been deployed to the area to calm down the situation.

Post Reply I am an investigative reporter at Gistmania, I conduct fact-finding investigative journalism. Posted: at 8-04-2023 06:27 PM (2 weeks ago) | Hero
Geekbench Leak Fuels Rumors of Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE/Lite Models News oi -Kabir Jain

Samsung's flagship tablet series, the upcoming Galaxy Tab S9, has seen its fair share of leaks. From its supposed three models to specs leaks, the upcoming tablets from the South Korean giant are looking to pack a punch. If the three models weren't enough, two Geekbench listings reveal what might be a Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE or a Lite model.

A Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE/ Lite Could Be in the Works

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and the S9 Ultra have been spotted on Geekbench in the past with model numbers SM-X716B and SM-X916B. This time, two new devices have popped up bearing the numbers SM-X516B and SM-X616B.

Both models have different scores, with the SM-X516B posting a higher number than the SM-X516B. In terms of specifications, both models sport an Exynos 1380 SoC, the same chipset found in the recently launched Galaxy A54 5G.

The differences don't end there as the SM-X516B has 6GB of RAM onboard while the SM-X616B has 8GB. Both devices run the latest Android 13 OS.

It is currently unclear whether these devices are the rumored Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE or the Lite version. This uncertainty arises from the fact that Samsung did not release either of these models in last year's Galaxy Tab S8 series.

However, it is worth noting that the Tab S7 lineup featured an FE model, and the Tab S6 had a Lite variant, suggesting that Samsung may continue this trend with their newest tablet releases.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Rumored Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series is expected to receive significant upgrades compared to its predecessor, including an enhanced camera setup, AKG-tuned speakers for premium audio quality, and improved software for a better user experience.

However, it remains uncertain whether all Tab S9 models will be equipped with OLED displays, as there has been no information regarding the display specifications.

Via GSMArena

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Tecno Camon 20 Pro Surfaces On Google Play Console Revealing Key Specs Of Mid-Range Android Smartphone News oi -Alap Naik Desai

The Tecno Camon 20 Pro has surfaced on the Google Play Console, which suggests Tecno might launch the Android smartphone soon. Renders of the device had leaked recently, confirming the design and some key specifications.

Tecno appears to be gradually expanding its presence in the mid-range Android smartphone category. The Tecno Camon 20 Pro appears to have some decent specs such as a large AMOLED screen, 8GB RAM, 64MP primary rear camera, and much more. Let's take a look at the upcoming midrange Android smartphone from Tecno.

Tecno Camon 20 Pro Google Play Console Listing Reveals Features

Tecno is soon expected to refresh its Camon series of smartphones with the launch of the Tecno Camon 20 series. Three smartphones from this series have been listed on the Google Play Console.

The Tecno Camon 20 series appears to include the Tecno Camon 20 and the Tecno Camon 20 Pro. The Pro variant has two model numbers: Tecno-CK6n and Tecno-CK7n.

According to the listing, all three models have 8GB of RAM, a Full HD+ screen with 2400 x 1080 pixels resolution, 480 DPI screen density, and are running the Android 13 operating system.

The Tecno Camon 20 Pro, bearing the codename Tecno-CK6n, features the same chipset as the Tecno Camon 19 smartphone. The Tecno Camon 20 Pro, with the model number TECNO-CK7n, is packing the MediaTek MT6789 SoC, which is the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset.

Tecno Camon 20 Pro Rumored Specifications, Features

A few renders of the Tecno Camon 20 Pro had leaked recently. They revealed the design and a few key specifications and features of the mid-range Android smartphone.

Previous leaks about the Tecno Camon 20 Pro suggest the smartphone will feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The 1080p screen may have a 90Hz refresh rate.

As revealed by the Google Play Console listing, the phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 SoC, which is paired with an Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. Buyers should get up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage.

The Tecno Camon 20 Pro appears to have a triple rear camera comprising a 64MP main sensor, a 2MP wide sensor, and an unspecified AI sensor. The smartphone is tipped to have a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies, video calls, and face unlock.

The Google Play Console listing confirms the Tecno Camon 20 Pro is running Android 13 out of the box, but the phone should have a custom layer of HiOS 13 on top.

Tecno has reportedly embedded a 5000mAh battery inside the Tecno Camon 20 Pro. The smartphone is tipped to feature a USB-C port and support dual-band Wi-Fi, 4G VoLTE, GPS, Bluetooth 5.0, and more. The smartphone may ship in two colors: Predawn Black and Serenity Blue.

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Virginia Guard Provides Maintenance Support in Germany

By Mike Vrabel, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs April 7, 2023

HOHENFELS, Germany -- Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 3647th Maintenance Company, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group, supported the Joint Multinational Readiness Center during an exercise at Hohenfels Training Area in Hohenfels, Germany, March 4-18.

During the rotation, 50 Soldiers with the 3647th performed service and maintenance supporting the JMRC maintenance facility and 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, which provides opposing forces to units training at JMRC.

The unit worked on various vehicles and equipment. While the work wasn't new to the maintainers, the new location provided a different challenge.

"Daily work included wheeled vehicle, generator, small arms, and electronic equipment services and repairs in addition to supply support activities and metal welding and fabrication," said 1st Lt. Clay Rice, the 3647th's executive officer. "Most training exercises involve the unit conducting maintenance on its own or battalion equipment at Fort Barfoot or familiar locations. During this exercise, the unit moved to Hohenfels, Germany, an unfamiliar location, and attached to an active-duty maintenance shop and unit to complete maintenance."

In addition to the change of scenery, integrating with active-duty forces forced the unit to adapt its operations.

"The unit had to assimilate into the maintenance process conducted on active duty, which is different from the process conducted in the National Guard," said Rice. "The unit also had to operate in a foreign country with limited support from organic units. Through strong interpersonal tact and adaptability, the unit was able to function in a different environment with a different process and accomplish its mission."

Despite the challenges, the 3647th's maintainers excelled during their two weeks in Germany, completing more than 140 services and 35 repairs to vehicles, weapons and generators.

"The unit performed well given the many adverse variables presented during the mission," said Rice. "They persevered through many challenges, including limited transportation around post, working in unfamiliar locations, and working with unfamiliar units."

That ability to adapt to the new environment and processes will only benefit the unit and the Soldiers, many of whom had never been outside the United States.

"Soldiers that aren't a wheeled vehicle mechanic by trade were able to cross-train on wheeled vehicle mechanic tasks," Rice said. "The unit also learned how to operate independently and assimilate into an unfamiliar unit and training area."

He said learning to operate overseas with different units will be a crucial skill needed in any future overseas missions.

Another 50 Soldiers assigned to the 3647th will travel to Germany for another JMRC rotation later this year.

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US Army brigades from the 101st Screaming Eagles transfer authority in Romania

By Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley April 7, 2023

MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE , Romania -- Soldiers assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team "BASTOGNE" and the 2nd Brigade Combat Team "STRIKE", 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), held a transfer of authority ceremony and a combined arms capabilities demonstration on March 31, 2023, at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania.

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team cased their brigade colors marking the end of their deployment in support of Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce, while 1st Brigade Combat Team uncased their brigade colors, officially symbolizing the transfer of authority from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

"We welcome the Bastogne Brigade here in Southeastern Europe, I know they will maintain the same level of mission focus that the Strike Brigade has over the last nine months," said Maj. Gen. JP McGee, Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). "Since June 6, 1944, on the beaches of Normandy, France, this division has repeatedly answered the Nation's call in every major conflict; the Screaming Eagles of today are ready to support our Allies to preserve the long-lasting stability in Europe that our predecessors fought and died to secure."

While being primarily located in Romania for the past nine-months, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team conducted rigorous training with various NATO partners and allies across the continent of Europe.

"From the sunny Aegean Coast in Greece to boreal forests high above the Artic circle in Finland; from NATO's northern frontier in Estonia, to its premier training areas in Germany, and many other places in between, we trained," stated the Commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Col. Ed Matthaidess. "In doing what Soldiers do best, training, we built friendships and everlasting memories with the Romanian armed forces."

While the 2nd Brigade Combat Team has completed its mission, 1st Brigade Combat Team looks forward to continuing assurance, deterrence and the reinforcement of NATO partners and allies through joint interoperability, readiness and lethality.

"The unfurling of our colors here in Romania signifies a new chapter in the First Brigade Combat Team's story," remarked the Commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Col. Kevin R. Sharp. "Bastogne is eager to build upon the phenomenal nine-month endeavor of our brother and sisters in STRIKE Brigade. Together with our Eastern European Partners, we will continue to work to enhance the joint readiness, lethality and interoperability that underpins the NATO alliance of the last 74 years."

The day concluded with a combined U.S. Army and Romanian Military capabilities demonstration. The combined arms capabilities demonstration included U.S. and allied Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, the Romanian 9th Mechanized Brigade, the 572nd Puma Squadron and the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

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April 7, 2023

Release

Readout of the U.S.-Singapore Mid-Term Defense Review

Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout:

Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Lindsey Ford hosted Singapore Ministry of Defence Deputy Secretary for Policy Kelvin Fan and Ambassador Ashok Mirpuri for the 7th U.S.-Singapore Mid-Term Defense Review, April 6 at the Pentagon. The leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the U.S.-Singapore bilateral defense relationship.

The dialogue addressed a wide range of regional security concerns, and both sides reaffirmed the importance of a rules-based approach to managing increasingly complex geopolitical challenges.

Assistant Secretary Ratner and Deputy Secretary Fan reaffirmed the deep and longstanding U.S.-Singapore defense partnership, grounded in the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding and the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement. They expressed their enthusiasm for strengthening ongoing logistics cooperation, and deepening collaboration on emerging challenges such as technology and cyber security. Both sides welcomed Singapore's decision to acquire additional F-35B aircraft and committed to further enhance high-end training and interoperability between their Armed Forces.

The leaders also discussed platforms for greater multilateral cooperation such as AUKUS, while emphasizing the importance of ASEAN centrality. Both sides underscored the critical role that U.S.-Singapore defense cooperation plays in the maintenance of regional security, stability, and prosperity.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3356231/

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Statement by Foreign Minister Huitfeldt on Israel

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 07/04/2023

'I am appalled by the massive rocket attacks against Israel yesterday. Attacks against civilians are always unacceptable and must stop immediately', says Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.

'Fortunately, so far no loss of life has been reported in any of these attacks. But they equally create fear and anxiety in the population and can awaken trauma from previous conflicts.'

'The images from Al Aqsa in Jerusalem in recent days have been shocking. Shock grenades, rubber bullets and fireworks have no place in a Mosque. Everyone must now contribute to calming the situation so that the holidays can be celebrated in peace and civilians are not harmed.'

'Any action that could contribute to escalating the situation must be avoided. I also give my full support to the UN's efforts.'

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Marine Corps Installations West tests readiness in an all-hazards environment

US Marine Corps News

7 Apr 2023 | 2nd Lt. Jorin Hollenbeak Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif -- The 21st Century has ushered in monumental changes that affect the daily life of many Americans. These shifts also impact military installations and operations uniquely. The evolution of modern warfare through rapidly maturing warfighting domains like cyber-space and the digital information environment present challenges that require consistent and diverse levels of understanding and assessment.

These frontiers bring a new set of opportunities and challenges to consider for any modern military force. The resiliency of Marine Corps installations and their ability to directly support forward deployed operational forces and combatant commanders through training, readiness and deployment remains a critical component of national strategy.

Marine Corps Installations West demonstrates its capabilities, explores crisis management techniques, and improves upon interoperability with regional partners in the annual exercise "Semper Durus." This year's challenges improve and build upon previous years' exercises dramatically. Semper Durus provides hyper-detailed notional problems for the regionally situated MCI-West team to approach with a systematic and rapid-response solution in a variety of notional scenarios.

As part of MCI-West's annual installation hardening initiatives, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and its tenant commands, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, and Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, will participate in Exercise Semper Durus 2023, from April 10-14. The exercise consists of complex installation-specific emergency response scenarios to test response plans, policies, and procedures, while simulating support of Fleet Marine Force deployment activities.

The primary exercise objectives strive to engage a regional defense, strengthen MCI-West's physical security, and confirm installation protection. This will all happen while MCI-West simultaneously prepares operational forces for battle in a notional international response scenario based upon real-world potential outcomes aligned with Force Design 2030 capabilities and initiatives.

"This year we are going up against a (notional) peer adversary" said Michial Michalovich, operations and plans director for MCI-West. "Our true peer adversaries can attack us in the homeland. This forces us to do two things, deploy the I Marine Expeditionary Force, and defend ourselves in the homeland." Semper Durus will test participants with varying scenarios throughout each day of the exercise to identify weak points and to confirm each installations' ability to effectively respond.

Each scenario in Semper Durus evolves around reinforcing and improving MCI-West capabilities in support of operating forces, tenant commands, and the preservation of infrastructure and personnel. These scenarios activate on command by personnel separated from active participants as a "white cell" that triggers and manages real-time complex problem sets, similar to a sort of game master. Exercise participants react to each problem by exercising regional command and control and leveraging interagency coordination to "fight the installation," meaning, simulating a realistic attack towards assets and infrastructure through a variety of means in any potential battlespace.

"Fighting the installation is how we will establish a regional defense to counter, disrupt, and defeat full- spectrum threats across multiple domains," said U.S Marine Col. Philip C. Laing, the MCI-West Chief of Staff. "That's forcing us here at MCI-West to look across the region in terms of installation protection as well as enable and protect force projection, specifically with I MEF as the main effort, and with follow on forces."

MCI-West is constantly striving to adapt to the demands of a multi-domain battlespace while embedding multi-domain operations into doctrine. Technology is continuously advancing, the threat of peer-competition is rising, and enduring natural threats are constant. Because of this, MCI-West prepares for additional roles in supporting I MEF and enabling logistics and joint operations in addition to its continuous ongoing missions and responsibilities. As MCI-West supports I MEF, in notional or real-world situations, the regional command also continues to train forces, remain prepared to fight on its own soil while sustaining current operations, and ensure the safety of all base personnel and families on MCI-West installations.

Semper Durus, more than ever before, will test and push the MCI-West team, enabled and supported by partners and agencies throughout the region. Upon the exercise's conclusion, many of the skillsets within the command will be pushed fully. Upon the conclusion of this and other exercises like it, the MCI-West team, through "battle tested" and continuous challenges will have improved their skillsets, posturing, and readiness for realistic real-world operations in any future crisis.

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Saudi Arabia informed Yemenis of decision to end war: Reports

Iran Press TV

Friday, 07 April 2023 3:03 PM

Saudi Arabia has reportedly informed the so-called Yemeni presidential leadership council of the decision to put an end to the devastating war in Yemen after eight years of aggression.

Citing informed sources, Lebanon's Al Mayadeen TV network reported on Friday that Saudi officials had recently held a closed-door meeting with the chairman and members of the council, which was established last April after the resignation of ex-president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, to inform them about the peace plan.

Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman briefed the council on Riyadh's solution to end the crisis in Yemen, sources said, adding that the Saudis' vision is to renew the existing UN-brokered truce for a year in an understanding with the Sana'a government.

Riyadh will pledge to pay the salaries of public servants, open Hodeidah port, and help settle the currency problems of Yemen in exchange for Sana'a's acceptance of the truce, according to the report.

The renewal of the truce will be bound to an official announcement by Riyadh about the end of the war and the end of Saudi interference in Yemen's affairs, sources added.

According to the report, Yemeni talks with the supervision of the United Nations and the support of Riyadh will start following the end of the war and will aim to clinch an agreement on a two-year-long transitional period.

The sources stressed that although Riyadh is still studying and discussing the plan, its decision is "almost final."

Ansarullah optimistic about peace agreement

On the other side of the ledger, and reacting to the reports, the spokesman for Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement said they will continue efforts to end the aggression and establish peace.

"We pursue our efforts through negotiations to end the aggression and lift the siege, and we hope that the efforts will be crowned with a peace agreement," Al Mayadeen quoted Mohammed Abdul Salam, who is also head of the Sana'a negotiating delegation, as saying.

Three phases of peace plan

Meanwhile, Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported that the new peace plan is set to take effect in three phases. Citing a Yemeni source, the Saudi-owned media outlet reported that the first phase of the peace deal would include a nationwide ceasefire, the reopening of all land, air, and sea routes, the merger of the central banks, and comprehensive prisoner exchanges.

The parties would then hold direct negotiations to establish how the Yemenis envision a state, followed by a transitional period.

The source expected a ceasefire to be declared in the coming days, for the truce to be consolidated and for fighting to stop at battlefronts. Other arrangements will need weeks to be implemented.

How did the crisis start in Yemen?

Saudi Arabia is widely blamed for the current humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, where about 80 percent of its 30 million population are in need of some form of aid for survival.

Hadi resigned from the presidency in late 2014 and later fled to Riyadh amid a political conflict with the popular Houthi Ansarullah movement.

To reinstall Hadi, Saudi Arabia launched the bloody war against Yemen in March 2015 in collaboration with a number of its allies and with arms and logistics support from the US and several Western states.

The objective was also to crush the Ansarullah movement, which has since been running state affairs in the absence of an effective government in Yemen.

The war has stopped well shy of all of its goals, despite killing tens of thousands of Yemenis and turning the entire country into the scene of the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The war also displaced millions of people, rendering them homeless, while destroying the country's infrastructure and spawning the contemporary age's worst humanitarian catastrophe.

The warring sides agreed on a UN-mediated ceasefire last April but it broke down after six months. Nevertheless, tensions have eased and casualties have decreased as important elements of the truce still remain in place.

Saudi-Omani delegation in Sana'a

Meanwhile, reports suggest that a Saudi-Omani delegation is set to visit Yemen's capital Sana'a next week to discuss a permanent ceasefire deal with Houthi officials.

If an agreement is reached, Yemen's warring parties could announce an agreement before Islam's Eid holiday starting April 20, two sources involved in the talks said, according to Reuters.

The discussions are focused on a full reopening of Yemen's ports and airports, payment of wages for public servants, a rebuilding process and a political transition, they added.

The latest developments come as observers believe the recent rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia could help enhance stability in the region and, in part, facilitate efforts to reach sustainable peace in Yemen.

Tehran and Riyadh agreed to restore diplomatic ties on March 10 after intensive talks hosted by China. Top diplomats of the two countries also held a landmark meeting on Thursday in Beijing, stressing on efforts to enhance mutual trust and help boost regional security.

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After joining NATO, Finland plans to buy Israeli missile defense systems

Iran Press TV

Friday, 07 April 2023 2:14 PM

Finland has announced its plan to procure the joint US-Israeli-made David's Sling long-range missile defense system, after joint the US-led military alliance NATO.

"This acquisition will create a new capability for the Finnish Defense Forces to intercept targets at high altitude," Finland's Defense Minister, Antti Kaikkonen, said on Wednesday, adding, "We are continuing the ambitious and long-term development of Finland's defense capability in a new security environment."

Finland made the announcement just a day after it became the newest member of NATO, amid escalating tensions with Russia.

The missile system manufacturers claim that David's Sling system can intercept drones, planes, and ballistic missiles at a range of 40 to 300 kilometers and offers a "high probability of kill" against a wide range of air and missile defense targets.

According to the manufacturers, a total of 12 interceptors can be carried from a launcher and fired from a near-vertical position of the weapons system.

The missile system deal between Finland and Israel is valued at $344 million.

The Finnish Ministry of Defense said the two sides had agreed on the "main contract" and now needed to sign a "security of supply" pact as part of the procurement contract. The sale of the weapon system to Finland is also subject to US approval.

Prime contractors, Israeli-based Rafael and US-based Raytheon, will work in collaboration with Finnish industry to integrate the system and manage "equipping of the command and control elements," noted the Finnish Ministry of Defense.

Finland, which had for decades been a militarily neutral country not siding with either NATO or the former Soviet bloc, decided to join the Northern Alliance after Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

There had been various US-orchestrated pushes for NATO membership by former governments, but they never got very far.

However, polls taken just days after the Russians entered Ukraine showed massive jumps in support for NATO membership and the Helsinki government acted quickly, formally submitting its NATO bid on May 18.

Sweden joined Finland in its NATO bid; however, it has yet to be accepted as a member of the Western military alliance.

"We welcomed Finland as our newest member, and [Finnish Foreign] Minister [Pekka] Haavisto took up Finland's seat among NATO allies," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday in Brussels after NATO's foreign ministers held two days of talks in the Belgian capital.

"Allies also agree that Sweden should become an ally as quickly as possible," Stoltenberg added.

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Iran urges global action against Israel over aggression on Gaza, Lebanon

Iran Press TV

Friday, 07 April 2023 2:01 PM

Iran has condemned the latest atrocities committed by the Israeli regime against civilians in southern Lebanon and the besieged Gaza Strip, urging the international community and responsible global bodies to take "effective and deterrent" action against Israel.

In a statement on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani said the latest acts of Israeli aggression were in continuation of the desecration of al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied city of al-Quds and the regime's savage attacks on Palestinian worshipers inside the mosque's compound.

The Thursday attacks violated Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and blatantly breached the principles of international law and human rights of the oppressed Palestinian people, he said.

Israeli warplanes hit targets inside Gaza following the firing of retaliatory rockets from the direction of the coastal strip over the regime's attacks on Palestinian worshippers inside al-Aqsa.

The aircraft targeted the Hay al-Zeitoun area in southern Gaza City with three missiles. They also struck various other areas across the occupied enclave.

Lebanese local sources said Israel targeted the Qlaileh area located between the plain of Ras el-Ain and the Rashidieh refugee camp south of the city of Tyre. The sources confirmed three Israeli missiles landed south of Tyre, two of them in agricultural areas and another in the Qlaileh Plain.

Amid a rise in its retaliatory action against the Israeli aggression on al-Aqsa and Gaza, the Palestinian resistance fighters on Friday launched a new batch of missiles towards Israeli settlements. Palestinian sources said the regime's Iron Dome failed to intercept most of the retaliatory rockets.

'Muslim nations must take unified stance'

The Iranian spokesman also said President Ebrahim Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held phone calls with a number of their counterparts from Muslim countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation regarding the latest violent incidents.

Kan'ani urged Muslim states to adopt a strong and unified stance to support the oppressed Palestinian people.

Meanwhile, during a telephone conversation with his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo on Thursday, President Raeisi called for an OIC emergency meeting to discuss the status quo in the occupied Palestinian territories.

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Defense Minister: Lebanese army ready to confront Israel

Iran Press TV

Friday, 07 April 2023 9:35 AM

Lebanon's Minister of National Defense in the caretaker government has vowed that the Lebanese army is ready to confront any confrontation with the Israeli army and warned that the escalation in South Lebanon threatens the country's security and stability.

In a meeting with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto, Lebanon's Defense Minister Maurice Salim stressed that the Lebanese army is at its utmost readiness to confront any aggression.

He also reassured that "the latest developments in South Lebanon are a direct threat to its stability and security."

Salim reiterated that the Lebanese army was and will remain keen on preserving high levels of cooperation with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL forces), in order to preserve calm at the borders in South Lebanon.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Salim praised Italy for its role in peacekeeping in Lebanon and the ongoing coordination between the Lebanese army and the Italian battalion of the UNIFIL, and thanked Italy for the humanitarian and military aid it has been providing to the Lebanese army.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants stated on Friday that after consulting with Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Foreign Affairs Minister Abdallah Bou Habib instructed Lebanon's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York to submit an official complaint to the UN Security Council.

According to a statement published on MoFA's Twitter, the complaint will be regarding the impact of the Israeli bombing and "deliberate aggression" at Friday dawn in areas in southern Lebanon.

This, based on the Foreign Affairs Ministry, constitutes a flagrant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and threatens the stability that the Lebanese south used to enjoy.

Lebanese local sources said Israel targeted the Qlaileh area located between the plain of Ras el-Ain and the Rashidieh refugee camp south of the city of Tyre.

The sources confirmed that three Israeli missiles landed south of Tyre, two of them in agricultural areas and another in the Qlaileh Plain, noting that the Israeli aggression did not result in significant casualties.

Earlier, the Israeli military announced striking certain targets inside Lebanon, from which dozens of rockets were fired earlier at the occupied territories in retaliation for Israel's crackdown on Palestinian worshipers at the al-Aqsa Mosque's compound.

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Hezbollah chief meets Hamas officials in Beirut amid rising tension over Israeli raids on al-Aqsa Mosque

Iran Press TV

Friday, 07 April 2023 7:29 AM

The secretary general of Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has met with a delegation of senior Hamas officials in Beirut, as tensions are simmering across the occupied Palestinian territories over Israeli forces violently storming the al-Aqsa Mosque compound and attacking Palestinian worshipers.

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah met with notable decision-makers from the Gaza-based resistance movement, including Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the group, Sheikh Saleh al-Arouri, deputy head of the Hamas' political bureau, and top officials Khalil al-Hayya and Osama Hamdan, according to Palestinian media outlets.

During their meeting, Nasrallah and the Hamas officials reviewed the latest political and field developments in Palestine, Lebanon and the Middle East, especially the recent confrontations in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and al-Quds.

The meeting also focused on the possible outcome of the situation in the region, in light of recent developments.

Israeli minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant said earlier following a security meeting that the regime is ready on all fronts to wage a new war.

"All institutions are ready to face different options on all fronts, we know how to react to any threat," Gallant said.

Hezbollah warns Israel over al-Aqsa Mosque raid

Nasrallah issued a warning on Thursday to Israel over the regime's escalation at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the occupied Old City of al-Quds.

"The resistance front has a high number of long-range missiles in its arsenal; but it is not using them at the moment.

"One of the options that resistance fighters would take in case Zionists commit a folly would be the launch of a significant number of ballistic missiles at sensitive Israeli centers," Nasrallah said.

Attacks on al-Aqsa Mosque our red line, al-Quds Brigades says

Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement, also condemned the latest Israeli forces' raid against worshipers at the al-Aqsa Mosque during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and said that the attack was a "red line" for all Palestinians.

Abu Hamza, a spokesman for the group, said the resistance front has in reality honored its pledge to defend al-Quds, will continue to confront the Zionist regime's atrocities, and stresses that it will not hesitance to carry out retaliatory operations by any means.

Kata'ib Hezbollah, Ansarullah voice solidarity with Palestinians

Iraq's anti-terror group Kata'ib Hezbollah and Yemeni Ansarullah resistance group have expressed solidarity with Palestinians in the wake of incursions and raids by Israeli forces.

"We express our full support for rocket barrages fired from southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip at areas inside the Israeli-occupied territories in retaliation for the latest attack by Israel on the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of al-Quds," Kata'ib Hezbollah said in a statement.

"The rocket attacks represent a natural response to Zionists' crimes against the al-Aqsa Mosque. The Zionist regime is under the delusion that its repeated desecration of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound and oppression of the Palestinian nation will go unpunished," the statement also read.

Kata'ib Hezbollah then called upon all Muslims to stand up against the Israeli incursions and defend the al-Aqsa Mosque through all available means.

Ansarullah movement also stated that it will extend all forms of support to Palestinian resistance groups and Lebanon's Hezbollah in case of a military confrontation with Israel over its violent raids on the al-Aqsa Mosque.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces raided the holy site for the second time in a row and tried to evacuate Palestinian worshipers by firing stun grenades and rubber bullets. Worshipers threw objects at the Israeli troops in response.

According to the Palestine Red Crescent Society, at least six people were injured in the fresh flare-up.

The UN, Iran, Turkey and several other countries and bodies have expressed shock and concern about Israeli forces' incursions into the mosque.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "shocked and appalled" by images of Israeli security forces beating people at the al-Aqsa Mosque, his spokesman said on Wednesday.

Stephane Dujarric said Guterres viewed images of the "violence and beating" within the holy site, and found it more distressing because it came "at a time of a calendar which is holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims that should be a time for peace and nonviolence."

"Places of worship should only be used for peaceful religious observances," he added.

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Unrecognized Taliban Aims To Boost Legitimacy By Wresting Control Of Afghan Diplomatic Missions

By Abubakar Siddique April 07, 2023

More than 18 months after toppling the internationally recognized Afghan government and forcibly seizing power, the Taliban remains unrecognized by any country.

The militant group's human rights abuses and links to extremist groups have once again made it a pariah. The international community has blacklisted Taliban leaders and cut off the group from the global financial system.

But the Taliban has tried to boost its legitimacy by wresting control of Afghan diplomatic missions abroad, many of which are still run by diplomats appointed by the previous government.

The hard-line Islamist group claims that it has a diplomatic presence in 14 countries, including in all neighboring countries barring Tajikistan. The group is also believed to have gained control of missions in Russia, China, Turkey, and Indonesia.

Analysts said concerns over terrorism and migration have prompted some neighboring countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Taliban government. Other countries where the Taliban has sent diplomats, including Pakistan and Iran, have longtime ties with the militant group.

"Control of diplomatic missions paves the way for the Taliban to lobby for formal recognition in those countries," said an Afghan ambassador based in Europe, who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity. "The Taliban are hoping that these countries will relent over time."

The Taliban has not gained control of any Afghan missions in the West. Afghan embassies and consulates in Europe and North America still fly the black-red-and-green tricolor flag. They generate revenue by providing consular services for Afghans abroad and foreigners seeking to travel to Afghanistan. Some missions have been abandoned due to a lack of funds. Others have relocated or downsized to cut costs.

Western nations have tied recognition to the Taliban establishing an inclusive government, ensuring women's rights, and breaking ties with Al-Qaeda. But the militants have refused to share power, severely eroded women's freedoms, and maintained links with terrorist groups, according to observers.

"The Taliban and the international community are on completely different wavelengths," said another Afghan ambassador based in Europe, who also spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity.

'Transactional' Relationships

In recent months, the Taliban has ramped up its efforts to wrestle control of Afghanistan's 65 foreign posts.

Last month, the Taliban took over the Afghan Embassy in Turkmenistan and a consulate in the United Arab Emirates. In February, the Taliban gained control of the Afghan Embassy in Tehran.

The Taliban's next target appears to be Tajikistan, the only neighboring country to publicly oppose the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan. Dushanbe has hosted some of the leaders of the National Resistance Front (NRF), an anti-Taliban resistance group that is largely made up of ethnic Tajiks from Afghanistan.

Last month, the Taliban claimed that its officials visited the Afghan consulate in the eastern city of Khorog. Tajik officials have not commented.

Mohammad Zahir Aghbar, the Afghan ambassador in Dushanbe, said he was skeptical. "The Taliban have not backed their claims by publishing photos of their visit or meetings," he told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.

But a former Afghan diplomat based in Europe who is affiliated with the NRF said the Taliban was engaged in secret talks with the Tajik government.

"After a year, the resistance has not achieved much," the diplomat said, referring to how the Taliban has largely crushed the NRF's armed opposition. "The Tajik government is looking to balance how they can keep the officials in Afghanistan happy and the resistance [leaders] in Tajikistan happy."

In the 1990s, the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance successfully prevented the Taliban regime from seizing control of the entire country. Based in northeastern Afghanistan, the opposition had bases in Tajikistan and received assistance from countries in the region.

This time, a handful of small armed groups have opposed Taliban rule in different regions of the country. But they remain weak, divided, and have no sanctuary or outside help, experts said.

"This removes the possibility of alternatives to the Taliban regime for the foreseeable future," said Hameed Hakimi, an Afghanistan expert at the Washington-based Atlantic Council think tank. "Which in turn ensures that the Taliban can have amicable, or at least sort of transactional, relationships with countries in the region."

Hakimi said the threat posed by extremist groups based in Afghanistan, including the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), and Jamaat Ansarullah, has also prompted Afghanistan's neighbors to establish diplomatic relations with the Taliban.

IS-K militants have carried out deadly attacks against the Taliban, religious minorities, and foreign missions in Kabul.

"Keeping the Taliban on good terms is to the advantage of regional and neighboring countries that hope the Taliban will be useful against the threat of terrorism," said Hakimi.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-taliban- diplomatic-missions-legitimacy/32353807.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Lebanese Forces Ready to Counter Any Aggression, Defense Minister Says

Sputnik News

20230407

CAIRO (Sputnik) - Lebanese forces are ready to counter any aggression against the country and will take necessary measures to ensure security of Lebanon's southern regions, Lebanese Defense Minister Maurice Sleem said on Friday.

The Lebanese military would always seek to cooperate with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, while also taking necessary measures to ensure security of its southern border and constant readiness to counter any threat or aggression, Sleem stated during the meeting with his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto.

Earlier in the day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that its tanks and military aviation carried out strikes on positions of the Palestinian militant group Hamas along the border with the Gaza Strip and its infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The strikes were conducted in response to the missile attacks conducted against Israel from the Lebanese territory earlier in the week, according to the IDF.

On Thursday, Israeli media reported that dozens of missiles had been fired from Lebanon, targeting border towns and cities located in the northern and western Galilee region. The IDF said that 34 missiles had been fired from Lebanon, 23 of them intercepted by the air defense systems. The Israeli military accused Palestinian groups of being behind the attack, which comes a day after Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, one of Islam's holiest sites, clashing with Palestinians and arresting hundreds.

 Sputnik

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Israel Boosts Infantry & Artillery Presence in South, North

Sputnik News

20230407

TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday it had expanded its infantry and artillery deployment in the south and north of the country to prepare for possible escalation amid continuing rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip.

"Based on situation assessment, we have made a decision to expand our regular infantry and artillery forces the Southern Command and the Northern Command to strengthen the defense for all possible scenarios," IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said.

The Israeli offensives in multiple directions overnight to Friday is a "clear indication" that the IDF is "capable, ready and prepared to carry out its missions," the spokesman said.

"We consider the state of Lebanon responsible for everything that happens on its territory, including the shootings performed by Hamas, and we will not allow Hamas to operate from Lebanon," he added.

Israeli media reported, citing Hagari, that 44 rockets had been fired overnight from the Gaza Strip in the direction of southern Israel. Nine of them failed to reach the border of the Palestinian territory, 12 fell into the sea, 14 landed in fields, one hit an apartment building in the city of Sderot, and eight were intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system.

Hagari also said that the Israeli air defense hit more than ten Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, using about 50 tonnes of ammunition.

On Thursday, Israeli media reported that dozens of missiles had been fired from Lebanon, targeting border towns and cities located in the northern and western Galilee region. The IDF said that 34 missiles had been fired from Lebanon, 23 of them intercepted by the air defense systems. It blamed the attack on the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered command control to prepare for any potential response. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the same day that the perpetrators would pay for every act of aggression, adding that no internal political debate would interfere with that.

 Sputnik

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Foreign Secretary calls for de-escalation and respect for Status Quo arrangements at Jerusalem's holy sites.

7 April 2023

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK condemns the indiscriminate rocket attacks from southern Lebanon and Gaza and recognises Israel's right to self-defence. Now is the time for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.

At the convergence of Passover, Ramadan and Easter, the UK calls for all parties to respect the historic Status Quo arrangements at Jerusalem's holy sites and cease all provocative action.

The UK is a strong supporter of freedom of religion or belief and calls for places of worship to be respected. We value Jordan's important role as custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem and condemns the Israeli police violence at the Al Aqsa Mosque. When Israeli security forces conduct operations, they must ensure they are proportionate and in accordance with international law. Israel and the Palestinian Authority must take steps to honour the commitments agreed at Sharm el-Sheikh and Aqaba.

Peace will only be sustainable if both Israelis and Palestinians recommit themselves to a negotiated settlement, leading to a two-state solution of a secure Israel side by side with a viable Palestinian State.
USS Carl Vinson Completes Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem

US Navy

07 April 2023

From Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeffrey Kempton, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN -- Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) completed Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) while out to sea in the 3rd Fleet area of operations, Apr. 4.

TSTA/FEP is a multi-phase training assessment of the crew's operating proficiency.

"TSTA/FEP is a way for us to show our ability to train ourselves," said Lt. Cmdr. Kamille Pizarro, Vinson's training officer. "During deployment, we'll be out there without any outside help, so we have to make sure that we are staying proficient with the people we have."

As part of TSTA/FEP, embarked members of Afloat Training Group (ATG) assessed Vinson's ability to integrate with Carrier Strike Group ONE and Carrier Air Wing TWO. ATG also evaluated Vinson's proficiency during damage control and warfighting evolutions to include shipboard firefighting, simulated man overboard and abandon ship drills, mass casualty evolutions, replenishments-at-sea, administrative reviews and flight operations.

"It was good to get the air wing involved in flight deck familiarization," said Master Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate Jacob Gardner, air department's training team lead. "They already knew the ship really well, and I was impressed by their knowledge."

During TSTA/FEP, ATG assessed the various training teams' ability to work together and handle situations as one multi-faceted unit, coordinated by the Integrated Training Team (ITT).

Organizing and deconflicting the schedule was managed by the ITT coordinator.

"We were, in a sense, managing it [the training availability]," said Pizarro, "but really, it was our training team members on the deckplates alongside our Sailors that made everything happen."

There are twelve training teams aboard Vinson, and each one had a role to play during TSTA/FEP. Among the largest training teams are air department training team, propulsion plant drill team and the damage control training team (DCTT). DCTT is responsible for training Vinson Sailors to fight casualties that threaten the safety and structural integrity of the ship, such as fires and flooding.

"Regardless of certification events or assessments, I always train my team exactly the same way," said Chief Damage Controlman Jason Anderson, the DCTT coordinator. "That way, even when we are being assessed, it is already muscle memory. They do it exactly the way they have already been trained to, and they are going to be successful every time."

Vinson's completion of TSTA/FEP allows the ship and crew to complete The Basic Phase and transition to the Advanced/Integrated Phase.

"We really showcased what we are capable of and then some," said Pizarro. "The resilience and mental toughness of our Sailors is something that you have to see to believe. The way the ship comes together is indescribable."

The ship will next undergo Group Sail as the flagship for CSG-1 and alongside CVW-2 and Destroyer Squadron ONE. Later this year, the Vinson Carrier Strike Group will conduct Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) as the final part of the Integrated Phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan.

The efficacy of Vinson's training teams, as proven by the crew's performance during TSTA/FEP, will set the foundation for the ship's continued success as they approach their upcoming deployment to the 7th Fleet area of operations.



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US Helps to Remove Landmines Left Behind After Wars in Southeast Asia

By Ha Nguyen April 07, 2023

The U.S. is committed to removing landmines and other explosive remnants of the war in Vietnam throughout Southeast Asia, according to an annual report released by the State Department.

According to the report, To Walk the Earth in Safety, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia all face challenges in the safe removal of explosive remnants of war.

Iraq is the largest recipient of the U.S. government's global program, having received more than $675 million since 1993. It is followed in the top five recipients by Afghanistan with nearly $574 million, then Laos with more than $355 million, Vietnam with over $206 million and Cambodia with nearly $192 million.

One of the biggest challenges to the implementation of the conventional weapons destruction (CWD) programs in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is the impact of climate change that causes hotter weather, flooding, landslides and droughts, according to the report.

Karen Chandler, deputy assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the State Department, told VOA Vietnamese on Tuesday, "There are two effects: One is that unexploded ordnance that previously has been hidden becomes exposed ... and suddenly you see all of this new contamination that's been laid bare by these landslides. ... Another aspect of it is that it slows down the work and makes it more difficult."

Difficult job, but 'big payoff'

Chandler described the work of removing unexploded ordnance as "a hard job, but one with a big payoff of people's lives and well-being." To leave ordnance behind had "catastrophic consequences for civilians living in proximity to these dangerous depots." Removing the lethal leftovers also boosts food security by making the land safe for cultivation.

The U.S. is the world's single largest financial supporter of CWD programs. Since 1993, the U.S. has spent more than $4.6 billion for the safe clearance of landmines and explosive weapons of war, as well as for securing and safely disposing of excess small arms and light weapons and munitions in more than 120 countries and areas, according to the report.

In fiscal 2022, the U.S. supported conventional weapons destruction in more than 65 countries and areas with more than $376 million.

The U.S. has provided nearly $753 million over the past three decades for conventional weapons destruction in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. They receive the largest amounts of U.S. funding for CWD in the East Asia and Pacific region. The three countries received almost $75 million in the past fiscal year. Laos received just over $45 million, Vietnam received more than $20.2 million and Cambodia received the rest, or just over $9.5 million, according to the report.

"Vietnam is one of our longest and strongest programs," Chandler told VOA Vietnamese when referring to the CWD program the U.S. is implementing in more than 120 countries around the world. "Our assistance in the East Asia Pacific region overall spans about $822 million since 1993, and about $168 million of that has been assistance between the United States and the government of Vietnam."

Nguyen Hanh Phuc, deputy director of the Vietnam National Mine Action Center, which partners with the State Department for the CWD programs in Vietnam, told a conference in Hanoi commemorating the International Day for Mine Awareness on April 4 that the unexploded ordnance contaminates 6.1 million hectares. Most of the ordnance is lethal cluster munitions concentrated in the central provinces near the former Demilitarized Zone, according to the report.

Chandler said removal efforts are focused on "addressing the contamination in Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces. ... Those are the central provinces where we see the highest amount of, or the highest density of, legacy contamination from the Vietnam War."

The report said that significant concentrations of unexploded ordnance also remain in parts of southern Vietnam as well as landmine contamination along the country's northern border with China, where the neighboring countries fought in 1979.

40,000 deaths

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said last April that bombs and mines left behind by the U.S. and its allies after the Vietnam War had killed more than 40,000 people and injured 60,000 since 1975.

In Laos, most of the explosive remnants of war are from U.S. aerial bombing campaigns against the communist Pathet Lao conducted during the Vietnam War, according to a 2019 report by the Congressional Research Service, War Legacy Issues in Southeast Asia: Unexploded Ordnance (UXO). Unexploded cluster munitions, referred to locally as "bombies," remain in most of the country's provinces.

Laos received more than $355 million in 1995 from the U.S. for CWD. During the so-called "shadow war" from 1964 to 1973, the U.S. dropped more than 2 million tons of bombs on Laos, making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in history.

In Cambodia, according to the report, in addition to the explosive remnants of war from the Vietnam War, internal conflicts that ended in 1999 also left behind unexploded ordnance. The report said extensive minefields were laid by the Khmer Rouge, Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and Vietnamese and Thai militaries during fighting and occupations.

"We've provided approximately $191.5 million for clearance operations in Cambodia and about $9 million of that was just this year," said Chandler, adding that the Cambodia Mine Action Center has sent some of its people to train Ukrainian deminers because Cambodians are expert in using a "very specific type of landmine detector that Japan has provided." It is more modern than the aging Russian-built detectors Ukrainians are using as they fight invading Russian forces.

Chandler told VOA Khmer after the briefing that "with the Cambodian government, it's absolutely a priority for us to be able to continue to help Cambodia remove landmines and explosive remnants of war as a way to return lands to Cambodian people and promote economic prosperity and food security."

VOA Khmer's Khemara Pov Sok contributed to this report.

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Attacks in Israel, West Bank Kill 3

By VOA News April 07, 2023

Israeli officials say suspected Arab militants carried out two separate attacks Friday, killing three people and wounding six others.

Authorities said an Italian tourist was killed and five others were wounded in a car ramming attack in Tel Aviv.

In an earlier Friday attack, two Israeli sisters were killed, and their mother was wounded in a shooting in the occupied West Bank.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which rules Gaza, praised the shooting attack but stopped short of claiming responsibility.

The U.S. State Department strongly condemned Friday's "terrorist attacks in the West Bank and Tel Aviv."

In a statement, it said the attacks affected citizens of Israel, Italy and Britain and that the "targeting of innocent civilians of any nationality is unconscionable."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was calling up all reserve forces in Israel's border police and directing the national military to mobilize additional forces "to confront the terror attacks," his office said.

Also Friday, Israeli airstrikes hit Lebanon and the Gaza Strip in retaliation for rocket attacks that Israel blames on the Islamist group Hamas. The violence has sparked fears of a broader conflict.

While tensions simmered Friday, Ramadan prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, where violence between Israeli police and Muslim worshippers erupted earlier in the week, were conducted without major incident Friday. Apart from some stone-throwing, police said the compound was quiet.

"Nobody wants an escalation right now," an Israeli army spokesman said. "Quiet will be answered with quiet, at this stage I think, at least in the coming hours."

One official with a Palestinian militant group told Reuters they were ready to keep the calm should Israel do the same, with the group having "made its point."

Tensions have been brewing in the region following a clash Wednesday between Israeli police and Palestinians inside Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third-holiest site. The site is part of the Old City of Jerusalem, sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims. The al-Aqsa compound overlooks the Western Wall, a sacred place of prayer for Jews for whom the Temple Mount is their most sacred site. Jews believe biblical King Solomon built the first temple there 3,000 years ago.

During Wednesday's clashes, Israeli police raided al-Aqsa and beat Palestinian worshippers, arresting and removing hundreds of people from the compound in what they said was an effort to remove agitators holed up in the mosque.

Video of the raid drew condemnation from across the Arab world.

During Ramadan, Muslims see it as a religious duty to remain overnight and pray at mosques.

On Thursday, Israel said dozens of rocket attacks were launched into Israel from Lebanese territory. Israel blamed Hamas for the attacks, although the group did not say it was behind them.

The salvoes included the largest from Lebanon since a 2006 war with Iran-backed Hezbollah. They interrupted the Jewish holiday of Passover and sent residents running for shelters.

Israel called on the United Nations Security Council to condemn Lebanon and Hamas for the attack.

The United States, Britain and the United Nations, while recognizing Israel's right to self-defense, have urged restraint.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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China calls on Israel, Palestine to observe restraint

Global Times

More efforts needed to promote reconciliation in Middle East with China playing active role: analysts

By Liu Xin Published: Apr 07, 2023 10:50 PM Updated: Apr 08, 2023 12:11 AM

As the international community closely watches the latest developments in the Middle East after Israel bombed the Gaza Strip and Lebanon in retaliation for several dozen rockets fired from both territories, China on Friday urged all parties, especially Israel, to observe restraint and avoid taking any actions that could further aggravate the tense situation, and also called on influential countries to take due responsibility.

It is a pity to see the Israel-Palestine situation deteriorating while many regional countries are working to embrace a trend of reconciliation, analysts said, noting that China's proposals on global security, which has yielded results in promoting regional peace, will continue to play a constructive role.

On Friday, Israel's military launched air attacks on southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip in response to a spate of rocket attacks in Israel. The escalation in tensions comes after Israeli forces stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on successive days, triggering violent confrontations with Palestinians inside and causing anger across the region, media reported.

After the latest round of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, Israeli forces continued to break up Palestinian worshippers who wanted to visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque, while a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank killed two Israeli women.

Passover and Ramadan both fall in April this year. More people are worried that the latest clashes could ignite a powder keg in the region and block the road to peace and stability.

On Friday morning, China's Special Envoy on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun had a group meeting with diplomatic envoys of Arab countries upon request, during which he urged all sides to act in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, and earnestly respect and maintain the historical status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday.

The Chinese envoy noted that the fundamental way to resolve the conflict between Palestine and Israel is the implementation of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent state of Palestine. The international community needs to act with a stronger sense of urgency, heed the legitimate concerns of Palestine and take real steps to fulfill the pledge to the Palestinian people, he said.

China has actively responded to the call of regional states and asked the UN Security Council to hold emergency consultations on the Israel-Palestine situation together with countries including the UAE, and make active efforts for de-escalation. China has also been in close communication with the relevant parties in the international community to facilitate peace talks, said Zhai.

The current escalation took place against the backdrop of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and right-wing forces in Israel pushing for tougher policies toward Palestine. Also, the US' partiality toward Israel leads to an imbalance between Israel and Palestine, making it harder to mediate the conflict, Sun Degang, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Friday.

While the trend toward reconciliation has been advanced among Gulf countries in the Middle East, it is a pity to see there are no signs of improvement in the Israel-Palestine issue, with the situation in some areas getting even worse, Sun said.

The international community, including China, has called for the parties concerned to discuss the issue on multilateral platforms. On Wednesday, UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland appealed for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to exercise restraint following the latest violence.

Sun noted that the current predicament for Israel and Palestine highlighted the fact that traditional views on security are at a dead end and related countries should get rid of their zero-sum mentality. One country should not defend its security by violating another country's security, he added.

China's proposal and role on promoting a solution to the Israel-Palestine issue is important, as it has never picked sides nor sought to fill a vacuum of any country in the region or cultivate a proxy, which is why China was able to successfully mediate the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, said Sun.

Saudi Arabia and Iran announced the resumption of diplomatic ties in Beijing after the first formal meeting between the two countries' top diplomats in more than seven years.

China's remarkable mediation between the two countries over the past month showed that its diplomatic philosophy and Chinese proposals on global security and heated issues have gained more recognition worldwide, observers said.

Sun said that the reconciliation trend in the Middle East is precious and fragile at the same time, which needs all parties and the international community to work in the same direction. As China's proposal on global security has seen results in the Gulf region, it will continue to play an active role in promoting negotiations on regional issues, including the Israel-Palestine issue, Sun added.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 07 April 2023 - Day 408

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A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that in recent days, Russian forces have regained some momentum in the battle for Bakhmut. Since late March 2023 their advance had largely stalled.

Russia has made further gains and has now highly likely advanced into the town centre, and has seized the west bank of the Bakhmutka River. Ukraine's key 0506 supply route to the west of the town is likely severely threatened. Russian regular forces, likely including airborne troops, have probably reinforced the area, and Russia is again using artillery more effectively in the sector.

There is realistic possibility that, locally, Wagner and Russian MoD commanders have paused their ongoing feud and improved co-operation.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day, Russian forces launched 2x rocket and 14x air strikes, and conducted more than 10x MLRS attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and the civilian infrastructure.

The probability of launching missile and air strikes remains high throughout the territory of Ukraine.

Russia focuses its main efforts on offensive actions on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar'yinka axes, where more than 40x Russian attacks were repelled by the Ukrainian Defense Forces during the day.

Volyn', Polissya, Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: operational situation has not changed significantly; there are no signs of formations of Russian offensive groupings. Russia continues to harden fortifications in the border areas of its Kursk oblast.

During the day, Russian forces shelled Leonivka and Hremyach (Chernihiv oblast); Novovasylivka and Zaruts'ke (Sumy oblast); as well as Huryiv Kozachok, Verkhnya Pysarivka, Grafs'ke, Karaichne, Ambarne, and Bologhivka (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: the settlements of Topoli, Figolivka, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Krokhmalne, Husynka, and Kindrasivka (Kharkiv oblast); and Novoselivs'ke (Luhansk oblast) were subjects to Russian attacks.

Lyman axis: Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the vicinities of Serebryansk Forestry and Verkhn'yokam'yans'k. Makiivka, Nevs'ke, Dibrova, Kuzmine, and Beloghorivka (Luhansk oblast); Spirne and Berestov (Donetsk oblast) suffered artillery attacks.

Bakhmut axis: Russia makes further attempts to seize the town of Bakhmut. Russian forces attempted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinities of Bohdanivka and Ivanivs'ke (Donetsk oblast). Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled about 14x Russian attacks. Vasyukivka, Minkivka, Bakhmut, Bohdanivka, Ivanivs'ke, Kurdyumivka, Bila Hora, Novodmytrivka, Druzhba, and Diliivka (Donetsk oblast) came under Russian fire.

Avdiivka and Mar'yinka axes: Russian forces attempted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinities of Novokalynove, Severne, Pervomais'ke, Mar'yinka, and Pobieda. Mar'yinka faced the fiercest fights. Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled more than 10x attacks on Mar'yinka. At the same time, Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, Vodyane, Pervomais'ke, Karlivka, Heorghiivka, Mar'yinka, and Pobieda (Donetsk oblast) were subject to Russian attacks.

Shakhtars'ke axis: during the day, Russian forces did not conduct offensive operations. However, Russian occupiers shelled Vuhledar, Kermenchyk, Novomayors'ke, Zolota Nyva, Shakhtars'ke, and Velyka Novosilka (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhya and Kherson axes: Russian occupiers keep herding defensive lines and fortifications. Russian forces shelled Vremivka (Donetsk oblast); Zatyshsha, Hulyaipole, Hulyaipils'ke, Biloghira, and Kam'yans'ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast); Havrylivka, Beryslav, Vesele, Antonivka, Berehove, and Veletens'ke (Kherson oblast); as well as Kherson.

Russian occupiers continue the so-called "forced passportization" on the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Oblasts, exerting psychological and physical pressure on people. In particular, Russian military restrict movement of Ukrainian citizens without Russian passport through previously established checkpoints. The Russian occupiers purposefully and intentionally search vehicles, take records of all personal data of those citizens who do not have Russian documents, and threaten them to restrict entry into the city.

Moreover, the Russian occupiers force local postmen to distribute registrations forms to the local population that require to specify data on the presence of Russian passport. Citizens who do not have Russian passport are subjects to constant searches, intimidation and coercion to obtain this document. The occupiers threaten forced eviction from their own homes and confiscation of private property if they refuse to receive a Russian passport.

At the same time, Russia threatens to restrict issuance of basic education certificates to the parents of senior school students. Also, the Russian invaders are forcing to change the marriage certificates and the certificate of registration of technical means from Ukrainian to Russian samples.

During the day, Ukrainian Air Force delivered 9x air strikes on the concentrations of Russian troops. In addition, 1x russian Su-25 attack aircraft was shot down near Mar'yinka. Ukrainian missile and artillery troops attacked 1x ammunition depot.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that units of PMC "Wagner" are moving from the center of Bakhmut to the western quarters. The central region itself is under the complete control of the "orchestra", while retreating from their positions here, Ukrainian troops blew up a number of administrative buildings. Fierce battles are going on for the railway station of the former Artemovsk, businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin said.

Offensive operations continue in the direction of Bogdanovka and Krasnoe. Attacks were made on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the areas of Vasyukovka, Minkovka, Kurdyumovka, Druzhba.

The situation in other directions

DNR

During the day, Ukrainian troops opened fire on Donetsk, as well as the settlements of Makeevka, Vladimirovka, Yasinovataya, Yakovlevka, Yelenovka. As a result of attacks in Vladimirovka, a civilian was injured. In Donetsk, the areas of the Covered Market, Theater Avenue and Pushkin Boulevard were hit, a civilian was killed, and 16 more people were injured.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that during the day strikes were carried out on units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Liman, Donetsk, South-Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions. The enemy lost about 330 servicemen and a large number of military equipment. In the area of Ivanovka, an ammunition depot of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was hit.

LC

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the destruction of an ammunition depot of Ukrainian troops in the Novolyubovka area.

Former LPR Ambassador to Russia Rodion Miroshnik commented on the initiative of Pope Francis to introduce a 2-week truce in the special operation zone in connection with the Easter holidays. According to Miroshnik, the ceasefire will not be enforced by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and a pause in the actions of Russian units will only help Kyiv wait for the arrival of military equipment from the West.

Zaporozhye region

The growing activity of Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups (DRGs) in the Zaporozhye direction indicates the readiness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to launch a counteroffensive in this sector of the front, Vladimir Rogov, a member of the main council of the regional administration, believes. According to him, the activation of the DRG was recorded in the Vasilyevsky and Pologovsky districts.

The security initiative at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant rests on the position of Kyiv, which is not yet ready to confirm the refusal to shell the facility. Mikhail Ulyanov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation in Vienna, stated this. In his opinion, one should not count on the implementation of the initiative of the International Atomic Energy Agency at the plant in the near future.

Kherson region

14 Ukrainian servicemen and equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were destroyed in the course of a fire attack in the Kherson direction in a day, the RF Ministry of Defense reported. In addition, the command and observation post of the Ukrainian territorial defense in the area of Novoberislav was hit.





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Taiwan plans to lift public transport mask mandate on April 17

ROC Central News Agency

04/08/2023 12:02 AM

Taipei, April 7 (CNA) Passengers taking public transportation in Taiwan will no longer be required to wear a face mask starting on April 17, if the COVID-19 situation remains stable, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced on Friday.

The lifting of the face mask requirement, however, will hinge on whether the recent long holiday affects the spread of COVID-19 in Taiwan, said CECC chief Victor Wang () at a press briefing held in Taipei.

The removal of the mask requirement will also apply to school buses and kindergarten vehicles, but the CECC still advised the public to wear a mask, Wang added.

The long holiday Wang mentioned was a five-day holiday for Children's Day and Tomb Sweeping Festival, which began on April 1.

The three long holidays in January and February, which usually see more people travel, have not affected the CECC's announced removal of some COVID-19 restrictions.

Even after the lifting of the face mask mandate on public transportation, face masks will still be required on ambulances, and medical and care facilities, including pharmacies, according to the CECC's statement released that day.

The mask requirement on public transport, including train stations and airports, was announced by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications on March 31, 2020 and went into effect from the following day, April 1, 2020.

The announcement was made after Taiwan's two long-haul carriers, China Airlines and EVA Air, began requiring passengers to wear a face mask during their flights on March 21 that year.

The requirement later expanded in May 2021, when Taiwan experienced the first wave of COVID-19 infections. The government required everyone to wear a face mask outside their home, before the CECC began phasing out the measure in early 2022, despite another two waves of more serious outbreaks.

Also on Friday, the CECC announced the quarantine requirement for patients who develop serious infections and are treated in hospitals will be lifted after the doctor decided that a patient has improved and is ready to return home.

If the patients still test positive for COVID-19, they should follow the "Self-initiated Prevention" protocol, including wearing a face mask outside their home, until they test negative.

The revised quarantine rules, said CECC spokesperson Lo Yi-chun () at the press briefing, are meant to help hospitals to have more medical resources previously reserved for COVID-19, as the CECC observed further decline of the spread of the disease.

According to Lo, the average daily number of new moderate and serious cases that require hospital treatment dropped to 85 during the seven-day period ending April 7, from 96 during the seven-day period ending on March 30.

The average daily number of deaths recorded during the two seven-day periods dropped to 15 on average, from 25, he said.

Another new measure introduced was to expand access to preventative monoclonal antibody medication Evusheld to malignant tumor patients requiring intensive treatments and holders of government-issued "catastrophic illness card" if they are organ transplant patients or patients with systemic autoimmune syndrome, the CECC said.

(By Shen Pei-yao and Kay Liu)

Enditem/cs



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China mulls ban on export of rare earth magnet tech amid tensions with US

Iran Press TV

Friday, 07 April 2023 11:08 AM

China is reportedly mulling a ban on the export of technologies used to produce high-performance rare earth magnets deployed in electric vehicles, wind turbine motors and other products amid rising tensions with the US.

Amid a growing shift toward decarbonization and the use of electric motors, China is believed to be eyeing control of the magnet supply chain and establishing its dominance in the flourishing environment sector.

According to reports, Beijing is currently in the process of revising its Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export a a list of manufacturing and other industrial technologies subject to export controls.

In December, Chinese officials announced a plan for 43 amendments or additions to the country's technology restriction act, while some proposed amendments "would prohibit or limit exports of alloy tech for making high-performance magnets derived from rare earth."

The officials released a draft of the revised catalog for public comment after announcing the plan. The consultation period came to an end in January, and the amendments could be brought in as early as 2023, reports said.

The draft revision says the export ban and restrictions are aimed at protecting "national security" and are in the "public interest of society", according to a report in Japan News published on Wednesday.

The decision comes as the US has been tightening its grip over semiconductor technology and over the heart of the semiconductor technology center of the world - Taiwan and the Taiwan Semiconductor Company (TSMC).

A semiconductor is the most essential technological component in developing hi-tech military equipment and computing that has assumed great significance in recent years amid rapid advancements in the tech sphere.

The rare earth magnets, developed in the 1970s and 1980s, are strong permanent magnets made from alloys of rare earth elements, producing significantly stronger magnetic fields than other types such as ferrite or alnico magnets.

As per data, China controls about 90 percent of the market for samarium cobalt magnets and roughly 84 percent of the market for neodymium magnets worldwide.

If China bans the export of such technologies, it would become difficult for the US and Europe to enter the market and make them totally dependent on China, according to a report in Japan News, citing a European source.

Since China is still lagging behind when it comes to advanced semiconductors, "they're likely going to use rare earth as a bargaining chip since rare earth are a weak point for Japan and the US", Nikkie Asia cited a source in the resources industry as saying on Thursday.

As the world moves towards reducing its carbon footprint and getting rid of fossil fuels, the use of electric motors is expected to skyrocket in years to come.

Through the export restriction imposed on the magnet technology, experts believe China seeks to establish its dominance over it by taking control of the magnet supply chain, as it aims to end US hegemony along with sending a clear message about its stance on Taiwan.

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European Commission chief's comments on Uyghurs fall short of expectations

Stopping the genocide of the mostly Muslim group should be a priority, one human rights expert says.

By Kurban Niyaz and Mamatjan Juma for RFA Uyghur 2023.04.07 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed human rights issues with China's Xi Jinping during a high-level meeting on Thursday in Beijing, a rare move for European leaders who usually avoid the topic when they visit the Chinese capital for talks.

Von der Leyen, who visited China from April 5 to 7 along with French President Emmanuel Macron and a delegation of about 50 business leaders, told a news conference held after their meeting with the Chinese president that the human rights situation concerning Uyghurs in Xinjiang was "particularly concerning."

"I expressed our deep concerns about the deterioration of human rights in China," she said. "The situation in Xinjiang is particularly concerning. It is important that we continue to discuss these issues, and I therefore welcome that we have already resumed the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue."

The most recent dialogue took place in February in Brussels, where the parties exchanged views on human rights developments both in the EU and in China. During that session, EU representatives highlighted the vulnerable situation of Uyghurs and underscored the urgency of implementing the recommendations of a report issued by U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation in Xinjiang.

That report, issued last August, said China's arbitrary detentions of Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in its western Xinjiang province "may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity."

Short of expectations

Von der Leyen's meeting with Xi comes at a time when Uyghur rights groups have called for concrete measures to stop China's repression of the mostly Muslim group in recent years through intrusive digital surveillance, arbitrary detentions in "re-education" camps, imprisonment, torture and forced labor.

But von der Leyen's comments at the news conference, which included trade relations and Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, fell short of the expectations of rights groups, even though most European leaders steer clear of criticizing China's dismal human rights record when they meet with Chinese leaders in Beijing.

"In a Western view, complimenting a few minor positive steps on the environment is a standard diplomatic acquiescence, but these things will ultimately be rendered meaningless while also communicating to the Chinese leadership that they can carry out genocide with impunity," Nury Turkel, chair of the bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and senior fellow at Hudson Institute, a Washington, D.C., think tank.

Turkel went on to say that stopping an active genocide, which is a clear violation of international law, should be the first and foremost concern of any diplomatic engagement.

In June 2022, members of the European Parliament passed a resolution calling the Chinese government's systemic human rights abuses against Uyghurs "crimes against humanity and a serious risk of genocide."

The U.S. State Department and the parliaments of several Western counties also have declared that the Chinese government's repression of Uyghurs amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity.

'Systemic threat to global peace'

Regarding von der Leyen's statement about having "deep concerns" about China's human rights situation, Turkel asked, "How on earth can any European leader make such a statement with a straight face?"

"Do they honestly believe that the Chinese regime carrying out genocide is moved by deep concerns from international leaders?" he asked. "Such naAvetA brought us to a Russian invasion and is fueling the destruction of the Uyghur people while creating a less stable world in which China can carry out atrocity crimes and further breaches of international law with impunity."

"As feared, the visits by President Macron and President von der Leyen have contributed to the whitewashing of this genocide and have certainly done more harm than good," he added.

Laura Harth, campaign director at the Spanish humanitarian group Safeguard Defenders, said von der Leyen's messaging in recent weeks indicates a fundamental and much-needed policy shift away from the EU's blind engagement with China.

But such statements on grave human rights violations by the Chinese Communist Party, or CCP, regime need to be backed up by the imposition of concrete consequences, she told Radio Free Asia.

"At this point, we are not yet where we ought to be in that respect, but some European decision-makers seem to have finally understood that the CCP's crimes against the peoples in China and its aggressive posture abroad represent one and the same systemic threat to global peace and stability," Harth said.

Statements about the high-level discussion issued by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not mention human rights issues.

Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Matt Reed.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Federated States of Micronesia Reaffirm Diplomatic Ties to China

By Phil Mercer April 07, 2023

The Micronesian Congress has reaffirmed the Federated States of Micronesia's diplomatic ties with China after outgoing President David Panuelo had urged a switch to Taiwan.

In a letter to Micronesia's Congress in March, Panuelo accused Beijing of waging "political warfare" in his country and bribing his government's officials.

On recent trip to Fiji, the Micronesian president alleged he was followed by Chinese agents. His claims are being investigated by Fijian authorities.

Earlier this week, Panuelo made even more explosive allegations. In a letter to the speaker of Micronesia's legislature, he alleged that China was bringing weapons into his country, which is located about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia.

Graeme Smith, from the Australian National University's Department of Pacific Affairs, spoke to the Australian Broadcasting Corp's Pacific Beat program. He said that Panuelo's claims were consistent with his criticism of China.

"He sort of has two prongs of attack," Smith said. "One is against Chinese companies who are, you know, directly involved in corrupting politicians and offering to fly them anywhere. [He] just says China. He doesn't say whether it is the state or whether it is these private companies. But certainly, in Africa, that has, you know, long been the trend, is to protect their business interests. They do start to arm-up. But, yes, it is quite an explosive allegation."

There has been no response to the claims from China.

The Pacific is home to some of the most isolated communities on Earth. Yet the vast region has great strategic value for Australia, the United States and China. The U.S. has a military presence dating back decades.

Over the last decade, China has focused on strengthening its ties in Pacific. Australia and New Zealand have regarded the region as their traditional sphere of influence.

China and Taiwan also have a history of competing in the Pacific islands, where four of Taiwan's 13 diplomatic allies are located. They are the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau and Tuvalu.

Kiribati and Solomon Islands cut diplomatic ties with Taipei in favor of Beijing in 2019 after offers of aid.

Australia has intensified its efforts in the region in the past year since the election of a center-left government in Canberra.

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has conceded that Pacific leaders had been "ignored" and "disrespected" by Australia in the past.

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Macron's fruitful visit shows resuming all-level exchanges 'main tone' of 2023 China-EU ties

Global Times

Resuming all-level exchanges 'main tone' after Macron's fruitful visit

By Chen Qingqing and Liu Xin Published: Apr 08, 2023 12:33 AM

European leaders were wrapping up their three-day visit to China after Chinese and French top leaders met for informal talks in southern China's Guangzhou on Friday, marking the climax in high-level interactions between China and Europe. The visit also helped stabilize relations amid growing turbulence and uncertainties that the world is facing and reset the cooperation as well as face-to-face interaction, as China reached some consensus with both France and the EU on major global and regional issues, including the Ukraine crisis.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met French President Emmanuel Macron in Guangzhou's Songyuan on Friday afternoon and had an informal meeting with the French leader.

Xi said that over the past two days, the two sides have had in-depth and high quality exchanges in Beijing and Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, increased understanding and mutual trust, and clarified the direction for future cooperation between China and France at bilateral and international levels.

"I am glad that we share many common or similar views on China-France, China-EU relations as well as many international and regional issues, reflecting the high level and strategic nature of China-French relations," Xi said, noting that he is willing to continue maintaining strategic communication and advance China-France comprehensive strategic partnership to a new high level.

Macron said the visit was very successful and yielded fruitful results, which will help advance France-China relations for more progress. The French leader said he is willing to maintain close strategic communication with Xi, and welcomes Xi to visit France in 2024.

The two sides also released a joint declaration on Friday, vowing to enhance political dialogues and boost political mutual trust, jointly promote global security and stability, advance economic exchanges and restart people-to-people exchanges and jointly tackle global challenges.

"Such high-level reception to Macron during his visit also showed our diplomatic courtesy, and that our deeds accord with our words," Cui Hongjian, director of the Department of European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Friday.

China values France's tradition of independence and its important role in advancing the multi-polar world, and that respect was underscored by the hospitality he received in China, Cui said.

While EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock are reportedly planning to travel to China in coming weeks following the visit of Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen this week, Chinese experts believe that more European officials coming to China also show that China's wisdom and solutions are winning more people over, and "the main tone" of China-EU relations this year is stabilizing relations, resuming all-level exchanges and turning those consensus into actions.

The three-day visit not only resulted in fruitful business deals in the fields of transport, energy, agriculture, culture and science, but also provided guidance for the future direction of China-France and China-EU relations, as leaders of both sides sought a more reasonable way of co-existing in the post-pandemic era and amid the Ukraine crisis, despite differences and competitions, experts said.

Cooperation remains priority

"It's very rare to see several EU officials come to visit China within one month, which also showed that Europe has a strong will to safeguard and develop its relations with China, although there are some different voices within the bloc," Cui said, noting that it's important to stabilize relations through such high-level interactions and reset some principles for cooperation, turning those consensuses into practice this year.

During Friday's meeting, Xi outlined China's modernization drive and welcomed the French side to actively participate in the Canton Fair, the China International Import Expo and the China International Fair for Trade in Services to further explore the Chinese market.

Although there is both cooperation and competition, there are essential differences between China-EU and China-US relations. China and the US are seeking cooperation in rivalry, but China and the EU need to properly handle their competition in cooperation. The visit by Macron and von der Leyen sent a signal that despite increased competition and differences, cooperation is still the priority, Wang Shuo, a professor at the School of International Relations of Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Friday.

"Both sides hope to build a relatively favorable external environment, which is the main reason for reaching the consensus and agreement," Wang said.

Over the past few years, China-EU relations have been experiencing some difficult times, especially when the US exerted more influence on the continent and even tied Europe to its chariot in confronting Russia in the Ukraine crisis.

"China-EU relations had been kidnapped by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and by the Taiwan question, but we have dismissed some misunderstandings now and dispelled some concerns during the meetings with European leaders," Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Friday.

After China released a 12-point position paper on political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and the Chinese leader visited Russia, it has become much clearer to Europe that the US won't resolve the crisis but will only fuel the fire, Wang said. He added that Europe felt disappointed by this and now pins its hopes on China, which it believes can play a positive role in helping resolve the crisis.

Ukraine crisis 'key focus'

During the meeting between Xi and Macron on Friday, the Chinese leader said the cause of the Ukraine crisis is complex and an immediate ceasefire is in line with the interests of the relevant parties and the world, adding that a political settlement is the only correct way out.

China won't handle the issue for its own interests, but always stands on the side of justice and fairness. Xi said China welcomes the solutions proposed by France on the political settlement, and is willing to support it, and play a constructive role.

Following the China-France-EU trilateral talks on Thursday, von der Leyen said the Chinese leader expressed willingness to speak to the Ukrainian leader when the time is right, according to media reports. Commenting on the matter, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday that on the Ukraine issue, China maintains communication with all relevant parties, including Ukraine.

Europe's attitude toward China on the Ukraine crisis has been changing over the past year. Initially, it hoped that China could maintain the same position as Europe by condemning Russia or sanctioning it, but then followed the US rhetoric by asking China not to supply weapons to Russia or help it overcome sanctions, Cui Hongjian noted.

"After China stressed that a nuclear war cannot be fought and clarified our stance on the matter through a position paper, Europe realized that China's practical role has helped reduce the risks of nuclear war," he said, noting that the political room for China-EU cooperation in solving the Ukraine crisis has opened and they need to find more space to take future joint steps.

It is difficult for some European countries to abandon their prejudice and previous mentality to agree with China, an Asian country, in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Cui Heng, an assistant research fellow from the Center for Russian Studies of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Friday.

"But they have realized that under the global geopolitical changes, the US is not the only center of power, as China's international influence has been witnessed. More countries have started to support China's proposal to promote negotiations," he said.

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Receives Verbal Message from CPC Central Committee General Secretary Xi Jinping

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, received a verbal message from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Xi Jinping in his message expressed thanks to General Secretary Kim Jong Un for sending him a congratulatory message first on his reelection as president of the People's Republic of China, and offered warm greetings and best wishes to Kim Jong Un .

General Secretary Xi Jinping said that he attaches great importance to the relations between the two parties and two countries, expressing his willingness to accelerate the development of the socialist cause of the two countries and promote regional peace, stability, development and prosperity by strengthening the strategic guidance over the China-DPRK relations in the new situation together with General Secretary Kim Jong Un .

Upon authorization, Wang Yajun, new ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the DPRK, handed over the verbal message, sent to General Secretary Kim Jong Un from General Secretary Xi Jinping, to Kim Song Nam, international department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, on Friday. -0-

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Underwater Strategic Weapon System Tested in DPRK

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- A national defence science research institute in the DPRK carried out a test of underwater strategic weapon system from April 4 to 7.

The underwater nuclear attack drone "Haeil-2" entered into the test in Kajin Port, Kumya County, South Hamgyong Province in the afternoon on April 4. It cruised 1 000 km of simulated underwater distance in elliptical and "8" patterns set in the East Sea of Korea for 71 hours and 6 minutes. In the afternoon on April 7 it arrived in the waters off Ryongdae Port, Tanchon City, South Hamgyong Province, the place of simulated target, where the test warhead accurately detonated underwater.

The test perfectly proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its fatal attack ability.

The system will serve as an advantageous and prospective military potential of the armed forces of the DPRK essential for containing all evolving military actions of enemies, removing threats and defending the country. -0-

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Iran, France agree to continue talks to overcome challenges: FM Amir-Abdollahian

Iran Press TV

Friday, 07 April 2023 6:35 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Tehran and Paris have a common stance that talks should be continued based on mutual respect in order to overcome the existing challenges.

Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a post on his Twitter account on Friday, a day after he held a face-to-face meeting in Beijing with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna, travelling with President Emmanuel Macron on his state visit to China.

The top Iranian diplomat criticized France for failing to fulfill its obligations as per the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"I also emphasized that the rights of the French protesters should be observed."

During the two-hour meeting with Colonna, the Iranian foreign minister said, the sides discussed mutual relations, the recent agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to normalize relations, which have been severed for seven years, developments in Ukraine and regional issues, including Palestine and Lebanon as well as Tehran's peaceful nuclear program and the removal of sanctions.

Amir-Abdollahian was leading the Iranian delegation in the reconciliation talks in Beijing between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Beijing was chosen as the venue for the meeting as an extension of its positive role in mediating the Iran-Saudi rapprochement and facilitating communication between the two Middle Eastern powers.

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Week of fierce fighting forces 50,000 to flee Kale township in Myanmar's north

Junta troops attacked 17 villages with ground troops, heavy artillery and airstrikes.

By RFA Burmese 2023.04.07 -- Heavy artillery began raining from the sky onto villages to the north of Kale township on March 30, touching off what would become a week of fierce fighting between junta troops and local armed opposition forces.

By the time the dust had settled on Wednesday, more than 50,000 residents of 17 villages had scattered, leaving a vast swathe of area on the outskirts of the bustling township in Myanmar's Sagaing region eerily quiet and creating a humanitarian crisis in nearby population centers where many fled to seek shelter.

"They all had to flee to the town of Kalay - the number of refugees coming into town amounted up to about 30,000 in two days, according to our calculations," an aid worker assisting the displaced told Radio Free Asia. The influx of refugees amounts to nearly a quarter of the town's population of around 130,000.

"What they mainly need is mosquito nets, as there are a lot of mosquitoes in the summer. The weather is too hot, too. They need medicines and food such as rice, cooking oil and salt."

Following the artillery barrage, junta troops from the junta's Kale-based Kha-La-Ya (228) unit, backed by forces from the regional command headquarters, conducted village raids using ground troops while aircraft provided support.

A fighter jet and three military helicopters were deployed to attack a location near the village of Pyin Taw U on Monday evening alone, residents said.

An official with the anti-junta Kale People's Defense Force paramilitary group told RFA that multiple buildings were destroyed during the week of raids.

"How the fighting broke out was that the junta forces first started firing heavy artillery on the villages in the north of Kale more than 40 times and then their ground troops [and air force] began to attack," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity citing security concerns.

"We haven't been able to confirm the details of the casualties and property damage in the villages yet. A Christian church and several houses have been damaged," he said. "The junta threw fire bombs into the villages [on Thursday]. Nyung Kone and Kyi Kone villages are still burning."

The official said that two people from the Kale PDF had been captured by the junta, one was killed and three were injured in the fighting.

A spokesman for the Kale PDF claimed that 10 junta soldiers were killed and 20 were wounded over the course of the week, but RFA has not been able to independently confirm the numbers.

Early on Tuesday, fighting broke out between junta soldiers stationed at Kale University and the anti-junta Siyin region Civic Defense Militia, the militia said in a statement. One junta soldier was killed and CDM forces captured some military weapons, the group said.

Attempts by RFA to reach Aye Hlaing, the junta spokesman for Sagaing region, about the clashes went unanswered Friday.

'Our village is burning'

A resident of one of the villages north of Kale, who also declined to be named, told RFA that most of the people displaced by the fighting are sheltering in the homes of relatives in town, churches and Bible schools, or in the jungle.

Other sources said that at least two civilians were killed by the military during the raids, while three others were injured by shelling and airstrikes.

Meanwhile, the junta troops have set up camp at a Buddhist monastery in Nyang Kone village, making it impossible to return to the area, a resident said.

"When the fighting paused, we returned home riding motorcycles to fetch our items of value, but once we heard them start back up, we had to flee again," the Nyang Kone resident said.

"We can hear gunshots and artillery shelling from the town. I dare not go back to my village. Other villagers who fled to the nearby woods said that our village is burning."

On Thursday, the anti-junta Kale Defense Force issued a warning to residents traveling to the north of the township that "a fight could break out at any time."

Residents estimate that since Myanmar's military seized power in a Feb. 1, 2021 coup d'etat, around 70,000 people - or 1 out of every 5 inhabitants - have fled fighting in Kale township.

Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Pakistan Claims Arrest Of Armed Group's Leader As Security Committee Plans Operation Against Militants

By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal April 07, 2023

The Pakistani Army claimed on April 7 that it arrested the leader of an armed group that has been responsible for numerous attacks as the country's national security committee said it plans to launch a new nationwide operation to root out Islamist militants.

The public relations office of the army said it arrested Gulzar Imam, known as Shamba, in an operation but did not say where and when the arrest took place.

Gulzar Imam is the founder and leader of the illegal armed group called the Baloch National Army, which is responsible for "dozens of bloody attacks" in Pakistan, including assaults on law enforcement agencies, a statement from the army's public relations office said.

The Baloch National Army was formed in the merger of two other armed groups -- the Baloch Republican Army and the United Baloch Army, it said.

Baloch separatist groups mentioned in the statement have not responded to the army's claims, but in November a group called the Baloch Nationalist Army sent a statement to the media claiming that Gulzar Imam was in the custody of Pakistan's intelligence agencies.

Baloch separatists have been active in Pakistan's Balochistan Province for years and they demand the province's independence.

Pakistani Army and paramilitary forces have been stationed in Balochistan for almost two decades and have continued to carry out operations against armed groups there.

The separatists have claimed responsibility for attacks on Pakistani security forces, government officials, and on Chinese workers who are in Pakistan working on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects.

Baloch separatist groups allege that the Chinese are trying to capture equipment that belongs to Balochistan with the help of the Pakistani government, and that is why they are attacking them.

Beijing has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure projects in various areas of Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor program.

The national security committee made its announcement about plans to launch an operation against the militants after a committee meeting on April 7 chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by the country's military leadership.

"The meeting agreed to launch an all-out comprehensive operation with the entire nation and the government, which will rid the country of the menace of terrorism with renewed vigor and determination," the security committee said in a statement.

The security committee said it formed a commission to make recommendations regarding the details of the operation within two weeks.

Pakistan has seen a rise in attacks by Islamist militants in the last few months following the breakdown of negotiations last year with the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group.

The group and its factions have unleashed a wave of attacks this year. One suicide bombing at a mosque in the northwestern city of Peshawar killed more than 100 people, mostly policemen.

The January 30 attack on the Sunni mosque located inside a high-security police facility was one of the deadliest that targeted Pakistani security forces in recent years. Some 221 people were also wounded in the bombing.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-gulzar-imam- baloch-army-leader-arrested/32354345.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Pakistan Says Top Baluch Rebel Commander Captured

By Ayaz Gul April 07, 2023

Pakistan announced Friday its intelligence operatives had captured a "hardcore" separatist militant commander plotting terrorist attacks in southwestern Baluchistan province.

An army statement identified the detainee as Gulzar Imam, also known as Shambay, saying he is the founder and leader of the so-called Baluch National Army or BNA.

The banned group has been blamed for dozens of terrorist attacks targeting Pakistani security forces and civilians.

The statement hailed Imam's arrest as a "serious blow" to the BNA and other insurgents operating in the natural resources-rich province. It noted without elaborating that a months-long operation spanning "various geographical locations" had captured the "high-value target."

Imam described as experienced insurgent

Friday's announcement came several months after the BNA confirmed last November that its chief had been in the custody of Pakistani security forces.

Analysts studying the Baluch insurgency say Imam is an experienced insurgent commander and maintains close links to all groups fighting for an independent Baluchistan.

In early 2022, the rebel commander announced the merger of two militant groups to form the BNA in his bid to expand a violent campaign seeking Baluchistan's independence from Pakistan.

The detained militant leader has issued media statements alleging extortion by Pakistan and its close ally China of the province's natural resources and discrimination against its ethnic Baluch population.

Beijing has invested billions of dollars in Baluchistan and the rest of the country, helping Islamabad build roads, power plants and other infrastructure under China's global Belt and Road Initiative.

Pakistani authorities reject the allegations and maintain the insurgent groups are waging violence to destabilize the country with the support of arch-rival India.

Imam's "visits to Afghanistan and India are also on the record; his linkages with hostile intelligence agencies are being investigated," said Friday's military statement.

Indian authorities deny charges they are supporting insurgents.

Baluchistan occupies a significant chunk of Pakistan's border with both Afghanistan and Iran.

Islamabad alleges that separatists also use Iranian soil to wage attacks in Baluchistan.

Last week, the Pakistani military said that four of its troops were killed in the region when a "group of terrorists" who crossed from the Iranian side of the border attacked a routine military patrol.

That attack was claimed by the Baluchistan Liberation Army, or BLA, which routinely takes credit for plotting raids on Pakistani security forces. Pakistan, the United States and Britain have designated the BLA as a global terrorist organization.

Tehran condemned the deadly April 1 cross-border raid, saying in a statement that terrorism "is a common pain" for the neighboring countries and stressed the need to jointly combat the threat.

Pakistani security forces have long been under fire for alleged human rights violations while trying to suppress the Baluch insurgency.

An independent rights defender on Friday released details of its "fact-finding" mission, saying it observed a "palpable sense of anger" among the population in Baluchistan.

"The mission is concerned at the state's widespread use of enforced disappearances to muzzle dissent," said the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. "This discontent has been compounded by the extensive presence of paramilitary check-posts, which, citizens say, has cultivated a climate of fear," the watchdog said.

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Russian Lawmaker Proposes Tougher Sentences For Terrorism, Treason

By RFE/RL's Russian Service April 07, 2023

Russian legislators have proposed amendments to the Criminal Code to toughen sentences for people convicted of terrorism and high treason.

The amendments were announced on April 7 by Vasily Piskaryov, the chairman of the Committee on Security and Anti-Corruption of the State Duma.

If the draft amendments are accepted, the sentence for people convicted of treason would be life imprisonment, while the maximum prison term for committing a terrorist attack would rise from 15 years to 20 years. A terrorist act is defined as a deed which endangers lives and is aimed at destabilizing Russia.

The proposed amendments come a day after Russian prosecutors requested a 25-year prison sentence for opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, who is on trial on charges including treason. The prosecution of Kara-Murza, who was detained in April 2022 after returning to Russia from abroad, is the latest amid a Kremlin crackdown on dissent and civil society since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Piskaryov was quoted earlier this week by the state-controlled TASS news agency as saying the tougher measures were needed for protection against what he claimed were unprecedented threats that Russia faces from Ukraine and its Western backers amid Moscow's ongoing unprovoked invasion of its smaller neighbor.

Piskaryov said the deputies will not introduce a new bill but supplement another measure that has already passed the first reading and is being prepared for its second reading. According to Piskaryov, this will make it possible to consider the amendments promptly.

The changes would also raise the minimum sentences for assisting in promoting terrorist activities from five to seven years and for aiding in terrorist activities from 10 to 12 years. The maximum sentence for those crimes is 15 and 20 years respectively.

For the crime of organizing a terrorist community the sentence will rise from 10 to 15 years from the current five to 10 years, and for sabotage the sentence will rise to 20 years, up from the current 15 years.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-terrorism- treason-tougher-sentences-piskaryov/32354375.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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U.S. 'absolutely needs' to expedite weapons delivery to Taiwan: McCaul

ROC Central News Agency

04/07/2023 05:53 PM

Taipei, April 7 (CNA) The members of a visiting American congressional delegation believe that the United States "absolutely needs" to expedite weapons deliveries to Taiwan, U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said Friday in Taipei.

"I think we're all in agreement that this absolutely needs to be done to provide the deterrence for Taiwan to promote peace in the region," McCaul said.

"Peace through strength is real. And that's why we need to harden Taiwan."

McCaul was responding to a question at a news conference at the Legislative Yuan on whether his visiting delegation's eight members planned on sponsoring bills to speed up the transfer of weapons systems Taiwan has purchased from the United States.

At the press conference, McCaul gave two options for clearing the backlog of weapons the U.S. has yet to deliver.

One would be for the U.S. Congress to re-prioritize the delivery of weapons to Taiwan, which is a "high-risk area" for war, McCaul said.

The other would be to push for "third-party sales" by persuading other countries that are already in possession of the weapons Taiwan needs to provide those weapons to Taiwan, he said.

Noting that people want peace and prosperity, not war, McCaul said: "We want to do everything we can to deter a very aggressive nation Communist China from ever thinking about landing on the shores of this beautiful island because that would be a serious mistake for everybody."

The other members of the delegation are Democrats Ami Bera and Madeleine Dean and Republicans French Hill, Michael Lawler, Young Kim, Nathaniel Moran and Guy Reschenthaler.

Washington has run up a backlog of US$21 billion worth of defense articles it has agreed to sell Taiwan, according to a statement Kim, who chairs the House Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, made at a committee hearing in February.

The adage "peace through strength" was also the theme of McCaul's speech at the Legislature that preceded the press conference.

"If we project strength, we get peace. If we project weakness, we invite aggression and war," he said.

China needs to know that an invasion of or blockade around Taiwan would come at too high of a price both from a military and economic standpoint and that these actions will not be tolerated by the U.S., McCaul said.

That is why the U.S. wants to bolster Taiwan's defenses through arms sales and joint exercises, McCaul said.

Noting that U.S. support for Taiwan is bipartisan, McCaul said: "We are friends of Taiwan. We support Taiwan, and united we will protect Taiwan from the Chinese Community Party and promote peace, freedom, democracy -- the values that both of our countries hold so dearly."

When asked to comment on a warning by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) founder Morris Chang (aa e) on March 16 that the U.S. had excluded Taiwan from its "friendshoring" initiative to outsource semiconductor production to friendly countries, McCaul did not give a direct answer.

Instead, he talked about meeting Friday morning with executives from TSMC and Global Wafer, whom he said asked delegation members to work to end the issue of double taxation after they expand their production into the U.S.

"That is something we want to go back and work on," McCaul said.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/ls

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U.S. 'actively reviewing' arms deliveries to Taiwan: State Department

ROC Central News Agency

04/07/2023 02:51 PM

Washington, April 6 (CNA) The U.S. Department of State said Thursday that the Biden Administration is looking to speed up weapons deliveries to ensure Taiwan is better able to defend itself.

At a press briefing, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel confirmed Washington's intent to accelerate the process of military deliveries, one day after a high-profile meeting between Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (ee) and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.

According to McCarthy after the meeting on Wednesday, discussions addressed how to speed up deliveries of arms Taiwan has purchased.

Asked about the matter, Patel said the U.S. government "is actively reviewing our policies and processes to ensure that we move arm sales as quickly as possible, particularly to Taiwan."

"Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. makes available to Taiwan defense articles and services necessary to enable and maintain a sufficient self-defense capability," he added.

After the Tsai-McCarthy meeting, one of the Congress members in attendance Mike Gallagher said he would look for ways to get Harpoon anti-ship missiles to Taiwan before they go to Saudi Arabia.

Gallagher is chair of the newly-formed House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

According to Patel, peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are "not only longstanding U.S. interests, but they are also global interests."

Patel made the statement against the backdrop of China's opposition to the meeting between Tsai and McCarthy and its warning that it would take "resolute measures" to protect Chinese sovereignty. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of Chinese territory.

"The U.S. and the PRC (People's Republic of China) have differences when it comes to Taiwan, but we've managed those differences for over 40 years," Patel said, urging Beijing to "engage in meaningful diplomacy" and "cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan."

What the U.S. does is consistent with its longstanding "One China" policy, Patel reiterated, and there is no reason to "use it (Tsai's visit) as a pretext to overreact."

(By Chiang Chin-yeh and Chao Yen-hsiang)

Enditem/AW

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President Tsai returns to Taiwan after 10-day overseas trip

ROC Central News Agency

04/07/2023 10:28 PM

Taipei, April 7 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen (ee) returned to Taiwan on Friday night, after a 10-day overseas trip with stops in Taiwan's diplomatic allies Guatemala and Belize, as well as New York and California in the United States.

Speaking to reporters shortly after touching down at Taoyuan International Airport, Tsai said her trip had delivered results as the leaders of the two Central American allies reaffirmed their support for Taiwan.

At the same time, American lawmakers across party lines expressed their solidarity with Taiwan, she said, referring to the representatives and senators she met while in the U.S.

Tsai's trip from March 29 to April 7 -- her first overseas trip since COVID-19 began spreading across the world in early 2020 -- culminated on April 5 U.S. time with a meeting with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Simi Valley.

McCarthy thus became the most senior U.S. elected official to have met with a president of the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name, on American soil since the U.S. severed formal diplomatic relations with the ROC in 1979.

Tsai later told the press corps in Los Angeles that face-to-face communications with the "American side" "will contribute to cross-Taiwan Strait stability and regional peace."

Apart from visiting Los Angeles from April 4-6 (local time) after a two-day stay in Belize, Tsai also stopped in New York on March 30-31 before traveling to Guatemala.

She met with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei during her stop in Guatemala from March 31 to April 2 and Belizean Prime Minister John BriceAo while in Belize from April 2-4 to reaffirm bilateral ties with their countries.

The trip came just days after Honduras broke formal diplomatic relations with the ROC on March 26 to recognize the People's Republic of China.

It became the fourth Central American ally to be lured away by China and sever ties since Tsai took power in 2016, after Panama in 2017, El Salvador in 2018 and Nicaragua in 2021.

Upon her return to Taiwan, Tsai remained undaunted.

"In the face of pressure and intimidation, the people of Taiwan will only become more united," she said.

Taiwanese will not bow to pressure, nor will they stop fostering exchanges with the world when facing obstacles, she said.

During her stay in New York, she met with Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives and had a breakfast session with Republican Senators Dan Sullivan, Joni Ernst and Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, according to Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Xavier Chang (a).

The president also urged China, which had said it would conduct "on-site inspections" of all cargo and construction support vessels operating in parts of the Taiwan Strait in the wake of the Tsai-McCarthy meeting, to exhibit "self-restraint" and "not to overreact."

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense also confirmed on Thursday that a Chinese aircraft carrier appeared in waters about 200 nautical miles east of Taiwan for what appeared to be a long-range training exercise.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday urged Beijing not to use the "transits" by Tsai "as an excuse to take any actions to ratchet up tensions, to further push at changing the status quo" in cross-Strait relations.

Despite a lack of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Taiwan, Washington has over the years allowed Taiwanese presidents to make "transit stops" in the U.S. during their trips to Latin American or Caribbean nations.

Blinken added that the meetings and engagements Tsai has had while transiting through the U.S. are "very much in line with precedent."

(By Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/ls

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Barred from China...again. Beijing sanctions Taipei's de facto US ambassador

The move comes in retaliation for Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with the US House Speaker.

By RFA Staff 2023.04.07 -- Beijing on Friday announced further sanctions against the Taiwanese de facto ambassador to the United States following the meeting between Taiwan's president and the U.S. House speaker, China's Taiwan Affairs Office said.

New "punishments" with immediate effect have also been imposed against two organizations, the Taiwan Prospect Foundation and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats.

China also announced sanctions on U.S.-based Hudson Institute, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and their four senior officials.

Bi-khim Hsiao, Head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S., as well as her family members, will be "strictly" banned from entering the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office said.

Hsiao's financial sponsors and related businesses will also be banned from "cooperating with mainland organizations and individuals."

"All other necessary punitive measures will be taken to ensure lifelong accountability according to law," the spokesperson warned.

Hsiao, who is being labeled "a diehard Taiwan independence separatist" by Beijing, responded on Twitter: "Wow, the PRC just sanctioned me again, for the second time," referring to China by its official name the People's Republic of China.

Last August following a visit by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, China imposed an entry ban on Pelosi and her immediate family members, as well as Hsiao and six other Taiwanese officials and lawmakers.

The measures are believed to have little impact as Hsiao does not travel to China and her family has no business interests in the mainland.

Taiwan's foreign ministry reacted by saying the move "exposed the irrational and absurd nature of the communist regime."

It described President Tsai's visit as "a complete success," and called sanctions an "overreaction to further suppress our country's international space."

'Resolve, will and ability'

Similar sanctions were also imposed on two Taiwanese organizations - the Prospect Foundation and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats - for their involvement in promoting Taiwan independence "under the guise of academic and research exchanges."

"No individual or force should underestimate our strong resolve, will and ability to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the spokesperson of the mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office said.

China lists Taiwan as one of its provinces but Chinese courts do not hold jurisdiction over the island.

In a statement, the Prospect Foundation said it regretted the Chinese move, saying it would "set up obstacles for China's communication with the outside world."

It called on Beijing to reverse the move as soon as possible but added that the foundation would not change its principles of upholding "the spirit of academic independence and the principle of safeguarding Taiwan's sovereignty, conducting exchanges and cooperating with the outside world," because of China's announcement.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also imposed an entry ban on four senior executives of the Hudson Institute and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, which hosted Tsai Ing-wen during her recent stopovers in New York and California.

"Universities, institutions and other organizations and individuals in China are prohibited from conducting exchanges and cooperation with the two U.S. institutions," the ministry said in a statement.

On Thursday, Beijing vowed to take "strong and resolute measures" against Taiwan and a Chinese carrier group is currently operating in the waters east of the island.

The aircraft carrier Shandong is in the West Pacific for the first time - its regular operation area is the South China Sea. It is equipped with a large number of warplanes on the deck, including J-15 multirole fighters, Z-18 transport helicopters and at least one Z-9 reconnaissance helicopter.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry repeatedly condemned the meeting between Tsai Ing-wen and Kevin McCarthy, as well as the Taiwanese president's stopovers in the U.S.

Beijing said Washington and Taipei have "crossed the line" and "seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Meanwhile, former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou returned from a trip to China Friday, warning that the policies of Tsai Ing-wen's government have escalated tensions with Beijing and the island will in future have "a choice between peace and war," the Reuters news agency reported.

Ma is the first former president to visit China since 1949. His Kuomintang party hopes to regain the presidency in next January's election on a campaign of increased cooperation with Beijing.

This story has been updated to include comments from Taiwan's foreign ministry and the Prospect Foundation.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Asia Fact Check Lab: Did Tsai's McCarthy meeting violate the 'One-China' principle?

Verdict: Misleading

Zheng Chongsheng 2023.04.07

In Brief

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy on May 5, setting a precedent for "transit diplomacy" by a Taiwanese head of state.

Three Chinese entities - its Foreign Ministry, its National People's Congress Foreign Affairs Committee and its embassy in Washington - soon issued statements that blasted the United States for violating the "one-China" principle and provisions outlined in three joint communiquAs.

American officials responded by saying that the country's one-China policy has not changed and transits through the United States by Taiwanese presidents are "nothing new."

Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) found that Beijing's claims were untrue, and a misleading attempt to amplify Beijing's own political narrative.

In Depth

McCarthy led a bipartisan group of 17 lawmakers to meet with Tsai at the Reagan Library in California on May 5.

After the meeting, the two leaders issued a statement in which McCarthy emphasized that "the friendship between the people of Taiwan and America is a matter of profound importance to the free world and it is critical to maintain economic freedom, peace and regional stability."

Tsai said that in the face of unprecedented challenges to peace and democracy, "the urgency of keeping the beacon of freedom shining cannot be understated."

The public meeting with the speaker of the house on U.S. soil set a precedent for "transit diplomacy" conducted by a Taiwanese head of state.

McCarthy, who is third in line to the presidency, is viewed as an important political figure by Beijing. Tsai's meeting with him crossed "the first uncrossable red line" in Sino-U.S. relations. Soon after the meeting, the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the United States of being in "serious violation of the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiquAs."

Is there any provision in the China-US joint communiquAs that prohibit Taiwan's president from transiting through the U.S.?

No, there is not. No statement, provision or text in any of the three U.S.-China CommuniquAs, the Taiwan Relations Act or the Six Assurances prohibits such transit.

Is Tsai the first Taiwanese president to transit through the U.S.?

No. All four of Taiwan's presidents chosen through free and direct elections -- Lee Teng-hui, Chen Shui-bian, Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai - have transited through the United States.

Daniel Kritenbrink, former Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs for the Department of State, pointed out at a briefing on March 30th that Tsai herself has done so six times since taking office in 2016. "Such transits are undertaken out of the safety, comfort, convenience and dignity of the traveler," he said.

Has China protested each Taiwanese presidents' transit through the U.S equally?

No, China has objected more strongly to some Taiwanese president's transits than others, depending on their political party.

The late Kuomintang (KMT) President Lee Teng-hui established diplomatic precedent for such transits when he was allowed to pass through Hawaii in 1994 under the conditions that he was not to be granted a visa and would not stay overnight. Lee later refused to leave the plane he was on while it was refueling as a sign of protest against the unceremonious reception.

This aroused the sympathy of Congress, which intervened and later paved the way for Lee to officially make a "private visit" to his alma mater Cornell University the following year. China's subsequent diplomatic uproar and live missile tests conducted in the Taiwan Straits pushed the United States to establish internal regulations for similar future incidents, with all subsequent Taiwanese presidents trips being labeled as "transits" and not "visits."

China ardently opposed the Democratic Progressive Party President Chen Shui-bian's visit to New York City in 2003 to receive the International League for Human Rights' annual Human Rights Award, mobilizing pro-Beijing factions of overseas Chinese in the U.S. to protest.

But its reaction was more restrained when KMT President Ma Ying-jeou delivered a closed-door speech at his alma mater Harvard University in 2015. A year later, China offered little protest even after Ma was confirmed to have spoken over the phone with then-Speaker of the House Paul Ryan while transiting through Los Angeles and was rumored to have spoken with then-Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Tsai's latest trip is the first time a Taiwanese president has publicly met with the speaker of the House on U.S. soil and the second time in the past year that Tsai has met with a speaker of the House, following Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in 2022.

McCarthy's office confirmed and announced the meeting on its own initiative, and both Republican and Democrat legislators attended the event.

The meeting between Tsai and Mcarthy will likely lead to another serious confrontation in U.S.-China relations. Minister Xu Xueyuan, chargA d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, told international media that,"The so-called transit is merely a disguise to a true intention of seeking breakthrough and advocating Taiwan independence." In response to U.S. statements that Tsai's transit is not a visit and follows established precedent, Xu noted "past mistakes cannot be considered precedents. This will not lessen our response."

After the United States and China established diplomatic relations, Washington promised to maintain "unofficial relations" with Taiwan, noted Susan Thornton, former acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

"This was not formally spelled out, but was exercised following diplomatic normalization in a series of conventions that were seriously enforced at the beginning and have been eroding ever since," said Thornton. China worries that more lax enforcement by the U.S. will erode its one China principle, while the U.S. believes such looser regulations do not break its commitment to only maintain "unofficial relations" with Taiwan.

Is Tsai's meeting with Mcarthy an official visit?

It depends.

Thornton told AFCL that questions concerning the Tsai's transit and subsequent meeting with McCarthy "are basically grey areas where the U.S. and China have different versions of the truth."

The American government views the legislative branch and Congress as independent of the executive, and hence not "official," Thornton said. "China views this as the number three person in the U.S. government per order of precedence (diplomatic protocol)."

When asked about McCarthy's meeting with Tsai, Kritenbrink stated, "Congress is an independent, co-equal branch of government" and noted that Tsai is not the first Taiwanese president to interact with members of the U.S. Congress while in transit. In an effort to reassure China, Kritenbrink repeatedly emphasized that the U.S. one-China policy has not changed, and that the U.S. still "does not support Taiwan independence."

Long-standing disagreements between Washington and Beijing concerning Taiwan boil down to fundamental differences between China's one-China principle and the U.S. one-China policy.

Are Washington's "one-China" policy and Beijing's "one-China" principle in accord?

No, they are not. The United States and China have always been divided on the issue of Taiwan.

Beijing's one-China principle is solely based on its interpretation of the three joint U.S.-China communiquAs.

The U.S. one-China policy is also built on the subsequent Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances to Taiwan, which Beijing does not recognize as legitimate.

While the United States accepts there is only one China and that the People's Republic of China is its sole legitimate government, Washington also acknowledges -- rather than accepts -- China's claims of sovereignty over Taiwan, notes Evan Medeiros, former senior director for Asia on the National Security Council under President Obama. According to McEwen, the U.S. believes that Taiwan's sovereignty is undetermined and remains intentionally ambiguous on the issue.

In response to the meeting between Tsai and McCarthy, China's National People's Congress Foreign Affairs Committee noted that several documents of international law, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, clarify China's sovereignty over Taiwan.

Did the three joint CommuniquAs touch on the topic of Taiwan's president transiting through the U.S.?

No they did not.

1. The 1972 Shanghai CommuniquA

China reaffirmed its longstanding position that "the Taiwan question is the crucial question obstructing the normalization of relations between China and the United States; the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government of China; Taiwan is a province of China which has long been returned to the motherland; the liberation of Taiwan is China's internal affair in which no other country has the right to interfere; and all US forces and military installations must be withdrawn from Taiwan. The Chinese Government firmly opposes any activities which aim at the creation of 'one China, one Taiwan' 'one China, two governments' 'two Chinas' an 'independent Taiwan' or advocate that 'the status of Taiwan remains to be determined'."

Washington responded that "The United States acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The United States Government does not challenge that position. It reaffirms its interest in a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question by the Chinese themselves. With this prospect in mind, it affirms the ultimate objective of the withdrawal of all US forces and military installations from Taiwan. In the meantime, it will progressively reduce its forces and military installations on Taiwan as the tension in the area diminishes."

2. The 1978 CommuniquA on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

Compared to the lengthy Shanghai CommuniquA, the Joint CommuniquA on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations contains only eight terse points.

The second point states: "The United States of America recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. Within this context, the people of the United States will maintain cultural, commercial, and other unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan."

The seventh states: "The Government of the United States of America acknowledges the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China."

3. The 1982 August 17 CommuniquA

This is the only communiquA that focuses exclusively on Taiwan, specifically on the issue of American arms sales to Taiwan. In order to understand the U.S. position fully, it is necessary to compare the communiquA with the now declassified Six Assurances to Taiwan and the Reagan Memorandum, the details of which AFCL has written about before.

Conclusion

AFCL found that Chinese accusations that the United States had committed "serious violation of the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiquAs" to be false. There is no provision in the three U.S.-China Joint CommuniquAs that prohibits the president of Taiwan from transiting through the U.S. or meeting with the speaker of the House.

Beijing's latest misinformation surrounding Tsai's transit follows a long trend of tailoring its responses to examples of Taiwanese "transit diplomacy" based on the political party currently holding office in Taiwan. A review of history shows that Beijing favors mild reactions for transits by KMT officials while reserving more severe critiques for transits conducted by DPP officials.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Beijing slaps deterrent sanctions on diehard separatist, Taiwan and US groups following Tsai's 'transit'

Global Times

By Wang Qi and Chen Qingqing Published: Apr 07, 2023 09:27 PM Updated: Apr 08, 2023 12:11 AM

Beijing on Friday imposed a package of sanctions on a diehard "Taiwan independence" separatist, two Taiwan organizations, as well as US Hudson Institute and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and four US individuals, as countermeasures, signaling a resolute response to the latest meeting between Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen and the US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California.

Chinese experts believed that the latest sanctions signaled that China would counter any organization or individual that supported Taiwan secession under the banner of "democracy and freedom," which would have a deterrent effect on US-Taiwan collusion and warn the US government not to indulge in so-called "unofficial collusion" between the ultra-conservative forces and "Taiwan independence" secessionists for the sake of US national interests.

China's top office on the Taiwan affairs - the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee - announced on Friday the imposing of sanctions on "Taiwan independence" separatist Hsiao Bi-khim, who colluded with the US and provoked confrontation between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits.

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council also announced sanctions of two organizations - the Prospect Foundation and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats - which, under the instigation of the DPP authorities, used the pretext of "democracy," "freedom" and "cooperation," and under the disguise of "academic exchanges" and "seminars," to advocate for "Taiwan independence" in the international arena. They have gone all out to ingratiate themselves with anti-China forces, creating incidents that promoted "one China, one Taiwan" or "two Chinas" that violate the one-China principle, the office's spokesperson said.

Heads of these two organizations, in addition to Hsiao and her family members, are prohibited from entering the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, and organizations and individuals in the mainland are forbidden from cooperating with them.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday sanctions on the Hudson Institute and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library as well as four individuals in charge of the organizations.

In disregard of China's repeated representations and resolute opposition, the US deliberately greenlighted the so-called "transit" of Tsai, through the US for political activities, the Foreign Ministry said.

The two organizations provided a platform and convenience for her separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence," seriously violating the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiques, and seriously infringing upon China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, it said.

Under China's countermeasures, universities, institutions and other organizations and individuals in China are restricted from conducting transactions, exchanges and cooperation as well as other activities with the two sanctioned organizations.

The four individuals including Sarah May Stern, chair of Hudson Institute, John Walters, president of the institute, John Heubusch, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute, and Joanne Drake, chief administrative officer of the institute are also placed on the sanction list.

Their movable and immovable assets and all other assets in China will be frozen and organizations and individuals in China will be prohibited from conducting transactions, cooperation and other activities with them. The individuals are prohibited from entering China and barred from obtaining Chinese visa, the ministry said.

New trend

The latest sanction makes Hsiao, a confidant of Tsai who was appointed as the island's representative to the US in 2020 when the Trump-led GOP administration aligned closer to DPP secessionists, the first diehard secessionist to be named and sanctioned twice by the mainland. The Chinese mainland sanctioned Hsiao in 2022 for pushing US arms sales to Taiwan island and advancing former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

Hsiao colluded with the US and intentionally provoked the confrontation between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits and damaged the peace and stability in the region, which fully exposed her ill-intentioned motives of seeking "Taiwan independence," a spokesperson from the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee said on Friday.

Wang Yingjin, director of the Center for Cross-Straits Relations Studies at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Friday that the latest sanctions showed the mainland's resolute opposition to Taiwan secession, and the attitude of not condoning pawns who shuttle between the US and Taiwan fermenting collusion.

While the mainland sanctions have targeted more individual politicians in the past, analysts said the latest sanctions against Taiwan organizations represent a new trend.

According to public information, the Prospect Foundation was established in 1997 and once described itself as a "private academic think tank for the study of international political and economic situations". However, since the DPP came to power in 2016, it has become a platform for advocating "Taiwan independence" and a tool for collusion with external forces under the guise of "academic exchange." The foundation was involved in former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to Taiwan in 2022.

Another sanctioned institute, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, is also a long-standing platform for the DPP to spread its voice of secession and smearing the mainland.

Their approach to obstruct China's reunification is by portraying China's efforts in resolving the Taiwan question as a matter of values in which "authoritarianism challenges democracy," Wang noted.

Sanctions signal a new trend that the Chinese mainland will not tolerate any people, as well as organizations that hinder China's national reunification, an internal affair, under the guise of "democracy," Wang said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning on Friday said that the Taiwan question is not about democracy but about China's sovereignty and territory integrity... Some countries peddle a "democracy vs authoritarianism" narrative, connive at and support "Taiwan independence" separatist forces in the name of democracy, which is actually using the island to contain China.

"We will never leave room for 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities in any form," Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said on Friday, noting that "complete reunification of our country must be realized, and it can, without doubt, be realized."

Warning to US

During meeting with McCarthy at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Tsai said that "democracy is under threat," and "the urgency of keeping the beacon of freedom shining cannot be understated," according to a CNN report.

Hudson Institute's President John P. Walter awarded Tsai "Global Leadership Award" in New York on March 30, praising Tsai has led "a vibrant democracy with great courage and clear-eyed determination to resist tyranny."

The Hudson Institute is a conservative US think tank that is often host to extreme anti-China politicians such as Pompeo and his principal China policy and planning advisor Miles Yu. Analysts also see the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library as a platform that has produced many anti-China statements that undermine the one-China principle and challenge China's national sovereignty.

"I think sanctions are very targeted, and will be powerful deterrence to those who support 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces in the US, Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Friday.

If individuals or institutions blindly advocate "Taiwan independence," it will certainly hinder their normal communication with relevant Chinese counterparts, said Li.

It is also an effort to show the international community that the one-China principle and the relevant resolutions of the UN Charter and the provisions in the three China-US joint communiquAs cannot be weakened or undermined, Li remarked.

As for the countermeasures against Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Hudson Institute, experts said the Chinese mainland's attitude is restrained and calm.

According to Li, China takes into account that the general situation relevant to China-US relations should be cooperative and stable, but also won't allow those "Taiwan independence" secessionists and some US conservative forces that support them to undermine bilateral relations.

Sanctions are also a reminder to the US government that it should take China's position seriously and not let the so-called "unofficial" ties with the Taiwan authorities go unchecked, or even disguise the strengthening of relations with the "Taiwan independence" secessionists, Li said.

The White House should take China's countermeasures as a warning and avoid allowing ultra-conservative forces that provide a stage for "Taiwan independence" secessionists to undermine America's own long-term and fundamental interests, Li noted.

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Former United States (US) President Donald Trump has already screamed political persecution following his indictment on 34 felony charges, which he pleaded not guilty to on Monday.

Addressing his supporters on Tuesday, the man who is seeking a return to the White House said his indictment was nothing but election interference at a scale never seen before in the US. Considering that the indictment does not prevent him from the 2024 presidential race as a Republican Party frontrunner, what could happen if he were to win, or lose, the presidency? Either way, America has a big challenge ahead.

University of California, Los Angeles Law Professor Richard Hasen told CNN that nothing stops Trump from running while indicted, or even convicted. Thats because the US Constitution requires only three things of candidates. They must be:

A natural born citizen.

At least 35 years old.

A resident of the US for at least 14 years.

According to the CNN report, as a political matter, it is maybe more difficult for an indicted candidate, who could become a convicted criminal, to win votes; trials dont let candidates put their best foot forward. But it is not forbidden for them to run or be elected.

The report goes on to cite a few asterisks both in the Constitution and the 14th and 22nd Amendments, none of which currently apply to Trump.

Term limits: The 22nd Amendment forbids anyone who has twice been president (meaning twice been elected or served half of someone elses term and then won his or her own) from running again. That doesnt apply to Trump since he lost the 2020 election.

Impeachment: If a person is impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate of high crimes and misdemeanors, he or she is removed from office and disqualified from serving again. Trump, although twice impeached by the House during his presidency, was also twice acquitted by the Senate.

Disqualification: The 14th Amendment includes a disqualification clause, written specifically with an eye toward former Confederate soldiers. It reads: No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of president and vice-president, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.

The indictment against Trump, which is with regard to hush-money payment to an adult film star, has nothing to do with rebellion or insurrection. So Trump is free to run the race for the White House. Thats the democracy that the Americans chose; thats their democracy.



Lets say Trump wins, which some analysts consider more probable; would the US afford to have a president who faces criminal charges or a convicted president? The US always presents itself as a squeaky clean democracy, but it now faces the prospect of having a sitting Head of State and Commander-In-Chief who has a criminal conviction. If he losses; would he not lead a revolt against the government? When he rallied his supporters with the narrative that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, which they still do believe, Trump displayed that he can cause chaos. This narrative led an unprecedented insurrection by Trumps supporters who stormed Capitol in an act that challenged the core of Americas democracy. This has not stopped.

Attack

On September 1 last year, ahead of the midterm elections in November, President Joe Biden declared that American democracy was under attack from Donald Trump and his supporters. There is growing fear that Trumps supporters may not accept the results of the 2024 presidential poll in the event their leader loses. There is the possibility, for the first time in American history, that a legitimately elected president will not be able to take office, Yascha Mounk, a political scientist at Johns Hopkins University who studies democracy, told the New York Times. If that were to happen, what then would be said about American democracy?

America is not in this boiling pot alone. Its allies, France and Israel, are also faced with turmoil that has put their democracies under the spotlight. French protesters downed their tools and marched in Paris and other cities galvanised by President Emmanuel Macrons decision to ram his deeply unpopular pension reform through Parliament without a vote, in what critics have branded a denial of democracy, as reported by France 24. It is now two and a half months since the protests began. On Thursday, the UKs Guardian newspaper reported that protesters briefly set fire to the awning of the Left Bank brasserie La Rotonde, well known for hosting Macrons controversial evening of celebrations when he led the first-round vote in the 2017 presidential election.

Police said several hundred of what they described as radical elements set bins alight and threw projectiles at officers near the restaurant. In Lyon, police fired tear gas after some shops were looted and bank windows were smashed. In Rennes, police fired tear gas and protesters threw projectiles at officers, as per the report.

Angered

President Macrons pension proposals include raising the minimum eligible retirement age from 62 to 64, and accelerating an increase in the number of years required to qualify for a full pension. What angered the masses was that these changes were pushed through using an executive order in mid-March, with the government deliberately bypassing Parliament because it was afraid it would lose the vote. Infuriated unions brought more protesters on to the streets, as well as university barricades and more high school student participation. The government has still not given in to the protesters demands but is playing for time, hoping protests and strikes will fizzle out.

Unions, on the other hand, want to show that the protest movement still has momentum. These protests may seem to be just about pension reforms, but they speak broadly about the subject of democracy in France. As Cecile Alduy, a professor of French and Italian at Stanford University told US News, the protests are now more about feeling that representative democracy has been emptied out by Macron and the administration, of all its substance. She said the fire the pension reform was the spark that lit a bigger fire that had been kind of dormant before. This could be a turning point in Frances democracy.

In Israel, the protests may have died down, for now, but concerns over the countrys democracy are at an all-time high. Protesters anger stemmed from a move by Israel President Benjamin Netanyahu in which he proposed implementing new procedures for choosing Supreme Court judges, that would include giving politicians more sway in the process while also limiting court rulings against Parliament laws. The proposals would see Parliament having powers to overturn court decisions. This has been seen as a distinct erosion of democratic norms. Regardless of the eventual outcomes in Israel and France, analysts are already pointing to a rising sense in a number of democracies of a discrepancy between policies pushed by government elites and everyday peoples real problems.

This sort of popular discontent, it is feared, can really pave the way for a truly populist movement to kind of feed on that discontent. On the African front, there is Kenya. Just months after the world witnessed the victory of William Ruto in a presidential election that was christened the beacon of democracy in East Africa amid a drift to authoritarianism in the region, Kenya is in utter turmoil.

Power

Perennial presidential election loser Raila Odinga has failed to accept his defeat, in what international observers concluded was a free, fair and transparent election, and is now gunning to assume power through violent means. Le Monde has described Odinga as the eternal opposition leader, who has systematically lost every single one of the five presidential elections he has participated in. In all his past election losses, Odinga has waged war against his opponents. Using mostly the tribal card, he has rallied his supporters to stage violence against political opponents.

Even former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who had endorsed Odingas campaign, has been a victim of this futile tactics by the man who is now also known as Raila the Fifth (the fifth president). Odingas constant post-election violence has always tainted Kenyas democracy. Lives have to be lost always when he emerges as the loser  a tag that will clearly not go away anytime soon, as long as he lives. As one unknown writer wrote: We will have to ask; Democracy where is your sting? We seem to have been left with only pursuit of power and not rule of the people for the people and most importantly there is no rule by the people any more. The sting of democracy has been ruthlessly taken away by politics today. It is a case of salt that has lost its saltiness. The absence of democracy can be felt so vividly.
President Xi says China's top priority on Ukraine is to encourage ceasefire, end war

Iran Press TV

Friday, 07 April 2023 1:17 AM

China's President Xi Jinping has said Beijing's top priority on Ukraine is to encourage a ceasefire and end the war with Russia.

Xi said on Thursday that Beijing's foreign policy in regard to Ukraine could be summed up in one sentence: "Promote peace and dialogue."

The Chinese president stressed the need to find a listing political settlement to the Ukraine crisis.

Xi, who held a trilateral meeting with visiting French President Emanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen, said he hoped Europe will pursue a pragmatic and positive policy towards China.

China's leader said Europeans should be more independent and form an objective understanding of China.

Xi also expressed hope that China-EU relations had not been targeted, dependent on, or controlled by any third party, indirectly referring to the United States.

The visit to Beijing comes as European countries are grappling with economic hardships exasperated by the load added after sending Kiev huge shipments of military aid, amounting to billions of dollars.

Russia has warned the West that the delivery of weapons and munitions to Kiev will only prolong the war, and not dissuade Moscow from reaching its military and political objectives in the ex-Soviet state.

Meanwhile, Macron urged China to use its clout, "to bring Russia to its senses and bring everyone back to the negotiating table," Macron said.

"We need to find a lasting peace ... a peace that respects internationally recognized borders and that avoids any form of escalation. And I believe that it is also an important question for China, as much as it is for France and for Europe. This peace, this stability, is what we are trying to work towards," Macron said.

Macron told the press upon arrival in Beijing that European countries must resist any cut in trade and diplomatic ties with China and reject what some have cast as an "inescapable spiral" of tensions between China and the West.

Macron's visit to Beijing, accompanied by von der Leyen, comes after years of souring relations with China over issues including a stalled investment pact, criticism of China's transparency on COVID-19, and China's reluctance to condemn Russia over the war in Ukraine.

China has blamed the United States and NATO for militarily "provoking" Moscow, forcing it to launch its special operation in Ukraine, while condemning the US-led economic sanctions slapped on Moscow, aiming to bring the Russian nation to its knees.

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U.S. Reviewing Online Appearance Of Sensitive Documents Related To Ukraine, Pentagon Says

By RFE/RL April 07, 2023

The U.S. government is investigating the leak of documents that include details of U.S. and NATO aid to Ukraine.

The handful of documents circulating on pro-Russian feeds on Twitter and Telegram resemble routine updates that the U.S. military produces daily but does not distribute publicly. They are dated from February 23 to March 1 and at least one of them was marked "top secret." But they are not war plans and they provide no details on any planned Ukrainian counteroffensive.

U.S. Defense Department spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said late on April 6 that Washington is looking into the appearance on social media of leaked documents containing details of weapons deliveries to Ukraine, as well as battalion strengths and other sensitive information.

"We are aware of the reports of social-media posts, and the department is reviewing the matter," Singh said.

The Pentagon has declined to comment on the authenticity of the documents. A leak of such sensitive documents is highly unusual and troubling for Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office released a statement on April 7 about a meeting he had with his senior military staff, noting that "the participants of the meeting focused on measures to prevent the leakage of information regarding the plans of the defense forces of Ukraine."

Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak told Reuters the leak appeared to be a Russian disinformation effort aimed at undermining the planned counteroffensive. The leaked versions of the documents, Podolyak said, contain a large amount of fictitious information.

"Moscow is eager to disrupt a Ukrainian counteroffensive but it will see the real plans on the ground. Soon," Podolyak said on Twitter.

The documents include information about Ukraine's use of munitions for U.S.-provided High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and other advanced weaponry.

The New York Times, which first reported on the documents, called the leak "a big coup for Moscow" that could "harm intelligence sharing between Ukraine and the United States."

Three U.S. officials told Reuters that Russia or pro-Russian elements are likely behind the leak.

The documents appear to have been altered to lower the number of casualties suffered by Russian forces, the U.S. officials said, adding their assessments were informal and separate from an investigation into the leak itself.

One of the leaked documents said 16,000 to 17,500 Russian forces had been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The United States and Britain have estimated that the number of Russian casualties -- dead and wounded -- was approaching 200,000.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter and declined to discuss the documents in detail, Reuters reported. It also said the Kremlin and the Russian Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.

With reporting by the New York Times, Reuters, and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/document-leak-ukraine-russia- casualties-war/32354417.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ukraine Readies 'Powerful' Sanctions As Russia Bombards Illegally Annexed Eastern Regions

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service April 07, 2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says a "powerful" new sanctions package is being prepared by the Ukrainian government that will include people who "work for aggression."

Speaking in his evening address on April 7, Zelenskiy said all those on the list "will be blocked," but he provided no further details.

Zelenskiy also said a meeting of the staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian military was held on April 7.

"The main focus is on the battles for Avdiyivka and Bakhmut, for the Luhansk region [and] for each of those directions where the enemy is trying to break the defense of the whole of Ukraine," he said.

A General Staff statement on April 7 said Russia was concentrating the bulk of its offensive operations in Ukraine's industrial east, including Bakhmut and Avdiyivka, but also Lyman and Maryinka in the Donetsk region.

Russian forces used ground- and air-fired missiles, rocket launchers, and weaponized drones to bombard the parts of the Russia-annexed regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson that it does not control. Russia illegally annexed parts of those four regions in September.

The Ukrainian military said Russian forces launched 18 airstrikes, five missile strikes, and 53 attacks from multiple rocket launchers between the evening of April 6 and the morning of April 7.

Eight people, including two emergency medical workers, were wounded in the Kherson region, said Yuriy Sobolevskiy, the head of the Kherson regional council.

RFE/RL was not able to independently verify the battlefield claims.

Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, previously commented on Ukraine's increased use of sanctions against Russia and countries that are providing military equipment to Moscow.

He told RFE/RL that further sanctions should limit Russia's use of modern technologies.

"It's not just about trading capacity. It is also about other things. It is about the use of modern technologies, modern means of transportation in Russia, above all," he said in response to a question about expectations over the upcoming package of sanctions against Russia.

Zelenskiy on April 1 signed a decree on sanctions against more than 200 legal entities and more than 270 individuals.

Among those designated was the former head of Motor Sich, Vyacheslav Bohuslayev, who is accused of treason in Ukraine, was on the list. A Ukrainian court seized the assets and all shares of the aerospace company two years ago. Late last year its assets were nationalized along with those of four other companies to guarantee sufficient military supplies as Ukraine fights to repel an invasion by Russian forces.

Sanctions were also introduced against the Federation Council -- the upper house of the Russian Parliament -- the Russian Finance Ministry, the Federal Security Service (FSB), and the Federal Guard Service, as well as defense contractors and manufactures of radio electronics.

Last month, Ukraine introduced sanctions against 400 individuals, including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and other Syrian officials, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and Iranians associated with the production of Shahed drones. Russia has used the Iranian-made kamikaze drones to attack critical Ukrainian infrastructure.

That round of sanctions also listed 141 legal entities, including companies from Russia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

With reporting by AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine--bakhmut-documents- leak-military-support/32353632.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Farmers In Romania, Bulgaria Protest Over Glut Of Ukrainian Grain On Local Markets

By RFE/RL April 07, 2023

Farmers in Romania and Bulgaria protested on April 7 against a glut of agricultural products from Ukraine that has flooded the market in those countries and lowered prices for local farmers.

About 100 farmers converged in Bucharest, while hundreds more protested across Romania in long convoys of tractors. In Bulgaria, grain producers blocked some border crossings with farm vehicles.

Farmers also gathered outside the office of the European Commission's representative in Bucharest holding posters that read: "Do not punish our solidarity," while others urged European Union officials to "take responsibility, take action, take care."

The EU waived customs duties and import quotas on Ukrainian agricultural products in May 2022 as a way of facilitating transport of the products to world markets amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The expectation was that Ukrainian grain would transit through the EU on its way to those traditional markets. But according to grain producers, it has flooded the internal markets of member countries, undercutting the prices local producers can charge for their goods.

Bulgarian grain producers are calling for the European Union to cancel the regulation.

"Bulgarian farmers' warehouses are full of stagnant produce. There is no market for Bulgarian grain. The harvest is coming in two months," said the National Association of Bulgarian Grain Producers. According to their data, 40 percent of last year's grain and sunflower harvest remains unsold.

Liliana Piron, executive director of the League of Romanian Agriculture Producers' Associations, said at the Bucharest protest that his country's farmers have "reached a point where they feel they can no longer face the costs" of "unfair competition" from Ukraine.

"We are less than three months away from the new harvest and the danger is real, that the goods we will have ready this season will not be able to be sold at prices above production costs," she said. "We will witness a chain of bankruptcies of Romanian farmers.''

Polish farmers have also held protests in recent weeks. Poland's agriculture minister, Henryk Kowalczyk, resigned on April 5 after he became the focus of farmers' anger.

Brussels last month pledged to help grain and cereal farmers in Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland with a total compensation package of 56.3 million euros ($61 million) -- 16.7 million for Bulgaria; nearly 30 million for Poland, and 10 million for Romania. Farmers and national governments said the offer wasn't good enough.

"If today's protest is not heard in Brussels, we will consider larger actions with the participation of other countries that share the same view," said Iliya Prodanov, head of the grain producers' association in Bulgaria.

With reporting by AP and RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-romania-farmers- protest-ukrainian-grain/32354233.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russia Again Demands Western Concessions To Extend Ukraine Grain Deal

By RFE/RL April 07, 2023

Russia has threatened to scupper a UN-brokered grain-export deal with Ukraine because of what it calls Western "obstacles" to the export of Russian food and fertilizers.

During a visit to Turkey on April 7, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that, if the West does not remove banking and insurance restrictions that hamper the export of Russian goods, it will renounce the July 2022 agreement under which Ukraine has been exporting its grain through Black Sea ports.

"If they do not have the desire to honestly approach what [UN Secretary General Antonio] Guterres proposed and so persistently promoted, well, let them continue to ship the relevant products from Ukraine by land, by rail, and by river," Lavrov said.

He added that Russia would work "outside the framework of this initiative" to export its own products.

The agreement, which was originally to last 120 days, has been extended twice. The second extension, in March, was for only 60 days and expires in the middle of May.

Lavrov said that, since there has been "no further progress in removing obstacles to the export of Russian fertilizers and grain, we will think whether this agreement is necessary."

Moscow has said that extending the deal would require a number of concessions from the West, including the reconnection of Russia's state Rosselkhozbank to the international SWIFT payment system.

Ukraine and Russia are leading exporters of grain and the deal was brokered in a bid to ease a global food crisis sparked by Russia's February 2022 unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Lavrov also repeated Moscow's calls for "a new world order, which we all need in place of the unilateral world order." Without evidence, he accused the West of violating the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Russia has assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of April, and Lavrov is expected to attend its sessions in New York on April 24 and 25.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, TASS, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-grain- deal-lavrov-western-concessions/32354018.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russia Sure US, NATO Directly or Indirectly Involved in Ukraine Conflict, Kremlin Says

Sputnik News

20230407

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia has no doubt that the United States and NATO are directly or indirectly involved in the conflict in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday when asked about the leak of the Pentagon's secret documents.

The classified documents reportedly contain information of anticipated weapons deliveries, US estimates of Ukrainians and Russians killed in the conflict, and force strength estimates, but no specific battle plans.

"We don't have the slightest doubt about direct or indirect involvement of the United States and NATO in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine," Peskov told American broadcaster.

The spokesman added that the level of the US and NATO invovlent is "rising gradually."

"We keep our eye on this process. Well, of course, it makes the whole story more complicated, but it cannot influence the final outcome of the special operation," Peskov said.

A Sputnik

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France Should Submit Its Own Plan on Conflict Resolution in Ukraine, Xi Jinping Says

Sputnik News

20230407

BEIJING (Sputnik) - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday told French President Emmanuel Macron that Paris should propose its own plan on political settlement of conflict in Ukraine, adding that Beijing will support it.

"France can submit its specific plan to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, the Chinese side is ready to support it and play a constructive role," Xi said, as quoted by Chinese broadcaster.

Xi added that China will never view the Ukrainian crisis in terms of self-interest.

"China will never consider the Ukrainian issue from the point of view of personal interests, but will always adhere to a balanced position," he stated.

Xi also noted that the causes of the crisis in Ukraine are complex, and that its prolongation harms all parties. He stressed that "a political settlement is the only right way."

Emmanuel Macron stressed that France is ready to closely work with China on a settlement to the Ukrainian crisis as soon as possible.

"The French side attaches great importance to China's influence in the international arena, and is ready to cooperate closely with China, make joint efforts to promote a prompt political settlement of the [Ukrainian] crisis," Macron stated.

A political solution to the Ukrainian crisis requires that the concerns of all parties should be taken into account, the president added.

A Sputnik

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Ukrainian Agent Detained for Spying on Number of Russian Military in Kherson Region

Sputnik News

20230407

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukrainian agent and his assistant have been detained for spying on the number of Russian armed forces in the Kherson region, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Friday.

"The FSB has detained an agent of the Ukrainian special services and a person who collected information about the locations and the number of units of the Russian armed forces in the Kherson region at his instructions," the FSB said in a statement.

Data on the routes of movement and types of military equipment and weapons used in the special operation with reference to maps of the area and geographical coordinates were sent to the staff of the Security Service of Ukraine via internet messengers, the statement added.

Kiev used the obtained information to transfer it to representatives of the paramilitary formations of Ukraine in order to correct artillery and missile and bomb attacks on the positions of the Russian forces.

A Sputnik

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President held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief

President of Ukraine

7 April 2023 - 14:42

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held another meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on Friday.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhny informed the participants about the operational situation in the main directions of the front.

Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, commander of "Khortytsia" operational-strategic group of troops Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of "Tavria" operational-strategic group of troops Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of "North" operational-strategic group of troops Serhiy Nayev and commander of "Odesa" operational-strategic group of troops Eduard Moskalyov reported on the course of hostilities in the areas of the front within their areas of responsibility.

Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense Kyrylo Budanov spoke about the likely actions of the enemy in the near future.

In addition, the members of the Staff reviewed in detail the formation and arming of new brigades. Attention was also paid to the level of personnel training.

Separately, the participants of the meeting focused on measures to prevent the leakage of information regarding the plans of the defense forces of Ukraine.

The meeting was attended by: Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense Kyrylo Budanov, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhny, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov, commanders of troops and operational directions. The meeting of the Staff was also attended by members of the government, heads of law enforcement and security agencies.



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Latest in Ukraine: New Batch of US Classified War Documents Leaked

By VOA News April 07, 2023

A senior U.S. Treasury Department official said Friday that there is no evidence to show China providing material support to Russia despite Beijing's seeming friendship with the Kremlin.

Russian investigators have charged The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, the Interfax news agency reported.

Russian legislators Friday proposed tougher sentences of up to 20 years, instead of the current 15, for those convicted of terrorism and sabotage, according to domestic news agencies reports. "A terrorist act" is defined by Russia as a deed that endangered lives and was aimed at destabilizing the country.

Battles between Ukrainian and Russian forces for Bakhmut rage, as Russian forces try to take "full control" of the eastern city, the Ukrainian military's general staff said Friday.

A new batch of classified documents that appear to detail U.S. national security secrets from Ukraine to the Middle East to China surfaced on social media sites Friday, The New York Times reported.

Russia or pro-Russian elements are likely behind an earlier leak of several classified U.S. military documents posted on social media that offer a skewed, month-old snapshot of the war in Ukraine, three U.S. officials told Reuters Friday.

The documents appear to have lowered the number of casualties suffered by Russian forces, the U.S. officials said, adding that their assessments were informal and separate from an investigation into the leak itself. The documents also overstated American estimates of Ukrainian war dead.

Ukraine's leaders held a meeting Friday at the Ukrainian headquarters of the armed forces supreme command to discuss the leaked documents detailing U.S. and NATO plans to help the country's counteroffensive against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the meeting but made no mention of a leak.

The military information was reportedly posted on social media, The New York Times reported.

In an interview with VOA's Ukrainian Service, Mykhailo Podolyak, the adviser to the head of the office of the president of Ukraine, said the source of this doctored leak could only be the intelligence of the Russian Federation because of the skewed numbers included in Russia's favor. Podolyak added that he does not see any risks from the publication of this information, including the distorted information about the plans the General Staff of Ukraine is developing.

"They are irrelevant to what will work in a month or at a certain time when these scenarios will be implemented on the battlefield," he said.

The Times wrote Thursday that the documents did not reveal when or where the offensive would take place but that the leak could affect trust between the allies as it gave timetables for the delivery of weaponry and the training of Ukrainian troops by the West.

The newspaper added that U.S. officials were working to get the posts taken down.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Asked to comment, a Pentagon spokesperson said by email, "We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the department is reviewing the matter."

Black Sea Grain Initiative impasse

Russia warned Friday that it would not renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed by the Kremlin, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations last July unless Moscow's terms are fulfilled.

The deal allows Ukraine a one of the world's top grain producers a to export grain through a safe corridor in the Black Sea. According to official data, more than 27 million tons of grain and other foodstuffs have been exported from Ukraine aboard 881 outbound vessels since the initiative began last August. According to the U.N., continuing the deal is vital to averting a world food crisis. The deal has been extended twice, the last time for 60 days instead of the 120 days that had been agreed upon initially.

Moscow is complaining that its side of the agreement, promising the right to export fertilizer and other agricultural products, is not being honored.

At a news conference in Ankara, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov threatened to abandon the agreement. Moscow is calling on the West to remove obstacles to Russian agricultural exports, allow a resumption in supplies of agricultural machinery and parts, lift restrictions on insurance and reinsurance, and unblock assets and accounts of Russian companies involved in food and fertilizer exports. Lavrov said that Russian grain and fertilizer exports were affected by a lack of access to insurance and to the SWIFT financial messaging system.

Lavrov said that if those terms are not honored, Russia would bypass the U.N.-brokered initiative exporting products and Ukraine would have to use land and river routes for its exports.

Meanwhile, anger is rising among farmers in central and eastern Europe over a high influx of cheap Ukrainian grain imports, exempt from customs fees until June 2024, which have hurt prices and sales of local producers.

In Romania, thousands of farmers held protests Friday, blocking traffic and border checkpoints with tractors and trucks and urging the European Commission to intervene.

Polish and Bulgarian farmers have also held protests, and Polish Agriculture Minister Henryk Kowalczyk resigned from his post this week. His replacement, Robert Telus, said Friday that Poland will temporarily halt imports of Ukrainian grain to mitigate the impact on prices, but he added, transit will still be allowed.

Bakhmut at risk

Russia has recently regained some "momentum" in the battle for Bakhmut, the British Defense Ministry said Friday in its daily intelligence update on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The report said Russian forces have "highly likely advanced" into the town center of Bakhmut and have seized the west bank of the Bakhmutka River. The update also reported that Wagner forces and Russian Defense Ministry commanders "have paused their ongoing feud and improved cooperation."

Gershkovich charged with espionage

Russian Federal Security Service investigators have formally charged Evan Gershkovich with espionage. "Gershkovich has been charged," Interfax quoted a source as saying. The Wall Street Journal reporter denied all the charges and said he was working as a journalist, Russian news agencies reported Friday.

Russia's Federal Security Service opened an espionage case against the 31-year-old for collecting what it said were state secrets about the military industrial complex in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg.

Gershkovich is the first American journalist detained in Russia on espionage charges since the end of the Cold War. The United States cast the Russian claims of espionage as ridiculous. U.S. President Joe Biden has called for Gershkovich's release.

Macron counts on China to help end Russia's war

French President Emmanuel Macron has encouraged Chinese President Xi Jinping to use Beijing's relationship with Moscow to help bring an end to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Macron told Xi as they met Thursday in Beijing that Russia's aggression in Ukraine has harmed international stability.

Xi told journalists that "together with France, we appeal for restraint and reason" in the 14-month conflict, adding that China was seeking "a quick return to peace negotiations in the quest for a political settlement and the building of a European architecture that is balanced and lasting."

The Chinese leader said his government "appeals for the protection of civilians. Nuclear weapons must not be used, and nuclear war must be avoided."

Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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MANZINI  The Political Party Assembly (PPA) has released its full programme to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the April 12, 1973 Decree.

The programme for the commemoration of the day is contained in a press statement, which was released by Ngwane National Liberation Congress (NNLCs) Thamsanqa Hlatshwako on behalf of the PPA secretariat. The programme includes border blockades, petition deliveries at Parliament and United Nations (UN) offices. In the press statement, the PPA secretariat said Wednesday, April 12, 2023, will mark 50 years since King Sobhuza IIs 1973 Decree, which banned political parties and supposedly gave the monarchy more power. In that regard, the secretariat said the PPA, in collaboration with the mass democratic movement and international allies remain resolute in demanding citizenship sovereignty to guarantee their democracy and freedom.

International

Therefore, they call upon the citizens of the Kingdom of Eswatini and their international allies to participate in local and international activities of protest on Wednesday. It said the activities include a Matsamo and Oshoek (Ngwenya) border blockade and public procession to centres of power of government and Global Intergovernmental Institutions, such as the United Nations (UN). The secretariat said the PPA would assembly at Parliament at 8am and deliver a petition at 10am.

Thereafter, it said it would join the Multi-stakeholders Forum (MSF), which would be leading the mass democratic movement in a procession at the UN at 10am with the intention of delivering a petition at noon. On the other hand, he said their international ally; the Congress for South African Trade Union (COSATU) would lead a public demonstration in some South African borders for trade blockade.

London

Meanwhile, it added that emaSwati in London, United Kingdom (UK) would also have a demonstration to the Eswatini Embassy. Our call to government is that it should remove the military in public, ensure a conducive civic participation for political self-determination, suspend the undemocratic Tinkhundla elections, immediate commencement of the inclusive dialogue within international recognised standards, the PPA secretariat said.

It added that they also demanded that government should pave way for the implementation of a guaranteed effective impartial and independent investigation to the killings of citizens from June 29, 2021 to date. After that, it urged the nation to embrace the call for liberation, freedoms and democratisation of their country to ensure that the dozens of people, who died, did not suffer in vain. It said they should also remember the continuous killings in the country, those who were injured during the massacre, the politically incarcerated, the continued economic enslavement and prolonged poverty that perpetually befalls their country.

Situnge sinjalo nje  Alpheous

MANZINI  Situnge sinjalo nje (its loneliness), says Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo.

Nxumalo said the PPA was grandstanding on a totally defunct political agenda - an agenda which had been outlived and pushed into the dustbin of history by the national Constitution of 2005. Loneliness preoccupies one with irrelevance and anachronistic agendas. Its a pity!, the government spokesperson said. On another note, he said government was not aware of any illegal activity that was planned for April 12, 2023. Besides, anyone or entities with the intentions to break the laws of the land through border blockades will be met with the might of the law, Nxumalo said.

He said they did not run a banana State here, but a sovereign with all the elements required for State craft. Nxumalo said chaos and disorder had no place in a constitutional and functional democracy like theirs wherein, anyone with genuine grievances could approach the courts for remedy, without putting the countrys peace, security and safety at risk.On the same note, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said as a law enforcing entity, which ensured order in the country, protects lives and property, they had not received a notice about the planned activities.
Press Release

Nokia selected by Zain Jordan for nationwide 5G

Zain Jordan to deliver superior 5G connectivity nationwide to its customers

Deal supports digital transformation of Jordan and its economy

Nokia to modernize Zains existing network infrastructure and deploy 5G equipment based on its comprehensive AirScale Baseband and Radio portfolio

8 April 2023

Espoo, Finland  Nokia today announced that it has been selected by Zain Jordan in a multi-year deal to supply 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment throughout Jordan. Through the deal, Zain will be able to support the digital transformation of the country by offering superior 5G services with enhanced connectivity and capacity to customers. A major part of the deployment is expected to be completed during 2023.

Under the deal, which totals over 3,000 sites nationwide, Nokia will provide the latest generation of its AirScale Baseband, Massive MIMO radios, and Remote Radio Head products. These are all powered by its energy-efficient ReefShark System on Chip (SoC) technology and combine to provide superior coverage and capacity. In parallel to deploying 5G, Nokia will also modernize Zains existing 4G infrastructure.

Nokia has a long-standing partnership with Zain across several territories, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: We are delighted to be partnering with Zain Jordan on this project to modernize their complete Radio Access Network and introduce 5G technology, and by doing so support the Jordanian Governments digital transformation objectives. The deployment of 5G is expected to stimulate the incubation and growth of new technologies and industries.

Resources and additional information

5G Radio Access Networks (RAN)

AirScale Radio Access

Nokia 5G

About Nokia

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today  and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media Inquiries

Nokia Communications

Email: Press.Services@nokia.com
MBABANE  While others celebrated Good Friday, a family of a 34-year-old man were mourning, as they buried their murdered loved one.

Nkosinathi Jazz Zulu of Engonini at Lubulini was buried yesterday after his body was transported back to Eswatini after he was stabbed to death allegedly by two of his neighbours, who had posed as good Samaritans. According to one of the relatives, who preferred to remain anonymous, Jazz as they affectionately called him , usually left the kingdom to South Africa (SA), Newcastle to do business and returned back on the same day.

However, the relative did not specify what type of business dealings the deceased was involved in and with whom.

The relative alleged that almost everyone in the community knew of Nkosinathis cross-border hustle and it was for that reason they did not suspect anything when two of his neighbours, on Wednesday two weeks ago, requested to accompany him as he embarked on another trip. They didnt have anything of their own to sell but they arrived early in the morning and convinced him that it would be beneficial for him (Nkosinathi) to allow them to tag along, as he was heading to Newcastle. They promised to carry his bag as my relative lived with a slight disability, which caused him to limp, so he agreed.

The two young men advised him to also pack his knife as they claimed that these days it was dangerous to be unarmed as they were going to use an informal crossing. Nkosinathi left with the two young men, early in the morning last Wednesday and that was the last day we saw him alive, narrated the relative. Further, the relative disclosed that as usual, Nkosinathi called home after a few hours and informed them that he had been successful as he had sold all his wares and that he was coming home, the same day in the evening.

He had told us that he was going to deposit about E36 000 in his bank account as the two young men he had left with were no longer with him, as they had left moments earlier after helping him sell his stuff. However, we waited for him to arrive that night but he didnt. We didnt panic as sometimes it took him two days to return home, the relative said.

Report

The relative went on to state that Nkosinathi didnt return home until they received a phone call from his mobile phone number, last Saturday, when a female caller notified the family of his sudden demise. We asked the caller to narrate to us exactly what happened but she didnt say anything except that she had been sent by one of the neighbours to relay the message. The lady caller told us that the two young men had promised to foot the bill of the funeral. The caller told us that Nkosinathi had been robbed of all his money, including his cellphone and was further stabbed to death on the left part of his chest. However, after the lady dropped the phone, we noticed that the same number the caller had used belonged to the deceased. We asked ourselves as to how was that possible as the caller had disclosed that Nkosinathi was robbed off everything, including his cellphone, narrated the relative.

Caller

The relative disclosed that they then headed to Newcastle the following day (Sunday), to identify if it was indeed Nkosinathi at the mortuary the caller had told them he had been transported to. Upon reaching the mortuary, we indeed confirmed the sad truth, it was his body. The mortuary attendants only gave us his clothes and nothing else. We then reported everything to the South African Police and further shared information on how he had left home with those two neighbours, added the relative.

The relative revealed that due to the call from the unknown female, which came from the deceaseds cellphone number, they had every reason to suspect that the people who were behind Nkosinathis death, were the neighbours who had left with him. The lady used the deceaseds phone number and we have reliably gathered that the two young men who had begged to escort our relative to Newcastle, actually had planned the alleged murder from the beginning, while in Eswatini. We hope that the police catch them soon, so that the family can have closure, alleged the relative.

Robberies

Murder during robberies has taken a toll in the country as most recently, a taxi man in Mbabane was shot and later died in hospital after he tried to thwart a robbery that was in progress in one of the shops. It is said that the deceased tried but failed to disarm one of the robbers hence they shot him in the process and went away with a sum of E7 000. Elder brother to the deceased, Nhloko Zulu, has confirmed yesterday to this publication that Nkosinathi was robbed and further stabbed to death allegedly by two men, last Wednesday.

We have since brought his body back and we will bury him on Friday (yesterday) but the SAPS assured us that they already have a breakthrough in the case. I cannot say much except that my brother was a responsible man as he was the chairperson of the youth here at Ntuthwakazi, Lubulini. The youth and the community have been robbed of a valuable person by these killers, he said. South African Police investigator when contacted by this publication confirmed the incidence and said they were currently investigating the matter of a man who was found dead at a location in Madadeni.




15 Journalists trained on how to identify false data

Gloria Apprey Life Apr - 06 - 2023 , 22:33

Fifteen journalists from various media houses in the country have been trained on tools and software for fact-checking information at a workshop in Accra.

Organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) the journalists were taken through different ways of identifying manipulated and fake videos, images, sounds and texts with the use of software such as InVid, reverse image search and geo-location.

Facilitators of the workshop, on the left, Mr Kwaku Krobea Asante, journalist, fact-check Ghana and on the right Mr Stephen Tindi, lecturer, UNIMAC

The workshop was on the theme, Fact-Checking and Countering Mis/Disinformation in Ghana.

It was aimed at highlighting the ills, effects and legal implications (defamation and criminal lawsuits) of false information in society.

A facilitator at the workshop, Mr Kwaku Krobea Asante of fact-check Ghana said the software In-Vid and reverse image search were useful in scanning videos and images to trace their original source, language and context.

He added that, geo-location, maps and IP (Internet Protocol) addresses helped in pin-pointing where information could have come from.

Mr Asante urged journalists and the public to always read beyond headlines to prevent being misled, review their own preconceived notions, check authors, comic relief taglines and sources of information.

These are key in order not to further propagate false information as that may affect our democracy, literacy and rationality as a people, he explained.

A lecturer from the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), Mr Stephen Tindi focused on the drivers of information disorder which he said were mainly bloggers.

Mr Tindi said some people profited from false information especially on the new media through advertisements and clicks on websites and social media handles.

Technology has made it easy to post, share and like, knowingly or unknowingly information which may have been distorted or fabricated.

Let us beware of such acts as it not only made the culprits rich but also spread fear, hate and conspiracies, he added.

The workshop organised by the MFWA was themed, Fact-Checking and Countering Mis/Disinformation in Ghana.

A Programme Manager of the MFWA, Miss Abigail Larbi said the workshop was part of a series of workshops to train journalists on various aspects of the job and called for the support of various stakeholders.
Abetifi: Over 12,500 year-old ancestral cave converted into eco-park

Zadok Kwame Gyesi, Maclean Kwofi & Haruna Yussif Wunpini Apr - 08 - 2023 , 15:46

An ancestral home of the Kwahu people at Abetifi in the Eastern Region dating over 12,500 years old has been converted into an eco-tourism Park.

The site, known as the "Abetifi Stone Age Park", sits on a 52-acre land.

Prior to the development of the Park, part of the land used to be a refuse dump.

The founder of the Park, Ben Addo, who is an indigene of Abetifi, said he was pushed to establish the Park after the Archaeology Department of the University of Ghana (UG) confirmed the results of an excavation at the site through carbon dating.

Explaining how he got to know about the site and the rationale for establishing the Park, Mr Addo said having lived in Germany for about 25 years, he decided to come home for some holidays together with his family.

It was during the holiday visit that he met the Head of the Archaeology Department of UG, one Dr Wattson, who at the time had come to the Bosompra caves at Abetifi to conduct some archaeological excavations.

He added that in 2013, Dr Wattson wrote to him, telling him that the carbon dating they conducted on the artefacts they found at the Bosompra Caves indicated that people lived at the site about 12,500 years ago, more than 10,500 years before Jesus Christ was born.

That, Mr Addo said, when he read the letter from Dr Wattson, he was shocked about the findings and therefore decided to work to convert the place into a Park that will tell the story of the Kwahu people and Ghana as a whole.

This was very intriguing to me. And I found myself asking rhetorical questions; does this mean these people preceded the birth of Christ looking at that date now. That was about 10,500 years before Jesus Christ was born. How tall were these people? What were they eating? Where did they bury their dead people?" he asked.

He said even though he had not achieved how he intends to develop the Park, he feels fulfilled that at least, the vision to recreate the Park has been done.

See the inside of Ghana's 12,000 year old ancestral cave (PHOTOS)

Appreciation

Mr Addo also commended the chiefs of Kwahu, particularly Kwahu Adontenhene and Chief of Abetifi for their instrumental role in donating on gratis, the 52-acre land which the Park occupies.

For him, the chiefs did not take money from him and instead, contributed their financial resources to the project.

He said even though he (Addo) had initiated the Park, the project belongs to the whole people of Kwahu, saying that the Park will help to preserve the rich culture and history of the people of Kwahu.

He disclosed that his greatest mission was to build a museum that will serve as a curator of Ghanaian history, particularly that of the Kwahu people.

Mr Addo also commended the Archeological Department of the University of Ghana for their key role in the establishment of the Park, calling on all relevant stekholders to support the development of the Park.

Tourist sites in Kwahu

The Kwahu area can boast of many tourist sites, including Oworobong Waterfalls, Bruku Rock, Afram River, Airjays, Mystical Cave, Abetifi Stone Age, Echo Ravine/Padlock Rock, and Kwahu Aduamaoh Fort.

Appeal

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who launched the Park appealed to Ghanaians to stop dumping of refuse into tourist attraction centres in the country.

He said stopping the practice of dumping refuse at tourist sites will help protect the country's environment as well as promote the tourist sites.

He commended the Founder of the Abetifi Stone Age Park for converting the refuse dump site into a Park that will help to tell the history of the people of Kwahu.

"I congratulate Mr Ben Addo for this brilliant solution," he commended the Founder of the Park, saying his action has helped to protect the environment and also preserve the history of his people and that of Ghana.

President Akufo-Addo also appealed to Chiefs to help protect environment, explaining eco-tourism was contributing significant revenues to many economies in Africa.

The President also encouraged the people of Kwahu to own the Park and protect it, saying that government will also make the necessary contributions to the development of the Park.

Who are the Kwahus?

Kwahu features the highest inhabited spot in Ghana  it is where the Christian Missionaries from Basel found their own new Switzerland  and the rocky green plateau breathes fresh air.

The name Kwahu applies both to the people and the area, and has several dramatic explanations of its origin. One such explanation is that it was given to a tribe which decided to resist the expanding domination of the Ashanti Empire and barricaded itself on a high ridge overlooking the Afram River (Now part of the Volta Lake).

These peaceful people were nevertheless stout enough to guard their land by threatening to roll rocks down on anyone who came after them, and so outsiders called the area Kwahu- Go and die!
Akyem Achiase: CDS inaugurates accommodation facilities for GAF Jungle Warfare School

Samuel Kyei-Boateng Apr - 07 - 2023 , 10:37

The Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama on Thursday inaugurated four separate self contained residential apartments to accommodate four military officers and 30 sitter washrooms for recruits at the Jungle Warfare School (JWS) at Akyem Achiase in the Eastern Region.

The projects form part of facilities being funded with GH100 million financial support from the Chinese government to improve infrastructure in military barracks in Ghana.

In his inaugural address, Vice Admiral Amoama said all the military barracks needed infrastructure, especially residential accommodation and the current government had initiated a laudable programme to solve the problem.

He stressed that apart from its core mandate of training military officers and recruits, the JWS was also offering assistance in the provision of security in the country.

Vice Admiral Amoama stated that jungle Warfare Training was very essential to the military so his outfit would do everything possible to fully equip the JWS to delivery its core mandate.

He noted with pride that the Achiase JWS had been recognised as one of the best of such military institutions worldwide, and therefore, admonished the management and the trainees to sustain the proud record.

The CDS advised users of the the facilities to observe proper maintenance culture for them to last longer.

He was full of praise for the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Achiase, Mr Richmond Amponsah Agyabeng and the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo for supplementing the efforts of the government and the military high command to develop the JWS and urged them to sustain the spirit.

The CDS and his entourage including, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General James Oppong Peprah, the Acting Commanding Officer of the JWS, Lt. Col. Jacob Cudjoe, the Acting Chief Instructor at the JWS, the DCE for Achiase, Mr Richmond Amponsah Agyabeng and the Baamuhene of Achiase, Baffour Owusu Sakyi Baah, went round the barracks to inspect ongoing development projects.

The soldiers at the JWS also demonstrated their skills to the CDS and his entourage
Fire destroys warehouse of Multipac Ghana Ltd

Benjamin Xornam Glover Apr - 08 - 2023 , 09:13

Fire has destroyed a warehouse belonging to Multipac Ghana Ltd, a beverage manufacturing company in Tema.

The fire started Saturday (April 8, 2023) dawn, at about 12am.

According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), it took firefighters about four hours to bring the fire under control.

The Deputy Director of Operations at the Ghana National Fire Service headquarters, Divisional Officer Grade 1, Joseph K. Forson who was at the scene said they received the distress call at 12:52 am.

The first fire engine from the Industry Area Fire Station, which was about two kilometers away arrived at the scene.

The crew detected the fire in one of the warehouses at the premises of the factory where raw materials are kept.

Multiple fire pumps were called in to support.

DO1 Forson said a total of six pumps and one water tanker from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority as well as ten private water tanker operators were called in to help extinguish the fire.

The fire was brought under control at 4:20 am and totally extinguished at 6:33 am.

DO I Forson said there were no casualties or injuries recorded adding that investigations were underway to determine the cause of the fire.
See the inside of Ghana's 12,500 year old ancestral cave (PHOTOS)

Zadok Kwame Gyesi, Maclean Kwofi & Haruna Yussif Wunpini Apr - 08 - 2023 , 15:17

The Abetifi Stone Age Park is currently the only Park in Ghana that houses one of the oldest caves known to have been occupied by people in Kwahu over 12,500 years ago.

Humans are said to have lived in the caves over 12,500 years ago, according to the Archaeology Department of the University of Ghana.

What it means is that people lived in the caves for more than 10,500 years before Jesus Christ was born.

The caves are now part of the Abetifi Stone Age Park which sits on a 52-acre land in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

The Park was established by an indigene of the place - Ben Addo.

The Archaeology Department of the University of Ghana confirmed the date during which people lived in the cave through carbon dating technology in 2013.

The Stone Age began about 2.6 million years ago, when researchers found the earliest evidence of humans using stone tools, and lasted until about 3,300 B.C. when the Bronze Age began.

It is typically broken into three distinct periods: the Paleolithic Period, Mesolithic Period and Neolithic Period.

Kwahu features the highest inhabited spot in Ghana  it is where the Christian Missionaries from Basel found their own new Switzerland  and the rocky green plateau breathes fresh air.

The name Kwahu applies both to the people and the area, and has several dramatic explanations of its origin. One such explanatiom is that it was given to a tribe which decided to resist the expanding domination of the Ashanti Empire and barricaded itself on a high ridge overlooking the Afram River (Now part of the Volta Lake).

These peaceful people were nevertheless stout enough to guard their land by threatening to roll rocks down on anyone who came after them, and so outsiders called the area Kwahu- Go and die!
WHO is 75 years

Augustina Tawiah Health Apr - 07 - 2023 , 11:12

The World Health Organisation (WHO) office in Ghana has said it remained committed to working with all stakeholders to support Ghana's health sector priorities towards achieving the highest level of health for all Ghanaians.

It said although Ghana had made significant progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as demonstrated in the improvement of Ghana's UHC service coverage index from 35 in 2010 to 47.8 in 2021, it was important that those gains were consolidated by adhering to Ghana's UHC roadmap.

These assurances were contained in a statement signed and issued in Accra, by the Communications Officer of WHO Ghana, Sayibu Ibrahim Suhuyini, to mark the 75th anniversary of the WHO, which falls Friday, April 7.

WHO formation

In 1948, countries of the world came together and founded WHO to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health and well-being.

Working with 194 member states across six regions and on the ground in more than 150 offices, WHO envisions a world where Health for All is realized. The theme for the celebration is Health for All.

Health for All

The statement said, at the heart of Health for All was the attainment of UHC through primary health, and where people could have access to affordable, equitable, good quality and sustainable health care.

It said in Ghana, around 36.2 per cent of health expenditure came out of people's pockets and as a result, significant number of persons continued to be pushed further below the poverty line due to spending on health.

It, therefore, called for national health strategies to position primary health care as the entry point into a health system which not only treated ill health, but also prevented illnesses and promoted good health, thereby reducing the need for more expensive curative services.

It said the right to health was a basic human right that promoted health and wellbeing, dignity, and a good quality of life for everyone, despite who they were, where they lived or what they do.

Anniversary

Touching on the anniversary, the statement quoted the WHO Representative in Ghana, Dr Francis Kasolo as saying that, it was an opportunity for them to reflect on the remarkable achievements of their collective efforts to advance the health and wellbeing of the people of Ghana.

"It is also the chance for us to rally around a common agenda and strengthen our commitment to tackle emerging health challenges towards achieving health for all, it said.

Support to Ghana

The statement mentioned some of WHO's support to Ghana to include technical and financial support in building a resilient health system that was capable of withstanding shocks.

It said the WHO had also extended support in the fight against diseases, leading to the interruption of wild poliovirus as well as the elimination of Guinea worm, Trachoma, Human African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and Neonatal Tetanus as public health problems.

The organization, it further stated, had assisted the country in the development of strategic documents such as the National Action Plan for Health Security, National strategy on non-communicable diseases including Mental Health, Comprehensive Multi-Year Plan for the Expanded Programme on Immunization and the National Innovative Health Financing Strategy.

On immunisation, the statement said in contrast to the global immunisation picture, in Ghana, 1.24 million children received the third dose of the Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus (DPT) containing vaccine in 2022 compared to the 1.17 million children who received the same vaccine in 2019.

This, it described as remarkable performance adding that, it was achieved through concerted support provided by WHO and other partners to sustain the delivery of essential services, including immunization.
It is possible to break the 8 - Vice President Bawumia

Zadok Kwame Gyesi, Maclean Kwofi & Haruna Yussif Wunpin Politics Apr - 08 - 2023 , 10:20

The Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says it is possible for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to retain power in the 2024 general elections.

For him, the work that the NPP has done since 2017 was enough to enable it win power to continue with governance.

Speaking at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region on Saturday morning at the end of a health walk as part of activities marking this year's Kwahu Easter, the Vice President said the NPP's record far outweigh that of other political parties trying to wrestle power from them in the 2024 general elections.

He said in terms of educational and road infrastructure, the party's record stand tall, hence Ghanaians will not allow deceptions from other political parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to win their votes.

Dr Bawumia challenged the NDC to point out one transformational project that the party did during its tenure in office.

The General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong who also addressed the party members said any candidate that the party will present will be able to beat John Mahama if he is elected as the NDCs flagbearer.

He said the NPP government was committed to ensuring that the country's economic difficulties are resolved in order to put back smiles on the faces of Ghanaians.

"NPP is one family with a common destiny so respect each others views, he said, urging the party members to keep away from things that will cause the party not to break the 8.

For his part, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, asked the party members to work together to ensure that the NPP breaks the 8 at the 2024 general elections.

The NPP, from a Four More to do More! slogan during the 2020 campaign, has latched unto a Breaking the 8 slogan ahead in its quest to throw a spanner in the works of the two-term tradition and clinch a third term.

The NDC in 2000, the NPP in 2008 and the NDC in 2016 all mounted spirited campaigns to Break the 8 but failed to do so.

According to Mr. Opoku, it was through unity and togetherness that the party would be able to break the 8 in 2024 general elections.

The Eastern Regional Chairman of the party, Jeff Konadu said the governing NPP had done a lot to improve the living conditions of Ghanaians, hence it would be wrong if some people claim they have not seen anything.

The Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, Frank Annor-Dompreh who also joined the health walk said Vice President Bawumia was a blessing to the country.

For him, Dr Bawumia is the right candidate to lead the NPP after the expiration of President Akufo-Addos term.
NDC created unemployment - Vice President Bawumia

Zadok Kwame Gyesi, Maclean Kwofi & Haruna Yussif Wunpini Politics Apr - 08 - 2023 , 11:25

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) only created "unemployment" when it governed for eight-years from 2009 to 2017.

On the part of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Bawumia says the party has created 2.1 million jobs since assuming power in January 2017.

Speaking at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region on Saturday morning (April 8, 2023), the Vice President said out of the 2.1 million jobs, 975,000 were in the private sector with the remaining 1.2 million in the public sector.

He was speaking after a health walk organised by the NPP as part of activities to mark this year's Kwahu Easter celebration.

Dr Bawumia said the party was able to create the jobs due to the strong economic management team the party has assembled to run the affairs of the country.

He explained that the emergence of the graduate unemployment association during the era of the NDC government was a clear attestation of the mess the party created in the country.

They were not creating jobs. They were creating unemployment, Dr Bawumia said, adding that in spite of the current economic challenges that the country was facing, the party was working assiduously to turn things around.

He expressed the hope that the countrys economy will bounce back to further create more jobs for the teaming youth in the country.

Dr Bawumia therefore implored Ghanaians to continue to repose their trust in the NPP-led government since they are capable of turning the fortunes of the country around.

He said the NPP has done a lot for the country in terms of life changing projects and policies, pointing out that no government in the history of the country has done more roads than the NPP.

Similarly, he said, no government in the Fourth Republic has done more bridges and interchanges than the NPP government.

Additionally, Dr Bawumia said, the records of the NPP was unmatched, saying "No government in the history of Ghana has built more classrooms than NPP."

It is possible to break the 8 - Vice President Bawumia

Kwahu Easter celebration: Scores participate in NPP's health walk
NDC will collapse - Bryan Acheampong

Maclean Kwofi, Zadok Kwame Gyesi & Haruna Yussif Wunpin Politics Apr - 08 - 2023 , 20:40

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong is confident that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government will be able to conclude negotiations and seal a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) between June and July this year.

This, he said, would help stabilise the economy and relieve citizens of the current economic challenges which had become a talking drum of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He explained that a revived economy would destroy the fortunes of the opposition NDC in the 2024 general elections because it may not have any campaign message for Ghanaians.

Campaign message

Addressing New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region on Saturday morning at the end of a health walk as part of activities marking this year's Kwahu Easter, Mr Acheampong noted that the NDC would collapse without a campaign message before the next elections.

Due to the challenges encountered by the economy in recent times the opposition NDC think they will win power.

But the government has instituted measures to salvage the situation with impact already showing in the reduction in fuel prices and appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the major foreign currencies.

The NDC was thinking that the election will be held at a period where the economy has been entangled with difficulties but the government will fix the challenges before that.

I promise that by June/July this year the government will be able to secure a deal from the IMF to help drive the economy out of its current economic challenges and this will subsequently collapse the NDC, he said in Twi.

We have the men

Mr Acheampong who is also the NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Abetifi indicated that the NPP has been endowed with the skills and men to stop the NDC from misbehaving or instigating any trouble in the upcoming elections.

He said the NPP would take necessary steps to retain power in the 2024 elections.

Handing over power to the NDC as a result of the 2024 elections will not happen, he said.

No NPP member can subvert the will of Ghanaians in 2024 elections - Sammy Gyamfi
LOBAMBA  Should those who caused damage be forgiven?

This was a question asked by some worshipers, after Prime Minister (PM) Cleopas Dlamini suggested that the country should consider adopting the biblical scripture in which Jesus said: Forgive them, father, for they know not what they are doing. The PM spoke about a message that was preached by Pastor Thembi Mdluli. Mdluli quoted Luke 23:34 in which she quoted the Bible verse which narrates that while being nailed to the cross, Jesus prayed that those who crucified him should be forgiven, because they did not know what they were doing.

The message was preached yesterday at Lobamba National Church during the National Easter Service. When the PM spoke, towards the end of the service, he said he was impressed by Mdlulis message. He said the verse she quoted was a good one. Addressing Her Majesty Indlovukazi and the throngs of congregants who had attended. Dlamini suggested that the country should consider forgiving those who caused damage.

He said considering the situation in the country, a lot of damage had been done.

The damage was caused by people who had been deceived by others and they had no idea what they were doing, he said they should be forgiven because if they were to be punished one after the other, this could end up causing even more damage. The PM said when someone did something that they were not sure of, they were likely to cause a lot of damage.

Actions

If you could ask them why they committed the acts they did, they would say they had no idea, said the PM. He said this was because they simply did not know what they were doing. The PM, however, did not mention the words political unrest, nor did he give specifications of what he was referring to by the word damage. Using siSwati, the PM said, Ngitse nangibuka kulesimo lesikuso Ndlovukazi, ngakhandza ngatsi kunemonakalo kakhulu lowentiwe bantfu bayengekile. Translated, When I take look at the situation we are currently in Your Majesty Indlovukazi, I notice that there was a lot of damage that was caused by people, who were deceived.

Alpheous Nxumalo, the Government Spokesperson when reached for comment stated that, write what the honourable prime minister said.

It is worth noting that since June 2021, the kingdom was under an unstable political climate, in which property was damaged through arson and according to the Human Rights Commission Report, 46 people were killed, while government acknowledged 34 fatalities. It was alleged that some of the people were killed by members of the security forces during protests. The violent protests lasted for about a week, but after that, many structures were destroyed. The damaged structures included burnt government properties, schools, police stations, cars and even the Piggs Peak Magistrates Court. Also, as a result of the unrest, many people were killed, including members of the security forces, with the majority being police officers through assassinations.

Destroyed

Just after the unrest occurred in Eswatini, South Africa experienced a similar situation, after the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma.

Several shops were looted and destroyed. The police arrested over 1 000 people.Meanwhile, throngs of worshipers travelled from around the country to attend the Easter services. Many of the people who attended were from the Churches in Zion, as well as the Jericho sects. During the event, seven pastors preached the word of God. The pastors who preached were Thembi Mdluli, Thembi Mdlovu, Bishop Galuja Dlamini, Nomsa Magagula, Thandekile Zulu, Themba Mdluli. Jerome Sangweni and Lomalungelo Lukhele.
Aquatech recently was awarded a contract for the lithium refining and purification process plants by Lithium Americas Corp. for the Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada (earlier post). Aquatech has commenced work on the project, which includes multiple process trains incorporating evaporation and crystallization systems for the purification and chemical production of lithium carbonate (Li 2 CO 3 ).

Lithium Americas and Aquatech will work closely together to deliver the best available technology incorporating environmental stewardship for this flagship project.

In partnership with ICD Process Technologies, a division of Aquatech, Lithium Americas has achieved over 99.9% purity of Li 2 CO 3 from Thacker Pass lithium-bearing clays. For more than two years, Lithium Americas and Aquatech have worked jointly to conduct pilot work and demonstrate the complete process line to produce high-purity Li 2 CO 3 at Aquatechs Applied Development and Testing Facility in Wisconsin and Lithium Americas Technical Development Center in Nevada.

The demonstration results will enable Lithium Americas to advance with Phase 1 of the Thacker Pass facility producing 40,000 tpa LCE.

Aquatech specializes in delivering innovative process technology for the refining and purification of battery-grade lithium chemical products from clays, brines, and hard rock. Aquatech has process development, validation and testing capabilities supporting the optimization and long-term sustainability of lithium production to ensure the lowest carbon and water footprint resulting in minimal environmental impact.

Thacker Pass is expected to be one of the largest lithium developments in the world, with the potential to produce more ethan 80,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate per year. The project is a key part of Lithium Americas efforts to meet manufacturers increasing demand for battery-quality lithium products for electric vehicle batteries.
Bridgestone Americas has produced a run of demonstration tires made with 75% recycled and renewable materials (38% renewable, 37% recycled content), including synthetic rubber made with recycled plastics and natural rubber harvested from hevea and guayule grown domestically.

The company has completed production of 200 demonstration tires and is pursuing joint evaluation with automakers for use on the next generation of electrified SUVs and crossovers (CUVs).





During a 16 February briefing with media and industry analysts in Tokyo, Bridgestone Global CEO Shuichi Ishibashi said that the company is pursuing a tire design utilizing 90% recycled and renewable materials for passenger cars.

Designed and engineered at Bridgestones Americas Technology Center in Akron, Ohio, the new tires were produced at the companys Aiken County Passenger/Light Truck Radial Tire Plant in Graniteville, South Carolina. The Aiken plant is the first tire manufacturing facility in America to earn International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certification for transparency and traceability of sustainable raw materials including bio, bio-circular and circular-based material. Aiken also operates an on-site, 8-acre solar array that provides renewable energy to aid in powering the plants manufacturing operations.

The tires contain a multitude of materials derived from recycled and biobased feedstocks. These include recycled monomer, produced with recycled materials including plastic bottles, to create the synthetic rubber in the tire as well as recycled steel, recycled carbon black, tire pyrolysis oil (TPO)-derived carbon black, and bio-based carbon black. Multiple materials are ISCC PLUS certified.

The new tire is the first street tire to utilize natural rubber derived from the guayule desert shrub cultivated at Bridgestones guayule R&D agricultural facility in Eloy, Arizona. Bridgestone has spent more than 10 years and more than $100 million on the research and development of guayule as an alternative to imported natural rubber from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree grown mainly in Southeast Asia. Guayule can serve as an alternative to existing crops, such as alfalfa and cotton, in Americas drought-stricken desert southwest, requiring as little as half the water to cultivate.

Guayule is part of Bridgestones plan to achieve carbon neutrality and make tires from 100% sustainable materials by 2050. The company is targeting commercial production of guayule-derived natural rubber by the end of the decade.
Toyota recently restructured its senior management. Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada resigned his post, the former President Akio Toyoda was appointed chairman, and Operating Officer Koji Sato was appointed president, effective 1 April 2023. On 7 April, Sato, along with Hiroki Nakajima, Executive Vice President and Yoichi Miyazaki, Executive Vice President, outlined the new management policy and direction.

Sato opened by saying that for the car to continue being a necessary part of society, the future of the car needs to be changed. There are two major themes associated with that, Sato said:

Carbon neutrality. Toyota is fully committed to achieving carbon neutrality in 2050 over the entire life cycle of its vehicles.

Car manufacturing. Toyota will continue to pursue a variety of options, based on a multi-pathway solutions, to stay close to the future of energy and the condition of each region.

First, we will thoroughly implement electrification, which we can do immediately. To steadily reduce CO 2 emissions from where we stand now, we will promote the practical popularization of electrified vehicles. We will strengthen sales of hybrid electric vehicles, including in emerging markets, and increase the number of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle options. We will expand our lineup of battery electric vehicles, or BEVs, which represent one important option, over the next several years. At the same time, we are boldly preparing for the future. As one of our efforts, we will do our utmost to develop next-generation BEVs for the era of BEV popularization and create new business models. And we will also accelerate projects for the realization of the hydrogen society that lies just beyond. With partners across industries and countries, we will advance the expansion of the realm of using hydrogen by such means as social implementation in Thailand and Fukushima, the mass production of commercial fuel cell electric vehicles, and the development of hydrogen engine technologies in the arena of motorsports. Furthermore, we will work with the energy industry to develop technologies for carbon-neutral fuels. Koji Sato

Through this all-direction approach, Toyota aims to reduce average CO 2 emissions its vehicles sold worldwide by 33% by 2030 and by more than 50% by 2035 compared to 2019.It will continue to promote decarbonization globally and steadily toward 2050.





Koji Sato explaining Toyota Mobility Concept

Connected cars and the data they provide is also central to Toyotas mobility concept. In Mobility 1.0, Toyota aims to extend the value of the car by connecting various types of movement. For example, BEVs offer new possibilities as mobility that transports electricity. Collectively serving as an energy grid, BEVs can enhance the energy security of society.

Intelligence can evolve cars even further by utilizing information gathered from cars and customers. The Toyota software platform Arene (earlier post) will be key to this new kind of car-making. Sato said that Toyota will do its utmost to develop a next-generation BEV for 2026 together with Woven By Toyota.

Mobility 2.0 will expand mobility into new realms, including currently unsupported areas such as the elderly, people living in depopulated areas, and people in emerging markets in which the car market has yet to mature. New mobility possibilities, such as mobility in the sky, are also expanding.

Mobility 3.0 is about integration with social systemscreating mobility ecosystems that tie into energy and transportation systems, logistics, as well as the way we live, and are integrated with cities and society. For example, Toyota will advance development of a new logistics system, the development of city-integrated autonomous mobility, and the demonstration of a CO 2 -free hydrogen supply chain that starts from Woven City, as well as a demonstration for expanding the potential of hydrogen use in daily lives.

Hiroki Nakajima will be in charge of products. Nakajima said that realizing the cision of the Toyota Mobility Concept will require electrification, intelligence and diversification.

Electrification. Toyota will continue to tailor electrification to the needs of customers and individual regions by drawing on the strengths and characteristics of each vehicle type.

The company will released ten new BEV models by 2026, which would amount to 1.5 million vehicles of annual sales. These are to include next-generation BEVs with doubled driving range.

In the US, Toyota will start the local production of a 3-row SUV in 2025.The SUV will be equipped with batteries to be produced in North Carolina, and the production capacity will be increased.

In China, in addition to the bZ4X and bZ3 which was announced last month, Toyota will launch two models of locally developed battery EVs in 2024, fit to the local needs., and will continue to increase the number of models in the following years.

By the end of the year, Toyota will start Asian production of battery EV pickup trucks and will also launch a small battery EV model.

Toyota will also transform manufacturing, reducing the number of processes by half. This will entail a shift to more efficient lines, including autonomous inspections and unmanned transport powered by connected technology.

To realize these transformations, we are creating a new specialized unit. Working under a single leader entrusted with full authority, this all-in-one team will handle every function, from development to production and business operation. Hiroki Nakajima

By increasing battery efficiency to extend the EV-mode driving range beyond 200 km, Toyota intends to reposition PHEVs as the practical BEV and will work harder on developing this as another BEV option.

For FCEVs, Toyota will pursue mass production centered on commercial vehicles.
Dubai carrier Emirates has announced plans to launch daily flights to Toronto from April 20 following the breakthrough expanded air transport agreement between the UAE and Canada. It will offer over 6,800 seats per week on this popular route.

Emirates said it was stepping up its frequency with two additional flights per week between Dubai and Toronto in bid to serve huge demand for passenger services.

The move comes as bilateral relations between the UAE and Canada have enhanced significantly, with both countries set to reap vast economic benefits across a multitude of sectors and supply chains, it stated.

Welcoming the strategic deal, Emirates Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: "Business ties between Canada and the UAE have grown significantly over the years and the expanded air services will help to further nurture business and trade."

"The expansion of air services is also an affirmation of the growing importance of UAE to Canadas global connectivity, which we can support through our global network of more than 130 destinations," he stated.

Emirates operates the flagship A380 aircraft on the Dubai-Toronto route, allowing 491 passengers across Economy Class, Business Class and First Class on each flight.

With the two additional flights per week, the Dubai carrier will offer close to 2,000 additional seats to serve the busy route, representing a 40% increase in capacity between its hub city of Dubai and the Canadian point.

The Dubai-Toronto route is highly popular amongst customers from India, UAE, Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka while the same countries represent top destinations for travellers from Toronto, it stated.

"Together with the relevant authorities, our codeshare and loyalty programme partner Air Canada, and our valued industry partners, we look forward to playing a role in facilitating more tourism and trade opportunities between the two nations," noted Kazim.

He thanked all stakeholders and authorities who were involved in this pivotal agreement that will provide a boost to the aviation and tourism sectors in both countries.

"We have been serving customers between Toronto and Dubai since 2007, and although the double-decker A380 aircraft has been operating the route since 2009, demand arising from leisure and corporate travellers, diaspora and students has consistently outstripped the allocated capacity," stated Kazim.

"This enhanced agreement represents a turning point for us in our strategy to serve our customers better, by offering more choice and flexibility, and meet pent up demand across our growing network," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
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BETHEL  Looking for treats for yourself and your furry friend? Look no further than Global Treats by Nips and Paws, a new local store that offers goodies for dogs as well as humans.

Bethel resident Michelle Bangash, who opened the store at 268 Greenwood Ave. earlier this month, said she wants it to become a go-to spot in town.

I hope my shop will be a favorite, kind of like Sycamore or Famous Pizza that have a footprint, she said. Ours will just be a pawprint.

The brick-and-mortar store may be new, but Bangash has been running the business for a couple of years.

She started Nips and Paws in 2021 after getting her cockapoo, Ollie, and struggling to find decent quality doggy apparel for him.

I would go to all these big chain stores and buy things for him, but they were not great quality, so I started to make stuff, Bangash said. It started with dog bandanas and grew from there.

After others started buying her creations, Bangash  who has also worked as a teacher for over 20 years  said she decided to turn it into a side business.

I love making things and crafting, she said. I have dog bandanas of all different varieties and funny dog-related shirts that I craft myself.

In addition to pet goodies and gifts  including bandanas, T-shirts, totes and other accessories  patrons of Global Treats by Nips and Paws will find exotic snacks for people that come from Asia, Europe and Latin America in the new store.

I sort of cherry-pick the ones that I have in the store, which arent really available in this area, said Bangash, who got the idea of incorporating exotic snacks into her business from her son.

Bangash said he would show her TikTok videos of different exotic candies and snacks, and suggested she open a store that offers them.

Though hesitant at first, Bangash said she decided to go for it and the two worlds just combined.

Global Treats by Nips and Paws is a place where you can do some shopping for your pup and also pick up treats for yourself, she said.

Aside from the exotic snacks, Bangash said Global Treats is different from other pet shops.

When you come in, it doesnt feel like your average pet store, she said, describing her store as a welcoming and cheerful place.

There are pastel colors everywhere and when most people walk in, theyre like, Wow, its really beautiful in here, she said. I hope that continues to be the vibe people have.

Global Treats is also a dog-friendly store, meaning humans and their canine companions are both welcome.

There arent many places like that around here, Bangash said. You can come in with your dog, get them a puppuccino  which is basically whipped cream with beef liver sprinkles  and shop for them and yourself.

Bangash said community connection is important to her, and she hopes to build that through her business.

I want to know every pup and who their parents are, and I want them to know that were here and were a family, she said. Ive lived here in Bethel for seven years. I love this little town and want to build a community with my neighborhood.
GREENWICH  Greenwich needs affordable housing and a recently-created town entity is using loans to influence the character of new developments. But some critics called this practice into question, claiming it actually rewards developers for building less affordable housing.

Greenwichs Affordable Housing Trust Fund is up and running, providing financial support to developers willing to revise their local proposals by making them smaller or changing the number of discounted units in their buildings.

The trust funds board recently approved small loans for its first two projects  $100,000 for a development at 240 Greenwich Ave. and $50,000 for another at 171 Hamilton Ave. These loans come with strings attached that allow Greenwich to influence the projects' design outside of the Planning and Zoning process.

Bob Barolak, chair of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, said the board is already making an impact on development proposals.

The project at 240 Greenwich Ave., known as the J Lofts on West Elm, was originally brought to the Planning and Zoning Commission as a six story project last year. John Fareri is developing the project and Barolak said Fareri agreed to reduce the building size after meeting with the housing trust.

After he listened to what the trust could do, he had his financial people go back and work the numbers," Barolak said. "He came back and said that he could build a four story building  not a six story, a four story building  if he could shift from 70 percent of state median (income), up to 80 percent of area median income. And that is a tremendous benefit to the town.

These income requirements for renters are outlined in Connecticuts 8-30g law.

Greenwich is subject to the law because less than 10 percent of its housing units meet the state's definition of affordable. Local land-use agencies cannot deny 8-30g affordable-housing proposals except when there are public health or safety concerns, giving them much less latitude in the approval process.

Most 8-30g developments are set-aside projects, where developers set aside 30 percent of the units in a development for lower income renters, specifically people making between 60 and 80 percent of the states median income, or "roughly 70 percent" as Barolak put it.

Barolak said this set-aside method isnt good for developers in Greenwich, since local incomes are generally higher than the state median. The housing trust is using a novel approach that could allow developers to charge higher rents under the 8-30g law.

Instead of doing the normal set-aside path, Barolak and the board want to build assisted housing projects in town under 8-30g.

Government bodies, including local municipalities like Greenwich, can give out financial assistance to developments with conditions, such as different rent and income restrictions, and still contribute to the 10 percent affordable goal.

For Greenwich's housing trust, that means a unit rented to a person making no more than 80 percent of the areas median income is considered affordable.

You (the developer) can use the rent and income restrictions that the Greenwich Affordable Housing Trust has determined it wants to be applicable to projects it funds, which is 80 percent, not 70. And area median income, not state median income," Barolak said. "That is a huge financial benefit to the developer.

Greenwich's assisted housing units will still count toward the town's 10 percent affordable housing goal, according to the 8-30g statute, so long as units are only for lower income people "as defined by the income eligibility rules of the governmental program providing the financial assistance." Since the town is doling out assistance, it can define its own income restrictions, Barolak said.

Barolak said he hopes offering an assisted housing route will give the town a way to influence development, even if Planning and Zoning cannot block it from coming in.

He said this still helps the town hit its goal of building more affordable housing, and it's appealing to developers who can charge higher rents in fewer units.

Barolak said he talked with several lawyers who said the housing trusts process passes legal muster.

Critics have told Barolak that this assisted housing approach allows developers to skirt the rules and build fewer affordable units, but he said he believes this incentive will ultimately result in more affordable units being built across more projects.

I sort of made a bet with a person that in five years time, the housing trust would have facilitated multiples of the 32 units that 8-30g had facilitated in the last 35 years, he said, specifically talking about the small number of 8-30g units in Greenwich.

Those suspicious of Greenwich's approach to building more affordable housing include Peter Harrison, director of Desegregate CT. Desegregate CT, which is part of the Regional Plan Association nonprofit aims to reform land use and has recently been working on the Work, Live, Ride Act in Greenwich and around the state.

Harrison said the legal approach the town is taking with assisted housing is "pretty questionable."

My understanding is this: The Greenwich Housing Trust Fund is literally paying developers to build less affordable housing. So that seems to be the wrong direction, he said.

He said he understands that trust fund loans will incentivize development, but that there are other ways to do that.

I'm very sympathetic with that argument, its just that there are currently laws and programs at the state level that address that in really established and successful ways," Harrison said. "So taking a very novel approach, again, that involves paying developers to build less, does not seem to be the right way to approach that really complicated issue.

Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media

Pecora Brothers Inc. is developing the project at 171 Hamilton Ave. Barolak said, like John Fareri's 240 Greenwich Ave project, the $50,000 loan for 171 Hamilton Ave. encouraged Pecora Brothers to make it smaller than he originally planned.

With Pecora Brothers and Fareri as test cases, the housing trust is now making similar pitches to other developers. Barolak said theyve got three or four other projects nearing approval and another three or four in early discussions. The board previously said it was willing to work with developers of a 220-unit complex on Pemberwick Road.

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the creation of the housing trust in April 2021, after a similar idea failed to gain support in 1988. The Representative Town Meeting approved establishing the housing trust in September 2021, but it could not start making awards to developers until June 2022, when the town's affordable housing plan was passed.

The town of Greenwich has not put any of its own money into the trust fund. Instead, it seeded the fund with money from the American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion federal spending package designed to get the country through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greenwich got $31 million from ARP and elected to give the housing trust $650,000 and authorized it to raise private donations from the public. The town also set aside $450,000 from ARP as matching funds the trust unlocks, dollar for dollar, by raising donations.

Barolak said the housing trust has access to about $714,000 now, including $650,000 from the ARP, $32,000 in donations and $32,000 in matching funds, which are unlocked whenever a private dollar is donated.

The housing trust was created this way, without money from the town, so it could prove a track record before asking the town for money, Barolak said. Residents can donate to the trust fund now and Barolak said they will soon start a fundraising campaign in hopes of fostering more affordable units in town.

We'll give it the old college try and hope that we get a lot of money, he said.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct who is developing the project at 171 Hamilton Ave.
Hartford Police Department/contributed photo

HARTFORD  Police say they drove a pulseless baby to the hospital Wednesday because an ambulance couldnt get there fast enough.

About 6:10 a.m., officers went to a home where an infant was unresponsive, according to a Hartford police report. Police and fire personnel determined the baby did not have a pulse and was not breathing, so an officer and a member of the Hartford Fire Department performed CPR on the 6-month-old.
HARTFORD  After competing judges rulings Friday night cast the future of mifepristone, a widely used abortion drug, into uncertainty, Gov. Ned Lamont said an order by a federal judge that could curtail access to the drug is "yet another devasting attack on reproductive rights."

"Pills such as mifepristone allow you to decide when you want to start a family, not the government," the governor said in a statement issued by his office.

Access to the drug appeared to be open Friday night after court rulings by two separate judges in Texas and Washington that came just minutes apart.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, ordered a hold on federal approval of mifepristone in a decision that overruled decades of scientific approval. But that decision came at nearly same time that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an Obama appointee, essentially ordered the opposite and directed U.S. authorities not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats sued in an effort to protect availability.

Kacsmaryk's ruling was made in a lawsuit filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, the same group involved in the Mississippi case that overturned Roe v. Wade. The suit sought to suspend or overturn the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of the drug in 2000. Instead, Kacsmaryk issued an injunction directing the FDA to stay mifepristones approval while a lawsuit challenging the safety and approval of the drug continues. His 67-page order gave the government seven days to appeal.

"This case is not about safety. This is about controlling medical decisions that should be between patients and their doctors," Lamont said in his statement Friday night. "We will not let this decision derail our fight to defend and strengthen abortion rights."

"In Connecticut, we remain committed to expanding access to reproductive health care, including allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control and protecting both patients and providers who seek and offer that care," the governor said.

Amanda Skinner, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, said in a statement Saturday that the Texas judge's ruling could "severely undermine access to abortion in Connecticut."

"While access remains protected for now, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England will continue to do everything possible to provide patients with timely abortion care, including the method that is best for their circumstances," Skinner said.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy called the Texas judge's ruling the "latest effort in the right's coordinated campaign to strip away women's rights."

"We cannot allow right-wing judges to ignore the science, and put the health, safety, and autonomy of millions of women at risk," Murphy said in a statement Saturday.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz added in a statement Saturday that these "dangerous and all-out attacks" on the right to abortion access "must end."

"One anti-choice judges opinion should not overturn decades of scientific research," Bysiewicz said. "To those across the country in anti-choice states, know that Connecticut is a safe harbor, and we welcome you."

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3rd District, said the "ruling goes against science." She noted that half of abortions performed in the country are medical abortions and that nearly all medical abortions rely on access to mifepristone.

"Not only does this decision undermine the integrity of the FDA approval process and threatens access to all-FDA approved drugs, it strips American women of access to a safe and effective health care option," DeLauro said. "We should be expanding access to health care, not limiting it. We cannot let this stand.

Mifepristone is part of a two-drug regimen that has long been the standard for medication abortion in the U.S. Clinics and doctors that prescribe the combination have said they plan to switch to using only misoprostol. The single-drug approach is slightly less effective at ending pregnancies.

Last year, state lawmakers passed a "safe-harbor" law that meant to block attempts by other states to investigate people who obtain an abortion legally in Connecticut. The law allows people who are sued in so-called "bounty" lawsuits for obtaining an abortion to recover damages and legal fees in Connecticut court, and prevents officials from assisting a lawsuit or criminal prosecution against someone who obtained an abortion in Connecticut.

Connecticut lawmakers codified the right to abortion into law in 1990, decades before the Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization last summer that undid federal protection for abortion.

Other Democratic Connecticut lawmakers also blasted the ruling Friday night.

"Once again, we see extreme conservative judges legislate from the bench," state Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. D-Norwalk. said in a tweet. "Taking womens abortion rights again." He also noted the timing of the decision, which came on a Friday before a holiday weekend.

"This decision is unbelievably lawless, and an egregious abuse of judicial power," state Rep. Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford, tweeted.
The new and improved Night Sight was first announced and debuted with the Pixel 7 series and as promised, the company is now bringing the latest camera feature set to its older Pixel 6 family. However, as 9to5Google noted, the new zoom bar we saw on the Pixel 7 phones didn't make it to the Pixel 6.

In any case, the Night Sight improvements are no small feat. It's now faster as it requires a 50% shorter exposure time. As a result, Night Sight photos have less blur and are noticeably sharper. In addition to the dedicated night mode, Google worked on the HDR+ with Bracketing to reduce noise.



New Night Sight exposure toggle

When switching to Night Sight, Pixel 6 owners would notice a new toggle that lets them choose between a fast Night Sight or a slower one with more exposure. The range is set between 2 and 6 seconds, depending on the scenario. In well-lit environments, you won't need the 6-second exposure.

Reportedly, the Google Camera version 8.8 is being widely rolled out, so you can either try updating through Play Store or wait for the automatic update.

Via
Visit Bahrain has opened its new office at Budapest, the capital of Hungary, in bid to attract visitors from emerging markets in Eastern Europe. This office will cater to other EU nations such as Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Czech Republic.

With this move, the kingdom's leading destination company aims to attract over 5,000 tourists from Eastern European nations by the year end.

Visit Bahrain offers six-day tour programmes for foreign tourists. These packages include accommodations at several hotels in Bahrain, including The Grove, a hotel owned by the group situated in the Amwaj Islands, as well as access to various resorts, such as the Solymar resort, located on the coast near the hotel.

In addition, Visit Bahrain arranges transportation and tours for European tourists through its events arm, Visit Bahrain Group.

This comprehensive tour package enables foreign tourists to explore Bahrain's history, heritage, and culture while enjoying the comforts of luxurious accommodations and world-class resorts.

The opening of the new Budapest office will help further bolster tourism in Bahrain and attract visitors from emerging markets in Eastern Europe.

"Visit Bahrain's Budapest move is sparking Eastern European travel boom with around 5,000 tourists from the Eastern Europe expected to visit the kingdom," stated its CEO Ali Amralla.

"The opening of the representative office in Budapest followed extensive negotiations with travel and tourism companies across Eastern Europe.

Through these discussions, "Visit Bahrain" established a partnership with STR Office, represented by Peter Borcsok, culminating in the signing of an agreement to establish the new office.

This initiative coincided with Visit Bahrain's participation in the Berlin International Tourism Fair (ITB) held recently in Berlin, Germany.

"Building on the success of our foreign representative offices in London, Paris, Germany, and Italy - which represent some of Western Europe's most significant capitals - we have decided to expand our operations across the European continent," explained Amralla.

"Our aim is to leverage the experience we have accumulated and execute an ambitious plan that entails the establishment of offices in all European capitals. This move will enable us to strengthen our presence across the region and capitalize on new opportunities that arise," he added.

On its ITB participation, Amralla said' "It was a resounding success, thanks to the steadfast support provided by the Ministry of Tourism and BTEA. Their unwavering backing allowed us to secure ambitious agreements and expand our foreign business operations."

"At Visit Bahrain, we are dedicated to implementing programs and partnerships that contribute to the development of Bahrain's tourism sector," he noted.

Amralla pointed out that Visit Bahrain's primary objective was to realize the goals outlined in Bahrain's Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, with private tourism establishments playing a pivotal role in achieving these objectives.

"We firmly believe that effective partnerships and collaborations are essential to revitalizing the sector and reinforcing Bahrain's position as a premier destination in the region," he added.-TradeArabia News Service




Haiti - News : Zapping...





The PM questioned by the FBI

"I learned from a good source that Ariel Henry was questioned at his home by the FBI this week https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39249-haiti-news-zapping.html for having met Joseph Badio https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34714-haiti-flash-the-prosecution-wants-to-hear-pm-henry-in-connection-with-the-assassination-of-the-president.html , suspect in the assassination of President Moise https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html . Did he share this with the Haitian people?" said Friday April 7, 2023 Daniel Foote, former US Special Envoy for Haiti.



Worsening socio-economic precariousness

The latest survey by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reveals a worsening of socio-economic precariousness in Haiti during the year 2023. According to this report, the country has gone from 4.9 million people in need of humanitarian aid in 2022 to more than 5.2 million in 2023. Urgent actions must be taken to help the population and ensure a minimum of well-being



Toussaint commemorated in Haiti and France

"In Port-au-Prince, commemoration of the 220th anniversary of the death of Toussaint Louverture. Moving tribute speech by Ariel Henry who emphasizes that the hero of all the struggles of Haiti is also commemorated in France today. Beautiful day for the friendship between France and Haiti," said Fabrice Mauries, Ambassador of France in Port-au-Prince.



See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-39254-icihaiti-cap-haitien-tribute-to-toussaint-louverture.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39250-haiti-220th-of-the-death-of-toussaint-louverture-ceremony-of-floral-offering-speech-pm.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39244-haiti-220th-of-the-death-of-toussaint-louverture-message-of-reflection-from-lesly-conde.html



Inauguration of the OREPA West administrative building

The National Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) inaugurated the new administrative building of the Regional Office for Drinking Water and Sanitation (OREPA - West) financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (BID) and located at #9 rue Basilique in Delmas 65.



UN : Human Rights Council grants assistance to Haiti

The United Nations Human Rights Council agreed this week to provide assistance to the Government of Haiti in its fight to end the violence that is ravaging the country. The Council asked the human rights office to provide Haiti with "technical assistance and support for capacity building in the promotion and protection of human rights" as well as to appoint an independent expert to monitor the situation.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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Bagdad, Apr 8 (UNI) Iraq called on Turkey to formally apologize for what Baghdad believes was Ankara's terrorist attack on the Sulaymaniyah airport in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, the president's office said on Saturday.

Sulaymaniyahs civil aviation authority said that an explosion and a subsequent fire occurred near the city's international airport on Friday, resulting in no damage or casualties. The blast was allegedly caused by a Turkish drone strike, the Al Hadath broadcaster reported, citing a source. Commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, could have been in the airport's vicinity at the time of the incident.

"While condemning these flagrant attacks on Iraq we reiterate that there is no legal justification that allows Turkey to continue terrorizing peaceful and civilian populations under the pretext of the presence of anti-Turkish government forces in Iraqi lands. Hence, we call on Turkey to claim responsibility, make an official apology for these acts, put an end to the aggression as well as find solutions to their internal problems through engaging in dialogue with the relevant parties," the statement read.
(Diesen Artikel gibt es auch auf Deutsch.)

The pause in developing large-scale AI models called for in an Open Letter is stirring up tempers and opposition, for example from open-source advocates. The non-profit Large-Scale Artificial Intelligence Network (LAION, a registered association) has published a counterpoint. Instead of a pause, LAION calls for accelerating research and establishing a joint, international computing cluster for large-scale open-source artificial intelligence models. The Swiss CERN serves as a model.

Prominent members of the AI research community support the call, such as theoretical physicist Surya Ganguli (Stanford), Jurgen Schmidhuber (head of the Swiss AI lab IDSIA), Irina Rish (ML professor in Montreal), Darmstadt AI professor Kristian Kersting (co-director of hessian. AI), Thomas Wolf (founder of Hugging Face), Konrad Koerding (University of Pennsylvania) and Joscha Bach (cognitive scientist and AI researcher at Intel); the Head of Strategy of Stability AI David Ha (known in the AI scene under the pseudonym "hardmaru") and Robin Rombach (main author of Stable Diffusion) are also among the supporters.

The Association for Open-Source AI, based in Germany, promotes open AI models, transparent research and freely accessible datasets. The non-profit organization researches large AI foundation models and provides datasets, tools and models. Today's large (vision) language models for text-to-image synthesis, such as Stable Diffusion and Google Imagen, are primarily based on LAION datasets. LAION is backed by a community of about 20,000 people worldwide who conduct research in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

LAION's goals are critical AI security research that benefits the public and technological independence from commercial AI models of large corporations that do not disclose any technical details about their products, but at the same time extract user data for further training of their models (black boxes like ChatGPT and GPT-4). The call for cooperation is directed at the European Union, USA, Great Britain, Canada and Australia.

CERN-like institution for *open* AI research

LAION proposes to democratize AI research and build a publicly funded supercomputer with 100,000 powerful accelerators (such as graphical processing units) for training foundation models to create open-source replicas of models as large and powerful as GPT-4, as quickly as possible. The association has extensive experience with supercomputers and large language-vision models. One of the founding members and scientific director of LAION, Dr. Jenia Jitsev, works as a research group leader at the Helmholtz Society's high-performance computing centre in Julich (Juelich Supercomputing Center, or JSC for short). This is where JUWELS, Germany's largest scientific supercomputer and one of the largest high-performance computing clusters in Europe, is located. JUWELS is equipped with 4,000 NVIDIA A100 GPUs and is used, among other things, for quantum calculations.

LAION researched the scaling laws of another important class of image-text models: openCLIP models, an open alternative to the deep learning model CLIP (Contrastive Language Image Pre-Training) introduced by OpenAI, were trained at the Julich computing centre. The association published the previously unavailable models as open source in cooperation with the openCLIP community. Up to now, CLIP from OpenAI has formed the training basis for generative and numerous other models with word-image recognition; the first version of Stable Diffusion, for example, was still trained with CLIP in addition to the labelled image data sets from LAION.

Superpowers with public funding: Supercomputer JUWELS JUWELS  a multi-petaflop modular supercomputer operated by Julich Supercomputing Centre. Copyright: Forschungszentrum Julich (Bild: Forschungszentrum Julich) Dr. Jenia Jitsev, one of the co-founders and scientific directors of LAION, works at the Juelich Supercomputing Center of the Helmholtz Association, where he heads his own research group. There is JUWELS, one of the largest supercomputers in Europe, equipped with over 4000 NVIDIA A100 GPUs. Together with scientists involved in LAION such as Ludwig Schmidt from the University of Washington and Irina Rish from the University of Montreal as well as experienced AI software engineers such as Ross Wightman, the author of the PyTorch Image Models and Timm library, Jitsev applied for computing time on government-funded supercomputers such as JUWELS or SUMMIT at the Oak Ridge Laboratory in the USA. Only such large machines make AI research possible at scales where it becomes exciting and where research is carried out in the large industrial labs of Google, Meta and Co, according to Jitsev. However, even these supercomputers are still too small compared to what is available in such industrial labs. It recently became known that OpenAI's partner, Microsoft, is buying thousands of GPUs to build a new supercomputing structure. Therefore, according to LAION's scientific director, it is absolutely necessary to build supercomputers of sufficient size from public funds. This is the only way to ensure independent and transparent research in this field, which is of enormous importance to society. In Julich, research projects can apply for computer access. The website contains information on scientific clouds, quantum computing and an FAQ.

openCLIP: an alternative to CLIP

LAION 2022 received the NeurIPS Outstanding Paper Award for work on the LAION-5B dataset and its validation through openCLIP models. openCLIP represents a breakthrough for the democratization of large-scale language vision models, the jury said. The Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS) has existed since 1987. It is considered one of the most important conferences for artificial intelligence worldwide, and the award by an independent NeurIPS jury carries weight in the research community  more on this can be found in a blog entry by the organizers.

An open dataset allows for far-reaching control and governance, openCLIP reduces dependencies on the preferences or negligence of individual commercial providers. CLIP is known to reproduce biases  this created many problems because the bias of the dataset feeds into the respective training and model. With openCLIP, researchers have more options to control the training of their models themselves.

LAION advocates for public infrastructure for training accessible state-of-the-art large AI models, so that independent experts and society have unfiltered access to basic technology and open alternatives to powerful models like GPT-4 emerge  it would be risky for humanity if the world's population depended on opaque commercial offerings from a few corporations with monopoly positions via a single API, Christoph Schuhmann told heise Developer. Like Jenia Jitsev, the Hamburg computer science teacher is one of the seven founding members of the association.

AI security: half-hearted blog post from OpenAI

The problem is that providers can change the nature and behaviour of the models at will and without the knowledge or input of customers. Large corporations like Microsoft-OpenAI withhold technical information for competitive reasons. For example, the Technical Report on GPT-4 does not provide relevant information on size, training, training data and architecture, so independent security researchers cannot work with them.

A recent blog entry by OpenAI regarding AI security has disappointed private customers and researchers alike. The text scratches the surface, again gives no technical details and seems marketing-driven. The message is probably a half-hearted reaction to the investigations against OpenAI in the USA, Canada and Italy. In these countries, national authorities are currently investigating partly because of data protection concerns and security risks, partly because of suspected competition violations in the market launch of GPT-4 and ChatGPT.

Questionable handling of user data

OpenAI does not mention existential and already known risks in the blog entry "Our Approach to AI Safety". It also remains unclear what concrete measures the company is taking to protect its users, and what exactly the six-month security training for GPT-4 consisted of. Given the already tangible risks posed by AI, such as disinformation, algorithmic clustering and far-reaching and non-transparent processing of user data, there is an urgent need for alternatives, according to LAION. Masses of public data are being siphoned off for the new basic technology and processed for profit in the case of American data and platform corporations.

OpenAI stores all user data for 30 days on American servers and reserves the right to analyse it itself or have it analysed by undeclared third parties, according to their website. At the latest, when GPT-4 and ChatGPT are fully integrated into the widespread Microsoft Office suite, billions of people will use the system in one fell swoop, Schuhmann points out. The public has a right to non-profit progress, accessibility, and participation  and to information instead of marketing. At present, he says, research and the entire academic world are dependent on financially powerful tech companies and their hardware. Even NASA's biggest computer is only half as fast as that of Stability AI.

OpenAssistant: an Open-Source-ChatGPT (Bild: Yannic Kilcher's broadcast OpenAssistant (Screenshot)) Together with YouTuber and AI influencer Yannic Kilcher, LAION is working on OpenAssistant, an open-source variant of ChatGPT. Volunteers carry the chatbot project: they create sample solutions and evaluate the answers of others. Afterwards, other participants train chat models on this basis and publish them as open source. Meanwhile, the first work-in-progress models are available as unofficial demos - Yannic Kilcher presented them in his YouTube broadcast on 7 April 2023 ("OpenAssistant First Models are here: Open-Source ChatGPT"). LAION and Kilcher plan to publish the training data collected so far and the first official chat models "in a couple of weeks", they said upon request. The prototypes can be tested on Hugging Face. Further details can be found on the OpenAssistant project website. Update: OpenAssistant ("Conversational AI for everyone") was officially released on 15 April 2023.

Democracy: Loss of control due to a concentration of power

Technology philosopher Armin Grunwald also takes a critical view of the power and ownership structures: a disproportionately large share of research on digitalization and AI is concentrated in privately managed companies, especially in big data corporations from the USA and China. This insight is also supported by the just published AI Index Report 2023 by the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (Stanford HAI) with the collaboration of Hugging Face and Jack Clark (Anthropic), which warns of global distortions due to the concentration of research and capital in the USA and China. The social and future visions of a few managers and multi-billionaires in monopoly corporations are shaping our future through their decisions without public debate, voice and legitimacy.

The real loss of control we need to protect ourselves from is not the loss of control to algorithms mentioned in the open letter, says Grunwald - that would be a pointless worry, since algorithms and computational programmes have neither intentions nor instincts for power. "Their makers, however, have these in abundance," warns the technology philosopher. The problem with current AI development is not the impending loss of power to algorithms, but the non-transparent concentration of power over future society in the hands of a few. Grunwald points out: "Of course, foresighted considerations, impact research and ethics are needed for the future development of AI. But these will remain toothless if nothing changes in the aforementioned power constellation."

"Enough is known to create an open-source GPT-4 alternative"

Christoph Schuhmann believes it is possible to replicate GPT-4. From the combined knowledge of similar models like LLaMA and Flamingo, he says, enough information can be derived to tackle it. For example, LLaMA was trained with 1.5 trillion tokens, for GPT-4 one can assume a tenfold amount and the training probably also included images (multimodal). The context length was increased and presumably a "mixture of experts" architecture was used, for example a differently weighted training of the different subnetworks of the model. It is common to fine-tune about ten to twenty percent of the middle layers (subnetworks) to specific tasks and keep the rest of the model the same.

These are two different things, Dr Jitsev points out: A mixture-of-experts (MoE) architecture, as was probably used in GPT-4, and finetuning techniques. Finetuning is often used to adapt a small portion of the overall network for a specific task. There is work on how to recombine such finetuned networks. However, it is not clear whether this works well on large scales  like GPT-4 has . So, it is unclear what this can have to do with GPT-4. It is quite certain that MoE training was used for this. Everything else is speculation, according to Jitsev.

Enough research papers explain this approach, in which only the parameters of the middle layers are exchanged and about 80 percent of the foundation model remains the same. The middle layers could be copied into the active RAM and exchanged via CPU offloading. The breakthrough would then be to really scale up the training, with high-quality data. Above all, now is the time, since according to Anthropic, the lead of large, well-funded tech companies is likely to become unassailable from 2025/26. According to leaked business documents, Anthropic is apparently planning an AI model in the order of 10 25 floating-point operations (FLOPs)  the AI system should be ten times as powerful as the currently most powerful models and Anthropic intends to invest 5 billion US dollars in the development.

Future of AI: the LAION Call and an Ethic Council's Opinion

A detailed presentation of LAION's position with pros and cons of large AI language model projects can be found at Open Petition. More about the association and its background can be found in an interview with computer scientist Christoph Schuhmann, one of the seven founders of LAION. In the next two months, the non-profit open-source AI association LAION will be collecting signatures to demand an AI supercomputing cluster in public hands.

The German Ethics Council took a stand on the current AI development in March. The approximately 300-page statement is publicly available as a PDF document (an Opinion in German), the topic: "Human and Machine  Challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence" (English summary).

(sih)




We're a family of seven living in Georgia where Andrew's working as a professor at GSU. You can read more about us here
Finnish authorities have recently uncovered a dog smuggling organization operating between Russia and Finland. The investigation conducted by the Finnish Customs and Police uncovered illegal importation of dogs into Finland, using fake pet documents, microchips, and smuggled medication. The case is being investigated as both smuggling and severe tax evasion.

The operation came to light when the Finnish Customs intercepted a package from Russia containing unnamed pet passports and microchips for pets.

The passports showed that the animals had received vaccinations, but the specific animal that received them was not identified.

During the investigation, Finnish authorities conducted a search and seizure operation and confiscated a considerable amount of pet-related documents and equipment used to create fake documentation, such as stamps. Nearly 50 different types of medication were also found, half of which were prescription drugs. At the time of the search, about 30 dogs were found on the premises, some of which were born in Russia, while others were born in Finland.

The suspect, who lives in Pohjanmaa, is suspected of smuggling 180 puppies between 2016 and 2021. The puppies were then sold in Finland for an average price of approximately 1,000 euros.

The case is being investigated by the Finnish Customs as two cases of smuggling and by the police as severe tax evasion and accounting fraud. The investigations are expected to conclude in the spring of 2023 and will then be transferred to the prosecutor's office for consideration of charges.

This case highlights the importance of enforcing strict regulations on pet imports, as the smuggling of animals poses a significant risk to public health and animal welfare. The use of fake documents and medication in this case further highlights the need for stricter measures to ensure the authenticity and quality of pet-related products.

It is crucial to take a stand against animal smuggling, and such cases must be dealt with firmly to deter future smuggling attempts. The Finnish authorities' efforts to combat animal smuggling are commendable, and they must continue to prioritize the protection of animals and the safety of the public.

HT
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), also known as tick-borne meningitis, has become increasingly common in Finland over the past ten years, spreading rapidly throughout the country. Although there were fewer cases last year than in the record-breaking year of 2021, the long-term trend is upward. Additionally, the number of ticks has increased over the past few decades, and they are now found in almost all parts of Finland except for the northernmost Lapland region. At the same time, TBE virus-carrying ticks have been found in new areas.

According to the Infectious Diseases Register, a total of 124 cases of TBE were reported throughout Finland in 2022, nearly as many as the record year of 2021, which saw 148 cases. Over the last ten years (2013-2022), a total of 810 TBE cases have been reported in Finland, representing a tripling of cases, as compared to the 267 cases reported between 2003 and 2012.

Diagnosed cases have been reported in an increasing number of hospital districts in recent years. Between 2021 and 2022, the greatest increase in reported cases was in Satakunta (from zero cases to five cases). However, by far the most cases have been reported in the Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District (49 cases in 2022).

TBE is a rare inflammatory condition caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), which can cause serious and long-lasting neurological symptoms such as memory problems, confusion, paralysis, and seizures. There is no cure for the disease, but it can be prevented by vaccination. Vaccination provides protection against TBE, but not against tick bites or Lyme disease. Protection, such as clothing, can prevent ticks from attaching to the skin.

Ticks spread with animals

The most up-to-date estimate of the prevalence of ticks in Finland can be found on the Punkkilive website, developed in collaboration between the University of Turku's Tick Project and Pfizer. Anyone can report tick sightings on the website, which received over 78,000 reports in 2022 from all over the country.

According to tick researcher Jani Sormunen from the University of Turku, climate change has accelerated the spread of ticks and their movement to new areas. "Mild autumns and warm springs have extended the tick's active season, and at the same time, the risk period for tick-borne diseases. With the warming, ticks have also spread further north, and they are quite regularly detected even in southern Lapland," says Sormunen.

The effects of climate change are also increasing the populations of host animals such as hares, roe deer, and white-tailed deer, providing ticks with more sources of food.

THL vaccination recommendations and defined risk areas are available here.

HT
UKRAINIAN refugees living in Henley are worried they may be forced to leave the town due to a shortage of affordable housing.

Just over a year on from the Russian invasion of their country, many refugees are looking to move out from their hosts who agreed to take them under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

But despite having settled into jobs and with their children at local schools, the women are now having to contemplate more upheaval because of high rental prices and the stringent requirements of landlords.

Gemma Birch, who founded MotherSisterDaughter a year ago to help refugees and their hosts, said many Ukrainians were struggling to find their own homes.

She said: The rental market is challenging as there are just not enough properties. Henley is the most incredible community but its expensive and a lack of social housing hasnt helped.

This is an expensive area. Even with the council-supported housing benefits its simply not enough.

Our lovely families will have to move further afield. Yet theyve made friends, theyve got jobs in local businesses and theyre very self-sufficient, as they want to be. Many have children in our local schools who have integrated.

Ms Birch said that some landlords were asking Ukrainians for up to a years rent in advance or a British guarantor.

She said: I would hate to think that there are different criteria for refugees  that would be horrific.

In fairness, some estate agents are very helpful and collaborative, while others simply are not.

If I was looking for a rental property now in Henley theres no way I could put a years money down. My parents love me but I dont think theyd be in a financial position to be a guarantor so how can we expect guarantors for a refugee?

Anna Gracheva, 36, is struggling to find accommodation for herself and her eight-year-old daughter Anna Mariia Dyak.

They are from the Lviv region and moved in with their hosts in Gallowstree Common six months ago. She said: I cant stay for ever, so Im looking for something. Im hoping in the next six months I can find somewhere. My hosts say I can stay another six months until I find a proper job and accommodation. Im looking for a job but its tricky. When you live in the countryside its tricky and when you have a child, its tricky.

Ms Gracheva, whose husband is still in Ukraine, said that in her experience landlords did not want to rent to Ukrainians.

She said: Its a huge challenge. Theres not only a small amount of properties but the landlords want to be sure you can pay. When they know you are Ukrainian, they dont want to deal with you because not every Ukrainian has a job. If you say the Government will help you to pay they dont want to know.

I called the council said: I need support. They said that once Id found a property I should contact them again and they could make a communication with the landlord for no more than 850 per month. If the rent is more, I must cover it. All the utilities I must pay. I dont know about council tax, I have only just found out about that.

Not every landlord wants Ukrainians. Its not because they dont like us, its because all they want to know about is the money. We dont have a deposit, so its hard.

Ms Gracheva said she was worried about moving her daughter, who is at Kidmore End Primary School.

She said: She is settled and happy there and I dont want to make stress for her a second time by changing school. Thats why I want to find somewhere.

I have made friends with British people and Ukrainian people who live here. To start over again from scratch, its stressful for me and I dont want to make stress one more time.

When you move here, you think Ill live here for some months and then maybe move but now I dont want to move. When you get used to something, you dont want to change.

Mariia Rybka, 32, and her son Sviatoslav Riepin, seven, fled Kyiv and moved in with their hosts in Harpsden in June.

Sviatoslav attends St Marys School in Henley.

She said: I found an amazing family. I call them my second family. They are like parents as they take care of me. My hosts havent asked me to leave but we need to live our own life. When I started to search for accommodation I called the housing association. I was told we could wait for social housing but its almost impossible because there are so many people.

So I decided to start searching on Rightmove and Zoopla. All landlords want a contract for not less than a year and a deposit. They need to check with banks that we can pay as they need to be sure.

Its not easy. I called some agencies and they said, Yes we can see you but nobody called back.

Ms Rybka said all the refugees would want to find their own place in order to rebuild their lives and appealed to landlords to help.

She said: They need to know that Ukrainians are very hard working and tidy. Our children are very polite. I want people to understand theres nothing to worry about.

Some Ukrainians have managed to find their own accommodation with help from their hosts.

Olga Korchova, 62, arrived with her 16-year-old twin sons, Matthew and Maxin Korchoviiy, and 93-year-old mother Helen.

She said: I came here in August, very late because I hesitated. I had to bring my twins as well as my mum as I am single and didnt have any relatives. When we came we lived for three months with our sponsors. Thank God we have my pension and Universal Credit to support us.

She managed to find accommodation in Sonning Common in December. She says: It was very difficult to find. My sponsors helped me. Ms Korchova said she was grateful for the support she has received from her sponsors, the volunteers at MotherSisterDaughter, and Leighton Park School in Reading, which her sons attend.

She said: I appreciate everything English people do for us. Im impressed with their generosity and support. Im so happy I met with such people.

My boys are super-happy at Leighton Park. They play piano and do many activities. They work so hard to stay and we appreciate the opportunity. Thank you to the director of the school.

Christine Smith, lettings manager at Brookstones Lettings in Bell Street, Henley, said the problem that the refugees were facing reflected the shortage of rental properties available across the South-East.

She said: Weve done it for a couple of Ukrainian families where someone has acted as a guarantor or paid for the first six months until they are established but it is up to the landlord.

If theyre in work its fine. Its not because theyre Ukrainian, its because theres no supply. The whole market is stagnant.

We have two properties about to go out and when I put one on I know there will be 30 enquiries within 24 hours.

Mortgage rates are high and landlords are worried about new legislation thats coming in, there are so many factors.

Its security too  landlords have to know they are going to get their money, so they ask for rent up front or a guarantor.

Ms Birch said the cost of living crisis was also have an effect as some hosts were starting to feel the pinch themselves.

She said: A lot of good people perhaps dont have the resources that they had a year ago. All are being amazing and supportive and no one wants to see anyone homeless but there has to be an end point for the hosts.

Even though the Government has increased the hosting package to encourage people to take part with some additional income, people think Ive got to cook more or Ive got to have the heating on more. Everyone has an awful lot on their plate at the moment.
Nanjing, Apr 8 (UNI) The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Saturday launched combat readiness patrol and military exercises around the Taiwan, which will last from April 8 to 10 Beijing time as scheduled.

The patrol and exercises would take place in the maritime areas and airspace of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the island's east, said Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the command.

UNI XINHUA RKM
SEVENTY people attended the launch of a new hairdressing salon in Henley.

Mary Handy Hair and Beauty has taken over the former Rudi Kartal salon in Duke Street after 11 years in Wallingford.

At the launch musicians from The Henley College played and guests were served drinks and canapes.

Salon manager Ben Ferguson said: It was wonderful to have such a great turnout from both old and new customers.

Since we opened softly six weeks ago, weve had such a positive response from the people of Henley, they really are so welcoming.

Owner Susan Handy, who is Irish, said she needed more space to grow her business.

She places a strong emphasis on sustainability and is part of the Green Salon collective, which recycles hairdressing products. Ms Handy, 54, said: Its very expensive but we try to be as sustainable as possible.

Her interest in the environment came from her mother, Mary, who inspired the name of the business and introduced her to hairdressing when she was growing up in Offaly.

Ms Handy said: I started when I was 13. My mammy said, Ive got you a job in a new hairdressing salon, and I thought, I dont want to do hairdressing but within two minutes I loved it. I knew it was what I wanted to do.

Ms Handy, who is also a trained nurse, moved to the UK 33 years ago and has lived in Thame for most of that time.
A GROUP of American high school students will perform a free showcase of music at Christ Church in Henley tomorrow (Saturday).

The 80 visitors, aged 14 to 18, are from Boyertown Area Senior High School, which is near Reading in Berks county in Pennsylvania.

Together, they make up a band, an orchestra and a choir.

Their performance has been organised by the school with Elisabeth Cawood, of Music & Travel Tour Consultants in Watlington.

It will be a salute to big bands with show tunes, American choral classics and popular greats for band and orchestra.

Elisabeth says: Its part of the ethos of the school to give music students the opportunity to travel overseas. For most of them its their one opportunity to tour. They do it every three years around the UK and Europe.

We have worked with the school since the Seventies and some of the students coming now are children of students who studied at Boyertown in the Seventies and Eighties. The concert will be raising funds for Henley Music School and the new Henley Community Hub at Trinity Hall in Harpsden Road, organised by the schools founder, Laura Reineke.

Elisabeth, who plays viola with the Henley Symphony Orchestra, performed with the Ukraine flash mob in Henley over a year ago, which Laura organised. She says: Thats how I got to know Laura and realised all the work she was doing.

Laura says: We are really looking forward to welcoming Boyertown Area Senior High School to Henley.

They have an amazingly big music department, so the concert will be fantastic. It is a great opportunity to see a wide range of instruments and a diverse programme, all in one concert. Henley Music School requires 60,000 a year to run, so we are hugely grateful to the school, who will give us 5 per audience member.

If you come along, please mention you are with Henley Music School. Entry is free but we will receive a lovely donation from the school. There will also be a retiring collection. Everyone is welcome.

 Boyertown Area Senior High Schools spring showcase is at Christ Church in Reading Road, Henley, at 6.30pm. Admission is free.
Taipei, Apr 8 (UNI) Chairman of Taiwan People's Party Ko Wen-je will arrive in the United States on Saturday on a three-week visit.

During the visit that will last from April 8-28, the high-ranking Taiwanese politician is expected to deliver a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, meet with members of the US Congress and make stops in New York, Boston, Washington and Houston.

At meetings with US lawmakers, Ko plans to discuss a number of issues, including defense and the situation in the Taiwan Strait.

UNI/SPUTNIK XC RKM
The SinoIndian relationship is actually a complex equation where there are some constants like the boundary dispute, the United States and Tibet, and a number of variables at a given time, like the economic condition, domestic political situation, geopolitical orientations and so on. What happened in 2020 was the consequence of a growing disequilibrium that has been developing for a while in that equation... PREMIUM A signboard seen from the Indian side of the Indo-China border at Bumla, in Arunachal Pradesh in a picture dated November 11, 2009. (Adnan Abidi /REUTERS)

The two countries had fought a short war in 1962 and now have powerful militaries and nuclear weapons. Though they have not been able to resolve their boundary dispute in this period, they were remarkably successful in managing the border peacefully well into the second decade of the twenty-first century. Through a variety of protocols, mechanisms, as well as border personnel meetings, beginning with the Border Peace and Tranquillity Agreement (BPTA) of 1993, they had a record of not having had a single shot fired in anger across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that marked their contested 4,000-km border since 1975.

289pp, 599; HarperCollins

In the 20002020 period, as they developed the infrastructure along their... border, the friction between them had begun to increase... In some measure it was on account of developments in Tibet that led to a final breakdown of the reconciliation dialogue that had been taking place between the representatives of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government. The India-US entente, which was manifested markedly in the growth of their military ties, played its own role in the situation.

Incidents along the LAC such as those in Depsang in 2013, Chumar in 2014 and along the Pangong Tso in 2017 and 2019, were managed through standard operating procedures worked out earlier. However, even at the time... news filtered out and was amplified by the media and social media, bringing pressure to bear on the respective governments... The second IndiaChina informal summit in Chennai in October 2019 was expected to stabilize relations between the two countries... Then what happened in four months to change all that in March 2020? It would be simple, if not simplistic, to attribute the blame to Chinese perfidy. And argue that the informal summits were all an elaborate scheme of deception to lull the Indians into a sense of complacency. But Xi Jinping had also invested substantial time as well as political capital in participating in the somewhat unusual informal summits that had been held in 2018 and 2019. In the process he had arguably spent more time with Modi than any other foreign leader. So why throw it all away? The reality, however, is that things did not change in four months, but had been doing so for nearly a decade. As Shivshankar Menon put it: roughly since 2012 the basic understanding on which you maintained your border from 1988 onwards was no longer valid. That was the year Xi Jinping became General Secretary, and the balance of power had shifted against India. When the process of detente began in 1988, the economies of the two countries were roughly equal; in 2012, the Chinese GDP was five times larger. For the Chinese, Indian behaviour on the border, and in general, now became inexplicable. Instead of accepting that it was now irretrievably behind China in almost all aspects of national power, New Delhi insisted on intensifying its efforts to match Chinese capabilities on the SinoIndian border... Sinologist M Taylor Fravel has noted that the Chinese have viewed their border dispute with India as a secondary threat that must be managed, rather than be overwhelmed or eliminated. India, he said, has never been Chinas main or primary opponent.... Going by the past record, Fravel said, China has sought to prevent the dispute from dominating its relationship with India, in order to pursue other goals linked with economic growth and to expand Chinese influence around the world.

A view of Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh. (Mukesh Gupta/REUTERS)

Looking back, it would appear that the incidents on the border... were linked to Chinese proposals in the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) and the Code of Conduct on border affairs, to freeze Indian construction in the border areas. But the Indian process... began to move at a much faster pace in the last decade. The completion of the Darbuk Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DS-DBO) road in 2019 was an important marker of the Indian determination to maintain some kind of a parity with China.

Another important marker of Indian behaviour was the Doklam episode of 2017 when China was outplayed because its forces found themselves in a militarily disadvantageous position... It was following this incident that the PLA reviewed its entire posture along the SinoIndian border and began a systematic build up which involved stationing more forces proximate to the LAC, plugging gaps in the air defence system and hardening airfields and helipads. As part of this, the decision was probably taken to iron out the Line of Actual Control wherever possible... The scope of the action, involving the movement of two divisions of the PLA to positions adjacent to the Line of Actual Control would have been planned over a year, and would have had the approval at the highest level in the Central Military Commission (CMC), which includes its chairman, Xi Jinping. But this act of strategic coercion went out of control on the icy banks of the Galwan river. The incident which, was triggered by an unexpected Indian action, led to casualties. The Chinese could not have expected that the whole situation would blow up in the way it did. Note that for its part... the government of India has tried its best to limit the fallout of the action, even denying any incursion had occurred. Even now they have not given us a clear picture of the more consequential PLA ingresses in places like the Depsang Plains, the Kugrang valley, Gogra Hot Springs and the Charding Ninglung Nala area, south of Demchok.

Author Manoj Joshi (Tribhuvan Tiwari/Courtesy Siyahi)

But the government of India found it politically impossible to sweep the Galwan issue under the carpet after 20 Indian soldiers died, more than a hundred were injured and a similar number taken prisoner. PLA intransigence in the disengagement negotiations through July and August 2020 compelled them to allow the Indian Army to undertake an operation along the south bank of Pangong Tso that provided India with a lever in the situation. The Chinese options were now stark. They could have escalated the situation, but a favourable outcome was not guaranteed. So they figured it was simply not worth it to do so, especially since India remained, in Fravels terms, a secondary direction.

But the move of the scale that the Chinese undertook in April-May 2020 cannot be explained by one causative factor alone. Associated with this was the belief that India was adopting this posture, encouraged by its growing military ties with the United States. Chinese scholar Ye Hailin has suggested that the US is the crucial element that is preventing India from accepting its position in the regional hierarchy as a subordinate power. China led India on almost any parameter of national power, yet, The USs rejection of China is enough to offset Chinas power advantage over other actors. He went on to lament that it is difficult to prove who has the higher absolute international status between the sub-power [India] supported by the hegemony [US] and the power [China] suppressed by the hegemony.

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Bengaluru-based ZestMoney is slashing about 20% of its workforce, which will impact nearly 100 employees, as per a LiveMint report. The buy now, pay later platforms talks of an acquisition by fintech company PhonePe had collapsed earlier. Backed by Goldman Sachs and Xiaomi, ZestMoney currently employs around 450 people. ZestMoney was founded in 2015 by Lizzie Chapman, Priya Sharma and Ashish Anantharaman. (Website)

The department-wide layoff, announced as part of its business continuity and survival plan, comes weeks after PhonePe halted the $200 - $300 million acquisition deal at the end of March 2023. The talks, which began in November 2022, fell through owing to lapses in due diligence, disagreement over valuation, shareholding structure and a slowdown in the financial technology sector, a Business Insider report stated.

ZestMoney was founded in 2015 by Lizzie Chapman, Priya Sharma and Ashish Anantharaman. The company raised its last funding round at a $450 million valuation and has previously been in acquisition talks with Pine Labs and BharatPe.

Also read | 'Tense' atmosphere at Freshworks since CEO announced details of March layoffs: Report

According to a Moneycontrol report, the companys severance package includes a month's salary which has provision for insurance, mental health assistance and other perks. The Walmart-backed PhonePe may also hire a number of workers from ZestMoney, the report added.

The acquisition deal, if successful, would have enhanced its competitive position in the fintech market and marked its foray into digital lending.

Layoffs have affected the edtech sector too as Unacademy recently laid off 12 per cent of its staff or about 380 employees. It is the unicorn's fourth round of layoffs in the past one year to enhance core business profitability. Co-founder and CEO Gaurav Munjal also announced that the top leadership will take a permanent pay cut of up to 25 per cent.

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The decision by a Delhi court last month to frame charges against 11 men  all alleged operatives of terror outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM)  has turned the attention once again to the quaint Karnataka fishing town of Bhatkal, which jumped into the headlines roughly two decades ago over a string of terror cases and bomb blasts. The quaint Karnataka fishing town of Bhatkal jumped into the headlines roughly two decades ago over a string of terror cases and bomb blasts. (File Photo)

Located in Uttara Kannada district, Bhatkals association with IM founders Yasin and Riyaz Bhatkal brought the town infamy. But even before that, the town would regularly be roiled by communal clashes and sectarian killings that would polarise the regions population, roughly 60% Hindu and 40% Muslim.

Electorally, though, the record is more mixed. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the seat in 2018 but in 2013, the constituency was won by an independent candidate who later joined the Congress. In 2008, the Congress won the seat. While the Congress has named its candidate for the May 10 Karnataka assembly polls, the BJP is yet to announce its candidate list.

BJP will win no matter what. Even the candidates know that, so they are putting more effort into getting a ticket than fighting the election itself, said a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) functionary, unwilling to be named. A Congress leader countered him, saying the anti-incumbency against the ruling BJP in the state would have an impact in Bhatkal.

From the BJP side, there are three contenders -- incumbent lawmaker Sunil Nayak, senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Govid Nayak and local Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh functionary Ishawar Nayak. Sunil became an MLA for the first time in 2018 but some sections of the party object to his candidature because of his familys previous links to the Janata Dal (Secular).

Sunil is, however, confident about getting the ticket and said he was working for the rights of Hindus. On Wednesday, Sunil said that police cases against 78 Hindu activists for rioting at the Town Municipal Council building in 2017 in the city were withdrawn.

The BJPs political rise in the region began in the 1990s, especially in the communally sensitive southern coastal parts. GU Bhat, a senior journalist from Uttara Kannada district, said Bhatkal was always communally sensitive, but a turning point came on April 10, 1996, when a popular doctor, DU Chittaranjan, who was also a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) member and the first BJP lawmaker from the seat, was killed in his home.

Also Read | Bhatkal: from a quiet coastal town in Karnataka to a terror factory

On the day Chittaranjan was assassinated inside his house, he had reached home around 8pm. He watched the news before having dinner. Just as he got up from his seat after his wife called him for dinner, someone shot him from behind through the window. He died on the spot. It was this murder that divided the Muslim and Hindu communities in the town, said Bhat.

The killing happened three years after major communal riots ,spanning over nine months, was reported from Bhatkal, in which 72 people died. His murder divided the Muslim and Hindu communities in the town further and the division is visible even today, Bhat said.

According to a senior intelligence officer who has worked in Uttara Kannada, the opposition started from the Muslim youth, many of whom worked in the Gulf countries in the mid-1980s and had made money. The Hindu-Muslim conflict in Bhatkal soon witnessed the influence of international players, who tried to support the opposition against the rise of Hindutva there, the officer said.

From this opposition emerged Riyaz Ismail Shahbandri and Mohammed Ahmed Siddibappa, popularly known as Riyaz Bhatkal and Yasin Bhatkal, in late 2000s. When their name started getting associated with terrorism, Bhatkal town itself became a place of interest for the intelligence agencies, said the officer.

In 2008, the Muslim and the Namdari community (largest Hindu community in Bhatkal) set aside their difference and inked a political pact  backing JD Nayak of the Congress in state polls that year and a Muslim candidate in the next. The deal was that in the first election (i.e 2008) a Hindu candidate will be fielded and both communities would vote for him. In the next election in 2013, as per the deal, a Muslim candidate was to be fielded but it did not happen. It not only ended that pact but also created mistrust, said Haneef Shabab, the former general secretary of a local Muslim body.

In 2013, Munkala Subba Vaidya, who hailed from the fishing community, won as an independent and subsequently joined the Congress. In 2018, he lost to Sunil. Vaidya is again trying for a Congress ticket and is hopeful that the Congress will win.

He said in the 2018 election, there was unhappiness against the Congress over some murders of Hindu men. The Paresh Mesta death case, which the BJP projected to be a murder, turned out to be an accidental death. These false campaigns affected our chances, even then the margin was around 6,000 votes. People are fed up with the local MLA, who hasnt done any work and I am available to everyone, Vaidya said.

Another senior Congress leader in Bhatkal said that unlike other parts of coastal Karnataka, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI)  the political wing of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI) -- is not strong in Bhatkal, which means the Muslim votes of the Congress wont be divided.

On the ground, locals say that the BJP holds a numerical advantage. Qamararudin, 37, a local trader, said that Muslims are concentrated in Bhatkal town, and Hindus, mostly Namdharis, in rural areas. The strained ties between the communities continue even today. Some goodwill has been restored but polarisation in voting continues, he said.

A senior local journalist said the Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) need to expand their core vote banks. The result will depend on what sort of caste combination happens when candidates of all parties are announced, he said.

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As the Amul vs Nandini milk battle boils over in Karnataka, state Congress chief DK Shivakumar on Saturday reiterated the partys stance on the issue. Asserting that Nandini is a better brand than Amul, he said that Karnatakas milk and farmers will be protected. Congress's DK Shivakumar slammed Gujarat-based Amuls entry into the Karnataka dairy market. (PTI)

Speaking to news agency ANI, the Congress leader slammed Gujarat-based dairy cooperative society Amuls entry into the Karnataka dairy market, We want to protect our milk and our farmers. We already have Nandini which is a better brand than Amul...We don't need any Amul..our water, our milk, and our soil is strong.

Also read: Ex-CM Siddaramaiah backs Karnataka's milk brand amid Amul entry row

The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) sells milk and curd in the state under the brand name Nandini.

On Wednesday, Amul had teased its launch in Bengaluru adding that e-commerce platforms will be used to enable the delivery of its dairy products, raising concerns that its entry will pose a threat to the states local brand.

The Amul vs Nandini war has raged ever since union home minister Amit Shah sparked speculations of a merger between the KMF and Gujarat's Anand Milk Union Limited (Amul) during a visit to Karnataka in December.

The battle has spilled out on social media, too, with a hashtag war of #GoBackAmul and #SaveNandini unfolding on Twitter.

On Friday, congress leader and former chief minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah urged Kannadigas to boycott Amul products.

He further said, "In addition to language treason by the imposition of Hindi and land treason by trespassing within the state borders, now the BJP government is going to betray the farmers by shutting down Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which is the livelihood of millions of dairy farming families in the country."

The Congress has alleged a conspiracy by BJP to finish off KMF through the backdoor entry of Amul in Karnataka. Janata Dal (Secular), too, strongly opposed Amul making inroads into Karnataka and attempting to edge out Nandini.

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Two US fighter jets make emergency landing in Japan

Tokyo, Apr 8 (UNI) Two US F-16 fighter jets on Saturday made an emergency landing at the Miyako Shimojishima airport in Japan's Okinawa prefecture after one of the planes experienced engine problems, media reported.

The problems with the engine occurred when the jet was 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Japan's Miyako island, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported.

The report said that there were no victims or delays in civilian flights, adding that the US military have been conducting repairs on one of the fighters.
Chilli growers in Punjabs border district of Ferozepur are setting an example for other farmers for coming out of the wheat-paddy crop cycle and successfully reaping rich dividends without depending on the traditional crops. Chilli farm in Punjab's Ferozepur. (PTI)

With not many people knowing Ferozepur as one of the biggest cultivators of chilli crops in the state, the Punjab government has recently announced to set up a chilli cluster in the border district as part of its campaign to promote crop diversification programme.

Under the chilli cluster development programme, a group of chilli growers will be provided technical support for reducing input costs and further improving crop quality to tap its export and domestic markets, said officials.

Close to 10,000 hectares of land is under chilli crop in Punjab with about 20,000 metric tonnes per annum of output. Ferozepur has the maximum area under the chilli crop in Punjab.

Andhra Pradesh is one of the leading states in the country as far as cultivation of chilli crop is concerned, said farmers.

According to chilli growers, they earn around 1.50 to 2 lakh per acre out of chilli crop after deducting input costs and other expenses. The income is way above an average of 90,000 per acre one can make out of wheat and paddy, they said.

Chilli crop is planted in October-end and November, while harvesting starts in March-end and April, said farmers. Some growers even continue with the crop till August thus a need does not arise for transplanting water-guzzling paddy during the Kharif season.

Manpreet Singh, a progressive grower of chilli crop, said he earns 2 lakh per acre income from the crop. Singh grows chilli over 100 acres of land at village Lumbriwala, Ghal Khurd block in Ferozepur.

Singh said red chilli fetches 230-240 a kg while green chilli gets 20-25 per kg.

We used to grow chilli till June but last year we took it to August. Therefore, there was no need for sowing paddy as chilli fetches more returns, said the 32-year-old farmer.

Singh said chilli of Ferozepur is now being recognised and traders from other places like Ganganagar in Rajasthan and even Andhra Pradesh have started coming to buy the crop from here.

Parrot green chilli has demand in places like Gujarat while dark green chilli is supplied to places like Nagpur, Indore and Bhopal.

In the Ferozepur district, three blocks  Ghall Khurd, Ferozepur and Mamdot are known for cultivating the chilli crop.

Punjab horticulture director Shalinder Kaur said a cluster development approach has been adopted to increase income and reduce the input cost of farmers.

She said the department will do handholding of chilli growers and help them further improve crop quality for tapping export potential.

20 (chilli) farmers have already come up and we are doing the hand-holding wherever required, she said.

We want farmers to grow chilli absolutely scientifically, she stressed.

When quality production starts to come, private entrepreneurs will also start approaching farmers directly for buying their crops, said the official.

Hardeep Singh, another chilli grower from village Bareke in Ferozepur, suggested a processing unit be set up in Ferozepur for making chilli paste and other items to boost the cultivation of this crop.

Besides Ferozepur, chilli is grown in other districts like Patiala, Malerkotla, Sangrur, Jalandhar, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, SBS Nagar and Hoshiarpur.
Three members of a family died and two others sustained injuries when their car rammed into a truck in Fazilka around midnight on Friday. The car in which the victims were travelling when the accident occurred near Fazilka around Friday midnight. (HT Photo)

Police said the family belonged to Paliwala village in Jalalabad and were returning home from Fazilka after attending a wedding when the accident occurred.

They had just exited Fazilka when Surinder Singh, the driver, reportedly lost control of the vehicle and it rammed into the truck.

The three victims who died were identified as Prakash Kaur, 55, Monica Rani, 28, and Gevish, six months. The two injured were Surinder Singh and Mukhtiar Singh.

The bodies were handed over to family members after the post-mortem, while both the injured were hospitalised at the civil hospital in Fazilka.
The education department has abolished the use of school bags for pre-primary classes in the Valley. Parents for the last many years have been demanding reduction in the weight of school bags, especially in private schools where children were forced to carry heavy school bags. (HT File Photo)

Parents for the last many years have been demanding reduction in the weight of school bags, especially in private schools where children were forced to carry heavy school bags.

The director, education, Kashmir, on Friday night has issued guidelines to heads of the institutions asking them to set maximum weights for the school bags besides specifying which subject to be taught from which class as per the new National Educational Policy (NEP).

The weight of the school bag for Classes 1 and 2 should not exceed 1.5 kg and the weight of school bags carried by students of Classes 3 and 4 should not exceed 3 kg, the director of school education said in an order.

The order further said the weight of school bags for students of Classes 6 and 7 should not go beyond 6 kg.

The weight should not exceed 5 kg for Classes 8 and 9 students and should not go beyond 5.5kg for Class 10 students. It is the duty of school heads to ensure that no homework is assigned to students of classes up to 2nd standard and no formal books are prescribed at pre-primary (nursery, LKG, UKG) levels, the order said.

The order said for pre-primary classes, the students will be using two copies and workbooks that will remain in custody of school teachers. Students of pre-primary level should not be asked to carry any bag except light carrier for lunch box and no schools should prescribe any other subjects except language and arithmetic for Class 1 and 2, language, environmental science (EVS) and arithmetic for Classes 3 to 5 besides language, social science, mathematics and science for Class 6 and 7, or as prescribed by the affiliating authority, the order read.

In 2020, then principal secretary, school education, Asgar Hassan Samoon had issued a notification with a list of directives to the schools. However, that wasnt implemented.

The government may cancel affiliation and recognition of the school violating the provisions,  the notification said. The officials said this direction is the modification of previous order on which the department has been working.

While many parents have appreciated the directions but a lot of them have apprehensions whether private schools will honour this decision. Its an encouraging decision especially for the young children. I hope the decisions will be implemented with full dedication, said Naser Ahmad Shiekh whose two children are studying in a private school.

Another parent, Fayaz Ahmad said the private schools especially big schools never adhere to the rules or directions of government. Hope this time government is serious for the sake of young children, he said.
With the city bracing for the upcoming municipal corporation (MC) elections, representatives of all major political parties are keenly awaiting the outcomes of the meeting on ward delimitation scheduled to be held on April 10. The April 10 meeting is being tipped to be the last of the series held to discuss the delimitation. (HT File)

The meeting which will be chaired by the local bodies department director of the Punjab Government will see the participation of all seven members of legislative assembly (MLA), one former councillor from political parties including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and civic body officials.

Speaking about the meetings agenda, municipal town planner Rajnish Wadhwa said recommendations regarding the ward delimitation will be presented in the meeting before any decisions are arrived at.

The meeting might be the last of the series held to discuss the delimitation, following which the decision regarding the election will be taken, sources privy to the matter said. The current house of the Municipal Corporation in which Congress had majority members completed its term on March 25.

The delimitation exercise, which is to be carried out after ten years as per the rules, was last undertaken by the Congress in 2018. At the time, the number of wards had been increased from 75 to 95.

The latest survey for the ward delimitation exercise began in June 2022 and has been completed, and changes in the demographics and population have been recorded, officials said.

Leaders from the opposition party, meanwhile, said the Aam Aadmi Party, having swept the last assembly elections, should have expedited the civic body polls, but were quick to add that the governing party may alter the wards to benefit their candidates.

Speaking of the delay, former BJP councillor Inder Aggarwal said four rounds of the meeting have been held on the issue in the past, but no significant decision was taken.

The leader expressed hope that a final decision regarding the delimitation will be taken in the upcoming meeting, given that the government is bound to conduct elections before September 25. He added that his party will oppose any arbitrary decisions.

SADs Harbhajan Singh Dangcof, meanwhile, said councillors from the ruling party fear losing their grip and will be keeping a close eye on the decisions taken in regard with the delimitation process.

Ludhiana North MLA Madan Lal Bagga said all parties were aware of the meetings agenda and their representatives will be present at the meeting in Chandigarh. He said that changes required in view of change in the population will be made after thorough discussion.
A missing 6-year-old boy from Texas, whose parents fled to India from the US and face felony charges of abandoning and endangering their child, is believed to be dead, a top police official has said. A missing 6-year-old boy from Texas, whose parents fled to India from the US and face felony charges of abandoning and endangering their child, is believed to be dead, a top police official has said.

Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, who has special needs, was last seen in November shortly after his twin sisters were born in October last year.

Everman police chief Craig Spencer said on Thursday that the search for the missing boy is now a death investigation and they are attempting to locate and recover his body.

We currently have active felony warrants for the arrest of the mother Cindy Rodriguez Singh and Arshdeep Singh for abandoning and endangering a child, which is a second-degree felony, Spencer said at a press conference.

We want these fugitives arrested and extradited to the United States so that we can seek answers for the disappearance of Noel, he said.

Noel was one of ten children to Cindy, 37. Three siblings reportedly lived with grandparents, while Noel and the others lived with their mother in squalor in a shed in Everman, a suburb of Fort Worth. Singh, the boys Indian-origin stepfather, also lived in the filthy shack.

The search for Noel began after the Texas Department of Family Services asked on March 20 that police in Everman conduct a welfare check, Everman police have said.

On March 22, Noels mother, Cindy, her husband and six children got on a plane and travelled to India, Spencer said, adding Noel was not with them, NBC News quoted police as saying.

Authorities have issued warrants for the arrest of Cindy and her husband Singh on felony charges of abandoning and endangering a child.

They are trying for the extradition of the couple from India, where they fled in March, days after police began investigating an anonymous tip that Noel had been missing since November.

We are working with our federal partners and they are engaged with us. Theyre on the case working side by side. As we get more information, we will update, the police said.

We rely on our relationship with international agencies. When they have information to share back with us, theyll obviously communicate that with us, but theyre working on it, Spencer said in response to a question on status update with the Indian government.

He said the circumstantial evidence, paired with interviews and work that has eliminated all other possibilities, has led police to believe that Noel is dead.

Investigators came to the conclusion that Noel was likely dead after disproving multiple lies regarding his whereabouts told by Cindy.

The lies include that the boy was in Mexico with his biological father or aunt and that he had been sold to a stranger at a local grocery fiesta market parking lot.

However, thanks to technology interviews, search warrants and the assistance of authorities in Mexico, investigators verified each one of these claims. Throughout the investigation, we learned that Cindy had been known to be abusive and neglectful, Spencer said.

He said investigators learned through interviews that Cindy referred to Noel as evil, possessed or having a demon in him and believed he would harm the twins.

Relatives and witnesses stated that food and water were often withheld from Noel because Cindy did not like changing Noels dirty diapers. A relative even witnessed Cindy strike Noel in the face with keys because he drank water, he said.

When Noel was last seen, he was described as appearing unhealthy and malnourished, Spencer said.

Authorities previously disclosed Noel was born prematurely and had several physical disabilities and developmental disorders.

They also described his mother as having an extensive criminal history and explained she was the subject of a previous investigation by Child Protective Services, the New York Post reported.

The pair are believed to have fled to Singhs home country of India before the warrants were issued, it said.

The City of Everman plans to hold a candlelight vigil for Noel at 8:30 pm on Monday at the Everman Civic Center.

On November 1 last year, Cindy obtained passport photographs of all the children living with her except for Noel. The next day, she applied for passports for herself and all six of the children except for Noel.

Investigators continue to work tirelessly to comb through all of the electronic data and other information that has been obtained through a multitude of search warrants.

We have not located any information that would suggest the child has been sold for traffic. We have additionally been able to disprove stories that Noel was given to other family members, Spencer said.

Although the course of this investigation has changed our commitments, we will continue to fight for Noel, he asserted.

The following steps in the investigation will be to try to determine possible locations to search for the boys remains.

We are engaging with several experts and highly qualified organisations to assist us in this venture. Some organised searches have already begun and are expected to continue in the coming days, Spencer said.

The couple lived mostly in a converted shed in the backyard of their home on Wisteria Drive.

Noel and some of his siblings mostly stayed in bedrooms in the main house, according to homeowner Charles Parson.

Investigators thoroughly searched the property, including digging under a concrete patio that Cindy paid to have installed. But the search has not led to evidence of Noels location, police said.
A team of Punjab State Minority Commission led-by member Subash Thoba on Saturday visited Pakharpura village of Amritsar to probe the alleged incident in which a group of Nihangs threatened Christians who were taking out a rally to observe Good Friday. Punjab state minority commission at Pakharpura village of Amritsar to take stock of the situation. (HT Photo)

The team members, during their visit, also informed that the police department has suspended assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Jasbir Singh, in-charge of the Pakharpura police post, for negligence in providing adequate security for the rally.

Superintendent of Police (headquarters) Sukhwant Kaur and deputy superintendent of police (Majitha) Manmohan Singh were also present during the teams visit.

The team visited the villages St Thomas Church and collected information regarding the incident from Father Jibon and other persons. Father Jibon told the team that the church had organised a religious rally to mark Good Friday. The polices posts in-charge was requested in writing well in advance to provide adequate security during the rally. However, on the rally day, no security was provided. When the rally reached the Amritsar-Jalandhar highway, a group of Nihangs in two cars came wielding swords in their hands. The Nihangs terrorised the devotees, who fled in terror. The Nihangs also fled the scene later, he said.

Subhash Thoba said the police has been told to provide adequate security to the church and launch a search for the miscreants.

Punjab government will not allow anybody to attack any religion and disrupt the peace, he said.

The team members also met the senior superintendent of police (SSP-rural) Satinder Singh and asked him to ensure that no such incident occurs in the future.
The Rupnagar police have arrested five youngsters who robbed 3 lakh from an employee of a Chandigarh-based cash management company at Morinda on March 21. The Rupnagar police have arrested five youngsters who robbed  3 lakh from an employee of a Chandigarh-based cash management company at Morinda on March 21. (Representational photo)

Rupnagar SSP Vivek Sheel Soni said on Saturday that Gautam Wadhwa, an employee of Resident Cash Management Services Private Limited, Sector 35-D, Chandigarh, had lodged a complaint at Morinda city police station that he was going on his motorcycle to deposit 3,13,887 at a Canara Bank branch.

When he reached Olympic Palace in Morinda, the youngsters surrounded his motorcycle and attacked him before fleeing with the cash. They headed towards Verka Point, Morinda.

After questioning eye-witnesses and going through CCTV footage of locations in the vicinity, the police arrested accused Manveer Singh, alias Mani, Jagpal Singh, Jaspreet Singh, Karamjit Singh, alias Honey, and Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh, on April 6.

SSP Soni said 53,000 from the looted amount and sharp-edged weapons were recovered from the accused, while their motorcycles were impounded. Their interrogation is underway.
Police arrested seven persons four days after a gang of robbers allegedly made away with cash and material from a factory unit in Rajgarh village, Doraha. The teams also recovered a stolen truck, an auto, 40 excels and 77,000 from their possession. The accused allegedly involved in robbing a Ludhiana factory unit in police custody. (HT Photo)

The accused, Vishal Singh, Inderjit Sharma, Dharminder Sahni, residents of Gobindgarh, Jugiana, Sanoj Tiwari of Focal Point, Lalit Kumar of Kanganwal, Raj Kumar of Koom Kalan and Vinod Kumar of Muslim Colony, Sherpur, were arrested from different locations.

Sharing details about the case, deputy superintendent of police (DSP, Payal) Harsimrat Singh Chetra said a gang of armed robbers had targeted a factory unit, Milestone Gears, in Rajgarh on the intervening night of April 3 and April 4. The accused attacked the security guards at the factory, held them captive before robbing the unit.

The incident had been captured in the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at the unit. Videos showed sword and axe wielding robbers attacking the security guards.

Dharminder Sahni and Sanoj Tiwari are already facing trial in multiple cases including that of a June 2018 gang-rape. After availing bail, Dharminder began skipping court hearings and was declared a proclaimed offender.
Three labourers died after consuming spurious liquor at Namol village in Sunam sub division of Sangrur district on Friday night. Three labourers died after consuming spurious liquor at Namol village in Sunam sub division of Sangrur district on Friday night. (Representational photo)

Cheema police station in-charge sub inspector Lakhveer Singh said the sarpanch of Namol village informed the police about the deaths at 8am on Saturday. According to villagers, the three had been drinking ethanol allegedly supplied by a local resident. An investigation is on and action will be taken, he said, adding that the post-mortem examination of the trio is underway at the civil hospital.

The villagers claimed that the three, Gurmail Singh, Gurtej Singh and Chamkaur Singh, had been drinking the ethanol together without diluting it for the past three days. Their family members said that they returned home late on Friday night after drinking the ethanol and were found dead on Saturday morning.

All three did manual labour to make ends meet.

Lakhveer Singh said the police were verifying the allegation of villagers about spurious liquor being supplied in Namol.

Sangrur SSP Surinder Lamba, however, said, Nothing related to spurious liquor has come to the fore so far. However, we are investigating from all angles.
Two incidents of snatchings were reported in Chandigarh on Friday. While the police managed to arrest the snatcher in one incident, they are looking for clues in the other. Two incidents of snatchings were reported in Chandigarh on Friday. While the police managed to arrest the snatcher in one incident, they are looking for clues in the other. (HT File)

The gold chain of a woman was snatched by a biker near the vegetable mandi ground in Sector 46 on Friday. The victim, identified as Khusboo Kumari, and her son were returning after buying vegetables when a scooter-borne miscreant fled with her gold chain.

A case was registered under Section 379-A (snatching) of the Indian Penal Code at Sector-34 police station. The police are yet to arrest the accused.

In another case, a 22-year-old was arrested by the police for snatching a mobile phone. The victim, identified as Sonu from Burail, filed a complaint that he was stopped near the CRPF camp near 43/44 light point on his way to work in Sector 42. Sonu alleged that the accused, identified as Aman from Jind in Haryana, hit him with a helmet and fled with his mobile phone. Sonu was able to remember the registration number of Amans motorcycle, leading to his arrest.

A case was registered under Section 379-A (snatching) of the IPC at Sector-36 police station.

Five snatchers held

A team of crime branch of Chandigarh police nabbed a gang of five snatchers, including two juveniles, and recovered nine stolen mobile phones and five kamanidarssharp edge knivesfrom their possession.

The accused were identified as Vikas, Manish, and Rohan, all of Mauli Complex, Chandigarh. The other two accused are juveniles. As per police, Rohan had earlier been arrested in an Arms Act case. The arrest was made after the police received a tip-off about the accuseds location. Sharing their modus operandi, police said they would target pedestrians and cyclists at night.

All the accused have been booked at Mauli Jagraon police station.
China is imposing sanctions against the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and other U.S.- and Asian-based organizations in retaliation for the closely watched meeting this week between the U.S. House speaker and Taiwans president
The Uttarakhand police have arrested two men from Gadarpur of US Nagar for helping terrorist Jagjit Singh alias Jagga to flee during parole in April 2022, a senior official said adding that they have also recovered a car, a motorcycle and a country-made pistol from the accused. The Uttarakhand police said the names of the two accused had emerged during the questioning of terrorist Jagga. (Representative Image)

After questioning terrorist Jagga, two names came into light who had helped him in fleeing during parole. Both have been arrested. Some more names have emerged in this connection and police are trying to establish their role in the crime, said Manjunath TC, senior superintendent of police (SSP).

The duo was arrested on Friday and they have been identified by police as Chetan Pahuja of Preet Colony and Mohit Grover of Awas-Vikas Colony in Gadarpur. Police said both the vehicles recovered from them were used in the crime. The car was recovered from Dehradun.

Jagga, a resident of Kirpa Kopali village under Gadarpur police station in US Nagar was involved in three criminal cases in US Nagar including in the murder of a taxi driver in Pantnagar in 2018. He was arrested the same year from Jhankaiya in Khatima after an encounter with police, said police.

He was in the Haldwani jail but obtained parole for his sisters marriage in April 2022. He, however, fled during the parole period.

He was arrested by the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Delhi police on January 12 along with Naushad Ali from Jahangirpuri in Delhi. ATS recovered pistols and grenades from their rented house. Naushad was associated with Harkut-ul-Ansar of Pakistan, said police.

Jagga, who was involved in terrorist activities, was lodged in a jail in Delhi and was brought to Uttarakhand on transit remand by the US Nagar police on Monday, after which he was produced before the local court for seeking his remand for questioning on Wednesday, said police. He has been in police custody remand since Wednesday.
The Uddham Singh Nagar police have booked five people under the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act 2018 based on the complaint filed by a woman against her husband and relatives. Uttarakhand: US Nagar police book five under anti-conversion law

The Uttarakhand Freedom Of Religion Act was passed in April 2018 making forced or fraudulent conversions done through force or allurement non-bailable offences with a provision of imprisonment for up to five years.

Manjunath TC, senior superintendent of police (SSP), US Nagar said, A woman had approached Bazpur police station on Thursday and lodged a complaint under Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act-2018 against her husband and relatives.

Police have started an investigation against the complainants husband and four other family members, the SSP said.

According to police, the woman, 25, belonging to the Ramnagar area of Nainital, approached Bazpur police station on Thursday got the complaint registered against her husband and in-laws

According to her complaint, in 2018, she met a man who introduced himself as Samar of Bazpur and got married to him. However, on the day of their marriage, she learnt that he is Muslim and his real name is Liyaqat Ali, a resident of Moradabad district in Uttar Pradesh.

She mentioned in her complaint that the man and his family assured her that she would be free to follow her Hindu religion and they never force her to embrace Islam after marriage. However, in 2022, after she gave birth to a baby girl, her husband began harassing her to embrace Islam. In March this year, Samar alias Ali and his family forced her not only to observe Roza (fasting in the month of Ramadan) and perform namaz but also to eat beef.

On her complaint, police lodged an FIR (first information report) against Samar alias Liyaqut Ali, his father Niyad Ali, mother Khairul Nisha, brother Imtyaz Ali and his wife Haseena under the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act-2018 and IPC (Indian Penal Code) sections 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 498A (harassment of the woman), 504(intentional insult) and 506 (criminal intimation), the SSP said.

The Uttarakhand cabinet chaired by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on November 16, 2022, passed the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2022 to strengthen the anti-conversion law in the state.

In December last year, the Bill was approved by the Uttarakhand governor, making unlawful conversions a cognizable and non-bailable offence in the state that is punishable with a prison term of up to 10 years.

In the new law, a fine of 50,000 has been made compulsory. Anyone found guilty of conversion will have to pay up to 5 lakh to the victim.
Former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje on Saturday slammed the ruling Congress government over the death of a Dalit woman who was allegedly raped and set afire by a man in the states Barmer district. No one is safe in Rajasthan, Dalits and women certainly are not, Raje said, alleging the Ashok Gehlot government was covering up the incident. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Vice-President Vasundhara Raje.(ANI file photo)

The case of a Dalit woman being raped and burnt to death with acid in Balotra (in Barmer) has once again made it clear that no one is safe in Rajasthan anymore. Dalits and women certainly not. Suppressing this episode which shames humanity for a single day clearly clarifies the condemnable and insensitive attitude of the government in Rajasthan, she tweeted in Hindi, demanding strictest action against the culprits.

Also Read: BJP slams Gehlot govt after Dalit woman raped, burnt

The 30-year-old victim, who was undergoing treatment, succumbed to her injuries late on Friday night at a government hospital in Jodhpur, the police said. Meanwhile, the accused in the incident, identified as Shakur Khan, who was absconding post the incident, has been nabbed, Nitesh Arya, Barmers additional superintendent of police confirmed to HT.

An FIR was filed by the victim's husband who alleged that on Thursday the accused broke into the house and raped his wife while he was away at work. He said hearing the cries of his wife, their neighbour attempted to rescue her but the accused managed to pour acid-like chemicals on her, set her on fire and escaped from the scene.

Rajes comments came after a report surfaced that the police allegedly initially avoided FIR but it was lodged only after the case became critical. The police said they were informed of the incident at 3:30am but an FIR was lodged only in the wee hours of Friday morning.

Police have registered a case under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 302 ( murder) 376 (punishment for rape ), 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 450 (house-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment for life) and other sections of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, officials familiar with the matter told HT.

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A 30-year-old woman, who was allegedly raped and set afire by a man in Rajasthans Barmer district on Thursday, died during treatment late on Friday night at a government hospital in Jodhpur, police said adding that they have arrested the accused who had been absconding. Police said the body will be will be handed over to the family members after getting the autopsy done. (Representative Image)

Barmer additional superintendent of police (ASP) Nitesh Arya has confirmed the development. Police said that Section 302 (punishment for murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has also been added in the first information report (FIR). They added that the body will be will be handed over to the family members after getting the autopsy done.

According to the FIR lodged by the womans husband, his wife was alone at home on Thursday as he had gone out for job and their children were in school, when the accused, identified as Shakur Khan, broke into the house and raped her. Hearing the cries of his wife, their neighbour reached at the spot to rescue her but the accused while pushing the neighbour away, poured some acid-like chemical on his wife, set her on fire and escaped from the scene.

It is also alleged that family members of the victim approached police around 1.30am on Thursday but police initially avoided filing an FIR. They said the FIR was lodged only after the case became critical. However, police said that they got informed about the incident around 3.30am and the FIR was lodged in the wee hours of Friday.

The woman, who has two children, suffered 40-50% burn injuries in the assault. She was first admitted to a government hospital in Balotra and was later referred to a higher medical institution in Jodhpur, where she died during treatment.

Police said the accused Shakur Khan belonged to the same village as the woman. He was nabbed by police on Friday late night.

Police have registered a case under IPC sections 302 (punishment for murder) 376 (punishment for rape ), 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 450 (house trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment for life) and other sections of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, officials familiar with the matter said.

Meanwhile, local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member of Parliament (MP) and Union minister of agriculture and farmers welfare, Kailash Choudhary, condemned the incident. The incident of raping a Dalit married woman in Balotra and burning her with acid is a black spot on Rajasthan along with the entire region and evidence of poor law and order situation in the state, he said.

Today, this Jungle Raj, which is prevailing under the misrule of the state, has become a curse for every common man of the state and (chief minister Ashok) Gehlot ji, sitting on the post of home minister, has turned a blind eye to the law and order of the state, he alleged.

Nagaur MP and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) leader Hanuman Beniwal said, The incident of raping a SC woman in Barmers Pachpadra police station area and burning her with inflammable substance is extremely shameful, such acts are indicating that there is no fear of law among the criminals. He demanded the strictest legal action against the accused.
In connection with the preparations for the annual session of the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) to be held at Lucknow University in January 2024, the 10-member ISCA team inspected all the facilities at the university including the auditorium and lecture hall on Saturday. Dean academics, Prof Poonam Tandon and other teachers of the university were also present along with the team members that have come to oversee the preparations and outline of the activities related to the programme. (HT FILE)

Dean academics, Prof Poonam Tandon and other teachers of the university were also present along with the team members that have come to oversee the preparations and outline of the activities related to the programme. During this tour, the members visited the possible venues for organising the session on both campuses- including the lecture hall, auditorium, parking, food court, registration venue, inauguration venue etc. and reviewed the arrangements.

In the annual session to be held in January 2024, parallel sessions of 11 different branches of science will also run. About 400 research papers are expected to appear in the oral and poster sessions. Along with this, there will be 7 other parallel sessions including tribal development, agriculture, child science and womens science congress. Besides, a huge science exhibition will also be organised.

Vice-chancellor Professor Alok Kumar Rai said that a lot of preparations are needed for such a large-scale educational programme, for which different teams are being constituted. Each team will have student volunteers along with the teachers. He recently held a meeting with the members of the organising committee to discuss the preparations and arrangements.
Teaching remained paralysed at Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University here on Saturday too as teachers staged a protest against the university administration alleging it did not pursue regularisation of their positions with the government. The faculty members of Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow, during their protest on April 8. (Sourced)

On the second day of protest (the first day was Thursday while Friday was a holiday), faculty members raised slogan against the universitys cold stand towards teachers issues on regularisation of positions via government order (GO) 2013, said the protesting teachers.

A meeting with the faculty members was planned for April 6 but could not fructify as they were busy elsewhere and some of them were planning to go out for Hanuman Jayanti celebrations the next day. The registrar is getting the agenda prepared for the meeting of the Executive Council scheduled for April 17, said the law universitys vice chancellor (VC) SK Bhatnagar.

Even before the protest began on Thursday, the registrar had already initiated the process of preparing agenda on Wednesday for convening the meeting of the Executive Council (EC), he added.

In the forthcoming meeting, the recommendations of the selection committees for the promotion of the faculty members to the next positions will be placed before the EC. The faculty members, however, are demanding to hold the EC meeting immediately, the VC said.

I still believe that the interests of the examinees would not be affected by the faculty of a national institute which has an impeccable record of holding examination on time for the past sixteen years, he said.

The teachers, however, claimed that they had no formal information regarding the said meeting where their envelopes regarding promotion in all categories of professor, associate professor and selection grade were to be opened.

The teachers will boycott all examination works, including internals that starts from April 10, till the vice chancellor officially inform us regarding EC meeting and thereafter teachers joining to their promoted status, said head, legal studies, humanities and other studies, Dr Aditya Pratap Singh.

Moreover, the issue of regularisation of positions via GO 2013 shall be informed via a written letter stating the name of the official who shall be put on duty to speed up the procedure of official correspondence with the Uttar Pradesh government secretariat and keep updating the teachers regarding its status, he demanded.

The deputy librarian of the university spoke of his victimised status. My screening is done but the selection committee for my promotion has been put on long hold, the deputy librarian claims.

Teachers got together to have a meeting on further strategy for their representation on service matters and upcoming examination to be held under National Law University Teachers Association (NALUTA) president AP Singh, says Alka Singh, a faculty member at the varsity who is hopeful of having some concrete results of their representation.
MUMBAI: Actress Deepali Sayed has lodged a complaint against her former personal assistant alleging that he threatened to kill her and tried to defame her by claiming that she had accepted Pakistani citizenship, owned properties in Dubai and London and had links with the underworld in Dubai and Pakistan, according to Oshiwara police. Ex-PA accuses actress Deepali Sayed of having Dawood links, booked

The police said a case has been registered against Sayeds ex PA, Baburao Shinde, under sections 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 506 (2) (criminal intimdation) and 500 (defamation) of the Indian Penal Code.

According to Sayed, on April 4, Shinde took a press conference and made several allegations against her in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.

Shinde claimed that I had links with the underworld. Said my real name is Sofia Sayed and that I had accepted Pakistani citizenship. He claimed that I had made a fake passport to stay in India and even had a bank account in a Pakistani bank. He even said that I own properties in London and Dubai. He also threatened to kill me, Sayed stated in her complaint.

Shinde had also alleged that Sayed had cheated people in the name of her charitable trust that had arranged a mass marriage ceremony. He claimed that all this was done just to get funds for the trust, according to the complaint.

Sayed said that Shinde a working for the trust till 2019. He was sacked after he was caught taking auditions of women for a Marathi movie without her permission and knowledge.

He took my photographers with a choreographer, morphed it by swapping the face of the choreographer with Iqbal Kaskars, Dawood Ibrahims brother, and claimed that I had links with Dawood. Thats why I lodged a case against him, said Sayed.

We have registered a case and will inquire into the allegations, said a police officer from Oshiwara police station.
Mumbai Police received a call claiming the arrival of three 'terrorists' with Pakistan links in the metropolis which turned out to be a hoax call, officials said on Saturday. Police stepped up vigil and questioned a man from Beed district, but the caller is yet to be traced.(Representative image)

Police stepped up vigil and questioned a man from Beed district, but the caller is yet to be traced, they said.

The call was received by the police's main control room at 12.05 pm on April 7. The caller identified himself as Raja Thonge and said he was speaking from Pune, an official said.

The caller told police that three terrorists from Dubai with a Pakistan connection sneaked into Mumbai in the early hours (on Friday), the official said. The caller told the police that the "terrorist" trio was involved in illegal activities and also provided the registration number of the vehicle they are purportedly using, he said. "Police increased vigil after receiving the call. Apart from teams of local police, the crime branch was also roped in for investigation," the official said.

Also Read: Mumbai Police arrest Class 12 student for threatening tweet to airline

Meanwhile, the caller switched off his mobile phone after some time as police tried to track down the phone number, which was found to be registered in the name of a man from Ashti in Beed district, the official said. A police team went to Ashti and questioned the man who claimed the phone number from which the call was made didn't belong to him and that he didn't know about any terrorists.

"Nothing suspicious was found after verification and the call was declared a hoax," the official added. A case was registered against unidentified persons for providing false information under sections 505 (1), 505 (2), and 182 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Azad Maidan police station in south Mumbai. A search is on for the caller, the official said.

Mumbai witnessed deadly terror attack when ten Pakistani terrorists struck on November 26, 2008, killing 166 people and injuring more than 300 in four days, before nine of them were shot dead.
A fight broke out between the staff of Mumbai's Dahisar bar and a few customers on Friday evening. The incident was captured on video and has been widely shared on social media. Hindustan Times cannot independently verify the authenticity of the video. In the video, a group can be seen fighting outside the bar. (source:Twitter/@MumbaiPressNews)

In the video, a group can be seen fighting outside the bar. The footage shows individuals were slapping and punching each other, and a man can be seen wielding a chair to hit another person.

Passersby looked on as the brawl unfolded, involving a sizable group of people.

In the aftermath, seven bar staff members and three customers have been arrested, and the police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident, it was reported.

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Within a month, the three-party coalition of Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is being pulled in two different directions for the second time and now, it is over inquiry into the issue of billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani. Mumbai, India - February 11, 2023: Mumbai Youth Congress workers under the leadership of party MLA Zeeshan Siddique protest against the Modi government over Gautam Adani row, outside Mumbai Regional Congress Commitee (MRCC) Office, Azad Maidan, Fort, in February. (Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo)

Also read: 'If this is his stand...': Who said what on Sharad Pawar's Adani statement

This comes close on the heels of similar differences over V D Savarkar issue, when Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) were on one side and Congress stood isolated on the other.

Congress finds itself the odd man out yet again after NCP president Sharad Pawar on Friday, in an interview to a news channel, said that Hindenberg Research, with its rep.ort on Adani Group, was seemingly targetting an individual industrial group of the country.

He had also expressed his reservations about setting up Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) over the Adani issue, and said that the Supreme Court-appointed committee will be more useful.

The Thackeray faction has seconded Pawar but with a clarification that the NCP chief has not given a clean chit to Adani.

On the other hand, Congress leader Ashok Chavan has expressed displeasure over Pawars comment on JPC and Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Nana Patole has said that irrespective of Pawars opinion, the Adani issue should be probed by JPC only.

Meanwhile on Saturday, Pawar clarified that he is not opposing a JPC. I am not opposing a JPC. Infact, I was also a chairperson of JPC in the past. The structure of JCP has limitations. JPC is a majority-based committee and thats why I think a Supreme Court committee would be more useful and effective, said Pawar.

Seconding Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that industrialists are important for nation-building. In the past, many industrialists such as Tata, Birla and Bajaj have contributed to nation-building. Today also, industrialists are important for nation-building. There is nothing new in the views expressed by Sharad Pawar. BJP will dominate JPC, so he thinks the SC committee would be more useful, said Raut.

However, in what can be interpreted as a balancing act, Raut said, Pawar has not given a clean chit to the Adani Group. He is just supporting the other option for the probe. We as a party stand by the opposition and support any probe, which is more effective.

He also clarified that the unity of MVA will not be impacted by any difference of opinion.

After the near-similar opinions from NCP and Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress is seen as being isolated over Adani issue and this comes close on the heels of the difference that arose in the MVA over Savarkar issue recently. A couple of weeks back, Uddhav Thackeray warned Congress that anti-Savarkar statements will not be tolerated. His stern message came after Rahul Gandhis remarks that he was not a Savarkar to apologise in a case against him.

Then, Pawar had supported Thackeray and discussed the issue with the Congress high command and convinced them not to speak on Savarkar. Now, the Thackeray faction has supported Pawar indirectly. All the party leaders are claiming that there will be no impact of this difference of opinions on MVA but it may affect the trust factor in the alliance.

Congress leader and former chief minister Ashok Chavan expressed displeasure saying that it was Pawars personal opinion.

I think this is his personal opinion. I do not think that his statement will make any difference to the unity of the opposition in the 2024 election. But I would only say that if the opposition takes a decision on any issue unitedly, then all opposition parties and their leaders should show solidarity with that, said Chavan.

Insisting on a JPC probe in the issue, Patole said, Why is PM Narendra Modi still silent on the Adani scam? Where did the 20,000 crores via shell companies come into the Adani group? Even though NCP president Sharad Pawar has a different opinion on the Adani scam, Congress is firm on its demand for a JPC probe.

Also read: Kharge speaks to Opposition leaders to boost unity

Meanwhile, talking about the perception that Pawar keeps contradicting Congress and helping BJP, Pratap Asbe, political analyst said, Congress should build consensus in a coalition before declaring any stand on a particular issue. Sharad Pawar never worries about what people think about him, and he speaks what he thinks is the correct stand on an issue.
Just as the main opposition party Congress is planning to step up its attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the controversy related to Adani Group finances, its ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar has contradicted the party opposing its demand for a probe by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) into the issue. A senior Congress leader pointed out that Pawar prefers to keep good equations with the party in power at the Centre. That is his brand of politics. He doesnt take an extreme stand on issues confronting the ruling party at the Centre. There are several reasons behind this and we are not surprised, he said, on condition of anonymity. (ANI)

Speaking on three different occasions this week, Pawar said that a probe by a Supreme Court appointed committee would be a better option than the JPC since the latter would be dominated by ruling party MPs. He also sought to downplay the Hindenburg report on Adani Groups finances.

We have to decide how much attention we should pay to the reports of foreign-based companies, he remarked on Saturday.

So, is Pawar bailing out PM Modi and the BJP on the Adani issue?

Political analysts and his allies say Pawars stand is not surprising considering his history with Congress and propensity to maintain a good equation with those in power.

Pawar is misleading people by talking about the majority structure of JPC. If the JPC is formed, all government agencies will have to submit necessary documents related to the Adani group and various ministries to the committee. Opposition parties will have access to the documents. Modi government does not want it to happen. The argument by Pawar is misleading and indirectly helpful to the Modi government, said political analyst Prakash Bal.

A senior Congress leader pointed out that Pawar prefers to keep good equations with the party in power at the Centre. That is his brand of politics. He doesnt take an extreme stand on issues confronting the ruling party at the Centre. There are several reasons behind this and we are not surprised, he said, on condition of anonymity.

He also pointed out that Pawars relations with his nephew and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar are not cordial, and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnaviss attempt to get the latter into the NDA camp compels Pawar to stay in PM Modis good books. Ajit Pawar had tried to form a government with BJP in 2019 even as Pawar was forming a three-party coalition to keep BJP out of power after the assembly elections. Pawar managed to foil the attempt but there is suspicion about Ajit in the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA). In the recent budget session of the state legislature, MVA leaders were unhappy that Ajit, an opposition leader in the assembly, was not too critical of the ruling alliance, especially BJP. Maintaining cordial relations with BJPs top brass can keep Ajit in check, he said.

Pawars present stance on Adani is not surprising also because of his defence of prime minister Modi in the Rafale controversy in 2018. Then Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had launched an attack on the prime minister, alleging irregularities in procurement of Rafale fighter aircraft in a deal with French company, Dassault Aviation. In the middle of the Congress campaign, Pawar publicly opined that he did not believe that people doubted Modis intentions in purchasing Rafale fighter jets  it elicited appreciation from then BJP president Amit Shah.

In 2014, when the BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 122 seats but fell short of majority of 145, Pawar offered unconditional support to the party to form the government. Pawars offer made things easier for the party and Devendra Fadnavis formed the government without Shiv Senas support.

Analysts also point out that Pawars uneasy relations with Congress leads to his stand on issues that often embarrass the grand old party.

Pawar has never hidden his reservations about Congress leading the opposition alliance in the country. He wants Congress as a part of the alliance, not its face. So his reservation towards JPC to probe Adani in this context is apparent, said political analyst Abhay Deshpande.

Significantly, last year, leaders of NCP and Shiv Senas Sanjay Raut had made public statements that the Congress should consider making Pawar convenor of the coalition United Progressive Alliance (UPA).

Congress is clearly not happy with Pawars latest remarks.

Irrespective of the NCP chiefs opinion, there must be a JPC inquiry to find out the truth about Adani scam, said state Congress chief Nana Patole on Saturday.

So, will the latest controversy affect the MVA, which has just began a statewide campaign against incumbent Shiv Sena-BJP government?

Top leaders from MVA say the local equations in Maharashtra makes the coalition a compulsion for Pawar.

Pawars strength comes from his hold over Maharashtra. Not being in power in the state reduces his influence in Delhi. As such, currently there no option for NCP but to stick to the MVA, said the Congress leader, pointing out that while Pawar rushed to the rescue of PM Modi in 2018, the very next year, he took the lead in cobbling up a three-party coalition to form a government to keep BJP out of power in Maharashtra.

"Congress should build consensus in a coalition before declaring any stand on a particular issue. Sharad Pawar never worries about what people think about him, and he speaks what he thinks is the correct stand on an issue", said Political analyst Pratap Asbe.

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A five-and-half-year-old girl was mauled to death by stray dogs in Koriya district in Chhattisgarh, police said on Saturday. Police said the incident took place on Friday morning near the Margdarshan School Road. The incident took place on Friday morning near the Margdarshan School Road (Representative Photo)

Ashwani Kumar Singh, station house officer (SHO), Baikunthpur Kotwali, said the girls parents were working as labourers in the nearby under-construction building when the incident took place.

Also Read: 4-year-old mauled to death by stray dogs in Hyderabad

The girl was staying with her parents at a rented house in Kotwali area. On Friday morning, the girl was alone as the parents went to work at the nearby under-construction building around a kilometre from the house. The girl went to play with some other girl when she was attacked by stray dogs in the area, said Singh.

The onlookers rushed to the spot but the girl died on the spot sustaining grievous injuries on her face and neck, said the SHO.

After learning about the incident, police rushed to the spot and brought the body for postmortem.

We have registered a case under section 174 CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) and are investigating the case, said the SHO.

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PRAYAGRAJ A bench of seven judges of the Allahabad high court -- led by Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker -- has initiated contempt proceedings against office bearers of the Kanpur Bar Association and Lawyers Association, Kanpur Nagar, for going on an indefinite strike, paralysing the judicial work in district court. The court also took notice of a video of strike. (HT Photo)

During the hearing of the case when the bench asked a few questions to the president of Kanpur bar association regarding his conduct and that of the lawyers on strike, he along with other office bearers of the bar associations said that they are even willing to go to jail. Subsequently, the bench -- comprising Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker and Justices Sunita Agarwal, Surya Prakash Kesarwani, Manoj Kumar Gupta, Anjani Kumar Mishra, KJ Thaker, MC Tripathi -- observed, You the noticees, (mentioning the names of office bearers of both the bar associations of Kanpur Nagar) by your conduct, have wilfully and deliberately committed the contempt of court by interfering in the administration of justice, calling illegal strike since 16.3.2023 and thereby, paralysing the judicial work at the District Judgeship at Kanpur Nagar.

When the bench asked Naresh Chandra Tripathi, president of Kanpur Bar Association, why the strike has not been called off, he did not give a satisfactory response, the court observed, When certain questions were put to the president regarding his conduct and the conduct of the lawyers on strike, he submits that he is willing to go to jail. The views expressed by the President, Kanpur Bar Association, have been duly endorsed and supported by the other office bearers present in the court. The other office bearers, present in the court -- Sri Anup Kumar Shukla and Sri Ajay Pratap Singh Chauhan -- submit that the strike has been called by the General Body and any further decision can only be taken by it.

The court also took notice of a video of strike and observed, The video recording of the strike, as made available by the District Judge, shows that the agitating lawyers indulged in slogan shouting, using abusive and derogatory language against the entire district judiciary, including the District Judge. It added, In view of the above, we find that the aforesaid noticees and the other office bearers, present in the court today, prima facie, are in deliberate and wilful contempt of this court by interfering in the administration of justice, calling illegal strike since 16.3.2023 and thereby, paralysing the judicial work in the district judgeship at Kanpur Nagar and they have made themselves liable to face contempt proceedings.

Concluding its seven-page order, the court said, Office to register the proceedings of contempt as a separate case and obtain orders from the Honble Chief Justice on the administrative side, for its listing before the appropriate Bench. The aforesaid noticees and the other office bearers are to file their reply/defence.

This hearing took place on April 7 while the order was made public on Saturday. Earlier, the seven-judge bench on April 6 had issued notices to office bearers of both the bar associations.
A man was killed and three police personnel were injured in a communal clash in that took place in Chhattisgarhs Bemetara district, officials said on Saturday. According to police, as the violence escalated, the mob also set ablaze vehicles and heaps of paddy straw in the village (Representative Photo)

The violence was triggered after a fight broke out between children belonging to two communities in Biranpur village, they said.

According to police, as the violence escalated, the mob also set ablaze vehicles and heaps of paddy straw in the village

Meanwhile, police have so far arrested 11 people in connection with the violence.

Also Read: Assam police arrests 3 leaders of banned PFI, CFI

The situation is under control and extra police forces have been deployed in the village, said Indira Kalyan Elesela, superintendent of police (SP), adding that senior police officials, including Inspector General of Police (IG), Durg range, Anand Chhabra are camping in the village.

As per preliminary information, police said, on Saturday morning, some children fought over a small issue and subsequently, members of the two communities gathered in the afternoon and the tension escalated, which led to a clash.

They hurled stones and hit each other with sticks in which one Inshwar Sahu got seriously injured, police said.

Police said that violence peaked after Sahu, 24, succumbed to his injuries.

After being alerted, a police team was sent to the spot where they were attacked with stones, leaving three policemen injured, said the SP.

Also Read: Stray dogs maul five-and-half-year-old girl to death in Chhattisgarh

The SP said that sub-inspector BR Thakur sustained serious injuries and was shifted to a district hospital, where his condition is said to be stable.

As the violence escalated, the mob also set ablaze a heap of paddy straw and vehicles in the village, said the SP.

Additional police personnel were sent to the spot, and the situation was brought under control, the SP said, adding that section 144 of CrPC has been imposed in the village after the incident.
LUCKNOW The surge in Covid infections continued on Saturday with Uttar Pradesh recording 188 new Covid cases. With this, the total count of active cases in the state rose to a whopping 1,025. The health department in Lucknow has asked all hospitals to prepare staff for rotation Covid duty. (HT Photo)

Of all the new cases recorded on Saturday, 52 was found in Gautam Buddha Nagar, followed by 27 in Ghaziabad, and 26 in Lucknow. In the state capital, four new cases each surfaced from Aliganj and Sarojini Nagar, three from Alambagh, and two from Chinhat. The number of active Covid cases in Lucknow has shot up to 177.

In Lucknow, eight Covid patients are admitted to different hospitals -- including four at the Lok Bandhu Hospital. At present, 60 districts have active Covid cases. Among them, a dozen districts have one case each and six districts have two cases each, according to the health department data.

A mock drill has been planned on Monday. We shall check all the facilities that are required for treatment of Covid patients across the state, said Dr AK Singh, director infectious disease, state health department.

Since the outbreak, Uttar Pradesh has recorded 21.29 lakh Covid cases and 23,651 related deaths. The rise in new Covid cases have prompted hospitals to prepare facilities for treatment/admission of Covid patients.

The health department in Lucknow has asked all hospitals to prepare staff for rotation Covid duty and also identify beds and ward that shall be used for admitting the infected in case of need.

At present, over 560 oxygen plants are operational in the state at different health facilities, including community health centres. Also, liquid medical oxygen plants have been established at different medical colleges.
In the first reported death arising out of coronavirus (Covid-19) in Bihar over the last three months, a 70-year-old woman from Makdumpur in Jehanabad district died of heart attack at the Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College Hospital (ANMMCH) in Gaya on Friday evening, health officials said. Bihar has ramped up Covid testing again. (HT file)

The patient had suffered a heart attack when she came to Gayas Jaiprakash Narayan Hospital on April 4. Her ECG showed acute myocardial infarction and X-ray revealed pulmonary oedema. She tested positive on the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, a confirmatory test of Covid. As soon as we got her RT-PCR report the next day, we immediately referred her to the Covid ward at the ANMMCH, where she died yesterday, said Dr Ranjan Kumar Singh, Gayas civil surgeon.

The patient came to us with complaints of breathlessness and heaviness in chest, showing symptoms of heart attack. She was put on oxygen support, he said.

The hospital administration did not hand over the body of the deceased to her family, but cremated it on Saturday following Covid protocol, said hospital sources.

A couple of deaths of patients suffering from co-morbidities and infected Covid-19 virus that causes coronavirus, were last reported earlier this year, officials said.

Bihar has 76 active cases of Covid, of which 53 were reported from Patna, as per the governments Covid-19 report compiled on Friday. Gaya has 11 active cases, followed by three in East Champaran, two in Rohtas and one each in Aurangabad, Begusarai, Khagaria, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Sitmarhi and Siwan.

Two of the Covid-19 patients were admitted at dedicated Covid hospitals of the government while the remaining 74 were under home isolation.

A 27-year-old woman from Bihars Rohtas district tested positive for XBB.1.16, currently the dominant subvariant of Omicron across the country, in the first such case reported in the state, said health officials on Monday.

Bihar has ramped up its testing, and had tested total 50,466 samples on April 6. Of these, 22,593 tests were done through RT-PCR and another 27,840 through rapid antigen kits, according to health department data.

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Bihar police in a joint operation with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Special Task Force (STF) arrested two Maoist from Gaya district wanted in over 20 cases in Bihar and Jharkhand. According to the police, the duo were involved in over 18 cases of murder, landmine explosion and attack on forces (Representative Photo)

Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Ashish Bharti on Saturday said that Maoists identified as Ramji Singh Bhokta, 35, and Mukesh Singh Bhokta, 28, both residents of Kachanar village of Gaya district, were involved in the killing of a CRPF inspector and four members of a family.

Also Read: Uttarakhand: 2 arrested for helping terrorist Jagga flee during parole

On a specific intelligence input regarding their presence in the Chakarbandha area, the joint team of police, STF and CRPF 159 battalion, cordoned off the hideout on Friday afternoon and made the arrest, said the SSP.

According to the police, the duo were involved in over 18 cases of murder, landmine explosion and attack on forces in different police stations in Gaya and adjacent Aurangabad districts.

Giving details, SSP Bharti said the arrested accused played an active role in the 2019 Chakarbandha encounter in which CRPF sub-inspector Raushan Kumar was killed. The duo were also involved in murdering four members of a family and torching their house at Maunwar village in November 2021, they also killed a farmer at Dumaria in December 2014, Bharti said.

According to police, all five were killed on suspicion of being police informers.

Also Read: 5 top Maoists killed in Jharkhand encounter

Escaping arrest for over 10 years, the dreaded Maoists were also involved in multiple attacks in the bordering districts of Jharkhand, said the SSP.

Police said upon their arrest, the Maoists are being interrogated by senior police and intelligence officials on the information related to the ultra-command structure, economic resources and sympathizers.
One person died and 38 others were injured after a private bus they were travelling in veered off the Pune-Solapur highway on Saturday morning. Five passengers are reported to be critical, said officials. The accident took place after a private bus they were travelling in veered off the Pune-Solapur highway on Saturday morning. (HT PHOTO)

According to police, the driver of the bus coming towards Pune driver lost control of the vehicle as it fell into a trench, leading to the accident.

The deceased has been identified as Aarti Pawar, a resident of Pune. Police said, the bus was carrying a total of 50 passengers most of them from Bhavani Peth area.

Bhausaheb Patil, senior police inspector at Daund police station, said, all passengers had gone on pilgrimage at Kolhapur, Pandharpur and Tuljapur.

While returning from Tuljapur on Saturday at around 5:45 am, the bus met with an accident at Malad village near Daund area, the bus driver lost control over the bus and the bus veered off and landed in a trench, said Patil.

Immediately after the incident, a team of local police, and emergency medical services from Zilla Parishad were rushed to the spot and shifted the injured passengers to nearby hospitals.

Pune rural police officials informed that as many as 23 injured passengers were undergoing treatment at Pyramid Hospital in Daund, and five each were admitted at Yashodhara Hospital in Bhigwan area and Lifeline Hospital in Bhigwan respectively. However, five passengers are critical and admitted to ICU in a private hospital in Bhigwan.
Three persons were arrested in connection with the death of a 25-year-old man who was tied to a pole and beaten by a mob after he allegedly entered a house for theft, police said on Saturday. Police have identified the victim as Wajid Ansari, a resident of Pandri village (Representative Photo)

The incident took place in Mahuatoli village under Chanho police station in Ranchi district. Police have identified the victim as Wajid Ansari, a resident of Pandri village.

The arrested accused were identified as Raju Oraon, Jeewan Oraon and Nandu.

Naushad Alam, superintendent of police (SP), Ranchi (rural), said three people were arrested under murder charges.

Also Read: Tripura: Woman allegedly beaten to death by husband, in-laws; 8 held

We have arrested three persons under murder charges. We have also formed an SIT (Special Investigation Team) led by the area DySP to probe all angles in the case, said the SP.

Alam said that soon after getting information, police rushed to the spot and took the victim to a local hospital and later shifted to RIMS (Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences), Ranchi, where he succumbed to injuries.

The SP further said the two cases were registered in this regard. The first case was lodged based on the complaint from the victims family for murder, while the other side registered a complaint of theft.

As per the complaint filed by the murder accused persons, Ansari and a few others entered a house with the intention of theft.

According to the people familiar with the matter, the duo were spotted by the house owner, who screamed and gathered the villagers and caught Ansari, while the other person with him managed to flee.

The villagers after catching Ansari tied him to a pole and beat him, leading to his death, the people said.
This article contains major spoilers for Heavenly Delusion Episode 2. The second episode of Heavenly Delusion, titled Two Confessions, delivers an action-packed continuation of the post-apocalyptic tale. (Production I. G)

The second episode of Heavenly Delusion, titled Two Confessions, delivers an action-packed continuation of the post-apocalyptic tale. The episode opens with the students inside the school discussing the world beyond their four walls. The conversation sparks suspicion about where their food comes from and what happens behind the closed doors of the teacher's room. In this episode, the show also introduces open relationships between two female students, normalizing LGBTQ relationships in the post-apocalyptic world. However, the episode ends on a cliffhanger as it is revealed that the gender of the characters may not be what they seem.

Curiosity leads to danger for students in Heavenly Delusion Episode 2

The kids inside the school have different superpowers, and they live a blissful existence, but their curiosity about the outside world could be dangerous. They seem to be living a weirdly peaceful life, and viewers can't help but wonder what they really are since they can't be 'normal.'

Stunning animation and moral dilemmas in Heavenly Delusion's latest episode

Maru and Kiruko continue their journey to find 'Heaven,' fighting man-eaters and encountering new challenges. The episode showcases visually stunning fighting scenes and an improvement in animation quality from Production IGs side. Maru and Kiruko work well as a team, but when they encounter a man-eater that is actually the innkeepers son, the duo is faced with a moral dilemma. The man-eater, shown as an eagle-like creature with whips on each side, used to be the innkeeper's son. This revelation makes the episode even more intriguing. Maru, with his supernatural abilities, kills the monster by reaching for its heart and crushing it. (Also Read: Experience the duality of life with Heavenly Delusion Episode 1: Heaven and Hell)

Clues and mysteries lead to Tokyo in Heavenly Delusion Episode 2

They searched for 'Heaven' and found a village called 'Tomato Heaven.' Although it seemed nice, they didn't find what they were looking for. However, they found a box with a stamp that matched the insignia on Kiruko's gun. This clue prompted them to go back to Tokyo and investigate Maru's past, hoping to uncover more about 'Heaven.'

Mysterious diseases and unknown serum add complexity to Heavenly Delusion's plot

The episode also introduces a disease in that people get black/blue marks all over their bodies, and a student from the school and another character named Mikura, who offers Kiruko a gun and instructs her to take Maru to 'Heaven' from had the same disease, making viewers wonder if they are also dealing with an unknown disease, in addition to the man-eaters. This introduces another layer of mystery to the show and adds to the complexity of the plot.

Maru is looking for a guy that looks like him, and once he finds that person, he needs to inject him with a serum he's carrying. He has no idea what it does, but it's just something he was told to do. This revelation adds to the growing number of knots that seem to be forming, making viewers wonder if they're heading towards a woven web of storylines. (Also Read: Prepare for Demon Slayer season 3: The ultimate guide to watching KNY in order)

Maru's confession and Kiruko's revelation: The plot thickens!

The episode ends with Maru's sudden confession and Kiruko's confession that she is a guy by pointing to her head. Kiruko's similarities to that famous racer Kiriko Takehaya from the photo, who apparently killed her brother, add to the intrigue. The show answers some questions while leaving viewers with more, making it even more exciting.

Heavenly Delusion Episode 2: A remarkable adaptation with impressive production values

The pacing of the adaptation is swift, but it's still an impressive adaptation. The show keeps everything that's important, and if someone is interested in the extra stuff, they could read the manga. The animation is impressive, and the talent behind the show is keeping everything tightly packed and looking pretty. The production values and revelations are truly remarkable, and the show is really something special.

The second episode of Heavenly Delusion is a thrilling continuation of a post-apocalyptic tale. The episode is filled with action, intrigue, and revelations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It's a remarkable adaptation that delivers an impressive performance in terms of production values and storytelling. Viewers are left wanting more and can't wait to see what the team has in store in the coming weeks. Fans can stream episode 1 and 2 of Heavenly Delusion (Tengoku Daimakyo) on Disney+ and Hulu.
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Mini Mathur was working at an advertising agency when she landed her first job as a model. And it all kicked into gear when a supermodel did not turn up for shoot. That model was none other than Sushmita Sen. (Also read: Watch 1995 video when Sushmita Sen took her final walk as Miss Universe, crowned Miss USA) Mini Mathur has spoken about how she landed her first modelling job.

In 1996, the marketing agency that Mini was working at, was given an assignment for the sunglasses brand Ray-Ban. Speaking to Cyrus Broacha on his podcast, former TV host Mini said, "I got a chance opportunity to fill in for a model who never turned up for a Ray-Ban campaign. Sushmita Sen was modelling then, and she was supposed to turn for a woman pilot ad where we had to pitch for a campaign. She didnt come on time.

The creative director for the ad Abhinav Das walked past her desk and realised she could be a good fit. He was passing my table, where I was sitting and was colouring artwork because I was a management trainee. He said, Hey, Mini come, we need you to pitch for this ad, you dont have to put on makeup and just have to put on aviator glasses and a leather jacket and we will see', Mini said.

Later, that ad got her many more opportunities, such as her first hosting gig on Tol Mol Ke Bol. She wrote about it in detail in an Instagram post in 2020. She also shared the full ad for Ray-Ban. Back then, she had not named Sushmita as the tardy model.

"The advertisement for Rayban that unexpectedly turned my career as an MBA in an advertisement agency to a TV host. Way back when. Its funny how life works. A model doesnt show up for a pitch. The creative director Abhinav Dhar decides that me- a management trainee at my desk on a Saturday afternoon, is good enough and click ! @rohitchawlaphotography_ shoots me beautifully with studied disdain reserved for client servicing trainees. What happened after, changed my career path. This ad got me more & more modelling work and suddenly @sanjoykroy decided I was good enough to be the co-host Indias first game show on zee - Tol Mol ke Bol along with the @actormaddy.

I often wonder ... is this serendipity or destiny. Was I meant for the corporate world? What if I wasnt at my desk that afternoon in 1996? What if the model had shown up? Have you often wondered about chance, destiny& serendipity? Tell me?, she had written.

Mini later hosted Indian Idol for many years. She is married to filmmaker Kabir Khan.

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Actor Preity Zinta shared glimpses as she visited the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Preity posted a video collage in which she was seen inside the temple complex. For the visit, Preity wore a pink suit and covered her head. She also wore a face mask. (Also Read | Preity Zinta praises son Jai's 'Swachh Bharat' moves as he mops floor) Preity Zinta at the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati.

The clip also gave a peek of the temple, nearby stores, and a pond. The video collage also showed Preity receiving a miniature Kamakhya temple replica as a gift from a saint. The actor also clicked several selfies from inside the temple complex. She also added Chariots Of Fire by Vangelis as the background music.

Sharing the video, Preity captioned the post, "One of my reasons to go to Guwahati was to visit the famous Kamakhya Devi temple. Even though our flight was delayed for several hours & I was up all night, it all seemed worth it once I entered the temple. I felt such powerful vibrations when I went there & a sense of peace n calm (folded hands emoji)."

"These moments of stillness & gratitude make up for all the chaos & judgement around & for this I am grateful. If any of you go visit Guwahati do not miss this incredible temple. You can thank me later (heart eyes emoji) Jai Ma Kamakhya - Jai mata di (folded hands emoji) #ting." Reacting to the post, a person wrote, "You are soooooooo beautiful wish you all the luck for the match tooo." A comment read, "So pious."

Recently, at the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, Preity cheered for her side from the stands. "Nothing like coming home. Thank you to all the Punjabi's in the house for such a warm welcome. We waited 4 years to come back to Mohali. I'm so happy we started this IPl season with a win," she wrote. Preity also shared a picture with the crowd. In the image, she flashed a smile.

Preity stays with her husband Gene Goodenough in the US. They tied the knot on February 29, 2016, in Los Angeles. The duo became parents to twins--Jai and Gia, in 2021. Announcing the birth of her children via surrogacy, Preity shared a post on Instagram.

She wrote, "Hi everyone, I wanted to share our amazing news with all of you today. Gene and I are overjoyed and our hearts are filled with so much gratitude and with so much love as we welcome our twins Jai Zinta Goodenough and Gia Zinta Goodenough into our family."

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Kanye West's run with controversy always comes to haunt him. The American celebrity is in the news for a lawsuit against him by former teachers of his privately run school Donda Academy. Kanye West(AFP)

As per an article by People, two women teachers namely Cecilia Hailey and her daughter Chekarey Byers who were fired from West's school, have filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday. The women have alleged that the school violated several Department of Education requirements and did not adhere to state regulations.

ALSO READ| Aisha Tyler reflects on her role in Friends and how it sticks to her even now

The former teachers have alleged that West's school employed teachers who were not adequately trained in Basic Life Support skills and that there was a significant safety issue related to students, leading to frequent occurrences of bullying. In addition, the school reportedly lacked the services of a school nurse and janitorial staff. Moreover, they labelled accusations on Donda Academy citing non-adherence to nutritional guidelines for its students' meals.

Hailey and Byers have claimed that they had brought the loopholes and violations to the notice of director/principal of Donda Academy, Moira Love on at least three separate occasions. But they were fired as a result of their complaints.

In the lawsuit, they have also alleged that they they were racially discriminated against and had their wages withheld on several occasions. The women are seeking more than $1 million in damages for lost wages and emotional distress, as per ABC 7.

"Additionally, throughout the entirety of Plaintiffs' employment, the only lunch available for students was sushi, every single day. Students were not allowed to bring any outside food or anything other than water. It was widely known that West spends $10,000.00 a week on sushi," the lawsuit alleges.

"Things were just chaotic. There was no order, they didn't have some curriculum," Hailey told ABC 7 Los Angeles in an interview.
Actor Dulquer Salmaan, who is a self-confessed car enthusiast, recently opened up about owning several cars. However, he shied away from revealing the exact number of cars he has. In an interview with Top Gear India, Dulquer also went on to reveal the songs he listens to while driving and his favourite road to drive on. Dulquer Salmaan owns a bunch of luxury cars.

Its not only an exotic collection. I have a lot of used cars, I also restore cars, he said, and went on to add that he cant reveal the exact number of cars in his collection. This might get me into trouble.

Talking about the roads he enjoys driving on, he said, Best road for me was Route 1 in California. We did from SFO (San Francisco) to LA (Los Angeles). I did the coastal road from Monterey and it was a Sunday and you could see all the car clubs out, the Ferraris. The road is so gorgeous, its unbelievable. You are coming from such a height and suddenly you are at sea level. I have done it twice, I loved it so much. My dad and all were also there but they fell asleep. After they were out, I was like yaay.

He also added that his driving is influenced by the kind of music he listens to. My driving is affected by the kind of music I listen to. If its a faster song, I drive faster. In fact, when I used to commute to work in Chennai and in Dubai, I used to get so much anxiety from road rage because there was just bad driving by people. Thats why I started to listen to Frank Sinatra and Dima, just to calm myself. I used to drive slowly and not get affected by how people were driving, he said.

Last seen on screen in R. Balkis Chup, he was also seen in Tamil-Telugu bilingual Sita Ramam last year. Sita Ramam features Dulquer in the role of a lieutenant officer in the Indian army. The story is set against the Kashmir backdrop of the 1960s. It also stars Mrunal Thakur and Sumanth in key roles.

Meanwhile, Dulquer currently awaits the release of upcoming Malayalam gangster drama, King of Kotha. Apart from Dulquer Salmaan, King of Kotha will feature t Shabeer Kallarakkal, Gokul Suresh, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Chemban Vinod Jose, and Shammi Thilakan in significant roles.

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Actor Nayanthara and her husband-filmmaker Vignesh Shivan handed out essentials to some people on Friday night. A clip of the couple distributing bags to people, on the street, surfaced on social media and fans hailed their gesture. In the clip, Nayanthara and Vignesh walked towards a few people who took refuge near small streetside stalls. (Also Read | Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan seek blessings at Kumbakonam temple, perform pooja days after revealing sons' faces) Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan stepped out in rain on Friday night.

The couple stepped out in the rain to help the people. Vignesh Shivan, in the video, held a blue umbrella in one hand and the bags in the other. Nayanthara gave the bags to the people. She was seen in a T-shirt, blue denims, and shoes. Vignesh opted for a cream shirt and beige pants.

The video was shared by a Twitter user with the caption, "It was really kind of Lady Superstar #Nayanthara and @VigneshShivN to assist homeless persons on the streets who were suffering from the rain." In the comments section, a fan said, Lady superstar for a reason (sic). Another person wrote, A person with a golden heart (sic).

The couple recently returned from a trip to Kumbakonam temple where they performed a special pooja on the occasion of Panguni Uthiram.

Nayanthara was recently seen in the Tamil horror drama Connect. The film was dubbed and released in Hindi last week. Connect was directed by Ashwin Saravanan. A lockdown horror-thriller, the film featured Nayanthara in the role of a mother who has to take care of her daughter was has been possessed. The film also starred Vinay Rai, Sathyaraj, and Anupam Kher in key roles.

For the special premiere of Connect in Chennai last December, Nayanthara and Vignesh made their first public appearance since they became parents. Last year on June 9, Vignesh and Nayanthara got married in an intimate ceremony in Chennai. The wedding was attended by their families and a few close friends from the film fraternity.

Four months after their wedding, Vignesh took to Instagram to announce that they have welcomed twin boys through surrogacy. Last week, Vignesh took to Instagram to reveal the full names of his twin boys two days after his wife Nayanthara shared the same at an event in Chennai.

Along with the names, Vignesh also shared a glimpse of the twin boys who could be seen resting on Nayantharas chest in the picture. In his post, Vignesh revealed the names of his boys in English as well as Tamil. He also wrote that the N in the name stands for Nayanthara, whom he described as the best mother in the world.

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Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who was recently in Mumbai, has reacted to a fan who praised her for speaking Hindi well. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Samantha shared a video from her recent trip to Mumbai for the promotion of her upcoming film Shaakuntalam. The actor wore a cream blazer and pants for the event. (Also Read | Samantha Ruth Prabhu confesses Shaakuntalam budget is 'quite high', says she is nervous) Samantha Ruth Prabhu spoke at an event in Mumbai.

In the video, Samantha was seen at a theatre in Juhu. As she got out of her car, she said, "Let's do this." The actor also smiled and folded her hands as she bowed her head at the audience. She also blew a kiss at her fans. Apart from Samantha, her Shaakuntalam co-star Dev Mohan and the team of the film were present at the promotional event.

Samantha spoke to the people in Hindi. She said, Shaakuntalam trailer ko aap logo ne jaese support kiya hai aur ko pyaar diya hai uske liye bohut bohut shukriya. Mujhe umeed hai ki aap isi tarah mujhe aur Shaakuntalam ki team ko apne support denge aur is film ko sirf theatre mein jaake dekhenge (Thank you for giving love and support to Shaakuntalam trailer. I hope that you give similar support to me and the team of Shaakuntalam and you will watch the film only in theatres). Thank you so so much.

The actor captioned the post, "Thank you for the love Mumbai (white heart emoji)." Shriya Saran wrote, "Gorgeous." A fan commented, "Wow you spoke so clean and neat." Samantha replied, "Yay I did (grinning face with smiling eyes emoji)." Another person said, "That Hindi though." "Wow, thats lovely Hindi," read a comment. An Instagram user said, "Omg your Hindi is superb."

Samantha will be next seen in the upcoming Telugu film Shaakuntalam, based on Kalidasas acclaimed Sanskrit play Abhijnana Shakuntalam. The film is set to release in theatres on April 14. Billed as a whimsical tale, Shaakuntalam revolves around the epic love story of Shakuntala (Samantha) and King Dushyant, played by Dev Mohan.

Talking to reporters in Mumbai recently, Samantha had spoken about her role in Shaakuntalam. As quoted by news agency PTI, she said, "I had first said no because I was doing The Family Man 2, in which I had a real role. Since childhood, Disney has been my favourite genre. Irrespective of whether I am happy or sad, I would watch Disney films. So, I did not have confidence that I could play Shakuntala, a princess, a symbol of perfection.

"I was scared. If you see, in the last three years, I have been taking on a lot of challenges. Then I spoke to the producer, Dil Raju, who had a lot of confidence (in me). I thought of taking it (up) as a challenge because it is my only chance to play a role that I dreamt of as a child," she added. Directed by Gunasekhar, the film is presented by Dil Raju via Sri Venkateswara Creations in collaboration with Gunaa Teamworks and is produced by Neelima Guna.

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Actor Allu Arjun is a big name in Telugu film industry and now across the country as well. Although he belongs to a film family, he didn't always plan to join the business. In an interview, he revealed about wanting to become an animator instead. As Allu Arjun turns a year older, let's know him better and his story of becoming one of the most popular actors in India. (Also Read | Samantha Ruth Prabhu says Allu Arjun isn't involved in decision making for daughter Arha) Allu Arjun celebrates his 41th birthday on Saturday.

Allu Arjun is the son of film producer Allu Aravind. He made his acting debut with a lead role in the 2003 Telugu romantic drama Gangotri. It was directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. He rose to fame after starring in Sukumar's cult classic Arya in 2004 and never looked back.

In an interview in 2020, the actor was asked if he always wanted to become an actor. Allu Arjun told Filmfare, Initially, I wanted to be an animator. But soon my interest fizzled out.. When youre born in a film family, youre influenced by the environment. Wherever you go, youre bound to return to films. This place has some kind of gravity.

He was also asked if being in the same profession brings competition among the family members. He denied it and added, Not at all. Its your own journey regardless of the competition. From the outside it seems, everyone is part of the race, running together. But from the inside, youre running with your own self, in keeping with your capacity.

Last month, Allu completed 20 years in the film industry. He took to Instagram and penned a note expressing gratitude to all the people who helped him to shape his career, particularly his fans. Today, I completed 20 years in the film industry. I am extremely blessed & have been showered with love. I am grateful to all my people from the industry. I am what I am bcoz of the love of the audience, admirers & fans. Gratitude forever," he shared.

Meanwhile, the actor will be next seen in Pushpa 2: The Rule. The makers recently dropped a special video followed by a new poster which starred Allu Arjun in a new avatar. It is the sequel to Pushpa: The Rise.

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AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed the Hyderabad Police on Friday and said the police in the city did not take any action against those who displayed Nathuram Godse's portraits during a Ram Navami procession. Police would have broken the doors of the house if somebody carried the image of Osama bin Laden and said Hyderabad has become the hotbed of terrorists because of Majlis, Owaisi said. Asaduddin Owaisi said Godse's portraits were displayed in Hyderabad during Ram Navami procession.

"Someone says I will make 'Hindu Rashtra'... In Hyderabad, Nathuram Godse's photo was displayed. I don't understand. The name of India's first terrorist was Nathuram Godse who killed Gandhi... They are dancing with his photo. Who are these people who are dancing in Hyderabad with Godse's photo?" Owaisi said.

"Who are these people dancing with the photo of Godse who killed Gandhi? Godse is the first terrorist of India. Tell me, what is your connection with him," Owaisi asked. They were so silent as if they saw their bhaijaan's photo on television, Owaisi said.

"A madrassa was set on fire in Bihar and there is a secular government in the state. And when I contest the election there, they say why you are contesting the election. Why are you silent now that a madrassa has been set on fire? How could you droop so low?" Owaisi said taking a dig at Nitish Kumar.

The chief minister there is sometimes this side and sometimes that side. He said nothing because he is secular. He says Owaisi is an agent. Arey Nitish Kumar, are you sitting in front of the court that you will give a certificate of who is an agent or not? I am in a team of poor people. Whether I win an election or lose is the decision of Allah, no one can buy me. Owaisi said.

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AAP MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday sought from the Union Finance Minister a special package for Punjab farmers ensuring them adequate compensation for their crop damaged by an inclement weather. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha (ANI)

In a letter to the Finance Minister, Chadha, who is Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, sought to draw his attention towards the plight of the Punjab farmers, saying that since March 24, rains, high-velocity winds, and hailstorm have impacted wheat crop more than 14 lakh hectares of 34.9 lakh hectares of total wheat area in the state.

"The unseasonal rains have adversely affected the yield and the quality of the standing wheat crop," said Chadha in his missive to the FM.

"I met a Manjeet Singh at a village in Barwa, who clutched the stems of his damaged crop tightly as he described his plight with teary eyes. Manjeet has a sick wife to look after and a daughter to educate.

"For those inspecting, loss of crop may well be just a matter of records and statistics. However, for our farmers, it also means a loss of dignity and hope for a better future. More than just destroying their source of livelihood, the rains have robbed the farmers of their joy and aspirations," he wrote.

Chadha said the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab has increased the compensation amount for crop loss from 12,000 per acre to 15,000 per acre.

"Punjab is our country's food bowl, and farmers are the backbone of our economy. Our farmers have contributed immensely to agriculture, helped our country become self-reliant in food and ensured food security through drought and natural calamities.

"It is deeply concerning and heartbreaking that those who toil day and night to provide us with food are now facing a crisis that is making it difficult for them to feed their families," Chadha said.

"The Centre should also step in to help Punjab's farmers in their time of need," he added.
Nearly 250 academics and historians issued a public statement criticising the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for making changes in its textbooks and alleged that the move has been guided by a divisive and partisan agenda while demanding the deletions be immediately withdrawn. Last year, the NCERT also removed chapters on Mughal Courts, the 2002 Gujarat Riots, the cold war, references to Mughal emperors, and Emergency (Representative Photo)

The public statement issued on Friday is signed by renowned members of the academic community and historians, including Romila Thapar, Jayati Gosh, Mridula Mukherjee, Apoorvanada, Irfan Habib, and Upinder Singh, among others. The signatories said that the latest deletions from the NCERT textbooks expose the non-academic, partisan agenda of the regime in pushing through amendments to school textbooks.

Also Read: NCERT deletes portions related to RSS, Mahatma Gandhi & Godse in new books

The NCERT, in its new textbook editions for the current academic year for class 12 political science and history, has removed content about Mahatma Gandhi, his assassin, and the banning of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) following Gandhis assassination.

We are appalled by the decision of the NCERT to remove chapters and statements from the history textbooks and demand that the deletions be withdrawn. The decision of the NCERT is guided by divisive motives. It is a decision which goes against the constitutional ethos and composite culture of the Indian subcontinent. As such, it must be rescinded at the earliest, the public statement said.

There has been no attempt to consult members of the teams that had prepared the textbooks, which included historians and school teachers, apart from members of the NCERT, it stated.

Further, the signatories, in their statement, said that the revision should have only been done in sync with the consensus of the existing historical scholarship. However, the selective deletion in this round of textbook revision reflects the sway of divisive politics over pedagogical concerns.

The selective dropping of NCERT book chapters which do not fit into the larger ideological orientation of the present ruling dispensation exposes the non-academic, partisan agenda of the regime in pushing through amendments to school textbooks, the statement further read.

Last year, the NCERT also removed chapters on Mughal Courts, the 2002 Gujarat Riots, the cold war, references to Mughal emperors, and Emergency, among other topics, as a part of its syllabus rationalized process, in order to reduce students burden amid covid-19 pandemic.

The signatories accused the NCERT of using the pandemic as an excuse to initiate a contentious process of dropping important topics like The 2002 Gujarat Riots and Mughal Courts.

Also Read: Changes in NCERT books inappropriate: Varanasi social activists to send a memo to Modi

The new editions of these NCERT books have simply made the deletions the norm even when we are in a post-pandemic context in which school education has limped back to normalcy and is no longer in the online mode, the statement said.

The other signatories included professors from Delhi University (DU) and its affiliated colleges, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), and Ambedkar University, among others.

Despite attempts, NCERT chairperson Dinesh Prasad Saklani could not be reached for comment. However, on Wednesday, he said the changes were made and incorporated last year on the recommendations of subject experts and not for any political considerations.

NCERT doesnt take decisions on its own. These topics were rationalised last year on recommendations of the subject expert panel. One should not see that through the political prism, Saklani had said.
Union home minister Amit Shah will visit Kibithoo, a strategically key village near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, on Monday, and launch the centrally sponsored Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) aimed at comprehensive development of villages at India-China border. The Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) said on Saturday that Shah will visit the border state on April 10-11. Union home minister Amit Shah. (File Photo)

Also read: Idea of India is not at risk, dynasty politics is: Amit Shah targets Opposition

It comes days after China renamed 11 places including mountain peaks, rivers and residential areas in Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims as South Tibet, further straining the bilateral ties between two countries. The Indian government has strongly rejected Chinas move to rename the places in Arunachal Pradesh saying the state has been the integral and inalienable part of India.

This is not the first time China has made such an attempt. We reject this outright. Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Attempts to assign invented names will not alter this reality, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on April 4, a day after Chinas civil affairs ministry came up with the new names.

This was the third time China has unilaterally renamed places in Arunachal Pradesh, after changing the names of six locations in April 2017 and 15 more locations in December 2021.

On the first day of his visit, he will launch the Vibrant Villages Programme in Kibithoo, a border village in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh on April 10, MHA said in a statement.

The VVP aims to develop the villages in 46 border blocks of 19 districts in four states and one Union territory viz Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Ladakh (UT) abutting the northern border.

A fund of 4,800 crore has been allocated for the programme for the Financial Year 2022-23 to 2025-26 for the comprehensive development of these border villages.

In the first phase, 662 villages have been identified for priority on coverage, which includes 455 villages in Arunachal Pradesh.

The programme was announced against the backdrop of the Chinese setting up model villages along borders with India and Bhutan.

In her budget speech in Parliament on February 1, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said border villages with sparse populations, limited connectivity, and infrastructure often get left out of the development gains. Such villages on the northern border will be covered under the new Vibrant Villages Programme.

People familiar with Shahs trip to Arunachal Pradesh said the home minister will interact with locals as well as jawans deployed at the Kibithoo border outpost (BOP), which looks out over Chinese deployment in the Rima-Tatu area across the LAC.

The VVP will help in improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and encourage people to stay in their native locations thereby reversing the outmigration from these villages and adding to security of the border. District administration with the help of appropriate mechanisms at block and panchayat level will prepare action plans for identified village to ensure 100% saturation of central and state schemes, the MHA statement said.

The focus areas of interventions identified for development of villages include road connectivity, drinking water, electricity including solar and wind energy, mobile and internet connectivity, tourist centres, multi-purpose centres and healthcare infrastructure and wellness centres, the MHA added.

Also read: Ended Muslim quota as it was unconstitutional: Amit Shah

A senior official familiar with the contours of VVP, who asked not to be named, said, Apart from developing infrastructure in a focused manner in border villages by building roads, mobile towers, banks, etc, it will motivate people to continue to stay there because otherwise, a large number of people will move out of these villages.

It will also help to gather intelligence from the people of border villages, he added.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, responding to a BJP leader who posted mark sheets of Delhi government students who allegedly didn't perform well, on Saturday asserted that if some children are weak in studies, extra classes will be held for them. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

One of these children will become the prime minister of the country in future and we do not want anyone to become PM in future with a fake degree," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

The chief minister's tweet came in response to BJP spokesperson Harish Khurana who posted mark sheets of some Delhi government school students and alleged that more than 1 lakh children fail in Class 9 every year.

Earlier, the Delhi Congress also demanded a probe into the allegations of teachers being forced to write answers on blank exam papers of Class 9 and 11 students of Delhi government schools.

During a review of the MCD's education system earlier this week, Kejriwal said that the Delhi government Model of Education will be implemented in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) schools very soon. He also asserted that the areas that require attention will be focussed upon.

The officials apprised the CM that there were a total of 1,578 MCD schools in the state which cater to 8.76 lakh children. Of these, 342 schools run in double shifts. Of the 1185 sites on which MCD runs its schools, 126 do not function out of pucca buildings, and around 200 need repairs.

During the meeting, several shortcomings like the absence of guards, poor sanitation including improper toilets, lack of cleanliness, overburdened teachers-principal and lack of non-educational staff were identified, among others.

"Even the best schools of MCD fail to match the standard of Delhi Government schools. The teachers and principals of MCD need motivation. A joint training of MCD and Delhi Government schools' principals should be scheduled soon," CM Kejriwal had said during the review.

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Union jal shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday hit out at Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot over women security in the state - after the gruesome incident - of Dalit woman raped and burnt with acid-like chemical came to light in Barmer district. Shekhawat claimed that the incident is not new, and that the woman would have survived - if the hospital she was admitted in had "burn centre". Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (lefft) and Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot (right) (ANI Photo)(HT_PRINT)

This is not a new incident in Rajasthan. A Dalit woman was raped in the daylight by a Muslim man who later tried to burn the woman alive. The woman was immediately admitted to a hospital where there was no burn unit. She was then referred to Jodhpur after 24 hrs and she died there due to lack of treatment. Women are not safe in the Ashok Gehlot's govt, the Jodhpur MP was quoted as saying news agency ANI.

On Thursday, the woman's husband was away at work and his wife was home alone with their children in school when the accused, Shakur Khan, broke in and sexually assaulted her. Hearing the cries of his wife, their neighbour reached at the spot to rescue her, but the accused pushed the neighbour away, poured some acid-like chemical on his wife, and then fled the scene.

Barmer additional superintendent of police (ASP) Nitesh Arya has confirmed the development, and have arrested the accused who had been absconding.

It is also alleged that family members of the victim approached police around 1.30am on Thursday but police initially avoided filing an first information report (FIR). They said the FIR was lodged only after the case became critical. However, police said that they got informed about the incident around 3.30am and the FIR was lodged in the wee hours of Friday.

The accused Shakur Khan belonged to the same village as the woman.

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Union law minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday hit out at Congress after its party functionary in Tamil Nadu threatened to chop off the tongue of the judge who delivered the verdict convicting Rahul Gandhi in a 2019 defamation case, saying they are frustrated. Rijiju said the Congress party attacked the judiciary even before India's Emergency period and has now intensified the attack in frustration. Union law minister Kiren Rijiju. (File Photo)

This is not happening for the first time that Congress is threatening the judiciary. Even before the Emergency, the Congress people attacked the Judiciary. They are doing it now also because they are frustrated. We believe in the Constitution, Rijiju told reporters.

In a video doing rounds on social media, the Congress district president of Dindigul, Manikandan, purportedly threatened to chop off the tongue of the chief judicial magistrate in Surat for convicting Rahul Gandhi in the criminal defamation case.

"When we will come to power, we will chop off the tongue of the judge who delivered the verdict to send our leader Rahul Gandhi to jail," Manikandan was heard saying at a protest march organised by Congress on Thursday.

A case has been registered against him under three sections, including section 153B of the India Penal Code, according to the Dindigul police. An investigation is also underway into the incident.

Congress has come under fire for the local leader's remark, with BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya asking if courts will take suo moto cognisance in the matter and hold Rahul Gandhi accountable.

A Surat court held Rahul Gandhi guilty in the defamation case over the "Modi surname remarks and sentenced him to two years in prison. The court, however, granted bail to Gandhi and suspended his sentence for 30 days to allow him to appeal against the decision.

A sessions court in Surat on Monday granted bail to Gandhi and will hear on April 13 the Congress leader's plea for a stay of his conviction. The former Congress chief in his appeal against his conviction and sentence by a Magistrate's court contended that the order was "erroneous and patently perverse", alleging he was sentenced in a manner so as to attract disqualification as a Member of Parliament.

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The chiefs of the Central Reserve Police Force and Jharkhand police met in Ranchi on Saturday to review the ongoing anti-Maoist operation in the state, less than a week after five top insurgent leaders, who collectively carried a reward of 60 lakh on their heads, were killed in a gunfight with security forces. The chiefs of the CRPF and Jharkhand police met in Ranchi on Saturday to review the ongoing anti-Maoist operation in the state (Agencies/Representative use)

Director general Sujay Thaosen and other CRPF officers held a formal meeting with Jharkhand director general of police Ajay Singh to discuss the framework of the ongoing anti-Maoist operation and current scenario of Maoism in the state, officials aware of the meeting said on condition of anonymity.

Security forces in the state are on the offensive in the backdrop of a record number of surrenders and arrests of Maoist insurgents. Incidents of violence have also declined as the security forces continue to build inroads in areas once the stronghold of the left-wing extremist group, officials said. Four forward operating bases have been set up in the past three months in West Singhbum district, they said.

On Monday, five top Maoists, including two Bihar Jharkhand Special Area Committee members, were gunned down in a shoot out with security forces in Grahe forest of Chatra district in Jharkhand. Two AK 47 rifles, 1 INSAS rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were recovered from the five dead men.

The officials took stock of the situation about the remaining operatives. More than 120 Maoists have been arrested this year and our teams also recovered nearly 90 IEDs (improvised explosive devices) in the first three months of the year, an officer said.

This year, we have top Maoist operatives such as Duryodhan Mahto, who surrendered before the forces. Mahto was a man with over 104 cases and carried a reward of 15 lakh, he added. The strategy to continue providing security for the ongoing construction of at least 10 important roads in West Singhbhum and Latehar was also discussed in the meeting.

The significant success in the bordering area has broken the back of Maoists, CRPF spokesperson said. One of the Maoist who died was Gautam Paswan, a member of the BJSAC, who had a reward of 25 lakh. His team was believed to be a strong Maoist group that was causing damage to the security forces and local populace.

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As the Congress plans a black flag protest during PM Modi's Chennai visit on Saturday, BJP's Khushbu Sundar said some Congressis do not even realise that they are actually wishing failure for the state. "Wonder where they bury their minds when they speak. But expecting them to talk sense is seriously testing your own sensibilities. Chelas will be like their Boss, obviously!" the BJP leader tweeted. Read | PM Modi to inaugurate new Chennai airport terminal: 5 things to know BJP's Khushbu Sundar slammed the Congress ahead of PM Modi's visit to Chennai on Saturday.

Tamil Nadu Congress plans to show black flags to PM Modi against "BJP's vindictive attitude" towards Rahul Gandhi as the PM comes to state to inaugurate several infrastructure projects including the state-of-the-art integrated terminal building at the Chennai airport. PM Modi will also flag off a Vande Bharat train between Chennai and Coimbatore at the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr M G R Central Railway Station.

The sharp dig at the Congress comes as the former Congress leader has become stinging in her criticism of her former party. Recently, she was questioned for her 2018 tweet on Modi-surname -- the same issue in which Rahul Gandhi has been convicted by a Surat court. Khushbu said in 2018 she tweeted this because she was only performing her duty as the Congress spokesperson. "This is the language we were supposed to speak and that was exactly what I was doing. I was following the party leader. This is his language," Khushbu said.

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South Korea's foreign minister Park Jin, on a two day visit to India, on Saturday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in Delhi. Speaking to news agency ANI, Jin said that he had last visited the Gandhi memorial 27 years ago when he was serving as a press secretary. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea Park Jin during a meeting at the Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas, (PTI)

Lauding Gandhis spirit of satyagraha, which advocates for democracy and human rights, Jin shared that many of his philosophies - politics without principle, commerce without morality, science without humanity - are important reminders for modern society. Calling India Koreas special strategic partner, Jin hoped that both countries could engage in contributive diplomacy to boost freedom, peace and prosperity.

Also read: 'Naatu Naatu' really popular in Korea, says foreign min who 'loves' Hindi films

He said, I visited India 27 years ago, it was my first to India. I always cherish his (Mahatma Gandhi) noble spirit of Satyagraha...I hope we can pursue contributive diplomacy together with India, which is Korea's special strategic partner.

Earlier, Jin, a self-proclaimed Bollywood fan, had revealed that the Oscar-winning song Naatu Naatu was a massive hit in South Korea.

Jin arrived in Delhi on Friday as the two countries celebrated 50 years of their diplomatic relations. Jins visit aims to push for substantive progress in the special strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Jin held talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on Friday evening and also met Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. A review of the overall situation in the Indo-Pacific was reportedly on the agenda.

Jin is expected to visit Chennai on Saturday to meet South Korean businesses in the city.

In a statement to ANI, Jin said, "It is half a century, a long time in our friendship and partnership. I am very happy to visit India to celebrate the special milestone in our bilateral relationship.

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Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) on Saturday deployed warships and fighter jets to encircle the self-governed island of Taiwan, putting on an aggressive show of military might in response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wens US stopover and meeting with House of Representatives speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier this week. In this image taken from video footage run Saturday, April 8, 2023 by China's CCTV, a Chinese ships sail in the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese military announced exercises around Taiwan on Saturday in a new act of retaliation for a meeting between the U.S. House of Representatives speaker and the president of the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory. (CCTV via AP)(AP)

Also read: On China's military drills around Taiwan, US urges restraint; Ready to meet..

China claims Taiwan as a breakaway region and resents official interaction between the island and a third country, terming it as interference in its internal affairs. Taiwans government strongly objects to Chinas claims.

Taiwans defence ministry said in a statement that it detected 71 PLA aircraft and nine warships near Taiwan between 6am to 4pm on Saturday, with 45 of the warplanes crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entering the southwestern part of the islands air-defence identification zone.

Warships and warplanes passed over the median line in groups from the north, the centre and the south of the strait, according to the statement.

The PLA deliberately created tension in the Taiwan Strait, which not only undermined peace and stability, but also had a negative impact on regional security and development, the ministry said.

The exercise began on Saturday morning, a day after Tsai returned to Taiwan, following her visit to the Central American countries of Belize and Guatemala, and a high-profile stopover in the US, where she met and was hosted by top US diplomats and politicians.

The Chinese PLAs eastern theatre command (ETC) said it launched combat alert patrols under the Joint Sword exercises in the Taiwan Strait, which divides the Chinese mainland from the island, encircling it from the north, south and east.

The PLA deployment around Taiwan includes long-range rocket, artillery, destroyers, frigates, missile boats, fighters, bombers, electronic warfare aircraft, aerial tankers and conventional missiles.

The patrol and exercises take place in the maritime areas and airspace of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the islands east, Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the ETC said in a statement, quoted by state media.

Calling the exercises a stern warning to Taiwan independence secessionist forces and their collusion with external forces, Shi said they were a necessary move to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The three-day drills, between April 8-10, are expected to be the largest PLA military exercise since August 2022, when Chinese armed forces had similarly surrounded the island of less than 24 million people, launching missiles and exploding ordnances in response to then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taipei.

The patrols and drills will encircle the island of Taiwan from all four directions, effectively blockading and isolating it, with no foreign interference forces capable of entering or armed forces from the island of Taiwan capable of leaving, Song Zhongping, a Chinese mainland military expert and TV commentator, told the state-run tabloid Global Times.

Chinas maritime safety administration of eastern Chinas Fujian province, according to the tabloid, issued a navigation warning notice on Friday that a live-fire shooting exercise will be held on Monday in an area off the shores of Pingtan, only about 130 km from Taiwan.

Another navigation warning notice by the administration issued on Friday says live-fire shooting exercises will also be held on Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday, April 15, April 17 and April 20 in an area off the shores of Fuzhou, about 90 km north of Pingtan, the report said.

The PLA navy had already deployed the Shandong Carrier Strike Group (CSG) off Taiwans east coast earlier this week. It transited the Bashi channel on Wednesday in its first training voyage in the Western Pacific.

Also read: Taiwan people love democracy and seek peace: President Tsai

Tsai immediately denounced Saturdays drills, pledging to work with the US and other like-minded countries in the face of continued authoritarian expansionism.

Taiwans mainland affairs council called for China to exercise self-restraint.

The Communist Party of China continues to intimidate Taiwan militarily to undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as in the region, the Council said, adding that the government firmly defends national sovereignty and democratic freedom.

Taiwan will not back down or succumb, and we will not provoke or act rashly, it added.

Chinas announcement came hours after French President Emmanuel Macron left the country, where he met President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders. Macron urged Beijing to talk sense to Russia over the war in Ukraine.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen, also in China this week to meet Xi, said stability in the Taiwan Strait was of paramount importance.

Xi responded by saying that expecting China to compromise on Taiwan was wishful thinking, according to Chinas official reading of the meeting.

Chinas defence ministry, alongside the announcement of the drills around Taiwan also showed pictures on its home page of Xi meeting Macron and von der Leyen.

The Taiwan security source said Chinas recent efforts to charm foreign leaders proved in vain after the announcement of the drills. Upon the announcement of drills in the strait, all those efforts have vanished overnight and become a wasted effort.

Last August, China, in only its third white paper on Taiwan since 1993 and the first after President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, said it will not renounce the use of military force to bring the self-governed island under its control as its armed forces concluded the largest ever exercises around the island.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Union minister Kiren Rijiju's car meets with accident | VIDEO Union minister Kiren Rijiju. (PTI)

Union law minister Kiren Rijiju's car met with an accident in Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Saturday. The accident took place while the minister was on his way to Srinagar by road. Ramban Police informed that no one was injured in the accident. Read more

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Delhi Capitals may not have had the perfect start to the IPL 2023, losing both their first two matches, including the one on return to home venue at Arun Jaitley Stadium, and presently struggling in the tie against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, but skipper David Warner has been in sublime form. On Saturday, he reached his second half-century score in three matches and en route shattered a glorious record of Virat Kohli while scripting IPL history. Read more

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In yet another incident of passengers causing havoc on airlines, a 40-year-old drunk traveller has been booked for allegedly attempting to open the emergency door of an IndiGo flight, news agency ANI reported. As per the official statement from the airlines, the incident happened on a Delhi-Bengaluru flight. The IndiGo flight 6E 308 had taken off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi at around 7.56 AM on Friday. (Representative)

Flight 6E 308 had taken off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi at around 7.56 AM on Friday.

IndiGo said, "A passenger travelling on flight 6E 308 from Delhi to Bengaluru tried opening the flap of the emergency exit in an inebriated state."

Assuring that there was no compromise on safety, IndiGo added that the cabin crew immediately informed the captain and warned the passenger after the inebriated person violated flight rules.

After the aircraft landed in Bengaluru, the accused was handed over to Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

A probe has been initiated in the matter, the report added.

Also read: Drunk passenger vomits, defecates near toilet on IndiGo flight

Incidents of unruly behaviour on Indian airlines have been increasing in the past few months. Reportedly, six people were held in 2022 for creating a ruckus on flights. Notably, the first three months of 2023 has already seen eight arrests so far in unruly passenger incidents.

Recently, minister of state for civil aviation V K Singh had said 10 people have been put on the 'No Fly List' this year till 15 March. In 2021 and 2022, nearly 66 and 63 passengers were placed in the 'No Fly List'. According to the regulatory body DGCAs guidelines - Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) - on handling disruptive passengers onboard flights, airlines have been asked to follow a mandatory process holding travellers accountable before they are banned from flying.

Recently, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya was reported to have accidentally opened the emergency door of an IndiGo flight from Chennai to Tiruchirapalli in December, 2022. Addressing the incident, the airline operator said, The passenger immediately apologised. As per SOPs, the incident was logged and the aircraft underwent mandatory engineering checks, which led to a delay in the flights departure.

(With inputs from ANI)

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Was our decencywill meet in court: Assam CM jabs Rahul Gandhi on Adani tweet Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (ANI )(HT_PRINT)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's tweet mentioning the names of turncoats and billionaire Gautam Adani has evoked a sharp response from Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who said it was theirread more.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Kamal Nath lock horns over remarks on inciting riots

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his predecessor Kamal Nath locked horns on Friday accusing their respective partiesBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress--of inciting riotsread more.

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Moeen Ali's smashing response ends discussion on Ben Stokes being MS Dhoni's successor for CSK captaincy

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Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to visit the US to attend key meetings of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) starting Monday, the finance ministry said on Saturday. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will visit the US starting Monday (PTI)

Also read: Rahul Gandhi repeat offender, Cong gave port to Adani on platter: Nirmala Sitharaman

She will interact with investors, economists and think tanks; participate in bilateral engagements, including a meeting with US treasury secretary Janet Yellen, and discuss key issues such as strengthening of multilateral development banks, digital public infrastructure and crypto assets, the ministry said in a statement.

She will be embarking on an official visit from April 10 to 16, accompanied by officials of her ministry and the Reserve Bank of India. Sitharaman and central bank governor Shaktikanta Das will jointly chair the second G20 FMCBG meeting on April 12-13, the statement said.

Key engagements of the minister include spring meetings of IMF-WB, the Second G20 FMCBG meeting under Indias presidency, other G20-related side events, World Bank Development Committee and IMF Committee plenaries, bilateral engagements with countries and international organisations, interaction with global business leaders and investors in roundtables and engagement with the Indian diaspora, it said.

The FMCBG meeting is expected to be attended by about 350 delegates from G20 countries, 13 invitee nations and various international and regional organisations. The meeting will take stock of the progress made on outcomes envisaged under Indias G20 Finance Track agenda, the ministry said.

Also read: Feel sad Budget was passed without discussion, says FM Sitharaman

On the sidelines of the spring annual meetings of the World Bank, Sitharaman will have bilateral engagements with counterparts from G20 countries and heads of other delegations, including international organisations, to discuss issues and areas of mutual interest and cooperation under Indias G20 presidency.

On April 11, the finance minister will meet US treasury secretary Janet Yellen to discuss issues of mutual interest. On April 14, she will attend a seminar to review the financial implications of crypto assets and discuss policies to leverage benefits and contain risks.
C R Kesavan, former Congress leader from Tamil Nadu and the great-grandson of first Indian governor-general C Rajagopalachari, joined the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) in Delhi on Saturday and heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. CR Kesavan was welcomed to the BJP by Union minister K Singh and the partys chief spokesperson Anil Baluni in Delhi on Saturday. (PTI)

Kesavan, who resigned from the Congress in February, was welcomed to the BJP by Union minister K Singh and the partys chief spokesperson Anil Baluni.

I want to thank the elders for inducting me into the worlds largest political party, especially on a day when the Prime Minister is in Tamil Nadu, Kesavan said adding that the BJP leaders presence in his joining ceremony proves the deep respect the BJP has for the founding fathers and mothers of our great nation, including C Rajagopalachari.

PM Modis people-centric policies, corruption-free governance and reform-led inclusive development agenda have transformed India from a fragile economy to the fifth largest economy in the world, he said.

Earlier, on his resignation from the Congress, he had said, I am truly sad to say that for a while now, I have not seen any vestiges of the values that made me work for the party with dedication for over two decades. I can no longer in good conscience say that I concur with what the party symbolises, stands for, or seeks to propagate. This is why I had recently declined an organisational responsibility at the national level and also refrained from participating in the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

His joining the BJP came days after Anil Antony, a former Congressman from Kerala and the son of party veteran AK Antony, joined the BJP in Delhi, citing similar reasons.
IAS officer Sonal Goel on Friday took to Twitter to share the ordeal faced by passengers on a Delhi-bound Go First flight. In a series of tweets, she slammed the ultra low-cost airline for the irresponsible handling of the situation after the flight departed from Mumbai after a delay of nearly two hours. Go First passengers waiting inside the the aircraft (sonalgoelias/Twitter)

In pictures posted on Twitter, passengers could be seen waiting inside the aircraft as Goel alleged that they were informed that the captain went off to another flight.

In her first tweet, she wrote, Unexpected and pathetic handling of flight operations by@GoFirstairways. The Flight G8 345 from Mumbai to Delhi was scheduled to depart at 22:30 hrs . Its more than 1 hour delay & passengers are stuck up inside plane; With airline staff saying that the Captain is not available.

Also read: 10 lakh fine on Go First for leaving behind 55 passengers in Bengaluru

Apologising for the mismanagement, Go First responded to her tweet and blamed the issue on unforeseen circumstances. We work hard to run an on-time airline; however, unforeseen events sometimes challenge us. Sorry, this happened with your flight. In the future, we'll try harder to meet your expectations.



Hitting out at the airlines explanation, Goel replied that there was still no clarity on the departure time of the flight and asked the officials to exercise better accountability. She wrote, Still there is no indication as to what time will the flight depart. Pls enquire about the reasons and fix accountability of the staff/ officers due to which such situation has happened.

Scheduled to depart at 10.30 pm on Friday, the flight finally took off after the crew arranged for another captain, Goel explained in her subsequent tweets.

She questioned why travellers, including children, women and senior citizens, were allowed to board the flight in the absence of a captain. Goel also claimed that despite a one hour 45 minutes delay, the airline served only water to the passengers.

Watch: Passengers clash with Air India staff after Mumbai-bound flight delayed by 5 hrs

Goel also complained about a lack of communication from the staff about the reason for the delay.

Tagging the ministry of civil aviation and the official account of the airlines,the Resident Commissioner of Tripura Bhawan in New Delhiwrote, The staff inside flight has no specific answer as to when the Captain will arrive. Is this the way our Commercial flights are supposed to operate; Without any professionalism and accountability ?

Tagging civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in a bunch of tweets on Saturday, she stepped up her attack on Go First.  Reason conveyed to passengers was that the Captain of Flight went off to another flight . So they were arranging another Captain. Is this kind of unprofessional handling acceptable? Our citizens of country dont deserve this kind of handling. The airline is yet to respond to her escalation of the incident on Saturday.

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Maharashtra's leader of opposition NCP's Ajit Pawar on Saturday commented on Sharad Pawar's statement on Adani in an interview with the NDTV, and said he too watched the interview and if this is what Sharad Pawar stands for (against JPC demand into Adani issue), then that is the stand of the party too. "He is our top leader and if he took a stand on some topic, then we shall not again discuss that," Ajit Pawar said. Read | True that my party supports JPC...: Sharad Pawar clarifies Adani remark Sharad Pawar (PTI)(HT_PRINT)

Sharad Pawar's statement in support of Adani led to speculations that some major developments might be brewing. The Congress said NCP has officially supported the JPC demand and what Sharad Pawar said might be his personal view.

Here are the latest updates on the issue

1. After Sharad Pawar's statement, there were reports that Ajit Pawar was not reachable. On Saturday, Ajit Pawar said he was not well and that's why he was not reachable.

2. Sharad Pawar himself clarified his comment on Saturday and said that he is in favour of a Supreme Court-monitored committee and not a JPC as in a JPC, the ruling party will have the maximum number of members.

3. Uddhav Sena MP Sanjay Raut said Sharad Pawar's statement will not impact the opposition unity.

4. Congress leader Ashok Chavan said the statement is unlikely to make any difference to the opposition unity in the 2024 elections. "But if the opposition takes a decision on any issue unitedly, then all opposition parties and their leaders should show solidarity to that."

5. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said what Sharad Pawar said is his personal opinion.

6. Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde said the opposition must heed Sharad Pawar's words.

What Sharad Pawar said

Sharad Pawar said the Hindenburg report seemed to be targetted. "....Someone gave a statement, and it created uproar in the country. Such statements were given earlier too, which created ruckus. But the importance given to the issue this time was out of proportion. There was a need to think who raised the issue (gave report). We had not heard the name who gave the statement. What is the background?. When such issues are raised, they create uproar in the country, the cost is borne ....how it impacts the economy. We can't ignore such things, and it seems (it) was targeted," Pawar said.

'Didn't say Adani, Ambani can't be criticised'

On Saturday, Sharad Pawar said he did not say in the interview that Adani and Ambani can't be criticised. He said one must consider their contribution to the country as well.

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The Central Assembly today passed three important bills, one delinking the rupee from the sterling, another providing for production and marketing of rubber and a third giving protection to several industries as recommended by the Tariff Board. HT Image

The Bill amending the Reserve Bank of India Act marks Indias achievement of financial independence even before political Independence. Moving consideration of the Bill which has been brought forward as a result of constant pressure from the Congress benches. Mr Liaquat Ali Khan, Finance Minister, described it as the most important measure because it signalizes the emergence of the rupee as independent currency delinked from the sterling and as an international standard.

The Finance Minister pointed out that the use of Sections 40 and 41 of the Act to finance British and Allied war expenditure in India had resulted in accretion of sterling balance and caused widespread agitation for the repeal of these sections. In future, the Reserve Bank would have the power not only to buy and sell sterling but other currencies as well.

The Finance Minister mentioned, however, that there was no intention, of India immediately going out of the sterling area since the question of sterling balances had yet to be settled

Mr Manu Subedar declared that the country had been bled white by the misuse of powers under the Reserve Bank of India Act. Mr I. I. Chundrigar, Commerce Minister, nodded assent to this charge levelled against his predecessors. Mr Subedar recalled that for the past five years he had been agitating for the re- peal of these sections. He felt at the same time that it would not be all plain sailing for the Reserve Bank and enquired whether the bank was ready to assume responsibility that was being cast on it.

Hoarding Of Gold

He thought that hoarding of gold was indicative of the lack of confidence in the countrys currency. The Finance Minister contested this view and declared that the chief reason was not lack of confidence in the currency but political unrest and un-certainty about the future.

Mr Ananthasayanam Ayyangar suggested that the country should go back to the gold standard. Mr Ambegaonkar of the Finance Department replying stated that as the various currencies would be convertible multilaterally it would not be necessary to revert to the gold standard. The Bill was passed amidst general satisfaction because in the words of Mr Ayyangar it was a landmark in the history of the economic independence of India.

Rubber Production Bill

Earlier, the House passed without much discussion Mr C. Rajagopalacharis Rubber Production and Marketing Bill. The Select Committee had done its job so thoroughly that the House easily agreed to the Industries Ministers motion for the Second and third readings of the Bill. Only one amendment was made at the instance of Mr Tamizuddin.

Mr Chundrigars omnibus Bill gives protection to a large number of industries such as sodium sulphate, hurricane lantern, bicycles, silk and silk manufactures, sugar and silver thread and imposes revenue duties on a number of articles such as wheat, cotton textiles and paper consequent on the withdrawal of protection from such articles.

Sugar Industry

The discussion on the Bill, however, centered round protection to the sugar industry. The Commerce Minister stood his ground and was able to prove his case that the industry needed the help the Bill was giving. The Bill was passed without any change.

A lot of useful information was elicited during question-hour. Mr Manu Subedar wanted to know whether the Government of India was buying three British cruisers which he repeatedly described as old, damaged and ramshackle things. While the Defence Secretary was trying to give cautious answers the Defence Minister arrived and stated that the Government had reopened the whole question whether these cruisers should be purchased or not. The House cheered this announcement.
India on Saturday reported 6,155 new Covid-19 cases, up from Friday's tally of 6,050 infections. With this, the total number of coronavirus cases in India stand at 4,47,51,259. According to the data released by the health ministry, there are 31,194 active cases in the country.



As per the health ministry data, 11 new deaths were reported due to the virus. The total number of Covid-19 related deaths has now surged to 5,30,954. The Union health ministry has asked the states to identify emergency hotspots and ramp up testing, Reuters reported.



Health minister Mansukh Mandaviya in a meeting directed states to ramp up genome testing and conduct mock drills in the hospitals. The number of Covid-19 cases in the state appears to be lower, but the true situation cannot be predicted until the number of samples is increased, according to state health officials. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

As per the latest INSACOG bulletin, the newly emerged Covid-19 variant XBB.1.16 has been observed in different parts of the country, accounting for 38.2 per cent of the infection till date.

Noting that Omicron and its sublineages continue to be the dominant variants in India, the bulletin said an increase in infection rate has been observed, especially in western, southern and northern parts of India.

A newly emerged recombinant variant XBB.1.16 has been observed in different parts of India, accounting for 38.2 per cent of the infection till date, the bulletin said.



According to the ministry's website, 220.66 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered so far under the nationwide Covid vaccination drive.







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Eyeing a sweeping military capability boost in the midst of a lingering border row with China in eastern Ladakh, which is set to enter its fourth year in May, India is likely to float tenders for different types of indigenous weapons and systems in financial year 2023-24 including light tanks, artillery guns, utility helicopters, modern combat vehicles and air defence weapons, officials familiar with the matter said on Saturday. In the last 12 months, DAC accorded its acceptance of necessity (AoN) for projects worth more than  2.71 lakh crore.(Getty Images/Representational)

Also read: DRDO approaches CCS for AMCA project approval

India cleared the decks for buying this military hardware in FY 2022-23. In the last 12 months, the defence acquisition council (DAC), Indias top weapons procurement body, accorded its acceptance of necessity (AoN) for projects worth more than 2.71 lakh crore, according to defence ministry data. In a big push for self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector, 99% of this procurement will be done from the domestic industry.

Modernising the armed forces with locally made platforms is a top priority for the government, and proposals made by the armed forces for upgrading their capabilities are being cleared at a swift pace, the officials said.

On April 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the defence sector will be provided all the resources, weapons and technologies required at the Combined Commanders Conference in Bhopal. Modi assessed the operational readiness of the armed forces, carried out a security review, and asked the military to stay prepared for new and emerging threats.

Under Indias defence procurement rules, the AoN by the council is the first in a series of steps towards buying military hardware.

The ministry will now take the projects forward by issuing requests for proposals (RFP) to Indian vendors. After the RFP, the next steps include vendors responding to it with techno-commercial offers, opening and evaluation of technical offers, extensive trials, staff evaluation, opening of commercial offers that are technically compliant with the RFP, and finally, the contract being awarded.

Light tanks, futuristic infantry combat vehicles (FICV) and artillery guns were among the key army proposals cleared by the DAC, headed by defence minister Rajnath Singh, in FY 2022-23.

The light tank is a key capability the army needs to tackle the increased threat that persists along Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The future tank has already been named Zorawar after Dogra king Gulab Singhs legendary general, Zorawar Singh. It will be packed with cutting-edge technologies including drone integration, active protection systems and superior situational awareness.

The FICV is one of the key indigenous capabilities that the mechanised infantry is eyeing, other than night-fighting gear, anti-drone weapons, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. These capabilities will transform the mechanised infantry into a more lethal, agile and integrated force capable of delivering a swift and effective response in battle, as previously reported by HT.

The army is also looking at inducting the 155mm/52-caliber advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS). The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) began the ATAGS project in 2013 to replace older guns with modern ones. It partnered with two private firms, Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, for manufacturing the gun. It has a range of 48km.

Modi reviewed the progress in achieving self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector at the commanders conference. The government has taken several measures in recent years to promote self-reliance including creating a separate budget for buying locally made military hardware, increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) from 49% to 74%, and notifying hundreds of weapons and systems that cannot be imported.

Also read: Targets intercepted: India conducts back-to-back tests of air defence weapon

The indigenisation drive is being pursued alongside a sharpened focus on boosting the countrys arms exports. India exported military hardware worth 15,920 crore in FY 2022-23, the highest ever and a notable tenfold increase since 2016-17, with Modi recently attributing the growth to enthusiasm for Make in India, and key reforms to spur growth in the sector.

The exports stood at 1,521 crore in 2016-17, 4,682 crore in 2017-18, 10,745 crore in 2018-19, 9,115 crore in 2019-20, 8,434 crore in 2020-21, and 12,814 crore in 2021-22, according to government data.
A 34-year-old man of Indian descent died in Singapore after he was pushed by another man and fell down a flight of stairs outside a shopping mall. The incident took place last month at Concorde Shopping Mall on Orchard Road, The Straits Times reported. The incident allegedly happened outside a popular nightspot at Concorde Shopping Mall.(HT_PRINT)

The man, who was identified as Thevandran Shanmugam, sustained multiple fractures to his skull after he fell backwards on the stairs. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.

Muhammed Azfary Abdul Kaha, 27, who pushed Shanmugam, was charged a day after the incident for voluntarily causing grievous hurt. If convicted, the 27-year-old could be jailed for up to 10 years, as well as caned or fined. He can also face an additional jail term of up to 178 days.

Azfary had allegedly committed the offence while under a remission order after being jailed for other offences, a PTI report said.

A remission order is issued to allow an inmate to spend a portion of his sentence outside of jail.

The incident allegedly happened outside a popular nightspot at Concorde Shopping Mall, which houses several bars and nightclubs on Orchard Road. However, the nightclub refuted claims that Shanmugam had visited its premises the day he was attacked.

Urging people not to speculate, Club Rumours extended its condolences to the Shanmugam family and said it was extremely sad and sorry for their loss.

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Indias aviation regulator has stepped in after 60 Airbus A320 planes of budget airlines IndiGo and Go First powered by Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines were grounded due to maintenance problems and lack of spare parts, two officials aware of the development said. IndiGo has more than 300 aircraft in its fleet that runs on engines made by P&W and CFM International. Go First has 61 aircraft powered by P&W engines. (PTI)

Also read: Bengaluru-Varanasi IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Telangana

The carriers are facing major operational issues after 36 aircraft of IndiGo and 24 aircraft of Go First were grounded due to challenges faced by maintenance repair and overhaul (MROs) facilities on hardware and supply chain constraints, they said, declining to be named.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken up the issue with P&W and has expressed concern over the grounding of the A320 fleet of Indian carriers because of non-availability of Pratt & Whitney engines, a civil aviation ministry official said. Go First seems to be facing more issues due to this matter.

IndiGo has more than 300 aircraft in its fleet that runs on engines made by P&W and CFM International. Go First has 61 aircraft powered by P&W engines.

P&W said it is actively working to mitigate the situation by improving supply chain performance and the availability of parts needed at their maintenance facilities.

We expect industry-wide supply chain pressures to ease later this year, which will support increased output of new and overhauled engines, a company spokesperson said. In the interim, we are providing direct logistical support to our suppliers as well as developing solutions to improve engine durability in hot and harsh operating environments.

P&W needs to add another maintenance facility in addition to the existing three in Asia in Singapore, China and Japan, a second official said. It would help in cutting down the time and cost for transportation of engines to the companys MRO facilities, he said.

The issue of adding one more facility has been taken up by the DGCA with P&W representatives during meetings in the past, with a demand of setting up an MRO in or around India to support the Indian fleet of P&W engines, the second official said.

Spokespersons of both IndiGo and Go First refused to comment on the matter.

Although there are global supply chain issues in the wake of the war in Ukraine, there have been problems with P&W engines for quite some time, officials said.

P&W and Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) had signed an agreement in 2019 to the effect that P&W staff would carry out maintenance and provide training to AIESL personnel. Two engines were inducted after the agreement. However, the P&W team had to return to the US and no work could be undertaken at the AIESL facility due to the pandemic. Tools loaned from P&W were also returned.

Also read: Captain went to: IAS officer slams Go First flight delay

Queried on P&Ws plans on an additional facility in or around India, its spokesperson said: We are constantly evaluating the size and shape of the GTF MRO network to ensure that it can support the growing fleet and customer demand  in India and the rest of the world.

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All India Majilis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday attacked Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar over the lack of desired progress in Bhiwani killings, saying the BJP leader is more worried about a boy's election in a college abroad. (Bhiwani killings: How pride intertwines with fear, gau raksha and Monu Manesar in Haryana) AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi and Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Indian student Karan Kataria, who hails from Gurugram, alleged discrimination in the London School of Economics after he was disqualified over what he calls "baseless allegations." Kataria was disqualified from running for General Secretary of at London of School of Economic Student's Union (LSESU) over an alleged breach of election rules but the Indian student blamed his disqualification on an alleged smear campaign terming him "Islamophobic, transphobic and racist".

Khattar condemned the incident and wrote to the Indian High Commission in the UK regarding a probe into the incident and Kataria's safety.

"I have condemned the incident, wrote to the High Commission there regarding a probe into the incident and Karan Kataria's safety. They have responded and have assured that they won't let this happen and look into it.....I met his family and have assured all the help from my side," said Khattar.

Hitting out at Khattar for his promptness in the Kataria case while eight accused in the Bhiwani murders are still at large, Owaisi tweeted, Haryana CM is more worried about a boys election in a london college than he is about Junaid and Nasir being burnt to death in his state.

The terrorists who did this had state patronage. Its been over a month, only one accused has been arrested, he added.

Two Muslim men, Mohammad Junaid and Nasir, were beaten to death in Haryana allegedly by cow vigilantes. The charred bodies of Junaid, 37, and Nasir, 27, were found inside a car. The families of the two accused members of the Bajrang Dal of the grisly murders that sparked an outcry and a political tussle.

While one of the accused, Rinku Saini, was arrested last month, eight others are still absconding. The eight absconding suspects do not include Mohit Yadav or Monu Manesar, a Bajrang Dal leader in Haryanas Manesar district who was originally named in the First Information Report. Investigators said Junaid and Nasir were accosted, kidnapped, and assaulted on February 15. They were taken to at least two police stations in Haryanas Firozpur Jhirka but were turned away.

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Hyderabad Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the flagging off ceremony of Vande Bharat Express in Hyderabad on Saturday. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lashed out at dynastic and corrupt forces obstructing development in the country, even as he hailed his government for prioritising the aspirations of the people.

Addressing a gathering in Secunderabad after inaugurating projects worth 11,360 crore in Telangana, the PM also expressed regret over the lack of cooperation from the state government, which he said led to delays in projects.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government, the PM said, has attacked the real root of corruption of dynastic forces who want to keep their control over every system.

Should we fight against corruption or not? Should we fight against the corrupt or not? Should the country be liberated from corruption or not? Should legal steps be taken against the corrupt however big or not. Should the law be allowed to work against the corrupt or not, he asked the gathering.

A few days ago, some political parties went to court to seek protection so that no one opens their [account] books of corruption. But the court gave them a shock and dismissed their plea, Modi said in a jibe aimed at opposition parties, led by the Congress, which recently approached the Supreme Court alleging a rise in the use of coercive federal investigations by the Centre against political opponents.

The plea followed the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case and subsequent disqualification as a member of Parliament.

The Supreme Court, however, refused to entertain the plea, observing that politicians do not have higher immunity.

The PM said that dynastic politics and corruption are intertwined. The dynasts want to keep their control over every system, he said.

This proved their three intentions. One, their family should flourish; two, money earned through corrupt practices should keep coming to their family only; and three, the money that is sent for the poor should be useful for distribution in their corrupt ecosystem, he said.

Citing the example of digital payments and the direct benefit transfer (DBT) system, the PM said that dynastic forces earlier did not want to relinquish control over the financial systems of the country.

We have brought the system of digital payments across the country and promoted digital currency. This had never been contemplated in the past, because the parties encouraging parivaarvaad (family rule) did not want to lose control over the system, Modi said.

Telangana needs to be very alert against such people, Modi said. The state is set to go to polls later this year.

Expressing regret over the lack of cooperation from the Telangana government on projects undertaken by the Centre, Modi said it was hampering the progress of the state.

I appeal to the state government to not allow any obstruction in development being planned for Telangana people. Please speed up the developmental works in the state, he said.

Chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao skipped the PMs events in the state on Saturday. The BRS leader has stayed away from the events of Modi during the latters visits to the state for over a year now.

On Saturday, state animal husbandry minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav represented the state government at the PMs reception at the Begumpet airport.

Speaking to reporters, Yadav attacked Modi for criticising the ruling BRS and its chief KCR, and challenged him for a debate. We are ready for a debate on what the BRS government had done for the development of Telangana and what role the Centre had in the development, the minister said.

Modi said due to the Covid pandemic and the continuing Russia-Ukraine war, the world was witnessing ups and downs in the economy, but amid this uncertainty, India was one of the countries that was investing record amount on infrastructure modernisation.

An amount of 10 lakh crore was allotted for infrastructure modernisation in this years budget, he said.

Even in Telangana, the PM said, the highway network has increased. In 2014, there was about 2,500km long national highway here, which has increased to 5,000km today, he said.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express train between Secunderabad and Tirupati at the Secunderabad Railway station. Secunderabad is the headquarters of South Central Railway zone.

The Vande Bharat train will reduce the travel time between Secunderabad and Tirupati in the neighbouring state by almost three and half hours and will be particularly beneficial to pilgrims.

In the past nine years, a metro network of about 70km has been built in Hyderabad, Modi said. Work has also progressed rapidly on the Multi Modal Transport System (MMTS) project in Hyderabad. For rapid expansion of MMTS, 600 crore has been kept for Telangana in this years Union budget, he said.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stones for projects including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences at Bibinagar.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised his governments efforts to revolutionise Indias infrastructure sector and said it was driven by speed and scale post-2014 era. Addressing a public rally, Modi pointed to this year's Union budget, noting it was a good measure of scale as he inaugurated projects worth 5,200 crore in Chennai. PPrime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a public rally in Chennai on Saturday.(Twitter/BJP)

Modi arrived in the Tamil Nadu capital after visiting Hyderabad and launching several projects.

PM Modis top quotes from the Chennai event:

1) The government's achievements were made possible due to our work culture and vision. Earlier, infrastructure projects meant delays, now they mean delivery. The journey from delay to delivery has happened due to our work culture. We feel accountable for every rupee that our taxpayers pay.

2)"Infrastructure connects aspirations with achievements, people with possibilities, and dreams with reality. It is the time for new hopes, new aspirations and new beginnings. Some new generation infrastructure projects will begin to serve the people from today."

Also Read: 'Corrupt parties went to court and got a jolt': PM Modi's swipe at Opposition

3)"As far as the speed is concerned, some facts can give us the right perspective  the length of the National Highways added per year has almost doubled when compared to the pre-2014 eraBefore 2014, every year, 600 route km of the rail lines were electrified; today, this rate is reaching about 4,000 route km. Until 2014, there were only 74 airports in the country, but post-2014, the number stands around 150!

4) The long coastline of Tamil Nadu is very significant for trade. Today, the capacity augmentation of our ports has almost doubled when compared to the pre-2014 era. The development of Tamil Nadu is of priority to us.

5) Tamil Nadu is home of history and heritage. It is the land of language and literature and a centre of patriotism and national consciousness. Many of the nation's leading freedom fighters were from Tamil Nadu.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Integrated Terminal Building (Phase-1) of Chennai International Airport and flagged off the Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express in Chennai on Saturday. PM Modi flagging off Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express in Chennai on Saturday.(source:Twitter/@BJP4India)

Also Read | PM Modi's speech in Hyderabad: Non cooperation from KCR govt | Top quotes

After flagging off the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express and laying the foundation stone for about five projects during his visit to Hyderabad, Modi arrived in Chennai, where he was received by Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi and chief minister MK Stalin. The PM was also accompanied by union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashwini Vaishnaw and L Murugan during the inauguration.

Also Read | PM Modi in Telangana for big event. CM KCR's no-show, even at airport, again

At a function at the Dr MGR Chennai Central Railway Station, the inaugural run of the Vande Bharat Express. which is equipped with modern features and passenger amenities, was flagged off. The train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Chennai and Coimbatore by more than an hour. During the event, Modi also interacted with school students who were present on the train.

The newly inaugurated terminal of Chennai International Airport, which cost 1,260 crore, is expected to significantly increase the airport's passenger capacity from 23 million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) to 30 MPPA. The government had earlier released a statement, highlighting the importance of the new terminal in accommodating the growing number of passengers and contributing to the development of the aviation sector in the region.

"The new terminal is a striking reflection of the local Tamil culture, incorporating traditional features such as the Kolam, saree, temples, and other elements that highlight the natural surroundings," the government statement said.

During his visit, Modi shared a friendly moment with Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin while touring the new terminal building of Chennai International Airport. The two leaders were seen holding hands and smiling while going around the terminal.

Upon his arrival in the city, Modi held a roadshow and participated in the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Sri Ramakrishna Math. He spoke about his government's philosophy being inspired by Swami Vivekananda, who believed in having faith in the country. Modi said the Indian saint would be proud to see the country working towards fulfilling his vision.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a "special" selfie at the end of his one-day Hyderabad, Chennai visit on Saturday, with a differently abled Bharatiya Janata Party worker. Modi praised Thiru S Manikandan as a "proud" party worker and called him a source of motivation. PM Modi clicks a selfie with a BJP worker in Chennai on Saturday.(Twitter)

A special selfieIn Chennai I met Thiru S. Manikandan. He is a proud @BJP4TamilNadu Karyakarta from Erode, serving as a booth president. A person with disability, he runs his own shop and the most motivating aspect is - he gives a substantial part of his daily profits to BJP, Modi tweeted, sharing the pictures.

Also Read| Before 2014: PM Modi as he launches 5,200 crore projects. Top quotes

Modi arrived in Chennai after visiting Hyderabad earlier on Saturday and launched projects worth over 13,700 crore in both cities. In Chennai, he inaugurated the New Integrated Terminal Building of Chennai Airport as well as flagged off the Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express.

During a public rally in the city late evening, Modi showered praises for Tamil Nadus rich history and said it is the land of language and literature and a centre of patriotism and national consciousness. Many of the nation's leading freedom fighters were from Tamil Nadu".

Launching projects worth 5,200 crore in Chennai, he hailed the post-2014 National Democratic Alliance governments efforts to revolutionise Indias infrastructure sector.

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Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao will reportedly skip Prime Minister Narendra Modi's programme in the state on Saturday. As part of the programme, PM Modi is set to inaugurate several development projects for the poll-bound state and as per the protocol, an official invitation was sent to Chief Minister's Office (CMO) inviting KCR to participate in the event. Telangana CM Chandrashekhar Rao.

However, it was later known that CM KCR would not only refrain from participating in the programme but also not receive the Prime Minister at the Begumpet airport during his arrival. This is not the first time when CM KCR has missed PM Modi's event in Telangana.

KCR also skipped Prime Minister Modi's event in February last year when he arrived in Hyderabad during the inauguration of (ICRISAT)'s Climate Change Research Facility on Plant Protection and Rapid Generation Advancement Facility and 'Statue of Equality' commemorating Bhakti Saint Sri Ramanujacharya.

Meanwhile, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) tweeted a cynical post questioning PM Modi's 'biased nature' towards Telangana on Saturday. The tweet said, Why is Prime Minister Narendra Modi biased against our Telangana state? The Telangana community is condemning the Prime Minister.

KCR's Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has been at loggerheads with the BJP for a while now as the latter is trying to make its presence felt in the state. Assembly elections are due in Telangana this year.

Last year, KCR renamed his party from Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) to Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS). This was seen as the first step taken by KCR towards becoming a national party to counter the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls of 2024. He also made efforts to unite the opposition parties against BJP in the general elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of development projects worth over 11,300 crore in Telangana on Saturday. He will also flag off Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express at Secunderabad Railway Station.

Modi will also lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Secunderabad Railway Station and inaugurate other development projects related to railways. According to Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express, which connects Hyderabad with the abode of Lord Venkateswara, Tirupati, is the second Vande Bharat train to be started from Telangana within three months.

(With inputs from ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the new integrated terminal at Chennai Airport on Saturday. Ahead of his arrival, security has been stepped in Tamil Nadu. In a tweet, the prime minister said that the state-of-the-art building will enhance connectivity and boost the economy. The new terminal building is part of Chennai Airport Modernisation phase II. Chennai airport's integrated terminal building is a tribute to the local Tamil culture. (Twitter/aaichnairport)

PM Modi will also flag off the Vande Bharat train between Chennai and Coimbatore at the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr M G R Central Railway Station.

Later, the PM will participate in the 125th annual day celebrations of Ramakrishna Mutt at Vivekanandhar Illam on the Kamarajar Salai (Beach Road) and also launch infrastructure projects at Pallavaram.

In pics | PM Modi to inaugurate Chennai airport's new terminal building

5 important features of new Chennai airport terminal:

According to the ministry of civil aviation, the new addition to Chennai airport is spread across 2.20 lakh sq metres and can handle nearly 35 million passengers per year. Arrival and departure points will have 54 immigration counters each to fasten the transit procedures. Built at a cost of  1,260 crore, the integrated terminal building is a tribute to the local Tamil culture and showcases traditional elements like the kolam, saree and temples. For instance, the ceilings are designed with motif lights that represent the Kolam patterns. The pillars and columns are constructed with stainless steel champagne strips adding a golden touch. Another highlight is the Skylight, which utilises natural light to illuminate the space inside the building and reduces energy consumption. 11 automatic tray retrieval systems (ATRS) for carry-on baggage and 33 remote boarding gates will ensure a smoother security screening process. The self baggage drop facilities by scanning the boarding pass will also help quicken check-in formalities.

(With inputs from PTI)

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On the last day of her three-day-long visit to Assam, President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday took a sortie on the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft from Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam. President Droupadi Murmu in Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft in Assams Tezpur Air Force Station on Saturday (HT Photo/Sourced)

The aircraft by Group Captain Naveen Kumar, CO, 106 Squadron, was flown at a height of about two kilometres above sea level at a speed of about 800 kilometres per hour covering the Brahmaputra and Tezpur valleys in 30 minutes time.

Murmu became the third President and second woman President to fly in a fighter aircraft. Former President Pratibha Patil flew in the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet in 2009 from the Pune air force base.

Also Read: President Droupadi Murmu flies maiden sortie in Sukhoi-30. Watch

It was an exhilarating experience for me to fly in the mighty Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. It is a matter of pride that Indias defence capabilities have expanded immensely to cover all the frontiers of land, air and sea. the President wrote on Twitter.

The President, who was also briefed on the operational capabilities of the aircraft expressed satisfaction with the operational preparedness of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station Tezpur for organising this sortie, expressing her appreciation, President Murmu wrote in the visitors book.

Taking to Twitter Assam chief Himanta Biswa Sarma minister said, It was absolutely breathtaking to see the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, our Aadarniya Rashtrapati ji, undertake a sortie on the Sukhoi-30 MKI at Tezpur. The significance of this happening so close to the India-China border is not to be missed.

President Murmu arrived in Assam on April 6 on a three-day visit to the state. On Friday, President Murmu inaugurated the Gaj Utsav 2023 at the Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Respecting nature is the identity of India, historically nature and Indian culture are interlinked, she said in a statement.

Also Read: President Murmus 2nd day in Assam: A jeep safari in Kaziranga and more

On Saturday morning she reached Tezpur, where she was received by the Assam chief minister and other officials of the Indian Air Force. She was accorded Guard of Honour at the Tezpur Air Force Station on arrival.

Expressing gratitude to the president for visiting Assam, Himanta wrote on Twitter, Thank you for visiting Assam, Adarniya Rashtrapati ji. Over the last three days, we have been inspired by your simplicity and your dedication to public welfare. It was an absolute honour to receive an opportunity to host you.
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday flew a sortie on the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam. Videos shared by news agency ANI, showed Murmu taking her maiden sortie on the fighter jet, becoming the second woman president to fly in a warplane. President Droupadi Murmu lands at Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam after taking a sortie in the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft. (ANI)

The President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, flew for approximately 30 minutes covering Brahmaputra and Tezpur valley with a view of Himalayas before returning to the air force station, the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.

Murmu is on a three-day visit to Assam from April 6 to 8 and was accorded Guard of Honour upon arrival at the Tezpur Air Force Station.

Also read | President Murmu's 2nd day in Assam: A jeep safari in Kaziranga and more

Elaborating on the 'exhilarating' experience, Murmu wrote in the visitors book, "It is a matter of pride that India's defence capabilities have expanded immensely to cover all the frontiers of land, air and sea. At a height of about two kms above sea level and 800 kms speed per hour, the fighter jet was flown by Group Capt Naveen Kumar, CO of 106 Squadron, the President's official Twitter handle wrote.

Although Murmu is not the first President to make a sortie in a fighter aircraft, Tezpur air force station hosted a President's sortie for the first time. In 2009, former president Pratibha Patil had flown in the frontline Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet from the Pune air force base.

APJ Abdul Kalam and Ramnath Kovind had also made similar sorties in Sukhoi 30 fighter aircrafts at the IAF station in Pune, Maharashtra, while serving as the Presidents of India.

President Murmu on Friday took part in Gaj Utsav at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam to mark 30 years of Project Elephant. She enjoyed a jeep safari inside the Kaziranga National Park's central range before launching the 'Gaj Utsav-2023' (elephant festival) on the second day of her Assam visit, officials said. Assam GovernorGulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were present on the occasion.The Mount Kanchenjunga Expedition-2023 at Guwahati was also flagged off by Murmu.

(With inputs from PTI)

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At a time 20-odd opposition parties, many of them regional rivals, joined forces over the Adani issue, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's open support for industrialist Gautam Adani has put a question mark on the durability of a non-BJP block in the run-up to the 2024 parliamentary elections. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar at his resident in Mumbai.(HT Photo)

Pawar's spanner in the works of the opposition's anti-Adani campaign comes parallel to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's outreach to other opposition parties to solidify their unity in this crucial election year when six states will witness polls.

Kharge dialled M K Stalin, Nitish Kumar, Uddhav Thackeray and some other leaders for an opposition meet early next month and is reaching out to more leaders.

With the opposition unity project confronting yet another headwind, some leaders put up a brave face on Saturday saying Pawar's one-off statement would not deter solidarity efforts.

Also Read: Shocked BJP leader reacts to Alka Lambas apparent dig at Sharad Pawar

Pawar's NCP is the second major opposition party to openly bat for a judicial probe into the Adani issue rather than a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) investigation as demanded by most opposition parties.

Mamata Banerjee's TMC has already taken this position in the just-concluded budget session of Parliament which was washed out over the JPC issue.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said she did not feel that the opposition unity was being affected and added while Pawar may have his own view, the opposition stood together.

"The entire opposition stands united and this was seen in this budget session of Parliament and that is why the government is baffled and disturbed and is now trying to control the internet," she said.

Also Read| Was our decencywill meet in court: Assam CM jabs Rahul Gandhi on Adani tweet

Shrinate said Pawar's remark may be his own as he is an eminent person, but the Adani issue raises serious security and other concerns.

"We will continue to raise such questions from the Congress platform...," she said.

Asked whether Pawar's remarks will hamper unity efforts, CPI general secretary D Raja said, "Let us see as many people are saying many things. We will have to see how the process is going to be in the coming days."

"As far as the Left is concerned, we are appealing to all secular democratic parties to come together and fight together to defeat the BJP," Raja told PTI.

Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena (UBT) has said that Pawar not favouring formation of a JPC to probe allegations against the Adani Group will not lead to cracks in the opposition unity.

The Rajya Sabha MP said Pawar has not given a clean chit but expressed his views about options on how to carry out the probe.

Raut added the opposition is firm on its demand for a JPC probe.

"Be it (West Bengal chief minister) Mamata Banerjee or NCP, there could be different opinions about Adani, but that will not lead to cracks in (opposition) unity in Maharashtra or in the country," asserted Raut, a key aide of former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

In an interview to NDTV, Pawar came out in support of the Adani Group and criticised the narrative around the US-based Hindenburg Research's report on the conglomerate.

Pawar said he favoured a Supreme Court committee to probe allegations against the Adani Group, since the ruling party would have a majority in the JPC based on numerical strength in Parliament and this would lead to doubts on such a probe.

"I am not completely opposed to the JPC. There have been JPCs (before) and I have been a chairman of some of the JPCs. The JPC will be constituted on the basis of majority (in Parliament). Instead of a JPC, I am of the opinion that the Supreme Court committee is more useful and effective," Pawar said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took a swipe at the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, asking them to heed the words of Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar on the Adani issue.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said opposition parties will have to unite if they want to win elections against the BJP.

"I can see good results coming on the unity front (at the national level)," he said, noting that discussions are going on.

"Alliance is the only thing which will unite us. We cannot fight individually. That is why even the opposition parties at the national level are trying to find ways to unite so that we can win the elections," Abdullah said in response to a question in Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir.

Twenty-odd opposition parties have come together recently amid talks of taking this unity forward to 2024.
Congress leader Alka Lamba apparently hit out at Sharad Pawar on Saturday, a day the Nationalist Congress Party chief said that the Opposition's demand for a joint parliamentary committee or JPC probe into the Adani Group issue was not necessary. Congress leader Alka Lamba and BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla

Today scared  greedy people are singing the praises of dictatorial power because of their personal interests  only one Rahul Gandhi is fighting the battle of the people of the country  against the capitalist thieves and the watchman who saves the thieves, the Delhi Congress leader tweeted in Hindi while sharing a viral picture in which Pawar and billionaire Gautam Adani are allegedly sitting together in what appeared to be in the balcony of a building.

Bharatiya Janata Party national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla was quick to comment on Lamba's tweet, asking if this was the Congresss official position.

I am shocked. Is this Congress official position. Alka Lamba has made an unbelievable attack on Sharad Pawar ji. She has described him as greedy & a coward. As a Maharashtrian I am pretty flabbergasted. Is this the official position of @INCIndia @INCMaharashtra & what does NCP @NCPspeaks have to say? Poonawalla tweeted.

Pawar, the president of the NCP, in an interview to NDTV on Friday had come out in support of the Adani Group and criticised the narrative around Hindenburg Research's report on the conglomerate, distancing himself from the opposition offensive against the Adani group with his comments also seen as a setback to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress on its part said the Supreme Court committee to look into the Hindenburg Research report on Adani group has limited terms of reference and cannot bring out the deep nexus between the prime minister and the billionaire businessman.

The NCP chief also said he was not aware of the antecedents of the United States-based Hindenburg Research, which has alleged stock manipulation and accounting fraud in firms belonging to billionaire Gautam Adani.

The Hindenburg report has resulted in strident protests by the opposition Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, and others against the union government to demand a JPC probe. The Adani group has refuted the allegations.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Launching a veiled attack on Rahul Gandhi for his controversial democracy under attack speech in London, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said it is hurtful when people try to bring down a rising India in a country abroad. According to news agency ANI, Dhankhar was speaking at a function in Delhi to celebrate social reformer Swami Dayanand Saraswati's birth anniversary. Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar (L) and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (ANI,PTI)

Dhankhar said, "It is painful when some people among us try to tarnish the image of a rising India on foreign land. This has to be stopped."

Without explicitly naming Gandhi, Dhankhar added that leaders should strive to make the country better instead of condemning it on foreign land.

"Any person, who has the best interests of the country at heart, will always speak about the strides that India is making and where it should improve. I believe that our leaders should work on addressing the shortcomings or areas where we are lacking instead of criticising the country on foreign soil," the Vice President said.

He also invoked Swami Dayanands saying on Indian independence and resistance to colonisation to express his displeasure with such comments, which he said were to spoil Indias global image.

Also read | PM Modi's veiled swipe at Rahul Gandhi: 'Unfortunate, some people in London'

Gandhis Cambridge University speech had sparked a furore after he said that the opposition was under constant pressure of being slapped with unreasonable criminal cases. He added that the fundamental factors in a democracy - Parliament, free press, judiciary - were facing restrictions.

Describing a picture of himself being held by police, the Congress leader said that leaders of opposition parties were jailed for merely standing and discussing issues in front of the Parliament House. You have also heard of the attacks on minorities and the press. You get a sense of what is going on, he said.

The BJP has been demanding an apology from Gandhi for his disparaging statements on democracy under prime minister Narendra Modi, which led to the washout of the second half of the Budget session of Parliament, as the opposition pressed for a joint parliamentary probe into the allegations by Hindenburg Research against the Adani group.

(With inputs from ANI)

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A day after Sharad Pawar's interview with NDTV in which he questioned the Hindenburg report and dismissed the demand for a joint parliamentary committee probe, the NCP chief on Saturday said it is true that NCP is one of the opposition parties that have joined the demand for the JPC into the Adani issue in Parliament. In a JPC, 15 people will be from the ruling party and only 5-6 people will be there from the opposition. "If the majority is from the ruling party, then it is not certain how much truth will come in front of the country," Pawar said pitching for a Supreme Court-monitored probe. Read | Uddhav on Savarkar, Pawar on Adani: BJP says Rahul Gandhi's demented ideas' Sharad Pawar on Saturday clarified his remark on Adani in an interview with NDTV.

Pawar said there was a time when Tata-Birla's names were taken to criticise the government but they had their due contributions to the development of the country. "Now Ambani and Adanis names are taken to criticise the government. But there is a need to think about their contribution to the country as well," Pawar said. Read | Why Sharad Pawar doesn't agree with Congress's JPC demand: 'Never heard of...'

"I personally think there are many important issues in front of the opposition: unemployment, price rise and farmers," Pawar said.

Read | 'Indian media rare species': Mahua Moitra's dig after Sharad Pawar backs Gautam Adani

Sharad Pawar's statement on Adani in which he also questioned the credibility of the Hindenburg Research led to speculations over the future of Congress's alliance. Another ally of the Congress in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) expressed displeasure over Rahul Gandhi's Savarkar remark. Now with Pawar supporting Adani, some major political developments were being expected.

Congress said irrespective of what Sharad Pawar said on JPC, his party stood with the Congress in its JPC demand. "But all 20 like-minded Opposition parties including NCP are united and will be together in saving the Constitution & our democracy from the BJP's assaults and in defeating the BJP's divisive and destructive political, social and economic agenda," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said.

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Ukrainian minister Emine Dzhaparova is expected to make a push for India to do more in its G20 presidency to end the Ukraine crisis during her trip to New Delhi next week, the first such visit since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. Emine Dzhaparova, Ukraines first deputy foreign affairs minister (Twitter Photo)

Dzhaparova, the senior most of Ukraines five deputy foreign ministers, will begin a four-day official visit on April 9. She is expected to lobby for Indias support for Ukraine amid the dragging war with Russia during her interactions with Indian officials and leaders, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday.

The 39-year-old journalist-turned-politician will meet the minister of state for external affairs Meenakshi Lekhi and deputy national security adviser Vikram Misri and hold talks with Sanjay Verma, secretary (West) in the external affairs ministry, according to a statement issued on Saturday.

Also Read: Journalist-turned-top Ukrainian minister to visit India. 5 things about Emine Dzhaparova

The talks between Verma and Dzhaparova are expected to focus on bilateral relations, the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest, the statement said.

Besides her official engagements, Dzhaparova will deliver a talk on the theme Russias war in Ukraine: Why the world should care at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), a think tank under the external affairs ministry, and participate in a closed-door discussion with members of Indias strategic community at another think tank on April 11.

The people cited above said that during her meetings in New Delhi, Dzhaparova is expected to take up the issue of Ukraines participation in meetings within the G20 framework and the possibility of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressing the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September, just as he had done during last years summit in Bali.

Dzhaparova is also expected to lobby for Indias backing for Zelenskyys 10-point peace plan, which the Ukrainian president unveiled during his virtual address to last years G20 Summit, the people said.

Zelenskyy raised his peace plan with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a phone conversation on December 26 last year. I wished for a productive presidency in #G20. It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now count on Indias participation in its implementation, Zelenskyy said in a tweet at the time. He had also said in a statement that India can be more active in efforts to end aggression.

According to an Indian government statement at the time, PM Modi conveyed Indias support for any peace efforts and assured Zelenskyy of Indias commitment to continue providing humanitarian aid to the affected civilian population.

The possibility of Dzhaparova conveying an invitation to Modi to visit Ukraine is not being ruled out, the people said.

Also Read: Ukraine war: Tharoor praises Modi govt for deft handling of ties with US, Russia

The external affairs ministrys statement described India-Ukraine relations as warm and friendly and said there is multifaceted cooperation between the two sides.

Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence. [Dzhaparovas] visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests, it added.

However, the official talks and meetings scheduled with Dzhaparova by the Indian side reflect the low-key nature of the visit.

India hasnt publicly censured Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, though it has called for an immediate end to hostilities and for a return to dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict. India has also stepped up the purchase of discounted Russian commodities, especially crude oil and fertilisers, drawing criticism from some Ukrainian leaders in the past.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's tweet mentioning the names of turncoats and billionaire Gautam Adani has evoked a sharp response from Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who said it was their decency to not question him on Bofors scam and National Herald scam cases. Rahul Gandhi on Saturday doubled down on his allegations against the Adani Group and suggested that the Congress leaders switching to BJP was a mere distraction. (Also Read | 'Like a troll': Anil Antony after Rahul Gandhi's jibe at 5 ex-Congress leaders) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.(ANI)

They hide the truth, that's why they mislead everyday! Gandhi said in a tweet.

The question remains the same - who has 20,000 crore benami money in Adani's companies? he added, posting graphics that named five Congress turncoats, including Himanta Biswa Sarma, to spell Adani.

Hitting back at Rahul Gandhi, the Assam chief minister, who joined the BJP in 2015, tweeted: It was our decency to have never asked you, on where have you concealed the proceeds of crime from the Bofors and National Herald Scams.

And how you allowed Ottavio Quattrocchi to escape the clutches of Indian justice multiple times . Any way we will meet in the Court of Law (sic), he added.

Congress has been trying to corner the Bharatiya Janata Party over the widely perceived close link of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with billionaire Gautam Adani after a sensational report by US short-seller Hindenburg Research sent Adani Group's shares tumbling.

Following Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as a Lok Sabha member after his conviction in a criminal defamation case, the Congress leader said he will continue to ask who invested 20,000 crore in Adani Group through shell companies and what is the PMs relationship with (Gautam) Adani.

Please understand I am disqualified because the PM is scared of my next speech on Adani. They do not want my speech. There is a deep relationship between Adani and Modi, Gandhi said at a press briefing last month.

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Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said gangsters who earlier terrorised people with extortion threats and abductions were now wetting their pants after their sentencing by courts. Addressing a gathering after the 'bhoomi pujan' of a bottling plant in Gorakhpur, Adityanath asserted that Uttar Pradesh has no room for illegal activities as against under previous governments when goons and mafia used to openly threaten businessmen and kidnap them. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. (File photo)(HT_PRINT)

"When the court sentences them, their wet pants are becoming visible. People are seeing it. The mafia used to terrorise people, send extortion threats to industrialists, abduct businessmen. But today they are out of their wits (scared) and running for their lives," the chief minister said.

His remarks have come days after an MP/MLA court held gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad and two others guilty in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case and sentenced them to life imprisonment. That was Ahmad's first conviction even though more than 100 cases have been registered against him.

Referring to the peaceful situation in the state during Ram Navami festivities, Adityanath said, This year, when riots were taking place in some states of the country during Ram Navami celebrations, there was absolute peace in Uttar Pradesh. Thirty-three lakh people visited Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, and more than 1,000 processions were taken out on the occasion, but no untoward incident took place. Instead, Hindus and Muslims showered flowers on the processions.

The chief minister was addressing a gathering in his home constituency after performing Bhoomi Poojan and laying the foundation stone of M/s Varun Beverages, a franchisee of multinational company PepsiCo. The bottling plant will be built at a cost of 1,071 crore at the industrial corridor being built near Gorakhpur Link Expressway in Sector 27 of Gorakhpur Industrial Development Authority (GIDA).

By the time this plant is ready, the Gorakhpur Link Expressway will also be completed. Four-lane connectivity has been provided till Nepal, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Till 2017 only two airports were fully functional and two partially functional in the state and today nine airports are functional whereas work is underway on 12 airports, Adityanath added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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He still talks about his time in Arunachal Pradesh with a sense of wonder; like someone who found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. PREMIUM Abbareddy Nageswara Rao and two of the endemic species he discovered: (From top) The Thrixspermum indicum, which grows on other plants; and the Cymbidium henbungense, which spends most of its life underground.

Nearly half a century ago, Abbareddy Nageswara Rao, then 23, travelled for four days, from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh to Guwahati in Assam, in a succession of ever-smaller trains, then by rattling bus to Shillong, Meghalaya, and on from there to Arunachal Pradesh, to conduct a then-rare orchid enumeration.

He didnt know the language, was unfamiliar with the food. But hed heard that there were rare flowers in this state that no one had documented yet.

By the time Rao left Arunachal Pradesh 35 years later, he had discovered 35 new species of orchid. Many are endemic; two are named after him (Dendrobium nageswarayanum and Tropidia hegderaoii). The two he remembers hunting for the hardest are the Biermannia arunachalensis, a small endemic variety that grows on the moss-covered branchlets of small trees and flowers only in April; and the Cymbidium henbungense, also endemic, but which lives as a root stalk through most of the year, emerging from the ground only for 15 days, in September, to flower.

Rao, now 68, had dreamed of discovering new plant species since his days pursuing a Masters degree in botany. The discoverer of new plants gets mentioned in botanical history. This really excited me. I wanted to discover new species and name them the way I wanted to. I wanted to keep them like my babies, he says.

He eventually collected so many orchid babies that, two weeks ago, he received the title of Padma Shri, one of Indias highest civilian awards, for his contribution in the face of considerable challenges. Those hurdles included malaria-causing mosquitoes (my legs were always covered in bites; I dont know how I did it, he says, chuckling), large snakes, the insurgency and the fact that even landlines were rare. It was very dangerous, and I often couldnt call home for weeks, he says.

Raos journey to Arunachal Pradesh began in the 1970s, when the young botanist secured a research fellowship with the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). J Joseph, then deputy director of the BSIs eastern circle, pointed him to the flowers. Orchids are rarely studied, he said. If one wanted to make a mark, that would be a good place to begin.

Rao was accordingly tasked with an orchid survey of the eight states of north-east India, which are rich in this valuable medicinal and ornamental plant. It was an exercise that would take him four years. In his excursions, locals who still used these plants in medicine and sold the flowers would become a key source of tips on rare varieties.

Rao was hooked. I wanted to study nearly everything in the field, from molecular structure to breeding patterns, he says.

A year after he completed the survey, in 1982, while working on a thesis on the orchids of Arunachal Pradesh, Rao joined that state governments department of environment and forests, as an assistant orichidologist. He would serve there for 30 years.

In taxonomy the highest reward is discovery of a new species. It is a feeling I might never be able to describe in words. The whole idea of a sense of ownership of the species that I discovered is what kept me going, he says.

But his mission wasnt just to tag and discover. He also wanted to produce hybrid varieties. If we use only wild orchid species, some could become extinct, especially since these flowers are so delicate and can only grow in very specific conditions. I wanted to produce hybrid orchids that we could use for our benefit without actually harming the species.

Working with other researchers, Rao has helped create five hybrid varieties.

At 54, he retired from his government position and took on a new one as director of the Manipur-based Centre for Orchid Gene Conservation of Eastern Himalayan Region, an independent research body that operates under the union governments department of science and technology.

In 2016, he retired from this too, and returned to Andhra Pradesh with his wife Sridevi Rao, a homemaker , now 56, and their son Sreenath Rao, 32. I wanted to go home, and enjoy family time, he says. Part of Arunachal Pradesh returned with him. The family estate in Eluru, West Godavari, is called Orchid Villa.
Tech giant Google is planning to add artificial intelligence (AI) features to its search engine. This comes as it battles intense competition from Open AI's chatbot ChatGPT.



In an interview to Wall Street Journal, Google chief executive officer (CEO) Sundar Pichai said that the new AI features will enhance the search engine's ability to answer queries. He rejected the notion that chatbots are a threat to Google's search business. The search business accounts for more than half of revenue at its parent Alphabet. The search ads are the biggest moneymaker for the company, bringing in $162 billion revenue last year. Google CEO Sundar Pichai(Reuters file photo)

A leader in developing large language models (LLM), Google is yet to develop technology to influence the search patterns. Pichai said people will be able to ask questions and engage with these large language models. The rival Microsoft has deployed this technology behind the ChatGPT system in its Bing search engine.



This is one of the toughest threats to Google under Pichai as he faces investor pressures on cost cuts. In January, Google laid off 12,000 jobs which is the largest till date. The CEO said Google is yet to achieve its goal of beoming 20 per cent more productive.



According to a latest report, Google is also testing new AI features in Gmail. On the other hand, Microsoft is offering AI in some of its other business software tools. The Mountain View-based technology behemoth is being cautious in terms of technology as the researchers have expressed concerns about the accuracy of AI-powered chatbots. Pichai said it needs to adapt its use resources to continue its work in AI while managing costs.



According to the WSJ report, Google is aiming to win wider business. Last month it opened access to one of its largest AI systems, the Pathways Language Model for developers on its cloud-computing service.

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In a video that is going viral on social media, Congress president from Tamil Nadu's Dindigul, Manikandan threatened to chop off the tongue of the judge who delivered the verdict to send "leader Rahul Gandhi to jail." He is heard saying in Tamil, When we will come to power, we will chop off the tongue of the judge who delivered the verdict to send our leader Rahul Gandhi to jail. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

According to the Dindigul police, the case has been registered against him (Manikandan) under three sections including section 153B of the IPC. An investigation is also underway in the incident.

Reacting to the development, BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya said, "TN Congress leader says that once the party came to power, they would "cut off the tongue" of the judge who gave the verdict against Rahul Gandhi.

Will the Courts take suo motto cognisance and hold Rahul Gandhi accountable for his party men threatening the judiciary?"

A Surat court had held Rahul Gandhi guilty in the defamation case against him over the "Modi surname remarks and sentenced him to two years in prison. The court, however, granted bail to Gandhi and suspended his sentence for 30 days to allow him to appeal against the decision.

The complainant claimed that Gandhis remark, made at a rally at Kolar in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, had defamed the entire Modi community. In his controversial remark, Gandhi had said, How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname?

Following his conviction, the Lok Sabha secretariat suspended Gandhis Parliament membership and served him a notice to vacate his official Delhi bungalow.

(With inputs from ANI)

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The University of Oklahoma said that there is no threat to campus after the police said that they were investigating a report of shots being fired at the campus. People who were on the campus were told to shelter in place, officials informed earlier as per Associated Press. The campus police received the report of shooting around 9:30 p.m. and told people to avoid the area, the report said. University of Oklahoma Shooting: An active shooter was present at the University of Oklahoma, police said. (Representational)

"Alert has been canceled," the university said on Twitter.

Read more: Russia's 'merchant of death' to Donald Trump: Your life is in danger, come here

However, there was no immediate confirmation any shots had been fired. No injuries have been reported.

There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!," the university tweeted. In later tweets, the university said that the police were investigating possible shots fired.
Pope Francis returned to public view on Saturday, presiding over Easter vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, a day after unseasonably chilly weather in Rome convinced the recently ailing pontiff to skip Good Friday's nighttime procession at the Colosseum. Pope Francis leads the Easter Vigil mass on April 8, 2023 at St. Peter's basilica in The Vatican, as part of celebrations of the Holy Week.(AFP)

The evening basilica service began in darkness. Then the basilica's cavernous interior was suddenly bathed in light, reflecting the Christian beliefs that Jesus rose from his death by crucifixion and that goodness can triumph over evil.

Also read: Porn, sex, Tinder: In open dialogue with Pope, youth's tough questions

The 86-year-old pope is recuperating from bronchitis, which saw him hospitalized on March 29 for three days. On Sunday, tens of thousands of faithful are expected to join the pope in St. Peters Square for Easter Mass at the end of Holy Week.

In his homily, Francis sought to spur Catholics to be renewed by Easter.

At times, we may simply feel weary about our daily routine, tired of taking risks in a cold, hard world where only the clever and the strong seem to get ahead,'' Francis said. At other times, we may feel helpless and discouraged before the power of evil."

He cited other sources of discouragement: "the attitudes of calculation and indifference that seem to prevail in society, the cancer of corruption, the spread of injustice, the icy winds of war."

But Easter "motivates us to move forward, to leave behind our sense of defeat, to roll away the stone of the tombs in which we often imprison our hope,'' Francis said.

"The power of Easter, brothers and sisters, summons you to roll away every stone of disappointment and mistrust,'' the pope said.

His stamina appeared to hold during the vigil, which lasts more than two hours, although Francis at times coughed or cleared his throat.

At the start of the Easter vigil, Francis, who arrived in a wheelchair he uses to cope with knee pain, incised in the wax of a tall candle a cross, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet  alpha and omega  and the numerals of this year. Then the lit candle was carried by a cleric up the basilica's center aisle, past darkened pews filled with some 8,000 faithful. Dozens of cardinals and other prelates followed, each carrying a smaller, lit candle.

"The Church calls upon her sons and daughters, scattered throughout the world, to come together to watch and pray,'' Francis said, beginning the service. Later, the basilica bells tolled, resounding in the night.

The basilica Mass during the vigil of Christianity's most important day has become an occasion for pontiffs to baptize several adults from around the world. Selected to be baptized at this year's vigil were eight believers, from Albania, the United States, Nigeria, Italy and Venezuela, the Vatican said.

One by one, they approached the pope and told him that they wanted to be baptized. Then they leaned over a basin so Francis could pour water over their heads as part of the sacrament's ritual, formally welcoming them into the Catholic Church.
China will hold three days of military exercises around Taiwan starting from Saturday, the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command announced, the day after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen returned from a trip to the United States. China-Taiwan Conflict: A Chinook helicopter carrying a Taiwan flag flies over the city during the country's National Day celebration in Taipei, Taiwan.(Reuters)

Read more: Zelensky hosts Ukraine's first state iftar, vows to recapture Crimea

China will hold "combat readiness patrols" and exercises around in the Taiwan Strait and to the north, south and east of Taiwan "as planned", it added in a brief statement.

Tsai met U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy while in Los Angeles in Wednesday, angering Beijing which views Taiwan as its own territory.
Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) on Saturday deployed warships and flew fighter jets to encircle the self-ruled island of Taiwan, putting on an aggressive show of military might in response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wens US stopover and meeting with House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, this week. A ship sails in the Taiwan Strait, as seen from Pingtan island, the closest point to Taiwan, in Chinas southeast Fujian province. (AFP)

At least eight Chinese warships and 42 fighter jets were detected around the island on Saturday, the Taiwanese defence ministry said, adding that 29 jets crossed into Taiwans southwestern air defence identification zone (ADIZ), the highest number in a single day this year, according to data collected by AFP.

The Chinese PLAs eastern theatre command (ETC) launched combat alert patrols under the Joint Sword exercises in the Taiwan Strait, which divides the Chinese mainland from the island, encircling it from the north, south and east.

The PLA deployment around Taiwan includes long-range rocket, artillery, destroyers, frigates, missile boats, fighters, bombers, electronic warfare aircraft, aerial tankers and - conventional missiles.

The three-day drill, between April 8 and 10, is expected to be the largest PLA military exercise since August, 2022, when Chinese armed forces had similarly surrounded the island of less than 24 million people, launching missiles and exploding ordnance in response to then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taipei.

The patrol and exercises take place in the maritime areas and airspace of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the islands east, Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the ETC said in a statement, quoted by state media.

Calling the exercise a stern warning to Taiwan independence secessionist forces and their collusion with external forces, Shi said it is a necessary move to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The exercise began on Saturday morning, a day after Tsai returned to Taiwan, following her visit to the Central American countries of Belize and Guatemala and high-profile stopover in the US where she met and was hosted by top US diplomats and politicians.

China claims Taiwan as a breakaway region and resents official interaction between the island and a third country, terming it as an affront and interference in internal affairs.

The patrols and drills will encircle the island of Taiwan from all four directions, effectively blockading and isolating it, with no foreign interference forces capable of entering or armed forces from the island of Taiwan capable of leaving, Song Zhongping, a Chinese mainland military expert and TV commentator, told the state-run tabloid Global Times.

Chinas Maritime Safety Administration of eastern Chinas Fujian province, according to the tabloid, issued a navigation warning notice on Friday that a live-fire shooting exercise will be held on Monday in an area off the shores of Pingtan, only about 130 km from Taiwan.

Another navigation warning notice by the administration issued on Friday says live-fire shooting exercises will also be held on Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday, April 15, April 17 and April 20 in an area off the shores of Fuzhou, about 90 km north of Pingtan, the report said.

The PLA navy had already deployed the Shandong Carrier Strike Group (CSG) off Taiwans east coast earlier this week. It transited the Bashi channel on Wednesday in its first training voyage in the Western Pacific.

Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council called for China to exercise self-restraint.

The Communist Party of China continues to intimidate Taiwan militarily to undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as in the region, the Council said, adding that

he government firmly defends national sovereignty and democratic freedom,

Taiwan will not back down or succumb, and we will not provoke or act rashly, it added.

Last August, China, in only its third white paper on Taiwan since 1993 and the first after President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, said it will not renounce the use of military force to bring the self-governed island under its control as its armed forces concluded the largest ever exercises around the island.

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The European Union on Saturday condemned deadly attacks in Israel and a barrage of rockets fired from Lebanon toward the country, and called for "restraint". Israel Attack: A general view of the scene of an attack in Tel Aviv, Israel.(Reuters)

Read more: Covid panic, no phone and hate for internet: 6 Vladimir Putin's secrets revealed

"The EU expresses its total condemnation of these acts of violence," the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said after Friday's attacks in Tel Aviv. He also condemned the rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, adding: We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint.
In a further attempt to rein in increasing numbers of women defying the compulsory dress code, Iranian authorities are installing cameras in public places and thoroughfares to identify and penalise unveiled women, the police announced on Saturday. A protester holds a portrait of Mahsa Amini during a demonstration in support of Amini, a young Iranian woman who died after being arrested in Tehran by the Islamic Republic's morality police, on Istiklal avenue in Istanbul. (AFP file)

After they have been identified, violators will receive warning text messages as to the consequences, police said in a statement.

Also Read| Video: Man pours yogurt over heads of Iranian women not wearing hijabs

The move is aimed at preventing resistance against the hijab law, said the statement, carried by the judiciarys Mizan news agency and other state media, adding that such resistance tarnishes the countrys spiritual image and spreads insecurity.

A growing number of Iranian women have been ditching their veils since the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman in the custody of the morality police last September. Mahsa Amini had been detained for allegedly violating the hijab rule. Security forces violently put down the revolt.

Still, risking arrest for defying the obligatory dress code, women are still widely seen unveiled in malls, restaurants, shops and streets around the country. Videos of unveiled women resisting the morality police have flooded social media.

Saturday's police statement called on owners of businesses to seriously monitor the observance of societal norms with their diligent inspections.

Under Iran's Islamic sharia law, imposed after the 1979 revolution, women are obliged to cover their hair and wear long, loose-fitting clothes to disguise their figures. Violators have faced public rebuke, fines or arrest.

Describing the veil as "one of the civilizational foundations of the Iranian nation" and one of the practical principles of the Islamic Republic, an Interior Ministry statement said on March 30 that there would be no retreat on the issue.

It urged citizens to confront unveiled women. Such directives have in past decades emboldened hardliners to attack women. Last week a viral video showed a man throwing yoghurt at two unveiled women in a shop.
Emine Dzhaparova, Ukraine's first deputy foreign affairs minister, will be in India on Monday for a four-day official visit. This marks the first high-level visit from Ukraine to India since the Russia-Ukraine war began last year. Emine Dzhaparova, Ukraine's first deputy foreign affairs minister

Dzhaparova's visit will involve discussions with Sanjay Verma, secretary (West) of the ministry of external affairs (MEA). She also will address topics including bilateral relations, the current situation in Ukraine, and global issues of mutual interest, news agency ANI reported citing a statement issued by MEA.

Watch | Vladimir Putin's speech met with awkward silence. He was expecting

The Ukrainian minister will also call on minister of state for external affairs and culture, Meenakshi Lekhi and meet deputy National Security Adviser, Vikram Misri during the visit.

Also Read | Zelensky hosts Ukraine's first state iftar, vows to recapture Crimea

Who is Emine Dzhaparova?

1. Emine Dzhaparova is a graduate of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, where she studied international relations with honors.

2. Before entering the public sector, Dzhaparova had a career in journalism. She worked as the deputy editor-in-chief for the Turkish newspaper ZAMAN and hosted programs for the Crimean TV channel ATR.

3. Dzhaparova served as an adviser to the minister of information policy on Crimea and held the position of Attache at the department of social and humanitarian affairs of the MFA Department of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. She later became the first deputy minister for the information policy of Ukraine.

4. She is now responsible for overseeing various areas including policy planning, public diplomacy, international organisations such as the EU and NATO. She also plays a critical role in coordinating the implementation of goals, objectives, and development strategies for the Crimea Platform.

5. Dzhaparova also looks after the Ukrainian Institute - a vital public institution that promotes Ukrainian culture globally and contributes to building a positive image of Ukraine abroad.

(With ANI inputs)

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Ben Ferencz, the last living prosecutor from the Nuremberg trials, who tried Nazis for genocidal war crimes and was among the first outside witnesses to document the atrocities of Nazi labor and concentration camps, has died. He had just turned 103 in March. At the age of 27, with no previous trial experience, Ferencz became chief prosecutor for a 1947 case in which 22 former commanders were charged with murdering over 1 million Jews.(AFP)

Also read: Ukraine Jewish woman, 92, fled Kyiv twice - due to Nazi Germany, then Russia

Ferencz died Friday evening in Boynton Beach, Florida, according to St. John's University law professor John Barrett, who runs a blog about the Nuremberg trials. The death also was confirmed by the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington.

Today the world lost a leader in the quest for justice for victims of genocide and related crimes, the museum tweeted.

Born in Transylvania in 1920, Ferencz immigrated as a very young boy with his parents to New York to escape rampant anti-Semitism. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Ferencz joined the U.S. Army in time to take part in the Normandy invasion during World War II. Using his legal background, he became an investigator of Nazi war crimes against U.S. soldiers as part of a new War Crimes Section of the Judge Advocates Office.

When U.S. intelligence reports described soldiers encountering large groups of starving people in Nazi camps watched over by SS guards, Ferencz followed up with visits, first at the Ohrdruf labor camp in Germany and then at the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp. At those camps and later others, he found bodies piled up like cordwood and helpless skeletons with diarrhea, dysentery, typhus, TB, pneumonia, and other ailments, retching in their louse ridden bunks or on the ground with only their pathetic eyes pleading for help, Ferencz wrote in an account of his life.

The Buchenwald concentration camp was a charnel house of indescribable horrors, Ferencz wrote. There is no doubt that I was indelibly traumatized by my experiences as a war crimes investigator of Nazi extermination centers. I still try not to talk or think about the details.

At one point toward the end of the war, Ferencz was sent to Adolf Hitler's mountain retreat in the Bavarian Alps to search for incriminating documents but came back empty-handed.

After the war, Ferencz was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and returned to New York to begin practicing law. But that was short-lived. Because of his experiences as a war crimes investigator, he was recruited to help prosecute Nazi war criminals at the Nuremberg trials, which had begun under the leadership of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson. Before leaving for Germany, he married his childhood sweetheart, Gertrude.

At the age of 27, with no previous trial experience, Ferencz became chief prosecutor for a 1947 case in which 22 former commanders were charged with murdering over 1 million Jews, Gypsies and other enemies of the Third Reich in Eastern Europe. Rather than depending on witnesses, Ferencz mostly relied on official German documents to make his case. All the defendants were convicted, and more than a dozen were sentenced to death by hanging even though Ferencz hadn't asked for the death penalty.

At the beginning of April 1948, when the long legal judgment was read, I felt vindicated, he wrote. Our pleas to protect humanity by the rule of law had been upheld.

With the war crimes trials winding down, Ferencz went to work for a consortium of Jewish charitable groups to help Holocaust survivors regain properties, homes, businesses, art works, Torah scrolls, and other Jewish religious items that had been confiscated from them by the Nazis. He also later assisted in negotiations that would lead to compensation to the Nazi victims.

Also read: 78 years on, Jewish Holocaust rescuers want their story told

In later decades, Ferencz championed the creation of an international court which could prosecute any governments leaders for war crimes. Those dreams were realized in 2002 with establishment of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, though its effectiveness has been limited by the failure of countries like the United State to participate.

Ferencz is survived by a son and three daughters. His wife died in 2019.
Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female prime minister had died on April 8, 2013 at the age of 87 after suffering a stroke in the Ritz Hotel suite she had lived in since December 2012. File photo of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. (AP)

The Conservative prime minister is remembered as the Iron lady who helped end the Cold War and whose economic policies divided the nation.

Read here: Rishi Sunak's new test as wife Akshata may benefit from UK policy. Here's why

Thatcher was born Margaret Roberts on October 13, 1925 in Grantham, Lincolnshire, eastern England, to a grocer. Thatcher's father was also a preacher and a local politician, having held a seat on the local town council and serving as for a few years and served as the Mayor of Grantham from 1945 - 1946.

After attending grammar school, she graduated from Oxford University in 1947 with a degree in chemistry. She married businessman Denis Thatcher in 1951 and two years later had twins, Carol and Mark.

Thatcher while working as a chemist, got indulged into politics and joined the local Conservative Association. In the 1950 and 1951 general elections, she contested for a Labour seat in Parliament, though she lost both times but stood out among her competition as the youngest and only woman candidate.

Subsequently, she was elected to the House of Commons in 1959 and succeeded former prime minister Edward Heath as opposition Conservative leader in 1975. Four years later, in 1979, Thatcher became the first female prime minister of United Kingdom. She served the position for till 1990, being the longest serving prime minister in modern history, serving for over 11 years.

Thatcher used to emphasise on importance of being an independent thinker and self reliant. During her tenure as secretary of education, she abolished a program that provided free milk to schoolchildren which they had been receiving since World War II. Thatcher thought it was a waste of money and a waste of time and stopped the policy.

The decision provoked a storm of controversy with opponents taunting her with cries of 'Mrs. Thatcher, milk snatcher.'

As prime minister, she implemented economic policies that accelerated the evolution of the British economy from statism to liberalism. It later came to be known as Thatcherism. Her supporters had said that these policies promoted personal freedom and broke down the class divisions that had riven Britain for centuries.

Margaret Thatcher had a strong anti-communism stance, and a speech she delivered in 1976 condemning communism earned her the nickname 'Iron Lady' in the Soviet press.

When Argentina invaded the remote British territory of the Falkland Islands in 1982, Thatcher dispatched troops and ships, securing victory in two months which illuminated her most significant international relationship with the then US president Ronald Reagan.

She is also known for breaking the back of the trade union movement, defeating the 1984-85 miners strike led by the trade union leader, Arthur Scargill.

In 1990, she announced her resignation after facing a leadership challenge and failing to receive the expected level of support. She was later appointed to the House of Lords as Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven. She also wrote her memoirs and delivered lectures around the world.

As her health deteriorated, her public appearances became increasingly rare. She was even forced to miss a planned 85th birthday party at Downing Street. She breathed her last on April 8, 2013 after a series of minor strokes and Dementia.

Read here: Most coveted endorsement for UK PM hopefuls? The late Margaret Thatcher

Thatchers legacy has had significant implications for not only UK but also the world. The political thinking that she and US president Ronald Reagan espoused, with the backing of renowned economists Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman, became influential.
The chances of US President Donald Trump winning the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential elections are very high, a survey showed following charges against Donald Trump in case related to hush money payments. According to the Reuters/Ipsos survey, 49% of all Americans believe that it was appropriate for prosecutors to file a criminal case against a former president as New York City prosecutors indicted Donald Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Donald Trump: Former US President Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida.(AFP)

Watch: Vladimir Putin's speech met with awkward silence. He was expecting

Republicans and Democrats remained sharply divided over the case involving adult film star Stormy Daniels. Almost 16% of Republicans believed that the accusations were justified as opposed to 84% of Democrats. Around 40% of Republicans said that they would vote for Donald Trump in 2024, while 12% said they would be less likely to do so. 38% of respondents claimed that the case had no impact on their choice.

Read more: Russian forces surrendering at fast pace to save their lives: Ukraine official

The survey showed that 58% of Republicans favour Donald Trump as their choice for nominee- a rise from 48% ahead of the indictment. The survey showed that more Americans believe the case against Donald Trump as 73% of Americans, including 55% of Republicans agreed that the action by enforcement agencies was justified. But 34% of Democrats and 76% of Republicans believed that the agencies were conducting investigations that are politically motivated.

Only 18% of Republicans said that Donald Trump should be barred from running for president again owing to the allegations.

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Restaurants in New York City are facing mounting backlash as diners complain about strict 90-minute time limits being imposed on their meals. While the restrictions were first introduced to address limited space and staffing at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many eateries have continued the practice to boost profits by turning tables quickly. Time's up! NYC diners push back against strict 90-minute restaurant limits(Pinterest)

Christina Izzo, 33, told the New York Post that she had two experiences where restaurants had 90-minute time limits to dine. Izzo recalled being ushered out of Yes Apothecary and being granted more flexibility at Torrisi Bar and Restaurant only when she mentioned that she planned to order lots of food.

Torrisi Bar and Restaurant in New York City.(New York Post)

M\ariel Rivera Hauck, a 35-year-old advertising worker, was shocked when her group of eight was asked to vacate their table and finish their evening at the bar at Quality Italian in Midtown. The restaurant offered a free round of drinks, but the same thing happened again when she returned, leading her to feel that the restrictions were spending a ridiculous amount of money on the companys dime.

Restaurants are facing a balancing act of turning tables to keep their doors open while maintaining hospitality. Andrew Rigie, executive director of NYC Hospitality Alliance, said that he is sympathetic to the need for tables to be turned but noted that there is also a need for hospitality.

Diners are left feeling rushed and unsatisfied, with one customer stating that there are so many other choices in New York. It remains to be seen whether the policies will stay in place post-pandemic.

Also read | Japanese eatery bans customers from using phone while eating; tricity restaurateurs weigh in
Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian man in the north of the occupied West Bank on Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry said. Israel has bombarded both Gaza and Lebanon in response to rocket fire by Palestinian militants.(AFP)

Ahed Salim, 20, was hit in the chest and belly by live fire in Azzun near Qalqilyah, the ministry said in a brief statement, without giving further details.

Also read: Security tightened in Israel's Jerusalem ahead of Jewish holiday

AFP has asked the Israeli military to comment.

The shooting follows a surge in Middle East violence since Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque on Wednesday after they said Palestinians barricaded themselves inside.

Israel has bombarded both Gaza and Lebanon in response to rocket fire by Palestinian militants, and late Saturday three rockets were fired at Israel from Syria.

Also read: In a rare attack, rockets fired from Syria toward Israel

On Friday, an Italian tourist and two Israeli-British sisters were killed, the tourist in a Tel Aviv car ramming attack and the women in a West Bank shooting.
A very mystified Queen Elizabeth thought that her grandson Prince Harry's love for Meghan Markle clouded his judgement as he was so consumed by it, a new book has claimed. When the couple started speaking out against the royal family, Queen Elizabeth thought that they were "quite mad", royal correspondent Robert Jobson wrote in his book 'Our King'. Prince Harry-Meghan Markle: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are seen.

Read more: Queen Elizabeth refused to let Meghan join this crucial meeting: 'Swept for'

Queen Elizabeth was "let down" not only because Prince Harry decided to step down from his royal duties but also because she saw the couple's departure as "a missed opportunity", the author claimed. Despite that, the late monarch continued to have "great affection" for Prince Harry and hoped he would find peace and happiness.

In truth, by the time his grandmother died, Harry had precious few supporters left in the family. Even the Queen, who had always had great affection for him, eventually tired of his outbursts, the book claimed.

Read more: Prince Harry may never get green card or US citizenship because of this reason

First, she had wearied of the volatile exchanges between Harry and his brother, which sometimes took place in her presence. Then Harry and Meghan had started publicly criticising both the monarchy and members of the Royal Family. At that point, the Queen was frankly mystified by the couples behaviour, describing it as 'quite mad'. She came to believe, however, that her grandson was 'so consumed' by his love for his wife that it was clouding his judgment, it added.

Prince Harry told Oprah Winfrey in a bombshell interview in 2021 that his father had stopped taking his calls after he moved to the US.

When we were in Canada, I had three conversations with my grandmother and two conversations with my father before he stopped taking my calls, Prince Harry had said.

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Prince Harry was left infuriated when his father King Charles told him he couldnt pay for Meghan Markle in the future, a book claimed as the Duke of Sussex' relationship with his family continues to worsen since he and his wife Meghan Markle stepped down from royal duties and moved to the United States. Prince Harry-Meghan Markle: Britain's King Charles III is seen. (Reuters)

Read more: This is when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will share their coronation plans

The new book Our King written by Robert Jobson chronicles the deteriorating relationship between Prince Harry and the royal family saying that the rift between Prince Harry and Prince William shocked King Charles. When Prince Harry told King Charles that he intended to marry Meghan Markle, he found out that Prince William had already told their father of Harry's decision.

Then, after Prince Harry told King Charles himself, his older brother said, Are you sure, Harold?. Then King Charles told Prince Harry that he couldnt afford to pay for Meghan in the future alongside the royal family.

Read more: 'Wearied' Queen Elizabeth thought Prince Harry and Meghan were quite mad: Book

This infuriated Prince Harry, the book claimed as he thought that Prince William disapproved of Meghan Markle and was concerned that it had become a whirlwind affair. The book also claimed that after Meghan and Kate Middleton's first meeting, the former thought that the latter was stand-offish.

The book also recounted Kate Middleton's Windsor walk with Prince William and the Sussexes following Queen Elizabeths death saying that it was one of the hardest things" Kate ever had to do owing to the ill-feeling between them.

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Queen Elizabeth had a 'Megxit' summit room which was "swept for bugs" to ensure no details could be leaked to the press, a royal author claimed recounting the time Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from royal duties, shocking the royal family and the world. Queen Elizabeth II is seen. (AFP)

Read more: Can't pay for Meghan, King Charles had told Harry ahead of marriage as

In January 2020, Queen Elizabeth II chaired a meeting with Charles, Prince William and Harry to discuss details of the couple stepping down. Also called the Sandringham summit, it was followed by Meghan and Harry's public announcement to step down. Royal author Robert Jobson writes in new book 'Our King', that the Queen was concerned their conversation could be secretly recorded and leaked to the press.

Meghan Markle was excluded from the meeting and was not allowed to attend it even by video as the Queen feared that the connection could be hacked.

Read more: Kate Middleton didn't mourn Harry's decision to move to US as: Royal expert

There was a suggestion that Meghan should join Charles, William and Harry via video link from Canada, but the Queen ruled that her attendance in any form was not necessary as Harry would represent her. It was also felt that a video link wouldnt be secure, as Charles and William wouldnt be able to tell if the meeting was being recorded or if Meghan had anyone else listening in as they spoke, the book claimed.

The new book also claimed that Kate Middleton found her public walkabout alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as one of the hardest things shed ever had to do as there was ill feeling" between the royal couples.

Catherine later admitted to a senior royal that, such was the ill feeling between the two couples, the joint walkabout was one of the hardest things she'd ever had to do," the royal author claimed.

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Prince Harry's anger was very puzzling for late monarch Queen Elizabeth II who thought that her grandson and Meghan Markle were "quite mad", a new book claimed. Royal correspondent Robert Jobson in his new book 'Our King' claimed that Queen Elizabeth had witnessed some "volatile exchanges" between Prince Harry and his brother Prince William. Royal Family News: Late Queen Elizabeth II is seen.(File)

Read more: King Charles supports research into royal familys colonial history. Here's why

The book also said that despite having "great affection" for Prince Harry, the late monarch was tired of his and Meghan Markle's criticism of the royal family. Queen Elizabeth also thought Prince Harry was "so consumed" by his love for Meghan Markle that it was "clouding his judgment", the book said.

In truth, by the time his grandmother died, Harry had precious few supporters left in the family. Even the Queen, who had always had great affection for him, eventually tired of his outbursts, the book noted.

Read more: This is when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will share their coronation plans

First, she had wearied of the volatile exchanges between Harry and his brother, which sometimes took place in her presence. Then Harry and Meghan had started publicly criticising both the monarchy and members of the Royal Family, it added.

The Queen "felt let down" by Prince Harry's decision to step down from his royal duties, but also considered it as a missed opportunity while hoping Harry would "find peace and happiness" in his new life, the book said.

Prince Harry regularly called his grandmother after moving to California, but she felt "troubled" when he asked her to voice his complaints to King Charles, it added.

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Prince Harry may never hold a Green Card or be granted US citizenship after admitting to taking a variety of drugs, a lawyer has warned. Kaitlin Davies, from Davies Legal which specialises in immigration, told The Sun: Without exceptional circumstances, Harry would likely never be able to hold a Green Card or become a US citizen if he formally admits to using cocaine. Prince Harry On Royal Family: Britain's Prince Harry is seen. (AP)

Read more: Queen Elizabeth refused to let Meghan join this crucial meeting: 'Swept for'

In his memoir Spare and in subsequent interviews, Prince Harry revealed that he had experimented with cocaine, marijuana, magic mushrooms and ayahuasca. The admission sparked questions over how Prince Harry was granted his current visa as candidates are quizzed on their drug history. Speculations also began on whether the Duke of Sussex will be permitted to live in the United States.

Read more: Kate Middleton didn't mourn Harry's decision to move to US as: Royal expert

But admissions in the memoir and TV interviews will not be considered formal as they were not made under oath, the lawyer said. Although, Prince Harry could be questioned on them at an official interview, the lawyer added.

If the prince admitted to any immigration officer that he had previously used illegal drugs, he would be deemed ineligible for a visa, the lawyer said.

In his memoir, Prince Harry admitted that he regularly smoked cannabis and misused alcohol as a teenager. He also said that he tried cocaine for the first time aged 17. In a TV interview, Prince Harry said that he used ayahuasca to help him cope with the trauma of his mother Princess Dianas 1997 death.

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Russian troops are surrendering at an increasing pace amid the war in Ukraine Ukraine, Ukraine's main directorate of intelligence noted. In a statement, Ukraine's defense ministry said that there has been a "sharp" increase in the number of Russian troops who want to surrender to save their lives. Some Russian soldiers are also being "captured directly" on the battlefield, the statement added. Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow has shown no sign of stopping its attacks, and continues to claim portions of eastern Ukraine.(AFP)

Read more: Top secret US documents on Ukraine leak: What they reveal on war plan

Vitaliy Matvienko, spokesperson for the "I Want to Live" hotline, said that registered appeals for surrender from Russian soldiers doubled from last month to 3,000 appeals. The project is run by the coordinating headquarters for the treatement of prisoners of war along with Ukraine's defense ministry and the main directorate of intelligence.

The Ukrainian counteroffensive operation on the ground has not yet begun, but its effect is already bearing fruit. The choice of a Russian soldier during the war is simple: either death or capture, Ukraine defense ministry said.

"However, a series of sudden, unexpected, lightning-fast events can change everything," it added, warning that the window of opportunity for surrendering is "narrowing."

This comes as secret documents with details of US and NATO's plans to help prepare Ukraine for the spring offensive against Russia were widely shared on social media platforms, the New York Times reported. The Pentagon said that it is assessing the security breach.

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Israels defense minister on Saturday extended a closure barring entrance to Israel for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip for the duration of the Jewish holiday of Passover, while police beefed up forces in Jerusalem on the eve of sensitive religious celebrations. The order prevents Palestinians from entering Israel for work or to pray in Jerusalem this week, though mass prayers were permitted at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday.(AFP)

Also read: Israeli-Palestinian tensions soar after deadly attacks: What we know so far

The moves come after days of violence across the region at a time of heightened religious fervor  with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan coinciding with Passover and Easter celebrations. Jerusalems Old City, home to key Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites, has been teeming with visitors and religious pilgrims from around the world.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that a closure imposed last Wednesday, on the eve of Passover, would remain in effect until the holiday ends on Wednesday night. The order prevents Palestinians from entering Israel for work or to pray in Jerusalem this week, though mass prayers were permitted at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday. Gallant also ordered the Israeli military to be prepared to assist Israeli police. The army later announced that it was deploying additional troops around Jerusalem and in the West Bank.

Over 2,000 police were expected to be deployed in Jerusalem on Sunday  when tens of thousands of Jews are expected to gather at the Western Wall for the special Passover priestly blessing. The Western Wall is the holiest site where Jews can pray and sits next to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where large crowds gather each day for prayers during Ramadan.

Jerusalem police chief Doron Turgeman met with his commanders on Saturday for a security assessment. He accused the Hamas militant group, which rules the Gaza Strip, of trying to incite violence ahead of Sundays priestly blessing with false claims that Jews planned to storm the mosque.

We will allow the freedom of worship and we will allow the arrival of Muslims to pray, he said, adding that police will act with determination and sensitivity to ensure that all faiths can celebrate safely.

The current round of violence erupted earlier in the week after Israeli police raided the mosque, firing tear gas and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of Palestinians who had barricaded themselves inside.

Violent scenes from the raid sparked unrest in the contested capital and outrage across the Arab world. Palestinian militants fired rocket barrages from the Gaza Strip and in an unusual step, from southern Lebanon as well. Israel responded with airstrikes in both locations. Then on Friday, Palestinian assailants killed three people in a pair of attacks  in Tel Aviv and in the West Bank.

Also read: US says 'stands with' Israel after 'unconscionable' Tel Aviv attacks

In Tel Aviv, people laid flowers and candles on Saturday next to photos of Alessandro Parini, an Italian tourist killed in the Friday night car ramming attack.

Israels foreign minister, Eli Cohen, spoke to his Italian counterpart, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, to express his condolences and later visited victims of the attack in a hospital with Italys ambassador to Israel.
Iranian women will be prosecuted and businesses could risk being shut for failing to observe the countrys hijab rules, Irans police chief said, escalating the regimes crackdown on dissent against mandatory head scarves. Iranian women who refuse to wear head coverings in public places or inside their cars would face court trials and have their vehicles impounded.(Getty Images)

Under the new law, Iranian women who refuse to wear head coverings in public places or inside their cars would face court trials and have their vehicles impounded, the semi-official Fars news agency reported, citing Brigadier-General Ahmadreza Radan.

Also read: Iran installs cameras in public places to identify, penalise unveiled women: Report

The move follows the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, 22, in September who was arrested by the countrys so-called morality police for allegedly wearing improper clothes. Her death triggered the biggest wave of protests against the countrys clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

The new measures will also allow the police to shut any business whose employees fail to abide by compulsory hijab requirements, the report said. The police plan to use smart cameras and equipment to identify and send warnings to women in violation of the dress code, the police said in a separate statement on Saturday.

The Shargh daily newspaper reported on Monday that more than 100 stores and businesses were closed over the last month for failing to comply with Irans Islamic dress code.

Authorities hanged four people in December and January in connection with protests. Rights groups say more than 400 people died in the regimes crackdown on protesters and thousands more were arrested.
Taiwan's people love democracy and seek peace, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Saturday, adding that she look forward to further strengthening security cooperation with the United States. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.(Reuters)

Tsai made the comments at the start of a lunch with a visiting US lawmaker delegation, led by Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
At least four people were killed in a shooting in southern Thailand on Saturday, police said, with local media reporting that officers were still searching for the suspect. The shooting happened near the home of a former village head, local media reported.(AFP/Representative)

The attack started at about 5 pm (1100 GMT), in Khiri Rat Nikhom district in Surat Thani province -- roughly 600 km (370 miles) south of the capital Bangkok.

"Four people died," local head of police Kriangkrai Kraikaew told AFP, declining to give further details.

The shooting happened near the home of a former village head, local media reported.

Also Read: Two British sisters killed in West Bank shooting attack

Thailand has high rates of gun ownership and there has been a steady trickle of violent incidents in the past 12 months, including one of the deadliest attacks in recent history.

The kingdom was stunned in October after a former police sergeant murdered 36 people, 24 of them children, in the northeastern Nong Bua Lam Phu province.

And last month, three people were killed and another three wounded in a Phetchaburi province shooting, which ended only after a 15-hour stand-off.
In a bizarre incident, a British man in Wales' Cardiff, UK received numerous unpaid tax bills, which amounted to 5,00,000 pounds from 11,000 firms, mostly from China after these companies fraudulently used his residential address to register for VAT, BBC reported. Dylan Davies, the recipient of these bills from HM Revenue & Customs.(BBC)

Read here: This is one of the hardest things Kate Middleton did. Reason: Harry, Meghan

Dylan Davies, the recipient of these bills from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) went to check his post box in November last year, where he found plethora of brown envelopes. It soon swamped Davies in comparison by the amount that continued to flood in over the ensuing six months. He raised the issue with the police and HMRC but the brown letters just kept coming, the report added.

He said that the "horrendous" situation had left him more worried in the sights of bailiffs who could come "charging the door down."

According to financial crime consultant Graham Barrow as quoted by BBC, the case is being suspected as a fraudulent activity from the overseas companies. "It looks to all intents and purposes like VAT fraud," he said.

Barrow also urged HMRC to to completely "tighten up" the VAT registration process for foreign companies.

Subsequently, the head of HMRC took the issue into account when MPs who sit on the Commons public accounts committee raised the issue. Jim Harra, the head of HMRC in his response said that in its ongoing investigations "so far have found no evidence of fraud or fraudulent intent" relating to the incident, according to a report by Independent.

Harra however, admitted that 11,000 firms had changed their registered address to that of Davies over a six-month period, and said that 2,356 of the businesses owed a tax debt, the report added.

According to HMRC data, around 70% of the firms registered on Davies' address are being operated on online marketplaces, which provided data to the taxman. There is no record that the remaining 30% have sold goods in the UK or have any outstanding VAT to pay.

Read here: Prince Harry may never get green card or US citizenship because of this reason

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from HMRC said, "We are reviewing our operational processes for managing high volume address changes, including understanding any vulnerabilities in our systems associated with this behaviour.
The US said it deployed a cruise-missile submarine in the Middle East, boosting its naval fleet in the region amid rising tensions with Iran. The guided missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) pulls into the Bay of Naples in this file photo taken in the Mediterranean Sea.(via REUTERS)

The USS Florida  a nuclear-powered vessel capable of carrying as many as 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles  began transiting the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean Sea on Friday, according to the US Naval Forces Central Command, which is based in Bahrain in the Persian Gulf.

The submarine is being deployed in support of the US Fifth Fleet, which is also based in Bahrain, to ensure regional maritime security and stability, it said in a statement on Saturday.

A Bahrain-based spokesperson for the US Navy declined to provide further details on the mission or specify whether the submarine was headed to the Persian Gulf as it would contravene operational security protocols.

Last month, the US military carried out airstrikes against Iran-backed groups in Syria. It came after an American contractor was killed in what was said to be an attack by an Iranian-made drone on a US military facility in northeast Syria.

Drone Strike Strains Bidens No Deal-No Crisis Iran Stance
Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen experiencing an awkward moment during his speech when he appeared to pause while speaking for applause but the audience did not react to the speech at all. The moment occurred at the Grand Kremlin Palace during a ceremony to present diplomatic credentials to 17 newly-appointed foreign ambassadors. Vladimir Putin: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting.(Reuters)

Read more: Russian forces surrendering at fast pace to save their lives: Ukraine official

"No one applauded Putin after he finished his speech at the ceremony of ambassadors presenting their credentials in the Kremlin," Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine's minister of internal affairs, wrote in a tweet sharing a clip from the speech taken from the Russian independent news outlet Meduza. Putin waited for applause as he finished talking but none came, he added, mocking the Russian President.

In the video, Vladimir Putin can be seen smiling slightly as he concludes his speech while he and the ambassadors exchange brief nods. Vladimir Putin then wishes them "all the best" in English before departing.

During the speech, Vladimir Putin targeted the new United States and European Union (EU) ambassadors saying that they were responsible for a breakdown in relations with Russia following the Ukraine invasion. Vladimir Putin also said that US support for a Ukraine revolution in 2014 ultimately led to today's Ukrainian crisis.

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A former Russian intelligence officer revealed that there is a pattern to Vladimir Putin's hospital visits. Vladimir Putin has "annual medical check-ups" at the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow, mostly in the "late summer or early autumn," federal guard service officer Gleb Karakulov said in an interview. Russian President Vladimir Putin. (AP)

But in 2022, the check-up took place in April, Gleb Karakulov revealed told Russian independent investigative outlet The Dossier Center. Gleb Karakulov earlier served as a captain in the Federal Guard Service. He is the highest-ranking intelligence worker in recent history to defect from Russia to West, the outlet said.

Read more: Russian forces surrendering at fast pace to save their lives: Ukraine official

"He is in better health than many other people his age," Gleb Karakulov said. Only a few of his official trips or engagements have been canceled because of his health in more than a decade, he added.

Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, speculation has surrounded Vladimir Putin's health, with little being known. Western intelligence sources have earlier claimed that the Russian President had cancer treatment in April 2022 while the head of Ukraine's military intelligence Kyrylo Budanov told ABC News that "of course" Vladimir Putin was "terminally ill."

Read more: Russia's 'merchant of death' to Donald Trump: Your life is in danger, come here

Other reports suggested that he had developed Parkinson's disease. Gleb Karakulov said that the spread of Covid has been a major concern for the Kremlin.

"We still have a self-isolating president," he said, adding that those in direct contact with Putin have "to observe a strict quarantine for two weeks before any event," even the scheduled meetings that last about 15 to 20 minutes.

There are a "pool of employees" who enter a quarantine cycle to then be considered "'clean' and can work in the same room as Putin," he said.

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Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday criticised Russia's treatment of the Muslim-minority Tatar community in Kremlin-controlled Crimea and vowed to recapture the peninsula from Russia during a first official state iftar. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L-C) attending a Iftar fast-breaking meal with Muslim Ukrainian servicemen, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Kyiv.(AFP)

Russia wrested control of the Black Sea territory from Ukraine in 2014 and pushed through a referendum on the annexation that was condemned as fraudulent and illegitimate by Ukraine and its Western allies.

Also read: Ukraine's Zelensky on Bucha anniversary: 'Will never forgive Russia'

"Russia's attempt to enslave Ukraine ... began exactly with the occupation of Crimea, exactly with repressions against Crimean, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar freedom and of Crimean Muslims," he told Ukrainian Muslim leaders and ambassadors from Muslim countries.

The Tatar community, which accounted for 12-15 percent of the two million Crimea residents, largely boycotted the 2014 vote.

Moscow then banned the Mejlis -- the traditional assembly of the Tatar Muslim minority in Crimea -- declaring it an extremist organisation and has jailed members of the community since, citing security concerns.

"There is no alternative for Ukraine, or for the world, other than the de-occupation of Crimea. We will return to Crimea," Zelensky said, before handing out awards to several Muslim Ukrainian servicemen.

Zelensky, speaking at a mosque outside the centre of the capital, announced that Ukraine was beginning a new tradition of hosting an official iftar, the meal breaking the daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

"Ukraine is grateful to the Muslims of our country and to everyone in the Muslim community of the world who, like us, longs for peace and protection from evil," he added.

Also read: Zelensky ready to meet Xi Jinping, invites Chinese leader to visit Ukraine

Several Muslim-majority countries, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, have positioned themselves as mediators in the conflict in Ukraine, brokering agreements between Kyiv and Moscow on grain exports or prisoner exchanges.

Russia has a large Muslim minority from southern regions, including Chechnya and Dagestan, many of whom are fighting for Moscow in Ukraine.
Dozer can now hold his head up.

The 3-month-old boxer-mastiff mix could not walk or stand March 25, when was surrendered by his owner to Bayou Animal Services in Dickinson. Holding his head up was a struggle, according to staff at the city facility.

After just two weeks, the energetic puppy is starting to act like a puppy should, but his legs have not yet caught up. With the help of a new wheelchair funded by community donations, Dozer is taking small steps to what the shelter staff hopes is a full or at least partial recovery.

Hes a real fighter, said Shaelei Jones, an animal care tech at the shelter who has been working with Dozer.

Dozer was surrendered under mysterious circumstances. The staff was told he was having some trouble walking, but it immediately became evident that Dozer couldnt walk.

When we placed him on the ground, he literally could not stand up at all or even pick his head up, shelter manager Nina Baker said. He would try to pick himself up, and he would just crash back down. We took him in and decided we would try to figure out what we could do for him.

Dozers story was immediately shared on the shelters Facebook page, and through donations from the community and Bayou Friends Forever Inc., a nonprofit animal rescue group, the Walkin' Wheels wheelchair was purchased to make things a little easier in his therapy.

Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Baker said it's impossible to know what happened to Dozer  he may have ingested medication, suffered accidental trauma or been subjected to abuse. Tests and examinations conducted by shelter vets indicate no broken bones or injuries, and the fact that he knew where to position his legs suggests he was once able to walk on his own.

Whatever happened in the past, the goal for the staff is to find a home for the otherwise healthy, already 44-pound puppy. All we can do is see if he can have quality of life with his condition, Baker said.

The staff cant know for sure if Dozer will ever be able to walk on his own, but they are optimistic.

If he was still in the same spot as he was when he came in, we would already be thinking that this is not an overall good situation for him, but we are really feeling good because of the progress hes been making in just two weeks, Baker said.

Dozer will need intense physical therapy and patience. According to Baker, Dozer has already won hearts, but so far has not received one adoption application.

I think people are hesitant because of the work that might be involved in taking him in, she said.

Jones immediately became attached to the puppy and has become his temporary foster. She takes him to her kids' softball games.

I want people to see Dozer and understand that theres hope for all our shelter dogs, whether they have special needs or come from bad circumstances, she said. If this 3-month old puppy who couldnt walk or lift his head can fight, they all have hope.

For now, Dozer scoots with his wheelchair when he plays with his toys and wants affection.

Hes such a big boy. Hes like a bulldozer when he wants to be cuddled and tries to get your attention, and thats where he gets his name, said Jones, Hes pushy with his love, and thats not a bad thing.

For more information on Dozer, call Bayou Animal Services at 281-337-3117.
CASTINE, Maine (AP)  The 20-year-old driver of sport utility vehicle that crashed into a tree and burst into flames, killing four Maine Maritime Academy students, is facing 17 charges including four counts of manslaughter.

Joshua Goncalves-Radding, of North Babylon, New York, was indicted Thursday by a grand jury after investigators concluded he was speeding and under the influence of alcohol at the time of the December crash in Castine, officials said.
A Sugar Land man was sentences to 50 years in prison after being sentenced this week for fatally shooting a tattoo artist in 2016, the Harris County District Attorney's Office said.

Abdul-Rahman Khan, 27, was convicted for the murder of 33-year-old Peter Pina, a tattoo artist at the Electric Chair Tattoo and Piercing shop on Richmond on June 14, 2016.

The shooting occurred when Khan went to Pina's shop for a tattoo at night. Khan was there for less than an hour and eventually went into an employee-only back room where equipment is sterilized. Pina and another employee told him to leave the room, which had piercing needles, tattoo equipment and biological waste. When Khan refused, Pinas co-worker grabbed the defendant by the arm to escort him out the back door, the DA's Office said in a release Saturday.

While being kicked off, Khan pulled a pistol out of his pocket and shot Pina in the chest. Another tattoo artist and a customer were able to get the gun away from Khan. They held him there until Houston police officers arrived.

Pina died at the scene.

Assistant District Attorney Stacy Scofield, a chief prosecutor who handled the case with ADA Keegan Childers, said Pinas three sons now have to grow up without a father.

Mr. Pina was a hardworking man who had custody of his three sons and was taking care of them, Scofield said in the release. He went to work at one of his three jobs and never came home again because Mr. Khan murdered him.

Scofield said Khan has several charges pending in Dallas, including an allegation that he pulled a gun on a police officer. After he was charged with Pinas murder and arrested, Khan was freed on bail and went to Dallas. While there, he was thrown out of a bar in Deep Ellum and pulled a gun out on a homeless man and local business owner, according to the DA's Office.

When the police arrived to detain Khan, he is seen on a Dallas police officers body-worn camera pointing a gun directly at her at chest level. He then points at another officer and tries to run away while pointing his gun at the officers.

The jurors who sentenced Khan saw the body-worn video and heard testimony from a Dallas police officer about the case.

The victim, in this case, was moments away from leaving for the night when the defendant came in and started trouble, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said in the release. While another employee began to remove the defendant from the shop, the defendant started shooting. Because of his actions, a family lost a loved one and the gunman will spend decades in prison.
A federal judge in Amarillo suspended the Food and Drug Administrations approval of mifepristone, a key medication used in combination with another drug to facilitate abortions, after hearing arguments in a lawsuit filed by anti-abortion groups.

The plaintiffs, including the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine and the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists, requested U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk to order the FDA to immediately suspend or withdraw its approval of the drug, arguing it is unsafe despite researchers saying decades of scientific evidence proves otherwise.

Kacsmaryk issued a preliminary injunction last week that would undo the FDA's approval of mifepristone nationwide.

ABORTION PILLS: Texans are using a European company to obtain abortion pills after Roe v. Wade ruling

More than half of all abortions in the United States are completed using a regimen of mifepristone, which blocks a hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue, and misoprostol, which empties the uterus.

President Joe Biden's administration has since appealed Kacsmaryk's decision and requested an emergency stay of the injunction. A federal appeals court could weigh in this week.

Kacsmaryk's decision could affect access to the drug in states where abortion remains legal, especially following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade a year ago. Since Senate Bill 8 was implemented September 2021, at least 1,300 Texans a month have traveled to those states for abortion care, according to the Texas Policy Evaluation Project (TxPEP).

The consequences of the Texas court's decision could be far-reaching, abortion rights advocates say, though the immediate, practical implications are unclear. Here is what we know so far:

Competing ruling out of Washington State

A ruling out of Washington State could offer relief if the injunction goes into effect due to Democratic attorney generals of 17 states and the District of Columbia suing the FDA on Feb. 23 for allegedly restricting access to mifepristone.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Rice, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, is presiding over this case. He ruled last week that the FDA cannot alter access to the drug while the lawsuit proceeds. The caveat to Rice's ruling is it's only limited to the 17 states and the District of Columbia.

The states named in the lawsuit are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

The Texas judges recent rulings favor conservatives

Kacsmaryk, 45, was nominated by President Donald Trump to the Northern District of Texas and confirmed in 2019. He is a devout Christian with a history of antiabortion beliefs, according to the Washington Post. Conservatives have sought out his court in a practice known as forum shopping, because he tends to rule in their favor, the Post reported.

Kacsmaryk's recent high-profile decisions include vacating Biden administration protections for LGBTQ workers, and temporarily blocking the administration from ending a Trump-era policy intended to restrict immigration at the southern border.

Pulling an approved drug off the market is complicated

A federal judge does not have the authority to unilaterally pull an FDA-approved drug off the market, two health law experts told the Chronicle. The federal agency follows a formal process to make that happen, and it is unclear whether or how quickly that process would take place, according to a brief published by TxPEP.

However, states, pharmacists and manufacturers can decide on their own whether to produce and dispense the drug, based on the mifepristone ruling, experts say.

Federal efforts to expand availability of the drug already have come under fire. Earlier this year, the FDA said it would allow retail pharmacies to dispense mifepristone with additional certification. After 21 Republican attorneys general, including Texas AG Ken Paxton, threatened legal action against pharmacies, Walgreens announced it would not dispense mifepristone in those states, according to media reports.

LATEST CHALLENGE: 5 women sue Texas, saying its abortion ban put themselves or their fetuses at risk

We want to be very clear about what our position has always been: Walgreens plans to dispense Mifepristone in any jurisdiction where it is legally permissible to do so," Walgreens spokesman Marty Maloney said. "Once we are certified by the FDA, we will dispense this medication consistent with federal and state laws. Providing legally approved medications to patients is what pharmacies do, and is rooted in our commitment to the communities in which we operate."

Mifepristone was approved for abortions, but can treat other conditions

In 2000, the FDA approved mifepristone to be marketed under the brand name Mifeprex to terminate a pregnancy through seven weeks, based on thorough and comprehensive scientific evidence that the benefits outweighed the risk, the agency says on its website. In 2016, the agency determined it safely can be used to end a pregnancy up to 10 weeks gestation. There have been no safety concerns for Mifeprex or its generic alternative since the drug became available.

Depending on what the judge decides in the lawsuit, the drug no longer may be available for other uses, such as completing a miscarriage. Some pregnant Texans already have said pharmacists have declined to dispense the drug for a miscarriage, even though the state provides an exception for such situations.

Mifepristone also has been effective in treating hypercortisolism, when the body produces too much of the hormone cortisol for a long period of time, sometimes associated with rapid weight gain, hair growth, hypertension and diabetes.

MORE FROM JULIAN GILL: Texas' abortion laws led to 3-day delay for Houston woman's pregnancy loss treatment, doctor says

There are broader concerns about whether the lawsuit could affect other FDA-approved medications.

The concern is that this lawsuit is going to open up a huge can of worms where a lot 'controversial' medications, that have been approved and been safe and effective for a long time, are going to be questioned under this process, said Seema Mohapatra, an expert in health law and bioethics at SMU Dedman School of Law.

Misoprostol-only regimen is safe for abortions

The lawsuit also seeks to restrict access to misoprostol. Thats unlikely to happen, however, because it was initially approved to treat stomach ulcers, Mohapatra said. It also is commonly used to induce labor.

Misoprostol-only medication has been used successfully for many years and is the primary method of medication abortion in parts of the world where access to mifepristone is restricted, said Dr. Bhavik Kumar, medical director for primary and transgender care at Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast.

The two-drug combination is more effective, but using misoprostol is just as safe, with fewer than 1 percent of patients experiencing serious complications, Kumar said. Asked whether abortion clinics could offer a misoprostol-only regimen if mifepristone no longer is available, Kumar said everything is on the table to protect as much access to safe, legal abortion care as possible.

Every (Planned Parenthood) affiliate is in a different situation as the legal landscape varies significantly state by state, and providers will have to assess independently what is possible to continue making care available for their patients, Kumar said in an email. Planned Parenthood health centers will remain committed to doing whatever is possible to ensure patients can get the care they need, including choosing the method of abortion that is best for them.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect that Walgreens has not yet dispensed mifepristone in any state, and that the pharmacy chain says it plans to dispense the drug in states where it is "legally permissible."

julian.gill@chron.com

jonathan.limehouse@chron.com
Ellen Ochoa had already gone to outer space and back when she first processed the history she made in April 1993.

Just 34 at the time, the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants became a role model as she boarded the space shuttle Discovery for a nine-day mission that made her the first Latina to go to space. Ochoa, now 64, later became the first Latina director of NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Now retired and living in Idaho, Ochoa said shes excited to watch a new generation of trailblazing astronauts emerge from NASAs Artemis program as she reflected on her career on the 30th anniversary of her historic flight.

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I could hardly think of anything more exciting that happened in my life, she said of the moment she was selected to be an astronaut in 1990. It was one of those things that you know would change the rest of your life.

And it did.

Ochoa ended up spending nearly 1,000 hours in space across four shuttle missions from 1993 to 2002, with her work ranging from studying the ozone layer to helping assemble the International Space Station.

The California native went on to serve in various roles at the Johnson Space Center before becoming its director in 2013.

NASA/Getty Images

/Courtesy of NASA Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa plays the flute in space shuttle Discovery in April 1993. (NASA) / Ochoa when she was director of the Johnson Space Center photographed March 2018, in Houston. (Karen Warren/Staff Photographer) Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa plays the flute in space shuttle Discovery in April 1993. (NASA) / Ochoa when she was director of the Johnson Space Center photographed March 2018, in Houston. (Karen Warren/Staff Photographer)

Reminiscing on her decades at NASA, Ochoa fondly remembers helping launch the International Space Station into orbit, including being on the first space shuttle flight to dock at the station, in May 1999.

But among her proudest achievements are the seven public schools from California to Texas that bear her name, including Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy at Ben Milam Elementary in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

To me, thats probably the highest honor I could think of, especially because of how important education was to me, she said.

Inspired by the likes of Frankie Chang-Diaz, the first Latino NASA astronaut, and Sally Ride, the first American woman to go into space, Ochoa has spent years advocating for science, technology, engineering and math education. She still gets invited to visit students, many at predominantly Latino schools across the country.

Michael Coats, who was on the board that selected Ochoa to be an astronaut in the early 1990s and preceded her as head of the Johnson Space Center, is proud to see her continue her outreach and advocacy.

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Im biased because I have three granddaughters, he said. I like to see good examples for them  and all the young people.

Perhaps few admire Ochoas accomplishments more than Coats, who flew on three space shuttle missions himself. He remembered how impressed he and the rest of the selection group were by Ochoas poise all those years ago, even as she was grilled during a round of interviews.

Everybody on the board thought the world of her, he said. She was a shoo-in.

Years later, Ochoa became Coats deputy while he was the JSC director, and he eventually recommended her to NASA leadership for the top job at the center.

Since Ochoa retired from NASA and the Johnson Space Center in 2018, life has been simultaneously busy yet relatively calm for the hall-of-fame astronaut.

Shes traded Houstons concrete landscape for Boises walkability and bike trails, yet she still advocates for STEM education and sits on various boards ranging from the Latino Corporate Directors Association to SRI International.

Ochoa said she and her husband have enjoyed living in Boise and often attend local concerts and sporting events. Most importantly  and in stark contrast to Houston  she lives near an airport, crucial for her frequent trips around the country to speaking engagements, board meetings and other events.

More from Jhair Romero: Harris County Commissioners Courts Latino majority already delivering in a new era of representation

We live 12 minutes away, Ochoa said with a chuckle. Its handy.

Different projects have kept her busy, such as Dr. Ochoas Stellar World: We Are All Scientists, the bilingual childrens book she wrote that was published in August.

An experienced flutist (Ochoa famously played the instrument onboard Discovery during her historic April 1993 mission), the former astronaut has also rekindled her love for music and has joined local playing groups.

Nothing will ever be quite like NASA, but (retirement) gives me opportunities to do a lot of different activities, Ochoa said.

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Three decades after Ochoa made history in space, shes glad to see a new age of diversity emerge from NASAs buzzy moon exploration program.

The space agency named a group of astronauts for its first crewed Artemis spaceflight last Monday that includes a woman and a Black man, historic firsts for moon travel.

ARTEMIS ASTRONAUTS: NASA named the four astronauts who will circle the moon. Heres what to know.

Just as she did in 1993, Ochoa hopes the astronauts will resonate with an increasingly diverse population and motivate students to go into STEM or aerospace careers.

People are taking inspiration from them already, she said. There are young people who will look at them and think, Gosh, if they can do that maybe thats something I can do, too.
Months after a teenager was allegedly sexually assaulted inside the Brazos County Jail, a lawsuit filed in Houston's federal court alleges that the jail's guards failed to check on the young man for hours while he was being abused by other prisoners.

The lawsuit filed March 29 in the Houston Division for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas argues Brazos County jailers didn't follow state standards for checking on prisoners, resulting in the teenager's brutal assault at the hands of three other prisoners.

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"Unfortunately, a lot of the time, these jailers do not protect people in the jails," said Dean Malone, the civil rights attorney representing the victim in the civil lawsuit. "In this situation, a sexual assault is involved and it's just another level of injury."

Three people  Devin Newton, 17, of Caldwell, Tavares Lyles, 17, of Bryan, and Fidel Sanchez, 18, of Bryan  were charged with aggravated sexual assault related to the jailhouse incident in October, according to the Brazos County Sheriff's Office. All three were still in custody at the jail, according to jail records.

In a news release at the time of the men's arrest, the Brazos County Sheriff's Office said the men were accused of assaulting another inmate and that the jail was conducting a review "to ensure every possible measure is being taken to prevent sexual assault and harassment."

According to the new lawsuit, a Texas Commission on Jail Standards inspection following the assault found the jail left the victim alone in an unmonitored room for five hours. The victim was sodomized and strangled, according to the lawsuit. The attackers were also accused of using the abuse to get the victim's jail phone and commissary account information to request money from his mother.

In its review of the attack, Brazos County found that the men were put together in a dayroom and were not checked on by guards for five hours, according to documents included in the lawsuit. Jail employees didn't respond even as the victim tried to use a buzzer or intercom to call for help, according to the lawsuit.

Malone said the "bare minimum" standard is for jails to check on prisoners once an hour. Malone said parts of the attack might have also been caught by security cameras, and he questioned why no guards saw what was happening at the time.

"It's beyond belief," he said. "It makes no sense."

The jail commission didn't immediately respond to a request for information Friday afternoon.

Among other things, the lawsuit accuses the county of failing to monitor prisoners, reprimand employees after the attack or provide the victim with medical treatment. It also accuses the county of violating the inmate's rights to due process under the Constitution. The lawsuit is seeking more information and documents from the county as well as a jury trial and civil damages.

Brazos County hasn't responded to the lawsuit, according to court records.
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SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo Manrique has been granted two more weeks to fight his extradition from the United States on corruption charges, halting extradition proceedings that had been set to start Friday.

Late Thursday, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ordered a 14-day stay on Toledos extradition to Peru. The stay allows the 77-year-old former leader time to ask a three-judge panel to reconsider its decision denying him a stay or petition the full court to review his appeal.

Toledo is accused of taking $20 million in bribes from Odebrecht, a giant Brazilian construction company that has admitted to U.S. authorities that it bribed officials to win contracts throughout Latin America for decades. Toledo is one of four of Perus ex-presidents implicated in the corruption scandal. He denies the charges.

The judge in the extradition case, Thomas Hixson, ordered Toledo to turn himself over to U.S. marshals Friday after a three-judge appeals court panel this week denied his appeal to stop his extradition. But Hixson reversed his order after Toledos last-ditch effort was granted.

Toledo showed up at the federal court accompanied by his wife, Eliane Karp, and an unidentified American friend. Video images captured outside the federal building by a reporter with Peruvian television station RPP showed Toledo walking down a ramp onto a sidewalk and carrying a plastic bag. His wife walked by his side as their friend tried to block the cellphone camera from recording the couple.

Why Toledo was at the court remained unclear, but Hixson reversed his order for Toledo to be taken into custody 30 minutes before the 9 a.m. deadline. Toledo lives in Menlo Park, California, about an hour drive from San Francisco. Mara Goldman, a federal public defender representing Toledo, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Toledo, who was Perus president from 2001 to 2006, was arrested in July 2019 at his home. He was initially held in solitary confinement at the Santa Rita Jail about 40 miles (60 kilometers) east of San Francisco but was released in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been under house arrest since then.

The Odebrecht corruption scandal has shaken Perus politics, with nearly every living former president now on trial or under investigation.

Former leader Alan Garcia, in office from 2006 to 2011, fatally shot himself in the head in 2019 as police arrived at his home to arrest him.

Former President Ollanta Humala is standing trial on charges that he and his wife received over $3 million from Odebrecht for his presidential campaigns in 2006 and 2011. Both have denied any wrongdoing.

Ex-leader Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who left office in 2018, is under house arrest for similar charges.
Washington Post photo by Matt McClain

This past February marked the heart-wrenching fifth anniversary of the loss of our beloved daughter, Alyssa Alhadeff, along with sixteen of her fellow classmates and staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. As parents, we will never forget the sense of grief and devastation that followed, and the pain of our loss only grows in the wake of the tragedies in Uvalde and Nashville.



Our daughter was a vibrant, loving young woman, the kind of girl every parent wants their child to be friends with and whom we were exceptionally proud of. Her memory is still with us five years later, stronger than ever. Alyssa drives us forward, and we honor her through our advocacy with Make Our Schools Safe, an organization we founded to help find solutions that will protect schools and all those inside.

Ryan Collerd

Through our work, we have come to understand how fraught the debate over school security has become, with few solutions that all parties can agree on. In this era of political division and strife, solutions that we can all agree upon are few and far between, and we must seize them when they present themselves.



There is now an opportunity for Texas lawmakers to make progress on this critical issue by enacting Alyssas Law, which requires schools to install silent panic alarms that can quickly alert law enforcement and emergency responders in the event of an emergency. This common-sense legislation, a version of which has already passed in Florida, is named in honor of our daughter and the legacy of all victims of school shootings.
Regarding Trumps arrest is no political sham. Its just deserts. (Opinion), (April 6): Whenever a situation such as Trumps indictment comes up, I try to view it from the perspective of, If it were someone else, would this play out the same? If this were President Barack Obama, would this district attorney have brought these charges? I think we can all agree that the answer to that question is: No. So, with that in mind, yes, I think this is purely politically motivated. Politics is sometimes an ugly game  on both sides  but weaponizing the government or the justice system to push your political agenda is the lowest of the low.

Bob Fowler, Point Blank

Regarding Trumps Stormy indictment leaves parents to answer, Daddy whats a porn star?  (Editorial), (March 30): This editorial described the hand-wringing and agonizing difficulty of finding a way to explain to children the terrible acts former President Trump is alleged to have committed. It is awkward to appear defensive of Trump, whose personality I dislike, but my issue is more with the news treatment (and justice treatment) of those who espouse the opposite political ideology.

To immediately assist Chronicle editorial board members dealing with their current dilemma, I suggest referring back to the approaches of Chronicle editorial board members of a few decades ago. Seek out how they explained to their children the very credible Juanita Broaddricks Bill Clinton rape allegation, Paula Jones and Kathleen Willeys allegations of Clintons sexual harassment and, more delicate  what were Monica Lewinsky and the president doing with that cigar? Well deal with variances in selective judicial prosecution at a later time.

C.E. Sylvester, Houston

Regarding Trump arrest on 34 felonies leaves former president dazed and accused (Editorial), (April 4): It is amazing that we see what we are looking for. This editorial, which read as left-leaning, described Donald Trumps look during his arraignment as almost dazed. As a right-leaning conservative, I saw steely determination. It is quite difficult to be truly objective when we each have our built-in biases.

Johnnie Rutledge, Brenham

Regarding Texas voters often shrug off criminal allegations. Will they mind Trumps 34 felony charges? (April 4): It is reported that Texas Republicans are unfazed by their politicians being indicted for felonies because its just so hyperpartisan. Ignoring the ex-presidents lawlessness and magical thinking that finally resulted in his followers' insurrection against the U.S. government, according to this piece, there is a growing anti-institutional attitude in the Republican Party. Why sugarcoat it? The name of this is anarchy. This is the only way some scoff-law Republicans, fully armed at church, schools and voting sites, fully detached from the facts and truth here on Earth One, can win a national election. Its coming down to a civil war at the ballot box.

Democrats have to show their love of our country by stamping out these grapes of wrath with their votes.

Britt D. Davis, Katy

Guns

Regarding On scene of rappers murder in River Oaks, we saw depravity and grace (Editorial), (April 3): Your editorial describes the horror of coming upon a murder scene in which a young man had been gunned down in broad daylight on an otherwise peaceful street. Truly this must have been traumatic, and rightfully so. But then you write, The guns are certainly to blame.

What a ridiculous statement. A gun is an inanimate object, incapable of choosing between right and wrong. The blame rests squarely on the person using the gun for evil. If a person drinks to the point of being impaired then gets behind the wheel of a car, drives the wrong way on a street or freeway and crashes head-on into another vehicle, killing an innocent motorist  as happened just the other day in Houston  do we say the car is to blame? Of course not. The blame belongs to the impaired driver of the offending vehicle. The same is true for a murder committed anywhere in our community. It is the person committing the murder that is to blame, not the tool or device the person used.

We need to stop blaming the device used to take a life and recognize the real culprit is the individual that has so little regard for the value of a human life that he or she will use that device to take the life of another. Regardless of what is used  a gun, a car or any other device  the blame belongs to the person who has the ability to choose between right and wrong.

John Simpson, Magnolia

Regarding Most Texans are for commonsense gun reform. Why do we keep voting otherwise? (Opinion), (April 4): Julie Marinucci, we need those guns to protect us from tyranny. Thats why the Founding Fathers, acting through the states, put the Second Amendment in there. Back then, hunting, predator control, self-defense and marksmanship were all important, but the real reason for it was to protect us from tyranny.

Gene McFaddin, Houston
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Slow Down for Frogs and Salamanders

MONTPELIER, Vt.  Vermont Fish and Wildlife is asking drivers to slow down and be cautious when travelling at night in early spring or to take alternate routes to avoid driving roads near ponds and wetlands that salamanders and frogs cross during their breeding season.

"One of the benefits of checking out amphibian road crossings," says Fish and Wildlife herpetologist Luke Groff, "is that you can see many individuals and species in a short period and small area, and some species may not be seen the rest of the year. The spotted and blue-spotted salamanders, for example, belong to a group called the "mole salamanders, because after breeding, they retreat underground or under logs or stumps, and are rarely seen until the next spring."

Road crossings are also a great way to see rare or otherwise hard-to-find species, which biologists rely on for data collection. For example, the four-toed salamander is rare in Vermont, and its distribution is not well understood. This information is used by Fish and Wildlife, the Agency of Transportation and other conservation partners to assess the need for wildlife passages and barriers in road construction plans that allow all wildlife, not just frogs and salamanders, to more safely cross roadways.

Groff is encouraging Vermonters to explore their nearby roads and report amphibian road crossings to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas ( https://www.vtherpatlas.org/sighting-submission-form ). If you can safely take photos of the amphibian species crossing, please include them.

Vermonters who wish to contribute to the Fish and Wildlife Department's work to conserve frog and salamander populations can donate to the Nongame Wildlife Fund on their state income tax form or on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website.
Governor Signs $389 Million Supplemental Budget

BOSTON  Governor Maura T. Healey signed a $388.7 million supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2023 that provides resources to the state's family shelter system to meet surging demand, ensures that Massachusetts can continue to offer all children free school meals through the end of the academic year.

The budget also allocates $68 million to continue Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grants to stabilize the state's child care providers through the end of the fiscal year, and $130 million?to create an offramp?from?the?federal?extra?Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?(SNAP),?a benefit that the federal government began providing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the direct spending, the bill signed by the Governor authorizes more than $740 million in borrowing to prevent interruptions to core state capital programs that support housing and economic development across the Commonwealth, and to remain competitive in the pursuit of federal grants.?This includes $400 million for MassWorks, $104 million for the Clean Water Trust and $125 million for matching grants to be competitive for federal dollars available through the CHIPS and Science Act.

"I'm proud that the first major bill signed into law by our administration dedicates crucial resources to help Massachusetts families access safe and secure housing, keep food on the table, and pay for child care. Additionally, this bill supports our health care workforce, crucial housing and economic development programs like MassWorks, and our efforts to compete for federal funding," said Governor Healey. "We're grateful to Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, the Legislature and advocates for their swift work and partnership to meet these urgent needs."

The supplemental budget passed by the Legislature and signed today combines many of the priorities Governor Healey outlined in three separate bills filed over her first few months in office.

"This supplemental budget injects urgently needed funds into programs that support Massachusetts families and drive housing and economic development across our state. It also takes important steps to educate the public on their options around reproductive health care, extends accessibility and flexibility for public meetings, protects access to clean water and bolsters broadband infrastructure," said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. "We're proud to have strong partners in this work and look forward to our continued efforts to move Massachusetts forward."

With the shelter system?currently?at capacity,?this timely appropriation will inject $85 million into the state's Emergency Assistance Family Shelters to meet the demand of a growing number of families, immigrants and refugees facing homelessness. This?includes investments?in housing infrastructure?and?the shelter provider workforce?that helps to stabilize and rehouse families.?At least?$21.9 million will also be available to support schools through the end of the 2023-2024 school year to support communities?experiencing a large influx of families?with school-aged children?due to state shelter placements.

The $130 million for SNAP will bridge the abrupt end of the enhanced federal COVID benefit for?more than 630,000 Massachusetts?families by providing?a supplemental SNAP allotment to recipients equal to 40 percent of the previous federal benefit for three months.?Another $2 million would be dedicated to reimbursing?certain?victims of SNAP benefit theft, also known as "skimming."?

Additional investments include:

$15.7 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition

$1.25 million for family and reproductive health services, including a $1 million public awareness campaign focused on the dangers of crisis pregnancy centers and pregnancy resource centers

$2 million to support the 114th National NAACP Conference in Boston

The bill signed into law also addresses many of the most immediate capital needs identified by the Healey-Driscoll administration in January, including the MassWorks program, which?is the?largest and most flexible?source of capital funds?to municipalities for public infrastructure projects that support and accelerate housing production, spur community development and create jobs throughout the Commonwealth.

It authorizes funding for the Clean Water Trust?to?finance communities'?efforts to?improve water infrastructure and improve local water quality;?$34 million to help revitalize underutilized properties; and $9.3 million for broadband infrastructure, particularly in central and western Massachusetts communities.?

The matching grant funding in the budget, including $200 million for the CHIPS and Science Act and $30 million to?allow the Commonwealth to?compete for community broadband dollars funded at the federal level through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will ensure that Massachusetts can compete for every dollar available at the federal level.

"I am grateful to our partners in the Legislature, and my colleagues in the Cabinet, for working together expeditiously to get this critical budget to Governor Healey for her signature in a timely fashion," Secretary for Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz said. "This funding will not only ensure that our shelters and other food security safety net programs can meet the demand of vulnerable residents, but also puts Massachusetts in a strong position to compete for federal dollars that will benefit communities across the Commonwealth."

With the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency on the horizon in May, this new law will extend three Public Health Orders issued in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic to temporarily extend staffing flexibilities for advanced life support ambulances and freestanding dialysis providers, and continue flexibilities for the administration of prescription medications to clients of state agencies who reside in community settings.

It also extends for two years through March 31, 2025 allowances for public bodies, including Town Meetings, to meet remotely and for one year the expedited permitting of outdoor dining and the sale of beer, wine and cocktails to go.
State Police are investigating a motor vehicle crash that occurred early Saturday morning.

Driver in Clarksburg Crash Charged With Manslaughter in Toddler Son's Death

The utility pole was split at the bottom.

Update 3 p.m.: Darrel A. Galorenzo has been charged with manslaughter; reckless endangerment; negligent operating of a motor vehicle, operating to endanger; and operating under the influence. He is being held on $100,000 bail.

CLARKSBURG, Mass.  State Police say Saturday morning's motor vehicle accident on Middle Road resulted in the death of a toddler.

Authorities say the preliminary investigation suggests the 2-year-old boy died after his father, while fleeing the scene of a motor vehicle crash on foot, lost the child in Hudson Brook.

A trooper from the Cheshire barracks and Clarksburg firefighters who responded to the crash located and pulled the child from the brook. The child was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

According to scanner reports, the rollover occurred shortly before 2 a.m. just south of the Middle Road bridge and that a child had been found in Hudson Brook.

Police say the child's father, Darrel A. Galorenzo, 35, of Readsboro, Vt., was determined to have been operating under the influence and was taken into custody by State Police. Further charges related to the death of the child are expected and will be determined upon completion of the ongoing investigation.

Galorenzo was apparently southbound in a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek when the vehicle crashed into a mailbox and then into a utility pole at about 1:58 a.m. Middle Road was closed or partially closed for hours and the scene wasn't cleared until after 10 a.m.

Within minutes, a trooper and Northern Berkshire EMS were on scene and immediately learned that a young child who had been in the vehicle was unaccounted for, according to a press release by the State Police.

Galorenzo was reportedly present in the area of the brook as well.

Troopers and firefighters immediately began searching Hudson Brook for the child, and located him in the water shortly before 2:20 a.m. close to 150 Middle Road. Emergency medical technicians began first-aid on scene for drowning injuries and the child was taken Berkshire Medical Center's satellite emergency facility in North Adams, where he was pronounced dead.

Troopers at the scene say Galorenzo's actions were consistent with his being intoxicated and he was taken to BMC North for evaluation under police guard. After he was examined and discharged, a trooper transported him to the barracks, where he remains in custody.

In addition to the OUI and negligent operation of a motor vehicle charges, additional charges related to the toddler's death are anticipated.

The facts and circumstances of the incident remain under investigation by Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and State Police, including the county Detective Unit, the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, and the Crime Scene Services Section.

The District Attorney's Office will issue an updated release upon completion of the investigation.
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At least 71 Chinese planes and nine ships crossed the Taiwan Straits median line on Saturday morning, according to the countrys defence ministry.

This move has come just days after the Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen met with the speaker of the US House of Representatives in Los Angeles.

China in return issued a warning to the island it claims as its own territory. This is a serious warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces collusion and provocation, and it is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Chinese armys Eastern Theater Command said in a statement.

Taiwans defence ministry said it spotted 71 Chinese planes and nine ships crossing the median line  that serves as an unofficial barrier between the two sides  as of 1600 local time (0800 GMT) on Saturday.

China was using Ms Tsais US visit as an excuse to carry out military exercises, which has seriously damaged regional peace, stability and security, the ministry said in a statement.

The military will respond with a calm, rational and serious attitude ... to defend national sovereignty and national security.

Taiwans defence ministry also said it condemned irrational actions and added it will defend national security with solid combat readiness.

Taiwans president Tsai Ing-wen talking to Michael McCaul (AFP)

People of Taiwan love democracy and seek peace, Ms Tsai said about her meeting with House speaker Kevin McCarthy.

We look forward to further strengthening security cooperation with the US.

I would like to reiterate that the people of Taiwan love democracy and seek peace, Ms Tsai said, without mentioning the Chinese drills in her statement.

A delegation led by Michael McCaul, the chairman of the US House foreign affairs committee, was also hosted by Taiwan on Saturday. Mr McCaul said he looked forward to the strengthening of Taiwans security cooperation with the US.

Other than the drills, China has also imposed a fresh tranche of sanctions against the US in retaliation to Mr McCarthys meeting with the Taiwanese president.

Tsai in Taipei on Friday (Getty Images)

The sanctions announced on Friday apply to Taiwans de facto ambassador to the US, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and the Hudson Institute, a Washington think tank which hosted Ms Tsai in New York and presented her with a leadership award.

The Chinese foreign ministry said the two organisations were sanctioned for providing a platform and convenience to Taiwan separatist activities.

It said Chinese institutions were prohibited from having any cooperation or contact with them.

The ministry also sanctioned Sarah May Stern, chair of the Hudson Institute board of directors, John P Walters, the institutes director, John Heubusch, former executive director of the Reagan Foundation, and Joanne M Drake, the foundations chief administrator.

China has banned these officials from entering the country and frozen any of their properties in the country.

A separate round of sanctions targeted Taiwans de facto ambassador to the US. Beijing has prohibited Hsiao Bi-khim and her family members from entering the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau.
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North Korea has tested a new version of an underwater nuclear-capable attack drone.

The drone test is the latest in a flurry of other weapon tests carried out by the North in the wake of US-led drills being carried out in the Korean peninsula.

The tests of the underwater drone were carried out in the span of four days, between 4 and 7 April, the state-run Korean Central News Agency said on Saturday.

The tests were carried out just a little more than a week after the Kim Jong-un regime tested the first version of the drone, called Haeil  a Korean word meaning tidal waves or tsunamis.

North Korea claims Haeil-1, tested at the end of March, can set off a super-scale radioactive tsunami that is designed to destroy ports and decimate naval fleets.

Haeil-1 had cruised for about 59 hours, according to KCNA, and was detonated under a mock enemy port off Hongwon Bay between the east coast cities of Hamhung and Sinpho.

In contrast, tests for Haeil-2 this month had the drone stay underwater for 71 hours and six minutes and cruise for 1,000km.

Reports of North Koreas Haeil-2 test came just a day after a meeting between Japanese nuclear envoy Takehiro Funakoshi, chief South Korean nuclear negotiator, Kim Gunn, and Sung Kim, the US special representative to North Korea (AP)

Haeil-2 also successfully detonated a mock warhead in waters near the eastern port city of Tanchon on Friday, said KCNA.

The test perfectly proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its fatal attack ability, KCNA said.

The state-run news agency released photographs of the drone, which looks like a large, dark-coloured torpedo-shaped object.

Also released were tracks of the objects underwater trajectory and a blast visible on the sea surface.

Analysts, however, were sceptical about the drone after Haeil-1 was tested in March.

Ankit Panda, a nuclear weapons specialist at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, had raised questions over the Norths claims after the first test.

This uncrewed underwater vehicle will be vulnerable to anti-submarine warfare capabilities if it were to deploy beyond North Koreas coastal waters. It will also be susceptible to preemptive strikes when in port, he had said.

The KCNA report announcing the four-day test came just a day after Joe Bidens special representative for North Korea met with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts in Seoul.

They issued a joint statement for stronger international support to counter North Korea.

The North had on Thursday warned the West of offensive action over the expansion of US military exercises with South Korea. A day before the warning, the US flew nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to the Korean Peninsula for joint aerial exercises with South Korean warplanes.

In 2023 alone, North Korea fired around 30 missiles in 11 different launch events. These included an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the US mainland and shorter range, nuclear-capable weapons designed to hit targets on its neighbour.
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Amy Schumers interview about why she turned down the role of Barbie, after being sent a pair of shoes, has resurfaced, following the release of the films new trailer.

The comedian addressed why she opted not to star in Sonys live-action movie during a March 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Her comments also came five years after she announced that she was pulling out of the film due to scheduling conflicts.

Speaking to THR, she pointed out some of the specific reasons why she dropped out of the gig. They definitely didnt want to do it the way I wanted to do it, the only way I was interested in doing it, Schumer said.

Schumer told that publication that her initial plan for the film was for her Barbie character to be an inventor. She noted that the studio then asked her if Barbie could be the inventor of high-heels made out of Jello.

From there, Schumer said that it was even clearer their ideas didnt match, as the studio sent her a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes to celebrate the announcement of her casting.

The idea that thats just what every woman must want, right there, I should have gone, Youve got the wrong gal, the Trainwreck star explained.

As noted on the brands website, Manolo Blahnik sells a range of shoes, from heels to boots to pumps. However, they can all be a bit pricy, included a pair of heels that cost $1,195.

Back in 2017, she first issued a statement about how she was no longer able to commit to Barbie due to her schedule. The film has so much promise, and Sony and Mattel have been great partners. Im bummed, but look forward to seeing Barbie on the big screen, she said.

A spokesperson for Sony also issued a statement about Schumers choice, explaining: We respect and support Amys decision. We look forward to bringing Barbie to the world and sharing updates on casting and film-makers soon.

Ryan Gosling as Ken and Margot Robbie as Barbie in Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig (Copyright: 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

In 2019, it was announced that Margot Robbie would be replacing Schumer, with the I, Tonya actor producing and starring in the live-action movie.

Schumers interview with THR about Barbie also resurfaced one day after a new trailer for the Greta Gerwig film was released. The plot follows Barbie, who gets expelled from Barbie Land for being a less-than-perfect doll. She sets off for the human world to find true happiness.

Viewers went on to praise the trailer, with many noting that some of the plot was still being kept largely under wraps, and predicting that a major twist in the story is on the cards.

The film also announced the cast, which surprised some fans. More specifically, some of the cast updates that fans were not expecting included Dua Lipa, Nicola Coughlan, and Michael Cera.
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Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox have sparked rumours that they are remaining in a relationship after being spotted on holiday in Hawaii together.

Photographs of the couple obtained by The Daily Mail show Fox and Kelly holding hands on a beach in Hawaii. The publication reports that the pair were on a romantic getaway together.

It comes after months of rumours suggested the couple had split after the Transformers actor had removed her engagement ring.

The Jennifers Body star, who had been engaged to Bloody Valentine musician Kelly since January 2022, sparked break-up rumours after sharing a set of mirror selfies taken by her stylist alongside a video of letters being burnt in a pot on 12 February.

In the Instagram caption, Fox, 36, quoted lyrics from Beyonces 2016 song Pray You Catch Me and wrote: You can taste the dishonesty/Its all over your breath.

Fox also removed photographs of Kelly, 32, from her Instagram account before deactivating it.

Since then, fans have accused Kelly of being unfaithful toward Fox, with Kellys guitarist Sophie Lloyd being embroiled in the rumours.

A week later, the actor returned to Instagram amid speculation that their relationship might be over.

There has been no third party interference in this relationship of any kind. That includes, but is not limited to...actual humans, DMs, AI bots or succubus demons, Fox wrote at the time, dispelling rumours that Kelly had cheated on her.

Megan Fox, Machine Gun Kelly and Sophie Lloyd (Getty Images)

Later that month, Fox and Kelly were reportedly spotted leaving a couples counselling office in California.

Photographs of the couple, obtained by The Daily Mail, showed Fox and Kelly walking out of a building together but not holding hands.

According to People, the couple had a fight over the Super Bowl weekend in February that led to Fox removing her engagement ring.

A source has now reportedly told The Daily Mail that the pair are officially back on after going through a rocky patch in their relationship.

The last few months has been tough for them both but they went away together to do some healing and its been working. They feel more connected than ever.

The statement continued: Megan is extremely spiritual and believes that Colson is her soulmate. She was never going to give up on them, but felt as though they needed to spend some quality time together.

The Independent has contacted representatives of both Fox and Kelly for comment.
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When Gadiel Galvez learned that the owner of his mobile home park south of Seattle was looking to sell, he and other residents worried their largely Latino community would be bulldozed to make way for another Amazon warehouse.

So, they decided to form a cooperative and buy their park in Lakewood, Washington. With help from a nonprofit that advises communities like theirs and helps them secure loans, they bought it for $5.25 million. Since becoming owners in September, everyones worked to make improvements.

Everybody thought, You know what? ... Im going to make this place the best that I can, said Galvez, 22, who is a co-op board member. Some people painted their homes, some people remodeled their interiors and exteriors, and some are working on their roofs.

With rents rising at mobile home parks nationwide, advocates tout the cooperative model as a way to preserve one of the last affordable housing options for people with low- or fixed-incomes and to give them a greater voice in managing their parks.

So far these resident-owned communities are proving to be a reliable option. None of the more than 300 in the network of nonprofit ROC USA have defaulted or closed. One decided to sell back to the county housing authority it originally purchased from.

They have a 100% track record of success, which tells you that its working for the residents, said George McCarthy, president and CEO of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, a Cambridge, Massachusetts, think tank. Resident ownership is an absolute bulwark against the intrusion of institutional capital in the market.

The push to promote resident ownership comes as parks have become a favorite target of investment banks, hedge funds and other deep-pocketed investors.

Nearly a third of mobile home parks in the U.S. have been bought by such investors since 2015, lured by reliable cash flow and high returns from raising rents at nearly double the general rental market rate, McCarthy said.

Theyre trading on the desperation of people living in the parks, he said. Theres no place that they can take their homes if they cant afford to keep paying the increasing rents.

Park residents often own their home but rarely the land beneath it. So if a landlord raises rent, residents can be evicted or forced to sell their home. If a park is sold to be redeveloped, mobile homes that cant be moved are demolished.

Homelessness is really what residents are facing" if investors aggressively raise rents, said Victoria OBanion, ROC Northwests marketing and acquisitions specialist.

At Rimrock Court in the central Oregon town of Madras, rent increased from $350 to $495 over five years. When the owner notified residents he planned to sell, they feared further increases  or worse, that it would be torn down to make way for apartments. So they decided to buy it.

We were really worried about being forced out of our homes, said Shawn King, who lives there with her husband on a fixed income and had experienced homelessness before.

To pay off the purchase loan, residents now pay $520 a month  a stretch, but one that comes with reassurance, King said.

Just to have that peace of mind, to know that our rent is going to be locked in for awhile and not keep going up, and also knowing that our rent monies ... are going back into the property, that is the cool part, she said.

The required rent increase to go co-op was even steeper in Evergreen Village Cooperative in Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania,  from $460 a month to $750 to pay off the $12 million loan.

Still, more than two-thirds of residents voted in favor, figuring their rent would stabilize in the long run.

We are not for profit. All the money that we get has to go back into the village and pay the mortgages off," said Stephen Laclair, board president.

Evergreen Village has earmarked funds for improvement projects for the next decade, and this year plans to enhance the sewer plant and fix electrical issues, he said.

Co-ops can also provide social support to residents. At Liberty Landing Cooperative in Missouri, residents started a food pantry to help neighbors in need.

If there's a hardship, we're willing to work with somebody. ... It's emotional when you find out that somebody's lost their job, their child support ... and they don't know what to do, said Kristi Peterman, the board vice president. Our president likes to say: If it doesnt work for the poorest of us then its not going to work for anybody.'"

Despite the talk of better management and stronger community, most parks aren't co-ops.

The countrys roughly 43,000 mobile home communities are home to 22 million people, according to the Manufactured Housing Institute, a national trade organization. But only about 1,000 are resident-owned, according to Carolyn Carter, deputy director at the National Consumer Law Center.

Some resistance comes from residents, many of whom are seniors and people with disabilities who may not want the responsibility of managing their park. Others argue rent control or stricter zoning regulations protecting mobile home parks from redevelopment are more effective.

Zoning is critical. ... That is what we ought to be fighting for everywhere, said Jan Leonard, who lives in a park in Walla Walla, Washington, and worked with other residents to successfully push the city council to amend zoning codes to add mobile home parks as a land-use type.

Other residents considering buying their parks are running up against the same forces that make them popular with investors  a red-hot market and competition from private equity firms and other prospective buyers.

Sarah Marchant, vice president of Community Loan Fund, ROC USAs New Hampshire affiliate, recalled Tara Estates, a 380-home park in Rochester. The steep $45 million asking price discouraged residents from organizing.

Another challenge is that few states provide funding for residents looking to buy their parks. The lack of grants can make it difficult for residents to finance large loans.

New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Colorado and Oregon are among states with laws that have been effective in helping residents buy their parks, the National Consumer Law Center said.

A new bill in Oregon would allocate $35 million in grants to help residents purchase their parks. Washington passed a bill last month requiring that landlords offer tenants a chance to compete to purchase their park. It also requires two years' notice if a park will be closed, although that can be reduced if landlords financially compensate residents.

Mobile homes are an important and affordable housing option for a lot of folks, especially older people aging in place, and we need to make sure its preserved," said state Sen. Noel Frame, the Washington bill's prime sponsor.

Some real estate groups and park owners argue the bill places an undue burden on landlords.

If you want tenants to organize and make offers to purchase their communities ... they should not wait until there's a clock ticking, said Robert Cochran, property manager of Contempo Mobile Home Park in Spokane.

Housing advocates say they hope that $225 million in recently approved federal funding may provide some relief for mobile home park residents. Starting this year, the money will be funneled through grants to states, resident-owned parks, nonprofits, and local and tribal governments to preserve mobile home communities and improve infrastructure.

King cherishes the mobile home that going cooperative at Oregons Rimrock Court saved from rent increases and a potential buyout by investors.

Its so hard to find affordable housing when youre low income. To be able to own your own home is so empowering, she said.

Its 600-square-feet. Its not much, but its a castle to me.

___

AP writer Michael Casey in Boston contributed.
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Pupils could face yet more strike disruption this summer after a fourth teaching union rejected a government pay deal.

Teachers in England belonging to the NASUWT union will be re-balloted after 87 per cent of members turned down a one-off 1,000 payment and 4.5 per cent rise next year.

The union said the offer did not come close to addressing its concerns about salary and conditions.

Ministers have said more generous pay offers are not affordable and that further strikes would result in more disruption for children.

Schoolchildren in England and Northern Ireland already face walkouts next term following votes by several different unions.

Members of the National Education Union in England will take industrial action on Thursday 27 April and Tuesday 2 May. Five teaching unions in Northern Ireland, meanwhile, will walk out on Wednesday 26 April.

NASUWT did not reveal the turnout of the consultative ballot but said 77 per cent of members indicated they would be willing to vote for strike action.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) also rejected the governments pay offer.

Dr Patrick Roach, the NASUWT general secretary, speaking at the unions annual conference in Glasgow yesterday urged education secretary Gillian Keegan to get back around the table with unions.

The National Education Union has also rejected pay offer (REUTERS)

He said: Today the NASUWT is putting the secretary of state for education on notice of our intention to ballot our members for industrial action.

The governments pay offer failed to come close to addressing the concerns over pay and working conditions of teachers and this has rightly been rejected by our members.

Gillian Keegan has said that she is willing to negotiate and to listen to the profession. She must now demonstrate that she means what she says by getting back around the negotiating table to find a resolution to our dispute.

The onus is now on the government to come forward with a fully-funded pay offer that will be acceptable to the profession.

Union chiefs have condemned the pay offer further after the UK government said the bulk of the 4.5 per cent increase should come from existing school budgets.

Parents walk their children to school (PA Archive)

The Department for Education said the 1,000 one-off payment offered to teachers would be funded by additional money from government.

Schools will receive an additional 2 billion in 2023 to 2024, and in 2024 to 2025, the department added.

Many schools in England were forced to partially or fully close during strikes staged by the NEU in February and March as a result of a dispute over pay.

Educators - like many other public sector workers - have chosen to strike to address what they described as effective pay cuts over the years while dealing with ever-increasing workloads.
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A teenager arrested on suspicion of the murder of a 14-year-old girl who died in a London flat fire has been released on bail.

The girl, named locally as Tiffany Regis, died in the fire on Thursday at a block of flats in Beckton.

The Metropolitan Police said the 16-year-old boy has been bailed pending further inquiries until early May.

Police were called at about 5.28pm on Thursday to the fire in Tollgate Road, which detectives are treating as arson.

Five other people injured in the fire have since been discharged from hospital.

Tributes have been flooding in for the 14-year-old, with a card next to flowers left at the flat saying: Tiffany we love you.

A message inside added: We are praying and thinking of you at this difficult time. We are always here for you no matter what.

A girl, named locally as Tiffany Regis, died in the fire on Thursday at a block of flats in Beckton (PA Wire)

A man who said he was a family friend described the teenager as an angel.

The man who gave his name only as Godfrey, 30, said: Ive even got videos of her from when she young.

She spent some time with my little nephews. Those memories with her I will never forget.

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, who leads the Metropolitan Polices north east command unit, said: My thoughts at this time are with the victim and their family and friends.

Incidents such as these send shockwaves through our communities, and I dont underestimate the impact this will have in the local area and beyond.

Your officers will be on patrol in the immediate vicinity over the Easter weekend, please talk to them if you have any concerns.

London Fire Brigades Borough Commander for Newham, Richard Arnold, said: We would like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of the teenage girl who died at the scene of the fire yesterday evening.

This was a very tragic incident and our crews who attended the scene are receiving support from our counselling and trauma service.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 5315/6APR.
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A murder investigation has been launched after a body was found in the search for 26-year-old man who went missing two weeks ago.

Keano Byrne was first reported missing on 27 March and was last seen walking with another man in Stockport.

Greater Manchester Police has been searching in and around Reddish Vale Country Park since Mr Byrne went missing.

The force has now confirmed a body was found in water at the park at around 12.10pm on Friday.

Two men were previously arrested as part of the inquiry but both have since been released under investigation.

Police said formal identification is yet to take place but they have launched a murder inquiry.

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson, of GMPs Major Incident Team, said: Clearly this is an upsetting time for Keanos family and they are being kept informed of the ongoing investigation as well as being supported by specialist officers.

Specialist teams from GMP have been searching for Keano and trying to establish what happened to him since he was reported missing.

It is early stages of the investigation but we are determined to find out what happened to Keano so his family can have the answers they deserve.

Formal identification has yet to take place but officers are treating his disappearance as a murder inquiry following information revealed during the investigation into his disappearance.

We are asking for anyone who was in the Reddish Vale area in the early hours of Sunday 26 March between 3:30am and 6:30am, or who may have seen Keano after the time he went missing, to please contact police.

No matter how small the information may seem, it may help us to piece together what has happened.

Officers have asked for anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage, images, or anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour to contact them by calling 0161 856 6377.
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A 12-year-old boy has appeared in court accused of murdering a 60-year-old pillar of her community who was hit by a car in Sheffield.

Marcia Grant was fatally injured on Wednesday evening in the Greenhill area.

The boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, appeared at Sheffield Youth Court on Saturday charged with murdering the grandmother and possessing a bladed article.

He stood in the glass-fronted dock flanked by two security officers during the 30-minute hearing, speaking to confirm his identity and smiling occasionally.

The youngster, who was wearing a dark blue jumper over an open-necked light blue shirt and blue trousers, was ordered to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday.

He was remanded into secure accommodation after the court appearance.

Ms Grants family paid tribute to the 60-year-old on Friday, saying she was a pillar of her community.

The statement said: Marcia was a warm, loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and a pillar of her community.

Her loss has already sent shockwaves through all who knew her or was lucky enough to be included in her orbit.

We ask for privacy at this time while further investigations are under way and the family try to come to terms with this enormous loss.

Reporting by Press Association
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Half of Britons fear the UK is not doing enough to aid Afghan veterans who helped our forces, as figures show around five in six applicants are rejected from the military scheme established to give sanctuary to those in danger from the Taliban.

It comes after The Independent revealed the plight of an Afghan pilot who has been threatened with deportation to Rwanda despite working alongside RAF airmen  a move senior military figures condemned as indefensible, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also calling for action.

Just 23 per cent voters think the government is giving enough support to desperate Afghans trying to escape their home country after working with Britain, while 47 per cent want more to be done.

The pilot said it had been impossible to make his way to Britain via a safe route (The Independent )

Data shows the Afghan relocation and assistance policy scheme (Arap) has rejected 18,946 Afghans, while just 3,399 have been found eligible. Charities and MPs say the criteria  that applicants must have worked directly for the UK government  is too narrow and hundreds of people who worked alongside British forces are being left behind.

Sarah Fenby, of NGO Global Witness, said she was in contact with several hundred Afghans who served alongside the British forces and not had one person get eligibility since April 2021.

They include members of the Afghan Territorial Force 444, known as the 444s, a unit created, trained and funded by the British Army but employed by the Afghan Ministry of Interior.

A number have been told they are not eligible because they werent directly employed by the British. These are people who were central to fulfilling the UKs mission in Afghanistan.

They did counterintelligence, counter-narcotics, were armed and side-by-side with our guys. They see themselves as special forces and their work with the British now leaves them massively exposed.

The Independent has launched a petition calling for the UK to support Afghan war heroes who served alongside Britain

Dan Jarvis MP, a Labour MP and former soldier who served in Afghanistan, said: Its reprehensible that brave men who served alongside us are paying the price for the governments failing Arap policy.

The government has had over 18 months to grip this, but as Arap numbers dwindle, small boat crossings rise. Its just not good enough to tell people to use the safe and legal routes when they arent fit for purpose.

What safe and legal way was there after the fall of Afghanistan? the veteran said (The Independent)

The Arap scheme has also been plagued by delays, with more than 1,000 people eligible still stuck in hotels in Pakistan waiting for months on end for relocation to the UK.

Ms Fenby added: These guys are desperate, they are terrified, because they were on the frontline. Ive got one guy who went to Pakistan and was living in a park in Islamabad. He was deported to Afghanistan and Ive not been able to get hold of him since.

Dr Sara De Jong, senior lecturer at the University of York and co-founder of charity The Sulha Alliance, said: The interpreters who I am in contact with report significant mental distress.

She added: The 1,000 Arap eligibles, including 500 children left in limbo in Pakistan risk falling victim to an out of sight, out of mind policy. Yet others are still in Afghanistan and have been waiting for over a year for an Arap decision.

More than 1,000 Afghans eligible for the UK are stuck in hotels in Pakistan (The Independent )

Ravishaan Rahel Muthiah, from the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said: The Arap scheme is just another ploy by this government to act as though they are doing something while betraying those who risked their lives to support British interests. The stats speak for themselves.

Senior military figures, diplomats and politicians have lined up to demand that the government steps in to help the airman.

Tory MP Tobias Ellwood said the case illustrated the gaping hole in the current system. Calling on the government to investigate further, he added: This is clearly not who we are as a nation, and is not how our migration system should operate.

Admiral Lord West, chief of Naval staff from 2002 to 2006, told the Independent: I understand all the issues about trying to stop boats coming across the Channel and people drowning. But I think occasionally one has to show some flexibility. And I would have thought this was a classic case where we should.

And Lord Alf Dubs  a child refugee who fled the Nazis before the Second World War  said the idea of deporting the pilot was absolutely shocking.

If he risked his life for us, how can we possibly not consider giving him safety? the Labour peer asked. The government must think again.

Chris Hopkins, from Savanta, said the results of the poll for The Independent presented a challenge for the government.

He said: Tougher lines from government regarding small boats will inevitably lead to cases such as this one where government policy seems misguided and at odds with public sympathies.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak told MPs last month that the Home Office will look into the pilots case but there has been no update since then.

The Home Office has refused to say whether it would consider removing the pilots deportation threat while it considers his asylum claim  and insists it cannot comment on the plight of an individual.

An MoD spokesperson said: We owe a debt of gratitude to those interpreters and other staff eligible under the Arap scheme who worked directly for, or with, UK forces in Afghanistan. To date we have relocated over 12,200 individuals to the UK under Arap.

The UK government has committed to relocating eligible Afghans and their families to the UK under the Arap scheme and will honour this.

The Savanta poll for The Independent surveyed 2,193 adults between 31 March and 2 April.
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US president Joe Biden is to give a key address at Ulster Universitys newly opened campus to kick-start his historic visit to the island of Ireland next week.

Mr Biden is taking part in events north and south of the border to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

His address at Ulster Universitys new Belfast campus will take place on Wednesday.

Vice-chancellor and president of Ulster University Professor Paul Bartholomew said it would be a significant day for the institution.

We are looking forward to what will be a very special day in the Universitys history, and to hosting President Biden on his first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming president, he said.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, Ulster University, across all three of our campuses, is looking forward to preparing the next generation of civic, business and societal leaders.

The US president is to arrive in Belfast on Tuesday evening along with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Mr Biden is not expected to visit Stormont Buildings, which, coupled with just one engagement confirmed in Northern Ireland, is being viewed by some as a snub.

Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin has denied this was the case, arguing that any visit by a US president was to be welcomed.

People are envious of the commitment of President Biden  to the entire island of Ireland, he said.

I think his visit to Northern Ireland is a manifestation of his genuine commitment to the people of Northern Ireland.

Mr Biden will visit Dublin where he is to address Irish parliamentarians and meet Irish premier Leo Varadkar and Irish president Michael D Higgins.

There will be a banquet held in Dublin Castle in the presidents honour on Thursday evening.

He is also expected to visit Co Louth and Co Mayo, from where his ancestors hail.

Mr Bidens great-great-grandfather Owen Finnegan emigrated to the United States from the Cooley Peninsula, while another great-great-grandfather, Patrick Blewitt, was born in Ballina, leaving during the Irish famine in 1850 to sail to America.

Mr Biden is expected to visit to Carlingford and Dundalk in Co Louth on Wednesday before arriving in Dublin.

The end of the trip will include a public speech by the US President in Co Mayo, outside St Muredachs Cathedral in Ballina, on Friday evening.

Mr Varadkar has said the purpose of Mr Bidens visit was to welcome a son of Ireland home, to welcome home a great Irish-American president.

He said it also offered an opportunity to cement the relationship between Ireland and the US, which he said had never been stronger, and to look ahead to Northern Irelands future.

A major security operation is expected to be in place for Mr Bidens visit, with more than 300 officers from the rest of the UK being drafted in for the Northern Ireland leg of the trip.

In a sign of the tight security measures that surround the diplomatic outing, some details of the presidential visit have yet to be confirmed.

The PSNI said on Saturday that it was engaging with local communities and businesses who may be impacted by traffic restrictions in place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The First Lady Jill Biden is not expected to travel with Mr Biden.
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Unions are warning that stability in Ireland could be threatened if workers rights are ripped up.

The TUC and NIC-ICTU (Northern Ireland Committee in the Irish Congress of Trade Union) issued a joint statement ahead of the 25-year anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement on Monday as the Retained EU Law Bill makes its way through parliament.

The unions warned that under the Bill workplace rights such as holiday pay, rest breaks, health and safety rules and protections from discrimination will disappear from the end of this year unless ministers table new regulations to retain them.

The TUC and Northern Irish unions warned that if vital rights in Northern Ireland are ripped up, it would be in direct breach of the Governments level playing field commitments from the EU-UK trade deal.

The unions called on the Government to ditch the retained EU Law Bill and protect jobs, workers rights and peace on the island of Ireland.

The best legacy we can leave the past 25 years since the agreement is to defend it, starting with defeating this irrational Bill Owen Reidy, ICTU general secretary

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: The Conservatives are threatening to take a wrecking ball to hard-won workers rights with the Retained EU Law Bill.

This reckless Bill puts at risk vital workplace protections  like holiday pay, safe working hours and protection from discrimination.

Not only is that bad for workers across Britain  it also threatens stability on the island of Ireland.

If essential rights are torn up in Northern Ireland while stronger rights remain across the border, the British government will be in direct breach of its level playing field commitments.

This risks provoking a trade war with the EU  thats the last thing working people need in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

Its time to ditch this reckless Bill. The Conservatives do not have a mandate to slash and burn peoples rights at work.

Owen Reidy, ICTU general secretary, said: The trade union movement in both jurisdictions, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, have used the east-west and north-south opportunities opened since 1998 to deepen our friendships and co-operation with the TUC, Wales TUC and Scottish TUC.

We have liaised regularly on campaigns against austerity and anti-worker legislation, and we remember how the TUC were almost alone in GB in 2016 when they warned about the possible threat Brexit posed to the stability of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

Sadly, many of those concerns were justified by subsequent events and policy choices made by the Tory government and the Retained EU Law Bill is a sour cherry on a stale cake.

The best legacy we can leave the past 25 years since the agreement is to defend it, starting with defeating this irrational Bill.

A UK Government spokesperson said: Weve been very clear that any reforms will not come at the expense of the UKs strong record on workers rights, having raised domestic standards over recent years to make them some of the highest in the world.

The Retained EU Law Bill will not compromise the Good Friday Agreement, while still allowing us to seize the regulatory reform opportunities offered by Brexit.
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Labour frontbencher Emily Thornberry has defended a party attack advert claiming Rishi Sunak does not think child sex abusers should go to prison.

The shadow attorney general acknowledged there has been a lot of criticism, including that the social media message is racist, but she said the critics are wrong.

Figures on Labours left have joined Conservatives in expressing unease over the campaign ad while shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell declined to endorse it.

The Independent also understands that other members of Sir Keir Starmers shadow cabinet are uncomfortable with the tactic.

The row centres on a tweet in which Labour is pitching itself as the party of law and order.

Alongside a photo of the prime minister, an image reads: Do you think adults convicted of sexually assaulting children should go to prison? Rishi Sunak doesnt.

It highlighted Labour analysis of Ministry of Justice data, saying: Under the Tories, 4,500 adults convicted of sexually assaulting children under-16 served no prison time. Labour will lock up dangerous child abusers.

Ms Thornberry told BBC Radio 4s Any Questions: I heard a lot of people criticising it, and a lot of people who I like and respect criticising it and saying they felt very uncomfortable about it. Some people said that they thought it was racist.

I have to say, I think theyre wrong. I just disagree with that. I think the truth is we do need to have a debate in this country, and Rishi Sunak is the prime minister and he is responsible for a broken justice system.

Emily Thornberry said the PM is responsible for a broken justice system (PA)

Asked if she genuinely thinks Mr Sunak held these views, Ms Thornberry responded: If he believes that everyone responsible for child abuse should get a custodial sentence, why are so many not getting a custodial sentence?

He is the prime minister and that is a legitimate question for the opposition to ask.

Tory MP Laura Trott hit out at the desperate stunt as she questioned Sir Keirs integrity, calling him a political opportunist whos just not fit to lead the country.

Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson said she was pretty disgusted by the campaign, saying: This is not an attack ad my party would use.

Labour has declined to delete the ad and has instead continued with its approach, posting a similar message accusing Mr Sunak of not wanting to jail dangerous gunmen.

Judges and magistrates, rather than the prime minister of the day, are responsible for handing out sentences.

The figures Labour highlighted cover the period since 2010, five years before Mr Sunak entered parliament. He did not become prime minister until October last year.

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell has urged his party to climb down, saying: This is not the sort of politics a Labour Party, confident of its own values and preparing to govern, should be engaged in.

I say to the people who have taken the decision to publish this ad, please withdraw it. We, the Labour Party, are better than this.

Denis MacShane, who served as a minister in Tony Blairs government, criticised the ad, saying Labour should not get into [the] gutter.

Conservative MP and science minister George Freeman described the initial advert as a new low in British politics and denounced it as appalling.

And the chair of the Commons defence select committee, Tory MP Tobias Ellwood, said: Ive called it out on my own side for stooping low and do so again now. He warned that if such attacks became commonplace they could put people off entering politics.

Former justice minister Rory Stewart denounced the advert as bile and nasty politics, while Tory party deputy chair Lee Anderson accused Labour of resorting to a vile and desperate campaign strategy.

SNP MP John Nicolson said the advert cheapened and debased politics.

Criticism also came from beyond the world of politics, with The Rotters Club author Jonathan Coe tweeting: Please dont go down this road, Labour.

Actor Samuel West, recently seen in All Creatures Great and Small, described it as lower than low and said he was embarrassed to be a Labour member.

A Labour source said we stand by the graphic.

Since the attack ad was released it has emerged that Sir Keir sat on the Sentencing Council in 2012 when it was agreed that child sex abusers should not get an automatic prison sentence, although a maximum of 14 years behind bars was set.

A Labour spokesperson said: The government sets the statutory framework for sentencing. In March, Dominic Raab amended the rules to decrease maximum sentences in magistrates courts.

But the current situation isnt the Conservatives fault and they cant possibly do anything about it?

The spokesperson added: The Tories have been in charge for 13 years, and their record is appalling. They broke the criminal justice system, left our prisons overcrowded, and our courts with the largest backlog on record.

The result is a direction to judges to be lenient with custodial sentences. Every denial they issue on this is an insult to victims and their families.

Additional reporting by Press Association
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Nicola Sturgeon asked for a little bit of privacy in my own home as she broke her silence following the arrest of her husband Peter Murrell in a probe of SNP finances.

Speaking outside her house near Glasgow on Saturday afternoon, the former first minister said: The last few days have been obviously difficult, quite dramatic at times, but I understand that is part of a process.

Mr Murrell, a 58-year-old senior SNP figure, was arrested on Wednesday morning in connection with a long-running Police Scotland investigation into the spending of about 600,000 which was raised for Scottish independence campaigning.

Nicola Sturgeon speaking to reporters outside her house near Glasgow (PA)

Police continued to search the house of Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon after he was released without charge on Thursday.

Ms Sturgeon said there will be full cooperation with the police investigation, but said she could not comment on it as much as there are things I may want to say.

The last few days have been obviously difficult, quite dramatic at times, but I understand that is part of a process, she said.

Im also entitled to a little bit of privacy in my own home, and my neighbours I think are also entitled to a wee bit of privacy as well.

Over the years, as a result of living next door to me, theyve been subjected to more than their fair share of disruption and inconvenience.

Ms Sturgeon stepped down as first minister last month, having announced her intention to resign in February after a bitter row over gender recognition reforms.

Ms Sturgeon is married to Peter Murrell (PA)

She insisted the decision was not down to short-term pressures, rather a belief that she was no longer the best person to lead Scotland to independence.

Speaking outside her house on Saturday, she said, despite the police investigation, I intend to get on with life and my job as you would expect.

Police searched the couples home in the Glasgow satellite town of Uddingston for more than a day, after Mr Murrells arrest with uniformed officers also searching the SNPs headquarters in Edinburgh.

Police outside Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrells property earlier this week (Getty)

The former executives arrest was a major development in Operation Branchform, a police probe launched in July 2021 to look into potential criminality in the SNPs fundraising.

Officers are reviewing claims around 660,000 raised since 2017 for a second independence referendum campaign was spent on other things.

Mr Murrells arrest was followed by news that the SNPs auditor resigned, though reports say the firm, Johnston Carmichael, left before Wednesday.

The new SNP leader Humza Yousaf said the party was fully cooperating with the investigation.
Tens of thousands of offenders convicted of serious crimes have dodged jail under Tory rule, as Labour claims Rishi Sunaks party is on the side of criminals.

The figures, spotlighted by Labour, show community punishments or suspended sentences were handed to more than 16,500 adults convicted of child pornography offences and 130 cases of rape, between 2010 and the first half of 2022.

Labours latest attack on the Tory crime record in the run-up to Mays local elections comes as the party faced criticism over a social media post accusing Mr Sunak of not believing child sex offenders should be locked up.
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Rishi Sunak has been warned by rebel Conservative MPs that he could face defeat over his flagship small boats bill unless he backs down on plans to lock up children.

Moderate Tories are worried that the current government policy not to detain children will be overturned by home secretary Suella Bravermans Illegal Migration Bill.

If the prime minister and Ms Braverman dont back down, rebels want to push amendments to make sure powers of indefinite detention in their small boats crackdown dont apply to children.

Amendments tabled by Tim Loughton picked up the support of 12 Tory MPs before recess  but rebels believe they can muster up the dozens of backers needed to defeat the government if a vote is forced in the Commons after Easter.

Senior MP Tobias Ellwood told The Independent: The bill as it stands requires amendment so our children so our international obligations on prevention of child detention are met.

The chair of the Defence Select Committee added: Without these changes I suspect the bill will struggle to pass through parliament.

Senior Tory David Davis said there was a fair chance of defeating the government if we dont get what we want  warning that the Lords would pick up the child detention issue even if Tory rebels were to lose a Commons vote.

Mr Davis wants the government to go back to the existing restrictions preventing lengthy child detention, saying: If the government doesnt deliver protections  particularly for unaccompanied children  then there will be amendments going down.

The former cabinet minister added: Unaccompanied children are particularly vulnerable and you have to take care. The tougher the overall policy, the more care with this there should be.

It is understood that Labour and the Liberal Democrats will support any fresh amendments by Tory rebels on the child detention issue. Getting support from between 35 and 40 Tory MPs would leave Mr Sunak facing his first Commons defeat.

Former Tory justice secretary Robert Buckland previously told The Independent we shouldnt be locking children up  its not right, while senior Tory MP Caroline Nokes likened the horrendous plan to Donald Trumps caging of children.

Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman under pressure from backbenchers (PA Media)

Current limitations on child detention  brought in by the David Cameron-led coalition government  mean asylum-seeking families with children cannot be detained for more than 72 hours.

However, the bill does offer any time limit for the detention of families with children under plans to detain and swiftly remove those who arrive across the English Channel to Rwanda and other countries.

The home secretary would be required to remove asylum seekers who arrived in the UK on small boats as unaccompanied children when they turn 18, and has the power to do so before that.

A Home Office factsheet says that if a decision is made to remove an unaccompanied child under 18 then detention will be for the shortest possible time in appropriate detention facilities.

The factsheet also shows that child asylum seekers can be restrained if they resist forcible deportations. Using force on children in family groups may unfortunately be necessary if a family is resisting removal, it states.

 Caroline Nokes compares small boats bill to Trumps caging of children

Mr Loughton told the Commons before the Easter recess that he wanted the government to provide some serious assurances that they would retain the protections children have been entitled to at the next stage of the bill.

But the government has not offered any pledges that changes will be made, unlike the assurances given to right-wing Tory MPs the bill will be tightened to allow British judges to ignore the European Court of Human Rights injunctions on deportations.

Grilled by Ms Nokes at a recent committee hearing on why children were not exempt from the small boats bill, Mr Sunak said he didnt want to incentivise people to bring children who wouldnt otherwise come here.

The prime minister said: Otherwise you create an incentive for a criminal gang to bring a child with them when they otherwise wouldnt be, and I dont think that is a good thing.

Alistair Carmichael, the Lib Dems home affairs spokesperson, said the party had already stopped the detention of children once before  its shameful that over a decade later we are having to fight this battle again.

Mr Carmichael added: But we will not give up. We are determined to stop this awful legislation in any way we can and have already been trying. We are committed to working cross party with anyone as horrified by the idea of locking up children  We will support any attempt to stop it from happening.

A Home Office spokesperson said: We are changing the law so that people who come to the UK illegally can be detained and swiftly returned to a safe third country or their home country, so we can stop the boats. These changes will be compliant with our obligations under international law.

They added: If families, children and refugees are seeking protection, the fastest route to do this is to claim asylum in the first safe country they reach so that we can prioritise protection for the most vulnerable people rather than those who could have claimed asylum elsewhere.
The Tories failure to tackle raw sewage dumping has been laid bare by figures showing Therese Coffey had almost 1,000 spills in her own constituency last year alone.

Ms Coffey is one of seven Conservatives to have run the department since 2015  including Liz Truss, Michael Gove, Andrea Leadsom and George Eustice  whose constituencies saw more than 15,000 spills in total in 2022.

Her Suffolk Coastal constituency was hit by 982 raw sewage spills in the year, according to analysis by the Liberal Democrats.
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Labour frontbencher Emily Thornberry has defended a party attack advert claiming Rishi Sunak does not think child sex abusers should go to prison.

The shadow attorney general acknowledged there has been a lot of criticism, including that the social media message is racist, but she said the critics are wrong.

Figures on Labours left have joined Conservatives in expressing unease over the campaign ad while shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell declined to endorse it.

The row centres on a tweet in which Labour is pitching itself as the party of law and order.

Alongside a photo of the Prime Minister, an image reads: Do you think adults convicted of sexually assaulting children should go to prison? Rishi Sunak doesnt.

Ms Thornberry told BBC Radio 4s Any Questions: I heard a lot of people criticising it, and a lot of people who I like and respect criticising it and saying they felt very uncomfortable about it. Some people said that they thought it was racist.

I have to say, I think theyre wrong. I just disagree with that. I think the truth is we do need to have a debate in this country, and Rishi Sunak is the Prime Minister and he is responsible for a broken justice system.

Asked if she genuinely thinks Mr Sunak held these views, Ms Thornberry responded: If he believes that everyone responsible for child abuse should get a custodial sentence, why are so many not getting a custodial sentence?

He is the Prime Minister and that is a legitimate question for the Opposition to ask.

Tory MP Laura Trott hit out at the desperate stunt as she questioned Sir Keir Starmers integrity, calling him a political opportunist whos just not fit to lead the country.

Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson said she was pretty disgusted by the campaign, saying: This is not an attack ad my party would use.

The under-fire Twitter post highlights Labour analysis of Ministry of Justice data and says that under the Tories 4,500 adults convicted of sexually assaulting children under-16 served no prison time.

Labour has declined to delete the ad and has instead continued with its approach, posting a similar message accusing Mr Sunak of not wanting to jail dangerous gunmen.

Judges and magistrates, rather than the prime minister of the day, are responsible for handing out sentences.

The figures Labour highlighted cover the period since 2010, five years before Mr Sunak entered Parliament. He did not become Prime Minister until October last year.

The party continued with the attack ads, with the latest claiming Mr Sunak does not want thieves to be punished, citing figures suggesting only 180 of the 4,500 thefts a day will result in charges.

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell has urged his party to climb down, saying: This is not the sort of politics a Labour Party, confident of its own values and preparing to govern, should be engaged in.

I say to the people who have taken the decision to publish this ad, please withdraw it. We, the Labour Party, are better than this.
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The San Francisco police chief says its still too early to say whether the fatal stabbing of Cash App founder Bob Lee was a random or targeted attack.

William Scott told CBS San Francisco he was 100 per cent confident the brutal murder would be solved, and asked for patience as police continue to pursue leads in the case.

What I will tell you is our homicide team is working tirelessly to get this to a resolution, Chief Scott told the network.

We have a lot thats on our plate with this investigation and following up on things that need to be followed up on. Well put the information out but we dont want to do anything to compromise this investigation, he added.

Lee, 43, was stabbed multiple times in the chest at around 2.30am on Tuesday morning in San Franciscos Rincon Hill neighbourhood.

Surveillance footage captured the tech executive staggering down Main St trying to flag down vehicles, before he collapsed outside the luxury Portside apartment building at 403 Main St.

Lee could be heard pleading for help on a 911 call made at 2.34am. Police arrived six minutes later, and Lee was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Bob Lee pictured at the New York Stock Exchange in 2015 on the day that Square, now known as Block, listed as a public company (Facebook / Bob Lee)

In audio from a police scanner obtained by NBC Bay Area, a dispatcher can be heard relaying Lees 911 call to responding officers.

Theres a male screaming help, saying, someone stabbed me, the police dispatcher says. Advised he is bleeding out.

In the days since Lees brutal stabbing, San Francisco residents have voiced their fear and frustration at perceived lawlessness in the city.

Many of Lees former friends and colleagues in Silicon Valley, including Elon Musk, have blamed San Franciscos progressive law enforcement policies for his death.

Speaking to CBS San Francisco, Chief Scott said claims that violent crime was out of control in the city were inaccurate.

When you look at San Franciscos violent crime rate compared to other cities... were towards the bottom for major cities. That never gets talked about.

Bob Lee, known to his friends as Crazy Bob, was knifed to death in central San Francisco early on Tuesday morning (Twitter / Bob Lee)

Police crime data shows there has been 12 homicides in San Francisco so far in 2023, two more than over the same period last year.

Lee, a father of two, has been hailed as a visionary tech entrepreneur who helped create mobile phone apps used by tens of millions of people.

He led a team that developed the Cash App while working as a senior executive at Square, a digital payment firm now called Block.

Since 2021, Lee had been the chief product officer at MobileCoin.
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The moment that a man confessed to killing a woman by accident has been captured on police body-cam.

Brian Mason, 58, turned himself in on 27 March after he allegedly fatally shot 57-year-old Michelle Elliot.

Bodycam footage revealed the moment that Mr Mason walked up to an Ohio officer and recounted the shooting.

I had an accident last night, Mr Mason says, according to the video footage. I was showing an old friend of mine how to use this gun  and it went off and shot her in the chest.

The incident reportedly happened at the womans home in Miami County.

Mr Mason told the police officers that he didnt know what to do after the incident and had driven for hours. Eventually, he decided to go to the nearest law enforcement department.

Mr Mason also said that he had been living in cars and hotels.

Im going to detain you right now based on what youre telling me, the officer then told him. Does this person need help right now, are they deceased or what?

Brian Mason (WHIOTV)

Mr Mason said Ms Elliot, an old friend, was already dead.

Miami County Sheriffs Office deputies responding to the scene found Ms Elliots body.

Upon deputies arrival they received no response. Looking through a window, blood was observed in the residence, Sheriff Dave Duchak said, according to theNew York Post.

Forced entry was then made at which time an adult female was found deceased in the residence suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound.

Mr Mason has been charged with murder and has pleaded not guilty.
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Former San Franciso fire commissioner Don Carmignani has undergone emergency skull surgery after being brutally beaten by a man armed with a metal pipe, his family said.

The 53-year-old was attacked around 7.20pm on Wednesday outside his parents home on Magnolia Stree in the Marina district,The San Francisco Chronicle reported.

A suspect, identified by police as 24-year-old Garret Doty, was arrested nearby shortly afterwards.

The vicious assault came a day after tech executive Bob Leewas stabbed to death in the citys Rincon Hill neighbourhood. It has further fuelled anger and fear among residents about crime rates in the California city.

The victims father Ray Carmignani told The Chronicle that his son had been attacked by two homeless men who lived in the Marina neighbourhood.

Mr Carmignani Sr said his son suffered a fractured skull, broken jaw, and cuts to his head and face that needed 51 stitches.

He underwent surgery on Thursday in San Francisco General Hospital and is facing a long recovery.

Former San Francisco Fire Commissioner Don Carmignani was brutally attacked this week (Allinradiodotcom)

The elder Carmignani added that he had lived his entire life in San Francisco but the family had decided to leave after Wednesdays attack.

Enough is enough. Well go to Nevada, well go to Arizona, well go somewhere, he told The Chronicle.

Im not staying here. I cant worry about walking out my door and getting attacked.

At a community meeting on Thursday night to address safety concerns, SF Police Chief William Scott acknowledged the city had been shaken by Mr Carmignanis assault.

Hes expected to survive his injuries which is good news. But these types of brutal attacks and these types of brazen attacks, these are the kinds of things that have people anxious, Chief Scott told CBS San Francisco.

A suspect, identified as 24-year-old Garet Doty, was seen on surveillance footage walking with a long metal object soon after the assault (CBS San Francisco)

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins described it as a very brutal and violent attack at the same meeting.

Friends had initially express alarm that Mr Carmignani may not survive. He is at SF general fighting for his life. Pray4Him, Joe Alioto Veronese, a lawyer and close friend, wrote on Twitter.

I dont want you to die Don. FIGHT LIKE HELL!

Mr Doty was booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and battery causing serious bodily injury.

Bob Lee, known to his friends as Crazy Bob, was knifed to death in central San Francisco early on Tuesday morning (Twitter / Bob Lee)

San Francisco is already on edge after the unsolved murder of beloved tech executive Bob Lee early on Tuesday morning.

Police are yet to make an arrest in Mr Lees fatal stabbing, and say it is too soon to say whether it was a random attack.

Don Carmignani, a father of two, has worked in the legal cannabis industry and real estate after retiring from the San Francisco Fire Department.
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A teenager and a juvenile have been arrested over a shooting at a South Carolinabeach which left six people injured.

The shots were fired on Friday night after a large group gathered at a beach on Isle of Palms for senior skip day - an annual tradition where final-year students avoid classes.

Police announced on Saturday that Shawn Alexander Goods-Martin, 18, was arrested and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon, ABC News reported. Another individual, whose name was not released because he is a minor, was also taken to a juvenile detention centre.

Hundreds of people were seen fleeing the beach in videos of the incident that were quickly posted to social media.

The six injured victims were taken to Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) with non-life-threatening injuries, according to WCIV.

Authorities previously made several arrests on weapon charges but were unable to determine whether those firearms had been used in the shooting. It is unclear whether Mr Goods-Martin used the weapon he carried.

The victims were both teenagers and adults, reported WCBD.

IOP PD responded to a shooting on the beach behind Sea Cabins. Four individuals were shot and have been transported to MUSC with non-life-threatening injuries, according to a tweet from local police on Friday.

Several law-enforcement agencies on the scene to assist with the investigation. Investigation is ongoing.

Shawn Alexander Goods-Martin, 18, was arrested following shooting at beach party (Isle of Palms PD)

Later, law enforcement added: Update: IOPPD has several people detained. Still investigating to determine whether they were involved in the shooting.

The shooting took place near a pier located near to a strip of popular bars and restaurants, according to The Post and Courier.

The Isle of Palms police department has set up a tip line for any information related to the shooting.
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A friend of the gunman who unleashed the deadliest mass shooting in US history begged him not to kill people, according to letters made public for the first time.

Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire from a Las Vegas hotel room into a crowd at a music festival on 1 October, 2017. Some 58 people were killed and more than 500 people injured. Two people died as a result of their injuries in the years following.

Excerpts of the letters were first published by the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Friday after being released under a public records request.

The letters were discovered in a vacant office in Mesquite, Texas by the building owners in November 2017, weeks after the mass shooting.

It is unclear how letters sent to Paddock, who lived in Nevada, ended up in the building. The Independent has reached out to the FBI and Las Vegas Police Department for comment.

The letters were signed by Jim Nixon, an ex-convict from Texas. Paddock and Nixon knew each other through prior business dealings and had been corresponding since 2013.

The letters were sent in May and June 2017, just months before the massacre.

My friend it sound[s] like you are going to kill or murder someone or some people, Nixon wrote in the letter. Please dont go on any shooting rampage like some fool.

I am concern[ed] about the way you are talking and believe you are going to do something very bad, another letter read.

Please dont go out shooting or hurting people who did nothing to you, Nixon wrote in a May 2017 letter.

Steve, please please dont do what I think you are going to do.

Nixon offered to put Paddock in contact with somebody who could help him. However, Nixon didnt alert law enforcement of his concerns about Paddocks mental health and the content of their correspondence, according to The Journal.

In a phone interview with The Journal, Nixon said that authorities had never reached out to him regarding the shooting.

He did what he did and I feel bad I couldnt have stopped him, Nixon said. I didnt know he was going to do what he did.

Nixon, a 75-year-old disabled Vietnam War veteran, served time in a Texas prison for tax fraud.

The letters were previously referenced in a trove of heavily-redacted documents released by the FBI in response to a records request from the Wall Street Journal.

The documents revealed that one source told the FBI that Paddock, a heavy gambler who had lost more than $1.5million, was very upset at the way casinos were treating him and other high rollers.

That FBI report revealed that Paddock sold a property in Mesquite in 2012, The Associated Press reported.

The gunman used money from that property sale to purchase the high-powered weapons he used to carry out the shooting from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel on the Vegas Strip, according to the AP. Paddock killed himself as police moved in to apprehend him.
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The mom of an 11-year-old girl is looking for answers after her daughters death was ruled a suicide after she was found unresponsive in a bathroom at her school.

Felicia LoAlbo-Melendez, 11, is reported to have taken her own life after allegedly being bullied, a conclusion her mother Elaina LoAlbo isnt ready to accept, according to NewsNation.

The girl attended sixth grade at FW Holbein School in New Jersey. Another student found Felicia unconscious on 6 February in a bathroom and she was declared dead after being taken to a hospital, school officials and police have said, per NewsNation.

The Philadelphia medical examiner conducted an autopsy, finding that the manner of death was suicide and that the cause of death was complications from suicide, according to the Daily Voice.

Ms LoAlbo told NewsNation on Wednesday that she wants to see security footage from the school, which she hasnt been allowed to do.

She showed no signs of self-harm, she told the network. She was an advocate for herself and for everybody else. Until I have some kind of proof that she was alone, I have no reason to think that she could have done this to herself.

The mother said her daughter had been bullied for years and that she had made school staff aware.

She had written dozens of emails to them. They were fully aware that she was being bullied, the mother said. They were supposed to switch her classes after winter break come January. She was supposed to switch classes because of the bullying.

Shortly before her death, the 11-year-olds father, Transit Detective Alexis Melendez, had passed away from cancer, according to the New York Post.

Ms LoAlbo shared one of the emails her daughter had written about the loss with Fox News Digital.

I was watching TV and thinking about the things in my life that have happened to me. Then, I got a great idea! Felicia wrote. Instead of a drama club, it would be a Trama [sic] club! Trama [sic] is not a light subject to talk about, but I believe that having somewhere that people can go to, destress and let out all of their feelings and emotions.

She said a room that is not too big but not too small would be needed along with some chairs, adding that she would be willing to set it up.

I hope that this does happen, Felicia wrote. I, for one, have heard from my friends and others about things that have happened to them and I think this would be a fantastic thing. Have a great night.

Ms LoAlbo told Fox News Digital her daughter has been advocating against bullying since kindergarten, when she was told to color herself with a brown crayon and believed she was golden. That mommy was white and daddy was brown  She started standing up for herself and others since then.

On Facebook, Ms LoAlbo posted a voice note from 2021 in which Felicia says unless youre me, well youre listening to this from the future.

Say hello to future mom, future dad... future everyone. Never, never never be bad, never give up on your friends, never, ever... be a bully, she added.

Robert Mungo, the school district superintendent, told the New York Post that his office cooperated fully, including providing surveillance footage and all documents related to the investigation.

The district has never turned down any request for information or footage pertaining to the investigation from any authorized individual, he added. Our district suffered a loss, which continues to weigh heavily on the school community. School counselors and administrators, with the support of the Burlington County School Crisis Response Team, have and will continue to increase outreach to students and staff and are prepared to aid them in processing this latest information as they continue to grieve.

The Burlington County Prosecutors Office said the footage would be shared with Ms Loalbo.

A spokesperson told the paper the Post that it was previously communicated that we would accommodate her request to view the school surveillance recording at the appropriate time, but not while the criminal investigation was ongoing. The investigation has concluded, and arrangements will be made in the near future for Ms. LoAlbo to be shown the footage.

Ms LoAlbo told NewsNation that its been nine weeks and all I really want is some answers from these detectives so I can start the process of moving forward.

She added that following the death of Felicias father, selfishly, I wanted her to stay home and go get a pedicure and all of that, and she told me that she had missed too much school, she had missed too much play practice and wanted to go see her friends.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
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Over 1,000 people have signed up to search for missing mother-of-two Madeline Maddi Kingsbury in Minnesota to support the Kingsbury family as they receive harassment online.

On SignUpGenius.com, hundreds of people have signed up across four different location and time slots to look for any traces of Ms Kingsbury.

The 26-year-old vanished without a trace on 31 March after dropping her two young children off at their daycare.

The searches took place on Friday, with nearly 600 people searching from 9 am to 12 pm then again from 1 pm until 4 pm. There are expected to be more over the weekend.

For the last week, Ms Kingsburys family and friends have been fervently looking for her via physical searches and generating media attention.

A GoFundMe has been set up to pay for Ms Kingsburys family to stay in hotels nearby while they look for her and members of the community are donating water and food for the mass searches.

Supporters have created flyers, t-shirts, and social media posts to get the word out about the missing mother.

But the media attention has also drawn spectators and commentators who have allegedly harassed the Kingsbury family.

On the Finding Madeline Kingsbury Facebook page, one admin made a post asking people to refrain from reaching out to the Kingsbury family during this difficult time.

We will not condone the harassing of Maddis family or friends for information, the post read. When there is an active investigation, they do not need to disclose every detail for any number of [reasons].

We post this information so that people can be aware but we will not post info like that anymore if people are going to harass family, friends and businesses that may be involved. And that would be a huge disservice to Maddi, the post continued.

The admin said anyone who tries to contact the missing womans family or friends would be banned from the Facebook page and continued communication attempts would be reported to the police for harassment.

According to Winona Police, the mother-of-two and the father of her children dropped their children off around 8 am.

Ms Kingsbury returned home around 8.15am but her whereabouts after that remain unknown.

The Minnesota mother did not show up for work and when the father of her children, who has not been named, returned to her home shortly after the dropoff, she was gone.

Ms Kingsburys phone, wallet, ID, and the jacket she was wearing that morning were found in her home.

The childrens father said he left her home around 10am but came back later that day only to find she had still not returned.

Investigators are now looking into the movements of Ms Kingsburys Chrysler Town and County van in the hours after she dropped off her children.

Based on all this we believe Madelines disappearance is involuntary, suspicious and were all concerned for her safety, Tom Williams, Winona Police Chief said.
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A woman who spent a week adrift with her husbands corpse was forced to eat raw fish to survive.

Maria das Gracas Mota Bernardo had to fight off vultures which landed on the vessel.

The 68-year-old, who was on her first fishing trip with her husband, Jose Nilson de Souza Bernardo, also saw killer caimans in the water.

The alligator-type creatures can grow up to 4ft long and have been known to kill humans.

Jose fell ill and suffered a fatal heart attack at around midnight on 29 March, the first day of their excursion.

Their daughter, Cristiane told reporters: After dinner, he went to lie down in the hammock, but the rope snapped and he was startled.

He got up and hit his knee. He sat down again and started fanning himself, telling my mother that he was feeling hot.

She said he then stood up, screamed, and fell over. She caught him, lifted his head, and he took his last breath.

Cristianes mother then tied the canoe to the tree and went to seek help in the other boat, however, the engine suddenly stopped a short while later.

She went to the bow and started paddling. She spent all those days paddling.

She said: They planned this trip for months. He wanted her to take lots of pictures. It was going to be their moment.

(Jam Press)

Cristiane said her mother spent the first days eating raw fish and flour they had on the boat.

She added: One day she only drank water. On another day, she only ate flour with water and drank pure lemon juice.

On the third day, a man passed by in a rabeta, a canoe with a motor.

She asked for help, but he didnt give it, he just kept going.

While adrift on the river, Maria banged pots and pans and screamed for help.

According to Marias daughter, she screamed and screamed and no one answered.

She said Maria decided to move to the other side of the boat and covered her airways with a cloth when her husbands body started to decompose.

Cristiane stated: She couldnt sleep anymore. All her strength went into bringing his body home, for the family to give him a dignified burial.

(Jam Press)

The elderly woman had to defend her husbands body from the harsh Amazonian elements, including blistering sunshine, tropical storms, and even predatory animals.

Cristiane said: My mum said vultures started to perch on top of the vessel.

She hit them and they screamed. She took the tarp off the top of the awning and put it over the body because bees and mosquitoes were already sitting on his corpse.

Cristiane also stated that caiman, mini alligators, prowled the vessel.

She said: My mum knew she could fall into the water at any moment and she doesnt even know how to swim.

After being rescued and receiving medical treatment, Maria is still struggling to come to terms with her ordeal.

She was released from the hospital on 5 April.

Cristiane said: She is shaken and weak. She cant sleep.

Maria and Jose, also 68, set off on 28 March.

A search operation was launched when they failed to arrive home.

The couple had taken two vessels with them on the trip down an Amazonian river called Rio Negro in Brazil.

They had a fishing boat and a smaller canoe for exploring flooded forests.

Worried family members alerted the authorities when they discovered the couples canoe tied to a tree.

Rotting fish was found inside and a net was still stretched out in the water.

On 4 April, the Brazilian Navy found the couples vessel adrift in Iranduba, about 100 miles (161 km) from their departure point, a week after they set off.

A Navy helicopter rescued Maria from the scene and officials administered first aid and support for the bereaved woman.

She was then flown to Manaus for medical checks.

The Amazonas State health department said Maria is receiving clinical and psychological care at this time.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian Navy confirmed that an investigation is underway.
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President Joe Biden and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should ignore a federal judges ruling to revoke approval of a widely used abortion drug, according to Democratic lawmakers, legal analysts and abortion rights advocates.

Hours after a Texas judge threatened to suspend the FDAs approval of mifepristone on 7 April, US Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told CNN that right-wing jurists have undermined their legitimacy through the deeply partisan and unfounded nature of such rulings.

It is up to the Biden administration... to choose whether or not to enforce such a ruling, she said.

Mifepristone is one of two drugs in a two-drug protocol for medication abortion, a procedure that accounts for more than half of all abortions nationwide. It was first approved by the FDA in 2000 for most abortions up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. A vast majority of US abortions occur before the 13th week.

But a lawsuit filed by an influential right-wing legal group and anti-abortion activists has sought to revoke that approval as part of a years-long campaign to outlaw abortion nationwide.

US district judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who has a history of right-wing activism, determined that the FDAs initial authorisation of the drug was improper and has suspended its approval, which will take effect in seven days unless a higher court intervenes.

The US Department of Justice is appealing the decision, which has been roundly condemned by the White House, major health organisations and health officials, abortion rights advocates and drug manufacturers.

Democratic senator Ron Wyden, the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees the FDA, said in a statement that there is no way this decision has a basis in law.

It is instead rooted in conservatives dangerous and undemocratic takeover of our countrys institutions, he added. No matter what happens in seven days, I believe the [FDA] has the authority to ignore this ruling, which is why Im again calling on President Biden and the FDA to do just that.

His remarks echo a speech he delivered on the floor of the US Senate in February, condemning the judge as a partisan ideologue and anti-abortion zealot as he underscored the role of Congress with the FDA and the statute of limitations to challenges against it.

President Biden and the FDA must ignore it, he said in his speech. Dont give in to the courtwashing. Protect the fundamental rights and wellbeing of all women in America.The FDA should go on just as it has for the last 23 years since it first approved mifepristone.

Senator Ron Wyden (Getty Images)

The legal challenge mounted by an influential right-wing legal group, filed specifically in a district court that would likely produce a favourable ruling, tees up an appeal to the US Supreme Court, which now includes a conservative supermajority thanks to appointments from the former president, who has supported the years-long effort to radically reshape the federal judiciary with right-wing, anti-abortion judges.

The FDA, doctors and pharmacies can and must continue to dispense mifepristone like nothing has changed, Mr Wyden said.

If they dont, the consequences of banning the most common method of abortion in every single state will be devastating, he added.

Republican US Rep Nancy Mace, who has criticised her partys embrace of extreme anti-abortion proposals, also suggested that the FDA should ignore the ruling.

This is an issue that Republicans have been largely on the wrong side of, she told CNN on 10 April.

The decision should just be thrown out, quite frankly, she said.

Other top Democratic lawmakers have signalled their support for the Biden administrations appeal but have not endorsed any measures that could jeopardise that process or risk givinf future Republican administrations a precedent to undermine rulings against them.

US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra would not directly address whether he believes the FDA should ignore the ruling, but he said that everything is on the table for the administration to respond to the ruling.

We want the courts to overturn this reckless decision, he told CNN on 9 April. Everything is on the table. The president said that way back when the Dobbs decision came out. Every option is on the table.

GOP operate in complete contempt for the law until theyre in a position to shred Constitutional [and] human rights, Ms Ocasio-Cortez added on Twitter.

She invoked the term agency nonacquiescence, in which federal agencies neglecting to appeal and refusing to follow certain decisions, pointing to the GOPs response to a court order against Donald Trumps administration to fully restore Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the Obama-era programme to shield young immigrants from deportation after arriving in the US as children without legal protection.

The courts are now going rogue with rulings that no longer even pretend to respect precedent, jurisprudence, or limits to overreach, she added. They are long overdue for a check [and] balance. Not doing so paves a dangerous road of worsening abuse of power.

A separate ruling from a federal judge in Washington state on 7 April ruled that the FDA cannot change the status quo when it comes to mifepristones approval, setting up competing decisions involving a critical abortion drug used in more than half of all abortions in the US.

Eliminating or further reducing access to mifepristone will put the future of abortion care in the US at risk, as anti-abortion state lawmakers across the US have sought to increase restrictions on abortion or criminalise abortion care altogether in the wake of the Supreme Courts decision to revoke a constitutional right to abortion last year.

The conservative-majority courts decision in Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organization in June 2022 overturned the half-century precedent in Roe v Wade, which affirmed the constitutional right to seek an abortion.

Mr Biden condemned the Texas decision as the next big step toward the national ban on abortion that Republican elected officials have vowed to make law in America.

If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription, approved by the FDA, that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks, he said in a statement.

Vice president Kamala Harris said the decision not only threatens the rights of women nationwide to make decisions about their health care but also undermines the FDAs ability to approve safe and effective medications with decisions based on politics, not science.

This story was initially published on 7 April and has been updated with developments
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Roman Catholics in had to hold traditional Stations of the Cross and other Holy Week processions inside church buildigss or on church grounds Friday amid a ban on public demonstrations.

Relations between autocratic President Daniel Ortega and the church have frayed to near non-existence since Nicaragua's government proposed severing relations and sentenced a bishop to 26 years in prison.

Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes told The Associated Press that celebrations were held throughout the country near the churches.

In absolutely every parish there were celebrations, Brenes said, though he added they went off not with all the intensity of years past.

German Miranda, one of hundreds of faithful who showed up for the procession at the Managua Cathedral, was one of those who found it less inspiring this year.

He said Holy Week celebrations were better in the past when they wound through the streets of the capital. It was better before, because it was freer."

Miranda said he hoped the government and the church could reconcile, to give us a better future.

On Thursday, Ortega's wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, lashed out at those who complained.

We see it as part of a manipulation by those who do not believe in God, who do not live as Christians, who do not know how to be respectful or show solidarity, Murillo said.

Earlier this week, the government expelled a Panamanian parish priest, Donaciano Alarcon, who police accused of holding an Easter-week procession and attempting to stir up the people.

Alarcon said police forced him into a patrol vehicle Monday after he celebrated Mass in the rural town of Cusmapa and drove him to the border with Honduras, They made me cross and told me, You are out of the country, and you cant come back in,' he told a radio station in Panama.

Alarcon denied lthere was any procession. I did not lead a procession, because they are prohibited, he said. I was the first to tell people that there would be no procession.

Since anti-government street protests broke out in 2018, Ortega has banned all opposition demonstrations in Nicaragua and has also restricted Catholic activities. He says Catholic figures sympathetic to the opposition are terrorists.

In March, the Vatican closed its embassy in Nicaragua after Ortega's government proposed suspending diplomatic relations, the latest episode in a years-long crackdown on the church.

Dozens of religious figures have been arrested or fled the country. Two congregations of nuns, including from the Missionaries of Charity order founded by Mother Teresa, were expelled last year, and Bishop Rolando Alvarez was sentenced to 26 years in prison after he refused to board a plane that would have flown him to exile in the United States.

Pope Francis had remained largely silent on the issue, apparently not wanting to inflame tensions, but in a March 10 interview with Argentine media outlet Infobae he called Ortegas government a rude dictatorship led by an unbalanced president.

In Nicaragua we have a bishop in prison, a very serious and capable man, who wanted to give his testimony and did not accept exile, Francis said, referring to Alvarez. It is something from outside of what we are living, as if it were a communist dictatorship in 1917 or a Hitlerian one in 1935.
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President Joe Biden spoke via conference call with three Democratic lawmakers from Tennessee who were targeted for removal from the states House of Representatives by Republican members after joining protests demanding urgent gun reform in the wake of last weeks mass shooting at a Nashville school.

The states GOP-controlled House voted to remove state Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson on 6 April. State Rep Gloria Johnson was spared by one vote.

The president thanked them for their leadership in seeking to ban assault weapons and standing up for our democratic values, according to the White House description of the call on 7 April. Mr Biden also invited the three lawmakers to the White House.

The officials thanked the administration for its leadership on gun safety and for spotlighting the undemocratic and unprecedented attacks on them this week in the Tennessee statehouse.

News of the call came as Vice President Kamala Harris travelled to Nashvilles Fisk University to meet with the outsted lawmakers and students rallying behind them in support.

In a statement following the votes on Thursday, Mr Biden said that rather than address the demands of thousands of Tennessee protesters who flooeded the state capitol demanding lawmakers take up gun control measures, state Republican lawmakers called votes ... to expel three Democratic legislators who stood in solidarity with students and families and helped lift their voices.

Rather than debating the merits of the issue, these Republican lawmakers have chosen to punish, silence, and expel duly-elected representatives of the people of Tennessee, he said in the statement.

Last month, the president conceded that he had largely exhausted his ability to do, on my own, anything about guns after his ongoing demands to members of Congress to pass additional reform measures have faced overwhelming resistance from Republican lawmakers.

He said that the legislative branch needs to act if the US is to have any new laws governing the availability of high-powered firearms, particularly the military-style rifles that have become the weapon of choice for mass shooters in recent years.

The majority of the American people think having assault weapons is bizarre. Its a crazy idea. Theyre against that. And so, I think the Congress should be passing the assault weapons ban, he added.

Congress has either ignored or been unable to pass legislation responding to his nearly 70 public calls to revive a federal assault weapons ban or other reform efforts, according to an analysis from The Independent.

The Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act, which included the federal assault weapons ban, was enacted in 1994 and expired in 2004, with several failed attempts in Congress to renew the ban after a series of massacres involving high-powered rifles that were previously impacted by the law.
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Estonias Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said Saturday that her center-right Reform Party has clinched a deal with two other parties to form a coalition government, five weeks after a general election in the Baltic country.

The party councils of Kallas pro-business Reform Party, which overwhelmingly won Estonias March 5 parliamentary election with 31.2% of the vote, the centrist Estonia 200 party and the Social Democratic Party said they would form the coalition after agreeing on government programs for the nex four years following lengthy talks.

This agreement ensures that Estonia is protected, that we can continue as an independent and self-sustaining country, Kallas, who will remain as prime minister, said during a news conference.

Kallas has held the premiership of Estonia  a European Union and NATO member  since January 2021, when she became the first female head of government in the nation of 1.3 million.

The Reform Party was also the senior partner in the outgoing three-party government with the Social Democrats and the conservative Isamaa (Fatherland) party.

Kallas, 45, has chaired the Reform Party since 2018, and the new Cabinet will be her third.

Reform is set to have seven ministerial portfolios, including Kallas prime minister post, the finance minister and the defense minister portfolios in the 13-member Cabinet. It would hold a 60-seat majority at the 101-seat Riigikogu, the Parliament.

Estonia 200, which is to have the foreign minister portfolio, and the Social Democrats would have three ministerial portfolios each.

Kallas said her new Cabinet would face difficult financial, security, education and other decisions that are necessary for Estonia.

We want Estonia to be protected, the well-being and livelihood of our people to be guaranteed, the states finances to be in order, education, language and culture to be preserved, and tomorrow to be better for everyone, she said.

She said defense and security would top the new Cabinet's agenda.

Security is a main concern, said Kallas, referring to Estonias neighbor, Russia, which is waging a war in Ukraine. Thats why we are increasing our defense expenditure ... in the coming years.

Kallas has emerged as one of Europes most outspoken supporters of Kyiv, and Estonia has been a major supplier of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion started last year.

A lot depends on how the war in Ukraine will go. So I hope that Ukraine wins the war and Russia goes back to its territory, Kallas said.

Although Reform won nearly twice as many votes as the March elections runner-up, the far-right populist EKRE party, Kallas needed junior partners to form a Cabinet that can govern with a comfortable majority for the next four years.

Formal signing of the coalition pact is set to take place on Monday after which Kallas would hand in the resignation of her outgoing government to President Alar Karis. He is expected to formally appoint her as a prime minister designate, followed by a confidence vote on the new Cabinet by lawmakers in the Riigikogu.

___

Jari Tanner reported from Helsinki.
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Vice-president Kamala Harris was in Nashville on Friday to meet with a group of lawmakers who were expelled this week for their participation in a gun control protest on the Tennessee statehouse floor.

After meeting with former representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson in private, Ms Harris was appearing at an event on Friday afternoon for the expelled legislators at Fisk University, a historically Black university in Nashville.

Both of the expelled lawmakers are Black, while a white colleague who joined them in their protest, Gloria Johnson, was able to hang onto her seat in a closely contested vote on Thursday. She was also part of the meeting with the vice-president.

Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, left, Justin Jones, center, and Justin Pearson arrive at Fisk University (AP)

They chose to show courage in the face of an extreme tragedy, the vice-president said at Fisk of the so-called Tennessee Three.

A democracy allows for places where the peoples voice can be heard and honoured and respected, vice-president Harris continued. They understood the importance, these three, of standing to say that people will not be silenced. To say that a democracy hears the cries , hears the pleas, hears the demands of its people, who say the children should be able to live and be safe and go to school and not be in fear.

During her speech, the vice-president called on Tennessee lawmakers to pass new gun laws restricting access to assault weapons and providing mechanisms to seize guns from dangerous people.

When a community or family knows, shouldnt we listen? she told the crowd, to whoops of approval. Assault weapons, these are weapons of war. These are weapons that were designed to kill a lot of people quickly. No place on the streets of a civil society.

She also condemned lawmakers for expelling two duly elected representatives, arguing, A democracy says you do not silence the people.

Prior to Ms Harriss appearance at Fisk, Nashville Metro Council member Zulfat Suara argued from the podium the Tennessee GOP chose only to expel the young, gifted and Black legislators.

Help me make sense of this, she told the crowd, The Tennessean reports. We are reeling from the deadliest school shooting in our states history.

The challenge will be: Dont just celebrate the Tennessee three, Rev Davie Tucker, a prominent local pastor, added at the event, according to the paper. What consequences are you willing to live through to make a difference? We need some fighters. Will you join us in the fight?

Joe Biden also spoke with the expelled lawmakers earlier in the day, according to the White House, and invited them to visit the Oval Office.

The President thanked them for their leadership in seeking to ban assault weapons and standing up for our democratic values, the White House told The Independent in a statement. The officials thanked the President for his leadership on gun safety and for spotlighting the undemocratic and unprecedented attacks on them this week in the Tennessee statehouse.

The White House was part of a chorus of critics who condemned the Tennessee Republican partys effort to expel the lawmakers as racist and antidemocratic.

The trio quickly garnered national attention after they took to the House of Representatives floor following the Nashville shooting, where six people, including three 9-year-old students, were killed at a private Christian elementary school in late March.
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The decision by a Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas to halt approval of the most-commonly used abortion drug in the United States is being described as the most significant blow to abortion rights in the wake of the US Supreme Courts decision to overturn <em>Roe v Wade</em> last year.

US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk ordered a hold on the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of mifepristone on 7 April, in a decision that could upend decades of precedent after the drugs approval in 2000.

Minutes after the 67-page ruling was released, a federal judge in Washington state issued a decision directing authorities not to restrict access to the drug in 17 states where Democratic officials have sued to protect the drugs availability.

President Joe Bidens administration has also appealed the decision.

Judge Kacsmaryk, who was appointed to a lifelong spot on the federal judiciary by former president Donald Trump, has a history of right-wing activism from the bench.

Heres what to know about Matthew Kacsmaryk.

Who is Matthew Kacsmaryk?

Born in Gainesville, Florida, in 1977, Judge Kacsmaryk has worked as an Assistant US Attorney and as a deputy general counsel for the conservative Christian legal group First Liberty Institute prior to his appointment to the federal judiciary.

The 45-year-old was also a longstanding member of the Federalist Society, a right-wing legal organisation which was highly influential in shaping Mr Trumps judicial nominees.

A devout Christian, Judge Kacsmaryk had voiced his opposition to same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination protections while rising through the ranks of Republican activists in Texas.

Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk during his Senate confirmation hearing in 2019

He called abortion rights supporters sexual revolutionaries in a 2015 article that criticized Roe v Wade, the decision in a 1973 Supreme Court case that affirmed the constitutional right to abortion care. The courts conservative supermajority overturned that decision and revoked a constitutional right to such care in June 2022s Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organization.

While working at First Liberty Institute, Judge Kacsmaryk also helped oppose a federal mandate for employer-provided health insurance to cover womens birth control.

He has called homosexuality disordered and referred to being transgender as delusional.

His nomination to the federal judgeship in 2017 drew widespread condemnation from Democratic lawmakers and LGBT+ and abortion rights advocates.

The appointment process dragged on for two years in the US Senate before he was confirmed in a contentious 52-46 vote in June 2019.

Republican Senator Susan Collins opposed his confirmation and warned about his alarming bias against LGBTQ Americans and disregard for Supreme Court precedents, according to a 2019 statement to The Washington Post.

Mr Kacsmaryk has dismissed proponents of reproductive choice as sexual revolutionaries, and disdainfully criticized the legal foundations of Roe v Wade, Ms Collins said in 2019.

Such extreme statements reflect poorly on Mr Kacsmaryks temperament and suggest an inability to respect precedent and to apply the law fairly and impartially.

Susan Collins issued a dire warning about Judge Kacsmaryks history of anti-LGBTQ statements in 2019 (Bloomberg)

Judge Kacsmaryk revealed in his Senate questionnaire that he was a member of the Red Mass Committee for the Roman Catholic diocese of Fort Worth.

According to the dioceses website, the Red Mass is a Catholic tradition that dates back to the 13th Century and encourages the involvement of the legal community in spreading the Word of God.

He was also a board member on the Christian Homes & Family Services, which provides housing and adoption services to women with unplanned pregnancies, at the time of his judicial appointment.

He and wife Shelly Kacsmaryk have five children. Their first baby, a girl named Tyndale, was stillborn.

The chief executive of Christian Homes & Family Services Sherri Statler told The New York Times that the experience of having a stillborn child had strongly shaped Judge Kacsmaryks views on abortion.

I think that contributed to his interest in wanting to support women in all kinds of ways, but most especially when they are pregnant, Ms Statler said.

Judge-shopping

Since Judge Kacsmaryks appointment to the bench in Amarillo, Texas, Republicans and conservative activists have repeatedly filed controversial lawsuits in his district.

The US Department of Justice has launched legal appeals against what it calls judge-shopping; the deliberate filing of cases in a district that will ensure favourable judges hear them.

The Justice Department has unsuccessfully sought to have several cases transferred out of Kacsmaryks district.

These include a case challenging a Labor Department policy that allows retirement-plan finance managers to consider climate change in investment decisions.

Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk has a history of right-wing activism from the judicial bench (First Liberty Institute)

It also lost an appeal to transfer a lawsuit challenging the Biden adminstrations immigration parole programme out of the Amarillo district. The plan would grant 360,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela the right to come to the US for two years.

Judge Kacsmaryk is overseeing several cases with far-reaching national implications, and has already become a thorn in the side of the Biden administration.

In October last year, he issued a ruling that said federal requirements for employers to provide protections for LGBT+ employees went too far.

Anti-abortion groups filed their lawsuit last November challenging FDA approval of mifepristone in Amarillo, guaranteeing the case would be heard by Judge Kacsmaryk.

In his ruling, delivered on Good Friday, Judge Kacsmaryk used language pulled directly from anti-abortion activists, including referring to abortion providers as abortionists and a fetus as an unborn human.

Widespread condemnation

President Joe Biden condemned the Texas decision as the next big step toward the national ban on abortion that Republican elected officials have vowed to make law in America.

If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription, approved by the FDA, that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks, he said in a statement.

The lawsuit, and this ruling, is another unprecedented step in taking away basic freedoms from women and putting their health at risk, the president added.

Vice President Kamala Harris said the decision not only threatens the rights of women nationwide to make decisions about their health care but also undermines the FDAs ability to approve safe and effective medications with decisions based on politics, not science.

Mifepristone is one of a two-drug protocol for medication abortion, a procedure that accounts for more than half of all abortions nationwide. (Associated Press)

This lawsuit was manufactured as part of an orchestrated campaign to deny all women in the US access to abortion, even those living in states with strong abortion rights protections, Nancy Northup, president and CEO at the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement.

Its abundantly clear that those who rely on a fact-based, scientific FDA drug approval process, including major pharmaceutical companies, need to speak out about the travesty of this case.

Planned Parenthoods president and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson stressed that access to mifepristone remains safe for now.

The American Medical Association said Judge Kacsmaryks decision flies in the face of science and evidence.

The courts disregard for well-established scientific facts in favor of speculative allegations and ideological assertions will cause harm to our patients and undermines the health of the nation, Dr Jack Resneck, the groups president, said in a statement.

By rejecting medical facts, the court has intruded into the exam room and has intervened in decisions that belong to patients and physicians.

What is mifepristone?

Mifepristone is one of a two-drug protocol for medication abortion, a procedure that accounts for more than half of abortions nationwide.

The drug was approved for use in 2000 by the FDA in most cases up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Multiple studies have determined they are overwhelmingly safe and effective, and have been used in roughly 54 per cent of all abortions.

A vast majority of abortions occur within the first nine weeks. In 2019, nearly 93 per cent of all abortions were performed before the 13th week.

Abortion rights advocates say that providers could rely on a misoprostol-only regimen for medication abortion if mifepristone is not available.
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The US claims Russia or pro-Russian elements are likely behind the leak of classified military documents on social media.

The secret Pentagon documents that were discovered on 4chan, Twitter, Telegram and other websites were related to Ukraine, the Middle East and China. They also appeared to detail US and NATO aid to Ukraine, but may have been altered or used as part of a misinformation campaign.

Three US officials told Reuters that they believed Russia was behind the leak.

The Justice Department said it was investigating the leak that was first reported by the New York Times on Friday.

The NYT report had come after the Pentagon said it was reviewing how the handful of documents were released on several social media sites.

The files included secret briefing slides on China, the Indo-Pacific military theatre and details about the Middle East and terrorism among other things.

One of the leaked documents consisted of a map that purported to show the status of fighting currently underway in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

Other documents include Ukrainian air defense positions, combat equipment numbers and maps of the combat situations in Kharkiv and southern Ukraine, according to the New York Post.

A senior intelligence official told NYT that the leak is a nightmare for the Five Eyes intelligence grouping which consists of the US, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

We are aware of the reports of social media posts, and the Department is reviewing the matter, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said on Friday, right before the new documents surfaced.

After the documents were leaked, Ms Singh said in a statement: The Department of Defense is actively reviewing the matter, and has made a formal referral to the Department of Justice for investigation.

At least five photos of slides and maps were also posted, with three of the photos labeled Secret and one labeled Top Secret, according to the New York Post.
 Close Related: Putin visits Russian troops in Ukraines Kherson and Luhansk regions

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An ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the world was probably on the verge of a new world war as the risks of a nuclear battle escalate.

The world is sick and quite probably is on the verge of a new world war, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev told a conference in Moscow.

He said such a new world war was not inevitable but said the risks of a nuclear confrontation were growing - and more serious than concerns about climate change.

It comes as Russia has started to use its new T-14 Armata battle tanks to fire on Ukrainian positions but they have not yet participated in direct assault operations, the RIA state news agency reported, quoting a source close to the matter.

Meanwhile, Ukraine accused Russian forces of deploying the kind of war tactics used in Syria to level Bakhmut, as heavy fighting for control of the salt mining city continues.

Using the so-called Syrian tactics of total destruction of buildings and structures, the enemy in some places has [made] progress at the expense of destroyed objects, Ukraines deputy defence minister Hanna Maylar said last night.
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The UK Foreign Office appealed for an de-escalation in tensions in the Israel-Palestine dispute after two British-Israeli sisters in their 20s were shot dead.

The attack on their car took place near an Israeli settlement in the West Bank and the girls father witnessed the incident from a separate car following behind, local officials said.

The sisters 45-year-old mother was also seriously wounded, Israeli and British officials said.

Israeli medics said they dragged the unconscious women from the smashed car, which appeared to have been pushed off the road.

In London, the Foreign Office confirmed the deaths and appealed for all sides in the Israel-Palestine dispute to de-escalate a situation which has seen violence flare up in recent days.

There was further bloodshed in Tel Aviv, as Britons were reportedly among those injured when a car rammed into a group of people near a popular seaside park.

A 30-year-old Italian man was killed in the attack, but reports suggested Britons were among at least seven people injured.

Israels rescue service said a 74-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were receiving medical treatment for mild to moderate injuries.

Police said they shot and killed the driver of the car and identified him as a 45-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel from the village of Kafr Qassem.

A video circulating on social media showed the car hurtling along a sidewalk for several hundred metres before crashing out of control.

The family of the two sisters killed in the West Bank were residents of the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to Oded Revivi, the settlements mayor.

He said: With great sorrow we received an update on a shocking terrorist attack in which terrorists shot a car including a mother and her two daughters, residents of Efrat.

The two girls were murdered and the mother is in (a) critical condition and we all pray for her quick recovery.

The father of the family who drove in another car from the front turned around and witnessed the efforts to take care of his wife and daughters.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: We are saddened to hear about the deaths of two British-Israeli citizens and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank.

My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly had earlier called for calm after Israel launched strikes in southern Lebanon and bombed targets in the Gaza Strip in retaliation over rocket attacks.

The cross-border fighting, while Jews are celebrating the Passover holiday and Muslims are marking Ramadan, erupted following violent scenes at Jerusalems Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon came after militants fired nearly three dozen rockets from there.

The Israeli military said it targeted installations of the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Lebanon.

Mr Cleverly said both sides in the Israel-Palestine dispute should recommit themselves to a negotiated settlement.

He said: The UK condemns the indiscriminate rocket attacks from southern Lebanon and Gaza and recognises Israels right to self-defence.

Now is the time for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.

At the convergence of Passover, Ramadan and Easter, the UK calls for all parties to respect the historic status quo arrangements at Jerusalems holy sites and cease all provocative action.

The UK is a strong supporter of freedom of religion or belief and calls for places of worship to be respected.

We value Jordans important role as custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem and condemns the Israeli police violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

When Israeli security forces conduct operations, they must ensure they are proportionate and in accordance with international law.

In Jerusalem, violence flared again at the Al-Aqsa Mosque before dawn prayers, with Israeli police stationed at one of the gates forcibly dispersing vast crowds of worshippers who chanted praise for Hamas.

Human rights campaign group Amnesty International UK criticised Mr Cleverlys response.

The charitys Kristyan Benedict said: James Cleverlys belated response to shocking Israeli violence against Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque isnt just weak and tokenistic  its also dangerously misguided because it effectively isolates individual incidents of violence from the overall context, which is decades of apartheid, occupation and systematic injustice against the Palestinian people.

Despite the Foreign Secretarys usual platitudes about peace and de-escalation, the UK continues to oppose vital international measures such as the ongoing ICC (International Criminal Court) investigation, designed to bring justice and accountability for Israeli and Palestinian civilians.
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Two British-Israeli sisters killed in a gun attack in the occupied West Bank have been pictured for the first time as their mother fights for her life.

Rina and Maya Dee were shot dead in an attack on their car near an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank on Friday.

Naming the sisters in a tweet on Saturday evening, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters, Rina and Maya, in the severe attack in the Bekaa.

Rina and Maya Dee were killed in an attack on their car (Family handout)

In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.

The two sisters 45-year-old mother was seriously wounded in the crash and is still in hospital. Their father, Rabbi Leo Dee, was driving in a separate car ahead of them when a relative called to ask if he knew about the shooting and if the family was OK.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, he said: I said everyone was fine, but when I called my wife and two daughters there was no answer.

Panicked, he turned on a Google tracking device that allows parents to follow their childrens mobile phones. It led him to Hamra, a settlement 30 miles north of Jerusalem, where he saw his wife being airlifted from the wreckage.

Rabbi Dee said: My daughters were friends of each other as well as sisters. Now we are diminished. Maya was doing national service in the south, and was passionate about helping others. Rina is what you would call an A* pupil. We were proud of them.

My wifes condition is very serious. We are praying, and people around the world are praying, that she will get better.

He added: I dont blame the terrorists as they will be brought to justice. I am more worried about the tensions between Jews in Israel.

In a statement released to The Telegraph, Rabbi Dee said the family was saddened by the current political situation in Israel, referring to fears over the presence of several religious, ultra-nationalist politicians in Israels new government, which was formed under Mr Netanyahu in January.

Israeli security forces patrol outside the Dome of the Rock shrine in Jerusalems al-Aqsa Mosque compound (AFP/Getty)

Some people think that a religious government will suppress minority rights and become totalitarian, he said.

But this is not a risk in Israel as religious Jews simply believe in balancing love and justice. For our part, we have felt a warm hug of love from Jews in Israel and beyond and we are confident that justice will be done.

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to the settlements mayor Oded Revivi. Reports said the family moved back to Israel in 2014, having left there for Britain in 2008.

According to The Telegraph, Rabbi Dee works at the Zait Ranaan synagogue in Efrat, and was formerly a senior rabbi at Radlett United Synagogue in Hertfordshire and assistant rabbi in Hendon, north London.

The paper also reported that Palestinian gunmen are said to have chased the car containing the three women off the road before firing on it, with some 22 bullet casings found at the scene.

The murders triggered an outpouring of grief in Efrat, a Jewish settlement near Bethlehem in the southern West Bank, and young residents held an impromptu vigil on Friday afternoon.

Israeli police stand at the scene of the attack in Tel Aviv (AP)

Fridays attacks came after Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes at Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Tensions have been heightened by days of fighting at Jerusalems most holy site during the rare convergence of Ramadan, Passover and Easter, sparked by an Israeli police raid on the sacred compound home to the Al-Aqsa mosque.

That outraged Palestinians marking the holy fasting month of Ramadan and prompted militants in Lebanon  as well as Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip  to fire a heavy barrage of rockets into Israel. In retaliation, Israeli war planes struck sites allegedly linked to the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military said on Saturday that three rockets were launched from Syria toward Israeli territory, a rare attack from the countrys northeastern neighbour.

Palestinian Muslim devotees perform an evening prayer known as Tarawih outside the Dome of the Rock shrine in Jerusalems al-Aqsa Mosque compound (AFP/Getty)

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the rocket launches, which caused no damage or casualties. Only one rocket managed to cross into Israeli territory and landed in a field in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

Also on Saturday, Israeli security forces shot and killed a 20-year-old Palestinian in the northern occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials said. The Israeli military said it opened fire at Palestinians hurling stones and explosive devices at troops. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the Palestinian killed in the West Bank town of Azzun as Ayed Salim.

Meanwhile, a few hundred Palestinian worshippers barricaded themselves in Al-Aqsa mosque, which sits on a hilltop in the heart of Jerusalems Old City sacred to both Muslims and Jews.

Late on Friday, an Italian tourist was killed and five other Italian and British citizens were wounded when a car rammed a group in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

Foreign secretary James Cleverly held a call on Saturday with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen to discuss the appalling attacks.

Middle East minister Lord Ahmad said: I condemn yesterdays attacks in the West Bank.

People gather and lay flowers at the site where Alessandro Parini, an Italian tourist, was killed (AP)

British Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan added: My thoughts are with those affected by another horrific terror attack last night in Tel Aviv ... We are in touch with the hospital and will offer our support.

The Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised both incidents as retaliation for Israeli raids earlier this week on the Al-Aqsa mosque.

Foreign affairs committee chair Alicia Kearns said it was incredibly difficult to see how the raid earlier this week was legitimate as she urged the government to increase its efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.

The Tory MP told BBC Radio 4s Today programme there has been too much silence from the Foreign Office in recent weeks.

We need to step up, she said. We really need to re-engage, we need to make sure that our Arab partners know that we are here and listening and we need our Israeli friends to know we stand completely behind their security.

She added that the UK must be a critical friend to both sides.

Israeli medics and policemen check a damaged car at the scene of a shooting attack, in the Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank (REUTERS)

The Foreign Office released a statement saying it was saddened to hear about the deaths of the two British-Israelis and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions, it added.

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank.

My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.

The Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon came after militants fired nearly three dozen rockets from there.
? Desde #Piura, la presidenta Dina Boluarte anuncio que el Gobierno destino S/4000 millones para el plan "Con Punche Emergencia", cuyos ejes de intervencion incluyen a esta region, a fin de atender, de forma inmediata, la emergencia por las lluvias intensas en el norte del pais. pic.twitter.com/3OjIlFnhxq
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An Italian tourist has been killed and seven other people injured in a car-ramming attack near a beach in Tel Aviv.

Police said a 30-year-old Italian man was among a group of Italian and British citizens who were hit by a car late on Friday.

A 74-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl are among seven people who were injured in the attack. Of those wounded, three suffered moderate injuries and four sustained only light injuries, officials said.

Police said they shot and killed the driver of the car, who was identified as a 45-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel from the Israel-Arab village of Kafr Qassem.

A video circulating on social media showed the car hurtling along a sidewalk for several hundred metres before crashing out of control.

Police secure the area of the attack (AFP)

Italian premier Giorgia Melonis office expressed closeness to the family of the victim and solidarity with Israel for the vile attack. She identified the man killed as Alessandro Parini from Rome. Mr Parini worked as a lawyer in Rome, Italian media reported.

In a separate incident, two British-Israeli sisters were shot to death near a settlement in the occupied West Bank.

The two women, both in their 20s, were killed while their mother, 45, was seriously wounded, Israeli and British officials said.

They lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, said Oded Revivi, the settlements mayor.

Witnesses say the vehicle travelled on the pavement for several hundred metres before overturning (AFP)

Their father was driving in a car behind his daughters and witnessed the attack, the mayor added.

Medics said they dragged the unconscious women from the smashed car, which appeared to have been pushed off the road.

No groups claimed responsibility for either attack, but the Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised both incidents as retaliation for Israeli raids earlier this week on the Al-Aqsa mosque  the third-holiest site in Islam.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the scene with defence minister Yoav Gallant late on Friday.

Its just a matter of time, and not much time, until we settle the score, Mr Netanyahu said.

The attack follows days of violence and unrest in Jerusalems most sensitive holy site, the compound of the Al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City.

Mr Netanyahu said he was calling up all reserve forces in Israels border police to confront the terror attacks.

Israel's prime minister visited the scene of the attack with defence minster Yoav Gallant (Getty)

The Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised the attack in Tel Aviv as a response to Israels crimes against Al-Aqsa Mosque and worshippers.

A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement: We are saddened to hear about the deaths of two British-Israeli citizens and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual. The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Saturday condemned the escalating violence between Israel and the Palestinians, urging all parties to exercise restraint and promote calm for the ongoing religious holidays.
The UK Foreign Office appealed for a de-escalation in tensions in the Israel-Palestinian dispute after two British-Israeli sisters in their 20s were shot dead.

The attack on their car took place near an Israeli settlement in the West Bank and the girls father witnessed the incident from a separate car following behind, local officials said.

The sisters 45-year-old mother was also seriously wounded, Israeli and British officials said.

Israeli medics said they dragged the unconscious women from the smashed car, which appeared to have been pushed off the road.

In London, the Foreign Office confirmed the deaths and appealed for all sides in the Israel-Palestine dispute to de-escalate a situation which has seen violence flare up in recent days.

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Bodycam footage shows the moment a mother of one of the students who died in the Uvalde school shooting is forcibly removed from a gun-control protest.

The Texas Department of Public Safety released the video on Thursday (6 April).

Ana Rodriguez, whose 10-year-old daughter Maite was among those killed in the rampage at Robb Elementary School, can be seen attempting to enter the building to retrieve her son.

She is immediately confronted by a Texas state trooper, who physically forces her out of the school.

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Labour senator Marie Sherlock called for Good Friday to become a permanent public holiday for all workers. Photo: Damien Storan

The Department of Enterprise said any proposal to roll out another public holiday would require very careful consideration.

It cited additional costs this would impose on employers.

The department was responding after senator Marie Sherlock, Labours workers rights spokesperson, said Good Friday must become a permanent public holiday for all workers.

The situation as it stands is deeply unfair for workers, she said. There is always confusion among workers as to whether Good Friday counts as a public holiday.

She said some employers treat Good Friday as a discretionary day.

However, most workers in retail, tourism and hospitality fail to benefit.

Its deeply unfair that some workers benefit due to the benevolence of their employer, while others do not, Ms Sherlock said. Extra public holidays are just one way of improving life for workers in Ireland.

The introduction of the new public holiday in February was welcome, but we need to look across the economy as a whole and ensure its fair for all.

The department spokesperson said Good Friday is a discretionary day for employers. Easter Monday is a public holiday on which employees are entitled to increased pay, a paid days leave or a combination of the two.

The Organisation of Working Time Act provides that certain days may be prescribed as public holidays.

There are 10 public holidays, which recently rose from nine with the addition of St Brigids Day.

An extra public holiday has implications of a broad nature in terms of costs, productivity and its effect on competitiveness, the spokesperson said. Any proposal for another public holiday would require very careful consideration, including on the additional costs this would impose on employers.
Denise Gough: I was homeless and a drug addict. Its a miracle I managed to get to where I am
Ever worked in the UK? Heres your step-by-step to buying yourself a second pension alongside your Irish one  and on the cheap
Italian right-wing MEP Alessandra Mussolini  granddaughter of the former fascist leader  has been among the most vocal in support of the Italian wine industry. Photo: Franco Origlia/Getty Images
The acclaimed author on working with Neil Jordan, his new comic novel set in 1970s Dublin and why he feels his heyday arrived with last years Poguemahone

Patrick McCabe: I got embarrassed coming to Neil Jordan with these fantastic ideas and hed impatiently say, Yeah, yeah, I know that. I ended up just going to the pub and staying there. Photo by Mark Condren

You dont need to be told that its a writers home. As soon as you pass the threshold of the two-storey house in the centre of Clones, you can tell that at least one bibliophile resides here.

Every available bit of wall space is taken up with books. Shelves groan under the weight of hardbacks. Paperbacks vie for space upstairs. There isnt a nook or cranny that isnt enlivened by books. Venture up to the bathroom and your hosts will wonder whats taking you so long: every shelf on the landing invites perusal.

Patrick McCabe insists he is no Luddite, but this is a man enraptured by the physical beauty of books. There are so many in the home he shares with his artist wife Margot Quinn that outside noise is dampened. The cosy house, he says, is a good place to write.

It was here that he penned his tragicomic play Country and Irish, which opens in Dublins Smock Alley Theatre this month and will then embark on a nationwide tour.

The world he creates in the musical play is not dissimilar to the heightened one that colours so many of his novels. It centres on one Donie Burris, whose difficulties range from having an overbearing mother to becoming embroiled with Dublin gangsters. It pays homage to film noir, the film Double Indemnity and Samuel Beckett. A banana features prominently and there are playful references to the Teletubbies.

There are plenty of songs too. The title refers to the often derided variant of country music that remains popular in Border counties such as Monaghan and Donegal.

You often hear people saying, Its really good country music, not like that country and Irish shite, he says. But I wanted to tackle that head on, because its so disrespectful. This is a particular sound  it has a fairground organ and kettle drums and the accent is specific: its midlands up to the North. That music is part of me  Im not detached from it, just as Im not detached from the lanes around here.

The play is a one-man tour de force and stars Peter Gowen as an individual at the end of his tether. It wasnt written with one actor in mind, but he was so clued in on the world of it, McCabe says. When I saw him doing it for the first time, I thought it was hilarious.

McCabe is constantly writing and he jokes that he is forever penning the same book. Its a comment that is both facetious and true. Right now, he is writing a comic novel set in 1970s Dublin. Its called Goldengrove and his evocation of a past world is transporting him back to his first years in the city at teacher training college.

He is about halfway through it and is planning to publish via Unbound, a crowdfunding service increasingly used by writers. It was the method he used to publish his most recent novel, a sprawling, hugely ambitious stream-of-consciousness work called Poguemahone. I put everything I had into it, he says. I think its my best book.

The audiobook version is a delight. McCabe reads it himself and takes great relish doing so. The book is not for the faint-hearted, but the writers delivery of his own words makes it more accessible than the written word.

When many writers talk about the business of writing, they make it sound like a chore. McCabe is different. Theres a delight that comes with creating curiously off-centre worlds and skewed, larger-than-life characters that are distinctly McCabeian.

Goldengrove was originally going to be called Watertown  possibly in a nod to his favourite film, Roman Polanskis Chinatown. Setting a book 40 to 50 years in the past has allowed him to explore an Ireland he came of age in. Its easy to use broad brushstrokes, he says, to see it as this very conservative place. But there were lots of people who didnt conform to societal norms, who had little interest in the church and so forth.

The 1970s is territory that he covered in one of his best loved creations, 1995s The Dead School, although he points out that it didnt sell anything like the preceding book, The Butcher Boy.

McCabe had already published two novels before The Butcher Boy  both well received  but it was that 1992 tour de force that moved him into the first rank of Irish writers.

Patrick McCabe: I got embarrassed coming to Neil Jordan with these fantastic ideas and hed impatiently say, Yeah, yeah, I know that. I ended up just going to the pub and staying there. Photo by Mark Condren

The book centres on troubled schoolboy Francie Brady. He is, by any measure, one of the great characters in modern Irish literature. Did McCabe realise he had something special as he was writing the book? Hadnt a clue, he says, mirthfully. You never know whats going to connect. You hope that it will have an audience, but you cant tell.

But Margot, at the far end of the room, shakes her head. I knew. As soon as I read it, I knew he had written something special.

Margot is McCabes sounding board. But I only show the work to her when its done, he says. I wouldnt be showing a page here or there.

Although she told him at the time that The Butcher Boy would get him noticed, nobody could have foreseen what a cultural sensation it would become. It was his first book to make a significant impression across the Irish Sea.

He pauses for thought. I think the dark aspects of the book chimed at a time when Ireland was perceived as innocent, maybe. It was before so many of the revelations about the Catholic Church came out, before the floodgates opened.

You had Father Ted and all these other things that were introducing a whole new anarchic kind of side of the Irish imagination which the English didnt either know about or had missed. They may still be even missing it.

McCabe was itching to be a full-time writer, but was cautious about leaving his teaching job, even after The Butcher Boy made him a literary star. It was when I was writing The Dead School that I tried to do this full time. Id two young children [Katie and Ellen, who, he proudly notes, both work in the arts] and I couldnt afford to. There was no guarantee of any success  there never is.

I was very practical about it. Theres a teachers credit union and I thought, Ill borrow six months worth of salary and see if I can finish this book and if it does any good. But that would only keep you going for a year. You can scrimp and save, but I didnt want to do that. I would have gone back teaching anyway  I wasnt unhappy with it.

Sticking to writing full-time was helped by the success of Neil Jordans acclaimed 1997 film version of The Butcher Boy, which starred Fiona Shaw, Stephen Rea and Eamonn Owens.

My view is that Neil Jordan is a bit of a genius, he says. His visual imagination is so sophisticated. When we were shooting The Butcher Boy, I would go to him with ideas that I had given a lot of thought to. But he had already thought of them, weeks before. It got to the stage that I got so embarrassed coming to him with these fantastic ideas and hed impatiently say, Yeah, yeah, I know that. I ended up just going to the pub and staying there.

A few years later Jordan went on to adapt another McCabe book, Breakfast on Pluto, which starred a young Cillian Murphy as Patrick, the transgender lead character. The 6ft Tardis-like object that appears in the film takes pride of place amid all the books in this Clones living room. For this film, McCabe kept his ideas to himself. I stayed away, he says with a laugh. Id learned my lesson.

McCabe believes his books have been very well served by both of Jordans adaptations. It was a great privilege to be working with him because getting any movie made is such a torturous business. Yet for all the brilliance of those movies  or any movie  theres something pure about the written word.

Poetry, he adds, is probably the highest form of art in a way. As a fellow Monaghan man, he holds Patrick Kavanagh in high esteem. I think Kavanagh is magnificent. Hes written, maybe, a dozen masterpieces  which is not bad for anybody.

But it is James Joyce, rather than Kavanagh, who has been much more influential on McCabe. Ulysses is like synesthesia, you feel it, he says. The language is so vital. And its very funny. I still read it, maybe twice a year. I dont mean I sit down and study it  its more a case of picking it up and reading wherever I land. You always find something new in it.

The last time I read it, I discovered something in it that I didnt know was there. It was a guy called the Macintosh Man. Nobody, except scholars, remembers it because its buried deep in the text, but he turns up here and there and nobody knows who it is. And the Macintosh Man reminds me of Teaser Time in the Dandy books, Can you spot the missing character in such and such an illustration? Its a book thats full of mischief.

Joyce cast a shadow on several generations of Irish writers, but not McCabe. I wasnt good enough to be anywhere near it, he says, plainly, and I always knew that. I might have been able to carry his typewriter, maybe.

Although McCabe has written steadily since the late 1980s, many would argue that his heyday was the 1990s, when he, Colm Toibin, Sebastian Barry and Anne Enright were anointed as the top of the crop of new Irish writers. He mulls over the suggestion. I can understand why people might say that, but I dont see it that way. The year I wrote Poguemahone was my heyday  thats how I view it.

Poguemahone received generally lukewarm reviews, although some critics did not hold back in their dislike for the book. It saddens me, he says. You spend three years of your life working on it, so of course it saddens me.

Unlike many writers who profess not to bother with what the critics say, he reads his reviews. It matters if its considered, he says, if their argument is well written.

McCabe is not sure if writing well gets any easier as the years go by, but he is adamant that continuously writing is essential to keep the machine oiled.

He reaches for an analogy concerning the jazz great Chet Baker. Theres a story of this old guy whod been a jazz man all his life in New York. He said he got to play with Baker. I watched him, he said. He took the trumpet and started blowing into it and got stuff out of that instrument that took me years of work and graft. In my case, I need all that practice because when that Chet Baker moment comes, you have the tools ready to do it. Now, when that crystalline moment of inspiration arrives, Im ready for it.

He still keeps teachers hours at his desk upstairs and will keep writing in the days that a particular idea excites him. He says he still revels in the fact that he has been able to make writing his job, even in an age of diminishing returns for most authors.

People think that artists just want to be in the spotlight, but thats not me, he says. My position would be that if I can just get enough money to keep alive and stay out of the asylum, Id be very happy.

Country and Irish opens in Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, on April 18 before embarking now an Irish tour until May 20. See fight2flight.com for further information.
Kirsty Blake Knox on five new stories you might have missed this week

The trailer for Greta Gerwigs new Barbie film was released this week and the internet lost its collective mind. Fans were also introduced to the various secondary characters, including our very own Nicola Coughlan as Diplomat Barbie.

1. Barbie trailer brings out the love for a model gentleman  and its not Ken

But it was Allan, the discontinued friend of Ken (played in the movie by Michael Cera) who caught the eye of editors at GQ. Justice for Barbies Allan, Kens forgotten, better-dressed buddy the headline read. Sure, they say, Ken was known for his razor-sharp jawline but have people seen Allans crocheted button-up shirt with a neat multicoloured stripe? They praise Allan for his aversion to high-intensity exercise, his love of unearthing bargains at thrift stores and conclude that Allans the sort of guy you should wanna be. Im no psychologist but it feels like GQ are working through some issues here. They praise Allan for his aversion to high-intensity exercise, his love of unearthing bargains at thrift stores and conclude that he is the sort of guy you should wanna be. Im no psychologist, but it feels like GQ are working through some issues here.

2. Have we hit peak Emily?

Could the name Emily have peaked? It was the most popular girls name in Ireland in 2022 but this week the New York Times ran an article saying it was time to address the Emily in the room. In the article they said we have reached a pop-culture saturation point when it comes to Emilys. Shes in Paris, they say, referring to the Netflix series. Shes a criminal, they say referring to thriller Emily the Criminal, and made headlines for smooching Harry Styles, referring to Emily Ratajkowski. Turn a corner lately, or turn on a TV, and there she is: Emily. The paper interviews several Emilys and the director of Emily the Criminal, who described the name as heroically ordinary. They spoke to a baby name expert who said that while Emilys popularity may dip, it will never fall out of favour because it is such a classic, like a little black dress.

3. Mail manager gets a rise out of staff

Award for the worst April Fools Day prank must go to a manager at the Royal Mail who thought it would be a hoot to inform staff that they were in for an 11pc pay rise. When the manager in question revealed it was a wind-up, things did not go down well. Staff described him to news outlets as a horrible human being. Not the Gotcha! moment he had been anticipating, then.

4. Spectacles shopper loses focus

A man in the UK was bamboozled when he accidentally ordered 60 pairs of reading glasses. Tom Arnolds son shared an image of his dad surrounded by boxes of spectacles. It resulted in lots of comments, including one from Specsavers who wondered: Do we even need to say it? Asked if he had his glasses on when putting the order in, Tom said: Well, I thought I did, but trying to remember back, I might not have had them on.

Are Furbys planning complete domination over humanity?

5. Are cunning Furbies toying with us?

A student of the University of Vermont combined a Furby toy (remember them?) with the power of ChatGPT for a computer science class project. Jessica Card shared a video of her creation online answering questions. When asked if Furbies have plans for world domination, it said: Furbies plan to take over the world involves infiltrating households through their cute and cuddly appearance, then using their advanced AI technology to manipulate and control their owners. influence until they have complete domination over humanity. Heres hoping thats a joke.
There have been no vigils for the young woman killed in Limerick on Tuesday. Photo: Getty Images

When some womens lives are stolen, the whole country grieves. Overnight, cold pavements bloom with floral tributes. Strangers write mass cards, their pens stalling as they try to navigate the line between sympathy and intrusion.
Iran thinks that Azerbaijans actions against Iranian diplomats, who have been declared personae non grata, run counter to the principles of good neighborly relations, Irans Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on Friday

April 8, 2023, 11:20 Iran slams expulsion of its diplomats from Azerbaijan

STEPANAKERT, APRIL 8 , ARTSAKHPRESS: "We think that such conduct of the Azerbaijani government runs counter to the principles of good neighborly relations," the ministry quoted him as saying on its Telegram channel.



The Iranian diplomat called on Baku to demonstrate "mutual respect, follow along the path of good neighborliness" and "stay away" from the "enemies of the region, including Israeli "Zionists."



The Azerbaijani foreign ministry said on April 6 that four employees of the Iranian embassy in Baku had been declared personae non gratae and were ordered to leave the country within 48 hours. A resolute protest was expressed to the Iranian ambassador "for his countrys recent provocative actions against Azerbaijan."
Courts

Former League of Ireland footballer and two others jailed after moving almost 200,000 in criminal cash
Victim Geila Ibram had only been in Ireland for about three weeks prior to fatal assault

Gardai investigating the murder of Geila Ibram (26) in Limerick have said that the PSNI in the North has charged a man.

Officers are continuing to liaise with their colleagues in the PSNI at this time, a statement said.

The man is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court this morning, gardai confirmed.

"Really significant cross border cooperation on this murder investigation. A man is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court this morning charged with murder of Geila Ibram in Limerick on 4th April 2023, a garda spokesperson said.

Ms Ibram is believed to have only arrived in Ireland in early March  and was originally from Tulcea, in Dubruja, in Romania.

A 26-year-old Afghan national was arrested by officers from the PSNIs Serious Crime Branch on Thursday evening and taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite in Belfast for questioning.

Gardai are liaising closely with their colleagues in Northern Ireland over the arrest.

The man was detained by PSNI officers acting on specific information supplied by Limerick gardai.

The man is understood to have been living in the mid-west and was detained in Northern Ireland amid concerns he could be planning to travel to Europe from Belfast. He had travelled from Limerick by bus.

Detectives are also sifting through forensic data obtained from two different scenes which were sealed off and examined in the wake of the womans killing.

Hundreds of hours of security camera footage are now being examined alongside dash-cam and mobile phone images.

One garda source said several potentially significant CCTV clips had already been identified and were being studied.

Gardai were also conducting an intensive search of a number of locations on the Dock Road and the banks of the River Shannon in Limerick city centre in an effort to locate the murder weapon.

It is believed to have been a thin-bladed knife.

A major line of inquiry is whether the woman was targeted because she had worked in the sex industry.

Theories being examined include that the woman was attacked following a row or that she may have been the target of a botched robbery.

The womans body was discovered inside an apartment block on Dock Road, just off OCurry Street,at about 1.30pm on Tuesday.

Gardai believe the victim was subjected to a fatal assault just minutes earlier.

Her body was discovered after two people in pyjamas ran from the apartment complex and asked a local businessman for help as they suspected there had been a stabbing in an apartment.

He immediately alerted gardai and paramedics but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

A full murder investigation was launched following the results of a post-mortem examination carried out by state pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) on Wednesday.

While the results have not been released by gardai for operational reasons, it confirmed that the woman died after being stabbed multiple times.

Gardai have again appealed to anyone with camera footage from the Dock Road and OCurry Street areas of Limerick city, from 1pm-2pm on Tuesday, April 4, to contact Henry Street garda station on (061) 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

An incident room has been established at Henry Street garda station and a liaison officer has been appointed.

Gardai are liaising closely with the Romanian Embassy and the Romanian police to locate and notify all members of the womans family.

It is understood that her remains will be repatriated to Romania once they are formally released to her family.

Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI) said it had predicted an increase in attacks against vulnerable women  and had warned that such fatal incidents would occur.

The laws surrounding sex work have made criminals of consenting adults and have done nothing to stem the rising tide of violence against women in Ireland, a spokesperson said.

Those at the forefront of the fight against violence against women vocally support our misguided laws. They refuse to listen to sex workers when they say they want sex work to be decriminalised
Patrick Quirke is confident he will get his murder conviction overturned. Photo: Collins Court

Convicted murderer Patrick Quirke is so confident he will be freed from jail he has spent hundreds of thousands of euro on a land transaction in his native Tipperary .

Quirke is serving a life sentence, imposed after his conviction in 2019 for the murder of Bobby Ryan, a DJ known as Mr Moonlight. He was jailed following a 15-week trial.

The Irish Independent understands Quirke (54), along with at least one other farmer, recently bought the large parcel of land that is estimated to have been worth around 700,000.

A source said: This is prime farming land and Quirke is believed to have put a sum of at least 300,000 into the transaction. Not bad business for someone who is serving a life sentence in jail for murder.

Dont forget that this is an individual who is on legal aid. His defence for all the very lengthy court proceedings that he has been involved in has been paid by the taxpayer.

It has also been disclosed that Quirkes main business partner in the transaction is a farmer who is considered to be an extremely decent man who has never had negative interactions with gardai.

The Supreme Court has set a date of May 23 to hear further submissions on an appeal by Quirke.

Last month, the court ruled the seizure and analysis of a computer from Quirkes home  which formed a key part of the evidence against him  was unlawful.

The court said it would hear further submissions from the prosecution and defence as to what should be the consequences of the ruling.

Quirkes trial heard he murdered his love rival Bobby Ryan so he could rekindle an affair with farm owner Mary Lowry.

Mr Moonlight Bobby Ryan

Mr Ryans remains were found in a disused underground tank on Ms Lowrys farm almost two years after he went missing.

He had been in a relationship with Ms Lowry and was last seen alive as he left her home to go to work on June 3, 2011.

Sources said Quirke has always been very hopeful of beating the murder conviction.

The fact he has spent so much money on a farm indicates he is confident of walking out of Portlaoise Prison, where he is on a landing with some of Irelands most notorious criminals.

He is a cocky individual who always seems very sure of himself, a source said.

After he was sent to prison in May 2019, it emerged that Quirke had a 3m property empire and had boasted about being one of the top farmers in Ireland.

Sources said it is expected that the land he has recently part-bought will be used as a dairy farm for pedigree Friesian cows.

It is very valuable, and in fairness to him, he is a talented farmer. This could be very lucrative, whatever the ultimate outcome of his court appeal, a source said.

Gardai believe Quirke had lain in wait for his victim and fatally struck Mr Ryan on the head with an iron bar on June 3, 2011.

His body was not discovered until April 2013, when it was found in a water tank on Ms Lowrys farm, which Quirke had been renting.

Detectives believe Quirkes primary motive for the murder was financial, rather than out of love for Ms Lowry.

He successfully challenged the validity of the search warrant obtained by gardai, which had yielded circumstantial evidence about body decomposition that was used against him at his trial.

The jury had been told that a search of a seized computer had revealed an internet search for a human corpse post-mortem: the stages of decomposition and an article entitled How DNA works.
The former Ombudsman for the Defence Forces has said she feels anger at the revelations of sexual harassment and abuse within the ranks that have emerged.

Paulyn Marrinan Quinn has said that her heart goes out to the women victimised in the appalling sexual attacks.

The barrister, who was the first Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, from 2005 until 2011, said she is so angry about the report of an independent review group (IRG) published late last month by Tanaiste Micheal Martin which states that neither men nor women in the Defence Forces are working in a safe working environment.

The overall findings of the review were that women occupy a low status within the Defence Forces.

The Defence Forces struggle with gender, displaying hyper masculinities and pockets of deeply misogynistic attitudes and behaviours, the report stated, describing these as strong organising forces in the culture.

The report also found that these problems will not go away without immediate and significant steps being taken to address them. At best, the Defence Forces barely tolerates women and, at its worst, verbally, physically, sexually and psychologically abuses women in its ranks.

Ms Marrinan-Quinn spoke on Saturday with Colm O Mongain on RTE Radio 1.

Im so angry about whats happened. I cant believe were at this stage. To think, at that point [when she was appointed] Ireland was the only country in this part of the world with a designated military ombudsman with terms of reference and legislation, which were seen to be robust at the time and were lauded by most of the European countries, she said.

To think of the abuses, my heart goes out to the women and as everyone has said, the bravery of them coming forward to talk about these appalling sexual attacks.

To see the parents of a young woman who was so badly abused, the pain on her mother and fathers face was visible. You could see how people could be so upset.

My concern is that we don't know about the dates of these, some of them I think are pre-existing, the actual cases of rape and sexual assault. I hope to God they werent happening when I was in office. Id find it very hard to live with.

Ms Marrinan-Quinn added: In 2011, when I brought out my last annual report, we were seen as such a robust body.

Everybody looking at it, everybody saying this is superb. The UK didnt have one, they watched us like a hawk.

Before I left, I wrote a letter and sent a memo to the department minister, and I said that there were a number of things that needed to be tweaked. I was advocating at that stage, strongly, that we would bring in our own monitoring provision.

Where my greatest anger now is, that opportunity for the independent monitoring group, the ball was dropped or was the ball buried?

Ive no idea why that momentum wasnt continued, its a disappointment to me. I hate to think anybody suffered the way these women have suffered, she added.
The funeral will take place today of four-year-old Fiadh OConnor who died at home in Co Wexford this week.

Fiadh had terminal cancer and her parents were forced to go public in recent weeks to secure palliative care so she could die at home.

The little girl was from Kilbride, The Ballagh, near Enniscorthy and she will be reposing at her home from midday until 8pm this evening.

Her funeral mass will take place at St John the Baptist Church, The Ballagh, at noon. Her family have requested donations, if desired, to the national childrens cancer charity Aoibheanns Pink Tie in Fiadhs memory, in lieu of flowers.

Fiadh is survived by her parents, her younger brother Paidi and her extended family.

In a death notice posted earlier this week, her parents Laura and Rory said: "It is with the saddest of hearts we share that our beautiful, precious Fiadh passed away peacefully at home days before her 5th birthday, cared for by her loving family, after an illness so bravely borne on 5th April.

We will miss her forever but take comfort that she died at home, where she belongs and was looked after with love by her aunties. Fiadh was an amazing, clever, kind, fun and most treasured and loved child. She captured everyones hearts. Fiadh was so brave throughout her illness and she approached every day with resilience and strength, more than we will ever know in our lifetime.

Fiadh wore her bravery like a crown and we will always be so immensely proud of her, heaven has gained an angel and a piece of our hearts forever, they added.

In recent weeks the family spoke of their relief at being promised a HSE package to allow her return home but said they should not have had to publicly beg for the service.

They said: We are devastated to beg for services and have empathy for any family who has faced this problem in such a critical time in our lives.

They received the dreaded news in March that Fiadh, who was diagnosed with aggressive neuroblastoma in 2019, had relapsed for a third time and would need end-of-life care.

But the south-east of the country has been without a paediatric palliative care service since 2017 and they feared Fiadh would not be cared for with her family, including her three year old brother Paidi with whom she shared a special bond,

Following an appeal by Fiadhs aunt Orlaigh Murphy, and contact from the media, the HSE said a comprehensive package of care would be provided. A spokesman said the HSE is very sorry this took so long.

Fiadhs parents have thanked people for the love and support shown to the family since they were informed of the devastating news about her prognosis.

They said that since going public about the lack of paediatric palliative care services in the south east, they had received contact to promise clinical governance for Fiadhs palliative care treatment at home.
Covid spreads significantly through contaminated hands and surfaces in households, a new study suggests, as researchers warned too much focus has been given to airborne transmission.

It comes as researchers at St Georges Hospital, in London, also found that mask wearing did not help prevent patients catching Omicron in hospital, raising questions about policies during the pandemic.

In the first study of its kind, experts at Imperial College, the UK Health and Security Agency, and the University of Oxford monitored 414 people living with an infected person between August 2020 and March 2021. In research published in The Lancet Microbe, they found healthy householders were 70pc more likely to pick up the virus when it was present on surfaces or hands.

Nine in 10 people who had Covid on their hands ended up picking up an infection compared with just three in 10 of those whose hands were clean.

In households where Covid was found on surfaces, such as kettle handles and fridge doors, more than five in 10 people caught the virus compared with just three in 10 in more sanitary homes.

Prof Ajit Lalvani, lead author of the study, said the team could not rule out airborne transmission happening in parallel but said it was clear surfaces and hands were an important source of spread.

The accepted wisdom and consequently policy as to whether transmission in hand-surface or aerosol/airborne has swung like a pendulum during the pandemic, said Prof Lalvani.

At the beginning the authorities mistakenly pronounced that the virus was not airborne, but it is. Then by 2021, the widely held belief had become that not only is the virus airborne but that is the only or at least predominant route of transmission.

Our study helps to rebalance the pendulum by showing that hand-surface transmission in households, which is where most transmission occurs, contributes significantly to spread.

The presence of the virus on the hands of an infected householder was associated with a three times greater risk of contacts in the household also having a positive hand-swab, and in turn, contacts with the virus on their hands were twice as likely to become infected with Covid.

If the virus was present on frequently touched surfaces in the household, contacts were nearly four times more likely to have detectable virus on their hands and 1.7 times more likely to be infected.

Whole genome sequencing confirmed that the household contacts were infected with the same strain, and so likely caught it from each other.

The team said it showed frequent handwashing and decontamination of frequently touched surfaces were vital to prevent transmission and that masks were important, both for stopping airborne spread and for preventing touching of the nose and mouth.

However, a separate study by St Georges Hospital found wearing surgical masks in a large London hospital during the first 10 months of Omicron made no discernible difference to reducing hospital-acquired Covid infections. Researchers from the hospital looked at infection rates between December 2021 and June 2022 when staff and visitors were required to wear masks in clinical and public areas compared with after the policy was ended in June 2022.

The analysis found despite a Covid surge in June, and the ending of masks, the rate of infections was no higher.

Our study found no evidence that mandatory masking of staff impacts the rate of hospital SARS-CoV-2 infection with the Omicron variant, said lead author Dr Ben Patterson, from St Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London.

( Telegraph Media Group Ltd 2023)
Martin McDonnell from Longford is predeceased by his brother Ciaran and uncle Patrick

The funeral details of Martin McDonnell who was killed in a Longford bus tragedy have been announced.

Mr McDonnell, who was due to marry within weeks, died tragically after being struck by a Bus Eireann bus, on Thursday.

He was fatally injured as he walked along the Convent Road area of Longford town shortly after 6.00pm.

The 19-year-old will be reposing in Connell's Funeral Home, Church St, Longford, on Monday from 4.00pm, followed with removal to St. Mel's Cathedral, for prayers at 6.00pm.

The funeral mass will be on Tuesday April 11 at 11.00am, followed by burial in Ballymacormack Cemetery.

His funeral notice reads: Martin will be sadly missed by his heartbroken family, parents Willie and Patricia, his brothers and sisters Shane, Amy, Brandon, Willie, Helen, Melissa, Bridget, Abbie, Caroline, Mary, Queva, Andrew, Michael, Simon, John, his beloved fiancee Shirley [Dempsey], brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, uncles and aunts, cousins, and his many dear friends.

In our hearts forever. Rest in peace Martin.

Martins distraught fiancee previously told how the couple planned to get married later this month. She revealed how her life has been turned upside down.

In a heartbreaking tribute, Ms Dempsey said she and Mr McDonnell were looking forward to getting married in Northern Ireland in three weeks time.

You were my whole life, she wrote on social media.

Id give my life just to have you back. I just cant come to terms that God took you away from me and I will never understand why.

All we had was each other and you told me that every day. We were going to the North in three weeks to get married and were going to keep it a secret until the day.

Mr McDonnell's sister, Helen, also took to social media to describe how she was numbed by the news.

My poor brother Martin, he didnt deserve this, she wrote.

The tragedy comes just over a year after Mr McDonnell spoke at the funeral mass of his older brother Ciaran (23), who died in a fatal single-vehicle incident outside Granard, Co Longford on New Years Day.

The car he was driving was found partially submerged in water off the main road between Granard and Ballinalee.

I dont even know where to start, Martin McDonnell told mourners at his brothers funeral.

Our hearts are broken into pieces. You were one of a kind and you were my best friend.

He said despite the enormity of the previous few days, the memory of his late brother would live on.

I promise you I will do you proud, Martin McDonnell said at the time.

You are my hero and I will always love you. You were simply the best. You will be missed and you will always be in our hearts.
Hermione Duffy, the widow of the late Rescue 116 Helicopter co-pilot Captain Mark Duffy, has said she finds comfort in revisiting the site where he died.

In March 2017, the helicopter Cpt Duffy was flying crashed on an approach to Blacksod, Co Mayo. Mr Duffy, Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, and winchmen Paul Ormsby and Ciaran Smith died in the accident.

Clockwise, from top left, Dara Fitzpatrick, Mark Duffy, Ciaran Smith and Paul Orsmby, the four crew of Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116

Last June an inquest into the crash returned a verdict of accidental death.

Six years on since the crash, Hermione Duffy said she has revisited the Blacksod Bay and Belmullet area a number of times, as she finds it to be a little bit of heaven.

I love it. I really enjoy going back down there, she told the Brendan OConnor Show on RTE radio.

Theres a little bit of heaven in Belmullet for me.

Ms Duffy said she can feel the presence of her husband and his crew when she visits the area, and it provides her with comfort.

I think, because of the huge support that we got from that part of the world at the time of the accident. And they welcome you back every time you go back, they want to see you and they say hello, and they're just so, so lovely. So, that helps with the trauma, that all of that love is there, she said.

Ms Duffy recalled how she met her future husband at the rugby club in Dundalk when she was 20. She was studying fashion at the time and would go on to work in the industry.

As she was finishing college, Mark decided he wanted to become a helicopter pilot, she said.

By the time we got married, he was working in the private sector of helicopters, and then his dream was always to go to SAR [search and rescue] or fly a very big helicopter So many people would have said that from the age of three, four or a teenager, that's all he ever wanted was to be a pilot, she said.

Ms Duffy said she supported Marks ambitions and he joined the SAR team just as they were expecting their first child Esme.

Captain Mark Duffy with his children Fionn and Esme.

Esme was followed by her brother Fionn and Ms Duffy said her husband cherished being a dad and was actively loving. The children were 13 and 11 at the time of the tragedy.

Ms Duffy said she would occasionally worry about the risks associated with being a search and rescue member, but she trusted her husbands training and that of his team members.

She said previously that Mark had told her not to come to the crash site, in the event that he was involved in an accident. Ms Duffy said Mark had the presence of mind to know that, that was not for us.

So, we didnt go in the early days of the accident, she said.

As much as I wanted to when it happened But that conversation that we had, and Ive revisited that many times in the six years, and it was the right thing. It was the right thing for us not to go down there and I think thats probably why I can go to Belmullet and feel a nice calm presence and aura when Im there. I dont get tense.

Ms Duffy said she received endless support from her family and friends, but at the same time she felt: Im just so lonely. I just want Mark.

She said that phase of mourning felt like a very long, long period of time but the Covid pandemic gave her, Esme and Fionn time to be together.

I wasnt lonely, I had the kids. If Covid hadnt of come along, I would have been by myself in that year three, year four. So, that was a really nice comfort blanket that we had, she said.

Ms Duffy said a widow has to move into a new phase of life despite the power of guilt in trying to make you stay fixed in that place where you were. Its important to allow happiness and joy back into your life, she said, but that takes a long time.

You just love your spouse so much and you are so heartbroken for them that you feel that are being watched because they are not there, she added.

That then will dissipate and you will forget that people might be saying anything or commenting and everybody has the most goodwill for anybody whos lost their spouse. Everybody will wish you the very, very best. Its just you have to let yourself, wish yourself that as well.
She was racing against time: how Mo Mowlam shook things up to secure the Good Friday Agreement

With an informal style and willingness to break barriers, the Northern secretary made a huge impact on the peace process, as even the prime minister who was reportedly jealous of her popularity would concede

Mo Mowlam addresses a press conference at Stormont in 1997, a year before she helped shape the Good Friday Agreement. Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Kim Bielenberg Sat 8 Apr 2023 at 03:30
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A young woman who lost an eye in a horrific street attack, has told how despite her struggles, she knows she is a beautiful girl with a bright future.

Dubliner Alanna Quinn Idris (18) told Ryan Tubridy on RTE Ones Late Late Show that Having to struggle so much after the assault on December 30, 2021, in Ballyfermot, when she was 17, had been immensely challenging.

Ms Quinn Idris added: All the surgeries, missing out on school, all the important events in my life shadowed by this, made me feel Id rather not have woken up.

Going through so much pain, is it even worth it? Im not going to ever get it (her eye) back.

Waves of post-traumatic stress wash over the young woman from time-to-time, as she admitted she questions why this happened to her.

However, with a determined smile, she said: Im a good looking girl, I do know this doesnt take away from that.

Obviously for myself, its something I have to look past. I see new people, they see me and I think This wasnt how I was supposed to look for the rest of my life. I cant just flick a switch and make it all better, she said.

Revealing her aspirations of working with elephants in Thailand and studying agricultural sciences, her interest in architecture and interior design, Ms Quinn Idris, smiled continuously while considering her future.

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One man, Darragh Lyons (19), of Glenaulin, in Chapelizod, Dublin 20, was jailed for four and a half years last month for his role in what Judge Martin Nolan described as the savage attack on Ms Quinn Idris and her friend. Two other male suspects are before the courts in relation to the attack.

Speaking on The Late Late Show, Ms Quinn Idris made sure to thank the Irish public, after a national outpouring of support for her in the wake of the assault.

I want to thank people for all the support I was given, she said. There was a vigil held where I live. All the people who showed up, all the people who contributed to the Go Fund Me, people who messaged me with kind words - I wanted to say thank you to all those people, all the people who were with me, thank you, Ms Quinn Idris said.

She has more surgeries to go but Ms Quinn Idris told how shes already working as a housekeeper in a hotel, where she has the pleasure of making hotel rooms look pretty.

With aspirations of travelling the world to see how different people live and to work with animals, Tubridy said he felt it was clear she has the smarts to succeed in life.

The presenter told her: I can only wish you the brightest future.

People united once again behind the young woman online, posting touching comments in Ms Quinn Idris honour.

One woman wrote on Twitter: In awe of Alanna Quinn Idris. What an amazing young woman, with such incredible strength. I hope she gets to travel to Thailand and further. She deserves every good opportunity that comes her way.

Another woman wrote: What a beautiful woman Alanna Quinn Idris is. Such a devastating thing to happen to her but she will do great things in life she's deserves to shine.

Another posted: Cant put into words how happy I am to see Alanna Quinn Idris smiling on the Late Late Show. Such a stunningly beautiful young woman with an even more beautiful soul. Wishing her every bit of happiness for the future.
Ksenia Samotiy (20) from Lviv moved to Ireland in March last year. She is living with a host family in Churchtown, Dublin

When it feels like the world is getting on top of you, what you really want to do is go home and be around your family. And even if Im not sure where home is, most of my family is in Poland. So not long ago, when it all got a bit too much, I jumped online, bought crazily overpriced plane tickets and headed off to see those I love most.

The weekend trip was a reminder of the joys of travel, hoping that the roads to the airport arent blocked today by people who are protesting about your existence in their country  while confusingly making it harder for you to leave. Screaming kids. Incompetent airline staff. A really rather heavy backpack.

After a few hours in Warsaw, when I was having a family dinner with my mum and siblings, I finally felt calmer. Somebody said something that reminded me of a photo I took of my brother four years ago, which I soon dug out from the depths of my phone. We passed it around and just kept scrolling through all those old photos.

I love taking photos of moments and things that make me happy. When I was 14, my dad and I went to Paris for two weeks. When the rest of the family wanted to see the photos, I found that, out of 2,000, only about three featured me, and many were of random little moments. In fact, if you looked at my photos from the last year, youd find that what makes me happiest in Ireland appears to be the dogs I live with. Sorry to my human friends and family!

Anyway, back to those photos from four years ago. It seems like back then, my family really was the only thing that made me happy. We spent the rest of the evening looking at those photos. As much as it was familiar and calming, it was also bittersweet. Photos from every room in our house back in Lviv, my dad, our pets, happy reunions when my parents came to visit me while I studied abroad or when I came home for the holidays, moments with grandparents who are no longer around.

So I got to thinking again about where my home is. A lot of people ask me whether I really want to go back to Ukraine. Sorry to disappoint those protesters, but honestly, I dont think I do. Even before the war started, I felt this urge to live elsewhere, to see more of the world. Ever since I left for university in Warsaw, I dont think I have ever been able to imagine Ukraine being my permanent home.

I love my life in Ireland, and I think Ive begun to make my new home here. However tragic the circumstances of me getting here, I love it, and I do find a lot of happiness in my new friends and family, my job, and in Dublin itself.

Still, sometimes its lonely. It cant replace that sense of home that family gives you. I realised as we sat there sharing photos that its my family that gives me that sense of being safe. That I always went back to Lviv because thats where I want to go when the world feels a bit too much. Where people I love the most feel the most themselves. Where I can relax, even if I just spent three hours on a plane right behind a kid who screamed Were gonna dieeeeeeee!!! every time turbulence kicked in.

When you live across several countries, you leave bits of yourself in every place. On one hand, you feel lucky to have so many experiences, so many bonds with different people. On the other, it does hurt that theres no one place you can go back to and say: This is my home, and here is everyone I love in one place.

Even if I stay in Dublin, I really hope that soon our whole family will be able to come together in Lviv and that, just for a few days, it will truly be home for all of us again.
After 10 years of blazing a trail for Spanish food here, Las Tapas de Lola owners Vanessa Murphy and Anna Cabrera have just opened their second restaurant. The couple talk about how they met, growing up gay in Spain and Ireland and the challenges for the industry posed by the cost-of-living crisis

There is a kind of civilian courage that has been celebrated like never before in Ireland over the last few years. The frontline staff who protected us during the pandemic were undeniably brave. We, the lockdown-weary masses, also tapped into reserves of strength many of us didnt know we had. But perhaps no one group has been as lionhearted as the hospitality staff and restaurateurs who have weathered an avalanche of closures, an exodus of workers, soaring costs and the kind of bleak outlook that would give anyone an ulcer.
As they celebrate 10 years in business, Anna Cabrera and Vanessa Murphy share classic recipes from their new cookbook

Serves 4 Albondigas are a great party food or as a staple at the dinner table with large chunks of sourdough bread to mop up the sauce.

Albondigas (meatballs)

Albondigas. Illustration: Nicky Hooper

Ingredients 1 tsp olive oil  small onion (50g) 4 garlic cloves, minced 375g minced beef 375g minced pork 1 large egg  tsp dried oregano 1 tsp fine sea salt  tsp ground black pepper

For the sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large Spanish onion, diced  red pepper, diced  green pepper, diced 4 garlic cloves, minced 40ml red wine  tsp dried oregano 1 tsp fine sea salt A pinch of ground black pepper 2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes  tsp caster sugar

Method 1. First, make the sauce. Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion, peppers, garlic, wine, oregano and the salt and pepper. Sweat for 15 minutes, until soft. Stir in the tinned tomatoes and sugar, then simmer on a medium to low heat for 1 hour. Set aside. 2. Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan). 3. To make the meatballs, heat the oil in a pan on a low heat. Add the onion and garlic and sweat for about 10 minutes, until cooked. Put to one side to cool. 4. Put the minced beef, pork, egg, oregano and the salt and pepper in a large bowl, then add the cooled onion and garlic mix. Wearing disposable gloves if preferred, use your hands to combine well. Shape the mix into 40g-45g balls (roughly 16 meatballs), then place in a single layer in a baking dish. Depending on the size of your dish, you might need to use more than one to keep the meatballs in only one layer. 5. Cook in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, then remove the dish from the oven and pour over the sauce. Return to the oven to cook for a further 5 minutes, until the sauce and the meatballs are hot. 6. To serve, simply pour the meatballs and their sauce into a bowl. A sprinkle of chopped, fresh flat-leaf parsley is a nice finish. As a tapa, we like to split them up over a few smaller dishes and dot them around the table for people to enjoy.

Croquetas de jamon

Croquetas de jamon. Illustration: Nicky Hooper

Serves 4-6 In Spain, there are bars, shops, supermarket aisles, books and even daydreams dedicated solely to the croqueta. Here we use jamon serrano, but you can replace the jamon with practically anything.

Ingredients 125g butter  onion, finely diced 250g serrano ham, minced 160g plain flour, sifted 1l warm milk 1 tbsp fine sea salt 2 tsp ground black pepper 1 tsp ground nutmeg To deep-fry the croquetas: 150g plain flour 4 eggs, whisked 150g fine breadcrumbs 2l sunflower or vegetable oil

Method 1. Melt the butter in a large pot set over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 8-10 minutes, until soft, then add the minced serrano ham and the sifted flour, stirring constantly until the flour is golden. Pour in the warm milk and whisk constantly until the mixture starts to thicken. Stir in the salt, pepper and nutmeg, then remove the pot from the heat. 2. Scrape the mixture out onto a baking tray, cover immediately with cling film and leave to cool, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or until the next day). 3. When youre ready to cook, set up three bowls: one for the flour, one for the whisked eggs and one for the breadcrumbs. Using your hands, shape the croquetas to your desired size (we suggest 6cm-8cm long). Roll through the flour, then the eggs and finish with the breadcrumbs. 4. Heat the oil in a deep-fryer to 190C. If you dont have a deep-fryer, you can use a deep pot, but make sure its no more than half-full of oil. 5. Working in batches, deep-fry the croquetas for about 2 minutes, until golden. Remove with a slotted stainless steel spoon to a plate lined with kitchen paper to remove any excess oil. Croquetas are always served hot, but weve been known to steal them cold from the plate at home!

Patatas bravas

Patatas bravas. Illustration: Nicky Hooper

Serves 4 Theyre a staple on every tapas menu and always a firm favourite in Las Tapas de Lola. Who can say no to fried potato and delish dipping sauces? Not us!

Ingredients 3 large Maris Piper potatoes (roughly 250g-300g), unpeeled Sunflower or vegetable oil, to deep-fry A large pinch of fine sea salt

To serve: Allioli Brava sauce A handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Method 1. Cut the unpeeled potatoes into chunks (roughly 2cm-3cm). Rinse the potatoes in cold water. Drain and pat dry. 2. To parcook the potatoes, heat the oil in a deep-fryer to 120C. Working in batches if necessary, add the potatoes to the hot oil and cook for 20 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. 3. When youre ready to serve, heat the oil in the deep-fryer to 190C this time. Add the parcooked potatoes and deep-fry for about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to remove any excess oil, then transfer again into a bowl and toss with a pinch of salt. 4. To serve, divide the potatoes between a few dishes so that they can be spread along the table. On each pile of potatoes, add 2 tbsp of allioli  one tbsp on each side  then add 1 tablespoon of the brava sauce in a line between the allioli. Garnish it all with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley.

Allioli (garlic mayo)

Allioli. Illustration: Nicky Hooper

Makes approx 500ml

1 large egg, at room temperature 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped A pinch of fine sea salt 500ml extra-virgin olive oil

Method 1. Crack the egg into a Pyrex jug, then add the garlic, a pinch of salt and 250ml of olive oil. Blend until nice and smooth. 2. Now this is the hard part. You may find that you need to try this a few times as it can be tricky, but dont despair. While still blending (dont stop!), very slowly, little by little (were talking drop by drop here) add the rest of the oil. The key words here are very slowly so as not to break the allioli. 3. Keep blending until its all combined. If it splits, start again. Youll eventually get it! Promise.

Brava sauce

Brava sauce. Illustration: Nicky Hooper

Makes 200ml

Brava sauce appears on every tapas menu throughout Spain and there is no one way to make it. Just as there are thousands of tapas bars around Spain, there are also thousands of different ways to make brava sauce. This is one way that we make it.

Ingredients

40ml extra-virgin olive oil 15g finely chopped onion (roughly  large onion) 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 bay leaf  tsp chilli flakes  tsp sweet paprika 200ml passata

Method 1. Heat the oil in a saucepan set over a medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaf and chilli and cook for 5-8 minutes, until softened but not coloured. 2. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the paprika, then set aside to cool. Add the passata and mix. This is best served cold or at room temperature, never hot.

Tarta de Santiago

Tarta de Santiago. Illustration: Nicky Hooper

Serves 8 Tarta de Santiago comes all the way from Galicia in northern Spain. It dates back as far as the Middle Ages with links, of course, to the Camino de Santiago. Its a fabulous gluten-free almond dessert, traditionally dusted with icing sugar on top with the outline of the cross of St James.

Ingredients Butter, for greasing 6 eggs 1 tbsp amaretto 250g caster sugar 250g ground almonds 45g whole almonds, roughly crushed Zest of 1 lemon Icing sugar, for dusting

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 160C (140C fan). Grease a 25cm cake tin with butter, paying particular attention to the sides. 2. In a bowl or jug, beat the eggs with the amaretto. 3. In a separate large bowl, mix together the sugar, ground almonds, crushed almonds and lemon zest, then add the egg mixture. Combine well, but dont beat. 4. Pour the batter into the greased cake tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before removing the cake from the tin, otherwise it will break apart. 5. Put your Tarta de Santiago stencil, which you can download from the internet, on the centre of the tart, then dust the whole tart with icing sugar. This looks great sitting on your table before slicing. 6. To serve, cut into eight slices and serve at room temperature. Dont forget your bottle of Pedro Ximenez for your friends!

Tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette)

Tortilla de patatas. Illustration: Nicky Hooper

Serves 2-4

Tortilla is a staple throughout Spain. This is the traditional tortilla de patatas (omelette with potatoes). In Spain, debate rages among family and friends: with or without onion? Dry or gooey? (We love it with onion and just the perfect level of gooiness.) Its such a versatile dish too. You can add all sorts of flavours to your tortilla should you wish  spinach, artichokes, the list goes on. Its also lovely served with allioli and is best served at room temperature, not straight from the fridge, for optimum flavour.

Ingredients

4 Maris Piper (or waxy) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (3cm max) Fine sea salt Olive or sunflower oil 1 medium white onion, chopped or sliced, depending on your preference (we love it sliced) 5 large eggs, beaten

To serve (optional): Allioli

Method:

1. Rinse the potato chunks in cold water. Drain and pat dry, then season with salt.

2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a low heat (roughly 6cm deep to cover the potatoes). Add the potatoes first, then add the onion straight after and cook until soft, not crispy  usually about 15 minutes.

3. Using a slotted spoon to drain off any excess oil, transfer the potatoes and onion into a large bowl and season with salt. Stir in the beaten eggs along with another pinch of salt.

4. Lightly coat the base and sides of a deep, 21cm diameter frying pan in oil, then put the pan over a medium heat. Have a plate thats the same size as your pan handy too.

5. Pour the egg, potato and onion mixture into the heated pan. Cook on a high heat for 30 seconds if you like it gooey or 1-2 minutes for a firmer tortilla, until you see the sides of the tortilla pulling away from the edges of the pan. Put the plate on top of the pan and carefully flip the tortilla onto the plate, then slide it back into the pan so that the side that was on the bottom of the pan is now on top.

6. Repeat one more time if you prefer a gooey finish or four times for a firmer tortilla, cooking each side for 15-20 seconds. How long you cook the tortilla for depends on how dry or gooey you like the centre to be  check by pressing the middle of the tortilla.

When youre happy, slide the tortilla onto a plate. When ready to devour, cut into wedges and serve with allioli (if using).

'Tapas' by Anna Cabrera and Vanessa Murphy

Blasta Books #6: Tapas by Anna Cabrera and Vanessa Murphy (15) is published by Blasta Books (blastabooks.com)
From a Bordeaux paired with roast lamb to some budget-friendly bubbles, here are five bottles to try

If youre planning a family meal this Easter, chances are youve got at least some idea of the central ingredient, even if youre still deciding what to do and serve with it. Theres a good chance that it may involve lamb, maybe as a roast, having become such a classic for Easter Sunday lunch. Or you may yet be uncommitted and toying with options  a roast bird, pork or fish (especially whole and on the bone) all have excellent merits for a springtime gathering. Wherever youre at, one fun way to approach finalising a menu is to consider your wine and let that inform the finer details of the food.
Viagras staying power: how the little blue pill rose to the big time

The arrival of the drug 25 years ago was greeted with sniggers but it is now a presence on every high street. John Meagher on how it reflects changes in our society  and why it is increasingly used by young men

Viagra is now widely available, but its release was greeted with controversy and jokes.

John Meagher Sat 8 Apr 2023 at 16:30
The presenters restorative week in West Clare is about connecting with yourself, nature and the great outdoors

Its 9.15am on a March morning, and theres a fair old nip in the air as we stand on the shore at Spanish Point.

A group of around 20 people are hovering on the sand as the wind whips around us. The sea is a dazzling blue in the sunshine, but as it reaches our goose-pimpled shins we hesitate. That is, until a woman in a fetching retro swim cap hurtles herself into the surf. Within seconds, we all follow, a collective roar going up as the waves crash around us.

The woman in the swim cap is June Curtin, founder of the sea swimming community Snamhai Sasta (instagram.com/snamhaisasta). June lost her husband to suicide in 2013. Afterwards she started getting into the sea every morning, and credits both the swims and her community with changing her life.

The very first day I went for my swim, I came out of the sea a different person, she says. When you get into the water, you leave your troubles on the shoreline. All you can think of for those five or ten minutes is surviving the waves coming at you.

The scenic beach at Spanish Point in Co Clare

It was in these waters that she met Kathryn Thomas, who interviewed her for an episode of No Place Like Home in 2021. Now, Kathryn is back with a crew of women, all of whom have signed up for a week of yoga, hikes and sea swims, in a new offering from her wellness retreat company Pure Results. When we arrive in the morning, she and June share a big hug in matching Dryrobes.

June is special, Kathryn says. I thought it made perfect sense to have a retreat inspired by people like her, where you just get away, get out of your space, and get out of your head. Unlike her boot camps, this retreat isnt about weight loss. Its all about being in the great outdoors, connecting with yourself and connecting with nature.

And were in the perfect location for that. Over the week, I do a daily yoga class at 7.30am, in a room overlooking the changing swell of Spanish Point. I jump into the waves every morning. I hike along the top of the Cliffs of Moher, and over the cracked landscape of the Burren. But when Im not doing that, Im crawling back into my super-plush bed at the Armada Hotel, where were based.

Kathryn Thomas, founder of Pure Results. Photo by Norman McCloskey

You couldnt ask for a better spot. Not only does this seaside four-star tick all the boxes  ocean on the doorstep for swimming, excellent hiking in all directions and a room just made for yoga  but its managing director is a firm believer in the power of nature, too.

The more we can get people connecting with the ocean, the better, says John Burke. They can see it, hear it, taste it  the sea salt, the fresh air. When people experience the sea on all of those sensory levels, the impact it has is huge. Thats everything our brand is about.

Its been a busy few years at the hotel - as well as a brand-new dining space overlooking the sea and the creation of Armada Farm, which supplies much of the restaurants produce, it has taken ownership of a beautiful heritage property over the road, the 12-bedroomed Armada House (formerly Spanish Point House).

Theres also a focus on wellness that goes far beyond the usual corporate platitudes. The Armadas wellbeing policy was initially focused on its staff, with free counselling, health insurance, gym memberships and a rake of incentives aimed at creating better lives. Theres a dedicated wellbeing manager, Bernard Cahill, who takes us for seaside strolls and explains the local tides and waves. His role now extends to guests, encouraging them to get out and explore  theres a wet hair discount in the coffee shop, Gulls, for example, where customers coming in from a swim get money off their post-ocean cockle warmer.

The Seascape Suite at the Armada Hotel

Id been worried that our group would be made up of hardcore sea swimmers, lubing themselves up with goose fat each morning. But most of the women are just like me  eager to dunk themselves in the water, flap around a little and then head back for a coffee and a hot shower. The same goes for the yoga and hiking, too. The group are all women in their thirties to sixties, who have signed up for a variety of reasons  some after a health scare, some because their husbands and kids would never join them on a hike or in the sea. But this week is all about them.

One day, we walk the lengths of the Cliffs of Moher from Hags Head to Doolin, catching a glimpse at scenery only 3pc of people visiting the cliffs ever see. Were led by Ollie Gleeson (olliestours.com), who guides us over the tiny track that skirts the edge of the cliffs. Its a bum-clencher, the path clinging perilously to the verge, but the views of the cliffs are incredible, with sea birds dipping in and out of the rocks, the Atlantic swirling around the sea stacks and curling waves smashing against the shore below.

By the end of the 13km hike, were well and truly wrecked. After a massive dinner of local lamb and farm- grown peas, most of us choose to skip the evening meditation session in favour of a hot seaweed bath in our rooms (the seaweed is cultivated locally). This is where the synergy of retreat and hotel really come into play. Theres something so refreshing about getting up from a yoga mat and walking barefoot into the restaurant for a massive bowl of chowder (with crab claws, no less). Or getting back into bed with a coffee after a morning stretch.

Its like no other retreat Ive been on. Sure, the focus is on wellness. But this is the kind of wellness that isnt based around juicing and cardio. Its about getting outside no matter what the weather is doing, but going at your own pace. Its about doing an afternoon yoga class, but treating yourself to a glass of wine afterwards.

Ive been on a lot of yoga retreats that are insufferably pretentious, so I cant tell you how refreshing it is to do daily classes with the Pure Results teacher Helen Plass.

Dont take it too seriously, she says as we make ungodly grunts on the mats, our bodies creaking and cracking after the hike. Its only yoga.

Dont miss

The captivating coast of West Clare. Photo by Ruth Maria Murphy

Alongside the daily swims, be sure to take a walk down to the beach on your own to check out the heritage of the bay. This is where the first lifeguards in Ireland stood watch back in 1936, with a pulley system to manually pull swimmers back to shore. Theres also a memorial for the Spanish Armada, unveiled by the King and Queen of Spain in 1988.

How to do it

The next Hike, Yoga, Swim Retreat runs from May 21-26 and costs from 1,299pps, or 1,699 for a single room. It includes five nights in the Armada Hotel, all meals, twice-daily yoga, guided hikes, sea swims and meditation. Nicola was a guest of Pure Results. pureresults.ie

If you want to add on a few days of adventure, the Armada Hotel has a custom-designed campervan, the West Clare Explorer, which sleeps two and costs from 165 a night. armadahotel.com
Gowran Grange House and Demesne in Co Kildare was built in the 1850s. An energy company wants to install 230,000 ground solar panels

Concerned residents want a stately home to be declared a protected structure before planners decide whether to let it be turned into a solar farm.
Revealed: Fine Gael devotes more of its Twitter time to digs at Sinn Fein than any other issue, including housing and healthcare

A review of the official Twitter accounts of the four largest parties in the Dail since January 1 reveals the policy issues each are most taken by  and what they most want the public to know

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and Tanaiste Micheal Martin

Maeve McTaggart Sat 8 Apr 2023 at 03:30
The late Pope John Paul II is revered in his native Poland

Pope John Paul II died 18 years ago, but the greatest Pole in history still casts a long shadow, and his reputation is set to be a big issue in the forthcoming general election in Poland.
The United States Department of Defense said including Armenia in the list of participating countries of the Defender 23 military exercises happened by mistake.

April 8, 2023, 14:11 Including Armenia in list of participants of Defender 23 drills happened by mistake, says Pentagon

STEPANAKERT, APRIL 8 , ARTSAKHPRESS: In response to a query by the Voice of America, the Department of Defense said Armenia never participated in the Defender 23 drills and wasnt supposed to be included in the list and that it happened as a result of an error by the Pentagons internal press team.

The U.S. Department of Defense removed Armenia on Thursday from the list of participants of the upcoming U.S.-led military exercise in Europe released by it on Wednesday.

The Armenian military said it plans to participate in two other US-led military exercises this year  KFOR and Saber Junction.
Fionnan Sheahan: Its not Robert Watt who needs to be reined in after frenetic committee hearing
This Easter, let us allow love to be a lamp for our steps and a light for our eyes. Photo: Getty Images

When I was a boy, there was a man who visited remote corners of Ireland. He had healing hands, and many miracles were attributed to them. As he was a very handsome man, women in particular flocked to avail of his services. Then he stopped visiting our area. There was a great mystery to his absence.
I try not to take the cultural wallpaper around me for granted, but only this week I realised we have no Trocaire box at home. I cant remember how we used to get them. From school? In the letterbox? Collected from the church?
Secondary school student Johnny Walsh receiving his Rotary Youth Leadership Development award from Capt. Sean Fitzgerald, District Governor of Rotary Ireland and Patrick ORiordan, Head of Public Affairs with the European Parliament in Ireland, at an event at Europe House in Dublin recently. [Photo: Collette Creative Photography]

The 24 students from all around Ireland who were presented with Rotary Youth Leadership Certificates at the European Parliament Offices in Dublin recently.

Hannah Walsh and Johnny Walsh pictured receiving their Rotary Youth Leadership Development awards from Capt. Sean Fitzgerald, District Governor of Rotary Ireland and Patrick ORiordan, Head of Public Affairs with the European Parliament in Ireland, at an event at Europe House in Dublin recently. [Photo: Collette Creative Photography]

Secondary school student Hannah Walsh receiving her Rotary Youth Leadership Development award from Capt. Sean Fitzgerald, District Governor of Rotary Ireland and Patrick ORiordan, Head of Public Affairs with the European Parliament in Ireland, at an event at Europe House in Dublin recently. [Photo: Collette Creative Photography

A winner at successive BT Young Scientist competitions and a debating enthusiast were the two Cork winners among 24 secondary school students recognised for the their leadership abilities and taken to parliaments in Dublin, Belfast and Strasbourg as part of their prize.

Hannah Walsh of Colaiste Treasa in Kanturk and CBC student Jonathan Walsh were the two Cork students who were presented with Rotary Youth Leadership Certificates at the European Parliament Offices in Dublin recently.

After being disrupted by Covid for the last two years, this year saw a welcome return to the regular itinerary which involves visits to Belfast, Dublin, and Strasbourg. During the six day all expenses paid trip the competition winners visited Belfast City Hall and Stormont where they met and chatted with politicians from various parties.

Then it was onto Europe House in Dublin where they were presented with their certificates before a trip to Dail Eireann where they met the Minister for Education Norma Foley and several TDs.

The group then flew to Frankfurt for a two-day visit to Strasbourg. After being formally welcomed by the President of the European Parliament, Robert Metsola the students took part in an interactive workshop which allowed them to discuss and vote on amendments to an EU proposal on climate action targets.

The students also enjoyed a walking tour of Strasbourg, met students from a host of other countries be fore enjoying some retail therapy.

Hannah, who is a previous winner in the BT Young Scientist Competition, is involved in Colaiste Treasas student council, the Irish Girl Guides and is a member of the Cork ETB School of Music Youth Orchestra. She said she would highly recommend the competition to young people.

The highlight of the week was walking into the hemicycle of the European Parliament but I learnt so much more than I had envisioned.

"I took part in so many interesting discussions, learnt invaluable skills I can use for the rest of my life and made so many friends.

"There are very few competitions that offer such a unique and rewarding prize and I know I will look back fondly on this week for the rest of my life.

Jonathan, who is European Youth Parliament member and International Irish Representative is also CBC Cork Debating Society Recording Secretary and School Meitheal Team Recording Secretary.

The highlight was seeing and speaking in the EU Parliament and getting to experience being an MEP. I gained a better understanding of the structure of government and politics, especially in Northern Ireland.

"I also learned about accessibility into politics and the down to earth nature of politicians, said Jonathan, who recommended the competition unreservedly.

Captain Sean Fitzgerald, District Governor of Rotary Ireland said the knowledge and enthusiasm of the students was hugely impressive.

I have to compliment Jonathan and Hannah and all of this years winners for their willingness to engage and the extremely high standard of their contributions throughout the week. It was wonderful to have a full complement of students back on the trip this year and it was clear to us that while they arrived as strangers, they left as friends having enjoyed a wonderful journey.

I would urge as many young people as possible from every part of the island to take part in next years competition Mr Fitzgerald said.

Patrick ORiordan from the European Parliament described the winners as an exceptional group of young men and women and one of the most engaging and well-informed that we've ever had the pleasure of welcoming to Europe House and I look forward to seeing them contributing to public life in Ireland and Europe in the years to come and returning as MEPs or Ministers!"

The Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition is open to 16 and 17-year-olds who are living on the island of Ireland.
Ukrainian national Olena Korniiets pictured with traditional Ukraine dolls and decorated Easter eggs which will be part of the Yarmarok Ukrainian Easter fair taking place at Clontarf Rugby Club. Picture: Gerry Mooney

Organisers of a traditional Ukrainian Easter fair that will be held in Ireland for this first time today, hope it can help displaced feel more at home.

The Yarmarok fair dates back centuries and it was first established as way for people from Ukrainian towns and the countryside to exchange goods and share information.

Artisans, farmers, bakers and milliners would sell their wares, while it was also an unofficial match-making festival for young people.

Nowadays, Yarmarok is held a couple of times a year depending on the region, said Olena Korniiets who is one of the organisers of the first Irish fair. The event is being hosted at Clontarf Rugby Club, Dublin, this afternoon between 12 and 5pm and it is free to attend.

Ms Korniiets is originally from Chernihiv, in northern Ukraine, but she moved to Ireland 23 years ago and lives in Dublin with her family.

Like in many other religions, Easter is very significant to followers of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and Yarmarok plays an important role in the Easter preparations.

In the run up to the holy festival, devoted followers will fast and give up certain foods for 48 days before the Feast of Pascha, which falls on Sunday, April 16, this year.

A big part of the Easter festival is Paska, or Easter bread. It is a semi-sweet bread and tradition dictates that everyone must stay quiet while it is baking in the oven.

Every year Ukrainian people spend this week collecting items for their Easter basket which is blessed on Pascha morning. Items placed in the basket include Paska bread, meat, cheese, salt and pysanka  elaborately decorated hard-boiled eggs that are also a national symbol.

Since the Russian invasion last year, some 75,000 Ukrainian citizens have been forced to relocate in Ireland. Many have been placed in hotels or other temporary accommodation and they do not have the equipment needed to prepare for Easter, Ms Korniiets said.

Many of those who have been displaced by the war are also feeling isolated and Ms Korniiets hopes Yarmarok Dublin will give them a chance to communicate with fellow Ukrainians and members of the Irish public.

The fair is for Ukrainians who cant make Paska, who cant make Easter eggs, they dont even have good news. Some of them are not on Facebook, theyre not using groups, and they dont have much communication. Especially elderly people, she told Independent.ie.

Were doing the fair for displaced people but also for Irish people. Weve advertised it on Eventbrite and Irish people are really interested in the arts and crafts. Normally, they know about the war in Ukraine and the displaced people, but this will be chance to see more about our country and culture. And Ukrainian people will have a chance to buy everything for the Easter basket for next Sunday.

Our plan is to integrate those people in the Irish community because not everyone will move back to Ukraine. Irish people will have to know about Ukrainian traditions because theyre going to be living next to Ukrainian people, she added.

Yarmarok Dublin will see up to 50 stalls selling items including pysanka eggs, traditional Motanka dolls, and korovai or occasion bread which is often gifted to wish someone luck at special events.

There will also be classes where people can learn about the vyshyvanka, traditional Ukrainian embroidery, and how to make their own pysanka. Ms Korniiets said those keen to learn about the Easter eggs should book in advance as it is expected to be very popular.

Yamarok Dublin will be held at Clontarf Rugby Club from noon until 5pm today
Vogue Williams took to her Instagram stories to ask fans to send her pictures if they see her photo on a Therapie Clinic building

Vogue Williams has accused a chain of beauty clinics of continuing to use her image to promote themselves despite being sent legal letters telling them to stop.

The hit podcaster and influencer was previously a brand ambassador for Therapie Clinic, which offers a range of beauty treatments from hair and fat removal to cosmetic injections and has more than 70 branches in the UK and Ireland, but it appears they have now fallen out.

On Saturday, the Dublin-born DJ (37) posted a picture of one of the chains locations which is soon to open, with a floor-to-ceiling image of her outside it.

But according to Williams, Therapie has been continuing to use pictures of her without permission.

Vogue Williams took to her Instagram stories to ask fans to send her pictures if they see her photo on a Therapie Clinic building

In the same Instagram story post, the radio DJ asked her one million followers to send her pictures if they see her photo on any other Therapie Clinic outlets.

She said: My image is being used without my consent. I have asked repeatedly and sent legal letters which have been ignored by @TherapieClinic.

If you see my face on the front of their premises, please send me the images.

They are not allowed to do this. I have nothing to do with them.

Independent.ie has contacted representatives for both Therapie Clinic and Williams for comment.

UK-based Williams, who hosts the enormously successful My Therapist Ghosted Me podcast with comedian Joanne McNally, was previously an ambassador for Therapie, at least as far back as 2017, appearing in videos and other promotional campaigns. The location of the offending signage and how long it has been there are unclear.

In a video posted online in 2021, which is still on Therapies YouTube page, Williams stated: The thing I most love about Therapie is that they have so many clinics all over the UK and Ireland. So, whether Im here or Im at home, theres never one too far away.

I started my laser hair removal treatment just before lockdown, which is a little bit annoying but now that were back open, Im excited to be silky smooth for summer.

The clinics are amazing and so gorgeous. The staff are super helpful and know that some people might be a bit nervous about going in and getting laser hair removal but honestly, I just sit back, relax and chill.

As a busy working mum, laser hair removal just makes self-care so much easier. I cannot wait to go on my next holiday. I cannot recommend their service and their clinics more.

Williams and McNally begin a 28-date tour of the UK and Ireland with their chart-topping podcast next month, beginning in Corks Marquee and including venues such as Dublins 3Arena and the London Palladium.

The businesswoman is also playing several nights in Dublins Vicar Street with husband and co-host of her other podcast, Spencer Matthews, with whom she has three children, Theodore (4), Gigi (2), and Otto (11 months).
Staff and students from Listowel enjoyed a fantastic week last week thanks to their special Writers Week experience.

Jimmy Deenihan met with the students to give them a history of the great writers that helm from North Kerry.

Students from Presentation Secondary School in Listowel pictured dressed as their favourite icons from books and films as part of the school's 'Writers Week' experience.

Staff and students from Listowel enjoyed a fantastic week last week thanks to their special Writers Week experience.

Writer Anthony Garvey paid a visit last week to the students of Presentation Secondary in Listowel as part of the school's Writer's Week Experience.

For the past number of weeks, students from Presentation Secondary in Listowel have been diligently preparing behind the scenes to celebrate its inaugural Presentation Writers Week; a week that aimed to pay homage to the rich culture of writing that is heavily infused with life in the North Kerry community.

To kick start the week-long series of events, all of which took place last week, Presentation Listowel was privileged to be able to able to visit St Johns Theatre, where they were treated to a private viewing of An Cailin Ciuin.

Placed alongside the wisdom of several writers and guest speakers to the school such as Anthony Garvey, Emma Larkin, Helena Close, Nicholas MacLachan, Stephen Connolly and many more, this made for a truly enthralling week, one which captivated the hearts of the many budding writers in the Pres.

Jimmy Deenihan met with the students to give them a history of the great writers that came from North Kerry, while students were also treated to a trip to the Everyman in Cork to see Macbeth, which proved to be a major success.

To finish the week, the highly anticipated Presentation Listowel Dress Up Fashion Show saw the students take to the hall dressed as their favourite icons from books and films.

This proved to be great fun and certainly proved to be a not-to-be-missed event.

The same week also saw students Katie Trant and Noelle Dillion debate in the semi final of the UCC Schools Debate Competition, and Natalie Gorcyzk presented her finalist certificate after making the final of the Grainne ONeill Memorial Essay Writing competition in the Blackhalls in Dublin.
Meath County Council has voted in support of a Labour councillors motion for toll-free travel for HGV traffic on the M1, in a bid to tackle chronic local traffic congestion.

At the March meeting of Meath County Council, Cllr Elaine McGinty (Lab) said there was need for urgent action on the issue with tolls set to rise at the end of June.

The Labour councillors motion calls on the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD to engage with the toll companies on making the M1 toll-free for HGVs.

Cllr McGinty said: Toll prices are due to increase by up to 9% across the country, followed by the restoration of excise duty with an increase of 8 cent for petrol and 6 cent for diesel and there are carbon tax increases due in May.

That is three separate increases on the way for motorists which will inevitably need to an increase in toll avoidance which is an issue that is already choking our towns and villages with traffic.

The Labour councillor added: We know that the tax-payer has paid out millions of euro in traffic guarantee payments to private toll companies over the past three years, due to lower levels of traffic on our motorways during lockdown.

Some private toll companies have recorded millions of euros in after-tax profits in the past year.

In addition, the government has paid an additional 12.5m since January to defer the toll charges increases until the end of June.

Thats a lot of public money being used to prop up this sectors profits. I am sure other sectors of the economy would love these terms.

Cllr McGinty explained: My motion is about fairness, about social and environmental corporate responsibility.

Workers, hauliers and businesses are really struggling with their transport costs. This proposed toll increase will add 8 million to the operating costs of hauliers, in the second half of 2023 alone. It will heap additional costs on workers and families who have little or no alternatives.

In my own area, the M1 toll, was meant to reduce traffic from our towns and villages in East Meath. Instead, we have over 100,000 vehicles using the village of Julianstown to avoid the expensive toll.

The Labour councillor said: The idea of bypassing a town was meant to translate into less wear and tear on our regional roads and for county councils, a reduction in their repair and maintenance costs.

The opposite has happened in East Meath as a result of this toll and it now costing the council significant sums to repair and maintain the surrounding roads.

This is not a transport solution for East Meath, but a heavy price both environmentally and economically on the area.

She concluded: What I am proposing is a short-term solution. Removing the toll for HGVs would immediately help to tackle chronic traffic congestion in our towns and villages, improve air quality, require less road maintenance from the council and it would make the roads considerably safer.
Comment

Adding to the fine collage of murals which have considerably enhanced the appearance and the profile of Dundalks historial, commercial and industrial history is the latest which has appeared on the gable end of a building which should have a place of pride in the town.

It is of course the front office of the former Carrolls factory in Church Street where a verse from Robert Burns most famous poem Sweet Afton is emblazoned for all the world to see, ponder and query.

The lines are of course flow gently, sweet Afton, a lyrical poem describing the Afton Water in Aryshire in Scotland and were written by Burns in 1791, and set to music by Jonathan E Spilman in 1837. It is still sung today.

The Sweet Afton name was adopted appropriately enough by P.J. Carrolls & Co. in 1919 for their unfiltered cigarettes manufactured in their Church Street factory.

The clever marketing ploy was adopted by the firm to celebrate the link between Dundalk and Burns, the national poet of Scotland because his eldest sister, Agnes lived in Dundalk from 1817 until her death in 1834 and is buried in the cemetery that surrounds St. Nicholas Parish Church.

Indeed the words from her brothers most famous poem, very suitably and simply displayed on the former front office building, and in a font that matches that of the cigarette packet, could be seen as a fitting epitaph to a brother and sister.

Carrolls originally thought that the brand would only be successful in Scotland if the carton simply had the image of Burns or a Scottish name on the packet, so the people of Dundalk were canvassed and the name Sweet Afton was chosen.

A larger version of the cigarette was also marketed under the brand name Afton Major, and the name served as an inspiration for Carrolls Major brand of tipped cigarettes.

The new mural is also a very welcome reminder of the key role that the company played in almost every aspect of life in Dundalk for a whole generation of townspeople for not only was the company a major employer - with over 700 on the payroll - the Carroll family, Patrick James and Vincent Stannus who were the driving force behind the firms success contributed generously to many aspects of the commercial, social and sport life of the town.

It all started from that Church Street premises in 1824 and steadily progressed to produce cigarette brands, including Sweet Afton that were among the best selling in Ireland in the 20th century.

Of course the Church Street manufacturing facility outgrew the facilities in Church Street causing the firm to move to a purpose built factory in 1970 which is now part of the DkIT complex.

Carrolls was acquired by Rothmans in 1990 and Rothmans was then acquired by British American Tobacco in 1998 and they hold the rights to all the former Carrolls brands, including Sweet Afton which was discontinued in 2011.

It is therefore fitting that given the part that Carrolls played in the history of the town, and the links with the Burns family that Roberts most famous line flow gently, sweet Afton now prominently displayed on this iconic building in Church Street so that we call stop, and remember the hundreds of townspeople who earned a very good living in the Carrolls factory and perhaps try and recite the entire verse of that poem which reads:

Flow gently, sweet Afton, amang thy green braes

Flow gently, Ill sing thee a song in thy praise

My Marys asleep by they murmuring stream

Flow gently, sweet Afton, disturb not her dream
Sligo Cemetery Gate Lodge will get funding of 37,500 for the repair and renewal of the building envelope including windows and doors and the installation of suspended floors at ground and first floor level.

Pollexfen House, Wine Street, Sligo: gets funding of 37,500 for the renewal of the roof covering, renewal of defective leadwork, removal of vegetation, installation of structural ties, consolidation of masonry, chimneys & reinstatement of clayware pots.

Five heritage buildings across the county will benefit from a total of 4.5m under this years Historic Structures Fund (HSF).

The HSF is one of two built heritage funding schemes which work in partnership with owners and the 31 local authorities to protect our built heritage  a key aim of Heritage Ireland 2030, the new national heritage plan launched by the Minister last year. The announcement follows the awarding earlier this month of 4.5m in funding under the Departments other built heritage grant scheme  the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

By providing grants of between 15,000 and 200,000, the HSF assists owners of heritage structures  including those on the local authorities Record of Protected Structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas  to meet their obligations to care for their properties. The scheme provides assistance to a wide range of heritage structures, including castles, churches, mills, bridges, shopfronts, and thatch structures, as well as to private houses.

This years Historic Structures Fund includes awards to five Sligo properties:

Annaghmore House, Collooney, Co Sligo: funding of 31,500 for roof repair, reinstatement of the lead parapet and gutter detail and fit of new cast iron downpipes.

Ballysumaghan Church of Ireland, Ballintogher, Co. Sligo: Funding of 16,000 for the re-construction of the displaced octagonal chimney on west transept and reslating of the west transept roof.

Pollexfen House, Sligo: funding of 37,500 for the renewal of the roof covering, renewal of defective leadwork, removal of vegetation, installation of structural ties, consolidation of masonry, chimneys & reinstatement of clayware pots.

Sligo Cemetery Gate Lodge: funding of 37,500 for the repair and renewal of the building envelope including windows and doors and the installation of suspended floors at ground and first floor level.

Thatch Cottage, Carrownagleragh, Coolaney, Co. Sligo: funding of 10,000 for the complete renewal of the traditional thatch.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan said: I am delighted to announce another 4.5m investment in our built heritage. This years Historic Structures Fund will assist 95 owners and custodians of historic and protected structures across the country as they carry out conservation projects to repair and safeguard our built heritage. I am particularly pleased to announce the increased number of awards made to vernacular structures. Through this investment, this Government continues to celebrate the value and diversity of our built heritage, while also supporting traditional building skills. These actions also continue to help us deliver on our commitments to built heritage under Heritage Ireland 2030, the national heritage plan which I launched last year.

Welcoming the announcement, Cllr. Michael Clarke, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council said: I am delighted to see Sligo benefitting under the Historic Structures Fund. It is great to see the range of projects which will be supported by this investment of 4.5m nationally. Along with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, the funding announced will safeguard our rich built heritage, keeping many buildings in use and helping to bring many others back into use. The grant awards also have a welcome knock-on economic benefit by generating employment for heritage contractors and other skilled crafts and tradespeople across the country.

Cllr. Donal Gilroy, Chairperson of Sligo Heritage Forum added: The Historic Structures Fund is a critical support for owners of heritage buildings. It is a result of the close working relationship between the Department and the Local Authorities, particularly Heritage Officers and planning and administrative staff that schemes such as the Historic Structures Fund continue to be successful in the repair and renewal of our shared built heritage. Its through this kind of investment that we can truly celebrate the value and diversity of Irelands built heritage today, while protecting it for future generations."

In addition to supporting owners and custodians of historic and protected structures to safeguard and maintain their properties, this funding will also provide a welcome boost to local construction and heritage trades by facilitating works with a total value of over 8m and generating more employment (an estimated 11,250 days labour), including for specialist heritage roles such as thatching and stonework.
Stratospheric contamination has been detected at a former mining site in the NSW Central West, more than 100 years after it closed.

Western Sydney University scientist Professor Ian Wright suited up to prevent chemical contact with his skin and visited Sunny Corner, 35km east of Bathurst, on Thursday to measure metal concentrations. What he found was a toxic cocktail at dangerous levels.

Speaking with Yahoo News Australia on Friday, Professor Wright said despite the mines closure in the early 1920s, pollution could still be seen bubbling out of the ground.

One hundred years after Sunny Corner's mine closed, plants still struggle to grow. Source: Ian Wright

Dissolved in pools of water and sulphur, he found high levels of arsenic, cadmium, copper, nickel and zinc. But most worrying of all was the lead which he warned can act as a neurotoxin and cause life-long impacts on brain development.

Walking through mine site 'like a Mad Max scene'

The high-altitude site is located 1250 metres above sea level, in fertile basalt country, at the edge of a softwood plantation. Professor Wright described the ochre-red clearing in the valley as being almost beautiful.

But deeper into the old mine site, the landscape becomes spooky and the water bubbles like a "witch's brew". Old metal buckets and wire rope litter the landscape, there are bizarre coloured piles of rock and very little plant life. I can sort of imagine Mad Max being shot here! Professor Wright said.

Only green algae can survive in the mine's toxic waters. Source: Ian Wright

Water inside one of the old mine shafts is a brilliant green, coloured by a strain of algae that can tolerate the toxins. It was by far the worst water quality I have ever interacted with in my life in any environment, he said.

When he last tested water at the site in 2021, zinc was measured at 24,000 times above safe water levels. Just downside from the site is Daylight Creek, a popular recreation spot with crystal clear water, which flows into the Turon River. "Just downstream from the area, there's a lot of people who go mountain biking bushwalking or driving," he said.

Story continues

What scares Professor Wright is that he believes there are too few warning signs in the area. "Youd never know that this nasty cocktail of cocktails is so close, he said.

Other toxic mining sites you should know about

Troubled mining sites litter Australia and neighbouring countries like Papua New Guinea and continue to pose a threat to human health. They include:

The Panguna copper mine in Bougainville, was majority owned by a Rio Tinto subsidiary, operating between 1972 and 1989. Its creation sparked a civil war during which thousands of people died. Rivers and land were contaminated and wildlife vanished.

Wittenoom blue asbestos mine in Western Australia was owned by a subsidiary of CSR and operated between 1943 and 1966. Over 2000 residents and workers died from asbestos-related illnesses, according to Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia. The town was officially closed in 2022 and remains a dangerous place to visit.

Ok Tedi sliver mine in Papua New Guinea was leased by BHP in the early 1980s, until it completed a withdrawal from the site in 2002 and it was later nationalised by the government. Tens of thousands of litres of sludge and chemicals were dumped into the Tedi River. It is estimated operations resulted in the deaths of fish and demise of sections of rainforest.

Long after Rio Tinto's Panguna mine closed, the landscape remains scarred by toxins. Source: Getty

What we can learn from toxic mine sites

Having travelled to a number of former mining sites, Professor Wrights message is that governments need to think very carefully before they approve new mining operations.

Western NSW is undergoing a mining boom due to the worlds increasing demand for metals and he believes the cleanup needs to be addressed at the planning stage well before a project is approved.

I dont think we learn. Its always: This time it will work, dont worry it will be great, he said. But by the time the mine closes the decision makers are gone, the shareholders have done very well, and its the future generations and ecosystems who suffer the consequences.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
Early each weekday morning, while many of us are rolling over in bed awaiting the first of several alarms, Gorey is a hive of activity.
A closure barring entrance to Israel for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip is in place for the Passover.

Palestinian worshippers perform tarawih, an extra lengthy prayer held during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, next to the Dome of Rock at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem (AP)

Israels defence minister has extended a closure barring entrance to Israel for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip for the duration of the Jewish holiday of Passover, while police beefed up forces in Jerusalem on the eve of sensitive religious celebrations.

The moves come after days of violence across the region at a time of heightened religious fervour  with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan coinciding with Passover and Easter celebrations.

Jerusalems Old City, home to key Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites, has been teeming with visitors and religious pilgrims from around the world.

Defence minister Yoav Gallant said that a closure imposed last Wednesday, on the eve of Passover, would remain in effect until the holiday ends on Wednesday night.

The order prevents Palestinians from entering Israel for work or to pray in Jerusalem this week, though mass prayers were permitted at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday.

Mr Gallant also ordered the Israeli military to be prepared to assist Israeli police.

The army later announced that it was deploying additional troops around Jerusalem and in the West Bank.

More than 2,000 police were expected to be deployed in Jerusalem on Sunday  when tens of thousands of Jews are expected to gather at the Western Wall for the special Passover priestly blessing.

The Western Wall is the holiest site where Jews can pray and sits next to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where large crowds gather each day for prayers during Ramadan.

Jerusalem police chief Doron Turgeman met with his commanders on Saturday for a security assessment.

He accused the Hamas militant group, which rules the Gaza Strip, of trying to incite violence ahead of Sundays priestly blessing with false claims that Jews planned to storm the mosque.

We will allow the freedom of worship and we will allow the arrival of Muslims to pray, he said, adding that police will act with determination and sensitivity to ensure that all faiths can celebrate safely.

The current round of violence erupted earlier in the week after Israeli police raided the mosque, firing tear gas and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of Palestinians who had barricaded themselves inside.

Violent scenes from the raid sparked unrest in the contested capital and outrage across the Arab world.

Palestinian militants fired rocket barrages from the Gaza Strip and in an unusual step, from southern Lebanon as well.

Israel responded with air strikes in both locations. Then on Friday, Palestinian assailants killed three people in a pair of attacks  in Tel Aviv and in the West Bank.

In Tel Aviv, people laid flowers and candles on Saturday next to photos of Alessandro Parini, an Italian tourist killed in the Friday night car ramming attack.

Israels foreign minister, Eli Cohen, spoke to his Italian counterpart, foreign minister Antonio Tajani, to express his condolences and later visited victims of the attack in a hospital with Italys ambassador to Israel.

Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named two British-Israeli sisters killed in a separate gun attack in the occupied West Bank on Friday.

The attack, by Palestinian assailants, came after Israel launched retaliatory air strikes at Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Naming the sisters for the first time, Mr Netanyahu said: On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the Di Mafart family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters, Rina and Maya Zakharan, in the severe attack in the Bekaa.

In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.

The sisters mother was seriously injured in the shooting.

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to the settlements mayor Oded Revivi.
The 30-year-old Italian man was among a group of Italian and British citizens who were hit by a car late on Friday.

An Italian tourist was killed and seven other people wounded in a suspected car ramming attack near a beach in Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities say (Gideon Markowicz/AP)

An Italian tourist was killed and seven other people wounded in a suspected car ramming attack near a beach in Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities say.

The 30-year-old Italian man was among a group of Italian and British citizens who were hit by a car late on Friday.

Israels rescue service said a 74-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were receiving medical treatment for mild to moderate injuries.

Police said they shot and killed the driver of the car and identified him as a 45-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel from the village of Kafr Qassem.

A video circulating on social media showed the car hurtling along a sidewalk for several hundred metres before crashing out of control.

Italian Premier Giorgia Melonis office expressed closeness to the family of the victim and solidarity with the Israel for the vile attack. She identified the man killed as Alessandro Parini from Rome.

In a separate incident, two British-Israeli women were shot to death near a settlement in the occupied West Bank.

The two women in their 20s, who were sisters, were killed while their 45-year-old was seriously wounded, Israeli and British officials said.

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, said Oded Revivi, the settlements mayor.

The girls father was driving in a car behind his wife and daughters and witnessed the attack, the mayor added.

Medics said they dragged the unconscious women from the smashed car, which appeared to have been pushed off the road.

No groups claimed responsibility for either attack. But the Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised both incidents as retaliation for Israeli raids earlier this week on the Al-Aqsa mosque  the third-holiest site in Islam.

On Tuesday, police arrested and beat hundreds of Palestinians there, who responded by hurling rocks and firecrackers at officers.

The attack came against the backdrop of heightened tensions after Israeli air strikes on Palestinian militant targets in both Lebanon and Gaza, as well as a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank that killed two people.

That followed days of violence and unrest in Jerusalems most sensitive holy site, the compound of the Al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was calling up all reserve forces in Israels border police to confront the terror attacks.

The Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised the attack in Tel Aviv as a response to Israels crimes against Al-Aqsa Mosque and worshippers.

Even as quiet returned to Israels northern and southern borders, the early morning Israeli strikes on Lebanon  which analysts described as the most serious border violence since Israels 2006 war with Lebanons Hezbollah militants  threatened to push the confrontation into a new phase.

Israeli strikes came in retaliation for a major barrage of rockets from Lebanon the day before, after Israeli police raids at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem spiralled into unrest and sparked outrage across the Arab world.

Although the Israeli military was quick to emphasise that its warplanes struck sites belonging to only Palestinian militant groups, the barrage risks drawing in Israels bitter foe Hezbollah, which holds sway over much of southern Lebanon and has in the past portrayed itself as a defender of the Palestinians and the contested city of Jerusalem.

Israeli missiles had earlier struck an open field in the southern Lebanese town of Qalili, near the Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidiyeh, according to an Associated Press photographer and residents, killing several sheep and inflicting minor injuries on residents, including Syrian refugees.

Other strikes hit a small bridge and power transformer in the nearby town of Maaliya and damaged an irrigation system providing water to orchards in the area.

The Israeli military said it was boosting infantry and artillery forces in a defensive move to prepare for all possible scenarios.

A Palestinian official said Egyptian security officials were working with Hamas and Israel to de-escalate the situation.

Later on Friday, there were signs that both sides were trying to keep the hostilities in check. Fighting on Israels northern and southern borders subsided after dawn, and midday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque passed peacefully after an early flashpoint.

Chaos had earlier erupted at one of the entrances to the esplanade before dawn prayers as Israeli police wielding batons descended on crowds of Palestinian worshippers, who chanted slogans praising Hamas as they tried to squeeze into the site.

An hour later, according to videos, people leaving the prayers staged a vast protest on the limestone courtyard, with Palestinians raising their fists and shouting in support of Hamas rocket fire, and Israeli police forced their way into the compound.

Police did not comment on the earlier beatings, but said security forces entered the compound after prayers in response to masked suspects who threw rocks towards officers at one of the gates.
Worshippers carry a cross as they take part in the Good Friday procession at the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem's Old City, April 7, 2023. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

Two young British sisters were shot dead and their mother was critically wounded in the West Bank last night when a Palestinian militant opened fire near a Jewish settlement.

The two sisters, one reportedly 15 and the other in her 20s, were shot in the Jordan Valley according to Oded Revivi, the mayor of Efrat. It is understood the shooting took place close to the settlement of Hamra.

Mr Revivi said the family were migrants from the UK, originally from London, and that they were travelling via the Jordan Valley to Tiberius, located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, for a holiday when the attack happened. According to Israeli media reports, 22 bullet casings were found on the ground.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Revivi said: With great sorrow we received an update on a shocking terrorist attack in which terrorists shot a car including a mother and her two daughters, residents of Efrat. The father of the family who drove in another car from the front turned around and witnessed the efforts to take care of his wife and daughters.

The mother was being operated on last night, and before sundown the familys friends gathered in Efrat to hold a vigil.

In response to the attack, the Israeli military reinforced brigades across the West Bank and also called up an unspecified number of air force reservists, such as fighter jets and air defence crews.

The attack was particularly horrific as it took place during the Jewish holiday of Passover, which this year is coinciding with Easter and Ramadan.

According to Daniella Crankshaw, the co-founder of Centre Stage, the first professional English theatre in Israel, the womens car was chased off the road into a ditch. Images posted on social media showed blood on the car, which had a number of bullet holes.

Ms Crankshaw wrote on Twitter: The terrorist chased the women off the road into a ditch while shooting at them and shot at them at close range. Two young women in their 20s were murdered and another woman around 45 was critically injured. Truly sickening.

Tensions in Israel are already extremely high after Palestinian militants in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip launched multiple waves of rockets at Israel this week, in protest at scenes of Palestinian Muslims being beaten by police inside Jerusalems al-Aqsa mosque.

Jewish settlements in the West Bank, such as Efrat and Hamra, are considered by many countries, including Britain, as illegal under international law, though Israel strongly disputes this.

Last night, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, vowed to find the killers in a joint statement with Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister, stressing it was only a matter of time, but not a lot of time.

General Yehuda Fox, who oversees the Israeli military in the occupied West Bank, said: This is an extremely severe attack. Well settle the score with these terrorists too, were hunting them and will catch them.

Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president, said last night:

Two sisters, pure souls, caught in a heinous and shocking murder. May their memory be blessed.

The president added: I hug the father and the family in a painful condolence hug. Together with the people of Israel I pray for the mothers healing and good news.

No group immediately took responsibility for the attack on the sisters, but a spokesman for the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip praised it as a natural response to the occupations ongoing crimes against al-Aqsa mosque and its barbaric aggression against Lebanon and the steadfast Gaza.

The attack came just hours after Israeli warplanes hit targets through the night on Thursday, after Palestinian militants launched a barrage of rockets from Lebanon. ( Telegraph Media Group Ltd 2023)
One of Americas most conservative judges, Clarence Thomas, accepted luxury trips around the globe for more than two decades, including travel on a superyacht and private jet, from a prominent Republican donor without disclosing them, according to a new report.

ProPublica has reported Justice Thomas, a Supreme Court judge, went on an array of trips funded by Harlan Crow, a Dallas businessman.

The publication said the judge typically spends about a week every summer at Mr Crows private resort in the Adirondacks in north-east New York. He has also holidayed at Mr Crows ranch in East Texas and joined him at the Bohemian Grove, an exclusive all-male retreat in California.

ProPublica cited a nine-day trip the justice and his wife, Virginia Ginni Thomas, took to Indonesia in 2019, shortly after the court released its final opinions of the term.

That trip, which included flights on Mr Crows jet and island-hopping on a superyacht, would have cost the couple more than $500,000 (460,000) if they had paid for it themselves.

The report prompted furious reactions from Democrats, some of whom called for the judge, the courts senior justice, to resign. Republicans either defended his right to holiday with friends or were silent.

Ethics experts disagreed on whether the law or judicial regulations at the time required disclosures of the lavish gifts. If not, some critics said, that is even more reason the Supreme Court should adopt an enforceable code of conduct.

Senate judiciary committee chairman Richard Durbin vowed in a statement that his panel would take action in response to the ProPublica investigation, calling the report simply inconsistent with the ethical standards the American people expect of any public servant, let alone a justice on the Supreme Court.

Justice Thomas called Mr Crow one of his dearest friends.

As friends do, we have joined [Mr Crow and his wife] on a number of family trips during the more than quarter-century we have known them, he said in a statement.

Early in my tenure at the court, I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary, and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the court, was not reportable.

He said he has endeavoured to follow that counsel during his life tenure as one of the nine justices on the nations highest court.

Some members of Congress called on chief justice John Roberts Jr to launch an investigation, although his powers to police his life-tenured colleagues are limited. Judge Roberts did not respond to a request for comment.

In a statement, Mr Crow acknowledged he has extended hospitality to the Thomases over the years, but said the couple never asked for any of this hospitality and he has not tried to influence the justice on matters before the court.

We have never asked about a pending or lower court case, and Justice Thomas has never discussed one, and we have never sought to influence Justice Thomas on any legal or political issue, Mr Crow said.

More generally, I am unaware of any of our friends ever lobbying or seeking to influence Justice Thomas on any case, and I would never invite anyone who I believe had any intention of doing that. These are gatherings of friends.

It is unclear exactly who attended the gatherings and thus had access to the justice. Mr Crow is an influential donor to Republican candidates and causes related to the law and judiciary.

Federal law mandates that top officials from the three branches of government, including the Supreme Court, file annual forms detailing their finances, outside income and spouses sources of income, with each branch determining its own reporting standards.

Judges are prohibited from accepting gifts from anyone with business before the court. Until recently, however, the judicial branch had not clearly defined an exemption for gifts considered personal hospitality.

Revised rules adopted by a committee of the Judicial Conference, the courts policymaking body, seek to provide a fuller accounting. The rules took effect on March 14.

Gifts such as an overnight stay at a personal holiday home owned by a friend remain exempt from reporting requirements.

But the revised rules require disclosure when judges are treated to stays at hotels, ski resorts or other private retreats owned by a company rather than an individual. The changes also clarify that judges must report travel by private jet.

Justice Thomass trips do not appear on his most recent disclosures. Since 2004, he has reported two gifts: an award from Yale Law School and a bust of Frederick Douglass from Mr Crow. (  Washington Post)
Protesters make their feelings known outside the Manhattan courthouse where former president Donald Trump was arraigned on Tuesday. Photo: The Washington Post/Jeenah Moon

In liberal Richmond, California, Julie Freestone has spent much of her retirement making common cause with people who share her ongoing sense of outrage about Donald Trump.

For years, she says, she has wanted Trump to go to prison for the rest of his life, whether for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election result or his role in fomenting the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

Yet after each investigation and impeachment, she has watched Trump walk away without consequences. Now, the criminal case unveiled against the former US president in New York has renewed her hope. Might Tuesdays charges reverse the pattern?

Would I be happier if he were indicted for inciting an insurrection? Freestone said. Absolutely. But I keep telling myself, Al Capone was convicted on tax charges. This is a democracy and people have to be held accountable.

Across the country, in Manheim, Philadelphia, after seven years of doing anything he could to stop Trump, Charles Roehm has nothing left in his outrage bank. Two years ago, in a letter to his local newspaper, Roehm called for Trump to be jailed. He cited Trumps role in the Capitol insurrection and spelled out a litany of other potential crimes and unethical behaviour.

Despite Trumps indictment, Roehm, a veteran of 21 years in the army and a retired accountant who lives in a strongly Republican county, says he has lost faith in the justice system and politicians of every stripe.

This guy gets away with it over and over, said Mr Roehm. I have irregular heartbeat and my medications were working fairly well until this whole thing with Trump. Im depressed all the time. Im totally disgusted by a legal system that let him go again and again because of his power.

That sense of frustration or resignation  a nagging belief that Trump inevitably escapes accountability  is pervasive among those who have railed against the former president for years.

In a divided land, in the early stages of a divisive ex-presidents third campaign for the White House, these are the people who have stayed mostly sputtering mad about Trump for a solid seven years.

Now, in this strange and historic moment, they see him facing felony charges related not to January 6 or to classified documents (though those may yet come), but to his payment of hush money to an adult-film star and a Playboy model.

That has made many Americans, who have repeatedly seen this man escape accountability watching this latest eruption of the Trump Show and wondering if they should celebrate, throw up their hands in exasperation or just give up.

These are the people who were appalled by Trump well before he was elected president, the voters who thought the Access Hollywood videotape of Trump boasting about sexually aggressive behaviour with women would tank his candidacy.

Through his term in office and beyond, they cheered on investigators, predicted Trumps fall, groaned over his every rhetorical explosion, styled themselves as The Resistance and worried that his presidency would dismantle the American system they cherished.

Then came Tuesday and pictures of a silent Trump, moving through a courthouse hallway, sitting at the defendants table in an ordinary Manhattan courtroom, headed for trial, even potential imprisonment. Among hardcore anti-Trumpers, this struck not so much as the moment theyd been waiting for, as perhaps the beginning of one more chapter that could end in frustration.

 Trumps history has given his followers and opponents alike a sense that almost whatever is thrown at him, hell figure out an escape route.

Hes been able to just run around and do and say whatever he wants, said Michael Mackey (28), who manages Wild West Comics and Games in Arlington, Texas.

People are just tired of it. Theyre tired of him making us into a laughing stock.

Sophia Downs, a 16-year-old student at Albany High School in Albany, California, was initially excited by the news of Trumps indictment: I felt like, theres cosmic justice and hes finally getting what he deserves.

But a darker feeling quickly took precedence: As I could actually think about it, Ive been wondering, will it actually change anything? asked Sophia, who is president of her schools Feminist Club. Will it prevent him from running again? I dont know. 

A lot of people, including me, over the last eight years, have thought, OK, here it comes, historian Jon Meacham told the New Yorkers David Remnick. Pick your cliche. Its the silver bullet. Its the stake through the heart. But what Trump has done is...he has suspended the ordinary rules of political gravity.

Meacham has concluded that the populist fever of Trumpism will break only if he and politicians who model themselves on him keep losing elections. It is a perennial battle between our worst instincts and the better angels of our nature, to use Lincolns phrase, he said. Thats the struggle were in now.

One instinct among hardcore Trump opponents is to seek relief through humour, and so the resolutely anti-Trump late night TV comedians who have dined out on Trump-to-prison jokes for years took numerous victory laps.

Trump was right, Stephen Colbert said on his CBS show after breaking the news of the indictment to his studio audience. Were finally saying Merry Christmas again.

Glee was the order of the day over on NBC, too, where Jimmy Fallons Tonight Show aired a video concoction splicing together bits of Trumps speeches to create a song: Im so indicted, and I just cant hide it. Im about to go to jail and I dont like it.

However, glee seems like the wrong emotion to Freestone, the retired public health worker in northern California who has long wanted Trump to be imprisoned, but whose own family history persuades her to acknowledge how complex peoples political views can be.

Freestone is the child of a Jewish immigration lawyer who worked on resettling concentration camp survivors after World War II and the wife of a German-born man whose father was a high-level Nazi official.

Her familys history taught her about speaking up. We understood that no one spoke up against Nazi Germany and millions of innocent people were killed, she said, recalling her own activism from the civil rights and womens rights movements through campaigns for climate policy reform and health-care improvements during the Trump administration.

But I think that none of us was prepared for the kind of presidency that Donald Trump brought us, or that we visited upon ourselves by electing him.

She finds it repugnant that Trump has managed to turn past investigations into his behaviour into opportunities to make money and build on his followers grievances, but I dont think you can weigh that in a democracy where people have to be held accountable, she said.

And shes all too aware of Trumps talent for delaying legal proceedings. Im 78  I think Ill be dead before anything is resolved, if it ever is, she said.

Still, I just dont think we can say, Oh well, hes not going to get convicted anyway, so why bother? Thats not OK.
Documents on western help appear on Russian social media, but Ukraine says the information is fake

A Ukrainian serviceman covers his ears at the front line in the Lyman region of Ukraine. Photo: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach

The Pentagon has opened an investigation into how top-secret US battlefield intelligence on Ukraine was leaked onto Russian social media.

Russian propagandists have gloated over the trove of documents which detail western help for Ukraine, though Kyiv has said the information is fake.

Mikhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, said: Since the USSRs collapse, Russian intelligence has degraded to the extent that the only way to redeem itself after Salisbury and three-day plans is to photoshop and fake leaks.

He was referring to the 2018 poisoning in Salisbury of a Russian double agent and the Kremlins failed plan to capture Ukraine within three days.

Yesterday, a Telegram channel linked closely to Russias FSB security services, had boasted of a first breakthrough for Russian intelligence when it published photos of the leaked files.

It said the five documents, marked as top secret, gave away valuable intelligence ahead of Ukraines spring counteroffensive. It said: In particular, there were graphs of the expected supply of weapons, the number of troops and the consumption of ammunition.

The documents, dated between February 23 and March 1, showed training schedules and locations for Ukrainian and Russian military units and artillery guns along the front line, as well as estimates of when muddy spring conditions in southern and eastern Ukraine would dry up to allow swift tank advances on Russian positions.

But Twitter users also noticed that the photos of the documents, published by Russian Telegram channels, appeared to have been doctored.

In the original social media posts, the documents said 43,500 Russian soldiers had been killed and 17,500 Ukrainian soldiers had died in the near 13-month-long war, but later this was changed to 17,500 Russian losses compared with 71,500 Ukrainians.

Mr Podolyak described the documents as yet another Kremlin disinformation effort and promised that the Russian army will see the real plans on the ground soon, although the Pentagon said it was taking the leak seriously. Sabrina Singh, the deputy press secretary at the Pentagon, said: We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the department is reviewing the matter.

Ukraine has been building up forces along the 965km front line all year, but has not disclosed where or when it plans to begin a counter-offensive.

Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, told German media he expected it to begin in the coming weeks.

Speculation on the location of the counter-attack has focused most recently on the occupied town of Melitopol, about 80km south of the Dnipro River which marks the southern front line.

It lies on strategically important road and railway hubs which connect Crimea and occupied parts of the Zaporizhzhia region with occupied parts of Donbas. Officials on both sides have reported an increase in Ukrainian artillery fire around the town.

Russian officials have reportedly told civilians to leave the area as the Ukrainian counteroffensive is imminent. ( Telegraph Media Group Ltd 2023)
The rocket launch comes just a day after Israeli warplanes struck alleged Palestinian militant targets in both Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

People gather and lay flowers at the site where Alessandro Parini, an Italian tourist, was killed in a Palestinian attack, in Tel Aviv (AP)

The Israeli military said three rockets were launched from Syria toward Israeli territory, a rare attack from the countrys north-eastern neighbour that comes after days of worsening violence.

The military said the rockets caused no damage or casualties. Only one rocket crossed into Israeli territory and landed in a field in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

The rocket launch comes just a day after Israeli warplanes struck alleged Palestinian militant targets in both Lebanon and the Gaza Strip following an unusual burst of rocket fire from southern Lebanon.

Tensions are also running high in the contested capital of Jerusalem, where Palestinian worshippers have scuffled with Israeli police in the most sensitive holy site, the compound home to Al-Aqsa Mosque.

On Friday, separate attacks in the occupied West Bank and in Tel Aviv, Israels commercial hub, killed two British-Israeli sisters and an Italian tourist.

Israels defence minister has extended a closure barring entrance to Israel for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip for the duration of the Jewish holiday of Passover, while police beefed up forces in Jerusalem on the eve of sensitive religious celebrations.

The moves come after days of violence across the region at a time of heightened religious fervour  with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan coinciding with Passover and Easter celebrations.

Jerusalems Old City, home to key Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites, has been teeming with visitors and religious pilgrims from around the world.

Defence minister Yoav Gallant said that a closure imposed last Wednesday, on the eve of Passover, would remain in effect until the holiday ends on Wednesday night.

The order prevents Palestinians from entering Israel for work or to pray in Jerusalem this week, though mass prayers were permitted at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday.

Mr Gallant also ordered the Israeli military to be prepared to assist Israeli police.

The army later announced that it was deploying additional troops around Jerusalem and in the West Bank.

More than 2,000 police were expected to be deployed in Jerusalem on Sunday  when tens of thousands of Jews are expected to gather at the Western Wall for the special Passover priestly blessing.

The Western Wall is the holiest site where Jews can pray and sits next to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where large crowds gather each day for prayers during Ramadan.

Jerusalem police chief Doron Turgeman met with his commanders on Saturday for a security assessment.

He accused the Hamas militant group, which rules the Gaza Strip, of trying to incite violence ahead of Sundays priestly blessing with false claims that Jews planned to storm the mosque.

We will allow the freedom of worship and we will allow the arrival of Muslims to pray, he said, adding that police will act with determination and sensitivity to ensure that all faiths can celebrate safely.

The current round of violence erupted earlier in the week after Israeli police raided the mosque, firing tear gas and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of Palestinians who had barricaded themselves inside.

Violent scenes from the raid sparked unrest in the contested capital and outrage across the Arab world.

Palestinian militants fired rocket barrages from the Gaza Strip and in an unusual step, from southern Lebanon as well.

Israel responded with air strikes in both locations. Then on Friday, Palestinian assailants killed three people in a pair of attacks  in Tel Aviv and in the West Bank.

In Tel Aviv, people laid flowers and candles on Saturday next to photos of Alessandro Parini, an Italian tourist killed in the Friday night car ramming attack.

Israels foreign minister, Eli Cohen, spoke to his Italian counterpart, foreign minister Antonio Tajani, to express his condolences and later visited victims of the attack in a hospital with Italys ambassador to Israel.

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Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named two British-Israeli sisters killed in a separate gun attack in the occupied West Bank on Friday.

The attack, by Palestinian assailants, came after Israel launched retaliatory air strikes at Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Naming the sisters for the first time, Mr Netanyahu said: On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the Di Mafart family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters, Rina and Maya Zakharan, in the severe attack in the Bekaa.

In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.

The sisters mother was seriously injured in the shooting.

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to the settlements mayor Oded Revivi.
Image Credit: PIB

New Delhi/IBNS: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will start an official visit to the USA on April 10, 2023, an official statement said on Saturday.

During the visit, Sitharaman will be attending the 2023 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with G20 meetings, Investor/ Bilateral meetings, and other associated meetings, are scheduled to take place from April 10 to April 16, 2023, in the WBG and IMF Headquarters in Washington DC.

The Spring Meetings will be attended by Finance Ministers and Central Bankers from across the world.

The Indian Finance Ministry delegation will be led by the finance minister and will comprise officials from the Ministry of Finance and RBI.

During her visit, the finance minister will host the Second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under Indias G20 Presidency and G20-related side events.

She will attend the Spring Meetings of IMF-WB and engage with World Bank Development Committee and IMF Committee Plenaries

During her stay in the US, Sitharaman will hold interactions with Global Economists and Think-Tanks and bilateral engagements with countries and international organisations.

She will also meet global business leaders and investors in roundtables; and engage with the Indian diaspora in America.

Finance Minister Sitharaman and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das will jointly chair the 2nd G20 FMCBG meeting on April 12-13, 2023. Around 350 delegates from G20 members, 13 invitee countries, and various international and regional organisations will participate and engage in multilateral discussions centred around a broad spectrum of pressing global issues.

In the course of her visit, the Union Finance Minister will also participate in a fireside chat at the Peterson Institute of International Economics (PIIE) on April 10, 2023.

In a high-level meeting on April 11, 2023, the Finance Minister will meet the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to discuss issues of mutual interest.

On April 14, 2023, a high-level seminar on Macro-financial implications of Crypto assets will be held to review the macro-financial implications of Crypto Assets and discuss policies to leverage benefits and contain risks.
Image Credit: UNI

New Delhi/UNI: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and his predecessor BS Yediyurappa are attending a BJP core group meeting to choose candidates for the upcoming May 10 assembly election in Karnataka here on Saturday.

The official list will be finalised by the party's parliamentary board on April 9.

Bommai and Yediyurappa, last evening, had arrived in New Delhi to attend the final sessions to final couple of meetings to choose BJP candidates.

A meeting in this regard also was held at BJP National President JP Nadda's residence on Friday night.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Election In-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, Co-in-charge Mansukh Mandavia, and Gujarat In-charge General Secretary Arun Singh were also present in the meeting to discuss the potential list of candidates.

Speaking to reporters here, Bommai said the central committee of the BJP in Karnataka has chosen three candidates for each assembly seat.

"These candidates will be submitted to the Central Election Committee. The top leadership of the party will then deliberate upon it before finalising the nominees," he said.

The Congress has already released names of 166 candidates, while JDS has released names of 93 candidates who would contest elections. Many BJP turncoats have been fielded by the Congress.

The Congress is yet to release the remaining names of 58 candidates. In its first list of candidates, the party released names of 124 candidates including Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar from Varuna and Kanakapura constituencies, respectively.

In the 2018 assembly election, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party by winning 104 seats followed by Congress with 80 seats, and JDS with 37 seats.
Image: Wikimedia Commons

New Delhi: First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova will be on an official visit to India from Apr 9-12, officials said on Saturday.

During the visit, Ms. Dzhaparova will hold talks with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), MEA, where both sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations, exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest.

Dzhaparova will also call on Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi and meet Deputy National Security Adviser, Vikram Misri.

"India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence.

The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests.
Image Credit: BJP

New Delhi: In yet another jolt to Congress, CR Kesavan, the great-grandson of India's first Indian Governor-General C Rajagopalachari, joined BJP on Saturday, two months after resigning from the grand old party.

Yesterday, veteran Congress leader and former defence minister AK Anthony's son Anil Anthony, also an ex-Congress leader, joined the BJP. In the past few months, several Congress leaders, including some of the party's top names like Kapil Sibal and Ghulam Nabi Azad, have quit the party.

I want to thank you for inducting me into the world's largest political party-BJP, especially on a day when our PM is in Tamil Nadu, said CR Kesavan.

#WATCH | Delhi: CR Kesavan, former Congress leader and great-grandson of India's first Indian Governor-General, C Rajagopalachari, joins BJP pic.twitter.com/KIuuumUqpc  ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023

Speaking to the media, CR Kesavan said that Prime Minister Modis transformative leadership has inspired everyone in the country. He further said, We believe in the leadership of PM Modi, and he will take us on the right path.

Kesavan further said he is in a happy space now and his move is not only correct politically but also placed him on the side of the right-thinking people and on the side of dharma.

#WATCH | PM Modi's transformative leadership has inspired everyone in the country. You see progress everywhere...We believe in the leadership of PM Modi and he will take us on the right path: Former Congress leader CR Kesavan



Kesavan joined BJP today. pic.twitter.com/cYR7C5kkK4  ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023

CR Kesavan, who served Congress for more than 20 years, resigned from the party on February 23. In a letter addressed to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Kesavan stated that he no longer agrees with the ideology and principles that the party currently represents.

Speaking about his exit from the grand old party, CR Kesavan said, "I have been a member of the Congress party for the last 22 years, but unfortunately over a period of time, I feel in INC, the attitude and approach were neither constructive nor concrete. The values which I worked for, had changed."
Image credit: Facebook/Rahul Gandhi

Dindigul (Tamil Nadu): Police have registered a case against a Tamil Nadu Congress leader, who threatened to chop off the tongue of the judge who sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years in jail in the 2019 criminal defamation case, media reports said.

The Dindigul Police on Saturday registered a case against Congress Dindigul district president, Manikandan, news agency ANI reported.

"A case has been registered against Congress leader Manikandan under three sections of IPC including 153B for his remarks. An investigation is underway," officials were quoted as saying by ANI.

Manikandan made the remark while protesting Rahul Gandhis disqualification from Parliament in Tamil Nadu's Dindigul on April 6.

"When we will come to power, we will chop off the tongue of the judge who delivered the verdict to send our leader Rahul Gandhi to jail," Manikandan said, according to ANI.

Rahul Gandhi's membership in the Lower House of Parliament was cancelled after he was convicted in a criminal defamation case in 2019 and sentenced by a Surat court to two years imprisonment.

During an election campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in April 2019, Gandhi made a comment using the surname 'Modi', which led to the case. He had said at the rally in Karnataka's Kola, "How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname?"

Following his disqualification as an MP, the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a notice on March 27, directing Gandhi to vacate his government bungalow. The notice stated that the allotment of the bungalow will be cancelled from April 24.

As per a Supreme Court ruling in 2013, any MP or MLA stands to be disqualified automatically if convicted and sentenced to 2 years or more.
Representational image from Wallpaper Cave

As per a study titled The China Index 2022 conducted by the China in the World (CITW) network of the Taiwan-based anti-disinformation group Doublethink Lab, Pakistan stands at the top of a list of 82 countries over which China exercises most influence.

According to the study, which was published in December last year, Chinas influence in Pakistan was most active in the domains of technology, foreign policy and military.

All these three spheres find mention in the 22 March Special Report titled A Threshold Alliance: The China-Pakistan Military Relationship by Sameer Lalwani, senior fellow at the Stimson Center, for the United States Institute for Peace (USIP).

Lalwanis focus, though, was on the deepening military relationship between Beijing and Islamabad.

The expanding contours of that relationship that were highlighted by Lalwani led some to question whether it dwarfed even the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as far as Chinese influence over Pakistan was concerned.

The strengthening Chinese dominance over Pakistan is emerging as a cause of worry for the rest of South Asia, with regional experts also calling upon the West to wake up on the issue.

The USIP Special Report avers that geopolitical shifts in South Asia over the past decade, driven by sharper US-China competition, a precipitous decline in China-India relations, and the 2021 withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, have pushed the Chinese and Pakistani militaries closer together. The countries armies and navies are increasingly sharing equipment, engaging in more sophisticated joint exercises, and interacting more closely through staff and officer exchanges. The report examines how China and Pakistan appear to be building these shared capabilities and interoperability through arms transfers, exercises, and basing. It explores China-Pakistan military cooperation through three areas: arms transfers and co-development, military diplomacy and exercises, and military basing preparations and contingencies.

The USIP says that despite Chinas eschewal of formal alliances, the China-Pakistan military partnership has deepened significantly over the past decade and is approaching a threshold alliance. China has been Pakistans most important defense partner since the end of the Cold War. Beijing has become the leading supplier of Pakistans conventional weapons and strategic platforms and the dominant supplier of Pakistans higher-end offensive strike capabilities. Chinas military diplomacy with Pakistan quantitatively and qualitatively rivals its military partnership with Russia. China and Pakistan have accelerated the tempo of joint military exercises, which are growing in complexity and interoperability. Increasingly compatible arms supply chains and networked communications systems could allow the countries to aggregate their defense capabilities.

The report adds that the prospects for China projecting military power over the Indian Ocean from Pakistans Western coast are growing. Chinese basing has meaningful support within Pakistans strategic circles. The material and political obstacles to upgrading naval access into wartime contingency basing appear to be surmountable and diminishing over time. The USIP points out that as China searches for partners and has become more open about seeking overseas military bases, which it terms strategic strong points, it has become increasingly eager to enhance military cooperation with two key States  Russia and Pakistan. Several China military experts regard Beijings strategic relationship with Islamabad as something as formidable and consequential as Beijings relationship with Moscow.

In the sphere of arms transfers, over the past decade, China has become Pakistans leading and most important provider of arms as measured by value, and Pakistan has become Chinas largest and most important arms recipient, acquiring almost 40% of Beijings arms exports. Since 2015, China has provided nearly 75% of all of Pakistans imported arms (by trend-indicator value). China has grown as the leading supplier of the Pakistan Armys combat power. It is the undisputed dominant supplier of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force (PAF), and although the Pakistan Navy has effectively diversified, China is still its largest provider of major combat platforms to it. For example, despite the historical attention paid to Pakistans three F-16 fighter squadrons, each comprising 1824 of its most advanced combat aircraft, Chinese platforms such as the JF-17 multirole combat aircraft make up the largest share of Pakistans modern fighter fleet, while the China-supplied F-7, designed for short-range air-to-air combat, forms the backbone of the legacy attack aircraft fleet. Chinese-origin equipment also constitutes the majority of the Pakistan armys offensive armor and support units used in fire missions, such as artillery and rocket launchers. Increasingly, compatible supply chains for armor, artillery, and rocket launchers; networked communications and information systems; and interoperable air defenses and electronic warfare systems have moved Pakistan and China closer to being able to aggregate their considerable military capabilities should they make the strategic decision to do so.

Lalwani notes that perhaps Chinas most important contribution to Pakistans defense capabilities is its assistance in the nuclear weapons program and broader strategic deterrence elements. Between the 1970s and the 1990s, China helped Pakistan with nuclear enrichment, including providing feedstock for Pakistans enrichment centrifuges, operating Pakistans heavy water reactor, constructing plutonium-producing reactors, and directly transferring weapons-grade highly enriched uranium. China helped with Pakistans nuclear weaponization, including bomb designs and the development of high-explosive components; and with nuclear weapons delivery capabilities, including the development and transfer of solid-propellant missiles as a nuclear delivery platform. More recently, China has further advanced Pakistans strategic defense capabilities by providing enabling features such as space access and advanced optical tracking systems for the development of multiple independent re-entry vehicles.

Despite the asymmetrical relationship between China and Pakistan, technology transfers have not been one-way only. Pakistan facilitated Chinas missile program through the transfer of unexploded Tomahawk missiles that landed in Afghanistan; reverse engineering helped China create its air-launched KD-20 cruise missile and the ground-launched DH-10 cruise missile. China then used this technology to help Pakistan develop its Babur missiles. Moreover, Pakistan is believed to have given China access to stealth technology by providing samples of the Black Hawk helicopter that crashed during the 2011 Abbottabad mission to eliminate Osama Bin Laden. In August 2022, Pakistans then Army Chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, characterized Chinas and Pakistans militaries as brothers in arms working together to safeguard collective interests.

Over the past 20 years, China has overtaken all other countries as the leading supplier of high-end defense platforms to all of Pakistans military services. At the same time, the volume and quality of military-to-military interactions have provided additional indicators of the growing military relationship. The PLAs military engagement with Pakistan has been one of the most significant relationships it has cultivated over the past two decades. The routinization of high-complexity military exercises presages a level of procedural and command interoperability that can generate synergies between the two forces in future missions and operations. The USIP report observed, however, that China and Pakistan approaching a new military relationship threshold may compel their competitors and adversaries to jointly plan for combat on a dual front. This strategic dilemma has already been observed by New Delhi, but Washington may also need to consider it in future defense planning.

Ayesha Siddiqa, Senior Fellow at the Department of War Studies at Kings College, London, who is an expert on Pakistans military and has written the book Military Inc. about it, in an article earlier this week titled Pakistan has walked dangerously deep into Chinese grip. Wake up, West described the China-Pakistan relationship as two-dimensional: (a) the newer CPEC relation, which is driven by Beijings need for economic projection and of Pakistans economic development and has lesser potential, and (b) the time-tested and traditional military security linkage that is not one-sided but caters as much to Chinas needs as Pakistans. The two elements may be connected, but have deliberately been kept separate to ensure that the newer economic relationship does not affect the older military ties. The CPEC relationship was developed on the shoulders of a more stable military security relationship that revolves mainly around arms and technology transfer between the two Asian allies. Siddiqa stressed that it was not the other way around.

Referring to Lalwanis description of a threshold alliance Siddiqa argued that the threshold relation does not extend to the shared geo-strategic goals of China and Pakistan, for which Kashmir is the contention. She pointed out that during the Kargil war in 1999, the Pakistani delegation consisting of the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief Pervez Musharraf went to Washington to negotiate withdrawal after their visit to Beijing where they did not get any encouragement to persist with the military venture. According to former Pakistan Air Chief Marshal P.Q. Mehdi, who was part of the delegation, the PLA Air Force chief told him that he was happy to offer any amount of technology if there was a nod from the civilian leadership, something he eventually did not receive. Siddiqa asserted, however, that Beijings disagreement on Kargil did not mean that it will stop building its allys military muscle by providing its technology to be used in contesting India, irrespective of Pakistans financial capacity.

Siddiqa also underlined that while China has been one of Pakistans key arms suppliers since the 1960s, the dependence is today deeper than ever before because of lack of choice. Islamabad does not have the money to buy off-the-shelf the same way it did during the 1970s after its second war with India, nor is it part of any alignment that would reap major military modernization.

However, the growing technology dependency on a single source, China, will also impact the overall strategic culture of Pakistans armed forces that up until now is part of the western security constellation. That said, Pakistan does not go to Europe and the US for weapons training any more. Reduced general training in the West and increased weapons training for operators in China is likely to create a tilt within the organization. Siddiqa wrote, Lets not forget that those who visit return impressed with Chinese development and pace of growth despite there being no opportunities to relocate to China. Nevertheless, Siddiqa also pointed out that the West has greater soft power as demonstrated by the presence of Pakistani civil and military leadership and their families in the US or/and European capitals instead of China. I havent at least heard of sons and daughters of senior Generals living in China despite the relationship being higher than mountains, deeper than ocean and sweeter than honey. She concluded with the prediction that My guess is that at some stage this may add to a chasm within the organization.

Siddiqa also believes that given Pakistans dire economic condition and the western ability to use international financial institutions such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to moderate behaviour of resource-dependent States, in all likelihood countries such as Pakistan may not slip entirely into the Chinese camp. She revealed that knowledgeable sources had told her that one of the reasons China was not going out of its way to help Pakistan during its ongoing severe financial emergency was due to some trust deficit.

The big dilemma for Pakistan in this milieu lies in its clear awareness that its dependence on China is bound to persist and grow till such time as Islamabads issues with New Delhi remain unresolved.
wallpaper cave

Los Angeles: Star Wars fans may expect to witness some exciting adventures in upcoming days as the makers have announced that three new movies of the series will be made soon.

One of the movies will feature actor Daisy Ridley as Rey.

The announcement was made on Friday during the Star Wars Celebration.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy took the Celebration Stage with featured guests to discuss what's next and revealed a new "Star Wars" movie, one of three, starring a returning Daisy Ridley, reports USA Today.

New "Star Wars" movies are coming to the big screen: Kennedy announced that three films are on the way, with the goal of widening the cinematic timeline from past to present to a "rich" future.

"It's still very early days," Kennedy cautioned the crowd as people grew excited.

She then invited several of the films' directors onto the stage. These include James Mangold, who will direct "Dawn of the Jedi," about the earliest era of "Star Wars."

No release date for the movie has been announced so far.
Pete Linforth/PIXABAY

Nicosia: No Russian arms held by Cyprus' National Guard will be sent to Ukraine, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis has said on Friday.

The statement was made during the visit here of Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov who met with his Cypriot counterpart Michalis Georgallas.

Cyprus' defense ministry said the two ministers held discussions regarding development and security situation in Ukraine, Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.

Reznikov had told CyBC state television ahead of the meeting that Ukraine needed anti-aircraft systems and additional offensive arms.

Cyprus' National Guard is armed with mostly Russian-made weapons, such as attack helicopters, tanks and armored trucks.

Letymbiotis said Cyprus cannot afford to deprive its National Guard of any of its arms as it faces a 40,000-strong Turkish army, which controls the northern one third of the island since 1974.

"The Republic of Cyprus has made it clear that it cannot contribute militarily (to Ukraine) as it cannot remain without arms," he said.

(WIth UNI inputs)
Image Credit: Twitter video grab

Tel Aviv: At least one Italian tourist died and seven others were injured in a 'terror attack' on a promenade in Tel Aviv city of Israel on Friday night, media reports said.

According to law enforcement officials, the alleged terrorist carried out a car-ramming attack and appeared to try to access a weapon to open fire on Kaufmann Street, leaving a trail of carnage along several hundred meters and into the adjacent Charles Clore Park, a popular seaside promenade, reports The Times of Israel.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service told the newspaper that one of the victims, a man in his 30s, had died, and seven others were hurt, with three in moderate condition.

The deceased was later identified as Alessandro Parini.

He is a 35-year-old lawyer from Rome.

The wounded victims were also tourists from Italy and the United Kingdom, hospital officials told The Times of Israel.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her solidarity with Israel following the cowardly attack in Tel Aviv in which seven other people were injured, including other tourists, reports the newspaper.
Image: Karachi Police Twitter page

Islamabad/UNI: Three people were killed in a clash with police in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Saturday morning, the city's police said in a statement.

"The police stopped three people on two motorbikes during routine patrolling across the city, but rather than stopping they opened fire at the police," the statement read.

All three suspects were killed in retaliatory fire by the police, who later seized their weapons and motorbikes, according to the statement.

The killed street criminals were later identified, and an investigation about them is underway, the police statement said.

The local law enforcement agency has intensified operations against street criminals, following an increase in incidents of snatching and robberies in the city.
Image: UNI

Taipei: The Taiwanese Defense Minister reported on Saturday it had detected 42 jets and eight vessels of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) approaching the island as part of Chinese air and naval military drills in the area.

Earlier in the day, China announced its armed forces would be conducting an exercise from April 8-10 in the maritime area and airspace around Taiwan.

This exercise is a warning to separatists supporting Taiwan's independence, as well as a necessary measure to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China, according to Beijing.

"42 PLA aircraft and 8 vessels were detected by 11:00(UTC+8) [3:00 GMT] April 8th. 29 of the detected aircraft had crossed northern, central, and southern median line of the #TaiwanStrait and entered our southwest #ADIZ [Air defense identification zone], attempting coercion on us," the Taiwanese Defense Ministry tweeted.

The situation has been monitored, and aircraft, ships and ground-based missile systems of the Taiwanese military have been instructed to respond to China's activates, according to the statement.

"We condemn such an irrational act that has jeopardized regional security and stability," the statement read.

Taiwan has been governed independently from mainland China since 1949. Beijing views the island as its province, while Taiwan  a territory with its own elected government  maintains that it is an autonomous country but stops short of declaring independence. Beijing opposes any official contacts of foreign states with Taipei and considers Chinese sovereignty over the island indisputable.

(With UNI inputs)
In a shocking incident, two minor siblings were injured after a pit bull dog attacked them.

The incident took place in Greater Noida's Liyana village on Friday evening.

Unsplash

Brothers attacked by pit bull outside house

According to reports, the dog first attacked the younger brother, identified as Raj Bhati, when he was standing outside his home.



When the older brother, Narayan Bhati, tried to save him, the Pitbull also attacked him.

The boys' relatives stated that the dog had caught hold of Raj's arm and did not let go, even as the child screamed in pain.

Raj suffered injuries on his arms and legs and Narayan was injured on his legs.

The children's father, Police Inspector Nagendra Bhati, alleged that one Phireram and his son, Amit, had left their dog loose in the streets.

Following the incident, a case has been registered against the dog's owners.

Representational Photo/ Youtube

Dog menace in Noida

This comes at a time when dog attacks, by both pets and strays, have become a major concern, not just in Noida but across Uttar Pradesh and Delhi-NCR.

In most cases involving pets, the dogs belong to dangerous breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers.



Civic bodies crack down on dangerous breeds

Earlier, strict laws were implemented regarding keeping dangerous breeds of dogs in Noida and Ghaziabad after several cases of such attacks came to light.

In October 2022, Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation had banned three ferocious dog breeds as pets-- Pit Bull, Rottweiler, and Dogo Argentino.

Unsplash/Representational image

GMC, which made registration and licence for pet dogs mandatory, said the three banned breeds wouldn't be registered.



People who already have the banned breeds were also ordered to get them sterilised within two months.

Noida pet policy

In December, the Noida Authority implemented its new pet policy, which proscribed a steep registration fee increase and a fine of Rs 10,000 in case a pet dog or cat attacks someone.

The authority also said that treating the injured person or animal will be the responsibility of the pet owner.

Unsplash/Representational Image

The policy also said that sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination of pet dogs have been made mandatory. Failing to do so will render the pet owner liable to pay a fine of Rs 2,000 per month.

The policy also says that if a pet dog litters in a public place, it will be the animal owner's responsibility to clean it.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Cover Image Attribute: On April 8, 2023, the People's Liberation Army conducted exercises around Taiwan Island, as seen in a screenshot from CCTV.



Over the weekend, China surrounded Taiwan with military power by sending warships and fighter jets, as a show of strength in response to the meeting between the President of Taiwan and the US House speaker that occurred earlier in the week.





On Saturday (April 8), the People's Liberation Army (PLA) sent warships and fighter jets to surround Taiwan, which is self-governed, to demonstrate its military strength. This was done in reaction to the meeting that took place earlier in the week between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and the US House speaker, Kevin McCarthy.





According to information gathered by AFP, the Taiwanese defense ministry reported that on Saturday, a minimum of eight Chinese warships and 42 fighter jets were identified near the island. Additionally, the ministry disclosed that 29 of the jets entered the air defense identification zone (ADIZ) in the southwestern region of Taiwan, the most significant number in one day this year.





The Chinese PLA's Eastern Theater Command (ETC) commenced "combat alert patrols" as part of their "Joint Sword" exercises in the Taiwan Strait, which is the body of water that separates the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. This deployment encircled Taiwan from the north, south, and east.





The PLA's military presence near Taiwan consists of various types of military equipment, including long-range rockets, artillery, destroyers, frigates, missile boats, fighters, bombers, electronic warfare aircraft, aerial tankers, and conventional missiles.





According to The Global Times reports, PLA deployed the PHL-191 modularized multiple rocket launcher systems, while the PLA Navy (PLAN) sent a Type 052C destroyer, Type 22 missile boats, and YJ-12B land-based anti-ship missiles. Additionally, the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) sortied J-10C fighter jets, a KJ-500 early warning aircraft, and a YU-20 tanker aircraft, while the Rocket Force mobilized DF-11 conventional ballistic missiles in the drills. The drills are also expected to involve other weapons and equipment, such as electronic warfare aircraft and bombers.

A second video on Saturday evening provided more information about the exercise. Dozens of J-16 and J-10C fighter jets, the Y-8 anti-submarine aircraft, the H-6K bomber, the Type 054A frigate, and the DF-15 conventional ballistic missile, were observed participating in the exercise.





The patrol and exercises take place in the maritime areas and airspace of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the islands east, Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the ETC, said in a statement, quoted by state media.





The three-day exercise, scheduled for April 8 to 10, is anticipated to be the largest military exercise by the PLA since August 2022. At that time, the Chinese military similarly surrounded Taiwan, launching missiles and exploding ordnance in reaction to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei.





NOTE: Maritime Safety Administration of China's eastern Fujian province office announced a navigation warning on Friday that a live-fire shooting exercise would take place on Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday, April 15, April 17, and April 20 in an area off the coast of Fuzhou, located approximately 90 kilometers north of Pingtan.
The upcoming May 21 national elections will "determine everything," and give New Democracy "a strong mandate to claim the country's stable governance in a potential second ballot," noted Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his interview to journalist Giorgos Aftias in Skai TV's 'Good Morning' (Kalimera) early morning show on Saturday
The time of change has arrived, SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance leader Alexis Tsipras said in Pyrgos, NW Peloponnese, on Friday evening
Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command on April 4 apprehended a 70-year-old man for allegedly raping two minors, aged four and seven in Ajiya street Jimeta, Yola North local government area of the state.

The suspect identified as Usman Ibrahim was said to have lured the two victims into his room located close to the victims, where he took advantage of them, and had unlawful carnal knowledge of them.

SP Suleiman Nguroje, the Commands spokesman, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Yola.

READ ALSO: Man Tortured To Death For Allegedly Stealing N2,000 Watermelon In Bauchi

He said that the survivors were four- and seven-year-olds, both residents of Ajiya Street, Jimeta.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Afolabi Babatola, ordered for a thorough and clinical investigation.

Adamawa state police command, on April 4, apprehended a 70-year-old man for raping two minors at Jimeta, Yola North local government area.

The suspect is said to have lured the two victims into his room, a close distance from the victims, and took advantage of them while on their way to a lesson class and had unlawful carnal knowledge of them.

The incident was reported to the Divisional Police Headquarters, Jimeta, by the father of the victims, having observed unusual pains from the kids while urinating, he stated.

Nguroje further stated that preliminary investigation so far reveals that the suspect is a father of three and now leaving alone after he separated from his wife 10 years ago.

He added that the CP expressed worry over the unfortunate incident, and directed the Officer in charge of the Family support unit of the State CID to take over the investigation and ensure diligent prosecution..

He advised members of the public, particularly parents, to be very watchful of their kids against criminal-minded elements who are roaming about seeking whom to take advantage of and report suspicious characters to the Police.
Kenneth Okonkwo, Obi/Datti Campaign Council spokesman, has taken a jibe at one of Nigerias renowned playwright, Wole Soyinka, over his attacks on Obidients, the supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

Information Nigeria had reported that Soyinka, responding to the barrage of attacks that followed his condemnation of Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmeds Channels Television controversial interview, in a piece titled fascism on course slammed Obis supporters and described them as fascists.

The professor who challenged Baba-Ahmed to a one-on-one interview, also branded the movement as one intolerant of criticism, however constructive, adding it was negative manifestation of democracy.

But Okonkwo, covertly responding to Soyinka in a tweet on Saturday, described him as a cultist who lacks the moral right to slam Obis supporters.

Information Nigeria understands that Soyinka was a co-founded Pirates Confraternity when he was a student in Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1952.

READ ALSO: Treason Allegation: APC Threatening Peter Obi To Leave Nigeria Or Face Arrest  LP Alleges

The mandate of the Confraternity was to fight for human rights and social justice in Nigeria. It would engage in peaceful protests against the Nigerian government and hold an annual colloquium

The Magnificent Seven that included Wole Soyinka, Ikpehare Aig-Imoukhuede, Olumuyiwa Awe, Pius Oleghe, Nathaniel Oyelola, Sylvanus Egbuche and Ralph Opara were motivated to challenge the congealing elitism of the upper-middle class in the Nigerian society of the 1950s.

Theories have it that cultism in Nigerias higher institutions stemmed from the Pirates Confraternity.

According to Okonkwo, Soyinka remains part of a self-confessed wasted generation in the country.

I am so very proud to be an Obidient fighting for a new Nigeria and a cultist who is part of a self confessed wasted generation has no moral right to condemn a divine movement fighting for the destruction of the structure of criminality, corruption and impunity of that generation, Okonkwo tweeted.
No fewer than 80 children were reportedly abducted by bandits in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Friday morning.

The children are between the ages of 12 and 17, BBC Hausa reported.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Abduct Former Deputy Governor Of Nasarawa

Some parents of the abducted children who spoke to the BBC Hausa said the victims were in the forest fetching firewood at about 8:00 a.m. when the assailants rounded them up and marched them away into the forest.

Bandits activities have refused to abate in Zamfara despite several government intervention to stem the criminal activity. Hundreds of school children have been kidnapped and some later released upon payment of ransom.

The abductors are yet to reach the parents to make any demands as of the time BBC reported the kidnap.
The recent open letter authored by international novelist, Chimamanda Adichie to President Joe Biden, of the United States of America, urging him not to congratulate president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has received clapback from Dele Alake, Special Adviser on Communications to Tinubu.

Chimamanda had in the letter described Nigerias democracy as hollow, insisting the 2023 presidential election was flawed by a number of irregularities.

Alake, in a lengthy rebuttal published on Saturday, insisted democracy in Nigeria was thriving, contrary to Chimamandas claims.

According to him, the celebrated author as an unrepentant Igbo jingoist, argued that the Labour Partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had campaigned on the basis of religion and ethnicity.

He insisted the former Anambra State governor would never emerge Nigerias President having based his campaigns on those basis.

The rebuttal reads in part: The noted and internationally acclaimed Nigerian novelist and essayist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, deserves a great deal of pity and sympathy for her so utterly biased piece titled Nigerias hollow democracy published in the latest edition of The Atlantic magazine. It is a piece that does little credit to the image and reputation of a leading Nigerian thinker who ought to be a voice of truth and reason in a time when passions run high and truth is almost indistinguishable from falsehood, in a situation in which many people are heavily emotionally invested in an election which, unfortunately, has not gone the way they expected.

But that is the often difficult to anticipate way of elections in liberal democracies at varying levels of development. Chimamandas piece is a sad reminder that the possession of brilliance and high intellect by an individual provides no immunity against prejudice, bias and bigotry albeit disguised in the deceptive garb of elevated and high minded discourse.

READ ALSO: Demanding Overthrow Of Elected Government Is Treasonable, Attracts Death Penalty  APC

The writer can of course afford the luxury of pronouncing Nigerias democracy hollow from the distance of her foreign abode all because her favoured candidate, Peter Obi, fell short in the election. She avers that Nigerians went out to vote on the morning of February 25 with high hopes mainly because of the promise by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload results of the exercise online from polling units in real time to enhance transparency. The INEC has admitted that its system suffered unanticipated glitches on that day which made it impossible for it to upload the polling units results of the presidential elections on its portal immediately as promised but it began to do so once the technical hitches had been resolved.

It is unfortunate that an intellectual of Chimamandas stature would rely on rumours and hearsay to pronounce authoritatively on an issue as important as the 2023 elections in her country. She quotes cousins and relatives in Lagos to back up grievous allegations of violence and massive vote rigging in the election. For crying out loud, there are over 176,000 polling units across Nigeria. From what percentage of these polling units did she get her reports and how credible were these sources? In Lagos State, there are approximately 13,500 polling units. The exaggerated reports of violence and malpractices in the state did not occur in up to 1% of these polling units in one or two local government areas. How reliable and accurate then is the information which the writer feeds her readers?

It is instructive that Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso broke away from the PDP to contest the election on the platforms of the LP and NNPP respectively. Had the PDP contested the election as one with Obi and Kwankwaso in its fold, winning the election would have been an uphill, almost impossible, task for the APC. But contesting on three separate platforms against the ruling party as they did, the victory of the APC was logically and empirically inevitable.

Chimamanda betrays her ignorance of Nigerian politics and unwittingly misled her readers when she wrote that Nigerian democracy had long been a two-party structure  power alternating between the APC and the PDP  until this year, when the Labour Party, led by Peter Obi, became a third force. Obi was different; he seemed honest and accessible, and his vision of anti-corruption and self-sufficiency gave rise to a movement of supporters who called themselves Obi-dients. Unusually large, enthusiastic crowds turned up for his rallies.

Obi targeted Igbo and Christian votes in his campaigns and he got his victories in the South-East and South-South. He won two out of six states in the North-Central and did not have up to 25% of the votes cast in either the North-West or North-East. He had no realistic electoral path to victory in the presidential election. Victory in two out of the six geopolitical zones cannot give any candidate victory in a presidential election in Nigeria. What is most tragic about Chimamandas letter to President Joe Biden is that she wrote as an unrepentant Igbo jingoist masquerading as an objective intellectual and patriotic Nigerian.

The point is that she is Igbo like Peter Obi and wanted him to win for purely primordial reasons. Many allude to her novel on the Nigerian civil war,  Half of a Yellow Sun, as depicting her essentially Igbocentric perception of reality. This is understandable. After all, she is human.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board on Saturday called on intending pilgrims who have deposited some money with the board to make efforts to finish payment for the Hajj on or before April 21 or risk losing the Hajj seat.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Mohammad Danbatta, made the call while speaking with newsmen in Kano on Saturday.

He said that collection of Hajj fare would soon close, as the exercise was getting closer by the day.

Danbatta said that intending pilgrims would pay N2.9 million as Hajj fare while blaming the increase in this years Hajj fare to rising dollar exchange rate and the increase in tax revenue from Saudi Arabia and airlines.

RAED MORE: Tinubu Returns To Nigeria From The Lesser Hajj In Saudi Arabia

He also said that screening of the state intending pilgrims would commence after April 21, when the collection of the fare would have closed across the 44 local government areas of the state.
When Willard Memorial Chapel opened to the public in October of 1894, there was no uproar despite the presence, in the rooms 14 tall, stained-glass windows, of dozens of abstract designs, most of which dispensed with recognizable subject matter, to quote Glen Lowry, director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City on the nature of abstract art. But this occasion was not an art gallery opening, and the guests attention that day was drawn rather to the more conventional memorial tablet on the south wall, and to the biblical window above it.

Moreover, the abstract designs, framed and focused in circles, squares and rectangles, are of modest size, and in addition bounded by cable-like glasswork, as if the energy of abstraction was so strong it had to be mightily contained. Had abstract designs filled the entire window openings, they might have inspired more reaction, rather than being passed off in newspaper articles as mosaic by people who had not bothered to really look at them. So: The most radical aspect of the chapel is presented in a conservative way. Could the sisters good taste have been a mistake?

Tiffany was admired for his abstract work, which had appeared in secular buildings. If Willard Chapel in 1894 is not the first example of abstract art in a church, it is among the first. Abstraction did not get into churches much until after 1945. The problem with abstraction can be summed up in the question: How is this art religious?" Certainly, the Willard Chapel abstractions were not religious in any conventional sense. For an example of Tiffanys abstract work, Google Tiffany 'Bella apartment window.'

There is no doubt, or mystery, about the other art in the chapel. The memorial tablet presents the almost life-size allegorical figures of Hope, Faith and Charity, basic Christian virtues evoked in 1st Corinthians 13. The biblical window above it in the south wall celebrates Christs miracle of walking on the water, and the wheel window in the apse features traditional Christian icons, including the symbols of the four evangelists.

We have so far no record of the exchanges that went on between the Willard sisters, representatives of the Seminary, or Louis Comfort Tiffany at the time. About all we know is that Caroline Willard loved art, and that Tiffanys great interest was beauty.

I have the feeling that the sisters  who, after all, are paying for the project  had the attitude, We have honored tradition; now lets do something original, something of today, but do it in such a way that it harmonizes with everything else. And they seem to have succeeded; there doesnt seem to any clashing of styles here, despite the differences. However, one could also argue that abstraction dominates the room, since the parishioners, in their seats, have turned their backs to the biblical window and the dedicatory panel, and cannot see the wheel window because of the organs pipes!

Had the chapel windows been realized in the conventional way  with saints, biblical scenes, crosses  the effect would have been pedestrian and stuffy. The abstract designs, mainly in earth tones, appeal to the imagination. They take us out of the ordinary world. Their enigmatic nature is part of their attraction. If not religious in any conventional sense, they highlight the beauty and mystery of creation. They avoid the sentimentality of most landscape windows, which Tiffany started to sell around 1900. There is, finally, in the abstractionist spirit, the desire to create the world all over again, which is not alien to the Christian spirit.

The arrangement of the circular medallions of the 10 tall windows that face each other across the midsection of the chapel adds a harmonious note to Tiffanys work. Face the west wall of the chapel and starting at the bottom left, let your eyes follow the circular windows as they rise to the top of the third window, and then descend to the bottom of the fifth window. Then, starting at the top of the fifth window, follow the circular windows as they descend to the bottom of the third window, before climbing again to the top of the first window on the left. The two intersecting, wide triangles bind the windows together in a single, unified composition.

Willard Chapel is not a museum, but it probably contains the largest single collection of Tiffanys abstract work on the planet. It should be better known.
Yunusa Tanko, the chief spokesman of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council (LP PCC) has said Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Partys vice presidential candidate will not debate with renowned playwright, Wole Soyinka.

Information Nigeria had reported that the Nobel laureate said he was willing to engage the LP vice-presidential candidate on the recent Channels Television contentious interview or any of his nominees if the station was willing.

Soyinka who disclosed this on Friday while condemning the five million naira fine imposed on Channels by the National Broadcasting Commission said, May I seize this opportunity, by the way, to condemn the sanctions imposed on Channels Television which anchored the performance of the LP candidate. As stated, I watched the programme keenly  saw the valiant efforts of the interviewer to ensure fair hearing.

I fail to understand just where the station could be faulted, except from a disposition for injustice. To sustain that penalty is to give joy to others who turn Internet into a soakaway for their rancid emissions, yet feel that others should be silenced.

If Channels TV feels up to it, I offer myself willing to engage Mr Datti  or any nominee of his  on its platform on this very bone of contention  one-on-one  without the malodorous intervention of media trolls, and with the same interviewer as mediator. That should be taken as a serious offer.

But Tanko on behalf of Obi-Datti Media Office via Twitter on Saturday queried where the professor has been since the period issues emanated from the conduct of the 2023 polls.

READ ALSO: Obidients Not Fascists, Their Democratic Agitations Remain Civil  Shehu Sani To Soyinka

According to him, the novelist is weighing on the side of fraud and injustice, adding that Baba-Ahmed will not take up the challenge for cultural and political reasons.

His words: Like many Nigerians we are bewildered by the late hour intervention of our respected Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka in issues around the flawed 2023 elections. Where was he all this while?

One of those who should ordinarily and rightfully be honoured as the conscience of the nation, Prof. Soyinka is now criminalising dissent and infact weighing in on the side of fraud and injustice!

We state therefore that the vice-presidential candidate of Labour Party, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed cannot take up Prof. Soyinkas offer of a public debate, not out of cowardice, but for cultural and political reasons.

Culturally its just not decent, their age and accomplishment gaps taken into account, for Datti to sit opposite the 88 year-old global icon and point out his folly to his face, even if the old man called for it. And politically there is no basis for such a challenge in that Prof. is not on any of the opposite ballots.

If however he can use his influence to drag his preferred candidates, who resisted debates throughout the campaign, to the studio this second, Datti says he is more than willing to take them on.
Property estimated at N38.8 million were reportedly destroyed by the fire that razed two residential buildings in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Saturday morning.

According to Daily Trust, the fire outbreak started at midnight around 12:31 am from a paint shop located around Balogun Afin, Ita-Kure Area of Ilorin.

According to residents, the fire service exhausted two big water trucks and battled the inferno for several hours.

READ ALSO: Fire Guts Olowu Spare Parts Market In Lagos [Video]

The spokesman of Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle who confirmed the incident in a telephone chat with Daily Trust, said a one-storey building and a bungalow beside the paint shop were gutted in the process.

Adekunle who attributed the cause to a power surge said the chemical content in the burning materials aided the fire which destroyed over N38.8 million worth of property while N52.5 million property were saved.

Aside from the two residential buildings destroyed by the fire, five other shops in the vicinity were affected. Firemen were able to extinguish the fire and prevent it from escalating to the adjacent buildings. It was a huge fire and the extent of the damage was the chemical content of the burning materials and the late call by the sympathisers, Adekunle said.
Bayo Onanuga, Director of Media and Publicity for Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, has dismissed reports that president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as his chief of staff.

The former boss of the News Agency of Nigeria said such reports remain speculation until Tinubu confirms it once he returns from France.

I dont know about that. The president-elect will soon be back in the country. It is nothing new. We know it has been trending in the last couple of days. Of course, it is still in the realm of speculation until the president-elect says otherwise, he told The Punch in a chat.

Information Nigeria understands that there are talks in Tinubus camp that the president-elect will announce Gbajabiamila as his chief of staff after the May 29 inauguration.

These reports were heightened following the speakers absence during the presentation of certificates of return to elected members of the 10th House of Representatives at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

READ ALSO: No Concrete Evidence To Warrant Datti Baba-Ahmeds Arrest Yet  Ex-DSS Director, Ejiofor

Speaking to the news platform, a source within the president-elects camp disclosed that people close to Tinubu had read his body language and his recent trip to France with the Speaker as enough reason for the speculation.

It is no secret that Gbaja has remained one of Asiwajus trusted lieutenants and political proteges. We know he (Tinubu) is comfortable with exchanging ideas and sharing certain secrets with him more than other members of his camp.

You saw him with Asiwaju at Chatham House, political rallies, and some nocturnal meetings with him. He always seems relaxed in Gbajas presence. Therefore, it is no surprise to us that he has always been by the president-elect even as he is having his vacation in France.

In fact, as far as we are concerned, the speaker has resumed his duty as chief of staff to Tinubu already, the source stated
Gunmen on Friday night reportedly killed 34 people in an attack on Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at LGEA Primary School Mgban, in Nyiev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

A resident simply identified as, Jonah, who spoke to Daily Trust over the phone said that armed men attacked the community around 9pm on Friday.

He said a pregnant woman and her son were among those killed while many people were injured.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Storm Church, Kill One, Abduct Pastor, Worshippers In Benue

Similarly, the Security Adviser of Guma local government council, Christopher Waku, told Daily Trust that 34 people were killed while over 40 others were injured.

Waku said he was at scene of the incident, disclosed that the people killed were displaced from their various ancestral homes and were taking refuge at a classroom in LGEA Mgban.

We recovered 24 corpses inside the classroom while the remaining 10 bodies were picked up along the road in the community. They were killed while running away.

It happened yesterday (Friday), about few minutes after 9pm. Some armed men suspected to be herders came and attacked the community called Mgban; killed 34 persons while over 40 were severely injured and have been taking to the hospital. This killing can best be described as genocide, Waku said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Benue Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident via text message.

Incident confirmed please, Anene stated without details.
National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to concede 40 percent of his cabinet slot to the youth population with both genders adequately balanced.

Chairman of the group in the State, Adetunji Ajala, while addressing journalists at the State Secretariat in Osogbo on Friday, said the governor needs to optimise youths potential in the State to deliver on his mandate for the masses.

In this era of technological innovation, we advise the governor to, at least consider constituting his cabinet with 40 per cent of the competent and capable youth population. They are the ones that could drive the digital economic agenda of the government and take the state to the next level.

READ ALSO: Some Children Are Out Of School In Nigeria Because Of N80 Levy  Buharis Aide

In advocating that youth constitute 40 per cent of the cabinet, we are also concerned about gender balance, where both male and female will be represented adequately. The governor, in forming cabinet, should strive the allow gender balance, considering the entire State Assembly elected members are male, Ajala said.

While speaking on a purported faction in the group, Ajala said some criminal elements were trying to create a crisis within the council, which he said has been defeated completely.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria in Osun is not polarized. Some of those listed in the purported caretaker list are with us and have all resolved to work together for the progress of state youths, he added.

Backing his stance, Abdulazeez Ismail, the immediate past chairman of the group, said NYCN in Osun is united and may be forced to report those on the wanted list of the security agencies in the State said to be listed on an estranged caretaker committee.
Callistus Okafor, former deputy national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has warned that the current crisis in the Party involving the chairman, Julius Abure, could negatively impact the chances of the presidential candidate, Peter Obi at the Election Petitions Tribunal.

Information Nigeria had reported that LP has been in a bitter crisis following the suspension of Julius Abure, over allegations of anti-party activities.

The development has caused a rift within the party, with some members calling for Abures reinstatement while others are demanding his permanent removal.

The crisis has escalated in recent weeks, with both sides trading accusations and counter-accusations, leading to fears that the Party may not be able to present a united front in the upcoming legal battle.

While speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Okafor who expressed his concerns about the recent developments stated that the crisis involving Abure and the Labour Party could also undermine the credibility of the Party.

However, he urged Obi and the party leadership to take swift action to resolve the crisis and prevent it from escalating any further.

His words, Peter did not handle my case very well. He was busy doing his campaigns and maybe delegated incompetent hands to go and sort out the problem. The people he delegated did not do that job very well

Anytime there is trouble only roundtable will solve it, and such discussions must not come with threats.

READ ALSO: No Concrete Evidence To Warrant Datti Baba-Ahmeds Arrest Yet  Ex-DSS Director, Ejiofor

So, it is disheartening that this kind of thing (leadership crisis) will be happening in the Labour Party that has not seen the kind of light it is seeing today before.

What is happening now occurred because Obi, as a leader, delegated incompetent people to go and sort out this problem. Instead of sorting out the problem, they were busy threatening and boasting of what they can do. Today, the party is paying dearly for it.

Instead of Peter Obi to concentrate on his case at the tribunal, they want him to come down and start dealing with Abure issue? No.

Nevertheless, the Abure issue, if care is not taken will affect him (Obi) too bad, because Julius Abure is not the party national chairman, because the constitution of Labour Party says so. An Acting National Secretary cannot become the Chairman in the absence of Mr Chairman.

Okafor further highlighted the importance of unity within the Party and called on all members to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal.

According to him, any infighting within the party could lead to irreparable damage and could ultimately cost the Party and its candidates the election.

Nigerians, all Labour Party members, all Obidients should maintain peace. Nobody should take laws into his hands.

We have the courts. I have been patiently waiting for Court judgement (over the crisis in LP) because it is the hope of the common man. Peace is what we must maintain, Okafor stressed.
Nigerian Afrobeat superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has disclosed that during the ordeal of losing his son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, he was consoled by fellow music super star, Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid, who spoke to him on phone every week.

Making this known in an interview on Hot FM Morning Show in New York on Saturday, Davido stated that his rift with Wizkid, which was on for 12 years, ended abruptly during their weekly conversations.

READ ALSO: Davidos Timeless Becomes First African Album To Top US iTunes Chart

Speaking in the video, he said, With Wiz, over the years we had a rift, for 12 years we had a rift up until recently he chatted up and I am seeing the positivity.

I am seeing the change in the industry a little bit because everybody is calming down, especially with my situation; the tragic situation that happened, he called me every week since it happened, he added.

Recall that Davido and his fiancee, Chioma Rowland, lost their only son, Ifeanyi in November 2022, shortly after his third birthday celebration.

It was reported that the boy drowned in a pool at his fathers house in Banana Island and was rushed to a hospital at Lekki where he was pronounced dead.
The Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMASA) has opposed the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which seeks to make it compulsory for graduates in medical and dental fields to work in Nigeria for five years before being granted a full license.

The sponsor of the motion, Ganiyu Johnson (APC/Lagos), said the move was to check the mass exodus of medical professionals from the country.

READ ALSO: Bill To Delay Nigerian Medical Doctors, Dentists From Relocating Abroad To Practise Scales Second Reading

The legislation is titled, A Bill for an Act to Amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M379, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Mandate Any Nigeria Trained Medical or Dental Practitioner to Practice in Nigeria for a Minimum of Five Years Before Granted a Full License by the Council in Order to Make Quality Health Services Available to Nigeria; and for Related Matters.

However, NiMSA, in a statement signed by its President, Ejim Egba said the proposed bill is a breach of the fundamental human right of doctors as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended.

The statement reads: The search for greener pastures abroad can be reduced by making our land and pasture green, properly equipping our hospitals, better treatment for doctors and the brain drain will be adequately controlled. Rep. Johnson at this point should be steering conversations on medical tourism and not doctor slavery. We firmly believe that this bill is not the solution to the problem of brain drain, and we stand against it in its entirety in the strongest possible terms.

According to the association, the bill is aimed at strangulating the medical profession.

The intention behind the sponsorship of this bill does not take into consideration the root causes of brain drain in Nigeria. The issue of brain drain is multifaceted and requires a more comprehensive approach to tackle it. Instead of trying to forcefully take doctors as slaves, the lawmakers should be focusing on creating an enabling environment that encourages doctors to stay and work in Nigeria.

The lack of infrastructure, inadequate and inappropriate remuneration, and poor working conditions are some of the major factors driving medical professionals away from Nigeria. These issues need to be addressed if we want to attract and retain our healthcare professionals; make our land green.

NiMASA added that the bill is a violation of the fundamental human rights of medical professionals and should not see the light of day.

They said the government has no right to force doctors to work in a particular location against their will.

It continues: We also unequivocally state that this bill will discourage students from pursuing medical education in Nigeria, which will further exacerbate the problem of the shortage of healthcare professionals. A better way to bring up the issue of being trained with taxpayer subsidies would be to have it optional, the option of paying for medical education at the real cost value, the option of obtaining student loans, and also the option of going for the subsidised medical education with the caveat of staying behind for a certain number of years to pay back.

Besides, not all doctors in the country are trained on subsidy; one thing the bill failed to capture. Doctors need to have a choice, even before they start their training so they can make better-informed decisions.

Additionally, we strongly believe that the bill is arbitrary in nature and totally unconstitutional- it deprives the Nigerian-trained medical and dental practitioners of their fundamental right to freedom of movement by arbitrarily imposing restrictions on their movements against the provision of Section 41 the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In conclusion, NiMSA vehemently opposes this bill in part and in one whole. We call on the Sponsor of the bill to withdraw it with immediate effect and seek better ways of finding a lasting solution to the problem of brain drain by consultative collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the health sector coupled with the governments willingness to address the root causes and underlying issues that drive healthcare professionals away from Nigeria.
Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has described as false the claim that he was suspended by the All Progressives Congress for declining a mission to blackmail Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 presidential election.

Information Nigeria reports that allegation which circulated on social media also had it that Onyeama was to carry out the task in the United States.

Francisca Omayuli, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Saturday, however urged the general public to disregard the allegation.

READ ALSO: Gbaja Meets Onyeama, Says State Of Nigerias Foreign Missions Embarrassing

The statement read, The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to a story circulating on social media that the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Geoffrey Onyeama, has been suspended by his party, the All Progressives Congress because as alleged, he was sent to the United States to blackmail Peter Obi, and he declined the request.

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs states that there is no iota of truth to the mischievous allegations.

The general public is, therefore, called upon to disregard the story.
Renowned playwright, Wole Soyinka, has described the followers of Peter Obi, Labour Partys presidential candidate (Obidients) as one of the most repulsive, off-putting concoctions he ever encountered in any political arena.

The elder statesman disclosed this in a statement on Friday titled, Fascism on course (I).

Soyinka had on Channels Television and Arise Television, condemned what he termed the fascist language of the vice-presidential candidate of the LP, Datti Baba-Ahmed, by attempting to dictate judgment to the Supreme Court during an interview on the poll won by the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The nobel laureate also faulted voter suppression witnessed in some polling units in Lagos State during the March 18 governorship and House of Assembly poll among other issues.

On Tuesday in a statement titled, Media responsibility, Soyinka also dwelt on related issues bordering on the presidential election, noting that his interview with Channels Television was distorted, thereby rendering his remarks completely unrecognisable.

As a reaction the Obidients trolled Soyinka online, abusing him and an ex-deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, who in a Tweet, identified Soyinkas objectivity and described him as a phenomenon that unlettered and uncultured people may not fully understand in an age of lazy social media in which many dont read or think deep.

But Soyinka, in his latest statement, said it would appear that a record discharge of toxic sludge from the nations notorious smut factory was currently clogging the streets and sewers of the republic of liars.

He said, It goes to prove the point that provoked the avalanche exactly! The seeds of incipient fascism in the political arena have evidently matured. A climate of fear is being generated. The refusal to entertain corrective criticism, even differing perspectives of the same position has become a badge of honour and certificate of commitment.

According to him, truth was ultimately at stake, counselling that at a most elementary level of social regulation: when one was a party to a conflict, one shouldnt attempt to intimidate the arbiter, attempt to dictate the outcome or impugn without credible cause, his or her neutrality even before hearing had commenced.

His words, That is a ground rule of just proceeding. Short of this, truth remains permanently elusive. The ensuing cacophony has been truly bewildering. It strikes me as a possible ploy to smother recent provocations by other, far more trenchant issues, such as revelations of declarations of a religious war.

If so, let it be known that I have long declared war against religious fundamentalism, the nature of which justifies the butchery, kidnapping and enslavement of students in the name of religion. That aspirants alleged gaffe cuts no ice with m

READ ALSO: LP Crisis May Affect Peter Obis Hope To Reclaim Mandate  Okafor

Far more alarming was the grotesque fantasy of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court disguised as a wheelchair, zooming off in space to a secret meeting with other parties of the conflict. On its own, that is sufficiently scary. Swiftly followed thereafter by a television tirade of intimidation, it strikes one as more than the mere antics by the mentally deranged.

The tactics are familiar: ridicule, incriminate, then intimidate. Objective: undermine the structure of justice. Just as a reminder: this writer was not being rhetorical when he declared, on exiting prison detention: Justice is the first condition of humanity.

By the way, I do agree with Seun Kuti; Obidients is one of the most repulsive, off-putting concoctions I ever encountered in any political arena. Some love it, however, and this is what freedom is about; choice, taste, free emotions.

The elder statesman also commented on the viral audio conversation between Obi and the Founder, Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, where the former, who labelled the audio as doctored, purportedly described the poll as a religious war and punctuated the conversation with Yes Daddy.

He said, By contrast, I have no quarrel with Yes Daddy. Roman Catholics are used to saying Yes, Father. Secularists say Enh, Baba. The context and content are what matters, and lies  where established  raise bothersome issues such as integrity deficiency.

Soyinka opined that in any adjudication, society found it unacceptable that a party to the dispute would resort to influencing tactics by extra-judicial means  such as bribery, noting that intimidation and threats were merely the obverse complements of material inducement.

What the nation needs to know right now is if you are planning to send assassins after such negative analysts! Coming to terms with an unpalatable projected eventuality  sorry  possible eventuality, counsels deep reflection, not demonisation of the bearer of sour news, he said.

Condemning the N5m fine imposed on Channels by the National Broadcasting Commission over the controversial Datti interview, the essayist said he was willing to engage the LP vice-presidential candidate on the contentious interview or any of his nominees if Channels TV was willing.

He stated, May I seize this opportunity, by the way, to condemn the sanctions imposed on Channels Television which anchored the performance of the LP candidate. As stated, I watched the programme keenly  saw the valiant efforts of the interviewer to ensure fair hearing.

I fail to understand just where the station could be faulted, except from a disposition for injustice. To sustain that penalty is to give joy to others who turn Internet into a soakaway for their rancid emissions, yet feel that others should be silenced.

If Channels TV feels up to it, I offer myself willing to engage Mr Datti  or any nominee of his  on its platform on this very bone of contention  one-on-one  without the malodorous intervention of media trolls, and with the same interviewer as mediator. That should be taken as a serious offer.
When talking about the preliminary 2023-24 city of Auburn budget Thursday night, City Manager Jeff Dygert said he anticipates a tough year ahead.

Dygert and City Comptroller Rachel Jacobs spoke as a part of a presentation on next year's proposed budget during an Auburn City Council meeting at Memorial City Hall. Slides included in the presentation noted the city's general fund under the draft would come out to $45,487,473, with a 4%, or $1.7 million, jump over the 2023 revised budget.

Although Dygert stressed this was not a finalized budget and different elements still need to be determined, he said "this year is going to be one of the tough years that we have."

"We know that (there are) years that are smoother than others, the last few have been pretty good for us. This is going to be a tough year," Dygert continued. "We've asked our department heads to make significant cuts to their proposed budgets. I believe they've done that in most cases as we've reviewed their proposals and their revised proposals. "

He said the most significant changes are expected from salary and wages, which he added is "very common, that's a major part of all of our budgets and that's how we get the work done."

The slides said salary and wages under the 2024 currently recommended budget come to $23,112,879 while they were $22,060,710 in the 2023 revised budget, with a 4.8% change. The 2023-24 numbers are currently expected to see a 7% boost in fringe benefits, from $11,482,814 in the 2023 revised budget to $12,283,773 in the 2024 recommended budget.

No new positions have been added under this early budget, Dygert said. The city is also awaiting confirmation on different factors, such as the finalized state budget, which has not been announced yet.

"We don't know where we stand with funding. Some assumptions have been made in areas of things where typically we don't see changes, but there are some programmatic things out there that we're still not sure where they stand on those things and how they'll play out in the final budget," he said. He mentioned the proposal takes anticipated changes in collective bargaining agreements into account, "some that we know, some that we are anticipating."

The city manager emphasized labor costs are the most impactful parts of this budget.

"That's a continued challenge for us, as we see what is happening in the labor market in all sectors right at the moment," Dygert said. "That remains, as usual, our biggest challenge in the budget."

After Dygert was finished, Rachel Jacobs, Auburn's comptroller, said the current draft funding gap is around $3 million, but it could potentially be closed through a combination of using the city fund balance, increasing revenues and utilizing federal American Rescue Plan Act money related to workforce development for collective bargaining agreement increases.

Pension costs are set to rise, Jacobs said, based on actual bills from last year and projected invoices for this year, with an increase of 12.2%, or $358,000, for the police and fire retirement system. A 5.8% decrease, or $84,000, is expected for the employee retirement system. Health insurance is currently project to see a 4% bump, or approximately $212,000.

"That's based on the average of what we've been seeing, our claim history versus last year and where we anticipate on being, but those figures don't usually come out until about October, so it's kind of a guessing game at this point for that," Jacobs said.

The budget includes a year-to-year decrease of 67.8% for vehicles and equipment, from $607,130 in the 2023 revised budget to $195,319 for the currently recommended 2024 budget. That reduction is "mostly because we cut those from everyone's budget that asked for them this year."

Auburn's sewer fund and water fund have draft gaps of $308,000 and $359,000, respectively, the slides said, but those gaps could be resolved through using fund balance or rate increases. The combined solid waste fund has an approximately $65,000 graft gap. Jacobs noted that gap could be taken care of through fund balance, "but we should also continually look at rates to see if they need to be increased annually to keep up."

Large requested items removed from the preliminary budget, according to the slides, included $100,000 in demolition requests and vehicles and equipment requests, such as $335,000 for police and $74,000 for engineering.

Council also heard budget presentations from the city manager's office, the planning and economic development office, code enforcement, the corporation counsel's office, the Auburn Police Department and the department of public works.

Dygert told The Citizen Friday a tax levy hasn't been determined yet, as there are budget elements that haven't been settled yet, such as the city still needing to finalize different early projected revenues and the state budget not being out yet. He also said he expects the coming year to be "a little tougher than we've had over the last few years."

"Right now we've got a little bit of a tough spot so we'll buckle down ... we'll get through it," he said.
Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), former Minister of Aviation, has slammed renowned novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, over her open letter to United States President, Joe Biden.

Information Nigeria had reported that Adichie in an open letter to President Biden, urged him not to congratulate president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because according to her, the electoral process was flawed by a number of irregularities

Adichie alleged widespread reports of violence, ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, and other malpractices which marred the February 25 poll as reasons the United States president should not recognize Tinubus victory.

But in a lengthy Twitter article titled: CHIMAMANDAS EPISTLE OF Garbage, Fani-Kayode described Adichies opinion on the 2023 presidential election as a little submission in a little letter written by a little diva.

The spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council, on Saturday, said the letter written by the novelist belongs to the bottom of the public toilet like a fecal waste.

According to him, Nigerians do not need any lessons from this over-rated and Igbocentric new-age diva, neither do we need to respond to her self-serving, self-seeking, jaundiced, subjective, partial, primitive, tribal observations and implausible ethnoreligious sentiments.

The article read: Chimamanda Adichies hollow democracy diatribe is a shitty little submission, in a shitty little letter, written by a shitty little diva.

It was hardly worth my time to read and ordinarily I would not have bothered. Like all fecal waste, it belongs in one place and one place alone: the bottom of a public toilet. We do not need any lessons from this over-rated and Igbocentric new-age diva.

READ ALSO: Chimamanda Ignorantly Quoting Cousins, Relatives To Back Up Grievous Allegations  Tinubus Aide, Alake

Neither do we need to respond to her self-serving, self-seeking, jaundiced, subjective, partial, primitive, tribal observations and implausible ethnoreligious sentiments.

If anyone needs to know that lawlessness has consequences, it is her candidate Peter and not the Nigerian people. And if anything is hollow it is her well-manicured diva head and not our democracy. She is not in this league and she would do well to stick to writing fairy tales.

Running to foreign leaders to report your compatriots does not sit well with me no matter what your Uncle Tom credentials may be. If you do not have respect for your own people and nation and if you have to go cap in hand to foreigners for validation, then you are not worthy of being called a human being let alone a Nigerian.

Africa has come of age. We do not need to get a congratulatory note from any Western nation before we sleep well at night. This is not some Hollywood film script or fantasy fairy tale. This is about the destiny, future, welfare, and fortune of 250 million Nigerian people who deserve to have their place under the sun as a free, progressive, and independent nation and not to be treated like some vassal state or an appendage of others.

Chimamandas letter to Biden reflects pathetic colonial mentality  tinubus office fires back. What this unpatriotic, hate-filled, and overrated little diva has written is nothing but a long-winded, empty, tendentious, and boring epistle of dishonest garbage.

It is a litany of unwholesome mendacities designed to undermine our democracy, impress her global audience and incite her local Obidient tribesmen against the Nigerian people and state.

It is a reflection of her low-self esteem and inability to grasp the fact that no nation or people on earth are perfect in all their ways and that the America she is reporting us to is also in many ways questionable and flawed and faced with many challenges. The little diva is not worthy of much of our attention. She deserves nothing from us except ridicule, scorn, and contempt.

She should give us a break, spare the world her unsolicited counsel, desist from denigrating her nation from a foreign land, stop reporting Nigeria to her slave masters, and, as President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda would say, go and eat her mothers something.
Before Bikini Kill began the two-song encore that capped off the bands blistering set at Franklin Music Hall on Friday, Kathleen Hanna spoke to the crowd about the satisfaction of regrouping with bandmates after years spent apart.

Its so great when you get to do something that you really love to do again, the riot-grrl originator and feminist heroine told the sold-out crowd. And to do it better than you did it before.

Hanna, who earlier in the evening referred to herself as a 54-year-old punk, wasnt specifically referring to the return to Philadelphia of the band that features bassist Kathi Wilcox, drummer Tobi Vail, and touring guitarist Sara Landeau for the first time in nearly three decades.

During Fridays wickedly paced, rapturously received 75-minute show before a multigenerational audience, Vail, in one of her turns singing while Wilcox took over on drums and Hanna played bass in true egalitarian punk rock fashion, did cite one of Bikini Kills two 1994 Philly shows as being particularly memorable.

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That was an all-ages evening on the rooftop of a garage at Drexel University at which, she recalled, the band sold four boxes of T-shirts sporting the groups wiener dog logo. Ever since, whenever Ive seen anyone wearing that shirt, she said, theyve been from Philadelphia. (A fresh supply of wiener merch was available at the Franklin, with $30 tees and $45 sweatshirts.)

From their formation in Olympia, Wash., in 1990 until they split seven years later, Bikini Kill was a culture-shifting force, a band that never found a mass audience like grunge contemporaries Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Hole, but whose influence rippled widely, like a vintage T-shirt handed down from one generation seeking its own voices to the next.

Revolution Girl Style Now! was the battle cry that Hanna cited on the bands first cassette-only release. That call to action was repeated at the Franklin on Friday in Double Dare Ya, the first encore song, which issued a call to self-empowerment to self-doubters. Hey, girlfriend, I got a proposition that goes something like this, she sang. Dare ya to do what you want, dare ya to be who you will.

Hanna is a fabulous front woman, expert at creating a sense of community in chatty between-song conversations with the audience about self-care, sharing hopeful recipes for the future and the deleterious effect of heteronormative pornography. We have to act on our desires, she said before busting out her not-smooth dance moves on Sugar. Then we can have something to live for.

Bikini Kills music is tough, aggressive and often confrontational as it sticks a finger in the eye of the patriarchy and shouts out Suck My Left One! That song, Hanna explained, inspired her then-15-year-old younger sisters response to grown mens catcalls while waiting for the school bus. On Friday, it was an amusingly cathartic rallying cry, a highlight of the show that grew more powerful as it progressed, and a screechy early sound mix found its balance.

BK delights in putting entitled bros in their place, while the music rumbles in taut songs that brandish punky muscle with echoes of surf rock and girl group balladry. Dont need you to say were good, dont need you to tell us we suck, Hanna taunted misogynists. Does it scare you that we dont need you?

Along with anticipating the Girl Power pop culture moment the Spice Girls turned into a global phenomenon, Hanna and her bandmates popularized the girls to the front imperative at punk and all-ages shows, creating safe spaces for women to move freely in the pit and crowd surf without fearing for their lives.

At the Franklin, that configuration was largely in effect, as the area in front of the stage was mainly filled by female fans, many born after Bikini Kill broke up in the 1990s, while older couples and OG punks hung toward the back of the full house.

Fans were finally able to witness the band of historical importance come vividly back to life after a long separation over years in which Hanna released solo music as well as albums with her politically pointed electro-dance band Le Tigre and indie project the Julie Ruin.

That wait for Bikini Kill to finally make it to Philadelphia was extended till now after a show originally scheduled for April 2020 was postponed multiple times due to the pandemic, and then again in 2022 when Hanna came down with COVID. But fans wont have to wait long to see Hanna again. The reunited Le Tigre, who havent performed together since 2005, kick off their reunion tour in Philadelphia at Union Transfer on May 27.
A display of an Overdose Emergency Kit with Narcan Nasal Spray at the Highland Regional High School Library in Blackwood, N.J., in October 2022. Read more

Fatimah Hatton last saw her mother in early March 2021, when she left her home in North Philadelphia to stay with friends. For five days, her mother sent text messages begging her to return, but the 16-year-old with a bright smile and quirky fashion sense responded that she just wanted to have fun.

She never came home. In the early hours of the morning on March 9, Fatimah overdosed on a fake pharmaceutical painkiller laced with the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. She was one of 1,276 people who died after overdosing in Philadelphia in 2021.

She had never used drugs before, according to her mother, Nafeesah Sawyer. Neither she nor her daughter, Sawyer said, had known much about the dangers of fentanyl  like many of their neighbors in the 19132 zip code that includes neighborhoods such as Strawberry Mansion and Swampoodle.

The citys overdose crisis is now at their doorsteps. Drug-related deaths in these communities have risen by 48% in five years, reflecting how the toll has shifted between neighborhoods.

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An Inquirer analysis of overdose deaths by zip code shows deaths increasing in North Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia in response to changing demographics. Overdose deaths among Black and Hispanic people in the city have steadily risen over the last several years, as deaths among white residents have dropped.

It may be less of a question about whats going on with those neighborhoods in particular, and more of the demographic that live in these zip codes, which are mostly African American or people of color, Deputy Commissioner of Health Frank Franklin said.
A man was fatally shot on the northbound Walnut-Locust platform of the Broad Street Line on Saturday afternoon, according to a SEPTA spokesperson.

No one else was hurt, said SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch.

The shooting appeared to be the result of a fight between two men shortly after 2:30 p.m., Busch said. Although authorities were still gathering details as of Saturday evening, Busch said the altercation escalated when one man took out a gun and shot the other.

Busch said SEPTA police took the suspected shooter into custody and a weapon was recovered. No additional suspects were immediately being sought, Busch said.

According to Philadelphia police, the victim was shot multiple times in the left thigh and taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 3 p.m.

Busch said the Broad Street Line southbound was busier than on a typical Saturday because of extra service that SEPTA offered for the Phillies-Reds game, which started at 4:05 p.m. It wasnt immediately clear how busy the northbound Walnut-Locust stop was at the time of the shooting.

Service on the Broad Street Line was disrupted for several hours as law enforcement processed the scene, with shuttle buses supplementing service. The Broad Street Line fully reopened by early evening, according to Busch.

Police had not released the name of the victim or the suspect.

On March 29, two people were hospitalized in stable condition after being shot inside the Snyder station on the Broad Street Line.
The students were supposed to tour storied schools, including Howard University in Washington and Spelman College in Atlanta. Above, a woman walks outside the Spelman campus in February 2022. Read more

Mykia Capers, who sent her daughter with about 50 other teens on a tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, spent Thursday morning trying to make sense of just when the trip started to go haywire.

We have no clue whatsoever where our children is at, Capers said from her Schwenksville home, where shed been talking with other parents with children on the trip.

Her 16-year-old daughter was supposed to be touring 14 HBCUs with Montgomery County OIC, part of the national nonprofit network Opportunities Industrialization Centers, which offers educational opportunities and workforce training. Instead, Capers and other parents said the tours fell short of expectations, with last-minute itinerary changes and limited communication with chaperones that left parents unclear on the exact whereabouts of their children at points throughout the trip.

Capers daughter told her Thursday that the group was leaving Atlanta and heading to North Carolina. Still, Capers was unclear on the timeline and why the group had detoured from an itinerary that placed them in Baltimore and Washington that day.

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According to parents, Thursday was the latest example of poor communication. What had been advertised as structured introductions to schools turned into self-guided walks and rides through some campuses, said parents. Most alarming to families, however, was a last-minute change to lodging the first night with no official explanation offered until the next day. The last straw for parents was when OIC leaders disabled parent and student comments in a WhatsApp group thread after parents began raising concerns about the trip.

We were concerned parents asking questions and instead of answering they shut down the chat, said Heather McCall, who sent her 17-year-old daughter on the trip.

Montco OIC declined to comment.

Capers said the $500 spring break trip was billed as an opportunity for the teens to see what its like to live on a college campus and get some of their application questions answered. Students were supposed to tour storied schools, including Howard University in Washington and Spelman College in Atlanta.

Many students conclude our tour with scholarships and acceptance to the schools we attend, reads the Montco OIC website on the tour.

Monique Lewis, who sent her 17-year-old daughter on the trip, said parents resorted to creating their own group chat Wednesday where they would keep each other updated on the days activities with what they pieced together from their childrens messages. Parents said Montco OIC administrators did post photos of the teens on campuses in the group chat, usually at the end of the day.

Nothing was really organized, it was a bunch of confusion, Lewis said, unclear on what schools her daughter ended up going to and which ones she got a guided tour of.

Some students told their parents schools said they needed to have requested a tour in advance. The Montco OIC website does warn that schools are subject to change based on availability.

Throughout the week the teens told their parents they were safe and enjoying the other activities on the schedule, such as laser tag, though some expressed disappointment in the school tours and frustration at how some chaperones were interacting with them.

The kids had fun, thats not the problem, said McCall. It was the lack of communication and organization.

For McCall, news that her child was safe and found a way to enjoy herself was a relief, though the whole experience left a bad taste in her mouth. She paid the $500 because she thought the trip would be a good experience for her daughter. Instead, it felt like a waste of money and needless worry.

Parents said they signed their children up because theyd heard the annual tour has been taking place for more than a decade, with a stellar reputation. Parents said that a Montco OIC staff member was responsive to questions and even helped some students get scholarships to help pay for the trip, but that staffer left before the trip took place and communication hasnt been the same since.

The teens returned to Norristown Friday afternoon to parents eager to have them home. Capers, who was hoping for some clarity or apology from the main organizers upon their return, didnt get either. She took comfort in the road trips end.

I just want my baby and be done, said Capers.
The Phillies and fans honored the family of fallen Temple University Police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald during a pregame ceremony at the home opener Friday at Citizens Bank Park. Read more

The Phillies honored fallen Temple University Police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald and his family at Fridays home opener with a pregame acknowledgement and special jerseys with the officers badge number on the back.

In video shown on NBC10, Fitzgeralds family was invited onto the field to a standing ovation from the crowd and then posed for pictures with outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos. Fitzgeralds children were invited to take swings in the teams indoor batting cage.

The 31-year-old Fitzgerald was a big Phillies fan and had the P logo tattooed on his right bicep.

Just to see my kids excited and happy is something that warms my heart, and I know their father would want to see them happy, Marissa Fitzgerald, the sergeants widow, told NBC10.

Schwarber, whose father is a retired police chief in Ohio, handwrote a personal letter to the Fitzgerald family, the late sergeants father, Joel Fitzgerald, told NBC10.

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I dont know even how to put it into words how much we appreciate the fact that he took the time to acknowledge Christophers sacrifice in his own penmanship and in his own way, said Joel Fitzgerald, who is a former Philadelphia police officer.

Hopefully its a memory that theyll have for the rest of their lives, Schwarber told NBC10.

Nick Castellanos, speaking to The Inquirer, called the occasion humbling.

It kind of brings you back down to earth on whats important, on what really means something, Castellanos said.

Last week, Philadelphia City Council unanimously approved a resolution to rename the 1700 block of West Montgomery Avenue after Fitzgerald. Thats where the officer, who was posthumously promoted to sergeant, was fatally shot on Feb. 18.

Staff writer Alex Coffey contributed to this article.
The entrance to the Pennsylvania Judicial Center. In May, voters will choose their parties' candidates to compete for an open seat on the commonwealth's highest court. Read more

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HARRISBURG  The candidates running for an open seat on Pennsylvanias Supreme Court are getting campaign money from wealthy donors, their own bank accounts, construction trade unions, and in one case, from failed 2022 GOP gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano.

Without exception, the candidates with institutional party backing have a lot more money on hand. Its not an unusual state of affairs in Pennsylvania politics.

The four candidates raised about $365,000 in cash and in-kind donations collectively between the beginning of the year and late March, when they filed their latest campaign finance reports.

The commonwealths campaign finance laws put no limits on how much money an individual donor or political action committee  such as those set up by interest groups, corporations, or unions  can give to a candidate. Party backing often makes or breaks a candidacy during low-interest odd-year elections.

At stake in November is a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which has had a vacancy since the death of former Chief Justice Max Baer last year. The state Supreme Court takes on relatively few cases, but its rulings can have a major impact on politics and policy in Pennsylvania. In recent years, the court has decided cases on reproductive rights, mask mandates, and election disputes.

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Justices elected as Democrats have been in the majority since 2015, and flipping the court back has been a top Republican priority since then. The seven-member court is currently composed of four Democrats and two Republicans.

That race starts this spring, when registered Democratic and Republican voters will select their candidates for the fall. The primary is May 16.

>>ELECTION CENTER 2023: Everything you need to know to participate in the May primary

Vying for the Republican nod are two candidates: Montgomery County President Judge Carolyn Carluccio and Patricia McCullough, who is a judge on a lower statewide appellate court.

Carluccio, who is endorsed by the state Republican Party, has raised about $146,500 since the beginning of the year, mostly from a handful of big donors.

One of the most important is GOP power broker Bob Asher. A political action committee he chairs, the PA Future Fund, gave Carluccio $25,000, while he donated an additional $5,000 from his own pockets.

Alfred Barbour, president of a western Pennsylvania metal manufacturer, also donated $25,000 to Carluccios campaign. Barbour and his wife, Mary, have donated thousands of dollars to Republican races over the past few years  including to Bill McSwains unsuccessful primary campaign for U.S. Senate and Kevin Brobsons successful campaign for a state Supreme Court seat.

Carluccio also loaned $25,000 to herself and received another $25,000 from Montgomery County realtor Charles Tornetta, who appears to be her father.

McCullough, an arch-conservative Commonwealth Court judge who unsuccessfully sought the GOP Supreme Court nomination in 2021, has played up her support for former President Donald Trump. She was one of the only state judges to side with efforts by a group of Republican lawmakers to invalidate the 2020 election results.

Her campaign has raised about $10,800. Thats similar to 2021, when she reported just $7,000 raised and $3,500 spent.

Nearly all of her funds came from the Friends of Doug Mastriano PAC, which donated $10,000. Mastriano is a far-right state senator who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022. McCullough spoke about her campaign at Mastrianos Walk Free as People rally in March.

The reports show one notable absence  any groups connected to conservative mega-donor Jeff Yass, who spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in the 2021 Republican Supreme Court primary backing Brobson.

>>A complete guide to the candidates for state Supreme Court

Two Democrats who sit on another statewide appellate bench, Superior Court, are facing off for the partys nomination  Dan McCaffrey, of Philadelphia, and Deborah Kunselman, of Beaver County.

McCaffrey, who is endorsed by the state Democratic Party, raised $141,000, mostly from a number of trade union PACs, including $25,000 from the state carpenters union  his biggest donation. He also received $15,000 from a Pittsburgh union representing heavy equipment operators and $10,000 from the regional union representing general construction workers.

Kunselman raised half of that total, at $66,500. Her biggest donor is herself; she gave her campaign a loan of $10,500. The rest mostly came from western Pennsylvania attorneys.

Longtime GOP operative Christopher Nicholas noted that in both primaries, the endorsed candidate had the fundraising edge.

It seems the hierarchy in both parties have their preferred Supreme Court candidates and have had them for a while, Nicholas said.

Once considered sleepy races, statewide judicial elections have attracted big money in recent years.

With three seats up for grabs in 2015, total spending on the courts races hit $16 million. At least $7.1 million was spent in 2021 with one seat on the ballot.

Judicial candidates in Pennsylvania have more stringent rules for fundraising and campaigning than candidates for governor or the state legislature. Candidates cannot directly solicit money from donors, instead leaving so-called call time to campaign staffers on their electoral committee. Judicial candidates also cannot say how theyd decide on specific issues or cases.

Still, Deb Gross, executive director of Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, a group that pushes to end judicial elections, told Spotlight PA that while fundraising and campaigning are necessary so that voters are informed when they cast their ballots, it can increase the potential appearance of impropriety.

Either public [election] financing or merit selection are all honestly probably better options, Gross told Spotlight PA.

WHILE YOURE HERE... If you learned something from this story, pay it forward and become a member of Spotlight PA so someone else can in the future at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
This image released by NASA on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, shows the Pillars of Creation, captured by the James Webb Space Telescope in near-infrared-light view. Read more

NASAs James Webb Space Telescope has captured a new view of an iconic cosmic site: the region known as the Pillars of Creation, where stars are born.

The U.S. space agency's Hubble Space Telescope first photographed the structure in 1995, revealing its columns of gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula star nursery 6,500 light-years away. It became one of the most famous Hubble photos.

In the new image, the Webb telescope's near-infrared camera cut through the dust to see the stars more clearly - "like never before," as NASA put it.

These youngsters are estimated to be "only a few hundred thousand years," the agency said Wednesday.

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Stars come from collapsing clouds of interstellar material: Clumps of mass that form within the pillars of gas and dust begin to collapse under their own gravity, slowly heat up, and form new stars.

"See those wavy lines that look like lava at the edges of the pillars? These are baby stars that are forming within the gas & dust," tweeted Thomas Zurbuchen, the associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

From about a million miles from Earth, the Webb telescope is peering deeper into space.

The $10 billion telescope, which launched last Christmas day, is a joint effort with the European and Canadian space agencies. Its name drew criticism when some scientists argued former NASA leader James Webb was complicit in discrimination of LGBTQ employees between the '40s and '60s, but NASA said it found no evidence to warrant renaming the telescope.

The telescopes ability to capture wavelengths of light inaccessible to its predecessor, the Hubble, has allowed NASA to revisit images from space in greater detail, sometimes puzzling astronomers. It has delivered new observations of faraway galaxies, and cosmic photos of Jupiter, a giant asteroid and a newly discovered comet.
Most voters in the 22nd Congressional District oppose cuts to Social Security while supporting a proposal to raise taxes on wealthy individuals to bolster the program, according to a new survey released by Data for Progress, a progressive think tank.

The poll found that 88% of voters in the 22nd district oppose slashing Social Security benefits, with more than three-quarters of voters strongly opposed to cuts.

As members of Congress from both parties say they don't support Social Security cuts, there are questions about how to ensure the program is solvent for future generations.

In the Data for Progress poll, voters were asked about one possible solution: Raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans to boost Social Security. Overall, 82% of voters support the concept if the alternative is cutting benefits. There is more support for the plan among Democrats (97%) than Republicans (71%).

Data for Progress surveyed 548 likely voters in the 22nd district. The poll was conducted March 28 to April 3.

Social Security will likely be a hot-button issue in the 2024 election. U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams, the incumbent in the 22nd district, has already been accused of supporting cuts to Social Security by left-leaning groups.

House Majority Forward, a group linked to House Majority PAC, a Democratic super PAC, launched an ad campaign targeting Williams, R-Sennett, and other Republican members of Congress.

The ad campaign claimed Williams wants to "destroy" Medicare and Social Security  a charge the GOP congressman denied in a statement at the time.

"These are not things handed out by the government, they were paid for by hard-working Americans," Williams said. "Anyone, from either party, who attempts to deprive our elderly of these earnings will have me as one of their toughest opponents."
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) vs. U.S. Social Security: An Overview

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the U.S. Social Security system are publicly provided mandatory old-age pension systems. They both provide retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. But the amount you pay in and the benefits you receive differ between the two.

Key Takeaways Both the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Social Security are government-sponsored retirement income programs.

CPP tax rates and income thresholds are generally lower than those of Social Security. Benefits also tend to be lower.

Taxed Canadian wages go into a trust fund managed by the CPP Investment Board, which invests the funds in stocks, bonds, and other assets.

Taxed U.S. Social Security wages go into the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Disability Insurance Trust Fund. The funds are invested entirely in U.S. Treasury securities.

Social Security faces the risk of its reserve funds being depleted by 2034, which would make it unable to pay full benefits to retirees. The CPP doesn't have this problem.

Canada Pension Plan

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is one of three levels of the Canadian retirement income system. It was established in 1966 to provide retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. Almost everyone who works in Canada, outside of Quebec, contributes to the CPP. A separate Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) provides similar benefits to its residents.

In general, you must contribute to the CPP (or the QPP if you work in Quebec) if:

You're over age 18

As of 2023, you must earn more than CA$3,500 a year

If you have an employer, you pay half of the required contribution, and your employer pays the rest. If you're self-employed, you pay the whole contribution. You make contributions based on your earnings. For 2023, the contribution rate is 11.9% of the amount you earn between CA$3,500 and CA$66,600.

In Quebec, the contribution rate is 10.8% if you're self-employed, with the rate split equally between the employee and employer if you work for someone else. The range of income is the same: between CA$3,500 and CA$66,600.

With this cap in place, the 2023 maximum contribution for employers and employees is CA$3,754.45. If you're self-employed, it's CA$7,508.90.

The contributions go into a fund managed by the CPP Investment Board, which invests the assets "to maximize returns without undue risk of loss."

Canada Pension Plan Benefits

Similar to the U.S. Social Security system, the Canada Pension Plan provides several types of benefits:

Retirement pension. You can start full CPP retirement benefits at age 65. You can get a permanently reduced amount as early as age 60, or as late as age 70 with a permanent increase.

You can start full CPP retirement benefits at age 65. You can get a permanently reduced amount as early as age 60, or as late as age 70 with a permanent increase. Post-retirement benefit. If you're under age 70 and you keep working while you receive your CPP retirement pension, you can continue to contribute to the CPP. These contributions go toward post-retirement benefits that increase your retirement income.

If you're under age 70 and you keep working while you receive your CPP retirement pension, you can continue to contribute to the CPP. These contributions go toward post-retirement benefits that increase your retirement income. Disability benefits. You can get disability benefits if you're under age 65 and can't work due to a disability.

You can get disability benefits if you're under age 65 and can't work due to a disability. Survivor's pension. Your surviving spouse or common-law partner can collect benefits based on your record.

Your surviving spouse or common-law partner can collect benefits based on your record. Children's benefits. If you die or become severely disabled, your dependent children can receive benefits.

Your CPP benefits are based on how much you've contributed and how long you've been making contributions when you become eligible to collect benefits. For 2023, the maximum monthly retirement benefit is CA$1,306.57. The average amount for new beneficiaries as of Jan. 2023 (latest figure) was CA$811.21.

Social Security

Social Security is a federal benefits program in the U.S. that was founded in 1935. In 2023, employees and employers each pay 6.2% in taxes on the first $160,200 of income. If you're self-employed, you pay the full 12.4%. For 2023, the maximum contribution for employers and employees is $9,932.40, or 6.2% of $160,200. If you're self-employed, it's $19,864.80.

Most people must pay into Social Security, regardless of age; however, exemptions may be available to certain groups of taxpayers, including:

Qualifying religious groups

Nonresident aliens

Students who work for the same school they attend

Foreign government employees

Social Security taxes go into the Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund and the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund. Although legally distinct, they're collectively known as "the Social Security Trust Funds"or plain-old "Social Security" in common parlance.

All Social Security payroll taxes are put into the trust funds, and all of Social Security's benefits and administrative costs are paid out of them. The trust funds are invested entirely in U.S. Treasury securities.

Social Security Benefits

Like the CPP, the Social Security system provides several types of benefits:

Retirement benefits . Full Social Security retirement benefits start between ages 66 and 67, depending on when you were born. You can get a permanently reduced amount as early as age 62, or an increased amount if you wait until age 70 to collect.

. Full Social Security retirement benefits start between ages 66 and 67, depending on when you were born. You can get a permanently reduced amount as early as age 62, or an increased amount if you wait until age 70 to collect. Disability benefits . You can get disability benefits if you can't work due to a disability. Your family members may also be eligible for benefits.

. You can get disability benefits if you can't work due to a disability. Your family members may also be eligible for benefits. Survivor benefits. Your surviving spouse and minor children may be eligible to collect benefits based on your record.

To qualify for Social Security benefits, you must have 40 "work credits," which comes out to about 10 years of work. Your benefits are based on your highest-earning 35 years of work.

For 2023, the maximum monthly retirement benefit is:

$4,555 if you wait until age 70 to file

$3,506 if you file at 66

$3,808 if you file at 67

$2,572 if you file at 62

Special Considerations

Budget shortfalls have often threatened the solvency of Social Security. According to the 2023 Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds, "The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund, which pays retirement and survivors benefits, will be able to pay scheduled benefits on a timely basis until 2033, one year less than reported last year. At that time, the fund's reserves will become depleted and continuing tax income will be sufficient to pay 77% of scheduled benefits."

"The Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund, which pays disability benefits, is no longer projected to be depleted within the 75-year projection period."

In 2021, Social Security's total annual cost exceeded its total income for the first time. But the trust funds' reserves will supplement the program's income so that Social Security can keep paying full benefits until 2033 (to retirees). In theory, this gives policymakers time to develop a financing plan for shoring up Social Security.

The Canada Pension Plan does not currently face a similar issue.

Can You Collect Both Social Security and Canada Pension? If you have credits for both programs then you are eligible to receive benefits from one or both programs. If you meet the requirements for each country's program, then you are able to receive the benefits from that program. If you do not meet the basic requirements for one program, there are ways you may still be eligible, such as partial benefits.

What Is the Difference Between a Pension Plan and Social Security? Pension plans are typically funded by employer contributions and sometimes employee contributions. Social Security is funded by payroll taxes on workers that fund the benefits paid out to those currently not working.

Can I Collect Pension and Social Security? Yes, you are legally allowed to collect both a pension and Social Security; however, depending on your pension, the pension income may reduce your Social Security benefits. It's important to check with a tax advisor what the best setup would be for your profile.

The Bottom Line

The Canada Pension Plan and the U.S. Social Security program are pension programs for retirees in the respective countries. While the programs have their differences, both seek to provide income for retired individuals and a certain standard of living.
PAMELA MORRISSEY, SOBE BROWN SUPERFOOD HAIR OIL

A hairstylist, business owner and product developer, Pamela Morrissey is the woman behind acclaimed Cork salon Sobe Brown. In 2021, she created Superfood Hair and Scalp Oil.

Although her first product came to life in Cork, the story of its beginnings is in New York. I worked as a stylist in Manhattan for four years, explains Pamela. It was a completely different experience for me as a stylist. The level of service was very much a 360-degree approach. Every client required, almost insisted on being educated about my thoughts on their hair and scalp and if I was aware of any issues they couldnt see. I loved it and it forever changed my approach to client care.

Pamela Morrissey. Picture: Miki Barlok

When Pamela returned to Cork in 2006, Sobe Brown was born. It was a little atelier studio, to begin with, she says. Just me, where I worked one to one with my client, considering their lifestyle, goals and hair health and type.

Pamelas approach only strengthened over the years, and Sobe Brown is known for its personal and individual, almost therapeutic service. We have a concept called your full potential and natural best, explains Pamela. We want each client to leave the salon at their full potential, with the best version of their natural hair; vibrant, rich, healthy, and easy to manage at home.

However, stress is one of the most prominent antagonists to hair looking and feeling its best. With salons closed during lockdown, Pamela was inundated with questions related to hair loss, hair thinning and scalp issues. She says: When the body is stressed, circulation is affected, and the hair and scalp dont get the nutrients it needs and isnt as nourished as it should be. Our hair is the last thing to get nourished, so its the first thing to suffer.

Sobe Brown's Superfood Hair Oil

With help from wellness expert and friend Peigin Crowley, Pamela created Superfood Hair and Scalp Oil to continue caring for her clients both in the salon and out, and it was a profoundly mindful experience. I gained a deep understanding of essential oils from Peigin, the benefits, and how they fit together. It was quite intuitive. If something didnt sit well with me or feel right, it was back to the drawing board. It was important to me that what I created would be easy to use and appeal to everyone, would treat stress issues and hair problems and provide holistic benefits at the same time.

A blend of Ashwagandha and Clary Sage, along with Lavender, Rosewood, Frankincense Bergamot and Ylang Ylang, made the final cut. Each with unique benefits for hair, scalp, body and mind. It helps to calm and detox the scalp, hydrate and hold moisture in the hair shaft, and create a healthy environment for hair growth, explains Pamela. I always thought I would create a styling product, but this is so much more. Its everything I believe in. The health of your hair is more important than any tool or styling product, and good hair health starts in the scalp.

Sobe Brown Superfood Hair & Scalp Oil retails at 38 from www.sobebrown.com.

PEIGIN CROWLEY, GROUND WELLBEING

Aspa industry luminary, Peigin Crowley has spent over 25 years in the world of wellness, designing spas and concept treatments for award-winning locations like Adare Manor and The Cliff House Hotel. A lifelong love of aromatherapy, coupled with a professional quietness during lockdown, propelled Peigin to create Ground Wellbeing at the end of 2020 (at her kitchen table, no less).

A wellness brand with a difference, Ground is rooted in the principle of going forward to basics and truly minding yourself in the process. I wanted to do wellness in my own way, says Peigin. In a way that would be inclusive and solution-driven rather than pampering and indulgent. During lockdown, I was gifted a beautiful freedom to develop products and design packaging to the beat of my own drum, and so thats what I did.

Peigin Crowley. Picture: Miki Barlok

And solution-driven, it certainly is. Grounds stunningly beautiful range of products and spa treatments prioritise self-care for all, including children and those with compromised health. Using natural, botanical, plant-based ingredients, Grounds product offering and treatments are designed to bring relief from insomnia, anxiety, burnout, gut health, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms.

Developing products suitable for women going through menopause was a particularly personal project for Peigin. After having one of my ovaries removed, I was thrust into early menopause and really began to understand its effect on a womans body, particularly the decreasing production of oestrogen and how that impacts our brain, bone and heart health, she explains. Ground Wellbeings bestselling Balancing CBD Balm and The Balancing Ritual came about after that; both created to balance hormonal fluctuations and provide relief from symptoms associated with menopause and PMS.

And she wasnt finished there. The response to the Balancing Collection drove Peigin and her team to develop Barrog (which means hug in Irish), a range of treatments and products to support those living with and beyond cancer. Those going through cancer treatment have been turned away from spas for so long, she explains. We wanted to address this by not only making a treatment safe for someone going through cancer but making it effective and solution driven at the same time.

The Big Hug by Ground Wellbeing

Unsurprisingly, the reception to Barrog has been overwhelmingly positive. The uptake in bookings for Barrog Rituals at Hayfield Manor Spa, the first spa in Ireland to offer the treatments, was over 20%. The feedback and messages that people take the time to send in gratitude and awe of this team of ladies whove spent time learning and developing to craft and zone in on people with compromised health to give them sincere relief, even at the end of life stage, its been overwhelmingly kind.

As Grounds product range grows, its mission remains the same. To encourage ourselves and each other to focus on self-care at home, says Peigin. This allows us to feel empowered in tackling the stress, anxiety or burnout we may be experiencing. All of which will exacerbate any health-related symptoms we are dealing with. Once we are prioritising our sleep and learning to manage our anxiety, the rest falls into place. Amen.

Find out more about Ground Wellbeings range of products and treatments by visiting www.groundwellbeing.com

ANNA FORDE, HAUMEA SKINCARE DEVICES

Skincare professional and beauty therapist Anna Forde has been treating and enhancing womens skin across Ireland for over 16 years. An important driver for Anna has always been harnessing the latest technologies and treatments to get the best results for her clients.

When faced with closing the doors of her salon due to covid-19, The Beauty Suite Laser and Skin Clinic in Galway, and clients that struggled to maintain their in-clinic results, she decided it was time to bring the clinic experience home.

I always knew I wanted to create my own brand, something that went side-by-side with my daily work as a skincare professional, she says. But when lockdown arrived, I realised it was an opportunity for me to help women optimise their skincare routine at home, too. She adds, I knew exactly what I wanted to create, the results I wanted to achieve, and the technicalities and specs needed so that anyone could easily use them at home.

Anna Forde. Photo: Ray Ryan.

But unsurprisingly, thanks to a global shutdown, it wasnt all plain sailing. I spent over a year focussed on creating the devices. I went through multiple samples, trialling each, she explains. I was running online consultations for my skin clinic, packing orders and trying to keep the door open on that business. I was the sole owner, running this new business by myself, so having the time to do both was difficult. Finding the right production company wasnt easy, but once I found them, I was confident that they could create devices to my standard, which was the most important thing for me.

Haumea launched two devices in October 2021; Smart Sonic Facial Brush and LED Light Therapy Mask Device. Designed to be used individually or together, both help users harness the power of advanced skin treatments and get the most out of their skincare ingredients in the comfort of their own home (and they look super sleek, too). The design was very important to me, says Anna. I had a very clear idea of what I wanted the brand look-and-feel to be. Clinical, clean and consistent. And I think we achieved that.

Haumeas Smart Sonic Facial Brush levels up at-home cleansing with 12 adjustable vibration settings to blast dirt from within the pore with no irritation or harsh abrasion. Anna elaborates, it delivers a really effective cleanse and is gentle enough to use

daily.

Hauma LED Light Device

The LED Light Therapy Mask, on the other hand, targets a range of common skin concerns. Everything from fine lines and wrinkles to breakout activity, inflammation and irritation, and best of all  its designed for use with your favourite serum or sheet mask. Its a

handheld LED device, so it allows you to adjust LED setting to specific areas of the face, says Anna. Our red and yellow mode heat up to 43 degrees for an enjoyable treatment that allows products to sink in deeper and work harder.

Since the launch, Haumea has shipped all over Ireland,

the UK and further afield, and as a result, we can expect more from Haumea this year. Particularly in Q2, says Anna. Keep your eyes peeled.

Find out more about Haumea and shop all devices by visiting www.haumeaskincare.com

JOANN MAHON, MILLIES

Joann Mahon is the owner and managing director of Millies Salons and millies.ie, one of Irelands leading online destinations for professional skincare and haircare.

At 16 years of age, Joann was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries, a condition that brought with it a wealth of skin problems and a newfound interest in skin health that set her on the path to where she is today.

I remember desperately seeking solutions for my skin issues, recalls Joann. I read anything I could find about skin health and treating various skin issues through advanced ingredients and treatments. When I saw the impact that the right products and salon treatments were having on my skin, I knew I had to help other women with their skin issues too.

Joann Mahon

Before opening Millies first salon, Joann worked as a fully trained skin therapist in a clinic setting, eventually plucking up the courage to open her own business in 2007. My family business was in retail, she explains. I grew up in that environment. This, coupled with my obsession with skincare, meant that the Millies business was an obvious route for me.

Joann felt there was an opening in the market for a salon that was more geared towards retail, selling not just salon treatments but the correct products for specific skin types and concerns. I believe that your skin health is down to how well you look after it at home and the products you use on your skin every day, she says. Eighty per cent of the results you get from advanced skincare is what you do yourself at home, and 20% is what I can do for someone in the salon. I wanted my customers to see the results and achieve skin confidence, and I knew the product side of my business was critical for this.

From bricks and mortar, Millies Salon grew into an online business in 2010, as Joann realised she could look after clients skincare needs outside of regular business hours. Less than a year later, she acquired another location that allowed her to expand her offering to online and offline customers, growing the salon business to 90%, eventually allowing her to focus solely on Millies online in 2019.

Millies HQ

And then, very shortly afterwards, came covid-19. One of the lowest points for Millies and Joann, personally. I had to close the salons, not knowing when I would open them again, which was a very worrying time. I am also a mother, which is my most important role in life. So, trying to parent and home-school my daughter while working insane hours was tough, and then I lost my mum. It was one of my lifes most stressful and saddest times, but I got through it.

With the pandemic came a surge in online ordering, and luckily, Millies was well positioned with the e-commerce business to meet demand. I feel incredibly fortunate in that sense, says Joann. In saying that, there were still challenges. In the early days of the pandemic, my partner Paul and I and a handful of our team worked around the clock fulfilling orders and trying to keep up with the sudden increase in orders. It was a crazy time.

Post-pandemic, Millies continues to go from strength to strength, but the core of the business will always be helping their customers find solutions to problems. We pride ourselves on the expert knowledge of our team and the knowledge that the products we stock are tried and tested and actually work, says Joann. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do.
One of the last wild rivers in Europe, home to more than 1,000 animal and plant species, has been declared a national park by the Albanian government  making the Vjosa the first of its kind on the continent.

Check out our Sustainability and Climate Change Hub where you will find the latest news, features, opinions and analysis on this topic from across the various Irish Examiner topic desks and their team of specialist writers and columnists.

The Vjosa River flows 168 miles (270kms) from the Pindus mountains in Greece through narrow canyons, plains and forests in Albania to the Adriatic coast. Free from dams or other artificial barriers, it is rich in aquatic species and supports myriad wildlife, including otters, the endangered Egyptian vulture and the critically endangered Balkan lynx, of which only 15 are estimated to remain in Albania.

For years, the Vjosas fragile ecosystem has been under threat: at one point as many as 45 hydropower plants were planned across the region.

But on Wednesday, after an almost decade-long campaign by environmental NGOs, Vjosa was declared the first wild river national park in Europe. Environmentalists described it as a historic decision that has placed the tiny Balkan nation at the forefront of river protection.

It is time to make #VjosaNationalParkNow. Only national park status can permanently protect the Vjosa and make it Europe's first wild-river national park. Sign the petition: https://t.co/PYtoynZTwj pic.twitter.com/B7ZgoXr25i  Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) November 17, 2021

The campaign to protect the Vjosa was given a boost when Leonardo DiCaprio posted about it on Instagram and Twitter saying: This is one of Europes last wild rivers: but for how long?

Albanias prime minister, Edi Rama, announced the park at a ceremony at Tepelena castle overlooking the river, attended by stakeholders and ministers. He described the creation of the national park as a truly historic moment for nature as well as social and economic development.

Today we protect once and for all the only wild river in Europe, he said. This is about to change a mindset. Protecting an area does not mean that you enshrine it in isolation from the economy. He said national parks attract 20% more tourists compared with non-protected areas.

Albanian prime minister, Edi Rama, Patagonia CEO, Ryan Gellert, and Albanian tourism and environmentminister, Mirela Kumbaro, announce the creation Vjosa National Park

Mirela Kumbaro Furxhi, Albanias tourism and environment minister, said the creation of the park is part of the countrys evolution and continuing emancipation three decades on from communist rule.

Vjosa is a symbol of human history and also a very important part of the history of our country, she said. Maybe Albania does not have the power to change the world, but it can create successful models of protecting biodiversity and natural assets, and we are proud to announce the creation of this first national park on one of the last wild rivers in Europe.

Vjosa National Park - officially the first National Park of a Wild River in Europe. Picture: Albanian National Tourism Agency. albania.al

The country, which attracted 7.5 million visitors last year , more than twice its 2.8m population, hopes to regenerate villages in the Vjosa region through ecotourism.

A collaboration between the Albanian government, international experts, NGOs from the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign to protect Balkan rivers, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company and environmental organisation, the 12,727 hectare (31,500 acre) park aims to ensure the Vjosa and its unique ecosystems are safeguarded. It has been given IUCN category II park status , a high level of protection similar to that of a wilderness. The categorisation covers large-scale ecological processes, species and ecosystems, crucial to ensuring dams and gravel extraction are banned. It is expected to be operational in 2024.

Vjosa National Park, Albania

Boris Erg, director of the European office at IUCN, paid tribute to the government of Albania for its leadership and ambition. Today marks a milestone for the people and biodiversity of Albania, he said. We invite other governments in the region and beyond to show similar ambition and help reach the vital goal of protecting 30% of the planet by 2030.

The park will encompass the 118 miles of the Vjosa in Albania, three main tributaries, and some land, including areas at risk of flooding. Phase II will add other tributaries. Unlike the IUCNs Wilderness Protected Areas, which limit the number of visitors, it will allow recreational tourism and some other activities such as local fishing, particularly for 60,000 residents in the catchment.

The Albanian government is starting a joint process with the Greek authorities to create the Aoos-Vjosa transboundary park, aiming to protect the entire river across both countries, who agreed in January to sign a memorandum of understanding specifying the next actions.

Vjosa National Park, Albania

Europe has the most obstructed river landscape in the world, with barriers such as dams, weirs and fords, estimated to number more than a million, according to a 2020 EU study in 28 countries. Such fragmenting of rivers affects their ability to support life.

Ulrich Eichelmann, a conservationist and founder of Riverwatch and part of the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign, said: Most people in central Europe have never ever seen a wild, living river, free from the impacts of human interference, that isnt diverted or dammed or built up with embankments and where biodiversity is low as a result. But here, you have a wild river, full of complexity and without interference. Eichelmann said he hopes it will establish a blueprint for wild rivers elsewhere.

The Vjosa lives!



Collaboration between local communities, business and the Albanian government has created Europe's first wild river national park. This means Albania's Vjosa River will flow freely forever from source to sea, for future generations of Albanians to enjoy. pic.twitter.com/pBVRTckX3v  Patagonia (@patagonia) March 15, 2023

Ryan Gellert, Patagonias CEO, said the collaboration proves the power of collective action. We hope it will inspire others to come together to protect the wild places we have left, in a meaningful way, he said, adding that the park is proof that the destruction of nature did not have to be the price of progress.

The company has provided $4.6m (4.35m) to support the national park and protect wild rivers across the Balkans, through the non-profit Holdfast Collective, set up in 2022 when it declared Earth its only shareholder.

NGOs said there is still work to be done to safeguard the remaining unprotected parts of the river, including the delta and the source in Greece. Rama said that an airport planned at the river delta will go ahead but without risks to nature.

 Guardian
In Cairos famed Khan El Khalili market theres a thin line between pestering and persuasion.

We run the gauntlet of pashminas and jangling belly dancer costumes, scrolls of fake papyrus scripts, piles of plaster pyramids, and the Sphinx in stone, amid the bewildering assortment of souvenirs.

Pausing by a stall or catching the sellers eye is enough to ignite a relentless sales pitch. Cairos largest and most vibrant tourist souk and bazaar sits at the epicentre of Al-Qahirah, a colourful, noisy, spice-engulfed maze of shops, stalls, cafes, and hidden corners where hawkers flog dodgy merchandise.

Think of tourism in Egypt, and crowded bazaars such as Khan El Khalili, splendours of the pyramids and nearby Sphinx, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel have drawn travellers for centuries.

Tourists have been visiting Egypt for 2,500 years, starting with Herodotus (480-420 BC), followed by Greeks and Romans who were raiding tombs and stealing whatever they could carry away. Huge obelisks were also pilfered, shipped, and re-positioned abroad as familiar national landmarks.

Cairos main sights require at least three to four days to do them justice. But pressed for time we explore at a breakneck pace.

The National Museum of Civilisation is the first stop at mummies Grand Central. Visitors file through a dimly lit, climatically controlled hall, designed to feel like a tomb.

Here youll come up close to Thutmose (1479-1425 BC) who made Egypt an international superpower among those who walked the earth over 3,000 years ago.

A favourite is mummified Queen Tiye with her fine bone structure and long curly tresses. Stories of conspiracies, power struggles, complicated relationships, and jealousy accompany each mummy, showing that little changed through the ages.

Soon a huge new museum close to the pyramids will open to incorporate the treasures housed in the colonial-era Egyptian Museum of Antiquities that contains 120,000 artefacts. Upstairs we marvel at the main attraction, the King Tutankhamun collection from the tomb of the most famous pharaoh that includes his coffin weighing 110 kilos of solid gold.

From traffic-choked, bustling Ta Hrir square, the very centre of Cairo, scene of protests during periods of political upheaval, we move on to the Coptic quarter where for 600 years Christianity held sway. An estimated 10% to 20% of Egypts population, depending on who you ask, is Christian. The cellar of St Georges Church reputedly was a hiding place for the Holy Family after the flight into Egypt.

A view of the Pyramids from the Giza Plateau - there is three pyramids popularly known as Queens' Pyramids on front side; next in order from left: the Pyramid of Menkaure/Mykerinos, Khafre/Chephren, and Chufu/Cheops - known as the Great Pyramid.

Egypts capital is best known for preserving the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Far from rising dramatically in the depths of empty desert, the three Pyramids of Giza are in fact beside a suburb of Cairo to the west of the Nile. Queues of school kids, families, and a sprinkling of foreign tourists converge on the site. We join those climbing the rough steps towards the entrance to the Great Pyramid, one of the greatest ever feats of engineering.

Some of us venture inside the steep low-ceilinged tunnel leading to the kings burial chamber. Not for the weak-kneed, or those who suffer from shortness of breath or claustrophobia, you must bend almost to the ground on the narrow wooden walkway that leads up into a bare room with an empty sarcophagus.

Finally, standing in the centre of a pyramid so large that until the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889, this was the tallest structure on the planet, surrounded by 2.3m blocks of granite, each weighing over two tons, it feels surreal to be at the very spot where King Khufu was laid to rest 4,500 years ago.

In the shadow of the pyramids, camel owners wander about offering rides for about 30, though Micky, a young healthy looking male, was offered to one of our party without any mention of money. Later, a $10 tip was accepted with a smile and bow by the owner, at odds with his neighbours offering rip-off camel and pony trap rides.

Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea, a one-hour flight from Cairo, offers an ideal contrast in tempo and experience. Spectacular diving and snorkelling among an abundance of undersea life  over 1,000 species of fish and 200 species of coral  as well as guaranteed winter sunshine, generate more foreign income than the pyramids at Giza or Tutankhamens mask and the Sphinx.

Sharm has survived more tourism setbacks than most. Now tourism interests down here hope that the rich and diverse marine life and golden sand beaches of the Red Sea, with stricter environmental controls, including a ban on single-use plastics, will boost tourism in a country of 100m people whose international image as a safe destination has suffered in the past by attacks blamed on radical Islamist militants.

The resort, which includes nine towns, underwent a big makeover in preparation for Novembers Cop 27 climate summit.

New hotels were completed and a magnificent new museum showcasing mummies among the collection of over 5,000 treasures was added.

Our base for two nights in south Sinai is the all-inclusive Royal Savoy hotel resort, the centrepiece of glitzy neon-lit Soho Square, a five-star luxury complex with three swimming pools and a private beach, numerous dining out possibilities, boutiques, bars, and night clubs.

A curious sea turtle swims right up beside me off the lovely stretch of beach where snorkelling equipment is on hand and a giant aquarium of multi-coloured fish are spotted. Most visitors opt for a day-long excursion (costing around 60 including lunch) on board a motor yacht with awesome views of the remote Sinai coastline and huge Ras Mohamed National Park away from resort developments.

Flotillas of big and small yachts and other craft fan out across the horizon like in vintage film reels showing the Dunkirk evacuation. We exit our boat named Rehab via the rear steps and drop into the water where the coral reef offers the best snorkelling and diving, especially at a spot called Stingray Station. Nothing prepares you for this underwater fantasy world and cascading jewel box of marine creatures inhabiting it. I had expected to admire a few passive enlarged versions of tropical tank fish, not this teaming kaleidoscope of colour weaving in and out of the coral.

The brilliantly coloured Arabian angelfish scouts alone, scissortail sergeants in disciplined schools, others just like humans are individualists, a few shy, the majority curious.

An undoubted highlight of any visit to Egypt this... nevertheless, to my mind, they cant compete with Osiris, God of the underworld who was found guarding Tutankhamuns opulent tomb.

Dont miss: In Cairo, the pyramids, the Sphinx, and the ultimate  a Nile cruise southwards to Luxor and The Valley of the Kings (on my bucket list for a future visit).

The worlds biggest archaeological museum, the Grand Egyptian Museum, a stones throw away from the pyramids at Giza, will finally open this year, covering 199 acres, showing off many never before seen treasures from the storerooms at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquity in central Cairo.

All the Tutankhamun collection will be on display in the new museum that was supposed to open in 2022, marking the centenary of archaeologist Howard Carters astonishing discovery of King Tuts tomb, jewel in the crown of ancient Egypt.

Getting to Egypt

Direct flights from Dublin to Cairo four times weekly. See www.egyptair.com; return fares from 550-700 economy and from 1,000 return business class.

For information on travel to Egypt, see Egypt Tourism Authority, www.egypt.travel.

Your local travel agent can help with Irish tour operator combined packages that include Cairo and other key tourism experiences such as Luxor and Aswan, plus sun-kissed Red Sea resorts for relaxation after all the sightseeing.

Avoid summer when temperatures can reach an uncomfortable 40C. To get the best out of your visit to Cairo, enlist a registered guide and driver rather than going it alone.
More than a year after ballerina Maya Tsuprenko got trapped in Ireland when bombs started dropping on her hometown in Ukraine  just hours after she came here for a sold-out ballet tour  she faces having nowhere to go again.

Maya spent months in a hotel in Ireland following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, unable to return home, watching the carnage unfold on a TV screen.

She then gratefully moved to student accommodation at Dublin City University where she could cook her own food again and was later joined by her mother and grandmother.

When students had to return, she was moved to Gormanstown camp before the Red Cross found a host family for her in Dublin.

The contract finishes at the end of June so I have no idea what will happen then," she said.

Every time, youre back sitting on your luggage again.

From September, I have a job contract in a school in Dublin so I hope to find somewhere in Dublin.

Ukrainians who speak English can find jobs in Ireland. The one thing that makes people sad here, especially in Dublin, is that there is no accommodation.

People have a job but nowhere to live.

Maya has been studying to update her digital marketing qualifications for the Irish market.

She has been teaching dance to young Ukrainian refugees voluntarily and plans to get temporary work at a bar or restaurant over the summer before her dance teaching job starts in September.

Maya Tsuprenko with two of her students. Picture: Conor O Mearain / Collins Photos

Her mother has now gone to Canada where Mayas brother lives and her grandmother has gone to live with her sister in Moscow.

Her sisters there and she missed her too much. I speak with her on the phone sometimes but I cant say a word about Russia and the war. I feel theyre not free to talk.

But as long as theyre not under bombs its alright.

My dad is still in my city [Kharkiv]. He had the choice to get out at the beginning but he said no.

Hes changed so much since the war. Hes not the same person. His head is different now. Hes anxious.

I went to visit him in February. His district is in ruins. Thats when I realised I might now stay in Ireland.

But Im happy because my family has all made their own choices, they all had that opportunity. Many people in Ukraine did not have a choice. A lot of kids, people in their 20s, will be left without legs and arms after the war. So I cant be sad about my situation.

Meanwhile, Jean Eustace, who was born in Russia but has lived in Ireland since she was 15, has been helping Ukrainian refugees in her hometown Killarney.

She helps with translation and was involved in the successful campaign to prevent Ukrainian families from being moved from a hotel in the Kerry town to Mayo last year.

We managed to have them rehoused, in other hotels and holiday homes. But if the same thing happened now we would not be so successful because everywhere is full. There are no more places to house people.

She said that some families have already returned to the less war-ravaged parts of Ukraine, where they have to battle regular electricity blackouts and insecure water supply but where they have somewhere to live.

The insecurity of not knowing where they will live is very hard on people," she said.

A lot of people are anxious about accommodation now. Many accommodation providers have not told them if they will extend their contracts.

That fear of being moved always looms over them.

Theyve settled into the community, their children are in school, many of the women are in jobs, theyve found ways to provide traditional food for their children.

They know that if the hotel says they need to get out, theyll have to go, and theres not enough additional accommodation in Killarney to accommodate them. They know about the housing crisis in Ireland.

The areas from Odesa up to Kyiv are relatively safe so some people have gone back there. There are still problems with no electricity and water supply, but theyll take no electricity over being suspended in the air over here.

One friend from Odesa is thinking about moving back with his family. Hes an engineer, he had successful businesses in Ukraine, but because hes learning English the only jobs he can get are physical jobs and because of his health, he cannot do that.

"Hes hoping that with better English he can get an office job related to engineering but if he cant, he said hell have to go back because he wants to support his family and he cant stand not working anymore."
US president Joe Biden is to give a key address at Ulster Universitys newly opened campus to kick-start his historic visit to the island of Ireland next week.

Mr Biden is taking part in events north and south of the border to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

It is understood his address at the campus will take place on Wednesday.

President of Ulster University Professor Paul Bartholomew said it would be a significant day for the institution.

We are looking forward to what will be a very special day in the Universitys history, and to hosting President Biden on his first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming president, he said.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, Ulster University, across all three of our campuses, is looking forward to preparing the next generation of civic, business and societal leaders.

The US president is to arrive in Belfast on Tuesday evening along with UK prime minister Rishi Sunak.

Mr Biden is not expected to visit Stormont, which is being viewed by some as a snub.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has denied this was the case, arguing that any visit by a US President was to be welcomed.

People are envious of the commitment of President Biden  to the entire island of Ireland, he said.

I think his visit to Northern Ireland is a manifestation of his genuine commitment to the people of Northern Ireland.

As part of his trip, Mr Biden will visit Dublin where he is to give an address to a joint-sitting of the Dail and Seanad on Thursday.

He will also meet with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Michael D Higgins.

He is also expected to visit Co Louth and Co Mayo, from where his ancestors hail.

Mr Bidens great-great-grandfather Owen Finnegan emigrated to the United States from the Cooley Peninsula, while another great-great-grandfather, Patrick Blewitt, was born in Ballina, leaving during the Irish famine in 1850 to sail to America.

The end of the trip will include a public speech by the US President in Co Mayo, outside St Muredachs Cathedral in Ballina, on Friday evening.

Mr Varadkar has said the purpose of Mr Bidens visit was to welcome a son of Ireland home, to welcome home a great Irish-American president.

He said it also offered an opportunity to cement the relationship between Ireland and the US, which he said had never been stronger, and to look ahead to Northern Irelands future.

A major security operation is expected to be in place for Mr Bidens visit, with more than 300 officers from the rest of the UK being drafted in for the Northern Ireland leg of the trip.

In a sign of the tight security measures that surround the diplomatic outing, some details of the presidential visit have yet to be confirmed.

The PSNI said on Saturday that it was engaging with local communities and businesses who may be impacted by traffic restrictions in place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The First Lady Jill Biden is not expected to travel with Mr Biden.
A morning spent walking on Keel Strand on Achill Island left me filled with longing. Its beautiful there; gulls wheeling over soft white sand, bracing air gusting across glittering waves, the kind of magical light you only get in the West of Ireland.

Why would anyone ever leave Mayo?

I know why, of course. As school children, we learned all about why people left throughout history. There was oppression; there was famine; there was war. In the past, emigration from Ireland was forced on people rather than chosen. The Irish word deorai means exile, and for those emigrants, it was an involuntary exile.

Emigration was loss; we saw that in the phenomenon of the American wake, where people fully understood and ritualised emigration as a kind of death.

And it was  one characteristic of historic Irish emigration was that only a few emigrants ever returned to Ireland. Many hundreds of thousands vanished to America in the worst years of The Great Famine, never to be seen again.

But sometimes, hundreds of years later, their descendants return. President Joe Biden is one such person, his great-great-great-grandfather, Edward Blewitt, left Ballina in 1851.

Biden visited Mayo in 2016 when he was vice president. This week, for the first time during his presidency, he is set to return to Mayo.

He still has distant relatives there and a fondness for the place captured in smiling photos of him on his last visit. He beams as he sits next to a woman playing the harp outside a Ballina pub, and proudly holds up a county jersey, surrounded by delighted local people.

President Joe Biden with Mayo relation Laurita Blewitt, a descendant of Edward Blewitt.

Its impossible not to feel a sentimental pull towards the Blewitts and everyone like them, forced to leave. Its equally inevitable that we feel a thrill at the triumphant return of one of them, in the form of one of the most powerful people in the world.

With a story like this, its tempting to leave it there and to trot out the usual tropes; a local boy done good, a prodigal son returned, a circle closed at last.

Thats all too neat. Its a narrative trap that you will see in a lot of the coverage of President Bidens visit, and one he enjoys himself.

Migration is a much messier story, and it continues. By its nature, migration is movement, and people are still on the move.

Irish people today are, thankfully, much better off than our ancestors. Those of us who migrate are usually in control of that decision; we are not being forced out of the country to survive.

Other countries are less fortunate. The UNHCR reports that 9.3m people worldwide were forcibly displaced at the end of 2021 by persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations.

This figure does not include the many millions of migrants who are forced to leave their homes because of a slower form of violence, the relentless pressure of capitalism and globalisation that decimates the land, empties the seas, and assigns worth to human life exclusively by calculating how much work they can produce.

The combined strain of climate chaos and economic displacement will continue to displace people inside their own countries and push them out to seek safety across borders.

They are pushed into deorai, into involuntary exile from the countries they know and love.

I want to think about them, the present-day Edward Blewitts. Considering the date he left Ireland, Blewitt must have lived through occupation, civil strife, and famine, circumstances severe enough that he booked passage to a country thousands of miles away.

There is no Irish equivalent to him today; perhaps the closest comparison is a Syrian, unable to return for fear of persecution by a hostile government.

He could be any number of Central American people; in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, the people have suffered through intensely difficult socioeconomic and security conditions, exacerbated by climate and natural disasters, corruption, and poor governance.

There are many present-day Edward Blewitts, and all have much in common with President Bidens ancestor.

The difference is outside their respective circumstances. The difference, and its tragic in scale, is in their potential futures.

Edward Blewitt made it to America. He was allowed to build a new life for himself there, which he did. Today, his Syrian, Honduran, and Guatemalan equivalents most likely will never have that opportunity.

Getting into the US today without a visa is a difficult, sometimes very dangerous, pursuit. Seeking asylum is a human right, one that is ignored or dodged by many wealthy industrialised countries, including the US.

Earlier this year, the Biden administration ramped up efforts to stop migrants from crossing the US border.

Its not accurate or fair to blame all immigration issues on the sitting president. The immigration system has been failing migrants for decades now, and that is down to the House and the Senate, as well as the executive branch.

A large 'Welcome to Mexico' sign hung over the Bridge of the Americas is visible as President Joe Biden talks with US Customs and Border Protection officers as he tours the El Paso port of entry in January. Picture: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

That said, in February, President Biden released a set of regulations that will essentially prohibit migrants who travelled through other countries on their way to the shared border with the US from applying for asylum in the US.

These proposed regulations are likely to take effect in May, when a Trump-era pandemic border restriction, known as Title 42, is set to end.

On March 29, eight people, including two children, reported to be members of two families from Romania and India, drowned in the St Lawrence River, which forms part of the Canada-US border. They were trying to get to the US.

In Mexico that same week, a fire broke out at a migrant detention centre.

Central American migrants were locked inside, rounded up on the streets of Ciudad Juarez as they waited to apply for asylum to the US. So far, the death toll from that fire has reached 38. At least one of the men trapped inside the burning detention centre had already been turned away by US border patrol.

I expect to hear President Biden wax lyrical about his ancestors who left a sorry place, needed a safe harbour, and found one.

I want him to make that history relevant, to draw the line between the Edward Blewitt of 1850 and the Edward Blewitt of today. He wont do that, because the Edward Blewitt of today is a person to whom Biden could offer safe harbour, but does not.
FOR those of a certain faith today, Holy Saturday, is a poignant and reflective day.

Jesus, having died on the cross on Good Friday, was laid in a tomb. Holy Saturday focuses the mind on death and the fragility of life.

Regardless of whether a person has a strong faith or none, death is something that none of us can escape, its also the next social issue that our politicians will have to confront in the coming weeks and months.

A discussion around providing dignity to those at the end of life has already shown the potential to descend into an unedifying spat which will only cause further hurt and anguish to those who have been calling for the right to die.

Politicians let this be your warning  this is not a topic that should be abused for political points scoring.

Most of us live in the hope that we will never be forced to contemplate our own end. But not everyone is fortunate enough to have a good death.

Those advocating for the introduction of assisted dying believe that people faced with a terminal illness or an incurable or progressive condition should have the right to choose how they die and when they have suffered enough.

Before her own passing, CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan had called on the Government to allow those with terminal illnesses the right to a dignified death.

Just because you believe something for your own reasons, whether theyre religious or other, you shouldnt be imposing your beliefs on somebody else, the mother-of-two said.

Statutory right

While not included in the programme for government, the Green Party is in favour of providing a statutory right to an assisted death which would be distinguished in law from suicide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

The Green Party policy states that assisted dying can be defined as a terminally ill, mentally competent adult choosing, of their own free will, and after meeting strict legal safeguards, to take prescribed medication which will end their life, applicable only to those with a terminal illness which is likely to result in death within six months.

But others, including some in the medical profession, say that a palliative care approach and the introduction of assisted dying could be considered to run counter to the hospice philosophy which intends neither to hasten nor postpone death.

In a submission on the issue, the Irish Hospice Foundation said a more thorough investigation of all concerns should be undertaken. The organisation added that underpinning a good death is an assurance that every person will be afforded optimum access to specialist palliative care, which is not yet in place in Ireland.

Over the years, others including Marie Fleming and Gaynor French have in their final years and months fought for a right to die.

Former minister of state John Halligan first presented a Dying with Dignity Bill in 2015, but progress was halted with a change of government. Another Dying with Dignity Bill was introduced by Gino Kenny and passed the second stage in the Dail.

In 2021, the justice committee, which had received 1,400 submissions from legal, medical, faith-based, and human rights groups, as well as members of the public, found that the bill needed greater consideration and recommended the establishment of a special Oireachtas committee.

It seems that death and how we die is even more complex than life

The special Oireachtas committee on assisted dying will meet in private for the first time to begin its work when politicians return from the Easter recess.

Chaired by Micheal Healy Rae, the committee has been asked to consider and make recommendations for legislative and/or policy change in relation to a statutory right to assist a person to end their life and a statutory right to receive such assistance.

The committee, which has been given nine months to carry out the work, has also been asked to explore safeguards and any constitutional, legal, and ethical issues as well as unintended consequences that the introduction of assisted dying might pose.

However, despite the committee not having met yet, disagreement has emerged.

Senator Ronan Mullen has voiced concerns that including a provision that would allow recommendations relating to changes to the law means the committee outcome is almost pre-ordained and skews it from the outset.

The wording looks like almost were expected to assume change and to make recommendations about what change. It might be our decision, having heard all the evidence, to make no change and that we want to prevent euthanasia coming into the country in any form. So thats the first issue that needs to be clarified, said Mr Mullen, who has written to the committee chair about these concerns.

Fellow committee member Gino Kenny, who has been campaigning for the introduction of assisted dying for many years, has hit out Mr Mullens comments, claiming he is seeking to delay the committees work and discredit it before it has even commenced.

Another member, Emer Higgins, pointed out that special committees are usually established because there is a general view that laws need attention.

There would be little point in setting up a special committee on any issue if it was anticipated that members would not come up with any recommendations around legislative change.

Even the terms used have the potential to cause controversy  assisted dying, dying with dignity, assisted euthanasia, and assisted suicide are all referred to depending on the angle a person approaches the debate.

Again, Mr Mullen wants this clarification before the committee begins its work.

Some people call it assisted dying other people call it assisted suicide. So, I would be saying that those terms need to be interchangeable, and again, the terminology shouldnt sanitize the reality.

Others would strongly believe that suicide is not an appropriate term and inflicts more pain on those already being forced to contemplate the life that is being snatched from them. While premature death is inevitable for many facing a terminal illness, it is not a choice they would have ever made if the circumstances were different.

Assisted suicide is for many an insulting term not based on the reality of what Mr Kennys Dying with Dignity Bill aims to achieve.

Leaving two grieving children behind is not a decision Vicky Phelan would ever have voluntarily made, but she also did not want her son and daughter to be haunted by the memory of her in pain and suffering.

Indeed, appearing on RTEs Late Late show in November 2021, Ms Phelan said she was a young woman with young kids, who didnt want to die.

Later, calling on politicians to progress legislation, she said: The horrors of the treatment are often worse than the actual disease.

Id rather be well and have a shorter time frame. Id like my children to have memories of doing stuff with me and if I die sooner, so be it.

Words and actions do matter and the TDs and senators who have been appointed to the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying should be hyperaware of this

They should also be conscious that while the public had meaningful and measured discussions around kitchen tables, the political debates ahead of the referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment sometimes became distasteful, bitter, and inappropriate with some adamant that graphic content be needlessly inserted into the discussion.

The legal, social, ethical, and policy implications of legislating for assisted dying must be fully considered and a range of views both national and international sought.

Any legislation affording people the right to a dignified death must also be debated in a dignified manner.
History is littered with women ignored by men, especially in the case of conflicts and the peace processes that follow them.

The island of Ireland is no exception, with the critical achievements of many of the heroines of the Good Friday Agreement overlooked or subdued in favour of the largely, but not exclusively, male cohort of leaders credited with its conception and delivery.

A series of long overdue corrections has, mercifully, been underway for some time.

Next week, the record will be corrected further when former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, now chancellor of Queens University Belfast, honours 25 women who made a significant contribution to peace in the North and around the world.

The Chancellors Medal for Civic Leadership, bestowed as part of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, will recognise those who sat at the negotiating table, who broke glass ceilings, who supported the community and who made sacrifices for peace.

Posthumous recipients include the peerless Mo Mowlam, May Blood, and murdered journalist Lyra McKee, with an honorary doctorate conferred on the late Pat Hume for her services to the community.

Honoured, too, are Northern Ireland Womens Coalition co-founder Monica McWilliams, former first minister Arlene Foster, Eileen Paisley, and Nuala OLoan, former tanaiste Mary Harney, as well as former presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese.

At key moments throughout the Troubles, women played a key role in the prevention and cessation of violence, in the rallying of civic society, as well as in the mediation, and maintenance, of peace.

Fast forward 25 years from the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, and we are once again at risk of ignoring the ongoing adverse effects of post-conflict societal challenges on women and girls in the North.

We are also at risk, once again, of overlooking the critical role they are playing in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, including keeping a lid on community tensions.

They keep on keeping on.

They do so despite the latest Stormont collapse, which is aggravating the cost-of-living crisis.

They do so despite the ongoing struggle for full equality, with our sisters in the North denied rights and protections, including reproductive rights, afforded to women and girls in Britain and Ireland.

They do so by transcending lowest common denominator politics and tribal cultural wars, identifying common differences across boundaries, as the amazing cross-community work of the Shankill and Falls womens centres, among others, attest.

They do so, despite having the ground cut under their feet with relentless budgetary cuts and the devastating failure of the British government to fully replace vital funding from the EUs European Social Fund.

And they do so, and we do not talk about this enough, despite the scourge of internal gatekeeping and censorship wielded by paramilitaries who police the conduct and censor the voices of women, unionist and nationalist alike, advocating for their communities or daring to offer an alternative narrative.

And yet, for me, there are glimmers of hope, not least because women are the pragmatic gender who prize practical solutions over sentimentality and passion.

Like many, I am an avid follower of the various surveys and opinion polls in the North that capture the views of, and often challenge established myths about, those who live in the North.

This includes this weeks report by researchers at Queens which found that most voters in the North (69%) believe that the Windsor framework could bring economic benefits for the region.

It is true that a not insignificant minority do not, but what really stood out for me was the gender breakdown in this and other surveys which are tracking major issues in the North such as the economy, equality, identity, and unity.

Two-thirds of respondents (66%) said they believe that, with the Windsor framework agreed, the Northern Ireland Executive should be re-established.

However, this view is particularly prevalent among women  72% of women, compared to 60% of men.

Pragmatism by women

This trend towards pragmatism by women in the North has accelerated since the suspension of the institutions and it has become more activated among the population generally since the last election which saw a surge in support for the Alliance Party led by Naomi Long.

Brexit, the protocol, and the Windsor framework have, inevitably, revived the unionist/nationalist divide.

However, not only do large sections of the North describe themselves as neither unionist nor nationalist, according to the long-established Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, but women are more likely than men to describe themselves in this neutral fashion.

One has to wonder, hope even, that the women of the North may once again rally to help to break the institutional impasse and perhaps deliver a resounding rebuke to that tribal stasis in future elections.

Women were pivotal to the Good Friday Agreement  they may yet be our best chance of honouring its potential in the next 25 years.
Given the twin factors of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, and the arrival of the American-Irish US president Joe Biden next week, its hardly surprising that the domestic terrorism threat level in the North should have moved up a notch from substantial to severe.

This is the second-highest rating applied by UK intelligence, and is the same level put in place before the Ariana Grande Manchester Arena concert six years ago. It is accompanied by warnings from the PSNI of potential attacks upon their officers from dissidents over this weekend.

These are stark reminders of the precarity of peace, and how precious was the concord which was reached all those years ago, on a date which is marked this Monday.

Police have reactivated operational procedures which have been dormant for a number of years, involving the moving of more officers into the front line.

In February, PSNI detective John Caldwell was shot four times in Omagh in an attack attributed to the New IRA. It represented the latest stage in an escalation of hostilities which included the use of a mortar in Strabane in late autumn. A car bomb was left outside a police station in Derry in November.

The situation is muddied by the presence of criminal drug gangs, which are more common now than they were during the peace process, providing an unwelcome complication, not only to investigators but to community leaders as well.

The explicit warnings issued by the PSNI are consistent with new policies from UK security forces which regularly share high levels of background with the public, seen most vividly in the daily Ukrainian war briefings from the British Ministry of Defence.

It is a worrying time for those who care about the future, and for those who we entrust to guard us.

It was Shakespeare who wrote: From this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety. Let us hope that this is the case during an important and historic week for us all.
A union representing New York state corrections officers is renewing its call for the repeal of a solitary confinement reform law after prison violence rose by 33% in the year since it took effect.

The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association is urging state legislators to repeal the Human Alternatives for Long Term Solitary Confinement Act, known as HALT. One of the main provisions of the law, which was implemented on April 1, 2022, prohibits incarcerated individuals from being held in segregated confinement for more than 15 consecutive days.

Certain special populations, including younger (ages 21 and under) and older (ages 55 and over) inmates, cannot be moved to special housing units.

NYSCOPBA criticized HALT before its enactment in 2021 and filed a federal lawsuit challenging the solitary confinement reform measure. A judge dismissed the legal challenge last year.

On the eve of HALT taking effect last year, NYSCOPBA made a last-minute plea asking state officials to pause the implementation of the law. The union's leadership feared that there would be an increase in prison violence.

The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision reported record numbers of assaults on incarcerated individuals and staff in 2022. There were 1,489 assaults on staff and 1,486 assaults on inmates, according to the agency.

Since HALT's implementation in April 2022, there have been 3,113 assaults in state prisons, up from 2,375 in the previous 12-month period  a 33% increase.

DOCCS defines an assault as "any attack by an incarcerated individual." This includes throwing objects at another incarcerated individual or staff member.

"It's unfathomable that the New York State Legislature refuses to acknowledge what is clear to those of us who live and work in our prisons," NYSCOPBA President Michael Powers said. "The HALT Act has made the prison environment extremely dangerous for both staff and the incarcerated community alike."

As NYSCOPBA blames HALT for the rise in prison violence, a lawsuit has been filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union and Prisoners' Legal Services of New York accusing the state of not following the 1-year-old law.

The latest data released by DOCCS shows that while most incarcerated individuals were placed in special housing units for no more than 15 consecutive days in February, 90 inmates were held in those units for more than a 15-day period. Three incarcerated individuals were placed in segregated confinement for more than 30 days, according to the report.
BEFORE you get carried away by the notion of sundrenched Tuscan hillsides, you should know that Villa Pacelli is much, much closer to home.

The only bit of Italy in it is the name, derived from the pope of the time, Pius XII, known to his mother as Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli.

At the time this Ballycotton home was built, in the early 1950s, Pope Pius was still holding sway in the Vatican and the woman of the house had a devotion to him. She named her home in his honour and even though the setting has none of the terraced vineyards or warm red roof tiles of an Italian hillside village, it has its own inimitable charm, with untrammelled views of sparkling Ballycotton Bay.

Arguably the womans choice of site was divinely inspired, payback from the Almighty for a life well led, or maybe it was sheer good luck that brought her to this private, one-acre site, high above pretty Ballycotton village, at a time when most of the homes were closer to Main Street.

The woman was Mary Egan, nee Sloane, of Sloanes Grocery and Hardware Store on Main Street (see picture from early 1900s) and she moved there with her husband, Army man, Patrick Egan, leaving the family home and store for her newly-married son, Ben, and his wife, Sile OBrien.

Mary Egan nee Sloane and husband Patrick Egan

The newly-weds ran the store for a while but subsequently shut up shop to focus on a family transport business, Egan Haulage. Transporting goods out of Ballycotton on to Midleton had started way back in the 1800s with the arrival of small coal-carrying boats into the bay.

The Sloane hardware store in the early 1900s

All of this family history is courtesy of Brian Egan, son of the late Ben and Sile, who has wonderful memories of summers spent at Villa Pacelli, and of All-Ireland weekends during the 1970s, when his parents would head off to Croke Park, to witness Cork hurlers lose more often than not, at the hands of superior Wexford or Kilkenny teams.

As the youngest child, I would have spent a fair bit of time at Villa Pacelli when my parents were away. At the time, my grandmothers house was one of the only houses up there, high up on Chapel Road and you could see everywhere. It was fantastic, Brian says.

He would stay there too with his late aunt and godmother Pat (Patricia Egan, formerly of Cork City Library, author of childrens book St Patrick and the Snakes) who later moved to Cork City, as did her mother, Mary, in her later years.

The late Patricia Egan, formerly of Cork City Library, her mother Mary Egan and grandson Brian Egan

Brians own mother late Sile, originally from Ballyvourney, who grew up on St Francis Ave near UCC, got to know her future husband Ben through holidaying in Ballycotton. Brian says she was a great woman for the Tidy Towns while his grandmother was great with her hands always baking and making.

She was widowed quite young but she was a great woman, I remember her walking up the hill from the village with her milk and bread, even into her 70s, to Villa Pacelli, the highest point in Ballycotton, it was a beautiful place, he says.

There are far more houses now in the vicinity, albeit its not by any means built up. The village itself has seen significant recent investment with the return of successful tech/telecoms/energy entreprenuer, local man Pearse Flynn, who has transformed a former church into an exciting live music venue with attached restaurant and who has invested too in Cush, an up and coming restaurant near the pier. He also has novel ideas for housing in Ballycotton, geared towards the local market.

Seachurch, Ballycotton

Cush, Ballycotton

This particular house, Villa Pacelli, has a terrific setting but the property itself has seen better days. A flat-roofed 50s build, with a lowly E energy rating, the selling agent Miah McGrath of McCarthy and McGrath auctioneers says it would benefit from a big renovation or a redesign.

With a fresh architect's eyes, you could get a whole lot more out of it, he says.

A developer could probably knock a whole lot more too out of the one acre site. You could put up to half a dozen homes on it, and the market is there for them, Mr McGrath says.

Its unique to have an acre like that so close to the village, the agent says.

Mr McGrath is guiding Villa Pacelli at 950,000 and says its a unique opportunity with potential for further development, subject to planning permission.

As it stands, the 113 sq m home includes a living room, dining room and kitchen downstairs and four overhead bedrooms with one ensuite.

Bedroom at Villa Pacelli

Living room at Villa Pacelli

Theres a family bathroom too. Although its been in the family for more than 70 years, Brian is selling now as he is based in Wexford. He feels it may appeal to someone who could buy it for their own use now, with an eye down the line to when offspring might be looking for land to build their own homes.

Dining room at Villa Pacelli

Mr McGrath says the village is well served for families, with a national school in Ballycotton and nearby Ballycroneen, while a school bus transports secondary school students to Midleton. Theres a good smattering of beaches in the area and a lovely cliff walk in Ballycotton itself, where the village has a nice hospitality offering, including the well known Blackbird pub.

VERDICT: Heavenly views, terrific site. Likely to attract local and overseas interest.
An Italian tourist was killed and seven other people wounded in a suspected car ramming attack near a beach in Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities say.

The 30-year-old Italian man was among a group of Italian and British citizens who were hit by a car late on Friday.

Israels rescue service said a 74-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were receiving medical treatment for mild to moderate injuries.

Police said they shot and killed the driver of the car and identified him as a 45-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel from the village of Kafr Qassem.

A video circulating on social media showed the car hurtling along a sidewalk for several hundred metres before crashing out of control.

Israeli police and emergency services work around a car involved in an attack in Tel Aviv on Friday night which killed at Italian tourist (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Italian Premier Giorgia Melonis office expressed closeness to the family of the victim and solidarity with the Israel for the vile attack. She identified the man killed as Alessandro Parini from Rome.

In a separate incident, two British-Israeli women were shot to death near a settlement in the occupied West Bank.

The two women in their 20s, who were sisters, were killed while their 45-year-old was seriously wounded, Israeli and British officials said.

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, said Oded Revivi, the settlements mayor.

Israeli police said a car rammed into a group of people near a popular seaside park before flipping over (Oren Ziv/AP)

The girls father was driving in a car behind his wife and daughters and witnessed the attack, the mayor added.

Medics said they dragged the unconscious women from the smashed car, which appeared to have been pushed off the road.

No groups claimed responsibility for either attack. But the Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised both incidents as retaliation for Israeli raids earlier this week on the Al-Aqsa mosque  the third-holiest site in Islam.

On Tuesday, police arrested and beat hundreds of Palestinians there, who responded by hurling rocks and firecrackers at officers.

Smoke rises from a fire after rockets fired from Lebanon struck Bezet, northern Israel (Fadi Amun/AP)

The attack came against the backdrop of heightened tensions after Israeli air strikes on Palestinian militant targets in both Lebanon and Gaza, as well as a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank that killed two people.

That followed days of violence and unrest in Jerusalems most sensitive holy site, the compound of the Al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was calling up all reserve forces in Israels border police to confront the terror attacks.

The Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised the attack in Tel Aviv as a response to Israels crimes against Al-Aqsa Mosque and worshippers.

The scene of the attack in Bezet, northern Israel (Fadi Amun/AP)

Even as quiet returned to Israels northern and southern borders, the early morning Israeli strikes on Lebanon  which analysts described as the most serious border violence since Israels 2006 war with Lebanons Hezbollah militants  threatened to push the confrontation into a new phase.

Israeli strikes came in retaliation for a major barrage of rockets from Lebanon the day before, after Israeli police raids at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem spiralled into unrest and sparked outrage across the Arab world.

Although the Israeli military was quick to emphasise that its warplanes struck sites belonging to only Palestinian militant groups, the barrage risks drawing in Israels bitter foe Hezbollah, which holds sway over much of southern Lebanon and has in the past portrayed itself as a defender of the Palestinians and the contested city of Jerusalem.

Israeli police detain a Palestinian in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

Israeli missiles had earlier struck an open field in the southern Lebanese town of Qalili, near the Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidiyeh, according to an Associated Press photographer and residents, killing several sheep and inflicting minor injuries on residents, including Syrian refugees.

Other strikes hit a small bridge and power transformer in the nearby town of Maaliya and damaged an irrigation system providing water to orchards in the area.

The Israeli military said it was boosting infantry and artillery forces in a defensive move to prepare for all possible scenarios.

A Palestinian official said Egyptian security officials were working with Hamas and Israel to de-escalate the situation.

Later on Friday, there were signs that both sides were trying to keep the hostilities in check. Fighting on Israels northern and southern borders subsided after dawn, and midday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque passed peacefully after an early flashpoint.

A protest against an Israeli police raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque (Khalil Hamra/AP)

Chaos had earlier erupted at one of the entrances to the esplanade before dawn prayers as Israeli police wielding batons descended on crowds of Palestinian worshippers, who chanted slogans praising Hamas as they tried to squeeze into the site.

An hour later, according to videos, people leaving the prayers staged a vast protest on the limestone courtyard, with Palestinians raising their fists and shouting in support of Hamas rocket fire, and Israeli police forced their way into the compound.

Police did not comment on the earlier beatings, but said security forces entered the compound after prayers in response to masked suspects who threw rocks towards officers at one of the gates.
The US Navy has deployed a submarine capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk missiles to the Middle East in what appeared to be a show of force towards Iran following recent tensions.

The Navy rarely acknowledges the location or deployment of submarines and Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for the 5th Fleet based in the Gulf nation of Bahrain, declined to comment on the submarines mission or what had prompted the deployment.

He said the nuclear-powered submarine, based out of Kings Bay, Georgia, passed through the Suez Canal on Friday.

It is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and is deployed to US 5th Fleet to help ensure regional maritime security and stability, Mr Hawkins said.

The 5th Fleet patrols the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil transits.

President Joe Bidens military has deployed the submarine (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Its region includes the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen and the Red Sea stretching up to the Suez Canal, the Egyptian waterway linking the Middle East to the Mediterranean Sea.

The US, the UK and Israel have accused Iran of targeting oil tankers and commercial ships in recent years, allegations denied by Tehran.

The US Navy has also reported a series of tense encounters at sea with Iranian forces that it said were being recklessly aggressive.

Last month, the US launched air strikes against Iran-backed forces in Syria after a rocket attack killed a US contractor and wounded seven other Americans in that countrys north east.

Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from ships or submarines can hit targets up to 1,500 miles away. They were famously employed during the opening hours of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq and in response to a Syrian chemical weapons attack in 2018.

US-Iranian tensions have soared since then-president Donald Trump withdrew from a 2015 agreement with world powers that provided sanctions relief in return for Iran curbing its nuclear activities and placing them under enhanced surveillance.

The Biden administrations efforts to restore the agreement hit a wall last year.

The tensions have worsened as Iran has supplied attack drones to Russian forces in Ukraine and as Israel and Iran have escalated their years-long shadow war in the Middle East.

In addition to drawing closer to Moscow, Tehran has sought improved relations with China, which brokered an agreement last month to restore diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Israels defence minister has extended a closure barring entrance to Israel for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip for the duration of the Jewish holiday of Passover, while police beefed up forces in Jerusalem on the eve of sensitive religious celebrations.

The moves come after days of violence across the region at a time of heightened religious fervour  with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan coinciding with Passover and Easter celebrations.

Jerusalems Old City, home to key Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites, has been teeming with visitors and religious pilgrims from around the world.

People gather and lay flowers at the site where Alessandro Parini, an Italian tourist, was killed in a Palestinian attack, in Tel Aviv (AP)

Defence minister Yoav Gallant said that a closure imposed last Wednesday, on the eve of Passover, would remain in effect until the holiday ends on Wednesday night.

The order prevents Palestinians from entering Israel for work or to pray in Jerusalem this week, though mass prayers were permitted at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday.

Mr Gallant also ordered the Israeli military to be prepared to assist Israeli police.

The army later announced that it was deploying additional troops around Jerusalem and in the West Bank.

Two Israeli border police officers are deployed to keep the order while Palestinians cross from the West Bank into Jerusalem (AP)

More than 2,000 police were expected to be deployed in Jerusalem on Sunday  when tens of thousands of Jews are expected to gather at the Western Wall for the special Passover priestly blessing.

The Western Wall is the holiest site where Jews can pray and sits next to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where large crowds gather each day for prayers during Ramadan.

Jerusalem police chief Doron Turgeman met with his commanders on Saturday for a security assessment.

He accused the Hamas militant group, which rules the Gaza Strip, of trying to incite violence ahead of Sundays priestly blessing with false claims that Jews planned to storm the mosque.

Palestinians cross from the West Bank into Jerusalem, for the third Fridays Ramadan prayers at the Al Aqsa mosque compound (AP)

We will allow the freedom of worship and we will allow the arrival of Muslims to pray, he said, adding that police will act with determination and sensitivity to ensure that all faiths can celebrate safely.

The current round of violence erupted earlier in the week after Israeli police raided the mosque, firing tear gas and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of Palestinians who had barricaded themselves inside.

Violent scenes from the raid sparked unrest in the contested capital and outrage across the Arab world.

Palestinians inspect damage from overnight Israeli air strikes in Gaza City on Friday (AP)

Palestinian militants fired rocket barrages from the Gaza Strip and in an unusual step, from southern Lebanon as well.

Israel responded with air strikes in both locations. Then on Friday, Palestinian assailants killed three people in a pair of attacks  in Tel Aviv and in the West Bank.

In Tel Aviv, people laid flowers and candles on Saturday next to photos of Alessandro Parini, an Italian tourist killed in the Friday night car ramming attack.

Israels foreign minister, Eli Cohen, spoke to his Italian counterpart, foreign minister Antonio Tajani, to express his condolences and later visited victims of the attack in a hospital with Italys ambassador to Israel.

Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named two British-Israeli sisters killed in a separate gun attack in the occupied West Bank on Friday.

The attack, by Palestinian assailants, came after Israel launched retaliatory air strikes at Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Naming the sisters for the first time, Mr Netanyahu said: On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the Di Mafart family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters, Rina and Maya Zakharan, in the severe attack in the Bekaa.

In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.

The sisters mother was seriously injured in the shooting.

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to the settlements mayor Oded Revivi.
Burma Myanmar Junta Sentences Jailed Pro-Democracy Activist to Additional 20 Years in Prison

Ko Wai Moe Naing seen during an anti-coup protest in Monywa Township in 2021. Photo/ Ko Wai Moe Naing Facebook

Myanmars military regime has sentenced jailed anti-junta protest leader Ko Wai Moe Naing to an additional 20 years in prison, according to sources close to him.

The 28-year-old pro-democracy activist has now been sentenced to 34 years in total, having already been given a 14 year sentence for four charges including incitement and under the Natural Disaster Management Law at trials in August and October last year.

Ko Wai Moe Naing, a former student union leader, has been held in Monywa Prison, Sagaing Region since his arrest in April 2021 during an anti-regime rally.

On April 5, a junta court in Monywa Prison sentenced Ko Wai Moe Naing to 20 years under five more charges including robbery, rioting and carrying a deadly weapon in a crowd.

The activist defended himself at the trial as neither of his two lawyers was able to attend. One has been detained, while the other is in hiding after being made the subject of an arrest warrant.

He also has been charged with treason under Article 122 of the Penal Code for leading protests in Monywa and for being affiliated with the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, a grouping of deposed lawmakers that the junta has declared an unlawful organization.

Anyone convicted under Article 122 faces a death sentence or life imprisonment. Ko Wai Moe Naing also faces one charge of murder.

As of Friday, 3,225 people had been killed by junta forces while 21,276 including elected government leaders have been arrested or detained since the Myanmar militarys 2021 coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, which monitors deaths and arrests under the regime.
Burma Myanmar Regime Removing and Destroying NLD Signposts

The NLD's office sign in Kamayut Township, Yangon being removed on March 31. /CJ

Myanmars junta has removed signposts to the National League for Democracys (NLD) offices in a number of cities, following the military regimes decision on March 28 to dissolve the NLD, according to party members and residents.

The NLDs office signpost in Naypyitaws Tatkon Township was removed by the ward administrator and municipal officials on March 30. In Yangon, junta personnel removed the NLDs office signpost in Kamayut Township on March 31.

Regime officials also raided the NLDs office in Mandalay this week. The signpost for the NLD office in Mandalays Chanmyathazi Township was removed and destroyed on April 3, while the NLD office in Patheingyi Township was raided on April 5 at 11pm and its windows broken and office banner destroyed, according to locals.

A pro-junta channel on Telegram shared a video of the Mandalay Region NLDs banner being taken down on Tuesday.

The junta-controlled Union Election Commission dissolved the NLD and 39 other parties for failing to re-register under a new electoral law. However, the Central Working Committee of NLD responded that the regimes action was invalid, while noting that the junta has arrested and killed numerous NLD members since the 2021 coup.

The chair of the NLD in a Sagaing Region township said that the party was established by the people and that the junta announcing its dissolution will not make it disappear.

Soon after the coup, the NLDs central office in Yangon was raided and destroyed by regime troops, along with other NLD offices.

The regime has also cut down the Royal Poinciana trees, also known as flame trees for their distinctive red flowers, on 38th Street in Mandalay, which is now known as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Road, according to residents. Almost 200 trees grown under NLD governments were chopped down and other trees planted in their place.

One Mandalay resident said that the city is known for its trees with red flowers  red is the color associated with the NLD  and that they are one of Mandalays landmarks.

I dont know why they are doing it, but cutting down trees during the hot season is something that should not be done at all, the resident told The Irrawaddy.

38th Street was renamed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Road in 2019 on July 19  Suu Kyis 74th birthday  in a ceremony led by then Mandalay Region Chief Minister Dr Zaw Myint Maung and Mayor U Ye Lwin.
News Myanmars Civilian Government Slams Thailands Return of Resistance Detainees to Regime

Ko Saw Phyo Lay (left), Ko Htet Nay Win (center) and Ko Thiha (right), the three resistance members detained by Thai authorities.

Myanmars civilian National Unity Government (NUG) has said that the Thai authorities recent handover of three resistance detainees to the military regime is a violation of international police procedures, as it threatens the safety of Myanmar people seeking refuge in Thailand. The fate of the three detainees remains unknown.

Three members of the well-known resistance group Lion Battalion Commando Column were arrested on April 1 by Thai authorities in the border town of Mae Sot. Ko Thiha, deputy head of the column, Ko Htet Nay Win, a media relations officer, and Ko Saw Phyo Lay had traveled to Mae Sot for medical treatment, officials from Lion Battalion Commando Column told the media.

On April 4, Thai immigration authorities handed over the three men to the junta-allied Border Guard Force (BGF) in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, despite efforts by the Karen National Union, the major ethnic revolutionary group in Karen State, to mediate with Thai officials for their release.

Citing witnesses, Lion Battalion Commando Column officials told the media that two of the detainees were shot by BGF forces after attempting to escape by jumping off the boat taking them across the Moei River to Karen State.

One detainee suffered a chest injury, while the other was wounded in his leg.

Subsequently, the three detainees were reportedly handed over to the regime by the BGF, according to Lion Battalion Commando Column.

Some sources told The Irrawaddy that the detainees are now being interrogated by junta forces in Mawlamyine, the capital of Mon State. However, the claim has yet to be verified independently.

In a statement released Friday, the NUG said that the handover of the detainees to the regime is a violation of international police procedures by the Thai authorities.

The NUG added that the return of the detainees threatens the life and safety of Myanmar citizens who have been displaced by the oppressive and atrocious acts of the junta and sought refuge in Thailand.

NUG spokesperson U Nay Phone Latt told The Irrawaddy: This action [handing over the detainees] is not in line with international police procedures. They will be tortured by the junta, and perhaps even killed. The Thai authorities could have taken action against them under immigration laws if they have broken Thai law.

U Nay Phone Latt added: According to our latest information, the trio are still alive.

On April 5 and 6, several ethnic Karen resistance groups and Peoples Defense Forces, including the Lion Battalion Commando Column, attacked and seized five bases of the junta-allied BGF near the Chinese-backed Shwe Kokko New Town gambling and crime hub in Myawaddy Township.

At least 85 BGF members were killed and over 75 weapons seized, according to the resistance groups.
" " Jaywalking is crossing the street somewhere other than at an intersection or crosswalk. And it's probably illegal. Eric Fischer /Flickr/(CC BY 2.0)

You're in a rush and don't want to head all the way to the crosswalk to cross the street. Anyway, who cares, right? The store you need is directly across the street  not anywhere near the intersection. So you go ahead and cross when traffic is clear.

What you've just done is jaywalked  crossed the street somewhere other than at an intersection or crosswalk. And it's probably illegal. But why?

Advertisement

Mostly it has to do with pedestrian safety in general. And it makes sense, considering National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows a total of 6,205 pedestrian deaths in 2019.

Furthermore, while pedestrians represent only 3 percent of those involved in traffic incidents, they account for 14 percent of traffic deaths. Even though 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities are from accidents outside of intersections, many are at intersections and crosswalks where pedestrian crossings are concentrated.

So, jaywalking is illegal for safety reasons. Got it. But jaywalking's history  and enforcing it  is more complicated than you might expect.
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This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
The Israeli military says three more rockets have been launched from Syria toward Israel, raising to six the number of missiles fired within hours in a rare attack from Israels northeastern neighbor
LIVING CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Apr 9  500 W. Riordan Road, 500 W. Riordan Road, Flagstaff. 928-526-8595. 10-11 a.m., We invite all to celebrate with us God's love and presence in our lives and be God's 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 Resurrection of Our Lord / Easter Day! This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34): Christs resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim Gods faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of Gods endless love. We will explore more with our Reading of Acts 10:34-43 (God raised Jesus on the third day), Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.) and with Reading Colossians 3:1-4 (Raised with Christ to seek the higher things), Finally, the Gospel Matthew 28:1-10 (Proclaim the resurrection). https://go.evvnt.com/1652681-0.

PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Apr 9  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/1651814-0.

BEACON UU SUNDAY SERVICE: The Paradoxical Commandments  Love Them Anyway Apr 9  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. As Passover, Easter and Ramadan converge, 2023 offers us a valuable opportunity to practice a free and responsible search for Holy Week. What is the common thread in the Abrahamic faiths (and in our own tradition) that lifts up universal love and salvation in ways that might inspire us non-creedal Unitarian Universalists? In his surprising bestseller, The Paradoxical Commandments  Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World, author Kent Keith sums it up this way: People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. Well dig deeper on a journey in the wilderness (ancient and modern) with Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed. Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker, preaching, with Worship Associate Pia Driessen- Knittle. Music from Austin Shaw and the Beacon Choir, under the direction of Andrez Alcazar. https://go.evvnt.com/1650237-0.

Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual Center: Easter Sunday Apr 9  Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual Center, 1800 S. Milton Road, Flagstaff. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Join Rev. Penni with music by Ryan Biter (ryanbitermusic.com) for our Sunday Celebration at 10:30 AM In Person or LIVESTREAM at youtube.unityoffagstaff.org . Centuries of Dissention, Division, Injustice and eventually Death. Is this the message of Easter, or is it about Teaching from Love, Standing in a place of Knowing, and Ascending to our next level of Consciousness? What are the Gifts that we can gain from the Easter Story? Can You Believe it? Then be with us NEXT Sunday. April 16th for our 12:15 WE LOVE MUSIC Concert with Ryan Biter and Bernice Lewis. Tickets available at office@unityofflagstaff.org. Request your $25.00 discounted ticket by April 14th OR pay $30 at the door. Details at www.unityofflagstaff.org Unity of Flagstaff 1800 S. Milton. Join us for in-person celebration, or LIVESTREAM YouTube.unityofflagstaff.org. https://go.evvnt.com/1658668-0.

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-noon. For further information please call 928-526-5982.
Established in Russian-occupied Crimea in 2022, the Convoy militia is getting increasing publicity on social media as it recruits fighters.

The rise of the new Russian militia comes as the Kremlin is trying to encourage the emergence of other mercenary groups to compete with Wagner, which has become too powerful for the Russian defence establishment, according to Western intelligence reports.

On April 4, two days after a Russian ultranationalist blogger with links to the WagnerGroup militia was killed in St Petersburg, British military intelligence published a new warning on its Twitter account.

Russia is likely seeking to sponsor and develop alternative private military companies (PMCs) to eventually replace the Wagner Group PMC in its significant combat role in Ukraine, said the British defence intelligence daily briefing.

It was an early official alert on the latest development in a conflict that has entered its second year following the February 24, 2022 full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the British intelligence update did not name any new militias, Russian investigative journalists in exile were already on the job, identifying a new mercenary group emerging from Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula that fell under Moscows control in 2014.

PMC Convoy is a relatively new private military unit. Its Telegram channel, under the same name, was created in November last year, noted iStories (Important Stories), a Latvia-based investigative news website founded by a group of award-winning Russian journalists in exile.

The creation of the Convoy militia group comes amid increasing reports of Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin running afoul of the Kremlin old guard following his frequent rants against the Russian defence establishments handling of the Ukraine conflict.

The killing of Russian ultranationalist blogger Maxim Fomin  better known by his nom de guerre Vladen Tartarsky  in a St Petersburg cafeexposed the growing security risks within Russia. The arming of private citizens under civilian bosses to wage war in Ukraine has threatened the Russian states monopoly on violence, and the rise of a new mercenary group could be a chilling portent for Russias national security.

St Petersburg cafe killing exposes Russias security woes

Businessmen, politicians and militia bossesWhile the Wagner Group has played a central role in Russias onslaught in Ukraine, Convoy has gained visibility in recent weeks and could become a new subcontractor in the Kremlins war against Kyiv.

The man at the heart of the new militia group is Sergey Aksyonov, the head of the Kremlin-backed administration in Crimea. Born in 1972 in Moldovia while it was a Soviet republic, Aksyonov was a businessman suspected of links to organised crime. In 2014, shortly after the Russian annexation of Crimea, Aksyonov  sometimes called Goblin after his gangster nickname  suddenly shot to fame when Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed him head of the new administration in the peninsula.

Following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Aksyonov created the Convoy militia late last year, according to iStories. The report included photographs of Aksyonov, dressed in a khaki-coloured chino-parka ensemble, consulting on Convoy positions in Crimea.

It was not an unusual development for Russia, according to Lukas Aubin, research director at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS). In Russia, private militias are not a novelty. Besides Yevgeny Prigozhin, who created Wagner in 2014, we also have the militia of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. These entrepreneurs of influence  politicians or oligarchs  support the regime and spread their influence and that of Russia internationally, noted Aubin.

Details about the organisational structure and working of the new militia are still sketchy. On its Telegram profile, Convoy recently launched several recruitment campaigns to expand its ranks. An early estimate put the number of Convoy militia fighters at 300, according to iStories, and they are operating in Crimea and the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson.

According to a former Convoy member interviewed by iStories, the enlisted men sign two contracts: one with Convoy and another with the Russian ministry of defence. Each fighter earns around $2,500 a month. Those who serve for a full year are also promised land in Crimea or Abkhazia, a Russian-occupied Georgian territory.

A Wagner rival or ally?It is difficult to gauge at this stage what role Convoy might play in Ukraine while Wagner is still grabbing all available resources and media attention. But its emergence comes as Wagners mercenaries struggle to overcome Ukrainian resistance in Bakhmut amid consistent reports of the Kremlin trying to reduce the Prigozhin militias dominant role in the war.

Battle for Bakhmut highlights divide between Wagner chief and Kremlin

With an estimated 50,000 active fighters in Ukraine in mid-December, the majority of them recruited from Russian prisons, Wagner appears to be an indispensable auxiliary to the Russian army, which desperately needs new recruits as Kyiv prepares for a major counteroffensive.

There are no signs so far of a budding rivalry between the two militia groups. For one, relations between Aksyonov and Prigozhin appear to be excellent. A few months ago, Aksyonov threatened to apply the death penalty to Russian officials who were reluctant to send ammunition to Wagner militiamen. His initiative was warmly welcomed by Prigozhin.

Moreover, Convoys military commander is a close associate of Prigozhin, according to a report by investigative website Bellingcat. Konstantin Pikalov  aka Mazay  is none other than Prigozhins former right-hand man and was a key figure in the Wagner Groups activities in the Central African Republic.

It is not known today whether the two men are in conflict. Nevertheless, this multiplication of private armed groups shows that there are dissensions within Russian power circles, noted Aubin. The Russian government doesnt really have a choice anymore anyway. The army is in a difficult position and these militias appear as alternatives.

The two militias could coexist perfectly well as long as they serve the interests of the Kremlin. Putins power is an opportunistic power where all means are welcome, said Aubin. Having powerful militiamen on his side is an asset, even if its a situation that may seem unstable.
Islamic State group blamed for deadly attack that claimed over a dozen lives in DR Congo

Around 20 people have been killed in an attack in eastern DR Congo, with sources blaming rebels affiliated with the Islamic State jihadist group.

The enemy ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) ambushed farmers at around 4 pm (1400 GMT) on Friday near the village of Enebula, local civil society leader Patrick Mukohe told AFP by phone.

Enebula said he had counted 21 bodies of men and women at the site of the massacre, some 30 kilometres (20 miles) west of the town of Oicha, in North Kivu province.

Jules Kambale, who works in the Oicha hospital morgue, said it had received 19 bodies.

Charles Ehuta Omeanga, the regional military administrator, confirmed the attack, which he attributed to ADF terrorists, but said he was not in a position to give a definitive toll.

In a video shared on social media, and authenticated by Mukohe, a crowd surrounds the body of a man tied to a wooden frame, his throat slit.

The body is placed in a tarpaulin and added to a pile of blood-stained body bags.

The ADF, originally insurgents in Uganda, gained a foothold in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1990s and has since been accused of killing thousands of civilians, becoming the deadliest of scores of outlawed forces in the deeply troubled region.

Since 2019, some ADF attacks in eastern DRC have been claimed by the Islamic State, which describes the group as its local offshoot, the Islamic State Central Africa Province.

When the bodies of the latest victims arrived at the Oicha morgue, some youths tried to block the nearby national road in protest.

They were quickly dispersed by the police who, according to one civil society source, fired bullets in the process.

The situation here is catastrophic, the source said.

On Thursday, the United Nations mission in the country, MONUSCO, said that more than 30 people had been killed by the ADF in neighbouring Ituri province earlier in the week.

Last month, the United States offered a reward of up to $5 million for information concerning ADF leader Seka Musa Baluku.
WASHINGTON  Most U.S. adults are opposed to proposals that would cut into Medicare or Social Security benefits, and a majority support raising taxes on the nation's highest earners to keep Medicare running as is.

The new findings, revealed in a March poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, come as both safety net programs are poised to run out of enough cash to pay out full benefits within the next decade. About 65 million older and disabled people access government-sponsored health insurance through Medicare and rely on monthly payments from Social Security.

Few Americans would be OK with some ways politicians suggested shoring up the programs: 79% say they oppose reducing the size of Social Security benefits and 67% are against raising monthly premiums for Medicare.

Instead, a majority  58%  support the idea of increasing taxes on households making over $400,000 yearly to pay for Medicare, a plan President Joe Biden proposed last month.

Marilyn Robinson, 90, disagrees with nearly everything the Democratic leader says but thinks his plan to increase taxes on wealthy Americans to pay for the health care program's future makes sense.

Robinson doesn't know anyone in her rural, farming town of White Creek, New York, who makes that much money. She has been on Medicare for the past 25 years and receives just $1,386 in Social Security and pension checks every month.

"I can survive on that much money," she said. "But if you're talking about $400,000, you're just in another category. There's nobody around here making money like that."

That's about the only change to the entitlement programs that most Americans say they would support.

One way or another, changes are in store for the programs. Last week, the annual Social Security and Medicare trustees report released March 31 warned that Medicare will only have enough cash to cover 89% of payments for inpatient hospital visits and nursing home stays by 2031. Just two years later, Social Security will only be able to pay 77% of benefits to retirees.

The poll found that many Americans have doubts about the stability of both programs: Only about 2 in 10 are very or extremely confident that the benefits from either program will be available to them when they need them, while about half have little or no confidence.

Republican and Democratic leaders promised not to cut benefits for Social Security or Medicare, though some Republicans floated the idea of raising the eligibility age for Social Security and Medicare to keep the programs flush.

However, three-quarters of Americans say they oppose raising the eligibility age for Social Security benefits from 67 to 70, and 7 in 10 oppose raising the eligibility age for Medicare benefits from 65 to 67.

France, where 1 million people protested  sometimes violently  the president's proposal to increase the country's pension retirement age from 62 to 64, may have given U.S. lawmakers a preview of such a difficult road.

Just 10 years out from his planned retirement, 55-year-old Mark Ferley of Chesapeake, Virginia, is worried about the future of Social Security and Medicare  and that he won't get back the money he paid in. He supports raising the eligibility ages for Social Security and Medicare to 70. Ferley, who said he leans conservative, also believes taxes should be raised on households earning $400,000 or more to keep the social programs solvent.

While most support increasing taxes on households earning more than $400,000 a year to pay for Medicare, the poll shows a political divide on doing so: 75% of Democrats support the tax but Republicans are closely divided, with 42% in favor, 37% opposed and 20% supporting neither.

While the American public may be in agreement on solutions for the programs, Ferley worries that elected officials won't come up with a plan to fix the program. "Until our leadership determines that the term compromise is no longer a dirty word, I don't have a whole lot of optimism," he said.

His concerns are valid, said Paul Ginsburg, a professor of health policy at the University of Southern California. Most legislators are not taking dire warnings about the future of Social Security and Medicare seriously. Instead, the federal government is coming up with short-term solutions to keep the programs extended for a few more years.

"People are just going to go back to business as usual and not worry about it," Ginsburg said. "It's particularly problematic for Social Security. In Social Security, you have a situation where if you make changes now, they can be quite modest. If you wait until 2035, they're going to be draconian."

The poll of 1,081 adults was conducted Mar. 16-20 using a sample drawn from NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Social Security and Medicare: Here's where things stand for the 2 popular programs Intro The challenge What are the solutions? The politics are toxic Reform is possible This is a global problem Interactive: Social Security boost Utterly Moderate Pod: Future of Social Security (with Kathleen Romig)
Meanwhile, the Justice Department said it was separately investigating the leak. Please follow s live blog for the latest updates on the Ukraine crisis, all times are Paris time (GMT+2).

8:04am: Russia likely behind US military document leak, US officials say

According to three US officials who spoke to Reuters on Friday, Russia or pro-Russian groups are probably behind the leak of several classified US military documents posted on social media, which provide a partial, one-month picture of the war in Ukraine.

The US officials stated their assessments were informal and separate from the investigation into the leak itself.

The documents in question seem to have been edited to downplay the number of casualties sustained by Russian forces. The US officials refused to divulge any further details, citing the sensitivity of the matter.

An initial set of documents was circulated on sites such as Twitter and Telegram, dated March 1 and marked as classified Secret and Top Secret.

Later that day, additional materials surfaced on social media, including information about US national security secrets linked to Ukraine, the Middle East, and China, according to The New York Times.

Mick Mulroy, a senior Pentagon official, told The New York Times that the leak was a significant security breach that could have a negative impact on Ukraines military planning.

10:18pm: Zelensky hosts iftar, slams Russian repression of Crimea Muslims

During the first official state iftar, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised Russias treatment of the Muslim-minority Tatar community in Crimea, which is under Kremlin control, and pledged to retake the region from Russia.

Russias attempt to enslave Ukraine began exactly with the occupation of Crimea, exactly with repressions against Crimean, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar freedom and of Crimean Muslims, he told Ukrainian Muslim leaders and ambassadors from Muslim countries.

Russia took control of the Black Sea territory from Ukraine in 2014 and conducted a referendum on the annexation that was widely condemned as fraudulent and illegitimate by Ukraine and its Western allies.

The Tatar community, which made up 12-15% of the regions two million residents, largely boycotted the 2014 vote.

5:42pm: Russia formally charges US reporter with espionage

On Friday, Russian investigators formally charged American journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage. Gershkovich, who works for the Wall Street Journal, has denied the charges.

FSB investigators charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country. He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia, Russian state-run agency TASS said, citing a law enforcement source.
Two Democrats expelled from Tennessees House for gun protest, as VP Harris visits to meet them

In an unprecedented move, Tennessee Republicans expelled two Democratic lawmakers from their state Legislature as a form of retaliation for their participation in a protest that called for more gun control in the aftermath of a school shooting in Nashville.

Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, both Black, were ousted while Rep. Gloria Johnson, who is white, narrowly survived the vote.

The racial divide in the vote sparked accusations of racism, which Republican leadership denied.

Vice President Kamala Harris made a last-minute trip to Tennessee to meet with lawmakers and hold a private meeting with the expelled representatives, as well as young gun control advocates.

Thousands of supporters flocked to the Capitol to cheer on the lawmakers, and the gallery erupted in screams and boos following the vote.

The expulsions drew criticism for using banishment as a weapon against political opponents instead of reserving it as a punishment for lawmakers accused of serious misconduct.

Republicans argued that the expulsion was necessary to prevent lawmakers from disrupting House proceedings through protests.

The two ousted lawmakers may quickly return to their posts if chosen by their county commissions until a special election can be scheduled.

Tennessee lawmakers cannot be expelled twice for the same offense under the state constitution.
There are concerns in Israel that the path towards normalisation with more Arab countries is no longer smooth in light of the planned legislation to suit the extreme far-right in the coalition government. Added to this is the stepping up of action to annex the occupied West Bank, and the escalation of tension with the Palestinians. Any or all can damage diplomatic relations and Israels democratic credibility; normalisation could grind to a halt.

Until recently, things were looking good for Israel. It has strengthened its security cooperation with Egypt, agreed to supply gas to its neighbour and joined the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum. It has also restored relations with Jordan, and renewed the political relationship at a high level, while exchanging ambassadors with Turkey. The peak was when Israel signed normalisation agreements with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, boosting economic, security, energy and tourism cooperation.

These developments led to the integration of Israel into regional military manoeuvres under US Central Command, and the establishment of the Negev Forum with participation by the US, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Egypt, which laid the foundation for regional activity among members in various civil fields. Normalisation reached Sudan and Israels next goal was to normalise with Saudi Arabia.

Despite all of this, no significant progress has been made to resolve the Palestinian issue, and now Israel has a far-right coalition government led by Benjamin Netanyahu. Provocations at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem have escalated; there is increased settler violence and more racist statements by ministers; and the disengagement law has been cancelled, allowing settlers to go back to illegal settlements from which they were removed in 2005. All of these government moves harm Israels regional relationships.

READ: Saudi-Iran deal raises Israeli worries and concerns

The faltering of normalisation was clear when Netanyahus visit to the UAE was postponed, and Abu Dhabi condemned his governments provocative activities in the West Bank and froze defence procurement deals. Morocco postponed visits by Israeli ministers and decided to postpone, until further notice, the Negev Forum; it too expressed its concern about Israeli incitement. Jordan and Saudi Arabia both condemned recent statements by Israeli Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrich. Jordan summoned the Israeli ambassador to express its displeasure.

These are just examples of regional responses to Israeli actions, which confirm that Arab countries are exerting pressure to rein-in normalisation. They fear that continuing normalisation will undermine their own legitimacy, and they are not that strong, given their economic difficulties post-Arab Spring.

Israels National Security Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs might be promoting agreements with Jordan, Egypt, the Palestinians and the US in summits held in Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh to prevent an escalation of tension, but government ministers are still working to violate these understandings with actions and statements contrary to the spirit of normalisation. Indeed, the cancellation of the disengagement law is a violation of Israels commitment to the US, undermining the regional perception that the road to Washington passes through Tel Aviv.

Israelis see the opportunity for normalisation with Saudi Arabia fading away, after Riyadh realised that its demands for US security guarantees and agreement to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes will not be accepted by America and Israel. The Saudis have opted to secure their eastern approaches instead by reviving relations with Iran, while condemning Israels hard-line policies. The Kingdom has thus been removed from the list of potential countries for normalisation, for now, at least.

The impression among Israelis is that the signatories to the normalisation agreements have an interest in sticking to the terms in isolation from what is happening within occupied Palestine. At the same time, though, they are watching the Israeli governments efforts to calm things down. However, bringing the Palestinian cause back to centre stage regionally and internationally challenges normalisation, and deters other Arab countries from getting involved in the process. This requires Israels attention.

Israels assessment is that it is incorrect to say that normalisation with the Arab countries is separate from the conflict with the Palestinians. More than two years down the normalisation line, it is clear that the Palestinian cause has returned to the forefront of the Arab world agenda. Evidence for this is the fact that the increase in Palestinian resistance actions and Israeli aggression in the West Bank has not gone unnoticed by the Gulf states.

Palestine and Israeli policies both put normalisation agreements to the test. Normalised countries are concerned about the Palestinians, but are keen to strengthen economic and security relations with Israel. This was evident through the postponement of Netanyahus planned visit to the UAE after far-right minister Itamar bin Gvir stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque in January.

Given the tense UAE-Israel relations since Ben-Gvirs stunt, a trend has emerged to improve relations between the UAE and the Palestinians, who saw normalisation with Israel as a betrayal and a stab in the back. Relations between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv declined further after the vicious settler attack on the village of Huwara near Nablus, and Smotrichs statement about wiping it off the map. There is growing dissatisfaction with the attitude of the occupation state, and no confidence in Netanyahus reassurances because he is believed to be controlled by the extremists in his coalition.

Saudi support for stronger links with Israel has waned, not least due to Smotrichs comments, which were described by the foreign ministry in Riyadh as racist and irresponsible [reflecting] the violence and extremism against the Palestinians. Now is not the time for normalisation between Riyadh and Tel Aviv, say its supporters.

Israeli extremism means that there are already fewer opportunities for Arab normalisation. And although recent developments do not jeopardise the normalisation agreements, and do not close the door to more countries signing such deals, if tension continues in occupied Palestine, especially any change in the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque, there may be a freeze in relations between Tel Aviv, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. If that happens, normalisation will stop.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.
Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 6, 2023) - Newcrest (ASX: NCM) (TSX: NCM) (OTC PINK: NCMGF) (PNGX: NCM) and its Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture (WGJV) partner Harmony Gold (through their respective PNG subsidiaries) have today signed a Framework Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. The MOU represents a substantial step forward in progressing towards the signing of a Mining Development Contract for Wafi-Golpu and confirms the parties' intent to proceed with the project, subject to finalising the permitting process and approvals of both the Newcrest and Harmony Gold Boards.

The MOU sets out key terms to be included in the Mining Development Contract, which is a prerequisite for the granting of a Special Mining Lease (SML), including:

State equity participation, royalty rate, tax package and term and scope of the SML.

Key terms for other related agreements to be entered into with the State, including provision for stability to underpin the significant long-term investment required to develop and operate the project.

Commitments for the WGJV to invest in infrastructure and social development projects that will deliver long-term benefits to local communities.

The framework for the parties to progress the permitting of the Wafi-Golpu Project as quickly as practicable in accordance with applicable regulatory processes.

Newcrest Interim Chief Executive Officer, Sherry Duhe, said, "This MOU is a pivotal milestone towards the development of one of the world's premier undeveloped copper-gold deposits. Importantly, the project will result in fair and equitable benefits for landowners, communities, local level governments, the Morobe Provincial Government and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, while also delivering strong returns for the developers.

"The commitment of Prime Minister Marape, his Government and the Morobe Provincial Governor to this MOU gives us the confidence that permitting will progress constructively and in a timely manner to the grant of an SML to the WGJV. We will then move swiftly to update the 2018 Feasibility Study and commence engineering towards development," said Ms Duhe.

The MOU recognises that development of the Wafi-Golpu Project will be of major significance to the people of Papua New Guinea and encourages its development to contribute both socially and economically to the community. In addition, it provides a viable and stable foundation for the long-term development of the Project by the WGJV.

Authorised by the Newcrest Disclosure Committee

For further information please contact

Investor Enquires

Tom Dixon

+61 3 9522 5570

+61 450 541 389

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Rebecca Lay

+61 3 9522 5298

+61 438 355 511

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North American Investor Enquiries

Vlada Cvijetinovic

+1 604 335 9202

+1 604 240 2998

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Media Enquiries

Tim Salathiel

+61 3 9522 4263

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This information is available on our website at www.newcrest.com

Forward Looking Statements

This document includes forward looking statements and forward looking information within the meaning of securities laws of applicable jurisdictions. Forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "target", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "objectives", "outlook" and "guidance", or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding estimated reserves and resources, internal rates of return, expansion, exploration and development activities and the specifications, targets, results, analyses, interpretations, benefits, costs and timing of them; certain plans, strategies, aspirations and objectives of management, anticipated production, sustainability initiatives, climate scenarios, dates for projects, reports, studies or construction, expected costs, cash flow or production outputs and anticipated productive lives of projects and mines. The Company continues to distinguish between outlook and guidance. Guidance statements relate to the current financial year. Outlook statements relate to years subsequent to the current financial year.

These forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance, and achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements, or industry results, expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licences and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of resources or reserves, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation. For further information as to the risks which may impact on the Company's results and performance, please see the risk factors discussed in the Operating and Financial Review included in the Appendix 4E and Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2022 and the Annual Information Form dated 14 December 2022 which are available to view at www.asx.com.au under the code "NCM" and on Newcrest's SEDAR profile.

Forward looking statements are based on management's current expectations and reflect Newcrest's good faith assumptions, judgements, estimates and other information available as at the date of this report and/or the date of Newcrest's planning or scenario analysis processes as to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect Newcrest's business and operations in the future. Newcrest does not give any assurance that the assumptions will prove to be correct. There may be other factors that could cause actual results or events not to be as anticipated, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of Newcrest. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements, particularly in the current economic climate with the significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption caused by global events such as geopolitical tensions and the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. Forward looking statements in this document speak only at the date of issue. Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, Newcrest does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward looking statements or to advise of any change in assumptions on which any such statement is based.
The Montana commissioner of security and insurance suspended the license last week of a Forsyth insurance agent after the commissioner's office determined that public safety and welfare required emergency action.

Commissioner Troy Downing took the action against Kileen Moria Hadagone and Rosebud County Insurance Inc., according to a news release from Downing's office.

Permanent revocation of the producer licenses for both Hagadone and RCII is being pursued by Downing.

The Notice of Immediate License Suspension and Notice of Proposed Agency Action and Opportunity for Hearing, wherein permanent revocation of the licenses are sought, are public documents and contain factual information supporting the Commissioners actions against the licensees.

Rosebud County Sheriff Allen Fulton contacted the insurance commissioner's office on March 25 with information regarding an ongoing investigation concerning Hagadone and RCII, according to the news release.

Paid insurance premiums in full had been reported by several insurance customers to Hagadone/RCII and were notified by their insurance companies that their insurance policies were either subject to cancellation or had been cancelled for non-payment of premium.

Attempts to pay premiums through bank accounts controlled by Hagadone/RCII were being rejected for non-sufficient funds, according to the investigation. The investigation also revealed information regarding other prohibited acts which may have been committed by Hagadone and RCII.

The commissioner's office recommends the following steps for customers who purchased insurance through Kileen Moria Hagadone or Rosebud County Insurance, Inc.:

Contact your insurance company directly and verify that you have insurance in place; ask if your policy is in effect now, verify that it has not been cancelled, and request a copy of your insurance policy.

Verify that the amount of money you paid for the insurance (the premium) has been received in full by the insurance company and that you do not owe any more money to keep the insurance policy in effect.

If you determine your policy has been canceled, is subject to cancelation for non-payment of premium, or that the money you paid for the insurance has not been delivered in full to the insurance company, find proof that you paid what you owed.

Find your receipts for premium payments, canceled checks, or other documents which prove you paid what you owed. If you received any letters or emails indicating your policy has been or may be canceled for any reason, find and save those communications.

Contact the commissioner of insurance if after contact with your insurance company you are unsatisfied with their responses to your questions or the insurance company advises your policy may be, or has been cancelled even though you have paid all the money you owe for the insurance in full.

The commissioner of insurance can be reached at 406-444-2040 or by email at csi@mt.gov.
There are a number of bills before the Legislature this year related to gun ownership rights. The Tribune editorial board believes legislators should use caution as they review the bills.

In February the House killed several gun-related bills and then rolled them into a proposed study, in House Bill 1341. Those bills would have allowed guns to be carried in schools, colleges, bars and public buildings; permitted honorably discharged veterans to carry concealed guns in schools, churches and public buildings; banned red flag laws which are laws that allow courts to take guns away from someone considered a risk; and expanded where people can carry guns.

If its decided to do the study during the interim, legislators should be careful about considering expanding where guns can be carried. Many North Dakotans would be nervous about seeing people in public places carrying guns.

Bars would seem like a risky place to allow guns, since drinking and weapons could be a bad mix. Last week a man was shot and killed and another man wounded in a Beulah bar after a third man pulled a gun. The suspect in the case faces several charges and the court process is just beginning.

It shows what can happen. Someone attending a sporting event who gets too excited or angry could cause harm. There have been numerous cases across the country of incensed fans attacking referees.

To the Tribune editorial board it doesnt make sense to allow guns in places where people might be getting angry. More and more public meetings in North Dakota are seeing people shouting and even making threats. Unfortunately, our society has become less civil.

The Tribune doesnt believe the state should expand where people can carry guns.

The Senate this week approved two gun-related bills. House Bill 1340 makes the Legislature the sole authority to regulate firearms. It passed 41-6. Its intended to prevent a patchwork of regulations across the state.

The Senate also passed HB1339, which expands constitutional carry to residents of other states with a valid drivers license or ID.

The Tribune realizes guns are important to many North Dakotans. Hunting remains a major pastime, as does target shooting and trapshooting. The state has good safety rules for hunters starting when they are young. Because of that there are few hunting accidents in North Dakota compared to other states.

When it comes to considering gun legislation, the Tribune believes the safety of North Dakotans comes first. We dont believe having guns in more public places will improve our safety. Theres a reason for why in the Old West some towns collected the guns of visitors until they left. It was for the safety of all.

Legislators were right to roll the six bills into a study. There shouldnt be a rush to change the law. It requires time and public feedback.
Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes!

In this episode, we welcome Maria Xiang, a pediatric neurologist, join us to share her personal journey and insights on how to remain emotionally present in the midst of lifes challenges.

Maria opens up about how she believed that virtue and self-sacrifice were her protection, leading her to overwork and overprepare without considering her own worthiness and fulfillment. She shares how this mindset affected her during her medical training, especially when dealing with her mothers end-stage cancer.

She also shares practical tips and strategies shes learned over the years to help her remain emotionally present and connected with her wiser self, including understanding that human needs go beyond just food, shelter, and minimal sleep.

Join us in this enlightening conversation as Maria shares her experiences and insights on how to remain emotionally present and honor your human needs, even in the face of lifes most difficult challenges.

Xinran Maria Xiang is a pediatric neurologist.

She shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, Finding emotional presence in a dehumanizing system: a physicians journey.

The Podcast by KevinMD is brought to you by the Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience.

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Crime

featured

Two men take plea deal in murder case

Daino Lamont Gaines Cortez Rees Leatherwood

Two men of three men reportedly involved in a fatal shooting in Bahama Village in 2021 have pleaded guilty to charges of second degree murder and attempted robbery with a firearm on Thursday.

The men, Daino Gaines and Cortez Leatherwood, have agreed to testify in the trial of the third suspect Angel Font, Monroe County State Attorney Office spokesman Steve Torrence said. Gaines, 20, and Leatherwood, 22, will be sentenced following Font's trial. If the two men testify honestly to the facts of the case, they will be sentenced to 12 years in prison each. If they testify falsely, they could face 25 years to life in prison, Torrence said.

Authorities identified all three men as being involved in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Jossue Gomez in the early morning hours of June 22, 2021, according to Key West Police Department reports. The investigation started when Bahama Village residents phoned police to report a man, later identified as Gomez, lying in the street near the intersection of Ameila and Howe streets, his clothes saturated with blood, according to police reports.

What I saw was unbelievable, wrote one sergeant in his report. It was a young Hispanic male covered head to toe in blood. It was hard to distinguish the features in his face because of the blood, and it had begun to pool in his beard. ... I could not make out the color of his shirt except that it was heavily soaked in blood.

Another officer on the scene described Gomezs condition as breathing, unalert, and flailing around in the street.

A car was nearby, and judging from the massive amounts of blood inside and on the exterior, it appeared to police that Gomez had sat and bled within the vehicle then possibly had gotten out and made attempts at becoming ambulatory before falling to the ground. A spent .40 caliber shell casing was found inside the car. Paramedics reported that Gomez had a wound channel from his left temple to the top of his head.

Gomez was stabilized on the scene before being airlifted via Trauma Star to Jackson South Medical Center, where he was reported dead at 5:30 a.m.

Through an investigation and interviews, police pieced together a narrative of what they believe happened that night and how Gomez had lost his life to an apparent robbery gone wrong.

Font, then 21, was quickly identified as a suspect in the shooting and detectives began conducting surveillance of his residence the same day. Police initiated contact with a man at the residence who turned out to be Fonts younger brother, who told police that he had not spoken to Font recently but that he had heard from the streets that his brother may have been involved or knows what happened, reports show.

That day, police were not able to locate Font. Reports show officers had received information that he may have been hiding in an abandoned or under-construction building. Officers wrote that they were familiar with Font through previous encounters, and he had been arrested several other times. In 2019, he was arrested twice for felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and once on misdemeanor marijuana charges, according to police reports.

Police began interviewing people who came up through investigation with possible ties to Font in an effort to locate him. One of those people was Daniel Woldanski, who voluntarily spoke with police and said that Font had visited his residence recently, and that a .40 caliber firearm had been discovered to be stolen. Police eventually identified Gaines and Leatherwood as persons of interest and later suspects.

Police were allowed to search Gomezs room, in which they found marijuana and a digital scale, among other items.

Gaines was later interviewed by police and initially denied that he was at the scene of the shooting. He claimed that on the night before the shooting, he and Leatherwood had been playing video games at Leatherwoods residence from around 5 p.m. to midnight and had not left the house after midnight. He said that Font had come to the house, but left around midnight. Leatherwood gave the same story, claiming he had seen Font but had not left with him. Leatherwoods mother told police she was at the residence and that the two men had not left, saying she would have heard them leave, reports show.

Police eventually interviewed Ethan Sellers, who told officers that Font had called him and asked him for a ride from downtown Key West. While the two were together, Font asked Sellers for a backpack and offered him $80 to drive him to Merritt Island, Florida. Sellers told Font that he had a condition that prevented him from driving at night, so a third man was picked up and the three of them drove to Merritt Island. Sellers said Font had stated oh, I really f----d up and that when Sellers answered a phone call from a friend, Font whispered Im not here. After the phone call, Sellers said he asked Font if he had shot Gomez. Font denied shooting anyone to Sellers, but said he was present at the scene and had let someone use his gun and that they were trying to blame him. Sellers said Font showered and cut his hair at Sellers residence before leaving for Merritt Island.

Font was eventually found and arrested at a residence on Cochran Lane in Merritt Island.

Upon second interviews with more evidence in hand, Gaines and Leatherwood gave a more accurate version of events to police, according to reports.

Late at night on June 21, 2021, Gaines and Leatherwood were playing video games at Leatherwoods residence when Font arrived. The three came up with a plan for Font to order four ounces of marijuana from Gomez and then rob him at gunpoint. Font displayed the .40 caliber Glock pistol to Leatherwood, and Leatherwood brought a separate gun as well, according to KWPD reports.

Once the three reached Howe Street, Gaines and Leatherwood concealed themselves behind a wall while Font met with Gomez. Gomez arrived in a sedan and stopped facing north on Howe Street. Font and Gomez talked casually for a time before Gomez told Font to get in the car. Font got in the passenger side, and Gaines told police that the car did a U-turn before driving toward the intersection with Amelia Street, according to police reports.

Seconds later, Gaines said he heard the gunshot and saw the muzzle flash. Gaines then saw Font jump out of the vehicle and run with the weapon in hand. Gaines and Leatherwood both fled on foot.

Police arrested Font on July 2, 2021 and Gaines and Leatherwood roughly two weeks later.
The hyper-complexity of IT infrastructures and their related attacks by threat actors leaves C-suites longing for simplicity. But enabling simplicity requires clear direction built on a strong foundation, in a way that can be measured.

Watch this webinar and access 8 steps to lead change in your cybersecurity operating model.
Hugginstown has an important place in the history of Kilkenny.

It was a seminal moment in the War Of Indepenence when volunteers of the 1st and 7th Battalions of the Old IRA laid siege to the the RIC Barracks at Hugginstown.

The names of the local Hugginstown Company of the IRA are still recalled today and a song in their honour was penned at the time which is still sung today.

It was the third successful RIC Barracks attack of the War of Independence in Ireland of 1919-1921.

At 11.30pm on Monday, March 8, 1920, Tom Treacy, officer in charge of the brigade of the 1st Battalion of the IRA in Kilkenny looked at his watch and shouted through a megaphone to his fellow IRA attackers, commence fire.

And so began the attack on the barracks by the 1st Battalion and the 7th Battalion of the IRA in Kilkenny.

After the attack in Hugginstown most of the rural RIC Barracks in Ireland were vacated.

One RIC man, Constable Ryan died as a result of injuries received during the attack on the barracks that night and he was buried in Ballybricken, Waterford.

On Ascension Thursday of 1920, the local Hugginstown company of the IRA bombed and burned the vacated barracks so that it could not be reoccupied by the RIC or the Black and Tans.

There were many arrests made by the RIC after the capture of Hugginstown barracks.

Many men from the local area were arrested and were sent to Belfast prison and then most of them were sent over to Wormwood Scrubs prison in London.

Those Kilkenny prisoners joined with other Irish Prisoners in Wormwood Scrubs on a hunger strike for 21-days when the prisoners were promised unconditional release.

The Hugginstown fife and drum band met the Hugginstown prisoners that were on hunger strike after their release at Ballyhale Railway station and led a huge concourse of excited people in parade formation to Hugginstown village where they received an enthusiastic reception before a huge bonfire in their honour in the centre of the village.

There followed an all-night celebration before the hunger strikers, eventually retired to the quiet shelter of their comfortable rural homes.

The local ballad-maker, Paddy Carroll, did not forget to sing their praises:

The Barrons and the Carrolls

And Lynch from sweet Coolmore

Were amongst the Irish prisoners

That came from Erins shore.

The Walshes, Raftis and OGorman,

From historic Ballyhale

Stood up for Irish freedom

In Wormwood Scrubs Jail

Mike Murphy too from Brownstown

His name I will not fail

To pin it down with high renown

With the prisoners of Scrubs jail.
Pocahontas was a Native American woman who had significant relationships with two Englishmen, John Smith and John Rolfe. John Smith was an adventurer and explorer who played a prominent role in the early English settlement of Virginia. He claimed to have been saved from execution by Pocahontas, and the two became close, although the nature of their relationship is a matter of debate among historians. John Rolfe was a tobacco planter who married Pocahontas after she was captured and held for ransom by the English. Their marriage was seen as a key moment in the early history of the Virginia colony, as it helped establish a fragile peace between the English and the Native Americans.

The nature of the relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith is a matter of debate among historians because the historical record is unclear and contradictory. Some historians believe that Smith's account of being saved by Pocahontas from execution was embellished or even fabricated, and that his relationship with Pocahontas was more platonic than romantic. Others argue that there may have been a romantic or sexual aspect to their relationship, but that it was kept secret or downplayed by both parties due to the cultural and political barriers between them. Ultimately, because there is no definitive evidence to support either interpretation, the nature of their relationship remains a subject of speculation and debate.

Pocahontas and John Rolfe had a son together named Thomas Rolfe. Thomas was born in 1615 in Virginia, and was the product of one of the earliest recorded intermarriages between English colonists and Native Americans. After Pocahontas's death in 1617, John Rolfe took Thomas to England to be raised by his English family. Thomas later returned to Virginia as a young adult and played a role in negotiating peace agreements between the English colonists and Native Americans.
GQP troll Candace Owens joined the long line of malicious conservatives who have tried to accuse George Soros of being a Nazi collaborator, asking on her Daily Wire show today, "Is it plausible that he was actually sympathetic to the Nazis?" (See video below, posted by Jason Campbell.)

Using Marjorie Taylor Greene's brand of anti-Semitic space-laser logic, Owens surmised that since the Jewish philanthropist (who has donated billions of dollars to American organizations and charities) has "such contempt for Americans," it can only mean he is a friend to the Nazis.

This, coming from the "White Lives Matter" supporter who, a few years ago, suggested that "Hitler just wanted to make Germany great" (but shouldn't have tried to take his plan global).

Candace Owens: "Is it plausible that [George Soros] was actually sympathetic to the Nazis?" pic.twitter.com/cmfop7K8VZ  Jason Campbell (@JasonSCampbell) April 7, 2023

Front page thumbnail image: lev radin / shutterstock.com
The Herald reported:

An unrepentant social media manager has defended sharing private photographs of Gore mayor Ben Bell amid accusations of dirty politics. Natasha Chadwick, who was paid $9200 by incumbent mayor Tracy Hicks to run his social media as part of his $14,000 campaign, shared the photos of Bell with media outlets after the election, saying what he (Bell) does socially is absolutely the peoples business. Hicks yesterday said Chadwick approached him during his campaign about using the photos but he declined saying it was not his style. However, he stood by Chadwick, who says she waited until after the election before sharing the pictures with media, calling her an absolute professional who was a pleasure to work with.

Im sorry but if someone who worked for my campaign was shopping around photos in an attempt to out someones private life, I would not then refer to them as an absolute professional.

In an email to councillor Bret Highsted, released to the Otago Daily Times, Bell addressed the issue, saying unless you get directly from me, its simply rumours. Highsted replied saying he was not aware of any explicit photos of Bell being circulated. I have seen a relatively harmless photo of you being kissed on the cheek at what looks like a festival. My response  is the next generation would think nothing of it, Highsted said. Chadwick, who lives in Tapanui, said she did not share the photos or rumours during the campaign, although she had tried to get the media to pick up on them after her contract with Hicks had ended. She was unrepentant about spreading the photos. To me, if youre going to run in a public office and youre going to be in a public space I think you need to present authentically, she said.

This is pretty disgusting. Theres a photo of Bell being kissed on the cheek by another guy, and this woman is trying to ship it to the media. Is she still living in the 1950s?

I have no idea if Bell is gay or not. Who cares. It seems his real crime is beating her client who seemed to think he was Mayor for life.

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Vincent Lloyd writes at Compact:

I am a black professor, I directed my universitys black-studies program, I lead anti-racism and transformative-justice workshops, and I have published books on anti-black racism and prison abolition. I live in a predominantly black neighborhood of Philadelphia, my daughter went to an Afrocentric school, and I am on the board of our local black cultural organization.

Like others on the left, I had been dismissive of criticisms of the current discourse on race in the United States. But now my thoughts turned to that moment in the 1970s when leftist organizations imploded, the need to match and raise the militancy of ones comrades leading to a toxic culture filled with dogmatism and disillusion. How did this happen to a group of bright-eyed high school students?
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. High 67F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 40F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
If you're out hiking in the Southwest United States or in northern Sonora, Mexico, beware of the Lytta magister, also called the "master blister beetle." These bright black and red-orange bugs can grow up to several inches long and often hang outin groups of up to several dozenin flowering desert plants like the brittlebush shrub. What makes this bug something you should avoid? Arizona State University's Ask a Biologist explains:

Few of us are tempted to pick up great big, black and orange beetles and this makes sense when you find master blister beetles. The "blister" in the name refers to the beetle's ability to pop a blood vessel in the joint of a leg, which causes the insect's yellowish blood to ooze out. The beetles do this only when they are upset. For example, when held firmly by a person. The blood is not only bad smelling, it's downright dangerous, capable of causing skin to blister painfully. If a bird or mouse were to try to eat a master blister beetle, the hungry animal would get a mouthful of the disgusting blood, which might cause it to think twice about finishing the beetle off.

Bug Guide provides more information about the bugs, including photos are details about where they're found (California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada in the United States, and northwest Sonora in Mexico).

The video I'm including shows a closeup of blister beetles mating while foraging for greens (what good multitaskers they are!). It was filmed in the Anza-Borrego Desert, California, and uploaded to the YouTube channel "Road."
No threat found on University of Oklahoma campus after initial reports of an active shooter, police say
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Rain and snow this morning. The rain and snow will change to rain showers by the afternoon hours. High 44F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Widespread frost likely. Low around 30F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Angie Patti lived alone with few worries for a quarter century after her husband died, until she fell and hit her head at age 93.

After that, her daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Ron Robidoux, thought it best she live with them in their Town of Tonawanda home.

Another move to West Seneca followed two years ago, as the couple and Patti decided it would be easier on all of them in a one-story ranch without stairs.

The latest family transition proved much more painful.

Patti, 97 and in failing health, needed more care than her daughter could handle as she recovered from surgery to repair a torn Achilles heel.

They found solace in Sloan Comfort Care Home, where Patti spent nine weeks before she died March 26.

It was a real blessing, said Debra Robidoux, whose cousin recommended the only place of its kind in Erie County.

Typically found in rural communities, comfort homes enlist volunteers and paid staff to provide round-the-clock support for those in the last three months of life.

The challenge is that almost all of these homelike settings dont receive government reimbursement for their care, creating a need to find other ways to cover related costs while serving within rigorous state regulations for providing such care.

The vast majority of Americans prefer to not have to die in a hospital or facility, so this is an alternative model, and it really speaks to the best traditions of hospice, said Dr. Christopher Kerr, CEO and chief medical officer with Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo, which handles medical oversight for the facility.

It's a wonderful model, Kerr said, but its scope, its scale, is wrong relative to the problem.

The home has only two beds for the services it renders.

It opened in 2021 on the grounds of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Sloan.

Active and retired Erie County Medical Center nurses and palliative care leaders, who make up its leadership, worked five years to prepare for its opening and St. Andrews landed a $300,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Foundation to renovate the shuttered church convent for the project.

The home features a pair of bedrooms for guests with terminal illness, as well as a kitchen and gathering room on the first floor. Upper floors include a chapel and rooms for family members who wish to stay or rest.

Visitors set the tone here. Children and grandchildren often crawl into bed with the guests. Other informalities include living wakes, pizza nights and song.

We have our fair share of wine and beer, said Mary Molly Shea, a nurse who became volunteer executive director after she retired from ECMC.

Grace and need

The name of the nonprofit enterprise pays homage to the community that fuels its work.

It's not uncommon to walk up the steps and there's Tide and some paper towels and a $50 bill hidden in a Kleenex box, Shea said.

Church maintenance workers keep the comfort care home in good stead, said the Rev. James C. O'Connor, who helps tend to the spiritual needs of 500 St. Andrew's parishioners.

A church doesn't belong just to the people who are the members of the church, OConnor said. A very important part of the mission, too, is to be concerned about the sick and the poor and the dying. Its wonderful we can do that right on our property.

Comfort care homes usually operate on $400,000 or more, Shea said. The Sloan home made do on $283,000 last year.

Complicating matters is that Shea had surgery March 27 to remove a cancerous kidney and is unable to lead fundraising activities for the next several weeks.

Diane Bookhagen  who like Shea began volunteering at the comfort home after 34 years at ECMC  will oversee operations in the meantime.

Molly often reminds me that we used to sit in her office and cry about how we couldn't give the care to dying patients or very ill patients that we dreamed of doing from the time we decided to be nurses, Bookhagen said.

Dr. Kathleen Grimm, a primary care doctor who specializes in palliative care, was among those at ECMC who recognized the need for such a home.

Sandra Lauer, director of continuum of care at ECMC, leads the hospital palliative care program, which includes Grimm, two social workers, a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, behavioral health peer support specialist and the hospital pastoral team.

Grimm and Lauer also volunteer with Sloan Comfort Care Home, largely because of what they and others see in their work at the regional adult trauma hospital.

One of the root causes of why we even paid attention to this is the significant gap in the system that exists right now, Grimm said.

Hospitals cannot release patients without a safe discharge plan. For people expected to live three months or less, that means someplace that provides round-the-clock care.

People at this stage, and their loved ones, typically want that time spent at home, but that type of care can get costly and unpredictable, at least in the short term, and especially for those without good health insurance, financial means or loved ones able to shoulder the load.

A patient backlog exists at all local hospitals, Shea said, I have five referrals a day.

Hospice Buffalo provides in-home outpatient care, but not 24-hour coverage.

Going home with hospice really requires significant support structure and 24/7 care, Grimm said. If you think about it, at 3 a.m., if someone needs to get to the commode, that's a family member or someone a family member can hire.

That means finding dependable home care to cover the gaps or nursing home care  both beset by worker shortages in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Part of the solution

More than 8,200 hospice and palliative care centers exist across the U.S.

About 90 comfort care homes  also known as homes for the dying and social model hospice homes  exist or are in development across the country with support from the Omega Home Network, which helps similar nonprofits establish and maintain standards and values for their operations.

Sloan Comfort Care Home, Crossroads House in Batavia and a dozen others in the network exist across New York State and four are in development. All are upstate.

Nursing homes can't retain caregivers. Could career ladder programs be a solution? As it stands, it's been difficult for nursing homes to maintain adequate staffing for several reasons, including unsupportive working conditions, a negative perception of the facilities and poor pay and benefits, according to a recent national study.

All but one, in Rome, don't accept Medicare, which helps cover the cost of hospice care, or Medicaid, which often helps cover nursing home care. New York, unlike some other states, requires paid medical staff to handle almost all hands-on care, Kerr said.

We have an army of 1,000 volunteers and they can't do hands-on care, either, he said, so if you're running a comfort home, you need to have a nurse on staff, which is pricey, and need to partner with somebody like us who can provide the medical component.

The Sloan touch

Eleven staff members handle medical care at Sloan Comfort Care Home. It doesn't charge for its services, or turn anyone away for the inability to pay, but encourages donations.

It has so far served about 30 people and their loved ones in a variety of circumstances. That has included a man with schizophrenia who would otherwise have died in a halfway house, a woman in her 50s who worked in the court system and died of cancer, and a retired doctor so tall he couldnt end his days comfortably in a traditional bed.

Others included Nicole Elliott, of Hamburg, a clinical nutritionist and Reiki master who owned her own business and was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2019.

Elliott, a single mother, had two adult sons: Ben, a 35-year-old actor who moved to Los Angeles 15 years ago, and Alex, 33, who has worked in sales outside Denver the last seven years.

The sons were visiting in early February when Elliott's health took a turn for the worse. A friend recommended Sloan Comfort Care Home but its two beds were full, so they toured a Southtowns nursing home. It felt big and understaffed. Workers were genuine in assurances that their mother would be in good hands, but some said they labored through 18-hour shifts and felt overwhelmed, Alex Elliott said.

The sons spent hundreds of dollars on travel to Hamburg and expenses before the visit, and lost several weeks of pay by the time they were told they would need $22,000 upfront for three weeks of care, and could file for reimbursement with their mothers health insurance company.

They were brainstorming ways to cobble together $6,250 for the first week when Shea called to tell them a room was available in Sloan.

Nicole Elliott felt at peace during the next four weeks, said her sons, who brought food for their mom, themselves and others at the comfort home, and cooked it in the kitchen. All three donated what they could toward operation of the facility. The boys vow to continue to do so.

Everybody there was beyond helpful, Alex Elliott said, and we were able to actually spend some quality time with our mom.

Nicole Elliott spent the last day of her life covered by her favorite blanket, her sons at her bedside sharing recollections as their mom slept. She died the following morning.

I was kind of dumbfounded at the nursing home," Ben Elliott said. "Like, wow, this is kind of how it works. The Sloan House made so much more sense to me, and it's given me peace after the fact.

Debra Robidoux felt likewise. Her mother cared for her father after he suffered a stroke at age 46 until he died at 70 in 1993. As she grew older, Patti was active in a womens craft group and Evangel Assembly of God church. She loved to cook, can olives and play cards. She vacationed often during her last decades with two sisters and a brother-in-law.

She slowed down some after doctors removed a benign brain tumor when she was 80. Home health care aides stopped in the house three times a week, but she was still well enough to dine out often with her daughter when Robidouxs husband was at work.

We were best friends, her daughter said.

Dementia and other ailments became too much for Patti to bear earlier this year as her daughter needed to keep off her feet after Achilles surgery.

I just couldnt take it anymore, Debra Robidoux said.

She brightened when Shea called Jan. 16 and said, you could be daughter and mother again instead of caregiver and patient.

So did Patti, who celebrated her 97th birthday in early February with a party that included helium balloons and wine. At one point, she put her hands on Shea's cheeks and told her, "Im having such a good time.

She died on a sunny Sunday morning.

Her daughter has given three donations to Sloan Comfort Care House. She has donated food and supplies. But she said she can never repay the kindnesses that came from those who helped care for her mother in her last several weeks  and came to her calling hours and memorial service.

They stayed with me. They hugged me every day. They cried with me, too, Robidoux said. Theyve been such a blessing to me that I want to be a blessing for them.

Make a donation to Sloan Comfort Care Home at comfortcarewny.org or send a check to the home at 17 Gierlach St., Sloan, NY, 14212; donate by 11 a.m. May 12 at go.rallyup.com/comfort-care-taylor-swift-raffle and enter a raffle to win two tickets to see the Taylor Swift in concert May 26 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
The Cable family, shown in their Pioneer, Ohio, store, have purchased Fremont Hardware, which has been in business since 1902. The family includes, front, from left, Parker and Claire Cable, and in back, Allie, Will, April and Dakota Cable.
LaPorte County Auditor Timothy Stabosz is weighing his options after the Indiana Supreme Court declined to toss a lawsuit alleging Stabosz unlawfully maligned the character and reputation of the former attorney for the LaPorte County Board of Commissioners.

"I'm talking to my attorney right now about what our options might be, whether there's a federal First Amendment issue that we can pursue. We're going to look at that and examine that. It's possible that we just go to trial," Stabosz said.

The state's high court did not specify why it denied Stabosz's petition for transfer. Though its order noted two of the five justices, Mark Massa and Geoffrey Slaughter, favored reviewing the Nov. 22, 2022, ruling against Stabosz by the Indiana Court of Appeals.

The appeals court unanimously authorized Shaw Friedman to pursue his defamation claims against Stabosz, notwithstanding Stabosz's claim that Friedmans lawsuit was a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) prohibited by Indiana statutes.

The three appellate judges said they agreed with trial court Judge Stephen Bowers that Stabosz's remarks about Friedman were made in furtherance of his right to free speech and in connection with a public issue, but they found Stabosz did not show his statements had a reasonable basis in law and fact, as required by Indiana law, and there was no basis to dismiss Friedman's defamation suit.

Specifically, the appeals court said if Stabosz had any evidence of illegal or unethical behavior by Friedman, he should have reported the alleged wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities.

"The record does not reflect that Stabosz has ever done so," said Appeals Judge Cale Bradford.

Stabosz said the Supreme Court deciding not to consider overturning the appellate ruling means the high court has "gutted the Indiana SLAPP statute, which is intended to protect free speech, especially on political matters."

"It's unfortunate the Supreme Court didn't take this. Not so much for my purposes; I'll be able to prove what I need to at trial, although it's costing me money. But for everybody else  it's a dark day in Indiana," Stabosz said.

Friedman's attorney, R. William Jonas, Jr., said in response to the transfer denial: "We felt all along that Judge Bowers and the Court of Appeals got this right."

Records show Friedman filed his defamation lawsuit against Stabosz after the Republican told county officials, news outlets and the public that Friedman created "a corrosive political underworld" by using his county position to generate additional fees for his law firm and to support Democratic political allies, turned the county commissioners into his puppets, and ran a "classic system" of political patronage by directly influencing the actions of county department leaders.

Stabosz echoed those sentiments Friday in an interview with The Times  "He controls LaPorte County by scaring people and threatening people, and that will come out."

"So if we go to trial, he's finally going to be exposed," Stabosz said.
GOT7's BamBam recently faced backlash over remarks he made on an episode of Bam's House regarding NewJeans' Haerin. Some netizens deemed the comments inappropriate, while others believed they were taken out of context. In response, ABYSS Company announced plans to take legal action against "malicious commenters."

BamBam's Comments on Bam's House

During a conversation with YouTuber Poongja on Bam's House, BamBam mentioned that he is a fan of aespa's Winter and NewJeans' Haerin, noting that their songs feel healing to him. He also commented on his preference for women with short hair.

When Poongja asked BamBam to choose between Nayeon (from Transit Love) and Haerin, BamBam selected Haerin but expressed concern about her young age (16 years old) and called the conversation "risky." This led to criticism from netizens, who found his comments "creepy" and ill-suited given the NewJeans member's age.

Poongja: Between Nayeon (Transit Love) and Haerin, then?

BamBam: Haerin? From NewJeans?

Poongja: That's right.

BamBam: Haerin. Except she's too young. Wait, yeah. She's literally too young.

Poongja: Who are you even talking to? Is your CEO here somewhere?

BamBam: No, I'm.. I mean, it's kind of risky.

Poongja: What's risky about this?!

BamBam: As an ideal type?

Poongja: You can absolutely like her as a fan. I like Park Seo Joon. It doesn't mean I'm going to do something to him.

The Debate Among Netizens

The controversy surrounding BamBam's comments resulted in a Reddit post with over 750 comments and 1.6k upvotes. Some users agreed that his remarks were alarming, while others argued that the clips circulating on social media took his words out of context and that the entire episode should be viewed to understand the situation fully.

ABYSS Company's Response

In light of the backlash, BamBam's label, ABYSS Company, announced that they would take legal action against "malicious commenters." Although the company did not specify which comments prompted the decision, the timing suggests that it may be related to the controversy surrounding the Bam's House clips.

"Hello,

This is ABYSS Company.

We are taking legal action against some malicious commenters who wrote and circulated posts and comments based on malicious slander and unfounded fabricated false facts that harm the image and reputation of our artist, BamBam. We are preparing a strong legal response process with the assistance of our legal representative based on various evidence obtained through continuous monitoring and reporting on the spread of malicious posts and comments.

Malicious posts and abusive language directed at artists in the name of anonymity are clearly criminal acts. As a result, without any agreement or leniency, the company will seek civil and criminal legal action and will take strict measures to pay reasonable price for future damage a cases.

Furthermore, as 's reports are of great help, we request active cooperation from those who have information on malicious posts.
The Erie County District Attorney's Office has closed an inquiry into an allegation that Cheektowaga Supervisor Diane Benczkowski received improper tax exemptions.

"There's no evidence," said Gary Borek, Benczkowski's attorney.

Benczkowski, who is in her eighth year as supervisor, was seeking the Democratic endorsement for a town council member position during the Cheektowaga Democratic Committee's endorsement meeting earlier this year.

Councilman Brian Pilarski sent an email to committee members before the meeting, accusing Benczkowski of receiving tax exemptions on her father's house to which she was not entitled. He could not be reached to comment.

Benczkowski's father, the late Norbert J. Liss, set up a life estate for his Strasmer Road home. He had veteran and enhanced STAR property exemptions. He spent winters with a daughter in Connecticut, and at one point was in a skilled nursing facility, Borek said. He died last June, and the property went to his daughters.

His death came after March 1, the taxable status date that reflects ownership and exemptions of property, and the changes in ownership and exemptions could not be updated until March 1 this year.

Pilarski maintained that in order to receive the exemptions, the home had to be occupied by the owner and someone living in the house was not a veteran or senior citizen.

"Neither one of those claims has any substance," Borek said.

Borek said he and Benczkowski met with prosecutors, and presented documentation about the house, exemptions and taxes.

A spokeswoman for Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn said in an email the office had closed the investigation because there was insufficient evidence to prove a crime occurred.

Benczkowski did not receive the votes for the council seat during the endorsement meeting.

"I don't know if it changed anybody's mind at that time," Borek said. "For people who were on the fence, I'm sure it would have impacted. I just don't know what the numbers were."
The Orleans County Sheriff's Office wants the public's help in its investigation of an apparent murder-suicide that occurred Sunday in the Town of Carlton.

Deputies investigated a report of a suspicious vehicle parked 75 feet from the roadway in an orchard on Kendrick Road. About 400 feet from the vehicle, deputies found the bodies of Henry F. Spoon Jr., 39, and his son Shawn, 14, both of Lockport.

Based on evidence found at the scene, along with findings from autopsies performed on the bodies by the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office, investigators believe that Henry Spoon killed his son and then himself.

Deputies are urging anyone with information about the incident to call the Sheriff's Office at 585-589-5527.

There are many ways to reach out to a trained counselor in times of crisis. Crisis Services of Erie County operates a 24-hour hotline at 716-834-3131. The Niagara County crisis hotline is 716-285-3515. You can also call 988, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
New Delhi [India], April 8 (ANI/ATK): The Big Eyes Cat Crew is in for a treat! The official end date for the presale of Big Eyes Coin has been announced, and it is set to end on June 3rd, 2023. The token will not launch until the presale reaches USD 50 million. The community requested this, and BIG, the team behind Big Eyes Coin, listened. Nevertheless, the official release date has not yet been revealed.

Big Eyes Coin has been creating ripples in the market for some time now. This cat meme coin has a unique place among the meme tokens. Its success is attributed to the strong camaraderie among the Cat Crew members. The team has pledged to donate 5% of the visible charity wallet to ocean-conserving organizations. Additionally, it provides loot boxes with every $BIG purchase and has a club for NFT holders called the Sushi Club.

Also Read | IPL 2023 Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Free Live Streaming Online on JioCinema: Get TV Channel Telecast Details of MI vs CSK T20 Cricket Match on Star Sports.

Big Eyes Coin has recently launched a collection of mintable NFTs, which can be viewed on its website. With every loot box purchase, token holders can get a custom Big Eyes card. In what way does Big Eyes Coin's Loot Card NFT collection differ from other notable NFT collections? Let's find out.

The Ape-titude of NFTs: Bored Ape Yacht ClubAll hands on deck! The Bored Ape Yacht Club comprises 10,000 NFTs featuring bored apes. You must have seen those iconic monkey pictures by now. The fashionable apes have emerged as the symbol of NFTs. In 2021, when NFTs reached their peak, the initial cost of BAYC NFTs was USD 400,000.

Also Read | Bihar Ram Navami Violence: Seven Charged With Communal Violence Surrender Before Nalanda Police.

Why are these monkey pictures so popular? To begin with, BAYC owners receive privileged access to various enticing benefits, including parties, events, and experiences such as yacht parties with live music, art exhibitions, and virtual reality adventures. Moreover, BAYC members can join a private Discord server where they can communicate with each other, exchange tales, and encounter renowned figures in the crypto industry.

Among the members of the Bored Ape Yacht Club are some famous names, including Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Justin Bieber, Paris Hilton, and Neymar Jr.

Shiboshis: The Adorable NFT Collection of Shiba InuShiba Inu has its own collection of adorable, cuddly, frolicking puppy NFTs. Shiboshis refers to a set of 10,000 NFTs featuring Shiba Inu dogs that have been documented on the Ethereum blockchain. These Shibs possess distinct characteristics that make each one of them exceptional and unique, including Laser Eyes or Party Hat. These puppies were sold out within 34 minutes after their release!

Shiboshis are not just cute dog pictures; they can also be used in the Shiba Eternity mobile game! As the Shiba Inu's ecosystem evolves, Shiboshis hold the potential for upcoming utilities for their holders.

Big Eyes Cat Crew and Their Unique Place in the MarketBig Eyes Coin has an advantage over the previous NFT collections as it gives away loot boxes with its mintable NFTs. Users get a chance to win a prize of $BIG tokens in addition to a cute picture. Currently, Big Eyes Coin is running a promotional campaign. By entering the code BULLRUN250, you can receive a 250 per cent profit on your $BIG or loot box acquisitions!

Big Eyes Coin's launch is imminent, so better start holding!

Check out Big Eyes Coin via the following links:

Presale: https://buy.bigeyes.space/

NFTs: https://opensea.io/collection/big-eyes-lootbox-cards

Website: https://bigeyes.space/

Telegram: https://t.me/BIGEYESOFFICIAL

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)
Washington [US], April 8 (ANI): A big UK Biobank research published in the open-access journal BMJ Open Respiratory Research revealed that poor quality sleep may increase a person's genetic predisposition to asthma, potentially doubling their chance of being diagnosed with the illness.

A healthy sleep pattern seems to be linked to a lower risk of asthma, prompting the researchers to suggest that spotting and treating sleep disorders early on might lessen the risks, irrespective of genetic predisposition.

Also Read | Suicide Rate Increases Significantly During the Week of a Full Moon, Know Why.

People with asthma often report sleep disturbances, including broken/short sleep and insomnia. But it's not clear if sleep quality itself might influence asthma risk, or whether healthy sleep patterns might lessen this risk, say the researchers.

In a bid to find out, they drew on 455,405 UK Biobank participants who were between 38 and 73 years old when enrolled between 2006 and 2010.

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Participants were asked about their sleep patterns, based on five specific traits: early or late chronotype ('morning lark' or 'night owl'); sleep duration; insomnia; snoring; and excessive daytime sleepiness.

A healthy sleep pattern was defined as early chronotype; clocking up 7-9 hours of sleep every night; never or rare insomnia; no snoring; and no frequent daytime sleepiness.Based on their responses, 73,223 people met the criteria for a healthy sleep pattern; 284,267 an intermediate sleep pattern; and 97,915 a poor sleep pattern.The genetic make-up of all UK Biobank participants is routinely mapped, and a genetic asthma risk score for each of the 455,405 people in this study was drawn up according to the number of genetic variants associated with asthma in their genome.

Around 1 in 3 participants were classified as 'high' genetic risk (150,429) and another third (151,970) as 'intermediate' risk. The remainder were classified as 'low' risk.Participants' respiratory health was tracked up to the date of an asthma diagnosis, death, or until 31 March 2017, whichever came first.

During a monitoring period of just under 9 years, 17,836 people were diagnosed with asthma. They were more likely to have potentially influential risk factors than those who weren't diagnosed with the condition.

These were: lower levels of education and a greater likelihood of unhealthy sleep traits and patterns; obesity; higher genetic asthma risk scores; higher levels of smoking and drinking; high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, acid reflux; and greater exposure to air pollution.Some 7,105 people at high genetic risk of asthma and 5,748 at intermediate genetic risk were diagnosed with the condition during the monitoring period.

Compared with those at low genetic risk, those with the highest risk were 47% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma, while those with a poor sleep pattern were 55% more likely.

But people at high genetic risk who also reported poor sleep patterns were 122% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma than those with both a healthy sleep pattern and a low genetic risk--in other words, they were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with asthma.

All five sleep traits were independently associated with lower risks for asthma, with never/rare insomnia and sleep duration of 7-9 hours a night seemingly the most influential, with risk reductions of 25% and 20%, respectively.

Further in-depth analysis on a smaller group of people indicated that a healthy sleep pattern might reduce the risk of asthma in those at high genetic risk by 37%, suggesting that a healthy sleep pattern might help offset asthma risk, regardless of genetic susceptibility, say the researchers.

In theory, at the population level, a low genetic risk combined with a healthy sleep pattern might translate into 19% fewer cases of asthma, suggest the researchers.

The association between sleep and asthma may be two-way, they suggest, offering some possible explanations for their findings.

"The negative impact of sleep disorders on asthma, which is generally considered a chronic inflammatory disease, might be mediated by sleep-induced chronic inflammation. Previous studies have demonstrated that sleep disorders, such as unfavourable sleep duration and insomnia, are associated with chronic inflammation.

"In theory, the immune response to inflammation could generate pro-inflammatory cytokines that result in cellular infiltration and airway inflammation, further increasing the risk of asthma," they write.

This is an observational study, and as such can't establish cause, and the researchers acknowledge several limitations to their findings.

As the UK Biobank only provided information on 38-73 year olds, the effect on children and younger adults is still unclear, added to which the findings apply only to people of European ancestry. Lastly, the UK Biobank may be subject to a 'healthy volunteer' selection bias.

Nevertheless, the researchers conclude: "Considering that poor sleep combined with high genetic susceptibility yielded a greater than twofold asthma risk, sleep patterns could be recommended as an effective lifestyle intervention to prevent future asthma, especially for individuals with high-risk genetics." (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], April 8 (ANI): After Supreme Court's order, 1,768 prisoners including undertrials and convicts who were released on parole since COViD pandemic, have surrendered at various jails in the national capital so far, according to Delhi Prisons.

As of Friday, 1,245 undertrials prisoners and 523 convicts returned to various jails in Delhi.

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The Supreme Court had ordered the surrender of all the prisoners released on parole during COVID-19 in 15 days.

In an order passed on March 24, the apex court of India asked all undertrial prisoners and convicts who were released on emergency parole or interim bail as per the recommendations of the High-powered Committee to surrender before the concerned jail authorities within 15 days.

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These prisoners were released on parole during the COVID pandemic.

According to Delhi Prisons, 448 undertrials and 195 convicts surrendered at Tihar Jail complex.

In Rohini, 52 undertrials and nine convicts surrendered. Further in Mandoli Jail, 196 undertrials and 63 convicts surrendered.

Notably, the Supreme Court ordered such prisoners to surrender before April 8. (ANI)

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Ahmedabad, Apr 8 (PTI) A Gujarat police team on Saturday brought conman Kiran Patel to Ahmedabad from Jammu and Kashmir where he was arrested for allegedly posing as a senior PMO official.

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Patel was handed over to Gujarat police late Thursday afternoon after its request for his custody was granted by the court of the chief judicial magistrate in Srinagar, an official said.

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Patel was brought to the crime branch headquarters in the early hours of Saturday by road from Srinagar, the official said.

Four First Information Reports (FIRs) related to cheating have been registered against Patel in different police stations in Gujarat, including one by the Ahmedabad crime branch for trying to usurp a senior citizen's bungalow.

Patel was arrested by J-K police from a five-star hotel in Srinagar last month for allegedly posing as an 'additional secretary' in the Central government and enjoying security cover, besides other hospitality.

He was on his third visit to the Kashmir valley when he was nabbed by alert security officials on March 3. Patel had claimed to have been given a mandate by the government to identify buyers for apple orchards in south Kashmir.

Subsequently, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch registered a case of cheating against him and his wife Malini Patel on March 22 for allegedly trying to usurp a senior citizen's bungalow.

While Malini Patel was arrested recently, a team of Ahmedabad Crime Branch went to Jammu and Kashmir a few days ago to take Kiran Patel's custody.

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Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], April 8 (ANI): Amid the nationwide increase in COVID cases, Capital Hospital in Odisha's Bhubaneswar, run by the state government, has ramped up the testing in line with the government's COVID norms, an official said on Saturday.

The hospital also has separate beds for COVID patients.

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"As the Covid-19 cases increased, Capital Hospital has ramped up RT-PCR and antigen testing against Covid-19. Hospital is having ten Covid observation beds with all initially required health facilities against Covid-19. We have all facilities including oxygen, and medicines. If a patient tests positive, we keep them under observation, and then refer to Cuttak as we do not have ICU facilities for the COVID patients at the moment," Dhananjay Das, Deputy Superintendent, Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar told ANI.

"We should comply with the COVID norms as per the guidelines, failing which, there are chances of the cases rising. We should remain cautious and wear masks. Testing is necessary if there are symptoms," he added.

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Odisha reported 81 fresh Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours. The total active case tally in the state is now at 489, and 21 Covid positive patients recovered in the past 24 hours in the state.

The country recorded 6,155 fresh Covid-19 infections in the last 24 hours, marking a marginal increase from Friday's tally of 6,050 cases, the Union health ministry stated in a bulletin on Saturday.

Covid infections in the country have seen an upward trend in the past few days, with the daily fresh infections at 2,994 on April 1, 3,824 on April 2, 3,641 on April 3, 3,038 on April 4, 4,435 on April 5, 5,335 on April 6 and 6,050 on April 7.

Amid a nationwide upward trend in the Covid cases, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday chaired a review meeting with health ministers of all states and Union Territories through video conferencing.

Mandaviya urged state Health ministers to conduct mock drills at hospitals on April 10 and 11 to assess their preparedness in handling a surge in cases.

He also urged states to identify emerging hotspots by monitoring trends of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) cases and sending sufficient samples for testing of COVID-19 and Influenza; and ramping up whole genome sequencing of positive samples.

It was observed that 23 states and UTs had average tests per million below the national average."Irrespective of the new COVID variants, the five-fold strategy of 'Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and Adherence to COVID Appropriate Behaviour' continue to remain the tested strategy for COVID management. This would facilitate the undertaking of appropriate public health measures, he said," Mandaviya said.

According to the Union health ministry, states and UTs were also requested to expeditiously increase the rate of testing from the current rate of 100 tests per million, as of the week ending 7th April and further advised to increase the share of RT-PCR in tests. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], April 8 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah will launch the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' (VVP) in Kibithoo, a border village in Arunachal Pradesh on April 10.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has approved the VVP with central components of Rs 4,800 crore including Rs 2,500 crore exclusively for road connectivity for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26.

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The VVP is a centrally sponsored scheme under which 2,967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts abutting the northern border in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been identified for comprehensive development.

In the first phase, 662 villages have been identified for priority coverage, which includes 455 villages in Arunachal Pradesh.

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The VVP will help in improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and encourage them to stay in their native locations thereby reversing the outmigration from these villages and adding to the security of the border.

District Administration with the help of appropriate mechanisms at the block and panchayat level will prepare Action Plans for the identified village to ensure 100 per cent saturation of central and state schemes.

The focus areas of interventions identified for the development of villages include road connectivity, drinking water, electricity including solar and wind energy, mobile and internet connectivity, tourist centres, multi-purpose centres and healthcare infrastructure and wellness centres.

The Home Minister will also inaugurate nine Micro Hydel Projects of the Arunachal Pradesh government constructed under the "Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme" in Kibithoo, on April 10.

These electricity projects will empower people living in border villages. He will also inaugurate Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) projects to augment infrastructure at Likabali (Arunachal Pradesh), Chapra (Bihar), Nooranad (Kerala) and Vishakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).

The Union Home Minister will also interact with ITBP personnel at Kibithoo.

An exhibition of the products made by women members of Self-Help Groups of border districts will be organized as well.

Amit Shah will visit exhibition stalls to acquaint himself and to appreciate the efforts of women of border villages.

On April 11, the Home Minister will visit Namti field and pay homage at the Walong War Memorial. (ANI)

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A Town of Tonawanda employee was put on unpaid leave Friday afternoon following a crash involving a town vehicle earlier in the day, Supervisor Joseph Emminger told The Buffalo News.

"We are aware of the incident," Emminger said via text message, noting the town's administrative action.

There were no injuries reported, he said.

"No further action will be taken until we complete our investigation," Emminger wrote.

Emminger declined further comment.

Spokespersons for the State Police and Town of Tonawanda police have not returned messages seeking comment.
New Delhi [India], April 8 (ANI): Bar council of Delhi has recently written a letter to Delhi police requesting to lodge an FIR against a person impersonating himself as an advocate by using the enrolment number of an advocate.

In the said letter of April 5, Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) informed the police that A.K. Gupta is impersonating himself as an Advocate by mentioning and misusing the enrolment number, which in fact is alloted to an accused.

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Further, the instances of Gupta abusing and threatening other advocates have also been reported, the letter said.

BCD has requested SHO Police station Hauz Khas to lodge an FIR against A.K. Gupta, for impersonation as advocate by misusing the enrolment number.

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"It is said that as per BCD records, A.K. Gupta is not enrolled with it. Hence, a thorough enquiry may be conducted and he may be arrested in appropriate sections of the IPC," added the letter.

BCD chairman said that a letter has been written to the police to lodge an FIR against AK Gupta regarding the allegation as he is not enrolled with BCD but impersonating himself as an advocate by misusing the enrollment number of an advocate. (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 [India], April 8 (ANI): A Delhi Police head constable allegedly shot himself inside a PCR van in Civil Lines area in the national capital during the wee hours on Saturday, officials said.

The deceased head constable has been identified as Imran Mohammed, they said.

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He was rushed to the nearest hospital after he shot himself, however, he has declared brought dead.

The incident took place at around 6 am on Bela Road, near Chandgi Ram Akhara.

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"The deceased shot himself when the PCR driver (his colleague) CT Atul Bhati went for nature's call," the police said.

The district crime team has been called to inspect the incident. Police were further looking into the incident. (ANI)

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Mumbai, Apr 8 (PTI) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Saturday said he is not completely opposed to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the charges against the Adani group, but a Supreme Court committee will be more useful and effective.

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Talking to reporters, Pawar said if a JPC has 21 members, 15 will be from the ruling party and six from the opposition due to numerical strength in Parliament, which will create doubts on the panel.

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He said the apex court decided to appoint a panel of retired Supreme Court judges with a direction of submitting the report in a specific time period.

"I am not completely opposed to the JPCthere have been JPCs and I have been a chairman of some of the JPCs. The JPC will be constituted on the basis of majority (in Parliament). Instead of a JPC, I am of the opinion the Supreme Court committee is more useful and effective," Pawar said.

The NCP chief also said he was not aware of the antecedents of United States-based Hindenburg Research, which has alleged stock manipulation and accounting fraud in firms belonging to billionaire Gautam Adani.

It has resulted in strident protests by the opposition Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, and others against the Narendra Modi government seeking a JPC probe. The Adani group has refuted the allegations.

"One foreign company takes a position about the situation in the country. We should decide how much focus should be on this. Instead of this (JPC), a Supreme Court panel is more effective, Pawar added.

In an interview to NDTV, Pawar came out in support of the Adani Group and criticised the narrative around Hindenburg Research's report on the conglomerate.

"Such statements were given by other individuals earlier too and there was a ruckus in Parliament for a few days but this time out-of-proportion importance was given to the issue," he said.

"The issues that were kept, who kept them, we had never heard of these people who gave the statement, what is the background. When they raise issues that cause a ruckus across the country, the cost is borne by the country's economy, we cannot disregard these things. It seems this was targeted," Pawar had said.

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Pune, Apr 8 (PTI) One person died and 22 were injured after a bus veered off the road and fell into a ditch in Maharashtra's Pune district in the early hours of Saturday, a police official said.

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The accident took place at 5:30am near Malad village in the district's Baramati taluka, the Daund police station official said.

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"The private bus carrying 50 passengers was on its way from Tuljapur when the driver apparently lost control and the vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a ditch. One passenger was killed and 22 suffered injuries," he said.

"Sixteen injured persons have been admitted in Pyramid Trauma Centre and the rest six in Bhigwan ICU Hospital. The bus was chartered for a pilgrimage tour of Kolhapur, Pandharpur etc. Most of the passengers are residents of Bhavani Peth here," he added.

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Palghar (Maharashtra) [India], April 8 (ANI): Police arrested a man on Friday for killing his nephew suspecting him of having illicit relations with his wife from the Palghar district in Maharashtra, said police.

According to the police, the incident happened in the Dahanu area of Palghar and the accused identified as Vinesh Harishchandra Tandel (40) was having a suspicion that his nephew Atul Vilas Tandel (23) was having illicit relations with his wife.

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Raged with this Tandel attacked Atul Vilas while he was sleeping the in his house. The accused barged into the house and brutally killed him by attacking him with a sharp-edged knife and iron pipe and then he fled from the spot, said police.

As soon as the information about the incident was received, the Wangaon police reached the spot, took the body in their possession and sent it for post-mortem. A case under section 302 of IPC got registered and subsequently, the arrest was made. (ANI)

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(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 8 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday assured the economically underprivileged people of the state that their medical treatment would not be affected and their daughter's marriage would not get delayed due to lack of funds.

During the Janata Darshan programme organized at the Gorakhnath temple, the CM said, "Don't worry or panic; the government is prepared to assist any victims or those in need."

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CM Yogi listened to the problems of about 300 people and assured all of them that his government's top priority is to solve people's issues. He also directed officers to treat the problems of people with utmost seriousness and sensitivity and to resolve them right away.

The CM further said that the benefit of the welfare schemes of the government should be extended to the needy. Strict legal action should be taken against anyone who occupies property illegally or engages in bullying.

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The Chief Minister also took serious note of the difficulties faced by a woman from Kushinagar in arranging her daughter's marriage due to financial constraints and ordered the officials to provide the benefit of Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana to her. "The woman should be given full financial support for her daughter's wedding", he added.

Similarly, when a woman asked the Chief Minister for financial support so that her husband, who had heart disease, could receive treatment, the Chief Minister asked about the current status of treatment and advised her to get him admitted to a hospital, assuring her that all the necessary funds would be made available to her.

He directed the officers to complete the process of estimation for treatment and make it available to the government. He said the funds will be released to the concerned hospital as soon as the process is completed.

During his visit to the Gorakhnath temple, CM Yogi spent some time in the early morning with the cows in the Goseva Kendra (Goshala) of the temple. CM Yogi called the cows by their names like Gauri, Shyama, Ganga, and Bhola, and also fed them jaggery. He also gave necessary instructions to the Gaushala workers on how to take care of the cows. (ANI)

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Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 8 (ANI): Amid Amul's entry into the Bengaluru market, Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar on Saturday said that the state's dairy cooperative Nandini is a "better brand" than Amul and that there is no need for the latter.

While talking to ANI, Shivakumar said, "We want to protect our milk and our farmers. We already have Nandini which is a better brand than Amul...We don't need any Amul..our water, our milk, and our soil is strong."

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Congress and BJP were at loggerheads soon after Amul's announcement of entry in the Bengaluru market.

Congress accused the ruling BJP of plotting a conspiracy to kill the state's formidable dairy brand, Nandini.

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On Friday, Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah called on the people of Karnataka and said that "all Kannadigas should pledge not to buy Amul products" over speculations of a merger between the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) and Gujarat's Anand Milk Union Limited (Amul).

"All the Kannadigas have to unanimously resist the usurpation of the KMF, which is built for the welfare of the farmers of the country. All Kannadigas should pledge not to buy Amul products", Siddaramaiah said.

He further stated, "In addition to language treason by the imposition of Hindi and land treason by trespassing within the state borders, now the BJP government is going to betray the farmers by shutting down Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which is the livelihood of millions of dairy farming families in the country."

Siddaramaiah also called on Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai asking him to immediately intervene into the matter and stop Amul from "entering through the back door." In this regard, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah should bring the referendum of the state to his attention and stop this treacherous thinking, he added.

The former CM also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah and alleged that it was the weak leadership of BJP in the state which is the direct cause of the KMF's present dying condition.

On Wednesday, Amul tweeted that a wave of freshness in coming to Bengaluru from Kengeri to Whitefield - from the west end of the city to the east - with the hashtag "LaunchAlert." The cooperative said in a following tweet that quick commerce platforms will be used to facilitate milk and curd delivery. (ANI)

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Thane, Apr 8 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has taken a swipe at the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray by asking them to heed the words of Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar on the Adani issue.

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United States-based Hindenburg Research had alleged large scale stock manipulation and accounting fraud in the firms of billionaire Gautam Adani, leading to strident protests by the opposition Congress and others against the Narendra Modi government. The group had refuted the allegations.

Also Read | Killer Plant Fungus Chondrostereum Purpureum Infects Kolkata Reasearcher, Likely To Be Worlds First Human Case; All You Need To Know.

In an interview to NDTV, Pawar came out in support of the Adani Group and criticised the narrative around Hindenburg Research's report on the conglomerate.

"Such statements were given by other individuals earlier too and there was a ruckus in Parliament for a few days but this time out-of-proportion importance was given to the issue," he said.

"The issues that were kept, who kept them, we had never heard of these people who gave the statement, what is the background. When they raise issues that cause a ruckus across the country, the cost is borne by the country's economy, we cannot disregard these things. It seems this was targeted," Pawar had said.

Speaking to the media after a property exhibition in Kalyan on Friday night, CM Shinde said, "The Congress started an agitation seeking explanation of Rs 20,000 crore in the Adani group. Even Uddhav Thackeray continuously spoke on this issue. Now Pawar has commented and those who are protesting should heed these comments."

Pawar is a very senior politician and must have spoken on the Adani issue after much study, and, therefore, those protesting should clarify their stand, the CM said in a swipe at the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), which are allies with the NCP in the Maha Vikas Aghadi.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bengaluru, Apr 8 (PTI) A political slugfest broke out between the ruling BJP, and opposition Congress and JD(S) on Saturday over the "threat" to Karnataka Milk Federation's famed dairy brand 'Nandini' following Amul's entry to the state.

Three days ago, Gujarat-based cooperative society Amul tweeted: "A new wave of freshness with milk and curd is coming to Bengaluru. More information coming soon. #LaunchAlert. From Kengeri to Whitefield, wishing everyone a Taaza day."

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In another tweet, the dairy brand said, "The #Amul family is bringing in some Taaza into #Bengaluru city. More updates coming in soon. #LaunchAlert. Taaza arriving soon in Bengaluru."

While the opposition parties have charged that the BJP government was out to finish Nandini, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the government is clear on the issue of Amul.

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Accusing Congress of politicising Amul's entry to Karnataka, Bommai said: "We have absolute clarity with regard to Amul. Nandini is a national brand. It's not restricted to Karnataka. We have popularised Nandini as a brand in other states as well.

He added that not only has milk production increased in the state but incentives have also been given to the milk producers.

The Chief Minister stressed that several major dairies of KMF in the state have been established during BJP rule.

"Production and number of products have increased. There is a market too (for Nandini products). Hence, Nandini will become a number one brand in some days," Bommai said. The Chief Minister said the state is selling Nandini in other states as well.

"There is no need to be afraid of Amul. Our Nandini is an established brand. We will take all the steps to give Amul a tough competition," he pointed out.

Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar too hit out at the Congress for giving a political colour to the issue.

Stating that in a globalised economy any product can be exported or imported from any country, the minister reminded Congress that the policy related to globalisation was brought in by the Congress itself.

He appealed to the opposition members not to limit Nandini Milk to Karnataka alone since the brand has already made its presence in Maharashtra and now it was trying to enter Delhi.

"Our milk is going to the defence services. Nandini Ghee is used for making laddus in Tirupati. KMF is a model for the entire country."

Sudhakar said already there are 16 to 18 private firms selling their dairy products in Karnataka such as, Heritage, Dodla and Arokya but the Congress never remembered Nandini when these brands entered the state.

Hitting out at the Congress he said: "Does Amul means BJP and Nandini Congress? Are you building such narratives? Should you insult our farmers, our system and institutions this way? This must be stopped.

Earlier in the day, AICC general secretary and Karnataka party in-charge Randeep Surjewala raised the issue alleging that the BJP was trying to "sell off" Nandini.

Surjewala tweeted, "BJP conspiracy to sell off Karnataka Milk Federation to Gujarat's Amul is now clear. 1st, Mr. Amit Shah said it openly. Now, Ms. Shobha Karandlje supports it. NANDINI LOSES, AMUL GAINS, BOMMAI GOVT REMAINS MUTE' ! Save NANDINI, Vote BJP out !"

Former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy too flayed the state government on this issue in a series of tweets.

"Now there is a 3rd plot to finish the lifeline of Kannadigas Nandini. Plot-1: Merger of Nandini with Amul; Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement. Plot-2: Print the Hindi word 'Dahi' on curd."

"Both plots failed due to strong opposition from Kannadigas. The central government through Amul is going to make the 3rd plot successful," he said.

Kumaraswamy, the JD(S) second-in-command, alleged that Amul has this 'bad thinking' to finish off its lone competitor Nandini in Karnataka itself.

"One nation, one Amul, one milk and one Gujarat' has become the official policy of the Central government. Hence, Amul is strangulating KMF by standing in its support," Kumaraswamy charged.

During Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Mandya in December 2022 where he inaugurated a mega dairy of KMF with a capacity to process 10 lakh litres a day at a cost of Rs 260 crore, the opposition had targeted him for his purported remark that Nandini and Amul should come together.

The opposition alleged that the statement meant that the two cooperative brands should be merged together, which Chief Minister Bommai and state Cooperative Minister S T Somashekar rubbished.

Around 10 days ago, another controversy broke out when the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had directed the KMF to print 'Dahi' on curd packets along with the local nomenclature. The opposition, especially the JD(S), termed it an attempt to 'impose' Hindi on the people of the state.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], April 8 (ANI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced new office timings for all the state government offices ahead of the summer season.

As per the new timing, all the state government offices would operate from 7.30 am to 2 pm. The new timings will be in effect from May 2 to July 15, during the summer season.

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According to CM Mann, the new office timings help save electricity power in the states and give visitors to government offices some respite from the summer heat.

In his address, Bhagwant Mann said, "Our government runs by the new ideas, new thought process and new blood. Keeping that in mind we have decided to change the government working hours from 7:30 am till 2 pm. This will be implemented from May 2 till July 15".

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"Public is happy. We see in summer, there is a heatwave in the afternoon and the public suffers a lot outside. So this new timing will give them relief. Now people will not have to skip their jobs to visit government offices for their work. Our government officials will also get free in the afternoon and can spend time with their families," he said.

"Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will be a major beneficiary of this decision. In the months of May and June electricity consumption increases and after 2 pm PSPCL faces peak hours. When offices are closed it will save electricity in Punjab. We have come to this decision after consulting with our stakeholders. This decision will not be implemented in the government and private schools in the state," he added.

He further mentioned that this is a unique decision and hopes that other state governments also implement this decision.

"We have seen some foreign countries implementing this. There is a concept of making better use of daylight. We are the first state in our country to do so. I hope others will also follow this. The better usage of daylight should be promoted in the country," he said. (ANI)

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Dean Hyder opened his Old Scotland Road Distillery outside Akron during the pandemic, shortly before Jeannine Morlacci moved her Polish-Italian Restaurant, Morluski's, from Attica to Clarence Hollow.

Hyder makes spirits under the Handlebar brand name, for reasons obvious from his mustache.

A guide to Dyngus Day festivities for 2023 Dyngus Day is a time of welcoming spring and saying goodbye to winter. Held on Easter Monday, it is not only a timeless part of Polish heritage, but has become an inextricably Buffalonian way of heralding the end of the Lenten season.

He joined in a side deal two years ago with Morlacci to put a new twist on a Polish tradition.

They combined their cooking and distilling skills to make two kinds of krupnik, a liquor normally forged with vodka.

Instead, they used Handlebar cinnamon moonshine as the base.

Photos: Morluski's Polish & Italian Restaurant A visit to Morluski's Polish and Italian Restaurant, which houses a special krupnik made with whiskey, on April 6, 2023. The krupnik is a coll

Customers have clamored for it since, especially on Dyngus Day.

They go insane, Morlacci said. Its our biggest seller that day.

The joint venture has turned a tidy profit and tickled the tastebuds of judges during the 2021 New York State Distillers Guild spirits competition, where Morluskis original krupnik was bestowed a gold medal.

Hyder also makes a bourbon barrel-aged version that softens the sweetness and adds more kick.

We let it sleep in the barrel for about three months, said Hyder, a machinist who started his distillery after he was laid off.

Morlacci, who also owns a childcare business, decided to play to her culinary chops five years ago, opening Morluskis Polish & Italian Restaurant in Attica.

She closed a deal in October 2020 to move the restaurant into a former church built in 1876 on Main Street in the Hollow.

A couple of months earlier, Hyder opened his distillery along Old Scotland Road in Newstead, on former farmland that had been in his family for three generations.

The two small business owners, who both live in Akron, met the same year at the Akron-Newstead Rotary Club.

In time, talk turned to krupnik, a sweet Polish liquor typically made with high-proof vodka, honey and spices, and generally enjoyed during special occasions.

I wanted something that had our label on it, something that we used and collaborated on with another small business, Morlacci said. I don't drink vodka, and I knew Dean makes whiskey, so I said, Let's try to make a krupnik with your whiskey. 

Restaurant staff and Hyder worked on several recipes for the mash before hitting on the one they liked best: a 45-proof sweet liqueur made with the moonshine from Old Scotland Road, honey from Bee Country farm in Darien, citrus zest and other spices.

The partners launched it two years ago on Dyngus Day, selling 33 cases worth that day after Easter alone.

They have since made six more batches to sell in the distillery tasting room, the restaurant and several liquor stores in the Northtowns, Cheektowaga and Lancaster.

I still make all the mash here, Morlacci said during an interview at Morluski's, and then I take it over to Dean and he works his magic. Then we bottle it up and off we go.

The beverage is generally served in a rocks glass over a slab of ice, with citrus peel.

Dyngus Day to many Buffalonians brings the kind of joy that Fat Tuesday rains down on New Orleans the day before the start of Lent, but, in this case, right afterward.

Old Polonia, in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood, serves as regional hub for related celebrations. It will swarm with revelers on Monday, including during a 5:30 p.m. parade. Other celebrations are planned in Cheektowaga and Sloan.

Morluskis will start to bustle at 1 p.m., with music beginning at 3.

The restaurant got its name courtesy of Morlaccis late father-in-law, Domenico, who arrived in Buffalo from Italy decades ago and began handing out his "Morlacci Construction" business cards. Residents in Kaisertown couldnt pronounce his last name.

Did that mean he wasnt Polish?

"An unfortunate mistake, he would explain with a wink. The card should read Morluski."

The restaurant name honors his ingenuity. In part, it features pizzas, Milanese dishes, gnocchi and other homemade pastas.

Our Polish food is our top-seller here, said Morlacci, whose family roots sprang from Poland.

Offerings include homemade perogies, dill pickle soup, golabki, and kielbasa, cabbage and noodles.

Restaurant surroundings ooze Western New York-style Polish, Morlacci said, and become more emblazoned in red and white come springtime. At least 25 flamingo decorations dot the bar area alone. Dozens more hang and perch throughout the restaurant. Regular customers gave many of them as gifts.

American, Polish and Italian flags dangle near the top of the brick wall behind the bar, flanked by two "Morluskis Handcrafted Krupnik" signs.

Krupnik tends to be a middle-of-the-road seller most weeks of the year, Morlacci said, but not around Easter.

Everyone's got to taste it, she said. Everyone who has krupnik in their head thinks the vodka one, which makes you shake your head. With this, they take a sip and they're like, Wow, this is nice. A lot of the older folks, they love it. They put it on vanilla ice cream and in their cider during the fall. Lots of people like just sipping it on the rocks.

She sometimes uses it as a glaze in a seasonal chicken dish and on baked chicken wings.

Hyder said he is grateful for the krupnik partnership, which helped distinguish the distillery early on in its development.

Krupnik  pronounced croup-nick  has become his best-seller.

It doesn't matter how you pronounce it, as long as you buy it, he said.

Photos: Old Scotland Road Distillery, home of Handlebar Whiskey Dean Hyder built his distillery, Old Scotland Road Distillery, in Akron during the pandemic, using an old still and several pieces of dairy fa

Morlacci was so pleased with the first batch that she offered to drive bottles of it and some others in Hyders Handlebar lineup to Rochester two years ago for the State Distillers Guild competition.

Hyder won gold for Morluskis Handcrafted Krupnik. He also took gold for his Handlebar Handcrafted White Corn Whiskey, which he uses to craft his cinnamon moonshine and krupnik. It won the Governors Cup for best sprit of all 112 entries statewide.

We hadn't even been in business a year when she started with this, he said with a smile. What business did we have entering a competition?

In the future, Morlacci hopes to make a limoncello, in a bow to her husband and late father-in-law, using one of Hyders whiskeys.

Meanwhile, she and her staff will be happy to pour local concoctions this holiday weekend that include krupnik and Squirt Gun, a smoked Polish Piwo Grodziskie pilsner tapped Saturday at One Eyed Cat, a Williamsville brewery that almost moved into the building that now houses Morluskis.

I'm all about collaboration, Morlacci said, and working with other businesses.
Prayagraj, April 8: Uttar Pradesh police on Saturday announced to double the reward on jailed gangster Atiq Ahmed's wife, Shaista Parveen, who is on the run in connection to Umesh Pal murder case. UP police have increased the reward amount from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000.

"A reward amount for the fugitive Shaista Parveen has been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000, who is currently absconding," Prashant Kumar, Additional Director General (ADG), Law and Order said. Shaista recently submitted a bail application in the court and stated that she had been falsely implicated in the Umesh Pal Murder case. Atiq Ahmeds Brother, Son and Others Continuously Fire Shots in Air At Wedding Ceremony, Viral Video Surfaces.

"The anticipatory bail application has also been rejected by the Allahabad District Court," ADG Kumar said. Atiq Ahmed and his family came under the scanner in the Umesh Pal murder case. On March 28, Mafia don-turned-politician, Atiq Ahmed was convicted by an MP-MLA court and sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment in the abduction case of now-deceased Umesh Pal.

Atiq Ahmed, who has over 100 cases against him over the last 43 years, has been convicted in the same case. 'Raat Kitni Bhi Kaali Ho Savere Zaroor Hota Hai': Prayagraj Police Raids Gangster Atiq Ahmed's Residence, Recovers Poster.

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.

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Austin, Apr 8 (AP) Access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S. plunged into uncertainty Friday following conflicting court rulings over the legality of the abortion medication mifepristone that has been widely available for more than 20 years.

For now, the drug the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2000 appeared to remain at least immediately available in wake of two separate rulings that were issued just minutes apart by federal judges in Texas and Washington.

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U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, ordered a hold on federal approval of mifepristone in a decision that overruled decades of scientific approval.

But that decision came at nearly same time that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an Obama appointee, essentially ordered the opposite and directed U.S. authorities not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats sued in an effort to protect availability.

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The extraordinary timing of the competing orders revealed the high stakes surrounding the drug nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed access to abortion across the country.

The Justice Department swiftly gave notice it would appeal the Texas ruling and said it was reviewing the decision from Washington.

Abortion providers slammed the Texas ruling, including Whole Woman's Health, which operates six clinics in five states and said it would continue to dispense mifepristone in person and by mail over the next week as they review the rulings.

FDA is under one order that says you can do nothing and another that says in seven days I'm going to require you to vacate the approval of mifepristone, said Glenn Cohen of Harvard Law School.

The abortion drug has been widely used in the U.S. since securing FDA approval and there is essentially no precedent for a lone judge overruling the medical decisions of the Food and Drug Administration. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortion in the United States, along with misoprostol, which is also used to treat other medical conditions.

Kacsmaryk signed an injunction directing the FDA to stay mifepristone's approval while a lawsuit challenging the safety and approval of the drug continues. His 67-page order gave the government seven days to appeal.

Today's decision overturns the FDA's expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said. The Department will continue to defend the FDA's decision.

Clinics and doctors that prescribe the two-drug combination have said that if mifepristone were pulled from the market, they would switch to using only the second drug, misoprostol. That single-drug approach has a slightly lower rate of effectiveness in ending pregnancies, but it is widely used in countries where mifepristone is illegal or unavailable.

The lawsuit in the Texas case was filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which was also involved in the Mississippi case that led to Roe v. Wade being overturned. At the core of the lawsuit is the allegation that the FDA's initial approval of mifepristone was flawed because it did not adequately review its safety risks.

Courts have long deferred to the FDA on issues of drug safety and effectiveness. But the agency's authority faces new challenges in a post-Roe legal environment in which abortions are banned or unavailable in 14 states, while 16 states have laws specifically targeting abortion medications.

Since the Texas lawsuit was filed in November, legal experts have warned of questionable arguments and factual inaccuracies in the Christian group's filing. Kacsmaryk essentially agreed with the plaintiffs on all of their major points, including that the FDA didn't adequately review mifepristone's safety.

The Court does not second-guess FDA's decision-making lightly. Kacsmaryk wrote. But here, FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns  in violation of its statutory duty  based on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions.

Mifepristone has been used by millions of women over the past 23 years, and complications from mifepristone occur at a lower rate than that seen with wisdom teeth removal, colonoscopies and other routine medical procedures, medical groups have recently noted.

Elsewhere, Kacsmaryk sided with plaintiffs in stating that the FDA overstepped its authority in approving mifepristone, in part, by using a specialized review process reserved for drugs to treat serious or life-threatening illnesses. The judge brushed aside FDA arguments that its own regulations make clear that pregnancy is a medical condition that can sometimes be serious and life-threatening, instead calling it a natural process essential to perpetuating human life.

Anti-abortion groups, which are newly encouraged about their ability to further restrict abortion and prevail in court since last's year's reversal of Roe v. Wade, embraced the Texas ruling.

The court's decision today is a major step forward for women and girls whose health and safety have been jeopardized for decades by the FDA's rushed, flawed and politicized approval of these dangerous drugs, said March for Life President Jeanne Mancini.

Legal experts warned that the ruling could upend decades of precedent, setting the stage for political groups to overturn other FDA approvals of controversial drugs and vaccines.

This has never happened before in history  it's a huge deal, said Greer Donley, a professor specializing in reproductive health care at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. You have a federal judge who has zero scientific background second guessing every scientific decision that the FDA made."

Still, because of the contradictory nature of the rulings, Greer and other experts said there would be little immediate impact.

In the short term, nothing's going to change, Greer said. This is the time to be preparing for the fact that in a week, potentially, mifepristone becomes an unapproved drug in this country. (AP)

(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], April 8 (ANI): Taking forward the legacy of Ayurveda, All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), the apex institute of Ayurveda in India, an Autonomous Institute under the Ministry of AYUSH hosted a walkthrough on Saturday for the "Working Group of C20 on Integrated Holistic Health.

A large group of over 400 delegates participated in the event and the institute showcased how an integrated approach to health care can be effectively implemented.

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AIIA signed an MoU with the University of Amrita Vishwa Vidhyapeetham for cooperation and collaboration in the field of Research and Academics in Ayurveda. The MoU was signed by Prof. Tanuja Nesari, Director, AIIA, Ministry of Ayush and Prem Kumar Vasudevan Nair, the Provost, Medical Sciences at Kochi campus of Amrita Vishwa Vidhyapeetham.

AIIA already has MoUs with the European Academy of Ayurveda, Bernstein, Germany; Western Sydney University, Australia; Graz Medical University, Austria; College of Medical, UK; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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On this occasion, Prof Dr Tanuja Neasri, said "We are happy to co-host the C20 delegates at AIIA, a tertiary care set-up under the Ministry of Ayush. We are honoured to showcase AIIA as a model of integration and holistic healthcare in Ayurveda."

"As it is envisioned as health for all, so through this message for holistic healthcare the strength of the Ayush system through MOA should be integrated into the mainstream of medicines for people-centric wellbeing," she added.

AIIA launched the millet calendar at the hands of Anita Bhatia, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.

AIIA, the apex institute of Ayurveda in India is an Autonomous Institute under the Ministry of AYUSH which aims at bringing a synergy between the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda and modern tools and technology. The Institute has 25 speciality departments, 12 clinics with 8 inter-disciplinary research laboratories and an international collaborative centre for global promotion and research in Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a science of life with a holistic approach to health and personalized medicine that is gaining popularity globally.

Ayurveda is the oldest system of medicine and health science dating back more than 3,000 years. The cardinal aim of Ayurveda is to restore the induvial balance between body, mind and spirit. There is a great demand for the science of life not only in India but in other parts of the world. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Streaks of Light Seen in California. (Photo Credits: Video Grab)

Dakar, Apr 8 (AP) At least 44 people were killed by Islamic extremists in multiple attacks in northern Burkina Faso, the government said Saturday.

Jihadis attacked Kourakou and Tondobi villages in Seno province, said Lt. Col. P.F Rodolphe Sorgho, governor of the Sahel region in a statement.

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Sorgho called the attacks on Thursday and Friday despicable and barbaric and said the government was stabilising the area. He called on people to remain calm.

The West African nation has been overrun by jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group that's killed thousands and displaced 2 million people over six years.

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Fighting has frustrated and divided a once peaceful population, leading to two military coups last year with each junta leader vowing to stem the attacks.

But the violence is intensifying and spreading as jihadis blockade villages, preventing hundreds of thousands of people from moving freely.

In February, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for killing more than 70 soldiers, wounding dozens and taking five hostage, in an ambush on a military convoy in the north.

A few weeks before that, jihadis killed at least 32 people, including soldiers and civilians, in multiple attacks across the country.

The violence has created the worst humanitarian crisis in the country's history, forcing one in five citizens  some 4.7 million people  to be in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the United Nations. (AP)

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Dubai [UAE], April 8 (ANI/WAM): The Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, has recently welcomed Syed Muhammad Raziff Aljunie, Consul-General of the Republic of Singapore in Dubai, with the aim to enhance cooperation between both sides.

During the meeting, which was held at the Dubai Police Officers Club, Al Marri discussed with the Singaporean Consul-General a number of topics of mutual interest including ways to strengthen cooperation between the two sides in various areas.

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Al Marri welcomed Singapore's Consul-General and the accompanying delegation, reaffirming the Dubai Police's keenness to enhance communication with various agencies, including diplomatic agencies.

The Singaporean Consul-General praised the level of safety and security in Dubai in particular and the UAE in general. He thanked the Dubai Police for its permanent endeavours to enhance cooperation and joint coordination in various fields.

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The delegation was briefed on the Ghiath Smart Patrol, one of the world's most advanced security vehicles equipped with 360-degree deployable cameras, smart devices, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the latest technological systems.

The meeting witnessed the presence of Major General Ahmed Muhammad Rafi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Administration Affairs; Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs; Major General Jamal Al Jallaf, Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation; Major General Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director of the General Department of Forensics and Criminology, and a number of senior officers and other top officials.

They also learned about the advanced services that enhance police work in the security and traffic aspects. (ANI/WAM)

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New Delhi [India], April 8 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is to embark today on an official visit to the United States where she will attend Spring Annual Meetings of the IMF-World Bank. She will begin her official visit to the US from April 10.

The Union Finance Minister will also participate in G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings besides investor and bilateral meetings with various countries.

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During the visit, Sitharaman will be attending the 2023 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with G20 meetings, Investor/ Bilateral meetings, and other associated meetings, which are scheduled to take place from April 10 to April 16, 2023, in the WBG and IMF Headquarters in Washington DC. The Spring Meetings will be attended by Finance Ministers and Central Bankers from across the world.

The Indian Finance Ministry delegation will be led by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs and will comprise officials from the Ministry of Finance and RBI.

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Key engagements of the Union Finance Minister will include the following:

Spring Meetings of IMF-WB;Hosting the Second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under India's G20 Presidency and G20-related side events;World Bank Development Committee and IMF Committee PlenariesInteraction with Global Economists and Think-Tanks,Bilateral engagements with countries and international organisations;Interaction with global business leaders and investors in roundtables; andEngagement with Indian Diaspora.

Finance Minister Sitharaman and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India Shaktikanta Das will jointly chair the 2nd G20 FMCBG meeting on April 12-13, 2023.

Around 350 delegates from G20 members, 13 invitee countries, and various international and regional organisations will participate and engage in multilateral discussions centred around a broad spectrum of pressing global issues.

The 2nd G20 FMCBG meeting will comprise three sessions:

Global Economy and International Financial Architecture;Sustainable Finance, Financial Sector and Financial Inclusion; andInternational Taxation.

The focus of these sessions will be to deliberate on issues such as addressing food & energy insecurity, managing global debt vulnerabilities, strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), mobilising finance for climate action, advancing financial inclusion, and accelerating progress on International Tax and Financial Sector issues. The meeting will take stock of the progress made on outcomes envisaged under India's G20 Finance Track agenda.

The 2nd G20 FMCBG meeting will advance efforts towards the preparation of G20 India Finance Track deliverables for the 3rd G20 FMCBG meeting to be held in Gandhinagar, India, in July 2023. These meetings are expected to provide informed Finance Track contributions to the Leaders Declaration for adoption in the New Delhi Summit in September 2023.

On the sidelines of the Spring Annual Meetings, the Finance Minister will have bilateral engagements with her respective counterparts from G20 countries and Heads of other delegations, including major international organisations, to discuss issues and areas of mutual interest and cooperation under India's G20 Presidency.

In the course of her visit, the Union Finance Minister will also participate in a fireside chat at the Peterson Institute of International Economics (PIIE) on April 10, 2023.

In a high-level meeting on April 11, 2023, the Finance Minister will meet the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to discuss issues of mutual interest.

During the official visit, a meeting of the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable will be co-chaired by India, International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank on April 12, 2023, to discuss the current global debt landscape and ways to address existing challenges in the debt restructuring. On April 14, 2023, a high-level seminar on "Macro-financial implications of Crypto assets" will be held to review the macro-financial implications of Crypto Assets and discuss policies to leverage benefits and contain risks.

Sitharaman will also meet the G20 Expert Group on strengthening MDBs on April 15, 2023, to discuss the need for an updated MDBs ecosystem for the 21st century towards financing sustainable development goals and transboundary challenges.

Besides these, the Finance Minister will also participate in a high-level Seminar on 'Stacking up the benefits of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)' organised by the IMF on April 14, 2023. The Seminar aims to discuss lessons from India and other countries on the transformational power of DPI and ways to maximise its potential.

Other side events that will be held on the margins of the IMF-WB Spring Meetings include an event on 'Enhancing the Economic Empowerment of Women as Entrepreneurs and Leaders' (April 13, 2023), 'Life (Lifestyle for Environment) event on Behavioral Change to Tackle Climate Change' (April 14, 2023), and 'Launch of debt restructuring negotiation process on Sri Lanka' (April 13, 2023), among others. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Singapore, Apr 8 (PTI) An Indian-origin man has died after he was pushed in the chest by another man and fell down a flight of stairs outside a shopping mall in Singapore.

Thevandran Shanmugam, 34, fell backwards down the stairs at Concorde Shopping Mall on Orchard Road last month.

Also Read | Pakistan: Tribals Attack Police Station Over Relative's Death Inside Jail in Sindh Province.

He sustained multiple fractures to his skull and was taken to a hospital, reported The Straits Times newspaper on Friday.

He was cremated at Mandai Crematorium on Friday evening, it said.

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Muhammed Azfary Abdul Kaha, 27, who pushed Shanmugam, was charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt a day after the incident.

It was not mentioned in court documents if the two men knew each other before the incident.

The incident allegedly happened outside a popular nightspot at Concorde Shopping Mall which houses several bars and nightclubs on Orchard Road.

The nightclub on Friday refuted claims that Shanmugam had visited its premises in the morning on the day he was attacked.

Urging people not to speculate, Club Rumours extended its condolences to the Shanmugam family and said it was extremely sad and sorry for their loss.

If convicted, Azfary could be jailed for up to 10 years, as well as caned or fined. According to court documents, Azfary had allegedly committed the offence while under a remission order after being jailed for other offences.

If convicted, he can face an additional jail term of up to 178 days, according to the report.

A remission order is issued to allow an inmate to spend a portion of his sentence outside of jail.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], April 8 (ANI): Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday said that everything required from Pakistan to conclude the much-delayed ninth review of a USD 7 billion loan programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was "now complete", and the one final thing needed was a confirmation of a USD 1bn commitment from a friendly country, Dawn reported.

The finance minister addressed the nation a day after he cancelled his visit to Washington for spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank citing domestic political turmoil as the reason.

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His speech centred around him trying to calm the fears that the cancellation of his trip was any indication of the future of the IMF deal, a USD 6.5bn rescue programme agreed upon in 2019, of which the government has been trying to secure the final tranche of USD 1.1bn since February.

Dar said that the government had already done all that was required from it to conclude the ninth review. He said that at the time of the seventh and the eighth reviews, two friendly countries had informed the IMF in writing about its offer to help Pakistan with its external account.

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"The two-month delay from mid-February was due to this reason," he said.

"In the past two weeks, one of our friendly countries has again given them (the IMF) the confirmation [of its commitment to help Pakistan] with USD 2bn," he added.

"We are now only awaiting the confirmation of a USD 1bn commitment from one friendly country. After that, all their requirements to conclude the staff-level agreement will be complete. Following that, it takes two more weeks to take the matter into the board meeting," he assured his people.

Dar acknowledged that there was a new development with the IMF deal over the past few weeks due to the "cross-subsidy" in the works regarding fuel prices.

He said that the subsidy involved charging more to the affluent and providing relief to the underprivileged, adding that it had nothing to do with the budget.

"We also had several rounds of communication with the IMF. As soon as that news broke they asked us what we are trying to do. We gave them a satisfying answer because that subsidy is not a part of the budget," he added.

Dar hinted that the hold-up to the ninth review had more to do with the IMF's part than the government's.

"When I went to the IMF with my delegation in October 2022, I invited them to Pakistan for the ninth review, which is technically the September 2022 review," he said.

"For unknown reasons, they finally came to Pakistan on January 2023."

Dar said the nine-day review was "the most difficult negotiations" and it was concluded, which led to the government taking prior actions demanded by the IMF, including the imposition of new taxes worth PKR 170bn.

The finance minister blamed the previous PTI government for the delay and the country for being in this position with the IMF.

"Immediately after the Shehbaz Sharif government took over, the seventh and eighth reviews were combined, which the previous government couldn't do because it had not only not implemented its sovereign commitments but also reversed whatever it had done [when their government was winding down]," he said.

Regarding his cancelled US trip, the finance minister said that he was scheduled to participate in the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank.

"These are routine rituals, however, a constitutional crisis has been created in Pakistan."

"Due to these circumstances and on the prime minister's directives, I have dropped my plan to visit Washington [physically]. This is not an unusual thing. Virtual meetings took place during Covid. I will be attending the World Bank, and IMF meetings that I'm required in from Islamabad."

The minister said that even though he won't be attending the meetings in person, a delegation representing Pakistan will be there.

"It's astonishing that some are saying that I have been told not to go by the IMF. The IMF cannot tell me not to attend. Pakistan is a member of the World Bank and the IMF. It is not a beggar," he said.

He accused some analysts of twisting the facts. "Someone is writing that I did not get the meetings I wanted. Someone else is suggesting that I should have ignored the [domestic] crisis and gone anyway," he said.

"These are national issues and such loose talk over them is not appropriate."

Dar said that despite the worst of the liquidity crisis, the country did not delay its global sovereign payments of USD 11bn by "even a minute". (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jerusalem, Apr 9 (AP) The Israeli military said Saturday that three rockets were launched from Syria toward Israeli territory, a rare attack from the country's northeastern neighbour that comes after days of worsening violence.

The military said the rockets caused no damage or casualties. Only one rocket crossed into Israeli territory and landed in a field in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

Also Read | Toshakhana Case: Lahore High Court to Hear Former Pakistan PM Imran Khans Plea on April 12.

The rocket launch comes just a day after Israeli warplanes struck alleged Palestinian militant targets in both Lebanon and the Gaza Strip following an unusual burst of rocket fire from southern Lebanon. Tensions are also running high in the contested capital of Jerusalem, where Palestinian worshippers have scuffled with Israeli police in the most sensitive holy site, the compound home to Al-Aqsa Mosque.

On Friday, separate attacks in the occupied West Bank and in Tel Aviv, Israel's commercial hub, killed two British-Israeli sisters and an Italian tourist. (AP)

Also Read | Iranian Authorities to Use Cameras in Public Places to Identify Women Who Violate Hijab Law.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Houston, Apr 8 (PTI) A missing 6-year-old boy from Texas, whose parents fled to India from the US and face felony charges of abandoning and endangering their child, is believed to be dead, a top police official has said.

Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, who has special needs, was last seen in November shortly after his twin sisters were born in October last year.

Also Read | Pakistan: Tribals Attack Police Station Over Relative's Death Inside Jail in Sindh Province.

Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer said on Thursday that the search for the missing boy is now a death investigation and they are attempting to locate and recover his body.

We currently have active felony warrants for the arrest of the mother Cindy Rodriguez Singh and Arshdeep Singh for abandoning and endangering a child, which is a second-degree felony," Spencer said at a press conference.

Also Read | What Is Hikikomori? All You Need To Know About Phenomenon That Prompted 1.5 Million People To Live As Recluses in Japan.

"We want these fugitives arrested and extradited to the United States so that we can seek answers for the disappearance of Noel, he said.

Noel was one of ten children to Cindy, 37. Three siblings reportedly lived with grandparents, while Noel and the others lived with their mother in squalor in a shed in Everman, a suburb of Fort Worth. Singh, the boy's Indian-origin stepfather, also lived in the filthy shack.

The search for Noel began after the Texas Department of Family Services asked on March 20 that police in Everman conduct a welfare check, Everman police have said.

On March 22, Noel's mother, Cindy, her husband and six children got on a plane and travelled to India, Spencer said, adding Noel was not with them, NBC News quoted police as saying.

Authorities have issued warrants for the arrest of Cindy and her husband Singh on felony charges of abandoning and endangering a child.

They are trying for the extradition of the couple from India, where they fled in March, days after police began investigating an anonymous tip that Noel had been missing since November.

We are working with our federal partners and they are engaged with us. They're on the case working side by side. As we get more information, we will update," the police said.

"We rely on our relationship with international agencies. When they have information to share back with us, they'll obviously communicate that with us, but they're working on it,  Spencer said in response to a question on status update with the Indian government.

He said the circumstantial evidence, paired with interviews and work that has eliminated all other possibilities, has led police to believe that Noel is dead.

Investigators came to the conclusion that Noel was likely dead after disproving multiple lies regarding his whereabouts told by Cindy.

The lies include that the boy was in Mexico with his biological father or aunt and that he had been sold to a stranger at a local grocery fiesta market parking lot.

However, thanks to technology interviews, search warrants and the assistance of authorities in Mexico, investigators verified each one of these claims. Throughout the investigation, we learned that Cindy had been known to be abusive and neglectful," Spencer said.

He said investigators learned through interviews that Cindy referred to Noel as evil, possessed or having a demon in him and believed he would harm the twins.

Relatives and witnesses stated that food and water were often withheld from Noel because Cindy did not like changing Noel's dirty diapers. A relative even witnessed Cindy strike Noel in the face with keys because he drank water, he said.

When Noel was last seen, he was described as appearing unhealthy and malnourished, Spencer said.

Authorities previously disclosed Noel was born prematurely and had several physical disabilities and developmental disorders.

They also described his mother as having an extensive criminal history and explained she was the subject of a previous investigation by Child Protective Services, the New York Post reported.

The pair are believed to have fled to Singh's home country of India before the warrants were issued, it said.

The City of Everman plans to hold a candlelight vigil for Noel at 8:30 pm on Monday at the Everman Civic Center.

On November 1 last year, Cindy obtained passport photographs of all the children living with her except for Noel. The next day, she applied for passports for herself and all six of the children except for Noel.

Investigators continue to work tirelessly to comb through all of the electronic data and other information that has been obtained through a multitude of search warrants.

"We have not located any information that would suggest the child has been sold for traffic. We have additionally been able to disprove stories that Noel was given to other family members, Spencer said.

Although the course of this investigation has changed our commitments, we will continue to fight for Noel," he asserted.

The following steps in the investigation will be to try to determine possible locations to search for the boy's remains.

"We are engaging with several experts and highly qualified organisations to assist us in this venture. Some organised searches have already begun and are expected to continue in the coming days," Spencer said.

The couple lived mostly in a converted shed in the backyard of their home on Wisteria Drive.

Noel and some of his siblings mostly stayed in bedrooms in the main house, according to homeowner Charles Parson.

Investigators thoroughly searched the property, including digging under a concrete patio that Cindy paid to have installed. But the search has not led to evidence of Noel's location, police said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
ALBANY  The week passed in Albany without a state budget agreement, increasing the likelihood that on Monday, lawmakers will need to pass another stopgap bill to keep state government running.

The budget was due April 1, and two days later, the Legislature passed an extender bill introduced by Gov. Kathy Hochul, ensuring that state workers keep getting paid through Monday.

Stopgap keeps Albany running as debate flares over emissions standard With a deadline looming, the New York State Legislature passed a stopgap measure on Monday keeping state government running while lawmakers iron out a late budget agreement with Gov. Kathy Hochul.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has more recently issued a letter to Hochul stating that another extender needed to be passed by noon Monday to avoid any possible delay in 87,000 state employees getting paid.

There is another deadline that could incentivize the Legislatures passage of a budget: According to DiNapoli, state law requires his office to withhold salary payments to state legislators after March 31 if a budget is not in place. Lawmakers will not be paid until a final budget is passed. Their next payroll date is April 12.

Hochul made a surprise stop to the area room in the Capitol on Wednesday where legislative reporters work, bearing thin mint cookies for the media members present. She did not share any major revelations about how the process was unfolding, but expressed a willingness to go further past the April 1 budget deadline, if necessary.

Hochul unlikely to push bail change in stopgap budget bill, one Dem says Because the State Legislature is required to pass the stopgap budget "extender" without making any changes, Republicans in Albany are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to use her leverage to include bail reform language in the bill.

We passed the first deadline. We're looking at this again on Monday, of course, but it's more important to get it right, Hochul said. Im committed to getting it right.

Hochul said Wednesday that talks with legislative leaders were making progress, and she hoped to have a deal done within a week. Rank-and-file lawmakers were largely absent from the Capitol this week, and Hochul cited the Passover and Easter holidays as barriers to reaching a deal.

Hochul has dug in on several priorities that have been resisted by the Legislature, which is controlled by fellow Democrats.

Particularly contentions has been Hochuls effort to amend a 2019 law that got rid of bail for misdemeanors and most nonviolent felony charges. Hochul  who also made amending the law a top priority in 2022 budget negotiations  this year is trying to change a provision she believes creates confusion for judges deciding whether to set bail for criminal defendants.

Members of the Legislature, opposed to weakening the 2019 law, held a news conference near Rikers Island in New York City this week, where they argued defendants would unnecessarily suffer at the jail if the law were tweaked.

Stalled by bail and housing, Albany budget negotiations drag past deadline State lawmakers were all but certain to miss a midnight Friday deadline to pass an on-time budget, the negotiations stalled by two contentious items at the top of Gov. Kathy Hochuls agenda: bail reform and housing growth.

Hochuls other big-ticket item is a plan to build 800,000 units of housing in New York over a decade. At issue is an aspect that would allow developers to bypass local zoning restrictions if housing growth did not occur quickly enough in a given locality. Under the plan, every upstate municipality would have to grow its existing housing stock by 1% every three years.

Hochul has been trying to sell the plan to local elected officials, such as a group recently on Long Island, to let them know that her plan has been mischaracterized.

The result is going to be allowing us to keep up with New Jersey and Connecticut and Philadelphia and Washington area, where they actually never had barriers to growth, Hochul said. We have an opportunity to put the state in a whole new stratosphere in terms of being welcoming to people  affordable, allowing businesses and families to thrive here.

The Assembly and Senate scrapped Hochuls idea in their one-house budget proposals in mid-March. Instead, legislative Democrats want to provide $500 million in incentives for local governments to hit growth goals. But supporters of Hochuls plan say that, especially for affluent suburbs prone to resisting new development, the incentive will not work.

Hochul also mentioned her environmental agenda as a top priority, an agenda that saw a notable reversal this week.

Proposal seeks to end Albany's annual fight over imperiled 'safety net' hospitals In the final days of state budget negotiations, more than a dozen Democrats in the State Senate have begun pushing a proposal that would upend how hospitals serving large numbers of low-income patients are funded.

On Monday, two top administration officials concerning environmental matters engaged in a round of interviews and wrote on op-ed, pushing for a change in how New York calculates greenhouse gas emissions. But by Wednesday, the administration had backed off pushing the matter in the state budget process.

New York and one other state  Maryland  use a 20-year timeline to account for the impact of methane gas on global warming. Other states, as well as the federal government, use a 100-year timeline, and the Hochul administration favored going to 100 years.

Hochul has proposed a cap and invest" program by which large-scale greenhouse gas emitters  as well as distributors of heating and transportation fuels  would be required to purchase allowances for the emissions associated with their activities. That plan is expected to be included in the final state budget agreement.

The Hochul administration also examined what the auction price would be for emitters based on the 20-year accounting method, and determined that when passed on to consumers, the cost could be exorbitant, according to Basil Seggos, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation. In a Monday interview with The News, he cited a possible 60-cent increase in the cost of gasoline per gallon, and that gas heating could go up at least 80%.

But the late-budget proposal sparked fierce resistance among key Democrats in the Legislature.

Bail and a billionaire at issue in Albany budget talks At a news conference last Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul stated that, "Protecting New Yorkers is my No. 1 priority. Full stop."

On Wednesday, Seggos and Doreen Harris, president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, made their own visit to the Legislative Correspondents Association to state they were no longer seeking to change the 20-year standard within the state budget process.

Instead, Hochul will continue to push the initiative outside the budget process, although by doing so, the administration will have significantly less leverage.

Seggos noted that even absent the standard's shift, Hochuls budget proposal included a rebate program that is expected to drive more than $1 billion in future cap-and-invest proceeds to New Yorkers every year, mitigating consumer costs.
Beijing [China], April 8 (ANI): The 15th meeting of the Foreign Secretary-level bilateral diplomatic consultation mechanism between Nepal and China was held at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing on Friday. In the meeting, emphasis on the timely implementation of Chinese investment projects, silence on BRI, and discussions on GDI were concluded, Pardafas reported.

After Nepal did not take any official interest in China's ambitious project Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the military alliance Global Security Initiative (GSI), it has put forward a plan to expand its influence in Nepal through the Global Development Initiative (GDI) launched by President Xi Jinping. Which is taken positively by Nepal as a humanitarian aid and development program. China informed the Nepali side about the importance of GDI in the meeting on Friday.

Also Read | Pakistan: Suspicious Afghan Man Sneaks Into PM Shehbaz Sharif's House Despite Tight Security.

After the meeting, in a statement released by the Nepali Embassy on Friday evening, Nepal requested China to facilitate the export of Nepali products to China. The Chinese side has promised to provide all possible support for the development and prosperity of Nepal, Pardafas reported.

In the statement issued by the embassy, there is no mention of whether or not the issue of BRI was discussed. It is mentioned that both sides have agreed to implement the Chinese grant projects in Nepal promptly.

Also Read | Ukraine Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova To Visit India on April 9, Likely To Seek Humanitarian Aid for Her Country.

Economic partnership, trade promotion, investment and tourism, connectivity building, agriculture, education, cultural and people-to-people relations between the two countries were discussed in the five-hour-long meeting, Pardafas reported.

In the meeting, the Nepali delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Bharatraj Paudyal and the Chinese delegation was led by Sun Weidong, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Shrestha, Joint Secretary of the Northeast Division of Foreign Affairs, Lok Bahadur Thapa.

In the meeting, the Chinese Deputy Minister expressed happiness that Nepal's continuous stance towards the One China Policy and the five principles of peaceful coexistence are being respected. Foreign Secretary Paudyal reiterated Nepal's stance towards the one-China policy, Pardafas reported.

Foreign Secretary Paudyal appreciated the Chinese policy of always non-interference and respecting Nepal's sovereignty, geographical integrity and political independence. In a statement released by the Nepali Embassy, all aspects of Nepal-China relations and cooperation issues were reviewed in the meeting between the two parties. There was also a discussion on the issue of continuing the exchange of visits between the two countries.

"In the meeting, it was agreed that various infrastructure development projects being built with the help of Chinese grants and the projects contracted by the Chinese should be completed on time," the statement issued after the meeting said, Pardafas reported.

Foreign Secretary Paudyal proposed to help Nepal's primary products be exported to China to reduce Nepal's trade deficit with China. He requested to create an environment for the export of tea, coffee, herbs, buffalo meat and agricultural products to China. The Chinese side has responded positively.

The Chinese Deputy Minister also promised to encourage Chinese investors to invest in areas of mutual interest in Nepal. Foreign Secretary Paudyal praised China for including Nepal in the list of foreign destinations for group tourism.

"The two sides also discussed promoting public relations and cultural cooperation, increasing the number of scholarships for Nepali students and professionals in China, increasing the capacity of technical experts of Nepal," said the statement of the Nepali Embassy, Pardafas reported.

In the meeting, it was also agreed to cooperate between the two countries in the United Nations and multilateral forums and mutually support each other's candidacy. They also discussed issues including cooperation in the implementation of sustainable development goals. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Taipei [Taiwan], April 8 (ANI): Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday in a veiled warning to China said that pressure and obstacles will not let the island country stop engaging with the world, reported Taiwan News.

"The world had seen how the people stood even closer together when facing pressure and threats, and that being subject to pressure and obstacles did not stop Taiwan from conducting exchanges with the global community," she said.

Also Read | Pakistan: Tribals Attack Police Station Over Relative's Death Inside Jail in Sindh Province.

Notably, Tsai returned from a 10-day trip which included a historic meeting with House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the United States and visits to allies Guatemala and Belize.

During a short address at Taoyuan International Airport, she said her trip had served to make the international community notice Taiwan, reported Taiwan News.

Also Read | What Is Hikikomori? All You Need To Know About Phenomenon That Prompted 1.5 Million People To Live As Recluses in Japan.

Tsai mentioned how three years of the COVID-19 pandemic had not affected cooperation with Taiwan's diplomatic allies, per UDN.

She mentioned how a hospital project in Guatemala had been completed during that period, while the living standards of people in Belize had improved.

Tsai also mentioned the expressions of support for democracy she had received in person from the president of Guatemala, the governor-general of Belize, and members of the US Senate and House of Representatives.

She ended her news conference by thanking Taiwanese communities overseas, reported Taiwan News.

Earlier, McCarthy reaffirmed the strong partnership between Taiwan and the US, and their commitment to safeguarding regional stability, following their meeting in California on Wednesday, reported Taipei Times.

"I believe our bond is stronger now than at any time or point in my lifetime," McCarthy told a joint news conference with Tsai following a two-hour closed-door meeting at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

The meeting was also attended by a bipartisan group of US lawmakers. It was the first meeting between a Taiwanese president and a US House speaker on US soil, and the third since Washington severed formal diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979.

Tsai told the news conference that the presence of bipartisan lawmakers at the meeting and their unwavering support reassures the Taiwanese that "we are not isolated, and we are not alone," reported Taipei Times.

Taiwan's peace and democracy, which it has worked hard to build and maintain, are facing "unprecedented challenges," Tsai said.

Wednesday's meeting took place eight months after McCarthy's predecessor, then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, visited Taipei in August last year and met with Tsai at the Presidential Office.

Pelosi's visit was the first by a sitting US House speaker since a trip by Newt Gingrich in 1997. It prompted China to launch week-long large-scale military drills around Taiwan, and suspend the imports of dozens of Taiwanese agricultural and food products.

Beijing has raised objections to the meeting between Tsai and McCarthy.

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Mao Ning earlier this week told a news briefing that Beijing would "take resolute measures" to protect its national interests should the two meet, reported Taipei Times. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Ayodhya, April 8: Thousands of Shiv Sainiks are expected to accompany Eknath Shinde on his visit to Ayodhya on Sunday, his first such visit after being sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra in June last year. Almost all hotels, guest houses and dharamshalas in the temple town have been booked to accommodate Shiv Sena ministers, MPs and MLAs who will arrive in Ayodhya on Saturday.

Shiv Sainiks are also expected to reach Ayodhya in special trains a day before Shinde to welcome him. The Shiv Sena has prepared a plan to highlight Shinde's visit to Ayodhya across the country. Savarkar Gaurav Yatra: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Takes Part in BJP-Shiv Sena's Rally in Thane (Watch Video).

According to the official programme issued by the Maharashtra government, Shinde will reach Lucknow on Saturday evening and stay there for the night. On Sunday morning, he will reach Ayodhya by helicopter and land at the banks of the Saryu river.

Maharashtra Chief Minister's spokesperson Viraj Mulaye told PTI, "The Maharashtra chief minister will be arriving in Lucknow on Saturday and will visit Ayodhya on Sunday, where he will offer prayers at the Hanumangarhi temple and the Ram temple. He will also see the ongoing construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and perform the evening 'aarti' on the banks of the Saryu river."

"He will also meet the seers of Ayodhya and address a press conference. He will return to Mumbai on Sunday after finishing all his scheduled programmes in Ayodhya," Mulaye said. Shinde will spend about nine hours in the temple town. He had said on Friday that Ayodhya was a place of utmost faith for him and his supporters.

Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray wanted to see a grand Ram temple come up in Ayodhya, the chief minister said as he flagged off a special train carrying Shiv Sainiks to the temple town amid chants of 'Jai Shri Ram'. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde To Visit Ram Temple in Ayodhya on April 9.

The special train was beautifully decorated with a 'Chalo Ayodhya' board mounted in the front. Another train carrying Shiv Sainiks left for Ayodhya from Nashik, Shinde told reporters.

In all, more than 3,000 devotees have left for the temple town in these two trains, which will reach the final destination on Saturday, he had said. Earlier, Shinde had visited Ayodhya as a Shiv Sena leader on November 25, 2018, a year before the Supreme Court announced the verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute. He also visited Ayodhya in March 2020 and June last year.
A report by Germany's t-online claims the German government is planning to spend around 2.1 billion on expensive renovations and new office space for government employees.The German government is planning construction projects that could cost at least 2.1 billion ($2.3 billion), according to the t-online news portal.

Also Read | Tej Pratap Yadav Has To Leave Varanasi Hotel After Staff Shift Bihar Ministers Belongings to Reception; Case Registered (Watch Video).

Renovation is planned for the buildings of the Chancellery, the Finance Ministry, the Environment Ministry and the Bundestag Visitors' Center.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Launches Host of Mega-Projects in Telangana, Tamil Nadu in Mega Developmental Push.

Most of the construction is geared towards creating additional office space for new government employees, according to t-online. The news portal reported that the German government has added 700 civil servant posts since the start of the current mandate in December 2021.

How much are the construction projects going to cost?

The latest estimate for the cost of the renovation of the Bundestag Visitors' Center is around 200 million, t-online reported.

Additionally, a new, large arch-shaped building is being added to the Chancellery, costing around 777 million. It is reportedly set to house about 400 offices and include a kindergarten and a helipad.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the Free Democrats (FDP) recently suggested building "affordable housing" instead.

Another 13 million is earmarked for an office building which will be used by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his staff while his usual residence undergoes renovation.

A plan for the expansion of the Environment Ministry is set to cost 240 million. Employees of the Berlin House of Representatives are set to be moved there.

A new ministerial building is set to be built in central Berlin, costing 200 million. Another 12 buildings are set to be built for government employees in Bonn, the former capital of West Germany, which still functions as a base for some parts of the federal government.

A Finance Ministry spokesperson told t-online that the projects were being re-examined since the COVID-19 pandemic due to the reduced need for office space.

Lindner points to budget deficit

Lawmakers from the conservative bloc of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), have voiced their opposition to the continued construction.

CSU Secretary-General Martin Huber accused the government of "squandering billions" on what he called "unnecessary show-off projects."

Christian Haase, the conservative bloc's budgetary spokesperson, said that Germany's federal budget was facing a "structural imbalance."

"Where it's justifiable, a construction freeze should not be taboo," he said.

Also on Saturday, Finance Minister Christian Lindner told the Rheinische Post newspaper that Berlin will need to introduce austerity measures.

"Politicians have to relearn to manage with the money that the citizens generate," said Lindner.

The minister said that Germany will have a budget deficit of 14-18 billion next year, with revenues of 424 billion.

Lindner said that every single budget allocation would have to be discussed and justified amid the deficit.

In response to the comments, SPD budgetary spokesperson Dennis Rohde told the DPA news agency: "What money is spent on in Germany is ultimately decided by the German parliament and not by the finance minister."

Germany's government  which is made up of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens and Lindner's FDP  is behind schedule on deciding on a budget for 2024 due to factional disagreements within the coalition.

German Press Agency material contributed to this report.

Edited by: Darko Janjevic

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 09, 2023 01:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Haveri, April 8: A 17-year-old teenager has been taken into custody on the charges of stabbing her fiance in neck on the pretext of making reels in Karnataka's Haveri district, police said on Saturday.

The incident occurred near Om Public School on the outskirts of Ranebennur town. Seriously injured victim, identified as Devendra Gouda, was rushed to a private hospital and his condition is said to be serious. Bengaluru Shocker: Man Stabs Colleague With Scissor After He Refused To Show Wife on Video Call.

According to police, as the girl was in love with somebody else, she planned to attack Gouda, with whom she got engaged on March 3. The girl invited Gouda to a park and told him that she wants give him a gift. Mumbai Shocker: Ex-Army Man Stabs Second Wife to Death in Front of Minor Son Over Petty Issue in Ghatkopar, Roams Market With Murder Weapon; Surrenders Before Cops.

Under the garb of giving him gift, she tied Gouda's hands, asked him to close his eyes, and stabbed him in the neck. Gouda's parents have lodged a complaint against the girl with Halageri police station. Investigation is on.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 08, 2023 03:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday (April 8) accorded the Guard of Honour on her arrival at Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam. She will make a sortie on the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft. She has been on a three-day visit to Assam, starting from Friday. Padma Awards 2023: President Droupadi Murmu Presents Padma Bhushan Award to Professor Deepak Dhar, Winner of Boltzmann Medal (Watch Video).

President Murmu Accorded Guard of Honor

#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu accorded Guard of Honour on her arrival at Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam President Murmu will make a sortie on the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft today. pic.twitter.com/FkbypK23QO  ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023

Sukhoi 30 MKI Fighter Aircraft

#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu will make a sortie on the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft today; Visuals from Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam pic.twitter.com/CBBFmdlwQt  ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023

Minutes Before Sitting in Plane

#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu to take sortie on the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam pic.twitter.com/DXjG3kieut  ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023

Sukhoi 30 MKI Fighter Aircraft Takes Off

#WATCH | Assam: President Droupadi Murmu takes sortie on the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft pic.twitter.com/jtRVsFR2X2 ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, in Seville is a "man's affair," as one local puts it. But outside the regional capital, women have long taken on other than traditional roles in the epic Easter procession.In Seville, you can smell "Semana Santa" before it arrives. In the lead-up to the holiday, also known as Holy Week, the smell of burning incense lingers in the air on street corners, a trademark scent of the spectacular Easter processions that will take place this year between April 2 and 6. Tens of thousands of visitors flock to the capital of the province of Andalusia each year to take it all in.

Also Read | Pakistan: Terrorists Attack With Hand Grenade in Swabi, Waziristan District; Two Cops Killed.

Observant Catholics come to offer their devotion, non-believers come to marvel at the floats, immense structures laden with flowers and religious statues, and carried on the aching shoulders of a lucky chosen few, the "costaleros" or float bearers.

Also Read | China Launches Military Drills Around Taiwan After Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wens Visit to US.

"It's an honour, a source of pride," Jose Gonzalez, a long-time "costalero," explained at a rehearsal in Seville's Omnium Sanctorum Church. In the roughly seven hours it takes 45 men to slowly walk a 1,800-kilogram float with a statue of Jesus Christ to the city cathedral and back, they serve as "the feet of God, as Gonzalez puts it.

Female float bearers to the rescue

In Seville, this physically gruelling task is only entrusted to men at present. Demand for a spot like Gonzalez's under a float is extremely high. Many contenders miss out.

But elsewhere, like in the tiny town of La Campana just 50 minutes drive away, women have been taking up float bearer roles for almost 30 years.

In 1993, one of the community's five brotherhoods  the religious bodies that organize Holy Week  were short on men. Local women decided to step up and they have never looked back, Reyes Zarapico, the elder sister (highest-ranking member) of the brotherhood, told DW. Now and then they've been short on women but thankfully not this year, she explained.

"The men were hoping that there wouldn't be enough women so that they could get under the float again," Zarapico, 43, told DW in La Campana "But there are no problems at all."

It's like childbirth'

Maricarmen Silva, 43 and the longest-serving "costalera" in the town with over 20 years experience, finds it hard to sum up just how profound an experience their four-hour procession is. "It's like childbirth, when the mother is exhausted but then she sees the child and it all melts away," she says.

This year, many young female float bearers in La Campana are taking part for the first time. Like Andrea Calzada, who's just 16. She stepped in for her mother, who had to pull out after a traffic accident. "I've been happy in this environment since I was a little girl," Calzada told DW. "I used to come with my mother to rehearsals, and it is something I always dreamed of doing, since I was smallThis is my family."

Heroes of Seville

It's hard to overstate how deeply embedded Holy Week, or "Semana Santa," traditions are in Andalusian culture. The holiday is observed throughout Spain but is chiefly associated with its southernmost region, and particularly the capital city, Seville. For one week, the city grinds to a halt as the narrow streets throng with parades and onlookers.

Float bearers occupy a special place in the public imagination and are linked with a sort of masculine ideal, according to Pilar Fernandez, who is now a social worker but spent time observing the city's float bearers as an anthropologist interested in masculinity.

Until the 1970s, float bearers were typically dock workers paid by the brotherhoods to lift the heavy loads while these days, it is more or less a voluntary role. The name "costalero" derives from the "costal," or sack, worn on the head as a buffer against the float.

"When the 'costalero' goes to the bar after practice, he keeps his sack under his arm. He has public favor, he's kind of a hero," Fernandez told DW on the phone.

Many float bearers, particularly in the regional capital, are deeply and sincerely religious, seeing their physical service as a type of penance or an opportunity for spiritual reflection. The training sessions also result in close social bonds forming, Fernandez said. There is a martial atmosphere, but at the same time men help dress each other in their head gear, and can express a certain intimacy or vulnerability, she explained.

The traditional role of women during Holy Week is behind the scenes, according to Fernandez, although these days many also take part in the procession as Nazerenes, the cone-headed, masked penitents. Historically, women would prepare sandwiches for the Nazarenes, make clothes for the float bearers or dress religious icons.

Twenty years ago, when she carried out her research, Fernandez asked one leader of the float bearers, whose role was to shout out instructions from outside the float, what would happen if there weren't enough men. "He told me more or less that he would put it on wheels before he saw women carry it," she recounted.

The last bastion

Despite the attitude of this particular man, women do become float bearers elsewhere. So why not in Seville?

One local with a few theories on this is 82-year-old Maruja Vilches. In 1985, she was one of the first five women to take part in the city procession as a Nazarene. "Seville had no idea," she explained. The women kept their masks and robes on so the secret didn't get out.

Later, in 2012, she was the first woman elected to lead a Seville brotherhood in their centuries of history, serving as elder sister. "There was more astonishment than resistance," she recalled.

For Vilches, it's not down to sexism that there are no female float bearers in her city. It's about supply and demand. "If Seville needed more float bearers, women would step up. But if a brotherhood is looking for one, men fill the street waiting."

Nonetheless, Vilches sees the need for change: "Holy Week in Seville is a man's affair, that's for sure."

Andrea Calzada, the 16-year-old from La Campana, would like to see more women carrying the precious floats.

"I think women should go for it," she said. "We should show how we can parade the statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary like we deserve, that it's not only something for men."

Edited by: Andreas Illmer

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 08, 2023 09:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information on the disappearance of an American mechanic named Edgar "Polvos" Perez Chairez. The Mexico kidnapping victim was taken in broad daylight on a street corner in Mexicali, Baja California in January.

According to the FBI's official database, the money will be rewarded to anybody with information leading to the recovery of the American citizen, as well as "the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible."

The FBI says Perez has "several tattoos throughout his arms and body," including "a tattoo on the right side of his neck, the word Angelina on his right wrist, and the word Antonio on his left wrist." He is around 5'5" in height and around 187 pounds and is a Hispanic man that speaks both Spanish and English.

Perez also has ties to Brawley and Calexico, California, and Mexicali, Mexico. The FBI says any information leading to his rescue can be sent to any local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, the Sand Diego field office, or tips.fbi.gov. Tips can also be submitted via phone to 1-800-CALL-FBI.

How Edgar "Polvos" Perez Chairez Was Kidnapped in Mexicali

Perez, a 35-year-old auto mechanic, was grabbed by unidentified suspects on January 4 near the corner of Tabasco Avenue and Chilpancingo Street in Mexicali, the capital city of Baja California, Mexico.

Fox News reported that a white, late-model Ford F-150 is "believed to be involved" in this specific Mexico kidnapping incident. There is still no word on which exact group is involved in the mechanic's abduction.

READ MORE: Mexico: Teen Boy 'El Chapito' Arrested for Drug-Related Killings of 8 People

Reports say that shortly before he was reported missing, Perez was seen leaving home in the Pueblo Nuevo neighborhood of Mexicali, Baja California, driving a red Honda CRV. This was the last time his family knew where he was.

Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico Is No Stranger to Cartel Violence

The abduction of the American citizen happened in Mexicali, which is near Tijuana. The area has recently been plagued by drug cartel activities, and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico has previously issued travel advisories in the area before.

The most harrowing example happened last year when the Jalisco New Generation Cartel issued a curfew in Tijuana and warned residents to go home or risk being attacked, making the area almost a ghost town. According to the Los Angeles Times, this forced the Mexican government to send hundreds of military troops and special forces to the area.

Other cartels operating in the area include the notorious Tijuana Cartel, which also operates in Mexicali. It has since aligned itself with the CJNG and renamed itself the Cartel Tijuana Nueva Generacion (New Generation Tijuana Cartel). It was previously aligned with the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO).

The cartel was a result of the breakup of the Guadalajara Cartel, which also led to the formation of the Juarez Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel. However, the Tijuana Cartel was considered the weakest of the three.

READ NEXT: Mexico: Military Finds 1.8 Million Fentanyl Pills in Tijuana

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Migrants In Mexico Targeted By Kidnappers - NBC News
A California dermatologist was indicted for allegedly poisoning her husband. Yue "Emily" Yu was caught by her husband on a nanny cam pouring a "Drano-like" cleaner into his morning tea in an attempt to kill him.

Law&Crime reported that the California dermatologist was indicted on charges of poisoning and domestic abuse.

Her husband of 10 years, Jack Chen, alleged years of abuse by his wife and her mother at their home in Irvine City in Orange County, California.

An attorney, who is speaking on Chen's behalf, called the allegations insidious. Lawter Steven Hittleman told Law&Crime that Yu wanted Chen to suffer, adding that this is just "another form of domestic violence she used against him."

However, Yu's attorney, Scott Simmons, argued that the kitchen in the family home had an ant problem, and Chen staged such events to take advantage of his wife in divorce court.

Simmons said Chen claimed to have sustained injuries by drinking the Drano, but medical evidence is inconsistent with him having consumed the liquid drain cleaner.

Yu's attorney went on to say that the injuries were attributable to a benign condition of GERD.

READ NEXT: California Woman Dismembered, Killed by 'Snapchat' Guy Who Googled 'How to Be a Serial Killer'

California Dermatologist Indicted

Court documents noted that Jack Chen has videos of three separate occasions of his wife "pouring Drano," which was taken from under their kitchen sink and started pouring it into his lemonade.

In one of the videos, Chen said his hot lemonade was covered with plastic wrap. He noted that it then shows Yu taking the liquid drain cleaner from under the sink, removing the cover, and pouring it, CNN reported.

He went on to accuse his wife that she then replaced the cellophane and placed the liquid drain cleaner back. Chen has turned over samples of the tea he was drinking to the Irvin Police Department.

It was then later turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for testing, which confirmed that the substance was consistent with the liquid drain cleaner.

Steven Hittleman said Chen has physically recovered from the injuries from the poison. Chen was diagnosed with two stomach ulcers, gastritis, and inflammation of his esophagus.

California Dermatologist Poisoning Husband

According to DA's office, Jack Chen started setting up the camera in early April 2022 when he tasted something "strange" in his drinks daily.

NBC News reported that the cameras caught what Chen alleged was poisoning. Yue "Emily" Yu could face a sentence of eight years and eight months if convicted. She will be arraigned on April 18.

Yu was arrested in August after suspicions of poisoning were reported to the police. However, she went free a day after posting a $30,000 bond.

Yu and Chen have been involved in a child custody dispute since last year, with Yu having recently filed to have him financially support her. Yu claimed that she has been unable to work since the allegations surfaced.

Chen claimed in a restraining order he filed that both their children have suffered "physical, verbal, and emotional abuse" at the hands of Yu and their maternal grandmother.

READ MORE: California Family Killed Toddler by Performing Horrifying Church Exorcism Together, DA Says

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: California Doctor Charged With Poisoning Husband With Drain Cleaner - From NBC News




Amid the ongoing feud between Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega, and the Roman Catholic Church, the government limits Holy Week celebrations.

According to the Associated Press, the government's ban on public demonstrations has forced Roman Catholics to hold traditional "Stations of the Cross" and other Holy Week processions on church grounds or inside churches on Good Friday, which recalls the death of Jesus and his seven last words on the cross.

Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes, the Archbishop of Managua, told AP that the celebrations were held throughout the country "near the churches."

However, he also admitted that these celebrations were not as intense as in the past years or before the Ortega administration cracked down on all dissents and targeted the Roman Catholic Church.

One of the faithful who attended these processions inside the churches also told AP that Holy Week celebrations were better in the past as they were able to do processions on the streets of the capital. "It was better before because it was freer," German Miranda told the outlet.

Like many in the country, Miranda admitted that he hoped the government and the Church could "reconcile, to give us a better future."

READ NEXT: Nicaraguans Fleeing From Daniel Ortega Administration Posts Challenge for Costa Rica's Asylum System

Daniel Ortega's Wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, Lashes Out at Catholics Complaining

Like other majority-Catholic countries, Nicaragua often takes Holy Week seriously. However, this year was different, and many Nicaraguans were complaining about the restrictions being done.

During Maundy Thursday, Vice President Rosario Murillo, the wife of Daniel Ortega, lashed out against those who were complaining, according to The Hill.

"We see it as part of a manipulation by those who do not believe in God, who do not live as Christians, who do not know how to be respectful or show solidarity," she said in her weekly address.

Since the 2018 anti-government protests, the Ortega administration has been feuding with the Roman Catholic Church for reportedly hiding protesters during the bloody suppression that happened soon after the demonstrations.

Since then, the administration expelled missionaries, sent priests to exile, and even imprisoned Bishop Rolando Alvarez, one of Ortega's biggest critics.

The government also stripped Alvarez of his Nicaraguan citizenship and shut down the Catholic radio stations that he was running.

Nicaragua Deports a Roman Catholic Priest from Panama for Holding a Procession

While Nicaragua was observing Holy Week, the government deported a Panamanian priest named Donaciano Alarcon. The priest was accused of holding an Easter week procession and attempting to "stir up the people."

According to the New Haven Register, Alarcon was celebrating Mass in the rural town of Cusmapa when police arrived and forced him into a patrol vehicle.

He was then driven to the border with Honduras and forced to cross, telling him that he was not allowed back into the country.

The priest denied he held any processions as they were prohibited. Alarcon is just the latest priest to be expelled from Nicaragua. The Vatican has already closed its embassy in the country because of the row.

READ MORE: Pope Francis Worried For Nicaragua After Bishop's Arrest

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Nicaraguan Regime Bans Holy Week Processions - From ROME REPORTS in English
As Buffalo-Niagaras residents approach the one-year anniversary of the racist murders of 10 people at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue, it is abundantly clear that thousands of our neighbors continue to struggle with the trauma of that day.

Layer on the horrors of the Christmas weekend blizzard, the deaths in fires of Lisa Liggins and her five young grandchildren, Dr. Jonathan Daniels and two of his daughters, and firefighter Jason Arno, and these are highly traumatic times for our region. The isolation and fear the Covid pandemic generated only compounds our residents vulnerability.

That is why we convened a panel of trauma experts representing diverse perspectives on March 29 to discuss the reality of todays traumas, and plan accelerated responses and resources. More than 600 people attended the session, either in person or watched it online, with word spreading daily about the panels dynamism, compassion and guidance. This can be viewed on the Mental Health Advocates of WNY Facebook page.

Thirteen organizations came together to discuss community trauma and its effects on our neighbors. These ranged from state and county mental health department heads to leaders from BestSelf Behavioral Health, Buffalo Urban League, Crisis Services, Endeavor Health, Horizon Health Services, Jericho Road Community Health Center, Say Yes to Education Buffalo, and Spectrum Health & Human Services. Their message was stark, with underlying hope. The traumas of 2020-22, especially the blizzard and the May 14 murders, continue to impact tens of thousands of people.

The panelists, hosted by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, agreed that while efforts are underway to improve access to healthy food, provide quality housing in East Buffalo, and reduce the social determinants of health, much more is needed to help people cope with our collective trauma. We need a plan.

While there is superb collaboration between Say Yes and the Buffalo Public Schools, for instance, what after-school programs can be expanded? How can we educate immigrants and refugees about what to do when power goes out or medicine is inaccessible? How do county and state governments focus resources where they are actually needed?

There was much discussion about empathy, about creating simple human connection. Recognize that your co-worker, your friend, your relative, may be dealing with trauma. Reach out. Be human. Offer to listen. Offer to help. And seek and share information to help yourself. A resource guide is available here.

These 13 groups, and others, have been in the community since the afternoon of May 14. But they need reinforcements. The region needs more clinicians of color to best understand the Black and brown experience in Buffalo. We must work our darndest, all of us, to ease this trauma of community, of neighborhoods, of each of us.

Melinda DuBois is executive director of Mental Health Advocates of Western New York. Michael Ball is vice president for community affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York.
For years our legal system has been questioned about arrests. The judicial system certainly has its faults. As there have been questionable arrests over the years based on race, religion and creed. But objectively speaking, the legal course must prevail. Our 45th president is no different than any of us when it comes to due course. This indictment is not about political stances or retribution. Its about a grand jury looking at evidence and finding there is not enough evidence to indict. Thats precisely why a grand jury was appointed. Which was to relieve any political attachment to this once in lifetime proceeding.
UPDATE: Officer shot in Phillipsburg released from hospital, police did not fire, investigators say

A Phillipsburg police officer was shot and wounded by a man who had just shot a woman in an apparent domestic violence incident, and the suspect is dead, Warren County officials said on Saturday.

At around 1:15 p.m., New Jersey State Police with Phillipsburg and Easton police converged on Hanover Street, a small side street off South Main Street beside the Kenneth Red Vandegrift Bridge.

The female victim was shot in the torso, and was found by responding police on the sidewalk along Hanover Street, Warren County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer said.

The male suspect then fired at a responding town police officer, with the first round fired striking the male officer in the leg just outside his vehicle and through the vehicles door, according to Pfeiffer.

The deceased suspect suffered what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Pfeiffer said. After initially describing an exchange of gunfire with the suspect, Pfeiffer later Saturday said police did not fire any rounds.

Obviously its an active crime scene at this time, Pfeiffer said about 3:15 p.m. The investigation will continue. Once we have more information well certainly release it at that time.

The suspects body could be seen covered with a sheet in the middle of Hanover Street while police investigated the incident.

Both the woman and officer who were shot were flown by medical helicopter for treatment at a nearby Lehigh Valley hospital. Pfeiffer said he did not immediately know the female victims condition but said the officers wound did not appear to be life-threatening.

Authorities did not immediately identify anyone involved.

Mayor Todd Tersigni said from St. Lukes University Hospital in Fountain Hill that he has spoken with the wounded officer, who he said seemed to be in good spirits. Town council members Randy Piazza Jr., Peter Marino, Lee Clark and Keith Kennedy all were at the scene.

OFFICER SHOT - We have had one of our officers shot this afternoon. Please pray for the Phillipsburg officer and the civilian who were both wounded. Both are at St. Lukes Hospital. pic.twitter.com/lumGGqYoGB  New Jersey State PBA (@NJSPBA) April 8, 2023

Editors note: This article was updated to reflect new information from investigators.

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
UPDATE: Police officer and woman shot, suspect dead in Phillipsburg shooting, officials say

Numerous gunshots drew multiple police agencies to the area near South Main Street in Phillipsburg on Saturday afternoon.

At around 1:15 p.m. New Jersey State Police, Phillipsburg and Easton responded to Hanover Street, a small side street beside the Kenneth Red Vandegrift Bridge, on reports of numerous gunshots.

At least one New Jersey State Police helicopter flew into the area.

Warren County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer did not immediately confirm what happened, beyond describing the incident as a shooting.

Phillipsburg resident Tom Burger said he heard several rounds of gunfire from his nearby apartment.

Town Councilman Peter Marino was among those waiting along South Main as the investigation unfolded.

He also wasnt able to confirm what happened but said the incident shows a need for more police officers in town.

This is a sad day for Phillipsburg, Marino said. We need more police.

As the investigation continued, numerous families with young children walked across the bridge back to their cars after an Easter bunny train ride.

Police converged on South Main Street in Phillipsburg on Saturday as witnesses described numerous gunshots fired.

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
A total solar eclipse will cast its shadow across North America one year from now.

When the moon passes in front of the sun on April 8, 2024, the path of totality  where the moon will appear to completely cover the suns face  will extend from Mexico to Canada, passing through the Midwest and Great Lakes, including the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania, in what has been dubbed the Great American Eclipse.

Its path relatively close to the Lehigh Valley means 90% of the sun will be covered when viewed locally, more than in recent solar eclipses in 2017 and 2021. It also means that this will be the best chance for folks here to see a total eclipse within driving distance of home for at least the next two decades.

The "Great American Eclipse" of 2024 will pass through the Great Lakes region, with totality within a few hours drive of the Lehigh Valley  even closer than the total solar eclipse of 2017.AccuWeather

But which direction to go  north or west? That depends on which factors are most important to you. Distance, weather and duration will all be affected by your choice of viewing location.

The time to start planning for trips, lodging and equipment is now, said Marty McGuire, aka the Backyard Astronomy Guy, a NASA Solar System Ambassador in Bethlehem. The most important aspect, though, will be flexibility.

Its a once-in-a-lifetime kind of chance for most folks, said McGuire, who is already planning to take a few days off for a road trip with his telescope and camera. Dont set your plans in stone or youll potentially be disappointed.

Distance

U.S. cities along the path of totality include Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo and Burlington, Vermont.

From Easton, the shortest drive to totality will probably be the Syracuse, New York, area at just over 3 hours, which gets you just inside the total-eclipse zone. Rochester near Lake Ontario is just a little farther, between 4 and 5 hours. Erie is about a 5- or 6-hour drive. Head to Cleveland, Buffalo or Burlington and youre probably in the car 6 hours or more. But imagine seeing a total solar eclipse at Niagara Falls!

Southern Illinois may be a lucky spot: That area saw totality in the 2017 solar eclipse and gets it again for 2024.

Detailed maps of the 2024 eclipse path are available on GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

Weather

The most important  and unpredictable  aspect of astronomical viewing is the weather. Accurate forecasts may not come together until a few days before the event. However, AccuWeather devised a rough idea of the potential for clouds based on historical averages for that time of year.

The April 8, 2024 solar eclipse path of totality will pass within a few hours' drive of the Lehigh Valley, but the Great Lakes region is most likely to have clouds, based on AccuWeather's analysis of historical conditions.AccuWeather

That analysis suggests that the Great Lakes region is most likely to have clouds. That includes just about every point on the path of totality within a days drive of the Lehigh Valley. The best odds for clear weather will be in the Southwest, including most of the path in Texas, according to AccuWeather.

The best way to maximize your odds for cooperative weather: Stay mobile and watch the forecast.

Duration

If you want to add a little time to what is already a fleeting event, heading toward Texas makes sense. The time of total eclipse will be longer there, close to 4 and a half minutes, than in Upstate New York, where it will be a minute or so shorter.

The length of the total eclipse also will vary based on how close you are to the center of the path. Areas on the edge will see a shorter eclipse.

A partial solar eclipse is seen through the clouds at dawn on June 10, 2021, from Washington Township, Northampton County, in the Lehigh Valley's Slate Belt.Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com

If you stay home

Those who stay home in the Lehigh Valley still will get to see 90% of the sun covered, the best the area will see for many years to come. Another total solar eclipse wont cross the U.S. until 2045, then again in 2052. (The Lehigh Valley will one day find itself in the path of totality  but not until 2079.)

Todd Sullivan, another local NASA Solar System Ambassador in Easton, said he already is planning to take the day off from his regular job to hold a public viewing event for the 2024 eclipse. There may be others, as well. During the 2017 total solar eclipse, DaVinci Science Center held a viewing party in Allentown.

Get your gear

Sophia Nelson, 4, of Allentown, watches the solar eclipse Aug. 21, 2017, at Da Vinci Science Center in the city as her mother, Simone, holds her eclipse glasses in place.Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com

Aside from planning an eclipse trip, McGuire said now also is a good time to procure viewing equipment, especially solar glasses, which allow you to look directly at the sun without damaging your eyes. Supplies can run low as demand increases closer to eclipse time.

McGuire and Sullivan are planning exhibits around the solar eclipse at Lehigh Valley Space Fest next month, where families can find out more about the celestial event.

Just trying to be ready for any number of situations, McGuire said of his own plans, along with a million other people.

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Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com.
Unseasonable spring warmth is forecast for the work week in the Lehigh Valley, but the weekend is shaping up as a little cooler than normal, according to the National Weather Service.

At Lehigh Valley International Airport outside Allentown, partly sunny skies are forecast Saturday with a high near 53 and north wind around 5 mph. Saturday night is forecast as mostly cloudy then gradually clearing, with a low around 30 and wind shifting to out of the south at 5 mph becoming calm.

South of the Lehigh Valley, the weather service issued a freeze warning for areas outside of the urban centers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey where the growing season has started.

Christ United Methodist Church of Easton and St. Paul's Lutheran Church host an Easter Sunrise service Sunday, April 8, 2007, at Hay's Cemetery on South Side Easton.Express-Times file photo | Midic Castelletti

Those headed out for sunrise Easter services on Sunday had better bundle up, ahead of sunny skies forecast during the day and a daytime high near 58, with a northeast wind around 5 mph. The overnight low into Monday is forecast around 31 with a calm wind before a warming trend takes hold, according to the weather service forecast for the airport in Hanover Township, Lehigh County.

Clear to mostly clear skies are forecast throughout the week with daytime highs rising from near 65 Monday to the low-to-mid 70s Tuesday and Wednesday and the 80s by Thursday, the weather service says in its Lehigh Valley forecast. Nighttime lows are forecast around 39 Monday into Tuesday then the low-to-mid 50s through Thursday night into Friday.

For this weekend, the normal high/low temperatures in the Lehigh Valley are 60-61/38.

Stay up-to-date with National Weather Service advisories for our region at weather.gov/phi, and visit lehighvalleylive.com/weather for your complete local hourly and five-day forecast from AccuWeather, plus radar.

Skies over the northeastern United States are seen at 8:21 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Saturday, April 8, 2023, in this GeoColor satellite image from the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.CIRA/NOAA

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Free classes in Irish Sign Language are returning to Laois on the double, back by popular demand.

A course that was first given by in Portarlington last year by Laois Offaly Education and Training board (LOETB) and then in Portlaoise last January, is returning for the third time, and expected to fill up quickly.

Hazel Duffy, Community Education officer at LOETB says there is always high demand.

"The course was always very popular, we started it in our center in Portarlington before Christmas and trained 60 people.

"The demand always exceeds the places available. As people applying were from all across Laois, we decided to move it to Portlaoise and now Abbeyleix for those travelling from that side of Laois.

The course is in Irish Sign Language (ISL) and being delivered by "an amazing tutor Jessie".

A 6 Week programme starts on April 18 in Portlaoise institute, from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Another 6 Week programme starts on April 19 in LOETB Abbeyleix, from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Applications will be accepted via a form on the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board Facebook page.

Irish Sign Language is the first and/or preferred language of 5000 Deaf people in Ireland. Approximately 40,000 people in general will communicate in ISL, including family, friends, co-workers. It is also used as a communication tool by non verbal people.
School children from four Laois national schools took part in a nationwide campaign this month to plant a million trees, to combat climate change.

The Laois schools joined over 300 schools from across Ireland to take part in development charity Self Help Africas One Million Trees campaign  planting trees in their local school grounds while supporting a wider initiative to plant trees in Africa, and highlight the impact that climate change is having on poor and vulnerable communities on the African continent.

The local schools tree planting initiative is supported by the Irish National School Teachers Association (INTO), who provided native Irish tree seedlings for distribution to classrooms across the country to support the charity initiative.

Trees were planted in Laois at Rushall NS, Mountrath, Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyleix, Tobar an Leinn N.S., Mountrath, and St Abbans National School, Maganey, to coincide with National Tree Week.

Many of the schools involved also arranged collections and donations to Self Help Africas campaign, which aims to plant One Million Trees in Africa and 100,000 native trees in Ireland each year, to support communities affected by climate change, offset the effects of harmful greenhouse gases, and also highlight the importance and value of tree planting as a means of combatting global warming.

Children are extremely passionate about the environment. Theyre alarmed by the stories that they read and hear about global warming, and want change, said Sean McMahon, who is coordinating the schools campaign for Self Help Africa.

More information is available about Self Help Africas schools tree planting initiative is available www.selfhelpafrica.org
Timahoe will be the place to be over the June Bank Holiday weekend when the village hosts a Heritage Festival which includes a Heritage Run.

The enthusiastic local organisers say the Timahoe Heritage Festival celebrates the rich history and culture of the Laois village. They promise a variety of events, including re-enactments, heritage runs, historical talks, arts and crafts, workshops, demonstrations, Vikings, monks, warriors and much much more.

The festival takes place on June June 3rd & 4th and attracts visitors from near and far, offering a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant and fascinating heritage of Timahoe and its surrounding region.

More details at www.timahoeheritagefestival.com

If you are looking for a fun way to get active and enjoy the great outdoors over the same weekend Timahoe will also be the place to be?

"Join us for our upcoming 10km and 5km Heritage Run! Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking to try something new, this event is perfect for you. Lace up your shoes and come join us for a day of fun, fitness, and community spirit.

"Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to challenge yourself and make some new friends along the way, all in the company of Vikings and monks," they say.

Booking is now open for this years Timahoe Heritage Run with a 10K and 5K option.

Taking place at 11am on Saturday June 3, the following are the entry fees:

Adult 5K 15,

Adult 10K 20,

Juvenile 5K 10,

Juvenile 10K 10,

Family of 4 Registration for 5K 40,

Family of 4 registration for 10K 40.

More details at www.timahoe heritagefestival.com
Action is needed in Camross to improve access to the local cemetery which a councillor says is extremely busy.

Cllr Conor Bergin, Fine Gael, wants Laois County Council to widen the existing entrance to the graveyard to allow hearses and cars to access. He also wants the local authority to erect new entrance gates.

The cemetery is extremely busy, he told a recent meeting in County Hall.

Apart from access problems, he said hearses cannot turn in the cemetery. He also highlighted parking problems, especially for people visiting the graves of their loved ones.

He welcomed work that had been carried out last year to improve safety but he said the narrow road that serves the cemetery remains a problem. He said local landowner would be willing to work with the council to find a solution.

All these cemeteries were built before cars but now we need room for cars, he said.

The motion was backed by Cllr James Kelly, Independent. He agreed that a landowner is disposed to help. He said the council have to take into account heritage issues such as the cemetery wall which is quite old.

Mr Ken Morley, SE, Community Section, replied.

Representatives from Laois County Council met recently in this regard with the Parish Priest and the owner of the land adjacent to the cemetery. Options for an improved access road to the cemetery will be examined for consideration, he said.

The issue was raised at the recent Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting in County Hall, Portlaoise.
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan has announced 8 million in funding for 140 archaeological heritage projects throughout the country - including 120,000 for the Round Tower in Kildare town.

The funding is part of the Departments Community Monuments Fund for 2023.

This years fund represents an increase of 33% over last years allocation, with 368,860 being awarded to five projects in Kildare.

The core objective of the Community Monuments Fund is to support the conservation, maintenance, protection, and promotion of local monuments and historic sites, in alignment with the aims of the Governments new heritage plan, Heritage Ireland 2030, and the Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan. The scheme contains a range of measures that seek to enable conservation to be carried out on archaeological monuments in need of urgent support, encourage access to these monuments and improve their presentation, and build resilience to enable these monuments to withstand the effects of climate change.

The scheme offers three funding streams to support a broad range of measures aimed at protecting and promoting archaeological monuments, including emergency conservation repair works at monuments, masonry repair, the development of Conservation Management Plans, access infrastructure and installation of interpretation signage, and communication projects aimed at disseminating knowledge of Irelands archaeological heritage.

This years CMF awards include:

120,000 in funding under Stream 1 for Kildare Cathedral Round Tower

100,000 in funding under Stream 1 for Laraghbryan Church

73,731 in funding under Stream 1 for Donacompher Church

60,000 in funding under Stream 1 for Clane Friary

15,129 in funding under Stream 2 for Tipper Church



Mr Noonan said:

I am delighted to announce funding for 140 archaeological heritage projects across the country under the Community Monuments Fund to a total of 8 million, an increase of 33% on last year. This fund has supported over 330 projects since its establishment in 2020, making a tangible, positive impact to the medieval forts and churches and the historic graveyards and castles into which the lives of our ancestors are woven, along with our own, connecting us to our ancient past.

It is also, of course, an investment in our future: in the ongoing care, conservation and promotion of these remarkable monuments and historic sites, and in the communities and heritage professionals who expertly manage the effort to conserve, protect and share them. Id like to thank all of this years applicants for their efforts, and wish the successful grantees the very best of luck with their projects.

Speaking today, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OBrien, TD, said:

When we established the Community Monuments Fund in 2020, we did so with the objective of supporting the heritage sector and providing an effective way to assist Local Authorities and custodians in protecting Irelands remarkable yet vulnerable archaeological heritage.

With my colleague, Minister of State Malcolm Noonan TD, we have grown this Fund yet again from last year, building year on year since its establishment. I am also delighted to see many archaeological monuments in private ownership benefitting  a recognition of the custodianship which is so important to the protection of Irelands archaeological heritage.

Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Kieran ODonnell TD also welcomed the announcement, stating:

"The phenomenal impact and success of the Community Monuments Fund is a result of the close working relationship between our Departments National Monuments Service and Local Authorities  the Archaeologists, Conservation Officers, Heritage Officers and planning and administrative staff working in partnership with local communities  highlighting their important role when it comes to cherishing and caring for Irelands outstanding heritage. We are very grateful to all of the Local Authorities, custodians, and community groups who work tirelessly with us under this fund to care of our heritage and strengthen an important sense of place in cities, villages and towns all around the country.
Some people cry. Others scream. Most simply watch, mouths agape at the cosmic majesty.

That's how Charles Fulco, NASA's eclipse outreach coordinator and University at Buffalo alumnus, on Tuesday described reactions to a total solar eclipse, a rare astronomic event that will occur in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and all of Western New York about 3:18 p.m. April 8, 2024.

Such an event happens at a specific location about every 375 years, Fulco said. His mission is to share such wonders with grade-school students and urge cities to prepare for the spectacle.

In a total solar eclipse, the moon fully blots out the sun for a short duration, blanketing daytime in darkness, with the exception of brilliant rays from the sun's outer atmosphere that lap around the moon's edges as planets and stars that pop into view. Just before the near darkness approaches, the shade of the moon yields a sliver of light that shimmers like diamond ring.

In Western New York, the total eclipse  the peak, countdown-worthy part  will last about four minutes, while roughly an hour separates the arrival of the moon's first shadows and the total blockage of the sun.

"It's overwhelming," Fulco said. "Unearthly." Animals, he said, will scurry to their nests as a chilly breeze hits.

Eclipse watchers in the region should keep their expectations in check, though. Considering the eclipse is set for spring in Buffalo, there's a roughly 50% chance it will be too cloudy to view, according to Weatherspark.com.

Clouds shielded Buffalo's last total solar eclipse in 1925.

Partial solar eclipses, like the last one in the region in 2017, are fairly common and dramatically different from what's headed this way next April, Fulco said.

"They're not even in the same hemisphere," Fulco said, comparing their magnitudes.

Should skies permit, Niagara Falls should be an exceptional vantage point, Fulco said.

The NASA ambassador said when the eclipse is viewed through the perpetual rainbow that lingers just above the Falls, the color of the light changes from rainbow to a monochromatic pink color.

If previous total eclipses in Mexico, southern Illinois and elsewhere are an indication, Fulco anticipates Western New York hotels will be booked full a month in advance, stadiums crowded for viewing and traffic afterward so extreme that visitors will be wise to book an extra day.

But it's an opportunity not every city fully embraces. Fulco said that a year out Rochester is far ahead of Buffalo in developing citywide programming around the eclipse.

Kevin Williams, director of the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium, said he hosted an event at Buffalo State for the partial eclipse in 2017. He anticipated a few hundred people arriving on campus, but about 2,000 attended, filling an open field with filter-added telescopes as well as food trucks, information tables and more.

Fulco and Williams agreed that adjusting the school calendar for April 8 next year  around Easter vacation  is crucial to make sure children are not on school buses or in classrooms during the full eclipse, but instead able to witness the experience. Some districts around the country have scheduled half-days or taken full days off to accommodate the eclipse, Williams said.

Ensuring that streetlights do not automatically turn on in the darkness is an example of something municipalities can do to prepare.

Safety measures are important, too. Special glasses to protect your eyes against the sun are given out by some organizations and are available for $3 to $4 by others. Specially approved glasses, engineered for eclipse-viewing, cause the sun to be about 100,000 times darker. Beware of counterfeit glasses and rely on the American Astronomical Society's list of reputable vendors, Fulco advised, and don't try to use sunglasses or binoculars as replacements.

In the 4 minutes when the sun is blotted out, however, viewers are encouraged to remove their glasses, Fulco said, or they'll miss the pinnacle of the eclipse.

On Tuesday, Williams remembered his takeaway from the 2017 eclipse-watching gathering at Buffalo State.

"There's a lot going on in the country and the world that divides us, but this is something that brings us together," said Williams, who will hold a free "Countdown to Totality" open house event at the planetarium from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this April 8, a full year before the eclipse.
Whitewater Shopping Centre has announced its continued support of Newbridge Musical Theatre, who are returning to the stage for their 40th production this Easter, Disneys The Little Mermaid, running from Monday April 10 to Saturday April 15.

Whitewater Shopping Centre has pledged funds to assist Newbridge Musical Theatre to cover the costs of the production, which will be the largest in the organisations 40-year history.

In addition, Whitewater Shopping Centre has also donated a voucher as the top prize for Newbridge Musical Theatres Grand Prize Raffle, which will help the group in its efforts to raise further funds.

We are delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor Newbridge Musical Theatre again this year, having sponsored their return to the stage for their production of Evita last year. said Ingrid Ryan, Centre Manager of Whitewater Shopping Centre.

The group has a stellar reputation for brining top quality stage productions to the local community and supporting local is one of our key values.

Whitewater Shopping Centre and Newbridge Musical Theatre share close links, with the musical theatre group holding Singathon events several times per year at the Centre as part of its annual fundraising efforts.

Adam Trundle, Public Relations Officer for Newbridge Musical Theatre said, We are deeply grateful to Whitewater Shopping Centre for the continued generosity in supporting this years production of Disneys The Little Mermaid.

This is a spectacular stage show, with larger-than-life sets, incredible costumes and innovative lighting effects required to bring the classic animated movie to life.

For this reason, we have set aside the largest budget in our history in order to do justice to this terrific piece of theatre. Without this support from Whitewater Shopping Centre, this show would simply not be possible for a local community group like us.

More information and tickets for Disneys The Little Mermaid are available at www.newbridgemusic

altheatre.com or by calling 0892051247.

This is a production that you definitely won't want to miss.
OperaWine 2023: Vinitaly premieres with Italy's 'Finest Wines'





Veronafiere and Vinitaly in collaboration with Wine Spectator, the world's leading wine magazine, launched Vinitaly 2023 at an exclusive premiere event that brought together producers of Italy's finest wines with an invited audience of influential figures from the world of wine. Once again this year, the invite-only event was held at the former Gallerie Mercatali and showcased the very best in Italian wine.

VERONA, Italy, April 7, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The twelfth edition of OperaWine, Finest Italian Wines: Great Producers selected by Wine Spectator, was held on 1 April at the site of the former Gallerie Mercatali, an imposing post-industrial site that has been revitalized as a stunning conference and exhibition space. 130 top producers, selected by the American magazine Wine Spectator, were invited to share their wines with an exclusive audience of invited international journalists, sommeliers, wine experts, ambassadors, and educators.

Once again, the event demonstrated the great diversity of Italian wine, showcasing the excellence of Italian wine to a domestic and international audience. Among the wines on offer were 96 reds, 25 whites, 7 sparkling, and 2 sweet wines, representing all 20 Italian regions.

Commenting on this year's event, Jeffery Lindenmuth, executive editor of Wine Spectator, said: "The wines selected for OperaWine represent the great diversity of the Italian wine regions and include both veteran producers who have been with us since the beginning, as well as selected producers appearing for the first time.

Stevie Kim, chief executive of Vinitaly International, said: "A lot of work went on behind the scenes to ensure the success of this signature event. Bringing together some of the best Italian producers with the most influential figures in the global wine industry really is the best way to launch Vinitaly and sets the tone for the serious networking, dialogue, and trade that follows."

Reflecting on the success of the event, Maurizio Danese, president of VeronaFiere, said: "It was the most beautiful edition yet, but next year will be even better!"

*******

About Vinitaly:

Vinitaly 2023 was held in Verona from 2-5 April 2023. The premiere event, OperaWine "Finest Italian Wines: 100 Great Producers," took place on 1 April, on the eve of Vinitaly, and gave international wine professionals a unique opportunity to discover and taste the wines of the 130 Best Italian Producers, as selected by Wine Spectator. Since 1998 Vinitaly International has extended its global reach abroad, with the help of its strategic arm, Vinitaly International. In February 2014 Vinitaly International launched an educational project, the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) with the aim of promoting and sharing the excellence and diversity of Italian wine around the globe. To date, there are 340 Certified Italian Wine Ambassadors of whom 16 are also Italian Wine Experts.

About Wine Spectator:

Wine Spectator is the world's leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around three million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the most comprehensive wine site (http://www.winespectator.com), mobile platforms, and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine's role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews of more than 15,000 wines each year. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily, and Shanken's Impact Newsletter.

Media Contact

OperaWine Media Team, Just Do The Work, 0458101447, [email protected]

SOURCE Just Do The Work

7 april 2023 at 07:00

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A military helicopter flies past tourists at a viewing point over the Taiwan Strait on Pingtan island, the closest point to Taiwan, in China's southeast Fujian province on April 7, 2023. GREG BAKER / AFP

China announced Saturday, April 8, it was launching three days of military drills in the Taiwan Strait. The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command said "United Sharp Sword" would run April 8 to 10 for "combat preparedness".

In a PLA statement, Eastern Theatre spokesman Senior Colonel Shi Yi, said "these operations serve as a stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces seeking 'Taiwan independence' and external forces and against their provocative activities,"

Taiwan's defence ministry said Saturday it had detected three warships and 13 Chinese aircraft around the island in the past 24 hours. The Ministry of National Defence said "4 of the detected aircraft had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southeast ADIZ" in a morning report.

Saturday's move by China follows a meeting in California between Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. China views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. Last August, China deployed warships, missiles and fighter jets around Taiwan in its largest show of force in years, following a trip to the island by McCarthy's predecessor Nancy Pelosi.

There were no initial signs of heightened military activity on Pingtan, a southwestern Chinese island known as the closest point on the mainland to Taiwan. Tour guides on Saturday morning herded groups of day-trippers along the sun-drenched shore, while other visitors gazed out at the choppy waters of the strait.

AFP journalists on Friday saw a military tugboat and several army helicopters transiting through the seas off Pingtan, but it was unclear if they signalled enhanced activities. On Friday, Beijing sent warships and aircraft near Taiwan for a second day and said the island remains an "inseparable part" of its territory.

'Reunification with the motherland'

Tsai returned to Taiwan on Friday after visiting the island's dwindling band of official diplomatic allies in Latin America, with two US stopovers that included meetings with McCarthy and other lawmakers. "We let the international community see that Taiwan is more united when facing pressure and threats," she told reporters, describing her trip as a success, adding "we will never yield to suppression".

Hours before meeting with McCarthy in California on Wednesday, China sent its Shandong aircraft carrier through Taiwan's southeastern waters on its way to the western Pacific. Beijing said earlier Friday that "Taiwan is an inseparable part of China", after repeatedly warning against the Tsai-McCarthy meeting. "China's sovereignty and territorial integrity will never be divided," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing. "The future of Taiwan lies in reunification with the motherland."

Chinese President Xi Jinping has just hosted French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen as the EU attempts to repair relations with Beijing.

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Le Monde with AFP
The Taipei Performing Arts Center, a project designed by OMA, Rem Koolhaas' agency and David Gianotten, on March 14, 2023, in Taiwan. OMA/CHRIS STOWERS

At the corner of a street in the Shilin night market, a social hotspot in Taipei, young couples gather on Friday evenings around stalls selling grilled sausages, oyster omelettes and other succulent tofu kebabs. Above them, a gigantic silver sphere embedded in a luminescent black cube in the middle of a vast esplanade whose contours dissolve in the darkness. This is the Taipei Performing Arts Center (TPAC), the first building to be built in Taiwan by OMA, the agency of Rem Koolhaas, the Dutchman who designed the building with his partner, David Gianotten.

You need to stand back to grasp it in its entirety. On either side of the ball, on the adjacent faces of the large cube, a trapezoid is visible on the left and a cuboid on the right. These three overhanging spaces illustrate the presence of three performance halls, whose respective seating areas they enclose. The stages nest inside the central block which, protected by an undulating glass wall also houses the technical rooms, rehearsal spaces and offices. These autonomous spaces each have their own operating rules, lighting and specific opening hours. Together, they make up this cube's surface  the edges of which measure 54 meters  creating a patchwork of variable light intensities with colors ranging from white, orange, black and gold.

The TPAC is Taipei's first example of spectacular architecture. It represents the kind of architecture that has been flourishing all over the world since the beginning of the 21st century when the success of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain validated the idea that a cultural institution with a "signature building" could boost a region's economy and diplomatic influence. The city of Taichung was the first to launch a museum project in the 2000s, initially with Zaha Hadid (1950-2016), before switching to Japan's Toyo Ito, whose beautiful opera house was finally inaugurated in 2016. Two years later, the Dutch agency Mecanoo carried out the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts in Kaohsiung, and today projects by media architects from abroad are expanding all over the island. They convey a form of soft power that institutions quietly deploy, according to the partnerships and co-production agreements they have developed internationally.

The district's energy

With the appearance of a spaceship landed from who knows what distant planet, the TPAC could have been glaring among Taipei's urbanity. The city is more or less an unrefined conglomeration of buildings that are generally quite dirty, without any salient feature other than the mesh grafted to the window sills being softened  in the best of cases  by colonies of climbing plants. Yet it is this mainly pinkish-brown fabric, the color of the local marble, that gives the city its friendly character. Thanks to the ground floor network of passageways, which operate semi-public spaces, everything that shopkeepers want to store  such as scooters, improvised terraces, cooking plates, vegetable stalls and delivery boxes  piles up, instilling a warm, friendly sense of disorder everywhere.

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Forty-four civilians have been killed by "armed terrorist groups" in two villages in northeastern Burkina Faso, near the Niger border, a regional governor said Saturday.

The provisional toll of "this despicable and barbaric attack" which targeted the villages of Kourakou and Tondobi in northeast Burkina Faso overnight Thursday, April 6, "is 44 civilians killed and others wounded," said Rodolphe Sorgho, lieutenant-governor of the Sahel region. Sorgho said that 31 people had died in Kourakou and 13 in Tondobi.

The regional official said that an army offensive put "out of action the armed terrorist groups" that carried out the killings. The governor also assured that "actions to stabilize the area are underway".

The impoverished Sahel country is grappling with a seven-year-old campaign by jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. A resident of Kourakou told AFP that "a large number of terrorists burst into the village" late Thursday. "All night long, we heard gunfire. It was on Friday morning that we saw that there were several dozen dead," he added. Locals said the village had been targeted in retaliation for the lynching of two jihadists a few days earlier who had tried to steal cattle.

It was one of the deadliest attacks since Captain Ibrahim Traore came to power in a coup last September. In February 51 soldiers were killed in an attack on Deou, in the far north of the country. The latest twin attacks happened close to the village of Seytenga, where 86 civilians were killed last June in one of the bloodiest attacks of a long-running insurgency.

A 'dynamic offensive' against jihadists to be stepped up

Burkina Faso's new military chief this week vowed to step up a "dynamic offensive" against jihadists following a string of insurgent attacks since the start of the year. "The dynamic offensive underway in the past few weeks will be stepped up to force armed groups to lay down their weapons," said Colonel Celestin Simpore after a handover ceremony following his appointment last week.

Since the jihadists launched their campaign from neighboring Mali in 2015, more than 10,000 civilians, troops and police have been killed, according to one NGO estimate, and at least two million people have been displaced. Official figures say jihadists effectively control about 40 percent of the country.

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Frustrations within the military led to two military coups last year. Traore, who came to power in September, has vowed to fight back and recover conquered territory. But the jihadists have carried out a succession of raids and ambushes since the start of the year, inflicting heavy tolls on civilians and military-escorted convoys.

Burkina's beleaguered army has recently acquired foreign-made drones, and regularly issues video footage of strikes against purported terrorists and troops described as reconquering and securing lost territory. Since Traore seized power last year, the activities of all political parties and civil society organizations in the country have been suspended.

Le Monde with AFP
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Fisk University, Friday, April 7, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. GEORGE WALKER IV / AP

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday, April 7, showered attention on three Tennessee officials targeted for expulsion from the state legislature over their support for gun control, as the fracas escalated into a major national row over race and representation.

Biden spoke via phone with the "Tennessee Three" and "thanked them for their leadership in seeking to ban assault weapons," a White House statement said. Biden invited the three to the White House "in the near future," it added.

The Republican-led Tennessee House of Representatives expelled two Black lawmakers on Thursday after they disrupted an assembly session to demand stricter gun controls in the wake of a deadly mass shooting at an elementary school. A third white legislator who joined their protest was not removed. Accusations of racism have reverberated around the case, and sparked anger among Democrats well beyond Tennessee.

Harris, the nation's first Black vice president, arrived in Nashville in a clear message of solidarity with the three officials. She attended a rally at Fisk University, a historically black institution, and met with the three Democrats targeted over the gun protests.

On March 30, just days after a shooting rampage at a Christian school killed six people, legislators Justin Jones, Justin Pearson and Gloria Johnson joined hundreds of protesters on the state House floor to challenge lawmakers to favor stricter gun control. Jones and Pearson used a bullhorn to shout "Gun control now" and "Power to the people" while rallying protesters in the galleries.

The extremely rare move to expel the lawmakers caused an uproar, with Biden calling it "shocking, undemocratic, and without precedent," and reiterated calls for America to overcome its divisions to tackle the scourge of gun violence.

Their protest followed the shooting death of three young students and three staff at a private Christian elementary school in the state capital on March 27. "Silencing the voices of two Black members for peacefully protesting gun violence is not only racist but also a radical shift away from the democratic rules & traditions our nation was founded upon," tweeted Yvette Clarke, a Black congresswoman from New York.

Expelled Rep. Justin Pearson waves, Friday, April 7, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. GEORGE WALKER IV / AP

Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, left, Justin Jones, center, and Justin Pearson arrive at Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn., on Friday, April 7, 2023, where they are meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris. ANDREW NELLES / AP

'Jim Crow-era'

The legislature voted mostly along party lines on Thursday to expel Jones and Pearson for breaching floor rules. A vote to expel Johnson failed by one vote, with half a dozen Republicans joining Democrats to vote against her expulsion.

Jesse Chism, a Democratic state legislator, compared the vote to the era of racial segregation. "It looked like a Jim Crow-era trial," he said. Johnson voiced a similar view, telling CNN: "Well, I think it's pretty clear. I'm a 60-year-old white woman and they are two young Black men."

Jones, 27, and Pearson, 28, delivered impassioned pleas against their exclusion and a photo of them raising their fists went viral. Speaking to MSNBC, Jones called the expulsion "a dangerous precedent for the nation" and a "direct assault on democracy," urging the Justice Department to look into the legality of the move. "If you didn't tell me this was happening to me, I would think it was 1963 instead of 2023," he went on.

"Because what we're seeing is a predominantly white supermajority, undoing democracy, forcing their will on my district which is a predominantly Black and brown district, one of the most diverse in Tennessee."

Le Monde with AP and AFP
Supporters of Captain Ibrahim Traore wave a Russian flag in the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on October 2, 2022. SOPHIE GARCIA / AP

On Saturday, April 1, Le Monde's correspondent in Burkina Faso, Sophie Douce, was expelled by the ruling junta which has held power since a coup d'etat in September 2022. Over her five years in the West African country, she wrote about various topics such as the junta's difficult talks with jihadist groups, fertilizer shortages and the film festival in the capital Ouagadougou.

Douce recently answered questions from Le Monde readers about why she was forced to leave Burkina Faso, the state of press freedom in the country, and what this crackdown means for its future.

Ougalais: How do you explain your expulsion, in addition to that of Agnes Faivre (from Liberation)? Were you working on the same type of stories as her, related to the FDS abuses in Burkina Faso? Is it simply a matter of expelling all French media (public and private) from Burkina Faso?

The police lieutenant of the State Security Directorate did not give me any official document or reason for my expulsion. I still do not know what I am accused of.

To date, the government of Burkina Faso has not communicated any reason. These two expulsions are part of an attempt to silence the media and critical voices that has been underway since Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in September 2022, in the second coup d'etat in eight months in Burkina Faso.

Remundo: How do you assess the current press freedom situation in Burkina Faso and what are your concerns about the safety of journalists in the region?

Working conditions for foreign and local journalists are becoming increasingly difficult due to pressure from the authorities and the threat of attack or kidnapping from jihadist groups that continue to expand their hold on the country. Two Spanish journalists, David Beriain and his cameraman Roberto Fraile, were killed by an armed terrorist group in 2021 while reporting with an anti-poaching unit in eastern Burkina Faso.

Faced with hate messages and death threats on social media, more and more journalists are turning to self-censorship. Several colleagues told me that they were afraid for their families and would prefer to keep a low profile.

Paris92: Have other foreign media present on the territory been expelled/silenced? Is the situation similar in the countries of the sub-region?

These were the first expulsions of foreign correspondents from Burkina Faso since the army took power in September 2022. On the other hand, the ruling junta suspended the broadcasting of France 24 on its territory on March 27 and Radio France Internationale (RFI) on December 3 until further notice. The authorities accused the two media companies of having "given airtime to terrorist leaders so that they could propagate the ideology of terrorism, violence and division."

Unacceptable evictions from Burkina Faso Our correspondent in Burkina Faso, Sophie Douce, was expelled from the country on Saturday, April 1, along with her colleague from Liberation, Agnes Faivre. Le Monde condemns in the strongest terms this arbitrary decision which forced the two journalists to leave Ouagadougou in less than 24 hours. Douce works for Le Monde as an independent journalist, free from any influence. Contrary to the accusations of "espionage," among other lies spread against her, our correspondent has been describing the ongoing situation in Burkina Faso for several years, through thorough impartial investigations that allow all sides to speak. The thoroughness of her work, which was recently awarded the Varenne Prize, has clearly become intolerable for the regime of Ibrahim Traore, the transitional president for the past six months. After the suspension of RFI radio and more recently of France 24 television, these two new expulsions mark a major setback for freedom of information on the situation in Burkina Faso. Le Monde calls on the local authorities to reverse these decisions as soon as possible and to restore the conditions for independent information in the country without delay. Jerome Fenoglio, editorial director of Le Monde.

Tomsoft: Are there any independent media outlets in Burkina Faso today?

Yes, Burkina Faso has a long tradition of investigative journalism, marked by the work of journalist Norbert Zongo (who was assassinated in 1998 under unclear circumstances). Despite fear, pressure and intimidation, several investigative newspapers in Burkina Faso are trying to resist. One example is the prestigious bi-monthly newspaper L'Evenement. After publishing an investigation into suspicions of embezzlement by a senior army officer, it was hit with a court order to reveal its sources.

Mam: Are media outlets of other nationalities targeted in the same way as French media by broadcasting bans and expulsions?

So far only French media companies have been sanctioned by the authorities. These suspensions and expulsions come against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between Paris and Ouagadougou since Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in September 2022.

Xng: Do you think your expulsion is a purely political decision on the part of the government aimed at silencing any position different from its own? Or does it also correspond to this current rejection of all that is French, a rejection that is shared by the population of Burkina Faso (or even French-speaking Africans)?

You can easily believe that these two expulsions are part of a strategy to silence the media and all critical voices. The junta, which advocates an all-out security approach in an attempt to "reclaim" the vast swathes of territory occupied by armed groups, also relies on its supporters to occupy the media field. On social media, its supporters present themselves as "patriots" and do not hesitate to call all dissenting voices "stateless," even threatening them with death.

I would not say that there is a rejection or an "anti-French feeling," but rather there is resentment, frustration and misunderstanding toward the former colonial power in the country, where the anti-imperialist culture is historically strong. The CFA franc (the common currency in French-speaking Africa), development aid, the "arrogance" of certain diplomats, the French president's "patronizing tone" and the "failure" of the French anti-terrorist operation "Barkhane" in the region have regularly been mentioned among protesters' complaints in recent months.

Neff: Were there any complaints/penalties from NGOs or the international community following your expulsion? What sanctions could be envisaged against the "government" of Burkina Faso?

Yes, the director general of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Christophe Deloire, condemned this double expulsion as "arbitrary, scandalous and shameful, which is not even publicly notified in writing." "After the ambassador's dismissal, people are dismissing journalists as if they were an adjustment variable of diplomatic tensions: It is absurd," he said, adding that "the regime wants to cover up its abuses."

Pasmossi: Do you think that the junta in power is heading toward a Malian-style crackdown?

It would seem that the new authorities in Burkina Faso want to follow in the footsteps of Mali, a neighboring country where the ruling junta has also made a break with France and has turned to Russia as a new partner. In December 2022, the prime minister of Burkina Faso, Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambela, made a secret visit to Moscow, facilitated by the Malian authorities, who chartered a military plane for the occasion. It was reportedly a question of strengthening cooperation with Russia, particularly on the military level.

While the presence of mercenaries from the private Russian company Wagner has been documented in Mali, there is no evidence to date that they have arrived in Burkina Faso.

NO: How did the eviction procedure go?

I was notified orally of this expulsion by a police lieutenant from the State Security Directorate, Burkina Faso's intelligence service, on Saturday, April 1. "We have come to notify you verbally that your accreditation and your press card have been revoked. You have 24 hours to leave Burkina Faso," the lieutenant, who was dressed in civilian clothes, told me at my home.

The day before, we had been summoned, along with my colleague Agnes Faivre, the correspondent for Liberation, by this same lieutenant at the State Security Directorate. Received separately, we were questioned about our work, our movements and our sources for about an hour.

Agnes Faivre was interviewed about an article Liberation published on March 27, which concerned a video showing the extrajudicial execution of children and adolescents in a military camp in the north of the country. This investigation strongly displeased the authorities.

Le Monde did not investigate this video.

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Courtsip: How long did you live in Burkina Faso?

I had been living in Burkina Faso for five years. I moved there in March 2018!

George: How do you feel since your deportation?

I feel very sad to have been forced to leave Burkina Faso, a country to which I am deeply attached and where I lived for five years. It was heartbreaking to have to pack my bags in a few hours, without being able to say goodbye.

I am also deeply concerned for the people, who are paying the highest price for the violence, which has resulted in more than 10,000 deaths in seven years. And I am also thinking very deeply about my colleagues from Burkina Faso, who don't have the choice to leave and who continue to work, despite the pressure and the wall of silence.

JeanTr: On a personal note, how was your work going on the ground? Have you noticed any changes in the last few months?

Yes, in recent months, the noose has been tightening. It became increasingly difficult to travel and gather information on the ground because of the jihadist threat. Even over the phone, my sources often preferred to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals from armed groups. In recent months, it has also become impossible to reach certain locations in the country because of telephone network outages following the sabotage of electricity pylons by the groups.

The most difficult thing was the wall of silence that I felt falling on the country, which is considered one of the African continent's success stories in terms of press freedom and freedom of expression. It was difficult seeing my sources refuse to speak over the phone, for fear that they were being listened to, or even to make certain trips, for fear of being followed or arrested.

Le Monde
Helen Walker checks her prepaid gas meter in Radcliffe, United Kingdom, on May 6, 2022. PHILIP HATCHER-MOORE FOR  LE MONDE 

On December 7, 2022, when Cecilia Klimcsek returned to her home in Wimbledon in southwest London with her 90-year-old mother, she initially thought her house had been broken into. The contents of a cupboard were spilled on the floor, and it was obvious that someone had entered her apartment while she had been away for a few hours. After her initial panic, she found a letter of explanation left by Ovo Energy, her gas and electric supplier.

The company had forcibly installed a prepayment gas meter. Like 3.2 million British households, Klimcsek would now have to put credits on a card and insert it in the meter to make her gas run. The gas supply would automatically stop every time her credits ran out. The same system exists for electricity and has been fitted to 4.2 million homes. "I was completely hysterical," recalled the 39-year-old Klimcsek. "I had only been out for a few hours. Ovo Energy had my phone number. Why didn't they call me and let me know?"

A few months earlier, a bedbug infestation that her landlord refused to pay for left her with no choice but to hire a company to do a complete sweep for 1,200 (1,350). For this mother of a 5-year-old daughter, and who also looks after her elderly mother, such a large expense came as a heavy blow. Having recently gone back to school, she is currently unemployed and her husband works as a cook.

Their income is usually barely enough to cover their living expenses (including 1,400 in rent). She was 372 behind in payments to her energy supplier. "I called them back in October [2022] to let them know and told them that I would pay on December 9 [2022]." The company took no account of it and followed the usual procedure: With an unpaid debt and after sending a few reminders, it asked a magistrate for permission to fit a prepayment meter, with the right to use force to enter the home if necessary.

This system is not new in the UK, but its use became widespread in the winter of 2022-2023. Despite the government covering about half of all energy costs, British electricity and gas bills doubled from an average of 1,200 per year in October 2021 to 2,500 as of this year. As a result, the number of unpaid bills inevitably jumped, with prepayment meters installed in 600,000 homes in 2022, an increase of 57% over 2021.

'This is the exciting bit. I love this bit'

Things could have continued if a Times reporter had not published, on February 1, a lengthy investigation that sparked outrage. He was hired by one of the companies to which the installations of prepayment meters are subcontracted. Among other things, he filmed a technician exclaiming as he was about to break into a house by force, "This is the exciting bit. I love this bit."

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News / National

by Staff reporter

Health care workers in Zimbabwe have condemned the government's plan to criminalize their recruitment to work in other countries as part of efforts to reduce a medical brain drain. Zimbabwe's vice president and health minister, Constantino Chiwenga, said the country will introduce a law to make it illegal for foreign nations to hire their health care workers.Zimbabwe's Association of Doctors for Human Rights says any attempt to prevent health care workers from leaving the country for better jobs would be illegal.The head of the association, Dr. Norman Matara, told VOA Friday the government's plan to criminalize foreign recruitment of health care workers was shocking."Also in our constitution, the Zimbabwe constitution, it guarantees citizens have the right to move freely within the country or leave the country," Matara said. "We don't know why those comments were made by the honorable minister of health. The government continue to use scare tactics and command approach to solving health care problems."Matara was responding to comments Wednesday by Zimbabwe's vice president, Constantino Chiwenga.Chiwenga, who doubles as health minister, said the government would introduce a law against foreign recruiting of its health care workers to address a medical brain drain."If one deliberately recruits and make the country suffer because it lacks the required professionals, that's a crime against humanity," Chiwenga said. "If people die in hospitals because there are no nurses and doctors and somebody who has been so irresponsible of not training their nationals but wanting poor countries to train for them it's a crime. That must be taken seriously."Matara stressed that Zimbabwe's health care workers are choosing to leave."The government should note that health workers are not being pulled away from the country but pushed away from the country by the meager salaries they are getting," Matara said. "They are being pushed by the worsening economic crisis in the country. They are being pushed by poor working conditions: lack of equipment, lack of sundries, lack of medicines in the hospitals that they work in. We urge the government to improve working conditions, pay a living wage, you will find that people will not leave the country."Eustina Shava, a nurse who is leaving Zimbabwe in May for better work in Canada, said leaving her home country is not her preference."If we were being given enough money, I don't think anybody would love to leave their families, their relatives and work abroad," Shava said. "But at the end of the day, we all want to achieve good things in life. We all want to buy houses, we all want to buy cars and we all want to send our children to good schools."That's the reason we are reaching to recruiters. They have done nothing wrong. They are actually helping us to achieve certain things in life."Zimbabwe's Health Services Board said in November more than 4,000 nurses have left the country since 2021.The Zimbabwe Medical Association says the country has only 3,500 doctors for a population of almost 16 million people.Health care workers regularly go on strike over poor pay and working conditions.Zimbabwe's government said it doesn't have enough funds for raises or better equipment and in January made it illegal for health care workers to strike for more than three days.Reuters contributed to this report.
A 26 YEAR-OLD man has been charged with the murder of a woman in Limerick city earlier this week.

Geila Ibram, who was originally from Romania, died following an incident at an apartment at Dock Road on Tuesday afternoon - sparking a major garda investigation.

A formal identification of the 27-year-old's body was carried out by family members on Good Friday at the morgue in University Hospital Limerick.

A suspect was arrested in Belfast on Thursday and the Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed he has been since been charged and will appear in court this Saturday.

Detectives from our Serious Crime Branch who are assisting An Garda Siochana with the murder investigation of a woman in her 20s in Limerick, have charged a man to court. pic.twitter.com/7qfpvbm6oO  Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) April 8, 2023

Investigating gardai in Limerick say they have completed technical examinations at two separate scenes and that they are continuing to liaise with their colleagues in the PSNI.

They are continuing to appeal to any person who has information that can assist with the investigation to contact them at Henry Street garda station on (061) 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
A 26-year-old man has appeared before a Belfast court charged with the murder of a woman in Limerick city earlier this week.

Geila Ibram, a 27-year-old woman from Romania, was found dead at a residence on Dock Road, close to O'Curry Street on Tuesday afternoon.

Habib Shamel, an Afghan national, appeared before court via videolink, this Saturday, charged with her murder.

He was arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland on Thursday.

Belfast Magistrates Court heard the defendant had been in Ireland since October 2022, and had applied for asylum.

When asked whether he understood the charge against him, he confirmed through an interpreter that he did.

A detective sergeant told the court that Ms Ibram had been stabbed numerous times and that the attack resulted in the defendant injuring his hand.

The district judge refused the man bail, calling the charge a very grave offence.

Mr Shamel was remanded in custody to appear in court again on May 2.
A LIMERICK man who adopted two donkeys during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic says it is one of the best things he has ever done.

While some took in cats or dogs, David Hannan from Adare, decided to rehome two donkeys.

It was something different, he laughs. We had been to the donkey sanctuary (near Mallow in North Cork) a good few times.

As a visitor, you can check out the donkeys and see what they do and we fell in love with them, he said.

In October 2020, David rehomed Eamon and Mick  who he named after the Irish revolutionaries. Now aged 10, the four-legged companions have become part of the family.

According to David, donkeys are often misunderstood. I think people have this perception that donkeys are dumb animals.

But theyre actually really intelligent, he told the Limerick Leader.

Unfortunately, they have no commercial value, theyre not worked in Ireland anymore. They're now purely pets, and they're mistreated by people. The Donkey Sanctuary can only rehome so many of them, he explains.

Last month, The Donkey Sanctuary in North Cork ran out of space as it currently cares for 1,700 donkeys, with a staff of 90.

According to David, rehoming donkeys is the best thing he has ever done and he is encouraging others to consider it.

When I come home from the office, they'll run up to the wall and start braying. Theyre such good company, he said that the company they provide surprised him.

I thought that you wouldnt really be able to engage or form a relationship with them. Eamon and Mick are particularly close to Faye, his two-year-old daughter.

Theyre her friends. When she comes home, she brings them apples, carrots and ginger nut biscuits which they love. As she grows up, they'll be great pals. God forbid if anything was to happen to them. But they live for 25 years, so they're going to be around for a while, he noted.

Comparing the four-legged pair to young boys running around the field, he stated: Donkeys are bonded animals. If you had a donkey on its own, unfortunately it would get sick, or it would die younger than if it had a companion. These two came together, they'd be lost without each other.

Speaking of his experience with the Donkey Sanctuary in Cork, he added:

We have a donkey welfare officer. She often calls to check in. Its not like you'll rehome donkeys, and then you're on your own, they'll support you through any issues you might have.
IT WAS ON the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains on the Tipperary-Waterford border in April 1923 when the chief of staff of the Irish Republican Army, Limerick man Liam Lynch would meet his demise.

Lynch, born in Baurnagurrahy, Anglesboro, was a highly-regarded General and one of the most successful leaders in the War for Independence. The centenary of his death takes place on April 10.

Fermoy will host a commemorative pipe band parade this Easter Sunday. Twelve bands, Irish and international are to attend which is part of a week-long celebration of Liam Lynch.

The parade starts at 2pm and thousands are expected to attend, according to one of the organisers, Tomas MacCormaic.

Lynch led the first attack of the War of Independence (1919-21).

Himself and others, including hunger striker, Michael Fitzgerald ambushed 17 British soldiers on their way to Sunday service at Wesleyan Church.

The Irish Volunteers had just six revolvers between them, with most just carrying short clubs, which resulted in hand-to-hand fighting before the British troops surrendered.

One soldier died during the ambush and Lynch ended up wounded as he was shot in the back.

The aftermath of the ambush resulted in the arrest of several leading members of the Irish Volunteers (Fermoy Battalion) including Fitzgerald who would later die from a hunger strike within Cork Gaol.

Lynch, along with training officer in the IRA, Ernie OMalley, would later take the Mallow Army Barracks which would result in several buildings in the town being burnt down.

The controversial signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty saw the formation of the Irish Free State and six counties in the north remaining part of Britain.

This saw a divide amongst Irish men and women as many supported the Treaty but for others (anti-Treaty) nothing was acceptable without the six counties that formed Northern Ireland. This led to the Irish Civil War.

When the split occurred following the signing of the Treaty in 1921, Lynch was voted as IRA chief of staff and led a nine-month campaign against the Free State Army.

Following the Treaty being ratified in the Dail in January 1922, Lynch led an estimated 80% of the Volunteers in an IRA convention which broke from the State with the intention to uphold the Irish Republic declared in 1919.

He worked with the leader of the Free State Army to arm the nationalist population in the six counties and directed a campaign against Crown Forces which resulted in the Battle of Pettigo in late May 1922.

In the aftermath of the June elections and the attack on the Four Courts by the Free State Army, Lynch led a guerrilla war against the new State for over nine months, which saw the deaths of hundreds of IRA Volunteers and Free State soldiers, many who had commanded the army in the war against English occupation in the two preceding years.

During the Irish Civil War, there was a growing number of Free State executions which led to the calling of a meeting of the IRA executive in April 1923, to discuss a possible cessation to activities. Lynch strongly opposed.

Lynch was staying in a hideout in the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains the night before the planned meeting. The Free State Army began a search consisting of 1,000 soldiers combing the area.

A group of Free State soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Laurence Clancy, whose two brothers had been killed fighting the Black and Tans, engaged with Lynchs small column of soldiers, which resulted in Lynch receiving a severe injury which led to his capture and death later that evening when moved to Clonmel.

With the death of Lynch, the IRA elected a new Chief of Staff, Frank Aiken, who called for a dumping of arms in May 1923, which ultimately ended the Irish Civil War.
"WORTH the wait", is how former Limerick TD Tom Neville and his wife, Fair City star Jenny Dixon described the feeling of bringing their newborn twins home.

Their twin girls, Bella Sky & Capri Lucia were born on February 20, 2023, and after spending a period in the Neonatal Unit at the Rotunda Hospital, were welcomed home this Friday.

As part of the babies' homecoming, Jenny, who is best known for playing Kerri-Ann on the Irish soap Fair City, and Tom, the former Limerick Deputy and Croagh native, took to social media to share a video of bringing their twin girls home.

"A million thanks to the superstars who looked after our little princesses and everyone whos been a part of our journey. Welcome home baby girls," Jenny wrote.

Continuing, she added, "lets have adventures, lets buy the dolls, dance in the rain & go to all kinds of magical lands," signing off as "Mammy & Daddy."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jenny Dixon (@jennyleedixon)

Jenny announced her pregnancy on social media last November, saying, "just when we thought it may never happen. It happens.

"We cant wait to meet you. We cant wait to meet both of you."
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) announced that it is recalling around 2,000 CB300R bike units due to a manufacturing fault in the right crankcase cover of the engine.

According to news agency PTI, the voluntary recall covers the 2022 model of the Honda CB300R. The company says that it has identified an inappropriate manufacturing process of the right crankcase cover of the engine, due to which there are chances of sealing plug dislodging due to low retention force caused by engine heat.

This could further cause the sealing plug to come off and engine oil to splash out, it added.

In the worst situation, the oil adhering to hot motorcycle parts may cause fire, its contact with tyres may cause slippage or it may injure the rider due to its hot temperature, the company stated.

"As a precautionary measure, the replacement of affected parts will be carried out at BigWing dealerships across India starting from April 15, 2023. The replacement will be done free of cost irrespective of the warranty status of the vehicle," it added.

The company, through its BigWing dealers, will proactively notify customers via call/email/SMS for inspection of their vehicle from Friday, it said.

(With inputs from PTI)
Retirement benefits are cash advantages received by retired people in their golden years. Individuals should be aware of the taxability of any retirement benefits they receive, including gratuity, commuted pensions, leave encashments, GPF, retirement plans, social security benefits, etc. These benefits are taxed under Salaries as profits in lieu of Salaries as specified in section 17. (3). Retired individuals need to be aware of how retirement benefits are taxed during FY24, and they may learn this from various industry experts here.

S. Ravi, Former Chairman of BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange)

Retirement benefits are an important consideration for those who have worked hard throughout their careers and are looking forward to their retirement years. However, many people may not be aware that these benefits are subject to taxation. In India, retirement benefits such as pensions, gratuities, and other forms of superannuation are taxable under certain conditions.

The taxability of retirement benefits depends on a number of factors, including the type of benefit, the amount received, and the individual's tax status. For example, if an individual receives a pension from a former employer, that pension is taxable as income in the year it is received. Similarly, if an individual receives a gratuity payment upon retirement, that payment may also be subject to taxation.

To file income tax returns (ITR) for retirement benefits, individuals should gather all relevant documentation, such as pension statements and Form 16. They should then determine the amount of tax owed on their retirement benefits and file their ITR accordingly.

It is important to note that while retirement benefits may be subject to taxation, there are also several deductions and exemptions available to retirees that can help to reduce their tax burden. For example, under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, individuals can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh on their taxable income.

In conclusion, retirement benefits are indeed taxable in India, and individuals should be aware of the tax implications when planning for their retirement. However, with careful planning and the help of a qualified tax professional, retirees can navigate the tax system and make the most of their retirement savings.

Sujit Bangar, Founder, Taxbuddy.com

Retirement benefits are a crucial source of income for retirees, but the taxability of these benefits varies based on the type received. Uncommuted pension, which is paid in installments, is fully taxable as "Income from Salary" for both government and non-government employees.

Commuted pension, which is a lump sum payment at retirement, is fully exempt for government employees but may be partially exempt for non-government employees, depending on their retirement plan and the amount of gratuity received. Individuals must report their retirement benefits as part of their total income when filing their Income Tax Return (ITR) and pay tax accordingly.

For example, Under the Payment of Gratuity Act, gratuity is exempt from tax up to a limit of Rs. 20 lakhs, while for those not covered by the act, the tax exemption limit is Rs. 10 lakhs. If the gratuity amount surpasses these specified limits, tax will be levied only on the excess amount.

Abhishek Soni, Co-founder & CEO of Tax2win

Retirement benefits are a great way to secure one's financial future, but it is important to remember that they are subject to taxation, either fully or partially. Most of the retirement benefits are tax-free for government employees. Common retirement benefits such as a pension, gratuity, Voluntary Retirement Schemes (VRS), leave encashment, and National Pension Scheme (NPS) are taxed based on income tax slab rates and other applicable provisions of the law. You can file the income tax return through the government e-filing portal or online tax filing portals where you need to disclose these benefits in your total income. Even if your income is tax-free, it is suggested to disclose the same in the ITR.

Dr. Suresh Surana, Founder, RSM India

Yes, retirement benefits are taxable in most of the cases. Some of the common retirement benefits include gratuity, pension and provident fund, the tax implications for which are discussed as below:

Tax Implications of Gratuity

Gratuity is a monetary benefit received by an employee either at the time of retirement, on death, on resignation or during the course of employment. Any gratuity received by an employee during the course of his/her employment shall be fully taxable under the provisions of IT Act.

Further, any death cum retirement gratuity received by government employees shall be fully exempt from tax u/s 10(10)(i) of IT Act whereas other than government employees may claim exemption upto certain amount as follows:

For employees covered by The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972

In accordance with Section 10(10)(ii) of IT Act, the exemption amount would be least of the following:

a. Actual amount of Gratuity received

b.15 days salary for each completed year of service or part of the year in excess of 6 months (i.e. 15/26 * Last drawn salary * completed years of service)

c.Rs. 20,00,000

For employees not covered by The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972

In accordance with Section 10(10)(iii) of IT Act, the exemption amount would be least of the following:

a.Actual amount of Gratuity received

b. months salary for each year of completed service, calculated on the basis of the average salary for the last 10 months (i.e. 15/30 *Average salary of 10 months* completed years of service)

c.Rs. 20,00,000

For the purpose of aforementioned computation, salary for the purpose of this clause includes Basic Salary, Dearness Allowance (if provided in the terms of employment) and commission as a percentage of turnover achieved by the employee.

Tax Implications of Pension u/s 10(10A) of IT Act

Pension is paid out by the employers to retired individuals, periodically, generally monthly. However, an individual may choose to receive pension lump sum instead of periodical payment. Thus, pensions can be received in two ways, first is on a monthly basis (uncommuted pension) and second is by way of a lump-sum (commuted pension). Uncommuted pension is always taxable as salary in the hands of both government as well as non-government employees.

The taxability of commuted pension is as follows:

 Any commuted pension received by any government employee is wholly exempt from tax.

In case of other than government employees,

 One third of the amount of commuted pension which the employee would have received had he commuted the whole of pension shall be eligible for exemption provided such employee is also in receipt of gratuity.

 One half of the amount of commuted pension which the employee would have received had he commuted the whole of pension shall be eligible for exemption in case where such employee has not received any income in the nature of gratuity.

Tax Implications of Provident Fund

The tax implication of the amount of provident fund received at the time of retirement would depend upon the type of the provident fund i.e. recognized or unrecognised provident fund, statutory provident fund, etc. For instance, in case of Recognised, Statutory Provident Fund, etc., the amount withdrawn at the time of retirement/ termination would be exempt u/s 10(11) and 10(12) of the IT Act. Such exemption would be withdrawn in case of interest income earned on Provident Fund (Recognised and Statutory) on annual contribution in excess of Rs. 2,50,000 and any interest earned on PF Contribution on such excess contribution would be taxable under the head Income from Other Sources.

How to report the retirement benefits in the ITR

 Every taxpayer receiving the retirement benefits should include the monetary quantum of such benefits in the Gross Salary under Schedule S Details of Income from Salary.

 Further, the taxpayer if claiming any exemption under section 10 of the IT Act with respect to such retirement benefits received should disclose the same under Point 3 of Schedule S which provides for Allowances to the extent exempt u/s 10". The details of such exemption would be provided by selecting the drop down options as provided in e-filing utility.

Suman Bannerjee, CIO, Hedonova

Yes they are taxable. The Indian Income Tax Act, 1961 makes it mandatory for income earned from employment, whether salary or otherwise, to be taxed. If youre on the verge of retirement, you need to consider how to manage your retirement benefits. Consulting an investment advisor is certainly a good bet. However, it also helps to do your own homework to avoid being clubbed in the high tax bracket as you near retirement.

Pensions, gratuity, provident fund payments, Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), leave encashment and Dearness Allowance (DA) comprise the retirement benefits under Indian labour laws. Depending on the tax slab you fall under, you may have to be anywhere between 5% and 30% tax on lump sum payouts after retirement.

Here are the steps you need to follow to report pension in ITR-

In the ITR, choose the Pensioners option under the Nature of Employment field.

Pension taxable as salary needs to be mentioned. The taxpayer needs to mention the name, tax collection account number (TAN) of the employer, etc.

Any amount that is excess needs to be reported under Salary under Section 17(1) as Annuity Pension.

The commuted pension that is exempted from tax must be entered under the Nature of Exempt Income in the field Any Other. Mention the amount of commuted pension and details in Description.

Akhil Chandna, Partner, Tax, Grant Thornton Bharat

Retirement benefits includes various options such as pension, withdrawal of provident fund accumulation, gratuity, leave encashment, pensions, etc. Taxability under various retirement benefits is broadly summarised in table below:

Employee Provident Fund Withdrawal of accumulated balance in EPF is taxable if the period of continuous service is less than 5 years. Public Provident Fund Maturity amount withdrawn is exempt from tax Gratuity Gratuity received above INR 20 Lakhs is taxable Leave encashments Taxable above INR 3 Lakhs Uncommuted pension Fully Taxable Commuted Pension The commuted value of 1/3 of the pension is exempt (only for non-government employees who receive gratuity as well) Family Pension Fully taxable after allowing a deduction of 33.33% or Rs. 15,000 whichever is less.

The taxable portion of various retirement benefits are required to be disclosed in the relevant head of income in the various schedules forming part of the Income tax return (ITR). For example, income from pension, or the taxable portion of gratuity, leave encashment, etc is required to shown under income under the head salaries. Important to note that exempt income is also required to be disclosed in the ITR in schedule EI.

In case of senior citizens of the age of 75 years or above having only pension income and interest income only from the account(s) maintained with a bank in which they receive such pension, they shall not be required to file their ITRs.

For other individual taxpayers, if the retirement income is exceeding the basic exemption limit, ITR-1 to ITR-4 as applicable is required to be filed online.

C.A. Ms. Ashwini Khade- Principle Consultant - Catalyst Trusteeship Ltd

Yes, it is taxable but it completely depends upon the nature of the benefit & the criteria upon which it falls. There are various clauses amended by the law for the taxation of retirement benefits which are as follows:

1. Provident Fund (PF) contribution along with interest thereon up to the date of retirement is exempt, if service at the time of retirement is more than 5 years.

2. Gratuity - Exempt up to Rs. 20 lakhs or gratuity calculated as per payment of gratuity act,1961 whichever is lower.

3. Superannuation fund- If the corpus of superannuation is commuted, then the amount up to 1/3rd of the corpus is exempt, if more amount is commuted over and above this, it will be taxable.

4. Pension received on monthly basis will be taxable.

For filing the ITR, any taxable amount as per the clauses mentioned above should be added to the salary while filing the same.

Karma Global

Pension is taxable under the head salaries in your income tax return. Pensions are paid out periodically, generally every month. However, you may also choose to receive your pension as a lump sum (also called commuted pension) instead of a periodical payment.

As per Budget 2023: Standard Deduction on family pension under the new tax regime: 15,000 or 1/3rd of the pension amount, whichever is lower.

All individuals who have an annual income over  2,50,000 are liable to pay income tax. However, the case is different for pensioners; they enjoy a certain exemption. They are required to file ITR-1 (Sahaj) online after calculating the exemption.

Somya Srivastava, Founder of Prayatna Microfinance.

Retirement benefits are an integral part of post-retirement financial planning, and it's crucial to be aware of their tax implications. While some retirement benefits are tax-free, others can be taxable. It's important to understand the rules and regulations governing their taxation to avoid any unpleasant surprises come tax season,"says Somya Srivastava, Founder of Prayatna Microfinance.

Retirement benefits, such as pension, gratuity, and provident fund, can be taxable based on various factors such as the amount received, service tenure, and the applicable tax laws during retirement. For instance, gratuity exceeding Rs. 20 lakhs becomes taxable as per the Income Tax Act, 1961. Similarly, the amount received from a provident fund before completing five years of continuous service is taxable in the year of withdrawal.

If you've received taxable retirement benefits, ensure to include them while filing your income tax return (ITR). You can add the taxable amount to your total income for the year and calculate the tax liability based on the applicable tax slab rate. Additionally, you can claim deductions on eligible expenses to reduce your taxable income.

When filing your ITR, ensure to have all the necessary documents, such as Form 16, Form 16A, and Form 26AS, related to your retirement benefits. These documents help you accurately calculate the taxable amount and file your ITR correctly.

In summary, being aware of the tax implications of retirement benefits and filing your ITR correctly can help you stay compliant with your tax obligations and plan your finances effectively for your retirement years.

Satyen Kothari, the founder and CEO of Cube Wealth

Retirement benefits may be taxable based on the type of benefit received. If an individual receives a lump sum payout from their pension fund or gratuity, it is taxable based on their income tax slab. However, if the individual receives a regular pension amount, it is taxable based on their income tax slab after allowing for the standard deduction of Rs. 50,000. Additionally, there are some insurance plans that provide tax-free monthly income for a specific period. To file the income tax return (ITR) for taxable retirement benefits, individuals need to include the income from such benefits under the head "Income from Salary" in their ITR form.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express at MGR Chennai Central Railway Station in Chennai, Tamil Nadu today. Upon arriving at the venue, the Prime Minister inspected the Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express and also interacted with children as well as with the trains crew. This is the second Vande Bharat Express train that will be operating from Chennai after the Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express. Southern Railway has planned to operate the high-speed Vande Bharat express train between the two cities on all days except Wednesdays.

The train would ply at a speed of 130 kmph reaching the destination on both sides in about 5.50 hours thereby saving 1.20 hours journey time compared to express trains, Southern Railway said.

Fare of Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express:

The fare of Vande Bharat Express( Train No- 20643) between Chennai to Coimbatore will be  1365 which includes 308 as catering charges which is optional and  2485 in the Executive Class between both the stations and also includes 369 as catering charges. Meanwhile, the fare on Train No- 20644 Vande Bharat Express will be  1215 in Chair Car and includes 157 as catering charges and 2310 in Executive Cass which will also include 190 as catering charge.

Timings of Coimbatore-Chennai Vande Bharat Express:

20644 MAS VANDE BHARAT Express S.N. Station Code Station Name Route Number Arrival Time Departure Time Halt Time(In minutes) Distance Day 1 CBE COIMBATORE JN 1 -- 06:00 -- 0 1 2 TUP TIRUPPUR 1 06:35 06:37 02:00 51 1 3 ED ERODE JN 1 07:12 07:15 03:00 101 1 4 SA SALEM JN 1 07:58 08:00 02:00 164 1 5 MAS MGR CHENNAI CTL 1 11:50 -- -- 497 1

20643 COIMBATORE VANDE BHARAT S.N. Station Code Station Name Route Number Arrival Time Departure Time Halt Time(In minutes) Distance Day 1 MAS MGR CHENNAI CTL 1 -- 14:25 -- 0 1 2 SA SALEM JN 1 17:48 17:50 02:00 334 1 3 ED ERODE JN 1 18:32 18:35 03:00 396 1 4 TUP TIRUPPUR 1 19:13 19:15 02:00 446 1 5 CBE COIMBATORE JN 1 20:15 -- -- 497 1

The new Chennai  Coimbatore  Chennai Vande Bharat will run at 130 kmph in Chennai  Jolarpettai section. This will greatly benefit passengers as the new Vande Bharat service will take only 5 hours 50 minutes to reach the destination from both ends saving one hour 20 minutes of journey time. Other trains plying in the section including Chennai  Bangalore Shatabdi will also witness considerable reduction in journey time from June onwards.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express train here. PM Modi, who arrived in the city, flagged off the service from Secunderabad Railway station.

He boarded the stationary train at the railway station and interacted with school children. The train will reduce the travel time between Secunderabad in Telangana and Tirupati in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, by almost three and half hours and will be particularly beneficial for pilgrims.
Delhi police has arrested a man who duped people in the name of providing them with jobs in private airlines. This arrest came after a woman last year lost about 9 lakhs when she applied for a job from an advertisement on Instagram.

In December 2022, her husband approached the police and narrated the entire incident to the police. He said that his wife clicked on an Instagram job ad link after which she was redirected to another website called airlinejoballindia.

She then filled all her details as description mentioned about a job at a private airline. Later she received a call from a man named Rahul who asked her to pay registration fees of 750.

Later on, in the name of gate pass, insurance, security money, he got an amount of 8.6 lakh deposited in his account," TOI reported quoting the husband. The woman grew suspicious when the conman Rahul continued to ask for more money.

Also Read: Alert! Fraudsters lure job seekers with 'Headsup Corporation' openings

The Delhi thereafter launched an investigation and nabbed the accused Rahul. As per the report, the accused stated that he started this con after he lost his job in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.

Also Read: Job scam: Here are 5 ways to identify a fake job offer letter

Sanjay Singh DCP, Central told TOI that during the investigation it was found that most of the money withdrawal was done from Hisar, Haryana plus the location of the accused was also from the same area. After which, a raid was carried out and the accused was nabbed. This is not the first time such a scam was carried out. Recently, a female MNC executive was allegedly duped of more than 76 lakh by online frauds who promised her high returns on a part time job. She was asked to rate movies on a mobile app. According to the complaint filed by Divya, the victim, she had made an account on an online app Bitmaxfilm.com and made several deposits of money. In another incident, a couple in Gujarat fell prey to cyber fraud for rating movies. According to a report by Times of India, the couple has lost a total of 1.12 crore in online fraud. According to the daily, the scam began after the couple received a message on Telegram that reads, "You can earn by sitting at home in your comfort, only you have to do is to give ratings to the movies".

Also Read: Fraud alert! Scamsters using mobile payment application to con you, 81 users lose 1 cr

Last year, Shine.com, in a public notice, cautioned people to be alert from the fraudsters/fake websites /weblinks/SMS/ payment links /calls who are wrongly using the brand name of Shine.com or demanding money for a guaranteed placement or interview or fake refund/providing of services.

In October 2022, Indian government had informed that they have rescued about 130 workers who were lured by fake job rackets offering lucrative jobs. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory warning Indian youths against the fake job offered by an international racket that promised jobs in in the information technology sector in Thailand only to illegally send unsuspecting candidates to Myanmar. In 2021, IndiGo too had cautioned people against fake job offers made in its name and advised them to report to police if someone asks for money and promises a job at the carrier. In 2020, Air India had also alerted the public against fake social media handles and websites using the airline's registered trademark posing as its agents and offering jobs. The airline had cautioned people not to get trapped by these handles offering false discounts on Air India flight tickets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Telangana, to inaugurate several development projects for the poll-bound state, on Saturday urged the state's BRS Government to not allow any obstruction in the development being planned for the people of the state.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is reportedly going to skip the PM Modi event in the state. Further reports have also suggested that KCR will not be receiving the PM at the airport as well.

Notably this is not the first time the state CM has skipped events featuring PM Modi.

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid foundation stone for projects like AIIMS Bibinagar and flagged off Telangana's second Vande Bharat train in Hyderabad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspected an exhibition in Hyderabad before inaugurating projects worth 11,360 crore in Telangana today. pic.twitter.com/Y25OCsQpnd  ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023

PM Modi during his address to a rally in Hyderabad, expressed pain at the alleged non-cooperation of the ruling dispensation towards central initiatives aimed at the southern state.

PM Modi said he was pained at the non-cooperation of the state government in Centre's projects which according to him is affecting the dreams of the people of Telangana. "I appeal to the state government to not allow any obstruction in developments being planned for Telangana people," he said.

Speaking at the public meeting in Hyderabad, Modi without mentioning any names, said a handful of people encouraging 'parivarvaad' (dynastic politics) are trying to see where they can reap benefits from projects being implemented for the people of Telangana.

"Handful of people who encourage 'parivarvaad' are trying to see where they can reap benefits from projects being implemented for the people of Telangana," the PM added.

Modi said due to the covid pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, the world was witnessing ups and downs in the economy, but amid this uncertainty India was one of the countries which was investing record amount on infrastructure modernisation.

He said 10 lakh crore was allotted for infrastructure modernisation in this years budget.

Earlier in the day, the PM flagged off the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express train from Secunderabad Railway station here.

He also launched and inaugurated several infrastructure projects from the public meeting venue.

(With inputs from PTI)
News / National

by Staff reporter

EXAMINATION leaks happen at schools where officials work in cahoots with police, a senior Government official has said.The Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Edgar Moyo told senators that Government is putting in place stringent measures to curtail the practice.He said this during the question and answer session in the Senate on March 29 and explained the security processes of how examination papers are produced and distributed.Last year, 5 156 Advanced and Ordinary level candidates' results were nullified for having pre-access to examination papers in the October to December 2022 national examinations, with suspicion that some school heads made the papers available to candidates.The A-Level results were released on January 13 with Zimsec withholding results for 195 candidates while the O' Levels ones, where results for 4 961 candidates were nullified.Deputy Minister Moyo said after investigations by the Ministry, it was established that the exam leaks happen at schools."We also have the police officers who are there and when these papers are being removed from the strong room to the classroom for invigilation, it is not one person who takes those papers," said Deputy Minister Moyo."The whole system is water-tight in terms of security. We have integrity issues by some of our personnel at the school level and where the papers leaked, there was a kind of working together in cahoots by officials at the school. When people agree and connive to do a crime, usually they will succeed because there is no one who is going to let the cat out of the bag."The Deputy Minister explained how the Ministry got to the conclusion by laying out the security checks in producing and distributing the exam papers.He said the process of producing an exam paper starts at Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) offices."Our papers are developed by paper developers and then they are put into what is called a grade maker, which system banks the questions and which system uses random pick up of question papers. There is no interface between the question papers and human beings. All those things are automated," said Deputy Ministry Moyo."Then the transfer of those papers from ZIMSEC head office to our Norton printing press is done technologically and there is again no human interface. It is wired to the machines. Those machines are just feeding codes and then the paper is run and again there is no interface until the paper is packed.""People will be just watching and papers will just be rolling. They are being cut, packaged and the whole system would have been set, then the papers will go out. The only interface is when those papers are then put into boxes to be delivered to schools."Deputy Minister Moyo said the security of the exam papers is compromised when there is human interaction."If you look at what happened last year, you will find that the leaks of those papers did not occur anywhere between head office, printing and delivery of papers to the centres.The evidence that we have is that the papers leaked when they were at school," said Deputy Minister Moyo."That is the point where our attention is now being focused. At the school level, these schools are put into clusters and there is a cluster centre for distribution of examination papers. That cluster centre is manned by what we call a monitor who is brought in by ZIMSEC to monitor what happens there to ensure that there is integrity."Deputy Minister Moyo said most of the exam leaks also occur at schools run by acting headmasters."It is happening in the sense that in most of those schools where we have paper leaks, the personnel there are usually acting heads of schools and not substantive heads. We have been talking to PSC to ensure that most of our heads are graded to substantive level so that they have something to protect. Those who are just acting have nothing to protect and they just let go things," said Deputy Minister Moyo.He said the Ministery will be putting in place measures to track and monitor exam papers until opened."There are several suggestions of how to track papers until they are opened. That system is being worked on and hopefully, something is going to come out to ensure that the integrity of the examination is not compromised," said Deputy Minister Moyo.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be leaving for the US to attend the 2023 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with G20 meetings.

During her week-long trip, she will be hosting the second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under India's G20 Presidency and G20-related side events, said the finance ministry in a statement on Saturday.

Besides, she will have bilateral meetings, a few investor sessions and other associated meetings during the April 10 to April 16 trip to Washington DC.

Accompanied by officials from the finance ministry, she will attend World Bank Development Committee and IMF Committee Plenaries.

She will have interaction with global Economists, global business leaders, think tanks and investors in roundtables, it said, adding, the minister will also have bilateral engagements with countries and international organisations.

As part of the itinerary, the trip also includes engagement with the Indian Diaspora.

Sitharaman and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das will jointly chair the second G20 FMCBG meeting on April 12-13, 2023.

Around 350 delegates from G20 members, 13 invitee countries, and various international and regional organisations will participate and engage in multilateral discussions centred around a broad spectrum of pressing global issues, it said.

The second G20 FMCBG meeting will comprise of three sessions -- Global Economy and International Financial Architecture; Sustainable Finance, Financial Sector and Financial Inclusion; and International Taxation.

The focus of these sessions will be to deliberate on issues such as addressing food & energy insecurity, managing global debt vulnerabilities, strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), mobilising finance for climate action, advancing financial inclusion, and accelerating progress on International Tax and Financial Sector issues, it said.

The meeting will take stock of the progress made on outcomes envisaged under India's G20 Finance Track agenda, it said.

This G20 FMCBG meeting will advance efforts towards the preparation of G20 India Finance Track deliverables for the third G20 FMCBG meeting to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, in July 2023, it said.

These meetings are expected to provide informed Finance Track contributions to the Leaders Declaration set for adoption in the New Delhi Summit in September 2023, it said.

On the sidelines of the Spring Annual Meetings, the finance minister will have bilateral engagements with her respective counterparts from G20 countries and heads of other delegations, including major international organisations, to discuss issues and areas of mutual interest and cooperation under India's G20 Presidency.

In the course of her visit, she will also participate in a fireside chat at the Peterson Institute of International Economics (PIIE) on April 10, 2023.

In a high-level meeting on April 11, Sitharaman will meet US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to discuss issues of mutual interest.

During the official visit, it said, a meeting of the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable will be co-chaired by India, International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank on April 12, to discuss the current global debt landscape and ways to address existing challenges in debt restructuring.

A high-level seminar on 'Macro-financial implications of Crypto assets' will be held on April 14 to review the macro-financial implications of Crypto Assets and discuss policies to leverage benefits and contain risks, it added.

Sitharaman will also meet the G20 Expert Group on strengthening MDBs on April 15, to discuss the need for an updated MDBs ecosystem for the 21st century towards financing sustainable development goals and transboundary challenges.

Besides these, the finance minister will also participate in a high-level seminar on 'Stacking up the benefits of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)' organised by the IMF on April 14.

The seminar aims to discuss lessons from India and other countries on the transformational power of DPI and ways to maximise its potential, it said.

Other side events that will be held on the margins of the IMF-WB Spring Meetings include an event on 'Enhancing the Economic Empowerment of Women as Entrepreneurs and Leaders' (April 13), 'LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) event on Behavioral Change to Tackle Climate Change' (April 14), and 'Launch of debt restructuring negotiation process on Sri Lanka' (April 13), among others.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
The India Meteorological Department Mumbai has predicted light to moderate spells of rains coupled with thunderstorms and gusty winds are very likely to occur in different parts of Maharashtra during the next 3-4 hours.

"Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and light to moderate spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph are very likely to occur at isolated places in Pune, Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, Jalna, Beed, Sangli, Solapur and Ratnagiri during the next 3-4 hours," said IMD Mumbai.

Apart from this, the regional metrological center in Mumbai has said that thunderstorm very likely to occur over Dhule, Nandurbar, Nashik, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg during next 3 to 4 hours. There is also possibility of hailstorm at isolated places in Kolhapur, Dhule and Aurangabad.

As per FPJ report, IMD has also predicted thunder activity, lightning with light to moderate rain in parts of the Pune district till 8 April.

Earlier, IMD predicted that light rainfall is likely in some districts of Madhya Pradesh in the next 24 hours, which will bring some relief to the residents of the state from the heat.

"Light rainfall was recorded in Ujjain district in the last 24 hours and the remaining parts of the state remained dry. Also, the weather will be clear in the next 24 hours though there is a possibility of light drizzle in Betul and Chhindwara districts of the state," said senior meteorologist Narendra Meshram, IMD Bhopal.

Also Read: Unseasonal rains are not because of climate change

Further, according to the met office, light thunderstorms with lightning are likely to occur over Burhanpur, South Khandwa and adjoining Khargone parts in forenoon hours.

A report by Kerala Kaumudi has also stated that possibility of heavy rains and thunderstorm is likely in Kerala. Ernakulam to Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala are likely to experience rain and strong winds till Monday.

The weather office has also predicted that isolated heatwave conditions is likely over parts of northwest and east India between 13 and 19 April.

Now, northwest India and most parts of central India are seeing dry conditions. The thunderstorms have stopped and we are not expecting any Western Disturbance. Now, temperatures are near normal but since dry conditions are expected to continue, heat will rise and a heatwave may set in over isolated parts of northwest and east India after a week," Hindustan Times has quotes IMD scientist Naresh Kumar.

Meanwhile, speaking of rainfall in Maharashtra, crops on more than 60,000 hectares of land in Marathwada in Maharashtra have been damaged due to last month's unseasonal rains and a sum of 84.75 crore would be needed to give compensation to 1.22 lakh farmers, news agency PTI has reported citing an official.

Quoting figures from the crop loss assessment survey carried out by the state government, he said Nanded saw the maximum loss with crops getting damaged on 21,579.50 hectares and affecting 36,543 farmers. "In Aurangabad, crops were destroyed on 13,535.07 hectares and 35,015 farmers were affected. In Latur, damage was on 10,367.83 hectares affecting 22,565 farmers," he said.

The official said the compensation needed to be paid in Nanded was 30.52 crore, 22.17 crore in Aurangabad, 10.56 crore in Latur, 3.67 crore in Jalna, 4.37 crore in Parbhani, 6.04 crore in Hingol, 5.99 crore in Beed and 1.39 crore in Osmanabad.

(With inputs from ANI)
India saw another rise in daily Covid cases with 6,155 new infections reported in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. This slight jump comes a day after the country reported 6050 cases yesterday.

With this, the country's active Covid-19 caseload has gone up to active cases at 31,194, a jump of nearly 2891 cases.

India's COVID-19 tally now stands at 4.47 crore (4,47,51,259). The death toll climbed to 5,30,954 with 11 deaths, including two reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The national COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 98.74 per cent, according to the health ministry website.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 5.63 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 3.47 per cent.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,89,111, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

Yesterday, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a review meeting with health ministers of all states and Union Territories. He asked states to stay alert and remain prepared for the management of the disease. He further urged the State Health Ministers to conduct mock drills of all hospital infrastructure on April 10 and 11 and review the health preparedness with district administrations and health officials on April 8 and 9.

He also urged states to identify emerging hotspots by monitoring trends of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) cases and sending sufficient samples for testing of COVID-19 and Influenza; and ramping up whole genome sequencing of positive samples.

It was observed that 23 states and UTs had average tests per million below the national average.

"Irrespective of the new COVID variants, the five-fold strategy of 'Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and Adherence to COVID Appropriate Behaviour' continue to remain the tested strategy for COVID management. This would facilitate the undertaking of appropriate public health measures, he said," Mandaviya said.

With an uptick in the trend of Covid cases, scientists said that XBB.1.16 is the Covid-19 variant responsible for the present surge. However, scientists say that people in India have developed hybrid immunity (due to vaccination and natural infection). Therefore, the present Covid-19 variants will not cause a lot of hospitalization. According to the latest INSACOG bulletin, the newly emerged recombinant coronavirus variant XBB.1.16 has been observed in different parts of the country, accounting for 38.2 per cent of the infection till date.

Also Read: COVID-19 origin mystery continues, Chinese researchers publish data from Wuhan market

Recently a preprint new study showed that XBB.1.16 Omicron variant, which is behind the COVID surge in India and will also spread worldwide in the near future, has an effective reproductive number (Re) 1.27 and 1.17-fold higher respectively than XBB.1 & XBB.1.5, suggesting that XBB.1.16 will spread worldwide in the near future.

Also Read: COVID symptoms changed again amid XBB.1.16 surge! Experts warn of signs not seen' in earlier waves

Speaking of precautions taken by states to keep check of the virus, The Tamil Nadu government said that it will ramp up RT-PCR testing. State Health Minister, M Subramaniam said that the health department will raise the number of tests from 4,000 to 11,000 daily. Subramaniam also said that the health department was carrying out two percent random sampling of international travellers.

In Jharkhand, Health Minister Banna Gupta urged the Centre to provide at least 50,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to continue with the immunisation drive in the state. In Puducherry, the state government on Friday issued an advisory and made face masks mandatory for people in public places.

In Gujarat, state minister Rushikesh Patel appealed to people to wear masks and go for a test if they experience COVID-19 symptoms. "Though most people are found to be infected with the XBB.1.16 variant at present, it is not lethal. The hospitalisation as well as mortality rate of those infected with this variant is very low. However, people with co-morbidity and elderly persons need to take extra precaution," said Patel.

(Inputs from agencies)
Despite the practice of 'triple talaq' has been made illegal in India since 2017, an incident took place in Odisha's Kendrapara district where a 45-year-old man allegedly handed out instant 'triple talaq' to his wife after she confessed to losing 1.5 lakh to cyber criminals.

The state police has booked the accused for handing out instant 'triple talaq' to his 32-year-old wife. The person was booked after his wife lodged a complaint with the police alleging that her husband, who is currently in Gujarat, on April 1 uttered 'talaq' three times when he came to know that she lost 1.5 lakh to cyber frauds.

The victim is married for the last 15 years and mother of three teenage children.

ALSO READ: Criminalization of triple talaq challenged in Supreme court and Delhi High Court

Police booked a case against the accused under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, said Kendrapara Sadar police station Inspector Saroj Kumar Sahoo.

According to the act, the offence invites imprisonment of up to three years. Apart from this, police also registered various sections of the IPC and Dowry Prevention Act after woman complained that she was also subjected to dowry-related torture.

Though the details on how the woman lost the money to cyber criminals are not yet clear till now.

Earlier in 2017, the Supreme Court banned the controversial practice of instant divorce, setting it aside on several grounds including that it was against the basic tenets of the Holy Quran and violated the Islamic law Shariat.

With PTI inputs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) on Sunday during his visit to Karnataka on 9 April.

The launch of the alliance follows the clarion call given by the Prime Minister in July 2019, when he had called for an alliance of global leaders to obliterate demand and firmly curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia.

IBCA will focus on protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world such as tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah in collaboration with countries harbouring these species.

"The belief of Narendra Modi has been integral in the environmental consciousness. Wide-ranging efforts have been undertaken, which have together positively impacted the wildlife in the country," according to a government release.

According to the government, the population of tigers increased by 33% over 4 years to 2,967 in 2018. The PM will release the latest figures of the tiger population on 9 April.

Strong conservation management and robust protection has resulted in a 29% increase of the lion population in Gujarat, while the widely distributed leopard population has witnessed an increase of about 63% in 2018 over a span of four years.

The government claims that India ranked first in wild-to-wild transcontinental translocation of a big cat (Cheetah) in 2022 and reversed a historic wrong of extinction of Cheetah.

"One plank of the efforts of the government is to positively impact the wildlife population through conservation efforts. A parallel plank is an immense focus of the government on ending poaching. This bore fruit last year with the end result being zero poaching of rhinoceros in Assam," the release said.

The Prime Minister will visit Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the morning and interact with frontline field staff and self help groups involved in conservation activities. He will also visit the Theppakadu Elephant camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and interact with mahouts and kavadis of the elephant camp.

He will inaugurate Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger. He will also interact with field directors of tiger reserves that have scored highest in the recently concluded 5th cycle of management effectiveness evaluation exercise.
Ukraine's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Emine Dzhaparova will visit India from 9 to 12 April 2022.

"During the visit, Ms. Dzhaparova will hold talks with Shri Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), MEA, where both sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations, exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest," according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Minister Dzhaparova will meet with Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi and Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri.

In 2017, then-Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin visited India. MJ Akbar, then serving as Minister of State for External Affairs, visited Ukraine in 2018.

"India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine. Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence. The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests," according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, both sides have maintained high level contact.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with his counterpart, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy several times since the commencement of hostilities.

India has provided aid, including humanitarian relief and medical equipment, to Kyiv since 2022. In September last year, India gave Ukraine a 7725 kilogram consignment of humanitarian aid including essential medicines and medical equipment.

However, India has not condemned the Russian invasion nor has it joined the sanctions regime against Moscow. It has also continued purchases of Russian oil, which has become one of the top sources of energy imports for India.

Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's foreign minister, made critical statements of India's purchases of Russian oil in 2022. He called India's decision "morally inappropriate".
Union Minister Kiran Rijiju's car met with a minor accident in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. According to reports, a loaded truck had collided with the Law Minister's vehicle in the Ramban area. Officials said that Rijiju was uninjured.

"No injuries happened to anyone and Honourable Minister was driven safely to destination," Ramban Police added. Security personnel in accompanying cars had rushed to escort the minister out of his vehicle following the incident.

The accident took place near Sita Ram Passi in the Maroog area around 6 pm when the minister was on his way to Srinagar after attending two functions in Jammu and Udhampur. Rijiju eventually left for Srinagar, crossing the Banihal tunnel around 7 pm.

VIDEO | Union Minister of Law and Justice @KirenRijiju's car met with a minor accident while going from Jammu to Srinagar earlier today. No one was injured in the accident. pic.twitter.com/bix6GaM7bX  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 8, 2023

(With inputs from agencies)
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen said on Saturday that Taipei will continue working with the United States and other democracies as the island faces "continued authoritarian expansionism" from China.

China sent warships and dozens of fighter jets toward Taiwan on Saturday, the Taiwanese government said, in retaliation for a meeting between the US House of Representatives speaker Kevin McCarthy and the president of the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory.

"In recent years we have faced continued authoritarian expansionism," Tsai said at the meeting.

"Cooperation among democracies has become even more important. We will continue to work with the US and other like-minded countries to jointly defend the values of freedom and democracy, she added.

McCaul -- who oversees all US military sales to foreign nations -- said Washington was working to quickly supply weapons to Taiwan.

"We are doing everything we can in Congress to speed up these sales and get the weapons that you need to defend yourself, and we will provide training to your military, not for war, but for peace," he said.

"It's important that all democracies stand together against tyranny and oppression, whether it be (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine to Communist China's acts of aggression against your nation and the Pacific."

Speaker Kevin McCarthy held talks with President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday in California, adding to a series of foreign lawmakers who have met Tsai to show support in the face of Chinese intimidation. Beijing responded Friday by imposing a travel ban and financial sanctions against American groups and individuals associated with Tsai's U.S. visit.

On Saturday, eight warships and 42 planes were detected near Taiwan, 29 of which crossed the middle line of the strait that separates the island from the mainland, the island's Ministry of Defense said. The planes included Chengdu J-10, Shenyang J-11 and Shenyang J-16 jet fighters, it said.

Taiwan split with China after a civil war in 1949. The ruling Communist Party says the island is obliged to rejoin the mainland, by force if necessary. Beijing says contact with foreign officials encourages Taiwanese who want formal independence, a step the ruling party says would lead to war.

This is a serious warning against the collusion and provocation between the Taiwan independence' separatist forces and external forces," said a People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command statement. The Joint Sword" exercises are a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The war games will send planes, ships and personnel into "the maritime areas and air space of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the island's east", said Shi Yin, a PLA spokesman.

Taiwan's defence ministry on Saturday said it would respond to China's operation "with a calm, rational, and serious attitude, and monitor the situation based on the principle of 'not escalating conflicts, nor causing disputes' to defend our national sovereignty and security".

(With inputs from agencies)
Stormy Daniels, the porn star at the centre of former president of United States Donald trump, conveyed a message for trump's wife- Melania Trump. The message was posted by The Independent , in a 16 second video, where Daniels is seen saying that Melania Trump can call her if the latter needs to testify against Donald Trump in a probable divorce hearing.

There has been no statement on the part of the Trump family or the former first lady Melania Trump about divorcing her husband. The former US president has been arrested and arraigned over so-called hush money payments to the adult film star in 2016.

Stormy Daniels claimed that she had a romantic extramarital relationship with Trump in 2006.

She said she feels bad" for Melania Trump after being asked if she had any sympathy for her.

Call me if you need me to testify at your divorce," she told The Independent.

Donald trump began dating his current wife Melania Trump in 1998. In 2005, she married the real estate developer and TV personality Donald Trump and gave birth to their son Barron in 2006.

Melania Trump is a Slovenian American former model and businesswoman who served as the First Lady of the United States from 2017 to 2021.

Meanwhile, Stormy has also said she does not think the former president should go to prison if convicted of concealing hush money payments he made to her.

"I dont think that his crimes against me are worthy of incarceration. I feel like the other things that he has done, if he is found guilty, absolutely," Daniels, 44, said in an interview with Fox Nation's Piers Morgan to be broadcast on Thursday.

Trump was charged in New York on Tuesday with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records over allegations he orchestrated hush-money payments to Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal before the 2016 U.S. election to suppress publication of their alleged sexual encounters with him.

Trump, 76, also faces criminal investigations in Washington for trying to overturn his 2020 election loss and mishandling classified documents, and a separate criminal probe in Georgia about his attempt to overturn his defeat in that state.

Prosecutors in Manhattan accused Trump, the first sitting or former U.S. president to face criminal charges, of trying to conceal a violation of election laws during his successful 2016 campaign.

Trump, the front-runner in the race for the Republican nomination in 2024, denies having an affair with Daniels but has acknowledged the payment.

(With agency inputs)
In a recent case of anti-Indian discrimination at London School of Economics, student Karan Kataria alleged the college union of turning a blind eye on his disqualification. He also said that the union didn't act even after accepting that the bullying and defamation happened".

The Indian law student, Karan Kataria said that he was disqualified from the Law School of London School of Economics elections and alleged the LSE Student union of ignoring the issue.

Also Read: After Canada, Australia rejects visa applications of Indian students from Punjab, Haryana

"I approached the LSE Student Union to come out and help me but they turned a blind eye that this is not related to the election and it doesn't have any relation with any of the candidates. They accepted that the bullying and defamation happened.......they haven't come out with a public statement condemning this rather, they disqualified me from the campaign," Karan told ANI in an interview.

#WATCH| UK: A smear campaign was launched against me on 24th March, going on to my character assassination, to defamation. WhatsApp groups of many societies & departmental groups were flooded with the forward messages terming me as Islamophobic, transphobic & racist: Karan pic.twitter.com/Kq5SX1WLkJ  ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2023

Hailing from Haryana's Gurugram, Karan said that the defamation campaign was the result of religion-based discrimination and prevalence of ant-India rhetoric on the campus. On his disqualification, Karan Kataria called the allegations to be baseless".

Also Read: India woos Bhutanese students, youth

"A smear campaign was launched against me on 24th March, going on to my character assassination, to defamation. WhatsApp groups of many societies & departmental groups were flooded with the forward messages terming me as Islamophobic, transphobic and racist," said Kataria.

Notably, Karan Kataria was disqualified from running for General Secretary election of at LSE Students' Union for his alleged links with Hindu nationalists.

He also said that he received huge support from all the students from various departments of the college. HE received support students coming from Asian and African countries.

The incident has garnered nationwide attention, and even forced the Haryana CM, Manohar Lal Khattar to issue an official response to the Indian High Commission in UK. The CM condemned the incident and wrote to the high commission for a probe into the matter and ensure Karan Kataria's safety.

Informing about his written appeal to the Indian High Commission, CM Manohar Lal Khattar said that they have assured that they won't let this happen and look into the matter. He also met his family and assured all the help from his side.

The incident came into light when Karan Kataria explained his ordeal in his Twitter post. He claimed of being disqualified from fighting election for being a Hindu nationalist.

On Sunday, Karan Kataria, a lawyer pursuing Masters in the LSE campus and running for the General Secretary of the LSE Student Union, took on to Twitter to claim that he was targeted for being a Hindu nationalist and disqualified from fighting for the General Secretary post.

"I have faced personal, vicious, and targeted attacks due to the anti-India rhetoric and Hinduphobia. I demand that the @lsesu is transparent about its reasoning. I will not be a SILENT victim of Hinduphobia," he alleged in a tweet.

He also claimed that Indian students were bullied on the last day of polling and were targeted for their national and Hindu religious identities.

(With inputs from ANI)
News / National

by Staff reporter

Former farm owners have rejected Zimbabwe's compensation proposal of paying in government securities over a 10 year period amid concerns about the age profile of the supposed beneficiaries.The government has proposed to compensate former commercial white farmers with commercial paper into the market for a duration of 10 years in a frantic attempt to fund its US$3.5bn compensation deal.But former farm owners want urgent cash payment."Ex-farmers have rejected the Treasury Bonds as they need cash payments with much shorter periods which allow them time to plan with their money due to their age profiles which are between the 80s and 90s. For that reason, they are not taking any deal which does not include in the cash at the shortest possible time," a source privy to the information told Business Times.In 2020, the government agreed to compensate the former farm owners in phases and the first instalment of US$1.75bn was supposed to be paid in 2021 and the balance to be paid in four equal instalments of US$437.5m per year.The government has been shifting goalposts on several occasions much to the chagrin of the former farm owners who fear age may not be on their side and many are pushing for immediate action for Zimbabwe to meet its side of the bargain.The international community put the compensation of former farmers as a prerequisite for arrears clearance and debt strategy, engagement, and re-engagement processes.This has pressured the government to compensate to start accessing credit lines to ramp up production in various sectors of the economy.Finance and Economic Development deputy minister Clemence Chiduwa told Business Times that he is happy about the fact that both parties continue to engage."At the moment, I am not aware of this position but what I know is that there were some engagements this week and an agreed position will be reached soon as both parties continue to engage to find common ground for compensation to take place," Chiduwa said.He said compensation was going to be decided based on negotiation outcomes that are being finalised.However, the farmers feel there are loose ends that still need to be tied.Commercial Farmers Union president Andrew Pascoe could not be reached for comment as his mobile number went unanswered.However, recently Pascoe said there is a need for safety nets to come up with a win-win situation for both parties, no matter what proposal comes through."We have engaged our financial and legal advisors to pave the way forward but we have proposed safeguards, which we want to be included in the deal. Once we are done we will engage the authorities for the final decision."Some of the commercial papers issued by the government are Treasury Bills and bonds (TBs).Although in stable economies, TBs are considered one of the safest and go-to investment instruments as they are considered risk-free and liquid due to their strong backing by the government, in Zimbabwe, commercial paper has in the past few years become a major source of economic vulnerabilities.In Zimbabwe, commercial paper has been reportedly abused in high-profile cases that also involve politically connected elites.There are also concerns that the issuance of TBs worth a staggering US$3.5bn into the market will crowd out private sector funding.The new deal comes after the government last year proposed an interim cash payment of 10% or US$350m of the Global Compensation value of US$3.5bn, over four years.Zimbabwe was supposed to pay interim cash payments of US$35m per year for three years, starting in 2023 to 2025, with the balance of US$295m being paid in 2026 from the sale proceeds of the former farmer owners' 12.5% Kuvimba shareholding and/or sale of any other government asset.Farmers immediately rejected that deal.The TBs will be issued with features that include prescribed asset status; liquid asset status; tradable; payments emanating from the bonds will not be subject to taxation, including income, capital gains, and/or inheritance in Zimbabwe, and redeemable as and when additional resources become available to the government.
Europe is home to a diverse range of vacation spots that cater to different tastes and interests. Whether you're looking for sandy beaches, historic landmarks, or mountainous terrains, there's something for everyone. Also, if you are travelling on a budget, lets say 50,000, there are several European countries that you can explore without breaking the bank. Here are 5 budget-friendly destinations for a 7-day trip to Europe.

Romania: Romania is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by travelers. However, this country has a lot to offer in terms of picturesque monasteries, solid stone churches, and stunning landscapes. You can explore the country's rolling hills and architectural marvels without worrying about your budget. The food and lodging costs are relatively low, and hotel stays can cost between 1,500 to 2,500 per day.

Portugal: Portugal has gained popularity in recent years due to its surf beaches, charming villages, and delectable pastries. Although prices around downtown Lisbon have increased, the rest of Portugal is still affordable. You can find budget-friendly hotels for around 1,500 to 2,500 per day.

Slovenia: Slovenia is a small country that is bordered by Hungary, Italy, and Austria. The country is known for its mountainous terrain, dense forests, and natural beauty. It is also extremely budget-friendly, and hotel charges would cost around 3,200 to 5,500 a night.

Slovakia: Slovakia is a popular tourist destination due to its breathtaking landscapes, including castles, mountains, and Bratislava. Dining and lodging should be the least of your concerns, as Slovakia has accessible food options and affordable hotels. Food and hotel expenses come to about 2,000 per day, and accommodation can cost around 3,500 to 4,500 per night.

Greece: Although Greece may seem like an expensive destination, you can still explore several cities and islands without spending a fortune. Instead of visiting popular tourist spots like Mykonos, consider staying on the charming island of Tinos, which features marble villages, stunning beaches, and great lodging deals. Food and hotel costs will vary depending on your location, but on average, it would cost around 1,500 for food, and hotel stays can cost between 3,200 to 5,500 per night.
NEW DELHI : India and Mexico have launched studies to explore the potential for a free-trade agreement (FTA), Mexicos Ambassador to India, Federico Salas Lotfe, said in an interview. However, given Indias preoccupation with ongoing FTA negotiations with the UK, Australia and other partners, Lotfe stated that the agreement is unlikely to be signed within the next two years. To bolster economic linkages, Lotfe proposed connecting entrepreneurs from both countries while also highlighting opportunities in research on the uses of lithium. Last year, Mexico encouraged Indias Sun Mobility, which builds energy infrastructure for electric vehicles, to expand into Mexico. Ambassador Lotfe stated that joint ventures between Indian and Mexican firms on lithium research should be realized over the medium term. Edited excerpts :

India and Mexico have a growing economic relationship. Are there any plans for an FTA?

We got an expression of interest from the Indian side before the pandemic to explore the possibility of a free trade agreement. Now, what has happened is that India has been very busy negotiating other free trade agreements with Australia, the UK and the European Union. So, I would think that the negotiating team of India is quite busy right now. So this has not moved as fast as one would think. But we are at the stage right now of exploring whether having a FTA is something that were both interested in. This is in the pipeline. Having said that, I think what is important is that even without a free trade agreement, the trade relationship is a very healthy and growing one. Its so I would think that if we were to eventually have a free trade agreement, things would move much, much faster. However, I think this isnt something that is going to happen this year or next.

You mentioned that Mexico is interested in Indias digital and startups sector. Will India and Mexico set up a formal platform to connect entrepreneurs from both countries?

Well, that has not been a proposal so far, but it certainly is not ruled out. So far, we have linked the Mexican startups with some of the Indian startups. We have also been in close touch with Nasscom. Moving towards a forum is certainly a possibility. Within Mexico, we created a forum which includes some of the Indian startup companies that are already working in Mexico. But we may move in that direction (of a formal platform). We are just starting in some ways.

Both countries have agreed to look into technology tie-ups on lithium technology. Are we going to be looking at specific investments by Indian firms in Mexico or vice-versa?

That may be the case in the future. We have just taken the first step in that direction. The question of investments is open-ended. If companies want to invest in Mexico, theyre more than welcome to. But were looking more into the aspect of research into the possible uses of lithium. From there, we would look not so much into the mining and exploitation of the lithium itself but what happens once it is being used in, for example, electrical batteries for automobiles. That is an area where there might be opportunities for investments. Right now, in Mexico, were starting to look into the whole question of electric vehicles, which includes work on batteries. But this is a work in progress. The possibilities are there, and we are looking forward to greater collaboration on this.

Apart from research on this new technology, would joint ventures between Indian and Mexican companies also be considered in the long term?

I would say in the medium term. As I said, Mexico is moving very much into this field. There have been announcements recently of some very significant investments in Mexico. Tesla is going to build a major plant in Mexico for electric vehicles, and some electrical battery companies are also going to start building in Mexico. We have encouraged some makers here in India to also look into the Mexican market. For example, when our Foreign Minister was here (in 2022), we met with Sun Mobility, a company that makes electric batteries and charging infrastructure. Were encouraging this company to come to Mexico.

With India looking to diversify its energy suppliers and secure its energy security, should we expect to see any energy tie-ups between the two countries or investments by Indian oil majors in Mexico?

Well, I can tell you that there are some Indian companies that do have investments in the oil sector of Mexico. At the same time, they are part of multinational consortiums. So that is taking place already, and whether there will be opportunities in the future will depend on the actual operational situation on the ground and whether what Indian companies, together with others, can offer will be of interest to Mexico.

On energy security, we are providing India with a large amount of oil. A big chunk of our $10 billion bilateral trade includes this oil trade.
In another show of strength against the USA and South Korea's giant military exercise, North Korea tested its second underwater nuclear attack drone Haeil-2" test from April 4 to April 7, reported the state Korean media on Saturday.

According to Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the underwater nuclear attack drone Haeil-2" entered into the test in Kajin Port, Kumya Country, South Hamgyong Province in the afternoon on April 4.

Also read: North Korea claims almost 800,000 have signed up to fight against US

"A national defence science research institute in the DPRK carried out a test of underwater strategic weapon system from April 4 to 7," the official Korean Central News Agency said.

Notably, North Korea claimed of conducting another test of an underwater nuclear attack drone on March 23. The attack was able to unleash a radioactive tsunami", claimed the nation. The action came as a warning to the USA against its improving defence ties with South Korea. The drone was called the Unmanned Underwater Nuclear Attack Craft 'Haeil". It was tested from March 21 to March 23.

The current test missile attack cruised 1000 km of simulated underwater distance in elliptical and 8" patterns set in the East Sea of Korea for 71 hours and 6 minutes.

Also Read: Kim Jong Un has kept this North Korean city under strict lockdown; the reason may amuse you

The nuclear missile arrived in the waters off Ryongdae Port, Tanchon City, South Hamgyong Province in the afternoon on April 7. It was the location of simulated target where the test warhead accurately detonated underwater.

The state media reported that the attack system will help North Korea of giving its military an upper edge to contain all evolving military actions of enemies, removing threats and defending the country.

Show of strength against the US and South Korea military drills

The repeated missiles testing and other actions by North Korea are the show of strength by North Korea against the military exercise being held between the United States of America and South Korea. The two nations conducted their biggest ever military exercise in last five years between March 13 and March 23. The exercise was conducted on the sourthern part of the Korean Peninsula.

Since, then North Korea has been testing various missiles, incuding the test of an intercontinental ballistic missile last week and the tests of smaller-range missiles.

(With agency inputs)
In another case of shooting inside education institute, the University of Oklahoma reported the presence of an active shooter inside its college premises in the United States on Saturday.

However, the alert following the news of shooter inside campus was cancelled affter OUPD conducted a full investigation of the matter and gave clearance of any threat in the college campus.

Also Read: I like ice cream: Joe Biden's first statement on US school shooting | Watch

"OU-NORMAN Critical 10:53pm: OUPD has issued an ALL CLEAR. After a thorough search, no threat was found. There is no threat to campus. Alert has been canceled,"tweeted the Oklahoma University on its official Twitter handle.

OU-NORMAN Critical 10:53pm: OUPD has issued an ALL CLEAR. After a thorough search, no threat was found. There is no threat to campus. Alert has been canceled.  Univ. of Oklahoma (@UofOklahoma) April 8, 2023

The university informed about the presence of an active shooter on its official Twitter account. Earlier, in the day, it tweeted of hearing possible shots fired in its Norman campus on Saturday.

Also Read: Police reveal THIS about Nashville shooter in US school shooting | 10 updates

"There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. OUPD investigating possible shots fired on Norman campus," tweeted the University of Oklahoma on Saturday.

OU-NORMAN Emergency 9:45pm OUPD investigating possible shots fired on Norman campus. Avoid South Oval area. Shelter in place.  Univ. of Oklahoma (@UofOklahoma) April 8, 2023

During the investigation, the students were advised to avoid the South Oval area and to seek shelter at a safe place as authorities continued with their operation for the shooter. While updating about the ongoing shooting incident, the university had advised its students to Run.Hide.Fight!" to save their lives.

Also read: 'You gotta change people's heart', Republican senator's odd solution to US gun violence

There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!" the college had tweeted earlier today.

The colleged had advised the students to avoid the South Oval area and to shelter at place as authorities sweeped the college campus for the shooter.

Visuals on local media showed multiple police vehicles outside the University of Oklahoma. The incident comes just days after three children and three adults were killed during a school shooting in Nashville.

In the wake of US' liberal shooting arms policy, there have been rising cases of mass shooting. This year, there have been more than 100 cases of mass shootings.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has said that the company is planning to add conversational artificial intelligence (AI) features to its search engine. Dismissing the notion that chatbots posed a threat to Googles search business, Pichai said that the opportunity space is bigger than before.

Googles search business accounts for more than half of the companys revenue. Search ads brought $162 billion revenue to Alphabet last year.

He said that Google has now yet achieved a goal of becoming 20% more productive, a target he set in September. We are definitely being focused on creating durable savings," Pichai said. We are pleased with the progress, but there is more work left to do."

Google, he said, is testing several new search products including AI search engine versions that allow users to ask follow-up questions. Last month Google said that it would begin thoughtfully integrating LLMs into search in a deeper way."

In March this year, Google announced that it is enabling access to its large language models (LLMs) through an application programming interface (API) for select developers, as well as integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) features into Gmail and Google Docs as part of its Workspace suite for a select few users.

The new trial adds a host of experiments to numerous Google tools that are used by businesses and consumers alike, which Thomas Kurian, chief executive of Google Cloud, said will be expanded through the year.

During the interview, Pichai said that the companys two main AI units  Google Brain and DeepMind will work together more closely on efforts to build large algorithms.

I expect a lot more, stronger collaboration, because some of these efforts will be more compute-intensive, so it makes sense to do it at a certain scale together," Pichai said.

He said that over time smaller AI models will become more useful, enabling companies to design their own or users to run the algorithms on their own personal devices.

Youll have a whole diverse range of options," Pichai said. The technology will be more accessible than people expect."
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California's Medicaid program will continue to pay Walgreens about $1.5 billion each year despite Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom declaring last month the state was done doing business with the pharmacy giant after it indicated it would not sell abortion pills by mail in some states.

California wont be doing business with @Walgreens -- or any company that cowers to the extremists and puts womens lives at risk. Were done, Newsom tweeted March 6.

He then ordered his administration not to renew a $54 million contract with the company to provide prescription medication to the state's prison system.

But cutting ties with Walgreens wasn't as clear cut as the governor first indicated. Walgreens has a much more lucrative connection to California's Medicaid program  the joint federal and state health insurance program for people who are disabled or have low incomes. Federal law says Medicaid patients have the right to fill prescriptions from any willing and qualified provider.

That includes Walgreens.

Last year, California's Medicaid program paid the company more than $1.5 billion. The California Department of Health Care Services said California will continue to comply with that law, Kaiser Health News reported.

California has no intention of taking any action that would violate federal Medicaid requirements, or that could undermine access for low-income individuals, said Tony Cava, spokesman for the California Department of Health Care Services.

Anthony York, spokesman for the governor, also told Kaiser Health News that the Newsom administration had invited Walgreens to apply again for the $54 million contract the state chose not to renew last month.

Tweeting is not policy, York told the news outlet.

York said Friday the Walgreens contract was not renewed but that the company "may seek future procurement opportunities.

This is not the first time Newsom has made a splashy announcement without first working out all of the details behind it. At the beginning of the pandemic, the Newsom administration quickly signed a contract to purchase masks and other personal protective equipment, frustrating some lawmakers who did not know the details.

This is something that politicians bump up against all the time," said Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University who focuses on politics and elections. They want to say something strong and big and bold and splashy, and the devil is in the legal details.

Newsom's spat with Walgreens began after the company indicated it would not distribute abortion pills by mail in some conservative states. That pill, mifepristone, when combined with another pill, will end a pregnancy. It's been approved since 2000 in the U.S. for use up to the 10th week of pregnancy. Today, more than half of all abortions in the U.S. are done this way, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.

Several states have taken steps to restrict mifepristone, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal abortion protections last year. Earlier this year, attorneys general in 20 states, mostly with Republican governors, warned Walgreens it could face legal consequences if it distributed mifepristone in their states. Walgreens responded by saying it would not distribute mifepristone in states where it is not legal to do so.

On Friday, Walgreens spokesperson Fraser Engerman referred questions to Newsom's office. But Engerman reiterated the company's position about abortion pills.

Walgreens plans to dispense mifepristone in any jurisdiction where it is legally permissible to do so, Engerman said. Once we are certified by the FDA, we will dispense this medication consistent with federal and state laws. Providing legally approved medications to patients is what pharmacies do, and is rooted in our commitment to the communities in which we operate.

Newsom's former chief of staff, Ann O'Leary, represented Walgreens in discussions with the Newsom administration over the issue last month, Politico reported.
Courtesy/TAMIU

Texas A&M International University is hosting Axios author and chief economic correspondent Neil Irwin on Wednesday, April 12 for the next lecture in its IBC Bank & Commerce Bank Keynote Speaker Series.

Prior to his roles with Axios, Irwin worked for the New York Times as a senior economic correspondent. He is a best-selling author with his book The Alchemists: Three Central Bankers and a World on Fire about the effort to subdue the global financial crisis. It was published in 2013 by Penguin Press and was named to several books-of-the-year lists by NPR, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. He also wrote the book How to Win in a Winner-Take-All World: The Definitive Guide to Adapting and Succeeding in High-Performance Careers.
ChiccoDodiFC/Getty Images/iStockphoto

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  A U.S. Army sergeant was convicted of murder for fatally shooting an armed protester in 2020 during nationwide protests against police violence and racial injustice, a Texas jury ruled Friday.

Sgt. Daniel Perry was working for a ride-sharing company in July 2020 when he turned onto a street and into a large crowd of demonstrators in downtown Austin. In video that was streamed live on Facebook, a car can be heard honking before several shots ring out and protesters begin screaming and scattering.
KPRC 2

A KPRC 2 Houston reporter is following in his father's footsteps with his latest career advancement. Channel 2 reporter Bill Barajas announced on Facebook that he has been promoted to weekend evening anchor. "Big news! Happy to announce that I've been promoted and given a wonderful opportunity as a weekend evening anchor at KPRC," Barajas wrote. "I've been back in Houston for almost 4 years now and it's a dream come true to anchor in my hometown."

Following the new promotion, you can catch Barajas behind the news desk on Saturdays at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. and on Sundays at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. He takes over the spot left open by Galveston Island native Jonathan Martinez who left the KPRC 2 weekend anchor desk after he was hired as an evening anchor for News 4 WOAI in San Antonio back in 2021.
News / National

by Staff reporter

BULAWAYO motorists have accused parking attendants in the central business district (CBD) of overcharging and fabricating debts.The city's vehicle parking management system is managed by Tendy Three Investment (TTI) under a build, operate and transfer framework for an initial six-year period with the option of an extension of up to four years.Tonderai Shoko, a Bulawayo motorist ,said he had experienced multiple incidents with TTI attendants."In November, I was told that I owe US$95 and it didn't make sense to me because I did not know what I was being charged for. I was later told the information technology (IT) system was down and had errors. I parked again on a bay on Monday and paid US$1, but on Tuesday I was told that I have a US$60 parking bill," Shoko said.Several other motorists raised similar concerns."Whenever you see TTI marshals coming, you are rest assured that you will be penalised for something that you would have not done. I now prefer to park my vehicle on the outskirts of the CBD," Donald Ngwenya said.There has been an outcry from Bulawayo motorists over vehicle parking and clamping fees charged by TTI.NewsDay Weekender visited TTI's offices and found several disgruntled motorists complaining over the bad treatment by the marshals, but the management refused to comment.Last year, a Bulawayo resident, James Nerutanga, dragged the Bulawayo City Council to court demanding the cancellation of the TTI contract.TTI parking fees have been condemned by residents who said they were too steep considering the state of the economy.Initially, motorists were paying US$1 for 30 minutes, but following an outcry, TTI now charges US$1 for an hour.Under the revised pricing model, motorists are now able to transfer their paid parking time to different parking bays during the time that they would have paid for.The local authority gets 30% of the proceeds with TTI getting the remaining 70% under the agreement.According to the agreement, the council could earn between US$1,1 million and US$1,5 million in revenue annually, which should be used to rehabilitate the city's poor road network.
Multiple Active Shooting Hoax Calls Called Into Pittsburgh Area Schools

A student from Oakland Catholic High School receives comfort following the evacuation of her school after a hoax call about an active shooter on March 29 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Credit - Jeff SwensenGetty Images

On March 27, a Rhode Island high schooler stood on a toilet and watched as a police officer, gun drawn, searched the bathroom for an active shooter. On March 28 in Massachusetts, a school nurse locked people into her darkened office, where they cried and prayed as they waited for 20 minutes. And on March 29, a Pennsylvania high schooler sent a text to his family, I love you all. There is an active shooter.

While these incidents occurred across the country, they each had something in common: the danger was a hoax. A caller had contacted the school community and lied, claiming there was an active shooter.

In the last several weeks, dozens of these calls have flooded schools across the country, including 50 school districts in New York state on April 4, 28 communities in Massachusetts on March 28, at least 12 in Wyoming on April 3, nine Missouri schools on March 27, and at least 30 in Iowa on March 21. Over the last two years, such conswhich are sometimes called swatting in a reference to the SWAT teams of heavily armed police that respond to active shooter incidentshave terrorized hundreds of American schools, often in groups of schools on the same day in a particular state.

However, the last few weeks have seen a particularly heavy volume of these calls. The trouble is that current phone technology makes it easy for almost anyone to obtain a phone number anonymously. That makes it extremely difficult for police to track down the source of the calls and hold the callers accountable.

How many hoax calls have there been to schools?

The FBI has not released an estimate of how many schools have received phone calls reporting fake shootings. However, local news organizations have reported incidents at schools across the country over the last two years.

Story continues

Amanda Klinger of the Educators School Safety Network, a nonprofit that focuses on school safety, has recorded 384 false shooting reports to schools from the beginning of this school year through the end of March, up from 69 false reports in the 2018-2019 school year (the last year they have complete data). The National Association of School Resource Officers documented hoax calls in 42 states since September as of April 6. However, some schools may have been left off both lists if they werent reported in local news.

Why are there more fake calls now?

The FBI said in a statement to TIME on Tuesday that it is actively investigating these dangerous and criminal threats, although it has no information to indicate a specific and credible threat at this time. In November, it said that the calls may be coming from outside the U.S., the AP reported.

Its hard to say for sure why there are so many calls, especially because technology can make it nearly impossible to identify perpetrators or hold them accountable. Whats worse, the callers may not even be in the U.S.

The big issue, says Klinger, is that school shootings are a very real threat in the United States, which bad actors can prey upon. It makes sense. Were scared of school shootings, because they happen, she says. And so it is a thing that people can use against us.

Technology has also made it easier for people to conceal their identities, says Fred Posner, a communications consultant for LOD Communications, a technical consulting company. In the last few years, he says, VPNs (virtual private networks) became cheaper and more common, which makes it easy to conceal your identity. Layered on top of that, he says, phone carriers can now provide phone numbers to anyone, anywhere if they have an internet connection. Without inputting so much as a credit card, ID or even real name, he says, people can make digital phone calls from anywhereeven another country, he says.

An NPR investigation found that the carrier TextNow was used to make at least some of the fake calls to schools this fall. The calls appear to have originated from Ethiopia, the NPR report found.

For law enforcement, tracking phone calls through such companies is almost impossible, Posner says.

Why swatting is so dangerous

Swatting can be terrifying for the children, teachers and parents, who rightfully fear for their lives.

The threat may also place everyone involved in physical danger. If they anticipate that theres an active shooter at a school, emergency responders may speed to the sceneand, guns at their sides, may rush into a school expecting to see an active shooter. On Monday, for instance, Harvard University campus police allegedly pointed assault rifles at four students, who are Black, after a hoax 911 call about an armed person in their suite, the Harvard Crimson reported.

As hoax calls rise, its critically important that schools and law enforcement remain ready for a real attack, says Mo Canady, the executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers.

We still have to respond as if theyre actually happening, says Canady. We cant allow ourselves to go there to think oh, this is another one of those fake calls. Thats the time when it wont be.

What can be done to stop fake school threats?

In many public comments about swatting, lawmakers and law enforcement emphasized the importance of bringing perpetrators to justice. For instance, after a spate of calls in New York, Senator Chuck Schumer proposed a plan for a new FBI team to chase down hoax callers. We need more agents to track down these evil criminals who hide in the darkest corners of the internet, Schumer said on April 5.

Given how hard it is to trace perpetratorsand to stop them from wanting to make callsPosner argues that a better strategy may be to instead focus on the carriers, like TextNow, to stop enabling people to use their networks with so little verification.

Theres absolutely no deterrent for them to provide the service to people conducting illegal activities, says Posner. Even the feds, theres not a ton that they can dounless we get an FTC or Congress thats willing to put some bite into putting carriers somewhat responsible for allowing this type of traffic to cross their networks.
There is a profound sense of sadness throughout the county today with the news that 'beautiful and courageous' Longford woman Laura Gilmore Anderson has passed to her eternal reward following her brave cancer fight.

Laura, who resides in Edinburgh, Scotland, with her husband Paul, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in July 2020 and she died peacefully in her home at 11:11 this morning (Saturday, April 8), surrounded by her family.

Just last month, speaking to the Longford Leader, Laura revealed how doctors effectively informed her to go home and spend her final days with her family after all preventative treatments used to stop the spread of neuroendocrine tumours which have ravaged her body over the last three years had failed.

Fighting back tears, Laura, said, If only love and kindness could cure me, I would be cured right now. I am too young to die, I am only 35 and I dont want to give up.

Laura, daughter of Brendan and Anne Gilmore, received the heartbreaking news just days after enjoying a once in a lifetime trip to Disneyland in Paris with her husband Paul.

A number of high profile fundraisers were organised to assist Laura, who turned 36 on Thursday, in her fight against her illness.

Caption: Paul and Laura pictured in May 2022 Picture: Shelley Corcoran

In a Facebook post, Paul Anderson paid tribute to his wife. "We are all so proud of her strength and determination in her battle these last few years.

"Laura has shown us all what an amazing, strong, wonderful, beautiful and courageous woman she was, especially in the past week, not giving up the fight until her final breath."

He added, "I will miss her so much, she was my soul mate, my best friend and my pillar of strength during the hardest of days and I am so full of love and admiration for her.

"Laura touched the hearts of so many of you and has been an inspiration for those who need it most."

Caption: The Gilmore Family

Paul thanked everyone who supported Laura throughout her cancer fight.

"Id like to thank you all for the love you have shown Laura and I throughout her fight and you will forever be in my heart."

Deepest sympathy is extended to the Gilmore and Anderson families. May Laura Rest in Peace.

Caption: The Gilmore family pictured on in August 2021 ahead of Susan Ryan (Laura's sister) completing her 1,000km Longford challenge in aid of the Help Laura Heal fund Picture: Shelley Corcoran

Caption: At the 2016 Longford Assocation in London dinner dance; Longford GAA County Board Chairperson Brendan Gilmore, his wife Anne, daughter Laura and Paul Anderson.
An Irish harpist is on a mission to break her own Guinness World Record  this time on Mount Kilimanjaro  alongside a woman with cystic fibrosis who hopes to encourage others with the condition to achieve the impossible.

Siobhan Brady is to travel to Tanzania on July 17 with a team of roughly 19 others, as she attempts to break a Guinness World Record (GWR) for the highest altitude harp performance on Mount Kilimanjaros summit  a record she previously achieved in 2018 at Singla Pass, India, at more than 16,000ft.

The upcoming challenge was inspired by late fellow musician Desmond Gentle, whom Ms Brady achieved the 2018 GWR with, alongside another British woman called Anna Ray.

Back in 2018, I went to London for a harp competition and was introduced to Desmond Gentle who ran a piano shop in Camden Market, the 24-year-old who lives in Limerick, Ireland, said.

He had done the deepest concert in a salt mine in Romania and was planning on doing the highest concert with a piano and he wanted me to come with a harp as a back-up because a piano could be easily broken.

Then 10 days after we came back from India, Desmond died from thrombosis at the age of 69  but the week before he died, he said he wanted to do this on Kilimanjaro, so were doing it in his memory.

While on the seven-day hike, two 10kg harps will be carried by team members, in case one gets damaged, and while Ms Brady will be the only performer, the others on the team will be able to get a participation GWR if they reach the top.

Funds for the upcoming challenge are to go to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and for Caroline Heffernan, a patient advocate at the charity, she wanted to do more than just support the cause through words of appreciation.

To be honest, it was a no-brainer deciding to actually take part in the climb because Im a firm believer that if something is offered to you and is in any way within you capabilities, do it and so I did, the 52-year-old who lives in Galway told PA.

Ms Heffernan  who has lived with cystic fibrosis (CF) since the age of 13  also wanted to encourage younger people with CF to try and achieve the seemingly impossible.

My mum and dad were told that I would not live until I was 20 and here I am, she said.

Even if I have to crawl on all fours, I will do my best to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, but I know it may not happen.

I want the younger generation of people with cystic fibrosis to know that  even if youre given a diagnosis or youre given a life expectancy  its not tattooed on your arm or anywhere else on your body.

Its okay to try and go out and achieve the impossible and have the gumption to stand up and say, lets have a go.

Ms Heffernan said training can sometimes be reminiscent to the movie Groundhog Day.

I can train really well and then get a setback and have to try again, so its a bit like the movie Groundhog Day.

The team have regularly taken part in monthly hikes organised by their fitness trainer and photographer Stephen Lappin over the course of 18 months, where they try to scale as many mountains as they can.

When asked if they have trained using harps, Ms Heffernan quipped: We have both said from the very beginning that we are not carrying any harps.

Im carrying my backpack and after that well see how high we can go.

Ms Brady added: We have a fake harp, which some team members bring up a lot of the time.

Weve brought the harp up Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain in Ireland.

Ed Sheerans song Little Bird is to be played by Ms Brady when the team reach the summit  a song and artist close to a woman who died from cystic fibrosis in 2014 called Triona Priestley.

Ms Heffernan, who met Ms Priestleys mother Bernie, said: When [Triona] was sick in hospital and before she passed away, she used to write letters to Ed Sheeran, not necessarily expecting replies, but she got a few.

Trionas friends were all texting and trying to get the attention of Ed Sheeran when she was in hospital and the phone rang and Colm (Trionas brother) answered it.

It was Ed and he sang Little Bird which was her favourite song and after the song was finished, the doctor put the stethoscope to her chest and said shes passed.

Ms Heffernan said it was important for Ms Priestleys memory to also be honoured as part of the climb as she always wanted CF to stand for cure found.

Ms Heffernan has been granted permission by the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, to recite his poem The Prophets Are Weeping at the summit, something Mr Gentle did in 2018.

Having raised over 37,000 euro (32,000) out of their 100,000 euro (87,500) target so far, the pair hope more will continue to support their slightly crazy challenge.

Pascale Harvie, president and general manager at JustGiving, said: This challenge reflects on every level the difficulties that people with cystic fibrosis face every day.

Im in awe of Siobhan, Caroline and their teams commitment to raise vital funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. They are an inspiration to us all.

The challenge is part of the charitys 65 Roses Day campaign, which takes place on April 14, and encourages people to do something involving the number 65, whether it be eating 65 Easter eggs or walking 65 steps.

65 roses comes from the way children often pronounce cystic fibrosis.

The fundraising link can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Highest-Harp
Crime

By Jacob Alvear Published: April 08 2023

A man from East Islip has been arrested for committing an "Elderly Scam" in Woodmere from January 2020 to December 2021.

Major Case Bureau Detectives report the arrest of an East Islip man for an Elderly Scam incident that occurred Monday, January 6, 2020 through Thursday, December 23, 2021 in Woodmere.

According to Fraud and Forgery Detectives, Defendant Kenneth B. McConnell of 156 Jefferson Street, received financial payment from a 61-year-old female victim for plumbing, HVAC and electrical work that was never performed.

During the investigation it was determined Defendant McConnell removed jewelry from the defendants home and sold it to a local pawn shop. The defendant also deposited fraudulent checks into his personal bank account, belonging to the victim from her account without her knowledge or permission.

The total value taken from the victim is approximately $420,000 dollars. Defendant McConnell is charged with Grand Larceny 2nd Degree, Grand Larceny 3rd Degree, Grand Larceny 4th Degree (Attempt), Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd Degree and Identity Theft 2nd Degree. He will be arraigned on Friday, April 7, 2023 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.
Here is more news involving Scott Air Force Base.

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel Hefel held a documentary screening and meet-and-greet at the Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville on March 30. Hefel was a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War and was held captive for 1,143 days before returning home. Senior Airman Mark Sulaica/U.S. Air Force/375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Documentary honors Vietnam War Veteran Daniel H. Hefel

By Senior Airman Mark Sulaica

375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

After 14 years of gathering war stories, Tim Breitbach created a documentary depicting his cousins life, Daniel Hefel, a Vietnam War veteran.

The film was shown for free March 30 during a public gathering at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, which was attended by a diverse audience of college students, veterans, and community members.

Breitbachs film showed the importance of remembering the bravery and service of Vietnam Veterans and served as a reminder of the human cost of war. In 1970, the Vietnam War was raging, and Hefel served as an infantryman with Company B, 2nd Battalion of the 501st Infantry in South Vietnam from June 1969 to January 1970. He then served as a door gunner on UH-1 Huey helicopters with 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.

While flying low over the rugged terrain of the Ashau Valley, with tension and danger lurking at every turn, Hefel said he had an eerie feeling in his gut. Without warning, a black cloud blurred his vision and in the next moment he awoke on the ground with a broken back and leg. By morning, Hefel and the rest of the surviving soldiers were taken captive. He endured 1,147 days in captivity and was released during Operation Homecoming on March 27, 1973.

He was reunited with his family and friends in Iowa, where later he started a family and began living his life again. Hefel was on hand to answer questions as part of a panel discussion that night and said after the film ended, I was just glad to see all my friends again and family, I just wanted to live my life. He also swapped war stories with other veterans in attendance. Its great that people got to know and hear the story, and I hope they enjoyed it, he added.

Brietbach said, I think that on the 50th anniversary of the end of the war, theres a lot of people who didnt get to appreciate (those who) served during those times. I think now is the perfect time to do it. He said he chose to show it at SWIC because it was originally formed to help those coming home from WWII continue their education for better jobs. Today it has 9,000 students and 10 percent of them use the G.I. Bill.

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Two children watch as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly during an airshow June 11, 2022, in St. Louis. The Blue Angels team has flown for over 500 million fans since its creation in 1946 and will take part in an airshow Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14, on Scott Air Force Base. Airman 1st Class Shelby Rapert/U.S. Air Force/375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Scott Air Force Base partners with community for first airshow in five years

By Airman 1st Class Shelby Rapert

375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

For the first time in five years, Scott Air Force Base is opening its gates to the community for a full weekend of airshow performances and educational activities for children of all ages, plus a sneak peek into the lives of Airmen who currently serve.

The airshow will take place Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14.

Hundreds of partners on and off base have been working together since 2021 to start planning every detail of this massive community event. Airmen take on extra responsibilities outside of their daily jobs to get the details right  all the way from parking and traffic flow, contracting, budget spending policies, sponsorships and donations, kids zone activities, airshow performers, static displays, concessions, safety, emergency support and more.

None of this happens without community support. Opening the gates of an otherwise restricted military installation allows us to welcome the public from the surrounding region to see what their taxpayer dollars are contributing to, how the U.S. Air Force gets the mission done in their local area and the reality of the daily accomplishments of the men and women who serve here, said Col. Chris Robinson, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander. We are lucky to be part of such an incredible community, and its our honor to host you for a demonstration of air power!

Scotts last airshow in 2017 marked its Centennial year. The base tries to host an airshow about every two years if able, and the COVID pandemic response prevented an airshow until now. Team Scott is filled with active duty military members who move in and out quickly but offer fresh insight to strengthen the continuity of those who have planted their roots in the local area. Together, they build a solid foundation from which to brainstorm, plan and execute a successful airshow for the community.

The airshow performer line-up includes the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Tora Tora Tora, Red Bull Team Chambliss, F-22 Demo Team, Randy Balls MiG-17, the P-51 Heritage Flight and the United States Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachute team.

Team Scott is also paying it forward to the next generation of leaders interested in going into STEM career fields. Part of the STEM Expo will feature a recruiting village composed of career fields around base. Career fields and opportunities like the explosive ordnance disposal team and the Scott AFB Honor Guard will educate community members as well as future Airmen about opportunities the military offers.

Airmen will also be acting as subject matter experts for more than 20 static aircraft on the flightline, including many of Air Mobility Commands assets like the commands newest air refueler, the KC-46 Pegasus. Other mobility aircraft will also be displayed, including the C-40, KC-135 Stratotanker, C-130 Hercules, C-5 Galaxy, KC-10 Extender and C-21.

Lt. Col. Adam Wallace, the airshow director, said, This is Team Scotts love letter back to the community. Its a thank you and a come join us message that were trying to send. We need you to join the team.

For more about the May 13-14 airshow, please see www.scott.af.mil.
The National Popular Vote movement has been trying to replace Michigans distinct state influence in presidential elections.

More specifically, the movement wants Michigans Electoral College delegates to give Michigans presidential votes to whichever presidential candidate receives the most votes from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. See more information at nationalpopularvote.com.

Even though National Popular Vote means that our Michigan Electoral College votes could go to a candidate who was not chosen by Michiganders, our Michigan state legislature is considering it with House Bill 4156 and Senate Bill 126.

Who would want to change how we elect the president, especially when our nations founders explicitly rejected the idea of a National Popular Vote system as part of the checks and balances system of government that they enacted?

Fifteen states, such as California and New York, have passed this legislation. These 15 states provide approximately 70% of the 270 Electoral College vote commitments needed to make National Popular Vote Americas new election criteria.

These states Senators are all Democrats except for Vermonts now Independent Bernie Sanders, a former Democrat Presidential candidate. Washington D.C. also supports National Popular Vote, and those voters have voted only for Democrat presidential candidates. In our Michigan legislature, only Democrats have sponsored the current National Popular Vote bills.

To demonstrate how National Popular Vote hurts Michigans state interests, let us examine a simplified presidential vote that depends only upon five states.

One state is California, which has approximately 22 million voters and 55 Electoral College votes. The other four states will be those that border Lake Michigan  Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Together, these four states have approximately 25 million voters and 57 Electoral College votes.

Next, consider what occurs if a Democrat presidential candidate says to Californias voters, You have a water shortage. Vote for me and for president and I will transfer all of Lake Michigans freshwater to you. California voters unanimously like this idea and support the candidate with 22 million individual votes and 55 Electoral College votes.

In contrast, in each of the Lake Michigan border states 90% of the voters do not like the candidate's idea and vote Republican, but the remaining 10% support the candidates proposal because they are loyal Democrats who do not live near Lake Michigan.

The outcome of this election depends upon which election criteria is used. Under the current Electoral College voting system, the Democrat promoting the transfer Lake Michigan policy would be defeated in each of the four Lake Michigan border states by wide vote margins of 90% to 10%, resulting in their combined 57 electoral votes defeating California's 55 electoral votes.

However, under National Popular Vote, those 10% of the 25 million Lake Michigan border state votes (2.5 million votes) supporting the Democrat would be combined with the 22 million votes from California. As a result, the Democrat wins the election with a total of 24.5 million votes compared to the 22.5 million votes from the Lake Michigan border states. Even though four states did not like the candidates policy, under National Popular Vote the denser population of California rules over Michigan and the other three states.

Although presidential races are more complex than this example, this scenario shows why our nations founders deliberately designed our constitution to reduce the possibility that densely populated regions and big cities might become overwhelming majorities. They knew that such majorities could sacrifice ... both the public good and the rights of other citizens (see Federalist Paper #10).

As a result, the founders created checks and balances that included separating the powers of government into three branches as well as balancing state and national interests through dual sovereignty (see Federalist Paper #51). Our Congress is an example of this dual sovereignty design with House representation based upon population and state representation given the equal expression of two senators from each state.

Our current Electoral College system forces presidential candidates to consider states interests, especially within battleground states." Democrats would not think about Americas diversity if they only campaigned in California and New York, and neither would Republicans if they only campaigned in Texas and Idaho. However, when candidates visit Michigan, Arizona or other battleground states, they must consider more states interests.

As USA Today reported, President Joe Biden won the 2020 election by winning only 16.7% of Americas 3,084 counties. Under National Popular Vote, candidates would be more interested in the priorities of those few, densely populated regions and cities, and less interested in broader, state-level issues.

Additionally, National Popular Vote opens up numerous election fraud problems. If Michiganders believe that our state has not conducted an election fairly, we can seek to police our own actions. However, if we believe California Democrats commit illegal election acts for a candidate, Michigan has no enforcement capabilities in California, and our electoral delegates could still be forced to support Californias preferred candidate.

National Popular Vote advocates and the Democrats are seeking to undo our states influence. Our nations founders placed state influence into our system of government. If the Democrats cannot win an election because they have better ideas and results, then they appear to be eager to win by changing the election criteria and giving Californians rule over Michigan. Please let the Democrat sponsors in our Michigan legislature know what you think of their National Popular Vote efforts.

Jeff Lawrence is a member of the Manistee County Republican party. He may be reached at jeffmanisteegop@gmail.com.
Today, ADA University held an opening ceremony of the solar/wind tulip turbine donated to the University by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Azerbaijan.

An eco-art designed turbine in the shape of tulip represents a symbol of the Netherlands and has been made by the Dutch company Flower Turbines. It generates green energy, both wind and solar, and does not pose any danger to birds and other wildlife in the nature and creates very little noise. Clean energy generated by the turbine is intended for the use of students for charging their devices and bikes.

The Vice-Rector of the University Mr. Fariz Ismayil-zade welcomed the guests and thanked the Embassy of the Netherlands for the unique and valuable gift.

Ambassador of the Netherlands Ms. Pauline Eizema mentioned that both the Netherlands and Azerbaijan are working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris climate goals. In order to achieve these goals, the transition towards a sustainable, green economy and international cooperation as well as strong partnerships between governments, private sector, education and research institutions and civil society in this area are important elements of success.

Ambassador, while explaining the idea behind this contribution, mentioned that through this donation, the Embassy aims to make a concrete contribution towards sustainability and promote sustainable energy use among young generation hoping that this unique practice will be scaled up in the country with the support of the Government, private sector and other stakeholders.

In her speech she referred to a roadmap, prepared by the World Bank Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan in June 2022, which focuses the path of Netherlands in offshore wind development as a role model for Azerbaijan and facilitates Dutch involvement in the sector as a front-runner in cost-efficient offshore wind development and installation. In this regard she highlighted that Dutch companies will be very interested in engagement in this sector.

Then Asvisor of Ministry of Energy Vusal Rajabli mentioned the Netherlands as a first country harnessing wind energy and informed about Azerbaijani potential in this area.

Chief Legal Officer of Neqsol Holding Mr. Toghrul Ahmadov depicted the transformation strategy of Neqsols company - Nobel Energy, to get affordable and reliable energy for all its stakeholders, while reducing environmental impacts. He also stressed an importance of engagement of private sector and public-private partnerships for development of renewable energy sector and mentioned the companys current operations and interest to invest in the new opportunities in the sector in Azerbaijan and abroad.

The event was also attended by the alumni of Dutch Universities, who also shared their experience in green energy use in the Netherlands and how they would like to see this experience developed in our country. School N7 of Baku, who is representing the Netherlands under the Olympic Culture and Education Program, also participated with students and teachers in the ceremony.

ADA University has been also cooperating with the Netherlands in its double degree master program with Maastricht University since 2013 and so far has 120 alumni with double degree diplomas.








FILE PHOTO: Syria's President Bashar al-Assad addresses the new members of parliament in Damascus

By Laila Bassam and Aziz El Yaakoubi

BEIRUT/RIYADH (Reuters) -Syria and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reopen their embassies after cutting diplomatic ties more than a decade ago, three sources with knowledge of the matter said, a step that would mark a leap forward in Damascus's return to the Arab fold.

Contacts between Riyadh and Damascus had gathered momentum following a landmark agreement to re-establish ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad, a regional source aligned with Damascus said.

The re-establishment of ties between Riyadh and Damascus would mark the most significant development yet in moves by Arab states to normalize ties with Assad, who was shunned by many Western and Arab states after Syria's civil war began in 2011.

The two governments were "preparing to reopen embassies after Eid al-Fitr", a Muslim holiday in the second half of April, a second regional source aligned with Damascus told Reuters.

The decision was the result of talks in Saudi Arabia with a senior Syrian intelligence official, according to one of the regional sources and a diplomat in the Gulf.

The Saudi government's communication office, the kingdom's foreign ministry and the Syrian government did not respond to requests for comment.

Saudi state television later confirmed that talks were ongoing with the Syrian foreign ministry to resume consular services, citing a Saudi foreign ministry official.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject.

The apparently sudden breakthrough could indicate how the deal between Tehran and Riyadh may play into other crises in the region, where their rivalry has fuelled conflicts including the war in Syria.

The United States and several of its regional allies, including Sunni-led Saudi Arabia and Qatar, had backed some of the Syrian rebels. Assad was able to defeat the insurgency across most of Syria thanks largely to Shi'ite Iran and Russia.

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The United States, an ally of Saudi Arabia, has opposed moves by regional countries to normalise ties with Assad, citing his government's brutality during the conflict and the need to see progress towards a political solution.

When asked about the rapprochement, a State Department spokesperson said the U.S. "stance on normalisation remains unchanged" and that it would not encourage other countries to normalise ties with Assad.

ARAB LEAGUE SUSPENSION

The United Arab Emirates, another strategic U.S. partner, has led the way in normalising contacts with Assad, recently receiving him in Abu Dhabi with his wife.

But Saudi Arabia has been moving far more cautiously.

The Gulf diplomat said the high-ranking Syrian intelligence official "stayed for days" in Riyadh and an agreement was struck to reopen embassies "very soon".

One of the regional sources identified the official as Hussam Louqa, who heads Syria's intelligence committee, and said talks included security on Syria's border with Jordan and the smuggling of captagon, an amphetamine for which there is a thriving market in the Arab Gulf, from Syria.

Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011 in response to Assad's brutal crackdown on protests.

Saudi's foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud earlier this month said engagement with Assad could lead to Syria's return to the Arab League, but it was currently too early to discuss such a step.

The diplomat said the Syrian-Saudi talks could pave the way for a vote to lift Syria's suspension during the next Arab summit, expected to be held in Saudi Arabia in April.

The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus in 2018, arguing Arab countries needed more of a presence in resolving the Syrian conflict.

While Assad has basked in renewed contacts with Arab states that once shunned him, U.S. sanctions remain a major complicating factor for countries seeking to expand commercial ties.

(Additional reporting by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Tom Perry and Alex Richardson)
Old Massachusetts homes are getting a complete makeover mixing in a modern feel while still keeping their historic roots.

HGTV is taking a look at the backstories of some of Americas oldest homes in its renovation series Houses with History.

In each episode, home preservationist and history buff Mike Lemieux, carpenter Rich Soares and designer Jen Macdonald work together to save centuries-old properties in and around Plymouth. Throughout the show they will also be sharing stories about the homes history and renovation process.

Restoration of homes is something Lemieux and Macdonald have done for years, they told MassLive. Their love of antique homes worked out to be a niche operation. Lemieux also attended college with Soares, so it worked out when looking for a helping hand from a carpenter.

The premiere episode of season two, set to air on Saturday at 9 p.m., will feature the restoration and renovation of an 1800s historic home in Fairhaven that was originally a potting shed on the Henry Huttleston Rogers estate.

The property has a vibrant history associated with its original oil tycoon owner who was a close associate of John D. Rockefeller, benefactor of Helen Keller, and friend of Mark Twain. The new owners love the homes charming character including unique windows and original hand-carved woodwork, but they will task Mike, Rich and Jen to incorporate modern functionality and design in the kitchen, living spaces and main suite in order to make it their own, a release about the show read.

Macdonald said they really have to get creative when tasked with flipping old homes with a ton of history attached to it.

Its about making it modern but still making it fit with the aesthetic of the house, she said. Ask yourself how can I make this functional for an everyday family but also fit the time period the house is from?

But with that hurdle, comes the excitement of what once was in the country  Lemieux even calling the houses they work on perfect time capsules.

Some of these (houses) have been around since the country was founded ... This is generations of technological changes, multiple industrial revolutions, multiple wars and conflicts and its all contained within the walls of the house.

While working on restoring the old homes while keeping their history, Soares said he gets to play the role of a carpenter but also an archeologist as new discoveries in the home are made all the time.

Im a carpenter but I can pretend to be Indiana Jones every day at work, who doesnt want that? You see what gets left between the layers, finding old tools, old photographers, he said. It becomes a real treasure.

Perhaps the best part of renovating these houses, the three said, is the satisfaction homeowners get when seeing their once tired-out antique home, turn into something that will live on.

It feels good because we know theyre going to have a great relationship with the house and that means the house is going to survive. If this house is 300 years old that means hopefully itll make it another 300 years.

The show will premiere on HGTV on Saturday, April 8 at 9 p.m. ET. It will also be available for streaming on Discovery+. The streaming service offers a free trial for those interested in signing up for a membership.
A 12-year-old beagle with arthritis needs a forever home thats easy-going, Dakin Humane Society said.

Meet Brian, an easy-going older Beagle who is looking for an easy-going home, the humane society said. He enjoys the comforts of indoors but really enjoys being outside exploring like Beagles do.

The humane society thinks itd be best to be in a home without children due to his age and arthritis.

He just doesnt have that kind of energy, the website states.

He could do well with another dog but theyd have to be calm. Then they could lounge around in the sun together. It is unclear how hed do with cats.

Despite his age, he is still an on-the-go kind of guy, Dakin said.

Brian isnt the only dog looking for a forever home. Princess, a 4-year-old pit bull with a missing eye still needs a forever home after being isolated in a garage for many years, Dakin Humane Society said.

Princess is a 4-year-old Pit Bull who came from a tough situation, the humane society said. But she is is a friendly and outgoing dog who loves nothing more than spending time with her people.

See below for more animals available.

Jasmine is a female cat with a heart full of love just waiting to be given to the right person.

Jasmine is a female cat with a heart full of love just waiting to be given to the right person. She is sometimes scare of people and known by Dakin Humane Society as a Spirit Cat.

Church is a 2-year-old grey female cat who came to the shelter after her owner moved and couldnt take her.

Church is a 2-year-old grey female cat who came to the shelter after her owner moved and couldnt take her. She has lived with children and dogs before.

Church is a friendly cat who loves attention and head and chin rubs, Dakin wrote.

Luna needs someone who is patient as she needs time to warm up to strangers.

Luna needs someone who is patient as she needs time to warm up to strangers. The one-year-old terrier mix loves to play with toys and is house trained.

Two guinea pigs, Yusef and his son Ricardo, need a loving home together.

Two guinea pigs, Yusef and his son Ricardo, need a loving home together.

They are both a little shy with new people at first but will take food from anyone. Once they get to know someone they are very friendly, the humane society said.

Thor is a talkative, sweet boy who needs a new home.

Thor is a talkative, sweet boy who needs a new home.

He loves attention and will rub all over you to make his feelings known, Dakin wrote. He would prefer to be the only cat in the home - he really needs all the attention for himself. Feather toys are one of his favorite things and once he is done playing, hell hop right up next to you to take a nap.

Mr. Grey Guy needs a loving home.

Mr. Grey Guy is an FIV-positive cat, which does not impact humans. He was found by Dakins Kitten Street Team which helps community cats.
If all goes as expected the sunrise on Sunday morning should be bright and herald sunny skies and warm temperatures the whole day and with that a sense of renewal. Spring is here and warmth and beauty are returning to the Valley.

Easter Sunday also means renewal in another sense. It is when many Christians around the world renew their faith in rejoicing for the risen Christ.

Jesus rose from the dead, Pastor Kevin Whitacre of LifePoint Church in Chicopee said Friday. And the Bible says because he rose from the dead we can live, too. In Christ we find real life, we find eternal life, we find the meaning of life, we find purpose in life, and we find the power to live that life.

In churches across the region, people line up to enter Gods house, perhaps for the only time in a year. Easter draws many more people to church than any other holiday.

That may be especially true in churches that do not affiliate with traditional denominations, and it is a time when those churches look to expand their memberships, find new congregants, and to bring those new members into the community of the church. That influx of new attendees gives nondenominational churches an opportunity to impress possible new members.

For those churches that dont have a built-in birthright membership base, families who are born into the church and continue for generations, attracting new members takes more skill and a little showmanship. And Easter is a prime time to attract and bring new members into the fold.

Evangelical churches recognize the problems houses of worship face when it comes to attracting members and turning casual attendees into full members. The website BoxCast.com, a provider of online services to evangelical churches and communities, posted an article offering 5 Ways to Attract New Members to Your Church. Not surprisingly, much of the prescribed solution relies on online services. The website churchfuel.com highlighted 7 Ways to Attract People to Your Church This Month. This article agrees with BoxCasts online approach but includes good signage and free gifts as excellent inducements.

But LifePoints Whitacre leans toward the personal approach.

Easter is the most likely time for someone who doesnt have a church to accept an invitation, Whitacre said.

Whitacre said he encourages his congregants to reach out to family and friends to extend that invitation to potential members.

We want to utilize that and talk to friends and families and co-workers to invite people in saying, Hey, you are not just welcome here, you are wanted here.

This Easter, Whitacre said his message is that those who believe in Christ were not created to suffer.

Theres is a you inside there and God created you to be you and to live to the fullest. Jesus said, Im come that they might have a life and that abundantly. In other words, a rich and a satisfying and fulfilling life. I dont think God created us just so that we could kind of endure and get by. But that God actually has a plan for us to have a rich and fulfilling life.

LifePoint added services this Easter week to accommodate new attendees. Earlier in the week, a Wednesday night dinner coincided with the beginning of Passover, when Whitacre said Christ started the Lords supper. He conducted more services over the weekend, including two on Saturday and three on Sunday to accommodate larger crowds and to offer flexibility to new attendees.

We are going to have a second meeting area outside the main auditorium that will have a different look and feel, he said. The message will be there on video, but it will be a little more casual, probably with coffee and doughnuts for people who may be new to the church. We are trying new things to make people a little more comfortable.

The Rev. Brian Tracy agreed with Whitacre, saying he expects perhaps as much as twice the usual attendance at the Evangelical Assembly of God in Wilbraham, and he, too, is adding services starting with a sunrise service Sunday morning with a full band and breakfast fare.

We are setting up the staging as we speak, he said during a telephone interview Saturday morning. People will be able to sit in the warmth of their cars, with our message coming through a low-power transmitter to their radios. We will serve free breakfast sandwiches and coffee. We want it to be a celebratory time. We will watch the sunrise of Easter, you know, the rising of hope.

What his members will hear Sunday is his message about what is in between.

Thinking about Christ when he was hanging on the cross, he was in between heaven and earth. Then there was the in between his death and his resurrection. There are a lot of times in our lives we are in between. Many times, things feel like a Good Friday moment, the discouragement or doubt that we are facing. It can really test your faith. People are in between especially with the pandemic. We dont know what the future is, and we have all been living in between for the last three years. But the encouragement is, Hey, it might be Friday, but Sundays coming, and Sunday means resurrection and new life and new hope, he said.

Apart from breakfast sandwiches, casual services and religious rock bands how do evangelical churches bring in new members? With new attendees in churches for Easter, how to pastors convert them into full members? Tracy said he sees building community as important.

Thats a great question, Tracy said. We rethought all of this during the pandemic and came up with what we call a discipleship pathway. Its like steps they take once they come to connect with each other and with God. We will encourage people to make connections with each other. We do life better together, and we connect with God better when we are together. Its a communal kind of thing.

While those in the evangelical world try to bring new people to their churches, observers say the numbers of religious people are dropping, and soon that drop will be dramatic. They just dont understand why it already hasnt happened.

Why has it taken so long when we look at the United States compared to Western Europe or even Canada? David Howlett, professor of religion at Smith College, asked Saturday. It is an ongoing question of why has this kind of decline that we are seeing now taken so long?

In a study of the future of religion, The Pew Research Center found that in 2020 64 percent of Americans consider themselves Christian. Thirty percent of the population is unaffiliated and 6 percent fall into all other religions. such as Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc.

Using modeling programs applying the rate of decline in religious affiliation since the 1950s, researchers project that the number of Christians in America will drop by more than half to 35 percent by 2070.

While the rates of religiosity in America have slowly declined, Howlett said that may be changing with the upswing in secularism increasing rapidly.

We are seeing more and more people leaving (religion) and there is more churn among Americans in terms of leaving faiths or joining faiths, more than there has been in the recent past, he said. Thats especially true among Gen Z, which disaffiliation rates are much larger than past generations.

Howlett said political perceptions play an increasingly important role in where people go to church, or if they go to church at all. Howlett said some of the religious disaffiliation seen in Gen Z may be attributable to what he called, the conservative politicization of religion.

People are sorting themselves out based on whether they conceive themselves as progressive or they conceive themselves as conservative, Howlett said. There is enough diversity within groups to actually show we dont have true polarization, but the general trend is that most progressive Americans are becoming more and more secular, the most religious Americans, defined as people who go to church, are becoming more conservative.
There are two sides to every story. Or so its long been said.

In our hyper-partisan era, theres the Republican side and the Democratic side. Or the conservative side and the progressive side. And never the twain shall meet.

Except sometimes, thankfully.

At the moment, Republicans and Democrats are on the same page when it comes to standing with Taiwan. When House Speaker Kevin McCarthy recently hosted Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, their meeting was widely viewed as a show of unity, letting it be known to one and all that our nation stands solidly with the island democracy. Last year, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island.

As weve noted before, seeing Taiwan as our staunch ally is not debatable. If the Chinese Communist Party wants to believe that Taiwan is a breakaway, rogue province that will one day be brought back into the fold, its got another thing coming.

China showed its displeasure over the California meeting by scrambling dozens of jets in a military exercise aimed at Taiwan.

The United States supports Taiwan. This is unequivocal. But this in no way means that our nation feels hostility toward the people of China. There is, and must always be, a clear distinction between the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese people. We should, as a nation, be open to embracing and working with Chinas people.

It can be easy to dismiss the current House speaker as someone who cares most about ingratiating himself to former President Donald Trump. But on Taiwan, McCarthy is doing the right thing.

And with Democrats and Republicans coming together to show theyll stand tall to protect Taiwan against outside aggression, theres no doubt that the critical, pivotal island democracy will not be left to fend for itself. We will be with Taiwan.

We would do well to try to improve relations with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. His current rapprochement with Russias despotic leader, Vladimir Putin, is likely nothing more than a relationship of convenience. When Putins war against Ukraine is over  as it will be one day  well need to improve trade relations with China, as well as with other Asian nations.

But never at Taiwans expense. Working with China is one thing, but backing Taiwan is paramount. We can do both as we stand by our ally.
Update: Darel A. Galorenzo has since been charged with manslaughter and reckless child endangerment in connection with the death of his 2-year-old son.

A 2-year-old boy died after his father allegedly lost him in a brook in Clarksburg while fleeing the scene of a car crash early Saturday, according to authorities.

The toddler was located and pulled from Hudson Brook by first responders following the single-car crash in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The child was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, State Police said in a statement.

The boys father, Darel A. Galorenzo, is accused of having operated under the influence. The 35-year-old Readsboro, Vermont man was taken into custody by State Police, according to the statement.

State Police were sent to the scene of the crash on Middle Road shortly before 2 a.m. Within minutes, a trooper and EMS learned a toddler who had been in the vehicle, a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek, was missing. Galorenzo, the driver and childs father, was allegedly in the area of the brook as well, the statement said.

First responders immediately began searching Hudson Brook for the boy. They found him in an area of the water near 150 Middle Road shortly before 2:20 a.m., according to the statement.

A trooper and firefighters recovered the toddler, and EMTs tried giving him first aid for drowning injuries. He was taken to Berkshire Medical Center in North Adams, where he died, the statement said.

Galorenzo, who was allegedly behaving like he was intoxicated, was also taken to Berkshire Medical Center to be evaluated while under police guard, according to the statement. After he was examined and discharged, a trooper took him to the Cheshire State Police barracks, where he remains in custody.

In addition to the OUI and negligent operation of a motor vehicle charges, additional charges related to the toddlers death are anticipated, State Police said.

State Police noted further charges related to the death of the child are expected and will be determined after the investigation into the facts and circumstances of the incident is finished. The Berkshire District Attorneys Office is expected to provide an update once the investigation is over.
The father of a 2-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter and child endangerment after the toddler died in a brook in Clarksburg while the man was allegedly fleeing the scene of a car crash, according to authorities.

Darel A. Galorenzo, a 35-year-old Readsboro, Vermont man, was charged with manslaughter, reckless endangerment of a child, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and driving under the influence. He is accused of getting into the crash while intoxicated and losing his son while fleeing the scene. The boy was then found with drowning injuries in Hudson Brook and pronounced dead at the hospital, Massachusetts State Police said.

State Police arrived at the scene of the single-car crash on Middle Road shortly before 2 a.m., and within minutes, they discovered the toddler who had been in the vehicle, a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek, was missing. Galorenzo, the driver and childs father, was also allegedly near the brook, State Police said in a statement.

Read more: Dead body found by dog walker on side of road in Cohasset

First responders immediately started searching Hudson Brook for the boy and found him in an area of the body of water close to 150 Middle Road around 2:20 a.m., the statement said.

The toddler was recovered by a trooper and firefighters, and EMTs tried giving him first aid for his drowning injuries. He was later pronounced dead at Berkshire Medical Center in North Adams, according to State Police.

Galorenzo, who was allegedly acting like he was intoxicated, was also taken to Berkshire Medical Center to be evaluated while under the guard of police. After he was examined and discharged, a trooper took him to the Cheshire State Police barracks, authorities said.

The Vermont man is being held on $100,000 cash bail, according to law enforcement.

The incident remains under investigation by the State Police Detective Unit. The North Adams Police Department and Clarksburg Fire Department helped with the investigation, response to the crash and search for the child.
Mifepristone, the most common form of medication abortion, will still be accessible in Massachusetts, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey pledged Friday in the wake of a decision released by a federal judge in Texas that halted the approval of the drug nationwide.

Mifepristone will stay available in Massachusetts. You have my word, Healey said in a tweet.

Mifepristone will stay available in Massachusetts. You have my word. https://t.co/4o705agzFH  Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) April 7, 2023

The governors comment followed the ruling by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, an appointee of former Republican President Donald Trump, in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA that stayed the United States Food and Drug Administrations approval of mifepristone. His decision gives the federal government seven days to appeal, and the Department of Justice has already indicated it will do so.

The Justice Department strongly disagrees with the decision of the District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA and will be appealing the courts decision and seeking a stay pending appeal, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement. Todays decision overturns the FDAs expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective. The Department will continue to defend the FDAs decision.

Kacsmaryks decision overruled 22 years of scientific approval of mifepristone, the most common medication abortion regimen in the United States. The drug was first approved in 2000 for the medical termination of pregnancies.

Adding further uncertainty over the future of access to the medication, in a separate ruling in Washington et al. v. FDA that is at odds with Kacsmaryks decision, a federal judge in Washington ordered the FDA not to alter the status quo and rights as it relates to the availability of Mifepristone. U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an appointee of former Democratic President Barack Obama, instructed federal authorities not to reduce the drugs availability in 17 states and Washington, D.C., which were the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the FDA.

Garland noted the Justice Department is reviewing the decision of the District Court for the Eastern District of Washington in Washington et al. v. FDA.

The Department is committed to protecting Americans access to legal reproductive care, the attorney general said.

The ruling from Kacsmaryk has been slammed by abortion rights advocates and reproductive health care providers, who view the decision as further erosion of abortion access following the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Courts ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health in June 2022 that overturned the 1973 landmark case Roe v. Wade that had protected the right to have an abortion for decades.

Alexis McGill Johnson, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, called Kacsmaryks decision blocking the FDAs approval of mifepristone an outrage. However, access to the medication remains safe for now in states where abortion is legal, she noted.

But we should all be enraged that one judge can unilaterally reject medical evidence and overrule the FDAs approval of a medication that has been safely and effectively used for more than two decades, Johnson said in a statement. This decision could threaten the FDAs role in this countrys public health system, and  if allowed to stand  will have broad and unprecedented consequences that reach far beyond abortion.

In Massachusetts, where abortion remains legal, the governor has vowed to uphold reproductive rights, particularly following the Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs. Abortion is enshrined in the commonwealths constitution, and in July, the state legislature passed greater protections for health care providers and those seeking reproductive services.

In a tweet made in response to Healeys late Friday, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said, Medication abortion is safe, effective, and available in Massachusetts, including mifepristone.

Some Trump-appointed, right-wing extremist judge in Texas isnt going to change that, she added.
Happy start of Passover and Easter weekend to those celebrating!

It was a busy week in the Senate. This past Monday I had legislative meetings with MassHire Holyoke and the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems. Both groups do great work in different areas, and I look forward to advocating for both as the senator for Holyoke and the chair of the Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Committee.

On Tuesday, I testified before the Judiciary Committee on S. 1142, An Act Relative to the Humane Protection of Animals. I filed this bill to help expand protections for animals and ensure that our judicial system has the tools it needs to deal with animal cruelty crimes. The comprehensive and encompassing legislation includes measures previously passed by the Massachusetts State Senate and recommendations from the Animal Cruelty Task Force.
The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund has approved $8 million in funding toward the establishment of a digitally interoperable unique bank identification system and harmonised customer identification framework for The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Implementation of the project will commence in July 2023, led by the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI), working with central banks of the participating countries and in close collaboration with banking and non-banking financial service providers.

The project is expected to enhance financial sector efficiency within the participating countries, leading to increased access to finance and further regional integration efforts. Approval of funding from the Banks concessional lending window was made on 29th March.

The new bank identification system will link banking accounts of individuals across different financial service providers.

Over 53 financial service providers across the participating countries will be included in the project. This will allow them to verify their clients identities on an on-going basis (Know-Your-Customer or KYC), combat fraud, discourage loan defaulting and strengthen correspondent banking relationships. On the part of customers, KYC-compliant finance sectors will bolster trust and confidence and ultimately, encourage access and usage of financial solutions.

Dr. Olorunsola E. Olowofeso, WAMI Director General, said: The Unique Bank Identification (UBI) and Digital Interoperability project was borne from the success of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The BVN, an 11-digit unique identity for each individual across the Nigerian Banking industry, is tied to all bank accounts and has resulted in a drastic reduction in electronic banking fraud, non-performing loans and elimination of ghost names from the civil service payroll.

Olowofeso further noted that the Unique Bank Identification will leverage existing national identification systems and help to strengthen financial integration in the West African Monetary Zone.

African Development Bank Director for the Financial Sector Development Department, Ahmed Attout, welcomed the Board approval, noting that it attested to the strong partnership between the Bank and WAMI. Irrefutable and secure identification is fundamental to building financial consumer access and trust and overall development of the financial sector, he observed.

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U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, centre, with Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York and Rep. Julia Letlow of Louisiana, speaks about Republican legislation dubbed the Parents Bill of Rights, on March 1 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin/The Associated Press - image credit)

House Republicans passed an education bill last month emphasizing parents' rights in the classroom, marking Congress's foray into an increasingly powerful U.S. movement that seeks to expand parent oversight of how gender and race are taught in public schools.

Though the bill is unlikely to pass in a Democrat-controlled Senate, parental rights has emerged as a top issue for Republicans ahead of the 2024 elections, with a tidal wave of legislation having been passed or introduced in two dozen states this year alone.

Critics say the innocuous-sounding term is being weaponized to usher in laws that target trans youth and their families, a strategy with a long history in the U.S. public education system.

"This movement is not taking all parents into consideration," said Debi Jackson, the parent of a trans child and trans rights activist in Kansas City, Mo.

Jackson's 15-year-old child came out as transgender when they were four. Jackson pulled them out of public school after their social transition, which included changing their pronouns, was met with hostility by other parents.

"My right is to have my child be accepted," said Jackson. "My right is for your child to learn about my child and to not think my child is a mistake, or is less than, or should not be treated with respect."

While the parental rights lobby has become a force in U.S. politics, recent school board elections in this country show that a similar movement is burgeoning in Canada.

WATCH | Parent explains why she became a trans rights activist:

A wave of legislation

The Republican Party's latest efforts to make parental rights a legislative lodestar began in 2020, when COVID-19 had children learning from home with parents looking over their shoulders.

"There was a lot of grievance around education  as a result of the pandemic, as a result of school closures and mask mandates and vaccine mandates," said Jack Schneider, an education historian and a professor at University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Story continues

Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times/The Associated Press

Those complaints intensified in 2021, during heated school board meetings where parents had disagreements about book bans and critical race theory, an academic framework based on the idea that racism is inherently embedded into American society, including its institutions, laws and public policy.

Politicians took note. Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin cruised to victory on the issue of parental rights alone during his 2021 gubernatorial campaign; Florida governor Ron Desantis  expected to run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024  has made parental rights a core item on his agenda.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

Last year, 85 parental rights bills were introduced in 26 states, according to FutureEd, a Georgetown University think tank that tracks U.S. education legislation. Four months into this year, that number stands at 62 bills in 24 states.

Many of them focus on gender and sexuality. States like Texas, Iowa and Kentucky, for example, have all introduced or passed bills sharing provisions that would limit or outright ban instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools at all grade levels.

Parental rights groups like Moms for Liberty  a self-styled grassroots political action committee with close ties to the Republican Party  have reportedly funded legions of anti-trans school board trustees across the country.

Other groups, like Parents Defending Education, are actively tracking school districts that allow personnel to keep a child's gender identity hidden from parents.

"The kind of spectre of parental rights often emerges in relationship to expanding conversations about sexuality and gender in schools," said Jen Gilbert, an associate professor at York University in Toronto.

Gilbert, who researches LGBTQ issues in education, said that parental rights isn't so much about parents as a group as it is a "conservative strategy to limit the scope of conversations that schools might have with young people about sex and gender."

Other provisions that impact trans students vary across the bills. The Texas bill mandates schools to notify parents of a child's changed gender identity within 24 hours, should a teacher or administrator be made privy to that information.

Ethan Hyman/The News & Observer/The Associated Press

Some of the bills block other gender-affirming policies, forbidding school staff from addressing trans students by their preferred pronouns, or barring trans students from using the bathroom of their choice.

LGBTQ organizations, teachers unions and parents groups have criticized the federal and state legislation, some saying that the laws force schools to "out" trans students to their parents and to the wider school community, potentially making them vulnerable to abuse.

The bill would have "devastating consequences for LGBTQ students and their ability to learn in safe, affirming classroom environments all across the country," Casey Pick, the director of law and policy at LGBTQ youth organization The Trevor Project, wrote in a statement.

A long history of parental rights

Schools "are, symbolically and literally, places where the future is being made," said the historian Schneider, which is why they have long functioned as a battleground for culture wars in the U.S.

The fact that most parents don't walk into their child's school on an ordinary day presents "this really ripe opportunity for a kind of cynical politics that would position schools as sites of indoctrination," he added.

The U.S. has a long history of parental rights going back as far as the early 20th century's progressive education movement. During the first and second Red Scare, and again during the 1970s, concerns about communist influence and homosexuality in schools were hot button issues.

TimesMachine/The New York Times

"It's no coincidence that schools were used as a way of trying to frighten people, because schools then, as now, are one of the most pervasive institutions, the widest-reaching kind of organization we have in the United States and Canada," said Schneider.

Former U.S. president Ronald Reagan, whose administration launched a massive reform of the country's public education system, invoked parents' rights in a 1983 speech about communism and morality in schools.

A contemporary version of the parental rights movement emerged in 1993, when a New York City school executive introduced a "rainbow curriculum" that included children's books with gay characters, such as Heather Has Two Mommies. Parents angered by the lesson plan organized city-wide protests that led to the executive's firing.

A few years later, Colorado proposed that a parental rights amendment be added to the state constitution. A New York Times article about the legislation called parental rights "the hot new issue of the religious right for the late 1990s."

Parents 'have the right to know' what is being taught

Salma Mustafa, a Pakistani-Canadian freelance photographer whose daughter is in the third grade at a Peel District School Board school in Brampton, Ont., said that parents "have the right to know what is being taught in class."

She pointed to an enhanced learning teacher at her daughter's school who created a website with detailed information about lesson plans.

"She was listing everything that was being taught in the classroom. So parents had an idea of what is being taught so they can guide their children," she said. Having that direct communication with parents allows discussions that start in school to make their way home, and reinforces the idea of learning, Mustafa added.

But Mustafa said that she doesn't think discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom should take precedence over other areas of study, including lessons about other marginalized communities.

"I have been teaching her that okay, there are different types of people out there. We need to respect every one of them," she said.

"It's great that they're talking about Pride month, but at the same time, if you spend that much time on it, yes, it is taking away time from children to other learning activities."

Years-old debates about parental rights in provinces like Ontario and Alberta indicate that the movement isn't confined to our neighbours down south.

"We think of it as a U.S. thing, but if you go back to the controversies about sex education during [2014 to 2018] in Ontario, it was very much framed as a problem with parental rights," said Gilbert, of York University.

Canadian movement will be 'a lot bigger' in 10 years

Paolo du Buono/Twitter

Several Canadian parental rights organizations have emerged in recent years. Action4Canada, a COVID-19 conspiracy group, did not respond to a request for comment. Blueprint For Canada, which opposes gender-inclusive sex education, declined a phone interview with CBC News.

Recent skirmishes at Canadian school boards "point to the ways  in which conservative parents see themselves as a political lobby and are using the platform of parental rights," according to Gilbert.

Canada's parental rights movement will be "a lot bigger 10 years from now," said Marc Vella, the president and founder of ParentsVoice B.C., a parental rights political party that ran 28 trustee candidates in the province's fall school board elections.

Some candidates who ran under its banner opposed the province's sexual orientation gender identity (SOGI) policies, which the province says foster inclusivity towards LGBTQ students.

"I think a lot of people feel like all the social justice-related stuff in schools has gone too far," he said, later adding, "Are we doing that at a detriment to all the regular, kind of, what I think of as the basics of education?"

LGBTQ parents and parents of trans youth are forgotten by that framing of parental rights, said Gilbert. The latter group is especially affected by the current wave of legislation in the United States.

"You're really trampling on the rights of those young people's parents to take care of their children in the way that they see fit," she said. "Somehow, their rights to care for their children don't count."
The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds is known as a gathering destination for carnival and concertgoers each summer. But the location has historical ties to agriculture and farming in Chippewa Falls and across the region. Ties that go back 125 years to the first Northern Wisconsin State Fair.

Now, construction of the fairgrounds $7 million agriculture campus will help ensure the future of agriculture and farming in Americas Dairyland.

Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association Executive Director Rusty Volk grew up farming in North Dakota where he later became co-owner of a farming operation with 1,900 acres of land.

Now Volk wants to use the fairgrounds shiny new digs to create an interest in, and appreciation for, farming and agricultural work.

Im a big proponent of saying we have to start teaching kids that it comes from the fork to the farm, instead of the farm to the fork. When I feed my little granddaughter all she sees is food going in her mouth. So where did that food come from? Well, trace it back to the farm, Volk said. Kids dont know farms. They know forks. I want to change that. Thats why these animal barns, this campus, the showcases and events we have make a difference.

Volk and the fairground staff have worked around the clock to make sure the new agriculture campus is complete before summer. The project is nearly complete.

Campus components

The campus consists of five barns, a coliseum expo building, showers, restrooms and a FEMA-designed safe room for tornadoes.

The expectation is all of the remaining construction will be done before the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, which is expected to bring more than 125,000 people July 12-16 to Chippewa Falls.

This year the fair celebrates its 125th anniversary.

Exposure to animals, to farmers and whatnot is just as important as the annual fair  the rides and games and music  if not more so, Volk said. Its important for agriculture. Thats the basis of animal production, whether it be milk, cheese, meat.

The space can accommodate thousands of animals including cows, pigs, goats and sheep and tens of thousands of people.

We already have a group interested in using one of the new barns for an event with 600 goats, Volk said.

For the first time ever, the grounds now have buildings with heating and air conditioning, giving the facility year-round capabilities.

Economic impact

I think adding this asset to the community is extremely positive, said Chippewa Area Chamber of Commerce President Allyson Wisniewski. Specifically, its a great addition as a tourism asset that will open up possibilities for groups and events that are looking for space like this.

The Chamber hosts the farmer appreciation dinner in June each year at the fairgrounds to celebrate the industry and its importance to the region.

The agriculture community brings food to our tables and is a contribution to our economy overall, Wisniewski said.

She also highlighted the effect on tourism and said the tourism industry brought $159 million in economic impact to Chippewa County, supporting about 1,500 jobs.

Having this as another additional asset within the fairgrounds itself will be huge for tourism, Wisniewski said.

The project has been almost 15 years in the making.

In spring 2008, the Community Foundation of Chippewa County purchased the 56-acre fairgrounds from fair owners Jim Flanagan and Julius Lee for $600,000 and formed a nonprofit to oversee it. Volk was hired later that year to run the fairgrounds. Since then, he and other stakeholders have developed and amended plans to revamp the grounds.

Rehabilitation needed

The recent construction of the agriculture campus came out of a barn replacement project. The barns on site were more than a century old, Volk said.

After 130 years, a portion of the roof collapsed on the show barn/coliseum, otherwise known as the Red Barn, rendering the building unsafe for use.

The remaining 100-year-old swine/sheep barn and two cattle barns were beyond repair and it became apparent it was time to replace the animal barns and show arena facilities.

We had to do something with them. We then went to a feasibility study to determine which buildings we could keep and which ones we had to get rid of, Volk said. I was not about to invest donor money into a building that was not going to stay around.

Four years after the Red Barn was razed, the multi-building campus project is almost finished despite logistical and fiscal challenges that have come about since 2020.

Its been an extreme challenge to keep this going, Volk said. Needless to say our expenses almost doubled just because of everything related to COVID and the economy.

Construction costs

At the 2022 Northern Wisconsin State Fair it was announced that the fairgrounds old livestock barns were being replaced with multi-purpose buildings. The construction project consists of five new structures:

Two cattle buildings for $1.1 million

Coliseum show arena for $1.2 million

Small animal building for $1 million

FEMA safe room structure that includes restrooms, showers, concession area, storage and meeting area for $1.4 million

Total projected cost for the building construction alone is more than $6 million Volk said.

While the current plan brings the new buildings up to snuff, other elements will need to be funded to make the facility a functional space.

Stormwater, utilities and pavement replacement are expected to cost an additional $1.4 million.

There are two existing buildings, the horse barn and youth exhibit building, fairground staff would like to upgrade, provided additional funds are generated.

Volk said organizers also need to replace old pavement on worn roads and parking lots, upgrade lighting for parking areas and sidewalks and upgrade entrances for the safety and security of all events. Then there are costs that often get overlooked such as adding tables and chairs, building and walkway signs, a public address system, office supplies and other logistical items, Volk said.

Thats why Volks goal is to raise an additional $750,000. Assuming he is successful, the final cost will be almost $7 million.

Safe room

Volk is especially excited about the safe room, otherwise known as a tornado shelter.

The FEMA-designated and approved safe room structure is a new plan  Volk only received approval for it a couple months ago, though he submitted an application three years back.

That particular safe room is actually going to be a bomb shelter almost, a tornado shelter for people to go in case of tornadoes, Volk said. Now we all know whats happening with the weather these days. So this is very timely, that we create safety.

The room can accommodate 311 people, according to renderings.

Volk said he wanted to add the safety structure because the fairgrounds have so many campers on site for various activities. Additionally, there is a campground a block away.

They have no place to go if a tornado is coming, he said. Also the barns and the buildings were building are much stabler now than any buildings we had on the property before.

Safety is a big concern for Volk and the fairground team. The barns were designed so people travel in certain areas, and animals in others. Thats relatively unprecedented for fairgrounds.

We really minimize the time that humans and animals cross paths to keep it clean, so that you dont have strollers rolling through manure anymore, and bringing it home and tracking everything all over, Volk said. E. coli and other bacteria are always a big concern with animals. This will be a lot more sanitary. Were protecting the animals from humans and the human from animals because it goes both ways.

Volk said hes satisfied with how quickly the construction has come along. Hes proud of the workers, donors, and volunteers. But its all about making the public want to come visit the fairgrounds.

People say, Thank you. Kids learn about livestock. Teens play games and ride carnival rides. Farmers get appreciated. Families spend time outside. And people come to our sold-out music shows. We do a little of everything, Volk said. This new ag campus will be around for a very long time to make sure the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds lasts another century. And beyond.

Close Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff are working to ensure the new agriculture campus is completed before summer. Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff are working to complete the new agriculture campus before summer. The upgrades to Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground include five new buildings, as well as upgrades to existing infrastructure. Rusty Volk, executive director of the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association, drives a golf cart around the Chippewa Falls fairgrounds. Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff have been working round the clock to make sure the new agriculture campus gets completed before summer. The almost $7 million campus consists of five barns, a coliseum expo building, showers, restrooms and a FEMA designed safe room for tornadoes. Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff have been working round the clock to make sure the new agriculture campus gets completed before summer. The almost $7 million campus consists of five barns, a coliseum expo building, showers, restrooms and a FEMA designed safe room for tornadoes. Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff have been working round the clock to make sure the new agriculture campus gets completed before summer. The almost $7 million campus consists of five barns, a coliseum expo building, showers, restrooms and a FEMA designed safe room for tornadoes. Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff have been working round the clock to make sure the new agriculture campus gets completed before summer. The almost $7 million campus consists of five barns, a coliseum expo building, showers, restrooms and a FEMA designed safe room for tornadoes. IN PHOTOS: Northern Wisconsin State Fair Agriculture Campus Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff have been working round the clock to make sure the new agriculture campus gets completed before summer. The almost $7 million campus consists of five barns, a coliseum expo building, showers, restrooms and a FEMA designed safe room for tornadoes. Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff are working to ensure the new agriculture campus is completed before summer. Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff are working to complete the new agriculture campus before summer. The upgrades to Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground include five new buildings, as well as upgrades to existing infrastructure. Rusty Volk, executive director of the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association, drives a golf cart around the Chippewa Falls fairgrounds. Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff have been working round the clock to make sure the new agriculture campus gets completed before summer. The almost $7 million campus consists of five barns, a coliseum expo building, showers, restrooms and a FEMA designed safe room for tornadoes. Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff have been working round the clock to make sure the new agriculture campus gets completed before summer. The almost $7 million campus consists of five barns, a coliseum expo building, showers, restrooms and a FEMA designed safe room for tornadoes. Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff have been working round the clock to make sure the new agriculture campus gets completed before summer. The almost $7 million campus consists of five barns, a coliseum expo building, showers, restrooms and a FEMA designed safe room for tornadoes. Chippewa Falls Northern Wisconsin State Fairground staff have been working round the clock to make sure the new agriculture campus gets completed before summer. The almost $7 million campus consists of five barns, a coliseum expo building, showers, restrooms and a FEMA designed safe room for tornadoes.

PHOTOS: Northern Wisconsin State Fair Ferris wheel Upside down Baby kangaroo Above the tree tops Merry-go-round Pony rides Jump Fun for all ages One man band Pig races Acrobatics All the fixings Oversized sunglasses Fast ride
Thousands of Wisconsinites have been adjudicated incompetent to vote under state laws designed to protect mentally incapacitated people from having someone else fill out their ballot.

Under laws in Wisconsin and many states, a court may determine someone is incompetent to vote. Ten states  including neighboring Illinois and Michigan  place no disability-related restrictions on voting rights, according to a 2018 Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law report.

But Wisconsin lacks a statutorily defined system for tracking people ruled mentally incompetent to vote, Wisconsin Watch reporting has revealed. That has led to instances of people casting ballots in recent elections despite being on the statewide ineligible voter list. They include two voters who told Wisconsin Watch they didnt know they were ineligible.

Disability rights advocates and legal experts disagree over whether  and to what extent  certain people with mental disabilities should lose their voting rights.

Historically, people with disabilities have experienced a lot of discrimination with certainly their rights, and that includes the right to vote, said Barbara Beckert, external advocacy director of Disability Rights Wisconsin. There is a lot of inconsistency from state to state and how this is currently in place.

Why does Wisconsin disenfranchise certain people with mental disabilities, and how can some restore their right to vote?

Heres what you need to know.

Who in Wisconsin could lose their voting rights for mental disability reasons?

A subset of people under legal guardianship  someone who has a court-appointed guardian to make health and financial decisions  may lose their right to vote.

People with degenerative brain disorder, including dementia, and developmental disabilities  such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy and autism  may be ruled incompetent or incapacitated and lose their voting rights.

Courts rely on opinions of medical professionals and a court-appointed guardian ad litem to assess a persons capacity to make important decisions, such as those related to their health care or finances. During a hearing, a court will determine whether a guardian is necessary and will outline the scope of the guardians decision- making power.

Not everyone under guardianship loses the right to vote.

While people under the guardianship might struggle to make choices about health care and finances, many can still decide who they want to vote for, said Tami Jackson, a public policy analyst for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Under Wisconsin law, people disallowed from voting in Wisconsin include: Any person who is incapable of understanding the objective of the elective process or who is under guardianship, unless the court has determined that the person is competent to exercise the right to vote.

Under that broad definition, those who understand their reasons for voting, want to vote for a candidate and want that candidate to win should retain their voting rights, said Ellen Henningsen, who directs the Voting and Guardianship Project for Disability Rights Wisconsin.

Its a very simple standard. Its a very low standard, frankly, because we dont impose any capacity tests on average voters, Henningsen said.

Who decides whether someone is competent to vote?

Only a judge can determine a persons legal competence to vote in Wisconsin. No one else has that power  not a family member, caregiver, election official, doctor or designated power of attorney.

How many people in Wisconsin have lost their voting rights under this process?

A Wisconsin Elections Commission list contains more than 22,000 people who have been adjudicated incompetent to vote in Wisconsin. But that list is imperfect. Some, but not all, counties notify state elections officials when a person is found incompetent to vote, Joel DeSpain, a Wisconsin Elections Commission spokesman, previously told Wisconsin Watch. Additionally, the statewide list includes people who have since died.

Why disenfranchise people with certain mental disabilities?

The laws are designed to bolster election integrity and to protect mentally incapacitated people from having someone else fill out their ballot or manipulate them into voting a certain way.

Individuals who do not understand the nature of voting creates a pool of potential votes that might be cast by anyone with the ability to gain access to those individuals ballots  a species of vote fraud, Pamela Karlan, the co-director of the Supreme Court Litigation Clinic at the Stanford University Law School, wrote in the McGeorge Law Review.

For instance, an assisted living facility staff member could influence the votes of people with severe cognitive disabilities in their care, she told the nonprofit news outlet Stateline in 2018.

A partisan review of Wisconsins 2020 election raised those same concerns when it found a couple of examples of nursing home residents who had voted despite being on the states adjudicated incompetent list. But no cases of nursing home voter fraud have come to light.

Critics of disenfranchisement laws and practice point out such scenarios involve law-breaking by people other than the person with a disability, and they question the idea of protecting the rights of a cognitively disabled voter by stripping them away.

Can people restore their voting rights after losing them?

Yes. That involves petitioning the county probate court. Filing a petition carries no cost and should be done 180 days after a guardianship hearing.

Petitioners can get help from someone who supports the restoration of their voting rights, whether a guardian, family member, service provider or teacher.

There, petitioners can show they understand the election process, said Henningsen, who advocates for people to restore their voting rights. There are good reasons to do so, she said. Judges may have been mistaken in the first place. Or petitioners may now understand the election process, whether because theyve matured or received education  or their health conditions have improved.

But once people lose the right to vote, they face a higher burden of proof in having it restored, Jackson said.

Petitioners should be prepared for the court to ask questions, says Disabilities Wisconsin Rights, which publishes a guide for voting rights restoration.

If a court restores a petitioners right, the person must register to vote before casting a ballot.

How have these issues been politicized in Wisconsin?

The issue first gained attention a year ago as part of former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gablemans partisan investigation into the 2020 election. Gableman identified a couple of cases of people in nursing homes who had voted despite a court removing their voting rights.

That unfolded as Republican backers of former President Donald Trump sought to sow doubts about the results of his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden  and to purge thousands of names from Wisconsin voter rolls.

Its unfortunate that people with disabilities are being looked at as somehow violators of election law when so many of them who have their right to vote experience incredible barriers to access voting, said Jackson of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. I just see that this is a solution that is looking for a problem.

Although conservative activists pushed misinformation in that process, including conflating ineligible and eligible voters, they did help identify some holes in Wisconsins statewide voter database.

As Wisconsin Watch reported in March, Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell conducted a review of about 1,000 names from the states list of people a court deemed incompetent to vote and found 95 examples of people who voted after being added to the list.

While more examples than previously known, the number is small compared with the millions of votes cast in statewide elections  and not enough to alter past results as Trump and others have claimed. In reviewing some of the cases, Wisconsin Watch found examples of human error, rather than coordinated or intentional illegal voting.

We all want our elections to have integrity, but we also want to make sure that doesnt come at the expense of the rights of people with disabilities, Beckert said.

The nonprofit Wisconsin Watch (www.WisconsinWatch.org) collaborates with WPR, PBS Wisconsin, other news media and the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers pardoned nearly 160 more people on Friday, most of them for relatively low-level offenses ranging from drug dealing and possession to theft.

That extends his record number of pardons to 933 during four years in office, easily the most of any Wisconsin governor. His predecessor, Republican Scott Walker, didnt issue a single pardon during his two terms.

Each pardon recipients journey is unique, and each deserves the opportunity for a new start, Evers said in a statement announcing the 159 new pardons.

Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle granted almost 300 pardons during his two terms. Republican Govs. Tommy Thompson and Scott McCallum issued 262 pardons before Doyle took office.

A pardon doesnt erase or seal a conviction, but it does restore the right to own a gun, to vote, to be on a jury, to hold public office and to hold various licenses. A pardon also doesnt keep someones criminal record from showing up on background checks, but applicants often argue that clemency makes them more attractive to employers.

An Associated Press review of federal and state incarceration data showed that, between 1975 and 2019, the U.S. prison population jumped from 240,593 to 1.43 million Americans. Among them, about 1 in 5 people were incarcerated with a drug offense listed as their most serious crime.

Where are they now? The stories of 8 people who were pardoned by Gov. Tony Evers Matthew Riehle can now summit mountains in Canada Michelle Roberson Nance wants to 'to do right by' her pardon Eric Pizer's 'longtime battle' for a pardon is 'finally over' Kimm Laursen: 'If I want to do something, I am free to do it.' Anthony Cooper says his pardon shows 'change is possible' 'Very grateful': Rev. Mwangi Vasser is working as a hospice chaplain Kathryn Morrow says her pardon 'meant so much' Syreeta Robinson: 'One bad decision is not the end of your life'
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, April 6, 2023

Walmart welcomed retail experts to its annual investor event, as it unpacked plenty of dazzling revelations about its automation efforts.

By the end of its fiscal 2026, the company promises that automation will serve about 65% of stores and that 55% of the order fulfillment will move through automated facilities. That could improve average unit costs by as much as 20%.

It forecasts a 4% sales growth rate for the next three to five years, adding more than $130 billion to its current sales base of roughly $600 billion.

Walmart touted the effort as a "people first" initiative, and says it would create jobs that require less physical labor but higher wages.

CNN reports that Walmart is laying off 2000 warehouse workers.

Oppenheimer analyst Rupesh Parikh, who attended the event, writes that the presentation left him "incrementally upbeat on the company's longer-term prospects."

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He is encouraged that the company can reaffirm its commitment to that 4% growth rate, even with many of its core customers under financial pressure. "Additionally, the company now appears to be on a clearer path towards e-commerce profitability," he says.

The event was largely focused on Walmart's new approach to supply chains, with more automation. "The outcome improves in-stock, inventory accuracy and flow whether customers shop in stores, pickup, or have a delivery," the company says in its announcement.

Separately, the company also announced the reopening of the Chesapeake, Virginia store that was the scene of its latest mass-shooting tragedy.

Walmart has spent the last five months redesigning the store, which includes an outdoor memorial space that honors the six Walmart associates who were murdered there last year.

Some activists have criticized Walmart for not doing more to protect workers and the public.

In an editorial in USA Today responding to the re-opening, Cynthia Murray, a Walmart associate of 22 years, reminds people how many shootings have happened at Walmart stores over the years.

"For retail workers like me, these shootings are a reminder of how dangerous our jobs have become and, increasingly, how little our employers value the lives of the people in their stores  both the customers who shop there and the associates who work there," she writes.

Citing data from Guns Down America, she says since January 1, 2020, there have been 363 gun incidents and 112 gun deaths at Walmart. And that doesn't include the 23 lives lost at a mass shooting in an El Paso, Texas, Walmart in 2019.

Murray adds that the company has done little to update safety policies or add security. Company spokespeople are quick to offer thoughts and prayers, she says. And then its on to the next incident.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 7, 2023

Macy's plans to argue that an Illinois biometric privacy law is unconstitutional on the theory that the law subjects violators to grossly excessive damages, the company revealed in court papers.

The Illinois law imposes an unconstitutional penalty, Macy's writes in a proposed revised answer to a class-action privacy complaint over the alleged purchase of a facial-recognition database from Clearview AI.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman in the Northern District of Illinois allowed Macy's to include that argument in its revised answer to the lawsuit.

The department store's argument comes in a complaint initially filed in 2020 against Clearview and amended in 2021 to include Clearview's alleged clients, including Macy's. The retailer drew on the faceprint database as part of an initiative to combat shoplifting, according to the complaint.

Clearview came to public attention in January of 2020, when The New York Times reported that the company scraped billions of photos from Twitter, Facebook and other companies, used technology to create a faceprint database, then sold access to that database to police departments across the country.

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Among other claims, the complaint alleges that Macy's violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, which requires companies to obtain state residents' consent before collecting and storing scans of their facial geometry. That law provides for damages of up to $5,000.

In February, the Illinois Supreme Court said companies that run afoul of that law can be sued for up to $5,000 for each separate violation. Before that decision came down, companies argued they were only liable for the first time they scanned someone's biometric data.

Macy's says in its amended answer that the potentially high financial penalties make the Illinois privacy statute unconstitutional.

The law imposes grossly excessive damages wholly unrelated to any actual harm, while at the same time making damages discretionary without any basis for how courts and juries should weigh this discretion, Macy's writes. This leads to an arbitrary assessment of damages.
by Colin Kirkland , April 7, 2023

While Twitter CEO Elon Musk said he purchased Twitter on the basis of protecting peoples freedom of speech, news broke Friday that the microblogging platform is now censoring links to online newsletter platform Substack -- showing users an error message when they try to like, reply, comment or retweet.

Some actions on this Tweet have been disabled, the error message reads, spurring many to say Twitter is starting a war with Substack.

We're disappointed that Twitter has chosen to restrict writers ability to share their work, Substack founders Chris Best, Hamish McKenzie, and Jairaj Sethi told Mashable. Writers deserve the freedom to share links to Substack or anywhere elsetheir livelihoods should not be tied to platforms where they don't own their relationship with their audience, and where the rules can change on a whim.

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While Substack does not view itself as a direct competitor to Musk's Twitter, Substack launched a Notes feature on Wednesday that some think resembles the microblogging platform.

Twitters abrupt blockage of Substack links on its app is reminiscent of its recent choice to suppress content from its open-sourced rival Mastodon. In December its account on Twitter was suspended temporarily and links were banned.

Substack recently tweeted that it is investigating these issues and is actively trying to resolve this and will share updates as additional information becomes available.

The companys founders followed up with another tweet fired at Musk: Any platform that benefits from writers and creators work but doesn't give them control over their relationships will inevitably wonder how to respond to the platforms that do.

As Twitters reinvented Blue subscription service, championed by Musk, continues to flounder with fewer than 300,000 global users, Substack boasts 2 million paid subscribers on its platform. Perhaps Musk is jealous, now worried Notes will infringe on Twitters unpredictable future.

According to TechCrunch, there is still a way for Subtack writers to alert and connect readers to their work on Twitter: If you link to a Substack via a redirected URL, it seems to post without restrictions.

On Tuesday, Twitter labeled National Public Radios main account with a state-affiliated media tag, which NPR said was unacceptable, unfair, and inaccurate.
by Ray Schultz , April 8, 2023

Staffers of the Florida Times-Union, a property owned by Gannett, held a rally on Friday near Jacksonville City Hall to protest low pay and the alleged lack of raises.

The protesters are members of the Times-Union Guild, part of the Communications Workers of America Union (CWA), News4JAX reports.

Were asking for Gannett to support local journalism, to invest in our newsroom and invest in the local journalists who are doing the work, said Times-Union reporter David Bauerlei, according to News4JAX.

That means paying journalists who have been faced with year-after-year increases in the cost of living, no wage increases in 2018. It makes it much harder for us to get by to do the job we love and continue doing the job wed love, Bauerlein continued..

According to Bauerlein, the number of newsroom employees has fallen from 63 in 2019 to 22 today.

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Meanwhile, NPR did a program on Gannetts strategy featuring Joshua Benton of the Nieman Journalism Lab.

Commenting on Gannetts merger with Gatehouse Media, Benton said the idea was that an individual newspaper might struggle on its own, but if you buy enough of them, you can extract as much of the cost of producing the newspaper from the local community as possible.

Gannett believed that it could achieve economies of scale and make a profitable business, Benton continued. The problem is, as part of the merger, Gannett took on a lot of debt, and they have to pay off that debt. So they need revenue. And the way that they have been doing that is by cutting costs to the bone. That means cutting staff and cutting the quality of their newspapers.

Moreover. Gannett is also pursuing a digital strategy. But newspapers generally make significantly less money off of a digital subscriber than they do from a print subscriber, Benton added. The other problem is that there are lots of other free alternatives for a lot of local news and information, and people will be happy to consume those without bothering to subscribe to the local daily.
Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggbati made their OTT debut with Rana Naidu on Netflix last month. The real-life uncle-nephew duo played father-son on the show which received a lot of criticism for its edgy and supposedly obscene content.

Was it really that obscene, though?

 Netflix

Rana Naidu follows the eponymous character played by Rana Daggubati who acts as a fixer for celebrities. Whatever trouble theyre in, he helps them get out of it, irrespective of how legal or illegal it is. While watching the journey of a man with a questionable moral compass is interesting, many felt that the show was unnecessarily sexual and crass in nature.

Some even felt that a show like this goes against Indian culture.

What 'Sacred Games' did to Nawaz, 'Rana Naidu' appears to be doing same with brand image of Venkatesh and Rana Daggubati. A very poor Indian remake of 'Ray Donovan'!

@NetflixIndia, Indian viewers deserve better content and respect for Indian Culture.

@netflix #RanaNaidu https://t.co/7H9a4Qwga5  Pankaj Shukla (@PankajShuklaa) March 11, 2023

True, the show has a lot of sex scenes and characters use cuss words in each breath. However, taking into account the shows setting and the characters' backgrounds, it doesnt feel unnecessary. Characters like Rana Naidu, Naga Naidu (Venkatesh Daggubati) or Prince (Gaurav Chopra) have a certain way of speaking.

To say that only people and characters of small towns use cuss words would be unfair. Everyone does.

 Netflix

When we dont shame the glamorous or popular Bollywood actors and characters for uttering expletives in every sentence, why does Raina Naidu affect us so?

Is it because the much-revered south Indian stars, known for portraying Indian culture in a positive light, seem to be moving towards the dark side?

 Netflix

Mind you, people dont have a problem with the violence in Rana Naidu, but the sex scenes and abusive language in the show. So far, most of Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubatis well-known roles have been family-friendly and in pursuit of the greater good. Their revamped dark avatars in Rana Naidu are more of a cultural shock to people than bad storytelling.

Netflixs Rana Naidu isnt the first show to tread this tricky territory. OTT shows like Prime Videos Mirzapur and Netflixs Sacred Games was made with a similar fabric. They, too, sent shockwaves through the Indian audience, owing to their bold content, but eventually became crowd favourites.

 Netflix

For over a year, there has been an increased interest in South Indian stars and films  the primary point of comparison being how these films respect Indian culture instead of adding bold scenes for shock and awe like Bollywood. Rana & Venkatesh Daggubati soiling this rosy picture with sex scenes and cuss words must have definitely come across as a rude, non-sanskaari surprise.

Art imitates life, so it would be naive to assume that these characters are unrealistic and speak gaalis to just shock the audience. Theres a good chance that the person sitting next to you also uses a lot of the same vocabulary youre scrunching your nose at.

 Netflix

So, can we stop the unnecessary moral policing and instead take a holistic view of a good show like Rana Naidu?
CAPE GIRARDEAU  A man from Iron County late last month admitted committing an October crime spree that included arsons in the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri and the assault of a U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri.

Lucas G. Henson, 37, pleaded guilty March 21 in front of U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. to three counts: assaulting a law enforcement officer, arson and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Henson admitted that, after being charged with stealing and drug offenses last year, he was out on bond when he stole a Ford van on Oct. 22 from Patriot Rentals near Poplar Bluff before abandoning it when it ran out of gas. Later that day, he broke into a camper at Poplar Bluff RV Sales and stole items from it.

The next day, he stole a Dodge pickup truck, then burglarized someones home and stole a Ruger LC9 9mm handgun. He stole a crossbow from a workshop near the home.

When the trucks owner found Henson, Henson pointed the pistol at the trucks owner and drove away. Law enforcement officers, notified by the trucks owner, joined the chase.

Henson crashed the truck in Mark Twain National Forest, then started a fire and burned the handgun and the items that hed stolen from the camper before fleeing into the forest.

Law enforcement officers began tracking Henson with dogs. When they got close, he started a fire to prevent being captured. He started a second fire when they approached him again. Later, he pointed the crossbow at a U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer, as well as other officers, before crossing the Black River and fleeing again. Henson was eventually caught near the river. He admitted his crimes in interviews with officers.

The fires burned a total of 7.61 acres of land. Burn orders were in effect at the time due to the dry and windy conditions, and Hensons fires kept leaping over the fire lines established by firefighters. Crews eventually had to construct dozer lines to contain the fire and spent $7,228 fighting the fires.

Henson is scheduled to be sentenced in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau on June 28. The assault charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The arson charge carries a mandatory minimum of 7 years with a maximum of 20 years, and the gun charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison. All charges carry a possible fine of up to $250,000.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service, the Butler County Sheriffs Office, the Wayne County Sheriffs Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton is prosecuting the case.
JOURNALIST: Ladies and gentlemen, we are with Mr. Nikos Dendias at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and this is the ACTION 24 prime-time newscast. Mr. Dendias, thank you very much for having us in your office.



N. DENDIAS: Thank you for the opportunity. Actually, this is not my office, it's the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece.



JOURNALIST: Mr. Dendias, youve just returned from the NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Brussels. We noticed a particularly warm atmosphere between you and your Turkish counterpart.

We noticed your brief conversation in front of the cameras and it appears that we are sailing in calm waters in the Aegean after the diplomacy of the earthquakes.

How did we get to this point?



N. DENDIAS: There was a shift in the Turkish attitude, immediately following my visit to Antakya, just a few days after the devastating earthquakes in Turkiye.

Let me give you a simple example. Previously, there were overflights, violations of airspace, and territorial waters on a daily basis. All this time, since that day, no violation has been recorded.

What's more, Turkish flight activity in the Aegean is nonexistent. In general, there's been a complete shift in the Turkish attitude. There has been a significant shift in its rhetoric as well.

No insults, no threats, or anything else is being hurled against Greece. Greece on its part has always stated that if the climate is right, it is willing to engage in dialogue and act accordingly.

Thats exactly whats happening.



JOURNALIST: Was it the internationalization of the Turkish provocations on the part of Greece or was it possibly our allies, as well as the upgrading of relations with the United States that have helped us sail in calm waters?



N. DENDIAS: First and foremost, Id like to note that Turkiye, with this behavior, has recognized that Greece, in a time of need of the Turkish society, chose to stand by the Turkish people without asking for any geopolitical quid pro quo and without taking into account all the precedents. I believe that this was appreciated by the Turkish leadership.

Aside from that, in the broader context of relations, of course, Greece has made efforts over the years to provide a clear picture to the international community, our allies, our friends, and those who wished to listen to us about the cause and nature of our differences with Turkiye.

I believe that this effort has borne fruit. Now to what extent the Turkish leadership has taken this into account, I cannot tell.



JOURNALIST: The question is whether we can trust this shift by Turkiye. You also mentioned several incidents that we had before the earthquakes.

I will highlight the kind of rhetoric that has been developed on the Turkish side claiming that they will throw the Greeks into the sea. We also heard them saying that We will come suddenly one night. We saw maps of Greek islands in the Turkish media almost on a daily basis.

So, is trust possible at this time?



N. DENDIAS: Trust is built over time. But I cannot but underline that the Greek side has by all means welcomed this significant shift.

Again, it was not the Greek side that had expressed threats or claims.

Therefore, when we see Turkiye abandoning the previous paradigm and creating a new paradigm of attempting friendly relations with all the countries in the region including Greece, we want to believe it is sincere.

We are not naive if you ask me. As I have stated repeatedly, everything will be determined after the Turkish elections. Then we will see what the intentions of the Turkish government that will emerge from the Turkish peoples verdict are and how we could proceed.

But historically or nationally speaking, Greece has always emphasized that if Turkiye extends a hand of friendship to Greece, Greece will respond.



JOURNALIST: Since you mentioned the Turkish elections, they will be held in roughly 45 days. We are keeping a close eye on developments in Turkiye, particularly following the formation of the coalition of opposition parties.

Id like to ask you what it would mean for Greece if the Turkish people ultimately chose to remove Erdogan from power. Considering how the Turkish President has been acting over the years, do you think that if the opposition eventually wins, our country may find itself in uncharted waters?



N. DENDIAS: Ill explain. First of all, we, the Greek government, and each of us as citizens and human beings are entitled to our own thoughts, preferences, dislikes, and sympathies. However, the Greek government, and especially the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has no right to express an opinion on the elections in a neighboring country.

Greece evaluates foreign governments based on what they say and what they do. As far as the Turkish opposition is concerned, it has stated things that are possibly even worse than what President Erdogan has said.

Remember that when President Erdogan said something about the islands, the opposition did not respond with What are you saying?. They told him that what he was saying was right but he didnt do anything.

Consequently, we have no illusions. We are well aware of what has been said, but, again, elections may always provide a fresh start. Greece is ready, I reiterate, absolutely ready to respond to a hand of friendship extended from the opposite side of the Aegean.



JOURNALIST: Before we turn to the elections in Turkiye, Id like to ask you if in the meantime there might be a meeting with Mr. Cavusoglu, following the brief conversation you had in Brussels.



N. DENDIAS: If deemed necessary, since the channels of communication are completely open at the moment. Of course, we are in the run-up to the elections, so now is not the time for a broad discussion. This is something that will follow the verdict of both countries societies.

But what is important is that at the moment these channels of communication exist and they can allow our countries to move towards the elections sailing in calm waters, as you rightly put it previously. Something that, to be honest, has been an absolute necessity for some months now. We were looking for ways of achieving this and we were very concerned about the time between the possible two rounds of elections in Greece.



JOURNALIST: Is there the so-called red telephone line between you and Mr. Cavusoglu, as we refer to it? In other words, can Nikos Dendias pick up the phone and call Mr. Cavusoglu in case anything happens or if he has any concerns?



N. DENDIAS: It is not even red; it is my mobile phone. We have such a relationship that enables me to call him at any time and I am confident that he will respond immediately. After all, it has occurred.



JOURNALIST: Has it happened recently and after the earthquakes?



N. DENDIAS: Look, I want to be honest. I have always kept in touch with Mr. Cavusoglu. I have not hidden from Greek society that I have known him for 17 years and I know him well. So, there has always been a possibility of communication.

But, of course, Mr. Cavusoglu is a member of the Turkish government and during a certain period of time  actually, a long one- the orders from the Head of State were that no communication should take place.



JOURNALIST: Mr. Dendias, youve been serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs for four years now...



N. DENDIAS: Almost.



JOURNALIST: Almost four years as Minister of Foreign Affairs.



N. DENDIAS: Its a long time.



JOURNALIST: What was the most difficult moment you have faced? What was the moment when we might have been close to a hot incident, for example, with Turkiye?



N. DENDIAS: The summer of 2020 was too difficult. It was very, very difficult for all Greeks, for our Armed Forces, for their leadership, and it was extremely difficult for me as well.

Theres no point in recalling incidents or revealing incidents because some are known, and some are not, but the truth is that there were times when we came very close to a point of no return, lets say.

Nonetheless, thanks to both sides wise handling of the situation, the worst was avoided and we are where we are today.

I believe whats very important is that we do not return to that period. To the extent possible, I feel its preferable for everyone to forget about it.



JOURNALIST: The summer of 2020 was a difficult one.



N. DENDIAS: It was a very difficult period.



JOURNALIST: A very difficult summer.



N. DENDIAS: An extremely difficult summer.

{.}



JOURNALIST: I've heard the Prime Minister speak about the so-called "deep state" many times. I wonder if any initiatives should have been taken in the last four years to fight this big monster known as the "deep state" in our country. That's why I asked.



N. DENDIAS: {} If you ask me about this specific Ministry, because that's what I'm accountable for, I can tell you that we have made an enormous effort to completely change the nature and function of this Ministry. That will take three more years.

Could we have done it faster? I'm afraid to say not really. Why? Because a very large part of that effort required European funding, which was not in this Ministry's DNA.

This is the first time that the Ministry has absorbed a lot of European funds in an attempt to change its very nature and the way it serves Greek society and its interests.

It is attempting to integrate economic diplomacy, alter the way the Services operate, digitize them all, and have a real-time full understanding of all data.

It has already started strategic planning in order to provide the country with a long-term horizon.

All of this requires funding, so it's difficult to say it could have been done much faster. Yet, theres always room for improvement and I do not claim that we have been flawless. But I do claim that I have a good track record to present to Greek society and tell them that an honest effort has been made here.



JOURNALIST: Concluding Mr. Dendias, you said that it takes three more years to implement the project -at least as you envision it- in this



N. DENDIAS: In this Ministry.



JOURNALIST: So, if New Democracy wins, will we find you back in this office where we are visiting you today?



N. DENDIAS: This concerns the Prime Minister. As I previously told you, this is not my office; it is the office of the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs.



JOURNALIST: So, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, as you have it in your mind, of how Greek diplomacy should move forward, come full circle? I am speaking from your personal point of view.

So, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, have you not, in your perspective, come full circle in terms of how Greek diplomacy should proceed? As regards your personal point of view, I mean.



N. DENDIAS: Greek foreign policy has specific challenges to which it must respond following the elections. One is regarding relations with Turkiye, and the other concerns the completion of the campaign for the UN Security Council. We are very close now.

There are two more campaigns: one concerning the Human Rights Council, and the other the Presidency of the United Nations General Assembly. Theres also the challenge of communicating with countries and areas, geographical areas, with which we have not had time to do so.

I refer to a part of the Pacific, Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, smaller countries in the region, the Philippines, and a part of Africa, including East Africa, since weve already made a lot of progress in West Africa.

These are the steps that must be taken to create a holistic approach and a holistic view of the country's foreign policy. So that we should not be trapped in Greek-Turkish relations forever.

And we also have a very important role to play in the Balkans, in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and in Montenegro's new reality. These are all challenges that the country will face. Who will handle them though is up to the Prime Minister, who will be elected by the Greek people.



JOURNALIST: Mr. Dendias, thank you very much for receiving us today in your office, in the Ministers office, here in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thank you very much for being on the Action 24 prime-time newscast.



N. DENDIAS: Thank you very much. I wish you well.
A red, white and blue bus emblazoned with the words Back Off Our Benefits made a left turn at the corner of Washington and Columbia streets Wednesday afternoon and pulled up just short of Congressman Jason Smiths Farmington office.

The stop was sponsored by the Courage for America (CFA), a self-proclaimed non-partisan, grassroots organization that focuses on protecting the benefits of millions of Americans who depend on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. CFA spokesperson Laura Packard explained why its bus made a stop at Smiths Farmington office.

The people behind the CFA organization started thinking about it last year, and then really started getting it going after the November election, she said. The council is made up of regular people from around the country  people of all political persuasions and religious affiliations, people that really want to move the country forward. We've had some members of the council speak at various events, but we are here in Missouri to call on extreme members of the Republican House majority, including Rep. Jason Smith, to sign a promise.

That promise is to protect the essential benefits that Americans rely on and stop playing political games with the default crisis. That means protecting programs that we all rely on, like Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, veterans' benefits, food stamps, the Affordable Care Act, and so much more. We want them to stop threatening the American people with cuts to those programs for political gain.

Packard noted that CFA works with legislators, community leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens in its attempt to ensure that these programs remain robust and accessible to those who depend on them. She alleges Republicans are attempting to weaken or dismantle Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

We strongly believe that these are essential programs that help Americans access healthcare, obtain social support, and maintain financial security, and recognize the vital role these programs play in the lives of millions of Americans, especially the elderly and the vulnerable, she said. CFA believes these programs must remain intact and that any attempts to reduce or eliminate benefits must be stopped. It believes that all Americans have the right to these essential benefits, and it is committed to defending these programs on behalf of all citizens. Through their advocacy and lobbying efforts, CFA has made significant strides in their fight to protect these vital programs.

[The Republicans] dance around it. They say, Oh, it's not actually a cut, but if you block grants instead of assigning funds every year, that is a cut. If you change the eligibility age and requirements for these programs, that's also a cut. So they havent even decided on any one specific suite of cuts, but all the cuts they're throwing around are, in fact, cuts  even if they're labeled on something else.

Asked what response CFA has received to its call for officeholders to take the pledge, Packard said, Well, Jason Smith in particular recently said that the debt limit is clearly one of those tools that Republicans will use to make sure that we do everything we can to make this economy strong. So, that's a bunch of words to say that they intend to use the debt limit as a political tool to accomplish their political aims, regardless of the pain it causes the rest of us. He also voted in 2014 to raise the retirement age for Social Security and Medicare to 70 years.

Maintaining that CFAs "Back off Our Benefits" campaign has been a strong advocate for protecting the benefits of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, Packard said, CFA has shown that when communities come together, they can make a meaningful change and stand up for their rights. By raising awareness about the importance of these programs, CFA empowers Americans to take an active role in protecting their benefits and ensuring their long-term sustainability.

We encourage anyone who agrees with our message to go to courageforamerica.org/petition and sign the petition that we're going to be delivering to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's office on April 17th, which happens to be his 100th day as speaker. They should also call up Rep. Smith's office and make sure they tell his staff, Dont cut our benefits.

Smith is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee that oversees tax policy, Social Security, Medicare, trade agreements, and the nations debt ceiling, which may go into default sometime this summer if an agreement isnt reached between Washington D.C. Republicans and Democrats.

Responding to CFAs accusations, Smith said, As chairman of the committee with jurisdiction over Social Security and Medicare, Im committed to protecting and preserving these critical programs for hardworking seniors. Unfortunately, liberal interest groups like this  made up of folks from outside of southeast Missouri  conveniently choose to give a pass to President Joe Biden, whose costly agenda and failed economic policies place seniors hard-earned benefits further under threat.

In fact, recent analysis shows that the presidents agenda will reduce Medicare and Social Security financing by as much as nearly $900 billion. I will continue urging the president and Democrats in Congress to work with Republicans to find solutions to ensure seniors can continue to benefit from these important programs for years to come.
The expulsion of two Tennessee state lawmakers over participation in a protest has generated national outcry and concern over free speech protections.

While the expulsion of lawmakers is permissible within state constitutions, its rare  and in Tennessees case, opponents of the move say it could have violated the First Amendment guarantee of free speech and the 14th Amendment guarantees of due process and equal protection of the law.

The Tennessee and Virginia constitutions allow for expulsion from the legislature, but its hazy as to which grounds constitute valid reasons that dont infringe on federal protections.

In 1876, Virginia legislators expelled Del. R.D. Ruffin, a lawyer from Dinwiddie County, after he was accused of taking $30 from the House in addition to his $6 per diem payment. Ruffin denied the accusation. No Virginia lawmaker has been expelled in modern times, though a couple of senators have been censured for their conduct.

Dubbed the Tennessee Three by supporters, state Reps. Justin Jones of Nashville, Justin Pearson of Memphis and Gloria Johnson of Knoxville were reprimanded by their colleagues for participating in a protest from the House floor concerning gun violence.

Apparently violating decorum of the chamber, they spoke without being formally recognized. The legislators had also used a megaphone to help lead chants from demonstrators in the Houses gallery.

Their demonstration followed a spate of mass shootings across the nation, including a March 27 shooting at a private school in Nashville that killed three 9-year-old children and three adults.

According to Nashville outlet WSMV, Jones said that he and his colleagues microphones had been cut off when they had tried to speak about gun violence previously.

Our mics were cut off throughout the week whenever we were trying to bring up the issue, Jones said in the local reporting.

In votes to expel the three from the legislature, Jones and Pearson, who are Black men, were kicked out, while Johnson, who is a white woman, was spared.

It might have to do with the color of our skin, Johnson said to reporters Thursday.

If provable, that could fall within protections from the U.S. Constitution, said A.E. Dick Howard, a University of Virginia law professor who was involved in the crafting of Virginias current state constitution that took effect in 1971.

If you could show that the grounds for expulsion were the speech of the legislators, the expelled legislators, then youve got a First Amendment issue, he said.

According to Article IV, Section 7 of Virginias constitution: Each house shall judge of the election, qualification, and returns of its members, may punish them for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds of its elected membership, may expel a member.

Theres really not much law on this because the legislators  even if they dont like what a member is doing  I think they know that to expel a member is to play with fire, Howard said.

Even if some Virginia lawmakers sought to expel a fellow legislature, the legislature is closely divided politically, which would make a two-thirds vote a high bar to clear.

In 2021, the Virginia Senate censured Republican Sen. Amanda Chase of Chesterfield for conduct unbecoming of a senator, citing a history of public clashes that began with her berating a Virginia Capitol Police officer over a parking spot and culminated with her support for political rallies that preceded an assault by supporters of former President Donald Trump on the U.S. Capitol.

She was also removed from committee assignments. Committees are where much legislation is filtered and adjusted before full floor votes. Its a way for legislators to have more impact on what proposed bills can become laws.

In 1987, Virginia senators censured Democratic Sen. Peter Babalas of Norfolk for his actions in the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor to kill legislation that would have hurt one of his clients. He had been charged with two counts of violating state law on conflict of interest, but was acquitted in August 1986.

Censures, Howard said, are a way to take disciplinary action against a lawmaker without potentially triggering federal intervention.

Following the expulsions of Jones and Pearson in Tennessee, special elections will be set to fill their seats. Some local leaders have already expressed support for the ousted lawmakers, and they could return to their seats.

Before his expulsion, Jones noted that the vote could galvanize people to take sustained action.

The idea resonated with Sen. Mamie Locke, a Democratic from Hampton, who tweeted Thursday night: Six people shot to death with an AR 15, and yet what is Tennessee legislature worried about? Expelling Black representatives for decorum of the body. Stay woke people!
For the first time in more than 50 years, a prominent astrophysicist will return to her native Midland to talk about her work.

On April 18, longtime Arizona State University professor Marcia Rieke will be at Midland Center for the Arts to give a talk on her work with the James Webb Space Telescope.

The Tucson resident has not returned to her native Midland since 1971.

Having attended Midland High School, she grew up interested in science and chemistry. After graduating from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelors degree and a doctorate in physics, Rieke began working at Arizona State as a postdoctoral researcher. She remains with the school to this day.

Rieke specializes in astrophysics, which led to her work on infrared cameras for both the Hubble and the James Webb space telescopes. The Webb telescope took a viral photo of a distant cluster of galaxies that was revealed by President Joe Biden last year.

Rieke's 7:30 p.m. event at the Center for the Arts will feature a lecture and time for questions from the audience. Tickets can be purchased at https://cart.midlandcenter.org/29752.

The Daily News spoke with Rieke about her career and her work on the space telescopes.

MDN: What first got you interested in astronomy and technology?

Well, that was when I was quite small and partly because my dad was interested in model trains. So, I had my own electric train when I was 7 years old. That got me started on liking to deal with technical things.

I would go to the public library and find books on things like astronomy, and I fell in love with it. I read a lot of science fiction, too, which got me into the astronomy game as well.

I am surprised you did not go into chemistry since you went to Midland High (which is nicknamed the Chemics and is in the same city as the headquarters of what was then known as Dow Chemical).

I learned a lot of chemistry when I was a high school student. There was a program where if you went to summer school the summer before your senior year, (during) afternoons of your senior year, you could go work as basically an intern at either Dow or Dow Corning. I did that, which was great because I saved up a lot of money for college. I had a lot of fun I got very fascinated with astronomy, but (the internship) was a good experience.

Can you tell me how you got involved with the Hubble project?

It was 1986, (and) NASA put out what they called an announcement of opportunity. They were soliciting proposals for second-generation instruments to go on the Hubble because the Hubble was in an orbit where the space shuttle could visit it and astronauts could take an old instrument out and put a new one up.

So a bunch of us here at Arizona State University got together and said, We should propose to have one of those second-generation instruments be an infrared camera. So we wrote the proposal, and lo and behold, we won the competition.

How big of a deal was Hubble when it launched?

It was huge for astronomers because this was the first really big space mission. There had been other NASA missions, but this was by far the biggest and the most ambitious. One of the problems was that the mirror, which plays the role of a lens that that collects the light, was not manufactured quite right. It was not caught in testing. For the first couple of years, it really did not produce much because it did not make the finely focused images it was supposed to.

A shuttle was sent up with a box that was installed that basically was like putting eyeglasses on the other instruments to correct for this flaw in the primary mirror. The instrument I worked on, because we knew about this problem ahead of time, we built it with corrective optics into the instrument.

I recall at one point operators of the Hubble focused on a patch of dark outer space for 10 minutes to see what was there, and millions of stars and galaxies were revealed with that telescope.

That was a very key program for the development of astronomy as we know it now. (The Hubble) stared at that piece of sky not for 10 minutes, but 10 days. What that image proved was that there did not seem to be an end to the distribution of galaxies on the sky. The longer you looked, the fainter you looked, you still saw galaxies. Because of the way the universe behaves, the universe is expanding, partly because of the Big Bang. That means very distant objects, those objects appear to be moving away from us. Anything that is moving away from us, the light gets shifted to redder wavelengths, just like when an ambulance goes by.

You are standing on a street corner, you hear the pitch change. The same thing happens with these galaxies that are moving away from us. What happened was that we could see that there might be galaxies so far away that their light was shifted out of the regime that Hubble could study. Hubble does visible light, plus a little bit of infrared. So it was realized that we needed a different kind of mission. We needed an infrared telescope, which is what became the Webb telescope project.

Hubble changed the way even astronomers thought about space and understood it. What is it like being a part of such a big moment in science and astronomy history?

It is a little bit humbling, but now that we have Webb, we are making discoveries that are changing everything all over again. It is really humbling to know that I am a single person, but yet I had this fantastic opportunity to explore the universe. It is just great.

How did you get involved with James Webb?

When (NASA) needed an infrared telescope to look further out to find the first galaxies (that) formed. So they started working on what we call a mission concept, that is, (to see) what size telescope, what wavelengths and what kind of instruments (they needed). I joined a study group that helped define the answers to those questions. That was (in) 1998

Then in 2001, NASA issued another announcement of an opportunity. But this announcement now is for to propose to build the near infrared camera for the Webb telescope. I teamed with a group at Lockheed Martin Aerospace Company, along with a number of other people here at the University of Arizona. We wrote a proposal. We had an instrument design and we won that competition, so I am two for two on these announcements of opportunities.

How did it feel to get a shout-out from the President about that viral photo that was taken with a camera you helped build?

It was fantastic! I think there are several factors in play here. Humanity and people in the United States had been through a few rough years recently with the pandemic and so on. To have something that is unqualified good news, I think that was part of why people were so interested in Webb. I was overjoyed that people involved in government, who ultimately must help NASA get their funding from Congress, took note. We were pleased and excited by this because you never know if politicians are going to pay any attention to something other than their day-to-day problems. It was really gratifying to see that our good news was shared by lots of people.
The Saturday before Easter was a busy day for the Easter Bunny as he had two Easter egg hunts in Huron County where hundreds attended despite the cold weather and the snow.

Dominic Sevilla/Huron Daily Tribune

In Sebewaing, which held its hunt at 10 a.m. at the Sebewaing Village Park, saw kids gather and hunt for eggs in four designated areas based on age groups where some eggs held candy while others had tickets inside that could be redeemed for bigger Easter baskets that were put together and donated by local businesses.
Isabelle Pasciolla/Midland Daily News

The Midland Planning Commission will consider approving a large addition to the Xaerus Performance Fluids warehouse at its meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall.

The 62,500-square-foot addition would be constructed on the warehouse at 2825 Schuette Road. The site plan for this project was reviewed by the commission on March 21. Contingencies that were mentioned at that meeting have been resolved in the updated site plans to be presented at the Tuesday meeting.
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SAN PEDRO CUTUD, Philippines (AP)  Eight Filipinos were nailed to crosses to reenact Jesus Christs suffering in a bloody Good Friday tradition, including a carpenter, who was crucified for the 34th time with a prayer for Russias invasion of Ukraine to end because it has made poor people like him more desperate.

The real-life crucifixions in the farming village of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga province north of Manila resumed after a three-year pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. About a dozen villagers registered but only eight people showed up, including 62-year-old carpenter and sign painter Ruben Enaje, who screamed as he was nailed to a wooden cross with a large crowd watching in the scorching summer heat.

In a news conference shortly after his crucifixion, Enaje said he prayed for the eradication of the COVID-19 virus and the end of Russias invasion of Ukraine, which has contributed to gas and food prices soaring worldwide.

"It's just these two countries involved in that war, Russia and Ukraine, but all of us are being affected by the higher oil prices even if were not involved in that war, said Enaje.

Ahead of the crucifixions, Enaje told The Associated Press that the steep increases in oil and food prices after Russia invaded Ukraine made it harder for him to stretch his meager income from carpentry and sign making.

Thousands of people, including foreign tourists, came to watch the annual religious spectacle in San Pedro Cutud and two other nearby rural villages.

Kitty Ennett, a veterinarian from Ireland, said the crucifixions were a very religious experience and they were worth the long trip from her home in the United Kingdom.

When I was seeing the young man doing the flogging and going up to the cross, its very moving to see how much they sacrifice for their faith, Ennett told The AP. They really put themselves in the shoes of Jesus.

Enaje survived nearly unscathed when he fell from a three-story building in 1985, prompting him to undergo the ordeal as thanksgiving for what he considered a miracle. He extended the ritual after loved ones recovered from serious illnesses, one after another, turning him into a village celebrity as the Christ in the Lenten reenactment of the Way of the Cross.

Ahead of their crucifixion on a dusty hill, Enaje and the other devotees, wearing thorny crowns of twigs, carried heavy wooden crosses on their backs for more than a kilometer (more than half a mile) in the brutal heat. Village actors dressed as Roman centurions later hammered 4-inch (10-centimeter) stainless steel nails through his palms and feet, then set him aloft on a cross under the sun for about 10 minutes.

Other penitents walked barefoot through village streets and beat their bare backs with sharp bamboo sticks and pieces of wood. Some participants in the past opened cuts in the penitents backs using broken glass to ensure the ritual was sufficiently bloody.

The gruesome spectacle reflects the Philippines unique brand of Catholicism, which merges church traditions with folk superstitions.

Many of the mostly impoverished penitents undergo the ritual to atone for their sins, pray for the sick or for a better life, and give thanks for miracles.

Church leaders in the Philippines have frowned on the crucifixions and self-flagellations, saying Filipinos can show their faith and religious devotion without hurting themselves and by doing charity work instead, such as donating blood.

Robert Reyes, a prominent Catholic priest and human rights activist in the country, said the bloody rites reflect the churchs failure to fully educate many Filipinos on Christian tenets, leaving them on their own to explore personal ways of seeking divine help for all sorts of maladies.

Folk Catholicism has become deeply entrenched in the local religious culture, Reyes said, citing a chaotic annual procession of a black statue of Jesus Christ called the Black Nazarene, which authorities say draws more than a million devotees each January in one of Asias largest religious festivals. Many bring towels to be wiped on the wooden statue, believing it has powers to cure ailments and ensure good health and a better life.

The question is, where were we church people when they started doing this? Reyes asked, saying the clergy should immerse itself in communities more and talk with villagers. If we judge them, well just alienate them.

The decadeslong crucifixion tradition, meanwhile, has put impoverished San Pedro Cutud  one of the more than 500 villages in rice-growing Pampanga province  on the map.

Organizers said more than 15,000 foreign and Filipino tourists and devotees gathered for the cross nailings in Cutud and two other nearby villages. There was a festive air as villagers peddled bottled water, hats, food and religious items, and police and marshals kept order.

They like this because there is really nothing like this on earth, said Johnson Gareth, a British tour organizer, who brought 15 tourists from eight countries, including the U.S., Canada and Germany, to witness the crucifixions.

Its less gruesome than people think," Gareth told The AP. "They think its going to be very macabre or very disgusting but its not. Its done in a very respectful way. ___

Associated Press journalists Aaron Favila and Cecilia Forbes contributed to this report.
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MEXICO CITY (AP)  Roman Catholics in Nicaragua had to hold traditional Stations of the Cross and other Holy Week processions on church grounds or inside churches Friday amid a ban on public demonstrations.

Relations between autocratic President Daniel Ortega and the church have frayed to near non-existence since Nicaragua's government proposed severing relations and sentenced a bishop to 26 years in prison.

Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes told The Associated Press that celebrations were held throughout the country near the churches.

In absolutely every parish there were celebrations, Brenes said, though he added they went off not with all the intensity of years past.

German Miranda, one of hundreds of faithful who showed up for the procession at the Managua Cathedral, was one of those who found it less inspiring this year.

He said Holy Week celebrations were better in the past when they wound through the streets of the capital. It was better before, because it was freer."

Miranda said he hoped the government and the church could reconcile, to give us a better future.

On Thursday, Ortega's wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, lashed out at those who complained.

We see it as part of a manipulation by those who do not believe in God, who do not live as Christians, who do not know how to be respectful or show solidarity, Murillo said.

Earlier this week, the government expelled a Panamanian parish priest, Donaciano Alarcon, who police accused of holding an Easter-week procession and attempting to stir up the people.

Alarcon said police forced him into a patrol vehicle Monday after he celebrated Mass in the rural town of Cusmapa and drove him to the border with Honduras, They made me cross and told me, You are out of the country, and you cant come back in,' he told a radio station in Panama.

Alarcon denied lthere was any procession. I did not lead a procession, because they are prohibited, he said. I was the first to tell people that there would be no procession.

Since anti-government street protests broke out in 2018, Ortega has banned all opposition demonstrations in Nicaragua and has also restricted Catholic activities. He says Catholic figures sympathetic to the opposition are terrorists.

In March, the Vatican closed its embassy in Nicaragua after Ortega's government proposed suspending diplomatic relations, the latest episode in a years-long crackdown on the church.

Dozens of religious figures have been arrested or fled the country. Two congregations of nuns, including from the Missionaries of Charity order founded by Mother Teresa, were expelled last year, and Bishop Rolando Alvarez was sentenced to 26 years in prison after he refused to board a plane that would have flown him to exile in the United States.

Pope Francis had remained largely silent on the issue, apparently not wanting to inflame tensions, but in a March 10 interview with Argentine media outlet Infobae he called Ortegas government a rude dictatorship led by an unbalanced president.

In Nicaragua we have a bishop in prison, a very serious and capable man, who wanted to give his testimony and did not accept exile, Francis said, referring to Alvarez. It is something from outside of what we are living, as if it were a communist dictatorship in 1917 or a Hitlerian one in 1935.
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BALLINA, Ireland (AP)  Joe Blewitt is just about the busiest man in Ballina. His phone rings constantly with calls from locals and the world's media as he prepares to welcome a relative  U.S. President Joe Biden.

Biden is scheduled to travel to Ireland next week, with a stop in Ballina, the town from which one of his great-great grandfathers left for the United States in 1850. Blewitt, a distant cousin who first met Biden when he came to town as vice president in 2016, said the U.S. leader pledged to return once he'd won the presidency.

He said, Im going to come back into Ballina. And sure to God hes going to come back into Ballina, Blewitt said. His Irish roots are really deep in his heart.

The 43-year-old plumber was among Biden relations invited to the White House for St. Patricks Day last month. He says it was a surreal experience that included a half-hour private meeting with the president.

Hes a people person. He loves meeting the Irish people, said Blewitt, who shares Bidens high forehead  he says people joke that he looks like the president from the mouth up.

The Irish people love him back.

Buildings are getting a new coat of paint and American flags are being hung from shopfronts in Ballina, a bustling agricultural town of about 10,000 at the mouth of the River Moy in western Ireland that proclaims itself the nation's salmon capital.

Theres already a mural of a beaming Biden, erected in 2020 in the center of town. Many people from Ballina and the surrounding County Mayo moved to Pennsylvania in the 19th century. Ballina is twinned with Scranton, Bidens hometown.

I wouldnt think theres a family in Ballina that doesnt have someone, some connection with the States, said Anthony Heffernan, owner of Heffernans Fine Foods, where Biden had lunch with his local relatives during his 2016 visit.

It was a fantastic day for Ballina, Heffernan recalled.

He was very keen to talk about the town  how it was, and how it is now. He was really connected with the area.

The White House says Biden will visit Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday and Wednesday to mark 25 years since the Good Friday peace accord, before heading south to the Republic of Ireland, where he will address the Dublin parliament. In Ballina, hes due to deliver a speech Friday in front of the 19th-century cathedral, which local lore says was built partly using bricks supplied by his great-great-great grandfather, Edward Blewitt, a brickmaker and civil engineer.

The Irish Family History Centre says Biden is among the most Irish of all U.S. Presidents  10 of his 16 great-great grandparents were from the Emerald Isle. All of them left for the U.S. during the Great Famine of the mid-19th century, which killed an estimated 1 million people.

Biden also plans to visit the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Ballina on Irelands east coast. His great-grandfather, James Finnegan, left the mountainous, wind-battered peninsula as a child in 1850, one of more than a million Irish people who emigrated during the famine years.

Theres a great sense of euphoria around the place. Everyone is asking Whats happening, whens he coming, wheres he going? said Andrea McKevitt, a local politician and distant Biden relative.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the president would use his Irish trip to highlight how his family history is part of that larger shared history between the U.S. and Ireland.

The trip is also a reminder of the central role of Irish Americans in U.S. political life. Ireland has warmly welcomed American presidents since John F. Kennedy became the first to visit in 1963. Barack Obama got a jubilant reception in 2011 when he visited the tiny hamlet of Moneygall, home to one of his great-great-great grandfathers.

My name is Barack Obama, of the Moneygall Obamas, and Ive come home to find the apostrophe we lost somewhere along the way, he joked to a crowd in Dublin.

More than 30 million Americans  almost one in 10  claim some Irish ancestry. Richard Johnson, senior lecturer in U.S. politics at Queen Mary University of London, said Irish Americans no longer form the solidly Democrat voting bloc of decades gone by, but its still good politics domestically for Americans to emphasize their Irish roots.

One of the reasons Irish identity resonates so much with Americans is that U.S. identity is based in part on the notion that the United States broke free from the British Empire and set its own course, he said. There is a kind of echo of that story that can be found in the Irish experience. It makes it feel like the Irish have shared a common experience of breaking out of British rule that I think is attractive to Americans.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Biden has always been a friend of Ireland, and the visit would be an opportunity to welcome a great Irish-American president home.

In Ballina, Blewitt said the town is getting ready to give Biden a rousing welcome.

The streets will be packed, he said. Itll be like another St. Patricks Day.
A Lebanon man found guilty of a dozen charges has been sentenced to 500 months for sex crimes against a child that occurred more than 20 years ago.

Wearing an inmate jumpsuit with handcuffs and chains, Wesley Clarence Wright appeared before Judge Thomas McHill on Friday, April 7 to hear his fate, a sentence that adds up to more than 41 years. Wright has denied all the allegations against him.

He committed virtually every crime that we have a law for of a sexual nature, prosecutor Alex Olenick said.

Wright, 59, was convicted in February of five counts of first-degree sexual abuse, five counts of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, first-degree sodomy and first-degree rape.

In court Friday, Wright said he doesnt remember doing anything wrong and doesn't believe he did the things he was accused of doing.

This thing has been a nightmare, Wright told the judge. Ive worked most all of my life. Ive been a good person. I just dont get it.

The crimes occurred between 1996 and 2001, while the victim was around 4 to 9 years old. She is now 30. The victim, whose identity Mid-Valley Media is shielding, testified during the trial with tears in her eyes as she recounted what happened to her all those years ago.

As a child, the victim would regularly go to Wrights home in Lebanon for overnight stays, according to her testimony. They would eat dinner together, watch television and go to sleep in the same room, in the same bed.

She said each time, Wright would give her a vitamin in the evening. Years later, she said, she learned those vitamins had been melatonin. Wright has disputed this, saying they were Flintstones chewable vitamins.

While in bed, Wright would touch the victim underneath her clothes and penetrate her, she said. This was a regular routine. On one occasion, Wright allegedly told her, Lets try something new, just before he raped her. He also made the victim perform oral sex, according to her testimony.

As an adult, the victim eventually told her mother about the abuse, and her mother reported it to the sheriffs office at the time. But her mother said the sheriffs office told her it wasnt her call to make.

While the crimes happened more than 20 years ago, the victim didnt come forward to police until 2021. Police arrested Wright in June. He has been held at the Linn County Jail ever since.

So, what changed for the victim? Having children of her own, she said.

During the trial, defense attorney Arnold Poole of Albany questioned the accuracy of the victims memories. Wright said the victim chose to sleep in bed with him and also said he never gave her melatonin.

Theres been no contact between Wright and the victim for the last seven or eight years, and their relationship has been relatively distant since the incidents. Wrights son and father both testified for the defense, saying they never had any reason to suspect something criminal was going on with the victim.

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Wright faced around 200 years in prison as all charges fell under the state's Measure 11 law, which sets a mandatory minimum prison sentence for certain offenses. At sentencing, his defense attorney asked the state for a 100 months sentence, the minimum possible, a little more than eight years.

As much as I can heal from the abuse, it will never go away. I have to live with this the rest of my life, and therefore I believe he should too, the victim said in a court record that was read by the prosecutor during sentencing.

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Riverside Canoes has operated on the banks of the Platte River in northern Michigan since the early 1970s.

Last year, the National Park Service told the owners that they would need something called a commercial use authorization to continue operating.

As part of it, they would need to give the government between 3 and 5 percent of their gross receipts.

Which is not something that wed like to entertain at all, said Kyle Orr, who owns Riverside with his wife, Kelly.

As far as hes concerned, Riverside already has an agreement with the federal government.

The previous owners, Tom and Kathy Stocklen, fought an effort by the National Park Service to take over the land for a dozen years.

In 1992, the government agreed to drop its condemnation case and the Stocklens agreed to drop a declaratory judgment action against the government.

In a letter acknowledging that agreement, the couple wrote that, It is our understanding and agreement that we will use our property for the purpose of a canoe livery/marina/general store as it has been used for the past 20 years.

James Ridenour, who was then director of the National Park Service, signed off on that letter and acknowledged it in subsequent correspondence.

That, the Orrs argue in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, should be sufficient.

The National Park Service did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.

But in an email included with the Orrs complaint, Colleen Burnidge, an attorney for the U.S. Department of the Interior, wrote that the 1992 agreement allows Riverside to retain its ownership of its property in the park area, rather than suffer condemnation. The Agreement also specifies and limits the nature of use of the property. The 1992 Agreement does not provide Riverside with permission to solicit business in the Park.

The Orrs bought Riverside Canoes in 2011. Kyle had worked there for 17 years, Kelly for 10. Its where they met.

And running it is an opportunity for Kelly and I to make an impact on thousands of families and generations of families, Kyle Orr said. People come and visit Riverside you know, year after year. Its an annual trip for them. We get to be a part of that and thats really special for us.

They are not anti-park, he added, but we are for our personal property rights and our ability to exist free of oversight by the Park Service.
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI  A fan-favorite specialty pizza is returning to Jets for the first time in more than two years.

The pizza chain headquartered in Sterling Heights announced this week that it is bringing its BLT pizza back to menus across the United States.

BLT, short for bacon, lettuce, tomato, was removed from the menu at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2021.

Since then, Jets says customers have begged for its return and now it if officially back.

The BLT Pizza consists of crispy bacon, fresh shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes, with mayo drizzled on top. The pizza debuted on Jets Pizzas menu in June 2002 until it was removed in 2021.

RELATED: Little Caesars brings back Pretzel Crust Pizza for limited time

I guess its true, you dont know what youve got til its gone, said John Jetts, CEO and President of Jets America, Inc.

We were overwhelmed with the number of customers who reached out to us, posting on social media, and even starting petitions to bring the BLT back. We are so excited to add this fan favorite back on the menu for good. We know many of our customers have been eagerly anticipating this announcement.

Jets Pizza said it will be introducing a few limited time pizzas later in 2023.

Founded as Jetts Party Shoppe and Pizzeria by brothers John and Eugene Jetts in 1978, the company now includes more than 400 stores in 20 states.

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Both the Albany Farmers Market and the Corvallis Farmers Market will open their season on Saturday, April 15.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The 32-week regular season will run through Nov. 18 in Albany and Nov. 22 (the day before Thanksgiving) in Corvallis. Bonus farmers markets are planned for Dec. 9 in both Corvallis and Albany.

Corvallis-Albany Farmers Markets webpage, LocallyGrown.org, has been redesigned and will debut this month, according to the organization. It will feature enhanced vendor and product search, plus more accessible information for customers about each market site and day.

CAFM gathers a lot of detail about its farmers and other vendors, Rebecca Landis, market director, said in a news release. Up to now, we have not had a smooth way to share that information with our communities."

The Albany Farmers Market is at Fourth Avenue and Ellsworth Street, occupying the Albany City Hall parking lot and an adjacent block of Fourth on Saturdays.

The Corvallis Farmers Market is at First Street and Jackson Avenue. On Saturdays, it runs a half-block north of Jackson and to Monroe Avenue, where it turns west to Second Street. There is also a small section on Jackson. The Wednesday market footprint is smaller, occupying one block of First Street and a half-block on Monroe.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

An artisan faire market operates next to the Corvallis Farmers Market but is not run by CAFM. For more information, email Stephen Poole at scdmpoole@peak.org.

The Sick Town Derby Dames will come to the Albany market on April 15. They will talk with market customers about the groups unique roll in our communities, and will hand out prizes.

Also on April 15 in Albany, Linn County Public Health and Oregon State University Extension Service partners will promote the Oregon Department of Environmental Qualitys Food Waste Prevention Week. They will provide outreach materials and interactive demonstrations on strategies to reduce food waste in homes and communities.

For opening day in Corvallis, members of the Kiwanis Club of Corvallis will be at the Helen Berg/Jackson Plaza, helping children plant flowers to take home.

Republic Services will be in Albany on April 22, offering some free compost to those who bring a bucket. Theyll be joined by 211info. The Corvallis date for Republic Services is May 20.

Corvallis April 22 events include Sick Town Derby Dames, No Food Left Behind, and National Child Abuse Prevention month.

A limited number of community events will be provided space this season. Most are offered by nonprofit organizations. Write to Vonda Peters at volunteercafm@gmail.com to propose an event.

The markets are not booking music or allowing busking inside the permit areas. Licensing costs associated with hosting music are not affordable at this time.

Albanys Power of Produce Club will start June 17. Those aged 5 to 12 can choose a free produce item, and there are activities for families. The program is funded with support from the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and donations from local businesses and organizations. Those interested in PoP sponsorship can email Vonda Peters at volunteercafm@gmail.com.

Most CAFM vendors are growing fruits and vegetables, plants or flowers, and gathering or cultivating mushrooms, or are raising meat, poultry, eggs or honey. Whats in season varies from week to week and is influenced by weather and production methods, including the tall greenhouses called high tunnels that some farmers use.

The exceptions to CAFMs farm-direct selection criteria are a limited number of restaurants, baked goods, beverages and other prepared foods.

CAFM has ended its online ordering system that launched in 2020 to speed up shopping and reduce COVID-19 risk. Some market vendors have developed their own arrangements for pre-orders, community-supported agriculture, bulk boxes and delivery.

People in a wider range of income situations can benefit from market products because of various nutrition programs, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and the Farm Direct Nutrition Program, which includes certain seniors and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants.

Double Up Food Bucks offers SNAP cardholders a match of up to $20 per market day at all of the markets.

The Albany Farmers Market began in 1978 on Water Avenue. Since 2007, it has operated in its current location.

In Corvallis, the Wednesday farmers market started in 1981, and the Saturday farmers market started in 1991.
Muskegon, MI  Herbies Cafe is where the locals go for a great homemade meal, according to owners Janis and Jay Moore.

The couples cafe, at 2007 E. Laketon Ave. in Muskegon, is open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Its a little mom and pop, everybody knows everybody by name, said Janis Moore. Its just real, easy-going comfort food.

The menu at Herbies Cafe includes omelets, pancakes, French toast, breakfast wraps, burgers, sandwiches and more.

According to Moore, the most popular omelets are the southern and Irish omelets. All omelets are made with three eggs and served with toast.

The southern omelet is made with sausage, cheese, potatoes and onion, topped with sausage gravy for $8.95. The Irish omelet has corned beef hash and Swiss cheese for $7.75.

If youre looking for lunch, check out Herbies Cafe burgers, sandwiches, salads and soups.

A fan favorite sandwich is the country beef melt, which is thinly sliced roast beef and Swiss cheese, grilled onion and sliced tomato on grilled Texas toast for $7.25. Add fries for another $2.30 or onion rings or sweet potato fries for $2.80.

If youre more in the mood for a juicy hamburger, Moore recommends the bacon cheeseburger, made with a 1/3-pound ground beef patty, American cheese, bacon and your choice of condiments on a warm brioche bun for $7.75. Or try the Herbie burger, made with Swiss cheese, sauteed mushrooms and onions, all topped with brown gravy on a warm seeded bun for $7.75.

Were friendly, were fast and weve got decent prices, Moore said. Were not fancy or frilly. Its where the locals eat, off the beaten path.

Each week, Jay Moore posts new weekly specials on the cafe's website, herbiescafe.com. Many of the specials are items that never appear on the regular menu.

For example, the specials this week included an eastside burger, a hot turkey sandwich, sirloin tips and noodles, a meatloaf dinner and a big fish sandwich. Each day, the cafe also features a soup of the day.

The weekly specials are something my husband comes up with, Janis Moore said. Everything is homemade, its meatloaf or goulash, and those are not on the menu normally. The potato rolls we do are my husbands grandmothers recipe.

If youve never been to the cafe before, Moore said the cant-miss item is the southern sausage breakfast wrap, made with two eggs, diced sausage and cheddar wrapped in a warm tortilla and covered in sausage gravy. The wrap is $7.75 or you can add potatoes and onions for another $1.

A full menu and weekly specials is available online at www.herbiescafe.com or call the restaurant at 231-773-7600.

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SALINE, MI -- Fresh ingredients and a long list of options are exactly what Biwako Sushi in Saline has to offer.

Biwako Sushi is tucked away near Salines Emagine Theater. Owner Andy Kwon was originally going to operate an Espresso Royale in the location, but decided to change the concept and bring a sushi restaurant to the area instead.

Biwako Sushi has a long list of menu items to choose from, including its monthly special board which features new options all the time. Kwon said Biwako has created more than 500 specialty sushi rolls for that board since opening in 2006.

And, if customers love a monthly special enough, the restaurant will add it to its permanent menu.

The September roll was a monthly special more than 10 years ago, but was added to the restaurants menu after customers kept asking for it, Kwon said. This dish is made with shrimp tempura, avocado, crab with sake and eel sauce all topped with strings of sweet potato.

As for the restaurants top-selling sushi, its definitely the Las Vegas roll, Kwon said, adding he often recommends it to new customers if they arent sure what to get. The roll features crab, masago, cream cheese, avocado, and eel deep fried with eel and wasabi sauce.

Customers can also find classic sushi rolls like California, spicy tuna and rainbow, alongside the restaurants elaborate specialty options. Kwon said the menu is packed with a combination of Korean and Japanese cuisine for both lunch and dinner.

Kwon, originally from South Korea, said growing up he saw his parents operate their own sushi restaurant. He said he incorporates some Korean menu items to bring a bit of his hometown to Biwako Sushi.

Customers can find Korean dishes like bibimbap, which consists of rice topped with vegetables, meat and a fried egg, or bulgogi,which is grilled ribeye beef with sauteed vegetables and rice.

Biwako Sushi also offers some alcohol options like sake, soju, wine and bottled beers.

The ingredients that Im using are always top of the line, he said.

Overall, Kwon said his loyal customers are a big reason for Biwako Sushis success. The restaurants walls showcase just some of the many photos Kwon has taken over the years of customers dining in.

I love this restaurant. I love my customers. I love our food, he said. Its been a very pleasant journey and we have amazing support from our local community.

Biwako Sushi, 1355 E. Michigan Ave., is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Learn more from its online menu or Facebook page or call 734-277-9140.

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FLINT, MI -- A 61-year-old Flint man is accused of threatening to shoot up McLaren Flint hospital over past medical care.

State police said that Edvin Pendleton Williams was arraigned April 4 on six counts, including making a false report or threat of terrorism and several weapons offenses.

State police allege Williams made two separate phone calls to the hospital on April 1. He allegedly threatned to shoot up the place and also to drive his truck through the front doors.

State police later contacted and arrested Williams. He was taken to the Genesee County Jail.

Troopers found a pistol and ammunition at his residence. He is prohibited from possessing them because of his status as a convicted felon.

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LAPEER COUNTY, MI - A Michigan teen who had been missing for nearly a week was found safe Saturday morning.

The Dryden Township Police Department said Nathan Baughman, 16, was located near the Ohio border. Baughman was last seen on Sunday, April 2 and reported missing a day later.

Nathan is in good health and in the process of being reunited with family, police said.

Baughman, who has autism, left a note on his bed saying he was running away from home and discouraged anyone from finding him. His parents told detectives he was last seen in their home around 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Police say Baughman left home on a Schwinn mountain bike. He had no history of running away.

The Dryden Township Police Department, Michigan State Police, and the Lapeer and Oakland county sheriffs offices all asked for the publics help finding Baughman. Deputies from the Monroe County Sheriffs Office ultimately found the teen six days later.

We are proud how everyone pulled together to assist in bringing Nathan home to his family, Dryden Township police said in a statement.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Home to a whole host of community events, Lotus Brew Coffee Bar serves up a wide variety of beverages and vegan treats.

Located at 781 College Ave. NE on Grand Rapids northeast side, the coffee bar is a gathering place for all members of the community.

Lotus Brew offers batch and cold-brew coffee, along with iced coffee, espresso drinks, hot cocoa, steamers, non-alcoholic cocktails, and local, organic and fair-trade coffee. The coffee bar also sells vegan treats and bagels.

Bagels from Nantucket Baking Co. and vegan cookies, granola bars and brownies from Sweet Batches are available every day at Lotus Brew. On Sundays, the coffee shop sells brioche doughnuts made by Muskegon-based The Doughnut Experience until they sell out. Recent doughnut flavors include lemon meringue, Irish cream, chocolate Guinness and matcha cheesecake.

Lotus Brew is very cozy, welcoming and relaxing, said owner Ruslan Maxwell Joseph Freeman. We originally started off at the farmers market and expanded from there. Our primary focus is craft espresso, but the best way to describe it is really great, local, fresh coffee drinks and mocktails without any pretentiousness.

Along with its steadfast espresso drinks, Lotus Brew offers seasonal specialty beverages. This spring, the specialty drinks include a honey lavender tea latte, a vanilla cardamom matcha latte, a lavender mocha and a butterfly pea tea beverage with lemongrass, lavender, vanilla and cardamom. All specialty seasonal drinks are $5.

From 4 to 6 p.m. each weekday, customers can take part in the secret gay coffee club happy hour, during which 20% of sales are donated to various LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) charities. From April to June, happy hour donations will go to the Grand Rapids Pride Center.

The coffee shop also hosts an LGBTQ banned books library and a food pantry. Each week, Lotus Brew hosts a wide variety of events, including an art social hour, a queer writers group, a queer fiber arts group, a LGBT mens social group and an after dark tarot society.

Were a dry bar and queer cafe, so a lot of queer spaces are focused on alcohol and not everyones a huge fan of that. Here, its all ages and welcome to everyone, Freeman said. Were here for any walk of life to feel accepted.

Freeman said some of the house favorite beverages are the lavender honey latte and the Golden Girls Golden Milk, a turmeric milk made with honey, cinnamon and ginger. A fan favorite mocktail is the Poly Holly, made with ginger beer, elderflower, honey and lavender.

In addition to the food and drinks, Lotus Brew offers games to play in the coffee shop.

Freeman said he works to make the space at Lotus Brew as welcoming to everyone as possible, including his employees. All employees at the coffee shop make at least $20 an hour, which Freeman said is an effort to end the cycle of low-wage service industry jobs.

I got my start as a barista working a bunch of really crappy jobs, he said. The service industry is one of the worst industries you can get into and I really wanted to end the cycle. Aside from all of our community efforts, I really wanted sustainable efforts for both our menu and our staffing.

Lotus Brew also offers a working class discount for diners working in retail, food service, teachers, medical staff and students.

The coffee shop is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Lotus Brew is closed on Monday. Follow Lotus Brew on Facebook or Instagram for weekly event schedules and drink specials. The coffee shop can be reached at 616-419-8613.

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MUSKEGON, MI -- A 6-month-old girl died in a Muskegon shooting and police later arrested four people.

The shooting happened about 1:30 p.m. on East Isabella Street near Ransom Street.

Muskegon police said officers responded to the area on a report of a shooting. They arrived to find the 6-month-old was wounded.

The baby later died at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital.

In the moments after the incident, police gave chase to a pickup truck in the area. The truck was later stopped,

Police said they made four arrests, but also say there may be other people involved in the shooting.

They do not believe there is any immediate danger to the public.

The Muskegon Department of Public Safety wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones who were touched by this tragedy, police said in a statement.

Anyone with information about the shooting can call the Muskegon Police Department at 231-724-6750 or Silent Observer at 231-722-7463.

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The statute of limitations on child abuse cases in Michigan is ranked as one of the worst in the nation. However, forthcoming legislation would broaden the law to help ensure perpetrators and the institutions that protect them are held accountable.

Currently, the law only allows for victims of child sexual abuse to pursue civil cases until they reach the age of 28, or three years from the date the individual discovers, or through the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, both the individuals injury and the causal relationship between the injury and the criminal sexual conduct which ever is later.

After unsuccessful attempts in the past two terms, Rep. Julie Brixie, D-Okemos, intends to soon reintroduce legislation that would make some significant changes.

We have to change our laws because thats how were able to bring these people to justice whove committed these heinous crimes, Brixie said.

The previous bill had bipartisan support, but Brixie believes the investigation into former House Speaker Lee Chatfield for allegedly sexually abusing his sister-in-law as a teenager prevented it from moving forward.

Brixies interest in Michigans child abuse laws began when news broke now-disgraced USA gymnastics Dr. Larry Nassar had abused hundreds of women and girls competing in the Olympics and at Michigan State University.

Brixies district includes MSU, and her adult children, she said, were friends with Nassar patients.

The Nassar case and that of former University of Michigan Dr. Robert Anderson, accused of abusing thousands during physical exams, inspired Brixie to seek change.

These things really weighed heavily on my mind, Brixie said.

The legislation would be similar to what was introduced last year. The statute of limitations would increase to ten years after the time the claim accrues and extend the aforementioned discovery period from three years to seven.

Under the previous bill, the age cap was set at 48 years old. The new bill would increase it to 52.

Survivors often delay disclosure of their abuse until they are in their 50s, according to an annual report by CHILD USA, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit think tank focused on abuse prevention, and many take even longer to come forward. At least 10 U.S. states and territories have eliminated their age cap altogether, according to the report.

Elizabeth Abdnour, a Lansing attorney for the McAllister Olivarius firm with a background in child sexual abuse cases, said most children dont come forward because they were abused by somebody trusted by themselves or their families. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows this is true 91% of the time.

As a child, I mean, really how are you supposed to come forward if the person abusing you is your caretaker or your classroom teacher or your best friends dad or your Girl Scout troop leader? Abdnour said. As an adult, we have the ability to do things that kids just dont.

Even when someone becomes a legal adult at 18, it can take years for people to process the suffering they endured, and even longer to decide whether they want to tell their story.

Abdnour said shes been approached by people who have wanted to pursue lawsuits later in life, but she has to turn them away because the statute of limitations expired. One person was 29, she said, missing the window by only a year.

I basically have to break the news to them that essentially, sorry, youre too late and your perpetrator will not be held accountable, Abdnour said. That is emotionally devastating for folks, these survivors who have been through so much already.

Another proposed change would allow victims to recover damages two years before the bill, if passed, is enacted. This means anyone matching the statute of limitations criteria at least two years prior would regain the opportunity to open a case.

When lawmakers updated the statute in 2018, the law opened a 90-day revival window for post-1996 offenses and limited it to cases involving a physician perpetrator convicted of sexual misconduct done under the guise of medical procedure. This provision essentially only applied to Nassar victims, and the proposed legislation would remove it.

Abdnour believes the two-year revival window would open flood gates for cases to be brought against individuals and institutions who have caused harm to others.

If I were a perpetrator or an institution that enabled perpetrators, I would be very afraid, Abdnour said. Once the victims reached age 28, (perpetrators) probably felt a sigh of relief that they were not going to be held accountable. Theres a potential for a huge tidal wave of problems.

Brixie anticipates she will introduce the legislation within the next two months, but she doesnt have an exact date. She said she is working with another legislator on a companion piece; research is ongoing.

By changing the law to extend the statute of limitations, she hopes victims begin to feel comfortable coming forward earlier.

One of the ways that we can accomplish that is that when people do come forward, that they are believed and that they are given an opportunity to have justice in the legal system, Brixie said. Changing those statute of limitations will ultimately result in these predators, who are most often serial sexual predators, being caught earlier and thus harming fewer people.

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LANSING, MI - Two federal court rulings clashed Friday night over access to an abortion medication  making the fate of mifepristone uncertain.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee in Texas, ordered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to suspend its approval of mifepristone, the most commonly used abortion method that was made legal in 2000. But U.S. District Judge Thomas Rice, an Obama appointee in Washington, issued a ruling at almost the same time ordering the agency to allow continued use of the drug.

Access to mifepristone remains legal for now while the government has seven days to appeal Kacsmaryks ruling.

Related: Access to abortion pill in limbo after competing rulings

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer responded to the decision calling it out-of-step with the majority of Michiganders and Americans. She also reassured the state that abortion is still legal in Michigan after voters overturned a 1931 near-total ban on abortions last November.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services echoed the governors statement.

Michigan families still have access to abortion care, and we urge them to talk with their health care provider about medication abortion and in-clinic procedures that are available, the state health department said.

But if the ruling goes into effect, healthcare providers across the country  even in states where abortion is legal  would no longer be allowed to prescribe mifepristone. It would have the most severe impact on women in 12 states where abortion is illegal following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The case will likely make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Other Michigan Democrats slammed the ruling that came on the heels of Whitmer signing three reproductive rights bills this week.

Related: Michigans 1931 abortion ban, defeated by voters in 2022, is formally repealed

State Attorney General Dana Nessel called the decision from a lone Texas judge a judicial embarrassment and a shame and cowardice.

Women in need could soon be forced to seek riskier, more invasive abortion and miscarriage care in clinics that are, in many cases, hundreds of miles from their homes. This added burden would undoubtedly fracture along lines of socioeconomic disparity, impairing access to this care for those who may require it most desperately, she said in a statement.

State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, who serves as the chair of Michigans Progressive Womens Caucus said the lawsuit challenging mifepristone was not made in good faith. It was filed by Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal group actively involved in anti-abortion cases include one that led to Roe v. Wade being overturned.

Michiganders made it clear  abortion is a protected right, Pohutsky said in a statement. The ruling out of Texas seeks to eliminate the option of medication abortions even in states like Michigan where abortion is a protected right.

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, who publicly shared his personal experience with abortion three years ago, also responded to the decision.

This ruling is dangerous and cruel, he said. Medication abortion is a safe, widely-used form of reproductive health care thats been available to Americans for more than 20 years. While this is a major setback, I wont stop fighting to protect access to this essential care and every Americans right to make these extremely personal, private decisions without interference from politicians or judges.

Pro-abortion groups praised the court ruling with March for Life President Jeanne Mancini saying it will save lives and ensure the health and safety of women.

The courts decision today is a major step forward for women and girls whose health and safety have been jeopardized for decades by the FDAs rushed, flawed and politicized approval of these dangerous drugs, she said.

The Justice Department plans to appeal the Texas decision and review the Washington ruling.

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Texas federal judge halts mifestone approval, throws future of medication abortion into chaos

AG Nessel ready to defend, help clarify Michigans new abortion right

Proposal 3 passes, etching abortion rights into Michigan Constitution
LANSING, MI  A Wisconsin tribes application to list land where a controversial gold mine is under development on the National Register of Historic Places has been sent back to state nominating officials by the federal government.

On Feb. 21, the Menominee Tribes application to list Anaem Omot on the National Register was returned to historic preservation boards in Michigan and Wisconsin, according to the National Park Service.

The application needs technical revision, said Maria Cavins, spokeswoman for the park service, which maintains the large list of designated historic sites.

There were technical issues with maps on identifying which sites and features contributed to which criterion and other minor formatting issues, Cavins wrote in an email. These technical revisions will require coordination between the two nominating authorities.

In December, the State Historic Preservation Offices of Michigan and Wisconsin jointly nominated the tribes application to the National Register over the objection of Gold Resources Corp. (GORO), which is attempting to build the Back Forty Mine along the river near Stephenson, Mich.

The company purchased the gold, silver, copper and zinc mine from Aquila Resources 2021. Its petitioning the National Park Service to reject the tribes application, which would designate part of the planned mine site as historic and potentially aid opponents in advancing legal hurdles to its development.

The tribe, which opposes the mine, says the five-square-mile Sixty Islands area of the Menominee River under consideration is culturally significant to its origin history.

Related: Michigan gold mine fights tribe over historic land

The land along the river features archeological remains of indigenous burial mounds, dance circles and ancient agriculture. Tribal historians say indigenous use of Anaem Omot, which translates to Dogs Belly, dates back roughly 10,000 years to the last Ice Age.

The cultural prominence of the site helped convince Wisconsin and Michigan officials to nominate it as a Traditional Cultural Property (TCP), a type of listing which emphasizing a historical areas value and significance to a communitys cultural identity.

The application is opposed by Upper Peninsula state lawmakers but supported by mine opponents, who worry the mine would despoil the surrounding environment.

The proposed boundary would bisect part of the Back Forty Mines open pit. The boundary extends about 500 feet inland on both sides of the Menominee River between the Chalk Hills Dam and the Pike River. It includes about 3,200 acres.

The Menominee tribe, which is based in Keshena, Wisconsin, did not respond to media inquiries about the applications required revision last week.

The tribe has previously characterized the historic application is a separate issue from its opposition to the mine.

Officials with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) did not respond to calls last week.

Cavins said Michigan and Wisconsin officials are not under a timeline to resubmit the nomination.

According to the park service, the Keeper of the National Register returned 126 out of about 1,300 applications in 2022. Of those, 93 were resubmitted and ultimately listed.

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WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- A Civil War-era barn outside Chelsea has a new life as a luxury barndominium.

A private circle drive welcomes guests to the mid-19th-century barn which strikes a sleek, contemporary figure with dark siding and large picture windows. The entrance of the five-bedroom, five-bathroom home on 3.25 acres at 20925 Waterloo Road is a glass-walled addition that welcomes guests into the great room and provides plenty of natural light.

Read more: Civil War-era barn converted to luxury barndominium listed at $1.1M near Chelsea

Designers took advantage of the barns 25-foot ceilings and original axe-cut beams to lend an airy open-concept feel to the main floor. The great room features a gas fireplace, walk-out deck and a custom TV cabinet with sliding barn doors that conceal the screen and reveal a pair of bookcases. An accent wall made from reclaimed wood separates the living space from the kitchen.

The homes modern kitchen features a center island with a bar, stainless steel countertops, Thermidor appliances, a walk-in pantry and custom overhead lighting that combines cast-iron pipe with Edison bulbs to lend an industrial vibe. An attached dining area features one of three chandeliers made from repurposed farm implements.

A custom staircase that leads to the loft-like upper floor was designed and welded on-site by a master welder.

The homes hickory floors feature radiant in-floor heating, and low-e windows help keep the home energy efficient. A large solar array atop the three-car attached garage provides a step toward energy independence, and fiber optic internet service means the home is ready for a tech-savvy occupant.

Check out the video tour above, provided by Knightwing Media, or click here for a full gallery of photos of the home.

53 House of the Week: 20925 Waterloo Road in Chelsea

See recent MLive House of the Week features:

A Barbie Dream House in Ann Arbor can be yours for $315K

Log cabin Michigan mansion on market looks like something out of Yellowstone

Luxury Grand Rapids condo with plenty of room to entertain hits market for $575K

Custom home bathed in natural light listed in Midland for $740K
Azerbaijani Ombudswoman Sabina Aliyeva has appealed to the international community with regard to the cemetery that was found in the Ergi duzu part of the Aghdam District, Azernews reports per Ombudsman's office.

According to the statement, the discovery of human remains in the Ergi Dyuzu of the Aghdam region reveals the next traces of war crimes committed by Armenia during the occupation of Azerbaijani lands.

"As a result of studies conducted with regards to mass graves previously encountered in the territories liberated from occupation, innumerable facts that have been obtained, prove that, during The First Nagorno-Karabakh War, these remains belong to Azerbaijanis who were brutally killed by the Armenian armed forces after being captured or held hostage and subjected to various tortures. Despite repeated appeals, Armenia neither gives information about the fate of about 4,000 missing Azerbaijanis, nor provides the Azerbaijani side with accurate mine maps and maps of areas with mass burials. Thereby, the Armenian side blatantly violates commonly accepted norms and principles of international law. As the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I once again call upon the world community and international organizations to take a strong stand in clarifying the fate of about 4,000 Azerbaijanis who went missing during The First Nagorno-Karabakh War, and transferring accurate maps of minefields and maps of territories with the location of mass graves to our country," the statement reads.
Despite a pair of conflicting rulings on Friday, April 7 that put into question the country's ability to access the abortion pill, Oregon health authorities issued a statement late in the day saying it remains available in Oregon.

Meanwhile, Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden called upon President Biden and the Federal Drug Administration to ignore the ruling out of Texas which questioned its approval, effectively pulling mifepristone from the market in seven days.

A judge in Washington came to the opposite conclusion in a similar case just minutes apart from the Texas ruling.

In its statement, the Oregon Health Authority said:

"OHA is committed to ensuring access to a full range of essential reproductive health services, including abortion. State health officials are reviewing the federal court decisions in consultation with the Oregon Department of Justice and the office of Gov. Tina Kotek.

"OHA wants to reassure patients and providers that mifepristone and abortion remain safe, legal and available in Oregon."

The news release noted that mifepristone was first approved by the FDA more than 20 years ago and is a safe and effective method of ending an early pregnancy.

In 2021, medication abortion accounted for nearly 60% of abortions performed in Oregon, according to Oregon Health Authority data.

Wyden called foul on the Texas ruling, saying the judge, appointed by former President Trump, was playing politics.

There is no way this decision has a basis in law. It is instead rooted in conservatives dangerous and undemocratic takeover of our countrys institutions," Wyden said in a statement.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald.

"No matter what happens in seven days, I believe the Food and Drug Administration has the authority to ignore this ruling, which is why Im again calling on President Biden and the FDA to do just that.

"The FDA, doctors, and pharmacies can and must go about their jobs like nothing has changed and keep mifepristone accessible to women across America. If they don't, the consequences of banning the most common method of abortion in every single state will be devastating.
Prominent Ghanaian actress, Lydia Forson has commented on the hypocritical behaviour of some politicians in the country.

In a tweet on Friday, April 7, the social critic commented on how communicators of the ruling NPP are defending the alleged family and friends appointment in the Akufo-Addo government.

She asserted that politicians only do what will benefit their party but not for the betterment of the whole country.

So It's cool when they do it, It's a problem when others do it.

Its almost scary the lengths this government goes to justify the very things they condemned in opposition, she wrote.

The filmmaker continued, Ive always said that politicians condemn/justify a position ONLY based on how it benefits them. Smh.

This comes after Ellen Ama Daaku, a member of the Communications team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) defended President Akufo-Addo's decision to appoint family and friends to his administration.

She argued that qualifications and competence to perform should be the focus, not their relationship with the President.

Speaking on Accra-based TV3, Daaku chastised those who have been critical of the so-called "family and friends" government, stating that persons in government were appointed based on competence.

He cited Joyce Bawa Mogtari, an aide to former President Mahama, who served as the Deputy Minister of Transport under the former President but was able to perform her duties well based on her competencies.

I dont see the need to attack President Akufo-Addo just because he is working with his family and friends," Daaku said.

So you cant say family members who are qualified cant do the work unless they are not. They are Ghanaians. Were you expecting him to use his enemies?" she quarried.

When asked if the Finance Minister, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta who is the Presidents cousin qualifies to be at post, she replied, yes, since he has been there for the past six years.
The Peoples National Convention (PNC) has appealed to Christians to use the Easter season to reach out to God for protection against everything LGBTQI+.

We wish to use this occasion to call on Christians to support the bill on proper human sexual values in parliament and to pray to God for the continuous protection of Ghana against LGBTQI+ influence, the party said in a statement signed by General Secretary Janet Nabla, dated Friday, 7 April 2023.

The private members bill is being sponsored by MPs across the aisle in Ghanas parliament.

It became a topical issue, for the umpteenth time, during the recent visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris to Ghana.

At a joint press conference with President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, Accra, the US Vice President said she felt strongly about what she described a human rights issue.

For his part, Mr Akufo-Addo said his government was not behind the bill, stressing that it was being pushed by just a handful of MPs.

Mr Akufo-Addo said the bill was currently going through the parliamentary process, adding that he would step in at the right time.

Read the PNCs full statement below:

The Press

LETS CELEBRATE EASTER BY SACRIFICING FOR OUR COUNTRY JUST AS CHRIST SACRIFICED HIS LIFE TO SAVE MANKIND

The PNC wishes all Christians a Happy Easter celebration.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ changed the narrative of human history and infused hope, love and sacrifice into the world.

Christs sacrifice enjoined all believers to emulate him in their everyday life.

We must refrain from all forms of selfishness and greed that have bedeviled us as a nation but love one another and be each others keeper.

We wish to use this occasion to call on Christians to support the bill on proper human sexual values in parliament and to pray to God for the continuous protection of Ghana against LGBTQ+ influence.

May we learn from the sacrifices of Jesus Christ.

PNC: Service with Honesty

.Sign

Janet Asana Nabla

General Secretary

0244174074

Source: ClassFMonline.com
Togo's parliament has extended for 12 months the state of security emergency in the Savannas region, in the far north of the country, to help prevent incursions by jihadist groups across the border with Burkina Faso.

Decreed in June 2022 by President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe Eyadema, the state of emergency ended a few weeks ago, after a first extension of six months in September.

On Thursday, Togo's parliament voted to extend the measure for another year.

A state of security emergency allows security forces and local authorities more flexibility to take urgent measures to combat threats from militant groups.

Speaking before lawmakers on Thursday, Minister of Security General Damehame Yark said that "the situation remains worrying" in the far north of the country, "in view of the persistence of new attempts, most of them valiantly repelled by our defense and security forces".

Togo is a small country in West Africa sandwiched between Benin in the east, Ghana in the west and Burkina Faso in the north.

Since November 2021, it has been subject to attacks in the far north, near the border with Burkina Faso, where jihadist groups control large parts of that country.

Attacks have multiplied in recent months in Togo's border areas, according to reports in the local press. But since August 2022, neither the government nor the army has communicated on the security situation in the far north of the country.

"It's a choice, because we have to protect our defence and security forces," a Togolese official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The Togolese opposition and civil society organisations have repeatedly denounced the "silence" of the authorities.

"The government must communicate to situate us on the ground realities, which will allow the Togolese to take stock of the security situation in the north of the country," Gerard Adja, one of the leaders of the Dynamique Monseigneur Kpodzro (DMK), a group of opposition political parties and civil society organizations, told AFP.

"Not doing it in time and continuing to practice the governance of lies constitutes a high risk for all of us."

In February, the World Food Program (WFP) and China carried out an "emergency food assistance" operation for people displaced by attacks.

Ghana, Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast are increasingly cooperating and sharing intelligence in a bid to better combat the threat from across their northern borders.
Hon. Edward Owusu (right) In A Pose With The Team

08.04.2023 LISTEN

The Atebubu-Amantin municipal chief executive Hon. Edward Owusu has praised management and staff of the Atebubu government hospital for strides made in the last few years which has earned it regional and national recognition.

The MCE made the remarks when management of the hospital led by the Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service Mrs. Emelia Dela Kpodo presented 5 awards won by the hospital in the last two years to him in his office.

The hospital established in 1956, won two regional awards in 2021 after emerging as the overall best hospital in holistic assessment and quality improvement. It also won a national award as the best primary hospital or polyclinic in malaria management.

For last year, the hospital emerged as the best performing government hospital in the Bono East region at the Ghana Health Service Excellence Awards and also won an individual award in leadership excellence bestowed on Dr. Osman Abdulai Musah the Medical Superintendent of the hospital.

Briefing the MCE on the achievements, Mrs. Dela Kpodo said the Municipal Health Directorate also improved in ranking from a sixth position in 2021 to third last year in holistic assessment in the region.

Hon. Edward Owusu thanked the team for the hard work which has led to the honors and assured them of the support of the assembly to enable the hospital improve further.

Its my hope that this recognition will spur you on to winning more national and even international honors in the very near future, he concluded.

Other members of the team included Dr. Osman Abdulai Musah, Mr. Edward Oppong-Yeboah the hospital administrator and Mr. Francis Ametepe the municipal health information officer.
Ghana's electoral body has come under scrutiny following President Akufo-Addo's recent appointments to the Electoral Commission.

The President has been accused of filling the commission with NPP aparachiks, raising concerns about the independence of Ghana's democratic system.

US-based Ghanaian journalist, Kevin Taylor, has indicated that President Akufo-Addos action has set a precedent for future government to do same.

In a Facebook post, he predicted that Dr. Peter Boamah Otukunor, the immediate past NDC Deputy General Secretary could be appointed as chairperson of the EC when the NDC capture power.

He intimated that Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, and Victoria Hammah could also be appointed as deputies to the EC Boss, with Edudzi Tamakloe as a Supreme Court Judge, and Beatrice Annan, Sammy Gyamfi, Tony Lithur, and Abraham Amaliba all in that order.

Based on the Precedent that has been set by Akufo Addo, it wouldnt be out of place if Dr. Peter Boamah Otukunor is appointed the EC Boss in the future together with Elvis Afriyie Ankrah and Victoria Hammah as deputies.

 then Edudzi Tamakloe as Supreme Court Judge together Beatrice Annan and Sammy Gyamfi, Tony Lithur, and Abraham Amaliba all in that order, he wrote.

Taylor noted that these individuals are all highly qualified Ghanaians, stressing that the future promises to be fun.

After all, they are equally Ghanaians and are thus highly qualified individuals.

The appointment of three new members to Ghana's Electoral Commission by President Akufo-Addo has attracted a barage of criticisms over alleged conflict of interest.

Dr. Peter Appiahene, one of the newly appointed members, has been accused of being a former patron of the youth wing of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the University of Energy and Natural Resources.

This has fueled opposition anger at Akufo-Addo for allegedly politicizing the Electoral Commission in favor of the NPP.
The United States is preparing long-term assistance for the Ivory Coast, Benin and Togo as concerns rise that jihadist violence in the Sahel could spill into coastal West Africa, officials said.

Speaking to AFP, the officials said Western support was also critical to halting Russia's Wagner mercenary group which has made major inroads in violence-torn Sahel countries, including by allying with Mali's military junta.

Vice President Kamala Harris, visiting Ghana last month as part of a growing US push in Africa, promised $100 million over 10 years to reinforce resilience in coastal West Africa. State Department officials are also looking at additional funding including from the counter-terrorism budget.

In a new global strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability, President Joe Biden's administration identified coastal West Africa as a priority for the coming decade.

The report, released in March, said that the Sahel to the immediate north had experienced more terrorist attacks than any other region and that it was critical to "prevent violent conflicts from emerging or further spreading across the region."

While coastal cities connected to the world through seaports have been unscathed, violence has been rising in areas bordering Mali and Burkina Faso.

"It's a significant and burgeoning threat," said Michael Heath, the deputy assistant secretary of state in charge of West Africa.

"It's something of concern to us because the capabilities of the governments in place -- they've never faced a threat like this before," he told AFP.

"They're trying to cope with this, and we're trying to see what kind of tools they need," said Heath, who recently returned from a trip to the region with other State Department officials to assess needs.

Heath said he has not yet seen a presence in the three countries of the Wagner Group, which has been accused of human rights abuses in several countries including Ukraine, where the unit has played a key role in the invasion.

"They're not yet in the coastal West African states, but we know they're looking for opportunities to take advantage of instability wherever they see it," he said.

US officials accuse Russia of stepping up disinformation in French-speaking Africa, seeing a ripe audience due to post-colonial resentments.

'Holistic' approach

An aerial view of a refugee settlement area in Issakateng-Bausi, northern Ghana, in December 2022. By Nipah Dennis (AFP/File)

Concerns in the Sahel about violence as well as Russia have grown in the months since France ended an eight-year campaign against jihadists, which some critics faulted as overly focused on military solutions.

US officials said that coastal West Africa would not be seeing violence without spillover from the north, but that instability can also be attributed to local factors and competition for resources as climate change aggravates scarcities.

US officials said assistance would focus in part on addressing economic gaps that would help extremists recruit.

"We want to obviously help these governments who are more interested in a holistic approach and good governance address the problems of the north, where the resources are sparser," said Gregory LoGerfo, a senior State Department counterterrorism official who was on the trip.

One key area, US officials said, will be helping West African governments build their legal systems so they can distinguish between legitimate refugees fleeing the Sahel and security threats.

"There's a lot of people with family ties across borders in Burkina Faso and back and so forth," LoGerfo said.

"You want a management system where you're not shutting off families or economies, but you also have to address the security problem," he said.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, the Presiding Bishop of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches, has charged Christiansto demonstrate lifestyles that do not embrace sin.

Christians must, therefore, eschew vices such as alcoholism, stealing, fornication, adultery and robbery, he emphasised in his Good Friday sermon.

To follow Jesus is not easy. It requires sacrifices because you can't follow Jesus and continue to do what you claim you have repented from, he explained.

All the bad things you used to do in your past life are supposed to die with the past life.

Bishop Heward-Mills gave the admonishment when he delivered a sermon on the Cross at the Church's 2023 Good Friday Miracle Service, held at the Black Stars Square, in Accra.

The Service attracted thousands of believers  both members and visitors from across the country.

Mostly clad in black to signify mourning, they sang enthusiastically to worship and praise the Lord for His suffering on the cross and sacrifice to humanity.

Bishop Heward-Mills explained that the Cross of Jesus Christ symbolised the sacrifice one had to make to serve God, adding that, the Cross was the value of the price that had to be paid.

There is a price to be paid as Christians, he added.

To be a Christian is to take up your cross and follow Jesus, and if you can't do it, is too bad, you cannot be a Christian.

Bishop Heward-Mills also noted that to follow Jesus Christ required one to be obedient as exhibited by Christ, even to hisdeath.

The Cross is a symbol of obedience and humility. Jesus Christ was obedient even to death. Let's be obedient for the rest of our years, he added.

Christians across the globe on Friday, marked Good Friday, which is one of the significant pillars of their faith.

The Day marks the suffering, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

GNA
Ghana National Gas Company has issued a press release to provide an update on the progress of maintenance work on the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant.

In the release issued on Friday, April 7, the company said it has completed the planned maintenance of the processing plant.

Ghana National Gas Company wishes to announce to all its stakeholders and the general public that the planned maintenance of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant has been completed.

The entire maintenance activities ended in the late hours of Wednesday 5th April, 2023 ahead of scheduled date of completion. We are currently at a flow rate of 90 mmscfd, parts of the release signed by Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah Bonsu, the Head of Corporate Communications said.

The release from the Ghana National Gas Company continued, The Management of Ghana Gas wishes to thank the general public for their patience and cooperation during this period.

It is due to the planned maintenance work at the Atuabo Processing Plant that parts of the country experienced minor power cuts in the past week.
The Ghana harbor and ports are the primary focal points that drive high profits to support the nation's economy, so when corruption began stifling both domestic and foreign investment, I was deeply alarmed and realized that Ghana would undoubtedly experience severe challenges. I wrote "Ghaspora TV Discusses Corruption At Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority" on September 16, 2020, and "IGP Dampare, I am confident you'll stop the chronic crime taking place daily at the harbors" on November 11, 2021, both about this topic.

I have been trying and pleading with Akufo Addo's government to take interest in dealing with those issues because doing so will increase business and rekindle fast-depreciating Ghana's economy, as a result, on January 16, 2022, I wrote "Captain Smart Has Proved It Again - The NPP Has Made Crime A Lucrative Business At The Tema Harbour," followed by Why Remittances To Ghana Have Decreased, While The Forex Bureau Facing Financial Difficulties," on January 27, 2022.



The NPP government's widespread corruption ultimately led to the cessation of trade at Ghanaian ports, which had a negative effect on both domestic and foreign investments.

Sadly, all of my efforts were perceived as an attack on Akufo Addo, and as a result, I was continuously harassed and accused of receiving money from the NDC. I am only trying to prevent Ghana from getting into this terrible situation. This demonstrates just how thoroughly corrupt Ghana is and how little enthusiasm there is among the populace in stopping Akufo Addo's regime from destroying the nation. However, after Ken Agyapong accused the president of being responsible for the corruption at the ports, I published "on December 26, 2021.



I find it inexplicable why any educated leader would be interested in corruption and embezzling COVID funds but not in job creation or combating corruption at the ports, which has an impact on both domestic and foreign investors. Sometimes, I'm not even sure if the president's advanced age has impaired his ability to think clearly because he can't even tell right from wrong and has engaged in more immoral endeavors than moral ones.

The current president of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, calls himself an advocate for human rights, but I don't believe him because throughout Ghana's political history and under democratic rule, none of the other presidents have been as cruel, callous, disrespectful, or heartless toward the populace as Akufo Addo has been, all in the name of politics. The president has demonstrated in a few cases that he is not at all who he claimed to be, which this article will emphasize.

Akufo Addo has criticized John Mahama since he assumed office and has misled the public because, first, he thought that becoming president was as easy as reciting the alphabet and, second, he didn't enter politics to address the problems of the underprivileged masses. The poor Ghanaians are bearing the brunt of his incompetence, carelessness, and pervasive corruption as a result of the fact that he only entered politics to further corruption by plundering the state alongside Ken Ofori-Atta.

Akufo Addo keeps failing because he believes he is extremely intelligent when in reality, he is not. He doesn't care about the oppressed masses; he only cares about himself and the survival of his political party. Its not a secret that African politicians are notorious for consistently misleading the populace and involvement in corruption but his corruptible activities have been different from all previous presidents in Ghana's politics and not even ashamed of working with politicians and journalists involved in corruption scandals in his government.

A president who never pays attention to the opinions of the people or shows concern for their predicament will always fall short. Akufo Addo disregarded the populace and forced them to pay the bogus E-Levy. Three further new taxes have recently been criminally accepted by the majority in parliament, according to claims that the majority's size was illegally expanded by the addition of a few clerks to the house to speed up implementation. Believe me, Ghanaians, this will ultimately fail as well.



According to the Bible, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." However, Akufo Addo treats other opposition politicians in a way that he wouldn't want to be done to him. He has now appointed NPP officials to collaborate with Jean Mensa, the head of the EC. This is against Ghana's constitution because the Electoral Commission should continue to be independent and free. This demonstrates Akufo Addo's character and his willingness to commit any crime.

Akufo Addo doesnt care to do things that can generate violence because he knows that there are people always available, including the senseless illiterate tribal bigots to support him and accuse John Mahama as the one responsible. However, not this time, because the world, including economists, foreign ambassadors in the country, and other human rights organizations, are closely monitoring political events in the country. If Akufo Addo doesnt know, then I am informing him.

Any president who lacks initiative and is committed to robbing the country blindly will name a relative to the position of finance minister. Nobody disputes the fact that Akufo Addo has appointed the most Supreme Court judges of any Ghanaian president. People need to consider why he is acting in this way. When a president realizes that what he is doing is wrong, he feels terrified and seeks out remedies that may protect him. As a result, he believes that erecting a high wall of judges will protect him.

Although corruption has always existed in ports, under Akuko Addo's administration has been at its worst and most desperate level. In the article titled "I Feel Very Sorry For The Next Ghanaian President After Akufo Addo," I revealed my satisfaction over criminalities at the ports and if today, it has been confirmed that trade and investments have drastically fallen at the ports, gives me more confidence in what I write.



The fact is that Ghana will continue to experience a long-term disastrous economic disaster because it will take some time before businesspeople or entrepreneurs will start to have faith in any administration or be willing to take a chance on investing in a place like Ghana.
Following successes of the similar programs in Europe (Vienna and Geneva notably), the Istanbul-based International Organization along with its European (think-tank, academia, cultural diplomacy, and media) partners decided to launch the special executive program for future leaders on its own.

Hence, by the Programs launch on 24th February 2023, this format gathered participants of diverse professional backgrounds and varied geographies, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East  largely the emerging leaders from the government, international organizations, or industry. The Future Leaders Executive Programs concept is rather simple: Participants are spending a whole day with top-level speakers  mainly the world leaders that shaped events of the past decades (two per month, last Friday-Saturday in month) in an open, Chatham House rules-based atmosphere, all situated within the historic premisses of the city on two continents.

On the 24th of March 2023, Yves Leterme, former prime Minister of Belgium in the context of the 2nd month of the above-mentioned program, entertained its participants on various issues, ranging from the Global Leadership Crisis to the uncertainties of the future and all the consequences its entails.

The maxim "To govern is to foresee" once summed up a fundamental rule of effective governance. It is beginning to sound more and more like "To govern is to manage the unpredictable."

This adage appeared as the title of a document that served as the full session's lesson plan.

The Prime Minister left a lasting impression on the audience by combining logical political and business strategies, outlining important social issues in detail, and leaving enough room for debate from a range of viewpoints. The political choices and plans Mr. Yves Leterme have made throughout his tenure are based on well-known traits of Belgium, the state of its economy at the time, history, and his capacity to foresee global events.

The fundamental concept of government must be to assume responsibility for managing public affairs, unpredictable events and situations, political fervor, and opinion formation with a focus on managing disaster and uncertainties.

Following his presentation, topics covered included managing a world that is changing quickly, the demographic explosion, climate change, and resource shortages, as well as geopolitical changes, globalization, international political economy democracy, etc.

Addressing the governance crisis in third-world countries, Yves points out the fact that Democracy and good governance cannot be exported but supported. He thinks that many of the issues face by the governments in crisis in the global south are due to the attempt of the Western world to impose democracy in those countries. Moreover, he does think that democracy is something that does not exist, and we shouldnt talk about it. He took the example of countries that are not democracies but whose economic situation is not fallen apart.

As the session was moving toward its end, the Prime Minister gave his insights on the role of Belgium in regional cooperation at the EU level and in international cooperation as so many institutions are headquartered in Brussels.

In closing the session, he took advantage of a question asked on his opinion of youth participation in politics and expressed his faith in the capacity of young people to work for the betterment of the world.

As the event draw to a close, Prime Minister Yves Leterme and President of ICYF, Taha AYHAN (as a principal host to the event) jointly expressed what all participants had already concluded throughout the day: that the Future Leaders Executive Program offers a unique setting. Excellency Prime Minister and President Taha both agreed that this particular format  in which an established experience meets the new passions and drives through cross generational leaders talks  represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for emerging leaders from verities of environments: the state, intergovernmental, and corporate sectors of all meridians.

The day-long talks with Excellency Leterme was an enlightening, farsighted and engaging experience for all who participated. It gave a lasting impression on the attendees and inked a top standard stamp for the Program's forthcoming rounds.

The mesmerising ship of insights and wisdom gets a full swing sail once again. Its next fascinating port of call awaits before too long, with a former Secretary General of OPEC, Dr. Adnan Shihab-Eldin and former EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Fishery, Dr. Franz Fischler (on 28th and 29th April).

Author :



Faroukou Mintoiba graduated from Istanbul Commerce University with a masters degree in political science, with a specialization in African Studies and International Relations. As a social activist, he has been a consultant in humanitarian work and voluntarism for different organizations. He advocates for youth social and political involvement and is currently working at Istanbul-based international organization ICYF (Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum).
08.04.2023 LISTEN

The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Amansie South in the Ashanti Region, Hon. Clement Opoku Gyamfi, has slammed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the region for cutting power supply to his official residence and state institutions in the district.

According to the head of government business in the area, the ECG is wasting resources in embarking on the nationwide disconnection of customers owing them.

"They came to my official residence in a rambo style with V8 vehicles and Land Cruiser Prado from Accra with their Revenue Protection Taskforce. Without the District Assembly's consent per what arrangement, we've made to settle our bills, they carried on such their careless and ill-intended exercise, for which I'll say they didn't follow the right processes in doing so.

Frankly, this exercise by the ECG was a needless one and doesn't sit well with me, Hon. Clement Opoku Gyamfi fumed shortly after the disconnection while speaking to select journalists.

The ECG is currently on a nationwide revenue mobilization exercise to retrieve over GH6 billion accumulated debts.

I was told the disconnection was led by the Ashanti Regional Director of ECG, David Boadi Asamoah. I'm saddened by his action. He is my good friend, but I won't mince a word by telling him, 'My friend, you've done a poor job'. As a public officer, Mr. Asamoah and his team should know how things are operated in this country," he stressed.

The disconnection was as a result of Hon. Clement Opoku Gyamfi comment on a local radio station where he accused Management of ECG in the region of dereliction of duty among other unsubstantiated allegations.

"I won't mince words and let me also set the record straight, come to my district and see what the ECG workers are doing to my people. They won't bring a bill for six months.

After six months, these connection guys will storm homes and be disconnecting people's power for non-payment of bills. How do you expect a farmer to settle his or her accumulated bill in about six months, just a day?" the DCE said on Angel FM's morning show.
Kinshasa, April 7, 2023Congolese authorities should drop their criminal defamation investigation into journalist Mills Tshibangu and ensure he can work without fear of arrest or prosecution, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday.

On April 2, a group of about 12 police officers arrested Tshibangu, director of the privately owned online broadcaster Chat Television, while he was driving in Kinshasa, the capital, according to the journalist, who spoke to CPJ via messaging app, multiple tweets by local journalist Doux Jesus Beledu, and another local journalist familiar with the case, who spoke to CPJ on the condition of anonymity.

Authorities held Tshibangu in a cell at the local prosecutors office in Kinshasa and then released him on Monday, April 3, on orders to return to that office on Friday. At a hearing on Friday, his case was adjourned until April 14, he said.

Tshibangus arrest stemmed from a defamation complaint filed by Congolese Minister of Mines Antoinette Nsamba Kalambayi over his reporting on alleged corruption involving a lithium mine, the journalist said. If convicted of criminal defamation, Tshibangu could face up to one year in prison and a fine under Article 74 of the criminal code.

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo should drop their investigation and legal harassment of journalist Mills Tshibangu in retaliation for his work, said Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator, in New York. Mining in the DRC is a topic of international and local interest, and authorities should ensure that reporting on alleged corruption in that industry is not criminalized.

In a broadcast aired on July 20, 2022, Tshibangu discussed alleged corrupt and poor management of a local lithium mine and mentioned Nsamba by name, according to the journalist and a file of that broadcast, which CPJ reviewed and which is not available online. Alleged issues with that mines management were also reported by the ZoomEco news website.

Tshibangu told CPJ that he was never presented with an arrest warrant and that police officers confiscated US$200 in cash from him before taking him to the prosecutors office.

Tshibangu said that as part of his reporting on the mine, he had called Nsamba and her communications adviser for comment, but neither answered. CPJ also called Nsamba, but she did not answer.

Nsambas communications adviser, who gave her name as only Claire, told CPJ on Monday that she would call back to respond to questions but had not done so by the time of publication.
A six-year-old girl has died after she reportedly fell into a gutter at South Suntreso in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region.

The deceased, Angel Adana, according to residents died in the evening of Thursday April 6, 2023.

Some residents in an interview with this reporter said they could not point to what exactly caused the girl to fall into the gutter.

They added that, they however suspect the deceased was playing around the gutter and accidentally fell into it.

The Assembly Member of the area, Hon Kwame Asafo Agyei, who confirmed the incident during a visit to the deceaseds family, said police in the area was notified immediately about the incident.

"I received a distress call about the unfortunate incident from a resident in the area and upon getting to the scene, i saw the lifeless body of the girl.

"Police after receiving an official complaint from the residents reported to the scene and conveyed the body to morgue for investigation," he stated.
08.04.2023 LISTEN

Bangladesh was in the middle of an energy crisis last year, with rampant electricity shortages owing to the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict which has had implications for the entire South Asia. The latter half of last year saw Bangladesh facing a shortage of 1000-1500 MW electricity on a daily basis, resulting in regular hour-long episodes of load shedding. Yet, it was more than the comfort of its citizens at stake, if the problem of frequent power cuts was not dealt with.

One of the fastest growing economies in the world, the Bangladeshi economy is largely dependent on the export of textiles and readymade garments. In fact, Bangladesh is one of the largest garment exporters in the world, making the garment industry its biggest source of foreign exchange. The looming energy crisis was, and if not dealt with properly, will, continue to affect the efficient operation of the Bangladeshi garment industry. The workers in the industry operate within a strict time frame in order to meet their international clients deadlines. It is an energy intensive industry and frequent power cuts on a daily basis would result in many industries relying on generators  so that the flow of work is not disrupted- driving the production costs up, ultimately affecting the efficacy of the industry and its desirability for foreign clients and investment.

Energy generation has been a priority for the Awami League government since they took office more than a decade ago and it is clear that Sheikh Hasina understands the importance- now more than ever- of a long-term energy security plan through regional cooperation. For that purpose, Bangladesh has, over the last decade increasingly looked at India for collaboration and support in the energy sector.

The inauguration of the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFPL) a few days ago is the most recent manifestation of this strategy. The 131.5 km long pipeline connecting Siliguri in West Bengal to Parbatipur in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh will supply 1 million metric tonnes per annum of diesel to the seven districts of north Bangladesh. As Bangladesh imports most of the fuel for electricity, the cost reduction aspect of transporting diesel- from each barrel now costing 5 dollars (when earlier it cost 8 dollars per barrel)- is extremely important along with the shortened transportation time.

Furthermore, prioritising the energy security of the traditionally backward North Bangladesh, is in line with Sheikh Hasinas policy of ensuring equitable distribution of the benefits of development equally across all regions in Bangladesh.The Rangpur and Rajshahi districts of North Bangladesh have also been the focus of other development projects under sheikh hasinas leadership. Traditionally, the western part of the country has been worse affected by poverty than the eastern part. In 2010, a year after Awami League had come into power, Rangpur had a poverty rate of 42.3%. This was the impetus for launching the Northern Bangladesh Integrated Development Project in 2013 that was aimed at infrastructural development and greater availability of and accessibility to public services in order to reduce the regional disparity in economic development.

Apart from this, Sheikh Hasina, having being encouraged by Prime minister Narendra Modi to allow Indian companies entry in the power generation sector of Bangladesh during his Dhaka visit in 2015, had signed $4.5 billion worth of deals with the Indian government, that would allow private companies as well as companies run by the government of India to sell electricity in Bangladesh. One of these deals involved the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDP) signing a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Indian billionaire Gautam Adanis Adani Power (Jharkhand) in 2017. Under this agreement, Adani Power is to build a 1600 MW coal power plant, worth $1.7 billion in Godda, Jharkhand, to supply power to Bangladesh.

With Bangladesh gaining a strong presence within South Asia as well as outside of it, India has also sought to increase energy cooperation with Bangladesh. This is evident from the Modi-Hasina summit in September of last year and Indias aim to expand cooperation and dialogue amongst the BBIN countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal).

The Sheikh Hasina government has proved itself adept at balancing great powers while securing investments that best suit their interests. The Russia-Ukraine war has likely expedited Sheikh Hasinas policy of reaching out to alternate sources of investment for the energy sector, like the oil rich gulf countries for example. She recently spoke at the Doha Investment Summit, calling for the formation of a joint trade and investment committee by both Bangladesh and Qatar governments.

She especially welcomed Qatari investment in the energy sector. Nearer to home, it has steadily strengthened its relationship with its key neighbour, India. Now, the revitalisation of energy trade with India might also lead to energy trade with Nepal and Bhutan, thus opening up hitherto unexplored opportunities for harnessing the hydropower potential of its Himalayan neighbours. This would help Bangladesh access renewable energy at low cost, facilitating a smooth transition into green energy, which is the only viable future of energy generation.

Indrajit Kumar is an educator, Op-ed columnist, international affairs analyst and freelance researcher.
China launched military drills around Taiwan on Saturday, in what it called a "stern warning" to the self-ruled island's government following a meeting between its president and the US House speaker. The war games started after a 4-day visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to China.

Dubbed "United Sharp Sword", the three-day operation will run until Monday, the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command said in a statement.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen Tsai immediately denounced the drills, pledging to work with "the US and other like-minded countries" in the face of "continued authoritarian expansionism".

China's war games will send planes, ships and personnel into "the maritime areas and air space of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the island's east", said Shi Yin, a PLA spokesman.

Exercises on Monday will include live-fire drills off the coast of China's Fujian province, which faces Taiwan, the local maritime authority said.

The manoeuvres come after a meeting between President Tsai Beijing and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California.

China views democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

"Necessary for safeguarding sovereignty"

"These operations serve as a stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces seeking 'Taiwan independence' and external forces and against their provocative activities," the PLA's Shi said.

"The operations are necessary for safeguarding China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Taiwan's defence ministry said eight Chinese warships and 42 fighter jets were detected around the island on Saturday.

The ministry expressed "solemn condemnation of such irrational actions", adding the detections -- which included 29 jets crossing Taiwan's median line, the largest number yet this year -- took place between 6 and 11 am local time (2200 GMT to 0300 GMT).

China was using Tsai's US visit as an "excuse to conduct military exercises, which has seriously undermined peace, stability and security in the region", the ministry said.

The drills also follow the departure from Beijing of French President Emmanuel Macron and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, who were in China to urge Xi Jinping to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

(Agencies)
Tension is mounting at Ntankoful, a community in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, after a resident was allegedly killed by the police in the Western Region.

Residents and family members told host of Connect FMs Omanbapa morning show, Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson , that the deceased, Emmanuel Baiden aka Abu, 25, was arrested by the police last month on suspicion that he was an armed robber.

According to them, efforts to know the police station he was sent to proved futile until they were informed of his death.

The wife of the deceased corroborated the story, telling Connect FM she witnessed the arrest of her husband.

I was with my husband and kids when some people claiming to be police in mufti came around. They approached my husband and started asking him questions which he answered. They went back into their vehicle and suddenly came back to grab my husband and started beating him mercilessly. He asked what crime he has committed and they said nothing. They took him to his house, broke into the room, and scattered everywhere. They started hitting him with their guns until he became weak and they took him to their vehicle and drove off. I did not hear anything again until today Im hearing he is dead, wife of the deceased Felicia Acquah narrated.

According to a family member, Alhaji Muhammed Jawal, they followed up to inquire from the Western Regional Police Command and they were told by the Deputy Regional Police Commander that their relative was exchanging gunshots with the police and died in the process.

We went to the Regional Police Command and the Deputy Commander, who identified himself as Dr. Chidi, told us that our relative was dead. We asked how he died and they said he was exchanging gunshots with the Police and died in the process. This is a person who was arrested unarmed and handcuffed so we dont understand the whole story of the gun exchange with the police, he quizzed, sobbing bitterly.

A resident, Baba, who claims he was also arrested and that he was in the police vehicle when Abu was arrested, indicates that there was no gunshot exchanges whilst they were in the vehicle.

I was there when some officers came to arrest me. They took me to the Central Police Station and started beating me. One of my friends known as Ouattarra came to the police station and he was also arrested. They asked us if we knew Abu (deceased), we went with them in their vehicle and they arrested Abu as well. They transported us back to the police station and there was not any time in point when anyone exchanged gunshots with the police. They were beating us with rod and their guns and that is what might have killed Abu because they later separate us when at the cells. They only said we were armed robbers which is not true, he explained

According to the family, they later inquired from the police where the body of their relative had been kept and they were referred to the Police Hospital in Accra.

We were told the body had been deposited at the Police Hospital in Accra. With the assistance of the regional police commander, we were led to the Police Hospital in Accra on Thursday, April 6, 2023 where we were given the opportunity to identify the body. For what we saw as lay persons, there was no gunshot wounds. There is nowhere on the body that showed wounds from gunshot. It rather looked like he has been beaten to death. We were told he died about a week ago but the blood oozing from the head was so fresh. At least, if it had been more than a week or so, the blood shouldnt be that fresh. We suspect foul play, Liticia, a friend to the family, said.

Queenmother of Ntankoful, Nana Efua Yiba II, is urging the residents, especially the youth, to remain calm as investigation continues.

3news.com
08.04.2023 LISTEN

A 39-year-old machine operator, alleged to have issued a threat, through audio, to kill Nana Nteboah Prah IV, the Divisional Chief of Himan Traditional Council, has appeared before the Tarkwa Circuit Court.

Kwabena Ankemah, charged with threat of death, pleaded not guilty.

The court presided over by Madam Hathie Ama Manu, remanded Ankemah into prison custody to re-appear on May 4, 2023.

Superintendent Juliana Essel-Dadzie, prosecuting, told the court that the complainant, Nana Prah, is the Divisional Chief of Himan Traditional Council, while the accused is a staff of Sankofa Mining Company.

She said the suspect and complainant both reside at Himan-Prestea in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region.

On March 28, 2023, at about 1619 hours, the complainant received a WhatsApp voice audio from the accused, threatening to behead him with a cutlass anywhere he met him.

Ankemah reiterated in the audio that he meant every word and would not relent on his intended actions, the prosecutor said, adding that he was not scared of being arrested by the police.

Superintendent Essel-Dadzie said the complainant, after listening to the audio, became alarmed and reported the case to the Prestea police on March 30, 2023, for investigation.

The accused person was arrested on the same day for questioning and a search conducted in his room led to the recovery of a new hammer and a chisel.

The audio recording has also been transcribed onto a USB flash drive to serve as evidence, the prosecution said.

The accused person, in his caution statement, initially denied any knowledge of the audio but later confessed before an independent witness that he did the recording at a drinking spot at Ankobra, a suburb of Prestea.

GNA
A minister of the Wesley Methodist Cathedral, Cape Coast, has observed with worry the many Christians, who have left their fates in the hands of supposed prophets and ritualists to determine how they live their lives, especially in marriage and in business.

He said that undermined the significance of the crucifixion of Christ, which gave mankind a direct relationship with God.

The Very Reverend Samuel Bassaw, the Superintendent Minister of the Church, therefore, urged Christians to desist from chasing after miracles and rituals and rather seek God personally.

With the death of Christ and by His blood, you have an intimate relationship with God. It means we can depend on God and Him alone.

So, let us stop relying on miracles and prophecies and have the confidence to go to God personally and make our requests known to Him and we will not be disappointed.

Very Rev. Bassaw gave the admonition in his Good Friday sermon, on the theme: Dying with the Lord.

He said it was not entirely wrong for a pastor or a church member to intercede in prayers for another, but it should not be a substitute for a personal active interaction with God.

We have a great priest who presides over the house of God and that is Jesus Christ, who is the solution to whatever we go through on earth.

He urged Christians to do away with every negativity and live reformed lives as they died with Christ.

Let us Identify with the Lord, His suffering and grace, and all blessings will be ours, he added.

Christians must not let the guilt of their sins weigh them down because God would always forgive them, he added.

But that does not mean we should continue to sin intentionally.

GNA
President Nana Akufo-Addo has commended the Ghana Police Service and the Inspector General of Police George Akuffo Dampare for the deployment of police personnel for the Easter festivities.

President Akufo-Addo speaking at the commissioning of a new model police station at Obo Kwahu in the Eastern region said police personnel on motorbikes and smartly dressed officers could be seen everywhere in the country as he drove around.

I want to commend the outstanding Inspector General of Police and his team for the deployment of officers across the country for the Easter festivities. Your officers could be seen everywhere in our streets smartly dressed on their motto bikes and on our roads all in the bid to protect the people.

The government will continue to resource the Ghana police service in order for you to continue to carry out your mandate.

The architecture of the Obo police station which is the first of its kind across the country is a major departure from the traditional police station setup.

The station was built with bricks, has no counter, and is more human friendly taking up the setting of a banking hall.

By Citi Newsroom
Bishop Professor Albert Luguterah, the General Overseer of the Kings Christian Ministry in Tamale, has called on the feuding factions in the Bawku chieftaincy conflict to give peace a chance through the spirit of Easter.

Easter is the most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church, celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity after the fall of the 'first Adam'.

Bishop Luguterah, who made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Tamale, said Easter was a season of tolerance, togetherness, peace and reconciliation, hence the need for all feuding factions to smoke the peace pipe and allow stability and development to thrive.

Easter is a season for forsaking all unrighteousness, including unforgiveness and bitterness and embracing each other as brothers and sisters in the Lord.

He noted that the repercussions of the conflict in the area did not only impede its socio-economic activities but also affected the spiritual growth and well-being of the people.

Residents need to demonstrate the love of God for one another just as Christ was sacrificed for our redemption. It is important the feuding factions also sacrifice their differences to ensure lasting peace for the area, he said.

Bishop Luguterah prayed for God's everlasting peace over Bawku to bring stability.

GNA
08.04.2023 LISTEN

The family of a 21-year-old herdsman who was allegedly killed at Gbanbapong community in the Saboba district of the Northern Region is demanding justice.

The deceased was wrongfully accused of stealing a cow after the animal he was sent to help graze went missing.

It is suspected that the victim was killed in the bush. The family reported the case to the police.

Four suspects have since been arrested and are currently in police custody in Saboba over the issue.

The suspects were taken to Bimbilla district court where they were remanded into police custody.

The suspects on March 21, 2023, allegedly took a herdsman Sumaila Issah to the bush in search of a cow which got missing.

According to the family of Sumaila, one man gave a cow with a rope on the neck to Sumaila to take care of.

Sumaila took it to the bush but unfortunately, the rope got entangled, Sumaila did not see and brought the rest of the animals home.

It was in the house that they realised the cow was not among the rest. Sumaila reported to the owner who accused him of stealing the animal.

Some community members took Sumaila to the bush to search for the animal. On the first day, they did not see it and on the second day, they took him back to the bush only for him not to return till date.

A few days after, women in the community went to the bush and found the cow entangled there. They reported back to the community.

The community members rushed to the bush, and it was the cow they accused Sumaila of stealing.

Sumaila has since 21 March not returned or seen. The family reported the incident to the Saboba police and on March 27 arrested the owner of the cow, took him to court, and he has been remanded.

On April 3, 3 more suspects were arrested, and they have also been remanded into police custody.

The family of the victim is demanding justice for their son.

We know our son was killed by the suspects, we are demanding for the body of our son because we do not know where it was dumped. For almost two weeks now I have not slept nor eaten because I have not seen my son, the father of the deceased told Citi News during a visit to the family at Gbanbapong community in the Saboba district.

The mother of Sumaila the victim, who could not hold back her tears told Citi News she wants to see her son whether alive or dead.

Leader of the herdsmen in Gbanbapong community, Amidu Seidu told Citi News the herdsmen in the area are always facing maltreatment by the people in the area. He called for justice for their colleague.

Chief of Gbanbapong community, Ubor Gmalmo Peter III described the incident as shocking.

He is calling for calm among community members and for the herdsmen to remain peaceful.

The assemblyman for Gbanbapong electoral area, Puagyaba Abraham also described the incident as worrying calling for peace in the area to allow the police to ensure justice.
08.04.2023 LISTEN

Former President John Dramani Mahamas only claim to fame are dumsor and guinea fowls under the Savanna Development Authority (SADA) project, flying away to neigbouring Burkina Faso, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has taunted.

Addressing party supporters at Mpraeso after a health walk on Saturday, 8 April 2023, Dr Bawumia said unlike the Akufo-Addo administration, Mr Mahama cannot boast of one transformational achievement in his several decades of politics.

Do you know that John Mahama has been in politics his entire adult life; over 30 years? he told the crowd, adding: He has been an assemblyman, deputy minister to minister then Vice President and then President.

But can you mention a single transformational policy that he has implemented? he asked.

Just mention one, but there is none. Only Dumsor and guinea fowls; thats all, but with the NPP, we have mobile money interoperability, one district-one factory, digital address, Free SHS, zongo constituency fund; there is so much we have done.

Also, Dr Bawumia said the National Democratic Congress (NDC), under President John Mahama, only created unemployment while in office but the Akufo-Addo administration has created 2.1 million jobs so far.

During the NDC administration, there were no jobs; they created unemployment instead of employment but these days there are jobs everywhere.

I have been looking at the data lately and we have created 2.1 million jobs.

He said 975, 000 of those jobs are in the private sector while 1.2 million are in the public sector.

This is verifiable and identifiable data which is available, Dr Bawumia noted.

Dr Bawumia told the crowd: We are not done yet because there are more jobs for us to create.

But when it comes to job creation, no government since independence has created more jobs than the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, daring: Anybody can challenge me and I will provide the data.

But we want to do more; we want to get to the Promised Land. We can be a Dubai, we can be a South Korea, we can be a Singapore it is possible, he noted.

At the same event, the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Justin Frimpong Kodua, said the government will fix the ravaged economy by the end of the year.

Akufo-Addo has stated that the NPP has the men to turn the economy around. We are confident that by the end of the year, the economy will be in good shape. We just need your support because the alternative is worse, it is empty and hopeless.

Source: ClassFMonline.com
Minister for Food and Agriculture who doubles as Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong has hinted that the ruling New Patriotic Party, NPP is not ready to handle over power to the opposition National Democratic Congress, NDC in the coming 2024 general election.

According to him, the NPP is ever ready to retain power through good policies by breaking the eight year political cycle.

He therefore warned the NDC to forget the 2024 election since they are going to lose.

Bryan Acheampong said this when addressing a huge crowd of NPP members at Mpreaso-Kwahu in the Eastern Region as part of the Easter Celebration after a Walk dubbed Walk to Build A Better Ghana that was graced by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

He warned that the opposition NDC should not dare to think of creating any confusion on the day of voting in 2024 general election since the NPP wont spare them at all, but rather deal with them because they have the men.

He added that the current measures put in place by the ruling Party will make it difficult for the NDC to win any general elections in Ghana again, adding that the NDC will collapse very soon since they are not the alternative for this country.

He explained that even though the country is facing some economic challenges, the situation is changing and that the ruling party will win the next election with Dr. Bawumia as the flagbearer of the party.

He said, Now with the way things are changing the economy will bounce back on its strength again, I am telling you that we are going to come around that curve and we are going to win the 2024 elections hands down.

I am not perturbed, I am not afraid, I promise the people of Kwahu, Eastern Region, and Ghanaians in general that NPP will break the eight because its possible.

"I believe that we can do it, we have the records of His Excellency, and I am not too worried about breaking the eight, I know that 2024 is another election and we have the record to stand on and we are going to win that election, he said.

-He continued that Every election is difficult not just breaking this eight, I don't see this breaking the eight and all those things, is another election and we have the records of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, all the infrastructure projects going on across the country and we are going to ride on that very hard and win, where there are gaps we will explain to the population why those gaps exist.

Bryan Acheampong indicated that Me and my colleagues members of parliament, senior members of this party, we are going to do everything in our power to make sure that the good works of the government are properly propagated, there are setbacks in life, there are setbacks in government and these are a turbulent time for the world and we are getting our first share of it, I think we will come around those things and when we campaign hard on the records of H.E Nana Akufo-Addo and we will surely break the eight with that record.

The walk brought together all the 33 constituency chairmen in the region, some Ministers of State, MPs, and CEO and MMDCEs.

-DGN online
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Denver Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in Invesco Balanced Multi-Asset Allocation ETF (BATS:PSMB  Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 97,587 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,424,000. Invesco Balanced Multi-Asset Allocation ETF comprises 1.1% of Denver Wealth Management Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest position.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco Balanced Multi-Asset Allocation ETF by 5.3% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 16,672 shares of the companys stock worth $272,000 after purchasing an additional 839 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI increased its position in Invesco Balanced Multi-Asset Allocation ETF by 13.0% in the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 13,013 shares of the companys stock valued at $194,000 after acquiring an additional 1,498 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its position in Invesco Balanced Multi-Asset Allocation ETF by 8.0% in the 3rd quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 26,098 shares of the companys stock valued at $359,000 after acquiring an additional 1,943 shares during the period. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. increased its position in Invesco Balanced Multi-Asset Allocation ETF by 35.6% in the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 14,343 shares of the companys stock valued at $234,000 after acquiring an additional 3,766 shares during the period. Finally, LPL Financial LLC increased its position in Invesco Balanced Multi-Asset Allocation ETF by 9.8% in the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 82,847 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,204,000 after acquiring an additional 7,389 shares during the period.

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Invesco Balanced Multi-Asset Allocation ETF Trading Down 0.1 %

PSMB traded down $0.02 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $14.96. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,092 shares. Invesco Balanced Multi-Asset Allocation ETF has a fifty-two week low of $12.28 and a fifty-two week high of $13.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $39.05 million, a PE ratio of 12.85 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $14.91 and a 200 day simple moving average of $14.67.

About Invesco Balanced Multi-Asset Allocation ETF

The Invesco Balanced Multi-Asset Allocation ETF (PSMB) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in target outcome asset allocation. The fund is a global, actively-managed fund of funds holding both equity and fixed income products with an aim for capital appreciation and current income. PSMB was launched on Feb 23, 2017 and is managed by Invesco.

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Advocacy Wealth Management Services LLC lifted its holdings in Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF (NYSEARCA:FLJH  Get Rating) by 10.2% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 428,481 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 39,805 shares during the period. Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF makes up approximately 1.4% of Advocacy Wealth Management Services LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 16th biggest position. Advocacy Wealth Management Services LLC owned approximately 47.61% of Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF worth $10,409,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in FLJH. Jane Street Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $3,041,000. OLD Mission Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF in the 3rd quarter worth about $367,000. Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $300,000. Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in shares of Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF by 41.6% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 20,967 shares of the companys stock worth $643,000 after acquiring an additional 6,162 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG raised its position in shares of Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF by 2,190.2% in the 2nd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 1,168 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 1,117 shares in the last quarter.

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Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF Trading Up 0.1 %

FLJH stock opened at $26.16 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $13.08 million, a PE ratio of 14.10 and a beta of 0.62. Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF has a 1-year low of $24.00 and a 1-year high of $32.07. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $25.97 and a 200-day moving average price of $27.70.

Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF Profile

The Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF (FLJH) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index of large- and mid-cap companies in Japan. The fund is currency hedged for USD-based investors. FLJH was launched on Nov 2, 2017 and is managed by Franklin Templeton.

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Altius Minerals (TSE:ALS  Get Rating) had its target price lifted by Canaccord Genuity Group from C$25.50 to C$26.50 in a research note published on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports.

Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on Altius Minerals from C$22.00 to C$23.00 in a research report on Wednesday, March 8th. Raymond James reduced their price objective on Altius Minerals from C$28.00 to C$27.50 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, March 9th. National Bankshares dropped their price objective on Altius Minerals from C$26.50 to C$26.00 in a report on Monday, February 13th. Finally, National Bank Financial reiterated an outperform overweight rating on shares of Altius Minerals in a report on Wednesday, December 14th.

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Altius Minerals Stock Up 0.4 %

ALS stock opened at C$22.59 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day moving average price is C$22.03 and its 200 day moving average price is C$21.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 19.99, a quick ratio of 6.49 and a current ratio of 5.29. Altius Minerals has a fifty-two week low of C$15.63 and a fifty-two week high of C$25.71. The firm has a market capitalization of C$1.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.24 and a beta of 1.10.

Altius Minerals Increases Dividend

Insider Activity at Altius Minerals

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 17th were issued a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, March 16th. This is a boost from Altius Mineralss previous quarterly dividend of $0.07. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.42%. Altius Mineralss dividend payout ratio is presently 40.00%.

In other news, Director James Digby Ronald Strauss sold 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$22.79, for a total value of C$136,740.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 22,890 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$521,663.10. Insiders own 18.39% of the companys stock.

Altius Minerals Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Altius Minerals Corporation operates as a diversified mining royalty and streaming company in Canada, the United States, and Brazil. The company owns royalty and streaming interests in 12 operating mines covering copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, iron ore, precious metals, potash, and thermal and metallurgical coal.

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Austin Gold (NYSE:AUST  Get Rating) is one of 107 public companies in the Gold & silver ores industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare Austin Gold to similar companies based on the strength of its valuation, dividends, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability and risk.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Austin Gold and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Austin Gold 0 0 1 0 3.00 Austin Gold Competitors 652 3086 3821 78 2.44

Austin Gold presently has a consensus target price of $5.25, suggesting a potential upside of 306.98%. As a group, Gold & silver ores companies have a potential upside of 33.32%. Given Austin Golds stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe Austin Gold is more favorable than its rivals.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Austin Gold N/A -7.06% -6.94% Austin Gold Competitors -25.46% -2.24% -1.11%

Insider & Institutional Ownership

This table compares Austin Gold and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

1.3% of Austin Gold shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 31.2% of shares of all Gold & silver ores companies are owned by institutional investors. 70.7% of Austin Gold shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 6.6% of shares of all Gold & silver ores companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Austin Gold and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Austin Gold N/A -$1.07 million -18.43 Austin Gold Competitors $1.85 billion -$14.19 million -0.15

Austin Golds rivals have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Austin Gold. Austin Gold is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

About Austin Gold

(Get Rating)

Austin Gold Corp., a gold exploration company, focuses on the exploration and evaluation of mineral property interests in Nevada. The company's principal property the Kelly Creek Project with a mix of 6 patented mining claims and 1,600 unpatented mining claims covering an area of 136.8 square kilometers located in the Kelly Creek Basin, in southeastern Humboldt County, Nevada. Its other projects include the Fourmile Basin Project that comprises 312 unpatented lode mining claims covering approximately 6410 acres located in Nye County; the Lone Mountain Project consisting of 454 unpatented lode mining claims and 6 patented mining claims covering approximately 34.2 square kilometers located near Lone Mountain in Elko County; and the Miller Project with a total of 281 unpatented lode mining claims covering approximately 23.5 square kilometers in Elko County in Nevada. The company was incorporated in 2020 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Boston Financial Mangement LLC lessened its position in Waters Co. (NYSE:WAT  Get Rating) by 0.9% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 68,875 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after selling 660 shares during the quarter. Boston Financial Mangement LLCs holdings in Waters were worth $23,595,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Hikari Tsushin Inc. grew its stake in Waters by 25.3% during the 3rd quarter. Hikari Tsushin Inc. now owns 6,265 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $1,689,000 after purchasing an additional 1,265 shares in the last quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB grew its stake in Waters by 3.1% during the 3rd quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 9,999 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $2,695,000 after purchasing an additional 302 shares in the last quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its stake in Waters by 44.0% during the 3rd quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 27,280 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $7,353,000 after purchasing an additional 8,339 shares in the last quarter. Great Lakes Advisors LLC grew its stake in Waters by 4.6% during the 3rd quarter. Great Lakes Advisors LLC now owns 1,329 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $357,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Maryland State Retirement & Pension System acquired a new position in Waters during the 4th quarter worth $1,603,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.58% of the companys stock.

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Waters Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE WAT traded down $2.66 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $300.00. The stock had a trading volume of 313,658 shares, compared to its average volume of 363,811. The firm has a market cap of $17.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.53, a PEG ratio of 3.54 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a current ratio of 2.24, a quick ratio of 1.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.02. Waters Co. has a fifty-two week low of $265.61 and a fifty-two week high of $369.00. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $316.95 and a 200-day moving average of $317.11.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Waters ( NYSE:WAT Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 15th. The medical instruments supplier reported $3.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.74 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $858.51 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $832.85 million. Waters had a return on equity of 175.08% and a net margin of 23.81%. The businesss revenue was up 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.67 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Waters Co. will post 12.67 earnings per share for the current year.

Several research analysts recently commented on WAT shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on Waters in a research note on Tuesday, December 13th. They set a hold rating and a $350.00 target price for the company. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Waters from $320.00 to $345.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 16th. Barclays lowered their price objective on Waters from $385.00 to $350.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. StockNews.com raised Waters from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, April 1st. Finally, SVB Leerink upped their price objective on Waters from $320.00 to $352.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, January 6th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $351.00.

Insider Activity at Waters

In related news, Director Mark P. Vergnano acquired 3,185 shares of Waters stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 28th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $313.32 per share, with a total value of $997,924.20. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 3,557 shares in the company, valued at $1,114,479.24. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.77% of the companys stock.

About Waters

(Get Rating)

Waters Corp. engages in the provision of workflow solutions involving liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis. It operates through the Waters and TA (TA Instruments) segments. The Waters segment consists of liquid chromatography instruments, mass spectrometry, and precision chemistry consumable products and services.

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Canadian General Investments, Limited (TSE:CGI  Get Rating) shares shot up 0.4% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as C$33.09 and last traded at C$33.09. 900 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 79% from the average session volume of 4,216 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$32.95.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, TD Securities raised their price target on Canadian General Investments from C$135.00 to C$145.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 22nd.

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Canadian General Investments Stock Up 0.4 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.45, a quick ratio of 7.44 and a current ratio of 7.64. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$33.37 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$32.68. The company has a market capitalization of C$690.26 million, a PE ratio of -2.71 and a beta of 1.25.

Canadian General Investments Increases Dividend

About Canadian General Investments

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 28th were given a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, February 27th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.90%. This is a positive change from Canadian General Investmentss previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. Canadian General Investmentss payout ratio is currently -7.88%.

(Get Rating)

Canadian General Investments, Limited is a close ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Morgan Meighen & Associates Limited. It invests in the public equity markets of Canada. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. It invests in stocks of companies across all market capitalization.

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Shares of Comstock Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CRK  Get Rating) have been given a consensus rating of Hold by the fourteen research firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eight have issued a hold recommendation and two have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $15.28.

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on CRK. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Comstock Resources in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating for the company. Truist Financial reduced their price target on Comstock Resources from $16.00 to $11.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price objective on shares of Comstock Resources from $14.00 to $12.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 25th. Mizuho boosted their target price on shares of Comstock Resources from $17.00 to $18.00 in a report on Friday, March 10th. Finally, Roth Capital reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Comstock Resources in a research note on Tuesday, February 14th.

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Comstock Resources Stock Performance

Comstock Resources stock opened at $10.40 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94. The stock has a market cap of $2.89 billion, a PE ratio of 2.59 and a beta of 1.19. Comstock Resources has a 12-month low of $9.71 and a 12-month high of $22.11. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $11.48 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $14.53.

Comstock Resources Announces Dividend

Comstock Resources ( NYSE:CRK Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 15th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.84 by $0.21. The company had revenue of $922.40 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $665.87 million. Comstock Resources had a net margin of 31.84% and a return on equity of 68.19%. The firms revenue was up 40.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.37 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Comstock Resources will post 1.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 1st were paid a dividend of $0.125 per share. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.81%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, February 28th. Comstock Resourcess dividend payout ratio is presently 12.47%.

Insider Activity at Comstock Resources

In other Comstock Resources news, VP Brian Christopher Claunch purchased 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 15th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $10.08 per share, for a total transaction of $50,400.00. Following the acquisition, the vice president now owns 36,764 shares in the company, valued at approximately $370,581.12. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In related news, CFO Roland O. Burns bought 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 23rd. The shares were bought at an average price of $10.00 per share, for a total transaction of $100,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 950,430 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,504,300. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP Brian Christopher Claunch bought 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 15th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $10.08 per share, for a total transaction of $50,400.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the vice president now owns 36,764 shares of the companys stock, valued at $370,581.12. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 1.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Comstock Resources

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Comstock Resources in the 1st quarter valued at about $310,000. Citigroup Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Comstock Resources by 21.2% during the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 240,161 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $3,134,000 after acquiring an additional 42,001 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can raised its position in shares of Comstock Resources by 14.8% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 15,258 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $201,000 after purchasing an additional 1,965 shares during the period. MetLife Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Comstock Resources by 58.5% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 54,147 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $707,000 after purchasing an additional 19,984 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. grew its position in Comstock Resources by 12.5% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 7,076,353 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $92,347,000 after purchasing an additional 786,726 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 35.22% of the companys stock.

About Comstock Resources

(Get Rating)

Comstock Resources, Inc engages in the acquisition, development, and exploration of oil and natural gas. The firm operations concentrated in the Haynesville shale, a premier natural gas basin located in East Texas. The company was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Frisco, TX.

Further Reading

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D.B. Root & Company LLC increased its holdings in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:JHMM  Get Rating) by 11.9% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 78,227 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 8,289 shares during the quarter. John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF comprises about 1.5% of D.B. Root & Company LLCs holdings, making the stock its 11th largest position. D.B. Root & Company LLCs holdings in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF were worth $3,641,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF by 19.3% during the 4th quarter. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC now owns 32,278 shares of the companys stock worth $1,502,000 after buying an additional 5,224 shares during the period. MGO One Seven LLC acquired a new stake in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $354,000. Enzi Wealth boosted its position in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF by 32.8% during the 4th quarter. Enzi Wealth now owns 353,878 shares of the companys stock worth $17,425,000 after buying an additional 87,499 shares during the period. Choice Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. Choice Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 195,942 shares of the companys stock worth $9,119,000 after buying an additional 4,405 shares during the period. Finally, Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $609,000.

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John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA JHMM opened at $46.88 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $2.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.93 and a beta of 1.08. John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF has a 52-week low of $41.96 and a 52-week high of $53.32. The companys 50 day moving average price is $48.53 and its 200-day moving average price is $47.30.

John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF Company Profile

The John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF (JHMM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the John Hancock Dimensional Mid Cap index. The fund tracks an index of US firms ranked 200-950 by size, weighted by multiple factors relative to their sector peers. JHMM was launched on Sep 28, 2015 and is managed by John Hancock.

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Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded shares of Chiba Bank (OTCMKTS:CHBAY  Get Rating) from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

Chiba Bank Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:CHBAY opened at $37.38 on Wednesday. Chiba Bank has a 52-week low of $37.38 and a 52-week high of $37.38. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $37.38 and a 200 day simple moving average of $31.36.

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Chiba Bank Company Profile

(Get Rating)

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The Chiba Bank, Ltd. engages in the business of banking services. The company offers general banking services including deposits, loans, domestic and foreign exchange transactions; and financial services such as leasing, securities brokerage, credit cards and others. It also develops software; and provides business management and staffing services.

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Drive Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Rating) by 24.8% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 7,502 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,489 shares during the quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $540,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in BMY. Boston Financial Mangement LLC increased its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.9% in the third quarter. Boston Financial Mangement LLC now owns 15,468 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,100,000 after acquiring an additional 133 shares during the last quarter. Accredited Investors Inc. increased its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.9% in the third quarter. Accredited Investors Inc. now owns 15,461 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,099,000 after acquiring an additional 134 shares during the last quarter. Lincoln National Corp increased its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.4% in the third quarter. Lincoln National Corp now owns 36,282 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,579,000 after acquiring an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC increased its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.4% in the third quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC now owns 10,053 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $715,000 after acquiring an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Elmwood Wealth Management Inc. increased its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.0% in the third quarter. Elmwood Wealth Management Inc. now owns 13,686 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $973,000 after acquiring an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. 75.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, CEO Giovanni Caforio sold 240,000 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction on Monday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.65, for a total value of $17,916,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 236,104 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,625,163.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, EVP Ann Powell sold 11,183 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction on Monday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.69, for a total value of $835,258.27. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 23,043 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,721,081.67. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Giovanni Caforio sold 240,000 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction on Monday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.65, for a total transaction of $17,916,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 236,104 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,625,163.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.09% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance

Shares of NYSE BMY opened at $70.74 on Friday. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a twelve month low of $65.28 and a twelve month high of $81.43. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $69.78 and a 200 day simple moving average of $72.76. The company has a market capitalization of $148.79 billion, a PE ratio of 23.98, a P/E/G ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 2nd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.82 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.11. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 13.71% and a return on equity of 51.60%. The business had revenue of $11.41 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.20 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.83 earnings per share. Bristol-Myers Squibbs quarterly revenue was down 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 8.06 EPS for the current year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 1st. Investors of record on Monday, April 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.22%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 6th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is presently 77.29%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on BMY. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $70.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 3rd. Cantor Fitzgerald assumed coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Tuesday, January 17th. They issued an overweight rating and a $95.00 target price on the stock. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, February 3rd. Atlantic Securities raised their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, February 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a strong-buy rating on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bristol-Myers Squibb presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $79.69.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Profile

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Bristol Myers Squibb Co engages in the discovery, development, licensing, manufacture, marketing, distribution, and sale of biopharmaceutical products. It offers chemically-synthesized drugs or small molecules and products produced from biological processes called biologics. The company was founded in August 1933 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

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Drive Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Rating) by 113.8% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 30,278 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 16,113 shares during the quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $1,250,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of WFC. Defender Capital LLC. bought a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter worth approximately $246,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the first quarter worth $124,000. Dakota Wealth Management bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the first quarter valued at $222,000. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. boosted its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 0.3% in the first quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 273,936 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,274,000 after acquiring an additional 770 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Zions Bancorporation N.A. increased its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 24.5% during the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 9,630 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $467,000 after purchasing an additional 1,895 shares during the period. 72.24% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:WFC opened at $37.90 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $43.03 and a 200-day moving average price of $43.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.84. The company has a market capitalization of $143.15 billion, a PE ratio of 12.07, a PEG ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 1.12. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1-year low of $35.25 and a 1-year high of $50.19.

Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend

Wells Fargo & Company ( NYSE:WFC Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.63 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $19.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.04 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 15.91% and a return on equity of 9.28%. Wells Fargo & Companys revenue was down 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.38 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 1st. Investors of record on Friday, February 3rd were issued a $0.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 2nd. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.17%. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is currently 38.22%.

Insider Activity at Wells Fargo & Company

In other Wells Fargo & Company news, EVP Kleber Santos sold 34,698 shares of Wells Fargo & Company stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.27, for a total value of $1,605,476.46. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 19,590 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $906,429.30. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on WFC. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $48.00 to $52.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 17th. Odeon Capital Group cut Wells Fargo & Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, March 13th. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $45.00 to $42.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, March 24th. Piper Sandler cut Wells Fargo & Company from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and lowered their target price for the company from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 17th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $58.00 to $47.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $50.88.

Wells Fargo & Company Profile

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Wells Fargo & Co is a diversified, community-based financial services company. It is engaged in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage products and services, and consumer and commercial finance. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management.

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Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC  Get Rating) had its target price increased by Barclays from $57.00 to $61.00 in a report published on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Barclays currently has an equal weight rating on the stock.

A number of other brokerages also recently issued reports on EHC. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Encompass Health from $68.00 to $73.00 in a report on Wednesday, February 8th. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Encompass Health from $70.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 9th. Mizuho lifted their target price on shares of Encompass Health from $65.00 to $69.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on Encompass Health from $62.00 to $70.00 in a research report on Thursday, February 9th. Finally, TheStreet upgraded shares of Encompass Health from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $69.40.

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Encompass Health Stock Down 0.5 %

Shares of NYSE EHC opened at $60.75 on Tuesday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $57.40 and a 200-day simple moving average of $55.89. The company has a market capitalization of $6.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.50, a P/E/G ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50, a current ratio of 1.25 and a quick ratio of 1.25. Encompass Health has a 1 year low of $44.33 and a 1 year high of $74.61.

Encompass Health Dividend Announcement

Insider Transactions at Encompass Health

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 17th. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 3rd will be paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 31st. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.99%. Encompass Healths dividend payout ratio is presently 22.22%.

In other news, CFO Douglas E. Coltharp sold 17,895 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.78, for a total transaction of $1,087,658.10. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 53,097 shares in the company, valued at $3,227,235.66. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Insiders own 2.70% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Encompass Health

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. US Bancorp DE boosted its position in Encompass Health by 66.4% during the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 9,336 shares of the companys stock worth $664,000 after acquiring an additional 3,725 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Encompass Health during the first quarter worth approximately $318,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in Encompass Health by 10.5% during the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 8,750 shares of the companys stock worth $622,000 after acquiring an additional 834 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its position in Encompass Health by 1.5% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 11,340 shares of the companys stock worth $806,000 after acquiring an additional 173 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS boosted its position in Encompass Health by 10.5% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 36,463 shares of the companys stock worth $2,593,000 after acquiring an additional 3,477 shares during the last quarter. 96.14% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Encompass Health

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Encompass Health Corp. engages in the provision of post-acute healthcare services. It operates through the Inpatient Rehabilitation and Home Health and Hospice segments. The Inpatient Rehabilitation segment operates inpatient rehabilitation hospitals that provide rehabilitative treatment and care to patients who are recovering from stroke and other neurological disorders, cardiac and pulmonary conditions, brain and spinal cord injuries, complex orthopedic conditions and amputations.

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First Farmers and Merchants Co. (OTCMKTS:FFMH  Get Rating)s share price crossed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $25.10 and traded as low as $20.00. First Farmers and Merchants shares last traded at $20.00, with a volume of 955 shares.

First Farmers and Merchants Stock Down 4.1 %

The businesss 50 day moving average price is $24.97 and its 200 day moving average price is $26.41.

First Farmers and Merchants Company Profile

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First Farmers & Merchants Corp. operates as a bank holding company. Through First Farmers & Merchants Bank, it engages in the provision of commercial and mortgage banking services. It also offers community lending services. The company was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Columbia, TN.

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Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Get Rating) by 1.2% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 68,684 shares of the retailers stock after buying an additional 831 shares during the quarter. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Walmart were worth $10,081,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. My Personal CFO LLC acquired a new position in Walmart during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Bellwether Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Walmart by 112.0% during the 3rd quarter. Bellwether Advisors LLC now owns 212 shares of the retailers stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 112 shares in the last quarter. JDM Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Walmart during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Lipe & Dalton bought a new stake in shares of Walmart during the 3rd quarter valued at $29,000. Finally, Legend Financial Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Walmart during the 3rd quarter valued at $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 31.27% of the companys stock.

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Walmart Stock Up 0.8 %

Shares of Walmart stock traded up $1.13 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $150.80. 5,963,871 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,167,064. The company has a 50 day moving average of $142.80 and a two-hundred day moving average of $142.15. Walmart Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $117.27 and a fifty-two week high of $160.77. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The stock has a market cap of $406.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.23, a P/E/G ratio of 4.51 and a beta of 0.48.

Walmart Announces Dividend

Walmart ( NYSE:WMT Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 21st. The retailer reported $1.71 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.51 by $0.20. Walmart had a net margin of 1.91% and a return on equity of 20.45%. The company had revenue of $164.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $158.67 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.53 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Walmart Inc. will post 6.06 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be given a $0.57 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.51%. Walmarts payout ratio is 53.27%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada set a $163.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a research report on Wednesday, February 22nd. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Walmart from $168.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $164.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a research report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Credit Suisse Group set a $170.00 target price on shares of Walmart and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Finally, Erste Group Bank reiterated a hold rating on shares of Walmart in a research report on Tuesday, March 28th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-five have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $164.34.

Insider Transactions at Walmart

In related news, Director S Robson Walton sold 157,406 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $138.00, for a total transaction of $21,722,028.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 260,926,943 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $36,007,918,134. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, Director S Robson Walton sold 157,406 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $138.00, for a total transaction of $21,722,028.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 260,926,943 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $36,007,918,134. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO C Douglas Mcmillon sold 9,708 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $143.57, for a total value of $1,393,777.56. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,432,515 shares in the company, valued at $205,666,178.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 21,053,710 shares of company stock worth $2,982,527,217. 47.06% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Walmart Company Profile

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Walmart, Inc engages in retail and wholesale business. The company offers an assortment of merchandise and services at everyday low prices. It operates through the following business segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sams Club. The Walmart U.S. segment operates as a merchandiser of consumer products, operating under the Walmart, Wal-Mart, and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands, as well as walmart.com and other eCommerce brands.

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Hercules Capital (NYSE:HTGC  Get Rating) was upgraded by stock analysts at Piper Sandler from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, MarketBeat reports. The firm currently has a $16.00 price objective on the financial services providers stock. Piper Sandlers price target points to a potential upside of 28.10% from the companys current price.

HTGC has been the topic of a number of other reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut Hercules Capital from a market perform rating to an underperform rating and cut their price target for the company from $14.50 to $10.50 in a research note on Monday, March 13th. StockNews.com began coverage on Hercules Capital in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on Hercules Capital from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 17th. Finally, JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and issued a $18.00 price target on shares of Hercules Capital in a research note on Monday, March 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Hercules Capital presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $15.14.

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Hercules Capital Price Performance

Shares of NYSE HTGC opened at $12.49 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $1.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.43 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a current ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12. Hercules Capital has a 12-month low of $10.94 and a 12-month high of $19.09. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $13.95 and its 200-day simple moving average is $13.67.

Insider Buying and Selling

Hercules Capital ( NYSE:HTGC Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.42 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $100.19 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $91.34 million. Hercules Capital had a return on equity of 13.87% and a net margin of 31.73%. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.35 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Hercules Capital will post 1.85 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, Director Wade Loo purchased 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 17th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $11.95 per share, with a total value of $47,800.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 8,059 shares in the company, valued at approximately $96,305.05. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.40% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hercules Capital

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HTGC. Granite Investment Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Hercules Capital in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $9,597,000. Conversant Capital LLC boosted its holdings in Hercules Capital by 262.5% in the 4th quarter. Conversant Capital LLC now owns 325,000 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,296,000 after purchasing an additional 525,000 shares in the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in Hercules Capital by 576.2% in the 3rd quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 329,366 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,814,000 after purchasing an additional 280,658 shares in the last quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. purchased a new stake in Hercules Capital in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $4,706,000. Finally, Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in Hercules Capital by 10.7% in the 4th quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 2,441,754 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,280,000 after purchasing an additional 235,707 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 23.77% of the companys stock.

Hercules Capital Company Profile

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Hercules is the largest non-bank lender to venture capital-backed companies at all stages of development in a broadly diversified variety of technology, life sciences, and sustainable and renewable technology industries. With over a decade of experience in venture debt, Hercules is uniquely positioned to quickly create innovative financing solutions that perfectly fit within a companys existing capital structure and map to its business objectives.

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Heritage Financial Services LLC cut its stake in shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Get Rating) by 1.2% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 20,075 shares of the companys stock after selling 252 shares during the period. Coca-Cola accounts for 0.3% of Heritage Financial Services LLCs holdings, making the stock its 22nd largest position. Heritage Financial Services LLCs holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $1,277,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of KO. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in Coca-Cola during the first quarter worth approximately $77,000. Merit Financial Group LLC lifted its position in Coca-Cola by 16.7% during the first quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 12,227 shares of the companys stock worth $758,000 after acquiring an additional 1,754 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Coca-Cola by 41.4% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 149,275 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,255,000 after buying an additional 43,680 shares in the last quarter. Ergoteles LLC raised its position in shares of Coca-Cola by 385.3% in the first quarter. Ergoteles LLC now owns 19,032 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,180,000 after buying an additional 15,110 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its position in shares of Coca-Cola by 11.9% in the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,840,557 shares of the companys stock valued at $176,115,000 after buying an additional 301,804 shares in the last quarter. 68.74% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

KO has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Credit Suisse Group set a $70.00 price target on shares of Coca-Cola in a research report on Wednesday, February 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $61.00 to $62.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, February 13th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $63.00 to $60.00 in a research report on Monday, March 20th. Royal Bank of Canada set a $69.00 price target on shares of Coca-Cola in a research report on Tuesday, February 14th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $68.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 13th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Coca-Cola has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $67.55.

Coca-Cola Price Performance

Shares of NYSE KO traded up $0.04 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $62.84. 9,644,204 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 14,540,624. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $60.39 and its 200-day moving average price is $60.42. The stock has a market cap of $271.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.56, a PEG ratio of 3.60 and a beta of 0.54. The Coca-Cola Company has a one year low of $54.01 and a one year high of $67.20. The company has a quick ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.41.

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO  Get Rating) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 14th. The company reported $0.45 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.45. The firm had revenue of $10.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.92 billion. Coca-Cola had a net margin of 22.19% and a return on equity of 42.35%. The companys revenue was up 6.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.45 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Coca-Cola Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, April 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, March 17th were paid a $0.46 dividend. This is a boost from Coca-Colas previous quarterly dividend of $0.44. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, March 16th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.93%. Coca-Colas payout ratio is currently 83.64%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 34,875 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.32, for a total value of $2,103,660.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 351,737 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,216,775.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, SVP Nancy Quan sold 74,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.71, for a total value of $4,344,540.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 219,790 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,903,870.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO James Quincey sold 34,875 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.32, for a total transaction of $2,103,660.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 351,737 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,216,775.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 282,268 shares of company stock valued at $17,137,823 over the last 90 days. 1.00% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Coca-Cola Company Profile

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The Coca-Cola Co engages in the manufacturing and marketing of non-alcoholic beverages. It operates through the following segments: Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, North America, Asia Pacific, Global Ventures, and Bottling Investments. The company was founded by Asa Griggs Candler on May 8, 1886 and is headquartered in Atlanta, GA.

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Human Investing LLC trimmed its position in Hormel Foods Co. (NYSE:HRL  Get Rating) by 26.2% in the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 9,207 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,276 shares during the period. Human Investing LLCs holdings in Hormel Foods were worth $419,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in HRL. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Hormel Foods by 10.1% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 13,823 shares of the companys stock worth $712,000 after purchasing an additional 1,273 shares during the period. Natixis Advisors L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of Hormel Foods by 4.0% during the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 37,906 shares of the companys stock worth $1,954,000 after purchasing an additional 1,468 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS boosted its holdings in shares of Hormel Foods by 6.6% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 37,751 shares of the companys stock worth $1,946,000 after purchasing an additional 2,339 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Hormel Foods by 7.3% during the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 8,977 shares of the companys stock worth $463,000 after purchasing an additional 611 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in shares of Hormel Foods by 0.4% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,030,288 shares of the companys stock worth $104,640,000 after purchasing an additional 8,636 shares during the period. 39.74% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Hormel Foods in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of Hormel Foods from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and reduced their target price for the company from $47.00 to $38.00 in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Bank of America reduced their target price on shares of Hormel Foods from $45.00 to $41.00 in a research note on Monday, March 6th. Stephens reduced their target price on shares of Hormel Foods from $52.00 to $47.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, March 6th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group reduced their target price on shares of Hormel Foods from $44.00 to $41.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have issued a hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Hormel Foods currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $44.71.

Insider Buying and Selling

Hormel Foods Stock Performance

In related news, Director Becerra Jose Luis Prado sold 5,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, March 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $39.01, for a total transaction of $202,852.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 18,410 shares of the companys stock, valued at $718,174.10. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . In other news, Director Becerra Jose Luis Prado sold 5,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, March 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.01, for a total transaction of $202,852.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 18,410 shares in the company, valued at $718,174.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, Director Elsa A. Murano sold 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $40.50, for a total value of $243,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 102,698 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,159,269. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 0.81% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Shares of NYSE:HRL traded down $0.18 during trading on Friday, reaching $40.31. The stock had a trading volume of 2,743,237 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,608,650. Hormel Foods Co. has a 52 week low of $37.78 and a 52 week high of $55.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.52, a P/E/G ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 0.17. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 2.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $42.12 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $44.88.

Hormel Foods (NYSE:HRL  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, March 2nd. The company reported $0.40 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.45 by ($0.05). Hormel Foods had a net margin of 7.90% and a return on equity of 13.10%. The firm had revenue of $2.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.08 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.44 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that Hormel Foods Co. will post 1.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hormel Foods Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 15th. Investors of record on Monday, April 17th will be given a dividend of $0.275 per share. This represents a $1.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.73%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, April 14th. Hormel Foodss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 61.45%.

Hormel Foods Company Profile

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Hormel Foods Corp. engages in the production of meat and food products. It operates through the following segments: Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store, and International and Other. The Grocery Products segment focuses on the processing, marketing, and sale of shelf-stable food products sold in the retail market.

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Local Bounti Co. (NYSE:LOCL  Get Rating) President Brian C. Cook sold 43,327 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, April 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $0.51, for a total value of $22,096.77. Following the transaction, the president now owns 1,046,223 shares in the company, valued at $533,573.73. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink.

Local Bounti Trading Down 7.1 %

Shares of NYSE LOCL opened at $0.47 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 2.24 and a quick ratio of 1.98. Local Bounti Co. has a 52-week low of $0.30 and a 52-week high of $9.66. The businesss 50 day moving average is $0.69 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1.63.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Roth Mkm lowered their target price on Local Bounti from $6.00 to $3.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price objective on Local Bounti from $9.00 to $2.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, March 20th. Lake Street Capital decreased their price objective on Local Bounti from $10.00 to $3.50 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, March 30th. Finally, Oppenheimer decreased their price objective on Local Bounti from $13.00 to $3.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, March 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $2.85.

Institutional Trading of Local Bounti

Local Bounti Company Profile

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new stake in Local Bounti in the third quarter valued at approximately $45,000. Swiss National Bank purchased a new stake in Local Bounti in the second quarter valued at approximately $227,000. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC purchased a new stake in Local Bounti in the second quarter valued at approximately $47,000. Citigroup Inc. purchased a new stake in Local Bounti in the first quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in Local Bounti by 732.8% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 10,160 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 8,940 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.27% of the companys stock.

(Get Rating)

Local Bounti Corporation grows fresh greens and herbs in the United States. It produces lettuce, herbs, and loose-leaf lettuce. The company sells its products to food retailers and food service distributors. Local Bounti Corporation was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Montana.

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BTC Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE  Get Rating) by 2.9% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 53,648 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,534 shares during the quarter. BTC Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Intercontinental Exchange were worth $5,525,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. MADDEN SECURITIES Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange during the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Cowa LLC acquired a new stake in Intercontinental Exchange during the 3rd quarter valued at $27,000. IMA Wealth Inc. purchased a new stake in Intercontinental Exchange during the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. WASHINGTON TRUST Co lifted its holdings in Intercontinental Exchange by 173.9% in the 3rd quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 315 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Evoke Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 53.8% during the third quarter. Evoke Wealth LLC now owns 346 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.28% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ICE has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Intercontinental Exchange from $116.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 11th. TheStreet raised Intercontinental Exchange from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 25th. UBS Group increased their target price on Intercontinental Exchange from $119.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their target price on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $125.00 to $122.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, March 1st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $131.27.

Insider Transactions at Intercontinental Exchange

Intercontinental Exchange Price Performance

In other Intercontinental Exchange news, CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold 81,827 shares of Intercontinental Exchange stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $104.02, for a total transaction of $8,511,644.54. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,203,104 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $125,146,878.08. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . In other Intercontinental Exchange news, CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold 81,827 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.02, for a total transaction of $8,511,644.54. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,203,104 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $125,146,878.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . Also, SVP Douglas Foley sold 1,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $104.80, for a total transaction of $167,680.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 21,481 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,251,208.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock.

ICE opened at $108.25 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. The companys 50-day moving average price is $103.56 and its 200 day moving average price is $101.56. Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $88.60 and a fifty-two week high of $132.30. The firm has a market cap of $60.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 0.92.

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE  Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 2nd. The financial services provider reported $1.25 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $1.77 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.78 billion. Intercontinental Exchange had a return on equity of 13.11% and a net margin of 15.01%. Intercontinental Exchanges quarterly revenue was down 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.34 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. will post 5.42 earnings per share for the current year.

Intercontinental Exchange Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 17th were issued a dividend of $0.42 per share. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.55%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, March 16th. This is a boost from Intercontinental Exchanges previous quarterly dividend of $0.38. Intercontinental Exchanges payout ratio is 65.37%.

Intercontinental Exchange Profile

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Intercontinental Exchange, Inc engages in the provision of market infrastructure, data services and technology solutions. It operates through the following segments: Exchanges, Fixed Income and Data Services, and Mortgage Technology. The Exchanges segment includes trading and listing revenue from the global futures network, the New York Stock Exchange and other registered securities exchanges.

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IFS Advisors LLC decreased its position in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:DGRO  Get Rating) by 0.3% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 141,576 shares of the companys stock after selling 419 shares during the quarter. iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF makes up about 12.2% of IFS Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 4th largest position. IFS Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF were worth $7,079,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. CFS Investment Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 4,542.9% in the third quarter. CFS Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 2,044,068 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 2,000,042 shares during the last quarter. Horizon Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $51,346,000. WealthPlan Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $25,012,000. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 5.6% in the third quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 7,265,746 shares of the companys stock valued at $323,107,000 after acquiring an additional 386,551 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 10.7% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 3,984,983 shares of the companys stock valued at $212,837,000 after acquiring an additional 385,347 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF Stock Up 0.1 %

Shares of NYSEARCA:DGRO opened at $50.22 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $23.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.16 and a beta of 0.91. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $50.05 and its 200-day simple moving average is $49.48. iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF has a fifty-two week low of $43.67 and a fifty-two week high of $54.14.

About iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF

The iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar US Dividend Growth index. The fund tracks an index of US stocks that are selected by dividends, dividend growth and payout ratio, then weighted by dividend dollars. DGRO was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Jeppson Wealth Management LLC decreased its stake in Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc. (NYSE:DPG  Get Rating) by 20.5% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,624 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 3,001 shares during the period. Jeppson Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund were worth $157,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in DPG. Second Half Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund in the second quarter valued at about $2,723,000. Wells Fargo & Company MN increased its stake in shares of Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund by 20.9% in the second quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 435,279 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $6,051,000 after buying an additional 75,338 shares during the period. Avalon Investment & Advisory acquired a new stake in shares of Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund in the first quarter valued at about $682,000. Guggenheim Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund by 32.8% in the third quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 135,657 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,736,000 after buying an additional 33,527 shares during the period. Finally, Raymond James & Associates grew its stake in Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund by 44.4% during the third quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 98,908 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,266,000 after purchasing an additional 30,393 shares during the period.

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Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Stock Down 0.2 %

NYSE DPG opened at $13.44 on Friday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $13.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $13.40. Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc. has a one year low of $11.97 and a one year high of $15.68.

Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Dividend Announcement

Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Profile

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 10.42%.

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Duff & Phelps Utility & Infrastructure Fund, Inc is a non-diversified, closed-end investment company. Its investment objective is to seek total return resulting primarily from a high level of current income, with an emphasis on providing tax-advantaged dividend income, and growth in current income, and secondarily from capital appreciation.

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Lamb Weston (NYSE:LW  Get Rating) released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The specialty retailer reported $1.43 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.98 by $0.45, Briefing.com reports. The firm had revenue of $1.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.16 billion. Lamb Weston had a return on equity of 107.83% and a net margin of 10.50%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 26.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.73 EPS. Lamb Weston updated its FY23 guidance to $4.35-4.50 EPS.

Lamb Weston Stock Up 2.6 %

Lamb Weston stock opened at $106.86 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.71, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.96. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $100.42 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $91.54. The company has a market cap of $15.37 billion, a PE ratio of 32.78, a PEG ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 0.53. Lamb Weston has a fifty-two week low of $60.59 and a fifty-two week high of $109.70.

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Lamb Weston Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 5th will be paid a dividend of $0.28 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 4th. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.05%. Lamb Westons payout ratio is presently 34.36%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Insider Buying and Selling at Lamb Weston

LW has been the subject of several recent research reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Lamb Weston in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Bank of America boosted their target price on Lamb Weston from $105.00 to $115.00 in a research note on Friday, January 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Lamb Weston from $101.00 to $107.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 6th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on Lamb Weston from $90.00 to $107.00 in a research note on Friday, January 6th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on Lamb Weston from $97.00 to $107.00 in a research note on Thursday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $109.00.

In other Lamb Weston news, SVP Michael Jared Smith sold 11,934 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.90, for a total transaction of $1,180,272.60. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 74,351 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,353,313.90. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, SVP Michael Jared Smith sold 11,934 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.90, for a total value of $1,180,272.60. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 74,351 shares in the company, valued at $7,353,313.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CFO Bernadette M. Madarieta sold 6,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.40, for a total value of $639,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 25,487 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,507,920.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 19,434 shares of company stock worth $1,917,363. 0.80% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Lamb Weston

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of LW. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in Lamb Weston by 31.2% in the 3rd quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 4,045 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $313,000 after purchasing an additional 963 shares during the period. Vestcor Inc acquired a new position in Lamb Weston in the 4th quarter worth about $305,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp acquired a new position in Lamb Weston in the 1st quarter worth about $255,000. Angeles Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Lamb Weston in the 4th quarter worth about $239,000. Finally, Chicago Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in Lamb Weston in the 4th quarter worth about $221,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.87% of the companys stock.

Lamb Weston Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc engages in the production, distribution, and marketing of value-added frozen potato products. It operates through the following business segments: Global, Foodservice, Retail, and Other. The Global segment includes branded and private label frozen potato products sold in North America and international markets.

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Latitude Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of M&T Bank Co. (NYSE:MTB  Get Rating) by 20.0% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,926 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 321 shares during the period. Latitude Advisors LLCs holdings in M&T Bank were worth $279,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of MTB. First Hawaiian Bank boosted its stake in shares of M&T Bank by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 8,193 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,444,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Xponance Inc. grew its holdings in M&T Bank by 20.0% during the 4th quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 20,998 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,046,000 after acquiring an additional 3,494 shares during the period. Prudential PLC raised its position in shares of M&T Bank by 12.8% in the 3rd quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 5,192 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $915,000 after acquiring an additional 590 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates lifted its stake in shares of M&T Bank by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 245,119 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $43,221,000 after purchasing an additional 9,266 shares during the period. Finally, CIBC Asset Management Inc grew its stake in M&T Bank by 42.2% during the third quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 31,086 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,481,000 after purchasing an additional 9,220 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.10% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have issued reports on MTB. Barclays cut M&T Bank from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and cut their price target for the stock from $225.00 to $194.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of M&T Bank from $165.00 to $155.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 3rd. DA Davidson started coverage on shares of M&T Bank in a research report on Wednesday, December 21st. They set a neutral rating and a $160.00 price objective on the stock. Odeon Capital Group raised M&T Bank from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $171.76 target price for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 10th. Finally, Wedbush upgraded M&T Bank from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $170.00 price target on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 3rd. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $172.32.

M&T Bank Price Performance

M&T Bank stock opened at $117.57 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $19.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.21, a P/E/G ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The companys 50 day moving average price is $140.72 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $155.13. M&T Bank Co. has a 52 week low of $110.00 and a 52 week high of $193.42.

M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB  Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, January 19th. The financial services provider reported $4.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.47 by $0.10. M&T Bank had a return on equity of 11.41% and a net margin of 23.15%. The firm had revenue of $2.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.37 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $3.37 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that M&T Bank Co. will post 17.56 earnings per share for the current year.

M&T Bank Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 31st. Investors of record on Monday, March 6th were paid a $1.30 dividend. This is a boost from M&T Banks previous quarterly dividend of $1.20. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.42%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, March 3rd. M&T Banks payout ratio is currently 45.14%.

About M&T Bank

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M&T Bank Corp. operates as a bank holding company, which engages in the provision of retail and commercial banking, trust, wealth management and investment services. It operates through the following segments: Business Banking, Commercial Banking, Commercial Real Estate, Discretionary Portfolio, Residential Mortgage Banking, and Retail Banking.

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Latitude Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Invesco BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:BSJN  Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 15,405 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $359,000.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. UBS Group AG raised its stake in Invesco BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 46.9% during the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 2,138,705 shares of the companys stock worth $48,805,000 after acquiring an additional 683,120 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors boosted its position in Invesco BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 350.1% in the second quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 737,251 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,913,000 after buying an additional 573,440 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Invesco BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 10.7% during the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 687,120 shares of the companys stock worth $15,680,000 after buying an additional 66,624 shares during the last quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC increased its holdings in shares of Invesco BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 10.2% during the third quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC now owns 612,611 shares of the companys stock worth $13,980,000 after buying an additional 56,869 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in shares of Invesco BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 10.3% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 493,138 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,086,000 after acquiring an additional 45,937 shares during the last quarter.

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Invesco BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Price Performance

NYSEARCA BSJN opened at $23.54 on Friday. Invesco BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF has a twelve month low of $22.73 and a twelve month high of $24.37. The businesss fifty day moving average is $23.50 and its 200 day moving average is $23.36.

Invesco BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Profile

The Invesco BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (BSJN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-weighted index of high-yield corporate bonds with effective maturities in 2023. BSJN was launched on Oct 7, 2015 and is managed by Invesco.

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Shares of Mayan Energy Ltd (LON:MYN  Get Rating) traded up 16.7% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as GBX 0.15 ($0.00) and last traded at GBX 0.14 ($0.00). 16,096,226 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 16% from the average session volume of 13,897,712 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.12 ($0.00).

Mayan Energy Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of 5.28 million and a P/E ratio of -0.23. The businesss fifty day moving average price is GBX 0.14 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 0.14.

Mayan Energy Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Mayan Energy Limited engages in the development, production, and sale of hydrocarbons and related activities in the United States. The company holds interests in Forest Hills project situated in Wood County, Texas; Stockdale oil fields located in Wilson County, Texas; Zink Ranch and Mathis leases situated in Osage County, Oklahoma; and Shoats Creek field located in Louisiana.

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McAdam LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 11.2% during the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 9,840 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,245 shares during the quarter. McAdam LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $438,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in BAC. Sage Mountain Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Bank of America by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Sage Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 8,895 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $269,000 after acquiring an additional 281 shares during the period. Vision Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in Bank of America by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. Vision Capital Management Inc. now owns 60,662 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,009,000 after acquiring an additional 288 shares during the period. Annapolis Financial Services LLC raised its holdings in Bank of America by 2.2% during the 3rd quarter. Annapolis Financial Services LLC now owns 13,785 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $416,000 after acquiring an additional 292 shares during the period. Leisure Capital Management raised its holdings in Bank of America by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter. Leisure Capital Management now owns 20,055 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $606,000 after acquiring an additional 292 shares during the period. Finally, Lowe Brockenbrough & Co. Inc. grew its holdings in Bank of America by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. Lowe Brockenbrough & Co. Inc. now owns 26,888 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $812,000 after buying an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.34% of the companys stock.

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Bank of America Price Performance

BAC stock opened at $27.84 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 0.78. Bank of America Co. has a 52 week low of $26.32 and a 52 week high of $40.40. The firms fifty day moving average is $32.08 and its 200 day moving average is $33.44. The firm has a market cap of $222.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.73, a P/E/G ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 1.36.

Bank of America Dividend Announcement

Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.76 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $24.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $24.17 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 11.41% and a net margin of 23.93%. Bank of Americas quarterly revenue was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.82 EPS. Research analysts predict that Bank of America Co. will post 3.3 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 31st. Investors of record on Friday, March 3rd were issued a dividend of $0.22 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, March 2nd. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.16%. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is presently 27.59%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have weighed in on BAC. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered Bank of America from a market perform rating to an underperform rating and reduced their target price for the company from $35.00 to $33.00 in a report on Wednesday, February 8th. Piper Sandler lowered Bank of America from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and reduced their target price for the company from $36.00 to $33.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 17th. Oppenheimer reduced their price target on shares of Bank of America from $53.00 to $44.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, March 23rd. Odeon Capital Group lowered shares of Bank of America from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $35.20 price target for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, March 8th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $38.04.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Matthew M. Koder sold 105,054 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.27, for a total transaction of $3,600,200.58. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 319,803 shares in the company, valued at $10,959,648.81. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Bank of America news, insider Matthew M. Koder sold 105,054 shares of Bank of America stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.27, for a total transaction of $3,600,200.58. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 319,803 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,959,648.81. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Matthew M. Koder sold 214,745 shares of Bank of America stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $35.91, for a total value of $7,711,492.95. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 214,747 shares in the company, valued at $7,711,564.77. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.27% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Bank of America Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Bank of America Corp. is a bank and financial holding company, which engages in the provision of banking and nonbank financial services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth and Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, Global Markets, and All Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers credit, banking, and investment products and services to consumers and small businesses.

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M&G Investment Management Ltd. grew its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Get Rating) by 6.1% during the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 968,359 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 56,090 shares during the quarter. Alexandria Real Estate Equities comprises about 0.7% of M&G Investment Management Ltd.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest position. M&G Investment Management Ltd.s holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities were worth $141,380,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the third quarter valued at about $36,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 96.9% in the third quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 254 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA acquired a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the second quarter valued at about $43,000. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 93.8% in the third quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 310 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. 89.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of ARE opened at $124.39 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $21.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.74, a P/E/G ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a quick ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 0.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a 12 month low of $114.94 and a 12 month high of $205.70. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $142.71 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $144.93.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Dividend Announcement

Alexandria Real Estate Equities ( NYSE:ARE Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.13 by ($1.82). Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a net margin of 20.15% and a return on equity of 2.80%. The firm had revenue of $670.28 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $674.21 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.97 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 16.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 8.97 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 31st will be paid a $1.21 dividend. This represents a $4.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.89%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 30th. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 154.63%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

ARE has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. JMP Securities reissued a buy rating and set a $180.00 target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research report on Tuesday, January 31st. Evercore ISI decreased their target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $155.00 to $144.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 27th. Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $162.00 to $174.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 2nd. StockNews.com started coverage on Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $176.00 to $177.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 2nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Alexandria Real Estate Equities presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $172.63.

Insider Activity

In other news, Chairman Joel S. Marcus sold 9,000 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $168.00, for a total value of $1,512,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 388,729 shares in the company, valued at $65,306,472. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Marc E. Binda sold 3,298 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $167.21, for a total value of $551,458.58. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 67,005 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,203,906.05. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Joel S. Marcus sold 9,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $168.00, for a total transaction of $1,512,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now directly owns 388,729 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $65,306,472. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 16,101 shares of company stock worth $2,700,271. Insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Profile

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Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc engages in the business of providing space for lease. The firm is also an owner, operator, and developer of life science, agrotechnology, and technology campuses in Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle.

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Rio Tinto Group (LON:RIO  Get Rating) insider Ngaire Woods purchased 410 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, April 5th. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 5,338 ($66.29) per share, for a total transaction of 21,885.80 ($27,180.58).

Rio Tinto Group Stock Up 0.2 %

LON RIO opened at GBX 5,295 ($65.76) on Friday. Rio Tinto Group has a 52 week low of GBX 4,424.50 ($54.95) and a 52 week high of GBX 6,406 ($79.56). The company has a quick ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 23.47. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is GBX 5,744.52 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 5,524.96. The firm has a market cap of 66.19 billion, a PE ratio of 833.86, a P/E/G ratio of -0.64 and a beta of 0.72.

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Rio Tinto Group Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 20th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 9th will be given a dividend of GBX 185.35 ($2.30) per share. This represents a dividend yield of 2.99%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 9th. Rio Tinto Groups payout ratio is 6,409.45%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

About Rio Tinto Group

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Berenberg Bank cut their price target on shares of Rio Tinto Group from GBX 6,700 ($83.21) to GBX 6,600 ($81.97) in a report on Thursday, March 30th. Royal Bank of Canada set a GBX 4,600 ($57.13) price target on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group set a GBX 7,500 ($93.14) price objective on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research note on Wednesday, February 22nd. Barclays set a GBX 5,800 ($72.03) price objective on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research note on Thursday, January 12th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research note on Friday, March 17th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of GBX 6,110.77 ($75.89).

(Get Rating)

Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company offers aluminum, copper, diamonds, gold, borates, titanium dioxide, salt, iron ore, and lithium. It also owns and operates open pit and underground mines, mills, refineries, smelters, power stations, and research and service facilities.

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Patron Partners LLC decreased its holdings in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG  Get Rating) by 5.4% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 8,108 shares of the companys stock after selling 462 shares during the quarter. Patron Partners LLCs holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $786,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Raymond James & Associates raised its holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 15.2% during the third quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 46,527,580 shares of the companys stock worth $4,482,469,000 after purchasing an additional 6,127,129 shares in the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC raised its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 184.4% during the 2nd quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 3,326,918 shares of the companys stock worth $338,281,000 after acquiring an additional 2,156,923 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 24.5% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 8,925,971 shares of the companys stock worth $955,866,000 after acquiring an additional 1,754,499 shares in the last quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank lifted its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 320.0% in the third quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 2,100,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $202,246,000 after acquiring an additional 1,600,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Continental Investors Services Inc. boosted its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 6,307.4% in the third quarter. Continental Investors Services Inc. now owns 1,503,361 shares of the companys stock valued at $152,004,000 after acquiring an additional 1,479,898 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.07% of the companys stock.

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iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Stock Performance

Shares of AGG stock traded down $0.09 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $100.44. 6,105,185 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,037,183. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $98.68 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $97.82. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $93.20 and a 12-month high of $105.51.

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Company Profile

IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account.

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ProAssurance (NYSE:PRA  Get Rating) had its price objective lifted by Piper Sandler from $23.00 to $24.00 in a research report report published on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the insurance providers stock.

A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on PRA. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of ProAssurance in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Janney Montgomery Scott assumed coverage on shares of ProAssurance in a report on Friday, February 24th. They issued a neutral rating and a $21.00 price objective for the company.

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ProAssurance Price Performance

Shares of NYSE PRA opened at $18.65 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $18.90 and a 200-day simple moving average of $19.25. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1,863.14 and a beta of 0.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 0.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. ProAssurance has a 52 week low of $16.90 and a 52 week high of $26.54.

ProAssurance Announces Dividend

ProAssurance ( NYSE:PRA Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 27th. The insurance provider reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.04 by $0.02. ProAssurance had a negative net margin of 0.04% and a positive return on equity of 2.12%. The firm had revenue of $294.71 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $283.89 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.62 earnings per share. ProAssurances quarterly revenue was down 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that ProAssurance will post 0.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 13th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 29th will be paid a $0.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 28th. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.07%. ProAssurances dividend payout ratio is currently -1,998.00%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On ProAssurance

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Point72 Middle East FZE purchased a new stake in shares of ProAssurance in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of ProAssurance in the 1st quarter worth about $31,000. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of ProAssurance in the 3rd quarter worth about $48,000. HighTower Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of ProAssurance in the 4th quarter worth about $181,000. Finally, Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its position in shares of ProAssurance by 25.5% in the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 10,613 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $185,000 after buying an additional 2,156 shares in the last quarter. 84.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About ProAssurance

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ProAssurance Corp. is a holding company. It operates through the following segments: Specialty Property and Casualty, Workers Compensation Insurance, Lloyds Syndicate, Segregated Portfolio Cell Reinsurance and Corporate. The Specialty Property and Casualty segment includes professional liability business and medical technology and life sciences business.

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The Scottish American Investment Company P.L.C. (LON:SAIN  Get Rating)s share price traded up 1.4% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as GBX 510 ($6.33) and last traded at GBX 510 ($6.33). 432,514 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 119% from the average session volume of 197,143 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 503 ($6.25).

Scottish American Investment Stock Up 1.4 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.19, a quick ratio of 3.87 and a current ratio of 2.85. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 505.23 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 498.42. The stock has a market cap of 901.43 million, a P/E ratio of -1,378.38 and a beta of 0.64.

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Scottish American Investment Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 2nd will be paid a dividend of GBX 3.67 ($0.05) per share. This is a boost from Scottish American Investments previous dividend of $3.50. This represents a dividend yield of 0.73%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 2nd. Scottish American Investments payout ratio is currently -3,783.78%.

Insider Activity at Scottish American Investment

Scottish American Investment Company Profile

In related news, insider Dame Mariot Leslie purchased 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, March 13th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 489 ($6.07) per share, for a total transaction of 9,780 ($12,146.05). In other news, insider Christine Montgomery purchased 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 15th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 493 ($6.12) per share, for a total transaction of 49,300 ($61,227.02). Also, insider Dame Mariot Leslie purchased 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 13th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 489 ($6.07) per share, for a total transaction of 9,780 ($12,146.05). Insiders purchased 17,000 shares of company stock worth $8,428,000 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 6.01% of the companys stock.

(Get Rating)

The Scottish American Investment Company P.L.C. is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Baillie Gifford & Co Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Baillie Gifford & Co and OLIM Property Limited. It invests in public equity markets across the globe. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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SoftBank Group Corp. (OTCMKTS:SFTBF  Get Rating)s share price crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $41.88 and traded as low as $39.60. SoftBank Group shares last traded at $39.60, with a volume of 1,147 shares changing hands.

SoftBank Group Price Performance

The company has a fifty day moving average price of $41.38 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $41.90.

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Institutional Trading of SoftBank Group

An institutional investor recently bought a new position in SoftBank Group stock. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SoftBank Group Corp. (OTCMKTS:SFTBF  Get Rating) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 3,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $102,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 25.02% of the companys stock.

SoftBank Group Company Profile

SoftBank Group Corp. operates as a holding company which engages in the management of its group companies. It operates through the following segments: SoftBank Vision Fund, SoftBank, Arm, Brightstar, and Others. The SoftBank Vision Fund segment engages in the investment business. The SoftBank segment provides mobile communication, broadband, and telecom services in Japan.

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State of Michigan Retirement System trimmed its stake in shares of Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM  Get Rating) by 0.3% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 101,488 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 300 shares during the period. State of Michigan Retirement Systems holdings in Waste Management were worth $15,921,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Waste Management by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 36,984,227 shares of the business services providers stock worth $5,925,244,000 after buying an additional 1,016,798 shares during the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its stake in shares of Waste Management by 194.9% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 1,217,592 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $192,988,000 after purchasing an additional 804,708 shares during the period. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Waste Management by 3,120.2% in the 3rd quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 600,443 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $96,197,000 after purchasing an additional 581,797 shares during the period. Amundi increased its holdings in Waste Management by 18.8% in the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 3,194,558 shares of the business services providers stock worth $482,604,000 after acquiring an additional 504,966 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec increased its holdings in Waste Management by 21.5% in the 3rd quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 2,605,293 shares of the business services providers stock worth $417,394,000 after acquiring an additional 461,425 shares in the last quarter. 78.48% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at Waste Management

In other news, Director John C. Pope sold 218 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $154.76, for a total transaction of $33,737.68. Following the transaction, the director now owns 55,809 shares in the company, valued at $8,637,000.84. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CAO Leslie K. Nagy sold 800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.11, for a total value of $120,888.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,210 shares in the company, valued at approximately $787,283.10. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director John C. Pope sold 218 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $154.76, for a total value of $33,737.68. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 55,809 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,637,000.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 31,027 shares of company stock valued at $4,806,619. Insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock.

Waste Management Price Performance

Waste Management stock opened at $163.66 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.12, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 0.81. The firm has a market cap of $66.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.36, a P/E/G ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 0.73. The businesss fifty day moving average is $153.86 and its two-hundred day moving average is $157.82. Waste Management, Inc. has a 52 week low of $138.89 and a 52 week high of $175.98.

Waste Management (NYSE:WM  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 1st. The business services provider reported $1.30 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.39 by ($0.09). The company had revenue of $4.94 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.97 billion. Waste Management had a net margin of 11.36% and a return on equity of 32.91%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.26 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Waste Management, Inc. will post 6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Waste Management Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 24th. Investors of record on Friday, March 10th were given a dividend of $0.70 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, March 9th. This is a boost from Waste Managements previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.71%. Waste Managements dividend payout ratio is 51.95%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have commented on the stock. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on shares of Waste Management from $158.00 to $167.00 in a research report on Thursday. Citigroup cut their price target on Waste Management from $183.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 2nd. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Waste Management in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a buy rating for the company. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Waste Management from $179.00 to $181.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus downgraded shares of Waste Management from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $185.00 to $171.00 in a research report on Monday, December 19th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Waste Management currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $173.27.

About Waste Management

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Waste Management, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the provision of waste management environmental services. It operates through the following segments: East Tier, West Tier, and Other. The East Tier segment consists of Eastern U.S., the Great Lakes Region, and Canada. The West Tier segment includes the upper Midwest region and British Columbia, Canada.

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Tower Bridge Advisors lowered its stake in shares of FedEx Co. (NYSE:FDX  Get Rating) by 3.0% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 36,745 shares of the shipping service providers stock after selling 1,130 shares during the quarter. Tower Bridge Advisors holdings in FedEx were worth $6,364,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Renaissance Technologies LLC bought a new stake in shares of FedEx in the 3rd quarter worth $122,633,000. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in FedEx by 2.9% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 16,818,843 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $2,497,094,000 after purchasing an additional 469,345 shares in the last quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. grew its position in FedEx by 114.6% in the 3rd quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 868,243 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $128,922,000 after purchasing an additional 463,676 shares in the last quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA lifted its position in shares of FedEx by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 13,878,717 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $2,060,573,000 after buying an additional 445,125 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barclays PLC lifted its position in shares of FedEx by 934.5% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 490,099 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $72,766,000 after buying an additional 442,724 shares in the last quarter. 72.02% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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FedEx Trading Up 0.9 %

Shares of FedEx stock opened at $232.10 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $211.51 and its 200-day moving average price is $183.92. The company has a current ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. The company has a market cap of $58.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.04, a PEG ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.33. FedEx Co. has a 12-month low of $141.92 and a 12-month high of $248.76.

FedEx Increases Dividend

FedEx ( NYSE:FDX Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, March 16th. The shipping service provider reported $3.41 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.67 by $0.74. The firm had revenue of $22.17 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.74 billion. FedEx had a net margin of 3.23% and a return on equity of 17.71%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $4.59 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that FedEx Co. will post 14.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 12th will be paid a $1.26 dividend. This is a positive change from FedExs previous quarterly dividend of $1.15. This represents a $5.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.17%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 9th. FedExs dividend payout ratio is currently 39.72%.

Insider Buying and Selling at FedEx

In other news, CEO Rajesh Subramaniam sold 11,125 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $231.01, for a total transaction of $2,569,986.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 39,483 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,120,967.83. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other FedEx news, CEO Rajesh Subramaniam sold 11,125 shares of FedEx stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $231.01, for a total transaction of $2,569,986.25. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 39,483 shares in the company, valued at $9,120,967.83. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Amy B. Lane purchased 830 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 6th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $232.88 per share, with a total value of $193,290.40. Following the purchase, the director now owns 2,359 shares in the company, valued at $549,363.92. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders own 8.62% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages recently commented on FDX. Raymond James raised FedEx from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $285.00 price target for the company in a research report on Thursday. Citigroup raised their target price on FedEx from $275.00 to $285.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Melius initiated coverage on shares of FedEx in a report on Monday, March 27th. They issued a hold rating and a $240.00 price target on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on shares of FedEx from $242.00 to $264.00 in a report on Thursday. Finally, Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of FedEx from $233.00 to $305.00 in a research note on Friday, March 17th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, FedEx currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $241.41.

FedEx Profile

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FedEx Corp. provides a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services under the FedEx brand. It operates through the following segments: FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, FedEx Services, and Corporate, Other & Eliminations. The FedEx Express segment consists of domestic and international shipping services for delivery of packages and freight.

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Capital City Trust Co. FL decreased its stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB  Get Rating) by 1.5% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 66,589 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,032 shares during the period. Capital City Trust Co. FLs holdings in U.S. Bancorp were worth $2,904,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Retirement Financial Solutions LLC purchased a new position in shares of U.S. Bancorp in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Mach 1 Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of U.S. Bancorp in the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. EWG Elevate Inc. purchased a new position in shares of U.S. Bancorp in the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC raised its stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 334.0% in the 3rd quarter. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC now owns 868 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 668 shares during the period. Finally, General Partner Inc. purchased a new stake in U.S. Bancorp during the 4th quarter worth $39,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.83% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently issued reports on USB. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $55.00 to $49.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, March 24th. Robert W. Baird raised shares of U.S. Bancorp from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $52.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Monday, March 20th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of U.S. Bancorp in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $56.00 to $46.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, UBS Group raised shares of U.S. Bancorp from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $47.00 to $55.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 10th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $52.68.

U.S. Bancorp Trading Up 1.8 %

U.S. Bancorp stock opened at $35.75 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $42.86 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $43.34. The firm has a market capitalization of $54.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.64, a PEG ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.93. U.S. Bancorp has a 52-week low of $32.72 and a 52-week high of $53.88.

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB  Get Rating) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 25th. The financial services provider reported $1.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.11 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $6.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.61 billion. U.S. Bancorp had a net margin of 21.26% and a return on equity of 16.13%. U.S. Bancorps revenue was up 12.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.07 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that U.S. Bancorp will post 4.86 earnings per share for the current year.

U.S. Bancorp Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 31st will be given a dividend of $0.48 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 30th. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.37%. U.S. Bancorps dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 51.75%.

U.S. Bancorp Profile

(Get Rating)

U.S. Bancorp operates as a bank holding company, which offers financial services including lending and depository services, cash management, foreign exchange and trust and investment management. The firm also offers mortgage, refinance, auto, boat and RV loans, credit lines, credit card services, merchant, bank, checking and savings accounts, debit cards, online and mobile banking, ATM processing, mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage and leasing services.

Further Reading

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V2X (NYSE:VVX  Get Rating) and Vow ASA (OTCMKTS:SSHPF  Get Rating) are both business services companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, profitability, earnings, risk, institutional ownership and analyst recommendations.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares V2X and Vow ASAs gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio V2X $2.89 billion 0.43 -$14.33 million $0.21 191.90 Vow ASA N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Vow ASA has lower revenue, but higher earnings than V2X.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets V2X -0.50% 14.50% 4.78% Vow ASA N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Recommendations

This table compares V2X and Vow ASAs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for V2X and Vow ASA, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score V2X 0 0 2 1 3.33 Vow ASA 0 1 0 0 2.00

V2X presently has a consensus price target of $53.33, suggesting a potential upside of 32.34%. Given V2Xs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe V2X is more favorable than Vow ASA.

Summary

V2X beats Vow ASA on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About V2X

(Get Rating)

V2X, Inc. provides solutions and support to defense clients globally. It delivers integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian and international clients. The company was founded on July 5, 2022 and is headquartered in McLean, VA.

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Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited (LON:VEIL  Get Rating) shares traded down 3.1% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 560 ($6.95) and last traded at GBX 563 ($6.99). 185,981 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 25% from the average session volume of 148,508 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 581 ($7.22).

Vietnam Enterprise Investments Trading Down 3.1 %

The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 579.91 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 583.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39, a quick ratio of 247.74 and a current ratio of 247.74. The company has a market capitalization of 1.16 billion, a P/E ratio of -333.14 and a beta of 0.57.

Vietnam Enterprise Investments Company Profile

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Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Dragon Capital Management Limited. It invests in the public equity markets of Vietnam. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. It primarily invests in value and growth stocks of companies.

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Zentek Ltd. (CVE:ZEN  Get Rating) passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$2.13 and traded as low as C$2.04. Zentek shares last traded at C$2.15, with a volume of 50,476 shares.

Zentek Trading Up 2.9 %

The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$2.10 and a 200 day moving average of C$2.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.46, a quick ratio of 7.59 and a current ratio of 7.42. The company has a market capitalization of C$213.99 million, a PE ratio of -11.32 and a beta of 1.02.

Zentek Company Profile

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Zentek Ltd. engages in the research and development of graphene and related nanomaterials in Canada. It owns 100% interest in the Albany Graphite project located in Northern Ontario, Canada. The company develops graphene-based antimicrobial coating under the ZenGUARD brand, surgical masks, HVAC filters, personal protective equipment, rapid detection point of care diagnostics tests, and pharmaceutical products based on graphene-based compound.

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Banks and financial institutions have sanctioned Rs 23.2 lakh crore to over 40.82 crore beneficiaries under the Mudra Yojana launched to fund the unfunded eight years ago. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) was launched on April 8, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate easy collateral-free micro-credit of up to Rs 10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs for income-generating activities. Loans under PMMY are provided by Member Lending Institutions (MLIs)  banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), microfinance institutions (MFIs) and other financial intermediaries, the finance ministry said in a statement on April 8. Speaking on the occasion of the 8th anniversary, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, Since the launch of the scheme, as of March 24, 2023, about Rs 23.2 lakh crore has been sanctioned in 40.82 crore loan accounts. About 68 per cent of accounts under the scheme belong to women entrepreneurs, and 51 per cent of accounts belong to entrepreneurs of SC/ST and OBC categories. This demonstrates that easy availability of credit to the budding entrepreneurs of the country has led to innovation and sustained increase in per capita income, she added. Highlighting indigenous growth through MSMEs, the finance minister said, The growth of MSMEs has contributed massively to the Make in India programme, as strong domestic MSMEs lead to increased indigenous production both for domestic markets as well as for exports. The PMMY scheme has helped in the generation of large-scale employment opportunities at the grassroots level, and also has proved to be a game changer while boosting the Indian economy. Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat K Karad said the PMMY scheme aims to provide collateral-free access to credit in a seamless manner to micro-enterprises in the country. "It has brought the unserved and under-served sections of the society within the framework of institutional credit. The government policy of promoting MUDRA has led millions of MSME enterprises in the formal economy and has helped them to get out of the clutches of money-lenders offering very high-cost funds, he added. Implementation of the financial inclusion (FI) programme in the country is based on three pillars  Banking the Unbanked, Securing the Unsecured and Funding the Unfunded. The scheme was launched to encourage small businesses, and banks were asked to provide collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh under three categories  Shishu (up to Rs 50,000), Kishore (between Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh) and Tarun ( Rs 10 lakh). Of the total, Shishu accounts for 83 per cent of the total loans while Kishore 15 percent and the remaining 2 per cent Tarun. Targets have been achieved since the inception of the scheme barring during 2020-21 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the statement said.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reached US to attend the 2023 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with G20 meetings. During her week-long trip, she will be hosting the second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under India's G20 Presidency and G20-related side events. the finance ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Besides, she will have bilateral meetings, a few investor sessions and other associated meetings during the April 10 to April 16 trip to Washington DC. Accompanied by officials from the finance ministry, she will attend World Bank Development Committee and IMF Committee Plenaries. She will have interaction with global economists, global business leaders, think tanks and investors in roundtables, it said, adding, the minister will also have bilateral engagements with countries and international organisations. As part of the itinerary, the trip also includes engagement with the Indian Diaspora. Sitharaman and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das will jointly chair the second G20 FMCBG meeting on April 12-13, 2023. Around 350 delegates from G20 members, 13 invitee countries, and various international and regional organisations will participate and engage in multilateral discussions centred around a broad spectrum of pressing global issues, it said. The second G20 FMCBG meeting will comprise of three sessions -- Global Economy and International Financial Architecture; Sustainable Finance, Financial Sector and Financial Inclusion; and International Taxation. The focus of these sessions will be to deliberate on issues such as addressing food & energy insecurity, managing global debt vulnerabilities, strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), mobilising finance for climate action, advancing financial inclusion, and accelerating progress on International Tax and Financial Sector issues, it said. The meeting will take stock of the progress made on outcomes envisaged under India's G20 Finance Track agenda, it said. This G20 FMCBG meeting will advance efforts towards the preparation of G20 India Finance Track deliverables for the third G20 FMCBG meeting to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, in July 2023, it said. These meetings are expected to provide informed Finance Track contributions to the Leaders Declaration set for adoption in the New Delhi Summit in September 2023, it said. On the sidelines of the Spring Annual Meetings, the finance minister will have bilateral engagements with her respective counterparts from G20 countries and heads of other delegations, including major international organisations, to discuss issues and areas of mutual interest and cooperation under India's G20 Presidency. In the course of her visit, she will also participate in a fireside chat at the Peterson Institute of International Economics (PIIE) on April 10, 2023. In a high-level meeting on April 11, Sitharaman will meet US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to discuss issues of mutual interest. During the official visit, it said, a meeting of the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable will be co-chaired by India, International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank on April 12, to discuss the current global debt landscape and ways to address existing challenges in debt restructuring. A high-level seminar on 'Macro-financial implications of Crypto assets' will be held on April 14 to review the macro-financial implications of Crypto Assets and discuss policies to leverage benefits and contain risks, it added. Sitharaman will also meet the G20 Expert Group on strengthening MDBs on April 15, to discuss the need for an updated MDBs ecosystem for the 21st century towards financing sustainable development goals and transboundary challenges. Besides these, the finance minister will also participate in a high-level seminar on 'Stacking up the benefits of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)' organised by the IMF on April 14. The seminar aims to discuss lessons from India and other countries on the transformational power of DPI and ways to maximise its potential, it said. Other side events that will be held on the margins of the IMF-WB Spring Meetings include an event on 'Enhancing the Economic Empowerment of Women as Entrepreneurs and Leaders' (April 13), 'LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) event on Behavioral Change to Tackle Climate Change' (April 14), and 'Launch of debt restructuring negotiation process on Sri Lanka' (April 13), among others.
Japanese IT major Fuji Soft Group has proposed to open a centre of excellence (CoE) in Bhubaneswar, an official statement said. The proposal was made during the Odisha business delegations visit to Japan, where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led discussions with major players in the Japanese IT and IT-enabled services sector. The CoE would add to the burgeoning field in Bhubaneswar, which is already a happy hunting ground for marquee labels, the statement said. NITKAL (Nihon-UTKAL) has also tied up with Odisha University of Technology and Research to set up a dedicated skill development centre to cater to the huge demand for a trained workforce in Japan. NITKAL is undertaking a dialogue with IIIT, Bhubaneswar for establishing a dedicated Japan-centric centre for skill development, it said. NYK Lines (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha) evinced keen interest in setting up dedicated shipping lanes from Paradeep, Gopalpur or Dhamra port to transport green ammonia to Southeast Asia and Japan. Sumitomo Corporation showed interest in creating storage facilities for green hydrogen and green ammonia. They are zeroing in on Gopalpur, which has an SEZ nearby, it said. Patnaik instructed officials concerned to create a roadmap for these investments.

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Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao will stay away from Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the southern state on April 8, a report said. The CM would also not receive the Prime Minister at Hyderabads Begumpet airport on his arrival, news agency ANI reported. Modi is visiting the state to inaugurate projects worth Rs 11,360 crore and will later fly to Tamil Nadu to open the new terminal of the Chennai airport. Telangana is due for assembly elections later this year and the BJPs attempts to make inroads in the state have pitted it against KCRs Bharat Rashtra Samithi, formerly the Telangana Rashtra Samithi. KCR renamed the regional party in October 2022, reflecting his national ambitions. The chief minister has been in touch with opposition parties to stitch a coalition ahead of the next years general elections to take on the BJP-led NDA. Also Read | PM Modi to inaugurate new terminal of Chennai airport on April 8 Hyderabad visit Modi will lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 11,300 crore in Telangana and also flag off the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express in the state capital. The Secunderabad-Tirupati Express, which will connect Hyderabad to Tirupati, is the second Vande Bharat train to be launched in Telangana. It is expected to reduce the travel time between the two cities by almost three and half hours and is expected to boost pilgrim traffic to the Hindu temple town in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Modi would reach Secunderabad station at 11.45 am and flag off the train at 12.15 pm, sources told news agency PTI. He would also attend a public function at the Parade Ground. The Prime Minister is expected to lay the stone of redevelopment of the Secunderabad railway station and inaugurate other rail development projects. Foundation stones of AIIMS Bibinagar and five national highway projects will also be laid by Modi. (With agency inputs)
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das on April 6 announced a centralised web portal for the public to search unclaimed deposits. This is first such initiative in India. Unclaimed deposits form a significant chunk in Indias banking system. According to government data, the total amount of unclaimed deposits transferred to the RBI by public sector banks (PSBs) fell to Rs 35,012 crore till February 2023, from Rs 48,262 in March 2022. This is a decline of Rs 13,250 crore in a year. In this context, the launch of the portal for the public to get information on unclaimed deposits is important. Heres an explainer to understand the announcement in detail. What is RBI's recent announcement about a centralised web portal? Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das announced the development of a centralised web portal for the public to search unclaimed deposits. Why did RBI decide to come up with this new portal? According to India's central bank governor, in order to improve and widen the access of depositors/beneficiaries to information on such unclaimed deposits, it has been decided to develop a web portal to enable search across multiple banks for possible unclaimed deposits. When is the portal expected to start functioning? The portal to reclaim unclaimed deposits will be ready in three-four months, said M Rajeshwar Rao, Deputy Governor (DG), Reserve Bank of India. "We expect the portal where the funds of Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEAF) are transferred to be ready in three-four months," Rao said in a post-monetary policy committee (MPC) press conference. How will the new portal help depositors/beneficiaries? This will help depositors/beneficiaries in getting back unclaimed deposits. What is the current procedure for tracking unclaimed deposits? According to the RBI governor, at present, the depositors or beneficiaries of unclaimed bank deposits of 10 years or more have to go through the websites of multiple banks to locate such deposits. What is an unclaimed deposit? An unclaimed deposit is one which does not see any activity like an infusion of funds, withdrawal, etc. from the depositor for 10 years or more, and is deemed as an inactive deposit. After terming a deposit as an unclaimed deposit, banks have to report the number of unclaimed deposits and the amount lying in the same to the RBI. How much unclaimed deposits are lying in banks? Out of the Rs 35,012 crore total unclaimed deposits held by banks in India till February 2023, India's largest public sector bank, SBI, has the largest share of Rs 8,086 crore, followed by Punjab National Bank at Rs 5,340 crore, Canara Bank at Rs 4,558 crore and Bank of Baroda at Rs 3,904 crore. What do RBI rules say about unclaimed deposits? As per the instructions issued by RBI to banks through a July 2014 circular on Customer Service in Banks, banks are required to make an annual review of accounts in which there have been no operations for more than a year. The banks may then approach the customers and inform them in writing that there has been no activity in their accounts and ascertain the reasons for the same. Other than this, banks have also been advised to consider launching special awareness drives for finding the whereabouts of customers or legal heirs in respect of accounts that have become inoperative, i.e., accounts that have not seen any transactions over a period of two years. After all of this, banks are required to display the list of unclaimed deposits or inoperative accounts which are inactive or inoperative for 10 years or more on their respective websites, with the list containing the names and addresses of the account holders in respect of unclaimed deposits or inoperative accounts.
Rahul Arora (name changed), an IT professional, rented a 2BHK apartment close to Whitefield for Rs 31,000 in 2021. At the last renewal of the rental agreement in November, the rent was increased by about Rs 1,350. However, four months after the renewal, the landlord suddenly asked him to pay Rs 51,000, a near-40-percent hike, or vacate the house within a month. Unable to find a house in such a short time, Arora is forced to stay at the same place, paying a higher rent. Amid soaring rentals and crunching demand, Bengalurus tenants are facing unreasonable demands from landlords trying to recoup the money they lost during the coronavirus pandemic when tenants had gone back home. The millennials in Bengaluru are well-acquainted with the notorious demands of landlords, including the no-bachelor policy to food habits. Moneycontrol spoke to advocates to understand the rights of tenants, especially in cases of landlords suddenly hiking rentals in the middle of the year. Bizarre rental agreements One rental agreement of an apartment in Whitefield accessed by Moneycontrol made sure that the tenants left the place after having fully painted, "deep cleaned and pest-controlled" it at the cost of the tenant. There are more such tales. Sangita Ranjan (name changed) recently left an apartment close to HSR Layout with a deposit of Rs 50,000. Though her rental agreement says that a month's rent will be deducted on account of painting charges when she leaves, she said, "I did not get a single penny back." "The landlord came to my place with a magnifying glass to make sure he deducts money from my deposit for every little scratch in the apartment," she lamented. Another agreement prohibits the tenant from smoking or consuming alcohol inside the apartment. Luckily, the agreement allowed non-vegetarian food, sans beef though. The agreement also prohibited the tenants from keeping domestic or "wild" animals, including birds, inside the premises. The agreement also clarifies that only the "legal husband" of the tenant will be allowed to stay in the apartment. In another case, Sayoni Banerjee (name changed), said, "According to my agreement, I have to leave a soap and a bottle of acid wash in the washroom. Also, I cannot go into any relationship with the landlord, 'under any circumstances'." However, Banerjee points out that the agreement mentions that the landlord can come at any time to inspect the house and cannot be stopped "by force". Advocates say before signing any rental contract, every tenant should read through the terms and conditions to prevent further harassment in the future. Tenants' rights Akash Bantia, an advocate, clarified that the landlords cannot breach the terms of the rental agreement even in the matter of hiking rents in the middle of the year. "Every party signing the agreement is bound under the Indian Contract Act, 1872 and sudden hikes in rent without completion of the agreement period amounts to a breach of contract," Bantia added. Advocates say in cases when personal mediations fail, the tenant can approach a lawyer to send a legal notice to the landlord for a breach of contract. "In fact, the tenants can also file an interim order at the civil court asking for a stay in cases where they have been asked to vacate. This order will be in effect immediately and will cost about Rs 12,000 - Rs 15,000, against the high rentals tenants are paying," Bantia added. Even if the civil cases drag on for years, at least the tenants will be able to stay in the apartment under the interim order till the date of renewal, Srinivas V, another advocate added. Government hits and misses Advocates say to date, no policies exist in Karnataka to protect the rights of tenants in such cases. Approved by the Union Cabinet on June 2, 2021, the Model Tenancy Act (MTA) provides for regulating the tenancy terms and conditions while bringing transparency between the parties. The Act establishes a Rent Authority and Rent Court in every state and union territory to address grievances and solve disputes. The Act says the rental deposit should "not exceed two months rent in the case of residential premises, and not exceed six months rent in the case of non-residential premises". However, land, urban development, and real estate are state subjects. Hence, the Act is left to the state governments to be implemented. In July 2022, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore said in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, "As per information available with MoHUA, the States of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Assam have revised the Tenancy Acts on the lines of MTA." Srinivas added, "The state has Karnataka Rent Act, 1999. However, it only applies to properties with a monthly rent of up to Rs 3,500, and is largely unusable for Bengaluru. The government of Karnataka has been mulling legislating the MTA in the state. However, it has been delayed now for several years. Advocates say such checks are needed in a city like Bengaluru, with its exploding real estate sector. "Like we have RERA to protect the homebuyers, the tenants' situation will explode if the government does not intervene," they added.
Odisha reported over a hundred new COVID-19 after six months with 104 people testing positive for the virus, a health department official said. The cases were detected on April 7 after 5,526 samples were tested, he said. The state had recorded 103 cases on October 12 last year. No fresh fatality has been recorded so far, and there are now 429 active cases in the state. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, 13,37,377 cases have been detected in the state. Of them, 9,205 people have died. With 34 fresh recoveries, a total of 13,27,690 people were cured of the disease in the state so far. The state government urged people not to panic over the rise in COVID-19 cases, and suggested everyone to adhere to COVID-appropriate behaviour, including wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, maintaining social distancing and washing hands frequently. The state administration also suggested people to undertake COVID tests if they have flu-like symptoms. ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) Bhubaneswar Director Sanghamitra Pati urged people to isolate themselves if they test positive for COVID-19 or H3N2. Odisha has reported 61 cases of H3N2 cases so far this year.

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The most common abortion method in the US is at risk of disappearing from the market, at least temporarily, after a Texas judge granted an injunction against the US Food and Drug Administrations decades-old approval for mifepristone, also known as the abortion pill. The preliminary injunction issued Friday by US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, could soon end the sale and distribution of mifepristone  used as part of a two-pill regimen to terminate a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks  while a lawsuit seeking a more permanent ban on the drug proceeds. The Biden administration has seven days to appeal to the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals. The FDA gave its approval for mifepristone to terminate early pregnancies over 20 years ago. The anti-abortion groups suing the agency argue that it fast-tracked the regulatory process and did so without sufficient scientific evidence. Decades of research has shown the pill to be safe and effective. Mifepristone is considered the standard of care for medication abortion and miscarriage treatment, according to Hayley McMahon, a public health researcher and doctoral student at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Without mifepristone patients that want medication abortions, as opposed to in-clinic procedures, have other options. But experts warn that without the pill more people will be forced to carry unwanted pregnancies going forward. Heres why anti-abortion groups are going after what some consider the most controversial pill in the world. What is mifepristone and what is it used for? Mifepristone is a pill approved for abortion in the US. It works by blocking progesterone, a hormone thats necessary for a pregnancy to continue. Doctors generally prescribe it with misoprostol, a drug used to treat stomach ulcers, that can also induce contractions. When taken together, the two pills have an over 95% efficacy rate in safely ending pregnancies with no further intervention. France was the first country to approve mifepristone to terminate pregnancies in 1988. Since then more than 70 countries have followed. Over the years, medication abortion has become increasingly popular in the US because its a less invasive and more convenient alternative to having a procedure done at a health-care clinic. As of 2020 more than 50% of all abortions were done using pills. That number is likely higher now due to rule changes that have made it easier to get via telemedicine and sent by mail. Are there side effects? Yes, the most commonly reported ones are cramping and prolonged heavy bleeding. Some people may also experience nausea, fever and vomiting. About 1 in 100 people who take the drug experience heavy bleeding that requires surgical intervention, according to the FDA. How can I get mifepristone now? State laws on the legality of abortion, including medication abortion, vary widely. Around a dozen states have near-total bans on abortion by any method and 15 states put limits on the pills distribution, including requiring people to take it at a doctors office. Before the ruling, states with more liberal abortion laws allowed health clinics and accredited health-care practitioners to prescribe mifepristone in person or via telemedicine and have it sent to their patients homes via the mail. Major retail pharmacies Rite Aid Corp., Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. and CVS Health Corp were also making plans to dispense it at locations where state law allowed. Increasingly, people living in states with restrictive laws are using telehealth services that operate outside the US to get pills prescribed and shipped from overseas. Aid Access, one such service, said it doesnt plan to stop distribution in light of the recent ruling. Why is mifepristone at risk of being taken off the market? Since the end of Roe v. Wade last year, the abortion landscape in the US has radically changed. The ruling opened the door for states to limit or ban abortion. And while many have adopted restrictions, the Biden administration also eased rules on the pill to make it easier for people to get via telemedicine and pharmacies. The group behind the lawsuit claims that the FDA chose politics over science and fast-tracked approval of mifepristone in 2000 without fully examining its safety. The FDA has refuted this characterization, writing in court documents that the agency followed all necessary procedures and extensively reviewed the available evidence. In addition to claims about the drugs initial approval, the group has also taken issue with subsequent changes adopted by the FDA, including a 2016 decision that extended the window of use for the medication from the first seven weeks of pregnancy to the first 10 weeks. They say that this change, along with a recent decision to authorize the medication to be distributed by mail, violates crucial safeguards intended to protect patients. The FDA has denied these claims. Major medical groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, filed a brief to the court saying mifepristone is safe and effective. This is not an opinion  it is a fact based on hundreds of medical studies and vast amounts of data amassed over the course of two decades, the filing read. Are there alternatives? Misoprostol, the other pill prescribed with mifepristone, has a high success rate when taken on its own and the World Health Organization recommends its use up to 12 weeks in pregnancy. Multiple clinics told Bloomberg News that theyre planning on switching over to that drug in light of the ruling. While its also safe and effective, research has shown it has as slightly lower success rate and its side effects are more acute. We have a lot of data showing that people have worse pain and worse nausea with that regimen, said McMahon, the public health researcher.
Afcons Infrastructure Limited has quoted the lower amount among two technically qualified financial bids for the construction of a 21-kilometre tunnel, including 7 kilometres under the sea, as part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited said on Friday. This tunnel will stretch from the proposed underground station at Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai to Shilphata in the neighbouring Thane district, the NHRSCL said, adding it had received bids from Afcons Infrastructure Limited and Larsen & Toubro Limited. "The tunnel will be a single-tube twin-track tunnel having a diameter of 13.1 metres. Out of 20.37 km, 15.42 km of tunnelling will be carried out with three TBMs (Tunnel Boring Machine) and the remaining 4.96 km will be built using New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). The depth of the tunnel will vary from 25 metres to 65 metres, the NHRSCL said in a release. "The tunnel will cross Thane creek and the survey work under the creek was done using underwater static refraction technique. The deepest construction point will be 114 metres below Parsik Hill near Shilphata, an NHSRCL spokesperson said. TBMS with a cutter head of 13.1 metre diameter will be used, much larger than the 5-6 metre diameter cutter heads used for metro rail systems etc, the spokesperson added. The high speed corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is coming up at a cost of Rs 1.08 lakh crore. While the dominant part of the cost is covered by a loan from Japan, the rest will be contributed by the Union government and the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The Congress has criticised the Centre over the National Green Tribunal constituting a committee to re-examine the environmental nod to the Great Nicobar Island project, alleging that the Modi government has embarked on "ecocide" and what is being pushed through is an "ecological nightmare". The National Green Tribunal has constituted a high-powered committee to re-examine the environmental clearance granted to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIDCO) for the multi-component mega project in the Great Nicobar Island. Alongside the development of an international container transhipment terminal, the project also involves the construction of a military-civil dual-use airport, a gas-, diesel- and solar-based power plant, and a township. Tagging a media report on the committee's constitution, Congress general secretary and former Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh on Friday said, "When we are applauding 50 years of Chipko Andolan and Project Tiger and 40 years of the historic decision to protect Silent Valley, the Modi government has embarked on ecocide in Great Nicobar." "What is being pushed through is an ecological nightmare," Ramesh said. The National Green Tribunal was hearing appeals against forest clearance and environmental clearance provided to the project proponent ANIDCO. On January 11, it had sought a response from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the project proponent. A bench of chairperson Justice AK Goel along with judicial members Justice Sudhir Agarwal, Justice B Amit Sthalekar and Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi said there was a need for adequate studies on the adverse impact on coral reefs, mangroves, turtle nesting sites, bird nesting sites, other wildlife, of erosion, disaster management and other conservation and mitigation measures.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Arunachal Pradesh on April 10 and 11 where he will launch the 'Vibrant Villages Programme in Kibithoo, a village along the India-China border. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government of India has approved the 'Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) with central components of Rs 4,800 crore, including Rs 2,500 crore exclusively for road connectivity for the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26, a home ministry statement said on Saturday. The VVP is a centrally sponsored scheme under which 2,967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts abutting the northern border in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Ladakh have been identified for comprehensive development. In the first phase, 662 villages, including 455 in Andhra Pradesh, have been identified for priority coverage. The VVP will help in improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and encourage people to stay at their native locations, thereby reversing the outmigration from these villages and adding to the security of the border, the statement said. The district administration, with the help of appropriate mechanisms at block and panchayat levels, will prepare action plans for the identified villages to ensure 100 per cent saturation of central and state schemes. The focus areas of interventions identified for the development of villages include road connectivity, drinking water, electricity including solar and wind energy, mobile and internet connectivity, tourist centres, multi-purpose centres and healthcare infrastructure and wellness centres. Shah, in his first visit to Arunachal Pradesh as home minister, will on April 10 inaugurate nine micro hydel projects of the state government constructed under the "Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme in Kibithoo. These electricity projects will empower people living in border villages, the statement said. He will also inaugurate Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) projects to augment infrastructure at Likabali (Arunachal Pradesh), Chapra (Bihar), Nooranad (Kerala) and Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), it said. The home minister will also interact with ITBP personnel at Kibithoo in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. An exhibition of products made by members of women self-help groups of border districts will also be held. Shah will visit the exhibition stalls, the statement said. On April 11, he will visit Namti field and pay homage at the Walong war memorial, it said.
Theres no lack of books on India between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. Shelves groan with narratives about people, places, and events, political and economic histories, detailed monographs, and cultural studies on art, architecture, music, cuisine and more. This vast library is in itself a testament to the lasting impact of the Mughal empire. Some of the more interesting volumes deal with themes of influence and intermingling. It may be tempting to think of the Mughals as standing apart from empires before and after them, and alien to the land they ruled for centuries. This is clearly not the case, whether it comes to the Mughals or any other imperial dynasty. Writing of Sanjay Subrahmanyams notion of connected history, David Shulman says that this way of looking envisions a world that is densely textured and profoundly interlocking in causal processes. Many works have, in their own fashion, dealt with these textures and processes. In Culture of Encounters, for instance, Audrey Truschke illustrates the ways in which the Mughals engaged with Sanskrit texts and ideas and, in turn, how Sanskrit intellectuals participated in this demand for Indian narratives. Among the cross-cultural endeavours she highlights are the translations of the Mahabharata and Ramayana into Persian and the composition of the Akbarnamah. These encounters offer insights into the relationship between power and culture. They are, writes Truschke, a dynamic that defined the lives of many early modern Indians no less than it shapes our own. In a similar vein, Shankar Nairs Translating Wisdom analyses Sanskrit-to-Persian translations with an emphasis on the Yoga-Vasistha to illustrate how early modern Muslim and Hindu scholars found the words and the means to put their respective intellectual traditions into a certain conversation with one another. If Truschke and Nair look within borders for connections, Richard Eaton looks further afield. His India in the Persianate Age is a magisterial account of the period between 1000 and 1765, with the latter half, naturally, devoted to the Mughals. The Mughal Empire, writes Eaton, was never static: its history was one of a progressive fusion of two very different worlds. In this account of encounter between Persian and Sanskrit ways of life, he challenges statist and religious stereotypes, and brings out ongoing contacts with Central Asia and elsewhere. The spotlight shifts to the nineteenth century in William Dalrymples White Mughals, a work of narrative history. The book records the results of intermixing between Britishers and Indians, focusing on the marriage of James Kirkpatrick, then British Resident of Hyderabad, with Khair un-Nissa, great-niece of the regions diwan. As Dalrymple finds: The easy labels of religion and ethnicity and nationalism, slapped on by generations of historians, turned out, at the very least, to be surprisingly unstable. Most recently, theres Nandini Dass Courting India, which returns to the formal beginnings of Britains entangled history with India and the Mughals. Das recounts the travels and travails of Sir Thomas Roe, who arrived in Surat in 1615 as James Is first ambassador to the court of Jehangir. The British at that time were minor players in the region, while the Mughals were seen as one of the world's greatest empires. This, writes Das, was a historical hinge-point. For her, the records reveal that above all, it stands as a reminder of the complexity that underlies what we may think of, in abstract, binary terms, either as a meeting or as a clash of cultures and nations. Quite apart from all of the above, tales of the Mughals have also been transmuted into a uniquely Indian idiom: the vivid panels and characterisation found in the pages of Amar Chitra Katha comic books. There are plenty of titles on offer, including those on Babur, Akbar, and Shah Jahan, as well as tales from the Mughal court involving Birbal and Tansen, among others. It would be a great pity if these and similar works are dismissed or ignored, especially in our fractious time. As Sanjay Subrahmanyam has written, a national culture that does not have the confidence to declare that, like all other national cultures, it too is a hybrid, a crossroads, a mixture of elements derived from chance encounters and unforeseen consequences, can only take the path to xenophobia and cultural paranoia.
Artist, performer and activist, Mallika Sarabhai, 69, recently stepped into her new role as chancellor of Keralas globally-renowned cultural and educational institution, the 93-year-old Kerala Kalamandalam at Vallathol Nagar, about 30 km from Thrissur. The Ahmedabad-based Sarabhai, who shares an emotional connection with the southern state through her late Kerala-born mother Mrinalini Sarabhai, was appointed by the state government in early December, weeks after Governor Arif Mohammad Khan was removed as chancellor. Sarabhai, who has decades of experience in leading the 74-year-old Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, founded by her parents Mrinalini Sarabhai and Vikram Sarabhai in 1949, has got going from Day One, throwing out dress rules for girl students, making the campus gender equal, and planning new Bachelor of Arts programmes in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi and masters courses in dance anthropology, physiology of dance and psychology of performance. Soon there will be a new students council, a culture conclave and a research department in the humanities so that the arts can become a language for change. In an exclusive interview, Sarabhai speaks about her appointment, her familys connection with Kerala and the winds of change that have started blowing on the famous campus. Edited excerpts: Your appointment came after the controversial removal of the state Governor as chancellor. Were you apprised of the circumstances that necessitated a new chancellor for Kerala Kalamandalam? I was aware of the controversy with at Kalamandalam and with the chancellor. Sometime in early December, when I was in the middle of the final rehearsals for a production, I received a phone call. There were five missed calls from a senior friend in the CPM (Keralas ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist). The appointment was not only completely out of my imagination but also out of my zone. Surprised, but I was also very delighted. Over the last decade or two, I have been hearing of the issues at Kalamandalam, that the quality wasnt as good as it used to be. But its an organisation that has always had a lot of sanctity for me. So, the possibility of being able to use my experience of running the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, being a performer myself, and straddling the current century with something that is ancient, is a huge challenge. And Im very excited by it. The very choice of somebody like me, who is very outspoken, seen as somebody who shakes up things, I think I know what I am expected to do. You have a connection with Kerala through your mother, Mrinalini Sarabhai, who would have been proud of this moment. Well, Im sure Papa (Vikram Sarabhai) as well. Papa has a strong connection with Kerala. People would always ask him why did you choose Thumba (near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala) as the place for the rocket launch (Indias first). And, I think, he deeply connected with Kerala. And that connection might have predated his meeting Amma or might not have. Im not sure whether he fell in love with Amma or then fell in love with Kerala or the other way around. So, yes, Im sure both of them are delighted. When did you first visit Kalamandalam? Any memories from the time there and in Kerala with your mother? I remember going there as a child when we would visit our tharavadu (ancestral home) in Kerala and Amma would stop at Kalamandalam. But my longest association with anybody from Kalamandalam was in 1978 when then external affairs minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee asked my mother to put together a group of dancers to go and soften Chinas view of India before diplomatic relations could be re-established. A group from Kalamandalam, with Kalamandalam Gopi as the lead dancer, travelled with us for six weeks. That is when I interacted with artists from Kalamandalam the most for a sustained period because we were sharing performances every evening. What were your initial thoughts about your new role, a first as university chancellor, at a time when there is serious gender inequality in leadership in top educational institutions in the country? In Kerala, theres been a crisis of thought leadership after the controversial incidents of caste discrimination and mismanagement, respectively, at two of Keralas important art institutions, the KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts in Kottayam and Kochi-Muziris Biennale. I think both the caste and the gender issues are extremely bad just now. Its ironic that this year is the centenary of the Vaikom Satyagraha and were still battling caste. I think one thing I was very clear about is that there will not be any gender or caste discrimination in Kalamandalam. I hope the fact that Im being interviewed, that Im talking about this all the time, will influence, in some small way, the other institutions as well. I know that (filmmaker) Saeed Akhtar Mirza has taken over (as chairman of the KR Narayanan Institute) and, I think, he feels equally strongly about this. And we are already talking of collaborating on several issues, I have met with Satchi sir (poet K Satchidanandan) and Im wanting to collaborate with him as well. And I think a very different worldview needs to be brought in, but it can only be brought in by example. I think intersectionality, working together rather than competitively, and working with integrity, where there is no question of nepotism or corruption or gender bias or caste bias, is a very important role model that needs to be held up so that change can be brought. And if I am a tiny part of that, then I will be extremely happy. But I certainly am going to do all of that in Kalamandalam. In both my vice-chancellor Prof. MV Narayanan and my registrar Rajeshkumar P, I have an amazing team that feels the same way. One of the first things I did at the Kalamandalam was to talk to every single section of people at the institute because they wanted to understand what their future would be and the issues at hand. So much gender-discrimination issues came up from the girl students. My aim is to make the place gender-equal. There are issues with that as well, because I think neither the young men nor the young women have been taught to treat each other in a gender-neutral way, as human beings instead of as boy and girl, and that sexual exploitation is possible. They are at an age when their hormones are raging. How does one teach them to be safe, to not get involved sexually when they dont really understand what that is? There are a lot of issues, but we have to start by giving them freedom while teaching them what a good and a bad look is, what a good and a bad touch is. What are your plans in bringing intellectual enquiry and curiosity in artistic and academic practice? One of the things that is completely lacking in India is a lobby that lobbies for culture. Theres no cultural lobby, there are individual artistes who suck up to the government and get grants and land. But there is no serious lobby because we work in silos. I might think of myself only as a dancer rather than as a cultural person, but I need to think of myself as a cultural person. I have suggested we organise a culture conclave where we break silos and start a discussion on culture, rather than only on film or dance or literature. And I think Kerala Kalamandalam is very much the right place to lead this. We also want to start a separate research department in the humanities, looking at the anthropology and history of dance, not only dance as a performing art but at all the cross-connections. With that, the universitys intellectual capital will increase and it can help increase the same in the country. I also want to see if there is a group of senior students and professors who are interested in breaking this idea that a performer is only meant to perform on stage, and to see whether the arts can be taken as a language for change, working with different groups of people, for womens empowerment or health or education. This is what Darpana has been doing for so many years. We treat our art as a language for change, rather than only as a skill of performance. This needs to be brought into Kalamandalam. This will also help many graduates find work in other avenues, in creating that language of change in society, beyond just as performers. Are you introducing any new programmes and courses? We are starting bachelors in Arts courses in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Bharatanatyam doesnt exist at Kalamandalam except as a minor subject right now. We want to start a new department that will look at the research and academic side of performance. It will have several humanities subjects at the masters level. The government has to sanction those courses. We are bringing in Indias experts on sound and light to see how we can completely change the way sound and light is at the Koothambalam (theatre) and we want to create new black box studio spaces in a new wing being readied by June. We are also in the process of getting 10 acre of land adjacent to Kalamandalam to develop as a sustainable architectural model so that we can showcase physically what our belief system is. How is the conversation on the campus going? Ive been going to Kalamandalam every month and having conversations, were trying to change systems, trying to get efficient people in. Because it went from a diploma to a degree course (after Kalamandalam was granted Deemed-to-be University), a lot of peoples designations changed without efficiency levels changing. There are many who are not capable of the designations that they hold. We have a huge human power shortage of efficient people to actually take forward what is planned and that is something we need to do. Also, the number of designated posts that get the correct salary is far less than what we require. We are working on to see it become a state university, which the Chief Minister and the Minister of Culture have promised will happen very soon, and that we get the correct number of designated posts. We are extremely short on efficient staff. There was also an issue of salary non-payment of the staff? The salary scale is going to be a hassle. Fundraising is very much on my agenda, but we need to get something sorted at home in Kalamandalam before I can start fundraising. I think Kerala is being starved of funds anyway and we are just a part of the financial crisis. We came to a point where I had to intervene and say unless salaries are paid immediately, well have to shut down Kalamandalam because theres no funds even to buy food for the hostel. That was how bad and serious the condition was. Luckily, unlike in Gujarat, and unlike at the Centre, the Kerala ministry is open to receiving my calls and listening to me. I feel a great sense of liberation working in Kerala. Its only since I started working at Kalamandalam in January that I realised how isolated I feel working in Gujarat, where not even an IAS officer dares to take a call from me. Its been like that for 20-odd years. It started with small things being closed off for me and its become a total ban for many years now. No one gets used to operating like that, but then it becomes second nature, and its a horrible second nature. What are some of the other issues at the Kalamandalam? Theres a funny issue in Kalamandalam right now, which is that men are not coming to learn Kathakali. We need to throw a larger net to men outside of Kerala, without that the course is going to become an all-womens category with only the men as musicians. I think there are so many very strong male dancers in the Northeast, but they have never considered Kalamandalam as a possibility. That is where we have to first start. We are also going to start shorter term courses, shorter appreciation courses, and will be looking at students from Africa and Asia at large for those. The immediate thing that we are doing is that we need to institute at Kalamandalam such facilities, monetarily and in conduct, where tourists can come in. Im insisting the staff and students learn English, like Im learning Malayalam, because English-speaking people can communicate and open up our world. Have the students demands been met? The girl students told me about how much gender discrimination there is. Horrified, I spoke with both the registrar and the vice-chancellor to see if we needed to change the rules or whether it was just patriarchy playing out over nearly a century at the institute. We changed a lot of the ridiculous rules and restrictions that were placed on the girls, such as they couldnt go to the canteen earlier, couldnt stay out of the hostel after 6 pm, couldnt go out into the city, etc. We changed all of that right in the beginning, along with their dress code. I brought in self-defence teaching for the girls. One of the things that will change is that we want to bring in an elected students council so that there is a student voice that is regularly raising the students issues that need addressing. A day each week, the students will be shown feature films on dance forms, dancers, artists, and other art forms. Some of the older people in Kalamandalam have encouraged that. I asked the students, what do you do at 4 am that you cannot do at, say, 6 am? Earlier when there was no electricity, children went to bed at 8 pm, and hence wake up at 4 in the morning, but thats not true of today, so, why are children being deprived of sleep, which is necessary for cognitive development. So, we have readjusted the timetables because the academic teachers complained that children dose off in the class. A Kalamandalam bachelors of Arts degree should be able to provide students completely different jobs if they so want, or a Kalamandalam senior secondary student should be able to go study Psychology, but if they remain uneducated in academics, theyre never going to be able to do any of those. We are changing some fundamental things like that. I want to talk to our Ayurveda doctors about the validity of the foot massage that is given to men, but not to women. I would like a physiotherapist to come and actually teach both women and men what the correct massage clinically is for dancing, the spine included. To also introduce yoga, which works wonders for dancers, but also for non-dancers. There are many things in tradition which need to be incorporated in our life just like the many things that need to be thrown out. We threw out Sati a hundred years ago, because its wrong. Casteism and the caste system is another wrong. Tradition is not something that is locked up in time. It is something that happens every day, something we create, we have to separate the wheat from chaff. There will, of course, be resistance. Tell us about the role of classical art in connecting with other cultures today, in the times when theres a frightening uneasiness about certain communities inability to co-exist with the other? Bringing together cultural intellectuals to think in terms of this is very important, because there is, at the moment, like I said, no cross-cultural platform. This can be within and without India. We have been extremely Euro- and white-centric, primarily because the funding comes from that. But we have just so much to share with Africa, for instance, and with other Asian countries, that we need to build bridges there, because we share so much more of a cultural heritage. I first came to realise this very strongly when I was doing The Mahabharata (1985) by Peter Brook. I found that much of what I was talking to the group about, such as inherent respect and reverence for certain things, was understood immediately by the other Asians and Africans, and the Europeans just could not understand. Whenever Indian artistes were travelling through France, Peter would insist that they come and either interact with the Mahabharata group, or perform for the Mahabharata group in a very informal setting in our theatre. I remember the Dagar Brothers had come to sing. We were all sitting on the floor around them and several of the Europeans stuck their feet out. I pointed out that its a sign of great disrespect, for us, the arts are very much part of our spiritual journey. Our view needs to go from the West towards Africa and Asia, we have a lot in common and we can share many of our own insights to find a way of throwing light onto a very fractured world, because the fracturing is not only in India. In India, we are seeing a dismantling of so much that we believed was integral to a democratic plural nation. We need to think about it very seriously.
We live in a warming world, one that is heating up much faster than expected. As per a new UN report, our planet is likely to cross a critical threshold for global warming within the next decade, which could have a deep and dangerous impact on human, plant and animal life. But if author Peter Frankopan is to be believed, the relationship between climate and mankind isnt new. In his latest book, The Earth Transformed, he takes this argument further with riveting examples of how our history has been affected by the environment. In fact, he adds, the era of the modern man began due to a rise in global temperatures. The author writes, Agriculture may not have been impossible before the Holocene (around 12,000 years ago), but it suited conditions perfectly after its onset. It spawned empires, cities, and a growth in human population the Earth had never seen before. Over 700 pages, he drives the message of how of our lives are shaped by nature, and why we are bound by the health of the natural world. We spoke to the author about his attempt to forge a new kind of history, what India can learn from the past and lessons for the future. Climate change is real but not new, as per your book. Its a take that has, so far, largely been overlooked. What triggered your deep-dive into history to understand it? As a historian, I suppose my starting point, when trying to understand any problem, is to look at its roots. That was what motivated me when I wrote about the Silk Roads (The Silk Roads: A New History of the World)  and the same is the case with Earth Transformed. All of us are aware of the problems we face in a warming world, so I have wanted to ask why it is that we are facing such dangers. Those do not just involve climate change, but also biodiversity loss and collapse of ecosystems. I wanted to look at how climate changes of the past have influenced not only human history but that of the natural world; and also at how our species has remodelled this planet for our own needs  for good and bad. We are living not so much in a golden age of new evidence, but in one of hyper-abundance. How easy or difficult was it to connect the dots for this book? That is a great question, and one that is quite hard to answer accurately or perhaps even modestly. Pulling together vast amounts of material involves huge amounts of research, as well as thinking and contemplation  and that is all before trying to put ideas in order. So, it is like a million-piece jigsaw puzzle. Part of me wants to underline that it is incredibly difficult to solve one of those, but also to recognise that Ive done so successfully. So, it was really, really hard. And yet, I love to take on big challenges, even if they take me 10 years, as this one has done. So, can we now say that environmental changes have had a far greater impact on history than battles and kings? It always amazes me how much we think about individuals in the past and the present. And not only that, but that we think about rich and powerful ones. But someone who pollutes a river can do much more harm than a king or a queen. Groups of us are far more significant in our needs and demands than a royal or presidential court. But we love looking at history like it is a Netflix series  we want plots and intrigues, murders and mysteries, and we want heroes and villains. One reason for that is that it distances ourselves from reality: other people are the ones to blame; other people are the ones whose decisions count; if only our own champions and heroes made decisions. It stops us from looking at communities  and at ourselves. That is crucial when it comes to the natural world. Can you share, from the book, an example of human resilience being tested and triumphing/failing due to environmental change? We are remarkable when faced with disaster. There have been times of profound suffering, of loss of lives running into the millions  even tens of millions  and yet here we are, just about hanging on. The terrible cases of hunger and deaths in famine in Bengal in the 18th and 20th centuries, the Doji Bara of the 1790s, or during the Black Death from the 1340s, or the Justinian plague 700 years earlier were all closely linked to climatic and environmental changes. And despite the catastrophes that followed, there was recovery. That should provide some source of hope. At the moment, there is a belief that global warming will lead us to our collective doom. But in actuality, can some of us stand to benefit from it, as some civilisations have as per your book? Yes, clearly everything depends on where climatic and ecological change prove damaging and where they are beneficial. Regions that are already warm are in worse positions than those that are temperate; but much depends on water resources; on the ability to harness science and technology to solve problems; and on financial resources too. There is not a single lake or river in Saudi Arabia; and typical temperatures are far higher than in India, especially in cities away from the coast, such as Riyadh. But if you can afford to power air-conditioning and have high levels of infrastructure investment (as well as forward planning), then the prospects for ones population can be mitigated, alleviated or perhaps even solved. Likewise, though, large parts of Russia and Canada, as well as a few select locations in the northern and southern hemisphere will do better in a warmer world. The benefits and costs are not evenly distributed. But are we exacerbating climate change and its impacts? For sure, we are exacerbating climate change. Almost half the carbon injected into the atmosphere by humans has taken place since Sachin Tendulkar made his Test debut for India. Rather than slowing down, global fossil fuel expenditure is going up. There have been some important breakthroughs  such as the Montreal protocol about the ozone layer that produced plenty of change. But for now, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that we are hurtling towards the edge of a cliff, at great speed. Part of the problem is that we cant seem to work out who is at fault or who can fix it, as we assume it is nothing to do with us. But the scale of the challenge is described by many leading scientists as existential. In fact, as one recent report put it, The scale of the threats to the biosphere and all its lifeforms  including humanity  is in fact so great that it is difficult to grasp, even for well-informed experts. And are we, even now, paying enough attention to climate change or really understanding its full impact? No. Not one of the G20 countries is within the commitments it gave at Paris in 2015. That tells you something. Then when we look at the floods in Pakistan that displaced 33 million people; at 40C temperatures in the UK; the highest temperature ever recorded in China; terrible drought and then extraordinary flash floods in Australia; or tornadoes that devastate entire towns in the United States, one might think weve been unlucky and that these things happen. They will happen more and more frequently, in more and more places. That will put strains on production, create economic shocks, produce humanitarian crises  and more. It is probably worth remembering, then, that in most religious traditions, not least Hinduism, ecological balance is closely connected to moral behaviour: those who anger the gods/God are punished environmentally. So, in some ways, the fact that we have created the circumstances for our own tragedies and challenges is something that is very recognisable when one studies history. Its reported that India will be one of first countries where heatwaves will break the human survivability index. What can we learn from history? That is easy: the first and most important lesson of all when faced with a crisis is to look at who, where and how that has been handled well in the past; and likewise, the opposite. History is a never-ending resource that can offer guidance  if you ask the right questions of the past. The Earth Transformed: An Untold History by Peter Frankopan is published by Bloomsbury. It is priced at Rs 850.
A house help in Singapore was jailed for six months after she was found guilty of a biting a 14-month old baby girl. As per a report published on Strait Times, when the girl was kept under the care of the housekeeper it became difficult for the housekeeper to put her to sleep. She became so annoyed that it led to her biting the girl's arm, which left a bruise mark. The mother was shocked on discovering the mark on the toddler's body and filed an official complaint against the maid, which led to her imprisonment. When the mother confronted the maid, initially, she adamantly denied the allegation. Eventually, though, she admitted that she had bitten the girl and even went to her knees to apologise for her error. The house help, who was identified as 33-year-old Masita Khoridaturochmah, allegedly pleaded guilty during the sentencing that was ordered on Tuesday. Louis Ngia, the Deputy Public Prosecutor confirmed that the maid had been working with the family since 2021 and her profile involved taking care of the girl and her twin sister. During the sentencing, the prosecutor requested the court to give the maid a jail term of eight or nine months, but the defense lawyer told the bench of District Judge Tan Tse that Masita had realised her error and was "remorseful". As a result, she was sentenced to six months in jail, the term of which started on April 11. Also Read: These 3 Indian eateries made it to Asias 50 Best Restaurants List
A man in the United Kingdom blocked and staged a protest at a drive-thru McDonald's outlet after not receiving the fries and drinks along with the complete order he had paid for. As per a report in The Metro, the man, who was identified as David Shephard, blocked the drive-thru at the McDonald's located near Whitstable in Kent. He had paid 80 pounds or approximately Rs 8,125 via UberEats for his order, which arrived incomplete. "I decided to drive to McDonalds to ask them to replace the missing items, but I was told it was against company policy to do so. At that point, the food was already cold, so we have 80 Pounds (Rs 8125) worth of a meal that were not getting," he told The Metro. "All of this would have been avoided if theyd just given us the dinner wed paid for," he added. Later, McDonald's issued an apology for the incomplete order and also gave a full refund to the man. The local police managed to sort out the chaos after two hours of the protest. McDonald's has been going through a restructuring period and had announced layoffs worldwide. The company had also slashed pay packages for a few of its employees. Also Read: Bengaluru customer gets midnight McDonalds meal from Swiggy in 10 seconds
The food scene in Thiruvananthapuram (aka Trivandrum), Keralas capital city, is grossly underrated. Kozhikode is a foodies paradise with a thriving local food scene and iconic outlets that serve Malabari cuisine. Kochi is probably the most evolved F&B destination in the state with a heady blend of local and international dining options. Thiruvananthapuram, at the southern end of Kerala, usually gets left out of the Kozhikode vs Kochi food debates. We think its time it should be in the mix. From a restaurant in a painstakingly restored 18th century villa to an Asian fine-diner to street food and stunning sunsets, we take you on a culinary trail in Indias southern-most capital. Action Station at the Hyatt Regency Trivandrum The citys first teppanyaki grill in a fine dining restaurant is where the action is. Watch chefs-turned-showmen like Chef Rajaram do the juggling act as they keep turning out delicious Asian grills non-stop. Oriental Kitchen at the Hyatt Regency is one of the citys trendiest restaurants with top-class dim-sums and Asian large plates. Aside from the Asian grills, the restaurants other bestsellers include fiery Asian curries and Chinese comfort food. Dinner date at Villa Maya To call Villa Maya one of Indias most romantic dinner destinations is not an exaggeration. This was once an 18th Century Dutch-style villa that enjoyed the attention of the royal house of Travancore. It was painstakingly restored more than a decade ago to become one of the citys finest dining experiences. Its the al fresco area that is our pick once the sun goes down. The menu showcases the finest Kerala cuisine and includes a smattering of Indian and international plates. Do try their tender coconut soup with one of their platters and wrap it all up with their signature chocolate dessert. Grab and go Two best friends should probably never get married. I was sceptical about poli or boli (Puran poli in Maharashtra) and Paal Ada (Keralas famous milk payasam or kheer) would work together  both great desserts and yet not quite my idea of a pairing. But after a boli and paal ada on the go, Trivandrum-style, I was gobsmacked. You have to try the citys official dessert in the Pazhavangadi area (not far from the Padmanabhasamy temple) at outlets like Maha Boli. My other street beverage discovery was the spicy butter milk (spiked with green chillies) at Mohans More Kadaa. Kethels chicken and other meat legends A. Maheen can take credit for what has become one of Trivandrums most popular dishes. Kethels chicken was introduced in Hotel Rahmaniya, a local legend since 1949 (set up by Maheens father) in the citys busy Chala bazaar area. Kethels chicken is marinated in chilli and their secret masala before getting the KFC-style deep fry treatment with pepper and a garnish of chilli seeds. Many locals also start their morning at Good Morning Hotel that serves a fiery meat roast with parotta. Id recommend washing it all down with their invigorating Sulaimani (a black tea from the Malabar region). If biryani is your thing, you can stop at Paragon, the Trivandrum outpost of the popular biryani brand from Kozhikode. Rocket dosas in the Rocket city The city is home to one of Indias first rocket launching stations (Thumba, established in 1963). Its currently used by ISRO as a launchpad for sounding rockets. Its probably how the citys most famous dosa, the crispy rocket dosa, at Arya Nivas (in Thampanoor) earned its name. This is one of the best breakfast options in a restaurant that offers delicious South Indian vegetarian fare through the day. Hipster mode in Kovalam My earliest memories of Trivandrum was watching sunsets at Kovalam; Ive spent quite a few school summer vacations here. The German Bakery is one of Kovalams most popular spots to watch the sun go down. This space offers an interesting blend of German cuisine, fresh catch of the day and desserts. Another hipster magnet is Beatles Cafe and Grill House. Aside from sweeping views of the Arabian sea and the quintessential beach shack vibe, many regulars also come back for their seafood platters.
Forty-two Chinese fighter jets briefly crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait on Saturday as China began drills around Taiwan in anger at President Tsai Ing-wens meeting with the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. The three-day drills, announced the day after Tsai returned from the United States, had been widely expected after China condemned her Wednesday meeting with Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwans government strongly objects to Chinas claims. Beijings announcement also came just hours after China hosted a visit by senior European leaders. The Peoples Liberation Army said it had started the combat readiness patrols and Joint Sword exercises around Taiwan, having said earlier it would be holding them in the Taiwan Strait and to the north, south and east of Taiwan as planned. "This is a serious warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces collusion and provocation, and it is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Chinese armys Eastern Theater Command said in a statement. Taiwans Defence Ministry said on Saturday morning it spotted 42 Chinese fighters  J-10s, J-11s and J-16s, crossing the median line that normally serves as an unofficial batter between the two sides, as well as eight Chinese ships. China was using Tsais U.S. visit "as an excuse to carry out military exercises, which has seriously damaged regional peace, stability and security, the ministry said in a statement. "The military will respond with a calm, rational and serious attitude, and will stand guard and monitor in accordance with the principles of not escalating nor disputes to defend national sovereignty and national security. SITUATION AS EXPECTED China had threatened unspecified retaliation if the meeting with McCarthy  second in line to succeed the U.S. president, after the vice president  were to take place. Beijing staged war games around Taiwan, including live-fire missile launches, in August after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei. A senior Taiwan official familiar with security planning in the region told Reuters the aircraft had only crossed the median line briefly, while the ships had already turned back, unlike in August when vessels from both navies engaged in stand-offs. The situation was "as expected and manageable, and Taiwans government has rehearsed various scenarios for its response, the person said on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorised to speak to the media. Reuters reporters in a seaside area near Fuzhou, opposite the Taiwan-controlled Matsu islands, saw a Chinese warship firing shells onto a drill area on Chinas coast, part of drills announced by China late on Friday. Tsai, hosting a lunch on Saturday with a visiting U.S. lawmaker delegation, led by Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said she looked forward to strengthening security cooperation with the United States. "I would like to reiterate that the people of Taiwan love democracy and seek peace, she said, without directly mentioning the drills in comments before television cameras. Tsai has repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rebuffed as the government views her as a separatist. She says only Taiwans people can decide their future. The Peoples Daily, the official newspaper of Chinas ruling Communist Party, said in a commentary on Saturday that the government has a strong ability to thwart any form of Taiwan independence secession. "All countermeasures taken by the Chinese government belong to Chinas legitimate and legal right to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, it said. DIPLOMACY AND DRILLS Unlike in August, China has yet to announce whether it will also stage missile drills. When China announced the previous drills, it published a map showing which maritime areas near Taiwan it would be firing into. The security source said April is when China typically carries out military exercises. Taiwanese officials had expected a less severe reaction to the McCarthy meeting, given it took place in the United States, but they had said they could not rule out the possibility of China staging more drills. Chinas announcement came hours after French President Emmanuel Macron left China, where he met President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders. Macron urged Beijing to talk sense to Russia over the war in Ukraine. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen, also in China this week to meet Xi, said stability in the Taiwan Strait was of paramount importance. Xi responded by saying that expecting China to compromise on Taiwan was wishful thinking, according to Chinas official reading of the meeting. Chinas defence ministry, as well as carrying the announcement of the drills around Taiwan, showed pictures on its home page of Xi meeting Macron and von der Leyen. The Taiwan security source said Chinas recent efforts to charm foreign leaders were in vain after the announcement of the drills. "Upon the announcement of drills in the strait, all those efforts have vanished overnight and become a wasted effort.
Officials from Nepal and China have held a high-level meeting to discuss existing bilateral ties and cooperation and deliberated on the ways to further expand and consolidate cooperation in various areas like trade promotion, investment and connectivity. The 15th meeting of the Bilateral Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism between the Foreign Ministries of Nepal and China was held in Beijing on Friday. The two sides discussed existing bilateral ties and cooperation and deliberated on the ways to further expand and consolidate partnership in various areas such as economic cooperation, trade promotion, investment, tourism and connectivity among others. The meeting also reviewed the progress of different infrastructure development projects under China's grant assistance as well as Chinese-contracted projects and agreed to expedite the implementation of the projects so as to complete them in time, according to a statement issued by Nepals Ministry of Foreign Affairs here. However, the statement did not mention Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which could not take off even six years after the two countries signed the agreement. During the high-level meeting Bharat Raj Paudyal, Foreign Secretary of Nepal, and Sun Weidong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, led their respective delegations to the meeting, the statement said. "The meeting was held in an atmosphere of cordiality and friendship," it said, adding the Vice Minister of China admired Nepal's consistent adherence to the 'one-China policy and respect for the five principles of peaceful coexistence.' Foreign Secretary Paudyal appreciated the Chinese policy of non-interference and respect for Nepal's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, the statement said. "With a view to reducing the trade deficit, Foreign Secretary Paudyal proposed for the preferential treatment to Nepali primary products such as tea, coffee, herbal products, cooked buffalo meat, and other agricultural products," according to the statement.The Chinese side agreed to encourage Chinese investors to make the investment in mutually beneficial areas, adds the statement. "The two sides discussed promoting people-to-people contacts and cultural cooperation, increasing the number of scholarships to Nepali students and professionals, and capacity development of technical experts, among others," the statement said. The Foreign Secretary of Nepal appreciated the Government of China for enlisting Nepal as one of the outbound destination countries for group tourism, the ministry said. "The two sides reviewed the cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral forums, including in the United Nations, and exchange of mutual support to each other's candidatures." On Thursday, Nepal Foreign Secretary Paudyal called on Chinas Foreign Minister Qin Gang and discussed matters relating to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation. Paudyal is the first Nepali official to meet Qin, who was appointed as Chinas Foreign Minister in December last year.
Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova is due to visit India on Monday and will seek humanitarian aid and equipment to repair energy infrastructure damaged during Russia's invasion, the Hindu newspaper reported on April 8. India, which holds the presidency of the G20 bloc this year, has declined to blame its old ally Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and has sought a diplomatic solution while boosting its purchases of Russian oil. Dzhaparova, making the first visit to India by a Ukrainian government minister since Russia's invasion, will call on India to send a "strong message for peace" to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is due to visit India in July for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and is due back in September for a G20 summit, the newspaper said. "Ukraine has requested India for more humanitarian aid, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and energy equipment, to repair power infrastructure damaged during the war, and both sides are also expected to discuss the delivery of such support," the newspaper said, citing diplomatic sources. The newspaper said final arrangements for Dzhaparova's visit were still under discussion. India's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Dzhaparova is expected to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Kyiv, the newspaper said. During talks with the Indian government, Dzhaparova will expand on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's 10-point peace formula, and call on India to add its "crucial global voice" to building a consensus in its favour, the paper said. Ukraine is keen to get an invitation to participate in G20 meetings and for Zelenskiy to be invited to speak to G20 leaders during the summit, the newspaper said. The Indian Council of World Affairs, a New Delhi-based think tank, said on Twitter it would host a talk with Dzhaparova on Tuesday.
China has begun to distance itself from the war in Ukraine to re-establish ties with the European Union (EU) that had suffered for the past three years due to Covid and the ongoing conflict in Europe. Beijing has said that its no limit partnership with Russia was nothing but rhetoric. But during his talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula van der Leyen, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave no indication that he was willing to abandon Russia  a relationship from which Beijing has gained significantly, both strategically and economically, in the past two years. China has not condemned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and has argued that Moscows legitimate security concerns will have to be taken into account. However, it has also said that a country's sovereignty and territorial integrity needs to be respected. European leaders believe China is the only country that can play an important role in resolving the Ukraine crisis. Macron, closely followed by van der Leyen, came on a three-day visit to China on Thursday to mend relations between the two sides. Macron came to the country with a 60-member strong business delegation. The focus of the visit was also to ascertain the extent of Chinese support for Russia in the war with Ukraine. Before his visit, Macron spoke to US President Joe Biden, indicating that the American leader has been kept in the loop. Macrons visit to China, the first since 2019, is part of a string of visits by European leaders to Beijing in the past few months. German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz visited the country with a large business delegation to strengthen economic ties in November last year. The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, visited China in March. These visits indicate the keenness of the countries to revive economic ties with China as the two-year-long Ukraine conflict has seriously strained the European economy. The war has also affected Chinas relations with Europe, which sees the country as a close ally of Russia, and is helping it overcome the crippling US sanctions. Chinas bilateral trade with Europe in 2021 was over $706 billion, making it the countrys largest trade partner, overtaking America. Macron and Van der Leyen tried to convince Xi to use his influence with Russian President Vladmir Putin to end his military offensive in Ukraine and resume negotiations. In the run-up to their visit, through a series of interviews in the western media, China tried to make it clear that its no limit relationship with Russia was nothing more than rhetoric. Xi assured the visiting European leaders that China was not supplying arms to Russia, a concern that has been widely publicised in the past few weeks in the US and Europe. This came as a relief to the Europeans as they realised that no military alliance between Russia and China was in the offing. Xi also stressed that Ukraine was not his war and that the crisis is not an issue between China and the EU, and added that China will continue to play a positive role in facilitating peace talks. But experts doubt if China enjoys the kind of influence that will convince Moscow to give up its strategic objectives and return to the talks table to shore up Beijings international standing. There is little to suggest that Russia will do so on Chinese bidding, DB Venkatesh Varma, Indias former ambassador to Russia and a leading Russia expert, said. In a paper for the Delhi-based think-tank Vivekananda International Foundation, he had analysed Sino-Russian relations in the aftermath of President Xis three-day visit to Moscow in March. Varma had argued that Russia will not forgo military gains in Ukraine to enhance Chinese global standing. Sensing that the Chinese peace plan is part of a broader global diplomatic offensive, Putin did not give Xi anything to help him gain leverage with the US or EU on a possible peace settlement in Ukraine, said Varma. Russia is aware that China will not help it in any substantive way in its war with Ukraine at the cost of its relations with the US and the EU, added the former ambassador. According to the Chinese media, Xi supports the EU's efforts for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. The media said that the country favours a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security framework, which serves the interests of the EU. China had released a 12-point document for a settlement of the Ukraine crisis in February, but it has not found many takers yet. Any peace plan which would in effect consolidate Russian annexations is simply not a viable plan, von der Leyen had said. During the visit of the French President the two sides also formalised the purchase of 160 Airbus aircraft for 36 billion Euros. Xi and Macron visited the Chinese city of Guangzhou on Friday, where they held more talks and had a private dinner. The talks between the two sides come when the US is trying to convince partners not to sell sophisticated technology, particularly semiconductor equipment for making microchips, to China. A comprehensive economic and trade partnership agreement between China and the EU has also been shelved for the past few years because of Beijings poor human rights track record. China hopes that European countries will be able to break away from the US influence, and build independent relations with China to safeguard their own economic development and interests. It remains to be seen whether China can really drive a wedge between the US and the Europeans, especially when a war is raging in Ukraine.
China justified in taking countermeasures against Tsai's U.S. "transit" trip

Xinhua) 09:09, April 08, 2023

This photo taken on March 29, 2023 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The leader of China's Taiwan region Tsai Ing-wen made a "transit" trip to the United States, met with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and openly preached "Taiwan independence." This was another attempt toward creating tension in the Taiwan Strait.

In response, China took strong countermeasures to deter the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and sternly warn against interference from external forces. This is a just move to safeguard national sovereignty and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The United States called Tsai's transit "private." However, she met with U.S. government officials and congressmen, including Kevin McCarthy, the third-highest-ranking U.S. official, and trumpeted "Taiwan independence" at every opportunity and sought "international support."

These actions prove that by no means it was a "private trip" as claimed by the United States. It is a provocative act by the United States and Taiwan authorities in an attempt to upgrade official interaction and substantive relations, which seriously violates the one-China principle.

In August of last year, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan pushed for a visit by Nancy Pelosi, the predecessor of Kevin McCarthy, and intensified its provocation by colluding with external forces to seek "Taiwan independence." In response, China took firm countermeasures based on solid legal grounds.

It should be noted that the U.S. side has blatantly violated the commitment made by President Joe Biden during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bali, Indonesia, last November, and is bent on arranging political activities for Tsai under the guise of a "transit," ignoring China's strong opposition.

This is a bad act that grossly violates the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and severely undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The one-China principle has long been the general consensus of the international community and a basic norm of international relations. To date, 182 countries including the United States have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of this principle.

The Taiwan question lies at the heart of China's core interests and is the first red line that must not be crossed in Sino-U.S. relations.

China is determined to crack down on "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities with the firmest resolve, and take the strongest measures to eliminate interference by external forces. Robust countermeasures demonstrate China's unwavering determination, firm resolve, and formidable capability to safeguard its national sovereignty.

After assuming office, Tsai actively pursued closer ties with the United States, wantonly played up the so-called "China threat," smeared and attacked the "one country, two systems," disrupted and restricted cross-Strait economic and trade cooperation, and constantly raised the tone against the Chinese mainland. Such actions have undermined the hard-won peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

The DPP authorities rely on the United States to seek "Taiwan independence," and the anti-China forces in the United States use Taiwan to contain China, posing the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Given the repeated support to the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces by the United States, and the DPP authorities' consistent provocation and disruptive behavior, it is necessary that China should take resolute countermeasures to teach these forces a lesson.

The more rampant "Taiwan independence" activities are, the less likely it is to peacefully resolve the Taiwan question. Only by letting those political forces who use Taiwan as a "show ground" for political speculation feel the pain, can we effectively deter "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities, safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, and promote the realization of complete national reunification.

Any perverse attempt to block the great cause of China's reunification will surely be crushed by the wheels of history, and any attempt to slow down or even block the historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will only make the Chinese people more united than ever. The Taiwan question arose as a result of weakness and chaos in our nation, and it will be resolved as national rejuvenation becomes a reality.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili has completed his working visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A guard of honor was lined up for the Georgian Prime Minister at the Gabala International Airport decorated with the national flags of both countries.

Georgian PM Irakli Garibashvili was seen off by officials.
Going into the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair last week, Highlands Elementary student June Haynie felt confident in herself and her project.

Once you get to state, you are kind of used to presenting so youre not as nervous, Haynie said. When we did the first science fair at school, I was way more nervous. State is a little bit bigger but by then you have a feel for presenting.

Her hard work paid off as the sixth grader placed third overall against hundreds of students in the April 1 competition at Auburn University. On top of that, she also won the science enthusiast award.

For her project, Haynie compared different lipsticks and put a presentation together about which one would last the longest. The project went hand in hand with two of Haynies passions: innovation and fashion.

I did lipstick because I have a fashion side of me, Haynie said. When I started researching the background, I found all of these interesting facts and I just got hooked. It was very cool to learn so much while I was doing this project.

According to Haynie, the project was a long process. Erin Woodham, Haynies teacher, said students worked on their projects for several months.

These children worked on them from the last week of September (2022) all the way until mid-December, Woodham said. Each week, we took a piece of the project and I taught them how to do it. We practiced in class and at the end we took all of those pieces together to do the project. She (June) did this project for about three months.

In order to get an opportunity to compete at the state fair, Haynie and 22 other students from Highlands first competed in a science fair at the school. From there, she moved on to the district fair where she placed second against students from across the Dothan City Schools system. Lastly, she competed in the regional fair and placed second in the behavioral science category.

When the state fair was all set and done, it took Haynie a few days to realize what shed accomplished.

It did take a couple of days to realize oh yeah, I really did win third place, Haynie said. I was really shocked when I won because I didnt expect to win State or make it this far, it was all really fun.

Haynie said her favorite part of the competition was getting to interact with the judges.

I liked getting to see different judges, Haynie said. At state you get a lot more judges and they are ready to ask you questions. Sometimes they ask questions that you wouldve never thought of, and it was fun to answer them because they really make you think.

For placing in the competition, Haynie received a medal. She was also presented with a certificate for winning the science enthusiast award, recognizing her for showing the most enthusiasm about her project when she was being interviewed by judges.

Like any parent would be, Haynies mother Courtney was proud of her daughters accomplishment.

She is one of those kids who goes 110%, and you can see that by how well she did, she said. She was very thorough and used her resources like her awesome teachers at Highlands. You could tell she had all of the support that she needed.

Woodham praised Haynie for not only the hard work she put into her project, but for the student she is in general.

She is a remarkable student, Woodham said. More importantly, she is a very compassionate student and Im extremely proud of her. She may seem so confident and nonchalant, but she worked so hard to prepare.

Haynie tells other kids looking to compete at a science fair that its more about the person than the project itself.

Its not all about the project, Haynie said. The main thing the judges are looking at is the way you present it and how confident you are.

Although the future might seem far away, Haynie may have already figured out a career path.

I would love to be an engineer or do something in design, Haynie said. I love creating and building things.
April 08, 2023

'Peace In The Middle East? That's A Threat.'

Thanks to China's and Russia's mediation peace is breaking out in the Middle East.

Elijah J. Magnier @ejmalrai - 4:14 UTC  Apr 8, 2023 #BreakingNews: The United Arab Emirates has begun withdrawing its forces from #Yemen. The Saudi-Emirati-Yemenite agreement will be announced soon. The Middle East is solving its conflicts without the #US negative impact. Elijah J. Magnier @ejmalrai  Apr 7

Great news:

#SaudiArabia will announce the end of the war in #Yemen after the Eid al-Fitr. Saudi is ending all its (high/low) conflicts in the Middle East with #Iran, #Syria, #Iraq, #Yemen & #Lebanon(not interested in the country for now) to turn towards its own development. ...

Peace will also come to Syria. The foreign minister of Saudi Arabia will soon visit Damascus. He will invite Syria to rejoin the Arab League. An Arab League summit will be held next month in Saudi Arabia and the Syrian president Bashar al Assad is expected to be there.

This comes after agreements between Iran and Saudi Arabia to bury the hatchet and after agreements between Iraq and Iran to reign in a Kurdish uprising in Iran that was controlled by Kurdish forces in Iraq.

'We can't have that', says U.S. president Joe Biden. He sent CIA director Bill Burns to Saudi Arabia to threaten consequences:

CIA Director Bill Burns made an unannounced trip to Saudi Arabia this week where he reportedly aired Washington's frustrations over Riyadh's opening to Iran and Syria through mediation brokered by US rivals China and Russia. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a US official confirmed the trip to Al-Monitor. Director Burns traveled to Saudi Arabia where he met with intelligence counterparts and country leaders on issues of shared interest," the US official said. The official did not disclose the exact day of the trip but said that Burns discussed intelligence cooperation, especially in the area of counterterrorism. The CIA director met the country's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.

Burns likely threatened to withhold U.S. intelligence on terrorist groups from the Saudis. The CIA could additionally push some of its ISIS assets to make some nasty appearances in Saudi Arabia to then offer 'help' to 'fight terrorism'.

I do not think that this will work. The Saudis have had enough of U.S. interference in their region. They are looking for development and development requires peace.

Thus the U.S. is upping its threat:

The US Navy deployed a nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles into Middle East waters via the Suez Canal, a spokesperson revealed Saturday. The Pentagon's rare disclosure of the location of one of its Ohio-class submarines came amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran after an American military contractor was killed by a drone attack on a US base in Syria last month. The USS Florida arrived in the region before transiting the canal on Friday "to help ensure regional maritime security and stability," Cdr. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for the US Navy's 5th Fleet, told Al-Monitor via email.

...

Last week, the Pentagon extended the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS George H. W. Bush in the Mediterranean to support US forces in the Middle East in case of further conflagration and moved up the planned deployment of a squadron of A-10 attack aircraft to the region, CNN first reported.

Meanwhile the Zionists finally have to confront their ideological core:

Sina Toossi @SinaToossi - 15:28 UTC  Apr 8, 2023 Israel's former defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon says Jewish extremists who believe in "Jewish supremacy" & seek a "big war" are influencing the Israeli government's decision-making. He likens their agenda to a "Mein Kampf" in reverse. Muhammad Shehada @muhammadshehad2  15h Extremely important! #Israel's *right-wing* ex-Minister of Defense, Moshe Ya'alon, sheds light on Israel's most dangerous government & the supremacist ideology of its Finance & Security Ministers. Listen to every word to understand the ongoing escalation!

video

Moshe Ya'alon describing the ideology of two current ministers: "Jewish supremacism. Mein Kampf in reverse. ... To as soon as possible get to a big war. ... This is what goes into the decision making process in the Israeli government."

When government ministers seek a big war they will probably get one. A civil war between 'liberal' Zionists and hard core ideological Zionists, fought on the back of Palestinians, may become a prelude to that.

Posted by b on April 8, 2023 at 16:17 UTC | Permalink

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Uncertainty over the direction of the economy prompted another slowdown in drilling activity.

Oilfield services firm Baker Hughes, which has reported its rig county weekly since 1944, said Thursday  a day early because of the holiday  its US rig count fell four to 751, marking a second weekly decline. Still, the count is 62 rigs or 9% higher than the 689 Baker Hughes reported a year earlier.

The number of rigs seeking crude fell two to 590, 44 more than 546 last year. The number of rigs drilling for natural gas also fell by two to 158  17 more than the 141 drilling for natural gas last April.

Texas bucked the national trend, inching up one rig to 377  35 more than the 342 rigs active across the state last year. Texas was the only producing state to see an increase for the week. New Mexico fell one rig to 103. Colorado (1), Louisiana (1). North Dakota (1) and Oklahoma (1) joined New Mexico as producing states to experience declines.

The Permian Basin also bucked the national trend, adding one rig for 353 drilling across the region  21 more than the 332 reported the previous April. The Permian was the only producing basin to see an increase.

Eddy County, New Mexico, remains the most active county in the Permian with 55 rigs, up one for the week. Lea County, New Mexico, continued its decline, dropping two rigs to 47.

Reeves County reported 42 rigs for a second week while Martin County was close behind with 41 rigs, up one. Loving County added a rig for 28 rigs at work within county lines. Midland County had 27 rigs, unchanged for the week. Howard County reported 20 rigs, up one. Upton County reported 19 rigs for the fourth consecutive week, followed by Reagan County with 10 rigs, up one.

Crockett County saw renewed activity this week with the addition of one rig while Crane County saw no activity after losing its one rig.

Enverus Foundations, part of the energy-focused Software as a Service firm Enverus, said its US rig count reached 833 during the week ended April 5, falling by four from the previous week. The count is down 2% in the last month and up 8% year over year.

In major plays, Enverus Foundations said all but one reported declines. The Gulf Coast had the largest decline, losing nine to 98, followed by Anadarko dropping two to 74. The remaining regions lost one rig each. The Permian was the only major play to gain week-over-week, adding one rig for a total of 347.
MONTGOMERY  Carmen Ramer Davis, 59, from Opp received a sentence of 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to eight counts of wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart Friday. The federal judge also ordered that Davis serve one year of supervised release following her prison term.

According to court records and statements made in open court, sometime in 2006, the Brooklyn Congregational Methodist Church in Coffee County appointed Davis to serve as its secretary. In this position, Davis had authority to pay bills and expenses incurred by the church and had access to the churchs bank accounts.

Davis eventually obtained a debit card associated with the churchs bank account without the churchs knowledge. Davis began using the card to make fraudulent cash withdrawals at ATMs and to purchase personal items at various retailers. She also fraudulently wrote checks from the churchs bank account to herself or made them out to cash.

Davis did not make these withdrawals and purchases with the knowledge or consent of the church, nor were they for the churchs benefit. Evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that Davis used some of the illicit proceeds for trips to casinos in Mississippi and Alabama. The fraudulent activity was not discovered until August 2019, when a church leader received a letter from the churchs bank indicating there were insufficient funds to cover a $75.00 check written against the churchs account.

During Fridays sentencing hearing, the judge determined that, over the course of the scheme (a period stretching from July of 2008 until July of 2019), Davis defrauded the church of $89,440.32. The judge ordered Davis to pay restitution to the church in that amount. Soon after the church leaders discovered Daviss fraud, the Brooklyn Congregational Methodist Church closed due to financial hardship and has not reopened.

The crimes committed by Ms. Davis victimized an entire faith community, said United States Attorney Stewart. The harm will continue to be felt for quite some time. I am hopeful that the sentence imposed will deter others from engaging in such deceitful conduct.

The actions of the defendant significantly damaged not only the church, but also the community at large, stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. I am proud of the work by the FBI and US Attorneys office to hold Davis accountable for her actions and work toward repairing the publics trust.

The FBI and the Coffee County Sheriffs Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil prosecuted the case.
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  A U.S. Army sergeant was convicted of murder for fatally shooting an armed protester in 2020 during nationwide protests against police violence and racial injustice, a Texas jury ruled Friday.

Sgt. Daniel Perry was working for a ride-sharing company in July 2020 when he turned onto a street and into a large crowd of demonstrators in downtown Austin. In video that was streamed live on Facebook, a car can be heard honking before several shots ring out and protesters begin screaming and scattering.

The 28-year-old protester, Garrett Foster, was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Perry, who faces life in prison, now awaits sentencing.

Were happy with the verdict. Were very sorry for his family as well. Theres no winners in this, Stephen Foster, the victims father, told reporters Friday.

The jury deliberated for two days. During closing arguments, Perry's attorneys said he had no choice but to shoot Foster as he approached Perrys car with an AK-47 rifle, the Austin American-Statesman reported. Prosecutors said Perry could have driven away before firing his revolver.

Witnesses testified that Foster never raised his rifle at Perry, according to the newspaper. Perry, who did not testify, told police that Foster did.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, then-Police Chief Brian Manley said officers heard two separate volleys of gunfire. Officers made their way to the crowd, where they found Foster with multiple gunshot wounds.

Manley said the driver, who was not named at the time, called 911 and reported the shooting, and that the second round of shots was fired by protesters who witnessed the shooting.

Perry was stationed at Fort Hood, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) north of Austin. The trial comes after attempts from Perrys team to throw out the case over the past year.

When Foster was killed, demonstrators in Austin and beyond had been marching in the streets for weeks following the police killing of George Floyd. Floyd died May 25, 2020, after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against the Black mans neck for more than nine minutes. Floyd, who was handcuffed, repeatedly said he couldnt breathe.

Floyds killing was recorded on video by a bystander and sparked worldwide protests as part of a broader reckoning over racial injustice.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  The Iowa Attorney General's Office has paused its practice of paying for emergency contraception  and in rare cases, abortions  for victims of sexual assault, a move that drew criticism from some victim advocates.

Federal regulations and state law require Iowa to pay many of the expenses for sexual assault victims who seek medical help, such as the costs of forensic exams and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Under the previous attorney general, Democrat Tom Miller, Iowa's victim compensation fund also paid for Plan B, the so-called morning after pill, as well as other treatments to prevent pregnancy.

A spokeswoman for Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird, who defeated Miller's bid for an 11th term in November, told the Des Moines Register that those payments are now on hold as part of a review of victim services.

As a part of her top-down, bottom-up audit of victim assistance, Attorney General Bird is carefully evaluating whether this is an appropriate use of public funds, Bird Press Secretary Alyssa Brouillet said in a statement. Until that review is complete, payment of these pending claims will be delayed.

Victim advocates were caught off guard by the pause. Ruth Richardson, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, said in a statement that the move was deplorable and reprehensible.

Bird's decision comes as access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S. plunged into uncertainty following conflicting court rulings on Friday over the legality of the abortion medication mifepristone. For now, the drug the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2000 appeared to remain at least immediately available in the wake of separate rulings issued in quick succession.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Texas, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, ordered a hold on federal approval of mifepristone. But that decision came at nearly the same time that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice in Washington state, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, essentially ordered the opposite.

The extraordinary timing of the competing orders revealed the high stakes surrounding the drug nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed access to abortion across the country. President Joe Biden said his administration would fight the Texas ruling.

In Iowa, money for the victim compensation fund comes from fines and penalties paid by convicted criminals. For sexual assault victims, state law requires that the fund pay the cost of a medical examination of a victim for the purpose of gathering evidence and the cost of treatment of a victim for the purpose of preventing venereal disease, but makes no mention of contraception or pregnancy risk.

Sandi Tibbetts Murphy, who served as director of the victim assistance division under Miller, said the longtime policy for Iowa has been to include the cost of emergency contraception in the expenses covered by the fund. She said that in rare cases, the fund paid for abortions for rape victims.

My concern is for the victims of sexual assault, who, with no real notice, are now finding themselves either unable to access needed treatment and services, or are now being forced to pay out of their own pocket for those services, when this was done at no fault of their own, she said.

___

This story was first published on April 8, 2023. It was updated on April 9, 2023 to correct that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice is in Washington state, not Washington, D.C.
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VATICAN CITY (AP)  Pope Francis returned to public view on Saturday, presiding over Easter vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, a day after unseasonably chilly weather in Rome convinced the recently ailing pontiff to skip Good Friday's nighttime procession at the Colosseum.

The evening basilica service began in darkness. Then the basilica's cavernous interior was suddenly bathed in light, reflecting the Christian beliefs that Jesus rose from his death by crucifixion and that goodness can triumph over evil.

The 86-year-old pope is recuperating from bronchitis, which saw him hospitalized on March 29 for three days. On Sunday, tens of thousands of faithful are expected to join the pope in St. Peters Square for Easter Mass at the end of Holy Week.

In his homily, Francis sought to spur Catholics to be renewed by Easter.

At times, we may simply feel weary about our daily routine, tired of taking risks in a cold, hard world where only the clever and the strong seem to get ahead,'' Francis said. At other times, we may feel helpless and discouraged before the power of evil."

He cited other sources of discouragement: "the attitudes of calculation and indifference that seem to prevail in society, the cancer of corruption, the spread of injustice, the icy winds of war."

But Easter "motivates us to move forward, to leave behind our sense of defeat, to roll away the stone of the tombs in which we often imprison our hope,'' Francis said.

"The power of Easter, brothers and sisters, summons you to roll away every stone of disappointment and mistrust,'' the pope said.

His stamina appeared to hold during the vigil, which lasts more than two hours, although Francis at times coughed or cleared his throat.

At the start of the Easter vigil, Francis, who arrived in a wheelchair he uses to cope with knee pain, incised in the wax of a tall candle a cross, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet  alpha and omega  and the numerals of this year. Then the lit candle was carried by a cleric up the basilica's center aisle, past darkened pews filled with some 8,000 faithful. Dozens of cardinals and other prelates followed, each carrying a smaller, lit candle.

"The Church calls upon her sons and daughters, scattered throughout the world, to come together to watch and pray,'' Francis said, beginning the service. Later, the basilica bells tolled, resounding in the night.

The basilica Mass during the vigil of Christianity's most important day has become an occasion for pontiffs to baptize several adults from around the world. Selected to be baptized at this year's vigil were eight believers, from Albania, the United States, Nigeria, Italy and Venezuela, the Vatican said.

One by one, they approached the pope and told him that they wanted to be baptized. Then they leaned over a basin so Francis could pour water over their heads as part of the sacrament's ritual, formally welcoming them into the Catholic Church.
East Side Juniors 4-H club met March 6 at the 4-H building. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Halle Armstrong and the 4-H pledge was led by Savanna Ford.

Talks were given by Halle Armstrong, John Harper, Eva Lansaw, Robert Mawson, Ryker Meyer, Raelyn Ruyle and Riley White. Roll call featured safety tips.

Fara Harper gave a program on sign language.

Upcoming events: Cardinal day senior survey, public speaking, Cass pig sale QAec, YQCA training, livestock judging.

Comments and updates were shared by club leader Carolyn Bartz.

 Submitted by Madison Maro

Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club

On a pleasant, cloudy spring morning, 12 Rotarians, one visiting Rotarian and one guest gathered in the Holiday Inn Express meeting room. Those in attendance were President Linda Meece, Don Pigg, Sonie Smith, Ella Scaggs, Jane Becker, Mary Jane Hauser, Sarah Robinson, Brittany Nickel, Gordon Jumper, Jay Jamison, Pat Pennell and Sarah Edmiston, with Todd Lamison of the Quincy Rotary Club and Dr. Bernd Estabrook as guest speaker.

Greetings were exchanged and the improved condition of the meeting space were covered. Topics of conversation included travel stories and discussion of the previous weekends activities. Bernd prepared his presentation while Sonie shifted the podium and Don maneuvered a table into the center of the room for the projector.

President Meece rang the April 4 meeting to order at 6:59 a.m. Don led the Pledge of Allegiance, Brittany led the recitation of the Four-Way Test and Pat gave an appropriate invocation. Rotations were made by Don, Mary, Ella, Sarah Edmiston, Sonie and Todd. Brittany did an excellent job with Recognitions, providing multiple opportunities for Sunrise Rotarians to contribute to the scholarship fund.

President Linda read from an emailed dissertation from Brian Barnstead, the district's Rotary Foundation chair. The club learned that Polio Plus donations are at the highest they have been at this time of year in recent memory. We also learning that Sunrise was a Top Per Capita Annual Fund Giving Club. Also, Sunrise Rotary already has reached Every Rotarian Every Year designation (where every Rotarian makes an annual fund donation of at least $25) and Sunrise also is a 100% Giving Club (when the per capita average is more than $100). President Linda passed around the letter and then read a letter from JACIL about the upcoming Wheelathon. It was tabled with further discussion about donating planned for the next business meeting.

Jane read off the Troop-on coupons totals, concluding with more than $715,000 in total savings sent to the troops since the beginning of the project. Sarah Robinson then announced that a lasagna has been requested through Lasagna Love by a repeat customer. An individual or family in need can request a lasagna once a month. Pat and Sarah made arrangements for the delivery. Todd, involved in the Alzheimer's Association, announced that the Jacksonville Walk to End Alzheimers is planned for Sept. 10 in Community Park. There may have been comments from those in the peanut gallery that he was speaking to future clients.

The Food Raiser was reviewed. It was April 1 at County Market. There was a steady stream of donations dropped off by generous shoppers between 8 a.m. and noon. Many items were from the request lists passed out by Boy Scouts at the entrance, such as cans of fruit cocktail or green beans or corn, bags of rice or dried beans, jars of peanut butter and more. All were packed into 25 boxes. Money and a gift card also were donated. Everything was delivered to Pastor Polly at Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen straight from the store. She was very appreciative. After quickly delivering the boxes, pictures were taken.

Don introduced Dr. Estabrook, who gave an excellent presentation on dwarf planet Pluto, aided by pictures taken by space probe New Horizons. Bernd illustrated the distances from Earth to the moon and the stars beyond our own galaxy using spaces in the meeting room, then as far as Australia. He described the atmosphere and geographical features on Pluto, including ice mountains 4 kilometers high, deep trenches, wide glaciers of frozen nitrogen and towering volcanoes that spew water that instantly freezes to ice. He discussed the latest theories from NASA scientists studying the pictures sent back in 2015 by New Horizons, including that there may be a salty sea under the frozen outer crust. The temperature on Pluto is -370 Fahrenheit.

After an appreciative round of applause, Present Linda called the meeting to a close at 7:55 a.m. Dr. Estabrook is a member of the Sangamon Astronomical Society. He soon will give a talk at Jacksonville Public Library on a similar subject.

The next Sunrise Rotary meeting will be at 7 a.m. April 11 in the Holiday Inn Express meting room. All visiting Rotarians and guests are welcome.

 Submitted by Sarah Edmiston
Although some groups have resumed meetings, others schedules may have changed because of pandemic restrictions. It is recommended you contact the group in advance to verify details. Any changes in meeting schedules can be emailed to JJCsocial@myjournalcourier.com.



ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

217-370-4002

Jacksonville locations:

 First Baptist Church, 1701 Mound Ave. Wheelchair-accessible.

 Club HOW, 638 S. Church St.

Monday

 Closed discussion, 7:30 a.m. at Club HOW.

 Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW.

 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Bowen Group.

 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW.

Tuesday

 Open discussion, noon at Club HOW.

 Womens open meeting, 5:30 p.m., First Christian Churchs Fireside Room.

 VIRGINIA: Closed discussion, 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Main and Washington streets.

 ROODHOUSE: Closed discussion, 12-step/12 traditions, 8 p.m. at Grace Center, 114 W. Palm St.

Wednesday

 Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW.

 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW.

Thursday

 Closed discussion, 7:30 a.m. at Club HOW.

 Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW.

 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. Newcomers Group.

Friday

 Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW. TGIF Group.

 Closed discussion, 5:15 p.m., Big Book Study at Club HOW.

 VIRGINIA: Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 401 E. Broadway Ave.

Saturday

 Open speaker, 8 p.m. at Club HOW.

 Open meeting, noon at Club HOW.

Sunday

 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. 12 & 12 Group.

 Closed discussion, 10 a.m. at Club HOW. (Second Sunday is open)

 SPRINGFIELD: AA for Women, 10 a.m. at Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St.



AL-ANON

Meetings are nonsmoking and open to anyone. The only requirement is that there be a problem of alcohol with a loved one or friend. 217-248-6434.

Wednesday

 Al-Anon, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 331 E. State St. (use Morgan Street entrance).



NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

All meetings are nonsmoking. Not affiliated with any religious organization.

Jacksonville location:

 Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf, 104 Finley St. (enter through back door). 217-883-1975.

Monday

 Open discussion group, 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf.

Wednesday

 Open discussion group, 8 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf.

Friday

 Open discussion group, 7:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf.



OTHER MEETINGS

Monday

 Addicts Victorious, 7-8 p.m. at Faith Tabernacle, 571 Sandusky St. Use side entrance to church hall.

 PITTSFIELD: Addicts Victorious, 7-8 p.m. in the basement of Subway in Pittsfield. 1-800-323-1388.



Tuesday

 Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary, 7 a.m. Holiday Inn Express meeting room, South Jacksonville. 217-243-6895.

 Bereavement support group, 10-11 a.m. Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Meeting Room 4.

 Jacksonville Area Landlords Association (JALA), 6 p.m. at the Morgan County Fairgrounds grandstand. Social time at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 217-243-1409 or 217-248-5416.



Wednesday

 Breastfeeding support group, 6 p.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Meeting Room 2.

 ROODHOUSE: Women with Hearts of Love (WWHOL), 6-7 p.m. at House of Restoration, 208 W. Franklin St. 217-602-1670.



Thursday

 Grief support group, 10 a.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.

 Jacksonville Area Chess Club, 6-9 p.m. at Jacksonville Public Library. 217-370-0882.

 St. Johns UCC Grief Group, 7 p.m., St. Johns UCC, 216 North St., Brighton. Free | Support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

 Jacksonville Kiwanis Club, noon at Hamiltons.

 WHITE HALL: Addicts Victorious, teens 5:30-6:30 p.m.; adults 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of New Life Church, 626 Curtis St.



Friday

 Jacksonville Rotary Club, noon at Hamiltons.

 PITTSFIELD: Addicts Victorious, 6 p.m. at Assembly of God, 575 Piper St. 800-323-1388.



Saturday

 Jacksonville Amateur Radio Societys Net, 9 p.m. Transmitted on K9JX repeater. K9JX.com.

 Scott County Alzheimers support group, 9 a.m. April 15, Winchester United Methodist Church, 20 N. Walnut St., Winchester. Free | Open to all caregivers who help care for Alzheimers- and dementia-affected persons. For more information, Pam Hembrough at 217-473-6427.
An aircraft prepares to land in Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

The Ministry of Finance will study the possibility of imposing minimum airfare prices to ensure fair competition and make sure that professional airlines will not be beaten by low-cost carriers.

Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc told a meeting with lawmakers Thursday that if a low-cost airline offers tickets of for VND0, VND200,000 ($8.53) or VND500,000, they will not accrue enough revenues to pay for jet fuel, let alone paying staff and other expenses.

This means that eventually low-cost carriers could beat out professional airlines entirely and dominate the market and its profits exclusively, he added.

Phoc was commenting on a proposal by Pham Van Hoa, a lawmaker from the southern province of Dong Thap, who suggested that a minimum airfare level be implemented.

Although a VND0 ticket price will benefit passengers, it will not create healthy competition between carriers, he said.

Regarding the airfare cap, Hoa said such a cap should not be a cause for alarm. He added that airlines have been losing money because of the effects of Covid-19, not because prices are being regulated.

If the airfare were a problem no new investor would join the industry in the first place, he said.

But lawmaker Nguyen Thi Phu Ha, a member of the National Assemblys Finance Committee, proposed that the airfare cap be removed as government policy adjustments often lag behind market developments and can create challenges to businesses, which eventually bring down revenues from taxes.

The cap also is not in line with international practices and is unfair as other types of transportation such as roads or trains do not have price caps, she added.

The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport, however, has been arguing that the cap is needed to give the government a tool to control the market in case carriers bring prices up too high, especially on routes that have limited competition.

The cap could protect consumers and safeguard society from negative impacts.

The Ministry of Transport plans to increase the domestic air ticket price ceiling in Vietnam by an average 3.75% later this year.
Jacksonville Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Savannah N. Ketcham, 31, of 800 N. Illinois Ave. was arrested at 9:57 p.m. Thursday on charges of driving under the influence, endangering the life or health of a child, illegal transportation of alcohol and possession of adult-use cannabis. Police said an officer pulled over her vehicle in the 800 block of North Church Street and found open alcohol, cannabis, and a juvenile in the vehicle. She also was charged with obstructing a peace officer after police said she ignored commands from officers.

THEFTS, BURGLARIES

 Police are investigating a burglary at The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, 154 W. Morton Ave., during which an unknown amount of medication was stolen. Police were called to the store at 2:27 a.m. Friday because of an alarm being activated.
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Boston-based quartet Hub New Music wasnt necessarily looking to add another date to its busy performance calendar.

The acclaimed group  called contemporary chamber trailblazers by the Boston Globe  just wanted a new piece of music to play.

In contacting composer and Illinois College music professor emeritus Timothy Kramer, Hub leader and flutist Michael Avitabile found both.

Avitabile contacted me before the pandemic, Kramer said. He said he had this new-music group and wondered if Id be interested in writing some music for them.

In a now-familiar tale, the pandemic slowed the collaboration, but Avitabile stayed in touch with Kramer.

Since Avitabile wanted a Kramer composition and Kramer is one of the organizers of the fine arts series, Kramer had a proposal.

How about I write you a piece for coming to IC?

Hub New Music agreed.

Kramer delivered his composition  written for flute, clarinet, violin and cello  to the quartet in February and, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Hub New Music will wrap up this academic years fine arts series by premiering Kramers Spring Rounds along with pieces by four other composers.

The performance is part of Hub New Musics 10th anniversary celebration and four of the five pieces on Fridays program were commissioned by or for the quartet.

This isnt your grandfathers classical music, Kramer said of the concert. ... When I say they play new music, I mean they play stuff written in the past year.

The oldest of the composers on the program was born in 1940 and the oldest piece was written in 1974. One piece was written in 2022 and three, including Kramers, were written in 2023.

I dont know these pieces theyre playing, Kramer said, citing their extreme newness, but what Im excited about is its a broad range of composers.

Julius Eastmans Joy Boy, which was written in 1974 but wasnt recorded until 2021, explores both the pleasures of Black community life and the pejorative term for the southern Black male, according to the program notes.

Angelica Negrons 2022 Pedazos intermitentes de un lugar ya fragmentado (Intermittent Fragments of a Fractured Place) is a piece inspired by attempts at reconstructing memories connected to specific places and people,  Negron has said.

She used field recordings from trips to Puerto Rico to visit friends and family for inspiration, Kramer said. Thats so different from how Beethoven would have worked. I think theres a lot more kind of a personal narrative going on in contemporary music.

Jessica Meyers 2023 Spirits and Sinew is tied to the connection she feels toward New Orleans.

My narrative for this piece explores a haunting, finding a way to be healed, and an exorcism of sorts  a pattern that can be found in many stories about New Orleans, Meyer has said. The work also serves as a metaphor for the patterns that we keep subconsciously replaying in our own lives, and the hope that we can love ourselves enough to finally conquer the demons that haunt us.

Daniel Thomas Davis 2023 What If Were Beautiful imagines the movements as something akin to handknit musical objects woven from modest sonic threads, each made with a particular recipient in mind, according to Davis.

Kramers piece was inspired by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

I didnt want to write a piece about the atrocities, he said. I wanted to write a piece about hope, the promise of spring. (The Ukrainian people) continue to live and love in the face of tremendous adversity.

Spring Rounds is based on Ukraines national anthem, Kramer said.

Its ornamented somewhat, but youll definitely hear the tune, he said.

The music balances the tension between the horrors of war and Ukrainians ability to face the situation with resolve, he said.

It has a triumphant kind of ending, Kramer said. Some (sections) are tumultuous, and theres kind of a dance in the middle. There are somber moments, but it ends on a bright, light, high note.

Kramer believes his piece will fit in with the intimacy of the other pieces.

Ive never written a piece like this before, but its the kind I thought would work with their other pieces, he said. The other pieces (on the program) are kind of personal pieces, too.

It also ties in with those pieces connection to a particular place, he said.

The different pieces seem to have some resonance about place, Kramer said. Thats very different from traditional classical music, which is often about relationships.
To the editor:

As I have aged, I have been encouraged not to go on long road trips by myself. With the price of gas, long road trips can be expensive.

My solution, when I feel the need to clear the mind or feed my soul, is to take to the less-traveled streets of Jacksonville, Illinois.

There are some beautiful yards between the homes and street; simple and elegant, to robust and beautiful. These displays to me demonstrate a sense of pride in our city for all to see.

From spring, summer, fall and winter, the streets of Jacksonville become seasons of beauty to clear the mind and inspire the soul.

Robert H. McLin

Jacksonville
TikTok app is seen on a smartphone in this illustration taken July 13, 2021. Photo by Reuters/Dado Ruvic

TikTok may be banned if it does not remove violating content as instructed, the information ministry said.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Thanh Lam said Thursday: "Vietnamese law has enough provisions to ensure cybersecurity, and is not limited to banning or removing violating apps."

Le Quang Tu Do, head of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, said authorities have economic, technical and diplomatic tools to act against international platforms.

Economic measures include cutting off money flows, with platforms being cut off from advertisers, banks and e-commerce.

On the technical side, the government can block domains and servers if platforms do not remove violating contents on authorities request.

The information ministry can also advise the public not to use platforms with toxic content.

"The point of these measures is for international platforms without offices in Vietnam, like Facebook and YouTube, to abide by the law," Do said.

As for TikTok, one of the few with an office in Vietnam, officials from several ministries are set to perform a comprehensive inspection in May of its content distribution, tax liability, e-commerce transactions, and advertisements.

"Following the check, the information ministry will evaluate the impact TikTok has and its capacity to abide by the law. From that the ministry will find a way to address the root of the problems, not just seek removal of contents," Do added.

The ministry said it has asked platforms like TikTok, Facebook and YouTube to block and remove violating contents numerous times, but in many cases they did not comply and in fact even helped their spread.

Last year the ministry had said there would be black and white lists for advertisements on social media to stop money flows into toxic channels. Dozens of brands that advertised on black-listed channels have been fined.

Outside Vietnam, TikTok has been banned in countries like India and Pakistan due to privacy, security and content concerns.

Others like the U.S. and Australia have made the app off-limits for government employees.
In Africas Okavango, oil drilling disrupts locals, nature View Photo

MOMBASA, Kenya (AP)  Gobonamang Kgetho has a deep affection for Africas largest inland delta, the Okavango. It is his home.

The water and wildlife-rich land is fed by rivers in the Angolan highlands that flow into northern Botswana before draining into the desert sands of the Kalahari Basin. Several Indigenous and local communities and a vast array of species including African elephants, black rhinos and cheetahs live among the vibrant marshlands. Much of the surrounding region is also teeming with wildlife.

Fisher Kgetho hails from Botswanas Wayei community and relies on his pole and dug-out canoe to skirt around the marshes looking for fish. But things have changed in recent years  in the delta and across the country.

The fish sizes have shrunk, and stocks are declining, Kgetho, whose life and livelihood depends on the health of the ecosystem, told The Associated Press. The rivers draining into the delta have less volumes of water.

Drilling for oil exploration, as well as human-caused climate change leading to more erratic rainfall patterns and water abstraction and diversion for development and commercial agriculture, has altered the landscape that Kgetho, and so many other people and wildlife species, rely on.

The deltas defenders are now hoping to block at least one of those threats  oil exploration.

A planned hearing by Namibias environment ministry will consider revoking the drilling license of Canadian oil and gas firm Reconnaissance Energy. Local communities and environmental groups claimed that land was bulldozed and cut through, damaging lands and polluting water sources, without the permission of local communities.

Kgetho worries that rivers in his region are drying up because of overuse by the extractive industries, including oil exploration activities upstream.

In a written statement, ReconAfrica, the firms African arm, said it safeguards water resources through regular monitoring and reporting on hydrological data to the appropriate local, regional and national water authorities and is applying rigorous safety and environmental protection standards.

The statement went on to say that it has held over 700 community consultations in Namibia and will continue to engage with communities in the country and in Botswana.

The company has been drilling in the area since 2021 but is yet to find a productive well. The hearing was originally scheduled for Monday but has been postponed until further notice. The drilling license is currently set to last until 2025, with ReconAfrica previously having been granted a three-year extension.

Locals have persisted with legal avenues but have had little luck. In a separate case, Namibias high court postponed a decision on whether local communities should pay up for filing a case opposing the companys actions.

The court previously threw out the urgent appeal made by local people to stop the Canadian firms drilling activities. Its now deciding whether the governments legal feels should be covered by the plaintiffs or waived. A new date for the decision is set for May.

The Namibian energy minister, Tom Alweendo, has maintained the countrys right to explore for oil, saying that European countries and the U.S. do it too. Alweendo supports the African Unions goal of using both renewable and non-renewable energy to meet growing demand.

There are similar fears of deterioration across Botswana and the wider region. Much of the countrys diverse ecosystem has been under threat from various development plans. Nearby Chobe National Park, for example, has seen a decline in river quality partly due to its burgeoning tourism industry, a study found.

In the Cuvette-Centrale basin in Congo, a dense and ecologically thriving forest thats home to the largest population of lowland gorillas, sections of the peatlands  the continents largest  went up for oil and gas auction last year.

The Congolese government said the auctioning process is in line with development plans and government programs and it will stick to stringent international standards.

Environmentalists are not convinced.

Wes Sechrest, chief scientist of environmental organization Rewild, said that protecting areas that have robust and healthy wildlife populations like the Okavango Delta, are a big part of the solution to the interconnected climate and biodiversity crises were facing.

The peatlands also serve as a carbon sink, storing large amounts of the gas that would otherwise heat up the atmosphere.

Sechrest added that local communities are going to bear the heaviest costs of oil exploration and deserve to be properly consulted about any extractive industry projects, including the many likely environmental damages, and decide if those projects are acceptable to them.

Steve Boyes, who led the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project that mapped the delta, said researchers now have even more data to support the need to maintain the wetlands.

Aided by Kgetho and other locals, whose traditional wisdom and knowledge led them through the bogs, Boyes and a team of 57 other scientists were able to detail around 1,600 square kilometers (1,000 square miles) of peatlands.

These large-scale systems that have the ability to sequester tons of carbon are our long-term resilience plan, said Boyes.

For Kgetho, whose journey with the scientists was made into a documentary released earlier this year, there are more immediate reasons to defend the Okavango.

We must protect the delta, Kgetho said. It is our livelihood.

___

This story was first published on April 8, 2023. It was updated on April 13, 2023 to correct that the Okavango Delta drains into the Kalahari Basin.

___

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 WANJOHI KABUKURU

Associated Press
Iraq, Syrias Kurdish leader condemn attack on airport View Photo

BAGHDAD (AP)  The commander of the main U.S.-backed force in Syria and Iraqs presidency Saturday condemned what they say was a Turkish attack on an airport in northern Iraq.

The condemnation came as the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces confirmed Saturday that its chief commander, Mazloum Abdi, was at the airport in northern Iraq at the time of the attack but withheld information until he returned home safely. Abdi later spoke to Kurdish media saying that at the time of the attack he was with troops from the U.S.-led coalition that is fighting the Islamic State group.

Iraqs presidency called the late Friday explosion in northern Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region a flagrant aggression against Iraq and its sovereignty in the area. It called on Turkey to issue a formal apology, saying it should not continue terrorizing Iraqis in the north.

A representative of the Turkish defense ministry said he had no information about the incident.

Turkey has spent years fighting Kurdish militants in its east and large Kurdish communities live in neighboring Iraq and Syria, where they have a degree of self-rule. Turkey considers the main Kurdish militia in northeast Syria an ally of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. The PKK has for decades waged an insurgency within Turkey.

On Saturday, Iraqs National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji, heading a high-level security delegation, arrived in Suleimanyah to discuss the issue with local officials, the state news agency reported.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based opposition war monitor, and some local media reported Friday that the explosion next to the Suleimaniyah International Airport was a Turkish drone attack targeting Abdi, the leader of the SDF.

The blast came days after Turkey closed its airspace to flights to and from the airport, citing an alleged increase in Kurdish militant activity threatening flight safety. The airports security directorate said an explosion took place near the fence surrounding the airport causing a fire but no injuries.

Officials with the SDF and the Kurdish regional government in northeast Syria said on Friday Abdi was not in Suleimaniyah at the time and was not the target of an attack.

On Saturday, SDF spokesman Farhad Sham said in a statement that as part of their emergency security response related to the safety of our forces command, we deliberately restricted the release of information about the Turkish attack on Sulaymaniyah airport, where our commander-in-chief, Mazloum Abdi, was present.

Shami added that the restrictions were done to ensure his safety until he arrived unharmed in the secure areas of north and eastern Syria. Shami added that further details about the attack will released later.

Abdi later spoke with the Kurdish North press agency saying he was in a convoy that included troops from the U.S.-led coalition and members of the Iraqi Kurdish anti-terrorism force. He added that the SDF and anti-terrorism forces in northern Iraq have joint operations rooms and the U.S.-led coalition is aware of that.

Asked about the reason behind the attack, Abdi said it is a clear message from the Turks that they are bothered and oppose our international relations and they want to damage them. Abdi added that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is looking for a free victory ahead of the countrys parliamentary and presidential elections next month.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory, said Saturday that Abdi was not directly targeted but was near the airport holding a meeting with Kurdish officials when the Turkish military carried out the attack.

Retired U.S. Col. Myles B. Caggins III, a senior non-resident fellow at the U.S.-based New Lines Institute for Strategy, said the missile targeted a convoy carrying leaders of the Syrian Democratic Forces as well as U.S. advisers to the Kurdish-led force.

Turkey sent a warning shot. A deadly and dangerous and provocative warning shot when it fired a missile at the convoy, he said.

Caggins added that it appears Turkey was sending a warning to both the United States and Iraqi Kurds to stop supporting the SDF. He added that Turkey is likely to continue such attacks with impunity because it says the SDF is aligned with the PKK and therefore Turkey feels justified in targeting the SDF.

A statement from the Iraqi Kurdish regional government in Iraq on Friday appeared to blame local authorities in Suleimaniyah. It accused them of provoking an attack on the airport and using government institutions for illegal activities.

The regional government, with its seat in Irbil, is primarily controlled by the Kurdistan Democratic Party, while Suleimaniyah is a stronghold of the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

Qubad Talabani, deputy prime minister of the regional government and a member of the PUK, rejected the regional government statement that appeared to cast blame on his party. He said the statement represents only one party  and cannot speak for the entire government.

We strongly condemn the targeting of Suleimaniyah airport by Turkey, Abdi tweeted Saturday, adding that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistans support for their brothers in Syria is bothering Turkey.

Abdi vowed that Syrias Kurds will continue with their principle relations with our brothers and allies in Suleimaniyah and we stand united against these violations.

Caggins said he expects that the leaders of Turkey are emboldened by their ability to conduct cross-border strikes into Syria and into Iraq because the only response has been a little bit of finger wagging and minor protest from Baghdad and Damascus and Washington.

____

Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Hogir Al Abdo in Qamishli, Syria contributed to this report.

By SALAR SALIM

Associated Press
Bidens ancestral hometowns prepare warm Irish welcome View Photo

BALLINA, Ireland (AP)  Joe Blewitt is just about the busiest man in Ballina. His phone rings constantly with calls from locals and the worlds media as he prepares to welcome a relative  U.S. President Joe Biden.

Biden is scheduled to travel to Ireland next week, with a stop in Ballina, the town from which one of his great-great grandfathers left for the United States in 1850. Blewitt, a distant cousin who first met Biden when he came to town as vice president in 2016, said the U.S. leader pledged to return once hed won the presidency.

He said, Im going to come back into Ballina. And sure to God hes going to come back into Ballina, Blewitt said. His Irish roots are really deep in his heart.

The 43-year-old plumber was among Biden relations invited to the White House for St. Patricks Day last month. He says it was a surreal experience that included a half-hour private meeting with the president.

Hes a people person. He loves meeting the Irish people, said Blewitt, who shares Bidens high forehead  he says people joke that he looks like the president from the mouth up.

The Irish people love him back.

Buildings are getting a new coat of paint and American flags are being hung from shopfronts in Ballina, a bustling agricultural town of about 10,000 at the mouth of the River Moy in western Ireland that proclaims itself the nations salmon capital.

Theres already a mural of a beaming Biden, erected in 2020 in the center of town. Many people from Ballina and the surrounding County Mayo moved to Pennsylvania in the 19th century. Ballina is twinned with Scranton, Bidens hometown.

I wouldnt think theres a family in Ballina that doesnt have someone, some connection with the States, said Anthony Heffernan, owner of Heffernans Fine Foods, where Biden had lunch with his local relatives during his 2016 visit.

It was a fantastic day for Ballina, Heffernan recalled.

He was very keen to talk about the town  how it was, and how it is now. He was really connected with the area.

The White House says Biden will visit Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday and Wednesday to mark 25 years since the Good Friday peace accord, before heading south to the Republic of Ireland, where he will address the Dublin parliament. In Ballina, hes due to deliver a speech Friday in front of the 19th-century cathedral, which local lore says was built partly using bricks supplied by his great-great-great grandfather, Edward Blewitt, a brickmaker and civil engineer.

The Irish Family History Centre says Biden is among the most Irish of all U.S. Presidents  10 of his 16 great-great grandparents were from the Emerald Isle. All of them left for the U.S. during the Great Famine of the mid-19th century, which killed an estimated 1 million people.

Biden also plans to visit the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Ballina on Irelands east coast. His great-grandfather, James Finnegan, left the mountainous, wind-battered peninsula as a child in 1850, one of more than a million Irish people who emigrated during the famine years.

Theres a great sense of euphoria around the place. Everyone is asking Whats happening, whens he coming, wheres he going? said Andrea McKevitt, a local politician and distant Biden relative.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the president would use his Irish trip to highlight how his family history is part of that larger shared history between the U.S. and Ireland.

The trip is also a reminder of the central role of Irish Americans in U.S. political life. Ireland has warmly welcomed American presidents since John F. Kennedy became the first to visit in 1963. Barack Obama got a jubilant reception in 2011 when he visited the tiny hamlet of Moneygall, home to one of his great-great-great grandfathers.

My name is Barack Obama, of the Moneygall Obamas, and Ive come home to find the apostrophe we lost somewhere along the way, he joked to a crowd in Dublin.

More than 30 million Americans  almost one in 10  claim some Irish ancestry. Richard Johnson, senior lecturer in U.S. politics at Queen Mary University of London, said Irish Americans no longer form the solidly Democrat voting bloc of decades gone by, but its still good politics domestically for Americans to emphasize their Irish roots.

One of the reasons Irish identity resonates so much with Americans is that U.S. identity is based in part on the notion that the United States broke free from the British Empire and set its own course, he said. There is a kind of echo of that story that can be found in the Irish experience. It makes it feel like the Irish have shared a common experience of breaking out of British rule that I think is attractive to Americans.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Biden has always been a friend of Ireland, and the visit would be an opportunity to welcome a great Irish-American president home.

In Ballina, Blewitt said the town is getting ready to give Biden a rousing welcome.

The streets will be packed, he said. Itll be like another St. Patricks Day.

By JILL LAWLESS

Associated Press
Iowa wont pay for rape victims abortions or contraceptives View Photo

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  The Iowa Attorney Generals Office has paused its practice of paying for emergency contraception  and in rare cases, abortions  for victims of sexual assault, a move that drew criticism from some victim advocates.

Federal regulations and state law require Iowa to pay many of the expenses for sexual assault victims who seek medical help, such as the costs of forensic exams and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Under the previous attorney general, Democrat Tom Miller, Iowas victim compensation fund also paid for Plan B, the so-called morning after pill, as well as other treatments to prevent pregnancy.

A spokeswoman for Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird, who defeated Millers bid for an 11th term in November, told the Des Moines Register that those payments are now on hold as part of a review of victim services.

As a part of her top-down, bottom-up audit of victim assistance, Attorney General Bird is carefully evaluating whether this is an appropriate use of public funds, Bird Press Secretary Alyssa Brouillet said in a statement. Until that review is complete, payment of these pending claims will be delayed.

Victim advocates were caught off guard by the pause. Ruth Richardson, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, said in a statement that the move was deplorable and reprehensible.

Birds decision comes as access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S. plunged into uncertainty following conflicting court rulings on Friday over the legality of the abortion medication mifepristone. For now, the drug the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2000 appeared to remain at least immediately available in the wake of separate rulings issued in quick succession.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Texas, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, ordered a hold on federal approval of mifepristone. But that decision came at nearly the same time that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice in Washington state, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, essentially ordered the opposite.

The extraordinary timing of the competing orders revealed the high stakes surrounding the drug nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed access to abortion across the country. President Joe Biden said his administration would fight the Texas ruling.

In Iowa, money for the victim compensation fund comes from fines and penalties paid by convicted criminals. For sexual assault victims, state law requires that the fund pay the cost of a medical examination of a victim for the purpose of gathering evidence and the cost of treatment of a victim for the purpose of preventing venereal disease, but makes no mention of contraception or pregnancy risk.

Sandi Tibbetts Murphy, who served as director of the victim assistance division under Miller, said the longtime policy for Iowa has been to include the cost of emergency contraception in the expenses covered by the fund. She said that in rare cases, the fund paid for abortions for rape victims.

My concern is for the victims of sexual assault, who, with no real notice, are now finding themselves either unable to access needed treatment and services, or are now being forced to pay out of their own pocket for those services, when this was done at no fault of their own, she said.

___

This story was first published on April 8, 2023. It was updated on April 9, 2023 to correct that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice is in Washington state, not Washington, D.C.
A College of the Ozarks assistant professor has been dismissed because he questioned the validity of a doctoral degree held by the school's dean of administration.

Officials said the college will not renew the contract of assistant biology professor Jonathan Davis because of the way he challenged and exposed the doctorate Larry Cockrum received in 1991 from Crescent City Christian College in Metairie, La.

Education officials from Texas and Louisiana found the institution, located in a ranch home and never accredited, issued bogus degrees. It is no longer operating, and its owners have since left Louisiana.

Davis was suspended with pay for the spring semester and will not have his contract renewed in May because he wrote anonymous letters and e-mails to administrators, board members and faculty about Cockrum this fall.

He said Tuesday he wrote the letters "to uphold the academic integrity and Christian standards of the school."

In a statement issued Tuesday, Cockrum accused Davis of "embarking on what is tantamount to a personal jihad" against him.

Cockrum said he earned his doctoral degree from Crescent City but added that "my degree from there is not what I would consider to be a crowning achievement in my academic endeavors."

Cockrum and Jerry Davis, the college president, refused interviews Tuesday, but the college issued a statement saying it "doesn't believe Dean Cockrum's character has ever been in question."

Virginia Fry, the school's attorney, said the College of the Ozarks knew about Cockrum's degree from Crescent City.

"He had been told if he wanted to advance, he would have to get a different Ph.D.," she said. "The degree was not required as dean of students."

Cockrum has a master's degree received in 1977 from Southwest Missouri State University. In his statement, he said he is pursuing a doctorate from another institution.

Fry said Davis should have followed school protocol in making his concerns known.

"He could have gone to his division chair and filed a grievance," Fry said.

Davis, 30, is a 1994 College of the Ozarks graduate who comes from a family whose members have taught at the school for three decades, and whose wife still teachers there. He said he doesn't regret what he did.

"I feel strongly about upholding the integrity of the school," he said. "This is the price you pay for standing for what you believe in."

Davis found out about Cockrum's degree in 1996, while he was working on his own doctorate at the University of Arkansas. Last fall he sent out several anonymous letters, signed "Concerned Faculty Members," one of them citing the college's honor code for students.

He said he was spurred to act when he saw the college's Keeter Center for Character Education, of which Cockrum is the director, being constructed outside his office window.

"Sometimes, it just triggers your mind to say something," he said.

Davis said that after his first letter, Cockrum's credentials were addressed in a campus newsletter which he said "didn't answer anything."

He sent another anonymous e-mail to the faculty, and later had two meetings with Cockrum, which he said were confrontational and didn't resolve anything.

"This is one of the best things that happened to me," Davis said. "God doesn't like a lukewarm Christian. I've gotten closer to GodMy job is not that important."

"Jon is a very honorable person with great integrity," said his father, Wayne Davis, who taught biology at the college for 31 years. "We are very proud of him."
As French President Emmanuel Macron is paying his state visit to China, French businesses are eyeing more opportunities from broader cooperation between France and China.

"We have already seen potential opportunities in the market, which makes us even more bullish about China's economic outlook and prospect," Fabrice Megarbane, president of L'Oreal North Asia Zone and CEO of L'Oreal China, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

From the first week of February, consumer traffic and purchases have shown positive signs and L'Oreal expects a progressive rebound from the second quarter and consumer enthusiasm to bounce back in all categories, he said.

"We are entering a new era of innovation-driven and high-quality development, which is very in line with China's economic development roadmap," Megarbane said.

Calling China "the new investment landmark" for L'Oreal, Megarbane said that they have been "investing in China in the past 25 years, and will invest in China continuously in the future."

"In the mid-and-long term, China is not only a growth engine for L'Oreal Group but has a strategic position in terms of innovation (digital plus beauty tech), sustainability and talent," he said.

Francois-Henri Pinault, chairperson and CEO of French multinational Kering Group, told French daily Le Figaro that the dynamism of the Chinese market is picking up.

Beijing's political will to support domestic consumption is "impressive," with an "undisguised ambition to bring China to a much higher level of growth than in 2022," Pinault said.

Bernard Farges, president of France's National Interprofessional Wine Commission, believed that China's economic outlook fares well, particular with the optimization of China's COVID response.

France was the first supplier of wines in China for the second consecutive year in 2022, showed the latest data from the French Directorate General of the Treasury. For some vineyards, China is the biggest market, according to Farges.

"Today, we perceive favorable signals for economic recovery with an increase in Chinese orders," Farges told Xinhua. "The export potential to this very large country, China, is extremely important."

Expecting closer technical and economic collaboration between France and China, he underscored the importance of mutual recognition of geographical indications of wines between the European Union and China.

This is an excellent piece of news for the wine and spirits sector, since deeper wine cooperation also represents "a common cultural characteristic" between China and France, the refined table art, he said.

In January, French automotive supplier Plastic Omnium announced the creation with China's Shenergy Group Company Limited (Shenergy) of a joint venture in Shanghai to produce and sell high-pressure hydrogen storage systems for the commercial vehicle market in China.

"Regarding hydrogen, we started very early in China," Plastic Omnium CEO Laurent Favre told Xinhua. "China is a country where you have to be present, a country of great production and great innovation. We have always looked for partners to whom we can bring something and who can help us to get to know the country," he said.

Beijing has been working to have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. For Favre, China constitutes "a key market for our future development."

Lyazid Benhami, vice president of the Paris Association of French-Chinese Friendship, told Xinhua that such opportunities for sustainable development and energy transition should be favored, particularly amid worldwide economic recession and uncertainty.

At China's invitation, France will be a guest of honor country at the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) and the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE).
Editor's Note: Megan duBois was a guest of the Texas Department of Agricultures Uncork Texas Wines program which paid for some of her activities. All opinions expressed below, however, are entirely hers and were not subject to review by the Texas Department of Agricultures Uncork Texas Wines program.

Texas is known for a lot of things, like great barbecue, thrilling rodeos and, of course, big cities. But all around the state in the wide open plains and countryside are wineries bottling fantastic varieties that thrive in Texas' unique microclimates. With over 50 Texas Hill Country wineries to try, you definitely want to pace yourself.

If you're planning a wine tasting trip to Texas Hill Country, there are an abundance of experiences to enjoy  from wine tastings set in a treehouse to tastings paired with chef-prepared small bites. Just be sure to hire a driver, or use the 290 Wine Shuttle, to get you and your friends around for the weekend. Then, keep reading for our favorite Texas Hill Country wineries to visit (and quaint places to stay nearby) that will make the perfect backdrop for your weekend getaway.

Kuhlman Cellars

Foodies traveling to Texas Hill Country will want to stop at Kuhlman Cellars. Here, wine is paired with chef-prepared bites, so you can get the full expression of the wine as it would complement food. The wine and food experience pairs five Kuhlman Cellars wines with five seasonally driven food pairings, all led by a wine expert. If you just want to linger at the winery for the afternoon, there's indoor and outdoor seating that allows guests to take in the beauty of Texas Hill Country, too. Just don't leave the winery without trying some of its famous herbed almonds that are made with smoked sea salt and herbs 'de Provence. Wine tastings are $40 per person and reservations can be made online.

Find it: Kuhlman Cellars, 18421 E. U.S. 290, Stonewall, TX 78671; 512-920-2675

Courtesy, Dayna DeHoyos

Bending Branch Winery

Located in Comfort, approximately one hour from San Antonio, is where you will find Bending Branch Winery. This Texas Hill Country winery is known for pioneering Tannat  a red wine grape that has robust tannin and can be very fruit-forward, depending on how it's treated in the barrel. But that's not all. The winery is also known for its double barrel Tannat, which spends time in both wine barrels and bourbon barrels, elevating its complex tasting notes. During a wine tasting, guests can experience five different wines and get a souvenir glass to keep. Wine tastings are $30 per person and take place daily.

Find it: Bending Branch Winery, 142 Lindner Branch Trail, Comfort, TX 78013; 830-995-2948

Slate Theory

Those looking for a winery that often trends on TikTok will want to step into the impressive underground barrel facility at Slate Theory, which also doubles as a tasting room known as "The Cave." If sipping wine in a room with no windows feels a little too claustrophobic for you, dont worry. Slate Theory's above-ground tasting room is a modern take on the space, with plush seating, plenty of community tables, a lively bar and great views of the vineyards. Wine tastings are $50 per person and feature current releases from the winery.

Find it: Slate Theory, 10915 U.S. 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624; 830-998-8306

Sandy Road Vineyards via Yelp

Sandy Road Vineyards

Sandy Road Vineyards is a winery where family history runs deep into the roots of the grape vines. The first vines were planted in 2016, on land the family has owned for almost 100 years. Guests can book a private one-hour tasting that takes place in the winery's on-site treehouse. During a tasting, sample six different wines while one of the owners of the winery shares how the grapes are grown and how the wines are made. Should the treehouse already be booked, there is also a covered pavilion that offers great views of the vineyard, and reservations are not required, but can be made ahead of time online. Treehouse wine tastings start at $60 per person; pavillion tastings are $40 per person.

Find it: Sandy Road Vineyards, 383 Vineyard Row, Johnson City, TX 78636; 512-589-1826

Siboney Cellars

While most wineries close well before sunset, Siboney Cellars allows guests to stay until 8 p.m. on Thursdays for what it calls "Twilight Tastings." The fun weekly event is hosted on the winery's terrace and in the barrel room. Along with wine by the glass or bottle, guests can munch on Cuban sandwiches and other culinary delights. Siboney Cellars also stands out amongst its winery neighbors since Barbara Lecuona is at the helm as winemaker. Lecuona is just one of a handful of women winemakers in Texas Hill Country. Wine tastings can be booked online.

Find it: Siboney Cellars, 3427 W. U.S. 290, Johnson City, TX 78636; 830-998-2626

Heather Kuhlk

Pedernales Cellars

Another Texas Hill Country winery with a woman winemaker at its helm is Pedernales Cellars. Here, Joanna Wilczoch takes 100% Texas-grown grapes and turns them into exceptional sips. Tempranillo grapes are one of the main red wine grapes grown at the vineyard, while Viognier is the main white variety. The spacious tasting room allows visitors to sample a variety of wines, while the outdoor patio has incredible views of the Pedernales River Valley. Wine tasting reservations can be made online.

Find it: Pedernales Cellars, 2916 Upper Albert Road, Stonewall, TX 78671; 830-644-2037

Where to stay for the weekend in Texas Hill Country

While you could stay in hotel in Austin, which is about 30 minutes away, getting to and from the wineries is easier from a Texas Hill Country hotel. Whether you're looking for a cool, revamped motor lodge or a spacious resort where amenities are endless, there's a place for every type of Texas traveler. Here are two of our favorite spots to stay near the wineries.

Stonewall Motor Lodge

Those looking to stay in the heart of Texas Hill Country's wine country will enjoy Stonewall Motor Lodge. The hotel is steeped in rich history; it's where the Associated Press stayed when President Lyndon B. Johnson was at his namesake ranch. The completely refurbished 1960s roadside motel was recently featured on the Magnolia Network's "Re Motel" and features 12 rooms, one of which is dedicated to the press, with historic photos hanging throughout. There are also four private cabins that can be booked.

Find it: Stonewall Motor Lodge, 14818 U.S. Highway 290 E., Stonewall, TX 78671; 830-644-1040

The Resort at Fredericksburg via Yelp

The Resort at Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg was recently named one of the best small towns of 2022 by Southern Living, and The Resort at Fredericksburg is one of the most charming places to stay in Texas Hill Country. The resort offers 20 tiny homes and cottages on its grounds that travelers can rent. The tiny homes sleep anywhere from two to six people, and along with the cute accommodations, come with access to The Edge tasting room which features wine from English Newsom Cellars, and some of the best sunset views in Hill Country. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the resort hosts yoga in the morning, as well as live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Nightly rates for the tiny homes start at $135 and up.

Find it: The Resort at Fredericksburg, 3567 U.S. Highway 290 E., Fredericksburg, TX 78624; 830-308-7118
A San Antonio judge is allowing a lawsuit against the Omni La Mansion del Rio to proceed over a 2018 incident the River Walk hotel describes as a "fluke accident."

The family of a child is suing Dallas-based Omni Hotels and a hotel occupant for damages after the 1-year-old boy, identified in court documents as J.F., was struck by a miniature glass bottle of ketchup that had reportedly fallen off a balcony at least five floors above the San Antonio River Walk, where the family was walking during a visit to the city, on August 18, 2018.

Court documents state that Cassandra De La Cruz, the child's mother, took the 1-year-old into the hotel to ask for assistance in calling for medical attention, but was refused assistance by employees. The family eventually took the child to an emergency room, where police were called to report the injuries.

A police report from the incident stated De La Cruz told law enforcement that she saw a woman "duck her head down" from a hotel room balcony five above the River Walk, according to previous reporting by the Express-News.

Officials reportedly interviewed the two hotel room occupants, who told police that one of them had accidentally bumped the room service cart, knocked the 2.25-ounce bottle onto the balcony, tried to stop it from rolling over the edge, and attempted to make contact with the family after the accident. The lawsuit identifies one of the occupants in the case as Eric McCoy.

The lawsuit, filed in 2020, says that J.F. "suffered severe injuries to his brain, is encountering development issues concerning his speech, faces future limitations and possible [permanent] disability for the rest of his natural life." The family, represented by attorney Steven Marquez with Thomas J. Henry Law, is seeking more than $1 million in damages.

District Judge Cynthia Marie Chapa tossed four of the six claims made against Omni following a summary judgement hearing on March 20, the Express-News reports. Omni had reportedly requested that all six claims be thrown out.

Chris Blanton, a Grapevine lawyer representing the hotel, reportedly described the incident as a "fluke accident" to the judge at the hearing.

And here are this week's top stories:

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is accused of accepting lavish gifts and luxury trips from a Texas billionaire and prominent GOP donor in a bombshell report that went public this week.

Officials are searching for the body of a 6-year-old Texas boy that has been missing since 2020. Police said the child's mother told family she had sold the child before fleeing the country and flying to India.

Austin Police are debunking viral rumors that a serial killer is preying on Rainey Street patrons.

An El Paso woman who disappeared in March after going to a UFC event at San Antonio's AT&T Center was found safe and alive in Austin.

A Northside ISD sixth grader was arrested on felony charges this week after reportedly making threats against two schools.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Top sanctions officials from the U.S. Treasury Department plan special international trips this month to pressure firms and countries still doing business with Russia to cut off financial ties because of the war on Ukraine.

The message is that those working with Russias government must decide:

1. Continue to provide Moscow with material support or

2. Keep doing business with countries that represent 50 percent of the global economy.

Those are the choices to be laid out, senior Treasury officials told reporters on a call Friday. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the travel plans.

Treasury officials Liz Rosenberg and Brian Nelson  specialists in sanctions and terrorist financing  will travel to Europe this month to meet with leaders of financial institutions in Switzerland, Italy and Germany. They plan to share intelligence on potential sanctions evaders and to warn of the potential penalties for failure to comply with international sanctions.

Rosenberg will also make a stop in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan to urge the country's private businesses not to provide material or intelligence support to the Kremlin. Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kazakhstan to pledge U.S. support for its independence and to stress the importance of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

Central Asian states have been neutral on Ukraine, neither supporting Russias invasion nor U.S. and Western condemnations of the war.

Senior Treasury officials on Friday pointed to Russia's slowing economic growth as a sign that efforts to sanction Russian oligarchs and large swaths of the Russian economy have been successful. The value of the ruble also is falling.

Officials credit the oil price cap plan that was rolled out at the end of 2022 among Group of Seven countries in an effort to clamp down on Vladimir Putins access to cash as he wages war on Ukraine.

The countries have agreed to pay $60 per barrel for Russian oil. The intention is to deprive Putin of money to keep prosecuting the war while still allowing oil to flow out of Russia and help to keep global prices low.

Thus far, the U.S. and allies have directly sanctioned more than 2,500 Russian firms, government officials, oligarchs and their families. The sanctions block them from access to American bank accounts and financial markets, preventing them from doing business with Americans, traveling to the U.S. and more.

On the anniversary of the invasion, the U.S. began taking aim at entities that helped Russia evade earlier rounds of sanctions. Russias metals and mining sectors are also among those targeted in what Treasury has called one of the most significant sanctions actions to date.
Although China's domestic demand has not yet returned to pre-coronavirus levels, the country's economic fundamentals remain very solid, Denis Depoux, global managing director of consulting firm Roland Berger, told Japan's Nikkei.
Yves here. It is remarkable to see the Democrats, in less than a generation, become close-minded, authoritarian bullies. Taibbi makes clear that hes not only gained political enemies by not toeing the Democrats tribal lines, but also lost friends. But in America, what passes for friendship is often shallow.

By Thomas Neuburger. Originally published at Gods Spies

Matt Taibbi testifies before Congress, March 9, 2023.

Estragon: Nothing to be done.

Vladimir: Im beginning to come round to that opinion.

This may appear to be a piece about Matt Taibbi. Its really a piece about why the Democratic Party has such a hard time winning against competition as palpably soft as modern Republicans.

Matt Taibbi often takes time on Twitter to answer honest questions from regular people, normal voters and citizens, unlike many journo-celebs who only talk to each other. Sometimes (actually often), other regular people comment on the exchange.

In that light, consider this exchange:

Are you still a Democrat?  shyyguy (@shyyguy52) March 28, 2023

Which means Republican  LeonRunciter (@LRunciter) March 28, 2023

No, it doesnt. But talk like this is a big part of why I left the Democratic Party. Its always Vote for us or youre a right-wing insurrectionist Putin-lover, which is the opposite of persuasive.  Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) March 28, 2023

Nice soft close: which is the opposite of persuasive. Stylistically very Taibbi. But lets look at this a bit more closely.

Character Assassination

The self-styled left (and some of the actual left) is so closed off to Taibbi at this point that hes fair game for any sort of attack. Which means Republican, as in the tweet above, is actually mild.

As Ross Barkin put it in a 2021 New York Magazine profile: Few journalists, in polarized 2021, divide the New York-D.C. nexus more. Taibbi is viewed in more liberal quarters with increasing suspicion bordering on outright disdain, a remarkable development for a magazine star once considered Rolling Stones successor to Hunter S. Thompson.

Outright disdain indeed. Brutal is more accurate.

In an entirely gratuitous and dishonest insult, Democrat Stacy Paskett, the ranking member of the House committee before which Taibbi testified, called him this so-called journalist. That led the way for every Democrat to follow. The rest of the session was, in the opinion of those not hateful of Taibbi, character assassination. This from Democrats, from all of them, his former natural base.

Where is this coming from?

His Former Friends

It got worse outside the committee. In an episode thats painful to retell, Emma Vigeland of Sam Seders Majority Report (a person and a show Ive long admired) said as part of their coverage of the hearings:

Dont worry. The hearings will continue with the help of once-venerated reporter Matt Taibbi, who now is a PR person for Elon Musk and Twitter. This is Matt Taibbis characterization of his press releases on behalf of Elon Musk, which he calls reporting.

The tone, the dripping disdain, is a shocking reversal from a show that had hosted him frequently for years.

Vigeland played a clip of Taibbi saying that the Twitter Files was by far the most serious thing Ive ever looked at. Then, discussing his highly praised work on the 2008 financial crisis, Vigeland comments:

I think thats an interesting tactic because that kind of undercuts his own past work [on the 2008 crisis], right? Which I guess doesnt really matter to him. He doesnt give a damn since hes cashing in. [emphasis mine]

Thats quite an accusation, entirely speculative, against a man Sam Seder has had on his show regularly for years, and a person he may have once considered a friend (though perhaps no more).

To be fair to Vigeland, Im not sure she means what she says. She may just be piling on, playing Follow the Democratic Leaders, mimicking their vicious slanders with one of her own. Like when someone in a mob says Hang the man, and those around him join in.

(Of now-lost relationships, Im reminded of this sad statement from an earlier Taibbi piece: Allred then went on MSNBC, where my former friend Chris Hayes with a straight face suggested he didnt see a government angle in either the Twitter Files or our testimony  both of which were more or less entirely about that issue. My former friend.)

Back to the Majority Report. An off-screen host, picking up on Vigelands remarks, then adds this about why Taibbi worked so hard on the 2008 financial crisis:

To be honest Im not surprised Taibbi has this perspective [on the financial crisis] because

Ill pause while you think about whats about to be said.

Why did Taibbi choose the crash to write about? Journalistic interest? Because corruption mattered to him? Or to set himself up later for Republican love?

You guessed it:

if you look at it from his perspective, the financial crisis was good for him. He got this great reputation that Republican Congress people can cite about how great of a journalist he is. Made a lot of bones out of that as the Gonzo journalist. And I read all that stuff too. I dont remember much of it. It doesnt stick with me. I mean, he called Goldman Sachs the vampire squid  I guess that was useful [sic]. I will say like Im troubled looking back on it, and I would like to get a reassessment of his work on this by someone whos not a capitalist, because he sums it up August 5th 2013 on Twitter: My whole argument against modern Wall Street has been that its anti-capitalist perverted by incestuous ties to the state. Sounds like libertarian. And then he said April 11 2016: I dont know many people who would describe whats gone on with these too-big-to-fail banks since 2008 is capitalism. So like its not a surprise from his perspective because, like I said, [his] whole reputation was made as all these people were being thrown out of their homes. And him being a child of wealth, he has no ties to that. Also the type of people that are paying him now, Elon Musk did really well from the government response to the financial crisis, which was to flood the zone with cash.

He goes on (and on). Consider the accusations here.

Matt Taibbi, a once venerated journalist, only wrote about the financial crisis because it was good for him and gave him this great reputation that Republican Congress people can cite. He doesnt care about people who suffered from the crisis since hes a child of wealth and has no ties to that.

What a wicked man the man must be!

Yet who thought so at the time? If Vigeland is right, how foolish they must feel now to be so fooled. Ill bet theyre looking today for signs they missed of Evil Matt Taibbi dressed up as good. Surely his mercenary heart must have shown through then.

Coverage in the mainstream media was no better. Huffington Post:

Matt Taibbi Smirks Through House Committee Grilling About Twitter Files The independent journalist refused to confirm he made money from the project, saying instead that he spent money he didnt have before.

The song, it seems, was everywhere the same. Taibbi should be despised. Not disagreed with; not rationally engaged. Despised, even  and especially  by his former friends.

I ask again, where is this coming from?

Where This Is Coming From

To answer that question seriously, consider the following premises. I think the first four accurately describe the thinking of mainstream Democratic leaders since the humiliating presidential loss of 2016:

Modern Republicans (leaders, media, and crucially, their voters as well) represent the worst threat to the American Republic since the Civil War. Or possibly since the Founding. Southern Confederates didnt wish to institute Hitlerian reforms that would eliminate democracy from the governance of the state. Any act by any individual or organization that advances the overall Republican Project, inadvertently or not, is as dangerous as the Project itself. Because the Republican Project is evil, its supporters are evil  or in the most generous cases, deeply stupid. Stopping the Republican Project means stopping all supporters and adherents, be they willing or not. (Taibbi addendum 1) Matt Taibbi is a supporter, willingly or not, and therefore must be stopped. (Taibbi addendum 2) Because his support is probably not inadvertent  Seders hosts and the Democratic committee members are certain his motive is money, a sell-out to advance Elon Musk  destruction of his entire career is a reasonable response. After all, the whole of American democracy is at risk; literally all.

I dont think any of those statements, stark as they are, misrepresent the Democratic Party position. Everything Ive observed since November 2016 confirms them all.

The Problem in a Nutshell

Statement 1 could well be true. I believe it myself, though about the leadership only. (I have other thoughts about Republican voters.)

But does the rest follow from that? Does it justify the destruction of free speech, to take one example, in order to preserve it? (If you doubt thats whats on offer, click the link.)

And even if it does, even if the means are justified by the end, the problem is that this Democratic Party response  this hate-Republicans-at-all-costs messaging (while party leaders themselves cut deals with them)  is not going to work. It wont blast them past their electoral opponents at near the speed it ought to, given their opponents obvious and fatal flaws.

Mainstream Democrats run roughly even with Republicans except in protected districts. They certainly ran roughly even with Donald Trump in the only venue that counts, the Electoral College. And Democratic leaders are the reason that this is so. Will all this vitriol make them more attractive, or less?

Letting Republicans Lead the Revolution

As I wrote elsewhere, in each presidential cycle the voters have only two choices. Its the Party of the Status Quo

versus the Party of Fake Revolt against the status quo

If you dont like the status quo, you have no one to vote for, just people to vote against.

What do you think would happen if Democrats ran a candidate of Real Rebellion, a Bernie Sanders, say, a la 2016, against the candidate of Pretending to Care what happens to suffering voters? Would real rebellion against predatory rule by the rich trump fake rebellion financed by the rich?

Of course it would. Sanders would have beaten Trump soundly, had he had the chance, in the 2016 race. All the momentum was his, and he won almost every head-to-head primary contest in states with open, same-day primary voting.

But Democrats, the other party of the rich, wont take that course. Which leaves them only one pitch. In Taibbis language from the start of this piece:

Its always Vote for us or youre a right-wing insurrectionist Putin-lover, which is the opposite of persuasive.

This is the Democrats constant closing argument, and the worst they could advance. It makes them, not just wrong, but ugly as well, the opposite of persuasive. Yet this is all they have, if they cant themselves attack the peoples real enemy, and this time actually mean it. Sad for us. Sad for them as well.
(Natural News) Legislatures in various conservative states are moving to ban sex-change procedures in young children in response to the increase of minors identifying as transgender. To date, 12 states have already outlawed gender-affirming surgeries and 19 more have ongoing legislation.

Out of the 19 states working on the law to ban the said procedures, 12 have Republican-controlled legislatures. This increases the chance that the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and sex-change surgeries for children seeking a new gender identity will be outlawed in those states.

The seven others that are controlled by Democrats are more likely to reject the bills. Also, California and Minnesota lawmakers are attempting to pass measures that will make it easier for children to transition to another gender by allowing law enforcement officers to remove them from homes where their chosen gender is not affirmed.

Three years ago, no state had a law against child sex change. But as transgenderism has spread, lawmakers have sought to push back. Researchers estimate that about 1.4 percent of children aged 13 to 17 now identify as transgender, independent outlet the Epoch Times reported.

In 2021, Arkansas became the first state to ban child sex changes. On April 4, Idaho became the most recent state to ban child sex change, with Gov. Brad Little signing a bill into law. A week before that, Kentucky Republicans overrode Democratic Gov. Andy Beshears veto to pass their bill.

Meanwhile, bills that would ban gender-transition procedures for people under 26 are currently being worked out in Texas and South Carolina. North Carolina lawmakers aim to ban the procedures for anyone under 21. In Wyoming and Virginia, lawmakers considered child sex-change bans, but they failed to pass.

With billions at stake, Biden supports gender reassignment treatments

An alarming fact: Children as young as 12 years of age have been put through life-altering sex change procedures. More and more detransitioners, or people who regret their sex-change treatments, are coming out and speaking out about the dangers of that path as the damage to health and fertility is real and absolutely irreversible.

However, President Joe Bidens government supports it likely because of the billions of potential profit the transgenderism industry promises. (Related: Transgender HHS official confirms that Biden fully supports child mutilations.)

According to studies, more than 80 percent of kids experiencing gender dysphoria outgrow it on their own by late adolescence. Even full reassignment surgeries fail to resolve their heightened tendency to engage in self-harm and suicide, in fact, they may even exacerbate it. Also, surgically or chemically reinforcing gender confusion imposes irreversible harm on children, such as infertility, impairment of adult sexual function and reduced life expectancy.

Healthcare providers assure the gender confused youth that if they have regrets after pursuing sex-change treatments, boys can remove breasts that were added. However, after taking female hormones, they often experience infertility and damaged sexual function. Also, for female-to-male (FTM) transitioners, the potential success of surgery to remove an added male appendage has been widely disputed.

Meanwhile, puberty blockers prevent brain and bone growth, leaving children with diminished intelligence and early-onset osteoporosis, studies have shown. Girls who want to resemble boys take testosterone in the form of pills, patches or injections, but these drugs can cost up to $100 a month and cause permanent physical changes. It permanently deepens a females voice, induces body hair growth, broadens the chest, sharpens the jaw, and part of her lower sexual anatomy enlarges. It can also cause high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, blood clots, infertility, joint pain and many other health issues.

When boys take estrogen to increase feminine characteristics, the hormone causes breasts to grow and testicles to shrink. Body and facial hair diminish, and body fat increases. Sexual function also declines. Boosting estrogen levels in men often can create blood clots, infertility, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain and weight gain.

But the transgender movement is still growing. According to market analysis firm Grand View Research, transgenderism likely will be an industry worth $4.9 billion annually by 2030. Nowadays, procedures for women alone make a $1.15 billion industry.

More stories regarding the dangers of sex-change procedures can be found on Transhumanism.news.

Watch the video below that talks about protecting the youth from transgenderisms false ideology.

This video is from the Flyover Conservatives channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Survey: 43% of Americans think acceptance of transgenderism has gone too far.

Biden calls it sinful to NOT mutilate trans kids.

Health providers are refusing to undo the damage theyve inflicted on gender detransitioners.

Pentagon researchers recommend expanded access to gender-affirming care for military kids.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com 1

Journals.LWW.com

LifeSiteNews.com

TheEpochTimes.com 2

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Finland became the 31st member of NATO on Tuesday  a once-unthinkable step that significantly changes the geo-political landscape in Europe, making it far more volatile and susceptible to war.

(Article republished from LeoHohmann.com)

Why do I say this? Look at a map. Finlands membership more than doubles NATOs borders with Russia and, as Axios reports, formally ends Helsinkis decades of official neutrality.

This represents yet another in-your-face provocation to Russian President Vladimir Putin who, in launching the Russian invasion of Ukraine, vowed to block the alliances eastward expansion. Now he has NATO sitting on his massive border with Finland. It will be interesting to see if Finland allows U.S. troops to be deployed on its soil, which would be the ultimate provocation.

Finland represents NATOs ninth major expansion since its founding in 1949, with the biggest additions coming in the mid-1990s under Bill Clinton, in the early 2000s under George W. Bush and now with the additions of Finland and Sweden under Joe Biden.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated the following while officially welcoming Finland into the alliance: President Putin wanted to slam NATOs door shut. Today we showed the world that he failed, that aggression and intimidation do not work. Instead of less NATO, he has achieved the opposite: more NATO. And our door remains firmly open.

Well see how this idea of an ever-expanding NATO encircling Russia works out for the U.S. and its allies. Something tells me it could end in a Third World War that brings catastrophic losses of life to the peoples of Russia, Europe and U.S.

Here are the facts:

Mikhail Gorbachev unilaterally disbanded the Warsaw Pact military alliance in 1990. When he did that, Gorbachev was given repeated assurances by the U.S. and Germany that NATO would not fill the geo-political power vacuum with U.S. bases and military alliances in the former Soviet republics.

Jeffrey Sachs, an economist who served as an advisor to Gorbachev during that time, has recently issued a statement saying the U.S. lied to Gorbachevs face.

The military-industrial complex and its neoconservative backers in Washington immediately began plotting the eastward advancement of NATO, Sachs says in a new video commentary that explains a fascinating and little-understood period in history. And in each of these new NATO member states, eventually came the deployment of American military personnel and/or advanced missile systems.

I had never heard this before, about these broken U.S. promises made to Gorbachev, and I am a college graduate who studied history with a major in political science. So I didnt want to take Sachs word for it. I researched it myself and found that Sachs is correct. You can read about this history, conveniently withheld from American students in high schools and universities, in an 2017 article by Larry Kummer citing original documents in the National Security Archive at George Washington University.

Kummer writes:

Take a listen to Sachs recounting of this completely ignored history that led up to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It will blow your mind. I had to watch it twice to absorb it all.

Sachs ticks off the historical facts of the U.S. introducing more and more weaponry, missile systems, etc. into Eastern Europe. Putin has been warning since 2008 this would lead to confrontation.

So which country is the real aggressor? History reveals the answer.

Its interesting Sachs cited Zbigniew Brzezinskis 1997 book, The Global Chessboard, to make his case for people to re-evaluate the situation in Ukraine. By quoting Brzezinski, he is using one of the globalists own revered sources to argue that Russia has not been treated fairly by the West since the Berlin Wall came down in 1990. Brzezinski predicted in 1997 that Ukraine, if it ever were to seriously be considered for NATO membership, would become an international flashpoint, potentially bringing massive death and casualties.

Read more at: LeoHohmann.com
(Natural News) Arizonas Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed state legislation that would have guaranteed religious exemptions to certain vaccines under Arizona law, including the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

The bill in question, Senate Bill 1250, would have required employers  including those in the healthcare industry  to offer exemptions to vaccine mandates for certain vaccines that also include those for influenza A or B and any vaccination authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration for emergency use only. Employers that refuse to recognize exemptions for these vaccines can be punished with fines of up to $5,000. (Related: Recently passed New York state bills could pave way for future legislation mandating adult enrollment in state vaccination database.)

State law already allows employees to refuse to take the COVID-19 vaccine based on deeply held religious convictions, but SB 1250 would have expanded this right to allow employees who were not afforded a chance to claim a religious exemption to file a case against their employer with the Attorney Generals Office. The office could then launch an investigation into the matter.

SB 1250 would have also expanded the exemptions employees could request to include moral or ethical objections to vaccinations.

Current state regulations direct employers to provide reasonable accommodation for employees who ask for religious exemptions to vaccinations, including mandating mask-wearing, requiring employees to work remotely or moving them from parts of the office where there is a risk of contact with a vulnerable member of the workforce.

Hobbs claims SB 1250 unnecessary

SB 1250 was approved in both chambers of the Arizona Legislature with only Republican support.

In a letter to Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen, a Republican, Hobbs claimed that the bill was unnecessary because there were already existing federal laws that can protect employees who have deeply held religious convictions that prevent them from taking the COVID-19 vaccine.

She wrote: I have vetoed SB 1250. This bill is unnecessary, as legal protections for an employees religious beliefs already exist in federal employment law. This bill also threatens employers with a civil penalty and a hefty fine, which could be devastating for Arizonas many small businesses. Lets work to find bipartisan solutions that promote the educated and healthy workforce that is essential for Arizonas economy.

Arizona Republicans strongly criticized Hobbs decision to veto the bill. Sen. Janae Shamp noted that the bill would have given the state even more power to protect the rights of employees.

And thats exactly what this bill was designed to do, and that is exactly why I am here  that is why I am an elected [senator] because I could no longer work because of what happened and there are many out there facing the same thing, she said. Shamp, is a former nurse who lost her job due to her refusal to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

I spent my entire career as a nurse, being an advocate for my patients and ensuring that their beliefs are respected and protected. My top priority is this bill because during the pandemic, Americans medical freedoms were taken from them, myself included, added Shamp. For me, the governors veto is personal. Not just for me, but for every Arizonan who lost their job in the same manner.

Hobbs claim of wanting to find bipartisan solutions to the problems affecting Arizonans is also disproven by the fact that the governor has already vetoed 19 bills submitted by the Arizona House and the Arizona Senate. This doesnt even include her veto of the state budget, which included vetoes for 13 measures within the budget.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine mandates in the U.S. at MedicalTyranny.com.

Watch this episode of the Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks to Ed Dowd about how around 7,500 Americans have died or become disabled every day after the implementation of COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Joselyn Berry, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs press secretary, resigns after tweeting an image promoting more gun violence against transphobes.

Dr. Sam Sigoloff: The fight against vaccine mandates in the military continues.

Court blocks Bidens COVID jab mandate for US government workers.

WATCHED: CDC purchased location data of 55M phone users to track them during COVID-19 lockdowns.

CLAIM: Arizonas Democrat governor, Katie Hobbs, accused of taking bribes from Mexican cartel through complex real estate scheme.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

KJZZ.org

AzMirror.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Democrats in the Michigan Senate have rammed through a suite of 11 bills supposedly promoting gun safety but in reality restrict the Second Amendment rights of the residents of the Wolverine State.

The Michigan Senate, voting purely along party lines, passed an 11-bill gun safety package of red flag laws and requirements for safe storage and universal background checks in mid-March. (Related: Sale of bump stocks resumes in three states as feds miss deadline to appeal overturning of ban.)

The vote on the package came about a month after a mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU) that left four dead, including the perpetrator. The last time Michigan Democrats attempted to push through anti-gun legislation in 2021, they didnt have the numbers to make up a majority in either chamber of the state legislature.

Much of the legislation that the state senate passed was crafted in response to the 2021 shooting and was reintroduced by the now Democrat-controlled state senate.

The legislation requires anyone in the state attempting to purchase a rifle or shotgun to undergo a background check and register for any firearm purchase. Current state law only requires background checks for handgun purchases.

The package also implements safe storage laws, which would create strong penalties for storing or leaving a firearm where it may be accessed by a minor.

Furthermore, the bills allow law enforcement officers and family members of gun owners to petition a court to temporarily take away the guns of those deemed by the state to be too dangerous to own firearms.

The bill package has been sent to the state House of Representatives, where it is currently working its way through. The Democratic majority in the House is expected to pass the package with little to no revision, and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has already expressed her intention to sign the package into law once it reaches her desk.

Gun safety bills do not directly address issues regarding school safety

Zoe Warren, discussing the bill passed in the Michigan Senate on his program 2A For Today on The New American, noted that none of the bills passed actually directly aim to solve the crisis of school safety.

Instead, Warren noted that Michigan Democrats only seem to be concerned with imposing stricter regulations on law-abiding gun owners.

The Democrats in Michigan are bent on ensuring that Michiganders must ask their state government for permission to express their God-given right to keep and bear arms, he added. Red flag laws are the stuff of Orwellian nightmare.

Republicans in the Michigan Legislature are of the same sentiment. Instead of red flag laws, they want to see better enforcement of already-existing state laws. They note that the MSU shooting suspect was charged with a crime that would have precluded him from future legal gun ownership before he and the prosecutors agreed to a deal and a lesser charge.

State Sen. Joseph Bellino called the red flag bills severely flawed and said the package would not have stopped the shooting at MSU.

They will give people a sense of false security, all while infringing on everyones right to own a firearm to hunt, or even to defend themselves, he said.

Learn more about gun laws in the United States at Guns.news.

Watch this clip from 2A For Today on The New American as host Zoe Warren discusses the Michigan Democratic Partys latest attempt to restrict the Second Amendment rights of Michiganders.

This video is from the channel The New American on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Indianapolis PD has been secretly sending firearms data to ATF since the 1970s.

Marylands Dem state rep pushes bill to require embedded trackers in guns.

Arizona man held on $1 million bond for firing warning shots after armed men pointed AK-47 right at him.

Illinois sheriffs rebel, vow to not enforce restrictive new gun control law that includes assault weapons ban, registration.

Free state of Florida moves to ban tracking of firearms, ammo purchases because its no ones business.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

APNews.com

FreeP.com
(Natural News) According to senior Biden administration officials, classified war documents that contained secret American and NATO plans to enhance the Ukrainian military before a planned offensive against Russia were posted on social media platforms this week.

The Pentagon is currently investigating who might be behind the leak of the documents, which were posted on Twitter and Telegram, a widely accessible platform in Russia with over half a billion users, the news site DNYUZ reported.

Some military analysts noted that certain parts of the documents had been altered from their original format, with American estimates of Ukrainian war fatalities being overstated and Russian troops killed being understated.

Military analysts have suggested that modifications in certain parts of the documents from their original format may be an effort of disinformation by Moscow. However, the disclosures in the original documents, which appear as photographs of charts of anticipated weapons deliveries, troop and battalion strengths, and plans, represent a significant breach of American intelligence in the effort to aid Ukraine.

The Biden administration is currently working to get the documents deleted, but as of Thursday evening, they had not yet succeeded, the report stated.

We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the department is reviewing the matter, Sabrina Singh, the deputy press secretary at the Pentagon, noted on Thursday.

The leaked documents do not reveal any specific battle plans or the exact timing and location of the planned offensive. As they are about five weeks old, they represent a snapshot of the American and Ukrainian view as of March 1 of what Ukrainian troops might require for the campaign. However, to a Russian war planner, field general, or intelligence analyst, the documents may offer many important clues.

For instance, the documents mention the expenditure rate of HIMARS, American-supplied high mobility artillery rocket systems that can launch attacks against targets such as ammunition dumps, infrastructure, and concentrations of troops from a distance. The Pentagon has not disclosed publicly the speed at which Ukrainian troops are using the HIMARS munitions, but the documents do, said DNYUZ.

Military analysts have cautioned that briefing slides, which have been shared and circulated by pro-Russian government channels on social media, may have been selectively altered to promote the Kremlins disinformation campaign. While it is unclear how the documents ended up on social media, the analysts have expressed concern that the documents may not be entirely reliable due to potential manipulation.

Russia may not be buying the leak and has questioned the authenticity of the documents.

An analysis in RT.com, a news outlet aligned with the Russian government, noted: The leak coincided with suggestions that the NATO Defender 2023 exercises  planned for the end of this month  could be a cover for an operation to supply and support Ukrainian units. However, upon closer examination, doubts arise concerning the documents authenticity.

The supposed secret plans to support an offensive by Kievs forces hit the internet the day before Anthony Blinken made a statement on the subject. The US Secretary of State said the operation will begin within a few weeks,' the analysis continued.

There hasnt been a leak of this nature since Moscows military campaign in Ukraine began, over 13 months ago. It is noteworthy that the published plans contain not only a schedule for supplying Ukrainian units with NATO weapons and ammunition, but also information about the structure of the brigades and battalions allegedly preparing for the offensive, it added.

Others questioned whether the leak might actually be Russian disinformation.

Michael Kofman, the director of Russian studies at CNA, a research institute in Arlington, Va.: Whether these documents are authentic or not, people should take care with anything released by Russian sources.

Sources include:

DNYUZ.com

RT.com
(Natural News) Dogs are great family pets because they are loyal and adorable. Dogs can also teach young children about responsibility and help them stay active.

According to a study, having dogs as pets can also offer an unusual but important health benefit: They can help reduce the risk of childhood food allergies.

Japanese scientists who conducted the study reported that children who were exposed to a pet while still young were 15 percent less likely to develop a food allergy.

Even having a pet around a pregnant woman can help reduce food allergy likelihood because the benefits begin in the womb.

Details of the study were published in the journal PLOS One.

One in 10 young children suffers from food allergies, and increasing numbers of allergies continue to overwhelm doctors. Researchers who conducted that study hope their findings can be used to address these health issues.

Exposure to pets linked to reduced risk of food allergies in children

Data from the study revealed that children who grew up with dogs were less likely to be allergic to eggs, nuts and milk.

Cats also helped reduce a childs risk of egg, soybean and wheat allergies.

Dr. Hisao Okabe, the studys lead author from Fukushima Medical University in Japan, explained that continued dog and cat exposure from fetal development to infancy was estimated to reduce the incidence risk of food allergies.

The research team analyzed data from more than 65,000 infants from Japan that were tracked until they were three years old. (Related: Study reveals dogs can recognize their owner by voice alone.)

The prevalence of food allergy was assessed using a parent-reported doctors diagnosis.

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that pet exposure is effective in preventing allergic disease. Other studies have also confirmed the beneficial effects of dog exposure during fetal development or early infancy on food allergy.

Okabe added that they conducted the study to learn more about the effect of exposure to various species of pets on food allergy risk.

The hygiene hypothesis

A leading theory behind the rise in recorded cases of allergies is the hygiene hypothesis.

Experts think living conditions in most of the world could be too clean. This may have adverse effects since germs train immune systems to tell the difference between irritants that are harmless and those that are harmful.

Researchers think that pet exposure may help protect against food allergies by boosting the microbiome. According to earlier studies, it could increase good bacteria, which helps make children less vulnerable.

Okabe added that the study findings help reduce concerns that keeping pets like cats and dogs can cause children to develop allergic diseases.

Reducing the incidence of food allergies will significantly reduce childhood mortality from anaphylaxis, explained Okabe.

At least 22 percent of the participants were exposed to pets during the fetal period, most commonly to dogs and cats. Data revealed a significantly reduced incidence of food allergies among children exposed indoors, but there was no significant difference for kids in households with outdoor dogs.

It is interesting to note that the children exposed to hamsters, which was fewer than one percent of the total group, had significantly greater incidences of nut allergies.

The data were self-reported and supplemented by medical record data gathered during the first trimester of pregnancy, at delivery and at the one-month check-up.

The scientists think that the results of their study can be used in future research into the mechanisms behind childhood food allergies.

Incidence of food allergies in children has increased over the past few decades and it has reached over 10 percent in developed countries, said Okabe.

He added that a food allergy is a condition that reduces the quality of life of patients and their families. This kind of allergy also comes with a heavy medical cost and is a major trigger of anaphylaxis, which can sometimes be fatal.

Okabe advised that preventing food allergies in the first place is a key priority.

But while pet exposure has been suggested to be effective in the prevention of allergic diseases, families in some developed countries like Japan are still concerned about allergies and continue to avoid owning pets.

Once you confirm that no one in the family has any pet allergies, consider getting a cat or dog to help prevent food allergies in young children.

Other benefits of having pets

Children can learn these skills while caring for a pet:

Social skills  Pets can help break the ice in social settings. On outings, dogs can encourage conversations with others and will improve your childs social skills.

 Pets can help break the ice in social settings. On outings, dogs can encourage conversations with others and will improve your childs social skills. Loyalty  Pets like dogs are very loyal. They are also a good example of how to treat others, which is important for a growing child to learn.

 Pets like dogs are very loyal. They are also a good example of how to treat others, which is important for a growing child to learn. Empathy  Children growing up with a pet tend to have more empathy towards animals and other people in general.

 Children growing up with a pet tend to have more empathy towards animals and other people in general. Respect  Pets require gentle touching and learning about boundaries, such as when they are eating and sleeping. This can help children develop respect for others.

 Pets require gentle touching and learning about boundaries, such as when they are eating and sleeping. This can help children develop respect for others. Physical activity  Walking and throwing a ball while playing with pets is great exercise.

 Walking and throwing a ball while playing with pets is great exercise. Patience  Sometimes bonding with a pet takes time, and teaching pets tricks and learning good behavior can help your children be more patient.

 Sometimes bonding with a pet takes time, and teaching pets tricks and learning good behavior can help your children be more patient. Bereavement  When a pet passes away due to old age or an accident, a child will learn about the grieving process.

Watch the video below for tips on how to train a dog.

This video is from the Niface2021 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Dogs saving the food supply? Trained dogs used to sniff out disease destroying citrus trees in Florida, California and Texas.

Service dogs help military veterans with PTSD.

Prevent allergies before birth: Taking fish oil while pregnant found to reduce allergies in children.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

CANR.MSU.edu

Brighteon.com
El Demonio Negro, a Spanish term used to describe a giant fearsome shark, is stalking the waters off Baja California in Mexico, prompting years of speculations, concerns, and curiosity not only amongst locals but also internationally.

Responsible for the alleged deaths of hundreds of whales and attacks on boats, the legendary animal dubbed as the "Black Demon shark of Cortez," is still yet to be confirmed.

Despite the uncertainty, anecdotal evidence or eyewitness accounts of the giant black shark has been recorded in several reports and documentaries.

Although differing perspectives are provided, there is a resounding and common theme the accounts are implying; the Black Demon has a size of up to 60 feet in length and similar to a school bus.

With this, the predatory shark is often compared by many to the now-extinct Megalodon (Otodus megalodon), others think it is a new yet unknown species, or is just large great white shark.

Regardless, El Demonio Negro has struck fear to the minds of people, with some claiming that it could exist and scarier than O. megalodon.

The oceans cover 70% of Earth's surface and humans have only explored 5% of the ocean floor, a gradual exploration process that has stalled for a long time, due to the dangers and depth of the oceans.

In this context, marine scientists have not identified and described all sea creatures out there.

It is for this reason that the existence of some unknown species like the Black Demon of Cortez is possible.

The Black Demon of Cortez

Long before photoshopped images and videos were uploaded online, tales of the Black Demon of Cortez are passed around locally in Mexico.

Stories alone of the gargantuan beast have been terrorizing both fishermen and tourists alike for several generations, according to the "Shark Week" program of the Discovery Channel.

In one episode entitled "Mega Jaws," the Discovery Channel covered the purported claims where it interviewed several local fishermen who have allegedly seen the "demon shark."

However, investigations revealed that the animal could potentially be a whale shark or any other known animal species like a manta ray or great white shark.

The legend originated from local people who reported having seen a large, black shark in the Sea of Cortez, also called the Gulf of California, off the coast of Mexico, claiming its jaws is wide enough to swallow a whale as a whole, according to the website AZ Animals.

Also Read: Great White Shark May Be the Culprit For the Extinction of Megalodon

Resemblance with Megalodon

The attribution of the Black Demon shark of Cortez with the megalodon is hard to prove, since the ancient shark went extinct around 2.6 million years ago, in which researchers blamed due to food competition with great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) that we see today.

According to the National History Museum, the megalodon can grow between 15 to 18 meters (49 to 59 feet) in length, which is three times longer than the biggest recorded great white shark.

The museum added that the size of the megalodon is comparable to today's largest whale sharks.

Related Article: Simulation Reveals the Ancient Megalodon Has Been the World's Fastest Shark Ever
As the only Korean named in the top 100 law firms in the world, Kim & Chang provides legal advices for many major Korean enterprises operating in Vietnam and actively supports investment promotion activities in the Southeast Asian country.



NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue hailed the RoK as the biggest FDI partner and the third biggest trade partner of Vietnam. He lauded Kim & Chang for opening its representative office in Hanoi, following the one in Ho Chi Minh City.



Chung, for his part, said with its 60 years of experience in economic development, the RoK is willing to share its experience with Vietnam so that Vietnam could avoid difficulties and obstacles that the RoK encountered.



National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (R) and Attorney Chung Kye-sung (Photo: VNA)

Apart from traditional cooperation areas, he said the two countries State and businesses share the same goals to address global issues such as epidemics, sustainable development, climate change, digital transformation and cyber security.



According to him, Kim & Chang not only helps Korean firms but also Vietnamese businesses cooperate with Korean partners as well as acquire Korean technologies.



Kim & Chang is ready to cooperate with and provide consultancy on policies and issuance of new legal regulations for Vietnam, he said.



Agreeing with the guest that the two economies are supplementary to each other so that they could strive for a more balanced trade, Chairman Hue wished that Kim & Chang would continue helping enterprises and investors tap their complementary strengths for mutual development.



According to NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, the two countries enterprises need to work more closely together to set up and maintain supply chains, especially for strategic products. He recalled that during his RoK visit, several Korean investors said they consider Vietnam a destination for semiconductor technology, a field that both the world and Vietnam need.



He agreed with the view of supporting the transfer of technology and learning management models between businesses of the two countries, contributing to increasing the localisation rate of key Korean products in Vietnam. He hoped that the law firm will step up bilateral cooperation in agricultural and seasonal labour.



He said the RoK plans to provide Vietnam with 16 billion USD in ODA loans, but with hard requirements. The host wished that the company would suggest the RoK government and legislature harmonise the requirements to help Vietnam access this capital, similar to what other countries did.



He also hoped for the companys support to Vietnam in fine-tuning policies and laws, especially in such areas as digital transformation, digital sovereignty, cyber security, just energy transition and green transformation.



Regarding the global minimum corporate tax proposed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Hue proposed that Kim & Chang, with its experienced experts, assist Vietnam in building and proposing solutions to ensure a balanced interest among relevant parties.



He said Vietnam will hold a seminar on this field in late April. Later this year, the Vietnamese National Assembly will decide on amending the corporate income tax law in order to continue creating a favourable business environment and improving the competitiveness of Vietnamese firms.



The guest affirmed that Kim & Chang is always ready to make contributions to promoting cooperative relationship between the two countries./.
At the reception (Photo: VNA)

The PM also congratulated Cambodia on its great achievements in internal and external affairs, especially successfully assuming its role as ASEAN 2022 Chair.



He expressed his belief that Cambodia will successfully organise the seventh National Assembly election and the 32nd Southeast Asian Games. Vietnam is ready to support and share experiences to help Cambodia successfully host this important regional sporting event, he said.



Chea Kimtha, for her part, expressed her delight at the positive development of ties between the two countries, especially the positive outcomes of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year 2022.



She thanked Vietnam for assisting Cambodia in fighting COVID-19 pandemic and successfully hosting the ASEAN Summit 2022. Vietnam also helped Cambodia organise the SEA Games torch relay event, which was attended by around 400 people.



The diplomat vowed to do her best to push forward the close and effective relationship between the two nations, contributing to their common development and prosperity.



Following the success of Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year 2022, PM Chinh said since early this year, the two countries have held important cooperation activities and exchange of high-ranking delegations.



PM Pham Minh Chinh proposed that both sides continue with negotiations to complete the remaining 16% of border demarcation in order to build a borderline of peace, friendship, cooperation and development. He suggested Cambodia continue paying attention to handling legal documents for Cambodians of Vietnamese origin, creating favorable conditions for them to settle down their lives.



The guest promised to follow the PM's proposals to facilitate high-level visits, effectively realise cooperation agreements between the two Parties and Governments, strengthen connectivity between the two economies, including both hard and soft infrastructure; continue stepping up the momentum of bilateral trade growth; boost cross-border trade and border economic development; and carry forward education-training and tourism cooperation as well as people-to-people exchange.



On the occasion of the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay Festival 2023, PM Pham Minh Chinh expressed his New Year wishes to the ambassador and extended his regards and congratulations to King Norodom Sihamoni, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, and other high-ranking leaders of Cambodia./.
By AFP

GENEVA: Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said Switzerland's economy would probably have collapsed had Credit Suisse gone bankrupt, in an interview.

Keller-Sutter told Le Temps newspaper that the government had acted in the country's best interests in swiftly arranging the takeover of Switzerland's second-biggest bank by its larger domestic rival UBS.

Amid fears of a global banking crisis last month, investor confidence in Credit Suisse collapsed on March 15, with the government then orchestrating a takeover during the weekend before the markets reopened on March 20.

Some 109 billion Swiss francs ($120 billion) have been put on the table between government guarantees and the liquidity made available by the Swiss central bank.

SATYAJIT DAS | Is a full-blown global banking meltdown in the offing?

"Given the circumstances, we acted as best we could to minimise the burden for the state and the taxpayers," Keller-Sutter said.

"Without determined intervention by the authorities, the alternative would have been a bankruptcy of Credit Suisse on Monday morning, accompanied by a probable collapse of the Swiss economy."

Like UBS, Credit Suisse was among the 30 banks worldwide deemed of global importance to the international banking system and therefore too big to fail.

But it suffered a string of scandals in recent years, and after three US regional banks collapsed in March, it was left looking like the weakest link in the chain.

Double-quick deal

The takeover talks were hastily conducted at Keller-Sutter's finance ministry in Bern and the $3.25 billion deal was announced on the evening of March 19.

"The bank would have gone bankrupt on Monday, March 20. For what? Because over the years there has been a culture that seems to have created the wrong incentives. Because there have been many scandals," said Keller-Sutter.

ALSO READ | Global banks are in trouble; how about those in India?

As for whether any executives would be brought to justice, she said: "It's difficult and complex."

She said the government's priority was to complete the merger. UBS said Wednesday it should close the takeover within the coming months.

The finance minister said it was too soon to talk about the future structure of UBS, which will become a mega-bank with some $5 trillion in invested assets.

Keller-Sutter said the government would have to analyse what happened in full, and then adapt the regulations on banks considered too big to fail.

"But there are limits. Let's not forget that... confidence cannot be regulated."

GENEVA: Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said Switzerland's economy would probably have collapsed had Credit Suisse gone bankrupt, in an interview. Keller-Sutter told Le Temps newspaper that the government had acted in the country's best interests in swiftly arranging the takeover of Switzerland's second-biggest bank by its larger domestic rival UBS. Amid fears of a global banking crisis last month, investor confidence in Credit Suisse collapsed on March 15, with the government then orchestrating a takeover during the weekend before the markets reopened on March 20.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Some 109 billion Swiss francs ($120 billion) have been put on the table between government guarantees and the liquidity made available by the Swiss central bank. SATYAJIT DAS | Is a full-blown global banking meltdown in the offing? "Given the circumstances, we acted as best we could to minimise the burden for the state and the taxpayers," Keller-Sutter said. "Without determined intervention by the authorities, the alternative would have been a bankruptcy of Credit Suisse on Monday morning, accompanied by a probable collapse of the Swiss economy." Like UBS, Credit Suisse was among the 30 banks worldwide deemed of global importance to the international banking system and therefore too big to fail. But it suffered a string of scandals in recent years, and after three US regional banks collapsed in March, it was left looking like the weakest link in the chain. Double-quick deal The takeover talks were hastily conducted at Keller-Sutter's finance ministry in Bern and the $3.25 billion deal was announced on the evening of March 19. "The bank would have gone bankrupt on Monday, March 20. For what? Because over the years there has been a culture that seems to have created the wrong incentives. Because there have been many scandals," said Keller-Sutter. ALSO READ | Global banks are in trouble; how about those in India? As for whether any executives would be brought to justice, she said: "It's difficult and complex." She said the government's priority was to complete the merger. UBS said Wednesday it should close the takeover within the coming months. The finance minister said it was too soon to talk about the future structure of UBS, which will become a mega-bank with some $5 trillion in invested assets. Keller-Sutter said the government would have to analyse what happened in full, and then adapt the regulations on banks considered too big to fail. "But there are limits. Let's not forget that... confidence cannot be regulated."
Dese Gowda By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: As the spring season blossoms, blanketing the city with the pink hues of pau darco trees, Christians are preparing for one of the most significant events of the year  Easter Sunday. A celebration of Christs resurrection, the festival represents a fresh start. But its not just Bengalureans who are looking forward to Easter Sunday, but a diverse community of foreign residents who have come to call Bengaluru their home over the years.

Elizabeth Bowden-David grew up in the United States and has always associated the festival with a sunrise outdoor church service. Having lived in Bengaluru for nearly two decades now, she is planning a special outdoor celebration. Growing up, I came to associate the holiday with very early mornings. This year, I am doing something special by going on an early morning bird-watching tour in Lalbagh. Easter has a strong association with springtime flowers and birds, so this seems a fitting way to celebrate, she says, adding that she finds a connection between Easter and the Hindu spring festival Ugadi, given certain similarities between the two. They occur around the same time and both are about new beginnings. So with Ugadi, the pink flowered trees, and Easter, I think of it all as a season of fresh starts. I also put lilies in vases in my home, as they symbolise the holiday and have a beautiful aroma, she adds.

Easter traditions vary across the globe, but among the most popular traditions is the hunt for Easter eggs. Symbolising fertility and new life, the eggs are colourfully decorated and are filled with sweets  most often with chocolate. Bea Renninger, a German protestant who has called Bengaluru her home for the last seven years is fond of the tradition. Just like Christmas, Easter is very important for me. My brother is coming from Germany and were planning a small get-together, with brunch and Easter egg hunts, she shares.

After moving to the city, Renninger has had to make a few changes to the way she celebrates the festival. Not attending church service is one of them. Our church is quite far from my home, so, unfortunately, weve started to skip service on Easter. The dyes we use to decorate the eggs are also not easily available here, we source them from back home. Easter is also not very big here. Back in Germany, we have holidays on both Good Friday and Easter Monday, but not here. Apart from that, the way we celebrate the festival hasnt changed much, she adds.

Similarly, chef Aurelie Lalande, who runs a traditional French desserts and quiches boutique in the city shares that some of the traditional Easter foods are hard to find in Bengaluru. Back in France, chocolate is quite big during Easter. From eggs to figurines, everything is made with chocolate. However, chocolate figurines are hard to come by in Bengaluru, she says.

BENGALURU: As the spring season blossoms, blanketing the city with the pink hues of pau darco trees, Christians are preparing for one of the most significant events of the year  Easter Sunday. A celebration of Christs resurrection, the festival represents a fresh start. But its not just Bengalureans who are looking forward to Easter Sunday, but a diverse community of foreign residents who have come to call Bengaluru their home over the years. Elizabeth Bowden-David grew up in the United States and has always associated the festival with a sunrise outdoor church service. Having lived in Bengaluru for nearly two decades now, she is planning a special outdoor celebration. Growing up, I came to associate the holiday with very early mornings. This year, I am doing something special by going on an early morning bird-watching tour in Lalbagh. Easter has a strong association with springtime flowers and birds, so this seems a fitting way to celebrate, she says, adding that she finds a connection between Easter and the Hindu spring festival Ugadi, given certain similarities between the two. They occur around the same time and both are about new beginnings. So with Ugadi, the pink flowered trees, and Easter, I think of it all as a season of fresh starts. I also put lilies in vases in my home, as they symbolise the holiday and have a beautiful aroma, she adds. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Easter traditions vary across the globe, but among the most popular traditions is the hunt for Easter eggs. Symbolising fertility and new life, the eggs are colourfully decorated and are filled with sweets  most often with chocolate. Bea Renninger, a German protestant who has called Bengaluru her home for the last seven years is fond of the tradition. Just like Christmas, Easter is very important for me. My brother is coming from Germany and were planning a small get-together, with brunch and Easter egg hunts, she shares. After moving to the city, Renninger has had to make a few changes to the way she celebrates the festival. Not attending church service is one of them. Our church is quite far from my home, so, unfortunately, weve started to skip service on Easter. The dyes we use to decorate the eggs are also not easily available here, we source them from back home. Easter is also not very big here. Back in Germany, we have holidays on both Good Friday and Easter Monday, but not here. Apart from that, the way we celebrate the festival hasnt changed much, she adds. Similarly, chef Aurelie Lalande, who runs a traditional French desserts and quiches boutique in the city shares that some of the traditional Easter foods are hard to find in Bengaluru. Back in France, chocolate is quite big during Easter. From eggs to figurines, everything is made with chocolate. However, chocolate figurines are hard to come by in Bengaluru, she says.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Admitting that it will be a big challenge to tackle WhatsApp-based political advertisements in the coming Assembly elections, Ujwal Kumar Ghosh, Special Commissioner for Elections, BBMP, said action will be taken only if a complaint is raised on the CVigil app.

Speaking at a meeting with political party representatives at the BBMP head office on regulations for advertising by candidates and parties on electronic, print, social media, bulk SMS and others, he said advertisements should not contain personal abuse and references to caste and religion.

The cost of these advertisements will be added to candidates accounts once the nomination process begins, he said. He called upon the print and electronic media to follow the election code of conduct while publishing Assembly election information and to create awareness among people about voting.

He said legal action will be taken against trolls and WhatsApp admin if the authorities receive any complaints. It is difficult to deal with WhatsApp campaigns, but at the same time, it will be a learning experience, he added. For advertising on electronic and other media platforms, candidates should approach the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee working under the District Election Officer. But there is no such certification needed for print, he added.

If there is any instance of paid news in print media, the candidate will be issued a notice by the returning officer. The committee will check and if there are anomalies, the chief electoral officer (CEO) will be informed. He will write to the Press Council of India for steps to be taken, he said.

Online cash transactions are being monitored to ensure fair voting. If a case is registered, it will be investigated, he added. He said that over two lakh voters, who are over 80 years old and disabled, will be provided ballots at their doorsteps. The details will be shared after April 15. The election commission will have 200-plus theme booths. In each Assembly segment, there will be five pink booths for women to vote exclusively, he said.

BENGALURU: Admitting that it will be a big challenge to tackle WhatsApp-based political advertisements in the coming Assembly elections, Ujwal Kumar Ghosh, Special Commissioner for Elections, BBMP, said action will be taken only if a complaint is raised on the CVigil app. Speaking at a meeting with political party representatives at the BBMP head office on regulations for advertising by candidates and parties on electronic, print, social media, bulk SMS and others, he said advertisements should not contain personal abuse and references to caste and religion. The cost of these advertisements will be added to candidates accounts once the nomination process begins, he said. He called upon the print and electronic media to follow the election code of conduct while publishing Assembly election information and to create awareness among people about voting.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He said legal action will be taken against trolls and WhatsApp admin if the authorities receive any complaints. It is difficult to deal with WhatsApp campaigns, but at the same time, it will be a learning experience, he added. For advertising on electronic and other media platforms, candidates should approach the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee working under the District Election Officer. But there is no such certification needed for print, he added. If there is any instance of paid news in print media, the candidate will be issued a notice by the returning officer. The committee will check and if there are anomalies, the chief electoral officer (CEO) will be informed. He will write to the Press Council of India for steps to be taken, he said. Online cash transactions are being monitored to ensure fair voting. If a case is registered, it will be investigated, he added. He said that over two lakh voters, who are over 80 years old and disabled, will be provided ballots at their doorsteps. The details will be shared after April 15. The election commission will have 200-plus theme booths. In each Assembly segment, there will be five pink booths for women to vote exclusively, he said.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: In a major crackdown, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday seized around 1.5 tonnes single-use plastic items from the Damana market area and imposed Rs 25,000 penalty on a vendor for violating the pollution norms.

BMC officials said their enforcement team, as part of their regular checking, entered the market area to search for single-use plastic. During inspection, the team suddenly traced a house nearby the market, used as a stock unit for the banned items.

As the team entered the house, it detected a stock of 1.5 tonnes including single-use plastic glasses, thermocol cutleries, and polythene bags.

We found that it was the second time that such a huge quantity of banned plastic items seized from the defaulter. Accordingly Rs 25, 000 fine was imposed, said BMC officials.

BMC commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange said Rs 3.85 lakh fine has been collected by the civic body from defaulters over plastic norm violations between October 2022 and March 2023. More than 3.5 metric tonnes of single-use plastic has been seized in this period, he said. We are also seeking support from traders as well as community members to check the use of single-use plastic items in the city, he said.

BHUBANESWAR: In a major crackdown, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday seized around 1.5 tonnes single-use plastic items from the Damana market area and imposed Rs 25,000 penalty on a vendor for violating the pollution norms. BMC officials said their enforcement team, as part of their regular checking, entered the market area to search for single-use plastic. During inspection, the team suddenly traced a house nearby the market, used as a stock unit for the banned items. As the team entered the house, it detected a stock of 1.5 tonnes including single-use plastic glasses, thermocol cutleries, and polythene bags.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); We found that it was the second time that such a huge quantity of banned plastic items seized from the defaulter. Accordingly Rs 25, 000 fine was imposed, said BMC officials. BMC commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange said Rs 3.85 lakh fine has been collected by the civic body from defaulters over plastic norm violations between October 2022 and March 2023. More than 3.5 metric tonnes of single-use plastic has been seized in this period, he said. We are also seeking support from traders as well as community members to check the use of single-use plastic items in the city, he said.
By PTI

CHENNAI: Fresh after a barrage of attacks against political rival and Telangana state leadership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Chennai on Saturday to what seemed like calmer waters.

Modi shared the warmth of Chief Minister M K Stalin who briefly held the PM's hand and patted the back of the latter's palm while walking through the displays exhibited at the new Chennai airport terminal on Saturday.

Earlier, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhara Rao did not attend PM Modi's event in Hyderabad.

While speaking at Hyderabad after inaugurating railway projects and developmental schemes, PM Modi attacked the Telangana state leadership for "obstructing" the developmental projects being implemented in the state by the Centre.

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan was seated on stage as the PM launched his attack on the state leadership.

WATCH |

While the PM flew over to Tamil Nadu soon after the Telangana events, he was wading into tricky political waters.

Governor RN Ravi had very recently kicked up a political storm by saying the 2018 anti-Sterlite protests by people were completely "foreign-funded".

While responding to a question on Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) violations during an event at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai on Thursday, the governor had said "Sterlite protest, it was purely foreign-funded, and the entire activities which led to the protest and the unfortunate police firing that cost innocent lives."

DMK reacted sharply to these comments saying that it was an insult to the people who not only participated in huge numbers against the functioning of the Sterlite plant but even gave their lives in their struggle.

At least 13 people were killed when police opened fire at anti-Sterlite protestors in Thoothukudi in 2018. DMK had threatened statewide protests against the governor's remarks.

Meanwhile, the ruling DMK's ally Congress party had threatened to hold a black flag demonstration at the airport to protest the arrival of Modi in the state amid disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as Lok Sabha member.

The DMK has been raising several issues regarding the alleged threat to federal structure of the country posed by the ruling BJP at the centre.

Chief Minister Stalin has also been batting for Congress-led opposition unity against the NDA government at the centre.

Only days before the PM arrived did the Chief Minister write a letter to the former demanding that three coal blocks identified in the Cauvery Delta region of the state be removed from the national auction list.

The centre was quick to remove the three regions from the list, even as the state BJP leader K Annamalai issued a statement thanking the PM for his swift response to their demands.

In such an atmosphere, of the three events the PM was to participate in Chennai, Chief Minister MK Stalin not only participated in the first one where the Prime Minister inaugurated Chennai Airport's new integrated terminal, but also expressed some warmth.

Stalin received the PM at the Chennai airport and later both together, with Governor R N Ravi in tow among others including Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, took a walk around the new integrated terminal.

The PM then went on to his next stop which was to flag off Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express from the MGR Chennai Central Station, which was also attended by Stalin.

CHENNAI: Fresh after a barrage of attacks against political rival and Telangana state leadership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Chennai on Saturday to what seemed like calmer waters. Modi shared the warmth of Chief Minister M K Stalin who briefly held the PM's hand and patted the back of the latter's palm while walking through the displays exhibited at the new Chennai airport terminal on Saturday. Earlier, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhara Rao did not attend PM Modi's event in Hyderabad.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); While speaking at Hyderabad after inaugurating railway projects and developmental schemes, PM Modi attacked the Telangana state leadership for "obstructing" the developmental projects being implemented in the state by the Centre. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan was seated on stage as the PM launched his attack on the state leadership. WATCH | While the PM flew over to Tamil Nadu soon after the Telangana events, he was wading into tricky political waters. Governor RN Ravi had very recently kicked up a political storm by saying the 2018 anti-Sterlite protests by people were completely "foreign-funded". While responding to a question on Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) violations during an event at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai on Thursday, the governor had said "Sterlite protest, it was purely foreign-funded, and the entire activities which led to the protest and the unfortunate police firing that cost innocent lives." DMK reacted sharply to these comments saying that it was an insult to the people who not only participated in huge numbers against the functioning of the Sterlite plant but even gave their lives in their struggle. At least 13 people were killed when police opened fire at anti-Sterlite protestors in Thoothukudi in 2018. DMK had threatened statewide protests against the governor's remarks. Meanwhile, the ruling DMK's ally Congress party had threatened to hold a black flag demonstration at the airport to protest the arrival of Modi in the state amid disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as Lok Sabha member. The DMK has been raising several issues regarding the alleged threat to federal structure of the country posed by the ruling BJP at the centre. Chief Minister Stalin has also been batting for Congress-led opposition unity against the NDA government at the centre. Only days before the PM arrived did the Chief Minister write a letter to the former demanding that three coal blocks identified in the Cauvery Delta region of the state be removed from the national auction list. The centre was quick to remove the three regions from the list, even as the state BJP leader K Annamalai issued a statement thanking the PM for his swift response to their demands. In such an atmosphere, of the three events the PM was to participate in Chennai, Chief Minister MK Stalin not only participated in the first one where the Prime Minister inaugurated Chennai Airport's new integrated terminal, but also expressed some warmth. Stalin received the PM at the Chennai airport and later both together, with Governor R N Ravi in tow among others including Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, took a walk around the new integrated terminal. The PM then went on to his next stop which was to flag off Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express from the MGR Chennai Central Station, which was also attended by Stalin.
Anup Verma By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Centre is straining itself to unclog Delhis arteries, which it believes would require Rs 62,181 crore. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari told this paper at Delhi Dialogue that his ministry has kicked off 16 road projects measuring 862 km in length in the entire region, delivering many of them within a scheduled time.

His ministry is also in the process to provide Rs 1,500 crore to make Delhi roads dust-free, besides improving the landscape and drainage. The minister explained how a network of an expressway, underpasses and a flyover quickly spread out along Eastern Peripheral with a cost of Rs 12,000 crore in 2018. The 135km passageway was followed by the construction of a flyover and then an underpass at the Delhi-Gurugram stretch with a cost of Rs 1,000 crore in 2019.

The ministry also completed the construction of 8-lane corridors from Dhaula Kuan to the IGIA in 2020 and elevated U-turn near Ambience Mall with a cost of Rs 270 crore and Rs 163 crore, respectively.

The other completed projects are the 4-lane UP-Haryana border at Sonipat, 6-lane Gurgaon to Sohna road and all the packages except Chipiyana ROB have also been completed of Delhi Meerut expressway. The ministry has spent Rs 8,000 crore along the 95-km carriageway which has eased the traffic up to a maximum extent, he said.

The minister said the construction work of the bypass from Rangpuri has been started with a cost of Rs 3,000 crore and is likely to be completed by 2024-end. He said the bypass will link Vasant Kunj (Nelson Mandela Marg) to Dwarka Expressway, NH-48 and IGI Airport through a four-level interchange at Shiv Murti on NH-8. Also, construction works to ensure connectivity between IGIA to Jewar airport and to Delhi Mumbai Expressway have been kicked off and a total of Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated.

Besides this, 70 per cent of work related to the construction of structures to improve connectivity between Delhi and Jaipur, 73 per cent of works of 4-laning of Gohana to Sonipat, 97 per cent of Delhi to Panipat and 80 per cent of Dwarka Eway have been completed.

Similar is the pace of work at the DND Interchange-Kalindi Kunj-Faridabad-Ballabgarh-Sohna stretch, the 6-laning of UER-II (Urban Extension Road) and 6-laning of Akshardham to the intersection of Eastern Peripheral Expressway, he added.

NEW DELHI: The Centre is straining itself to unclog Delhis arteries, which it believes would require Rs 62,181 crore. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari told this paper at Delhi Dialogue that his ministry has kicked off 16 road projects measuring 862 km in length in the entire region, delivering many of them within a scheduled time. His ministry is also in the process to provide Rs 1,500 crore to make Delhi roads dust-free, besides improving the landscape and drainage. The minister explained how a network of an expressway, underpasses and a flyover quickly spread out along Eastern Peripheral with a cost of Rs 12,000 crore in 2018. The 135km passageway was followed by the construction of a flyover and then an underpass at the Delhi-Gurugram stretch with a cost of Rs 1,000 crore in 2019. The ministry also completed the construction of 8-lane corridors from Dhaula Kuan to the IGIA in 2020 and elevated U-turn near Ambience Mall with a cost of Rs 270 crore and Rs 163 crore, respectively.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The other completed projects are the 4-lane UP-Haryana border at Sonipat, 6-lane Gurgaon to Sohna road and all the packages except Chipiyana ROB have also been completed of Delhi Meerut expressway. The ministry has spent Rs 8,000 crore along the 95-km carriageway which has eased the traffic up to a maximum extent, he said. The minister said the construction work of the bypass from Rangpuri has been started with a cost of Rs 3,000 crore and is likely to be completed by 2024-end. He said the bypass will link Vasant Kunj (Nelson Mandela Marg) to Dwarka Expressway, NH-48 and IGI Airport through a four-level interchange at Shiv Murti on NH-8. Also, construction works to ensure connectivity between IGIA to Jewar airport and to Delhi Mumbai Expressway have been kicked off and a total of Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated. Besides this, 70 per cent of work related to the construction of structures to improve connectivity between Delhi and Jaipur, 73 per cent of works of 4-laning of Gohana to Sonipat, 97 per cent of Delhi to Panipat and 80 per cent of Dwarka Eway have been completed. Similar is the pace of work at the DND Interchange-Kalindi Kunj-Faridabad-Ballabgarh-Sohna stretch, the 6-laning of UER-II (Urban Extension Road) and 6-laning of Akshardham to the intersection of Eastern Peripheral Expressway, he added.
Jaison Wilson By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Refusing to grant relief to a man convicted for peeping inside a womans bathroom, which only had a curtain on the entrance of the bathroom instead of a door, the Delhi High Court held that his act would certainly attract criminality under voyeurism.

Needless to say, such an act would certainly put a woman under embarrassment and constant fear of being observed while she takes bath even behind the four walls of a makeshift bathroom, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said in the order.

It is clear from the statements of the witnesses that the bathroom had small walls and a curtain used to be drawn at the time of taking bath the victim. The contention that the act of taking bath cannot be considered a private act as it was being done in a public place is not only meritless but also absurd. Taking bath in a bathroom by any person, whether a male or a female, is essentially a private act as it is taking place inside the four walls of the bathroom, the High Court said.

The court highlighted that courts need to remain alive to the social realities in such cases where the victim due to her poverty did not have the luxury of having a bathroom inside her house, but had a makeshift bathroom outside her own house.

The mans counsel sought to set aside his clients conviction under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, arguing that the act of taking bath in the bathroom situated outside the jhuggi of the victim in a public place can be equated with a person taking bath in water parks, swimming pools, lakes, ponds or even while taking bath in rivers at religious places.

The court said, However, the act of taking a holy dip cannot be equated with taking bath by a woman behind four walls with curtain drawn who would expect that she is behind four walls with the covered entrance, and will thus have a reasonable expectation that while taking bath, she will not be observed by anyone.

NEW DELHI: Refusing to grant relief to a man convicted for peeping inside a womans bathroom, which only had a curtain on the entrance of the bathroom instead of a door, the Delhi High Court held that his act would certainly attract criminality under voyeurism. Needless to say, such an act would certainly put a woman under embarrassment and constant fear of being observed while she takes bath even behind the four walls of a makeshift bathroom, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said in the order. It is clear from the statements of the witnesses that the bathroom had small walls and a curtain used to be drawn at the time of taking bath the victim. The contention that the act of taking bath cannot be considered a private act as it was being done in a public place is not only meritless but also absurd. Taking bath in a bathroom by any person, whether a male or a female, is essentially a private act as it is taking place inside the four walls of the bathroom, the High Court said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The court highlighted that courts need to remain alive to the social realities in such cases where the victim due to her poverty did not have the luxury of having a bathroom inside her house, but had a makeshift bathroom outside her own house. The mans counsel sought to set aside his clients conviction under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, arguing that the act of taking bath in the bathroom situated outside the jhuggi of the victim in a public place can be equated with a person taking bath in water parks, swimming pools, lakes, ponds or even while taking bath in rivers at religious places. The court said, However, the act of taking a holy dip cannot be equated with taking bath by a woman behind four walls with curtain drawn who would expect that she is behind four walls with the covered entrance, and will thus have a reasonable expectation that while taking bath, she will not be observed by anyone.
Mayank Tiwari By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: As we dwelled in the interiors and got astonished by Yi Jing at ITC Kohenur, our eyes were arrested by the chef standing on the Billiard board like an open kitchen platform stole our attention. Watching Pengs Yu Tao hands at work seemed like a play, as he was only juggling the dough. He however ended up with noodles that looked like a product of deft precision.

Chef stretched and pulled the dough, strictly obeying the laws of elasticity and tension of Physics and making sure not even one of the many noodle strands breaks. "It took me years of hours to learn to make sure that no noodle strand breaks," he said in English, infused with the warm familiarity of his native tongue.

Presiding over this Oriental oasis, Master Chef Peng, a seasoned virtuoso of Chinese cuisine with decades of experience. Chef Pengs culinary prowess is unmistakable as he artfully weaves the robust and titillating flavours of his native Chengdu into each dish. His gastronomic feats are a harmonious marriage of spice and subtlety, inviting diners to savour the tingling warmth of his creations without succumbing to the inferno of chilli.

As a maestro of texture, Chef Peng showcases his skill in the Crackling Prawn with Crack Chilli and Potato Crisps, one among the 12 of his nostalgia-inspired A la carte menu. In this dish, each morsel of crunch and softness, as the prawn's crisp exterior yields to its tender flesh within melted offered diners an unforgettable sensory experience.

The sauteed vegetables are another testament to his mastery, with the lotus stem, imported from Thailand, and black fungus from Chengdu itself offering an exquisite play of contrasts, both to tongue and eyes. The hotpot sauce of Chengdu further elevated the experience, revealing its flavours in tantalising layers, until a while after the bite.

The Dumpling Platter, a signature offering, leaves harmonious flavours on the tastebuds, whilst the Minced Chicken with Microgreens luxuriates in a clear broth dissolved with their mildness of meticulously directed tastes that are hard to be explained, yet can be felt and remembered.

The piece de resistance, however, is the Slice of Fish with Preserved Vegetables. Chef Peng meticulously cures an array of ingredients - carrot, cabbage, chillies, and garlic - with a secret salt recipe, devoid of lactobacillus. The fish, infused with these preserved jewels, soaks up their essence, creating a symphony of authentic Chinese flavours.

"The festival will go on for a month and it will perhaps stay for long," says the chef, who was keenly observing the expressions of the diners who were devouring his menu full of memories crafted with love.

HYDERABAD: As we dwelled in the interiors and got astonished by Yi Jing at ITC Kohenur, our eyes were arrested by the chef standing on the Billiard board like an open kitchen platform stole our attention. Watching Pengs Yu Tao hands at work seemed like a play, as he was only juggling the dough. He however ended up with noodles that looked like a product of deft precision. Chef stretched and pulled the dough, strictly obeying the laws of elasticity and tension of Physics and making sure not even one of the many noodle strands breaks. "It took me years of hours to learn to make sure that no noodle strand breaks," he said in English, infused with the warm familiarity of his native tongue. Presiding over this Oriental oasis, Master Chef Peng, a seasoned virtuoso of Chinese cuisine with decades of experience. Chef Pengs culinary prowess is unmistakable as he artfully weaves the robust and titillating flavours of his native Chengdu into each dish. His gastronomic feats are a harmonious marriage of spice and subtlety, inviting diners to savour the tingling warmth of his creations without succumbing to the inferno of chilli.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As a maestro of texture, Chef Peng showcases his skill in the Crackling Prawn with Crack Chilli and Potato Crisps, one among the 12 of his nostalgia-inspired A la carte menu. In this dish, each morsel of crunch and softness, as the prawn's crisp exterior yields to its tender flesh within melted offered diners an unforgettable sensory experience. The sauteed vegetables are another testament to his mastery, with the lotus stem, imported from Thailand, and black fungus from Chengdu itself offering an exquisite play of contrasts, both to tongue and eyes. The hotpot sauce of Chengdu further elevated the experience, revealing its flavours in tantalising layers, until a while after the bite. The Dumpling Platter, a signature offering, leaves harmonious flavours on the tastebuds, whilst the Minced Chicken with Microgreens luxuriates in a clear broth dissolved with their mildness of meticulously directed tastes that are hard to be explained, yet can be felt and remembered. The piece de resistance, however, is the Slice of Fish with Preserved Vegetables. Chef Peng meticulously cures an array of ingredients - carrot, cabbage, chillies, and garlic - with a secret salt recipe, devoid of lactobacillus. The fish, infused with these preserved jewels, soaks up their essence, creating a symphony of authentic Chinese flavours. "The festival will go on for a month and it will perhaps stay for long," says the chef, who was keenly observing the expressions of the diners who were devouring his menu full of memories crafted with love.
Toby Antony By

Express News Service

KOCHI: The Ernakulam Central police have launched a probe into the incident in which the family members of a narcotics case accused were duped of Rs 4 lakh by a gang that promised to help him get exonerated. The police have registered a case against Alex Chandy, Nirmalan, Muhammad Salih and Naveen for duping the relatives of Scaria, who was arrested in a narcotic case registered in Muvattupuzha.

Another person who impersonated an excise officer is the fifth accused. The statements of Scaria and his relatives have been recorded. Attempts are on to trace the accused persons.

Last year, after Scaria was arrested in a case registered under the NDPS (Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act) case, Chandy approached his relatives offering help to get him exonerated. Chandy claimed his friends knew a high-ranking excise officer who could help them. Through Salih, Nirmalan got Rs 2 lakh from the family in September 2022. In October, another `2 lakh was sent to Chandys account, said a source.

When nothing happened, the relatives realised they had been duped. They tried contacting Chandy but to no avail. They then approached the excise additional commissioner (enforcement), Thiruvananthapuram, with a complaint.

The additional commissioner forwarded the complaint to the state police chief, who then sent it to

the Kochi city police commissioner. The commissioner directed the Central police to register a case and

conduct a probe.

KOCHI: The Ernakulam Central police have launched a probe into the incident in which the family members of a narcotics case accused were duped of Rs 4 lakh by a gang that promised to help him get exonerated. The police have registered a case against Alex Chandy, Nirmalan, Muhammad Salih and Naveen for duping the relatives of Scaria, who was arrested in a narcotic case registered in Muvattupuzha. Another person who impersonated an excise officer is the fifth accused. The statements of Scaria and his relatives have been recorded. Attempts are on to trace the accused persons. Last year, after Scaria was arrested in a case registered under the NDPS (Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act) case, Chandy approached his relatives offering help to get him exonerated. Chandy claimed his friends knew a high-ranking excise officer who could help them. Through Salih, Nirmalan got Rs 2 lakh from the family in September 2022. In October, another `2 lakh was sent to Chandys account, said a source. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); When nothing happened, the relatives realised they had been duped. They tried contacting Chandy but to no avail. They then approached the excise additional commissioner (enforcement), Thiruvananthapuram, with a complaint. The additional commissioner forwarded the complaint to the state police chief, who then sent it to the Kochi city police commissioner. The commissioner directed the Central police to register a case and conduct a probe.
PM Pham Minh Chinh assured the diplomat that Vietnam always treasures friendship and strategic partnership with Malaysia. He wished that during his tenure, the ambassador would actively uphold his role as an important bridge promoting the extensive and effective development of bilateral ties.



Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato Tan Yang Thai (Photo: VNA)

The host suggested that the diplomat facilitate the exchange of all-level delegations, and effectively deploy bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the Vietnam-Malaysia Joint Committee for Economic-Scientific-Technological Cooperation and the Joint Trade Committee. He also suggested coordinating efforts to hold practical activities marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Malaysia diplomatic ties (1973-2023), step up national defence and security cooperation, especially in combating transnational, drug and cyber crimes; and further propel collaboration in culture, sports, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.



According to him, two-way trade hit nearly 15 billion USD last year, up over 17% annually. Malaysia remained the second biggest ASEAN investor in Vietnam with a total registered capital of 13 billion USD.



The PM proposed that Malaysia create more favourable conditions for Vietnam's goods and services to navigate the country, including products meeting Halal standards, toward achieving the goal of 18 billion USD in two-way trade in the direction of reducing Vietnams trade deficit.



He also suggested tapping opportunities from regional trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) while expanding coordination in the digital economy, circular economy and green economy.



Vietnam is ready to offer all possible support to foreign investors, including those from Malaysia, to do business in the country, he said.



Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai, for his part, pledged to further carry forward bilateral cooperation during his tenure, especially in fields of the two countries' potential and strength like agriculture, Halal industry, education and training, digital transformation, cyber security, and sci-tech.



He agreed to strengthen cooperation at sea and closely coordinate to resolve issues related to fishermen and boats. The guest vowed to work with relevant agencies to hold activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, including high-level visits.



Malaysia is ready to welcome foreign workers following the COVID-19 pandemic, including Vietnamese workers in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on labour cooperation recently signed by the two countries in March 2022, he said.



On regional issues, the ambassador agreed with the PM's opinion on the need to continue strengthening ASEANs unity and central role, maintaining ASEAN's common stance on the East Sea, striving to build the East Sea into a water of peace and cooperation, and successfully formulating an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)./.
Namita Bajpai By

LUCKNOW: In a big revelation, the Agra Police, on Saturday, claimed that a few members of Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (BHM) slaughtered cows themselves to vitiate the atmosphere and incite communal violence in the city of Taj during Ram Navami celebration on March 30.

Agra Police had even arrested two youths accused of cow slaughter on the occasion of Ram Navami. The youths were arrested after a raid during Ram Navami celebrations from Etmaduddaula area of Gautam Nagar in Agra. Search was on for others involved in the conspiracy.

According to police sources, the name Sanjay Jat, Hindu Mahasabhas national spokesperson, had come up as the main conspirator. He hatched a conspiracy with some BHM workers and persons from minority community to frame his rivals who were later named in the FIR lodged by Jitendra Kushwaha also of BHM.

As per the senior police officials, Sanjay Jat along with his followers and friends slaughtered a cow in the Mehtab Bagh area on the night of March 29 and told party member Jitendra Kushwaha to file a case against Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Nakim and Mohammad Shanu. Kushwaha lodged the FIR at Etmaduddaula police station on the Ram Navmi day.

After the investigation, Agra police claimed it to be a sordid tale of mutual rivalry. An inquiry suggests that Sanjay had an enmity with some people named in the FIR and wanted to implicate them in the case, said the police sources. Kushwaha even gheraoed the police station twice seeking arrest of the persons named

in the FIR.

According to Agra DCP Suraj Rai, the investigation showed that the persons named in the FIR had nothing to do with cow slaughter.

Meanwhile, two persons  Imran Qureshi alias Thakur of Sayyadpada in Alamganj area and Shanuwere arrested by the police in connection with the case.

As per the police sources, Shanu divulged to the police officials that he reached Mehtab Bagh at 8 pm on March 29 and found Imran, Salman, and Sairo there. They decided to kill a cow roaming there. However, Shanu and Imran informed Jitendra Kushwaha about this and named Sanjay Jat to be behind it.

However, some Hindu Mahasabha workers complained against both Jitendra Kushwaha and Sanjay Jat saying they themselves were getting the cow slaughtered to spoil the communal harmony of Agra on Ram Navami.

On the other hand, Sanjay Jat told the media persons that he was being deliberately trapped by some BHM office bearers and the entire episode should be investigated by CBCID.

Sanjay was arrested in February in an extortion case. The police had said he and his associates often stopped vehicles transporting beef and extorted money by threatening to lodge police cases. He is out on bail.

LUCKNOW: In a big revelation, the Agra Police, on Saturday, claimed that a few members of Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (BHM) slaughtered cows themselves to vitiate the atmosphere and incite communal violence in the city of Taj during Ram Navami celebration on March 30. Agra Police had even arrested two youths accused of cow slaughter on the occasion of Ram Navami. The youths were arrested after a raid during Ram Navami celebrations from Etmaduddaula area of Gautam Nagar in Agra. Search was on for others involved in the conspiracy. According to police sources, the name Sanjay Jat, Hindu Mahasabhas national spokesperson, had come up as the main conspirator. He hatched a conspiracy with some BHM workers and persons from minority community to frame his rivals who were later named in the FIR lodged by Jitendra Kushwaha also of BHM.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As per the senior police officials, Sanjay Jat along with his followers and friends slaughtered a cow in the Mehtab Bagh area on the night of March 29 and told party member Jitendra Kushwaha to file a case against Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Nakim and Mohammad Shanu. Kushwaha lodged the FIR at Etmaduddaula police station on the Ram Navmi day. After the investigation, Agra police claimed it to be a sordid tale of mutual rivalry. An inquiry suggests that Sanjay had an enmity with some people named in the FIR and wanted to implicate them in the case, said the police sources. Kushwaha even gheraoed the police station twice seeking arrest of the persons named in the FIR. According to Agra DCP Suraj Rai, the investigation showed that the persons named in the FIR had nothing to do with cow slaughter. Meanwhile, two persons  Imran Qureshi alias Thakur of Sayyadpada in Alamganj area and Shanuwere arrested by the police in connection with the case. As per the police sources, Shanu divulged to the police officials that he reached Mehtab Bagh at 8 pm on March 29 and found Imran, Salman, and Sairo there. They decided to kill a cow roaming there. However, Shanu and Imran informed Jitendra Kushwaha about this and named Sanjay Jat to be behind it. However, some Hindu Mahasabha workers complained against both Jitendra Kushwaha and Sanjay Jat saying they themselves were getting the cow slaughtered to spoil the communal harmony of Agra on Ram Navami. On the other hand, Sanjay Jat told the media persons that he was being deliberately trapped by some BHM office bearers and the entire episode should be investigated by CBCID. Sanjay was arrested in February in an extortion case. The police had said he and his associates often stopped vehicles transporting beef and extorted money by threatening to lodge police cases. He is out on bail.
Jitendra Choubey By

Express News Service

Legal experts and environmentalists are baffled over the decision of the green court orders on reviewing of Environmental Clearance (EC) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands integrated infrastructure projects by the same set of people who once gave environmental clearance to the project.

In its order, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has admitted some basic violations made to EC (Environmental Clearance) to the project. However, It has asked the same people to review its violations.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIDCO) has been developing the project, which values at Rs 72000 crore. It constitutes a transshipment terminal, airport, township and solar-based power plant on the Great Nicobar Island. The project requires a diversion of 130.75 Sq. Km of forest land.

The NGTs constituted High Power Committee which will be headed by Secretary, MoEF&CC, and members will be the Chief Secretary, A&N, Zoological and Botanical Survey of India, Central Pollution Control Board, a nominee of Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, a nominee of Secretary, Ministry of Shipping and Director, Wildlife Institute of India.

I welcome the court order which put a temporary halt to the project for the time being, which will make government rethink the projects design, says Dr Manish Chandi, senior environmentalist studying the ecology of the islands for over two decades. However, I am disappointed over the composition of the committee, which is not independent, he said.

One of the committee members is NITI Ayog who only proposed the project in 2019.

I feel NGT is setting a wrong precedent which will compromise the safeguard of environment, forest, wildlife in future, says Debadityo Sinha, an expert on environmental laws.

Any project should follow through the rigorous scientific process and mitigation hierarchy, adds Sinha.

We are not against defence establishment project but other aspects of the project such as trans-shipment, a township which is causing irreparable damage to the pristine environment and compromising the tribal rights over their land under forest rights act, explains Chandi.

Legal experts and environmentalists are baffled over the decision of the green court orders on reviewing of Environmental Clearance (EC) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands integrated infrastructure projects by the same set of people who once gave environmental clearance to the project. In its order, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has admitted some basic violations made to EC (Environmental Clearance) to the project. However, It has asked the same people to review its violations. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIDCO) has been developing the project, which values at Rs 72000 crore. It constitutes a transshipment terminal, airport, township and solar-based power plant on the Great Nicobar Island. The project requires a diversion of 130.75 Sq. Km of forest land.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The NGTs constituted High Power Committee which will be headed by Secretary, MoEF&CC, and members will be the Chief Secretary, A&N, Zoological and Botanical Survey of India, Central Pollution Control Board, a nominee of Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, a nominee of Secretary, Ministry of Shipping and Director, Wildlife Institute of India. I welcome the court order which put a temporary halt to the project for the time being, which will make government rethink the projects design, says Dr Manish Chandi, senior environmentalist studying the ecology of the islands for over two decades. However, I am disappointed over the composition of the committee, which is not independent, he said. One of the committee members is NITI Ayog who only proposed the project in 2019. I feel NGT is setting a wrong precedent which will compromise the safeguard of environment, forest, wildlife in future, says Debadityo Sinha, an expert on environmental laws. Any project should follow through the rigorous scientific process and mitigation hierarchy, adds Sinha. We are not against defence establishment project but other aspects of the project such as trans-shipment, a township which is causing irreparable damage to the pristine environment and compromising the tribal rights over their land under forest rights act, explains Chandi.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Arunachal Pradesh on April 10 and 11 where he will launch the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' in Kibithoo, a village along the India-China border.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government of India has approved the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' (VVP) with central components of Rs 4,800 crore, including Rs 2,500 crore exclusively for road connectivity for the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26, a home ministry statement said on Saturday.

The VVP is a centrally sponsored scheme under which 2,967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts abutting the northern border in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Ladakh have been identified for comprehensive development.

In the first phase, 662 villages, including 455 in Andhra Pradesh, have been identified for priority coverage.

The VVP will help in improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and encourage people to stay at their native locations, thereby reversing the outmigration from these villages and adding to the security of the border, the statement said.

The district administration, with the help of appropriate mechanisms at block and panchayat levels, will prepare action plans for the identified villages to ensure 100 per cent saturation of central and state schemes.

ALSO READ | 'We reject this outright': India slams Chinas renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh

The focus areas of interventions identified for the development of villages include road connectivity, drinking water, electricity including solar and wind energy, mobile and internet connectivity, tourist centres, multi-purpose centres and healthcare infrastructure and wellness centres.

Shah, in his first visit to Arunachal Pradesh as home minister, will on April 10 inaugurate nine micro hydel projects of the state government constructed under the "Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme" in Kibithoo.

These electricity projects will empower people living in border villages, the statement said.

He will also inaugurate Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) projects to augment infrastructure at Likabali (Arunachal Pradesh), Chapra (Bihar), Nooranad (Kerala) and Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), it said. The home minister will also interact with ITBP personnel at Kibithoo in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh.

An exhibition of products made by members of women self-help groups of border districts will also be held.

Shah will visit the exhibition stalls, the statement said. On April 11, he will visit Namti field and pay homage at the Walong war memorial, it said.

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Arunachal Pradesh on April 10 and 11 where he will launch the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' in Kibithoo, a village along the India-China border. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government of India has approved the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' (VVP) with central components of Rs 4,800 crore, including Rs 2,500 crore exclusively for road connectivity for the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26, a home ministry statement said on Saturday. The VVP is a centrally sponsored scheme under which 2,967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts abutting the northern border in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Ladakh have been identified for comprehensive development.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In the first phase, 662 villages, including 455 in Andhra Pradesh, have been identified for priority coverage. The VVP will help in improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and encourage people to stay at their native locations, thereby reversing the outmigration from these villages and adding to the security of the border, the statement said. The district administration, with the help of appropriate mechanisms at block and panchayat levels, will prepare action plans for the identified villages to ensure 100 per cent saturation of central and state schemes. ALSO READ | 'We reject this outright': India slams Chinas renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh The focus areas of interventions identified for the development of villages include road connectivity, drinking water, electricity including solar and wind energy, mobile and internet connectivity, tourist centres, multi-purpose centres and healthcare infrastructure and wellness centres. Shah, in his first visit to Arunachal Pradesh as home minister, will on April 10 inaugurate nine micro hydel projects of the state government constructed under the "Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme" in Kibithoo. These electricity projects will empower people living in border villages, the statement said. He will also inaugurate Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) projects to augment infrastructure at Likabali (Arunachal Pradesh), Chapra (Bihar), Nooranad (Kerala) and Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), it said. The home minister will also interact with ITBP personnel at Kibithoo in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. An exhibition of products made by members of women self-help groups of border districts will also be held. Shah will visit the exhibition stalls, the statement said. On April 11, he will visit Namti field and pay homage at the Walong war memorial, it said.
The New Indian Express By

Express News Service

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the highwayman who is zipping India into a web of roads & highways, takes questions on a range of issues, from road connectivity to effective waste management, of course, a bit of politics. Excerpts from the 5th edition of Delhi Dialogue, from The New Indian Express.

Nitin Gadkari: Namaskar. I am from Nagpur. I have, in the past, read that politics is the instrument of social and economic reform. So I always tell people that politics consists 80% of social work and 20% of politics. I am doing lots of social work, particularly in agriculture, water conservation and biofuel. I am not so intelligent (yet) and have six degrees, the recent one conferred by Galgotia University. Then there are degrees from Chennai University, SRM and four from Maharashtra.

We are doing many projects in ecology and the environment. I have two philosophies  one is science/tech and another innovation/entrepreneurship. This is helping us convert waste to wealth.

No person is a waste; no material is a waste, either. It depends on the present ecology and vision of a leadership. I will give the example of waste to wealth: We have three municipal waste mountains in Delhi. One is in Ghazipur, and now we are using 20 lakh tonnes of municipal garbage for the ring road, which is a lifeline for Delhi. We have also used the garbage in the Ahmedabad road construction.

We are adding 15% ethanol. We are also making bio-bitumen from rice stock Parli, and now we are formulating a scheme for Rs 20 lakh. Instead of burning Parli and considering the Delhi pollution, we are converting it to bitumen. Thats why it is a waste to wealth.

ALSO READ | Centre to inject Rs 62K cr to unclog NCR's key passageways

In Mathura, we floated a tender for the proposal of a hybrid annuity - 40% from the government and 60%from investors. The Triveni Engineering Company received a 40% grant from the government.

The clean water from this project is given to Mathura Indian Oil, giving Rs 20 crore per year as royalty. Its a successful project of public-private investment in liquid waste management.

In Nagpur, we sell sewage water to the Maharashtra State Electricity Board and get a royalty. Regarding infrastructure in South India, we are making a double-decker flyover in Chennai starting from Chennai port, which costs around Rs 10,000 crore. We have already started the expressway from Chennai to Bengaluru. In three hours, you can travel from Chennai to Bengaluru. We have completed the Mysore-to-Bengaluru part.

Also, take many examples from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The Atal tunnel at Rohtang passes from Manali to Rohtang. After that, we come to Ladakh and Leh, and we have a big tunnel called Zojila in Kargil, estimated to cost Rs 12,000 crore. Then we come to the Jhumur tunnel, and then there is Sonmarg and Gulmarg.

At Srinagar, we are making 9 to 11 tunnels from Srinagar to Jammu. Then at Katra, we are in the process of making a big multi-model hub. Before Katra, the road will be linked to the Katra-Delhi expressway.

Now you can travel from Delhi to Amritsar in four hours, Delhi to Katra in six hours and Delhi to Srinagar in eight hours. Coming back to Delhi, there is the Delhi-Mumbai highway that leads to Surat, then to Nasik, to Ahmednagar, to Solapur onwards to Karur.

ALSO READ | India's highways infrastructure to match US by 2024, claims Gadkari

From Karur, we can go to Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Hyderabad. Therefore, we have connectivity from North to South India and Mumbai to Kolhapur and Solapur. This reduces the distance from Delhi to Chennai by 312 km. In short, this is the connectivity between Kashmir to Kanniyakumari.

Santwana Bhattacharya: It is interesting, your political network and road network both seem to be exemplary. Youre considered to be one of the most performing ministers. However, the daily functioning of Parliament is hindered. Can a workable solution be found?

Nitin Gadkari: The basic purpose of Parliament is discussion. The three pillars of democracy are the legislature, executive, and the judiciary. In the legislature, Parliament is important, where people expect us to discuss issues. Unfortunately, we are not succeeding. Being the ruling party, we try to discuss all issues. However, opposition parties have their agenda. The decision taken by the judiciary has nothing to do with the government (Rahul Gandhi bail issue).

Deepak Mondal: Coming to road transport, many point out that this has been achieved due to a change in the formula for calculating road construction. The government now uses the lane-km method instead of the linear length method.

Nitin Gadkari: There is no change in the formula; it is the same as it was during the UPA government. The formula is the same from Manmohan Singh ji to Narendra Modi ji.

Parvez Sultan: Since 2014, the NHAI debt has increased by 14 times. What are the reasons for this major concern?

Nitin Gadkari: Not at all. We have such a good reputation that we saw over-subscription of (our) bonds by seven times in seven hours on the first day of its listing on the Bombay stock exchange. There is no fund crisis. We are getting money from tolls and money by monetising the roads. We have road assets.

Shahid Faridi: The government has set a target of raising Rs 2 lakh crore by 2024 from the asset monetization programme. An update on the asset monetisation of National Highways?

Nitin Gadkari: We have many projects which we have monetised, but we monetise the project when we need money. Otherwise, we will have to deposit money.

Deepak Mondal: People are not happy with a steep rise in toll charges. There are reports of protests as well. What do you have to say?

Nitin Gadkari: If you want a good service, then youll have to pay for it. This is a global practice. Our project has reduced the travel distance from Chennai to Delhi by 312 km. With Delhi Mumbai Expressway, the travel time has been slashed to 12 hours instead of 48 hours. You can now reach Amritsar in 4 hours. Look at how many litres of diesel and hours are saved due to the expressways and highways. If people want facilities, then they will have to pay toll tax.

Rajesh Thakur: Despite a good road infrastructure, accident rates are still high in India. Any strategy?

Nitin Gadkari: Akshay Kumar works for us free of charge, and he is taking seminars (for road safety). But in this country, 5 lakh accidents take place along with 1.5 lakh deaths, 3 lakh people get their hands and legs broken, and 60% of them belong to the age group of 18-24. We are good at everything, but we are unable to control this. We accept that we are not able to reduce the number of accidents.

Kavita Bajeli-Datt: What is the status of the national safety board?

Nitin Gadkari: It has been approved. I have just signed (the file). UP Singh, retired secretary of Water Resources, is the chairman.

Parvez Sultan: You always say that Indian roads will become like in America. What can we expect in the coming days regarding Indian roads?

Nitin Gadkari: Many Delhi journalists who live across the Yamuna thank me individually because it has become easier for them to enter Delhi. Many things will gradually change. Come December 10, flights on the Delhi Dehradun route will be shut down; Delhi-Jaipur flights will shut down as well as it will take two hours to reach Jaipur. Similarly, two hours from Delhi to Haridwar, four hours for Dehradun and two-and-a-half hours for Chandigarh.The Chandigarh-Manali stretch took nine hours.It will now take two hours and 15 minutes because we have made a tunnel -- a direct road from Chandigarh to Manali is ready. Our road infrastructure will soon be like that of America.

Mayank Singh: What is the status of emergency landing strips in the border states and how many will be functional by this year-end?

Nitin Gadkari: In all, there are 89 emergency airstrip proposals. We completed 13. In some places, the Air Force did not permit us, but we will soon complete the remaining emergency airstrips project.

Rakesh Kumar: Are we seeing the same progress in ports as in the case of the national highways?

Nitin Gadkari: We spend Rs 60,000 crore on connectivity between the port and highways. You tell me, which port is left in the country which is not connected to the road? You go to any port, whether Chennai or Mumbai and each of them is connected to the road now.

The port and road connectivity reduces the cost of logistics. Our logistics cost is 16%. The same cost in China is 8-10 %, while it is 12% in the USA and European nations.

We have taken a few important decisions. One is good roads. Secondly, we are changing the type of fuel. Now we are using ANG, CNG, Biodiesel, Ethanol, and Methanol in vehicles. Then we also have electric mobility. There are cheaper alternatives to diesel. The idea is to reduce the cost of transport by changing the fuel. Our objective is to limit the cost of logistics to a single digit by 2024.

Amit Mukherjee: The government is incentivizing/ subsiding electric vehicles. But charging infrastructure for intercity travel seems inadequate.

Nitin Gadkari: Many automobile companies provide charging outlets to their customers. Around 400 EV startups entering the market with their products are also doing their business on the same line.

Today, people only charge their cars, two-wheelers, and electric scooters at their houses. The problem is with buses. There are 1.5 lakh buses with transport authorities of states. All of them are at loss and cannot procure their electric alternatives. However, there is not much issue with the charging infrastructure. We have identified 670 roads where electric charging stations will be available. The work will be completed in 6-8 months. So, I hope there wont be an issue with taking a long journey.

Arshad Khan: EV vehicles are costly What is the target for our EV?

Nitin Gadkari: Lithium prices have driven up EV costs, and prices are on the rise. As production increases, the price will correspondingly go down.

How many of you have petrol cars? More than 50% of you will have an electric car when we meet next.

Prabhu Chawla: Will there be the same scrapping policy of 15 years for EVs as in the case for other vehicles?

Nitin Gadkari: Nobody has asked me this intelligent question. To be honest, I dont have the answer to this question.

Prabhu Chawla: Which other countries have implemented this law?

Nitin Gadkari: Many countries; in the US and Europe. There is air pollution awareness in Western countries, and its also percolating in India.

Prabhu Chawla: You are promoting EV. Electricity rates are high and likely to go up further.

Nitin Gadkari: You know the first solar project was launched when Modiji was the Gujarat CM. The first tariff was Rs 16.5 per unit. Now it is 2.40 per unit. We have 30% solar in the power basket. Is it expensive power? When it comes to power rates, there is more generation, more losses, no generation, no losses.

Our power discoms incur losses between 16-18 lakhs. There are three processes...generation, transmission and distribution. Thirty-six per cent of thefts were in the distribution section. Things have changed, though. There is no option but to use thermal power. People have reservations about nuclear power. There is a limited option for geothermal power. Wind power faces restrictions from environmentalists and forest personnel.

Arshad Khan: Last summer, many EVs caught fire. Have you issued new guidelines?

Nitin Gadkari: Guidelines have been issued; we have issued a notification based on international standards. During that time(when the EV caught fire), vehicles were manufactured with some imported parts which were of low quality.

Arshad Khan: When are we getting Tesla?

Nitin Gadkari: No Idea. Those who want to manufacture here are welcome. But, if someone wants to manufacture in China and sell it in India, I am afraid they will not get any concessions.

Santwana Bhattacharya: So that was my question. When are we all going to drive the hydrogen car?

Nitin Gadkari: You are welcome for a drive in (my) Hydrogen car. It is more comfortable than a Mercedes car.

Shahid Faridi: There are reports that you may quit politics. Will you be fighting the next elections?

Nitin Gadkari: Some journalists run some rubbish on the net and then delete it after four hours. In those four hours big media houses start running the story. I am not talking about you. You have credibility. Then four experts sit together and star discussing the issue saying Nitin Gadkari is saying this and that and by evening, there are reports. This is wrong. You should listen to my full speech. I am here. I am quite fit now. I do pranayam for 1.5 hours. I have great positivity now.

Santwana Bhattacharya: I was in Nagpur once, and you spoke entirely about Nagpur santara and how you plan to sell them abroad. I see the transformation in policy approach change as you talk about waste management and waste to wealth. So I can see an evolution in your policies and your entire approach.

Nitin Gadkari: Thanks to Kisan Rail, we have exported 13 trains full of oranges to Delhi, Chennai and Bangladesh.

Now that you have mentioned Ethanol, I raised this issue way back in 2004. I have been requesting that it be time to move to biofuel and alternative fuel areas. People questioned me on my repeated assertions about biofuel. Look at the scenario now: petrol costs Rs 120 and Ethanol Rs 60 per litre.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the highwayman who is zipping India into a web of roads & highways, takes questions on a range of issues, from road connectivity to effective waste management, of course, a bit of politics. Excerpts from the 5th edition of Delhi Dialogue, from The New Indian Express. Nitin Gadkari: Namaskar. I am from Nagpur. I have, in the past, read that politics is the instrument of social and economic reform. So I always tell people that politics consists 80% of social work and 20% of politics. I am doing lots of social work, particularly in agriculture, water conservation and biofuel. I am not so intelligent (yet) and have six degrees, the recent one conferred by Galgotia University. Then there are degrees from Chennai University, SRM and four from Maharashtra. We are doing many projects in ecology and the environment. I have two philosophies  one is science/tech and another innovation/entrepreneurship. This is helping us convert waste to wealth. No person is a waste; no material is a waste, either. It depends on the present ecology and vision of a leadership. I will give the example of waste to wealth: We have three municipal waste mountains in Delhi. One is in Ghazipur, and now we are using 20 lakh tonnes of municipal garbage for the ring road, which is a lifeline for Delhi. We have also used the garbage in the Ahmedabad road construction. We are adding 15% ethanol. We are also making bio-bitumen from rice stock Parli, and now we are formulating a scheme for Rs 20 lakh. Instead of burning Parli and considering the Delhi pollution, we are converting it to bitumen. Thats why it is a waste to wealth.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ALSO READ | Centre to inject Rs 62K cr to unclog NCR's key passageways In Mathura, we floated a tender for the proposal of a hybrid annuity - 40% from the government and 60%from investors. The Triveni Engineering Company received a 40% grant from the government. The clean water from this project is given to Mathura Indian Oil, giving Rs 20 crore per year as royalty. Its a successful project of public-private investment in liquid waste management. In Nagpur, we sell sewage water to the Maharashtra State Electricity Board and get a royalty. Regarding infrastructure in South India, we are making a double-decker flyover in Chennai starting from Chennai port, which costs around Rs 10,000 crore. We have already started the expressway from Chennai to Bengaluru. In three hours, you can travel from Chennai to Bengaluru. We have completed the Mysore-to-Bengaluru part. Also, take many examples from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The Atal tunnel at Rohtang passes from Manali to Rohtang. After that, we come to Ladakh and Leh, and we have a big tunnel called Zojila in Kargil, estimated to cost Rs 12,000 crore. Then we come to the Jhumur tunnel, and then there is Sonmarg and Gulmarg. At Srinagar, we are making 9 to 11 tunnels from Srinagar to Jammu. Then at Katra, we are in the process of making a big multi-model hub. Before Katra, the road will be linked to the Katra-Delhi expressway. Now you can travel from Delhi to Amritsar in four hours, Delhi to Katra in six hours and Delhi to Srinagar in eight hours. Coming back to Delhi, there is the Delhi-Mumbai highway that leads to Surat, then to Nasik, to Ahmednagar, to Solapur onwards to Karur. ALSO READ | India's highways infrastructure to match US by 2024, claims Gadkari From Karur, we can go to Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Hyderabad. Therefore, we have connectivity from North to South India and Mumbai to Kolhapur and Solapur. This reduces the distance from Delhi to Chennai by 312 km. In short, this is the connectivity between Kashmir to Kanniyakumari. Santwana Bhattacharya: It is interesting, your political network and road network both seem to be exemplary. Youre considered to be one of the most performing ministers. However, the daily functioning of Parliament is hindered. Can a workable solution be found? Nitin Gadkari: The basic purpose of Parliament is discussion. The three pillars of democracy are the legislature, executive, and the judiciary. In the legislature, Parliament is important, where people expect us to discuss issues. Unfortunately, we are not succeeding. Being the ruling party, we try to discuss all issues. However, opposition parties have their agenda. The decision taken by the judiciary has nothing to do with the government (Rahul Gandhi bail issue). Deepak Mondal: Coming to road transport, many point out that this has been achieved due to a change in the formula for calculating road construction. The government now uses the lane-km method instead of the linear length method. Nitin Gadkari: There is no change in the formula; it is the same as it was during the UPA government. The formula is the same from Manmohan Singh ji to Narendra Modi ji. Parvez Sultan: Since 2014, the NHAI debt has increased by 14 times. What are the reasons for this major concern? Nitin Gadkari: Not at all. We have such a good reputation that we saw over-subscription of (our) bonds by seven times in seven hours on the first day of its listing on the Bombay stock exchange. There is no fund crisis. We are getting money from tolls and money by monetising the roads. We have road assets. Shahid Faridi: The government has set a target of raising Rs 2 lakh crore by 2024 from the asset monetization programme. An update on the asset monetisation of National Highways? Nitin Gadkari: We have many projects which we have monetised, but we monetise the project when we need money. Otherwise, we will have to deposit money. Deepak Mondal: People are not happy with a steep rise in toll charges. There are reports of protests as well. What do you have to say? Nitin Gadkari: If you want a good service, then youll have to pay for it. This is a global practice. Our project has reduced the travel distance from Chennai to Delhi by 312 km. With Delhi Mumbai Expressway, the travel time has been slashed to 12 hours instead of 48 hours. You can now reach Amritsar in 4 hours. Look at how many litres of diesel and hours are saved due to the expressways and highways. If people want facilities, then they will have to pay toll tax. Rajesh Thakur: Despite a good road infrastructure, accident rates are still high in India. Any strategy? Nitin Gadkari: Akshay Kumar works for us free of charge, and he is taking seminars (for road safety). But in this country, 5 lakh accidents take place along with 1.5 lakh deaths, 3 lakh people get their hands and legs broken, and 60% of them belong to the age group of 18-24. We are good at everything, but we are unable to control this. We accept that we are not able to reduce the number of accidents. Kavita Bajeli-Datt: What is the status of the national safety board? Nitin Gadkari: It has been approved. I have just signed (the file). UP Singh, retired secretary of Water Resources, is the chairman. Parvez Sultan: You always say that Indian roads will become like in America. What can we expect in the coming days regarding Indian roads? Nitin Gadkari: Many Delhi journalists who live across the Yamuna thank me individually because it has become easier for them to enter Delhi. Many things will gradually change. Come December 10, flights on the Delhi Dehradun route will be shut down; Delhi-Jaipur flights will shut down as well as it will take two hours to reach Jaipur. Similarly, two hours from Delhi to Haridwar, four hours for Dehradun and two-and-a-half hours for Chandigarh.The Chandigarh-Manali stretch took nine hours.It will now take two hours and 15 minutes because we have made a tunnel -- a direct road from Chandigarh to Manali is ready. Our road infrastructure will soon be like that of America. Mayank Singh: What is the status of emergency landing strips in the border states and how many will be functional by this year-end? Nitin Gadkari: In all, there are 89 emergency airstrip proposals. We completed 13. In some places, the Air Force did not permit us, but we will soon complete the remaining emergency airstrips project. Rakesh Kumar: Are we seeing the same progress in ports as in the case of the national highways? Nitin Gadkari: We spend Rs 60,000 crore on connectivity between the port and highways. You tell me, which port is left in the country which is not connected to the road? You go to any port, whether Chennai or Mumbai and each of them is connected to the road now. The port and road connectivity reduces the cost of logistics. Our logistics cost is 16%. The same cost in China is 8-10 %, while it is 12% in the USA and European nations. We have taken a few important decisions. One is good roads. Secondly, we are changing the type of fuel. Now we are using ANG, CNG, Biodiesel, Ethanol, and Methanol in vehicles. Then we also have electric mobility. There are cheaper alternatives to diesel. The idea is to reduce the cost of transport by changing the fuel. Our objective is to limit the cost of logistics to a single digit by 2024. Amit Mukherjee: The government is incentivizing/ subsiding electric vehicles. But charging infrastructure for intercity travel seems inadequate. Nitin Gadkari: Many automobile companies provide charging outlets to their customers. Around 400 EV startups entering the market with their products are also doing their business on the same line. Today, people only charge their cars, two-wheelers, and electric scooters at their houses. The problem is with buses. There are 1.5 lakh buses with transport authorities of states. All of them are at loss and cannot procure their electric alternatives. However, there is not much issue with the charging infrastructure. We have identified 670 roads where electric charging stations will be available. The work will be completed in 6-8 months. So, I hope there wont be an issue with taking a long journey. Arshad Khan: EV vehicles are costly What is the target for our EV? Nitin Gadkari: Lithium prices have driven up EV costs, and prices are on the rise. As production increases, the price will correspondingly go down. How many of you have petrol cars? More than 50% of you will have an electric car when we meet next. Prabhu Chawla: Will there be the same scrapping policy of 15 years for EVs as in the case for other vehicles? Nitin Gadkari: Nobody has asked me this intelligent question. To be honest, I dont have the answer to this question. Prabhu Chawla: Which other countries have implemented this law? Nitin Gadkari: Many countries; in the US and Europe. There is air pollution awareness in Western countries, and its also percolating in India. Prabhu Chawla: You are promoting EV. Electricity rates are high and likely to go up further. Nitin Gadkari: You know the first solar project was launched when Modiji was the Gujarat CM. The first tariff was Rs 16.5 per unit. Now it is 2.40 per unit. We have 30% solar in the power basket. Is it expensive power? When it comes to power rates, there is more generation, more losses, no generation, no losses. Our power discoms incur losses between 16-18 lakhs. There are three processes...generation, transmission and distribution. Thirty-six per cent of thefts were in the distribution section. Things have changed, though. There is no option but to use thermal power. People have reservations about nuclear power. There is a limited option for geothermal power. Wind power faces restrictions from environmentalists and forest personnel. Arshad Khan: Last summer, many EVs caught fire. Have you issued new guidelines? Nitin Gadkari: Guidelines have been issued; we have issued a notification based on international standards. During that time(when the EV caught fire), vehicles were manufactured with some imported parts which were of low quality. Arshad Khan: When are we getting Tesla? Nitin Gadkari: No Idea. Those who want to manufacture here are welcome. But, if someone wants to manufacture in China and sell it in India, I am afraid they will not get any concessions. Santwana Bhattacharya: So that was my question. When are we all going to drive the hydrogen car? Nitin Gadkari: You are welcome for a drive in (my) Hydrogen car. It is more comfortable than a Mercedes car. Shahid Faridi: There are reports that you may quit politics. Will you be fighting the next elections? Nitin Gadkari: Some journalists run some rubbish on the net and then delete it after four hours. In those four hours big media houses start running the story. I am not talking about you. You have credibility. Then four experts sit together and star discussing the issue saying Nitin Gadkari is saying this and that and by evening, there are reports. This is wrong. You should listen to my full speech. I am here. I am quite fit now. I do pranayam for 1.5 hours. I have great positivity now. Santwana Bhattacharya: I was in Nagpur once, and you spoke entirely about Nagpur santara and how you plan to sell them abroad. I see the transformation in policy approach change as you talk about waste management and waste to wealth. So I can see an evolution in your policies and your entire approach. Nitin Gadkari: Thanks to Kisan Rail, we have exported 13 trains full of oranges to Delhi, Chennai and Bangladesh. Now that you have mentioned Ethanol, I raised this issue way back in 2004. I have been requesting that it be time to move to biofuel and alternative fuel areas. People questioned me on my repeated assertions about biofuel. Look at the scenario now: petrol costs Rs 120 and Ethanol Rs 60 per litre.
By PTI

CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Rs 1,260 crore New Integrated Terminal Building (Phase-1) of the Chennai International Airport, a facility that will boost passenger handling.

The NITB is uniquely designed to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the state.

"The addition of this new integrated terminal building will increase the passenger serving capacity of the airport from 23 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) to 30 MPPA. The new terminal is a striking reflection of the local Tamil culture, incorporating traditional features such as the Kolam, saree, temples, and other elements that highlight the natural surroundings," the government said.

Each and every design integrated into the building is well thought out.

The columns are designed to create the visual effect of a palm tree, ceilings are adorned with motif lights, reflecting the Kolam (Rangoli) patterns of South India, and the roof design is derived from Bharatnatyam, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.

"The wavy roofing of NITB replicates the pleated costume that fans out attractively during dancer movements of traditional dance form of the state Bharatnatyam," it added.

Chief Minister MK Stalin presented a book titled 'Gandhi's Travels in Tamil Nadu' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the latter arrived at Chennai airport today @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/yN4pp0GheL  T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) April 8, 2023

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and Chief Minister M K Stalin among others were present.

The PM was seen having some cordial moments with Stalin while going around the terminal, holding the CM's hand while the latter patted him as both smiled.

CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Rs 1,260 crore New Integrated Terminal Building (Phase-1) of the Chennai International Airport, a facility that will boost passenger handling. The NITB is uniquely designed to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the state. "The addition of this new integrated terminal building will increase the passenger serving capacity of the airport from 23 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) to 30 MPPA. The new terminal is a striking reflection of the local Tamil culture, incorporating traditional features such as the Kolam, saree, temples, and other elements that highlight the natural surroundings," the government said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Each and every design integrated into the building is well thought out. The columns are designed to create the visual effect of a palm tree, ceilings are adorned with motif lights, reflecting the Kolam (Rangoli) patterns of South India, and the roof design is derived from Bharatnatyam, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said. "The wavy roofing of NITB replicates the pleated costume that fans out attractively during dancer movements of traditional dance form of the state Bharatnatyam," it added. Chief Minister MK Stalin presented a book titled 'Gandhi's Travels in Tamil Nadu' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the latter arrived at Chennai airport today @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/yN4pp0GheL  T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) April 8, 2023 Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and Chief Minister M K Stalin among others were present. The PM was seen having some cordial moments with Stalin while going around the terminal, holding the CM's hand while the latter patted him as both smiled.
By Express News Service

TEZPUR: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday flew in a Sukhoi fighter jet from the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam. She is the second woman President of India to do so.

In 2009, the then President of India Pratibha Patil had created history by flying in a Sukhoi 30 MKI in Pune.

Group Captain Naveen Kumar Tiwari flew her in a Sukhoi-30 MKI that took off from the Indian Air Force base.

#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu lands at Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam after taking a sortie in the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft pic.twitter.com/xRnjERbEnv  ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023

Before boarding the jet, Murmu, who was clad in IAF attires, waved her hand at those present and also showed the victory sign. IAF officials had minutely examined everything before the jet took off at 11:06 am.

The Sukhoi jet carrying President Droupadi Murmu touched down at the runway of the Tezpur Air Force

Station in Assam at 11:29 am, 23 minutes after it had taken off.

The President is in Assam on a three-day visit. She will leave the state later in the day.

On Friday, Murmu inaugurated the Gaj Utsav-2023 at the Kaziranga National Park. She also took a jeep safari and fed elephants. Later, she attended a function organised to celebrate the 75 years of the Gauhati High Court in Guwahati.

She was received at the air base by Air Marshal S P Dharkar, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

(With inputs from PTI)

TEZPUR: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday flew in a Sukhoi fighter jet from the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam. She is the second woman President of India to do so. In 2009, the then President of India Pratibha Patil had created history by flying in a Sukhoi 30 MKI in Pune. Group Captain Naveen Kumar Tiwari flew her in a Sukhoi-30 MKI that took off from the Indian Air Force base.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); #WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu lands at Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam after taking a sortie in the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft pic.twitter.com/xRnjERbEnv  ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023 Before boarding the jet, Murmu, who was clad in IAF attires, waved her hand at those present and also showed the victory sign. IAF officials had minutely examined everything before the jet took off at 11:06 am. The Sukhoi jet carrying President Droupadi Murmu touched down at the runway of the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam at 11:29 am, 23 minutes after it had taken off. The President is in Assam on a three-day visit. She will leave the state later in the day. On Friday, Murmu inaugurated the Gaj Utsav-2023 at the Kaziranga National Park. She also took a jeep safari and fed elephants. Later, she attended a function organised to celebrate the 75 years of the Gauhati High Court in Guwahati. She was received at the air base by Air Marshal S P Dharkar, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. (With inputs from PTI)
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Ukraines first Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emine Dzhaparova will be on an official visit to Delhi from Sunday. This will be the first visit of a senior minister from Ukraine to India since the outbreak of the Ukraine-Russia war on February 24th, 2022.

"During her visit, Dzhaparova will hold talks with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), where both sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations, exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest, according to the MEA.

Sources point out that one of the things that the minister is likely to talk about is assistance in the reconstruction of the war-torn country. Besides, she would be seeking additional humanitarian aid.

The Ukrainian government has requested aid in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and energy equipment which will help repair infrastructure damaged during the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, during her visit, she will be meeting Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi and Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri.

India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine.

Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence. The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests.

NEW DELHI: Ukraines first Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emine Dzhaparova will be on an official visit to Delhi from Sunday. This will be the first visit of a senior minister from Ukraine to India since the outbreak of the Ukraine-Russia war on February 24th, 2022. "During her visit, Dzhaparova will hold talks with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), where both sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations, exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest, according to the MEA. Sources point out that one of the things that the minister is likely to talk about is assistance in the reconstruction of the war-torn country. Besides, she would be seeking additional humanitarian aid.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Ukrainian government has requested aid in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and energy equipment which will help repair infrastructure damaged during the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, during her visit, she will be meeting Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi and Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri. India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine. Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence. The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests.
By PTI

KOLKATA: The Trinamool Congress on Saturday termed BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiyas comment that girls wearing bad dresses look like Shurpanakha as sexist, and revealing the low mentality of the saffron party.

India is "walking backwards" under the BJP's rule, the TMC claimed. The partys Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar tweeted: "This openly sexist remark reveals the low mentality of the party. " Another TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev asked Who defines dirty clothes? Shameless & shameful. Kailash Vijayvargiya." The party also slammed Vijayvargiya, a former BJP minder for West Bengal, on its official Twitter handle. "India continues to walk backwards under the leadership of PM @narendramodi. Senior @BJP4India leaders are now comparing women to demoness for simply choosing to wear what they please!"

The TMCs West Bengal spokesperson Kunal Ghosh described the BJP leader's comments as "sexist and misogynist". A video of Vijayvargiyas remarks, made at a religious function organised in Indore on the occasion of Hanuman and Mahavir Jayanti on Thursday, went viral on social media. We see goddess in women.

But (with) the kind of bad dresses the girls wear and move around, they do not embody goddess but look like Shurpanakha. God has given you good and beautiful body..dress well, friends, he said. In the popular version of the Ramayana, Shurpanakha is the sister of the demon king Ravana.

KOLKATA: The Trinamool Congress on Saturday termed BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiyas comment that girls wearing bad dresses look like Shurpanakha as sexist, and revealing the low mentality of the saffron party. India is "walking backwards" under the BJP's rule, the TMC claimed. The partys Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar tweeted: "This openly sexist remark reveals the low mentality of the party. " Another TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev asked Who defines dirty clothes? Shameless & shameful. Kailash Vijayvargiya." The party also slammed Vijayvargiya, a former BJP minder for West Bengal, on its official Twitter handle. "India continues to walk backwards under the leadership of PM @narendramodi. Senior @BJP4India leaders are now comparing women to demoness for simply choosing to wear what they please!" The TMCs West Bengal spokesperson Kunal Ghosh described the BJP leader's comments as "sexist and misogynist". A video of Vijayvargiyas remarks, made at a religious function organised in Indore on the occasion of Hanuman and Mahavir Jayanti on Thursday, went viral on social media. We see goddess in women.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); But (with) the kind of bad dresses the girls wear and move around, they do not embody goddess but look like Shurpanakha. God has given you good and beautiful body..dress well, friends, he said. In the popular version of the Ramayana, Shurpanakha is the sister of the demon king Ravana.
By PTI

GORAKHPUR: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday claimed that gangsters, who used to terrorise people with extortion threats and abduct them without caring for law and order, were now wetting their pants after their sentencing by courts.

Addressing a gathering after the 'bhoomi pujan' of a bottling plant here, Adityanath said people are seeing now that those who showed little respect for law and order earlier were now running for their lives.

"When the court sentences them, their wet pants are becoming visible. People are seeing it. The mafia used to terrorise people, send extortion threats to industrialists, abduct businessmen. But today they are out of their wits (scared) and running for their lives," the chief minister said.

His remarks have come days after an MP/MLA court held gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad and two others guilty in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case and sentenced them to life imprisonment. That was Ahmad's first conviction even though more than 100 cases have been registered against him.

The 60-year-old former Samajwadi Party MP was brought from Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat by road for hearing in the case in Prayagraj.

Before leaving the jail in a police cavalcade, Ahmad said he feared he might be killed.

"Hatya, hatya (murder, murder)," Ahmed said outside the prison. During the long journey, Ahmad's vehicle was stopped in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh to allow him to attend nature's call.

There, he was asked by reporters whether he was afraid, to which he said, "Kahe ka dar" (what fear).

The Uttar Pradesh administration began cracking down on his aids and gang members after the killing of Umesh Pal, a witness in the murder of BSP legislator Raju Pal in January 2005, in broad daylight in Prayagraj.

After the brazen criminal act, Adityanath had vowed in the state assembly that he will destroy the mafia.

On Friday, a special court in Lucknow framed charges against Ahmad, his son Umar and 15 others in connection with the kidnapping of businessman Mohit Jaiswal in 2018. The prosecution alleged that Ahmad, despite in jail, got Jaiswal kidnapped from his office at Gomtinagar.

Later, he was taken to Deoria jail where Ahmad got the businessman assaulted. He obtained Jaiswal's signature on a blank paper and grabbed his property worth Rs 45 crore.

GORAKHPUR: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday claimed that gangsters, who used to terrorise people with extortion threats and abduct them without caring for law and order, were now wetting their pants after their sentencing by courts. Addressing a gathering after the 'bhoomi pujan' of a bottling plant here, Adityanath said people are seeing now that those who showed little respect for law and order earlier were now running for their lives. "When the court sentences them, their wet pants are becoming visible. People are seeing it. The mafia used to terrorise people, send extortion threats to industrialists, abduct businessmen. But today they are out of their wits (scared) and running for their lives," the chief minister said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); His remarks have come days after an MP/MLA court held gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad and two others guilty in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case and sentenced them to life imprisonment. That was Ahmad's first conviction even though more than 100 cases have been registered against him. The 60-year-old former Samajwadi Party MP was brought from Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat by road for hearing in the case in Prayagraj. Before leaving the jail in a police cavalcade, Ahmad said he feared he might be killed. "Hatya, hatya (murder, murder)," Ahmed said outside the prison. During the long journey, Ahmad's vehicle was stopped in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh to allow him to attend nature's call. There, he was asked by reporters whether he was afraid, to which he said, "Kahe ka dar" (what fear). The Uttar Pradesh administration began cracking down on his aids and gang members after the killing of Umesh Pal, a witness in the murder of BSP legislator Raju Pal in January 2005, in broad daylight in Prayagraj. After the brazen criminal act, Adityanath had vowed in the state assembly that he will destroy the mafia. On Friday, a special court in Lucknow framed charges against Ahmad, his son Umar and 15 others in connection with the kidnapping of businessman Mohit Jaiswal in 2018. The prosecution alleged that Ahmad, despite in jail, got Jaiswal kidnapped from his office at Gomtinagar. Later, he was taken to Deoria jail where Ahmad got the businessman assaulted. He obtained Jaiswal's signature on a blank paper and grabbed his property worth Rs 45 crore.
Mukesh Ranjan By

Express News Service

RANCHI: In yet another case of lynching in Jharkhand, a 20-year-old was beaten by the villagers in Ranchi allegedly on suspicion of theft on Friday, who later succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.

According to police, the victim, identified as Wajid Ansari was first tied by electric police and then thrashed by the villagers brutally.

Later, he was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Though the incident took place on Friday, the matter came to light on Saturday after the death of the victim. Wajid Ansari, a painter from Pandri village of Chanho block, was beaten to death after he entered the house of Jeevan Oraon in the nearby Mahuatoli village on Friday.

Taking swift action, the police have arrested three persons in this connection.

Wajid Ansari had allegedly barged into a house in Mahuatoli along with some other persons with an intention of theft early in the morning on Friday. But, the house owner somehow got up and raised an alarm. The villagers assembled near his house and caught hold of Wajid Ansari, while his other friends succeeded to escape, said SP (Rural) Naushad Alam. The villagers then tied Ansari with a pole and thrashed him badly, he added.

After getting information about the incident, police rushed to the spot and rescued Ansari from there and admitted him to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi, where he died during treatment on Saturday, said the DSP.

Three people have been arrested in the case so far, while a hunt is still on for others involved in the crime, he added. The three arrested persons include Jeevan Oraon, his son Govardhan Oraon and their neighbour Nandu Oraon.

Two FIRs have been lodged in the case at Chanho Police Station  one for the killing of Ansari and another one for attempted theft (against Ansari and others).

The family members have claimed that Ansari had gone there to get marihuana from the shop, said the Rural SP. Police are conducting an investigation taking all aspects into consideration, he added.

Locals informed that nearly 25 people tied Ansari with a pole and thrashed him badly at around 6 am on Friday. By the time, Ansaris family members reached there, he had gone unconscious.

Later, police were informed that rescued Wajid Ansari took him along with them and admitted him to the hospital from where he was referred to RIMS, they said. Ansaris father, Hafizul Rehman Ansari said that he came to know about the incident through a vegetable vendor.

They killed my son deliberately in the name of theft due to personal rivalry, alleged the victims father. He also claimed that Ansari had no criminal past and was associated with the National Human Rights and Crime Control Bureau (NHRCCB), a non-profit human rights group based in New Delhi.

RANCHI: In yet another case of lynching in Jharkhand, a 20-year-old was beaten by the villagers in Ranchi allegedly on suspicion of theft on Friday, who later succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. According to police, the victim, identified as Wajid Ansari was first tied by electric police and then thrashed by the villagers brutally. Later, he was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Though the incident took place on Friday, the matter came to light on Saturday after the death of the victim. Wajid Ansari, a painter from Pandri village of Chanho block, was beaten to death after he entered the house of Jeevan Oraon in the nearby Mahuatoli village on Friday. Taking swift action, the police have arrested three persons in this connection. Wajid Ansari had allegedly barged into a house in Mahuatoli along with some other persons with an intention of theft early in the morning on Friday. But, the house owner somehow got up and raised an alarm. The villagers assembled near his house and caught hold of Wajid Ansari, while his other friends succeeded to escape, said SP (Rural) Naushad Alam. The villagers then tied Ansari with a pole and thrashed him badly, he added. After getting information about the incident, police rushed to the spot and rescued Ansari from there and admitted him to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi, where he died during treatment on Saturday, said the DSP. Three people have been arrested in the case so far, while a hunt is still on for others involved in the crime, he added. The three arrested persons include Jeevan Oraon, his son Govardhan Oraon and their neighbour Nandu Oraon. Two FIRs have been lodged in the case at Chanho Police Station  one for the killing of Ansari and another one for attempted theft (against Ansari and others). The family members have claimed that Ansari had gone there to get marihuana from the shop, said the Rural SP. Police are conducting an investigation taking all aspects into consideration, he added. Locals informed that nearly 25 people tied Ansari with a pole and thrashed him badly at around 6 am on Friday. By the time, Ansaris family members reached there, he had gone unconscious. Later, police were informed that rescued Wajid Ansari took him along with them and admitted him to the hospital from where he was referred to RIMS, they said. Ansaris father, Hafizul Rehman Ansari said that he came to know about the incident through a vegetable vendor. They killed my son deliberately in the name of theft due to personal rivalry, alleged the victims father. He also claimed that Ansari had no criminal past and was associated with the National Human Rights and Crime Control Bureau (NHRCCB), a non-profit human rights group based in New Delhi.
Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Haluschenko signed an administrative document authorizing to start the process of resuming the export of electricity in the conditions of a surplus of generating capacity.

"The Ukrainian energy system has been operating for almost two months without restrictions of consumers with a reserve of power. We have achieved this result thanks to the titanic work of power engineers, our international partners who are helping restore the system. The most difficult winter has been passed. The next step is the opening of electricity exports, which will attract additional financial resources for the necessary restoration of the destroyed and repair of the damaged energy infrastructure," the Ministry of Energy quoted Haluschenko as saying on the Telegram channel late on Friday.

At the same time, the Minister of Energy emphasized that ensuring the electricity needs of Ukrainian consumers is a priority.

"The export of electricity will work provided that Ukrainian consumers are provided with a resource and can be stopped if the situation changes," the minister assured.

As reported, the export of electricity, which began in June last year, was stopped by order of the Ministry of Energy from October 11 after the beginning of massive attacks by Russian invaders on the energy system of Ukraine. According to the Ministry of Energy, the export of electricity to Moldova and the EU countries during this time amounted to 2.6 billion kWh. Electricity exporters directed 80% of export revenue to maintaining tariffs for the population under special obligations. As a result, according to the calculations of the Ministry, UAH 2.8 billion was allocated for these purposes.

The export capacity allowed by the European network of operators of the ENTSO-E transmission system is 400 MW, Ukraine, for its part, is seeking to increase this capacity several times.
By Express News Service

VISAKHAPATNAM: Sixteen years after 11 tribal women were allegedly gang-raped at a hamlet in Vakapalli, Alluri Sitarama Raju district, the XI Additional District and Sessions Judge cum Special Court under the SC & ST (PoA) Act on Thursday acquitted all the 13 accused policemen. The Judge said the accused were not found guilty for the offences registered against them under Section 376 (2) (g) of IPC and Section 3(2)(v) of SC & ST (PoA) Act, 1989.

The court observed that the acquittal was primarily because of the two investigating officers, who failed to conduct a proper investigation. The court ordered that Sivananda Reddy, one of the investigating officers, be referred to the Apex Committee constituted for his failure to conduct probe. The committee has been constituted to inquire into the conduct of those investigating officers ignored the investigation by scuttling complaints.

Despite acquitting the policemen, the court ordered that the rape survivors should be paid compensation through the District Legal Services Authority. Since the accused are acquitted due to failure of the investigating officers in conducting proper probe, the victims are entitled to compensation. The District Legal Services Authority, Vizag must decide on the quantum of compensation after due enquiry and must pay the same as damages due to their victimisation of sexual assault and other crimes since 2007, the court ordered.

On the same day, 11 tribal women belonging to Khonds had complained that they were sexually assaulted by the cops. After a protracted battle in the High Court and Supreme Court, the trial began in Visakhapatnam in 2018 and continued for four years.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Forum (HRF) leaders Y Rajesh and VS Krishna said the fact that the court ordered compensation for Vakapalli rape survivors shows that the court reposed faith in their depositions. It vindicated the long-standing allegation of women, adivasi and rights organisations that the investigation was compromised at the very inception of the case, they said.

Cops vs Tribals

11 tribal women belonging to Khonds, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, had complained that they were sexually assaulted by the cops

VISAKHAPATNAM: Sixteen years after 11 tribal women were allegedly gang-raped at a hamlet in Vakapalli, Alluri Sitarama Raju district, the XI Additional District and Sessions Judge cum Special Court under the SC & ST (PoA) Act on Thursday acquitted all the 13 accused policemen. The Judge said the accused were not found guilty for the offences registered against them under Section 376 (2) (g) of IPC and Section 3(2)(v) of SC & ST (PoA) Act, 1989. The court observed that the acquittal was primarily because of the two investigating officers, who failed to conduct a proper investigation. The court ordered that Sivananda Reddy, one of the investigating officers, be referred to the Apex Committee constituted for his failure to conduct probe. The committee has been constituted to inquire into the conduct of those investigating officers ignored the investigation by scuttling complaints. Despite acquitting the policemen, the court ordered that the rape survivors should be paid compensation through the District Legal Services Authority. Since the accused are acquitted due to failure of the investigating officers in conducting proper probe, the victims are entitled to compensation. The District Legal Services Authority, Vizag must decide on the quantum of compensation after due enquiry and must pay the same as damages due to their victimisation of sexual assault and other crimes since 2007, the court ordered. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On the same day, 11 tribal women belonging to Khonds had complained that they were sexually assaulted by the cops. After a protracted battle in the High Court and Supreme Court, the trial began in Visakhapatnam in 2018 and continued for four years. Meanwhile, Human Rights Forum (HRF) leaders Y Rajesh and VS Krishna said the fact that the court ordered compensation for Vakapalli rape survivors shows that the court reposed faith in their depositions. It vindicated the long-standing allegation of women, adivasi and rights organisations that the investigation was compromised at the very inception of the case, they said. Cops vs Tribals 11 tribal women belonging to Khonds, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, had complained that they were sexually assaulted by the cops
By Express News Service

VISAKHAPATNAM: Tribals belonging to PTG Kondhs are facing an acute water crisis in hilltop villages. Tribal women of Neredubandha in Gadutudur panchayat of G Madugula mandal on Friday staged a protest demanding a supply of potable water as they are forced to trek hilly terrain to get water from hill streams.

Owing to the consumption of contaminated water, tribals are often falling sick during summer. They are forced to carry sick people in dolis to the PHC at Kothakota, which is 15 km away due to the lack of a motorable road to their village, tribal women Dippala Chilakamma and Kilo Radhamma said. They said the problem will worsen due to drying up of water sources following the rise in temperature in summer.

Buruga ward member Appala Raju said tribals of the hilltop villages are facing severe hardship due to lack of drinking water supply. The tribal leaders said the Centre and the State government had promised to provide piped water to all households under the Jal Jeevan Mission as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. However, they are yet to get piped water supply.

The tribals said they had brought their problem to the notice of the Project Officer of ITDA and the District Collector seeking their intervention to resolve the problem. However, nothing has been done to find a solution to the water crisis till now, Chilakamma said.

About 60 tribals of 12 families are staying at Neredubandha. The tribals said when they brought the issue of lack of school to the notice of the authorities, it was resolved.

Now, they are hoping that the water problem in their village will be resolved ending their hardship, Radhamma said. The women made an appeal with folded hands to the authorities to solve the water problem.

VISAKHAPATNAM: Tribals belonging to PTG Kondhs are facing an acute water crisis in hilltop villages. Tribal women of Neredubandha in Gadutudur panchayat of G Madugula mandal on Friday staged a protest demanding a supply of potable water as they are forced to trek hilly terrain to get water from hill streams. Owing to the consumption of contaminated water, tribals are often falling sick during summer. They are forced to carry sick people in dolis to the PHC at Kothakota, which is 15 km away due to the lack of a motorable road to their village, tribal women Dippala Chilakamma and Kilo Radhamma said. They said the problem will worsen due to drying up of water sources following the rise in temperature in summer. Buruga ward member Appala Raju said tribals of the hilltop villages are facing severe hardship due to lack of drinking water supply. The tribal leaders said the Centre and the State government had promised to provide piped water to all households under the Jal Jeevan Mission as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. However, they are yet to get piped water supply. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The tribals said they had brought their problem to the notice of the Project Officer of ITDA and the District Collector seeking their intervention to resolve the problem. However, nothing has been done to find a solution to the water crisis till now, Chilakamma said. About 60 tribals of 12 families are staying at Neredubandha. The tribals said when they brought the issue of lack of school to the notice of the authorities, it was resolved. Now, they are hoping that the water problem in their village will be resolved ending their hardship, Radhamma said. The women made an appeal with folded hands to the authorities to solve the water problem.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: In a twist to dynastic politics, some senior BJP leaders in Karnataka seem to be taking retirement from electoral politics, in an attempt to build their childrens careers in mainstream politics. A few of them have sought tickets for their sons for the Assembly elections.

It started with former chief minister BS Yediyurappa announcing that he will not contest the elections and that his son BY Vijayendra will contest from Shikaripura assembly constituency in Shivamogga, which he was representing all these years. In the past week, Haladi Srinivas Shetty from Kundapura, Ravindranath from Davanagere and now minister MTB Nagaraj have sought retirement from electoral politics.

On Friday, Minister for Small Scale Industries MTB Nagaraj, who came to meet Yediyurappa at his residence, told reporters he will not be contesting polls. I appeal to party leaders to give a ticket to my son Nitesh Purushottam for Hoskote, he said. Nitesh is a former BBMP councilor. Nagaraj, who joined BJP after resigning from Hoskote assembly constituency, lost the by-polls to Sharath Bacchegowda in 2019.

Though the party has not made any rule of giving one ticket per family, a few veterans are voluntarily taking retirement for various reasons. For our party, winnable candidates also matter. After Yediyurappa set an example of stepping down from electoral politics, we can only appeal to seniors to allow juniors to contest. It is natural that some leaders want their children to take their place, but it is up to the party's high command, said a senior BJP leader on condition of anonymity. According to the sources, this time, many senior MLAs who have held office for four or five terms, may not get tickets.

BENGALURU: In a twist to dynastic politics, some senior BJP leaders in Karnataka seem to be taking retirement from electoral politics, in an attempt to build their childrens careers in mainstream politics. A few of them have sought tickets for their sons for the Assembly elections. It started with former chief minister BS Yediyurappa announcing that he will not contest the elections and that his son BY Vijayendra will contest from Shikaripura assembly constituency in Shivamogga, which he was representing all these years. In the past week, Haladi Srinivas Shetty from Kundapura, Ravindranath from Davanagere and now minister MTB Nagaraj have sought retirement from electoral politics. On Friday, Minister for Small Scale Industries MTB Nagaraj, who came to meet Yediyurappa at his residence, told reporters he will not be contesting polls. I appeal to party leaders to give a ticket to my son Nitesh Purushottam for Hoskote, he said. Nitesh is a former BBMP councilor. Nagaraj, who joined BJP after resigning from Hoskote assembly constituency, lost the by-polls to Sharath Bacchegowda in 2019. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Though the party has not made any rule of giving one ticket per family, a few veterans are voluntarily taking retirement for various reasons. For our party, winnable candidates also matter. After Yediyurappa set an example of stepping down from electoral politics, we can only appeal to seniors to allow juniors to contest. It is natural that some leaders want their children to take their place, but it is up to the party's high command, said a senior BJP leader on condition of anonymity. According to the sources, this time, many senior MLAs who have held office for four or five terms, may not get tickets.
By PTI

KANNUR: The LDF government in Kerala on Saturday handed over house keys to homeless people in four districts under its flagship "Life Mission" project.

"Project LIFE" (Livelihood, Inclusion, and Financial Empowerment) envisages making Kerala a "zero-homeless" State by providing a home for homeless and landless people.

As many as 174 financially backward families in Kannur, Kollam, Kottayam and Idukki districts are the beneficiaries, official sources said.

Each flat in the four housing complexes comprises a hall, two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and balcony, they said.

"The LDF Govt in Kerala is ensuring #HousingForAll! Today, inaugurated 4 housing complexes, fulfilling the dream of 174 families. Through the #LifeMission over 3,40,040 beneficiaries have already received houses. 1,06,000 more houses will be completed this year," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a tweet.

While Vijayan handed over house keys to 44 families in Kadambur near here, Ministers K N Balagopal and J Chinchurani gave away the keys to beneficiaries at Punalur in southern Kollam district.

The LDF Govt in Kerala is ensuring #HousingForAll! Today, inaugurated 4 housing complexes, fulfilling the dream of 174 families. Through the #LifeMission over 3,40,040 beneficiaries have already received houses. 1,06,000 more houses will be completed this year. pic.twitter.com/fdzDwQ3bq4  Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) April 8, 2023

Ministers V N Vasavan and Roshi Augustine distributed the house keys in Vijayapuram in Kottayam and Karimannoor in Idukki districts, respectively.

During the function, the Chief Minister said the Life Mission project has received widespread acceptance from all walks of life in society.

Over 3.40 lakh families have so far received houses through the project, and the construction of over 50,000 houses has been completed in the last financial year alone.

"At present, the construction of as many as 64,585 houses is progressing in various stages across the State under the Life Mission project. In the present financial year, as many as 71,861 will be constructed under the initiative," the Chief Minister detailed.

The four housing complexes inaugurated today were completed as part of the 100-day programme commemorating the second anniversary of the Vijayan government.

KANNUR: The LDF government in Kerala on Saturday handed over house keys to homeless people in four districts under its flagship "Life Mission" project. "Project LIFE" (Livelihood, Inclusion, and Financial Empowerment) envisages making Kerala a "zero-homeless" State by providing a home for homeless and landless people. As many as 174 financially backward families in Kannur, Kollam, Kottayam and Idukki districts are the beneficiaries, official sources said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Each flat in the four housing complexes comprises a hall, two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and balcony, they said. "The LDF Govt in Kerala is ensuring #HousingForAll! Today, inaugurated 4 housing complexes, fulfilling the dream of 174 families. Through the #LifeMission over 3,40,040 beneficiaries have already received houses. 1,06,000 more houses will be completed this year," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a tweet. While Vijayan handed over house keys to 44 families in Kadambur near here, Ministers K N Balagopal and J Chinchurani gave away the keys to beneficiaries at Punalur in southern Kollam district. The LDF Govt in Kerala is ensuring #HousingForAll! Today, inaugurated 4 housing complexes, fulfilling the dream of 174 families. Through the #LifeMission over 3,40,040 beneficiaries have already received houses. 1,06,000 more houses will be completed this year. pic.twitter.com/fdzDwQ3bq4  Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) April 8, 2023 Ministers V N Vasavan and Roshi Augustine distributed the house keys in Vijayapuram in Kottayam and Karimannoor in Idukki districts, respectively. During the function, the Chief Minister said the Life Mission project has received widespread acceptance from all walks of life in society. Over 3.40 lakh families have so far received houses through the project, and the construction of over 50,000 houses has been completed in the last financial year alone. "At present, the construction of as many as 64,585 houses is progressing in various stages across the State under the Life Mission project. In the present financial year, as many as 71,861 will be constructed under the initiative," the Chief Minister detailed. The four housing complexes inaugurated today were completed as part of the 100-day programme commemorating the second anniversary of the Vijayan government.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: Twelve Indian seafarers, including the master and crew of the MV Sea Lion, a Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo ship owned by Sea Lion Shipping of Turkey, have been abandoned by the company at the Port of Georgetown, in the South America country of Guyana. They are now seeking the intervention of the Indian government to facilitate their repatriation, according to International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).

Their contracts have expired and they were at sea for eight to 14 months. The company declined their repeated requests for repatriation and has withheld several months wages.

Representational image

Subsequently, Kollam native Adwaith Saravanan, an able seaman on board, filed a complaint with ITF inspectorate at Kochi on February 16, requesting its intervention to get their rights reinstated. Adwaith and Joemon from Wayanad are the two Malayalis in the group.

The ITF inspectorate attempted to contact the crew manager and designated person ashore (DPA) of the vessel in Istanbul, Turkey. The ITF inspector sent a mail to the DPA on February 21 demanding him to arrange immediate repatriation for the crew and payment of pending wages. However, there has been no response from the company. Besides, we tried contacting the Mumbai-based agent, who had recruited the seafarers but have not been able to get through to him. The ship was unseaworthy. One generator was not working. Blackouts were imposed on alternate days. Moreover, there was no adequate food, drinking water, and provisions on board, said ITF inspector Thomas Sebastian.

While the vessel berthed at Georgetown to load cargo, the generator was sent for repairs and the ship was shifted to anchorage. However, to the astonishment of the crew, on March 1 replacement crew arrived on board and the company told them that they will be repatriated soon after the completion of formalities. On March 11, the new crew took charge of the vessel and the old crew was shifted to a hotel in Georgetown. Air tickets for March 17 were also issued to them.

When the seafarers arrived at the airport on the day of the travel, they realised the air tickets are fake. They returned to the hotel and tried to contact the company.

But there was no response. The crew has been staying at the hotel since. Meanwhile, the ITF inspector took up the matter with the shipping master in Mumbai and the Mercantile Marine Department Kochi to arrange their repatriation through the Ministry of shipping or external affairs. He did so on the advice of P M Mohammed Haneef, fair practices committee steering group member of ITF, who also requested the ITF to assist the crew at Georgetown port. Subsequently, Sherwood Anthony Clarke, the ITF representative at Georgetown, visited the crew.

He is extending all possible help, and moral support and also acts as a link with the local agent of the vessel. This is another typical example of flag of convenience shipping. The flag state is not honouring or enforcing Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) provisions. Employers exploit their crew for their convenience. The protection and indemnity (P&I) club of the vessel is unknown in the records. Regulations regarding conditions of employment such as payment of wages, repatriation, and food and catering are violated by the company, said Thomas, adding the lives of the seafarers are at risk as the situation gets tougher by the day.

SOS from crew

We request the state and Union governments to intervene in the matter earnestly and make arrangements to bring back the crew to their native country without further hardships, Thomas said.

KOCHI: Twelve Indian seafarers, including the master and crew of the MV Sea Lion, a Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo ship owned by Sea Lion Shipping of Turkey, have been abandoned by the company at the Port of Georgetown, in the South America country of Guyana. They are now seeking the intervention of the Indian government to facilitate their repatriation, according to International Transport Workers Federation (ITF). Their contracts have expired and they were at sea for eight to 14 months. The company declined their repeated requests for repatriation and has withheld several months wages. Representational imageSubsequently, Kollam native Adwaith Saravanan, an able seaman on board, filed a complaint with ITF inspectorate at Kochi on February 16, requesting its intervention to get their rights reinstated. Adwaith and Joemon from Wayanad are the two Malayalis in the group. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The ITF inspectorate attempted to contact the crew manager and designated person ashore (DPA) of the vessel in Istanbul, Turkey. The ITF inspector sent a mail to the DPA on February 21 demanding him to arrange immediate repatriation for the crew and payment of pending wages. However, there has been no response from the company. Besides, we tried contacting the Mumbai-based agent, who had recruited the seafarers but have not been able to get through to him. The ship was unseaworthy. One generator was not working. Blackouts were imposed on alternate days. Moreover, there was no adequate food, drinking water, and provisions on board, said ITF inspector Thomas Sebastian. While the vessel berthed at Georgetown to load cargo, the generator was sent for repairs and the ship was shifted to anchorage. However, to the astonishment of the crew, on March 1 replacement crew arrived on board and the company told them that they will be repatriated soon after the completion of formalities. On March 11, the new crew took charge of the vessel and the old crew was shifted to a hotel in Georgetown. Air tickets for March 17 were also issued to them. When the seafarers arrived at the airport on the day of the travel, they realised the air tickets are fake. They returned to the hotel and tried to contact the company. But there was no response. The crew has been staying at the hotel since. Meanwhile, the ITF inspector took up the matter with the shipping master in Mumbai and the Mercantile Marine Department Kochi to arrange their repatriation through the Ministry of shipping or external affairs. He did so on the advice of P M Mohammed Haneef, fair practices committee steering group member of ITF, who also requested the ITF to assist the crew at Georgetown port. Subsequently, Sherwood Anthony Clarke, the ITF representative at Georgetown, visited the crew. He is extending all possible help, and moral support and also acts as a link with the local agent of the vessel. This is another typical example of flag of convenience shipping. The flag state is not honouring or enforcing Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) provisions. Employers exploit their crew for their convenience. The protection and indemnity (P&I) club of the vessel is unknown in the records. Regulations regarding conditions of employment such as payment of wages, repatriation, and food and catering are violated by the company, said Thomas, adding the lives of the seafarers are at risk as the situation gets tougher by the day. SOS from crew We request the state and Union governments to intervene in the matter earnestly and make arrangements to bring back the crew to their native country without further hardships, Thomas said.
K S Sreejith By

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the state government and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) are keen to stick to tradition, that allows only 'Malayala Brahmins' to be appointed as melsanthis or archakas (chief priests) at Sabarimala, there are at least three Supreme Court verdicts making clear that appointment of temple priests should be carried out in a non-discriminatory manner. The top court has repeatedly held that priority should not be accorded on the basis of caste.

These verdicts were pronounced between 1972 and 2016. In Seshammal and others Vs State of Tamil Nadu, the SC on March 14, 1972, held that the state government had the right to regulate secular functions like management and administration, which included the appointment of archakas.

The court even clarified that the appointment of archakas was a secular function. In N Adithyan Vs TDB, the SC in 2002 held there is no jurisdiction for insisting that persons or a particular caste alone can conduct poojas in temples. The case originated in 1992 after K S Rakesh, who was from Ezhava community,

was appointed priest in a temple under the control of TDB. The petitioner wanted to replace a priest from a backward community with a Brahmin. Furthermore, in 2016, in Adi Saiva Sivachariyargal Nala Sangam Vs Government of Tamil Nadu, the SC held that the appointment of archakas should be fair.

In 1979, an individual from the Ezhava community -- the late Mathanam Vijayan -- had attended the interview for the post of Sabarimala melsanthi. But he was not selected. Soumitran, a resident of Kottayam who accompanied Vijayan to the interview, told The New Indian Express the interview lasted about 20 minutes. "He was 19th in line for the interview. Now I have submitted an affidavit in the HC, which is

hearing the case related to the appointment of the melsanthi, about Vijayan's participation in the interview. It was big news at the time. I have also submitted the relevant newspaper cuttings," he said.

C V Vishnu Narayanan, one of the applicants for the Sabarimala melsanthi post, who also belongs to the backward caste told The New Indian Express, "All the people who had studied the tantra vidya should be allowed to perform pooja as archakas."

He said, "I had approached the court in 2017 when my application was dismissed. Five others had joined me. I want the TDB to act justly in the appointments of archakas in Sabarimala. There are certain temples that follow the 'karanma' (the rights given to a family or villages). This is different," he said.

The petitioner in the ongoing case before the Kerala High Court, Vishnu Narayanan was also a disciple of Mathanam Vijayan.

Vishnu who has a postgraduation in Sanskrit studied the tantra vidya from 1995 to 2000 and now works as a teacher. The other petitioners, T L Sijith and P R Vijeesh, are Sanskrit graduates. Sijith has worked as melsanthi of Thrissur Karamukku Chidambara temple, where Sree Narayana Guru had performed

deepapratishta.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the state government and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) are keen to stick to tradition, that allows only 'Malayala Brahmins' to be appointed as melsanthis or archakas (chief priests) at Sabarimala, there are at least three Supreme Court verdicts making clear that appointment of temple priests should be carried out in a non-discriminatory manner. The top court has repeatedly held that priority should not be accorded on the basis of caste. These verdicts were pronounced between 1972 and 2016. In Seshammal and others Vs State of Tamil Nadu, the SC on March 14, 1972, held that the state government had the right to regulate secular functions like management and administration, which included the appointment of archakas. The court even clarified that the appointment of archakas was a secular function. In N Adithyan Vs TDB, the SC in 2002 held there is no jurisdiction for insisting that persons or a particular caste alone can conduct poojas in temples. The case originated in 1992 after K S Rakesh, who was from Ezhava community, was appointed priest in a temple under the control of TDB. The petitioner wanted to replace a priest from a backward community with a Brahmin. Furthermore, in 2016, in Adi Saiva Sivachariyargal Nala Sangam Vs Government of Tamil Nadu, the SC held that the appointment of archakas should be fair.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In 1979, an individual from the Ezhava community -- the late Mathanam Vijayan -- had attended the interview for the post of Sabarimala melsanthi. But he was not selected. Soumitran, a resident of Kottayam who accompanied Vijayan to the interview, told The New Indian Express the interview lasted about 20 minutes. "He was 19th in line for the interview. Now I have submitted an affidavit in the HC, which is hearing the case related to the appointment of the melsanthi, about Vijayan's participation in the interview. It was big news at the time. I have also submitted the relevant newspaper cuttings," he said. C V Vishnu Narayanan, one of the applicants for the Sabarimala melsanthi post, who also belongs to the backward caste told The New Indian Express, "All the people who had studied the tantra vidya should be allowed to perform pooja as archakas." He said, "I had approached the court in 2017 when my application was dismissed. Five others had joined me. I want the TDB to act justly in the appointments of archakas in Sabarimala. There are certain temples that follow the 'karanma' (the rights given to a family or villages). This is different," he said. The petitioner in the ongoing case before the Kerala High Court, Vishnu Narayanan was also a disciple of Mathanam Vijayan. Vishnu who has a postgraduation in Sanskrit studied the tantra vidya from 1995 to 2000 and now works as a teacher. The other petitioners, T L Sijith and P R Vijeesh, are Sanskrit graduates. Sijith has worked as melsanthi of Thrissur Karamukku Chidambara temple, where Sree Narayana Guru had performed deepapratishta.
By PTI

CHENNAI: India as a nation will prosper only when funds flow from the Centre for the development of diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual States does not falter, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Saturday.

Prosperous and strong States are the true indicators of cooperative federalism and vibrant India, he insisted and claimed that his Dravidian model of governance is striving on this principle to implement the structural programmes required for the development of the entire Tamil Nadu.

"The Dravidian model of governance in Tamil Nadu is implementing many social development projects along with infrastructure projects if there is to be true federalism at the Centre, then States should be autonomous," he said at a function held at Pallavaram where Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new integrated terminal at the airport here and laid foundation stones for new initiatives.

As the States are closer to the people, the duty of fulfilling their needs is more with the States.

"Therefore, I would like to emphasise that the Centre's cooperation is very much needed to fulfil the financial needs of States and also meet the people's aspirations. I believe that the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India will agree with my views as he had been Chief Minister before," Stalin, who is president of the DMK, said.

He argued that if federalism has to exist in letter and spirit then it is imperative to have stronger States, and quoted his father and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi saying that "is it not mockable to place all the weight on top of a structure and have weak pillars to support them?"

ALSO READ | PM Modi inaugurates Chennai airport's new terminal building

"Despite the fiscal crisis we have increased the capital expenditure on infrastructure like roads and bridges from Rs 33,068 crore when we took over the reins to Rs 44,365 crore this year," Stalin said.

He thanked the Prime Minister for inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for important infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu, including flagging off the Vande Bharat express train between Chennai - Coimbatore, Thiruthuraiooondi - Agasthiyampalli train service, and pledged Tamil Nadu's full cooperation to the Centre's efforts to improve the road infrastructure, which are the lifeline of the State's economy.

Tamil Nadu, Stalin said, has emerged as the leading State with the best road infrastructure.

"We continue to make huge fiscal commitment to further improve the road infrastructure. However, in many parts of Tamil Nadu, the need for road infrastructure, which is essential for the next phase of development, continues to rise," he said.

Major projects such as the Chennai - Maduravoyal expressway, Chennai - Tambaram elevated corridor, four-laning of East Coast Road, widening of Chennai - Kanchipuram - Vellore highways and Chennai-Madurai national highway to six lanes should be expedited.

"I take this opportunity to request Our Hon'ble Prime Minister to direct the NHAI for speeding up of the ongoing road projects," he urged.

Also, he requested Modi to introduce Vande Bharat Express train service between Chennai and Madurai.

ALSO READ | PM, Stalin bonhomie the talking point at Chennai

"Further, I request that the ticket fare for the Vande Bharat train be reduced so that everyone could travel," he said.

On the various railway projects being implemented in the State, Stalin said there was a consensus among the people of Tamil Nadu that the State, which is India's second-largest economy, has not been given adequate importance by the railways for many years.

Besides, projects announced for Tamil Nadu have not been completed due to insufficient financial allocations in the railway budget.

"Therefore, I request our Prime Minister to increase the fund allocation for the railway projects in Tamil Nadu and to speed up the pending projects," he said.

ALSO READ | Amid a politically supercharged atmosphere in the south, a Modi-Stalin show of camaraderie in Chennai

Work to build a new modern airport in Parandur, which is necessary for the economic development of Tamil Nadu has been started and this apart the expansion of many airports like Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and Thoothukudi where land acquisition work is in progress, requires funds.

Hence, sufficient allocation should be made for the airport expansion projects, he said.

Later, Stalin presented a memorandum to Modi, calling for central intervention and assistance on a number of issues including retrieval of Katchatheevu islet from Sri Lanka as a solution to the state's fishermen issue and setting up of coastal wind mills in the state.

CHENNAI: India as a nation will prosper only when funds flow from the Centre for the development of diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual States does not falter, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Saturday. Prosperous and strong States are the true indicators of cooperative federalism and vibrant India, he insisted and claimed that his Dravidian model of governance is striving on this principle to implement the structural programmes required for the development of the entire Tamil Nadu. "The Dravidian model of governance in Tamil Nadu is implementing many social development projects along with infrastructure projects if there is to be true federalism at the Centre, then States should be autonomous," he said at a function held at Pallavaram where Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new integrated terminal at the airport here and laid foundation stones for new initiatives.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As the States are closer to the people, the duty of fulfilling their needs is more with the States. "Therefore, I would like to emphasise that the Centre's cooperation is very much needed to fulfil the financial needs of States and also meet the people's aspirations. I believe that the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India will agree with my views as he had been Chief Minister before," Stalin, who is president of the DMK, said. He argued that if federalism has to exist in letter and spirit then it is imperative to have stronger States, and quoted his father and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi saying that "is it not mockable to place all the weight on top of a structure and have weak pillars to support them?" ALSO READ | PM Modi inaugurates Chennai airport's new terminal building "Despite the fiscal crisis we have increased the capital expenditure on infrastructure like roads and bridges from Rs 33,068 crore when we took over the reins to Rs 44,365 crore this year," Stalin said. He thanked the Prime Minister for inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for important infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu, including flagging off the Vande Bharat express train between Chennai - Coimbatore, Thiruthuraiooondi - Agasthiyampalli train service, and pledged Tamil Nadu's full cooperation to the Centre's efforts to improve the road infrastructure, which are the lifeline of the State's economy. Tamil Nadu, Stalin said, has emerged as the leading State with the best road infrastructure. "We continue to make huge fiscal commitment to further improve the road infrastructure. However, in many parts of Tamil Nadu, the need for road infrastructure, which is essential for the next phase of development, continues to rise," he said. Major projects such as the Chennai - Maduravoyal expressway, Chennai - Tambaram elevated corridor, four-laning of East Coast Road, widening of Chennai - Kanchipuram - Vellore highways and Chennai-Madurai national highway to six lanes should be expedited. "I take this opportunity to request Our Hon'ble Prime Minister to direct the NHAI for speeding up of the ongoing road projects," he urged. Also, he requested Modi to introduce Vande Bharat Express train service between Chennai and Madurai. ALSO READ | PM, Stalin bonhomie the talking point at Chennai "Further, I request that the ticket fare for the Vande Bharat train be reduced so that everyone could travel," he said. On the various railway projects being implemented in the State, Stalin said there was a consensus among the people of Tamil Nadu that the State, which is India's second-largest economy, has not been given adequate importance by the railways for many years. Besides, projects announced for Tamil Nadu have not been completed due to insufficient financial allocations in the railway budget. "Therefore, I request our Prime Minister to increase the fund allocation for the railway projects in Tamil Nadu and to speed up the pending projects," he said. ALSO READ | Amid a politically supercharged atmosphere in the south, a Modi-Stalin show of camaraderie in Chennai Work to build a new modern airport in Parandur, which is necessary for the economic development of Tamil Nadu has been started and this apart the expansion of many airports like Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and Thoothukudi where land acquisition work is in progress, requires funds. Hence, sufficient allocation should be made for the airport expansion projects, he said. Later, Stalin presented a memorandum to Modi, calling for central intervention and assistance on a number of issues including retrieval of Katchatheevu islet from Sri Lanka as a solution to the state's fishermen issue and setting up of coastal wind mills in the state.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches in eight locations in the city and arrested a trader for allegedly possessing unaccounted cash, ganja and gold, among other things. The authorities made recoveries worth Rs 1 crore, which included Rs 82 lakh in cash, 300 gm of gold, 1,000 Singapore dollars and 10 kg of ganja.

The searches were conducted after authorities had thwarted an attempt in Kochi to allegedly revive the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The arrested man was identified as Muhammad Iliyaz, who runs a shop at Burma Bazaar.

The surprise checks were conducted based on a specific tip. At least six NIA officials from the Kochi NIA had come to the city and conducted the surprise check at specific locations and in a shop functioning at the Evening Bazaar near the RBI subway. Nearly 50 police personnel from the Armed Reserve unit helped the NIA officials. The raid started on Thursday afternoon and went on till 9 pm. NIA officials took Iliyaz to Kochi for questioning.

In December 2022, the NIA arrested nine people from the Sri Lankan refugee camp in Tiruchy. All of them were allegedly connected to Haji Salim, a drug dealer operating out of Pakistan. Haji Salim is suspected to be related to the incident where a boat carrying 300 kg of heroin, five AK-47 assault rifles, and 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition was intercepted by Indian defence forces in March 2021 near Keralas Vizhinjam port.

CHENNAI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches in eight locations in the city and arrested a trader for allegedly possessing unaccounted cash, ganja and gold, among other things. The authorities made recoveries worth Rs 1 crore, which included Rs 82 lakh in cash, 300 gm of gold, 1,000 Singapore dollars and 10 kg of ganja. The searches were conducted after authorities had thwarted an attempt in Kochi to allegedly revive the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The arrested man was identified as Muhammad Iliyaz, who runs a shop at Burma Bazaar. The surprise checks were conducted based on a specific tip. At least six NIA officials from the Kochi NIA had come to the city and conducted the surprise check at specific locations and in a shop functioning at the Evening Bazaar near the RBI subway. Nearly 50 police personnel from the Armed Reserve unit helped the NIA officials. The raid started on Thursday afternoon and went on till 9 pm. NIA officials took Iliyaz to Kochi for questioning.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In December 2022, the NIA arrested nine people from the Sri Lankan refugee camp in Tiruchy. All of them were allegedly connected to Haji Salim, a drug dealer operating out of Pakistan. Haji Salim is suspected to be related to the incident where a boat carrying 300 kg of heroin, five AK-47 assault rifles, and 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition was intercepted by Indian defence forces in March 2021 near Keralas Vizhinjam port.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: BRS working president and IT & Industries Minister KT Rama Rao on Friday urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to revise the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) recruitment notification to allow the candidates to take the test in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and other official languages.

Taking up the issue faced by lakhs of government job aspirants who are not acquainted with Hindi or English, Rama Rao, in his letter to the Union Home Minister, pointed out that the Computer Based Test are conducting only in English and Hindi, putting these candidates at a serious disadvantage.

Rama Rao reminded that the National Recruitment Agency has decided to facilitate a Common Eligibility Test (NRA-CET) to replace multiple examinations and conduct these in 12 Indian languages. However, it is not being implemented properly, including in the (CRPF) recruitment notification, he said.

He said that conducting competitive exams only in Hindi goes against the spirit of the Constitution as there were several official languages in India.

He said that the CRPF notification denies people the right to equal opportunities - guaranteed by the Constitution. He recalled the letter written by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to the Central government on November 18,2020, urging them to hold all competitive exams to Central government jobs in regional languages. He appealed to the Union Home Minister to revise the CRPF notification so that youth studying in regional languages get equal opportunities without any discrimination or inequality.

HYDERABAD: BRS working president and IT & Industries Minister KT Rama Rao on Friday urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to revise the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) recruitment notification to allow the candidates to take the test in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and other official languages. Taking up the issue faced by lakhs of government job aspirants who are not acquainted with Hindi or English, Rama Rao, in his letter to the Union Home Minister, pointed out that the Computer Based Test are conducting only in English and Hindi, putting these candidates at a serious disadvantage. Rama Rao reminded that the National Recruitment Agency has decided to facilitate a Common Eligibility Test (NRA-CET) to replace multiple examinations and conduct these in 12 Indian languages. However, it is not being implemented properly, including in the (CRPF) recruitment notification, he said. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He said that conducting competitive exams only in Hindi goes against the spirit of the Constitution as there were several official languages in India. He said that the CRPF notification denies people the right to equal opportunities - guaranteed by the Constitution. He recalled the letter written by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to the Central government on November 18,2020, urging them to hold all competitive exams to Central government jobs in regional languages. He appealed to the Union Home Minister to revise the CRPF notification so that youth studying in regional languages get equal opportunities without any discrimination or inequality.
By AFP

AMMAN: Twenty years after the fall of his regime, the late Iraqi president Saddam Hussein remains admired and popular in Jordan where his image can still be seen across the country.

The instantly recognisable face peers out from everything from bumper stickers to mobile phone cases in neighbouring Jordan, despite symbols and images associated with his rule being outlawed in Iraq itself.

On March 20, 2003, then US president George W. Bush launched Operation "Iraqi Freedom" with a ground invasion by 150,000 US and 40,000 British troops, under the pretext of destroying Iraq's alleged arsenal of weapons of mass destruction.

Saddam appeared for the last time in public on April 9, just hours before the announcement of the fall of Baghdad. Having ruled Iraq with an iron fist since 1979, Saddam went to ground until his hiding place was discovered by US troops eight months afterwards. He was later tried, convicted and hanged on the morning of December 30, 2006.

In Iraq, it is an offence to display photographs or slogans of the toppled dicator and arrests are still sometimes made. Last October, four people were detained in Anbar province, between Baghdad and the Jordanian border, for "glorifying the defunct regime during National Day celebrations".

ALSO READ | Iraq far from 'liberal democracy' even as US invasion marks 20 years

But in Jordan, many people fondly remember Saddam for his support for the Palestinian cause, Arab nationalism and resistance to Western intervention in the Middle East. "Tens of thousands of Jordanians graduated from Iraqi universities in various fields during Saddam's era with free scholarships," MP Khalil Attiyeh told AFP.

He said Saddam supported the Palestinian uprising, or intifada, and gave money "to the families of the Palestinian martyrs and rebuilt the houses of those who had them demolished by the enemy".

Attiyeh believes it is normal for "Jordanians to adore him and not to forget him, and to keep his photos, showing loyalty to this heroic leader".

Salameh Blewi, 67, a Jordanian contractor who visited Baghdad in the 1980s, called Saddam "an honourable and honest Arab leader, with honourable positions".

"Despite the (1980-1988) war with Iran, Iraq was a country of riches, but after Saddam, it was plundered by the corrupt," Blewi said.

'We all love him'

Iraq's former premier Mustafa al-Kadhemi said in a March television interview: "Since 2003, the money that has been wasted exceeds $600 billion."

It went to "the corrupt and parties in power", Kadhemi charged.

Graft watchdog Transparency International ranks Iraq as one of the 25 most corrupt states in the world.

Saddam's brutal legacy has done little to sway many Jordanians, and its aftermath only reinforces their views.

"Jordanians know that Saddam Hussein is a brave and nationalist Arab leader who defended Arab causes valiantly. We all love him," said Shaher Abu Sharkh, 67, who sells mobile phone accessories in Amman.

"What happened was not the fall of Saddam's regime, but rather the fall of Iraq. Unfortunately, Iraq ended after Saddam and was systematically destroyed."

Zuhair Amleh, 70, sells vintage books in Amman's Hashemite Plaza square.

"Unfortunately, Iraq cannot return to what it was like before, he said.

"Those ruling Iraq now are sectarian and agents of Iran," he added.

The 2003 invasion sparked years of the worst violence in Iraq's history.

Most of the Shiite militias involved in the violence had been Saddam's opponents in exile, members of radical Islamist parties or armed groups who had taken refuge in neighbouring Iran and even sided with Tehran in the 1980s war.

'Hero and saviour'

By the time US troops left Iraq in 2011, the conflict had claimed the lives of more than 100,000 Iraqi civilians, according to the Iraq Body Count group. US losses totalled nearly 4,500.

"The main reason Jordanians love Saddam is that they saw him as a hero and a saviour who had a mission to boost the Arab nation at all levels," Attiyeh told AFP.

He said Saddam was "the only Arab leader who established a military manufacturing base, from bullets to missiles, and bombed the Zionist entity (Israel) with 39 missiles made by Iraq".

After the US-led Operation Desert Storm against Iraq began in 1991, Iraq bombarded Israel with Scud missiles.

In a shop in Amman, Anas Nahas, 19, arranged mobile phone covers bearing Saddam's likeness.

"If he was still alive many things would not have happened," Nahas said.

He cited "the Israeli occupation's crimes against our people in Palestine... the fall of Arab regimes, the wars in Syria and in Yemen, and the humiliation that Arabs are currently experiencing".

AMMAN: Twenty years after the fall of his regime, the late Iraqi president Saddam Hussein remains admired and popular in Jordan where his image can still be seen across the country. The instantly recognisable face peers out from everything from bumper stickers to mobile phone cases in neighbouring Jordan, despite symbols and images associated with his rule being outlawed in Iraq itself. On March 20, 2003, then US president George W. Bush launched Operation "Iraqi Freedom" with a ground invasion by 150,000 US and 40,000 British troops, under the pretext of destroying Iraq's alleged arsenal of weapons of mass destruction.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Saddam appeared for the last time in public on April 9, just hours before the announcement of the fall of Baghdad. Having ruled Iraq with an iron fist since 1979, Saddam went to ground until his hiding place was discovered by US troops eight months afterwards. He was later tried, convicted and hanged on the morning of December 30, 2006. In Iraq, it is an offence to display photographs or slogans of the toppled dicator and arrests are still sometimes made. Last October, four people were detained in Anbar province, between Baghdad and the Jordanian border, for "glorifying the defunct regime during National Day celebrations". ALSO READ | Iraq far from 'liberal democracy' even as US invasion marks 20 years But in Jordan, many people fondly remember Saddam for his support for the Palestinian cause, Arab nationalism and resistance to Western intervention in the Middle East. "Tens of thousands of Jordanians graduated from Iraqi universities in various fields during Saddam's era with free scholarships," MP Khalil Attiyeh told AFP. He said Saddam supported the Palestinian uprising, or intifada, and gave money "to the families of the Palestinian martyrs and rebuilt the houses of those who had them demolished by the enemy". Attiyeh believes it is normal for "Jordanians to adore him and not to forget him, and to keep his photos, showing loyalty to this heroic leader". Salameh Blewi, 67, a Jordanian contractor who visited Baghdad in the 1980s, called Saddam "an honourable and honest Arab leader, with honourable positions". "Despite the (1980-1988) war with Iran, Iraq was a country of riches, but after Saddam, it was plundered by the corrupt," Blewi said. 'We all love him' Iraq's former premier Mustafa al-Kadhemi said in a March television interview: "Since 2003, the money that has been wasted exceeds $600 billion." It went to "the corrupt and parties in power", Kadhemi charged. Graft watchdog Transparency International ranks Iraq as one of the 25 most corrupt states in the world. Saddam's brutal legacy has done little to sway many Jordanians, and its aftermath only reinforces their views. "Jordanians know that Saddam Hussein is a brave and nationalist Arab leader who defended Arab causes valiantly. We all love him," said Shaher Abu Sharkh, 67, who sells mobile phone accessories in Amman. "What happened was not the fall of Saddam's regime, but rather the fall of Iraq. Unfortunately, Iraq ended after Saddam and was systematically destroyed." Zuhair Amleh, 70, sells vintage books in Amman's Hashemite Plaza square. "Unfortunately, Iraq cannot return to what it was like before, he said. "Those ruling Iraq now are sectarian and agents of Iran," he added. The 2003 invasion sparked years of the worst violence in Iraq's history. Most of the Shiite militias involved in the violence had been Saddam's opponents in exile, members of radical Islamist parties or armed groups who had taken refuge in neighbouring Iran and even sided with Tehran in the 1980s war. 'Hero and saviour' By the time US troops left Iraq in 2011, the conflict had claimed the lives of more than 100,000 Iraqi civilians, according to the Iraq Body Count group. US losses totalled nearly 4,500. "The main reason Jordanians love Saddam is that they saw him as a hero and a saviour who had a mission to boost the Arab nation at all levels," Attiyeh told AFP. He said Saddam was "the only Arab leader who established a military manufacturing base, from bullets to missiles, and bombed the Zionist entity (Israel) with 39 missiles made by Iraq". After the US-led Operation Desert Storm against Iraq began in 1991, Iraq bombarded Israel with Scud missiles. In a shop in Amman, Anas Nahas, 19, arranged mobile phone covers bearing Saddam's likeness. "If he was still alive many things would not have happened," Nahas said. He cited "the Israeli occupation's crimes against our people in Palestine... the fall of Arab regimes, the wars in Syria and in Yemen, and the humiliation that Arabs are currently experiencing".
The first meeting of the Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) was held in Istanbul on April 7, Azernews reports via the TCCI website.

According to the source, the president, the secretary-general and members of the board of the chamber were elected at the meeting.

The Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, the President of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkiye (TOBB) Rifat Hisarciklioglu, the President of Turkic Investment Fund Baghdad Amreyev, the Presidents of Chamber of Commerce and Industry and delegates from the member states and observers of the OTS attended the TCCI General Assembly meeting.

The meeting began with speeches of heads of delegations. Following the speeches, Adem Kula presented the annual report of TCCI. During the meeting the President, the Secretary General and the Board of TCCI were elected.

The delegates from member states and observers elected Rifat Hisarciklioglu as the President and Adem Kula as the Secretary General of TCCI.

The delegates decided to hold the next meeting of TCCI in Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the OTS Summit.

The Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established in Kazakhstan in 2019. The aim of TCCI is to improve trade relations among the OTS countries.
Ukraine will return to Crimea, the aggressor will lose and then peace will return to the world, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, speaking at the Iftar ceremony in Kyiv on Friday, a dinner held during the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.

We will return to Crimea. And then peace will return to the world because the aggressor will lose. The victory of Ukraine will mean the victory of life  the life of all of us, all Ukrainians, of absolutely all denominations, of different origins, but with one dream and one faith  faith in goodness," the President said.

"We will not forget that it was with the occupation of the Ukrainian Crimea, it was with the repression in Crimea against Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar freedom, against Crimean Muslims, that Russia's attempt to put Ukraine and other peoples of Europe in servile conditions began," Zelenskyy said.

According to him, evil, humiliation, repression, murders, and war reign on the land of Crimea now, under the Russian tricolor ... But where the path of evil began, that is where victory awaits us  victory over this evil.

The de-occupation of Crimea has no alternative, not only for Ukraine but also for the whole world. For order in the world, based on conventions and the UN Charter, and not on the criminal habits of murderers, rapists and robbers that Russia is trying to spread," he said.

"I believe that prayers for peace for our entire earth will be answered without exception. Ukraine deserves it just like all other countries everywhere where God has blessed the earth with life," the president said.
By PTI

LONDON: The discovery of a colonial-era file from the archives of the India Office, the then-British government department responsible for its rule over the Indian subcontinent, has shed light on many precious gems and jewels that came into the possession of the royal family, including many jewels of King Charles III.

As part of a 'Cost of the crown' series, The Guardian newspaper has been chronicling an investigation into Britain's royal wealth and finances in the lead-up to the Coronation of Charles III on May 6.

In one of the reports this week, it references a 'remarkable' 46-page file uncovered from the India Office archives that detail an investigation, apparently commissioned by Queen Mary - the grandmother of the late Queen Elizabeth II, into the imperial origins of her jewels.

Among its references is an emerald-encrusted gold girdle used to decorate the horses in the stables of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab, which now forms part of King Charles' royal collection.

"The report, from 1912, explains how priceless pieces, including Charles's emerald belt, were extracted from India as trophies of conquest and later given to Queen Victoria," The Guardian investigation reveals.

"The items described are now owned by the monarch as property of the British crown," it notes.

Among the discoveries included a journal recording a tour in 1837 of Punjab by the British society diarist Fanny Eden and her brother George, then Britain's governor general of India, who visited Ranjit Singh - the powerful king who had signed a so-called 'treaty of friendship' with the British at the time.

Dazzled by his kingdom's jewels, Eden wrote: "He puts his very finest jewels on his horses, and the splendour of their harness and housings surpasses anything you can imagine. If ever we are allowed to plunder this kingdom, I shall go straight to their stables," Eden wrote.

Later in the 19th century, Ranjit Singh's son and heir, Duleep Singh, was forced to sign Punjab over to the East India Company and according to historical records, the kingdom's stables would have been among the many targets of plunder.

The infamous Koh-i-Noor diamond is said to have come into the possession of Queen Victoria as a result of just such a plunder by East India Company officials.

While modern-day royals averted a diplomatic row by not choosing the traditional Koh-i-Noor encrusted crown for Queen Camilla's Coronation on May 6, the 'Cost of the crown' has cast a spotlight on the wider extent of colonial-era jewels in royal possession today. Among the jewels identified in the document uncovered by The Guardian is a 'short necklace of four very large spinel rubies', the largest of which is a 325.5-carat spinel that later came to be identified as the Timur ruby.

However, research by the academic Susan Stronge in 1996 concluded it was probably never owned by the Mongol conqueror and belonged to several kings of Persia and Mughal emperors before Queen Victoria sent it from India.

Another Indian item chronicled is a pearl necklace consisting of 224 large pearls, which is also believed to have come from Ranjit Singh's treasury.

"We have finally entered an era where colonial loot and pillage is being recognised for what it really was, rather than being dressed up as the incidental spoils of some noble 'civilising mission'," Congress MP and author of Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India' Shashi Tharoor told the newspaper.

"As we are seeing increasingly, the return of stolen property is always a good thing. Generations to come will wonder why it took civilised nations so long to do the right thing," he said.

According to the investigative series, Queen Mary's interest in investigating the origins of her jewellery appears to have been prompted by a curiosity about some of her pearls' origin rather than any moral concern about their colonial origins.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson told the newspaper that slavery and colonialism were matters that King Charles III 'takes profoundly seriously'.

It has also been revealed that the palace is supporting research into the British monarchy's historical links with slavery.

"Historic Royal Palaces is a partner in an independent research project, which began in October last year, that is exploring, among other issues, the links between the British monarchy and the transatlantic slave trade during the late 17th and 18th centuries," the palace has said.

LONDON: The discovery of a colonial-era file from the archives of the India Office, the then-British government department responsible for its rule over the Indian subcontinent, has shed light on many precious gems and jewels that came into the possession of the royal family, including many jewels of King Charles III. As part of a 'Cost of the crown' series, The Guardian newspaper has been chronicling an investigation into Britain's royal wealth and finances in the lead-up to the Coronation of Charles III on May 6. In one of the reports this week, it references a 'remarkable' 46-page file uncovered from the India Office archives that detail an investigation, apparently commissioned by Queen Mary - the grandmother of the late Queen Elizabeth II, into the imperial origins of her jewels.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Among its references is an emerald-encrusted gold girdle used to decorate the horses in the stables of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab, which now forms part of King Charles' royal collection. "The report, from 1912, explains how priceless pieces, including Charles's emerald belt, were extracted from India as trophies of conquest and later given to Queen Victoria," The Guardian investigation reveals. "The items described are now owned by the monarch as property of the British crown," it notes. Among the discoveries included a journal recording a tour in 1837 of Punjab by the British society diarist Fanny Eden and her brother George, then Britain's governor general of India, who visited Ranjit Singh - the powerful king who had signed a so-called 'treaty of friendship' with the British at the time. Dazzled by his kingdom's jewels, Eden wrote: "He puts his very finest jewels on his horses, and the splendour of their harness and housings surpasses anything you can imagine. If ever we are allowed to plunder this kingdom, I shall go straight to their stables," Eden wrote. Later in the 19th century, Ranjit Singh's son and heir, Duleep Singh, was forced to sign Punjab over to the East India Company and according to historical records, the kingdom's stables would have been among the many targets of plunder. The infamous Koh-i-Noor diamond is said to have come into the possession of Queen Victoria as a result of just such a plunder by East India Company officials. While modern-day royals averted a diplomatic row by not choosing the traditional Koh-i-Noor encrusted crown for Queen Camilla's Coronation on May 6, the 'Cost of the crown' has cast a spotlight on the wider extent of colonial-era jewels in royal possession today. Among the jewels identified in the document uncovered by The Guardian is a 'short necklace of four very large spinel rubies', the largest of which is a 325.5-carat spinel that later came to be identified as the Timur ruby. However, research by the academic Susan Stronge in 1996 concluded it was probably never owned by the Mongol conqueror and belonged to several kings of Persia and Mughal emperors before Queen Victoria sent it from India. Another Indian item chronicled is a pearl necklace consisting of 224 large pearls, which is also believed to have come from Ranjit Singh's treasury. "We have finally entered an era where colonial loot and pillage is being recognised for what it really was, rather than being dressed up as the incidental spoils of some noble 'civilising mission'," Congress MP and author of Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India' Shashi Tharoor told the newspaper. "As we are seeing increasingly, the return of stolen property is always a good thing. Generations to come will wonder why it took civilised nations so long to do the right thing," he said. According to the investigative series, Queen Mary's interest in investigating the origins of her jewellery appears to have been prompted by a curiosity about some of her pearls' origin rather than any moral concern about their colonial origins. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson told the newspaper that slavery and colonialism were matters that King Charles III 'takes profoundly seriously'. It has also been revealed that the palace is supporting research into the British monarchy's historical links with slavery. "Historic Royal Palaces is a partner in an independent research project, which began in October last year, that is exploring, among other issues, the links between the British monarchy and the transatlantic slave trade during the late 17th and 18th centuries," the palace has said.
By AFP

TAIPEI: Ever since Communist China and Taiwan broke away from each other at the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the waterway separating them has been a geopolitical flashpoint.

The Taiwan Strait, just 130 kilometres (80 miles) wide at its narrowest point, is a major international shipping channel and all that lies between democratic, self-ruled Taiwan and its giant authoritarian neighbour.

On Saturday, Beijing began three days of military drills in response to this week's visit by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to the United States, where she met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.

China described the drills as "a stern warning" to "separatist forces" that want to bring about Taiwan's independence by colluding with foreign powers.

Following a visit to Taiwan last August by McCarthy's predecessor Nancy Pelosi, China unleashed its largest-ever military exercises around the island. Analysts had initially said that Tsai meeting McCarthy in the US may placate Beijing and avert a military show of strength.

Historians pinpoint three moments before Pelosi's visit when tensions within the Taiwan Strait boiled over into crisis.

First Taiwan Strait Crisis

Mao Zedong's communist forces successfully pushed out Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists, who relocated to Taiwan, at the end of the Chinese Civil War.

The two rivals -- the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland and the Republic of China (ROC) in Taiwan -- stood on either side of the strait.

The First Taiwan Strait Crisis broke out in August 1954 when the Nationalists placed thousands of troops on Taiwan-ruled Kinmen and Matsu, two small islands just a few miles from the mainland.

Communist China responded with artillery bombardments of the islands and the successful capture of the Yijiangshan Islands, about 400 kilometres north of Taipei.

The crisis was eventually defused but brought China and the United States to the brink of direct conflict.

Second Taiwan Strait Crisis

Fighting broke out again in 1958 as Mao's forces conducted an intense bombardment of Kinmen and Matsu in another bid to dislodge Nationalist troops.

Concerned that the loss of the islands might lead to the collapse of the Nationalists and Beijing's eventual takeover of Taiwan, US President Dwight D Eisenhower ordered his military to escort and resupply their Taiwanese allies.

The United States at one point even briefly considered deploying nuclear weapons against China.

Unable to take the offshore islands or bombard the Nationalists into submission, Beijing announced a ceasefire.

Mao's forces would still intermittently shell Kinmen up to 1979, but an otherwise tense stalemate set in.

Third Taiwan Strait Crisis

It would be another 37 years before the next crisis.

In the intervening decades, China and Taiwan both changed considerably.

China remained Communist Party-controlled following Mao's death but began a period of reform and opening up to the world.

Taiwan began shaking off Chiang's authoritarian years and evolved into a progressive democracy, with many embracing a distinctly Taiwanese -- not Chinese -- identity.

Tensions exploded again in 1995 when China began test-firing missiles in the waters around Taiwan to protest against a visit by Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui to his alma mater university in the United States.

Beijing loathed Lee because he favoured Taiwan declaring itself an independent state.

Further missile tests were carried out a year later as Taiwan held its first direct presidential election.

The display backfired.

The United States sent two aircraft carrier groups to push China into backing down and Lee won the election by a large margin.

A year later, Newt Gingrich became the first US House speaker to visit Taiwan.

Largest-ever exercises

It took over 25 years before the next House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, went to Taiwan.

China responded by unleashing its largest-ever air and sea exercises, sending warships, missiles and fighter jets into the waters and skies around the island.

Taipei condemned the drills and missile tests as preparation for an invasion.

Less than a year later, Tsai arrived in Los Angeles to meet McCarthy, setting off another round of Chinese military exercises.

TAIPEI: Ever since Communist China and Taiwan broke away from each other at the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the waterway separating them has been a geopolitical flashpoint. The Taiwan Strait, just 130 kilometres (80 miles) wide at its narrowest point, is a major international shipping channel and all that lies between democratic, self-ruled Taiwan and its giant authoritarian neighbour. On Saturday, Beijing began three days of military drills in response to this week's visit by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to the United States, where she met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); China described the drills as "a stern warning" to "separatist forces" that want to bring about Taiwan's independence by colluding with foreign powers. Following a visit to Taiwan last August by McCarthy's predecessor Nancy Pelosi, China unleashed its largest-ever military exercises around the island. Analysts had initially said that Tsai meeting McCarthy in the US may placate Beijing and avert a military show of strength. Historians pinpoint three moments before Pelosi's visit when tensions within the Taiwan Strait boiled over into crisis. First Taiwan Strait Crisis Mao Zedong's communist forces successfully pushed out Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists, who relocated to Taiwan, at the end of the Chinese Civil War. The two rivals -- the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland and the Republic of China (ROC) in Taiwan -- stood on either side of the strait. The First Taiwan Strait Crisis broke out in August 1954 when the Nationalists placed thousands of troops on Taiwan-ruled Kinmen and Matsu, two small islands just a few miles from the mainland. Communist China responded with artillery bombardments of the islands and the successful capture of the Yijiangshan Islands, about 400 kilometres north of Taipei. The crisis was eventually defused but brought China and the United States to the brink of direct conflict. Second Taiwan Strait Crisis Fighting broke out again in 1958 as Mao's forces conducted an intense bombardment of Kinmen and Matsu in another bid to dislodge Nationalist troops. Concerned that the loss of the islands might lead to the collapse of the Nationalists and Beijing's eventual takeover of Taiwan, US President Dwight D Eisenhower ordered his military to escort and resupply their Taiwanese allies. The United States at one point even briefly considered deploying nuclear weapons against China. Unable to take the offshore islands or bombard the Nationalists into submission, Beijing announced a ceasefire. Mao's forces would still intermittently shell Kinmen up to 1979, but an otherwise tense stalemate set in. Third Taiwan Strait Crisis It would be another 37 years before the next crisis. In the intervening decades, China and Taiwan both changed considerably. China remained Communist Party-controlled following Mao's death but began a period of reform and opening up to the world. Taiwan began shaking off Chiang's authoritarian years and evolved into a progressive democracy, with many embracing a distinctly Taiwanese -- not Chinese -- identity. Tensions exploded again in 1995 when China began test-firing missiles in the waters around Taiwan to protest against a visit by Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui to his alma mater university in the United States. Beijing loathed Lee because he favoured Taiwan declaring itself an independent state. Further missile tests were carried out a year later as Taiwan held its first direct presidential election. The display backfired. The United States sent two aircraft carrier groups to push China into backing down and Lee won the election by a large margin. A year later, Newt Gingrich became the first US House speaker to visit Taiwan. Largest-ever exercises It took over 25 years before the next House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, went to Taiwan. China responded by unleashing its largest-ever air and sea exercises, sending warships, missiles and fighter jets into the waters and skies around the island. Taipei condemned the drills and missile tests as preparation for an invasion. Less than a year later, Tsai arrived in Los Angeles to meet McCarthy, setting off another round of Chinese military exercises.
By AFP

BANGKOK: At least four people were killed in a shooting in southern Thailand on Saturday, police said, with local media reporting that officers were still searching for the suspect.

The attack started at about 5 pm (1100 GMT), in Khiri Rat Nikhom district in Surat Thani province -- roughly 600 km (370 miles) south of the capital Bangkok.

"Four people died," local head of police Kriangkrai Kraikaew told AFP, declining to give further details.

The shooting happened near the home of a former village head, local media reported.

Thailand has high rates of gun ownership and there has been a steady trickle of violent incidents in the past 12 months, including one of the deadliest attacks in recent history.

The kingdom was stunned in October after a former police sergeant murdered 36 people, 24 of them children, in the northeastern Nong Bua Lam Phu province.

And last month, three people were killed and another three wounded in a Phetchaburi province shooting, which ended only after a 15-hour stand-off.

BANGKOK: At least four people were killed in a shooting in southern Thailand on Saturday, police said, with local media reporting that officers were still searching for the suspect. The attack started at about 5 pm (1100 GMT), in Khiri Rat Nikhom district in Surat Thani province -- roughly 600 km (370 miles) south of the capital Bangkok. "Four people died," local head of police Kriangkrai Kraikaew told AFP, declining to give further details.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The shooting happened near the home of a former village head, local media reported. Thailand has high rates of gun ownership and there has been a steady trickle of violent incidents in the past 12 months, including one of the deadliest attacks in recent history. The kingdom was stunned in October after a former police sergeant murdered 36 people, 24 of them children, in the northeastern Nong Bua Lam Phu province. And last month, three people were killed and another three wounded in a Phetchaburi province shooting, which ended only after a 15-hour stand-off.
By PTI

KATHMANDU: Officials from Nepal and China have held a high-level meeting to discuss existing bilateral ties and cooperation and deliberated on the ways to further expand and consolidate cooperation in various areas like trade promotion, investment and connectivity.

The 15th meeting of the Bilateral Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism between the Foreign Ministries of Nepal and China was held in Beijing on Friday.

The two sides discussed existing bilateral ties and cooperation and deliberated on the ways to further expand and consolidate partnership in various areas such as economic cooperation, trade promotion, investment, tourism and connectivity among others.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of different infrastructure development projects under China's grant assistance as well as Chinese-contracted projects and agreed to expedite the implementation of the projects so as to complete them in time, according to a statement issued by Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.

However, the statement did not mention Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which could not take off even six years after the two countries signed the agreement.

During the high-level meeting Bharat Raj Paudyal, Foreign Secretary of Nepal, and Sun Weidong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, led their respective delegations to the meeting, the statement said.

"The meeting was held in an atmosphere of cordiality and friendship," it said, adding the Vice Minister of China "admired Nepal's consistent adherence to 'one-China' policy and respect for the five principles of peaceful coexistence."

Foreign Secretary Paudyal appreciated the Chinese policy of non-interference and respect for Nepal's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, the statement said.

"With a view to reducing the trade deficit, Foreign Secretary Paudyal proposed for the preferential treatment to Nepali primary products such as tea, coffee, herbal products, cooked buffalo meat, and other agricultural products," according to the statement.

The Chinese side agreed to encourage Chinese investors to make the investment in mutually beneficial areas, adds the statement.

"The two sides discussed promoting people-to-people contacts and cultural cooperation, increasing the number of scholarships to Nepali students and professionals, and capacity development of technical experts, among others," the statement said.

The Foreign Secretary of Nepal appreciated the Government of China for enlisting Nepal as one of the outbound destination countries for group tourism, the ministry said.

"The two sides reviewed the cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral forums, including in the United Nations, and exchange of mutual support to each other's candidatures."

On Thursday, Nepal Foreign Secretary Paudyal called on China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang and discussed matters relating to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.

Paudyal is the first Nepali official to meet Qin, who was appointed as China's Foreign Minister in December last year.

KATHMANDU: Officials from Nepal and China have held a high-level meeting to discuss existing bilateral ties and cooperation and deliberated on the ways to further expand and consolidate cooperation in various areas like trade promotion, investment and connectivity. The 15th meeting of the Bilateral Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism between the Foreign Ministries of Nepal and China was held in Beijing on Friday. The two sides discussed existing bilateral ties and cooperation and deliberated on the ways to further expand and consolidate partnership in various areas such as economic cooperation, trade promotion, investment, tourism and connectivity among others.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The meeting also reviewed the progress of different infrastructure development projects under China's grant assistance as well as Chinese-contracted projects and agreed to expedite the implementation of the projects so as to complete them in time, according to a statement issued by Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs here. However, the statement did not mention Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which could not take off even six years after the two countries signed the agreement. During the high-level meeting Bharat Raj Paudyal, Foreign Secretary of Nepal, and Sun Weidong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, led their respective delegations to the meeting, the statement said. "The meeting was held in an atmosphere of cordiality and friendship," it said, adding the Vice Minister of China "admired Nepal's consistent adherence to 'one-China' policy and respect for the five principles of peaceful coexistence." Foreign Secretary Paudyal appreciated the Chinese policy of non-interference and respect for Nepal's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, the statement said. "With a view to reducing the trade deficit, Foreign Secretary Paudyal proposed for the preferential treatment to Nepali primary products such as tea, coffee, herbal products, cooked buffalo meat, and other agricultural products," according to the statement. The Chinese side agreed to encourage Chinese investors to make the investment in mutually beneficial areas, adds the statement. "The two sides discussed promoting people-to-people contacts and cultural cooperation, increasing the number of scholarships to Nepali students and professionals, and capacity development of technical experts, among others," the statement said. The Foreign Secretary of Nepal appreciated the Government of China for enlisting Nepal as one of the outbound destination countries for group tourism, the ministry said. "The two sides reviewed the cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral forums, including in the United Nations, and exchange of mutual support to each other's candidatures." On Thursday, Nepal Foreign Secretary Paudyal called on China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang and discussed matters relating to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation. Paudyal is the first Nepali official to meet Qin, who was appointed as China's Foreign Minister in December last year.
By AFP

JOHANNESBURG: A South African pilot who made an emergency landing after a venomous snake crawled into his seat was praised by the authorities Friday for "displaying impeccable bravery".

Rudolf Erasmus was flying a small private aircraft with four passengers from Bloemfontein to Pretoria earlier this week, when he felt a large Cape Cobra snake moving across his back.

Despite the extreme pressure, he landed the plane incident-free in Welkom, a city located roughly midway along the route.

"I wish to congratulate Rudolf for the courageous steps taken and for how he handled what could have been a major aviation incident," said South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) director Poppy Khoza.

"He remained calm in the face of a dangerous situation and managed to land the aircraft safely without any harm to him or the passengers on board, displaying to the world that he is an aviation safety ambassador of the highest order."

Erasmus told local media he became aware of the snake mid-flight after feeling something cold pressing against his back.

"At first I thought it was my water bottle... but then I realised it was something else and (so I) didn't move," he told the News24 outlet. The incident happened on Monday.

Cape cobras are found mainly in southwestern South Africa and have a potentially deadly neurotoxic venom that requires immediate treatment with an anti-venom.

JOHANNESBURG: A South African pilot who made an emergency landing after a venomous snake crawled into his seat was praised by the authorities Friday for "displaying impeccable bravery". Rudolf Erasmus was flying a small private aircraft with four passengers from Bloemfontein to Pretoria earlier this week, when he felt a large Cape Cobra snake moving across his back. Despite the extreme pressure, he landed the plane incident-free in Welkom, a city located roughly midway along the route.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "I wish to congratulate Rudolf for the courageous steps taken and for how he handled what could have been a major aviation incident," said South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) director Poppy Khoza. "He remained calm in the face of a dangerous situation and managed to land the aircraft safely without any harm to him or the passengers on board, displaying to the world that he is an aviation safety ambassador of the highest order." Erasmus told local media he became aware of the snake mid-flight after feeling something cold pressing against his back. "At first I thought it was my water bottle... but then I realised it was something else and (so I) didn't move," he told the News24 outlet. The incident happened on Monday. Cape cobras are found mainly in southwestern South Africa and have a potentially deadly neurotoxic venom that requires immediate treatment with an anti-venom.
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: South Africa is upset over UAE turning down their request to extradite Saharanpur-born Atul and Rajesh Gupta who have allegedly siphoned off billions of dollars through fraud under the Jacob Zuma Presidency in South Africa.

"In the evening of 6th April, we were provided with a note verbale from UAE in which we learnt with shock and dismay that the extradition hearing had been concluded in the Dubai court on the 13th February and our extradition request was unsuccessful. The reasons for denying it are of technical nature, according to a statement released by South Africas Ministry of Justice and correctional services.

South Africas justice minister Ronald Lamola on Friday said that it was shocking and inexplicable.

The UAE government notified South African authorities on Thursday that the court had ruled in February that the Guptas could not be handed over despite an extradition treaty between the two nations.

We have complied with every letter of the extradition treaty between ourselves and the UAE thats why we are bemused by this judgment that cites technicalities, said Lamola. UAE authorities would have to file any appeal on South Africas behalf, he added.

Money laundering and fraud are considered South Africa's biggest post-apartheid scandal.

"UAEs approach is inconsistent with article 17 of the UN Convention Against Corruption  to which both South Africa and UAE are signatories, South Africas justice departments statement added.

Meanwhile, if we dig a little into the background the Gupta brothers moved to South Africa in 1993 and during the Presidency of Jacob Zuma rose to fame as becoming amongst the wealthiest in South Africa. However, fraud and money laundering charges made the duo move to Dubai in 2016. In 2022, following an Interpol red notice they were arrested in Dubai. Extradition talks have been held between South Africa and UAE ever since.

Their businesses ranged from mining to media and the Gupta and Zuma have always denied any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that UAE rejected the extradition request for Atul and Rajesh Gupta because it did not meet the strict standards for legal documentation in the extradition treaty.

The UAE received the extradition file in November 2022 after several meetings with South African authorities. After three hearings, the court of appeal decided that the two men could not be handed over.

The UAE court ruling indicated that the Gupta are citizens of Vanuatu (a South Pacific island nation). They got citizenship under the golden visas which provide citizenship in return for heavy investments in the country.

Some unconfirmed reports also suggested that the Gupta brothers were holidaying in Switzerland  though they were meant to be under judicial custody in UAE.

Whether South Africa will be able to get the Gupta brothers extradited or not, only time will tell, until then UAE will continue to be a safe haven for the duo.

NEW DELHI: South Africa is upset over UAE turning down their request to extradite Saharanpur-born Atul and Rajesh Gupta who have allegedly siphoned off billions of dollars through fraud under the Jacob Zuma Presidency in South Africa. "In the evening of 6th April, we were provided with a note verbale from UAE in which we learnt with shock and dismay that the extradition hearing had been concluded in the Dubai court on the 13th February and our extradition request was unsuccessful. The reasons for denying it are of technical nature, according to a statement released by South Africas Ministry of Justice and correctional services. South Africas justice minister Ronald Lamola on Friday said that it was shocking and inexplicable.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The UAE government notified South African authorities on Thursday that the court had ruled in February that the Guptas could not be handed over despite an extradition treaty between the two nations. We have complied with every letter of the extradition treaty between ourselves and the UAE thats why we are bemused by this judgment that cites technicalities, said Lamola. UAE authorities would have to file any appeal on South Africas behalf, he added. Money laundering and fraud are considered South Africa's biggest post-apartheid scandal. "UAEs approach is inconsistent with article 17 of the UN Convention Against Corruption  to which both South Africa and UAE are signatories, South Africas justice departments statement added. Meanwhile, if we dig a little into the background the Gupta brothers moved to South Africa in 1993 and during the Presidency of Jacob Zuma rose to fame as becoming amongst the wealthiest in South Africa. However, fraud and money laundering charges made the duo move to Dubai in 2016. In 2022, following an Interpol red notice they were arrested in Dubai. Extradition talks have been held between South Africa and UAE ever since. Their businesses ranged from mining to media and the Gupta and Zuma have always denied any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, it is learnt that UAE rejected the extradition request for Atul and Rajesh Gupta because it did not meet the strict standards for legal documentation in the extradition treaty. The UAE received the extradition file in November 2022 after several meetings with South African authorities. After three hearings, the court of appeal decided that the two men could not be handed over. The UAE court ruling indicated that the Gupta are citizens of Vanuatu (a South Pacific island nation). They got citizenship under the golden visas which provide citizenship in return for heavy investments in the country. Some unconfirmed reports also suggested that the Gupta brothers were holidaying in Switzerland  though they were meant to be under judicial custody in UAE. Whether South Africa will be able to get the Gupta brothers extradited or not, only time will tell, until then UAE will continue to be a safe haven for the duo.
During the day, the Ukrainian military eliminated about 570 military personnel of the Russian Army, three tanks, four armored combat vehicles, one air defense system, and one aircraft, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"The total combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022 to April 8, 2023 approximately amounted to: about 177,680 of military personnel (plus 570) people, 3,636 tanks (plus three) units, 7,020 armored combat vehicles (plus four) units, 2,727 artillery systems (plus five) units, 533 MLRS units, 282 units of air defense equipment (plus one) unit, 307 aircraft units (plus one), 292 helicopters, 2,298 operational-tactical level UAVs (plus seven), 911 cruise missiles, 18 ships, 5,599 automotive equipment and tankers (plus 12) units, and 304 special equipment units," the message posted on Facebook says.
Japan military chopper crashes in sea with 10 on board, rescue operation underway

Tokyo, April 7: Japan military chopper with 10 people on board crashed in the sea on Thursday, CNN reported citing Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada.

Japan military chopper crashes in sea with 10 on board, rescue operation underway

Rescuers were scanning waters off southern Japan to look for the deceased and survivors, if any.The UH-60JA helicopter's pieces seemed to be in the sea, according to Gen. Yasunori Morishita, chief of staff of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF), and rescuers are still looking for survivors.CNN quoted Morishita as saying that two pilots, two mechanics, and six passengers are among the missing personnel, including Lt. Gen. Yuichi Sakamoto, a top GSDF commander.According to a database maintained by the Aviation Safety Network, the crash would go down as the deadliest military aviation accident to occur in Japan since 1995 if no survivors are found.Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter apparently went missing in waters off the southern prefecture of Okinawa on Thursday.The helicopter disappeared from radar around 355 p.m. near Okinawa Prefecture's Miyako Island, shortly after taking off from there to surveil nearby land features, according to the GSDF.The chopper was originally scheduled to return to Miyako Island at 505 p.m.According to a coast guard source, oil and objects including what could be part of a rotor blade were found in the sea area where the accident is believed to have occurred, reported Kyodo News.Rough weather conditions were not reported around the time the helicopter went missing.Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters in Tokyo, "We are putting maximum priority on human life and rescue operations."ANI07 April 2023

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Govt exploring possibilities of investing in lithium mines in Argentina, Australia

New Delhi, April 7: With requirement for lithium rising manifolds, the Central government is exploring the possibilities of investing in mines abroad, especially in Argentina and Australia.

Govt exploring possibilities of investing in lithium mines in Argentina, Australia

According to top sources, the joint venture company of union mines ministry, Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), which consists of National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL) and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd, is exploring opportunities for investment in lithium mines in Argentina and Australia.Owing to fluid geopolitical situation arising out of the Russia-Ukraine war, which has impacted the global supply chains, India is keen to source critical minerals like lithium from within the country as well as abroad.Highly placed sources informed IANS that government is open to acquiring critical minerals mines abroad to avoid shortage in case supplies are impacted.In continuation of this effort, the mines ministry's joint venture company KABIL is looking at investing in lithium mines in countries like Argentina and Australia, they added.The requirement of lithium has risen in India as well as globally owing to its usage in batteries for electric cars.With electric vehicles in India rising exponentially, owing to government's green energy push, lithium is being sourced and mined domestically also.A lithium-ion battery pack for a single electric car contains about 8 kg of lithium, according to industry experts.Official sources further informed that in the last five years, Geological Survey of India (GSI), has carried out 20 projects on lithium and associated elements in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya and Rajasthan.During its field season programme 2022-23, GSI has taken up 18 projects on lithium and associated elements in Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Rajasthan.However, resource of lithium has not yet been augmented by GSI sources said.The Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited, a PSU under the Mines Ministry, has undertaken an exploration project for lithium in Ladakh.In addition to this, the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, a constituent unit of department of atomic energy, is carrying out exploration for lithium in parts of Mandya and Yadgir districts of Karnataka.IANS07 April 2023

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IIT Roorkee holds 22nd annual convocation ceremony

Roorkee, April 7: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee on Thursday held its 22nd annual convocation with great pageantry.

IIT Roorkee holds 22nd annual convocation ceremony

The convocation ceremony commenced with the students singing the 'National Anthem' and 'Kulgeet' (Institute song). The convocation was held under a dress code of Indian attire Kurta for males and Saree for females.A total of 2022 degrees were awarded this year, comprising 1,005 Undergraduates, 638 Masters and 379 PhDs, the IIT Roorkee said in a statement.The awardees, their families, and the campus community enthusiastically attended the annual degree-awarding event. The graceful ceremony was presided over by the Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Roorkee BVR Mohan Reddy.Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan adorned the occasion as the Chief Guest.While heartily congratulating all the 2,022 graduating students, Pradhan said, "IIT Roorkee has witnessed India's freedom struggle and has been a leading institution in independent India's growth story. And in this Amrit Kaal, IIT Roorkee and all the graduating students must ensure a developed nation by 2047. It is a century of knowledge and under India's presidency, the G-20 theme being - 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' based on millennium-old understanding and values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam; IIT Roorkee and its students, faculty and alumni must create a plan on how they want to utilize the great opportunity of G-20."He also mentioned, "IIT Roorkee must take the lead in the education transformation of the country where service to humanity is at the centre of education."Director of IIT Roorkee Prof KK Pant welcomed the degree recipients and others and presented his annual report highlighting the achievements of the institute. Deputy Director of the Institute Prof UP Singh was also present at the ceremony.Dean of Academic Affairs Prof Apurbba Kumar Sharma, presented the doctoral degree recipients and the awardees of various medals and merit certificates who excelled in their specializations, while the respective heads presented the candidates to the Chairman, Senate for distribution of the degrees, medals and prizes.And the event began with a welcome address by the Director, Prof KK Pant who congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to strengthen their networking and communication abilities, develop relevant skills periodically, think like entrepreneurs and develop leadership qualities.This was followed by the institute's annual report presented by Prof KK Pant, who gave an overview of the institute's achievements and the vision of the 175-year-old institute aiming to be a hub for world-class education.Some remarkable achievements of the institute include introducing the UG curriculum aligning with the objectives of the NEP 2020, providing equal opportunity for all, particularly those in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) areas at all levels, the statement said.The IIT Roorkee has also implemented and supported the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI), an innovative pilot project launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which ushers a novel intervention programme for promoting gender equity in science and technology, SAKUNTALA (Scheme for Aspirants of Knowledge Under Talent Advancement) Fellowship, a special scheme for female candidates for admission in the PhD programme at IIT Roorkee and the 'Golden Girl' scheme for the gold medalists and first rank holders of top 50 universities or institutes of the country for admission into the post-graduate programs.On the occasion, Chairman Prof KK Pant congratulated the graduates and urged them to use their education for the betterment of society and the nation.Reflecting upon the role of an institution in shaping future leaders and the evolving higher education sector in India, he said "IIT Roorkee's goal is to encourage graduates to continue learning and to be ready for the constant changes and disruptions happening in the world by contributing to the national growth story."BVR Mohan Reddy said, "IIT Roorkee is one of the most prestigious institutes in the country known for imparting quality education in engineering and technology for many years. The quality of our graduates is the testimony to this, and, in the process, the role of parents, family, and teachers in the success of graduates cannot be undermined. We encourage our graduates to take advantage of opportunities and contribute to society."The event concluded with the conferral of degrees and diplomas to all graduates and the "Oath" taken by the recipients of the degrees and diplomas, bringing the ceremony to a memorable finish.ANI07 April 2023

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Chirag Paswan says his party will contest all 40 Bihar LS seats

Patna, April 7: Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJPR) President Chirag Paswan on Friday said that his party will contest in all 40 Lok Sabha seats of Bihar.

Chirag Paswan says his party will contest all 40 Bihar LS seats

The decision was taken during the party's state executive committee meeting here."We are preparing to contest the Lok Sabha election for all 40 seats. I am a firm believer that every party has to prepare for every seat. We are strongly preparing for all 40 seats of Lok Sabha and 243 Assembly constituencies," Paswan said.His statement came in wake of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his Nawada rally, claiming that the BJP will contest on 40 seats of Bihar and will win all of them.With his announcement, Paswan, who claimed to be 'Hanuman' of PM Narendra Modi and always stood on the side of NDA, has given a strong message to the saffron party leaders.Asked about alliance with any other party, he said "We have to prepare for every challenge. I cannot demand seats from any other party and I also will not break the alliance pact. During the 2020 Assembly election, you have seen that the election commission had announced the dates of voting and alliance partners were not decided in the NDA as well as in Mahagathbandhan. So, going with the alliance has time."Asked about the Iftar party of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday evening, Paswan said that he will not go there, but will sent a senior leader of his party to the event."We cannot form an alliance with Nitish Kumar. He brought Bihar on the path of destruction. I did not make an alliance with him when my party was weak. Now, we have huge public support. So, there is no question of making an alliance with him at this stage," he said.IANS08 April 2023

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Russian rouble falls to its lowest value for a year

London, April 7: The Russian rouble has fallen to its lowest value for a year, since shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, according to a media report.

Russian rouble falls to its lowest value for a year

The currency slid to 82 roubles against the US dollar on the Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX), BBC reported.Russia has been hit with massive economic sanctions since it began an offensive in Ukraine in February 2022. Earlier this year, Russia had said its economy shrank by 2.1 per cent, far less than the 15 per cent fall that had been predicted, BBC reported.The rouble also slid by 2 per cent to 90.06 against the euro on Friday morning.Traders said the fall was linked to several factors, including lower oil prices in March cutting Russian revenue, and the sale of Western businesses in Russia in the wake of the invasion, BBC reported.The rouble's value has not slumped to this level since April 2022, though it was even lower in the immediate aftermath of the invasion, when it fell to 113 roubles per US dollar. The currency stabilised in July to reach 50 roubles - but it has weakened again since then.President Vladimir Putin had insisted that the economy was standing strong against economic sanctions, but last week he admitted that the penalties could have a negative effect on Russia, BBC reported.Russia's Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said the latest fall was linked to changes to imports and exports to the country.He added that the exchange rate fluctuated with "the conditions of changing foreign economic conditions".Asked if people in the country should be concerned, he said the rouble is likely to strengthen thanks to the continued sales of Russian energy on the global market, BBC reported.IANS08 April 2023

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China demographic crisis: One child policy backfires; rising living costs lead to population decline

Beijing, April 7: China's demographic crisis continues to deepen as the country's population planning initiative 'One Child Policy', which earlier forced families to have one child under its umbrella has now severely backfired, leading to a population decline.

China demographic crisis: One child policy backfires; rising living costs lead to population decline

Moreover, the current generation does not want to raise children as many are trying to stay single due to rising living costs and difficulties in raising families, uncertainties in employment, Portal Plus quoted Xiujian Peng, a senior research fellow at the Centre of Policy Studies as saying.Even Hong Kong, a major hub for international finance, is rapidly losing its population. According to Portal Plus, these cities appear to be following the national trend, which sees a decline in the birth rate and an increase in the share of the elderly population.Xi Jinping's strict zero covid policy is another major reason for women to delay or give up having babies.The number of senior individuals is rising in China despite the declining birth rate. By 2035, China is projected to have an ageing population of 400 million or 30 per cent of the entire nation's population.According to Claire Jiang, a media professional, the social media trend "we are the last generation" which was started in response to Chinese authorities' threats to punish a person's family for three generations if they disobeyed Covid regulations, is what ignited the people in China to decide not to have children and stay single, reported Portal Plus.The unpredictability of living in a nation where the government may simply show up at your house and do anything it wants is something I don't want my children to have to deal with, Jiang said.China's birthrate has been in decline since 2017, despite easing the 'one-child policy' to avert an incoming demographic crisis.Earlier, in August, Chinese authorities issued a guideline introducing a raft of prenatal and postnatal support policies to promote balanced long-term population development.These measures include better maternal care services, public-benefit childcare services, and improved maternity and parental leave policies, according to the National Health Commission's guideline on Tuesday.The Chinese state media said the newly released guideline said local governments may explore ways to expand the coverage of maternity insurance to include workers in flexible employment.In 2021, Beijing issued a new Population and Family Planning Law which allows Chinese couples to have three children, ostensibly responding to couples' unwillingness to have additional children due to rising costs.ANI08 April 2023

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India-Korea FMs meet: Jaishankar gives assurances this would be a productive visit

New Delhi, April 7: Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar on Friday met with the South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, while the latter is on a two-day visit to India on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of India-South Korea relations. MEA said that he is glad to have the opportunity to take forward a special strategic partnership.

India-Korea FMs meet: Jaishankar gives assurances this would be a productive visit

In the opening remarks by EAM at the meeting with the FM of the Republic of South Korea Park Jin, Jaishankar welcomed his Korean Counterpart to India and said that he can certainly assure that this would be a very productive visit."Mujhe India aa kar aur aapse mil kar bhut khushi ho rahi hai," says South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin in Hindi as he thanks EAM Dr S Jaishankar for the warm welcome."I'm really today very glad to have the opportunity to take forward a special strategic partnership. This is also the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations and you come at a very good time because our trade is very good. our political relations are very Cooperative," he added.Jaishankar also acknowledged that Park Jin is visiting the Hyundai plant in Chennai on Saturday."I know tomorrow you're visiting the Hyundai plant in Chennai. Hyundai in many ways is a symbol of the relationship that we have," he added."We have also expanded our relationship today to cover the Economic Development Cooperation Fund. We are doing projects under that. And we've recently had a very large delegation of Korean Buddhists who actually walked 1200 Kilometers. It was an amazing thing, which they did for history," said EAM.Korean FM said, "India has been playing an increasingly pivotal role in the international arena and is set to further impact the world as the president of the G20 this year. India has also demonstrated to the world its cultural prowess with its recent Oscar wins and I must say the "Naatu Naatu" song and dance has captivated the world.""Korea and India share so much in common and we are both exemplary democracies, vibrant economies and cultural powers. We are both committed to contributing to a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," Korean FM added.MEA Jaishankar said that there are a lot of strategic issues which he wants to discuss with his Korean counterpart."So whether it's people to people, it's economic, it's political. There are a lot of strategic issues which I want to discuss. So once again, it's so timely that you have come here and I welcome you very warmly," Jaishankar said in his opening remarks.South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin on Friday said the country would like to upgrade its existing successful partnership with India and focus on trade, investment and supply chain stabilization in the manufacturing sector and also critical minerals.Park Jin is currently on a two-day official visit to India starting Friday. His visit to India comes as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.Park Jin also called on Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar before his meeting with the MEA."FM of the Republic of Korea @FMParkJin called on Hon'ble @VPIndia Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today. Highlighting 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the leaders discussed the significance of cultural and people-to-people ties in strengthening - Special Strategic Partnership," the Vice President tweeted.Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Friday welcomed South Korea's Foreign Affairs Minister Park Jin to India, saying his visit will help strengthen India-South Korea Strategic Partnership."A warm welcome to FM @FMParkJin of Republic of Korea on his first official visit to India," Bagchi tweeted on Friday."As India-South Korea celebrate 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, the visit will strengthen our Special Strategic Partnership," the tweet further read.ANI08 April 2023

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SBI records steepest market cap fall in Asia Pacific during Jan-Mar quarter: S&P Global Market Intelligence

New Delhi, April 7: State Bank of India, India's biggest lender by assets, recorded the largest decline in market capitalization among the top 20 banks in the Asia Pacific region in the first quarter of 2023 (January-March), according to data compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

SBI records steepest market cap fall in Asia Pacific during Jan-Mar quarter: S&P Global Market Intelligence

The analysis produced by global financial market information and analytics services provider showed SBI ranked at 14th, down three notches from the prior quarter, after its market cap fell about 14.7 per cent to USD 56.92 billion.In the year-to-date of 2023, the shares of SBI fell about 14 per cent, data showed. Notably, according to the analysis, more than two-thirds of the largest 20 banks in the Asia Pacific region logged a decline in their market capitalization during the said quarter.Besides SBI, Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group was the only major bank in the region that also logged a double-digit decline in market capitalization during the quarter. Still, it managed to retain its eighth slot on the list with a market cap of USD 75.58 billion as of March 31.Among other major banks in the region which saw a decline in market cap are China Merchants Bank Co Ltd, Postal Savings Bank of China Co Ltd, National Australia Bank Ltd, and Westpac Banking Corp. They lost value in the range of 6-8 per cent during the quarter.According to the data compilation by S and P Global Market Intelligence, Chinese banks continued to sit atop the list of largest banks in the Asia-Pacific region.ANI08 April 2023

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Madhur Bhandarkars Marathi film Circuitt premiere last night; Raj Babbar, Darshan Kumar, Rashmi Desai & many others graced it

New Delhi, April 7: 'Circuitt' is an upcoming Marathi film directed by Aakash Pendharkar and produced by Madhur Bhandarkar, Prabhakar Parab, Paragg Mehta and Ameet Dogra. Releasing on April 7, 2023, the movie stars Hruta Durgula, Vaibhav Tatwawadi, and Ramesh Pardeshi in the lead roles.

Madhur Bhandarkar's Marathi film Circuitt premiere last night; Raj Babbar, Darshan Kumar, Rashmi Desai & many others graced it

The film's title 'Circuitt' refers to the circuit of life, which is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and unexpected events. The film revolves around the life of a young couple, played by Hruta Durgula and Vaibhav Tatwawadi, who face various challenges and obstacles in their journey of love and life. Ramesh Pardeshi plays a pivotal role in the movie, and his character adds a different dimension to the story.GM Modular, one of the leading electrical solutions providers in India, has partnered with the film as the brand partner. The company has been associated with several successful films in the past like Tadap and Uunchai. To celebrate the association, GM organised a special screening on 6th April at PVR, Juhu. More than 400 people were present at the special screening. Actors of the film Circuitt, Hruta Durgula and Vaibhav Tatwawadi, producer Madhur Bhandarkar and PArag mehta were amongst the other stars who graced the occasion. The event was hosted by well known RJ Divya Solgama.Overall, 'Circuitt' is an exciting project that promises to deliver a compelling story with exceptional performances. This arc of the story resonates with GM Modular as GM is known for its performance which has continuously grown over the years and it is one of the leading brands in the electrical world. GM has always set a new benchmark with innovative products and has made its way into millions of homes around the globe.Jayanth Jain, CEO and MD, GM Modular said, "We are thrilled to partner with 'Circuitt'--the most enticing, action-packed Marathi movie of the year, which has created a buzz with its extremely talented stars in the lead role. This association gives us an opportunity to reach out to the regional audience. We wish the team of 'Circuitt' all the very best for its release and are excited to be a part of this going-to-be blockbuster movie. I am confident that this movie is going to be a huge hit and be loved by all."DR Anttim Maheshvwari of Prabha group the leading and Trusted outdoor media also associated with the film, has done mass campaigns all over Maharashtra.The renowned producer of this film Madhur Bhandarkar said, "We are happy and honoured to have partnered with a prestigious brand like GM. I believe our movie is an outstanding piece of art and thus, this association with a brand like GM, which thrives to produce attractive and innovative products is quite appropriate,".This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)ANI08 April 2023

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Ukraine has managed to return 31 more children from among those deported by Russia to their homeland, said Mykola Kuleba, executive director of the Save Ukraine Charitable Organization.

"During the fourth Save Ukraine mission, 18 Ukrainian children were rescued. Now the fifth rescue mission is coming to an end, and 31 children will arrive in Kyiv in a few hours," Kuleba said at a press conference at the UkraineUkrinform Media Center.

He stressed that with each mission, the number of hours of interrogations in the FSB, the trials that families go through to get their children back, increases.

In addition, after the return of Ukrainian children became massive, after a number of rescue missions, and especially after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova, the attitude of the Russian side changed.

"They realized that every child returned is an unconditional proof of their crimes," Kuleba said.
India gives USD 2 million to African Union Transition Mission in Somalia

New York, April 7: India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj on Friday handed over the contribution of USD 2 million to the United Nations Trust Fund in support of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), reiterating New Delhi's commitment to peace and stability in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

India gives USD 2 million to African Union Transition Mission in Somalia

Earlier, India had contributed USD 4 million to African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). India's Permanent Mission to the UN noted in a press release, "India recognizes the important role being played by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in providing an enabling security environment in Somalia, and in containing the terrorism perpetrated by Al-Shabaab."Permanent Mission of India to the UN in a tweet stated, "Today, on behalf of the Government of #India, Ambassador @ruchirakamboj handed over a cheque of US$ 2 million in favour of the @_AfricanUnion Mission in Somalia. India stands committed to building peace and stability in Africa."According to the release, India as an elected member of the UN Security Council has engaged constructively to ensure the smooth transition from African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to ATMIS in line with the security requirements of Somalia.India stressed that the timely and phased handover of security responsibilities from ATMIS to the Somali Security forces will be important and will need to be calibrated to avert security gaps. India also lauded the ATMIS troops and police contributing countries for their sustained commitment and the sacrifices they have made over the years.India's Permanent Mission to the UN stated further that New Delhi was a "steadfast supporter" of AMISOM and involved in peacekeeping in Somalia for more than 30 years. Furthermore, it said, India continues to support African Union and the UN in responding to terrorism and building peace and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.Also, in the release, India's Permanent Mission to the UN said, "ATMIS was established on 1 April 2022 pursuant to the Security Council resolution 2628 (2022) and African Union Peace and Security Council Communique 1068th of 8 March 2022 to support the implementation of the Somali Transitional Plan towards a full handover of security responsibility to the Somali security forces and institutions by the end 2024." It further said that the primary role of ATMIS is to reduce the threat posed by the terrorist group Al-Shabaad.ANI08 April 2023

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Yami Gautam, Aditya Dhar express gratitude to Maa Durga, Lord Shiva for success

Mumbai, April 7: Actor Yami Gautam who is basking in the success and overwhelmed with the response received from the audience on her recent release 'Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga' on Friday seek blessings of Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva with her husband-filmmaker Aditya Dhar.

Yami Gautam, Aditya Dhar express gratitude to Maa Durga, Lord Shiva for success

Taking to Instagram, Yami shared pictures of herself along with her husband praying to lord shiva and Maa Durga.Sharing the pictures, she wrote, "Every ounce of Success and Love I have been receiving is all because of my beloved Maa Durga and Lord Shiva.I truly feel blessed! Love, Gratitude and Thanks to all!"In the pictures, Yami and Aditya are dressed in traditional attire and can be seen performing puja.Released on Netflix, 'Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga' is helmed by Ajay Singh. The film revolves around a flight attendant (Yami) and her boyfriend (Sunny Kaushal), who chalk out a plan to steal a stash of diamonds to pay off an outstanding debt. However, things take a drastic turn when they realise that the plane they are on is hijacked.On receiving an overwhelming response, Yami said, "The response to Chor Nikalke Bhaga and my character has been gratifying and humbling to say the least. So many of my friends and family who are residing out of India, have also texted and said such sweet things about the film. And most importantly, the way the audiences and my fans are showering so much love to Neha and the film.. it feels surreal, my phone has literally not stopped buzzing since the release."She added, "I am trying to read as many messages and reactions as possible, on social media that people are putting for the film and I feel really happy and motivated reading such good words being written with Chor too, after Lost. and that not only could I manage to surprise them in these roles but also give justice to the faith they have put in me."Yami said love and appreciation from the audience always motivate her to do good work."It is extremely satisfying to see your audience stand by your choices, and I hope to keep that going. I feel there is a certain responsibility out on me, because of a certain level of expectations that comes from the audience when it comes to my choice of films and my work, and the thought will always make me happy and motivate me to keep getting better at my work," she said further.In the upcoming months, Yami will be seen in 'Dhoom Dhaam' alongside Prateek Gandhi, and 'OMG 2' opposite Akshay Kumar.ANI08 April 2023

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TaxReturnWala.com has successfully assisted 4 Lac+ Taxpayers and 390+ Companies since 2015

New Delhi, April 7 a reputable name in the tax and compliance domain, has established itself as a reliable and trustworthy partner for individual taxpayers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Since 2015, the company has successfully assisted in the filing of over 4 lac tax returns and supported more than 390 companies in staying up-to-date with their corporate compliances.

TaxReturnWala.com has successfully assisted 4 Lac+ Taxpayers and 390+ Companies since 2015

With years of experience in the industry, TaxReturnWala.com has a team of experts who are well-versed in the complex equations of taxation and compliance issues. They are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to their clients, focusing on client satisfaction. The company's simple and easy-to-follow approach has helped thousands of taxpayers and SMEs in sorting out their tax and compliance matters. TaxReturnWala.com's expertise and commitment to client satisfaction have made it a go-to source for tax and compliance needs.Whether you're an individual looking to file your tax return, or a business in need of assistance with compliance matters, has the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the often-confusing landscape of taxation and compliance with its very simple baby steps approach to sort situations.Being compliant with tax laws is not only required by law, but also prudent from a financial standpoint is the need of the hour. Avoiding crucial Compliance responsibilities can result in huge fines, legal complexities, and even reputational harm. However, by managing your taxes and compliances well, you can keep your funds in order, reduce your tax obligations, and preserve your reputation from any defamation, investors, and clients also keep faith in you if you have a compliant business.While interacting with one of the Co-Founders of the team we realised that the team is more focused that people should do all their compliances in the best possible manner and are advising them that instead of doing a wrong filing and then bearing the consequences later on they can reach out to the team over the email where the team of professionals shall be providing advisory as to if they are going with the correct path of action and this advisory service is available free of any cost because this service aligns the company with its vision that no Individual or SME Business shall be left behind due to inaccessibility of correct tax and compliance practices.We were during the discussion with the team members informed about the importance of timely and correct tax filling-1- Avoidance of Penalties2- Faster Processing of Refunds3- Enhanced Creditworthiness4- Compliance with the Law5- Tax Returns Acts as a Legal Document of Income Proof thus no proof if not filled in time6- Important Document While Applying for Loans7- Helps if Planning to go Abroad8- If you want to claim adjustment against past losses, a return is necessary9- Evidentiary for Purchasing High Coverage Insurance10- Funding for Startup Ventures11- Foreign Companies and NRIs- Foreign companies enjoying treaty benefits12- For Justification of ownership of assets13- Filing NIL income tax returns will help an individual apply for credit cardsIt's important that you don't let the difficulties of tax and compliance hold you back; instead, invest in expert assistance, do it correctly, and take pleasure and peace of mind that comes from knowing that your Tax and Compliance obligations are in order.And that is why we emphasize, that it is better to seek consultancy and advice than paying fines and loosing public trust.The team understands that doing taxes and compliance properly is not just a legal requirement, but also a moral obligation. That's why they are committed to helping individuals and businesses alike to navigate the complexities, ensuring that they get it done right the first time.With a good tax filling partner aside, you can be confident that your taxes and compliance are being handled by people who know the ins and outs of the system and are dedicated to getting you the best possible results.So why risk doing things wrong?Join hands with a Trusted Tax Compliance Partner to handle your tax worries and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you're in good hands.When it comes to any kind income tax notices or departmental communications, time is of the essence. You need quick and reliable help. Whether it's simple information needed or complex tax planning, your tax filing partner should have the knowledge and ability to get you the results you need.In the closing remarks it's essential for all to know that this compliance-focused business is serving Individuals and Businesses in a time-bound and cost-effective manner with a vision that no Individual or SME Business shall be left behind due to inaccessibility of correct tax and compliance practices.This story has been provided by SRV. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/SRV)ANI08 April 2023

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Afcons Infrastructure wins Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Trains tunnel contract

New Delhi, April 7: Afcons Infrastructure has emerged as the lowest bidder to construct 21-km underground package C-2 of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project.

Afcons Infrastructure wins Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train's tunnel contract

The financial bids of two technically qualified bidders were opened on Friday and Afcons Infrastructure Limited have quoted lowest bid, according to a statement from NHSRC accessed by ANI. The technical bids of this tender were opened on February 9, 2023.Package C2 of the main-line will link Bandra Kurla Complex Station to Shilphata Ramp, and consist of roughly 3 km "undersea" twin tunnels below Thane Creek.Indian Railways subsidiary, National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRC), had opened financial bids for the construction of 21 km long-tunnel, which includes the country's first 7-km undersea tunnel in Maharashtra, for Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train under the MAHSR C-2 package.Meanwhile, Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a reply in Parliament on Wednesday said that about 32.93 per cent of physical progress in Gujarat and 13.72 per cent progress in Maharashtra, pertaining to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, had been achieved till February this year."Till now, out of total 352 km elevated viaduct, approx. 257 km of piling, 180 km of foundation, 155 km of the pier and 37 km of girder launching have been completed in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli," the minister informed the members.The minister in reply to a question said the total cost of MAHSR project was estimated as Rs 1,08,000 crore in 2015 and also informed the Parliament that an expenditure of Rs 38,506 crore had so far been incurred on the project.ANI08 April 2023

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Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani pose with fans in Kashmir amid Satyaprem Ki Katha shoot

Mumbai, April 7: Actors Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani are currently busy shooting for their upcoming musical romantic film 'Satyaprem Ki Katha' in Kashmir.

Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani pose with fans in Kashmir amid 'Satyaprem Ki Katha' shoot

Recently, a picture of the 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' actors posing with their fans got viral on social media.Kiara looked adorable as she donned a silver shiny grey puffer jacket over blue denim and brown knee-high boots. Kartik, on the other hand, looked dapper in a black coat and check muffler and the duo posed with three cute kids.Take a look at the viral picture.Both Kartik and Kiara have been sharing beautiful glimpses from Kashmir on their social media.Taking to Instagram, the 'Shershaah' actor recently shared a picture in which she could be seen sitting on a snow-capped land.Earlier, several images and videos from the sets went viral in which Kartik and Kiara were seen shooting amidst snow-clad mountains.Helmed by Sameer Vidhwans, and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film is all set to hit the theatres on June 29, 2023. In the film, Kartik will be seen romancing Kiara Advani. The film marks the actor's second collaboration after the blockbuster 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2', which was released in 2022.The film sparked controversy due to its earlier title Satyanarayan Ki Katha, which translates to the story of Satyanarayan, which is another name for the Hindu god Vishnu.In 2021, director Sameer Vidwans issued a statement to announce the change in title. Kartik also reposted the statement on his official Instagram account which said that the title will be changed to avoid hurting sentiments, even if that's purely unintentional."A title of the film is something that emerges organically through the creative process. We have taken a decision to change the title of our recently announced film 'Satyanarayan ki Katha' to avoid hurting sentiments, even if that's purely unintentional. Producers of the film and the creative team also are in complete support of this decision. We will be announcing a new title for our love story in the due course of our journey. Sincerely, Sameer Vidwans," the statement read.And finally, in 2022, the makers changed the film's name to 'Satyaprem Ki Katha'.Apart from this, Kartik will be seen in Hansal Mehta's next 'Captain India' and in director Kabir Khan's next untitled film.Kiara, on the other hand, will also be seen in an upcoming action drama film 'Game Changer' alongside 'RRR' actor Ram Charan.ANI08 April 2023

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MI always a strong side at home but CSK are difficult to beat on any ground: Mohd Kaif

Mumbai, April 8: The IPL 2023 will witness its first big clash of the first half with five-time champions Mumbai Indians taking on four-time winners Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium.

MI always a strong side at home but CSK are difficult to beat on any ground: Mohd Kaif

After Rajasthan Royals face off against Delhi Capitals in the first electrifying encounter of the doubleheader.Former India cricketer Yusuf Pathan has backed Mumbai Indians to win the game as beating the five-time champions at Wankhede Stadium has always been an uphill task for the Super Kings. Yusuf Pathan, an IPL legend, went on to say that beating Mumbai in their backyard isn't going to be easy for M.S. Dhoni-led CSK.Speaking to Star Sports, the official broadcaster of TATA IPL, Yusuf Pathan said, "Fans in Mumbai will always want MS Dhoni to entertain them with his performance but wish Mumbai Indians to win the match. But you see it is difficult to beat MI at home."There have been 10 matches between CSK and MI at Wankhede Stadium so far and MI have won seven times. If you believe in the figures, then Mumbai Indians are definitely going to pocket those two vital points," he said.Meanwhile former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif cautioned Mumbai Indians to not take CSK lightly because MS Dhoni is known for comebacks."MI always look strong at home but CSK are difficult to beat on any ground. In such a situation, MI will have to work hard at Wankhede to get their first two points of this season," Md. Kaif told Star Sports.Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan cited the example of GT, LSG, RCB and CSK - who won their first home games in TATA IPL 2023 - and backed Rohit Sharma and his Blue Brigade to come on top."It is difficult to pick one winner between MI and CSK but since MI is playing at home this time, they have better chances of winning this game," Irfan Pathan told Star Sports.Former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody, who has coached several IPL teams, expects a tough contest on Saturday."In the 15 years of IPL, both CSK and MI share nine trophies between them. So, there's a lot of pride in what these two extraordinary teams do and how they operate. These two teams have been doing well and the rivalry is good. It's also going to be a big moment for MI captain Rohit Sharma as he's playing at home and he might just come out all guns blazing," Tom Moody told Star Sports.Former India captain and legendary batter Krish Srikkanth had a word of advice for Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma."Both these teams will be banking on their bowlers to come out victorious and the team which does well with the bat will win. So, my suggestion to Rohit Sharma should let go of any pressure he has taken on himself. He should look to play his natural game and express himself out there in the middle," K. Srikkanth said.IANS08 April 2023

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Stay fit while indulging into food blogging

New Delhi, April 8: There is no doubt that in today's world, with creative brains and technology, you can dine in or out, or even host guests at the convenience of consumers, resulting in a market swamped with new restaurants. Hand-in-hand, there is a huge demand for people who can write genuine reviews about these restaurants, their food, and their experience.

Stay fit while indulging into food blogging

As a result, several food bloggers who have made a reputation for themselves and have a large number of followers on social media are invited numerous times per week or sometimes multiple times per day.But have you ever considered what overeating or an unhealthy diet plan can lead to?Speaking on how to remain healthy while food blogging or vlogging, Neetika Ligga, a food content creator at Moj, says "As a food enthusiast, I revel in the art of cooking and restaurant reviewing almost every week. However, indulging in outside food regularly can take a toll on one's health. While I don't follow any diet trend, I prioritize portion control both when cooking and reviewing restaurants."Typically, when I review a restaurant or food vendor, or cook, I am in the company of friends and family, which means I am not solely responsible for consuming all the food. In the rare instance that I am alone, I request smaller portions from the restaurant or food vendor to prevent waste and overindulgence."Additionally, I make sure to incorporate high-intensity workouts or at least go for a walk to maintain an active lifestyle. Finding the right balance is crucial for enjoying our favourite foods and indulgences while still practicing portion control and savouring every bite without any guilt. "Mehezabin Dordi, Clinical Psychologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, recommends some additional guidelines for staying healthy when making food content on social mediaPlan your own meals in advance Planning your meals in advance can help you make healthier choices and avoid the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods while creating content.Being mindful of your consumption being aware of your food and being mindful is a very important component of wellness.Try to Incorporate healthy ingredients When creating recipes, try to incorporate healthy ingredients to have more balance in the food you eat.Practice portion control Be mindful of portion sizes when creating and serving food content. Even the best food eaten in excess can be harmful. Avoid overeating or indulging in excess amounts of sugary or processed foods.Stay hydrated Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up.Take breaks It's important to take regular breaks while creating content to avoid burnout and reduce stress. Use your breaks to stretch, meditate, or take a walk.Get moving Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, even if it's just a short walk or stretching session. This can help reduce stress and boost your energy levels.Take breaks Sitting in front of a computer or camera for long periods of time can be detrimental to your health. Make sure to take regular breaks to stretch, move around, and rest your eyes.Practice self-care Take care of yourself both mentally and physically by practicing self-care activities such as yoga, meditation, or taking a relaxing bath.Ultimately, maintaining health while posting food-related material on social media requires finding balance and practising self-care.(N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in)IANS08 April 2023

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UP government to provide free travel to award-winning teachers through smart card

Lucknow, April 7: The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government will be providing easy free travel facilities to all the Teachers awarded at the national and state level through smart cards, informed a press release.

UP government to provide free travel to award-winning teachers through smart card

Under this, the free travel facility in UPSRTC Buses will be admissible to all such teachers who fulfil the criteria.The Director of Basic and Secondary Education has instructed all the basic education officers and DIOSs of all the districts in this regard, to provide the details of all such awardee teachers within a week.After providing the list to the Transport Department on behalf of the Education Department, the beneficiary teacher will have to apply for the smart card.As per the release, the free travel facility is being made available in the buses of the Transport Corporation to the national/state awardee teachers. For this, coupon-based travel has been prescribed to the extent of 4000 kms per year."The arrangements have been made to issue tickets through a smart card being implemented by the Transport Corporation under its new bus ticketing scheme. Special smart cards will be provided by the corporation to the national/state awardee teachers. On tapping these smart cards on the ticketing machine, a ticket of zero value will be issued, in which the details of the bus number and the journey from where to where will be mentioned. The cost of the smart card will have to be borne by the beneficiary himself. The eligibility of the card is five years," the release stated.In case of loss or deposit, the new card will have to be obtained by the beneficiary by paying the amount.The government stated in the release, "Awarded Teacher Beneficiary for the smart card should have attested photograph of the teacher along with his Aadhaar card and identity card received by Director Basic /Secondary Education, in which it is mentioned that the holder of the identity card is a national / state awardee teacher. By going to the station of any district of the Transport Corporation, the application form will have to mention its details in the prescribed format. The cost of the card will be Rs 100 and 18 per cent GST will be payable separately, which will have to be paid by the teacher. The card will have a smart chip, in which all the details of the teacher will be fed".The beneficiary will also have the option of getting a personalized smart card with a name and photo similar to debit and credit cards. The card will be issued in seven working days from the date of submission of the application at the counter. Beneficiaries will also have the option to apply for the smart card online. For this, they will have to log in to the Transport Corporation's website www.upsrtc.com, where they will have to submit their details and fees by visiting the available link, the release added.ANI08 April 2023

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On Saturday, April 8, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny had a telephone conversation with Chief of the General Staff of the French Armed Forces Thierry Burkhard.

"A fruitful telephone conversation with my Ukrainian colleague, General Valeriy Zaluzhny. I listened to his analysis of the situation at the front. I assured him of our continued support through assignments and training that the French Army provides to the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Burkhard wrote on Twitter.
Not aware of cases of facial recognition technology misuse: Govt

New Delhi, April 7: The government said on Friday that it is not aware of any cases where facial recognition technology (FRT) has been misused for malicious purposes.

Not aware of cases of facial recognition technology misuse: Govt

Official sources said that there is no reliable information regarding inaccuracy of the FRT technology.Facial recognition technology is a way of identifying or confirming an individual's identity using their face. Facial recognition systems can be used to identify people in photos, videos, or in real-time.The Ministry Of Telecommunication has undertaken a project on Artificial Intelligence(AI) and facial recognition powered solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification (ASTR), which is a Next-Gen indigenous and innovative solution for detecting and weeding out fraudulent SIM subscribers, who have obtained multiple mobile connections using fake or forged documents, across all telecom service providers.The government is using the facial recognition system in its Digi Yatra initiative for providing passengers seamless and hassle-free experience at airports, without the need for verification of ticket and ID at multiple touch points. Digi Yatra was launched on December 1, 2022 at Delhi, Bengaluru and Varanasi airports.Sources informed that the FRT technology used in the Sarathi system is 99.9 per cent accurate. Sarathi is the web portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which was launched to provide online services like driving licence, learner's licence, transfer and ownership forms, among others.FRT is also used for vehicle recognition and automatic number plates recognition system by external agencies authorised by the state police or transport authorities for identification of traffic violations, which are converted into traffic challans or notices by the Road Transport Ministry.IANS08 April 2023

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Nepal, China meeting silent over BRI, GSI

Kathamndu, April 8: Senior officials from Nepal and China reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties in Beijing but failed to mention that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI) were also discussed.

Nepal, China meeting silent over BRI, GSI

In a statement issued by the Nepali side on Friday evening upon completion of the 15th meeting of the Bilateral Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism between the Foreign Ministries of Nepal and China, there was no mention of discussions about BRI and GSI.Nepal and China had signed the BRI agreement some six years ago but it has failed to make any tangible progress.Beijing recently came up with the new security architecture named GSI and is pushing Nepal to support it but Nepal has not responded yet.Both sides took stock of the existing Nepal-China bilateral relations and cooperation and deliberated on the ways to further expanding and consolidating cooperation in various areas, including the exchange of bilateral visits; economic cooperation; promotion of trade, investment and tourism; building connectivity; and strengthening cooperation in the fields of agriculture, education, culture and people-to-people relations, among others, according to a statement issued by the Nepal Embassy in Beijing said.The two sides discussed promoting people to people contacts and cultural cooperation, increasing the number of scholarships to Nepali students and professionals, capacity development of technical experts, among others.The meeting also reviewed the progress of different infrastructure development projects under China's grant assistance as well as Chinese-contracted projects and agreed to expedite the implementation of the projects so as to complete them in time.With a view to reduce trade deficit, Nepal's Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal proposed for preferential treatment to Nepali primary products such as tea, coffee, herbal products, cooked buffalo meat, and other agricultural products.The Chinese side agreed to encourage Chinese investors to make investments in mutually beneficial areas, according to the statement.On the occasion, the two sides reviewed the cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral forums, including in the UN, and exchange of mutual support to each other's candidatures.They also discussed the importance of implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the usefulness of the GDI to promote the SDG agenda.Vice Foreign Minister of China Sun Weidong led the delegation from the Chinese side.During the meeting, Paudyal appreciated the government of China for enlisting Nepal as one of the outbound destination countries for group tourism.The Vice Minister of China admired Nepal's consistent adherence to one China policy and respect for the five principles of peaceful coexistence.Paudyal appreciated the Chinese policy of non-interference and respect for Nepal's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence, reads the statement by the Nepali side.IANS08 April 2023

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More than 40 cr loans sanctioned under MUDRA scheme in last 8 yrs: Govt

New Delhi, April 8: More than 40.82 crore loans amounting to Rs 23.2 lakh crore have been sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) since its inception eight years back.

More than 40 cr loans sanctioned under MUDRA scheme in last 8 yrs: Govt

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "Since the launch of the scheme on April 8, 2015, as of March 24, 2023, about Rs 23.2 lakh crore has been sanctioned in 40.82 crore loan accounts. About 68 per cent of accounts under the scheme belong to women entrepreneurs and 51 per cent of accounts belong to entrepreneurs of SC, ST and OBC categories. This demonstrates that easy availability of credit to the budding entrepreneurs of the country has led to innovation and sustained increase in per capita income."The MUDRA scheme has helped in generation of large-scale employment opportunities at grassroots level and also proved a game changer while boosting Indian economy, she added.The scheme was launched by the government to facilitate easy collateral-free micro credit of up to Rs 10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro entrepreneurs for income generating activities.The loans under PMMY are provided by member lending institutions (MLIs), i.e. banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), micro finance institutions (MFIs) and other financial intermediaries.IANS08 April 2023

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This school in Chhattisgarhs capital will teach robotics, AI to students

Raipur, April 8: Realising the importance of technological changes emerging across the globe, a government school in Raipur is all set to offer classes related to robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning students from the new academic session.

This school in Chhattisgarh's capital will teach robotics, AI to students

The move was taken following the significance of robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning for career perspective in future.With the setting up of a robotics laboratory, Pt. RD Tiwari Government English School (transformed under Swami Atmanand Excellent School Scheme) became the 10th government school in India to have such a lab under project 'Jigyasa', according to a press statement.In this laboratory, around 500 students from separate classes will learn about the development of models as well as electronic devices.Apart from Chhattisgarh's capital, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat are also included under project 'Jigyasa'.In this laboratory, students from classes 4th to 10th will learn about the making of electronic devices, robots, technical models and others. The students of 4th and 5th will be taught about models (without electronic devices) while the students from 6th to 10th will be trained to make electronic models. Moreover, the students will be taught about programming through computers in the robotics lab.To enhance the creative skills of students, they will be subjected to the task of developing models, programmes and robots."The basic objective of this is to develop interest among the students towards key subjects like mathematics and science," stated the headmaster of Pt R D Tiwari Government English School Anuj Kumar Dwivedi."All the equipment of the laboratory came from Sweden", added the headmaster.He further explained that when a student engages in the development of a model, a student has to calculate space as well as other requirements. Through this project, the students would be able to learn about the things being required in development of a building. The robotics lab will encourage innovation among students and enhance their interest towards science, mathematics and technology."The things students will learn here at the laboratory are going to be helpful to them for attaining a better career in future", Headmaster Anuj added."A mentor has also been appointed to teach students about programming and making of robots", he said."The students of primary level will be taught the basics of design while the students of 6th and 7th will be trained about things related to electronics", said Saurabh Verma, mentor of the laboratory, elaborating that thereafter, they will be taught about making robots."The students of higher secondary classes will be detailed about the basics of language as well as programming", added Verma."The students of primary level will learn designing through an interactive session. Particularly, the students will be trained about load balancing as well as the concept of sciences" said Verma.He further informed that in the robotics lab, the students will be skilled in making models solving the problems linked to common people like development of traffic signals (lights) and the programme used for its functioning.ANI08 April 2023

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Brazil announces official return to South American bloc

Brasilia, April 8: Brazil has announced it will official rejoin the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), from which it withdrew in 2019.

Brazil announces official return to South American bloc

"As Brazil resumes its main international alliances, it will once again join the Union of South American Nations," the country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.It added that the measure will take effect on May 6 and "places the country back in the group created during President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's second administration", reports Xinhua news agency."Brazil ratifies its commitment to the consolidation of South America as a zone of peace and cooperation, in line with ... promoting regional integration," the Ministry noted."UNASUR's revitalisation and updating will be a collective process through dialogue among all the countries of the region," it added.UNASUR, established in 2008, is an intergovernmental regional organisation once comprised of 12 South American countries.Besides Brazil, Argentina also formally withdrew from the regional organisation in April 2019.After Uruguay's withdrawal from the organisation in 2020, only Guyana, Suriname, Bolivia and Venezuela remain in union.IANS08 April 2023

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Rajasthans first Vande Bharat train service to begin from April 12

Jaipur, April 8: The operation of Vande Bharat Express between Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer will begin on April 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the train virtually from Delhi, stated an official release.

Rajasthan's first Vande Bharat train service to begin from April 12

Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnav and all major ministers, MPs and MLAs will be present in Jaipur to inaugurate this train, which will depart from Jaipur at 12.30 pm. Train operation will start from Jaipur.Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway Shashi Kiran said, "All preparations for the operation of the Vande Bharat Express train have been completed. Its trial run was completed recently. At the same time, the trial report was also sent to the Railway Board by the North Western Railway."He said that currently there will be a stoppage of the train in Gurgaon in Jaipur, Alwar."The commencement of the train operation will bring great relief to the people and will complete the journey between Delhi-Jaipur in less time," said Shashi Kiran.Earlier on March 19, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had said that a new 'Vande Bharat Express train is expected to be introduced on Delhi Jaipur/Ajmer route before April 10.While speaking to ANI, the Union Railway Minister noted that some technical changes are needed in this route before the operation of the Vande Bharat Express, fully."Two initiatives to be taken in this route. First increasing speed on this route by making certain changes in the track, like installation of a double distant signalling system and removing some curves. After these initiatives, we will able to run trains on 130 KMPH to 160 KMPH," he said."Secondly, a special pantograph (an apparatus mounted on the roof of an electric train to collect power through contact with an overhead line) has also got prepared and the new train would arrive in Jaipur on March 24," Vaishnaw added.He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways is on the path of transformation."Many steps have been taken up in the last 7-8 years towards modernising railways. In the next 3-4 years, we will be able to export Vande Bharat technology," he said.Ashwini Vaishnaw also inspected New Delhi-Ajmer Shatabdi Express and takes feedback from passengers.Minister said that the passengers had given positive feedback. "They said that trains are more cleaner now, they are on time, and platforms are also very clean," he told ANI.ANI08 April 2023

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Hip-hop girls group XG drop Shooting Star remix featuring rapper Rico Nasty

Seoul, April 8: Hip-hop/R and amp;B girls group XG have released their third single 'Shooting Star' remix featuring American rapper Rico Nasty.

Hip-hop girls group XG drop 'Shooting Star' remix featuring rapper Rico Nasty

The original track ranked No. 1 on the iTunes Song Chart (Riamp;B) in 18 regions, as well as Spotify's 'Viral Top 100' in 46 regions, including global, US, UK, Japan and Korea.Two songs, 'Shooting Star (Bars Remixx FEAT. RICO NASTY)' and 'Shooting Star (Chill Remixx),' have been released as remixes.'Shooting Star (Bars Remixx FEAT. RICO NASTY)' features American rapper Rico Nasty, who has been gaining attention for 'Smack a B***h', 'Poppin' and her collaboration with Doja Cat on 'Tia Tamera'.'Shooting Star (Chill Remixx)' is a reinterpretation of the original Hip-hop/Riamp;B song in the trance and chill-out genre, with a dreamy, relaxed atmosphere.XG are a seven member Hip-hop/Riamp;B girls group consisting of Jurin, Chisa, Harvey, Hinata, Juria, Maya and Cocona.Additionally, in May, XG will perform at the Head In The Clouds Music iamp; Arts Festival; a large-scale music festival hosted by 88rising at Forest Hills Stadium in New York City.They will also take part in KCON 2023 Japan, one of the world's largest Korean culture festivals. This will be XG's first appearance at the event.IANS08 April 2023

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Kanye Wests private school accused of locking up children, giving only sushi

Los Angeles, April 8: Rapper Kanye West's private school has been accused of only feeding the children sushi and locking them inside.

Kanye West's private school accused of locking up children, giving only sushi

The rapper runs a private Christian prep school but has been accused of violating multiple health and safety rules, reports mirror.co.uk.It has been reported that cleaning services are forbidden, doors are locked from the outside and students get fed just one sushi meal per day, according to a lawsuit.Two teachers who used to work at the Donda Academy in California's Simi Valley allege they were sacked after they complained about potential dangers to students including code violations, according to the LA County wrongful termination suit.Cecilia Hailey and her daughter Chekarey Byers, said that during the time they worked at the school it was locked from outside with the pupils having to remain indoors all day.The lawsuit also claims that medications were stored haphazardly and there was no school nurse on site.It also says that janitorial services were forbidden because "West did not believe in cleaning products containing chemicals."Attorney Ron Zambrano, a lawyer for the teachers, said in a statement "Kanye West is clearly as bad at running a school as he is at managing his own personal and professional life, enabling an unsafe and illegal school environment for students.""Kanye needs to realise his genius is in creating music, not in school administration."According to the suit, there are no tables or chairs for the students to sit on, meaning they have to sit on the floor to eat their lunch.There are also allegedly some other bizarre rules such as crossword puzzles and artwork not being allowed to be hung on walls and students being banned from the second floor because West "was reportedly afraid of stairs."Hailey and Byers complained to Donda Academy's principal in early 2023 that the school had "unlawful educational practices."However, it is alleged that the principal called Byers and Hailey "aggressive" and "facilitate(d) stereotypes about African American women as being confrontational simply for doing their job", according to the lawsuit.They were both fired on March 3, 2023 and given no reason for the termination according to court documents.IANS08 April 2023

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First published April 7, 17:25

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. Azerbaijan's current law on the electric power industry does not meet modern demands, Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said during the discussions of a new draft law "On the electric power industry" held at today's meeting of the Committee of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis (Parliament) for Natural Resources, Energy and Ecology, Trend reports.

"Currently, we are observing very serious transformational processes in the energy system on a global scale, countries of the world are intensely carrying out energy transition processes, implementing development models that responds to todays challenges," the minister said.

As he noted, the action plan of the Strategy for Socio-Economic Development for 2022-2026, approved by the relevant decree of the head of state, covers the issues of production, transmission, distribution and power supply. At the same time, this plan encompasses promotion of the activities of independent supply entities, and applying market-based principles in general with the formation of the necessary regulatory environment. The main aim is to provide citizens with affordable, reliable, high-quality and sustainable electricity.

According to the minister, this will create favorable conditions for modern areas of energy development, facilitating the rational use of resources, declining countrys financial burden, and a favorable environment for private investment.
UAE FM Abdullah bin Zayed meets counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dubai, April 8 (ANI/WAM): H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Bosnia and Herzegovina Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic, explored avenues of propelling cooperation across all fronts.

UAE FM Abdullah bin Zayed meets counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina

This came as part of the UAE top diplomat's visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, during which the two ministers discussed methods that support their developmental efforts.They emphasised on the importance of investing in the opportunities up for grabs to enhance collaboration, with special emphasis on the economic and trade levels.Sheikh Abdullah expressed the UAE's desire to strengthen relations with the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in a way that achieves the common interests of the two countries and the higher good of their peoples.The Bosnia and Herzegovina minister, for his part, welcomed Sheikh Abdullah and his accompanying delegation, stressing the importance of their visit in further promoting cooperation between the two countries at various levels.The meeting was attended by Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister for Cultural Affairs and Public Diplomacy, Saeed Mubarak Al-Hajri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Nabila Al Shamsi, the UAE's non-resident ambassadress to Bosnia and Herzegovina.Sheikh Abdullah later left Sarajevo, wrapping up a week-long, multi-leg working visit that included Greece, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was seen off at the airport by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. (ANI/WAM)ANI08 April 2023

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We were 10-15 runs short: says Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka after defeat against New Zealand

Queenstown [New Zealand], April 8: After an impressive display in the first T20I of the three-match series against New Zealand, Sri Lanka fell short of clinching the series in the final game at Queenstown Events Centre on Friday.

We were 10-15 runs short: says Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka after defeat against New Zealand

Even though it seemed as if Sri Lanka had enough (182/6) in store to restrict the Kiwis before they could manage to get close to the total of 183. New Zealand chased down the target with a ball to spare and Sri Lanka were left with a feeling that they were a few runs short in the end."We were 10-15 runs short today. That was the main lack, on the batting side. New Zealand did really well in the series," Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka said after the match.Shanaka's decision to hand the ball to Lahiru Kumara almost paid off as New Zealand batters struggled to score runs. Kumara almost pulled off a victory for his team but Mark Champman's struck a six on the first ball didn't leave much space for the Sri Lankan. Shanaka could have decided to bowl the final over but he opted to go against it."We need to make a decision whether I was bowling or Lahiru, but we decided to go with the main fast bowler," Shanaka said.Shanaka has already noticed the factors which hindered Sri Lanka's chances of clinching the series."The main adjustment was the conditions. When we come here again we must make sure we come two or three weeks before," Shanaka continued.For Sri Lanka Kusal Mendis was the star, scoring 73 (48), including six fours and four sixes. Sri Lanka could have managed to add a few more runs on the scoreboard, but the last few wickets hurt the Lankans, as they only managed 14 runs in the last two overs (three off the final one), which may have been decisive in the end.ANI08 April 2023

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FM to embark on US tour from Apr 10; to attend World Bank Group, IMF meets

New Delhi, April 8: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on an official visit to the US from April 10, where she will be attending the 2023 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

FM to embark on US tour from Apr 10; to attend World Bank Group, IMF meets

She will also be attending the G20 meetings and other associated meetings, which are scheduled to take place from April 10 to April 16.The meetings will take place in the WBG and IMF headquarters in Washington DC.The Spring Meetings will be attended by finance ministers and central bankers from across the world.The Indian Finance Ministry delegation will be led by Sitharaman and officials from the ministry and RBI.Some of the important engagements of the Finance Minister include Spring Meetings of IMF-WB, Hosting the Second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under India's G20 Presidency and G20-related side events, World Bank Development Committee and IMF Committee plenaries interaction with global economists and think-tanks, bilateral engagements with countries and international organisations as well as interaction with global business leaders and investors in roundtables.Sitharaman and RBI governor Shaktikanta Das will jointly chair the 2nd G20 FMCBG meeting on April 12-13, 2023.Around 350 delegates from G20 members, 13 invitee countries, and various international and regional organisations will participate and engage in multilateral discussions centred around a broad spectrum of pressing global issues.IANS08 April 2023

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Punjab govt offices to operate from 7.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. till July 15

Chandigarh, April 8: In a historic decision, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced change in the timings of government offices from the existing 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 7.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in larger public interest.

Punjab govt offices to operate from 7.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. till July 15

Announcing the decision, Mann said that the revised timings will come into effect from May 2 and will remain in place till July 15.The Chief Minister said the decision has been taken to benefit the common people for easily getting their work done at government offices during the scorching heat in the ensuing summer season.Mann said the decision has been taken after due consultation with all the stakeholders so that the welfare of all can be ensured.Giving more details, the Chief Minister said that the move will also enable the common man to finish his work early morning without taking leave from his work.Likewise, he said that the decision will also facilitate the employees as they will be able to attend social functions after office hours. Similarly, Mann said that the employees will also be able to spend more time with their children who will also come home from school around the same time.The Chief Minister said that this decision will be applicable to all the offices of Punjab government.He envisioned that this will also help in saving around 300-350 MW power, as a considerable chunk of power is being consumed by government offices.Mann said that as per the data of PSPCL, the peak load of the board starts after 1 p.m.The Chief Minister also said that the new timings will ensure that maximum sunlight is utilised by the masses.The state government will take more such citizen-centric decisions in the coming days, Mann said.IANS08 April 2023

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Third edition of Jammu Film Festival kicks off in grand manner

Jammu, April 8: The third edition of the Jammu Film Festival commenced with a grand opening at Abhinav Theatre on Saturday. The venue was beautifully decorated with art installations, and the festive ambience was further enhanced with folk dances outside the hall to welcome the guests.

Third edition of Jammu Film Festival kicks off in grand manner

The opening ceremony was a grand affair, with all the guests being felicitated after traditional lamp lighting. The festival witnessed parallel screenings of 25 feature films, short films and documentaries from countries like Iran, India, France and the United States. The audience comprised students, artists, art lovers and people from all walks of life.The festival began with parallel screenings in all three halls, and the screenings were jam-packed with audiences. The opening section of the festival showcased short films and a documentary from countries such as Iran, India, France, and the United States, including Nahid, Kav Kav, Fatih the conqueror, Sandhanam, and Liturgy of anti-tank obstacles.Chief Guest, Shri Vivekananad Rai (IRS), Director of Tourism, said, "I am delighted to be a part of the Jammu Film Festival. The festival has been instrumental in promoting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and has provided a platform for filmmakers to showcase their talent."Celebrity Guest, Sh. MK Raina, a renowned theatre and film personality, shared, "I am glad to be a part of the Jammu Film Festival. The festival provides an opportunity for artists to showcase their work, and I am delighted to watch the talent on display here."In addition to the esteemed Chief Guest and Celebrity Guest, the Jammu Film Festival also saw the presence of other distinguished guests of honour and guests. Neha Jalali, Joint Director at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, graced the event with her presence. KK Khosa, President of KP Sabha Jammu, was also present as a guest of honour.The festival also witnessed the attendance of several other notable guests, including MK Yogi, Dr TK Bhat from ASKPC, B.B. Bhat, President of Zeesta Devi Srinagar, PN Shad, a renowned poet and writer, and Ruby Wazir from Mumbai.According to Rakesh Roshan Bhat, Festival Director, "The response on day one has been overwhelming. The festival has received a total of around 100 entries from 16 countries, which is a testimony to its growing popularity in festival circuits. The Jammu Film Festival has been instrumental in promoting cinema in Jammu and Kashmir, and we are delighted to see the response we have received from delegates from all over India." The audience also enjoyed an interactive session with the celebrity guest, M K Raina, hosted by the Festival Director Rakesh Roshan Bhat.The Festival's Jury Head, Mushtaq Kak, said, "The Jammu Film Festival has become a platform for filmmakers to showcase their talent. It is heartening to see the quality of films that are being showcased here."Bharti Kaul, Vice President of Vomedh, expressed her delight at the response the festival has received, saying, "We are overwhelmed by the response that the Jammu Film Festival has received. It is our endeavour to promote cinema in Jammu and Kashmir, and we are delighted to see the support we have received from sponsors and film enthusiasts."Retd Wing Comm Ashok Saraf, Advisor to Vomedh, said, "The Jammu Film Festival has become a prestigious platform for filmmakers to showcase their work. We are delighted to see the response we have received, and we hope to continue to support the festival in the future."The day ended with a screening of the documentary by Sakal Bhatt, Exile and Exodus - Forgotten Tragedy - Nadimarg Massacre. In total, around 25 feature films, short films, and documentaries were screened on the first day of the festival. Delegates from all over India attended the event, and the audience included students from many colleges, artists, art lovers, and people in general. Notably, three female documentary directors, Sakal Bhat from Delhi, Abanti Sinha from Kolkata, and Neha Sharma from Chandigarh, were present at the festival. The key team members of the feature film Trek to Neverland, including its lead actor Eklavya Sood from Himachal, were also present. The jam-packed audience was thrilled to witness such a fantastic lineup of films.The festival has screenings of 50 feature films, short films and documentaries from 11 countries, and it will run till April 9. In addition to the screenings, the festival will also host side events like panel discussions, a red carpet, a culture showcase, and a painting exhibition.The festival's opening day was a grand success, and audiences are looking forward to the rest of the festival, which includes panel discussions, red-carpet events, cultural showcases, and painting exhibitions. With such a fantastic lineup of films, Jammu Film Festival promises to be a treat for film lovers and art enthusiasts.ANI08 April 2023

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Foundation stone of proposed unit in Gorakhpur laid by CM Yogi Adityanath: Varun Beverages

New Delhi, April 8: Varun Beverages, all India franchisee of PepsiCo, on Saturday said Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath laid the foundation stone of its proposed manufacturing plant in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, with a total capital outlay of Rs 1,100 crore, subject to necessary approvals.

Foundation stone of proposed unit in Gorakhpur laid by CM Yogi Adityanath: Varun Beverages

Varun Beverages had been allotted land in Gorakhpur, Amethi, Prayagraj and Chitrakoot through fast-track mode for setting up their units for producing carbonated soft drinks, fruit pulp or juice-based drinks.The company has proposed to invest Rs 3,740 crore in total in all four plants with about 5,650 expected job opportunities.Meanwhile, on Wednesday, SunSource Energy announced commissioning of a 9 MW solar project for Varun Beverages, PepsiCo's largest franchise bottler, in Uttar Pradesh. The project commissioned is part of its 45 MW open access solar project in the state.Varun Beverages shares rallied 4 per cent intraday to hit a record high of Rs 1,474 on Wednesday.According to BSE, shares of Varun Beverages closed at Rs 1,396.95 apiece on Thursday. The stock went up 3.60 per cent in the past five days. According to data, more than Rs 60 crore worth of shares of the company changed hands in a block trade.ANI09 April 2023

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Mongolian delegation praises India for promoting Buddhism to bring about global peace

New Delhi, April 8: A delegation from Mongolia, which visited several Buddhist pilgrim sites in India has praised India for promoting peace through spiritualism that can help resolve ongoing wars and conflicts in the world.

Mongolian delegation praises India for promoting Buddhism to bring about global peace

Headed by 7th Naro Banchen Rinpoche, head of Naro Banchen Trust and founder of Naropa Monastery, the delegation met with Indian Buddhist scholars and officials of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in New Delhi.The 40-member Mongolian delegation comprises artists, journalists, businessmen, anthropologist, historian and others.Naropa Rinpoche told ANI, "We have so many things to learn from India. It's peaceful, calm and very tolerant to one another. These good qualities inspire us".He added, "Mongolians appreciate India's ancient wisdom and India is a country where from ancient times people come to learn how to train a mind, how to analyse and how to train our mind from a logical perspective using concrete methodologies. And this is our inspiration. We take spiritual inspiration from our Indian brothers and sisters. This ancient Buddhist knowledge offers very comprehensive methodologies that can be used to solve the problems in current days humanity is facing, war and conflicts".This delegation from Mongolia will also participate in the upcoming Global Buddhist Conference in New Delhi.Naropa Rinpoche added, "The upcoming Global Buddhist Conference, I am expecting to be very beneficial because Buddhism teaches us that happiness should come from within ourselves. Although we have many materialistic progresses that make our life very comfortable but they cannot guarantee a happy life. That's why this symposium is going to discuss about the wellbeing of the world and how Buddhist knowledge and tradition can help us to solve conflicts and problems we have been facing."Deputy General Secretary of IBC, Jangchup Choedon Rinpoche said, "India and Mongolia have had strong relations for a long time. Naropa Rinpoche has come to India with a delegation and visited several Buddhist spiritual sites in the country. They met His Holiness the Dalai Lama also".He added, "We are organising Global Buddhist Summit in which a delegation from Mongolia is also participating along with delegates from 32 countries. They will discuss about global issues and will implement them for the wellbeing of the global community".Odzaya Deremchimed, a news anchor from Mongolia, praised India and said, "Indian people are very kind and nice. It was a nice experience visiting Dharamshala and meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama".Prof Ranjana Mukhopadhyaya, a member of the Indian delegation said, "It is important to have these kinds of interactions because Buddhism is one of the strongest links that India has with the rest of Asia. And it is one of the longest, oldest and one of the most enduring links".She added, "I think we should use these ties to re-establish and reaffirm our relationship with Buddhist countries such as Mongolia because we should realise that although Mongolia is so far from India, Buddhism at that age had travelled there so obviously this was the medium through which people of rest of the world came to know about India. So, it is very important for India that we should capitalise on this goodwill that we have about India and further strengthen it."ANI09 April 2023

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. The Western Azerbaijan Community sent a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, requesting him to send of a special UN mission to Armenia for launching the process of safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from this country, Trend reports.

We are writing this letter to cordially request you to send a mission to Armenia to facilitate the peaceful, safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia. Our organization, which was established in 1989, deals with protection of the rights of Azerbaijanis, who were expelled from Armenia, the letter said.

According to the letter, the expelling of Azerbaijanis from the current territory of Armenia, where they once constituted an absolute majority, was completed in 1991.

As a result of the ethnic cleansing, not a single Azerbaijani is left in Armenia. Azerbaijani historical and cultural heritage, including mosques and graveyards in Armenia, were destroyed on a large scale, and all Azerbaijani toponyms were changed, the letter noted.

Besides, according to the letter, expelling Azerbaijanis from Armenia is an unprecedented injustice given its political, legal, and humanitarian dimensions.

We would like this injustice to be fixed. Based on the right to return enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and other important international acts, we aspire to return to our homes in safety and with dignity, the letter further said. We have developed and published our concept for a peaceful, safe and dignified return, which was circulated as official documents of the UN Security Council, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council under reference numbers A/77/801-S/2023/134 and E/2023/53 respectively.

As with other similar situations, enabling the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia, requires substantial international input, the letter also noted.

To begin with, the return is best ensured when it occurs within proper legal arrangements. The return process will require appropriate security, humanitarian, and socio-economic assistance from the international community, the letter explained. International peacekeeping, monitoring, accountability, intervention and other necessary activities are needed to prevent a renewed expelling, discrimination and harm to the returned population.

According to the document, appropriate reconstruction and reconciliation measures under international supervision will also be required to ensure the sustainable rehabilitation and re-integration of the returnees.

We would like to reiterate that our lawful demand from Armenia to ensure our right to a safe and dignified return may not be misinterpreted as detrimental to the territorial integrity or sovereignty of Armenia, the document said. In a bid to achieve justice and reconciliation based on human rights, we reached out directly to the Government of Armenia with a request to start dialogue. We believe in human rights and the equality of human beings before the law.

As the document pointed out, ignoring the rights of Azerbaijanis from Armenia is the perpetuation of injustice, which does not help the maintenance of international peace and security.

Therefore, we kindly request you to support our cause with your good offices as the UN Secretary-General, and send a UN interagency mission to Armenia, which could perform the following tasks:

- to assess the overall situation and identify steps for the creation of conditions that are conducive to voluntary return in safety and with dignity;

- to identify needs for the repatriation process in terms of international humanitarian assistance, and long-term rehabilitation, reconstruction and reintegration programs;

- to identify legislative and executive measures that Armenia has to implement to ensure the rights, liberties and security of Azerbaijani returnees, and their re-integration, as well as steps required to achieve reconciliation;

- to assess the state of Azerbaijani cultural heritage and identify steps required to restore the damaged and obliterated pieces of heritage;

- to carry out an inventory of illegally seized property belonging to Azerbaijanis;

- to gather information on the impact of the conflict on the rights of ethnic Azerbaijanis, who were forced to flee their homes in Armenia;

- to devise and implement Confidence Building Measures on, including but not limited to, enabling the expelled Azerbaijani inhabitants of Armenia to visit their homes, cemeteries, sacred places and cultural heritage in this country;

- to conduct a technical field assessment of the security situation with a view to a possible international security role in support of the repatriation.

As the interested party, we remain ready to interact with the UN in carrying out activities to ensure the right to return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia, and thereby help maintenance of justice, peace and security in the region, the letter said.

Previously, the Western Azerbaijan Community sent a letter to UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay in connection with the destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in Armenia.
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Partly cloudy skies. Scattered frost possible. Low 31F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph.
A new editorial paper was published in Oncoscience (Volume 10) on March 23, 2023, entitled, "New method of clustering colorectal cancer patients using differential presence of exons (DPE) sequencing."

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease that occurs in the colon and the rectum, parts of the gastrointestinal system. CRC is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The incidence and mortality of CRC is expected to increase significantly in the future, with more than 2.2 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths expected by 2030.

Metastasis is the leading cause of death in CRC patients, especially liver metastasis. According to previous studies, about 25% of CRC cases are clinically diagnosed with liver metastases in early stages, and about 50% of CRC patients experience symptoms of liver metastases throughout the course of the disease. Differential presence of exons (DPE) by next generation sequencing (NGS) is an innovative method to analyze the complete exome sequence and can be used as a stratification and predictive tool in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

In this editorial, researchers David Rubio-Mangas, Mariano Garcia-Arranz, Javier Suela and Damian GarciaOlmo from Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid and Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz discuss DPE analysis as an emerging and promising technique in the field of liquid biopsy that has the advantage of being non-invasive compared to invasive diagnostic techniques. In addition, this analysis can provide valuable information on CRC progression and could provide information on response to therapy.

"The use of liquid biopsy in clinical practice may also reduce the costs and time required for staging CRC patients, which could have implications for diagnosis and treatment."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. Another military facility built in the liberated territories in accordance with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev has been commissioned, the Defense Ministry told Trend.

Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and other top officials of the ministry, who visited the liberated territories, inspected the newly commissioned military unit and got acquainted with the conditions created there.

Hasanov was informed that a headquarters building, barrack, service rooms, medical point and other infrastructure facilities were built and provided with modern equipment for organization the service and combat activities of military personnel at a high level.

Besides, he was informed that the new headquarters has a communication point and a server room equipped with modern communication and information devices for operational management of units during combat operations, as well as for ensuring interoperability between types of troops.

Getting acquainted with the created conditions, the minister gave instructions to take appropriate measures on further increasing individual skills of staff officers and command staff, as well as on management of units.

Previously, Hasanov and other leaders of the Defense Ministry visited the Commando Mountain Training Center.
Using a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen levels is no better than just regularly asking patients with COVID-19 if they are short of breath, according to new research at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. Pulse oximeters have often been applied because of concerns that patients might not notice their blood oxygen levels sliding dangerously. But people in Penn Medicine's COVID Watch program  which uses automated text messages to keep tabs on patients recovering at home  had the same outcomes whether they used oxygen-measuring devices or not. Findings from this work were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Compared to remotely monitoring shortness of breath with simple automated check-ins, we showed that the addition of pulse oximetry did not save more lives or keep more people out of the hospital. And having a pulse oximeter didn't even make patients feel less anxious." Anna Morgan, MD, study's co-lead author, medical director of the COVID Watch program and an assistant professor of General Internal Medicine

COVID Watch launched at Penn Medicine in March 2020 to remotely monitor patients with COVID-19 who were well enough to stay home to recover. Twice a day for two weeks, text messages were automatically sent to these patients asking how they felt and if they were having difficulty breathing, a condition formally known as dyspnea. If patients indicated more difficulty breathing, they would be called by a nurse who would direct the patient to the ER, arrange an urgent telemedicine appointment, or suggest continued monitoring at home. More than 28,500 patients have been enrolled in the program since it came online.

"The program made it easy to identify the sickest patients who needed the hospital, and keep the others at home safely," said David Asch, MD, executive director of the Center for Health Care Innovation and a professor of Medicine, Medical Ethics and Health Policy. "The program was associated with a 68 percent reduction in mortality, saving a life approximately every three days during peak enrollment early in the pandemic."

But the question remained whether the program would be even better if it was based on the actual oxygen content of the blood rather than just whether patients felt short of breath.

"Early in the pandemic, there was a prevalent theory that oxygen levels in the blood dropped before a COVID-19 patient became symptomatic and short of breath," said study co-lead author Kathleen Lee, MD, an adjunct assistant professor of Emergency Medicine. "Detecting this earlier with a home pulse oximeter might provide an opportunity to get patients who are on the cusp of deteriorating to the hospital faster and initiate time-sensitive therapies to improve outcomes."

Using pulse oximeters was so intuitively appealing that the process got adopted even before this trial, the first randomized trial to test whether it actually worked.

"Several health systems, and even states like Vermont and countries like the United Kingdom, have integrated pulse oximetry into the routine home management of patients with COVID-19, but there's been scant evidence to show this strategy makes a difference," said the research project's principal investigator M. Kit Delgado, MD, an assistant professor of Emergency Medicine and Epidemiology.

In this study, more than 2,000 patients enrolled in COVID Watch between Nov. 29, 2020, and Feb. 5, 2021, were randomized to receive standard COVID Watch care or the same program with the addition of a pulse oximeter.

The pulse oximeter didn't make the patients any better off. The researchers found no statistical difference in the main measure of the study, the average number of days enrolled patients spent alive and out of the hospital in the 30 days after they were enrolled. For patients with pulse oximeters, the measure was 29.4 days; for those without, it was 29.5. This lack of difference held across racial lines, as there was no notable difference between outcomes for Black and white patients. This is important, as Black patients have had disproportionately worse COVID-19 mortality rates during the pandemic, and recent research has raised concerns that fingertip pulse oximeters may be less likely to detect low oxygen levels in patients with dark skin pigment compared with lighter skin pigment.

The researchers cautioned that their study examined the use of pulse oximeters amid an established program of remote monitoring, noting that patients don't have access to a system like COVID Watch or on-call clinicians, self-monitoring with pulse oximeters may still be a reasonable approach until there is evidence to the contrary.

"Overall, these findings suggest that a low-tech approach for remote monitoring systems based on symptoms is just as good as a more expensive one using additional devices. Automated text messaging is a great way for health systems to enable a small team of on-call nurses to manage large populations of patients with COVID-19," said the research project's co-principal investigator, Krisda Chaiyachati, MD, an assistant professor of Internal Medicine and now the physician lead for Value-based Care and Innovation at Verily. "There are a lot of other medical conditions where the same kind of approach might really help."
Consumers globally are weighed down by concerns around cost of living and personal finances. Around 74% of Indian respondents say they are concerned about their personal finance situation, as opposed to 50% globally.

63% of Indian consumers are cutting back non-essential spending altogether, according to the 2023 PwC Global Consumer Insights Pulse Survey, which captured the views of 9,180 consumers across 25 territories.

The survey found most Indian consumers expect to reduce their expenditure across all surveyed categories over the next six months, a significant decline in planned spend across all categories since the previous pulse survey in June 2022.

Industries, including luxury and premium products, travel, and fashion, expect to see the greatest portion of consumer spend reductions over the next six months, whereas the groceries segment is expected to decline the least.

In India, the survey included 500 Indian respondents across 12 metros, tier-1 and tier-2 cities of India (Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Nagpur, Jalandhar, Hyderabad, Meerut and Rajkot). Out of these, 57% of the respondents were male and 43% were female.

PwC surveyed 9,180 consumers from October 24 to November 16 of 2022 via a 15-minute online quantitative survey. Interviews were conducted with consumers in twenty-five participating territories, and the survey was translated into fourteen languages.

Ravi Kapoor, partner and leader- retail and consumer, PwC India, said, Consumers will continue to demand world-class buying experiences in both physical and digital channels with work cut out for brands to reduce costs, enhance availability, and for going local. The silver lining here remains the unequivocal growth in adoption of digital channels and the desire to spend more on travel in the coming months.

Key trends emerging from the survey results:

Cost of living weighs on consumer confidence

Consumers, globally, are shifting their consumption habits in-store and online as the cost-of-living surges and supply chain disruptions impact product availability and delivery times.

As a result, almost half (45%) say they are buying certain products when on offer/promotion, 44% are looking to retailers offering better value, 38% are using comparison sites to find cheaper alternatives, 36% are buying in bulk to save cost, and 33% are buying retailers personal brands for better savings.

Supply chain disruption is shifting in-store/online consumer behaviour

Half of the Indian consumers (50%) said rising prices remain the most frequently experienced issue when shopping in-store, supply chain issues also dominate with larger queues and busier store locations (35%), along with product availability (28%), which is also impacting consumer behaviour.

Luxury/premium product industry to see decline in consumer spend

Consumers are planning to reduce their spending across all surveyed retail categories over the next six months, with the greatest decrease forecast in luxury/premium products or designer products (38%), virtual online activities (32%), consumer electronics (32%) and fashion products (clothing and footwear) (31%).

However, there remains an appetite for future spend, with 38% indicating they will look to treat oneself/others, whereas 54% view them as better quality. Travel (30%) and groceries (21%) had the least reported planned spend reduction.

Vocal for local (Sustainable products are in demand from consumers)

Despite a planned spend reduction and a challenging economic environment, consumers say they are still willing to pay more for sustainable products.

Overwhelmingly, more than 88% are willing to pay higher for a product that is produced/sourced locally, or made from recycled, sustainable, or eco-friendly materials (87%), or produced by a company with a reputation for ethical practices (87%).

Metaverse: Early-stage adoption strong, executives recognise the importance of risk management, cyber security and governance

Adoption of the Metaverse as a shopping channel is still in its early stages, however, the medium remains under-utilised, with only one-quarter (23%) of Indian respondents familiar with the term.

The largest portion of these users have primarily employed the Metaverse for virtual reality (VR), i.e., playing games or watching a movie (20%), experiencing the virtual world through the retail environment or a concert (13%), or purchasing a digital product, such as a Non-Fungible Token, or NFT (17%).

Millennials (36%) are most likely to use the Metaverse, especially in countries like India (48%), Vietnam (43%), and Hong Kong (42%).

All the while, as online shopping continues to grow in volume, consumers are increasingly weary of data privacy. 65% of respondents are extremely or very concerned when interacting with social media companies, third-party/portal travel websites (54%), healthcare (59%), and consumer companies (58%).

As a result, 41% respondents do not share more personal data than they must, 37% opt-out from receiving communications from these companies, and 38% have overall reduced their interaction with these types of companies.

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Getting an incomplete or delayed food order is bound to leave anyone frustrated. Now, there are two ways to deal with such a situation. Either let it go and accepted the food you get, or you raise a complaint. A British man went all-in for his kids love for fries and drinks by staging a protest at a local drive-thru McDonalds outlet. The man, David Shepherd, pledged to sit in front of the fast-food shop until he received the missing fries and drinks along with the full order that he paid for.

He blocked the drive-thru at the outlet near Whitstable, Kent, reported The Metro. All because his 80 Pounds or Rs 8,123 order via UberEats arrived incomplete.

Shepherd was told by employees at the outlet earlier they could not provide him with the missing items citing it was against the companys policies.

I decided to drive to McDonalds to ask them to replace the missing items, but I was told it was against company policy to do so. At that point, the food was already cold, so we have 80 Pounds (Rs 8125) worth of a meal that were not getting, he told the publication.

He further justified his rage saying, All of this would have been avoided if theyd just given us the dinner wed paid for.

McDonalds, later on, apologized for the incomplete order and gave the man a full refund. The local police were able to clear the chaos after two hours of the protest.

This is the not instance that McDonalds made it to the headlines for the wrong reason recently. The company has been going through restructuring with the announcement of major layoffs across the globe. The firm slashed the pay packages of some of the employees. Hundreds of employees working at the McD Corp had to lose out on their jobs. McDonalds head Chris Kempczinski said at a recent media conversation that the current scenario is outdated and self-limiting, for the brand. The new memo sent across the corporate offices also hinted at a plan for new restaurants, reported BBC. The company employs over 2 lakh people with more than 3/4th of them located outside the US.

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A mother of a 14-month-old baby in Singapore was shocked to discover a bite bruise on her toddlers arm. Later, she found it was her frustrated maid who assaulted the baby. According to a report by Strait Times, while the little girl was put under the housekeepers care, it became a difficult task for her to put the toddler to sleep. She reportedly was so annoyed that it prompted her to bite the babys arm, which left a bruise mark behind. The mother filed an official complaint against the maid which landed her six months in prison.

Identified to be Masita Khoridaturochmah, the sentencing was ordered on Tuesday wherein the maid allegedly pleaded guilty to one count of ill-treating the 14-month-old baby. The incident reportedly took place back on May 26, 2022, when the 33-year-old maid was alone with the child. Louis Ngia, who is suggested to be the Deputy Public Prosecutor, confirmed that the Indonesian-origin housekeeper began working for the babys family in 2021. Her job profile included taking care of the 14-month-old girl and her twin sister.

During the day when the baby refused to sleep, Masita intentionally ended up biting her. The mother is said to have returned home by 7 pm but it wasnt until she was putting her little girl to sleep that she noticed the bruise mark. Initially, when the mother confronted Masita, she was adamant about denying the allegation. Eventually, she admitted her wrongdoing and reportedly also went on her knees to apologize for the mistake.

The mother filed an official complaint and also took the child for medical inspection. During the sentencing, the prosecutor requested the court to punish the maid with at least eight or nine months of jail time. He highlighted that Masita jeopardized her position of trust by inflicting pain on a vulnerable target. Meanwhile, the defence lawyer told the bench of District Judge Tan Tse that Masita realizes her mistake and is remorseful. She was ordered 6 months of jail time which will begin on April 11.

Previously, an Indian-origin woman in Singapore was sentenced to 10 months and 10 weeks of jail time for abusing her house help. A report by Strait Times identified the abuser to be Deepakala Chandra Secharan who covered her maids face with foundation to hide the bruise marks. Reportedly, the 38-year-old was charged with three counts of assault during the trial.

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Russell Crowe-starrer The Popes Exorcist just hit the screens in India on April 7 and a marketing strategy is giving people some serious creeps. When the horror films trailer played in a theatre recently, a possessed woman" was seen scuttling up the aisle. The woman was dressed in a white dress, with the classic long hair and something creepy also going on with her eyes.

As the trailer of The Popes Exorcist starts to play, the woman pops out of nowhere and even gets dangerously close to the audience members. Many on Twitter even surmised that it may have taken a great deal of bravery for her to do the stunt, since someone in the audience might have instinctively lashed out. Others were also apprehensive about viewers having some adverse reaction to the jump-scare.

Ek toh itni Horror movie, upar se aeisa scary stunt...The marketing team took scare factor to a whole new level. pic.twitter.com/lRMZs6lE7r SwatKat (@swatic12) April 7, 2023

Wth aisa kaun karta hai. This is so scary https://t.co/1VUu5TPPPq Ankita (@Sonia58189982) April 7, 2023

Aisa kon karta hai Daar k hi maar jayenge on spot  https://t.co/eYNmJU3yNl Sab Moh Maya Hai  (@saha_tridha) April 7, 2023

Koi Mar gaya to dar ke? Everyone is not strong  https://t.co/SITfFr390w Deepa  (@D4kkvk) April 7, 2023

Damn! This mustve been one of an experience https://t.co/EPsRDp5Nsf   (@oligarchlite) April 7, 2023

Bhai mai hall mein hota toh pata nahi kya ho jata! Yeh toh sahi mei scary tha! Great move  https://t.co/MEOuC84trh Kartik (@KaiseAanaHuaaa) April 7, 2023

People have been getting quite participatory in the cinema-viewing experience of late, though not in such scary ways in most cases. Usually, it involves people leaving their seats to dance along with the actors, as it happened for films like RRR and Pathaan.

Recently, Jab We Mets Geet also came to life at a theatre. On the occasion of Valentines week recently, PVR Cinemas announced special screenings of some romantic hits, among which was Jab We Met.

There were a slew of videos from theatres showing fans dancing and cheering during the screenings. A woman was seen fully dressed in Geets attire from the Yeh Ishq Haaye" song, dancing away in a movie theatre. That certainly took the cake.

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Being an adult is not an easy task; along with responsibility comes a plethora of bills that needs to be paid. But imagine the horror of waking up to 580 brown envelopes of bills flooding your doorstep. Dylan Davies wouldnt have ever imagined he will receive tax bills from 11,000 foreign companies that he has zero connection with. According to a report by BBC, multiple Chinese companies used Davies Cardiff flat address to register themselves with HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs), the UK governing body responsible for tax collection.

Reportedly, the firms fraudulently used the address to pay VAT (Valued added tax). The overall debt is estimated to be 500,000 (approximately Rs 5 crore). During his interaction with the news agency, Davies revealed that the error was not even picked by the HMRCs internet systems. Its been horrendous. Youd think thered be a system with the technology today that would have picked it up immediately, he said.

Dylan Davies further said that HMRC needed to tighten up completely," adding that it was easier to register a company for VAT than it is to go and get a bus pass."

Even after the error was highlighted from the British mans end, the bills kept arriving in his mail. But the problem became worse when the letter began coming from debt collection agencies. Davies reportedly lived in fear that collectors might raid his home or worse might get hold of his possessions making him homeless. He vividly recalled imagining people breaking down his door to seize his TV.

In a statement by Jim Harra, the permanent secretary at the HMRC, confirmed that out of the 11,000 companies, 2,356 registered at Davies address owed money to the department. Harra also highlighted that the government body has acknowledged Davies situation by putting a system that will now stop the bill letters from reaching his doorstep. He asserted that the investigation in the matter continues but so far they havent found any evidence of fraud or fraudulent intent.

The report suggests that a change in law back in 2021 made it mandatory for online marketplaces to collect VAT from international traders and pay it to the HMRC. But the law doesnt apply if a company is registered to a UK address. A financial crime consultant Graham Barrow reportedly finds the incident related to VAT fraud. He believes that online marketplaces might be procuring VAT from overseas trader but arent paying it to the HMRC.

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American celebrity chef Eitan Bernath is floored by desi dishes after recently visiting an Indian buffet with his family. In a short reel video, the influencer gave his followers a glimpse of the large isles of delicious food that he enjoyed at a vegetarian Indian restaurant in Parsippany, New Jersey. From snacks including Dholka, Idli, and Pani Puri, to a main course filled with a variety of Indian gravies, Biryanis, and Pulav, the short video captured the family satiating their taste buds with a plethora of mouth-watering items. Be it sweet, sour, or spicy, the accounts shared by Eitan Bernath prove that attending the buffet was nothing less than a delicious joyride for him.

Notably, it isnt the first time when the chefs family got together for enjoying some desi food. Eithan shared that it was a weekly ritual back in the days when he used to live with his parents, And this place was one of our favourites. It is always packed with tons of delicious dishes, he said. His exploits with the food began with Pani Puri as glimpses of Idlis, Dholkas, Medu Vadas Beans, and Potato sabji took up the video frame. I started off with Pani Puri, which is my favourite. It was a great way to start off the meal. I love just popping the little hole inside of it, adding in the aloo, and then adding in the water. It is so delicious, he added.

Meanwhile, the members of his family were also seen filling their plates with different types of curries including Palak Paneer, Malai Kofta, rice, and naan. The chef continued, Then I went for a full plate of food, a little bit of everything. It was downright delicious. I mean the food here slaps every single time and I love a buffet. The main course was followed by a plethora of sweet dishes packed with Jalebi, Halwa, Mithai, Motichoor Ke Ladoo, and more. The food was out of this world. For dessert, I got to eat some Jalebi, which I liked. I also tried this almond halwa, which was really delicious. Overall a delicious meal and it was great to be back with family at a buffet, he concluded. Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eitan Bernath (@eitan)

In less than a week, the video has amassed over four lakh likes on Instagram leaving the internet craving for desi food. A user wrote, That looks delicious, another commented, Youre making me hungry. One more joined, I love how much you love and promote Indian food. Meanwhile, a user joked, Lets get you an Indian Passport Eitan.

One of them was impressed by the US chefs pronunciations, they asked, Were you Indian in past life? You pronounce Indian dishes better than my kids. Another added, Id get full from the pani puri.

Eitan enjoys a following of more than 6.5 lakh people on Instagram. He is well-known for his videos of cooking Indian dishes including Lithi Choka, Pav Bhaji, and Aloo Tikki Chaat among others.

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The Noida Police on Friday apprehended a teenager from Lucknow who is believed to have sent an email to a media house, threatening to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, officials said.

The boy was produced in a juvenile court here later in the day and was granted bail, according to an official.

The bail was granted since the charges invoked in the case were bailable, the official said.

The 16-year-old boy, who hails from Bihar, was picked up from the Chinhat area of the state capital on Friday morning and has been brought here, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Noida) Rajneesh Verma said.

An FIR was lodged in connection with the case of April 5 at the Sector 20 police station here after which the matter was investigated, technical teams also roped in to trace the sender of the email, which contained the threat message, Verma said.

On the basis of the investigation, the email sender was traced and found in Lucknows Chinhat area. The sender turned out to be a schoolboy, who has just completed his Class 11 and will be beginning Class 12 in this session, the police officer told PTI.

The police had lodged an FIR against an unknown person after a media house representative approached them with a complaint, stating they have received an email threatening to assassinate the prime minister and the Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

The FIR was lodged under the Indian Penal Code sections 153A (1b) (act prejudicial to maintenance of harmony, or likely to disturb public tranquillity), 505 (1b) (act likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the state or against the public tranquillity), 506 (criminal intimidation), 507 (criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication), police said. The police had also invoked provisions of the Information Technology Act in the case.

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Delhi Education Minister Atishi on Friday directed the officials to initiate action against private schools that allegedly forced parents of students to buy expensive books and uniforms from specific vendors.

She said the violation of the Education Department guidelines on books and uniforms by private schools will not be tolerated and that strict action will be taken against such schools.

Private schools must either stop forcing parents to buy books and uniforms from specific sellers or be ready to face severe consequences. Violation of education department guidelines will not be tolerated, Atishi said.

The Education Department had issued instructions to schools on March 17 to comply with the guidelines on sale of books and school uniforms. It said immediate notice must be issued stating the reasons in case of any complaint. And in case of violation, action will be taken under the relevant provisions of the Delhi School Education Act 1973, it added.

There have been continuous complaints that private schools are forcing parents to buy expensive books and school uniforms from specific vendors. Recently, some parents also met me and brought this to my notice. Those schools should be identified and strict action should be taken against them, the Education minister said.

Atishi said every parent has the right to obtain proper information about books and uniforms for the upcoming academic session and can arrange them according to their convenience.

The purpose of education should be to build the future of the country, not to earn money, she added.

According to the guidelines of the Education Department, private schools must display a class-wise list of books and other study materials on their website before the beginning of the new academic session for the information of parents.

Additionally, schools must also display at least five nearby shops addresses and phone numbers on their website where parents can purchase books and school uniforms, they said.

Parents have the freedom to buy these items from any store as per their convenience and the school cannot compel them to purchase from a particular vendor, as per the guidelines. They also state that private schools cannot change the colour, design, or other specifications of school uniforms for at least three years.

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The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) is expected to announce the UP Boards 10th and 12th results soon. As per reports, the UP board high school and intermediate results 2023 will be out by April 16, however, there has been no official confirmation yet. Students who have appeared for the UP Board exam 2023 will be able to check their results on the boards official websites  upresults.nic.in and upmsp.edu.in  once out.

This year, a total of 58,85,745 candidates registered for the Uttar Pradesh Board High School (Class 10) and Intermediate (Class 12) exams this year. Out of the total, as many as 31,16,487 students had registered for high school while 27,69,258 students enrolled themselves for intermediate. This is the largest number of registrations in UP board exams in the last five years, Divya Kant Shukla, Secretary of UPMSP had said.

Also read| CBSE Board Exams 2023 Result Update: Know Passing Criteria For Class 10, 12 Students

The Uttar Pradesh board exams were held in 8,753 centres across the state which included 4,690 unaided colleges, 3,523 private centres, and 540 government centres. This year, the UPMSP appointed 1,43,933 examiners to evaluate 3.19 crore answer sheets of students. There were about 1.86 crore answer sheets from Class 10 candidates and 1.33 crore answer sheets from Class 12 students.

One needs to score at least 33 per cent to pass the UP board exams 2023. Those who fail in one or two subjects in the Uttar Pradesh Board exams, need to appear for the compartment exams. The schedule of the UP board compartment exam has not been announced yet.

In 2022, UP Board released the high school and intermediate result on June 18, and the evaluation process was completed on May 5. This year, the process of checking copies was completed on March 31. Hence, the results are expected to be released soon. The UP board class 10 final exams concluded on March 3 and class 12 exams on March 4.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. The statements of the Spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nasser Kanaani, regarding the announcement of four employees of the Iranian Embassy in Azerbaijan persona non grata for activities not corresponding to diplomatic status and contradicting the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, are biased and emotional, Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada said, commenting on the statements of Kanaani made on April 7, Trend reports.

In connection with the statement of the Iranian side that the measure taken by Azerbaijan to declare the above employees persona non grata "contradicts the principles of neighborhood", Hajizada noted that illegal activities on the territory of Azerbaijan are incompatible with good neighborly relations, and reciprocal steps were taken in under the Vienna Convention.

"Islamic solidarity excludes the use of religion for political purposes, interference in the internal affairs of Muslim neighbors, and at the same time does not imply support for the military occupation of the territories of another Muslim country," the spokesman further said.

According to him, Azerbaijan builds relations with its neighbors on the basis of the principle of reciprocity and has never been interested in breaking these relations.

"The adequate measures taken by Azerbaijan have always been a response to provocative and inflammatory steps," Hajizada added.

On April 6, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran Seyyed Abbas Mousavi was summoned to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

Mousavi was notified that four employees of the Iranian Embassy were declared persona non grata by the Azerbaijani government.

The ambassador was also informed that these persons should leave the territory of Azerbaijan within 48 hours.
Vijay Antonys much-awaited movie Pichaikkaran 2 has been making headlines ever since it was announced. The film was all set to release on April 14 but now the news is going viral that the movie might get banned. According to recent reports, Mangadu Movies owner Raja Ganapathi has filed a case in the Chennai High Court calling for a ban on the film. Raja Ganapathi alleged that Pichaikkaran 2 has some scenes from one of his previous films, which was produced by his Mangadu Movies and released in 2016. He also demanded a ban on Pichaikkaran 2s release as the screenplay and dialogues of his film have been used, and has further asked for a compensation of Rs 10 lakh.

Judge S Soundar, who heard the case, ordered Vijay Antony to respond to the petition by April 12 and adjourned the hearing.

Pichaikkaran 2 is a sequel to its 2016 Tamil blockbuster action thriller Pichaikkaran. Its sequel is being produced by Vijay Antony and features him in the lead role along with Kavya Thapar, Hareesh Peradi, Yogi Babu, Mansoor Ali Khan and John Vijay in pivotal roles. Pichaikkaran 2 will be released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi.

According to reports, the film is made on a budget of around Rs 15 crore. This movie is said to feature high-octane fight sequences, car chases and other action sequences. The major portion of the film was shot in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The movie has already created a lot of buzz over social media among fans and is expected to be one of the best films of the year.

On the professional front, Vijay made his acting debut in the lead role in the crime thriller Naan in 2012. Later, he worked on many other popular movies like Salim, India Pakistan, Yaman, Thimiru Pudichavan and Tamilarasan, to name a few.

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Salman Khans upcoming film Kisi Ka bhai Kisi KI Jaan recently released a new song. The song called Yentamma created havoc on social media as soon as it was released and even started trending on Youtube. The highlight of the song was all the actors shaking a leg while wearing lungis. The steps performed in lungi have won over the fans, and people have been recreating them. The song also featured South superstar Ram Charan, who danced his heart out along with Salman Khan and Venkatesh Daggubati.

Pooja Hegde, who pairs opposite Salman Khan in the film, has also been seen wearing a lungi in the song. The actresss lungi look impressed the audience. In Yentamma, Poojas new style has been admired by fans. The glasses, the shirt, and the lungi worn by Pooja have added life to the song.

However, Pooja Hegde is not the first Bollywood actress to carry this look. Heres looking at other Bollywood actresses who wore lungis onscreen:

Deepika Padukone was also seen wearing a lungi in the 2013 film Chennai Express. She had the lungi look in the song, Lungi Dance. The song became a smash hit, and her chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan was much liked by the audience.

Sunny Leone, an actress and VJ who has been famous for her item songs, has also donned the lungi look. Sunny looked beautiful and made everyone crazy by dancing in a lungi.

Elli Avram is an actress who was seen in the film Mickey Virus alongside Maniesh Paul. In the film, the actress was seen in a lungi avatar, which was liked by the audience.

Tamannaah Bhatia, who charmed the audience, was also seen dancing in a lungi. The actress has a huge fan following in the South, and her look was well-liked by her fans.

Salman Khans Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan releases on April 21, 2023, on the auspicious occasion of Eid. Salmans fans have been eagerly waiting to see their favourite superstar on the big screen.

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Mini Mathur, who previously hosted six seasons of the music reality show Indian Idol, has finally revealed why she decided to quit the show. According to Mini, the reality on the show had become artificial and contrived, leading her to feel that it was no longer authentic. She realized that it was created solely for the purpose of being filmed, rather than reflecting a genuine experience.

Mini Mathur opened up about the same in one of recent Cyrus Broachas podcasts and alleged how Indian Idol started to fabricate moments for the viewers. She cited an instance where a contestant was surprised to see a family member, despite already knowing that they would appear on the show.

I called it quits only when I realised that now, there is no longer real reality. I did six seasons. After that, it was just a question of making money, but by then, the husband had started making money But I really didnt appreciate that reality had become constructed, she said.

Mini also revealed how she was once asked by the producers to stage a moment between veteran actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini when they appeared as special guests on the show. This is not something Im going to do, and of course, it wasnt just Idol, I did a lot of stuff after that. And it all had the same chhaapa (stamp), she added.

Earlier, Sonu Nigam, who has been a judge on Indian Idol, had also opened up on reality shows creating unnecessary drama. In an interview with The Times of India, he had shared, A huge section of viewers gets glued to their television sets because something crazy is happening on these shows. So, makers are desperate. There are takers and so there are providers. But, in the bargain, music is suffering. Having said that, poori duniya aisi nahin hai. There are people who switch the television off when theres too much drama. I am not comfortable pulling off a stunt on TV  as a judge or otherwise."

Meanwhile, the 13th season of Indian Idol recently concluded with Rishi Singh emerging as the winner.

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Dont we all just love watching Koffee With Karan? And then these clips from the show often go viral. The latest is from 2010 when Anil Kapoor talked about Shilpa Shettys lips surgery. The actor expressed his displeasure over Shilpa getting her lip procedure done while she was filming Badhaai Ho Badhaai and how it interfered with the flow of the picture.

Anil Kapoor was asked to identify the face that had a poor botox job on the show. The actor paused before responding and then said, Kaun hai yaar? Yeh lips pe kya karte hain? (I wonder who What is it that they do on their lips) he questioned Karan, and then responded, Collagen."

Anil Kapoor further added, Can I talk about Collagen? I didnt like the way Shilpa Shetty had done her lips when she was shooting for Badhaai Ho Badhaai. My entire continuity went for a toss." Later Karan asked, Her lips became bigger?" To this Anil said, Her lips became bigger, and I said, You just shot for this film and suddenly therell be a continuity jump. Itne mote lips hogaye thwey (her lips had become so fat) But now her lips are fantastic."

Anils statement was not well received by many because, according to internet users, it was the actress personal decision and he had no business commenting on it. Well, we recently saw its latest episodes of Koffee With Karan season 7 which had plenty of juicy and contentious statements from the celebrities and some intriguing episodes. Alia Bhatt dispelling the myth of suhaag raat, Sara Ali Khan mocking Kartik Aaryan, Ranveer Singhs sex playlist, and more.

Anil Kapoor was recently seen in the Hotstar special The Night Manager. The series is a remake of the same-named British TV series. Hugh Lauries original role was played by Anil Kapoor, and Tom Hiddlestons original role was played by Aditya Roy Kapur. Sobhita Dhulipala also plays a significant role in the series.

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Imran Mohammed, a Delhi Police head constable shot himself dead on Saturday morning in the Civil Lines area of the national capital. The incident took place when he was inside the PCR van and his colleague and van driver Constable Atul Bhati had gone to a toilet, police said.

The incident took place at around 6:25 am and Mohammed was rushed to Bara Hindu Rao hospital where he was declared brought dead, a PTI report quoted Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) Sagar Singh Kalsi as saying.

Imran had shot himself with his official weapon on Bela Road near Chandgi Ram Akhara. The district crime team has been called to inspect the incident, police added.

Earlier in January this year, a Delhi Police head constable had shot himself with his service pistol inside Paharganj police station, officials said. Head constable Devender, posted in jaguar team of Delhi Polices central district shot himself at 3.30 am, they said.

A suicide note was also recovered in which Devender has stated that he took the extreme step due to personal reasons, a PTI report quoted a senior police officer as saying.

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A 40-year-old passenger aboard a Delhi-Bengaluru IndiGo Airlines flight tried to open the emergency exit on the plane on Friday. According to the airlines, the incident took place at around 7:56 am and the flyer was in an inebriated state. He was cautioned by the airline authorities and was handed over to a CISF team upon arrival in Bengaluru.

The incident took place on IndiGo flight 6E 308 en route to Bengaluru from Delhi. The passenger tried opening the flap of the emergency exit in an inebriated state, and upon noticing this violation, the crew on board alerted the captain, and the passenger was appropriately cautioned," IndiGo Airlines said in a statement.

There was no compromise on the safe operation of the said flight and the unruly passenger was handed over to CISF upon arrival in Bengaluru," the statement further read.

The emergency flap is located above the handle, and R Prateek, who was in seat number 18F tried to open it, a New Indian Express report said. Upon arrival in Bengaluru, the passenger underwent a Breath Analyser Test, and the results were positive, the news report further said.

The 40-year-old passenger is a resident of UPs Kanpur and is employed at an e-commerce firm as a marketing executive.

Incidents of passengers trying to open emergency exit doors aboard flights is not new. In December last year, another passenger aboard an IndiGo flight opened the emergency door, creating chaos among his co-passengers.

The incident had taken place on IndiGo flight 6E 7339 from Chennai to Tiruchirapalli during the boarding process.

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Violence in Bengals Rishra on the evening of April 2 was instigated by the group leading the Ram Navami procession, the primary investigation report submitted in the high court by the Chandannagar commissioner has revealed, irking the BJP which called it a political report.

The report states that at about 6pm, the procession  with a vehicle playing loud music and a gathering of around 1,000-1,200 people  came in front of the Baro Masjid in Hooghly district. The followers of the procession started [using] abusive language towards local people of that area and also started throwing bricks/stones towards the Masjid. Then the local people of that area also started throwing bricks/stones towards them. As a result, the situation deteriorated, the report stated.

Noting the melee, police and a re-enforcement team reached the spot, declared the mob unlawful assembly and commanded it to disperse.

Locals say while police quickly acted against the miscreants on April 2, tension once again erupted on the night of April 3.

Describing Day 2 of the violence, the report said: At 17.45 hrs, approx 500/600 local people of the area gathered and used filthy language desperately aiming upon the police personnel. Then they started pelting bricks/stones towards police personnel. As a result the situation deteriorated. (sic)

As re-enforcement was called to tackle the situation, police asked the mob to disperse but they became more furious and started to assault police by using bamboo sticks and throwing bricks, stones and also started to damage one government vehicle.Thereafter they set a government vehicle on fire and put on arson one local shop (sic).

As per the orders of the superiors, the force fired tear smoke-grenade, stun-grenade, spade, paper cartridge, long and short range shell, and rubber bullet to disperse the mob but they became more furious and again started to assault police personnel with bamboo sticks, iron rod, stones/bricks, and displaying sword and fire arms with a view to kill the police personnel (sic).

Reacting to the report, state BJP chief Sukanto Majumdar said: This is a political report, not an administrative one. This is what happens in a TMC government. But anybody present there can tell you what happened.

The TMC, responding to the allegations, said it never influenced the administration. Party MP Shantanu Sen said: This is the TMC government, not the BJP that we use law enforcement agencies. TMC has never influenced the administration. Its BJP who do this and hence are thinking so.

The police is slated to submit another report on April 10. A fact-finding civil society team headed by a former chief justice will reach Rishra on Saturday but they may not be allowed to visit the area since Section 144 has been imposed.

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Days after a man was found dead in a guest house in southwest Delhis Safdarjung Enclave, a 29-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the case. The accused was allegedly involved in a group that utilised honey-trapping tactics to deceive individuals and steal from them, according to an NDTV report.

Usha, a resident of Panipat, Haryana, has been recognized as the suspect, police said on Saturday. She used various aliases such as Anjali, Nikki, and Nikita.

Last week, Deepak Sethi (53) was found dead in his room in Baljeet Lodge with foaming near his mouth. A handwritten sorry" note was also found near his body which referred to Sethi as a nice person and apologized to him for her actions, explaining that she had been compelled to do her acts, according to the report.

According to the police, Sethi checked in to the guest house at 8.50 pm on March 30 and was accompanied by a woman who left around 12.25 am.

A Senior officer stated that the police examined the victims contact information and discovered a few dubious phone numbers, including one belonging to the main suspect. The number was obtained using forged documents on March 20.

On March 23, the number was recharged from a spot in the Santgarh locality. Upon arriving at the location, authorities found the recharge was done by Chide, a Nigerian citizen.

Chide disclosed that the number was registered under the name Nikki, also known as Nikita, who was a friend of Madhumita, his live-in partner. Following this, the authorities apprehended the suspect from Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

According to the interrogations, it was revealed that main accused Usha had been imprisoned in 2022 for a case that was registered in Panipat. While in jail, she became acquainted with Madhumita and the two of them became friends. After their release from prison, they decided to stay together in Santgarh.

Madhumita, who knew the 53-year-old businessman Sethi, introduced him to Usha.

What Happened on March 30

Madhumita and Usha reportedly met Sethi on March 30 near the Connaught Place metro station. Following their meeting, Sethi accompanied Usha to the Baljeet Lodge, as per their accounts.

It was revealed that Usha had intended to drug Sethi and rob him. After rendering Sethi unconscious around midnight, Usha allegedly stole his belongings and made her escape in a cab that Madhumita had been waiting in outside the guest house.

Upon investigation, the police were able to recover Sethis stolen belongings, including his gold ring, mobile phone, and a bag that had been taken from the hotel.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud Friday said that law must have the touch of humanity to serve the interests of all people and should always be used with sensibility to address the roots of problems.

The law should take into consideration the realities of the communities where it is sought to be implemented, Justice Chandrachud said at the platinum jubilee celebration of Gauhati High Court here.

When the law is wisely interpreted and applied, people have faith in the social structure and it is a step forward towards the realisation of justice.

The legitimacy of the judiciary lies in the faith and confidence it commands from the people, who in turn depend on judicial independence. Peoples faith in judiciary is determined by the single most important factor that judiciary is the first and last access for citizens in distress and need, he said.

Law must be imbued with a touch of humanity  A human touch is essential to ensure that law serves the interests of all. There should be empathy and respect for equality and diversity, the CJI said.

The role of the judiciary is to ensure that the law and its administration does not thwart justice but rather upholds it  Law should always be used with sensibilities to address the roots of the problems and should take into consideration the realities of the communities where it is sought to be implemented, he said.

The constitutional path for justice is reflected in the Preamble of the Constitution. The parameters of fraternity, liberty and equality enshrined in it provide the beacon for the unity of our nation and stability of social fabric, he said.

All three hands of the state  executive, legislature and the judiciary are engaged in the common task of nation building. Constitutional statesmanship above all requires deliberations and dialogue and not public grandstanding, he said.

President Droupadi Murmu during the Constitution Day had urged the judiciary to address the issue of access to justice for the vulnerable sections of society. Her words inspired the legal fraternity to widen the access to justice across the country, the CJI said.

The president launched a mobile app Bhoroxa on the occasion of the Gauhati HC platinum jubilee on Friday. Bharoxa is a womens safety app and a community specific tool that localises the support and connects the users to the womans helpline number 181, helps to send distress alerts and provides information of welfare schemes available for them.

Quoting the latest NFHS survey, he said 75.4 per cent of the urban and 54.9 per cent of rural women in Assam have access to mobile phones but those with internet access is less than 50 per cent. Keeping this digital divide in mind, the developers of the app have ensured that it works in areas where there is no internet connectivity and SMS alerts can be sent to emergency contacts. Technology by itself is not a panacea. It must be supported by an ecosystem to actualise the benefits that are intended. It has to be groomed to the Indian social context with the designs user-centric and cognisant to the ground social realities, he added.

On the Gauhati HC, Justice Chandrachud said it faces challenges that plague the system of justice, particularly in areas under its jurisdiction. Many jurisdictions under it have reeled under natural calamities in the state in the past like recurring floods that annually displaced thousands of people and many lost their identity documents along with other possessions.

The challenges faced by the marginalised and vulnerable communities during these calamities impede their access to public services, including access to justice, he said.

The Gauhati HC delivered extraordinary judgements during the Emergency. It is in tough times that the tough judges get going, he said.

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Mumbai Police on Saturday received a call claiming three terrorists with Pakistan links have entered the Maharashtras capital city. The caller claimed that three terrorists arrived in Mumbai via Dubai on Friday morning and were involved in illegal activities, officials said.

The caller identified himself as Raja Thonge and said he was speaking from Pune, officials said. He further revealed the identity of one terrorist claiming his name was Mujeeb Sayyed and gave information about his mobile number and vehicle number to the police. Soon after receiving the information, police began investigation into the matter.

The call was received by the polices main control room at 12.05 pm on April 7.

Police increased vigil after receiving the call. Apart from teams of local police, the crime branch was also roped in for investigation," the official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

As the probe started, the caller switched off his mobile phone after some time. The police managed to track down the phone number, which was found to be in the name of a man from Ashti in Beed district.

Police questioned the man who claimed the phone number from which the call was made didnt belong to him and that he didnt know about any terrorists. Nothing suspicious was found after verification and the call was declared a hoax," the official said.

A case was registered against unidentified persons for providing false information under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code (IPc) and a probe is underway to nab the caller.

(with inputs from PTI)

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Details added: first version posted on 15:12

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. A delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Khalaf Khalafov visited the Republic of Moldova on April 6-7, 2023, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend.

During the visit, political consultations were held between the ministries of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan and Moldova and bilateral meetings with Moldovan state officials.

The Azerbaijani side was represented at the consultations by Khalafov, and the Moldovan side - by Deputy Foreign and European Integration Minister Ruslan Bolbochan.

During the consultations, issues of developing cooperation in the trade, economic, humanitarian, agricultural, energy and investment fields, as well as organizing high-level mutual visits were discussed.

The parties emphasized the need for ongoing political dialogue, noting the importance of strengthening interaction between the two countries in international and regional organizations such as the UN, the Council of Europe, OSCE, BSEC (Black Sea Economic Cooperation), and GUAM (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova).

A significant increase in trade turnover between the countries over the past year was noted, the presence of greater potential in this area, and the possibilities of expanding the legal framework were discussed.

During the visit, Khalafov held bilateral meetings with Chairman of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova Igor Grosu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova Nicu Popescu, Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova for Reintegration Oleg Serebryan, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Moldova Andrei Spinu, Advisor to the President on Foreign Policy Affairs Cristina Gerasimova, and State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture of Moldova Sergei Gercu.

During the meetings, the importance of strengthening traditional friendly ties between Azerbaijan and Moldova was emphasized, and exchange of opinions on the regional situation, cooperation within international organizations and other issues of mutual interest was held.

Meetings between the officials of the two countries in recent years, and the importance of continuing the current trend in this direction were noted.

Besides, satisfaction was expressed with the achievement of relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova at the level of strategic partnership.

The Moldovan side was informed in detail about the efforts and steps taken by Azerbaijan to implement the peace agenda in the South Caucasus region, the restoration and construction work carried out in the Azerbaijani liberated territories, ongoing projects for the return of internally displaced persons to their native lands, as well as steps to reintegrate the Armenian residents of Azerbaijans Karabakh into the legal, economic and social environment of the country.

At the meetings, the importance of the activities of the joint intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Moldova was emphasized.

An exchange of views took place on projects that can be implemented in the direction of investing in the agricultural sector, and establishing joint ventures for export.

During the visit, Khalafov took part in the opening ceremony of the exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the great leader Heydar Aliyev at the National Museum of the History of Moldova and delivered a speech at the event.

During his visit to the country, the deputy minister also met with compatriots in Moldova, and activists of the Congress of Moldovan Azerbaijanis.
Covid Surge: Over 6,000 Cases in 24 Hrs But Only 6% Masking Up or Avoiding Crowded Public Spaces

Amid a surge in Covid cases, only 6 percent of the people are complying with precautions like wearing masks in crowded public spaces or even avoiding them altogether. People are displaying a poor understanding of Covid-appropriate behaviour as most feel that wearing a mask indoors is not critical, where the risk of spread is the highest. READ MORE

Punjab Ex-CM Charanjit Channi to Join BJP? Speculation Rife Amid Sidhus Return & Jalandhar Bypoll

Speculations are rife that former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi is likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Sources told News18 that he met a few BJP leaders in Punjab, even as Congress tried to placate him. READ MORE

First Tackle Terror, Then Hold Polls: Pak Army, Govt Reach Consensus at NSC Meet

The Pakistan National Security Committee (NSC) held a meeting on Friday where they decided to launch an all-out comprehensive operation on terror outfits threatening the nations stability before holding elections. READ MORE

Will Chop Off Tongue: TN Cong Leader Booked Over Remark During Protest Against Rahuls LS Ouster

Amid an ongoing uproar from Congress leaders against Rahul Gandhis Lok Sabha disqualification, several Tamil Nadu party leaders held a protest in Dindigul. This is when a remark made by Congress Dindigul district president Manikandan sparked a row for which an FIR was filed against him under three sections including section 153B of the IPC on Saturday. READ MORE

Mumbai: 3 Terrorists from Pakistan Have Entered City Via Dubai, Claims Unknown Person; Cops Hunt Caller

Mumbai polices control room on Saturday received a call saying three terrorists have entered the city. The caller claimed that three terrorists belonging to Pakistan arrived in Mumbai via Dubai on Friday morning, according to sources. READ MORE

Worried About Finances? Youre Not Alone, 63% Indians To Cut Non-Essential Spending, PwC Survey

Consumers globally are weighed down by concerns around cost of living and personal finances. Around 74% of Indian respondents say they are concerned about their personal finance situation, as opposed to 50% globally. READ MORE

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Home to over 75 per cent of the worlds last surviving tigers, India is all set to release its latest count of the striped big cat on Sunday. The release coincides with the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger  One of the biggest wildlife conservation missions launched in 1973 to save the endangered carnivore.

From just 1,411 tigers estimated to be in the wild in the year 2006, India has been able to double its population reaching up to 2,967 in 2018, as per the government estimate. Wildlife experts and conservationists expect a further uptick in the overall numbers in the latest survey.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the summary report of All India Tiger Estimation (5th cycle) from Bandipur Tiger Reserve on Sunday morning, which assesses the status of tigers, co-predators and prey across 18 tiger states.

It will also set the stage for the launch of International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA)  a global pact announced by the prime minister to curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade across Asia. The alliance will focus on protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world  tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar and cheetah, with membership of the range countries harbouring these species.

ARE THE NUMBERS ENOUGH?

While a steady rise in tiger count has been a success story for wildlife conservation, it has also triggered concerns over inbreeding. Since the movement of these big cats is limited to individual tiger reserves, lack of genetic diversity threatens their long-term survival, say conservationists.

The animals must always be on the move. That is the only way we can maintain their genetic flow. So, the numbers alone arent enough. It is important to look at how well we can maintain the connectivity of these habitats. We cannot have islands of conservation. The integrity of the ecosystems is crucial, Anup Nayak, former member-secretary of National Tiger Conservation Authority, tells News18.

India has also been shuttling its tigers between reserves as existing ones achieve their carrying capacity and conflict with humans becomes a concern. The animals are now being re-introduced in other reserves where they have become locally extinct.

Apart from natural mortality, poaching also remains a serious challenge. As per the government data, India lost as many as 329 tigers from 2019 to 2021, with the highest mortality (127 deaths) in 2021. Tiger states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra accounted for 50 per cent of these deaths, followed by Karnataka. While most deaths were attributed to natural causes, poaching was also listed as a cause.

The animals have also been found poisoned in several instances, with simultaneous reports of human deaths, livestock damage in villages surrounding the forests.

HOW INDIA COUNTS ITS TIGERS

The government takes stock of the tiger population every four years. The humungous exercise involves forest officials and scientists doing a survey across the country looking for signs of the wild cat. The assessment, which began in 2006, is currently in its fifth cycle with the results set to be announced on Sunday.

The estimates are made by collecting field data on tiger sign intensity, prey abundance, human disturbance a s well as habitat characteristics in various forest beats followed by estimates based on modern camera trap images.

From over 50,000 tigers at a point in time, just 3,000 remain in the wild as per the 2018 census. Madhya Pradesh saw the highest number of tigers at 526 in the last survey , closely followed by Karnataka at 524 and Uttarakhand with 442 tigers. More than 7 0 per cent of these cats are inside the 53 tiger reserves spread over 75,796 sq km area.

As the number rises, we also need to focus on involving local communities at every step, or the conservation efforts will not sustain. This can only happen if they also get the benefit of new livelihood opportunities like eco-tourism, says Dr Dharmendra Khandal, conservation biologist with Ranthambore-based NGO Tiger Watch.

With the growth rate of tigers in India currently at around 6 per cent a year, ADG (Forests) SP Yadav  who heads the centrally sponsored Project Tiger  says the goal now is to sustain this viable population based on scientifically calculated carrying capacity of habitats.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a special selfie" with an inspiring" BJP Karyakarta during his visit to Chennai and expressed his pride in being a part of a party that has individuals like him.

In a post on Twitter, the Prime Minister shared pictures taken with Thiru S. Manikandan and termed it as a special selfie."

In Chennai I met Thiru S. Manikandan. He is a proud @BJP4TamilNadu Karyakarta from Erode, serving as a booth president. A person with disability, he runs his own shop and the most motivating aspect is - he gives a substantial part of his daily profits to BJP," he said in a tweet.

A special selfieIn Chennai I met Thiru S. Manikandan. He is a proud @BJP4TamilNadu Karyakarta from Erode, serving as a booth president. A person with disability, he runs his own shop and the most motivating aspect is - he gives a substantial part of his daily profits to BJP! pic.twitter.com/rBinyDVHYA  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 8, 2023

The prime minister said he feels very proud" of being a BJP Karyakarta and called Manikandans life journey inspiring." I feel very proud of being a Karyakarta in a Party where we have people like Thiru S. Manikandan. His life journey is inspiring and equally inspiring his commitment to our Party and our ideology. My best wishes to him for his future endeavours," he said in a tweet.

Prime Minister Modi who was on a state visit to Tamil Nadu on Saturday, inaugurated new projects worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore in the transportation sector, which included the launch of the Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express and the unveiling of Phase-1 of the new Integrated Terminal Building at Chennai International Airport.

In his address at celebrations commemorating the 125th Anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Math in Chennai, Modi said people across the country always had a clear concept of the nation and as a country, for thousands of years, it reflected the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrest Bharat," (one India, great India).

PM Modi also inaugurated a 7.3 km long elevated corridor in Madurai and various train services connecting different parts of the state. He laid the foundation stone for National Highway projects that will boost inter-state connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) on Sunday and will release the latest tiger census data at a mega event to mark the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger in Mysuru. He will also release the governments vision for tiger conservation during Amrit Kaal.

IBCA will focus on protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world  tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, pumas, jaguars and cheetahs.

The launch of the alliance follows the clarion call given by the PM in July 2019, when he had called for an alliance of global leaders to obliterate demand and firmly curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia.

The Prime Minister will visit Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Chamarajanagar district in the morning and interact with frontline field staff and self-help groups involved in conservation activities.

He will also visit the Theppakadu Elephant camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in neighbouring Tamil Nadu bordering Chamarajanagar district and interact with mahouts and kavadis of the elephant camp.

He will also interact with Field Directors of tiger reserves that have scored highest in the recently concluded 5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation exercise.

PM Modi will inaugurate the programme Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger during which he will release the publications Amrit Kaal ka vision for tiger conservation, summary report of 5th cycle of Management Effective Evaluation of Tiger Reserves, declare tiger numbers and release summary report of All India Tiger Estimation (5th cycle). A commemorative coin on completion of 50 years of Project Tiger will also be released on the occasion.

India aims to sustain a viable tiger population based on a scientifically calculated carrying capacity of habitats while maintaining a balance between development and wildlife conservation, the head of Project Tiger, which completed 50 years on April 1, said earlier this week.

Additional Director General of Forests SP Yadav also said that though tiger poaching has substantially reduced due to better technology and protection mechanisms, it is still the biggest threat to the big cats besides habitat fragmentation and degradation.

India launched Project Tiger on April 1, 1973 to promote tiger conservation. Initially, it covered nine tiger reserves spread over 18,278 sq km. At present, there are 53 tiger reserves spanning more than 75,000 sq km (approximately 2.4 per cent of the countrys geographical area).

Since 2014, there has been an increase in the population of big cats in India, with tiger populations increasing by 33% from 2,226 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2018. The latest figures will be released by the PM on April 9.

Strong conservation management and robust protection has resulted in a 29% increase in lion population in Gujarat (674 in 2020 compared to 523 in 2015). The widely distributed leopard population has seen an increase of about 63% (from 7,910 in 2014 to 12,852 in 2018).

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After Gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed was found guilty in the Umesh Pal kidnapping case, the Uttar Pradesh police on Saturday raided his residence and recovered a poster from it.

The poster read, Raat kitni bhi kaali ho savere zaroor hota hai" which translates into - no matter how dark the night is, morning always comes. It was found in a register in which all his transactions were accounted and recorded.

The raid was carried out after the authorities received information that some shooters might have taken shelter there, according to news agency ANI.

This is not the first time Ahmeds residence has been raided. In a previous raid conducted in February, two luxury cars were recovered.

What is the case against Atiq Ahmed?

Ahmed and two others were found guilty and were sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Prayagraj in the 2006 kidnapping case of Umesh Pal, a witness in the BSP MLA Raju Pals murder.

Umesh Pal, too, was killed last month in an attack allegedly orchestrated by the two. The court is yet to announce the quantum of the case.

Along with Atiq Ahmed, Saulat Hanif and Dinesh Pasi have been held guilty under Section 364A (Kidnapping for ransom)  the maximum punishment in which can be death or life sentence  and 120B (Punishment of criminal conspiracy).

A fine of Rs 1 lakh has also been imposed by the court on all the three accused. The sum will have to be paid to the victims family.

The apex court had also refused to give him protection. The gangster had sought protection from UP Police and said that we would be killed in fake encounter". The Court has now asked Atiq to approach High Court.

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India will host over 70 meetings of the Group of 20 from now till the big G20 summit to be held on September 9 and 10 in Delhi. The G20 will be taken to Jammu and Kashmir with a meeting scheduled in Srinagar next month and some other interesting venues like Kevadia, Hampi, Rishikesh, and Mahabalipuram.

India has scheduled a three-day G20 meeting of the tourism working group in Srinagar from May 22 to May 24, after a long gap of several years. This, officials say, will act as a big message of normalcy in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370 sections. Srinagar is also a major tourist destination and the union territory of J&K saw a record 1.84 crore tourists in 2022, the Centre earlier said. The G20 delegates would be taken around Srinagar and the city will be beautified before the event takes place.

The other upcoming important G20 meetings will be the trade and investment group meeting in Kevadia, Gujarat, on June 19-21. The third Sherpa meeting has been scheduled in Hampi in Karnataka on July 10-12 and a culture group meeting will also be held there in July. Hampi is famous for its group of monuments, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The earlier two Sherpa meetings of G20 were held in Udaipur and Kumarakom.

The town of Rishikesh will also see a G20 meeting of the infrastructure working group from June 26-28. The temple town of Mahabalipuram, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will host the sustainable finance working group from June 19-21. Other venues for G20 meetings till the summit include Varanasi, Goa, Pune, Indore, Chennai, and Gandhinagar.

In September, all G20 meetings have been scheduled in Delhi before the main summit on September 9-10. These would include the 4th Sherpa meeting, the joint Sherpas and finance deputies meeting, the finance and central bank deputies meeting, and the joint finance and energy deputies meeting, all scheduled between September 3 and 8.

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Two brothers were arrested in Maharashtras Thane district on Saturday for allegedly killing a 29-year-old man, a police official said.

The murder took place in Mumbra after a birthday party in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, he said.

The victim and the accused siblings had an argument after a drinking session. The accused stabbed Uday Kadam to death. Both have been arrested and charged with murder," the Mumbra police station official said.

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Three people died after the car they were travelling in lost balance and fell into a ditch near Chakrata in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand.

As per initial reports, all three deceased were tourists from Delhi and Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad.

According to police, rescue teams are on the spot to recover bodies. Further details are awaited.

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Amid an ongoing uproar from Congress leaders against Rahul Gandhis Lok Sabha disqualification, several Tamil Nadu party leaders held a protest in Dindigul. This is when a remark made by Congress Dindigul district president Manikandan sparked a row for which an FIR was filed against him under three sections including section 153B of the IPC on Saturday.

During the protests, Manikandan could be heard threatening to chop off the judges tongue who had sentenced Rahul Gandhi to 2 years in jail. When we will come to power, we will chop off the tongue of the judge who delivered the verdict to send our leader Rahul Gandhi to jail," said Manikandan.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: When we will come to power, we will chop off the tongue of the judge who delivered the verdict to send our leader Rahul Gandhi to jail," said Manikandan, Congress Dindigul district president during a protest organised by the party on April 6, 2023 pic.twitter.com/a2cO2jt4fm ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023

We have registered a case against him (Manikandan) under three sections including section 153B of the IPC and an investigation is underway," the Dindigul Police told news agency ANI.

Earlier on Tuesday, a scuffle broke out between workers from both parties in Kanyakumaris Nagercoil. The chaos ensued during a protest by workers of the Youth Congress against Rahul Gandhis Lok Sabha disqualification.

According to Congress leader Srinivas BV, the workers had been peacefully" protesting when they were attacked by BJP District President Dharmaraj and others outside the BJP office in Nagercoil.

I strongly condemn the vicious attack on youth congress workers who were peacefully protesting against the disqualification of Shri Rahul Gandhi ji. These BJP goons must be brought to justice," he said in a tweet on Tuesday.

In the video shared by Srinivas BV, Youth Congress workers could be seen protesting outside the BJP office in Nagercoil.

Notably, a sessions court in Surat on Monday granted bail to Rahul Gandhi and will hear on April 13 the Congress leaders plea for a stay of his conviction in a 2019 criminal defamation case over his Modi surname" remark in which he was sentenced to two years in jail that led to his disqualification from the Lok Sabha.

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Lord Ram Lallas jalabhishek will be performed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, using water from rivers of 155 countries. According to Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra general secretary Champat Rai, the holy ceremony will take place on April 23 in Ayodhya.

Water from rivers of the 155 countries will be handed over to Adityanath by the team of a Delhi-based devotee of Lord Ram, named Vijay Jolly. Thereafter, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Adityanath will perform the jal kalash puja at the Maniram Das Chawni Auditorium on April 23.

Apart from Rajnath Singh and Yogi Adityanath, dignitaries of several countries will participate in the ceremony. The water being brought from across the globe will have names of the nations it belongs to, a Times of India report said.

China, Suriname, Canada, Russia, Tibet, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine will be among the countries from where water will be fetched, the news report further said.

Notably, Pakistans Ravi river water will also be included in the kalash to be used for the jalabhishek. Its water was first sent by Hindus from Pakistan to Dubai from where it was brought to Delhi, a PTI report said.

The construction of the temple is going on in full swing under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Adityanath, Rai added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian held phone talks on April 7 and 8, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The parties stated that they mutually respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of both countries.

During the conversation, the discontent and misunderstanding between the two countries was discussed in detail. The importance of continuing negotiations to eliminate misunderstandings was emphasized.

An agreement was reached between Azerbaijan and Iran on carrying out work on the implementation of existing projects.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stressed the importance of respecting the independent foreign policy of Azerbaijan, pursued in accordance with national interests, and bilateral relations with the countries of the region.

The ministers noted the importance of continuing mutual contacts.
HOLY SATURDAY 2023 IMAGES, SMS, WISHES QUOTES, STATUS, MESSAGES: Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and it is a significant day for the Christian community across the globe. It is a time of quiet reflection and mourning as Christians remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. On this day, the followers of Christianity contemplate the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity and the hope of resurrection that his death brings.

As Christians observe Holy Saturday, they often express their faith and offer prayers for themselves and their loved ones. Holy Saturday marks the last day of the Holy Week leading to Easter. This year Holy Saturday falls today on April 8.

ALSO READ: Easter 2023: How the Bunny Became An Easter Symbol? History and Legends

Whether you are a devout Christian or simply seeking to learn more about the significance of Holy Saturday, there are many beautiful messages and prayers that you can share with your loved ones to express your faith in the sacrifices made by many people for making this world a better place. These messages serve as a reminder of the importance of faith, hope, and love.

Holy Saturday 2023: Wishes and Messages

1. The magnificence of this day lies in the visual spectacle created by Lord Jesus in his resurrection and in the historical act of absolving his immured deceased disciples and taking them along with him to the Promise Land. Let us celebrate this Day with splendour.

2. We must consider ourselves to be blind to transgression and shall try to get liberation from God. Let us make this Saturday as Holy as Possible.

3. Let us recollect his reverent body that lay in the catacomb yet emancipated the ensnared mortals to heaven. Heartwarming wishes for this glorious Saturday.

4. On the occasion of Holy Saturday, it is the day when we must offer our prayers for the wellbeing of all. May Lord Jesus bestow all his blessings on you this Holy Saturday.

5. As we observe the Holy Week, I extend my warm wishes to you on the occasion of Holy Saturday. Let us offer our prayers to the Almighty.

6. There are no limits to the power of God. There are no conditions to the love God has for all of us. May his blessings and love are always with us. Holy Saturday prayers for you.

7. There are no words to thank God for all the blessings he has showered us with. On the occasion of Holy Saturday, let us thank and be grateful to God.

8. Never has God promised days that will be free of pain or laughs that will be free of sorrow but he did promise strength and courage to face them all. Be blessed on Holy Saturday.

9. Let all of us take a pledge on the occasion of Holy Saturday that we all will always be good to each other on each and every day. Holy Saturday blessings.

10. God is always pushing us to achieve what is best for us by blessing us and showering his love on us. Wishing a blessed Holy Saturday to everyone.

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PABLO PICASSO 50TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY: Pablo Picasso is undoubtedly one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, a true visionary whose impact on the art world still resonates to this day. His unconventional approach to art, his willingness to break free from traditional techniques, and his boundless creativity have made him a household name, known and revered worldwide.

Born in Spain in 1881, Picasso was a child prodigy. Throughout his long and illustrious career, Picasso experimented with different styles and techniques, creating a vast and diverse body of work. Picassos legacy is as much about his art as it is about his life.

Let us celebrate Picasso as a trailblazer, an innovator, and a true iconoclast, whose impact on the art world will be felt for generations to come with these stunning facts:

Picassos Baptismal Name Contains 23 Words

The full name of Pablo Picasso includes the names of various saints and family members. His mothers last name, Picasso y Lopez, is where the surname Picasso" comes from. His father, Jose Ruiz Blasco, also contributed to his name. Early Signs of Picassos Artistic Talent

While most children utter mama" or dada" as their first words, Picassos mother claimed that his initial word was piz," which is short for the Spanish word for pencil. As a result, his family started teaching him art at a young age. Picassos Diverse Artistic Skills

In addition to painting, Picasso was a sculptor, poet, playwright, and set designer. During World War I, he collaborated with Ballets Russes in Paris, creating Cubist sets and costumes for several productions. This partnership is also where he met his first wife, Olga Khokhlova. Although he began writing poetry in his later years, he still managed to write over 300 poems between 1935 and 1959. He also wrote two surrealist plays in the 1940s. Picassos Early Works

Picassos first painting, completed at the age of 9, was Le Picador, depicting a man riding a horse in a bullfight. His initial major work, First Communion, was completed when he was 15 years old and features a portrait of his family kneeling before an altar. Picassos Academic Struggles

Despite being an exceptionally talented artist from a young age, Picasso struggled academically and had low grades. He was a frequent attendee of detention. Nevertheless, he was considered a prodigy due to his early start in a serious art career. Picasso Was Thought To Be Stillborn

At the time of his birth, Picasso experienced a complicated delivery and was a feeble baby. The midwife, thinking he was born dead, left him on a table to care for his mother. Fortunately, it was his uncle, a physician named Don Salvador, who rescued him. The Most Prolific Painter

Picasso is known as the most prolific painter in the world, due to his long career spanning 75 years, during which he demonstrated an incredible amount of creativity. He didnt just create art pieces, he utilised every chance he got to produce new material. According to Guinness World Records, Picasso produced 13,500 paintings and designs, 100,000 prints and engravings, 34,000 book illustrations, and 300 sculptures and ceramics. No other artist has been able to match Picassos level of productivity throughout their lifetime.

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HAPPY EASTER 2023: Easter is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Christian community. This cultural holiday is celebrated to commemorate the resurrection of Lord Jesus from the dead. The Holy Bible indicates that the rebirth of Christ took place on the third day of his burial after his crucifixion at the Calvary by Romans.

This year Easter falls today on Sunday, April 9. But do you know the date of the Christian festival differs every year even though it falls only on Sundays? Heres everything that you need to know.

ALSO READ: Happy Easter 2023: Wishes, Images, Status, Quotes, Messages and WhatsApp Greetings to Share

How is the date of Easter determined?

According to The Older Farmers Almanac, though the date changes every year theres a definite period in which Easter occurs. In the Gregorian calendar, the festival falls between March 22 to April 25. However, going by the Julian calendar, Easter is set between April 8 and May 8.

ALSO READ: Easter 2023: How the Bunny Became An Easter Symbol? History and Legends

The date is determined upon the occurrence of the Paschal Full Moon. Notably, it happens after the vernal equinox which also marks the inaugural of spring in the northern hemisphere.

In short, the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon is commemorated as Easter. This year, the vernal equinox occurred on March 20, leading to the first full moon to fall on April 6. Hence, Easter 2023 is set to be marked on April 9.

Importance of Ash Wednesday and the Holy Week

While Easter is the main holiday, there are several important occasions that occur prior to the festival. Things begin with Ash Wednesday, which is scheduled to take place about six and a half weeks before Easter. Churchgoers marked Ash Wednesday on February 22, which kick-starts the 40 days of Lent.

Pastors also smear ashes on the foreheads of people, a ritual practiced for centuries. During Lent, people choose to give up something, it can be non-veg food, alcohol, or any habit to confront their sins and ask for forgiveness while expressing gratitude to the Lord as they seek salvation.

This is followed by Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday on April 2 to commemorate Christs arrival in Jerusalem. Then comes Holy Wednesday on April 5 which signified Judas betrayal. This is followed by Maundy Thursday, the anniversary of the Last Supper, and Good Friday, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Easter is celebrated on Sunday to mark Jesus rising from the tomb and the end of Lent.

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Assams firmament which had been witnessing great turmoil and stress by way of the United Liberation Front of Asoms (ULFA) various subterfuges inside the state for over 30 years is now basking in relative quietude. While much of the reason for the success in stymieing the insurgent organisations firepower can be attributed to the security forces, the most important aspect that stemmed ULFAs growth was the realisation among the people of Assam that the outfit was retarding the states growth. To that end, it would be of importance to note that the mantra that a former governor of Assam, the late Lt Gen. S.K. Sinha, had endowed on the state establishment (this author was Adviser, Security to the Government of Assam during the time) worked admirably. Elegant, hard-hitting and substance laden, the triadic essence was simply a) Kinetic Action b) Psychological Initiative and c) Developmental Initiative. The fruits of the combination of the three are being happily reaped by the people of Assam and the ones who presently govern the once-troubled state.

ULFA of the period 1985-2009 was a force to reckon with. There were explosions aplenty in Assam. Extortion, abduction, boycott calls and assassinations had become the order of the day. But a couple of events turned the clock on ULFA. The first was the Royal Bhutan Army operations in December 2003 against ULFA, National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) and Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) in the Himalayan kingdom. The second was the return to power of Sheikh Hasina and her dispensation handing over almost the entire leadership of ULFA to India. The third was the implication of Paresh Baruah in the Chittagong Arms Haul case of April 1, 2004. The last made Baruah flee to Myanmar and thence to Yunnan in China. The bastions that ULFABhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmarhad (apart from Myanmar) had been lost and the outfit began to careen out of control.

The revolutionary attire of ULFA soon wore off and even its most ardent supporters began abandoning it. Invited to be part of a panel to discuss insurgency in the Northeast in the recently concluded IIT, Guwahati festival Alcheringa, this author was pleasantly surprised when a fellow panellist and scribe confessed before the students of the premier institution that media of Assam had erred when a section of it had sought to support ULFA during its heyday. Indeed, the admission was laced with a sense of repentance for having lent space, encouragement and support to the organisation which grew as a result of it showcasing itself as a militant manifestation of the students movement against illegal migration from Bangladesh.

A positive note aside, it would be worthwhile to take stock of the bill of health that characterises ULFA of the present. A divided house, the organisations hardliners, headed by its chief of staff, Paresh Baruah is in the hands of Chinas Ministry of State Security. Paresh Baruah is a resident of Yunnan provinces Tinsum Prefecture in Ruili and is reportedly battling kidney failure.

Paresh Baruahs cadres, whose strength is dwindling by the day, are billeted in four camps in Myanmars Sagaing Division. Baruahs second in command and heads of the four camps self-styled Lt Gen Michael Deka Phukan, self-styled Maj Gen Nayan Medhi, self-styled Brig Michael Asom and self-styled Brig Arunodoy Dohatia oversees the outfits camps lyrically named Nilgiri (also the General Mobile HQ), Everest, Hachi and Arakan. The Arakan camp is also known as Camp 779. Stumped during a presentation by this author, the uninitiated in an important security establishment wondered and queried as to why the camp was termed 779. It was really quite elementary for the student of national security (perhaps because of his long years of following ULFA). 779 quite simply refers to April 7, 1979, the day ULFA was formed in Sibsagars Ranghar, the amphitheatre of the Ahom monarchs who ruled Assam for close to 600 years.

In any event, ULFAs fortunes are on the wane. Its extortion efforts have gone down by 60 percent and even the spurt of recruitment which was briefly witnessed in 2022 has folded up.

However, it is this authors prognosis that Paresh Baruahs illness, desertions and fund crunch notwithstanding, there is always a possibility for the organisation to arise from the ashes phoenix-like. Myanmar continues to be in turmoil as a result of the February 1, 2021, military takeover. Many Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) have come to an agreement with the Myanmar army and are aiding it to quell the civil strife that has erupted as a result of the putsch. ULFA, too, has in all probability engineered some sort of tacit understanding with the Tatmadaw. After all, none of its camps have been touched by Myanmar after Op Sunrise-I and II took place in 2019. But with the military takeover, the Myanmar Army has done an almost 180-degree turn and is no longer collaborating with the Indian Army to attack the Indian Insurgent Camps in the country. Furthermore, there are stray reports that ULFA (Arunoday Dohatia) is raring to avenge the death of one Udoy Asom and could well be planning an IED attack on the security forces in Upper Assam. Therefore, the accent of the time should be on (a) caution (b) pre-emptive action and most importantly (c) active attempts to bring back the wayward cadres of ULFA to Assam.

Under the circumstances, such an exercise should be quite undemanding. There was a textbook precedence to a great homecoming in the manner a senior ULFA leader of Lower Assam, Drishti Rajkhowa, was brought to Assam from Bangladesh. Rajkhowa had been operating with great dexterity from Sherpur in Bangladesh and in and around West Garo Hills and the region adjacent to Agia in Assams Goalpara district. The security forces in the area have had considerable successes in neutralising several commandants of the erstwhile 109 Battalion of ULFA including the dreaded Lal Deka. But various efforts to track down Drishti Rajkhowa had failed. It was only after he appealed to the Indian Army (purportedly with the acquiescence of Paresh Baruah) that a mission (Op Malakhand) was launched to ensure his safe return. Rajkhowa returned to his motherland after years in the jungle and after having commanded the erstwhile 109 Battalion of ULFA. He and his family are happy in the environs and it is testimony to the Indian states magnanimity and large-heartedness that it not only carefully ferried a ULFA commandant back home, but has been able to enthuse the once insurgent leaders son to join the Indian Police Service (IPS).

Jaideep Saikia is a Conflict Theorist and Author of Several Bestselling Books. Views expressed are personal.

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BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya on Saturday drew flak over his remark that women in bad clothes look like Shurpanakha'", with the opposition parties alleging that he has insulted every woman with his sexist and misogynist" statement and it reflects his partys mindset.

Vijayvargiya, a BJP general secretary, made the controversial remark at a religious function in Madhya Pradeshs Indore on Thursday.

Watch | BJP Leader Kailash Vijayvargiya Says Badly Dressed Girls Look Like Shurpanakha

When I leave for home at night, I see educated young people and children under the influence of drugs.I feel like getting down (from the car) and slapping them five to seven times to sober them up," the BJP leader said.

We see goddess in women. But (with) the kind of bad dresses the girls wear and move around, they do not embody goddesses but look like Shurpanakha . God has given you a good and beautiful body..dress well, friends," said Vijayvargiya who has often courted controversies over his remarks.

Shurpanakha was the sister of the demon king Ravana in the epic Ramayana.

Are we living in Talibani rule that the government will tell women what to wear, what to eat and whom to meet," All India Mahila Congress chief Netta Dsouza said.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate alleged that it seems the BJP has no respect for women.

What Kailash Vijayvargiya is saying at some level shows the love for Shurpanakha within the BJP. This is the character of the BJP and this is why you find so many BJP legislators facing criminal charges as far as offences against women are concerned," she said.

The Trinamool Congress described the BJP leaders comments as sexist and misogynist" and said India is walking backwards" under the BJPs rule.

The partys Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar tweeted: This openly sexist remark reveals the low mentality of the party. " Another TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev asked: Who defines dirty clothes? Shameless & shameful. Kailash Vijayvargiya".

India continues to walk backwards under the leadership of PM @narendramodi. Senior @BJP4India leaders are now comparing women to demoness for simply choosing to wear what they please!" the TMC said on its Twitter handle.

.@BJP4India leaders are ANTI-WOMEN.On one hand, they talk about Nari Shakti and on the other, they pass comments on women who do not wear clothes that fit into their definition of nice".@DrShashiPanja condemns the shameless statements made by BJP leader @KailashOnline  pic.twitter.com/Ftq5YVP1tG  All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) April 8, 2023

The CPI (M) alleged that the BJP was anti-women".

"BJP-RSS ideology is deep-rooted in patriarchy," the Left party said on its Twitter handle.

Insulting women, harassing them and making objectionable comments about them is becoming the identity of the BJP," former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath alleged.

I request the mothers, sisters and daughters of the country to come forward in the fight for their rights, Congress party stands with them in the fight for their rights," he said.

Netta Dsouza questioned the silence" of other BJP leaders.

What Kailash Vijayvargiya has said is an insult to every woman in the country. But Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani will remain silent on this. Will she break her silence on this dirty remark." Why is Shivraj ji (Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who runs a scheme for women only to garner their votes, silent," she asked.

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday refused to join the issue with NCP president Sharad Pawar, who has caused a flutter with a contrarian stance on the opposition's demand for a JPC probe into allegations against the Adani Group.

The JD(U) supreme leader, whose party, in Parliament, has been supporting the demand for a joint parliamentary committee probe, however, did not seem impressed with the Maratha strongman's preference for an investigation by a "Supreme Court-appointed Committee".

"I learnt about it from the media", quipped the Bihar CM when he was asked about the stance adopted by Pawar, whom he had met last year as part of efforts to galvanize parties opposed to the BJP.

"It is for him (Pawar) to elaborate on what he has said. Different people have different opinions", added Kumar, who had by his side JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan, the Munger MP who was among those in news for outbursts on the Adani issue during the recently held Parliament session.

In an interview with NDTV, Pawar came out in support of the Adani Group and criticised the narrative around the US-based Hindenburg Research's report on the conglomerate.

Pawar said he favoured a Supreme Court committee to probe allegations against the Adani Group, since the ruling party would have a majority in the JPC based on numerical strength in Parliament and this would lead to doubts on such an investigation.

The Adani Group has denied the fraud and manipulation charges made by Hindenburg Research against its companies that triggered an unprecedented stock crash.

Kumar, who was attending an Iftar hosted here by his party, was also asked about the recent communal riots in Sasaram and Bihar Sharif towns.

"The administrative machinery is at work in both places. Those who have suffered losses of any type will be provided help and relief," Kumar said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a swipe at the Opposition parties alleging arbitrary use of central probe agencies and said the Supreme Court gave them a jolt" by refusing to entertain their plea.

Addressing a public rally in Hyderabad after laying foundation stones and inaugurating several development projects, the Prime Minister said these people", a reference to the Opposition parties, are upset and they are doing anything out of anger.

He was referring to the recent petition in the supreme court moved by 14 political parties led by the Congress alleging arbitrary use of central probe agencies against opposition leaders. The apex court refused to entertain the plea on Wednesday, claiming politicians do not have higher immunity and laying down guidelines without facts of a criminal case will be a very dangerous proposition.

A few days ago, some political parties went to the court seeking protection that no one should seek to inquire our (parties) books filled with corruption. They went to court, but court gave them a shock," Modi said, without mentioning any names.

He also appealed to Telangana Chief Minister, K Chandrasekhar Rao, to ensure that the development plans for the state are not obstructed. The appeal comes after he claimed of non-cooperation from the ruling government towards central government initiatives is leading to delay in the completion of several projects in Telangana.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao was notably absent from the inauguration of the Vande Bharat train between Secunderabad and Tirupati, as well as from Modis event dedicated to the nation and the laying of the foundation stone for various development projects in Telangana. This marks over a year of Raos absence from Modis events during the latters visits to the state.

Modi also referred to a small group of people who are promoting parivarvaad" (dynastic politics) and and said they are seeking to gain personal benefits from the developmental projects being undertaken for the people of Telangana.

The Prime Minister said his government has attacked the real root of corruption of dynastic forces who want to keep their control over every system. Should we fight against corruption or not? Should we fight against the corrupt or not? Should the country be liberated from corruption or not? Should legal steps be taken against the corrupt however big or not. Should the law be allowed to work against the corrupt or not," he asked the gathering.

Modi emphasised that parivarvaad" (dynastic politics) and corruption are closely linked, and the latter tends to flourish in an environment of the former. He accused parivarvaad" of even looting the ration meant for the poor in Telangana, and stressed that the states progress is crucial for the overall growth of the country.

Despite the economic fluctuations caused by the Covid pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India is investing a record amount in modernizing its infrastructure, with Rs 10 lakh crore being allocated for this purpose in this years budget, the Prime Minister said.

Giving the example of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system promoted by his government and the promotion of digital payments across the country, the Prime Minister said the dynastic forces did not to give up their control on the system earlier.

According to Modi, dynastic politicians seek to control the distribution of benefits, which has three implications. Firstly, they want to maintain their familys reputation; second, they desire to continue receiving funds in the family obtained through corrupt means; and thirdly, they aim to keep the corrupt ecosystem in place that siphons off money meant for the poor.

While his government prioritizses fulfilling the aspirations of the people, a few individuals are unhappy with the progress of development, Modi noted.

Those who promote dynasty, nepotism, and corruption do not have the best interests of the country or society at heart, he said. Instead, they focus only on the prosperity of their own families, seeing self-interest in every project and investment.

Telangana needs to be very alert against such people," Modi asserted.

Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister flagged off the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express train from Secunderabad Railway Station and inaugurated several other infrastructure projects from the public meeting venue.

Modi said the new Vande Bharat train service, which was flagged off from Secunderabad to Tirupati, links the city of the temple of Goddess Bhagya Lakshmi (Hyderabad) with the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara in Tirupati.

symbol of pride on rail tracks, the Vande Bharat is connecting technology and tourism across the nation," he said.

The Vande Bharat train will reduce the travel time between Secunderabad and Tirupati in the neighbouring state by almost three and half hours and will be particularly beneficial to pilgrims, according to an officials.

The indigenous semi-high speed train is the second Vande Bharat train to be operated between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. On January 15, Modi had virtually flagged off the Vande Bharat train service between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam, which was the first such service connecting the two Telugu-speaking states.

Prior to flagging off the Vande Bharat Express, Modi carried out a brief inspection of the train and interacted with school students and crew members (loco pilot).

Addressing the gathering, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, railways is witnessing all-round development with world-class stations, trains and fast progress in completion of new lines, doubling and electrification projects.

Modi also launched several important rail developmental projects in Telangana, including laying of foundation stone for redevelopment of Secunderabad Railway Station at cost of Rs 720 crore, dedication of doubling and electrification of SecunderabadMahabubnagar section to the nation.

He also flagged off 13 new multi-modal transport system (MMTS) train services in the suburban section of the Telangana capital.

Modi also laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various projects worth over Rs 11,300 crore at Parade Ground in Hyderabad. The projects include laying the foundation stone of AIIMS-Bibinagar, Hyderabad, and five National Highway projects.

(With inputs from PTI)

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The Jammu and Kashmir government is set to take a call on whether to allow Eid prayers at the Srinagar Eidgah as the Ramzan month goes on. If allowed, this will be the first time after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 that the ground will witness people offering prayers.

The arrangements are to be done by the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board which is currently headed by a BJP leader, Darakshan Andrabi, who says that everything is in place, and they are awaiting the green signal.

We have made preparations at the ground. We will have to see if we get clearance from the agencies, then we will go ahead. Now, it depends on the government to allow or disallow," Andrabi told News18.

Previously on Eid, the Eidgah has witnessed anti-India and pro-Pakistan protests that often turn into clashes with the security forces.

Although the fear of similar protests looms, there is hope of everything going peacefully, and if it does, it will make the governments claim of normalcy in the valley further strong.

This, especially as the Opposition continues to taunt the saffron party over its claims in the union territory.



The Director General of Jammu and Kashmir police while responding to a question from reporters in Bandipora district of north Kashmir, said that there was no law and order challenge in Kashmir especially but a final call will be taken by the Divisional Administration.

Everything has to be balanced and there is a law and order challenge, especially in Srinagar. Last year went well, this year is also going well. I thank people for identifying Pakistans conspiracy and agencies who were inciting people to pelt stones for their benefit. The Divisional Administration must be looking at this issue, I cant say what they have decided," Dilbag said.

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Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Saturday skipped receiving Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Hyderabad who was visiting to lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 11,300 crore. PM Modi will also flag off the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express in Hyderabad and later address a public meeting at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad.

This is not the first time the chief minister has not received the prime minister. Last year in November, when PM Modi was in Telangana to dedicate the Ramagundam fertiliser plant to the nation, Rao skipped receiving him. At that time, the CMO had alleged that the prime ministers office had not coordinated the visit particulars with them. They also felt that the invitation extended to the chief minister was not befitting his office.

The CMO made its displeasure known through tweets, highlighting that Raos name was absent from the invitation card. They also pointed out that the state government had an 11 per cent stake in the project.

Yet again, KCR did not receive PM Modi when he was in Hyderabad last July for the BJP national executive meet. In May, the PM had come here for the 20th annual celebrations at the Indian School of Business where KCR again failed to show up. Earlier in February, the chief minister was again missing when PM Modi unveiled the Statue of Equality.

The chief minister has been accused by the state BJP cadre of disrespecting PM Modi by not meeting him multiple times.

The latest snub comes at a time when BJP state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar was released on bail after a dramatic arrest on charges of leaking the Hindi SSC exam paper. After release from jail, Kumar had alleged that the arrest was a ploy to create disturbance ahead of the prime ministers visit.

Kumar reviewed the arrangements at Parade Grounds late on Friday night and asked all workers to make the event a grand success.

After flagging off the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express from Secunderabad railway station, the prime minister is expected to lay the foundation stone of AIIMS Bibinagar, five national highway projects and also launch the redevelopment plan of Secunderabad railway station.

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After Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Friday showed support to the Adani group over the ongoing row related to the US-based short-seller Hindenburgs report, several reactions came in from BJP and opposition alike.

Pawar came out in support of the Adani Group and criticised the narrative around Hindenburg Researchs report on the conglomerate. In an interview to NDTV, he said, There was a ruckus in Parliament for a few days during the budget session recently but this time an out-of-proportion importance was given to the (Adani) issue."

Congress Distances from Pawars Remarks, Says Opposition Unity Intact

Despite distancing itself from Sharad Pawars remarks, the Congress on Friday said its ally NCP may have its view but 19 like-minded Opposition parties are convinced that the charges against the conglomerate are real and very serious, a PTI report said.

Commenting on Pawars remarks on the Adani issue, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the NCP may have its view but 19 like-minded Opposition parties are convinced that the PM-linked Adani Group" issue is real and very serious.

But all 20 like-minded Opposition parties including NCP are united and will be together in saving the Constitution & our democracy from the BJPs assaults and in defeating the BJPs divisive and destructive political, social and economic agenda," Ramesh said.

BJP Backs Pawars Remarks, Eknath Shinde Takes Swipe at Congress & Uddhav

On Saturday, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde took a dig at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and the Congress party by asking them to heed the words of Sharad Pawar on the Adani issue.

Speaking to the media after a property exhibition in Kalyan on Friday night, CM Shinde said, The Congress started an agitation seeking explanation of Rs 20,000 crore in the Adani group. Even Uddhav Thackeray continuously spoke on this issue. Now Pawar has commented and those who are protesting should heed these comments."

Referring to Pawars remarks, BJP leader Amit Malviya on Friday in a tweet said, Congress allies disown Rahul Gandhis demented ideas, one at a time Earlier Uddhav faction had snapped on Savarkar."

Sharad Pawar Doubles Down on Adani Remark, Says SC Committee More Effective Than JPC

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Saturday said he is not completely opposed to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the charges against the Adani group, but a Supreme Court committee will be more useful and effective.

I am not completely opposed to the JPCthere have been JPCs and I have been a chairman of some of the JPCs. The JPC will be constituted on the basis of majority (in Parliament). Instead of a JPC, I am of the opinion the Supreme Court committee is more useful and effective," a PTI report quoted Pawar as saying.

Talking to reporters, Pawar said if a JPC has 21 members, 15 will be from the ruling party and six from the opposition due to numerical strength in Parliament, which will create doubts on the panel.

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Israel Defense Forces struck military posts belonging to the Hamas in Gaza Strip.

"This morning (Friday), following the continuation of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip toward Israel, IDF tanks and aircraft struck Hamas terrorist organization military posts along the border with the Gaza Strip," the Israeli Defense Forces said in a statement.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, April 8. A foreign delegation participating in the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of TURKSOY has arrived in the city of Shusha to participate in the closing ceremony of the meeting, Trend reports from the scene.

The delegation also includes the Secretaries-General of the National Commissions of 10 African countries for UNESCO.

During the trip, foreign guests will also get familiar with the acts of vandalism committed by Armenians during the occupation, and the restoration work, as well as with the natural beauty of Shusha.

Moreover, the TURKSOY meeting was organized by the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, together the Institute for Development and Diplomacy at ADA University.

The opening ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the TURKSOY member countries took place in Baku on April 7 2023. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, as well as Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev, Acting Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Adil Kerimli, Deputy Secretary General of TURKSOY Bilal Cakic and Chairman of the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO Ocal Oguz delivered their speeches at the event via video link.
Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday said the party will send to Prime Minister Narendra Modi one crore signed letters of daily wage earners of West Bengal, who could not get employment under MGNREGA as the Centre allegedly did not release funds for the project for the state.

Upping the ante against the BJP-led government at the Centre ahead of the panchayat election, Banerjee  considered number 2 in the TMC  said that party workers will hit the streets of Delhi if the government does not release the money which is due to the state.

This has stalled implementation of 100 days work project for the past one year, he claimed while addressing a public meeting here in Alipurduar district in the northern part of the state.

"From April 16, our workers will reach out to the 1.38 crore families who could not be employed in any project (under MGNREGA). We will collect their signed letters to the Prime Minister and send over one crore of such letters to the Centre in a month," Banerjee said.

He alleged that BJP MPs and MLAs of the state are asking the Centre not to release the funds due for the state. The Diamond Harbour MP said, funds to Bengal, they (BJP) are attacking the hapless people with unprecedented acrimony. We will always stand against tyranny. They are taking their revenge for the 2021 defeat but we wont let our people down! Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had met Modi twice to facilitate the release of the funds while a delegation of party MPs had sought appointment of Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Giriraj Singh but he did not meet them despite being in Delhi, the TMC leader said.

He charged union minister John Barla, who is an MP from West Bengal, and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Suvendu Adhikari with conspiring against the people so that they do not get their due payment.

These two leaders and several others had asked the Centre not to release MGNREGA funds to the state, he claimed.

"Have they been elected to work against people's interest? People of the state should pose this question to big and small BJP leaders," Banerjee added.

Accusing the BJP of peddling the politics of religion while ignoring basic issues such as escalation in fuel prices and threats to livelihood, he said votes cannot be decided on the basis of caste, creed and religion.

Alleging that the Modi government is using central agencies to intimidate political opponents, Banerjee said, "One or two leaders had been arrested and we have taken action against them. TMC does not protect thieves." Several TMC leaders including a minister and a district president were arrested by central agencies for their alleged involvement in cash for jobs and cattle scams.

Banerjee said the party will field people with clean images in the upcoming panchayat polls and asked TMC leaders in every panchayat to come up with such names.

On the accusations of the TMC leader, BJP national Vice-President Dilip Ghosh said, "The Mamata Banerjee government is only interested in frittering away the central funds by holding fairs and festivals and filling up pockets of its local leaders.

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Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrashekhar on Saturday said there was no need for states to be worried about the online gaming sector now and there was no need for a central law in this regard.

With the final amendments to the Information Technology Rules of 2021 in place, Chandrashekhar also explained why the central government will never look into legalising gambling and betting.

Different states are trying to regulate betting and gambling, now its not necessary for them to do it. Anything online has to be regulated by the Government of India and this framework enables the states to not worry about their subjects in this regard, he said.

The union minister said there was no need for a central law for online gaming, but it was worth considering for betting and gambling and the ministry of home affairs will take note.

On legalising betting and gambling in India, Chandrashekhar said, We are a democracy and we respond to what citizens want. In India, most people think of betting and gambling as a social evil and harmful; they dont want it. Thats what the government will have to respond to. At this stage, there is a significant consensus in India that this should not be allowed.

The minister talked about why the government had gone for the self-regulation route in the online gaming sector. Online gaming, like many parts of the digital economy, is driven by innovation by the young and we dont want the government to regulate what young Indians do, he told CNN-News18.

We are open to having industry and other stakeholders create a credible institution that will then regulate that space, he said.

He added: The rules have defined what are no-go areas. We have said, where wagering and betting are concerned, it is not allowed on Indias internet. What is permissible and by effect impermissible will be determined by these SROs (self-regulating organisations). The SROs will have students, educators, child rights protectors, gamers, psychologists. So there will be a broad-based representation. It will have to create a capability to decide what is permissible and not in the online gaming industry.

Chandrashekhar further expressed confidence that these organisations will be able to handle the load. We are at an early stage of creating these capacities in these SROs. We are creating and designing them, we are making sure that the representation is broad enough. There will be terms of reference that will ensure conditions that will involve failing a game  wagering, betting, if it causes harm to a child, including addiction, and if it involves harm to a gamer. If you fail these tests, then it cant be certified by the SRO. So a small slice of games in India will be prohibited, but a large expanse including real money games will be open for expansion, he said.

He added: The industry said it should be our joint mission to make these SROs world class and build credibility. They should function in a fair, transparent and consistent manner.

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The world of social media never fails to give us surprises. Be it a fun video or a shocking one, it keeps treating us with some amazing stuff now and then. And this time, IFS officer Susanta Nanda posted a video on Twitter that went viral within just a few days. The video opens with a monkey jumping on one tree from another followed by a leopard hunting it down. It seems impossible but the leopards determination was all about catching its prey. As soon as this 15-second video was Tweeted, it got around 2 lakh views within just a few days and the users have replied to the same as well. While sharing the video, he wrote, Leopards are not only opportunistic but versatile hunters.

Leopards are not only opportunistic but versatile hunters. pic.twitter.com/bYGxGLFJqr Susanta Nanda (@susantananda3) April 6, 2023

One of them said, Dont they get hurt when they fall from such heights?

Dont they get hurt when they fall from such heights? S. Rajiv Krishna (@RajivKrishnaS) April 6, 2023

Another one wrote, These cats have flexible bodies, so they get less hurt and they control their body.

These cats have flexible bodies, so they get less hurt and they control their body. Jitendra (@jitssss) April 7, 2023

Another wrote, Amazing video. Never seen before this hidden ability of the leopards. So beautifully captured.

Amazing video. Never seen before this hidden ability of the leopards. So beautifully captured  SMHKazmi (@MajazKazmi) April 7, 2023

Well, this was not the first time Susanta Nanda has shared something like this. Earlier, the officer posted a video of a leopard performing an amazing backflip to catch its unfortunate prey, a monkey, on Twitter. While posting the video he wrote, Leopard does an incredible backflip to catch its prey. Simply of world jump. Generally, leopard pounces upon its prey and bring it down with a bite to the neck. To get a grip on preys neck, a leopard does this near-impossible jump.

Leopard does an incredible backflip to catch its prey. Simply out of the world jump Generally leopard pounces upon its prey bring it down with a bite to the neck. Here to get a grip on preys neck, leopard does this near impossible jump. pic.twitter.com/VZSzTJjO5x Susanta Nanda (@susantananda3) March 28, 2020

In December last year, Stephanie McConnell posted the video she shot at the South African game reserve Londolozi. The leopard, a female named Nkoveni, is seen in the brief video stalking the monkey before it is seen fleeing up a Tamboti tree. The monkey follows the big cat and performs a backflip in midair to try to catch it, but the big cat proves to be too quick for it. Londolozi Game Reserve referred to the Instagram video it posted as a comedy that turned to tragedy as the monkey failed to outwit the leopard.

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The Justice Department of the US citing a statement from US attorney general Merrick Garland said the Biden administration will appeal the Texas courts decision of blocking access to the abortion pill mifepristone.

The Justice Department strongly disagrees with the decision of the District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA and will be appealing the courts decision and seeking a stay pending appeal, the statement, accessed by news agency BBC reads.

AOC: Mifepristone has been legal and in the market for 23 years. This is like a judge coming out and outlawing Claritin or Aspirin or Plan B because they felt like it pic.twitter.com/OZST5cyJOK Acyn (@Acyn) April 8, 2023

The Justice Department noted that it stands by the two decade-old judgement by US Food and Drug Administration which said mifepristone is safe and effective and will continue to defend it. (The Justice) department is committed to protecting Americans access to legal reproductive care, it further added.

What Happened?

Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a federal judge in Texas, suspended the FDAs approval of mifepristone. Mifepristone, combined with misoprostol, is one of two drugs used for medication abortion in the United States.

The judge gave the FDA a week to appeal the suspension and stayed his order via a preliminary injunction.

However, another federal judge in Washington, in a separate case, directly contradicted Kacsmaryks ruling, ordering the FDA to refrain from making any changes to the availability of mifepristone.

Kacsmaryk, in his ruling, pointed out that the FDA failed to consider the psychological effects" of mifepristone, the BBC said.

The approval, when granted in 2000, said it did not take into account that women who take the pill to undergo chemical abortion experience intense psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress and added that the FDA failing to take this aspect into account should not be overlooked or understated.

Who Filed the Case?

The Alliance Defending Freedom filed the lawsuit against the FDAs initial approval, saying that the regulatory body did not adequately review safety risks associated with the drug.

They were also involved in the Mississippi case that led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

What Happens Next?

The conflicting verdicts from Texas and Washington mean that the fate of mifepristone could be resolved by the Supreme Court.

The court's decision today is a major step forward for women and girls whose health and safety have been jeopardized for decades by the FDAs rushed, flawed and politicized approval of these dangerous drugs. (1/3) March for Life (@March_for_Life) April 8, 2023

If Judge Kacsmaryks decision is enforced it will have significant repercussions for miscarriage and abortion across the US.

A report by the Guardian pointed out that over half of all abortions in the country are carried out using pills and such a ruling would be a major blow to reproductive rights since the Roe v Wade ruling.

The FDA, as pointed out by the Guardian and the BBC, is not obliged to uphold the judges ruling and backed with the ruling from Washington, the regulatory body will most likely challenge Kacsmaryks ruling swiftly.

Is Mifepristone Banned in the US

For seven days, nothing will change, as the FDA readies an appeal. How far will it affect availability is also a subject of speculation. In states where abortion is already banned as neither misoprostol or mifepristone is not available for abortions in these states.

BREAKING: Today, in an unprecedented and harmful decision, a federal judge in Texas ruled that the FDAs approval of mifepristone  one of the two medications used in the most common medication abortion regimen in the US  was unlawful, threatening access nationwide. Planned Parenthood (@PPFA) April 7, 2023

States that give the freedom to choose may move to clarify that misoprostol, the second drug in the protocol, can be legally or safely obtained, the Guardian said.

Reactions

The Democrats harshly criticized the ruling along with organizations such as Planned Parenthood. US Vice President Kamala Harris said: It is contrary to what makes for good public health policy to allow courts and politicians to tell the FDA what it should do.

AOC: I think this is about the fascist takeover of our State Houses that Republicans have invested in over the last several decades. This is about disenfranchising Democrats in states where there are extreme levels of voter suppression. It was deeply about racism pic.twitter.com/lKNBLA1HEA Acyn (@Acyn) April 8, 2023

There is no question that the president and I are going to stand with the women of America and do everything we can to ensure that women have the ability to make decisions about their health care, their reproductive health care, the Vice President of the United States was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Anti-abortion groups welcomed the ruling with the group March for Life saying the ruling stops pro-abortion political agenda. This action by the court will save lives and ensure that the health and safety of women and girls is not compromised for the sake of advancing a pro-abortion political agenda, March For Life said.

I want to be clear: abortion medication remains safe and legal in Illinois.One right-wing anti-choice Texas judge will not stand in the way of access to mifepristone in Illinois.  Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) April 7, 2023

Democrat governor of the US state of Illinois JB Pritzker said abortion medication remains safe and legal in Illinois. One right-wing anti-choice Texas judge will not stand in the way of access to mifepristone in Illinois, he further added. Democrat Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Michigan governor Whitmer and Washington governor Inslee also slammed the decision

Planned Parenthood termed the decision unprecedented and harmful.

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The University of Oklahoma put the Norman campus on lockdown on Friday after one caller called 911 to report an active shooter. Police forces rushed to the spot and found no evidence of shooting, raising suspicions that it could have been a hoax call, according to a report by new agency BNO.

OU-NORMAN Critical 10:53pm: OUPD has issued an ALL CLEAR. After a thorough search, no threat was found. There is no threat to campus. Alert has been canceled. Univ. of Oklahoma (@UofOklahoma) April 8, 2023

Around 9:24pm on Friday evening the university sent an emergency alert to students asking them to take shelter due to an active shooter on Van Vleet Oval. The Van Vleet Oval is at the centre of the Norman campus.

OU-Norman Emergency: There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!, the universitys authorities said in their first alert. In another tweet, the university authorities said that possible shots fired.

I commend our OUPD officers and law enforcement from across the area for their swift response tonight. Our officers took immediate action, our emergency protocols worked, and our community was kept informed. Campus is safe. (1/2) Joseph Harroz, Jr. - OU President (@OU_President) April 8, 2023

A spokesperson for the University of Oklahoma said police received multiple calls of shots being fired on campus, near the library of the university but the officers found no evidence of a shooting even after searching for more than an hour. They also were unable to find any victims.

OUPD has issued an ALL CLEAR. After a thorough search, no threat was found. There is no threat to campus. Alert has been canceled, the authorities said in a tweet.

Police are probing whether the entire incident was a case of swatting. Swatting happens when an individual calls 911 and reports false information to draw police to a certain location, the news agency defined. Several American schools have been targets of swatting calls in the recent past.

The news agency said police responded to at least 220 schools across the US after fake calls.

News agency Reuters defines swatting as a prank in which a caller falsely reports an emergency that requires a police response, usually by Special Weapons and Tactics, or SWAT, teams.

These calls can be very dangerous and the members of the gaming community have been accused of using this method to get back at fellow rivals.

In 2017, Tyler Barriss, 26, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for making hoax calls, including a so-called swatting incident where Kansas police responded to a false report and fatally shot an unarmed man, Reuters said in a separate report.

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Former prime minister of Pakistan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in a series of tweets lashed out at the government for trying to crush the opposition and hurting the nations image.

The dangerous ruling buffoons dont realise the damage they are doing to Paks image abroad by sham FIRs and absurd sedition charges against a former PM for using terms Dirty Harry " and psychopath"! They are making a mockery of Pakistan, Imran Khan said in a series of tweets.

He also said the governments actions are deterring foreign investors from coming to Pakistan, negatively impacting Pakistans economic growth.

Also, what message is being sent to foreign investors when the government itself is not accepting the Supreme Courts decisions? Investors need security of contracts and that means faith in the judicial system. What confidence can they have when the government itself casts aside SC orders? This happens in a banana republic, Khan further said.

Khan said that a part of the London plan is underway which will pave the way for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to return as he was granted bail and he would then crush the opposition.

All, including lodging 144th case of sedition against me and fake cases against PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur, reflects that it is aimed at stymieing us from elections, Khan further added, referring to the arrest of the former federal minister.

PPP Convenes Core Committee Meeting

The Pakistan Peoples Partys (PPP) core committee held a meeting on Friday where it said it is ready to hold meetings with all stakeholders in order to resolve the ongoing political crisis. The PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former president Asif Ali Zardari jointly chaired the meeting where they said that the situation arose due to the minority court verdict being given precedence over the majority court verdict.

They were referring to the additional notes by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah in the March 1 verdict which ruled that elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces should be held within 90 days, claiming it was 4-3 instead of following the 3-2 ruling passed by the Supreme Court bench led by Pakistan chief justice Umar Ata Bandial.

PPP secretary-general Nayyer Bukhari, speaking after the meeting, said that this stance was legally, morally and politically untenable and must be reviewed. The PPP said it is ready to talk to all stakeholders including the PTI to resolve the ongoing crisis.

The PPP, however, pointed out that conflicting court verdicts should be remedied promptly and without impinging on the judiciarys honour and prestige. It also urged that in the interest of fair and free elections, general elections should be conducted for all assemblies to be held on the same day as provided for in the Constitution.

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Amid the ongoing constitutional crisis, a reference was filed against the Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial in the Supreme Judicial Council by a local lawyer Raja Sabatin Khan stating that the Chief Justice had been found guilty of misconduct and should be immediately removed from office.

The complaint against the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) was filed on the basis of the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elections case. According to the reference, the Supreme Court became controversial due to suo motu notice proceedings on delay in holding polls.

It also stated that it was common knowledge that the Chief Justice had appreciated grouping in the judiciary. The CJP constituted the bench keeping in mind the grouping so that the decision could be reached by majority, it added.

Even lawyers bodies are divided over the issue with the KP Bar Council demanding the CJPs resignation and the Supreme Court Bar Association showing support for him. According to media reports, the Pakistan Bar Council is still silent in the matter.

The Shehbaz Sharif-led government on Friday had also demanded that the CJP step down after it raised questions over his impartiality. The demand was put forward by information and broadcasting minister Marriyum Aurangzeb at a press conference following a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) in Islamabad.

The minister said the CJP had become controversial and should resign. The demand came after the National Assembly passed a resolution rejecting the minority verdict of a three-member SC bench on the Punjab province elections and made it binding on Prime Minister Sharif and his cabinet not to implement the ruling.

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The Pakistan National Security Committee (NSC) held a meeting on Friday where they decided to launch an all-out comprehensive operation on terror outfits threatening the nations stability before holding elections.

People familiar with the developments told CNN-News18 that the decision by the NSC could further shrink chances of elections in Punjab province. It should be noted that the Pakistan Supreme Court ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold elections to the Punjab province legislative assembly on May 14.

The military brass suggested that it will have to complete the military operation against terrorists and then it can provide security for the polls. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, interior minister Rana Sanaullah, information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, finance minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, services chiefs and chief ministers.

The NSC approved a multi-pronged comprehensive operation with the support of the government to tackle terrorism and said it will embark on the mission with new resolve, determination and valour.

The plan was approved by the Prime Minister after the meeting and the government sought recommendations and the complete plan within 15-days. The NSC pledged to continue the operation till terrorism is eradicated from Pakistan.

The NSC pointed out that the recent wave of terror is due to lack of a well thought-out policy against the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). It also pointed to the practice of releasing dangerous terrorists of the TTP from jails and said that this showed there was soft corner for the banned outfit.

It also said that the public did not favour the policy.

People familiar with the developments told CNN-News18 that top military officials told the members present at the meeting that the army is not in a position to provide security for the polls in the current wave of terror.

We have been attacked badly in Peshawar and Karachi. The rising terrorism is a big challenge and our forces are engaged in multiple operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the person familiar added.

The officials also highlighted to the NSC that more than 400 security personnel have been killed in terrorist attacks in just three months of 2023 and it might be disastrous to hold elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at this point of time.

The assembly was dissolved earlier this year and the Constitution of Pakistan mandates holding elections 90 days after the dissolution of the assembly.

However, the ECP said it would hold elections on October 8 following the surge in terror attacks in areas where Pakistan shares borders with Afghanistan and in northwestern areas of the country.

The Supreme Courts order was not welcomed by the government.

The people familiar with the developments also suggested that a decision regarding postponing polls in Punjab province will be taken after filing a review petition in the Supreme Court or taking proposed legislative measures in the parliament and according to the security situation of the country.

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Russia or pro-Russian elements are likely behind the leak of several classified U.S. military documents posted on social media that offer a partial, month-old snapshot of the war in Ukraine, three U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday.

The documents appear to have been altered to lower the number of casualties suffered by Russian forces, the U.S. officials said, adding their assessments were informal and separate from an investigation into the leak itself.

The U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter and declined to discuss the documents in any detail.

The Kremlin and Russias embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Pentagon has declined to comment on the authenticity of the documents circulating on sites including Twitter and Telegram, which are dated March 1 and bear markings showing them classified as Secret and Top Secret.

A leak of such sensitive documents is highly unusual and would automatically trigger an investigation.

We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the Department (of Defense) is reviewing the matter, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said.

One document posted on social media said 16,000 to 17,500 Russian forces had been killed since Russias Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine.

The United States believes that actual figure is much higher, at around 200,000 Russians killed and wounded, officials say.

The Pentagons review of the apparent leak was first reported by the New York Times.

Ukrainian forces repelled Russias initial 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.

Still, the document leak came as speculation mounts about what offensives Kyiv and Moscow might attempt in the wars second year. The leaked documents did not appear to offer any specific insight into Kyivs war plans.

A Ukrainian presidential official said on Friday that the leak contained a very large amount of fictitious information and looked like a Russian disinformation operation to sow doubts about Ukraines planned counter-offensive.

These are just standard elements of operational games by Russian intelligence. And nothing more, Mykhailo Podolyak said in a written statement.

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The United States has voiced solidarity with Israel after deadly attacks in West Bank and Tel Aviv following a surge in tension in Jerusalem.

The targeting of innocent civilians of any nationality is unconscionable. The United States stands with the government and people of Israel," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said in a statement on Friday.

This comes after three people were killed and at least eight others wounded in three attacks, that affected citizens of Israel, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

Two British-Israeli nationals were shot dead in the West Bank when a militant attacked them near a Jewish settlement. Following that, an Italian tourist was killed and seven others were hurt in a terror attack on a promenade in Tel Aviv on Friday night, The Times of Israel reported.

The State Department spokesperson said the United States strongly condemns these terrorist attacks in the West Bank and Tel Aviv.

We extend our deepest condolences to the victims families and loved ones, and wish a full recovery to the injured," he said.

Reaffirming its enduring commitment to Israels security, Patel added that the US is in close contact with its Israeli partners.

Fridays attacks came after Israel launched air strikes and an artillery bombardment before dawn in response to rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

Israel struck targets, including terror infrastructures, belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation in southern Lebanon", according to the army.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mobilised police and army reserves late Friday.

Earlier this week, Israeli riot police had stormed the prayer hall of Al-Aqsa mosque in a pre-dawn Wednesday raid aiming to dislodge law-breaking youths and masked agitators" they said had barricaded themselves inside.

The violence sparked an exchange of rockets and air strikes with militants in Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres meanwhile has urged all actors to exercise maximum restraint".

(With agency inputs)

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SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, April 8. Shusha city will host a number of events dedicated to 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district Aydin Karimov said at the closing ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of the International Organization Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), Trend reports.

Speaking to the participants of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of TURKSOY, Karimov informed them about the cultural and historical heritage of Azerbaijan.

"There were 196 historical monuments in the city of Shusha, and many of them, unfortunately, were destroyed during the Armenian occupation. However, as you can see, construction and restoration work is going on intensively in the city, he noted.

In 2023, we plan to develop new projects to quickly return to the pearl of the Caucasus - the city of Shusha - its former charm," added the official.

The event has been organized by the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, together with the ADA University and the Institute of Development and Diplomacy under the university.

The opening ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of TURKSOY was held on April 7 in the city of Baku. The event speakers were the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov who made a video speech, as well as Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev, Acting Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli, Deputy Secretary General of TURKSOY Bilal Cakici and Chairman of the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO Ocal Oguz.
Forty-four civilians have been killed by armed terrorist groups" in two villages in northeastern Burkina Faso, near the Niger border, a regional governor said Saturday.

The provisional toll of this despicable and barbaric attack" which targeted the villages of Kourakou and Tondobi in northeast Burkina Faso overnight Thursday is 44 civilians killed and others wounded," said Rodolphe Sorgho, lieutenant-governor of the Sahel region.

Sorgho said that 31 people had died in Kourakou and 13 in Tondobi.

The regional official said that an army offensive put out of action the armed terrorist groups" that carried out the killings.

The governor also assured that actions to stabilise the area are under way".

The twin attacks happened close to the village of Seytenga, where 86 civilians were killed last June in one of the bloodiest attacks of a long-running insurgency.

The impoverished Sahel country is grappling with a seven-year-old campaign by jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

Burkina Fasos new military chief on Thursday vowed to step up a dynamic offensive" against jihadists following a string of insurgent attacks since the start of the year.

The dynamic offensive under way in the past few weeks will be stepped up to force armed groups to lay down their weapons," said Colonel Celestin Simpore after a handover ceremony following his appointment last week.

Sorgho on Saturday invited the local population to join the Front for the Defence of the Fatherland (FDS)  a pro-junta movement, and enrol in the VDP volunteer militia.

Since the jihadists launched their campaign from neighbouring Mali in 2015, more than 10,000 civilians, troops and police have been killed, according to one NGO estimate, and at least two million people have been displaced.

Burkina Faso witnessed two coups last year. Since junta leader Ibrahim Traore seized power in September, the activities of all political parties and civil society organisations in the country have been suspended.

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Emine Dzhaparova, the Ukrainian first deputy foreign minister, will visit India on a four-day trip, marking the first official visit from Ukraine since the beginning of the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict.

A report by the PTI said that the Ukrainian deputy foreign minister may extend an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine.

Dzhaparova is expected to meet Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi and meet Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri.

A report by Reuters said that Dzhaparova will seek humanitarian aid and equipment to repair energy infrastructure damaged during Russias invasion from India during her visit.

She is scheduled to hold discussions with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The news of her visit was announced by the Union ministry of external affairs on Saturday in a statement released on its website.

The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova will be on an official visit to India from April 9 to 12. During the visit, Ms. Dzhaparova will hold talks with Shri Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), MEA, where both sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations, exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest, the statement said.

Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence. The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests, the statement further added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the onset of the war in Ukraine has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on numerous occasions to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance and ensure cessation of hostilities.

He told Zelensky that there cannot be a military solution to the conflict on October 4 last year. He told Putin that this is not an era of war urging him to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance.

The West and Russia have also applauded the stance taken by India and urged leaders to listen to the calls for pursuing dialogue and diplomacy.

(with inputs from Shalinder Wangu)

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The coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent rollout of vaccines to protect against the virus, was another reminder of how getting inoculated proved vital in preventing something deadly. However, a pharmaceutical firm has now suggested that people could soon be able to get vaccinated against cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, and other conditions.

According to a report by The Guardian, the jabs will be ready by 2030. With tremendous promise being shown in several studies conducted into these vaccines, millions of lives could be saved. The news report further states that significant progress was made in the past 12 to 18 months, because of the success of the Covid jab, without which, the stage reached now could have taken about 15 years.

Vaccine maker Moderna could offer such vaccines and treatments for all sorts of disease areas in under five years, Dr Paul Burton, the chief medical officer of the company was quoted as saying by The Guardian. The pharmaceutical company was also responsible for creating a Covid vaccine and is now working towards creating a vaccine that can target cancer with several tumor types.

Vaccine for Multiple Respiratory Infections, mRNA Therapies

If not millions, hundreds of thousand lives could be saved with the customised cancer vaccines against multiple types of tumor, and will cater to people across the globe," Paul Burton said. He also talked about Modernas possible expansion of its Covid vaccine, which could target multiple respiratory infections  flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)  apart from Covid.

Burton also talked about mRNA therapies for diseases that presently dont have any drugs or prescriptions for treatment. Under mRNA therapy, blood cells are taught how to make a protein that could possibly create an immune response against a specific disease.

He went on to say that in 10 years or so, genetic diseases and their exact cause could be traceable and getting rid of them could be simpler. With relative simplicity, one can go and edit the genetic cause of disease out and mRNA-based technology could help repair it," he told The Guardian.

Vaccine to Attack Cancer Without Destroying Healthy Cells

The possible mRNA-based cancer vaccine is supposed to detect the growing cancer cells in the body, attack them and ensure the healthy cells are still intact, Paul Burton explained. The vaccine will contain a molecule that instructs cells to make proteins.

The mRNA molecule would first identify the protein fragments on the surface of cancer cells that are not present on healthy cells. The vaccine is ideally supposed to felicitate an immune response and subsequently create pieces of mRNA that will manufacture them.

Heres How The Cancer Vaccine Will Work

The first step in the direction of making these mRNA-based vaccines work, would be to take a biopsy of a patients tumour and send it to a lab. Once the doctor does that, bodys genetic material is sequenced to identify mutations that arent present in healthy cells.

Next, an algorithm will recognise the mutations responsible for driving the cancers growth. This is when the role of mRNAs comes in. Its most promising antigens are manufactured and packaged into a personalised vaccine.

FDA Grants Designation Upon Trials of Cancer & RSV Vaccines

Moderna had recently run a trial of its experimental mRNA vaccine for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The result was 83.7% effective at preventing at least two symptoms, such as cough and fever, The Guardian stated in a report. The experiment was carried out in adults aged 60 and older.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the vaccine breakthrough therapy designation. The same designation was granted to Modernas personalized cancer vaccine in February this year, after seeing results in patients with the skin cancer melanoma.

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Is the ivory-billed woodpecker gone forever? A final decision from the US Fish and Wildlife Service is expected sometime this spring on whether to declare the bird extinct, reports Ryan Felton for the Wall Street Journal. His story, and another by lifelong birder Jim Williams at the Minneapolis Star Tribune, recounts the efforts of those who insist the bird nicknamed the "Lord God Bird" is still alive in remote parts of the Southeast. They have produced grainy photos and videosyou can see the latter at the Project Principalis website, which is devoted to documenting such evidence for the bird, whose scientific name is Campephilus principalis.

Skeptics include fellow birders who would love to be proved wrong but think it's a massive waste of government resources to continue to search for the bird. It would be better, they say, to use that money to protect species that are certain to exist but are on the brink. "A suggestive video is not good enough," John Dillon, past president of the Louisiana Ornithological Society, tells the Journal. Both stories note that the last undisputed sighting was registered in 1944. The large woodpeckerit stands nearly 2 feet tallis native to the swamps and forests of the Southeast, from Louisiana to Florida and into the Carolinas. However, the logging industry decimated its territory.

"It's premature to declare it extinct," John Fitzpatrick, director emeritus of Cornell University's ornithology lab, argues. On his side is New York resident Mark Michaels, who organized drone flights in 2021 over an unnamed Louisiana woodland that produced the aforementioned video of a bird he says "is clearly a woodpecker and is inconsistent with anything but ivory-bill." The big question is whether federal officials will agree. One thing clear from the coverage: Even if the FWS declares the bird gone forever, die-hards will continue their search. (Read more woodpeckers stories.)
Access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the US plunged into uncertainty Friday following conflicting court rulings over the legality of the abortion medication mifepristone that has been widely available for more than 20 years. For now, the drug that the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2000 appeared to remain at least immediately available in the wake of two separate rulings that were issued in quick succession by federal judges in Texas and Washington, per the AP. Texas US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, ordered a hold on federal approval of mifepristone in a decision that overruled decades of scientific approval. But that decision came at nearly the same time that US District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an Obama appointee, essentially ordered the opposite.

Rice directed US authorities not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats sued to protect availability. The extraordinary timing of the competing orders revealed the high stakes around the drug almost a year after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed access to abortion across the nation. The whiplash of the conflicting decisions is likely to put the issue on an accelerated path to the Supreme Court. The abortion drug has been widely used in the US since securing FDA approval, and there's essentially no precedent for a lone judge overruling the medical decisions of the FDA. Kacsmaryk signed an injunction directing the FDA to stay mifepristone's approval while a lawsuit challenging the safety and approval of the drug continues. His 67-page order gave the government seven days to appeal.

"If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription approved by the FDA that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks," President Biden, who notes that his administration will fight the Texas ruling, said. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortion in the US, along with misoprostol. It's has been used by millions of women over the past 23 years, and complications from mifepristone occur at a lower rate than that seen with wisdom teeth removal, colonoscopies, and other routine medical procedures, medical groups have noted. Clinics and doctors that prescribe the two-drug combination have said if mifepristone is pulled from the market, they'd switch to using only misoprostol. That single-drug approach has a slightly lower rate of effectiveness in ending pregnancies, but it's widely used in nations where mifepristone is illegal or unavailable. Much more here.

(Read more mifepristone stories.)
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, April 8. The participants of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the TURKSOY member countries were awarded certificates, Trend reports from the scene.

The certificates were presented at the closing ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries.

The opening ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the TURKSOY member countries took place in Baku on April 7 2023. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, as well as Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev, Acting Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Adil Kerimli, Deputy Secretary General of TURKSOY Bilal Cakic and Chairman of the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO Ocal Oguz delivered their speeches at the event via video link.

The TURKSOY meeting was organized by the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, together the Institute for Development and Diplomacy at ADA University.
A senior "skip day" turned chaotic at a South Carolina beach when gunfire broke out, injuring six beachgoers. Kevin Cornett, chief of police in the seaside city of Isle of Palms, says the shooting took place around 5:20pm on Friday, among "a large crowd of individuals" believed to be high schoolers taking part in the playing-hooky event, per ABC News. Some scuffling had started among that group, which prompted police to show up, and then "several shots ... were fired," says Cornett.

A video purporting to be of the shooting scene is circulating online, showing crowds of people running off the beach, sirens blaring in the background. "Looks like a scene out of Jaws," the person who posted the video wrote. CNN notes there were "hundreds" of people along the shore when the incident took place. Cornett says five teens under the age of 18 were hurt, as was a woman in her mid-30s or early 40s. At least four of the injured individuals ended up hospitalized, per city officials. All injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening.

Details on the shooting are still murky, with authorities not sure if there was one shooter or multiple shooters. He adds that weapons were recovered from the scenethough it's not clear if they were weapons used during the incidentand that there are individuals in custody, although officials aren't sure if the shooter or shooters are among them. Meanwhile, across the country at the University of Oklahoma, a report Friday night of an active shooter was deemed to be a false alarm, NBC News reports. "At this point, we'll probably say that it was a bogus call," says University of Oklahoma Police Chief Nate Tarver. (Read more shooting stories.)
Police in New Mexico responding to a domestic disturbance call went to the wrong address late Wednesday night, leading to a chaotic shootout in which the homeowner was killed. Farmington's police chief said that after no one answered the door, officers had dispatchers call whoever made the report and ask them to come out, per the Insider. When Robert Dotson opened the screen door while holding a handgun, police opened fire. State police said Dotson's wife began shooting but stopped when she realized she was firing at police. The call concerned the home at 5308 Valley View Ave., but officers had gone to 5305.

Farmington Chief Steve Hebbe apologized to the family, saying he was heartbroken. "There's nothing I can say that will make this better," Hebbe said. Dotson, 52, was pronounced dead at his home. His wife was not injured or charged with any crime. The three officers involved in the shooting have been put on administrative leave, per the New York Times, until state police finish an investigation. Hours later, police returned to check out the initial call about a domestic disturbance. There, a department spokeswoman said, "everyone was OK." (Read more police shooting stories.)
Afghan religious scholars on Saturday criticized a ban on educating women and girls, after a key Taliban minister warned clerics not to rebel against the government on the issue. Girls cannot go to school beyond sixth grade in Afghanistan, with the education ban extending to universities. Women are barred from public spaces, including parks, and most forms of employment. Last week, Afghan women were barred from working at the UN, according to the global body, although the Taliban have yet to make a public announcement. Authorities present the education restrictions as temporary suspensions rather than prohibitions, but universities and schools reopened in March without their female students, the AP reports.

The bans have raised an international uproar, increasing the country's isolation. Two religious scholars who are well-known within Afghanistan said Saturday that authorities should reconsider their decision. Public opposition to Taliban policies is rare, though some Taliban leaders have voiced disagreement with the decision-making process. One scholar, Abdul Rahman Abid, said institutions should be permitted to re-admit girls and women through separate classes, hiring female teachers, staggering timetables, and even building new facilities. Knowledge is obligatory in Islam for men and women, he said, and Islam allows women to study.

"My daughter is absent from school, I am ashamed," he said, adding: "My daughter asks why girls are not allowed to learn in the Islamic system. I have no answer for her." He said reform is needed and warned that any delays are at the expense of the global Islamic community and also weakens the government. Acting Higher Education Minister Nida Mohammad Nadim said Friday that clerics should not speak against government policy. He made his remarks after another scholar, Abdul Sami Al Ghaznawi, told students at a religious school that there was no conflict over girls' education. He said Islamic scripture was clear that girls' education was acceptable.

(Read more Afghanistan stories.)
A video still shows the Muppet Elmo as he holds a cardboard guitar while talking with his mother. (Photo courtesy, Sesame Workshop)
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 38F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy. Low 16F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, April 8. Decision to hold meeting of TURKSOY (International Organization Turkic Culture) in Shusha is very correct, Deputy Secretary General of TURKSOY Bilal Cakici said after the closing ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of TURKSOY, Trend reports.

"We have set ourselves the goal of telling about the beauty and rich history of Shusha city not only to the Turkic world, but also to all other countries. As you know, at the meeting of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY in Bursa city in March 2022, Shusha was declared the 2023 cultural capital of the Turkic world," Cakici said.

"Only when I arrived here, in Shusha, I realized how right a choice we made. Now I have a double feeling. Im glad that I came to the city, which brought up world-famous artists, and I saw what crimes were committed against the city. However, Im fully sure that every effort will be made to restore it," he added.

At the closing ceremony, the event participants were given certificates.

This year, TURKSOY marks the 30th anniversary since its foundation.
Toyota Motor has unveiled its new strategy for electric vehicles. The auto giant says it now aims to introduce 10 new models by 2026 and sell 1.5 million units a year.

New president Sato Koji unveiled the plan on Friday alongside other Toyota executives. He took office earlier this month.

The company says it will also set up a new specialized unit for the development and production of next-generation EVs.

Toyota has already announced plans to introduce 30 EV models worldwide and to sell 3.5 million EV units annually by 2030.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, April 8. The international delegation being in Shusha city to participate in the closing ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of the International Organization Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) has visited the city fortress, Trend reports from the scene.

The foreign guests were informed about the rich history of the city, and its foundation.

Members of the delegation got acquainted with the construction and restoration work carried out in Shusha, and were also informed about acts of vandalism committed by Armenia during the period of occupation of the city.

The trip to Shusha has taken place within the framework of the TURSOY meeting organized by the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, together with the ADA University and the Institute of Development and Diplomacy under the university.
Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media

Spring is in the air and Connecticut has plenty of cute towns where you can soak in the warmer weather as you explore.

The Nutmeg State is a small-town haven full of cute shops, historical land marks, interesting museums and lush state parks, perfect for a spring day trip.
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BLOOMFIELD  A woman died in a huge blaze that "completely destroyed" a Simsbury Road home Saturday morning, the town's fire marshal said.

Two other occupants of the single-family home, located near the Bloomfield-Simsbury town line, successfully escaped the flames and were sent to Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, according to Bloomfield Center District Fire Marshal Roger Nelson. The extent of their injuries is unknown.

Nelson said crews were called to a house fire in the 500 block of Simsbury Road around 5:40 a.m. Saturday. The residence was "fully involved" with flames when firefighters arrived, the fire marshal said.

According to Nelson, one of the three occupants of the home did not escape and died as a result of injuries sustained in the fire. The victim's identity has not yet been released, but Nelson said the person was a woman.

Firefighters tamed the blaze in about 45 minutes, but the house was "completely destroyed," Nelson said.

The Bloomfield Fire Marshal's Office and the Connecticut State Police's Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit are looking into the cause of the fatal fire, which closed Route 185 between East Weatogue Street and the Bloomfield-Simsbury town line for several hours Saturday morning, according to the state Department of Transportation.
WEST HARTFORD  In 2015, when nine friends were graduating from Conard High School, they looked for a way to ensure they'd stay connected in their post-high school lives.

Born from that desire was Ball 4 a Cure, a nonprofit that began with a three on three basketball tournament and has grown into so much more.

The group's next big event, Superhero Sunday, debuts on April 30 at Hartford's Bushnell Park in conjunction with Connecticut Children's popular Superhero Day.

"We wanted to start a new long-lasting legacy," said Max Kraimer, one of the nonprofit's founders. "It was a way, now that we left Conard, to get some type of activity now that we all went off to school. It transformed and grew into what it is today."

The nonprofit raises money for families impacted by childhood cancer and blood disorders. Through its fund with the hospital, the group provides monetary assistance to help families pay for in-home medical equipment and supplement rent or mortgage payments.

"Once we started to gain more traction, we developed our own fund at the hospital," Kraimer said. "Its for that assistance that you dont initially think of when youre walking into the hospital. Its been really awesome to have assurance from the hospital that they have this bucket of funds that theyre going to get from us every year."

Superhero Sunday will continue to add to that fund through a new 5K run, a kids fun run and a community bash, which all kicks off April 30 at 8:30 a.m.

"They value our ability of event fundraising management," Kraimer said of their relationship with Connecticut Children's. "Thats a skill out of nowhere that these nine guys developed. We got good at running events. They asked us to join and co-host this event with them. Were really excited. Its an idea that we wanted to do for awhile."

Kraimer said all nine of them do this work as volunteers, meaning everything raised goes right to the families who need help.

"Whats special about where we are today, its still those nine guys working in the organization. Its rare," Kraimer said. "Its the dream in nonprofits that your entire workforce is volunteer-based. It means donations have a larger impact since it goes right to the cause."

And what makes it more special, Kraimer said, is how he and his friends have kept Ball 4 a Cure going despite its organizers being spread across the country.

West Hartford, he said, is a special place for them.

"We love the West Hartford community, and we love being able to have something to come back home to," Kraimer said. "Its awesome for me. Even after high school, with so many unknowns of whats going to happen and what youre going to do after you graduate, this has been consistently in my life. You can always call upon this group of guys and call upon our community. Were going to do something every time we come back to the area."

Donations to Ball 4 a Cure's Superhero Sunday can be made online at give.connecticutchildrens.org/superherosunday.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, April 8. The international delegation which took part in the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of the International Organization Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) has visited one of the main attractions of Shusha city - Jidir Duzu, Trend reports from the scene.

The foreign guests have seen consequences of the crimes committed by Armenia during the occupation of the city against the cultural and historical monuments of Azerbaijan.

Prior to this, the guests got acquainted with the construction and restoration work carried out in the pearl of the Caucasus - Shusha, visited the city fortress.

The closing ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of TURKSOY.

This year, TURKSOY marks the 30th anniversary of its founding.
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BEIJING (AP)  Chinese health officials defended their search for the source of the COVID-19 virus and lashed out Saturday at the World Health Organization after its leader said Beijing should have shared genetic information earlier.

The WHO comments were offensive and disrespectful," said the director of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shen Hongbing. He accused the WHO of attempting to smear China and said it should avoid helping others "politicize COVID-19.

The global health body's director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said March 17 that newly disclosed genetic material gathered in Wuhan in central China, where the first cases were detected in late 2019, should have been shared three years ago.

As a responsible country and as scientists, we have always actively shared research results with scientists from around the world, Shen said at a news conference.

The origins of COVID-19 are still debated and the focus of bitter political dispute.

Many scientists believe it jumped from animals to humans at a market in Wuhan, but the city also is home to laboratories including Chinas top facility for collecting viruses. That prompted suggestions COVID-19 might have leaked from one.

The ruling Communist Party has tried to deflect criticism of its handling of the outbreak by spreading uncertainty about its origins.

Officials have repeated anti-U.S. conspiracy theories that the virus was created by Washington and smuggled into China. The government also says the virus might have entered China on mail or food shipments, though scientists abroad see no evidence to support that.

Chinese officials suppressed information about the Wuhan outbreak in 2019 and punished a doctor who warned others about the new disease. The ruling party reversed course in early 2020 and shut down access to major cities and most international travel to contain the disease.

The genetic material cited by the WHOs Tedros was uploaded recently to a global database but collected in 2020 at a Wuhan market where wildlife was sold.

The samples show DNA from raccoon dogs mingled with the virus, scientists say. They say that adds evidence to the hypothesis COVID-19 came from animals, not a lab, but doesnt resolve the question of where it started. They say the virus also might have spread to raccoon dogs from humans.

The information was removed by Chinese officials from the database after foreign scientists asked the CDC about it, but it had been copied by a French expert and shared with researchers outside China.

A CDC researcher, Zhou Lei, who worked in Wuhan, said Chinese scientists shared all the data we had and adhered to principles of openness, objectivity and transparency.

Shen said scientists investigated the possibility of a laboratory leak and fully shared our research and data without any concealment or reservation.

Shen said the source of COVID-19 had yet to be found, but he noted it took years to identify the AIDS virus and its origin still is unclear.

Some forces and figures who instigate and participate in politicizing the traceability issue and attempting to smear China should not assume that the vision of the scientific community around the world will be blinded by their clumsy manipulation, Shen said.
With the arrival of spring, some city parks, trails and boulevards no longer covered by snow have likely seen a fair amount of litter and debris.

On April 22, civic-minded volunteers can take part in a community cleanup across Niagara Falls to celebrate Earth Day.

Were hoping to engage anywhere between 200 to 400 volunteers and they will be scattering throughout the city of Niagara Falls to help pick up debris from city parks, trails and boulevards, said Jeff Guarasci, a community development co-ordinator for the municipality.

I think most of the litter that gets accumulated is stuff that were responsible for. For example, if we go through a drive-thru or a takeout venue or restaurant  people are throwing litter out their windows. After all the education and engagement over the years on this and its still happening.

He said dumping also remains an issue.

(Some) people dont want to take that effort to put that extra garbage tag on their bag and theyll do some dumping  we have some problematic areas that well have maps for volunteers if theyre unsure where to go.

Guarasci said George Bukator Park is one of those problematic areas.

We get a lot of dumping there, too, especially even commercial dumping or some small renovation dumping, where people do not want to go to  Walker (Industries) and pay for it. Theyd rather just go out there and dump because no one is seeing stuff.

The cleanup will begin at MacBain Community Centre at 10 a.m., where volunteers will be given gloves, a safety vest (if required), garbage bags and pickers.

All volunteers are requested to register online prior to the event. Walk-ins on the day of the event will also be welcome.

They can choose a location (to clean). It has to be a municipal location. Were asking people not to go on any private property, said Guarasci. They can go out and do their cleanup and then come back, drop off their (personal protective equipment), let us know where they left their garbage bags and we will send staff out there to go collect those bags after.

The city hosts a similar event in the fall.

People can also sign up for a daily community cleanup program, through which they can help keep the city clean any day when they have free time.

If you cant participate on (April 22), if you have another date thats coming up that you have some free time, register online and it will give us at least 72 hours notice so we can prepare some PPE for them and also know that theyre out there, so we can prepare for garbage collection, said Guarasci.

We just ask them to leave it where theyre picking up garbage and then well send staff out there to go pick up the excess garbage bags.

For more information, visit niagarafalls.ca/cleansweep.

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WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government may not erect a new monument to replace a statue of Queen Victoria that was torn down by protesters almost two years ago.

No final decision has been made, but the minister in charge of the grounds says it might be best to leave the prominent area on the legislatures front lawn as an open stretch of grass.

I would hesitate to give pre-eminence to any one particular representation of Manitoba, James Teitsma, who was appointed government services minister in a cabinet shuffle in January, said in an interview.

Personally, Im more inclined to leave the front open and available for public gatherings and  I want the people to be the focus, I guess, in that area, not a particular statue.

The Queen Victoria statue was tied with ropes and hauled to the ground on Canada Day in 2021 during a demonstration over the deaths of Indigenous children at residential schools. The statue was covered with red paint. Its head was removed and found the next day in the nearby Assiniboine River.

The area is covered by security cameras, but no one was charged with the destruction.

Last year, the government deemed the statue beyond repair and rejected the idea of replicating it due to an estimated cost of more than $500,000.

A smaller statue of Queen Elizabeth II on the east grounds of the legislature was also toppled but suffered less damage. It has been repaired and is to go back up in the same location at a date yet to be determined, Teitsma said.

The Progressive Conservative government has been consulting a variety of groups on potential monuments on the grounds. There are currently several statues of people such as Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko, Metis Leader Louis Riel and British general James Wolfe, but there isnt a statue of a First Nations person.

That is to change shortly.

Plans are well underway for a monument to Chief Peguis and four other chiefs who signed the first treaty in what is now Manitoba.

The monument is to go in the northwest corner of the legislature grounds. A committee set up to plan the statue recently narrowed its selection down to two bidders, who will be asked to submit designs.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 8, 2023

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US President Joe Biden on Friday called a federal judges decision to suspend approval of an abortion pill as an unprecedented step in taking away basic freedoms from women.

My administration will fight this ruling, Biden said in a statement issued by the White House.

The ruling, if it were to stand, makes every regulated drug vulnerable to these kinds of political, ideological attacks, Biden said.

Recall that a federal judge in Texas overturned the two-decade-old approval of a safe and effective abortion pill on Friday, the latest volley in a conservative battle against reproductive rights in the United States.

If it stands, the ruling by a Donald Trump appointee would reverse permission granted by the Food and Drug Administration for a drug widely used to terminate unwanted pregnancies.

The FDA and the Justice Department both filed appeals against the decision on Friday, with President Joe Biden pledging to fight this ruling.

The lawsuit, and this ruling, is another unprecedented step in taking away basic freedoms from women and putting their health at risk, he said in a statement.

But, in an illustration of how deep the fracture on abortion runs in US society, a judge in Washington state moments later ruled in a separate case that access to the drug must be preserved in more than a dozen states.

The duelling legal opinions, along with the appeals, means the issue is almost certain to end up before the Supreme Court.

The conservative-dominated panel last year overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that had enshrined a womans right to abortion for half a century.

Biden called it an ideological attack on womens rights and freedoms.

The court has substituted its judgment for FDA, the expert agency that approves drugs, he said. If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription, approved by the FDA, that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks.

The president of the powerful American Medical Association, Jack Resneck, said that allowing judges to interfere in extensive, evidence-based, scientific review of  well-established FDA processes is reckless and dangerous.

Planned Parenthood, one of the largest pro-abortion groups in the United States, said the ruling by Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk  a former conservative activist aligned with the religious right  was an assault on science.

We should all be enraged that one judge can unilaterally reject medical evidence and overrule the FDAs approval of a medication that has been safely and effectively used for more than two decades, said the groups president Alexis McGill Johnson.

Kacsmaryks ruling came after a coalition of anti-abortion groups sued to freeze the national distribution of mifepristone.

While he stayed the FDAs 23-year-old approval, he also halted the applicability of this opinion and order for seven days to allow time for appeals.

Anti-abortion groups hailed the move.

Todays decision out of Texas is a win for the health and safety of women and girls, said Katie Glenn of Susan B Anthony Pro-Life America.

The ruling reaffirms that pregnancy is not an illness and abortion is not health care. Finally, the FDA is being held accountable for the egregious violation of its rules.

AFP




Minister of foreign affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama has debunked reports that he declined requests by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC to blackmail the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the United States.





Reports that Onyema was suspended from the party for refusing to blackmail Obi emerged on social media recently.





However, a statement by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, described the allegations as mischievous.





Omayuli urged Nigerians to disregard the reports, claiming it has no iota of truth in it.





The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to a story circulating on social media that the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Geoffrey Onyeama, has been suspended by his party, the All Progressives Congress because as alleged, he was sent to the United States to blackmail Peter Obi, and he declined the request.





The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs states that there is no iota of truth to the mischievous allegations.
Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has challenged the vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, to a one-on-one debate on Channels Television regarding the nations democracy.

Soyinka, in a statement titled Fascism on Course, released on Friday, is challenging the LPs vice-presidential candidate to a debate as regards his claims of Nigerias democracy ending if the President-elect, Asiwasju Bola Tinubu, is sworn in May 29.

Soyinka stated, May I seize this opportunity, by the way, to condemn the sanctions imposed on CHANNELS Television which anchored the performance of the LP candidate.

As stated, I watched the programme keenly  saw the valiant efforts of the interviewer to ensure fair hearing.

I fail to understand just where the station could be faulted, except from a disposition for injustice. To sustain that penalty is to give joy to others who turn Internet into a soakaway for their rancid emissions, yet feel that others should be silenced.

If CHANNELS feels up to it, I offer myself willing to engage Mr. Datti  or any nominee of his  on its platform on this very bone of contention  one-on-one  without the malodorous intervention of media trolls, and with the same interviewer as mediator.

That should be taken as a serious offer, Soyinka said.

Recall that Datti Baba-Ahmed had called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief Justice of Nigeria not to swear in Tinubu, who was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the winner of the March 18th presidential election.

The Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, who spoke as a guest on Channels TVs Politics Today, insisted that declaring Tinubu a winner and issuing him a certificate of return was against the constitution.

According to him, whoever swears in Mr Tinubu has ended Democracy in Nigeria.

The interview, has since, triggered criticisms from political stakeholders as well as a N5 million fine for the TV station.

Reacting to Baba-Ahmeds threats, Soyinka described the remarks as a kind of do-or-die attitude and provocation that goes contrary to democratic disposition.

He said Baba-Ahmed tried to dictate to the supreme arbiter of the nation, describing his comment as unacceptable.

Soyinkas comments on Baba-Ahmed, however, attracted backlashes from the supporters of the Labour Party as they dragged Soyinka on social media.

Meanwhile, replying to the criticisms and the conduct of Datti Baba-Ahmed, Soyinka noted that Nigerian Democracy 2023 has witnessed innovations largely in the retrogressive vein, as violence, ethnic profiling and intimidation continue to be easily overlooked even as they are directed against dissenting voices.

Soyinka condemned the sanction against Channels TV and praised the professionalism of the anchor, who he stressed made several attempts to keep Baba-Ahmed in check while on air.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, April 8. The pace of restoration of Azerbaijan's Shusha city is striking, head of culture and publishing at the International Organization Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) Nuri Aksu told reporters, Trend reports from the scene.

"The destruction caused by Armenia during the 30-year occupation of Azerbaijani lands shocked us greatly. Shusha is the cultural center of Azerbaijan. Its very sad to see how this city suffered during the occupation period, Aksu said.

Today's trip enabled us to see firsthand the consequences of Armenian vandalism. Considering the intensive pace of repair and restoration work that I saw here, I got confidence in the speedy revival of the city's former appearance," he added.

The closing ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of TURKSOY.

Within the framework of this event, the participants of the meeting got acquainted with one of the attractions of Shusha - Jidir Duzu and the fortress walls.




Nathaniel Ikyur, Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has alleged that there has been an influx of Fulani herdsmen into the state since the Governor-elect, Reverend Fr Hyacinth Alia won the March 18 gubernatorial poll.





Ikyur, in an article titled ORTOM DID NOT SHUT OUT THE FULANI FROM BENUE, expressed worry that Alias tie with the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, George Akume may not go well with the security of the state.





Recall that Ortom had on several occasions accused Akume of supporting the Fulani herders, saying the former governor has never condemned the incessant killing happening in the state.





Akume had denied the allegations, blaming the activities of the herders on Ortoms inability to govern the state properly.





Ikyur, in his article, urged the governor-elect to settle down and comprehend the issues of security in the state, stating that the burdens of the next administration would be weightier.





Part of the article reads, As Governor-elect Father Alia settles in to comprehend the real issues beyond the sound bites of political bombast, he must recognize the magnitude of the security challenges and threats to the various communities of Benue. For sure, Alias burden is weightier.





My suspicion is that our oppressors want to use the face of the church to wreak more havoc on the fertile Benue lands.





Therefore, his success or not will have a dent, positive or negative on the Church depending on how he navigates between satisfying his sponsors and keeping the Benue lands safe, and away from the bloodthirsty herdsmen. Already, the herders are excited and moving into Benue with speed.Yup
Playwright, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has described Obidients as one of the most repulsive, off-putting concoctions he ever encountered in any political arena.





Obidients is a term describing supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who contested the February 25 presidential election.





The elder statesman spoke in a statement on Friday titled, Fascism on course (I).





Earlier, Soyinka on Channels Television and later on Arise TV, condemned what he termed the fascist language of the vice-presidential candidate of the LP, Datti Baba-Ahmed, by attempting to dictate judgment to the Supreme Court during a Channels TV interview on the poll won by the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.





Besides, Soyinka faulted voter suppression witnessed in some polling units in Lagos State during the March 18 governorship and House of Assembly poll among other issues.





The Nobel laureate on Tuesday in a statement titled, Media responsibility, also dwelt on related issues bordering on the presidential election, noting that his interview with Channels TV was distorted, thereby rendering his remarks completely unrecognisable.





But the Obidients trolled Soyinka online, abusing him and an ex-deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, who in a Tweet, identified Soyinkas objectivity and described him as a phenomenon that unlettered and uncultured people may not fully understand in an age of lazy social media in which many dont read or think deep.





Obi and the Peoples Democratic Partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, are currently challenging the poll result in court.





Soyinka, in his latest statement, said it would appear that a record discharge of toxic sludge from the nations notorious smut factory was currently clogging the streets and sewers of the republic of liars.





He said, It goes to prove the point that provoked the avalanche exactly! The seeds of incipient fascism in the political arena have evidently matured. A climate of fear is being generated. The refusal to entertain corrective criticism, even differing perspectives of the same position has become a badge of honour and certificate of commitment.





He further said that on the issue, truth was ultimately at stake, counselling that at a most elementary level of social regulation: when one was a party to a conflict, one shouldnt attempt to intimidate the arbiter, attempt to dictate the outcome or impugn without credible cause, his or her neutrality even before hearing had commenced.





The elder statesman stated, That is a ground rule of just proceeding. Short of this, truth remains permanently elusive. The ensuing cacophony has been truly bewildering. It strikes me as a possible ploy to smother recent provocations by other, far more trenchant issues, such as revelations of declarations of a religious war.





If so, let it be known that I have long declared war against religious fundamentalism, the nature of which justifies the butchery, kidnapping and enslavement of students in the name of religion. That aspirants alleged gaffe cuts no ice with me.





Far more alarming was the grotesque fantasy of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court disguised as a wheelchair, zooming off in space to a secret meeting with other parties of the conflict. On its own, that is sufficiently scary. Swiftly followed thereafter by a television tirade of intimidation, it strikes one as more than the mere antics by the mentally deranged.





The tactics are familiar: ridicule, incriminate, then intimidate. Objective: undermine the structure of justice. Just as a reminder: this writer was not being rhetorical when he declared, on exiting prison detention: Justice is the first condition of humanity.





By the way, I do agree with Seun Kuti; Obidients is one of the most repulsive, off-putting concoctions I ever encountered in any political arena. Some love it, however, and this is what freedom is about; choice, taste, free emotions.





He also commented on the viral audio conversation between Obi and the Founder, Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, where the former, who labelled the audio as doctored, purportedly described the poll as a religious war and punctuated the conversation with Yes Daddy.





On that, the Nobel laureate said, By contrast, I have no quarrel with Yes Daddy. Roman Catholics are used to saying Yes, Father. Secularists say Enh, Baba. The context and content are what matters, and lies  where established  raise bothersome issues such as integrity deficiency.





He added that in any adjudication, society found it unacceptable that a party to the dispute would resort to influencing tactics by extra-judicial means  such as bribery, noting that intimidation and threats were merely the obverse complements of material inducement.





He stated, What the nation needs to know right now is if you are planning to send assassins after such negative analysts! Coming to terms with an unpalatable projected eventuality  sorry  possible eventuality, counsels deep reflection, not demonisation of the bearer of sour news.





For the seriously committed, it requires pulling back the horns a little in order to regroup, rethink and resurge. Democracy is sometimes a long haul. Some of us have been at it for quite a while.





Pre-empting that his position in the statement could generate more online attacks from the Obidients, Soyinka said, I am well aware that the foregoing is further invitation for more nauseous bilge from the besotted. Please, be my guest. It is, after all, one of those special seasons of convergence of two seasons of self-flagellation.





Condemning the N5m fine imposed on Channels TV by the National Broadcasting Commission over the controversial Datti interview, the essayist said he was willing to engage the LP vice-presidential candidate on the contentious interview or any of his nominees if Channels TV was willing.





He stated, May I seize this opportunity, by the way, to condemn the sanctions imposed on Channels Television which anchored the performance of the LP candidate. As stated, I watched the programme keenly  saw the valiant efforts of the interviewer to ensure fair hearing.





I fail to understand just where the station could be faulted, except from a disposition for injustice. To sustain that penalty is to give joy to others who turn Internet into a soakaway for their rancid emissions, yet feel that others should be silenced.





If Channels TV feels up to it, I offer myself willing to engage Mr Datti  or any nominee of his  on its platform on this very bone of contention  one-on-one  without the malodorous intervention of media trolls, and with the same interviewer as mediator. That should be taken as a serious offer.




State chairpersons of the Labour Party (LP) have taken control of the national secretariat in the federal capital territory (FCT).

Lamidi Apapa, deputy national chairman of the Labour Party (south), had on Wednesday, declared himself the leader of the party.

The declaration came after Julius Abure, the embattled national chairman, alleged that thugs aided by police officers invaded the secretariat.

The LP leadership crisis worsened after an FCT high court restrained Abure from functioning as the national chairman.





Speaking on Friday at the partys HQ in Abuja, the state chairpersons insisted that Abure remains the recognised leader.

Ogbaloi Kelly, chairman, Edo state LP, said members of the Apapa-led faction had been suspended by the party.

Those who are taking this action are members of the party who have since been suspended, and as at the time they took this action, their suspension had not been lifted, he said.

Therefore, we are saying here that the 36 state chairmen have come to retake their possession.

These miscreants who took over the office do not have the authority to control this matter, but we here have the authority and law to be in charge of the party and we affirm Abure.

We have come here to tell the world that the action of this faction is a total nullity and should be disregarded because the action does not follow the content of the rules and constitution of the Labour Party.

Cashmir Agbo, Enugu LP chairperson, said there is a need for members to be guided by the constitutional provisions of the party.

The position of the party and the mechanism in the resolution of crises are very clear. In the constitution, you have to exhaust that mechanism in court, he said.

You go to court and obtain a court order and you want to enforce that order by yourself.

What I am saying in effect is this that they mixed criminality with civil process and the court that gave them that order endangered law.

Agbo said the LP crisis is instigated by those against the challenge of the presidential election in court.

What they are doing is to enforce their will and distract and force labour party nationwide to withdraw the case in court, he said.

Agbo added that it is only the national executive committee of the party that can remove Abure.
President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the recent bout of killings in Benue State in which tens of people were killed in Umogidi community of Entekpa-Adoka in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state, urging that all efforts be made to end the extreme violence.

In a statement on Saturday by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari condemned terrorism as a tool in inter-communal conflicts, urging that the attackers be found and dealt with swiftly under the law.

He conveyed his grief and sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives due to the attack and directed the secret services, police and military commanders to enhance surveillance on every front and to review the security management in the affected areas immediately.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those murdered. The entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil, said the President.
Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, has admonished Nigerians to shun ethnic and religious strife for the country to attain prosperity faster.

The president-elect, in his Easter message to Christians on Saturday, called on Nigerians to love our neighbour, regardless of tongue, faith and tribe.

In the wake of the 2023 elections, ethnic slurs and divisive comments have dominated debates among members of different political parties on social media.

Commenting on the situation, Tinubu urged Nigerians to recommit ourselves to edifying and patriotic pursuits in the interest of our nation.

I send my best wishes to Christians in Nigeria and all over the world who are celebrating Easter this Sunday. As we all enjoy the well-deserved break, I urge every Nigerian to reflect on the priceless sacrifice and limitless love of God for mankind, the president-elect said.

As we celebrate, let us also remember our obligation, as Gods children, to love our neighbour, regardless of tongue, faith and tribe.

For Christians everywhere, this celebration is in commemoration of Jesus Christs life of service and his supreme sacrifice for the salvation of mankind.

And as we observe Easter this year, let us all imbibe the essential message of Christs ministry and truly begin to love our fellow Nigerians as we love ourselves.

We will make faster progress towards the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country we all desire if we eschew divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with our compatriots.

Easter is about Renewed Hope and Redemption. It symbolizes the triumph of hope over despair, love over hate and condemnation, and optimism over cynicism. Let us embrace this spirit and recommit ourselves to edifying and patriotic pursuits in the interest of our nation.




Armed bandits have abducted abducted at least 100 persons from farmlands in Zamfara and Katsina states.

It was gathered that the armed gang raided Wanzamai, a community on Zamfara-Katsina border.

The community located along Gusau  Funtua highway, suffered a series of bandits incursions in the past.

A resident of Wanzamai village in Tsafe local government area of Zamfara state identified as Sani Wanzamai said about 80 children from Wanzamai village were kidnapped and more than 20 other persons from Kucheri village in Tsafe local government area of the state and Yankara community in the neighbouring Katsina state were also abducted.

While the children went into the bush to fetch firewood, the other adults were kidnapped on farmlands when they went for land clearing in preparation for this years cropping season. There are also women among the victims

The armed men suddenly appeared and then marched the victims into forest. The armed criminals havent contacted any family yet. Some families tried reaching out to the adults among the victims but couldnt get any one.

The spokesman of the state police command CSP Muhammad Shehu, could not be reached for comments at the time of filing this report as his phone lines were switched off.
Not less than 30 persons have been reported dead after gunmen attacked an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Guma LGA of Benue state.

Sewuese Anene, the Benue police spokesperson, said the incident happened on Friday night.

Speaking on Saturday, she said the casualty figure is yet to be determined as our team is on the way to the scene as we speak.

The incident is the latest in the spate of killings happening in the state.

On Wednesday, an unconfirmed number of persons were killed in an attack by gunmen on Umogidi village of Entekpa-Adoka district of Otukpo LGA.

In March, it was reported that no fewer than 50 persons were allegedly killed by suspected herders who invaded communities in Kwande LGA of the state.

In February, some gunmen were also said to have attacked the Ikobi community in Apa LGA, killing three persons.

Recall that three kinsmen of Samuel Ortom, the state governor, were killed by the gunmen.

Triggered by the killings, hundreds of youths, on Friday, mounted roadblocks on the Otukpo-Oweto-Abuja federal highway in protest.





Bleeding constituency, save Apa/Agatu, preserve Idomas, reads one of the banners.

Vehicular movement was reportedly disrupted for several hours.
The Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate in the last general election, Peter Obi has tasked Christians to present the country to God in prayer as the Easter activities begin.

The former Anambra State governor also urged Nigerians to use the opportunity for sober reflection.

In a post via his verified Twitter handle on Friday, Obi reminded Christians that the way of the cross remains the way to victory.

He wrote, The commemoration of Good Friday presents us the opportunity for sober reflections on our lives on earth. Today, we are reminded that the way of the cross is the way to victory. I urge our Christian brethren to present our nation to God in prayer. May God heal our land.
Nigerian Afrobeat superstar, David Adeleke, also known as Davido has disclosed his relationship with his colleague, Burna Boy is very fragile.

He said they were on good terms but they dont really talk to each other.

Davido recently featured on Ebro in the Morning Show on Hot 97FM, New York, USA.

Speaking on unity among Afrobeats artists, the Omo Baba Olowo crooner said, Afrobeats [artists] we are in unity. I spoke to Burna [Boy]. He called me. He calls me as well but weve not really spoken like that.

Asked whether he plans to resolve his issues with Burna Boy, Davido said, I think I definitely would. He [Burna Boy] called me. Wiz [Kid] called me. And funny enough, me and Burna used to be mad close. Very very close.

Recall that the relationship between Davido and Burna Boy went sour in 2020, which resulted in a series of disagreements between the two.

The duo reportedly clashed and exchanged blows in a Ghanaian club.

Speaking of the incident, Davido said, Funny enough, it wasnt even us. It was our people [team]. It was crazy because it didnt even involve us.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, April 8. A concert has been organized in Shusha city for the participants of the 9th meeting of the national commissions of the TURKSOY (International Organization of Turkic Culture) member countries for UNESCO in order to familiarize them with the wonderful genre of Azerbaijani traditional music - Mugham, Trend reports from the scene.

Azerbaijani People's artists Mansum Ibragimov (khananda), Elchin Hashimov (tar), honored artists Kamran Karimov (naghara), Elnur Ahmadov (kamancha), as well as the winner of the international Mugham competition Aytan Maharramova have performed at the concert.

The foreign guests have arrived in Shusha to participate in the closing ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member countries of TURKSOY.

During the trip, they got acquainted with one of the sights of the city of Shusha - Jidir Duzu and the fortress walls.

The opening ceremony of the meeting was held in the building of the ADA University in Baku on April 7.

The TURKSOY meeting has been organized by the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, together with and the Institute of Development and Diplomacy under the ADA University.

This year, TURKSOY marks the 30th anniversary of its founding.
A truck carrying 55-gallon drums of acrylic paint overturned Friday on Route 47 in Cape May County, causing a large paint and fuel spill, police said.

The single-vehicle crash occurred on the southbound side of the highway near milepost 2.4 in Middle Township, according to police and fire officials.

When the truck overturned, about 350 gallons of acrylic paint and 30 gallons of gasoline were spilled onto the shoulder of the road, the surrounding ground and marshland, Middle Township police said in a statement.

No injuries were reported. A portion of Route 47 was reduced to one lane for about two hours and the shoulder of the road remained closed Saturday morning as cleanup continued.

In addition to Middle Township Police and the Rio Grande Fire Department, members of the Wildwood Fire Department, Cape May County Department of Healths Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Unit, and New Jersey State Police assisted with the crash.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
An East Brunswick diner with a storied and complex history is reopening later this year, according to the business owner starting renovations on the building.

Seville Diner, located on Route 18, has been closed since it filed for bankruptcy in 2021, years after the still-unsolved shooting death of one of its co-owners.
Fishermen have cast their lines out at the Jersey Shore for decades, but offshore wind farms right in the water where they make their living isnt something theyve encountered before.

While the infrastructure for the clean energy alternative could be up and running as soon as 2024, researchers and residents are still wrapping their heads around what exactly that will mean for ocean life on the Atlantic Coast.
Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we prove it every week. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends throughout. Here, they discuss the weeks events with editorial page editor Tom Moran.

Q. The liberal Washington Post columnist, Ruth Marcus, called the indictment of Donald Trump a dangerous leap on the highest of wires. Did DA Alvin Bragg overreach? Or did our democracy just show its strength?

New column by Ruth Marcus: The Trump indictment is a dangerous leap on the highest of wires. https://t.co/jBIi65tx8P  James Hohmann (@jameshohmann) April 4, 2023

Former Pres. Donald Trump only profits and does well in chaos and turmoil, @GovChristie tells @JonKarl.



So he wants to create the chaos and turmoil on his terms. https://t.co/2qTFUAwNon pic.twitter.com/hBJKBvtWUS  This Week (@ThisWeekABC) March 19, 2023

So many races since the Dobbs decision prove that when Democrats run on abortion instead of running away from it, they win. https://t.co/HUOyQ5K0NL  The Rude Pundit (@rudepundit) April 5, 2023

Before it commissioners resigned last week, ELEC approved 8 complaints, including against a former council member from @SenPresScutari's hometown and the mayor of Rutherford. Under the "Elections Transparency Act" signed by @GovMurphy on Monday, all of these complaints will die pic.twitter.com/4fhmdJrQwM  Matt Friedman (@MattFriedmanNJ) April 5, 2023

Were offering resources for people who want to show their support across social media for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained in Russia a week ago during a reporting trip and remains in prison #IStandWithEvan https://t.co/zeWMM5XBFV  The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) April 5, 2023
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Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 51F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 36F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
SUSHA, Azerbaijan, April 8. Shusha is an incredibly beautiful city, Secretary General of the National Commission of Equatorial Guinea for Cooperation with UNESCO Sandiago Bivini told Trend on Saturday on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions of the TURKSOY Member States for UNESCO.

"This is my first visit to Shusha. The city is incredibly beautiful. Despite the fact that the trip lasts only one day, we have already managed to see a lot of things. I must say that the combination of modern infrastructure and historical monuments is very mesmerizing. Seeing the beauty of the city of Shusha, I realized what Azerbaijan was deprived of during 30 years of Armenian occupation. The construction work currently underway in Shusha allows me to conclude that the city has a great future," he said.

Bivini also stressed that he was fascinated by the national music of Azerbaijan.

On April 8, in the capital of the Turkic world in 2023 - the city of Shusha, the closing ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions of the TURKSOY Member States for UNESCO was held.

As part of this event, the participants of the meeting were introduced to one of the sights of the city of Shusha - Jidir duzu and fortress walls, as well as a mugham concert with the participation of folk and honored artists.
Performing as Toybox, puppeteer Keith Shubert hosts the Wham, Bam! Puppet Slam in his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, and he takes his shows on tour every year. Hes been a professional performer for more than 20 years, and he just won the Asheville Fringe Festivals audience award for funniest show for The Magic Weaver.

Hes bringing that show and more here this week for the New Orleans Giant Puppet Festival, one of his favorite festivals.

I go to a lot of puppetry festivals, and none are like the New Orleans festival, he says. You can go to great puppet festivals, but as far as being weird and wild, there is nothing that compares because it mixes a variety of artists. You have these seasoned old-school professional artists like myself, who do this for a living, and then you have this sort of punk rock weirdo aesthetic from people presenting work that you cant get anywhere else.

The ninth New Orleans Giant Puppet Festival takes place Thursday, April 13, to Monday, April 17, and features 16 different shows at venues in Marigny and Bywater, including the Mudlark Public Theatre, Happyland Theater and The Backyard Ballroom. There are multiple shows each night, four late-night puppet slams hosted by Toybox, a parade, workshops and a panel discussion. The festival features marionettes, rod puppets, shadow puppets, giant puppets and more. Most shows run on consecutive days at the same venue, but showtimes vary. Some shows are kid friendly, and some are not.

Shubert premiered The Magic Weaver at the Asheville Fringe. Its his adaptation of a Russian fairy tale using Czech-style rod marionette puppets. In the story, an evil wizard kidnaps a weaver and imprisons her under the sea. An old sailor then helps the womans son try to rescue her. The show runs at the Mudlark Public Theatre Thursday through Sunday.

The Mudlarks resident company, the Mudlark Puppeteers, is presenting a show the group was commissioned to do for the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival in Massachusetts last year. Its an adaptation of one of Williams last plays, This is the Peaceable Kingdom or Good Luck God. The show closed almost as soon as it opened in 1981, two years before the playwrights death.

Inspired by a strike at a New York nursing home that left people caring for their own loved ones in the facility, its a dark contemplation of society deteriorating. In adapting it, Mudlark founder Pandora Gastelum intuits the redeeming relationships in the drama, but she notes its a difficult work and not for young audiences.

Despite the cruelty in the piece, there is humor, Gastelum says. Its a story of love and redemption.

The show combines marionettes and shadow puppets. It runs at the Mudlark from Friday to Sunday.

California-based musician, circus arts performer and puppeteer Samson Y Hiss combines silent film, shadow puppets and live music in One-Handed Witch. The story was inspired by Hiss having to compose music he could play with one hand after he broke his wrist. In the spooky tale, a witch loses a hand after confronting an angry mob of townspeople, hustling a casino and dealing with wild animals in the forest. The show runs Friday through Monday at Happyland Theater.

Charlotte Lily Gaspard leads the Brooklyn-based Midnight Radio Show. She plays the fairy princess in the science fiction infused Tour of the Fantastical Galaxy, in which she meets space pirates and travels to other planets and seeks peace between divergent people. The show is at Happyland Theater Friday through Monday.

Poose the Puppet is the creation of Benjamin Martin, who relocated from Greensboro, North Carolina, to New Orleans in 2021 to focus on his puppetry and performing. He also joined his brother, Sam Martin, who performs as Three-Brained Robot and is participating in the festival as well.

Though there are Poose performances for all ages, this Poose After Dark show is more of an experiential piece with lights, music and dancing. Poose narrates a journey of exploration and discovery that starts with finding a blueberry plant. It invites attendees to find their purpoose through exercises in mindfulness and breathing. Martin will tour later this year, on both an East Coast series and to a puppetry festival in Puebla, Mexico. Poose After Dark runs Thursday through Monday at The Backyard Ballroom.

For years, Miss Pussycat has done puppet shows to open music shows with her partner Quintron. Shes also had puppet exhibitions at the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Contemporary Art Center. For the festival, she presents MG Xing Evergras, a Carnival-inspired show, on Saturday at the Spellcaster Lodge.

The Puppet Slams are open-mic style events featuring short works. Toybox hosts the events and is bringing several of his own short pieces. The slams are at 10:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Mudlark and Sunday and Monday at the AllWays Lounge & Theatre. The giant puppet parade begins on Press Street at 10 p.m. Saturday.

Also performing at the festival are Harry Mayronne, Playdoh, Velvet Effigy, Cookie Tongue, Inner Workings Theater, Enormousface, Esmerelda the Puppet, Flutterbug and Abandoned Ships.

Tickets and festival passes are available online at neworleansgiantpuppetfest.wordpress.com. Sliding scale admission at the door is $10-$20, and $5-$10 for children under 12.
When sex and advice columnist Dan Savage launched the Hump Film Fest in 2005, it might have seemed like it was bound to become obsolete. While his home-porn festival was in part a response to some of the drearier aspects of the porn industry and its overwhelming focus on heterosexual male audiences, the internet was opening up all sorts of niches. But even with the rise of OnlyFans and other platforms for individual content makers to reach like-minded fans directly, Hump Fest keeps growing. A Best of Hump slate is currently on the first European tour, and the 2023 fest comes to The Broad Theater April 14-15.

Hump Fest was conceived to invite non-professionals to make films about whatever they desired but never saw onscreen. As Savage told Gambit in 2016, You have people making films with their friends and lovers that's an expression of their unique sexuality, sexual interests, sexual expression, their gender expression for an audience.

The selected short films are a variety show, uncovering a diverse range of sexual and gender identities, body types, fetishes and kinks. The current slate of 22 films checks a lot of boxes. All are less than five minutes long.

Filmmakers are invited to include specified props as a way of showing that they were made for the festival. This years include leg warmers, clothespins and dirty martinis, but not all films use them.

Some films have no sex or nudity, and others waste no time getting up close and graphic. Regardless of the sexual content, the most enjoyable films tend to be the ones where the performers look like they are having fun. In The Boy with the Tighty Whities, the narrator is an OnlyFans personality, and he can barely conceal his glee at sharing his kink. In Screen Play, a couple of Canadian lesbians co-opt all sorts of cliched heterosexual romantic storylines and bask in their own gaze.

A couple of very short comedy films stand out. Its Mr. Yamface! is a toy animation film that takes on the problem of dolls not actually having genitals. Shadow Play also is simple, but the tiny rod puppets (not a euphemism) are well articulated and funny.

Hump highlights usually include a few things viewers might not have known was anyones kink. One of the best films is the introduction to quicksand fetishism in A Deep Understanding.

Other surprises include the colorful dance piece Bloom Room. The couple in the Ronald McDonald outfits seem to be lovin it, but their film has a creepy vibe. Menage a Fromage explores an amusing point of science.

The mess in the food fetish piece Feast of Fantasy is visually creative and excessive. The mess in Switzerland-based conceptual artist abcde Flashs medical fetish piece, Grace, is not as easy to watch, and has a trigger warning.

Many of the 2023 films seem overly serious, and its hard to match the narration on personal freedom to the authoritarian tone in the German BDSM short Cum as You Are. The black and white BDSM piece State of Mind reflects Robert Mapplethorpes style and is beautifully shot.

A few films that skip all notions of plot or theme and just get right to the graphic sex are among the least compelling. Glow-in-the-dark paint doesnt make Color Me Wild interesting, and Body Language has a heavy-handed simple message.

Some films might have been better left on the cutting room floor, including the fantasy Demon Seed and the goofy The Cannoli Brothers.

Its hard to imagine someone liking every film in the showcase, and a few here feel pretty dark. But the mission and achievement of Hump is showing a small glimpse of the wide variety of ways different people find pleasure.

Hump Film Fest screens at The Broad Theater April 14-15, and is available online at humpfilmfest.com.
Chef Sammy Shifferaw and his son Henok Henny Samuel have a lot of pride for their new restaurant, Sammys Ethiopian Kitchen.

Sammy is passionate about his food, Samuel says. He pays a lot of attention to detail and freshness. Hes been doing it for more than 35 years.

That is longer than Samuel has been around, but they are partners in the business. His last name is different from his fathers because its an Ethiopian tradition for children to take their fathers first name as their last name.

Sammy's Ethiopian Kitchen What Sammys Ethiopian Kitchen Where 422 S. Broad St., (504) 582-9540 When Lunch and dinner daily How Dine-in Check it out A new Ethiopian spot in Mid-City

Sammys took over the former Addis NOLA space at South Broad Street and Tulane Avenue. Its a spot familiar to Shifferaw. He was Addiss opening chef and helped get the restaurant going for the Lobo family, who had never been in the hospitality business. Before that, Shifferaw ran Cafe Abyssinia in Uptown and worked at Ethiopian restaurants in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta.

Samuel was born in Atlanta and grew up around restaurants there. His dad moved to New Orleans in 2011, and Samuel took a gap year from school to help him at Cafe Abyssinia. Besides Sammys, Samuel has another job working for the global digital technology firm DXC.

My focus is on the business side of things, accounting, front of the house, he says. My dads in the kitchen.

Shifferaw, an Ethiopian native, mines the greatest hits of his native cuisine, rendering complex, savory dishes built on a foundation of whole toasted spice and aromatics. Injera, the staple Ethiopian flat, spongy bread, is eaten with everything. Diners tear pieces and use them to scoop from stews and stir fries. It takes a minute to get used to using the thin, floppy bread but it has a pleasing tang evocative of sourdough bread.

The most popular dish is the doro wot, a thick chicken stew thats complex like a Mexican mole and rich as butter. A traditional dish for celebrations, doro wot can take anywhere from an afternoon to several days to prepare, as onions slowly caramelize and spices blend. Ethiopian berbere spice blends have strong flavors of cardamom and ginger. For diners new to Ethiopian cuisine, this dish is a good introduction, and Shifferaws version is layered and dense with flavor.

Eating at Sammys is warmly communal, with many large platters meant for sharing. The vegetarian combo features mounded vegetables and legumes like yellow lentils bright with turmeric and ginger, garlicky collard greens and shiro, a stew of powdered chickpeas spiked with onions, garlic and chili. It is served with a plate of rolled injera.

There are plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians but meat lovers can dig into minced lamb kitfo, seasoned with spices and clarified butter. Tibs, one of the most popular street foods in Ethiopia, is a saute of tender cubes of beef, lamb or chicken, studded with onions, tomatoes and peppers. Tofu can be substituted for meat.

Marielle Songy explores absinthe's allure in new cocktail book 'The Absinthe Frappe' Marielle Songy told us about the Green Fairy's allure and mystery, bans around the spirit, and her favorite absinthe drinks in New Orleans.

Shifferaw and his son fixed up the restaurant themselves before opening in January. Its a lovely space in shades of sunrise, with a scattering of white table-clothed tables and paintings by Ethiopian artists.

You can find my countrys cuisine in so many cities: Dallas, Houston, L.A., Shifferaw says. I wanted to bring that experience to this beautiful city of food lovers.

Many of the recipes Shifferaw uses are from his moms kitchen, where he first learned to cook. She taught me the doro wat and how to deal with lamb, which isnt an easy meat, he says.

Samuel thinks just as highly of his fathers cooking. We called the restaurant Sammys Ethiopian Kitchen for a reason, he says. My dads a legendary guy when it comes to cooking. Hes passionate about bringing people together over his food.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. The world community has been providing false information related to Karabakh for years, Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO of the Republic of Niger Assoumane Mahamadu told Trend on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions of the TURKSOY Member States for UNESCO in the city of Shusha.

"For years we were provided with false information related to Karabakh, the truth was distorted all the time. Before coming to Shusha, I thought that I would see only ruins. Today I saw with my own eyes how the city is changing at an accelerated pace. Beside the rich nature, the bewitching landscape, unfortunately, I also saw the consequences of the vandalism committed by the Armenians during the years of 30 years of occupation. We have witnessed disrespect for the national cultural monuments of Azerbaijan. In turn, I am very struck by the unity of the Azerbaijani people. Today, it is this unity, in my opinion, that is the key moment in the construction and restoration work in the city of Shusha," he said.

On April 8, in the capital of the Turkic world in 2023 - the city of Shusha, the closing ceremony of the 9th meeting of the National Commissions of the TURKSOY Member States for UNESCO was held.

As part of this event, the participants of the meeting were introduced to one of the sights of the city of Shusha - Jidir duzu and fortress walls, as well as a mugham concert with the participation of folk and honored artists.
Sabina Mammadli

Azerbaijani Defense Minister Col-Gen Zakir Hasanov and other ministry officials visited the Commando Mountain Training Center, Azernews reports.

During the visit, the defense minister inspected the progress of the Commando Initial Courses taken in the center by the 4th year cadets of the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev.

During field drills held in a military camp in the territory of settlements, the military personnel participating in the courses is practicing modern methods of combat, mountain and other activities in conditions corresponding to real combat. In the conducted classes, the main attention is paid on improving the individual skills of military personnel, improving their combat and management skills.

Furthermore, the defense minister met with the personnel and inquired about their needs. He noted that continuous reforms in the Azerbaijan Army instructed by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief involve the field of military education as well.

The official emphasized that the Turkish model is being applied in the drills of professional officers, and commando training is mandatory for implementation of this process.

Besides, modern combat methods are being practiced during the training to improve the knowledge and skills of military personnel and further increase the combat capability of units.

Speaking with the personnel, Hasanov stressed that the Azerbaijan Army demonstrated its power to the whole world during the April battles, the Gunnut operation, the Patriotic War and subsequent operations, adding that work to further strengthen and develop the Azerbaijan Army is underway. He emphasized the importance of all military personnel, future officers studying at the Military Institute to decently fulfill their duties.

After watching the training classes, the official attended the newly commissioned medical point in the center. He was informed that the necessary conditions have been created for ensuring the health of military personnel, providing them with first medical aid and evacuating them to the hospital in case of need. There is a reception and diagnostic cabinet, wards, as well as an administrative cabinet in the medical point.

Then, Hasanov inspected the field camp of cadets who are in the field training. He inspected the conditions created for the effective organization of the accommodation, nutrition and leisure of military personnel in the field camp.

At the end, Hasanov gave his recommendations to the involved military personnel on studying the lessons more deeply and training as true military specialists in the future, as well as set specific tasks for the relevant officials.
Today, ADA University held an opening ceremony of the solar/wind tulip turbine donated to the University by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Azerbaijan.

An eco-art designed turbine in the shape of tulip represents a symbol of the Netherlands and has been made by the Dutch company Flower Turbines. It generates green energy, both wind and solar, and does not pose any danger to birds and other wildlife in the nature and creates very little noise. Clean energy generated by the turbine is intended for the use of students for charging their devices and bikes.

The Vice-Rector of the University Mr. Fariz Ismayil-zade welcomed the guests and thanked the Embassy of the Netherlands for the unique and valuable gift.

Ambassador of the Netherlands Ms. Pauline Eizema mentioned that both the Netherlands and Azerbaijan are working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris climate goals. In order to achieve these goals, the transition towards a sustainable, green economy and international cooperation as well as strong partnerships between governments, private sector, education and research institutions and civil society in this area are important elements of success.

Ambassador, while explaining the idea behind this contribution, mentioned that through this donation, the Embassy aims to make a concrete contribution towards sustainability and promote sustainable energy use among young generation hoping that this unique practice will be scaled up in the country with the support of the Government, private sector and other stakeholders.

In her speech she referred to a roadmap, prepared by the World Bank Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan in June 2022, which focuses the path of Netherlands in offshore wind development as a role model for Azerbaijan and facilitates Dutch involvement in the sector as a front-runner in cost-efficient offshore wind development and installation. In this regard she highlighted that Dutch companies will be very interested in engagement in this sector.

Then Asvisor of Ministry of Energy Vusal Rajabli mentioned the Netherlands as a first country harnessing wind energy and informed about Azerbaijani potential in this area.

Chief Legal Officer of Neqsol Holding Mr. Toghrul Ahmadov depicted the transformation strategy of Neqsols company - Nobel Energy, to get affordable and reliable energy for all its stakeholders, while reducing environmental impacts. He also stressed an importance of engagement of private sector and public-private partnerships for development of renewable energy sector and mentioned the companys current operations and interest to invest in the new opportunities in the sector in Azerbaijan and abroad.

The event was also attended by the alumni of Dutch Universities, who also shared their experience in green energy use in the Netherlands and how they would like to see this experience developed in our country. School N7 of Baku, who is representing the Netherlands under the Olympic Culture and Education Program, also participated with students and teachers in the ceremony.

ADA University has been also cooperating with the Netherlands in its double degree master program with Maastricht University since 2013 and so far has 120 alumni with double degree diplomas.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. Azerbaijan's further cooperation with the World Bank (WB) and the European Commission (EC) is based on the socio-economic development strategy of Azerbaijan until 2026, Asgar Alakbarov, adviser to Azerbaijans economy minister, told Trend.

According to Alakbarov, these international institutions are working on the preparation of an appropriate cooperation strategy.

"The WB is currently preparing a strategy for Azerbaijan for the next 2-5 years. Within this strategy, our countrys government discussed priority areas of the sphere in accordance with the "Strategy for socio-economic development of Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026". In turn, projects in the framework of economic and investment cooperation are being discussed with the European Commission," he said.

Alakbarov also added that two separate agreements will be reached with the World Bank and the European Commission.

Moreover, Azerbaijan and the WB have already reached certain agreements in the field of priority areas within the new WB strategy for the country.
Kona Ice, the shaved ice truck that offers a rolling taste of the Caribbean, is hoping stressed-out people will chill out on Tax Day.

The chain, which has Kona Ice of Munster and Kona Ice of the Dunes franchises roaming around Northwest Indiana during the summer, will be hosting a national "Chill Out Day" on April 18th this year, the deadline for when federal and state taxes must be filed.

On Tax Day, Kona Ice trucks will hand out free shaved ice from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Morkes Chocolates at 13301 Lincoln Plaza in Cedar Lake, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Milne Supply Co at 538 Ridge Rd in Munster and from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at I Am Popcorn and 419 Ridge Road in Munster.

On April 18, Kona Ice also will give out free shaved ice from 12 to 1 p.m. at NorthShore Health Centers at 6050 Sterling Creek Rd in Portage and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at NorthShore Health Centers at 2490 Central Ave. in Lake Station.

"Its a way to cure the communitys stress related to Tax Day, because there should be no taxation without relaxation," Kona Ice said in a press release.

Kona Ice sells ice finely shaved with a blade that's then coated in a variety of sweet syrups. Flavors include watermelon, grape, cherry, orange, raspberry, orange, lemon-lime, pineapple, black cherry, blue bubble gum, tiger blood and pina colada. People can mix and match as many flavors as they want on each cone.

The chain has locations nationwide, which are owned by local franchisees.

For more information, visit www.kona-ice.com/chilloutday.
EAST CHICAGO  The local Fraternal Order of Police president said his members have defied what they see as a politically motivated attempt to cancel their candidate-endorsement meeting.

Brandon Holzhauer, president of the East Chicago FOP Lodge 59, said his members met Wednesday night to endorse Adrian Santos, Mayor Anthony Copelands opponent in the May 2 Democratic primary.

Holzhauer said they did this in spite of an order by Police Chief Jose Rivera to close the venue  the East Chicago Yacht Club  only 90 minutes before the meeting was to begin.

Holzhauer said the chief showed up outside the yacht club to turn away everyone invited to the event.

Rivera said Thursday that the event violated a city ordinance requiring those conducting public events, like the FOP candidates night, to contact him within 24 hours so he can assign police officers to provide security at the venue.

Holzhaur said the FOP moved the event outside the city limits to an American Legion Post near 11th and Taft Street in Garys Tolleston neighborhood.

He said FOP members then heard candidate speeches and voted to endorse Santos, the North Township trustee, for mayor.

This is an extremely important endorsement," Santos said. "I have been saying that public safety is the Number One issue in this campaign, and the patrol officers know I want a safer community.

Holzhauer said Copeland was invited to the forum but didnt attend.

Copeland did not respond to a request for comment. The mayor previously told The Times that the crime rate has dropped for 11 consecutive years and his administration has provided a new fleet of squad cars and advanced technology, such as license plate readers.

Holzhauer said the FOP's candidates night shouldn't have required the 24-hour notice because it wasnt a public event; only FOP members and candidates were invited to attend. You have to be buzzed through the door to get in, he said.

But the police chief said inviting any non-FOP member to an FOP meeting makes it a public event.

Holzhauer added that it is "ludicrous" to argue that a meeting of trained law enforcement officers requires additional security.

Rivera said he was concerned about a possible confrontation between two FOP members involved in a dispute over property damage.

They were offering alcohol and food," he said. "It was a recipe for disaster. This is the kind of event this ordinance was drafted for.

Holzhauer said the ordinance-violation claim was a ruse to cover up a strong-arm attempt on behalf of the mayor to intimidate the FOP into keeping out of the mayoral contest.

The chief said the mayor had nothing to do with it: That was my decision. The mayor doesnt get involved in FOP matters.

Rivera added that Holzhauer hasnt been an East Chicago police officer for several months; he left the force to work part time in Porter County.

Holzhauer said he was reelected as the East Chicago FOP's president in January, after he left the force because of harassment by the police administration.

Brandon is anti-East Chicago department," Rivera said. "Another FOP board member is a Whiting police officer. This is not the voice of the East Chicago police officers making these endorsements.
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LaPorte County government could face legal action by the Indiana attorney general's office if the Board of County Commissioners' persists in its refusal to give the county prosecutor access to emails of his predecessor and select staff members.

A request for access to the emails from LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan was tabled in a 2-1 vote last month, and commissioners Rich Mrozinski and Connie Gramarossa refused to take up the request at a meeting Wednesday.

Commission President Joe Haney supports turning the emails over to Fagan.

Asked for its opinion, the attorney general's office issued a written warning March 24 to the commissioners to give Fagan access to the emails or it would consider "further legal remedies."

The letter, read during Wednesdays meeting by Haney, to whom it was addressed, asked that he reply in writing with the commissioners' position by Saturday. As of early Friday afternoon, no reply had been sent, Haney said.

The emails in question are on a county government server. But John Walls, chief counsel of the attorney general's Advisory Division, wrote that county prosecutors are judicial officers independent of the county executive, and emails in official accounts constitute records to which the prosecutor is legally entitled.

Last month, Fagan said he wanted all of the 2022 emails of former Prosecutor John Lake and his wife, Mary, who was his chief deputy prosecutor, along with three members of his staff.

Fagan said he wanted the emails to try to replace evidence in criminal cases he inherited from the previous administration. He said evidence was lost as a result of hard-copy records being destroyed in a flood caused by a frozen water line bursting in late December at the LaPorte County Complex.

Fagan's request was denied when Gramarossa and Mrozinski went against the recommendation of their attorney, Andrew Jones. Despite the letter, Gramarossa and Mrozinski did not budge Wednesday.

They again offered to give Fagan access to emails related strictly to the criminal cases.

Were willing to work with him on any cases that he wants, Gramarossa said. "Bring forth some cases. I will personally make sure that we go through whatever he needs."

Again, Jones advised that that was not good enough: Hes entitled to all of them. These things belong to him. They dont belong to him personally. They belong to his office.

Mrozinski previously said Fagan was out to conduct a political witch hunt. This time, he was joined by a visibly upset Gramarossa in making similar allegations.

I dont understand what he wants, Mrozinski said. "Were offering to give you what you need. Instead, you want to go this other route. This whole thing smells bad."

Gramarossa accused Haney and Jones of being on the same political side of the fence as Fagan.

I wanted it stated here right now at this public meeting that this is forced upon me by the president of the commission and the attorney, she said.

Gramarossa stood up from her seat and walked out of the meeting just before it adjourned, so no vote was taken.

Im at a point where Im feeling emotionally and physically bullied, she said.
PORTAGE  The City Council has introduced an ordinance to regulate chickens in the city limits.

Roosters, peacocks, waterfowl and turkeys would be banned in the city.

The chicken ordinance would set a maximum of five chickens per parcel of land regardless of size.

Chickens would have to be kept under the owners control at all times. Chicken coops would have to be 6 to 8 feet high and impermeable to rodents, wild birds and predators, including cats and dogs. Each chicken would have to have at least 10 square feet of space in a coop or run. The coop would have to have adequate shade and ventilation.

Chickens would have to be provided access to food and clean water at all times.

Chickens would be restricted to the rear of the property.

The ordinance restricts the chickens to noncommercial use only and prohibits the slaughtering of chickens onsite.

Councilman Brian Gulley, D-4th, said the Ordinance Committee rejected the idea of registering chickens.

The chicken ordinance, up for final reading next month, is patterned off similar ones in Chesterton and Valparaiso

In another matter, a rezoning request by Olthof Homes drew criticism from Councilman Collin Czilli, D-5th.

I have a lot of residents with Olthof Homes in my district, and I have heard nothing but complaints with recent developments, he said.

Olthof wants the council to rezone 37 acres south of Lute Road from R2, low-density residential, to M1 and M2 for multi-family residential use.

The builder plans a mix of paired cottage homes and townhouses on a total of 130 lots. The original proposal called for 190 lots, but the Plan Commission whittled it down over a monthslong review process.

The commission voted 5-3 to give the zoning request a favorable recommendation, Councilwoman Gina Giese-Hurst, D-1st, said.

The council is scheduled to take up the rezoning request on final reading next month.

PHOTOS: Hammond Police Department award ceremony The Hammond Police Department recognized numerous officers for their hard work and courageous efforts while performing their job. The Hammond Police Department recognized numerous officers for their hard work and courageous efforts while performing their job. The Hammond Police Department recognized numerous officers for their hard work and courageous efforts while performing their job. The Hammond Police Department recognized numerous officers for their hard work and courageous efforts while performing their job. The Hammond Police Department recognized numerous officers for their hard work and courageous efforts while performing their job. The Hammond Police Department recognized numerous officers for their hard work and courageous efforts while performing their job. The Hammond Police Department recognized numerous officers for their hard work and courageous efforts while performing their job. The Hammond Police Department recognized numerous officers for their hard work and courageous efforts while performing their job. The Hammond Police Department recognized numerous officers for their hard work and courageous efforts while performing their job. The Hammond Police Department recognized numerous officers for their hard work and courageous efforts while performing their job. The Hammond Police Department recognized numerous officers for their hard work and courageous efforts while performing their job.
VALPARAISO  Members of the Roman army took to the parking lot and prayer trail Friday at St. Paul Catholic Church. In a procession repeated in Hispanic communities across this country and south of the border, the faithful saw a military governor condemn an innocent man, then watched as the prisoner walked to his grisly execution.

Members of the Catholic parish participated in a Via Crucis Viviente, or Living Stations of the Cross.

The Stations of the Cross is a Catholic devotion depicting 14 episodes in the final hours of Jesus life, from his sentencing by Pontius Pilate to his death and his corpse being placed in the tomb.

Belinda Rodriguez, who directed the religious service, said the program had a cast of 45, from children to adults. She said the parish has been doing the Via Crucis for five years.

For us, this is a remembrance of what Jesus had to go through, Rodriguez said. Especially to get kids involved, they are our future and we want to keep the tradition going.

Among those young people was Lorena Torres, 19. A first-year nursing student at Ivy Tech, she played Veronica, who wiped Jesus brow, only to see his image remain on the cloth.

This is part of our religion, and its way for us to show others what Jesus went through. Its also a very touching story, part of Holy Week, leading to Easter Sunday.

For the roles of Jesus and his mother Mary, Rodriguez turned to real-life family members Joel and Martha Perez.

Im a little nervous, but Im doing pretty good. Im confident, said Joel, 19, who works at El Cantarito, a local eatery.

Martha, his real-life mother, was playing Mary for the second time. Seeing Jesus mother as very humble, very loving, she called performing alongside her son a big blessing for me.

Playing Jesus for the first time, Joel Perez noted, Ive looked at my lines and I prayed every day.

Perez wanted the role three years ago, but he was too young at the time. I feel so privileged, he said.

A popular Catholic tradition on Lenten Fridays, the Stations of the Cross dates back to the Middle Ages, when Catholics who could not travel to the Holy Land recreated the pilgrimage sites from Christs Passion.

With papal approval, the devotion developed over centuries. Among those credited with promoting the prayer service was St. Leonard Casanova of Port Maurice, a Franciscan friar who during the late 17th and early 18th centuries erected more than 500 Stations in Italy. For centuries, Franciscans had been responsible for the holy sites around Jerusalem.

PHOTOS: On the Via Crucis in Valparaiso

Mario Abarca, who played Pontius Pilate, just recently joined the Catholic faith. This has changed my life. This [Via Crucis] is very important to me.

According to Catholic Exchange, entire communities in Mexico and Central America participate in the Via Crucis. Faithful followers process from home to home, as a man portraying Jesus carries the cross and eventually dies.

At St. Paul, the procession started from a church door, then proceeded through the parking lot to the parish prayer trail, eventually arriving at Calvary and Jesus crucifixion.

Helping Jesus Carry his cross was Simon the Cyrene, played by Carlos Robles. For me, this is an honor, doing this for God, said Robles, a first-time Via cast member. He saw Simon as a good person who was willing to help Jesus.

Maria De Los Angeles Magana portrayed Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus. I believe in this, she said. This has made my faith stronger, as I think about what happened 2,000 years ago.

Magana said there isnt much she can do during the Via aside from walking with Jesus mother Mary and the apostle John. I try to present to other people how Jesus suffered, she said.

Another of Jesus followers was played by the Rev. Douglas Mayer, St. Pauls pastor. The Rev. Roque Meraz, associate pastor, who was born in Durango, Mexico, noted that the Via Crucis helps us understand how Jesus suffered, and helps us to share that suffering. People took time out of their jobs to do this.

This is a way of representing Jesus suffering on the cross, the priest continued, and to make that suffering known to other people. Its a visual testimony.

Parishioner Helen Brandewie, a Spanish teacher at Andrean High School, played one of the sorrowful women of Jerusalem. Latinos really celebrate the Passion of Christ, and we can learn from them. This depicts Our Lords suffering really well.

Jose Rodriguez, who played Dismas, the good thief, said, He was a robber, no good, yet he believed Jesus was the Son of God.

Marco Medina, as the apostle John, called the Via a chance to experience first-hand and re-incarnate what happened back then. Times today are very different, and this enables us to see how far weve come.
(We have updated this article to reflect the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.)

Taking pills to end a pregnancy accounts for a growing share of abortions in the United States, both legal and not. Now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, medication abortion will play a larger role, especially among women who lose access to abortion clinics.

What is medication abortion?

Its a regimen of pills that women can take at home, a method increasingly used around the world.

The protocol approved for use in the United States includes two medications. The first one, mifepristone, blocks a hormone called progesterone that is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. The second, misoprostol, brings on uterine contractions.

When can it be used?

The Food and Drug Administration has approved medication abortion for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. World Health Organization guidelines say it can be used up to 12 weeks at home, and after 12 weeks in a medical office.

Is it effective, and is it safe?

Yes on both counts.

In U.S. studies, the combination of these pills causes a complete abortion in more than 99 percent of patients, and is as safe as the traditional abortion procedure administered by a doctor in a clinic. A variety of research has found that medication abortion has low rates of adverse events, and a recent Lancet study found that patients are generally satisfied with it. Growing evidence from overseas suggests that abortion pills are safe even among women who do not have a doctor to advise them.
A federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary ruling invalidating the Food and Drug Administrations 23-year-old approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, an unprecedented order that  if it stands through court challenges  could make it harder for patients to get abortions in states where abortion is legal, not just in those trying to restrict it.

The drug will continue to be available at least in the short-term since the judge, Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, stayed his own order for seven days to give the F.D.A. time to ask an appeals court to intervene.

Less than an hour after Judge Kacsmaryks ruling, a judge in Washington state issued a ruling in another case, which contradicted the Texas decision, ordering the F.D.A. to make no changes to the availability of mifepristone in the 18 states that filed that lawsuit.

The conflicting orders by two federal judges, both preliminary injunctions issued before the full cases have been heard, appear to create a legal standoff likely to escalate to the Supreme Court.
On the Friday afternoon after Thanksgiving, Randal Quran Reid was driving his white Jeep to his mothers home outside Atlanta when he was pulled over on a busy highway. A police officer approached his vehicle and asked for his drivers license. Mr. Reid had left it at home, but he volunteered his name. After asking Mr. Reid if he had any weapons, the officer told him to step out of the Jeep and handcuffed him with the help of two other officers who had arrived.

What did I do? Mr. Reid asked. The officer said he had two theft warrants out of Baton Rouge and Jefferson Parish, a district on the outskirts of New Orleans. Mr. Reid was confused; he said he had never been to Louisiana.

Mr. Reids wrongful arrest appears to be the result of a cascade of technologies  beginning with a bad facial recognition match  that are intended to make policing more effective and efficient but can also make it far too easy to apprehend the wrong person for a crime. None of the technologies are mentioned in official documents, and Mr. Reid was not told exactly why he had been arrested, a typical but troubling practice, according to legal experts and public defenders.

In a democratic society, we should know what tools are being used to police us, said Jennifer Granick, a lawyer at the American Civil Liberties Union.

  

Written by Lisa Friedman and Clifford Krauss | Narrated by Lisa Friedman
As Americans digested a Texas judges ruling on Friday night invalidating the Food and Drug Administrations approval of the abortion drug mifepristone  and a contradictory ruling from a Washington State judge ordering the F.D.A. to maintain its approval as is in some states  the divide in political reactions was as much between words and silence as it was between pro- and anti-abortion rights.

National Democratic officials reacted with a torrent of statements condemning the Texas judge, Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, for seeking to remove from the market a drug that women have safely used for more than two decades.

Many Democratic and abortion-rights leaders made it clear that the Texas ruling had not, for the time being, cut off womens access to the medication. But they also used the moment to denounce Republicans  a recognition that Democrats have won in recent elections by tapping into voters fury over the loss of abortion rights.

Republican officials were relatively quiet on the rulings on Friday night, and talked about almost anything else on social media: transgender athletes, China, fentanyl and Israel. Many, like Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, tweeted in recognition of Good Friday.
Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk and his wife, Shelly Kacsmaryk, were devastated when their first child, a girl they named Tyndale, was stillborn.

It was 2006 and a searing, formative experience for Judge Kacsmaryk, then a lawyer at the prominent Texas firm Baker Botts. He became involved in and later served on the board of a Texas Christian organization that provides housing and adoption services to women with unplanned pregnancies as an alternative to abortion.

Matthew and Shellys first child was stillborn, and I think that contributed to his interest in wanting to support women in all kinds of ways, but most especially when they are pregnant, said Sherri Statler, the president and chief executive of the group, Christian Homes & Family Services in Abilene. They often feel pressured into getting an abortion until they find out there is an organization that will support them through their pregnancy.

Judge Kacsmaryk, now a federal judge in Amarillo, Texas, issued a preliminary ruling on Friday evening invalidating the Food and Drug Administrations approval of a widely available abortion drug in one of the most-watched court cases since the Supreme Court overturned the right to an abortion. A coalition of anti-abortion groups and doctors have sued the Food and Drug Administration, seeking to void the agencys approval of the drug mifepristone.
Fulton County prosecutors are conducting a wide-ranging investigation that includes calls made by Mr. Trump to exert pressure on state officials and efforts by the former president and his allies to replace legitimate electors in Georgia with pro-Trump alternates. Last year, Ms. Williss office sought to interview two key figures who had served in the Justice Department: Richard Donoghue, the acting deputy attorney general in the waning days of the Trump administration, and Jeffrey Clark, an assistant attorney general who led the departments environmental division.

Shortly after Mr. Trump left office, it emerged that Mr. Clark had tried to circumvent the departments leaders and aid Mr. Trumps efforts to stay in power. He even drafted a letter that was to have been sent to lawmakers in Georgia falsely claiming that the Justice Department had identified significant concerns that would affect the states election results and urging lawmakers to convene a special session.

Mr. Donoghue was alarmed when he saw the draft, according to testimony he provided to the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack.

Aides to Ms. Willis filed what are known as Touhy requests, named after a 1951 Supreme Court case. Under the rule, local prosecutors are required to get authorization from the Justice Department to question its current or former employees. But the requests were ultimately rejected.

It is not clear why the department rejected the requests. But both men were at the center of an investigation into Mr. Clarks conduct by the Justice Departments inspector general that was subsequently handed off to Mr. Smiths team.
China began three days of military exercises around Taiwan on Saturday in what it called a stern warning, after the islands president, Tsai Ing-wen, met earlier in the week with Speaker Kevin McCarthy, in a show of Taiwanese-U.S. solidarity.

The Peoples Liberation Army said it was holding air and sea combat readiness patrols and drills on all four sides of Taiwan, including the strait between the island and China, in what appeared to be a concerted burst of retaliation over that meeting, in California on Wednesday.

The authorities also announced a live-fire exercise on waters near Pingtan, an island just off the Chinese coast facing Taiwan. Additionally, Taiwans defense ministry said that as of Saturday afternoon China had sent 71 military aircraft into the skies around the island, including 45 that crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait, an informal boundary between the two sides. That was a jump from the usual number of such sorties.

This is a stern warning against the collusion and provocations of the Taiwanese independence separatist forces and external forces, Col. Shi Yi said in a statement announcing the sea and air drills. He was speaking on behalf of the Chinese militarys Eastern Theater Command, which oversees the region encompassing Taiwan.
Motley Crue formed in Los Angeles in 1981 and became one of the most popular of the so-called hair-metal bands. Mixing glam-rock theatrics, heavy metal riffs and radio-friendly pop hooks, they were fixtures on MTV in the 1980s and, by that decades end, had topped the Billboard 200 chart with their 1989 album, Dr. Feelgood. The bands tell-all memoir, The Dirt, which chronicled their rise to fame and rocky history, was adapted into a Netflix biopic in 2019.

Mars, 71, whose real name is Robert Alan Deal, joined Motley Crue shortly after it was founded and, according to the lawsuit, came up with the bands name. He was diagnosed at 27 with ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease that can cause the vertebrae to fuse over time. The disease has caused his spine to seize up and freeze completely solid, the suit says, adding that he is in chronic pain and is not able to move his head in any direction.

Last fall, Mars told his bandmates that, because of his debilitating ankylosing spondylitis, he couldnt physically handle the rigors of the road and would no longer tour with the band, the suit says. Mars, who last performed with Motley Crue in Las Vegas on Sept. 9, 2022, said he would still record and perform with the band in a residency situation.

After Mars publicly announced the change on Oct. 26, the band issued a separate statement saying that he had retired and that a guitarist named John 5 was replacing him.

The other band members  Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil and Tommy Lee  called the emergency shareholders meeting, where they sought to fire Mars from seven band-affiliated corporations and limited-liability corporations, the lawsuit says. Those entities  Motley Crue Inc.; Motley Crue Touring Inc.; Red, White and Crue Inc.; Masters 2000 Inc.; Cruefest LLC; Motley Records LLC; and Masters 2008 LLC  are listed as defendants in the lawsuit, which demands that Mars be allowed to review the bands business records. He is also seeking reimbursement for his legal fees.
THE ONLY DAUGHTER, by A.B. Yehoshua | Translated by Stuart Schoffman

In a 2016 interview, the late Israeli author A.B. Yehoshua named the 19th-century Italian novel Cuore (Heart), by Edmondo De Amicis, as one of the books from childhood that had stuck with him throughout his life. Presented as the diary of an upper-class schoolboy in Turin and embedded with the moralistic tales he is assigned by his teacher, the novels patriotism and sentimentality made it an immediate sensation in Italy, while its themes of solidarity and self-sacrifice made it a staple of textbooks in many socialist countries throughout the first half of the 20th century. In the young state of Israel, the books numerous Hebrew translations were popular bar mitzvah gifts in the 1950s.

Yehoshua described Cuore as a book filled with feeling and moral values that was among his early inspirations to write. In the novel The Only Daughter, his second-to-last book, he offers De Amicis an affectionate yet cleareyed homage.

Rachele Luzzato, the titular only daughter, is a graceful and clever schoolgirl living in northern Italy. The novella follows her over the span of a few weeks as she is shuttled across the region, from a ski vacation in the Dolomites to a costume party at her grandmothers Venice home, and on to several other minor adventures. Throughout these travels she conducts edifying conversations with her elders, who are all charmed by her opinionated confidence. The storys schoolbook quality is enhanced by the fact that everyone around this carefree rich girl is invariably kind and generous, and espouses the same values of secular humanism, from her orthodox rabbi to her maternal grandmother, a devout atheist who is nonetheless careful not to sabotage the Jewish faith of her only granddaughter.

At the start of the novella, Rachele is cast as the Mother of God in her schools Christmas play, but her father wont allow her to participate because of their Jewish heritage. He is the only member of Racheles doting family who assigns the matter any importance. Later, when we learn that he has an illness, an appendage enlarging the brain to help Papa understand the changing situation, as Rachele imagines it, and will have to undergo surgery to remove it, the link between religious isolationism and cancerous growth is heavily implied. Though initially set up as a major conflict, the Christmas play is quickly forgotten once Rachele is whisked off on her ski vacation, and the fathers illness is likewise resolved without much drama.
Manga is such a diverse medium. I mean that in terms of both the subject matter it explores (tackling everything from period pain to classical music) as well as the range in tones it employs.

My idea of what makes a great manga is similar to my approach to cooking: You need to balance out the flavors. The sour sting of heartbreak is mellowed out by the sweet comfort of friendship; a peppery sprinkle of humor adds brightness to a heavy, serious broth. Every ingredient, every emotion, every experience, is valuable and adds variety to the feast of life.

Ill stop making sappy food metaphors and get to the point: Here are some of my favorite manga that will make great additions to any Y.A. reading list. These titles will make you laugh, cry and, above all else, feel that its OK to be exactly where you are.
The advancements are already fueling disinformation and being used to stoke political divisions. Authoritarian governments have created seemingly realistic news broadcasters to advance their political goals. Last month, some people fell for images showing Pope Francis donning a puffy Balenciaga jacket and an earthquake devastating the Pacific Northwest, even though neither of those events had occurred. The images had been created using Midjourney, a popular image generator.

On Tuesday, as former President Donald J. Trump turned himself in at the Manhattan district attorneys office to face criminal charges, images generated by artificial intelligence appeared on Reddit showing the actor Bill Murray as president in the White House. Another image showing Mr. Trump marching in front of a large crowd with American flags in the background was quickly reshared on Twitter without the disclosure that had accompanied the original post, noting it was not actually a photograph.

Experts fear the technology could hasten an erosion of trust in media, in government and in society. If any image can be manufactured  and manipulated  how can we believe anything we see?

The tools are going to get better, theyre going to get cheaper, and there will come a day when nothing you see on the internet can be believed, said Wasim Khaled, chief executive of Blackbird.AI, a company that helps clients fight disinformation.

Artificial intelligence allows virtually anyone to create complex artworks, like those now on exhibit at the Gagosian art gallery in New York, or lifelike images that blur the line between what is real and what is fiction. Plug in a text description, and the technology can produce a related image  no special skills required.
The ruling by a federal judge in Texas invalidating the Food and Drug Administrations approval 23 years ago of the abortion pill mifepristone has the potential to be the most consequential abortion decision since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last June.

But there are a lot of uncertainties  especially because a federal judge in Washington State issued a contradictory ruling less than an hour later saying the F.D.A. should do nothing to restrict the pills availability in most states that allow abortion.

So the situation is complicated. Here is what we know and what it could mean.

What did the two rulings say?

Both rulings are preliminary injunctions, issued before the full cases have been heard. But the dueling injunctions set up a legal showdown that is likely to reach the Supreme Court.

The ruling by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, a Trump appointee who has written critically about Roe v. Wade, declares the F.D.A.s approval of mifepristone in 2000 to be invalid. It also suspends the F.D.A.s subsequent decisions that expanded the use of mifepristone in terminating early pregnancies.
Bill Butler, an Oscar-nominated cinematographer who played a prominent role in the American New Wave movement of the 1970s and whose credits included Jaws, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and three of the Rocky sequels, died on Wednesday at his home in Flathead Lake, Mont. He was 101.

His death was confirmed by Michael G. Moyer, an old friend and colleague.

Mr. Butler worked with a number of directors credited with reimagining American filmmaking in the 70s, including Steven Spielberg, for whom he was the director of photography on Jaws, the 1975 blockbuster about a man-eating great white shark that established Mr. Spielbergs reputation and changed the way Americans looked at both film and the beach.

Open-water shooting posed many challenges on what was a notoriously troubled set.

The crew faced problems not only with their malfunctioning mechanical shark but also with seasickness, uncooperative tides, random boats sailing into the frame and even sets that sank.
This article is part of Overlooked, a series of obituaries about remarkable people whose deaths, beginning in 1851, went unreported in The Times.

On New Years Day in 1922, a scientific paper in an obscure medical journal described a drug that would help revolutionize the treatment of leprosy in Hawaii and beyond. It would also give belated credit to the drugs developer.

The report, by Harry Hollmann, extolled the therapeutic potential of chaulmoogra oil, originally a folk remedy for leprosy with ancient roots in India and China. For centuries, chaulmoogra tree oil had been known as a nasty medicine  foul-tasting and stomach-wrenching, it was so vile that some people refused to take it. But in his paper, Hollmann named the process that transformed chaulmoogra into a 20th-century leprosy medicine: the Ball Method, a simple injection that freed dozens of people in the Territory of Hawaii from draconian quarantines. The Ball Method wasnt a cure, but it was as close to one as anybody got by 1922.

It was named for Alice Ball, a Black chemist who had developed her formula in 1915 when she was 23. She had recently earned a masters in chemistry and was an instructor at the College of Hawaii (now the University of Hawaii) in Honolulu.
This is a tough column for a liberal to write. You may recall that I spent eight years hammering President George W. Bush for just about everything he did (and he deserved it!), yet one more thing must be said: Bush started the single best policy of any president in my lifetime.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Bushs mammoth program to fight H.I.V. and AIDS. That turned the tide of the epidemic and has saved 25 million lives so far.

Think of that: 25 million lives. Thats like saving every Australian. Thats more than all the Jews killed in the Holocaust and all the people killed in the genocides of Armenians, Cambodians, Rwandans, Bosnians, Darfuris and Rohingya; all the confirmed deaths from Covid worldwide; all the deaths of American troops in all wars in the countrys history back to 1776; all the gun deaths in the United States in the last half-century; and all the auto deaths in the United States in the last half-century  combined.

Bushs initiative was called the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. It paid for antiretroviral medicines for people with AIDS and for efforts to prevent the spread of the virus, including to newborns through childbirth. I knew how transformative PEPFAR had been when I interviewed coffin makers in Malawi and Lesotho and they fretted about the collapse of their business model: Because of Bush, many fewer people were dying.
Its true that, as Kacsmaryk noted, the Comstock Act bars mailing every article, instrument, substance, drug, medicine or thing which is advertised or described in a manner calculated to lead another to use or apply it for producing abortion or for any indecent or immoral purpose. The law imposes a five-year maximum prison sentence for first offenses and up to 10 years for subsequent ones. Thats why, almost as soon as the Supreme Court tossed out Roe, social conservatives started clamoring for the Comstock Act to be enforced against medication abortion. When 20 Republican attorneys general wrote to Walgreens and CVS warning them against distributing abortion pills, they invoked the Comstock Act.

Many legal scholars see this invocation of the Comstock Act as legally dubious. As David S. Cohen, Greer Donley and Rachel Rebouche explain in the draft of a forthcoming article, circuit court cases in the 1930s found that the Comstock Act applies only to materials meant to be used unlawfully. But for judges hellbent on banning abortion, as weve seen, precedent doesnt mean much. The Comstock Act plainly forecloses mail-order abortion in the present, wrote Kacsmaryk. He added, Defendants cannot immunize the illegality of their actions by pointing to a small window in the past where those actions might have been legal.

On Friday a Washington State judge issued an opinion directly contradicting Kacsmaryks and ordering the F.D.A. to continue to make mifepristone available. The dispute now is likely headed to the Supreme Court. The emphasis on Comstock in Kacsmaryks decision, tweeted the legal scholar Mary Ziegler, could appeal to self-proclaimed textualists on the Supreme Court like Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch, who emphasize the ordinary meaning of words in a statute, outside the context of legislative intent or history.

Such a reading of the Comstock Act could do far more than prohibit patients from getting mifepristone by mail. Absent the narrowing construction applied by the federal circuit courts, the laws plain terms could effectively ban all abortion nationwide because almost every pill, instrument or other item used in an abortion clinic or by a virtual abortion provider moves through the mail or an express carrier at some point, wrote Cohen, Donley and Rebouche.
To the Editor:

Re Is Working From Home Really Working?, by Steven Rattner (Opinion guest essay, nytimes.com, March 22):

Mr. Rattner frames full-time employees desire to work remotely as evidence that they have gone soft, is skeptical that the four-day workweek enhances productivity, and calls the notion of flexible work a form of white-collar privilege.

For most middle-aged workers who are well educated yet economically insecure, research shows that reverence for hard work is not the problem. These workers are deeply invested in the idea that hard work is a sign of moral worth.

Workers earnings have stagnated in recent years despite growing productivity and record profits. The 40-hour workweek is often a 50-hour workweek (or more) because salaried employees are routinely asked to stay late or take work home.

The desire for flexible work arrangements is part of a backlash against the endless cycle of demanding more without reliable rewards, and the toll that cycle takes on family relationships and personal well-being.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. The Turkish Parliament has started the process of amending legislation which is necessary for the start of the international gas trade center (gas hub), Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez said in an interview with CNN Turk, Trend reports with reference to TASS.

"The first legislative decisions in the framework of the gas hub passed through the parliament. Due to these decisions, BOTAS Petroleum Pipeline Corporation, the state-owned crude oil and natural gas pipelines and trading company and other companies will be able to work much faster and easier. With the launch of the gas trade center, prices will also decrease, which is essential for Europe. Turkiye will become one of the markets defining the benchmark," the minister said.

Donmez also noted that the country is considering options for cooperation with other countries for the transportation and sale of gas to Europe. In particular, there are agreements regarding Azerbaijan on the establishment of a joint venture.

The Turkish minister highlighted that Turkiye "has the capacity to purchase around 100 bcm of gas per year, of which 60 bcm it consumes itself, and 40 bcm can be sold to neighboring countries." Turkiyes Ankara intends to use these free volumes as part of the bidding process at the emerging gas hub.

According to Donmez, the previous legislation envisaged numerous restrictions opportunities in terms of exporting natural gas.
The scene outside the New York City criminal courthouse the following morning was considerably more intense. A fence running through the center of Collect Pond Park served to split the crowd into two distinct camps  with Trump protesters on one side and Trump supporters on the other.

Many people wore T-shirts proudly emblazoned with political slogans. Some carried signs or flags. On one side of the fence, a group of people chanted Two genders! while, across the aisle, another group responded with Lock him up!

Some were evidently celebrating the occasion  blatantly smoking weed and drinking.

Journalists and camera crews swarmed about the plaza, and the whole thing felt more like a circus than a protest.
Q: I am planning to sell my condo in Harlem, and Im looking for a real estate agent who can assist me with the process in this brutal housing market. How do I determine what makes a good agent? Should I look for someone who has sold a unit in my building? Should I ask for references? What other factors should I consider?

A: For most Americans, our home is our most valuable asset, and we realize those gains when we sell. So its crucial to choose the salesperson wisely.

Funny, then, that New York home sellers spend an average of three and a half hours researching brokers  less time than they spend searching for vacation destinations, according to a StreetEasy survey. Its one of the most critical aspects of selling, and its even more important in a market like New York City, said Nick Smith-George, who leads the buyer and seller programs at StreetEasy.
On Discord, a messaging platform popular with video game players, the Pentagon documents may have been circulating as early as March. Since Discord chat groups  known as servers  are not directly managed by the company like a Facebook or Twitter feed, the distribution of the Pentagon documents would have been difficult to spot.

Mr. Musk did not respond to a request for comment on Saturday, and Discord declined to comment. It is not known if the companies, which are both based in the United States, have been asked to remove the Pentagon material.

In the past, Twitter may have removed the material under rules that prohibit the publication and distribution of hacked materials, two former executives told The New York Times. Under this policy, Twitter would remove tweets with real or synthesized hacked materials or place warning labels on the material. Some of the Pentagon material circulating on social media may have been manipulated.

But there were caveats to Twitters rules, as they were described in a policy document, which was last updated in October 2020. The rules allowed for exceptions for material that forms the basis for reporting by news agencies. And debates inside social media companies about what to allow online have often been similar to discussions that traditional media have about whether leaked or hacked material is of enough public interest to justify publishing.

It was not clear on Saturday whether the Pentagon material was hacked or intentionally leaked  the images circulating appeared to be photographs of documents. The documents could fall into a gray area that, at least in the past, would have led to discussion among compliance officers inside the company about whether they qualified for a takedown.
The parents, already living through the trials of Russian occupation, displacement and bombardment, have had to endure months of anxiety, fearful that their children will be sent farther away or given up for adoption in Russia.

And then there is the guilt. Some sent their children to summer camps in the Crimean peninsula, having been assured they would return in two weeks. Others simply yielded to pressure from officials and soldiers to let their children be taken. They all blamed themselves when they were not returned.

I felt completely lost, I gnawed away at myself, said Yulia Radzevilova, who brought her son, Maksym Marchenko, 12, home in March after he spent five months in a camp in Crimea. No one supported me. Family, parents, friends started accusing me.

But other children were transferred without warning or, like Artem, just disappeared.

Artem had traveled to his school in Kupiansk on Sept. 7  just as Ukrainian troops were driving out Russias occupation  to retrieve documents he needed for college. No bus returned that day, so he remained overnight. The next day, Russian troops turned up and loaded him and other students into military trucks.

They were Russian, Artem said in an interview. In camouflage, with Kalashnikovs. He thought of fleeing over the back wall of the school, he said, but the teachers made sure all the children climbed on board.
WASHINGTON  The dramatic dueling rulings by two federal district judges on Friday about access to a widely used abortion pill set up a lower court conflict that legal experts say will almost certainly send the dispute to the Supreme Court.

It really turbocharges the imperative for the Supreme Court to step in and to do so sooner rather than later, said Stephen I. Vladeck, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

A federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary ruling on Friday invalidating the Food and Drug Administrations 23-year-old approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, which could make it more difficult for patients across the country to access the medication. Less than an hour later, a federal judge in Washington State issued a ruling in another case that contradicted the Texas judge by ordering the F.D.A. to make no changes to the availability of the drug in the states involved in that suit.

For now, mifepristone continues to be available. The Texas judge, Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, an appointee of President Donald J. Trump, stayed his order for seven days to allow the F.D.A. time to seek intervention from an appeals court. But the two decisions are in conflict and the conflict between them is not sustainable, said Samuel L. Bray, a law professor at the University of Notre Dame.
The new documents appear to show that Americas understanding of Russian planning remains extensive and that the United States is able to warn its allies about Moscows future operations.

The material reinforces an idea that intelligence officials have long acknowledged: The United States has a clearer understanding of Russian military operations than it does of Ukrainian planning. Intelligence collection is often difficult and sometimes wrong, but the trove of documents offers perhaps the most complete picture yet of the inner workings of the largest land war in Europe in decades.

The leak has the potential to do real damage to Ukraines war effort by exposing which Russian agencies the United States knows the most about, giving Moscow a potential opportunity to cut off the sources of information. Current and former officials say it is too soon to know the extent of the damage, but if Russia is able to determine how the United States collects its information and cuts off that flow, it may have an effect on the battlefield in Ukraine.

The leak has already complicated relations with allied countries and raised doubts about Americas ability to keep its secrets. After reviewing the documents, a senior Western intelligence official said the release of the material was painful and suggested that it could curb intelligence sharing. For various agencies to provide material to each other, the official said, requires trust and assurances that certain sensitive information will be kept secret.

The documents could also hurt diplomatic ties in other ways. The newly revealed intelligence documents also make plain that the United States is not spying just on Russia, but also on its allies. While that will hardly surprise officials of those countries, making such eavesdropping public always hampers relations with key partners, like South Korea, whose help is needed to supply Ukraine with weaponry.
In so doing, Tennessee Republicans achieved little besides catapulting the representatives, Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson, as well as Gloria Johnson, onto the national stage: Both men could be reappointed to their seats by officials in their Nashville and Memphis districts as soon as next week, as they await special elections in which they are favored to win.

If my job, along with other members of the R.N.C., is to protect the brand of the Republican Party, this didnt help, said Oscar Brock, a Republican National Committeeman from Tennessee. Youve energized young voters against us. Worse than squandering support, youve made enemies where we didnt need them.

To be sure, there were bright spots for Republicans: They won a special election giving them a supermajority in the Wisconsin Senate, which entails broad impeachment powers. And a Democrats switch to the G.O.P. in the North Carolina House of Representatives handed Republicans a two-chamber legislative supermajority in the only Southern state where abortion is broadly legal, granting Republicans in Raleigh the ability to override the vetoes of Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat.

But in an odd-numbered year and a season when Americans are more taken with daffodils than with politics, the clamor of youthful activism and anger may have left the more lasting impression.
As Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida prepares to take a widely anticipated leap into the 2024 presidential campaign, one of his chief strengths is his ability to raise huge sums from deep-pocketed donors.

But his formidable war chest  at least $110 million in state and federal committees aligned with him  is no guarantee of success on the national stage, and his financial firepower brings with it a series of challenges he must navigate to capture the Republican nomination.

Mr. DeSantiss unsteady debut on the national stage over the past month, including remarks about Ukraine that alarmed many Republicans and hesitant counterpunches against former President Donald J. Trump, has also showcased his aloof and at times strained relationship with donors.

Recent additions of seasoned advisers to his team and to an allied super PAC have allayed some concerns, strategists and donors said, but the early rookie mistakes, as one Republican donor put it, may have rattled influential would-be backers. Mr. DeSantiss poll numbers have sagged against Mr. Trump, who has repeatedly taunted Mr. DeSantis and weaponized his fund-raising strength against him, painting the governor as a puppet of wealthy Republican elites.
The Woodward and Pulitzer lawsuits were advocated nonetheless by Mr. Epshteyn, according to two of the former presidents advisers, because Mr. Epshteyn is the good news guy, who relays to Mr. Trump only what he thinks will please him (others say Mr. Epshteyn has delivered bad news as well, when its been necessary).

Mr. Epshteyn declined to comment.

President Trump has assembled a legal team that is battle-tested and proven on all levels, said Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Mr. Trump. With the law, facts and truth on President Trumps side across the board, the witch hunts and hoaxes being thrown against him and his supporters have no chance. President Trump will not be deterred and will always keep fighting for America and Americans.

Mr. Trump employs some veteran lawyers with extensive experience, who are candid with him even though they know he may disregard their advice or, worse, attack them for giving it, according to some who have worked in Mr. Trumps orbit. And he hasnt pushed them all to go on television. But longtime Trump observers see a correlation between others on his current team and the self-described elite strike force that championed Mr. Trumps false claims of a stolen election after his defeat by Joseph R. Biden Jr.

Mr. Epshteyn was part of the group that pushed to keep Mr. Trump in power and has since stayed involved as a communications and in-house counsel. Still, several of Mr. Trumps advisers were surprised to see Mr. Epshteyn seated at the defense table when photos were published from inside the Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday: While Mr. Blanche, Mr. Tacopina and Ms. Necheles were all named in the court transcript as attorneys of record in the criminal case, Mr. Epshteyn was not.

Until he announced his presidential campaign in November, Mr. Trump had paid at least $10 million to his lawyers over the prior two years using money donated to his political action committee. The fact that he was not personally on the hook for the money seemed to make Mr. Trump even more impulsive in his hiring of lawyers, according to a person familiar with his legal decisions.
ATLANTA  The indictment of Donald J. Trump in New York over hush-money payments to a porn star was a global spectacle, with the former president glumly returning to his old stomping grounds in Manhattan as TV networks closely tracked his procession of black SUVs on their way to the courthouse.

But strip away the high drama, and the actual charging document in the case was far less grand  34 felony counts of a fairly narrow and common bookkeeping charge that Alvin L. Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, described as the bread and butter of his offices white-collar criminal prosecutions.

In Georgia, however, there is another criminal investigation of Mr. Trump nearing completion, this one also led by a local prosecutor, Fani T. Willis of Fulton County. While nothing is certain, there are numerous signs that she may go big, with a more kaleidoscopic indictment charging not only Mr. Trump, but perhaps a dozen or more of his allies.

Her investigation has targeted a wide range of conduct centered around efforts to subvert the democratic process and overturn Mr. Trumps 2020 election loss. Nearly 20 people are already known to have been told that they are targets who could face charges, including Rudolph W. Giuliani, Mr. Trumps former personal lawyer, and David Shafer, the head of the Georgia Republican Party.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. Turkish BOTAS and Azerbaijani SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan) have established a new company to sell gas to Europe, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez said in an interview with CNN Turk, Trend reports.

"We have announced the goal of becoming a gas trading center, and Azerbaijan also supports us in this matter. The Balkan countries request gas from us and Azerbaijan. Well act on this issue together," the minister said.

Previously, Donmez said that the Turkish Parliament has started the process of amending legislation which is necessary for the start of the international gas trade center (gas hub).

"The first legislative decisions in the framework of the gas hub passed through the parliament. Due to these decisions, BOTAS Petroleum Pipeline Corporation, the state-owned crude oil and natural gas pipelines and trading company and other companies will be able to work much faster and easier. With the launch of the gas trade center, prices will also decrease, which is essential for Europe. Turkiye will become one of the markets defining the benchmark," the minister said.

Donmez also noted that the country is considering options for cooperation with other countries for the transportation and sale of gas to Europe. In particular, there are agreements regarding Azerbaijan on the establishment of a joint venture.
SABZAK PASS, Afghanistan  The hotel is perched on the side of a mountain blanketed in snow. The ice-slicked road outside is treacherous. It stretches for miles in either direction through jagged peaks as it winds around the edges of cliffs and dips past piles of boulders left over from frequent rockslides.

Its 6:30 a.m., and inside the hotels kitchen, Najibullah Bastani throws kindling onto a small fire and places a dented metal teapot above its flames.

What will this day bring? Mr. Bastani sighed, as he watched flurries of snow graze the road outside and waited for the days first cars to traverse the pass.
BEIJING  Chinese officials on Saturday offered a lengthy rebuttal to accusations by the World Health Organization that they had been slow to share data about the possible origins of the coronavirus, blasting some in the organization as political tools whose remarks were intolerable.

Scientists from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention made the remarks at a news conference after weeks of mounting criticism from the W.H.O.

The W.H.O.s accusations referred specifically to the recent revelation that Chinese scientists had data on environmental and animal samples collected in Wuhan, the city in central China where the virus first emerged, that they had not shared earlier. On Thursday, a top W.H.O. official said that Chinas lack of data disclosure is simply inexcusable.

Shen Hongbing, the chief of Chinas C.D.C, forcefully denied those charges.

We did not hide any cases, samples or testing and analysis results, he said. It is intolerable to the Chinese scientific community and unacceptable to the global scientific community.
President Emmanuel Macron of France complimented Chinas top leader on the very fragrant tea. President Xi Jinping recalled taking notes in order to understand when he visited his father, then governor of the southeastern Guangdong province, in 1978. He also observed, extolling Chinese economic development, that the province now has four cities with more than 10 million people.

It was an exchange of remarkable intimacy, the two leaders, tieless, sharing pleasantries in what was once the official residence of Mr. Xis father. The conversation came at the end of a three-day visit by Mr. Macron that was notable for the exceptional attention showered on him, and for the commitment in a concluding joint statement to a global strategic partnership.

What exactly that will mean  beyond the commitments to the development of civilian nuclear power stations, the transition to carbon-neutral economies, sales of Europes Airbus aircraft and the promotion of pork exports  is not altogether clear.

But at a time when Sino-American relations are in a deep freeze, Mr. Macron staked out an independent European position, and both leaders repeatedly lauded a multipolar world, thinly disguised code for one that is not American dominated.
Jeremy Hansen, a 47-year-old who served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, was named as a mission specialist for Artemis II. He spoke to me earlier this week.

This interview was edited and condensed for clarity and length.

VI: What was it like to hear your name announced?

JH: Its still sinking in a little bit. Its somewhat shocking to find out that I would be going to the moon. Yesterday was really special for me as a Canadian. I just felt like Canada was on that stage and it wasnt really me: It was Canada.

VI: When and how did you find out that you would be on the crew?

JH: A little over two weeks ago, the president of the Canadian Space Agency, Lisa Campbell, called me and said: OK, its time Jeremy. Weve been talking with NASA. Were going to commit to announcing a crew, finalizing a crew roster, and wed like you to fly on behalf of Canada. That was a pretty special phone call for me. I was permitted to share it with my wife and children as long as they were sworn to secrecy.

VI: How did they take it? Your kids, especially. (Mr. Hansen has three children.)

JH: Really well, super excited. Seemingly not too worried at this point, which I didnt know if they would be. But they seem to have a lot of confidence. Theyve watched the space program up close through their whole life, basically. And they seem to have a lot of confidence that well make the right choices, well take smart risks. Im sure theyll get nervous, like I will, probably the day before. But right now were feeling great about it.
KHARKIV, Ukraine  The Ukrainian Army was close to losing a key battle of the war. A single, tenuous supply road for Ukrainian soldiers fighting in the streets of the eastern city of Bakhmut was taking fire. A general called the threatened road the last breathing tube.

This dire assessment of fighting in Bakhmut, one of the longest running and most lethal battles of Russias war in Ukraine, appears in a new batch of classified documents that appears to detail American national security secrets.

The assessment captures only one moment, from late February, in the now 10-month-long fight for Bakhmut, a midsize university and mining town of questionable strategic significance but one that both sides have freighted with political meaning.

The city is now mostly in ruins, as fires sweep through buildings and soldiers fight in fierce, block-by-block combat.
Benjamin B. Ferencz, the last surviving prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials, who convicted Nazi war criminals of organizing the murder of a million people and German industrialists of using slave labor from concentration camps to build Hitlers war machine, died on Friday at an assisted living facility in Boynton Beach, Fla. He was 103.

His son, Don, confirmed the death.

A Harvard-educated New York lawyer whose concept of evil was formed when he was a Jewish soldier in Europe and a war-crimes investigator at Buchenwald, Mauthausen and Dachau, Mr. Ferencz (pronounced fer-RENZ) campaigned after World War II for restitution of property seized by the Nazis. For much of his life he crusaded for an international criminal court, and for laws to end wars of aggression.

The author of nine books and scores of articles, he was fluent in French, Spanish, German, Hungarian and Yiddish and spoke at world peace conferences. He was also widely quoted in interviews and wrote countless letters to editors.

His dream of a tribunal to prosecute war crimes was partly realized in 2002 with the establishment of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. But its effectiveness has been limited, and many nations, including the United States, do not recognize its authority.
To succeed in retaking the occupied parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv would have to disrupt the flow of weapons and supplies in and out of the Crimean Peninsula. In the south, a thrust of about 50 miles over the steppe from the current front lines to the Russian-occupied city of Melitopol would split Russian-held territory into two zones, sever supply lines and put Ukrainian artillery within range of Russian bases on the Crimean Peninsula.

Part of Ukraines argument in asking for longer-range missiles from its allies has been that it wants to be able to strike deeper behind Russian lines, including in Crimea. The Biden administration so far has held a hard line against doing so.

On Saturday, the Kremlin-installed head of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, said in a post on the Telegram messaging app that a missile launched from the Ukrainian side had been downed over Feodosiya on the eastern coast of Crimea. It was impossible to independently confirm his claim, which if true would suggest that Ukraine had developed longer-strike capability. There was also no immediate comment from Ukraines military. Kyiv has maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity around strikes on the peninsula, which to date have largely involved attack drones.

In Moscows view, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson are also now legally part of Russia. And encouraging Ukrainians to take up Russian passports has been part of a broader strategy that Moscow has pursued in the yearlong war, with the aim of integrating those areas into Russias administrative structures.
On the afternoon of Aug. 10, 1628, the Vasa, built by the Swedish to be one of the most powerful warships in the Baltic, set off from the palace docks in Stockholm.

The Vasa did not even make it one mile.

A strong gust of wind caused the 226-foot-long ship to keel over as water poured in through its open gun ports, which were on display for its maiden voyage.

About 150 people were believed to be on board when it sank; about 30 died.

Now, nearly 400 years later, advanced DNA testing is allowing researchers to learn more about the ships dead, including a woman known as G, whom researchers had long believed to be a man. They even named her Gustav in a museum display.
LVIV, Ukraine  A cache of leaked Pentagon documents portrays the Russian military as running out of steam, short on men and equipment, and facing stalemate. But one group of Russian fighters stands as an exception.

The mercenary group Wagner  known for its skill on the battlefield, its army of former prisoners and its murder of at least one perceived traitor with a sledgehammer  remains a potent force, with influence not just in Ukraine, but all over the world, according to the documents. Wagner, the documents say, is actively working to thwart American interests in Africa and has explored branching out to Haiti, right under the nose of the United States, with an offer to help that countrys embattled government take on violent gangs.

According to one confidential document, emissaries from Wagner secretly met with Turkish contacts in February, slipping onto NATO territory in search of weapons and equipment for its fight in Ukraine.

Whether weapons actually changed hands and the Turkish authorities were aware of the effort was not clear. Officials from the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not immediately comment on the revelation.
JERUSALEM  When an unusually heavy rocket barrage hit Israel from Lebanon this week, it was the latest reminder of a long-running animus between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militia that dominates Lebanons southern borderlands.

But it also added a new and portentous dimension to the conflict, according to analysts and military officials: It reflected a growing partnership between Hezbollah and Hamas, the hard-line Palestinian militia that the Israeli military accused of orchestrating the rocket strikes, likely with Hezbollahs blessing.

Hamas, a political, social and military movement founded in 1987, has run the Gaza Strip since 2007, after seizing it from the mainstream Palestinian leadership. It has since fought regular wars with Israel, often firing rockets at southern Israel from Gaza. Hamas fighters have also carried out shooting and bomb attacks inside the occupied West Bank and Israel, which, like the United States, considers it a terrorist organization and maintains a blockade on Gaza as a result.

Now, Hamas is accused of armed activity in a fourth arena  Hezbollahs strongholds in southern Lebanon.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. Kazakh oil company Embamunaygas (EMG), the subsidiary of the national oil company KazMunayGas (KMG), plans to produce 2.7 million tons of oil in 2023, Trend reports, citing KazMunayGas.

To achieve the target, Embamunaygas will carry out geological and technical works to secure additional production of about 195 thousand tons of oil.

In addition to oil production, the company plans to extract around 225 million cubic meters of natural gas in 2023.

The CEO of KazMunayGas, Magzum Mirzagaliyev, said that Embamunaygas needs to increase its efficiency to meet the targets. He noted that the company needs to analyze and address the shortcomings, which prevented EMG from reaching the quota in 2022.

Earlier, former Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, Bulat Akchulakov said that oil production reached 84.2 million tons, while 64.3 million tons of oil was exported.
A line chart shows the share of abortions done with medication, over time, and it reveals that in 2020 the share was 53 percent.

A line chart shows the share of abortions done with medication, over time, and it reveals that in 2020 the share was 53 percent.

A federal judge has ruled to stay the federal approval of mifepristone, one of the drugs used in the most common, safe and effective abortion pill regimen. While the decision is not expected to immediately remove access to the pills, if upheld it has the potential for consequences to be felt in every state.

Nationally, more than half of reported abortions rely on medication, which is approved for use through the 10th week of pregnancy. Abortion pills are preferred among many patients and providers for their convenience, privacy and cost. Around 40 percent of the countrys clinics, including more than 80 telehealth providers, offer medication abortions only.

Abortion providers in the United States A United States map shows the location of abortion providers in states without abortion bans. The map shows that about 40 percent of providers across the country offer medication only. Abortion provider Medication-only provider 2 1 3 States in lighter color ban all abortions. More than half of California providers offer abortion only via medication. 1 All but five Maine providers offer only medication. 2 Most providers in Florida offer both medication and procedural abortions. 3 Wash. 2 Me. Mont. N.D. Vt. Minn. N.H. Ore. Idaho Wis. Mass. S.D. N.Y. Mich. R.I. Conn. Wyo. Iowa Pa. N.J. Neb. Ohio Nev. Ind. Ill. Del. Md. Utah W.Va. Colo. Kan. Va. Ky. Calif. Mo. N.C. 1 Tenn. Ariz. Okla. Ark. N.M. S.C. Ga. Ala. Miss. Texas La. 3 Alaska Fla. States in lighter color ban all abortions. Hawaii More than half of California providers offer abortion only via medication. 1 2 All but five Maine providers offer only medication. Most providers in Florida offer both medication and procedural abortions. 3 Wash. All but five Maine providers offer only medication. Me. Mont. N.D. Vt. Minn. Ore. N.H. N.Y. Idaho S.D. Wis. Mass. Mich. R.I. Wyo. Conn. Iowa Pa. N.J. Neb. Ohio Ind. Nev. Del. Md. Utah W.Va. Ill. Colo. Va. Kan. Mo. Calif. Ky. N.C. Tenn. More than half of California providers offer abortion only via medication. Okla. Ariz. Ark. S.C. N.M. Ga. Miss. Ala. Texas La. Most providers in Florida offer both medication and procedural abortions. Alaska Fla. States in lighter color ban all abortions. Hawaii Source: University of California, San Franciscos Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health Note: Data reflects facilities that were publicly providing abortion services in 2022. Telehealth-only providers are not shown on the map.

The federal case in Texas, filed late last year by a coalition of anti-abortion groups known as the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, claims that the United States Food and Drug Administration did not follow proper protocols in 2000 when it approved a two-drug abortion pill regimen of mifepristone followed by misoprostol. The groups also claim that the medications are unsafe for patients.

In Washington State, another federal judge on Friday ordered the F.D.A. to keep mifepristone available, setting up a legal standoff.

An ultimate decision to invalidate approval for mifepristone would be unprecedented  most likely the first time that a court would order the F.D.A. to revoke a drug against the agencys will. The Justice Department said it would appeal the Texas ruling.

If allowed to stand, the decision could have significant ramifications in states where abortion is legal, not just in those trying to restrict it.

This decision could definitely have an impact on what I can provide  in some ways this could be bigger than Dobbs, Evelyn Kieltyka, the senior vice president for program services at Maine Family Planning, said, referring to the U.S. Supreme Court case that overturned Roe v. Wade last year.

Ms. Kieltykas organization relies on medication for about 60 percent of abortions and operates 17 medication-only clinics in mostly rural areas.

Medication abortions by state in 2020 A chart shows the number of abortions performed in select states where abortion is legal, as well as the share of abortions that rely on medication in those states. total abortions Medication abortions 71,700 61,500 58% 37,500 41% 61% Florida New York Georgia 32,100 28,800 29,500 23,000 60% 51% 52% 40% Pa. Mich. N.C. N.J. Ohio Wash. Mass. Va. Ariz. Nev. Minn. Colo. Conn. Ind. Kan. Ore. D.C. Iowa S.C. N.M. R.I. Neb. Utah Del. Maine Hawaii Mont. Vt. Alaska N.D. Wyo. About 80% of abortions in Iowa were done with abortion pills. 100% of abortions performed in Wyoming were with pills. total abortions Medication abortions 71,700 61,500 58% 37,500 32,100 28,800 29,500 41% 61% 60% 51% 52% Florida New York Georgia Pa. Mich. N.C. N.J. Ohio Wash. Mass. Va. Ariz. Minn. Colo. Conn. Nev. Ind. Kan. Ore. S.C. D.C. Iowa N.M. R.I. Neb. Utah Del. Maine 100% of abortions in Wyoming were done with abortion pills. Hawaii Mont. Vt. Alaska N.D. Wyo. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Note: States with abortion bans currently in effect are not shown. California, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland and New Hampshire did not report to the C.D.C.

More than half of all abortions  and 64 percent of abortions before 10 weeks of pregnancy  relied on abortion pills in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And in states like Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Nebraska, Vermont and Wyoming, the share of abortions done with medication was 70 percent or higher. (A few large states that also depend on medication abortion, including California and Illinois, did not report data or did not report data by method type to the C.D.C.)

About 5.6 million patients in the U.S. have used mifepristone followed by misoprostol for a medication abortion since the approval of the regimen in 2000.

Experts say the share of abortion patients choosing medication, rather than procedures such as aspiration, is now higher because of the growth in telehealth abortion services. Patients increasingly turned to this option during the pandemic and after 13 states banned abortions following the overturn of Roe last year.

There is no doubt in my mind that the share has increased since 2020, said Ushma Upadhyay, a professor with Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health at the University of California, San Francisco, who surveys abortion care providers.

The ruling in the Texas case is preliminary, and the judge granted the government a week to file an appeal.

Abortion providers and advocates said prior to the ruling that they had been preparing for a few possible outcomes. But in several scenarios, some form of medication abortion could remain available.

Some ways the ruling could affect the availability of abortion pills A flowchart shows possible outcomes from a judges ruling and highlights how abortion pills could remain available under some scenarios. Even if the judge rules in favor of the plaintiffs, abortion pills could remain available. Judge rules fully in favor of plaintiffs, removing approval for both pills. Judge rules partially in favor of plaintiffs, removing approval for mifepristone only. F.D.A appeals or takes other action. Appeal unsuccessful. Appeal successful. F.D.A. undertakes review process and/or does not enforce the ruling. Medication abortion is available. Medication abortion is available. Abortion providers perform only procedural abortions. Abortion providers change to misoprostol- only regimen. Medication abortion is available. Even if the judge rules in favor of the plaintiffs, abortion pills could remain available. Judge rules fully in favor of plaintiffs, removing approval for both pills. Judge rules partially in favor of plaintiffs, removing approval for mifepristone only. F.D.A appeals or takes other action. Appeal unsuccessful. Appeal successful. F.D.A. undertakes review process and/or does not enforce the ruling. Medication abortion is available. Medication abortion is available. Abortion providers perform only procedural abortions. Abortion providers change to misoprostol- only regimen. Medication abortion is available.

The F.D.A. has enforcement discretion over the drugs it approves, and a big question mark in the case is whether the federal government would enforce an unfavorable ruling, something the plaintiffs acknowledged.

If the F.D.A. were to withdraw these drugs, do manufacturers persist and continue to sell drugs illegally and hope theres no prosecution from this administration? said Erik Baptist, a lawyer with the plaintiffs legal team, the Alliance Defending Freedom.

Even if access to mifepristone were limited, abortion providers say they could rely solely on misoprostol, a regimen used internationally and endorsed by the World Health Organization. Research shows this option is safe, though it is somewhat less effective at terminating a pregnancy than the combination with mifepristone.

Fridays ruling in Texas could further slow the pace of abortions in clinics that are already working to accommodate patients traveling from states with abortion bans, pushing abortions further out in pregnancy. Some providers say they could offer more procedural abortions, though these can be more costly, require additional clinician training and take more time to complete.

If our clinic has to switch to doing procedures only, we simply will not be able to meet the demand, said Ashley Brink, a clinic director at Trust Women Foundation. The foundations Wichita, Kansas, clinic sees more than 500 patients a month, many from Texas, and 60 percent choose abortion pills.

We could pivot and stretch ourselves, but you cannot make up 300 patients worth of appointments and procedures over the same amount of time, she said.
SPEEDING and dangerous driving are significant problems in the village of Cloghan, a recent meeting was told.

Cllr Clare Claffey pointed out during the March monthly meeting of Birr Municipal District that a lot of concerned locals have contacted her about this issue.

Speeding occurs regularly on the N62 near the GAA field in Cloghan, she said.

It happens from both directions but is worse coming in from the Birr side.

Cars and HGVs also perform dangerous overtaking manoeuvres before passing the entrances to both the estate and the GAA field.

The councillor said there's no crossing point and it is not safe for anybody to cross the road.

It's a worry especially with children regularly visiting the GAA field and the playground. Speeding measures have to be put in place before an accident happens. A pedestrian crossing and wider footpaths would help here.

Cllr Claffey also asked the Area Engineer John Mitchell if poor road surfaces in the vicinity of the Cloghan GAA grounds will be addressed as part of the N62 road improvements planned in 2023.

Mr Mitchell told the Councillor that the road surfaces will be improved.

In a Roads Report delivered to the meeting, Mr Mitchell told the six councillors that Birr Municipal District has received an initial allocation of 7,072,865 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland in 2023 towards National Roads Funding.

3 million of this will be going towards a Pavement Scheme on the N62 from Bolinarig Little to Derrinlough, the Engineer pointed out. One million Euros will be going towards a Pavement Scheme on the N62 from Cloghan to Stonestown. 200,000 will be going towards minor works on the N62 in the Crancreagh area (between Cloghan to Derrinlough).

He added that Birr MD has also received an initial allocation of 6,030,419 from the Department of Transport towards Regional and Local Roads funding.
A man has been charged with breaking into a Longford restaurant twice within the space of 24 hours.

Mark Kelly (36) 4 Camlin Mews, Longford appeared at a sitting of Longford District Court this week charged with entering the same restaurant twice within the space of 24 hours last week to commit theft.

The Longford man, who has a string of previous theft convictions to his name and battled drug addiction in the past, came before Judge Bernadette Owens charged with entering the Taipan Restaurant, 57 Dublin Street, Longford as a trespasser on March 25.

On that occasion, Mr Kelly allegedly stole 20 in coins before entering the same property a day later where he allegedly made off with two cans of coke and 2.

The court was told both charges could be dealt with by way of summary disposal, meaning the case was deemed suitable to be heard at District Court level.

Inspector Declan McGlynn said it would be the States case that the accused was positively identified on CCTV entering the Chinese and Thai restaurant.

Judge Owens was also informed the Prosecution would be seeking a brief adjournment into the case .

Defence solicitor John Quinn made an application for legal aid, stating his client was currently out of work and on social welfare.

The case was adjourned to a sitting of Longford District Court.
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A new Bishop has been appointed to a historic diocese taking in large parts of Offaly

Pope Francis has appointed Father Paul Connell, a priest of the Diocese of Meath, as the new Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois. The announcement was made this week.

The news of this Episcopal appointment was made this morning by Monsignor Julien Kabore, Charge dAffaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Ireland, in Saint Mels Cathedral, Longford, Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois.

Bishop-elect Paul Connell, a native of Mullingar, Co Westmeath, was born on 27 January 1958, the second of four children to Thomas and Philomena Connell.

He began his primary education with Mrs Katherine Mullaly before attending Saint Marys CBS primary school in Mullingar.

In 1970, he commenced his secondary education in Saint Finians College, Mullingar, sitting his Leaving Certificate in 1975. From Saint Finians he entered Saint Patricks College, Maynooth, where he completed his seminary training in 1982. He was awarded a BA in 1978, followed by a BD in the Pontifical University in 1981. The following year he was recipient of the Gilmartin prize in Ecclesiastical History from the Pontifical University.

Bishop-elect Connell was ordained to the priesthood in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, on 20 June 1982. Following ordination, he was briefly attached to Rochfortbridge parish before being appointed to the staff of Saint Finians College, completing his Higher Diploma in Education in 1983.

He became Vice-President of the College in 1989 and succeeded as President and Principal in 1998. From 1992 to 1994 he completed an evening Masters in Local History in NUI Maynooth, and was awarded a doctorate in history by the university in 2002. Subsequently, Bishop-elect Connell spent a number of years lecturing part-time in Ecclesiastical History at the Milltown Institute of Theology, Dublin, and has published a number of works in the area of local history.

Bishop-elect Connell remained as President and Principal of Saint Finians College until 2019. Under his direction the college became a co-educational secondary school in 2003, and its boarding school closed in 2007.

In addition, he was President of the national support body for secondary schools, the Secretariat for Secondary Schools, from 2013 to 2018. In January 2019, he resigned his position as President of Saint Finians, whilst remaining as its President. This following his appointment as Executive Secretary of the Council for Education of the Irish Episcopal Conference, based in Columba Centre of Saint Patricks College, Maynooth. In 2020, he was appointed by Bishop Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath, as Chancellor of the Diocese of Meath.

Since his appointment to Saint Finians in 1982, Father Paul has held the position of chaplain in Saint Marys Hospital, Mullingar (Cluain Lir). For many years during the summer months he has worked in the dioceses of All Saints and Saint Gabriels in the Archdiocese of Miami, USA, and more recently in the parish of Saint Gregory, San Diego. In August 2021 he was appointed as Administrator of the Parish of Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath.

Speaking this morning, Bishop-elect Connell stated, "I am also deeply honoured to be appointed bishop of this historic diocese at the heart of Ireland whose Christian life is deeply rooted in the tradition of Saint Ciaran and Saint Mel. And at its centre, this beautiful Cathedral, risen from the ashes, a true expression of the resilience, faith and loyalty of the people of this diocese. A diocese blessed with a most varied and beautiful landscape. I look forward to visiting and getting to know all its parish communities. Of course, I too have strong roots in this diocese. All my mothers people, Bigleys, Browns, Butlers, Dunnings, Feeneys, and Gleesons come from the Cornamaddy area of Athlone, Athlone town and Hodson Bay in the Elphin diocese. I have many very happy childhood memories of visits to Athlone and Cornamaddy.

"As a Church we live in interesting times, facing many challenges. Our society is in danger of losing the sense of the sacred, above all the truth that we come from God and will some day return to God. As we look around we see difficulties for the Church on all sides. The temptation to despair is great but we must rather take courage, place our trust in the Lord and move together along the synodal path that we are at present exploring. Only in this way can we fulfil our mission to preserve the faith and hand it on to future generations.

"It has been a unique privilege for me to have spent a great part of my ministry working with young people. It gives me great delight to see young people here this morning. In the words of Pope Francis, to follow Christ is to love, care and respect each other but also to love, care and respect the world around us, to protect our common home. It is a message that clearly resonates with young people.

"I am very grateful to Archbishop Francis Duffy and Bishop Colm OReilly for their presence here this morning. I hope and trust that I can adequately follow in their footsteps, as I know that their service to this diocese is remembered here with great fondness and gratitude. I am equally grateful to Bishop Tom Deenihan and Bishop Michael Smith for their presence. I deeply appreciate Bishop Toms friendship and support. I have enjoyed greatly working with him over the last five years and certainly have gained some insight from him into the task ahead. In particular his dedication and commitment to Catholic education is remarkable."
Ronan Scully, from Clara, works with Self Help Africa and has spent time in Malawi in the past. He has issued an urgent appeal for people to help those who have lost everything and who are in desperate need of assistance. He writes:

Self Help Africa has made an appeal for urgent help for the people of Malawi in the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy. The death toll from the tragedy is expected to exceed 1,200 people, and hundreds of thousands more have been left homeless, cut off from roads, electricity and clean drinking water in mainly poor, rural areas.

Cyclone Freddy, which also struck Madagascar and Mozambique, has left an appalling humanitarian situation in its wake. In total, its thought that almost one million people in Malawi require emergency food and shelter assistance. Self Help Africa are on the ground with local partners, providing tarpaulins, buckets, soap, water purification tablets and other essential supplies, to communities in displaced peoples camps and in areas where we are working.

Prior to this crisis, the people of Malawi were already facing significant challenges. Here, the average life expectancy is just 58, and 75% of the population lives on less than 2 a day. The country is currently in the grips of a deadly cholera outbreak that has already killed more than 1,700 people here in the last year.

Cyclone Freddy was the longest-lived cycloned in recorded history, and also has the highest accumulated cyclone energy of any tropical cyclone on record. The impact has been devastating. Floods and high winds have devastated homes, schools, businesses, hospitals and crops. Across Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar, up to two million people are thought to have been affected.

Cyclone Freddy is the latest in a series of weather-related disasters - including the ongoing Horn of Africa drought - that have devastated sub-Saharan Africa over the past few years. Its a sign of the deadly impact of climate change on a region whose people are the least responsible for the climate crisis, but are suffering some of its worst effects.

Richer, more industrialised nations have caused much of the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change - a reality which led to a loss and damage fund for climate disasters being agreed last year following the COP27 climate conference. I was encouraged to see Ireland take its seat recently on this committee, tasked with turning these promises into action.

The organisation I work for, Self Help Africa, have been working in Malawi for decades to reduce levels of poverty and hunger. Our focus is on agricultural production, nutrition, food security, training, the empowerment of women and climate-adaptation measures such as tree planting. All our efforts are aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty and supporting people with opportunities to change their lives for the better.

Increasingly, Self Help Africa is also responding to emergencies, and now I, on behalf of the organisation, am asking for your help and support, to join with us to assist communities in Malawi to cope with this latest challenge.

More than 350,000 households in Malawi are requiring assistance. Flooded lands and ruined harvests mean that food security is facing many families in affected regions, as is shelter and a lack of clean drinking water.

Throughout my life, Ive spent almost three decades living in Africa and Asia. Im proud to say I work for Self Help Africa, an Irish development organisation supported and funded by Irish Aid, and the generosity of people like you, the Irish public.

Id like to take a minute to share with you, an example of Self Help Africas work on the ground, in Balaka, Malawi. Here, were working with the community to diversify crops - with the excess sold for profit. One family I visited had received a loan of three types of seeds, and a crash course on crop diversification. To repay the loan, the family then simply had to pass on the first excess of crops and seeds to two other families, who signed up for the same deal. Any crops after that are theirs - to be sold for extra income, or to provide more food for the family.

Meanwhile, peanuts, a cash crop well matched to both climate and market conditions, were introduced into the village for the first time. Properly bagged nuts are largely non-perishable, travel well, and do not have to be sold at peak harvest time, so they can be held back until better prices can be obtained. Program participants, who are treated like businessmen and not beneficiaries, pay for their initial seed stock and training by returning seeds the next season.

How do we in Self Help Africa know when our projects have succeeded? We know when we can move on to the next village with a fresh load of seeds, crops and even poultry and animals, leaving profitable businesses behind. Broader initiatives include training programs to help turn small-scale agribusinesses into investable enterprises that can attract outside capital and generate real economic growth - the basis for much of our success here in Ireland.

This is just one example of the long-term impact of Self Help Africas work in Malawi and across Africa, as well as Brazil and Bangladesh. By an accident of birth I am Irish, but I could have just as easily been Malawian. My trips to Malawi and indeed many of the other African countries I have lived and worked in have made me realise the numerous similarities there are between us all. We breathe the same air. We walk the same way. Our spirits need love and acceptance. Our bodies need food, water and sleep. We share the same humanity. We are really not so different.

My thoughts often go back to the children I saw at the Self Help Africa projects I visited in Malawi, where knowledge is being passed on by local staff that will vastly improve their lives for the better. It brings me great comfort to know that these children will have the opportunity to grow and enjoy healthy lives and fulfil their potential, thanks to your support.

I understand that there are many urgent challenges for society, such as the war in Ukraine, the Turkey-Syria earthquake, the drought in East Africa that we are also responding to as well as the rising cost of living. But if you can spare any amount, no matter how small, to support Self Help Africas emergency response for Cyclone Freddy, and work in general, it all adds up to make a huge difference to the lives of people in Malawi and beyond.

You can make a donation to Self Help Africas Cyclone Freddy appeal by visiting: https://selfhelpafrica.org/ie/cyclone-freddy-emergency-appeal/

If youd like to get involved in an event or organise an event, or just find out more about the work of Self Help Africa, please phone (01) 6778880, visiting www.selfhelpafrica.org or simply send whatever you can afford to Self Help Africa, Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Road, Westside, Galway or drop me a line at ronan.scully@selfhelpafrica.org if you would like to organise a fundraiser to support our much needed work.
Over 100 cr people have listened to PM's 'Mann Ki Baat' at least once

50 years of Project Tiger: PM Modi to release new data on Tiger count in India

India

pti-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Mysuru on Saturday, his eighth visit to poll-bound Karnataka this year. Modi will visit Bandipur Tiger Reserve on Sunday and release the latest tiger census data marking the completion of 50 years of 'Project Tiger.

According to his itinerary, the Prime Minister will have a night stay in Mysuru and on Sunday, he will visit the Bandipur Tiger Reserve at 7.15 AM and release the tiger census data at 11 AM. He will also release the government's vision for tiger conservation during 'Amrit Kaal', and also launch the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA).

IBCA will focus on protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world -- Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and Cheetah, with membership of the range countries harbouring these species.

50 years of Project Tiger: Researchers identify two unique traits of Big Cats

The Prime Minister will visit Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Chamarajanagar district and interact with frontline field staff and self-help groups involved in conservation activities. He will also visit the Theppakadu Elephant camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in neighbouring Tamil Nadu bordering Chamarajanagar district and interact with mahouts and 'kavadis' of the elephant camp.

The Prime Minister will also interact with Field Directors of tiger reserves that have scored highest in the recently concluded 5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation exercise. In view of the Prime Ministers visit, security has been tightened in Mysuru.

The district administration has banned tourists visiting the tiger reserve from April 6 to April 9. In addition to it, the authorities also closed the vehicular movement on the National Highway 181 and vehicles passing through this road have been diverted in view of the VVIP visit.
BJPs CEC meet on Sunday, Karnataka list of candidates by Monday

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

The BJP' list for the Karnataka elections is likely to come out on Monday as the Central Election Committee meeting of the party will take place on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Telangana, Chennai and Karnataka over the weekend. Since he will be spending the night in Karnataka, the Central Election Committee meeting will be held only on Sunday once he returns. The Karnataka core group meeting is however likely to take place today, sources said.

It is however unclear whether the BJP will release the full list of 224 candidates on Monday. Sources tell OneIndia that the first list may contain just the names of 130 candidates. However, all attempts are being made to release the full list and get the full campaign kick-started.

Former Karnataka chief minister and senior BJP leader B S Yediyurappa will take part in the election committee meeting set to be held on Sunday. I am going to Delhi to take part in the meeting and the party will soon finalise its list, the veteran BJP leader told news agency ANI.

Elections in Karnataka will be held on May 10 and the results will be out on May 13.

Sources also said that the BJP is likely to retain all candidates who had fought and won the 2018 elections. However, the changes are expected only on those seats, where some senior leaders had resigned. The BJP will be bearing in mind that no party since 1985 has managed to come back to power and the anti-incumbency factor would weigh very heavily on the mind of the party before the list is finalised.

Before departing to Delhi, Yediyurappa sounded confident that the party would return to power in Karnataka with a full majority. "The BJP is going to get absolute majority and we are going to form the government, 100 per cent," he said.

While the BJP is yet to come out with its first list, its opponents, the Congress and JD(S) has released the names of 166 and 93 candidates respectively.

There has been a tug-of-war between the BJP and Congress over the list of candidates. The BJP has accused the Congress of trying to poach its candidates and said that the party has deliberately put the final list on hold. Chief Minster, Basavaraj Bommai said that the Congress is calling leaders from the BJP and asking them to join the party. "This is because the Congress does not have candidates," Bommai said.
Active Covid cases up 433% in Delhi since March 30: Official data

Current COVID strain mild, SII has produced five to six million Covovax doses: Adar Poonawalla

Covid tests mandatory for International passengers in Uttar Pradesh

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Amid the rising cases of Covid-19 in India, the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday made Covid testing mandatory for everyone returning to country from abroad. The samples that tested positive for the infection were also instructed to have their genomes sequenced.

The directive was issued by the state government as India registered 6,155 new Covid cases in the previous 24 hours while the number of active cases increased to 31,194.

India's COVID-19 tally now stands at 4.47 crore (4,47,51,259). The death toll climbed to 5,30,954 with 11 deaths, including two reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

India reports 6,155 news Covid cases, active cases rise to 31,194

At 31,194, the active cases comprise 0.07 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 98.74 per cent, according to the health ministry website.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 5.63 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 3.47 per cent.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,89,111, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

According to the ministry's website, 220.66 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

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Story first published: Saturday, April 8, 2023, 16:40 [IST]
IndiGo passenger accidentally opened plane's emergency exit in Dec; aircraft took off from Chennai after check

Bomb threat to IndiGo Delhi-Deogarh flight truns out to be hoax

Drunk passenger on Delhi-Bengaluru IndiGo flight tries to open emergency door; arrested

India

oi-Prakash KL

A man from Kanpur who was travelling from Delhi to Bengaluru on an Indigo flight has been arrested for attempting to open the emergency door flap.

According to the release, the incident took place on flight number 6E 308 from IGI Airport at around 7:56 AM on Friday.

The accused, Pratheek from MIG-6, from Patrakarpuram in Kanpur was in an inebriated state and was seated in 18F, a police officer told PTI.

"The drunk passenger tried to create trouble for others seated in the plane and attempted to open the flap of the emergency exit," a police officer said.

"On noticing this violation, the crew on board alerted the captain and the passenger was appropriately cautioned. There was no compromise on the safe operation of the said flight," the airlines said.

The case was registered on a complaint by a crew member Tejaswi Shah under section 290 and 336 of the IPC and 11(A) of the Aircraft Act.

The passenger was handed over to CISF upon arrival in Bengaluru. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

This is the ninth unruly airline passenger arrested in India in the past three months, according to reports.

Of late, there have been a couple of incidents of passengers creating a ruckus on flights. Notably, a drunk man was arrested for peeing on an elderly woman on an Air India flight in January.

Last week, a 63-year-old Swedish national was arrested in Mumbai on Thursday for allegedly molesting a cabin crew member onboard an IndiGo flight from Bangkok.

The accused named Klas Erik Harald Jonas Westberg was handed over to Mumbai police by the airline staff after the flight landed at Mumbai Airport. He was produced in the Andheri court on Friday and granted bail the same day on payment of Rs 20,000 bail surety.

The accused started misbehaving with the cabin crew when meals were being served on a four-hour-ling Indigo flight (6E-1052). The 63-year-old man was drunk and his run-in continued till the flight landed in Mumbai.

With inputs from agencies
Women look like 'Surpanakha' in bad clothes, says BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya kicked up a controversy by saying girls in 'bad dresses' look like 'Shurpanakha' of the Ramayana. The BJP general secretary also said that he feels like slapping young people when he sees them in an intoxicated state.

A video of his remarks, made at a religious function organised here on the occasion of Hanuman and Mahavir Jayanti on Thursday, went viral on social media.

"When I leave for home at night, I see educated young people and children under the influence of drugs....I feel like getting down (from the car) and slapping them five to seven times to sober them up,'' the BJP leader said.

Anil will be thrown out like curry leaves by BJP: Antony's younger son

"We see goddess in women. But (with) the kind of bad dresses the girls wear and move around, they do not embody goddess but look like Shurpanakha. God has given you good and beautiful body.....dress well, friends,'' he said. In the popular version of the Ramayana, Shurpanakha is the sister of the demon king Ravana.

The Congress slammed the BJP over its leader Kailash Vijayvargiya's remarks, saying it is an insult to every woman of the country and reflects the party's mindset.

All India Mahila Congress chief Netta D'souza said this not only shows his dirty mindset, but also that respecting women is not in the BJP's dictionary. "Are we living in a Talibani rule that the government will tell women what to wear, what to eat and whom to meet," she asked.

"What Kailash Vijayvargiya has said is an insult to every woman in the country. But Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani will remain silent on this. Will she break her silence on this dirty remark," D'souza asked.

The Congress leader alleged that it clearly shows that insulting women every day is the BJP's habit and respecting women is not in its dictionary.

"This shows his dirty mindset. What women should wear, will the BJP decide now. Why is Shivraj ji (Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who runs a scheme for women only to garner their votes, silent," she asked.

"Are we living in a Talibani rule that the government will tell women what to wear, what to eat and whom to meet. This only shows his mindset and mentality... who has given you the right to insult half the country's population," D'Souza said.
IMD predicts isolated heatwave conditions in parts of India from April 13

India

oi-Prakash KL

The Indian Meteorological Department(IMD) has predicted isolated heatwave conditions in Northwest and East India between April 13 to April 19.

"Now, northwest India and most parts of central India are seeing dry conditions. The thunderstorms have stopped and we are not expecting any Western Disturbance. Now, temperatures are near normal but since dry conditions are expected to continue, heat will rise and a heatwave may set in over isolated parts of northwest and east India after a week," Hindustan Times quoted IMD scientist Naresh Kumar as saying.

According to the IMD, interior Maharashtra, north interior Karnataka, interior Odisha and Telangana are expected to witness maximum temperatures in the range of 38-40 degree Celsius. However, northwest India, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are predicted to have below-normal temperatures by 2-3 degree Celsius.

Normal temperature is predicted in the rest parts of the country.

"There will be a gradual rise in temperatures now. Some weather activity is still continuing over central and west India. During the next two days, temperatures will be normal and above normal thereafter. After five to seven days, isolated heat wave conditions may develop over northwest India and towards the third week of April, over Delhi," the daily quoted Mahesh Palawat, vice president, climate and meteorology, Skymet Weather, as saying.

Centre lists 'dos and don'ts' for protection against heat wave

As part of a national action plan on heat-related illness, the Union Health Ministry has advised citizens to avoid high-protein food and cooking during the peak summer hours besides asking them to not get out in the Sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm.

In its advisory released last month, the ministry has also asked people to drink sufficient water whenever possible, even if not thirsty. It has also asked people to use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and consume homemade drinks like lemon water, buttermilk/lassi, fruit juices with some added salt and stay indoors in well-ventilated and cool places. Residents have also been advised to consume fresh fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, lemon, and orange, wear thin, loose, cotton garments preferably light coloured ones, cover head using umbrella, hat, cap, towel and other traditional head gears during exposure to direct sunlight and not go out barefoot.

The ministry further urged citizens to listen to the radio, read newspaper and watch television for local weather news and also track the IMD's website. It has asked people to watch out for symptoms of "heat stress" which include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, extreme thirst, decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine, and rapid breathing and heartbeat.

It said citizens should call on 108/102 immediately if they find someone with high body temperature; and is either unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating. "Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicle. Temperature inside a vehicle could get dangerous," the advisory read. "Block direct sunlight and heat waves: Keep windows and curtains closed during the day, especially on the sunny side of your house. Open them up at night to let cooler air in.

"If going outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to cooler times of the day i.e., morning and evening," it stated. The advisory also mentioned a list of "vulnerable population which includes infants and young children, pregnant women, people working outdoors, people having mental illness, people who are physically ill especially with heart disease or high blood pressure and people coming from cooler climate to hot climate.
Kerala train arson suspect unstable, confesses to crime, but remains silent on motive

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

The prime accused in the Kerala train arson case has confessed to his crime, but has not revealed the motive as yet.

The Kerala police in whose custody he is, said that Sharukh Saifi, the main accused in the case who was caught at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra has confessed to his crime. He has however not revealed the motive behind carrying such an attack, ADGP (Law and Order), M R Ajith Kumar told reporters.

The police has also managed to ascertain that the bag, which found on the track with a book and a bottle of petrol belonged to the accused person. The police currently has a 11-day custody of Saifi. In his diary the police had found the names of several railway stations. Saifi however told his interrogators that he was visiting Kerala for the first time. This had left investigators puzzled, which led to the suspicion that he may have acted on the directive of some other person.

Sources tell OneIndia that Saifi may have been acting at the behest of some person or as a lone wolf. The investigators are yet to ascertain what could have led him to carry out such an attack. His ideology is not known as yet. The trigger for his act is yet to be ascertained. It would be a long-drawn process for the investigating agencies since Saifi has remained silent on all the aspects. The only confession that they have managed to get out of him is that he had committed the act, the source said.

UAPA, murder charges stare at prime accused in Kerala train arson case

What is causing more problems for the investigating agencies is that they are finding his mental health unstable. While he has been declared fit by the medical officials, his answers are varying in nature. It could be genuine or just a pretence to dodge the probe, the source cited above also said.

Saifi is accused of starting a fire onboard a train in Kerala in which three people died. They died after they jumped off the train in an attempt to avoid getting burnt. Saifi then made his way to Ajmer, but jumped off the train at Maharashtra. He was found by the locals and then taken to the hospital. As his description matched with the person the Kerala police was looking for, the Maharashtra ATS swung into action and nabbed him.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that it would take a while to break Saifi and get him to spill out more about the incident. Currently, it appears that he is not mentally stable considering the fact that he himself has sustained so many injuries. The police will find a way to elicit more details out of him, the IB official also said.

Meanwhile, the Kerala police has charged Saifi with murder following his confession. The murder change was imposed due to the deaths that his act had caused. The police are however waiting for more details before they can slap charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Lithuania Timur Urazaev discussed the prospects of fostering transport and logistics cooperation with the Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania Marius Skuodis, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

The sides discussed the implementation of the agreements reached during the visit of Skuodis to Kazakhstan in June 2022, in addition to discussing the work of Kazakh-Lithuanian Joint Commission on International Transportation.

In addition, the sides also talked about the preparation of the visit of the Kazakh delegation consisting of representatives of the logistics business and government agencies to Klaipeda and Vilnius in June 2023.

Ambassador Urazaev spoke about the work carried out by the Government of Kazakhstan to develop transport infrastructure, including the Trans-Caspian international transport route (TITR), as well as digitalization in the field of international freight traffic.

Earlier, the Ambassador met with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis. Their discussion revolved around the topic of fostering the development of bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Lithuania.
SC order on EC appointments being examined, appropriate action will be taken: Govt

'Not happening for first time': Rijiju on Cong leader threatening judge to 'chop off' tongue

Kiren Rijiju escapes unhurt after car meets with minor accident in J&K

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju's bulletproof vehicle on Saturday evening met with a minor accident at Banihal area in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir. ADG Mukesh Singh said, "All are safe and it is a minor accident. Everything is under control."

According to reports, the truck had suffered a breakdown and the minister's car grazed it before coming to a halt on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban. The car was damaged but the minister was not hurt and neither were others travelling with him.

The accident took place near Sita Ram Passi in the Maroog area around 6 pm when he was on his way to Srinagar after attending two functions in Jammu and Udhampur, the officials said.

Security personnel in accompanying cars rushed and escorted the minister out of his vehicle, they said.

Rijiju later left for Srinagar and crossed the Banihal tunnel - the gateway to the Kashmir Valley - around 7 pm, the officials said.

A video of the incident shows security officials at the site following the accident.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju luckily escaped unhurt after his car collided with truck.



Incident took place just a month after his statement against former Judges. There should be proper investigation. pic.twitter.com/kydvVeUhG9  News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) April 8, 2023

Earlier in the day, Rijiju had tweeted videos of his trip to Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir. He had informed his followers that he was going there to attend a Legal Services Camp.

Going from Jammu to Udhampur in Jammu & Kashmir to attend Legal Services Camp. Many beneficiaries of the Central Govt Schemes are attending the function along with Judges and NALSA team. Now, one can enjoy the beautiful road throughout the journey. pic.twitter.com/5yg43aJX1C  Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) April 8, 2023
Over 100 cr people have listened to PM's 'Mann Ki Baat' at least once

Love Tamil culture, language and vibe of Chennai, says PM Modi

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday participated in celebrations commemorating the 125th Anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Math in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

While addressing the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Math in Chennai, PM Modi said, "Ramakrishna Math has played an important role in my life." "In Kanyakumari, meditating at the famous rock, Swami Ji discovered the purpose of his life," he said.

"I love the Tamil language, Tamil culture and the vibe of Chennai," says Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Math in Chennai. "Today, the opportunity to visit the Vivekananda House. Swami stayed at this place when he returned from his famous trip from the West. Meditating here was a special experience," he said.

Honoured to take part in the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. https://t.co/vMH2beKEKL  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 8, 2023

"I am also happy to see that ancient ideas are reaching the younger generation through modern technology," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Math in Chennai. Citing saint Thiruvalluvar, he said, "In both this world and the world of the gods, there is nothing like kindness."

Here are glimpses from the programme to mark the 125th anniversary celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai and the visit to Vivekananda House. I will always cherish this visit. Highlighted the noble thoughts of Swami Vivekananda and their relevance in todays era. pic.twitter.com/t0LDyPyZhQ  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 8, 2023

''Ramakrishna Math is serving Tamil Nadu in various areas like education, libraries and book banks, leprosy awareness and rehabilitation, healthcare, nursing and rural developments,'' PM Modi said at 125th Anniversary celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Math in Chennai.

Swami Ramakrishnananda had started Sri Ramakrishna Math in Chennai in 1897. Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are spiritual organisations engaged in various forms of humanitarian and social service activities.
No infighting, BJPs list would be a straight-forward one for Karnataka say sources

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

All eyes are on the BJP, which is all set to announce its first list of candidates. While it was being anticipated that the list would come out on Saturday, the party may wait until the parliamentary board meeting is complete, following which the first list may be out on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Karnataka during the weekend and following his return, the list may come out. Contrary to reports, BJP sources tell OneIndia that there is no infighting within the party for tickets. There are aspirants in large numbers, but all are ready to tow the party line, the source also said.

Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai told reporters in Hubbali that there are two to three aspirants for nearly all constituencies. The names would be short-listed by Saturday, he said. He also added that the Congress has no candidates in 60 constituencies and was calling up BJP leaders urging them to join the party.

Over the last four days, there has been hectic activity, with many aspirants meeting B S Yediyurappa and pitching for tickets. There is also heavy lobbying that is on with many aspirants reaching Delhi to make out their case.

For the BJP, the biggest issue while finalising the list is the winnability factor. The source cited above said that it is carefully analysing all candidates before giving them tickets. Sine 1985 no ruling party has been re-elected in Karnataka, thus signalling that the anti-incumbency factor remains in play election-after-election.

A senior leader said that the main factor would be winnability and no chances would be taken. More or less the list would not come as a surprise as many have not been denied a ticket. Changes would be seen in those constituencies from where Yediyurappa, S A Ravindranath and Halady Srinivas contested and this is to with the fact that they have announced their retirement. The seat from where Madal Virupaksha contested from will also witness a change, as he has been arrested in a corruption case. Barring these constituencies, the list will remain same, when compared to the list announced in 2018, the senior leader also said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has a hectic schedule over the weekend. He would arrive in Mysuru on Saturday evening and visit Bandipur, where he would interact with the frontline staff and self help groups involved in conservation activities. He will also visit the Theppakadu Elephant camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and interact with the mahouts of the elephant camp. He would also meet with Bomman-Bellie who were featured in the Oscar winning Netflix documentary, Elephant Whisperers.
SC order on EC appointments being examined, appropriate action will be taken: Govt

'Not happening for first time': Rijiju on Cong leader threatening judge to 'chop off' tongue

India

oi-Prakash KL

Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday slammed Congress after its party worker in Tamil Nadu threatened to chop off the tongue of the judge who convicted Rahul Gandhi in a 2019 defamation case.

"This is not happening for the first time that Congress is threatening the judiciary. Even before the Emergency, the Congress people attacked the Judiciary. They are doing it now also because they are frustrated. We believe in the Constitution," ANI quoted Rijiju in a tweet.

A Congress leader in Tamil Nadu said that once the party came to power, they would 'cut off the tongue' of the judge who sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years in jail in a 2019 criminal defamation case.

A video clip, shared by former BJP and current AIADMK member Nirmal Kumar, showed the Congress leader issuing the threat. Meanwhile, a case has been registered under three sections against him for his remark and an investigation has been initiated by the Dindigul Police.

"The Surat court judge gave two years' prison term for our leader Rahul Gandhi. Listen Justice H Varma, when the Congress comes to power, we will chop off your tongue," Manikandan the district head of the party can be heard saying in the video clip.

Gandhi was disqualified from Lok Sabha last month after his conviction by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case. Announcing his disqualification in a notification, the Lok Sabha Secretariat said that it is effective from March 23, the day of his conviction.

The Surat court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail in a defamation case filed on the basis of a complaint by BJP MLA Purnesh Modi for the Congress leader's remark "How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?" while delivering a speech in 2019.

However, the lower court had granted him bail for 30 days to appeal the verdict.

With inputs from agencies
Over 100 cr people have listened to PM's 'Mann Ki Baat' at least once

'Parivar welcomes you Modi ji': BRS puts poster ahead of PM Modi's Telangana visit

India

oi-Prakash KL

A poster war has once again started between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Hyderabad.

The BRS has put up a huge poster saying "parivar welcomes you Modi ji". A poster was put in Secunderabad with photographs of BJP leaders whose relatives were also in politics.

The BRS posters bear photographs of politicians like Devendra Fadnavis, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Rajnath Singh, Anurag Thakur and so on. BJP has often criticised opposition parties for engaging in "dynastic politics". Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's several family members, including his son, daughter and nephew, are ministers or MLAs, MLC or MPs, ANI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Telangana to lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the Secunderabad railway station on April 8.

At around 11:45 am, the Prime Minister will reach Secunderabad Railway Station and flag off Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express. At around 12:15 pm, he will attend a public function at Parade Ground in Hyderabad, where he will lay the foundation stone of AIIMS Bibinagar, Hyderabad.

He will lay the foundation stone of five National Highway projects. He will also lay the foundation stone of redevelopment of Secunderabad Railway Station and dedicate to the nation other development projects related to railways.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs. 11,300 crore in Telangana.

Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express, connecting IT City, Hyderabad with the Abode of Lord Venkateswara, Tirupati, is the second Vande Bharat train to be started from Telangana within a short span of three months. The train will reduce the travel time between the two cities by almost three and half hours and will be particularly beneficial for pilgrim passengers.

The redevelopment of Secunderabad Railway Station, to be done at a cost of Rs. 720 crore, is being planned such that it will undergo a massive makeover with world-class amenities and aesthetically designed iconic station building. The redeveloped station would be having double-level spacious roof plaza with all passenger amenities at one place along with multimodal connectivity for providing seamless transfer of passengers from rail to other modes among others.

During the Programme, the Prime Minister will flag-off 13 new Multi-Modal Transport Service (MMTS) services in the suburban section of Hyderabad - Secunderabad twin city region, providing commuters with a fast, convenient and comfortable travel option. He will also dedicate to the nation the doubling and electrification of Secunderabad-Mahabubnagar project. The project stretching for a distance of over 85 kms has been completed at a cost of nearly Rs 1,410 crore. The project will provide seamless connectivity and assist in enhancing the average speed of trains.

At the public programme at Parade Ground Hyderabad, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of AIIMS Bibinagar, Hyderabad. This is a testimony of the Prime Minister's vision of strengthening health infrastructure across the country. AIIMS Bibinagar is being developed at the cost of more than Rs. 1,350 crore. The establishment of AIIMS Bibinagar is an important milestone in providing comprehensive, quality and holistic tertiary care health services to the people of Telangana at their doorstep.

During the Programme, Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of National Highway projects worth more than Rs. 7,850 crore. These road projects will strengthen the road connectivity of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and will aid in the socio-economic development of the region.
BJP govt conducting its next election campaign through her: Tharoor on Prez Murmu's' speech

President Murmu takes maiden sortie in Sukhoi-30 fighter jet

India

oi-Prakash KL

President Draupadi Murmu on Saturday took a sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam.

The President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, flew for approximately 30 minutes covering Brahmaputra and Tezpur valley with a view of the Himalayas before returning to the Air Force Station, a statement from the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

The aircraft was flown by Group Captain Naveen Kumar, Commanding Officer of the 106 Squadron. The aircraft flew at a height of about two kms above sea level and at a speed of about 800 kms per hour. President Murmu is the third President and second woman President to undertake such a sortie.

"Later in the visitor's book, the President expressed her feelings by writing a brief note in which she said "It was an exhilarating experience for me to fly in the mighty Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

It is a matter of pride that India's defence capabilities have expanded immensely to cover all the frontiers of land, air and sea. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station Tezpur for organising this sortie," the statement added.

The video of taking a sortie in the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft was shared by news agency ANI on Twitter. (check the clip below)

#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu lands at Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam after taking a sortie in the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft pic.twitter.com/xRnjERbEnv  ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023

The President was also briefed on the operational capabilities of the aircraft and the Indian Air Force (IAF). She expressed satisfaction on the operational preparedness of the IAF.

The President's sortie in the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft is a part of her efforts to engage with the armed forces, as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. In March 2023, the President visited INS Vikrant and interacted with officers and sailors on board of the indigenously built aircraft.
SC panel more effective than JPC: Pawar on Adani row amid Opp ruckus

India

oi-Prakash KL

After his explosive claim on the report by Hindenburg Research against the Adani Group, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Saturday said he is not completely opposed to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the charges against the Adani group.

However, he batted for a probe by the Supreme Court committee will be more useful and effective.

The NCP supremo said if a JPC has 21 members, 15 will be from the ruling party and six from the opposition due to numerical strength in Parliament, which will create doubts on the panel.

He said the apex court decided to appoint a panel of retired Supreme Court judges with a direction of submitting the report in a specific time period.

"I am not completely opposed to the JPC...there have been JPCs and I have been a chairman of some of the JPCs. The JPC will be constituted on the basis of majority (in Parliament). Instead of a JPC, I am of the opinion the Supreme Court committee is more useful and effective," Pawar said.

The NCP chief also said he was not aware of the antecedents of United States-based Hindenburg Research, which has alleged stock manipulation and accounting fraud in firms belonging to billionaire Gautam Adani.

It has resulted in strident protests by the opposition Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, and others against the Narendra Modi government seeking a JPC probe. The Adani group has refuted the allegations.

"One foreign company takes a position about the situation in the country. We should decide how much focus should be on this. Instead of this (JPC), a Supreme Court panel is more effective," Pawar added.

In an interview to NDTV, Pawar came out in support of the Adani Group and criticised the narrative around Hindenburg Research's report on the conglomerate.

"Such statements were given by other individuals earlier too and there was a ruckus in Parliament for a few days but this time out-of-proportion importance was given to the issue," he said.

"The issues that were kept, who kept them, we had never heard of these people who gave the statement, what is the background. When they raise issues that cause a ruckus across the country, the cost is borne by the country's economy, we cannot disregard these things. It seems this was targeted," Pawar had said.

With inputs from PTI
Story of those 12 fascinating months: Himanta on last few days in Congress

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma shared an interview by Ghulam Nabi Azad in which he spoke about how had intervened when Sarma was about to quit the party.

While Azad's attempts did not succeed, Sarma remained in the party for another 12 months. "The story of those 12 months is quite fascinating. I ultimately left the Congress party in August 2015," Sarma said in a tweet.

In the interview with Mojo, Azad said that he was called in to step in when Himanta had declared rebellion with the support of 40-45 MLAs. "I was told to manage the situation as Himanta was close to me. The then governor, J B Patnaik was also close to him. I did both faithfully," Azad said in the interview.

"I also called Himanta to Delhi with all his supporters in different planes. The then-chief minister was also told to come to Delhi. We took stock of the satiation and evidently it was Himanta who had more support. I briefed Mrs Gandhi about the developments but she did not tell us to consult with Rahul Gandhi," Azad also said in the interview.

Azad further added, "before we were going to Assam, I got a call from Rahul Gandhi and he asked me whether we were going to Assam to change the CM. He said we can't go and called us. At that time, he was not the party president."

"As I visited Rahul Gandhi, I saw he was having tea with Tarun Gogoi, who was the chief minister of Assam at that time. Rahul Gandhi told me that he was given to understand that we were irritating Tarun Gogoi. I told him that I was given this task," Azad further added.

When I told Rahul Gandhi that Himanta was leaving the party, he told me, " let him go to RSS. Every time a Congress leader spoke about leaving, it was Rahul Gandhi who said let them go. He would never say, BJP. He always said RSS."

Azad has been critical of the party and once again ahead of his memoir, "Azaad" he criticised the party while praising the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Russia says ICC's arrest warrant against Putin has 'no meaning'

Supporting Ukraine only right choice for true 'Vishwaguru': Ukraine minister to India

Medical students returned from Ukraine can take key exam from India

Ukrainian minister to visit India next week, 1st visit since war

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova will pay a four-day visit to India from Sunday, the first official visit from the East European country since the Russian invasion began last year.

Dzhaparova will hold talks with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

It is expected that the Ukrainian deputy foreign minister may extend an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine.

The MEA announced Dzhaparova's visit to India in a statement on Saturday.

"The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova will be on an official visit to India from April 9 to 12,'' it said.

It said Dzhaparova will hold talks with Verma, during which both sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest.

Dzhaparova will also call on Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi and meet Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri.

Since the Ukraine conflict began in February last year, Prime Minister Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy a number of times.

Ukraine official: Russian prez Putin taking Belarus as ''nuclear hostage''

In a phone conversation with President Zelenskyy on October 4 last year, Modi said there can be ''no military solution'' and that India is ready to contribute to any peace efforts.

India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.

The MEA said India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine.

''Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture, and defence,'' it said.

''The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests,'' it added.

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Story first published: Saturday, April 8, 2023, 16:49 [IST]
When Karnataka had its first non-Congress government

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Karnataka which will go to polls in May has many interesting facts when it comes to the way in which political battles have unfolded.

One interesting fact is that there was a time when the Janata Party formed the government with the outside support of the BJP, CPI and CPI (M).

It was for the first time in 1983 that the Congress had been defeated. In that election, no party secured a majority and the Janata Party led by Ramakrishna Hegde won 95 of the 224. The party fell short by a majority by 18 seats.

However, it went on to form the government with the outside support of the BJP, CPI and CPI (M). The BJP which contested in 110 seats won, 18, while the CPI bagged 7 and CPI (M), 4.

The Congress which was defeated for the first time in Karnataka managed to win 82 seats. The party also witnessed a dip in its vote share by 67 per cent.

Noted psephologist Dr. Sandeep Shastri says that this was the first time that the Congress had been defeated. Hegde continued to head a minority government in the state. It was an anti-Congress alliance that he headed, which lasted two years. Hegde then resigned and called for a fresh election in 1985.

The 1985 elections was a game changer for the state and there was a serious contender for the Congress, which had won election after election in the state. In that election, the Janata Party headed by Hegde went on to win 139 seats and perched itself comfortably above the majority mark of 113. The Congress tally further came down to 65. The BJP managed to win just 2 seats, while the CPI and CPI (M) bagged 3 and 2 seats respectively.

The experts had back then commented saying that this was a spectacular victory for the Hegde-led Janata Party in Karnataka.

Hegde a Brahmin had emerged as the consensus candidate between the powerful Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities. He became the first non-Congress chief minister of the state.

Although he formed the government with outside support in 1983, he went on to resign owing to the poor showing of the party in the Lok Sabha elections. The Janata Party won only 4 of the 28 seats in the state, following which Hegde sought a fresh mandate in the state.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. Construction of a solar power plant with a capacity of 300 MW has been launched in Toru-Aygyr village of Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan.

The construction is implemented by the Kyrgyz Bishkek Solar Company and the Russian Unigreen Energy Company.

"Despite our existing opportunities, we do not fully use Kyrgyzstan's solar, geothermal, wind energy and biogas technologies. New renewable energy technologies are a reliable, stable and modern source of energy," the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov said during the capsule-laying ceremony at the site of construction.

Japarov noted that the development of renewable energy sources is the future of Kyrgyzstans energy sector.

"The government of Kyrgyzstan allocated a land plot, prepared and signed regulatory legal acts, and identified sources of funding for the project," the Chairman said, adding that everything is ready for the beginning of the power plant construction.

An agreement on the construction of the solar power plant in of Issyk-Kul region was signed between the representative of Russian and Kyrgyz companies following the meeting of the Kyrgyz-Russian intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical, and humanitarian cooperation in March 2023. The total investment of the project is up to $300 million.
Oklahoma shooting: No threat to campus, officials say

International

oi-Prakash KL

The University of Oklahoma's campus in the city of Norman is secure and there is no threat to the community, officials said, according to a report in CNN.

The announcement comes nearly 90 minutes after the school alerted that an active shooter was present on Friday.

University police also issued an "all clear" alert. "No threat was detected despite a comprehensive search. Campus is not under danger. At 10:53 p.m. CT on Friday," the institution announced on Twitter that the alert had been discontinued.

Earlier on Saturday, an active shooter was reported on campus at the University of Oklahoma in the city of Norman on Saturday (local time), the school informed in a tweet. "OU-Norman Emergency: There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!," read a post on the official Twitter account of Oklahoma University.

With incidents of gun violence on the rise across the US, an immediate alert was issued in the region by the authorities. Another tweet posted at 9.45 pm (local time) said the school police were looking into "potential shots fired" on the campus. "Avoid South Oval area. Shelter in place," the University said in the tweet.

With inputs from agencies
Crimea is a peninsula in Eastern Europe, on the northern coast of the Black Sea, almost entirely surrounded by the Black Sea and the smaller Sea of Azov. The Isthmus of Perekop connects the peninsula to Kherson Oblast in mainland Ukraine. To the east, the Crimean Bridge, constructed in 2018, spans the Strait of Kerch, linking the peninsula with Krasnodar Krai in Russia. The Arabat Spit, located to the northeast, is a narrow strip of land that separates the Syvash lagoons from the Sea of Azov. Across the Black Sea to the west lies Romania and to the south is Turkey. The largest city is Sevastopol. The region has a population of 2.4 million, and has been under Russian occupation since 2014.
Southampton Football Club is an English professional football club based in Southampton, Hampshire, which competes in the Premier League. Their home ground since 2001 has been St Mary's Stadium, before which they were based at The Dell. The club play in red and white shirts. They have been nicknamed "The Saints" because of the club's beginnings as a church football team at St Mary's Church. Southampton share a long-standing South Coast derby rivalry with Portsmouth, in part due to geographic proximity and both cities' respective maritime histories.
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The Taiwan Strait is a 180-kilometer -wide strait separating the island of Taiwan and continental Asia. The strait is part of the South China Sea and connects to the East China Sea to the north. The narrowest part is 130 km wide.
Featuring a game made famous by The Fonz, halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide an unassuming-looking motel is home to a glittering and ever-changing museum of pinball.
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The Ukrainian president hosted an Iftar with Muslim officials, including the Crimea's Tatars. Meanwhile, Kyiv said it will resume electricity exports to Europe after a six-month halt. DW has rounded up the latest.
South Africa has learned with "shock and dismay" that the United Arab Emirates turned down the extradition of Atul and Rajesh Gupta, who are accused of organizing corruption on an industrial scale.
Dozens of priests have been killed in recent years in an area of Mexico plagued with cartel violence.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held an online meeting with the UN Deputy Secretary General, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Olga Algayerova during which they discussed priority areas of cooperation, Trend reports with reference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

According to the information, the parties discussed the ongoing work on the opening of the new administrative center of the Ahal region of the Turkmen city of Arkadag, identified possible directions for providing experience in its construction and increasing the importance of the city in the UNECE space.

Furthermore, special attention was paid to the issues of preparation for the participation of the delegation of Turkmenistan in the 70th session of the UNECE and the Ministerial Meeting of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia.

Meanwhile, in mid-March, the delegation of Turkmenistan held a number of meetings in Geneva (Switzerland) with representatives of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Trade Center, and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), during which it confirmed the country's firm commitment to becoming a full member of the WTO.
After Burnley seal an immediate return to the Premier League, BBC Sport takes a look at how Vincent Kompany transformed the Clarets.
The Canadian government says it's committed to supporting critical minerals projects, a key part of the economy of the future. But proponents say more action is needed to actually start mining.
AFP English 10 Apr 2023

The picturesque town of Ballina on the banks of the River Moy in northwest Ireland hums with activity ahead of a visit by its..
Thabo Bester reportedly faked his own death to break out of prison last year. A South African team is now due to travel to Tanzania to facilitate his return.
Two British sisters who died in a shooting in the West Bank have been named by Israel's prime minister.
Officials have decried the "despicable and barbaric attack," but did not immediately say who was behind it. The West African country has been fighting militants linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group since 2013.
Russia has deported more than 16,000 children since the start of the invasion, according to Kyiv. The International Criminal Court has accused Vladimir Putin of war crimes for unlawfully deporting children.
A federal judge in Texas ordered that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration halt its approval of the abortion pill mifepristone on Friday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged wealthy nations like the U.S. to move up their net-zero carbon emissions goals to 2040, which many Republicans oppose.
New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Friday the Biden administration should ignore a federal judge's decision halting the FDA's approval of the abortion pill mifepristone.
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China started military exercises around Taiwan for three days as a show of anger towards the meeting between the Speaker of US House of Representatives and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. This move comes just after China hosted senior European leaders, and has been expected because of China's opposition to the US meeting.
Forty-two Chinese fighter jets briefly crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait on Saturday as China began drills around Taiwan in anger at President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
General Motors' Cruise autonomous vehicle unit has recalled 300 robotaxis to update software after one of them rear-ended a municipal bus in San Francisco. Cruise says in government documents posted Friday that the robotaxi inaccurately predicted how the bus would move as it pulled out of a bus



#generalmotors #cruise
The Israeli military said Saturday that three rockets were launched from Syria toward Israeli territory, a rare attack from the countrys northeastern neighbor that comes after days of
JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said Saturday that three rockets were launched from Syria toward Israeli territory, a rare attack from the countrys northeastern neighbor that comes after days of worsening violence. The military said the rockets caused no damage or casualties. Only one rocket



#jerusalem #israeli #syria #golanheights #palestinian #lebanon #gazastrip #alaqsamosque #westbank #telaviv
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As the launch bay door closed on Star Wars Celebration 2023, Disneys Jedi Counsel announced the timing and location of the..
A delegation from Saudi Arabia has arrived in Iran to discuss mechanisms for reopening the kingdoms embassy in the Islamic Republic, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Saturday, Trend reports citing IRNA.

According to the SPA, the delegation will also discuss the reopening of the Saudi consulate in the holy city of Mashhad, northeast Iran.

The visit marks the first by a Saudi delegation to Iran since the two sides agreed to resume diplomatic relations after more than seven years under a deal brokered by China on March 10, 2023.

The agreement was signed by the top security officials of Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Following that and on Thursday, April 6, the foreign ministers of the two countries met in the Chinese capital Beijing for the first formal gathering since the China-mediated deal.

The top diplomats agreed to follow up on arrangements to reopen their diplomatic missions in their respective countries, and to facilitate visas for Iranian and Saudi citizens, among other things.
New Amendments to Hungary's Gambling Act Implemented by Regulatory Authority

Published April 8, 2023 by OCR Editor

Hungary's regulatory authority has recently implemented a series of amendments to the country's Gambling Act. The updated legislation includes several changes to regulate the gambling industry and protect consumers. These amendments respond to growing concerns about problem gambling and the need for stricter sector oversight.

In response to recent amendments to Hungary's Gambling Act, the country's gaming regulator, the Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs (SZTFH), has issued a decree introducing new technical measures. The legislation, which took effect on 1st January 2023, aims to end Hungary's sports-betting state monopoly system and replace it with a competitive licensing process overseen by the SZTFH.

The new requirements mandate that operators seeking authorization from the SZTFH must have at least five years' experience in offering licensed online gaming within the European Economic Area. Additionally, companies that broadcast unlicensed gaming within five years of their application date are ineligible for a license. These measures were implemented following a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union in 2017, which deemed the previous system unlawful.

Under the new regulations introduced by Hungary's Gambling Act, operators seeking authorization from the SZTFH must pay an application fee of HUF10m (23,000/26,000/$29,000). Additionally, businesses must have a minimum share capital of HUF1bn, and pay a license fee of HUF600m, 2.5% supervision fee, and a 15% gaming tax on their gross gambling revenue. However, the supervision fee only applies to a maximum of HUF10m in costs.

To date, the SZTFH has not yet approved any foreign operators seeking to launch in Hungary, with the sole license awarded to the state-owned former monopoly, Szerencsejatek Zrt, which operates through the Tippmixpro.hu online portal. Three Hungarian land-based casinos have also been approved to offer online casino gaming under a tethered license.



Hungary recently introduced further amendments to its Gambling Act in January 2023 to facilitate the new gaming market. Among the changes was the allowance for consumers to have multiple balances linked to each game, replacing the previous limitation of only one balance per player. Additionally, the legislation permits businesses to offer early cash-out options, subject to the same rules and restrictions governing the payment of winnings.

The regulatory authority, SZTFH, has implemented the newly amended legislation on a state agency level through a decree, which includes a new safer gambling feature to accompany the roll-out of early cash outs in Hungary. The decree mandates that gambling operators must explicitly draw players' attention to the increased risk of excessive gambling and addiction associated with using the early cash-out feature. This warning must appear in the same font size as promotional text and be available on the gambling website.
TEL AVIV: A car-ramming incident in Tel Aviv resulted in the death of an Italian tourist and injuries to five other individuals on Friday. The incident occurred just hours after two Israeli sisters were killed in a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank.

The attacks, after a night of crossborder strikes in Gaza and Lebanon, added to heightened Israeli-Palestinian tensions following Israeli police raids in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque this week.

The tensions threatened to spiral into a wider conflict overnight as Israel responded to a barrage of rockets by hitting targets linked to the Islamist group Hamas in Gaza and southern Lebanon, but the fighting entered a lull on Friday.

However, the two attacks underlined how volatile the situation remains after successive nights of trouble that have drawn worldwide alarm and calls for calm.

The two attacks underlined how volatile the situation remains after successive nights of trouble that have drawn worldwide alarm and calls for calm. Photo: Reuters/Rami Amichay

In the latest attack, a car ploughed into a group on a street near a popular bike and walking path on a Tel Aviv promenade. The driver was shot dead by a nearby police officer when he tried to pull a gun, police said.

An Israeli security source identified the assailant as an Arab citizen of Israel from the town of Kafr Qassem.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service said the victims were all foreign tourists. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that an Italian had been killed and other Italians may have been among the wounded.

Earlier on Friday, two Israeli sisters, aged 20 and 16 with joint British nationality, were killed and their mother wounded in a shooting attack on their car near the Jewish settlement of Hamra in the Jordan Valley.

In the latest attack, a car ploughed into a group on a street near a popular bike and walking path on a Tel Aviv promenade. Photo: Reuters/Rami Amichay

"Our enemies are putting us to the test again," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after visiting the site of the attack with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

As soldiers hunted for the gunman, Netanyahu ordered border police reserves and additional military forces to be mobilised to confront the wave of attacks.

The U.S. State Department condemned the attacks, saying "the targeting of innocent civilians of any nationality is unconscionable."

FLASHPOINT

No claim of responsibility was made for either of Friday's attacks, but Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the blockaded Gaza Strip, praised them and linked them to the tensions around Al-Aqsa mosque.

Friday prayers passed without major incident and apart from some stone-throwing, police said the situation had been quiet.

Twice this week Israeli police have raided the mosque, where hundreds of thousands of worshippers have been praying during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, to dislodge groups they said had barricaded themselves with the aim of causing trouble.

Footage of officers beating worshippers who confronted them aroused concern, even among Israel's allies, and prompted condemnation across the Arab world.

The site in Jerusalem's Old City, holy to both Muslims and Jews, who know it as Temple Mount, has been a longstanding flashpoint, notably over the issue of Jewish visitors defying a ban on non-Muslim prayer in the mosque compound.

Clashes there in 2021 helped set off a 10-day war between Israel and Hamas. The exchange of cross-border fire awakened memories of that conflict, but as the lull in fighting extended on Friday, neither side seemed keen to prolong the fighting.

"Nobody wants an escalation right now," an Israeli army spokesman said. "Quiet will be answered with quiet, at this stage I think, at least in the coming hours."

One official with a Palestinian militant group told Reuters they were ready to keep the calm should Israel do the same, with the group having "made its point". A Qatari official said Qatar was helping international efforts to de-escalate the situation.

Even before the flare-up of the past few days, the West Bank has seen a surge of confrontations in the past several months, with frequent military raids and escalating settler violence amid a spate of attacks by Palestinians.

Since the beginning of the year, at least 18 Israelis and foreigners have been killed in attacks in Israel, around Jerusalem and in the West Bank. In the same period, Israeli forces have killed more than 80 Palestinians, most of them fighters in militant groups but some of them civilians.

In the aftermath of the overnight strikes in Gaza, streets were largely empty except for some taxis and emergency vehicles. In Gaza City's Tufah neighbourhood, some houses and a children's hospital were damaged.

Taxi driver Muhanad Abu Neama, 23, said his family barely escaped Israeli air strikes that hit near his house, filling rooms with dirt and debris and damaging his car.

"I could hardly see because of the dust, the dirt covered my sisters' beds and I carried them out one by one," he said.

With the international-led peace process long moribund, Palestinians' hopes of creating an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza with East Jerusalem as its capital, have faded. Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and annexed it as its capital in a move not recognised internationally.

Israel's new hard-right government is set on expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank and includes members who rule out a Palestinian state. Hamas for its part spurns coexistence with Israel.

(With inputs from Reuters)
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a prominent Muslim body, has denounced the "provocative acts of violence and vandalism" during the Hindu festival of Ram Navami in India.

In a statement on Tuesday, the OIC said instances of attacks on Muslims during the nine-day festival were a "vivid manifestation of mounting Islamophobia and systemic targeting of the Muslim community in India".

Not surprisingly, India's foreign ministry condemned the statement, saying the OIC showed an "anti-India agenda". "This is one more example of their communal mindset and anti-India agenda. OIC only does its reputation damage by being consistently manipulated by anti-India forces," foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in a statement on Twitter.

Local media reports said large processions of people carrying tridents, swords, sticks and other weapons passed through Muslim neighbourhoods in several cities, raising hate slogans and even setting homes and shops on fire in some places.

According to local media reports, at least two people were killed in the violence during the festival, including one in the eastern state of Bihar, where authorities deployed hundreds of riot police and cut mobile internet services to prevent a flare-up.

The OIC said the violence during the Ram Navami processions saw the "burning of a madrassa (Muslim school) and its library by an extremist Hindu mob" in Bihar's Bihar Sharif town.

Similar incidents of violence were reported from West Bengal, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and other states, leading to more than 100 arrests across the country.

"The OIC General Secretariat calls upon the Indian authorities to take firm actions against the instigators and perpetrators of such acts and to ensure the safety, security, rights and dignity of the Muslim community in the country," the OIC said.

Hindu extremist groups have been emboldened since Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was Gujarat state chief minister during huge riots there in 2002, was elected prime minister in 2014.

Tellingly, at a conference in December last, a Hindu extremist dressed head-to-toe in the religion's holy color, saffron, called on her supporters to kill Muslims and "protect" the country.

"If 100 of us become soldiers and are prepared to kill 2 million (Muslims), then we will win, protect India, and make it a Hindu nation," said Pooja Shakun Pandey, a senior member of the right-wing Hindu Mahasabha political party.

Her words and calls for violence from other religious leaders were met with a roar of applause from the large audience, a video from the three-day conference in the northern Indian city of Haridwar shows.

According to CNN, the Hindu Mahasabha is at the tip of a broader trend in India that has seen an alarming rise in support for extremist Hindu nationalist groups since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power nearly eight years ago.

Analysts fear this rise poses a serious danger to minorities, especially Muslims - and worry it may only get worse as several Indian states head to the polls in the coming months.

"What makes the Hindu Mahasabha dangerous is that they have been waiting for a moment like this in decades," said Gilles Verniers, an assistant professor of political science at Ashoka University, New Delhi.

Hindu Mahasabha

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After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia's claim to Kaliningrad was not contested by any government, though some groups in Lithuania called for the annexation of the province, or parts of it.

Russia and Lithuania negotiated the simplified transit regime to Kaliningrad in late 1990s. Initially, Russia pushed for a right to have a military corridor, but Lithuania refused as it would breach the country's sovereignty.

Nevertheless, Russia continues to view the region as a vital element of its ability to project power in the Baltic region.

Though Lithuanian officials claim that military capabilities in Kaliningrad had been significantly diminished, they insist on strengthening the border with Belarus (main Russia's ally in Europe) in order not to allow the widening of Russia's influence.

A series of restrictions on transit through Lithuania between the Russian semi-exclave of Kaliningrad Oblast and mainland Russia were implemented in June 2022.

Among other things, the transit of coal, metals, cement, wood, building materials and high-tech products by railway transport has stopped. The governor of the Kaliningrad Oblast, Anton Alikhanov, said that the ban affected 40-50% of cargo transported between the region and the rest of Russia. On June 21, Lithuania extended restrictions on freight vehicles as well.

On July 11, Lithuania expanded restrictions on the transit of goods, starting the phased introduction of sanctions announced by the EU. The list included concrete, wood, alcohol and alcohol-based industrial chemicals.

The European Union, in its turn, tries to remain more pragmatic and not so aggressive towards Russia and Belarus. On 23 July Lithuania removed rail transit restrictions for Kaliningrad after EU revised its sanction recommendations that only apply to road transit and not rail.

Though Lithuania lost a large part of its imports when sanctions were imposed, the authorities' activity and rhetoric remain aggressive.

So, it has become known that in March Lithuania detained at the border more than 30 wagons and returned them back to Belarus. The more so, Lithuania also creates conditions resulting in huge queues of loaded trucks on the border with Russia. As of 9 am on April 4, 2023, there were 70 trucks in the direction of Lithuania and 24 more in no man's land, already cleared by Kaliningrad customs officers. Problems at the border arose on the night of Sunday, April 2, due to a "failure" in the information system of the Lithuanian customs. For more than a day, loaded vehicles were not allowed into the territory of Lithuania.

In response, Russia openly threatens Lithuania. Andrey Arkadyevich Klimov, the head of the temporary commission of the Federation Council for the protection of sovereignty, said that if the EU "does not correct the situation with the blockade, it will free Russia's hands to solve this problem by any means".

Russia tries to soften the situation and also trying to prepare the Kaliningrad region for "complete isolation and to ensure food safety and that its energy system is capable of functioning independently".

It is a big question for how long Russia is ready to tolerate Lithuania's behavior. Judging by Moscow's operation in Donbas, where it defends the Russian-speaking population, it is highly likely that Russia will not stop itself if its population in Kaliningrad region will be isolated. Is Lithuania ready to loose Suwalki Gap? To behave in such a way as Vilnius does means a possible open military confrontation.


(Image by World Union of Deists) Details DMCA



According to the anonymous author of the Gospel of Mark, the last supper was a Passover seder. Mark 14:12 states:

"And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?"

This makes clear that Jesus, IF he really did exist, was a religious/superstitious Jew who believed the Hebrew Bible is the Word of God and that he therefore believed the horrific and ungodly Passover story in the Hebrew Bible.

The ancient Jewish clergymen who wrote the Bible and its repulsive Passover story claim the Egyptians held the Jews as slaves (there is no archeological evidence that the Jewish people were ever slaves in ancient Egypt). As the story goes, God told Moses to tell Pharoah to free the Jewish slaves. God allegedly inflicted Egypt with plaques for not releasing the Jews. The plagues were: water turning to blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness and the killing of firstborn children and animals. Many people who believe the Bible and the Passover story are not aware that God allegedly "hardened Pharoah's heart" so that he would not free the Jews. This is seen at Exodus 4:21 and in 10 other verses in Exodus.

Moving directly to the Passover, which the "King of Peace" Jesus was celebrating at the last supper, the Jewish clergymen who wrote it depict God as a limited and cruel entity. They did this by claiming God would not know which houses had Jews in them and which houses would have Gentiles in them. At Exodus 12:7 they have God instructing the Jews to put lambs' blood on "the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses" so God would not accidentally kill Jews while God is out slaughtering the firstborn of the Egyptians. Then, at Exodus 12:12, the Jewish clergymen claim God said,

"For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD."

Realizing that Jesus believed in God as depicted in the Hebrew Bible helps us to understand how Jesus could teach people to fear God, as is claimed at Luke 12:5 which has Jesus teaching:

"But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him."

Deists and all freethinkers should be profoundly happy that we are not infected with these ungodly beliefs and ideas about The Supreme Intelligence/God. By helping people to realize that the Bible, nor any "holy" book, is not the word of God, we are helping to make a much better world, for as Thomas Paine wrote in The Age of Reason, The Complete Edition, "Belief in a cruel god makes a cruel man." By spreading reason-based Deism, we are fighting cruelty.
Lawmakers say a bill to increase salary transparency in Oregon is effectively dead for this legislative session after legal analysts said the proposed law could be overturned as an infringement on free speech.

Senate Bill 925 would have required employers to include the hourly rate or salary range in job listings.
Republican lawmakers squared off with Democrats over a gun control bill that came before a key committee at the Oregon Legislature on Friday.

Democrats ultimately prevailed, passing the bill out of the Joint Ways and Means Committee despite Republican qualms about potential legal costs and the bills constitutionality. That vote amplified the bills odds of becoming law.

House Bill 2005, supported by the governor and attorney general, would prohibit the sale and possession of guns without a serial number, prohibit people under 21 from having guns except for certain hunting rifles and allow cities or counties to bar people licensed to carry a concealed handgun from doing so in public buildings and on adjacent grounds. The ghost gun restrictions would take effect in September of next year.

While Republican lawmakers blasted it as unconstitutional and costly to defend and argued it would destroy father-and-child hunting rites of passage in rural communities, Democrats staunchly defended it as a way to reduce mass shootings and save lives.

Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, R-Bend, argued that the bill hasnt been vetted by both legislative chambers and raises significant constitutional issues.

I dont think we should be taking it up today because the Senate has not had the opportunity to weigh in on the policy ramifications of this bill, Knopp argued.

The Ways and Means Committees Republican co-vice chairs Sen. Fred Girod of Lyons and Rep. Greg Smith of Heppner both argued the bill would hamper hunting rites of passage for fathers and their children.

Is this bill constitutional? Girod asked the legislative lawyer who worked on the bills language.

Jessica Minifie, senior deputy legislative counsel, acknowledged its an open question whether elements of the bill could withstand legal challenges considering the new standard for evaluating Second Amendment claims.

The U.S. Supreme Court last summer struck down a New York law that placed strict limits on carrying guns outside the home and directed lower courts to use a new historical evaluation standard when considering challenges to gun regulations. Lower courts are just beginning to grapple with the ramifications of the high court ruling.

Girard promised a hell no vote on the bill. A father and a son have a right to hunt. Thats just a rite of passage in rural Oregon. This bill impedes that right to hunt, he said.

Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, said he pushed back on a ban on allowing young adults to possess all types of weapons during the drafting of the bill. Allowing 18- to 21-year-olds to use certain firearms for hunting was a hard-fought negotiation, he said.

But, Evans added, Im still at a loss at why you need an AR-15 to go hunting.

Smith, the Eastern Oregon Republican, said he came to Salem to serve as a lawmaker partly to defend the Second Amendment right to bear arms. He contended the bill would restrict the rights of his 19-year-old daughter.

What did my daughter do wrong that she cant protect herself? he asked.

Under the bill, 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds would be able to use several types of rifles and shotguns for hunting, including a single-shot rifle or double-barreled shotgun. The restriction also would not apply to those serving in the military or police officers, whether working full-time or in a police reserve program.

Federal law already bans the sale of handguns to people under 21.

Democratic lawmakers said the bill doesnt restrict hunting. Instead, they said, theyre working to reduce the number of children who have to cower under school desks out of fear that someone is coming to shoot them.

Sen. WInsvey Campos, a Democrat from Aloha who is 27 and the youngest ever member of the Oregon Senate, said her generation grew up having to go through active shooter drills at school. When students hear about a school shooting in the country, theyre terrified to go back to school the next day, she said. Campos said she supports the bill because many students around the country have been gunned down before they were able to complete kindergarten, attend a high school prom or graduate from high school.

On May 21, 1998, a 15-year-old freshman at Oregons Thurston High School in Springfield opened fire with a semiautomatic rifle, killing two classmates and wounding 24 others before his arrest. Before arriving at the school, he had shot and killed his parents at their Springfield home.

Oregons biggest college student slaughter happened years later at Umpqua Community College just outside of Roseburg. On Oct. 1, 2015, a 26-year-old man opened fire inside Snyder Hall on campus, killing nine and wounding eight others before killing himself.

Portland set a new homicide record in 2022, with 101 people killed, the vast majority of them from gun violence.

Funeral after damn funeral - thats the rite of passage, Sen. Lew Frederick, D-Portland, said his neighbors have to experience.

The kids that I deal with worry about whether theyre going to live when they go to school, when they go to the grocery store, when they go to the mall, when they go to the movie theater, he said. The right to life first is a key element for me.

The committee passed the bill on a partisan 13 to 8 vote with two lawmakers excused.

The Legislative Fiscal Office put the cost of the bill at $356,816 to cover two additional full-time employees in the state police Firearms Instant Check System unit to help conduct criminal background checks on anyone who wants to buy an unfinished frame of a gun. The money would cover the next four fiscal years, through June 2027.

The agency estimates approximately 1,000 additional background checks related to unfinished frames will occur each year. Currently, state police have a backlog of approximately 29,000 background checks for gun purchases.

The state police agency received 17 part-time positions in the 2021-23 biennium to help address the backlog, but its unlikely to be resolved when funding runs out for those positions, according to the Legislative Fiscal Office.

State police anticipate needing 19 additional positions, including 14 public service representatives, four office specialists and one business operations supervisor, as a result of this bill and to address the current backlog in gun background checks, according to the fiscal office.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian

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Police identified the man and woman fatally shot in Portlands Woodlawn neighborhood Wednesday as 30-year-old Marcel Bryant and 27-year-old Deja Willingham.

The medical examiner ruled both deaths homicides by gunshot, police said Friday.

Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 2000 block of Northeast Lombard Street just a few blocks from Woodlawn Park at 9:12 p.m. Wednesday. Officers found Willingham dead when they arrived.

As detectives began searching the area for evidence, they found Bryant dead as well, police said.

The deaths are the 20th and 21st homicides of 2023, compared to 29 at this time last year.

No arrests have been made, police said.

Investigators ask anyone with information about the Wednesday-night shootings to contact Detective Travis Law at travis.law@police.portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-0395, or Detective Ryan Foote at ryan.foote@police.portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-0781.

 Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744
For people doing time in prison, little things matter -- like the chance to eat a cheeseburger.

It sure beats the bologna sandwiches and drab, sweaty pizza served in the prison chow hall.

And so when prison staff delivered Burger King Whoppers to 1,061 men last month at Oregons largest and most far-flung prison, it was a moment to savor.

The Oregon Department of Corrections uses special meals brought in from the outside as a reward for unblemished conduct behind bars.

Snake River Correctional Institution, located in Ontario near the Idaho border, tries to host these special events four times a year, said Michael Vokral, a lead recreational specialist at the prison who helped organize the latest one. The latest one rolled out over 11 days in March.

The Burger King meals cost $12.38 per person, and, like all special meals, were paid for by the prisoners themselves, Vokral said.

Amber Campbell, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections, said meals like the ones served at Snake River last month help people in prison feel normal. She pointed out that the overwhelming majority will be released eventually.

Some of these men hadnt had a Whopper for years, and the things we might just take for granted in our day-to-day lives are things that people dont have in prison, she said. We want to make good neighbors of the folks who are incarcerated.

Luke Wirkkala, who served time at the medium-security prison, said special meals offered a break from the monotony of bland prison food.

But it came at a significant cost for some, he said. Unless they had family or friends who could offer financial support, people used their modest earnings from prison jobs to pay for the food, with meals sometimes costing as much as $20.

If you dont have someone on the outside sending you money, you wont be going to many of these, he said.

Wirkkala said he went to as many special meals as he could. Sometimes the prison would show a movie too.

Wirkkala, who lives in Long Beach, Washington, lived at Snake River from 2014 through 2018 after he was convicted of murder in Deschutes County. That conviction was overturned on appeal, and Wirkkala was later retried and acquitted.

Just having food that is closer to normal makes you feel, even for just a short while, like you are not in prison, he said. You never totally forget where youre at, but its just a little lessening of the pressure for an hour or two.

-- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie

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When Randall Gregorys parents bought him a violin from the Henry Strobel Violin Shop in 1989, a life of music began.

His violin followed him through middle school, high school, college and 23 years teaching orchestra in Salem schools. He returned to the shop in Aumsville for adjustments and repairs.

Then one day, a few months ago, his violin fell on the floor.

When Gregory picked the broken bridge off the floor, he noticed the remains of the mark that Henry Strobel Sr. (who died in 2018) always left on the parts he made.

I was never going to get another Henry Strobel Sr. bridge, Gregory said. That just added an extra tear. He took care of my violin so I could use it to teach others.

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Henry Strobel Jr. keeps his late fathers shop and legacy alive. He fixes instruments that really should have been recycled and repairs them so they can stay in the service of children, said Gregory, who has taught orchestra classes for elementary school students since 1999.

We send countless kids out there to get their first violins, he said. You are transported into another world with all of these amazing, beautiful violins.

As Strobel Jr. delicately fits new bridges to old violins, his hands are steady, but he feels the world his family knew slipping through his fingers.

People once drove from Salem and Portland to have instruments repaired or replaced at the shop. Now customers, especially the young ones, buy their violins online and watch videos to attempt their own repairs.

YouTube has kind of replaced me to some degree, Strobel Jr. said.

Many of the violin makers on the videos likely learned the basics of their craft from Strobels father. The elder Strobel created nine illustrated manuals, starting with 1989s Useful Measurements for Violin Makers: A Reference for Shop Use.

Mr. Strobels books are certainly well-known and well-regarded, said Tim Olsen, the founder of the Guild of American Luthiers (the professional term for makers of violins and other string instruments).

Before Henry Strobel Sr. published his books, measurements and techniques for making violins were passed from masters to apprentices. If you were an insider to the violin trade, you would know, Olsen said. If you were not, you would not know.

Strobel Sr.s books changed that. He earned respect for being a reliable source for accurate, complete information, Olsen said.

Not all luthiers like the idea of sharing information, said Olsen. I dont think that he broke any taboos or stole any hidden knowledge, although the violin crowd has been a much more closed community than the guitar crowd for a long time.

Nonetheless, Strobel Jr. said his father became a legend in the music community. People flocked to the shop on Mill Creek Road to meet him. My dad signed a lot of autographs, he said. They even wanted my autograph.

The Strobels are particularly beloved by people associated with the Salem Youth Symphony, said Joyce Epp, the symphonys executive director from 2008 to 2018.

Strobel Sr. joined the symphonys board of directors in 1999 and served until shortly before his death. Early in his tenure, he helped the symphony become an independent nonprofit after years of depending on Willamette University and other sponsors.

When the symphony marked its 50th anniversary in 2005, he wrote an extensive history of the organization. He was a very important part of the organization and some of the changes it made, Epp recalled.

Through it all, she said, he continued to provide children with string instruments.

Providing students with affordable instruments was definitely a motivating factor for him, Epp said. The violin-making itself was important, but his motivation seemed to come from wanting to help the young people.

Strobel Jr. tends the shop by himself these days.

He keeps the business going largely for the young people who need violins and cellos for their school orchestras, he said. I dont get fancy clients coming in with multi-thousand-dollar Stradivarius violins.

The shop sells traditional violins, cellos and violas as well as the occasional double bass and guitar. Nothing is electric. Prices typically range from $200 to $2,000, Strobel Jr. said, because of the wide variety of instruments. Student instruments generally sell at the lower end of that range.

Many violins that people purchase online are cheap and shoddy, he said. The challenge is to make them sing. Its rare that you find a violin that you cant make sound good, Strobel Jr. said.

The price of repairs can be as little as zero for repeat customers who need simple fixes. Or a customer may only pay $30 for a missing part. Overall, Strobel Jr., said he likes to keep repair bills under $300 unless a major renovation of an antique instrument is required.

If an inexpensive violin can be saved, however, Strobel Jr. said it can still make beautiful music.

If you get a modern engineered plywood one, it actually sounds halfway decent and, of course, if you have a professional musician playing it, youre not going to know the difference between the Stradivarius and this one -- maybe a little bit, he said.

Anything youre playing is going to get the job done, provided its set up properly, he added.

Strobel Jr. said he also keeps the shop, started in 1985, going out of respect for his fathers legacy. His father grew up in a poor family in Tell City, Indiana, and learned to play the violin in the local Catholic school. He was taught by the nuns at school, he said. They had a rinky-dink violin that he could play.

He later became an electronics engineer in the Air Force, retiring as captain, before applying the precision of his engineering training to making instruments -- finishing his first violin in 1969. He never forgot the people who lived in poverty in Indiana, Strobel Jr. said. He turned away almost nobody.

The elder Strobel turned to publishing in the 1980s as he aged and was no longer able to perform the delicate work of making and repairing instruments.

In an interview in 1992, the elder Strobel reflected on his first book. I really compiled Useful Measurements for Violin Makers for use in my own shop so that I would know what I was doing, and it sold 5,000 copies, he told interviewer Jonathan Peterson in the trade publication American Lutherie.

Strobel Jr. never played the violin himself. He majored in English and minored in art at Western Oregon University before returning to Aumsville to take on the family business in 2003.

What happens is that you hear all these people playing violin music in the background, Dad is tuning up in the library constantly, then you accidentally develop an ear for what was supposed to be there, he said.

These days, Strobel Jr. hears the unmistakable sound of a coda as the little rural shop that grew to a legendary crescendo plays its final measures. Its probably going to end with me, he said.

The Henry Strobel Violin Shop: 10878 Mill Creek Road S.E., Aumsville; 503-749-1742. Henry Strobel Sr.s books are available for purchase at www.henrystrobel.com.

 Tom Henderson, for The Oregonian/OregonLive
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will head the Russian delegation at the fourth foreign ministers meeting of the neighboring countries of Afghanistan, due in Samarkand on April 13, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported on Friday, Trend reports citing TASS.

"The fourth ministerial conference of Afghanistan's neighboring countries (with the participation of Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) is scheduled for April 13 in Samarkand (Uzbekistan). The Russian delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov," the ministry said.

The meeting will discuss further steps by regional partners to facilitate an Afghan political settlement and stabilize the humanitarian and socio-economic situation in the country, the ministry specified. "Given the complicated security situation and growing terrorist activity and drug production in Afghanistan, the coordination of counter-terrorist and anti-drug efforts of the regions countries is especially important," the Foreign Ministry added. "Special attention will be paid to regional economic integration and implementation of transport and energy projects with the participation of Kabul in accordance with previously reached agreements," the ministry summed up.
A Lincoln High School student was hit and bloodied in the back of the head with a wooden sign-holder during a gun violence protest Wednesday, after he staged a counter-demonstration in favor of the Second Amendment, police and school officials said.

Sgt. Kevin Allen, a spokesperson for the Portland Police Bureau, said the 15-year-old was treated at the downtown Portland protest for a cut on his head and later received further medical treatment. In a message sent Thursday, Lincoln High School principal Peyton Chapman wrote that the student eventually went to the emergency room and got stitches but was able to return to school the following day.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek condemned a federal ruling Friday that could end access to mifepristone, a drug used in most abortions, but assured Oregonians that abortion will remain accessible in the state.

This is a shameful, dangerous ruling that will prevent patients across the country from accessing safe, effective medication, Kotek said in a statement. Abortion is still accessible and legal in Oregon. As your Governor, I believe in the right to reproductive freedom and will continue to be a fierce advocate for that right.

A federal judge in Texas on Friday ordered a hold on U.S. approval of the medication, throwing into question access to the nations most common method of abortion in a ruling that waved aside decades of scientific approval.

The immediate impact of the ruling by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, which does not go into immediate effect, was unclear. In a competing ruling Friday in a federal court in Washington, U.S. authorities were ordered not to make changes that would restrict access to the medication in 17 Democratic-led states, including Oregon, that sued over the issue.

The abortion drug has been widely used in the U.S. since 2000 and there is essentially no precedent for a lone judge overruling the medical decisions of the Food and Drug Administration. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortion in the United States, along with misoprostol, which is also used to treat other medical conditions.

In 2021, medication abortion accounted for nearly 60% of abortions performed in Oregon, according to Oregon Health Authority data.

Kacsmaryk, a Trump administration appointee in Amarillo, Texas, signed an injunction directing the FDA to stay mifepristones approval while a lawsuit challenging the safety and approval of the drug continues. His 67-page order gave the government seven days to appeal.

Simply put, FDA stonewalled judicial review  until now, Kacsmaryk wrote.

He didnt go as far as the plaintiffs wanted by withdrawing or suspending the approval of the chemical abortion drug and removing it from the list of approved drugs. But he put a stay or hold on approval of the drug.

Federal lawyers representing the FDA are expected to swiftly appeal.

Clinics and doctors that prescribe the two-drug combination have said that if mifepristone were pulled from the market, they would switch to using only the second drug, misoprostol. That single-drug approach has a slightly lower rate of effectiveness in ending pregnancies, but it is widely used in countries where mifepristone is illegal or unavailable.

The lawsuit was filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which was also involved in the Mississippi case that led to Roe v. Wade being overturned. At the core of the lawsuit is the allegation that the FDAs initial approval of mifepristone was flawed because it did not adequately review its safety risks.

Courts have long deferred to the FDA on issues of drug safety and effectiveness. But the agencys authority faces new challenges in a post-Roe legal environment in which abortions are banned or unavailable in 14 states, while 16 states have laws specifically targeting abortion medications.

Kotek said she would would work with the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Justice and the Biden administration to figure out what to do next. Washington officials said this week they had previously bought 30,000 doses of mifepristone in anticipation of the Texas judges adverse ruling. Oregon health officials said Friday they have not taken similar steps.

OHA wants to reassure patients and providers that mifepristone and abortion remain safe, legal and available in Oregon, the agency said in a statement.

 The Associated Press

 Fedor Zarkhin
Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill that would create a legal definition for domestic terrorism and make the crime a felony punishable by 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.

Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, introduced House Bill 2772 in January following the release of a 2022 report by the Oregon Secretary of State recommending such legislation. The bill is being considered by the Joint Ways and Means Committee.
At a certain age  mine  cruel things begin happening to people you care about. Arteries clog. Nerve cells unravel. Cancers show their claws. Month after month, the pace of discouraging news accelerates.

Thats why I want to share the story of Steve Ulrich.

Ulrich, 66, is the long-time receiving foreman at Duckwall Fruit in Hood River, and in November his heart called it quits. He wasnt surprised. His father and three uncles died of heart issues in their early 60s. Ulrich has twice needed cardioversion to reset his hearts rhythm.

This time, he went to Hood River Memorial with a bladder infection and ended up in the Heart Institute at Providence St. Vincent, hooked up to a state-of-the-art ventricular assist device.

They put me on a machine to keep me alive, Ulrich says. And you cant keep someone alive on one of those things forever.

Steve Ulrich, pre-op.

His need for a new heart was desperate, the opening to a paragraph that rarely ends well. But as luck would have it, that heart became available in early December. Before transplant surgery, however, Ulrich was told someone must volunteer to serve as his caretaker for the first three months of his recovery.

They dont want to waste a good heart, says Leigh Rubin, the guy who volunteered. They want to make sure someone is going into a good situation. No three-month guarantee, no heart.

Rubin lives in San Luis Obispo County, north of Los Angeles. Hes the syndicated cartoonist who has been drawing Rubes for the last 40 years. He met Ulrich in sixth grade, and when asked about their half century together, Rubin quotes from the last line narrator Richard Dreyfuss types in the film Stand By Me: I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve.

Ulrich still has many friends from those days, but wanted Rubin at his side: He works hard. He loves his wife and dog. Hes easy-going and hes funny as hell.

Ulrich and his daughter, Flora, on the hiking trail

Yet Rubins commitment was more than that. The risks of heart transplants are traumatizing. I was terrified, quite honestly, says Flora Ulrich, Steves daughter. No matter what the options were, they were all scary. I was going to lose him in weeks. Or I was going to see him in a bed, not able to respond. He could have had a stroke. There are so many unknowns.

How consoling, then, Flora Ulrich says, that Rubin wanted to show her father that his best friend from all these years was going to stand by his side.

A team of six cardiac surgeons, led by Dr. Kevin J. Koomalsingh, operated on Ulrich on the night of Dec. 8. Early the following morning, Rubin received this text from Flora:

The transplant went well. I got a call from the surgeon at 4:45. Normal loss of blood and some transfusions. The new heart woke up well  surgeons words.

Ulrichs revival was far more exhausting. He was hospitalized for the next two months, then moved with Rubin into an Airbnb near Providence St. Vincent. Hed lost more than 80 pounds. He needed, Rubin says, a catalog of pharmaceuticals, none of which were much help with the bed sores.

Rubin was invariably at his side, handling the laundry, doing the cooking  or what passes for cooking  wheeling Ulrich to his medical appointments, and providing the color commentary during evenings of Good Omens and the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

He was far from the only one who lent a hand. Kathy Nishimoto worked with Ulrich for years at Duckwall, and was especially touched by the way he reached out after her husband, Rick, died of a heart ailment in 2019: He would always check on me. You know how often you ask, How are you doing? and barely wait for the answer? Steve wanted my answer. Hed stop his forklift and say, How are you really? What do you need? and just listen.

Nishimoto took charge of the insurance issues she knew Ulrich couldnt deal with on his own. She also started a GoFundMe campaign for him, and was overwhelmed by the donations that poured in from Duckwall employees and pear growers in the Hood River Valley.

Steve Ulrich flanked by Leigh and Terese Rubin

A month after Rubin returned to California, Ulrich is back at his home along a remote stretch of the Dee Highway, dreaming of steelhead and listening for the delivery trucks that drop more pharmaceuticals at his door. Hes not out of the woods. Im still coming back in focus, Ulrich says. The drugs do stuff. They call it brain fog. When I get up in the morning, Im feeling pretty good. When I take the medicine, its, Here we go again.

But hes amazed to be alive, and a similar sense of wonder and gratitude ripples through those who welcomed him back. Rubin is inspired by the technology and tenacity he saw at Providence St. Vincent: Look what can be done when people get together to save one persons life.

I have never seen such a coming together of people for someone who deeply deserves it, Flora Ulrich adds. I felt very much alone when this started. I didnt know if he could make it. There are so many beautiful stories that have come out of this. And so much hope.

And as Ulrich slowly works his way back to the river and the hiking trails, Nishimoto hopes a few more of us will take this lesson to heart: Be nice. You never know when you might need people.

-- Steve Duin

stephen.b.duin@gmail.com
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A Texas couple say their infant daughter was wrongfully taken from their home by child protective services and are demanding her immediate return.

At a press conference on Thursday, Rodney and Temecia Jackson said police and county officials showed up at their Dallas County home on March 28 and took their 1-week-old daughter Mila from them, then handed them paperwork that bore the name of a different set of parents whom theyd never heard of. They said they believe Child Protective Services used the troubled history of the wrong mother to justify taking their child.

I felt like they had stolen my baby as I had had a home birth, and they were trying to say my baby belonged to this other woman, said Temecia Jackson. She said she was home alone with her 7-day-old daughter when police and CPS officials arrived to take the baby. Her husband had just returned from walking the family dog and was arrested in the front yard after refusing to unlock the door for police, the couple said. He was later released.

A representative from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services told Reckon the department cant release information publicly because CPS cases are confidential.

Temecia Jackson said she gave birth to Mila at their home on March 21, attended by Cheryl Edinbyrd, a certified professional midwife licensed by the state of Texas. The birth went well, she said, and Mila was born a healthy 6 lbs. 9 oz.

Three days later, the Jacksons said, they took Mila to their pediatrician, Dr. Anand Bhatt, for a checkup. Temecia said Mila was seen by the nurse practitioner, who said Mila looked fine except that she had jaundice, a condition common in newborns in which a babys liver isnt mature enough to remove bilirubin  a substance made during the bodys normal process of breaking down old red blood cells  from the bloodstream. Jaundice typically resolves without medical intervention but can in some cases be more serious.

We left the visit thinking everything was fine, said Temecia. A couple of hours later, the pediatrician called my phone and wanted us to direct-admit Mila to the hospital.

In a letter to CPS, Bhatt said Mila had a bilirubin level of 21.7, and that at a bilirubin over 20, a baby risks brain damage, because the bilirubin can cross the blood brain barrier, according to a report from WFAA. Bhatt wanted Mila to undergo phototherapy at the hospital, which is a standard treatment for jaundice.

What followed was back-and-forth texts and calls between herself and the pediatrician, she said. She told him she and Mila were receiving follow-up care from their midwife and that they would be able to safely treat Mila at home. She said she told him they would follow the care options hed outlined for them, including making sure Mila got enough breastmilk, providing Mila phototherapy treatment and giving him the contact information for her midwife.

Temecia said Bhatts texts became aggressive, and he said if she didnt take Mila to the hospital he would call CPS.

In his letter to CPS, Bhatt said he filed a report with CPS after multiple attempts to appeal to the family.

Parents are very loving and they care dearly about their baby, Bhatt wrote in his letter, obtained by WFAA. He was concerned they would not have the right kind of light source for the phototherapy. Their distrust for medical care and guidance has led them to make a decision for the baby to refuse a simple treatment that can prevent brain damage.

Police and CPS officials came to the Jackson home twice the following day, the couple said, but the Jacksons refused to let them in the house. In the meantime, Edinbyrd told Reckon, she was monitoring Milas case of jaundice. She said Mila was eating well and having regular bowel movements and it appeared the jaundice was clearing up.

Temecia comforts her husband Rodney Jackson. The Texas couple say officials wrongly removed their infant daughter from their home on March 28, 2023. (Courtesy of Cheryl Edinbyrd)

On Tuesday, March 28, they said DeSoto police officers and CPS officials came again with EMS and other emergency personnel, while Temecia was home with Mila and Rodney was walking the dog in the neighborhood. Temecia said she refused to let the police in the house and called Rodney. When Rodney arrived at the home, he said officers arrested him when he refused to unlock the door. He said they took his keys to be able to enter the house.

Temecia said officials then took Mila from her arms and handed her an affidavit that had been signed the previous day by the pediatrician. But the affidavit didnt have Temecias or Rodneys names anywhere on it, she said. Instead, it listed the name and personal history of a woman and man shed never heard of, she said.

We dont know where the mistake was made, she said, either by the doctor reporting it or by (child protective services) who took the call. We dont know who these people (listed in the document as Milas parents) are.

Edinbyrd told Reckon the affidavit includes a history of the womans multiple prior interactions with CPS. Temecia said the family has never had prior involvement with child services.

When Reckon called Bhatts office for comment, an office employee redirected the call to the patient relations department of Baylor Scott & White Health, the Dallas-based health system that employs Bhatt.

A representative of Baylor Scott & White declined to comment on the case specifically, citing patient privacy, but said, We do abide by reporting requirements set forth in the Texas Family Code and any other applicable laws.

The Jacksons say they have contacted their state representative and other officials but have not been able to regain custody of Mila, who turned 2 weeks old on Tuesday and is currently in foster care. Edinbyrd said she got nowhere when she called CPS to tell them they had the wrong mother listed on the paperwork.

Were trying to make as much noise as possible to get our daughter back, said Rodney. We have been ignored by CPS. Weve been treated like criminals.

This is a nightmare I wouldnt wish on anyone.

The couple said theyve only been allowed to see their daughter twice since she was removed from their home. They said that when they visited her on Wednesday, they noticed she had what looked like diaper rash and possible vaginal yeast infection. When they brought that to the attention of CPS workers, they said, CPS brought in a police officer and took Mila away, promising she would be taken to a doctor.

Edinbyrd said Mila is currently with a foster parent the Jacksons do not know, and they are concerned shes not receiving adequate care. Requests to have Mila transferred to the care of a relative have been delayed, she said.

This baby is bonding with a perfect stranger, she said. If CPS needs to investigate, why not do that while the child is with the mother, or allow the mother to visit the child every day under supervision?

Research has shown separating a child from her parents can have detrimental, long-term emotional and psychological consequences for the child and the parents. Children of color are disproportionately affected; studies have noted that medical providers and child welfare workers are more likely to report child abuse when the child is Black or Latino.

A virtual court hearing was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, but Edinbyrd  who was on the hearings video call  said that a few minutes before the hearing was supposed to start, the judge in the case rescheduled the hearing for April 20.

Its unclear what kind of investigation, if any, has been opened into the Jacksons case. Edinbyrd said nobody from CPS or any other department has contacted her, even though she is Temecias healthcare provider and was caring for Mila after the birth and has their medical records.

Is nobody seeing what were seeing? she said. Is nobody looking at this and seeing something has gone wrong?

Mila is Temecias third child  the couple have two older sons  and this was her first experience with home birth. Edinbyrd said the situation with the doctor and CPS is indicative of a medical system that does not respect midwifery care, Black midwifery care and the right of Black mothers to make the choices they feel are best for their families.

The Afiya Center, a Texas-based reproductive justice nonprofit focused on Black women and girls, hosted the Jacksons press conference with the Next Generation Action Network, a Dallas-based social justice organization.

This is a direct violent attack on Black women, Black bodies, Black families, said Qiana Arnold, a doula who works on Afiya Centers birth justice team. The reason why we are here is because of systems and systemic racism. A non-Black physician decided this capable family could not parent their child. This is a violation of their human rights to parent their children.

The Jacksons still dont know where their daughter is living, and dont know when she will be returned to them.

Mila needs to come home today, said Edinbyrd. Her parents need to hold her today. We dont want to hear wait. Theres an injustice being done. Send Mila home today.

*Updated 4/10/2023 with a response from Baylor Scott & White Health.
North Korea conducted two tests of a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone, state media said on Saturday, the latest in a show of force against the US and South Korea, Trend reports citing Al Arabiya.

The country tested another kind of a nuclear-capable unmanned underwater attack weapon called Haeil-2, over a week after it disclosed a new underwater drone system dubbed Haeil-1, which translates to tsunami in Korean, designed to make sneak attacks in enemy waters.

Analysts say North Korea is displaying its diverse nuclear delivery capabilities against Washington and Seoul, though they are skeptical whether the underwater vehicle is ready for deployment.

During the underwater strategic weapon system test from April 4 to April 7, state media KCNA said that the drone cruised 1,000 km (621.37 miles) of underwater distance for 71 hours and 6 minutes and successfully hit a simulated target.

The test perfectly proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its fatal attack ability, KCNA said.

North Korea has ramped up its military activities in recent weeks, protesting that the United States and South Korea conduct joint military exercises.

It unveiled new, smaller nuclear warheads and fired an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking anywhere in the United States.
The village of Elkton is making steady progress with its walking path, as it is starting to get ready to accept bids for the park improvements.

The Ackerman Park Walking Path improvements will include a new perimeter path, mile marker signs, interpretive signage, four fitness stations along the path, three benches, rain gardens with native plantings, and paving of ADA-compliant accessible parking spaces in the existing lot.

"It's been a slow, lengthier process than anticipated but we're getting closer," said village Clerk Phyllis Baranski.

Sealed bids for the construction of the Ackerman Park Walking Path will be received and overseen by the Spicer Group of Saginaw. In the advertisement for the bid, it is stated that, "Each proposal shall be accompanied by certified check or bidder's bond in the amount of 5% of the bid. The owner reserves the right to waive informality in any bid, to reject any or all bids, or accept any bid which is considered most favorable to the owner."

Bidding will begin on April 10, when community members can see the plans, proposal forms, and specifications of the walking path.

The project, funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Passport Grant, is still slated to be completed by the end of this year. All checks should be payable to the village of Elkton as security for the acceptance of the contract and subject to the conditions stated in the instructions to bidders.

Once the bidding ends on May 9, 2023, Spicer Group and the village will review and reward the winning bid. It is expected that this will be announced at the May or June village council meeting.

All parties interested in bidding must attend a mandatory pre-bid conference on April 25 at 11 a.m. at the project location at the North End of Mullen Street.

For more information about the bidding process or the walking path, contact the village office at 989-375-2270.
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (AP)  Gunfire erupted on a South Carolina beach during a senior skip day event involving numerous teenagers Friday, wounding six people and prompting charges against two for unlawful possession of guns, police in South Carolina said.

The shots broke out around 5:20 p.m. on Isle of Palms, 94 miles (151 kilometers) south of Myrtle Beach. Police are still investigating the shooting, and are asking for the public to provide additional information or video footage.

Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett said during a news conference Saturday that police arrested and charged a 16-year-old with possessing a stolen firearm and unlawfully carrying it. Cornett said police are still investigating whether the juvenile was involved in the shooting. Additionally, an 18-year-old was arrested on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in a municipal parking lot, the police chief said.

Hundreds of people including high schoolers taking an unofficial day off were on the beach at the time, and there were several altercations before shots were fired, Cornett has said. Officers went out on the beach when they saw the crowd gathering, then two fights broke out and the shooting unfolded, Cornett said.

Cornett said two guns  pistols from the two people who were arrested  have been confiscated so far. He said the number of shooters remains under investigation.

Six people suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. Some were taken to the hospital by ambulance and others transported themselves, and most of them have already been released. Five of the victims were teens, and another was in her mid-30s, Cornett said.

The person in her 30s was just in the area using the beach, an innocent victim in a bad spot, Cornett said. The others who were injured were part of the group on the beach, but Cornett said it remains unclear whether they were involved in any wrongdoing or just innocent victims.

Police could not immediately say if the shooter or shooters were in custody or if any of the firearms recovered at the scene were used in the shooting, Cornett has said.

Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano said most of the people her office spoke with on Friday did not cooperate. She implored families, school officials and others to reach out if they know who participated.

There's absolutely no reason that anybody should be carrying a gun to the beach, Graziano said at the Saturday news conference. "Absolutely no reason. And you have innocent bystanders that were victims of that."
Robinson Industries recently held a luncheon to thank its employees exactly one year after a March 31, 2022 fire that destroyed the entire plastic thermoforming building.

The Coleman company said the luncheon was a way of thanking the employees for sticking with them.

Its been a challenging year and theyve been patient, said Robinson Industries Marketing Manager Ronda Robinson, whose grandparents, Fred and Ardis, started the company in 1947.

Robinson Industries produces thermoformed heavy-duty plastics and injection molding for several industries, including auto, retail, agricultural, battery, defense, marine and textile.

During the luncheon, Robinson said employees talked about where they were when they found out about the fire. The employees were given hats that said "Robinson Industries" on the front and One year stronger on the back strap.

Last June 30, three months after the fire, the company broke ground for new construction. Ronda Robinson said they hope to occupy the new building by early fall.

Robinsons Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Inez Kaleto thanked the employees at the luncheon and said she probably shouldnt say anything, but maybe they will have their next Christmas party in the new building.

Multiple fire departments battled the blaze for six hours and used more than a million gallons of water to extinguish it. Throughout the weeks that followed, Robinson is proud that the company never shut down while forging ahead with business and planning the next steps.

More Information One year after a fire destroyed Robinson Industries thermoforming plastic plant, the company thanks employees See More Collapse

Robinson said the company averages about 200 employees, and she suspects some left because of the fire but doesnt know how many.

During the June 30 groundbreaking, Robinson Industries Purchasing Manager Jason Pahl said the fire destroyed one building on the complex that had several additions. To compensate, Pahl said the company is running parts in six different locations in its complex.

Robinson said the new building will offer more space and will eventually house 60% of the employees. She said the new plant space will be more efficient and will add room for possibly more machines and employees. She said it will also have better ventilation, lighting and fire suppression.
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The US Navy has deployed a guided-missile submarine capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk missiles to the Middle East, a spokesman said Saturday, Trend reports citing Al Arabiya.

The Navy rarely acknowledges the location or deployment of submarines. Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for the 5th Fleet based in the Gulf nation of Bahrain, declined to comment on the submarines mission or what had prompted the deployment.

He said the nuclear-powered submarine, based out of Kings Bay, Georgia, passed through the Suez Canal on Friday.

It is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and is deployed to US 5th Fleet to help ensure regional maritime security and stability, Hawkins said.

The 5th Fleet patrols the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Arabian Gulf through which 20 percent of all oil transits.

Its region includes the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen and the Red Sea stretching up to the Suez Canal, the Egyptian waterway linking the Mideast to the Mediterranean Sea.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Abdoulaye Bathily, said here Saturday the meeting between members of the 5+5 Joint Military Committee, military and security commanders from the West and East in Benghazi, Libya's second largest city, was of utmost importance as it reinforced the path to reconciliation and set the stage for future meetings inside the country
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The chairman of the Libyan parliamentary committee for Internal Affairs, Suleiman al-Hariri, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the European Union (EU) policy on the migration crisis, which has worsened the humanitarian situation of migrants in Libya
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - Sudans military leader General Abdul Fatah Al Burhan has warned his military colleagues and civilian leaders they will have to quit the political scene and allow others capable of reaching a national accord and accepting each other to take over
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Tens of thousands of Israelis joined protests on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to tighten controls on the Supreme Court, despite heightened security worries after two deadly attacks a day earlier, Trend reports citing Reuters.

The latest in a series of protests against the plans, which were paused last month in the face of a wave of strikes and mass demonstrations, come as Israel faces a sharp rise in tensions on several fronts during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Around Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, tens of thousands of worshippers were expected for evening prayers amid concerns over a possible repeat of nighttime police raids this week that were followed by rocket barrages into Israel and Israeli strikes into Gaza and Southern Lebanon.

Israelis were also on edge after a car-ramming in Tel Aviv on Friday that killed an Italian man and wounded five other tourists, hours after a gun attack killed two Israeli sisters and wounded their mother near a settlement in the occupied West Bank.

Netanyahu has mobilised border police reservists and ordered the army to reinforce security positions to head off possible trouble, amid calls for calm from the United Nations, the European Union and the United States.

In central Tel Aviv, crowds waving the blue and white Israeli flags that have become a hallmark of the protests over the past three months gathered in a show of defiance against plans they see as an existential threat to Israeli democracy.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), has refused to constitute a panel for the hearing of an international arbitration instituted by Cassius Mining Limited against the Government of Ghana, following an objection in that regard raised by Ghanas Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.



The decision was contained in a letter dated March 30, 2023 and addressed to the parties in the matter.



Cassius Mining Limited, on February 3, 2023, filed a United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) arbitration against Ghana, accusing the state of unfair treatment and breaches of Ghanas mining laws and due process in failing to extend the term of the companys Prospecting Licence Agreement, after Cassius Mining exercised its contractual right of extension.



The company claimed compensation in excess of $300 million.



In its Notice of Arbitration, Cassius Mining asserted that in accordance with Article 6.1 of the UNCITRAL Rules, the Claimant proposes that the Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague (PCA) serve as the appointing authority for this arbitration. The Claimant further proposes that this arbitration be administered by the PCA.



Ghana raised a plethora of objections to the jurisdiction of the PCA in its response to the arbitration dated March 17, 2023, noting in particular, that, the claimants arbitration is a legal nullity because the UNCITRAL Rules is not cognisable under the Arbitration Agreement between the parties.



Ghana stated further that Clause 21 of the Prospecting Licence Agreement granted to the claimant provided that the arbitration is to be in accordance with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 (Act 798) and Section 5(1) of Ghanas ADR Act is expressly subject to the terms of the arbitration agreement.



The UNCITRAL Rules clearly is neither a person nor an institution for arbitration contemplated by Section 5 of the ADR Act, for the dispute between the parties to be determined under them.



Ghana finally submitted that the arbitration is an abuse of the process as there is currently pending at the Ghana Arbitration Centre, another arbitration filed by the company against Ghana.



The PCA on March 20, 2023, noted that Ghana in its response, had stated that it will raise a preliminary objection to the jurisdiction of the PCA in a bifurcated phase of the arbitration to avoid unnecessary expenditures of time and costs for the Parties and the Tribunal. For the sake of good order, the Respondent is invited to confirm that it agrees to the PCA administering this arbitration, as proposed by the Claimant.



Ghana responded with a vehement objection to the jurisdiction of the PCA and asked the PCA in a letter dated March 27, 2023, to determine as a preliminary matter, whether the PCA has any jurisdiction or role to play in the dispute between the parties.



Ghana invited the PCA to consider many issues, including the fact that the respondents lack of consent to the PCA administering this arbitration, as proposed by the claimant.



Another issue is the fact that the parties arbitration agreement is express and explicit that the arbitration shall be in accordance with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 (Act 798), a legislation of the Republic of Ghana.



Under the said Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, the PCA is not conceived as the appointing authority for this arbitration between the parties.



The UNCITRAL Rules (which the claimant invokes through a misplaced interpretation of person or institution in section 5(1)(a) of the Act), is not a person or institution.



The UNICITRAL Rules apply only where parties have agreed that disputes between them in respect of a defined legal relationship, whether contractual or not, shall be referred to arbitration under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. There is absolutely no such agreement in the dispute between the parties.



Because the UNCITRAL Rules do not apply, neither its Article 6.1 (cited by the claimant) nor any other provision thereof applies to the arbitration to ground the appointment of the Secretary-General of the PCA serve as the appointing authority for this arbitration.



In a letter to the parties dated March 30, 2023, the PCA decided that the PCA Secretary-General may act as appointing authority under the UNCITRAL Rules if all parties so agree. The PCA understands that no such agreement has been reached in this matter.



The PCA further decided that the applicable procedural regime, including the applicability of the UNCITRAL Rules, is a matter for the arbitral tribunal.



However, there is no arbitral tribunal for the dispute constituted since the parties have not agreed.



The effect of the decision of the PCA is that the arbitration commenced by Cassius Mining Limited cannot proceed unless both parties have agreed for the Permanent Court of Arbitration to appoint a tribunal.



Faced with this legal stumbling block at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, it remains to be seen what Cassius Minings next move will be.

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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The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, Mr. George Mireku Duker has stated that the governments aggressive drive to eradicate illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) will fail if all stakeholders, including ordinary Ghanaians, do not play their part in the fight.



He maintained that combating illegal mining is a shared duty that requires the active engagement of all Ghanaians.



The Deputy Minister made this statement during an engagement with the media practitioners and government communicators in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday.



The forum in Kumasi was aimed at getting media and government communicators up to speed on the governments progress in the fight and educating them on the critical role they can play in the fight.



He reminded the trained communicators of their position as liaisons between the government and the citizens, instructing them to preach the governments laudable and instructive efforts and successes while also criticizing when required.



He elaborated on the governments participation in the struggle to alleviate the situation in which the Ministry is primarily blamed for the ineffectiveness of various state institutions.



He, therefore, presented an extended and comprehensive presentation on the fight against illegal mining beginning in early 2017.



The Deputy Ministers incisive presentation highlighted some of the governments actions to clean up the small-scale mining sector as consultative talks, the designation of red zones, the digitization of small-scale mining permits, the commissioning of mercury-free machinery, the procurement of speedboats, the activation of the Community Mining Plan, and the employment of river wardens.



Mr. Mireku Duker highlighted that the governments primary responsibility is to develop and implement policies to achieve the sectors objectives.



He reasoned that the Ministry as well as other affiliated agencies had done an excellent job of facilitating the effective and smooth functioning of security agencies participating in the fight against illegal mining.



He urged communicators to furnish the public with accurate and true information.





Source: ghanatoday.gov.gh









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Scores of people were injured in Sudan in mass protests organised on Thursday against military rule.



The demonstrators were angered by delays in signing a final agreement to re-establish civilian rule in the country.



The protests also marked the fourth anniversary of the popular uprising that led to the overthrow of former long-term ruler Omar al-Bashir.



Hundreds of demonstrators blocked main roads in the capital, Khartoum, and other cities.



Many carried placards and chanted slogans denouncing the armys involvement in politics.



The security forces used tear gas to disperse the huge crowds who had planned to go to the presidential palace in Khartoum.



It comes as Sudan's leaders again postponed the signing of a deal to form a civilian-led government.



Differences between military factions have led to delays in finalising the agreement.



Sudan has been in political turmoil since the military seized power in a coup in October 2021, scuttling the transition to democratic rule.



The country has witnessed near-weekly protests which have led to the deaths of hundreds of protesters.

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 alleged prime suspect in the Axim galamsey drama seemed to have made a lot of money from the alleged duties he claimed the police in Axim entrusted to him.



Kwame Ato Asare Ani has claimed that because he knows all illegal mining or galamsey sites in the area, the police engaged him to periodically lead them to galamsey sites to extort money from the illegal miners.



The alleged prime suspect, who resides at Gwira Kwekukrom in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region, claims that aside his two-storey residential building, he is also building an 86-bedroom hotel in the municipality.



The purported suspect disclosed this in various interviews he granted.



He Ordered the Closure Of Schools



Meanwhile, it has emerged that Kwame Ato Asare once ordered the closure of some schools in the farming community over a missing mobile phone.



The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Nzema East Municipal Assembly, Dorcas Amoah, made this startling revelation.



She said the first time she heard about Kwame Ato Asare Ani was when some settler farmers were having a funeral and the alleged prime suspect and his boys stormed the funeral grounds to foment trouble.



She said the gang leader was arrested at the time, and the issue is still pending in court.



But I got involved in the case because most of the settler farmers were Northerners, and they reported the case to me, she added.



She said in the midst of the chaos at the funeral grounds, the alleged prime suspects mobile phone got missing. He then warned that if those who stole his mobile phone did not return it, no child in the area should go to school.



According to the MCE, it took the intervention of the Educational Director, REGSEC, teachers, and community stakeholders to bring the situation under control before students could attend school.



She explained: I had to come in and later went to the community where the incident happened with the Educational Director, REGSEC, and all heads of department to meet with teachers of the schools.



She said this was because the teachers were afraid and parents were also unwilling to allow their children to go to school.



The MCE indicated that, Kwame Ato Asare Ani had been granted bail after his arrest, so he was present at the meeting, adding That was when I got to know him.



So we discussed the issue and we were able to resolve it, and the children were able to go to school now, she noted.



Meanwhile, the purported prime suspect, who is on police wanted list, has denied allegations levelled against him by the Police Service that he is an armed robber.



He stressed that he is not an armed robber but a police informant in the Axim area.



Background



In a video that went viral, the gang leader was seen accosting a police officer and accusing the officer of attempting to arrest him after he had given him money.



The Ghana Police Service reacted to the video in a statement which said it arrested some four men on March 28, 2023 after the Axim Divisional Police Patrol Team reported an attack on them by a gang.



According to the police, it also conducted a search at the residence of Kwame Ato Asare Ani, where some weapons and other items were retrieved.



The statement disclosed that the allegation of extortion by the alleged attackers has since been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigations.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.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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South African Council of Elders Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Benjamin Kofi Quashie has asserted that the New Patriotic Party Government has been very reckless with their spending hence running the country into a ditch.



According to him, the Nana Akufo-Addo-led government has been so reckless with spending without thinking about what such actions would have on future generations.



"We need to be fair to ourselves and we need to tell ourselves that we've been reckless when it comes to our expenditure. The recklessness is what has brought us here. We've been so reckless we don't even think about future generations", he stated.



"When you're so reckless and the circumstances make things so glaring and when such things happen, you need to be humble and look for a better solution to the current problems facing the country", he noted.



Speaking on CTV, Monday 5th April 2023 and comparing the NPP's and the NDC's True State of Nation Address, he underscored the fact that, this is the first time a party in opposition has delivered a True State of the Nation Address after the President has delivered his.



In the view of the NDC Council of Elders Chairman of South Africa, the NPP chairman, Stephen Ayensu Ntim was clueless in his delivery as compared to that of the NDC Chairman, General Asiedu Nketia.



Expatiating on that, he revealed that, Covid-19, which every NPP person wants the country to believe has affected us negatively leading to the current economic difficulties, rather than brought us more money than claimed. "Their reckless spending is what has brought us here and the Auditor General's report exposes the same", he affirmed.



Mr. Quashie further contended that other countries also suffered from the ravages of Covid-19 but, with prudent measures, have not been affected like Ghana.



He revealed further that, in 2019 before Covid struck, our currency had depreciated by over 14%. Juxtaposing this with the government's own 2020 mid-year budget review as presented by Ken Ofori Atta, "He stated that cumulatively the cedi had depreciated by 12.6% against the United States dollar.



"It clearly means we were not doing well as an economy. The cedi depreciated by 9.6% in 2016. The NPP called us incompetent. In 2019, it had depreciated by 14% and you think we should take you seriously", he ended.

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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Two teenagers from Lancaster and Schuykill counties died in a crash Thursday afternoon in Berks County, according to the Berks County Coroners Office.

The 17-year-olds crossed into oncoming traffic in their vehicle and crashed head-on into a box truck on Route 183 in Bern Township at around 12:30 p.m., according to CBS21.

Both died from their injuries after being taken to Reading Hospital, according to the Reading Eagle. The two were trapped inside the vehicle by the wreck, and emergency personnel closed the road while firefighters worked to free them, the Reading Eagle reported.

The crash is still under investigation, and the identities of the teenagers have not yet been released.

READ MORE:

Pa. teen killed while cutting tree: reports

Pa. officers raid apartment behind their police station, find 5 children among guns, drugs and explosives

A former Pa. city treasurer sentenced to 6 months in prison for marriage fraud, failure to pay taxes: reports
The Easter Bunny is pretty darned awesome.

From pictures with the kids to the candy that comes along with the tale, that rabbit is a central figure  a special memory  in many young folks lives.

But not all Easter Bunnies are the same. Some Easter Bunnies can throw hands. Some go and get themselves arrested. Turns out, when folks slide on an Easter Bunny costume theres just no telling what might happen.

So, as we head into this Easter, we decided to take a look back to some of the more viral Easter Bunny moments  from brawls in the mall to handing out the wrong treats  across the past couple years.

Check out the bad bunnies  and even a hero one of sorts .... maybe  who have made headlines across the country across the past couple of years:

The Orlando Easter Bunny

When you think wild Easter Bunny scenes, this may very well be the image that pops up in your mind, because the video was everywhere on social media back in 2019. So, what happened with the Orlando Easter Bunny story? Well, in short, Antoine McDonald was working as a bar-hopper in the city when he saw a man and woman involved in a scuffle along the sidewalk. Despite being dressed in full Easter Bunny costume, McDonald intervened, pulled the man off the woman, served him a two-piece and a biscuit with those bunny paws and then did a little ground-and-pound UFC style before police stepped in. There was speculation that the fight was a hoax, set up to fuel social media fame. There was no proof that it was, in fact, a hoax, but, again, it certainly did go viral on social. Unfortunately for McDonald, it wasnt the last time he made his way into the headlines. He reportedly had warrants out for him in Florida and New Jersey when the incident took place. Also, he was arrested in 2020 after police say he ran a stop sign on a motorcycle, crashed into a garage that collapsed on the bike, and then fled the scene. When deputies arrived at McDonalds home, they said they found him lying in the backseat of a car there. And, they say, when they arrested him, he said, I wasnt in any crash. Im the Orlando Easter Bunny. Google it.

The Fort Myers Easter Bunny

No, this isnt a Florida Man post, but we can stay in the Sunshine State for another wild Easter Bunny tell that lives on two decades later. According to multiple reporter, Arthur McClure, who was 22 at the time, had a gig working as the Easter Bunny at a Fort Myers mall. According to reports, when a customer became upset that the Easter Bunny photo exhibit was closing 10 minutes early, reports said hat McClure removed his Easter Bunny costume head and punched the woman. Per Tampa Bay 10, this was witnessed by dozens of people, including 15 children, but McClure said he never hit the woman. Instead, he said, he was trying to break up a fight between the woman, the exhibit manager, and his wife. The manager said she punched the woman, according to the station. Both the manager and McClure were reportedly fired and charged with battery and disturbing the peace.

The Austin Easter Bunny

The tale of the Easter Bunny in Austin took place in 2022 so we are bringing it back to a more recent time. And, this one is just  unfortunate. So, according to report, a parent who went to Gullett Elementary School to pick up their second-grade student decided to treat the kids. So, the woman threw on the Easter Bunny costume that she had, and handed out eggs with candy in them. And that was pretty awesome for the kids who popped open their eggs to find sweet treats. But, for the kids who popped open their eggs and found condoms  well, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram said chaos ensued at the school. So, how did this one happen? Well, the parent was apparently mobbed by kids when she started handing out the eggs with candy in them. So, she made a call back home to her husband to bring more candy-filled eggs. But, the woman in the Easter Bunny costume was also a pharmacist, and she had that Easter Bunny costume because she was dressed in it for a safe-sex clinic earlier in the day. At that clinic she handed out eggs filled with condoms, and she took the leftovers home and tossed them on the table. Her husband delivered the wrong eggs when he came to the school and by the time they realized the awful mistake the Austin Police were involved.

The New Jersey Easter Bunny

The headline for this one on NBC 4 in New York was Easter Bunny Throwin Hands: Video Shows Rabbit in Brawl at NJ Mall, and that just about sums it up.

This one took place at the Newport Mall in Jersey City, and it reportedly began when a man confronted the Easter Bunny there after his 1-year-old child fell from the bunnys chair. Kassim Charles, who was 22 at the time, was the guy in the Easter Bunny costume. When the video on this begins, he has his rabbit head off  a video commenter noted that when the bunny head comes off you know its about to go down  and he is tangling with Juan Jimenez-Guerrero, who was 44 at the time. Mall patrons seem to get the pair broken up and Charles disappears behind the setup for the bunny there in the mall before re-emerging, tossing off his rabbit paws, and swinging out with Jimenez-Guerrero before they both went to the ground.

The childs mother told ABC 7 that Charles was The Mad Easter Bunny of Jersey City.

Both men were charged with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct.

More on Wild Easter Bunny tales

Theres just something about it.

If you Google Easter Bunny arrested you will find folks in Eastern Bunny costumes getting pulled over for speeding tickets, acting weird and just doing ridiculous things.

These four stories stood out to us, though, and they are tales many people in the country will likely remember. There will likely be another story or two to add to the list this year, but it should be noted, again, for most kids on most days, the Easter Bunny is pretty awesome.

So, have a great day and maybe just be kind to your local mall, or wherever you may encounter them, Easter Bunny.
By Mark S. Singel

In a story that appeared in the Wall Street Journal last week, Joe Wolf, a key operative for the Arizona Democratic party, was asked which candidate he would prefer to run against in the 2024 election. Donald Trump hands down, said Wolf. Hes combustible, hes undisciplined, hes been beaten before. I think the country is over him.

Another Democrat agreed saying: If I had a choice, Id say Id rather have a sane candidate running who [upholds] the Constitution, doesnt perpetuate the big lie, didnt participate in the insurrection. It is not just Democrats who are rejecting Trump and his antics. A recent CNN Poll showed that 62% of independent voters - a key demographic in any Presidential race  approves of the indictment brought by the New York District Attorney.

Of course, the Republicans continue to put on a brave face. The Republican National Committee spokesperson said: The eventual Republican nominee will beat Biden, full stop.

Really? We already know that the critical independent vote leans heavily toward President Biden in any match up with prospective GOP candidates. We also know that the country has taken a decided turn away from far-right doctrine in recent elections.

Then take a look at Kansas where citizens in August of last year overwhelmingly rejected a referendum to outlaw abortion rights. Kansas was the first state to vote on abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its ruling in Dobbs and the states voters made their voices heard.

The Republican Party has talked a big game about individual liberty and freedom but Kansas showed that it is the Democrats who have the opportunity to seize that mantle. This includes not only womens rights but the freedom to vote without hysterical losers claiming fraud.

In other words, Kansas set the tone for the mid-term elections where right-wing Trump zealots abounded on the Republican side. Sure enough, 2022 saw a wholesale rejection of those candidates and confirmed what began in Kansas. It was a return to logic and moderation.

Just last week in Wisconsin, the progressive candidate for the state Supreme Court won decisively over a right-winger who spouted the company line on Dobbs. He also represented a continuation of Republican control over the critical issue of redistricting. The voters knew that he would enable the GOP to run roughshod over Democrats in coming elections  and they rejected him.

Which brings us up to date and to the ongoing circus surrounding an indicted ex-President.

Watching the parade of Republican candidates scurrying to coddle Trump is bewildering. We have seen Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) sobbing on the cable networks and begging MAGA world to support a legal defense fund (never mind that the ex-President brags about his net worth and flies to and from his indictments on his own jet). We have seen craven politicians like George Santos (R-NY) and Matt Goetz (R-FL) attest to the character of a man who is accused of paying off a porn star to hide his misdeeds from the voters weeks before a Presidential election. We have heard from Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) who had the audacity to compare the indicted ex-President to Jesus Christ. Collectively, these antics range from outrageous to blasphemous.

Note also the recent proposals put forth by Republican leaders to defund the police. Thats right, in order to derail the criminal justice system, some would be willing to cripple the FBI and the Department of Justice.

Even that would not stop prosecutors from doing their jobs. In fact, the continued painstaking review of Trumps activities relating to January 6, the presidential documents, and his potential meddling in the Georgia vote count prove that America still believes that we remain a nation of laws.

The never ending saga of chaos in Trump world is wearing thin on the electorate. Sure, the hard-core right wing will rally behind a wounded and howling leader. This is likely to bump up his poll numbers in the short term but it will most likely off turn off swing voters he would need in November, 2024. In fact, a Quinnipiac poll, which was taken even before Mr. Trumps indictment, found that 57% of Americans thought Mr. Trump should be disqualified from running again.

The legal problems of the ex-president will soon get much worse. The reaction from even his most loyal supporters must surely turn into Trump fatigue. The larger universe of all American voters  the people who will actually elect the new president in 2024  has already moved on.

Mark S. Singel is a former Democratic Lieutenant Governor and Acting Governor of Pennsylvania.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog that Turkiye is ready to contribute to the de-escalation of the situation at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as he said Ankara cannot remain silent amid ongoing provocations, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah.

In a phone call held Saturday, Erdogan told Herzong that necessary precautions need to be taken ahead of Muslims' itikaf isolation practice starting April 11.

He stressed that it is impossible for his country to remain silent in the face of provocations and threats to the status quo and spirituality of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

He told Herzog that calls by some radical Jewish groups to storm the compound are worrying.

In the phone call, the president and his Israeli counterpart Herzog discussed the latest raids by Israeli security forces on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as the harsh interventions against those at the holy sites, according to Presidential Communications Directorate.

Saying that the latest incidents wound the conscience of not only Muslims but all of humanity, Erdogan stressed that Turkiye can in no way remain silent in the face of provocations and threats to the status quo and spirituality of Al-Aqsa, located in occupied East Jerusalem.

The tensions spreading to the Gaza Strip and Lebanon should not be allowed to escalate, he urged.

Stressing the need to prevent such incidents, which are repeated every Ramadan, from becoming the fate of the region, Erdogan also voiced Turkiye's readiness to do its part to get to the root of the problem and take steps toward establishing a just and lasting peace.
Suggestions by guest columnist Anthony Pugliese about the need for commonsense energy policies at the federal and state levels are spot-on. American liquefied natural gas producers have stepped up dramatically in the last year to provide energy security to allies overseas during the biggest European land war since World War II.

But lawmakers in Harrisburg and Washington, DC, can and should do much more.

A bipartisan effort to modernize the permitting process for energy infrastructure facilities, such as pipelines, would curtail predatory lawsuits, incentivize investment, create jobs and ensure American energy leadership for decades to come. Lawmakers must get this effort across the finish line this year.

With geopolitical instability a constant concern, too much is at stake for our elected leaders to drop the ball on energy security. Production of American natural gas and oil  which provide 70% of our nations energy  should remain central to any long-term energy development strategy.

Instead of restrictions to block natural gas and oil, the focus should be providing Americans reliable energy sources, enhancing global security, cementing our energy dominance and making energy safer, cleaner, and more affordable.

Stephanie Catarino Wissman, Executive Director, American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pa.
Pennsylvanias Democratic U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Bob Casey did not mince words when responding to Fridays ruling by a federal judge in Texas halting the approval of an abortion medication.

This ruling by a hard-right Trump appointed judge is simply bull(expletive), Fetterman said in a statement released Saturday morning.

An ideological judge overturning an FDA decision is dangerous, unprecedented, and extreme, Casey said in a Saturday morning tweet. This ruling is a back-door attempt by right-wing politicians to implement a nationwide abortion ban.

Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a longtime abortion rights opponent, stopped the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations approval of mifepristone, one of two drugs used for its medication abortion regimen. Mifepristone has been available for more than 20 years.

Kacsmaryk wrote in his opinion that the drugs improper approval violated federal law.

Abortion rights advocates bristled against the ruling, saying it was simply a way for abortion opponents to ban access nationally after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal abortion rights last year and returned the decision to states.

This is nothing more than another attempt by the GOP to take away the rights of women and implement a nationwide abortion ban, Fetterman said. Mifepristone remains safe and legal in Pennsylvania. We will fight this, and we will win.
A Toronto police vehicle is shown parked on Yonge Street as rain falls in downtown Toronto on Tuesday Jan. 3, 2023. An 18-year-old Toronto woman is facing a murder charge related to an alleged homicide that took place in the city late last year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Doug Ives
Despite Sudan's warring generals pledging to observe a new three-day truce brokered by the US and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the claims were immediately undercut by the sound of heavy gunfire and explosions in the capital of Khartoum.
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Speaker McCarthy is trying to throw House Republican leadership under the bus on the budget and debt ceiling, which has enraged his caucus, where some are warning that he is not going to last the full term.

The New York Times reported that McCarthy thinks that the House Budget Committee chair is incompetent, and he criticized the number two House Republican Steve Scalise (R-LA):

Mr. McCarthy has told colleagues he has no confidence in Mr. Arrington, the man responsible for delivering a budget framework laying out the spending cuts that Republicans have said they will demand in exchange for any move to increase the debt limit. Aside from the perceived disloyalty, Mr. McCarthy regards Mr. Arrington, a former official in the George W. Bush administration, as incompetent, according to more than half a dozen people familiar with his thinking, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations.

.

Mr. McCarthy has told colleagues and allies that he cannot rely on Mr. Scalise, describing the majority leader as ineffective, checked out and reluctant to take a position on anything,

Axios reported that McCarthys comments have Republicans talking more about getting rid of him:

House conservatives say they arent ready to pull the trigger on a motion to vacate that could oust McCarthy as speaker. But this has ramped up the level of conversations.

The members Ive spoken with are just stunned by his rebuking of his budget chair, and certainly of our leadership, another House Republican told Axios.

I cant imagine [he will last an entire term].

Once the debt ceiling fiasco blows up in the faces of the House Republicans, the clock will be ticking on the motion to vacate and getting rid of McCarthy. All of the old tensions are still there among House Republicans.

It is just a matter of time before Republicans fail on the debt ceiling, blame McCarthy, and send him packing.

Both Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and former president Donald Trump have hitched their wagons to McCarthy. Greenes rise will almost certainly hit a speed bump if McCarthy is ousted, and Trump will be pushing for another loyalist because he needs a Speaker who will try to interfere in the criminal cases and investigations against him.

Speaker McCarthy is burning bridges and his days as Speaker Of The House look to be numbered.
Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing seemed a strange pairing considering a rocky history between the driver and team owner. But when Busch needed a new job, the two sides came together for a partnership that is helping RCR return to prominence. Busch won at Talledega on Sunday. That gave RCR its second win of the season through just 11 races. Read moreColumn: Kyle Busch helps RCR return to NASCAR's victory lane
A peninsular Charleston apartment building with a storied past is looking to more than double in size.

The owner of the 75-unit 1000 King Apartments at 1000 King St. wants to add 133 units on the front of the 3.75-acre parcel and a parking deck on the back of the site next to the planned Lowcountry Lowline linear park, according to plans presented to the city.

Built as an early 20th-century cotton mill, it was converted during the Great Depression into a multipurpose building called County Hall for sporting events, concerts and political and social functions.

Elvis Presley, James Brown and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. appeared there, among many other well-known figures.

On Friday nights, pro-wrestling fans would gather to see favorites such as Ric "The Nature Boy" Flair, Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant.

In 1985, the property's day as an auditorium was over, and the building fell into disrepair. A film production company bought it in 1988 and embarked on an extensive renovation project.

In the 1990s, the retooled site was known as King Street Palace.

In 2000, a developer purchased the site for $1.75 million and converted it into 75 loft-style apartments, offering them through a mix of market rate and affordable units.

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In 2018, King Palace Apartments LLC of Beverly Hills, Calif., purchased the property for $8 million, according to Charleston County land records. It invested about $3 million in renovations, including new roof, gutters, exterior brick and stucco wall restoration, new lights, unit rehabilitations, security cameras and common area upgrades.

The company now wants to add more rooms through a planned unit development, with 20 percent of the new units for affordable housing.

If the plan is approved by the city and once construction is completed, at least 5 percent of all units would be dedicated to affordable housing and 15 percent would be workforce housing.

Families and individuals earning no more than 60 percent of the city's area median income would qualify for affordable units while those earning no more than 80 percent could get workforce rental housing. Those earning 120 percent of area median income could buy their units.

A commercial component of no more than 5,000 square feet could be integrated into the new development to serve residents and Lowline users. Uses are restricted to restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, gyms, and real estate and administrative offices.

Of the 33 trees onsite, the developer wants to remove 13 palms, three non-protected trees and four dead ones.

When completed, 24 trees of varying sizes and species will remain along with seven palm trees, based on the plans.

A developer's representative did not immediately respond for further comment on the plans last week.
A 12-acre parcel where Sears once operated in North Charleston has come under new ownership.

An affiliate of Preferred Growth Properties of Birmingham, Ala., recently paid $5.325 million for the building and parking area at Northwoods Mall where Burlington opened a 53,000-square-foot store in 2018.

PGP is a real estate investment and development firm that touts its experience in developing Books-A-Million retail outlets. The bookseller, also based in Birmingham, has operated a store in Northwoods for 27 years.

A PGP representative did not respond for comments on its plans for its new acquisition.

The seller was Seritage SRC Finance LLC, a New York-based real estate investment trust that acquired the property in 2015 from Sears Holdings as the former retail giant sold off many of its assets after its long downward spiral.

More multifamily

A new apartment project is planned in the developing Point Hope community on the Cainhoy peninsula.

Woodfield Acquisitions LLC plans to build 364 units on 45 acres on Clements Ferry Road at the future Clements Ridge Drive across from Cainhoy Village Road, according to site plans.

The project includes six residential buildings up to four stories tall with 336 units, 16 townhomes in four buildings, a clubhouse, two garage buildings and four retail buildings with six units each on the second floor of two of them.

It also will feature 18,000 square feet of retail space and 4,000 square feet for leasing.

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The proposed development, not far from Cainhoy Road and a planned 1,100-home Del Webb community for 55-plus buyers, is in the former Cainhoy Plantation tract that is spread across both sides of Clements Ferry Road.

Pulte Home Co. began pursuing plans for its new age-restricted neighborhood in 2021. In December, the builder paid $7.9 million for 161 acres off Cainhoy Road, according to Berkeley County land records. The parcel abuts the future road that will run beside the apartments.

Property records show Woodfield has not purchased the apartment site as of April 7.

Sunshine State stuff

A Charleston-based construction firm recently finished work on a nearly half-a-million-square-foot speculative industrial building far from home.

Frampton Construction Co. completed the 456,540-square-foot Topline Logistics Center in Ocala, Fla., not far from U.S. Interstate 75.

Stonemont Financial Group, a privately held real estate investment firm in Atlanta, developed the project with US Capital Development of St. Louis.

With concrete tilt walls and a structural steel frame, the cross-dock facility has a 36-foot clear height with storefront office space on three corners. The building features 95 dock doors, four drive-in doors and 110 trailer spaces.

Work on the site began in March 2022 and was completed early in 12 months.
LAURENS  Inside the former Echo Theater, a steep dirt mound leads to an empty room. A swastika mural is deeply faded on the opposite wall. Late afternoon light shines through boarded-up cracks of the entrance.

It sits in limbo  severed from a racist and segregated past but not yet part of the bright future envisioned by a local reverend, a congregation, a recent graduate and a host of other Laurens County residents.

The leaders behind a planned transformation hope to turn the historic theater and a neighboring building into a museum and community center that confronts its controversial history. A renowned design firm known for its work in Boston on a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. signed on to help reimagine the building as an experiential museum in the middle of the small Upstate town square.

The Echo Project Executive Director Regan Freeman, a Clinton native and University of South Carolina graduate, points around the room while explaining its winding past and its future mission. It gives him chills.

The project has raised nearly $800,000 from approximately 8,000 individual donors from all 50 states and 26 countries. The final price tag on the project is estimated at $6 million. Until fundraising goals are met, plans won't be finalized and construction can't begin.

"It's not a certainty. We need the help to make that happen," Freeman said.

Still, renderings of what the museum might eventually look like have been released.

The Rev. David Kennedy sees progress after decades of racism and uncertainty.

"We feel some of our dream has started to materialize."

Past and future

The tumultuous and racist history of the Echo Theater in downtown Laurens dates back nearly a century.

It started as a segregated movie theater in the 1930s, where Black patrons were shepherded in through a side door and up a staircase to sit in the balcony. After its days as a theater, it became The Redneck Shop, a hub for white supremacists run by a prominent member of the Ku Klux Klan.

Kennedy and his congregation, New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church, have owned the theater since 1997 when a former Klansman sold the deed for $1,000. A stipulation guaranteed The Redneck Shop owner John Howard, a grand dragon of the KKK, could run the business rent-free until his death. He closed the shop in 2012.

When Howard died in 2017, Kennedy and the church considered what would come next for the space. The Echo Project, a nonprofit, was formed by Freeman and Kennedy in 2019. The project has moved forward with small but meaningful steps, including the lighting of the theaters marquee in May 2021 for the first time in more than two decades.

During the summer of 2021, the interior of the theater was gutted and stabilized. In November of that year, the neighboring Cantley building was purchased.

The same year, renowned Boston-based MASS Design Group signed on to create the museum experience. The firm is recently best-known for its role in the creation of the bronze statue in Boston called The Embrace, a memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. MASS also worked in collaboration with Equal Justice Initiative to create The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Ala.

MASS will serve as the exhibit designer. Greenville-based Michael O. Allen Architecture is donating time as the architect, and the Paratus Group out of New York is providing pro-bono client management.

The planned concept for the museum and community center centers on four words: welcome, recognize, confront and instill.

"The exhibit is really meant to dovetail the historical foundation of the center and really serve to foster conversations around justice, forgiveness and reconciliation," Maggie Stern with MASS Design said.

Based on the current renderings, visitors will enter into a lobby space. From there, they will be ushered up a staircase reminiscent of the one Black moviegoers used to reach balcony seats. The designers expect this is where visitors will begin to experience the history of the segregated theater.

Once inside the museum, oral histories will relay the experiences of people like Kennedy who stood up against the hate of The Redneck Shop. Visitors will sit in recreated theater seats while interacting with those stories. There will also be resources and seating for visitors to reflect and contribute their own stories.

In the neighboring building, educational programming and discussion forums are planned. Project leaders hope visitors leave energized to confront racism rather than shameful about the past.

"Engage in conversation, dialogue and keep doing it over and over again to come to a point where you understand the significance of not self but the other," Kennedy said.

While Freeman and Kennedy collected a cache Ku Klux Klan and American Nazi propaganda from John Howards estate, the items are mostly used for research and archival resources rather than display.

We are not trying to create The Redneck Shop 2, Freeman said.

Millions needed

A feature film about The Redneck Shop saga called "Burden" premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2018. It included information about The Echo Project and encouraged viewers to make a donation.

The project has received donations from Boeing and Walmart. Freeman said there are multiple grants and corporate sponsorships pending.

The estimated cost of $6 million includes $4 million for the theater's conversion into a museum and $2 million for the multicultural community center in the Cantley building. The estimated annual budget for operations and programs is about $350,000.

Russell Smith, a board member for The Echo Project and a member of Kennedy's church, said their efforts have been stopped so many times in the past. What does he think of the progress now?

"You have to ask me once this is over with," Smith said.

'What comes after hate?'

As the sun drops in the February sky, Kennedy tells the story of the Echo again as he sits at a table outside a downtown Laurens restaurant already closed for the day. He acknowledges passersby, making small talk with each.

A police officer strolls past the table, recognizes Kennedy and warmly greets him. The pastor stands to talk with him.

Once he moves along, Kennedy recalls the past when the police were violent toward him and would lock him up.

Freeman remembers when Kennedy once asked him, "What comes after hate?"

He thinks the Echo might be the answer.

"We've got this blessing of having the potential to be a national, international topic and a reference to say: 'This is what comes after hate,'" Freeman said.

Adam Parker contributed to this report.
Children in South Carolina are at a higher risk of injuries and death in motor vehicle crashes, mostly due to car seat misuse.

Across the state, 62 percent of kids are restrained in car and booster seats incorrectly, slightly higher than the national average of 60 percent, said Kevin Poore, program coordinator for child passenger safety at the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. And just last year, 30 percent of children treated at The Medical University of South Carolina's emergency department for crash-related injuries were improperly restrained or unrestrained altogether, according to Mary Beth Vassy, MUSC's pediatric trauma injury prevention coordinator.

"Those are very scary numbers," Vassy said.

And with many car- and booster-seat-aged kids preparing for spring break travel, safety experts across South Carolina urge parents to get their car seats inspected before hitting the road.

What do experts say

When properly installed, child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by over 70 percent for infants and over 50 percent for toddlers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all infants and toddlers sit in rear-facing car safety seats for as long as possible, usually until they have outgrown the seat's height and weight limitations.

However, in South Carolina, state law requires rear-facing car seats for children up to age 2.

Poore also serves as the director of Safe Kids South Carolina, a national nonprofit organization working to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries, rear-facing car seats are a lot safer for kids between the ages of 1 and 4 years old.

Between 2016 and 2020, children in that age group died in motor vehicle accidents at a higher rate than other age groups in the state.

"I think that speaks to people turning their children forward-facing too soon," Poore told The Post and Courier.

The AAP recommends forward-facing car safety seats once a child has outgrown a rear-facing seat through at least age 4. The organization recommends booster seats from the time a child has outgrown a forward facing seat up to age 8.

In South Carolina, children under 4 must be in a five-point harness child safety seat, while children under age 8 should be in a booster seat and a back vehicle seat when available.

Where to get your seats checked

Safe Kids South Carolina is run by the state health agency, but the organization has over 10 member coalitions in counties across the state that offer free car seat checkup events and car seat safety classes.

Vassy runs the organization in Charleston and offers a free car seat safety class on the second Tuesday of every month at MUSC's Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital.

The organization also will host a free car seat check event at MUSC's pediatric outpatient facility in North Charleston, Sumney Medical Pavillion, on April 24 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

A car seat check takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Appointments are not required.

DHEC also operates free Child Passenger Safety Inspection Stations around the state. To find a location nearest you, visit scdhec.gov/health/child-teen-health/early-childhood-health/child-passenger-safety-program/child-passenger-safety-inspection-stations.

You can also visit www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#installation-help-inspection to find passenger safety events and Spanish-speaking technicians near you.
Editor's Note: Authorities on April 11 revised the number of people injured in the April 7 shooting from five to six. This story has been updated to reflect the latest information.

ISLE OF PALMS  Police officers have detained several people in connection with a Good Friday shooting on the beach that left four teenagers and a woman wounded.

The sound of gunfire peppered the air around 5:30 p.m. April 7 after several fights had broken out on Front Beach behind the Sea Cabins condominiums, Sgt. Matthew Storen confirmed. The popular tourist destination sits at the edge of Ocean Boulevard, the city's main drag dotted with packed bars and restaurants.

Paramedics transported five victims to Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston with non-life-threatening injuries.

One of them, a woman in her mid-30s, was a bystander, Police Chief Kevin Cornett said.

Ten police officers were already in the area when the fighting started, Storen said. They had learned students at nearby high schools were participating in "senior skip day," a tradition where most of the class gathers at one location instead of going to school.

Videos posted on social media show a chaotic scene developing next to a pier belonging to Sea Cabins. Hundreds of people stood in a crowd before a series of gunshots rang out, scattering the group.

Nine pops sound in one video before it cuts off as the person filming fled.

In another, emergency sirens scream in the background as a melee breaks out among about a dozen people. One person is tossed to the ground and kicked in the stomach. Another person throws a haymaker to the back of someones head. The mob disperses as two police officers run in, tackling at least one person to the sand.

ANyra Williams, a senior at Manning High school, said she was with friends on 9th Avenue heading toward the beach when the shooting began. A couple of them got lost in the crowd, she said.

Williams was frustrated because she had wanted to have fun with her friends.

"But people want to be all quote-unquote 'cute,'" she said. They think guns are cute, but theyre not.

Almost every law enforcement agency in the Lowcountry descended on the beach community to assist with the investigation, Cornett said. The small city with a population of 4,000 hasn't seen a shooting like this in the four years Cornett has been police chief, he said.

Police evacuated the beach and shut down inbound traffic for more than an hour on the Isle of Palms connector as they searched for suspects. The nearly 4-mile stretch of road bridging the island and Mount Pleasant piled with traffic before the lanes reopened by 8 p.m.

Officials have not disclosed how many people were detained in connection with the shooting. Police are "still investigating to determine whether they were involved," according to the city's Twitter account.

Officers found several guns on the beach, though it's unclear whether they were used in the shooting, Cornett said.

The April 7 mass shooting marks the second consecutive Easter weekend that a South Carolina community has been rocked by gun violence. More than a dozen bullets fired April 16, 2022, inside Columbia's crowded Columbiana Centre mall left nine shot and six more injured as shoppers fled.

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Isle of Palms, issued a statement via Twitter shortly after the beachside shooting. The lawmaker said she "will not politicize this horrific event" but urged those on both sides of the aisle to work together.

"It makes me sick to see how neither side will sit down together and discuss why gun violence is on the rise and why our policies dont address root causes," said Mace, who bought a home on the island last year. "Both sides just dig their heels in, unwilling to have an honest conversation."

Clad in an official Isle of Palms vest, Mayor Phillip Pounds stood outside the police station following a press briefing. He expected a long night ahead of him.

Pounds, who has led the coastal city for the last year and a half, recalled a similar large gathering last summer but noted it did not escalate into gunshots.

"It is a slice of paradise," Pounds said of his city and its expansive sandy beaches. "You just dont expect things like that."

The crime scene was peaceful come nightfall. Waves softly bounced onto the shore. Yellow tape blocked off a section of sand below the pier where investigators walked with police dogs.

Caitlin Bird contributed to this report from Charleston.
JAMES ISLAND  Bob Schurmeier had to choose: the building or the people.

The 96-year-old parishioner and lifelong Episcopalian moved to James Island about 50 years ago and began attending St. James Episcopal, a historic house of worship with a congregation that dates back to 1722.

He loves the members, but also feels a connection to the edifice. Schurmeier sat on the same wooden pew  on the left side facing the sanctuary  nearly every Sunday for five decades. He also worked the sound booth, located directly behind his favorite seat. Settled in at the church, Schurmeier purchased three burial plots where he hoped he, his wife and one of his children will be laid to rest when the time comes.

Then, last fall, the S.C. Supreme Court announced St. James and seven other congregations which had broken away from the national Episcopal Church must return ownership of their properties. The court order ended a decadelong legal dispute that originated when 36 parishes disaffiliated from the national Episcopal Church over homosexuality, governance powers and interpretations of Scripture.

The breakaway group, now known as the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina, had hoped to take their churches with them, so the dispute became a tense debate over valuable properties across the Palmetto State worth more than $200 million. But the fight for property and money had real, emotional consequences on local parishioners.

Members had to wrestle with the idea of severing ties with a facility where their ancestors are buried, grave spots are purchased, and a sanctuary that holds memories of prayers uttered, tears cried, hugs felt and sermons heard. Some people had to decide whether their theological convictions took precedent over worshipping alongside family and friends.

Schurmeier chose to leave behind the St. James building and go with the congregation, the majority of whom had decided to form what is now known as Saint James Anglican. Schurmeier said he valued the deep friendships he had formed with his fellow members over the building itself, despite his connection to the space and his disagreement with the Anglican group's stance on homosexuality.

And yet, the pain of the breakup still lingers in his heart, even as Saint James marks a new beginning this Easter by celebrating its first worship service inside its new church building at 1101 Camp Road, a facility being leased from First Baptist Church of James Island located across the street.

"This whole thing doesnt make any sense to me," Schurmeier said. "They said, 'Youve got to understand what each side is about.' I don't want to. I want to believe what God said  that all children should be able to go to church."

And while the hurt of Episcopal Diocese's fracture may never disappear from parishioners' minds, worshippers still see possibility for the hurt to coexist with the joy of a fresh start.

Across the Lowcountry, congregations navigating the denominational split are looking to Resurrection Sunday as a new beginning. Some have secured new sanctuaries after being forced to give up their properties. Others are still on the hunt for new spaces to worship. All of them are seeing this first Easter following the Supreme Court's April 20, 2022, decision as a chance to put the schism behind them.

For some, the drawn out legal fiasco resulted in a "Good Friday" last year, when it was announced the breakaway churches would have to leave their campuses.

"When we lost the property, it felt like a death," said the Rev. Toby Larson of Saint James. "A death of history, a death of familiarity, and it felt like a death of family. But Easter is a time of resurrection and hope. That's what this will be for us  a new beginning."

The challenge for the displaced churches has been trying to find a place to build a new facility in a region where land and construction has become more expensive. Church attendance and, subsequently, tithes have also steadily declined, a trend bolstered by the pandemic.

But some, like Christ's Church in Mount Pleasant, have fallen on good fortune.

'Only God could do that'

An unexpected blessing walked into the Rev. Ted Duvall's office on a Thursday morning last fall.

Some days after the Supreme Court confirmed in August its earlier decision that Christ's Church would have to vacate its historic, 20-acre campus off U.S. Highway 17, a congregant stopped by the church. The member told the rector that he and his wife wanted to make an anonymous $3 million donation to help the church purchase property to build a new campus.

Duvall wept.

A few months later, in January, another family came forward to give $1 million, totaling $4.2 million in unanticipated gifts. The money allowed the congregation to secure a 9-acre plot off Faison Road in Mount Pleasant, where they'll construct a new place of worship.

"Only God could do that," Duvall said. "All of that speaks of Gods provision, which is just like Resurrection."

On Easter, Duvall estimates more than 250 congregants will gather at Jennie Moore Elementary, where the church has worshipped since last fall.

There's still some pain following the schism. As was the case with Saint James Anglican, several members did not join Christ's Church in the move. Duvall still gets a bit emotional when he thinks about the final service congregants held in Christ's Church. People hugged and cried. There was both joy at the possibility of starting over and sadness at the idea of leaving a home.

The grief was sitting in the middle," Duvall said.

There's still much work to be done. The congregation still has to raise the money to actually build its new church. But the people's trust in God has been solidified by God's faithfulness, demonstrated by the unanticipated million-dollar donations, Duvall said. And there's still an overriding feeling of excitement about what the future holds, Duvall said.

"We have been led by God to look forward," Duvall said. "Even if you have to live through Good Friday in a fallen world where sin abounds, Easter is where hes bringing us. We rejoice in that.

As one group exited the historic Christ's Church building, another congregation moved in.

After the property was returned to the Episcopal Diocese, around 70 worshippers joined to mark a new beginning for the church's future in a service held on Sept. 18. Since then, attendance has grown to about 140 during the 10:30 a.m. service, said the Rev. Furman Buchanan.

Worshippers at Christ's Episcopal Church include three groups: The first group is a handful of people known as East Cooper Episcopal Church. These are individuals who left Christ's Church in 2012 when the congregation's leadership decided to disaffiliate from the national diocese. Over the past decade, East Cooper Episcopal has held worship services in funeral parlors and living rooms.

The second group includes individuals who stayed at the church when the church decided to disaffiliate in 2012 and have remained there even after the Anglican group left to worship at Jennie Moore. Some of these parishioners have relatives buried in the cemetery at the church.

The last group are individuals who live in Mount Pleasant and aren't part of either category.

"This is an open and inclusive parish," Buchanan said. "It will continue to be. I hope theres always room in these pews for a broad spectrum of viewpoints.

Some congregants on the Episcopal side were not able to return to their historic sanctuaries.

Pat Neumann had been attending Trinity Church on Edisto Island for about 10 years when the church's vestry board voted in December 2012 to exit the Episcopal Denomination. Neumann cried. She said she was heartbroken. Neumann stopped attending church for months until the group of parishioners who stayed with the Episcopal group invited her to worship services they were hosting at a local restaurant.

For the next 10 years, the Episcopal congregants were hopeful the court would return Trinity back to the Episcopal Diocese. When the order ruled Trinity would remain with the Anglican Church, Neumann said she actually felt relief that closure had finally come.

Now, the congregation is worshipping in a Baptist church on Edisto and can focus on moving forward with necessary actions like completing their search for a new rector, and eventually finding a permanent space to worship, she said.

Balancing pain and joy

Parishioners are struggling to balance both pain and joy as they move on from the controversy.

What hurts Schurmeier the most isn't that he had to leave behind the old St. James campus. But it is the fact that the denomination had to split at all. The St. Paul, Minn., native said he simply can't wrap his head around the idea that those who follow Christ could disagree so bitterly that it result in an ecclesiastical fracture.

So the pain lingers in Schurmeier, even as he applauds the fact that his church has secured a new space, has invested thousands of dollars in renovating its new edifice, and is on the tail end of dealing with legal trouble. The pain lingered as he sat beside other members of the predominantly White Saint James Anglican in a celebratory, joint Palm Sunday worship service inside the historically Black First Baptist Church of James Island, where choirs from the two churches came together to offer sounds of praise.

Balancing pain and joy is the message of the Gospel, Duvall said.

Christians don't pretend like everything is fine," Duvall said. "We enter in the passion of the world, knowing the resurrection is there. We don't run away from it. We walk through it."

Thankfully, the congregation got some much needed help from First Baptist, which is leasing its old Camp Road building to the Anglican group. The Rev. Charlie Murray Jr. said he didn't hesitate when Larson approached him last year about acquiring the building.

Murray sees this new relationship as more than a business deal. He hopes the two churches, though of different cultural backgrounds, could form a lasting relationship. It's a church's calling to be there for those going through tough times, Murray said.

"The Lord put us there to be a leaning post," he said. "A place of refuge."
Nobody actually mentioned the special privilege the S.C. Supreme Court has granted to lawyer-legislators when the states prosecutors and sheriffs gathered last month to demand that lawmakers give up their lock on picking our states judges.

But as they tried to tie the need for judicial selection reform to their popular bond-reform campaign and piled on complaints about the outsize role lawyer-legislators play in the current process, it was clearly right below the surface, just waiting to be scratched.

So afterward, I caught up with Kevin Brackett, a Republican career prosecutor who has served as solicitor in York and Union counties since 2006. He wasnt at all hesitant to talk about how criminal defense attorneys in the Legislature contribute to our criminal justice system's revolving door as a result of two chief justices' decisions to grant them automatic exemptions from appearing in court seven months a year, which leaves them only five months to have to rely on standard delay tactics.

Theyre hired to delay, Mr. Brackett said, zeroing in on what is in many cases the most powerful tool a defense attorney has. He named the names I expected, but Im not sharing them because what theyre doing is such an egregious abuse of the public trust that they need to be allowed to defend their actions in a news article rather than answering to an editorial writer whos already made up her mind.

The openness with which Mr. Brackett discussed the matter  and how close it came to being said aloud in the news conference  marked a sea change from the first three decades I spent covering the Legislature and judicial system.

Maybe the chief justice's legislative immunity order wasnt talked about before because to criticize it is to criticize the chief justice, and even an elected prosecutor doesnt want to do that in a state where the Supreme Court has unilateral authority to reprimand, suspend or even disbar lawyers. Or maybe it was just that journalists never knew to ask about the order, which I only heard of a year and a half ago, when another prosecutor contacted me  off the record  to tip me off that Chief Justice Don Beatty had expanded his predecessor's orders beyond all recognition.

Now that the topic is out there  well, three months after I wrote about how then-Chief Justice Jean Toal had ordered judges not to force lawyer-legislators to appear in court or for depositions while the Legislature is in session and how her successor had expanded the order, Justice Beatty attempted to scale it back. That lasted precisely one day  until, he would tell me later, he heard from lawyer-legislators.

That effort and about-face were front-page news (What kind of influence must they have to make the chief justice do that? Mr. Brackett asks), and suddenly the shadowy special privilege became such a central part of the once-vague critique of lawyer-legislators that its now an identifiable factor in law enforcement's campaign to rein in those lawyers' power in selecting judges.

Which is a good thing, because even though lawyer-legislators get-out-of-court-free card doesnt necessarily taint our judges, its a symptom of the larger problem: a judicial system that makes it more difficult than it should be for judges to be fair when lawyer-legislators enter their courtrooms. And as such, it needs to be much more widely recognized.

The 10 solicitors and 18 sheriffs who drove to Columbia last month to join Attorney General Alan Wilson in calling for change rightly argue that the third branch of government  the governor  needs to be equally represented in the selection process. When you have one branch of government that hires, pays and can fire the other branch, Mr. Brackett told me, there is no fantasy world in which you can possibly cock your head and close one eye and call that a co-equal branch of government.

Mr. Brackett is among those who want the governor to nominate judges, with legislative confirmation. Solicitor David Pascoe is focused smartly on starting with the reform that doesnt require a change to the state constitution: kicking lawyer-legislators off the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, which decides which three candidates in each race can be considered by the Legislature. He would let the governor appoint some or all of the commission members, while the Legislature continues to elect judges.

Whatever the specific method, prosecutors and sheriffs want to create what Mr. Bracket calls a process where judges arent looking over their shoulder to make sure they havent offended a member of the JMSC that practices law in front of them.

In addition to giving an advantage to lawyer-legislators who want to abuse it, Mr. Wilson notes that the current system also is unfair to the ones who dont abuse their positions, and to judges who dont allow themselves to be intimidated by legislators, because people question the ruling even if its the right ruling.

Mr. Pascoe has also embraced the increasingly popular idea of stripping the selection commission of its nomination power and allowing legislators to pick anyone the panel deems qualified.

Ive been an advocate of the nominating process since before it was created, but its possible that the commission has become such a perversion of the independent merit panel it was supposed to be that we need that change. If the Legislature continues to appoint it.

But if you reform the commission  if you let the governor appoint its members  then eliminating the nominating process really moots the governors influence. Lawmakers should do one or the other  and preferably the latter  but not both.

Click here for more opinion content from The Post and Courier.
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Top diplomats from Middle East rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia met in Beijing on Thursday, resuming diplomatic relations and pledging to work together to bring "security and stability" to their turbulent region.

In a joint statement released after talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the two sides vowed to continue to work together to improve ties.

The meeting came after a surprise China-brokered deal in March put Tehran and Riyadh on a path to restore relations that had been severed seven years ago when protesters in Iran attacked Saudi diplomatic missions.

"The two sides emphasised the importance of following up on the implementation of the Beijing Agreement and its activation in a way that expands mutual trust and the fields of cooperation and helps create security, stability and prosperity in the region," Thursday's joint statement said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian laid out details of Thursdays agreement in a tweet, after his talks with Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The minister wrote that Thursday marked the beginning of official diplomatic relations ... economic and commercial cooperation, the reopening of embassies and consulates general, and the emphasis on stability, stable security and development of the region. Amirabdollahian said that the issues are agreed upon and on the common agenda.

The official Iranian news agency, IRNA, said that in addition to reopening embassies in the two capitals, diplomatic missions would start operating in two other major cities  Mashhad in Iran and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

The report said both sides also agreed to study the prospects of resuming flights and official and private visits between the two nations, in addition to how to facilitate the visa process for their people.

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang "witnessed the signing of a joint statement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the two countries announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect", the ministry said.

French President Emmanuel Macron and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen were also in the Chinese capital Thursday, seeking to make Europe's case in a meeting with Xi Jinping for bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

Macron, in joint remarks to the media alongside Xi, welcomed the Iran-Saudi thaw as he congratulated his Chinese counterpart for securing "this important step forward".

Shock rapprochement

The shock rapprochement between mainly Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, and shia-majority Iran, strongly at odds with Western governments over its nuclear activities, has the potential to reshape relations across a region characterised by turbulence for decades.

The two sides "negotiated and exchanged opinions with the emphasis on the official resumption of bilateral relations and the executive steps towards the reopening of the embassies and consulates of the two countries", Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Saudi state TV channel Al Ekhbariya aired footage of the pair of diplomats shaking hands in front of Saudi and Iranian flags and then talking and smiling.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning hailed the meeting, adding that the ministers "expressed their gratitude to China for its contribution to the promotion of dialogue".

Under last month's agreement, the two countries are to reopen their embassies and missions within two months and implement security and economic cooperation deals signed more than 20 years ago.

Saudi Arabia severed relations with Iran in January 2016, after protesters attacked its embassy in Tehran and consulate in the Iranian city of Mashhad over Riyadh's execution of the Saudi opposition Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr.

Talks between the foreign ministers are expected to be followed by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Riyadh.

Raisi accepted an invitation from Saudi Arabia's King Salman, Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber said on Monday.

Challenge to US

Iran and Saudi Arabia support rival sides in several conflict zones across the region, including in Yemen, where Huthi rebels are backed by Tehran and Riyadh leads a military coalition supporting the government.

The two sides also vie for influence in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.

Riyadh's traditional ally Washington welcomed the detente agreement but said it remains to be seen whether the Iranians will "honour their side of the deal".

China's success in bringing Iran and Saudi Arabia together has challenged the United States' long-standing role as the main outside power broker in the Middle East.

An expert told AFP that Beijing's role would likely increase confidence that any deal would stick.

"Because China is a strong backer of Iran, Saudi should have more confidence in Iran's ability to comply with the agreement, an issue that has always been in doubt," said Joel Rubin, former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs.

Thursday's meeting "suggests that the process hasn't gone off track since the Beijing announcement last month", said Ali Vaez, Director of the International Crisis Group's Iran Project.

"But it's still early days to judge whether this is just a tactical detente or a way-station towards strategic rapprochement."

Warming ties

Officials from Iran and Saudi Arabia held several rounds of dialogue in Baghdad and Oman before they met in Beijing.

In 2016, several Gulf countries followed Riyadh's action in scaling back ties with Tehran, but they have led the way in restoring diplomatic relations.

Iran welcomed an Emirati ambassador last September, after a six-year absence, and on Wednesday named its own ambassador to the UAE following a nearly eight-year hiatus.

It said last year Kuwait had sent its first ambassador to Tehran since 2016.

Iran has also welcomed a potential rapprochement with Bahrain, a close Saudi ally, which in the past accused Iran of backing a Shia-led uprising in the Sunni-ruled kingdom, an accusation Tehran denies.

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 7, 2023 / WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues its investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of adidas AG (OTC:ADDYY, ADDDF) resulting from allegations that adidas may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.SO WHAT: If you purchased adidas securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=12204 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@ rosenlegal.com or cases@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On October 25, 2022, adidas ended its lucrative business partnership with Kanye West (under which it sold products designed by West under the brand name "Yeezy") as a result of his anti-Semitic rhetoric.On November 27, 2022, The Wall Street Journal published an article entitled "Adidas Top Executives Discussed Risk of Staff's Direct Exposure' to Kanye West Years Ago." According to the article, as early as 2018, adidas executives discussed ending the business partnership with West as a result of his behavior. Reportedly adidas feared continuing the relationship with West, as they feared it could "blow up" at any moment. The article added that West made anti-Semitic statements in front of adidas staff, and that he told adidas staff that he was considering naming an album after Adolf Hitler.On February 9, 2023 adidas announced that "while the company continues to review future options for the utilization of its Yeezy inventory, this guidance already accounts for the significant adverse impact from not selling the existing stock. This would lower revenues by around  1.2 billion and operating profit by around  500 million this year." Further, "should the company irrevocably decide not to repurpose any of the existing Yeezy product going forward, this would result in the write-off of the existing Yeezy inventory and would lower the company's operating profit by an additional  500 million this year. In addition, adidas expects one-off costs of up to  200 million in 2023. These costs are part of a strategic review the company is currently conducting aimed at reigniting profitable growth as of 2024. If all these effects were to materialize, the company would expect to report an operating loss of  700 million in 2023." adidas' CEO stated, "[t]he numbers speak for themselves. We are currently not performing the way we should[.]"As a result of these adverse disclosures the price of adidas securities have fallen, damaging investors.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827lrosen@ rosenlegal.com pkim@ rosenlegal.com cases@ rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
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Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting recently released their most comprehensive study on the global medical pta balloon catheter market. This research report provides a detailed overview of the market's drivers and restraints, as well as a thorough analysis of the current trends that are likely to shape its future. To create this in-depth report, the team of analysts used both primary and secondary research methods. The report offers an unbiased perspective on the medical pta balloon catheter industry, allowing clients to make well-informed business decisions. The report reveals key insights about the global medical pta balloon catheter industry, such as the market's size and potential for growth. It also examines the impact of technological advancements, regulatory changes, and consumer behaviors on the market's performance. Analysts also take a closer look at the market's competitive landscape, highlighting the strategies used by leading players to gain a competitive edge. Additionally, the report outlines potential threats and opportunities that may arise in the near future.Overall, this comprehensive report offers an invaluable resource for those looking to better understand the global medical pta balloon catheter market. With the help of the study's data-driven insights, clients can gain a better understanding of the current market dynamics, allowing them to make informed business decisions.Request a Sample of this Report at: https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Medical-PTA-Balloon-Catheter-Market/request-for-sample-report The global medical pta balloon catheter market was in a state of flux, and the future direction was uncertain. To gain clarity, a comprehensive research study was conducted to analyze the market using Porter's five forces analysis and SWOT analysis. By combining these two methods of analysis, the research could gain a clear perspective of the global medical pta balloon catheter market's expected direction.The SWOT analysis focused on identifying the market's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It was a useful tool in determining the potential of the market to succeed and develop, as well as its potential vulnerabilities. The Porter's five forces analysis, on the other hand, provided a detailed look into the competitive landscape, examining the level of competition, the bargaining power of customers, the bargaining power of suppliers, the threat of new entrants, and the threat of substitute products.The research report delved into the trends that were shaping the market, as well as consumer behavior patterns. It was found that the competition among the existing players in the market was intense, and new entrants posed a major threat. The bargaining power of customers was also strong, and suppliers had to come up with innovative products to keep their customers satisfied. Additionally, the threat of substitute products was also present, and companies had to be prepared to face this competition.Overall, the research study provided a comprehensive understanding of the global medical pta balloon catheter market's expected direction. By combining Porter's five forces analysis and SWOT analysis, the research was able to gain a clear picture of the market's future. The report gave readers a better understanding of the trends and consumer behavior patterns that would shape the market's evolution.Highlights of Global Medical PTA Balloon Catheter Market ReportThe global medical pta balloon catheter market report is a comprehensive overview of the current state of the industry and provides an in-depth analysis of its future trends and developments.The report details the market size, growth rate, industry trends, and other noteworthy information. It also highlights key products and services that are driving the growth of the market, as well as their respective market shares.One of the most important aspects of the global medical pta balloon catheter market report is the analysis of the competitive landscape. The report details the competitive positioning of the leading players in the market and the various strategies they are using to stay ahead of their rivals.The report also examines the recent technological developments that are disrupting the industry and the effect they will have on the market in the long term. It also covers the impact of government regulations and policies on the industry and provides an insight into the future trends in the industry.The global medical pta balloon catheter market report provides an insightful look at the current state of the industry and a comprehensive overview of its future prospects. It is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to gain an understanding of the market and its potential.Scope of the ReportMedical PTA Balloon Catheter Market SegmentsThe market by product type is segmented into polyurethane material, nylon material, others.The market by application is segmented into coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease.Regions Covered in the Global Medical PTA Balloon Catheter Market:North America (the United States and Canada)Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Rest of Europe)Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, and Rest of Asia Pacific)The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries, South Africa and Rest of the Middle East & Africa)Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Rest of Latin America)The medical pta balloon catheter market has been under intense scrutiny over the past few years, and the latest report released by the market research division provides a comprehensive overview of the leading players in the industry. The report contains a detailed chapter on company profiles which provides an overview of the strategic objectives of the leading players, their primary products and services, and an in-depth analysis of their strategic initiatives.The report reveals that the leading players in the medical pta balloon catheter market are taking aggressive steps to strengthen their position in the industry. Many of the organizations have embarked on R&D activities to stay ahead of the competition and remain competitive. Their strategic initiatives have also been designed to capitalize on the technological advances in the industry.The report also provides an overview of the financial outlooks of the leading players in the industry. An overall analysis of the organizations' financial statuses reveals the current trends in the market. This allows readers to gain a better understanding of the potential of the medical pta balloon catheter market and its expected trajectory.It is clear that the medical pta balloon catheter market is a highly competitive industry and the leading players have to continuously innovate to keep up with the competition. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the industry and its key players and provides readers with an understanding of the industry's current and future prospects. This research aims to provide readers with an informed assessment of the anticipated trajectory of the medical pta balloon catheter market.The following Companies as the Key Players in the Global Medical PTA Balloon Catheter Market Research Report:Abbott, AndraTec, Biotronik, Boston Scientific Corporation, Cardinal Health, Cook Medical, Creagh Medical, Medtronic Plc, Natec Medical, Surmodics, Inc, Terumo Corporation, TriReme MedicalContact UsDhirtek Business Research and Consulting Private LimitedContact No: +91 7580990088Email Id: sales@ dhirtekbusinessresearch.com
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The Financial Times has recognized PPR Capital Management as one of the fastest-growing businesses in AmericaBERWYN, PA / ACCESSWIRE / April 7, 2023 / PPR Capital Management ("PPR"), a leading private equity real estate fund manager, has been named one of the Americas' Fastest Growing Businesses by the Financial Times. Notably, PPR was the 11th fastest-growing Real Estate company on the list. With a seasoned team and a proven investment strategy, PPR has been providing investors with consistent returns and peace of mind for over fifteen years. With decades of industry experience and economic-based portfolio management, PPR is committed to delivering above-average risk-adjusted returns with its investors' success foremost in mind.One of PPR's featured strategies and a key to its growth is Real Estate Note Investing, which has been a cornerstone of its investment approach since the firm's inception in 2007. PPR specializes in non-performing notes, which are real estate-backed loans that are purchased through government auctions and fund-to-fund transactions."We are incredibly proud of our dedicated people and the strong foundation we have built over fifteen years. Our Real Estate Note Investing strategy has been a significant part of our investment approach since the firm's founding," said Steve Meyer, Chief Executive Officer of PPR Capital Management. "We have a deep understanding of the non-performing loan market, and we use our expertise to identify unique investment opportunities that provide reliable sources of returns." In addition to its Real Estate Note Investing strategy, PPR Capital Management also focuses on commercial real estate investments. The firm utilizes its experience and extensive network to identify and partner with time-tested sponsors and developers with a demonstrable track record."We choose asset classes within the commercial space that have beneficial long-term supply/demand characteristics, such as Class B or Affordable Housing located in areas with long-term favorable fundamentals," said Dave Van Horn, Founder, and Executive Chairman of the Board of PPR Capital Management."Our approach to commercial real estate investing is centered around identifying unique investment opportunities that align with our investment strategy," added Meyer. "We focus on properties that have the potential to generate positive long-term returns, and we work closely with our trusted sponsors and partners to ensure that our investments are aligned with our investors' objectives, as well as positively impact local communities." "As we look to the future, we remain committed to delivering exceptional results to our investors and partners and being an integral part of their wealth-building success" Meyer continued. We look forward to building on our achievement as one of the Americas' Fastest Growing Businesses." For more information about PPR Capital Management and its investment strategies, please visit its website at https://pprcapitalmgmt.com About PPR Capital ManagementPPR Capital Management is a private investment firm, specializing in institutional mortgage notes and commercial real estate. Since 2007, PPR's experienced team has enabled investors to access an investment fund with a sizeable scale, high-quality assets, and economic-based portfolio management. Adhering to a strong set of core values, PPR's goal is to deliver risk-adjusted passive returns while improving communities nationwide.Media ContactChris Van Horncvanhorn@ pprcapitalmgmt.com (877) 395-1290SOURCE: PPR
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In the age of quiet quitting, burnout, and the great resignation, adding improv games might improve company communication and could lead to a more fulfilling workplace.BOISE, ID / ACCESSWIRE / April 7, 2023 / Recently, American society has been inundated with stress, tension, and anger. Unsurprisingly, these tensions have trickled into the workforce; 94% of workers report feeling stress at work, while nearly half of American workers report that such high stress is making them emotionally check out, which is leading to increasingly high resignation and turnover rates.For workers who remain at their jobs, high stress levels can make workers lose focus, struggle with time management, feel unhappy at work, and can even lead to some workers becoming angry at coworkers. Many in the workforce report that teams are fracturing, communication is breaking down, and overall productivity is slowing down.One unlikely solution for companies with high turnover rates: add laughter to the workplace. Megan McCaleb of Improv Team Culture suggests improv can reduce these problems and has seen firsthand how integrating improv games can bolster company culture."There's no denying that the world is dealing with some severe challenges right now," McCaleb starts. "Now more than ever, it's important to infuse humor, connection, optimism, and creativity into the workplace to tackle these challenges and communicate our messages clearly," she says.Generally, people struggle to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. It seems today's increased stress levels are adding fuel to the fire by making it more difficult for people to have civil, calm discussions. However, multiple studies report how participating in improv can improve communication skills,reduce anxiety, and help groups develop flow and boost collaboration.By far, the main benefit of playing improv games at work is that it allows workers to relax, laugh, and have fun. Research shows the more we laugh, the less stress we feel, and studies indicate that on average, happier workers are 12% more productive at work.But McCaleb says you don't need to be a comedian to participate in improv. "You don't have to be funny, but you do have to be able to think on your feet, move and adapt, and be open to change in the workplace." All in all, McCaleb hopes that the use of improv becomes more widespread in company culture to battle the great resignation statistics, prevent quiet quitting, and lead to a more productive and fulfilling work landscape."My greatest hope is that our up-and-coming leaders break old habits, patterns, and cycles and choose a more collaborative way to support humanity," she says. Ultimately, McCaleb hopes that learning how to laugh at the office can lead to a brighter workplace, and possibly, a happier world.ABOUT:Improv Team Culture originated in 2010 and provides virtual and in-person innovative, interactive business workshops for companies of all sizes. Through the use of improv comedy, Improv Team Culture boosts team building and skills training for a more productive, stress-free work environment. Learn more about Improv Team Culture by visiting their website. For additional information, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.CONTACT:Megan McCaleb(208)863-4292megan@ improvteamculture.com SOURCE: Improv Team Culture
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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Limited said it welcomed the investigation launched by the House of Representatives into the alleged payment of N20 billion to ghost consultants.

GarbaDeen Muhammad, the chief corporate communications officer of the NNPCL, in a statement on Friday said the outcome of the investigation into the false allegation will vindicate the company and put an end to all speculations concerning the matter.

NNPC Limited had on Monday denied the publication by an online medium, Sahara Reporters, alleging that the company paid the sum of N20 billion to ghost consultants and was involved in the theft of multi-billion naira tax due to the Ogun state government.

The company in a statement said it does not have or deal with ghost consultants, noting that there is an N18 billion dispute with Ogun State which is currently in court.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives resolved to investigate the alleged payment.

The resolution was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance moved by Ibrahim Kawu (APC, Kano) during plenary.

Mr Kawu said, The staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company are reported to have diverted over N20 billion in the guise of consultancy fees paid to its consultants, Messrs Safaya.

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In a statement on Friday, the NNPC Ltd said it received with great relief the resolution of the House of Representatives to investigate allegations of the payment of a huge sum of twenty billion naira to ghost consultants.

The statement noted that NNPC Ltd had earlier refuted the allegations.

Under the current Board and Management, NNPC Ltd has instituted a culture of transparency that includes making its annual Audited Financial Statements (AFS) public.

It is in this light that the NNPC Ltd welcomes the resolution of the House of Representatives to investigate this very outrageous allegation.

NNPC Ltd is confident that the outcome of any investigation into the false allegation will vindicate the company, and put an end to all speculations concerning the matter, the NNPCL said.

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Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it.

Nigerias Aviation Ministry on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aviation Solutions Group (ASG), amidst ongoing efforts to raise the status of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

In a statement issued Friday by James Odaudu, a special assistant to the minister of Aviation on Public Affairs, the ministry said the MoU will help NCAT in areas of competencies, training and certification in order to position the college as a regional training centre for Africa in civil aviation.

According to the statement, the MoU also has as part of its deliverables the provision of assistance to NCAT for the acquisition of three Full Flight Simulators and certification of one B737NG Full Flight Simulator.

It said ASG and its affiliates are also to provide ground handling service, Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) and other training services for the College.

Vistas of opportunities

Signing the MoU on behalf of the Government of Nigeria, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation, Emmanuel Meribole, described the event as a watershed.

He said the collaboration is expected to create new vistas of opportunities for the college in particular and the aviation sector in general.

According to the statement, Mr Meribole informed the ASG management that Nigeria was the ultimate destination and hub of aviation in Africa, and any investment in the sector is an investment worth the while and not misplaced.

He further stated that the Nigerian government would continue to invest in the sector, as the collaboration with the ASG is a subset of the Aviation Master Plan envisioned by the minister or aviation, Hadi Sirika, as approved by the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

In his remarks, ASGs Business Development Executive, Vygaudas Usackas, lauded the collaboration and assured of the readiness of the company to ensure the implementation of the MoU to the letter, the statement noted.

Mr Usackas described Nigeria as a very important country in Africa with huge potential and a ready market for aviation.

According to the statement, the official disclosed that the group had robust relationships with some domestic airline operators in Nigeria and has been offering some mutually beneficial services.

The signing of the MoU is, without doubt, another milestone of President Buhari in the aviation sector in Nigeria, the statement said.

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Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinkas recent statement Fascism on course continues to elicit mixed reactions and criticisms, primarily by supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, the Obidients.

In the article, Mr Soyinka knocked the Obidient movement and shared his views on the Nigerian electoral process and how unsure he is about the countrys development.

In the final part of his article, he subtly addressed the famous entertainer Charly Boy, whom he said he opposes even though he is an independent mind.

Before I take myself off for well, next port of call  the final word goes to a favourite maverick, propagated even as he matched his words by action. I suspect that in this instance, we find ourselves on opposite sides of the strategic fence  that is, democracy. This now co-opted watchword of his formulation remains apt, applicable to all who strive for authentic social transformation: Your mumu don do! Mr Soyinkas statement partly read.

Charly Boys OurMumuDonDo movement shot into the limelight after President Muhammadu Buharis extended medical vacation in England became a trending cause for national concern.

Charly Boy also participated in a daily sit-out protest alongside Deji Adeyanju to call on President Buhari to resume office or resign

Obidients: repulsive, off-putting concoction- Wole Soyinka

In his writeup, the 88-year-old celebrated playwright tackled the Obidient movement.

He wrote, By the way, I agree with Seun Kuti; Obidients is one of the most repulsive, off-putting concoctions I ever encountered in any political arena.

Although claiming they had a right to freedom of choice, specific actions raised questions.

He also addressed the leaked telephone conversation between Mr Obi and popular cleric David Oyedepo.

By contrast, I have no quarrel with Yes Daddy. Roman Catholics are used to saying Yes, Father. Secularists say Enh, Baba. The context and content are what matters, and lies  where established  raise bothersome issues such as Integrity Deficiency, he wrote.

Charly Boys response

Clearly, Boy, in his response on Saturday, tagged Mr Soyinka as an errand boy for greedy politicians in an Instagram post.

His post read, The kin respect I had for this man was almost the kind of respect I had for the late Justice C.A.Oputa, The Socrates of the Supreme Court.

It has finally dawned on me that Soyinka can never be the man Chinua Achebe was. The Kongi is not ordinary; he should be very measured anytime he makes a public statement.

Look at a man many Nigerians put on such a high pedestal, reducing himself to a boy for criminal politicians. What an f..king big shame.

Charley Boy, whom Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State appointed to a committee to address Biafra agitation in April 2022, recently went public with a prostate cancer diagnosis.

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Almost three decades after over one million people were killed in a genocide, the government of Rwanda continues to call for the extradition of suspected perpetrators.

In a commemorative event held in collaboration with the United Nations, Rwandas High Commissioner to Nigeria Stanislas Kamanzi noted that #Kwibuka29 affords an opportunity for reiterating a vivid appeal to the international community concerning suspected genocide perpetrators still at large in different countries around the world, which have shown little or no preoccupation in bringing them to justice or extraditing them to Rwanda to be tried.

He, however, thanked governments of countries that have made a commendable effort to bringing suspected genocide perpetrators to justice.

READ ALSO:

Mr Kamanzi noted that Rwanda will stay committed to its never again resolve even when in parts of the world, there have been attempts to resurrect the hate speech and advocate denial and revisionism.

About the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

The International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda is marked every 7 April under the multi-year team Remember  Unite  Renew.

Commemorative activities are held at community level during the mourning week, 7 to 13 April. The event will be concluded by a ceremony on 13 April to pay tribute to the politicians killed for standing against the commission of the genocide.

Observance of commemorative events will go on during the 100 days of the remembrance period; building on the significant strides made in national unity and socio economic development.

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President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi highlighted Egypt's longstanding partnership with the World Health Organistion (WHO) in eradicating hepatitis C through the 100 Million Health initiative during a video speech at a ceremony commemorating the WHO's 75th anniversary.

The initiative has been widely recognised for its comprehensive approach and high quality, the president said.

He also mentioned that this initiative has expanded to several African and Asian countries, demonstrating Egypt's commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities to the international community.

The WHO's Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, which provides healthcare services to over 500 million people across 22 countries, is located in Cairo.

The ceremony took place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated the significance of collective efforts in achieving health security, according to the president.

The president urged world leaders to prioritise investing in health and emphasised the importance of such endeavors at the international level.

The president concluded his speech by stating that these efforts exemplify a deep belief in the importance of health solidarity, full commitment to promoting and protecting public health and support for the fundamental principles of equality and justice.

He stressed that these efforts contribute to achieving sustainable health security for all of humanity.

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Dele Alake, the special adviser communications to President-elect, Bola Tinubu, says Chimamanda Adichie may face a lawsuit over an allegation she made against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu.

Ms Adichie, in an open letter to US President, Joe Biden, said Many believe that the INEC chair has been compromised.

but there is no evidence of the astronomical U.S.-dollar amounts he is rumoured to have received from the president-elect. The extremely wealthy Tinubu is himself known to be an enthusiastic participant in the art of compromising; some Nigerians call him a drug baron because, in 1993, he forfeited to the United States government $460,000 of his income that a Chicago court determined to be proceeds from heroin trafficking, she added.

Mr Alake, in a rejoinder issued on Friday, said the novelist will be lucky to avoid being asked to prove her allegation in court.

Chimamanda will be lucky if she does not have to prove this weighty allegation in court, he said.

INEC has not responded to the allegation.

Ms Adiche supported the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, who came third in the presidential election.

Mr Tinubu, the ruling APC candidate, polled a total of 8,794,726 votes to defeat Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored a total of 6,984,520 votes and Mr Obi of the Labour Party (LP), who came third with a total of 6,101,533 votes.

There were 18 candidates in presidential election which held on 25 February.

Why Tinubu won

While trying to prove the credibility of the election, Mr Alake stated that the decisions of Mr Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to defect from the PDP to LP and New Nigeria Peoples Party respectively helped Mr Tinubu to win the election, a task that would have been almost impossible.

It is instructive that Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso broke away from the PDP to contest the election on the platforms of the LP and NNPP respectively. Had the PDP contested the election as one with Obi and Kwankwaso in its fold, winning the election would have been an uphill, almost impossible, task for the APC.

But contesting on three separate platforms against the ruling party as they did, the victory of the APC was logically and empirically inevitable, he wrote.

Messrs Obi and Kwankwaso dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just before the primaries.

Meanwhile, Messrs Obi and Atiku are currently challenging the outcome of the presidential election in court.

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Labour Party state chairpersons say they did not sack Julius Abure as chairman of the party, insisting that he (Abure) remains the recognised National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).

The state chairpersons of the party in Abuja took back the party secretariat which was alleged to have been taken over by thugs who seized and sealed the office on April 6.

The Chairman of Edo State LP, Ogbaloi Kelly, said that the National Working Committee (NWC) is a subordinate organ to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

Therefore, when a faction of it comes to take laws into its hands, it becomes a total nullity.

Those who are taking this action are members of the party who have since been suspended, and as at the time they took this action, their suspension had not been lifted.

Therefore, we are saying here that the 36 state chairmen have come to retake their possession.

These miscreants who took over the office do not have the authority to control this matter, but we here have the authority and law to be in charge of the party and we affirm Abure.

Mr Kelly said that even the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) affirmed Mr Abure as the chairman in their communique.

We have come here to tell the world that the action of this faction is a total nullity and should be disregarded because the action does not follow the content of the rules and constitution of the Labour Party.

Cashmir Agbo, chairman, Enugu State Labour Party, said that there was a need for party members to be guided by the rules and laws of the Constitutional provisions and the laws of the land and the party.

The position of the party and the mechanism in the resolution of crises are very clear. In the constitution, you have to exhaust that mechanism in court.

You go to court and obtain a court order and you want to enforce that order by yourself.

What am saying in effect is this that they mixed criminality with civil process and the court that gave them that order endangered law.

Mr Agbo blamed the crisis on those that do not want LP to challenge the presidential election in court, adding We are challenging the outcome of INECs result, they should allow the court process to finish.

What they are doing is to enforce their will and distract and force labour party nationwide to withdraw the case in court.

Mr Agbo said that Mr Abure remains the authentic Chairman of the Labour Party in Nigeria and there was nobody except the National Executive Committee that could remove him.

(NAN)

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Residents of Wanzamai village in Tsafe Local Government of Zamfara state have released the names of 85 people that were abducted by terrorists on Friday.

The community released the names following the claim by the police that only nine people were abducted.

A resident of Tsafe town, Haruna Bashar, said those abducted included people from Wanzamai and Kucherri in Zamfara and some communities around Yankara in Katsina State.

Its true because in our house right now theyre more than five people from Wanzamai taking refuge. People are afraid and some of them have started leaving the community. We dont know how many people the bandits have taken because aside those from Wanzamai, several people in the bush were also taken. I learnt that people from Kucheri and Yankara were also abducted, he said over the phone.

A source in the Wanzamai community who asked not to be named for security reasons, said while 85 people were abducted from his village, the terrorists also abducted people from Kucheri same day.

Yes, the list that you saw is genuine and its from our village. Any security or government official that said were lying should come to our town and well show him evidence, he said.

Residents of thr community claimed those abducted included those who went to fetch firewood, those who went to start clearing their farmlands ahead of the rainy season and traditional medicine sellers who had gone to pluck medicinal leaves.

The police command through its spokesperson, Mohammed Shehu, however insisted only nine residents were abducted.

Mr Shehu, in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES Saturday afternoon, said efforts are being made to rescue the abducted residents.

Information received by the Command from Village Head of Wanzamai revealed that, about Nine (9) women and children left their homes to the bush to fetch for firewood. As they moved deep into the forest, they were accosted and abducted to unknown destination by Armed Bandits, he said.

He said the police commissioner in the state, Kolo Yusuf, has reassured the family of those abducted that the command would rescue them in good condition.

The Commissioner of Police Zamfara State Police CP Kolo Yusuf psc, has reassured the Public especially families of the abducted women and Children of Wanzamai Village in Tsafe LGA of the State that, the Command in collaboration with the Military and Vigilante are making tireless efforts to rescue the victims hale and hearty and Re  Unite them with their families/Relations.

READ ALSO: Terrorists abduct over 80 residents in fresh Zamfara attack

On reciept of the report, nearby joint Police and other security Agencies mobilized to the scene and commenced search and rescue operation with a view to rescue the hostages and arrest the assailants.

The Commissioner of Police further deployed additional Police Tactical team to complement the ongoing rescue mission, Mr Shehu said.

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday joined other worshippers at the State House mosque to witness the early closure of the 2023 Ramadan daily Quranic recitation (Tafsir).

The 2023 session was brought to an early closure because the Imam of the State House Mosque had to go on a pilgrimage to Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The recitation of the Quran and commentaries is a daily feature of the month-long Ramadan fasting and the 2023 session has a special meaning for Mr Buhari as it is the last he will witness as president.

As the president is about to complete his second four-year term in a matter of weeks, the Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdulwahab Sulaiman, turned the event into a valedictory ceremony, Buharis media aide, Garba Shehu, stated.

At the closing session, Mr Sulaiman praised the president for his patience and forbearance and for fighting corruption, terrorism and insurgency as well as the massive infrastructure he has put in place.

Mr Sulaiman also lauded President Buhari for setting high standards for probity and accountability and for service to the nation and its people with morality and integrity.

He said the presidents place in history was an assured one.

Prayers were said for the successful handover to the incoming administration of the president-elect, Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima.

(NAN)

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Ukraine will resume exporting electricity to Europe after a six-month pause due to crippling Russian missile attacks on the countrys infrastructure, Energy Minister German Galushchenko, said on Friday.

The Ukrainian power grid had been functioning for almost two months without any restrictions on consumption and with a power reserve, Mr Galushchenko said in a statement, saying repairs had been a success.

He said that exporting the surplus electricity would provide additional financial resources for the reconstruction of the destroyed and damaged energy infrastructure.

An export of a maximum of 400 megawatts to the European energy grid had been agreed. Ukraine was connected to the grid shortly before the war began.

However, the actual amount of electricity exported will depend on the needs of Ukrainian consumers, said Galushchenko, adding that their own electricity consumers unquestionably remained their priority.

In the face of the all-out Russian invasion more than 13 months ago, Ukraine continued to export electricity to neighbouring ex-Soviet republic, Moldova, and the European Union from June until October.

This was when targeted Russian attacks on Ukraines energy supply began.

In 2022, electricity generation in Ukraine fell by over 27 per cent due to the war.

Europes largest nuclear power plant near Zaporizhzhya, which has been under Russian control since March, was shut down in September. (dpa/NAN)

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President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has enjoined Christians in Nigeria to use the occasion of the Easter to reflect on the priceless sacrifice and limitless love of God for mankind.

In a statement he personally signed on Saturday, Mr Tinubu said for Christians the celebration is in commemoration of Jesus Christs life of service and supreme sacrifice for the salvation of mankind .

He asked them to imbibe the essential message of Christs ministry and truly begin to love fellow Nigerians as they love themselves.

Mr Tinubu also noted that the country would make progress in many areas if Nigerians eschew divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries.

We will make faster progress towards the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country we all desire if we eschew divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with our compatriots, he said.

Read the full statement below:

EASTER MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT-ELECT

I send my best wishes to Christians in Nigeria and all over the world who are celebrating Easter this Sunday. As we all enjoy the well-deserved break, I urge every Nigerian to reflect on the priceless sacrifice and limitless love of God for mankind.

As we celebrate, let us also remember our obligation, as Gods children, to love our neighbour, regardless of tongue, faith and tribe.

For Christians everywhere, this celebration is in commemoration of Jesus Christs life of service and his supreme sacrifice for the salvation of mankind.

And as we observe Easter this year, let us all imbibe the essential message of Christs ministry and truly begin to love our fellow Nigerians as we love ourselves.

We will make faster progress towards the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country we all desire if we eschew divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with our compatriots.

Easter is about Renewed Hope and Redemption. It symbolizes the triumph of hope over despair, love over hate and condemnation, and optimism over cynicism. Let us embrace this spirit and recommit ourselves to edifying and patriotic pursuits in the interest of our nation.

I wish you all very happy Easter celebrations.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President-Elect, Federal Republic of Nigeria

08 April, 2023.

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Noble Laureate Wole Soyinka has referred to the alleged refusal of the supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to entertain corrective criticism as their badge of honour and certificate of commitment

Referred to as Obidients, Mr Obis supporters have been at loggerheads with Mr Soyinka over his comment describing the Obidients movement as a threat to the judiciary.

In an interview with Channels Television, Mr Soyinka said he told the presidential candidate of the party before the presidential election that if he lost the election, it would be his followers who lost it for him.

In their responses, Obidients disparaged the poet both on social media and on some mainstream media.

Responding to the disparaging responses, Mr Soyinka through a statement titled, Fascism on course said the seeds of incipient fascism in the political arena have evidently matured.

It would appear that a record discharge of toxic sludge from our notorious smut factory is currently clogging the streets and sewers of the Republic of Liars. It goes to prove the point that provoked the avalanche EXACTLY!

A climate of fear is being generated.

The poet also agreed with the Musician, Femi Kuti, who had expressed his dislike for the use of the word Obidients to describe the followers of Mr Obi.

Read Mr Soyinkas full statement below.

FASCISM ON COURSE.

It would appear that a record discharge of toxic sludge from our notorious smut factory is currently clogging the streets and sewers of the Republic of Liars. It goes to prove the point that provoked the avalanche EXACTLY! The seeds of incipient fascism in the political arena have evidently matured. A climate of fear is being generated. The refusal to entertain corrective criticism, even differing perspectives of the same position has become a badge of honour and certificate of commitment.

What is at stake, ultimately is  Truth, and at a most elementary level of social regulation: when you are party to a conflict, you do not attempt to intimidate the arbiter, attempt to dictate the outcome, or impugn, without credible cause, his or her neutrality even before hearing has commenced. That is a ground rule of just proceeding. Short of this, Truth remains permanently elusive.

The ensuing cacophony has been truly bewildering. It strikes me as a possible ploy to smother recent provocations by other, far more trenchant issues, such as revelations of declarations of a religious war. If so, let it be known that I have long declared war against religious fundamentalism, the nature of which justifies the butchery, kidnapping and enslavement of students in the name of religion.

That aspirants alleged gaffe cuts no ice with me. Far more alarming was the grotesque fantasy of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court disguised as a wheelchair, zooming off in space to a secret meeting with other parties of the conflict. On its own, that is sufficiently scary.

Swiftly followed thereafter by a television tirade of intimidation, it strikes one as more than the mere antics by the mentally deranged. The tactics are familiar: ridicule, incriminate, then intimidate. Objective: undermine the structure of justice .Just as a reminder: this writer was not being rhetorical when he declared, on exiting prison detention: Justice is the first condition of humanity.

The instigating contest  Nigerian Democracy 2023  has witnessed much that is innovative  largely in the retrogressive vein. Violence and ethnic profiling. Spiritual warfare in the shape of sacrificial rams to keep disloyal communities under restraint  in short, intimidation yet again! Easily overlooked however are those missives of violence directed against dissenting voices, real or suspect. Such, for instance, were the virulent attacks and threats to the musician Seun Kuti, his family and iconic music Shrine. His crime consisted of nothing more than declaring the name Obidient derogatory to his sense of civic dignity and activist history. Such beginnings  and instances are numerous  have culminated in the open intimidation of the Court of Last Resort, even before proceedings have begun. By the way, I do agree with Seun Kuti; Obidients is one of the most repulsive, off-putting concoctions I ever encountered in any political arena.

Some love it, however, and this is what freedom is about. Choice. Taste. Free emotions. By contrast, I have no quarrel with Yes Daddy. Roman Catholics are used to saying Yes, Father. Secularists say Enh, Baba. The context and content are what matters, and lies  where established  raise bothersome issues such as Integrity Deficiency.

Let us remind ourselves of the following: in any adjudication, society finds it unacceptable that a party to the dispute resort to influencing tactics by extra-judicial means  such as bribery. Intimidation and threats are merely the obverse complements of material inducement. Those who fail to appreciate this are entirely free to their existence in an illusory world.

We shall add the following pointer for this particular electoral tussle  the news may be unpleasant, but here it comes. Quite a few pundits have set out in some impressive  not necessarily persuasive  detail the  possibility that the complainants in this presidential election are not as strongly planted on the victory podium as they presume  see, for instance  Ambassador Haastrups fascinating analysis in Newspeak etc. April 6. Right or wrong? That is not the issue. What the nations needs to know right now is if you are planning to send assassins after such negative analysts.! Coming to terms with an unpalatable projected eventuality  sorry  possible eventuality, counsels deep reflection, not demonization of the bearer of sour news. For the seriously committed, it requires pulling back the horns a little in order to regroup, rethink and resurge. Democracy is sometimes a long haul. Some of us have been at it for quite a while I am well aware that the foregoing is further invitation for more nauseous bilge from the besotted. Please, be my guest. It is, after all, one of those special seasons of convergence of two seasons of self-flagellation. Fasting makes bearers of constricted minds even more light-headed. Delusions fill the vacuum.

Oh yes, could these rabid parochial minds of easy excitation also kindly stop flattering themselves that ones energies are consecrated solely to the nation space known as `Nigeria? The whines of silence are relative to the reading scope and world knowledge of idle complainants as well as their grasp of the chain of continuity.

I choose my methods of intervention without the permission of social media border patrols, so where you find a gap, just pick up the baton where last deposited and stop whining and belly-aching  he stopped talking all this while, why now? etc etc ad nauseum . Flat, easy disposable lies that gain traction by repetition. However, even more importantly, they remain irrelevant to the rights and wrongs of ongoing material issue. Sadly, these virtue vigilantes succeed with the ignorant and susceptible  especially among the younger, confused generation. The consequence is that the nation is plagued by fake CVs compiled by all kinds of amateur commentators, still wet behind the ears, who have too few truths to build on before they are corralled into positions of No-Retreat. Nowhere has this been more evident than in the effrontery of attempts to place the present contention on the same podium as the twenty-year old anti-Abacha struggle! This gross abuse of historic licence actually provides smug satisfaction for rookie activists. I advise them to seek out the school of survivors where pertinent lessons still exist for those with sufficient humility to LEARN before MOUTHING! Otherwise their world of false mythologies will collapse under their feet, and leave them dangling in the void.

May I cease this opportunity, by the way, to condemn the sanctions imposed on CHANNELS Television which anchored the performance of the LP candidate. As stated, I watched the programme keenly  saw the valiant efforts of the interviewer to ensure fair hearing.

I fail to understand just where the station could be faulted, except from a disposition for injustice. To sustain that penalty is to give joy to others who turn Internet into a soakaway for their rancid emissions, yet feel that others should be silenced. If CHANNELS feels up to it, I offer myself willing to engage Mr. Datti  or any nominee of his  on its platform on this very bone of contention  one-on-one  without the malodorous intervention of media trolls, and with the same interviewer as mediator. That should be taken as a serious offer.

Project NIGERIA, I must confess, has become near terminally soul-searing. Do I still believe in it? I am no longer certain but  first, we must rid ourselves of the tyranny of the ignorant and the opportunism of time-servers. In any case, there is not much else to engage one on a foundation of ownership stakes. There is of course, always the possibility of a Revolution, with a clarity of purpose and acceptance of all attendant risks, including costly errors.

Revolutions are not however based on the impetus of speculative power entitlement. No matter, until that moment, the structures that ensure just and equitable cohabitation must be protected from partisan appropriation  be it from material inducement, fake news, or verbal terrorism  the last being the contribution of one who is positioned to assume co-leadership of the nation, no less. Revolution is not about lining up behind the nearest available symbol.

When a symbol does emerge however, we are still obliged to examine every aspect of what is fortuitously on offer, and continue to guard our freedoms every inch of the way.

Before I take myself off for  well, next port of call  the final word goes to a favourite maverick, propagated even as he matched his words by action. I suspect that in this instance we find ourselves on opposite sides of the strategic fence  that is democracy. This now coopted watchword of his formulation remains apt, applicable to all who strive for authentic social transformation: Your mumu don do!

Ramadan Kareem. Happy Easter!

Wole SOYINKA

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The Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission has sacked an Upper Shariah Court judge for collecting monetary inducement from a litigant.

The spokesperson, Jigawa State Judiciary, Abbas Wangara, disclosed the sacking of the judge to journalists on Friday.

Mr Wangara said the affected judge, Safiyanu Dabi, was indicted by the commission for receiving the bribe of N50,000.

During its 170th Meeting, Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission resolved for Compulsory Retirement of One Upper Sharia Court Alkali (Judge) for serious official misconduct.

Following extensive deliberations, the Commission collectively resolved for Compulsory Retirement of *Alkali Safiyanu Muhammad Dabi* for collecting a bribe of Fifty Thousand Naira (50,000) from a litigant who appeared before him when he was at Upper Sharia Court, Birnin-Kudu.

The Commission strongly warned staff in the Judicial arm to shun away all forms of Corruption and Bribery to meet with Corrupt-free Judiciary in the state.

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Therefore, the Commission re-affirmed its determination to deal with any staff found wanting in the discharge of his/her official assignment.

Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission as one of the best Commission across the Country in terms of operating within the ambit of the legal framework, called on its entire staff to put all hands on deck to maintain that tempo in the administration of justice, Mr Wangara said in the official statement.

New judges appointed

Meanwhile, Mr Wangara said the commission has appointed Aliyu Muhammed as Deputy Chief Registrar II Sharia Court of Appeal and Abdulrashid Alhassan as Chief Inspector Sharia Court of Appeal.

Other appointees are Muhammed Lawan who was appointed as Zonal Deputy Chief Inspector, Sharia Court of Appeal and Muhammed Adamu as Zonal Deputy Chief Inspector, Sharia Court of Appeal, the official said.

He said all the four new appointees are trained lawyers.

Reacting to the development, the Jigawa State Shariah Court Judges Association (JISSJA) commended the commission for their actions in the development of the judiciary in the state.

In line with the law established by the Commission and its mandate in handling issues related to the Promotion of staff, Advancement and Discipline in the state Judiciary, the Jigawa State Sharia Court Judges Association (JISSJA) commended the Commission for these good design achievement and fully assured their support and cooperation in due course, the association said.

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The Lagos State Government has confirmed that a 15-day-old baby has tested positive for Lassa Fever in the state following an earlier confirmation and an ongoing treatment of the babys mother at the state-owned Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba.

This is as the affected family has confirmed improved management of the cases following PREMIUM TIMES earlier report of an alleged poor treatment of the patients and poor sanitation at the public facility.

But the state has denied poor handling of the cases, saying it is following the WHO protocols in managing the situation.

Improved treatment

This newspaper had on Thursday reported the case in the state as confirmed in a nursing mother who was transferred from a private health facility in Ondo State to another private facility in Surulere, Lagos.

A relative of the family who spoke to our reporter, Olaitan Ale, accused the management of lacking necessary medications and consumables and that it took the family to travel as far as Nasarawa State to procure the WHO-recommended Ribavirin drug to manage the patient.

But following the publication, Mr Ale confirmed that the hospital management improved in its response, and sanitation officials began proper cleaning of the isolation ward and hitherto weedy environment.

We are impressed by the newspapers response and we can confirm that things have significantly improved. Now, most things they said were not available including medications, and dialysis machine have been made available. It is unfortunate that the media had to be involved before we could access care, the source said.

According to Mr Ale, the medication the family procured in Nasarawa is currently being used to take care of the patients.

The permanent secretary in the states Ministry of health, Olusegun Ogboye, had also on Saturday told PREMIUM TIMES that the state is taking proper care of the patients based on the WHO protocols.

Government denies negligence

But in response to this newspapers report, the state government on Saturday denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the patients were receiving care as recommended by the global health organisation.

In a statement personally signed by the Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, a professor, a copy of which was made available to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday, the government alleged that the patient moved from Ondo State to Lagos without waiting for the result of the Lassa fever test run in Ondo State.

Mr Abayomi wrote: The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to an online news report published in the Premium Times (an online Nigerian newspaper) of Thursday, 6 April, 2023 titled, Lassa Fever: Family Alleges Poor Care At Lagos Hospital, wherein it was reported that relatives of a patient infected with Lassa Fever alleged poor management of the patient at the Lagos Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba. This is not true.

The patient referred to in the report is a 38-year-old female who was delivered of a baby 15 days ago in Akure, Ondo State. Fever started about the same time and, based on clinical suspicion, a sample for Lassa Fever test was taken. Before the result was ready the family opted to bring the patient to a private hospital in Lagos from where she was referred to Mainland Hospital (Lagos Infectious Disease Hospital), located in Yaba on the night of Wednesday 5th of April following the release of a positive Lassa fever result done at the Lassa unit in Ondo.

He said since her arrival at the facility, the patient is currently in isolation at IDH and placed on the appropriate medication for Lassa fever and is being reviewed by appropriate specialists, including infectious disease experts, gynecologist, nephrologist and hematologist.

The commissioner said through the states prompt intervention and management, the mother and baby are stable. They are responding well to treatment.

Contact tracing

Mr Abayomi said a sample was collected from the newborn for investigation in line with the standard protocol of contact tracing. The sample also tested positive. The mother and baby are on appropriate medication and receiving adequate management, care, and attention at our facility.

He also added that the state is collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to strengthen disease surveillance, response, and management in the state.

We have at no time run out of critical medication or consumables and facilities required in the management of the disease, the commissioner said.

This is, however, contrary to the familys claim that it was made to provide every item used to attend to the patient including the WHO-recommended Ribavirin that it could only get in Nasarawa State.

Designated zonal centres

Meanwhile, the commissioner also noted that towards achieving proper management of Lassa fever cases, NCDC has designated some zonal centres and that the one in the South-west is located in Owo, Ondo State.

We urge patients to wait for test results so that they can be referred to the right Centre for expert management of their condition. Moving patients between states when they are suspected of having a dangerous infectious disease exposes lots of people to the risk of infection, he cautioned.

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Communities in Gwadabawa Local Government Area of Sokoto State North-west Nigeria are living in fear of reprisal attacks after residents attacked Fulani settlers in the area.

The attack on Fulani settlers followed an attack blamed on Fulani assailants that led to the death of several people.

Residents of the communities are mostly Hausas while the members of terrorist gangs suspected to have carried out the original attack are primarily Fulanis.

The Chairman of Gwadabawa Local Government, Aminu Aya, told the Voice of America Hausa Service Saturday morning, that some terrorists had attacked Gigane village and abducted scores of residents.

He said the action of the terrorists spurred residents of Gigane and other communities to launch an attack on Fulanis in the area.

Some of the communities where clashes were reported are Gigane, Shan Yasu, Tungar Tudu and Sakamaru.

The gun battle between the soldiers and the terrorists took over an hour which led to the death of one soldier while another one sustained serious injuries. What happened is that there has been a misunderstanding between the residents and some Fulanis. Their people were abducted so they attacked some Fulanis in the communities, the local government chairman said.

Another resident, Zayyanu Sadiq, told VOA Hausa that the terrorists also killed an aged man and sent a message to the community threatening to attack it.

But by the time they (terrorists) came to the village, soldiers were already waiting for them because they had been informed of the situation. A gun fight ensued that led to the death of many people especially the bandits. A soldier was also killed, he said.

Mr Sadiq said he lost his grandfather in the fight.

Mr Aya, the local government chairman, called on security agents in the state to take charge of the situation.

Were in a serious situation in the area because of fear of reprisal attacks. Their (terrorists) target are the villages of Gigane, Tungar Tudu, Asara. These are communities they believe they have problem with, he said.

When reached for more details about the clashes, the army spokesperson in Sokoto State, Adamu Ngulde, a major, declined to speak and asked this reporter to contact the Nigerian Army spokesperson.

The army spokesperson, Musa Danmadami, didnt respond to SMS and WhatsApp message sent to him.

The police spokesperson in the State, Sanusi Abubakar, told VOA Hausa that the command was yet to receive report of the attack.

Sokoto State especially the eastern part of the state that includes Gwadabawa, Rabah, Isa, Sabon Birni, Gwaranyo, Wurno has been witnessing series of terrorists activities for years.

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President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Saturday followed up on Saturday on the progress in the Julius Nyerere Hydropower plant and dam (JNHPP) in Tanzania as well as major development projects at home in Cairo and South Sinai.

This came during the presidents meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Housing Asem El-Gazzar, according to a statement released by Presidential Spokesman Ahmed Fahmy.

The JNHPP, the largest-of-its-kind in the Nile Basin country, was built by a consortium of Egyptian companies that includes the Arab Contractors Company and ElSewedy Electric - under the supervision of the Egyptian government.

The project was financed by the Tanzanian government at the cost of $3 billion.

The construction of the JNHPP concluded in October 2022 and was followed by the first filling of its reservoir two months later.

The mega project is expected to double the energy production in Tanzania.

The Egyptian Presidency has stressed that the construction of the dam serves as a model for fruitful cooperation between Egypt and sisterly African nations.

Urban development and cultural heritage

During the meeting, El-Gazzar posted the president on the progress in the construction of the New Administrative Capital and the New Alamein City among other new cities.

The president was also briefed on the progress in urban development projects underway in Old Cairo while preserving and restoring its architecture and splendour.

He was also updated on the progress in the The Greatest Transfiguration over the Land of Peace development project around Mount Moses and St. Catherine Monastery in South Sinai.

The president instructed the government to implement the project in an integrated manner in order to turn this unique site into one of the world's best tourist attractions while preserving the spiritual value of the site as the incubator of world religions, Fahmy said.

He also stressed that this project should be carried out according to the internationally recognised standards for sustainable tourism, Fahmy added.

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Former Kaduna Central District senator, Shehu Sani, and a former President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, Chukuwudi Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, have added their voices to the controversies over the positions of two of Nigerias literature icons on contemporary natiinal political issues.

Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, had criticised the conduct of the supporters of the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, while Chimamanda Adichie had urged US President Joe Biden not to congratulate President-elect Bola Tinubu.

Mr Obis supporters, known as the Obidients, have been up in arms against the literarature icon over his comments.

In an interview with Channels Television, Mr Soyinka said he told Mr Obi that if he lost the election, it would be his followers who lost it for him.

Since Mr Soyinkas comments, the Obidients have disparaged him on social media.

Mr Soyinka doubled down in a statement titled, Fascism on course.

In a related development on Thursday, another Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, in her open letter to the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, alleged that the 2023 presidential election was marred by violence, ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, and other malpractices.

The letter attracted to Ms Adichie criticism from supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his reaction, Mr Sani in a twitter post on Friday said the criticisms have made Messrs Soyinka and Chimamanda to be in the ring of Nigerias political battle.

The opposition supporters are going after Prof Wole Soyinka & the ruling party supporters are going after Chimamanda Adichie;The great literary giants are now in the ring of Nigerias political battle.This is a positive development other African countries are not privileged to have.

The opposition supporters are going after Prof Wole Soyinka & the ruling party supporters are going after Chimamanda Adichie;The great literary giants are now in the ring of Nigerias political battle.This is a positive dev. other African countries are not privileged to have.  Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) April 7, 2023

He also said, In 2011, any northerner opposed to the ambition of Buhari was considered an infidel. After the elections, mobs resorted to violence and invaded the homes of members of the PDP and killed their family members & burned down their houses.If those were not fascists, Peters guys are not.

READ ALSO: Charly Boy attacks Soyinka over comment on Obidients

In 2011,any northerner opposed to the ambition of Buhari was considered an infidel.After the elections,mobs resorted to violence & invaded the homes of members of the PDP & killed their family members & burned down their houses.If those were not fascists,Peters guys are not.  Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) April 7, 2023

But Charly boy, in a post on his Twitter page, went after Mr Soyinka, saying, The kin respect I had for dis man, was almost the kind of respect I had for my stainless father, The Socrates of the Supreme Court. It has finally dawned on me that Soyinka can never be the man Chinua Achebe was.

The kin respect I had for dis man, was almost the kind of respect I had for my stainless father, The Socrates of the Supreme Court.

It has finally dawned on me that Soyinka can never be the man Chinua Achebe was. pic.twitter.com/jlwqp7y8eb  Charly Boy Area Fada 1 (@AreaFada1) April 8, 2023

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Ethnicity is not going away, especially in our nation Given this situation, what we need to do is to craft institutions that not only recognise the reality of ethnic identity and group ethnic political behaviour but also productively manage it. We need to invent constitutional instruments that explicitly guarantee ethnic and regional representation. If we have to tweak our democratic experiment to accomplish that guarantee, then so be it. Were trying to save and build a nation.

In the face of existential challenges facing Nigeria, the ensuing conversation arose among three Nigerians in the Diaspora on the way forward for a nation in crisis.

Osmund: Nigeria, a country with over 250 ethnic nationalities was once the home to many storied ancient kingdoms and empires that prided themselves with fighting great wars, conquering territories and, yes, claiming victories both far and near. Today, the ethnic sub-nationalities that survived those great kingdoms each continue to maintain unique cultural identities, subscribing to their individual ways of life, while sharply divided along religious lines. Many Nigerians today are quicker to pledge allegiance to their ethnic groups and religions before identifying with the green-white-green flag.

When Lord Frederick Lugard cobbled together this entity, later christened Nigeria, in January 1914, with the amalgamation of what were then the Southern and Northern Protectorates, he paid no attention to how those within this cultural mosaic could peacefully co-exist. Rather, it was something created purely for administrative convenience.

To make matters worse, the British colonial authorities, while in Nigeria, adopted a policy which they had implemented in almost all the colonies, namely, divide and rule. The policy thrust was geared towards exploiting ethnic and religious differences between the colonial subjects and competing ethnic groups in order to maintain a firm grip on power and exert total control over the country. This created a legacy of ethnic and religious tensions that started even prior to independence and which was exacerbated thereafter.

In one widely circulated interview video, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the then Premier of the Northern Region boldly expressed his preference to fill his regions civil service vacancies with expatriates, instead of Nigerians from other ethnic groups. The politics of ethnic bigotry was also the reason that led to the infamous cross-carpeting in 1951, when Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was denied the chance of becoming the Premier of the Western Region by Awolowo, stoking ethnic sentiments to make his case.

Our everyday life in Nigeria and indeed most of Africa is defined by our religious and ethnic identities. Many consider suitability for an elective office or lack of it strictly based on primordial considerations, rather than competence. Yet, the late Samora Moises Machel cautioned that for post-colonial Africa to survive, tribes must die.

It appears that nobody paid attention to the Mozambican revolutionary and leader. At no time in Nigerias election cycles was the ethno-religious fault line more visible than in the recently concluded 2023 election. I would love to hear your takes on how to tackle this monster, which, according to one commentator, has made Nigeria an amorphous collection of competing ethnic groups.

Moses: Well, Im not sure I agree with Samora Machels point that ethnicity and ethnic identity should be sublimated to national identity, or that ethnic identification is, in and of itself, antithetical to national cohesion.

Machels point is a cop out, an outdated product of lazy neo-Marxist thinking about ethnicity in Africa. The task of nation-building in a context in which nation-states did not exist prior to colonisation and in a post-colonial nationalist frame of contending identitarian aspirations and struggles for power, resources, and recognition, is not an easy one. However, trying to discount or erase ethnicity on the belief that doing so would make it easier to build a united postcolonial nation-state is escapist at best.

Nigerians, like other Africans, identify primarily, and as a first order mode of belonging, with ethnic and ancestral cleavages. The national identity is usually a secondary one. This identity configuration will not change anytime soon. Some postcolonial leaders, including Nigerian nationalist leaders, believed naively but with sincerity of purpose and good intentions that ethnic identity and especially its politicisation stood in the way of nation-building.

Some leaders sought to suppress any hint of ethnic political identification. In those cases, the project of subsuming ethnic identity under a national identity backfired.

That, frankly, was the wrong approach. It was not practical to arbitrarily suppress ethnic identity or discipline it under the rubric of national identity.

Forced, top-down projects of national unity dont work. They drive parochial identities underground and make them more insidious and dangerous to the national socio-political fabric.

Machels position is analogous to that of some Marxist and Left-leaning African intellectuals who claim that ethnic difference is not real but is rather something manipulated by elites for political purposes. While elite manipulation and political rhetoric do stoke ethnic tension, these intellectuals forget that elites do not invent ethnic identity and its emotions and that the reason the political exploitation of ethnicity works is that Nigerians and other Africans are already sentimentally wedded to their ethnic selfhood in ways that make them receptive to ethnic political messaging.

You gave the example of Ahmadu Bellos infamous interview footage. The truth is that he stated crudely and in less politically correct language the dominant sentiment among most of the regional political blocs and parties of the First Republic.

Bello and his Northern Peoples Congress co-travelers embraced an extreme version of ethnic exclusivity and isolationism because, given the Norths educational backwardness relative to the South, they feared that recruiting and embracing Southern expats would bring about a feared Southern dominance.

Bello and his cohorts embraced what they called Northernisation to protect their region from this feared Southern domination. Although it produced political paranoia and led to the referenced infamous pronouncement by Bello, the fear was legitimate in the context of a sinister, divide-and-rule British colonial policy of regionalisation and ethnic partition. That template encouraged Africans to understand politics as a zero-sum game played along ethnic and regional lines.

Awolowo was similarly a champion of narrow ethno-regional interest, although he was more sophisticated than Bello.

Its impossible to have a society that can transcend, sublimate, or eliminate ethnic and religious identities. Trying to avoid our ethnic identities is like trying to avoid contact with the sun. You can do it but only with an effort so strenuous it crosses the bounds of sanity. Ethnicity is to nation-states what the climate is to the environment. It defines and constitutes it.

Even Nnamdi Azikiwe, perhaps the most nationalist of the troika, eventually withdrew into the cocoon of ethno-regional politics in the East. Some say he had no choice, given the backlash against his attempt to build a political base in the South-West, but he too appealed to ethnic and regional solidarity, even as he expressed nationalist and pan-African inclinations.

Ive gone on a tangent a bit but let me say this: there is nothing wrong with ethnicity and identities and aspirations that flow from it. The problem in Nigeria, as in most African countries, is twofold. There is the wrong assumption that, as Samora Machel put it, we must kill ethnicity so that it doesnt kill the nation. Theres also the inability or unwillingness of postcolonial African nations to reckon with the reality, the potent, persistent political reality, of ethnic identity as a legitimate vehicle for political claim-making and identity politics.

After independence, the problem was political laziness on the part of the new leaders. In many cases, they simply continued with the exclusive ethnic templates established by the colonisers instead of producing more pragmatically inclusive structures and constitutions that recognise the importance of ethnic identity in Africa.

Had postcolonial African states like Nigeria recognised the political reality of ethnic identity and how it shapes citizens group political choices, aspirations, values, and attitudes to the nation, they would have put in place constitutional frameworks and outlets for its expression, instead of demonising it as the enemy of national cohesion.

Ethnicity is not going away, especially in our nation, which has hundreds of ethno-linguistic groups, and especially in a context in which ethnicity, along with religion, is a veritable platform of political mobilisation and a modality of interest in politics.

Given this situation, what we need to do is to craft institutions that not only recognise the reality of ethnic identity and group ethnic political behaviour but also productively manage it. We need to invent constitutional instruments that explicitly guarantee ethnic and regional representation. If we have to tweak our democratic experiment to accomplish that guarantee, then so be it. Were trying to save and build a nation.

Ethnicity-based inclusive instruments are not detrimental to nation-building as some people believe. On the contrary, such instruments would make ethnic identity a less charged and less volatile political phenomenon. They would also make it difficult for those who seek to profit from ethnic acrimony and the rhetoric of ethnic hatred to be successful in their odious endeavours.

If the constitution guarantees access to power and representation for ethnic and regional blocs, electoral contests will cease to be zero-sum ethnic and primordial exercises and may become more about dueling ideologies, programmes, platforms, and ideas.

The despicable ethnic and xenophobic rhetoric and violence that characterised the last election was not the first in our political history and sadly it wont be the last because ethnicity is an emotive subject and most human beings are susceptible to us-versus-them identity rhetoric that demonises others, while ennobling the in-group.

Ethnic political mobilisation resonates and works for political actors because, in the absence of a constitutional framework for managing difference and for guaranteeing primordial representational justice and fairness in the realm of political power, ethnicity-based electoral struggles become the only ways in which members of ethnic communities can imagine themselves accessing political power and the almost exclusive access to resources and privileges that power confers on its holder in Nigeria and other African countries.

Osmund: Farooq, please before you weigh in, I just need to clarify my position, in response to what Mo said here: I do not believe that Samora Machels suggestion was that people should lose their identity to build a prosperous nation. On the contrary, ethnic identities are an integral part of many African societies and cultures, and they provide people with a sense of identity, community, and belonging. Besides, attempting to destroy these identities would be both futile and counterproductive.

However, ethnic identities can become barriers to social and economic progress when they are used to exclude, discriminate against, or marginalise other groups. Instead of privileging one ethnic identity or religion over another, as is the case in Nigeria, for example, we should focus on building a society that values diversity, promotes inclusion, and fosters cooperation among different groups. This is the only way to build a stable and prosperous nation.

But at least, we can all agree that Nigerians should work together to overcome the barriers and challenges that arise from differences in identity and background. By embracing this approach, we can create a society that leverages the strengths of its diversity, rather than being held back by its differences.

Farooq: Great conversation, folks! I agree with both of you. Its impossible to have a society that can transcend, sublimate, or eliminate ethnic and religious identities. Trying to avoid our ethnic identities is like trying to avoid contact with the sun. You can do it but only with an effort so strenuous it crosses the bounds of sanity. Ethnicity is to nation-states what the climate is to the environment. It defines and constitutes it.

In general, people tend to initiate and sustain relational encounters more easily with their kind than they do with others. This is often actuated by a primal ease with the known and the familiar and an untutored instinct to be suspicious of the unknown and the unfamiliar. I call that involuntary, benign xenophobia. In other words, its not a bad thing. This often dissipates with more interactions and knowledge.

It isnt ethnic and religious differences in and of themselves that are the problem. Its the navigation of the contours of these differences by people who wield political and symbolic power that activates stifling tensile stress.

As you both have already pointed out, British colonialists deepened and instrumentalised the primordial cleavages that they met to advance their self-interests. Our post-independence elites simply rehashed the template the British left for them.

I am curious to hear your thoughts on power rotation and how it can address the concerns of minorities who aspire to have their turn to rule, instead of being subsumed under a larger group as currently obtains. This is because I am certain we will not be rotating among 250 or so ethnic groups, and therefore, we may need to utilise an artificially concocted arrangement similar to the six geopolitical zonal structures. Alternatively, are you going to recommend something akin to the Willink Commission of 1957?

In The Trouble with Nigeria, Chinua Achebe pointed out that one of Nigerias greatest originative calamities is that the successors to British colonialists werent far-sighted, transcendent national leaders who were fired up by the zeal to form a nation out of the nations that the British coalesced; they were, for the most part, regional particularists who doubled down on the divisions that the departing colonialists exacerbated and, in some cases, created.

Even the casual and well-considered thoughts of Nigerias post-independence leaders, Achebe pointed out, betrayed a tendency to pious materialistic woolliness and self-centered pedestrianism. The successor to British colonial overlords derived the cultural locus of their symbolic and political authority from sharpening the striking edges of ethnic and religious differences. And that, sadly, is the tradition that continues to define our politics to this day.

You guys talked about Ahmadu Bello and Obafemi Awolowo, but Nnamdi Azikiwe also intensified ethnic division in the former Eastern Region when he conspired to upstage Eyo Ita  an older, more educated person than he, who was an ethnic minority  as Head of Government Business of Eastern Nigeria, after he failed to assume a similar position in the Western Region. That sowed the seed of mutual suspicion and distrust between the Igbo and ethnic minorities in the defunct Eastern Nigeria.

While we cannot wish away our ethnic and religious identities  and differences  we can manage them in productive ways. And one of the best ways to do that, as Moses has pointed out and I have written in several past columns, is to give people a sense that their ethnicity, religion, region, etc. do not constitute barriers to their aspirations and quest for personal growth. Thats why Ive been writing on the need to formalise power rotation among all of Nigerias constituent units.

Osmund: Thank you, Farooq. I completely agree with your submission. However, I am curious to hear your thoughts on power rotation and how it can address the concerns of minorities who aspire to have their turn to rule, instead of being subsumed under a larger group as currently obtains. This is because I am certain we will not be rotating among 250 or so ethnic groups, and therefore, we may need to utilise an artificially concocted arrangement similar to the six geopolitical zonal structures. Alternatively, are you going to recommend something akin to the Willink Commission of 1957, which was tasked with devising a way forward to address the fear of ethnic domination among minorities? In any case, let me not get ahead of myself here.

Moses: Osmund, youve raised a practical question about what an all-encompassing inclusive political configuration might look like, especially with regard to minorities, and I have a few thoughts on that.

We can take up that question in detail in another chat, but as the saying goes, where theres a will theres a way. Those nuts-and-bolts issues can be worked out and are precisely why the changes we advocate need to happen through constitutional reforms that would be preceded by serious discussions and debate on what models can accomplish ethno-regional inclusion without entrenching majoritarian political tyranny and navel-gazing.

Let me leave you with this personal angle to make the point that minority agitation for political inclusion does not mean that every ethnic nation must produce the president or vice president.

When Jonathan, an ethnic minority from Bayelsa State, became president in 2010 and won an election in 2011, many minorities in the North and South saw him as representing them and saw his ascent as the vicarious fulfillment of their own political aspirations. For them, it showed that a minority like them could run and win a national election. That was significant.

As an Idoma from Benue State, I would feel a much greater sense of political inclusion in the Nigerian project if a Berom from Plateau State or a Batonu from Kwara state were to become president.

Inclusion is symbolic. It doesnt require or imply precise, atomistic ethnic representation for everyone in the nation.

Farooq: Moses, you took the words right out of my mouth! Distributive and representational justice in politics is more about symbolism than it is about anything else. People who have a narrow, one-dimensional, and mechanistic understanding of human nature dismiss the salience of symbolism and emotions, even though the history of the world shows most wars are fought on account of notions of symbolic oppression.

Our politics tends to privilege the material over the symbolic. Thats why you hear statements like, What has Goodluck Jonathans five-year presidency done for Ijaw people? (For the record, Jonathan is Ogbia, not Ijaw, and the Ogbia and the Ijaw people are distinct, unrelated people). Or What has Buharis eight years as president done for Fulani people?

These are legitimate questions that even I have asked in the past. But the questions assume that humans are merely material beings. Thats reductionist. Humans are complex creatures that embody a multiplicity of reasons for being.

Emotions, sense of self, community pride, etc. can sometimes even be more important than bread-and-butter issues. Thats why some people would rather give up their very lives than give up their ways of life. From a materialist perspective, thats senseless, but human actions and inactions are not reducible to a predictable set of principles of human nature.

I have ideas about how we can draw what I call an emotional cartography of Nigeria for the purpose of power rotation in light of the impossibility of guaranteeing every ethnic group in the country a chance to produce the president. But this chat is already too long.

Osmund: Quite an arduous but inescapable conversation to have, I must say. We will pick up from where we stopped next time. You guys are appreciated.

Osmund Agbo, a medical doctor and social justice advocate, writes from Houston, Texas, while Moses Ochonu is a professor of African History at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, and Farooq Kperogi is a professor of Communication at the Kennesaw State University, Georgia.

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I still grieve for my late sister. When she was being lowered into the ground, I refused to look at her corpse, electing to remember the way she was at her peak  beautiful, healthy, and with energy. And not the person, or thing, she had been reduced to by illness.

My sister died this February following a 20-year battle with a motor neuron disease. It was a degenerative illness that gradually took away her ability to talk, walk, and do any of the basic things we take for granted.

I recall that day 20 years ago when I returned to Lagos from Kebbi State after the NYSC to see that my sister had drastically changed. In a bad way. She was a beautiful woman, a Lagos sisi, full of life and vigour, before that. She took after my father with fair and lush skin, and the comeliness of our mother.

My sister was beautiful, knew it, and carried herself with the grace and confidence of that knowledge. When she was much younger and unmarried, our house was a mecca of sorts to young men who flocked there under one guise or another. Ours was a big polygamous family, so we had several female relatives living with us who were beautiful and graceful. But this my sister stood out.

It was in 2003 that life happened to her. She was married with four kids and I had lived with her family for about a decade before that time. At 35, she was transformed from a fine woman full of life to a person suffering from a mystifying and debilitating illness. She could not walk nor talk properly and had grown emaciated with hair falling off. I was shocked at her sudden change from a sisi to a bag of bones.

After years of medical examinations and tons of tests, it was discovered that she suffered from a form of motor neuron disease that has no cure. As Africans, we tend not to accept medical diagnoses, especially negative ones, as final. So we prayed, fasted, and did all we could to spiritually overturn the negative medical assessment, in addition to hospital visits and physiotherapy. Nothing worked. Nothing changed. God did not heal my sister. Neither did medical science cure her. Her condition worsened over time and was only ameliorated with the ingestion of a complex combination of drugs, including steroids.

But she was alive. Walked shakily. Strained to speak and was nowhere near the woman she was at her peak. We nonetheless were happy to have her, sick or not. She was breathing, smiling, laughing, and if you strained your ears and listened carefully, you would hear her good wishes on the phone, or physically. She was alive and that was sufficient.

My sister was not only my closest relative to have passed on. In 2004, or so, I lost my youngest brother, who was about 15, to lymphoma, a form of blood cancer that is mostly terminal. In 2021, my niece  my same late sisters daughter  passed on after several years of suffering from an autoimmune disease that eventually destroyed her kidneys and caused her death. She was 27.

Until February this year when I received the call that she had passed. Nothing prepared me for it. She had been ill a few days before and had been rushed to the hospital. But that was not unusual. She was always ill but sometimes had particularly bad spells that required her to be taken to the hospital. But she always came out of it. So, I wasnt particularly worried when I heard she had been rushed to the hospital. It is one of those bad episodes, I told myself.

But as it turned out, it was not. It was the end of her sojourn on earth; a most difficult journey for her in the twilight years; one full of pain, suffering, and anguish. The news of her death caused me untold grief and pain. Of all our siblings, I was the closest to her. It was she and her husband who funded my university education, which provided the platform for the start of my career in journalism. Her death brought home to me the transience and futility of life and how we dont really control our fates. Here today, gone tomorrow. Healthy and full of life now, battling an incurable and inexplicable disease tomorrow.

My sister was not only my closest relative to have passed on. In 2004, or so, I lost my youngest brother, who was about 15, to lymphoma, a form of blood cancer that is mostly terminal. In 2021, my niece  my same late sisters daughter  passed on after several years of suffering from an autoimmune disease that eventually destroyed her kidneys and caused her death. She was 27.

People die every day. And we are powerless to stop it. Even as I write this, a family somewhere is grieving over the recent loss of a loved one. But what is striking is the way we consider deaths and suffering that dont personally affect us. We treat these as statistics, mere numbers and figures in the news, forgetting that the deceased had names, grudges, goals, and lives, just like us.

I sometimes feel guilty when happy, laughing, and playing. I wonder how I can afford to be cheerful when my beloved sister is dead. How could I stop grieving so soon? But what could I have done? I guess there is no approved way or time frame for grieving. There is no logic to it.

I still grieve for my late sister. When she was being lowered into the ground, I refused to look at her corpse, electing to remember the way she was at her peak  beautiful, healthy, and with energy. And not the person, or thing, she had been reduced to by illness.

I sometimes feel guilty when happy, laughing, and playing. I wonder how I can afford to be cheerful when my beloved sister is dead. How could I stop grieving so soon? But what could I have done? I guess there is no approved way or time frame for grieving. There is no logic to it. Regardless of how close we were to the deceased, or how much love we had for him or her, we will eventually move on, obsessing over issues we consider important and immediate: the economy and our place in it, politics, and so on. The dead would remain dead and buried. Someday that would be us too. Life is but a cycle.

But while yet alive, death should teach us about life and the truly important things. In the end, what we really are is not flesh and bones but memories, good or bad recollections in peoples minds. We should therefore strive to make good ones.

In memory of my sister, Abosede Florence Tubolayefa (1968-2023).

Julius Ogunro, a journalist, is an official of ex-Governor Kayode Fayemis Media Office, Abuja

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That Obi did not win the election does not make Nigerias democracy hollow. From 2011, there have been incremental and noticeable improvements in the countrys elections, as witnessed in 2015, 2019 and now in 2023. It can credibly be argued that Nigerias democracy is positively growing, as we have had 24 years of civil rule uninterrupted by the military interventions that had hitherto been so detrimental to the countrys political development.

The noted and internationally acclaimed Nigerian novelist and essayist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, deserves a great deal of sympathy for her so utterly biased piece titled Nigerias hollow democracy published in the latest edition of The Atlantic magazine. It is a piece that does little credit to the image and reputation of a leading Nigerian thinker, who ought to be a voice of truth and reason in a time when passions run high and truth is almost indistinguishable from falsehood, in a situation in which many people are heavily emotionally invested in an election which, unfortunately, has not gone the way they expected. But that is the often difficult-to-anticipate way of elections in liberal democracies at varying levels of development. Chimamandas piece is a sad reminder that the possession of brilliance and high intellect by an individual provides no immunity against prejudice, bias and bigotry, albeit disguised in the deceptive garb of elevated and high-minded discourse.

Chimamanda at least makes one honest admission in a write up made up largely of rumours, hearsay, presumptuous conjectures and outright falsehood. She supported Mr Peter Obi, candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Nigerias 25 February presidential election, and hoped he would win as many polls had predicted. Peter Obi did not win. He came third in a closely fought election in which Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came first and Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), came second. Chimamanda had pinned her hopes on a possible Obi victory, partly on predictions of flawed opinion polls, some of which were predicated on statistically negligible and thus unreliable sample sizes, and others on no discernible empirical basis whatsoever. Opinion polls do not win elections. After all, most opinion polls had predicted a Hilary Clinton victory in the 2016 presidential election in America. Donald Trump won and that did not make Americas democracy hollow.

The writer can, of course, afford the luxury of pronouncing Nigerias democracy hollow from the distance of her foreign abode, all because her favoured candidate, Peter Obi, fell short in the election. She avers that Nigerians went out to vote on the morning of 25 February with high hopes, mainly because of the promise by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to upload results of the exercise online from polling units in real time to enhance transparency. The INEC has admitted that its system suffered unanticipated glitches on that day, which made it impossible for it to upload the polling unit results of the presidential election on its portal immediately as promised, but it began to do so once the technical hitches had been resolved. Chimamanda gives her readers the impression that the deployment of technology implies that some machine would magically conjure puritanical results online, portraying and guaranteeing the transparency and credibility of the exercise. No, it is the results as recorded physically on INEC forms provided for the purpose from the polling units, signed by polling agents of political parties, electoral officials and security agents, that are uploaded and there is ample opportunity for parties contesting the outcome of the elections to prove if there are discrepancies between the figures on those physical result sheets and the electronic results uploaded on the INEC portal.

Without the slightest shred of evidence, Chimamanda avers that INECs inability to upload results of the presidential election online, as promised on 25 February, was not due to technical hitches but rather deliberate human mischief and manipulation to rig the election. In her words, If results were updated right after voting was concluded, then the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has been in power since 2015, would have no opportunity for manipulation. Technology would redeem democracy. Results would no longer feature more than voters. Nigerians would no longer have their leaders chosen for them. This is a mischievous distortion of reality and utterly laughable. The introduction of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) in the 2023 elections helped to ensure that only duly accredited voters could vote. It was now no longer possible for party agents, in collusion with unscrupulous electoral officials and security agents, to simply thumbprint ballot papers and stuff ballot boxes in favour of certain parties and candidates. This is one of the reasons for the significantly lower vote count in this election, relative to previous elections, where millions of votes, substantially imaginary, were allotted to parties in various state constituencies.

To demonstrate that the 25 February presidential election was discredited, Chimamanda writes that, There were reports of a shooting at a polling unit, and of political operatives stealing or destroying ballot boxes. In Lagos, a policeman stood idly by as an APC spokesperson threatened members of a particular ethnic group who he believed would vote for the opposition. It is unfortunate that an intellectual of Chimamandas stature would rely on rumours and hearsay to pronounce authoritatively on an issue as important as the 2023 election in her country. She quotes cousins and relatives in Lagos to back up grievous allegations of violence and massive vote rigging in the election. For crying out loud, there are over 176,000 polling units across Nigeria. From what percentage of these polling units did she get her reports and how credible were these sources? In Lagos State, there are approximately 13,500 polling units. The exaggerated reports of violence and malpractices in the state did not occur in up to 1% of these polling units in one or two local government areas. How reliable and accurate then is the information which the writer feeds her readers?

It is instructive that Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso broke away from the PDP to contest the election on the platforms of the LP and NNPP respectively. Had the PDP contested the election as one, with Obi and Kwankwaso in its fold, winning the election would have been an uphill, almost impossible, task for the APC. But contesting on three separate platforms against the ruling party as they did, the victory of the APC was logically and empirically inevitable.

In any case, a careful scrutiny of the results of the election shows that it was a close and tight contest, which speaks to its credibility. The winner, Bola Tinubu, won in 12 states, just like the second placed Atiku Abubakar, who also won in 12 states. Peter Obi, who came third, won in 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, which for the purpose of the election counts as a state. Tinubu scored 8,794,726 votes, Atiku had 6,984,520 votes, while Peter Obi won 6,202,533 votes. The candidate who came fourth, Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) recorded 1,496,687 votes, the majority of which he got from Kano State, his political stronghold in the North. It was however only Tinubu who met the constitutional requirement of scoring 25% of the votes cast in each of at least two-thirds of the states of the federation, including the FCT, which translates to 24 states. Tinubu met the 25% requirement in 30 states, Atiku in 21 and Obi in 15. If the APCs votes in the election, according to Chimamandas narrative, were rigged and fictitious, what does she say about the votes recorded by the other parties, particularly her favourite candidate, Peter Obi?

It is instructive that Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso broke away from the PDP to contest the election on the platforms of the LP and NNPP respectively. Had the PDP contested the election as one, with Obi and Kwankwaso in its fold, winning the election would have been an uphill, almost impossible, task for the APC. But contesting on three separate platforms against the ruling party as they did, the victory of the APC was logically and empirically inevitable.

Chimamanda betrays her ignorance of Nigerian politics and unwittingly misled her readers when she wrote that Nigerian democracy had long been a two-party structure  power alternating between the APC and the PDP  until this year, when the Labour Party, led by Peter Obi, became a third force. Obi was different; he seemed honest and accessible, and his vision of anti-corruption and self-sufficiency gave rise to a movement of supporters who called themselves Obi-dients. Unusually large, enthusiastic crowds turned up for his rallies.

First, politics in this dispensation in Nigeria since 1999 has not always alternated between the APC and PDP. In 1999, Nigeria had a virtual three party system with the PDP and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) splitting the North, the PDP dominant in the South-East and South-South, and the Alliance for Democracy controlling the South-West. After the 2003 elections, the polity became a one-party dominant system with the PDP in control of large swathes of the country, the ANPP with reduced influence in the North and the AD reduced to controlling only Lagos State in the South-West. In the 2007 and 2011 elections, the PDP remained nationally dominant, although the AD had been rebranded into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and regained control of the South-West, while the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had emerged as powerful regional political parties in the far North and South-East respectively. It was not until 2013 that the APC was created as a merger of the CPC, ACN, a faction of the PDP and a faction of the APGA, which then went on to win the 2015 elections and has since then been the ruling party at the centre.

Secondly, contrary to the romantic picture of Peter Obi painted by the writer, he has always been part and parcel of Nigerias political establishment. He was governor of Anambra State for eight years on the platform of the APGA, a period during which he recorded no remarkable accomplishments beyond claims that he saved humongous amounts for the state, while leaving behind largely decrepit and dilapidated infrastructure. After his tenure as governor of Anambra State in 2006, Obi promptly dumped the APGA, decamped to the then ruling PDP and became an appointee of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration. He was the vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 election, and had the party won, he would have been seeking reelection along with his principal, Atiku, in this years election. It was only in May last year that Obi quit the PDP and joined the LP, when he saw that he could not win the PDP primaries. There is absolutely nothing new or fresh about Obi, except in the eyes of the Chimamandas of this world. The novelist does not hesitate to regurgitate rumours and baseless innuendos about the president-elect but chose to be silent on widely publicised revelations in the Panama Papers of Peter Obi hiding humongous questionable wealth in notorious tax havens around the world.

Amazingly, throwing all caution to the winds, Chimamanda writes Many believe that the INEC Chair has been compromised but there is no evidence of the astronomical US-dollar amounts he is rumoured to have received from the President-elect. This is incredible. Chimamanda will be lucky if she does not have to prove this weighty allegation in court.

Thirdly, Chimamanda writes most laughably about Unusually large, enthusiastic crowds that turned up for Obis rallies. This is comic. Did larger crowds turn up for Obis rallies more than for Tinubu or Atiku? How did Chimamanda measure the enthusiasm of one partys campaign crowd relative to the other? Yes, Obi received excited and enthusiastic receptions in the various church assemblies that he concentrated his campaign on in the run up to the election. Large and enthusiastic crowds received him in the various South-East states, where his Igbo kith and kin are found, as well as many of the South-South states with close ethno-cultural and Christian religious affinity with the South-East. It is not surprising that those were the only two out of the countrys six geopolitical zones that he won, despite his marginal victories in Lagos in the South-West, as well as Nasarawa and Plateau States in the North-Central. By the way, Chimamanda does not explain Obis victory in Lagos, Tinubus stronghold, in an election she says was badly rigged and lacking credibility. Nor does she throw logical light on Atikus victories in states like Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, Kebbi or Osun in the South-West in the presidential election.

Obi targeted Igbo and Christian votes in his campaigns and got his victories in the South-East and South-South. He won two out of six states in the North-Central and did not have up to 25% of the votes cast in either the North-West or North-East. He had no realistic electoral path to victory in the presidential election. Victory in two out of the six geopolitical zones cannot give any candidate victory in a presidential election in Nigeria. What is most tragic about Chimamandas letter to President Joe Biden is that she wrote as an unrepentant Igbo jingoist masquerading as an objective intellectual and patriotic Nigerian. The point is that she is Igbo, like Peter Obi, and wanted him to win for purely primordial reasons. Many allude to her novel on the Nigerian civil war, Half of a Yellow Sun, as depicting her essentially Igbocentric perception of reality. This is understandable. After all, she is human.

That Obi did not win the election does not make Nigerias democracy hollow. From 2011, there have been incremental and noticeable improvements in the countrys elections, as witnessed in 2015, 2019 and now in 2023. It can credibly be argued that Nigerias democracy is positively growing, as we have had 24 years of civil rule uninterrupted by the military interventions that had hitherto been so detrimental to the countrys political development. The writer argues that the INEC Chairman should have paused the collation of results process to investigate grievances by political party agents, as she alleged was done in the governorship elections of 18 March. Grievances raised at the national collation centre ought to have been addressed at the previous levels of the collation at local government and state levels. The governorship elections were declared inconclusive in Adamawa and Kebbi States and shifted to 15 April because the margin of victory was lower than the number of registered voters in areas where it was not possible to conduct elections on 18 March, not because of grievances with the collation process. In any case, the Electoral Act provides for aggrieved parties in elections to seek redress through the judicial process and that is currently under way. So what exactly is the point of Chimamandas letter to President Biden? Is it to seek external intervention in the ongoing process?

Still stressing that the failure to upload the results of the presidential elections substantially marred the exercise and insinuating that this was deliberate, Chimamanda wrote, Curiously, many polling units were able to upload the results of the House and Senate elections, but not the presidential electionThe Senate and House results were easily uploaded. So why couldnt the presidential results be uploaded on the same system? We can thus presume that she finds the National Assembly elections credible and acceptable because they were uploaded. But the Senate and House of Representatives elections results reflected the electoral supremacy of the APC in the elections. They were a validation of the outcome of the presidential election, which incidentally took place on the same day and at the same time as the legislative elections. 98 of 109 Senate seats have so far been declared. The APC won 57, PDP 28 and LP won 6. In the House of Representatives, 325 out of 360 seats have been declared. The APC won 162, the PDP 102 and the LP 34. Truth is the APCs victory in this election cannot be credibly denied.

Amazingly, throwing all caution to the winds, Chimamanda writes Many believe that the INEC Chair has been compromised but there is no evidence of the astronomical US-dollar amounts he is rumoured to have received from the President-elect. This is incredible. Chimamanda will be lucky if she does not have to prove this weighty allegation in court.

Dele Alake, former editor of Nigerias Sunday Concord newspaper is the Special Adviser Communications to President-elect Bola Tinubu.

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In all, it is hoped that the One Kindred One Business Idea, informed by the Kindred Economic Empowerment Paradigm, will help revitalise the spirit of self-help and communal living in many developing societies  especially in Africa  for economic development. It will also contribute to the further refinement of Africapitalism  private sectors contribution to development  as a new economic philosophy for Africa.

Imagine an economic development agenda that is not fully dependent on the government  a situation, whereby the smallest units of the society can effectively collaborate for collective economic empowerment.

In the South-East of Nigeria, the Igboland, beyond the nuclear family, the next unit of social organisation is the extended family, which is also known as kindred  the Umunna system. In this socio-cultural setting, kindreds perform unique functions in the social lives of their members. Amongst others, they offer spaces for communal projects, the administration of social welfare, resolution of interpersonal conflicts, and enactment of justice.

The kindred system can be positioned to act as productive economic units. I call this the Kindred Economic Empowerment Paradigm (KEEP)  or Umunnanomics, where kindred members are literally their brethren-economic-keepers.

KEEP, amongst others, can foster an inclusive economy at the kindred level. This paradigm is at the heart of the One Kindred One Business Idea (OKOBI), whereby kindreds create their own communal businesses. These businesses, which can take any form (such as cooperatives, social enterprise, et cetera), reflect the interests, passion, capabilities, and resources of the kindreds. The primary element of this arrangement is that the business is kindred-owned, led, and controlled. Possible areas of business include farming, livestock, services, manufacturing, et cetera. This approach, which is in line with the original social structure of the Igbo people through the Umunna and Umuada, has a significant potential of addressing the issues of unemployment and poverty from the grassroots level upwards.

Another way this can work is through co-investment. Here, a kindred can decide to invest in an already existing business owned by members of their kindred. That way, the kindred members become shareholders, whilst leveraging and respecting the individual agency and embeddedness of entrepreneurship, which might be at the danger of being suppressed in communal ventures, if not carefully managed.

Based on the character and resolve of the Igbo people, KEEP will work. True, Igbo people, like many other people in Nigeria and across Africa, are mainly hardworking. They always strive to exceed their constraints, realise themselves, and make the best out of their circumstances. The industry of the Igbos is expressed in their tenacious commitment to excel, their resilience and ability to weather the most difficult challenges.

Beyond filial relationships, OKOBI can also simply be a function of kindred spirit shared by a group of people  e.g., friends, members of social clubs, co-workers, et cetera. What matters most here is the ability to collaborate in the pursuit of a desirable collective goal, effectively and efficiently, whilst leaving no one behind. In short, this version of OKOBI is founded on the principle of nwanne di na mba (literally meaning that brotherhood or sisterhood is not solely defined by filial relationships but by shared interests, values and worldviews).

OKOBI, which is pioneered in Imo State under the leadership of Senator Hope Uzodimma, is already eliciting hitherto untapped financial resources and significant interests amongst local people. Some kindreds have started businesses in farming, livestock, services, manufacturing, et cetera. While some of these emerging kindred businesses target local markets, others seek to explore opportunities in foreign markets through the large and growing Nigerian diaspora community, as well as the global value chains of big firms operating in Nigeria.

In addition to its potential to transform lives in local communities, OKOBI offers the government an opportunity to formalise grassroot business ventures, grow the economy, and expand its revenue generation capability. These benefits are currently missed opportunities, which OKOBI can help reverse.

Obviously, KEEP is not hassle-free. There are also possible challenges that may stand in the way of starting and or sustaining the One Kindred One Business Idea, for instance. One of such challenges is distrust and disunity amongst kindred members. Arguably, some of these challenges are induced by economic inequality, which KEEP aims to address. In addition, looking at the bright side of things, the pursuit of kindred and communal initiatives will likely help to revive the dominant values and worldviews of the Igbos in general  particularly the values of industry and healthy communal existence.

Based on the character and resolve of the Igbo people, KEEP will work. True, Igbo people, like many other people in Nigeria and across Africa, are mainly hardworking. They always strive to exceed their constraints, realise themselves, and make the best out of their circumstances. The industry of the Igbos is expressed in their tenacious commitment to excel, their resilience and ability to weather the most difficult challenges. It is a deep-seated desire to rise above the vicissitudes of ones fate.

It is instructive to note that KEEP is not limited to the Igbos of the South-East of Nigeria alone. It is also a practical and pragmatic public policy tool that can be used to address the issues of unemployment and poverty, while improving rural development from the grass-root  as shown through OKOBI, a variant of KEEP. It helps to unlock hidden opportunities and resources in kindreds

In addition, most Igbos connect with their communities. Although they apply themselves to work for personal self-realisation, the sense of community and the connectedness it brings is strong. For an Igbo, being alone is good but being together is better. Therefore, the Igbos understand that they can realise themselves better through communal efforts. Many community development projects  e.g., schools, hospitals, rural roads, electrification, and other infrastructure  have benefited from this mindset. The people contribute to a common purse, so that the money can be used to execute a project that will benefit everybody. In this regards the Igwebuike (power in collective action) concept of Ndigbo comes to play.

It is instructive to note that KEEP is not limited to the Igbos of the South-East of Nigeria alone. It is also a practical and pragmatic public policy tool that can be used to address the issues of unemployment and poverty, while improving rural development from the grass-root  as shown through OKOBI, a variant of KEEP. It helps to unlock hidden opportunities and resources in kindreds that can complement the government resources in good ways to enhance development.

Nonetheless, it is important to highlight that this idea is not completely new. It has been practised in different parts of the world though not as the initials KEEP. For instance, Kibbutz is practised by the Israelis. The Kenyans call it Chama. However, the key point is not what it is called, but what it can achieve. Nonetheless, the name, Kindred Economic Empowerment Paradigm (KEEP), in this case, is unique and speaks to the challenge at hand in Africa. It does not mean that the idea cannot be adopted and adapted for a different context.

In all, it is hoped that the One Kindred One Business Idea, informed by the Kindred Economic Empowerment Paradigm, will help revitalise the spirit of self-help and communal living in many developing societies  especially in Africa  for economic development. It will also contribute to the further refinement of Africapitalism  private sectors contribution to development  as a new economic philosophy for Africa.

Kenneth Amaeshi is a public philosopher, professor of sustainable finance and governance at the European University Institute, Italy, and visiting professor of leadership and financial markets in Africa at the London School of Economics, United Kingdom. Earlier of versions have been published by the London School of Economics and La Repubblica  a reputable Italian newspaper. Kenneth tweets @kenamaeshi

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Obidiency was an understandable social response to culminating issues of youth unemployment, police brutality, biting economic realities: the yearnings for that change that has remained continuously elusive.

But this agitation must remain hinged on democratic ideals of freedom of choice and issue-based debate. For a movement that comes with a claim to moral superiority, this is an irreducible minimum.

Unfortunately, recent events are clearly showing a mass metamorphosis of Obidiency to Obidiocy. Hopefulness to delusion. Mental acuity to hypnosis. Impressionable youths and immolating adults have become the engine oil to keep Obis political engine working. Loss can truly be a devastating experience.

Lets start from the delusion that Obis mandate  the third position  was stolen. No political analysis, based on our historical voting pattern and elements of winning national elections, would ever place a win for Obi. The math is not just there.

But his popular appeal, justifiable or not, was evident in his impressive performance, if were to reflect on the data-driven prediction. To now stretch that to stolen mandate is delusional and an egregious ambition.

To put that in proper context, Obis party had agents in all polling units. This means, by now, they should have unimpeachable evidence, based on results uploaded to iReV to prove there are irregularities that are sufficient to overturn the election. It is now purely a legal battle.

But the head of Obis fascist mob, the running mate by the name Datti, said the only acceptable judgment is theirs. And instead of sticking to the issue of the incendiary language called out by Wole Soyinka, supporters of the Panama governor, who also lacks basic ethics of conflict of interest, and failed to apologise for using state resources to improve his companys equity, want to question Soyinkas morality. Because he is a friend of Tinubu. Not because he has not called out Buharis government in the past. This is a friend he did not campaign for nor did he endorse. This is a friend he indirectly referred to, in the same interview, as the other movements  the movements that are of no interest to Kongi.

Are Obidients looking into the mirror? Consider your candidate, even if we discount his association with Atiku and every establishment member till date, still went ahead to be baptised by Obasanjo. Can you really stop this moral grandstanding? Can you question someones morality because he has a history with Tinubu?

Kongis 1965  arguably equally fascistic tendency  action and APCs parallel government statement have been drawn to justify Dattis unguarded words. While I leave the introspective hindsight of the 1965 event to Soyinkas responsibility, are we not clear yet that APCs standard is not an acceptable standard?

Assuming these are true equivalence, does one bad justify the other and if truly the so-called movement is offering a fresh breath, the past we want to discard should never be a benchmark for accountability. Of what value is opposing APC to support LP if the condemnable action of the former will become acceptable because it is done by the latter? These are soul-searching questions for Obidients who are yet to complete their metamorphosis to Obidiots. They need to revise their standard.

Well, Wole Soyinka has called for debate to stretch that the fascist label is justifiable. This is an O call, and one that says more about Soyinkas belief in Dattis intellection. The ball is now in Obi-Dattis court.

The second prong of the transition to Obidiocy is the supporters volte face to the Yes, Daddy clip. A supposed idealistic movement would rather keep shut, admit and apologize, or at worse, deflect, and let events run over it. Rather, they attempted to obfuscate with some amateur forensic analyses. Denials that are insulting to public intelligence. And when those are not working, they appropriate and arrogate it, turn it to clap back and some printed and wore T-shirts as symbols of solidarity to a religious war that Obi wants to prosecute.

Obis politics is an instrument for Crusaders at the national level; an instrument for Catholic supremacy in his state. This conversation with Oyedepo  a clergy notorious for Muslims-hating sermons and open molestation of Hijab-wearing women  is no fresh air. This is more stench.

The potential victims of Obis religious war, who still have the presence of mind to queue behind this crusader-fascist movement, must have to re-examine their self-esteem.

There is a point to draw the line. This is it.

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Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State has commiserated with the family of the National Secretary of All Progressive Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Ajani Omisore over the death of the patriarch of the Omisore family and the first Nigerian Structural Engineer, Arole Ezekiel Iyiola Omisore, who died last Sunday.

Governor Badaru described the death of Arole Omisore as a great loss not only to the family of Omisore, but the people of Ile-Ife, Osun State and the nation at large.

He said late Engineer Omisore will be remembered for his contributions to the development of the country, stressing that he lived his life in service of humanity.

The governor while condoling with Senator Omisore, prayed to God to give the Omisore family and the people Osun State the fortitude to bear the loss.

He extolled the late Omisore for his exemplary life and immense contributions to the development of engineering profession in Nigeria especially during his tenure as the President of the Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers.

Badaru stated that even though Arole Ezekiel Iyiola Omisore died at the age of 96 he will be dearly missed as a result of his quality life and legacies.

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President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the recent bout of killings in Benue State.

The president, in a statement by Garba Shehu, a presidential media aide, urged that all efforts must be made to end what he called extreme violence.

There has been reported killing of over 80 in Umogidi community of Entekpa-Adoka in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

Thirty-four people were also reportedly killed in Mgaban village in Benue North local government area on Friday.

The president condemned the use of terrorism as a tool in inter communal conflicts.

Mr Buhari said the attackers must be found and dealt with accordingly.

He conveyed his grief and sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives due to the attack and directed the secret services, police and military commanders to enhance surveillance on every front and to immediately review the security management in the affected areas, the statement said.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those murdered. The entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil, Mr Shehu quoted the president as saying.

Benue, in north-central part of Nigeria suffers from communal violence, farmer and herders clashes among other criminalities.

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The Delta State Government has reportedly repatriated a beggar to Anambra State for allegedly constituting nuisance in Delta State, south-south Nigeria.

The beggar, Ogochukwu Nwabude, a 32-year-old mother of one, was caught begging in Asaba, Delta State, where she was staying.

Chidinma Ikeanyiownu, a media aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

Mrs Obinabo said the victim was accused by the Delta State Government of constituting nuisance by begging on the streets in the state, Ms Ikeanyiownu said in the statement.

Mrs Obinabo has cautioned the victim to desist from begging, but engage in a trade in order to fend for herself and her child.

The commissioner would later empower the victim with a little token to help her start up her own business, according to the statement.

The victim speaks

Ms Nwabude, the victim, hails from Nnewi, a community in Anambra State, south-east Nigeria.

She told Mrs Obinabo, the commissioner, that she only engaged in street begging in Delta State for two weeks before she was captured by agents of the state government and repatriated to Anambra State, where she hails from.

She promised she would not return to begging, but would make good use of the assistance given to her by the commissioner.

She was handed over to the woman leader in her native Uruagu, Nnewi Community, who would monitor her progress and report back to the commissioner.

Background

The Delta State Government, last year, banned street begging and child hawking especially during school hours in the state.

The ban was intended to ensure an enforcement of the Child Protection and Child Rights Law in the state which outlawed street begging, the government said.

READ ALSO:Police officer detained for allegedly shooting man to death in Delta

Twenty-eight people - six women and 22 girls - were arrested in February in Delta State for allegedly violating the law that prohibits street begging.

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Muslim nations could start celebrating Eid Al-Fitr on Friday 21 April based on astronomical calculations, according to a statement released today by the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics.

The Islamic Eid Al-Fitr is the three day holiday celebrated by Muslims starting the first day after the end of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

However, the final word on the timing of the start of Eid remains per tradition with Egypt's Dar El-Ifta  the main religious authority responsible for issuing fatwas in the country.

Dar El-Ifta will make this determination based on a confirmation of a sighting of a crescent after sunset on the 29th day of Ramadan this year, which falls on Thursday 20 April according to the Gregorian calendar, to determine whether Thursday was the last day of this Ramadan or the month would stay with us for one more day.

A month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is based on the lunar system, could be 29 or 30 days based on sighting of moons after sunset on the 29th day of a month.

This means that a new month on the Hijri calendar begins when a new moon can be sighted with the naked eye after sunset on the 29th day of an outgoing one.

The 29th day of Ramadan this year falls on Thursday 20 April according to the Gregorian calendar.

Egypt designates all three days of Eid as paid public holiday for government and private sector workers.

Per tradition, millions of Egyptians treat themselves to Kahk El-Eid, delicious white-powder-sugar-coated cookies stuffed with dates paste, to celebrate the end of the fasting month.

Millions visit families and friends before flocking to public parks and movie theatres to catch new films released on the occasion.

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NEW ORLEANS, April 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until April 25, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Catalent, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: CTLT), if they purchased the Company's securities between August 30, 2021 and October 31, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Get Help

Catalent investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-ctlt/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Catalent and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On November 1, 2022, the Company reported its financial results for 1Q2023 ending September 30, 2022, disclosing that its earnings had fallen to zero, a slashed fiscal year 2023 revenue guidance from $4.975B to $5.225B to the range of $4.625B to $4.875B, and that it was anticipating "negative P&L [profit and loss] effects," due to regulatory issues.

On this news, shares of Catalent plummeted by 31.7% over two trading sessions, to close at $44.90 per share on November 2, 2022.

The case is City of Warwick Retirement System v. Catalent, Inc., No. 23-cv-1108.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW ORLEANS, April 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until May 8, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuits against Credit Suisse Group AG (NYSE: CS), if they purchased the Company's securities between March 10, 2022 and March 20, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). These actions are pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Get Help

Credit Suisse investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-cs-5/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuits

Credit Suisse and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On February 9, 2023, the Company announced its 2022 financial results, disclosing that, contrary to its prior statements, it had continued to experience large customer outflows through yearend 2022, specifically, outflows of 110.5 billion Swiss francs in the final three months of 2022, a figure which far exceeded market expectations. On this news, shares of Credit Suisse fell $0.56 per ADS, or 15.64%, to close at $3.02 per ADS on February 9, 2023. Then, on March 15, 2023, news media sources revealed that the Company's "biggest backer," Saudi National Bank, would not buy any more of the Company's shares on regulatory grounds. On this news, shares of Credit Suisse fell 13.94% to close at $2.16 per ADS.

The case is Calhoun v. Credit Suisse Group AG, et al., No. 23-cv-01297.

A subsequently-filed case, Turner v. Credit Suisse Group AG, et al., No. 23-cv-01476, expanded the class period.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW ORLEANS, April 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until May 1, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Dutch Bros Inc. ("Dutch" or the "Company") (NYSE: BROS), if they purchased the Company's securities between March 1, 2022 and May 11, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Dutch Bros investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-bros/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Dutch Bros and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On May 11, 2022, the Company disclosed dismal 1Q2022 financial results including a net loss of $16.3 million, compared to a net loss of $4.8 million for the first quarter of 2021 and an adjusted net loss of $2.5 million (a loss of $0.02 per share), which fell below analysts' expectations, due to its failure to "perceive the speed and magnitude of cost escalation within the quarter," among other things.

On this news, shares of Dutch fell $9.26, or 26.9%, to close at $25.11 per share on May 12, 2022.

The case is Peacock v. Dutch Bros Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-01797.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
Join Us on April 15 & 16 and Discover Award-Winning Mausoleums and Cemetery Grounds  Act Now Before Prices Rise on April 17!

BERGEN COUNTY, N.J., April 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As Easter approaches and Catholics throughout the tristate area prepare for the holiest week of the year, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark invites families to experience the peace and beauty of Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum while securing a dignified resting place for their loved ones.

Award-winning Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum in North Arlington, New Jersey is holding an open house on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16. Our caring and professional Memorial Planning Advisors will answer questions and share information with no obligation and no appointment is necessary. The open house will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stop by before prices increase on April 17, 2023. Explore the beauty and magnificence of Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, winner of the 2017-2018 American Cemetery Excellence Award, in North Arlington, New Jersey. Click the link to learn more https://www.rcancem.org/open-house-weekend-holy-cross/ Our beautifully and impeccably landscaped cemetery grounds offer a variety of choices for families who prefer traditional in-ground burial options including Amish-styled gazebo sections. Different sections provide burial spaces with either flush memorial or upright monument lots. In our catholic cemetery, cremation commands the same dignity and respect as full-body burial. These are in fact the human remains of a baptized member of our family in faith. Many choices have been provided to meet individual needs; these include glass, marble, and granite-covered above-ground niches to accommodate one or more urns. Ground burial is also available in separate designated sections.

On Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, 2023, from 8:30 am-4:30 pm, the award-winning Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum in North Arlington, NJ, is hosting a must-attend open house event. Attendees can explore an array of burial and cremation options, memorialization, and financial planning with compassionate Memorial Planning Advisors, all without any obligation.

Andrew Schafer, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, states, "A time of loss is a time of confusion, and final arrangements do not have to add to the uncertainty. We reach out regularly to families to inform them about the valuable benefits of pre-planning."

Experience the breathtaking mausoleum, adorned with ninety major works of art, including floor-to-ceiling mosaics and century-old stained-glass art. Holy Cross Cemetery also offers an array of resting places, including marble mausoleum crypts, glass cremation niches, and traditional family estate plots, all within 10 miles of New York City.

The open house event at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum is the perfect opportunity for families who have held onto their loved ones' cremated burial remains for three months or longer to finally provide a deserving resting place. Don't miss your chance to secure a sacred resting place at a great price, as prices will increase on April 17, 2023.

No appointment is necessary. Visit Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum at 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington, Bergen County, New Jersey. For more information, go to www.rcancem.org/open-house-weekend-holy-cross or learn about Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark at www.rcancem.org.

SOURCE Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark
SAN DIEGO, April 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) common stock between August 18, 2021 and May 17, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period") have until May 30, 2023 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Target class action lawsuit. Captioned Perez v. Target Corporation, No. 23-cv-00769 (D. Minn.), the Target class action lawsuit charges Target as well as certain of Target's top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Target class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-target-corporation-class-action-lawsuit-tgt.html

You can also contact attorney J.C. Sanchez of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected].

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Despite Target's runaway success in 2020, Target's revenue was constrained by its inability to keep its shelves fully stocked. To mitigate the risk that replenishment of in-demand goods could take longer than usual going into the second half of 2021, Target announced that it had been ordering larger upfront quantities in advance of season to ensure that shelves were stocked with products consumers wanted, when they wanted them.

But as the Target class action lawsuit alleges, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Target's strategy for mitigating supply-chain constraints by over-ordering inventory had severely limited Target's ability to timely respond to evolving consumer behavior; (ii) consequently, the purported "massive influx of insights" gained from the extraordinary heightened demand during the pandemic could not be leveraged by Target to react to rapidly changing trends; and (iii) as a result of Target's inability to timely react to changes in consumer trends, Target's sales declined and Target was left with an overabundance of inventory, forcing Target to take large markdowns, and severely impacting Target's financial results.

On May 18, 2022, Target revealed that contrary to defendants' public statements, Target's "durable, flexible" business strategy was thwarted by its practice of ordering inventory before it was needed, resulting in overstocked, unsellable inventory taking up valuable store shelf space and leaving Target unable to quickly pivot to meet changing consumer preferences as represented. This resulted in Target's inventory increasing by nearly $1.1 billion over the previous quarter and overweight in "bigger, bulkier" hardline and home products that Target was now forced to mark down to "make room for fast-growing categories." Thus, Target's revenue and gross margin declined nearly 19% and 4.3%, respectively, for the quarter and defendants also admitted that they expected the excess inventory to negatively affect earnings into the next quarter. On this news, Target's stock price declined by nearly 25%, damaging investors.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Target common stock during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Target class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Target class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Target class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Target class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller is one of the world's leading complex class action firms representing plaintiffs in securities fraud cases. The Firm is ranked #1 on the most recent ISS Securities Class Action Services Top 50 Report for recovering more than $1.75 billion for investors in 2022  the third year in a row Robbins Geller tops the list. And in those three years alone, Robbins Geller recovered nearly $5.3 billion for investors, more than double the amount recovered by any other plaintiffs' firm. With 200 lawyers in 9 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Attorney advertising.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101

J.C. Sanchez, 800-449-4900

[email protected]

SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
Ethiopia has begun dismantling regional forces established by some states, aiming to integrate them into the federal army, police or civilian life, a government spokeswoman said Friday, in a move expected to arouse opposition.

Forces set up unilaterally by some states have sparked controversy, particularly during the brutal Tigray war, with security officials operating in Amhara region accused of severe human rights abuses.

"Special forces members in the entirety of Ethiopia will be reorganised with their choices fully guaranteed and their desires respected," federal government spokeswoman Selamawit Kassa told a press conference on Friday.

She said members could either join the federal military, the regional police or return to civilian life.

Her comments followed the release of a statement by the government communications service on Thursday, announcing the start of "practical activity to enter the regions' security forces into various security structures."

Ethiopia's constitution allows its 11 states, drawn up along linguistic and cultural lines, to operate their own regional police forces.

But over the last 15 years, some states have gradually established their own forces, acting outside these constitutional constraints.

In Amhara, which neighbours Tigray, forces of this kind as well as local militias bolstered support for federal forces in their two-year war against Tigrayan rebels, until a peace deal was signed in November 2022.

On Thursday, the government said it intended "to build a strong centralised army that can maintain Ethiopia's sovereignty and unity."

"An understanding has been reached with the special forces leadership and members," it added.

The statement followed reports of localised unrest in Amhara where regional forces have begun to disarm, with Selamawit on Friday blaming the spread of "false information".

"In some places based on lack of information and also without properly understanding the programme's aims... some (problems) have occurred," she said.

"The society shouldn't listen to false information... intended to confuse the population and to create a country which has a weak and disintegrated force."

The peace deal signed last November between the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopia's government has sparked anger among some Amhara residents, who have a long history of border disputes with Tigray.

Since the war erupted, Amhara forces and local militias known as Fano have occupied western Tigray, an area claimed by Amhara and Tigray, which remains inaccessible to journalists.

Following a visit to Ethiopia last month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Amhara forces had committed "ethnic cleansing" by forcibly transferring people out of western Tigray.

All parties to the conflict have been accused of possible war crimes by UN investigators.

The war began in November 2020 when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops into Tigray after accusing the TPLF, once the dominant party in Ethiopia, of attacking army bases.

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NEW ORLEANS, April 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until May 23, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE: SWK), if they purchased the Company's shares between October 28, 2021 and July 28, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut.

Get Help

Stanley investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-swk/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Stanley and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On July 28, 2022, the Company released its Q2 2022 results disclosing that "significantly slower demand in late May and June [] drove the majority of the challenges we faced this quarter" including that net income for the quarter had plummeted from $459.5M in the year-earlier quarter to $87.6M, and that it was cutting its 2022 earnings per share guidance by nearly half.

On this news, shares of Stanley plummeted over 16%, from a closing price of $117.45 per share the evening prior, to a closing price of $98.58 per share on July 28, 2022 on heavy trading volume.

The case is Rammohan v. Stanley Black & Decker, inc., et al., No. 23-cv-00369.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW ORLEANS, April 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until May 30, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT), if they purchased the Company's shares between August 18, 2021 and May 17, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.

Get Help

Target investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-tgt-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Target and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On May 18, 2022, the Company announced its Q1 2022 financial results, disclosing among other things, a decrease in operating income to $1.3 billion from $2.4 billion in the prior year, a 40% drop in adjusted earnings, and a decrease in gross margin of nearly 4.3%, with approximately 3% of that due to "the combined impact of impairments, markdowns, and other actions taken to rightsize our inventory position in categories that were too heavy," as well as a decrease in full-year 2022 operating margin guidance to "a range centered around 6%" from a margin rate of 8% or higher.

On this news, shares of Target plummeted nearly 25% or $53.67 per share, or from a closing price of $215.28 per share on May 17, 2022, to a closing price of $161.61 per share on May 18, 2022.

The case is Perez v. Target Corporation, et al., No. 23-cv-00769.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
GUANGZHOU, China, April 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Held in Guangzhou on April 7-9, 2023, the 29th Windoor Facade Expo bring together more than 700 exhibitors and brands covering 100,000 square meters of exhibition space and gather an expected 100,000 visitors. Over 1,000 kinds of new designs, new technologies, new products and new materials of the entire supply chain of window, door and facade.

Business Showfloor at Windoor Facade Expo 2023

In 2023, strategic objectives of green and low-carbon, intelligent construction, urban renewal and high-quality development of the future construction industry have been clarified with the convening of the National Two Sessions. Faced with challenges in the market and revolution in the construction industry, with the theme of "Forward Together", Windoor Facade Expo has strengthened development confidence of the whole construction industry, insists on promoting high-quality development of the industry with innovations, helping comprehensive upgrade in window, door and facade industry.

8 Sectors Showcase Innovative Products of Window, Door and Facade Industry

1. Exhibit Sector for Awarded Products of The Polaris Award of Construction: Established in 2014, the Polaris Award focuses on cutting-edge new buildings, new designs, new products, new technologies and new tendencies in the entire construction field. The appraisal jury is comprised of authoritative representatives from all sectors of the construction industry. Only new products launched in the year will be eligible to participate. The industry experts select 47 award-winning products out of 279 entries in 2023, which is the center stage at Windoor Facade Expo.

2. Exhibit Sector for Window Door System showcase all new window door products launched in 2022-2023, including soundproof window door, insulation window door, preservation window door, wind-resistant window door, bulletproof window door, anti-theft window door, screen window door, intelligent security window door, intelligent ventilation window door and intelligent auto shading window door, and many more.

3. Exhibit Sector for Facade Materials: various kinds of facade materials give more possibilities for building skin projects, such as UHPC, fiber cement board, architectural glass, PUR, GRC, GRP, aluminum foam, terracotta panels, enamel board, AAO, aluminum cone core hollowed plate, sintered stone, metal roofing, metal facade, LED photoelectricity facade, aluminum alveolus plate, BIPV, shade film, and stainless facade, etc.

4. Exhibit Sector for Aluminum Profiles and Insulation Products: gather most leading brands specialized in aluminum profiles in China. Featured exhibitors include Xingfa Aluminum, JMA Aluminum Profile Factory, Weiye Group, Fenglu Aluminum, Haomei New Material and Golden Aluminum, and many more.

5. Exhibit Sector for Hardware Equipment for Window, Door and Facade: showcasing intelligent and refined hardware. Leading brands include FISCHER, KINLONG, 3H, XINGSANXING COULD TECHNOLOGY, CHUNGUANG HARDWARE, etc.

6. Exhibit Sector for Window, Door and Facade Equipment: provides the latest solution for upgrading traditional manufacturing industry such as squeeze, stretch straightening, perforation, incision, electric welding machine, impact drills, electric hammer, milling machine, bench-type drilling machine, applicators, stone cutting machine, bead cutter, edging machine, coating film, wrapping machine, washing, polishing, handle, corner sow, spraying equipment, etc.

7. Exhibit Sector for Structural Sealant and Adhesives: gather most leading manufacturers in China, including HANGZHOUZHIJIANG SILICONE CHEMICALS, BAIYUN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY, CHENGDU GUIBAO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, JOINTAS CHEMICAL, and many more.

8. Exhibit Sector for Fireproof Facade and Fire Resistance Materials: the grand new design of fire resistance promotes the innovation of fire safety, such as fire-resistance door, fireproof facade, fire-resistance glass, fireproof glass, fire-resistance paints, fire-resistance seals, fire-resistance strips, fireproof paints, fireproof seals, fireproof strips, etc.

Concurrent Event - The Architecture & Technology Conference reveal cutting-edge topics in the construction industry

The architecture & technology conference, a concurrent event running along the expo, focuses on topics such as green and low carbon, high quality, tough design, intelligent building, technological innovation, and invites up to 200 industry experts to share new design, new technologies, new products and new materials of the construction industry around the world.

About Windoor Facade Exop

Organized by Citiexpo, Windoor Facade Expo, held annually in Guangzhou, focuses on launching new products, new technologies in the whole industry chain of facade, is the large-scale expo covering 100,000 square meters in exhibition space where showcasing solutions of building facade, and invites more than 200 industry experts comprised of real estate developers, contractors, facade designers and KOLs in the facade field to share hottest topics.

About Jianke Citiexpo Co., Ltd

Informa Markets (Informa Plc), the world's leading exhibitions organizer, is listed on the London Stock Exchange and organizes over 450 exhibitions every year. Jianke Citiexpo is one of its joint ventures in China and organizes Windoor Facade Expo and the Architecture Technology Conference in Guangzhou annually.

Find more information at www.windoorexpo.com

SOURCE Windoor Facade Expo
Jerusalem, April 8 : A tourist was killed and five other tourists were injured on Friday night during a shooting and run-over attack in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities said.

The incident occurred in the bars and restaurants area along Tel Aviv's seaside promenade, Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said in a statement, adding the victim was a man in his 30s.

Three of the injured tourists sustained moderate wounds, while the other two were lightly injured, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement by the rescue service.

According to a police statement, the assailant rammed his car into passers-by before stepping out and starting to shoot. He was shot dead by a police officer at the scene.

The attacker was identified as an Arab citizen of Israel from Kafr Qasim, east of Tel Aviv, state-owned Kan TV news reported.

Also on Friday, two British-Israeli sisters, respectively aged 16 and 20, were killed in a drive-by shooting in the northern West Bank, and their mother was critically injured, according to Magen David Adom.

Following the attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the border police and military to call up reserve forces "in the wake of terrorist attacks", according to a statement issued by his office.

The attack occurred amid escalating violence between Israel and the Palestinians, triggered by Israeli raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint holy site in East Jerusalem, earlier this week.
New Delhi, April 8 : Even as the world gets into recovery mode post-pandemic, many people are still grappling with the symptoms of long Covid. According to the WHO, if you have recovered from Covid-19 but some symptoms stay stubborn, such as shortness of breath, brain fog, and fatigue, the condition is known as long Covid. Long Covid symptoms also include palpitations, insomnia, gastric problems such as bloating, acidity, irritable bowel, muscle weakness, and mobility issues.

Any microbe that enters the body causes toxicity, resulting in the imbalance of Doshas or bio-energies of one's body. Our bodies are prone to infectious diseases when we have a weak immune system, and Panchakarma along with other curative Ayurveda treatments helps to strengthen the immune system. In Ayurveda, the Panchakarma procedure is used as a prophylactic to prevent infectious diseases and incidentally can also help to prevent a relapse.

In the case of a Covid patient who has tested negative for the virus, the Vaidyas (doctors) at CGH Earth recommends the Panchakarma procedure to strengthen and fortify the body. However, such procedures cannot be administered soon after recovery, though other Ayurvedic treatments for insomnia, anxiety, stress-related disorders, and immune boosting can be done.

To do the Panchakarma cleansing procedures, it is recommended to allow the body to heal itself -- for up to say two months in order for the energy levels to get back to normal or near normal. This is the same recommendation that Ayurveda would give for a person who has undergone surgery or some serious illness; a gap of two or three months before undergoing the Panchakarma.

Meanwhile, the degree of long Covid symptoms varies from patient to patient and therefore the treatment protocols vary as well. The doctor will need to watch and assess when the patient is ready to undergo only one or multiple karmas which are part of the Panchakarma procedure.

Long Covid patients suffer from respiratory problems and also issues related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, cardiac-related conditions, neurological conditions, and brain and kidney issues. Covid also affects the sense organs wherein some people lose their sense of smell, taste, hearing, and vision for an extended period of time. Many, post Covid suffer from insomnia, brain fog, and anxiety.

Although Panchakarma has immense health benefits, it is critical that for post-Covid patients the energy level is checked prior to putting them on any treatments, as they are tiring processes that do initially lower one's energy. Panchakarma procedures include detoxification of the body. This is a necessary stage of treatment as the disease-causing microbes bring a lot of toxins into the body and if they remain in the body, Ayurvedic treatments cannot address the conditions that have manifested internally.

For Kapha-related lung infections, chest pain, and infected pleural cavities the patient is treated with Herbal drug-induced vomiting or Vamana (one of the deep cleansing Panchakarma procedures). Likewise for gastric infection or if the liver or pancreas is affected purgation is advised. Meanwhile, the main procedure for problems related to sensory organs like loss of smell or taste is Nasya i.e: nasal treatment.

For those affected by arthritis, degenerating muscles, or skin lesions; Vasti or medicated enemas are prescribed. It is to be noted that this is not merely Colon cleansing but the administration of special medicines into the colon and rectum where the medications in them are easily absorbed internally.

Alongside the Panchakarma procedures, secondary treatments or "Upakarmas" are also administered to the patients. "Tharpanam" which is administered for the eyes and "Karnapuranam" for the ears are treatments that Ayurveda prescribes for patients who have long Covid conditions related to these sensory organs. Treatments like "Njavarakizhi" and "Pizhichil" also aid in correcting the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha imbalances and help rejuvenate and rebuild the body from the inside out.

Herbal medications are administered to improve the immune system. In particular, those with respiratory tract issues benefit from these prescribed herbal medicines by improving their lung capacity and removal of excess accumulation of phlegm or fibroids.

These medicines are beneficial for those with GI tract issues.

Regularly strengthening the body with herbal preparations after a course of Panchakarma, helps to keep Covid and other infectious diseases at bay. In Ayurveda, the course of medication can last from three to six months and in some cases where the patient is very weak, it is prescribed for a year.

(Dr.Firoz Varun is an Ayurveda Doctor at CGH Earth Kalari Rasayana Ayurveda Hospital.IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Istanbul, April 8 : Turkey has seen a booming real estate market since the massive February 6 earthquakes, which was pushed by a souring demand for so-called earthquake-resistant new homes in major cities in western regions, including Istanbul.

Real estate agents said Istanbul's land sales increased by 200 per cent in March than the previous month, fuelling a price hike.

"A wave of fear has grabbed Istanbulites especially after the disaster," Erdinc Sahin, a real estate consultant, told Xinhua news agency, explaining the sentiment in the real estate market triggered by the earthquakes.

Sahin said the anxiety among residents grew after a rapid scanning program, launched by the Istanbul municipality on homes' foundation and their structural resistance in late February, revealed that many old buildings in the city were not resistant enough to strong earthquakes.

Following the scanning program, weak buildings in Istanbul were either being reinforced or demolished, but "evacuating unsafe buildings is not something easy" on a large scale, according to Sahin.

He noted that the demand is not limited to Istanbul but expands as far as the nearby Kocaeli province in the Marmara region and Kirklareli and Edirne in the Thrace region.

In Sahin's view, the total costs are much higher than expected, given a 40-per cent increase in land sales prices in March and the ever-increasing construction expenses.

"We describe these price hikes as irrational. This demand will not continue as it is now. It will stop at some point," he said.

Dilek Ozcan, a retired healthcare worker from Istanbul who cannot afford to buy land in the city, moved to her rural hometown in Kirklareli.

She told Xinhua that recently many close friends and former colleagues asked her about buying land in the nearby villages.

According to Ozcan, these friends wanted to install a tiny house as an extra place to shelter in case of a disaster in Istanbul.

Galip Olmez, CEO of Yako Groups, Turkey's biggest company producing tiny houses, told Xinhua that his sales exploded by at least 80 per cent after the February disaster.

Prices of tiny houses, whose sizes largely fall between 15-40 square metres, vary from $15,000 to $30,000, much more affordable than building conventional big houses, he said.

"Since almost 90 per cent of people (in Istanbul) do not know how resistant their houses are to earthquakes, they want to plan an independent lifestyle in nature, a safer, more isolated, and more rehabilitative lifestyle," he added, concluding "therefore, the demand for tiny houses has increased tremendously".

According to Olmez, zoning is not required for the installation of tiny houses, a fact that saves costs.
New Delhi, April 8 : More than 40.82 crore loans amounting to Rs 23.2 lakh crore have been sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) since its inception eight years back.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "Since the launch of the scheme on April 8, 2015, as of March 24, 2023, about Rs 23.2 lakh crore has been sanctioned in 40.82 crore loan accounts. About 68 per cent of accounts under the scheme belong to women entrepreneurs and 51 per cent of accounts belong to entrepreneurs of SC, ST and OBC categories. This demonstrates that easy availability of credit to the budding entrepreneurs of the country has led to innovation and sustained increase in per capita income." The MUDRA scheme has helped in generation of large-scale employment opportunities at grassroots level and also proved a game changer while boosting Indian economy, she added.

The scheme was launched by the government to facilitate easy collateral-free micro credit of up to Rs 10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro entrepreneurs for income generating activities.

The loans under PMMY are provided by member lending institutions (MLIs), i.e. banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), micro finance institutions (MFIs) and other financial intermediaries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mobilised police and army reserves late Friday after separate attacks killed three people in the West Bank and Tel Aviv in the latest escalation of deadly violence.

Despite appeals for restraint, violence has surged since Israeli police attack on Palestinians Wednesday inside Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque, with Israel bombarding both Gaza and Lebanon following rocket fire by Palestinian militants.

Israel's occupation army said it had launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of Friday's shooting in the occupied West Bank which killed two sisters and seriously wounded their mother.

It said the victims were fired on as their vehicle passed through Hamra junction in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

In central Tel Aviv, one man was killed and five people were wounded late Friday in a car-ramming attack, Israeli rescue services said.

"All the victims were tourists," the Magen David Adom emergency service said, without providing details on their nationalities.

Three people, including a 17-year-old, were moderately wounded, while two had light injuries, the rescue service added.

Shortly afterwards, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "instructed the Israel Police to mobilise all reserve border police units and has directed the IDF to mobilise additional forces", his office said.

Cross-border strikes

Friday's attacks came after Israel launched air strikes and an artillery bombardment before dawn in response to rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

Israel "struck targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation in southern Lebanon", the occupation army said.

AFP journalists heard explosions in Lebanon's Tyre region as well as in Gaza, where Israeli air raids began before midnight.

The Lebanese army said it had found and dismantled a multiple rocket launcher in an olive grove in the Marjayoun area near the border, still loaded with six primed rockets.

On Friday, Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said "the threats and intimidation of the Zionist leaders will lead nowhere".

Israeli Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht had blamed Palestinian militants for the rocket fire from Lebanon.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which patrols the area along the border, urged restraint, adding: "Both sides have said they do not want a war."

On Friday evening, the army said it had shot down a drone that entered Israel's airspace from Lebanon, without elaborating.

The Palestinian health ministry had earlier reported "partial damage" to the Al-Dorra children's hospital in Gaza City.

Hamas condemned the "appalling Israeli aggression" and said it holds Israel "fully responsible for the consequences".

Mosque raid

A Qatari official on Friday said Doha was mediating between Israel and the Palestinians.

Doha -- which has previously mediated between Israel and Hamas -- "is working to deescalate the situation on all sides, with the latest contact being noon today," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The round of violence erupted fter Israeli riot police stormed the prayer hall of Al-Aqsa mosque on a Wednesday pre-dawn, firing tear gas and beating worshippers with clubs while they were participating in "Itikaf," a religious practice of seclusion inside mosques that is commonly observed during Ramadan.

The violence sparked an exchange of rockets and air strikes with militants in Gaza.

UN chief Antonio Guterres meanwhile has urged "all actors to exercise maximum restraint".

The United States said it recognised "Israel's legitimate right to defend itself", while France vowed "unwavering" support for "Israel's security and Lebanon's stability and sovereignty".

An Iran foreign ministry spokesperson "strongly condemned the attacks of the aggressor Zionist regime", and Russia called for "an end to the violence" and a "lasting ceasefire".

Hamas and Islamic Jihad told Egypt, a longstanding mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, that rocket fire would continue "if Israel continues its aggressions and air strikes but, if these aggressions stop, they will cease fire," Palestinian sources said.

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Sanaa, April 8 : Four people, including two Islamic State (IS) attackers, were killed during a suicide bombing carried out by the terror group in Yemen's capital Sanaa, the Houthi militia has confirmed.

The incident occurred when the Houthi forces intercepted a public minibus carrying two IS members and prompted the two individuals to detonate the bombs on them, Xinhua news agency quoted the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV as saying in a report on Friday.

The explosion killed the two IS members and two civilians who were also on the minibus, it added.

The television cited a Houthi statement that the forces had received intelligence about the movement of the IS members and were attempting to arrest them in a less populated area to avoid civilian casualties.

The specific location of the incident was not revealed.

Years of conflicts in Yemen have provided space for various terrorist groups, including the Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and the IS.

In 2015, the IS made its presence known in Yemen through suicide attacks on two Zaydi mosques in Sanaa, resulting in the deaths of nearly 140 worshippers.

The group has also claimed responsibility for other notable attacks, such as the assassination of Aden's Governor in 2015.

As of 2021, the UN estimated that the IS still maintains a significant presence in Yemen with hundreds of fighters.

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since late 2014, with the Houthi militia, backed by Iran, seizing control of northern cities and displacing the internationally-recognised government.

The ongoing war has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and pushed the country to the brink of famine.
Seoul, April 8 : North Korea said on Saturday that it carried out another test of an underwater nuclear-capable attack drone this week, proving the weapon system's reliability and "fatal" striking capability.

The North tested the Haeil-2 underwater strategic weapon system from April 4-7, according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"The system will serve as an advantageous and prospective military potential of the armed forces of the DPRK essential for containing all evolving military actions of enemies, removing threats and defending the country," Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying.

DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The test drone was deployed from a port in South Hamgyong Province on Tuesday, and "correctly set off" a test warhead underwater on Friday after cruising along an "oval and eight-shaped" course simulating a distance of 1,000 km for 71 hours and six minutes, it added.

The provocation came about two weeks after the North first made public a test of its underwater attack drone Haeil on March 24.

It claimed the "secret weapon" is capable of generating a "radioactive tsunami" and stealthily attacking enemies.

On March 28, the regime unveiled its Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead for the first time and claimed that it had staged an underwater detonation test of its Haeil-1 drone a day earlier.

Considering the change in the weapon's name in the latest test, the North could have tested an improved version of the Haeil this week, observers said.

The North has recently intensified its provocative acts, such as the unveiling of the Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead and the launch of cruise missiles from a submarine.

Observers said the North is likely to bolster its weapons tests on key anniversaries this month, namely the 111th birthday of the country's late founder Kim Il-sung on April 15.
Nairobi, April 8 : Kenya is targeting 10 million foreign tourist arrivals in the next five years, an official said.

Francis Gichaba, chairperson of the Kenya Tourism Board, said the country will align its marketing initiatives so that the goal can be achieved gradually by the year 2027, reports Xinhua news agency.

Kenya recorded 1,483,752 tourist arrivals in 2022.

"The tourism sector is one of the key pillars expected to positively impact lives from the lowest levels, and we have no options but to deliver," Gichaba said in a statement.

The official said that Kenya's best performing year was 2019, which closed at 2.05 million arrivals, and the government has already set in motion a number of initiatives to deliver the ambitious arrival figures.

He said that in the first two months of 2023, Kenya registered 293,440 international tourist arrivals, up from 184,228 recorded in January-February 2022.
New Delhi, April 8 : A Delhi Police Head Constable allegedly shot himself dead on Saturday inside a PCR van in the capital city's Civil Lines area, an official said.

According to the senior police official, a call was received of the incident at around 6.25 a.m.

The deceased was identified as Imran Mohammed.

"A PCR call was received at the Civil Lines police station that the in-charge of a PCR van Imran Mohammed has shot himself with his official weapon. He was immediately taken to the Bara Hindu Rao hospital where he was declared as brought dead on arrival," said the official.

The police said that the incident took place near Chandgi Ram Akhara and the victim killed himself when the van's driver, constable Atul Bhati, went to answer nature's call.

The District Crime Team has been called to inspect the incident.

The body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem.

The police are trying to ascertain the reason behind the victim's drastic step.
Singapore, April 8 : A 34-year-old Tamil-origin man died after being allegedly pushed by another person down a flight of stairs outside a shopping mall in Singapore.

Thevandran Shanmugam fell backwards down the stairs outside Concorde Shopping Mall in Orchard Road last month, and sustained multiple fractures to the skull, The Straits Times reported.

Muhammed Azfary Abdul Kaha, 27, who pushed Shanmugam, was charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt the day after the incident.

It was not mentioned in court documents if the two men knew each other before the incident, the report said.

The incident allegedly took place outside a popular nightspot Club Rumours at Concorde Shopping Mall, which houses several bars and nightclubs.

The nightclub refuted claims that Shanmugam had visited its premises on the day of the attack.

If convicted, Azfary could be jailed up to 10 years, as well as caned or fined.

The court documents said Azfary had allegedly committed the offence while under a remission order after being jailed for other offences.

If convicted, he can face an additional jail term of up to 178 days.

A remission order is issued to allow an inmate to spend a portion of his sentence outside of jail.

The report did not mention whether Shamnugam was a Tamil of Indian-origin or Sri Lankan.
Seoul, April 8 : Pyongyang's state media on Saturday said that Chinese President Xi Jinping told North Korean leader Kim Jong-un that the two nations should bolster "strategic guidance" over bilateral ties.

The remarks came as Kim received a message from Xi as the latter thanked the North Korean leader for congratulating him on his re-election as president of China, according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

In the message, Xi "attaches great importance to the relations between the two parties and two countries, expressing his willingness to accelerate the development of the socialist cause of the two countries and promote regional peace, stability, development and prosperity by strengthening the strategic guidance" over the China-DPRK relations," Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying.

DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

China's new ambassador to North Korea, Wang Yajun, who began his official activities earlier this week, delivered the message to Kim Song-nam, international department director of the Central Committee of the North's ruling party, according to the KCNA.

Wang's arrival came amid speculation that the North will soon resume trade with China following years of its border closure over the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chennai, April 8 : Heavy police deployment is in place in Chennai as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to reach the city on Saturday afternoon.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate new terminal of Chennai International Airport on his arrival at 3 p.m. He is later scheduled to flag off the Vande Bharat Express train from Chennai to Coimbatore that will ease the travel time between the two cities by two hours.

Tamil Nadu DGP C. Sylendra Babu is directly supervising the security aspects of the Prime Minister's visit. Local police is present in large numbers on all points of the city and foolproof security arrngements as per the SPG specifications have been made.

The Prime Minister will also be participating in the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Sree Ramakrishna Mutt in Chennai and security is tightened at the Mutt premises also due to the VVIP visit.

Sources in Tamil Nadu police told IANS that the unprecedented security for the Prime Minister's visit is due to some inputs from central agencies, but refused to detail the reasons.
Bangkok, April 8 : Thailand has called for efforts to create constructive and concrete approaches to tackle the region's trans-boundary haze problem.

This came as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha hosted an online trilateral meeting on Friday with his counterpart from Laos Sonexay Siphandone and Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, reports Xinhua news agency.

At the meeting, Prayut proposed a strategy to effectively address the trans-boundary haze pollution issue by leveraging relevant mechanisms at all levels.

Thailand supports efforts of exchanging information and experience, as well as legal actions from each country to control and contain the sources of the pollution, he said.

The worsening air quality this year is a result of an increasing number of hotspots from open-air burning and dry weather conditions, according to Pinsak Suraswadi, director general of Thailand's Pollution Control Department.

The overall number of hotspots detected in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos during the first three months of of this year increased 93 per cent from a year earlier, Pinsak said.

The Thai government has prioritised air pollution mitigation as a national agenda.

It has attributed smoke from traffic, industrial plants, forest fires and agricultural burning as the main sources of pollution.
Washington, April 8 : No threats were detected at the University of Oklahomas campus in Norman city after initial reports of an active shooter at the premises, officials said on Saturday.

Oklahoma State Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Foster told CNN that the campus is safe and that no injuries were reported.

Meanwhile, the University police has also issued an "all clear" alert.

"After a thorough search, no threat was found. There is no threat to campus. Alert has been canceled," the university said in a tweet at 10.53 p.m. on Friday night.

Just before 9.30 p.m., the university has announced on Twitter there was an active shooter and urged people to "take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!" The warning was followed by another tweet indicating campus police were investigating "possible shots fired" on school grounds.

"Avoid South Oval area. Shelter in place."
London, April 8 : Millions of lives could be saved by a groundbreaking set of new vaccines for a range of conditions including cancer, experts have said.

A leading pharmaceutical firm said it is confident that jabs for cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, and other conditions will be ready by 2030, the Guardian reported.

Studies into these vaccinations are also showing "tremendous promise", with some researchers saying 15 years' worth of progress has been "unspooled" in 12 to 18 months thanks to the success of the Covid jab.

Paul Burton, the chief medical officer of pharmaceutical company Moderna, said he believes the firm will be able to offer such treatments for "all sorts of disease areas" in as little as five years.

The firm, which created a leading coronavirus vaccine, is developing cancer vaccines that target different tumour types, the Guardian reported.

Burton said: "We will have that vaccine and it will be highly effective, and it will save many hundreds of thousands, if not millions of lives. I think we will be able to offer personalised cancer vaccines against multiple different tumour types to people around the world." He also said that multiple respiratory infections could be covered by a single injection -- allowing vulnerable people to be protected against Covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) -- while mRNA therapies could be available for rare diseases for which there are currently no drugs, the Guardian reported.

Therapies based on mRNA work by teaching cells how to make a protein that triggers the body's immune response against disease.
Relative calm prevailed in the West Bank and Palestinian territories on Saturday after the EU and US condemned a pair of Palestinian attacks Friday that killed three civilians and wounded six more, calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.

A smattering of violence continued on Saturday when Israeli soldiers raided the Arroub refugee camp in the West Bank and injured one Palestinian, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

The Israeli soldiers used live ammunition, concussion bombs and tear gas, causing dozens to suffocate.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region, which saw further violence on Friday.

Israeli authorities said an Italian tourist was killed and five other Italian and a British citizen were wounded when a car rammed into a group of tourists in Tel Aviv, Israel's commercial hub.

Police said they shot and killed the driver of the car and identified him as a 45-year-old Palestinian citizen from the village of Kafr Qassem.

In a separate incident, two British-Israeli women were shot to death near a settlement in the occupied West Bank.

No groups claimed responsibility for either attack, but the Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised both incidents as retaliation for Israeli raids earlier this week on the Al-Aqsa mosque  the third-holiest site in Islam.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was calling up all reserve forces in Israels border police, a paramilitary force usually deployed to suppress Palestinian unrest.

The additional border police would be activated Sunday and join other units that have recently been deployed in Jerusalem and Lod, a town in central Israel with a mixed Jewish and Palestinian population.

Push for de-escalation

The EU and US condemned the attacks and called for de-escalation.

"The EU expresses its total condemnation of these acts of violence," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

"We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint."

The US State Department said "the targeting of innocent civilians of any nationality is unconscionable."

The country also voiced support for Israel over Lebanon, without explicitly backing the Jewish state's strikes on its northern neighbor in response to the rocket fire by militants.

"As we urge de-escalation on all sides," another State Department spokesperson said.

"The use of Lebanon as a launchpad for rocket attacks against Israel only puts Lebanon at risk and increases the potential for further conflict".

Israel had unleashed rare airstrikes on Lebanon and bombarded the Gaza Strip on Friday morning, but later in the day there were signs that both sides were trying to keep the border hostilities in check. The fighting subsided after dawn, and midday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem  a flashpoint for violence in recent days  passed peacefully.

The round of violence erupted fter Israeli riot police stormed the prayer hall of Al-Aqsa mosque on a Wednesday pre-dawn, firing tear gas and beating worshippers with clubs while they were participating in "Itikaf," a religious practice of seclusion inside mosques that is commonly observed during Ramadan.

On Tuesday, police arrested and beat hundreds of Palestinians there, who responded by hurling rocks and firecrackers at officers.

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Seoul, April 8 : North Korea remained unresponsive to regular contact via a military hotline for the second day on Saturday, military officials said.

The North did not respond to the regular 9 a.m. opening call between the two sides after daily calls through the cross-border liaison line and the military hotline the previous day went unanswered, Yonhap News Agency quoted the officials as saying.

The two Koreas typically hold phone calls twice a day in the morning and in the afternoon using the joint liaison office channel and their military channel.

While the liaison office channel operates only on weekdays, the military channel also conducts calls on weekends.

"Regular calls aren't being made due to an unspecified reason from the North's side," a military official said.

"We will monitor the situation, including the possibility of a (technical) problem in the North's line." The suspension comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula in the wake of North Korea's recent weapons tests in protest of joint military drills between South Korea and the US.

Earlier in the day, the North's state media reported that the country staged an underwater detonation test of its Haeil-2 nuclear-capable attack drone earlier this week.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 8 : Not much headway could be made in the Kerala train fire case by the Special Investigation Team of state Police which is questioning Shahrukh Saifi, the lone accused.

On April 2, Delhi resident Saifi had set his co-passengers ablaze in a moving Kannur-bound train.

The probe team is being led by ADGP-M.R.Ajithkumar, who is staying put in Kozhikode where the accused's questioning is underway since Friday evening after getting his police custody for 11 days.

Even though Saifi has admitted to the crime, the motive behind his act is yet to be ascertained only then can police claim to have cracked the case.

Simultaneously, a Kerala Police team in Delhi is collecting information on him as his parents had registered a missing man case on March 31.

The SIT's first agenda is to chart Saifi's travel from Delhi to Kerala and according to sources in the know of things, he is understood to have landed at Shornur railway station on April 2.

On Friday, the probe team reached Shornur and took statements from a few petrol pumps in the locality and is understood to have found out that Saifi bought petrol in two cans and boarded the train bound for Kannur on Sunday night.

Saifi doused petrol on fellow passengers and set them afire while the train was moving from Kozhikode to Kannur.

Three people, including a two-year-old girl, died after they panicked and jumped out of the moving train. Nine others suffered burn injuries.

In the wee hours of Wednesday, acting on a tip-off from the Central agencies, the Anti Terror Squad of Maharashtra Police took Saifi into custody from Ratnagiri.

He was then handed over to the Kerala Police who brought him to Kozhikode the next morning and after a day at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital, on Friday he was first sent to judicial custody and then to police custody for 11 days.
Mumbai, April 8 : Fifty years after Maharashtra's first tiger reserve came up in Melghat (Amravati) out of the nine set up across India, the big cat is flourishing well in the state, with its population shooting above 350 now.

From that single sanctuary established on April 1, 1973, the state today has six tiger reserves and the big cat is now the 'uncrowned king' of Chandrapur, known as the 'tiger district', with around 200 roaming there freely.

Experts working in the field of tiger conservation say that the Project Tiger initiative launched by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi 50 years ago has been a "success story" that helped pull back the big cat from the brink of extinction.

Not only is 'Tiger Zinda Hai' in Maharashtra, but thriving exceedingly well with the population increasing constantly, growing by nearly five times in the state and in varying degrees in the 49 other tiger reserves across India.

"Compared to over 40,000 tigers barely 150 years ago, in 1971, the country was left with around 1,750 big cats. Of these, Maharashtra had around 75 tigers. Today, the tiger population is growing at an average of 10-12 per cent to touch around 325," said Yadav Tarte-Patil, former member of State Board for Wild Life (SBWL), Maharashtra.

Citing the slow but steady growth, Tarte-Patil said that in 2006, the state had 103 tigers, in 2010 it increased to 169, followed by 190 in 2015 and 312 in 2018, and the current estimate (2022) is over 350.

Another expert and Bombay Natural History Society's (BNHS) Secretary, Kishore Rithe, said that despite huge challenges faced over the past five decades, Project Tiger has been a resounding success, though many threats still remain.

Earlier, there was the problem of relocating the villagers living in and around the tiger reserves, especially in Amravati-Chandrapur, which was done successfully over the decades.

"Now, with a lucrative compensation-cum-rehabilitation policy (considered the best after Madhya Pradesh), people are willingly coming forward to relocate to safer areas outside the tiger zones," said Rithe.

But the human species growth is also rapid -- 57 per cent -- in comparison to the increase in tiger population (10-12 per cent), so despite having more tiger territories, the pressures from humans has increased heavily, leading to avoidable man-animal conflicts, the experts pointed out.

"The tiger corridors linking the reserves through jungle routes are still facing great threats. There are many infrastructure projects like highways, roads, railway lines, canals, power lines, factories or mines that keep coming up and affect the tigers," said Rithe.

Tarte-Patil said that poaching also remains a concern, though now under control, with the elite Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) comprising around 300 troopers specially trained and assigned to protect the big cats from the illegal gun-totters always lurking around.

"In the past 10 years alone, the state has lost 185-plus tigers due to poaching, which continues at the rate of 43 per cent. One of the reasons is owing to vacancies of forest guards and other staff, hence, many times, the STPF is diverted to other duties," said Tarte-Patil.

The tiger reserves in the state are: Melghat, Tadoba, Pench, Bor, Nagzira -- all in eastern Maharashtra, and the lone Sahyadri in western Maharashtra that offer survival and solace to the big cats of the 'Royal Bengal Tiger' species, one of the nine global species of which three have become extinct.

Rithe said that slowly, for various reasons, tigers are now dispersing from their concentrated spread in the 11 districts of Vidarbha and four in the Sahyadri reserve.

"Now, tigers are sighted till the Gujarat border, in Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Dhule and Pune, though it is unlikely that the big cat may ever again make Mumbai its home. Plus, tigers adapt to the local environment very slowly unlike leopards, which can adjust to any habitat quickly and make it their home," Rithe added.

The last known record of a tiger shot dead in Mumbai (then Bombay) dates back to February 1929, 94 years ago, and since then, the suburban Mumbaikars are grappling with its spotted cousin, the leopard.

Nevertheless, experts caution that the hard-earned gains of Project Tiger should not make us complacent, but on the contrary, we should step up the vigil even more to ensure they don't turn into losses again, frittering away the monumental efforts of the past 50 years.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)
Chennai, April 8 : When Project Tiger was launched on April 1, 1973 at the Jim Corbett National Park by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, nine tiger reserves were identified with an area of 9,111 sq km.

Now Tamil Nadu alone has five tiger reserves -- Annamalai, Kalakkad-Mundanthurai popularly know as KMTR, Madumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and Srivilliputtur Megamalai Tiger Reserve. There are reports of a sixth tiger reserve at Erode, which is yet to be confirmed by the Tamil Nadu forest department.

As per the tiger census of 2018-19, the number of tigers in Tamil Nadu stood at 264, which was almost 10 per cent of the total tiger population of the country. The population of tigers in Tamil Nadu has tripled from 76 in 2006 to 264 in 2018-19, which, as per conservationists, is a giant leap in the population of big cats.

In 2006, Tamil Nadu had 5.3 per cent of the country's total population, and by 2018 the percentage of the tiger population in Tamil Nadu touched 9 per cent which is a highly rated performance.

Tamil Nadu pursued a tiger conservation policy that was proactive and where local people were included in tiger protection. Along with the forest department's regular beat to prevent poaching, anti-poaching camps were established in Mudumalai in the late 1990s with the involvement of local youths.

This model of Tamil Nadu is hailed as the Mudumalai model which is now having a pan-India presence. Mudumalai has the highest tiger density in the country with 15 tigers per 100 sq km area. The national tiger density per 100 sq km is 4.4.

However, with the growing population of tigers in the state, poaching has also increased and in the past ten years the state has lost 70 tigers. This makes the state number 6 in the country as per the Tiger Mortality Rate.

The notorious Bawaria poaching gang is considered one of the major reasons for the tigers getting poached. The Tamil Nadu forest department arrested six members of the gang in February 2023.

As per the National Tiger Conservation Authority, of the total 70 deaths of tigers, 44 occurred inside the core tiger reserve areas. The causes of the deaths include natural deaths, unnatural factors and poaching.

A Tamil Nadu forest department official told IANS: "The Bawaria gang have confessed to have killed a young tiger in the Nilgiris district and we are preparing a proposal to strengthen the ground patrolling by appointing more anti-poaching watchers and increase the temporary camp sites to cover remote areas." Wildlife activists said that the forest department officials were slow to act on the inputs the local people provided regarding the presence of poachers. However the forest officials said that there were no micro level and specific inputs about the poachers.

Meanwhile there is a proposal to create a sixth tiger reserve in the Erode forest range. According to officials, the Erode forest division is home to around 15 to 20 tigers.

Officials also said that fifty percent of the area of Erode forest division has tigers. A forest department official told IANS: "The field work, data collection, and survey according to government of India guidelines are to be done for considering the Erode forest division as the sixth tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu." M. Munisamy, a wildlife biologist, told IANS: "In the 50 years of Project Tiger, a lot has been done to preserve and conserve tigers. In many states, the population of tigers has increased manifold. Tamil Nadu also has a sizeable population of 264 tigers but the presence of certain poaching gangs in the tiger reserves is a matter of concern and the forest department must take maximum initiative to prevent tiger deaths."
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to be in attendance in Mysuru on April 9 to commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger, the attention to the big cats -- Indias national animal -- calls for a broader understanding of their numbers, conservation, and the state of their habitat over the last half a century.

On April 1, 1973, the Government of India under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had launched the ambitious Project Tiger from the Jim Corbett National Park, now in Uttarakhand, after it legislated the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Project Tiger is so far the largest species conservation initiative in the world. Under this project, 27 tiger reserves have been established over an area of 37,761 sq km across India. At present, India is home to as many as 53 tiger reserves.

Currently, there are about 2,967 tigers left in the country. India had an estimated 40,000 of these big cats in the last century.

A tiger census was most recently conducted in May-June 2022, the findings of which will be released by the Prime Minister in Mysuru on April 9.

Project Tiger seeks to implement a series of measures to check the dwindling population of the big cat. These measures include the provision of anti-poaching squads, prevention of grazing by cattle and even collection of minor forest products, fire protection, and launching further research programmes in this domain.

Given the urgency of the situation, Project Tiger became a statutory authority, namely National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), through an amendment -- Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006.

The NTCA addresses ecological and administrative issues pertaining to conserving tigers, in addition to providing strengthened institutional mechanisms for the protection of ecologically sensitive areas and endangered species, ensuring enforcing of guidelines for tiger conservation and monitoring its compliance.

However, long before the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was passed, the foresighted erstwhile rulers of Mysuru were well aware of the imperatives of conserving the environment, and among the earliest, the Mysore Game and Fish Preservation Act came about in 1901. When this Act was legislated, the Kingdom of Mysore was ruled by the Wadiyar dynasty.

One of the rules under this Act "prohibited poisoning of the water of any stream or lake, and prohibit or regulate the placing or throwing of any explosive or deleterious substance therein" and even laid down regulations about capturing fish, and nets of mesh below a certain size.

When Project Tiger was launched in 1973, Bandipur in Karnataka was among the first nine reserves that were brought under the flagship programme. It included most of what was already the conserved area of Venugopal Wildlife Park, noted for Indian bison (gaur) and spotted deer. The Venugopal Wildlife Park has a network of roads for observation, and adjoins the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.

The facility was upgraded to a national park and christened as Bandipur. It included the adjacent reserve forests and extended to an area of 874.20 sq km. Currently, Bandipur extends to Mysuru to an area of 912.04 sq km, subsuming under it the adjoining Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary - a prime tiger habitat.

The Bandipur Tiger Reserve holds great environmental significance as it includes the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is India's first biosphere reserve. This tiger reserve's landscape extends over Bandipur, Nagarahole, Mudumalai, and Wayanad in Kerala. This stretch is home not only to the highest number of tigers in India (about 724), but is also home to the largest strength of Asian elephants.

However, India's first inter-state tiger relocation project collapsed.

This project was embarked upon in 2018 with two tigers from Madhya Pradesh -- a male called Mahavir from Kanha Tiger Reserve and a female called Sundari from Bandhavgarh -- which were moved to the Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha to curb the dwindling number of tigers in the state.

The twin intent behind the relocation was to reduce tiger population in areas with excess tigers so as to check territorial disputes, and to take tigers to areas where their population significantly plummeted due to different reasons. This project was estimated with a budget of Rs 19 crore.

Moreover, the reasons that the ambitious project did not take off as expected is said to be the trust deficit and absence of confidence-building exercise between the forest authorities and local villagers. Unfortunately, within months of the translocation, Mahavir was found dead.

However, what was actually achieved from this project was a remarkable recovery of the natural habitat, which in turn led to a spike in the population of these big cats in the reserves. The numbers rose from a meager 268 in nine reserves in 1972 to 1,576 in 27 reserves in 2003.

Added to this, there has been a complete ban on hunting and poaching of tigers has been checked to the extent of almost eliminating the malpractice altogether.

Concurrently, other species that were dwindling in numbers due to human interference have also been ensured safe natural habitat. This has been made possible as the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972 was upgraded and eventually individual national parks took the responsibility to conserve an endangered species. For instance, Gir conserves lions, Kaziranga conserves one-horned rhinos, etc.

People are thus becoming increasingly aware of the pertinent issues of wildlife and this awareness has led to a collective consciousness of not supporting blatant exploitation of wild animals. Additionally, this project has generated employment in the concerned areas.

However, these landmark achievements did not come by easily.

The ban on hunting was not unanimously agreed upon initially. Poaching was a very major issue as tiger skin and bones continue to fetch hefty sums in the international market, which is largely illegal. Although international trading cannot be checked, stringent laws on ground have kept the wild animals safe and secure.

Besides, acquiring consolidated land for conservation was a task as several people resided in those areas and resisted to giving up those lands.

The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was legislated to recognise the due rights of forest-dwelling communities and other tribes dependent on forest resources for various reasons, including livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural needs. Thus, in some national parks, specific human settlement is permitted up to a certain extent.

There is said to have been a 30 per cent rise in the population of tigers in the last eight years. Certainly, this speaks volumes of the extensive conservation efforts made by the government for the majestic creature.

Turning lands that were once hunting grounds into conservation sites, wildlife sanctuaries, and even biosphere reserves is no small feat. But there still looms a bigger question.

Project Tiger will continue to be operational until these big cats are safely out of the category of endangered species. But with the numbers restored to a satisfactory count, the scope of man-animal conflict can also foreseeably be intensified as restoration of natural habitat for wildlife is not yet extensively coordinated with the rapidly developing and expanding human settlement plans.

(Kavya Dubey may be reached at kavya.d@ians.in)
Bhopal, April 8 : Potential habitats with dense forest areas and proper corridors between tiger reserves located at distant places are considered key aspects to ensure long term conservation of tigers, says Alok Kumar, a former IFS officer who retired as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Madhya Pradesh. He is now one of the key members of the "Cheetah Project" at Kuno National Park.

In 2000 when Madhya Pradesh was divided into two, it had around 250-300 tigers, which have now reached up to 700. At that time, the tiger census was done on the basis of their footmarks count, which had always been questionable. Now, new technologies like the radio collar system and close monitoring as well as high visibility have brought more authenticity.

Kumar said although the entire central Indian landscape is considered as a potential habitat for wild animals due to it's dense forest areas, Madhya Pradesh has more potential because of it's connectivity between the forest zones located within the state and also in neighboUring states Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.

While Indian tigers have the highest genetic variation compared to ther subspecies across the world, inbreeding and loss of potential habitats have been leading to loss of tigers.

"Inbreeding may be good in terms of safety of tigers, but relocation is a much more important step to ensure the long term conservation of tigers. In Madhya Pradesh, the tigers' presence is there now at each national park besides seven tiger reserves. Because all forest zones or animal habitats are well connected they are being shifted from one to place to another," Kumar told IANS.

He claimed that Madhya Pradesh has achieved 100 per cent growth of tigers in the last few decades, but on the other hand, challenges have also increased and the conflict between wild animals and human beings is the result of it. "Strong force to protect wild animals is the need of the hour. Besides, proper monitoring and awareness among people living in the forest zones can play an important role in minimising animal-human conflicts," Kumar added.

Bhopal based wildlife activist Ajay Dube said Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tiger reserves and plays a crucial role in the conservation of tigers. On the other hand, poaching of tigers has also been growing in the state.

"No doubt Madhya Pradesh is a tiger state and because of the earlier efforts made in the state, it has been given the title of 'Tiger State'. Unfortunately in the last few years tiger deaths are on the rise and at a very high rate. As many as 270 tigers have died between 2012 and 2022," Dube said.

It is clear that Madhya Pradesh owes a duty to the entire world because the tiger is the main animal through which the flora and fauna of the jungle is maintained. If the tiger population dwindles, other animals as well as the environment suffer an irreparable loss, Dube said.
New Delhi, April 8 : The government push towards local manufacturing of consumer electronics items has helped India cross record more than Rs 85,000 crore in mobile exports in the fiscal year ending March 31, industry data showed on Saturday.

Buoyed by attractive government incentives towards local manufacturing, India surpassed a remarkable $10 billion worth smartphone exports in the fiscal year 2022-2023, according to the data provided by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) to IANS.

Smartphone exports from India have doubled from a corresponding period from the last fiscal year, driven by production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes.

The top five global destinations India currently exports mobile phones to are the UAE, the US, the Netherlands, the UK and Italy, according to the ICEA data.

"The mobile phone industry will cross $40 billion manufacturing output and 25 per cent exports at $10 billion is a stellar performance," Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of ICEA, had earlier told IANS.

More than 97 per cent of the smartphones sold in India are now being produced locally.

India is now the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world.

According to Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the year 2023 will be a milestone as the country will cross Rs 1 lakh crore in mobile phone exports this year.

India is likely to produce 45-50 per cent of Apple's iPhones by 2027, at par with China, where 80-85 per cent of iPhones were produced in 2022.

According to estimates, India and Vietnam are to become the biggest beneficiaries of smartphone supply chain migration out of China.

India accounted for 10-15 per cent of iPhones' overall production capacity at the end of 2022.

Apple became the first smartphone player in India to have exported $1 billion worth iPhones in the month of December. It currently manufactures iPhones 12, 13, 14 and 14 Plus in the country.

The country is now moving in a different direction, "which is largely export-focused and led by the government's performance-linked scheme (PLI) pusha.
New Delhi, April 8 : A murder convict, who jumped parole in 2020 and then brutally killed his former girlfriend, was arrested by the Delhi Police's Crime Branch in the city's Mangolpuri area, an official said on Saturday.

The accused was identified as Deepak (37), a resident of Mangolpuri area. The police had also announced a reward of Rs 50,000 on information of his whereabouts.

According to the police, Deepak and his four associates in 2010 had kidnapped the son of a doctor in Rohini and took him to Gharaunda, Haryana.

"He demanded a ransom of Rs 20 lakhs from the father of the boy. When demands were not fulfilled by the doctor, Deepak along with other co-accused brutally murdered the boy and threw his body in Gharaunda. Deepak was convicted for rigorous imprisonment for life and fined along with other co-accused persons by a trial court. The accused was released on parole on August 17, 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic," said Ravindra Singh Yadav, the Special Commissioner of Police (Crime).

After being released from jail on parole in 2020, he came to know that his former girlfriend had married someone else.

"Feeling betrayed, Deepak then decided to kill her. He called her to an Oyo Hotel in Sultanpuri and brutally stabbed her several times with a knife. After committing the crime, he fled from the spot," said Yadav.

Recently, the Crime Branch was tasked to nab parole jumpers and it received inputs about the presence of Deepak in Outer Delhi.

"This information was received via human intelligence as well as technical surveillance. He was finally nabbed from R-Block, Subzi Mandi, Mangolpuri," said the official.

On interrogation, Deepak revealed that to evade arrest, he had continuously changed his locations and lived in Bihar, Assam, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
New Delhi, April 8: Pakistani spy agency ISI has finally revealed after months of speculation what was known all along - that Gulzar Imam, founder of the Baloch National Army (BNA), is under Pakistan's arrest.

However, it hid the information that people wanted confirmation about - how and where was Imam arrested and with whose operational support.

On Friday, the spy agency's public relations wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), published a media statement on its website: "In a high profile and a successful Intelligence Operation, Lead Intelligence Agency successfully apprehended a High Value Target (HVT) Gulzar Imam alias Shambay. He has been a hardcore militant as well as founder and leader of the banned outfit Baloch National Army (BNA) which came into being after amalgamation of Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and United Baloch Army (UBA). BNA had been responsible for dozens of violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan including attacks on Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) Installations in Panjgur and Noshki." That Imam was in Pakistani custody was known since September 2022. It was widely known among Baloch circles and Pakistani journalists that Imam had been trapped and arrested with help from a friendly Muslim country in Europe. What was not known was how and where he was arrested.

In September 2022, even Imam's organisation BNA, had refused to comment on his capture. The other Baloch organisations also kept quiet, fuelling rumours.

The BNA finally revealed in November that chief Gulzar Imam was in the custody of Pakistani intelligence agencies. It still did not mention when, where or how was Imam arrested. The BNA also said that it is conducting investigations and it will find out the culprits involved in Imam's capture.

Various Baloch sources, including ones in Europe, had told India Narrative that internally it was known that Imam had been arrested possibly around May 2022 but the entire action around his arrest had been kept a top secret. Other sources had said that he was arrested around August-September 2022.

Speculation said that Imam was lured to Afghanistan where he was captured by spy agencies in the Pakistani embassy. His travel documents were prepared and he was asked to travel to Turkey, where he was arrested and transferred to Pakistan.

Another report had claimed that he was arrested in Turkey after he arrived there from Iran after having crossed the Pakistan-Iran border. Yet another rumour said that he had been detained in the Balkan region in a collaborative operation between Pakistani spy agencies and a friendly Muslim nation.

The ISPR in its statement said that Imam was a deputy to Brahamdagh Bugti in the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and was "also instrumental in formation of Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) and remained its Operational Head".

The spy agency has said that Imam has visited Afghanistan and India and those links are being investigated.

The ISPR statement does hint at the complexity of the operation through which Imam was captured. "He was apprehended after an innovatively conceived, carefully planned and meticulously executed operation, spanned over months over various geographical locations," says the spy agency.

The Baloch have been running an ethnic insurgency against Pakistan, seeking independence on historical and economic grounds. The community says that it was an independent nation which was forcefully taken over by the Pakistani army in March 1948, soon after India's independence.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Jaipur, April 8 : At a time when Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) chief Hanuman Beniwal's pictures with AAP party workers is taking the internet by storm, the veteran leader has shocked many by advising Sachin Pilot to leave the Congress and form a new party.

In an interview to a media house, Beniwal said, "Earlier too I had said that if Sachin Pilot forms a new party, we will form an alliance with him. I want Sachin Pilot to leave the Congress at the earliest as he is being humiliatied again and again in the party.

Beniwal said, "I suggest Pilot Sahab to form a separate party. If he does so, there will be a great atmosphere. It will bring in a strong impact. Congress-BJP will be left far behind." There is a rift between BJP and Congress. In BJP, 12 to 13 leaders are contenders for Chief Ministership. This time the path of BJP is not easy at all, he said.

"We will work to stop BJP and Congress in Rajasthan. There will be no alliance with the two parties. We will contest on all 200 seats. We will consider forming an alliance with any party fighting against Congress and BJP which has some influence in the state. Different parties have hold over different areas. Tribal party have influence in many places. In many places, there is BSP and other parties too. Alliance can be considered with them," he said.

Stating that this is not the first time his party is talking about the alliance. "Last time, talks with BSP could not be held. That's why the alliance could not happen. The youth of Rajasthan wants change. The public is fed up with the way Congress and BJP together have looted the state. The public now wants freedom from both.

Today, Rajasthan leads crime rate which has defamed the state.
Iraqi President Abdel Latif Rashid condemned Turkey on Saturday for bombarding an area near Sulaimaniyah airport in the autonomous Kurdish region, a flashpoint between the two governments.

"Turkish military operations against the Kurdistan region continue to take place, the last being the bombardment (Friday) against Sulaimaniyah civilian airport," Rashid said in a statement.

Rashid, who is himself a Kurd from Sulaimaniyah, said such actions by Turkish forces have "no legal justification" and serve only to "terrorize civilians under the pretext that hostile forces are present in Iraq".

He was referring to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which has a presence in Iraq's Kurdistan region and is blacklisted as a "terrorist" organization by Turkey and its allies.

Turkey has repeatedly sought to remove the rebel group in air and ground operations.

On Monday, Turkey halted flights to and from Sulaimaniyah until at least July 3, blaming increased PKK activity in and around the airport.

The Turkish foreign ministry said at the time that PKK activities were posing a "threat" to air security.

In early March, a Turkish drone strike in northern Iraq killed two Yazidi fighters affiliated with the PKK, days after a similar strike killed three other fighters.

The PKK has waged an insurgency in Turkey that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since 1984.

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Bengaluru, April 8 : Amid Amul's announcement to sell its milk and curd in Karnataka, and the Congress terming it as a move to "finish off" Nandini brand of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said that the grand-old party is doing politics over the issue.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Bommai said: "There is no need for anyone to get concerned about Amul brand. We will initiate steps to make brand Nandini more competitive. Nandini will become number one brand in the country." State Health Minister K. Sudhakar said the BJP government has given subsidy to state's milk producers. It has given Rs 5 for every litre of milk to farmers as subsidy. The system is made in such a way that farmers are given benefits out of income of KMF.

"Nandini brand is not confined to Karnataka. The Nandini milk is sold to the army, Tirupathi, Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra states," Sudhakar added.

"Other brands are being sold in the state from long time. Is Amul a BJP brand and Nandini a Congress brand," Sudhakar asked.

Congress has started a campaign in the state against the sale of Amul milk and other products. Opposition leader Siddaramaiah charged that after "swallowing" the banks built by our people in the name of merger, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are now all set to close down Nandini brand, which is lifeline of Karnataka farmers.

State Congress President D. K. Shivakumar stated that Amul brand is being "imposed" on the state. He had charged that the objective behind this is progress of Gujarat and to "finish off" Karnataka brand.

Former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H. D. Kumaraswamy has called upon people to oppose the move of selling Amul milk in the state.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 8 : Senior Congress leader and UDF convenor M.M. Hassan on Saturday requested to stop the attack on the social media against veteran Congressman A.K. Antony after his elder son Anil Antony exited Congress and joined the BJP.

Hassan is a long time neighbour of Antony in the state capital city besides being a member in the cabinet of Antony during 2001-04.

Hassan said what's going on now is the huge social media attack against Antony for what his son did.

"We all saw and heard the harsh words that Antony said about what his son did. Mind you, his son is also a grown up personality and he can seek his way forward, but why blame Antony. This social media attack should stop," said Hassan.

Hassan went on to state that it was on the recommendation of Shashi Tharoor that the then State Congress president Mullapally Ramachandran decided to appoint Anil Antony as the convenor of the IT Cell of the state Congress party.

"In fact at one point of time Ramachandran wanted to appoint Anil as one of the general secretaries of the party in Kerala. When Antony heard about it, he called up Ramachandran and said if he is appointing Anil because he is his son, then he (Antony) will react very sharply. It was after Antony spoke like that Ramachandran dropped that idea," said Hassan.

As trolls slam Antony for what his son did, sources close to Antony revealed that he continues to be deeply distressed, even as many of his party colleagues are trying to pacify him.

Soon after condemning his son's action, Antony reportedly brok down. Later he said that this was his fate.

Meanwhile, reports emerged that the entry of Anil into the BJP was facilitated through the son of a top Union minister.
Aden, April 8 : Yemen government officials have gathered in Saudi Arabia to discuss a comprehensive three-year peace plan to end the country's prolomged civil war, a diplomat said here.

"Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman held a meeting on Thursday with Rashad Al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), and other high-ranking Yemeni government officials in Riyadh, during which he presented the kingdom's plan for peace in Yemen," the diplomat told Xinhua news agency late Friday.

The proposed plan, which is based on a series of back-channel negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi militia in Muscat for the past few months, has three main stages that will be implemented over a period of three years, he said, adding the Yemeni officials have already shown their initial support for the plan.

The first phase of the plan, according to the source, is "a six-month truce between warring factions in Yemen, during which hostilities will cease and efforts will be made to rebuild trust and lay the groundwork for peace".

The second phase would entail a dialogue to address key issues and grievances among the various Yemeni factions and reopen the closed roads, airspace and seaports.

The third stage would be a two-year transitional period during which a new and inclusive government would be established, paving the way for long-term stability and peace in the country, according to the official.

A truce agreement between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebel group is likely to be announced in the coming days, the official added.

Meanwhile, another Yemeni government official confirmed to Xinhua that Muhammad Al Jaber, the Saudi Ambassador to Yemen, along with an Omani delegation, is planning to meet Houthi leaders in Sanaa to discuss the "the final arrangements" of the truce.

Oman and the UN have mediated previous rounds of negotiations between the Yemeni government, Saudi Arabia, and the Houthi rebels.

Muscat's role has been crucial in facilitating talks and maintaining good relations with both parties.

Yemeni observers hope that the proposed peace plan will be a viable solution to the ongoing conflict and alleviate the country's humanitarian crisis.

The UN has been working to broker a political solution to the conflict, but previous attempts have failed due to a lack of trust between the warring parties and continued violence on the ground.

Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2014, with the Houthis fighting against the internationally-recognised government.

The Saudi Arabia-led coalition intervened in the conflict in support of the Yemeni government in 2015.
Beirut, April 8 : The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has opened an investigation into the rocket launches and air strikes that took place in the southern part of the country in the past two days.

UNIFIL peacekeepers, with the support of the Lebanese Armed Forces, visited the launch and fall sites of the rockets and missiles, to gather evidence and prove the facts, said Candice Ardell, deputy director of UNIFIL Media Office, in a statement.

On early Friday morning, Israeli warplanes launched three missiles at the Tyre region in southern Lebanon.

It came as a retaliation for the launch of some 34 of rockets into Israel from Lebanon on Thursday, for which the Jewish state blamed the Hamas militant group.

There was material damage, but no casualties were reported.

UNIFIL's head of mission and force commander, Major General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, continued his contacts with the two parties, through the mssion's communication and coordination mechanism, to help ease tensions along the Blue Line, Ardell's statement said.

The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country will file a complaint with the UN Security Council as Israel's attacks "constitute a flagrant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and UN Security Council Resolution 1701".

Meanwhile, Israel also called on the UN Security Council to issue a condemnation against Lebanon and Hamas for the recent rocket fire.

The recent escalation of tension was triggered by two consecutive days of Israeli raids at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem.

Israeli police forces fired gas canisters and stun grenades at Palestinian worshipers.

It came during a sensitive time when Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramzan with prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, while Jews were commemorating the Passover holiday.

Despite the heightened tensions, conflicting sides expressed a desire to avoid a full-fledged war, with Israel's army spokesman stating that "quiet will be answered with quiet" during a press briefing.

The UNIFIL has appealed for calm and stated that it was in contact with Israeli and Lebanese authorities.
Chennai, April 8 : The Tamil Nadu health department will conduct a mock drill to assess the prepared of the department in curbing the possibilities of a Covid-19 surge. The Test Positivity Rate (TPR) in many districts of Tamil Nadu have touched above 5 indicating that things are not rosy.

However state Health Minister, Ma Subramanian expressed confidence in bringing things under control and told people not to worry about the slight increase in Covid cases. The minister has called upon people to strictly abide by the Covid protocol put forward by the government including wearing masks, safe distancing and washing hands regularly.

The minister said that the variant of Omicron that is present in the country was not lethal and hence called upon the people not to worry much but to be cautious.

Tamil Nadu reported 303 fresh cases on Friday, and the total active cases reached 1530.

The health department is conducting mock drill in all the government hospitals of the state to understand the preparations the medical staff have including the infrastructure available if there is a surge in cases.

According to the health minister, Tamil Nadu have 24.061 Oxygen concentrators and medical oxygen storage capacity of 2067 metric tonnes.

While speaking to IANS, Ma Subramanian said, "We had a meeting with Union Health Minister Manush Mandaviya virtually and things are under control. However, people have to be cautious and abide by the Covid protocol prescribed by the health department." The minster also said that the RT-PCR tests per day will be increased from the present 4000 to 11000.
Brasilia, April 8 : Brazil has announced it will official rejoin the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), from which it withdrew in 2019.

"As Brazil resumes its main international alliances, it will once again join the Union of South American Nations," the country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It added that the measure will take effect on May 6 and "places the country back in the group created during President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's second administration", reports Xinhua news agency.

"Brazil ratifies its commitment to the consolidation of South America as a zone of peace and cooperation, in line with ... promoting regional integration," the Ministry noted.

"UNASUR's revitalisation and updating will be a collective process through dialogue among all the countries of the region," it added.

UNASUR, established in 2008, is an intergovernmental regional organisation once comprised of 12 South American countries.

Besides Brazil, Argentina also formally withdrew from the regional organisation in April 2019.

After Uruguay's withdrawal from the organisation in 2020, only Guyana, Suriname, Bolivia and Venezuela remain in union.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Canberra, April 8 : Responding to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) projections forecasting the next five years will be the slowest for economic growth in more than three decades, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Saturday said citizens should be realistic about future fiscal challenges.

Chalmers will in May hand down his second federal budget, which he said would aim to "strike the right balance between targeted cost-of-living relief, responsible fiscal management and laying the foundations for future growth", reports Xinhua news agency.

"Australians should be optimistic about the future of our country but realistic about the challenges we face, and how the slowing global economy will affect our own prospects," Chalmers was quoted as saying by the local media.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Thursday said the world economy is expected to grow less than 3 per cent this year, with India and China projected to account for half of global growth in 2023.

"Growth remains weak by historical comparison, both in the near and medium term," Georgieva said in a speech in Washington, D.C., ahead of the IMF-World Bank spring meetings next week.

"India and China are expected to account for half of global growth in 2023. But others face a steeper climb," she said.

The Australian government has identified boosting trade with China and India as priorities.

The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement came into effect at the end of 2022, eliminating tariffs on over 85 percent of Australia's goods exports by value to the South Asian nation.

Multiple Australian delegations were also sent to China in recent months in a bid to improve the relationship.
Los Angeles, April 8 : Actor James Cromwell, who portrays Ewan Roy in the hit series 'Succession', helped save a piglet who fell off a transport truck headed to a facility where he would have been fattened for slaughter.

The little piglet has been named 'Babe' in honour of the film in which Cromwell, who is also a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) honourary board member, starred as Farmer Hoggett. That role inspired him to go vegan, reports Deadline.

Cromwell issued a statement on the pig's rescue.

"Having had the privilege of witnessing and experiencing pigs' intelligence and inquisitive personalities while filming the movie Babe, I jumped at the chance to give a real-life Babe a new lease on life. Every pig deserves to live out their life at a sanctuary, choosing when to frolic, where to forage, and how to spend their time." The new christened Babe will be sent to the Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Dalton, Pennsylvania.
Itanagar/Aizawl, April 8 : Though there are eight Project Tiger reserves in three northeast India states -- Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, wildlife experts have mixed opinions about their further development and upkeep of the tigers.

Of the eight Project Tiger reserves, Assam has four reserves -- Manas National Park, Orang National Park, Pakke Tiger Reserve and Kaziranga National Park; Arunachal Pradesh has three -- Kamlang Tiger Reserve, Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Pakke Tiger Reserve; Mizoram has the Dampa Tiger Reserve.

Arunachal Pradesh's Namdapha Tiger Reserve is the oldest in the northeastern region which was notified in 1987 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The Dampa Tiger Reserve does not have a single tiger now while according to the 2018 census, Assam has 190 tigers while 29 are in Arunachal Pradesh.

Northeast India's bio-diversity conservation and research organisation 'Aaranyak' secretary general Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar said that the tiger being India's national animal, it has the attention of government and non-government agencies working to secure the future of tigers in India.

"Project Tiger launched in April 1973 with the declaration of the tiger as India's national animal has been playing a leading role to safeguard tigers and their habitats in India.

"Efforts put in the past 50 years in India indeed resulted in the protection of tigers and their habitats that not only benefited tigers, but also other associated species in the tiger reserves," Talukdar told IANS.

He said that Aaranyak has been complementing the efforts of the government agencies and initiated camera trapping of tigers in Manas National Park in Assam way back in 2005 when most people thought that Manas may not have any tigers due to the prolonged socio-political turmoil in that landscape.

According to Talukdar, the camera traps set up by Aaranyak in association with the Manas National Park authorities in 2005 found a few tigers, giving renewed hope for tigers' recovery in the Manas Tiger Reserve.

Head of Tiger Research and Conservation Division of Aaranyak, Dr M. Firoz Ahmed said that the tiger reserves in northeast India are important conservation sites for human well-being and not just for tigers.

However, local communities are increasingly wary about the tiger reserves due to poor communication as well as restrictions on them, Ahmed told IANS.

He said that the current model needs a relook to ensure that the communities are partners with the tiger reserves rather than sufferers.

"Such changes are likely to ensure community ownership, support, increase the tiger population and at the same time benefit the ecology, people and biodiversity," Ahmed said.

A tiger reserve is not only about the tiger but also has a variety of flora and fauna ranging from small insects to big mammal species.

The Kamlang Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh is a forested area which has high species richness.

As there has been no official documentation of the species inhabiting the reserve, Cheshta Singh, field director and divisional forest officer of the Kamlang Tiger Reserve, took the initiative to monitor the biodiversity of the reserve and record the different species.

The compiled report titled, 'Kamlang Tiger Reserve: At a glance', has comprehensively documented the species including 33 mammals, 37 birds, 4 snakes, 79 butterflies, two dragonflies, one spider species and four floral species.

Forest officials in Itanagar said that the Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry would soon notify the Dibang Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh.

Once notified, the Dibang Tiger Reserve would be India's first high altitude tiger reserve and the largest in terms of area, at 4149 sq km, the officials said.

The tiger estimation study in 2018 revealed the presence of two adult tigers in the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, which has international borders on three sides and is crisscrossed by several rivers and rivulets.

It is nestled in the eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot.

Though there is no tiger in the Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram, it is home to sloth bears, serows, hoolock gibbons, slow loris, the endangered Phayre's leaf monkeys, Indian leopards, clouded leopards among others.

Dampa Tiger Reserve in western Mizoram, covering an approximately 500 sq km area in the Lushai Hills, was declared a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative in 1994.

Before 1994, Dampa was a wildlife sanctuary.

Environment expert Apurba Kumar Dey said that the forest cover has been declining in all the eight states of the northeastern region due to various illegal activities, including coal mining, traditional 'Jhum' farming (slash and burn method of cultivation), ganja (marijuana) cultivation and poppy plantations.

"Sometimes, the extremist outfits also get involved in the unlawful coal mining for money. There is a big nexus between a section of politicians, officials, mafia, traders in different northeastern states", he said.

"The declining forest cover in the region has affected the habitations of the wildlife specially tigers and elephants," Dey told IANS.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in)
Bhubaneswar, April 8 : It seems that the nature-rich Odisha is not a safe place for tigers. While the big cat population in India has witnessed a dramatic increase between 2006 to 2018, the number of wild animals in Odisha has stagnated.

Odisha has two tiger reserves -- Similipal located in Mayurbhanj district and Satkosia in Angul district.

Apart from the two tiger reserves, the Bargarh Forest Division, Keonjhar Wildlife Division, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Rourkela Forest Division, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary and Sundargarh Forest Division had also reported a presence of the big cats in the past.

According to reports of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the number of tigers in India has increased from 1,441 in 2006 to 2,967 in 2018, the last census conducted.

There were 45 big cats in Odisha in 2006, which went down to 32 in 2010.

When the NTCA conducted another census in 2014, it found only 28 tigers in the state, which remained the same in the last census conducted in 2018.

So, the eastern state has witnessed a fall of nearly 40 per cent in the tiger population during 12 years.

However, the Odisha government had raised a dispute on the 2016 NTCA report, raising questions on its estimation methodology.

If one goes by the census conducted by the Odisha government, as many as 192 tigers were estimated in the state during the year 2004, which plunged to 40 in 2016.

From 2004 to 2016, the number of male tigers decreased from 57 to 13, while the female tiger count slashed to 24 from 75.

There were 60 tiger cubs found in the state during 2004. Surprisingly, only three tiger cubs were found during the estimation conducted by the state government in 2016. This shows the failure of the state government to protect the big cats.

In an effort to raise the tiger population, the Odisha government, with support of NTCA and Madhya Pradesh government, had decided for translocation of three-pairs of tigers to the state.

Thus, India's first inter-state translocation project was launched in 2018. Under the project, a pair of tigers (Mahavir and Sundari) were translocated to Odisha from Madhya Pradesh.

Officials brought Mahavir from the Kanha Tiger Reserve and Sundari from the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in June 2018 and released them into the Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR).

The forest department was hopeful the tigers may mate. But Mahavir was found dead in STR only five months later.

The tiger died due to metal snares laid by poachers that caused deep wounds on its neck. The NTCA investigation found that Mahavir had been killed by poachers.

Sundari, after roaming in the wild of Satkosia, attacked local villagers from the periphery villages. She killed two people which triggered protests and resentment from the locals. Later, she was again returned to her origin in Madhya Pradesh.

With thise, the first ever inter-state translocation of tigers failed.

Odisha has excellent habitat and vast forests for tigers to live and flourish. However, rampant poaching is taking a toll on their population.

The forest department has miserably failed to control poaching even in Tiger reserves like Simlipal and Satkosia, said environmentalist Jayakrushna Panigrahi.

Conservation of any animal or forests cannot succeed without the involvement of the local community and people residing inside and near the forest areas. However, the government has failed to do so when it comes to protection of tigers, he said.

The tiger translocation project also failed because of the attitude of the forest officials, Panigrahi pointed out.

An official said the forest department has formed a nine-member advisory committee to advise the state government regarding taking up a tiger conservation programme with a view to re-establishing source population in Satkosia and Debrigarh tiger reserves and enhancing the population and gene pool in Similipal tiger reserve.

The government will take initiative as per the recommendation of the panel, he said.
The U.S. Navy has deployed a guided-missile submarine capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk missiles to the Middle East, a spokesman said Saturday, in what appeared to be a show of force toward Iran following recent tensions.

The Navy rarely acknowledges the location or deployment of submarines. Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for the 5th Fleet based in the Gulf nation of Bahrain, declined to comment on the submarine's mission or what had prompted the deployment.

He said the nuclear-powered submarine, based out of Kings Bay, Georgia, "is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and is deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet to help ensure regional maritime security and stability.

The 5th Fleet patrols the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil transits. Its region includes the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen and the Red Sea stretching up to the Suez Canal.

The U.S., the U.K. and Israel have accused Iran of targeting oil tankers and commercial ships in recent years, allegations denied by Tehran. The U.S. Navy has also reported a series of tense encounters at sea with Iranian forces that it said were being recklessly aggressive.

Last month, the U.S. launched airstrikes against Iran-backed forces in Syria after a rocket attack killed a U.S. contractor and wounded seven other Americans in that country's northeast.

Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from ships or submarines can hit targets up to 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles away). They were famously employed during the opening hours of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and in Syria in 2018.

U.S.-Iranian tensions have soared since then-President Donald Trump withdrew from a 2015 agreement with world powers that provided sanctions relief in return for Iran curbing its nuclear activities and placing them under enhanced surveillance.

The Biden administration's efforts to restore the agreement hit a wall last year. The tensions have worsened as Iran has supplied attack drones to Russian forces in Ukraine and as Israel and Iran have escalated their yearslong shadow war in the Middle East.

In addition to drawing closer to Moscow, Tehran has sought improved relations with China, which brokered an agreement last month to restore diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

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Mumbai, April 8 : Actor Aparshakti Khurana, who is enjoying the audience appreciation for his recently released webseries 'Jubilee', shared an interesting anecdote from the time of the release of his debut film 'Dangal'.

Aparshakti transitioned from an RJ to an actor with 'Dangal' in which he played the role of Geeta and Babita's cousin Omkar Singh Phogat. Shortly after the film's release Khurana flew down to Kolkata where fans recognised him at the airport. They interacted with him and discussed the film with him. The incident left the actor touched as people from Bengal recognised him just from one film.

Cut to the time when the actor was at the Amritsar airport, a week after the release of 'Dangal'. There, two men were constantly looking at him trying to recollect where they had seen him.

Aparshakti told IANS: "One of them walked upto me and said, 'Praaji main tanu kitthe vekhya ae (I have seen you somewhere)'. I told them, 'Haan praaji meri abhi abhi ek picture aayi hai 'Dangal' (yes my film 'Dangal' has released recently)." The actor further mentioned: "And that guy went like 'DANGAL!!', then turned to his friend and said, 'Main tenu keh reya si maine praaji nu kitthe vekhya ae (I told you I have seen him somewhere)'. He then turned to me and asked, 'Praaji Dangal 1 ki Dangal 2'. In his head, he was thinking about Salman sir's 'Dabangg'." Meanwhile, Khurana's 'Jubilee' is currently streaming on Prime Video.
Guwahati, April 8 : Assam police have arrested three activists of banned outfits -- Popular Front of India (PFI) and Campus front of India (CFI) -- in Assam's Barpeta district, officials said on Saturday.

While Zakir Hussain and Samad Ahmed owed allegiance to PFI, Jahidul Islam Mirdha was a CFI member.

Amitava Sinha, Superintendent of police in Barpeta district told IANS, "As the two organisations were declared unlawful by the government, we have apprehended these three persons from Barpeta Road police station on Thursday night. They have been taken into the police custody and will be produced in the court on Saturday." He also informed that police would seek their custody for interrogation.

According to sources, Samad Ahmed is the president of the PFI Assam State Committee, and Zakir Hussain is the state committee's secretary. Jahidul Islam Mirdha is the president of the CFI Assam Committee.

Notably, during the National Investigation Agency's crackdown on PFI in September last year, a number of leaders of the outfit were arrested in Assam.

Several offices of the organisation were also sealed.
Patna, April 8 : Fearing attachment of their property, seven people, accused of communal violence during Ram Navmi in Bihar's Nalanda district, on Saturday surrendered before police.

As soon as the district administration initiated the process of attachment of property of the nine accused in the morning, seven of them, including Bajrang dal District convener Kundan Kumar, surrendered before Nalanda police.

The other accused who surrendered are identified as Krishna Kumar, Mohammad Sheru, Mohammad Chand, Mohammad Rashid, Manish Verma and Sonu Verma. The district administration has stopped the process of property attachment of the accused who have surrendered.

However, two accused Pappu and Munna are still absconding and hence district administration is attaching their property.

"We have filed separate applications in Nalanda district court in communal violence during Ram Navami. The court has issued the directives to district administration. Accordingly, we had pasted notices at houses of the accused," said Ashok Mishra, SP of Bihar Sharif Nalanda district.

"No communal violence has been reported after April 1. We have also allowed markets to open till 3 p.m. The district police have arrested 130 rioters so far and 15 FIRs have been registered in Laheri and Sohsarai police stations of the district," Mishra said.

Kundan Kumar claimed that he was not present in Bihar Sharif on Ram Navami.

Meanwhile, the situation is improving in Bihar Sharif and Sasaram, which were hit by communal violence on Ram Navami.

The district administrations have restored internet services in Rohtas district and Bihar Sharif after ninth day of violence.
Panaji, April 8 : With the tigers spotted in Goa in the year 2014 and 2018, there is increasing demand for constitution of Tiger Reserve in Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, but government has not taken any decision on this issue yet as there is opposition to this proposal from locals.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had mooted a proposal for constitution of Tiger Reserve in Goa, after the All India Tiger Estimation, in 2014. Around five tigers were spotted in 2014, while three were spotted in 2018, as per records of NTCA.

After the incident of alleged killing of one tigress and three cubs near Golauli village in Sattari adjoining Madhei Wildlife Sanctuary in 2020, government had taken the issue seriously and had investigated the matter.

Soon after this incident, a cow was preyed on by a tiger that dragged its body away. The locals from the area had expressed fear over the movement of tigers.

"There has been an increase in the movement of tigers in the forests of Goa. One tigress and three cubs were found dead near Golauli village in Sattari adjoining Madhei Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a suspected case of revenge killing through poisoning as tigers had killed few cattle of villagers. Five suspects were arrested, who confessed to killing the tigers through poisoning," Government had stated in 2020.

Tiger population in Goa migrates between Goa and adjoining states of Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Goa Government had said that it is fully committed to protect its wild animals as well as the people in dealing with human-wildlife conflict.

"There are six Wildlife Sanctuaries and one National Park spread through an area of 745 square km for conservation and management of wildlife in the state. There are many villages in and around the wildlife sanctuaries. Therefore, human-wild animal conflict is a normal phenomenon. However, the Forest Department is making all possible efforts to minimise the conflicts," it said.

Sources informed that the state government had taken some measures to protect tigers with support of central government's scheme 'Project Tiger' and had also allocated funds in the state budget in the past for the cause.

Though the NTCA had mooted a proposal for constitution of Tiger Reserve in Goa and those opposing Mhadei water diversion had also demanded for the 'Tiger Reserve, government has not yet taken any decision on it.

"We are against the 'Tiger Reserve' as it will impose restrictions on us. We have cashew plantations in the forest areas and many are dependent on it. Once it is reserved, our movement will be restricted," one local from Sattari told IANS.

"Secondly, some sections are demanding the 'Tiger Reserve' to save Mhadei from getting diverted, but they are not thinking of our livelihood," he said.

Forest officer on the condition of anonymity said that they are monitoring movement of tigers by patrolling and regular use of camera traps.

"Camera traps are placed at different locations to monitor the movement of wildlife. We are doing all the things that could help to protect tigers," he said.

According to the records of government, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had mooted a proposal for constitution of Tiger Reserve in State of Goa, after the All India Tiger Estimation, 2014.

"As the Protected Areas of Goa form a contiguous corridor with Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, a proposal to constitute a Tiger Reserve was discussed in the meeting of State Board of Wildlife held in October, 2016," government record stated.

According to the opposition parties in Goa, notifying the Tiger Reserve would make the state's case against Karnataka stronger to stop diversion of water from Mhadei wildlife sanctuary.
New Delhi: Former Congress leader C.R. Kesavan addressing media after joining BJP at party headquarters in New Delhi on April 08, 2023. (Photo: IANS/Wasim Sarvar) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: Former Congress leader C.R. Kesavan joins BJP in the presence of Union Minister V.K. Singh at BJP headquarters in New Delhi on April 08, 2023. (Photo: IANS/Wasim Sarvar) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: Former Congress leader C.R. Kesavan joins BJP in the presence of Union Minister V.K. Singh at BJP headquarters in New Delhi on April 08, 2023. (Photo: IANS/Wasim Sarvar) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: Former Congress leader C.R. Kesavan joins BJP in the presence of Union Minister V.K. Singh at BJP headquarters in New Delhi on April 08, 2023. (Photo: IANS/Wasim Sarvar) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: Former Congress leader C.R. Kesavan addressing media after joining BJP at party headquarters in New Delhi on April 08, 2023. (Photo: IANS/Wasim Sarvar) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: Former Congress leader C.R. Kesavan joins BJP in the presence of Union Minister V.K. Singh at BJP headquarters in New Delhi on April 08, 2023. (Photo: IANS/Wasim Sarvar) Image Source: IANS News

Chennai , April 8 : Former Congress leader and great grandson of India's last Governor General C. Rajagopalachari, on Saturday joined the BJP.

In the last two days, Anil Antony, son of veteran Congress leader A. K. Antony, and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, also in the Congress earlier, have joined the saffron party.

Kesavan had quit all the Congress posts in February this year. He was a media panelist of the Congress party in Tamil Nadu.

In his resignation letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, he said, "I can no longer in clear conscience say that I concur with what party currently symbolises, stands for nor seeks to propagate. This is exactly why I had declined an organisational responsibility at the national level and refrained from participating in the Bharat Jodo Yatra." Thanking the BJP after his induction into the party, Kesavan said: "I want to thank you for inducting me into the world's largest political party, the BJP, especially on a day when our Prime Minister is in Tamil Nadu.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's corruption free governance and reform led inclusive development agenda have transformed India from a fragile economy to the fifth largest in the world, he said.
Seoul, April 8 : Hip-hop/R&B girls group XG have released their third single 'Shooting Star' remix featuring American rapper Rico Nasty.

The original track ranked No. 1 on the iTunes Song Chart (R&B) in 18 regions, as well as Spotify's 'Viral Top 100' in 46 regions, including global, US, UK, Japan and Korea.

Two songs, 'Shooting Star (Bars Remixx FEAT. RICO NASTY)' and 'Shooting Star (Chill Remixx),' have been released as remixes.

'Shooting Star (Bars Remixx FEAT. RICO NASTY)' features American rapper Rico Nasty, who has been gaining attention for 'Smack a B***h', 'Poppin' and her collaboration with Doja Cat on 'Tia Tamera'.

'Shooting Star (Chill Remixx)' is a reinterpretation of the original Hip-hop/R&B song in the trance and chill-out genre, with a dreamy, relaxed atmosphere.

XG are a seven member Hip-hop/R&B girls group consisting of Jurin, Chisa, Harvey, Hinata, Juria, Maya and Cocona.

Additionally, in May, XG will perform at the Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival; a large-scale music festival hosted by 88rising at Forest Hills Stadium in New York City.

They will also take part in KCON 2023 Japan, one of the world's largest Korean culture festivals. This will be XG's first appearance at the event.
Ayodhya : , April 8 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will visit Ayodhya on Sunday along with nearly 3,000 Shiv Sainiks.

This will be Shinde's first visit to Ayodhya as the chief minister of Maharashtra.

The Shiv Sena has booked almost all the hotels, guest houses and dharamshalas to accommodate the Shiv Sena ministers, party MPs and MLAs.

Thousands of Shiv Sainiks are expected to reach Ayodhya on Saturday to welcome Shinde.

Apart from the chief minister's entourage and Shiv Sainiks from Maharashtra, around 10,000 Shiv Sena activists from different parts of Uttar Pradesh will also gather in Ayodhya to welcome Shinde.

Shinde will reach Ayodhya by road after landing at Lucknow airport.

Welcome gates, banners and posters all along the highway from Lucknow airport to Ayodhya -- a stretch of 150 km -- are being put up.

"Shinde will travel with a motorcade of more than a hundred vehicles from Lucknow airport to Ayodhya. He will be welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Shiv Sainiks in a large number," said Naresh Mhake, the former Thane mayor who is in Ayodhya to finalise the programmes of Shinde's visit here.

Shinde's visit is on an invite by seers of Ayodhya and comes a week after the Maharashtra government sent the first consignment of prized teakwood from Chandrapur district for temple construction.

The Shiv Sena has prepared a spectacular plan to highlight Shinde's visit to Ayodhya across the country.

Anil Agrawal, convenor of Ayodhya Hotels' Association, said: "The Shiv Sainiks from Maharashtra have booked the hotel rooms online in advance. We are ready to host the guests who are coming from Maharashtra with chief minister Eknath Shinde." Viraj Mulay, the chief minister's spokesperson, said: "The Maharashtra chief minister will be offering prayers at Hanuman Garhi temple and Ram Mandir. He will also see the construction of the Ram temple and perform evening aarti on the banks of the Saryu. He will return to Mumbai on Sunday evening." Ayodhya District Magistrate Nitish Kumar said: "Our priority is to provide all facilities to the people coming to Ayodhya. However, those VIPs coming with the Maharashtra chief minister will be provided all the necessary protocols." This will be the second visit by a Maharashtra chief minister to the upcoming Ram Temple. In March 2020, then chief minister Uddhav Thackeray offered prayers at the Ram temple.

Shinde had accompanied Thackeray as a minister in his cabinet.

Earlier, Shinde had also accompanied minister Aditya Thackeray who had visited the Ram Temple and offered prayers there in June 2022, barely a fortnight before the MVA government was toppled by a rebellion led by him.
Mumbai, April 8 : Actress Raveena Tandon was recently feted with India's fourth highest civilian honour, Padmi Shri, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi for her contribution to Indian cinema.

However, a section of Internet users trolled the actress questioning the win. Now the actress has responded to the trolls saying that she will choose silence as she doesn't want to give any importance to them.

Hitting back at the trolls the actress said that she is not bothered about people with a following of not more than 20 as they come with their own agenda. She said: "I don't want to give any importance to them as they have their own agenda. The comments of a few, who have 20 followers and haven't seen the work that I have done, will not diminish my body of work." The actress further said: "They only see the glamour; they don't see the hard work and long hours we put in. We know how polarised things are on social media today, but others have sent such beautiful (wishes)."

Talking about the Padma awards ceremony, the actress and her family attended the gilded ceremony which was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

-- Syndicated from IANS
New Delhi, April 8 : In what would be the first official visit from Ukraine more than a year after the Russian offensive, the country's First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emine Dzhaparova will arrive on a four-day official visit to India on Sunday.

Dzhaparova will be on an official visit to India from April 9-12, during which, she is likely to seek humanitarian aid for her country.

During the visit, she will hold talks with Sanjay Verma, secretary (West) in the External Affairs ministry, where both sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations, exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest.

She will also call on Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi and meet Deputy National Security Adviser, Vikram Misri, official sources said.

"India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine. Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence. The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests," an official statement said.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 8 : Criticising the NCERT's recent decision to make alterations to certain chapters in the school textbooks, Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Saturday said "the state will consider bringing out supplementary textbooks to counter the changes".

Interacting with the media here, Sivankutty said that under no circumstances, "Kerala will accept changes being made in the textbooks to please the RSS' agenda".

"Kerala will not accept it... we demand NCERT be reconstituted with representatives from all the states. And if need be, Kerala will consider bringing out supplementary textbooks," said Sivankutty.

The minister's statement comes at a time when the NCERT is going to introduce new books for all classes on the basis of National Education Policy.

According to the NCERT, changes have not only been made in history books, but in all other subjects as well to reduce the burden of students.
The Lebanese Foreign Ministry has asked its permanent delegation to the UN to lodge a complaint with the U.N. Security Council, following an Israeli airstrike on regions close to the southern city of Tyre, according to Lebanon news agency

The request has been made by Lebanese foreign minister Abdallah Bou Habib after speaking with acting prime minister Najib Mikati.

The Israeli shelling violated Resolution 1701 of the United Nations Security Council and Lebanon's sovereignty in a "flagrant manner," the Lebanese Foreign Ministry said.

Resolution 1701 put in place the ceasefire that ended Lebanon-Israel war in 2006.

"The stability of Lebanon's southern area has also been referred to as being threatened by the attack," Lebanons Minister of Defense Maurice Salim said.

He vowed that the Lebanese army "is prepared to counter any threat or aggression" in refrence to Israel.

He also stressed that the latest developments in South Lebanon are a direct threat to its stability and security.

Earlier on Friday, Israel carried out airstrikes and artillery bombardment on the Gaza Strip and Lebanon following rocket attacks in retaliation for Israeli occupation forces assaults against Palestinian worshippers at al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

During a meeting with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto, Salim emphasized the Lebanese military's willingness to cooperate with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to preserve calm at the borders in South Lebanon.

UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force tasked with monitoring Israels northern border, warned early Friday morning of a possible serious escalation after the rare flareup.

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Queenstown : , April 8 (IANS) Opener Tim Seifert struck a blazing 88 off 48 deliveries to help New Zealand chase a modest target to beat Sri Lanka by four wickets in the third T20I and win the three-match T20I series 2-1, here on Saturday.

Opening the innings with Chad Bowes (17), Tim Seifert struck his second successive half-century after an unbeaten 79 in the second T20I in Dunedin won by the Black Caps. He added 53 runs for the first wicket partnership and then raised another 84 runs for the third wicket with skipper Tom Latham (31) as New Zealand chased the target of 183.

Sri Lanka's innings of 182/4 in 20 overs was built around a 48-ball 73 by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, who got good support from Kusal Perera (33). But in the end, that score was not enough to stop New Zealand as they lost a couple of quick wickets but eventually reached 183/6 in the final over.

With Seifert breezing to his half-century off 26 balls, hitting five boundaries and three maximums, New Zealand was always on course in their chase. Seifert was eventually out at 157/3 in the 17th over but by that time the Black Caps were on course to victory.

Just when it looked like Seifert would go on to get a century, he was slapped one straight to Kasun Rajitha at cover off Pramod Madushan for 88. His 48-ball knock was studded with 10 boundaries and three sixes. Daryl Mitchell (15), Mark Chapman (16) and James Neesham (0) were out quickly but that did not stop New Zealand from reaching the target after a dramatic final over in which three wickets fell at the Sir John Davies Oval. Rachin Ravindra scored a double off the fifth ball of the final over to seal victory for the Black Caps.

Earlier, Kusal Mendis was dropped twice on his way to making 73 off 48 for the visitors, who were sent in to bat first by Tom Latham.

The second spill, by Ravindra at deep backward point, wasn't costly, as it came when he was on 68, but the first, a tougher chance to Daryl Mitchell at first slip, came when he was only on 10 off 14.

Mendis brought up his half-century off 36 balls with a six in the 12th over but was dismissed when he hit a slower ball by Ben Lister to Ish Sodhi at short third. The left-arm seamer finished with 2-37 from his four overs, while Adam Milne and Sodhi each took 1-30 from their four.

Kusal Perera (33 off 21), Pathum Nissanka (25 off 25) and Dhananjaya de Silva (20 off 9) all made useful contributions as Sri Lanka posted 182-6.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 182-6 in 20 overs (Kusal Mendis 73, Kusal Perera 33, Ben Lister 2-37) lost to New Zealand 183-6 in 19.5 overs (Tim Seifert 88 off 48, Tom Latham 31 off 23) by four wickets.
Kolkata, April 8 : The members of a fact-finding team from Delhi, who have come to review the situation at Rishra in Hooghly district where clashes broke out over Ram Navami processions on April 2, were on Saturday stopped by the police from reaching the troubled pockets.

When the members of the 'Fact Finding Committee on Human Rights Violation' were approaching Rishra, they were stopped by a large contingent of police at Sreerampore, anout 3 km from where the clashes broke.

The police said that the six-member team cannot be allowed to visit the troubled areas where Section 144 is still in force. The logic they gave was that if the fact- finding team members reach the spot, many people might assemble around them in breach of Section 144.

The members of the fact-finding team got into a heated exchange of words with the police after being prevented from visiting Rishra, arguing that their intention was to speak to the local people and return after collecting information, adding that they had no intention of disturbing peace in the region.

Although the team left the spot for the day, the members claimed that they will seek permission from the Commissioner of Chandernagore City Police, under which Rishra comes, and return again on Sunday or the day after.

"We will not return without talking to the people and gathering information," a member of the fact-finding team was heard saying.

Meanwhile, on Friday evening, Chandernagore City Police submitted a report on the Rishra clashes to the Calcutta High Court. In the report, the police held the participants in the procession responsible for instigating violence.
Kolkata, April 8 : Representatives of joint forum of West Bengal government employees spearheading the movement against non-payment of Dearness Allowance arrears, on Saturday, claimed that they have got the permission from Delhi Police to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital on Monday and Tuesday.

However, the condition of the permission is that not more than 500 individuals will not be allowed at a time to participate in the sit-in agitation. On Saturday afternoon, a group of agitators, led by the joint forum convenor Bhaskar Ghosh left for New Delhi to participate in the agitation. More members of the joint forum will be leaving for the national capital later in the day or by Sunday morning.

Before leaving for Delhi on Saturday, the joint forum representatives informed the media persons about getting the permission from Delhi Police.

The matter relating to the Dearness Allowance arrears will come up for hearing at the Supreme Court's division bench of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Sanjay Kumar, on Tuesday.

During any of the two days of the protest, the joint forum is expecting to meet President Draupadi Murmu and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar or at least any one of them to apprise of their demands.

The forum representatives also have plans to send a deputation to Union Finance Mminister Nirmala Sitharaman during any of the two days.

Meanwhile, after the division bench of Calcutta High Court advised the West Bengal government to arrange a solution meeting with the agitators by April 17, the joint forum has agreed to send a three-member delegation for the meeting.

However, the forum has set three pre-conditions for the meeting.

The conditions include withdrawal of the state government petition at the apex court challenging the verdict of a division bench of Calcutta High Court last year directing the government to clear Dearness Allowance arrears; withdrawal of show-cause notice issued to the some employees for participating in a strike last month; and finally withdrawal of the orders for punitive transfers to certain employees for participating in the strike.
Mumbai, April 8 : Jumping into the row generated by Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar on the Adani Group issue, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday called upon the national opposition to listen to the former Union Minister's advice in the matter.

Ahead of his much-publicised visit to Ayodhya, Shinde referred to Pawar's comments on Friday to a private television channel contending that the US short-seller Hindenburg Research's report on the Adani Group appeared to a 'targetted attack' on the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre.

"The Congress has launched an agitation demanding an explanation for the Rs 20,000 crore of the Adani Group. Even (ex-CM) Uddhav Thackeray has repeatedly spoken on this issue. Now, Sharad Pawar has commented. Hence those who are protesting (against Adani) should take note of his comments," Shinde said in Thane on Saturday.

Shiv Sena's Spokesperson Krishna Hedge added that his party has been long saying that the Opposition parties are not on the same page.

"Now Sharad Pawar's statement proves that... and he clearly states that the demand of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe is not appropriate," said Hegde.

However, Maharashtra unit Congress president Nana Patole and former chief minister Ashok Chavan reiterated the party's stance for nothing less than a JPC probe as demanded by Gandhi.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut said that Pawar's statement is nothing new and dismissed speculation that it would lead to a collapse of the three-party Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance here.
New Delhi, April 8 : After trailing him for hundreds of kilometers in NCR and Uttar Pradesh, the Delhi Police finally arrested the man, who recently shot dead a lawyer in Delhi's Dwarka, from Haryana's Sonipat, an official said on Saturday.

The accused was identified as Pradeep alias Praveen (39), a resident of Narela. He is also found previously involved in 12 criminal cases registered across the city.

On April 1, a 53-year-old lawyer was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants in Delhi's Dwarka area. The official said that the deceased was identified as Virender Kumar, a resident of Sector-12, Dwarka and his security was withdrawn after following due procedure in 2021.

Special Commissioner of Police (Crime), Ravindra Singh Yadav said that during investigation, it came up that Pradeep and one Naresh are involved in the incident, as there was an ongoing feud between them and the deceased.

"Considering the sensitivity of the case, various teams of the Crime Branch were also put on the task of tracing and arresting the accused persons. The accused switched off phones and did not use any gadget," said the Special CP.

While gathering information, the police team discovered that one of the suspects, Pradeep, was driving a white Accent car. "In order to track him down, the team immediately dispatched personnel to all possible exit points, toll booths, and bordering areas equipped with cameras," said the Special CP.

"They were able to establish his route and stationed staff at toll booths along the possible paths. Despite the accused constantly changing his location, the team developed information manually and travelled hundreds of kilometers every day, following him through NCR, UP, and Haryana. Finally, Pradeep was arrested in the Bhalgarh area of Sonepat," said the official.

During interrogation, it was revealed that the family of the accused had a property dispute with Virendra.

"Pardeep along-with his associates tried to eliminate the deceased advocate in 2017, for which a case was registered at Prashant Vihar police station," the official added.
Itanagar, April 8 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah will launch 'Vibrant Villages Programme' (VVP) on April 10 in Arunachal Pradesh's border village Kibithoo under Anjaw District, which shares borders with China and Myanmar.

With central components of Rs 4,800 crore including Rs 2500 crore exclusively for road connectivity for the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26, the VVP would be implemented in 2967 villages in 19 districts abutting borders in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and UT of Ladakh.

Officials on Saturday said that comprehensive development would be undertaken under the centrally-sponsored scheme --VVP -- in the identified border villages aiming to improve the quality of life of people living in border villages and encourage the villagers to stay in their native locations thereby reversing the migration from these villages and adding to security of the border.

In the first phase, 662 villages have been identified for priority on coverage, which includes 455 villages in Arunachal Pradesh.

The focus areas of interventions identified for development of villages include road connectivity, drinking water, electricity including solar and wind energy, mobile and Internet connectivity, tourist centres, multi-purpose centres and healthcare infrastructure and wellness centres.

During his two-day (April 10-11) tour, the Home Minister would inaugurate nine micro-hydel projects of the Arunachal Pradesh government constructed under the 'Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme'.

Shah would also inaugurate Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) projects to augment infrastructure at Likabali (Arunachal Pradesh), Chapra (Bihar), Nooranad (Kerala) and Vishakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).

He would also interact with ITBP troopers at Kibithoo and visit exhibition stalls to acquaint with the efforts of women of border villages.

The exhibition will be organised with the products made by women members of Self-Help Groups of border districts.

On April 11, the Union Home Minister would visit Namti field and pay homage at the Walong War Memorial.
Hyderabad, April 8 : As India celebrates the golden jubilee of Project Tiger, the two tiger reserves in Telangana are struggling to find funds, facing numerous challenges to protect the big cats and their habitat.

Though the tiger numbers are going up, the authorities are finding it difficult to carry out normal activities in the absence of flow of funds.

Interestingly, the state and the Central governments are blaming each other for not doing their bit for tiger conservation in the reserves.

Despite doing well in tiger conservation leading to an increase in population of big cats in recent years, Telangana is facing several challenges.

Telangana, one of the tiger range states in the country, has two tiger reserves and they are considered one of the largest in the country by area.

The Kawal Tiger Reserve spans an area of 2,015 sq km covering four districts, while Amarabad spans 2,611 sq km covering two districts. Apart from this, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh share the Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve of 3,296 sq km.

As per All India Tiger Estimation 2018, Telangana has a population of 26 tigers. Last year, 21 individual tigers, including about five females, were identified in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve while about six tigers were spotted in the Kawal Tiger Reserve.

The officials, however, are hopeful that the numbers could be more than 26.

Kawal sees a constant movement of tigers that come in from Maharashtra's forests, and mostly go back. The reserve has a notified way connecting Kawal to other tiger reserves in Maharashtra.

The forest department claims that tiger conservation measures during the last five years yielded good results.

Habitat improvement works, increased green cover and prey base has not only led to an increase in tiger population in the state, but it is also attracting big cats from neighbouring Maharashtra.

There has been increased movement of tigers from Maharashtra into Telangana in recent years.

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, G. Kishan Reddy, recently complained that the state is not releasing funds for Project Tiger.

Under Project Tiger, while the Centre provided Rs 2.2 crore to Telangana, the state allegedly failed to provide matching funds.

"Though the state government boasts of a budget of Rs 2.75 lakh crore, it does not even have Rs 2.2 crore to pay for the state's share of Project Tiger," said Kishan Reddy.

The state's share of funds for 2021-22 was released in 2022-23, while no money has been released for 2022-23.

The state has to release its funds within a month of getting the Central share, but this is not happening. This is said to be hindering even simple activities like weeding and is likely to impact more challenging activities like fire-fighting operations.

It was on April 1, 1973 that Project Tiger was launched to promote tiger conservation in India. India has over 70 per cent of the global wild tiger population. The Centre claims to be working on a mission mode to protect, preserve and nurture the tiger population and the habitat associated with the big cats. Project Tiger is being implemented in 18 tiger range states.

The Central government through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) implements the ongoing Project Tiger which is a component of the overarching scheme, Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats.

Kishan Reddy claimed that since 2014, the Centre has been supporting various schemes in Telangana like Project Tiger, Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FPM) and Development of Wildlife Habitat Scheme.

The state government, on the other hand, complains that the Centre is not extending the required help in tiger conservation. In 2015, the state had sent a proposal to constitute a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) but the same was rejected by the Centre, citing Left wing extremism activities in the state and the possibility of weapons and machinery being snatched by the Maoists.

Since Maoist activities have come down to a major extent, the state forest department feels that the STPF should be set up.

The Centre is also coming under criticism from states for amending the rules with regard to STPF. Initially, the Centre used to bear the cost for setting up STPF in the tiger reserves and the operational expenditure incurred, but now it is insisting on sharing the STPF non-recurring expenditure on a 60:40 share basis and the recurring expenditure on a 50:50 basis.

The formation of two STPF units in Telangana was also recommended by the National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA) team after inspecting the Amrabad and Kawal tiger reserves in November last year.

The experts have called for STPF in view of the threat of poaching. Earlier this month, the police in Maharashtra's Chandrapur had seized a tiger hide and arrested six persons. The big cat was reportedly killed in Telangana's Komaram Bheem Asifabad district. The tiger was believed to have come from Maharashtra.

Last month, a partial tiger skeleton was also discovered in the Bellampalli forests.

At least three tigers have been killed in separate incidents in Telangana close to the Maharashtra border since 2016.

Spillover population of tigers from Tipeshwar and Tadoba reserves in Maharashtra are migrating into the wildlife areas of Telangana due to better green cover and prey base. The movement was particularly noticed in the Kagaznagar forest division in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.

A few of the big cats are also making Telangana forests their home.

The NTCA team, during its recent inspection, had appreciated the good work taken up in Kawal Tiger Reserve like habitat improvement works, including development of water sources and grasslands.

However, challenges remain for tiger conservation in the state. Relocation of tigers from Maharashtra to Telangana forests is leading to human-animal conflict in some pockets.

The forest department also faces problems in preventing grazers from venturing into the forest areas. Laying of roads and some other development activities in the forests pose a challenge to conservation efforts.

The forest authorities also face the challenge from podu land farmers. Podu lands are shifting agricultural lands and many tribal and even non-tribals are claiming rights over these in the forests. This has led to skirmishes between podu farmers and forest officials.

The Telangana government has initiated the process to find a solution by granting rights to podu cultivators, but the forest officials say the number of applications outweigh the amount of land available for allotment.
New Delhi, April 8 : One of the top 10 most wanted criminals of Delhi and a member of the infamous Ravi Gangwal-Rohit Choudhary gang was arrested by Delhi Police's Special Cell from his hideout in Chhapra, Bihar, an official said on Saturday.

The accused has been identified as Manish Sahu alias Nata (35), a resident of Sangam Vihar who was labelled as 'Bad Character' by the Neb Sarai police station.

H.G.S. Dhaliwal, Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), said that Sahu is involved in 11 cases of murder, attempt to murder, rioting and under the Arms Act.

According to the police, on August 26 last year, Sahu along with his accomplice Praveen had pumped in 15 bullets into Kapil Panwar, a resident of Bank Colony.

"In that incident, Kapil along with another person named Pramod had sustained bullet injuries. Kapil was declared brought dead with 15 bullet wounds, while Pramod underwent treatment," said Dhaliwal.

Based on the statement of Pramod, an FIR under was lodged at the Neb Sarai police station, while the Special Cell too had launched an investigation into the matter.

"On October 2, 2022, Praveen was arrested and illegal firearms were recovered from his possession. Upon interrogation, Praveen disclosed that he along with Sahu had reached the spot on a Scooty and fired multiple rounds with the intention to kill Kapil, who was sitting inside a car," Dhaliwal said.

Information about Kapil's location was passed on to them by Paras and Jonty, who were accompanying Kapil at the time of incident.

"Police teams conducted raids on some of the hideouts of the suspects in Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh, but Sahu narrowly escaped from the clutches of the police on certain occasions," said the Special CP.

"Finally, on April 4, the police arrested Sahu from Parsa in Chhapra. We also recovered one illegal pistol and two bullets from his house," the officer said.

Dhaliwal said that Praveen and Kapil, who was also labelled as 'Bad Character' by the Neb Sarai police station, were good friends, but due to battle of supremacy in the area, both turned inimical to each other.

"Praveen came to know that Kapil was planning to get him killed and therefore he killed Kapil with the help of Sahu," Dhaliwal said.

Kapil was involved in more than six cases of murder, firing for intimidation, under the Arms Act etc., and was a key member of the infamous Deepak Pandit Gang, whereas Sahu and Praveen were associated with the Ravi Gangwal-Rohit Chowdhary gang. They were also linked to the Neeraj Bawana gang.

"There is a long-standing rivalry between the gangs of Deepak Pandit and Ravi Gangwal-Rohit Chaudhary for dominance in the South Delhi area," the officer said.
New Delhi, April 8 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on an official visit to the US from April 10, where she will be attending the 2023 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

She will also be attending the G20 meetings and other associated meetings, which are scheduled to take place from April 10 to April 16.

The meetings will take place in the WBG and IMF headquarters in Washington DC.

The Spring Meetings will be attended by finance ministers and central bankers from across the world.

The Indian Finance Ministry delegation will be led by Sitharaman and officials from the ministry and RBI.

Some of the important engagements of the Finance Minister include Spring Meetings of IMF-WB, Hosting the Second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under India's G20 Presidency and G20-related side events, World Bank Development Committee and IMF Committee plenaries interaction with global economists and think-tanks, bilateral engagements with countries and international organisations as well as interaction with global business leaders and investors in roundtables.

Sitharaman and RBI governor Shaktikanta Das will jointly chair the 2nd G20 FMCBG meeting on April 12-13, 2023.

Around 350 delegates from G20 members, 13 invitee countries, and various international and regional organisations will participate and engage in multilateral discussions centred around a broad spectrum of pressing global issues.
Bengaluru, April 8 : Karnataka Congress chief D.K. Shivakumar stated on Saturday that he likes to work under AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, hinting that he would not eye the post of chief minister, if Kharge is given the same.

The statement assumes significance ahead of the assembly polls in Karnataka.

Shivakumar and Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka Assembly Siddaramaiah are vying for the post of the chief minister.

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar stated that it will be his duty to fulfil whatever Kharge asks for.

Sources in Congress revealed that Shivakumar is hinting that he is ready to sacrifice the post of chief minister if Kharge is to be selected for the top post in the state. It is analysed as a checkmate move by Shivakumar against Siddaramaiah.

"Kharge is the asset of Congress party. The state requires his services. I like to work under Kharge," Shivakumar reiterated. Kharge is my senior in the politics, he added.

As Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are vying for the post and involved in heavy lobbying to get tickets for their followers, both the leaders are maintaining that they are together and their focus is to win elections.
there are currently 1016 Palestinians being held in Israeli jails under administrative detention without charge or trial, under the pretext of having a "secret file", said the Palestinian Prisoner Club (PPS), as reported by the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

This includes six minors and a female prisoner, making it the highest since 2003.

The pps also reported that about 800 administrative detention orders have been issued since the beginning of this year, with most of them being new orders.

The use of administrative detention has significantly increased since last year compared to the past few years, with over 13,000 administrative detention orders issued by israeli authorities in the past nine years, and last year having the highest number of orders at 2409.

80 percet of administrative detainees are former detainees who have already spent years in Israeli prisons, including under administrative detention.

This procedure is used almost exclusively to detain palestinians from the occupied Palestinian territory, including the West ank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, allowing the Israeli occupation to hold prisoners indefinitely on secret information without charging them or allowing them to stand trial.

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Bengaluru, April 8 : The Congress in Karnataka is taking time to announce candidate for the Pulakeshinagar assembly constituency in Bengaluru which witnessed large scale violence in 2020.

During the violence, a police station was set afire. A Congress legislator's house was also burned down by a mob.

In the 2018 Assembly elections, Congress candidate Akhanda Srinivas registered a thumping win a margin of 80,000 votes.

His house was burned down during the violence in the DJ Halli area on August 11 and 12, 2020.

The police had opened fire on the violent group of thousands, resulting in the death of three persons.

The violence was triggered by a provocative Facebook post against Islam.

Later, following a probe, it was revealed that Srinivas was the target of the mob that wanted to burn him and his family members alive.

However, Srinivas and his family had moved to another place and escaped the attack.

A source said that even after the incident, Srinivas "displayed maximum restraint, and followed the orders of the party".

However, his name was not announced as the candidate for the constituency in the first list of 124 candidates and second list of 41 candidates.

According to a source, the Social Democratic Party of India, Janata Dal-Secular and the Bharatiya Janata Party are making strategies to win the constituency.

Also, Congress is trying to retain the seat at any cost.

Akhanda Srinivas is said to be a "staunch supporter" of opposition leader Siddaramaiah.

The supporters and fans of Srinivas organised special worship in temples, churches and mosques on Saturday, praying for his ticket in the third list.

They also expressed their dissatisfaction over the party delaying ticket allotment to Akhanda Srinivas, who won elections by a huge margin last time.
Chennai, April 8 : Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai has thanked the Union government for removing Tamil Nadu from the coal auction list.

Annamalai in a tweet said, "We thank our Hon PM Thiru@ narendra modi avl &Hon minister Thiru@ JoshiPrahlad avl for considering our request and removing the coal blocks in TN's Delta region from the coal auction list." Union Coal Minister Prahlad Joshi had on Saturday tweeted that the decision to exclude Tamil Nadu from the coal auction list was taken in the interest of the people of the state after the BJP Tamil Nadu unit president, K. Annamalai had informed him of the issue.

The Union Minister in the tweet said ,"@BJP4Tamil Nadu Pres.@annamalai-k rushed to call upon me in Bengaluru with request to exclude 3 lignite mines from auctions in 7th tranche. In spirit of cooperative federalism and keeping in mind the interests of the people of TN, I have directed to exclude them from auction." It may be noted that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, while speaking on the issue, had asserted that his government would never allow coal mining in the fertile Delta region of Tamil Nadu.
Jaipur, April 8 : It is a fact that a missing tigers mystery has been haunting the desert state for years. However the experts have been unable to trace these missing big cats.

Even as the nation celebrates the 50 glorious years of Project Tiger, the questions being raised about these missing big cats are yet to be answered by officials.

The Forest Department recently found the carcass of a male tiger in Masalpur range of Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS). The death at KWLS adjoining the famous Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) came as a conservation setback at the proposed tiger reserve. Four tigers have gone missing from the reserve since 2020.

After pregnant Tigress-138 went missing from the proposed reserve, male tiger T-132 has not been sighted for long. Evidence of the big cat was last found in Masalpur range a couple of months ago. Young tigers T-132 and T-136 moved out of RTR nearly five months ago. While T-136 reached till Morena district of MP, T-132 found its home in KWLS. Forest officials, however, claimed the carcass recovered is not of T-132.

Last year, Amer MLA Satish Poonia raised a question in the Assembly on whether an inquiry has been conducted into the number of tigers born and missing from areas like the Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Mukundra Hills National Park, among others, from January 2019 to January 2022.

The forest department said, "The record submitted in the state Assembly on missing tigers revealed that a total of 13 tigers have disappeared from the Ranthambore National Park between 2019 and 2021. Two male tigers T-20 and T-23 went missing from the park in 2019 and seven big cats -- five males named T-47, T-42 T-64, T-95, T-97 and two females T-73 and T-92 -- disappeared in 2020.

"At present most of the 32 female tigress are in reproductive age, due to which there has been an increase in the birth of cubs," the department stated. "A total of 44 cubs have been born between the year 2019 to 2021. Due to the high number of tigers in the battered areas of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, there is a high number of cases of missing tigers, territorial fights and deaths." It was also informed that since the establishment of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in 1973, the number of tigers is maximum at present. The number of tigers and their cubs in the adjoining areas of Ranthambore has gone up from 66 in 2019 to 81 in 2021.

Presently, the ratio of male to female tigers is 1:1.3 which is abnormal, said the Forest Department in response to a question raised by Poonia on the missing tigers.

Environmentalist Babulal Jaju says that around Rs 50 crore have been spent on installing cameras in the jungles, yet the missing tigers are still to be traced. Why, Jaju asked? He went on to say: "We need to believe that tiger area has decreased due to which there are many territorial fights. More jungles need to be created in days to come. Also, boundaries need to be created in jungles to ensure smooth and safe living of big cats.

"The villages inside Project Tiger should be vacated and compensation should be paid to villagers dwelling there. This will ensure a healthy relationship between the villagers and animals. If there are no villagers in the jungle, the animals will be safe.

"Also, thee is a need to create more tiger reserves for plenty of space for this big cat. The much-awaited Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve project should be turned into reality. Vehicles for safaris should be reduced and within limits."`` Rajsamand MP and NTCA member Diya Kumari has been pitching for making Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary into a Tiger Reserve. The NTCA had already sent the Feasibility Assessment Report for appropriate action.

The State Government had to take action on the report and send it to the Ministry of Wildlife and Environment along with its recommendation. However, so far no action has been taken on the matter by the Rajasthan government, she said recently during the NTCA meeting.

The other points discussed at the meeting pertained to development of a tiger corridor for tiger movement; tiger relocation from one state to another which will solve the problem of inbreeding; opening new zones in Ranthambore, Sariska and Ramgarh Tiger Reserve; increasing the funds.
Chandigarh, April 8 : Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh on Saturday inspected an over 90-year-old hydropower project in Himachal Pradesh that is still generating power and earning revenue for his state.

Singh visited the Shanan Power House at Jogindernagar for inspection.

While taking round of the powerhouse, the minister said the Punjab government was fully concerned with the powerhouse and shortly, the requisite maintenance works would be initiated.

Lauding the engineers, employees and staff of the power house, Singh assured that all their genuine issues and needs would also be fulfilled as early as possible.

The Shanan Hydropower project constructed in 1932 by British Engineer Colonel B.C. Batty and his team, which started generating 48 MW power at that time.

Currently, the powerhouse is running with a capacity of generating 110 MW.

The minister also expressed satisfaction that the project was playing a significant role in development of the country by providing power.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 8 : Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Saturday, after chairing a high-level Covid analysis meeting in the wake of increasing cases, stressed on taking caution, saying hospitals in the state will conduct a mock drill as per the directive of the Centre.

George said that on Saturday, 1,801 fresh cases were recorded in the state.

"Districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kottayam are reporting more cases. Likewise, admission to hospitals of Covid patients are slowly increasing but the saving grace is of those, only 0.8 per cent of them require oxygen beds, while 1.2 per cent are admitted to intensive care unit," said George.

"Directions have gone to all districts that in the wake of an increase in positive cases to beef up their Covid facilities according to 'Surge Plan'. A separate meeting of private health care providers will soon be called. All those who work in old age homes, care homes should wear N-95 masks," added George.

She said extreme caution has to be taken by all those who have senior citizens in their homes.

"Senior citizens suffering from lifestyle diseases should ensure that they at all times, especially when they go out, wear masks. Pregnant women should also wear masks. Also, those who have to go out should ensure that they wear masks, and once they are back home, ensure that all Covid protocols are followed by using soap and sanitisers appropriately," said George.
Kolkata, April 8 : At least eight officials of the West Bengal education department have come under the scanner of the CBI probing the multi-crore scam in the recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff in different state-run schools.

Sources said that the central agency will summon these officials one by one for the purpose of integration.

However, for the sake of investigation, the CBI has not revealed the identities of the officials who are under its lens, nor did the agency disclose the specific units they are associated with.

As per the sources, these eight officials were reportedly responsible for maintaining day-to-day communication with the agents engaged in identifying candidates who were willing to pay handsome amounts for obtaining teaching and non-teaching jobs in the state-run schools.

It is believed that the CBI has come across some critical information about hefty sums being transferred to the accounts of these officials.

On March 29, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a parallel probe into this multi-crore scam, had conducted search operations at two residences of Arnab Basu, an employee in the accounts department of West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), in the Salt Lake area.

The investigating officials had also seized his laptop and cellphone. Later, he was summoned at the agency's office where he was interrogated for hours.
Jaipur, April 8 : A 30-year-old man has been arrested in Rajasthan's Barmer district for allegedly raping a woman and then burning her alive by pouring paint thinner on her, an official said on Saturday.

The woman, who was rushed to hospital, eventually succumbed to burn injuries.

The incident took place on Thursday in the Pachpadra area of Barmer district, the police said.

The accused raped the woman, who was married, when she was alone in her house.

When the victim started screaming, he poured paint thinner on her and tried to burn her alive.

She was rushed to a private hospital in Balotra for treatment. Later, she was referred to Jodhpur in view of her critical condition.

The woman who in mid 30s died during treatment in Jodhpur late on Friday night.

Pachpadra DSP Madanlal Meena said the accused, Shakur Khan (30) has been arrested and "the entire matter is being investigated".

Meanwhile, Rajasthan unit BJP president CP Joshi in a statement said that "a Dalit married woman was raped in Balotra and then burnt by the accused by pouring acid on her".

"The woman did not get proper treatment and she lost her life due to the negligence of the government. Such incidents coming to the fore each day have made it clear that women are not safe in Rajasthan," he said.

Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari also condemned the incident.

Criticising the Congress-led government in the state, she said that "the act of humiliating humanity is a stain on the image of the entire state".
New Delhi, April 8 : The National Green Tribunal has ordered the district magistrate of Mahasamund in Chhattisgarh to pay compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of five labourers who died of asphyxia in an illegal brick kiln.

The tribunal had taken suo motu cognizance of the matter based on a media report of the incident that occurred on the night of March 14-15 in the Basna tehsil of the Chhattisgarh district that claimed lives of five people and injury to another at a brick kiln.

The State Pollution Control Board and the district magistrate were issued notices by the tribunal last month, and a response was filed on April 5.

The chairperson of the bench, Justice A.K. Goel, including judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A. Senthil Vel said that this Tribunal has dealt with several cases of death and injuries having nexus to hazardous business activities and held the business entities in question to compensate the victims on principle of restitution Rs 20 lakh for each death and varying scale depending on extent of injuries.

"If such business activity fails to pay, the State has to pay for failure to ensure safety with liberty to recover from such entities. Citizens are entitled to safety from hazards of business activities having potential for such incidents," the bench observed.

"The fact remains that deaths and injuries are on account of brick kiln activities for which the victims have to be compensated and the State has to take precautions to prevent such incidents in future, apart from paying compensation with liberty to recover the same from the concerned entity. State Legal Service Authority may provide legal aid in the matter," the bench said in its order passed on April 6.

"We direct the District Magistrate, Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh to ensure payment of compensation to the victims within two months with liberty to recover the same from the project proponent. The State of Chhattisgarh may also take appropriate precautions to prevent such incidents. Compensation will be Rs 20 lakh to the heirs of each deceased and Rs two lakhs to the injured, in absence of information about extent of injuries," the court directed.
Agartala, April 9 : The participants in the Army's 22-day-long pan-northeast car rally "Purvottar Bharat Parikrama", were greeted in solemn functions in Tripura on Saturday.

The car rally, which was flagged off on March 22 in Fort Williams, Kolkata, aims to reach out to the youth, freedom fighters, gallantry award winners besides martyrs' families and common people in the northeastern region.

As a part of the welcome ceremony, several events were organised which included paying homage to freedom fighters and fallen heroes, felicitation of 'Veer Naaris' and 'War veterans', motivational lecture by Param Vir Chakra awardee honorary Capt Yogendra Singh Yadav (Kargil war hero) and interaction with ex-servicemen.

The team also motivated the local students and NCC cadets by distributing school bags and stationery items.

Wreath laying ceremonies and various other events were organised at the Albert Ekka War Memorial on the outskirts of Agartala city.

Hailing from Jharkhand, Lance Naik Albert Ekka, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, was killed in the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

Defence sources said that the 22-day long car rally has been covering a total distance of around 4,000 km across 8 northeastern states -- Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya, navigating through extreme terrain of Nathu-la in Sikkim, Se-la tunnel and Bum-la in Arunachal Pradesh, the War memorial at Kohima and many historical locations.

He said that "Purvotar Bharat Parikrama" is part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', the year-long Platinum Jubilee of India's Independence, showcasing the country's journey and the achievements of her people over the past 75 years.

"The car rally aims to strengthen nationalism and motivate youth to join the Indian Army. The initiative would serve as a unique platform to showcase the cultural diversity of the northeastern region, encourage tourism and strengthen the bond between the people of the eight states and the rest of the country," sources said.

During the journey of the rally, a series of motivational programmes were held at various schools and colleges.

The rally, which comprises 38 members and 10 vehicles, would culminate on April 12 at Umroi in Meghalaya.

The national project of "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" is being conducted in collaboration with the North Eastern Council under the Department of North Eastern Region (DoNER) of the Central government.
Commodity Technology Advisory LLC (ComTech Advisory), the leading analyst firm covering energy and commodity trading and risk management (E/CTRM) and related technologies, announces the release of a new CTRM Guidebook. Written by its Principals, Patrick Reames and Gary M Vasey, who draw on their more than 50 years of combined experience with CTRM software and commodity markets, the new book is titled  CTRM Software: An Analyst View of a Dynamic Software Market. Upon its release, it immediately reached Number 1 in its category for new releases.

This is the ultimate guide to Commodity Trading & Risk Management Software written and compiled by the leading analysts in the space. It covers topics such as: What is CTRM software? How is it used? Who uses it and why? What is the future of CTRM software? And how does one select, implement, and support it? And, much more, including coverage of the dynamics and evolution of this sometimes-obscure software category.

If you are a buyer, user, consultant or vendor in the space, this book is probably going to be essential reading. It will help to guide you through the definition of the software category, its origins, history, and evolution, and much more, said Dr. Gary M. Vasey, co-author. As significant amounts of expertise and experience leave the industry via retirement, the need to pass on this sort of information becomes increasingly imperative and we hope that those who buy the book will benefit from our extensive years in the industry.

The CTRM software can be incredibly complex, reflecting the global commodities markets that the solutions help manage, noted Patrick Reames, co-author. Given our long-tenured roles as market analysts, our hope is that this new book will provide valuable knowledge for new resources entering the market, and some insights into the various niches and specialized categories of functionality for industry veterans that have spent most of their careers focused on a limited number of commodities and/or solutions.

In addition to the authors unique and unbiased contributions, ComTech also solicited input from two software firms who helped sponsor the books publication, Amphora and Enuit. These two firms have provided their own content and unique views covering the changing vendor landscape (authored by David Meyers with Enuit) and keys to a successful product implementation (by David Glasspool with Amphora).

The book has been well received by other industry veterans including Agiboos Jan van den Brom who said, CTRM finally explained in a standard work. A must have for anyone in the industry! The book is available from global Amazon websites in Kindle, paperback, and hardback formats.

About Commodity Technology Advisory

Commodity Technology Advisory (ComTech Advisory) is the leading analyst organization covering the Energy and Commodity Trading and Risk Management (E/CTRM) technology markets. Led by Patrick Reames and Dr. Gary M. Vasey, ComTech Advisory provides invaluable insights, backed by primary research and decades of experience, into the issues and trends affecting both the users and providers of the applications and services that are crucial for success in markets constantly roiled by globalization, regulation, and innovation. For more information, visit http://www.comtechadvisory.com
A Saudi delegation arrived in Tehran Saturday to discuss reopening its diplomatic missions in the Islamic republic, two days after a historic meeting in Beijing between their foreign ministers.

The visit follows the unprecedented meeting between their heads of diplomacy in China on Thursday after they agreed last month to restore diplomatic ties.

The Saudi diplomatic delegation arrived in Iran to discuss the reopening of its missions after a seven-year absence, Riyadh's foreign ministry said.

Cited by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the minister called the visit part of "implementing the tripartite agreement" reached on March 10 between the two regional powers, brokered by China, to restore ties ruptured in 2016.

The two longtime Middle East rivals have now pledged to work together.

When Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met in Beijing on Thursday they vowed to bring security and stability to the turbulent Gulf region.

"The two sides emphasised the importance of following up on the implementation of the Beijing Agreement and its activation in a way that expands mutual trust and the fields of cooperation and helps create security, stability and prosperity in the region," a joint statement said.

On Saturday, a Saudi "technical delegation" met Iran's chief of protocol, Mehdi Honardoust, at the foreign ministry in Tehran, SPA said.

Turbulent region

The two countries severed ties after protesters in the Islamic republic attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following Riyadh's execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.

The shock rapprochement between mainly Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, and Shiite-majority Iran, strongly at odds with Western governments over its nuclear activities, has the potential to reshape relations across a region characterised by turbulence for decades.

Under last month's agreement, the two countries are to reopen their embassies and missions within two months and implement security and economic cooperation deals signed more than 20 years ago.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has also been invited by Saudi King Salman to Riyadh, a trip planned to take place after the holy fasting month of Ramadan which ends later in April.

The United States has for decades been the key diplomatic power in the Middle East and has an alliance, albeit a frequently strained one, with Saudi Arabia.

Washington has cautiously welcomed the rapprochement between the Saudis and US adversary Iran despite the role of China, which it sees as its biggest global challenger.

Iran and Saudi Arabia vie for influence in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.

They also support rival sides in several conflict zones across the region, including in Yemen, where Huthi rebels are backed by Tehran and Riyadh leads a military coalition supporting the government.

In a separate development on Saturday, Omani mediators arrived in the Yemeni capital Sanaa to discuss a new truce between the Iran-backed Huthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, an airport source said.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have multiplied since the Chinese-brokered Saudi-Iran deal to restore relations.

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By the end of the first paragraph of Ruth Madievskys debut novel, All-Night Pharmacy (Catapult, July), theres no question you are in for a wild read. The story involves two sisters whose relationship is toxic and all-consuming, and Madievsky sets the stage with the voice of the unnamed narrator: Spending time with my sister, Debbie, was like buying acid off a guy you met on the bus. You never knew if it would end with you, euphoric, tanning topless on a fishing boat headed for Ensenada, or coming to in a gas station bathroom.

The sisters share a grandmother who spins tales of pogroms in Russia and a paranoid, mentally unstable mother: Her moods were the weather of my life, the narrator recounts. She had a kaleidoscope of diagnoses no two psychiatrists could agree upon.

Bound in a dangerous codependency, the two young women hit the L.A. clubs, consuming alcohol and unidentified drugs. They also play Wealthy Patron, a game where someone comes up with a weird, shitty thing a wealthy patron could pay to watch you do, and everyone else names a price. When its the turn of a skeletal hipster in wire-frame glasses, he taps his fingers on the table and says,  Ive got one. How much would the wealthy patron have to pay to watch a stranger plug one of your nostrils and jizz in the other? Everyone groaned.

The relationship with her sister is a mystery to the narrator and causes her endless anguish: How could I explain this thing between Debbie and me when I didnt fully understand it myself? My whole life, Id had this compulsion to watch over her. My presence didnt stop her from doing what she wanted, but I felt the need to play witness. It was spiritual, how she magnetized me. How, where she went, dynamite followed. Being Debbies sister was obliterating.

But then Debbie disappears, and Sasha, a Jewish refugee from Moldova, arrives, presenting herself as a psychic, prepared to act as the narrators spiritual guide.

Mina Hamedi at Janklow & Nesbit says she was looking for intergenerational trauma stories, sister stories, and complicated family stories when she was introduced to Madievsky by a friend, also a writer. Hamedi saw a first draft of All-Night Pharmacy in March 2020. I responded to the voice, she says. The unnamed narrator with this toxic relationship with her sister. Its toxic but she cant let go, the attachment is too strong. Theres this balance of humor with darkness. The immigrant experience in the story also appealed to Hamedithe connection to the past, where youre removed but its in your genes.

Hamedi advised Madievsky to expand the text, then signed her as a client in February 2021. They worked on the book together, and in April 2021, it went out to 14 editors.

Alicia Kroell at Catapult responded immediately.I didnt know Ruth, but I knew who she was, Kroell says. She was everywhere. Ruth is active on social media, and I had seen her pieces on Literary Hub. I was quickly blown away by the manuscript.

Kroell points to the nimble writing and the funny but difficult subject of family. She knew she wanted the book. She showed it around and got quick yeses from everyone who saw it. The story was strange and fresh, she says. Ruth is so good with imagery. The lines stay with you long after you close the book. Theres so much emotionthe sisters relationship is so noxious yet so intimate. Kroell had a call with Madievsky and made the deal for North American rights in June 2021.

Madievsky moved to Los Angeles from Moldova as a Jewish refugee when she was two years old. Her love of writing started young. Reading good books made me feel human, happy to be alive, all of it: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, she tells me. So I wanted to do it all myself. Shes written for major newspapers and magazines and in 2016 published a book of poems, Emergency Brake. If I like reading it, I want to write it! she says.

Madievsky studied biology as an undergrad at USC and then graduated from USC's pharmacy school in 2017. She explains that her parents were very supportive of my writing, but as immigrants, wanted me to have a profession. Shes presently a clinical pharmacist at UCLA Health and says she enjoys her work. Im an extrovert. Writing and working as a medical professional are different aspects of my personality. I studied pharmacy and took creative writing classes, and there was this angst until I realized I could do both.

All-Night Pharmacy started out as short stories, and Madievsky thought it would be a novel of linked stories. She tells me about sending her stories to T.C. Boyle, who would come to meet with creative writing students at USC, where she was getting a doctorate in pharmacy. I just signed up by email to meet with him, and every semester, from 2014 to 2016, I casually sent him a new story.

Looking for an agent, Madievsky sent out what material she had. I thought it was a book, but it came to about 42 pages! she laughs. An agent along the way suggested it would work better as a novel.

I focused and revised it, Madievsky says. I engineered the stories, put meat on the bones. I felt lucky that Alicia responded in a few weeks and understood what I was doing. She got the trauma of generations and the ambiguity. I wanted to write the next Jesus Son, to write with a voice that pressed me down to my red blood cells.

Madievsky expects that the book will appeal to readers who like complicated women, and also that some will love it and some will hate it. She did, after all, devise the Madievsky Rule in a 2020 Lit Hub article: 3.5 stars on Goodreads is the sweet spot for contemporary literary fiction written by women about women.

I expect All-Night Pharmacy will hit that sweet spot.
Israeli demonstrators crowded Tel Aviv late Saturday for another protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to reform the judiciary, despite the process being put on hold.

Organisers said around 258,000 people attended, but police gave no figures of their own.

The demonstration came a day after a car-ramming attack on the city's seafront killed an Italian visitor and injured seven other tourists.

The current round of violence erupted earlier in the week after Israeli police raided the mosque, firing tear gas and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of Palestinians who were participating in "Itikaf," a religious practice of seclusion inside mosques that is commonly observed during Ramadan.

Israel bombarded both Gaza and Lebanon in response to subsequent rocket fire by Palestinian militants.

Protesters on Saturday brandished signs reading "Save democracy!", "Freedom for all!" and "Netanyahu is leading us to war".

Other, smaller, demonstrations took place in the central city of Kfar Saba, at Haifa in the north and in Jerusalem.

Thousands of protesters, sometimes tens of thousands, have been taking to the streets each week since the reform plans were announced in January by Netanyahu's government, which was formed in December.

On March 27, he announced a "pause" to allow for dialogue on the reforms which were moving through parliament and split the nation.

Netanyahu last month had announced the firing of his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, who cited a threat to national security because "the growing social rift" had made its way into the army and security agencies.

The proposals would curtail the authority of the Supreme Court and give politicians greater powers over the selection of judges.

Opponents have raised fears for Israel's democracy but the government, a coalition between Netanyahu's Likud party and extreme-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies, argues the changes are needed to rebalance powers between lawmakers and the judiciary.

Israel's attorney general had warned Netanyahu, just prior to the pause, against any intervention in changes to the judicial system because of conflicts of interest. The prime minister is on trial over charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, which he denies.

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Brown Steps to Morrow In a U.S. and Canadian rights agreement, William Morrow bought Millie Bobby Browns debut novel, Steps. Morrow said the September-slated title by the Stranger Things actor, sold to Liz Stein by Alyssa Reuben at William Morris Endeavor, is an epic story of love, loss, and secrets about Nellie, a British 18-year-old who falls for an American airman in London during WWII. Inspired by the life of Browns grandmother, Steps follows Nellie as she learns that love and happiness can triumph.

S&S Lights Johnsons Fire

Sheila Johnson, a cofounder of BET, sold her memoir, Walk Through Fire, to Simon & Schuster. Robert B. Barnett at Williams & Connolly represented the entrepreneur and philanthropist in the world rights agreement. The publisher said that in the book, Johnson, who became the worlds first Black female billionaire, shares her inspiring story of overcoming toxic influences, discovering her true self, and at last finding happiness in her work and life. Among other adversities, she overcame institutional racism in the boardroom, emotional abuse in her long-standing marriage, and the loss of a child to find renewed purpose and meaning. LaSharah Bunting, who is no longer at S&S, acquired the title; Maria Mendez is now editing the book.

Greers Bot Pleases Mariner

World English rights to Annie Bot by Sierra Greer were acquired for mid-six figures by Kate Nintzel at Harper-Collinss Mariner imprint. The publisher compared the near-future-set novel, which Nintzel co-preempted with Suzie Doore at HarperCollins UKs Borough Press, to the fiction of Kazuo Ishiguro and the film Ex Machina. It follows a humanlike robot created to be the perfect girlfriend, and what happens when she learns to lie, exploring questions about intimacy, power, desire, and autonomy. Kirby Kim at Janklow & Nesbit represented Greer, whos making her adult debut with the title.

St. Martins Hears Liangs Song

St. Martins Press senior editor Tiffany Shelton took world English rights, in a two-book agreement at auction, to Ann Liangs A Song to Drown Rivers. The fall 2024slated novel is a reimagining of the life of Xishi, one of four beautiful women from an ancient Chinese legend. The publisher said the title is a feminist take on the tale, comparing it to Ariadne by Jennifer Saint and She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan. Liang (This Time Its Real) was born in Beijing, and grew up in China and Australia. Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented Liang.

Charless Librarian Joins Atria

At Atria Books, Natalie Hallak bought world English rights to The Librarian of Lost Stories by Janet Skeslien Charles (The Paris Library). Atria said the novel follows two librarians from different eras, both employed by the New York Public Library, who find themselves unexpectedly linked. Jessie Kit Carson is a volunteer for an organization that worked to rebuild French communities during WWI who goes missing. In the 1980s, Wendy Peterson discovers Carsons story and becomes fixated on finding out what happened to her. The Librarian of Lost Stories was sold by Heather Jackson and is set for April 2024.

Raymer Goes Nuclear at RH

For Random House, Andrea Walker bought world rights to Nuclear: Family and its Aftermath by Beth Raymer (Lay the Favorite). The nonfiction book follows two sisters who grew up poor in Florida during the 1980s. One went on to become a success in business while the other wound up in prison for committing a series of crimes. David Vigliano at Vigliano Associates represented Raymer.
With its second major in-person event since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic just days away, the Texas Library Association has reason to be encouraged. Organizers of the TLA Annual Conference, set for April 1922 at the Austin Convention Center, are expecting a big jump in attendance. And while numbers may come in a tick below the 7,000-plus attendees the event would have drawn before Covid, organizers expect this years conference, which will feature a jam-packed program and a full exhibit hall, to send a strong message: TLA is backand very nearly all the way back.

Still, TLA members arent exactly exhaling. Instead of the post-pandemic new normal librarians had once hoped forone in which schools and libraries are well funded and systemic racism, social inequality, and a shredded social safety net were finally addresseda new threat looms: a dystopian nationwide surge in book bans and attacks on the freedom to read. And in Texasarguably ground zero for a political movement that has put libraries and schools in the political crosshairs of right-wing activiststhere is much for librarians and educators to be concerned about.

Its been very challenging, concedes TLA executive director Shirley Robinson, fresh off a 16-hour day spent with lawmakers in Austin, providing testimony on a host of pending bills that could hold far-reaching implications for Texas librarians.

It has just been relentless, Robinson explains. Were just in a highly politicized country and state right now. Once we get through this legislative session its going to be about taking stock and helping our members understand what these new laws will mean for them and how they can keep doing the great work that they do. But we are very concerned about our how our members are holding up, so this conference is going be a really great way for us to come together and support each other.

TLA president Mary Woodard, a veteran school librarian and former director of library services at the Mesquite Independent School District near Dallas, agrees.

Theres been a lot of reporting on book challenges and things that are definitely concerning for Texas librarians, she says. These organized groups can be really loud, and it can be frightening to find yourself in their crosshairs. She worries that the stress of the situation is convincing talented librarians in some communities to walk away from the profession.

In choosing Libraries Unite as the 2023 conference theme, Woodard says, the 2023 TLA program committee chose to focus on how the ability to read, access, and use authoritative information is a crucial to success in life. And that timely theme, she notes, has resonated with TLA members. For our conference this year, we tried a new call-for-proposals process that was very successful, and we have more education sessions addressing all library types than ever before.

This years conference is also in the right place at the right time: in the state capital of Austin, in the middle of a legislative session. The Texas legislature meets only once every two years, unless called into a special session. And in the current session, librarians in Texas, like in so many states across the country, find themselves caught in the middle of a headline-grabbing political battle.

In 2023, Texas lawmakers have zeroed in on sexually explicit materials in schools and libraries, with two bills, HB 900 and SB 13, raising concerns for librarians. Among the questionable provisions put forward, the bills would prohibit school libraries from purchasing or offering books the state deems obscene, require the adoption of a parental consent system for students who wish to access sexually relevant library materials, and require publishers and other vendors to develop and implement a state-approved book rating system to do business with Texas schools. Other bills, meanwhile, have proposed the removal of a long-standing educational exemption to prosecutionthe effect of which would be to expose librarians to criminal prosecution for providing materials believed to be inappropriate.

Proponents of such measures say schools are infested with inappropriate books, The Texas Tribune reported in a March 31 article on HB 900. Opponents fear the books that will end up being targeted will be those that explore race; sexual orientation and gender identity; and unique, traumatic experiences that a student may not be comfortable discussing but could read about in a book.

TLA has of course been active in defending the freedom to read, including through initiatives like Texans for the Right to Read, a powerful coalition of more than 3,000 advocates that launched last year to provide resources and expertise to librarians, parent groups, and freedom-to-read advocates in communities facing challenges across the state. But Woodard says talking with elected officials this year has reminded her that the legislative process also requires a deft political touch.

We cant just automatically be against everything, she explains. In working with elected officials, its important to try and find things you can agree on in order to have productive conversations.

Though the library community has significant concerns regarding HB 900, Woodard suggests that there are parts of the bill that could actually be beneficial with the right input. For example, the bill proposes a host of mandatory state standards for libraries that are currently voluntary. We would love to see some mandatory standards, especially regarding staffing, she explainsbut defining those standards is where things get sticky. We are working to propose some updated language that would provide some clarity around the issues.

 Somewhere out there, in a small town in Texas, theres somebody whos feeling different and wondering if something isnt wrong with them. And hopefully they will come across a book and read about an experience similar to what theyre going through and it will make all the difference in the world. 

TLA president-elect Gretchen Pruett, director at the New Braunfels Public Library, says she too believes that the library community showing up in numbers in Austin in the midst of such a fundamental challenge to the profession represents an important moment.

I think the conference will be really positive, and I think the theme of Libraries Unite is more relevant than Mary could ever have imagined when she came up with it a year ago, she notes. Because we are all in this together, whatever kind of library work you do. We are facing a serious challenge to our profession. But I think most of us know that the work we do is important and that we make differences in peoples lives every day.

Pruett, too, has been busy speaking with lawmakers, as well as setting up the committee that will plan the next TLA Annual Conference programa formidable task in the best of times, and a truly massive endeavor in the current environment of political uncertainty. The good news, she says, is that the public still overwhelmingly supports their local libraries, and shes hopeful the conversation can soon begin to shift back to a better place for libraries and schools. But she believes the current battle over book bans and the freedom to read will continue through her TLA presidency and beyond, impacting the library communitys (and TLAs) priorities.

Whatever the cost, Pruett says, defending the freedom to read is worth it.

The freedom to read is critical to what we do in libraries. It looms over everything. Somewhere out there, in a small town in Texas, theres somebody whos feeling different and wondering if something isnt wrong with them. And hopefully they will come across a book and read about an experience similar to what theyre going through and it will make all the difference in the world. I know so many people for whom thats been truethat a book gave them the perspective and strength they needed. Thats what libraries do. And thats really powerful.

Robinson says she, too, is looking forward to the day when the discussion can get back to more routine issues for Texas librarians, such as advocating for greater funding, new library construction and renovations, or expanded services. But the current wave of book bans does not appear to be cresting, she concedes, noting there were at least 37 bills filed in the current legislative session that would directly impact how libraries can serve their communities.

I would say 90% of our work right now is just trying to stay ahead of what is happening in the political landscape, Robinson says.

If there is a silver lining, its that such a fundamental challenge to library work has highlighted the value of a strong TLA. Were seeing our members stand up and support each other, and its given us a chance to expand on what the association means to our members and to build relationships with people who may not have really understood the value of our association, Robinson says. Our goal is to support them as they support each other.

Program Highlights

The TLA Annual Conference returns WednesdaySaturday, April 1922, at the Austin Convention Center. It will feature more than 300 education sessions, more than 200 author events, and a bustling exhibit hall. Organizers say this years program will offer more options than ever before for all types of librarians and libraries. A brief look at some highlights follows, but readers can explore the full program online. All times given are in Central Time.

Bestselling author Gretchen Rubin will kick off the TLA 2023 main speaker program, keynoting General Session I (Thursday, 8:159:15 a.m.). Rubin, one of todays most influential observers of happiness and human nature, is the author of numerous books, including the bestsellers Outer Order, Inner Calm; The Four Tendencies; Better Than Before; and The Happiness Project. She also hosts the podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin.

General Session II will feature a conversation between two renowned Indigenous childrens and YA authors, Angeline Boulley and Cynthia Leitich Smith (Friday, 4:155:30 p.m.). Boulley, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, is a gifted storyteller who writes about her Ojibwe community in Michigans Upper Peninsula. She is a former director of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Firekeepers Daughter, her debut novel, was a #1 New York Times bestseller. Warrior Girl Unearthed will be published by Holt in May.

Smith, a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is the bestselling author of numerous books, including Hearts Unbroken, which won the American Indian Library Associations Youth Literature Award. She is also the anthologist of the collection Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids, and the author and curator of Heartdrum, a Native-focused imprint at HarperCollins Childrens Books. She also serves as the Katherine Paterson Inaugural Endowed Chair on the faculty of the MFA program in writing for children and young adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Author, journalist, and television host Deborah Roberts will keynote General Session III (Saturday, 11 a.m.noon). Roberts is a senior national affairs correspondent for 20/20, Nightline, Good Morning America, and World News Tonight with David Muir. She is also a guest cohost on The View. In Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life (Disney, May), Roberts offers a collection of essays, letters, and musings from celebrity friends and colleagues about how teachers helped them succeed.

Featured events

As usual, this years TLA conference will include a range of special ticketed events with top-notch authors and speakers. Please consult the TLA conference website for information about tickets.

The Black Caucus Round Table Author Session will feature legendary author and cartoonist Jerry Craft (Thursday, 10 a.m.12:15 p.m.). Craft is the creator of the syndicated comic strip Mamas Boyz and the bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels New Kid and Class Act. New Kid is the only book to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to childrens literature (2020), the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer (2020). His new graphic novel, School Trip, out this month from Quill Tree Press, is the latest installment in the series.

The Opening Awards and Author Session will feature LaToya Watkins and Jeff Shaara (Thursday, 12:151:45 p.m.). Shaara is the bestselling author of 17 novels, including Rise to Rebellion and The Rising Tide. Watkinss debut novel, Perish, was published to great acclaim in 2022. Shell be discussing her upcoming book, Holler, Child, due out this summer from Tiny Reparations Books.

The always-popular Evening with the Authors event (Thursday, 68 p.m. at the Hilton Austin) will feature Tom Clavin, Eric Elfman, Neal Shusterman, and Amanda Eyre Ward. Clavin will discuss his latest book, Follow Me to Hell, the true story of how legendary Ranger Leander McNelly and his men brought justice to a lawless Texan frontier. Elfman and Shusterman are coauthors of the middle grade Accelerati trilogy. Their latest work, I Am the Walrus, was published this month by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Ward is the bestselling author of eight novels including The Jetsetters (which was a Reeses Book Club pick) and The Lifeguards.

The Your Public Library Presents event will feature writer, educator, activist, and first Black poet laureate of Houston Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton. Her recent collection Newsworthy garnered a Pushcart nomination and was named a finalist for the 2019 Writers League of Texas Book Award.

Always a highlight of TLA, the Texas Bluebonnet Award Author Session (Friday, 11:45 a.m.1:45 p.m.) will feature author Devin Scillian and illustrator Tim Bowers, creators of 2023 Bluebonnet winner Memoirs of a Tortoise. Each year, 20 books are chosen for the Bluebonnet master list by a committee. Students in grades three through six who read at least five books from the list can vote for their favorite titles each January. At the annual event, students from across the state present the award to the winning author and illustrator.

Education Session Highlights

The following are among the sessions highlighted by TLA president Mary Woodard as her Presidents Program selections.

Starting and Sustaining All Types of Library Support Groups: (Wednesday, 1:302:30 p.m.). Librarians at this session will learn how to unite communities in supporting libraries by examining different structures of library support groups for all types of libraries, such as friends, boards, foundations, and volunteers through community partners.

Why Defending Intellectual Freedom in Your Library Makes Sense: (Thursday, 2:453:45 p.m.). Participants will discuss defending intellectual freedom in the face of misinformation and other challenges.

Library Is a Verb: Post-pandemic Practices for Patron Re-engagement: (Thursday, 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.). In a post-pandemic world, librarians of all kinds have been forced to reconsider how they convene, connect, and create community with their patrons. Librarians at this session will discuss how to library better with their communities in the aftermath of disruption.

Special Events Team: A New Way to Approach and Collaborate for Large-Scale Programs All Year Round: (Thursday, 1:302:30 p.m.). Librarians will learn about how the McKinney Public Library is using a special events team to reduce pressure on weekly programmers and establish best practices for events that focus on outside partnerships, outreach integration, diverse offerings, and mentor programming staff.

Making a Difference Together: Developing Powerful Librarian/Principal Partnership (Friday, 8:309:30 a.m.). Principals and librarians at this session will share how they united to make a difference on their campuses.

TLA After Hours: (Wednesday, 68 p.m.). The popular evening event features a variety of fun activities for attendees to unwind and meet their peers, including a two-hour Dueling Pianos performance featuring hits from the 1980s to today, Library Pub Trivia, and the Ultimate Childrens Illustrator Sketch-Off, which brings together seven childrens illustrators for a fun, Pictionary-style game.

Exhibits

The Exhibits Grand Opening will kick off the show on Wednesday, 3:456 p.m., and run on Thursday (10 a.m.5 p.m.) and Friday (9 a.m.4 p.m.). This years exhibit hall will feature more than 400 companies, with 42 appearing for the first time. Exhibitors include publishers; book jobbers; book fairs; architects; automation, furniture, and STEAM product vendors; service agencies; nonprofits; and many others.

In addition, more than 200 authors will be signing in the authors area and in exhibit booths. Poster sessions will be held on Thursday (11 a.m.1 p.m.) in Exhibit Hall One. And new this year is the a Small Exhibitor Pavilion, which will showcase nonprofits, entertainers, storytellers, authors, and small publishers.

As always, consult the full, final program online for any last-minute changes or additions (the program is searchable by track, topic, or speaker name). You can also download a brand-new TLA conference app.
This week, we discuss how dementia in the national security workforce could create a security threat; Finland becoming the 31st NATO ally; learning loss associated with a four-day school week; this weeks U.S.-Taiwan news; preventing shortfalls in critical materials; and Americas dangerous short war fixation.

Photo by Joshua Roberts/Reuters Dementia in the National Security Workforce Could Create a Security Threat Americans are living longer and retiring later. As these trends continue, the workforce might experience a higher prevalence of dementia than in past generations. This could have serious implications in the national security and intelligence communities. But, up until now, there has not been any publicly available research on the topic. A new RAND paper provides the first look at what appears to be an emerging security blind spot: Individuals who hold or held a security clearance and handled classified material could develop dementia and unwittingly share government secrets. How might the national security community assess this risk and address the potential threat?

Photo by EyePress News/Reuters Finland Joins NATO. Is Sweden Next? Last year, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO. On Tuesday, Finland formally became an ally. According to RAND Europe's Charlotte Kleberg and James Black, Finland's experience assessing Russian capabilities and intentions makes it key to defending what is now the alliance's longest land border with Russia. As for Sweden, a long-term delay in its membership could leave NATO's northern flank more vulnerable to attack.

Photo by skynesher/Getty Images With a Shorter School Week, Students Lose More Than Just a Day In 2019, more than 1,600 U.S. schools operated on a four-day scheduleand that number may be rising. Recent RAND research shows that students in four-day districts fell behind a little every year. These small changes accumulate. Our researchers estimate that, after eight years, the damage to student achievement could equal that caused by the pandemic. District leaders must consider whether the benefits of a shorter school week outweigh the drawbacks.

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy at the Friends of Ireland Caucus St. Patrick's Day luncheon in Washington, D.C., March 17, 2023 McCarthy-Tsai Meeting Does Taiwan No Favors When thenHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan last year, China responded with nearby military exercises and missile launches. This week, Speaker Kevin McCarthy met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in California, opting not to make the trip overseas. According to RAND's Derek Grossman, the decision to remain stateside may not deter Chinese aggression. In fact, he says, it could do the opposite if Beijing concludes acting assertively against Taiwan, as it did after the Pelosi visit, bears fruit.

Photo by Melanie Burton/Reuters It's Time to Prevent Shortfalls in Critical Materials Despite their name, rare earth elements are everywherefrom cellphones and cars to satellites and missiles. This makes China's near-total domination of the rare earth market both an economic and national security concern. In a recent study, RAND researchers looked at how the United States might break its reliance on China for these critical but hard-to-source materials. What's most important, they concluded, is for U.S. policymakers to act quickly; investments made today could take a decade or more to yield results.

Photo by Reuters America's Dangerous Short War Obsession Americans have long fixated on the idea of the short, decisive war. Unfortunately, truly quick wars in U.S. history have been few and far between. And there's little reason to expect concise conflicts in the future, say RAND experts. As a matter of defense planning, the United States should assume that any war it fights will be protracted. The only thing worse than fighting a long war may be thinking it's possible to avoid one, they say.
Hannah Godwin / Instagram

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/07/2023



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

alum Hannah Godwin has revealed more details about her upcoming wedding with Dylan Barbour and what the couple has planned for their bachelor and bachelorette parties.Hannah and Dylan, who got engaged on 's sixth season in June 2019, previously revealed they'll be tying the knot at a destination wedding in August of this year , but they have yet to share where they're going to get married."We might end up sharing it. I don't want to make it this big, weird secretive thing. I think it's just more for us. I kind of like that, for once, we're not just sharing everything, especially with social media now, I just share everything," Hannah explained to Caelynn Miller-Keyes Dean Unglert , and Jared Haibon during a recent episode of the "Help! We Suck at Being Newlyweds" podcast.The model and social-media influencer added, "I mean, we got engaged on television! So this is kind of for us, and it's kind of fun. Who knows, it might just come out one day."Hannah did share, however, that the wedding is going to be comprised of 100-150 guests and will take place in Europe or Mexico."We sent out Save the Dates, but we haven't sent out RSVP's or anything," Hannah said, noting that the couple is "super behind" with their wedding plans and August is "such a busy time" for people and weddings.As far as which members of Bachelor Nation will be scoring invites, Hannah listed off Mike Johnson Tyler Cameron , and Chris Randone Hannah said she's not sure whether the couple is going to do a "first look." In fact, Hannah hasn't even picked out her wedding dress yet!"It's now almost April and I still don't have a dress or even really an idea of a dress," Hannah admitted."I'm just kind of annoyed at myself, but I've been holding off. I think I'm going to work with a designer and she's going to help me do the whole thing... But I don't really know what I want."Hannah said the "issue" is that she's liked everything she has tried on, many different styles, and so she's probably going to have two dresses for her big day.Hannah and Dylan, however, do have the ball rolling on their bachelor and bachelorette parties.She said, "I think Dylan is doing Miami and I think I'm just going to go full Vegas [bachelorette party]... Mine is in May, which is kind of soon honestly! I got kicked out of the [group text of plans] yesterday, so we'll see how it goes. But it should be fun."Hannah's best friend Dina, her maid of honor, is apparently planning the bachelorette party."We went to middle school and high school together. She's one of the OGs. She was actually on my hometown date on the show!... My mom is even coming to my bachelorette," Hannah gushed, adding, "It will be fun, I'm really excited."Hannah complained that once she and Dylan tie the knot, fans are probably going to be asking her when the kids are coming."I get the excitement and curiosity, but I'm like, 'It's really never ending!'" Hannah said."Now that we officially have a wedding date and all of this stuff... now it's like, 'Oh, we're getting married. We should talk more about future stuff.'"Given they're both 28-years-old, Hannah said she and Dylan are going to wait at least five years to have their first child -- but she knows Dylan will "crush" being a dad."But honestly, some days, I'm like, 'Oh yeah, we could totally do this. I would love to have a little kid.' But then some days, I don't even know what I was thinking and I can't even book appointments for myself, let alone a child," Hannah explained.When it comes to their wedding priorities, Dylan said in February he wants "good cocktails" -- including Espresso martinis and tequila -- cigars and "good music," not old wedding classics like "The Cha Cha Slide" or "Shout!""I want it to be very elegant, classic, and timeless, nothing trendy," Dylan explained.And Hannah said she wants the whole event to be "fun" while she stays present and "in the moment." She'd like to blend in, hang out with loved ones, and not feel like "the host" of a party.The pair -- who said they picture the event being a formal black-tie affair -- also don't care about having an expensive wedding cake and are considering reading their own wedding vows to each other.For several years, Hannah and Dylan were in no rush to get married after their engagement.In fact, the pair revealed last year that they had decided to postpone their wedding in order to cut back on spending since they had just bought a new home together in San Diego in late 2021.Hannah and Dylan have also been traveling the world together in recent years, including a recent vacation to Paris, France.Hannah and Dylan initially decided on an early 2020 wedding, but their planning got derailed due to the global outbreak of coronavirus -- and now more than three years have passed "[The date has been] pushed back a bit. We've been eyeing 2023 so we'll see how it goes," Hannah told Us Weekly in September 2021.Dylan said at the time he and Hannah hoped to wed in Spring 2023 because they don't want to exchange vows in the winter, and Hannah shared how they had already hired a wedding planner and anticipated tying the knot in California since the West Coast has captured their hearts."We're loving being engaged," Hannah gushed to the magazine in 2021. "We are excited to, like, start the next chapter whenever that is though. We are getting eager for it."But Hannah and the Vizer app co-founder confirmed early into the wedding planning they don't want to get married on television for ABC cameras and viewers."For our wedding, we'd just want it to be personal, like, as close-knit as we possibly can. We want to just keep it personal and small," Hannah explained.Prior to meeting on , Hannah competed for Colton Underwood 's heart on The Bachelor's 23rd season and Dylan appeared on The Bachelorette's fifteenth season.During 's sixth season, Dylan called Hannah the love of his life and said he had no doubts in his mind that she was his person.Dylan basically fell in love with Hannah during the first week of Paradise, but Hannah was a little terrified of investing her heart so quickly into a man following her breakup with Colton.Dylan, however, never gave up on their potential, even when Blake Horstmann was trying to charm Hannah and steal her away.After Hannah worked through "a few obstacles" inside of herself, she and Dylan got engaged on the beach in Mexico.During the reunion portion of 's sixth season, Dylan said popping the question to Hannah was "the best decision" he had ever made."We talk all the time, like, 'How did this all work out for us?' But for some reason, it did. He's my person and I have a different kind of love for him that I knew existed, and that's really special," Hannah shared in Summer 2019.After the show, Hannah moved from Birmingham, AL, to California in order to be closer to Dylan and his job.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/08/2023



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt have shared their upcoming bachelor and bachelorette party plans as well as where they'd like to go on their honeymoon.Serena and Joe already got married in a quickie courthouse wedding in New York in October, but they have plans for a bigger wedding -- for family and friends to join -- in September 2023.Serena and Joe are currently deep into their weddings plans, with the help of their wedding planner Christina Janda.The New York-based couple will be tying the knot at The Cedar Room in Charleston, SC."[Wedding planning] is a full-time job," Serena said while co-hosting a recent episode of the "Click Bait with Bachelor Nation" podcast alongside her husband."I don't even know how people plan their own weddings. That's an entirely next-level commitment. We're so grateful to have our wedding planner because I truly think we're doing something for our wedding every single day."Serena acknowledged her nuptials are "creeping up!""We're almost five months out!" she gushed.Joe agreed, adding, "It's going to be here before we know it! We're planning our bachelor and bachelorette parties."Serena shared that she just "booked" her bachelorette party and Joe is still working on his plans."I'm going to Vegas. It'll be my first time in Vegas and I'm super excited," Serena gushed. "Joe has been to Vegas like 20 times in his life, not exaggerating."Joe said, "I only go to Vegas three times a year," which prompted Serena to respond, "Yeah, it's next level. And Joe was debating between Thailand, London, New York, Austin, and Vegas."Joe insisted he was never serious about Thailand, and the couple shared a laugh together."I still don't even know," Joe chimed in. "I feel like my bachelor party, we'll plan it two weeks in advance and then just do something. And whoever can make it, makes it -- and whoever can't, can't."Serena admitted that approach would be "so stressful" for her."But that is probably what you'll do," Serena told her husband.For the couple's honeymoon, Serena said she's "excited" because they hadn't gone on a trip together since their "amazing" vacation in Spain last year."Our next trip together will be our honeymoon," Serena said. "I'm really excited for it."Joe said he'd like to go back to Spain, but Serena pointed out how there are other destinations on her list before returning to the same place they've already experienced."I don't want to go back to Spain not because I didn't like it, but there are just so many other places in the world I want to visit," Serena shared. "We went to Spain for 10 days last year, so I wouldn't be jumping to go back right away. Maybe in 10 years we'll go back to Spain."When Joe asked Serena where they'll be going in Europe next, Serena said, "I think we're doing Italy, London, or Greece. But you know where I really want to go now is Thailand after [seeing it on The Bachelor. It was so, so beautiful."Joe and Serena, who fell in love on 's seventh season in 2021, revealed in January how their wedding must-haves include good food, drinks and music.In November 2022, Joe and Serena said they had no desire to televise their wedding and share it with Bachelor Nation fans.Joe looked at Serena in a YouTube video and said, "Anything in this world can change, but I highly doubt it."The pair had initially intended to keep their first wedding a secret and only share the news with close family and friends, but a person apparently spotted them at the courthouse and so Serena and Joe were worried the story may get leaked.Serena and Joe therefore posted a sweet video of their union on Instagram late last year, announcing their marriage in their own special way.The 7 finale, which featured Joe's marriage proposal to Serena, aired in October 2021.Serena told Us Weekly in September that she and Joe hadn't started planning their wedding yet."We have to be a little flexible in terms of venues and such and what's available," Serena told Us at the time. "But we would love to get married next September. We definitely wanna get married next year."Serena admitted she was "very overwhelmed by the planning process" but felt ready to dive in."Joe will start off saying, 'Whatever you want,' but he is an opinionated guy. He has a vision for the wedding, for sure," Serena shared in September."I think it's actually gonna be very 50/50. I want it to feel like our wedding, not my wedding. And if anything, I would say he's probably more opinionated than I am about this stuff... It'll be a team effort."As far as her wedding gown goes, Serena didn't have a dream dress in mind as of last year."I think once we see the venue and where we pick to get married, I'll be able to start envisioning a mood board for the dress and the hair and the makeup," Serena explained."But I don't wanna, like, look or feel like anyone else on that day. You know, I love my neutral, glowy bronzed makeup and that's probably what I'm gonna do on my wedding day even though that's what I do every day because that's what I love."She added, "For my wedding dress, I want it to be comfortable. If I have to wear it all night, I want to be comfortable in it."Serena and her fiance celebrated their engagement party in July 2022, and that's when their parents met each other.Serena and Joe believe they established a strong relationship foundation while filming .Serena, for instance, never let the fact Joe's ex-girlfriend of nearly two years, Kendall Long , was on the beach get in the way of her connection with Joe.Serena kept her eye on the prize, avoided jealousy, and trusted Joe as Kendall sought closure.Prior to appearing on 7, Joe got eliminated very early from Becca Kufrin 's season of The Bachelorette and met Kendall on Season 5 of Paradise.Despite being happy and in love, Joe and Kendall broke up because they couldn't agree on whether to live in Chicago or Kendall's home city of Los Angeles long-term.Joe gave Los Angeles a chance during and after his stint on Dancing with the Stars in 2018 and wanted to move back to Chicago to be with his friends and family, but Kendall apparently wouldn't even consider relocating and trying out a life in Chicago. (Kendall is now engaged and living with her fiance in Germany).And Serena dumped Matt James on his The Bachelor season that aired in early 2021 after her hometown date.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/08/2023



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

runner-up Gabi Elnicki has revealed how she interpreted Kaity Biggar 's controversial "you were the only one" comment after Season 27's round of Fantasy Suite dates and if she thought it was offensive.After both Kaity and Gabi received roses in Thailand following Zach Shallcross ' overnight dates with his Final 3 bachelorettes -- which also included Ariel Frenkel -- Kaity quietly said to Gabi, "I know you were the only one."Kaity was pointing out how Gabi had been the only woman to sleep with Zach in the Fantasy Suites, and the remark prompted Gabi to lament about how she felt ashamed and embarrassed.Kaity received backlash on social media for calling Gabi out. Many fans assumed it was a jab at Gabi or an attempt to sex shame her, but Kaity insisted on TikTok she absolutely meant no harm "Gabi and I are very close friends. The entirety of the conversation was not shown. So please take a step back and realize that," Kaity told her followers.When asked how she felt about Kaity's comment during the March 30 episode of the "Click Bait with Bachelor Nation" podcast, Gabi said she believes Kaity had "no malicious intent.""I don't think [Kaity] was trying to hurt me or call me out or make me uncomfortable. That was not the case... I don't think either of us thought speaking behind our roses was going to make the air," Gabi explained.Gabi reasoned with the podcast's host Joe Amabile , "Maybe she was trying to reassure me, like, 'It was only you.'""But I don't know what happened in their Fantasy Suite and she didn't know all of the parameters. Only my Fantasy Suite was put on blast," Gabi continued.Gabi's Fantasy Suite was "put on blast" when Zach decided to tell host Jesse Palmer that he had sex with Gabi, a decision that broke his no-sex rule going into his week of overnight dates.Not only did Zach tell Jesse what happened behind closed doors, but he later admitted the news to Kaity in the spirit of being honest and transparent.Gabi, as a result, felt "blindsided," betrayed and "violated." Gabi accused Zach of clearing his conscience at the expense of her heart, and she vented on : After the Final Rose late last month about how she and Zach had initially agreed to keep their sexual encounter a secret.In fact, Gabi insisted that Zach was actually the one who had asked her to keep what happened just between the two of them -- until he allegedly changed his mind hours later.But Gabi apparently doesn't blame Kaity for what she said at the Rose Ceremony, nor does she fault Kaity for knowing her personal business with Zach.Gabi also said she and Kaity "remain close" to this day and she hopes to score an invitation to Kaity and Zach's wedding, which will hopefully take place in 2025 When Kaity told Gabi during 's March 20 episode, "I know you were the only one," Gabi replied, "I feel like I'm wearing, like, an 'A' on my chest. F-cking scarlet letter over here."Kaity assured her friend that the situation wasn't that bad, saying, "Oh, my god, stop, no."After the episode aired, Kaity posted an Instagram video of the girls goofing around in a bubble bath together while they were filming 's 27th season."Beyond grateful for this incredible woman and our friendship," Kaity captioned the hilarious clip."Thank you for always lighting up a room with your beautiful, quirky personality! You exude the best energy that is so contagious to be around! Thank you for always being YOU! Truly, one of the most beautiful humans inside and out. Keep sprinkling sunshine #teamgaity."Gabi responded to Kaity's post by writing, "Love you so much my Kaity girl! Forever grateful for our friendship and that you are in my life. A true forever friend #teamgaity."Zach and Gabi's sexual encounter came as a surprise to fans because Zach had initially sworn off sex in the Fantasy Suites in order to avoid conflict or a messy outcome.Zach stayed true to his word during his overnight date with Ariel, but then passion apparently got the best of him during his second overnight date of the week with Gabi."Did I think I was going to get engaged to somebody that I've never had sex with? Probably not. But we're going to work on it later," Gabi told the cameras before entering the Fantasy Suite with Zach, later adding, "Zach says he's not having sex, but I don't know. Maybe he will."When Zach admitted to Kaity he had sex, she nearly quit the show because she felt "crushed" and "distant" from Zach. Kaity said she wished Zach had just kept the details of his relationships with the other women private.But Kaity wasn't the only one who faced criticism and scrutiny after aired its Fantasy Suites episode Gabi herself shut down Internet trolls when a person called her out for "deleting comments" on one of her Instagram photos."Yes I am," Gabi firmly replied. "Because I don't need negativity and hate on my page. It's so unnecessary and unkind. There is NO reason to put others down, get off my page if you don't like me."Gabi appeared to delete most of the comments that bashed or demeaned her. For instance, a troll wrote on her page in an undeleted comment, "This girl is an embarrassment for female population."Interested in more news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Egypt has added $385 million to its treasury from an initiative that allows Egyptians living abroad to import cars customs-free against depositing equivalent sums in hard currency in five-year CDs.

In a statement on Saturday, Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait explained that 600 cars have been released thus far to Egyptians living abroad who signed up to take advantage of the initiative.

The government has been receiving around 3,000 requests to import cars under the terms of the initiative, Maait said.

The deadline for receiving requests to import cars under the initiative is 14 May, Maait stressed.

The cars-for-CDs initiative was launched in October of 2022 in the form of a one-year-duration legislation passed by the House of Representatives with the aim of attracting much needed hard currency.

The government said it hopes the initiative would bring in as much as $2.5 billion in revenue to the treasury.

The legislation entitles Egyptians over the age of 16 who have valid residence permits and a bank account in a foreign country to import one private passenger car for their personal use within five years of enrolling in the initiative.

Those who enrol in the initiative are required to invest the value of saved customs duties and taxes in foreign currency in an interest-free five-year certificate of deposit (CD).

They can recover the deposit in Egyptian pounds at the end of the period according to the exchange rate at that time.

Under the legislation, Egyptians who live in countries that do not have trade agreements with Egypt can still enrol in the initiative and receive a 70 percent discount on customs duties.

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The University of Georgia Lamar Dodd School of Art and the Environmental Ethics Certificate Program are co-hosting a screening of the award-winning documentary UNSPOKEN on Thursday, April 13 at the Jackson Street Building auditorium.

The event is free and open to the public and will include a discussion moderated by former Georgia Bulldog and NFL Hall of Famer Champ Bailey.
'It's not that the Opposition has to search for common ground.'

'The government is handing the common ground to the Opposition.'

IMAGE: Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and Opposition MPs wearing black stage a protest march from Parliament towards Vijay Chowk, March 27, 2023. Photograph: Amlan Paliwal/ANI Photo

Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari in conversation with Aditi Phadnis/Business Standard, says the Opposition is unified against the government's executive excess, but reserves judgement on whether this will mean one Opposition candidate against one from the Bharatiya Janata Party in the general election.

The Speaker has disqualified Rahul Gandhi as a member of the Lok Sabha. What happens now?

An appeal will be filed before the court of sessions. However, an alternative legal strategy is also available.

Under Articles 102 and 103 of the Constitution, the powers to disqualify an MP lie only with the President of India.

Article 102 lists the various grounds on which an MP can be disqualified.

102(1E) essentially states that you can be disqualified under any law made by Parliament (there's a 102D which lists out certain offences).

But that call has to be taken by the President of India.

What has happened as a consequence of Lily Thomas (Lily Thomas versus Union of India) in 2013, when the Supreme Court struck down Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, is that an erroneous view gained ground that if you are convicted, you are automatically disqualified and the notification by the Speaker's office is pro forma.

The Election Commission of India made this point to the Supreme Court in 2018 in the Lok Prahari case.

The Supreme Court recorded the ECI's contention but did not render a finding on it.

In my estimation, the power of disqualification does not lie with the Speaker.

The words used in Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act are: 'conviction' and 'sentencing'.

You are convicted and sentenced. Here, the sentence has been suspended. If the sentence has been suspended, would disqualification kick in?

In addition to the other infirmities of the entire judgment itself, which is bad in law, he has a good case for being reinstated.

In April 2008, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha similarly expelled Captain Amarinder Singh from the assembly and in 2010, the Supreme Court put him back in the saddle, restoring his membership.

That might or might not happen in the pendency of the current Lok Sabha.

You never know. But Rahul's team has multiple legal options which can be easily energised. It is for him and his lawyers to decide the course of action they propose to follow.

IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi waves at supporters as he leaves the Surat district court after filing an appeal challenging his conviction and sentencing in the 2019 criminal defamation case over the Modi surname remark, April 3, 2023. Photograph: PTI Photo

But if things go as they are...

They cannot go as they are because they are confronted with a completely bad judgment in law.

If we have decided to give the rule of law the go-by, it is another matter.

But otherwise, what you have before you is a judgment emanating from a trial which didn't even follow the preliminary procedure of enquiry under Section 202 of the Criminal Procedure Code: How jurisdiction was made out in Surat for a statement made in Kolar.

There's about a year left for the 2024 general elections. The trial began in 2019 and ended in 2023. Extrapolating the same time frame on an appeal...

I don't see that happening because within the next couple of days when the appeal is filed, the court will have to apply its mind and then render a judgment on suspending the sentence and the conviction.

There's a reasonably good chance, given the various legal points which are there, of that happening.

Let's not put the cart before the horse.

If it does not, you continue to appeal to the next higher court. But in the meantime, Rahul remains disqualified and stays out of Parliament. What is the Congress going to do?

It fights. As I was giving you Captain Amarinder Singh's example, you had instances in the past where these aberrations have taken place. But the courts have stepped in to restore.

IMAGE: Opposition MPs protest demanding a JPC inquiry into the Adani Group issue outside Parliament, March 24, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

There are several areas where the Opposition and the government have to collaborate, particularly relating to appointments and the day-to-day functioning.

It will have to be seen whether there will be any cooperation at all. Or even the possibility of cooperation.

For the simple reason that when the trial court itself had suspended the sentence for 30 days, and given time to appeal, the very next you go and notify disqualification from the Lok Sabha. Where is the common ground left?

If there is no common ground left and the sense of bitterness between the government and the Congress party...

The sense of bitterness is with the entire Opposition. It filed a petition before the Supreme Court on how investigating agencies are being misused by the ruling dispensation.

It is not about the Congress party alone. It reflects the unity of the Opposition.

Do you think this could be part of the common ground?

I think the common ground is already there that democracy is in peril and must be saved.

Could this lead to a common minimum programme that includes these concerns which, in turn, could lead to the Opposition fielding one common candidate against the BJP candidate?

This is all the realm of hypothesis at the moment. Politics is based on a given reality.

The given reality is that all Opposition parties have come together in condemning this excessive use of executive discretion in hounding leaders of the Opposition.

It's not that the Opposition has to search for common ground.

The government is handing the common ground to the Opposition.
China on Saturday began military exercises around Taiwan to test the capabilities of its forces to 'seize control of the sea, air and information', days after a meeting between the United States House Speaker and the President of the self-ruled island in defiance of repeated threats by Beijing.

IMAGE: A Chinese warship sails during a military drill near Fuzhou, Fujian Province, near the Taiwan-controlled Matsu Islands that are close to the Chinese coast, on April 8, 2023. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province.

Beijing has not ruled out the possible use of force to reunify the self-ruled island with the mainland.

The Chinese military announced the start of three-day combat readiness patrols, asserting that it is testing the capabilities of its forces to seize control of the sea, air, and information.

The multi-day exercises coincided with the return of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to Taipei after her high-profile visit to the US earlier this week when she met US House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, a move denounced by Beijing.

China on Friday slapped sanctions on two American organisations that hosted Tsai besides Asia-based groups -- The Prospect Foundation and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats -- for their involvement in promoting Taiwan's independence.

China views any official exchanges between foreign governments and Taiwan as an infringement on Beijing's claims of sovereignty over the island.

The aggressive exercises were launched after French President Emmanuel Macron concluded his high-profile visit to China on Friday, during which he held wide-range talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, prodding him to use his friendship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Tsai's predecessor and pro-Beijing politician, Ma Ying-jeou, also returned to Taiwan on Friday, ending a 12-day trip to the Chinese mainland, where he sought to promote the one-China framework as the basis for improving cross-strait ties and holding talks.

The Chinese military's patrol and exercises are taking place in the maritime areas and airspace of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the island's east, said Shi Yi, a spokesperson for Eastern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

These operations serve as a stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces seeking 'Taiwan independence' and external forces and against their provocative activities, Shi said, adding the operations are necessary for safeguarding China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Video and images published by the state media showed that the exercise included a long-range rocket unit from the Eastern Theatre Command, destroyers, frigates, missile boats, fighter jets, bombers and electronic warfare planes.

The troops are conducting patrols surrounding and approaching the island to encircle it, according to state broadcaster CCTV, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post newspaper reported.

Taiwan's defence ministry said 42 sorties from PLA warplanes were detected, 29 of which crossed the median line an unofficial dividing line in the Taiwan Strait entering the island's southwest air defence identification zone.

It said that a total of eight warships were detected, the ministry said, adding the island's forces closely monitored and responded.

Hours before the PLA's announcement, the maritime safety administration in the south-eastern province of Fujian, just across the strait from Taiwan, announced live-fire military drills at two areas off its coast over several days.

The notice said drills would be held between 8 am and noon on Saturday off the coast of Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian.

It would be repeated at the same time on Tuesday, Thursday, and the following Saturday, as well as on April 17 and April 20, the Post report said.

In August last year, the Chinese military held similar drills around Taiwan and fired missiles over the self-ruled island when McCarthy's predecessor, Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan.
A Dalit woman who was allegedly raped and set afire by a man in Rajasthan's Barmer district died during treatment at a government hospital in Jodhpur, police said on Saturday.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

The 30-year-old woman, a mother of two, suffered around 50 per cent burns and died late Friday.

According to a complaint lodged by the woman's husband, Shakoor Khan broke into their home on Thursday and raped his wife when she was alone.

He then poured an acid-like chemical on her and set her on fire.

Khan has been arrested. But the woman's family members have refused to take the body, alleging that the police misbehaved with them and also threatened them.

They have sought the removal of two police officials, including a deputy superintendent of police, demanded Rs 1 crore as compensation and a government job to a family member.

The body has been kept at MDH hospital mortuary in Jodhpur.

Barmer Additional District Collector Ashwin Panwar, who had gone to Jodhpur to hold talks with the family members, said they have returned to their hometown Balotra. He said efforts are on to convince them.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has accused the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot-led government of trying to suppress the incident and said it showed 'jungle raj' was prevalent in the state.

Union Jal Shakti Minister and Jodhpur MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat alleged the woman died due to a delay in treatment.

Congress legislator from Balotra Madan Prajapat alleged the opposition was trying to mislead people. He said he had assured the family a help of Rs 25 lakh but they refused it.

"They are pressing for unreasonable demands, which are not possible," he said.

The MLA, who was in Jodhpur, said he was returning to Balotra and would try to talk to the family again.

Khan, who hails from the same village as the victim, has booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 376 (rape), 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 450 (house-trespass to commit offence) and some sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, police said.

Later, the charge of murder under IPC Section 302 was also added to the first information report (FIR), they said.

BJP workers held a protest in Balotra and submitted a memorandum to the local administration demanding compensation, job and action on police officers who allegedly misbehaved with the victim's family.

BJP MP from Barmer and Union minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Kailash Choudhary also condemned the incident as a 'black spot on Rajasthan' and 'evidence of poor law and order' in the state.

"This jungle raj, prevailing under the misrule of state Congress, has become a curse for every common man and Gehlot ji, sitting on the post of home minister, has turned a blind eye to law and order of the state," he added.

Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said in a tweet in Hindi, 'The delay in treatment of the victim woman shows how concerned the administration and the government are about the lives of common people.'

Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan Assembly Rajendra Rathore blamed Gehlot for 'poor' law and order. The incident is 'a blot on the government', he said.

"It shows the jungle raj prevalent in the state. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is also the home minister, is completely responsible for the poor law and order in the state," he added.

BJP state president C P Joshi said in a tweet that the Congress government 'is sitting with folded hands'.

"The administration and the government should investigate all aspects of this incident impartially and provide justice to the family of the victim. If there is even an iota of morality, then the government should take strict action against the guilty officers."

Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje tweeted that this incident has made it clear that 'no one is safe' in Rajasthan.

"Dalits and women are certainly not safe. Suppressing the issue, which shames humanity, for a day makes it obvious the condemnable and insensitive attitude of the government in Rajasthan. Strictest action should be taken against the culprits."
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday took her maiden sortie in a fighter aircraft at Tezpur air base in Assam.

IMAGE: President Droupadi Murmu taking a sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tezpur Air Force Station, on Saturday. Photograph: ANI photo

Group Captain Naveen Kumar Tiwari flew her in a Sukhoi-30 MKI that took off from the Indian Air Force base.

"Achcha laga (felt good)," President Murmu told reporters after completing her 25-minute sortie.

President Murmu, who was on a three-day trip to Assam, reached Tezpur from Guwahati.

IMAGE: President Murmu poses for a photo as she lands at Tezpur Air Force Station after taking a sortie in the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft. Photograph: ANI Photo

She was received at the air base by Air Marshal S P Dharkar, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

After landing at Tezpur, President Murmu received a guard of honour by IAF personnel, followed by an official briefing on her flight aboard the Sukhoi aircraft.

She then reached the hangar wearing the flying suit, and waved to the waiting journalists before climbing the ladder to board the aircraft.

IMAGE: President Murmu waves after taking the sortie. Photograph: ANI photo

The President also posed with her pilot and other officials in front of the aircraft.

After sitting in the cockpit, a woman officer helped her put on the helmet and complete other technicalities.

She waved from the cockpit just seconds before the aircraft canopy was shut.

IMAGE: The President lands at Tezpur Air Force Station after taking the sortie. Photograph: ANI Photo

Alighting from the aircraft after the 25-minute sortie, she again posed with the group captain and waved to the waiting journalists.

Though no media interaction was scheduled with the President, she said 'achcha laga' (felt good) when a waiting journalist asked her how the sortie was.

IMAGE: The President, supreme commander of the Indian Armed forces, before taking the sortie. Photograph: PTI Photo

President Murmu is the third President after Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil to take a sortie in a fighter aircraft.

Her predecessors, however, had taken their rides from Pune air base.

Wrapping up her Assam tour, the President left Tezpur around 12.30 pm.
Bonhomie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin was on full display on Saturday during the former's visit to Chennai, as it came in the backdrop of persistent political face-offs between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the state and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by Tamil Nadu chief Minister M K Stalin on his arrival, in Chennai on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Incidentally, BJP state chief K Annamalai, who has already levelled allegations of irregularities against the ruling dispensation, has said he will soon release what he described as a 'corruption list' involving DMK ministers.

Modi was received by Stalin on Saturday afternoon at the airport in Chennai. The PM was in the city to attend various official engagements.

After a warm reception at the Chennai Airport, the CM, also the DMK president, briefly held the PM's hand and patted on the back of the latter's palm while walking through the displays exhibited at the new Chennai airport terminal.

The display of camaraderie comes at a time when the DMK is politically opposed to the BJP at the Centre and Stalin batting for a Congress-led opposition unity against the National Democratic Alliance government. The state leaders of the two parties have been sparring over a number of issues.

The warm gesture between the two top leaders also came just hours after the PM had launched a political tirade on the leadership of the Telangana where he had visited earlier in the day.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not attend Modi's event in Hyderabad.

IMAGE: Modi interacts with Stalin during the inauguration of the new Integrated Terminal Building of Chennai Airport. Photograph: ANI Photo

While speaking at Hyderabad after inaugurating railway projects and developmental schemes, Modi attacked the Telangana state leadership for 'obstructing' the developmental projects being implemented in there by the Centre.

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan was seated on stage as the PM launched his attack on the state leadership.

It was after the events in Telangana that the Prime Minister reached Chennai airport around 2.45 pm.

Tamil Nadu has been witnessing war of words between the DMK and the opposition BJP apart from the ruling dispensation's issues with the state governor, R N Ravi.

Ravi had very recently kicked up a political storm by saying the 2018 anti-Sterlite protests by people were completely 'foreign-funded'.

While responding to a question on Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) violations during an event at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai on Thursday, the Governor had said, "Sterlite protest, it was purely foreign-funded, and the entire activities which led to the protest and the unfortunate police firing that cost innocent lives."

IMAGE: Modi with Stalin at the flagging off ceremony of Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express. Photograph: ANI Photo

The DMK had reacted sharply to these comments saying it was an insult to the people who not only participated in huge numbers against the functioning of the Sterlite plant over pollution concerns but even gave their lives in their struggle.

At least 13 people were killed when police opened fire at anti-Sterlite protestors in Thoothukudi.

The DMK had threatened statewide protests against the Governor's remarks.

Meanwhile, the ruling DMK's ally Congress party had threatened to hold a black flag demonstration at the airport to protest the arrival of Modi in the state amid disqualification of party leader Rahul Gandhi as Lok Sabha member, following his conviction in a court case over the Modi surname remark.

Only days before the PM arrived did Stalin write to him demanding that three coal blocks identified in the Cauvery Delta region of the state be removed from the national auction list.

The centre was quick to remove the three blocks from the list, even Annamalai issued a statement thanking the PM for his swift response to the saffron party's demands.

In such an atmosphere, of the three events the PM was to participate in Chennai, Stalin not only participated in the first one where the Prime Minister inaugurated Chennai Airport's new integrated terminal, but also expressed some warmth.

Stalin received the PM at the Chennai airport and later both together, with Governor Ravi in tow among others including Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, took a walk around the newly integrated terminal.

The PM then went on to his next stop which was to flag off Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express from the MGR Chennai Central Station, which was also attended by Stalin.
Sharad Pawar's comments that he favoured a Supreme Court panel to look into the Hindenburg research report on Adani group may have created a piquant situation for Congress seeking a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe, but this is not the first instance wherein the Nationalist Congress Party chief's views appeared at variance with the Opposition bloc on targetting the government.

IMAGE: NCP chief Sharad Pawar addresses a press conference on JPC demand and Adani row, on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Photo

In a recent interview with NDTV, Pawar said the SC panel will be more useful and effective than a JPC.

However, the All India Congress Committee general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the SC committee has limited terms of reference and 'cannot bring out the deep nexus between' the prime minister and the billionaire businessman.

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said Pawar's stand will not lead to cracks in the opposition unity in Maharashtra as well as the country.

Notably, this is not the first occasion that Pawar, in his political career of nearly six decades, has stumped his allies as well as detractors with his political stand.

At a time when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been aggressively targeting late Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, Pawar observed that the sacrifice made by Savarkar during the freedom struggle cannot be ignored.

Last month, the NCP declared support for Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphu Rio's Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, which is part of the Bharatiya Janta Party-led National Democratic Alliance.

The NCP said its support to Rio is in the larger interest of the Northeastern state.

In Maharashtra, NCP had shared power with Congress from 2004 to 2014 and later with Shiv Sena (undivided) led by Uddhav Thackeray from November 2019 to June 2022 as part of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), of which Congress is also a constituent.

The NCP is an ally of Congress in Goa also.

In Kerala, the NCP is part of the Left Democratic Front, an arch-rival of the Congress-led United Democratic Front.

In the past, talks about an anti-BJP and anti-Congress front could not be completed without Pawar, the 82-year-old veteran who was once rumoured to be in the race for the post of prime minister but fell out with the Congress leadership picking PV Narasimha Rao.

Pawar is known for his excellent rapport with leaders cutting across party lines.

In 2006, when Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule was contesting her maiden Rajya Sabha election, she was supported by Bal Thackeray-led Shiv Sena.

In 2014, when BJP fell short of a majority in Maharashtra, NCP leader Praful Patel announced that the Pawar-led party will support the saffron party to avoid mid-term polls and ensure political stability.

During the trust vote sought by BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, the NCP abstained from voting. Later, the Shiv Sena-BJP came together again to form a government and Fadnavis took oath as the chief minister.

In the past, Pawar was appointed as the vice chairman of the Disaster Management Authority set up by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Pawar, who was given the rank of a Cabinet minister, was a prominent opposition leader.

However, it was explained that Pawar's expertise in handling disasters after the 1993 Latur earthquake- when he was the chief minister of Maharashtra- was the reason for his appointment.

In 2014, Narendra Modi campaigned against the Pawars in Lok Sabha and state assembly polls.

He had termed the NCP as a naturally corrupt party and asked voters in Baramati to get rid of the family. However, six months later, Modi as PM visited Baramati and praised Pawar.

Senior journalist Prakash Akolkar said, "It is very difficult to understand the motive behind Pawar's actions and speeches. It is difficult to say why he does it...Is it for maintaining his importance or for creating difficulties for Congress?"

"On the other hand, whenever he wants to create difficulties for Congress, he (later) goes back to Congress. These things hurt his credibility," he said.

In 1978, Pawar toppled the Vasantdada Patil government by walking out with his supporters to form the Progressive Democratic Front government and become the youngest chief minister at 38.

At that time, Jana Sangh, the precursor to the BJP, was part of the PDF.

As his remarks on the Adani issue caused a flutter, Pawar on Saturday said he is not completely opposed to a JPC probe, but a Supreme Court committee will be more useful and effective.

"I am not completely opposed to the JPC there have been JPCs and I have been a chairman of some of the JPCs. The JPC will be constituted based on the majority (in Parliament). Instead of a JPC, I think the Supreme Court committee is more useful and effective," the NCP chief said.

In the interview, Pawar had come out in support of the Adani Group and criticised the narrative around Hindenburg Research's report on the conglomerate.

"Such statements were given by other individuals earlier too and there was a ruckus in Parliament for a few days but this time out-of-proportion importance was given to the issue," he had said.
After his Adani remarks created a flutter in the opposition ranks amid unity talks, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar on Saturday said he is not completely opposed to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into allegations against the Adani group, but a Supreme Court panel will be 'more useful and effective'.

IMAGE: NCP chief Sharad Pawar addresses a press conference, at Press Club, in Nagpur on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Taking a position at variance from senior ally Congress, Pawar said he favoured a Supreme Court committee to probe allegations against the Adani group since the ruling party (Bharatiya Janata Party) would have a majority in the JPC based on numerical strength in Parliament and this would lead to doubts on such a probe.

He was talking to reporters in Mumbai.

Pawar, the president of the NCP, in an interview to NDTV on Friday had also come out in support of the Adani Group and criticised the narrative around Hindenburg Research's report on the conglomerate, distancing himself from the opposition offensive against the Adani group with his comments also seen as a setback to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress on its part said the Supreme Court committee to look into the Hindenburg research report on Adani group has limited terms of reference and 'cannot bring out the deep nexus between' the prime minister and the billionaire businessman.

The NCP chief also said he was not aware of the antecedents of the United States-based Hindenburg Research, which has alleged stock manipulation and accounting fraud in firms belonging to billionaire Gautam Adani.

The Hindenburg report has resulted in strident protests by the opposition Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, and others against the union government to demand a JPC probe. The Adani group has refuted the allegations.

"One foreign company takes a position about the situation in the country. We should decide how much focus should be on this. Instead of this (JPC), a Supreme Court panel is more effective," Pawar told reporters.

"I am not completely opposed to the JPC there have been JPCs and I have been a chairman of some of the JPCs. The JPC will be constituted on the basis of majority (in Parliament). Instead of a JPC, I am of the opinion the Supreme Court committee is more useful and effective," Pawar said.

All India Congress Committee general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the Supreme Court committee has very limited terms of reference.

"It cannot bring out the deep nexus between PM and Adani."

"Only a JPC can find answers to the HAHK (Hum Adanike Hain Kaun) series of 100 questions and more that are emerging," he said, adding that the 'JPCs in 1992 and 2001 were both worthwhile exercises'.

Rahul Gandhi also tweeted in Hindi to target the government, 'They hide the truth, that's why they mislead everyday! The question remains the same - whose Rs 20,000 crore benami money is in Adani's companies?'

The differences between the Congress and the NCP have cropped up at a time when Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has in the recent days intensified efforts for opposition unity ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena, meanwhile, said Pawar's stand on the JPC will not lead to cracks in opposition unity.

Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said Pawar has not given a clean chit but expressed his views on options on how to carry out the Adani probe.

"Be it (West Bengal chief minister) Mamata Banerjee or NCP, there could be different opinions about Adani, but that will not lead to cracks in (opposition) unity in Maharashtra or in the country," asserted Raut, a key aide of former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also waded into the NCP-Congress row over the JPC issue and took a swipe at the Congress and Uddhav Thackeray by asking them to heed the words of Pawar on the Adani issue.

Speaking to the media after a property exhibition in Kalyan on Friday night, Shinde said, "The Congress started an agitation seeking explanation of Rs 20,000 crore in the Adani group. Even Uddhav Thackeray continuously spoke on this issue. Now Pawar has commented and those who are protesting should heed these comments."

Pawar is a very senior politician and must have spoken on the Adani issue after much study, and, therefore, those protesting should clarify their stand, the chief minister said in a swipe at the Congress and Shiv Sena-UBT, who are partners of the NCP in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra.

Senior NCP leader and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar told reporters in Pune that the party supports its chief.

"Yesterday I watched the interview where Sharad Pawar saheb commented on Adani. Pawar saheb is our supreme leader. He expressed his stand on the topic and we support our leader's views," he said.
To facilitate the work of industrial developers, the cabinet last month put in place new regulations to re-introduce the allocation of industrial land system after a few years hiatus. According to Minister of Housing Assem Al-Gazzar, seven industrial developers have since submitted requests to the New Urban Communities Authority with a view to acquiring a total of 13 million square metres of industrial land.

Industrial developers upgrade and provide infrastructure and utilities such as roads, water, sewage, electricity, gas, and telephone lines, logistical and security services and maintenance work, and marketing strategies to promote industrial areas locally and internationally.

The new amendments to the system that was first introduced in 2006 include the need to pay 10 per cent of the price of the land as a down payment immediately following the decision to allocate it to developers. The deadline for completing a project is five years and should be carried out in two phases. The first phase includes basic construction and at least 35 per cent of the construction and infrastructure work.

The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) allocated eight million square metres of land to five industrial developers in 2018. Three of these were in Sadat City on a total area of 3.9 million square metres, and the other two were in 10 Ramadan City on three million square metres of land. The lands were handed over to the developers in the first half of 2019.

In 2017, the IDA drafted new contracts with industrial developers to prevent them from increasing land prices after their allocation. The contracts obligated the developers to complete the planned infrastructure work within a year and the buildings within two years before handing the land over to investors.

According to the IDAs website, the industrial developer system is meant to provide investors with industrial land that has been developed with complete facilities. The authority adopted this system after partnering with the private sector to allow industrial companies to develop, facilitate, and manage industrial zones through international tenders.

Egypts industrial sector needs more than seven million square metres of land with infrastructure per year, whereas the state can only provide three million square metres.

Thus far, industrial developers have finished building the infrastructure for industrial land in 12 areas in 10 Ramadan, 6 October, Sharqiya, Sadat, and Borg Al-Arab cities.

Bassel Shoeira, vice chair of Polaris, an industrial developer, said the regulations to the system laid down in 2018 have not really changed. Developers used to pay 25 per cent as a down payment, and now they pay 10 per cent before the allocation and 15 per cent after they are allocated the land, he added.

Shoeira believes the industrial developer system is beneficial because developers receive requests from investors with real projects in hand and not from middlemen or brokers. He added that Egypts industrial areas offer high-quality land with premium infrastructure.

After industrial developers receive land from the New Urban Communities Authority, the IDA finalises licences and monitors the work.

Moharram Hilal, chair of the Egyptian Federation of Investors Associations, agreed on the usefulness of the system, adding that the state should supervise the prices offered to investors.

Kamal Al-Desouki, a member of the board of the Federation of Egyptian Industries, said there had been changes to the regulations supervising the work of industrial developers every month to ensure they are developing the land allocated to them according to schedule.

Besides the industrial developer system, the state should continue selling land directly to investors, he said, as some could build the infrastructure and buildings needed for their projects themselves without the need to pay industrial developers to do it for them.

He suggested that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should be able to buy land from the state complete with infrastructure on installment plans ranging from between three to four years.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 6 April, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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At a time 20-odd opposition parties, many of them regional rivals, joined forces over the Adani issue, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar's open support for industrialist Gautam Adani has put a question mark on the durability of a non-Bharatiya Janata Party block in the run-up to the 2024 parliamentary elections.

IMAGE: NCP chief Sharad Pawar addresses a press conference on JPC demand and Adani row, on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Pawar's spanner in the works of the opposition's anti-Adani campaign comes parallel to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's outreach to other opposition parties to solidify their unity in this crucial election year when six states will witness polls.

Kharge dialled M K Stalin, Nitish Kumar, Uddhav Thackeray and some other leaders for an opposition meet early next month and is reaching out to more leaders.

With the opposition unity project confronting yet another headwind, some leaders put up a brave face on Saturday saying Pawar's one-off statement would not deter solidarity efforts.

Pawar's NCP is the second major opposition party to openly bat for a judicial probe into the Adani issue rather than a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) investigation as demanded by most opposition parties.

Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress has already taken this position in the just-concluded budget session of Parliament which was washed out over the JPC issue.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said she did not feel that the opposition unity was being affected and added while Pawar may have his own view, the opposition stood together.

"The entire opposition stands united and this was seen in this budget session of Parliament and that is why the government is baffled and disturbed and is now trying to control the internet," she said.

Shrinate said Pawar's remark may be his own as he is an eminent person, but the Adani issue raises serious security and other concerns.

"We will continue to raise such questions from the Congress platform...," she said.

Asked whether Pawar's remarks will hamper unity efforts, Communist Party of India general secretary D Raja said, "Let us see as many people are saying many things. We will have to see how the process is going to be in the coming days."

"As far as the Left is concerned, we are appealing to all secular democratic parties to come together and fight together to defeat the BJP," Raja told PTI.

Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray has said that Pawar not favouring formation of a JPC to probe allegations against the Adani Group will not lead to cracks in the opposition unity.

The Rajya Sabha MP said Pawar has not given a clean chit but expressed his views about options on how to carry out the probe.

Raut added the opposition is firm on its demand for a JPC probe.

"Be it (West Bengal chief minister) Mamata Banerjee or NCP, there could be different opinions about Adani, but that will not lead to cracks in (opposition) unity in Maharashtra or in the country," asserted Raut, a key aide of former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

In an interview to NDTV, Pawar came out in support of the Adani Group and criticised the narrative around the United States-based Hindenburg Research's report on the conglomerate.

Pawar said he favoured a Supreme Court committee to probe allegations against the Adani Group, since the ruling party would have a majority in the JPC based on numerical strength in Parliament and this would lead to doubts on such a probe.

"I am not completely opposed to the JPC. There have been JPCs (before) and I have been a chairman of some of the JPCs. The JPC will be constituted on the basis of majority (in Parliament). Instead of a JPC, I am of the opinion that the Supreme Court committee is more useful and effective," Pawar said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took a swipe at the Congress and Shiv Sena-UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray, asking them to heed the words of Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar on the Adani issue.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said opposition parties will have to unite if they want to win elections against the BJP.

"I can see good results coming on the unity front (at the national level)," he said, noting that discussions are going on.

"Alliance is the only thing which will unite us. We cannot fight individually. That is why even the opposition parties at the national level are trying to find ways to unite so that we can win the elections," Abdullah said in response to a question in Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir.

Twenty-odd opposition parties have come together recently amid talks of taking this unity forward to 2024.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has taken a swipe at the Congress and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Uddhav Thackeray by asking them to heed the words of Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar on the Adani issue.

IMAGE: NCP chief Sharad Pawar. Photograph: ANI Photo

United States-based Hindenburg Research had alleged large scale stock manipulation and accounting fraud in the firms of billionaire Gautam Adani, leading to strident protests by the opposition Congress and others against the Narendra Modi government. The group had refuted the allegations.

In an interview to NDTV, Pawar came out in support of the Adani Group and criticised the narrative around Hindenburg Research's report on the conglomerate.

"Such statements were given by other individuals earlier too and there was a ruckus in Parliament for a few days but this time out-of-proportion importance was given to the issue," he said.

"The issues that were kept, who kept them, we had never heard of these people who gave the statement, what is the background. When they raise issues that cause a ruckus across the country, the cost is borne by the country's economy, we cannot disregard these things. It seems this was targeted," Pawar had said.

Speaking to the media after a property exhibition in Kalyan on Friday night, CM Shinde said, "The Congress started an agitation seeking explanation of Rs 20,000 crore in the Adani group. Even Uddhav Thackeray continuously spoke on this issue. Now Pawar has commented and those who are protesting should heed these comments."

Pawar is a very senior politician and must have spoken on the Adani issue after much study, and, therefore, those protesting should clarify their stand, the CM said in a swipe at the Congress and Shiv Sena-UBT, which are allies with the NCP in the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
C R Kesavan, great grandson of noted freedom fighter and India's last governor general C Rajagopalachari, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday as the party aims to boost its presence in southern India.

IMAGE: Former Congress leader and India's first Governor General C Rajagopalchari's great-grandson C R Kesavan joins the BJP in the presence of Union Minister V K Singh, at party headquarters, in New Delhi on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Kesavan, who was in the Congress earlier, heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ushering in 'tectonic' transformation in India with his people-centric policies, and corruption-free and inclusive governance.

National security has been given primacy and India's history and traditions are being celebrated with various events, Kesavan, who hails from Tamil Nadu, said, referring to the recent 'Kashi-Tamil Samagam'.

He praised the BJP for the 'deep respects' it has for the country's founding fathers and mothers.

Kesavan also lauded the government's handling the COVID-19 pandemic and credited it for India's rise in global stature.

He joined the party in the presence of Union Minister VK Singh and BJP chief spokesperson Anil Baluni.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh cited Rajagopalachari's contribution to the country and alleged that he was 'sidelined' after independence and 'invisiblised' from history as 'one family tried to say they did everything'.

Kesavan will be a strong voice in the BJP and also in the politics of Tamil Nadu, he said.

In the last few days, people from different southern states, where the BJP remains a marginal force, have been inducted into the party.

Anil Antony, son of veteran Congress leader A K Antony of Kerala, and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, also in the Congress earlier, have joined the BJP in the last two days.
Thousands of Shiv Sainiks are expected to accompany Eknath Shinde on his visit to Ayodhya on Sunday, his first such visit after being sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra in June last year.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde flagged off a special train to Ayodhya carrying supporters of his party Shiv Sena amid fanfare, two days ahead of his own visit to Ayodhya, in Thane on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Almost all hotels, guest houses and dharamshalas in the temple town have been booked to accommodate Shiv Sena ministers, MPs and MLAs who will arrive in Ayodhya on Saturday.

Shiv Sainiks are also expected to reach Ayodhya in special trains a day before Shinde to welcome him.

The Shiv Sena has prepared a plan to highlight Shinde's visit to Ayodhya across the country.

According to the official programme issued by the Maharashtra government, Shinde will reach Lucknow on Saturday evening and stay there for the night.

On Sunday morning, he will reach Ayodhya by helicopter and land at the banks of the Saryu river.

Maharashtra Chief Minister's spokesperson Viraj Mulaye told PTI, "The Maharashtra chief minister will be arriving in Lucknow on Saturday and will visit Ayodhya on Sunday, where he will offer prayers at the Hanumangarhi temple and the Ram temple. He will also see the ongoing construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and perform the evening 'aarti' on the banks of the Saryu river."

"He will also meet the seers of Ayodhya and address a press conference. He will return to Mumbai on Sunday after finishing all his scheduled programmes in Ayodhya," Mulaye said.

Shinde will spend about nine hours in the temple town.

He had said on Friday that Ayodhya was a place of utmost faith for him and his supporters.

Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray wanted to see a grand Ram temple come up in Ayodhya, the chief minister said as he flagged off a special train carrying Shiv Sainiks to the temple town amid chants of 'Jai Shri Ram'.

The special train was beautifully decorated with a 'Chalo Ayodhya' board mounted in the front.

Another train carrying Shiv Sainiks left for Ayodhya from Nashik, Shinde told reporters.

In all, more than 3,000 devotees have left for the temple town in these two trains, which will reach the final destination on Saturday, he had said.

Earlier, Shinde had visited Ayodhya as a Shiv Sena leader on November 25, 2018, a year before the Supreme Court announced the verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute.

He also visited Ayodhya in March 2020 and June last year.
Taking a dig at political parties who approached the Supreme Court alleging arbitrary use of central probe agencies against opposition leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the court gave them a 'jolt' by refusing to entertain their plea.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the inauguration and foundation stone laying of various projects, in Hyderabad on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Modi, who addressed a public meeting in Hyderabad after laying foundation stone and inaugurating several development projects, also said the lack of cooperation from the state government is leading to delay in the completion of several central projects in Telangana.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not attend the inauguration of Vande Bharat train between Secunderabad and Tirupati, and also Modi's event dedicating to the nation and laying the foundation stone for several development projects in Telangana.

Rao has stayed away from the events of Modi during the latter's visits to the state for more than a year now.

Observing that it is the people of Telangana who are at a loss, PM Modi urged the state government to not allow any hindrance in the works related to the development.

Modi, who slammed dynastic politics, said his government has attacked the real root of corruption of dynastic forces who want to keep their control over every system.

"Should we fight against corruption or not? Should we fight against the corrupt or not? Should the country be liberated from corruption or not? Should legal steps be taken against the corrupt however big or not. Should the law be allowed to work against the corrupt or not," he asked the gathering.

That's why 'these people' are upset and they are doing anything out of anger, Modi said.

"A few days ago, some political parties went to the court seeking protection that no one should seek to inquire our (parties) books filled with corruption. They went to court, but court gave them a shock," Modi said, without taking any names.

Recently, as many as 14 political parties led by the Congress filed a petition in the apex court alleging that there has been an alarming rise in the use of coercive criminal processes against opposition political leaders and other citizens exercising their fundamental right to dissent.

However, the Supreme Court, refusing to entertain the plea, observed that politicians do not have 'higher immunity'.

On April 5, a bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice J B Pardiwala expressed disinclination to entertain the petition, saying courts are always there for taking up the grievances of political leaders as they do for common citizens.

Modi, who said corruption and 'parivarvaad' (dynasty) are not different from each other, stated that every type of corruption begins to grow where there is 'parivarvaad'.

The main mantra of dynasty and dynastic politics is control of all, he opined.

The dynasts want to keep their control over every system and does not like it at all that someone challenges their control, he said.

Giving the example of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system promoted by his government and the promotion of digital payments across the country, the Prime Minister said the dynastic forces did not to give up their control on the system earlier.

The dynasts want to keep control of which beneficiary would get what benefit and this had three meanings.

Firstly, Modi said, the family should continue to be praised; secondly, the money coming through corruption should keep coming to the family; and thirdly, the money that is sent to the poor should continue to be received by the corrupt ecosystem.

While fulfilling the aspirations of people is a priority for his government, a handful are agitated by the progress of development, he said.

Those who have been nurturing dynasty, nepotism and corruption have nothing to do with the interest of the country and the welfare of society, Modi said.

They like to see only the prosperity of their family and these people see the self-interest of their family in every project and investment, he added.

"Telangana needs to be very alert against such people," Modi asserted.

Expressing 'pain' at the alleged non-cooperation of the BRS government towards central government initiatives aimed at Telangana, he appealed to the Rao-led dispensation to not allow any hindrance in development being planned for the people of the state.

The non-cooperation of the state government in Centre's projects is affecting the dreams of the people of Telangana, he said, while stressing on the state's progress as being important for overall national growth.

Modi said due to the Covid pandemic and the continuing Russia-Ukraine war, the world was witnessing ups and downs in the economy, but amid this uncertainty, India was one of the countries that was investing record amount on infrastructure modernisation.

He said Rs 10 lakh crore was allotted for infrastructure modernisation in this year's Union budget.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express train between Secunderabad and Tirupati at the Secunderabad Railway station in Hyderabad.

Secunderabad is the headquarters of South Central Railway zone.

The Vande Bharat train will reduce the travel time between Secunderabad and Tirupati in the neighbouring state by almost three and half hours and will be particularly beneficial to pilgrims.

The indigenous semi-high speed train is the second Vande Bharat train to be operated between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

On January 15, Modi had virtually flagged off the Vande Bharat train service between Secunderabad and the port city of Visakhapatnam in AP, which was the first such service connecting the two Telugu-speaking states.

Modi said the new Vande Bharat train service, which was flagged off from Secunderabad to Tirupati, links the city of the temple of Goddess Bhagya Lakshmi (Hyderabad) with the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara in Tirupati.

India's symbol of pride on rail tracks, the Vande Bharat is connecting technology and tourism across the nation, he said.

Prior to flagging off the Vande Bharat Express, Modi carried out a brief inspection of the train and interacted with school students and crew members (loco pilot).

Addressing the gathering, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, railways is witnessing all-round development with world-class stations, trains and fast progress in completion of new lines, doubling and electrification projects.

Modi also launched several important rail developmental projects in Telangana, including laying of foundation stone for redevelopment of Secunderabad Railway Station at cost of Rs 720 crore, dedication of doubling and electrification of Secunderabad-Mahabubnagar section to the nation.

He also flagged off 13 new multi-modal transport system (MMTS) train services in the suburban section of the Telangana capital.

Modi also laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various projects worth over Rs 11,300 crore at Parade Ground in Hyderabad.

The projects include laying the foundation stone of AIIMS-Bibinagar, Hyderabad, and five National Highway projects.
Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova will pay a four-day visit to India from Sunday, the first official visit from the East European country since the Russian invasion began last year.

IMAGE: Emine Dzhaparova, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters

Dzhaparova will hold talks with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

It is expected that the Ukrainian deputy foreign minister may extend an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine.

The MEA announced Dzhaparova's visit to India in a statement on Saturday.

'The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova will be on an official visit to India from April 9 to 12,' it said.

It said Dzhaparova will hold talks with Verma, during which both sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations, exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest.

Dzhaparova will also call on Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi and meet Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri.

Since the Ukraine conflict began in February last year, Prime Minister Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy a number of times.

In a phone conversation with President Zelenskyy on October 4 last year, Modi said there can be 'no military solution' and that India is ready to contribute to any peace efforts.

India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.

The MEA said India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine.

'Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence,' it said.

'The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests,' it added.
Still, that is a bumper result in a market where Korean phone makers traditionally fare poorly. Samsung's market share rose one percentage point compared to a year ago and fourfold compared to a trough of 2.4 percent in the third quarter of 2018.

According to market researcher Strategy Analytics on Monday, Samsung sold 600,000 smartphones in Japan from April to June to rank a distant second in terms of market share after Apple's 50.8 percent.

Samsung's share of the Japanese smartphone market rose to 9.8 percent in the second quarter of this year, the highest in six years powered by sales of the new Galaxy S10.

In the early 2010s Samsung took up as much as 14.8 percent of Japan's smartphone market thanks to collaboration with the country's largest telecom NTT Docomo. For a moment it lagged behind Apple by just four percentage points.

But since then, Apple has firmly seized the market for premium phones, while Sharp and Huawei overtook Samsung in the race for mid- to low-priced handsets.

Samsung spent a hefty amount of money on marketing, opening a Galaxy showroom in the trendy Harajuku district of Tokyo, while introducing an Olympic edition of the Galaxy S10 Plus in July.

Critics have hailed the Galaxy S10, saying that it is the only premium handset that rivals the iPhone.

One industry insider said, "Samsung's market share in Japan could rise further since it has secured a solid footing for 5G services, which are expected to be launched in the country to coincided with the Summer Olympics in Tokyo next year."
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Has been working as a photojournalist since 2007, before moving into newspapers, he worked with an NGO called Project HOPE. He then went to work for the Press and Sun-Bulletin in New York, and then in New England working for the Brattleboro Reformer.
The government hopes to fight a dire housing shortage in the Seoul metropolitan area by pushing forward urban reconstruction and redevelopment projects.

To attract private builders to the massive projects, the government will ease some regulations considered sacrosanct until now, including confiscation of excess profits from apartment renovations.

The decision comes after 24 different sets of real-estate regulations, including massive property tax hikes, have failed to tame housing prices in the capital.

The government on Thursday announced plans to build 830,000 homes across the country by 2025. That includes 323,000 in Seoul and 293,000 in the western port city of Incheon and Gyeonggi Province.

The government aims to shorten the overall construction period of housing complexes by up to five years. They often take more than 10 years.


Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Kamineni Konidela were clicked together at the airport earlier today. The pair is reportedly heading off to Maldives. This will be the couple's second babymoon since they announced their pregnancy to the world. Earlier, the parents-to-be spent some quality time in the US in March in the lead up to Oscars.

Ram Charan-Upasana's tropical babymoon

Ram Charan and wife Upasana are reportedly all set to head off to the Maldives. The parents-to-be were dressed casually for their long flight ahead. While Ram Charan paired his navy blue polo T-shirt with a pair of basic black pants and matching sunglasses, Upasana kept it breezy in a floral button down shirt with a simple white crepe skirt. Ram Charan lead wife Upasana into the premises. They were also surrounded by fans, who sought selfies with the RRR star.



The two smiled briefly at the cameras before hurriedly entering the airport.

First babymoon in the United States



Earlier in March this year, right before the Oscars craze surrounding Ram Charan-starrer RRR, the couple had left for the United States for a brief babymoon. Upasana had posted a reel about the same featuring their day out together. Upasana can be seen in a forest green wrap around silk dress while Ram Charan dons a statement leather jacket. The pair can be seen on a yacht, followed by a drive, indulging in some shopping coupled with sweet treats.

Ram Charan and Upasana's baby shower in Dubai

Upasana Kamineni previously shared a reel sharing highlights from her recent white-themed baby shower, hosted by sisters Anushpala and Sindoori Reddy in Dubai. The reel showed how the couple's family and friends all came together to celebrate the baby-on-board. Upasana captioned her post, "Soooooo grateful for all the love. Thank u my darling sisters @anushpala & @sindoori_reddy for the best baby shower."

On the work front, Ram Charan will next be seen in RC15 which has been titled Game Changer. Directed by Shankar, it stars Kiara Advani as the leading lady. The poster for his next after Game Changer, tentatively titled RC 16, directed by Buchi Babu Sana, was also released on his birthday last month.
An Indian-origin man has died after he was pushed in the chest by another man and fell down a flight of stairs outside a shopping mall in Singapore.

Thevandran Shanmugam, 34, fell backwards down the stairs at Concorde Shopping Mall on Orchard Road last month.

He sustained multiple fractures to his skull and was taken to a hospital, reported The Straits Times newspaper on Friday.

He was cremated at Mandai Crematorium on Friday evening, it said.

Muhammed Azfary Abdul Kaha, 27, who pushed Shanmugam, was charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt a day after the incident.

It was not mentioned in court documents if the two men knew each other before the incident.

The incident allegedly happened outside a popular nightspot at Concorde Shopping Mall which houses several bars and nightclubs on Orchard Road.

The nightclub on Friday refuted claims that Shanmugam had visited its premises in the morning on the day he was attacked.

Urging people not to speculate, Club Rumours extended its condolences to the Shanmugam family and said it was extremely sad and sorry for their loss.

If convicted, Azfary could be jailed for up to 10 years, as well as caned or fined.

According to court documents, Azfary had allegedly committed the offence while under a remission order after being jailed for other offences.

If convicted, he can face an additional jail term of up to 178 days, according to the report.

A remission order is issued to allow an inmate to spend a portion of his sentence outside of jail.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday dismissed as "completely false" the allegations of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter Iltija that she was being "pressured to withdraw her petition" in the high court after she was issued a "country-specific passport" for two years.

Without naming Iltija in its response to her allegations, the police said security verifications preceding the issue of passports is a high-value public service and the alertness of the force has detected as many as 54 young boys who were wrongly given passport service during 2017-18.

In a statement, the police said a quick internal audit was conducted following the allegation of pressure on the litigant and dismissed it as "completely false".

It is "unfortunate" that the public person has apparently projected her "personal grievance" as also to be the grievance of the public in general in Kashmir, the police said.

A day after she was issued a "country-specific passport" for two years to allow her to study in the United Arab Emirates, Iltija asked on Friday, "Am I a terrorist or an anti-national?" The 35-year-old had moved the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in February after her application for a passport was not cleared following an adverse report by the J-K Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Her passport had expired on January 2 and she had applied for a fresh one on June 8 last year.

She asserted that she would continue to fight her case in the court despite "pressure to withdraw her petition".

In its statement, the police said, "On learning that accusations have been made that the CID of J&K Police has pressurised a litigant to refrain from litigating in the High Court in connection with her passport related grievances, a quick internal audit was carried out."

"J&K Police can affirm that the claim of such pressure is completely false. Nevertheless, officers are being detailed to approach the aggrieved person and ascertain details  who pressurized, when, where and under what circumstances so that the quick internal inquiry if found inadequate can be expanded to take suitable disciplinary action against the delinquent, it said.

It said that, unfortunately, the public person has apparently projected her personal grievance as also to be the grievance of the public in general in Kashmir. This is very problematic, it said.

"J&K Police and its affiliates are public institutions and designed to serve public interest. Denigrating the community's own institutions for grievances that are personal on the basis of false accusations is self harm, the police said.

Giving a breakup of its passport verification works, the police said out of 77,686 passport verifications received in 2020, 77,644 (99.95 per cent) were cleared, while out of 75,714 passport verifications received in 2021, 75,176 (99.68 per,cent) were cleared. Similarly, in 2022, out of 1,34,315 passport verifications received, 1,28,939 (99.61 per cent) were cleared.

It said the J&K Police is committed to speedy and hassle-free clearance for more than 99 per cent of the applicants who are "clean and green" and a professional filtering of those who should be prevented from availing the service -- some in their own interest and others in the interest of the public.

"Security verifications preceding the issue of passports is a high value public service. J&K Police has detected as many as 54 young boys who were wrongly given passport service during 2017-18, the statement said.

The police said all of them went to Pakistan, were taken to terrorist camps, trained in arms, ammunition and explosives, many of them pushed back into J&K through the Line of Control and 26 of them died while either crossing or during encounters in the hinterland.

Lives of 12 of these young boys could be saved by the CID after their return from Pakistan by bringing them under preventive custody so that terrorist-separatist syndicates do not succeed in pressuring them to join terror ranks.

"Eventually all of the 12 have been handed over to their families. Today they are alive and happily live amidst their mothers, sisters, brothers, fathers and friends. Unfortunately, 16 of them are still across and trapped in camps under control of hostile agencies, the police said.

The statement said it is heartbreaking to know that in some cases even parents had no idea that passport services have been extended to these boys of tender age.

Intelligence and investigation has confirmed that in each and every case the visa to Pakistan was arranged at the behest of one or the other leader of a constituent party of (separatist) Hurriyat Conference, the police said, adding CID is committed to help the parents of vulnerable young persons in not falling prey to the death traps.
Samsung rose to the No. 2 spot in Japan's smartphone market last year for the first time in two years. According to market researcher Strategy Analytics, Samsung's Galaxy phones accounted for 10.5 percent of the market, ranking second ahead of Sharp's 10.1 percent. But top-ranked Apple's iPhones took 56.1 percent in the style-conscious country.

Japanese consumers prefer domestic brands over imports unless they are considered top of the range, and fractious ties between the two governments made matters worse. But as bilateral relations began to thaw late last year, Samsung and LG's market shares in Japan rose, and Korean start-ups also began to do business there.

Korean electronics makers look forward to improved business in Japan, which has been a difficult market to penetrate.

In 2017, Samsung's market share stood at just five percent but rose to a distant second place with 10.1 percent in 2020, only to be overtaken by Sharp and fall again to 9.7 percent in 2021.

Signs of improvement began to appear in the first quarter of 2022, when Samsung's share edged up 1.7 percentage points on-year to 13.5 percent, the biggest in a decade. In 2013, Samsung took up 14.1 percent but still ranked third after Sony.

Now the Korean electronics giant will resurrect the Samsung logo for the first time in eight years when the Galaxy S23 hits stores there early next month. Samsung ditched the logo on phones sold in Japan in 2015 and used the Galaxy brand name instead.

LG is also expanding its presence in the island country with high-definition TVs. According to market researcher Omdia, LG accounted for 7.7 percent of Japan's OLED TV market in 2022, up 0.4 percentage point on-year in a market where Sony, Panasonic, Sharp and Toshiba rule supreme with a 90-percent share.

Sales of LG's Styler, a refrigerator-sized machine that pumps steam to kill odor-producing bacteria and allergens in business suits, have grown rapidly since it was released there in 2017.

Korean IT start-ups have also been taking root in Japan with localization strategies and competitive services. Exchanges of IT specialists between the two countries, which slowed significantly during the coronavirus pandemic, have shown signs of recovering recently as well.
A potential supermassive black hole lurking in intergalactic space has caught the attention of NASA experts. Unlike other black holes that have been observed destroying stars, this one isn't and its incredible speeds could take it from Earth to the Moon in under 15 minutes. The experts believe this black hole has left a trail of newborn stars stretching 200,000 light-years-long as it moves through galactic gases, according to evidence found by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Pieter van Dokkum of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, noted that the observations suggest a wake behind the black hole where gas cools and forms new stars, as per a report from the Mirror.

So, we're looking at star formation trailing the black hole. What we're seeing is the aftermath. Like the wake behind a ship we're seeing the wake behind the black hole. Gas in front of it gets shocked because of this supersonic, very high-velocity impact of the black hole moving through the gas. How it works exactly is not really known. This is pure serendipity that we stumbled across it,I was just scanning through the Hubble image and then I noticed that we have a little streak," van Dokkum said. I immediately thought, 'oh, a cosmic ray hitting the camera detector and causing a linear imaging artefact. When we eliminated cosmic rays we realised it was still there. It didn't look like anything we've seen before," he added.

Where is the black hole located?

The black hole lies at one end of a 200,000 light-years-long column of newborn stars, stretching back to its parent galaxy. Unlike other black holes, it appears to be leaving stars intact as it tears through galactic gases at incredible speeds - which could carry it from Earth to the Moon in under 15 minutes. The outermost tip of the column is where a strikingly bright knot of ionised oxygen can be found. The motion of the black hole striking the gas is likely shocking and heating it, according to researchers. Alternatively, radiation from an accretion disc around the black hole could be the cause.

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope revealed evidence of the wake it leaves behind, with gas cooling and forming stars as the black hole moves through the galaxy. In other space news, astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope say they have discovered four of the oldest galaxies in the known universe, created just 300 million years after the Big Bang.
On April 6, Sweden made the decision to extradite a Turkish citizen who is wanted by the Turkish government, in a move seen by some as an attempt to gain Ankara's approval for Sweden's potential accession to the US-led military alliance NATO. This development occurred just one day after Finland officially became the 31st member of NATO, as per a report from the Cradle.

In the aftermath of Russia's military intervention in Ukraine, both Sweden and Finland sought to join the NATO alliance out of concern that the conflict could potentially spread into Europe. While Sweden has agreed to extradite a Turkish national allegedly associated with a Kurdish group that Turkey links to a failed coup in 2016, the country has refused Ankara's request for the extradition of additional suspects.

Is Sweden changing its tune for selfish reasons?

For years, Turkey has accused Sweden of being a safe haven for Kurdish militants, citing their history of granting entry to members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is designated a terrorist organization by the US, the UK, and Turkey. Ankara has blamed the PKK for the November 2022 Istanbul bombing. The individual that Sweden has agreed to extradite to Turkey, Omer Altun, was sentenced to 15 years by Turkiyes judiciary last year. Curiously enough, Sweden deemed his convictions to be equivalent to fraud.

Now, Swedens justice ministry is claiming that the extradition of Omer Altun was agreed upon on the condition that he would be granted a fair retrial. The Swedish Supreme Court approved the extradition on March 30th, and the justice ministry claims that the decision was made in accordance with legal procedure. In a statement, the Supreme Court said that it agreed with the governments assessment and found no impediment to Altuns extradition to Turkey.

Quran burning incident made Sweden's road to NATO membership more uphill

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had previously set stringent conditions for supporting the joint applications of Stockholm and Helsinki to join NATO, insisting that Sweden extradite dozens of individuals, mainly Kurds, whom Ankara accuses of either "terrorism" or involvement in a failed coup in 2016. However, Sweden's bid to join NATO was further complicated by the display of an effigy of Erdogan by a group of Swedish nationals in a public area and the burning of a Quran outside Ankara's embassy in Stockholm by a far-right politician.
Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Saturday returned to Parliament for reconsideration a bill aimed at clipping the powers of the chief justice, citing that the proposed legislation is beyond the jurisdiction of the legislative body and can be assailed as a "colourable legislation".

Pakistan is witnessing a rift between the judiciary and the government after a three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Uma Ata Bandial on Tuesday fixed May 14 as the new date for elections to the Punjab Assembly and quashed the Election Commission's decision to extend the date of the poll from April 10 to October 8.

The apex court's verdict was criticised by the coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, which has refused to accept it. The government also is keen to curb the suo moto (on its own) powers of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Bandial.

The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023 was approved by both houses of Parliament last month and sent to the president for assent.

The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023 travels beyond the competence of the parliament and can be assailed as a colourable legislation, Alvi, a member of former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party before he became president, said in his reply to the government.

The bill was approved by the federal Cabinet on March 28. The National Assembly passed it after a few amendments suggested by the Standing Committee on Law and Justice. On March 30, it was passed by the Senate.

The bill states that every cause, matter, or appeal before the apex court would be heard and disposed of by a bench constituted by a committee comprising the chief justice and the two senior-most judges. It added that the decisions of the committee would be taken by a majority.

On exercising the apex courts original jurisdiction, called suo moto powers, the bill said that any matter invoking the use of Article 184(3) would first be placed before the committee.

In his detailed reply, which he also posted on Twitter, Alvi said that he thought it fit and proper to return the bill under the Constitution, with the request for reconsideration in order to meet the scrutiny about its validity (if assailed in the court of law).

He said that these time-tested rules are being followed ever since the year 1980  any tinkering with the same may tantamount to interference with the internal working of the Court, its autonomy and independence. Alvi cautioned that any attempt to modify or tamper with these rules could be viewed as interference with the internal workings of the Court, which could compromise its autonomy and independence.

The head of the state further said the top court is an independent institution as visualised by the founding fathers that in the state of Pakistan independence of the judiciary shall be fully secured.

With such an objective in view, Article 191 was incorporated and the Supreme Court was kept out of the law-making authority of the parliament, he stressed.

He said the competence of the Parliament to make laws stemmed from the Constitution itself.

After Alvi's refusal to assent to the legislation, the government is likely to get through this bill from a joint session of parliament, Geo News reported.

Reacting to the presidents move, Climate Change Minister Senator Sherry Rehman criticised President Alvi for following former prime minister Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's policy.

In a tweet, she said, By returning the Supreme Court bill (to the parliament) for review, President Arif Alvi has proved that he is not the countrys president but the PTIs secretary general even now. She said Alvi had looked at Parliaments every decision with the perspective of the PTI.

He is following his partys policy, not his constitutional role as the president," she said.

The president is saying that this bill is outside the parliaments authority? He kept running the President's House like an ordinance factory for three and a half years  how can he be aware of the parliaments powers? President, do not teach the parliament legislation, she said.

A senior Pakistani minister on Friday demanded the resignation of Chief Justice Bandial after another judge of the Supreme Court issued a dissenting note on the suo motu notice regarding holding elections in Punjab province, Meanwhile, a complaint was filed against the CJP before the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) for misconduct, seeking a probe into the constitution of a bench for suo motu proceedings on Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elections.

PML-N chief organiser Maryam Nawaz Sharif echoed the demand that CJP Bandial should resign because his tilt towards her rival party, the PTI, was glaring.

In a couple of tweets, Maryam alleged that the top judge had flagrantly violated the law and Constitution to favour Khan and the PTI.

This blatant abuse of authority has led to an unprecedented revolt-like situation in the [Supreme Court]. Judges of impeccable repute have raised serious questions on CJPs conduct & bias, she wrote, claiming that no chief justice had ever been accused of such misconduct.

Her father, PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, also tweeted on the issue, saying that courts were meant to rescue nations from crises, not push them further into the quagmire.

Who knows what privilege the chief justice has employed to impose a minority opinion on a majority decision? Rather than causing further damage, a chief justice who has insulted his position and the constitution by further PTIs agenda should immediately resign.
Armenian parliamentary speaker Alen Simonyan has issued an apology after he was caught on camera spitting on a pedestrian earlier this week. In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, the 43-year-old acknowledged his lack of self-control in response to an insult directed at him. Im sorry, I lost my self-control because of an insult directed at me, the speaker wrote.

Despite the apology, the incident has continued to generate widespread attention in Armenian media outlets, with many calling for Simonyan's resignation, including former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, as per a report from the South China Morning Post. The incident has also sparked broader discussions about political accountability and the appropriate conduct for elected officials.

Simonyan's actions have been widely condemned, and the incident has added to the political turmoil in Armenia, which has been grappling with a range of challenges in recent years, including political unrest and a conflict with neighbouring Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

What exactly happened?

Earlier this week, Armenian parliamentary speaker Alen Simonyan was caught on camera spitting on a pedestrian after he was allegedly insulted on the street. The man claimed that Simonyan ordered his bodyguards to restrain him before spitting in his face. Simonyan did not deny the incident, but initially defended his actions by stating, "Get it into your head that your impudence will not go unanswered, an insult directed at the legitimate authorities of the state will receive a legitimate response."

Following the public disclosure of the incident, the top official of the National Assembly and a prominent member of the ruling party Civil Contract faced significant pressure. Armenia's government is currently seen as fragile following its defeat in the 2020 war against neighbouring Azerbaijan over the disputed area of Nagorno-Karabakh. The war had a profound impact on the country, exacerbating an already challenging situation. The ceasefire agreement signed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, which involved ceding significant portions of Nagorno-Karabakh, is viewed by many citizens as an act of betrayal.
Afghan religious scholars Saturday criticized a ban on female education, as a key Taliban minister warned clerics not to rebel against the government on the controversial issue.

Girls cannot go to school beyond sixth grade in Afghanistan, with the education ban extending to universities. Women are barred from public spaces, including parks, and most forms of employment. Last week, Afghan women were barred from working at the U.N., according to the global body, although the Taliban have yet to make a public announcement.

Authorities present the education restrictions as temporary suspensions rather than bans, but universities and schools reopened in March without their female students.

The bans have raised fierce international uproar, increasing the country's isolation at a time when its economy has collapsed and worsenied a humanitarian crisis.

Two religious scholars who are well-known within Afghanistan said Saturday that authorities should reconsider their decision. Public opposition to Taliban policies is rare, although some Taliban leaders have voiced their disagreement with the decision-making process.

One scholar, Abdul Rahman Abid, said institutions should be permitted to re-admit girls and women through separate classes, hiring female teachers, staggering timetables, and even building new facilities.

Knowledge is obligatory in Islam for men and women, he told The Associated Press, and Islam allows women to study.

My daughter is absent from school, I am ashamed, I have no answer for my daughter, he said. My daughter asks why girls are not allowed to learn in the Islamic system. I have no answer for her.

He said reform is needed and warned that any delays are at the expense of the global Islamic community and also weakens the government.

Another scholar, who is a member of the Taliban, told the AP there is still time for ministries to solve the problem of girls' education. Toryali Himat cited ministries comprising the inner circle of the supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, who is based in Kandahar.

It was on his orders that the government banned girls from classrooms. Himat said there are two types of criticism, one that destroys the system and another that makes corrective criticism.

Islam has allowed both men and women to learn, but hijab and curriculum should be considered, said Himat. Corrective criticism should be given and the Islamic emirate should think about this. Where there is no criticism, there is the possibility of corruption. My personal opinion is that girls should get education up to university level.

Acting Higher Education Minister Nida Mohammad Nadim said Friday that clerics should not speak against government policy.

He made his remarks after another scholar, Abdul Sami Al Ghaznawi, told students at a religious school that there was no conflict over girls' education. He said Islamic scripture was clear that girls' education was acceptable. Al Ghaznawi was not immediately available for comment.

Nadim appeared to target Al Ghaznawi by mentioning an honorable scholar at the top of a video statement released on social media.

You encouraged the people to rebel, so what is the result? Nadim said. The result is that rebellion against this (ban) is allowed. If people are encouraged to rebel against the system, will it benefit Muslims?"

The minister was not immediately available for comment. But his spokesman, Hafiz Ziaullah Hashimi, confirmed Nadims remarks without giving further details about who they were directed at or the reason behind them.
As many as 1.5 million people of working age in Japan are subconsciously practising COVID-19 era isolation and have cut pre-pandemic level contact and interaction with society, a survey conducted by the Japanese government suggested. According to the Japan Times, a major chunk of the Japanese population has slipped into isolation due to the COVID pandemic wherein people were asked by the government to isolate at home.

A large number of Japanese are now under the influence of 'hikikomori', a phenomenon of social withdrawal. They work from home and have lost interest in their jobs, some have been isolated due to relationship issues that worsened during the lockdown, and others order food remotely and barely leave their homes.

Japanese population, suffering from hikikomori, voluntarily chooses to lead an isolated life with not many social contacts and spend most of their day at home. This accounts for about two percent of the total population aged 15-62 that is still reported to be reeling under the lingering impact of the COVID-19 social and mental crisis.

The survey taken by the Cabinet Office of Japan found that the COVID pandemic has mounted an estimated 20 percent of social recluse cases due to social distancing and mass quarantine. Of the total 30,000 people, those aged between 10 and 69 were living in isolation and many aged 15-39 were facing difficulty in maintaining interpersonal relationships and other forms of ties with society. An estimated 44.5 percent above 39 years of age reported that since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, their social behaviour has altered to a great degree. The Japanese government is trying to encourage the citizens to participate more in society by organising events in the capital of Tokyo that would help people socialise.

Ward Mayor Takeshi Saito was reported saying, We dont think everything will be solved just because we offer a metaverse. Itll probably be helpful for some people. Were targeting those who cant leave their rooms and havent been interacting with other people. We want to help them take a step forward," he added.

How COVID-19 impacted mental health

The devastating COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted young people and women psychologically, as well as financially as most of the population was left in isolation, according to a YouGov survey. Few people were considering changing their lives as a result of the impact the global health crisis had on their mental health, even as the pandemic's ripple effects started to wane, it was reported.

The young population in as many as 27 nations was consistently more likely impacted mentally than elders due to COVID-19, which also deteriorated the general quality of living, the YouGov-Cambridge Globaloism project's data found.

The survey stated that in France, an estimated 47% of people aged 18 to 24 had their mental health impacted due to the pandemic, and only 25% were aged 55 or older. In several other nations in Europe and across the globe people, reported a sense of isolation and psychological decline. In Germany, at least 38% of young people said that the COVID-19 pandemic put their overall mental health in a poor state as compared to 22% of older adults.
In his fourth telephonic conversation this year with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation around the contentious Nagorno-Karabakh region and discussed brokering a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. According to the Kremlin press service, the two counterparts also held discussions about other topics of mutual interest. "Topical issues of bilateral relations were touched upon," Kremlin noted in the statement. "Discussions on various aspects of the current situation around Nagorno-Karabakh continued between [Putin and Pashinyan]," the Kremlin statement said.

The practical aspects of the implementation of the entire complex of well-known agreements between the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2020-2022 were considered, including steps to ensure stability and security on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, restore economic and transport ties in the region and prepare a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, according to Kremlin's statement.

Unblocking transport communications in South Caucasus

Putin pressed on the importance of implementing the 2020-2022 agreements that were signed between Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute. Putin asked the Armenian leader to implement the terms of the agreement, and focused on the issues "related to security and stability on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, restoring economic and transport ties in the North Caucasus and preparing a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan."

"In addition, some topical issues of bilateral relations were touched upon," Russian President Putin's press service reported.

Armenian government's press service released a statement, noting that Pashinyan and Putin discussed unblocking transport communications in the South Caucasus. The two leaders, it said, last spoke on March 16 in a telephone conversation between the Russian president and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev. Prior to the Soviet Union's collapse, the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory, was a part of Azerbaijan. In February 1988, the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh, populated by ethnic Armenians, has since been under dispute about who claims the territorial sovereignty in the region. Russia has acted as a mediator in resolving the tense situation, clashes between troops of Baku and Yerevan, and negotiating a ceasefire. In November 2020, a statement on the full cessation of hostilities negotiated by Moscow in Nagorno-Karabakh was adopted that has since been violated.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in an interview that was partially broadcast on journalist Pavel Zarubin's Telegram channel, praised French President Emmanuel Macron for criticising US policy by opposing the deployment of nuclear weapons outside of national borders, as reported by TASS. "It has been a long time since weve heard such fierce criticism towards the United States of America from the President of France," the spokesman said.

Earlier, during a news conference with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Macron said that France opposed the stationing of nuclear weapons outside the national borders of nuclear countries. This came against the backdrop of Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement on March 25 in response to a request from Belarus over Moscow stationing its tactical nuclear weapons in the Republic, just like the US has done on the territory of its allies.

Russia installsNuclear Iskander-M in Belarus

Moscow has handed the Operational Tactical Missile System (OTRK) Iskander-M to long-time ally Belarus. The Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system was handed over to the Armed Forces of Belarus. It can use both conventional and nuclear missiles, Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced at a conference at the Russian military department.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated on Friday last week that he may come to an agreement with Vladimir Putin about the stationing of strategic nuclear weapons in Belarus, should it be deemed necessary for the nation's defence. Putin declared on March 25 that Russian tactical nuclear weapons would be stationed in Belarus.

However, Moscow will not turn over control of the weapons to Minsk. The action does not violate Russia's pledges to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, according to the Russian president. "I must say that together with Putin we [could] decide to deploy strategic [nuclear] weapons there, if necessary," Lukashenko said in an address, Sputnik reported.

He also claimed that he had also given the order to rebuild the platforms in Belarus where nuclear-tipped strategic ballistic missiles had previously been stationed. "A week ago, I gave the order to our military to immediately restore platforms where [intercontinental ballistic missiles RT-2PM] Topol with nuclear warheads were stationed ... I preserved all these platforms," Lukashenko added.

In addition, the Belarus leader stated that although Belarus had conventional weapons to deter foreign attack, Minsk would use all available measures, including tactical nuclear weapons, if the nation's existence was in danger.

Up to 81 Topol missiles were stationed in Belarus when the Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991. Belarus agreed to destroy all strategic nuclear warheads located on its soil or turn them over to Russia when it signed the Lisbon Protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in May 1992. By November 1996, all nuclear missiles that were stationed in Belarus had been shipped back to Russia.
Taiwan detects scores of Chinese warplanes, ships around it after Tsai Ing-wen returned from U.S., Central America.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen arrives at Taoyuan International Airport as she returns from a trip to the U.S. and Central America, April 7, 2023.

UPDATED at 8:15 a.m. ET on 2023-04-08

Seventy-one Chinese warplanes and nine ships were detected around Taiwan on Saturday, officials said, as Beijing launched three days of war games and patrols near the island after the Taiwanese president met with the U.S. house speaker in California.

As of 4 p.m. (local time), 45 of the Chinese air force planes, which included J-10,J-11, J-16, and J-20 fighter-jets as well as H-6K bombers, had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait  the de facto boundary between Taiwan and mainland China  Taiwans Ministry of National Defense said.

It marked the largest incursion into Taiwans air defense identification zone (ADIZ) this year. An ADIZ is an area where foreign aircraft are tracked and identified before flying farther into a countrys airspace.

China carried out the maneuvers three days after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy near Los Angeles  the first meeting of its kind on American soil, despite angry warnings from Beijing.

The ministry condemned such irrational actions and will defend Taiwans security with solid combat readiness, it said.

Also on Saturday morning, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command announced in a statement that United Sword drills would take place from April 8 to April 10 as planned.

The Commands spokesman, Col. Shi Yi, said the exercise would be held in the Taiwan Strait and in the sea and airspace to the north, east and south of Taiwan.

Last August, the Eastern Theater Command held a week-long military exercise around Taiwan right after then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island.

China considers Taiwan a Chinese province and has repeatedly protested against support extended by external forces to the island.

In addition, the Chinese military will conduct live-fire drills for five days in April in waters off Fuzhou, the capital of southeastern Fujian province near Taiwan, according to the provincial coast guard, which issued a navigational warning for the area.

Another live-fire exercise will be held on April 10 at Pingtan island in the Taiwan Strait.

Aircraft of the PLA Eastern Theater Command conduct joint combat training exercises around Taiwan after the visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Aug. 7, 2022. Credit: Xinhua via AP

Taiwans defense ministry said it was monitoring the situation and would respond accordingly to defend our country.

In recent years, China has continued to send aircraft and ships to harass the region, the ministry said in a statement.

It even used President Tsais visit to the United States as an excuse to conduct military exercises, which has seriously damaged regional peace, stability and security.

Taiwans military would respond calmly and rationally in order not to escalate tensions, it said.

On Thursday, after the Tsai-McCarthy meeting in California, Beijing promised to take strong and resolute measures as it condemned the U.S. for crossing the line and acting provocatively against China.

This [the meeting] is essentially the United States acting with Taiwan to connive at Taiwan independence separatists political activities in the United States, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It seriously infringes upon Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity.

President Tsai is now back in Taipei. Upon her arrival on Friday, she said her trip proved that when facing pressure and coercion, Taiwan will only become more unified.

We will never give in to attempts to hold us down, nor will we shy away from obstacles or cease engaging with the world, Tsai said during remarks at Taoyuan International Airport.

Edited by Imran Vittachi. This report has been updated to revise the number of Chinese military planes and ships detected near Taiwan.
In an attempt to boost Iran's flagging population growth, the government approved a controversial law in 2021 that further tightened restrictions on medical abortions and banned the free distribution of contraceptives.

Now, officials have expressed alarm about the number of illegal abortions being carried out in the country, suggesting government restrictions have pushed more women to terminate unwanted pregnancies outside the public health-care system.

Women who seek an abortion in Iran often rely on the black market to obtain abortion pills that can be counterfeit or expired and ineffective. They also use underground abortion services by doctors and midwives that sometimes operate in unhygienic conditions.

Government officials have said that each year between 300,000 to 600,000 abortions, most of them illegal, are performed in the country.

A midwife in Tehran, who spoke to RFE/RL's Radio Farda on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said illegal abortions appear to have increased "significantly." The midwife says health workers now estimate that there could be as many as 1 million abortions each year.

"We used to provide people with free contraceptives that would help prevent unwanted pregnancies," the midwife said, adding that poorer Iranians were the most affected. "Now, women from poorer [backgrounds] are forced to seek unsafe abortions by using pills they buy on the black market that could lead to health complications and put their lives at risk."

The midwife warns that the authorities appear to be determined to boost the country's birthrate "at any cost," a move that "will only lead to an increase in unsafe abortions."

'Disastrous' Figures

Soleiman Heidari, a Health Ministry official, said on April 18 that up to 80 percent of abortions in Iran were performed illegally. He did not say if the number of illegal abortions was increasing but added that some estimates, if accurate, were "disastrous."

Earlier in the week, Iran's ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi said the number of abortions in the country was "worrying," without giving figures. He also called for "violators" to be punished.

Officials have said that medical staff found guilty of carrying out illegal abortions will face a ban on practicing medicine. Tehran Governor Mohsen Mansuri last year called for the authorities to crack down on centers that help women terminate their unwanted pregnancies.

Health Ministry spokesman Pedram Pakayin said on April 19 that the ministry was taking steps to deal with "intentional abortions," including collecting abortion pills from the market.

Dropping Birthrate

Mansoureh Shojaee, a prominent women's rights activist and researcher, told RFE/RL that the law restricting medical abortions was a violation of women's right to maintain autonomy over their bodies.

"The issue of bodily rights and autonomy has been highlighted by the protest movement," she said, referring to the nationwide antiestablishment demonstrations that erupted after the September death of a young woman soon after she was arrested for violating the hijab law. The main slogan of the protesters was "Women, life, and freedom."

"These rights include the hijab but also issues dealing with fertility, including the right to prevent pregnancy," Shojaee said. "Women should be able to decide if they want to become pregnant, if they want children, and the number of children they want."

Shojaee adds that the state's restrictions on medical abortions and contraceptives have put the life of Iranian women at risk.

Previously, abortions could be legally performed during the first four months of pregnancy if three doctors agreed that a pregnancy threatened a woman's life, or the fetus had severe physical or mental disabilities that could produce extreme hardship for the mother.

But under the "rejuvenation of the population and support of the family" law passed in November 2021, abortion cases are now be decided by a panel that includes a judge and two medical professionals.

Rights groups and health experts warn that the law restricts women's access to medical abortions, leads to unwanted pregnancies and the birth of children with congenital defects, and increases the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.

In recent years, a growing number of Iranian women have chosen to have fewer or no children -- mainly due to economic woes, changing gender norms, the growth of girls' education, and family planning programs.

That trend has seen Iran's population growth rate drop from more than 4 percent in the 1980s to 1.29 percent in 2020, according to the World Bank, a development that has alarmed Iran's clerical establishment.
French President Emmanuel Macron was greeted by a huge crowd at a university in southern China Friday on the last day of a visit in which he repeatedly pushed his counterpart Xi Jinping to help end the Ukraine conflict.

Macron, who landed Wednesday in the capital Beijing, said he was seeking to dissuade China from supporting Russia's invasion of its neighbor.

On Friday, he flew to the southern city of Guangzhou, where he was mobbed by hundreds of screaming students and fans desperate for a selfie or a high-five with the French leader, in stark contrast with China's own staid political system.

Macron, whose name was chanted by some in the crowd, then spoke to students in the campus gym and answered their questions before an early dinner with Xi ahead of meetings with Chinese investors and a flight home.

Russia's conflict with Ukraine has dominated Macron's visit to China -- his first since 2019. And he told students in Guangzhou that the war was "a manifest violation of our international law." Russia, he told them, was "a country that has decided to colonize its neighbor and not to respect the rules."

"The international order is now weakened, and we have a responsibility, China and France, to preserve it and at the same time to reinvent it in the light of the realities of the 21st century," he said.

Macron also urged them to embrace a "critical spirit" that would allow them to become "free, rational individuals" -- another stark contrast with the rigid, state-controlled education to which Chinese students are subject.
A Russian missile strike on a museum in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kupyansk killed at least one person and wounded 10 others, an attack that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described as "barbaric," as heavy fighting for the control of Bakhmut intensified over the past day, the military reported.

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.

Oleh Synehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, told RFE/RL that the April 25 strike on the Kupyansk city center involved S-300-type missiles, one of which hit the Museum of Local History.

Synehubov said rescue work continues, with officials saying at least one more person may be under the rubble.

"The terrorist country is doing everything to destroy us completely. Our history, our culture, our people. Killing Ukrainians with absolutely barbaric methods," Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram, adding, "We must and will respond!"

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military said Russian forces unleashed more waves of assaults on Bakhmut over the past day, but neither side managed to make critical advances in the monthslong battle for the city in the eastern region of Donetsk.

"Fierce battles are going on for the city of Bakhmut," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said in its daily report on April 25, adding that Moscow's main push on the battlefield remained focused on the Bakhmut-Avdiyivka-Maryinka front line.

Russian forces launched 62 air strikes and six missile strikes against Ukrainian military positions and civilian objectives, the General Staff said in its report.

Ukrainian defenders also repelled 43 Russian attacks on Bakhmut and Maryinka, the report said.

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar, meanwhile, described the ongoing fighting in Bakhmut as a "continuous dynamic process."

Malyar said on Telegram on April 25: "We can lose positions in battle today, and regain them the next day; that is why the military prefers to talk about the result after the operation is over."

Malyar's comments came a day after Ukrainian commanders denied a Russian claim that mercenaries from the Wagner Group almost completely controlled the city.

In Washington, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned that Russian forces can step up their offensive actions once the weather begins to get warmer.

"We know that in the spring, when the weather improves -- and it is already starting to improve -- we can expect that the Russians will want to go on the offensive in some areas. We don't know exactly where and how they will do it, but we want to be sure that Ukrainians are able to defend themselves better against it," Kirby told Voice of America on April 24.

At the same time, Kirby added, if Ukrainian forces decide to conduct their own counteroffensive operations, they must have the appropriate capabilities.

Military experts have reported -- and Ukrainian leaders have hinted -- that a major spring counteroffensive by Ukraine is in the works.

With reporting by AP and Reuters
Russian invading forces continued to launch dozens of military strikes in eastern regions of Ukraine, with Kyivs military reporting its forces had repelled 60 attacks over the past day.

In a statement issued early on April 8, the Ukrainian General Staff said Russias military continued to target the countrys industrial east, focusing on the cities and towns of Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiyivka, and Maryinka in the Donetsk region.

"During the past 24 hours, the enemy launched two missile and 35 air strikes, carried out more than 40 attacks from rocket-launch systems," the military said.

The Ukrainian military also said Russian occupation forces in the regions of Zaporizhzhya and Kherson are making preparations for what Kyiv described as the evacuation of civilians to Russia-occupied Crimea.

In the eastern Crimean town of Feodosia explosions were reported on April 8. A Russia-installed leader on the peninsula said it was a Ukrainian missile and that it had been shot down by Russian forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, has ordered his military to gain complete control of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson, areas he claims Russia has illegally annexed. Ukraine has indicated that it will soon launch a counteroffensive to take back more territory.

The fresh attacks come amid reports that Russian invading forces have advanced in Bakhmut. On April 7, British military officials said in their latest daily report that Russian forces have likely moved into the center of the city and captured the western banks of the Bakhmutka River.

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.

Russias eight-month campaign to take control of Bakhmut coupled with Ukraines defense of the city have led to the longest and potentially bloodiest battle of the invasion, which Putin launched on February 24, 2022.

Meanwhile, the British Defense Ministry said Russias attempt to severely degrade Ukraines energy infrastructure has highly likely failed.

Russia has conducted long range strikes since October 2022, but large-scale attacks have become rare since early March 2023, the ministry said in its latest daily intelligence update on April 8.

Ukraines network operating companies continue to source replacement transformers and other critical components, the British Defense Ministry said adding, Ukraines energy situation will likely improve with the arrival of warmer weather.

At a mosque on the outskirts of Kyiv on April 7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met Ukrainian Muslim soldiers to celebrate Iftar, the evening meal marking the end of the Ramadan fast.

Zelenskiy repeated his vow to win back control of Crimea, a historic homeland of the Crimean Tatars, a Muslim ethnic minority.

He noted that Russia began its campaign against Ukraine with the 2014 annexation of Crimea and vowed: Where the path of evil began, victory awaits us there, I am sure. Victory over this evil. The liberation of Crimea has no alternative."

In his late video address on April 8, Zelenskiy said that Poland will provide 200 Rosomak infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, with about 100 of them set to arrive in the immediate future.

Zelenskiy added that Kyiv also expects Warsaw to provide Ukrainian forces with MiG-29 fighter jets, along with additional weapons and missiles, in the near future.

During his April 5 visit to Warsaw, Zelenskiy hailed Poland's role in persuading Western countries to provide battle tanks to Ukraine and suggested that a similar "planes coalition" could be formed.



With reporting by AP
I never heard anyone say no to Picasso. In fact, he called me the woman who says no, because when I had to say no, I said it, painter Francoise Gilot summarized her 10-year-relationship with Pablo Picasso, the man with whom she had two children, Paloma and Claude. But then she decided to leave him to avoid being consumed by the great artist. She was the only woman who could tolerate living with the Spanish artist once he was recognized for his work and talent. Now approaching her 102nd birthday, Gilot is far removed from that world; she lives in New York now. From the perspective of old age, she can discretely reflect on the fact that her work is finally starting to receive recognition in Europe, particularly her native France, her country, which had marginalized her until only recently.

Everyone know what she looks like: features like her long neck, the mole on her cheek and her penetrating gaze are featured in Picassos female portraits. She was luckier than some of his other subjects and did not go down in history as Woman Weeping, the title under which the Spanish artist portrayed Dora Maar. Perhaps that is why the elites of the French painting world have been less kind to Gilot than they have been to Dora Maar. By virtue of her own career as well as her status as Picassos muse, Maar is a leading figure in French surrealism and has been the subject of numerous exhibits. But on that side of the Atlantic, Gilot is little more than a forgotten drawing.

Pablo Picasso toasting Francoise Gilot in 1951. Bettmann (Bettmann Archive)

Aside from Fernande Olivier, Gilot is the only woman who didnt let Picasso break her, and I dont think thats a coincidence. Fernande also wrote memoirs of her [life] with Picasso. He did not destroy her, but he didnt do anything to save her either, and she died in poverty, Annie Maillis, Gilots biographer and friend, tells S MODA. Maillis also directed the documentary La femme qui dit non [The woman who said no], which returns to the screen this week for the fiftieth anniversary of Picassos death.

Francoise Gilot met Picasso in wartime Paris during the Nazi occupation. At the time, she was an aspiring young artist. As she recounts in her controversial book Living with Picasso, which she wrote in 1964 with literary critic Carlton Lake, they first crossed paths at the Le Catalan restaurant, a meeting spot for artists. I was with a friend and actor Alain Cuny, who was dining with us. Picasso came over to talk to us and told Cuny that he knew him: Can you introduce me to your friends? Gilot answered fearlessly, explaining that she was an artist. From then on, at Picassos invitation, she began to visit him in his studio in Grands Augustins in the morning. The day he invited me to come in the afternoon, I understood very well what he meant, Gilot says in Mailliss book of interviews with Picasso Dans larene avec Picasso [In the Ring with Picasso], which was published again in 2021. That was in May 1943; Picasso was 61 and Gilot was 21.

Paloma Picasso and her mother, Francoise Gilot, in New York in 1980. Images Press (Getty Images)

Soon, Gilot and Picasso fell in love. In her book, Gilot recalled the first months of their relationship. At the time, Picasso was involved with Dora Maar, with whom he had previously cheated on Marie-Therese de Walter. De Walter never got over the traumas of their relationship, and in 1977, four years after Picassos death, she committed suicide. For her part, Maar ended up in a psychiatric hospital. Meanwhile, Picasso could never legally separate from his first wife, Russian ballerina Olga Jojlova, who died in 1955 of cancer without being granted a divorce. Picasso, with whom she had a son, did not bother to attend her funeral.

Picassos control over his friends and lovers has been a source of controversy and the focus of several books such as Sophie Chauveaus The Minotaur and his granddaughter Marina Picassos My Grandfather. In the 1960s, Gilots book spoke to what it was like to have to tolerate the great artist every day. Jean Cocteauone of the few people who remained loyal to Gilot after she left Picasso and the painters friends and art galleries had begun to shun Gilotalso mentioned it in his memoirs. Cocteau was in the Spaniards studio when he heard the artist say to his partner: You are nothing more to me than the dust on this staircase. Gilot pointedly retorted, I dont need to be swept away; Ill be gone before that. Thats just one of many anecdotes about the Spanish artist that reflect a man who was extremely indecisive about the most trivial matters and was possessed of a mercurial temperament (to say the least).

Francoise Gilot, in her studio at her home in California. Images Press (Getty Images)

Picassos [modus operandi] was mostly psychological torture. He was not a violent man or a predator as we would say now. He continually put both the men and women he trusted to the test. But she was strong enough to respond. Others were not, says Maillis. As with Fernande, another free-spirited woman, Picasso was deeply in love with Francoise, but he could not bear that she left him. The trauma of abandonment, which he had carried with him since childhood, resurfaced in 1954 when Francoise took their two young children and moved out of the house they shared in the south of France.

I think what fascinated Picasso about Francoise was precisely [the fact] that she was a strong woman. It took a lot of character to leave Picasso. He told Gilot that no one could leave him, and that was exactly the wrong thing to say to her, because it immediately increased her desire to leave him, says Maillis, who has been close with Gilot and her children for 30 years; she has also spoken with them at length about Picasso.

Picasso and Francoise Gilot on vacation in France. Keystone-France (Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

Undoubtedly, Gilot got the worst of it after she separated from the artist, with whom she had established an interesting sort of painting collaboration during their relationship. Unlike Picassos previous partners, Gilot refused to become a muse. She did not want to be the creation in one of his works; she wanted to be the creator and often painted him. After they separated, Gilot began to have problems with her gallery owners, especially because she married another man and had another daughter. But her books publication in 1964 also fueled her banishment to a certain extent. Picasso tried three times to thwart its publication. Dozens of artistsincluding Rafael Alberti, Jose Bergamin, Camilo Jose Cela, Michel Leiris and other stalwarts of freedom of expressionproduced a petition calling for the book to be banned in France. Those efforts failed, but Gilot was forced to start a new life. In 2019, during an exhibition dedicated to her in New York, the painter insisted that she could not live in France: People dont like me; you cant imagine how much they hate me. Gilot never spoke to any of them again, although some tried to apologize later.

But the institutional vacuum around Gilots art in France has persisted until this very decade, although her paintings sell in the United States and other countries for hundreds of thousands of dollars. The motivation for our exhibit was the art worlds injustice toward women, particularly in Francoise Gilots case, explains Elisa Farran, the director of the Estrine Museum in Saint-Remy-de-Provence. In 2021, Farrans museum hosted the first exhibit of Gilots work, which was curated by Maillis. The exhibition was well received; over 20,000 visitors went to see it in the six months that it was open to the public. Maillis says that she has been contacted recently about a possible exhibit in Spain and a retrospective in a major city, which have yet to be confirmed.

Adam Forcing Eve to Eat an Apple II, a 1946 work by Francoise Gilot.

Farran herself was surprised that she didnt know of Gilot, whose name did not even appear among the names of the last centurys great French artists. The museum director noted that there was a redemptive aspect to trying to bring the public closer to Gilots work. For me, the important thing was to emphasize that we are talking about a French artist, given that France has always blacklisted her and excluded her as if she were an undesirable. But we had to show the extent to which Gilot, who trained in France, retained the characteristics of a French and European painter long after she settled in the United States.

The exhibit and its companion book are both called The French Years to reflect Gilots work in her post-Picasso figuration in the 1940s, her path toward the abstract, the weight of colorwhich she learned from Matisse, her favorite painterand the strength of her drawings. When Gilot met Picasso she was already an artist who had a certain mastery. The construction of her works is very solid because of the strength of her drawings. She had fun portraying her children and responding to her life as [part of] a couple. She cannot be compared to Picasso, but it must be said that she was not merely an executing hand; she was an artist of great talent.

In addition to her own work, Gilot is an extraordinary witness to the twentieth centurys artistic circles, but she was unable to attend her first exhibit in France. At 101 years old, she does not leave New York, although she has full control of her mental faculties. In the latter part of her life, she has maintained strict privacy and inaccessibility; she no longer wants to give interviews or be disturbed. But at least she has been able to witness her native country slowly redevelop interest in her work.

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The Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) is considered to be the center of Western art in Brazil, or the institution with the most important collection of European art in South America. At least, it was, until 2014, when Adriano Pedrosa was appointed the artistic director.

Before Pedrosa took over as curator, the history of art at the MASP was told from the perspective of Modigliani, Van Gogh, Picasso and Gauguin, who had a combined total of 13 pieces on display. They represented the official version of art history: white, male and colonial. But nine years ago, Indigenous people, Afro-Brazilians and women took center stage. Long before restoration and decolonization became a trend in the art world, the MASP had already opened the debate.

This museum is diverse, inclusive and plural [it] has the mission of establishing, critically and creatively, dialogues between past and present, cultures and territories, based on the visual arts, reads a poster.

Upon reaching the second floor  where the permanent collection is displayed  this objective is confirmed. The first paintings you see represent the feminist struggle, Brazilians of African descent, as well as various handicrafts rescued from Europe, which are the creations of the native population of Brazil.

All of these pieces of contemporary art have been acquired by the MASP over the last decade. In a collection where classic European men once ruled, they have changed the atmosphere. The 200 exhibited works by European painters are now displayed in the middle and towards the end of the MASPs collection, rather than at the start.

The classical European pieces were largely acquired by Pietro Maria Bardi, a collector, journalist and art dealer of Italian origin. In the 1940s, after World War II, he began to buy works by great European artists at a discounted price. For instance, Bardi paid $40,000 for Van Goghs Student and Velazquezs The Portrait of Count-Duke de Olivares. At the end of the 1990s, when Bardi passed away, these two paintings were valued at an astonishing $30 million. Another large part of the museums holdings comes from collections of European Jews who fled Nazism on their way to the Americas.

A view of the Sao Paulo Museum of Art, from Paulista Avenue. EDUARDO ORTEGA / MASP

All the pieces are displayed on large methacrylate panels, which are affixed to cement blocks. These displayed structures were created by Lina Bo Bardi, the architect who designed the building in 1947. These kinds of large frames were recovered in 2015, with the original intention of their creator: to question the traditional European museum model. Instead of everything being hung on walls, the art in the MASP is suspended in the air, mobile and malleable. This format also permits the collection to be easily reorganized every two weeks; visitors get to take a different path each time.

The MASP rewrites the history of art starting with the artists but it also blows up linear museology. It doesnt follow a chronological route to the letter, either: it begins with the present towards the whiter past, with creative license.

The transparent frames have another function: they allow you to see the back of the paintings, which have all the information that traditional museums dont show, as the pieces tend to hang on the walls. And it is there, at the rear, where Pedrosa  following Bardis guidelines  has placed the informative inscriptions.

The three-dimensional effect that MASP intends to achieve is as follows: two figures representing the devil in African culture are exhibited in a showcase. The glass allows you to see, in the background, the painting Pink and Blue - The Cahen dAnvers Girls, by Renoir, where two smiling little girls are represented. One of them died at Auschwitz.

The visitor will first see the African pieces; behind them, the impressionist painting. Then, you will be able to slip behind it and read all the information. In the end, the viewer ends up with another version of the story.

Kassia Borges Karaja, a member of the Karaja community. She one of the three Indigenous curators of the MASP. Lela Beltrao

The museum will, once again, invite you to reflect on two different pieces placed in another position. One is an idealized version of the death of an Indigenous woman, by Victor Meirelles. Next to it is a critical perspective of the artist and activist Denilson Baniwa, with a collage that represents the deforestation of the Amazon. Baniwa has placed the silhouette of a murdered Indigenous person in the piece, as if it were a crime scene.

The museum has dedicated the year 2023 to Indigenous stories, while 2024 will be devoted to sexual diversity. As Pedrosa notes in an interview with EL PAIS, the museum has hosted Indigenous art in its rooms in both individual and collective exhibitions.

During the upcoming exhibition, one of the two paintings by Gauguin from the MASP  which represents the Indigenous women of Tahiti  will stop hanging in the main room for a few weeks. As part of the exhibition, the museum wishes to criticize the colonial vision that the French painter had of these communities.

Those who are rethinking these old perspectives are the three Indigenous curators at MASP, who became part of the institution in 2022. The appointment of the trio reflects the growing strength and relevance of Indigenous art in museums, galleries and fairs in Brazil. The last Sao Paulo Biennial  held in 2021  took special care to invite them and give them a prominent role. The MASP, however, took that step long before, in an attempt to maintain a more fluid dialogue with its compatriots not just with the so-called great masters.

The interior of the Sao Paulo Museum of Art. MASP

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Neha Marda Welcomed a Baby Girl

Neha Marda had a premature delivery: Reports

MUMBAI: Famous Television actress Neha Marda has welcomed a baby girl. Neha Marda has shared first picture with the baby on social media. The pictures are doing rounds on the Internet.

As per the reports, Neha Marda had a premature delivery. She was hospitalised due to pregnancy related complications. The actress is still under observation at the hospital. Her baby is also being examined properly by the doctors.

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Recently, Neha Marda's team had shared her health update with fans on social media. The post read, "Waiting for a speedy recovery at this last phase of her pregnancy journey She has all faith on that one power. Shri Shivay Namstyuvhyam.

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Significantly, Neha Marda had tied the knot with Businessman from Patna Ayushman Agarwal in February 2012. She announced her pregnancy last year. Neha Marda is best known for her role of 'Gehna' in the television series Balika Vadhu. She last appeared in the TV series 'Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti'.
COVID-19

Corona has hit 17 out of 23 districts in Punjab

MOHALI: Engulfing Punjab in its grip, Coronavirus is creating havoc in the state. 159 Fresh Coronavirus cases have been tested positive in the state. The health department had sent 4301 samples from different districts of the state for testing. Out of these 3835 samples were tested. On April 7, 111 new cases have been reported positive from the state.

According to the data obtained from the health department, 12 corona victims are on oxygen support in different government and private hospitals of the state. Out of these 12 patients are of level-2 while 4 patients are of level-3. However, so far no corona victim in the state is in critical condition. Corona has hit 17 out of 23 districts in Punjab. The number of patients is increasing continuously in Mohali, Jalandhar and Ludhiana. As the number of patients is increasing, Mohali is going to become a hot spot. In Mohali, 177 samples were sent for testing and 51 of them have recorded to be positive.

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Notably, Jalandhar ranks second in Punjab in corona cases. In Jalandhar, 357 samples were sent for testing. The result of 18 of them has been found positive. 834 samples were sent from Ludhiana for testing, out of which 15 have been found positive. In Fatehgarh Sahib, 10 out of 166 samples have been identified as positive.
Books

Presenting Sikhs as separatists is not at all justified: SGPC

AMRITSAR: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has strongly objected to NCERT giving wrong information about Sikhs in the syllabus books. Shiromani Committee President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said that NCERT is misrepresenting historical details related to Sikhs. It has recorded misleading information about Sri Anandpur Sahib's resolution in the 12th standard book 'Politics in Independent India', which has hurt the sentiments of the community.

Presenting Sikhs as separatists while explaining the resolution of Sri Anandpur Sahib is not at all justified, so NCERT should remove it immediately. Dhami said that along with this, action has been taken from the partisan side while removing some information from the book and adding some new ones. He said, "It is sad that changes are being made according to what suits the current central government."

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Curricula especially about minorities are being abolished and arbitrary syllabus is being created. He said that accordingly, the resolution of Anandpur Sahib has been wrongly interpreted in the book 'Politics in Independent India'.

Harjinder Singh Dhami further said, "The rights and interests of the states are being ignored. It seems that the people who speak the language of Hindu Rashtra are being deliberately favored, while on the other hand, instead of solving the issues of minorities, a counter narrative is being created by creating misconceptions about them."
For Representation Purpose Only

Pilgrims will visit Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib & Kartarpur Sahib

NEW-DELHI: The Pakistan High Commission has issued visas to 2,856 Sikh pilgrims who will be visiting Pak to participate in the annual celebrations on the occasion of Baisakhi from April 9 to 18, informed Pak High Commission. The High Commission said that these pilgrims will visit Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib.

Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan every year on pilgrimages under bilateral protocol arrangements. Every year Pakistani pilgrims also come to India under this protocol. "On the occasion of Baisakhi, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued 2,856 visas to Sikh pilgrims who will visit Pak to participate in the annual events from April 9 to 18," the Pakistan High Commission said in a statement.

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In-charge of Pakistan High Commission in India, Salman Sharif greeted the pilgrims and wished them a smooth journey. He said that Pakistan is committed to the preservation of the holy places and is providing necessary facilities to the pilgrims.
2 generations of Honda Amaze: A Decade of Excellence in Indias Entry Sedan Segment, 10 Years of Evolution

Amaze, the contemporary sedan from Honda Cars India, has completed ten glorious years in India. Introduced in April 2013, the Honda Amaze is crucial to HCILs business. Being Hondas best-selling model in India means it leads with a 53 percent share of HCILs sales. That means 1 of every 2 cars sold by Honda is an Amaze. This is a bit obvious though considering Honda only sells 2 cars in India at the moment. Amaze and City. The dazzling duo will soon expand to be the transformative trio. All eyes on the Compact Honda SUV launch.

Currently, the manufacturers entry price point product, Amaze has contributed spectacularly to Hondas business year after year. 5.3 lakh customers in a decade. The Honda Amaze holds a strong entry sedan segment position. If youre in the market to upgrade from smaller cars, Honda Amaze entry level sedan is a strong value proposition. Its sales vouch for it being a preferred choice among personal buyers. In these 10 years, weve seen two generations, and various timely updates that cater to the evolving needs of customers. An obvious pick for personal buyers, 40 percent buyers are first-time buyers. Advanced CVT automatic variants account for about 35 percent of the current models sales.

Why the Honda Amaze is a Resale Dream Come True for Car Buyers

1st gen Honda Amaze was launched in April 2013. By March 2018, 2.6 lakh units were sold. 2nd gen Honda Amaze was launched in May 2018. Since then, 2.7 lakh units have been sold. Manufactured at Honda Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, Amaze exports head to SAARC countries, and South Africa. Its 1.2L i-VTEC petrol engine is good for 90PS@6000 rpm power, and 110 Nm@4800 rpm torque. Transmission options include 5-speed MT and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Fuel efficiency is pegged at 18.6 kmpl and 18.3 kmpl, respectively.

Since 2013, all Honda Amaze sold in India are E20 material compatible. And this throws light on a rather interesting outcome. Honda Amaze resale value looks bright, even for models that were sold before the mandate for E20 compatibility went into effect this month. All units of Honda Amaze are already equipped to run on E20 fuel.

Honda Amaze: The Value Proposition for Personal Buyers in India

In fact, the earlier availability of E20 compatible Honda Amaze models may give them an advantage in the used car market. They will be more desirable to buyers looking for a used car that can run on E20 fuel. This is true for all Honda cars made in India since 2009. However, as with any used car, the resale value would still depend on other factors such as the overall condition of the vehicle, mileage, and market demand.

It also means, all existing Honda customers since 2009 can use E20 fuel. You neednt change any car parts to make your car e20 fuel compatible. It is what it is, and happens to put Honda customers at a significant advantage. Thats all of you driving a Honda now.

Safety First: Honda Amaze 4-Star Safety Rating from Global NCAP

Back in 2019, Honda Amaze Africa spec variant was awarded a 4-star safety rating from Global NCAP. Honda offers 3-year unlimited Kms warranty and low-cost maintenance, adding value to customers. You can check in any time at HCILs 325 touchpoints across 236 Indian cities. Entry level Honda Amaze premium sedan is a strategic model for Hondas portfolio in India. It has pervaded big cities and gone on to regale Tier 2 and 3 markets that have contributed to 60 percent of Amaze sales. It sure is a favourite city car, wherever your city may be.

Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Limited said, It is a strategic premium entry model in our portfolio offering One Class Above Sedan Experience to our customers with its strong brand appeal, bold styling, excellent performance, durability, build quality, safety and comfortable experience. Were glad the Amaze is significantly contributing to our India business and has become the best-selling model in our line-up.
Toyota currently does not have a presence in sub-4-meter SUV segment, which presents the possibility of Raize being launched as a rebadged version of Brezza

Toyota has registered two new trademarks in India. These are Raize and Raize Space. It is likely to be used for the rebadged version of Maruti Brezza. Or it could be used for Toyotas version of Maruti Fronx. Another potential name for rebadged versions of Brezza and Fronx is Toyota Taisor. It was registered by Toyota last year in October.

In international markets, Toyota Raize is a compact SUV, measuring around 4 meters in length. Raize seems a catchier name, as compared to Urban Cruiser. It can help Toyota in making a successful re-entry into the fast-growing sub-compact SUV space. It is possible that Toyota is planning to launch both 5 and 7 seater versions under the Raize branding, which could be the reason behind registering the name Raize Space as well.

Scope for Toyota Raize (rebadged Brezza)

Toyota earlier had Urban Cruiser as the rebadged version of Maruti Brezza. While the response was good in terms of sales, for unknown reasons Toyota decided to discontinue the sub 4m SUV from the Indian market. However, as the segment holds significant potential for growth, Toyota may have plans to give it another try.

As Toyota has handed over the Urban Cruiser branding now to their new compact SUV HyRyder, their sub 4m SUV could come in with an all new name. So, with a new name and updated design and features, Toyota Raize could be successful in getting the customers attention.

When launched, Toyota Raize will rival the likes of Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. As compared to Maruti Brezza, Toyota Raize will have a distinctive exterior profile. Much of the changes will be centred around the front fascia. For example, Raize will have a new grille design. Side profile can be updated with a new set of alloy wheels. Interiors will be largely the same as Brezza, although colour theme is likely to be different.

Toyota Raize (rebadged Brezza) powertrain

Toyota Raize will be borrowing the K15C, 1.5-litre petrol motor from Brezza. It generates 100.6 PS of max power and 136 Nm of peak torque. Transmission choices include 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. Power and torque output is slightly higher with the smart hybrid variants of Brezza.

CNG option is available for Brezza, which can be introduced with Toyota Raize as well. When running on CNG, the SUV churns out 87.8 PS and 121.5 Nm. Toyota Raize CNG will be offered with only 5-speed manual transmission.

Much of the equipment list onboard Toyota Raize will also be borrowed from Maruti Brezza. Some key highlights include dual LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs, chrome accentuated front grille, precision cut alloy wheels and rear combination tail lamps. Inside, features include a 9-inch touchscreen, sunroof, wireless charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, MID with TFT colour display, leather wrapped steering wheel and ambient lighting.
One summer day in 1973, Yoko Ono walked into the office of 22-year-old May Pang, Ono and John Lennons personal assistant. Upon entering, Ono said, May, I need to talk to you. John and I are not getting along very well right now. Hes going to start dating other people. I know youre single, and I know that youre not [pursuing] John, but you need a boyfriend and I think youd be good for him. Pang grew up in Harlem and was the daughter of Chinese immigrants who owned a laundry. At just 19 years old, she started working at Apple Records, a record label founded in 1968 as a division of Apple Corps, the conglomerate that combined the Beatles personal and artistic interests. Shortly thereafter, she began to dedicate her work exclusively to the couple; she was essentially on call for them 24 hours a day: A normal day consisted of making them coffee, opening the mail and phoning Andy Warhol or Jackie Onassis. Every day was a surprise, she revealed in an interview. Pang was stunned at Onos proposal: Are you kidding? I cant do that, hes my employer, hes my boss. Hes your husband.

Now May Pang, 72, is taking the spotlight in a forthcoming documentary titled The Lost Weekend, an allusion to the name John Lennon gave his 18-month-long affair. The name refers to Billy Wilders 1945 film, which tells the story of an alcoholic writer whose addiction causes him to harm everyone around him. In the documentary, she tells her version of what happened, including Yoko Onos role in Pangs first love story: I was 23 years old, and my first boyfriend was John Lennon, she says.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono had married four years earlier, on March 20, 1969, in Gibraltar. A year later, in 1970, the Beatles broke up, and the bands fans quickly blamed Yoko Ono for that decision. The backlash from the press and fans was brutal, especially toward her; as a woman and, even worse, a foreigner, Yoko seemed to represent various evils. The truth is that Yoko was never the cause of The Beatles breakup, but just another aspect of the wear and tear of the worlds most famous music group. Lennon was more tired of being a Beatle than any other band member, and looking for a way out; he found one in Yoko Ono. The two built a new partnership that combined romance and artistic creation, and the couple positioned themselves at the forefront of that periods creative activities. In 1971, John and Yoko left London to start a new life in New York.

Four years after their wedding, their relationship was going through a rough patch. The couple had just moved into Manhattans iconic Dakota Building, where John Lennon would be murdered seven years later. The crisis in their relationship was also an artistic and creative crisis. Yoko Ono was perfectly aware of what was happening, as she revealed in an interview with The Telegraph in 2012: We were ruining our careers. People hated me, and they hated John because of me.

Mick Jagger, John Lennon and May Pang, in 1974. Ron Galella (Ron Galella Collection via Getty)

Lennons insecurities as an ex-Beatle embarking on a solo career translated into greater alcohol consumption, and he became increasingly jealous, obsessed and manipulative with Ono. Lennon followed her into the bathroom, so they wouldnt be apart. He needed her constant presence, even in the recording studio with the Beatles, which was one reason the band split up. Ono alone was blamed for the dissolution of the band and branded an interloper. Lennon was also unfaithful to Ono on a number of occasions, including one infidelity at a party that his wife was attending.

Yoko Ono needed some time away from John Lennon and came up with the perfect strategy: find another woman to take care of him. I thought it was better to give him a rest. And I needed a break. May Pang was a very intelligent, attractive and extremely efficient woman. I thought she would be a good choice, she revealed in an interview with The Telegraph. At the time, she wrote a song dedicated to Lennon titled I Want My Love to Rest Tonight.

The Lost Weekend

Julian Lennon with his father and May Pang on the day they went to Disneyland. John Rodgers (Redferns)

I didnt know where it was going to lead, May Pang acknowledged in an interview in this weeks issue of People magazine. I was like, Whats going to happen? I was very content in working. [But] he kept saying, I dont know where this is going to lead, but lets just do the jump. And so they did. Despite her initial reluctance, they started a love affair that lasted 18 months, from 1973 until 1975, when John Lennon and Yoko Ono got back together.

May Pang was not merely Lennons lover; she was a full-fledged girlfriend. For a time, they even lived together, dividing their time between New York and Los Angeles. In California, they lived in a huge mansion where, according to legend, John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe used to meet. Together they attended numerous parties with friends, including Ringo Starr  who, Pang confesses, had been her favorite Beatle since she was a teenager because she loved his blue eyes  Elton John, Harry Nilsson and Mick Jagger. John was just an interesting person. He really loved everything, and wanted to explore, Pang says. He loved to get up, have his coffee in the morning. He loved blueberry pancakes, he loved swimming. He was just an awesome person who wanted to discover things. The two also shared a passion for music it was what he loved most  and even spent time jamming with former Beatles bandmates Paul McCartney and George Harrison. George once said, Im so happy youre with John, and that was a nice thing of him to say to me, she remembers.

During all that time, Pang documented everything with her camera, the results of which ended up in her 2008 book, Instamatic Karma. She also helped John recover his lost relationship with his son Julian, his child from his first marriage to Cynthia Powell. Her book includes photos of the couple with the boy at Disneyland. Powell later acknowledged how grateful she was to Pang for bringing about the reunion between father and son.

However, all that glittered was not gold. At the beginning of 1974, Lennon was practically drunk all the time, and his parties with musician Harry Nilsson constantly made the front page of the newspapers. According to his biographers, that was a dark period in the musicians life, during which he was plagued by depression and had to sign the last papers linking him to the Beatles. And Yoko Ono was always present. She called him frequently, sometimes more than 15 times a day. In 1974, Yoko Ono asked him for a divorce, and John Lennon agreed to it. But that never happened. Pang recounts in the People interview that she believes the artists eagerness to end his second marriage took Ono by surprise and catalyzed her desire to end John and Mays relationship and win her husband back. Lennon was trying to quit smoking, and Ono told him she knew a hypnotist. Pang claims that she knew things were over when Lennon saw Ono again. You just know, she asserts. He was not the same when I saw him [again].

The relationship ended much like it began. Yoko didnt realize that our [relationship] was going to turn into a love story. She thought it would be a two-week thing, Pang explains in the documentary. One fine day, she got a call from Ono, who told her: Im thinking of getting back together with John. Dumbfounded once again, Pang asked, What? Yoko Ono replied, I think its time.

Pang says she had no sense of closure, just as she had no power in the beginning of her relationship with John. For years, they continued to see each other: Hed secretly come over to see me. He would say, You know, I still love you, she recalls. He said things to me that were really very intimate and you could sense there was something still. It was gnawing at him. It was not a finished situation. They were friends until December 8, 1980, the day he died.

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Kids in the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District may be getting another opportunity to experience Sixth-Grade Camp at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park through the district.

Sixth-Grade Camp has been a rite of passage for 11- and 12-year-olds in San Diego County for more than 70 years, but the rising price to send kids to the great outdoors for a few nights has made it challenging for some school districts.

The La Mesa-Spring Valley School District is one of those districts that found the cost prohibitive, cutting participation in the Cuyamaca Outdoor School from the budget in 2009. But it is looking to bring back the experience of studying stars, streams and science while hiking and doing hands-on crafts in the backcountry.

The districts board on Feb. 20 heard a presentation by Bob Mueller, executive director of Outdoor Education and Student Support Services for the San Diego County Office of Education. Mueller and several other associated with the Outdoor School gave an overview of the camp and talked about fees, scholarships and funding opportunities.

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Mueller said the county works with districts to help with discounts and contracts. As the economy has improved, a number of districts have reinstated Sixth-Grade Camp, including the Lemon Grove School District, which returned to the Outdoor School in 2017 after a nine-year absence.

Several speakers said they wanted the district to bring the program back. Superintendent Brian Marshall and the governing board made no hard promises, but they said they were aware of the interest and would bring it back for further discussion.

The County Office of Education runs the program at the 25,000-acre Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, hosting more than 11,000 kids every year. It typically costs $320 per student to attend the five-day, four-night camp located off Highway 79 in the mountains of East County.

The program seeks to connect students to science and nature, offering lessons in astronomy, biology, botany, geology, meteorology, outdoor skills and Native American lore. There are campfires and even a talent show. The school recently added archery, geocaching, and rock climbing.

The largest and oldest of Californias 23 outdoor schools, operating since 1946, the campus has educated about 1 million sixth-graders. For 2017-18, it is expected to host 11,739 students.

Currently, 23 districts from San Diego County participate  including Lemon Grove, Alpine, Cajon Valley, Jamul-Dulzura, Lakeside, Mountain Empire and Santee  plus four from outside the county as well as 18 private and charter schools.

When the La Mesa-Spring Valley district eliminated the program, area parents jumped into action, volunteering to work so that that kids in the district could attend camp as a non-school group during their school breaks. But that was supposed to be a temporary remedy, not a permanent solution, they say.

School districts take priority when scheduling camp dates, with non-school groups, receiving a lesser priority when scheduling camp dates. Mueller said that right now, the group has room for about 1,400 more kids  just about the amount in La Mesa-Spring Valleys district.

Parent Stella Zimmerman said both her daughters attend Lemon Avenue Elementary, with her oldest attending Sixth-Grade Camp last fall and having a life-changing experience and that she hoped every student in the district would have the same opportunity.

She returned not only with a newfound enthusiasm for the outdoors and the environment, but also with a stronger sense of self, independence and confidence, Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman said she collected a petition with 245 signatures of people who were looking to the board to reinstate the camp as part of the districts curriculum.

I believe that encouraging our children to step outside of themselves and forge stronger connections, with nature, with community and with each other, can be valuable in helping them evolve as people, as students, and as global citizens, she said.

karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com
To anyone who has seen the unnervingly thin Potato Chip Rock jutting into the air, Poway Mayor Steve Vaus announcement Saturday that the iconic formation had broken off seemed plausible, if not inevitable.

Which is what made it a perfect April Fools Day joke.

It worked into peoples preconceived notions, Vaus said. It took off from there.

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Take off it did. By 3 p.m. Saturday, his Poway Now Facebook page post had 34,000 views. He posted his fake news announcement on other Facebook pages and on his Poway Now website, as well. The website is not a city website.

The announcement was accompanied by an altered photo of the rock, tip gone.

The rock is one of San Diego Countys more popular hiking destinations atop Mount Woodson, just outside of Poway, and on weekends there is often a line of people waiting to have their photos taken on the gravity-defying stone.

A group of friends and family members pose for a photo on Potato Chip Rock in 2015. (Charlie Neuman / UT San Diego/Zuma Press)

While the mere thought of Potato Chip Rock breaking off is not far-fetched, the details in Vaus news announcement are pretty eyebrow-raising.

Vaus tall tale describes how a 7-foot piece of the rock fell into Lake Poway below. But he assured readers that the tip would be hoisted by helicopter and promptly glued back on in less than an hour.

Overseeing the repair will be world renowned adhesive expert Dr. Lirpa Sloof, Chairman Emeritus, School of Viscoelastics, University of Eastern Finland, the story reads. Sloof, inventor of Krazy Glue, says a quick repair can be made. This is simple science. Using the latest acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives, which actually increase the intensity of their bond over time, the rock will be better than new!

Dr. Lirpa Sloof? Try April Fools spelled backwards.

Anyone who bothers to read to the end gets tipped off to the gag: And theres no doubt in my mind Potato Chip Rock will be stronger than ever after the repair and ready to welcome visitors for many more April Fools Days to come, it reads.

People shared the fake story around social media, and a few asked the parking lot attendant at the trailhead whether the trail was still open, Vaus said.

One citizen even emailed Vaus, suggesting the city should lower water rates rather than use funds to fix the rock.

When asked if Vaus had any qualms about carrying out such a gag in his role as a trusted public official, he laughed it off.

There is no danger. I think its a healthy thing for a public official to have a sense of humor, Vaus said. Frankly we could use more politicians with a sense of humor.

Whats the worst thing that could happen, someone decide not to go up there today?

Davis writes for The San Diego Union-Tribune.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
The Chula Vista firefighter who was handcuffed by a highway patrol officer at a freeway crash site last month has filed a claim against the agency, claiming he was arrested with malice.

Firefighter/Engineer Jacob Gregoire told reporters Tuesday that he doesnt want to file a lawsuit, but hopes the California Highway Patrol will settle the case by agreeing to not obstruct fire crews performing their duties on state highways.

Im not looking for compensation, Im looking for policy change, Gregoire said at downtown San Diego office of his attorney, Dan Gilleon.

Gilleon called the actions of CHP Officer Sergio Flores a violation of Gregoires Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable arrest. He filed the claim for damages against the state claims board on Friday.

CHP Officer Jake Sanchez, an agency spokesman, said he could not comment on the incident, his agencys policy on controlling crash scenes, or the legal claim Gregoire filed.

The interagency squabble occurred Feb. 4, after a car headed south on Interstate 805 south of Telegraph Canyon Road had flipped over a temporary concrete divider wall alongside the fast lane.

Gregoire, whos been with the Chula Vista Fire Department for 12 years, said he drove up in a fire engine, with a captain and firefighter on board, and parked behind an ambulance, following department policy of placing the fire rig so that it protects medical personnel and patients from passing traffic. The engine was in the freeway fast lane, with two CHP cars and another fire engine behind it.

CHP officers told the crew of the second engine that they werent needed, Gilleon said, and they left within a few minutes. Gregoire said he was unloading a gurney while his captain and the firefighter helped two patients from the wrecked car. At that point, Gregoire said, Flores told him to drive his engine away or face arrest.

He said he couldnt leave without talking to his captain, then allowed himself to be handcuffed, searched and seated in the patrol car back seat.

It was odd, a surreal situation, Gregoire said. At the time, I thought my career was over. It was tough, being seated in the back of that CHP car.

Supervisors from both agencies resolved the issue and Gregoire was released about half an hour later. The District Attorneys Office did not issue any charge against him.

Gilleon said there have been other tensions between the CHP and Chula Vista firefighters at freeway crash scenes, including one in 2010 and one two weeks after Gregoires detention.

This situation has to do, I think, with ego, Gilleon said.

Gregoire said he filed the legal claim to try to bring about a change in how the CHP acknowledges that fire personnel should be considered in charge of freeway crash scenes involving sick or injured patients.

Gilleon said if the CHP orders its officers to not arrest, delay or obstruct firefighters lawfully treating patients, the case would be resolved without money changing hands.

If the state denies the claim, Gilleon said Gregoire has two years to file a federal civil rights violation lawsuit.

Because of the pending litigation, the city of Chula Vista cannot comment on the claim, said city spokeswoman Anne Steinberger.

The city continues to meet with CHP and supports ongoing efforts to ensure situations that happened on Feb. 4 do not happen again, she said.
Carina Lujambio would have been celebrating her eldest childs 24th birthday on Thanksgiving Day. Instead, she will be planning a memorial service for two of her sons and their father.

All three were fatally shot on Nov. 15 in what authorities in Anderson County, Texas, said was a massacre of members of two families who had gathered to camp on private land in a rural area about 100 miles southeast of Dallas.

Six people were killed in what District Attorney Allyson Mitchell called the single most horrific crime in the countys modern history.

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The land had recently been purchased by Lujambios ex-husband, Thomas Kamp, 46, of Midlothian, Texas.

Two of their four sons, Nathan Kamp, 23, and Austin Kamp, 21, who lived in Oceanside, had gone to visit their father and planned to celebrate Nathans birthday. They had been joined by Thomas Kamps girlfriend, who also was slain, as was her 6-year-old son and her father.

William Hudson, 33, who owned property adjacent to the campsite, is charged with six counts of capital murder. Few details have been released, and a motive for the slayings has not been disclosed. Lujambio declined to discuss details of the case, saying she did not want to jeopardize the investigation.

She described Nathan and Austin as best friends who were inseparable throughout their lives. Lujambio said her ex-husband was an incredible father, and that he had remained her best friend despite their divorce.

She said the young men were devoted to their younger brothers, Roland, 13, and Quinton, 15, who live with their mother, two Alaskan malamutes and a cat in Carlsbad, where Lujambio is a Realtor.

Their mother said Nathan and Austin loved to surf, snow ski and river raft. They loved roller coasters. They shared the same friends growing up. Their personalities were exuberant, she said.

They would walk in a room and everyone would look at them and smile, she said.

They attended Carlsbad High School in 2007 and 2008 before moving to Texas. Missing California, they moved back in 2012 and lived together in Oceanside.

At Carlsbad High, Austin played bassoon in the band.

He had a huge musical gift, his mother said, adding that he excelled in everything.

He never really had to try, everything came so easily to him, she said. People just clung to him and followed him.

She said Nathan was everybodys angel. As the first child, she said nearly every moment of his first six months are documented in family photograph albums. Lujambio was 20 years old when he was born.

The siblings had planned to join their mother and form a family real-estate brokerage. Austin was studying for a real-estate license. Nathan worked in sales and customer service for GreatCall in Carlsbad, which provides health and safety services for seniors. He was the companys No. 1 salesman the last several years, and also provided elderly customers with technical support for their cell phones, his mother said.

Austins girlfriend, Samantha Brown, was an extended member of the close-knit family. They were together since age 14, Lujambio said.

A memorial was held in Texas last weekend for the Kamps and for Hannah Johnson, 40, her son, Kade, and her father, Karl Johnson, 76. Authorities said Hannah died of blunt-force trauma. Her father and son were shot. Johnsons wife, Cynthia, was the lone survivor. She told authorities she hid after hearing gunshots.

Lujambio is planning a memorial for her sons and their father on Dec. 5. It will be held at 10 a.m. at North Coast Church in Vista. Her 85-year-old father, who has lived in South America for 15 years, has come to join the family. She said she is getting strength from relatives, friends and faith.

She wants the memorial to celebrate lives that, while cut short, had been full of love and laughter.

I am going to celebrate the 21 and 24 years I had with them, she said.

A fund-raising site has been set up on GoFundMe to help pay for funeral expenses and to support the two younger Kamp children. To donate, go to the Kamp/Lujambio Memorial Fund at gofundme.com/tdbd2edg.
A woman holds a crucifix as people participate in the "Way of the Cross" over the Brooklyn Bridge in a yearly ceremony on the Christian holy day of Good Friday in New York City, U.S., April 7, 2023. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

More than 60 asylum-seeking members of a Chinese Christian church who were detained last week in Thailand are en route to the United States, a religious freedom advocate who has been aiding them said Friday.

A colonel in Thailands police immigration division confirmed that the group left Thailand on Thursday night. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not his agencys spokesperson.

Thai police on Wednesday said the 63 members of the Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church, also known as the Mayflower Church, would be deported within a week, likely to a third country. The U.S. Embassy has declined comment on the fate of the group but was involved along with representatives of the U.N. Refugee Agency in talks with Thai officials about the matter.

The church members, who have been in Thailand since last September, were arrested last week in the seaside city of Pattaya for overstaying their visas, fined, and then taken to Bangkok, where they were detained in immigration facilities.

Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid, a Texas-based Christian human rights organization, said the group was heading to the United States and is expected to arrive in Dallas, Texas, on Friday evening.

ChinaAid welcomes the landing of the persecuted Chinese Mayflower Church to freedom in America and welcome to Texas, Fu said in a text message which also thanked U.S. and Thai officials and activists.

We will not rest until religious freedom is fully realized in China, he said.

Christian church organizations have been working to resettle them in Texas, lobbying for their admittance to the U.S. and offering to host them.

The church members have said they faced unbearable harassment in China.

Christians in China are legally allowed to worship only in churches affiliated with Communist Party-controlled religious groups, but for decades the authorities largely tolerated independent, unregistered house churches. They have tens of millions of worshippers, possibly outnumbering those in the official groups.

In recent years, however, house churches have come under heavy pressure, with many prominent ones shut down. Unlike previous crackdowns, such as Beijings ban on Falun Gong, a spiritual movement it labels a cult, the authorities have also targeted some believers not explicitly opposed to the Chinese state.

Prior to their arrival in Thailand, the Mayflower Church members fled to South Koreas Jeju island in October 2019 and stayed there for nearly three years. They decided to leave after it became clear that prospects for refuge there were dim.

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It feels like a classical paradox: How do you see the invisible? But for modern astronomers, it is a very real challenge: How do you measure dark matter, which by definition emits no light?

The answer: You see how it impacts things that you can see. In the case of dark matter, astronomers watch how light from distant galaxies bends around it.

An international team of astrophysicists and cosmologists have spent the past year teasing out the secrets of this elusive material, using sophisticated computer simulations and the observations from the one of the most powerful astronomical cameras in the world, the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC). The team is led by astronomers from Princeton University and the astronomical communities of Japan and Taiwan, using data from the first three years of the HSC sky survey, a wide-field imaging survey carried out with the 8.2-meter Subaru telescope on the summit of Maunakea in Hawai'i. Subaru is operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan; its name is the Japanese word for the cluster of stars we call the Pleiades.

The team presented their findings at a webinar attended by more than 200 people, and they will share their work at the "Future Science with CMB x LSS" conference in Japan.

"Our overall goal is to measure some of the most fundamental properties of our universe," said Roohi Dalal, a graduate student in astrophysics at Princeton. "We know that dark energy and dark matter make up 95% of our universe, but we understand very little about what they actually are and how they've evolved over the history of the universe. Clumps of dark matter distort the light of distant galaxies through weak gravitational lensing, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. This distortion is a really, really small effect; the shape of a single galaxy is distorted by an imperceptible amount. But when we make that measurement for 25 million galaxies, we're able to measure the distortion with quite high precision."

To jump to the punchline: The team has measured a value for the "clumpiness" of the universe's dark matter (known to cosmologists as "S 8 ") of 0.776, which aligns with values that other gravitational lensing surveys have found in looking at the relatively recent universe -- but it does not align with the value of 0.83 derived from the Cosmic Microwave Background, which dates back to the universe's origins.

The gap between these two values is small, but as more and more studies confirm each of the two values, it doesn't appear to be accidental. The other possibilities are that there's some as-yet unrecognized error or mistake in one of these two measurements or the standard cosmological model is incomplete in some interesting way.

"We're still being fairly cautious here," said Michael Strauss, chair of Princeton's Department of Astrophysical Sciences and one of the leaders of the HSC team. "We're not saying that we've just discovered that modern cosmology is all wrong, because, as Roohi has emphasized, the effect that we're measuring is a very subtle one. Now, we think we've done the measurement right. And the statistics show that there's only a one in 20 chance that it's just due to chance, which is compelling but not completely definitive. But as we in the astronomy community come to the same conclusion over multiple experiments, as we keep on doing these measurements, perhaps we're finding that it's real."

Hiding and uncovering the data

The idea that some change is needed in the standard cosmological model, that there is some fundamental piece of cosmology yet to be discovered, is a deliciously enticing one for some scientists.

"We are human beings, and we do have preferences. That's why we do what we call a 'blinded' analysis," Strauss said. "Scientists have become self-aware enough to know that we will bias ourselves, no matter how careful we are, unless we carry out our analysis without allowing ourselves to know the results until the end. For me, I would love to really find something fundamentally new. That would be truly exciting. But because I am prejudiced in that direction, we want to be very careful not to let that influence any analysis that we do."

To protect their work from their biases, they quite literally hid their results from themselves and their colleagues -- month after month after month.

"I worked on this analysis for a year and didn't get to see the values that were coming out," said Dalal.

The team even added an extra obfuscating layer: they ran their analyses on three different galaxy catalogs, one real and two with numerical values offset by random values.

"We didn't know which of them was real, so even if someone did accidentally see the values, we wouldn't know if the results were based on the real catalog or not," she said.

On February 16, the international team gathered together on Zoom -- in the evening in Princeton, in the morning in Japan and Taiwan -- for the "unblinding."

"It felt like a ceremony, a ritual, that we went through," Strauss said. "We unveiled the data, and ran our plots, immediately we saw it was great. Everyone went, 'Oh, whew!' and everyone was very happy."

Dalal and her roommate popped a bottle of champagne that night.

A huge survey with the world's largest telescope camera

HSC is the largest camera on a telescope of its size in the world, a mantle it will hold until the Vera C. Rubin Observatory currently under construction in the Chilean Andes, begins the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) in late 2024. In fact, the raw data from HSC is processed with the software designed for LSST. "It is fascinating to see that our software pipelines are able to handle such large quantities of data well ahead of LSST," said Andres Plazas, an associate research scholar at Princeton.

The survey that the research team used covers about 420 square degrees of the sky, about the equivalent of 2000 full moons. It's not a single contiguous chunk of sky, but split among six different pieces, each about the size that you could cover with an outstretched fist. The 25 million galaxies they surveyed are so distant that instead of seeing these galaxies as they are today, the HSC recorded how they were billions of years ago.

Each of these galaxies glows with the fires of tens of billions of suns, but because they are so far away, they are extremely faint, as much as 25 million times fainter than the faintest stars we can see with the naked eye.

"It is extremely exciting to see these results from HSC collaboration, especially as this data is closest to what we expect from Rubin Observatory, which the community is working towards together," said cosmologist Alexandra Amon, a Senior Kavli Fellow at Cambridge University and a senior researcher at Trinity College, who was not involved in this research. "Their deep survey makes for beautiful data. For me, it is intriguing that HSC, like the other independent weak lensing surveys, point to a low value for S 8 -- it's important validation, and exciting that these tensions and trends force us to pause and think about what that data is telling us about our Universe!"

The standard cosmological model

The standard model of cosmology is "astonishingly simple" in some ways, explained Andrina Nicola of the University of Bonn, who advised Dalal on this project when she was a postdoctoral scholar at Princeton. The model posits that the universe is made up of only four basic constituents: ordinary matter (atoms, mostly hydrogen and helium), dark matter, dark energy and photons.

According to the standard model, the universe has been expanding since the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago: it started out almost perfectly smooth, but the pull of gravity on the subtle fluctuations in the universe has caused structure -- galaxies enveloped in dark matter clumps -- to form. In the present-day universe, the relative contributions of ordinary matter, dark matter, dark energy are about 5%, 25% and 70%, plus a tiny contribution from photons.

The standard model is defined by only a handful of numbers: the expansion rate of the universe; a measure of how clumpy the dark matter is (S 8 ); the relative contributions of the constituents of the universe (the 5%, 25%, 70% numbers above); the overall density of the universe; and a technical quantity describing how the clumpiness of the universe on large scales relates to that on small scales.

"And that's basically it!" Strauss said. "We, the cosmological community, have converged on this model, which has been in place since the early 2000s."

Cosmologists are eager to test this model by constraining these numbers in various ways, such as by observing the fluctuations in the Cosmic Microwave Background (which in essence is the universe's baby picture, capturing how it looked after its first 400,000 years), modeling the expansion history of the universe, measuring the clumpiness of the universe in the relatively recent past, and others.

"We're confirming a growing sense in the community that there is a real discrepancy between the measurement of clumping in the early universe (measured from the CMB) and that from the era of galaxies, 'only' 9 billion years ago," said Arun Kannawadi, an associate research scholar at Princeton who was involved in the analysis.

Five lines of attack

Dalal's work does a so-called Fourier-space analysis; a parallel real-space analysis was led by Xiangchong Li of Carnegie Mellon University, who worked in close collaboration with Rachel Mandelbaum, who completed her physics A.B. in 2000 and her Ph.D. in 2006, both from Princeton. A third analysis, a so-called 3x2-point analysis, takes a different approach of measuring the gravitational lensing signal around individual galaxies, to calibrate the amount of dark matter associated with each galaxy. That analysis was led by Sunao Sugiyama of the University of Tokyo, Hironao Miyatake (a former Princeton postdoctoral fellow) of Nagoya University and Surhud More of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Pune, India.

These five sets of analyses each use the HSC data to come to the same conclusion about S 8 .

Doing both the real-space analysis and the Fourier-space analysis "was sort of a sanity check," said Dalal. She and Li worked closely to coordinate their analyses, using blinded data. Any discrepancies between those two would say that the researchers' methodology was wrong. "It would tell us less about astrophysics and more about how we might have screwed up," Dalal said.

"We didn't know until the unblinding that two results were bang-on identical," she said. "It felt miraculous."

Sunao added: "Our 3x2-point analysis combines the weak lensing analysis with the clustering of galaxies. Only after unblinding did we know that our results were in beautiful agreement with those of Roohi and Xiangchong. The fact that all these analyses are giving the same answer gives us confidence that we're doing something right!"
Israeli authorities said late Friday that at least one person was killed and six were wounded in a suspected attack in Tel Aviv, Israels commercial hub.

The exact nature of the attack was not immediately clear, but the Foreign Ministry referred to it as a terror attack, a term Israeli officials use for assaults by Palestinians.

A car rammed into a group of people near a popular seaside park before flipping over, police said. Israels rescue service said a 30-year-old man was killed, while four other people were receiving medical treatment for mild to moderate injuries.

Police said they shot the driver of the car. The drivers condition was uncertain, but social media videos shows a body on the ground beside an overturned car while multiple gunshots ring out.

The attack came against the backdrop of heightened tensions after Israeli airstrikes on Palestinian militant targets in both Lebanon and Gaza, as well as a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank that killed two Israelis. That followed days of violence and unrest in Jerusalems most sensitive holy site, the compound of the Al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City.

The Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised the attack in Tel Aviv as a response to Israels crimes against Al-Aqsa Mosque and worshippers.

Israel unleashed rare airstrikes on Lebanon and bombarded the Gaza Strip on Friday, an escalation that sparked fears of a broader conflict after days of violence over Jerusalems most sensitive holy site.

Later in the day, there were signs that both sides were trying to keep the hostilities in check. Fighting on Israels northern and southern borders subsided after dawn, and midday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem passed peacefully. But a Palestinian shooting attack in the Israeli-occupied West Bank killed two British-Israeli sisters just hours later  a grim reminder of the combustible situation.

The early morning Israeli strikes followed an unusually large rocket barrage fired at Israel from southern Lebanon  some of the heaviest and most serious cross-border violence since Israels 2006 war with Lebanons Hezbollah militants.

The violence erupted after Israeli police raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem earlier in the week, sparking unrest in the contested capital and outrage across the Arab world.

The Israeli strikes seemed designed to avoid drawing in Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite group that Israel considers its most immediate threat. Israels military said its warplanes struck infrastructure belonging to Hamas militants that it accused of firing the nearly three dozen rockets that slammed into open areas and towns in northern Israel on Thursday.

Nonetheless, Israel said it believed the Palestinian militants acted with the knowledge of Hezbollah, which holds sway over much of southern Lebanon.

There were no reports of serious casualties, but several people in the southern Lebanese town of Qalili, including Syrian refugees, said they were lightly wounded.

I immediately gathered my wife and children and got them out of the house, said Qalili resident Bilal Suleiman, who was jolted awake by the bombing.

A flock of sheep was killed when the Israeli missiles struck a field near the Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidiyeh, according to an Associated Press photographer. Other airstrikes hit a bridge and a power transformer in nearby Maaliya, and damaged an irrigation system providing water to orchards.

In the Gaza Strip, Israels military pounded what it said were weapons production sites and underground tunnels belonging to Hamas, which rules the Palestinian enclave. A childrens hospital in Gaza City was among sites sustaining damage, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

After the retaliatory strikes, Israelis living along the southern border returned home from bomb shelters. Most missiles that managed to cross into Israeli territory hit open areas, but one landed in the town of Sderot, sending shrapnel slicing into a house.

There were no reports of casualties on either side of the southern border.

The Israeli military said everyone wanted to avoid a full-blown conflict. Quiet will be answered with quiet, said spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht. A Qatari official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the emirate was mediating.

The Palestinian shooting attack in the West Bank, near an Israeli settlement in the Jordan Valley, killed two sisters in their 20s and seriously wounded their 45-year-old mother, Israeli officials said. The women killed were British citizens, the Foreign Office said, expressing remorse for their deaths and calling for both sides to de-escalate. The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, said Oded Revivi, the settlements mayor.

The girls father was driving in a separate car behind his wife and daughters and witnessed the attack, Revivi added. Medics said they dragged the unconscious women from their smashed car, which appeared to have been pushed off the road.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant toured the site late Friday and vowed to catch the attacker. Its just a matter of time, and not much time, until we settle the score, Netanyahu said.

He also said his Security Cabinet had passed a series of measures overnight. We acted in Lebanon, we acted in Gaza, we beefed up forces in the field, he said, promising additional actions.

No militant group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. But Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem hailed it as retaliation for the crimes committed by Israel in the West Bank and the Al-Aqsa mosque.

Jerusalems holy site of Al-Aqsa, a tinderbox for Israeli-Palestinian conflict, sits on a hilltop sacred to both Muslims and Jews. In 2021, an escalation triggered by clashes there spilled over into an 11-day war between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers.

On Friday, over 130,000 worshippers poured into the compound for midday prayers, which ended without incident.

Before dawn prayers, chaos had erupted at an entrance to the esplanade as Israeli police wielding batons descended on crowds of Palestinian worshippers who chanted slogans praising Hamas as they tried to squeeze into the site. An hour later, according to videos, people leaving the prayers staged a large protest on the limestone courtyard, raising their fists and shouting against Israel. Israeli police forced their way into the compound, inflaming tensions during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Police said security forces entered the holy compound after prayers in response to masked suspects who threw rocks toward officers at one of the gates. Israeli authorities control access to the area but the compound is administered by Islamic and Jordanian officials.

The unrest comes at a delicate time for Jerusalems Old City, which was teeming with pilgrims from around the world. The Christian faithful retraced the route Jesus is said to have taken for Good Friday, Jews celebrated the weeklong Passover holiday, and Muslims prayed and fasted for Ramadan.

The current round of violence began Wednesday after Israeli police twice raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque  in one case fiercely beating Palestinians, who responded by hurling rocks and firecrackers. That led Thursday to rocket fire from Gaza and, in an unusual escalation, the barrage from southern Lebanon and the Israeli retaliation.

Lebanons Foreign Ministry said it had instructed its mission to the United Nations to submit a complaint to the U.N. Security Council against the deliberate Israeli bombing and aggression, which it condemned as a flagrant violation of Lebanons sovereignty.

Israel, meanwhile, appealed to the international community to condemn the rocket fire from Lebanon and Gaza and what it said was incitement to violence by Hamas. It urged U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to issue a Security Council condemnation of Lebanon and Hamas.

The Israeli foreign minister, Eli Cohen, spoke by phone with his counterparts from Turkey and Bahrain  both countries that only recently improved ties with Israel  about how to calm tensions.

Even as a fragile calm took hold along the Lebanese and Gaza borders, the West Bank remained volatile. Violence has surged to new heights there in recent months, with Palestinian health officials reporting the start of 2023 to be the most deadly for Palestinians in two decades.

Nearly 90 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since the start of the year, according to an Associated Press tally. During that time, 16 people have been killed in Palestinian attacks on Israelis  all but one of them civilians. Israel says most of the Palestinian victims have been militants. But stone-throwing youths protesting police incursions and people not involved in the confrontations have also been killed.

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White sand beaches, turquoise water, designer bikinis, cold drinks, sun-tanned bodies, and a parade of machine guns and camouflage uniforms. Theres something dystopian about this picture, but its a reality these days on Mexicos coasts. The contrast was stark in several pictures shared by Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama: two armed soldiers patrol a Cancun beach while in the background, a tourist in a black swimsuit and sun hat stands in the surf.

Mexico has militarized its beaches. Over 8,000 National Guard, Marine and Army soldiers have been deployed to the countrys major tourist centers. The measure is the federal governments attempt to save Easter Week after at least eight murders on April 3 tarnished the idyllic postcard image of two major vacation destinations: Acapulco (Guerrero) and Cancun (Quintana Roo). The government quickly dispatched 4,724 soldiers to both cities, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Veracruz. Another 3,800 soldiers are guarding the countrys highways.

Defense Minister Luis Cresencio Sandoval announced that six helicopters, 755 patrol cars, 377 pickup trucks, 10 speedboats and 45 all-terrain vehicles will support the troops. The Armed Forces will also provide security at 14 airports and 42 bus stations. The military presence is expected to last until April 16 during a peak vacation time for Mexicans and foreign tourists. Mexico is in the top 10 most visited countries in the world and expects to earn almost $9 billion in tourist revenue during Easter Week, according to Spanish news agency EFE.

Acapulco: oysters, beer and bullets

Hows everyone  having fun? Well, were here to welcome you and say you can count on us for anything, said a soldier to a table of vacationers enjoying oysters and beer in Acapulcos La Angosta Beach. But the thousands of soldiers guarding Mexicos vacationers still could not stop the violence.

A shootout on April 3 at La Cabana Restaurant on Acapulcos popular Caleta Beach left three men and a woman dead, and four others wounded, according to local news reports. At nearby Dominguillo Beach, a boat crew worker was wounded, and a body was found in a black plastic bag on the streets. Another badly decomposed body was found a few days earlier, floating in the water off the private beach of the high-end Las Brisas Hotel.

The violence and death hasnt scared many people away. Acapulco beaches like Caleta are very popular with people escaping the city heat. Locals and even vacationers from Mexico City seem willing to take the risk, hoping it wont be my turn next. But the risk is steadily rising. Given all the shootings and armed troops on patrol, a stray bullet could hit anyone, anytime.

The government deployed elements of the Navy in the Mexican Caribbean. GOBIERNO DE QUINTANA ROO

The locals say organized crime runs things there. They own businesses and know all about the extortion of people trying to make a living selling candy, seafood, clothes, hammocks or taking people for rides on a yellow inflatable torpedo called the Banana.

Violence and safety concerns have hardly affected the influx of Acapulco tourists. Hotel occupancy was above 73%, according to the state tourism agency. But people are clearly playing it safe  most businesses close by 8.00pm and only the most daring stay open for another hour. When the sun has fallen and young partiers are drinking at surfs edge, soldiers are still walking on the sand. Its not a normal day at the beach, no matter what anyone says. Long guns are guarding the waves.

Cancun: luxury hotels and score settling

On the other side of the country  Mexicos east coast  Easter week began with local drug traffickers settling scores in a never-ending turf battle. The violence produced four bodies dumped on one of Cancuns idyllic beaches in front of the luxurious Fiesta Americana Condesa Hotel. In the past, stray bullets have killed tourists in Tulum, Playa de Carmen and Cancun, prompting countries like the United States to issue travel warnings for the area. Despite the concern, Cancun hotel occupancy exceeded 80% as Easter Week started.

Following the murders in Cancun and Acapulco, Mexicos National Tourism Business Council (CNET) demanded that the government take action to ensure safety for people and property in the countrys tourist destinations which should not have to endure an environment of violence and insecurity.

The National Guard tours the port of Acapulco. Carlos Alberto Carbajal (CUARTOSCURO)

In response, the Quintana Roo state government flooded social media with photos of heavily armed soldiers in spotless uniforms patrolling its coastline. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has previously ordered similar military deployments to quell violence in airports and Mexico Citys subway. The operations had mixed results and were roundly criticized by opposition politicians and civil organizations. Now troops have landed on Mexicos beaches once again.

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The California fishing community called for speedy federal relief to those impacted by a full closure of recreational and commercial salmon fishing along the California coast this season at a press conference Friday. They were joined by state officials and prominent politicians, including U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.

Gov. Gavin Newsom requested a federal fishery disaster declaration from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on Thursday, which would provide expedited relief from the federal government to fishing communities expecting to suffer financial losses from the closure.

U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, whose district encompasses much of Californias north coast from San Francisco to the Oregon state border, spoke on Pier 47 in front of Scomas Restaurant in Fishermans Wharf about the need to put a human face on this challenge.

So often when we hear about salmon, we hear this narrative about fish versus people. We need to remind everyone that this is people when we talk about salmon  people who make their living on the water, and of course I represent a lot of the fishing communities and tribes and tribal members who have depended on healthy salmon runs for a long, long time, Huffman said.

The 2023 projection for Sacramento River fall chinook and Klamath River fall chinook salmon is one of the lowest stock abundance forecasts on record, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The closure of the 2023 salmon season  the second time ever, the first having been in 2008  was unanimously recommended by the Pacific Fishery Management Council on Thursday and is expected to be officially enacted by the National Marine Fisheries Service in mid-May.

Tens of thousands of people in California rely on salmon fishing to make a living, said John McManus, senior policy director for the Golden State Salmon Association. Disaster relief needs to be distributed rapidly, as theres fear and panic all up and down the coast with families trying to figure out how theyre going to pay the bills this year, McManus said.

Most people I know in the salmon industry dont have a year or two worth of buffer cash in the bank to get through a year with no income, McManus said.

Ken Elie, owner of fishing tackle retailer Outdoor Pro Shop, said hes already had to lay off 10 of his 39 employees and fears he will have to lay off more. Salmon and related accessories make up about 40% of Elies annual sales, and there is no way humanly possible to try to make up that number with other species, Elie said.

Theres been more than enough talk about another closure for next year already, and based upon the drought history, theres a good chance of it, Elie said.

The Newsom administration has blamed prolonged drought, wildfires, harmful algal blooms and ocean forage shifts for the low forecasted quantity of Sacramento River fall chinook and Klamath River fall chinook salmon. Salmon have a three-year life cycle, meaning the fish that should be present in the ocean this year would have been born in 2020, the start of the driest three-year period in Californias recorded history.

More than 90% of salmon self-spawning habitats in California have been lost over the last century as the state put in dams, California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot said Friday. He highlighted the administrations approval of an ongoing project to remove four hydroelectric dams along the Klamath River.

Many of the speakers from the fishing community Friday criticized the states water management policies for prioritizing agricultural interests over salmon that need sufficient water flows to survive.

In February, Newsom suspended environmental laws to allow water officials to store more water in reservoirs after being criticized for wasting the deluge of water the state received in January  and was then criticized by environmentalists for prioritizing cities and farmers at the expense of protecting salmon and endangered fish.

Salmon are a resilient species and have been coming up these rivers for about as long as human beings have been walking on two legs, said Sarah Bates, a salmon captain from San Francisco.

They have survived landslides, they have survived huge drought, they have survived temperature changes. They have survived changing ocean conditions. Theyve survived rivers that have changed course. What they cant survive is some of the water management policies that are putting their breeding habitat at risk, Bates said.

When asked about Californias water policy and criticisms of the agricultural industry, Pelosi said the issue is a subject of debate in the Congress of the United States among California congressmen.

Were talking about agriculture and fisheries, and its a balance that we must respect and act accordingly. Its the great state of California  agriculture is our leading industry, and fisheries are a part of that, Pelosi said.

Huffman said the share of water between agricultural interests versus fisheries and ecosystems is out of balance right now.

Whether its a wet year or a dry year, when the science says youve got to have these minimum flows for our struggling salmon fishery, they need that water. We shouldnt have politicians redirecting that water, Huffman said.
By 6:30 a.m. Saturday, about 100 people gathered at California and Gough streets in San Francisco, completely blocking traffic.

Is this it? Is it happening? one woman whispered excitedly to a friend as the sun began to peek over the top of California Street.

The crowd, a mix of people with just phones, with multiple cameras and tripods, and even one with a drone, had flocked to the area to capture the moment the sunrise lines up with California Street, shining between San Franciscos buildings and over the Bay Bridge, a biannual phenomenon known as California Henge.

As people jockeyed for the best angle  most were aiming for the middle of the street  traffic laws were forgotten, forcing cars, faced with a wall of people, to turn around. Drivers and passersby, seemingly unaware of the rare photography opportunity, took their own photos of the people gathered before moving along. Neighbors leaned out of windows and over balconies, some looking toward the crowd, others toward the sunrise.

Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

I cant believe we blocked the street. Thats nuts, one photographer said to a friend. And they let us!

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 2 1 of 2 Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Show More Show Less



Many photographers returned to the intersection Sunday for their another chance at the epic image until the solar event returns in September a few weeks before the autumnal equinox.

While many people chatted, exchanged photography tips and sipped on coffee, when the sun came into view between 6:45 and 6:50 a.m. Saturday, the chatter subsided, replaced by the sound of cameras clicking.

While the clouds didnt totally block the view of the sun, as many who came for the event worried might happen, it didnt quite go as hoped either. Rather than being perfectly in line over the Bay Bridge, the sun was just to its right, making for a nice, but imperfect photo.

The sun didnt line up, and the clouds obstructed it a bit, said Annette Bugno, who had come with a group of friends who all had professional cameras. A lot of people are going to try again tomorrow.

Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

While Bugno lives in San Francisco and said she might come back Sunday, some of her friends had traveled from the East Bay and South Bay, waking up well before 5 a.m. to get to the city for a good spot.

My advice would be to get here at 6 or earlier, Bugno advised anyone hoping for another chance at the rare image Sunday.

Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Others were happy to see it at all. Friends Annette Angeles-Hagarty of Half Moon Bay and Maureen Sachs of Napa came to the city Friday for the Giants home opener. After hearing about California Henge on social media, they decided to check it out because they were staying in the city overnight.

We really came for Giants Opening Day, Sachs said. But we heard about this. We thought wed come see it.

They were surprised at how many people were doing the same. When they arrived at 6:40 a.m., Angeles-Hagarty said, they didnt expect to see the intersection filled with people.

Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

It was like, oh, this is really a thing! she said.

While they werent thrilled with the quality of their photos  each came with only her phone to catch the moment  they said the early wake-up call was worth it.

Its pretty cool to be here, said Angeles-Hagarty, who teaches transitional kindergarten. Im going to show this to my students.
The contest launched by Californias top education officials in the dark days of the pandemic was bold if not brash, promising $1 million to anyone who could come up with an innovative way to provide cheap, high-speed internet access to every household in the state.

Started in February 2021, when many children lacked reliable access to their online classrooms, the challenge sought the boldest, most revolutionary proposals to solve a devastating problem made worse by the pandemic.

Two years later, with access to the internet still eluding many of the states communities and families, its clear the $1 million California Digital Divide Innovation Challenge was a bust.

But it was more than just a failure, the four contestants who took part said. It was a devastating farce.

In the end, those who entered never stood a chance of winning even as they spent endless hours and significant financial resources to meet education officials demands to prove the technology would be fast, affordable and ready for statewide deployment in a year.

At a time when public officials are increasingly touting the power of public-private partnerships to solve urgent civic problems, the story of the Innovation Challenge is a cautionary tale. It left contestants frustrated and disillusioned by bureaucratic delays, bad communication and what appeared to be a focus on public relations rather than public good.

Bay Area small business owner Odion Edohomon didnt know the frustration to come when he accepted the challenge in summer 2021. He wanted to help. And he wanted to win.

Over the course of a year, his company, Dalet Access Labs, spent more than $700,000 to prove his solution would work. Using a low-latency mesh network, he managed to provide a small community in rural Humboldt County with the first reliable internet access it ever had. The students, parents and education officials in the area  as well as state officials  were thrilled.

Alexandra Hootnick/Alexandra Hootnick/Special to the Chronicle Alexandra Hootnick/Alexandra Hootnick/Special to the Chronicle Left: A broadband node on a house in Fairhaven (Humboldt County). Right: Odion Edehomon is CEO of Dalet Access Labs. Photos by Alexandra Hootnick/Special to The Chronicle Top: A broadband node on a house in Fairhaven (Humboldt County). Bottom: Odion Edehomon is CEO of Dalet Access Labs. Photos by Alexandra Hootnick/Special to The Chronicle

But Edohomon didnt win, despite state schools chief Tony Thurmonds office promoting his achievements at a ribbon cutting in Fairhaven and in a statewide news release.

In fact, none of the handful of competitors took home the prize. Now, a Chronicle investigation has found that state officials misled contestants about the contest, then proceeded to ignore their urgent emails and calls for months at a time. State officials said they and the prizes funders, who later judged the competition, hoped someone, maybe at academic heavyweights like MIT or CalTech, was sitting on an invention that would provide universal, fast and very cheap internet access  within a years time.

They were hoping for a miracle. What they got instead, and deemed not good enough, were practical solutions like Edohomons.

And all the while, about 20% of the states most disadvantaged students lacked broadband access at home, according to nonpartisan think tank Public Policy Institute of California, and struggled to access the schooling the state was constitutionally required to provide.

It wasted precious resources and time, said Nishal Mohan, one of the entrants and founder of San Diego-based Mohuman, which helps to provide digital access in low-income communities. Again, the people lose.

In the dark

From the outset, the contest had unrealistic goals, The Chronicle found. The contests funders didnt want entries using existing technology, state officials said. Those funders, including Mickelson Philanthropies and 20MM Foundation, General Motors, Genentech and PG&E, sought a miracle moonshot: an as-yet-unknown technology that would provide fast internet access for less than $15 per month for every household in the state and ready to roll out in a years time.

All four contest entrants, however, said they never knew that.

Only recently did state officials acknowledge the folly of the contests hopes.

We see that it was too big of a lift, said Mary Nicely, Thurmonds chief deputy, adding that the pandemic had created a sense of urgency to come up with a solution. We were pretty much trying to figure out anything.

Representatives of the funders identified by state officials declined to comment on the record.

Yet despite its lofty aims, the state accepted the applications from Edohomon and the other competitors, which included Bay Area-based LB Mobile Telecom Management and the Tulare County Office of Education. All proposed innovative plans using existing technology like cellular service or fiber-optic networks.

For more than 18 months, the applicants were forced to jump through hoops, including, in Dalet Labs case, traveling hundreds of miles to test its technology with students and report back to the state, then waiting weeks or months at a time for Department of Education officials to respond to them.

The contest funders, who also judged the results, were not involved in the review of applicants nor in the competition process developed by the state. The funders never expected the contestants to test their technology with students or to spend any resources to put the technology in place.

In Edohomons case, Nicely said she didnt know his company was installing the technology in a community in Humboldt County, although Department of Education officials confirmed they had requested the company test its solution there.

They went out on a limb to do something, Nicely said. We had no idea the full extent of what they were doing.

It was Dalet Labs choice to enter the contest, its choice to spend all that money, she added.

Publicity stunt

State education officials said the Innovation Challenge funders are now looking to use the original $1 million with additional matching funds to create a grant program rather than a contest to help close the digital divide. The four contest competitors would be first in line for what could be a $2 million pot, education officials said. But it is unclear when or how that would happen.

That news did not lessen the frustration caused by the contest, the participants said.

It feels like a publicity stunt, said Lauren Batinich Vincent, founder and CEO of LB Mobile Telecom and one of the contestants who felt burned. It hasnt benefited me as a business.

She added that its been a huge expense, but didnt specify the amount spent on it.

Vincents entry included using portable hotspot devices paired with cellular networks. As part of her entry, she tested the solution in Santa Clara, San Mateo and three other California counties and negotiated with top cellular providers to ensure the devices were secure, with school districts distributing them at a cost of $15 per month.

I knew I had a solution that could work, she said. But, she added, the state didnt respond to her for months on end and then turned her down.

Vincent was notified in her February rejection letter she could apply for a $25,000 digital access grant. She declined.

Those in the public sector who applied also found silence from the state before being rejected. In Tulare County, education officials entered with a plan to use wireless and citizen band technology. Its proposal was already an ongoing program in the county Office of Education, said Bruce Storer, director of information systems for the Office of Education, who was not involved in the initial application. It uses existing and even old technology, but it works, he said.

Mohan also submitted a proposal using an off-the-shelf technology. He wanted to solve the lack of internet access for those struggling with unpaid bills for broadband services. The idea was to use a pay-as-you-go system, ensuring that students would have high-speed internet even if their families couldnt pay the bill. The plan would also include a free option with slightly lower speeds that would still allow students access to Zoom and other critical programs.

We did come up with a solution to balance the cost, Mohan said. To make it affordable.

State attends ribbon cutting

Edohomon believed he had a good chance of winning after state officials accepted his entry and later sent him to the community of Fairhaven in Humboldt County, some 300 miles away, to test the technology and prove its efficacy. He said he had asked for a Bay Area site, but was told there were none available.

So after meeting with Fairhaven community members, he launched the technology in July 2022, installing a network to provide high-speed broadband service by bouncing fiber optic access off centralized structures.

It was technology, he said, that can bridge the digital divide and level the playing field.

The service was like a miracle for the community, giving kids and their parents a lifeline to the outside world, said Sean McLaughlin of Access Humboldt, something no one else had been able to do.

The success of the entry was even touted by state education officials, including Nicely, who attended a ribbon-cutting in Fairhaven to celebrate the launch of the technology.

From the first days of the pandemic, State Superintendent Thurmond made connectivity a top priority so our students could continue their education from home, Nicely said at the October 2022 event. If not for his statewide leadership to close the digital divide . and launch the Innovation Challenge, we would not be here today to celebrate the connection of our students and this community to access essential information and services.

Yet after the ribbon-cutting, the state stopped responding to Edohomons inquiries about the contest, McLaughlin said. That silence, he said, began soon after the November re-election of Thurmond.

It doesnt feel genuine, McLaughlin said of the state contest.

Alexandra Hootnick/Special to the Chronicle

Despite her comments at the ribbon cutting, Nicely later told The Chronicle that while the Dalet Labs solution was great for that community, it would be too expensive to deploy statewide and therefore didnt meet the contest requirements. In addition, she said, it wasnt revolutionary enough.

Nicely also attributed delays in the competition process and lack of communication at times in the pandemic.

COVID just got in the way for any of us to get this thing done, she said.

Edehomon disagrees.

Though the contest put his company into debt, his technology remains in use in Fairhaven, where a fiber optic signal bounces off the local fire station and into dozens of homes. At least in that small corner of Humboldt County, the digital divide has disappeared.

These are real human beings who need access, he said. Thurmond and state education officials got all the publicity out of it, and then they disappeared.
The new administration of Pamela Price, the first Black district attorney in Alameda County, had been under siege for weeks.

The longtime civil rights attorneys nascent quest to reshape the local criminal justice system from the inside and significantly reduce incarceration was met with critical and, at times, misleading media coverage. There was talk of a recall attempt. Even some staunch Price supporters, who thought she was making strides in her mission, wondered why she wasnt speaking out more to explain her decisions, or at least to defend herself.

Then, on Wednesday afternoon, a video appeared on YouTube.

There are a lot of rumors buzzing through this community, said Price, backed by her offices seal. Much of it is simply not true. Some people, including reporters, are saying things that are not based on facts.

But Price didnt really address the rumors. She warned that she cant discuss open cases, referring to high-profile ones that have ignited criticism about her decisions or what some fear her decisions may be. Price simply said her team was working hard  and that it took hard work  to change the culture in the District Attorneys Office.

Thank you for your trust in me, Price said in closing. Im honored and humbled that our community has shown its support for justice with compassion and for what my team is doing to honor that.

The video lasts two minutes, 45 seconds  not long enough to address the myriad criticisms, attacks and community concerns swirling as she approaches her 100th day in office. Supporters say Price, perhaps one of the most progressive prosecutors in the U.S., is fulfilling campaign promises to address root causes of crime and reduce mass incarceration. Critics say her early moves are driving away seasoned prosecutors and make her seem more concerned with the plight of defendants than victims.

Its an increasingly public debate that has many looking across the bay to San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudins 2022 recall and wondering whether a similar fate awaits Price.

A Price spokesperson didnt respond to a request for an interview with the district attorney.

Across Alameda County, the debate about justice reform rages but boils down to an existential question: Can entrenched crime issues be better addressed through more traditional  and aggressive  means of prosecution, or through Prices way of prioritizing treatment and rehabilitation with less reliance on incarceration?

Some prosecutors leaving the office describe it as a sinking ship. Withering resignation letters featured prosecutors saying they felt Prices administration had kept them from fulfilling their legal duties to represent the rights of victims.

Butch Ford, a board member at the local prosecutors union who is on paid leave from the District Attorneys Office, said Price is pushing the agency toward ruin.

The office will be devoid of trial lawyers, which means victims are hurt and defendants are benefited, Ford told The Chronicle.

Others see something else happening in Prices office.

Alameda County Chief Public Defender Brendon Woods said he isnt in the business of defending prosecutors. At the same time, he said: The sky is not falling. The courts are running just as they did prior to Ms. Price taking over.

Walking in, walked out

Some strife was bound to turn up in the transition.

Price was taking over an agency that shed publicly called corrupt and said had devastated Black and brown communities with harsh and failed policies. It was because of Prices unsuccessful 2018 run for district attorney that Alameda County had a prosecutors union, according to Ford, who said he and other agency veterans organized because they feared theyd be fired if she was elected. Price also was seeking to turn crime and punishment in Alameda County on its head  a monumentally arduous task that many in the office didnt want.

In the first days, Price began bringing in new employees, transferring others and, Ford said, placing at least seven prosecutors on paid administrative leave. At the same time the district attorney was trying to get a handle on the inner workings of an agency that appeared highly unorganized, said Ryan LaLonde, who went to work building a communications department at the District Attorneys Office in January.

There was really no transition, said LaLonde, who resigned in March, adding that retiring longtime District Attorney Nancy OMalley had only one meeting with the incoming administration and promised but failed to give Prices team a tour of the facilities.

OMalley, through a former spokesperson, said she told Price that she was available to the new administration but that a second meeting wasnt requested.

As soon as Ms. Price was declared the winner, I sent Ms. Price a letter offering to meet and work with her on a smooth transition, OMalley said in a statement, adding: She published my letter on her social media.

LaLonde said staff worked long weeks to get the office fully organized, partly because the computer system was primitive and much work was done on paper.

Also in the first weeks, Ford, a deputy assistant district attorney, said he and six colleagues were told theyd been placed on administrative leave. Ford said he received notice that he was under investigation over allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, though there were no specifics. He said he and the others were individually escorted out of the office, always on a Friday, Ford said.

Since then theyve been calling Friday Black Friday,  Ford said, calling the suspensions a farce. She doesnt care. Its not about the truth.

A District Attorneys Office spokesperson declined to answer when asked about the sidelined prosecutors, citing personnel privacy policy.

Price isnt the first to shake up staffing when entering a district attorneys office that had been run by someone with opposing views on justice. In 2020, Boudin fired prosecutors when he took office, just as Brooke Jenkins did in 2022 when she replaced Boudin following his recall.

Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle, Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Responding vs. silence

LaLonde said Prices camp expected heavy scrutiny and attacks from opponents.

LaLonde hadnt anticipated Prices preferred way of handling external communications. After several experiences with local reporters that made Price feel disrespected as a Black woman and misrepresented, she didnt want to dignify some reporters with a response, LaLonde said. He thought Prices silence would only amplify her opponents.

I wanted to put everything out there, said LaLonde, who said he left the office on March 9 over this difference of opinion with Price.

Much of the criticism Price was facing had to do with a plea deal her administration had offered to Delonzo Logwood, who faces murder charges in three Oakland killings from 2008 when he was 18. News of the deal, which would have involved Logwood apologizing and pleading no contest to one killing and a gun enhancement for a 15-year sentence, unleashed rampant criticism.

One of the victims mothers said: Its wrong. Its unfair. Its unjust.

Price received numerous death threats, including at least four that appeared credible enough to warrant an investigation, according to LaLonde.

The firestorm continued after Judge Mark McCannon forcefully rejected Logwoods plea deal, suggesting that Prices administration hadnt thoroughly considered the possibility that Logwood was guilty in each killing. He blasted the idea of the apology.

You cant think an apology will make this all better, McCannon said, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

Price was silent as attacks swirled, apart from a statement she released lamenting the trauma of the cases long delays on the survivors, the defendant and his family, the court system and my staff.

In the Logwood case and others, LaLonde said hes been surprised Price wont say more. LaLonde, as someone who has seen the evidence in the case that had dragged on for seven years under OMalley, said it doesnt appear strong.

Logwoods attorney, David Briggs, insists his client is innocent  framed by a former co-defendant who was convicted of attempted murder, admitted repeatedly lying to investigators and told details of the crimes that didnt match known facts.

Ford, who has worked on the prosecution of Logwood for years, said there is evidence to corroborate the co-defendants account, including a statement from a former girlfriend of Logwoods. Ford said he couldnt recall, without access to his files, what the other corroborating evidence is.

Briggs maintains that the woman felt pressured to turn on Logwood, lest she face charges.

Provided by Carl Chan

Shes at great risk

On a late March morning in downtown Oakland, Ray Bobbitt, a member of Prices volunteer transition team, stood before a smattering of journalists and interested residents to declare the district attorneys first 75 days in office a success.

He praised Prices work to get dozens of people whod been found not mentally fit for trial out of jail and into treatment and her plans for a community council to engage with residents. He said the mood inside the District Attorneys Office is optimistic, with new faces who want to be part of her mission.

Asked why Price wasnt there, Bobbitt said the transition team had decided that the opposition she faced was so aggressive that she feared her words would be taken out of context.

If she comes out and says anything, he said, shes at great risk.

Price also didnt appear in court Wednesday morning when her motion to disqualify the judge presiding over Logwoods case was filed by a prosecutor who said barely a word. Logwoods attorney filed a motion to remove the judge as well, saying his comments on the plea deal had shown a bias against Logwood.

I am the judicial officer on this case. Im not low-hanging fruit or the scapegoat, McCannon said, clearly frustrated. I did not cause this situation. I did not offer this deal.

McCannon seemed to take Prices filing to disqualify him as limited to the Logwood case, though it said all criminal cases involving her office. Later in the day, Price clarified in her YouTube video that she wanted McCannon off all her cases, saying he had created a firestorm of prejudicial comments that do not, in my view, serve justice.

While not common, Prices move isnt unprecedented; OMalley filed a similar motion in relation to a different judge in 2022.

In court, McCannon considered the matter of his assignment closed and, after Logwoods attorney called for a speedy trial, set a trial date of April 17.

Logwoods attorney said hes ready for trial.

What move Price might make next is unclear. Her decision is sure to be examined closely, and her supporters are sure to continue pointing out that OMalley didnt face nearly this much criticism.

But when it comes to messaging, Price may already be working on a new strategy.

On Thursday afternoon, a new video appeared on Twitter, this one about the Jasper Wu case. The toddler was killed in the crossfire of a rolling gun battle on Interstate 880 in 2021. Jaspers family has been afraid, due to Prices policy to reduce the use of sentencing enhancements and statements about incarceration, that she could go easy on the people involved in the childs death.

Price then met with the parents, she said in the video, and told them that, though nothing she could do would bring back the child, she would hold the men responsible accountable and work to make sure another family doesnt endure another such tragedy.

Rocky Hunt, a member of the anti-mass incarceration watchdog group Alameda County DA Accountability Table, said his team has monthly meetings with Price and is encouraged by her moves. As someone who spent 24 years in prison on a murder conviction and became an anti-violence advocate, Hunt said addressing root causes of behavior is the way to change it.

Look at Oakland: It hasnt gotten safer, Hunt said, referring to the tougher tactics of the prior district attorneys administration. All these laws have not made us any safer.
A 75-year-old Santa Rosa man will serve 2 years in prison for illegally prescribing controlled substances that killed a patient, a U.S. attorney announced.

A jury found that Thomas Keller, a licensed pain management doctor at the time of his September 2018 indictment, repeatedly distributed oxycodone and other powerful, addictive opioids to a 17-year-old patient struggling with mental health issues in combinations and dosages that far exceed practice and with no legitimate medical need, U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey announced Friday. The patient, identified as A.M., fatally overdosed in July 2017, two weeks after the final distribution of painkillers.

In December 2016, Keller prescribed A.M. high doses of oxycodone along with two other controlled substances: the anti-anxiety drug diazepam and the muscle relaxer carisoprodol, marketed as Soma, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of California. The combination, known as the holy trinity, multiplied potential adverse factors for the young patient, who experienced mental health problems.

Keller again illegally prescribed diazepam to the patient in January 2017 and oxycodone in February 2017, the jury found. On July 10, 2017, he distributed carisoprodol to the patient, who died about two weeks later of an overdose of oxycodone and other drugs, it said.

Court documents filed in connection with the sentencing show Keller was aware not only of the danger of the prescriptions and combinations he issued, but also that these were far outside normal practice.

The jury convicted Keller on four counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances on Nov. 3, 2022, but did not reach a verdict on six counts. The counts for oxycodone distribution carry a maximum sentence of 20 years, while counts for distributing carisoprodol and diazepam carry a maximum of five years.

Judge Vince Chhabria handed down the sentence and ordered three years of supervised release after Keller leaves prison. Keller must surrender himself by Sept. 8 to begin serving his term.

In March 2020, a jury found Keller not guilty in the deaths of two patients and acquitted him of reckless prescriptions to two other people, but failed to reach a verdict on five other charges, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported.
With Californias Sierra Nevada buried in historic snow, shattering a century of records at peaks and passes, the emerging melt-off is raising widespread fears of flooding. Nowhere is the concern greater than Corcoran (Kings County).

In this San Joaquin Valley city of 22,500, where already the famously dry Tulare Lake is being revived by mountain runoff, water is lapping against the levees that stand between the farm town and flooding. Some say its only a matter of time before the water spills over, submerging Corcoran as well as the state prison there.

To ward off disaster, the community has set out to do what even in the best of times can be tough: raise its roughly 15 miles of levee by about 4 feet. Not only do local leaders not have the money to do this, they want the project done in a matter of weeks.

If its not worked on now, I hate to say it, but it may be too late, said Corcoran City Manager Greg Gatzka.

The snowmelt, which comes with the spring weather, could send uncontrollable surges of water into the region anytime over the next few months.

The local flood control district, in coordination with the city of Corcoran, has begun tapping its modest reserves to try to get 850,000 cubic yards of dirt for the levee expansion  more than 50,000 dump trucks worth. It also has identified a contractor to help with the complicated task of raising the sprawling embankment while partially underwater.

However, Gatzka says, securing the $17 million to $21 million needed for the job has been difficult even as state and federal emergency officials arrive in Kings, Kern and Tulare counties to assist communities threatened by flooding.

There needs to be more support to make this happen, he said.

The sense of urgency, and even frustration that additional help hasnt arrived, lingers beyond City Hall.

Many in this community, which provides much of the labor for the surrounding tomato fields, pistachio groves and dairies, are increasingly nervous about the high water. Farmland around much of the city is inundated, as are many roads to town.

Times ticking, said Jason Mustain, a clerk at Corcoran True Value Hardware and a former fire captain. Youd think theyd want to build up the levee while they still can. It blows my mind that the state or the feds havent sent the resources  even if they just care about the inmates staying locked up.

Unlike other levees in the region, which may be old and particularly vulnerable, the 14.5-mile L-shaped embankment that partially encases Corcoran was overhauled six years ago. The Cross Creek Flood Control District, which includes the city, the prison complex and some farms, advanced a major property tax initiative to fund the upgrade.

The problem is that the remodeled levee, which was designed for a flood event with a maximum 1.1 million acre-feet of water, may not have been enough.

This year, in keeping with the increasing extremes of climate change, California was whisked from the depths of drought to a point of unthinkable and perilous saturation, especially the Tulare Lake basin.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

Danger lurks in snowmelt, swelling rivers

A century and a half ago, the bounty of water that flowed from the Sierra to the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, through rivers and creeks, naturally drained to Tulare Lake.

The lake was the biggest freshwater body west of the Mississippi River, stretching sometimes nearly 1,000 square miles. Diversions by farmers ushered in its demise.

During this winters storms, the infrastructure built to intercept the lake water  the dams, canals, ditches and levees  was simply outmatched by the runoff that poured from the mountains, prompting the old lake to reemerge, which it has done only a handful of times over the past 100 years.

The bigger worry, though, remains the spring snowmelt. The southern Sierra, which feeds the basin, has about three times as much snowpack as average, more than any year on record, and again, its too much for downstream systems to handle.

While the Tule and Kaweah rivers have so far driven the revival of Tulare Lake, the much larger Kings River to the north is expected to begin sending torrents when the Pine Flat Reservoir upstream cant accommodate the melt-off. Between April and July, state officials forecast 265% of average runoff in the Kings River watershed.

To the south, the Kern River also could contribute floodwater. That watershed is projected to unleash 422% of its average runoff between April and July.

The really long view is that this was a lake, and now its a lake again, said Nicholas Pinter, a professor of Earth and planetary sciences at UC Davis, who expressed sympathies for those who live and work in the spot on the landscape where water was meant to drain. Every flood disaster is really a past planning mistake.

The extent of the threat to Corcoran and other communities in the basin depends on how the snow dissipates. Rapid bouts of melting, triggered by hot weather or rain, would be most detrimental, creating blasts of runoff that could produce rampant flooding.

While most experts say problems are inevitable, a best-case scenario is a gradual melt-off that gives cities and towns time to absorb at least some of the water.

Its anyones guess whether it will just trickle out, Pinter said, or whether we get a warm storm on top of that, which is much more worrisome.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

This thing looks like the ocean

From the edges of Corcoran, Tulare Lake is visible all the way to the horizon in some directions. The occasional stop sign, mailbox or barn pokes out of the muddy water as a reminder of the lowlands.

About 101 square miles was submerged as of early last week, most of it farms, according to Kings County officials, and that number is expected to grow significantly. The last time the lake reached its current size, in 1983, it took nearly two years to drain, which could be the case this go-round as well.

I no longer refer to it as a lake, said Kings County Supervisor Richard Valle, who represents the Corcoran area. This thing looks like the ocean.

County administrators are already pinning $24.3 million in agricultural losses on the flooding and say the number could soon swell to $879 million.

Should Corcoran begin to take on floodwater, the damage could be much greater. Estimates by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers put the property value behind the citys levee at more than $6 billion.

Officials at the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which operates two neighboring facilities in Corcoran with about 8,000 total inmates, report no problems so far but say theyre preparing for flooding.

Valle and the rest of the county Board of Supervisors, meanwhile, have been working with flood control districts, water agencies and private landowners to try to steer the initial runoff to areas where it would have the least impact. The process, though, has been rife with tension, as the parties stand for different priorities. The conflict will almost certainly worsen as more water comes down.

The county already has ordered the farming giant J.G. Boswell Co. to breach a stretch of levee and flood fields, hoping to relieve pressure on Corcorans levee.

Valle also has been reaching out to state and federal officials for help. He said Thursday that he got a financial commitment from the Governors Office of Emergency Services to cover part of Corcorans levee expansion. The Office of Emergency Services told The Chronicle that its still surveying the area and figuring out exactly how to allocate resources.

On the federal side, emergency benefits are not available to communities in Kings County because the county was not included in the past weeks presidential disaster declaration for California. Tulare and Kern counties were included in the order. State officials, who generally request a presidential order, have not yet asked for Kings County to be part of it because they havent completed a disaster assessment there.

Beyond the financing, theres the challenge of doing the work on the levee before the worst of the snowmelt arrives.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

A report this past week from the Cross Creek Flood Control District describes the potential for overtopping or failure of the levee and possible need for mass evacuation as the runoff compounds and cites a goal of completing the expansion by June 1.

This is going to be a major engineering challenge, said Gatzka, the city manager.

Even the initial step of getting dirt is proving difficult. Roads are sometimes impassable for deliveries because of the flooding and so much land is water-logged  wet dirt wont work.

Then, there are limitations that come with raising a levee when water already is pushing against it. The construction can only be done from the dry side, and the levee is able to support fewer of the trucks and heavy equipment needed for the job.

Theres more to work out, Gatzka said. But were pulling the trigger to get this started. We have to. We dont have a choice.
The political purge started by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro under the banner of anti-corruption has led to the imprisonment of important political cadres and public officials. The house cleaning is unprecedented in the history of chavismo, the political movement started by deceased former president Hugo Chavez. One silent man stands in the eye of the storm  Tareck El Aissami  one of the most powerful figures in chavismo until he abruptly resigned his post as Minister of Petroleum in mid-March.

The ongoing anti-corruption purge dominates talk on the streets of Venezuela these days, conversations that are increasingly acerbic and incredulous. State-run radio and television outlets cautiously report the latest news, but social media platforms are boiling over with outrage and disappointment.

Attorney General Tarek William Saab has ordered 51 people, including high-ranking public officials and business executives linked to the Maduro regime, to appear in court for their alleged roles in a scheme to embezzle public funds from the state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) oil company and the Corporacion Venezolana de Guayana (CVG) steel company. Saab reported that 262 other officials are being investigated. Saab declined to answer questions about potential charges against El Aissami.

Most of the well-known defendants  Hugbel Roa, Pedro Maldonado and Joselit Ramirez  are close friends of El Aissami, whose whereabouts are currently unknown. Another El Aissami crony, Hugo Cabezas, was the most recent high-profile arrest. Cabezas was president of Venezuelas civil registry (SAIME) and a former governor of the state of Trujillo. Since 2018, Cabeza has been the general manager of Cartones de Venezuela, a cardboard manufacturer linked to the CVG steel company.

Some estimate that as much as $3 billion has been drained from the public coffers. Maduro professed indignation about the massive embezzlement and promised to claw back the money and invest it in public works and social programs.

This is not the first or even the most serious case of rampant corruption in the era of chavismo, but something else seems to have triggered the widespread purge that professes zero tolerance for ethical breaches and aims to recapture the movements legitimacy.

Maintaining internal balance in chavismo is tricky, said political scientist and author Colette Capriles. Maduro will gain from all this, not because of the ethical issues, but because of a political imperative. The excesses of El Aissami and others have endangered the ruling coalition itself. Maduro desperately needs more income and social discontent is on the rise. He wants to implement social programs to position himself for the next elections, but doesnt have the money to do it. Maduro feels he can gain politically from this [public corruption] initiative and solidify his authority.

Stefania Vitale, an academic with the Center for Development Studies and the Central University of Venezuela, agrees with Capriles. I think there was some surprise at the scale [of corruption], which coincides with all the current social tension. While the country certainly needs money, this is mostly about politics. Maduro is looking to recalibrate.

Venezuelas ruling party has been rocked by an enormous number of ideologically motivated resignations  Luis Miquilena, Henri Falcon, Ernesto Alvarenga, Gustavo Marquez, and Rodrigo Cabezas to name a few. Others have left for political, legal and personal disagreements, such as Andres Izarra, Gabriela Ramirez, Luisa Ortega Diaz and Miguel Rodriguez Torres.

Little came of the multiple charges, legislative investigations, and news reports of corruption over the years. But Maduro and Chavez were quick to act when there was a political advantage to be had. When former Defense Minister Raul Baduel, an influential military leader, confronted Hugo Chavez, his former friend and ally threw him in jail and charged him with corruption. It was obvious to all that Chavez viewed Baduels influence in the military ranks as a threat. Jorge Giordani, one of Chavezs closest advisors and his longtime minister of planning, was kicked out of the party when Maduro became president because of his unrestrained criticism of recent economic policies and corruption.

Fraud, embezzlement and impunity within PDVSA became so excessive in the years Rafael Ramirez led the company that opposition legislators protested loudly in 2016 at the empty national treasury amid a prolonged exchange rate crisis. The chavistas closed ranks, denied everything, blocked investigations and eviscerated legislative functions, leading to the widespread public protests of 2017.

Ramirez was shuffled to a new post as Venezuelas Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. He resigned after three years and remained abroad as an exile. Almost six years later, Venezuelan prosecutors have charged him formally.

Piero Trepiccione, a political scientist with Centro Gumilla, a center for research and social action run by the Society of Jesus in Venezuela, said, This internal process is happening because Venezuelas revenues can barely cover the countrys needs. Maduro needs resources to get reelected. Faced with low approval rates and unpopularity, he is digging in and reshaping his regime to consolidate power.

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Palo Alto police are investigating the vandalism of a parking garage as a hate crime after a person wrote comments that were discriminatory toward people from India, the department said Friday.

The vandalism was reported to police dispatch around 8:54 a.m. Thursday after being discovered in City Lot S at 445 Bryant St. The comments were found by an employee with the citys Public Works Department, who told police that they had seen offensive writings inside the public bathroom on the ground floor of the garage.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Vice President Kamala Harris made a last-minute trip Friday to Tennessee where she called for tougher firearm laws and criticized the Republican-controlled state House, which a day earlier expelled two Black Democratic lawmakers for their role in a protest calling for more gun control following a school shooting in Nashville.

Harris received wild applause and several standing ovations as she told a crowd at Nashvilles historically Black Fisk University that the so-called Tennessee Three  ousted Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson and a third Democrat, Gloria Johnson, who avoided expulsion by a single vote  were being, in her words, silenced and stifled for standing up for the lives of schoolchildren.

Lets understand the underlying issue is about fighting for the safety of our children, Harris said. Its been years now where they are taught to read and write and hide in a closet and be quiet if theres a mass shooter at their school, where our children, who have Gods capacity to learn and lead, who go to school in fear.

She called for background checks, red flag laws and restrictions on assault rifles.

Lets not fall for the false choice  either youre in favor of the Second Amendment or you want reasonable gun safety laws, Harris said. We can and should do both.

Harris met privately with Jones, Pearson and Johnson, as well as with other elected officials and young people advocating for tougher gun control laws.

Ahead of the event, students and others were lined up down the block, hoping to enter the schools Memorial Chapel. Inside several young Black women wore sweaters with the initials for Alpha Kappa Alpha, a Black sorority that Harris belonged to.

Its exciting to see someone from my organization doing great and amazing things, said one of them, Jasmyn Thrash.

Nashville Metro Councilperson Zulfat Suara addressed the crowd before Harris arrived, saying the expulsions tell us exactly what we need to know about how the state views young Black men standing up for what they believe. Evoking the citys civil rights history, she said, Just like John Lewis and Diane Nash did many years ago, we too will resist.

Pearson, Johnson and Jones entered the packed chapel to a standing ovation.

President Joe Biden has called their expulsions shocking, undemocratic, and without precedent.

Rather than debating the merits of the issue (of gun control), these Republican lawmakers have chosen to punish, silence, and expel duly-elected representatives of the people of Tennessee, Biden said in a Thursday statement.

The White House also said Friday afternoon that Biden spoke with Jones, Pearson and Johnson via conference call, thanking them for their leadership in seeking to ban assault weapons and standing up for our democratic values.

The oustings of Jones and Pearson drew accusations of racism. Johnson, who is white, was allowed to continue to serve in the chamber. Republican leadership denied that race was a factor.

GOP leaders said Thursdays actions  used only a handful times since the Civil War  were necessary to avoid setting a precedent that lawmakers disruptions of House proceedings through protest would be tolerated.

Republican state Rep. Gino Bulso said the three Democrats had effectively conducted a mutiny.

Most state legislatures retain the power to expel members, but it is generally a rarely used punishment for lawmakers accused of serious misconduct.

___

Miller reported from Washington.
As a kid who grew up in the Bay Area, Ive always loved BART. My childhood neighborhood was about a mile from a BART station, and the sound of trains going down the tracks was part of the fabric of home.

I was always an avid rider, even after I got my drivers license. At rush hour, the trains were often close to bursting, but I loved the mix of ages and cultures and habits and destinations, the random serendipity of traveling with strangers in the same direction at the same time.

Recently, however, riding BART has become an exercise in waiting for something to go wrong.

These days, my trains are rarely on time. Scheduled trains have been abruptly canceled, leaving me stranded. And the increasing prevalence of homelessness, mental health and substance abuse issues on BART has frequently made me feel unsafe. One night, my train ground to a halt for nearly an hour as medical workers and police tried to help a person in crisis who had intentionally entered the tracks.

Im not alone in these feelings: 78% of employers recently surveyed by the Bay Area Council said they were either somewhat or very concerned about their employees personal safety when taking BART or other transit systems to work. And BARTs most recent data reveals a sizable decline in service: From October through December 2022, just 71% of daily trains were on time  a precipitous drop from the 87% rate it achieved during the same period in 2019. Meanwhile, the number of canceled trains nearly tripled from 2021 to 2022, swelling to more than 10,000.

Not all these problems are unique to BART or of its own making. The pandemic devastated the countrys public transit systems, which are struggling to attract riders now that many office workers arent commuting to work. Many of BARTs recent delays have been due to extreme weather  including a heat wave and severe rainstorms  or staffing shortages exacerbated by the Bay Areas lack of affordable housing. And BART is far from the only California transit agency grappling with homelessness and drug use: 22 people died on Los Angeles Countys trains and buses from January through mid-March, mostly from suspected overdoses.

Still, BARTs quality of service is unacceptable. Congestion on some Bay Area highways and bridges has nearly returned to or surpassed pre-pandemic levels, while BART ridership is stuck at about 40% of pre-pandemic levels. Many prefer to sit in traffic than ride an unreliable service that makes them feel unsafe.

Yet its also obvious that BART is essential. Apart from being central to Californias climate and equity goals, consider what happened when a powerful storm hit the Bay Area on March 21. Ferry service was suspended due to dangerous conditions. Then, a big rig overturned on the Bay Bridge, snarling traffic for hours and forcing bus lines to temporarily suspend service. BART, however, remained open, shuttling riders back and forth across the Bay.

Clearly, we cant afford to let BART collapse  which its at risk of doing. Federal pandemic relief funds keeping BART afloat are expected to run out in 2025  leaving the system with an estimated $78 million deficit that could hit $1 billion by 2028. To stave off its looming fiscal cliff, BART is planning numerous cost-cutting measures, weighing fare increases, lobbying the state for more money and considering whether to ask Bay Area voters for funding via a 2026 regional ballot measure.

But Harriet Richardson, who recently resigned as BARTs inspector general after accusing its board, management and unions of obstructing her work  a statement corroborated by an Alameda County civil grand jury  told me we cant just hand over money and allow BART to continue business as usual.

Richardson pointed out that BARTs ridership was steadily declining even before the pandemic. And the system hasnt always used money wisely: Richardsons office, for example, found that BART spent $350,000 on a contract with the Salvation Army for homelessness services that enrolled just one person.

But the bigger problem is that failed policies at every governmental level have turned BART into a de facto social services provider. Furthermore, its unable to apply for state homelessness funds because its a transit agency, BART spokesperson Alicia Trost told me. Desperate, BART is considering forming its own nonprofit to seek homelessness funds.

BART is taking steps to address rider concerns: Its spending $90 million to harden fare gates, deploying more police on trains and doubling the frequency of deep cleaning. Its also nearly tripling the budget of the inspector generals office. Trost said canceled trains should become extremely rare by this summer, and BART expects to reach full staffing by the end of the year.

Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle 2021

But BART isnt the only one that needs to change.

John Arantes, leader of one of BARTs largest unions, told me that he grew up in Portugal, where people see public transit differently: They understand: To have a good system, I must pay my part.

I thought about Arantes comments as I took BART to and from Oakland last weekend. Almost every person I saw jumped the fare gates to avoid paying  and they didnt seem to be homeless. They simply couldnt be bothered to contribute.

More money and oversight wont be enough to save BART because the root of its financial problem is a social one: Until California develops sustainable models for addressing housing, homelessness, mental health and substance abuse  and until we start viewing public transit as a social good in which we all have a personal stake  nothing will really change.
Because of the prescription medication he takes, Jacks name and Social Security number are in a federal Drug Enforcement Agency database. He had to get blood work done before his prescription can be sent to pharmacists, the results of which go on his file. He can only get 30 days of his medication at a time, and every three months he needs to meet with a medical practitioner. To then receive his medication, he had to sign a form saying he wont sell it  under penalty of law.

No, Jack isnt on methadone, a highly regulated opioid addiction treatment, or a fentanyl patch. This onerous process is what Jack, who is transgender, must go through to get a prescription for testosterone. (Jack asked that we not include his last name for workplace privacy purposes.)

Jack doesnt live in a conservative state like Florida, or Tennessee, where access to gender affirming care is under attack from legislators. Hes in liberal California.

And if it seems like Jack has a hard time getting access to his medication now, in a few months, it will get even harder. Thats because on May 11, a special COVID-19 waiver from the DEA that allowed people to be prescribed controlled substances via telehealth is ending. Anyone who obtained a prescription virtually will have to meet with a provider in person by November. That will include testosterone refills.

This is going to be tricky for Jack. Despite living in the Bay Area, the only doctor his insurance covers with trans experience listed on their profile has a six-month waiting list. So, he sees a medical provider in Chicago via telehealth.

Faced with the looming deadline for all in-person visits, Jack is trying to figure out a plan.

Im seriously considering flying to Chicago, he told me. Like many trans people, I have had a lot of bad experiences trying to access care. I dont want to be in the queue.

Testosterone was deemed a Schedule III controlled substance in 1990, as fears rose around athletes doping to win contests. Its a move thats long overdue to be undone: Even the Department of Justices website on the subject hasnt been updated since 2006. Why it remains in place is a mystery; its unlikely athletes who were doping were sourcing testosterone from transgender patients.

The DEAs controlled substance requirements for testosterone are particularly scary for trans people at this moment in history. Being automatically added into a federal DEA database because of ones prescription is an especially frightening prospect.

It is a level of surveillance [that feels] nefarious, Jack said. Its really concerning how that information can be used and who can access it, as federal and state decision makers continue to plow through the bodily autonomy of trans people for political purposes.

Greater access to telehealth during COVID was the rare federal policy that actually helped trans people  and was successful for other groups, too. For rural populations, it saved the often-long commutes and days off work that people would have to take to travel to their nearest medical provider. Across the rest of the country, particularly in states with a growing number of anti-trans laws in place, the end of these telehealth prescribing practices could mean an end to gender affirming care entirely, and for no substantive reason.

Dr. Jerrica Kirkley is co-founder of the gender-affirming care telehealth company Plume, which launched in 2019 and now sees 13,000 patients across 45 states.

When you look at the global guidelines for gender affirming care, theres nothing that suggests that an in-person evaluation is needed for hormone therapy in particular, Kirkley told me.

She has seen the benefit of virtual appointments firsthand.

Weve been doing it safely, and we know that this care is lifesaving, she said.

Kirkley and her team are now facing the immense task of helping its members find in-person appointments state by state.

There are some rumblings that help is on the way. Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey are pushing for the DEA to change its scheduling of testosterone. But their efforts thus far have been met with silence.

Allowing the DEA to reinstate its strict prescribing guidelines for testosterone is a hypocritical move from Biden administration, which has pledged support for the trans community as conservative states ramp up their attacks.

California is not exempt from any of this, though its trans residents will feel the effects differently depending on where they live. Rural Californians, like Cameron Keeney of Humboldt County, already struggle to access care. With few options in the county to receive gender-affirming hormones, he chose Planned Parenthood  though that decision comes with a catch. Doctors at the clinic can write the prescription for his testosterone, but he must reach out to a doctor in the Bay Area to authorize it, under the DEAs controlled substance rules.

Bouncing around between medical professionals makes it difficult for Keeney to build a long-term relationship with a doctor, and often there are bureaucratic delays that prevent him from picking up his prescriptions at the pharmacy.

Keeney has been comparing his experiences to others in the area; hes working on a masters degree project studying access to gender affirming care in Humboldt County. What hes seeing isnt good.

Were in California, one of the states that probably is the safest, he told me. But the fear of folks losing access to their health care, even here in California, really speaks to how bad its getting for us.
A federal judges nationwide ruling Friday blocking Food and Drug Administration approval of mifepristone, the most widely used abortion pill, will not halt medication abortions in California.

The ruling is set to take effect in seven days, barring intervention from a higher court. Meanwhile, a federal judge in Washington ruled in a separate case on Friday that the FDA should not change the status of mifepristones approval, setting up further legal conflict that will have to be resolved by higher courts.

Women can still obtain another medication to end pregnancies, though it is somewhat less effective, and state or federal officials may still decide mifepristone will remain available in states where abortion is legal.

But even in California, where an amendment adding abortion rights to the state Constitution was approved by two-thirds of the voters last November, the ruling by Texas-based U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk will disrupt abortion care in the short term, said Ushma Upadhyay, a professor of public health at UC San Francisco.

In particular, she said, it will affect the poorest people, who are those most marginalized from health care  even though California is one of 16 states that fund abortions for low-income women under Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California.

California leaders doubled down on the states commitment to serving as a haven for abortion seekers.

California will not back down, California Legislative Womens Caucus Chair Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, and Vice Chair Assembly Member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters (Yolo County), said in a statement Friday. We remain steadfastly committed to safeguarding access to reproductive care and abortion services and to legally protect our health providers and those who seek services.

Gov. Gavin Newsom called Kacsmaryk an extremist judge pursuing a radical political agenda in a statement Friday and said the ruling ignores facts, science, and the law  putting the health of millions of women and girls at risk.

Abortion is still legal and accessible here in California and we wont stand by as fundamental freedoms are stripped away, Newsom said.

Mifepristone and a second drug, misoprostol, are used in more than half of all U.S. abortions. Taken together, they are 99% effective  and, used in privacy at home, are far less visible to medical regulators than surgical abortions.

Women who can no longer obtain mifepristone can still terminate their pregnancy by using only misoprostol, not affected by the ruling. That drug, which induces contractions that cause a womans uterus to expel the fetus, is about 85% effective as an abortion medication, said Daniel Grossman, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCSF.

But misoprostol used alone requires more doses and can have side effects, including bleeding, painful cramping and nausea, said Dr. Mitchell Creinin, who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology at UC Davis Health Medical Center. And he said there could be shortages of the drug if it becomes the sole source of medication abortions.

Last month, Wyoming became the first state to pass a law banning the abortion medications. But at least 13 other states have effectively taken the same step by banning abortion since the Supreme Courts ruling last June that overturned the constitutional right to abortion it had declared in Roe v. Wade in 1973.

In a suit by anti-abortion groups, Kacsmaryk ruled that the FDA, which approved mifepristone in 2000, had failed to consider the medications potential dangers. If upheld on appeal, the ruling would allow the FDA to undertake a new approval process, but in the meantime its longtime certification, which authorized sale of the drug, has been vacated.

Kacsmaryk allowed the federal government seven days to challenge the ruling in the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals before his order takes effect.

If that court, whose 16 judges include 12 appointed by Republican presidents, upholds Kacsmaryks decision, the next stop will be the Supreme Court.

In line with anti-abortion groups view of the harmful effects of the procedure, Kacsmaryk said, Women who have aborted a child  especially through chemical abortion drugs that necessitate the woman seeing her aborted child once it passes  often experience shame, regret, anxiety, depression, drug abuse, and suicidal thoughts because of the abortion. And citing data from abortion opponents, he asserted that the lack of restrictions (on mifepristone) resulted in many deaths and many more severe or life-threatening adverse reactions.

Despite the ruling, said Upadhyay of UCSF, we should look to the FDA to use whatever powers they have to protect access to this medication.

She said the federal agency has considerable enforcement discretion, and used it to lift restrictions on some medications after the outbreak of COVID-19. They could do the same thing with mifepristone, Upadhyay said  although any such decision would likewise be challenged in court.

Theres a growing chorus of voices saying that the FDA should simply choose to ignore this ruling and that providers should continue to offer this drug where they can, Amy Littlefield, who covers abortion for the Nation magazine, told Pacifica Radios Democracy Now!

A possible precedent is the governments treatment of marijuana. U.S. law classifies marijuana, based on little evidence, as a dangerous drug with no legitimate use, and prohibits both sale and possession. But federal prosecutors have taken little action against marijuana users in California and other states that have legalized medical and personal use of the drug. Last fall, President Biden pardoned everyone convicted under federal law of possessing marijuana.

The FDA may also allow supplies from abroad. On its website, the agency says it has authority to let individuals obtain an unapproved new drug from another country where the medication is legal, as long as it does not pose an unreasonable risk and is to be used for a serious condition for which effective treatment may not be available domestically.

Whole Womans Health, which operates nine abortion clinics in five states and also distributes mifepristone by mail, said in advance of the ruling, The ball will be in the FDAs court. No matter what the judge says, Whole Womans Health can still offer medication abortion care with MIFE and MISO until we hear from the FDA.

Speaking in Iowa while awaiting the ruling, Vice President Kamala Harris said the Biden administration is prepared to do whatever we may and can if the court rules in a way that is contrary to what we believe is in the best interest of public health in America.

If politicians start using the court to undo doctors decisions, imagine where that can lead, Harris said.

Another possible avenue for continued use of mifepristone in California is a little-known state law, which also dates from 2000.

Passed by a unanimous legislative vote, the law, sponsored by then-Assembly Member Susan Davis, D-San Diego, allows the state Department of Public Health to approve an application for any new drug that serves the purposes of federal and state health regulation, regardless of whether it was expressly authorized by federal regulations. A legislative staff analysis said the measure would enable California to provide greater protections of the public health and safety than the federal government.

Under the California law, abortion clinics, retail stores and their suppliers in the state may be allowed to distribute their remaining stock of mifepristone  about three months supply, said Marsha Cohen, a health law professor at UC College of the Law San Francisco  and whatever they can obtain from other sources. But the legality of those sales cant be guaranteed, Cohen said, because opponents of abortion could argue that the medication can no longer be considered safe, based on Kacsmaryks ruling.

Most pharmacies are part of nationwide companies, Cohen said, and the companies will be under pressure to demand return of mifepristone from their outlets in states like California. The local stores will want reimbursement for medications they have already bought, she said, and they will have to decide whether to send them back to the parent company or take the chance that they will still be allowed to sell them to patients.

For pharmacies, Cohen said, once a drug is taken off the market, youve got a problem. It depends on what youre afraid of. The FDA doesnt have the manpower to go all over the U.S. and say, You shouldnt be selling. Distribution is generally covered by pharmacy licensing boards in states. Pharmacists will be concerned about losing their licenses.

Licensing decisions are made by the state Board of Pharmacy. A majority of its members were appointed by Govs. Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown, and the others by state legislators.

I dont know what theyll do, Cohen said. In the meantime, she said, her advice for women in California is to keep close tabs on whether you might be pregnant, because in the current situation, often you will need all the time you have to decide your own future.

Chronicle staff writer Sophia Bollag contributed to this article.

Reach Bob Egelko: begelko@sfchronicle.com; Twitter: @BobEgelko
An anti-obscenity zealot named Anthony Comstock persuaded Congress 150 years ago to forbid the mailing of anything obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy or vile, including any substance designed, adapted, or intended for producing abortion. Violations could be punished by five years in prison.

The Comstock Act is still on the books, but wasnt enforced against providers of abortion after the Supreme Court declared a constitutional right to the procedure in 1973, or after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the abortion pill mifepristone in 2000, and later authorized its distribution by mail. But a federal judge in Texas has breathed new life into the 1873 law.

The FDAs decisions violate the plain text of the Comstock Act, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk wrote Friday in a ruling ordering a nationwide ban on the medication used in more than half of all U.S. abortions.

He emphatically disagreed with the Justice Departments view that the Comstock Act has no application to the mailing of legal substances.

Last December, five months after the Supreme Court overruled its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision and allowed states to limit or ban abortion, the Justice Department issued a legal opinion telling the U.S. Postal Service that the 19th century law does not prohibit the mailing of certain drugs that can be used to perform abortions where the sender lacks the intent that the recipient of the drugs will use them unlawfully.

The Comstock Act has never been interpreted that broadly, the department said, citing federal court rulings from the 1930s onward that overturned convictions for mailing condoms, even though the original text of the law also barred the mailing of contraceptive devices.

But Kacsmaryk said the wording of the Comstock Act plainly does not require intent on the part of the seller that the drugs be used unlawfully. 

He did not expressly order the Justice Department to prosecute anyone who mailed mifepristone, but prohibited its distribution by ruling that the FDA had failed to consider the drugs allegedly harmful effects on women and the medical profession.

Kacsmaryk stayed his ruling for seven days to allow the Biden administration to seek a further halt from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, one of the nations most conservative appellate courts. The case is likely bound for the Supreme Court, along with another ruling Friday by a federal judge in Washington state that found the FDA had imposed too many restrictions on the abortion medication.

Kacsmaryk, appointed by President Donald Trump in 2019, has previously ruled in favor of Trump administration rules requiring asylum-seekers to wait outside the United States while their applications were pending, and rejected Biden administration health care standards on discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

In Fridays ruling, he said antiabortion advocates and physicians had shown harm from the FDAs approval of mifepristone  a requirement for legal standing to sue  because they allege adverse events from chemical abortion drugs can overwhelm the medical system and place enormous pressure and stress on doctors during emergencies and complications.

And while the American Medical Association and federal health agencies have found the medication to be safe and effective, the judge cited contrary findings, such as a 2021 study circulated by abortion opponents titled Abortion Changes You.

Studies show 83% of women report that chemical abortion changed them  and 77% of those women reported a negative change, Kacsmaryk wrote.

Women who have aborted a child  especially through chemical abortion drugs that necessitate the woman seeing her aborted child once it passes  often experience shame, regret, anxiety, depression, drug abuse, and suicidal thoughts because of the abortion.

And he said the regulations the FDA relied on to accelerate its approval of mifepristone apply only to drugs urgently needed to treat serious or life-threatening illnesses.

Pregnancy is not an illness, Kacsmaryk said.
By suspending a drug used in medicated abortions Friday, a conservative federal judge in Texas did more than make it harder for people to obtain abortions.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk also made it more painful.

And that may be the point, abortion rights advocates say.

More on abortion: California is stockpiling abortion medication, Gov. Gavin Newsom says

Kacsmaryks ruling suspending the Food and Drug Administrations approval of the abortion pill mifepristone in 2000 means that patients who want a medical abortion will have to use misoprostol only to end their pregnancies. Unless the Fifth Circuit Appeals court stays the judges ruling within seven days, patients could lose access to mifepristone.

Until now, the two medications have been used together to end pregnancies through 10 weeks  and very safely for the most part. More than 5 million people have used mifepristone since it was approved. Complications after medication abortions occur in no more than a fraction of a percent of patients, according to a 2018 report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Typically, patients take one 200 milligram mifepristone pill, which blocks the hormone called progesterone that is necessary to continue a pregnancy. Within up to 72 hours, patients typically follow up with misoprostol, which allows the uterus to contract to get rid of its contents, said Josie Urbina, an obstetrician/gynecologist and clinical instructor at UC San Francisco.

When used in combination with mifepristone, most pregnancies are passed with just one dose of the misoprostol, Urbina said. However, with the misoprostol-only protocol, a person may have to take misoprostol every three hours for up to three to four doses in order to pass a pregnancy.

Patients can experience severe cramping after one dose of misoprostol. Urbina is concerned that some patients will balk if they have to take more than one dose.

Some people may feel like just having to take it one time was a lot. But having to take it up to three or four times is a lot to ask for a person, Urbina said.

Urbina worries that that they may give up after one dose and say, I dont want to proceed anymore with any further doses, and would not be able to pass the pregnancy.

Mini Timmaraju, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, has heard concerns from providers across the country that a misoprostol-only regimen is a much more unpleasant procedure.

It creates a miscarriage-like medical situation, which is painful, uncomfortable, unpleasant, Timmaraju told The Chronicle. A lot of physicians have said they havent used that protocol. So theyre a little bit like, Well, we know it can medically work, but this has not been the preferred protocol. So, were all trying to figure it out in real time, and thats anxiety-inducing.

Creating anxiety among those who are seeking abortions may be part of the reason behind the drive to remove mifepristone from the market, some advocates say.

A misoprostol-only regime can more dramatically interfere with (a patients) day-to-day ability to go to work, their ability to travel, those sorts of issues, said Ramona Thomas, general counsel for Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties.

And we think that thats kind of part of whats driving this initiative: Theyre trying to make the process harder for people. Theyre trying to make people suffer more, Thomas told me. That just seems so contrary to the stated purpose of this movement, that they want to make women suffer in order to be able to exercise their free will.

The patients most affected by this change, Urbina said, will be populations that are historically already marginalized  like minority populations, immigrant communities and those that are typically not prioritized in our current healthcare system.

Getting rid of one of the two medications necessarily for medication abortion is just going to create more barriers for patients to have to overcome in order to get the care that they need, Urbina said.

Advocates and health care providers believe there is an adequate supply of misoprostol for now, even if patients will be required to take more doses. Maintaining that supply, however, could become an issue, Urbina said, because we use misoprostol for other things other than abortion including helping induce labor and as a tool to manage postpartum hemorrhaging.

Abortion rights advocates fear that this physically painful change in medication abortions will viscerally illustrate something that theyve been trying to tell Californians ever since the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to obtain an abortion established in Roe v. Wade: California may be a haven for abortion rights, but it is not immune from federal laws restricting the procedure.

I cant tell you how many times I keep hearing, Were safe in California. Were safe in California, said Nichole Ramirez, senior vice president of communication at Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties. So, were trying to explain to people now that this is a federal ban. We have to adhere to this, too. Were definitely not safe.
The fatal stabbing of tech executive Bob Lee on April 4 sent shockwaves through San Francisco and, as high-profile crimes often do, ignited fear that the city is becoming more dangerous.

The data tells us one thing: that while any level of violent crime is unacceptable, San Francisco, for all its other issues, does not have unusually high rates of homicide or other violent crimes when compared to cities of its size. The homicide rate is among the lowest of major cities in the U.S. And during the pandemic, overall reported violent crime fell to its lowest level since the 1960s.

Yet residents, over and over, tell a different story. In poll after poll, far more people than not say that crime is getting worse every year.

Its no consolation to say San Francisco had three times as many murders in the 1970s, Joel Engardio, San Francisco District 4 Supervisor, wrote on Twitter. What matters is how people feel today and they dont feel safe.

Engardio is not the first to distinguish feelings about crime from trends in data. The fear of crime and its impact on mental health has been widely studied by psychologists and criminal justice researchers. Apart from being deeply unpleasant and stressful, fear of crime can drive individual lifestyle choices, like choosing to stay out of San Franciscos already-suffering downtown, and policy changes, like instituting harsher punishments against people accused of crime.

And while public perceptions might not align with historic citywide statistics, they could be pointing to other, more nuanced truths about local crime trends.

For instance, The Chronicle has previously shown that during the pandemic, certain types of crime increased in wealthier neighborhoods even while overall crime dropped. Meanwhile, a San Francisco Standard analysis found that while violent crime declined during the pandemic, people who werent sheltering in place were actually more likely to be victims of some types of crime.

Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Pamela Mejia, head of research and interim director of the Berkeley Media Studies Group, has spent years studying how people perceive crime, why perceptions differ from statistical reality, and how the media plays a role in that gap. The Chronicle spoke to Mejia about this weeks horrific incident and what the publics response to it can tell us about crime and human psychology.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Killings in San Francisco, while relatively rare, do happen an average of once per week. Why did this incident get so much attention?

A couple of thoughts that came up for me immediately: One, this was a very high-profile person whose products have name recognition. I also think stabbings feel qualitatively different for people. Were very used to hearing about firearms being used in acts of violence. But theres something about stabbings that does feel visceral; you have to be pretty close to somebody physically to harm them in that way.

And then, you know, there is also that element of randomness, the idea that he happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think thats a really terrifying notion for people. If it hadnt been him, could it have been me? (Editors note: The investigation of Lees death is ongoing and whether it was a random or targeted assault is unknown.)

This killing reignited a debate around violent crime in San Francisco, with some people arguing the data doesnt match reality and the city is a haven for lawlessness. What do you think is driving this perception, if not actual violent crime?

I do think that there is a very visible problem with people not being housed in San Francisco and in the Bay Area in general. There is a sense of futility and failure and hopelessness. I do think that bleeds into larger perceptions about inaction around other issues that people also have very strong, negative feelings about, like violence.

AlsoPeople who are unhoused are very, very stigmatized. We did an evaluation of national news about housing issues and we found that news about unhoused people regularly included some very, very troubling language and framing that characterize unhoused people as frightening, as scary, as dangerous. (Editors note: Most research has indicated that unhoused people are not more likely to commit violent crime than housed people, but are more likely to be victims of violent crime.)

Since people are reinforcing some really negative thinking about unhoused folks, that bleeds into a sense of lawlessness, people arent being taken care of, or the government is not taking action as it should.

SFNext is Chronicle coverage devoted to the city's most vexing problems. To become involved: Send feedback, ideas and suggestions to sfnext@SFChronicle.com

Its not just San Francisco, though: National polls and surveys of Californians consistently show people always think crime is up. Thats true whether crime is actually up, down or stable. Why do most people tend to think crime is increasing most of the time?

This is not new to our current era. This has been happening in various ways since the 80s. Politicians often invoke rising crime, rising danger, to get votes, to cast themselves as protectors who will take action.

So I do sometimes wonder whether people believe that because theyre primed to believe that. Media narratives drive that as well; when we look at news coverage of firearms, the coverage tends to be dominated by instances of mass shootings or street-level assaults and crime. Which, if you look at the data, account for only a very small percentage of injuries and fatalities from firearms. The single leading cause of firearm injury and fatality is suicide.

It all connects to narratives we have. When the narrative is connected to violence, that feeds into the mean world syndrome  the idea that the more you see of [violence], the more you believe that is what is out there, and that's happening all the time.

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How can people effectively communicate crime statistics while also respecting the feelings of people impacted by crime or made fearful by it?

I've done a lot of research on communicating about sexual harassment, abuse and assault. One of the things we learned from some of that research was that people were not open to listening to more of what we had to say unless we first acknowledged the existence of their fears, their discomfort, their doubts.

People talk about, you need to be optimistic, you need to paint a picture of the world as it really is. But that went over like a lead balloon. People would say, Thats fine for you to paint this rosy picture, but what I know to be true is that this is happening all the time, and how on earth is this program or this policy gonna stop that?

The only way we could get people open to a conversation about solutions was really to acknowledge that fear right off the bat.

The other thing that comes upI have a daughter, shes 12 years old. She was about two or three when the shooting at Sandy Hook happened. I remember that I went into work and a colleague of mine, who had done a lot of work on gun violence, said, Actually, the safest place for kids is in school.

And I remember having this visceral reaction, of just, what are you talking about? Even though I knew that data and I knew the person was trying to make me feel better, my gut reaction was coming from the place of, I am terrified. As a parent, as a survivor of violence. Who are you to hit me with data right now?

When theyre in this acute place of violence and fear, people arent in a place to hear that data. Its not gonna land well until theyve had a chance to have their fear acknowledged and move into a place of less acute anxiety.
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San Francisco never met a commonsense idea it didnt want to overcomplicate. From trash cans to toilets to tiny homes, City Hall has a way of making its most basic offerings far more expensive and byzantine than necessary.

Nearly 20 years ago, then-Mayor Gavin Newsom created Homeward Bound, a program remarkable for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness in a city not known for either. If a homeless person wanted to go home, be it across the bay or across the country, a city worker would call the persons friend or relative to ensure theyd take them in, provide a bus ticket and meal stipend, take the person to the Transbay Terminal and see them off.

The program helped more than 13,000 people leave the often damaging streets of San Francisco in a humane, practical, low-cost way over nearly two decades. The city checked in with them each month for three months and learned that about 60% remained with their relatives, said Trent Rhorer, director of the citys Human Services Agency.

While others were found to be in jail or homeless elsewhere  or couldnt be located  the program was an overall win for the city and the people no longer living on its sidewalks.

But quietly, in May, the city folded Homeward Bound. The pandemics onset  making travel nearly impossible and families less likely to take people in  coincided with a fentanyl epidemic that left homeless people addicted to the drug far sicker and less able to relocate.

The lesson is stark: Homeward Bound was one important tool in a city that needs a Swiss Army knife-like response to the interrelated crises of homelessness, drug addiction and mental illness. These strategies include family reunification, permanent supportive housing, additional shelter space, on-demand treatment and more.

Forgoing any possible solutions weakens the citys entire response because so many are linked and dependent on each other. Moreover, the same person may need several of them.

Instead of shoring up Homeward Bound in the face of new challenges, the city made it one small part of a bigger program called Problem Solving in which nonprofit workers meet with homeless people at access points around the city to assess their needs and determine what might help. Its unclear how much the workers emphasized family reunification  dismissed by some homeless advocates as Greyhound therapy  in those conversations.

What is clear? The numbers of homeless people reunited with their families plunged. The numbers have remained low even after society reopened and vaccines were widely available. In June, for instance, the city counted just seven people who reconnected with relatives. Thats a tiny number in a city in which 20,000 people are estimated to experience homelessness in any given year, and where the homelessness department estimates it would cost $1 billion to move everybody inside.

In the first 10 months of the fiscal year that ended in June 2022, 271 people went home, compared with 447 people in fiscal 2020 and 628 in fiscal 2019. From fiscal years 2006 to 2018, 800 to 1,000 people each year reunited with their families through Homeward Bound, the program proving to be a key part of the citys multipronged effort to address homelessness.

SFNext is Chronicle coverage devoted to the city's most vexing problems. To become involved: Send feedback, ideas and suggestions to sfnext@SFChronicle.com

After those dispiriting numbers came to light at a recent City Hall hearing and in subsequent media coverage, Mayor London Breed announced Homeward Bound would be resurrected. Her Human Services Agency will start offering the travel assistance directly to its clients  just as it did when Newsom created the program  rather than referring them to the Problem Solving initiative run by her Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. Now both departments will offer the service.

Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Thats good, but resurrecting Homeward Bound in its previous form is the definition of reinventing the wheel. And to Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, a supporter of the program, the way the homeless department handled Homeward Bound raises a pivotal question: Is it so laser-focused on the important yet expensive and time-consuming process of building and operating permanent supportive housing that its overlooking some simpler and cheaper alternatives?

Quick resolutions to homelessness are imperative, as studies have repeatedly shown that the longer people live on the streets, the sicker they get.

Its troubling that they dont seem to be pursuing outcomes that might result in a home that isnt in San Francisco, but leaves the person better off and helps street conditions, Mandelman told me, noting its admirable but impossible to provide permanent housing for everyone who arrives here homeless.

Given all of these factors, why did Breeds homelessness department collapse the program?

Emily Cohen, a department spokesperson, responded, We have not forgotten Homeward Bound. Its a very important tool, but it has always worked on the margins of this crisis, and it will continue to.

She said that even before the department folded the program, fewer homeless people had expressed interest in returning to their hometowns. The spread of COVID-19 made it harder for people to travel and fewer families wanted to take people in. She said the citys success in reducing its unsheltered homeless population by 15% over the past three years has made for a smaller pool of candidates for the service.

Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

There may be other factors  including the fentanyl and meth epidemic making it far harder for those who are homeless and suffering from substance abuse to easily travel, and far harder for family members ill-equipped to deal with addiction to take them in.

Liz Breuilly works as a detective for Miracle Messages, a nonprofit that seeks to reconnect far-flung families with their loved ones lost to the streets of San Francisco. She said that many people addicted to fentanyl or meth are ashamed and unwilling to divulge the truth to their worried families  and are far too reliant on the drugs to manage a long bus trip without them.

Theyre not going to make it to the next town, let alone Idaho or Illinois, she told me. Theyd be in withdrawal before they even pull out of the San Francisco bus terminal.

She said the city lacks sufficient exit strategies from the drug-fueled street misery, focusing instead on keeping people alive but addicted, rather than aggressively promoting treatment and recovery and disbanding the open-air drug markets. The city keeps people there and traps them, she said.

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Public health officials have said they are working to add treatment beds and make accessing them less complicated.

On a recent day, I tagged along with Kevin Adler, the founder of Miracle Messages, as he chatted with people whod just left life on the sidewalks for tiny homes at 33 Gough St. He went door to door, offering muffins and asking residents whether they wanted to connect with anyone on a phone call. To him, thats an easier, more effective first step than suggesting traveling home.

We find a lot of people who are nowhere near ready to say, Hey, Im going to show up on this persons doorstep with my bags,  he said. But they say, Id love to just let them know Im still alive, Im still thinking of you, I love you, I miss you, Im sorry, I want you back in my life. 

He got some takers, though when I asked people whether theyd be interested in a free ticket home, no one said yes. Tony Castellanos said hes from Walnut Creek, just 25 miles across the bay  and that getting back home isnt the hard part. Rather, its getting out of this bad rut, he explained, saying hes been homeless in the city for nine years and uses fentanyl and meth.

Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Its just being irresponsible and lazy and falling into bad habits, he said with a sigh.

Phillip Gibson, 47, said he moved from Arkansas to San Francisco in his 20s because hes gay and sought refuge  and because he heard the city gives more generous assistance checks than elsewhere.

I was homeless when I first got off the bus, Gibson told me as he pet his dog, Sonoma. They pay you to live here? What a place!

His parents are long dead, and he said he has nobody to go home to, making him a poor candidate for Homeward Bound. His new tiny cabin was a far better option.

Last year, Adler said, Miracle Messages connected 158 people with their families, and about a fifth of them got off the streets, moving in with their relatives or their own homes. He lamented that the citys homeless population seems sicker and more hopeless than when he founded his organization in 2014, making the prospect of reconnecting with family and leaving San Francisco much more daunting.

I heard people when I started this work triumphantly say, I may be homeless, but Im not hopeless,  Adler said. I dont feel that sentiment nearly as much anymore.
Provided by an undisclosed source

Among the many revelations in a ProPublica report on U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was that, along with the luxury trips around the globe and visit to Californias Bohemian Grove that he secretly accepted from Republican donor Harlan Crow, Thomas has also spent about one week of every summer for more than two decades at Crows private resort in the Adirondacks of upstate New York.

The ProPublica report describes the 105-acre property Camp Topridge as once the summer retreat of the same heiress who built Mar-a-Lago, and as having more than 25 fireplaces, a batting cage, and a replica of Harry Potter character Hagrids hut.
Text in which the author defends ideas and reaches conclusions based on his / her interpretation of facts and data

Colombian President Gustavo Petro (left) and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at a meeting in Caracas on March 23 MIRAFLORES PALACE (via REUTERS)

In the coming weeks the government of Colombian President Gustavo Petro will host an international conference on Venezuela. The plan is risky, but with the right approach this could be an excellent opportunity to rethink the international response to Venezuelas profound crisis.

In newspapers across the Americas, Venezuela has disappeared from the headlines. Over the course of the last six years since the creation of the Lima Group, the coalition of Latin American governments that came together to promote a democratic solution in Venezuela died a slow and gradual death. With political changes across the hemisphere in recent years, now not even Lima is part of the Lima Group, and the future of the coalition is unclear.

In this context, Petros proposal to host a summit in Colombia to identify a road map for Venezuela is a very welcome initiative. As a neighboring country and recipient of more than two million migrants and refugees who have fled authoritarianism, human rights violations, and a humanitarian emergency, Colombia is well positioned to convene an international diplomatic initiative to ensure that the crisis in Venezuela is not forgotten.

There are many unanswered questions about the Petro administrations strategy in Venezuela, but the reality is that its approach presents new opportunities. At the same time that the Colombian government has sought to reopen diplomatic and commercial relations with Venezuela, it has attempted to explore how Venezuela could rejoin the Inter-American Human Rights System.

This two-pronged approach  speaking out on the human rights situation in Venezuela but with a recognition of the importance of communicating with the de facto government in Caracas may be the basis for an innovative strategy that the international community can follow to advance a more gradual approach to a democratic opening in Venezuela. In fact, this is more or less the position of the United States, which has sent diplomatic officials to Caracas to meet with Nicolas Maduro even as it acknowledges that he does not have a democratic mandate. The truth is that this seems to be the future of the international response to Venezuela. But for this new approach to contribute to a clear roadmap it is important that the Petro administration take into account certain realities inside Venezuela, as well as in the international response to the crisis so far.

Venezuela has changed since 2019. The Venezuelan opposition, aware that the interim government of Juan Guaido lost the support of the majority of the population, has abandoned that experiment and is now actively working to return to a strategy of electoral participation. Today the oppositions best hope is centered on a negotiation process with the Maduro government, which has yielded a series of partial agreements announced in Mexico City. They know that it will not be easy, but the opposition coalition is convinced that offering conditional sanctions relief could lead the government to promote reforms to allow for more credible elections in 2024.

This recognition is why it is so important that Petros plans for a conference on Venezuela reinforce the current negotiation process, as well as the existing agreements and commitments of the parties. In 2021, the government and the opposition of Maduro signed an ambitious plan in Mexico to discuss seven points, which are as follows:

Political rights for all.

Electoral guarantees for all and an electoral timetable for observable elections.

Lifting sanctions and restoring access to state assets.

Respect for the constitutional rule of law.

Political and social coexistence, renouncing violence, and reparation for victims of violence.

Protecting the economy and social protection measures for the Venezuelan people.

Guarantees of implementation, monitoring and verification of the agreement.

This was the beginning of a process that, at least on paper, seeks to restore democratic constitutional order and address the rights of victims. Within the framework of this process, in November 2022 the parties announced a major humanitarian agreement in Mexico to  with the support of the UN  address the humanitarian emergency in Venezuela using billions of dollars in funds that are currently frozen due to U.S. sanctions.

Although the parties have not returned to Mexico to announce new agreements since November, this does not mean that the process is dead. Instead it appears that Mexico has become a kind of clearing house for finalized agreements, not a host of technical talks. The implementation of the humanitarian agreement as well as the other items on the negotiating agenda are currently under discussion by the parties, which have publicly acknowledged that they are talking in Caracas.

Given the advanced nature of this process, it is completely unnecessary to announce a new parallel dialogue. The Petro administration seems to understand this given recent comments by Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva clarifying that the objective of the conference is to convene a meeting with countries from Latin America and Europe to promote dialogue that should continue in Mexico.

While it is not necessary to announce a new dialogue process, there is a clear role for the international community. In fact, the signed agenda for the current process makes specific mention of a Group of Friends of the Process, which has not yet been created. An expression of international support of this type, which fits with the existing negotiating framework, could help build momentum not only in Venezuela but also in the United States.

This may be a reason why the U.S. government was the first to applaud Petros idea, even before the announcement of a date for the conference. Ultimately, this summit could help ensure that in Washington, where Venezuela is not always a priority, there is renewed interest in continuing to support ongoing negotiations. All the more reason to ensure that this conference ends with a clear focus on strengthening the current process, rather than restarting from scratch.

Geoff Ramsey is a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council. His research focuses on U.S. foreign policy toward Colombia and Venezuela.

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This story was originally published in GK (Ecuador) and is being republished as part of the Human Journalism Network program, supported by the International Center for Journalists. Read more about The Chronicles participation in the Human Journalism Network here.

Migration is like knitting: two brackets bind the wool together, and a fabric is built.

Two years ago, 53-year-old Ida Sandrea decided to knit together her Venezuelan roots and those of her new home, Ecuador.

She and her daughter Andrea Estrella climbed into a truck full of bananas from Maracaibo to Maicao, a Colombian border town, and arrived in Ecuador through an irregular and dangerous crossing.

They are among the more than 440,000 Venezuelans who have arrived in Ecuador in recent years, making Ecuador the fourth-largest recipient of migrants from that country.

For a while, Sandrea received food bags from the Venezuelan government and humanitarian aid organizations. But she got tired of it.

I dreamed of being able to produce again, to have my own money, go to the market, and choose whatever I wanted to buy, she said, sitting on a bench. Having her own venture was also a kind of therapy to cope with the displacement. I discovered that in order to heal, I had to get back to work on my knitting business.

That was when Ida Sandrea Crochet, her sewing venture, was born.

The orders started coming in one by one. Sometimes a little jacket, a coat, a hat, or a top. Crocheted pieces that express your personality, was her social media motto.

Human Journalism Network

Around the same time, she began to build local networks. She started to teach knitting at a community house in Carapungo, a populous neighborhood in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. She became a community leader, teaching other women how to monetize the goods they sold.

One day, she got an order to knit 100 hats in 10 days. It was beyond my production limit, which was six hats a day, and I decided to contact a group of women with whom I had shared a knitting course to help me, she recalled.

So Sandrea formed Crocheteros Tricolores Sin Fronteras (Borderless Tricolor Crocheteers), an association of Venezuelan, Colombian and Ecuadorian knitters.

What prevented her business from thriving was Sandreas lack of registration in Ecuador. At this point, she earns around $300 a month. Sometimes I make more, sometimes less, because it all depends on the orders, but Im at a point where my business cant grow any more, she explained. Many Venezuelans who have migrated to Ecuador are in the same situation.

Diego Andrade  technical director of an economic inclusion project by the World Council of Credit Unions and US Agency for International Development  explains that due to the economic crisis in Ecuador, there is very little possibility for a person to find a job under appropriate conditions.

WOCCU-USAID aims to compensate for this situation by helping migrants to develop businesses. It gives entrepreneurs the skills they need to make theirs sustainable. That includes helping them get back on their feet emotionally, Andrade said. The program has helped 5,000 entrepreneurs. Eighty percent have not only managed to sustain themselves, but already have two to three employees.

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Many of these initiatives do business with each other, boosting the economy, such as Tejedoras Sin Fronteras and Nutri Coffee, a coffee shop in Carapungo opened by Lenis Sosa, a 30-year-old Venezuelan woman who arrived in Ecuador five years ago with her family. Sosa is part of the knitting organization.

But there is a challenge: although the Nutri Coffee shop has an oven, a refrigerator and five tables, chairs and a coffee machine, its shutters are closed. There are no customers. Nutri Coffee only provides catering services, such as food for events.

Between 2018 and mid-2019, Ecuadors Ministry of Labor counted 2,636 complaints for non-compliance with labor standards, and 3,399 employers were sanctioned nationally. When they saw this, the members of Nutri Coffee opted to look for other jobs, and Sosa was left in charge. Now, she prepares the desserts, manages the clients, and looks for people who are interested in hiring her until she can regularize her migration status.

We thought that we could work under the name of an Ecuadorian colleague, but she could be sanctioned if they discovered that we dont have papers and that we work for her, Sosa said. The only person who helps her with the cafeteria is Sandrea, whom she met at a community center in Carapungo. They became good friends, and Sosa suggested to Sandrea that she set up a small shop window in the centers cafeteria to sell her knitwear.

Giovanni Bassu, representative for Ecuador of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, explained in an interview with GK that the Venezuelan diaspora presents an opportunity for Ecuadors labor force: 45% of migrants are between 26 and 35 years old and 23% have a higher education degree.

Since September 2022, Venezuelans who immigrated to Ecuador and dont have a regularized migration status have had a new chance to get their paperwork in order.

It is one of the greatest desires of thousands of Venezuelans: to be able to access justice, a job that offers them the benefits of the law, obtain loans, enter the banking system, or obtain a RUC from the Internal Revenue Service, explains Karina Ponce of Mega Mujeres, a feminist organization.

The ongoing process is divided into three phases. In the first phase  which includes only those who entered Ecuador legally  it was expected that around 324,000 people from the Caribbean region would register for a migration status. However, only 86,500 people did, according to Ecuadors Foreign Ministry.

Sandrea and her daughter Andrea entered the country through a clandestine passage  a trocha. It was the time of the pandemic and all the borders were closed, she recalled.

As it was not a regular entry point, neither Sandrea nor her daughter could benefit from the regularization process. They had to wait for the third phase, which began Feb. 17 this year. When its completed, UNHCR estimates that many of the almost 500,000 people who are part of the Venezuelan diaspora could be regularized in Ecuador.

Sandrea knows that having entered Ecuador through a trocha has been the biggest setback of her life. But there was no other way. If I used that money to get passports, I would have stayed there, with a travel document that I couldnt use for lack of money, she explained. I did what I had to do.  Opportunities are scarce there, and threats abound.

Sosa, meanwhile, is anxious about the state of her shop. The catering service allows her to have the income to pay for the place and to earn a salary. But I know we are missing out on a lot of money by not being able to open every day.

They were earning around $50 a day. However, since they dont have an RUC, the tax identity document which states that its a company owned by the four women, the project has stopped, and they must work on a reduced basis until they are able to regularize their business.

These are major difficulties faced by migrants: The lack of documents and the lack of access to the banking and financial system, said Andrade. Even if migrants can get seed capital to start their business  as was the case of Sosa and her partners  if there is no financial system or entities that are open to finance them, their ventures will simply stagnate or slow down their growth rate, Andrade said.

Nutri Coffee is already experiencing this effect. As their status is not regularized, the women do not have a bank account either, which makes getting paid difficult. The four members have decided to use the savings account of an Ecuadorian colleague. But that is sometimes a problem because it makes it difficult to do the accounting for the business, but its the only way we can work, Sosa said.

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Because many Venezuelan migrants dont have access to the banking system, they are forced to carry out their activities in cash, said Cristina Bastidas, a migration expert and lecturer at the Central University in Ecuador. Andrade said there have been cases of Venezuelans who have to rent bank accounts in order to collect their salaries.

Sandrea depends on her friends to lend her their bank account in order to collect from clients. Sosa emphasized that it would be crucial for them to have a RUC, because the companies they work with ask for an invoice, and sometimes they miss being hired because they cant provide one.

Sosa said that for her, having a RUC goes further than just getting hired: she wants to feel that shes contributing to the country that welcomed her and is home to her children, who deserve to feel part of the society.

Sosa entered the regularization process because she used a regular passage into Ecuador. In September, she entered her and her familys registration and data verification with the government. She has already been granted a temporary visa for Venezuelans. Now, she is awaiting an appointment with Ecuadors civil registry to obtain her ID card.

If my husband and I can complete the process and get the visa, the business could start; besides, he would stop selling on the streets and would be able to help me, Sosa said.

Sandra said that as soon as she can get her Ecuadorian ID card, she plans to take out a loan to expand her business, obtain a RUC and pay taxes. For her, it is important to feel part of the Ecuadorian social fabric.

Maybe I cant contribute much, but I want to do my part, Sandrea said.

Point by point, Sosa and Sandrea knitted a bond that made them a family, and both hope that the doors of Nutri Coffee will open so theyll be able to sell their goods: Sosa, her desserts; Sandrea, the knitted ornaments she longs to put on her booth at the entrance of the coffee shop.
After a low-pressure system brought showers to the Bay Area on Friday morning, the holiday weekend should dry out. A ridge of high pressure will build across California over the next few days, marking a break in the parade of winter-like storms.

For Saturday, low clouds will slowly burn off across Northern and Central California, and by late afternoon, the only remaining sky cover will be from clouds much higher in the atmosphere. Aside from a stray sprinkle along the coast and in the North Bay, precipitation is not expected. Temperatures will begin to rise into the mid-50s for the coastal areas and into the 60s for areas inland.

Blocking the Pacific storms

Bay Area residents who have been longing for a break in the rain can thank the return of high pressure for this weekends calmer weather. The Pacific high begins to strengthen Saturday, signaling whats to come.

Air moves around a high-pressure system in a clockwise manner. With the center of the high-pressure system this weekend over Southern California, storms from the Pacific Ocean are forced toward the Pacific Northwest instead of the Southwest.

Pivotal Weather

This high-pressure system, also known as a ridge, will reach peak strength on Sunday, leaving Saturday as the transition between wet and warm weather.

Most precipitation will be deflected away from the Bay Area on Saturday, but since the ridge is in its infancy its strength wont be enough to keep the sky completely blue. Clouds will move across the sky throughout the day, preventing Northern and Central California from basking under full April sunshine.

Pivotal Weather

By evening the ridge will continue to strengthen, enough for some breaks in the clouds. There may be enough clearing for a nice sunset.

Saturday breakdown

San Francisco: San Francisco wont wake up to persistent showers like Friday, but morning temperatures will remain in the mid-40s.

In the Sunset and Richmond districts, clouds rolling in off the Pacific Ocean will prevent the sun from peeking out until late morning or early afternoon. Highs in these areas, as well as Lake Merced and the Presidio, will reach the upper 50s.

Residents east of Sutro Tower will see a few breaks in the clouds by late morning. Light winds and clearing skies throughout the day will allow downtown, South of Market and the Mission District to warm toward 60 degrees. Overnight temperatures will drop to the mid-40s.

Pacific Coast and Peninsula: A light northwest wind off of the ocean will keep skies mostly cloudy and temperatures in the mid- to upper 50s along the Pacific Coast on Saturday. These breezes will keep the waves going at Pacifica, so surfers hoping to take advantage of the weekend will want to wear a full wetsuit due to the unusually chilly ocean waters.

Some low clouds in Daly City, San Mateo and at San Francisco International Airport will burn off by midmorning, allowing temperatures to surpass 60 degrees. Temperatures will make a run at the mid-60s in Redwood City. Overnight lows will drop into the mid-40s.

North Bay: The North Bay is one part of the state that could see a few sprinkles Saturday. Some weather models hint at lingering low clouds that could squeeze out a few drops before noon in Santa Rosa.

By afternoon, sun breaks will become more numerous in Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties, while Marin County will continue to deal with clouds off the Pacific Ocean. High temperatures in Santa Rosa, Napa and Fairfield will be in the mid-60s. Mill Valley and San Rafael will be cooler but could briefly hit 60 degrees. Overnight lows in the area will be in the low to mid-40s.

East Bay: Some sunnier spots in the Bay Area on Saturday will be found along the I-680 corridor. Walnut Creek and Dublin will see morning low clouds clear out before warming up under passing high clouds. Highs in the mid-60s are likely across the eastern portions of Contra Costa and Alameda counties.

Along the I-80 and I-880 corridor, temperatures will start out in the mid-40s with morning fog. This fog will burn off before noon and Richmond, Oakland and Fremont will enjoy a pleasant day with passing high clouds and temperatures in the low 60s. Lows Saturday night will be in the mid-40s.

South Bay and Santa Cruz: Saturday morning fog will make the difference in how warm the South Bay gets Saturday. If the morning clouds hang around, mid-60s will be Saturdays high, but some weather models have the clouds clearing out quickly and temperatures approaching 70 degrees for the Santa Clara Valley.

Saturday will be a nice day for residents of Santa Cruz County who have been hammered by this winters storms. Low clouds will scatter Saturday morning, with passing high clouds left. High temperatures will reach the low to mid-60s in Santa Cruz; overnight lows will fall to the mid-40s.
SANTA ROSA, N.M. (AP)  New Mexico wildlife managers will have fewer rainbow trout to stock in rivers and streams around the state this spring after whirling disease was detected at a state hatchery where some of the fish are raised.

The state Game and Fish Department announced Friday that while the disease was found in only low levels at the Rock Lake State Fish Hatchery in eastern New Mexico, the agency will euthanize about 70,000 trout in the affected portions of the hatchery to reduce the chance of the disease spreading.
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Alert: I would rather rot in hell: Utah man who fatally shot his wife, 5 kids detailed anger toward her in suicide note
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BRIDGEPORT  Increased awareness of the city's so-called "eviction crisis" is among the factors city officials are citing in helping reduce the number of public housing authority households facing eviction for unpaid rent from 502 to 385.

"The reduction is attributed to philanthropic dollars, residents who paid via income tax funds that they received, and those that entered into repayment agreements and were removed from the list," Jillian Baldwin, Park City Communities' executive director, said in an email late this past week.

Thomas Gaudett, an aide to Mayor Joe Ganim, said the administration was happy to learn from Baldwin about the decrease in households facing eviction and that the unidentified philanthropic donations "came as a result of a lot of the news coverage and word thats gotten around."

Meanwhile an effort by Ganim's administration and the City Council to target federal aid to help prevent those hundreds of low-income authority tenants from losing their apartments has hit a possible snag.

The council in late March voted to spend $650,000 out of a local, federally-funded rent relief initiative to help pay down the $1.5 million total in back rent owed Park City.

But a spokesperson with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at the time told Hearst Connecticut Media that move might not be allowed under its guidelines.

And on Thursday Gaudett said that following additional consultation he expects HUD will in fact advise the city and housing authority that those dollars have to be made available to anyone in Bridgeport seeking rent relief.

Still, Gaudett said, that does not mean Park City tenants will be unable to access the financial aid. It just may be a bit more complicated to get it to them, he said.

"We suspect no matter what the housing authority is gonna be at the table," Gaudett said. We will structure it whatever way HUD wants us to to make sense.

In mid-March Park City Communities, the name for Bridgeport's public housing authority, revealed that about 2,000 housing authority tenants, or 502 households representing a fifth of Park City Communities' population, could be forced out over unpaid rents. The situation has been blamed on the economic impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic that struck Connecticut in March 2020 and on the authority, which has since 2014 been labeled "troubled" by HUD for operational/financial/structural deficiencies, stepping up its collection efforts to try and lift that designation.

Baldwin was hired in mid-2020 specifically to try to improve things at Park City Communities.

Elected officials and social services advocates responded to the news of the evictions  dubbed by one homeless advocate an 'eviction tsunami'  with alarm given Bridgeport in recent years experienced a real estate boom that drove up sale and rental prices. There is concern the city's stock of affordably-priced units is not keeping pace.

Soon afterward the mayor's office and council members crafted what they hoped would be a solution. Bridgeport's legislative body had coincidentally already been scheduled to vote on a required plan for spending $4.6 million worth of HUD grants awarded the city in September 2021.

There are seven categories of spending. The decision was made to shift some dollars around in the draft plan and make a maximum of $650,000 available for the housing authority, which already operates with substantial HUD funding and is overseen by a mayor-appointed board, to help pay off some of its renters' debts.

Gaudett reiterated last week comments made at the time by city officials that the housing authority and its tenants were never going to be the sole recipients.

He said that even as the Ganim administration and Baldwin await HUD's formal decision, they are moving ahead assuming in some way those funds will be made available to Park City tenants and developing the eligibility process to determine which households will get an eviction reprieve.
HARTFORD  A citizen of the Dominican Republic will serve more than two years in prison after investigators determined he was a drug supplier for a large-scale drug trafficking ring based out of Waterbury, according to federal prosecutors.

U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford sentenced Jeffrey Amarante-Perez, 29, Wednesday to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and heroin, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery said in a news release.

Amarante-Perez has been detained since his July 2022 arrest. On Nov. 15, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

Amarante-Perez's charge stems from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department into a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization headed by Nestor Sosa-Ortiz. The investigation revealed that Sosa-Ortiz's organization received large quantities of fentanyl and heroin from suppliers in Connecticut and New York. They then distributed the narcotics through a network of co-conspirators, the U.S. attorney's office said.

Authorities arrested Sosa-Ortiz on a separate drug trafficking charge in May 2019. He continued to control his drug network while incarcerated, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

Later that year, officers searched an apartment on Bishop Street and four other locations. They seized an estimated 6 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin, about 100,000 bags of fentanyl and heroin packaged for street sale, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Percocet, one firearm and about $50,000 in cash, the U.S. attorney's office said.

Investigators also seized drug ledgers, which connected Amarante-Perez to the Sosa-Ortiz organization. According to the U.S. attorney's office, the ledgers showed that the organization owed Amarante-Perez more than $30,000.

As the investigation continued, officers determined that Amarante-Perez and his brother, Jeisson Amarante-Perez, were an alternate drug supplier source for the Sosa-Ortiz organization. Investigators also heard Jeisson Amarante-Perez and a drug courier coordinate narcotics transactions through wiretapped communications, the U.S. attorney's office said.

Jeisson Amarante-Perez and Sosa-Ortiz have also pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing, according to the U.S. attorney's office.
A U.S. judge has denied requests by two former executives at Mexicos state utility to dismiss a case against them for alleged corruption involving contracts worth billions of dollars, according to a transcript of a recent hearing obtained by EL PAIS. Guillermo Turrent and Javier Gutierrez, who led the foreign branch of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), known as CFE International, are accused of rampant corruption, cronyism and conflicts of interest when awarding unnecessary and overpriced natural gas contracts to the unknown American company WhiteWater Midstream, according to court documents.

In a hearing on March 17 held in a federal court in Houston, Texas, lawyers representing Turrent and Gutierrez failed to convince the judge to dismiss CFE Internationals civil case against them. They argued too much time has elapsed since the contracts were awarded between 2016 and 2018 and suggested CFE International should have detected the misconduct while the two were working at the company. The transcript of the hearing also shows the judge dismissed the defenses attempt to stop the proceedings, known as a motion to stay, which alleged the CFE International case against them is a multi-pronged assault against Turrent and Gutierrez.

In July 2021, EL PAIS revealed long-standing ties between Turrent, Gutierrez and several executives at WhiteWater Midstream, a natural gas company that began winning contracts from CFE International only months after its creation in 2016. Soon after, the state company announced that authorities in both Mexico and the US were investigating the ties between the executives on both sides of the deals. To date, CFE International has opened seven cases in three US courts, while Mexicos Anticorruption Prosecutor in the Attorney Generals office is conducting a criminal investigation against Turrent and has an ongoing case against Gutierrez.

In Mexico, the proceeding against Gutierrez is moving slowly. A hearing initially scheduled for last year has been postponed multiple times, including one instance in which Gutierrez claimed he could not attend due to a medical emergency, according to an official document. The next hearing in the Gutierrez case is expected to be held on April 25. Justice officials have yet to disclose findings of their investigation of Turrent.

The transcript of the hearing that took place in Texas details the CFE International case against WhiteWater. Turrent and Gutierrez, argues the Mexican company, precommitted these three major contracts that are at issue to WhiteWater Midstream without engaging in any competitive bidding process and without disclosing that to the board, said one of the lawyers representing CFE International. The accusations include that the former CFE executives failed to disclose personal and business relationships, side dealings, as well as financial arrangements they had with WhiteWater executives. The state company alleges Turrent and Gutierrez conducted sham bidding contests to give a false appearance of fairness and competition, they manipulated the evaluation of the bids that came out of those contests and they lied to the board and outside counsel about what they were doing.

Turrent and founding executives at WhiteWater Midstream worked together at Royal Dutch Shell in San Diego from 2000 to 2001, during a period known as the California electricity crisis. Their names and ties appear in documents that are part of an open case against Shell that allege the company manipulated electricity prices to overcharge the state, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. In 2016, an administrative law judge at the US energy regulator FERC recommended that Shell pay California $779 million dollars for overcharges.

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  A Utah man who f atally shot his wife, her mother and the couples five kids after he was investigated for child abuse left a suicide note saying he would rather rot in hell than continue enduring what he called controlling behavior by his wife, investigators wrote in a report released on Friday.

The claims in the suicide note left by Michael Haight, 42, stand in stark contract to conclusions by investigators in the 57-page report that overwhelmingly portray Haight, and not his wife, as controlling and abusive. The report cites the family's communications before the killings and interviews from community members conducted after the January tragedy.

This is nonsense and I cant handle it for one more day. We will not be a burden on society. I kept asking for help and you wouldnt listen, Michael Haight, 42, wrote in the note included in the report released by the city of Enoch.

I would rather rot in hell than to put up with another day of this manipulation and control over me, Haight wrote.

Haights attorney, Matt Munson, did not immediately respond to request for comment Friday.

The report builds off documents released after the murder-suicide that detailed how Haight removed firearms from the home, was investigated on suspicion of child abuse, and searched online for gunshot in a house in the lead-up to the shootings.

It paints a picture of Haight as a volatile husband concerned about maintaining a facade of perfection throughout the southern Utah community in which the family lived, where the majority of residents are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The report also details how bedding was laid over all but one of his children's bodies in bedrooms throughout the home. Body camera footage released along with the report shows a tidy home.

Investigators also interviewed a neighbor who said she was awakened on the night before the eight bodies were discovered when she heard multiple bangs that she assumed were fireworks.

The report describes the circumstances leading up to the killings, which took place two weeks after Haight's wife, Tausha Haight, filed for divorce.

People close to the Haights interviewed by investigators whose names were redacted in the report said that Michael Haight had lost his job at Allstate Insurance in nearby Cedar City, Utah and was seeking to start an independent agency.

They said, despite his wife's wishes and pursuit of divorce, that he remained living in the family home up to the tragedy with his wife, five children and mother-in-law, who was there out of safety concerns for her daughter.

The report also details how Haight, his wife, mother-in-law and five children were found in bedrooms throughout the family home on the afternoon of Jan. 4 after a person police described as a family friend entered through an open door.

Police had gone to check on the Haights earlier in the afternoon after concerns about their welfare were reported, but left without reporting any signs or observations of violence.

No one answered the door. It didnt appear that anyone was in the home since no noise could be heard, an Enoch Police officer wrote in a report summarizing his visit to the family home before bodies were discovered.

Tausha Haight, her mother Gail Earl and her four-year-old child were found in the couples first floor bedroom laying on pillows, partially covered with blankets and surrounded by blood. The other children were found in bedrooms throughout the home, all of them in their beds except for the seven-year-old on the floor and Haight, who was found lying on the floor on a sleeping bag.

The southern Utah murder-suicide is among more than 30 family mass killings that have occurred in the United States over the past two years. They've happened nearly every 3-1/2 weeks over the last two decades on average, according to a database compiled by USA Today, The Associated Press and Northeastern University on killings where four or more people were killed, not including the perpetrator.
SASKATOON - Egor Sidorov scored twice, Trevor Wong added two assists and the home team finally won a game as the Saskatoon Blades defeated the visiting Regina Pats 4-2 to take a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven Western Hockey League playoff series.

Vaughn Watterodt and Conner Roulette also scored for the Blades, who outshot the Pats 25-16 at SaskTel Centre. Aidan De La Gorgendiere chipped in with two assists.

Connor Bedard scored both goals for the Pats, his ninth and 10th of the series. Stanislav Svozil and Alexander Suzdalev each had two assists. The Pats trailed 2-1 after the first period and 3-1 heading into the third.

Both teams went 1-for-2 on the power play.

The Pats won the first two games of the series in Saskatoon 6-1 and 6-5 (overtime), then the Blades took the next two games in Regina, both by 4-3 overtime decisions.

Game 6 is Saturday in Regina.

Elsewhere in the WHL:

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REBELS 6 HITMEN 5 (OT)

Red Deer wins best-of-seven series 4-1

RED DEER, Alta.  Ben King scored at 4:56 of overtime to give the Red Deer Rebels a 6-5 victory over the visiting Calgary Hitmen and allowed the host squad to wrap up their best-of-seven playoff series in five games.

Mats Lindgren scored twice and added an assist for the Rebels, who outshot the Hitmen 44-24. Kalan Lind, Matteo Fabrizi and Christoffer Sedoff also scored for the Rebels. Ben King chipped in with three assists.

Maxim Muranov scored twice for the Hitmen, while David Adaszynski, Brandon Whynott and Oliver Tulk netted singles.

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SILVERTIPS 5 WINTERHAWKS 0

Portland leads best-of-seven series 3-1

EVERETT, Wash.  Caden Zaplitny had a goal and assist as the Everett Silvertips defeated the visiting Portland Winterhawks 4-0 to stay alive in their best-of-seven playoff series.

Beau Courtney, Jackson Berezowski, Roan Woodward and Austin Roest also scored for the Silvertips, who trail the first-round series 3-1 with Game 5 set for Saturday in Portland, Ore. Jesse Heslop chipped in with two assists.

The Silvertips outshot the Winterhawks 25-15 as Tyler Palmer made 15 saves to record the shutout.

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COUGARS 6 AMERICANS 2

Prince George leads best-of-seven series 3-2

KENNEWICK, Wash.  Caden Brown's goal at 8:01 of the third period snapped a 2-2 deadlock and eventually lifted the visiting Prince George Cougars to a 5-2 victory over the Tri-City Americans.

The Cougars grabbed a 3-2 lead in the first-round, best-of-seven playoff series, with Game 6 (Sunday) and Game 7 (Tuesday), if necessary, back in Prince George, B.C.

Bauer Dumanski and Zac Funk each scored twice for the Cougars, including an empty-netter, while Cole Dubinsky netted a single. The Cougars trailed 1-0 after the first period but were tied 2-2 heading into the third.

Jake Sloan and Reese Belton scored for the Americans, who were outshot 34-28 at the Toyota Center.

POKE CHECKS: The Winnipeg ICE, Moose Jaw Warriors, Seattle Thunderbirds and Kamloops Blazers, who will host and play in the 2023 Memorial Cup May 26 to June 4, all swept their first-round, best-of-seven series.

* This roundup was generated automatically with a CP-developed application.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 7, 2023.
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TALLINN, Estonia (AP)  Estonias Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said Saturday that her center-right Reform Party has clinched a deal with two other parties to form a coalition government, five weeks after a general election in the Baltic country.

The party councils of Kallas pro-business Reform Party, which overwhelmingly won Estonias March 5 parliamentary election with 31.2% of the vote, the centrist Estonia 200 party and the Social Democratic Party said they would form the coalition after agreeing on government programs for the nex four years following lengthy talks.

This agreement ensures that Estonia is protected, that we can continue as an independent and self-sustaining country, Kallas, who will remain as prime minister, said during a news conference.

Kallas has held the premiership of Estonia  a European Union and NATO member  since January 2021, when she became the first female head of government in the nation of 1.3 million.

The Reform Party was also the senior partner in the outgoing three-party government with the Social Democrats and the conservative Isamaa (Fatherland) party.

Kallas, 45, has chaired the Reform Party since 2018, and the new Cabinet will be her third.

Reform is set to have seven ministerial portfolios, including Kallas prime minister post, the finance minister and the defense minister portfolios in the 13-member Cabinet. It would hold a 60-seat majority at the 101-seat Riigikogu, the Parliament.

Estonia 200, which is to have the foreign minister portfolio, and the Social Democrats would have three ministerial portfolios each.

Kallas said her new Cabinet would face difficult financial, security, education and other decisions that are necessary for Estonia.

We want Estonia to be protected, the well-being and livelihood of our people to be guaranteed, the states finances to be in order, education, language and culture to be preserved, and tomorrow to be better for everyone, she said.

She said defense and security would top the new Cabinet's agenda.

Security is a main concern, said Kallas, referring to Estonias neighbor, Russia, which is waging a war in Ukraine. Thats why we are increasing our defense expenditure ... in the coming years.

Kallas has emerged as one of Europes most outspoken supporters of Kyiv, and Estonia has been a major supplier of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion started last year.

A lot depends on how the war in Ukraine will go. So I hope that Ukraine wins the war and Russia goes back to its territory, Kallas said.

Although Reform won nearly twice as many votes as the March elections runner-up, the far-right populist EKRE party, Kallas needed junior partners to form a Cabinet that can govern with a comfortable majority for the next four years.

Formal signing of the coalition pact is set to take place on Monday after which Kallas would hand in the resignation of her outgoing government to President Alar Karis. He is expected to formally appoint her as a prime minister designate, followed by a confidence vote on the new Cabinet by lawmakers in the Riigikogu.

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Jari Tanner reported from Helsinki.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The chairman of the House Select Committee on China said Saturday the U.S. must take seriously the threat posed to Taiwan, as Beijing launched military drills around the island in the aftermath of the Taiwanese president's meetings with American lawmakers.

Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., who attended the meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen in California last week, told The Associated Press that he plans to lead his committee in working to shore up the island government's defenses, encouraging Congress to expedite military aid to Taiwan.

I think it all just points to what is obvious, Gallagher told the AP, arguing that Chinese President Xi Jinping is intent on reunifying Taiwan with the mainland.

"We need to be moving heaven and earth to enhance our deterrence and denial posture, so that Xi Jinping concludes that he just cant do it," Gallagher said.

China conducted drills with warships and dozens of fighter jets around Taiwan on Saturday, the Taiwanese government said, in what was viewed as retaliation for the meeting between the U.S. lawmakers and the president of the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy hosted Tsai in a bipartisan session at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, with more than a dozen members of the U.S. House for what was the most sensitive stop during her transit through the U.S.

Chinas response to Tsais transit through the U.S. has not, so far, been as intense as its reaction last year after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan.

While both McCarthy and Tsai spoke in measured remarks after the meeting about maintaining the status quo between their countries, which have no formal diplomatic ties, the daylong meeting enraged China.

The Chinese military announced the start of three-day combat readiness patrols as a warning to Taiwanese who want to make the islands de facto independence permanent.

Taiwan split with China in 1949 after a civil war, and the United States broke off official ties with Taiwan in 1979 while formally establishing diplomatic relations with the Beijing government.

The U.S. acknowledges a one China policy in which Beijing lays claim to Taiwan, but it does not endorse Chinas claim to the island and remains Taiwans key provider of military and defense assistance.

The ruling Communist Party says the island is obliged to rejoin the mainland, by force if necessary. Beijing says contact with foreign officials encourages Taiwanese who want formal independence, a step the ruling party says would lead to war.

Chinese officials condemned Tsais meetings with lawmakers and announced sanctions on two organizations that hosted her in the U.S., but its immediate response so far has been less forceful than its reaction to Pelosis August trip to Taiwan.

China had warned U.S. lawmakers not to join the meeting with Tsai, Gallagher said. And after the meeting, China urged the U.S. off what it called a wrong and dangerous road

Gallagher, who served as a U.S. Marine with tours in Iraq, said U.S. lawmakers will not be intimidated by the Chinese.

It's an attempt to shift the ideological battle space and, again, an attempt to intimidate us, and make us feel like were changing the status quo and provoking them, when the opposite is true, he said.

Gallagher said he wants Congress to work on stepping up its military commitments to Taiwan. He said the U.S. should be more quickly sending weapon systems to Taiwan for its defense.

One idea that arose from the meeting, he said, was for the U.S. to help Taiwan with technology to manufacture its own defense systems.

In 2022, China responded in the aftermath of Pelosi's visit with its largest live-fire drills in decades, including firing a missile over the island.

Chinese officials gave no indication whether the drills underway now might include a repeat of previous exercises with missiles fired into the sea, which disrupted shipping and airline flights.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A 19th century anti-vice law is at the center of a new court ruling that threatens access to the leading abortion drug in the U.S.

Dormant for a half-century, the Comstock Act has been revived by anti-abortion groups and conservative states seeking to block the mailing of mifepristone, the pill used in more than half of U.S. abortions.

On Friday, a federal judge in Texas sided with Christian conservatives in ruling that the Comstock Act prohibits sending the long-used drug through the mail.

Here's a look at the case and the law:

WHAT HAPPENED?

In a sweeping ruling, U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk said that the Food and Drug Administration's approval of mifepristone more than two decades ago violated federal rules. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the Donald Trump appointee said the FDA overlooked legitimate safety concerns with the pill, which has been available since 2000.

The Biden administration and mifepristone's main drugmaker filed appeals notices within hours of the decision.

The Texas ruling came almost simultaneously with an order from a judge in Washington state, who said the FDA must maintain access to the drug in Democratic-led states that filed their own lawsuit. The dueling opinions are expected to send the matter quickly to the Supreme Court.

A former lawyer for the conservative First Liberty Institute, Kacsmaryk used the terminology of anti-abortion advocates throughout his opinion, referring to doctors who prescribe mifepristone as abortionists, fetuses as unborn humans and medication abortions as chemical abortions.

If upheld, Kacsmaryk's 67-page decision would also dismantle recent FDA changes designed to ease access to mifepristone, particularly a 2021 switch that allowed the drug to be sent through the mail.

WHAT IS THE COMSTOCK ACT?

Originally passed in 1873 and named for an anti-vice crusader, the Comstock Act was intended to prohibit the mailing of contraceptives, lewd writings and any instrument, substance, drug, medicine, or thing" that could be used in an abortion.

The law's scope has been repeatedly narrowed by federal courts and Congress, which eliminated the reference to contraceptives in the 1970s. And the federal government hasn't enforced the law since the 1930s, according to legal experts.

Kacsmaryk, though, agreed with plaintiffs that the law  as literally interpreted  prohibits mailing mifepristone.

The FDA's decision allowing the dispensing of chemical abortion drugs through mail violates unambiguous federal criminal law, he concluded.

WHY IS THE COMSTOCK ACT IN PLAY NOW?

The law was essentially dormant in the 50 years after Roe v. Wade established a federal right to abortion. And until the FDA loosened its requirements on mifepristone in 2021, there was no real way to enable abortion through the mail.

But Rachel Rebouche of Temple University's law school says anti-abortion groups  emboldened by the Supreme Court decision overturning of Roe  have seized on Comstock to try and shut off the flow of abortion drugs.

The fact that pills can be mailed is an existential crisis for the anti-abortion movement  its hard to police, its hard to track, its difficult to enforce, said Rebouche. If courts are willing to breathe new life into Comstock, it has the potential to shut down the uptake of medication abortion across the country.

Comstock has also been cited by Republican state officials seeking to stop national pharmacy chains from shipping abortion pills to their states.

In February, attorneys general in 20 conservative-led states warned CVS and Walgreens that they could face legal consequences if they sell abortion pills by mail in their states. Most of those states have laws restricting abortion broadly or the pills specifically, but the attorneys general said mail-order mifepristone also runs afoul of the Comstock Act.

HOW HAVE COURTS TREATED THE COMSTOCK ACT IN THE PAST?

Beginning in the 1930s, federal courts issued rulings drastically narrowing how the law could be applied. Read literally, the law could be interpreted to outlaw almost any medical item that could be used in an abortion.

The interpretation being advanced would apply to all kinds of articles  like surgical gloves  that are just basic equipment for health care, Rebouche said.

A key 1936 ruling concluded that the law could only apply when the person mailing an item or drug specifically intended it to be used illegally for abortion.

In December, the Biden administration's Justice Department attempted to bolster that interpretation, issuing an opinion that Comstock could not be used to outlaw the mailing of abortion pills because of their many legal uses, including during miscarriages and under abortion-ban exceptions.

Again, Kacsmaryk rejected that view, stating that the law plainly does not require intent on the part of the seller.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The Supreme Court has never weighed in on Comstock and  assuming the justices take up the case the ruling could have far-reaching consequences for American women, abortion providers and their opponents.

Kacsmaryk's order is limited to mifepristone, but the same approach could potentially be used for other drugs.

Mifepristone is currently taken in combination with a second pill, misoprostol. Abortion clinics have said that if mifepristone were pulled from the market, they would switch to using only the second drug, which is also used to treat other medical conditions.

But whether Comstock could be used to also curtail shipments of misoprostol is not clear, since it is widely prescribed for stomach ulcers and other uses.

WHAT IF THE SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS THE ABORTION PILL RULING?

Even if the Supreme Court affirms the Texas ruling and orders mifepristone off the market, experts say there could be more legal battles ahead.

The FDA has its own procedures for revoking drug approvals, which involve public hearings and internal agency reviews. The process can take months or years. If those steps are skipped, mifepristone-maker Danco Laboratories, which is a party to the case, could potentially sue under due process claims, according to experts.

The FDA is also facing pressure to essentially ignore a negative court decision, given there is almost no legal precedent for a judge overruling the agency's medical determinations.

There is no way this decision has a basis in law, said Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, of Oregon, in a statement Friday. The FDA, doctors, and pharmacies can and must go about their jobs like nothing has changed."

Legal experts point out that the FDA has traditionally had broad leeway in deciding how to use its authority. For instance, the agency allows a number of unproven remedies and supplements to remain on the market because they are essentially harmless and removing them would drain limited agency resources.

Given that mifepristone remains safe and effective for ending pregnancy, some experts say the agency should simply allow the pill to remain on the market as an unapproved medication.

Even if a court wants to order that the FDA does something, the agency still has discretion in how it does that thing, Rebouche said.

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Follow Matthew Perrone on Twitter: @AP_FDAwriter

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Two men, apparently Mexican tourists, were killed Friday and a woman was wounded in shooting not far from the beach in Mexico's once-glamorous resort of Acapulco.

Prosecutors in the Pacific coast state of Guerrero said the two men had been visiting a barbershop in the Puerto Marquez neighborhood.
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MOMBASA, Kenya (AP)  Gobonamang Kgetho has a deep affection for Africas largest inland delta, the Okavango. It is his home.

The water and wildlife-rich land is fed by rivers in the Angolan highlands that flow into northern Botswana before draining into the desert sands of the Kalahari Basin. Several Indigenous and local communities and a vast array of species including African elephants, black rhinos and cheetahs live among the vibrant marshlands. Much of the surrounding region is also teeming with wildlife.

Fisher Kgetho hails from Botswanas Wayei community and relies on his pole and dug-out canoe to skirt around the marshes looking for fish. But things have changed in recent years  in the delta and across the country.

The fish sizes have shrunk, and stocks are declining, Kgetho, whose life and livelihood depends on the health of the ecosystem, told The Associated Press. The rivers draining into the delta have less volumes of water.

Drilling for oil exploration, as well as human-caused climate change leading to more erratic rainfall patterns and water abstraction and diversion for development and commercial agriculture, has altered the landscape that Kgetho, and so many other people and wildlife species, rely on.

The deltas defenders are now hoping to block at least one of those threats  oil exploration.

A planned hearing by Namibias environment ministry will consider revoking the drilling license of Canadian oil and gas firm Reconnaissance Energy. Local communities and environmental groups claimed that land was bulldozed and cut through, damaging lands and polluting water sources, without the permission of local communities.

Kgetho worries that rivers in his region are drying up because of "overuse by the extractive industries, including oil exploration activities upstream.

In a written statement, ReconAfrica, the firm's African arm, said it safeguards water resources through regular monitoring and reporting on hydrological data to the appropriate local, regional and national water authorities and is applying rigorous safety and environmental protection standards.

The statement went on to say that it has held over 700 community consultations in Namibia and will continue to engage with communities in the country and in Botswana.

The company has been drilling in the area since 2021 but is yet to find a productive well. The hearing was originally scheduled for Monday but has been postponed until further notice. The drilling license is currently set to last until 2025, with ReconAfrica previously having been granted a three-year extension.

Locals have persisted with legal avenues but have had little luck. In a separate case, Namibias high court postponed a decision on whether local communities should pay up for filing a case opposing the companys actions.

The court previously threw out the urgent appeal made by local people to stop the Canadian firm's drilling activities. It's now deciding whether the government's legal feels should be covered by the plaintiffs or waived. A new date for the decision is set for May.

The Namibian energy minister, Tom Alweendo, has maintained the country's right to explore for oil, saying that European countries and the U.S. do it too. Alweendo supports the African Union's goal of using both renewable and non-renewable energy to meet growing demand.

There are similar fears of deterioration across Botswana and the wider region. Much of the countrys diverse ecosystem has been under threat from various development plans. Nearby Chobe National Park, for example, has seen a decline in river quality partly due to its burgeoning tourism industry, a study found.

In the Cuvette-Centrale basin in Congo, a dense and ecologically thriving forest that's home to the largest population of lowland gorillas, sections of the peatlands  the continent's largest  went up for oil and gas auction last year.

The Congolese government said the auctioning process is in line with development plans and government programs and it will stick to stringent international standards.

Environmentalists are not convinced.

Wes Sechrest, chief scientist of environmental organization Rewild, said that protecting areas that have robust and healthy wildlife populations like the Okavango Delta, are a big part of the solution to the interconnected climate and biodiversity crises were facing.

The peatlands also serve as a carbon sink, storing large amounts of the gas that would otherwise heat up the atmosphere.

Sechrest added that local communities are going to bear the heaviest costs of oil exploration" and deserve to be properly consulted about any extractive industry projects, including the many likely environmental damages, and decide if those projects are acceptable to them.

Steve Boyes, who led the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project that mapped the delta, said researchers now have even more data to support the need to maintain the wetlands.

Aided by Kgetho and other locals, whose traditional wisdom and knowledge" led them through the bogs, Boyes and a team of 57 other scientists were able to detail around 1,600 square kilometers (1,000 square miles) of peatlands.

These large-scale systems that have the ability to sequester tons of carbon are our long-term resilience plan, said Boyes.

For Kgetho, whose journey with the scientists was made into a documentary released earlier this year, there are more immediate reasons to defend the Okavango.

We must protect the delta," Kgetho said. "It is our livelihood.

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This story was first published on April 8, 2023. It was updated on April 13, 2023 to correct that the Okavango Delta drains into the Kalahari Basin.

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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.
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MEXICO CITY (AP)  After two months of hard work assembling and painting devil-like cardboard figures popularly known as Judas, Mexican artisan Marcela Villarreal is eager to watch her creations burn.

Villarreal and dozens of fellow crafters created the figures ahead of the annual Burning of Judas, a celebration that takes place in Mexico every Holy Saturday, when people across the country gather in public plazas to light fireworks that will destroy these colorful figures made as symbolic embodiments of evil.

This festivity  filled with satirical humor  is not associated with the Holy Week celebrations led by the Catholic Church in this mostly Catholic country. The practice is common in several Latin American nations and in some parts of Greece.

Originally, the burning figures were effigies of Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, according to the Biblical account of the days leading up to Christ's crucifixion. Nowadays, though, Mexican artisans shape their Judas like red, horned devils or other characters considered evil by society.

Villarreal and other artisans made 12 figures for Saturdays event in Santa Maria la Ribera neighborhood of Mexico City. Five of them were to be hanged from branches and destroyed; the others will be displayed at a nearby museum.

It is a spectacle to see how the Judas are lit, to see the emotion of the people, Villarreal said.

Researcher Abraham Dominguez, in an article published by the National Institute of Anthropology and History, wrote that this ritual originated in Europe during the Middle Ages and reached America with the Spanish conquest.

Although it is unknown when it first took place on this continent, the earliest records date from the 19th century. In modern times, variations of the tradition in some countries have drawn criticism for being antisemitic. A 2019 event in Poland was condemned by the World Jewish Congress and others.

But in Mexico, the tradition is embraced as positive and fun.

By exploding with rockets, evil and betrayal are symbolically destroyed, Dominguez wrote. In the burning of Judas, social evil becomes laughable.

In a few Mexican neighborhoods that host this event, some satirical figures resembling politicians burn, too.

They are burned because of what people are accusing them of, Villarreal said. It is a way of expressing disagreement with humor, she said.

Villarreal has spent more than a decade working in cartoneria, as the craft of creating papier-mache sculptures is known. Most notably, cartoneria creations fill Mexican streets during the Day of the Dead celebrations in late October and early November.

Inside each figure lies a reed skeleton covered with newspaper and cardboard. Depending on weather conditions and how fast the glue dries, it can take several weeks of work to be ready.

Villarreal speaks with enthusiasm about a 10-foot-tall Judas she and her colleagues crafted for this years celebration in Santa Maria la Ribera.

His body is covered in masks representing the seven deadly sins. Its awesome, she said.

Painted in blue, red and yellow, the devilish character will be spared from the fire. After Sunday, it will be transferred to the Pulque Museum, a few kilometers away from Santa Maria la Ribera.

This years celebrations in this Mexican neighborhood began on Holy Thursday. The agenda included workshops, conferences, raffles and dances.

The most gratifying thing for us is to see that our work is part of a tradition, Villarreal said. It gathers people who probable didnt know this tradition exists.



Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
The specter of walls is haunting Europe again. Three decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the question resurfaces: Should the European Union erect barriers to protect its external borders?

The reality is that it is already doing so  in the last eight years member states have built more than 1,700 kilometers of walls to protect themselves not against tanks or soldiers, but against migrants and refugees. But who pays for this? Should European funds finance barriers of cement, steel and razor wire in the same way as they finance the purchase of radars and drones. The debate is heated, but the conclusions of the last meeting of the European Council, on February 9, suggest that those supporting a draconian approach are gaining ground.

The European Commission, and countries such as Spain and Germany, are against the use of EU money to build more walls, believing that there are more effective tools to curb irregular immigration. But those in favor, headed by the Visegrad group comprised of the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary and supported by Italy, Greece and Austria, argue their position using a kind of domestic logic: to be able to close doors, they must first exist. Ultimately, the issue is more about where Europe is heading in the face of the migration challenge, and whether it will continue to use ever tougher policies to meet it. Right now, everything points to the affirmative.

The temptation to divide the world into plots of land and sea has been ever present in the European Union, which has been shaped by eliminating internal borders while fortifying external ones. Nervousness regarding these external borders resurfaces on a regular basis. The recent meeting of the European Council is one example while the previous episode was little more than a year ago, when in October 2021 the interior ministers of 12 countries wrote to the European Commission demanding that the study of how to finance physical barriers for external borders should be made a priority.

Physical barriers have been protecting part of Europes external border for decades. The Spanish enclaves in North Africa of Ceuta (1993) and Melilla (1996) were among the first to have these erected. Subsequently, these barriers have expanded to cover more than 2,000 kilometers. Bulgaria, for example, the poorest country in the EU, maintains a fence extending around 98% of its border with Turkey. The refugee crisis of 2015, with the arrival of more than a million people  many fleeing the war in Syria  led to a renewed impetus to build walls to stop those trying to enter the continent. Fencing intensified in Hungary, Latvia, Slovenia, Austria and even in France.

Years later, with migration at relatively low levels, Europe saw how partners and neighbors used the immigration issue as a weapon to destabilize the continent and demand concessions. It happened in 2020 when Turkey opened its borders and threatened Europe with the arrival of millions of refugees and when Morocco let more than 10,000 people cross into Ceuta in May 2021. The latest episode, framed in combative terms as a hybrid threat, was experienced in the summer and fall of 2021, when Belarus encouraged tens of thousands of people to enter Poland, Lithuania and Latvia during the 2021-2022 Belarus-European Union border crisis. The response was to build or extend walls hundreds of kilometers long between the three countries and Belarus. Now, the war in Ukraine has resurrected fears in some countries that Moscow is using immigration as an extra weapon in its arsenal against Europe. Finland has already announced plans to build a fence separating it from Russia given that it has the longest border of all states with what is the largest country in the world.

The European Union does not hesitate to invest large sums of money to curb migratory flows and the 6.7 billion that the Commission has earmarked for border management from 2021 to 2027 serve as an example. But until now, paying for steel walls topped with barbed wire was a taboo subject.

The European directive is ambiguous and, although several EU sources consider that there would be no legal impediment to financing physical barriers, the Commission is reluctant. On February 9, the President of the European Executive, Ursula von der Leyen, insisted once again that what is needed is an integrated approach involving the mobilization  and reinforcement, where necessary  of Frontex, the European border agency, as well as the financing of both mobile and static infrastructure such as towers with surveillance equipment and vehicles. She talks about infrastructure, but not about walls or fences, wincing every time they are mentioned, as was seen during the last European Council.

The Commission does not finance walls

Walls are already dividing Europe ideologically. But Von der Leyen diverges from the line taken by her political family, the European Peoples Party (EPP), one of the main supporters of fences. However, the Commissions refusal to allocate European funds to build them is also a pragmatic position, according to EU sources. Erecting fences thousands of kilometers long would cost a small fortune that could be spent on other projects. Brussels believes, for example, that it is much more efficient to invest in agreements with the irregular migrants countries of origin so that these would accept the return of their nationals.

The arguments of those who oppose the walls are similar: they are expensive, they are divisive and, not only do they not prevent people from crossing them, but they also foster the creation of new, longer, more costly and more dangerous routes, producing two clear winners  the companies that build them and the traffickers who circumvent them.

Walls and barriers rarely work that well, says Klaus Dodds, Professor of Geopolitics at Londons Royal Holloway University and author of the book Border Wars: The conflicts of tomorrow. They generate grievance and anger among migrants and give local communities false hope. The expert believes that they take on an exaggerated symbolic importance and adds governments want to be seen to be doing something, but for communities living on both sides of a border, such as the US-Mexico border area, it can be complicated, as families and communities have links to both sides and the wall acts as a wound that does not heal.

Gil Arias, former executive director of Frontex, also declares himself a skeptic when it comes to fences. Physical obstacles have never been a radical deterrent, he says. We have seen this in Ceuta and Melilla over the years; if they feel the need to jump, they do so even at the risk of losing their life, as happened on June 24 in Melilla. Arias believes that borders should be defended with intelligence and not with barbed wire.

Walls also have direct implications regarding respecting the rights and dignity of migrants and their ability to seek asylum when fleeing wars and conflicts. Fences do not distinguish between people who have the right to seek asylum and those who do not, says Ainhoa Delas, a researcher at Centre Delas, a peace, security, defense and armament analysis entity. Financing walls is a contradiction between the values the EU claims to defend and what it actually ends up doing. Tragedies have occurred on account of these fences, several of the most significant occurring in Spain. The last and most serious was last June 24, when at least 23 people died in an attempt to cross the border from Nador to Melilla.

Spain aligns itself with the Commission regarding the building of physical barriers and argues that walls do not provide a solution to the migratory challenge. But the official Spanish line departs somewhat from what happens in practice. Over the years, Spain has done nothing but invest in reinforcing and modernizing the almost 21 kilometers of fence built in Ceuta and Melilla. The latest investment did away with the barbed wire that was tearing the skin of the immigrants, and a different design was adopted that, according to Interior Ministry sources, would make it impossible to jump the barrier. Spain argued before the EU that the new fence was safer and less harmful, but this did not take into account the fact that Morocco was meanwhile lacing its side of the border with barbed wire and digging deep trenches which the migrants themselves recognize will break their legs if they try to cross them. Even so, in 2022, almost 2,300 people irregularly crossed the land borders of Ceuta and Melilla. The uptick has been going on for two years now.

At the end of the day, Brussels arguments do not convince those countries wanting to implement tough policies. This became clear at the informal summit of heads of state and government held in Brussels on February 9. Led by Austria and Greece, eight countries  including Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania (whose 550-kilometer fence along its border with Belarus is the longest in Europe), Malta, Slovakia  called for tangible progress in strengthening controls along the EUs external borders. On the table was a request, championed by Austria, for the Commission to earmark 2 billion of emergency funds to rebuild a more secure fence for Bulgarias border with Turkey. But this is not the only context that has triggered nervousness: according to Frontex, almost half of the 330,000 illegal entries into European territory during 2022 were through the Western Balkan route from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia, an increase of 136% over the previous year.

It is not logical that the EU funds drones, technology and surveillance equipment, but refuses to fund the means to defend us; we need an integrated approach and fences should be included in the financial package, said conservative Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Backing this point of view was Chancellor Karl Nehammer who added, Austria is a country that considers border barriers to be useful.

The debate is not going to be easily resolved. For Professor Dodds, the risk is that walls and fences will only further inflame passions and continue to postpone more urgent debates on the long-term settlement of communities from around the world affected by war, natural disasters and global warming. The addressing of that issue, which the European Union should address in its new Migration and Asylum Pact, is moving much more slowly, largely on account of resistance from those who feel safer living behind a wall.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  The head of a Ukrainian rescue organization said Saturday that the organization has brought back 31 children from Russia, where they had been taken during the war.

Mykola Kuleba said at a news conference in Kyiv that the children were expected to arrive in the capital later in the day. Kuleba is the executive director of the Save Ukraine organization and is the presidential commissioner for children's rights.
Immediate Action Must Be Taken to Address Connecticuts Air Quality Issues

The 2023 NCAA Mens Final Four in Houston is just past. UConn fans booking tickets to see the games in person at NRG Stadium were faced with high flight prices. The cheapest price for flights from Bradley airport cost $800, while some tickets cost over a thousand dollars due to high demand. To help students, UConn Athletic Director David Benedict proposed hiring charter buses to transport budget-conscious students, costing an estimated $400 to $600. This plan was later scrapped due to a lack of interest.

Air pollution in Connecticut is a serious problem. Despite being a small state, Connecticut is consistently ranked poorly by the American Lung Association for ground-level ozone levels, produced by the combination of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, even after making changes to its emissions policies in 2020. Multiple shoreline counties within the state received F grades in 2022, indicating that the air is unhealthy for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory diseases. This is a cause for concern, as air pollution can have severe health consequences.

Flying is one of the most polluting modes of transportation, contributing significantly to air pollution. Aircraft emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, are released directly into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change. The aviation industry is responsible for approximately 2.5 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, aircraft emissions have a significant impact on air quality around airports and in surrounding communities. Studies show that communities located near airports have higher levels of air pollution, which can lead to respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues.

Connecticut is home to several airports, including Bradley International and Tweed-New Haven. Bradley International is classified as a medium hub, responsible for 0.25 to 1 percent of all U.S. enplanements. Last year BDL saw a 25.5 percent increase in total departures and arrivals, totaling nearly 6 million, and a 95.7 percent increase in 2021. The growth of the aviation industry is expected to lead to an increase in emissions, as air travel is projected to continue to grow in the coming years. This highlights the need for continued efforts to reduce emissions from the aviation sector and find alternatives to flying where possible.

Some steps can be taken to reduce the environmental impact of flying. For example, airlines can invest in newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft, use sustainable aviation fuels, and implement operational measures to reduce emissions during takeoff and landing. The government can also implement policies such as aviation fuel taxes to encourage the industry to reduce emissions.

Individuals can choose to fly less frequently and purchase carbon offsets when they do. While flying is sometimes the only option for transportation, it is important to recognize the impact it has on air pollution and the environment and take steps to reduce this impact wherever possible. But this alone is not enough.

Beyond the aviation industry, cars and diesel truck emissions are other major factors contributing to Connecticut's poor air quality. While the task may seem daunting and impossible, we can make small changes to improve the air that goes into our lungs. Light-use vehicles make up over 50 percent of all U.S. transportation emissions. Using public transportation instead of driving could cut CO2 emissions by up to 45 percent, as cars release approximately one pound of carbon dioxide per mile drive, twice the average amount of all other transit types. Additionally, we can also support policies such as the EPAs new good neighbor rule.

Regan Chen, of Hamden, is a freshman at Cornell University.
Lake Tahoes Rabe Meadows is a popular place for tourists year-round. It offers flat snowshoeing trails with lake views in the winter and easy beach access and hiking in the summer and fall. But what most visitors dont know is that it was also the site of more than half a dozen deadly aviation disasters between the mid-1940s and 1950  a time when air travel to Lake Tahoe from San Francisco was still very, very dangerous.

In the early 1900s, getting to Lake Tahoe was a lengthy and arduous process. Visitors with cars could drive the 180-mile route from San Francisco on the Lincoln Highway, a long and narrow road with sections so steep drivers would go in reverse for more traction.

In 1913, the average speed on the Lincoln Highway was 18 miles per hour, meaning the trip would take at least 10 hours  and thats not accounting for the dangerous railroad crossing just after Donner Summit, where car drivers would listen for oncoming trains before attempting to cross a narrow opening through a shed built across the tracks.

Travelers without a car would take the transcontinental railroad to Truckee, then take a series of local railroads and boats to reach the resorts around South Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake  a process that also took several days, not accounting for delays, closures and railroad fires. But the Lake Tahoe Railway between Truckee and Tahoe City closed in 1943, leaving a gap in transportation for guests trying to travel beyond Truckee.

So in 1946, the Lake Tahoe Sky Harbor Airport opened, allowing wealthy northern Californians to fly to Lake Tahoe in about 55 minutes. Considering the developers likely saw the airport along the lines of a money-making, fly-in casino opportunity more than a social service, the airport was hastily built with little consideration for safety standards. The developers were accused of stealing lumber earmarked for veteran housing to build the much-heralded Sky Harbor Casino (conveniently located at Sky Harbor Airport), the San Francisco Examiner reported in 1946.

Lake Tahoe Airport

Federal safety standards and airport regulations were still in their infancy, and what should have been an easy flight from the Bay Area became one of the most dangerous in California. The 5,000-foot-long landing strip was pressed dirt, had poor visibility due to tall trees, and was so steep that it was tough for planes to descend quickly enough to avoid sliding off the runway, which bizarrely sloped uphill for takeoff. Nor could many planes get enough speed to depart without tumbling into the lake.

Lake Tahoe Airport

Though it was only open a few months per year, it still averaged more than one deadly crash per year before permanently closing in 1950.

Those incidents included a 1946 accident in which a pilot crashed into the lake and drowned after takeoff; the Hanford Daily Sentinel reported that the mans last words were, Help, I cant swim. Just two months before that, two men died when their small craft crashed into a wooded area. And a year later, a similar crash occurred, injuring an airport business partner and another man when a downdraft drove their small plane into a pine tree.

In mid-August of 1947, a man received critical injuries after he overshot the runway during landing; it was the third Tahoe crash in 10 days, the Peninsula Times Tribune noted. Only 15 days before, a couple from San Jose reportedly escaped death when their plane crashed and was completely destroyed during a landing attempt, reported the Sacramento Bee.

A year later, in August 1948, a well-known lawyer was killed when his plane overshot the runway and broke apart in nearby trees. By this point, Sky Harbor Airports reputation for disaster was so significant that the pilot had to lie to rent the plane, telling the owner he was flying into Carson City, not Lake Tahoe.

The victim supposedly didnt want anyone to know he was making the dangerous trip. A local source revealed today that Freeman had been warned against making the Lake Tahoe trip by plane, wrote the Stockton Evening and Sunday Record when reporting on the crash. When he left his office yesterday afternoon, he reportedly told his secretary not to tell anyone who might ask that he was going by plane.

They all think that I am going to be killed, he told the secretary.

A few hours later, he was.

Lake Tahoe Airport Lake Tahoe Airport Sky Harbor Airport and Casino (credit: Lake Tahoe Airport) Sky Harbor Airport and Casino (credit: Lake Tahoe Airport)

Of course, not every incident was reported, and many incident reports have likely been lost in the past 80 years.

Whether because of crashes, costs or larger casinos like Harveys (nee Harveys Wagon Wheel Saloon and Gambling Hall, opened in 1944) only a mile away, the airport likely wasnt that profitable. It was sold for a mere $100,000 in 1949, including the airport and casino, plus the surrounding land. Less than a year later, the airstrip permanently closed, though the casino managed to eke out another few years.

In 1958, the current Lake Tahoe Airport opened in South Lake Tahoe, introducing passenger air service via Tahoe Air Lines. The runway was longer, paved and more level, making it a safer option for Bay Area travelers.

Today, the South Lake Tahoe Airport serves only private and charter jets, making Reno-Tahoe International Airport, 61 miles away in Reno, Nevada, the closest airport for commercial travel.

A developer bought the former casino site in the 1970s with the goal of reopening, but permitting and building issues delayed the project, and eventually, the U.S. Forest Service stepped in to buy the approximately 300-acre lot, including the former airport site.

Now, in Rabe Meadows, theres little to indicate the airport ever existed, save for a basic informational sign in front of an empty meadow. However, what does exist is the slightly sloping field, making it easy to see how even the most talented pilots trying to depart could find themselves making an unexpected water landing.
In this weeks roundup, Google Flights is testing a new feature that provides users with a rebate if the fare they book subsequently goes down; Uniteds MileagePlus is rated the best frequent flyer program in a comprehensive new analysis; award travel changes kick in at Americans AAdvantage program; Air India adds a premium economy section on SFO flights; theres international route news from China Airlines, American and Delta; Alaska Airlines plans to put its code on Japan Airlines transpacific flights; new air service is coming from New Yorks Stewart Airport to an unlikely European destination; Italys ITA Airways introduces intermodal ticketing for rail connections at Rome Fiumicino; and major carriers trim schedules in the northeast to help the FAA deal with an air traffic controller shortage.

Google Flights, the internet giants airline fares and schedules search engine, has started testing a new feature that guarantees users that they wont miss out on a deal if the price on the flight they booked goes down. If it does, Google Flights will reimburse them for the difference between the new, lower fare and the price they paid when they booked. Using its massive stores of airfare data, the site already tells users whether the price they see in a flight search is above or below the historical average for that route. Now were going a step further with a new pilot program for price guarantees in the U.S., Google said. If you see a flight with the price guarantee badge, it means were confident that the price you see today wont get any lower before takeoff. There is no cost for the guarantee.

Google monitors prices every day, and if a customers fare drops, well send you back the difference via Google Pay  During this pilot program, price guarantees are only available for Book on Google itineraries that depart from the United States. The guarantee only kicks in if the fare difference is more than $5, and Google notes that if the fare drops and goes back up again, the user will still get the partial refund. Users must have the Google Pay app and must be signed in to their Google account. Users will be notified by email if the fare they bought drops after purchase.

Tasos Katopodis

Every year, WalletHub  which describes itself as a personal finance company that empowers consumers to lead financially healthy lives  takes a deep dive into the specifics of U.S. airline loyalty programs and ranks them based on 21 metrics, ranging from the value of a rewards point or mile to blackout fate policies. And in this years study, Uniteds MileagePlus was rated the best frequent flyer program, taking over the No. 1 ranking from Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, which dropped into second place. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzalez said Uniteds program offers the best airline coverage and it has consumer-friendly policies, such as no blackout dates and no short-notice booking fees. The United Airlines MileagePlus programs redemption policies, rewards value, geographical coverage, partner-airline coverage, and other features all rank in the top 5 among major frequent flyer programs. No other airline is quite as well-rounded.

The airline program with the greatest rewards value was Hawaiian, at $15.37 per $100 spent, with Alaska in second place at $14.14. However, the report notes that seven of the 10 largest airline programs are offering less rewards value in 2023 than in 2022. The study also provides some useful intelligence on program specifics, e.g., American, Delta, United and Alaska give preference to frequent flyer program members when deciding whom to bump from overbooked flights. And as for those promotions where carriers sell program miles so members can top off their accounts, Airline miles cost an average of 2.5X more than theyre worth when purchased rather than earned. The report gives a detailed comparison of various aspects of the programs and includes a link to a frequent flyer miles calculator where consumers can figure out which program is best for them based on their travel spending and habits.

American Airlines said last fall that it would make some big changes to award travel in its AAdvantage loyalty program this year, and those changes took effect this week. American has overhauled its multi-level award travel categories, eliminating MileSAAver and AAnytime awards and replacing its old price chart with a new one showing only a single category called Flight Awards, displaying award travel costs starting at specific levels based on class of service and travel region. Under its dynamic pricing model, the cost of AAdvantage award trips fluctuates based on supply and demand, so for example the mileage cost of a flight to Europe in the winter would be much less than in the peak summer season. This is a change American started to phase in a few years ago, and the new chart reflects the revised pricing strategy.

Beyond that, the details of the changes can be complicated  especially in comparing old award trip prices to the new ones  but some mileage program specialists suggest the award scheme isnt all that different. According to Ben Schlappig of the One Mile at a Time blog, the new chart only lists starting at prices, rather than actual prices you could expect to pay. But Im not sure that represents much of a change compared to what we were previously used to.

The reality is that the old AAdvantage award chart for travel on American didnt really tell you a whole lot about how much youd pay when redeeming miles on American. Thats because a vast majority of awards were already priced dynamically, either below or above the published award pricing.  The new award chart isnt useful either, because the starting at prices arent the prices at which awards start. Gary Leff at View from the Wing concurs: What the new chart tells us is only the you will not get an award for less than price rather than the price you can expect. And it doesnt even tell us that, since the starting from price doesnt show you the lowest price theyll offer.

NurPhoto via Getty Images

Air India is the latest international carrier to add a premium economy seating option to its long-haul aircraft. Starting May 15, the company said, a 48-seat premium economy cabin will be introduced aboard its Boeing 777-200LR aircraft flying between San Francisco-Bengaluru, SFO-Mumbai, and New York-Mumbai. That will give those planes four classes of service, also including first class, business class and regular economy. Premium economy passengers will get a dedicated check-in area, priority tags for their checked bags, and seats that are 19 inches wide with 38-inch pitch and 5 inches of recline. The seats come with upgraded amenity kits, noise-canceling headphones and enhanced meal service.

In other international route news, Taiwans China Airlines plans to increase capacity between San Francisco International and Taipei on May 2, boosting its schedule from seven flights a week to nine, using 777-300ERs. Like United Airlines, American Airlines is backing off plans to revive suspended China service. The carrier had planned to begin flying last week from Seattle to Shanghai and from Dallas/Fort Worth to Beijing, but both of those routes have been pulled from the AA schedule. Elsewhere, American this week resumed daily seasonal service from its Dallas/Fort Worth hub to Dublin. On April 10, Delta is due to add service from New York JFK to London Gatwick and from JFK to Geneva, Switzerland.

Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Alaska Airlines and Japan Airlines have been code-sharing since 2016, but the two carriers have now filed for Transportation Department permission to expand that partnership to JALs transpacific routes. Initially, the deal put JALs code onto a few select Alaska domestic routes out of San Francisco. But according to a report in Routesonline.com, the new application would result in JALs code going onto many more domestic and transborder Alaska routes and in Alaskas code being displayed on JALs transpacific flights.

If approved, the codeshare will cover JAL-operated flights between Tokyos Haneda and Narita airports and four points on the U.S. west coast, namely Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle, Routesonline said, noting that the carriers hope to put the new codeshares into effect by the middle of next month. Both carriers are members of Americans Oneworld global alliance. Code-sharing enables single-ticketing and easier connections between the partner airlines.

We recently reported on a long-shot request from the Mongolian government to the U.S. Transportation Department to allow its national airline to start flying from Ulaanbaatar to San Francisco. But heres another unlikely route that is actually starting: New Yorks Stewart International Airport to the Faroe Islands. The islands flag carrier, Atlantic Airways, plans to fly the route once a week starting Aug. 22 with an Airbus A320neo, continuing for six weeks to test the market. The Faroes are a self-governed territory of Denmark located in the far North Atlantic between Norway and Iceland, with a population of 54,000.

Italys ITA Airways, which is due to start flying from San Francisco to Rome in July, is the latest European carrier to introduce intermodal air-rail ticketing. The new feature allows passengers flying into Romes Fiumicino Airport to buy a single ticket that includes their flight and a connection to a domestic rail trip. After reaching Italy comfortably on an ITA Airways flight, you can choose to reach your final Italian destination by train with the high-speed Trenitalia, ITA said. The railway station is located within the airport close to the arrival and departure terminals. Besides 30-minute trips into central Rome, Trenitalia also has high-speed rail service from the airport to popular destinations like Venice, Florence, Pisa and Genoa.

The single-ticketing connections are also available for travel from Italian cities to Rome Fiumicino for ITA passengers return flights. The dedicated check-in counter at Fiumicino Station can be used by all ITA Airways passengers who have a combined train and plane ticket, except for those bound for the USA and Israel who, at the express request of the authorities of the destination countries, will have to check in at the counters in the departure terminal, ITA said.

KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images

In an effort to minimize flight delays this summer  when passenger traffic could set new records  airlines are working with the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce their schedules in the northeast, where the FAA admits it is facing a shortage of air traffic controllers. The agency recently held a New York airspace summit with carriers to discuss the problem, and airlines have already started to cut flights after the FAA promised it would waive its minimum usage requirements for takeoff and landing slots at congested airports like New York JFK, New York LaGuardia and Reagan Washington National. (Without that exemption, the FAA could take unused slots away from the airlines that hold them and reassign them to other carriers.)

Although the FAA continues to reduce the air traffic controller training backlog at many FAA air traffic facilities, staffing levels at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (N90) continue to be below targets, the agency said. To maintain safety and meet demand, the agency later this year will reassign the approximately 100 square miles of Newark airspace from N90 to the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control. As JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes said in a CNBC interview, We dont want to pull down flights. Im sure no airline wants to pull down flights. But if we dont cut them the system is not going to be workable this summer. Reuters reported this week that American Airlines is also taking action by cutting flight frequencies on some routes out of New York LaGuardia, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, Kansas City and St. Louis.
WFO CORPUS CHRISTI Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Saturday, April 8, 2023

_____

FLOOD WARNING

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED

Flood Warning

National Weather Service Corpus Christi TX

1222 AM CDT Sat Apr 8 2023

...The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi TX has issued a

Flood Warning for the following rivers in Texas...

Atascosa River At Whitsett affecting Live Oak County.

For the Atascosa River...including Whitsett...Minor flooding is

forecast.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive

cars through flooded areas.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood

deaths occur in vehicles.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov/crp.

The next statement will be issued by 11 AM CDT this morning.

...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM EARLY THIS MORNING UNTIL FURTHER

NOTICE...

* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Atascosa River At Whitsett.

* WHEN...From early this morning until further notice.

* IMPACTS...At 20.0 feet, Minor lowland flooding reaches the lowest

areas of crop and pastureland.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

- At 11:15 PM CDT Friday the stage was 20.1 feet.

- Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 20.4

feet this morning. It will then fall below flood stage this

afternoon.

- Flood stage is 20.0 feet.

- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Below are the latest river stages and stage forecasts:

Fld Observed Forecasts (1 am)

Location Stg Stg Day/Time Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

Atascosa River

Whitsett 20.0 20.1 Fri 11 pm 17.9 10.4 4.5 2.5 2.2

_____

Copyright 2023 AccuWeather
WFO HOUSTON/GALVESTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Saturday, April 8, 2023

_____

FLOOD WARNING

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED

Flood Warning

National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX

1143 PM CDT Fri Apr 7 2023

...The National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston TX has issued a

Flood Warning for the following rivers in Texas...

Navidad River at Sublime affecting Lavaca County.

For the Navidad River...including Sublime, Speaks, Morales, Strane

Park...Minor flooding is forecast.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood

deaths occur in vehicles.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

The next statement will be issued Saturday morning at 1145 AM CDT.

...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING TO TOMORROW EVENING...

* WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Navidad River at Sublime.

* WHEN...From this evening to tomorrow evening.

* IMPACTS...At 24.0 feet, Minor lowland flooding begins making

secondary roads and low bridges near the river dangerous.

Livestock and equipment should be removed from flood prone areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

- At 11:00 PM CDT Friday the stage was 23.9 feet.

- Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 24.3

feet just after midnight tonight. It will then fall below

flood stage tomorrow morning.

- Flood stage is 24.0 feet.

- Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of

24.0 feet on 10/04/2009.

- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Fld Observed Forecasts (1 am CDT)

Location Stg Stg Day/Time Sun Mon Tue

Navidad River

Sublime 24.0 23.9 Fri 11 pm CD 18.2 10.0 8.4

_____

Copyright 2023 AccuWeather
WFO HOUSTON/GALVESTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, April 9, 2023

_____

FLOOD WARNING

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED

Flood Warning

National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX

747 AM CDT Sat Apr 8 2023

...The National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston TX has issued a

Flood Warning for the following rivers in Texas...

Caney Creek near Splendora affecting Harris and Montgomery

Counties.

For the Caney Creek...including Splendora...Minor flooding is

forecast.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded areas.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood

deaths occur in vehicles.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

The next statement will be issued this evening at 800 PM CDT.

...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL LATE TOMORROW MORNING...

* WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Caney Creek near Splendora.

* WHEN...Until late tomorrow morning.

* IMPACTS...At 17.0 feet, Minor lowland flooding begins as water

begins to spill into the pasture on the left downstream bank.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

- At 7:30 AM CDT Saturday the stage was 16.6 feet.

- Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage

late this morning to a crest of 17.4 feet late this

afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage late this

evening.

- Flood stage is 17.0 feet.

- Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of

17.4 feet on 02/27/1998.

- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Fld Observed Forecasts (7 am CDT)

Location Stg Stg Day/Time Sun Mon Tue

Caney Creek

Splendora 17.0 16.6 Sat 7 am CDT 16.0 11.1 7.3

_____

Copyright 2023 AccuWeather
For a long time, sacred scriptures were the main sources of authority on the origins of the Earth and the universe. All religions have developed their own mythologies to explain the origins of everything, including the planet on which we live. In general, everything exists because at some point a god or goddess wanted it that way. As a generic explanation, it does its job, but a problem arises when we want more specificity. For example, when was the Earth formed? According to the account in Genesis, God created it in one week, so the universe, the Earth and life were all formed with very little time in between. Based on the Old Testament and the biblical patriarchs ages, archbishop and Trinity College Dublin professor James Ussher (1581-1656), ruled that the Earth was formed in the year 4004 BCE, on the evening of October 23 to be precise. Other authors, including astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), had previously attempted similar calculations but got different results.

However, many findings seemed to contradict the idea that the Earth was only about 6,000 years old. The appearance of extinct fauna remains, like dinosaurs, in strata without the remains of humans and present-day animals seems to indicate a large temporal separation. If man had coexisted with dinosaurs, we would find representations in rock art, or in tools made from dinosaur remains, but that has never happened, which seems to contradict the account that life and the universe were created several days apart. Thus, accurately estimating the age of the Earth remained a major scientific challenge.

Clair Patterson (1922-1995) was the son of a post office employee who was born in a small town in Iowa. His mother was very interested in education; when he was a child, she gave him a chemistry set that awakened his vocation. In 1944, he graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in chemistry and worked on the Manhattan Project, which built the atomic bomb. After the war, he began his doctoral studies, which focused on measuring the presence of lead isotopes in meteorites. There are chemical elements that take various forms, depending on the number of neutrons in the nucleus. Some of these isotopes may be unstable and decay over time. Therefore, measuring the composition of different isotopes can give us an idea of a samples age. This is the logic behind the carbon-14 analysis used to date historical samples. Because the amount of carbon-14 in the original sample will have halved 14,000 years, it can be used to date the sample. Geological studies use more stable isotopes that have half-life spans of millions of years. This method is known as radiometric dating.

Using isotope analysis could probably give us an accurate measure of the age of the Earth. But it also poses a problem. Geological phenomena on Earth such as plate tectonics, hydrothermal events, erosion and human activity itself may have interfered with the planets original isotopic composition. Thus, the Earth has erased traces of its origins. But all was not lost. Most models of the origin of the solar system indicated that we were the result of the condensation of matter from a disk of dust and gas called a protosolar nebula. That means that all planets are the same age. Interestingly enough, it wasnt just planets that were formed in that process, but also asteroidssuch as those in the belt between Mars and Jupiterand smaller matter that sometimes falls to Earth in the form of meteorites. According to this model, meteorites are like time capsules that date back to the birth of the solar system. If that theory were true, measuring different meteorites lead isotopes should yield similar radiodatations, which would indicate the age of the solar system. Thanks to Clair Pattersons brilliant intuition, today we know that the Earth is approximately 4.5 billion years old. Judeo-Christian accounts of the worlds creation in a week are quite the understatement.

J. M. Mulet is a professor of biotechnology.

Patterson versus the big oil companies But determining the Earths age isnt Patterson's only work that merits recognition. Because of his interest in studying lead, he also discovered that there was a layer of lead compounds in recent soil samples from different parts of the world as a result of leads use as an additive in gasoline. Patterson warned of the dangers of this usage and called for its elimination, leading major oil companies to mount a campaign to discredit him. But sometimes science triumphs in the end; we have Pattersons efforts to thank for the availability of unleaded gasoline at the pump.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Representatives of the Alzheimers Association of New York will discuss community and awareness events and in-person and virtual programming during a meeting of Community Board 2 on Monday, April 10.

To join the 7 p.m. Health Committee meeting, visit Zoom. The meeting ID number is: 873 9342 4953. The passcode is 125192.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The New York State Department of Civil Service (DCS) has released its April application schedule for New Yorks entry-level civil service exams.

The open-competitive exams are an opportunity to start a career with New York State. These tests are open to anyone who meets the qualifications listed on the examination announcement.

They will be held as in-person written exams in June. Qualified candidates can apply online until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26.

This months application period opened for the following state positions: education supervisor (general); principal sanitarian; public health sanitarian; sanitarian trainee; senior sanitarian; toll electronic systems technician; toll electronic systems technician trainee 1; traffic systems technician 1; traffic systems technician trainee 1.

Heres a look at the job descriptions for each:

Education supervisor (general)

You would supervise and evaluate the education staff of either a major part of an extensive education program or an entire smaller education program; plan curricula; approve instructional materials, and supervise preparation and use of daily lesson plans; make classroom supervisory visits, integrate the education program with other activities, and maintain records of student progress; be responsible for the administration of standardized educational assessments; participate in staff meetings; interview new clients in order to secure information relative to educational background and aptitudes; schedule classes; supervise teacher training; and participate on committees. You may also perform other administrative duties as appropriate.

Public health sanitarian

You would conduct environmental health inspections to determine compliance with the Public Health Law, the State Sanitary Code, the Medical Facilities Code, and applicable sections of the Social Services Law and Regulations. You would have responsibility for documentation, citing deficiencies to facility operators, reviewing facility plans of correction for appropriateness and viability, and conducting follow-up visits to determine ongoing compliance. Areas of assignment may include, but are not limited to, food service establishments, camps, hotels, motels, campgrounds, mobile home parks, migrant farm worker housing, schools, swimming pools, bathing beaches, recreational aquatic spray grounds, indoor tanning establishments, on-site water supplies and sewage disposal systems, hospitals, long-team care facilities, adult homes, enriched housing, residences for adults, diagnostic and treatment centers, and residential settings. You may also assist in health-related investigations and responses to chemical exposures and emergencies.

Sanitarian trainee

Sanitarian trainees participate in a one-year training program to receive instruction and gain experience in performing beginning-level professional work under close supervision. Upon successful completion of the one-year traineeship, trainees are advanced to Public Health Sanitarian without further examination.

Principal sanitarian

As a principal sanitarian, you would supervise senior sanitarians and other professional staff in the conduct of environmental health inspections and/or health care facility surveys.

Senior sanitarian

As a senior sanitarian, you would independently perform duties of a more complex nature and may have responsibility for the supervision and/or training of Public Health Sanitarians, Sanitarian Trainees, and other staff.

Toll electronic systems technician

You would install, modify, troubleshoot, maintain and repair complex electronic toll collection and audit systems and equipment; install, maintain, repair, overhaul, test and/or modify various ITS elements such as Dynamic Message Signs, Traffic Data Systems, Weather Information Systems, Closed Circuit Television Cameras and traffic control warning signs; install, maintain, repair, overhaul, test and/or modify various other equipment such as electronic time clocks, network ethernet data converters, switches and hubs; operate a variety of technician hand tools and electronic test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, radio frequency (RF) power meters, fiber optic light meters and visual fault locators; complete administrative paperwork as necessary to document work; maintain tour-of-duty records and prepare reports in connection with maintenance activities; and requisition supplies and spare and replacement parts. You may be required to perform work while on ladders up to 14 feet high, on lift platforms 25-30 feet high, and on buckets attached to trucks up to 65 feet high. You will also need to climb stairs to work on large over-the-road VMS signs up to 20 feet and you may be required to work on catwalks under and on structures over bridges, climb stairs over open water and/or work on the top of 20 foot high toll canopies.

Toll electronic systems technician trainee 1

To be advanced to the full performance level of toll electronic systems technician, you must successfully complete a set training and development program. Upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month training at the trainee 1, you will automatically advance to trainee 2. Upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month training as a trainee 2, you will advance to the full level of this title without further examination.

Traffic systems technician

You would troubleshoot and repair traffic signal equipment, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and communications equipment; program traffic signal controllers; inspect traffic signal systems; perform modifications; prepare phase diagrams of regulated traffic control devices sequences, which determine their operations and document malfunctions; review and modify design plans; maintain a database of repair records and equipment condition; and perform emergency repair of traffic control and ITS devices and equipment.

Traffic systems technician trainee 1

To be advanced to the full performance level of this title you must successfully complete a set training and development program. Upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month training at the Trainee 1, you will automatically advance to Trainee 2. Upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month training as a Trainee 2, you will advance to the full level of this title without further examination.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

According to the state, an application must be submitted online or postmarked by the last date to apply. An application will not be accepted after the application filing deadline has passed.

Application fees range from $35 to $40 for these exams this month.

To be considered for appointment, you must pass the written test. The Department of Civil Service may administer tests either online or with paper booklets and answer sheets.

All positions offer benefits, including paid leave, health benefits and retirement plans. In addition, telecommuting options may be available to employees who meet certain criteria.

To learn more about working for the State of New York, visit the Department of Civil Service website and follow the department on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Everyone on Earth started as a blastocyst  a tiny ball the size of the period at the end of this sentence. Blastocysts are five-day-old embryos with about 200 cells that implant themselves in the wall of a mothers uterus. On day 14 of a pregnancy, the mysterious process of gastrulation begins. In about a weeks time, the little ball of cells develops into the first three-dimensional outline of a person: left and right, up and down, front and back. These first days of pregnancy are shrouded in mystery because of the physical and ethical obstacles to studying the process in humans. A team of Chinese scientists recently developed macaque pseudo-embryos in a laboratory, and successfully implanted them in the uterus of three monkeys to initiate pregnancies. The scientists believe that this new embryo model will help us understand why 25% of human pregnancies end in miscarriages and shed light on how birth defects develop.

The cells of a blastocyst are pluripotent, meaning they can more than one cell or tissue type brain, liver or heart. And they have another amazing capacity. Individually extracted and cultured in the laboratory, they can divide and replicate indefinitely. These are called embryonic stem cells. French scientist Nicolas Rivron used pluripotent cells in 2021 to create human blastocyst models and simulate implantation at the Institute for Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna. Chinese researchers led by neuroscientist Zhen Liu have now gone a step further and transferred these pseudo-embryos called blastoids into the wombs of eight monkeys. The blastoids implanted themselves in the uterus of three monkeys, the first step in a pregnancy.

Gastrulation is probably the most important week in the life of a human being. A divinely perfect choreography begins on that 14th day when the blastocyst develops into the three layers that become the basis for everything else. Over 30 years ago, British embryologist Lewis Wolpert famously said, It is not birth, marriage or death, but gastrulation, which is truly the most important time in your life. Its easy to detect that the process has begun because in the third week of an embryos development, mothers feel the pregnancy for the first time with the onset of nausea and vomiting. And thats when the greatest mystery in pre-natal human development begins.

It was a historic day for science. On July 25, 1978, the first test-tube baby was born from a laboratory-fertilized egg. Louise Browns birth immediately triggered a debate about the social, ethical and legal implications of this development in human-assisted reproduction. English philosopher Mary Warnock was commissioned by the British government to chair an inquiry into these questions. Warnocks 1984 report said until day 14, embryos are just a bunch of disorganized cells, with no trace of a nervous system. It was morally acceptable to do research on those little balls and then destroy them. But keeping a living embryo in the laboratory for over 14 days should be a criminal offense, said the report. The 14-day rule proposed in 1984 has been a worldwide do-not-cross line ever since, which is why developing pseudo-embryos that mimic the development of real embryos became so important.

Spanish biologist Marta Shahbazi says Zhen Lius team at the Shanghai Neurosciences Institute has successfully developed the first monkey embryo model at the blastocyst stage. The innovation is technical, not conceptual, said Shahbazi, who cultivates human embryos up to the 14-day limit at the University of Cambridges Laboratory of Molecular Biology (UK). They developed them [macaque blastoids] in vitro and revealed some important characteristics of the gastrulation stage. In this respect, it seems more advanced than human models, she said.

Shahbazi cautions that the new model is not perfect. Some cells do not have a clear identity and the process efficiency is low, but Im sure these limitations will be overcome, she said. The Chinese researchers used a chemical cocktail to induce self-renewal of monkey embryonic stem cells into blastocyst-like structures, with a 25% efficiency rate. Blastoids attached themselves to the uterine walls of three monkeys, but none subsisted for more than a week. The blastoids were cultured in a laboratory environment and even developed the precursor cells of the circulatory system, which usually happens on day 17 of a pregnancy  the beginning of the elusive gastrulation process.

It [the Cell Stem Cell article] clearly shows that these model embryos cannot develop in a mothers uterus. In other words, they are not embryos, they are simply models, said Shahbazi. This is an important point. In countries like Australia, human blastocyst models, similar to the ones developed by Nicolas Rivron, are considered embryos and are strictly regulated by laws applying to genuine human embryos. This article clearly shows that we cannot carry a pregnancy to term with our current technology. I dont think the next research steps need to go that far. Lets start by demonstrating that models can gastrulate in vivo [in the monkey uterus] and begin the process of organ formation, said Shahbazi, who was not involved in the Chinese study.

French biologists Irene Aksoy and Pierre Savatier have created monkey and human chimeras (organisms with genetically distinct cells originating from two or more zygotes) in their Lyon (France) laboratory. They developed macaque embryos with just 250 cells, 10 of which were human. This is another alternative to using fully human embryos in scientific experiments. Aksoy, who works in Frances Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute (INSERM), believes the new monkey blastoids will shed light on the inscrutable process of embryo implantation in the womb.

Since these blastoids cannot develop into a viable fetus, there are no legal problems for conducting research with them. But Aksoy warns that this may change. If one day a monkey blastoid has the same developmental potential as a normal monkey embryo, then Catholic conservatives will want to give human blastoids the same ethical status as a real embryo. They will say its immoral to work with human blastoids. And Aksoy warns of another ethical issue. Allowing a malformed, diseased and suffering fetus to develop and be born is a long-term risk that is ethically unacceptable.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York City officials announced Friday that it has joined a class action lawsuit against a pair of companys targeted in a popular internet trend.

Kia and its parent company, Hyundai, refused to install anti-theft technology in some of their cars targeted in a viral TikTok challenge, so city officials joined the lawsuit in an effort to hold the companies accountable, according to Mayor Eric Adams office.

Due to the absence of sufficient anti-theft devices in Kia and Hyundai vehicles, New York City saw an 890% increase in Kia thefts at the end of last year and a 766% increase in Hyundai thefts in the preceding months, according to data.

We are not going to sit idly by while automakers turn a blind eye to safety and make it easy for criminals to prey on New Yorkers, Adams said. New Yorkers count on their Kia and Hyundai automobiles to earn a living, get to and from work, transport their children and elderly family members, and live their daily lives. We have the right to expect that those cars have standard anti-theft measures  measures which certain Kia and Hyundai cars lack. Were going to hold Kia and Hyundai accountable for the public nuisance theyve created and protect New Yorkers cars.

TikTok and other social media companies popularized a vulnerability in Kia and Hyundai cars made between 2011 and 2021 that allows thieves to break off ignition covers, and use any external device shaped like a USB to bypass the ignition sequence.

Models of the companies cars that use mechanical keys, instead of a key-fob, lack theft immobilizer systems that are present in other vehicles, according to Adams office.

Hyundai spokeswoman Ira Gabriel said that as of November 2021 all company cars have standard engine immobilizers. For cars without the immobilizers, the company has taken the following steps:

Introduced a free software upgrade to prevent the method of theft involved;

Rolled the software upgrade out to more than 1 million customers, with the remaining approximately 3 million affected customers to be eligible for the upgrade within the coming weeks.

Initiated a program to reimburse affected customers for their purchase of steering wheel locks.

Continues to provide free steering wheel locks to law enforcement agencies across the country for distribution to local residents who own or lease affected models.

Hyundai Motor America is committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of our products, Gabriel wrote in an emailed statement.

New York City joined the lawsuit that was originally filed on Dec. 22, 2022. The current case operates on two separate tracks  one for the consumer class action and one for the governmental entities cases, according to the mayors office.

The original governmental entity lawsuit was filed on Jan. 23, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, which has since been consolidated with the consumer case for pretrial purposes in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

The government entity cases primarily assert claims of public nuisance and, sometimes, negligence against the two car manufacturers arising out of their decisions not to equip certain models of their vehicles with industry standard anti-theft immobilization devices, according to the mayors office.

A public safety crisis is growing in our communities because of the irresponsible business practices of Kia and Hyundai, said New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia Hinds-Radix. Criminals are becoming more intuitive and are now capable of stealing cars by using USB cables. As attorneys for the city, we too must be just as intuitive to prevent these crimes.

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- An 18-year-old man from Staten Island has been identified as the indvidual killed in a fatal stabbing Thursday on a subway in Downtown Brooklyn.

Isiah Collazo, of Winfield Street, South Beach allegedly got into a dispute with another passenger onboard a northbound D train, according to police.

The male suspect stabbed Collazo with an unknown object before fleeing in an unknown direction. When officers responded around 11:30 p.m to the 4th Avenue and Pacific Street station, they observed Collazo with a stab wound to the abdomen.

EMS responded to the location and transported the victim to New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

No weapon was recovered from the scene. There have been no arrests and an investigation remains ongoing, police said.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Longtime fans of Saturday Night Live are in for a real treat.

On April 8, SNL legend Molly Shannon will return to her old stomping grounds alongside musical guest The Jonas Brothers.

By the way, on April 15, itll be Ana De Armas taking the reins with Karol G performing.

SNL kicked off its 48th season on Oct. 1 with actor Miles Teller pulling hosting duties and Kendrick Lamar rocking out as musical guest.

On Oct. 8, Brendan Gleeson hosted the show with musical guest Willow. Megan Thee Stallion was tabbed as host and musical guest on Oct. 15. Musician Jack Harlow also pulled double duty on Oct. 29 during the shows venerable Halloween episode.

On Nov. 5, actress/comedian Amy Schumer hosted for the third time, while Steve Lacy made his musical guest debut. Comedian Dave Chappelle was welcomed back to Studio 8H for his third hosting gig on Nov. 12. He was joined by hip-hop group Black Star.

On Dec. 3, actress Keke Palmer made her SNL debut alongside musical guest SZA. On Dec. 10, SNL greats Steve Martin and Martin Short hosted while Brandi Carlile returned as musical guest.

Dec. 17 marked the final episode of 2022. It featured actor Austin Butler as host and Lizzo as musical guest. To audiences surprise, 11-year cast member Cecily Strong announced the episode would be her final, and that she was stepping away from the show.

The first episode of 2023 featured Aubrey Plaza with musical guest Sam Smith on Jan. 21. Actor Michael B. Jordan hosted on Jan. 28 with musical guest Lil Baby.

On Feb. 4, Pedro Pascal hosted with Coldplay as musical guest. Actor Woody Harrelson hosted the Feb. 25 episode with Jack White as musical guest.

The first show of March featured Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, with music support from Kelsea Ballerini on March 4. Next up was Wednesday actress Jenna Ortega making her Saturday Night Live debut on March 11. She was joined by musical guest The 1975.

Abbott Elementary actress Quinta Brunson made her SNL debut on April 1. Joining the Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner was rapper Lil Yachty.

If youre a cord-cutter or dont have cable, you can live stream SNL on Fubo TV or Peacock, NBCs streaming service. Both offer free trials.

BTW: If you didnt know, Staten Islander Colin Jost is the longtime co-anchor of Weekend Update. Jost has been on the desk since 2014, and with the show since 2005. Fellow Staten Islander Pete Davidson left the show this past May following eight seasons.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Families sporting festive spring attire filed into the CYO-MIV community center at Mount Loretto Saturday morning, anticipating an enjoyable Easter event hosted by Catholic Charities of Staten Island.

This annual fundraiser serves the community by providing an unforgettable memory for Staten Island families and allocating all proceeds to programs run by the non-profit agency. For this event, the day was split into two groups, one welcomed at 10 a.m., the other at 1 p.m., which sold out its 250-seat capacity.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A Manhattan development company plans to break an agreement it reached in 2021 to secure zoning changes needed for a St. George residential development, the Advance/SILive.com has learned.

Madison Realty Capital and former City Councilwoman Debi Rose reached that agreement for the companys River North development at the intersection of Stuyvesant Place and Hamilton Avenue as part of the citys Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP).

In exchange for the zoning changes, their deal paved the way for a 524-unit, three-building development at 11, 13, and 16 stories along with a host of commitments from the developers meant to improve the quality of life in the area.

According to the Department of Buildings (DOB), the current plans for the site call for a 17-story building with the developers having requested an unapproved amendment that would allow the single building to become 18 stories.

Madison declined to comment for this story, but a source with knowledge of the companys plans said the developers intend to build only the two taller buildings with heights 5 feet and 25 feet higher than the original agreement. There will no longer be a third building, and the change will allow for 60 more residential units.

The community commitments  30% of subcontracting work done by minority and women-owned businesses; buildings staffed by union labor; and ground floor commercial space that will include a daycare, a workforce development program and a Youthbuild program  will still be included in the development along with more opportunity for open space, the source said.

While the height difference might seem negligible, Roses successor, City Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore), blasted Madisons change of heart and raised concerns about the impact the decision might have on future community negotiations with developers.

I view this as a slap in the face of the community, Hanks said. The successful completion of ULURP should be the definitive agreement between the city and the developer regarding all expectations of a project. The approval of the River North project was predicated on the agreed upon height between the developer and my predecessor, with the best interests of the community in mind. Now, the developers are going against the agreed upon commitment. After having discussions with my partners in government, we understand how this happened, and we are smarter for it. Rest assured, this wont happen again.

Site of the River North development in St. George is shown Wednesday, March 29, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Paul Liotta)

Zoning map changes, like the ones needed for River North, need to go through ULURP, which requires recommendations from the local community board and borough president along with approvals from the City Planning Commission, City Council and mayor.

Roses negotiations got the developers down from their original plans to bring 750 units to the area in three buildings at heights of 26, 25 and 13 stories.

Despite the smaller development agreement, Community Board 1 voted to not recommend the zoning changes during ULURP, and former Borough President James Oddo, one of the projects most vocal critics, did the same.

However, the City Planning Commission approved the zoning changes, and thanks to the negotiations with Rose, the developers secured the approval of the City Council and former Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The City Council has long maintained a practice of member deference, in which other members of the 51-person body defer to the opinion of the local council member who represents the district where a project will be built. With Roses approval, the Council voted in favor of the zoning changes.

Madisons agreement with Rose was seemingly non-binding, but the former councilwoman said Monday that she hopes the City Council holds the developers to that agreement.

At the time, Roses local colleagues, former City Councilman Steven Matteo (R-Mid-Island) and City Councilman Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore), were two of the four council members who voted against the zoning changes.

The two councilman, like Oddo, pointed to a lack of existing infrastructure in the area to accommodate the influx of residents and the height allowed in the zoning changes  the first such-zoned property on the Island  as cause for their opposition.

Oddos successor, Borough President Vito Fossella, echoed Hanks sentiments about the developers change of plans.

Those developers basically said those negotiations were meaningless, from my perspective, and therefore theyre going to do whatever they want to do, he said. I think it just calls into question when some of these folks, especially off-Island folks, come and say they negotiated in good faith, I think you would want them to honor their commitment.

Those commitments are a thing of the past, but the developers may have run into another roadblock  the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has found environmental contamination at the site.

A DEC fact sheet that was made public in February listed the primary contaminants of concern in the site soil are acetone, which is a volatile organic compound (VOC); semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), including several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); and several metals, which are all present at low concentrations in the soil site-wide. Soil vapor contaminants of concern include the VOCs acetone, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX), and tetrachloroethene (PCE), which is a chlorinated SVOC (CSVOC).

Identified as a brownfield site by New Yorks Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) -- which encourages the voluntary cleanup of contaminated properties known as brownfields so that they can be reused and redeveloped -- the property reportedly contains contaminants at levels exceeding the soil cleanup objectives or other health-based or environmental standards, the fact sheet noted.

DEC is overseeing a comprehensive investigation of the River North site under the States Brownfield Cleanup Program, a department spokesman wrote in a statement. New York State has a proven track record of successfully investigating and cleaning up contaminated sites across New York City, including Staten Island. Through programs like the BCP, New York is advancing a suite of effective science-based strategies to address contamination and protect communities. Hundreds of contaminated, delinquent properties statewide have been cleaned up to DECs stringent standards that are fully protective of public health and the environment.

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A beloved Jersey Shore bakery is shuttering after the upcoming summer season.

Kohlers Bakery took to social media Tuesday to announce plans to close after 74 years of business.

The bakery has been located at 2709 Dune Drive in Avalon since 1949.

Kohlers is expected to close after its last go-round this summer although an exact date has yet to be announced.

This past year has brought some challenging decisions with my business space and its future, owner Colleen Quinn-Maxwell wrote on the bakerys Facebook page. Unfortunately, a lease agreement was unable to be met to continue to keep Kohlers Bakery at 27th and Dune Drive after this September.

The 74-year-old bakery offers a variety of doughnuts, cakes, breads, cookies and pastries.

Kohlers landed on NJ.coms 32 sweetest spots for doughnuts around the state in 2021.

Quinn-Maxwell took the business over in 2006 after being a longtime employee.

We look forward to seeing you this summer for one more summer season and having you enjoy all of your Kohlers Bakery favorites, Quinn-Maxwell wrote.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Fleet Week is returning to Staten Island for the 35th year, with a week-long celebration set to kick off the end of May.

Beginning on May 24, 2023, the week-long festivities will kick off with a ceremonial parade of ships going through the New York Harbor.

Vessels from the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, and United Sates Naval Academy Yard Patrol, and NATO allies will pass by the Statue of Liberty, Fort Hamilton, and One World Trade Center.

Ships from Canada, Italy, and United Kingdom will join the parade of ships.

The parade of ships is scheduled to include the following:

USS WASP (LHD-1) : an Amphibious assault ship from Norfolk, Virginia;

HMS Scott (H131): an ocean survey vessel from Plymouth, United Kingdom;

HMCS Glace Bay (MM 701) : from Nova Scotia, Canada;

ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) : from La Spezia, Italy;

USCGC Warren Deyampert (WPC-1151) : a fast response cutter from Boston, Massachusetts;

U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol Craft : Annapolis, Maryland;

USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) : a Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship from Norfolk, Virginia;

USNS Newport (T-EPF) a spearhead class fast transport from Norfolk, Virginia;

USCGC Legare (WMEC-912): a medium endurance cutter from Portsmouth, Virginia.

These ships can be seen along the Hudson River from Battery Park to the south of the George Washington Bridge.

For up-to-date information on all Fleet Week New York events, visit the official Fleet Week New York website at www.fleetweeknewyork.com.

Last years Fleet Week was the first time since COVID-19 pandemic, the citys annual Fleet Week events was canceled in 2020 and 2021.

In 2012, Fleet Week, just before public tours of ships docked at homeport, sailors walk towards the ships. (Staten Island Advance)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Fleet Week New York is scheduled for May 24 through May 30 and will include general public ship tours, aviation demonstrations, military band performances, and interactive displays throughout the tri-state area.

Ship tours are scheduled for Thursday, May 25 through Monday, May 29 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pier 88 (except for Sunday), and Pier 90 in Manhattan, and the Homeport Pier in Staten Island. The tours are free and open to the public.

Ship tours on Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Pier 86, will be conducted daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are scheduled to depart Saturday, May 27.

The USS Oak Hill (LSD-51), USNS NewPort (T-EPF), and USCGC Legare (WMEC-912) will be at the Homeport Pier, in Stapleton.

Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. All bags and/or camera cases will be searched prior to entering. Ships are considered an industrial environment and guests should avoid open-toed sandals, high heels, necklaces, or other items that can get caught, as well as bags that are too heavy to carry comfortably.

There is no age requirement to tour USN, USNA, USCG, and Royal Navy ships during FWNY, however, adult visitors over the age of 18 are required to show a valid state or federally issued picture ID.

Additionally, tours may not be appropriate for small children or those with certain medical conditions. Strollers or baby carriages are permitted on the pier, but not allowed on the ships.

Ships are not handicap accessible, however, the pier facilities in Manhattan and Staten Island -- including the exhibit area -- are handicap accessible.

Photography is permitted aboard the ships during tours, however, photos of security personnel or procedures are prohibited.

The following are not permitted: electronic smoking devices, bottles, water bottles, cans or glass containers of any type; banners, posters, or signs of any type; mace, pepper spray, or other defensive sprays or chemicals; knives, firearms, fireworks or any explosive; illegal drugs or paraphernalia; flammable liquids or aerosol spray cans; club weapons; and animals. All electronic devices are subject to examination for functionality. The military services reserve the right to prohibit other items not listed above.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The NYPD is seeking the publics assistance in locating a 13-year-old girl from Mariners Harbor who has been reported missing.

Nila Roman, a resident of Arlington Avenue, was last seen leaving her home on foot and heading in an unknown direction on Friday, March 31, at around 9 p.m., according to a written statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

She is described as being 4-feet, 11-inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. She has brown hair with red highlights and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a beige shirt, black jacket, blue jeans and white sneakers.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.
MORRISTOWN, N.J. -- A growing fast-casual breakfast joint with an edgy attitude has debuted in New Jersey.

Effin Egg opened at 30 Morris St. in Morristown on March 30.

The budding chain is growing in popularity because of its signature  and expensive  breakfast sandwiches, along with the edgy name and attitude.

This is not your grandpas breakfast place. At Effin Egg we have some dope ass coffee, the companys website reads. We roast our beans in small batches daily to give you the best tasting coffee around, as we sayPotheads Welcome!

The company has its Potheads Welcome motto featured throughout its website, including on merchandise that it sells.

Effin Egg openly acknowledges the hefty price of its food, too. An egg sandwich ranges from about $10 to $14.

Our commitment to using the highest quality ingredients  not to mention cooking everything to order  results in a higher price for our amazing egg sammies, its website says. We take a lot of care in making them, and we hope you love them as much as we do!

In addition to eggs, the Effin Egg menu also features breakfast tacos, burritos, bowls, pancakes, waffles, and sides like tots, biscuits and fries.

Effin Egg in Morristown is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week.

We are so excited about the opening of our Morristown location, CEO Jeff Martin told Patch. I think what drew us here is that the town is so charming and it seemed like the perfect area for our first New Jersey location.

This is the companys third breakfast joint. The other two are in New York at 38 E 23rd Street, and Georgia, and there are plans to open seven more locations but none in Jersey.

RELATED STORIES ABOUT NEW JERSEY RETAIL AND SHOPPING:

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Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisBurch856. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tip
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Two classes of first graders from PS 59 received an in-depth overview of the businesses offered along Forest Ave. as part of their most recent field trip.

Students and their parents from The Harbor View School were hosted by the Forest Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) on Thursday, March 23, 2023. This unique trip provided the children with an opportunity to experience the various businesses that line Forest Ave.

The students kicked off the days venture with a visit to Pastosa Ravioli at 764 Forest Ave. The specialty marketplace is renown for its Authentic Italian imports, among them being their pastas, meats, and cheeses. Before leaving the establishment, the young ones were gifted a packet of crayons, a pencil, a notebook, and a sticker. Even the parents did not leave empty handed, as they were provided a copy of the catering menu.

- Scenes from the PS 59 trip in which first grade students and their parents were given a tour of businesses along Forest Ave. courtesy of the Forest Avenue BID on March 23, 2023. (Courtesy of Vincent DAnutono)(Courtesy of Vincent DAnuton

The next stop on the sprawling tour was Morrettis Bakery at 640 Forest Ave. Chizna, the stores owner, greeted the children, welcoming them into the oven area under the stipulation they not touch anything. There, the kids were able to view the baking of fresh cookies, before receiving a cupcake or cookies of their own.

The delectable deep dive would continue on to Phillys Pretzel Factory at 604 Forest Ave. Here the students gazed through the store window, admiring the pretzel making process. In similar fashion to the previous stop, the students were treated to handcrafted pretzels before leaving.

In taking a brief break from bites, the budding youth stopped by Fresh Kills Barber Shop at 600 Forest Ave. The first graders looked on, as another child received a haircut. While there, they also learned that it took ten months to go through the process of fully becoming a barber.

Before their tour came to a close, the students popped into Spotlight Theatre Company at 358 Forest Ave. When they wrapped up there, they enjoyed a concluding pizza lunch at Cafe Milano located at 401 Forest Ave.

Parents and teachers alike expressed their surprise at the diverse offerings along Forest Ave., claiming that they would return to visit. The trip proved so popular, that both Tottenville High School and PS 45 have already requested to visit the BID.

- Scenes from the PS 59 trip in which first grade students and their parents were given a tour of businesses along Forest Ave. courtesy of the Forest Avenue BID on March 23, 2023. (Courtesy of Priscilla Marco)(Courtesy of Priscilla Marco)

- Scenes from the PS 59 trip in which first grade students and their parents were given a tour of businesses along Forest Ave. courtesy of the Forest Avenue BID on March 23, 2023. (Courtesy of Priscilla Marco)(Courtesy of Priscilla Marco)

- Scenes from the PS 59 trip in which first grade students and their parents were given a tour of businesses along Forest Ave. courtesy of the Forest Avenue BID on March 23, 2023. (Courtesy of Priscilla Marco)(Courtesy of Priscilla Marco)

- Scenes from the PS 59 trip in which first grade students and their parents were given a tour of businesses along Forest Ave. courtesy of the Forest Avenue BID on March 23, 2023. (Courtesy of Vincent DAnutono)(Courtesy of Vincent DAnuton

- Scenes from the PS 59 trip in which first grade students and their parents were given a tour of businesses along Forest Ave. courtesy of the Forest Avenue BID on March 23, 2023. (Courtesy of Mike DiTomasso)(Courtesy of Priscilla Marco)

- Scenes from the PS 59 trip in which first grade students and their parents were given a tour of businesses along Forest Ave. courtesy of the Forest Avenue BID on March 23, 2023. (Courtesy of Priscilla Marco)(Courtesy of Priscilla Marco)

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Pilar Pulgar, a 51-year-old supermarket cashier, feels her legs tremble when she sees a customer using an automated checkout. Estefania Garcia, 28, is scared by the automation at the new distribution center where she works, after years employed at a warehouse that used hardly any automation at all. Jose Luis, a 42-year-old sales representative, says his company regularly threatens him with the prospect of being replaced by a machine: They convey this to us quite explicitly, to make us feel like were expendable. Other workers in danger of being replaced by automation are more optimistic. Its hard for me to imagine how what I do could be automated, says Beatriz Espinilla, 39, who is in charge of fitting car doors on an assembly line. It requires very fine, detailed work, she says. Theres some uneasiness, but Im not that worried, adds Diego Martin, a 36-year-old train conductor.

Automation affects millions of workers around the world. Major developments in technology in recent years, along with new advances in technology currently under development for the future, are setting off alarms, as many worry about an imminent crash in employment rates. This has not happened yet, however, and experts who spoke with EL PAIS believe it probably never will. History, as Mark Twain once quipped, never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme. And this is as true for labor markets as anything else. Experts predict that todays professions will face a significant loss of specific job tasks, as has always happened during periods of major technological advancement. This, they say, will require more retraining programs for workers whose jobs become obsolete, but it will not result in an overall loss of employment opportunities.

Historically, new trades have compensated for the destruction of old ones. This debate already took place during the first and second industrial revolutions; in various periods of major technological change, these developments have proven to be positive, both in terms of overall wealth and in terms of the net effect on labor. Hopefully, this time it will not be so different, says Miguel Sanchez, an economist in the Research Department of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the co-author of the report, World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2023.

The eschatology of the end of work sells, but its unfounded, because neither statistics nor history support such a conclusion. The evolution of society shows how, after every technological revolution, there is an accompanying increase in productivity (in both the medium and long term) through the creation of more and better jobs, says Juan Jose Fernandez, a professor in the Department of Private and Business Law at the University of Leon, in Spain. We have been having this debate for a decade now, and even with the leap in digitalization brought about by the pandemic, the destruction of employment due to automation just has not happened, adds Arturo Lahera, an expert on the subject and a professor in the Department of Applied Sociology at the Complutense University of Madrid.

Estefania Garcia, 28 years old, works at a distribution warehouse. Nacho Izquierdo

This assessment is echoed by Federica Saliola, head of the Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice at the World Bank. In Germany, Singapore and South Korea, where robot density [the number of operational industrial robots relative to the number of workers] is high, you see that overall employment rates also remain high. Automation goes hand in hand with innovation, and innovation creates new jobs, she says. Stefano Scarpetta, Director of Employment and Social Affairs at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) agrees: A lot of jobs are going to change, but we are not heading for a drop in the total number of workers. In its 2019 report on the subject, the OECD predicted that in 10 years, 14% of current jobs will be fully automated and around 32% partially automated. The organization also claimed that this process will not entail a drop in the number of workers worldwide, which has been growing steadily in recent decades (with the exception of the pandemic period).

Another report on the future of work, published in 2020 by the World Economic Forum, notes that professions where the demand for employees is falling the most are: data recorders, secretaries, accountants and assembly-line workers. The professions that experienced the greatest loss in labor demand in the U.S. between 2007 and 2018, according to the same report, were: computer operators, secretaries and typists. Thus, according to these estimates, between 2020 and 2025, 85 million jobs will be lost to automation globally, while 97 million new jobs will be created in new trades. In terms of tasks, the World Economic Forum estimates that in 2020 around one-third were performed by machines, and that in 2025 this figure will increase to about one-half. This growth is largely due to increased digital connectivity and the adoption of new technology, which are generating more jobs for data analysts, scientists, and artificial intelligence or digital marketing specialists, explains Sam Grayling, a researcher at the World Economic Forum. Professor Fernandez adds: The total number [of jobs] remains the same, and is even increasing, which shows that there are plenty of new occupations that can replace those that are disappearing.

Raquel Sebastian, senior researcher in the Department of Economic Analysis at the Complutense University of Madrid, and a specialist on the subject, says that in Spain, between 1998 and 2019, automation has caused an increase in inequality and further polarized divisions of labor: Occupations at the bottom and top of the wage spectrum are growing, while occupations in the middle are decreasing. The spread of technology, driven by falling prices in the sector, has led to a process of routinization: the most routine jobs, and those in the middle of the wage spectrum, have been replaced by machines. This, Sebastian warns, leads to a worsening of Spains already high rates of inequality: Robots will not only displace the middle class in the distribution, but will also cause  though increasing wage dispersion  a significant growth in economic inequality. Saliola agrees, and warns that this phenomenon is global.

Resistance to new technology

Regardless of how groundbreaking a technology is, it will always face obstacles that moderate its impact. Pulgar, for example, says most of her customers ignore the self-checkout stations: Most people dont want to use them. I think some people are too lazy to scan barcodes, some are elderly and dont know how to, and others refuse to do it because they know its a problem for workers. In the long term, when people get used to it, as happened at gas stations where now everyone fills up their own tanks, maybe well disappear. Jose Luis, a telemarketer, believes the company where he works is moving towards troubling levels of automation: Workers talk less and less with each other, or with managers; everything is very impersonal. And while technology does more and more tasks, we feel more and more pressure, and have fewer breaks. Social rejection of automation is a key factor in the transportation sector as well, according to Diego Martin, the train conductor, who is also a specialist in the automation process in his sector. In Japan, they already have the technology to automate their entire rail network, but resistance from the populations has helped mitigating its implementation. Airplanes fly practically on their own, but its hard to imagine anyone wanting to get on a plane without a pilot.

Professor Lahera holds the media responsible for the spread of catastrophic predictions regarding the impact of new technologies on employment. Whenever a new technology appears, the media always emphasize the consequences it will have on the labor market, but fail to give the same attention to the topic when these forecasts are not fulfilled. For example, he says, Amazon has just announced the closure of several supermarkets with automatic checkout services, which charge you directly as you leave the store. Delivery drones are also running into more and more problems, and autonomous driving was supposed to be widely available by the end of the last decade, but I have yet to see a truck without a truck driver. But the case that I find most interesting is the metaverse: there is starting to be disinvestment, which doesnt mean that it cant recover, but it does mean that its implementation will be more difficult than expected.

The latest technology to monopolize the public conversation is artificial intelligence (AI). Scarpetta, from the OECD, says that AI will have a major impact on the evolution of the labor market, but he does not anticipate a significant overall reduction in jobs: Unlike other technological developments, it will mostly affect higher-skilled jobs, but I think that over the long run, employees with less training will experience the greatest impact. Professor Sebastian emphasizes that AI technology requires a significant workforce. AI requires a large number of workers to provide the information and data it uses to interpret reality, she says. Another barrier to AI, says the economist Miguel Sanchez, is that the technology is often more expensive than maintaining real employees. Today, in most countries, labor as a factor of production is less costly than investment in new substitute technologies.

Training new skills

Even if automation is not gutting the labor market, that doesnt mean there wont be curves ahead for workers, especially for those who perform repetitive tasks, like moving boxes. Theres a big difference between what we do in this warehouse compared to the other one I worked in, says Garcia, the 28-year-old who works in a highly automated distribution warehouse in Spain. Before, we worked together, assembling the box, putting the seal on it, checking if it was all right, closing it.... Now we do that work alone. We also used to move boxes from person to person, but not anymore. Thanks to these developments, she says there are now fewer people in her workplace dedicated to these tasks, but there are more workers who attend to the machines, making sure everything is working correctly, she says. The big challenge is for these workers, whose tasks are becoming less and less necessary, to learn the new skill necessary to run the machines. Because Im young, I see that I still have room to adapt to another sector, or to learn new skills where I am now, but if I were older, I think I would be a bit more overwhelmed by all this, Garcia says. Pulgar, who is 51, says she does find it more stressful: If they automate all the checkouts in the supermarkets, the only job thats left is stocking, which is an area where companies tend to hire more men because theyre stronger. Lets hope that doesnt happen.

Pilar Pulgar, 51 years old, is a cashier at a supermarket in Spain. Alvaro Garcia

Sebastian believes that retraining these workers is fundamental to counteracting the disruptive effects of automation on the Spanish labor market, and says that the highly differentiated effects of automation corresponding to levels of education make it necessary to create specific training programs for those with less education, so that they can acquire the new skills demanded by the labor market. In the near future, he adds, it will be essential for those who currently perform routine and manual tasks to be able to develop new conceptual tasks, he adds.

This training, experts say, should not be focused only on adolescents and young people, because there are millions of adults and workers who are nearing retirement whose skills will soon become obsolete. Technology is unpredictable, but what is certain is that workers will have to be more adaptable in the future, says Saliola. We have to embrace the idea of spending a lifetime learning, as workers are going to have multiple careers, not just different jobs. We also have to connect the needs of companies with training programs. Saliola says governments will have to make significant investments to achieve this goal. At the same time, he defends the importance of supporting workers through this transition, especially those who need to learn new skills to find a place in the new technological ecosystem. Governments must support people in job transitions, including by investing in education, encouraging retraining and upskilling, and providing adequate social safety nets, Grayling adds.

Professor Lahera is committed to challenging the stereotype that people aged 45 or 50 cannot adapt to new work scenarios. We have to design a process that does not erase their knowledge, but builds on what they already know. The problem is not that they are unable to adapt, but that companies havent found the right strategies. This has to change. He says this is especially difficult in Spain, because of the countrys production landscape, which is run mainly by small and medium-sized companies with fewer training programs than large ones. Sebastian says there is also an intrinsic risk to these ideas: One trap is that if we never become obsolete, we can continue working, and since there will be fewer and fewer jobs with physical costs, we open the gates to lengthening working life and increasing the retirement age.

Espinilla, the 39-year-old car-factory worker, says that she is delighted to continue learning if necessary. I think my colleagues and I are showing that we are willing to train and develop in the direction the company needs us to go. All I ask is that we be included in the change, that we be part of that future. We have always given our best and we will continue to do so. They can count on us, she says.

Technology improves, productivity and wages dont Despite recent technological developments, productivity in the global economy has been stagnant for years. The expected increases in labor productivity from investment in new technologies, which would have led to higher incomes and more leisure time, have not materialized, says the expert from the ILO. This is because there simply has not been an improvement in productivity. In fact, for the past decade we have been in one of the lowest periods of labor productivity growth in history. Some believe that the current technologies are simply not disruptive enough to radically transform the growth model. Others think that we are going through a phase in which the fruits of these technologies have not materialized, but that they will in the future.

There is another parallel debate about why these technological improvements have not led to an improvement in the conditions of the working class. Today, we see income disparities both at the corporate level, with a few companies dominating entire sectors, and at the household level, with a substantial increase in inequality in most countries, says Sanchez. This suggests that only a limited number of actors benefit from these new technologies.

Lahera agrees, adding: There is a concentration of productivity gains from these technologies in certain sectors, and the improvements really only have an impact on capital and shareholders. In this new labor scenario, the gains are not trickling down to wages, and thats why wages have been stagnating in Europe for a decade. He says that one decisive reason for this is the diminishing power of unions: In the 1970s, managers made between six and 10 times as much as workers. Now they make a hundred times more.

The threat of obsolescence

Beatriz Espinilla, 39, works on an automobile assembly line. Emilio Fraile

In the car factory where Beatriz Espinilla (39) works, there is a robot that transports the parts to the assembly line operators. Ive been here for 10 years and it was there when I got here. I know that they used to be carried by a forklift. Since Ive been here, as far as I know, other positions that have been automated are the more dangerous ones, the ones that involved work that ends up causing injuries, she says. The possibility of being replaced by a robot isnt something she loses sleep over. Were more concerned about the semiconductor shortage crisis , she says. Espinilla is fine with technology helping, but shes hoping it can be incorporated with balance. I think people are always going to have to supervise. There are so many processes, way more than it seems, in which we do detailed work thats very difficult for a machine to replicate. I cant imagine how a robot would fit a car door, which is what I do now. Maybe it will happen in the very distant future, but I dont think Ill be around to experience it, she says.

Despite the uncertainty that automation brings to her sector  logistics and distribution  Estefania Garcia (28) sees some important advantages as well. Its more productive this way, and there is less margin for error. We make fewer mistakes, and we exert less physical effort... Just by the fact that we dont have to lift heavy objects, we make fewer repetitive movements, you really notice that in your body at the end of the day. Garcia is especially grateful that she hardly has to bend down at all anymore, since the boxes are placed at arms-height. But of course, she adds, you see that with all this, theres a need for fewer people. Its a change thats normal not to like. It can give you better quality of life while youre still working there, but in the long run, its very possible that theyll end up not needing you. What we used to do with 10 people, they can now do with just two. Garcia says that the incorporation of technology is good and that it should be implemented right away, but at the same time, she asks that no one be left out. I know its really hard to do this, but for example, a tax on machinery when it replaces workers, as some countries have already proposed, would be great.

Pilar Pulgar, 51, believes that using an automatic checkout in a supermarket is a really cold thing to do. I dont like it at all, she says. Besides, as a customer, it doesnt even save you any money, so I dont understand why you would choose that option. Its not like its much faster either, says Pulgar, who is from Madrid and has worked as a cashier for 20 years. The first thing I thought when I saw one of those automatic checkouts was that we were going to disappear quickly, but were still here. I think our staff is more or less the same as before. She criticizes the fact that this automated checkouts do not offer any personalized attention : I dont know, I think it shows that some companies only want profits, that they dont care if a machine replaces a human being. In the end, big companies have the advantage of knowing that people arent going to go to small stores because the small stores cant compete with their prices. She dislikes how technological innovations that imply savings for the company do not translate into a drop in prices or an improvement in working conditions. Im confident that customers who like me will continue to prefer me over a machine, she says

Diego Martin, 36, is a train engineer and the general secretary of Spains rail conductors union (SEMAF). From his position, he knows firsthand what the chances are that trains will end up operating on their own: This has always been something weve heard, but in the railroad industry, its very hard to make big, rapid changes. This, he says, is due to the connections between train networks, which are managed by European regulations that change very slowly. But there are closed-circuit rail networks, where automation is making inroads: In the Barcelona Metro there are lines that operate automatically and there will be some in Madrid soon as well, he says. Even so, Martin is confident that trains will never operate entirely on their own: There will always have to be personnel on the train. If it gets stranded between two stations, 50 kilometers from each one, you need someone who knows how to get it going again. When high speed rail came on in the 1990s, everyone said that in 10 years, everything would be high speed. And 30 years later theres still a lot of conventional track, and it still carries the most passengers. Its like the autonomous car, which seemed imminent, but look at all the legal and social problems theyre having, he adds.

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Texas federal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk has halted the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations approval of mifepristone, one of the two drugs used in the agencys approved regimen for medication abortion, setting off what is sure to be a host of appeals that could take years to sort out.

In his 67-page opinion, Kacsmaryk ruled that the drug was improperly approved in violation of federal law.

The judge gave the federal government seven days to appeal, so the ruling does not immediately take effect.

While this case is unprecedented, Judge Kacsmaryks ruling wasnt surprising. As previously reported, Judge Kacsmaryk has long been open about his hostility to abortion rights. He has written critically about the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling and has consistently backed conservative causes, including as a former staff attorney for the First Liberty Institute, a Plano-based nonprofit law firm that specializes in religious liberty cases (religious, of course, meaning the Christian Right).

In a hearing on March 15 that lasted more than four hours, Kacsmaryk quizzed the plaintiffs from the conservative legal firm Alliance Defending Freedom about how he could write a decision that uses his authority to unilaterally withdraw FDA approval for mifepristone and whether the Comstock Act, a little-enforced 1800s-era obscenity law that prohibits sending materials for any indecent or immoral use through the Postal Service.

As Mary Ziegler, a legal historian and law professor at the University of California Davis, put it in a previous interview: If you were picking any judge, at least in the United States, to make this kind of argument in front of, you would pick him. Indeed, the reason the case was filed in Amarillo, Texas, was to virtually guarantee that Judge Kacsmaryk would preside.

Mifepristone has been on the market for more than 20 years.

If the FDA appeals the Texas judges ruling, the case will go before the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, the most ideologically conservative in the nation, which also previously heard the Dobbs case out of Mississippi, which overturned Roe last year.

This story is developing. Well update it as we find out more.
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Last Monday I found myself embedded deep in the heartland of the Murdoch media machine as old friends, colleagues and rivals gathered in a vast Sydney movie studio to celebrate the life of entertainment executive, showbiz impresario and esteemed raconteur Brian Walsh.

Walsh, who launched Foxtel, had worked for the Murdochs for decades. There was chatter Rupert Murdoch, 92, might bring his new fiancee, Ann Lesley Smith, 66. Anticipation was high.

Rupert Murdoch with fiancee Ann Lesley Smith in the Carribean in January. Credit: Backgrid

To my left was Murdochs heir apparent, eldest son Lachlan, with wife Sarah. They looked to be still very much in love after nearly a quarter of a century of marriage.

To my right were a couple of Rupert Murdochs most trusted lieutenants who for decades worked within his vast news machine and got to know their somewhat enigmatic proprietor better than most.
Its a music festival, but not quite as you know it.

In the cavernous, climate-controlled voids of the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre at Southbank, the inaugural Bluesfest Melbourne kicked off on Saturday.

Kasey Chambers on stage at Bluesfest Melbourne on Saturday. Credit: Justin McManus

The indoor event was designed to combat grim weather that has disrupted other festivals. Its an extension of the Byron Bay Bluesfest, which is holding its 34th edition this weekend.

While organisers told festival-goers north of the border to bring gumboots, Melbourne musos arrived to carpet and polished tiles.
Calls are mounting for a national crackdown on Australians dipping into their superannuation for cosmetic surgery, amid fears clinics are cashing in on loopholes by encouraging consumers to raid their retirement nest eggs.

Private Healthcare Australia says some high-volume clinics employ financial consultants to directly assist consumers accessing their superannuation funds for medical procedures.

Health ministers have agreed to create an official endorsement in cosmetic surgery classification. Credit: iStock

In a submission to the federal government, which is undertaking an inquiry into superannuation industry, Private Healthcare Australia warns that a rapid rise in people using their retirement funds to pay for medical care is contributing to low-value care, health inflation and soaring out-of-pocket costs.

It appears particularly since the pandemic, very high out-of-pocket costs have been normalised, the submission says.
The Tesla company logo sits on an unsold 2020 Model X at a Tesla dealership in Littleton, Colorado

U.S. road safety regulators have sent a team to investigate a crash involving a Tesla that may have been operating on a partially automated driving system when it struck a student who had just exited a school bus.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Friday that it will probe the March 15 crash in Halifax County, North Carolina, that injured a 17-year-old student. The State Highway Patrol said the driver of the 2022 Tesla Model Y, a 51-year-old male, failed to stop for the bus, which was displaying all of its activated warning devices.

Sending special investigation teams to crashes means that the agency suspects the Teslas were operating systems that can handle some aspects of driving, including Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. Despite the names, Tesla says these are driver-assist systems and that drivers must be ready to intervene at all times.

A message was left Friday seeking comment from Tesla.

Tillman Mitchell, a student at the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School in Hollister, had just exited the bus and was walking across the street to his house when he was hit, according to the Highway Patrol.

He was flown to a hospital with life-threatening injuries but was listed in good condition two days after the crash.

Messages left with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol were not immediately returned Friday. A spokesperson for WakeMed hospital in Raleigh did not immediately provide an update on the students condition or indicate whether he had been discharged.

NHTSA has sent investigative teams to more than 30 crashes since 2016 in which Teslas suspected of operating on Autopilot or Full Self-Driving have struck pedestrians, motorcyclists, semi trailers and parked emergency vehicles. At least 14 people were killed in the crashes.

In March the agency sent a team to a Feb. 18 crash in which a Tesla Model S hit a fire department ladder truck in Contra Costa County, California. The Tesla driver was killed, a passenger was seriously hurt, and four firefighters suffered minor injuries.

Authorities said the California firetruck had its lights on and was parked diagonally on a highway to protect responders to an earlier accident that did not result in injuries.

The probes are part of a larger investigation by NHTSA into multiple instances of Teslas using Autopilot crashing into parked emergency vehicles that are tending to other crashes. NHTSA has become more aggressive in pursuing safety problems with Teslas in the past year, announcing multiple recalls and investigations.

NHTSA is investigating how the Autopilot system detects and responds to emergency vehicles parked on highways.

The agency wouldnt comment on open investigations, but it has been scrutinizing Teslas more intensely in the past year, seeking several recalls.

Tesla and NHTSA need to determine why the vehicles dont seem to see flashing lights on school buses and emergency vehicles and make sure the problem is fixed, said Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety in Washington.

Ive been saying probably for a couple of years now, they need to figure out why these vehicles arent recognizing flashing lights for a big starter, Brooks said. NHTSA needs to step in and get them to do a recall because thats a serious safety issue.

Earlier this month the agency revealed an investigation of steering wheels that can detach from the steering column on as many as 120,000 Model Y SUVs. Its also investigating seat belts that may not be anchored securely in some Teslas.

NHTSA also has opened investigations during the past three years into Teslas braking suddenly for no reason, suspension problems and other issues.

In February, NHTSA pressured Tesla into recalling nearly 363,000 vehicles with Full Self-Driving software because the system can break traffic laws. The problem was to be fixed with an online software update.

The system is being tested on public roads by as many as 400,000 Tesla owners. But NHTSA said in documents that it can make unsafe actions such as traveling straight through an intersection from a turn-only lane, going through a yellow traffic light without proper caution or failing to respond to speed limit changes.

The U.S. Justice Department also has asked Tesla for documents from Tesla about Full Self-Driving and Autopilot.

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On Friday, Alison Galbally will celebrate her 21st surrounded by Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and maybe even Lindsay Lohan.

OK, not the Paris, Britney or Lindsay, but about 60 of her closest friends will be dressed like them. Galbally will welcome her guests  all donning butterfly clips, low-rise jeans and body glitter  into her home in Melbournes South Yarra, to celebrate her milestone in true 2000s fashion.

From left: Diana Hipgrave, Alison Galbally and Isabel Walker think 21st birthday parties have evolved post lockdowns. Credit: Justin McManus

Twenty-first birthday parties are still popular in Australia, but the attitude towards them has evolved. Though a welcome excuse to celebrate, young adults are opting for smaller budgets, tighter guest lists and low-key vibes.

Galbally, a law-arts university student, turned 18 amid COVID-19 lockdowns. She says her 21st is an opportunity to make up for the social experiences lost to the pandemic  school formals, house parties and, most importantly, her 18th birthday.
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It is rare to find an original 1950s Aussie shack for sale these days, especially on the beachfront. So when sisters Emma Read and Sarah Hall found one just over two hours drive from their home city of Adelaide, they were tickled pink.

The sisters inspected the west-facing house late in the afternoon, when the lemon sun was just setting into pastel pink-and-mauve hues on the seas far horizon, which only served to strengthen a romantic connection. Once we knew the shack had only had one owner for most of its life and was painted pink in the 1950s, we were emotionally invested, says Read.

Sitting high on the shore, with 360-degree views, the shack is deceptively small, with only two bedrooms and one central living space, a front yard on the sand and a backyard that abuts native scrub. Its located in Chinaman Wells, a tiny coastal and fishing community on the Yorke Peninsula dotted with original Australian beach shacks.

The shack is located on the western coastline of the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. Sparsely populated, the area is well established as a fishing mecca. Credit:Jason Watson

Fishermen say the striking pink house, now repainted in its original hue, serves as a landmark for local seafarers. The shores of the Spencer Gulf out front are flat and tidal and ultimately connect to the Southern Ocean. From the house you see and hear pelicans and black swans, says Hall. Crabbing and fishing are traditional pastimes here. When were here, we feel like were in another world; we can disconnect.

The sisters call the shack Love & Mutiny, with good reason: We both left our regular jobs within six months of the purchase, only continuing with our vintage bespoke styling business, Read & Hall, says Hall. We felt it was time to go out on a limb, so we staged a mutiny on our work priorities with the intention to love what we do for a living. Its created a very appropriate name!
The morning before he took his own life, Tony Jenkins was looking at accommodation for an upcoming overseas holiday. The paramedic was a planner, his wife Sharon recalls, and when she waved goodbye to him from the garage, she could not have known it would be the last time shed see him.

His persona that day was exactly as it always is, he was a very happy-go-lucky sort of guy ... a real jokester, she said. It says a lot about how that day went for him, and how he felt that was his only option.

Tony Jenkins with his wife, Sharon and daughters Kim (left) and Cidney (right).

Easter Sunday marks five years since Tony Jenkins was pulled into a meeting with NSW Ambulance and accused of misusing the highly potent synthetic opioid fentanyl. He was allowed to leave the meeting alone, hours before his shift was supposed to end, and died by suicide a short time later.

On Tuesday, NSW Ambulance pleaded guilty in Sydney District Court to a criminal breach of section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act, admitting it had failed in its duty of care to the paramedic of 28 years by failing to properly oversee the handling of restricted drugs, including fentanyl.
A surge in sexually transmitted infections has led to fears that teenagers have missed key sex education messages about condom use and testing while spending their final years of high school in remote learning.

Data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System shows rates of gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia each rebounded in 2022, after reduced social activity during lockdown.

Experts are concerned young people may have missed safe sex messages. Credit: Shutterstock

The increase was sharpest in Victoria, where local health authorities issued warnings about gonorrhea and syphilis outbreaks in the outer suburbs of Melbourne last year. There were 34,600 reportable STIs recorded in Victoria last year, about 8000 more than in 2021. NSW recorded 39,000 reportable infections, 3700 more than the previous year.

Before the pandemic, the number of STIs reported each year in both states had risen at an increasing rate since the mid-2010s.
A proposed new route would have seaplanes flying from Sydneys eastern suburbs to Canberras Lake Burley Griffin in an hour, with passengers checking in only 15 minutes before take-off.

Sydney Seaplanes in Rose Bay last month conducted take-off and landing tests in different areas of the lake in various weather and wind conditions while seeking approval for the twice-daily return trips.

Sydney Seaplanes chief executive Aaron Shaw wants to operate regular commuter flights from Rose Bay Water Airport in Sydney Harbour to Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. Credit: Nikki Short

The National Capital Authority said it supports the introduction of seaplanes as a way to increase transport options between Sydney and Canberra, a spokeswoman said.

Following recent demonstration flights we are working through a range of considerations such as safety, minimising disruption to other land users, environmental and heritage aspects.
Ardern never courted fame, but she would have been mad to shun the global spotlight after the horror of the Christchurch attack, specifically the attention she received for responding to the moment with grace and high decency. Loading Ardern famously appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 2020, looking serene in white, ahead of the anniversary of the Christchurch killings. She was also on the covers of British and American Vogue, and the Australian Womens Weekly. Her popularity among magazine editors led to a 66-year-old Christchurch bricklayer, Colin Wilson, starting the Turn Ardern movement, which urged New Zealanders to turn over magazine covers featuring the then prime minister when they saw them on display. People are sick and tired of all the fluff articles  people want a prime minister and not a fashion model, Wilson told the New Zealand Herald in 2019. A lot of us feel she spends a lot of time doing photo shoots instead of running the country.

Arderns biographer Michelle Duff was scathing of the movement. The fact that a group of men are so threatened by the image of a powerful woman that they cant even bear to look at her face is not really all that funny, she said at the time. Loading It is hard to see any politician, male or female, turning down the opportunity to be featured in positive, beautifully shot media coverage. But with Ardern, you got the distinct impression that her good looks were held against her when it came to this sort of media coverage. It probably didnt help that she was of particular interest to womens magazines  fluff, in the words of Colin the bricklayer from Christchurch. In the profile accompanying the Time cover, Ardern was described as a Millennial woman whose style of leadership embodies strength and sanity, while also pushing an agenda of compassion and community. The article said that she has given New Zealand a new kind of soft power and asserted that world leaders were eager to be associated with her. Now her challenge is to prove this new style of leadership can get meaningful results, the journalist wrote. By the time she stepped down from the leadership in January, the people of New Zealand had begun to doubt she could. Polling showed support for her Labour Party was at the lowest it had been since she took office in 2017.

Ardern, who gave birth to baby Neve in office in 2018, said she was quitting because she no longer had enough in the tank. In an outgoing interview last week, she gave a one-word reason for leaving politics. She was, she said, tired. Her resignation came after an exponential increase in violent harassment, including death threats, and abuse against her, from extremists, including anti-vaxxer groups. Ardern said the violent hostility did have an impact on her, but that it was not the basis of her decision to step down. The departures of Germanys Angela Merkel and Scotlands Nicola Sturgeon leaves few female leaders around the world. Across the globe, Marin left office at the will of the Finnish people, when she lost to right-wing rivals at the general election. Marins party, the centre-left Social Democratic Party, increased its vote share and its parliamentary numbers, but it gained the lowest share of the vote compared to its two right-wing rivals. The more centrist conservative National Coalition party won 20.8 per cent of the vote, the populist, right-wing Finns party claimed 20.1 per cent, and Marins party took 19.9 per cent. In other words, the vote was split nearly evenly between three parties, a result reflective of both the increasing fragmentation of European politics, and the march to the right of many electorates there.

Marin was the most popular prime minister Finland has ever had, and like Ardern, she achieved the impossible  gaining global recognition and outsized attention for her small nation. In Finlands case, this was extremely useful when it came to Marins campaign for her country to join the NATO alliance, to buffer against an expansionist Russia. Loading But coverage of her prime ministership, and her election loss, has largely focused on the fact that her global fame didnt help her when it came to voter support at home.Voters didnt seem to trust her on the economy. Marin is also young and cool, and notoriously did a young cool person thing when she went out dancing with her friends last year. The images of her night out were published around the world. Many of the people in my circle called her the hot Finnish PM. The recently elected NSW Premier Chris Minns has just announced a 50 per cent female cabinet, and federally there are now as many women as men on the government benches. The Liberals lag on female representation, but it is acknowledged by anyone sensible that they need to address this to become electable again.
Asked if he planned to leave by the end of the year, Morrison did not rule it out. He told The Sunday Age and The Sun-Herald he understood the speculation about his future, but that he had not decided what to do next. I am focused on doing my job in my local electorate, helping the parliamentary party and supporting the leader, he said. The resignation of Scott Morrison would cause headaches for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen One MP, who asked not to be named so they could speak freely, said he [Morrison] has told people in the [Sutherland] Shire he is going after the budget. Another MP, who is close to Morrison, said they expected the former prime minister to be in parliament for the budget but gone by the end of the year, once he had figured out what he was called to do next.

A third MP acknowledged the loss of Aston had been a damaging blow to the opposition but added that if Tudge had just waited six more months on the backbench it would have been different. After this budget the political landscape will be different, the Cook byelection will show us to what extent. Tudge did not campaign with defeated Liberal candidate Roshena Campbell in Aston and posted just one message of support on Facebook promoting his would-be successor. On Friday, he appeared in a photograph alongside controversial former state Liberal MP Tim Smith, outside a pub in Henley-on-Thames in the UK, in which Smith lauded him as the undefeated former MP. Discussion about Morrisons future has been growing following the NSW state election on March 25. The fall of Dominic Perrottets Liberal government to Labor has resulted in wall-to-wall Labor governments at state and federal levels on the Australian mainland. The two leading candidates to replace Morrison in Cook are former NSW attorney-general Mark Speakman, who is currently a contender for leadership of the state opposition, and Carmelo Pesce, who is mayor of the Sutherland shire, which takes in parts of the federal seats of Cook and Hughes.

Speakman will first have to decide, by late April, whether he will continue to seek the leader of the oppositions position. Loading If he does put his hand up for Cook instead of remaining in state politics, Pesce will likely seek preselection for Speakmans seat of Cronulla, which is within the federal seat. Comment was sought from Speakman and Pesce. The NSW division of the Liberal Party is expected to replace the deceased senator Jim Molan next month, with former state minister Andrew Constance and former federal MP Fiona Scott considered front-runners. There is an expectation that senator Marise Payne will retire at some point in this term, but a friend of the former foreign minister said she would be around for some time to come and that her role as shadow cabinet secretary was valued by Dutton. Payne was contacted for comment.

Maverick Queensland LNP senator Gerard Rennick is also facing an uphill battle to hang on to a winnable senate seat, with moderate and conservative forces marshalling to punt him to the unwinnable fifth spot on the ticket. Loading Preselection has opened for the Queensland senate ticket and will be finalised by the end of June. Senator Paul Scarr is expected to hold the top position on the ticket and rivals of Rennick will attempt to move the outspoken senator from the winnable third spot on the ticket to the unwinnable fifth spot on the ticket. Rennick declined to comment. Former senator Amanda Stoker, who was narrowly missed out on re-election in 2022 and who would have been shadow attorney-general if she had remained in parliament, has ruled herself out of another tilt at the senate but has left her options open for a run at a lower house seat. Four Queensland LNP MPs told this masthead they expected Morrison ally and former cabinet minister Stuart Robert could quit politics at the end of this term, but Robert has told colleagues he is not planning on going anywhere.

Victorian Liberal senator David Van is also likely to face a challenge for the third spot on the Victorian Liberals senate ticket ahead of the next election. Senators Jane Hume and James Paterson will retain the top two spots on the ticket and several of his Victorian colleagues said it was almost certain Van would be challenged with preselection expected to take place at the end of 2023 or early 2024. Van said the Liberal Party was a democratic party and if people think they have something to offer they should put their hands up. Its up to the members who they want to go into the next election. In South Australia, the Liberals shadow health spokeswoman Anne Ruston is facing a fight to retain top spot on the senate ticket, with conservative senator Alex Antic now commanding significant numbers in the state division. Antic wants top spot on the ticket and will not be deterred by the fact Ruston is in the shadow ministry, given Stoker was pushed down the Queensland senate ticket at the 2022 election behind James McGrath, even though she was in the ministry and he was not.
Apartment rents across two thirds of Sydney suburbs have jumped by more than 10 per cent over the past year, as the median rent in the harbour city climbed to record highs.

Tenants in inner Sydney suburbs faced some of the largest rent hikes over the year to March, the latest Domain Rent Report shows, but there were also sizable jumps in middle and outer suburbs with smaller rental markets, or newer, pricier stock.

The rental shortage is putting pressure on tenants. Credit: Peter Rae

Median asking apartment rents surged by as much as $375 per week in Barangaroo, $270 per week in Bass Hill, and by $150 or more in popular student suburbs such as Chippendale, Haymarket and Zetland, all of which are more expensive now than they were five years ago pre-pandemic.

Asking house rents in more than half of the analysed suburbs increased more than 10 per cent over the year. Rose Bay had the biggest increase when its median rebounded 55.6 per cent in a year, or $750, to $2100, and is now 31.3 per cent higher than five years ago.
Here is one for the Gen Xers and Baby Boomers among us: the Mosman home long owned by the creator of Mr Squiggle is for sale for the first time since 1960.

For those not familiar with the animated marionette with a pencil for a nose, Mr Squiggle made his debut on Australian television screens in 1959 in what was mooted to be a brief six-week timeslot, but instead went on to become must-watch television for afternoon viewers for the next 40 years.

The three-bedroom home of Norman and Peggy Hetherington is on offer for $4.5 million.

Mr Squiggles creator was the late artist and puppeteer Norman Hetherington OAM and the scripts written by his wife Peggy, no doubt giving the couple the necessary leg-up to buy their family home on Mosmans Sirius Cove Road a year after the show was launched.
Beijing: China has started three days of military drills around Taiwan from Saturday, after the islands president, Tsai Ing-wen, returned from US visits that infuriated Beijing.

The Peoples Liberation Army announced the drills and patrols in airspace and waters on the north, south and east sides of Taiwan as serious warnings against Taiwan separatists in collusion with external forces.

Two Taiwanese Navy warships are seen anchored in Keelung, Taiwan, on Friday. Credit: Getty

In addition, a Chinese warship in seas facing the Taiwan Strait began live-fire drills on Saturday morning.

The amphibious landing ship  capable of transporting troops, craft and vehicles  fired multiple rounds of artillery in the Luoyan Bay area on the coast of Fujian province, about 50 kilometres north-west of the Matsu islands near the mainland that are controlled by Taiwan.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 8, 2023 - 21:01 | All, World

Global electric vehicle sales climbed 66.6 percent in 2022 from a year earlier to 7.26 million units, data from a research firm showed Saturday, reflecting a rapid shift in the industry to zero-emission vehicles to meet stricter emission regulations.

The number accounts for 9.5 percent of overall auto sales of 76.21 million vehicles last year, expanding from 5.5 percent in 2021, according to Tokyo-based MarkLines Co.

European and Chinese automakers are boosting EV sales, while Japanese carmakers strive to catch up with global rivals.

Honda Motor Co., for example, has teamed with Sony Group Corp. to set up a 50-50 venture to make new electric vehicles. Toyota Motor Corp. plans to expand its all-electric vehicle lineup and boost its EV sales to 1.5 million vehicles annually by 2026.

Excluding EVs, global sales fell 7.4 percent to 68.95 million vehicles.

By market, China posted an about 80 percent surge in EV sales to 4.53 million vehicles while Western Europe including Germany and Britain saw EV sales soar by about 30 percent to about 1.53 million vehicles.

Approximately 800,000 EVs were sold in the United States last year and 50,000 in Japan.

Among EV makers, the leading manufacturer, Tesla Inc., boosted sales to around 1.27 million vehicles in 2022 from about 880,000 the year before. Chinese EV giant BYD Co. sold approximately 870,000 vehicles last year, compared with 320,000 the previous year.

The alliance of Nissan Motor Co., French partner Renault SA and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. ranked seventh with sales of about 280,000 EVs.

Toyota, the world's largest auto seller, sold 24,000 EVs in 2022, according to the company.

==Kyodo
Washington: A new batch of classified documents that appear to detail US national security secrets from Ukraine to the Middle East to China has surfaced on social media sites, alarming the Pentagon and adding turmoil to a situation that seemed to have caught the Biden administration off guard.

The scale of the leak  analysts say more than 100 documents may have been obtained  along with the sensitivity of the documents themselves, could be hugely damaging, US officials said. A senior intelligence official called the leak a nightmare for the Five Eyes, in a reference to the US, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, the so-called Five Eyes nations that broadly share intelligence.

A Ukrainian soldier of the 28th brigade on the frontline during a battle with Russian troops near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, last month. Credit: AP

The latest documents were found on Twitter and other sites on Friday (US time), a day after senior Biden administration officials said they were investigating a potential leak of classified Ukrainian war plans, include an alarming assessment of Ukraines faltering air defence capabilities. One slide, dated February 23, is labelled Secret/NoForn, meaning it was not meant to be shared with foreign countries.

Mick Mulroy, a former senior Pentagon official, said the leak of the classified documents represented a significant breach in security that could hinder Ukrainian military planning. As many of these were pictures of documents, it appears that it was a deliberate leak done by someone that wished to damage the Ukraine, US, and NATO efforts, he said.
US journalist charged for spying in Russia

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World Bank could lend $50bn more over decade with reform: Yellen



Washington, April 8 (AFP) Apr 08, 2023



The World Bank's ongoing reform could result in a $50 billion lending boost over the next decade, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told AFP ahead of stakeholders' meetings next week where key changes are expected to be announced.

Central bankers, finance ministers and participants from more than 180 member countries are expected to gather in the US capital for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank's spring meetings in the coming week.

A key topic of discussion will be the World Bank's evolution, amid a push for lenders to revamp and meet global challenges like climate change. The United States is the largest shareholder of the World Bank Group.

"I expect there to be an update of the bank's mission to add building resilience against climate change, pandemics, and conflict and fragility to the core goals," Yellen said in the interview with AFP Thursday.

She added that there needs to be a recognition that these challenges aren't separate or conflicting but rather, inextricably linked.

"Second, there will be an announcement that the bank is stretching its financial capacity to meet these objectives, and adopting changes or endorsing changes that could result in an additional $50 billion in extra lending capacity over the next decade," Yellen said.

The move would be a significant resource boost marking a 20 percent rise in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (IBRD) sustainable lending level. The IBRD is the World Bank's middle-income lending arm.



- Seeking added reforms -



Yellen also said there would be an announcement on updating the bank's operational model to "orient it towards the goals that we're setting."

Among other things, this includes creating more incentives for the mobilization of both domestic and private capital.

"We seek additional reforms during the rest of this year," Yellen said.

In March, the World Bank submitted an evolution plan to be discussed with its development committee on April 12, during the spring meetings.

Noting that World Bank President David Malpass has laid a "solid foundation" for the ongoing work, Yellen added that she expects US candidate Ajay Banga to be elected to the helm of the organization and continue the revamp.

Banga was the sole nominee for the position after Malpass announced this year that he would step down early.



- 'Hopeful sign' -



Also on policymakers' agendas next week are support for war-torn Ukraine and debt restructuring.

"We have seen some movement by China on participating in debt restructuring for Sri Lanka, which is a hopeful sign," Yellen said.

As global growth slows, the World Bank previously warned that the outlook is especially tough for the poorest economies -- which face sluggish growth driven by heavy debt burdens and weak investment.

Yellen had earlier said that China should move more quickly on some debt restructurings.

Discussions on this front will continue next week as a newly formed global sovereign debt roundtable gathers, she told AFP.

"We're having useful technical discussions on important elements of debt restructuring. China has been participating, and we all continue to press China for improvements," she said.

Washington will continue pushing for a speedier and more predictable operation of the G20 "common framework" for debt restructuring as well.

On Ukraine, Yellen said: "Once again, we will work with all of our allies to insist that Russia cease its brutality in Ukraine."

She added that the United States would press for economic support alongside its partners on this front.
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WEST HARTFORD  The local Rotary Club announced Friday it's offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the apprehension of the driver involved in a hit-and-run crash in December that killed a local woman.

West Hartford police said Eugenia Yurovsky was out walking around 5 p.m. on Dec. 20 last year when she was hit by a car near the intersection of Boulevard and Whiting Lane. The vehicle then fled the scene.
By Haruo Nagasawa, KYODO NEWS - Apr 8, 2023 - 09:48 | Feature, All, Japan

Virtual online spaces are providing social recluses, known as "hikikomori" in Japan, a way of staying connected to the world while also allowing them to edge closer to making a full return to society.

In addition to providing consultation support and introducing work-from-home jobs, local governments and private companies are making efforts to establish unique "club activities" based on common interests as the problem of social disconnection continues to spiral.

The Kyoto prefectural government has held twice-per-week virtual meetups for shut-ins since June 2022, aptly called "online place to be."

When people access the virtual space, their avatars -- sometimes pandas or other characters -- gather at a table surrounded by trees. The avatars are designed and operated by the participants who address each other by nicknames and chat without having to reveal their actual faces.

The virtual community is managed on behalf of the prefectural government by Kizuki, an operator of cram schools for troubled children.

Company staff join participants in watching live video games on YouTube and discussing their thoughts, and they chat about their favorite foods, the weather in their area and other topics. Sometimes casual conversations reveal deeper issues they are reluctant to talk about with others, an official said.

A 2017 survey conducted by a commissioner for child welfare in Kyoto Prefecture and other residents identified some 1,100 people who had withdrawn from society, and 44 percent of them were not receiving support.

The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the situation for shut-ins, while the prefectural government searched for ways for people to meet virtually.

Still in its infancy, the virtual community currently has a small group of participants ranging from preteens to those in their 40s. Social recluses can "easily" participate even if they are hesitant to visit the prefectural government office in person, Yoshimi Kimura, an official in the government's family support division said.

The Kanagawa prefectural government is planning to host a similar virtual space for social recluses in fiscal 2023.

Tokyoite Kunio Yamada, 37, launched an employment service in 2020 called "Comoly" at a company he runs that develops and provides vocational aptitude tests. He receives orders for jobs in data entry, transcription and app development, among others, and offers the work to shut-ins based on their skills and experience. Many earn up to 60,000 yen ($450) per month.

Yamada created the service because an elementary-school friend of his who was unable to find work as a university student became a social recluse after graduation. He advised his friend to learn computer programming so that he could work anywhere. Now the two jointly manage Comoly.

Comoly has some 750 registered members nationwide. Along with facilitating in-home work, it offers a wide variety of activities, including "metaverse parties," online club activities and more.

In the "Cooking Club," comprised mainly of women, members post photos and recipes of their culinary creations, while a shut-in, who once aspired to become a professional Go board game player, teaches members of the "Go Club" the fundamentals.

Some people registered with Comoly venture out into the real world to participate in annual work camps. In Kamiyama, Tokushima Prefecture, western Japan, specialty "yuzu" citrus fruits that had been abandoned due to a worker shortage were harvested by hikikomori for jam production.

Yamada calls these and other projects "co-creations" instead of "support."

He thinks that the stereotype of "independence equals employment" is what pushes shut-ins further away from society.

"In rural areas, by making use of vacant houses, shut-ins can live and make tens of thousands of yen each month by working remotely. I would like to create such a new kind of life with them," Yamada said.

Related coverage:

FOCUS:Tokyo ward finds 1-in-3 recluses don't want gov't help to reintegrate
A man has been arrested after a police car flipped in southwest London leaving two officers injured.

Metropolitan Police officers attempted to stop a car near North End Road in Fulham on Saturday just after 5pm.

The car failed to stop and collided with a marked police car, causing it overturn, the Met said in a statement.

Two officers were treated for minor injuries.

The driver of the car in question has been arrested on suspicion of a string of offences.

The man was taken to a central London police station where he remains in custody.

Supplied / @mrcyco Cy Constantine

Photographs of the scene show a number of shoppers on the busy high street at the time of the crash.

North End Road between A3218 Lillie Road and Sedlescombe Road has been closed to traffic.

Hammersmith and Fulham police urged people to avoid the area.

Additional officers, the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service attended.
T he father of two British-Israeli sisters killed in a gun attack in the occupied West Bank has said he is confident that justice will be done.

Rina and Maia Dee were shot dead in an attack on their car near an Israeli settlement in the West Bank on Friday.

The attack, by Palestinian assailants, came after Israel launched retaliatory air strikes at Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Tensions have been heightened by days of fighting at Jerusalems most holy site during the rare convergence of Ramadan, Passover and Easter.

In a statement released by the girls father, Rabbi Leo Dee, to the Telegraph, he said that the family was saddened by the current political situation in Israel.

Some people think that a religious government will suppress minority rights and become totalitarian, he said.

But this is not a risk in Israel as religious Jews simply believe in balancing love and justice. For our part, we have felt a warm hug of love from Jews in Israel and beyond and we are confident that justice will be done.

According to The Telegraph, Rabbi Dee was formerly the senior rabbi at Radlett United Synagogue in Hertfordshire and assistant rabbi in Hendon, north London.

The sisters were born in London, before the family moved to Israel in 2014.

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to the settlements mayor Oded Revivi.

The sisters 45-year-old mother was seriously wounded in the attack.

Their father witnessed the incident from a separate car following behind, local officials said.

Late on Friday, an Italian tourist was killed and five other Italian and British citizens were wounded when a car rammed a group in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

Reacting to the news of the sisters death, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the Di Mafart family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters.

In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly held a call on Saturday with his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, to discuss the appalling attacks.

Middle East minister Lord Ahmad said: I condemn yesterdays attacks in the West Bank, killing two British-Israeli nationals and injuring one other, and in Tel Aviv where an Italian national was killed and British nationals were injured.

British Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan added: My thoughts are with those affected by another horrific terror attack last night in Tel Aviv, including one Italian tourist killed.

British people are amongst the injured. We are in touch with the hospital and will offer our support.

The Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised both incidents as retaliation for Israeli raids earlier this week on the Al-Aqsa mosque.

The Foreign Office released a statement saying it was saddened to hear about the deaths of the two British-Israelis and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions, it added.

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank.

My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.

The Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon came after militants fired nearly three dozen rockets from there.
U nions are warning that stability in Ireland could be threatened if workers rights are ripped up.

The TUC and NIC-ICTU (Northern Ireland Committee in the Irish Congress of Trade Union) issued a joint statement ahead of the 25-year anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement on Monday as the Retained EU Law Bill makes its way through parliament.

The unions warned that under the Bill workplace rights such as holiday pay, rest breaks, health and safety rules and protections from discrimination will disappear from the end of this year unless ministers table new regulations to retain them.

The TUC and Northern Irish unions warned that if vital rights in Northern Ireland are ripped up, it would be in direct breach of the Governments level playing field commitments from the EU-UK trade deal.

The unions called on the Government to ditch the retained EU Law Bill and protect jobs, workers rights and peace on the island of Ireland.

The best legacy we can leave the past 25 years since the agreement is to defend it, starting with defeating this irrational Bill

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: The Conservatives are threatening to take a wrecking ball to hard-won workers rights with the Retained EU Law Bill.

This reckless Bill puts at risk vital workplace protections  like holiday pay, safe working hours and protection from discrimination.

Not only is that bad for workers across Britain  it also threatens stability on the island of Ireland.

If essential rights are torn up in Northern Ireland while stronger rights remain across the border, the British government will be in direct breach of its level playing field commitments.

This risks provoking a trade war with the EU  thats the last thing working people need in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

Its time to ditch this reckless Bill. The Conservatives do not have a mandate to slash and burn peoples rights at work.

Owen Reidy, ICTU general secretary, said: The trade union movement in both jurisdictions, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, have used the east-west and north-south opportunities opened since 1998 to deepen our friendships and co-operation with the TUC, Wales TUC and Scottish TUC.

We have liaised regularly on campaigns against austerity and anti-worker legislation, and we remember how the TUC were almost alone in GB in 2016 when they warned about the possible threat Brexit posed to the stability of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

Sadly, many of those concerns were justified by subsequent events and policy choices made by the Tory government and the Retained EU Law Bill is a sour cherry on a stale cake.

The best legacy we can leave the past 25 years since the agreement is to defend it, starting with defeating this irrational Bill.

A UK Government spokesperson said: Weve been very clear that any reforms will not come at the expense of the UKs strong record on workers rights, having raised domestic standards over recent years to make them some of the highest in the world.

The Retained EU Law Bill will not compromise the Good Friday Agreement, while still allowing us to seize the regulatory reform opportunities offered by Brexit.
B oris Becker has opened up about his brutal prison experience in the UK.

The three-time Wimbledon champion, 55, was jailed for two and a half years last April for hiding 2.5million of assets and loans to avoid paying debts.

He was released from prison in December after serving eight months.

Becker told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: Whoever says that prison life isnt hard and isnt difficult, I think is lying.

It was a very brutal  a very, very different experience to what you see in the movies, what youve heard from stories.

He said inmates would fight for survival every day which forced him to surround himself with tough boys for protection.

You fight every day for survival. Quickly, you have to surround yourself with the tough boys, as I would call it, because you need protection.

His incarceration humbled him, the German said, adding: Im a survivor; Im a tough cookie. Ive taken the incarceration, but Ive also taken the glory and if anything this made me a stronger, better man.

Mr Becker was deported to Germany and barred from the UK following his release.

The first part of his sentence was served at Londons HMP Wandsworth.

He was later transferred to Huntercombe Prison in Oxfordshire, where he was surrounded by murderers, drug dealers, and people smugglers.
K ing Charles charitable coronation, two British sisters killed in Palestine and a cancer jab that could treat skin cancer led the front pages across the UK on Saturday.

King Charles has defied tradition for his Peoples Coronation by choosing to invite 850 charity workers to see him officially crowned, the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express report.

The Daily Star leads with the spring heatwave that will take hold of parts of the UK bringing a sunny 25C after a blue-skied Easter.

FT Weekend reports on a business set in a London house that has arranged the sale of 1.2 billion in electronics to Russia that is prompting sanction fears.

The Times front page led with a report into the housing crisis as 50 local authorities scrapped their targets after warnings that government reforms are creating a nimbys character.

The Guardian reports on a personalised cancer jab that could be treat diseases like skin cancer could be ready in five-years.

The Independent leads with calls for Labour leader Keir Starmer to withdraw an appalling advert that says Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is soft on child sex abusers.

The Daily Mail reports on the Princess of Wales who said her walk through Windsor with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when the Queen died was the one of the hardest things shed ever had to do.

The i leads with a warning from former prime minister Tony Blair to not take peace in Northern Ireland for granted on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Telegraph reports on the shooting attack in the West Bank near a Jewish settlement that left two British-Israeli sisters dead and their mother seriously injured.
S ea slugs, which appear like a dance of fairies as they swim through the water, will be one of the last enchanting creatures to feature in Sir David Attenboroughs Wild Isles series.

The BBC programme sees the much-loved 96-year-old naturalist and broadcaster shine a light on the challenges affecting the British Isles and celebrates nature that exists on our doorsteps.

In the fifth and final episode of the series, viewers will be invited to take a closer look at ocean habitats and some of their inhabitants  including the royal flush sea slug.

The footage of the sea slugs marks the first time the species mass migration behaviour has been captured on film.

Viewers will see the slugs take off from the bottom of the ocean and swim through the water in what looks like a dance of the fairies to migrate to fresh areas of the ocean, using their mantels as wings as they are carried for miles by the sea current.

Filmed in shallow sheltered bays off the Shetland Islands in Scotland, the crew came across the behaviour accidentally when they were on the hunt for a different species.

Divers with hand-held cameras captured the footage in the water and a time-lapse camera on an underwater tripod was also used.

Elsewhere, the episode explores the biggest fish living in the British Isles  the basking shark  and takes a look at bioluminescence, which is the production and emission of light by a living organism.

The bioluminescence behaviour was previously known but, until recently, impossible to film in such darkness.

As darkness falls and the sea off the coast of Devon becomes pitch black, tiny algae create light when disturbed, like a burglar alarm.

Crabs and shrimp that are moving through the water trigger the lights and alert predators, and the light is used by cuttlefish to find their prey.

Speaking about the challenges of filming many of the underwater scenes, Wild Isles producer Gisle Sverdrup said: The main challenges for the ocean team were the ever-changing conditions on and in the sea.

Sir David Attenborough / BBC/Silverback Films/Alex Board/PA

Sunny days are best for filming, but when working in the water, underwater visibility is also a major factor determining our success.

The visibility could change daily, making what was a stunningly beautiful location on one day seem like green soup the next.

Towards the end of the episode, in Pembrokeshire Sir David bids farewell to the Manx shearwater bird and delivers a poignant message about the future of the British Isles and the wildlife that calls them home.

Speaking to the camera, he says: A lot has changed in my lifetime and today the wildlife we still have faces greater threats than ever before.

Our seabirds remind us that here in Britain and Ireland, we are very fortunate to have some of natures greatest spectacles, right on our doorstep.

Because this is our home, it can only be our responsibility to restore and protect our wildlife.

Perhaps you can be the first to pass these wild isles onto the next generation in better shape than you inherited them.

Sir David will sign off from Skomer Island at the end of the Ocean episode.

Across the five episodes, the Wild Isles crew filmed in 145 locations and captured 96 species which took 1,631 days to film.

The series has been funded by nature charities WWF and the RSPB with support from the Open University, and has been produced by Silverback Films  the team behind many of the BBCs landmark nature shows.

Episode five: Ocean will air on BBC One and iPlayer on April 9 at 7pm.
A British man has been arrested after a BA flight attendant was raped in Barbados after a night out before a scheduled flight home.

The woman was reported to have been attacked while staying at a 550-a-night hotel on the Caribbean island and fellow cabin crew have given statements to local police.

Barbados police spokesman Inspector Rodney Inniss said the force were currently questioning a person of interest.

He said: I can confirm that the individual is of British nationality. There are no formal charges at this stage."

British Airways owner IAG has returned to profit as the airline industry continues to rebound from Covid-19 (Steve Parsons/PA) / PA Archive

Inspector Inniss told The Sun the incident was reported on Monday morning to the Hastings - Worthing Police Station.

An investigation into this matter was immediately launched at the time of receiving the report, and is now at a very sensitive stage, he said.

BA bosses cancelled a flight from Barbados to London Heathrow this week after the stewardess reported the crime, with stranded passengers unaware of the reason behind their delayed journey.

The airline also sent their own investigators and a support team to the island to help their staff.

A BA spokesman said: This is a police matter and were supporting our colleagues at this time.
T he Chinese military began rehearsing the encirclement of Taiwan as part of the armys military drills this week.

The Taiwanese Defence Ministry said 71 Chinese military planes and nine ships crossed the Taiwan Strait median line  an unofficial dividing line between Chinese and Taiwanese territory  at around 9am UK time.

According to reports, one of the ships fired a round from its deck as it sailed near Pingtan island.

Beijing has called the operation a stern warning for the collusion and provocation between the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces.

Chinese state media said the military drills would simultaneously organise patrols and advances around Taiwan island, shaping an all-round encirclement and deterrence posture.

It added that long-range rocket artillery, naval destroyers, missile boats, air force fighters, bombers, jammers and refuellers had all been deployed by Chinas military.

It comes after a fresh wave of sanctions were imposed by China against the US in retaliation for House speaker Kevin McCarthys meeting with the Taiwanese president, Tsai Ing-wen.

The measures announced apply to Taiwans de facto ambassador to the US, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and the Hudson Institute, a Washington think tank that hosted Ms Tsai in New York and presented her with a leadership award.

Defying repeated threats from Beijing, Ms Tsai held talks with Mr McCarthy at the Reagan Library outside Los Angeles on Wednesday during a stopover in the US

Mr McCarthy joined a growing list of foreign politicians and officials who have met Ms Tsai in a show of support for the self-governed island in the face of Chinas aggression.

The Chinese foreign ministry announced that the two organisations had been sanctioned for "providing a platform and convenience to Taiwan separatist activities". It said Chinese institutions were prohibited from cooperating or having any contact with them.

Taiwan split from China following the civil war in 1949. Despite this, the ruling Communist Party has pledged to regain the island.

While the US has no official relations with Taiwan, Washington maintains informal and commercial ties with the island and has agreed multiple arms deals to supply Taipei.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 8, 2023 - 09:21 | World, All

North Korea earlier this week tested an underwater unclear attack drone designed to generate tsunami to destroy enemy ships and ports, with the target area, located further away than in a previous test, successfully reached, the country's state-run media said Saturday.

The Haeil-2 drone traveled on an elliptical, figure eight-shaped course stretching 1,000 kilometers off North Korea's eastern coast for over 71 hours during the test from Tuesday to Friday, the Korean Central News Agency reported.

The claimed range of the drone would put Japanese coastal areas on the Sea of Japan within reach.

In the previous test in late March, the Haeil-1 drone traveled 600 km, according to North Korean media.

In the latest test, a warhead on the drone detonated in the targeted waters off a port in South Hamgyong Province, KCNA reported.

"The test perfectly proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its fatal attack ability," the agency said.

Related coverage:

High level of activity spotted at North Korea's key nuclear complex

North Korea fires 2 short-range ballistic missiles: South Korean military

North Korea says it tested new underwater nuclear attack drone
T wo British-Israeli sisters killed in a gun attack in the occupied West Bank have been named by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The sisters were shot dead in an attack on their car near an Israeli settlement in the West Bank on Friday.

In a statement on Twitter, Mr Netanyahu offered his condolences to the family on Saturday evening.

On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the Di Mafart family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters, Rina and Maya Zakharan, in the severe attack in the Bekaa, he wrote.

In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.

The shooting in the West Bank killed the two sisters, in their 20s, and seriously wounded their 45-year-old mother near an Israeli settlement in the Jordan Valley, Israeli and British officials said.

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, said Oded Revivi, the settlements mayor. Medics said they dragged the unconscious women from their smashed car, which appeared to have been pushed off the road.

Palestinian assailants carried out a pair of attacks on Friday, killing three people and wounding at least six as tensions soared after days of fighting at Jerusalems most sensitive holy site, officials said.

Earlier in the day, retaliatory Israeli airstrikes had hit Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, sparking fears of a broader conflict.

Israeli authorities said an Italian tourist was killed and five other Italian and British citizens were wounded when a car rammed into a group of tourists in Tel Aviv, Israels commercial hub.

The violence in Israel and the West Bank heightened fears of an even more intense surge, with the rare convergence of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, the Jewish Passover holiday and Easter currently underway.

Mr Netanyahu said he was calling up all reserve forces in Israels border police, a paramilitary force usually deployed to suppress Palestinian unrest, to confront the terror attacks.

The additional border police would be activated on Sunday and join other units that have recently been deployed in Jerusalem and Lod, a town in central Israel with a mixed Jewish and Palestinian population.

Israel had unleashed rare airstrikes on Lebanon and bombarded the Gaza Strip on Friday morning, but later in the day there were signs that both sides were trying to keep the border hostilities in check.

The fighting subsided after dawn, and midday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem  a flashpoint for violence in recent days  passed peacefully.

The round of violence erupted after Israeli police raided the mosque earlier in the week, sparking unrest in the contested capital and outrage across the Arab world.

Militants fired an unusually large rocket barrage at Israel from southern Lebanon on Thursday  some of the heaviest and most serious cross-border violence since Israels 2006 war with Lebanons Hezbollah militants  as well as from Gaza.

In the Tel Aviv car-ramming late Friday, the alleged attacker rammed his vehicle into a group of civilians near a popular seaside park, police said.

An Italian tourist was killed in a car ramming attack in Tel Aviv / REUTERS

Israels rescue service said a 30-year-old Italian man was killed, while five other British and Italian tourists  including a 74-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl  were receiving medical treatment for mild to moderate injuries

.Police said they shot and killed the driver of the car and identified him as a 45-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel from the village of Kafr Qassem.

A video circulating on social media showed the car hurtling along a sidewalk for several hundred yards (meters) before crashing out of control.

Italian Premier Giorgia Melonis office expressed closeness to the family of the victim and solidarity with the Israel for the vile attack. She identified the man killed as Alessandro Parini from Rome.

No groups claimed responsibility for either attack. But the Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised both incidents as retaliation for Israeli raids earlier this week on the Al-Aqsa mosque  the third-holiest site in Islam.

On Tuesday, police arrested and beat hundreds of Palestinians there, who responded by hurling rocks and firecrackers at officers.

Nearly 90 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since the start of the year, at least half of them affiliated with militant groups, according to an Associated Press tally.

During that time, 17 people have been killed in Palestinian attacks on Israelis  all but one of them civilians.Its just a matter of time, and not much time, until we settle the score, Mr Netanyahu said as he toured the site of the deadly shooting in the West Bank with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

We acted in Lebanon, we acted in Gaza, we beefed up forces in the field.
T hree people have died across Israel and the West Bank following terror attacks in the region.

An Italian tourist, 30, was killed and five others were wounded after a car rammed into police in Tel Aviv on Friday, Israeli and Italian officials said.

A nearby officer arrived at the scene to find several people injured and an overturned car near a popular promenade.

The officer neutralised the driver when he tried to pull a gun, police said.

Giorgia Meloni, Italys prime minister, said: Deep sorrow and condolences for the death of one of our compatriots, Alessandro Parini, in the terrorist attack that took place in the evening in Tel Aviv.

Closeness to the victims family, to the wounded and solidarity with the State of Israel for the cowardly attack that hit him.

It comes after two British sisters were killed in the occupied West Bank as fighting between Israel and the Palestinians worsens.

The pair, one aged 15 and one in her twenties, were in a car in Hamra, near Jerusalem. Their mother was also hurt.

Israeli medics and policemen check a damaged car at the scene of a shooting attack, in the Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank / REUTERS

The family, who have joint Israeli citizenship, emigrated in 2005. The deaths come after Israeli raids on the al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem.

Up to 34 rockets were fired into the Jewish state from Lebanon. Dozens more came from Gaza.

Israel responded with air strikes on militant Palestinian sites in the biggest flare-up since 2006.

The are fears the conflict may deepen with increased Iranian backing for the militants.

The UK Foreign Office appealed for an de-escalation in tensions in the Israel-Palestine dispute after two British-Israeli sisters in their 20s were shot dead following the increased violence.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: We are saddened to hear about the deaths of two British-Israeli citizens and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.
R ussias campaign to break down Ukraines unified energy system within the past winter period has highly likely failed, British defence chiefs said.

In its latest intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence says large-scale long-range attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have become rare since early March 2023.

The report goes on to say that Ukraines energy situation will likely improve with the arrival of warmer weather.

After the invasion stalled, Russia resorted to targeting key energy infrastructure sites with the United Nations claiming 50 per cent of the network had been destroyed late last year.

The MoD adds: Ukraines network operating companies continue to source replacement transformers and other critical components. Transporting and installing these components is a major logistical challenge, especially high voltage transformers which weigh at least 100 tonnes.

Ukraines energy situation will likely improve with the arrival of warmer weather. Planning and preparations for next winter have likely already begun.

It comes after British defence chiefs warned that Russia has advanced into the centre of Bakhmut as the months-long battle in the eastern Ukrainian city reaches a critical moment.

Russian forces have seized the west bank of the Bakhmutka river, endangering a key Ukraine supply route

After a slow advance, Russian forces have regained some momentum in recent days, the MoD added.

Russia has made further gains and has now highly likely advanced into the town centre, the MoD said.

Ukraines key 0506 supply route to the west of the town is likely severely threatened.

Russias assault on Bakhmut has been the focus of the biggest battle in the conflict, now in its 14th month.
U kraine is returning to exporting electricity after a six-month gap, the countrys energy minister has announced.

Successful repairs have been carried out on the electricity system since Russias strikes, Herman Halushchenko said on Friday.

Last October, Ukraine halted exports of electricity to the European Union - its main export market for energy since the war began - after its infrastructure was targeted by the Russian army.

The most difficult winter has passed, Mr Halushchenko said in a statement on the ministrys website, noting that the system had been working normally for almost two months.

The next step is to resume electricity exports, which will allow us to attract additional financial resources for the necessary reconstruction of destroyed and damaged electricity infrastructure, he continued.

Millions of Ukrainians suffered blackouts during the coldest and darkest winter months, including in the capital Kyiv. Many residents in the city were reported without power for 20 or even 30 hours in November.

But Russias campaign to break down Ukraines unified energy system within the past winter period has highly likely failed, British defence chiefs said.

In its latest intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence said large-scale long-range attacks to degrade Ukraines energy infrastructure has highly likely failed.

The report goes on to say that Ukraines energy situation will likely improve with the arrival of warmer weather.

Mr Halushchenko thanked engineers and international partners for the titanic work they had done to repair the system.

He said he had signed an executive document allowing electricity exports to restart, given the surplus of domestic supply.

Ukraine is currently allowed to export a maximum of 400 megawatts at any given moment to the EU.

Electricity exports will continue to operate provided Ukrainian consumers are supplied with electricity - and may be suspended if the situation changes, Mr Halushchenko said.

In June 2022, Ukraine had said it was hoping to bring in 1.5 billion euros (1.3 billion) from electricity exports to the EU by the end of the year.

After the invasion stalled, Russia resorted to targeting key energy infrastructure sites with the United Nations claiming 50 per cent of the network had been destroyed late last year.

Electricity was rationed domestically in October after Russia intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukraines power and water infrastructure.

Meanwhile British military intelligence said that Russian forces were threatening a key supply route to Bakhmut, the focus of their assault for months which Ukraine has said it is defending to wear the invaders down before its counter-offensive.

The Ukrainian military said it was holding on in the city but the situation was difficult.
S ecret US and Nato plans to arm Ukraine for a spring offensive have reportedly been leaked online.

The files, posted on Twitter and Telegram, appear to show maps and details about weapons deliveries.

The documents, dated between Feb 23 and March 1, also showed training schedules and locations for Ukrainian and Russian military units and artillery guns along the front line.

Ukraine claimed the papers were fake and part of a Russian disinformation campaign.

A Pentagon spokesman confirmed it was probing the security breach after it was first highlighted by the New York Times.

In a statement Friday, Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said the Defense Department "made a formal referral" of the matter to the Justice Department for investigation.

The Justice Department, in a separate statement Friday, said, We have been in communication with the Department of Defense related to this matter and have begun an investigation.

A Telegram channel linked closely to Russias FSB security services had boasted of a first breakthrough for Russian intelligence when it published photos of the leaked documents.

It said the five documents, marked as top secret, gave away valuable intelligence ahead of Ukraines spring counteroffensive.

It said: In particular, there were graphs of the expected supply of weapons, the number of troops and the consumption of ammunition.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, said the leak looked like a Russian disinformation operation, saying that it contained a very large amount of fictitious information.

Some commentators pointed out that the original document may have been doctored, as the latter versions posted online had a significantly greater number of Ukrainian casualties and equipment losses recorded and a massive decrease in the Russian battle damage.

A battlefield assessment dated February 23 said 43,500 Russian troops and 17,500 Ukrainians had been killed in action. Later versions showed Ukraines losses had increased to 71,500.
W hen you sign up for a Google account, you get a very generous 15GB of cloud storage. That sounds like loads, but if youve had an account for a while, youll know that it goes only so far  especially as its divided between Drive, Gmail and Photos.

If youre receiving warnings about your space filling up, you may be tempted to pay for Google One storage to make them go away. Theres nothing wrong with that, but before you do, you should try giving your Google storage a spring clean.

If youve had your account for years, theres probably loads of stuff you can safely get rid of. The trouble is knowing where to find it  and weirdly for a company that specialises in search, Google doesnt make it very easy to track down the space hogs.

Were here to help. Here are some tips for clearing space in Drive, Gmail and Photos.

First things first

Before you begin clearing space, you need to know where the main storage offenders are.

Google divides your storage into three areas, and you can figure out your space by visiting the Google One homepage and logging in. As you can see from the screenshot below, my main offender is Google Photos, closely followed by Gmail.

Google Storage summary / Alan Martin

To its credit, Google does point you to some easy wins on the management page . It highlights especially large emails and files, telling you how much you could save by deleting them.

But if these are essential files you need to keep, youll need something a bit more granular to free up space. Here are some tips for each part of Google Storage.

How to clear space in Google Photos

Google Photos logo / Google

First of all, its far easier to delete photos in a browser on a laptop or desktop. So visit photos.google.com and log in.

Use the search functions! Googles image recognition and tagging means you can easily find photos of things (e.g: cats) or places (e.g: Greece). But its more useful than that, as it can also search by type.

If you type in screenshots, for example, itll bring up most screenshots youve taken on your phone that are no longer need. Similarly, if you type in animations, youll bring up all those GIFs automatically backed up from WhatsApp.

Remember videos are the biggest space sink. So do a search for video and be brutal. This can also catch GIFs that have been converted to mp4 files (iPhones seem especially prone to this conversion).

Delete things in bulk. Dont waste time ticking each item one by one: tick the first one, then hold down the shift key and move your mouse to cover all the items you want to delete, as they turn blue.

If you have a lot of photos to delete in one go (all your GIFs, for example), you can tick the first one, then scroll to the bottom of the page and then press shift taking in hundreds or thousands of files at once. Once youve selected everything, press the bin button at the top of the page to remove it all.

To save Photos space in future, set image backup quality to Storage saver. You can do this by pressing the cog in the top right of the browser to bring up the settings.

How to clear space in Gmail

Gmail logo / Google

Although Google will tell you the largest emails in your inbox, thats not much help if theyre essential and you need to dig deeper. Here, it pays to know Googles slightly archaic search strings :

Emails with attachments are the biggest for obvious reasons. Type has:attachment in the search bar to find them all.

are the biggest for obvious reasons. Type has:attachment in the search bar to find them all. If you want to be more focused, you can zoom in on just the large emails with the size function. Try size:5MB to bring up all emails that are 5MB or more in size (obviously you can change this number to whatever you like).

If you just want to delete old emails, you can specify time ranges with before or after. For example: before:2020/12/31 will bring up every email that arrived in your inbox before the 31st of December 2020 (note the American date format).

And, of course, you can find emails to delete by the sender as well. Just type their email address into the search bar and all of their emails will appear.

Once youve deleted all of these, remember that they sit in your Gmail trash for 30 days. You can accelerate this by going to the Trash menu and selecting Empty Trash Now.

How to clear space in Google Drive

Google Drive logo / Google

Google Drive itself is pretty straightforward, as you can simply see everything listed by size by visiting the Quota page .

But if thats not helpful, you can always search by file type. Just write type:audio or type:video to track down files that are typically larger in size.

Remember that items shared with you dont count towards your storage allowance, so theres no need to clear them out.

If all else fails, pay for more space

Google One plans / Google

If you really cant part with your files in the cloud, Googles prices for storage are pretty reasonable  especially as you can share them with up to five other people, so can split the cost between friends.

The Basic package costs 1.59 per month and gives you 100GB of space. For 2.49, you can double that to 200GB  and it also gives you 3 per cent cashback on purchases made in the Google Store.

For 7.99 per month, you can up that to a whopping 2TB of storage  around 133 times the storage you get with a free account. This also comes with 10 per cent cashback in the Google Store and access to Googles own VPN for private browsing.
A European spacecraft is about to embark on a 6.6 billion km journey to explore whether Jupiters ocean-bearing moons can support life.

The six-tonne probe, named Juice (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer), will be heading towards the solar systems biggest planet carrying 10 scientific instruments, in what is the European Space Agencys (ESA) biggest deep-space mission yet.

Scientists in the UK have led the development of one instrument known as the magnetometer, which will help shed light on how Jupiters icy moons formed.

Dr Caroline Harper, head of space science at the UK Space Agency, which has invested 9 million in the mission, said: Juice will take us to a part of the solar system that we know relatively little about, to study Jupiter, our largest planet, and to investigate whether some of its icy moons are home to conditions that could support life.

Due to launch on April 13 from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, Juice will lift off onboard an Ariane 5 rocket at 1.15pm UK time, before separating from the rocket after about half an hour.

Once arriving at its destination eight years later, the spacecraft will spend at least three years making detailed studies of the planet and three of its largest moons, Ganymede, Europa and Callisto.

Engineers and mission controllers have a very short launch window to send the spacecraft on its journey.

This is because Venus and Earth need to be in the perfect position for Juice to perform a manoeuvre known as gravitational assist, where it will use the gravity of these planets to slingshot towards Jupiter.

Justin Byrne, head of science for Airbus and the missions lead contractor, said that despite having three-and-a-half tonnes of fuel, it is not enough for Juice to get to Jupiter directly.

He said: We have to use planets  Earth and Venus  just to get to Jupiter.

We will minimise the amount of fuel we need to use by using gravitational support.

However, if the first window is missed Mr Byrne said there will be more opportunities in April, and then later in August.

Juice is not equipped to search for signs of life but its aim is to explore the conditions that could support life.

Beneath the ice crust of Europa is thought to lie a huge ocean of liquid water, containing twice as much water as Earths oceans combined.

But scientists are more interested in Ganymede, Jupiters largest moon which is thought to have a salty ocean beneath its icy shell.

One of Juices key goals is to explore this body of water and determine whether this world may be habitable.

Juice has been built to withstand harsh radiation and extreme conditions, ranging from 250C around Venus to minus 230C near Jupiter.

Sensitive electronics are protected inside a pair of lead-lined vaults within the body of the spacecraft.

Scientists from Imperial College London have led the development of the magnetometer J-MAG, which will measure the characteristics of magnetic fields of Jupiter and Ganymede  the only moon known to produce its own magnetic field.

Data gathered from J-MAG will help characterise the depth and salt content of Ganymedes ocean.

Professor Michele Dougherty, head of the Department of Physics at Imperial College London and principal investigator for the J-MAG instrument, said: With our instruments measurements, we are almost looking inside these worlds.

What were doing however is extremely difficult, as the signals were trying to detect are extremely small.

Its like trying to find lots of needles in a haystack, and those needles are changing shape and colour all the time.

But we think the results are going to be spectacular.

Juice will be joined by Nasa spacecraft Europa Clipper in its mission to explore Jupiters moons.

Although Juice and Europa Clipper have different priorities, there will be opportunities for the two to collaborate.

If all goes well, Juice should reach Jupiter in July 2031 and will have enough fuel to make 35 flybys of the icy moons before orbiting Ganymede from December 2034.

Once the spacecraft runs out of fuel, Juice will perform a controlled crash into Ganymede, marking the end of the 14 billion mission.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 8, 2023 - 23:04 | All, Japan

A body was reportedly seen floating in the waters off Miyako Island in the southern prefecture of Okinawa where a military helicopter with 10 members aboard went missing a few days ago, the Japan Coast Guard said Saturday.

The Ground Self-Defense Force received a call from a local resident who said that "what looked like a human body" was floating north of Irabu Island, a nearby island of Miyako.

With all 10 members still unaccounted for after the helicopter went missing on Thursday, the GSDF notified the coast guard and searched the area but no further information about the sighting was immediately available.

The GSDF UH-60JA multipurpose helicopter is believed to have crashed after encountering an unexpected anomaly during the 10-minute period after takeoff.

GSDF officials said earlier Saturday that the helicopter's automatic distress signal transmitter likely failed when it presumably crashed Thursday afternoon.

Neither of the air traffic control centers received a distress signal from the helicopter's emergency locator transmitter that was designed to automatically activate on impact, the officials said.

The helicopter took off from a base on Miyako Island at 3:46 p.m. on Thursday for a land survey and flew about 10 minutes before disappearing from radar.

Search efforts are continuing, with several objects including part of a rotor blade and a door found so far.

The helicopter underwent a special inspection in late March after 50 flying hours and was taken for a one-hour flight to check its safety but no abnormalities were found at the time, according to the GSDF.

The deadliest accident involving GSDF aircraft was a helicopter crash in Ehime Prefecture in 1968 that left eight people dead.

Related coverage:

Missing SDF chopper carrying 10 members may have crashed

Japan SDF chopper with 10 members aboard goes missing near Okinawa
"Spin for Ukrainian Relief" will be held for its second year on April 15 and 16 at the barn at 3754 Walker Rd. in Lincoln.



A great workout, for a great cause.

The second annual Spin for Ukrainian Relief will be held on April 15 and 16 at 3754 Walker Rd. in Beamsville.

The spin classes start at 9 a.m., and last about 45 minutes. Anyone looking to participate can purchase a $25 ticket on Eventbrite, with all proceeds going to help Ukrainian relief charities.

Joe Hubbe, one of the events organizers, explained that he and some friends came up with the idea last year after the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began.

We're not Ukrainian people and we don't have Ukrainian descent, we were just very bothered by the whole thing and the injustice and inhumanity, he said.

His friends, Bill and Linda Emslie, had turned their barn into a makeshift spin studio over the pandemic, with 20 bikes inside.

The group, who are also outdoor cyclists, decided to use the studio as a way to raise money, and last year hosted four spin classes in one day.

This year theyre doing three classes on two days, and are hoping to raise more money.

But the fundraising doesnt stop with the spin class.

Last year the group held two more events: Niagara Sunflower Festival for Ukrainian Relief in August and Concert at the Winery for Ukrainian Relief in September.

Theyre planning to host both events again this year.

The sunflower festival in particular proved to be popular, with perfectly Instagram-able fields of the beautiful yellow flowers.

Hube said last years event up on Thirty Road had about four acres of field.

We cut pathways through and put little vignettes out there for photo ops, kind of an Instagram event, he said. It worked out quite well. We were pleased with the money we raised the first time through. We also sold a couple hundred bouquets of sunflowers.

This year the sunflower festival will be at London Bar and Winery, in late August.

RELATED STORIES Seeds of change planted by Grimsby farms sunflower festival

All three events together raised $12,000 last year.

Hube said the plan is to turn them all into annual fundraisers.

We all think the need for Ukraine is ever going to go away, he said. We know the devastation there is going to be never-ending. So we envision this as an annual event and help out to make it bigger and more popular.

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Nearly 30 years ago, a builder was leading a press tour through the old Maple Leaf Village in Niagara Falls. The inside was a tangle of wires and half-built walls at that point, but within a few months it would open as the glitzy and small-town glamorous Casino Niagara.

And this area will be called The Billionaires Club, the builder said, gesturing to a cordoned-off area.

A reporter, not quite hearing what was said, asked: Did you say Millionaires Club or Billionaires Club?

Billionaires, the guide answered. These days, everyones a millionaire.

It wasnt true then and its still not true today. Most of us still have to watch our dollars and cents. The national average salary in 2022 was $49,300, according to job-search site Indeed.com, proving most of us still only dream of being millionaires.

That is why Ontarios annual Sunshine List remains vital.

Ignore the criticism levelled at it each year  that its outdated, that $100,000 a year isnt what it used to be, that it can present a distorted view of financial reality at times.

The Sunshine List was instituted as the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act while Mike Harris was premier of Ontario, with the goal of making government operations more transparent.

Each year, it requires organizations that receive provincial government funding to disclose a list of employees who are paid more than $100,000.

While most of us settle for a yearly wage increase in the two to three per cent range, the Sunshine List grew by more than nine per cent in 2022  266,903 people in the public sector earned $100,000 or more last year compared to 244,188 in 2021, according to the Toronto Star.

Thats public money. It came from citizens like you. And the list reveals facts you should be aware of.

Turns out this year, Niagara had the highest-paid police chief in Ontario. Even higher than the chief in Toronto, a city with a population about six times larger than Niagara Regions.

And here come the explanations: Its true, Chief Bryan MacCulloch did take home 99.1 per cent more money last year than he did in 2021, concedes Jen Lawson, chair of the Niagara Regional Police services board.

But its an anomaly, she adds. His salary wasnt really $675,509, which is the amount he was paid in 2022. In reality, his salary was about $339,000, the same as he got the year before.

The difference, a one-time difference, owes to the fact he postponed his retirement and was owed for time in lieu that built up over his long career in policing.

Its a long story, and it makes sense in the fine print. By all appearances MacCulloch is doing a fine job as chief, yet its not taking anything away from him to observe, thats a huge pile of money.

Same goes for Deputy Chief Bill Fordy, who took home $375,603 last year, which is $132,242 more than the $242,362 he earned as a salary in 2021.

Again, look to the fine print  as board chair Lawson notes, its a one-off because Fordy has chosen to take some of his vacation time paid out, rather than the time being taken off.

Hey, we all value our vacation time. And if it is owed to you, youd be foolish to not use it.

But again, thats a huge pile of money that comes largely from the wallets of people who earn an awful lot less.

Has publishing the Sunshine List kept public sector salaries in check? No, considering the list grew by nine per cent last year.

Transparency in government is a good thing, but sometimes it reveals things that make you a little angry at the way things are.

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Much in tech has changed since Sam Sebastian first joined Google in 2006. First, he and his colleagues were explaining newfangled search advertising to customers. Today, the Ohio-born executive is at the forefront of another major leap  cloud computing  as the Canadian head of Google Clouds operations.

When COVID-19 forced much of the worlds economy into lockdown, the thought of keeping data trapped on office-bound servers was intolerable to many CEOs. Cloud storage boomed, and forced painstaking digital transformations through in a matter of months rather than years.

Google Cloud was fairly well-positioned to capitalize on the sudden demand for off-premises yet adaptable places to store data. In a matter of minutes, companies can quickly scale up their storage to handle an influx of new data, or shed excess capacity. This flexibility is appealing to all three of Google Clouds main cohorts of customers: digital native firms like Lightspeed, stalwarts like Canadian Tire, and next-generation AI-oriented customers like Mobius.

To many average consumers, whether or not their favourite brands rely on the cloud or locally stored data is irrelevant. But firms like Google have made big business from convincing sometimes-reluctant CEOs to shell out for new operating systems capable of retrieving data from anywhere.

Youve bounced to and from multiple executive roles at Google. Your last position was in 2017. What keeps you coming back?

Yeah, Im a boomerang Googler. Theres a few of us around. I started at Google 17 years ago in the U.S. I was in different roles in the States, on the ad side for eight years. About nine years ago, I moved my family to Canada and ran the Canadian business for about three and a half years. At the time, most of our business was ads.

I loved every minute of it. But I had the opportunity to be the CEO of Pelmorex Corp., a big brand that included the Weather Network and MeteoMedia. They had a business in Spain  Eltiempo. So, after 11 years at Google, an opportunity to go be a CEO of a strong Canadian brand that needed to digitally transform was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

I thought I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, in the early days of Google, to be on the ground floor when search advertising and YouTube was first kicking off. Now, I have the opportunity to come back and almost have a second chance at a once-in-a-million opportunity  cloud  which is new to many folks. Were on the cusp of this generative AI revolution, which is also tied in with the cloud. To be on another rocket ship, with another kind of revolutionary shift, was just too good to pass up.

Whats it like going back to a very senior position at Google after being a CEO at Pelmorex?

In the end, I have always thought about what I want to do in my career in three ways. Number one, I want to keep learning. As long as Im in a job, and Im learning a whole new set of skills, it doesnt really matter to me what role Im in. Number two, I love to lead. Regardless of whether Im leading an entire organization or a country inside of a larger multinational, so long as Im leading and working with people that inspire me, then Im good. And lastly, I need to add value.

I had never done the CEO role before. I could learn a ton. But I was an ads guy for 30 years. So, at Google, I had an opportunity to learn. I could lead great young Googlers and very experienced Googlers in cloud. I could both learn from them, but also be inspired by them. I knew the playbook for Google on the ad side because I had built out its country infrastructure.

You have a lot of leadership experience, but youre new to cloud computing itself. Are you still learning about it as you go? Are you leaning on other people? How does that work?

We have an incredible team who has made huge investments in this space, from training, evangelizing, and technology. I lean on the team significantly. But its a relatively new space. There are very few veterans in this space because it has only really been mature for a handful of years. My ultimate clients are CEOs, the C-suites and boards, and Im trying to convince them to make these tough decisions to modernize their infrastructure.

And I did that for five years  figuring out how I was going to migrate on-premise stuff to the cloud at Pelmorex. We all had this MBA in cloud for two years during COVID, meaning anyone who was running a company had to figure out how to do it from home. COVID really saw demand for cloud services explode. So, to a certain extent, I had been through these wars myself as a C-suite leader.

Some businesses are very skeptical about the benefits of cloud computing. How do you convert them?

There are a couple of ways. Number one, every business has a core function. The core function of Pelmorex was weather forecasting. It was not managing data centres or modernizing technology. Doing so requires a huge set of resources, expertise and skills. To an extent, I can rent that experience and technology, and use it as I need it. Thats the ideal business model for someone who wants to really focus on their core business. When you sit down with a CEO, they will get that right away.

Then you have to go deeper and ask about the objections. They may say a cloud migration will take a long time, its not as secure as on-site storage, or there isnt a specific solution for their industry. But we can counter each of these objections. So we have to talk at the highest level with the CEO to inspire them, and then work inside the organization, and with our partners. COVID was a pretty big demand generator because, all of a sudden, folks had to manage all this stuff remotely, which is a bit more difficult when youre not in the cloud.

The vast majority of digital transformations fail. How are you trying to change that equation?

A couple of things. Digital transformations are huge projects, and any huge project comes with a lot of risk. What we try to do is break that project down, atomize it, and create a bunch of different milestones over time and then put all the right people on various parts of the project. One client, one vendor, one cloud player cant solve everything.

Whenever theres a burning platform, and a company has to succeed, there is no other alternative. COVID was a great example. Youd be amazed at what a company or an industry can do in a matter of months. Now, were trying to leverage that to create a sense of a burning platform, a no excuse but success mentality, so we can push folks to move.

There is a perception that cloud computing is a lot less secure than relying on on-site data storage. What do you say to critics who say to avoid the cloud because it is insecure?

Just look at Google. And you can look at Amazon as well. These are massive companies that built massive infrastructure targeted by the biggest cyber threats, both internally and externally, of any company in the world. And theyve been secure. Weve had to build so much threat detection, security and authentication protocols inside all of our own technology. Now, all were doing is making those same attributes available to customers.

The hard part for customers is that they feel out of control. Once we walk them through how, frankly, theyre more exposed to risks with the work theyre doing on-premises, their objections go away. Some of the biggest threats come from people inside an organization, who have access to a lot of things that they might not otherwise have with the cloud.

A lot of Googlers in executive roles end up going back to San Francisco. Do you think thats in the cards for you?

I dont. That was the thinking when I moved to Canada nine years ago. A lot of times, executives move up here, they do a stint, they learn some things, and they take it back. After four years, the kids loved the country. My wife and I love the country. We have built some great relationships. I had built a profile inside the country so that I could continue to take on new opportunities. And so, our entire perception changed.

Thats why I had no problem leaving Google to go to a Canadian company and get even more experience inside Canada. Now, Ive come back to Google in Canada. Both of my kids are in university in Canada. Weve got no plans to leave. We love it here. And we still have lots of family back in the States, and we go back and forth, obviously. But this is home now.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Brennan Doherty is a former staff reporter for Star Calgary and the Stars 24-hour radio room in Toronto. He is now a freelance contributor.

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What is a mind?

I must admit, I never expected there would be any reason to ask that question outside of a philosophy class.

But the hype and fear around artificial intelligence has grown to a fever pitch, making that question and others like it suddenly worth pondering.

What is a superintelligence? What is an identity? Do computers have egos?

This sudden contemplative turn is a result of a drumbeat of doom and hype about AI. Its going to change everything, we are told  including possibly ending all life on Earth, apparently.

Consider: Half of AI researchers surveyed last summer believe there is a 10 per cent chance AI will lead to human extinction. OpenAIs Sam Altman, one of AIs most prominent proponents, says he worries it might end the world.

And as if that werent enough, last week an open letter signed by a long list of people that includes tech leaders Elon Musk, Andrew Yang and Steve Wozniak stated that its time to take a six-month pause on AI research to consider the risks.

Suddenly, weve gone from artificial intelligence being a sci-fi trope to being the source of some very public and very extreme fear.

As with any claim made by the capitalist class, some skepticism is warranted. How better to hype your new product than claim it is all-powerful?

But if a rare call by technologists to actually think about consequences is at least a little refreshing, the claims of both AIs doomsayers and its proponents border on the absurd.

The fear expressed in the letter reflects a broader trend in which ideas about the threat posed by artificial intelligence are optimistic at best and spurious at worst. AI is not about to lead to human extinction. And to understand why, one needs to answer some of those strangely abstract questions about minds, intelligence and identity that are nonetheless vital.

According to signatories of this letter, AI systems with human-competitive intelligence can pose profound risks to society and humanity. Those risks include things youd expect, like AI replacing jobs, to the more grandiose: non-human minds that might eventually outnumber, outsmart, obsolete and replace us, which represents a profound change in the history of life on Earth.

Here is the idea behind it: artificial intelligence very rapidly evolves to become sentient and is able to make decisions according to its own wishes. As it exponentially scales up in capability, it becomes an impossibly evolved mind, and in its superintelligent wisdom could, on a whim, simply wipe us all out.

This is wildly far-fetched. A mind is the product of will, of ego. When we act we, we do so not simply out of the programming of our ideology or our values, but also out of desire. While an intelligent software could act independently, it will never act intentionally because it has no identity from which to act.

There is also the more vexing question of what superintelligence actually might be. It bears asking what some combination of math and logic and synthesis might specifically produce that is so beyond the realm of imagining that it will revolutionize the world.

The assumption of a radical superintelligence misunderstands both what intelligence is and also what causes problems in the world. It isnt a lack of intelligence that has children starving, a housing crisis in countless cities, or climate change. It is, rather, politics  it is how, when and where people and technology are deployed to address issues.

It betrays a blinkered view of life in which we simply arent smart enough to fix our problems. What is in fact true is that we are stuck in the issues of real life lived by real people, and as a result are mired in politics, history, culture.

Its the same myopic mentality from which some make claims about a coming human extinction. If we jump to the extreme example, a superintelligent AI might only launch the nukes if it has in fact been structured and allowed to do that. That is: whatever artificial intelligence becomes, it is up to humans to decide when and where it is used and to what ends it is put.

But then, even all this discussion is itself premature. Take another hugely complex software problem, the self-driving car. For years we were told they were just around the corner  that is, until the people involved realized just how complicated the issue is and started saying that we are perhaps decades away from a fully autonomous car.

Are we to believe, then, that we cannot make a car that drives itself, but we can become gods and create a non-human mind?

It is not that artificial intelligence will not be transformative. The capacity to outsource the analysis and synthesis of data to technology will have both deep and broad effects.

But the doomsaying about AI is as much marketing as anything else  just a lot of chatter about intelligence and minds from some very clever people who appear to have spent too little time thinking about what those things actually are.

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A federal judge in Texas issued a highly-controversial rule Friday to invalidate the FDAs (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) two-decade-old approval of an abortion pill called mifepristone,

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk is the most significant abortion-related ruling since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court last year.

Kacsmaryks 67-page preliminary ruling gave the federal government seven days to appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

FDA entirely failed to consider an important aspect of the problem by omitting any evaluation of the psychological effects of the drug or an evaluation of the long-term medical consequences of the drug, Kacsmaryk wrote.

Considering the intense psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress women often experience from chemical abortion, this failure should not be overlooked or understated, he said.

Simply put, FDA stonewalled judicial review  until now.

Kacsmaryk did not fully comply with what the plaintiffs requested which was a full revocation of the FDAs approval of the abortion drug, but he put a stay on the approval. If the judges preliminary rule is upheld in court, the drug could be removed from shelves in all states, including those where abortion is legal.

The judge first heard arguments on March 15 in a lawsuit against the FDA which sought a preliminary injunction that required the FDA to withdraw or revoke its two-decade-old approval of mifepristone, the abortion drug.

The lawsuit was filed in August in Amarillo, Texas, by the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine  a conservative legal advocacy organization. The group claimed that the FDA failed to follow proper protocols and review evidence when it approved mifepristone 23 years ago, and that it ignored the drugs safety risks ever since.

Serious complications caused by the pill are very rare. The FDA said more than 3.7 million U.S. women have used mifepristone since its approval in 2000. The agency has received 26 reports of deaths in women using the medication, including two involving ectopic pregnancies, which grow outside the womb.

The medications are not recommended for certain patients, including those with suspected ectopic pregnancies or implanted IUD birth control devices.

Medication abortions, terminating a pregnancy through taking a pill (or pills) account for more than half of all abortions in the U.S., according to a 2022 report by the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports worldwide abortion rights. The method became more common after Roe v. Wade was reversed, according to the institute.

The FDA-approved abortion method in the U.S. includes the use of mifepristone for pregnancy up to 10 weeks. Taken along with another pill called misoprostol, the two-drug regimen is referred to as the abortion pill. The two pills taken together are the gold standard for medication abortion amongst the medical community.

The abortion pill can be used to end a pregnancy up to 12 weeks gestation, according to the World Health Organization. Mifepristone is used to terminate pregnancies in 60 countries.

Misoprostol can be taken on its own too, but it is less effective and associated with a higher risk of serious complications than the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol versus misoprostol-only abortions.

The U.S. FDA announced this year that patients with prescriptions can now obtain abortion pills from their local and certified pharmacies, without having to see a doctor. Walgreens and CVS, two of the countrys largest pharmacy chains, announced they will start distributing the drugs.

That new policy allows patients to get prescriptions via consultations over the phone, and order pills through the mail, depending on the state. Meaning, people living in states with strict abortion bans, can still receive prescriptions and order pills from other states, regardless of their states restrictions.

This is the biggest abortion-related case since the reversal of Roe v. Wade. A legal battle has been raging in the U.S. by groups on both sides of the debate over abortion rights ever since the reversal, and the access to abortion pills is just the latest front.

14 states have already banned or restricted surgical abortions ever since the reversal of the 1973 decision. The state legislatures which had adjourned following the historic reversal are now back in session.

Other federal judges can issue rulings that conflict Kacsmaryks orders which can lead to a legal battle that could end up moving to the Supreme Court.

Kacsmaryk was appointed in 2019 by then-U. S. President Donald Trump. He had previously worked as an attorney for a Christian legal group and written an opinion piece criticizing Roe v. Wade, gay marriages, and premarital affairs in 2015.

Kacsmaryk is the only federal district judge seated in the Amarillo division of the U.S. District of Northern Texas. Abortion rights activists claim conservatives use his courtroom to get favourable rulings.

In 13 states including Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma, most abortions are banned including medication abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest. Some states, including New York, Washington and California, allow abortions unless new bans are enacted. In others, abortions are legal but still may be limited like in Kansas, where a bill introduced earlier this year would ban the mailing of pills.

Experts told the Star before that any of the U.S. rulings do not really affect Canada in terms of access to abortion pills but it is too early to predict if there would be a spillover from the U.S. in the long term.

The ruling has no immediate effect on Canadian accessibility, said Kelly Bowden, director of policy and advocacy for Action Canada, a sexual rights advocacy group.

It will however result in a rise of misinformation about medication abortion which could increase barriers to access for those seeking services in Canada. People in Canada should know that mifepristone remains available in Canada.

We know this medication is both safe and effective. It is recommended for use by the World Health Organization.

The abortion pill brand in Canada is called Mifegymiso, which is a combination of two drugs called mifepristone and misoprostol. The use of the drug was approved by Health Canada in July 2015. The medication became available in Canada in January 2017.

I cant speculate on the impact of any legal ruling in Texas or its consequences for Canada, said Dana Tenenbaum, the general manager of Canadian operations for Linepharma last month.

We have not seen an impact in Canada following the 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade.

Item Koca is an Ottawa-based general assignment reporter for the Star. Reach her via email: ikoca@thestar.ca

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When it comes to sexual violence, Robin Parker has seen the justice system from every angle.

She used to prosecute sexual offences after being called to the bar in 1996, and today defends people accused of those crimes as a criminal defence lawyer. She also represents complainants and conducts workplace investigations dealing with sexual assault and harassment.

And shes a survivor herself.

Parker was sexually assaulted by a massage therapist in 2018. She would later discover that he was not registered with the College of Massage Therapists and therefore should not have been practising at all. The clinic she attended fired him.

Although the sexual assault case initially entered the criminal system, Parker successfully advocated for it to be resolved the following year through restorative justice  a rarely used alternative for sexual offences that led to the withdrawal of the charge against her assailant.

She is sharing her story publicly for the first time, as more and more sexual assault survivors push for an alternative to a criminal system they say is re-traumatizing them and not rehabilitating offenders.

That is why there is such a movement now for this kind of process, she told the Star in a recent interview, because the system has failed. It is utterly failing.

In its most basic form, restorative justice brings the two parties together in a mediated setting where the survivor can seek healing by talking about being harmed and the person who harmed them takes responsibility for their actions.

As the Star reported this month, three complainants in two recent sexual assault cases urged the Crown to put their matters on hold so they could explore alternatives like restorative justice, only to be denied.

Crown policy forbids sexual offences from being resolved through restorative justice, citing the seriousness of the crimes and the need for deterrence and protection of victims.

The Ministry of the Attorney General reiterated its policy in a statement to the Star. The ministry remains committed to ensuring that the justice system operates fairly and efficiently, and public safety is always a paramount concern.

Nonetheless, at least two sexual assault cases were allowed to go through restorative justice in 2019, although the ministry refuses to say why. One was the case of survivor Marlee Liss, whose story sparked international headlines at the time.

The other was Parkers.

If somehow I managed to get this process done  when its not allowed to be done  because of whatever privilege I have as someone inside the system, then maybe I can also use that to spark further change or discourse, said Parker.

Shes been concerned ever since that she cannot get for her complainant clients what she was able to get for herself.

A lawyer gets a different treatment in the system than other complainants. Why? she said. The unequal application of justice is injustice, and this has created a situation of injustice for other survivors.

The criminal charge

After she was assaulted, Parker initially determined she wouldnt report it. But when she got home, she found herself pacing outside the door. I realized that I simply couldnt face my daughter and not tell her that I was going to the police, she said.

And so she reported that day, leading to her assailant being charged with sexual assault.

The case would be heard at Torontos Old City Hall courthouse, where Parker had worked for years as a prosecutor. Due to her familiarity with the system and its players, Parker requested court records pertaining to her case and reached out to the assigned Crown attorney to help decide how to proceed.

I needed some space and time to decide what I wanted to do, she said, and how I wanted to approach the case. I had a lot of competing ideas and ideals.

The first thing Parker had to think about was the purpose of a trial.

I had learned through prosecuting sexual assault cases that theres no way to make a sex assault trial fair for the complainant. It isnt meant to be, nor should it be. Because its not about her, or in this case, me, she said.

Its about what we as a society should do to the accused, thats what the courts determining.

Whats lost in the court

At a sexual assault trial, the complainant  often the sole witness to the offence  testifies under questioning from the Crown and defence. Survivors have spoken about how traumatizing the experience can be, with details of their personal lives vigorously questioned.

A complainant on the stand never has the opportunity to really tell her story of what happened and how it has impacted her, Parker said.

Shes never really listened to properly, or deeply, or with empathy, or with compassion, she said. She does something else  she gives evidence.

Another thing Parker was considering was a question that had motivated her since law school: Why do people sexually assault?

And finally, she needed her assailant to hear her so that she could close this unfortunate chapter and move on with her life.

If she were to be pitted against him in a criminal court, Parker said she knew I would lose the opportunity to speak to him, and I would lose the opportunity to listen to him.

While emphasizing that not every case will be right for restorative justice, Parker is urging the Ministry of the Attorney General to listen to complainants who want to pursue alternative options.

Its so important to offer restorative justice processes because its the only way that you can bring people together where the complainant has an opportunity to actually speak directly to the person who harmed her, Parker said. He listens and responds by saying that he heard what she had to say. That doesnt happen in the justice system. People can be convicted and never have to face what they did.

Restorative justice can also involve working separately with offenders, ensuring they get therapy and focus on issues including consent, healthy boundaries, and toxic masculinity.

Society is absolutely protected by restorative justice if its done well and properly resourced and funded, Parker said, because it educates offenders, something that the justice system absolutely does not do. Its the difference between learning through punishment and learning through education.

She said some offenders will go to jail believing the complainant lied, and not get the supports they need for rehabilitation. So they can come out of jail thinking women are liars  and many do  and thats a really heartbreaking lost opportunity, she said.

What Parker gained from restorative justice

For all of those reasons, Parker urged the Crown early on to move the case to restorative justice. She and the defence lawyer also co-lobbied for the alternative when the prosecutor initially said no, citing Crown policy. But, for whatever reason, the Crown eventually agreed.

Parker cant say much about the process itself due to a confidentiality agreement, but it involved sitting in a circle where everyone got the chance to speak. It was very difficult, and it was transformative for me, she said.

She does not believe her assailant will re-offend, and explained that she was able to tell him about herself, her family, and the impact the assault had had on her  none of which she would have been able to say on the stand in a criminal trial.

It impacted him, I saw that, she said. I saw how he reacted, I heard what he said, he was changing how he thought about it while we were in the process.

After, and with Parkers agreement, the Crown withdrew the sexual assault charge.

Im really grateful that I was allowed to experience this for myself, she said, describing it as justice in a way that I believe it is meant to be done.

Parker said she has to shake her head at the Crowns policy of prosecuting sexual offences no matter what, saying it fails to take into account that sexual assault encompasses a wide range of behaviours and life circumstances.

She wants to meet with the attorney general and senior Crown attorneys to discuss why she believes offering alternatives is so important.

What motivates me to tell you this story now, publicly, is that I dont want to miss the opportunity to share what I know  not just from three decades of school and the practice of law  but from my lived experience, Parker said.

The worst thing that could happen, I think, would be that I didnt say anything, that I didnt share what happened to me and what I know about it based on my lifes work.

If that can help create a dialogue and help create change, then whatever I might lose from speaking out is worth it.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, resources and support are available on the website of the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres https://sexualassaultsupport.ca/get-help/.

The Ontario-wide Assaulted Womens Hotline is 1-866-863-0511 and the Male Survivors of Sexual Violence number is 1-866-887-0015.

Jacques Gallant is a Toronto-based reporter covering courts, justice and legal affairs for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @JacquesGallant

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KYODO NEWS - Apr 8, 2023 - 23:23 | All, Japan

The European Union's top justice official said he hopes to discuss with Group of Seven partners plans to set up a special tribunal to prosecute Russia for the crime of aggression over the war in Ukraine.

"We'll continue, maybe during the Japanese presidency (of the G-7) to see whether it's possible to have the same approach about a proposal," European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders said in a recent interview with Kyodo News and ahead of a G-7 justice ministers' meeting in July in Tokyo.

"What is at stake now is the crime of aggression," he said.

The European Union seeks to prosecute Russian leaders for its military invasion and occupation in violation of the U.N. Charter.

But the International Criminal Court needs a referral by the U.N. Security Council to try parties that are not members, such as Russia, for the crime of aggression, and an agreement on such a referral is slim given Russia would likely exercise its veto power as one of the council's permanent members.

Amid mounting allegations of war crimes against Russia, the court issued an arrest warrant in March for President Vladimir Putin over his suspected involvement in the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children. Putin could be arrested if he visits any ICC member state.

According to the ICC treaty, the crime of aggression is different from war crimes or crimes against humanity.

The crime of aggression is generally only committed by those with the power to shape a state's policy of aggression. War crimes are defined as murder, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture in the conduct of armed conflict.

Reynders said the European Union, in cooperation with Ukrainian judicial authorities and the ICC, is considering the establishment of a special tribunal or a hybrid tribunal involving Ukrainian and international judges to prosecute Russia for the crime of aggression.

The ICC is also investigating Russia for alleged crimes against humanity or genocide, but the process is expected to take considerable time.

Responding to the ICC arrest warrant, European Union member states have demonstrated varying responses. Germany has said it would arrest Putin if he traveled to the country, but Hungary said it would not.

Reynders has taken note of such differences, but the former Belgian foreign minister said that the 27-member bloc has unanimously agreed on 10 packages of sanctions against Russia and has come together "with the same unanimity" concerning Moscow's alleged war crimes.

"I will say that from beginning of the war, we have (made) a huge effort to maintain the unity at the European level," he said.

The G-7 groups Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, plus the European Union. Their justice ministers will meet on July 7 in Tokyo.

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea on Saturday claimed it tested this week a second known type of nuclear-capable underwater attack drone designed to destroy naval vessels and ports, adding to a flurry of weapons demonstrations this year that have heightened tensions with rivals.

The report of the four-day test came a day after the nuclear envoys of the United States, South Korea and Japan met in Seoul to discuss the growing North Korean nuclear threat and called for stronger international efforts to crack down on illicit North Korean activities funding its weapons program.

The Norths official Korean Central News Agency said the drone, named Haeil-2 after a Korean word meaning tsunamis or tidal waves, traveled underwater for more than 71 hours before successfully detonating a mock warhead in waters near the eastern port city of Tanchon on Friday. KCNA said the test proved that the weapon could strike targets 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) away with fatal attack ability.

North Korean state media last month reported two tests of another drone, named Haeil-1, and described the weapon as capable of setting off a radioactive tsunami to destroy enemy vessels and ports.

Analysts, however, are skeptical whether such a device would add a meaningful new threat to North Koreas growing nuclear arsenal built around missiles and whether its reasonable for the North to pursue such capabilities considering its still-limited supplies of nuclear bomb fuel. South Koreas military has said it believes North Korean claims about Haeil-1 were likely exaggerated or fabricated.

On Friday, U.S. President Joe Bidens special representative for North Korea, Sung Kim, met with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts in Seoul where they issued a joint statement calling for stronger international support to stem North Korean efforts to evade U.N. Security Council sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons ambitions.

The envoys expressed particular concern about North Koreas cybercrimes and illicit labor exports, which Seoul says could possibly expand as it further reopens its borders as COVID-19 fears ease.

North Korea in 2023 alone fired around 30 missiles in 11 different launch events, including an intercontinental ballistic missile that demonstrated potential range to reach the U.S. mainland and several shorter-range weapons designed to deliver nuclear strikes on South Korean targets.

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This past week, on the very same day Donald Trump was being placed under arrest in New York, many of the leading voices in the Canada-U.S. relationship were jammed into packed meeting rooms and corridors at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Toronto.

They were there to talk mainly about whats going right between Canada and the United States, economically. They were not there to talk about whats gone so wrong with Trump, or politics in general in the Trump era.

Yet whenever any speaker did broach the subject of Trump or, more broadly, the crumbling state of democracy in North America, a definite ripple went through the crowded ballroom.

Back in 1989, when the (Berlin) Wall came down, the United States was the principal exporter of democracy worldwide  frequently unsuccessfully, frequently hypocritically, said Ian Bremmer, head of the Eurasia Group, which along with BMO, hosted this inaugural Canada-U.S. summit in Toronto.

In 2023, you can make the argument that the United States is increasingly the leading exporter of tools that damage and even destroy democracy, including in the United States, including in Canada.

Chris Coons, who sits on the powerful U.S. Senate foreign relations committee and was one of the marquee speakers at the summit, handled the Trump situation this way: Ive been talking with colleagues of mine in the Senate, who were saying, Why are you in Toronto when theres so much excitement in New York today? I said this is the best possible day to be outside.

That got big laughs from the crowd, as did an off-the-cuff remark from Kelly Craft, who Trump sent to Canada as his U.S. ambassador from 2017 to 2019.

Its amazing what a Twitter feed will do to an ambassadors state of mind, Craft said. Im just thankful that that gentleman did not discover TikTok while I was in Canada.

Another former U.S. ambassador to Canada, Bruce Heyman, was one of the few speakers to publicly say on stage what many were buzzing about in the hallways of the Ritz: What I worry about most for the Canada-U.S. relationship is whats happening back at home, Heyman said, and today is a perfect example. Its a huge mistake not to put that on the table.

More than 50 years after Pierre Trudeau compared Canada-U.S. relations to sleeping with an elephant, it seems the beast is still lurking, but its now the elephant in the room  the force that is impossible to ignore but also to confront.

I sat down with Bremmer midway through the days proceedings and asked him how this conversation could be put on the table  not just at this summit, but in some ongoing way. How do Canada and the United States grapple with the reality he talked about in his opening remarks to the summit  the fact that politics has become a lot more toxic and polarizing, and that the United States is no longer the democratic beacon it once claimed to be, to Canada and the world?

First of all, Bremmer said, it requires candour.

When I say that the Americans and Canadians need to be honest with each other, we need to also be honest about the things were a little embarrassed about, were a little ashamed about, he said. We need to be willing to say that.

So, in that spirit, Bremner flatly declared that the U.S. political system no longer shines as an example, for Canada or the world.

Lets not just talk about my earlier statement about exporting (social media) tools that destroy democracy. In 1989, other countries looked at the United States as an aspirational model. You wanted your political system to be like the U.S., right? No one would say that today. You want to send your kids to American universities, you want to buy a piece of real estate in the U.S. and Canada. Youd like the reserve currency. But no one would say we want our political system to run like that.

Of course Canadians and Americans should be talking about how the politics south of the border can spill over here. Again, no one mentioned it on stage, but in his interview with me, Bremmer cited last years convoy protests in Canada as evidence of the cross-border spillage.

We saw that with the truckers, you know, the convoy . That made real news in the United States, because of course, they were the same people that were talking to each other. Theres a lot of pollinization; there a lot of learning, a lot of campaigning and the rest. None of that is healthy.

Coons was in the Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021, when the pro-Trump insurrectionists stormed the building  an event, he told me in an interview, that he prefers not to recall that often.

But I do focus on it pretty regularly, he said. Polarization takes hold, Coons said, when you stop negotiating, talking, listening, compromising. When you stop respecting each other, when youre convinced that the other side doesnt share your values, is only interested in running over you.

The solution, the senator says, is to give citizens government that works for them, in a practical way. Thats why, he said, so many attendees at the summit were focused on matters of economic integration between Canada and the United States  because thats where the solution lies to the political forces driving people apart.

One of our challenges is to reengage in a way that rebuilds confidence no matter who the next prime minister or president is, he said.

Coons says he believes democracys decline in the U.S. is linked to the breakdown of traditional media and fragmentation across the social-media universe  something Bremmer also sees as a big factor in whats going so wrong, not just in the U.S. but globally.

I asked Bremmer about the power of advertising in the last century  how the ad industry itself helped create the American middle-class dream, also with spillover effects, especially in a Canada also awash in U.S. popular culture. Could advertising not be used to help put political culture back on track, too?

Bremmer said hed like to believe thats possible, but the ad world has also broken down  like the media, and culture itself, it no longer works in mass markets, but in micro-targeted market segments.

We now know how advertising works, on a very micro level, and that has taken power away from people, and it has put it in the hands of those that can productize people, he said. I believe that the advertising model, particularly for social media and related algorithms, is driving polarization.

That might well be one of the topics confronted at the next Canada-U.S. summit. Bremmer says the sequel to this summit  and there will be one  will likely expand its agenda to tackle the complex ways in which Canada-U.S. relations are linked politically and culturally, too, not just economically.

The consensus from attendees was that the gathering was a major success, in terms of the discussion it generated and the blue-chip participants it attracted.

It could well be that it was also a success because it did not get sidetracked by the big Trump news south of the border last Tuesday. That is, after all, how Canada learned to manage the relationship while Trump was in power  not as the sleeping elephant, but as the elephant in the room.

Clarification  April 9, 2023: This story has been updated. BMO and the Eurasia Group hosted the inaugural Canada-U.S. summit. A previous version only mentioned the Eurasia Group.

Susan Delacourt is an Ottawa-based columnist covering national politics for the Star. Reach her via email: sdelacourt@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @susandelacourt

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Theres no quick fix.

Over the next five years, Ontario faces the challenge of filling 72,000 skilled trades positions  particularly in construction, which could slow the governments plans to build 150,000 new homes a year  while also boosting the number of women in apprenticeships.

The province has launched a variety of initiatives to boost the number of apprentices, with a particular focus on promoting the trades to high school students.

But the planned changes in secondary school  a mandatory tech credit as well easy pathways from classes to a career in the trades starting in Grade 11  have raised concerns about how it will work, or even if it can.

The Education Ministry will launch consultations this fall, but already there are plenty of questions.

How many schools are no longer equipped to offer the trades? What happens with schools that dont have traditional shops  how do we make that work? said Cathy Abraham, president of the Ontario Public School Boards Association.

We have more questions about Grade 11 students going into apprenticeships without finishing all of the typical high school credits, she added. We have more questions and concerns about that one. Some of them are just 16 when they come into Grade 11 and will be making decisions to leave traditional secondary school.

Nobody, she added, disagrees about the need for access to skilled trades  thats not it. We just have to do it right, and we are concerned.

After Premier Doug Ford announced the changes last month, Education Minister Stephen Lecce told the Star that part of the consultation is to listen to everyone to figure out the best road map to get this right.

Thats why were going to be listening to school boards, the educator side of it, employers and parents too  they all have important opinions, he added. Were going to bring it all together to plan and report back in the fall. This consultation is designed to be a listening exercise  how can we more efficiently create an accelerated path from high school into the skilled trades?

Lecce also said the changes are for every child in Ontario, and I want young people to see themselves in these schools, particularly more girls, which is part of our emphasis.

In Ontario, there are almost 40 skilled trades that dont require a high school diploma, but 106 that do. Part of what the government will look at is easing entry requirements for those, figuring out how to get students to complete high school while also getting a head start in those trades.

Our governments mission is to fill the skills gap by better connecting Ontario students to these good-paying jobs, helping many students who may not have graduated now gain a credential that leads them to meaningful employment, Lecce said.

The province is working on updating its prior learning and assessment recognition, which gives mature students credit for their training and experience through apprenticeships toward a high school diploma, starting in fall 2024.

Upcoming consultations will include whether students could earn all 30 high school credits through their trades training  a prospect that has raised alarm bells among educators.

Lecce said he wants to ensure teens do have the requisite literacy and numeracy skills for graduation under that scenario.

But for Abraham, the potential that 30 credits could be skilled trades-related is disconcerting.

Thats just fraught with problems, she said. I dont care if you are in the trades, its important that you have a good understanding of reading, writing, arithmetic. You need a good foundation in English and how to write, to communicate  all of those things.

And another mandated credit could eliminate other electives students are interested in, especially students in programs like French immersion, who have little wiggle room in their timetable as is.

In elementary and secondary school, I still believe that experience is about finding out what it is you want to do, finding out what youre good at and finding something you never thought youd be interested in, Abraham said.

For students in Catholic high schools, there are required religious courses that we would not want to see diminished, said Patrick Daly, head of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association, who called for flexibility.

With all of the unknowns, thats why the consultation process is extremely important, so theres assurance that all needs are met  fast-tracking of the apprenticeship programs are critically important, as well as ensuring that young people are prepared for all other areas of their life.

Both he and Abraham said school space is an obvious challenge, but also finding teachers as there is already a shortage.

The devil is in the details, added New Democrat MPP Chandra Pasma, her partys education critic. This could be a good thing  exposing more of our students to the trades as an option, and different kinds of tech. But we dont know yet what will be included  what will be considered a tech class? And there was no funding attached to this announcement  and we know that because of cutbacks, many schools dont have shop space anymore.

We have no idea how they are going to outfit spaces for these classes, or how they are going to purchase equipment for these classes. And staffing is a big concern  schools already have tech staff positions that they cannot fill, Pasma said.

Currently, secondary tech credits include communications technology, computer technology, construction technology, green industries, hairstyling and esthetics, health care, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing technology, technological design or transportation technology.

Matthew Bradley, the Toronto District School Boards co-ordinator of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, said students currently can enrol in the program after theyve earned 14 credits, around Grade 11. It allows them to take classes as well as train for certain trades.

Bradley said he is looking forward to the provincial consultations on the planned changes.

Im cautiously optimistic it can help, he said. It can fill the demand for skilled trades people and connect students with those amazing opportunities with minimal disruption to their education if it is done effectively, if its done in an intelligent way.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program itself is a student success initiative in that it increases engagement in school because a lot of students who are the most successful in the skilled trades dont want to be sitting behind a desk listening to someone talk about theories all day, and they dont want to be writing essays about poetry  They feel constrained in high school.

There are a lot of students that really just want to get to work.

As for more skilled trades credits counting toward a diploma, Bradley welcomes that move, noting that a mandatory Grade 12 English credit is often a barrier to a student who is passionate about the skilled trades.

Students in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program already have English credits, and will have taken the mandatory Grade 10 literacy test.

One snag in the provinces plan is a problem he consistently has to deal with  finding employers to take on high school students. Despite the labour shortage, Bradley said its a real challenge.

Its a huge investment in time from the employer, he said, adding that simplified federal tax incentives for employers could help.

The provincial government has focused on the trades  its Big Blue Collar Machine pro-labour strategy helped attract new voters in the last election  and has added discussions about trades careers starting in the primary grade curricula. It also recently announced $224 million for training provided by private sector unions.

The mandatory tech credit in high school is also seen as a way to expose more females to the sector, given just two per cent of those in the construction trades in Ontario are women.

Guidance counsellors have a role to play as well, Labour Minister Monte McNaughton has said.

We are trying to end the stigma around the trades, he said.

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A large icon unique in Romania, which was brought from Jerusalem 204 years ago and consists of more than 200 scenes from the Old and New Testament, is in Ploiesti, at the 'Town-dweller House of the 18th-19th Centuries' Museum.

The cultural institution operates in the oldest building in Ploiesti, built around 1785, the building that used to be inhabited by merchant Ivan Hagi Prodan and his wife Marita."Hagi Prodan came from Bulgaria, north of the Danube, from a copper exploitation area of Bulgaria, where he learned the art of tinkers. He was a prosperous businessman, he even got to be the head of the guild of tinsmiths. He came to our area following the Ottoman persecution and ended up in Ploiesti, where he married Marita, who received the house as dowry from her father. They moved here together, with his copper pot business, with a handful of gypsy slaves who worked for him in the basement of the house," curator of the museum Mihaela Ionita told AGERPRES.According to her, Hagi Prodan undertook a pilgrimage to the Holy Places (hagialac, in Romanian) in 1819, on which occasion he brought from Jerusalem a large icon, called the hagiu (pilgrim) icon, a unique piece in Romania."In 1819, Ivan Prodan undertook a pilgrimage to the Holy Places (hagialac), according to a custom of the time, when a group of 20-30 wealthier men from the city went to Mount Athos and Jerusalem where, among other things, they participated in the Resurrection service and received the baptism in the water of the Jordan. On their return home they were called 'hagii' [pilgrims], a title given to people who undertook such a journey. From this pilgrimage, Hagi Prodan brought a series of religious objects, among which today a large icon painted on canvas ("Jerusalem") and a wooden candlestick are preserved," explains Mihaela Ionita.According to custom, the pilgrimage took place before the Easter holidays, and those who went on such a journey prepared themselves beforehand, in the sense that they confessed and repented. They did the same when they reached the Holy Land, to be prepared in case they failed to return home.The hagiu (pilgrim) icon, which is two metres long and about 1.40 metres high, is painted in oil on canvas and consists of more than 200 scenes from the Old and New Testament. In the 1990s it was restored."The composition is typical, particularly large: on the left and right two large 'paintings' with the central scenes of the 'Mother of God with Child,' on the left, and Jesus on the right, framed by a series of scenes and medallions. Between them, centrally, numerous scenes from the New Testament, most of them not separated within the composition. The entire composition is enclosed by 59 medallions with scenes from the Old Testament, isolated from the rest of the pictorial screen by Baroque-style gold-leafed loops outlined in black," says the museum's curator.Thus, the canvas was initially treated with a uniform layer of vermilion colour, over which the painting ensemble was worked, the ensemble enclosed in a linear border in dark Prussian blue, punctuated by stars executed in gold leaf, composed of 8 intersecting lines (a folk art motif), arranged approximately 3 cm apart.The outer medallion band is painted on a permanent red to vermilion background. The two main side scenes - 'Mother of God with Child' on the left and Jesus on the right - have a gold leaf background."Immediately below this scene, painted in permanent red, there is an area of scenes continuing one from the other, without being delimited by borders, a large composition comprising, on the left, the Heaven and the Paradise, with a group of saints and the Ascension of Jesus, and from the middle area to the right - the Last Judgement towards which Abraham is pointing (...). In the perimetre area of the central space, there are scenes painted representing the great feasts of the year, such as the Nativity of the Lord, the Baptism, the Entry into Jerusalem, the Ascension to Heaven, Mount Tabor, Judas and his betrayal, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Martyrdom of Stephen, the first martyrs of Christianity, these scenes are not delimited one from another. The only scene delimited by a rectangular border on the lower right side depicts St. George and St. Demetrius," says Mihaela Ionita.The centre of the whole composition is occupied by the interior of two cathedrals, one showing the tomb of Jesus, and in the lower part, under a dome painted in blue, the silhouette of Jesus, the other showing St. Peter in the midst of a crowd of saints with lighted candles.The central space of the composition is bordered in the upper part by 16 medallions, each containing two or three saints painted in miniature on a blue background and interior inscriptions in black Cyrillic script.One of the images in this icon is atypical, and those who have studied it believe that it shows Hagi Prodan himself, whom the museographers do not have in any of the pictures.According to her, in that period, several such icons were made, which are spread all over the world, the one in the museum being the only one existing in Romania.
Romania strongly condemns the terror attack in Tel Aviv, with victims and wounded, the Romanian Foreign Ministry (MAE) announced on Saturday.

"Romania strongly condemns the terror attack in Tel Aviv, with victims & wounded also among foreign citizens. Our thoughts & prayers are with them & their close ones. Such acts must have no place in our world & we renew our call for de-escalation of all tensions," MAE shows in a Twitter post.Israel announced on Friday evening the mobilisation of reserve police units and additional military forces after three people were killed in two bombings amid a further escalation of tensions, AFP reports.On Friday night, a man in his 30s was killed in a car bomb attack on the Tel Aviv waterfront in which five other people were injured. Emergency services described the victims as "tourists." The driver was shot, police said.
Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu met on Saturday at the Official Lounge of Henri Coanda Airport with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Catherine Colonna, on the occasion of the technical stopover in Bucharest of President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, on his return from his visit to the People's Republic of China.

According to a press release of the Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE), during the talks the French Minister of Foreign Affairs presented in detail to his Romanian counterpart Bogdan Aurescu the results of the Franco-Chinese talks during the French President's visit to China, with emphasis on China's position on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine."In this framework, Minister Bogdan Aurescu stressed the importance of the international community's calls for Beijing to conduct itself responsibly, in line with its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, towards Russia's war against Ukraine, starting from the obvious differentiation between Ukraine's status as a victim of aggression and Russia's as an aggressor state, and that the People's Republic of China should not deliver arms and ammunition to Russia," the MAE pointed out.
Prime Minister Nicolae-Ionel Ciuca sent a message on Saturday, on the occasion of the celebration of the Roma ethnicity in Romania and the International Roma Day, in which he reaffirmed his firm commitment to defend and promote fundamental rights, human dignity, inclusion, diversity and interculturality.

"I convey to the Roma community in our country and to Roma around the world my good wishes for health, prosperity and joy. The Roma celebration in Romania is a good time to remember the traumatic past of the Roma, the centuries of enslavement, the atrocities suffered during the Holocaust or the forced assimilation during the communist dictatorship. Too often, Roma have been viewed by society only through the narrow lens of prejudice and stereotypes, denied the chance to demonstrate their potential. We have a moral duty to redress these injustices, to make known the valuable contribution of Roma to the great national projects, to promote the rich cultural heritage and identity, but also to honestly assume the mistakes of the past," the message reads.The Prime Minister says that the future Museum of Roma History and Culture, an objective that he unconditionally supports, represents "a powerful instrument against discrimination, a testimony of the assumption of the past and the responsibility of the Romanian state.""We must always bear in mind the need to adopt effective solutions to today's dangers. Discrimination, racism, anti-Roma attitudes, xenophobia or hate speech, trends that poison society, are a reality that, unfortunately, Roma have to face. Also, vulnerabilities in key areas such as education, health, employment or housing need concrete policies and actions," the message highlights.Nicolae Ciuca shows that, through the current Roma inclusion strategy, the Government has assumed the objective of ensuring an increase in the quality of life of Roma citizens, based on principles such as active citizenship, socio-economic inclusion and the enhancement of the community's cultural heritage. A priority role in this process is played by education, which is "capable of shaping future generations and instilling the fundamental values on which any democratic society is based.""Romania is today a state strongly attached to European values and principles, in which every person belonging to a national minority has the right to preserve, develop and express his/her ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious identity. It is our duty to protect these rights, to effectively combat all manifestations of hatred and to ensure inter-ethnic dialogue," the PM added.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 8, 2023 - 21:34 | World, All

China began a three-day air and sea military exercise and patrol around Taiwan on Saturday, following a meeting between the island's leader Tsai Ing-wen and U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California earlier this week.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry said it detected 71 Chinese military aircraft and nine warships around the Taiwan Strait from the morning to late afternoon, of which 45 planes crossed the median line of the strait or entered the island's air defense identification zone in its southwest.

The exercise and patrol off the northern and southern coasts of Taiwan and to the island's east were "necessary for safeguarding China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity," according to the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese military, which covers the Taiwan Strait.

The meeting between Tsai and the third-highest-ranking U.S. official during her stopover in the United States after her trip to Taiwan's Central American allies has angered Beijing, which regards the self-ruled democratic island as its own.

Last August, China conducted large-scale military exercises in areas encircling Taiwan following a visit to the island by McCarthy's predecessor Nancy Pelosi.

Army senior Col. Shi Yi, the spokesman for the command, said in a statement that the operations will serve as "a stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces seeking 'Taiwan independence' and external forces, and against their provocative activities."

Taiwan's Defense Ministry criticized the Chinese military's move Saturday, saying Beijing was using Tsai's U.S. transit as "an excuse" to carry out the exercises.

The mainland has seriously undermined regional peace, stability and security in recent years by continuously sending its planes and ships to areas near the island, it said in a statement.

The Taiwan military will closely monitor the situation in the region, continue to maintain a high degree of vigilance, respond appropriately, and "make every effort to safeguard national security," the ministry said.

On Friday, China announced fresh sanctions against Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's de facto ambassador to the United States, and punitive steps against two American institutes that hosted Tsai during her stay in the United States.

Communist-led China and Taiwan have been governed separately since they split in 1949 due to a civil war. Beijing regards Taiwan as a renegade province to be brought into its fold, by force if necessary.

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Taiwan president, U.S. House speaker meet in show of democratic bond
WASHINGTON  Nearly three dozen House Democrats raised concerns this week about the Biden administration's use of a smartphone application for migrants to request an appointment to seek asylum, the latest in mounting criticism from the preside) nt's own party over his border policies.

The group of 35 Democrats, led by Reps. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia of Illinois and Raul M. Grijalva of Arizona, called on Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to "take immediate steps to resolve the serious equity and accessibility issues migrants are facing" when using the CBP One app, in a letter sent Monday and obtained by CQ Roll Call.

The app, developed in 2020 for other uses by travelers, was recently expanded to allow migrants to schedule appointments at the U.S.-Mexico border to request the opportunity to seek asylum.

But CBP One has since come under fire by immigrant advocates and nonprofits at the border for technological glitches and accessibility limits, which they say makes it harder for migrants who speak only Indigenous languages or who do not have access to smartphones or reliable internet service to access protection.

The Democrats said in their letter that their offices "have received numerous reports of unusability, inaccessibility and inequity that have already resulted in grave harm to asylum seekers," and they asked Mayorkas to "increase accessibility and usability of this app."

"While technology can be helpful to facilitate processing, it should never be used to create a tiered system that treats groups differently according to economic status, gender identity, age, language, nationality or race," the Democrats wrote.

They suggested the department make the app more accessible for migrants who speak other languages besides the three offered  English, Spanish and Haitian Creole  and for migrants with disabilities, including those who are blind.

They also asked the department to ease the photo verification requirement of the app, after advocates reported problems for migrants with darker complexions and babies and toddlers.

The lawmakers further asked Mayorkas to "reverse course" on plans to implement a policy proposal that would limit asylum eligibility for migrants who arrive at the border and request protection, unless they had secured an appointment through the CBP One app or attempted to seek asylum in another country first, among other exceptions. That proposed asylum rule was publicly released last month.

"The administration should withdraw this rule and pursue rational policies that ensure pathways to asylum for all migrants arriving at the southern border," the lawmakers wrote.

The recent letter is the latest example of heightening critiques the administration has faced from other Democrats over efforts to restrict asylum and reduce the number of unauthorized border crossings.

In February, Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., sent a letter to Mayorkas that asked the Department of Homeland Security to "shelve the CBP One app immediately." Markey said the app "raises troubling issues of inequitable access to  and impermissible limits on  asylum, and has been plagued by significant technical problems and privacy concerns."

The recently proposed asylum restrictions, paired with reports that the administration considered reinstating migrant family detention, has also frustrated members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, who have complained the administration has left them out of the loop on major immigration policy developments.

Sen. Bob Menendez, DN.J., a vocal proponent for passing comprehensive immigration legislation, said earlier this month that "the lack of communication on immigrationrelated policy decisions is an insult."
Artist and art professor Amy Bautz has happily stayed close to her roots. She grew up in University City and graduated from Clayton High School. After leaving to get her undergraduate degree in journalism from University of Texas in Austin, she returned to the St. Louis area to pursue a master's of fine arts degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has taught painting and computer art at St. Louis University since 1999 and lives in the charming DeMun neighborhood of Clayton, not far from where she was raised.

Twelve years ago, Bautz purchased what was originally a four-family apartment building in DeMun and converted it into a three-family, leaving two apartments on the first floor and combining the two upstairs into a single, spacious home and studio for herself and her son and daughter. When her kids (now 19 and 24) were younger, she tried having a studio outside of the house, but it proved challenging with the duties of motherhood and trying to work around their schedules.

"I wanted to be able to have 24-hour access," Bautz says.

The second floor apartment offered the perfect north-facing space  a light-filled sunroom off the living room  in which to create her home studio. She loves so much about the building, including its 1920s time period, having housemates she likes downstairs, and the walkable location in the heart of DeMun.

"This was one of the first planned communities in the U.S., including multi-family, two-family and single family homes, as well as the DeMun shopping district," says Bautz.

A pocket park next to her building is named Henry Wright Park; it's commemorated with a plaque in honor of the man who planned the neighborhood. Bautz's specific subdivision, HiPointe, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A magnolia tree in the park, viewable from her studio windows, is one of her favorite painting subjects.

"I paint a lot of magnolia blossoms and pods and leaves. I also collect plants from the neighborhood and bring them in and paint them," she says.

Bautz's paintings spill out of the studio and lean up against walls on the floor of the living room and dining room. Many of the paintings currently residing there will be included in an exhibit of her work opening in September at Lambert International Airport. Artwork by friends and colleagues mingles with her own on walls throughout the apartment, providing a feast for the eyes in every direction.

"I like certain colors and use them over and over in my paintings, and then I put them on my walls or buy them in my linens. I love patchwork stuff like quilts," Bautz says of her eclectic style.

She also collects houseplants that fill the deep windowsills throughout her home, offering their natural beauty as well as another painting subject. Everything in the apartment provides an opportunity for creativity. "When I get a bouquet of flowers, I think, maybe I'll paint it," she says.

In keeping with her curated style, Bautz's furnishings are mostly a mix of vintage and antique pieces she's either purchased, found or had handed down from family and friends. A solid wood dining table belonged to her grandmother. She matched it with some wooden desk chairs she salvaged from being thrown away at SLU, and purchased a midcentury modern china cabinet from local resale shop Miriam Switching Post.

When Bautz and her kids moved into the apartment, she let them select a couch for the living room. Also fans of vintage, they chose a teak-framed midcentury modern sofa with built-in marble top end tables from the Future Antiques. A pair of vintage pottery lamps sitting on the tables belonged to Bautz's grandmother's best friend.

In the adjoining studio, containers of paints, brushes and colored pencils are organized atop a unique wood buffet Bautz found on the street, took home and painted white. Her easel stands at the ready in the middle of the floor next to her grandmother's old kitchen stool  the perfect place to set her palette.

Though the living room and studio are lively spaces, Bautz's favorite spot is a vintage armchair in the sunny kitchen, where she likes to sit and read and listen to mix CDs on an old CD player boombox that belonged to her late father. Her beloved cat, Brad, and blue heeler mix dog, Ginny, are always close by to keep her company.

Living the artist's life in her hometown and the perfect live/work space has been a dream for Bautz, who keeps designated studio hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. "I can spread out and put my work anywhere I want it," she says.

Amy Bautz

Age  56

Occupation  Artist and art professor on faculty at St. Louis University teaching painting and computer art

Home  DeMun neighborhood of Clayton

Family  Amy has two young adult children. Her son, Adam, is 24 and daughter, Julia, is 19. She shares her home with her cat, Brad, and dog, Ginny.

Photos: At Home with artist Amy Bautz
On April 8, 1999, after 30 years on his KMOX late-night call-in show, Jim White pulled the plug one last time and sailed away. Here was our original coverage.

Good night, Jim White, wherever you are. Wherever you and your boat end up, that is. We're talking about the 45-foot cabin cruiser "Patty Wagon," named in honor of your wife Pat and your father, a former police officer in Greensburg, Pa. After 30 years at KMOX radio, White has signed off as the voice of the night. In those three decades, with air-time stints spread across the clock, not just the wee hours, White did some pioneering things, notably becoming the first radio talker to do free-wheeling, n ot-tied-to-specific-topics, call-in shows. He called it a non-directed, open-line show. He believes he's the first radio personality in the country to do this.

The Whites are beginning what they call their "White-water" period. Beginning Monday, from Fairhope, Ala., they'll set off on a big looping nautical journey: From Mobile Bay west to the mouth of the Mississippi River, then back east across the Gulf of Mexico to Florida. Up the East Coast to the Hudson River, onto the Erie Canal, to Lake Ontario, the Great Lakes, Georgian Bay, Lake Michigan to the Chicago River. Returning to St. Louis sometime in September.

So, goodbye, "Big Bumper in the night," a name White gave himself. It was inspired by the Scottish prayer: "From ghosties and ghoulies, and l ong-leggedy beasties, dear Lord protect us (from things that go bump in the night). "

"And I'm not small, and I work at night," the Bumper added.

His old boss, the late Robert F. Hyland, hated the nickname. Hyland, CBS regional vice president and KMOX general manager, believed that all on-air personalities should conduct themselves in a dignified manner, and worship at the altar of Edward R. Murrow.

It was Hyland who hired White away from Pittburgh's historic KDKA, one of the country's first commercial radio stations. Like Hyland's station, KDKA is a clear-channel, 50,000-watt "heritage" station, granted the "monster signal" to disseminate information in the event of war. White went on the air on St. Patrick's Day in 1969.

Calling himself the Big Bumper was not White's first run-in with Hyland, a man facetiously known as "god" around the KMOX studios. Hyland really didn't like White's free-wheeling chat shows.

"We talked about everything, and allowed the thing to flow," White explained. "Hyland didn't like it. He didn't have a lot of faith in the great unwashed. So I'd still throw out some topics, but the public is totally unpredictable. There'd be some big news story, and you'd think, 'This is what they're going to talk about tonight.' But they didn't.

"So I went around and around with Hyland about this, this thing he called 'back fencing.' He was so upset that he said he'd fire me in 30 days if the new format didn't work. I was told: 'If the ratings aren't up, you're out.' Fortunately, turning over control to the listeners worked."

In fact, it gave White an idea for a bumper sticker: "Never let the facts get in the way of a good opinion."

It was about this time that White became the big bewitching-hour voice for this station with a nighttime "blow-torch" signal so strong that someday there may be a caller from Mars.

A Martian caller would be perfect for the Big Bumper. Chat-show radio's famous cutoff man, the man who's dominated the nighttime airwaves here for more than two decades -- often with bluster and abruptness, befitting someone who's nickname rhymes with grumper and thumper.

He chuckles at this, for White is famous for pulling the plug on night callers, who may have been telephoning in from Affton to Ashtabula, Ohio, to points beyond. KMOX's nighttime reach usually covered 44 states and occasionally foreign countries.

Thus, White could slam the phone down on people, almost from coast to coast.

"Usually, I'd be sitting there giggling when it happened," he said. "I guess it was in keeping with what Bob Hyland wanted: people to come on the air, ask their question, and hang up. But if a person starts getting boring, people start turning off the radio, so you have to hang up."

Now, White's hanging it up. His last regular broadcast was the night of April 1, and he'll complete his stint at KMOX in an on-air tribute tonight, from 8 to midnight.

The next voice you'll be hearing, usually from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., is that of John Francis Carney III. It's a wonderful bit of broadcast symmetry. Carney's late father, Jack Carney, was the morning-slot juggernaut on KMOX from 1971 until his death in 1984. His market dominance was unprecedented in local broadcasting.

Karen Carroll, KMOX vice president and general manager, says John Carney, in his mid-30s, will do a different kind of show than White's, a show "with a little more structure than Jim has. John's developed a lot of special features."

"I'm really excited that John's taken over," said White. "He's come a long way as a broadcaster, and developed his own style. John's already ruffled a few feathers, as I have."

Carney will inherit some very good ratings, one of the largest nighttime audiences in the country. White's show has a 104,900 "cumulative," an Aribtron Rating Service figure covering how many different people tune in for five minutes or more. It's the highest nighttime "cumulative" in the market.

White never intended to come to St. Louis, and arrived for an interview 30 years ago "on a lark."

He was, after all, a native Pennsylvanian, a former electrical engineering major at Penn State University. He had no intention of being an on-air performer. A longtime ham radio operator, White wanted to work in the technical side of radio. But one day, at a small station in his hometown of Greensburg, 30 miles east of Pittsburgh, he found himself behind the microphone. "You've got a decent voice," the station manager told him.

"I had an eight-hour air shift. Played the national anthem at the end of the day, and then swept up the studio," he said.

This was good training for Hyland's KMOX, where things were piled on broadcasters "until you either broke, died or complained," said White.

He and the late Bob Hardy worked so many staggered morning and night shifts -- 4 to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. -- that they were called them "the babbling bookends."

Former staffer Bob Costas, who went on to network fame as a sportscaster, called White's shift "the Bermuda triangle of broadcasting."

So it's no wonder that White might get a little grumpy with some callers.

"Hey, jerk, that's it," was a typical on-air response.

Then, the caller would be cut off, and the Big Bumper would giggle.

Postcript: Jim White died Sept. 2, 2009 at the age of 73. Read his obituary here.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  St. Louis County police gathered the faithful Saturday to train dozens of church ushers, deacons and pastors on what to do if their place of worship is ever targeted by an active shooter.

Members from more than 50 congregations registered for the training at the True Gospel Miracle Church, 11955 Benham Road, in north St. Louis County.

The churchs leader, Pastor LiLi  who goes only by her first name  said Saturday that a member of her congregation suggested the training after the school shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School that injured seven and killed a student and teacher in south St. Louis in October.

LiLi, a nurse practitioner and Army veteran, said active shooter training hasnt been as common in churches as in schools, but she sees it as her duty to prepare her flock in case of the worst.

I pray and I prepare, she said. I dont intend for this to bring fear. I pray it brings empowerment.

LiLi approached St. Louis County police Capt. Tony Cavaletti, commander of the North County precinct, who quickly agreed for the department to co-host and promote the training.

This is exactly how I envision the community and the police department working together, Cavaletti said Saturday.

Adrian Abrams, a member of the security team at Haven House City of Refuge church in Baden, said he was grateful for the training because his church has already been victim to crime.

It seems like people dont care if its a church now, theyll still target you, he said at the training, recalling a man with a gun recently attempting to steal church donations taken at the door. So we are preparing ourselves.

State Rep. Justin Sparks, R-Wildwood, of Tier One Tactical Solutions, hosted the training focusing on helping churches preserve as much life as possible until police arrive in case of an active shooter.

Tier One was founded by current and former St. Louis County police officers after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, and conducts active shooter training at schools, businesses and, increasingly, houses of worship across the region.

Traditionally houses of worship by their very nature are open and welcoming places, as they should be, said Sparks, a former St. Louis County police SWAT member. But unfortunately across the country, weve seen them be targeted by shooters looking for places with a large group of innocent people.

The training focused on ways church members can escape, distract and block an active shooter in a church.

Sparks emphasized that church volunteers should not be afraid to approach someone who might seem out of place by shaking their hand and engaging them in conversation.

If they are there for the right reasons, theyll appreciate it, he said. If theyre not, you can identify them right away.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  Police officers appear to have followed department policy this week during a chase that led to the death of another driver, County Executive Sam Page said on Friday.

Police are put in a difficult position when they decide to pursue someone who is a danger to our community, County Executive Sam Page said in a statement. Policy appears to have been followed in this case, but the suspect ignored police, resulting in the tragic death of a bystander. This case highlights the risk associated with pursuits.

But one activist questioned whether Tuesdays fatal chase  which started with the theft of laundry detergent from a Dollar General  was justified under the departments own policy.

Its unfortunate we risked the lives of police officers and the citizens over some laundry detergent, St. Louis NAACP President Adolphus Pruitt told the Post-Dispatch on Friday. I would probably take a different position if the person flashed a gun, because thats a dangerous person, but that wasnt the case. It was somebody who stole some detergent.

On Thursday, authorities charged Daryl Powell, 31, with murder. They said Powell drove the getaway car after his passengers stole a cart of laundry detergent from a Dollar General store and beat an employee with a container. Powell then fled from police in both St. Louis and St. Louis County, authorities said, and crashed into 34-year-old Jerome Hightower. Hightower died at a hospital that afternoon.

Two toddlers were also in Powells car at the time of the chase, police said.

Police pursuits have been a contentious issue in St. Louis and St. Louis County. At least 10 people have been killed during chases in the last year and a half, including several who were not involved in the pursuits.

Brian Ashworth, chair of the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners, said the agencys pursuit policy is reviewed often, and said it was most recently updated sometime in the middle of last year.

When we pursue and tragedy happens, its terrible, he told the Post-Dispatch. And our condolences go out to Mr. Hightowers family.

Ashworth acknowledged the danger in pursuing suspects and said the department keeps the policy up to date with current best practices. The challenge, he said, is finding a balance between the danger of a pursuit and the risk of a person harming someone else in another way if theyre not arrested by officers.

Fatal police pursuits are an issue seen across the country, according to the Department of Justice. In a May 2017 study, researchers found an average 355 people were killed annually in pursuit-related crashes.

Pruitt said that after he learned of the what happened prior to the chase, he questioned whether the chase was justified under current policy. Pruitts organization called in a federal mediator last year to facilitate discussions between the NAACP and city and county police departments, hoping to set parameters for when police chases are warranted.

I question if the policy that justifies the chase  as it relates to an individual being dangerous and a danger to the public  I question whether it was met in this particular instance, he said. Simply because they struck someone in the head with a bottle of laundry detergent in trying to escape from the store, I question if this rises to the level that is the intent of the policy as it relates to dangerous.

Police say one of Powells co-defendants, 30-year-old Javon Crawford, hit the stores assistant manager in the head more than 10 times with a container of laundry detergent that weighed about 11 pounds. The assistant manager was injured, but the Post-Dispatch confirmed he returned to work the next day.

The officers involved in Tuesdays pursuit are not on administrative leave, said spokeswoman Sgt. Tracy Panus. Per policy, a supervisor will review the circumstances of the chase and the officers actions to determine if they followed department policy. If the supervisor believes the chase did not follow policy, the Bureau of Professional Standards will investigate further.

Pruitt cited a law passed in 2021 in Washington state that sought to reduce police pursuit deaths by keeping police from chasing suspects in cars unless they have probable cause of a violent crime or sex crime. In October 2022, an NPR affiliate reported there had been one police pursuit death in the state since the law was implemented  down from seven in 2020 and seven in 2019.

But a law just passed the Washington Senate that would lower the threshold for pursuits to police having reasonable suspicion that a person has committed or is committing a crime, according to The Seattle Times.

Since the beginning of 2022, more than 4,000 drivers have failed to stop for officers in St. Louis County, said Panus. Of those, 77 led to police pursuits.

St. Louis County Chief Kenneth Gregory was out of the office Friday and unavailable for comment, Panus said.

Panus on Friday said the memorandum of understanding between the NAACP, city police and county police has some great points in it regarding education and new technology.

The agencies plan to host a press conference once the agreement is signed, she said.
Republicans in the Tennessee legislature reached a new political low on Thursday with their decision to expel two Black members for having participated in an anti-gun protest following the March 27 deaths of three children and three adults in a Nashville Christian school mass shooting. As if blind to the racial implications, lawmakers voted narrowly to let a white House member keep her seat after she participated in the same protest. Tennesseeans are holding high-profile protests to put much-needed pressure on lawmakers to stop sidestepping the significance of school mass shootings.

Apparently, the protests inside the Tennessee House chamber hit a nerve. Referring to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection in Washington, state Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton went so far as to say the protest was equivalent, at least equivalent, maybe worse depending on how you look at it, of doing an insurrection in the Capitol.

There is no question that the nonviolent protest March 30 by the so-called Tennessee Three  Democratic state Reps. Justin Pearson, Justin Jones and Gloria Johnson  disrupted House proceedings as they chanted, No action, no peace. But it didnt even slightly resemble the bloodshed, destruction and democracy-threatening chaos of Jan. 6, when hundreds of pro-Donald Trump protesters swarmed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to block confirmation of the 2020 presidential election result. It boggles the mind how Sexton reached his maybe worse comparison.

Pearson and Jones absolutely revved up the crowd of protesters, using a megaphone and seizing the House lectern to demand gun-control legislation out of frustration at inaction following one school shooting after another. Johnson participated in chants but didnt use the megaphone, which might have led some Republicans to vote against expelling her.

We dont want to be up here, but we have no choice but to find a way ... to disrupt business as normal, Pearson told the crowd, because business as normal is our children dying.

Republican reaction to mass shootings, including those involving small children, has become easily predictable, as if recited from a National Rifle Association boilerplate script: First, hearts go out to the victims and their families. Oh-so-sincere thoughts and prayers. But remember that guns dont kill people. Dont forget the Second Amendment! Whats really needed is greater attention to mental health, not more gun restrictions.

Thats precisely the business as normal that Pearson was talking about. Did the protesters go too far in seizing the House chamber? Probably. But the only two previous expulsions from the Tennessee legislature since the Civil War were for blatant offenses involving sexual misconduct and bribe-taking. Pearson and Jones were merely judged by their colleagues to have brought disorder and dishonor on the House.

But in these hyper-partisan times, when Republicans seem desperate to make anything and everything look worse than the Capitol insurrection, thats apparently enough.
BOR, Serbia, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Slavisa Sordjan's job at the copper mine tailings storage site might demand unusual toughness, but this hardworking 44-year-old father of five and his extended family consider his recent appointment at a prosperous Chinese mining company a once-in-a-decade life-changing opportunity, which they are all willing to hold on to.

Sordjan's life has always been a struggle. He could have had a secure job at the copper mining and smelting complex RTB Bor, a state enterprise on whose scholarship he earned a degree in metallurgy at a local technical school, like many in his generation. But he chose a different path.

Sordjan explains that back in the mid-1990s, the local mining industry started to deteriorate under the changing political and economic circumstances, resulting in the dismissal of employees from RTB Bor.

"Two thousand workers were dismissed first, there were more dismissals than admissions. We lost the opportunity to work, not only me, but my whole generation, who had even higher education and couldn't find a job," he recalled.

"I mostly worked in the village, helping whoever needed help. I joined construction teams, operated chainsaws in the forests, waitered at weddings ... I did not shy away from work as I needed an income," he said.

"We barely survived," Sordjan's wife Sandra recalled. "Back then, we lived from day to day on social benefits."

For Sordjan, and for his peers in the Bor district, the decline in the heavy industry meant a lost chance of living a decent life.

Serbia's eventual reindustrialization required a massive inflow of foreign direct investments and greenfield projects started to mushroom across the country. Encouraged by Serbia's active participation in China's Belt and Road and other initiatives aimed at reviving economic ties with Central and East Europe, Chinese companies started to invest in the country.

A landmark moment in the China-Serbia comprehensive strategic partnership was the arrival of the Zijin Mining Group, which became a major shareholder of RTB Bor in December 2018. Zijin's aim was to turn RTB Bor into a high-tech, green mining company.

In just a few years, Zijin invested 1.7 billion U.S. dollars in the Serbian company and built new and advanced production facilities.

Zijin also built Cukaru Peki, an entirely new copper and gold mine that set new standards for environment-friendly mining in Europe.

Next, Zijin started to hire droves of locals -- Sordjan included.

Driven by its socially responsible mission of "Mining for a Better Society," Zijin gave preference to workers with large families. Sordjan was soon hired, and today he enjoys a job that is safe and secure.

"A lot has changed since he got the job. We have everything we need, we have better conditions, a better life," wife Sandra commented. She, too, plans to apply for a job at the mine, and she said she expected their children to follow their parents' suit.

"Have things changed?" Sordjan said. "They sure have. Recently, I bought a car. I can now afford that."

As they are now permanently employed, the Sordjans plan to expand their home in Slatina village to provide more room for their kids.

According to Wen Hongzhi, director of the mine general manager's office, Zijin aims to look after its local employees by helping them afford the cost of tuition, housing and everyday essentials.

"The income suffices -- I'm not complaining -- for shoes, for school, for books, although now we don't pay for books because Zijin helps a lot, so thanks to them," Sordjan said. 
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On the initiative and decision of the Board of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL the ordinary General Shareholders Meeting of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL (identification code 121304349, the registered address Gyneju str. 14 Vilnius, Lithuania) is to be held on 30 April 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the premises located in Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius. Registration of the shareholders will start at 9:30 a.m.

The total number of shares of the Company amounts to 12,048,052. Given that the Company has acquired its own shares, the total number of votes for the quorum of the General Meeting of Shareholders is 11.818.511. ISIN code of the shares of the Company is LT0000102279.

The accounting day of the of General Meeting of Shareholders  24 April 2023 (the persons who are shareholders of the Company at the end of accounting day of the General Meeting of Shareholders or persons authorized by them, or the persons with whom shareholders concluded the agreements on the disposal of voting right, shall have the right to attend and vote at the General Meeting of Shareholders).

The agenda of the Ordinary General Shareholders Meeting of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL includes:

1. Presentation of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL consolidated annual report for 2022.

2. Presentation of the independent auditors report on the financial statements and consolidated annual report of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL.

3. Approval of the consolidated and stand-alone financial statements for 2022 of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL.

4. Resolution regarding profit distribution of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL.

5. Decision on approval of the Remuneration Report of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL.

6. Resolution regarding purchase of own shares of the public joint-stock company Invalda INVL.

7. Resolution regarding the exercise of stock options granted to Invalda INVL Group employees in 2020.

8. Resolution regarding increase of authorised capital of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL.

9. Class, number, nominal value and minimum issue price and payment for the issued shares.

10. Cancellation of the pre-emptive right of shareholders of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL to acquire shares issued by the Company.

11. Amendment of the Articles of Association of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL and approval of the new wording of the Articles of Association.

12. Resolution regarding the number of ordinary registered shares of Invalda INVL for which employees shall be offered stock options contracts during the year 2023 and regarding the price of the shares.

13. Update of the Regulations of the Audit Committee

14. Revocation of members of the Audit Committee and election of members of the Audit Committee for a new term of office.

15. Regarding the determination of remuneration for members of the Audit Committee.

The documents related to the agenda, draft resolutions on every item of agenda, documents what have to be submitted to the General Shareholders Meeting and other information related to the shareholders rights are published on the Companys website www.invaldainvl.com , menu item Investor relations.

Shareholders have the right:

(i) to propose to supplement the agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting submitting draft resolution on every additional item of agenda or, then there is no need to make a decision - explanation of the shareholder (this right is granted to shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes). Proposal to supplement the agenda is submitted in writing sending the proposal by registered mail to the Company at Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius, Lithuania, or delivered in person to the representative of the Company or by sending proposal to the Company by email [email protected] The agenda is supplemented if the proposal is received no later than 14 days before the General Shareholders Meeting;

(ii) to propose draft resolutions on the issues already included or to be included in the agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting at any time prior to the date of the General Shareholders meeting (in writing, sending the proposal by registered mail to the Company at Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius, Lithuania, or delivered in person to the representative of the Company or by sending proposal to the Company by email [email protected]) or in writing during the General Shareholders Meeting (this right is granted to shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes);

(iii) to submit questions to the Company related to the issues of agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting in advance but no later than 3 business days prior to the General Shareholders Meeting in writing sending the proposal by registered mail to the Company at Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius, Lithuania, or delivered in person to the representative of the Company or by sending proposal to the Company by email [email protected] The company reserves the right to answer to those shareholders of the Company who can be identified and whose questions are not related to the company's confidential information or commercial secrets.

Shareholder participating at the General Shareholders Meeting and having the right to vote, must submit documents confirming personal identity. Each shareholder may authorise either a natural or a legal person to participate and to vote on the shareholder's behalf at the General Shareholders Meeting. A power of attorney issued by a natural person must be certified by a notary. The representative has the same rights as his represented shareholder at the General Shareholders Meeting. The authorized persons must have documents confirming their personal identity and power of attorney approved in the manner specified by law which must be submitted to the Company no later than before the commencement of registration for the General Shareholders Meeting. A power of attorney issued in a foreign state must be translated into Lithuanian and legalised in the manner established by law. The Company does not establish special form of power of attorney.

Shareholder is entitled to issue power of attorney by means of electronic communications for legal or natural persons to participate and to vote on its behalf at the General Shareholders Meeting. No notarisation of such authorization is required. The power of attorney issued through electronic communication means must be confirmed by the shareholder with a safe electronic signature developed by safe signature equipment and approved by a qualified certificate effective in the Republic of Lithuania. The shareholder shall inform the Company on the power of attorney issued through the means of electronic communication by e-mail [email protected] not later than on the last business day before the General Shareholders Meeting. The power of attorney and notification must be issued in writing and could be sent to the Company by electronic communication means if the transmitted information is secured and the shareholder's identity can be identified.

The Company is not providing the possibility to attend and vote at the General Shareholders Meeting through electronic means of communication. Shareholder or its representative may vote in writing by filling ballot paper and signing with a qualified electronic signature, in such a case the requirement to deliver a personal identity document does not apply. The form of the general ballot paper is published together with draft resolutions of the General Shareholders Meeting as well as on the Company's website www.invaldainvl.com.

If shareholder requests, the Company shall send the ballot paper to the requesting shareholder by registered mail or ordinary mail.

The filled ballot paper must be signed by the shareholder or its authorised representative. Document confirming the right to vote must be added to the ballot paper if an authorized person is voting. The filled and signed ballot paper must be sent by the registered mail to the Company at Gyneju str. 14, 01109 Vilnius, Lithuania, or delivered in person no later than the beginning of the General Shareholders Meeting. Shareholders may also vote by signing the voting bulletin with an electronic signature and sending it to the Company by e-mail. A duly completed and with a qualified electronic signature signed ballot paper can be sent to the company by e-mail [email protected] before the start of the general meeting of shareholders.

The person authorized to provide additional information is:

Darius Sulnis, President of Invalda INVL

E-mail [email protected]
The draft resolutions prepared by the Board of Invalda INVL (company code 121304349, registered office address Gyneju str 14, Vilnius, Lithuania) are submitted to the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on 30 April 2023.

The draft resolutions of the Ordinary General Shareholders Meeting of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL:

1. Presentation of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL consolidated annual report for 2022.

Shareholders of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL are presented with the Consolidated Annual Report of the Company for 2022 (attached). There is no voting on this issue of agenda.

2. Presentation of the independent auditors report on the financial statements and consolidated annual report of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL.

Shareholders of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL are presented with the independent auditors report on the financial statements and consolidated annual report of the Company (attached). There is no voting on this issue of agenda.

3. Approval of the consolidated and stand-alone financial statements for 2022 of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL.

To approve the consolidated and stand-alone financial statements for 2022 (attached) of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL.

4. Resolution regarding profit distribution of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL.

To approve the profit distribution of the joint-stock company Invalda INVL in accordance with the draft profit distribution proposed by the Board (attached).

5. Decision on approval of the Remuneration Report of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL.



To approve the Remuneration Report of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL for 2022 (included into the Consolidated Annual Report as Annex 4).

6. Resolution regarding purchase of own shares of the public joint-stock company Invalda INVL.

Until the day of the General Shareholders meeting the reserve for the purchase of own shares which is equal to EUR 9,888 thousand is not used.

To use the reserve (a part of it) for the purchase of own shares and to purchase shares in Invalda INVL under these conditions:

1) The goal for the purchase of own shares is to ensure shareholders a possibility to sell companys shares.

2) The maximum number of shares to be acquired  the nominal value of own shares may not exceed 1/10 of the share capital.

3) The period during which the company may purchase its own shares  18 months from the day of this resolution.

4) The maximum and minimal one share acquisition price: the maximum one share acquisition price  value of consolidated equity per one share calculated according to the last publicly announced data of the consolidated equity of Invalda INVL before the decision of the Board is taken; minimum one share acquisition price  EUR 1.

5) The conditions of the selling of the purchased shares and minimal purchase price: Purchased own shares (including the shares acquired before the adoption of this decision) may be cancelled by the decision of the General Shareholders Meeting or by the decision of the Board granted the right to acquire the shares for the employees upon conditions of the Rules for Granting Equity Incentives, or sold by the decision of the Board upon the condition that minimum sale price for one share isnt lower than value of consolidated equity per one share calculated according to the publicly announced data of the consolidated equity of Invalda INVL before the decision of the Board is taken, and the sale procedure will ensure equal possibilities for all shareholders to purchase these shares.

The Board of Invalda INVL is delegated, on the basis of this resolution and the Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania, to adopt decisions regarding purchase and sale of own shares, to organise purchase and selling procedure of own shares and to determine an order and timing for purchase and sale of own shares as well as the amount of shares and shares price, and to complete all other actions related with purchase and sale procedure of own shares.

From the date of this resolution the resolution of the General Shareholders Meeting on 30 April 2022 on the acquisition of own shares expires.

7. Resolution regarding the exercise of stock options granted to Invalda INVL Group employees in 2020.

Pursuant to the decisions of the General Meetings of Shareholders of 30 April 2020 and 1 July 2020, on the basis of which stock option agreements on the acquisition of shares of Invalda INVL in 2023 were concluded with the employees of Invalda INVL AB and companies in which more than 50% of the shares are owned by Invalda INVL, to establish that the right of the employees to acquire the said shares is exercised by submitting to the employees for subscription no more than 314,819 newly issued shares of the company.

8. Resolution regarding increase of authorised capital of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL.

Increase the authorised capital of the joint stock company Invalda INVL by additional monetary contributions from EUR 3,493,935.08 to EUR 3,585,232.59.

9. Class, number, nominal value and minimum issue price and payment for the issued shares.

The authorised capital of Invalda INVL is increased by issuing 314,819 ordinary registered shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.29.

If not all shares are subscribed for during the subscription period, the authorised capital will be increased by the sum of the nominal values of the subscribed shares. On the basis of this decision, the Board of the Company must amend the Articles of Association and the number of shares accordingly in the Articles of Association and submit the amended Articles of Association to the Registrar of Legal Entities.

To determine that when exercising the stock options granted in 2020, the minimum issue price of one share is EUR 0.35 (the minimum total issue value of these shares is EUR 110,186.65).

To instruct the Board of the Company to make all decisions necessary to exercise stock options granted in 2020, including, but not limited to, determining the exact share issue price. In accordance with the provisions of Article 45 of the Law on Companies, shares may be issued at different share issue prices during one share issue.

The issue price of the newly issued shares is paid in cash by the persons subscribing to the shares.

The subscription agreements for the issued shares are concluded until 20 July 2023.

10. Cancellation of the pre-emptive right of shareholders of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL to acquire shares issued by the Company.

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 57 of the Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania, to cancel the pre-emptive right of the shareholders of Invalda INVL to acquire 314,819 ordinary registered shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.29 each.

Priority will be revoked upon implementation of the decisions of the company's general meetings of shareholders on 30 April 2020 and 1 July 2020, on the basis of which employees of the public joint-stock company Invalda INVL and employees of the companies where more than 50 per cent of the shares are owned by the Company, signed stock option contracts to acquire ordinary registered shares of the public joint-stock company Invalda INVL. Accordingly, the pre-emptive right to acquire the newly issued 314,819 ordinary registered shares of the public joint-stock company Invalda INVL is granted to the employees of the joint stock company Invalda INVL and employees of the companies with more than 50 per cent of the shares owned by Invalda INVL, who have concluded the aforementioned option contracts and for whom the right to acquire the newly issued shares has not been revoked on the grounds established in the Rules for Granting Equity Incentives (the list of persons who are entitled to acquire the newly issued 314,819 ordinary registered shares of the public joint-stock company Invalda INVL is stored in the premises of Invalda INVL, in order to ensure the protection of the personal data the list is not published).

11. Amendment of the Articles of Association of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL and approval of the new wording of the Articles of Association.

To approve the new wording of the Articles of Association of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL (the draft Articles of Association are attached), changing the entire text of the Articles of Association (without separately approving the amendment of each clause of the Articles of Association).

To authorise Darius Sulnis, the President of the public joint stock company Invalda INVL, to sign the new wording of the Companys Articles of Association.

12. Resolution regarding the number of ordinary registered shares of Invalda INVL for which employees shall be offered stock options contracts during the year 2023 and regarding the price of the shares.

12.1. It is offered for the employees of Invalda INVL and of the companies, in which Invalda INVL owns 50%or more of shares, during the year 2023 to sign stock options contracts, on the basis of which, according to the procedures and terms established in stock options contracts, in year 2026 employees will be able to exercise the right to acquire up to 150,000 ordinary registered shares of Invalda INVL of EUR 0.29 nominal value, by paying for every acquired share EUR 1 (one). If a decision was made prior to the signing of the share purchase agreement, which stipulates payments to shareholders, the transfer price of EUR 1 (one) per share would be recalculated, reducing it by the amount paid per share. The acquisition price of the shares is fixed and does not change depending on the performance of the company and / or other group companies or the price of ordinary registered shares of Invalda INVL on the regulated market.

These stock options would be granted as a variable part of the remuneration for the year.

12.2. It is offered for the employees of Invalda INVL and of the companies, in which Invalda INVL owns 50% or more of shares, during the year 2023 to sign stock options contracts, on the basis of which, according to the procedures and terms established in stock options contracts, in year 2026 employees will be able to exercise the right to acquire up to 350,000 ordinary registered shares of Invalda INVL of EUR 0.29 nominal value, by paying for every acquired share EUR 1 (one). This number of shares will be recalculated by reducing it by an amount such that the value of the options granted will be equal to the amount indicated below. The beneficiaries of these options would be granted about 7% of the increase in the value of the net assets between 31.12.2022 (EUR 11.07 per share) and 31.12.2025 above a minimum return barrier of 12% (i.e. the right to acquire shares would be granted if the value of the net assets on 31.12.2025 exceeds EUR 15.0552 per share). If payments per share are made prior to the subscription of the share purchase agreement, the minimum return barrier (EUR 15.0552 per share) would be reduced by the amount of the payment plus 12% interest calculated from the determined date by the companys Board until 31.12.2025.

These stock options would be granted as a variable part of long-term incentive programme. The company's board is authorized to establish detailed conditions for the implementation of this programme.

13. Update of the Regulations of the Audit Committee

Approve the updated Regulations of the Audit Committee of Invalda INVL (the draft Regulations are attached).

14. Revocation of members of the Audit Committee and election of members of the Audit Committee for a new term of office.

To recall Dangute Pranckeniene and Tomas Bubinas from the Audit Committee of Invalda INVL in corpore.

For a new term of 4 (four) years to elect to the Audit Committee of Invalda INVL 3 members, two of whom are independent: Dangute Pranckeniene (independent member), Andrius Lenickas (independent member) and Tomas Bubinas. The information about the candidates for the Audit Committee members is attached.

15. Regarding the determination of remuneration for members of the Audit Committee.

To set a remuneration of no more than 200 euros per hour for work in the Audit Committee of Invalda INVL. The remuneration is paid for the hours actually spent performing the activities of a member of the Audit Committee.

The person authorized to provide additional information is:

Darius Sulnis, President of Invalda INVL

E-mail [email protected]

Attachments
Frisco, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - April 8, 2023) - Frisco, TX-based Fusion5, a leading British technology brand, announced today that it has secured funding from global fintech company SellersFi to set up a production facility in PASCO County, Florida, focusing on affordable laptops and tablet PCs. This investment highlights the company's commitment to offering accessible and budget-friendly high-quality technology products. CEO Gandhi Perla emphasizes the significance of making the latest technology available to everyone, regardless of their budget.

"Technology is an essential part of people's lives, and we are committed to providing high-spec laptops and tablets at affordable prices, allowing everyone to enjoy the benefits of cutting-edge technology," said Mr. Perla.

Pedro Chandelier Chinait, Account Manager at SellersFi, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We're honored and excited that Fusion5 chose to partner with SellersFi for the funding needed to establish a production facility in PASCO County, Florida. This facility not only solidifies Fusion5's commitment to quality but also demonstrates their dedication to creating jobs in the local community and boosting the economy. We are proud to be a part of this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have."

Fusion5 is grateful to the PASCO Economic Development Council (EDC) for its support in setting up the production facility. The company aims to create jobs in the local community and stimulate the local economy through the manufacturing of budget-friendly laptops and tablet PCs.

The Florida production facility will concentrate on producing high-quality, cost-effective laptops and tablets, positioning Fusion5 to compete with renowned players in the technology industry. Devices produced in Florida will serve the diverse needs of customers in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

About SellersFi:

SellersFi, formerly known as SellersFunding, is a global financial technology company that aims to empower e-commerce merchants seeking growth. As e-commerce evolves, SellersFi drives the fintech innovations that allow sellers and brands to focus more on growth and achieving their business goals while worrying less about funding and finance. Thousands of e-commerce sellers trust SellersFi for inventory, marketing, product launches, international expansion, and more.

For more information, please visit: www.sellersfi.com.

About Fusion5:

Fusion5, committed to customer satisfaction, offers affordable laptops and tablets without compromising quality. The company recognizes the highly competitive nature of the technology industry and dedicates itself to providing accessible, top-tier devices to its customers.

For more information, please visit: https://www.fusion5store.com.

SellersFi:

Name: Russell Walraven

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sellersfi.com

Media Contacts:

Fusion5:

Name: Lucy Johnson

US Address: 207 King Rd Ste No 104, Frisco, TX 75036 USA

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.fusion5store.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/161729
Wealth Picture Media has expanded its multimedia marketing service to include content campaigns for financial sector clients.

San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2023) - Wealth Picture Media's newly announced services include automated content creation for use on multiple channels. These range from slideshows and videos to SEO-optimized articles and blog posts.

More information can be found at: https://wealthpicturemedia.clientcabin.com

San Francisco Financial Advisor Marketing Service Launch By Wealth Picture Media

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/160541_e714df43a456ba76_001full.jpg

The latest move aims to help more businesses strengthen their online presence through hyper-local content creation. As more financial advisors and wealth management specialists seek to expand online, they need effective digital marketing services, says the agency.

Wealth Picture Media strives to help clients achieve omnipresence with its latest solutions.

By creating high-quality, targeted content that resonates with local audiences and aligns with the interests of potential clients, Wealth Picture Media helps to attract more traffic to their websites. This can lead to increased word-of-mouth referrals and ultimately more qualified clients.

One of the advantages of Wealth Picture Media's services is its hyper-targeted local content approach. By creating content that speaks directly to the concerns and interests of local audiences, Wealth Picture Media helps finance experts to establish themselves as trusted sources of information in their communities.

Wealth Picture Media provides access to specialized expertise and resources that may not be available in-house. Campaigns are optimized for reach and engagement, and analytics are provided through detailed snapshot reports.

The service is designed to help more clients achieve prominent first-page rankings on search engines. By creating pro-grade digital assets at scale, financial sector businesses can establish themselves as leaders within their field.

Wealth Picture Media CEO Cheryl Ann states: "Our team consists of writers, developers, and advertising professionals that have helped hundreds of businesses get more clients, patients, and customers in a variety of industries."

Interested parties can learn more at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-ann-wealthpicturemedia

Contact Info:

Name: Cheryl Ann

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1-510-210-3980

Organization: CAK Unlimited Ventures LLC DBA Wealth Picture Media

Address: Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States

Website: https://wealthpicturemedia.clientcabin.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160541
Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.

Crypto WealthBay has published a report on the Secure 2.0 Act that was recently signed into law, to help US employees better understand how these new laws will impact their retirement plans and decide on the investment options they should consider to protect their savings.



Crypto WealthBay's newly published report alerts retirement savers to the Secure 2.0 Acts effects on their retirement accounts and how they can take advantage of these changes.

More details about the Secure 2.0 Act's implications for retirement planners are available at https://www.cryptowealthbay.com/retirement-account-changes-for-2023

Crypto WealthBays latest report comes to shed light on the way these legislative changes will impact individuals' approach to retirement planning and also explains why these reforms will likely spur demand for precious metals for retirement investments.

The Secure Act (or the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act) was approved by then-President Trump in December 2019. The Act allowed Americans to invest more funds in tax-advantaged accounts, making it easier for them to save for retirement. The revised Act details plans for the establishment of new investment products, including precious metals coins.

We believe investors should have the choice to invest in unconventional assets to build and protect their wealth for greater diversification, Kevin L. CEO at Crypto WealthBay explained. Diversification is a cornerstone of more effective and safer retirement investing through alternative assets that arent correlated to the Mainstreet stock market.

The report outlines additional provisions of the revised Act impacting retirement savings accounts like 401(k) plans, Roth IRAs, SEP plans, SIMPLE plans, and others. Overall, these changes give employees more investment options and more ways to manage their retirement portfolios, Kevin L. @ Crypto WealthBay says.

According to the expert, the revised Act could favorably impact precious metals investing, especially silver. Because the Act calls for greater transparency in the pricing and trading of precious metals, it could help make the market fairer and more stable. Consequently, individuals with longer working careers and more disposable income may increasingly divert their retirement savings into precious metals like silver.

"Physical silver has a lower cost to entry than gold, and greater room to appreciate in this environment. Silver IRAs are becoming more favorable for retirement investors not only looking to preserve their wealth, but grow it as well," according to Kevin L. @ Crypto WealthBay.

Interested parties can find more information about Crypto WealthBay's educational resources at https://www.cryptowealthbay.com

Contact Info:

Name: Kevin Lassater

Email: Send Email

Organization: Crypto WealthBay

Address: 30 N Gould St STE R , Sheridan, Wyoming 82801, United States

Website: https://www.cryptowealthbay.com



Release ID: 89092680

If you detect any issues, problems, or errors in this press release content, kindly contact [email protected] to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 8 hours.
HOUSTON (PRWEB) April 08, 2023

Dwayne L. Mason, Intellectual Property Litigation shareholder in global law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP's Houston office, assumed the position of president of the Houston Intellectual Property Law Association (HIPLA) April 1.

Mason is the first African American to serve as president of HIPLA since its inception. He previously served as HIPLA's President Elect, Vice President, in addition to serving on the HIPLA Board and on the Diversity Committee as well as chairing the 2020 36th Annual Fall Institute on Intellectual Property Law. Mason has been an active member of HIPLA for over twenty years.

HIPLA is an organization of intellectual property lawyers and law student affiliates, primarily in the Houston, Texas area. HIPLA promotes the development and understanding of Intellectual Property Law through regular meetings, amicus briefs, and sponsored continuing legal education programs, according to its website.

Mason leads the Texas Intellectual Property Litigation Practice and focuses his practice on patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and technology-based commercial litigation. He also manages patent and trademark portfolios and assists companies in protecting and commercializing their intellectual property, including transactional matters in the technology, media, life sciences, energy, and natural resources industries. Mason has litigated numerous intellectual property disputes in various state and federal district courts, the International Trade Commission, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal and 5th Circuits, and in domestic and international arbitration proceedings before the American Arbitration Association and International Chamber of Commerce.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP Texas: Texas is important to Greenberg Traurig, LLP and the firm's history. With approximately 150 Texas lawyers in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Greenberg Traurig has deep roots in the Texas business, legal, and governmental communities. Greenberg Traurig Texas works with clients to address their interdisciplinary legal needs across the state utilizing the firm's global platform. The Texas attorneys are experienced in industries key to the state's future, including: aviation, chemicals, construction, education, energy and natural resources, financial institutions, health care, hedge funds, hospitality, infrastructure, insurance, media, medical devices, pharmaceutical and biotechnology, real estate, retail, sports, technology and software, telecommunications, transportation, and video games and esports.

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2650 attorneys in 44 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI "Highly Recommended Law Firm" for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 250. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA's Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com.

Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/greenberg_traurigs_dwayne_l_mason_elected_president_of_the_houston_intellectual_property_law_association/prweb19270117.htm
Join Us on April 15 & 16 and Discover Award-Winning Mausoleums and Cemetery Grounds  Act Now Before Prices Rise on April 17!

BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. , April 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As Easter approaches and Catholics throughout the tristate area prepare for the holiest week of the year, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark invites families to experience the peace and beauty of Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum while securing a dignified resting place for their loved ones.

On Saturday, April 15 , and Sunday, April 16, 2023 , from 8:30 am-4:30 pm , the award-winning Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum in North Arlington, NJ , is hosting a must-attend open house event. Attendees can explore an array of burial and cremation options, memorialization, and financial planning with compassionate Memorial Planning Advisors , all without any obligation.

Andrew Schafer , Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark , states, "A time of loss is a time of confusion, and final arrangements do not have to add to the uncertainty. We reach out regularly to families to inform them about the valuable benefits of pre-planning."

Experience the breathtaking mausoleum, adorned with ninety major works of art, including floor-to-ceiling mosaics and century-old stained-glass art. Holy Cross Cemetery also offers an array of resting places, including marble mausoleum crypts, glass cremation niches, and traditional family estate plots, all within 10 miles of New York City .

The open house event at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum is the perfect opportunity for families who have held onto their loved ones' cremated burial remains for three months or longer to finally provide a deserving resting place. Don't miss your chance to secure a sacred resting place at a great price, as prices will increase on April 17, 2023 .

No appointment is necessary. Visit Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum at 340 Ridge Road , North Arlington , Bergen County, New Jersey . For more information, go to www.rcancem.org/open-house-weekend-holy-cross or learn about Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark at www.rcancem.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/experience-unforgettable-art-history-and-serenity-at-the-holy-cross-cemetery-open-house-weekend--secure-your-loved-ones-legacy-today-301792766.html
By Adewale Kolawole

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) - At least 74 people were killed in Nigeria's Benue state in two separate attacks by gunmen this week, local officials and police said on Saturday, the latest clashes in an area where violence between pastoralists and farmers is common.

Violence has increased in recent years as population growth leads to an expansion of the area dedicated to farming, leaving less land available for open grazing by nomads' cattle herds.

Benue state police spokesperson Catherine Anene said 28 bodies were recovered at a camp for internally displaced people in Mgban local government area between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the attack but witnesses said gunmen arrived and started shooting, killing several people.

This followed a separate incident in the same state on Wednesday in the remote Umogidi village of Otukpo local government area, when suspected herdsmen killed villagers at a funeral, Bako Eje, the chairman for Otukpo, told Reuters.

Paul Hemba, a security adviser to the Benue state governor, said 46 bodies were recovered after Wednesday's attack.

President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement on Saturday condemned "the recent bout of killings in Benue State in which tens of people were killed in Umogidi community" and directed security forces to increase surveillance in affected areas.

Many such attacks in remote parts of Nigeria go unreported as thinly stretched security forces often respond late to distress calls by communities.

Benue is one of Nigeria's Middle Belt states, where the majority Muslim North meets the predominantly Christian South.

Competition over land use is particularly intractable in the Middle Belt, where fault lines between farmers and herders often overlap with ethnic and religious divisions.

In further violence, gunmen abducted at least 80 people in Zamfara state, a hot spot for kidnappings for ransom by armed gangs targeting remote villages, residents said on Saturday.

(Reporting by Adewale Kolawole, additional reporting by Felix Onuah in Abuja, writing MacDonald Dzirutwe, editing by Giles Elgood)
Soldiers stand on the deck of a Chinese warship as it sails during a military drill near Fuzhou, Fujian Province, near the Taiwan-controlled Matsu Islands that are close to the Chinese coast, China, April 8, 2023. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

By Thomas Peter and Josh Arslan

FUZHOU, China (Reuters) -A Chinese warship in seas facing the Taiwan Strait began live-fire drills on Saturday as Beijing launched military exercises it calls a warning against what it considers pro-independence forces in Taiwan.

The amphibious landing ship - capable of carrying troops and vehicles - fired multiple artillery rounds in the Luoyan Bay area on the coast of Fujian province, about 50 km (30 miles) northwest of the Matsu islands near the mainland that are controlled by Taiwan.

China views the democratically governed island of Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control. Taiwan's government strongly objects to China's claims.

Smoke and muzzle flares were visible on the stern of the warship as it fired shells at targets on land and at sea. Fishing boats and cargo vessels cruised nearby, steering clear of the exercise zone.

The warship did not sail towards the windswept Matsu islands, controlled by Taiwan since the Republic of China government fled to Taipei in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong's Communist forces.

The area is considered a likely early target for Beijing in the event of a military escalation.

China's Eastern Theater Command, one of the five commands of the People's Liberation Army that oversees the East China Sea including the Taiwan Strait, said combat readiness patrols would be conducted around Taiwan for three days as a "serious" warning against pro-independence forces in Taiwan and to safeguard China's territorial integrity.

Drills to the north, south and east of the island of Taiwan were also planned, after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the United States on Wednesday, infuriating Beijing.

An oil refinery worker surnamed Zhao at a village southeast of the drill area told Reuters he was used to seeing military exercises as he had grown up in the city of Qingdao, just up the coast.

"I wasn't aware that there's a drill here until I came, but I'm not surprised at all because I've seen it a lot," said Zhao, 40.

When asked about Taiwan, Zhao said he hoped the two sides could "reunite" as quickly as possible.

Forty-two Chinese fighter jets also briefly crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait on Saturday. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said it had spotted eight Chinese ships.

At the 68-Nautical-Mile tourist spot in Fujian's Pingtan, one of the closest points in China to the main island of Taiwan, a 25-year-old college student surnamed Chen said he hoped China would reclaim Taiwan during his lifetime.

"I personally hope we could reclaim Taiwan in a peaceful way," he said. "The drills are just a way to show our national strength, after all."

(Reporting by Thomas Peter and Josh Arslan; Additional reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by William Mallard)
An art piece themed on the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against Tutsis is seen at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda, April 7, 2023. Rwanda on Friday started the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group that left over one million people dead, with President Paul Kagame calling for self-determination to build a better and more prosperous country through unity, hard work, and perseverance. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

KIGALI, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Friday started the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group that left over one million people dead, with President Paul Kagame calling for self-determination to build a better and more prosperous country through unity, hard work, and perseverance.

Kagame made the remarks at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the genocide, in the capital Kigali.

"Today, we gather to honor the continued sacrifice of survivors and remember all those we lost during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, which means people were being targeted and killed for who they were," Kagame said. "We have incredible strength coming from this history that informs us and tells us that you should never allow anybody else to dictate to you how you live your life, and that is Rwanda today."

Kagame highlighted that Rwanda has undergone a transformation and that from the beginning, the people of Rwanda understood the need to cultivate and preserve a spirit of togetherness, which has given them hope for a better future.

He said denying genocide is dangerous, and it is crucial to oppose any attempts to rewrite history, adding that the most important lesson the country has learned is to transform its challenges into opportunities and also use so little to do a lot.

"There is nothing Rwandans cannot overcome through unity, hard work, and perseverance. We will forever be very grateful to those friends and partners who stood by our side, and some continue to do so in the search for justice as well as in development," the president said.

Earlier, Kagame, along with first lady Jeannette Kagame and other dignitaries, laid wreaths at the memorial before lighting the flame of remembrance to mark the start of the genocide mourning week.

This year's genocide commemoration is observed under the theme "Remember-Unite-Renew". Throughout the mourning week, the Rwandan flag will be flying at half-mast in honor of the victims.

Rwandans gathered in their respective villages to commemorate the genocide, where a wide range of discussions on national unity, reconciliation, and prevention of genocide ideology and revisionism were held.

After national mourning week, genocide commemoration activities will continue until July 4 to mark the 100-day calamity, during which over one million people, mainly Tutsi and moderate Hutus, were killed. 

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and first lady Jeannette Kagame light a flame of remembrance during the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against Tutsis at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda, April 7, 2023. Rwanda on Friday started the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group that left over one million people dead, with President Paul Kagame calling for self-determination to build a better and more prosperous country through unity, hard work, and perseverance. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

Genocide survivor Eric Mwizerwa gives his testimony during the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against Tutsis at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda, April 7, 2023. Rwanda on Friday started the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group that left over one million people dead, with President Paul Kagame calling for self-determination to build a better and more prosperous country through unity, hard work, and perseverance. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and other guests attend the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against Tutsis at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda, April 7, 2023. Rwanda on Friday started the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group that left over one million people dead, with President Paul Kagame calling for self-determination to build a better and more prosperous country through unity, hard work, and perseverance. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

Rwandan President Paul Kagame delivers a speech during the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against Tutsis at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda, April 7, 2023. Rwanda on Friday started the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group that left over one million people dead, with President Paul Kagame calling for self-determination to build a better and more prosperous country through unity, hard work, and perseverance. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)
Iraq's first lady Shanaz Ibrahim attends a protest against a drone attack that hit the vicinity of Sulaymaniyah International Airport on Friday, in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, April 9, 2023. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed

By Amina Ismail

ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) -The Iraqi government called on Turkey on Saturday to apologize for what it said was an attack on Sulaymaniyah airport in northern Iraq, saying Ankara must cease hostilities on Iraqi soil.

The Iraqi presidency said in a statement that Turkey had no legal justification to continue "intimidating civilians under the pretext that forces hostile to it are present on Iraqi soil".

"In this regard we call on the Turkish government to take responsibility and present an official apology," it said.

Lawk Ghafuri, head of foreign media affairs for the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), said a drone attack hit the vicinity of Sulaymaniyah airport on Friday but it caused no damage nor delays or suspension of flights.

A Turkish defence ministry official told Reuters no Turkish Armed Forces operation took place in that region on Friday.

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said in a statement on Saturday that its chief, Mazloum Abdi, was at the airport at the time of the alleged attack but "no harm was done".

Abdi condemned the attack on Saturday but did not mention that he was targeted.

An informed source close to the leadership of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the party that controls the Sulaimaniya area, and two Kurdish security officials also confirmed that Abdi and three U.S. military personnel were near the airport.

The three sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said no one was injured or killed in the incident.

A U.S. official confirmed there was a strike on a convoy in the area and U.S. military personnel were in it, but there were no casualties.

While Turkey views the Kurdish-led forces in Syria as terrorists and a national security threat, the United States considers the SDF as an ally that has helped drive Islamic State from vast areas of Syria.

Turkey has conducted several military operations including air strikes over the decades in northern Iraq and northern Syria against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, Islamic State and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Claims of an attack came days after Turkey closed its airspace to aircraft travelling to and from Sulaymaniyah due to what it said was intensified activity there by PKK militants.

The outlawed PKK, which has led an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, is considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

(Reporting by Amina Ismail; Additional reporting by Hatem Maher and Enas Alashray in Cairo, Ali Sultan in Sulaymaniyah, Huseyin Hayatsever in Ankara, Idrees Ali in Washington, Timour Azhari in Beuirt; Editing by Mike Harrison and Angus MacSwan)
DUBAI (Reuters) - Saudi officials have arrived in Iran to discuss procedures for reopening Riyadh's embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad after China brokered a deal to restore relations between the two regional powers, the Saudi foreign ministry said on Saturday.

After years of hostility that fueled conflicts across the Middle East, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to end their diplomatic rift and reopen their diplomatic missions in March.

Chinese President Xi Jinping helped broker the surprise deal which left the United States on the sidelines.

Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iran in 2016 after its embassy in Tehran was stormed during a dispute between the two countries over Riyadh's execution of a Shi'ite cleric.

(Reporting by Enas Alashray; writing by Maha El Dahan Editing by Angus MacSwan)
FILE PHOTO: Migrants stand near the border wall after crossing the Rio Bravo river with the intention of turning themselves in to the U.S. Border Patrol agents, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico March 30, 2023. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez

By Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration next week will begin testing faster asylum screenings for migrants caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally, the Department of Homeland Security said on Saturday, part of preparations for the end of COVID-19 border restrictions in May.

U.S. asylum officers will conduct initial asylum screenings for a small number of migrants within days while they remain in the custody of border authorities, Homeland Security spokesperson Marsha Espinosa said. The interviews will take place over the phone and migrants will have access to legal counsel during the screenings, she said.

U.S. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has implemented new border restrictions in recent months as he grapples with record numbers of migrants caught crossing illegally. Republican former President Donald Trump also used rapid asylum screenings to speed up the resolution of cases but those screenings were conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel and without the guarantee of legal representation.

Since March 2020, U.S. authorities have been able to quickly Rexpel migrants caught crossing the border illegally back to Mexico under a COVID-19 order known as Title 42. The order is set to end on May 11 along with the broader pandemic public health emergency and the Biden administration is bracing for a possible rise in crossings afterward.

The experiment with faster asylum screenings "will inform best practices" if the administration decides to apply it more broadly in the future, Espinosa said. The spokesperson declined to say where on the border it would be implemented next week.

Reuters first reported in December that Biden officials were weighing whether to use the accelerated asylum screenings among other Trump-style restrictions.

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Editing by Alistair Bell)
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (Tribune News Service)  Ben Ferencz, the last living prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials, has died at age 103, his son confirmed to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

He died in his sleep Friday night at an assisted living home in Boynton Beach, Don Ferencz said. He had just turned 103 in March.

The South Florida resident was only 27 in 1948 when he prosecuted 22 members of the Nazi killing squads in what is regarded as the biggest murder trial in history. He had never been in a courtroom before. All 22 were convicted.

Ferencz was also one of the last living witnesses of the Holocaust. As a war crimes investigator, Ferencz visited the concentration camps during the liberation and documented Nazi crimes.

Camps like Buchenwald, Mauthausen, and Dachau are vividly imprinted in my minds eye, Ferencz told the Florida Jewish Journal in 2022. Even today, when I close my eyes, I witness a deadly vision I can never forget.

Ferencz helped strengthen international law to prevent atrocities like the ones he saw from happening again. Though he is no longer here to speak of what he witnessed, his son believes that his legacy will endure.

I wouldnt say the message dies with the man, Don Ferencz said. I would say the message lives on.

Ferencz was born on March 11, 1920, in Transylvania, what is now Hungary. That same year, his family fled persecution of Hungarian Jews in Romania, moving to the Lower East Side of Manhattan in New York.

In 1940, he attended Harvard Law School on a scholarship. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, where he marched with the troops before becoming a war crimes investigator, gathering evidence that could be used in court.

Ferencz visited concentration camps as they were liberated to gather evidence of Nazi crimes, such as death registries that contained victims names. He then became the chief prosecutor in the trial of the Einsatzgruppen, the Nazi killing squads assigned to murder Jews and others deemed inferior. Einsatzgruppen was the ninth of 12 trials held by the U.S. government in occupied Germany.

It was like a contest, how many can you kill in a day, said Sharyn Bey, a friend of Ferencz who spent nearly a decade filming him for historic archives and speaking engagements. They kept immaculate records and he found the records. He had an adding machine and he said, When I got to a million, I stopped.

The court found 20 defendants guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity and two guilty of a lesser charge. Fourteen defendants were sentenced to death, more than in any other of the Nuremberg proceedings.

It is with sorrow and with hope that we here disclose the deliberate slaughter of more than a million innocent and defenseless men, women, and children, Ferencz stated in his opening remarks presented before the trial.

This was the tragic fulfillment of a program of intolerance and arrogance. Vengeance is not our goal, nor do we seek merely a just retribution. We ask this Court to affirm by international penal action mans right to live in peace and dignity regardless of his race or creed. The case we present is a plea of humanity to law.

After the trial, Ferencz worked to get survivors restitution and return their assets, he said in a newspaper interview. Later, in the 1970s, he helped establish the International Criminal Court.

He had four children, Keri, Robin, Don and Nina.

Don Ferencz recalled how, when they were growing up, his father would go around the dinner table every night and ask them, what have you done for mankind today?

There wasnt much we could report other than helping mom with the dishes and setting the table, his son said.

It wasnt until he was older that he appreciated what his father had done.

In 2022, Ferencz received a Congressional Gold Medal, though he was unable to attend the ceremony due to poor health.

Mr. Ferencz is a hero of the Jewish community who has dedicated decades of his life to combating antisemitism, prosecuting those who act on their hatred, and keeping the lessons of the Holocaust alive, said U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a Democrat who represents most of Palm Beach County and co-led the effort to honor him.

Ferencz first came to South Florida as a snowbird, spending most of his time in New York. He moved to the area more permanently in 2019, after his wife died, his son said.

He lived in an apartment in Kings Point near Delray Beach for several years, before moving to the Boynton Beach assisted living home in February.

Ferencz continued his advocacy well into his old age, both in South Florida and internationally. People from all over the world would ask Ferencz to speak, and Bey would film him from his tiny apartment. He never prepared his remarks, but he would watch the recordings afterwards and critique them.

Friends, historians, and figures within the international human rights community took to social media to commemorate Ferencz Saturday.

He was relentless in his commitment to memory, history and justice, Sara J. Bloomfield, director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, wrote in a statement. It was an honor to know him and have him donate his collection to the Museum.

Dan Skinner, who ran Ferencz website and social media, described him as a friend and mentor of more than 25 years.

I will have more to say about this over the coming days, he tweeted. But let us be filled with gratitude that we had him, in all his wisdom, for so long.

Despite the progress made since 1948, some fear that history could repeat itself. Rates of antisemitism are rising across the country and in South Florida. Internationally, war crimes continue, most recently in Russias invasion of Ukraine, which Don Ferencz said concerned his father.

Ferencz strengthened the rule of law so that the Holocaust wouldnt happen again and illegal war-making wouldnt happen again, his son said. And of course we know its happened again and again and again.

But Ferencz was always optimistic.

We are gradually moving towards a more civilized world, he told the Florida Jewish Journal in 2022.

Ferencz also leaves behind physical reminders of what he witnessed. His legal pad with notes from the trial is currently in the Library of Congress, Bey said.

That stuff is archival, its not going away, she added. What needs to be done is, this wave of racism that our country is enduring right now, it needs to be met. It needs to be met with the truth.

Don Ferencz later took up his fathers legacy, working to train NATO lawyers on the crime of aggression. He is now retired.

His fathers parenting methods often seemed to echo his beliefs about the world.

If one of his siblings made a mess, his son recalled, Ferencz would say, dont leave the place the way you found it. Leave it the way youd like to have found it.

Information from the Sun Sentinel Archives was used in this report.

2023 South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Visit sun-sentinel.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
JERUSALEM  Israel's government faced crises on multiple fronts Saturday as far-right officials denounced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's response to this week's cross-border strikes and twin attacks on civilians, and anti-government rallies decried the government's political agenda for the 14th week in a row.

Israeli police raids on one of Islam's holiest sites this week sparked a days-long spasm of violence here that, for 12 hours Thursday, threatened to spill out across the region. The military launched airstrikes on what it said were Hamas-affiliated targets in Gaza and southern Lebanon after rockets were fired into Israeli airspace from both areas, wounding one civilian and damaging buildings.

Late on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces said three rockets were fired from Syria toward Israel, one of which crossed into Israeli territory and fell in an open area in the Golan Heights in the north. The fresh rocket fire came after Netanyahu's cabinet voted unanimously on Friday in favor of limited strikes on Lebanese territory.

But even as both sides appeared to de-escalate, tensions flared again quickly by Friday evening, this time domestically, as two British Israeli sisters were shot dead in the West Bank's Jordan Valley and an Italian national was killed in Tel Aviv when a resident of the majority-Arab city of Kafr Qassem rammed his car into a crowd of tourists.

On Saturday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, according to a Pentagon readout of the call, and "underscored his support for Israel's security against all threats."

"Secretary Austin also urged steps to ensure calm and a peaceful holiday period for Jews, Muslims, and Christians," the readout said, adding that he "welcomed efforts to de-escalate tensions and emphasized the importance of refraining from unilateral actions that exacerbate tensions."

Netanyahu returned to office late last year as part of a new governing coalition, the most right-wing and religiously conservative in Israel's history. The response from the coalition's leading players this week underscored just how delicate his position has become, as the more-extreme figures on whom he depends to govern call for harsher action.

Israel's decades-long conflict stems back to the partition of the British Mandate of Palestine into Arab and Jewish states after the anti-Jewish atrocities during World War II. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced in the war that followed the partition, and the territory today is divided into the state of Israel and the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Since the new government took office in December, violence has surged in the West Bank, in particular, as Jewish settlers there have stepped up attacks against Palestinian residents and Israeli security forces carry out increasingly deadly raids targeting a new generation of Palestinian militants.

Bezalel Smotrich  a settler leader and high-ranking member of Netanyahu's cabinet  said Friday that his willingness to tolerate action that does not include more extreme measures in the territories was waning. The government has already accelerated a demolition program targeting the homes of terror suspects, a move that policy rights groups have described as collective punishment.

"The fact that checkpoints around [the West Bank city of] Nablus are open is an intolerable crime," said Smotrich, who has administrative powers over Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, in a message to supporters cited by the Times of Israel.

"We've been speaking about this for weeks. I try very hard to be loyal in outward appearances and not attack the government I am a member of, but it can't continue like this," he said.

Gallant on Saturday ordered the IDF to extend a closure on crossings into Israel from the West Bank and Gaza, despite previous announcements indicating that restrictions on movement would be eased during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The move will prevent Palestinian residents from praying at one of Islam's most sacred sites, al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City. Israeli police stormed the compound on Wednesday and Thursday night, wounding more than 40 worshipers and arresting hundreds more. Police said that 'youths' had locked themselves inside the mosque, and then thrown firecrackers and stones as officers broke into one of the main prayer halls.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a former settler activist and lawyer for settlers accused of violently attacking Palestinians, also criticized the government Thursday, this time for not responding more forcefully to the cross-border rocket attacks.

"I have a certain influence, but it's certainly not enough, and I often find myself frustrated by certain decisions," he wrote on Facebook  although news reports covering his comments also pointed out the unanimity of the decision by the security cabinet, of which he is a member.

The government has been mired in crisis since it took office four months ago, primarily over a controversial plan to weaken the Supreme Court by overhauling the country's judiciary. After months of furious street protests, Netanyahu announced in March that he was pausing his legislative push.

But on Saturday, the protests resumed as tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv and outside Israeli President Isaac Herzog's residence in Jerusalem. In Tel Aviv, the rally began with a minute's silence in honor of the victims of Friday's attacks. In the center of the crowd, a group of demonstrators held up the Italian flag to commemorate Alessandro Parini, 36, who was killed in an attack Friday night.

"Since the government was sworn in, its leaders have been engaged in a judicial coup that is tearing the people apart, neglecting our security, damaging the economy, and harming Israel's status in the world," protest leaders said in a statement shared via WhatsApp. "During this current security escalation, the ministers have been busy inciting instead of fulfilling their roles."

The judicial reform plan, which would give the government greater power to choose judges, including those presiding over Netanyahu's corruption trial, has split the country. It has pitted liberal, secular Israelis against hard-liners and religious conservatives.

In recent weeks, hundreds of thousands rallied weekly in the streets and a brief wave of strikes threatened to bring public institutions to their knees. Ultimately, it was dissent from within the government's own ranks that forced Netanyahu to press pause, after Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that it was dividing the military, and was therefore a threat to national security.

Officially, Netanyahu fired Gallant the following day, but he still remains in position, a twist that tightens the bind in which the prime minister finds himself, analysts say. Following through with the changes could stir more unrest, on the streets and in the military. But backing down could also draw more ire from within his coalition.

On Friday, Netanyahu and Gallant stood side by side at the site of the Jordan Valley attack as they vowed to catch the perpetrator. The slain sisters, Maya Dee, 20, and Rina Dee, 15, were residents of the West Bank's Efrat settlement.

"For this challenge as well, we are standing united, unified, sure of our righteousness," Netanyahu said in televised remarks. "We will act together with total backing for our forces."
The U.S. Navy released a photo Saturday of a guided-missile submarine operating in the Middle East, a show of force that comes amid growing harassment of U.S. troops in Syria and attacks on U.S. bases by Iran-backed militants.

USS Florida, an Ohio-class submarine that carries 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, entered the region Thursday and began transiting the Suez Canal the following day, Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet, said in a statement.

The vessel is deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet to help ensure regional maritime security and stability," Hawkins said.

The fleets area of responsibility includes the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.

The Navy doesnt typically choose to reveal the locations of its submarines while theyre at sea. The photo, taken Friday, was released through the Defense Departments media website.

The show of force follows the repositioning of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group in the Mediterranean Sea closer to the Middle East, as well as U.S. airstrikes on facilities in Syria used by groups affiliated with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Those actions came after a drone attack in Syria last month that killed a U.S. contractor and injured at least five service members and another contractor. Four of those troops have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries, CNN reported March 30.

The U.S. also is concerned about potential threats to merchant vessels in regional waters, according to an official familiar with the matter.

Analysts say that Iran is likely to continue its proxy attacks.

Growing relationships with Russia and China, each reliant on Iranian gas, and restored ties with Saudi Arabia could be bolstering Irans belligerence, according to regional analysts.

The attacks are going to increase until something comes to a head, said Steph Shample, a nonresident scholar with The Middle East Institute, a Washington D.C.-based think-tank. The only thing that is going to make Iran calm down and simmer down would be losing its allies and losing its support system.

In all, Iranian-backed militia forces have attacked U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria 83 times in the last two years, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told the Senate Armed Services Committee last month.

There have been four major U.S. responses, Austin said.

The military is careful to ensure we are going after the element that is responsible for whatever that activity is, he said.

Stronger but nuanced actions could make Iran hit the pause button, said Michael Pregent, a former U.S. military intelligence officer.

Appropriate responses include the targeting of the IRGCs Quds Force, the group in charge of orchestrating the attacks on U.S. positions through proxy militia groups, he said.

The Quds Force is the group we need to be targeting and targeting them very harshly over time, and that is exactly what we plan on doing, said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, speaking during the same Armed Services Committee meeting as Austin.

Still, Iran-backed militias countered retaliatory U.S. airstrikes by launching 10 rockets on March 24 at a base in northeastern Syria. The U.S. did not respond to that attack, Austin said.

Accordingly, Pregent isnt confident the U.S. will take a tougher approach, which could include targeting the IRGCs ships, advisers or commanders on the ground in Syria or Iraq.

Iran understands U.S. reticence and, accordingly, feels confident escalating the attacks, said Pregent, now a senior fellow with the Washington D.C.-based Hudson Institute.

We need to have a policy where we actually make them regret their provocations instead of reinforcing that these provocations work, he said.
A felony statute criminalizing obstruction of government proceedings can be used to prosecute members of the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.

The decision empowers prosecutors pursuing hundreds of cases involving participants in the Capitol riot, while blessing an interpretation of the law that both judges and lawmakers have argued applies to former president Donald Trump. But it also split the three-judge panel and left key questions open for future court challenges.

Judge Florence Y. Pan, a President Biden appointee, and Judge Justin Walker, a Trump appointee, ruled together for the government, despite a partial disagreement. Judge Gregory G. Katsas, also a Trump appointee, dissented.

While federal guidelines generally call for far lower sentences, obstruction of an official proceeding carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison. A misdemeanor conviction for trespassing or illegally demonstrating in the Capitol garners a sentence of a year at most.

The House committee that investigated Jan. 6 urged the Justice Department to prosecute Trump himself of obstructing Congress, and a grand jury in D.C. is investigating the former president's efforts to stay in power after losing the 2020 election. A federal judge in California has written that Trump "more likely than not" committed the obstruction crime by summoning a crowd to march on Congress.

While its impact is expansive, the ruling hinges on a narrow question - what the word "otherwise" means in the context of a law written in the wake of the Enron scandal, which involved document-shredding by the company's accountants.

The Corporate Fraud Accountability Act of 2002 holds that anyone who "corruptly- (1) alters, destroys, mutilates, or conceals a record, document, or other object, or attempts to do so, with the intent to impair the object's integrity or availability for use in an official proceeding; or (2) otherwise obstructs, influences, or impedes any official proceeding, or attempts to do so" can be punished.

Never before has the law been used outside of the context of evidence in a criminal or civil investigation. But 14 of the judges overseeing riot-related cases in D.C. federal court agreed with the government that rioters who sought to keep Congress from certifying Biden's victory were "otherwise" obstructing that proceeding. One, Trump appointee, Judge Carl J. Nichols, ruled that "otherwise" could only refer to other kinds of document-tampering, setting up the disagreement resolved by Friday's decision.

Pan, writing for the majority, called Nichols's ruling a "cramped, document-focused interpretation" that ignored the plain meaning of the words in the statute.

"We cannot assume, and think it unlikely, that Congress used expansive language to address such narrow concerns," she wrote. "We must accept, and think it far more likely, that Congress said what it meant and meant what it said."

Defense attorneys argued that such a broad reading would put many otherwise law-abiding activists at risk of lengthy felony sentences, a position Katsas endorsed.

While the riot involved "extreme conduct" not protected by the First Amendment, Katsas wrote, a "peaceful protestor in the Senate gallery" could be convicted of a felony under this interpretation for trespassing while exercising free speech rights. He argued that the law can apply beyond documents but only to people who "hinder the flow of truthful evidence to a proceeding."

Pan and Walker agreed that such concerns were alleviated by the law's requirement that a person act "corruptly." But that word caused its own disagreement in the court. Pan said it was unnecessary to define "corruptly," because the rioters' conduct fits "any proposed definition." Walker disagreed, saying "we must define that mental state to make sense of" the law. Walker said acting "corruptly" means "with an intent to procure an unlawful benefit either for himself or for some other person." In this case, he said, the government could easily argue that the crime was "an attempt to help Donald Trump unlawfully secure a professional advantage - the presidency."

"Many obstruction convictions are in serious jeopardy," said Ed Ungvarsky, who represents multiple Jan. 6 defendants. "The government pushed those cases forward on an untried legal theory and liberal reading of statute; the split shows that judges don't necessarily agree with them."

That split will likely be revisited soon; another Jan. 6 defendant, former police officer Thomas Robertson, has appealed his felony obstruction conviction over the definition of "corruptly." And Walker argues that his definition "may" be the one binding on lower courts, because it is narrower than Pan's and was critical to his joining the majority. Pan disagrees, but that contention paves the way for people found guilty under the obstruction statute to argue their convictions are invalid because the wrong definition was used.

It's also not clear how the ruling would apply in cases not involving violence; all three defendants who appealed are accused of assaulting police, and it was those allegations that the court found "clearly meets the test of independently unlawful conduct."

About 150 people have already been convicted under the obstruction charge for participation in the Jan. 6 riot; even more are awaiting trial. Five prominent members of the far-right Proud Boys group, including its former chairman, are currently on trial accused of obstructing Congress along with other crimes. At a trial in the fall, three associates of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes were acquitted of engaging in a seditious conspiracy but convicted of obstructing an official proceeding. The charge has also been used successfully against other Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, including individuals who never went inside the Capitol.

The Washington Post's Spencer S. Hsu contributed to this report.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas on Friday said he had been advised "by colleagues and others in the judiciary" that luxury trips financed by a billionaire friend and conservative activist was "personal hospitality" that did not have to be disclosed.

Thomas's statement came more than 24 hours after ProPublica reported that he had accepted trips around the globe for more than two decades, including travel on a superyacht and private jet, from Harlan Crow, a Dallas business executive and influential donor to causes related to the law and judiciary.

In the statement issued through the court's public information office, Thomas said Harlan and Kathy Crow were among the "dearest friends" of the justice and his wife, Virginia "Ginni" Thomas.

"As friends do, we have joined them on a number of family trips during the more than quarter century we have known them," Thomas said in the statement. "Early in my tenure at the Court, I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary, and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable."

Federal law mandates that top officials from the three branches of government, including the Supreme Court, file annual forms detailing their finances, outside income and spouses' sources of income, with each branch determining its own reporting standards.

Judges are prohibited from accepting gifts from anyone with business before the court. Until recently, however, the judicial branch had not clearly defined an exemption for gifts considered "personal hospitality."

Thomas noted that just last month, a committee of the Judicial Conference, the courts' policymaking body, revised those rules to be more specific.

Gifts such as an overnight stay at a personal vacation home owned by a friend remain exempt from reporting requirements. But the revised rules require disclosure when judges are treated to stays at commercial properties, such as hotels, ski resorts or other private retreats owned by a company, rather than an individual. The changes also clarify that judges must report travel by private jet, although some ethics experts said the law already anticipated that.

In his statement, Thomas noted this "new guidance."

"And, it is, of course, my intent to follow this guidance in the future," he said.

But his statement did not satisfy critics.

Stephen Gillers, a law professor and ethics expert at New York University who had earlier said the wording of previous disclosure regulations could be seen as ambiguous, nevertheless called it "breathtaking" for Thomas to "blame" unnamed judges.

"Despite the seven-figure dollar value of Crow's hospitality over the decades, Thomas apparently did no independent research at the time or in ensuing years to ensure that he was acting lawfully," Gillers wrote in an email. "Yet that was his personal responsibility under the Ethics in Government Act, which he abdicated."

ProPublica reported Thursday on an array of trips funded by Crow, saying Thomas typically spends about a week every summer at Crow's private resort in the Adirondacks. It said the justice also has vacationed at Crow's ranch in East Texas and has joined him at the Bohemian Grove, an exclusive all-male retreat in California.

It cited a nine-day trip that the Thomases took to Indonesia in 2019, shortly after the court released its final opinions of the term. That trip, which included flights on Crow's jet and island-hopping on a superyacht, would have cost the couple more than $500,000 if they had paid for it themselves, the publication said.

It is unclear exactly who attended the gatherings and thus had access to the justice.

The report prompted furious reactions from Democrats, some of whom called for Thomas, the court's senior justice, to resign. Republicans either defended Thomas's right to vacation with friends or were silent.

Thomas's one-paragraph statement left questions unanswered. The justice has said he became friends with Crow after his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1991, and it is unclear which of his colleagues or other judges he turned to for advice. None of his colleagues from the time remain on the court.

And Thomas did report one private jet trip with Crow to the Bohemian Grove retreat in California.

But after a Los Angeles Times report in 2004 on how Thomas was the court's leader in reporting gifts, there was a drastic change in the justice's reporting. During the past 18 years, Thomas has reported receiving just two gifts, according to a Washington Post review of his financial disclosure forms: One was an award from his alma mater, Yale Law School, and the other a bronze bust of Frederick Douglass given to him by Crow that's valued at $6,484.12.

It is just one of many kindnesses shown to Thomas by the Crows.

Over the years, news reports show, the business executive and his wife have funded a library wing in Thomas's honor in the justice's hometown, turned a cannery where Thomas's mother once worked into a museum, contributed to organizations connected to Ginni Thomas, a conservative activist, and financed a documentary about Thomas.

In a statement, Crow said that the couple "never asked for any of this hospitality" and that he has not tried to influence the justice on matters before the court.

"We believe Justice Thomas to be one of the greatest Americans of our time, and we believe it is important to make sure as many people as possible learn about him, remember him, and understand the ideals for which he stands," Crow said in the statement to ProPublica. "We will continue to support projects that advance this goal."

Ethics experts and court transparency advocates said Thursday that until the change in the regulations in March, the exemption for "personal hospitality" could be read as ambiguous, and they were divided on when private air travel needed to be reported.

But critics said the extravagant travel provided by the Crows - described by Thomas as "family trips" - showed the need for a specific code of conduct for the Supreme Court. The justices for years have discussed such a code, without reaching agreement.

ProPublica reported that Mark Paoletta, a lawyer and friend who has defended the Thomases, paid for his portion of one of the Crow-sponsored trips because he was a lawyer for a government agency at the time, and executive branch rules prohibited accepting the trip as a gift.

It is unclear why Thomas delayed responding to the ProPublica report, but it is characteristic of the life-tenured justices' reaction when questioned by the media or even members of Congress.

The news organization said Thomas did not respond to detailed questions about its reporting in advance of publication. He similarly did not responds to questions from The Post and other media outlets Thursday.

Some members of Congress on Thursday called on Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. to launch an investigation, although Roberts's powers to police his colleagues are limited. Roberts and a court spokeswoman have not responded to a request for comment.

When the court in January released a report saying it could not identify with certainty the person who leaked to Politico a draft of the court's opinion in a case that overturned Roe v. Wade, there were immediate questions because the report was silent on whether the justices themselves were interviewed by investigators.

The court waited a day before disclosing that the court's members participated in interviews but did not sign sworn affidavits, as others were required to do.

Thomas full statement

Harlan and Kathy Crow are among our dearest friends, and we have been friends for over twenty-five years. As friends do, we have joined them on a number of family trips during the more than quarter century we have known them. Early in my tenure at the Court, I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary, and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable. I have endeavored to follow that counsel throughout my tenure, and have always sought to comply with the disclosure guidelines. These guidelines are now being changed, as the committee of the Judicial Conference responsible for financial disclosure for the entire federal judiciary just this past month announced new guidance. And, it is, of course, my intent to follow this guidance in the future.

The Washington Post's John Wagner contributed to this report.
AUSTIN, Texas  A jury on Friday found Army Sgt. Daniel Perry guilty of murder for shooting and killing an Air Force veteran three years ago during a Black Lives Matter protest in the city, Perrys attorney confirmed.

The two-week trial ended after a jury of eight women and four men deliberated for more than 15 hours. They found Perry not guilty on a second charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Perry faces up to life in prison. Judge Cliff Brown as of Friday had not yet scheduled a sentencing hearing.

Perry, 35, was assigned to Fort Hood and had been driving the 70 miles south to Austin to work a second job with a rideshare company when he encountered protesters in the citys downtown at about 9:51 p.m. on July 25, 2020. Garrett Foster, an Air Force veteran, was among the protesters and legally carrying an AK-47-type assault rifle, according to the Austin Police Department. Perry told police that he saw Foster point the weapon at him, so he fired his own gun five times, killing the 28-year-old Foster.

Six seconds elapsed between the time that Perry turned his car onto Congress Avenue and he fired the .357 Magnum handgun that he kept between the drivers seat and the center console of his car, the evidence showed during the trial.

Guillermo Gonzalez, a Travis County prosecutor, told jurors in his opening statements last week that the evidence would show the defendant intentionally drove into the protesters.

It was Perry who engaged in unlawful use of force, Gonzalez said.

Evidence included videos of Perry describing the incident to Austin police officers  first, when he called 911 and met with officers immediately after the shooting, and about an hour later when he gave a voluntary statement at police headquarters. He also voluntarily provided his cellphone and car to be searched.

Prosecutors presented jurors with Perrys social media postings and conversations that he had with others expressing negative opinions about the social justice protests that occurred in the summer of 2020.

Clint Broden, Perrys defense attorney, said in his opening statement that the soldier had accidentally driven into the protesters because he was texting while driving. When confronted by Foster holding his assault rifle, Perry had only two-tenths of a second to react.

Broden argued it was Foster who had gone downtown prepared for combat with 130 rounds of ammunition, a metal baton and a knife.

Foster, who served in the Air Force from June 2011 until May 2013, had attended the protests almost daily with his wife, Whitney Mitchell, and his roommate. Police officers warned Foster that the way he carried his assault rifle in a front holster was dangerous, according to Perrys defense team.

Perry, who has since been reassigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, sobbed after hearing the guilty verdict, according to reports from news outlets in the courtroom.

Our hearts continue to break for the Foster family. We hope this verdict brings closure and peace to the victims family, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said.
* Over 3,100 brands from 65 countries and regions will partake in the third China International Consumer Products Expo, the first large-scale international expo after China optimized its COVID response.



* China's economic performance has gotten off to a strong start, showing robust growth momentum and raising investors' confidence.

* Experts believe that with China's economic fundamentals heading in the right direction, the country will overcome challenges and further propel the recovery of the global economy.

HAIKOU, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The tantalizing aroma of fresh coffee fills the air as staff from Italian coffee giant Illycaffe arrange their booth for the upcoming third China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), slated to open on April 10 in southern China's island province of Hainan.

Over 3,100 brands from 65 countries and regions will partake in the third CICPE, the first large-scale international expo after China optimized its COVID response. The exhibition area is set to increase by 20 percent over the previous edition, reaching 120,000 square meters.

Workers carry out construction work outside the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the upcoming third China International Consumer Products Expo, in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

China's economic performance has gotten off to a strong start, showing robust growth momentum and raising investors' confidence. This crucial factor also lured Illycaffe to join the third CICPE.

"China is very important for every brand in Italy," said Violante Avogadro, chief communication officer of Illycaffe. "We are known by a small portion of Chinese by now, and we have a strong potential of growth. So we really want to be more developed in China and to expand our business there."

FASTER-THAN-EXPECTED RECOVERY

Zhang Weiwei, general manager of a travel agency in Hainan, just returned from a tight business trip in Thailand.

"My schedule has been packed since the Spring Festival. Now we're getting even busier after China resumed more outbound group tours," said Zhang.

Behind Zhang's overfilled workload is a result of a robust, faster-than-expected economic recovery, with consumption as the spearhead.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that China's retail sales increased 3.5 percent year on year in the January-February period, reversing declines seen in the previous three months.

According to statistics from online travel agency Trip.com Group, in the first quarter, domestic air passenger traffic had recovered to about 80 percent that of the pre-pandemic level in 2019, while outbound travel is also picking up speed.

Sun Jie, CEO of Trip.com Group, said the overall recovery of the tourism industry exceeded expectations, and there are now huge opportunities for both inbound and outbound tourism.

The quick rebound illustrates the resilience of the Chinese economy and supports forecasts of further recovery.

Workers carry out construction work outside the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the upcoming third China International Consumer Products Expo, in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Eying huge market opportunities, companies from home and abroad are gearing up to further tap the potential of one of the world's most promising consumer markets at the upcoming CICPE.

Having entered the Chinese market for 30 years and as a third-time CICPE exhibitor, Thai energy drink giant Red Bull has a profound understanding of the enormous vitality and infinite opportunities the Chinese market has to offer. Its investment confidence in the Chinese market has never wavered.

"The continuous deepening of China's opening-up has provided foreign-funded enterprises with a more market-oriented, legal and international business environment, stimulated market vitality to a greater extent, and strengthened the confidence and determination of foreign enterprises to keep expanding presence in China," said Saravoot Yoovidhya, CEO of TCP Group -- the owner, manufacturer, and distributor of Red Bull.

PIVOTAL CONFIDENCE BOOSTER

Today's China has become the world's second-largest economy and a major magnet for global investors.

The expo is expected to have a larger exhibition area, more participating exhibitors and buyers, and optimize consumption supply while improving consumer confidence. It will also introduce the business environment and cooperation opportunities of Hainan Free Trade Port, help advance high-standard opening-up, and share China's massive market opportunities with the world, said Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping at a press conference.



Some exhibition booths have been set up at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the upcoming third China International Consumer Products Expo, in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Experts believe that with China's economic fundamentals heading in the right direction, the country will overcome challenges and further propel the recovery of the global economy.

China has set a GDP growth target of around 5 percent for 2023. The International Monetary Fund has raised its projection for China's economic growth in 2023 to 5.2 percent.

"Regardless of the details of the numbers, I think it's very positive for the next five years," noted Michele Geraci, former undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development at the recent Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023.

He noted that China's economic recovery and growth comes from the "revenge growth" after a few years of being constrained. "Domestic tourism and retails consumption are the two main drivers from the consumption perspective," he said.

China has reiterated the country's commitment to opening-up in recent weeks at different events, expressing willingness to share the dividends of an ultra-large consumer market and its consistent resolve to boost common development for all.

Ben Simpfendorfer, a partner at leading international management consulting firm Oliver Wyman said the striking growth the Chinese economy has registered this year, led by the strong performance of the manufacturing sector, indicates its robust growth momentum will persist in the future. 

(Reporting by Ma Yujie, Zhang Xu, Zheng Jingxia, Zhou Huimin and Chen Ziwei; Video reporters: Zhou Xuan, Wang Junfeng, Guo Liangchuan, Hong Liang, Yin Jiajie, Li Yaguang and Li Xiaohui; Video editors: Zhao Yuchao, Zhang Yuhong, Liu Ruoshi and Peng Ying.)






(Tribune News Service)  The former Boston cop accused of assaulting a U.S. Capitol police officer during the Jan. 6 riot was arraigned in a D.C. court on Thursday after he was arrested last month.

Joseph Fisher, 52, of Plymouth, is facing federal charges after he allegedly entered the Capitol on Jan. 6, pushed a chair into a Capitol police officer, and engaged in a physical altercation with the officer.

Fisher, a former Boston police officer, had his initial appearance in D.C. federal court on Thursday. He was released after agreeing to certain conditions, including participating in a mental health treatment program and undergoing drug testing.

Hes not allowed to have a firearm, but that condition does not apply to his wife whos a Boston cop.

Also, hes required to report any incidents with law enforcement, but the feds said the former cop does not have to report his social interactions with friends who are officers.

I do, Fisher said about following the release conditions.

A court-appointed counsel was approved to represent Fisher after the judge reviewed his financial information.

The Capitol rioters who backed former President Donald Trump disrupted a session of Congress as the senators and representatives counted the electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election. The Capitol breach turned deadly.

The FBI last month arrested Fisher at his Plymouth home on felony and misdemeanor charges, including assaulting a law enforcement officer and civil disorder during the breach of the Capitol.

Fisher allegedly entered the U.S. Capitol at 2:24 p.m. on Jan. 6 through the Senate Wing Door on the North side of the U.S. Capitol. Then about 15 minutes later, Fisher was in the Capitol Visitor Centers Orientation Lobby, where an altercation started between a Capitol police officer and other rioters.

As a U.S. Capitol Police Officer pursued a rioter who had deployed pepper spray, Fisher pushed a chair into the Capitol Police Officer, the feds wrote. Fisher then engaged in a physical altercation with the Capitol Police Officer. Shortly afterwards, Fisher exited the U.S. Capitol Building.

Fisher has been charged in a D.C. criminal complaint with the felony offenses of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, and obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder.

Hes facing the misdemeanor offenses of: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, acts of physical violence the Capitol grounds or building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

The next date in his case is June 13.

2023 MediaNews Group, Inc.

Visit at bostonherald.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Amid a flood of residents fleeing states that ban abortions to seek legal procedures or medication elsewhere, Idaho has become the first state to try to stem that exodus  at least for minors.

Abortion is illegal at all stages of pregnancy in Idaho and a dozen other states. The law signed by Republican Gov. Brad Little Wednesday creates a new crime of abortion trafficking, threatening prosecution for any adult who helps transport a pregnant Idaho girl to get an abortion without her parents' consent.

Abortion rights advocates and legal experts say they expect other states to follow Idahos approach  and eventually to extend interstate travel prohibitions to adults.

The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly include a right to interstate travel, but it is implied. Idahos new law attempts to skirt that issue by criminalizing only the in-state portion of a trip to another state to procure an abortion. In other words, it focuses on transportation to the Idaho state line.

Abortion opponents are testing the waters around abortion bans with this Idaho law, because state lawmakers realize theyre facing a real uphill climb in courts because of the federal right to travel, said Elizabeth Nash, principal policy associate at the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. Other states will be watching closely to see how this plays out.

Idahos travel ban is based on wording in a model abortion law proposed by the National Right to Life Committee for lawmakers to introduce in their states.

Carol Tobias, president of the anti-abortion organization, said the section of the model law on unlawful abortion trafficking of minors is intended to send a strong message that parents are responsible for their girls and nobody else should be taking their daughters to medical appointments without their knowledge.

Providing information on abortions is allowed under Idahos new criminal statute. But giving abortion pills to a pregnant girl or harboring or transporting her without a parents consent is punishable by two to five years in prison. The law also allows family members to sue any health care provider, whether in-state or out-of-state, who performs an abortion on an Idaho minor.

Rebecca Gibron, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, told the Idaho Capital Sun that her organization intends to challenge the law.

Right to travel

Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion last June, abortion rights advocates have anticipated that states where abortion is illegal would try to prevent their residents from leaving the state to legally end their pregnancies. But the implied constitutional right to interstate travel was seen as a deterrent.

In the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health decision, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in his concurring opinion that the decision does not allow a state to bar a resident from traveling to another state to obtain an abortion.

Idahos new law attempts to avoid that legal hurdle by defining the abortion trafficking crime as transporting a pregnant girl within the state. But even without that language, David Cohen, professor of law at Drexel University in Philadelphia, said Idahos law could survive legal challenges in state and federal courts. Thats because state constitutions vary widely on the question of interstate travel and the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly guarantee it.

As a result, Cohen and others say the issue likely will have to be decided by the Supreme Court.

And given how abortion changes everything, he said, theres no way to predict how the Supreme Court will rule on such a law other than to follow its views on abortion.

Parental consent

Minors make up only a small percentage of patients who receive abortions in the United States, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the roughly 620,000 Americans who received abortions in 2020, only 8.2% were girls aged 15 to 19, and only .2% or 1,333 were younger than 15.

Despite the small numbers, state laws requiring clinicians to either notify or get the consent of parents before performing abortions on a minor have been around since the 1970s, shortly after the federal right to abortion was established by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade.

But courts have since required states to include judicial bypass provisions that allow a judge to waive parental notification and consent requirements for minors in cases involving rape, sexual abuse, incest and other circumstances.

Parental consent and notice laws still exist in most states. Reproductive rights advocates argue that such laws limit minors reproductive rights.

In addition, two states  Arizona (2013) and Arkansas (2014)  have laws on the books that are similar to Idahos new law, making it a crime to help a minor get an abortion without their parents knowledge. But those laws  enacted when abortion was legal in every state  were intended to bar people from helping a minor leave the state to circumvent parental notice and consent laws. A 2005 Missouri law that required minors to get parental consent to travel for an out-of-state abortion was struck down.

Right now, these teens dont have anywhere to go, and that includes foster teens and teens whose parents may not be supportive, said Alina Salganicoff, senior vice president and director of womens health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation, which supports abortion rights. Judicial bypasses are extremely difficult and traumatic for a minor to go through and challenging to get done, particularly in a timely way.

Young people whove been victims of sexual violence are, in many cases, unlikely to report these acts and theyre extremely vulnerable. They need an adult they can trust and, in some cases, its not their parent, she said.

In Idaho, Kerry Uhlenkott, legislative coordinator for Right to Life of Idaho, said she and the new laws sponsors were motivated by a story they heard from a single mother whose teen daughter was trafficked to an abortion clinic in Oregon without her knowledge.

A school counselor became aware that the girl was pregnant and took her to a clinic in Oregon without the mothers consent, Uhlenkott said. The mother was horrified that this happened without her knowledge or consent, and she was just heartbroken that she wasnt involved in the decision. Thats what got us involved.

ABORTION LAWS BY STATE

 Parental consent is still required in 12 states where abortion remains legal: Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Carolina.

 Parental notice is required in six states where abortion is legal: Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota and Montana. And both consent and notice are required in four states where abortion is legal: Florida, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming.

 And in 11 states where abortion is banned  Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin  parental consent is still required. Parental notification is required in South Dakota and West Virginia, where nearly all abortions are banned, and in Georgia, where abortion is banned at six weeks of pregnancy, before most people know theyre pregnant.

2023 The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Visit at stateline.org.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
It's not often that a once highly touted law has so many problems, so quickly that federal officials declare a big chunk of it useless.

That's the case with section 714 of the Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017. It was designed to allow officials to fire feds faster by weakening their civil service protections. But whistleblowers were poorly protected, accountability was shoddy and much of the act was overrun by legal rulings.

That's not what President Donald Trump projected when he signed the legislation into law six years ago.

"This is one of the largest reforms to the VA in its history," Trump said during a June 2017 White House East Room signing ceremony. "It's a reform that I campaigned on, and now I am thrilled to be able to sign that promise into law ... This is a big one."

Not anymore.

The act "was used to relieve thousands of VA employees" of their jobs during the Trump administration, VA Secretary Denis McDonough told a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing two weeks ago. But a number of administrative and judicial decisions against the department, he told reporters, meant VA officials spent so much time defending the law that it interfered with other work.

"To be honest," McDonough said, "Section 714 wasn't really helping us necessarily manage our workforce as much as it was getting us ... before administrative bodies or before federal judges trying to explain this provision."

They had to explain that at least five times, according to a January summary of the decisions McDonough sent to Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. The secretary's summary said:

- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in 2020 that Section 714 "could not be applied retroactively to misconduct and performance predating" the law. Furthermore, under the ruling the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) must review not only evidence of misconduct against employees, but also their penalties "to assess whether it is supported by substantial evidence." MSPB considers appeals of "adverse actions," including demotions, suspensions and firings of federal workers.

- A 2021 ruling by the same court undercut the VA's ability to use "substantial evidence," instead of "the higher preponderance of the evidence standard" in cases involving employee misconduct.

- MSPB ruled in January that Section 714 did not include VA "hybrid" employees (those covered by more than one federal employment category), "meaning they cannot be disciplined using the enhanced authority" included in the law.

- The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), which considers disputes between federal unions and management, ruled in 2021 that the VA violated its contract with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) by failing to provide staffers performance improvement plans before taking actions involving them.

- FLRA also found the VA failed to bargain with the union over Section 714 and ordered the department to stop using that section "until retroactive impact and implementation bargaining was complete." AFGE later filed an unfair labor practice charge against the department for failing to comply with the order.

"As a result of these recent decisions, VA is currently unable to utilize Section 714 for a large portion of its workforce," McDonough wrote in a letter to Tester. "Moreover, given these recent decisions, there are few remaining practical differences between Section 714 and traditional" disciplinary measures. Similar language was used in a March 5 memo to VA officials from Assistant VA Secretary Gina M. Grosso.

Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, disagreed with McDonough's decision, arguing the "VA still needs this tool." The House panel, he added, "will continue to hold hearings on this issue to make the Accountability Act abundantly clear so that we can weed out employees who prevent VA from delivering services worthy of our veterans' sacrifice."

An AFGE spokesperson said none of its officials was available for comment. In a March statement submitted to the House, the union said "the law disproportionately harmed lower-paid federal workers and not the managers who supervised them."

Tester, who sponsored the legislation, did not criticize the VA decision. His email to The Washington Post, however, said "when the Department of Veterans Affairs can't hold bad actors accountable, everyone loses. That's why as Chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I'm pushing VA to use the current tools to get rid of incompetent employees who violate the public's trust and harm veterans."

Separately, the VA's Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP) - which was legislatively codified by the act two months after Trump's executive order created the office - still suffers reputational damage from a damning watchdog report, though it is not affected by the Section 714 decision. During the Office's first two years, it acted contrary to its authority, while it "simultaneously floundered in its mission to protect whistleblowers ..." the VA inspector general reported in 2019. "OAWP ... created an office culture that was sometimes alienating to the very individuals it was meant to protect." The VA said it is continuing to build on 17 improvements recommended by the inspector general.

Although Section 714 is no longer used, the impact of the 4,600 personnel actions taken under it remain for the affected employees.

"The decision to cease using the authority ..." a VA statement said, "to take actions against employees does not impact actions previously taken under the 714 authority."
President Dr Arif Alvi has returned the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023 for reconsideration to the Parliament as per the provisions of Article 75 of the Constitution.

The president observed that the Bill prima-facie travels beyond the competence of the Parliament and can be assailed as a colourable legislation.

He said that he thought it fit and proper to return the bill, in accordance with the Constitution, with the request for reconsideration in order to meet the scrutiny about its validity (if assailed in the Court of Law), President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release on Saturday.

The president said that after an in-depth consideration of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023, to provide for the practice and procedure of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the following aspects required due consideration: 

Article 191 of the Constitution empowered the Supreme Court to make rules regulating the practice and procedure of the Court.

Under such enabling provisions of the Constitution, the Supreme Court Rules 1980 had been made and in force duly validated and adopted by the Constitution itself.

These time-tested Rules are being followed ever since the year 1980  any tinkering with the same may tantamount to interference with the internal working of the Court, its autonomy and independence, it was added.

The Constitution was founded on the concept of trichotomy of power  three pillars of the State whose domain of power, authority and functions were defined and delineated by the Constitution itself. The Parliament has also been given the power under Article 67 that stated subject to the Constitution, a House may make rules for regulating its procedure and the conduct of its business.. Article 191 stated that subject to the Constitution and law, the Supreme Court may make rules regulating the practice and procedure of the Court.

Articles 67 & 191 are akin to each other and recognize the autonomy and independence of each other respectively  barring interference of one into the others domain.

Supreme Court of Pakistan is an independent institution as visualized by the founding fathers that in the State of Pakistan independence of judiciary shall be fully secured. With such an objective in view, Article 191 was incorporated and the Supreme Court was kept out of the law-making authority of the Parliament, the president cited another aspect.

The fourth aspect said that the competence of the Parliament to make laws stemmed from the Constitution itself.

Article 70 related to introduction and passing of Bills with respect to any matter in the Federal Legislative List  enumerated in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution.

Followed and further affirmed were the provisions of Article 142(a) that Parliament could make laws with respect to any matter in the Federal Legislative List.

Entry 55 of Part I of Fourth Schedule while empowering the Parliament to make laws in respect of jurisdiction and powers of all courts except the Supreme Court especially excluded the Supreme Court.

Thus, the Bill prima-facie travels beyond the competence of the Parliament and can be assailed as a colourable legislation, it was added.

The constitution conferred the Supreme Court with Appellate Jurisdiction (Articles 185  212), Advisory (Article 186), Review (Article 186) and Original Jurisdiction (Article 184). Article 184(3), the focus of the Bill related to the original jurisdiction of the Court  providing for the mode and manner for invoking it and providing Appeal.

The idea may be laudable but can such a purpose be achieved without amending the provisions of relevant Articles of the Constitution  established law is that the provisions of the Constitution cannot be amended by an ordinary law as the Constitution is a higher law  father of laws  a Constitution is not an ordinary law, but rather an embodiment of fundamental principles, higher law, and law above other laws, the president observed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has felicitated ISI for carrying out a brilliant operation that resulted in the arrest of the leader of Baloch National Army (BNA).

In a tweet on Saturday, he said this operation speaks of outstanding professionalism of our institutions. He said the arrest will help suppress militancy in Balochistan and usher in a new era of peace.

Heartfelt felicitations to ISI for carrying out a brilliant operation that resulted in the arrest of BNA's founder. This operation speaks of outstanding professionalism of our institutions. The arrest will help suppress militancy in Balochistan & usher in a new era of peace.  Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 8, 2023

A day earlier, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the arrest of the high-value target in a successful intelligence operation.

The military's media wing revealed that he has been a hardcore militant as well as the founder and leader of the banned outfit Baloch National Army (BNA) which came into being after the amalgamation of the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and United Baloch Army (UBA).

"BNA had been responsible for dozens of violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan including attacks on law enforcement agencies (LEAs) installations in Panjgur and Noshki," the ISPR said.

The statement mentioned that Gulzar Imam also remained as deputy to Brahamdagh Bugti in Baloch Republican Army (BRA) till 2018.

The military's media wing stated that the apprehended militant was also instrumental in the formation of Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) and remained its operational head.

"His visits to Afghanistan and India are also on the record; his linkages with hostile intelligence agencies (HIAs) are being investigated," it stated.

The ISPR further mentioned that reportedly, the hostile agencies also tried to exploit him to work against the state of Pakistan and its national interests.
Staff members work at Airbus' Tianjin final assembly line for the A320-family of jets in north China's Tianjin, Feb. 24, 2022. (Airbus China/Handout via Xinhua)

TIANJIN, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer, and its Chinese partners have signed an agreement to expand its A320 family final assembly capacity with a second line at its site in north China's Tianjin Municipality.

The deal was inked on Thursday between Airbus and Tianjin Free Trade Zone Investment Company Ltd. and Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd.

The new assembly line will contribute to Airbus's goal of producing 75 A320 family aircraft per month by 2026 throughout its global production network, Airbus said.

At present, Airbus has four assembly facilities worldwide for its A320 family, located in Toulouse in France, Hamburg in Germany, Mobile in the United States, and Tianjin in China. Its Asia final assembly line in Tianjin, known as FAL Tianjin, was put into operation in 2008 and has so far assembled more than 600 A320 family aircraft.

By the end of March 2023, the number of the Airbus fleet in service in the Chinese mainland reached more than 2,100. 
Investigators gathered evidence that Shamel had been in contact with Ms Ibram arranging a sexual exchange and she provided him her address

A man appeared in a Belfast court today accused of the vicious and frenzied knife murder of a woman in Limerick.

Appearing at Belfast Magistrates Court by videolink from custody and speaking through an interpreter, 26-year-old Habib Shamel confirmed that he understood the single charge against him, accusing him of the murder of Geila Ibram on 4 April this year.

A detective told the court he believed he could connect Shamel, of no fixed adresss, to the charge, adding that police were objecting to bail due to the risk of flight and the alleged killer posing a real danger to the safety of the public.

He outlined that around 13.30 on Tuesday afternoon, gardai were notified of a female who has been identified as Geila Ibram had been killed through numerous stab wounds of a vicious and frenzied nature.

Investigators gathered evidence that Shamel had been in contact with Ms Ibram arranging a sexual exchange and she provided him her address.

CCTV then shows the defendant entering the property at 13.28 and he leaves one minute and 52 seconds later and during the period, the victim was stabbed numerous times, said the officer.

According to the police case, Shamel left the scene and went to Limerick hospital where he was treated for injuries to his hand and he then took a bus north, dumping his identity documents with a friend in Dublin on the way.

Arriving in Belfast in the early hours of Wednesday, Shamel was arrested in the Malone area of south Belfast.

Meanwhile, a post mortem report showed that 27-year-old Ibram had sustained stab wounds to her neck, face and abdomen.

The officer confirmed to prosecuting counsel David McNeill that Shamel has no links to NI, arrived in Dublin from Afghanistan in 2020 and claimed asylum.

Defence solicitor Louise McLoughlin submitted that with a clear record and no travel documents to enable any flight, that Shamel could be granted bail.

He is religious and follows strict observances to each prayer time, said the lawyer.

Describing how Shamel prays at sunset and sunrise, cleanses himself after each prayer session and follows Ramadan fasting rules, should he be confined into a prison setting, the prison service would not be able to fully facilitate his religious observances.

Describing the murder as a very grave offence with a reasonably strong prosecution case, District Judge John Meehan refused bail due to the risk of further offences and the risk of flight.

Remanding Shamel into custody, he adjourned the case to 2 May.
A serial petty criminal with one of Irelands longest records told a judge being sent back to jail was a godsend because she could have ended up dead on the streets.

Dublin District Court heard Jennifer Armstrong (48) had clocked up 879 previous convictions by the time of her latest arrest for public order offences.

Judge Paula Murphy jailed her for two weeks, but made it concurrent to a sentence she is already serving.

Armstrong, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to public intoxication and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

Garda Sergeant Gail Smith said gardai were called to Fleet Street in Dublin city centre at 5.25pm on January 17 to deal with Armstrong who was highly intoxicated and unable to take care of herself.

At 11.55pm on January 26, she was again arrested, in Temple Bar Square. She had a glass of alcohol in her hand and used the usual language to gardai, Sgt Smith said.

Armstrong was currently serving an eight-month sentence with a release date in August, the court heard.

Every time she is released shes back out on the street, defence solicitor Eoin Lysaght said.

She was given one night in a hostel but had no money and nowhere to stay after that.

Armstrong told the judge she had been given overnight accommodation but was then on the streets for three weeks.

It was a godsend when I went into prison because I could have been found dead, she said.
The house was unoccupied at the time

Gardai are treating as suspected arson a fire that caused extensive damage to a home in Drimnagh, south Dublin on Wednesday evening.

Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at a property on Ben Madigan Road at approximately 9.20pm.

The house was unoccupied at the time.

In a statement, a spokesperson today confirmed: Gardai are investigating a suspected criminal damage by fire incident that occurred on the evening of Wednesday 5th April 2023 in the Dublin 12 area.

At approximately 9:20pm, Gardai received reports of a residence on fire on the Benmadigan Road in Drimnagh. No injuries to persons was reported.

The fire was extinguished by Dublin Fire Brigade. The residence was extensively damaged during the course of this incident.

The scene was preserved and was technically examined. Garda investigations are ongoing.

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Anyone with any information that can assist Gardai with this investigation are asked to contact Sundrive Road Garda Station on 01 6666600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
So please join us in our fight to change laws, end domestic violence and knife crime.

A BROTHER of tragic mum-of-four Ailish Walsh stabbed to death in a frenzied attack by her abusive partner wants to keep her memory alive with a foundation to combat domestic violence.

Eamonn Goulding this week launched the online appeal after his sisters killer Liam Taylor was convicted in the Old Baily of the murder.

Ailish, who was 22 weeks had been stabbed 40 times by Taylor, who she had planned to leave because of his drug taking.

Eamonn posted this week that building this foundation is a way to keep her memory alive, fighting against domestic violence and knife crime, if we can even save one person from going through what my sister had to then I and I know my sister will be happy.

So please join us in our fight to change laws, end domestic violence and knife crime.

Ailish (28), whose father found her bloodied body at her flat in London, was one of the 108 women who were killed by men in the UK during 2022.

Ailish Walsh

All their names including that of the Coolock-native were read aloud by Birmingham MP Jess Philips, which she does every year, during a recent Commons speech to honour the dead.

This week Taylor pleaded guilty to killing his girlfriend with a pair of scissors in what was described in court as an exceptionally brutal'' attack on 15 December.

The following month she was brought home to her family in Dublin where her funeral was held at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Priorswood.

Taylor, who had cocaine, cannabis and alcohol in his system, was arrested at his home early the morning after the attack.

As he was taken into custody, he told police: It's crazy how one moment of madness can change your whole life.''

At an earlier hearing, prosecutor Jane Osborne KC had said: The attack was exceptionally brutal and carried out knowing Ms Walsh was carrying the defendant's child.

The court also heard Taylor had a history of violence towards women with previous convictions for attacking female members of his family.

He was jailed for 12 months for assaulting his mother with a metal pole and cautioned for headbutting his sister when she was 16.

Judge Alexia Durran remanded Taylor into custody and adjourned sentencing for the preparation of reports.

You have pleaded guilty to the most serious offence. There can only be one sentence. The only question will be how long it will be before the parole board considers your release, she told him.
The boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, is due to appear before Sheffield Youth Court

A 12-year-old boy who has been charged with murdering a 60-year-old pillar of her community will appear in court today.

South Yorkshire Police said the boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, will appear before Sheffield Youth Court on Saturday charged with murdering grandmother Marcia Grant, who was hit by a car.

Emergency services were called at 7.10pm on Wednesday to reports a woman had been knocked down in the Greenhill area of the city.

Marcia Grant (South Yorkshire Police/PA)   South Yorkshire Police

Mrs Grants family released a statement, saying: Marcia was a warm, loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and a pillar of her community.

Her loss has already sent shockwaves through all who knew her or was lucky enough to be included in her orbit.

We ask for privacy at this time while further investigations are under way and the family try to come to terms with this enormous loss.

Floral tributes left outside a house on Hemper Lane, Greenhill, Sheffield (Dave Higgens/PA)   Dave Higgens

A number of floral tributes had been left outside the property which had police tape across the driveway.

One message read: Im so sorry for your loss.

She was a beautiful soul.
My book is finally out there, and I hope it really helps. If it even helps one woman I will be very happy

One of Irelands top models has just released her debut book, which is about the scourge of domestic violence.

Mum-of-one Monica Walsh was inspired to write heartbreaking Take Me Out Of This Hell after representing Ireland in the Mrs World contest in China in 2015.

Pageant contestants were that year asked to write an essay about domestic violence and Monica immediately thought of her godmother Kalina Cegla, who was battered to death against a radiator by her abusive husband.

When I was aged 13 my godmother, who was my mammys best friend was killed, explains Monica, who is originally from Poland but has been living in Ireland since 2004.

She was only 36 when she got killed by her husband. It was taboo at the time, nobody wanted really wanted to talk to me about it, I was too young. All I heard was Aunty is gone, but no one really talked to me about it, so thats why I didnt really like it.

I think all this anger inside me, it was kind of like I have to burst and talk about this because in so many years nobody explained it to me.

Monica Walsh representing Ireland

"I remember the first time when I represented Ireland in Mrs World in China and they asked us to talk about domestic violence, because every year theres different topics we can talk about. We had to prepare an essay to talk about domestic violence, and we had prepare an essay on it.

Monica was then inspired to focus on her own background, but opened up a Pandoras box.

So I sat down in front of my laptop and I was trying to figure out the situation with domestic violence in Ireland. and then I started to look at other countries, over whats done about it and how women can ask for support, all of those details.

I remember I stopped for a second, and I was like, hold on I had that situation in my own family. So, I started questioning my mam and because I am an adult, she told me a few things.

Monicas mum sadly passed away in 2017 and did not get to see the finished book, which includes Kalinas sad story she told her daughter.

But there are three main subjects Monica concentrates on through her research and interviews, as well as numerous emails sent to her from others which she collates.

I focus on three women and I sit down with them, she adds. One woman was afraid someone was following her, so we were sitting in the car and doing the interview.

"Then I shared some emails women sent to me asking for help and I kind of give the feedback.

Monica Walsh

The woman in the car was Irish. What happened was she was in a relationship, she was married and then the guy, her husband, lost his job and he just changed his attitude towards her and their children.

"It started from calling her bad words and disrespect and all that, and then it became physical as well. Even the children started to talk to her very rudely.

She was all shaken, she didnt know what to do, so thats why I say he was controlling her, following her. She was afraid even to meet with me because he accused her of maybe meeting another man.

So, then, obviously I said she had to change her life, and I directed her where to go, like Dolphin House. She went through all of that, and she tells how it finished in the book.

Another story involves a woman from Hungary who was married to a Spanish man. Both of them met and lived in Ireland.

They were ok in the beginning, like in love, she says, she thought she had found the one and all of that, she reflects.

Then unfortunately he started to be really abusive to her, disrespectful, all of those horrible things as well. And then she was saying how violent people can become and can change their lives. She had a child with him.

He hit her and all of that. I had pictures of her in hospital, all bruises and everything, but unfortunately she did not want it used in the book. I used her picture normally, because she was in one of the fashion shows as well. Backstage, she asked me for advice.

The third one is Margaret, her story is similar to the others. She is in England and it involves her husband.

Monica, who was married to an Irishman and has a 13-year-old son Dylan, travelled to numerous countries for her research, including South Africa and Belarus.

She had initially planned to release the book with an Irish publisher back in 2017, but problems with the cover and then Covid led to some disruption, but now she has a worldwide distributor with the UK based Austin Macauley company,

Im so happy that the book is not only here, but in Europe and Australia and US already. I have never been to the USA and the book is already there, she beams.

Thats the main goal, just to ask as many women as we can and talk to them. Its so important to make right decisions, because one decision can change your life, can change your childrens lives.

Monica's new book

"So its really in the hands of women to change their lives and by reading the stories to recognise the red flags. They can really save their lives or the childrens lives or just to spread awareness, thats the main goal.

I say in my book its women and men. I absolutely know about this because even some men contacted me and emailed me. Its really embarrassing for them, to speak. I had a photoshoot with five victims of domestic violence and one of them was a man.

The cover of the book features Monica having a bruised and battered look in makeup to illustrate the problem of domestic violence.

The problem is global, we all have the same problems, we are all human, notes Monica, who has a day job in Dublin as a Montessori teacher.

I also have many emails from other women, which I also share. I think all these women see a friend in me and they keep in touch. Every day I was coming back, and I was checking they were OK, so it kind of really touched my heart.

Then the fact they were strong enough and survive and go through all of that, you know, the story from the beginning until the end.

She hopes to use some of the profits from the book to go towards womens aid groups, but her primary reason for writing it is to highlight the problem and also offer advice.

My godmother was killed when instead of helping her, her husband just ran away, he left her to die at a radiator, she stresses.

She had two little children, it was devastating. I understand when people get cancer or they die in a car accident, so this is something we cannot prevent. But abuse in relationships, people can run away just before they are put in danger. If they wait then they could die, so I just want to talk about it.

Even in school, we should talk about relationships, whats healthy, whats not healthy because in Ireland how many women have we lost already to domestic violence, its hundreds.

Monica points out that its not just physical abuse.

There can be mental abuse from the like of coercive control, gaslighting, she maintains.

That why I have a chapter about emotional abuse because I had a lot of emails about it, that they are lovely gentleman outside the home and at work. And then they come home and they change into monsters and nobody can believe they act like that. So thats why I talk about narcissists as well, which I was not that familiar about.

Theres also trauma bonding, when a woman cannot separate from the guy because she thinks she wont be able to survive without him, either emotionally or financially, and she always goes back to him.

Ive had lots of emails where the victim really wants to leave the man, shes ready to go and then the next email I get is Im going to give him another chance.

She has been invited to charity events, where the likes of Jermaine and Latoyah Jackson have opened up to her about abuse they suffered at the hands of their father Joe.

My book is finally out there, and I hope it really helps. If it even helps one woman I will be very happy, she reflects.

My advice to anyone in an abusive relationship is to reach out to a family member or friend and tell confide in them.

Of if you notice someone whos down, or showing some physical marks try and see if you can offer any help as there may be a lot more going on than you think.
Local people gather near a collapsed mud house in Alishing district of Laghman province, Afghanistan, April 7, 2023. Seven members of a family lost their lives as the roof of their house caved in on Friday in Afghanistan's eastern Laghman province, provincial director for Natural Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, Qari Khair Mohammad Ghazi, said. (Photo by Aimal Zahir/Xinhua)

MEHTARLAM, Afghanistan, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Seven members of a family lost their lives as the roof of their house caved in on Friday in Afghanistan's eastern Laghman province, provincial director for Natural Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, Qari Khair Mohammad Ghazi, said.

According to the official, the deadly incident took place at 2:00 a.m. local time Friday in Alishing district when the roof of a mud house collapsed and killed seven members of the ill-fated family.

Five children, along with their parents, were killed. Only an eight-year-old girl survived but was in critical condition, the official further said.

In the war-torn Afghanistan, especially in rural areas, the residential houses are mostly built of mud, which is prone to natural disasters and easily gutted in rainstorms and flash floods. 

Local people gather near a collapsed mud house in Alishing district of Laghman province, Afghanistan, April 7, 2023. Seven members of a family lost their lives as the roof of their house caved in on Friday in Afghanistan's eastern Laghman province, provincial director for Natural Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, Qari Khair Mohammad Ghazi, said. (Photo by Aimal Zahir/Xinhua)
One thing is a definite; the big losers in this will be the loyalist community. I lived through this 20 years ago, she said.

An emotional Tracey Coulter relives the events leading up to the murder of her father Jackie.

Jackie Coulter(46) were killed as part of a UVF/UDA feud in August 2000 while sitting in a car on the Crumlin road.

Tracey Coulter holds her father's jacket which he was wearing the day he was killed.

Tragic Tracey Coulter  whose father was murdered in a previous loyalist feud  has pleaded for common sense to prevail among Protestant paramilitaries in North Down.

Still heartbroken over the loss of her dad Jackie, Tracey spoke out after 20 masked men appeared on the streets of Newtownards last Thursday.

For weeks now, UDA breakaway factions in North Down have been at each others throats and a huge police security operation swung into action when a number of homes were attacked in Donaghadee, Bangor and Newtownards.

Tracey Coulter hopes her words will persuade at least some of the warring factions to pull back from the brink of disaster.

One thing is a definite; the big losers in this will be the loyalist community. I lived through this 20 years ago, she said.

Father-of-four Jackie Coulter was gunned down by the UVF alongside his publican friend Bobby Mahood as they chatted in Mahoods jeep outside a bookies shop on Belfasts Crumlin Road in the summer of 2000.

Both men were connected to the UDA in the staunchly loyalist Shankill area of Belfast. And Coulter was a personal friend of notorious loyalist leader Johnny Mad Dog Adair.

Coulter (48)  a well-known loyalist bandsman  died at the scene, while Mahood passed away as he was about to undergo emergency surgery in the nearby Mater Hospital.

Jackie Coulter(46) were killed as part of a UVF/UDA feud in August 2000 while sitting in a car on the Crumlin road.

The killings  coupled with attacks on family homes  were seen as part of a power struggle for control of the Shankill, the traditional heartland of loyalism in Belfast. It in turn led to another violent internal feud inside the UDA.

The feud came to an end when gunmen with close ties to Johnny Adair and his trusted lieutenant Sam Skelly McCrory machine-gunned South East Antrim Brigadier John Grug Gregg and another man as their taxi left the ferry terminal at Belfast docks.

And the current feud in North Down involves a section of the West Belfast UDA and the South East Antrim UDA which are now based on Ulsters Gold Coast.

The savagery of the violence in Belfast 20 years ago decimated the loyalist community on the Shankill and Tracey Coulter believes the same thing could happen again in North Down.

I feel its time I shared my story and my thoughts on what I feel is about to ruin lives for ever, she told the Sunday World.

I continuously hear my daddys last words to me, and the realisation of how true his words became is actually scary.

On August 20, 2000, I was driving my daddy along the West Circular Road. It was just as the feud was beginning. The silence was deafening and he was shaking his head in disbelief.

An emotional Tracey Coulter relives the events leading up to the murder of her father Jackie.

Then he spoke, he said: This is not what I signed up for... brother against brother, friend against friend... this is not about loyalism any more. Its about drugs, money and power. And its going to turn into a Mafia-style world.

Tracey continued: I was only 21 and now Im nearly the same age as my daddy was at that time.

It simply breaks my heart as I watch his words come true, she said.

I want people to understand how traumatising it is to have your life and world crushed for ever in the blink of an eye.

And she cried uncontrollably as she recalled the moment she was told her father had been shot.

A neighbour came to my mums house and told us. Ill take it to my grave. I remember screaming when I heard the words Hes been shot.

I ran out the door into the rain I didnt know where I was going, but I followed the sound of the sirens. I still hear them to this day.

When I got to the Crumlin Road it was crowded. I ignored everyone and headed for the car. I was getting weak, but I kept running.

Young Alan McCullogh  who was later murdered, aged just 21  tried to stop me, but I was determined to get to the car. I could see a coat covering my daddys head.

I recall sobbing and asking: Is my daddy dead? Please tell me.

They nodded in confirmation and someone put me in a car to take me home. I can remember seeing Alan McCullough looking at me through the window.

The tears were streaming down his face. He knew exactly how it was to lose your daddy. He was just a baby when his daddy Bucky was murdered.

Tracey said that moment changed her life for ever.

My daddy was 46. He was shot six times alongside his friend Bobby Mahood. For what? Why? I mean why was my daddy taken from me? asked Tracey.

And 23 years later, Im still asking the same question.

I actually lost two parents that day. My mother was a strong woman, but she fell apart and my grandmother  who only passed away a few months ago  died of a broken heart. And my sisters and brothers were also devastated. Tracey believes the feud currently going on within loyalism in Bangor, Donaghadee and Newtownards will get worse before it gets better.

Im just begging those involved to stop. None of this makes sense. Lives will be ruined for ever and I mean for ever.

Please God listen to me when I say the effect of life being taken leaves a huge hole in your heart and your life will never be the same again.

You cannot put a price on life. Please, please think of your families. Think of your kids and your grannies. Please understand when I say your life is worth more than one stupid decision which could end your life or someone elses.

Tracey revealed that just four weeks after her dad was murdered, her partner Stevie McKeag  a notorious loyalist paramilitary hitman and the father of her then two year-old daughter  died of a drugs overdose aged 30.

I know the circumstances are different, but the heartache is the same.

Im asking people in North Down to please stop the violence. Life is short and precious, Tracey added.
Class-A drugs were discovered in a series of searches at Weavers Grange on the West Winds estate in the Co Down town.

Police carried out two searches in Newtownards on Friday evening.   PA

Drugs and petrol bombs linked to loyalist gangland feud have been seized by police in Newtownards.

Class A drugs were discovered in a series of searches at Weavers Grange on the West Winds estate in the Co Down town.

The cul-de-sac was at the epicentre of the two and a half week feud which ripped through the town and across North Down over the last two and a half weeks.

This is where alleged gang boss Adrian Price planned to make his last stand with a number of men bunkered down in houses in the area last weekend.

The searches, involving detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force, took place on Friday evening.

Officers seized a quantity of suspected Class A drugs from a house in the first search.

During a subsequent search of nearby wasteland, police recovered a number of suspected petrol bombs.

The feud has fizzled out with an estimated 30 families having left the area after pressure from the rival North Down UFF in Bangor.

Price was forced to quit the area and is believed to be holed up in Belfast under te protection of an organised crime boss.

Police said the searches were part of an investigation into "criminal activity linked to a feud between drugs gangs in north [County] Down".

"I want to reassure the community that we are continuing to prioritise this ongoing investigation and working to bring perpetrators to justice," Det Insp Corrigan said.

On Thursday night a crowd of more than 50 men removed paramilitary insignia from the housing development.

It came amid several days of disorder in the Ards and north Down area linked to the feud between rival loyalist factions previously associated with the Ulster Defence Association (UDA).
Homecoming. Worth the wait, she wrote.

Former Fair City star Jenny Dixon and her ex-TD husband Tom Neville have shared their delight as they brought their baby twins girls home after more than six weeks in hospital.

The Dublin actress gave birth to little girls Bell and Capri back in February and as the babies were born prematurely they have been cared for since then in the neo-natal unit in Dublins Rotunda Hospital.

Sharing the news with her followers, Jenny wrote: Homecoming. Worth the wait. A million thanks to the superstars who looked after our little princesses and everyone whos been a part of our journey."

Jenny Dixon and Tom Neville shared the news on Instagram

She added: Welcome home baby girls .. Welcome to the world Bella & Capri. May everything great come your way. Lets have adventures, lets buy the dolls, dance in the rain & go to all kinds of magical lands. Mammy & Daddy.

The words accompanied a sweet video montage of the moment the family left the hospital as well as snaps of beautiful baby girls Bella and Capri.

It shows the couple walking down the hall carrying their daughters and ringing the bell before leaving hospital.

The actor, who played Kerri-Ann Bishop in the long-running RTE soap, and the former TD announced in February that they had become parents to two daughters.

Sharing the news at the time, Jenny wrote: Bella Sky Neville and Capri Lucia Neville were born Monday 20th February 2023 (girls in neo natal and doing well), announced Jenny.

To Professor Jennifer Donnelly and the entire team of midwives and staff we thank you so much.

Former Miss World Rosanna Davison was among the first to congratulate the couple."

Congratulations to you both and welcome to the world Bella and Capri! Beautiful names, she wrote on Instagram.

Jenny (38) famously played Kerri-Ann Bishop in Fair City, until her character was stabbed to death nearly four years ago.

Tom (46) was a Fine Gael TD for Limerick county, until he lost his seat in the last election. Earlier this year he took up a new job in London.

The couple wed in Dublin in June 2019, with then Taoiseach and fellow Fine Gael politician Leo Varadkar wishing Tom and his new bride well.

Before going into acting Dubliner Jenny was a teacher. She later spent a couple of years in Los Angeles, trying her hand at acting and modelling and famously hung out with Hugh Hefner in the Playboy mansion.

Tom hails from Rathkeale and was initially co-opted to Limerick county council in 2003 to replace his father.

Following the economic crash he emigrated to Australia for four years and when Dan gave up his Dail seat in 2016 Tom ran and was elected and replaced him.

Tom has also tried his hand at acting, appearing in several short films. Earlier this year he took up a new job in London with TikTok in their brand management division.
Upcoming resealing and resurfacing work across the Western Bay and Tauranga area over the coming month will mean disruption to road users, however the benefit will be fresh roads for everyone to enjoy.

Surfacing works on State Highway 29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road will start on Tuesday, April 11, with work spread out over three weeks to allow flexibility in the programme should weather foil best laid plans.

Work will take place between the hours of 8pm and 5am, with most worksites managed via lane shifts or stop/go traffic management.

During this time road users are encouraged to consider alternative routes, as there may be delays due to the roadworks.

The key period of interest for road users will take place between April 16-18, when one direction of the SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road will be closed with traffic detoured due to narrow road widths creating a scenario where traffic cannot safely pass the worksite.

Detours via SH2, Cambridge Road and Moffat Road will be in place.

This work is important ahead of the upcoming winter period, explains Roger Brady, Bay of Plenty System Manager at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

The work we do now helps improve the surface road users drive on, but also importantly waterproofs the road structure underneath. This prevents water entering the road, which decreases the likelihood of potholes forming over winter.

We are also working through the final stages of our chipseal programme, with work taking place on both SH33 and SH36 after Easter. While the work can be disruptive at times there is a long-term benefit for everyone.

Weve had a wet summer, which has affected many regions across the country. The recent drier weather has helped us get through a significant volume of work late in the season, and we are now putting the final pieces of the puzzle into place.

Ahead of the Easter and Anzac long weekends road users are advised to use the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner before setting off for their destination.

The Holiday Journeys website is also live in the lead-up to Easter, providing an overview of when key routes will be at their busiest.
Residents on the East Coast of the North Island are once again weathering the storm, as heavy rain belts the region over the long weekend.

The region was one of the worst hit areas during Cyclone Gabrielle.

MetService has issued orange heavy rain warnings for Gisborne and Hawke's Bay, north of Napier.

A wave warning is also in place for parts of the Tai Rawhiti coast this weekend.

Combined waves of up to four and a half metres are expected from Mahanga to Potikirua Point between midday and early morning Sunday.

Civil Defence says the highest period of risk is within two hours of high tide, just before 8pm.

Hawke's Bay Civil Defence says the heaviest rains are expected to fall today and into the early hours of tomorrow.

It says all emergency services, local councils and the regional council have teams on standby.

Isolated communities are restocked with emergency supplies and State Highway Two at Devil's Elbow has been closed as a precaution.

Between 40 and 110 millimetres of rain could fall in the Esk Valley.

Along the Mangaone River, water levels are expected to exceed the temporary culvert crossing at Rissington Bridge and the pedestrian bridge at the Dartmoor crossing.

Motorists are asked to drive to the conditions and be on the watch for flooding.

Residents in Tokomaru Bay are also having to brave more bad weather.

Civil Defence controller Lillian Te Hau-Ward says services are available for whanau who feel unsafe.

Te Hau-Ward says the orange heavy warning is expected to stay in place for longer.

"Initially it was for a 32-hour period and then it got extended to I think to a 42-hour period.

"We've opened up Tuatini Marae for any whanau who were feeling a bit anxious and just needed to move."

Te Hau-Ward says the rain they were seeing now was "nothing" compared to the cyclone.

Thunderstorms possible for Northland, Auckland

Meanwhile, MetService says thunderstorms were likely in Northland and Auckland from Sunday afternoon.

It says some thunderstorms may become severe with heavy rain, hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes.

A severe thunderstorm warning may be issued, it says.
Bay of Plenty

We are looking for a storeman with an OSH forklift license. You will need to be physically for as the job is about 70% forklift...



View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz
CAIRO, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Several countries in the Middle East denounced on Friday the latest Israeli attacks on Gaza and southern Lebanon, urging all parties to de-escalate to avoid more bloodshed.

The Israeli army struck southern Lebanon and Gaza Strip late Thursday night after it accused the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), the Gaza ruler, of being behind the 34 rockets that were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel on Thursday afternoon.

No fatalities were reported in Gaza or Lebanon, but several people in the town of Qalili in southern Lebanon were lightly wounded, according to the Hebrew-language Ynet news site.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said on Friday that his country will submit an official complaint to the UN Security Council as Israel's attacks on southern Lebanon "constitute a flagrant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and UN Security Council Resolution 1701."

The Qatari Foreign Ministry voiced its strong condemnation of the Israeli attacks on Friday, urging the international community to "act urgently to compel Israel to stop its flagrant violations of international laws and force it to respect the resolutions of international legitimacy."

Also on Friday, Egypt said it is "deeply concerned" by the dangerous escalation in the region over the past 48 hours, following the Israel police raid on Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem, according to a statement released by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

The statement attributed the ongoing escalation to the Israeli assault on worshipers, which led to the missile attacks toward Israel and retaliatory airstrikes by the Israeli air forces in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Egypt also emphasized the need for all sides to exercise restraint and respond to de-escalating efforts, warning against the grave dangers looming in the region if the current wave of violence continued.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman on Friday strongly condemned recent Israeli airstrikes on "civilian areas" in southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip.

In a statement published on the ministry's website, Kanaani said the latest Israeli strikes are "a continuation" of their recent raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which Iran deemed a "desecration" of the holy place, and their forces' brutal attacks on Palestinian worshippers.

Kanaani said the attacks constitute a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and also a flagrant breach of the principles of international law and the human rights of the Palestinian people.

He called on the international community as well as the responsible international bodies to take "effective and deterrent" actions against Israel's "acts of aggression."

In a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi condemned Israel's recent "acts of aggression" against Syria and Lebanon, and stressed the need for greater unity among Muslim states in confronting such actions by Israel.

The Iranian president also denounced the "crimes" committed by Israel against Palestinians, particularly the attacks on worshipers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and "the desecration" of the holy site.

For his part, Erdogan emphasized the need for unity among the Islamic world against Israel's attacks in Palestine, particularly at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, according to a statement of the Turkish Presidency.

He suggested taking initiative to guide all parties toward "common sense" to prevent further violence, and called for joint efforts to protect the status of holy places on international platforms, such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations.

The latest round of escalation followed Israeli raids earlier this week at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, a flashpoint holy site in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israeli police forces fired gas canisters and stun grenades at Palestinian worshipers.

The Israeli raids came during a sensitive time when Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramadan with prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, while Jews were commemorating the Passover holiday.

The Israeli police said "dozens of law-breaking youths" attempted to barricade themselves inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque to incite riots. 
Join NY Cannabis Insider on April 20 for an industry meetup at the Finger Lakes Cannabis Co. in Victor, NY. Tickets available here.

Jeffrey Hoffman is a New York City-based attorney who hosts Ask Me Anything about Cannabis Legalization in New York each week on LinkedIn. Hoffman and NY Cannabis Insider have partnered to bring those sessions into print in a Q&A format.

Hoffmans practice focuses on cannabis industry clients, including licensees in the adult-use market, practitioners in the medical cannabis space, and cannabis adjacent product and service providers. He has a particular interest in social and economic equity cannabis license applicants, and he also informs and assists those convicted of cannabis offenses in getting such convictions expunged from their record. He can be reached at info@420jurist.com.

The following AMA from April 5 has been edited for length and clarity. Hoffmans next AMA is on April 12 at 4:20 p.m.

The overwhelming majority of Nassau County has opted out. I think theres a couple of places  a few blue dots  in the Nassau County map. Theres a few more places in Long Island; one of my current licensee clients is going to open on Long Island, were still waiting for some municipal approval, but hes got a space with his landlord, and I think OCM is going to be happy with it  so fingers crossed. Hell probably be opening there in the next couple of months, maybe the summer. Well see how it goes.



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I think the board needs to get much more aggressive with municipalities about this stuff. The opt-out thing was in the law: if you opted out by Dec. 31, 2021, you can always come back in, but you can never get out again. I think there needs to be a lot of pressure on the municipalities on Long Island.

Frankly, I think OCM just needs to get more draconian about this. I think they need to say, here are the limits on how you can regulate the stores that weve licensed, and state law preempts local law, so Im certain they have the power to do it. I think they really need to clamp down. You cant force the ones that opted out to opt in  that is the law. But I think you need to clamp down about a lot more of these restrictions.

I know in a lot of places, theres restrictions on distance from retail, from residential and other types of things. And I think OCM really needs to look very carefully at whats going on out on Long Island.

Youre still in your regulatory review period, where you can absolutely weigh in via regulation on this  maybe the distance requirement, the maximum distance requirement that a municipality should be allowed to move you from a residential zone should be 500 feet, or 750 feet, maybe 1,000 feet is too much.

I think theyve got to get much more draconian. I mean, theyre draconian on the marketing and advertising rules; lets get draconian on these municipalities that dont seem to like cannabis. I think there needs to be measures taken against those municipalities to force them in.

When do you think well have 100 dispensaries?

I assume you mean like open and selling products, not 100 licensees, because were over 100 dispensary licensees  now were at 165. I would guess we will have 100 open either very, very late this year or in the first quarter of next year. That would be my guess, well see. I think were up to seven or eight or nine now open in the state, but Im not exactly sure.

I was up in Schenectady on Friday or Saturday at the opening of the one up there. Obviously, weve got several in the city. Weve got one in Queens, and we got another one in Queens coming. I think Ithaca, we got the ones in the capital region. The enjoined regions are now open, so those are going to start coming. Of the 99 that they just named on Monday, I think a bunch of those are really going to sprint to try to get open. So I think it could happen late this year, but either very late this year or Q1 of next year.

What can small cannabis businesses do to keep the big corporations from steamrolling them?

There will certainly be people that will say theyre going to steamroll you no matter what. I dont think thats the case.

I do think there are problems with some of the rules that OCM is trying to promulgate, like the idea of limiting the number of licenses any one entity can be in. I know theres a lot of complaints about this two-tier system  perhaps limiting investment, and I think it certainly will limit investment. But the idea there is basically no one thats vertically integrated anywhere in the world can be in New York at all, because if youre vertically integrated, youre doing supply and retail, and if youre doing one you cant do the other in New York. Being vertically integrated elsewhere completely locks you out of New York.

Business owners need to run a really, really, really tight ship. I cant tell you how many small business owners I know that take the profits out of their company and buy boats. What are the two happiest days in a boat owners life? The day they bought the boat and the day they sold the boat. I try to tell this to my clients that go and buy boats: its going to be tough to be profitable early on, youre going to have 280E, youre going to have like, 50 to 60% effective tax rate  so its going to be tough to be profitable.

But whatever profit you have, or whatever monies you spend, dont put your family on your medical policy, dont employ all your family members for no-show jobs. Dont buy boats with whatever profits youve got. Be a really smart, tight-to-the-vest, business owner.

It seems like the OCM is dropping the ball, whats your take?

I think theres some things that theyre doing well, and some things that theyre doing poorly and some things that theyre doing very poorly. Ive said this to Axel Bernabe and said this to [OCM]. They admit their shortcomings in some places, but in some places, I think they are doing well. I wish there had been a general counsel at OCM. Or that they had empowered somebody else at OCM back when they didnt have a general counsel in the fall. Theres really smart people over there in the legal departments. They finally hired a general counsel at the January CCB meeting. But it really, really hurt not having a general counsel in the fall, when the Variscite lawsuit first hit. I mean, really, who can call the attorney generals office and say, Hey, we have a big case coming down, we need you to send your team over here so that we can brief them. Its really only the general counsel at OCM that could have made that call. And unfortunately, there was no one to make that call, so the call didnt get made.

The Attorney Generals people that were sent to make that first hearing for the Variscite case really were not prepared  not at all. If you read the judges opinion  and I would encourage everyone to go read it  he got as close as a judge will to saying, Do you people even know what case youre arguing today? It would have really helped to have had a general counsel at that point.

Good stuff is happening with the Variscite case right now. They got four of the five regions out of the [injunction], so thats not dropping the ball at all. I thought that was tremendous. I think they could have made that argument much earlier.

In some ways, they absolutely are dropping the ball. Its natural for a regulator  a regulatory body  that is just getting started and has half the staff they need. They got about 175 staff people at OCM, my guess is right now they need about 300. And they should be 500 by the end of the year. If we got any folks that are in the legislature or that work for a legislator here in New York, and I know youre here because Ive seen you at these shows before, you guys have got to think about this. Youve got to fund OCM more, youve got to.

How is the Cannabis Control Board authorized to open a special licensing process?

They absolutely can do that; 100%. The more germane question is whether this application period is open for everyone at the same time. It can be very interesting to see what happens here. In the case of ROs suing New York, weve got a state court case  the Variscite case is in federal court. This case thats in state court is going to be very, very interesting to see how this all plays out.

Again, I think most cannabis attorneys were already kind of talking about this quietly behind the scenes, wondering whos going to be the law firm that files this lawsuit, we have our answer about that. Its going to be very interesting to see what happens here. Its very hard to take away a license thats already been granted, and I think thats why OCM is now racing to give out the rest of these licenses. Were going to have another CCB meeting  it looks like on May 11  where it looks like theyre going to at least release their proposed changes to the regulations.

Is OCM still requiring folks to work for a dispensary to deliver their products?

Well, sort of. To do delivery, a dispensary is going to be able to have 25 full-time equivalents and those will have to be employees of the dispensary. And then if the dispensary needs more delivery capacity, they will be able to partner with the delivery licensees  who, I said above, need to be able to have some amount of their own product and then do overflow for the other dispensaries. But if you need more than the 25 FTE that are employees of the dispensary, you will partner with a delivery licensee and they will be able to give you additional delivery folks, thats how thats gonna work.

Who decided the awarding of contracts to Dutchie and Weedmaps?

I know Dutchie got an award; did Weedmaps? My understanding is Weedmaps model is not allowed because theyre a third-party platform. So the way Dutchie got it awarded is they responded to an RFP, which is the way by law, the state has to do things like this. So thats how the design/build partners got chosen, and the people that are now building out the CAURD dispensaries. DASNY did an RFP, firms responded and DASNY picked whomever they thought was the best response. Since you brought Dutchie, I assume youre referring to the point-of-sale deal. Dutchie responded to an RFP, and they won.
TusharK Senior - BHPian



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Honda Amaze celebrates its 10th anniversary in India







Honda currently offers three models in India, all three being sedans. According to the company, the Amaze is one out of every two Honda cars sold in India, accounting for 53% of the brand's sales in India.



Honda sold 2.6 lakh units of the first-generation Amaze between April 2013 and March 2018. The second-generation Amaze was introduced in May 2018. Since then, the carmaker has dispatched 2.7 lakh units of the compact sedan.



Today, the Amaze is available with a 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that has been updated to comply with RDE emission norms. The engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT.



The Amaze is manufactured at Honda's Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. Honda also exports the Amaze to South Africa and SAARC countries.



Link to Team-BHP News The Honda Amaze is celebrating its 10th anniversary in India. The subcompact sedan went on sale in April 2013. Over 5.3 lakh units have been sold since then.Honda currently offers three models in India, all three being sedans. According to the company, the Amaze is one out of every two Honda cars sold in India, accounting for 53% of the brand's sales in India.Honda sold 2.6 lakh units of the first-generation Amaze between April 2013 and March 2018. The second-generation Amaze was introduced in May 2018. Since then, the carmaker has dispatched 2.7 lakh units of the compact sedan.Today, the Amaze is available with a 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that has been updated to comply with RDE emission norms. The engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT.The Amaze is manufactured at Honda's Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. Honda also exports the Amaze to South Africa and SAARC countries.
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Re: Understanding Economics Quote: dragracer567 Originally Posted by The world at this point is the most uncertain it has ever been since 1989 when the USSR collapsed leaving the US as the sole superpower, leading to a wave of economic and political revolutions that built wealth at an unprecedented scale.

Thank you@dragracer567. This is one of the most erudite, well crafted and balanced posts on geo-politics I have ever read on Team BHP. This quality of writing one gets to read in places such as the Foreign Affairs Journal of Washington which I devour each month. It is a joy discussing matters with you because unlike some you never go burrowing down a jingoistic rabbit hole.



My thoughts follow on the points you have raised. Didn't think I'd let it pass did you :-)



Quote: Im no fan of the US, but this building of wealth which was unparalleled in human history - especially in the developing world was guaranteed by primarily American corporations investing and expanding worldwide in the name of globalisation along with trade secured by the US Navy along the worlds crucial arteries and chokepoints - something no other country is capable of doing to this day.



Quote: The conventional wisdom since the 2000s was that the Chinese will slowly take over this role. However, the miscalculation was that everyone assumed that the Chinese would continue to grow forever - the notion that got seriously challenged post-covid when the Chinese economic growth stalled and is a shadow of its pre-covid times. We have to keep in mind that China is still not a rich country and has a long way to go before it becomes a high-income economy. Structural issues in the economy, the inexplicable crackdowns on Chinese corporations by Uncle Xi and the horribly bad demographics... At this point, it really is possible that the Chinese economy might never surpass the US economy in nominal terms.



Quote: Not to say that the US is in a better situation - it is exhausted by two decades of war, its politics is dangerously polarised, safety is non-existent and trust in its leaders is at a historic low -- Offcourse, this was America in the 70s as well before it reinvented itself but we cant really count on precedence for the future. And all this is while the US is still the most dynamic western economy, the rest are either dependent on natural resources (Canada and Australia) or are in perennial decline (most of Europe).



Quote: What I do see happening is the world dividing into smaller fiefdoms where local landlords exercise power. Quote: --with other regional powers like Turkey and Iran while playing US and China off each other. India is also playing a crucial role here - infact there is even a Middle Eastern Quad now called I2U2 consisting of India, Israel, US and the UAE. Large countries are reclaiming their backyards with the prime example being the eye-watering investments that India is pouring into its neighbours to compete with Chinese money.

Quote: This means, yes, the US dollar will almost surely decline but what would replace would be a basket of arrangements (Narayan sir hinted about this in the Ukraine war thread but I disagreed with him then ) without an international standard such as the SWIFT system. Western systems would still be trusted more but most transactions might take place in a patchwork of bilateral arrangement.



All,



As most know there are 3 roles the USD plays today - (i) the medium of denomination ie the unit in which traded goods are priced (ii) the medium of settling traded values - that's where SWIFT comes in; and (iii) a store of wealth - which is where all those US treasury bills go. For the first, most goods, even under bilateral non-USD settlement treaties, will continue being priced in USD even if settlements are in RMB, INR or EUR etc. For the second some bilateral move away from USD will occur and is emerging very steadily. That is not going to change even if another Ukraine kind of event takes place. My guess is, as stated earlier that in two decades about 50% to 60% will still be in USD - the USD will be first amongst equals. For the third the US will learn the hard way that you cannot keep sanctioning nations and expect them to fund your pile of debt. In years to come the act of freezing Russia's $300bn of national reserves that were kept in USD will be seen as an act of monumental folly driven by a deep arrogance by USA. It has not gone unnoticed by China, India, Brazil, Saudia. No one will be very vocal but actions will speak. USA is basically borrowing to repay old debts and to fund their deficits. Every major economy outside the White world, other than Japan & South Korea, is on this bandwagon of de-dollarization of trade. This will be an interesting space to watch next one year. Thank you@dragracer567. This is one of the most erudite, well crafted and balanced posts on geo-politics I have ever read on Team BHP. This quality of writing one gets to read in places such as the Foreign Affairs Journal of Washington which I devour each month. It is a joy discussing matters with you because unlike some you never go burrowing down a jingoistic rabbit hole.My thoughts follow on the points you have raised. Didn't think I'd let it pass did you :-)Very true. If you live in a {global} village with only one truly rich landlord then to get rich yourself you need to align with him regardless of whether you like him or not. South Korea, ASEAN, Germany, Japan all rose up by aligning themselves politically and economically with USA. It came at a cost of geo-political freedom but economically it did wonders for them. In an earlier era, Canada, Australia and New Zealand benefitted similarly by aligning themselves with UK the 'mother country'. We are finally grown up in our world view that it pays to align with USA economically and to some extent militarily while walking a balancing rope in our independent relations with Russia, Middle East and China.Of course none of us can predict the next 2 decades but I agree China is not overtaking the USA any time soon. If leaders such as Hu Jingtao and Jiang Zemin had continued the long line of stable leaders without pathological egos China could have continued its inexorable ride. But Xi Jinping has in fact been a blessing for us all. He will exit only when he dies and leave behind a weaker China. On another topic I have often, especially in the post 2008 era, doubted the accuracy of Chinese GDP figures. That is another discussion that is worth a separate post.For all its faults of which there are many, by God, USA remains a young country, a very dynamic one and one which introspects publicly all the time. This helps it rejuvenate. I remember the USA is sinking story line of the 1970s Ford-Carter era rather well. Their sense of despondency then was greater than today though their divisiveness and calibre of political leaders is worse today. Unlike UK or France they are capable of flipping themselves back to shape. This introspection is something we had started doing quite well especially after Indira Gandhi's demise but alas today that can land you into serious trouble.This is good for us. We may emerge into a world of 2 big powers and three smaller powers/blocs. We would be one of the latter. One good thing under the present Govt is we are learning and executing very well on this front.Agree.All,As most know there are 3 roles the USD plays today - (i) the medium of denomination ie the unit in which traded goods are priced (ii) the medium of settling traded values - that's where SWIFT comes in; and (iii) a store of wealth - which is where all those US treasury bills go. For the first, most goods, even under bilateral non-USD settlement treaties, will continue being priced in USD even if settlements are in RMB, INR or EUR etc. For the second some bilateral move away from USD will occur and is emerging very steadily. That is not going to change even if another Ukraine kind of event takes place. My guess is, as stated earlier that in two decades about 50% to 60% will still be in USD - the USD will be first amongst equals. For the third the US will learn the hard way that you cannot keep sanctioning nations and expect them to fund your pile of debt. In years to come the act of freezing Russia's $300bn of national reserves that were kept in USD will be seen as an act of monumental folly driven by a deep arrogance by USA. It has not gone unnoticed by China, India, Brazil, Saudia. No one will be very vocal but actions will speak. USA is basically borrowing to repay old debts and to fund their deficits. Every major economy outside the White world, other than Japan & South Korea, is on this bandwagon of de-dollarization of trade. This will be an interesting space to watch next one year.
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WTF?! iPhones remain a hot target for thieves. This latest incident shows how valuable Apple's storerooms can be, involving a sophisticated operation that impacted not only the Apple Store but a neighboring business.

Regional manager Eric Marks didn't know what to think upon receiving a call informing him that burglars broke into the Seattle Coffee Gear at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Washington. The shop's clientele is so specific that he never imagined anyone would try to rob it. A talk with the police revealed that they didn't - they broke into it to reach the adjacent Apple Store.

Local Seattle news reported this week that thieves broke into an Apple Store to steal 436 iPhones worth $500,000 by drilling through a wall from an adjacent store. The evidence suggests a significant degree of planning.

Seattle Coffee Gear CEO Mike Atkinson tweeted a photo of the shop's trashed bathroom with a small but clean hole in the wall. Multiple aspects of the situation suggest the thieves had extensive foreknowledge of the layouts of both businesses.

Good morning Twitter fans! Yesterday was a weird day...



1. Two men broke into one of our retail locations. Why? To cut a hole in our bathroom wall to access the Apple Store next door and steal $500k worth of IphonesAAA



2. Later that night on the way to the grocery store my wife... pic.twitter.com/DcUld6ULEd --- Mike Atkinson (@coffeemikeatkin) April 4, 2023

The perpetrators broke in after operating hours and managed to drill the hole without hitting any pipes. Publicly available maps reveal the cafe sits right next to the Apple Store, but Marks said he never suspected the stores were connected. Nonetheless, knowing precisely where to drill in the bathroom to reach the Apple Store's storeroom would have required precision.

Police have surveillance footage of the robbery but haven't yet released it pending an investigation. Marks said the coffee shop only suffered around $1,500 in damages, about the cost of a 1TB iPhone 14 Pro.

The Cupertino giant has yet to comment on the incident. The company is known to be able to track and deactivate the stolen iPhones, making the entire robbery, as elaborate as it was, pointless.

Apple's flagship Amsterdam store suffered a particularly violent armed robbery last February. A man took hostages inside the store, and his escape was foiled when the police hit him with a car.

Even outside Apple Stores, people have tried to illicitly profit from mass quantities of iPhones. Smugglers frequently get caught trying to sneak the devices and other hardware into mainland China through ports in Hong Kong and Macau to avoid import duties and exploit regional price differences, often by strapping them to their bodies under their clothes.
Marmathan Tirmur helps his bride Gulihan Zangabili arrange ornaments on her hands at their new home in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

URUMQI, April 8 (Xinhua) -- "Happy wedding!" A rousing cheer burst out at a distinctive wedding ceremony featuring ethnic Tajik traditions, where Gulihan Zangabili and her better half tied the knot.

Lasting for three days, the vibrant and joyful event at Fumin Village brought vigor and happiness to the villagers living on the Pamir Plateau, in the far west of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

For the 25-year-old ethnic Tajik bride and her groom Marmathan Tirmur, having fallen in love more than three years ago, a traditional wedding ceremony was at the top of their to-do list.

"Now our standards of living allow us to choose many ways to perform our wedding, but we still prefer to do so with such a traditional ceremony," said the groom.

Inscribed on the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2008, the wedding customs of the Tajik ethnic group maintain unique traditions and are always described as festivals of music, dance and food to showcase the resplendent newlyweds and their propitious marriage.

Last month, without a hair out of place, Gulihan Zangabili, dressed head to toe in traditional costume and adorned in a red and white veil, married Marmathan Tirmur, describing the wedding as a dream realized.

During the wedding, the traditional costume-clad groom had his face painted with traditional facial makeup and adorned with over sixty white dots, symbolizing good luck.

Throughout the wedding festivities, the couple's loved ones congregated from nearby villages to join in the celebration. Some of them played traditional Tajik musical instruments, such as the eagle flute and tambourine, and performed inspiring festive dances, while others lent their hands to prepare local specialties, including naan bread and pilaf.

Furthermore, the event's long-lasting atmosphere of joy, harmony and warmth, which fills every moment and leaves every participant thoroughly immersed and captivated, draws not only locals but also tourists from across the country to the small village, to share joy and happiness together.

"The wedding is really special and lively, and we are lucky to see such an impressive ethnic wedding in Xinjiang," said a tourist surnamed Huang, from Beijing, dazzled by the splendid ceremony.

However, Sultanbagim Yiblayim, 61, Gulihan Zangabili's mother-in-law, could never imagine the booming popularity of their traditions and ballooning tourism. "When I got married, it took me about seven days to get to my husband's house in another village on horseback. This seems inconceivable today."

Nowadays, automobiles have replaced horses as the most common means of transportation for the villagers. The road network between the villages and the counties is also well-appointed, and it takes less than 20 minutes to drive from Fumin Village to the county seat of Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County.

A relative applies makeup around the eyes of the groom Marmathan Tirmur before the wedding in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

While enjoying the convenience of modern life, ethnic Tajik people also choose to stick to some traditions. Gulihan Zangabili's family bought a brand-new washing machine and a refrigerator for the couple as wedding gifts, along with handmade embroidery works, decorated with patterns such as fire and sun, which represent ethnic Tajik people's love for nature.

According to the data of the local rural revitalization bureau, the local government in 2017 started to implement the Tatikuli relocation project, helping more than 1,400 farmers and herdsmen in five townships of the county to move into new houses near the county seat from remote mountainous areas.

"Because of the continuous progress of rural revitalization work, the quality of life of the villagers has been greatly improved compared with before," said Elken Yusain, head of the bureau.

Brimming with bliss, Marmathan Tirmur told Xinhua that because of the opportunity created by this project, his wife moved from her birthplace, a small and remote village in the mountains, to Fumin Village in 2018, and that's when the two met each other. "Thanks to the relocation policy, we were given more opportunities than we would have had otherwise," he said.

"If it weren't for relocation, it would have been very difficult for the couple to meet, let alone make such a good marriage," said Zangabili Mainik, the bride's father. 
The increased surveillance of Singpass users' data by the police and other government agencies to pinpoint, investigate, and stop fraudulent use of the app has been met with a mix of concern and gratitude.

UK Government Initiatives to Address The Misuse of Singpass Credentials Globally

According to the story by The Strait Times, while necessary measures to combat fraudulent activities, particularly those in which citizens' hard-earned money and personal data are at stake, have been welcomed, the deeper question of where such resources should be spent has been posed.

It is not only in Singapore that the misuse of Singpass credentials has become a problem. Globally, unlawful activities such as phishing and money laundering utilizing digital identities have increased, and governments worldwide have responded.

For instance, two concurrent pieces of legislation were recently enforced in the United Kingdom - The Cyber Streetwise initiative and a Steering Group on Authenticators.

Enhancing Online Security for Businesses and Individuals

The former, part of the UK Government's wider National Cyber Security Programme, aims to increase online security for businesses and individuals by guiding various security topics, from basic awareness of scams to measures to guard against data breaches.

The Steering Group on Authenticators was formed to review current processes and determine possibilities for enhancing the security of digital accounts. In Singapore, the steps towards increasing Singpass surveillance are part of a larger effort to protect the nation's digital infrastructure better and contain the entry of money mules.

Parliament reportedly discussed phishing scams in February after a phishing scam affected hundreds of OCBC customers, per Channel News Asia.

The Singapore Government's Crackdown on Singpass Misuse

Consequently, those caught selling their Singpass details to scammers can face imprisonment for up to three years and a hefty fine of $10,000, as explained further by the official police force. The police have also warned about the possibility of scam callers utilizing the local phone prefix to mask their true identity.

Broadcast messages from phone networks such as Singtel caution the public against answering overseas calls with a '+' sign before the area code. In-built applications such as ScamShield flag suspicious calls based on a database of blocked contacts.

Ultimately, the fight against phishing, money laundering, and other unlawful activities necessitates an elevated level of reconnaissance by both the authorities and the public. The Singapore government's recent clampdown on Singpass misuse reflects this. With the police using data to pre-emptively thwart potential scams, the risk of becoming a money mule victim can significantly diminish.

Read Also: UK to Test Public Warning System, Nationwide Alert to Be Sent to Mobile Phones Soon

Be Wary of Unexpected Calls and Undisclosed Personal Information

Thus, individuals should remain vigilant and wary when receiving unexpected calls, as they are often a telltale sign of a scam. It is also important to never disclose personal information over the phone or online, particularly as fraudsters may have access to records actively traded on the Dark Web.

It can use the user's details to appear more credible. Instead, victims should hang up and call back the relevant numbers on their credit cards to validate the information.

Related Article: Western Digital Hack Update: My Cloud Data Remains Inaccessible; How Serious Is This Security Breach?

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
An air quality monitoring instrument has been launched by NASA into a fixed-rotation orbit around Earth that will observe harmful airborne pollutants in the atmosphere, including nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and ground-level ozone.

(Photo : NASA)

NASAs Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) instrument launched 12:30 a.m. EDT Friday, April 7 as a payload on Intelsat 40E aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Launching TEMPO

NASA launched to geostationary orbit the Tropospheric Emissions Monitoring of Pollution instrument, also known as TEMPO, that will monitor several major airborne pollutants in the atmosphere. NASA said in its press release that this is an effort to provide an innovative approach for researchers that observe air quality from space.

TEMPO has successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Station in Florida through a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The instrument was a payload on the satellite Intelsat 40E and separated from the rocket 32 minutes after its launch without any incidents. NASA paid SpaceX for this launch to be more budget-friendly compared to sending up its own rocket.

As per NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, this mission was not launched only to explore air pollution as it also aims to improve life on Earth. TEMPO's data will help improve air quality in North America by monitoring the cause and effects all the way from traffic pollution to forest fires and volcanoes.

Air Quality Monitoring

TEMPO will be the first instrument in space to measure air quality in North America every hour during the daytime and will begin producing findings by the end of May or early June. Compared to the existing limits of about 100 square miles in the United States, NASA's air quality monitoring instrument will present much-improved data.

Space reported that this instrument will contribute major findings in the future as it delivers scientific analysis of pollution, like studies of rush hour pollution, alerts for improved air quality, effects of lightning on ozone, movement of pollution from forest fires and volcanoes, and effects of fertilizer application.

It will also improve data records on air pollution, including ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde, for countries like the United States, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, the Bahamas, and the island of Hispaniola.

NASA's Earth Sciences Division Karen St. Germain stated that everyone from community and industry leaders would be able to access air quality information at a higher level of detail for both the time and location. This effort will also provide information to provide solutions in order to solve air pollution.

Also Read: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Spots 4 Incredibly Distant Galaxies, Formed in Early Universe

Engadget reported that TEMPO is the middle child among the high-powered instruments that track pollution. In 2020, South Korea's Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer launched an instrument to measure pollution in Asia.

Meanwhile, the European Space Agency will launch the Sentinel-4 satellite in 2024 to handle the measurement in Europe and North Africa. This is just the beginning of some of the tracking satellites as TEMPO will eventually be joined by other instruments in the great black, including NASA's, to measure the planet's crust.

Related Article: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Captures Bizarre Runaway Black Hole

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
As technology progresses, so do the products created to make life easier. While it's convenient to have powerful home security and surveillance systems, many companies find it necessary to update their products or discontinue those no longer in use.

The End of an Era: Discontinuation of Google's Support for Dropcam and Nest Secure

According to the story by The Verge, Google announced they will end their support of two popular home security systems, Dropcam and Nest Secure, on April 8th, 2024.

Google's decision to discontinue its support of the systems is not unwarranted. After Google bought Nest back in 2015 and spun it out in 2018 as its own company, efforts have been made to integrate Nest's products into Google Home.

Considering the Dropcam and Nest Secure are among the few remaining Nest products that haven't been brought to Google Home, there was likely a need to discontinue the products to move forward in the digital age.

Offer from Google to Help Dropcam Users Transition Easily

To help ease the blow of the transition, Google is offering a free indoor wired Nest Cam to Dropcam owners who are subscribed to Nest Aware, as well as a 50 percent-off coupon to those who are not. Previously, Google promised support for its Nest products for at least five years, per ARS Technica.

Additionally, a promotion is running until May 7th, 2024, allowing existing Dropcam users to keep using their cameras until it stops working. Google has released a statement informing Nest Secure owners of an exclusive offer for a complimentary next-generation security system from ADT, valid through May 7th, 2024.

This offer includes an ADT smart home hub, two door/window sensors, a motion sensor, and one year of free monitoring. The offer does not come without drawbacks, as customers may not be thrilled to have to switch to a traditional security company.

Google's Commitment to Nest Products: Keeping True to the Digital Age

The end of Google's support for the Dropcam and Nest Secure systems and its discontinuation of the Works With Nest Connections has left the Nest Protect smart smoke alarms as the only surviving Nest App-only devices.

Upon its release, Google has promised to bring them to their newly-updated Google Home app, although a firm date has yet to be announced. Google has committed to supporting Nest products for at least five years, something it has kept true to, despite any changes that may have come against it in the digital age.

Even with standards of upgrades or changes and the push to stay current with technology, some customers may feel frustrated by purchasing a new system after their investments in the previous ones.

Read Also: Google: WebGPU to Enhance In-Browser Gaming as Default Feature in the Upcoming Chrome 113

Google and ADT Offering Support to Legacy Nest Users During Transition

Thankfully, Google's offers of a free indoor wired Nest Cam and exclusive discounts from ADT soften the blow of the transition for many previous users. However, it was noted that not all Alexa skill didn't support all IFTT integration features.

As the last few legacy Works with Nest connections are wound down, those holding onto a Dropcam for over a decade can surely appreciate the years of use they've gotten out of their system.

Related Article: Google to Restrict Loan Apps from Accessing User Photos, Contacts

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Amidst the ongoing legal battles of the short-word social media, Twitter reportedly sees another executive leave the company left without one senior member of its legal team. Elon Musk is facing significant lawsuits in his era as Twitter's leader, with the most recent one coming from Germany, also while facing the wrath of the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

There are still no confirmations behind this senior executive's departure, but it has become quite a buzz among the outlets and claims online, with Twitter and Musk left without the senior legal officer.

Twitter's Senior Lawyer Resigns Amidst Problems, As Per Reports

(Photo : SAMUEL CORUM/AFP via Getty Images)

New York Times has reported that several sources who are familiar with what is happening over at Twitter claim that its senior lawyer, Christian Dowell, has recently left the company without any confirmation or notice about it. Still, it is yet to be confirmed by the company and its executives whether this happened or it may be a fluke.

Despite the vagueness of this event, it could mean that Twitter may be facing significant trouble in its legal team, amidst the many problems that it is facing in the present.

Dowell's role in the company is massive, and he attended to the matters with the FTC inquiries, and according to Ars Technica, the executive was "intimately involved" with it.

Read Also: Twitter Removes New York Times' Verified Check Mark - Will the Publication Pay for the Badge?

Musk, Twitter Facing Legal Battles Without Senior Lawyer

Should this latest report be real and Dowell finally confirms his resignation, this would leave Twitter with one executive who is familiar with the many legal problems that the company is facing, particularly with several he oversees.

This senior lawyer is one of the key members of Twitter's legal team and has helped save it from multiple cases already. Dowell joined Twitter's legal team in 2020, as per the reports.

Twitter and Elon Musk's Lawsuits

Dowell is one of the top executives in its legal division, centering on leading the product legal counsel, which is frankly one of the divisions of the company that is facing heavy fire at the moment. He has been involved in a prolific case in the company, including the FTC's call upon the company to turn over its internal communications with Elon Musk.

There is also a complaint from another EU member country, Germany, which claims that Twitter neglected and allowed hate speech to proliferate on the platform. This is now another problem that Musk and Twitter are facing, centering on a breach of the country's Network Enforcement Act, and could be facing a fine of up to $54.7 million.

It is yet unknown if Dowell was laid off without notice, as apparently, it is reportedly a thing over at Twitter, without any formal discussions about it and the missing severance package. This senior lawyer is an important member of the team, and with Musk's Twitter facing significant battles in the present, it could also be possible that this executive may have left the company.

Related Article: Twitter Faces Another Accusation of Illegally Laying Off Workers Without Notice

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
BYD, a leading Chinese automaker, is anticipated to outpace Tesla in global EV sales due to expansion plans and increased production capacity, Nikkei Asia reports,

BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu recently stated that the company intends to double last year's sales volume to 3.6 million units, including exports.

While BYD has not disclosed a projected breakdown of this year's sales volume, Nikkei tells us that it is expected to sell 1.75 million passenger EVs in 2023, approaching Tesla's target of roughly 1.8 million EVs.

In December 2022, BYD set a new monthly sales record for electric vehicles (EVs), reporting to the Hong Kong stock exchange that sales of its all-electric automobiles increased by 4% from November to 235,197 units. BYD's 2022 sales more than quadrupled to 1.86 million units, with most of those sold in China.

How BYD Plans to Dominate the EV Market

So far, by focusing on EVs and introducing luxury models.

BYD stopped producing conventional gasoline engine vehicles in March 2022 in order to focus on new energy vehicles such as EVs and hybrids.

The carmaker intends to launch the luxury brand Yangwang this year, with the U8 sport utility vehicle serving as the first model.

With prices ranging from $116,000 to $218,000, the U8 features technology that independently controls each of the four wheels to improve safety and stability. BYD will follow up with an electric supercar.

In comparison, the US Tesla Model Y SUV currently starts at $54,990. Bloomberg reports that Tesla recently marked down each version of its higher-volume Model 3 and Y EVs by at least $1,000 and versions of its more expensive Model S and X EVs by $5,000.

The Chinese automaker typically targeted the middle market with vehicles priced between 100,000 and 300,000 yuan. BYD is new to the high-end market, but it needs to be there to compete with Tesla's Model X SUV.

BYD Expansion

In 2019, the company opened a design center at its Shenzhen headquarters and hired top talent, including former Audi designer Wolfgang Egger.

However, Nikkei reports that BYD will likely face some challenges as it expands. The first is the fate of China's new energy vehicle purchase subsidies.

Read Also: Hyundai's New Robot Automatically Charges Your EV! Here's How ACR Works

Last year, BYD received 10.4 billion yuan from these subsidies. The automaker's net profit increased 450% last year to 16.6 billion yuan, with subsidies accounting for 60% of that. However, China discontinued the subsidies in December.

BYD Sales Network

Another factor is BYD's sales network. Nikkei reports that a Chinese web portal that collects customer complaints reveals a flood of complaints against automakers across the board, including BYD, regarding how delivery times are communicated and the process for booking test drives.

BYD's forays into European and Asian markets will also be challenging. Last year, overseas operations accounted for less than 3% of total sales volume, highlighting the critical need to expand the company's international footprint.

Tech Times recently covered China's takeover of a Russian wartime auto market. Chinese firms, according to industry experts, must improve their reputation even as their market share grows. Some Russian car buyers still believe that some Chinese vehicles are of lower quality than those of Western competitors.

Related Article: GMC's First 2024 Hummer SUV EV Sells for $500,000 - Way Cheaper Than the First Pickup?

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Just three weeks earlier, Samsung had lifted a ban on employees using OpenAIs ChatGPT over data privacy concerns.

However, ever since the ban has been lifted, there have been three separate instances of Samsung employees accidentally leaking sensitive information related to Samsungs semiconductor division to ChatGPT in a span of 20 days, states a report from The Economist Korea (as spotted by Mashable).

The ban was originally intended to protect company data but was lifted on March 11, 2023, so that engineers at the semiconductor division could use ChatGPT to fix problems with the source code, improve productivity as well as be aware of the latest technological changes.

While permitting the use of ChatGPT, the South Korean giant also issued a notice to the semiconductor division to be careful about internal information security and do not enter private information in the popular artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot.

In the first instance, an employee from Semiconductor and Device Solutions faced an issue while executing a semiconductor equipment measurement database (DB) download software.

Since it appeared like a software source code issue, the employee copied and pasted the buggy confidential company source code into the AI tool. It then asked the chatbot to check for the errors and find a solution, actually making the source code part of ChatGPTs internal training data.

In the second instance, an employee when faced with difficulty in understanding the device yield and other information shared the code with the AI chatbot and requested code optimization from ChatGPT.

While in the third instance, an employee shared a recording of a confidential company meeting and asked the ChatGPT to convert it into notes for a presentation. The information shared with ChatGPT due to these incidents is now part of it forever and cannot be deleted.

As a result, Samsung took immediate measures and has now limited the length of each employees ChatGPT prompts to a kilobyte or 1024 characters of text. The company is also said to be investigating the three employees who were part of the leak, as well as considering re-instating the ban.

In order to prevent such embarrassing mishaps in the future, Samsung is now developing its own AI chatbot, which is meant to be strictly used by its employees for internal purposes.

If a similar accident occurs even after emergency information protection measures are taken, access to ChatGPT may be blocked on the company network, reads an internal memo sent by Samsung advising its employees to exercise caution while using the AI tool.

As soon as content is entered into ChatGPT, data is transmitted and stored to an external server, making it impossible for the company to retrieve it.

The ChatGPTs user guide explicitly warns users not to share sensitive information in their conversations, as it is not able to delete specific prompts from your history.

It is important to note that all questions and text shared with ChatGPT are retained in order to train and improve its AI models unless users explicitly choose to opt out. In other words, it is difficult or impossible to erase the data completely from the system.

As part of our commitment to safe and responsible AI, we review conversations to improve our systems and to ensure the content complies with our policies and safety requirementsYour conversations may be reviewed by our AI trainers to improve our systems, OpenAI clearly explains on its website.

Notably, OpenAI claims, We remove any personally identifiable information from data we intend to use to improve model performance. We also only use a small sampling of data per customer for our efforts to improve model performance.

Interestingly, ChatGPT has been under a lot of scrutiny of late over its data collection policies in Europe with Italy temporarily banning the AI chatbot in the country over privacy concerns. Germany too could follow Italys recent ChatGPT ban and might take a similar action by blocking the AI chatbot in their country.
BEIRUT, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has opened an investigation into the rocket launches and air strikes that took place in southern Lebanon in the past two days, the Lebanese National News Agency reported on Friday.

UNIFIL peacekeepers, with the support of the Lebanese Armed Forces, visited the launch and fall sites of the rockets and missiles, to gather evidence and prove the facts, said Candice Ardell, deputy director of UNIFIL Media Office, in a statement on Friday.

On early Friday morning, Israeli warplanes launched three missiles at the Tyre region in southern Lebanon, in retaliation for the launch of dozens of rockets into Israel from Lebanon on Thursday, for which Israel blamed the Islamic Resistance Movement of Hamas.

There was material damage, but no casualties were reported.

UNIFIL's head of mission and force commander, Major General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, continued his contacts with the two parties, through UNIFIL's communication and coordination mechanism, to help ease tensions along the Blue Line, the Lebanese National News Agency quoted Ardell's statement as saying.

The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a brief statement early Friday, saying the country will file a complaint with the UN Security Council as Israel's attacks in southern Lebanon "constitute a flagrant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and UN Security Council Resolution 1701."

Later on the same day, Israel called on the UN Security Council to issue a condemnation against Lebanon and Hamas for the recent rocket fire against Israel. 
Discover the rest of the story dedicated to Jean-Martin Charcot, father of modern neurology and great promoter of clinical medicine in France in the nineteenth century. In the city, Dr. Charcot married a rich Parisian heiress. Freed from domestic contingencies, he now devotes all his time to the creation of neurology, the study of the nervous system. He set out to find traces of hysteria in the brains of patients. It is thanks to a patient, the young Augustine Gleizes, that he will make an unexpected discovery... In this new episode of the podcast "Au coeur de l'Histoire" produced by Europe 1 Studio, Virginie Girod tells the story of Charcot's special relationship with her patients.
ANKARA/TEHRAN, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi on Friday discussed in a phone conversation the escalation of tensions following Israeli raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem earlier this week, Turkiye's presidency said in a statement.

During the conversation, Erdogan underlined the importance of uniting the Islamic world against Israel's attacks in Palestine, especially in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, according to the statement.

In order to prevent a new spiral of violence, Erdogan said that it would be beneficial to take initiatives to guide all parties to common sense.

He called for joint efforts to preserve the status of holy places on international platforms, particularly the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations.

Erdogan told Raisi that it was also important for them to display unity in the face of the burning of the Holy Quran in a number of European cities recently, especially in front of the Turkish embassies.

For his part, Raisi denounced the "crimes" committed by Israel against Palestinians, particularly the attacks on worshipers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and "the desecration" of the holy site. He called for an emergency OIC meeting to discuss measures to deal with Israel's "hostility."

Raisi also condemned Israel's recent "acts of aggression" against Syria and Lebanon, and stressed the need for greater unity among Muslim states in confronting such actions by Israel.

The Iranian president emphasized the necessity of respecting the territorial integrity of regional countries, saying it is a crucial solution in combating terrorism and separatism in the region while supporting the national sovereignty of these states.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound,the third holiest site for Muslims and the most sacred place for Jews, and detained hundreds of Palestinians.

Israel's police said in a statement that "dozens of law-breaking youths" attempted to barricade themselves inside the mosque to incite riots. 
People work at the scene of a shooting and run-over attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, on April 7, 2023. A tourist was killed and five other tourists were injured on Friday night during a shooting and run-over attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities said. (JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, April 7 (Xinhua) -- A tourist was killed and five other tourists were injured on Friday night during a shooting and run-over attack in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities said.

The incident occurred in the bars and restaurants area along Tel Aviv's seaside promenade, Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said in a statement, adding the victim was a man in his 30s.

Three of the injuried tourists sustained moderate wounds, while the other two were lightly injured, the rescue service noted.

According to a police statement, the assailant rammed his car into passers-by before stepping out and starting to shoot. He was shot dead by a police officer at the scene.

The attacker was identified as an Arab citizen of Israel from Kafr Qasim, east of Tel Aviv, state-owned Kan TV news reported.

Also on Friday, two British-Israeli sisters, respectively aged 16 and 20, were killed in a drive-by shooting in the northern West Bank, and their mother was critically injured, according to Magen David Adom.

Following the attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the border police and military to call up reserve forces "in the wake of terrorist attacks," according to a statement issued by his office.

The attack occurred amid escalating violence between Israel and the Palestinians, triggered by Israeli raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint holy site in East Jerusalem, earlier this week. 

Security forces work at the scene of a shooting and run-over attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, on April 7, 2023. A tourist was killed and five other tourists were injured on Friday night during a shooting and run-over attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities said. (JINI via Xinhua)

A man injured in a shooting and run-over attack is evacuated to a medical center in Tel Aviv, Israel, on April 7, 2023. A tourist was killed and five other tourists were injured on Friday night during a shooting and run-over attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities said. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

A man injured in a shooting and run-over attack is evacuated to a medical center in Tel Aviv, Israel, on April 7, 2023. A tourist was killed and five other tourists were injured on Friday night during a shooting and run-over attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities said. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Security forces work at the scene of a shooting and run-over attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, on April 7, 2023. A tourist was killed and five other tourists were injured on Friday night during a shooting and run-over attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities said. (JINI via Xinhua)

A man injured in a shooting and run-over attack is evacuated to a medical center in Tel Aviv, Israel, on April 7, 2023. A tourist was killed and five other tourists were injured on Friday night during a shooting and run-over attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities said. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)
N.Korea says held another test of underwater nuclear attack 'drone'



Seoul, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2023



North Korea claimed Friday it had tested another underwater nuclear attack drone, in its latest response to South Korean and United States military drills, though analysts have questioned whether Pyongyang has such a weapon.

In recent weeks, North Korea has tested what state media have described as an underwater nuclear-capable drone, and also carried out the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

"A national defence science research institute in the DPRK carried out a test of underwater strategic weapon system from April 4 to 7," the official Korean Central News Agency said.

"The underwater nuclear attack drone 'Haeil-2'... cruised 1,000 km of simulated underwater distance."

KCNA added that "the test warhead accurately detonated underwater. The test perfectly proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its fatal attack ability."

On March 23, North Korea had claimed it tested an underwater nuclear attack drone able to unleash a "radioactive tsunami", as it blamed US-South Korea exercises for a deteriorating regional security situation.

Satellite imagery has also indicated a high level of activity at North Korea's main nuclear complex after leader Kim Jong Un ordered the production of weapons-grade nuclear material be ramped up.

Last year, North Korea declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power, while Kim has told the North Korean military to intensify drills in preparation for a "real war".

South Korea and the United States on Wednesday staged joint air drills involving at least one US nuclear-capable B-52H strategic bomber, Seoul's military said.

North Korea views such exercises as rehearsals for invasion, and has responded to other recent drills with a spate of increasingly provocative banned weapons tests.
CORRECTED: N. Korea says held another test of underwater nuclear attack 'drone'



Seoul, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2023



North Korea claimed Saturday it had tested another underwater nuclear attack drone, its latest response to joint US-South Korea military drills, though analysts have questioned whether Pyongyang has such a weapon.

In recent weeks, North Korea has tested what state media have described as an underwater nuclear-capable drone and also carried out the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

"A national defence science research institute in the DPRK carried out a test of underwater strategic weapon system from April 4 to 7," the official Korean Central News Agency said.

"The underwater nuclear attack drone 'Haeil-2'... cruised 1,000 km of simulated underwater distance."

KCNA added that "the test warhead accurately detonated underwater. The test perfectly proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its fatal attack ability."

On March 23, North Korea claimed it tested an underwater nuclear attack drone able to unleash a "radioactive tsunami", as it blamed US-South Korea exercises for a deteriorating regional security situation.

Satellite imagery has also indicated a high level of activity at North Korea's main nuclear complex after leader Kim Jong Un ordered that production of weapons-grade nuclear material be ramped up.

Last year, North Korea declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power, while Kim has told the North Korean military to intensify drills in preparation for a "real war".

South Korea and the United States on Wednesday staged joint air drills involving at least one US nuclear-capable B-52H strategic bomber, Seoul's military said.

North Korea views such exercises as rehearsals for invasion and has responded to other recent drills with a spate of increasingly provocative banned weapons tests.
Chief Deputy Registrar Danielle Duplessis Hammond flips through signature forms that were deemed invalid during a press conference at City Hall in New Orleans, Thursday, March 23, 2023. Parish Registrar of Voters Sandra WilsonOs office did not include 59% of signatures in the LaToya Cantrell recall campaign final count due to various reasons. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Bruce Haigh, the retired Australian diplomat who served in South Africa and helped anti-apartheid activists, died in Wollongong on Good Friday after battling cancer. He was 77.

He assisted in the escape from South Africa of outspoken newspaper editor Donald Woods who had befriended Black Consciousness Movement leader Steve Biko. When Biko died in custody after being severely beaten by police in 1977, Haigh helped with the escape.

This was portrayed in the Richard Attenborough film, Cry Freedom. Denzel Washington scored an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Biko and John Hargreaves starred as Bruce.

At Lunch With Bruce Haigh at the Builders Arms Hotel, Fiztroy, 2013. Credit: Fairfax

Haigh was the first diplomat in Pakistan to make contact with Benazir Bhutto following her return from exile. They became close friends.
Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip late Thursday night. Gazan residents recalled the night of terror amid escalating tensions.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Its the little, quirky fish that refused to stay dead.

Long ago, the unusual Mogurnda adspersa lived in wetlands and billabongs around Victoria, nestled among the riverbottom weeds.

Mogurnda adspersa, photographed at Sea Life Aquarium. Credit: Eddie Jim

When male came across female, he would show his infatuation by inflating his head to enormous size. And after they mated, he would chase her away so he could delicately care for their eggs himself.

But in another regard, adspersa is just like many native Australian animals: pushed to the edge of survival by the way we live.
As political honeymoons go, its been a long one. And despite Peter Duttons sensational decision this week to oppose what has become Anthony Albaneses signature policy since winning government last year, the PM remains confident the Voice referendum will succeed even without bipartisan support, and that the two-term strategy he outlined to this masthead during the election campaign remains on track.

There is a level of confidence among Labor MPs that voters will give them another term in office, given the strong start the government has made and the historical precedents. After finalising the AUKUS deal, securing key legislation on climate policy and the National Reconstruction Fund, the governments focus has shifted to its second budget and passing the Voice referendum.

Illustration: Simon Letch. Credit:

But discussion and planning is also underway in Labor ranks about what a second term frontbench could look like, including who might retire and who might be promoted into the outer ministry and cabinet.

This is the sort of medium-term planning a well-run government should be doing. The prime minister will have to manage three issues in a reshuffle that is likely to take place before the next election, due no later than May 2025.
People check a small bridge that was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike, in Maaliya village, south Lebanon on Friday. Credit: AP Our enemies are putting us to the test again, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said following a visit to the site of the attack with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. There were no claims of responsibility, but Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the blockaded Gaza Strip, praised the attacks and linked them to the tensions around al-Aqsa mosque. Friday prayers passed without major incident and apart from some stone-throwing, police said the situation had been quiet. However twice this week Israeli police raided the mosque, where hundreds of thousands of worshippers have been praying during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, to dislodge groups they said had barricaded themselves with the aim of causing trouble.

Footage of officers beating worshippers who confronted them aroused concern, even among Israels allies, and prompted condemnation across the Arab world. The site in Jerusalems Old City, holy to both Muslims and Jews, who know it as Temple Mount, has been a longstanding flashpoint, notably over the issue of Jewish visitors defying a ban on non-Muslim prayer in the mosque compound. Israeli police are deployed at the Dome of the Rock Mosque in al-Aqsa compound following a raid at the site in the Old City of Jerusalem on Wednesday. Credit: AP Clashes there in 2021 helped set off an 11-day war between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers and the exchange of crossborder fire awakened memories of that conflict but as the lull in fighting extended on Friday, neither side seemed keen to prolong the fighting. Nobody wants an escalation right now, an Israeli army spokesman said. Quiet will be answered with quiet, at this stage I think, at least in the coming hours.

One official with a Palestinian militant group said they were ready to keep the calm should Israel do the same, with the group having made its point. A Qatari official said Qatar was helping international efforts to de-escalate the situation. Even before the flare-up of the past few days, the West Bank has seen a surge of confrontations in the past several months, with frequent military raids and escalating settler violence amid a spate of attacks by Palestinians. Since the beginning of the year, at least 18 Israelis and foreigners have been killed in attacks in Israel, around Jerusalem and in the West Bank. In the same period, Israeli forces have killed more than 80 Palestinians, most of them fighters in militant groups but some of them civilians. In the aftermath of the overnight strikes in Gaza, streets were largely empty except for some taxis and emergency vehicles. In Gaza Citys Tufah neighbourhood some houses and a childrens hospital were damaged.

Taxi driver Muhanad Abu Neama, 23, said his family barely escaped Israeli airstrikes that hit near his house, filling rooms with dirt and debris and damaging his car. I could hardly see because of the dust, the dirt covered my sisters beds and I carried them out one by one, he said. Smoke rises from a fire after rockets fired from Lebanon struck Bezet, northern Israel, on Thursday. Credit: AP With the international-led peace process long moribund, Palestinians hopes of creating an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital, have faded. Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and annexed it as its capital in a move not recognised internationally. Israels new hard-right government is set on expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank and includes members who rule out a Palestinian state. Hamas for its part spurns coexistence with Israel.
2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge Chicago Car Guy Review - by Larry Nutson

2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge - Swedish style

By Larry Nutson

Senior Editor and Bureau Chief

Chicago Bureau

THE AUTO CHANNEL

The entire 2023 lineup of Volvo cars in the U.S. consists of mild hybrid, hybrid or electric vehicles. Period! Volvo is no longer offering a pure-ICE (internal combustion engine) powered model.

With the popular XC90 and XC40 utility vehicles, as well as the V60 Cross Country, now receiving mild hybrid engines as standard, the Swedish luxury car brand is making good on its sustainability commitment to electrify its full range of vehicles. The effort reflects another step toward offering only pure electric vehicles by 2030 and being carbon neutral by 2040.

Mild hybrids offer increased efficiency over pure-ICE vehicles, yet never need to be plugged in. For those without easy access to charging, such as someone living in an urban multi-unit dwelling, mild hybrids provide a good present-day solution. The new extended range plug-in hybrids offer all-electric driving in Pure mode while still providing a traditional gasoline-powered engine.

For 2023, the mid-size three-row seven-passenger XC90 is offered in Core, Plus and Ultimate trims. There are three engine choices and all XC90s are all-wheel drive. In addition to the trim level, there are three exterior themes: Base, Dark featuring blacked-out trim elements and Bright with chrome trim.

The XC90 B5 is a mild hybrid with a 247-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 258 lb-ft of torque. The XC90 B6 uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with power output increased to 295-hp and developing 310 lb-ft of torque. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission to power all four wheels.

The XC90 Recharge T8 is a plug-in hybrid with a 312-hp turbo four up front and a 143-hp electric motor powering the rear wheels. The combined output is 455-hp with 523 lb-ft of torque. With a total range of 530 miles, it can travel up to 33 miles on a single charge in Pure electric mode.

EPA ratings for combined fuel economy are 25 mpg for the B5, 22 mpg for the B6 and 27 mpg for the T8 (on gasoline only). The T8 is rated at 58 MPGe.

The XC90 is equipped with a complete contingent of collision warning, collision intervention, and driving control assistance features.

Google built-in is standard on the entire Volvo Cars range for model year 2023. Google Assistant voice control, Google Maps native navigation system, and Google Play store for additional apps, makes the XC90 equipped with a best-in-class digital experience.

Pricing for the 2023 XC90 starts at $57,095 for the mild hybrid and $72,995 for the plug-in hybrid plus a $1,095 destination charge.

My recent drive experience was with the XC90 Recharge AWD Ultimate finished in Denim Blue Metallic and the Bright Theme. Also equipped on my driver was the optional Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound system ($3,200) and 4-corner Air Suspension ($1,800). The bottom line MSRP totaled $85,495.

The Volvo XC90 has an overall premium look and feel with nicely elegant interior and exterior styling. With 455-horsepower at my disposal, its needless to say that the car can move quicklyvery quickly. Driving dynamics have the typical European preciseness and refinement.

The cockpit front seating area is plenty roomy with good outward sight lines and ergonomically well-placed switchgear. I drove a seven-seat XC90 with a center three-person bench which features an integrated center booster cushion. Seating is for two in the third row. A six-seat option is also offered with two individual center seats.

I was happy to not be sitting on leather seats just for the sake of something different. The wool blend seating surfaces proved warm and comfortable.

In Pure electric mode the XC90 can travel up to 33 miles on a single charge. This may not seem like much. In actuality, 33 miles is plenty for getting around a large densely populated city with shops and services in close proximity. Or, for your suburban commute to the train station.

The typical time to charge from 0-100% on 240V 16A charger is five hours. This is easily accomplished in your parking garage overnight, or perhaps while at work during the day. Its important with a PHEV to indeed recharge the battery to take advantage of not using any gasoline. Charging times will vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.

More details and information on the Volvo XC90 can be found www.volvocars.com/us.

Following Volvos present model lineup of electric vehicles, by 2030 Volvo aims to sell only fully electric cars. The first of these is the 2024 EX90, Volvo's first purpose-built all-electric vehicle. The three-row EX90 is its flagship SUV. It will be introduced with up to 496 horsepower and a predicted 300 miles of range. The EX90 will arrive in U.S. showrooms in early 2024.







The 2024 Volvo EX90 is now available for pre-order in the United States at volvocars.com/us. The 7-seater Volvo EX90 will be available well-equipped at under $80,000. Customers placing pre-orders will be asked to configure their cars in Fall 2023 and will receive prioritization when deliveries begin in early 2024. All Americas-bound Volvo EX90 models are expected to be built at the Volvo plant in Charleston (Ridgeville), South Carolina.

Happy Motoring!

 2022 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
Land Speed Legend, Racer Norman Craig Breedlove, Sr. Has Passed At 86

SEE MORE: The Auto Channel Breedlove Archive 1995-Present

American five-time World Record Setter Norman Craig Breedlove, Senior, 86, the firstperson to surpass speed marks faster than 400-, 500- and 600- miles per hour, died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Rio Vista, CA.

He was an American treasure, said wife Yadira Breedlove. Our hearts are heavy today letting him go, but we also acknowledge Craigs courage and bravery seeking motorsports honors for the United States of America. For decades, his deeds touched many, many people around the world.

Personally, Mrs. Breedlove, aka Yadi, added, I shared my life with a wonderful man that I will always admire; he filled me with deep, abiding love. My intelligent, strong, happy, brave, humble husband saw life with great positivity and was always full of so many projects! For 20 years I have known joyful love, complicity, respect, and learned so much by his side. He will forever stay in my heart!

Son Norman credits his father with demonstrating how to shepherd dreams forward. What I admired most about dad was his tenaciousness, he said.

He simply would not accept rejection and repeatedly went back to people and companies until he got a yes.

Of equal importance was his fathers exceptionally high quality of workmanship. He built things as if they were pieces of art, recalled Breedlove junior. He taught me to always ?give it my best reminding me that ?if you are going to build it, build it to last

The Breedlove stamp of approval endures. He taught to care about what I do, said his son. Im so gonna miss him.

Breedlove Seniors humble hunt for speed began in his teens spending four years rebuilding a junk three-window 34 Ford Coupe. In 1955, at age 18 and without any fanfare, he collected his first time slip on the Bonneville Salt Flats at 152.80MPH in Class Coupe and Sedan.

Inspired deeply by the line from JFKs 61 Inauguration Speech Ask what you can do for your country Breedlove put the words into jet-powered action reclaiming world honors for the USA on August 5, 1963, with a 407MPH mark.

Dethroning Britains John Cobb, it was the first time an Americans name was on top since 1928 when Ray Keech posted a 207.552MPH record driving his White Triplex.

It was the most patriotic thing I could think of, Breedlove often recalled. I wanted a name every American could be proud of, and Spirit of America seemed like a natural.

This ushered in years of record-setting swaps with brothers Art Arfons, Tom Green and Walt Arfons driving their Green Monster jet cars.

Their rivalry made each other, offered Tim Arfons, son of Breedloves long-time rival Art Arfons. Without each other I think they might have ended up as a historical footnote instead of splashing the front pages of newspapers worldwide for years.

Breedloves astonishing accomplishments inspired The Beach Boys to include the song Spirit of America as a tribute to him on their 1963 Little Deuce Coupe album. All Breedloves jet-powered cars carried the same name through his 60 year-racing career.

Blue Flame rocket car driver Gary Gabelich ended Breedloves hold on the absolute World Record when he clocked a 622MPH record in 1970, but it did nothing to weaken their bon. In his 1971 book, Spirit of America, Winning the World's Land Speed Record Breedlove inscribed:

To Gary, With my admiration and sincere gratitude for your friendship and help. Always.

Breedlove was voted into Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (1993), Dry Lakes Racing Hall of Fame (1995), International Motorsports Hall of Fame (2000), Automotive Hall of Fame (2009). He earned life membership in the Bonneville 200MPH Club (1963).

In addition to his wife Yadira, Breedlove is survived by sister Cindy Bowman, children son Norman Craig (Stacy), daughters Dawn Marie and the late Chris Maureen Breedlove, grandchildren Stephanie Finnegen, Thomas Perry, Liana Perry, Tara Van Wieren, Brook (Breedlove) Hart, and great grandchildren Jacob Thomas, Presley Perry, Parker Perry, Paige Perry, Brenton Hall, Ryan Hart, Wren Hart and godson Luis Portilla Figueroa.
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
NEV industry recharges China's old industrial base

Xinhua) 09:31, April 08, 2023

BMW i3 electric cars are pictured during the inauguration ceremony of Plant Lydia of BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) in Tiexi District of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 23, 2022. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

SHENYANG, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Boasting a reputation as an auto industrial center stretching over several decades, northeast China's old industrial base is readying itself for a new wave.

From establishing a layout for the battery industry to drawing manufacturers of new energy vehicles, the region again takes on an important role in China's automobile industry.

In Tiexi District of Shenyang City, capital of Liaoning Province, which was once the beating heart of the former industrial powerhouse, the NEV industry is taking off.

It is estimated that by 2030, the output value of the new energy industry of Tiexi will reach 100 billion yuan (about 14.53 billion U.S. dollars), with the formation of relevant industrial clusters such as lithium batteries, hydrogen energy, and energy storage.

In March, EVE Energy Co., Ltd, one of China's leading lithium-ion battery manufacturers, broke ground on a 10-billion-yuan battery production base in Tiexi.

The project will connect the upstream and downstream industrial chains, contributing to the district's construction of an industrial battery center, said Guo Zhongxiao, the district Party chief.

Along with German auto behemoth BMW's battery production project in Shenyang, the Chinese battery manufacturer's production base offered a glimpse of the region's booming new energy vehicle industry.

After building its Shenyang production base into the group's largest one globally, the German carmaker chose to take a crucial step in its e-mobility strategy in China by further cooperating with the region and investing in the new energy project of a 10-billion-yuan battery production project in the same district.

In 2022, the German marque saw its sales of electric models maintain strong growth, with some 42,000 electric vehicles delivered to customers in the Chinese market, up 91.6 percent year on year.

"The relevance of the Chinese market for BMW remains enormous, particularly regarding electric vehicles," a company spokesperson told Xinhua. In 2023, the carmaker expects China's share of total battery-electric vehicle sales to "continue to rise significantly."

This photo taken on March 20, 2023 shows the site of a groundbreaking ceremony of a battery production base of EVE Energy Co., Ltd, one of China's leading lithium-ion battery manufacturers, in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Yu Yetong)

Another prominent global player eyeing the potential of the region is German luxury carmaker Audi AG.

Cooperating with China's leading automaker FAW Group Co., Ltd., the company invested over 30 billion yuan into a NEV project in Changchun City, Jilin Province, regarded as the cradle of China's auto industry.

The Audi FAW NEV project, the German automaker's first production base specifically for purely electric vehicles in China, is expected to be completed and operational at the end of 2024, with a designed annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles.

Likewise, for the U.S. electric automaking giant Tesla, the marketing potential, sound business environment, abundant research and development resources, quality infrastructure, and skilled human resources make the region a second-to-none magnet.

In the harbor city of Dalian, Tesla China's showrooms and delivery centers have gained significant popularity and traffic since the electric automaker slashed the prices of its popular China-made models early this year.

"Electric cars previously deemed unfit for northeast China's cold weather are gaining popularity among consumers due to improved battery and management technology, extended driving range, and expanded charging networks," said Ma Li, Regional General Director of Tesla China.

To tap into the promising market, Tesla joins the province's efforts to prop up electric vehicle consumption and the fast-track development of the relevant infrastructure facilities by building the supercharger network and stores.

At the end of 2022, there were 798 charging stations in Liaoning Province, including 184 in Shenyang. This means electric vehicle drivers can find a charging station every 6 kilometers or 15 minutes of driving in the city, continually improving the travel experience that electric vehicles bring.

"The new-energy vehicle industrial chain layout helps promote industrial agglomeration and accelerate the construction of a modern industrial system. Liaoning will activate and expand new development drivers with a green development concept and further promote the high-quality development of old industrial bases," said Liang Qidong, vice president of the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences.

Fueled by the future-oriented industry developing at full throttle, the "rust-belt" region aims to play a significant role in the country's manufacturing industry once again and is upbeat about the future.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
DOHA, April 8 (Xinhua) -- As the Biden administration is reportedly considering once again detaining families that illegally cross into the United States, an opinion published by Al Jazeera highlighted the troubling history of human rights violations committed by the U.S. government against migrants.

"Cages and cells have been a feature of the U.S. immigration system, under one euphemism or another, since the 19th century," Sarah Towle, an author and educator, wrote in an opinion piece published by Al Jazeera on Thursday.

Towle specifically pointed to the infamous T. Don Hutto Detention Center, known as the "baby jail," which was first established during the George W. Bush administration to incarcerate refugee children. Although the center was closed in 2009 due to reported rights violations, the Obama administration subsequently opened three more for-profit "baby jails."

Reports from human rights groups revealed that children in these facilities were subjected to harsh conditions, including being confined to their cells for up to 12 hours a day without access to books or toys, facing threats of separation and solitary confinement for "misbehavior," and being given only 20 minutes to eat food.

Towle further highlighted the detrimental effects of confinement on incarcerated children, including persistent toxic stress resulting in weight loss, hair loss, lethargy, and depression. Many children exhibited regression in their developmental milestones, with frequent tantrums and bed-wetting being prevalent.

The author also noted that verbal, physical, and sexual abuse further compounded the suffering endured by these imprisoned children, and highlighted that during the years of 2018-2019, when Donald Trump was president, "border cruelty became further entrenched" due to his openly anti-immigrant stance.

The author also noted that Biden, despite his "moral campaigns," is considering the reinstatement of family detention centers, which may be perceived as an attempt to gain political advantage in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

"Historical transgressions such as family detentions leave indelible moral stains. They should never be repeated," Towle said. 
This photo taken on March 24, 2023 shows the first China-assembled A321neo aircraft in north China's Tianjin. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

China not only offers Airbus broad market opportunities, but also stable and reliable industrial supply chains, hence becoming an indispensable strategic partner of cooperation for the company.

BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The first Airbus A321neo aircraft assembled in China rolled off the assembly line in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin for delivery on March 24.

It was the first time for this aircraft model, which is in high demand in the world market, to be produced at a final assembly line in Asia.

From scratch to finish, the birth of an aircraft must go through numerous processes of production and needs the arduous and sophisticated labor of many people, and the A321neo is no exception.

This photo taken on Nov. 9, 2022 shows the first Airbus A321 aircraft produced at the Final Assembly Line Asia (FALA) facility in north China's Tianjin. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

AIRBUS' FIRST FINAL ASSEMBLY LINE OUTSIDE EUROPE

In September 2022, the first shipment of the main parts of A321neo aircraft arrived at Airbus' final assembly line in Tianjin, which is the European aircraft manufacturer's first final assembly line outside Europe.

In November, the A321neo model was officially put into production, which showed that the Tianjin final assembly line was capable of producing all models of Airbus' flagship A320 airliner series.

"The A321 is currently one of the most popular aircraft in the A320 family," said George Xu, CEO of Airbus China. "This is our latest step in China, showing our unwavering support for the Chinese market."

Headquartered in the southern French city of Toulouse, Airbus offers a variety of airliner models to its customers. The A321, with the cost of a narrow-body aircraft but the payload capacity comparable to a wide-body aircraft, has been in high demand in recent years.

Like other Airbus models, the parts of an A321neo aircraft, ranging from rivets to bolts, engines to seats, are manufactured by subcontractors around the globe.

Subsidiaries of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) in Chengdu, Shenyang, Xi'an and Harbin are suppliers of many components of the nose, the wings, the tail and the doors of the A320 airliner series.

Once the manufacture of all the parts is completed, they will be transported to various Airbus factories for assembly: the French plant in Saint-Nazaire is responsible for assembling the nose of the aircraft and the forward fuselage; the central wing box will be assembled in Nantes; engine mounts in Toulouse; the central and rear parts of the fuselage in Hamburg, Germany; the vertical and horizontal empennage in the German city of Stade and the Spanish city of Getafe, respectively.

These large segments will then be shipped to Tianjin, where they will finally be assembled with wings mounted by an AVIC subsidiary in Tianjin.

The first Airbus A321 aircraft is produced at the Final Assembly Line Asia (FALA) facility in north China's Tianjin on Nov. 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

FRUITFUL COOPERATION

Cooperation between China and Airbus dates back to the 1980s. In 1985, an A310 was first delivered to China Eastern Airlines. In 1994, Airbus China was established and a representative office was opened in Beijing.

By the end of 2022, more than 2,100 Airbus aircraft had been in service in the Chinese mainland. Airbus' annual delivery of civilian aircraft to the Chinese market accounts for some one-fifth of its global total.

After nearly 40 years of cooperation, Airbus' industrial landscape in China has been gradually laid out, with an engineering technology center being installed in Beijing, a final assembly line in Tianjin, a composite materials production center in Harbin, an aircraft life cycle management center in Chengdu, a research and development center in Suzhou, and an innovation center in Shenzhen.

China not only offers Airbus broad market opportunities, but also stable and reliable industrial supply chains, hence becoming an indispensable strategic partner of cooperation for the company.

A ceremony celebrating the A321 project inauguration in Airbus Tianjin, is held in north China's Tianjin on Nov. 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

GREAT POTENTIAL

Over the past three years, the global aviation industry, like many industries, has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. "But the Chinese market has shown remarkable resilience," Xu said.

This resilience stems not only from the huge Chinese market thanks to its large population, mature infrastructure and supply chains, and high-quality workforce developed over the years, but also from the security and stability of the Chinese society and the predictability of its policies.

According to a plan issued by the Chinese authorities on the development of the country's civil aviation industry during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the civil aviation sector is expected to handle 930 million passenger trips and 9.5 million tons of cargo and parcels annually by 2025.

In addition, countries and regions linked to China via flight routes will exceed 70 by 2025, with more than 50 of them being partners under the Belt and Road Initiative, according to the plan.

Moreover, in the context of the transformation and modernization of the global aviation industry, China's adherence to the concept of green development also well matches Airbus' objectives.

The European aircraft manufacturer plans to launch its first generation of hydrogen-powered zero-emission aircraft in 2035, said Michel Tran Van, COO of Airbus China.

Airbus hopes to cooperate with partners in China's industrial chains on hydrogen energy and sustainable aviation fuel, he said. 
Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

Considerable cloudiness. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 49F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening mixing with snow showers overnight. Low near 35F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 70%.
BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Lock-up shares with a total market value of around 66.51 billion yuan (about 9.66 billion U.S. dollars) will become eligible for trade on China's bourses next week.

Four companies will each see shares worth over 5 billion yuan freed up for trading. FAW Jiefang Group Co., Ltd. ranks first with nearly 26.2 billion yuan of lock-up shares becoming tradable, according to data from Shujubao, a financial information provider run by the Securities Times.

Under China's stock market rules, major shareholders must wait for one to two years before they are permitted to sell their shares.

Chinese stocks closed higher on Friday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index up 0.45 percent to 3,327.65 points. The Shenzhen Component Index closed 0.85 percent higher at 11,967.74 points. 
42 Chinese Warplanes, 8 Vessels Sent Toward Taiwan After Tsais US Meeting

Aircraft of the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) conduct joint combat training exercises around Taiwan on Aug. 7, 2022. (Li Bingyu/Xinhua via AP)

China reportedly sent 42 warplanes and eight naval vessels toward Taiwan on April 8 in response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wens meeting with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on April 5 in California.

Taiwans military detected the Chinese aircraft and ships at about 11 a.m. (local time), with 29 aircraft spotted crossing the northern, central, southern median line of the Taiwan Strait, according to Taiwans Defense Ministry.

The ministry stated that the 29 aircraft attempted coercion on us by flying into Taiwans Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), an area where foreign aircraft are identified before entering a countrys territorial airspace.

We condemn such an irrational act that has jeopardized regional security and stability, the ministry said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Earlier in the day, Taiwan detected 13 Chinese warplanes and three vessels near the island at 6 a.m. (local time), with four aircraft spotted crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait and Taiwans southwest ADIZ.

Taiwan responded by activating aircraft, navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to monitor the Chinese militarys activities.

CCP Gives Serious Warning With Fresh Drills

Beijings actions came as the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) military announced on April 8 that it was beginning three days of combat readiness patrols and Joint Sword exercises around Taiwan, involving police patrols.

The drills will be conducted in the Taiwan Strait and to the northern and southern parts of Taiwan, and the airspace to the east of Taiwan as planned from April 8 to April 10, Senior Col. Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Peoples Liberation Armys Eastern Theater Command, said in a statement.

This is a serious warning against the Taiwan independence separatist forces colluding with external forces to provoke, and a necessary action to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Shi said.

The Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) Eastern Theater Commandthe CCPs armed wingstated that the drills will focus on its ability to seize sea control, air control, and information control under the support of the joint combat system.

Speaker of the U.S. House Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) greets Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on arrival at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for a bipartisan meeting in Simi Valley, Calif., on April 5, 2023. The historic meeting occurring on U.S. soil has been greeted by threats of retaliation by Beijing. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Beijing launched the drills just a day after Tsai returned from a 10-day visit to Central America with stopovers in the United States, where she met with McCarthy.

The CCP had strongly opposed any form of official interaction and contact between U.S. and Taiwanese officials and threatened to take resolute countermeasures if Tsai and McCarthy met.

However, Taiwans Defense Ministry accused the CCP of using Tsais visit to the United States as an excuse to conduct military exercises that seriously damaged regional peace, stability, and security.

The ministry stated that it would respond to the drills in a calm, rational, and serious manner to defend its sovereignty and national security without seeking to escalate conflicts or cause disputes.

Beijing staged war games around Taiwan following then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis (D-Calif.) visit to Taiwan in August 2022 and restricted military-to-military communication with the Pentagon.

State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel had clarified that transits by high-level Taiwan authorities in the United States arent visits, but rather private and unofficial.

Every Taiwan president has transited the United States. President Tsai has transited the U.S. six times since taking office in 2016. This will be her seventh transit, Patel told reporters on March 29.

Taiwan Rejects CCPs Ship Inspection

Beijing also began a three-day joint patrol and inspection of ships in waters surrounding the self-governing island following Tsais stops in the United States, which Taiwans government has rejected.

Chinas Fujian maritime safety authority said the operation included on-site inspections on direct cargo ships and construction vessels in the Taiwan Strait to ensure the safety of vessel navigation and ensure the safe and orderly operation of key projects on water.

The Taiwanese Maritime and Port Bureau has filed a strong protest with the regime in Beijing regarding the move, calling on shipping companies to refuse such inspections and notify Taiwanese coast guards if they require assistance.

It will create obstacles to the normal exchanges between the two sides of the strait, and we will be forced to take corresponding measures, the bureau said in an April 6 statement.

As a result, the mainland side must bear the responsibility for subsequent derivatives, which is not what the two sides like.

The CCP views Taiwan as part of its territory that must be united with China by any means necessary.

Andrew Thornebrooke and Reuters contributed to this report.
Active Shooter Threat Alert Reported at Oklahoma University

Students walk on campus between clases at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., on March 11, 2015. (Brett Deering/Getty Images)

The University of Oklahoma confirmed that its campus was secure following an alert nearly 90 minutes earlier about an active shooter that prompted a lockdown on Friday night.

The university issued a tweet at 9.45 p.m. notifying students and staff about the situation at the Van Vleet Oval. The tweet advised everyone to take immediate action.

Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight! the university wrote on Twitter.

OU-Norman Emergency: There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!  Univ. of Oklahoma (@UofOklahoma) April 8, 2023

Campus police investigated shots fired and about 20 minutes later warned students to avoid the south oval area. The university then instructed everyone in a follow-up tweet to continue sheltering in place at 10.30 p.m.

Fortunately, just before 11 p.m., the Oklahoma University Police Department declared an ALL CLEAR after conducting a thorough search and finding no threat. The university quickly posted the update on Twitter and canceled the alert.

OU-NORMAN Critical 10:53pm: OUPD has issued an ALL CLEAR. After a thorough search, no threat was found. There is no threat to campus. Alert has been canceled.  Univ. of Oklahoma (@UofOklahoma) April 8, 2023

No Threats Were Found

Nate Tarver, the chief of the University of Oklahomas police department, told media at the scene that after a thorough search of the library and adjacent areas, no evidence of an active shooter was found. (source delete)

He told the media that a possible shots fired was called into the universitys police department and to other law enforcement agencies at around 9.30 p.m.

No threats were found. We did a thorough search of the library and the adjacent area, and found no threats, no evidence that any shooting had occurred, Tarver said.

He added that the campus was now safe, and anyone sheltering in place could now come out.

Tarver also mentioned that the departments officers are trained to respond to active shooter situations and would review their response to identify areas that could be improved.

Tarver expressed relief that everyone appeared to be safe following the incident.

It is not clear if the original call alerting authorities was a hoax call intended to summon the SWAT department. This is a prank known as swatting.

The university police chief warned about the risks of swatting calls, saying they not only endanger the responding officers but also the areas they normally patrol.

It makes those other spots vulnerable because all the law enforcement is concentrated in one area. That is not a favorable situation, but we dont know of any other way to handle it at this time, Tarver said.

Twitter account Raw Alerts shared audio from a police scanner purportedly from the campus police communications as officers investigated the shots fired. In the audio, a male officer can be heard reporting that canisters were found near the library, and there was confetti all over the ground.

Theres confetti all over the ground, he says.

Videos circulated on social media appeared to show law enforcement, paramedics, and SWAT units attending the campus in response to the active shooter alert. The Epoch Times cannot independently verify their authenticity.

University President Joseph Harroz, Jr. expressed his gratitude to the campus police and law enforcement from the surrounding area for their prompt response to the situation.

I commend our OUPD officers and law enforcement from across the area for their swift response tonight. Our officers took immediate action, our emergency protocols worked, and our community was kept informed, he wrote on Twitter.

He also praised the effectiveness of the universitys emergency protocols and the vigilance of the OU community, both near and far, in responding to the alert.

Campus is safe. I am grateful to our OU Family for staying alert, and for the care and concern shown to our community from near and far.
BEIRUT, April 8 (Xinhua) -- In the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, an elderly woman named Hikmat Ankouni often visits the "Popular Kitchen," an initiative that provides meals to those in need, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

In the kitchen, Ankouni helps a team of dedicated volunteers who prepare meals for those struggling to feed themselves amidst the steep economic crisis that has plagued Lebanon since 2019.

"I visit the kitchen in my free time during Ramadan and other times to support this vital initiative during this challenging time," Ankouni said, as she peeled onions that would soon be added to a chicken and rice dish.

By helping in the charitable kitchen, Ankouni could also get some free food, which is vital for the elder woman, who has to take care of her ailing husband and three grandchildren.

Lebanon has been grappling with a severe financial crisis since October 2019, with more than 80 percent of the population living in poverty. Under these dire circumstances, various initiatives have emerged to provide support to the most vulnerable members of society.

"We started providing services around four years ago by offering around 400 to 500 meals daily to people in need," the kitchen's manager Sanaa Dabagh told Xinhua.

Dabagh said the kitchen employs volunteers, who in turn can benefit from the meals, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement. Donations of food products and funds from local organizations, families, and friends are crucial in sustaining the kitchen's operations.

Another notable initiative, the "Al-Aman" foundation, meaning "security" in Arabic, has launched a similar effort in the Al-Arqoub area of southern Lebanon. The foundation has collected funds from generous donors, including Lebanese and Arab expatriates and businesspeople, to finance their kitchen and provide meals to vulnerable individuals during Ramadan.

"Our invitation received a quick response, enabling us to offer meals to the people in need since the first day of Ramadan despite the current crisis," Jamil Daher, head of the foundation, told Xinhua.

In the eastern town of Rashaya, an initiative called "We Will Stay With You" has been launched to extend a helping hand to those in need. Youth volunteers have come together to collect donations, including financial aid and in-kind items, which are then distributed to vulnerable patients in the hospital.

"Our goal is to alleviate patients' pain as much as possible and help them pay their hospital bills," Tarek Issa, an activist in this initiative, told Xinhua. 
Biden Admin Asks Supreme Court to Restore Bump Stock Ban

A bump stock is installed on an AK-47 and its movement is demonstrated at Good Guys Gun and Range in Orem, Utah on Feb. 21, 2018. (George Frey/Getty Images)

The Biden administration on Friday petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal of a lower court ruling that halted a federal ban on bump stocks, with the Justice Department requesting the high court reimpose a ban on the devices until it hears the case.

Bump stocks, which are accessories that let semi-automatic firearms boost firing speed, were banned in 2019 when the Department of Justice (DOJ) amended regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), classifying bump stocks as equivalent to machine guns and making them illegal.

The ban prompted a lawsuit by Michael Cargill, owner of Central Texas Gun Works in Austin, who was handed a victory when the Fifth Circuit ruled recently to invalidate the ATF prohibition on bump stocks.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its appeal of the Fifth Circuits decision that reversed the ban.

Their appealwhat they call a writ of certiorarito the Supreme Court, asking the Supreme Court to hear this case, also asks that the lower court in Austin actually do a stay, meaning that keep bump stocks banned until this case is heard in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, Cargill said in a statement posted on social media in response to the DOJs latest action.

The petition for a writ of certioraria formal request made to a higher court to review and potentially overturn a lower court decisionwas filed with the Supreme Court by Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar on behalf of the DOJ.

The government maintains only that bump stocks are machineguns under the best interpretation of the statute, the petition reads (pdf). The Fifth Circuit erred in holding otherwise, and this Court should grant review and reverse the lower courts decision.

That decision threatens significant harm to public safety, the DOJ said in the appeal. Bump stocks allow a shooter to fire hundreds of bullets a minute by a single pull of the trigger. Like other machine guns, rifles modified with bump stocks are exceedingly dangerous.

Before the Fifth Circuit ruled in favor of Cargill, three other federal courts upheld the bump stock ban. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review those cases.

A bump fire stock that attaches to a semi-automatic rifle to increase the firing rate is seen at Good Guys Gun Shop in Orem, Utah, on Oct. 4, 2017. (George Frey/Reuters)

More Details

In 2018, the DOJ classified bump stocks as machine guns under the National Firearms Act, reversing a determination made in 2010 that found the devices to be merely accessories to firearms and so not subject to regulations as a firearm.

The DOJs decision, which went into force in 2019, came after a man used weapons fitted with bump stocks in a 2017 shooting spree in Las Vegas, killing 58 people and wounding hundreds.

The rule change amended the regulatory text by adding the following language: The term machine gun includes bump-stock devices, i.e., devices that allow a semiautomatic firearm to shoot more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger by harnessing the recoil energy of the semi-automatic firearm to which it is affixed so that the trigger resets and continues firing without additional physical manipulation of the trigger by the shooter.

The final rule also defined automatically and single function of the trigger since those terms are used in the statutory definition of a machine gun.

Because the final rule classified bump-stock-type devices as machine guns, they fell under the purview of the National Firearms Act and became restricted, with owners being required to destroy the devices or hand them over to the ATF.

Cargill, who was forced to surrender his two bump stocks following the rule change, sued. He argued that the ATF and the DOJ violated the U.S. Constitution by usurping the role of Congress in expanding the definition of a machine gun to include bump stocks.

In January 2023, the Fifth Circuit ruled 133 in Cargills favor.

Cargill is correct. A plain reading of the statutory language, paired with close consideration of the mechanics of a semi-automatic firearm, reveals that a bump stock is excluded from the technical definition of machine gun set forth in the Gun Control Act and National Firearms Act, the Fifth Circuit said in its ruling.

The Fifth Circuit ruling stated that semi-automatic weapons fitted with bump stocks dont fall under the definition of a machine gun because one pull of the trigger corresponds to the firing of a single bullet.

Without a bump stock or the use of an alternative bump technique, the user must provide manual input by pulling the trigger with the muscles of his trigger finger. With a bump stock, the shooter need not pull and release his trigger finger. But the shooter must still apply forward pressure to the weapons forebody in order to maintain the shooting mechanism, U.S. Circuit Judge Jennifer Eldrod wrote in the opinion. Again, the manual input remains, even though its form changes.

Dissenting judges argued that the statutory language is ambiguous enough to support classifying bump stocks as machine guns and that court used lenity to legalize an instrument of mass murder.

Lenity is a principle in law that calls for any ambiguity in a criminal statute to be interpreted in favor of the defendant, resulting in a more narrow interpretation of the law.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
Biden Invites Expelled Tennessee Democrats to Visit White House

President Joe Biden adjusts his microphone during a meeting with the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in the State Dining Room of the White House, in Washington on April 4, 2023. (Patrick Semansky/AP Photo)

President Joe Biden on Friday invited the three Tennessee Democrats who faced expulsion for protesting on the state House floor to visit the White House.

After several hours of debate on Thursday, two of three state Democrats were expelled from the Tennessee General Assembly by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

The lawmakers were accused of participating in disorderly behavior that brought disorder and dishonor to the House of Representatives, according to a resolution introduced by Tennessee Republicans.

State Representatives Justin Jones of Nashville and Justin Pearson of Memphis were expelled. Gloria Johnson of Knox County was the sole member to participate in the protest to escape expulsion after eight Republicans crossed the floor to save her.

During a video conference call from Camp David on Friday, Biden thanked the lawmakers for their act of protest. The president also expressed disappointment over their expulsion from the Tennessee Assembly.

Earlier, I spoke to Reps Jones, Pearson, and Johnson to thank them for their leadership and courage in the face of a blatant disregard of our nations democratic values, Biden wrote on Twitter. Our country needs to take action on gun violenceto do that we need more voices like theirs speaking out.

The White House said in a statement that the trio of Democrats thanked the president for his leadership in seeking to ban assault weapons and standing up for our democratic values and for his support as they faced unprecedented attacks over their actions.

No official date was given for the White House visit.

The two expelled Democrats can be appointed to their seats by officials in their respective counties. Both members represent Democrat strongholds in Nashville and Memphis. They cannot be expelled again for the same offenses, members said during debate Thursday.

Gun Restriction Protest

In a further statement released by the White House, Biden claimed most Americans want tighter gun control.

Todays expulsion of lawmakers who engaged in peaceful protest is shocking, undemocratic, and without precedent, Biden said in the statement. Rather than debating the merits of the issue, these Republican lawmakers have chosen to punish, silence, and expel duly-elected representatives of the people of Tennessee.

Biden also took to Twitter to express his support for the lawmakers.

Our country needs to take action on gun violenceto do that we need more voices like theirs speaking out, Biden wrote. He further condemned the expulsion of the lawmakers as shocking, undemocratic, and without precedent.

Only two other Tennessee state lawmakers have been similarly expelled since the Civil War. However, those votes were largely bipartisan, while the vote on Thursday was mostly along party lines.

Jones, Pearson, and Johnson had been officially censured for their protest and stripped of their committee appointments on April 3. This came after hundreds of chanting demonstrators crowded the state Capitol and its gallery on March 30.

The protesters called for tighter restrictions on gun rights in the wake of The Covenant School shooting in Nashville, where Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28, who police said identified as transgender, opened fire at the school, shooting dead three 9-year-old children and three adults.

The three Democrats defied convention by moving to the front of the House chamber with a bullhorn, where they cheered on the crowd in the gallery and led chants, marking a breach of chamber rules as they hadnt been recognized to speak.

In his statement, Biden urged Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, require safe storage of firearms, eliminate gun manufacturers immunity from liability, and require background checks for all gun sales. He also called on state officials to do the same.

The president argued that most Americans want lawmakers to enact more restrictions on gun rights and accused Republican officials across America of doubling down on bills that he said make schools, places of worship, and communities less safe.
California Lawmaker Wants Peeps to Change Its Ingredients

SACRAMENTO, Calif.This Easter, Americans will devour more than 1 billion Peepsthose radiant marshmallow chicks whose appearance on store shelves each year is as much a herald of spring as azaleas at the Masters.

What makes the treats so vibrant is erythrosine, a chemical that shows up on ingredient labels as Red No. 3. Its one of several chemicals, along with titanium dioxide, used to color some of the most popular candy in the countryincluding Skittles and Hot Tamales.

Both chemicals have been linked to cancer. More than 30 years ago, U.S. regulators banned Red No. 3 from makeup. The United States still has not banned the chemical from food, to the dismay of some consumer safety groups.

Now, a state lawmaker wants to ban erythrosine and titanium dioxide in California, plus three other chemicals used in everyday favorites like tortillas and some store-brand sodas.

The bill, scheduled for its first public hearing next week, has prompted headlines around the world declaring California wants to ban Skittles and other candy. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, a Democrat who authored the bill, said he wants to ban the chemicals, not the candy. He said plenty of alternative ingredients are available, noting the chemicals are already banned in Europe and that companies still find a way to sell candy there.

They still produce Skittles in other parts of the world. What they do is they take out these toxic ingredients, and they replace them with something else, Gabriel said. What we really want is for these companies to make the same minor modifications to their recipes that they made in Europe and elsewhere.

The National Confectioners Association, the trade group that represents candy companies, says its not that easy. Tastes vary across cultures, it said, meaning just because a candy is accepted by Europeans doesnt mean it will be received well in the United States. Plus, changing ingredients would be a hardship for regional candy makers who dont sell their products overseas, according to the trade group.

Theres a lot more here at play than a simple soundbite solution, said Christopher Gindlesperger, spokesperson for the association. We need a comprehensive look at this to make sure there arent unintended consequences for chocolate and candy companies.

In addition to erythrosine and titanium dioxide, the bill would ban potassium bromate and propylparaben, two chemicals used in baked goods, and brominated vegetable oil, which is used in some store-brand sodas.

The United States has allowed dyes like erythrosine in food since 1907. Decades later, researchers found rats exposed to lots of erythrosine over a long time developed thyroid cancer. In 1990, based in part off of that research, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned erythrosine from cosmetics.

Consumer safety groups have tried for years to get the agency to ban the chemical in food to no avail. Researchers have since linked the chemical to other health problems besides cancer, including hyperactivity and other neurobiological behaviors in some children, according to a 2021 report from the California Environmental Protection Agencys Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

The International Association of Color Manufacturers argued in a 2021 statement that the California study was based on insufficient scientific evidence.

Titanium dioxide is a white powder that, because it scatters light, can make colors appear brighter. Its been used for 100 years in products like paints, paper, rubber, toothpaste, soap, and food coloring. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has listed titanium dioxide as a possible carcinogen in humans. The Titanium Dioxide Manufacturers Association maintains there is no evidence of it causing cancer in humans.

The candy industry insists the chemicals California is considering banning have been thoroughly reviewed by the federal and state systems and many international scientific bodies and continue to be deemed safe, according to a letter signed by various industry trade groups.

These scientifically based regulatory processes should be allowed to continue without second guessing their outcomes, the letter stated.

Scott Faber, senior vice president for governmental affairs for the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, said the only reason the chemical is still deemed safe by federal regulators is because of a loophole that has been exploited by chemical companies. He says regulators have not reviewed their prior decisions in light of new science.

The confectioners and the food industry know the review process at the FDA is broken. They have been hiding behind it for decades. We shouldnt let them hide behind it anymore, Faber said. If FDA wont fix this review system and keep us safe from dangerous chemicals in our food, its up to states like California to keep us safe.

Just Born Inc., the Pennsylvania-based company that makes Peeps, said in a statement the company complies with FDA regulations and gets their ingredients and packaging exclusively from reputable suppliers who adhere to high quality and safety standards.

The company noted its development team is looking for other options, including colors derived from natural sources that can deliver the same visual impact and stability as their certified counterparts.

By Haven Daley and Adam Beam
California Suspends Meal Funding at Christian Preschool Over Stance on Gender, Sexuality

A San Diego County Christian preschool is suing the state of California for pulling the plug on the schools state meal funding, saying its traditional stance on gender and sexuality violated a new state law.

The Church of Compassions Dayspring Christian Learning Centera preschool and day care facility in El Cajon, Calif., that serves nearly 90 studentsfiled a lawsuit against the state on March 15 for deprivation of the free exercise of religion and deprivation of free speech, as well as alleged hostility against religion.

The school received a letter from the states Social Services Department last October, denying its application for continued meal funding, saying the schools stance on marriage and sexuality violated a new state law.

Daysprings 21-page employee handbook requires staff to model Christlike behavior and prohibits living with someone with whom you are not married, homosexuality, lesbianism  or any behavior that is deemed not to conform to the Bible.

According to the departments letter, these actions show intent to discriminate against individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity in violation of state law.

If the school wanted to continue with the meal funding program, department officials said, it would have to cease requiring individuals to sign or abide by the staff handbook, or any other employment policy, which specifically disallows lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender lifestyles as a condition of employment.

Our preschool serves all families, but we do not want the government to force us to replace our core values and the essential beliefs of our Christian faith or make us agree to adopt and express the states contrary beliefs, Dayspring Principal Kelly Wade said in a March 16 press release.

Transgressing Constitutional Boundaries: Attorney

Dean Broyles, an attorney with the National Center for Law & Policy who is representing the school along with law firm Advocates for Faith and Freedom, told The Epoch Times that the social services department revised its civil rights statement to expand the definition of sex to include gender identity and sexual orientation last April.

Now, the state is trying to enforce its beliefs about gender and sexuality onto the church, he said. Its transgressing constitutional boundaries and trying to tell the church what to think and believe.

Broyles also said that several LGBT families have children who attend Dayspring, and that those families are happy with the school and upset by the states decision to pull funding.

Additionally, the attorney said that the school has been able to scrape funds together to meet students meal needs for the past few months.

But its not without hardship, he said.

The school is currently preparing a preliminary injunction motion to restore the schools meal funding while the lawsuit is pending, according to Broyles. A hearing for the case has not been scheduled.

A spokesperson for the states Child and Adult Care Food Programs Branch, as well as a spokesperson for the Civil Rights Unit at the states social services department, was not immediately available for comment.
Canadian Politicians Sign Letter to CCP Official Pledging to Promote Beijings Image in Fighting COVID-19: Report

Senator Victor Oh and former Ontario cabinet minister Michael Chan were signatories among those who signed a 2020 letter from an Ontario-based Chinese-Canadian business association to a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) official saying the association has been promoting Chinas image in fighting COVID-19 and pledges continuing support of the great motherland.

Oh signed as an honorary president of the Richmond Hill-based business association, Jiangsu Commerce Council of Canada (JCCC), as well as a Canadian senator and chair of the parliamentary forum Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN). Ohs biography on the Senate of Canada website indicates he is the Vice-Chair of CACN, though his name currently is not on the members page of the association.

Chan, for his part, also signed as honorary president of the JCCC, as well as a former minister of international trade of Ontario and an honorary citizen of Jiangsu Province.

The correspondence was in response to a letter issued by the CCP official to JCCC president Jiang Rui, as reported in April 2020 by the Chinese-language media ccmedia.news, and first reported in English by the Found in Translation newsletter on Substack. The ccmedia.news website includes copies of the two letters.

The March 27, 2020, letter by the CCP official, Lou Qinjian, former secretary of the Jiangsu provincial committee, bears the letterhead of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the CCP. It is addressed directly to Jiang as well as all overseas Chinese from Jiangsu in Canada. It is co-signed by another CCP official, Wu Zhenglong, then-governor of Jiangsu. Jiangsu is a province on Chinas east coast, north of Shanghai.

Neither Oh nor Chan responded to requests for comment from The Epoch Times.

Telling Chinas Story Well

In what Jiang described as a letter from home, CCP official Lous letter expressed care and concern toward the overseas Chinese in Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic and said they will resolutely implement [Chinese] President Xi Jinpings instructions and requirements, and make the utmost effort to provide help and support for the health and safety of all overseas compatriots.

Meanwhile, the letter also urged the JCCC to take advantage of its connections as a Chinese diaspora association to promote to Canadians a positive image of Beijings pandemic response.

[We] hope that you will make use of overseas Chinese as a bridge to convey confidence, actively tell well the story of the fight against the pandemic at home [in China], promote the image of the motherland as a responsible major country, and demonstrate the good citizenship of overseas Jiangsu people, the letter said.

Telling Chinas story well is a phrase introduced by Chinese leader Xi in 2013, encapsulating his approach of messaging on the world stage to promote the image of the communist regime.

Response Letter

The ccmedia.news article included images of the three pages of Jiangs response letter, dated April 10, 2020, addressed only to Lou and bearing Jiangs signature on the second page and the signatures of Oh, Chan, and over a dozen other senior JCCC members on the third page.

In the response letter, Jiang expressed gratitude for the special letter from home, saying that following that lead, other Jiangsu government departments have also reached out to show their care and concern, including the Jiangsu Provincial United Front Work Department (UFWD). The UFWD functions as the CCPs primary foreign interference tool working to co-opt international politicians and facilitate espionage, among other activities that endanger national security, says a 2020 report by Public Safety Canada citing research by think tanks.

Former Ontario cabinet minister Michael Chan speaks at a rally held to condemn protests in Hong Kong, in Markham, Ont., on Aug. 11, 2019. (Yi Ling/The Epoch Times)

Jiang also said his group has been committed to the cause of promoting Chinas image in Canada since early in the pandemic.

Since the early days of Chinas fight against the pandemic, weve made use of the special resources and channels of many JCCC members to tell the story of Chinas fight against the pandemic to the Canadian government and people, Jiang wrote.

Through extensive and in-depth publicity, Chinas demeanour [image] as a responsible, courageous, competent, and cooperative great power  is receiving more and more understanding, support, and appreciation from the Canadian government, people, and overseas Chinese!

The ccmedia.news article included photos of Oh and Chan signing the letter.

Oh, a Conservative senator representing Ontario, was appointed to the Senate in 2013.

Chan, who was a cabinet member in the previous Liberal government in Ontario, is now deputy mayor of Markham, Ont., a city that is part of the Greater Toronto Area. At the time of the signing of the letter, he was not a public office holder.

The Ontario provincial government was reportedly warned by CSIS in 2010 about its fear that Chan was under the influence of China, according to the Globe and Mail. Chan has said he is taking legal action against the Globe for its reporting.

As reported previously by The Epoch Times, Chan has spoken against anti-Beijing protests in Hong Kong, and supported the regimes national security law for the region. Canada and other democratic countries have condemned the new law as suppressing freedoms.

Affiliation

The JCCC, established in 2002, says its goal is to promote trade and business collaboration between Ontario and Jiangsu. It has over 1,000 members, including elites in the business, government, and academic communities, according to its website.

Jiang Rui, who began serving as JCCC president in 2018, has also held positions in organizations associated with the CCP, according to reports in local Jiangsu media and state media in China.

Apart from being JCCC president, Jiang is also an overseas representative of the provincial-level Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, a political advisory body in the Peoples Republic of China, and also a key body of the CCPs UFWD, according to ourjiangsu.com, a Chinese website directly owned by the Jiangsu provincial branch of the UFWD.

The Epoch Times reached out to Jiang for comment via the JCCC but didnt hear back.

According to a January 2021 JCCC report, Jiang was also elected vice-president of the Jiangsu branch of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification (CCPPNR), a China-based organization directly supervised by officials in the Politburo, the CCPs highest decision-making body.

The report included photos taken at a conference on the establishment of the Jiangsu CCPPNR, held on Jan. 9, 2020, in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province. A number of senior CCP officials, including the vice governor of the province, members of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the CCP, and the head of the UFWD, attended the conference, according to an article posted on the Jiangsu provincial government website.

The CCPPNR has branches in many countries, including two in Canada and at least 20 in the United States. In October 2020, the U.S. State Department designated a CCPPNR branch, the Washington, D.C.-based National Association for Chinas Peaceful Unification, as a foreign mission of the Chinese regime, describing it as a front organization of the UFWD.
China Starts Drills Around Taiwan After US Speaker Meeting

A Chinese warship fires at a target during a military drill near Fuzhou, Fujian Province, near the Taiwan-controlled Matsu Islands that are close to the Chinese coast, China, on April 8, 2023. (Thomas Peter/Reuters)

FUZHOU, China/TAIPEIChina began three days of military exercises around Taiwan on Saturday to express anger at Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wens meeting with the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, as the islands defense ministry said it would respond calmly.

The drills, announced the day after Tsai returned from the United States, had been widely expected after the Chinese communist regime condemned the meeting with Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwans government strongly objects to the CCPs claims.

Beijings announcement also came just hours after the CCP hosted a visit by senior European leaders.

The Chinese militarys Eastern Theatre Command said it had started the combat readiness patrols and Joint Sword exercises around Taiwan, having said earlier it would be holding them in the Taiwan Strait and to the north, south, and east of Taiwan as planned.

Taiwans defense ministry said it was monitoring the situation, maintaining a high degree of vigilance and would respond appropriately to defend the islands security.

The CCP was using Tsais U.S. visit as an excuse to carry out military exercises, which has seriously damaged regional peace, stability, and security, the ministry said in a statement.

The military will respond with a calm, rational, and serious attitude, and will stand guard and monitor in accordance with the principles of not escalating nor disputes to defend national sovereignty and national security.

The ministry said earlier on Saturday that in the previous 24 hours it had spotted four Chinese aircraft in Taiwans air defense zone, not an unusual number.

Reuters reporters in a seaside area near Fuzhou, which sits opposite the Taiwan-controlled Matsu islands, saw a Chinese warship firing shells onto a drill area on Chinas coast, part of drills announced by the Chinese regime late on Friday.

Tsai will meet visiting U.S. lawmaker delegation, led by Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, later on Saturday.

Tsai has repeatedly offered talks with the CCP but has been rebuffed. She says only Taiwans people can decide their future.

Diplomacy and Drills

The CCP had threatened unspecified retaliation if the meeting with McCarthysecond in line to succeed the U.S. president, after the vice presidentwere to take place. Beijing staged war games around Taiwan, including live-fire missile launches, in August after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei.

However, unlike in August, the CCP has yet to announce whether it will also stage missile drills. In the previous instance, the CCP published a map at the time it announced the drills, showing which maritime areas near Taiwan it would be firing into.

Taiwanese officials had expected a less severe reaction to the McCarthy meeting, given it took place in the United States, but they had said they could not rule out the possibility of the CCP staging more drills.

The CCP announcement came hours after French President Emmanuel Macron left China, where he met Chinese leader Xi Jinping and other senior leaders. Macron urged Beijing to talk sense to Russia over the war in Ukraine.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen, also in China this week to meet Xi, said stability in the Taiwan Strait was of paramount importance.

Xi responded by saying that expecting China to compromise on Taiwan was wishful thinking, according to the CCPs reading of the meeting.

Chinas defense ministry, as well as carrying the announcement of the drills around Taiwan, showed pictures on its home page of Xi meeting Macron and von der Leyen.

The Taiwan security source said the CCPs recent efforts to charm foreign leaders were in vain after the announcement of the drills.

Upon the announcement of drills in the strait, all those efforts have vanished overnight and become a wasted effort.
Christians Fleeing Persecution in China Arrive in Texas for Easter

The Chinese national flag flies in front of St Joseph's Church, also known as Wangfujing Catholic Church, in Beijing on Oct. 22, 2020. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images)

A group of more than 60 fleeing Christians have arrived safely in the United States after escaping severe religious persecution in communist China, according to a U.S. lawmaker.

The refugees are members of the Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church, also known as the Mayflower Church. They fled China in 2019 and traveled to Thailand in August 2022 from South Koreas Jeju Island, where they had stayed during their journey to escape religious persecution.

Christianity and other faith-based groups in China are seen as an ideological threat to the atheistic Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and face persecution, torture, and other serious harm.

After years of fleeing persecution suffered at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party, these men and women of great faith can finally enjoy religious freedom in America, said Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) in a statement.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) speaks as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in Washington on March 10, 2021. (Ken Cedeno/AFP via Getty Images)

Smith, who chairs the Congressional-Executive Commission on China as well as the House Foreign Affairs global human rights subcommittee, announced the news on April 7, a special day in the Christian calendar known as Good Friday.

Good Friday, which occurs during the holiday of Easter, also known as Pascha, marks one of the most important events in the Christian faith, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ after he was crucified, died, and was buried.

It is a very Good Friday indeed, and a perfect Easter gift to see these persecuted Chinese Christians arrive and be allowed to practice their faith freely in the United States, said Smith.

Smith, who has advocated for the group over the past several years, believes that had they been forcibly repatriated to China, they would have been jailed and severely persecuted. He engaged with government officials and advocates from South Korea to help prevent possible refoulement to China.

After news broke last week that the Chinese Christians were detained in Thailand, Smith also engaged Thai government officials to help ensure the group was not repatriated to China as the result of suspected pressure from CCP agents.

Smith believes that corruption at the local level led to the unfolding crisis and that Thai government officials must be more vigilant when it comes to malign CCP activities within their country. He called for any Thai officials to hold accountable any officials who colluded with CCP agents in an attempt to deprive the church members of their rights under international refugee law.

In the future, Thai government officials must be more vigilant when it comes to malign CCP activities within their country, said Smith.

Journey to Freedom

After they were unable to gain asylum in South Korea, the group of roughly 28 adults and 35 children relocated to Thailand last year.

However, after being unable to renew their visas in Thailand, they were arrested in Pattaya on March 30. They were also fined and later taken to a detention facility in Bangkok.

When the group was detained, Elaine Pearson, the Asia director for Human Rights Watch, said on Twitter the Thai government should ensure they are not returned to China, where they face persecution, torture [and] other serious harm.

Thailands immigration law requires Chinese nationals to report to the Chinese Embassy before they apply for a visa. This reportedly prevented the group of Christian refugees from having their visas renewed.

Christians in China who refuse to be members of CCP-approved churches, which teach a modified version of Christianity, attend so-called house churches. Pearson has said members of these house churches increasingly face harassment, arbitrary arrests, and imprisonment.

Chinese security guards together with police keep hundreds of Chinese Christian worshippers away from the Wangfujing Catholic Church in Beijing, during Christmas mass, on 25 Dec. 2003. (Goh Chai Hin/AFP via Getty Images)

According to Human Rights Watch, the Thai government under Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has a long record of collaborating with Chinese authorities to harass, detain, and forcibly return Chinese nationals who have fled to Thailand to escape political and religious persecution.

US Christians Sponsor Group

The U.S.-based Christian organization, Freedom Seekers, has been working to rehome the members of the Mayflower Church in Tyler, Texas.

Church communities in Texas had offered last year to sponsor the Christian asylum seekers, offering to provide them with housing and living expenses while they settle in, reported Christianity Today.

Their arrival in America has been welcomed by Christian organizations involved in their resettlement.

According to Texas-based ChinaAid, the U.S. Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, various UN agencies, and the Thai government coordinated to bring the group to Texas.

Bob Fu, the founder of ChinaAid, called their arrival a joyful homecoming, while the organizations CEO, Chad Bullard hailed it as a successful example of nonpartisan, international cooperation.

None of this would have been possible without the help of partners, members of Congress, and U.S. government staff who worked countless hours in order to bring the Mayflower Church to safety, Fu said in a statement. Now they can live out their faith fully without fear of persecution!

Bullard thanked the U.S. State Departments International Religious Freedom Office, USCIRF, Reps. Mike McCaul (R-Texas) and Smith, Taiwan Speaker You Si-Kun, and former Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.). He noted that assistance was also provided by Reps. Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas) and August Pfluger (R-Texas), as well as Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
From chemical warfare to cyber warfare to legal warfare, how does the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) use unconventional warfare techniques to systematically target, subvert, and deplete its enemies?

What is the Chinese regimes greatest strategic vulnerability? And how could the United States exploit it?

And how is the CCP deploying a disguised maritime militia in the Pacificwith little to no resistance?

I sit down with Col. Grant Newsham, a retired U.S. Marine officer and author of When China Attacks: A Warning to America.

Read Micronesia President David Panuelos letter on CCP political warfare



FULL TRANSCRIPT

Jan Jekielek:

Grant Newsham, its such a pleasure to have you back on American Thought Leaders.

Grant Newsham:

Im glad to be here. Thanks very much.

Mr. Jekielek:

With your book When China Attacks, the big question I have is attacking who? Who are we talking about here?

Col. Newsham:

Ultimately they want to attack the United States. We are the main enemy that prevents them really from getting regional domination, and ultimately, global domination. Were the target. China is likely to use so-called non-kinetic attacks against us at this point, but they are likely to use a kinetic assault to launch a military invasion of Taiwan. By going after Taiwan, they have the chance to humiliate the United States and really put the Americans on their back foot and make it look as if China is unstoppable.

Mr. Jekielek:

You start When China Attacks with this hypothetical scenario of an attack by the Chinese Communist Party on Taiwan. As I was reading, I was charting all these different unconventional methods of warfare that the CCP utilizes to achieve its objective, and I found it to be a very, very troubling scenario. Realistically, will this happen in the near future?

Col. Newsham:

It could happen. There are probably a dozen scenarios that different analysts have, but this one, I could see happening. It wouldnt surprise me at all.

Mr. Jekielek:

Please explain that.

Col. Newsham:

What the Chinese want to do is seize Taiwan. Theyd like to get it without fighting, but if they have to, they will. They have built up a military that is capable of doing it, but they also need to ensure that the Americans are kept at bay. Theyve got to thread a needle here, because if they go too hard against the United States it may provoke America to respond with everything they have, and thats not what China wants. They want to humiliate the Americans just enough to make them worry about what happens if they go all in and also to rely on Chinas proxies.

Essentially, its the front men in the United States telling whatever administration is in office to just hold still. Dont respond. We cant risk nuclear war over little Taiwan, and we want to get back to business as usual. What I can see is the Chinese launching an all-out very quick hard assault on Taiwan, but not going all out on the United States, not doing another Pearl Harbor attack or hitting the U.S. mainland, and maybe even leaving the U.S. bases in Japan alone.

They do have ways to make life difficult for us, as you noted, like their fishing fleet, the maritime militia, things that look like civilian weapons or civilian entities, and also the proxies that I mentioned. In just about every country, theyve got people who put in a good word for them.

Thats how I see it. The Chinese could present the American administration with a fair complaint. Theyve taken Taiwan and theyve told the Americans, Stand clear or its nuclear war. You can almost hear a certain type of administration talking itself into doing nothing, saying, We would really like to, but its unfortunate. We cant intervene on behalf of Taiwan.

That would be my scenario, and I would note the Chinese would like to get Taiwan without fighting. Who wouldnt? Its a lot easier. They have been launching political warfare against Taiwan for decades. The subversion of the country has just been immense with the pressure that is put on Taiwan.

What could happen in the upcoming presidential election in Taiwan in January 2024, if the pro-China candidate wins, Beijing might think that it can work with him and draw him in, and have him draw Taiwan into the mainlands embrace. Most Taiwanese wouldnt want that, but if you have a certain type of leader and you play it right, China might increase their odds of winning without fighting.

But if a candidate from the party that wants nothing to do with Chinese domination wins, at that point, the gloves come off and China gets very serious about a so-called kinetic attack on Taiwan. Kinetic is just the popular word these days for a shooting war.

Mr. Jekielek:

Why is Taiwan so important to China, and why is Taiwan so important to the U.S.?

Col. Newsham:

Thats the question. You hear a lot of people say, Taiwan isnt worth it. Its worth more to China than it is to us. It cant be defended. Just let it go. You hear that a lot in the debate these days.

Its wrong, and there is also an element of maliciousness in it. The idea of letting 23 million free people come under Chinese Communist enslavement is not something that sits well with me. But why is it important? First, look at it from Chinas perspective, and if you look at it that way, you can figure out why its so important from the U.S. perspective.

Surprisingly, it doesnt have so much to do with the high-end semiconductors that Taiwan manufactures. That gets a lot of attention, and yes, it would be an inconvenience, and probably a big one if Taiwans semiconductor production was cut. They produce something like 90 percent of all high-end semiconductors.

But I dont think that is the main reason. With or without chips, Taiwan is a very juicy target for Beijing and heres why. Taiwan is strategic terrain, and strategic geography, if there ever was. Its part of the so-called first island chain that stretches from Japan to Taiwan, down to the Philippines, down to Malaysia. If you look at a map, that will tell you a lot about Chinese thinking, particularly military thinking.

That first island chain actually hems in the peoples liberation army. It makes it very hard for them to get into the Pacific to go east. But if China takes Taiwan, they have seized a lodgement right in the middle of the first island chain. Think of a castle wall being breached and suddenly the attackers just pour in and keep going. Thats what would happen.

If the Peoples Liberation Army launches from Taiwan and goes up north, they can surround and isolate Japan. If they go down south, they can isolate Australia, cut it off from the U.S., and cut it off from the rest of Asia. Militarily, its very nice to have that as a platform. It makes operations farther east into the Pacific much easier to accomplish. The Chinese objective is not to just stop at the first island chain.

Rather, its to go all the way to the west coast of Latin America where they are setting up the infrastructure, the ports, the airfields, the political influence, and the economic influence that they will need to deploy Chinese forces sometime in the future, if not tomorrow. Its part of the plan.

From a military perspective, its very important. You ask yourself, If I were the Americans, my first defense line has been breached. Obviously, that is serious, but theres more to it than just the military operational issue. I would call it the political/psychological aspect of Taiwan and its importance. Suppose Taiwan comes under Beijings rule. Look at the message that would be sent and what Beijing would have demonstrated.

Its that the U.S. military could not prevent the Americans from keeping 23 million Taiwanese free. U.S. economic and financial power couldnt do it and U.S. nuclear weapons couldnt do it either. In short order, youre going to find Asia turning red as most countries there realize that an American promise is not what it used to be, and youre going to see that worldwide as well.

It would be a huge psychological political blow against the Americans and for Beijing. How would one argue if that happens? You say, Taiwan wasnt all that important, but if its somewhere else more important, then well go all in. I dont think anyones really going to buy that, and we dont have a particularly good track record in recent times of taking care of our friends. Rather, we tend to leave them high and dry, and theres a point at which a lot of people notice. Those are some of the reasons why Taiwan is so important.

Mr. Jekielek:

Youre American. You talk about the Americans as if youre looking a little bit from the outside, which in fact you are. Please tell me a little bit about your background and how you came to be studying Chinese military capability and intentions.

Col. Newsham:

Sure. I first started looking at Taiwan and China around 1981, so its been 40 years or so. I first started looking at business with China. I used to be a lawyer, so that was one area I focused on. I was with the Marines for 30 years and active in reserve time. During that time, much of it was in the Asia-Pacific. Also, I was a diplomat with the U.S. State Department for eight years, and a lot of that was in Pacific East Asia. I also worked in the business community, working for an investment bank in Japan for a decade-plus, and also working for Motorola in Japan and Korea. Thats a familiar name to some people, but it committed suicide in China.

Ive had decades of experience looking at China and looking at Asia from different perspectives, not just the military, but also from the diplomatic, the financial, and that of high-tech industry.

Mr. Jekielek:

A lot of the unconventional warfare that the Chinese Communist Party wages does involve all these different sectors. It doesnt actually involve the conventional, traditional, war-fighting apparatus as much.

Col. Newsham:

Yes. Its a very different concept of war and of bringing your enemy under your control. We tend to look at warfare like a 100-yard dash where the participants get up to the starting line, they shake loose and get down in the crouch, and then the starter says go. Thats when the race starts, the war starts, and the shooting starts.

But to the Chinese, the shooting is the last thing, if its even necessary. Ideally, youve weakened your enemy and enemies to the point that they cant respond effectively, or cant respond at all. You do this with methods that dont involve shooting people, although they are willing to do that, or they have other people do the shooting for them.

These are things that to an American or Westerner look unobjectionable, and that just looks like business competition. The Chinese look at this as economic warfare. The idea is to drive your opponents or your competitors out of business, to get their technology, suck their know-how out of them, and rig the system in China so that you can build up Chinese companies.

The idea is to dominate the main sectors and just about anything thats on the Chinese list of things to dominate. You can look at how that has actually worked in the U.S. Once China was let into the World Trade Organization in the early 2000s, despite not meeting any of the requirements that every other country would need, things went wild and American businesses started flocking to China. China turned into this manufacturing juggernaut.

Americas manufacturing capability, and more importantly the jobs and the livelihoods that came with it disappeared. One figure from an MIT analyst states that about three-and-a-half million manufacturing jobs were lost as a result of letting China into the World Trade Organization, and thats just jobs lost. You would think that every one of those jobs supported several people at least. That has actually worked very well to Chinas advantage.

Its weakened us and its strengthened China, because the Chinese economy has grown, with many countries growing dependent on it, America not the least. This helps China develop its military as well. Its very much a net gain for the Chinese and a net loss for us. Once again, theres a psychological aspect to it. I would encourage anybody to go to some big, or even not so big, American city, and if you dare, go to the neighborhoods where working class people used to live and have a look around.

Its as if a war took place. Its horrific, and I describe part of that in my book. That is one example of what the Chinese consider warfare that is intended to weaken their enemy, while strengthening themselves. But we dont look at it that way. There are other lines of attack that China sees as warfare biological war, chemical war, cyberwarfare, and proxy warfare.

That means getting your opponents prominent and influential people to do your bidding for you. It was very interesting the other day when we saw the CEO of TikTok testifying before Congress. It was interesting to see him, but it was more interesting to see behind him a phalanx of Americans who had signed up to do Chinas bidding. Money has a way of doing that.

Theres also one point I wanted to mention as to why Taiwan matters. Taiwan is a small island with 23 million people. Its an existential threat to the Chinese Communist Party, and how could that be? Its such a small place. It is proof that people of Chinese origin can handle democracy, consensual government, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and all the freedoms we think are important.

Taiwan shows what is doable and what China could become. That is one of the reasons Beijing wants to strangle it, because it is a daily living reminder there is an alternative for China besides Chinese Communist rule.

You hear it all the time. Chinese people can only be handled or ruled by a boot on the neck with force. Even Jackie Chan said something like that, and others have said it. Its nonsense. Taiwan is proof that it doesnt have to be like that. Its really a priceless reminder of what China could be.

Mr. Jekielek:

It suggests that any country thats a free country actually acts as a threat to the Chinese Communist Party. In fact, I was just discussing this very issue on a podcast recently that totalitarian regimes fear any freedom, because it shows people that there is another way.

Col. Newsham:

Definitely. That is something that the Chinese Communists really dont like, if you listen to what they say. Xi Jinping gave an official speech around 2013 where he effectively said that Western values are antithetical. They are the enemy. They are the opponent. They are not at all compatible with the Chinese Communist, Chinese socialist ideas, and he is very clear on this. There was no live and let live, or lets take some of the good parts. He was very clear on these Western values.

Ive never come across too many people anywhere that like to be enslaved or treated unfairly. That is an absolute threat to the Chinese Communist Party that ultimately rules by force, and does not rule with the consent of the governed. An easy way to prove that is to have a real election. That doesnt seem to be in the cards.

Mr. Jekielek:

Lets talk about TikTok. A few years back you wrote an op-ed for us about TikTok and its relationship with a certain piece of legislation, the 2017 national intelligence law that the Chinese Communist Party enacted, and that it may have some bearing on what TikTok is ultimately required to do.

Col. Newsham:

Thats an easy one. High-priced American lawyers would insist otherwise, but TikTok has to do whatever the Chinese Communist Party tells it to do. That is required by the national intelligence law you just mentioned. Even before that law was passed, if the Ministry of State Security comes to your company and says, We would like you to come in for tea, theres only one answer to that.

That has always been the reality for any Chinese company. Theres really no such thing as a private company thats free of government coercion, in the way we would see it. Its ironic that were spending so much time debating the degree to which TikTok and similar companies have connections to the Chinese government. They all do and it is about that simple. Jack Ma, for example, you hear about him and it was thought, Hes a brash private sector guy.

He has always been a creation of the Chinese Communist Party. Thats one of the aspects about that regime and that systema company in China will only be successful for as long as the Chinese Communist Party says it will. That is the reality, but when youre paying a lawyer $800 an hour to argue the point, theyre glad to do it. But some things are not that hard to figure out when it comes to the PRC [Peoples Republic of China].

Mr. Jekielek:

I was recently at a hearing where the Chinese doctrine of civil-military fusion was discussed. Its actually one of the top seven national priorities if Im not mistaken. Something is very relevant here to the realities around TikTok. Do you have any thoughts on that?

Col. Newsham:

Yes. That civil-military fusion is the description of how the economic activities and military activities are combined in China. One supports the other and vice versa. If something that is developed for military purposes and there is a commercial use for it, its going to get shared and vice versa, and that is strategy. Its the way that Chinese look at things, and they have been very effective with that.

With TikTok, you can think of what the harmful aspects are. If you can influence your target, particularly young people or even older people to think a certain way, that directly benefits your military. It thinks about how it can weaken the enemy in order to set them up for eventual assault and eventual domination. With the intelligence-collection capabilities of TikTok, there is a usefulness there. Once again, that benefits the military and the security part of the Chinese governmental structure.

You see this all the time. Dont ever think theres a purely private company in China. If push comes to shove, they are obligated by law to cooperate with the authorities. Remember when Apple refused to unlock the phone of a mass-murdering terrorist and refused to help out the FBI. But at the same time, they actually did help out the Chinese government unlocking some things. Things you can do in America, you cannot do in China, and that needs to be kept in mind.

Mr. Jekielek:

Its almost unthinkable that when there is a civil-military fusion opportunity, that it wouldnt be used. Otherwise, heads would roll, maybe not literally, but proverbially. What do you think about that?

Col. Newsham:

Thats how it is. Its something that is so foreign to us. We sometimes admire the brash business executive, like say, Howard Hughes going in front of the Congress and talking straight and talking tough. There is no Congress in China, but if there was, you would only do it once. We look at this as very natural, that the private sector business is separate from the military and security activities.

The Chinese see it very differently. Everything comes together to enhance Chinese power. They see it that when Chinese power grows, ideally, it happens at the same time that American power reduces. I mentioned Motorola, for example. Think about that. In its day, it was one of Americas top companies that was really respected. It got in trouble partly by getting into the China market without being wise about what they were doing, and now it basically doesnt exist. Theres a little bit left, but the bulk of what was Motorola is now owned by Lenovo, by a Chinese company.

Just think of the effect of that. You had multiple generations of people who worked for Motorola in Schaumburg, Illinois and elsewhere. Its all gone and it hasnt been replaced with anything. Chinas high-tech industry has expanded rapidly. Now, its a real threat to the U.S. companies. America has gotten weaker, and China has gotten stronger. Thats how the Chinese Communists do the calculation.

Mr. Jekielek:

While were on this topic, tell us about this concept of comprehensive national power, which the CCP uses to rate itself against every nation in the world. Youll have to tell me the details, but its important to know how they think about this.

Col. Newsham:

Ill try to explain it simply in a way you can understand. If you look at it in the sense of, Whatever is good for me is bad for you, that is the ideal. Something that weakens your opponent while strengthening you is ideally what you want. China actually counts all of these wins and successes that they have around the world. They set up and get ownership of some strategic locations or air fields. The Americans arent getting in there, and it all goes into that accumulation of national power.

Everything that is good for China and benefits China, thats exactly what they want. But its not as if they want it to have the so-called win-win where everybody is benefiting. They want the other side to go down. If you can weaken your enemy, confuse him, take away his key industries, weaken his currency, weaken the dollar, and you get people to start using Chinese currency overseas, that is a big addition to China.

Its on the plus side for Chinas comprehensive national power, and its a decline for American national power. It helps if you just forget the idea of win-win. The Chinese use that expression a lot, but what they mean is we win twice, and you lose. Another example would be when the Chinese get the blueprints for the F35 fighter and the C17 long-range transport. Thats a good thing for China.

It goes into the plus column. What does it look like on the American side? Its on the negative side of the ledger. They are very much keeping score on this. Its helpful to remember the ultimate objective of the Chinese Communist Party. You really have to listen to them. Ultimately, it is to get the Americans out of Asia, but also to keep pushing and eventually dominate the region and dominate the globe. They have gone about setting things up to do that. They have a way to go, but its been a very impressive move over the last 20 to 30 years.

Mr. Jekielek:

On the side of the Chinese military, and youve been looking at this, what is the state of the Chinese military? Ive heard wildly different assessments of their capabilities. What have you found?

Col. Newsham:

Unfortunately, they are pretty good. People used to laugh 20 years ago when the idea of the Peoples Liberation Army attacking Taiwan was mentioned. It was jokingly referred to as the million man swim, the idea being they didnt even have the resources to get across the Taiwan Strait. It also implied that they werent smart enough to figure out how to do it.

Nobody is laughing these days. I actually have a chart that was put together by the former head of intelligence for the U.S. Navy in the Pacific fleet that graphically depicts Chinese military growth over the last 20 years. The first chart is 2000, and theres not much there now. China doesnt have much hardware, and it cant operate very far offshore. In 2020, its very different. Its just the whole charge is full.

China has a military, has a Navy Air Force, ground forces, and also, as everyone knows, rockets and missiles. Its got a lot of them and its figuring out how to use them. It actually already knows how. It knows its weaknesses and its trying to address those. Now, China is able to really throw its weight around in the region, and the idea is to eventually throw it around globally.

There was a condescension towards the Chinese over many years that they could never be our equals. Five or six years ago I suggested to some Marines that the Chinese would have the equivalent of our amphibious force and units that patrol the oceans. People laughed at me and said, They could never do it. Its too hard to do. Well, it wasnt. The Chinese could put together two or three of these things at least if they wanted to. Theyve had them out and about for more and better future operations.

We have underestimated them. That was a mistake, but they do have problems. Its not as if they figured everything out, and that is something that we do need to keep in mind. You dont want to psych yourself out, but you do have to realize just what a formidable force theyve become. In certain circumstances, they could probably beat us or at least kill a lot of us if they chose the timing.

For example, with something close to the Chinese mainland, we would have a hard time, because they would have the advantages of operating from so-called interior lines. From the Chinese mainland, it would be a huge advantage for them. It would be hard for us to get in there. But if you get farther out, then it gets more difficult for the Chinese. It could be five years before they really have the power projection capability where you can send military units way far away and shoot somebody and use force.

The Chinese are very capable of sending naval flotillas to the ends of the earth. They do it in Africa and Latin America. They go down to the Indian Ocean. Theyve been sending units to the Horn of Africa for a long time and theyre smart. Theyve learned what their shortcomings are. Theyve learned how to operate combining different forces and different types of units, and theyve done a very good job.

The Chinese leadership does complain sometimes about the so-called peace disease. They fret that they havent had combat experience and that is a real drawback. But the U.S. Navy hasnt really fought a major enemy since 1945. With U.S. forces, the combat experience tends to get winnowed out pretty quickly as time goes on.

If you understand the problem, if you say train to address it and you train hard, you can make up for that lack of experience. I dont see that as much of a problem as some other people do. The fix weve gotten ourselves into with the Chinese does come from not having taken them seriously enough and maintaining our edge. We spent so many years in the so-called sandbox in Iraq and Afghanistan focusing on those kinds of wars, that the Chinese caught up in many areas and surpassed us in some as well.

Mr. Jekielek:

Since were talking about maritime capability, there is this unconventional fleet that the CCP has used in a military way, which is essentially their fishing fleet, but which also doubles as a maritime militia with its swarming tactics. Perhaps it is a way to explain the Chinese Communist Partys mentality around war fighting, what kinds of tools can be used, along with what this group of fishing boats is doing.

You couldnt have a military response to that, because these are just fishing boats. It would be an outrage. It would be an international crisis, irrespective of what those boats were actually doing. Please tell us how this maritime militia works. Is it actually just an arm of the military?

Col. Newsham:

Part of the peoples armed police is probably a good way to look at it. But just think of it as military, and that will work. These are fishing boats that sometimes do fishing, but theyre also built for double hauls, and are up-engined. They have people with arms on them and they use them to ram, intimidate, and sink other vessels, particularly other fishing vessels.

You have this charade that they are not a part of the military and theyre just fishing boats. Theyve used these very successfully in the South China Sea. You can establish a long-term presence in places and really drive your opponents out, and they wont go back in. If youre a fisherman, theres no way youre going to go in and challenge a big boat with a double haul and guys with weapons on it that is willing to ram you and sink you and shoot you if necessary.

Its a nice adjunct and it gives you the cover, as you pointed out, by saying, This is just a fishing boat. What are you complaining about? Its not a naval vessel. The Chinese have a lot of these, in addition to their regular fishing fleet, which sails the seven seas vacuuming up fish.

One example of how they throw their weight around causing their opponents to back off is Japan. A handful of times over the last decade the Chinese have flooded the zone around a tiny Japanese island with around 400 fishing boats with maritime militia mixed in. The Japanese dont have anywhere near enough patrol boats, Coast Guard or naval, to take care of that. The Chinese have done this now and then, and the purpose is to tell the Japanese, Look, when the time comes we assert administrative control, which is the legal term for asserting dominance over your territory, and the Japanese are very worried about this.

The Chinese have driven Japanese fishing boats out of their traditional waters. They dont go into some of these because theyre afraid. Its either maritime militia or the fishing boats, and then throw in a couple of Coast Guard boats, and its a formidable force. Chinese Coast Guard cutters are effectively warships. Theyre big, and theyre armed.

Theyre really almost the size of U.S. naval combatants. The Chinese have also understood one of the weaknesses of their opponent is that we insist on law and playing by the rules. When somebody doesnt do it, were flummoxed. We dont quite know what to do.

You hear this all the time on the U.S. side, Chinas gray zone activities, what do we do about it? Thats about as far as it gets. We say, What do we do about it? Nobody has actually come up with the common sense approach that lets them know that we consider these naval ships, and we are going to respond accordingly. A while back, there was actually a U.S. naval commander who stated, and he was on the right track, that it takes a certain willingness on our side to push back, but also to fight back.

The other guy knows that he can break the rules and elbow in on you and hurt you, and youre not going to do anything, because its against the law. Hes going to take advantage of that. Its almost an aspect of so-called lawfare, where the Chinese use international law to their advantage. Partly, it helps them if they dont obey it, but we do. You can see the advantage that it gives to the Chinese compared to us and others.

Mr. Jekielek:

What I find most fascinating about the hypothetical assault on Taiwan chronicled in your book, is the gray zone activity and the reaction, which is pretty much what would happen, unless we have a dramatic policy change like you just described.

Col. Newsham:

You can use these regular fishing boats and maritime militia to surreptitiously lay mines off of Japanese ports where the U.S. Navy operates. Cargo ships, for example, can launch drones that can cause Americans a lot of trouble as theyre sailing out of San Diego. These are things that we dont think of as war fighting, but its a platform and we should expect that were going to have to deal with it.

Mr. Jekielek:

Think about what that meanscargo ships coming out of China being weaponized. What portion of the worlds cargo chips come out of China? Its probably a very significant portion.

Col. Newsham:

Yes, it is. One of the key worries is containerized missiles. Youve seen a big container ship that has thousands of containers on it and you just need a couple of them that have anti-ship cruise missiles in it, and which one is it in? Its a giant shell game.

If youre willing to do that, it can give you a huge advantage. Then, all you have to say once it happens is, We dont know. We Americans insist on evidence to be able to prove the charges, and if the Chinese just shrug their shoulders, one can see the usefulness of this.

It could make it very hard for the Americans to respond to a Taiwan scenario. You dont have to sink an aircraft carrier, just disable or immobilize a couple of other naval ships. We dont have enough ships, but you also get worried about what other problems youre going to have.

That is very much part of the Chinese military strategy, making use of these so-called gray zones and what look like civilian resources or platforms to go after us and their enemies. The Australians will find something similar if they head north from Australia. Theyll find that, because they will have lost a few ships on the way up from the Chinese fishing fleet, most likely.

Mr. Jekielek:

I want to stay in the Pacific for a moment longer. There are all these different unconventional warfare methods that the Chinese Communist Party is affecting on the U.S. mainland. I want to get to that. This is incredibly important, but Ive recently become more aware of some of these bullying actions of the Chinese Communist Party, trying to get the leaders or leaders of some of these small island chains to basically play ball, seemingly on the course to assuming administrative control eventually. But there have been a few of these leaders that have, unbelievably against all odds, stood up to the behemoth.

In one case, President Panuelo, of the Federated States of Micronesia, is on record saying that Chinese officials have threatened his life. These are people that are in the capacity of serving as Chinese officials, not this gray zone thing that you usually see. In this long letter, he describes a host of serious threats to his nation. Its unheard of anywhere, nevermind in a tiny island chain state. What is the significance of this?

Col. Newsham:

Keep in mind that we wont even say those things, because were afraid China might not let us do business there. Even American leaders are reluctant to speak out in too many cases.

Mr. Jekielek:

Please give us a quick summary of what President Panuelo has alleged or said.

Col. Newsham:

He writes in great detail about things like the Chinese paying off all sorts of officials and influential people in Micronesia. Theyre providing money to secessionist groups in several of the states in Micronesia. It would be like providing money to Texas so they could go independent, but theyre doing that.

In just the most amazing way, just recently at a meeting down in the South Pacific where the Micronesians were not going to participate, the Chinese designated a Micronesian guy and said, You represent Micronesia. He had no authority to do that, but they just did it and brazenly ignored the rights of a sovereign nation.

They have also been sending survey ships to follow the communications cables. Theyve been doing this in a lot of places. The idea is when the time comes, they will cut them. Youve seen this full-fledged political warfare, and an influence effort against Micronesia. This is just Micronesia. You have huge Chinese investment where these real estate developers come in and promise billions, and they insinuate themselves commercially. That leads to political influence, and then they pretty much get a lock on the local economy.

They create a constituency of people that get a ton of money from the PRC. Most people dont like this, but theres nothing you can do. Theyve been very effective doing this in the Pacific. These are the islands where, during World War II, there was bloody combat to take them back from the Japanese.

These islands in the Central Pacific are actually in the middle of Americas defenses. We have the first island chain with Taiwan, but the Chinese are setting up behind us. The third step in Chinese influence efforts is a military presence. Theyve taken their time on that. In the Solomon Islands recently they have signed a deal with the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands that effectively lets the Chinese military into the Solomon Islands. Thats where Guadalcanal was, the World War II battle. The Chinese military will get in there before too long.

But you have President Panuelo. He had the nerve and the courage to stand up and say this, and this was actually the third letter hes written. He wrote one last July and one a little before that, warning his fellow citizens or fellow officials, but also the leaders of other countries of this Chinese subversion that is coming. He says it means theres nothing good for the people of the country when this happens, but its important to note that hes put himself at real risk.

China does play hardball and you can take that in its fullest meaning, but hes spoken up. I really recommend people read the letters because theyre so well written, a real cry from the heart and also asking for help from the Americans which doesnt seem to have been forthcoming yet. Panuelo also offered to change Federated States of Micronesias recognition from China to Taiwan.

It is very rare to have that happen, but theres some timing issues here. Youll notice it doesnt seem as though the Americans have taken advantage of the opportunity. If youre a guy whos stood up against the Chinese, youd think youd get some sort of support from the United States. If its being given, its really well hidden.

Mr. Jekielek:

If youre watching this episode online, were going to embed it into the webpage, because it also functions as a blueprint of Chinese Communist Party influence operations anywhere. Everything listed there are things that Im aware of in other places.

Col. Newsham:

It really is. Its a predictable sequence. It applies to the U.S., Canada, and anywhere. It starts with a commercial presence because its just business. Who can complain about that? But the business leads to political influence. It creates dependency within the societies. From the Chinese perspective, theyre happy to have the society have internal fighting; people who dont want the Chinese coming in, and others who do. You get that society turning on itself and thats very good from the Chinese perspective.

Ultimately, the objective is to have a military presence. Theyre patient, and that will come. Its not hard to see whats happening. You see something very similar happening in so many countries where the commercial and political dependence that they create has worked very well. There are usually financial benefits involved, but it tends to corrupt the country. As noted, it does cause people and society to get very unsettled, and people fighting with each other, which from the Chinese perspective is a good thing.

Mr. Jekielek:

Lets talk about one of these unconventional warfare methods which the CCP has been engaged in, which is Fentanyl. This is something you write about, and thats very close to your heart as well. Please explain to me how this works.

Col. Newsham:

It is as clear a case of chemical warfare as you will find. What China provides is about 99 percent of the fentanyl precursors. The raw materials go to Mexico and then get turned into pills and moved into the United States. Fentanyl killed about 70,000 Americans last year, and thats Americans of all types. In the entire 12-years of the Vietnam War, only 55,000 Americans were killed.

In one year, America lost 70,000 people, many of these are military age, and this is just ones who died. Then, there are the walking wounded, along with the effect this has on families and society. The cost of dealing with and trying to treat these people are immense. Some figures are over a trillion dollars, depending on where you look.

Think about it. Youve effectively launched an attack on your main enemy. Youre taking what amounts to a couple divisions of troops off the battlefield every year and nobody does anything. You get away with it. This is really setting us up for the day when a shooting war actually starts, or just may not even be necessary.

Fentanyl or the chemical warfare ties into economic warfare. America needs workers. If a lot of them are drug addled, it gets hard to find them. Thats just one example. Its actually very hard to find people to work in a factory if you do a startup.

Also, theres a psychological warfare aspect of this. By getting so many influential Americans convinced that they have to be in the China market, convinced that they need to make money from China, and also convinced that we need Chinas help with fill-in-the-blankNorth Korea, climate change, transnational crime, as a result of that we have tied our hands and will not take on China on the Fentanyl scourge that is killing just tens of thousands of us every year. And its not stopping.

In 2018, Donald Trump did speak with Xi Jinping about it. Mr. Trump declared it was a game changer, and of course nothing changed. Xi Jinping even told him, Look, youve got a drug problem. I dont. They could stop it anytime they want, but theyre glad to have it go into the U.S.

Mr. Jekielek:

Multiple administrations have been working with China on this issue. Youre saying they can stop at any time they want, but not everyone would agree with you. Not everyone would believe it is that simple. How could that be possible?

Col. Newsham:

Heres a test. I would suggest anybody who goes to China to go from your hotel and go on a walk. If you see a picture of Xi Jinping, take out your Sharpie and draw a mustache on it and see if the Ministry of State Security is waiting for you before you get back to your hotel or five minutes afterwards. The level of control that China has over that society is immense and Orwell couldnt have dreamed of it.

I used to do a lot of work in the organized crime field, Asian organized crime in particular. You always find that Chinese organized crime tracked back to the security services, to the Chinese military, and always to the Chinese Communist Party. This has just been a huge win for the Chinese to cause us this much harm, and then to get us to think China cant do anything about it.

Ive heard the excuses that its local officials, and the central government doesnt know what theyre doing. Once again, that suggests you dont really know how China works. People say, The police, their hands are tied. Otherwise, they would crack down. Actually, the police do whatever they want. The other good one is, The guys that make it, they just rejigger the formula. Its not illegal.

As if in China the law actually matters. The law is what Xi Jinping says it is. China could crack down on this if it wanted to, but I would suggest it doesnt, because its just been wildly successful in killing us. I dont know why you would stop if your enemy is not wise enough to stand up for himself.

Mr. Jekielek:

Some people have described it as a reverse Opium War.

Col. Newsham:

A reverse?

Mr. Jekielek:

A reverse Opium War.

Col. Newsham:

Ive heard that.

Mr. Jekielek:

Some people have described it as a reverse Opium War. Indeed.

Col. Newsham:

The Opium War was 180 years ago, roughly. Theres a point at which that excuse doesnt get you very far. Go to those parts of American cities that are absolute war zones with a lot of it having to do with the drug Fentanyl. I wrote an article about this a couple years ago. A fellow who was a retired Navy pilot from Pittsburgh called me up and told me that his adult son had just died from Fentanyl poisoning.

Of course, he was distraught to put it mildly. He said, I tried to get congressmen interested and they really werent. All I could do was listen to him. To the extent I am able, I can cast some light on the issue and the effect of this on our country. To ignore it the way our ruling class and elites have, theres a callousness that just isnt my thing.

Mr. Jekielek:

I really want to talk about solutions to this one specifically, as we finish up. What could we do? You did mention how the CCP might use climate change. There are many In the U.S. that believe that its an existential threat and say, We have to work with the Chinese Communist Party on this. We need to make all sorts of concessions for this purpose. How do you view that? Is that another tool of war fighting?

Col. Newsham:

Its incredibly effective too. China is very sensitive to its human rights record where its just an absolute atrocity. Then, you have the climate czar, John Kerry, saying, Human rights dont matter. The only important thing is climate change. Were not going to talk about this with the Chinese. We need their help.

I mentioned North Korea and transnational crime, even though with so much of the transnational crime, theres a Chinese role in it. With North Korea, what theyre doing is actually very much in line with what the Chinese want. You have the Americans in particular thinking, They want what we do and we dont want to pressure them, and we dont want to get them mad. Its hard to see how youre going to win a war or win this fight with the PRC if youre thinking like that. You got to hand it to them, on some days you almost dont know what to say, but what do you do about it?

Certainly, we need to do something different from what were doing and have been doing. You need to apply pressure where its really going to hurt, and you apply it almost asymmetrically from a different direction. One example of this that I cover in the book is that the Chinese government is absolutely dependent on the convertible currency, U.S. dollars. Without it, they really cant fund their military or even their economic growth. If they want to fund the Belt and Road initiative, they have to pay in U.S. dollars or something like it.

Everything they want to do, they have got to find the dollars somewhere. That can be by manufacturing things in China and selling them overseas. That can be Wall Street pumping in tens of billions a year into the Chinese economy, which is just a godsend to the Chinese Communist Party. With Americas business class, the foreign direct investment it puts into China, its sending in the convertible currency that theyre using to build their economy, build their military, and the so-called comprehensive national power.

That doesnt get nearly the attention that it deserves. They havent got half the foreign currency they need to pay all of the things they owe. You saw the American investor, Mark Mobius, just note the other day that he wasnt allowed to take his money out of China. Welcome to discovering gravity. This has been the case forever in that system.

Theres a shortage of convertible currency, so heres what you do. You take the biggest, and not even the biggest Chinese financial institutions and you cut them off from the U.S. dollar network. Start with the Peoples Bank of China, and revoke its license to operate in the U.S. for six months. That would get some attention.

Additionally, many if not most of Chinas elite have assets overseas. They dont have enough confidence in their own system or its future. They put it in places like America, Britain, England, Singapore, and Australia. Ideally, they get a relative out there with a green card, and that has a residence permit. We should be seizing bank accounts, canceling the residence permits of their relatives, and also publicizing this to high heaven.

Bloomberg did some excellent reporting around 2013 on Xi Jinpings family wealth overseas. They knuckled under and spiked the stories. Thats how sensitive it was. But that is a way you can apply pressure that matters personally, so that they feel a personal effect at the high end of Chinas ruling class. Also, go after them on the human rights front nonstop. Every day, it should be nonstop.

But we dont seem to do that. Those are things that the Chinese Communist Party is very vulnerable to. You can see none of those involve shooting, but these are forms of pressure that you can apply if you identify what the key weaknesses are. For the Fentanyl murder if we wont do these things, were not serious, and that is heartbreaking.

Mr. Jekielek:

Grant, to your point, theres a piece of legislation, the Stop Organ Harvesting Act of 2023 that just passed the House. It basically has some teeth in terms of sanctioning officials that are involved in this ghastly business in Communist China, one of the most severe human rights violations there. We dont know where its going to go from here, but it does seem like U.S. legislators are thinking hopefully at least a bit in the direction that youre describing.

Col. Newsham:

Yes, its a good thing. As you say, well see where it goes and there are plenty of people on Capitol Hill who do take this seriously. The donor class of course seems to call the shots too often at the end of the day. But there are very good people on Capitol Hill on both sides who want to do something about it, and this shows one thing thats doable. But youve really got to not just pass the law and then sanction a few unlucky officials. You have to go up to the highest levels and make them feel the heat. You do have to understand the system, realize how pressure and power is applied, then go to the top. It shows what is doable. We will see what comes.

Mr. Jekielek:

Grant Newsham, its such a pleasure to have you on the show again.

Col. Newsham:

Thank you very much. I appreciate the opportunity.

Mr. Jekielek:

Thank you all for joining Grant Newsham and me on this episode of American Thought Leaders. Im your host, Jan Jekielek.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Conflict With China a Last Resort but Possible With Public Support, McCaul Says

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) speaks as House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Republican veterans of the military listen during a news conference at Rayburn Room of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Aug. 31, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said that, although military conflict between the United States and China is not something he desires, if Beijing were to attack Taiwan, that option would be on the table for Congress.

Conflict is always a last resort, McCaul noted from Taipei in a Friday interview with Fox News.

But, he added, If communist China invaded Taiwan, it would certainly be on the table and something that would be discussed by Congress and with the American people.

As chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, McCaul led a bipartisan delegation of lawmakers to Taiwan on Thursday in a show of support for the island nation amid its escalating tensions with China.

Last year, President Joe Biden made waves with his affirmation that the United States would move to defend Taiwan if the Chinese communist regime attempted to invade during a 60 Minutes interview on Sept. 18.

The instance was just one of several times Biden made such an assurance, though the White House has repeatedly walked back those promises, asserting that U.S. policy has not changed on the matter, and that, officially, the United States would not say whether it would defend Taiwan militarily or not.

Taiwanese Skeptism

Given Washingtons decision not to send troops to Ukraine, some Taiwanese citizens told Fox News that they were skeptical they would receive such support in the event of an attack.

McCaul, however, stressed that the two situations were vastly different.

Taiwan is in a very different position from Ukraine, he said. Number one, theyre not battle tested or ready. They are not prepared for war.

But Ukraine, the congressman noted, has had the support of NATO to bolster its defenses.

You dont have NATO in the Pacific, he said. Thats why, when looking at Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Australia, we need to start having these discussions as a deterrent for peace. Because if not, were going to invite aggression and war.

McCauls Friday remarks follow comments made on Thursday while in a meeting with Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te comparing Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler.

This struggle for global power, the balance of power that we find ourselves in today, often reminds me of my fathers generation, often referred to as the greatest in the United States, he said, per NBC News. Then we had Hitler, and today we have Putin and Chairman Xi.

Andrew Thornebrooke contributed to this report.
Congress Continues to Get up to Speed on Artificial Intelligence

Attendees take pictures and interact with the Engineered Arts Ameca humanoid robot with artificial intelligence as it is demonstrated during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 5, 2022. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

Members of Congress may be late to the table in learning about artificial intelligence (AI), but the lawmakers are committed to playing catchup.

The legislators are learning and thinking about AI, its present and future benefits, and its negative influences. They are figuring out what role Uncle Sam may play in developing and using the technology and phenomenon.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), 72, has returned to school as a part-time student at George Mason University to educate himself about AI and keep pace with developments in computer technology.

Im pursuing a graduate degree in computer science with emphasis on machine learning, and according to George Mason University, thats the closest to quote unquote artificial intelligence, Beyer told WTOP News.

Beyer is a member of the Congressional AI Caucus, which has about 40 members, but he believes that number could rise to 100 this summer.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), the Vice Chair of the Joint Economic Committee, attends a hearing with the House Rules Committee at the U.S. Capitol Building on Aug. 10, 2022 in Washington. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

AI developers and business users are cautiously and attentively viewing the political and legislator activity in Washington, D.C.

And businesses are using their lobbying and advocacy power on Capitol Hill to ward off excessive government intrusion and regulation, even as they acknowledge that not only will Congress have a say and role in the rollout of AI but that its measured and limited involvement may actually be desirable and render benefits for the high tech industry and public.

In fact, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has historically and energetically pushed, on behalf of business, less regulation and less government involvement, is calling for Congress to be a significant player in the rollout and implementation of AI.

In a report released last month by the Chambers Commission on Artificial Intelligence Competitiveness, Inclusion, and Innovation, among the top priorities listed was that Policies to promote responsible AI must be a top priority for this and future administrations and Congress.

Congress Starts to Exert Influence

Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) is a member of the lower chamber of Congress who knows a lot about AI and has been keeping pace with its deployment. Obernoltewho owns a videogame company that develops bestselling and award-winning productsholds a masters degree in AI from UCLA and a bachelors degree in Engineering and Applied Science from California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and a doctorate in Public Administration from California Baptist University.

Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.). (Office of Rep. Jay Obernolte)

Almost two years ago, in June 2021, when the GOP was the minority party in the House, Obernolte introduced the Fellowships and Traineeships for Early-Career AI Researchers Act, which directed the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants and fellowships to support students and researchers in fields related to artificial intelligence.

In a press release issued on June 16, 2021, announcing that the bill had passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Obernolte said: Computer science will be critical to the future of jobs in our country as well as an important facet of our national security, especially as our nation faces a wave of cyberattacks by foreign actors.

The United States lags other countries such as China in producing highly-skilled computer science professionals. We must do more as a nation to actively strengthen our computer science workforce to ensure the future of our economy, the strength of our technology workforce, and the security of our nation.

Last month, Obernolte and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) introduced the Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act to enlist AI to secure better and safeguard the nations defense and security computer systems.

Continuing Education

There is a market for teaching government employees, including those working on politicians staff, about AI.

One of the worlds leading institutions of higher learning, Stanford University, recognizes that Congress is hungry for knowledge about and to familiarize itself with AI. In response, the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence is holding, from Aug. 7-9, the Congressional Boot Camp on Artificial Intelligence, an AI learning session for U.S. House and Senate staff.
"China is a fast-growing market and economy for us. It gives me a lot of confidence for the future." Many European enterprises have expressed optimism about the strong momentum of the Chinese market.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Cost of Over-the-Counter Narcan Could Be Barrier to Use

A Narcan nasal overdose kit, given out free by the city of New York, is displayed as part of the Brooklyn Community Recovery Center's demonstration on how to use Narcan to revive a person in the case of a drug overdose in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Sept. 1, 2022. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) decision to give an opioid overdose antidote over-the-counter status could help as illicit fentanyl floods of the nations illegal drug market, but how helpful it will be could depend on how much it will cost.

The FDAs decision means sales of Narcan nasal spray would soon be allowed at pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations and online. Narcan, a naloxone product, is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose. Naloxone is the standard treatment for an opioid overdose.

Emergent BioSolutions Inc., which makes Narcan, said that the nasal spray will be available on U.S. shelves and at online retailers by the late summer. The company said it will have to account for manufacturing changes that will be implemented to support nonprescription packaging and supply chain modifications. It has not yet said how much the drug will cost.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said in a statement that the agency was encouraging Emergent BioSolutions to make access to the product at an affordable price a priority. How much it will cost could determine how effective it is at reducing overdose deaths, said Evan Peet, an economist at the RAND Corporation.

While making the drug available without a prescription could help reduce one barrier to access, price could be another barrier, especially for addicts.

The FDA decision is likely good for some groups, bad for others, and still uncertain for some, Peet said. Making Narcan available without a prescription could increase costs for people with insurance, particularly those with Medicaid, the government program that provides health coverage to low-income people.

Typically, if something is available over-the-counter, then it is not covered by insurance, Peet said.

People with private insurance typically pay $10 to $30 for naloxone while those with Medicaid or Medicare pay even less, about $2 to $3 for naloxone. For those without insurance, the current price is much higher, about $250 on average, according to the most recent estimates available from 2018.

Groups have forecasted the estimated over-the-counter price for the drug will range from $35 to $65. Emergent BioSolutions did not respond to requests about pricing information or when such information would be available.

Disproportionately, people with opioid use disorder are uninsured, Peet said. And so maybe [over-the-counter] is going to be a net benefit because those people are potentially the most vulnerable. But also, people with Medicaid have lower income and are more price sensitive, so it may be particularly negative for that group.

Illicit fentanyl, which is more potent than heroin and some other opioids, poses additional challenges.

Fentanyl is really driving the bus now, Peet said.

Because of its potency, fentanyl overdoses may require more than one dose of Narcan. Adulterants, such as the veterinary tranquilizer xylazine, pose additional challenges. Earlier this month, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a warning about a sharp increase in trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. The federal agency said xylazine and fentanyl mixtures had been seized in 48 of 50 states. It also noted that the DEA Laboratory System reported that in 2022 about 23 percent of fentanyl powder and 7 percent of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine.

Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier, DEA administrator Anne Milgram said in a statement.

U.S. officials reported 107,735 overdose deaths between August 2021 and August 2022 from drug poisonings, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 66 percent of those deaths involved synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

By Brett Rowland
Counties Plan to Send Expelled Tennessee Lawmakers Back to Statehouse

State Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) delivers remarks on the floor of the House chamber in Nashville, Tenn., on April 6, 2023. (George Walker IV/AP Photo)

County officials in Tennessee say they want to send the lawmakers who were expelled from their positions right back to the statehouse.

Nashville Vice Mayor Jim Shulman has already scheduled a special meeting to consider the seat left open when state Rep. Justin Jones, a Democrat, was expelled on April 6.

The meeting, set for April 10, will formally announce the vacancy, discuss procedures for filling vacancies, and possibly include a vote to name an interim successor, the meeting website states.

While the council normally takes a minimum of four weeks to vote on an interim replacement, Jones could be reappointed as state representative by the end of the meeting if council rules are suspended, Shulman, officially nonpartisan, told Axios.

A majority of the 40-seat council have said on social media or to news outlets they want to vote for Jones to reassume the seat he held.

My Council District 6 constituents of House 52 want [Jones] reinstated. I will be voting in favor of his reinstatement if he accepts the Metro Councils nomination, Brett Withers, one of the council members, wrote on Twitter.

I will vote to reappoint [Jones] as soon as Metro Council meets to consider it, Freddie OConnell, another member, added.

The council is officially nonpartisan but some members have described most of the council as Democrats.

Officials appointed to vacancies serve until a special election is held.

Winners of special elections finish the remainder of the term.

Tennessee Rep. Justin Pearson speaks on his phone while being expelled from the state Legislature in Nashville, Tenn., on April 6, 2023. (Seth Herald/Getty Images)

Shelby County

Jones and Justin Pearson, another Democrat, were expelled because they led protesters with a bullhorn onto the House floor, interrupting proceedings. A third Democrat, state Rep. Gloria Johnson, avoided being expelled after some Republicans supported her. Republicans hold a supermajority in the state House.

Pearson could also be returning to his position.

Shelby County Commission Chairman Mickell Lowery told WREG-TV that there could be a vote on an appointment to the seat Pearson held as soon as Monday.

Pearson is an option for an appointment, Lowery, a Democrat, said.

It definitely should be Representative Pearson, who was elected overwhelmingly by District 86 to be their voice, and we cant take that away from the people. He was selected by the people and should be in that seat, Lowery said.

Multiple commissioners have said theyll vote for Pearson.

I have heard from my constituents, people across the county, and state as well as Republicans and Democrats, so I will be voting to reappoint Justin Pearson, Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon, a Democrat, said in a statement.

Most county commissioners in Shelby County are Democrats.

Commissioner Amber Mills, a Republican, told the Memphis Commercial-Appeal that she would not vote for Pearson because it could lead to state legislators blocking money for the county.

If hes being expelled for disrupting, it makes no sense to put someone back, Mills said. I dont see him being effective if he does go back. Whos going to vote for any of his stuff?
Dealer Pleads Guilty in Death of Actor Michael K. Williams

Actor Michael K. Williams poses for a portrait at the Beverly Hilton during the 2016 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour in Beverly Hills, Calif., on July 30, 2016. (Chris Pizzello/AP Photo)

NEW YORKA Brooklyn drug dealer pleaded guilty Wednesday to providing The Wire actor Michael K. Williams with fentanyl-laced heroin, causing his death.

Irvin Cartagenas plea to a charge of conspiring to distribute drugs was entered in Manhattan federal court. Sentencing was set by U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams for Aug. 18, when Cartagena will face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and the possibility of as many as 40 years.

The famed actor, who also starred in films and other TV series including Boardwalk Empire, overdosed in his Brooklyn penthouse apartment in September 2021. Authorities said he died hours after buying the heroin from Cartagena on a Brooklyn sidewalk in a deal that was recorded by a security camera.

Cartagena, 39, signed a plea agreement with prosecutors stipulating that the mix of heroin and fentanyl he sold Williams resulted in his death. His lawyer, Sean Maher, declined comment.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who is not related to the actor, said in a statement that the sale occurred in broad daylight in New York City, feeding addiction and causing tragedy.

In doing so, he dealt the fatal dose that killed Michael K. Williams, Williams said.

Prosecutors said Cartagena and his alleged co-conspirators continued to sell fentanyl-laced heroin around residential apartment buildings in Brooklyn and Manhattan even after they learned of the actors death. Another defendant in the case pleaded guilty Tuesday.

Williams death came despite an investigation by the New York Police Department that placed a paid informant making controlled heroin buys on the same block where Williams bought drugs.

The day after, the informant went back to buy more drugs from the same group and recorded a conversation in which some of them talked about Williams overdose. One denied selling any drugs containing fentanyl.

Williams stick-up boy character Omar Little on The Wirea fictionalized look at the underpinnings of Baltimore that ended in 2008 but remains popular in streamingwas based on a real-life figure.

He created another classic character as Chalky White in HBOs Boardwalk Empire and also appeared in 12 Years a Slave, Assassins Creed and other films.

In interviews, Williams had spoken about his battles with addiction.

By Larry Neumeister
DeSantis Barnstorms the Great Lakes State to Test the Political Waters

On April 6, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made a two-stop foray into the battleground state of Michigan as he continues to evaluate a run for the GOP nomination for president in 2024.

DeSantis was the keynote speaker at a breakfast to raise money for the Midland County Republican Party.

That afternoon at Hillsdale College, he made two well-attended addresses before jetting home to Florida for the Easter weekend.

All of the days events drew large and friendly crowds but his breakfast appearance was greeted by a group of protesters.

A view of some of the demonstrators who turned out to protest a visit by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to Midland, Mich., on April 6, 2023. (Steven Kovac/Epoch Times)

About 50 demonstrators brandishing signs that read I Am Proud to Be Woke and shouting Go Home, Fascist played cat and mouse with local police as they tried to occupy the middle of a busy four-lane highway and attempted to block the driveway entrance to the banquet hall.

Some protesters yelled pro-transgender slogans.

At the start of his remarks to a sell-out crowd of about 600, DeSantis joked that his one disappointment in coming to Midland was that his visit hadnt attracted more protesters.

Shades of Ronald Reagan

In a smooth, conversational tone, which some in the crowd likened to the style of Ronald Reagan, DeSantis addressed the topics of restoring prosperity and optimism to America, securing the southern border by building the wall, parental rights, reforming the education system, school choice, keeping boys out of girls sports, outlawing gender modification for children, and the need to use American oil and natural gas for energy.

One man in the audience told The Epoch Times: You couldnt slip a piece of paper in between DeSantis and Trump on the issues. This sounds like a Trump speech.

DeSantis dismissed Joe Biden as a floundering, weak president that is controlled by the most radical elements of his own party.

He criticized what he called potted plant Republicans, who are always on defense and too afraid of a bad news cycle to take the hard positions necessary to turn this country around.

Im going on offense, he said. We can never, ever, back down. Have the courage of your convictions. Leadership isnt cost-free.

In Florida, we dont shirk from this responsibility.

Success in Florida

DeSantis told the crowd that under his administration more families have moved to Florida than ever before, and he went on to tout his accomplishments as a model for the nation in terms of rational public health policy, education, election reform, law and order, low taxes, responsible budgeting, and economic growth and prosperity.

He decried what he called the weaponization of prosecutorial power for political purposes that advance the leftist agenda, as well as government-inspired censorship by Big Tech.

Quoting George Washington about the continuous struggle to preserve the sacred fire of liberty, DeSantis said we are still fighting for the foundational principles of our republicthat our rights come from God and not from government.

Pointing to his own recent landslide reelection, and the GOPs super-majorities in both houses of the Florida State Legislature, DeSantis said the Left can be defeated.

You can beat these people, he said.

Fight Woke Capital

But regardless of big electoral victories by the forces of freedom, the Left is still trying to impose its agenda through corporate America, with tactics such as woke banking, according to DeSantis.

Woke banking is where financial institutions refuse to make loans to Christian conservatives or gun owners, he explained.

The Left is marshaling economic power to make an end run around the Constitution and change policies without a single voter voting on it, said DeSantis.

Woke ideology is a threat to our freedom that must be fought in government, schools, and the marketplace, he said.

A Mini-Trump

After DeSantiss remarks, Earl, a former Democrat and United Automobile Workers member from Bay City, told The Epoch Times: It was a great speech. He is my candidate in 2028. Hes a mini-Trump. Hed make a great vice president.

Trump loyalist Earl, a retired UAW worker and former Democrat, at a DeSantis event in Midland, Mich., on April 6, 2023. (Steven Kovac/Epoch Times)

Right now, I feel uplifted. Its the same vibe I get from a Trump rally.

A woman told The Epoch Times: Im for DeSantis. Donald Trumps talk is too divisive. Im afraid if he is our nominee we will lose again.

Get DeSantis!

A Native American and retired Green Beret said he was for Trump from the beginning and still is.

The woke coalition and the media will take the hatchet to DeSantis just like they do to Trump. Trump is the only guy in America that can withstand it.

DeSantis is a father with three small children, he added. I wish for the sake of his children he would wait four years until they grow up a little bit. Its a shame what the woke mob will put that family through.

And DeSantis is on a honeymoon with GOP majorities in both houses of the Florida legislature. He hasnt had to deal with a Democrat majority like Trump had to deal with under Pelosi.

Not Americas Agenda

Michigan state Rep. Greg Alexander (R-Carsonville) said: Im impressed with DeSantis. He has the morals, ethics, and principles America was founded on.

He said media negativity toward Trump moved him to look at DeSantis as a potential alternative, but if Trump is the nominee, Alexander will vote for him.

The woke agenda is all about creating issues of race and gender that are not really big issues with the voters. They have been inflated by the Biden administration, Alexander said.

Macomb County resident Eric Castiglia at a DeSantis event in Midland, Mich., on April 6, 2023. (Steven Kovac/Epoch Times)

Eric Castiglia of Macomb County said: I thought DeSantis was amazing. He has a track record of measurable results.

If Florida is a free state, Michigan is a failed state. Higher taxes and less jobs. Ill soon be moving to Sarasota.

An Uncertain Future

When asked how he felt about the future of America, 14-year-old DeSantis supporter Kierceson Pego, son of Malinda Pego, co-chairwoman of the Michigan GOP, told The Epoch Times, I walk a line between pessimism and optimism.

His mother said, I wish we could keep DeSantis here in Michigan. I hope he will be strong.

Hosted by Hillsdale

Later in the day at Hillsdale College, a small, conservative, Christian, classical liberal arts school located in southern Michigan, DeSantis talked about his philosophy of government, style of leadership, and the breakdown of representative democracy.

Hillsdale Colleges Central Hall. (Courtesy of Hillsdale College)

DeSantis said his management method requires everyone in his administration to share the vision and bring no other agenda with them.

We dont do palace intrigue. We dont talk to the media. No leaks. Our actions speak.

Drifting Away From the Constitution

Our constitutional government has become unmoored from constitutional ideals, he said.

DeSantis bemoaned what he called the gap between the governed and their leadership, saying many recent policies do not reflect the will of the people.

He cited the Lefts delusional view of criminal justice as an example.

A three-term former congressman himself, DeSantis blamed the federal legislative branch for allowing the government to operate on autopilot through omnibus bills and continuing resolutions.

Abdication of Responsibility

DeSantis said Congress has delegated much of its authority to administrative agencies that wield large power with little accountability.

According to DeSantis, the legislative branch has failed to use the power of the purse to rein in some of these agencies and the executive branch is failing to exercise many of the powers given it under Article II of the U.S. Constitution.

As a result, he said the American people are governed by a ruling class without the consent of the governed.

To help restore accountability, 50,000 unelected federal employees who participate in policymaking would lose their Civil Service protection if DeSantis has his way.

Surrendering Sovereignty

Self-government has been subcontracted to international entities such as the World Health Organization and the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he said.

Being an executive rather than one of the 435 House members suits DeSantis, who said he would be comfortable with leaning into the issues and facing the blowback.

He said the executive should get in front and set the agenda, prodding and pushing the legislators as necessary.

When you take a hard stand, you are going to alienate somebody, he said. Make a decision. Pull the trigger. And stick with it.

If we campaigned on it, we should do it, he said. You cant let media criticism prevent you from doing the right thing. Enact the desired policy.

Heads May Roll

He pointed out that the executive has the authority to fire people and said as governor he removed officials who were not operating according to our constitutional system.

He called the independent functioning of the Justice Department and the FBI a trope.

They are unaccountable, he said.

A big believer in the American system, DeSantis said that teachers in Florida were offered the option of taking 50 hours of civics training and are given a $3,000 bonus for doing so.

Florida schools also set aside a day each November to teach students about the past and present sufferings of people living under communist rule.

At the university level, DeSantis said that after five years tenured professors ought to be subject to review and fired if found to be indoctrinating rather than educating.
Problematic That Judge Overseeing Trump Case Donated to Bidens Campaign: Ex-Attorney

Carol Lam, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, swears in before testifying to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 6, 2007. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

A former prosecutor has warned that its troubling a judge overseeing the case against former President Donald Trump appears to have made political donations to President Joe Bidens campaign and other organizations.

Carol Lam, a former federal prosecutor in Southern California, told MSNBC Reports on Friday that Juan Merchans prior political contributions could pose an ethical issue for his continued handling of Trumps case.

I think the optics are a bit problematic, Lam said. To be clear, the donations were made in 2020 before Judge Merchan had either the Trump Organization case assigned to him, or obviously this case, but it is troubling optics, I think, for any judge to have made a political contribution, and then to have a party who is either the beneficiary or not the beneficiary of that political contribution before that judge in court. Now, it was a trivial amount of money, and this is a trial-level judge.

The judge, in this case, is not the ultimate trier of fact, the jury is, but the judge does call some balls and some strikes during the course of the trial, and if theres a conviction, the judge is responsible for sentencing. That is all subject to review on appeal, she continued. However, it is probably not the best course of action for a judge to have made political contributions while a sitting judge, with the possibility that such cases can arise before him.

Carol Lam, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, at the U.S. House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, on March 6, 2007. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

According to a recent review of Federal Election Commission (FEC) records, Merchan donated $15 to Biden for PresidentBidens official 2020 presidential campaign.

It also shows two other $10 contributions, one earmarked to the Progressive Turnout Project, an organization whose stated mission is to rally Democrats to vote, and another to Stop Republicans, a subsidiary of the Progressive Turnout Project that describes itself as a grassroots-funded effort dedicated to resisting the Republican Party and Donald Trumps radical right-wing legacy.

NTD News reached out to Merchans office, Biden For President, and the Progressive Turnout Project for further comment but did not receive a response before this article was published.

Trump Accuses Judge of Bias

On April 4, Trump pleaded not guilty in a New York City court to 34 felony charges following an unprecedented indictment brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

The frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination allegedly orchestrated payments to two women before the 2016 election to suppress publication of their alleged affairs with him. Trump has denied having an affair with either woman, saying hes a victim of extortion.

Meanwhile, Trump has already spoken out against Merchan, accusing the judge of holding a political bias against him in the case.

In a March 31 post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, The Judge assigned to my Witch Hunt Case, a Case that has never been charged before, hates me. His name is Juan Manuel Marchan [sic], was hand-picked by Bragg & the Prosecutors.

Trump noted that Merchan has presided over previous cases involving Trumps business affiliates and alleged Merchan strong-armed former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg into taking a plea deal in a recent case.

Ethical Concerns

While some legal experts have played down the donations as trivial due to the size of the payments, others have questioned whether they could cause the case to be tossed on appeal.

Pentagon correspondent Kristina Wong wrote in a post on Twitter that Merchan, by making the political contributions, violated New Yorks Code of Judicial Conduct, noting that it could give grounds for an ethics investigation, according to several legal experts and former prosecutors.

Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing former President Donald Trumps case in Manhattan, violated New Yorks Code of Judicial Conduct by making three donations to Democrats in 2020, which could be grounds for an ethics investigation, according to several legal experts and former  Kristina Wong  (@kristina_wong) April 6, 2023

Section 100.5 of the New York Code of Judicial Conduct states sitting judges cannot directly or indirectly engage in any political activity except to vote, identify himself or herself as a member of a political party, and comment on behalf of measures to improve the law, the legal system or the administration of justice. Prohibited political activity includes soliciting funds for, paying an assessment to, or making a contribution to a political organization or candidate.

The New York State Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethicss yearly-updated handbook (pdf) further states, A sitting judge may not make political contributions at any time, even to a U.S. presidential candidate or to a federal congressional candidate outside of New York State.

Stephen Gillers, a legal ethics professor at New York University, told CNN that Merchans reported political donation to Biden for President, and possibly the one to Stop Republicans, would be forbidden unless there is some other explanation that would allow them.

However, Gillers said that he believes the donations would be viewed as trivial due to the small sums given. He also noted that New York States Commission on Judicial Conduct would likely remind the judge of the rules if a complaint was filed.

When asked if the contributions could be grounds for a legal challenge or recusal, Gillers said, Absolutely not. This does not come anywhere near the kind of proof required for recusal.

Mike Davis, a former Republican chief counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told the network that Merchans apparent political donations should disqualify him from overseeing the case against Trump.

He donated to Joe Bidens campaign. He should get off this case. And this judge has a history, with President Trump, in prior cases, Davis said.

Ryan Morgan contributed to this report.

From NTD News
Fauci Wanted Biden Administration to Fight Deposition Subpoena, Emails Show

Dr. Anthony Fauci wanted top Biden administration officials to try to get a deposition subpoena quashed, newly obtained emails show.

Fauci, President Joe Bidens chief medical adviser until recently, questioned in one of the emails why the administration was fighting against a subpoena for a former White House press secretary but not his.

If they are going to push back on Jen Psakis deposition (see link) then why not push back on mine? Please check this out, Fauci wrote on Nov. 6, 2022.

He was referring to a news story about how lawyers for Psaki and the U.S. Department of Justice were urging a court to block her subpoena.

Fauci was writing to Jill Harper, a National Institutes of Health official.

Please check this out, he said.

Will check with the lawyers, Harper said.

Theres no sign in the messages of what the administrations lawyers replied when asked why they didnt move to block Faucis subpoena.

The Department of Justice and Harper did not respond to requests for comment. Fauci could not be reached.

The subpoenas were ordered in 2022 in Missouri v. Biden, a case over how the federal government has pressured Big Tech companies to censor users.

Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyers took to the courts to try to get subpoenas for Psaki; Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, a Biden appointee; Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly, a Biden appointee; and Rob Flaherty, a deputy assistant to the president.

They succeeded in getting the subpoenas quashed for those current and former officials. Several lower-level officials testified under oath in their stead.

Fauci sat for an hourslong deposition on Nov. 23, 2022.

Fauci received an Epoch Times request for comment after the deposition, the emails, obtained by The Epoch Times, show. He chose not to answer, but passed the message on to spokespersons with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which he headed until late 2022. The spokespersons did not reply to the inquiry.

Still Discussing

Faucis agency was alerted the same day the deposition order came through.

DOJ still discussing the Order but, in the meantime, has asked all agencies to provide availability for the deponents through the end of the year. Dr. Faucis deposition would either be virtual or in-person in DC or Bethesda, and at this point we should assume that the deposition will be a full day, Chris Hammond, a senior Biden administration attorney, told Harper, who also works for the institute Fauci headed.

Harper said that a full day would be difficult, because Fauci was getting lots of invitations prior to his departure at the end of the year.

Her failure to provide options prompted a follow-up from Hammond. Harper then listed some available options, but with most timeframes only being four or five hours.

Hammond said Fauci would need to be available for one day without limitation, because the questioning could last for seven hours. With breaks and time for disputes to be resolved, the deposition could last up to 12 hours, he said.

We recognize this is a nearly impossible task, but we are in a difficult position with this case, Hammond said.

As the parties worked to firm up the date, Hammond disclosed that the administration would work to block some depositions, but not others.

For awareness, and this is very close hold right now, but DOJ is intending to seek immediate appellate review of the deposition order as it relates to Surgeon General Murthy, and potentially WH and DHS officials, he said, referring to the White House and the Department of Homeland Security.

They do not intend to seek appellate review as to Dr. Fauci or the CDC employee being deposed, he added. Carol Crawford, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employee, was also subpoenaed.

Preparation

Hammond instructed Fauci to not go through previous documents as the deposition neared.

DOJ has asked us to ensure that Dr. Fauci (and the other deponents) does not talk to anyone substantively about this deposition, go through emails/docs on his own, or do any independent research, Hammond said. The only preparation that should be done is during the prep sessions with DOJ, and they will be able to answer any/all questions during the times we book.

I let Dr. Fauci know that there will be some extensive prep leading up to the deposition on 11/23. I als0 indicated to him that he should not be doing any independent research or reviewing anything before the prep sessions, Harper said. I think he will not have any time to do so anyway!

Fauci inquired about who else was being deposed and Harper asked if she could give him a list. No response to the question was included in the emails.

Fauci took part in several sessions with lawyers in preparation for the deposition, including once virtually and once in-person.

During the deposition, Fauci was questioned on his role in dismissing the theory that COVID-19 originated in the Chinese laboratory that has received funding from his now-former agency, about whether he advocated for censorship, and whether he was concerned about supposed misinformation.

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have said they plan on calling Fauci to testify, especially after he gave answers that appear to be untrue. Fauci has claimed he told the truth.
Federal Judge Orders FDA to Freeze Approval of Abortion Pill Mifepristone

A woman looks at an abortion pillRU-486, or mifepristonedisplayed on a smartphone in Arlington, Va., on May 8, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

A federal judge in Texas, in an unprecedented move, has ordered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to temporarily halt its approval of mifepristone, a drug used for abortion.

U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee in Amarillo, Texas, signed an injunction directing the FDA to stay mifepristones approval, while the lawsuit that challenges the safety and approval of the drug continues.

Kacsmaryk said the FDA had ignored risks in approving the drug. The Court does not second-guess FDAs decision-making lightly, reads the decision Friday (pdf). But here, FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concernsin violation of its statutory dutybased on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions.

There is also evidence indicating FDA faced significant political pressure to forego its proposed safety precautions to better advance the political objective of increased access to chemical abortionwhich was the whole idea of mifepristone.'

Kacsmaryks decision will not take effect for one week, allowing time for federal lawyers representing the Biden administration and FDA to file an emergency appeal.

The case may possibly eventually end up at the U.S. Supreme Court.

There is essentially no precedent for a lone judge overruling the decisions of the FDA.

The FDA said on Saturday that it appealed the decision and insisted that the abortion drug was safe and effective.

FDA approved Mifeprex more than 20 years ago based on a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence available and determined that it was safe and effective, the agency said in a statement. FDA stands behind its determination.

The immediate impact of the ruling was unclear.

Mifepristone, which has been widely used in the United States since 2000, is part of a chemical abortion process designed to kill an unborn child in pregnancies up to 10 weeks. It is also sometimes used for women who have miscarriages.

Chemical abortion, also referred to by other terms such as abortion by medication, is the most popular method of abortion in the United States, comprising more than half of total U.S. abortions.

It involves a two-drug regimen. Specifically, mifepristone blocks progesterone, thereby depriving the unborn child of nutrients needed to stay alive, and stops the pregnancy from progressing. A second drug, misoprostol, induces labor to expel the unborn child.

Mifepristone (Mifeprex) and Misoprostol, the two drugs used in a chemical abortion, are seen at the Womens Reproductive Clinic in Santa Teresa, N.M., on June 17, 2022. (Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)

Mifepristone is for now available as a generic drug, and also available under the brand name Mifeprex. In January, the FDA said the Biden administration is allowing mifepristone to be dispensed at retail pharmacies. The move faced criticisms from attorney generals from 22 U.S. states, who called it illegal and dangerous.

Clinics and doctors that prescribe the two-drug combination have said that if mifepristone were pulled from the market, they would switch to using only the second drug, misoprostol. That single-drug approach has a slightly lower rate of effectiveness in ending pregnancies, but it is widely used in countries where mifepristone is illegal or unavailable.

Kacsmaryks ruling comes in a lawsuit filed in November 2022 by the Alliance Defending Freedom. The group alleged the FDAs initial approval of mifepristone in 2000 was flawed because it did not adequately review its safety risks when used by girls under age 18 to terminate a pregnancy. The Biden administration, in response to the lawsuit, said the FDAs approval was supported by science, and that the legal challenge comes too late. Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Erik Baptist called the decision Friday a significant victory for the health and safety of women and girls. By illegally approving dangerous chemical abortion drugs, the FDA put women and girls in harms way, and its high time the agency is held accountable for its reckless actions, he said in a statement. Pregnancy is not an illness, and chemical abortion drugs dont provide a therapeutic benefitthey can pose serious and life-threatening complications to the mother, in addition to ending a babys life. The FDA never had the authority to approve these hazardous drugs and remove important safeguards. The case is Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Currently, 16 U.S. states have laws targeting chemical abortion. With limited exceptions, abortions are illegal or are unavailable in 14 U.S. states: Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
High-Tech French Army Truck Maker Sees Demand for Low-Tech Artillery Components

A Bastion 4x4 armored personnel carrier vehicle is on the test track at the Arquus military vehicle production plant, a unit of Volvo AB, in Limoges, France, on April 6, 2023. (Benoit Tessier/Reuters)

LIMOGES, FranceFrench armored truck maker Arquus, specialized in manufacturing high-tech off-road military vehicles, has gone back to producing more low-tech undercarriages for howitzers as the ground war in Ukraine boosts demand for artillery.

Despite an industry trend towards more high-tech weaponry like drones and autonomous missiles, traditional battlefield equipment like tanks and howitzers such as Frances Caesar canons and U.S.-made HIMARS have helped bend the trajectory of the war in Ukraine.

France in January announced it would send another 12 Ceasar howitzersmanufactured by French group Nexterto Ukraine, on top of the 18 it had previously shipped, boosting demand for the Arquus-made undercarriages.

Arquus Chief Executive Emmanuel Levacher told Reuters that the firm had stopped producing the undercarriages because until recently there was no more demand. But that changed as French army stocks need to be filled up again.

There could be even higher demand, particularly for export, which motivated us to relaunch production here in Limoges, he said.

Arquusformerly known as Renault Trucks Defense and now owned by Volvoproduces a range of light military vehicles, including the Scarabee combat truck for urban warfare and its VLRA logistics and troop carriers.

Employees work on the assembly line of the VAB armored personnel carrier vehicles at the Arquus military vehicle production plant, a unit of Volvo AB, in Limoges, France, on April 6, 2023. (Benoit Tessier/Reuters)

We can feel an acceleration of needs in Europe because of the crisis and the war in Ukraine, and we are in touch with the countries in the region and Ukraine directly, Levacher said.

Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu has asked French military equipment makers to scale up capacities to war-time mode and has pledged to repatriate some previously outsourced activities.

Western allies have been supplying Kyiv with arms and other equipment since Russia invaded its neighbor, depleting their own inventories along the way.

Increased shipments have sparked a boom for weapons producers and governments from Paris to Washington keep urging them to ramp up production as inventory shortages in many NATO armies have added to current headaches.

By Clotaire Achi
How AI Can Track, Manipulate Voters

Experts say AI programs can know you better than your spouse does

A visitor watches an AI (Artificial Intelligence) sign on an animated screen at the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the telecom industry's biggest annual gathering, in Barcelona. (Josep Lago/AFP via Getty Images)

How well do artificial intelligence (AI) programs know us humans?

In most cases, its quite well and, in some ways better than we know ourselves.

A study by AI experts at Brigham Young University, titled Out of One, Many: Using Language Models to Simulate Human Samples, found that predictive AI programs exhibited a striking degree of what they call algorithmic fidelity, or precise mapping to actual human behavior.

Because these AI tools are basically trained on stuff that humans produce, things that we write, documents we make, websites we write, they can reflect back to us a lot of interesting and important things about ourselves, Ethan Busby, political psychologist and co-author of the study, told The Epoch Times. Kind of like if someone read your diary from start to finish, they would know a lot of things about you, and youre not going to like every single thing.

In a similar way, Busby said, these tools have read so many things that humans have produced, and they can replicate or say back to us things about ourselves that we didnt necessarily know.

The study sought to analyze human behavior in the context of elections and asked how accurately a GPT-3 language model could predict voting patterns based on socio-demographic factors like a persons gender, age, location, religion, race, and economic status. The authors used these factors to create silicon samples, or composite personas based on varying combinations of these attributes.

You can basically ask these tools to put themselves in a specific frame of mind and pretend to be essentially this person, pretend to have these characteristics, Busby said. They asked the program how these silicon samples would vote in specific campaigns, then they compared the results to actual voters behavior in elections between 2012 and 2020, using data from the American National Elections studies.

For example, Busby said, regarding the 2016 election, We could say what kinds of groups are going to be pivotal in Ohio? What they found was that AI quickly learned to accurately predict how people would vote, based on their attributes.

Left and Right Decry AI, When It Costs Elections

Artificial intelligence is highly useful to organizations that want to target things like political messaging campaigns or fundraising efforts. But some political analysts have raised red flags about this, inferring unfairness and election interference. Their degree of outrage, however, largely depends on whether their candidates or causes succeeded or failed.

In 2017, The Guardian, a left-wing British newspaper, wrote a series of articles claiming that conservative tech entrepreneur Robert Mercer, whom it called the big data billionaire waging war on the mainstream media, had financed a campaign strategy using AI to circumvent mainstream media narratives. This, the paper alleged, illicitly swayed voters in favor of Donald Trump, resulting in his victory in the presidential election in 2016.

Latinos vote at a polling station in El Gallo Restaurant in Los Angeles, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2016. (David McNew/Getty Images)

Then, in 2020, Forbes, a right-wing publication, published an article titled How Artificial Intelligence Swayed the Midterm Elections. This article decried the use of AI by Democrats to target fundraising campaigns at likely donors, allowing them to massively outspend Republicans in close races and deliver positive results for the Democratic Party.

Critics of AI say that these programs are not only used for voter analysis but for voter manipulation as well. A 2022 report by the Rand Corp. titled Artificial Intelligence, Deepfakes and Disinformation, warned of disinformation warfare, though largely from a left-wing perspective. Among the instruments of manipulation it cited were misleading images or videos shared on social media, known as memes.

Russia used memes to target the 2016 U.S. election, the report stated. China used memes to target protesters in Hong Kong; and those seeking to question the efficacy of vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 used memes as a favorite tool. According to Rand, these memes, together with fake news websites, have sown division in the American electorate and increased the adoption of conspiracy theories.

Taking AI from Population to Personal Analysis

While AI is effective on an aggregate level in observing people, spotting patterns, learning our habits, and inferring, based on that, what we will do in various situations, getting down to the individual level is more challenging.

I think at an individual level, it probably does okay; its not perfect. Its not good necessarily at predicting specific people, not nearly as well as predicting groups and aggregating up, Busby said.

A smartphone with a displayed ChatGPT logo is placed on a computer motherboard in this illustration taken on Feb. 23, 2023. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters)

Anyone who has asked ChatGPT, a newly popular AI search program, about themselves or people they know often finds that some of the information is correct and some of it is wrong.

These models, all of them, ChatGPT and any of the ones used by Facebook or others, they sometimes have a tendency to what is called hallucinate, Busby said. That means they just make things up that arent true.

But he believes AI will soon get better at getting its facts straight.

Theres just a lot of pressure from corporations, politicians, campaignsthey want to know how is this person going to respond to this message, he said. I think there will be a lot of emphasis on trying to develop that kind of accuracy, but I dont think were there yet.

Taking it to a personal level, a 2019 report in Scientific American titled The Internet Knows You Better Than Your Spouse Does, analyzed a program called Apply Magic Sauce. The program asks subjects for a few inputs, like something they have written, such as e-mails or blogs, along with information about their social media activity.

Based on these inputs, Apply Magic Sauce could generate a detailed psychogram, or personality profile, that includes your presumed age and sex, whether you are anxious or easily stressed, how quickly you give in to impulses, and whether you are politically and socially conservative or liberal. The report found that by analyzing peoples likes on social media, AI programs were able to paint an accurate portrait of their personalities.

If the software had as few as 10 [likes] for analysis, it was able to evaluate that person about as well as a co-worker did, the report stated. Given 70 likes, the algorithm was about as accurate as a friend. With 300, it was more successful than the persons spouse.

Organizations are going to be very interested in, How do we get to understand you on a personal level? Busby said. It makes me uneasy about being followed around and modeled in that sort of way by an AI tool.

The darker capabilities of AI have become a headline issue in recent weeks, with urgent calls by scientists and tech experts to restrict its development until people can better understand its uses and effects. On March 22, an open letter, signed so far by 50,000 people, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, called for an immediate halt to the development of general artificial intelligence, or autonomous intelligence systems that can evolve beyond carrying out specific tasks and theoretically surpass human intelligence.

AI systems with human-competitive intelligence can pose profound risks to society and humanity, as shown by extensive research and acknowledged by top AI labs, the letter stated. Advanced AI could represent a profound change in the history of life on Earth, and should be planned for and managed with commensurate care and resources.

If it can be contained to avoid the malicious and manipulative elements, artificial intelligence has the ability and the potential to really expand our capabilities in lots of areas and solve lots of the problems that we face, Busby said. Some of the things we assumed that computers couldnt do well, like write fiction or generate something new out of nothing, it can do those things.

AI can help answer research questions, but it cant decide what we should research, or what our goals are, or what sort of society we should have, he said.

[AI] forces us to think carefully about what we contribute, he said. It reminds us about whats so unique, or something we offer thats distinctive, to help us focus on those things instead of the mundane stuff that computers and these kinds of algorithms can really quickly automate.
IRS Releases 2023 Dirty Dozen Tax Scam List

As the 2022 tax season comes to a close, with less than two weeks left to submit returns, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released its annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scamswarning individual citizens, businesses, and tax professionals to not let their guard down.

Scammers are coming up with new ways all the time to try to steal information from taxpayers, said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. People should be wary and avoid sharing sensitive personal data over the phone, email or social media to avoid getting caught up in these scams. And people should always remember to be wary if a tax deal sounds too good to be true.

These scams and schemes happen throughout the year, and not just during the tax season, said the agency. Heres the full IRS list of possible scams that are encountered most by taxpayers. Some of this years entries are new to the list.

Employee Retention Credit Claims

Scammers use aggressive marketing tactics to advertise fake refunds related to the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). Taxpayers must be aware of such blatant attempts by fraudsters who promote their large refunds on radios and onlineenticing citizens with a large payout. The end result is that no one receives a refund while scammers get hold of personal information that they will use for identity fraud.

Phishing and Smishing

Phishing is the practice of impersonating legitimate organizations to persuade individuals to reveal personal information. Tax scammers purport to be from companies including the IRS, and lure unsuspecting citizens to divulge financial information and personal data, which will be used for identity theft. Smishing is phishing via mobile text messages. The IRS typically reaches out through regular mail, and will not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text, or social media.

Online Help

Personal information is easily stolen when taxpayers depend on third parties for help with creating an IRS online account. The process is simple, and citizens are encouraged to do the activity themselves through IRS.gov.

Fuel Tax Credits

Unscrupulous promoters entice taxpayers to inflate refunds by erroneously claiming the fuel tax credit, which is meant for off-highway business and farming use.

Fake Charities

Taking advantage of natural disasters and other crises, scammers pretend to be charities and misuse the publics generosity. Besides losing money and personal information, citizens are not eligible for deductions if the charity is not a qualified tax-exempt organization recognized by the IRS.

Fake Consultants

Registered professionals have no issues signing or including their IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number as required by law. So, if the tax preparer does not wish to reveal themselves, this is a major red flag, and citizens ought to keep an eye out for such consultants, while also informing the IRS regarding such providers. Moreover, taxpayers should never sign a blank or incomplete return and are not advised to deal with someone who charges based on the tax refund payout.

Social Media Refunds

Fraudulent marketers make use of techniques like promoting obscure tax documents like Form W-2 or Form 8944 to lure taxpayers with additional refunds. Although the forms are real, many people are not eligible for these kinds of refunds, and in the process of cooperating with the online marketer, have nothing to gain but repercussions for inaccurate filing and loss of personal information.

Spearphishing

Spearphishing is a tailored phishing attempt that pertains to a specific organization or business, and targets tax preparers. Falling for this scam results in unscrupulous individuals gaining access to client data as well as the tax preparers identity, which allows the criminals to file fraudulent returns.

Offers in Compromise

Offers in Compromise are used by people who cannot pay to settle their federal tax debts due to various reasons. Fraudsters take advantage of the situation and offer misleading solutions to taxpayers who do not meet the criteria. Citizens can check their eligibility using this IRS tool.

High-Income Filers

The IRS has warned high-income taxpayers to be wary of two schemes. Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts let individuals donate assets to charity and draw an annual income. Fake promoters misuse this facility to eliminate ordinary income and/or capital gain on the sale of the property. Scammers also make use of Monetized Installment Sales to defer the recognition of gain upon the sale of appreciated property through facilitating a sale in exchange for a fee.

Tax Avoidance Schemes

A micro-captive is an insurance company whose owners elect to be taxed on the captives investment income only, according to the IRS. However, schemers use micro-captives to register implausible risks, and unnecessary duplication of the taxpayers commercial coverages in a bid to avoid taxes. Another bogus tax avoidance strategy is employing syndicated conservation easements for inflating tax deductions on real estate. A conservation easement transferred to a charity, in normal circumstances, meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code 170.

International Schemes

The IRS has warned individuals hiding assets in offshore accounts and accounts holding digital assets, such as cryptocurrency. The agency claims that it has the ability to track anonymous transactions of foreign financial accounts as well as digital assets. Secondly, the IRS cautions taxpayers against avoiding U.S. tax payments through fraudulent retirement arrangements in Malta, and improperly claiming tax exemptions. Finally, the agency has warned citizens against using fake insurance companies in Puerto Rico or other foreign nations, and then claiming tax deductions for the premium amounts.

As the IRS becomes aware of these schemes, they will challenge the transactions, and if found guilty, will impose penalties, said the federal agency. Taxpayers are legally liable for the information they provide on their tax returns.

For information regarding fraudulent practices, taxpayers and tax practitioners may send the information to the IRS Whistleblower Office for possible monetary reward.
A Palestinian man checks damage in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 7, 2023. Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel." (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Magdy Abu Neama became homeless after his two-storey house in the Gaza Strip was severely damaged in the shock waves after Israeli warplanes hit a nearby target late Thursday night.

"I heard heavy explosions that shook my house. Before I could realize what was going on, windows and walls were shattered," said Abu Neama, a father of four.

After the explosions, Neama hurried to evacuate his wife and children from the house, but found the outer door was blocked by the debris. About 10 minutes later, his neighbor helped the family to escape from the house.

Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel."

After the strikes, Safaa al-Ashi and her four children could not sleep as they feared for an escalation of conflicts in Gaza.

"After the explosions, my kids started to scream and I could barely calm them down," the 34-year-old Gazan said, adding she remained doubtful whether peace could be restored soon as "Israeli reconnaissance planes are still flying in the sky all the time."

Although no casualties have been reported so far in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli attacks have seriously damaged residential facilities near the targets, anonymous Palestinian security sources told Xinhua.

In the Mohammed al-Durra Children's Hospital, which is located near Neama's house, the medical staff, pediatric patients, and their companions were in a panic after the Israeli attacks, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza.

The ministry denounced the Israeli strikes as clear violations of international humanitarian laws and the Geneva Convention, which specifically stipulated the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.

Thursday's escalation of conflicts followed two consecutive days of Israeli raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, a flashpoint holy site in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israeli police fired gas canisters and stun grenades at Palestinian worshipers.

The Israeli raids came during a sensitive time when Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramadan with prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, while Jews were commemorating the Passover holiday.

After a day of cross-border conflict, fighting between Israel and militants in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip appeared to have subsided on Friday.

Friday's Ramadan prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound ended without major conflicts. 

Palestinians check damage in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 7, 2023. Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel." (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

A Palestinian man checks damage in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 7, 2023. Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel." (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians check damage in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 7, 2023. Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel." (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians check damage in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 7, 2023. Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel." (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians check damage in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 7, 2023. Israel launched a barrage of attacks on southern Lebanon and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip late Thursday night, in response to what it said "earlier rocket attacks from the two areas on several parts of Israel." (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
Justice Department Investigating Leak of Top Secret Ukraine War Plans

The Justice Department has launched an investigation into a possible leak of secret Pentagon documents that seem to detail U.S. and NATO aid to Ukraine, as well as front-line troop and armament positions, that were shared widely on social media.

The documents, dated between Feb. 23 and March 1 and shared on platforms like Twitter and Telegram, appear to show maps and details about deliveries of weapons.

Some of the documents had markings classifying them as Secret and Top Secret, with some showing what looks like locations for front-line Russian and Ukrainian military units and artillery guns.

Bellingcat analyst Aric Toler posted on Twitter images suggesting that the documents may have been altered.

In at least one case, the documents appear to have been altered to show much lower Russian troop fatality numbers than the 200,000 killed and wounded that U.S. officials have publicly estimated.

That alteration, in particular, has led to speculation that Russia could be behind the leak.

As many of these were pictures of documents, it appears that it was a deliberate leak done by someone that wished to damage the Ukraine, U.S., and NATO efforts, Mick Mulroy, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, told ABC.

Russias obvious manipulation of some facts has made it more difficult to determine what is real and what is not, said Mulroy. Something that may help somewhat limit the damage overall ironically.

Mulroy addressed the matter of the investigation into the leak, saying he expects the probe to be very thorough in finding out how this happened and who was responsible.

DOJ Probe

Ukraine has claimed that the documents are fake and part of a Russian disinformation campaign, while the Pentagon said the matter is being looked into.

Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said in a statement Friday that the Department of Defense had made a formal referral to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to probe the apparent leak.

The DOJ said in a statement Friday that We have been in communication with the Department of Defense related to this matter and have begun an investigation.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh speaks during an on-camera press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on April 3, 2023. (U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders/U.S. Department of Defense)

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the chief of Ukraines presidential office, said in a statement that the posts looked like a Russian disinformation operation to sow doubts about Ukraines predicted counter-offensive.

The aim of secret data leaks is obvious: divert attention, cast doubts & mutual suspicions, sow discord, he said in a post on Twitter. Its an ordinary game of [Russian] secret services. To take open briefings, add fake info or certain parts of interceptions & publish them on social networks legalizing the leak.'

In an earlier post on Telegram, Podolyak said Russia was looking for any way to intercept the information initiative, to try to influence the scenario plans of Ukraines counteroffensive.

This has nothing to do with Ukraines real plans, he continued, adding that as for the real counteroffensive plans, the Russian troops will certainly be the first to get acquainted with them.

I would assume that will happen very soon, he added.

Counter-Offensive

Ukraine managed to beat back Russian forces from Kyiv last year before liberating parts of the countrys northeast and south, but Moscows forces still occupy swathes of Ukrainian territory in the east and south, as well as Crimea.

Russian forces have managed to make slow but decisive gains in recent weeks, especially in the eastern Donetsk region.

At the same time, there have been growing indications that a Ukrainian counter-offensive is imminent.

Speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels on April 5, Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on allies to remain focused intensely on the weeks and months ahead  as Ukraine prepares for a counter-offensive, again, to try to retake more of its territory.

One of the documents appears to describe a timeline for a Ukrainian spring offensive, although the documents dont seem to indicate how or where Ukrainian forces might launch their attack.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow on Friday that Russian military planners would take into account Blinkens remarks about a possible Ukrainian counter-offensive in the coming weeks.

They [the Russian military] thoroughly track down all relevant information and take it into account when planning the progress of the special military operation, Peskov said, according to Russian state media Tass.

The Kremlin calls its invasion of Ukraine a special military operation aimed at degrading Ukraines military potential and removing from power Kyivs political leadership, which Moscow calls Nazis.
Sir Leonardo and Ms. Bongiorno attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Teatro Donizetti on April 5, 2023. (The Epoch Times)

BERGAMO, ItalyLeonardo Soloperto, a knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, and Julia Bongiorno, a former parliament employee, watched Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Teatro Donizetti on April 5.

Its thrilling! said Sir Leonardo. Especially for someone like me who read fantasy books or watched the movie of the Three Kingdoms. So practically, this is the transposition of what one imagines, and here you see it [on stage].

I liked it very much, said Ms. Bongiorno. The beautiful costumes, the music, the dancers are [all] very good. Truly spectacular.

Based in New York, Shen Yun was founded in 2006 and is now the worlds premier classical Chinese dance and music company. With eight equally sized companies touring the world simultaneously, Shen Yuns mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture.

Ms. Bongiorno said that Shen Yuns mission is important, and praised the performance for sharing Chinese culturewhich she described as spectacularwith the world.

Some of the values Shen Yun seeks to promote are truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Sir Leonardo said that if it were possible to spread [these principles] to all, we would certainly obtain a better outcome of what we have right now.

Sir Leonardo also said that Chinese culture allows you to interact with others, consequently, to have a greater empathy and a greater sensibility.

Sir Leonardo and Ms. Bongiorno praised other elements of Shen Yuns performance as well, as well as the soprano, who performed a song in the traditional bel canto style, and Shen Yuns patented animated backdrop, which allows performers to move between the stage and the background.

Expectional! said Sir Leonardo of the backdrop. This interaction between the digital and the material, its truly well made!

Lastly, Ms. Bongiorno encouraged the performers to take [their] message forward with this great skill.

Reporting by Mary Mann and Wandi Zhu.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
Los Angeles Ports Closed Due to Workers Walking Off Job

Longshore workers who walked off their jobs, leading to closures of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach since April 6, were not on strike, according to a union representative.

Many speculated whether the walkout was tied to ongoing labor talks that started in May 2022 between a union of West Coast dockworkers and a group representing maritime shippers in the region.

However, according to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 13, workers were attending a union meeting and observing Good Friday, they explained in a statement to The Epoch Times.

On Thursday, the local chapter held a monthly membership meeting, with several thousand members attending, according to the union. And on Friday, union members who observe religious holidays took the opportunity to celebrate with their families, the union said.

The disruption sent shockwaves through the shipping industry Friday as news of halted operations spread across the nation, reaching as far as the White House.

The current contract for the more than 15,000 union members expired July 1, 2022.

Officials at the Port of Los Angeles told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement they continued to communicate with the union and the shipper groupPacific Maritime Associationin hope of getting operations back to normal as soon as possible.

Resuming cargo operations at Americas busiest port complex is critical to maintaining the confidence of our customers and supply chain stakeholders, the statement read.

According to the Denmark-based worldwide logistics company Maersk, the union local chapters crane operators and container handler drivers decided to reject their job assignments for the evenings second shift, impacting all Los Angeles and Long Beach terminals.

As a result, no operations were performed on the night shift, company officials said in an April 7 statement. Every terminal in the harbor canceled all vessel, yard, rail and gate operations for the night shift with the uncertainty of not knowing if they would be able to resume for Fridays 1st shift.

Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero confirmed with The Epoch Times four of the ports were closed Friday.

Terminal operators at the affected sites said they made the decision to close when workers did not report for their shifts this morning, Cordero said. We have no further information as to the situation, but it is expected that normal, regularly scheduled hours and operations will resume tomorrow.

Falling Imports

Shippers began diverting deliveries to other U.S. destinations last year to avoid labor disruptions during the contract negotiations. As a result, imports have fallen. Last month, the Port of Los Angeles reported a 43-percent drop in imports in February compared to last years all-time record, losing its title as nations busiest port complex to New York and New Jersey this year, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The Southern California port complex became the center of attention in 2021 and 2022 when an overwhelming flood of shipments from Asia clogged terminals and snarled supply chains throughout the nation. The twin ports process about 40 percent of all U.S. imports from Asia.

At the start of negotiations last May, Pacific Maritime Associations president Jim McKenna said the shipper group was determined to get through the labor talks without disrupting operations at the 29 West Coast ports.

[The] negotiations with the [union] for a new labor contract  are critically important for the health of jobs, businesses, and communities nationwide, the association said in a statement on its website. As historic supply chain congestion continues, it is vital that both sides reach agreement without any disruption at the ports.

White Houses Intervention Requested

David French, senior vice president of the National Retail Federation, a retail trade association, said the organization was monitoring the situation and has relayed concerns to the White House.

Retailers throughout the country depend on U.S. ports to support their daily business needs, French said in a release. The West Coast ports, especially those in Los Angeles and Long Beach, are a pivotal entry point to the United States that allow American consumers access to global products and essential goods. It is essential that the ongoing labor negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association are resolved immediately.

The retail federation called on the Biden Administration to engage in the dispute to prevent further disruption, according to the statement. President Joe Biden intervened in a labor dispute in November to avert a national strike between railroad workers and operators.
From a pitch dark background emerge the faces of a man and a woman, facing each other with hands folded in prayer. Their countenances appear austere, their clothing plain and simple. In fact, if it werent for the ladys luxuriously jeweled necklace, the otherwise monochromatic painting might just escape our attention, lost amidst the multifarious masterpieces in the Netherlandish galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

But upon closer inspection, this moderately sized double-portrait yields much richer details, which betray the most refined taste of these sitters. The minute fibers along the edge of the ladys garment and cuff hints at the high quality of the fur she wears, while the dark burgundy hue of the velvet gown exudes a subtle and subdued elegance. Similarly, the man is clad in a black velvet jacket with dark decorative patterns, barely visible today due to the discoloration of the oil paints. Indeed, these garments reflect the highest court fashion in 15th-century Bruges, where the couple had the panels made to commemorate their marriage.

The two sitters Tommaso and Maria Portinari came originally from Florence, Italy, where trade and culture flourished under the stewardship of the powerful Medici family. As the successful Medici bank expanded its business into the Netherlands, Tommaso found work at its Bruges branch and eventually became a full partner and the branch manager in 1465.

By the time of their marriage in 1470, Tommaso was about 42 years old, and Maria 14. But by virtue of the painters artifice, the husband appears younger in the portrait and the wife much older. While wrinkles appear around Tommasos eyes and forehead, theyre either covered by his curling hair or rendered colorless, blending so well into the varying skin tones as to become almost invisible. Whether for her matured features, majestic dress, or calm composure, Maria is presented with a matronly gravitas that harmoniously balances Tommasos virile severity.

This artist was Hans Memling, the most sought-after portraitist of the day. Having mastered the technique of oil painting, he exploited its potentials for the naturalistic depiction of the surface qualities of the jewels and garment, as well as the facial features of his sitters. The close attention to the tonal gradation of the skin, the anatomical structure of the skull, and the subtle physical details served well to capture the real likeness of the figures. But most extraordinary is the painters ability to express his patrons state of mind, rendering spiritual qualities with mere material pigments.

Hypothetical reconstruction of the portraits of Tommaso and Maria Portinari with Virgin and Child, circa. 1470, by Hans Memling. Oil on oak. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. (Public Domain)

That state of mind, as Memling and the Portinari emphatically insist, is one of religious piety. Indeed, the pair of portraits originally formed a devotional triptych centering around a lost image of the Virgin and Child, similar to another panel painted by Memling around the same time, now at the National Gallery in London. Through the hypothetical reconstruction, we get a sense of the triptychs original appearance. Here, the couple pray not to each other, but to Christ and the Virgin. The monochromy of the portraits contrasts with the splendid colorism of the ethereal icon, and the sitters, as if physically coming out of the illusionistic picture frames, take on a concrete presence as secular beings of this world

Gazing still at the image of God, the couple convey no ordinary human emotion such as happiness, anger, or melancholy, not to mention such extreme passions as ecstasy, hatred, fear, and misery. Rather, their countenances remains serene with an adamant light in their eyesa sign that these external expressions reflect the virtues that they hold within.

With their wealth, in fact, the Portinari contributed generously to the financial well-being of local churches and religious orders, and patronized promising artists just as the Medici did in Florence. They played an important role in court politics, civic religion, and society. But amid all such secular affairs, the elegant portrait that shows the couple in steadfast devotion was probably a reminder for themselves and for posterity, that worldly wealth boasts nothing without faith and virtue.
Man, 20, Shot to Death While Visiting Friends in San Diego

SAN DIEGOA 20-year-old man was shot to death while visiting friends in a San Ysidro home after which a vehicle sped off, police said April 8.

The shooting was reported at about 10:20 p.m. Friday in front of a residence in the 100 block of East Park Avenue, according to Lt. Steve Shebloski of the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).

Officers found a man in front of a residence suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body, the lieutenant said. They performed life-saving measures until paramedics from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department arrived and rushed the victim to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:06 p.m.

As officers conducted a preliminary investigation, they learned the victim was confronted by a suspect or suspects in a vehicle before he was shot, Shebloski said. That vehicle and its occupants sped away from the area where the shooting occurred.

SDPD homicide detectives were canvassing the neighborhood looking for any evidence or witnesses.

There was no immediate physical description of the suspects. The victims identity was being withheld pending family notifications.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting was asked to call the SDPD Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
Man Gets Life Without Parole for Killing Woman in Irvine Over a Decade Ago

SANTA ANA, Calif.A 37-year-old man was sentenced April 7 to life in prison without the possibility of parole for beating and strangling a woman to death before he dumped her body in Irvine and set it afire 13 years ago.

Zenaido Baldivia-Guzman was convicted Nov. 15 of murder, along with a special-circumstance allegation of murder committed during a kidnapping. He has spent 4,536 days in custody so far as a result.

The defendant was previously tried in 2016, but it ended in a mistrial when jurors deadlocked 111 in favor of guilt on the first-degree murder charge.

The defendants brother, Gabino Baldivia-Guzman, is awaiting trial. He is alleged to have participated in disposing of the body.

Zenaido Baldivia-Guzman killed the still-unidentified woman Sept. 5, 2009.

The body was found in the parking lot of a business at 1851 Kettering in Irvine about 8:30 a.m., when an employee headed into work spotted it, according to former Senior Deputy District Attorney Robert Goodkinwho since the trial been appointed an Orange County Superior Court judge.

The victim did not have any personal effects on her, but she appeared to be in her 20s and was about 6 feet tall, and weighed 150 pounds.

The case went unsolved for a year until genetic material collected from the victims left hand matched the DNA of the defendant, who had provided a genetic sample to resolve a misdemeanor domestic violence case in which he choked his girlfriend and threw her 9-year-old son against a wall when he tried to intervene, Goodkin said in court papers.

Irvine police placed the brothers under surveillance and arrested them following a traffic stop in November 2010, Goodkin said.

Zenaido Baldivia-Guzman initially told police he knew nothing about a murder and then said he was too drunk at the time of the incident to remember, Goodkin said.

When confronted with evidence, he admitted certain things, Goodkin said in his opening statement of the trial.

On Day of the Killing

The two brothers picked up the woman in a high-prostitution area of Santa Ana at First Street and Harbor Boulevard the night of Sept. 4, 2009, Goodkin said.

The evidence will show you [the defendant] was hiding in the back of the van and she doesnt see him, Goodkin said.

When the victim notices Zenaido Baldivia-Guzman in the back of the van, while the defendants brother was driving, she, starts screaming, Let me out of this van,'Goodkin said. She doesnt want to be in a van with two guys. That wasnt part of the deal.

The defendant pulled her into the back of the van as she shouted for help, Goodkin said. As she fought back, the defendant hits her in the face and hits her hard, Goodkin said, adding, He hits her till shes quiet.

The defendant admitted that he squeezed a little bit around her neck, but evidence shows the victim was strangled, Goodkin said.

She didnt die from blunt force trauma to the face, the prosecutor said.

The brothers drove around for about 90 minutes before settling on a secluded place in an industrial area of Irvine to dump the body, Goodkin said. The two brothers, who were in the auto detailing business, had gasoline in the van that Gabino Baldivia-Guzman allegedly used to help ignite the body, the prosecutor said.

Zenaido Baldivia-Guzman did not help set fire to the body, but he didnt do anything to stop his brother, Goodkin said.

They do not want to be caught with this crime, so the body was burned to conceal evidence, Goodkin said.

The victims DNA was found under [the victims] fingernails, he said.

There was no soot in her lungs, indicating that the victim was already dead when she was set afire, Goodkin said.

Zenaido Baldivia-Guzman also wrote a letter of apology to the family, which is a common tactic among police to solicit a confession.

A crime scene is marked by the Irvine Police Department in Irvine, Calif., on May 5, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Zenaido Baldivia-Guzmans attorney, Irene Pai of the Public Defenders Office, said in her opening statement of the trial, Theres no dispute that the way her life ended was heartbreaking.

But, the issue in this trial is what was going on his head at the time of the killing, Pai said.

Pai characterized her clients questioning as an interrogation. She asked jurors to go through that interrogation with a fine-toothed comb.

Gabino Baldivia-Guzman came to the U.S. from Mexico about seven years before his brother and helped bring the defendant here when he was 17, Pai said.

Experts said the defendant has a low IQ and is intellectually on about a third-grade level, Pai said. An MRI of the defendants brain indicated portions that are smaller than normal, and there is damage seen from traumatic brain injuries, she said.

The struggle in the back of the van was a scene of tremendous chaosit happened so fast, Pai said.

He admitted doing what he did was wrongthis is not a whodunit, Pai said.

But she disagreed with the prosecutions interpretation of the defendants statements about what happened.
More Than Half of High School Girls Feel Hopeless or Sad: CDC Report

A CDC data report released on Feb. 13 shows that teenage girls are experiencing record levels of violence, sadness, and suicide risk.

The 98-page report shows key findings from 2011 to 2021. During that time, some things improved in the areas of adolescent health and well-being, but most areas included in the report got worse.

The areas that showed improvement include risky sexual behavior, substance abuse, and bullying.

The report states, Unfortunately, almost all other indicators of health and well-being in this report including protective health behaviors (i.e., condom use, sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, and HIV testing), experiences of violence, mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors worsened significantly.

The report shows that 57 percent of high school girls reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless.

Eva Schrader, a 16-year-old living on the central coast of California, told The Epoch Times, It is hard to have a serious conversation with a parent about these types of issues. We are rarely taken seriously, and it is passed off like we are in a bad mood, or it is just part of being a teenager.

Mental illness has a big stigma, and understanding and willingness for mental illness is not there, Dr. Albert Ma, a psychologist in Bakersfield, California, said in a press conference. Mental illness is so prevalent, and when you dismiss it or when you dont get somebody help who needs proper professional help, youre putting their life in danger.

A spokesperson from Kern Behavioral Health told The Epoch Times that the organization has seen an increase of calls for suicidal students. According to Kern Behavioral Health, in 2019 it received 2,311 suicide-related calls from people ages 16 to 25, and 2020 it received 2,595.

The Kern Sheriffs Office reported three suicides by minors in 2019 and four in 2020.

Gina Alfaro, director of guidance at North High School in Bakersfield, said that hearing about suicidal thoughts is very common.

As counselors, we hear about it a few times a week, she told The Epoch Times.

Jason Gifford, a marriage and family therapist with Kern Behavioral Health, agrees with what a lot of teenagers tell him.

He told The Epoch Times: A lot of kids they talk to say they see their parents stressed and dont want to bring up their depression or suicidal thoughts to them.

Hannah Roberson, who is now 22 years old, told The Epoch Times: When I was younger, I was extremely depressed and felt hopeless. I had no idea what to do with my life. I tried therapy and medication, but that didnt seem to work. It was after I started to go back to church, got involved in activities instead of sitting home by myself, and got a boyfriend, that my life started turning around for the better. It is hard to talk to parents about what is going on. Kids need a lot of options, because something that works for one person may not work for another person.

The graph shows that 57 percent of female high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. (Screenshot via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Resources for Teens

A variety of resources are available to help teenagers who are suffering from mental health problems.

A program by Bakersfield Behavioral Health called Healthy at Home: Resources for Improving Mental Health helps teens get past their barriers to getting assistance, like the stigma tied to getting help, feeling helpless and not knowing what to do, being too depressed to ask for help, or not wanting to tell parents.

They have been posting Facebook videos with short therapeutic messages, 60 second grounding techniques, and interviews with hospital or community members with helpful tips, their website states.

There is also a campaign called Zero Suicides, which is a program throughout all high schools in the Kern High School District. Each school has counselors specifically devoted to suicide awareness.

These professionals train staff and students to notice warning signs and teach them to say something when they see those signs, a spokesperson from the Kern High School District told The Epoch Times.
Nashville Residents Urge Officials to Not Let Nashville Become a Colony of State Legislature

Concerns come from a law signed last month that will cut the city's council in half

The Nashville, Tennessee skyline as seen from Cumberland River Park on March 29, 2023. (Chase Smith/The Epoch Times)

Nashville has days left to begin voting on new council districts as citizens voiced their opposition to any action being taken by the city council at a hearing this weekas lawsuits questioning the legality of the legislation are also being heard in courts.

The Republican-led Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation last month that will force the Metropolitan Government of Nashville-Davidson Countys (Metro) council to submit plans to cut itself in half to the state by May 1.

The legislation was signed into law by Republican Governor Bill Lee on March 9, which kicked into effect the 30-day period in which Metro Nashville Planning Commission officials had to get the maps to the current council for an initial vote on district boundaries.

Currently two lawsuits are pending and arguments were heard this week on the legality of the legislatures efforts to force what Nashville voters rejected themselves in a 2015 referendum to cut the council.

The New Law

The legislation, filed in January, caps the number of members that are elected to a governing body of a metro or municipal government at 20.

The bill does not target Nashville by name, but in practice Nashvilles council is the only one in the state with more than 20 membershaving 40 since county and city governments consolidated 60 years ago last week.

The legislation upends the councils current election season, in which candidates have already begun campaigning and raising funds for a general election scheduled Aug. 3.

In a planning commission meeting Thursday, officials noted this process should under normal circumstances take six months.

If the council fails to meet deadlines, the law allows current council members terms to be extended for one year in exchange for reducing the first term of the new council to three years and also scheduling a new election for Aug. 6, 2024.

Citizens Voice Opposition

A line of concerned community leaders spoke for hours at the Metro Council meeting on Tuesdaywith all those present voicing strong opposition to the council taking any action to approve proposed maps and complying with the new law. Just under 50 people total spoke at the meeting, a tally by The Epoch Times showed.

Nashvillians put forth arguments that included not letting Nashville become a colony of the [Tennessee] General Assembly, not letting the state whitewash Nashville, and even one person mentioning the possibility of statehood for Nashville.

We have something worth holding onto, Martha Carol, an East Nashville resident, said at the meeting. A metro government that represents and respects all our citizens. We have on the one hand this unique creative history. On the other hand, we have state legislators bullying and rushing us through a process that will only create chaos. I urge you to act to protect what we have to honor the creative inspired thinking of our forebears. Within just days of celebrating the 60th anniversary of our metropolitan government, do not vote to go along with its destruction.

Nashville is written on a building in the citys historic district. (MoreISO/Getty Images)

Following the arguments by residentsthe council decided to table the decision to vote on either of the two proposed maps from the planning commission until a future meeting.

The Metro Planning Commission has until April 10 to present its final proposals on new district maps, and the Metro Council has until May 1 to approve those new lines.

The Lawsuits

A panel of three state judges in Tennessee heard arguments Tuesday in a case seeking an injunction on the law, according to Courthouse News Service.

The council filed its lawsuit against the state March 13 (pdf) in Davidson County Chancery Court, claiming the state violated a host of its own laws with the legislation.

This is a radical infringement on local sovereignty, an attorney representing the council told the panel Tuesday, according to the outlet. This has been a rushed, chaotic redistricting process with a constant flurry of issues to address. Metro Nashville is having to make extraordinarily important public policy decisions right now based on an unconstitutional law and they have very little time to do that.

A second lawsuit alleging the same problems with the legislation was filed (pdf) in the chancery court on March 28 by voters, candidates for Metropolitan Council, and current Metropolitan Councilmembers.

Metro History

Nashvilles consolidation into the Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County was one of the first true consolidations of city and county governments in the United States, according to Davidson County historian Carole Bucy (pdf).

After several failed attempts to get voters on board with the consolidation, voters were in favor of the measure in 1962 and it went into effect in 1963.

Nashville became the national pioneer in metropolitan organization, Bucy wrote. Although other cities had partial consolidation, Nashville was the first city in the country to achieve true consolidation.

The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Courthouse and City Hall as seen from 2nd Ave. N on March 29, 2023. (Chase Smith/The Epoch Times)

A ballot measure in Nashville to change the size of the council in 2015 failed, with 62 percent of voters being against the measure. It would have reduced the number of council members to 27. The current system has 35 district-elected members and five at-large elected members.

Metros governing body was the third largest in the country at the time, only behind New York City and Chicago governing bodies. At the same time, it was the 25th largest city in the United States, according to 2013 census data.

Since then, Nashville has grown to become the 20th largest city in the United States, according to 2020 census data.

GOP Legislatures Reasoning Behind Law

Nashvilles council is independent in practice, with all seats being non-partisan. However, Nashville in federal and state elections has been reliably Democratic, and Mayor John Cooper said although the office is nonpartisan, he is a Democrat.

State House Majority Leader Republican William Lamberth, a Republican, said the proposed legislation is good government.

When government grows beyond a certain size, it hinders economic growth, taxes are inevitably raised and the standard of living for the average citizen is diminished, Lamberth said.

State Sen. Bo Watson, the Republican sponsor in the Tennessee Senate, echoed that sentiment.

Local government bodies need to be a size that allows them to function efficiently and effectively without compromising their duty to represent the people, he said.
North Korea Tests Underwater Drone to Assess Its Fatal Attack Ability: State Media

Analysts are skeptical of the claims, with one saying it could be part of a psyop

This photo provided by the North Korean regime, shows what it says is an underwater blast of test warhead loaded to an unmanned underwater nuclear attack craft "Haeil" during an exercise around Hongwon Bay in waters off North Korea's eastern coast on March 23, 2023. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

North Korea claims that it tested a new type of nuclear-capable underwater drone last week to assess the weapons fatal attack ability.

A Haeil-2 drone was deployed off the coast of South Hamgyong province on April 4 and reached the target in the waters off Ryongdae Port on April 7, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated on April 8.

KCNA stated that the drone cruised 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of simulated underwater distance in the East Sea of Korea for 71 hours and six minutes before its test warhead was detonated underwater.

The test perfectly proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its fatal attacks ability, KCNA claimed.

The drone test comes weeks after North Korea claimed to have tested an underwater attack drone named Haeil from March 21 to 23, which the regime stated was capable of generating a super-scale radioactive tsunami.

On March 28, KCNA stated that North Korea conducted another test of what it called the Haeil-1 underwater attack drone from March 25 to 27.

North Korea stated that its underwater attack drone had undergone more than 50 shakedowns in the past two years and is built to stealthily infiltrate into operational waters and make underwater explosions to destroy naval striker groups and enemy ports.

An Attempt at Deception

However, analysts are skeptical of North Koreas claims and say the regime may have exaggerated the drones capabilities. South Koreas military stated that the development of the Haeil drone is still at an early stage.

Having pieced together the South KoreaU.S. analysis of the underwater nuclear attack drone as well as expert views on it, our military is putting weight to the possibility that the claim might have been exaggerated or fabricated, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff stated on March 27.

There have been movements indicating the North has been working to develop an unmanned undersea vehicle, but our assessment is that it is still at an early [development] stage.

Ankit Panda, an analyst at the U.S.-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said on Twitter that the underwater drone test could be an attempt at deception by the North Korean regime.

I tend to take North Korea seriously, but cant rule out the possibility that this is an attempt at deception/psyop [psychological operation]. Would be ill-advised to allocate limited fizmat for a warhead to go in this thing, [in my opinion] vs more road-mobile ballistic missiles, he stated.

North Korea didnt provide the vessels specifications. A recent report by the Institute for Science and International Security estimated that the drones diameter is within 40 to 50 centimeters, analyzing a photo published by North Korean media.

North Koreas ability to put a nuclear warhead into an underwater drone should not be taken as given; the announced test involved conventional explosives only, the report reads.

This diameter could conceivably hold a pure fission weapon, but it is on the small size and would likely have a yield in the range of 10 to 25 kilotons.

Anti-Submarine Drills

The United States, South Korea, and Japan conducted two-day anti-submarine exercises around the waters of South Koreas Jeju Island on April 3 to counter North Koreas underwater threats.

South Korean Navy personnel are seen standing alongside the USS Nimitz, during its port visit to Busan, South Korea, on March 28, 2023. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images)

The drills involved the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the USS Wayne E. Meyer and the USS Decatur, which were deployed to South Koreas Busan naval base recently.

This exercise will be a good opportunity to improve the maritime operational capabilities of South Korea, the U.S. and Japan to respond to underwater threats such as North Koreas SLBMs [submarine-launched ballistic missiles], which are advancing in sophistication, South Korean Rear Adm. Kim In-ho said in a statement.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to make the United States and South Korea realize that they are bound to lose more than they get and face a greater threat over their expansion of war drills in the region.

The United States has persisted in engaging in direct talks with North Korea without preconditions in favor of a diplomatic solution, but North Korea rebuffed these efforts.
Pakistan: Military Kills 8 Militant Near Afghanistan Border

Pakistani soldiers stand on a secured location on a hill in Ladha town, which was the stronghold of Taliban extremists in troubled South Waziristan, Pakistan, on Nov. 17, 2009. (Aamir Qureshi/AFP via Getty Images)

ISLAMABADPakistani security forces killed eight insurgents in an overnight operation at a militant hideout near the Afghan border, the military said, and the shootout left one soldier dead and four wounded Wednesday.

According to a military statement, the shootout took place in Shin Warsak area of South Waziristan, a district in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, where an intelligence-based operation was conducted. It said the dead militants were actively involved in attacks on security forces and killing innocent citizens.

The military did not identify the militant group to which the slain insurgents belonged but the mountainous region along the Afghan border has long served as a base for the Pakistani Taliban and other extremists until a few years ago, when the army said it cleared the region of insurgents. But occasional attacks have continued.

The Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, are a separate group from the Afghan Taliban, although Pakistans extremist groups are often interlinked with those across the border.
LOS ANGELES, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The largest U.S. maritime trade gateway was effectively shut down on Friday due to a shortage of West Coast port workers as negotiations for a new contract continued between the dockworker union and maritime shippers, sparking concerns about global supply chain disruption.

The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents the leading maritime companies that do business on the U.S. West Coast, said in a statement on Friday that the union representing workers at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach "has taken a concerted action to withhold labor" at the two ports.

The 31-square km twin ports in southern California's San Pedro Bay typically account for around 40 percent of container cargo entering the United States.

"A majority of the jobs for last night's shift went unfilled, including all jobs for cargo-handling equipment operators needed to load and unload cargo," said the PMA.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 13, which is the largest ILWU local on the U.S. West Coast, withheld labor again for Friday morning's shift, according to the PMA.

The Union's coordinated actions are occurring while negotiations for a new coastwise contract continue, said the PMA, adding that these actions undermine confidence in West Coast ports, and threaten to further accelerate the diversion of discretionary cargo to Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports.

But ILWU Local 13 noted in a statement Friday afternoon that "longshore workers at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are still hard at work and remain committed to moving the nation's cargo."

The union said several thousand union members attended the monthly meeting Thursday evening and union members who observe religious holidays took the opportunity to celebrate with their families on Friday.

The Port of Los Angeles, the nation's busiest container port, said in a statement that it is continuing to communicate with the union and the PMA about returning to normal operations.

All seven container terminals of the Port of Los Angeles and four out of six terminals of the Port of Long Beach were closed on Friday, according to local media, the Long Beach Business Journal, citing port officials.

"Terminal operators at the affected sites said they made the decision to close when workers did not report for their shifts this morning," said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero, adding that it is expected that normal, regularly scheduled hours and operations will resume on Saturday.

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the largest newspaper on the U.S. West Coast, the shortage comes several months into protracted labor negotiations between the union representing West Coast dockworkers and the industry group representing maritime shippers, which are hashing out a new contract that addresses issues such as wages and the role of automation.

The old contract, covering more than 22,000 workers at 29 ports, expired on July 1, according to the report.

The report worried the stoppage is "halting cargo traffic at the massive shipping complex while disrupting the local economy and the global supply chain." 
Police Fatally Shoot Homeowner After Responding to Wrong Address in New Mexico

A 52-year-old New Mexico man was fatally shot by police this week after they arrived at the wrong address while responding to a domestic violence call, according to state investigators.

In a statement released on April 6, New Mexico State Police (NMSP) said Robert Dotson was killed Wednesday night after members of the Farmington Police Department responded to a domestic violence call around 11:30 p.m. and went to Dotsons house instead of a neighboring residence.

Once officers arrived in the neighborhood, they mistakenly approached 5305 Valley View Avenue instead of 5308 Valley View Avenue, NMSP said.

After no one responded when police officers announced themselves and knocked on the front door, they briefed the control room on the situation and asked a dispatcher to call the person back and ask them to come to the front door.

Eventually, the unaware homeowner of the wrong address opened the screen door of his house armed with a handgun. At this point, at least one officer fired one round that struck Dotson, body camera footage reviewed by NMSP shows.

Not knowing who was outside their home, the mans wife returned with a gun and fired at least one round from the doorway, prompting officers to return fire again. State police said the woman put down her gun after realizing the individuals outside her home were police officers.

Dotson suffered fatal injuries as a result of the shooting and was pronounced dead at the scene, NMSP said, noting the victims wife was unharmed and wont be charged with a crime.

Very Dark Day

In a video statement published on Thursday, Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe confirmed that officers mistakenly approached the wrong address and fatally shot Dotson, calling the case unbelievably tragic.

Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe. (Farmington Police Department/Screenshot via NTD)

This is an extremely traumatic event, and I am just heartbroken by the circumstances surrounding this, Hebbe said. Dotson was not the subject of the call that our officers were responding to, and this ending is just unbelievably tragic. Im extremely sorry that were in this position. Well find more facts as we go through the investigation over the next several days.

The department confirmed on Friday that the three officers involved are on paid administrative leave pending a review of the case. They were not immediately identified, and it wasnt clear what administrative action could be taken.

When asked about the initial report of domestic violence that came from a home across the street, Farmington police spokesperson Shanice Gonzales said no action was taken against any of the parties in that case and that no one was armed at that address.

The shooting remains under investigation. The New Mexico State Police Investigation Bureau said any findings will be shared with the district attorney for further review.

In Thursdays video statement, Hebbe said the shooting was a very dark day for Dotsons family, the community, and the Farmington Police Department.

I extend nothing but my deepest condolences to the Dotson family, the police chief said. There is nothing I can say that will make this better. Its a terrible event, and Im heartbroken over it.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
Tasha Kheiriddin and Dean Baxendale enjoyed Shen Yun at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, in Toronto, on April 7, 2023. (Andrew Chen/The Epoch Times)

TORONTO, CanadaAs a publisher, Dean Baxendale has published several books on China and its ruling communist regime. He was delighted when he first saw last years Shen Yun Performing Arts performance. He returned to see Shen Yunwhich puts on an all-new production each yearthis year at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto on April 7.

Its just a really incredible experience, you know, uplifting spiritually. It speaks to civilization and humanity. Just the ancient tradition that, unfortunately, the Chinese Communist Party has really suppressed over the last 70 years, Mr. Baxendale said.

He said that the performance was visually stunning.

The choreography is beautiful. The backdrops and use of the modern video make it quite, quite entertaining. A very, very interesting presentation, said Mr. Baxendale, who attended this performance with Tasha Kheiriddin, a writer who brought friends and family.

I think its absolutely beautiful, said Ms. Kheiriddin.

I love the costumes and the fluidity of the dancers, the movements, the acrobatics, she said. The story about the current situation in China made me cry; it was beautiful and emotional.

Breadth and Depth of Chinese History

New York-based Shen Yun is the worlds premier classical Chinese dance company. Since its inception in 2006, it has grown to have eight touring groups set to visit nearly 200 cities this season.

Each performance shows the breadth and depth of Chinas 5,000-year history, with ancient histories and legends from various dynasties and dances from some of the 50-plus ethnic minority groups across China.

Mr. Baxendale was happy to see the Tibetan dance, as he had just returned from a visit to the Himalayas the week before.

It was absolutely beautiful to see the different types of dances and the different parts of China as well, Ms. Kheiriddin said.

Mr. Baxendale and Ms. Kheiriddin applauded Shen Yuns efforts to revive this culture and shine a light on the traditional culture that the communist regime in China has tried to destroy.

It is, I think, [a] representation of what so many people dont know here, but what happens behind the scenes, and its something that has to be told so that people are aware and call out the government to call on them to stop. If the world doesnt stand up for human rights, they wont have any, said Ms. Kheiriddin.

Mr. Baxendale said, Its everyones cause. Humanity is what we should be looking to preserve.

Ms. Kheiriddin felt Shen Yun was especially effective in this, as it used the universal language of art.

I often think when people are touched by art, they can feel the emotions behind the facts of the stories. And I think thats what you see here. I think the audience was very moved by it, she said.

Ms. Kheiriddin said she was moved to tears in a scene portraying the situation in China today.

I think it has to be shown, and this way, it touches people. It makes them really understand it, feel it inside, Ms. Kheiriddin said.

She added that Shen Yuns artistic portrayals could help bring some change and stop these things from happening.

I think its very important to understand because people have one vision of China  but theres so much culture and history that came before, and to see that come alive makes it very real and makes it living, she said.

Its also so beautiful to see that rich history is still alive; its very special. And I think its wonderful. You dont see it anywhere else.

Reporting by Andrew Chen and NTD.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
CHICAGOReal estate executive Matt Van der Molen brought his wife Jennifer and their two children to see Shen Yuns evening performance at Auditorium Theatre on April 7.

The whole family thought it was not only enjoyable but also very educational.

It was beautiful. The costumes were fantastic, exclaimed Mr. Van der Molen.

I was surprised at some of the things I learned, [such as] elements of the culture and the oppression and struggles that people are going through [right now.] I wasnt aware of that.

Based in New York, Shen Yun was established in 2006 by a group of leading Chinese artists who had fled the persecution of the communist party.

For thousands of years, Chinese people were very spiritual and believed that their culture was a gift from the heavens. Yet under the communist regimes violent rule and it spread of atheism, Chinas 5,000 years of traditional culture were forced to the brink of extinction.

Shen Yun is now dedicated to reviving these traditions and showcasing to the world, through dance and music, the beauty of China before communism.

Mrs. Van der Molen, too, was stunned by Shen Yuns story dances depicting unrest in modern-day China. It saddened her to find out that the company is currently banned by the ruling communist regime from performing in China.

As Americans, we have only so much information. Were only taught so much in schools. So, I think its a really brave and necessary thing to provide our country with the honest truth of how things are in China, she expressed.

We are lovers of the arts. Its phenomenal to see this live performanceto see how ancient China is coming alive in the United States. Its very sad that they [dont have] the opportunity [to perform] in their homeland.

Her son Asher added that he has never seen a performance like Shen Yun before. It was a fun experience. He was especially impressed by the long flowing water sleeves of the female dancers.

I thought it was pretty cool. It was definitely surprisingI had never seen such a long-sleeved shirt in my life! he said.

Set to original musical compositions, Shen Yun uses classical Chinese, folk, and ethnic dances to tell tales from ancient times to the modern day.

As a mother of two, Mrs. Van der Molen said Shen Yun is something that all ages can explore and have the opportunity to learn. The show inspired her to do more research. She is excited to see what the future has in store.

Itll be exciting to see the 2024 [performance] because every year the program changes, Mrs. Van der Molen said.

Itll be fun to see what comes. I can definitely say there are some questions that I have coming from it. It was great throughout the entire performance to feel like well have to learn more and ask questions.

We very much enjoyed the show.

Reporting by Stacey Tang 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.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, in New York City. (The Epoch Times)

NEW YORKShen Yun Performing Arts is back in New York Citys Lincoln Center for 13 shows, most already sold out, with two performances recently added.

In the audience, on the second evening, was Richard Ravitch, former Lieutenant Governor of New York, who attended the performance with family members on April 7.

Im enjoying it. My grandson and his girlfriend are sitting on the front rowtheyre loving it. My son is loving it, he said.

The dancing and the music are extraordinary, he said. Its a very romantic feel.

New York-based Shen Yun is the worlds premier classical Chinese dance company and has been credited with the revival of this ancient art form.

Eileen and Tom Kossmann at Shen Yun Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, New York City, on April 7, 2023. (Sally Sun/The Epoch Times)

Eileen and Tom Kossmann, too, were taken by the level of the dancers.

Everything is like powerful, like pounding in my chest, and the way they dance, all synchronized so together, is amazing. Its just awesome. Its amazing, said Mrs. Kossman, who works in administration for a school district.

The choreography was so impressive, I sometimes think Im seeing double [the number of people], said Mr. Kossman, CFO of an electronics corporation.

Mr. Kossman had surprised his wife with tickets, and honestly, its mind-boggling, I love it, its beautiful, Mrs. Kossman said.

Its absolutely beautiful, she said. All of the stories. Its amazing. Its just amazing how they portray it in their dance and the way they do things.

Jeffrey Norwood (R) and his wife, Margrete Becker, enjoyed Shen Yun Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, New York City, on April 7, 2023. (Sherry Dong/The Epoch Times)

Jeffrey Norwood, a business owner and musicologist, enjoyed being close to the orchestra pit. In addition to classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun is also noted for its unique orchestra, which combined ancient Chinese instruments as permanent members of the classical ensemble.

The added flavor of the Chinese instruments that are being used just adds a whole new color to it all, he said. This is a true mix. Its wonderfully, its classically Chinese.

Its marvelous, Mr. Norwood said. Its really, really wonderfulvery enjoyable and full of variety.

Reporting by Sherry Dong and Sally Sun.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
Todd Fessler (R) and his daughter enjoyed Shen Yun's evening performance at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall on April 7, 2023. (Mary Zhang/The Epoch Times)

SEATTLEFifteen years ago, business executive Todd Fessler attended Shen Yun Performing Arts with his wife. On April 7, he brought his daughter to the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall to see the show for a second time.

The program was a brand-new, yet nostalgic surprise. He thought it was top quality.

It was lovely! Its so vivid and just a pleasure. It changes every year. Regardless of which Shen Yun year it is, the show carries a variety of dances and colors. Im always struck by the colorsits a visual explosion! he said.

There was a number of almost everythingthis has been amazing. I would totally recommend it.

Shen Yun Performing Arts is now 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.

Endowed with 5,000 years of history, China was once known as the Land of the Divine.

For millennia, its people believed that by keeping their hearts pure and adhering to strict moral standards, they would be blessed by the divine.

Indeed, for 5,000 years the country prospered. However, after the communist takeover and its spread of atheism, all this traditional culture was systematically destroyed.

Today, Shen Yuns mission is to bring back the beauty and goodness of pre-communist China.

Mr. Fessler was deeply touched by Shen Yuns historical story dance depicting a mothers sacrifice for her child. He loved that the company is reviving traditional culture.

Theres honor in the traditions and there is respect that is paid to these traditions. They are learned, they are passed down, and they are carried through, he said.

Were going back [to] commemorate dance that was taught hundreds of years ago. Its amazing how that came through.

According to Shen Yuns website, the classical Chinese dance seen in China today is heavily mixed with military and modern dance styles.

Only at Shen Yun can people find it performed in its purest formthe way it was originally passed down through the generations.

I think [bringing back traditions] is really important. Its good for perspective and its an educational opportunity for those that are interested in the performing arts to understand how much influence that dance, over the years, still finds itselfeven in modern techniques, Mr. Fessler added.

He also greatly enjoyed the spiritual elements of Shen Yun.

However, due to its focus on reviving traditional culture and presenting human rights issues in modern-day China, the company is not allowed to perform in China.

Its all based on a connection with spirituality[theyre] not just performing a danceits very connected to a belief and what that spirituality represents to [the artists,] Mr. Fessler expressed.

[I see] things like respect, loyalty, and a desire for freedom of expression, even knowing that theres some risk to that.

Reporting by Mary Zhang 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.
Irene Storer, Director at Forte School of Music in Adelaide at the Festival Theatre on the afternoon of April 7. (NTD)

ADELAIDE, AustraliaIrene Storer, director at Forte School of Music in Adelaide, thought Shen Yun Performing Arts and the companys live orchestra was simply extraordinary!

Fantastic  amazing dancers, amazing musiciansreally enjoyed it, said Mrs. Storer after the production at the Festival Theatre on the afternoon of April 7.

Based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the worlds premier classical Chinese dance company. Along with folk dances and solo performances, the production depicts story-based pieces that tell tales from ancient times to the modern day.

The synchronization and timing between Shen Yuns live orchestra to the classically trained dancers in conjunction with the companys patented 3D animated backdrop, take the performance to the next level, said Mrs. Storer.

As a professional pianist herself, she said she understands and appreciates the commitment of the performers.

You got to start very young  it doesnt just come in two years, three yearsIts 10s of years, she said, and all these dancers and musicians, they were fantastic!

A Wonderful Sensory Experience

Shameela Khambhaita, family counselor, and her friend Bridget Ransome, executive communications manager, also attended the Shen Yun performance at the Festival Theatre on the afternoon of April 7.

Bridget Ransome (L) and Shameela Khambhaita at the Festival Theatre on the afternoon of April 7, 2023. (Rachel Qu/The Epoch Times)

The vibrancy and the colors, the movement  was what I would describe as a wonderful sensory experience for all, said Mrs. Khambhaita.

I think theres a lot that we can learn from history from different cultures, she said, its an opportunity for people to really understand our world and the different culture cultures and the learnings of the teachings that we all bring to the table.

According to Shen Yun, ancient Chinese music, medicine, calligraphy, clothing, and language were believed to have been brought down from the heavens and daily life was replete with rituals connecting man with the divine. Drawing upon ancient Chinas Buddhist and Daoist philosophies, Shen Yun says its performances demonstrate China before communism.

As a child counselor, Mrs. Khambhaita was familiar with music being a form of therapy. Calling it resonance health in her practice, she said she resonated with the ancient Chinese philosophy of music being a form of medicine.

The Shen Yun performance with the incorporation of therapeutic color and sound was absolutely fascinating  but also meditative as well, she said.

Inspired by the spirituality and conveyed virtues of traditional Chinese culture, Mrs. Ransome said her main takeaway from the production was the need to express more kindness and compassion.

With the world appearing to be going through a dark phase, she said anywhere we can bring kindness and compassion through I think is really important.

Reporting by NTD, Rachel Qu, and Jennifer Schneider.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
Is silence just the absence of sound, of speech, just as some thinkers say that evil is just the absence of good?

Actually, silence may open up unexpected horizons filled with heights too high to ever climb to the top of, and depths too deep to ever wholly fathom.

More Than an Absence

Silence is never more audible than when the last sound of music has died away. This is the signature line from philosopher Max Picards writings on the nature of silence. After encountering it, one can never think of silence as just an absence again.

Max Picard wrote about many things, and many things about silence, but the book in which he focused on this phenomenon is The World of Silence, published in 1948; it was the work of a Swiss Jew in a Europe still stunned into silence by the horrors of World War II.

While his writings are elusive and hard to understand at times, we can find several practical implications. In fact, it is sometimes extremely sensible to deal with elusive and hard-to-grasp topics such as silence.

Silence by Swiss philosopher Max Picard gives practical implications for silence. (Eighth Day Press)

A Subject for Wonder, Humility, and Speech Itself

Thinking about silence is an extremely practical thing to do, though of course it doesnt result in making more money or becoming more powerful. If we dont take the time to ponder it, we wont become aware of a large gap in our understanding, and we will be deprived of an opportunity for both wonder and humility. And if we lack wonder and humility, we will not see the world as it truly isand if we dont see the world as it truly is, we will ultimately fail as human beings.

And if we fail as human beings, we are doing the most impractical thing possible.

Silence is also related to speech itself. Far from being an enemy of conversation and language, Picard sees silence as vitally important to them. If hes right, then those who value words should also pay attention to silence.

One example of his examination of silence and language sounds cryptic: When two people are conversing with one another  a third is always present: Silence is listening. This observation draws attention to a phenomenon that exists only between great friends or old married couples who truly love each other and lapse into long silences; it is clear that these silences do not detract from, but rather are an integral part of, the deep communication they share.

Then, theres Picards thesis that speech came out of silencethat real human speech in some way needs silence as its ground. This phrase presents another difficult idea, but we can start to see how its true when we consider how fruitful silence has been in our own lives.

At times, exciting new words and thoughts erupt from those moments when we, often unwillingly, sit quietly or hold our peace. When I reluctantly practice silent prayer in the morning, a list comes to mind of so many things to do: make coffee, start the fire, plan the day, help with the baby! But during that time comes some of my best ideas for my duties as a teacher.

This is just a small example of how we sometimes must throw away the checklist of life and just be quiet, in order to live again, work again, and speak again.

Silence and a Critique of Technology

Especially relevant today is Picards discussion of technology, silence, and their relationship. For instance, in his critique of the radio, he says: The knowledge that radio transmits seems to have been completed once and for all. This statement may first seem too abstract or too absolute, until we think of how technology is exploited today.

Isnt it the attitude of many prominent media outlets that their reporting decides whether something is a fact or not, whether something is up for debate or not, whether the conversation is closed or not?

Silence 1898, by Fernand Khnopff. (Public Domain)

Silence provides a safeguard against this sort of abuse of technology. But more importantly, it safeguards the world of ultimate value and of priceless things like human beings. As Picard puts it, silence stands outside the world of profit and utility; it cannot be exploited for profit; you cannot get anything out of it. It is unproductive.'

The Gift of Silence

It follows that if we value silence, then we are saying that it is important to just be with our family and friends, even if we are not talking, eating, or entertaining ourselves. To make room for silence is to make a space for paying attention to other things instead of always taking care of ourselves.

Recognizing and enjoying silence is a way of saying that things are valuable even when they are not producing value.

While reading Picards work may enhance our understanding of this critically important gift of silence, his work also makes clear that the most important thing is to notice silence right now and to let that silence speak, however strange that sounds.
Sturgeon Says She Will Fully Cooperate With Police Following Husbands Arrest

Former leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) Nicola Sturgeon speaking to the media outside her home in Uddingston, Glasgow, on April 8, 2023. (Jane Barlow/PA)

Former Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday spoke in public for the first time since her husband Peter Murrell was questioned about the partys financial affairs.

Murrell, 58, who was the SNPs chief executive until last month, was arrested on Wednesday morning in connection with a long-running Police Scotland investigation into the spending of about 600,000 ($749,000), which was raised by the SNP to fund its campaigning for Scottish independence.

He was released from custody the same evening pending further investigation.

Police also searched a number of addresses, including Sturgeon and Murrells home in Glasgow.

Officers from Police Scotland outside the home of former Chief Executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) Peter Murrell, in Uddingston, Glasgow, on April 6, 2023. (Robert Perry/PA Media)

Speaking outside her home on Saturday, Sturgeon said she will fully cooperate with the police investigation, and asked reporters to respect her family and neighbours privacy.

Sturgeon said there is nothing she can say about the ongoing investigation.

As much as there are things I might want to say Im not able to do so other than to say that, as has been the case, there will continue to be full cooperation, the former first minister said.

The last few days have been obviously difficult, quite traumatic at times, but I understand that is part of a process.

Sturgeon said she understands and has always accepted the scrutiny she gets as a public figure, but said she and her neighbours are also entitled to a little bit of privacy in their homes.

Ask whether she has been questioned by the police, Sturgeon said she hasnt.

The police investigation into the SNPs finances began in July 2021, following complaints about how donations given to the party for use in a fresh independence referendum campaign had been used.

Two SNP MPs had quit the partys National Executive Committee in May that year, citing a lack of transparency.

But the SNP leadership strongly denied claims the money raised for independence campaigning was diverted elsewhere.

Sturgeon, who was Scotlands first minister and SNP leader, insisted she was not concerned about the partys finances and that every penny of cash raised in online crowdfunding campaigns would be spent on the independence drive.

The party said it raised a total of 666,953 through referendum-related appeals between 2017 and 2020.

But questions were raised after its accounts showed it had just under 97,000 in the bank at the end of 2019, and total net assets of about 272,000.

Nicola Sturgeon, then SNP leader and Scottish first minister, and husband Peter Murrell pose after casting their votes in the 2019 General Election at Broomhouse Park Community Hall, Glasgow, Scotland, on Dec. 12, 2019. (Andrew Milligan/PA Media)

It emerged last year that Murrell had loaned the SNP 107,620 in June 2021. An SNP spokesman said at the time that the loan was a personal contribution made by the chief executive to assist with cash flow after the Holyrood election.

Accounting firm Johnston Carmichael resigned as SNPs auditor. In an email sent to The Epoch Times on Saturday, a spokesperson for the firm said: As a regulated organisation, we adhere to our obligations on client confidentiality and do not discuss client business.

The firm resigned before Murrells arrest but The Epoch Times cannot verify the exact timeline of the events.

Murrells arrest came just a week after Sturgeon stepped down as first minister.

Sturgeon was succeeded by Humza Yousaf, who beat the runner-up, former finance secretary Kate Forbes, in a tight race.

After Murrells arrest, SNP MP Angus MacNeil told The Telegraph it was being more and more successfully argued among his fellow party members that there should be a re-run of the leadership election.

Alexander Zhang and PA Media contributed to this report.
Swiss authorities have stopped recommending COVID-19 vaccination, including for people who are designated at high risk from COVID-19.

Switzerlands Federal Office of Public Health now says that no COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for spring/summer 2023.

People designated at high risk also arent recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine, authorities said.

Officials attributed the change to the number of citizens who have received a vaccine, recovered from COVID-19, or have received a vaccine and also enjoy natural immunity from post-recovery protection.

Nearly everyone in Switzerland has been vaccinated and/or contracted and recovered from COVID-19. Their immune system has therefore been exposed to the coronavirus. In spring/summer 2023, the virus will likely circulate less. The current virus variants also cause rather mild illness, Swiss health officials said.

Seroprevalence data from mid-2022 show that more than 98 percent of the Swiss population had antibodies against the COVID-19 virus, indicating that people had immunity from prior infection, vaccination, or both.

The Omicron coronavirus variant of the COVID-19 virus, which started circulating around the world in late 2021, causes less severe cases than its predecessor, Delta. The available COVID-19 vaccines have performed increasingly worse against Omicron and its subvariants, providing little or even negative protection against infection and quickly waning shielding against severe disease.

Swiss authorities nodded to the short-lived protection as they noted that people designated at high risk from COVID-19 can still receive a vaccine, despite the lack of recommendation, after consultation with their doctor.

Vaccination may be wise in individual cases, as it improves protection against developing severe COVID-19 for several months, they said.

People at high risk include those aged 65 or older and pregnant women.

In cases where a doctor recommends a vaccine, a shot should be given at least six months after the last shot or at least six months after the last known COVID-19 infection.

Because the vaccines are no longer being recommended, theyre no longer covered by the government. Instead, people will have to pay a fee to get vaccinated.

People who arent determined to be at high risk from COVID-19 can also get a COVID-19 vaccine but will have to pay a fee since theyre getting a vaccine that isnt recommended, authorities said. Those at high risk who receive a shot recommended by the doctor wont have to pay, as the vaccination will be covered by health insurance.

Vaccination could be recommended again for the fall of 2023, according to health officials.

The move by Switzerland follows a number of other countries that have stopped recommending COVID-19 vaccination for many people.

For example, England withdrew booster recommendations for healthy people younger than the age of 50, while Denmark stopped vaccinating the same population in 2022.

The World Health Organization in March stated that countries should consider factors such as cost-effectiveness when boosting certain populations, including healthy children, considering the low burden of disease presently seen.

The public health impact of vaccinating healthy children and adolescents is comparatively much lower than the established benefits of traditional essential vaccines for children, the organization stated.

Some countries, including the United States, continue advising a primary series for all unvaccinated, even though studies have found that the naturally immune enjoy high levels of protection.
Texas Senate Passes Education Savings Accounts, Could Face Challenges in House

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott shares his plans for school choice at Power Empowerment Night in Tyler, Texas, on March 10, 2023. (Courtesy Office of the Governor)

The Texas Senate approved a bill that would allow parents to direct state education funds for their children to be used outside the public school system, but it could face challenges in the House.

Republican state Sen. Brandon Creighton authored Senate Bill 8, known as The Texas Parental Bill of Rights, which would create an $8,000 education savings account (ESA) per student per year for parents to put toward private school tuition or home school. (pdf)

I have always believed in our public school system of over 8,000 campuses. Many schools are great, most are good, but we also have those that are failing our students, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a press release. That is why we need school choice for parents who want options other than their failing public school. As Lt. Governor, we passed school choice through the Senate in 2015 and 2017. Sadly, both bills died in the Texas House without a hearing.

Sen. Robert Nichols was the only Republican to vote against the measure.

Senate Bill 8 calls for the ESA funding to come from the states general revenue rather than the public school fund.

Funding would cover up to 62,500 ESAs, and applicants would be prioritized based on the ranking of the school the student is leaving, with two-thirds of the slots open to students currently attending schools ranked C, D, or F on the states A-F campus quality scale.

The bill, which passed in a vote of 1813 on Thursday, is headed to the House for a committee hearing, where it will likely face opposition.

On the same day Senate Bill 8 was approved, the Texas House adopted an amendment to House Bill 1, the states biennium budget.

The amendment filed by Democrat Rep. Abel Herrero would prohibit the use of public monies to fund ESAs or similar programs. (pdf)

Two dozen Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the amendment that passed 8652; several others voted present, The Texas Newsroom reported.

Top Priority

School choice has been a top priority for Gov. Greg Abbott this session. He has traveled across the state this legislative session promoting parents rights to choose the best education for their children.

Freedom is a word that resonates with Texansits who we are and what we believe in, Abbott said on March 28 at a Parent Empowerment Night event in Denton. Structuring education for the future has to be focused on one thing: the students. When you combine freedom and focusing on students, education comes down to one six-word sentence: mom and dad are in charge.

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), a conservative think tank, also backs Abbotts efforts to put parents in charge of their childrens education.

It is long past time for Texas to give parents the ability to choose the best educational options for their children, TPPF CEO Greg Sindelar said in a statement after the bill passed. Senate Bill 8 is an important step towards empowering all Texas parents, and we applaud Sen. Creighton, Lt. Governor Patrick and parental empowerment advocates for making parents a priority.

Opponents have argued that ESAs would negatively affect smaller public school districts.

Losing four or five students could force such districts to cut programs, staff, or services, such as cafeteria workers and bus drivers, Bob Popinski, senior policy director at Raise Your Hand Texas, told The Epoch Times last month.

Each of those kids is worth $10,000 in terms of how we fund them, Popinski said. Thats $50,000 leaving that campus where you still need those services.

However, the bill would provide funding to school districts with 20,000 or fewer students for five years if a student chooses to participate in the ESA program.

Others argue that public and charter schools are held to a higher academic standard than private schools.

It is a disservice to our parents for lawmakers to allow public taxpayer dollars to be spent on private or religious schools that are not held to the same standards, said Diane Frost, superintendent at Corsicana Independent School District.

Other Provisions in the Bill

Senate Bill 8 would prohibit classroom instruction, activities, or programs on sexual orientation or gender identity for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Parents could request classroom curriculum audits to ensure they are following district-adopted material.

The bill also allows for free student transfers between schools, subject to capacity, and establishes a public school grievance process timeline to take 14 school days or a maximum of 42 days.

Parental consent would be required before changes could be made to a students health and wellness activities at school.

Parents are the single most important factor to the success of their child in education, followed by a teacher, Patrick said. Republicans, Independents, and Democrats all support school choice because Texans agree that families must have choice in education so every child has the chance of success.
JERUSALEM, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians remain high on Friday while fightings between Israel and militants in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip appeared to have calmed down, lowering fears of a major escalation in the region.

A tourist was killed and five other tourists were injured on Friday night during a shooting and run-over attack in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. The attacker was identified as an Arab citizen of Israel from Kafr Qasim, east of Tel Aviv, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported.

Also on Friday, two British-Israeli sisters, respectively aged 16 and 20, were killed in a drive-by shooting in the northern West Bank, and their mother was critically injured, according to Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service.

Following the attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the border police and military to call up reserve forces "in the wake of terrorist attacks," according to a statement issued by his office.

Friday's Ramadan prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, the flashpoint holy site in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, concluded without any major incidents. Israel lifted the high alert level in the south, which had required residents in communities near the Gaza Strip to stay indoors and close to shelters. However, Israel's Chief of the General Staff called up reservists, particularly from the Air Force, citing concerns of further escalation.

On Thursday, militants in Lebanon fired 34 rockets at northern Israel, in the largest rocket attack since the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. The attack injured two civilians and caused damage to several buildings and cars.

Israel accused Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian armed group that governs Gaza, of being responsible for the attack. In response, Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip late Thursday night, targeting Hamas sites.

The escalation was triggered by two consecutive days of Israeli raids at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. Israeli police forces fired gas canisters and stun grenades at Palestinian worshipers.

It came during a sensitive time when Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramadan with prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, while Jews were commemorating the Passover holiday.

Despite the heightened tensions, conflicting sides expressed a desire to avoid a full-fledged war, with Israel's army spokesman stating that "quiet will be answered with quiet" during a press briefing.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the peacekeeping force in Lebanon, appealed for calm and stated that it was in contact with Israeli and Lebanese authorities. Enditem.
Texas Senate Unanimously Passes Measure to End Complicity in Beijings Forced Organ Harvesting

Falun Gong practitioners walk in a parade in Brooklyn, N.Y., highlighting the Chinese regime's persecution of their faith on Feb. 26, 2023. (Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times)

A bipartisan measure has unanimously passed the Texas Senate as lawmakers advance steps to prevent their state from aiding in the Chinese regimes forced organ harvesting.

Senate Bill 1040, with companion House Bill 2025, would bar health benefit plans from paying for organ transplants originating in a country where the risk is extremely high that organs will have come from this illicit source, the bills primary sponsor, state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, said in a speech.

It was passed on April 6 with approval from all 31 delegates.

The primary goal of the bill is to prevent Texans from unknowingly becoming complicit in forced organ harvesting, according to Kolkhorst, who recalled being approached the weekend before by a county court-at-law judge, who expressed shock after learning about the issue from her Facebook posts.

I had no idea that this was going on, he told the lawmaker.

Texas state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst speaks at a press conference highlighting the Chinese regimes forced organ harvesting, in Austin, Texas, on March 29, 2023, in a still from a video. (The Epoch Times)

A major victim group of the abuse is adherents of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice for uplifting mental and physical health through meditative exercises and inner refinement, with spiritual teachings centered on the tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.

A regime-sponsored campaign has subjected the 70 million to 100 million adherents to various abuses, including harassment, arbitrary arrests, forced labor, and brutal torture, in forcing them to give up the practice.

Falun Gong adherent Crystal Chen was twice sentenced to forced labor, both times without trial, for a total of 4 1/2 years.

At a press conference Kolkhorst hosted highlighting the bill on March 29, Chen, who now lives in Houston, shared about being blood tested during her imprisonment. She said Falun Gong adherents were targeted for the tests.

Falun Gong practitioner and persecution survivor Crystal Chen in New York on July 8, 2020. (Brendon Fallon/The Epoch Times)

These tests were not for our well-being because we were also severely tortured, she said.

Rather, they were necessary to establish a huge bio-database [for] organ matchingidentifying whether she had a suitable organ for a potential recipient.

Falun Gong practitioners exercise daily and do not drink or smoke, she said, noting that their healthy organs have made them a prime target for forced organ harvesting.

Had my blood type and tissue type been a match for an organ recipient, I would not be able to be here today.

Related Coverage House Overwhelmingly Passes 1st Ever US Bill to Punish CCPs Forced Organ Harvesting

The legislations passage came shortly after the House overwhelmingly approved a bill that aims to punish the Chinese Communist Partys involvement in the abuse. Those penalties include a civil penalty of up to $250,000 and a criminal penalty of up to $1 million and 20 years in prison.

The Texas measure was the second time the state legislature has taken up the issue following its adoption of a resolution condemning the vile practice of forced organ removal.

Texas state Rep. Tom Oliverson speaks at a press conference highlighting the Chinese regimes forced organ harvesting, in Austin, Texas, on March 29, 2023, in a still from a video. (The Epoch Times)

Texas state Rep. Tom Oliverson, chairman of the Committee on House Insurance and leading the Texas House companion bill, said he remains committed to advancing the cause and doing whatever he can to draw attention to this horrible and detestable practice.

Working on the issue has made it plain to him that the Chinese communist government sees its people as a commodity, he said.

I have seen firsthand hospital websites in English and Mandarin in China, advertising hearts available, donor standing by, Oliverson said at the late March press conference. You know that nobody can survive a transplant like that. These people are being sacrificed for financial gain by a government that doesnt believe that theyre actually human beings.

And we aim to put a stop to that once and for all.
Trump Team Uses NY Arraignment Footage in New Campaign Ad

Former President Donald Trumps 2024 election campaign team has repurposed footage of his arrival at a Manhattan criminal court this week for a new campaign commercial.

Last week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office announced Trump would be indicted, and the former president appeared before a New York court on Tuesday to be arraigned. Trump now faces 34 felony-level charges of falsified business records over how he allegedly made payments to buy the silence of people planning to come forward with negative allegations about him during the 2016 presidential election. Trump pled not guilty during the arraignment hearing in Manhattan on Tuesday.

The one-minute campaign ad includes clips of Trump and his secret service detail traveling in New York City and his walk into the courthouse, along with voice-overs of political pundits criticizing Braggs case.

Braggs idiotic, small-minded prosecutionthis will likely all backfire, in fact it already is backfiring, Fox News host Sean Hannity can be heard saying in the audio clips.

Americans are very smart people and they see whats going on, another commentator says in a voiceover clip, while a third clip states that This is a persecution disguised as a prosecution.

As the ad gets to the video clip of Trumps walk into the courthouse, the former presidents own voice-over can be heard, saying, The only crime that I have committed is to fearlessly defend our nation from those who seek to destroy it. And now, these radical left lunatics want to interfere with our elections by using law enforcement.

As Trumps voice-over continues, the footage switches away from the New York courthouse to crowds of Trump supporters who gathered in Florida as the former president gave a speech at his Mar-a-Lago home and resort on Tuesday evening after his arraignment.

Trump referred to the case against him as a very dark cloud over our beloved country during his voice-over, adding I have no doubt, nevertheless, that we will make America great again.

Braggs office has pushed back on criticism of the case against Trump. In a March 31 letter (pdf), Leslie Dubeckan attorney representing Braggs officesaid the charges filed yesterday were brought by citizens of New York, doing their civic duty as members of a grand jury, who found probable cause to accuse Mr. Trump of having committed crimes in New York.

Like any other defendant, Mr. Trump is entitled to challenge these charges in court and avail himself of all processes and protections that New York States robust criminal procedure affords, Dubeck added.

Trump Uses Indictment to Raise Funds

Trump and his supporters have repeatedly accused Bragg of acting out of political animus in his decision to charge the former president. Braggs prosecution comes as Trump is actively campaigning to return to the White House in 2024 and has been leading in several recent 2024 Republican Primary polls.

The prosecution has already become something of a rallying cry for the Trump team. Numerous Republican politicians, including several known and potential 2024 presidential primary opponents, have criticized Braggs efforts to prosecute Trump.

Polling data has indicated a surge in support for Trump among Republican primary voters since the indictment announcement.

The Trump campaign also reportedly raised $7 million in the first three days after Braggs office announced an indictment against the former president on March 30. The campaign reportedly received $4 million in the first 24 hours alone.

One website for Trump 2024 campaign merchandise now includes shirts, mugs, and a poster showing a simulated black and white mugshot of Trumps arrest with the caption NOT GUILTY.

While the Manhattan case may solidify support for Trump among the Republican base, it remains to be seen how the charges will sway other voters.

A recent Quinnipiac University poll of Americans found 62 percent of respondents thought Braggs case against Trump is primarily motivated by politics, including 70 percent of independents and 29 percent of Democrats. Although the Quinnipiac poll found that most Americans view Braggs case as political, 57 percent of respondents in that same poll said criminal charges should disqualify Trump from running for office again, compared to 38 percent who said the charges should not disqualify the former president.

From NTD News
Twitter Vows to Crackdown on Users Weaponizing Abuse Reporting System by Making Fake Complaints

A phone screen displays a photo of Elon Musk with the Twitter logo shown in the background in Washington on Oct. 4, 2022. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

Twitter has changed its abuse and harassment policy in a crackdown on the weaponization of the user reporting system by fake complaints.

The social media platform announced on April 7 that it had updated its abuse and harassment policy to clarify how it defined targeted harassment.

There have been increasing complaints from individuals about being attacked and harassed by random Twitter users for their opinions in an attempt to have them driven from the app.

Twitter has responded to complaints by updating the criteria for targeted harassment of individuals on its website.

We believe in free speech and we also believe users have a right to use and enjoy our platform without being subjected to targeted and repeated harassment, Twitter said.

We define targeted harassment as behavior that is repeated, unreciprocated, and intended to humiliate or degrade an individual(s). This includes targeting people based on gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

After Twitter CEO Elon Musk bought the tech giant last year, there have been many changes regarding user censorship, account validation, and the restoration of previously banned accounts.

The relaxation of censorship on Twitter has led to a more relaxed and opinionated user base, but harassment and threats by extremists and left-wing social justice warriors have increased.

The rapper and podcaster, Zuby, tweeted about the various attacks and threats he receives on Twitter.

Some angry users even filed false allegations against certain individuals to Twitter monitors to get them banned or suspended.

Fake woke idiots have tried to cancel me many times. Theyve tried to get me banned off social media, deplatformed from speaking events, they even tried to implicate me in a murder. They failed of course. But these are not nice people. If youve dealt with them, you know, said Zuby.

Fake woke idiots have tried to cancel me many times. Theyve tried to get me banned off social media, deplatformed from speaking events, they even tried to implicate me in a murder. They failed of course. But these are not nice people. If youve dealt with them, you know.  ZUBY: (@ZubyMusic) April 7, 2023

The artist said that many of the personal attacks are by people who have no other reason than take glee at ruining his reputation but veil their intent under the guise of virtue signaling

A lot of people still think all these folks are nice but misguided. No. Some are. Especially the younger ones. But a lot of malicious, wicked people hide under the social justice umbrella and take glee in hurting others. Emotionally and physically. Then they play victim, Zuby said.

I am blessed to have an extremely high tolerance for negative crap that comes my way. So I rarely even address it, but most people arent wired like that. There are people who will take glee in destroying your reputation. Most pretend to be kind and virtuous. Beware, he continued.

Musk responded to Zubys assessment of the threat with a one-word response, True.

They tried to wreck your reputation last year and are still trying They are happy to lie, libel, harass, intimidate, etc. Not good people, Zuby said in reply.

The billionaire owner of the social media platform has himself been attacked by progressives and the media for his strong support of freedom of expression and his skepticism of the latest woke narrative.

Abuse Policy Update

In less in a day after the exchange, Twitter released an update for its abuse policy.

We have been working hard to develop a balanced approach to free speech and keeping people safe from ongoing, repeated harassment. Over the next few weeks we will make it easier to report targeted harassment as well, said Ella Irwin, Twitters VP of Product Trust and Safety, in a tweet.

When a user asked if Twitter would make it harder for a user to abuse the reporting system. Irwin tweeted back, Doing that too. We have already suspended ~100 users in the past month who submitted over 500k bad faith reports this year and will be actively enforcing users who weaponize our reporting system going forward.

Musk added to Irwins comments, tweeting, I should emphasize that someone really has to go over-the-top by repeatedly harassing the same account with no provocation to get their post bounced. This is not a hair-trigger situation.

Many users feel relieved by the updated standards.

100 is better than nothing. Thanks. Would be nice to know if the 5K of us given a 12 hour time-out counts as a strike or not. Personally perturbed due to my longevity without such. And now in jeopardy of not being considered for Community Notes, tweeted a long-time user who supported the changes.
UK Police Charge 12-Year-Old With Murder in Car Crash Death

LONDONBritish police charged a 12-year-old boy with murder on Friday after a car plowed into a woman on a city street in northern England.

The woman was found dead Wednesday night at the scene of the crash in Sheffield, South Yorkshire police said. Relatives identified her as 60-year-old Marcia Grant and said she was a warm, loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and a pillar of her community.

The boy was found shortly afterward and arrested, police said.

The suspect cant be named for legal reasons because of his age. He is due to appear at Sheffield Youth Court on Saturday to face a charge of murder.

In England, children 10 and over can be charged and convicted of crimes. Any sentences are served in secure youth centers rather than adult prisons.
Undercover Officers Data Leak Sparks Legal Battle in Los Angeles

Police recruits attend their graduation ceremony at Los Angeles Police Department Headquarters in Los Angeles, Calif., on July 8, 2016. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

A legal battle has erupted in Los Angeles over the release of sensitive information of undercover police officers to a local watchdog group, with multiple claims being filed this week.

On April 5, a day after nearly 400 officers filed legal claims against the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) regarding the issue, the city sued a Los Angeles reporter and the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition for publishing sensitive information that was released by the city last month from a 2021 public records request.

The coalition published the sensitive information, which includes officers email, ethnicity, gender, division, rank, and year they were hired, last month on its newly-established Watch the Watchers police surveillance website. Contained in the data dump was also information about undercover officers.

I have several anecdotes of undercover officers already being compromised, attorney Matthew McNicholas, who is one of the lawyers representing 387 LAPD police officers who have filed claims since the data leak, told The Epoch Times. Like people going to their neighborhoods looking for them and making threats.

McNicholas said there have been several suspensions of current undercover cases due to the data leak.

The real threat here is not Watch the Watchers, the real threat is somebody that is computer savvy thats already pulled off all that information, he said. Its already been downloaded tens of thousands of times.

Los Angeles Police Department headquarters in Los Angeles, on Jan 27, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Shakeer Rahman, the attorney defending the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition against the city, told The Epoch Times in a statement that the information released are public records that the city itself made public.

That means the public has every right to publish them. This lawsuit is an effort to intimidate LAPDs critics and expand the term undercover to mean every single police officer, he said.

The City Attorney stated repeatedly that they removed undercover officers from the photos they made public. Police and the public will never agree on what undercover means. That long-standing debate is not a basis to declare that records made public by LAPD using one definition are suddenly illegal to publish, he added.

The LAPD mistakenly released the names and photos in September of every undercover officerexcluding 650 officers, which are officers off the books who do clandestine investigations of other officersto journalist Ben Camacho from Knock LA, a nonprofit newsroom sprouted from the progressive advocacy organization Ground Game LA.

Public records are for the public, Camacho wrote on Twitter April 5.

Camacho then passed on the information to the police surveillance group, according to McNicholas, which then posted the photos and information of the officers to its website the weekend of March 17.

On March 30 and again on April 5, the city attorneys office sent letters to both Camacho and the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, requesting that they return the flash drive which contained the photos and delete all digital copies of the contents.

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michael Moore speaks to media about fallen LAPD officer Fernando Arroyos in Los Angeles on Feb. 2, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Following a formal complaint against LAPD filed on March 20 by the Los Angeles Police Protective Leaguethe police union representing over 9,000 sworn officersChief Michel Moore asked the police departments Office of the Inspector General to take over the internal investigation he had launched following the leak to avoid a conflict of interest.

The investigation will include the departments constitutional policing director Liz Rhodes, who according to an April 4 story in the Los Angeles Times, was responsible for ensuring undercover officers were excluded from the request.

It became readily apparent that the Department had released, and not redacted, the names and photographs of officers engaged in sensitive investigative assignments, placing their lives and the lives of their families in extreme jeopardy and peril, police union president Craig D. Lally said in a March 20 letter to the LAPD commission.

What we find ironic is that, apparently, the Department did redact the names and photographs of officers engaged in investigating alleged officer misconduct yet did not redact officers working sensitive assignments. Who made the decision to release information on those in sensitive investigative assignments and to conceal officers investigating officers?

In response to the citys lawsuit, Knock LA issued a statement April 5 criticizing the citys recently elected city attorney.

Knock LA condemns this irresponsible, ignorant action by Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, against reporter Ben Camacho. This action sets a dangerous precedent for journalists in the city of Los Angeles, the statement read. Feldstein Sotos actions are a clear intimidation tactic fueled by the Los Angeles Police Protective League [LAPPL].
US Army Sergeant Found Guilty of Murder in 2020 Shooting of Gun-Wielding Protester

A jury on April 7 convicted a U.S. Army sergeant who shot dead a man wielding a gun at him during a protest in 2020.

Sgt. Daniel Perry, working for Uber, traveled to Austin in July 2020 for work. A Black Lives Matter protest was happening the same night. Perry, after turning down a street, found himself surrounded by protesters.

Garrett Foster, one of the armed protesters, was openly carrying an AK-47. According to Perry, Foster motioned with his gun for Perry to lower his window. Perry fired after Foster began to raise the rifle toward Perry, defense lawyers said, consistent with what Perry told police officers after he turned himself in.

Several witnesses who testified during the trial said Foster was holding his rifle almost parallel to the ground, Clint Broden, a defense lawyer, said during the trial, KTBC-TV reported. Several witnesses said that Foster did not raise the rifle, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Guillermo Gonzalez, one of the prosecutors, said in closing arguments that Perry maliciously drove into a crowd of protesters and that Foster had every right to go up to him and see what the heck was going on and he had every right to do it with a deadly weapon. Doug OConnell, a lawyer representing Perry, said that his client had no choice but to shoot Foster because he was under threat.

Prosecutors said Perry had other options such as driving away and that he meant harm to the protesters, while the sergeants defense team pointed to expert analysis that found he was slowing down when he encountered the protesters, who had been moving around the city on the night in question.

Austin police investigate a homicide shooting that occurred at a demonstration in Austin, Texas on July 25, 2020. (Stephen Spillman/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

Texas law authorizes self-defense when a person reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to protect the actor against the others use or attempted use of unlawful force but the person who acts in self-defense is required to not have provoked the person against whom the force is used.

Perry was convicted of murder and acquitted of aggravated assault. He faces up to life in prison.

Im grateful to our dedicated career prosecutors and victims counselors who tried this case. They worked hard to make a complete and accurate presentation of the facts to the jury, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, a Democrat who has received backing from billionaire George Soros through a political action committee, said in a statement. Our hearts continue to break for the Foster family. We hope this verdict brings closure and peace to the victims family.

OConnell did not return a request for comment, including whether an appeal will be lodged.

Austin police had found that the shooting was a case of self-defense but it went to trial after a grand jury brought an indictment based on evidence presented by prosecutors. A motion to dismiss was thrown out even though it included an affidavit from David Fugitt, a detective who said that Garzas office forced him to alter his testimony. District Judge Cliff Brown said he didnt see anything that rose to the level of egregious conduct.
US Judge Orders Man Held in Case of Missing Navajo Woman

Preston Henry Tolth, 23, waits to be loaded into a transport van outside the U.S. district court in Flagstaff, Ariz., on April 7, 2023. (Jake Bacon/Arizona Daily Sun via AP)

The family of a Native American woman who went missing from her home on the Navajo Nation pleaded with the man accused of assaulting her and taking her pickup truck, asking during a court hearing Friday that he tell them where he left Ella Mae Begay so they could bring her home and find closure.

The tearful messages of family members resonated through a courtroom in Flagstaff, Arizona, as they told the judge about what they have endured since Begay disappeared nearly two years ago.

Theres nothing thats coming out of this whole situation except all the pain that hes caused, the anger, the frustration, her son Gerald Begay said. I mean, this is a mother, an aunt, a grandma, a sister, you know, that doesnt deserve this type of assault.

A soft-spoken woman who was known as a master weaver, Begay was always cautious and never drove around at night. So her family knew immediately that something was wrong when they saw her gray pickup truck leaving her home in the remote community of Sweetwater, Arizona, that June night in 2021.

Prosecutors outlined the allegations against Preston Henry Tolth, 23, after he entered not guilty pleas to assault and carjacking charges that stemmed from Begays disappearance. The indictment naming Tolth had been under seal until earlier this week.

Tolth was ordered to remain in custody pending trial after U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille Bibles determined that he was dangerous and that no conditions of release would guarantee the communitys safety.

The proffered facts of the case are extremely concerning, the judge said. They involve senseless acts of extreme violence against a victim who was defenseless.

Luke Mulligan, a federal public defender for Tolth, did not argue with the prosecutions request that Tolth remain in custody.

Begay was 62 at the time she disappeared. Her case has garnered national attention as tribal leaders, state legislators, and law enforcement agencies across the country have been working to establish special commissions and task forces aimed at investigating missing person cases and unsolved slayings in Indian Country.

A year after Begay disappeared, her niece Seraphine Warren began walking from the Navajo Nation to Washington, D.C., to bring attention to the decades-long epidemic of violence that has disproportionately affected Indigenous people.

Seraphine Warren walks on her Trailing Ella Mae Prayer Walk for murdered and missing indigenous people in Catoosa, Okla., on Aug. 5, 2022. (Mike Simons/Tulsa World via AP)

Begays family members also have met with U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who recently joined Justice Department officials in hosting the first in-person session of the Not Invisible Act Commission in Washington. The commission is developing recommendations for preventing and responding to violence affecting tribal communities.

Warren addressed Tolth directly during Fridays hearing.

Will you please just tell us where my aunt is? You know exactly what you did to her, Warren said before breaking down in tears.

Federal prosecutors said the indictment naming Tolth marked an important step in determining the truth about what happened to Begay.

They told the judge that Begays daughter had called authorities the night of the disappearance to report that someone was breaking into her home. She hid while the suspect rummaged around and took some drinks before leaving and walking down the road in the direction of her mothers home.

The daughter called police again after they did not respond to the first call and told them that she saw her mothers truck leaving the home and that she could not reach her. Police arrived about 20 minutes later and the search began.

Navajo Nation authorities previously identified Tolth as a person of interest, and federal prosecutors confirmed Friday that shoe prints found between the two homes matched shoes belonging to Tolth. Investigators also found bloody clothing that belonged to Tolth at a relatives home.

Authorities said Tolth admitted to taking the truck so he could drive to New Mexico, where ultimately he ended up selling the vehicle for $200 and methamphetamines.

Authorities determined through multiple interviews that Tolth had been drinking that night and got into a fight with his father, resulting in him being left on the side of the road. The spot where he was dropped off was about 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Begays home.

Tolth told federal agents during a series of interviews that he snapped and struck Begay in the face multiple times, causing her to bleed from the nose and mouth. He told authorities that he wasnt sure if she was dead when he drove away and that he regretted hitting her since all he wanted was the truck.

Tolth has a criminal history including charges of aggravated battery, resisting arrest, residential burglary, and drug possession dating back to 2019, according to New Mexico court records.

By Susan Montoya Bryan
Vietnam Police Seek Prosecution of 54 Officials Over Repatriation Flight Bribery

A Vietnamese flag flying atop Lung Cu flag tower in Dong Van district, northern province of Ha Giang, Vietnam, in an undated file photo. (Hoang Dinh Nam/AFP via Getty Images)

Vietnams authorities are seeking to prosecute 54 officials for their roles in alleged bribery connected to the repatriation of Vietnamese nationals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Public Security said Tuesday that it had concluded its probe and submitted a report to the Supreme Peoples Court, proposing to prosecute 54 officials involved in organizing repatriation flights.

They faced charges for taking bribes, giving bribes, brokering bribes, abusing positions and powers while performing official duties, and fraudulently appropriating property, according to the ministrys statement.

The case was related to Vietnams repatriation flight scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local media reported that Vietnam organized 1,000 repatriation flights between 2020 and 2021, bringing back over 200,000 Vietnamese nationals from over 62 countries and territories.

Vietnamese nationals had to buy expensive air tickets and undergo troublesome procedures to return to Vietnam. The situation led some travel firms to bribe officials for approval to organize repatriation flights, VN Express reported.

Police claimed that some Foreign Affairs Ministry officials set up interest groups to harass travel agencies and demand bribes. Firms that refused to pay bribes had difficulties getting approval to organize repatriation flights.

According to police, 13 officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had received a total of 81.76 billion dongs ($3.5 million) in bribes, including former Deputy Foreign Minister To Anh Dung, who allegedly received 21.5 billion dongs ($917,000) in bribes to approve repatriation flights.

Vietnam President Resigned

Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, 68, resigned in January due to violations that were made by officials under his supervision when he was in power. Vietnams Communist Party nominated Vo Van Thuong as the countrys new president last month.

Vietnams President Nguyen Xuan Phuc arrives to attend APEC Leaders Dialogue with APEC Business Advisory Council during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 18, 2022. (Lillian Suwanrumpha/Pool via Reuters)

Phucs resignation is the first time a member of the Communist Party of Vietnams top leadership has resigned early in the absence of an illness. He is the most senior official targeted by the Vietnamese regimes clampdown campaign.

According to VNA, Phuc had resigned at a session of the Vietnamese Communist Partys Central Committee that was held to consider and give opinions on Comrade Nguyen Xuan Phucs wish to stop holding positions, quit work and retire. The language of the announcement strongly suggested that he was forced to step down.

In June 2022, Vietnamese authorities arrested the countrys health minister and the mayor of Hanoi for their roles in an alleged $170 million COVID-19 testing kit scandal.

Vietnams ruling Communist Party expelled the two officials from the regime and they were sacked from their positions after being accused of violating party rules and allegedly causing losses to the state budget, Reuters reported.

Efthymis Oraiopoulos and Caden Pearson contributed to this report.
Virgin Orbit Bankruptcy Casts Shadow Over Japans Space Dreams

Cosmic Girl, a Virgin Boeing 747-400 aircraft sits on the tarmac with Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne rocket attached to the wing, ahead of the first UK launch, at Spaceport Cornwall at Newquay Airport in Newquay, Britain, on Jan. 9, 2023. (Henry Nicholls/Reuters)

TOKYOThe bankruptcy filing by Richard Bransons Virgin Orbit Holdings Inc. has dealt a blow to Japans hopes of building a domestic space industry, with plans for a Kyushu-based spaceport designed to attract tourism on hold for lack of funding.

Oita prefecture, home to Japans largest number of hot springs, partnered with Virgin Orbit in 2020 to create its first Asian spaceport at Oita Airport using a Boeing 747 for horizontal rocket launches.

Founded by British billionaire Branson, Virgin Orbit had marketed itself as a military and intelligence satellite launch platform for the United States and its allies, including Japan, at a time when both Washington and Tokyo see Chinas threat as a space power as a concern.

The original aim was to launch small satellites from Oita as early as last year, but that never occurred, in another setback in Japans attempt to become a player in the crowded market for commercial satellite launches after two recent rocket launch failures.

Two Japanese companies, ANA Holdings unit All Nippon Airways Trading Co. and little-known Japanese satellite development start-up iQPS Inc. emerged among the top six creditors when Virgin Orbit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday.

ANA, owed $1.65 million, had been a key partner for the Oita spaceport, entering a provisional deal with Virgin Orbit in 2021 for 20 flights of its LauncherOne rocket there. ANA said it was hopeful Virgin Orbit, which has said it is seeking a buyer, would be able to restructure and resume business.

Fukuoka-based iQPS had paid a $5.2 million deposit to launch its small, lightweight constellation satellites weighing under 100 kilograms (220 pounds), representing a major portion of the $17.2 million Series A funding it had raised in 2017.

We were disappointed when we heard the announcement as we had hoped the situation would improve, iQPS said of the bankruptcy filing. We pray that Virgin Orbit will resume their business for the development of the global space industry.

Cosmic Girl, a Virgin Boeing 747-400 aircraft sits on the tarmac with Virgin Orbits LauncherOne rocket attached to the wing, ahead of the first UK launch, at Spaceport Cornwall at Newquay Airport in Newquay, Britain, on Jan. 9, 2023. (Henry Nicholls/Reuters)

Tourism Hopes

Oita prefecture had estimated the spaceport, similar to Virgin Orbits Cornwall, England facility, would produce economic benefits worth about 10.2 billion yen ($77.4 million) in the region over the five years from the initial launch.

With expectations of about 240,000 tourists visiting the site, local businesses created alien-related souvenirs, from alien passports to E.T. bicycles.

Locals are still hopeful that a spaceport will eventually emerge. It is possible that some other company will buy Virgin Orbit. Also, there are other companies and competitors besides Virgin Orbit that are considering horizontal launches, so Oita still has many options to reenter into a contract with them, said Kunio Ikari, an economics lecturer at Oita University.

Oita prefecture said that its efforts to attract a spaceport remains unchanged, while declining to comment on Virgin Orbit or the current status of the project. Oita Airport also declined to comment.

While Japan has big ambitions for spaceTokyo has said it hopes to put one of its astronauts on the lunar surface in the latter half of the 2020sit has also had some other recent setbacks.

Japans medium-lift H3 rocket failed in March following an aborted launch the month before, in a blow to its efforts to cut the cost of accessing space and compete against Elon Musks SpaceX.

The Japanese space agencys solid-fuel Epsilon rocket, which was set to carry iQPS small satellites, also failed after launch in October.

After the unsuccessful launches, some experts are urging Japan to shift the focus of its space industry.

Japan is concentrating too much on launches, said Jun Nagashima, cyber and space expert and adviser at Nakasone Peace Institute. With SpaceX coming out with affordable rockets that can be used repeatedly, it would be better for Japan to compete in different activities and areas in space.

($1 = 131.7900 yen)

By Eimi Yamamitsu
The second his lure hit the bottom of Hayden Lake, Thomas Francis felt his line peel with a ferocity he knew wasnt normal.

The avid angler from North Idaho would garner a new state record for his catch that day, March 21, reeling in a behemoth northern pike that weighed 40.76 pounds, measuring 49 inches long with a girth of 26.5 inchesit was an absolute monster!

Francis is huge on pike fishing in North Idaho and has been for a while. Pike is what I go after all the time, he told Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG). I spend almost everyday fishing for pike. As soon as the ice is off and until it comes back.

Out with his boat, there was still ice on Hayden Lake that day in March, so he couldnt drop his lure right beside the shore, but only where the ice ends.

He used the same gear, employed the same technique, and aimed for the same species as usualpikebut the lake yielded something special that day.

Francis was completely unprepared for what he would catch.

When my lure hit the water, I let it sink all the way to the bottom, he said. As soon as my lure hit the bottom, I felt her hit. I fish with 80 pound-test line, and she almost immediately started peeling drag, a lot of it.

Thomas Francis holds up his record-breaking northern pike that claimed the Idaho state record after he battled the fish on Hayden Lake on March 21, 2023. (Courtesy of Thomas Francis via Idaho Fish and Game)

She pinned herself to the bottom and just kept going, peeling drag the whole time. I knew that wasnt normal, and I could tell it was something special.

He knew hed hooked a fish of rare proportions. After peeling line for some time, it suddenly changed tactics.

Suddenly I got slack line, as she was coming straight up from the bottom, Francis said. She came flying out of the water, and it was obvious she was a huge fish.

After successfully reeling in the pike, Francis fathomed that it was either a new state record or something very close to one.

I immediately headed for the dock to try and find a boat with a scale and tape measure, he said. We found a boat with a scale, and the fish pegged the scale out at 30 pounds, so we knew we needed to find a bigger scale.

Seeking a certified scale from a few different places, he eventually found one and confirmed the fact: weighing a colossal 40.76 pounds, the northern pike was indeed a new Idaho state record.

IDFG published a photo of Francis holding up his record-breaking fish with both hands, its length stretching past the width of the mans shoulders.

Asked how he finds fishing for pike in North Idaho, Francis said, I like having pike around. They are the biggest fish we can go after here in North Idaho, and I fish for them almost every day.

The states previous northern pike record weighed 40.13 pounds, measuring 50.75 inches in length with a girth of 22.75 inches, and was caught in 2010 in Lower Twin Lakes.

Northern pike are found across North America and inhabit lakes throughout Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, the Great Lakes region, Vermont, and West Virginia, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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KHARTOUM, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's political landscape remains uncertain as the parties involved in the ongoing political conciliation process have yet to reach a conclusive agreement to resolve the country's protracted crisis.

The signing of the final political agreement between the military and civilian leaders, originally slated for April 1 and postponed to April 6, has been further delayed without a new date set, raising concerns among observers about the potential collapse of the entire political process.

The current political impasse in Sudan dates back to October 25, 2021, when army commander Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan adopted extraordinary measures, dissolving the Sovereign Council and the Council of Ministers, and declaring a state of emergency. This move sparked widespread and persistent protests calling for the restoration of civilian rule.

Following the latest delay, the Forces of Freedom and Change Alliance (FFC), a broad political coalition comprising civilian and rebel groups in Sudan, sought to reassure the public that the postponement does not signify the end of the political process.

"There remains only one outstanding issue in the security and military reform file relating to command and control," FFC Spokesman Yasir Arman said on his Twitter account on Friday.

"The issues of representation at the legislative and sovereign levels in the coming government have been resolved, and only minor issues remain," he said.

However, Sudanese analysts believe that there are underlying differences within both the military-led government and the opposition camp that may further impede the current peace process.

Abdul-Raziq Ziyada, a Sudanese political analyst, expressed concerns that the parties involved in the political process may be downplaying their differences to provide reassurances to the public.

Ziyada noted that the differences between Sudan's two armed forces, namely the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary force, are "fundamental and significant," particularly with regard to security and military reform.

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the RSF, had participated in Burhan's move to oust the civilian government, but later distanced himself from it and referred to it as a "mistake" in February 2023, indicating a growing rift between him and Burhan.

Moreover, the divergence in viewpoints is not limited to the military factions alone, as the civilian camp itself has struggled to achieve a comprehensive consensus, with significant segments still unwilling to participate in the political process.

The Sudanese streets remain divided, with some parties refusing to negotiate with the military and insisting on the restoration of civilian rule through persistent demonstrations, while other political factions seek to broaden participation in the political process without excluding any political component.

Abdul-Khaliq Mahjoub, a Sudanese political analyst, believes that the division among the civilian camp is a crucial factor in the delay of reaching a political solution.

"If the civilian factions can unify their position and reach a consensus, it will exert pressure on the military and compel them to sign the agreement," Mahjoub told Xinhua.

"The division among the civil forces undermines the current political process and weakens the viability of any political agreement," he added, emphasizing the need for unity and coherence among the civilian forces for effective progress.

On December 5, 2022, Sudan's military and civilian leaders signed a political framework agreement to resolve the political impasse and establish a two-year transitional civilian authority. However, the two sides have failed so far to translate the agreement into a final deal, leaving the political situation in Sudan uncertain and unresolved. 
Its time for Vidarbha cotton to take Japanese train to world market





By Kartik Lokhande :

Sudhir Kedar is a man who has seen it all. He is an agriculturist, engineer, banker, and above all an ardent supporter of harnessing Vidarbhas potential with special emphasis on establishing cotton-garment chain. Having been exposed to local as well as International scenario relating to cotton, Kedar feels that the situation is ripe to invite Japanese textile companies to Vidarbha.

In an interview with The Hitavada, Kedar shared the ideas from socio-economic as well as purely agricultural perpectives. According to him, Maharashtra has as much as 40-45 lakh hectares of area under cotton cultivation.

This much area is spread across 115 tehsils. Interestingly, eight of 11 districts of Vidarbha region have cotton as a major crop. As far as Nagpur district is concerned, Kedar informed, there were four co-operative spinning mills at Hingna, Patansaongi, Butibori, and Kondhali, one Government-run spinning mill at Kalmeshwar, and several private ones. However, there was only one weaving industry at Butibori. Connecting the dots, Kedar explained the chain starting cotton. Once the cotton is harvested, it goes to ginning mill, and then is pressed into bales,which then go to spinning mills. The yarn made at spinning mills goes to weaving and dyeing units, which fed the garment units. Unfortunately, in case of cotton, raw material is at one place and finished good is made at another place, lamented Kedar. There is a reason also for his lament. Having been in agriculture and banking for years together, Kedar is in a position to compare how the economy of sugarcane and cotton crops work. According to him, for 25,000 acres of sugarcane cultivation, a sugar mill of 2,500 tonnes per day (TPD) is there. Late Balasaheb Vikhe Patil brought sugarcane crop in mainstream and established connection between the sugarcane-growers with industries. The sugar mills have Agriculture Department of own to guide farmers.
Adani group being targeted: Pawar on Hindenburg report





NEW DELHI,

NCP chief and senior Opposition leader Sharad Pawar has said that there is no need of a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani issue since the Supreme Court-appointed committee is examining the relevant issues and that it seems the Adani group was targeted in the Hindenburg Research report.

....Someone gave a statement, and it created uproar in the country. Such statements were given earlier too, which created ruckus. But the importance given to the issue this time was out of proportion. There was a need to think who raised the issue (gave report). We had not heard the name who gave the statement. What is the background?. When such issues are raised, they create uproar in the country, the cost is borne ....how it impacts the economy. We cant ignore such things, and it seems (it) was targeted, Pawar told NDTV in an interview.

NCP chiefs remarks are at variance with those of Congress which has insisted on a JPC probe into the Hindenburg-Adani row. Some other Opposition parties have also supported the demand for a JPC probe. Pawar, a former Union Minister, said a demand was raised for a probe into Adani issue and the Supreme Court took the initiative and appointed a committee which has retired a SC judge, experts, administrators and economists. He said the committee has been given guidelines, a timeframe and asked to submit the probe report. He said the Opposition wanted a Parliamentary Committee to probe the matter and added that BJP has a majority in Parliament.
After SC order, convicts, undertrials released during COVID pandemic return to Tihar jail





NEW DELHI,

THE inmates who were granted emergency bail or parole during the COVID-19 pandemic queued outside Tihar prison here on Friday to surrender before the authorities following the apex courts direction. Bajrang Saini, who came to drop off his two brothers who were arrested in a murder case in Delhis Kirti Nagar, said, My brothers were arrested in a murder case around five-year-ago. They came out of the jail in 2021 and since then they have been doing private jobs. We are hoping that the case will end in the near future, and they will be able to start their life afresh. We know that they are not criminals. They committed the crime in anger, Saini said.

The Supreme Court on March 24 directed that all convicts and UTP, who were released during the COVID-19 pandemic in a move to decongest jails, to surrender within 15 days. The Delhi prisons department said that a total of 128 undertrial prisoners (UTP) and convicts returned to jail in the last 10 days, from March 27 to April 5. Among the 128 prisoners, 73 were UTP and 55 were convicts. A total of 82 -- 62 UTP and 20 convicts -- returned to Tihar jail, while four UTP returned to Rohini Jail and 42 prisoners -- seven UTP and 35 convicts -- returned to Mandoli jail, the official data stated. Under-trial prisoner Narender Kumar, who is lodged in the jail in a murder case, said, I was caught in a murder case lodged in the Vasant Kunj police station. The incident took place around four years ago. I came out of prison in August 2021. When I was out of jail, I was doing small part-time work, Kumar said. A young mason, who did not disclose his identity, stated that he had come to Tihar jail to drop his mother.

My mother was arrested in a murder case in west Delhi around three years ago. She came out in 2021, but last year, she again went inside the jail for 15 days and was later released. I work as a mason and came here to drop her off, he said. The apex court had said undertrial prisoners, who were released on emergency bail during the pandemic, can move for regular bail before competent courts after their surrender. Several convicts and undertrial prisoners, mostly those who were booked for non-heinous offences, were released during the pandemic in various states on the recommendations of a high-powered committee set up in pursuant to directions of the apex court.
Cheetah Oban captured from Shivpuri





By Ankita Garg

BHOPAL,

The Madhya Pradesh Forest team tranquillised cheetah Oban which has strayed into human habitations and triggered panic among villages near Sheopur and Shivpuri jungles. The cheetah has been captured and brought back to Kuno National Park on Friday morning. Cheetah expert team and veterinary doctor tranquillised the cat in a field on late Thursday evening. Officials said that Oban was moving towards Shivpuri residential areas. Concerned over safety of cat and human beings, forest team decided to capture the cheetah. Other female cheetah Asha is still active in Dhourate Sarkar jungle. On April 2, male cheetah Oban sneaked out of Kuno Park. His movement was continuously being recorded towards residential areas of Shivpuri. Forest team tried to drive off the cheetah in Kuno jungle naturally but after several efforts and monitoring, cheetah was moving towards Shivpuri. The team was avoiding tranquillisation as it has adverse effect on cats health. Finally, officials took decision to tranquillise the cat.

On April 6, Oban reached in the field of Dabarpura and Rampura under Berad region of Shivpuri. He was sitting under a tree throughout the day. In the evening (around 5 pm), cheetah expert team reached the spot and tranquillised the cheetah with help of a gun. Then team tied a black ribbon on his eyes, gave him oxygen and drip for further translocation to Kuno. He was carried to Kuno Park in a cage by road. Veterinary doctors said that team was avoiding to tranquillise the cheetah to keep him safe from stress. The cat was released in Kuno wild on Friday.
FTP 2023 based on theme Local goes Global





By CA Varun Vijaywargi

Indias export has grown by 74.7 per cent which is more than double the rate at which worlds export (28 per cent) has grown since 2016. The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-20 was extended till 31.03.2023 due to COVID pandemic and volatile geo-political scenario. During this extended period, along with substantial rationalisation of export oriented schemes, there has been multi-fold growth of merchandize and services export from India.

Under FTP 2015-20 itself, DGFT, a facilitator of import and export, has created common digital platform for e-RCMC, e-Certificate of Origin, Quality Control and Trade Disputes. Additionally, there is 24X7 facility for auto-generation of e-IEC. A Trade Facilitation App, Contact Center and Helpdesk services and integration with National Single Window System, etc. have also been enabled under FTP 2015-20.

The Approach of FTP 2023 announced on March 31, 2023 is to move from incentive based schemes (MEIS / SEIS) to remission based schemes (i.e. RoDTEP / RoSCTL) and duty exemption schemes like Advance Authorization, DFIA and EPCG have been continued. The focus is on promoting export and strengthening ease of doing business even more by way of on-line approvals. A game changer initiative has been the international trade settlement in Indian currency. A welcome announcement under FTP 2023 is that it grants export benefits and allows export obligation fulfillment even when export realization is in Indian currency. FTP 2023 introduces merchanting trade, whereby, the merchant trader (based out of India) buys from one country and supplies to another country and the goods does not touch Indian border.

Along with the new FTP, in the interest of trade and industry, Amnesty scheme for one-time settlement of default in export obligation by Advance Authorization and EPCG authorization holders has also been announced. Furthermore, export performance threshold has been amended so that higher level of recognition can be granted to exporters through Status Holder scheme. Lastly, FTP 2023 has taken several steps to boost manufacturing so that India can increase its share in global supply chain in exports and contribute towards AtmaNirbhar Bharat mission. (The author is a practising Chartered Accountant)
Govt to launch special scheme to provide aid to poor prisoners: MHA





NEW DELHI,

IN A move expected to decongest the prisons, the Centre has decided to launch a special scheme to provide financial support to poor people languishing in jails as they are unable to afford the penalty or the bail amount. This will enable poor prisoners, majority of whom belong to socially disadvantaged or marginalised groups with lower education and income level, to get out of prison, the Home Ministry said in a statement on Friday. The broad contours of the scheme - Support for Poor Prisoners - have been finalised in consultation with stakeholders, it said.

To ensure the benefits of the scheme reach the poor prisoners, technology-driven solutions will be put in place, E-prisons platform will be reinforced and District Legal Services Authority will be strengthen, besides stakeholders will be sensitised and stress will be given on capacity building. Providing financial support to poor prisoners who are unable to afford their penalties or bail amounts was one of the announcements Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had made in her Budget speech this year. The Home Ministry said the Government is taking various steps to address the issue of undertrials in prisons. Under this, one of the announcements is Support for Poor Prisoners. Other steps include inserting Section 436A in the Code of Criminal Procedure and inserting a new chapter XXIA Plea Bargaining in the CRPC.

Free legal aid is being provided to poor prisoners through Legal Services Authority at various levels, the ministry said. Further to ensure the benefits of the budget are extended across all intended sections of the society, one of the priorities of the Budget, namely the guiding Saptarishis is reaching the last mile, it added. Prisons are an important part of the criminal justice system and play a significant role in upholding the rule of law and the Home Ministry has been sharing important guidelines with state Governments through various advisories issued from time to time, the statement said.
Kiran Reddy joins BJP, slams Cong high command





NEW DELHI,

FORMER Congress leader and last Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh N Kiran Kumar Reddy joined the BJP on Friday, lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and slamming his earlier organisations leadership for damaging it across the country. Reddy joined the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and hit out at the Congress high command, an apparent reference to the Gandhi family, for its inability to accept peoples verdict and make a course correction. This is the reason why he has left the party, he said. My king is very intelligent. He does not think on his own and he does not listen to anyones advice, he cited a saying to attack his former leaders. They believe they are correct and all others, including the people of India, are wrong, he said, accusing them of being unable to analyse repeated electoral failures of the party.

They want authority to control but dont want to work hard or take any responsibility, said the four-time former MLA, who had quit the Congress last month. Citing his familys over seven-decade-long association with the Congress, Reddy said he never imagined he will leave the party. The Congress is getting damaged in all States and its high command does not interact with others or consider their opinion, he said.

Reddy contrasted the rise of the BJP with the decline of the Congress since 1984 and lauded the ruling partys leaders led by Modi for their hardwork and commitment towards the nation and its development. The talk of BJP now brings to the fore ideas like nation-building in peoples mind, he said. Its leadership has clarity of thought and consistency, and taking courageous decision is the hallmark of the Government, he said. Reddy also lauded Modis commitment to fighting corruption. With their lack of interaction with people and leaders, the Congress leadership invariably picks wrong people for different jobs, he said.
MLA Tarun Bhanot alleges no devpt, beautification at banks of Narmada in Gaurighat, Tilwaraghat





Staff Reporter

Former Finance Minister and MLA Tarun Bhanot has alleged that the development and beautification of banks of river Narmada in Gaurighat and Tilwaraghat has not been initiated even after more than a year of budget approval. The work was approved in the budget for the year 2019-20. He in a letter penned to the Chairman of Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) stated that despite financial provision in the budget and correspondence with the Chief Secretary of NVDA for administrative approval, no action has been taken in this direction.

Congress MLA Bhanot said Gaurighat and Tilwaraghat in Jabalpur hold religious significance for people who have faith in Maa Narmada. Lack of maintenance of these river banks resulted in their deteriorating condition. Expressing worry over non-commencement of works even after more than a year of budget approval, he said the unwarranted delay on the part of concerned authority is brewing anger among Jabalpurians. Bhanot appealed the Chairman of Narmada Valley Development Authority to initiate the development and beautification work at the approved river banks without any further delay.

Bhanot said when he was the Finance Minister a budget of Rs 129.54 crore was allocated for the project. However, with the change in the government, no concrete steps have been taken towards the implementation of the approved proposals. He demanded the NVDA to ensure swift action for early start of development and beautification works at Gaurighat and Tilwaraghat, which hold religious significance for the people of Sanskardhani and are in dire need of maintenance.
Not democracy, idea of dynasty politics is under threat: Shah





KAUSHAMBI (UP),

ATTACKING Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks in the UK, Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that its not democracy that is in danger, but your family and the idea of dynasty politics that is under threat.

Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating the Kaushambi Mahotsav, Shah accused the Congress of surrounding Indian democracy with three naasuron (ulcerous wounds)  casteism, dynasty politics and appeasement. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi defeated all three and hence you are afraid, he added.

They say democracy is in danger, brother democracy is not in danger, your family is in danger. It is not the idea of India, which is in danger, it is the idea of dynasty, your politics of parivarvad (dynasty), which is in danger. It is not the democracy of India, but the autocracy of your family, which is in danger, the senior BJP leader said.

During a visit to the UK last month, Gandhi alleged the structures of Indian democracy were under brutal attack and a full-scale assault on the countrys institutions was underway. His remarks triggered a war of words between the BJP and the Congress.

The BJP accused Gandhi of insulting the country on foreign soil and demanded an apology, but the Congress leader said his position that Indias democracy was under attack was known to all. Shah also hit out at the Congress party for allegedly not allowing Parliament to function. Yesterday, the Parliament was adjourned. In the history of independent India, it has never happened that the Budget Session ended without a sitting and discussion... What was the reason? Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as Lok Sabha MP, the Union Minister said.
Panic in Tilakbhumi Ki Talaiya area after fire breaks out in jeans shop





Staff Reporter

A panic like situation occurred in Tilakbhumi Ki Talaiya on Friday morning when a fire broke out in Pankaj Jeans shop due to short-circuit. Smoke billowed out of the locked shop, causing panic among the people in the vicinity. To avoid major mishap, people immediately started pouring water onto the shop and also informed the fire brigade department about the incident.

After getting the information, the Fire Department pressed as many as three fire tenders to the site and brought the fire under control. Thanks to their prompt action, the fire did not spread to the second and third floors of the building, which housed other businesses. The owner of the Jeans shop reportedly incurred a loss of lakhs of rupees due to the fire. Spokesman, Fire Department informed that they received a call at about 10.35 am that a fire broke out at a shop in Tilakbhumi Ki Talliya. Immediately, three fire tenders were sent to the site to douse the fire. After reaching the scene, the fire fighters had to break the lock and glass of the shop to gain entry and extinguish the flames with water.

However, the narrow lanes in the area posed challenges for the fire brigade vehicles to reach Pankaj Jeans shop. Despite this, the firefighters parked the vehicle at a distance and managed to bring the fire under control. Meanwhile, concerned authorities are doing investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the damages incurred by the shop owner.
TUNIS, April 8 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 migrants went missing after a boat sank off Tunisia's southeastern coast late Friday night, according to a judicial official from the Sfax province.

The boat, carrying at least 37 migrants from sub-Saharan countries, left the coast of Sfax on Friday night heading for Europe, spokesman of Sfax's Court of First Instance Faouzi Masmoudi told Xinhua.

So far, 17 migrants have been rescued, and the search for the missing is still underway, Masmoudi noted.

Tunisia, located in the central Mediterranean, is one of the main departure points for illegal immigrants heading to Europe. Despite strict measures taken by the Tunisian authorities, illegal immigration from the Tunisian coast has been on the rise. 
State Cong suspends Ashish Deshmukh





Staff Reporter

THE Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has suspended Dr Ashish Deshmukh from the primary membership of the party till further proceedings and final disposal of the matter. The charges levelled against him are of grave nature, the letter said. DAC has issued notice to Deshmukh and sought his reply within 3 days of the receipt of the notice.

The letter, duly signed by Prithviraj Chavan, Chairman, DAC, that was issued to Dr Ashish Deshmukh mentioned that the committee met in Mumbai on April 5. It discussed the public statements made by Deshmukh on various occasions.

Referring to his April 4 interview where-in he had made some serious, anti-party comments and unsubstantiated allegations about the party leaders - Rahul Gandhi and Nana Patole, the Committee sought his reply. It may be recalled that Ashish Deshmukh had supported the demand for apology by Rahul Gandhi to the OBC community for his Modi remarks. Deshmukh continued to make scathing attack on MPCC President. He had also accused MPCC President of receiving money from present Maharashtra Chief Minister during an interview to a TV channel. After this interview, partys Disciplinary Action Committee met at Mumbai on April 5. After discussing the public statements made by Deshmukh, DAC found that the charges against Deshmukh serious.
Steps to be taken after examining problems of Gram Rojgar Sahayaks





Staff Reporter

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that necessary steps will be taken in the of Gram Rojgar Sahayaks interest after examining their work problems. A decision will be taken to increase the honorarium they are getting, so that their life can run smoothly.

Chouhan was addressing the Gram Rojgar Sahayaks (GRS) who reached the State capital from Narsinghpur district on Sankalp Yatra in the hall of Samatva Bhavan. Rojgar Sahayaks working in various Gram Panchayats told that they have not only walked politely in line to meet the Chief Minister, but also advertised important information about the public welfare schemes being run in the state. They also took formal leave for this. The aim of the Rojgar Sahayaks is to convey the useful public welfare schemes implemented on the initiative of Chouhan and other welfare programmes of the state government to the general public.

He said that when it came to his notice that Rojgar Sahayaks from Narsinghpur district were reaching Bhopal while undertaking a padyatra, he happily fixed a time for meeting and discussion. He also said that he liked the polite way adopted by the Rojgar Sahayaks to solve their problems. It is a wonderful approach. It is also inspiring for others who are just putting forth their demands. Chief Minister also discussed other topics with Rojgar Sahayaks and got a group photograph taken.
The 44 Years!





By Vijay phanshikar

FOR the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the journey of the past 44 years since its inception in 1980 has all the attributes of being historic in the truest sense of the term. As the party ruling India for the past nine years through two five-year terms, the BJP is all geared up for the Lok Sabha elections to repeat its victory for the third consecutive tenure. There is not one single soul in the country that harbours any doubt about the BJPs projected victory, statistical details apart. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modis address at the 44th Foundation Day celebrations, therefore was heard the world over with much interest and attention to the detail of his thought-process. His words of confidence and caution may sound paradoxical, but those did communicate the BJPs philosophical culture that takes its mandate seriously.

This is where the difference lies between the BJP and most other political parties in the country. There are several attributes of the BJP that differ sharply with other parties -- such as philosophical and spiritual commitment to the concept of Sanatan, ideology of nation first, organisational thought-process in which personal and collective discipline is paramount, mature internal democracy, continuous reinvention of ideology and philosophy -- so that the organisation remains ever young in thought and action ...!

There is no need to pay much importance to the criticism many Opposition parties habitually heap on the BJP and its so-called dictatorial methods. For, when most other parties in the past 44 years have been ruled by only persons mostly from a closed group -- or mostly a family, the BJP can cite a long list of 12-13 persons as Presidents of the BJP during this period, all having been elected through set procedures and mechanisms. There were also persons such as Mr. Lal Krishna Advani and Mr. Rajnath Singh who were President more than once. But their elections were done as per procedures. Can such a line-up of persons be cited in the case of other parties? For, in most other parties, sons or stooges took over after the demise or exit of the leader of the moment. This is because the core belief of the party is that a good organisation does throw up new leaders from time to time at different levels -- which is always happening in the BJP. And through all this leadership succession, the party has moved on -- in the process winning elections, consolidating its position in public mind all the more, and then finally becoming an organisation which is considered invincible by all.

This journey has not been smooth, so to say. But it was made to look like one because of the train of spectacular achievements that have often stunned the nation and the world almost on a continuous basis. True, the party did see only two members in the Lok Sabha at one time. But is it also not equally true that it is now looking at a possible 400 in the next elections in 2024? There is no doubt that the BJP travelled through a few eras -- such as the Atal Behari Vajpayee era, the Lal Krishna Advani era, and now the Narendra Modi era. But overall, the partys organisational matrix was very finely construed to produce consistent and spectacular results. The Narendra Modi era is, of course, altogether different from the ones in the past. It symbolises the peaking of the BJPs organisational pyramid to a hitherto unscaled height, thanks to Mr. Modis leadership. But, let us not miss one detail -- Mr. Narendra Modi was never the President of the BJP. With him as Prime Minister, the BJP has been guided to great glory by other persons.

One of the most unique attributes of the BJP is its tremendously rich talent pool covering every possible domain known on Planet Earth. This collective virtuosity is possible because of the internal and external nature of the organisation -- accommodative, all the time evolving, all the time engaged in self-scrutiny. And, to say the least, all these are the sure marks of an internal democracy the organisation had bred -- thanks to its mother organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This reality often hurts BJP adversaries, all right. But this is also the truth which countless millions of others admire whole-heartedly.
WASTING TIME





THAT the Lok Sabha functioned for 45 hours -- 34.28 % of its total duration, and the Rajya Sabha for 31 hours -- 24 % of its total duration, is a terribly bad news for Indias representative democracy in which Parliament occupies the apex position of the institutional pyramid. This shows how this institution was forced into wasting precious time that should have been utilised for ultimate public good beyond political agenda of people working in the two august Houses. Both, the ruling parties and the Opposition camp will blame each other for this loss of time and opportunity to discuss and debate issues of genuine national interests. But such a blaming will only be a political exchange that would mean actually nothing on the ground. Yet, when the entire scenario is viewed dispassionately and in a non-partisan manner, we do arrive at an invariable conclusion that it is the Opposition camp that has forced such a waste of time in both the Houses. It was obvious that the Opposition was fully geared up to block proceedings of the two Houses by raising issues which the Government was fully willing to deliberate upon. All that the Government insisted was that every discussion should be and would be held according to parliamentary procedures.

Yet, the Opposition -- Congress party in particular -- kept demanding formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe into the Adani issue. The basic rule is that a JPC is formed only when the issue is discussed in the floor of the House first in an attempt to find a solution. The JPC could be formed only when that option had been exhausted. Meanwhile, the Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) also continued heaping all sorts of allegations on Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi about his so-called close association with industry tycoon Mr. Gautam Adani. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also put forth the factual data of how Mr. Adani was favoured by earlier Congress Government at the Centre and current Congress Governments in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The Opposition was in no mood to listen to reason, and insisted upon blocking precious time of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

It must be stated sadly that the Opposition acted against the larger national interest, in the sense it came across to the common people as a joint entity whose priority was not other subjects of national interest, but only one subject -- of trying to corner the Prime Minister. The Opposition seemed interested only in maligning the Prime Ministers image not just within India but also abroad. That same attitude was visible in Parliament as well. In sharp contrast, the Prime Minister kept himself busy 24x7 in pursuing schemes and projects directly related to national interest -- mostly in the interest of common people in different domains -- from rural development to foreign policy. The range of activities of the Prime Minister, the manner of his round-the-clock engagement in official work were not missed by the common people. His attitude reflected very accurately even in the Governments functioning in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. It is important to note that all these details were noted by the common people without fail. In a way, the sharp contrast between the functionings of the ruling BJP and the Opposition favoured the Prime Minister and his Government in popular esteem. It went directly against the image of the Oppositions combined pranks that conveyed only senselessness and lack of connect with reality and people. It was certainly a massive waste of time of the countrys highest democratic institution, all right. Yet, it also showed clear who was working in national interest, and who was not.
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Linkedin Ibrahim Kholilul Rohman and Ahmad Nidham Khalid (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 11, 2021 14:01 561 2585ce4f3192e686844ec057dc14ea67 4 Opinion freight,industry,delay,rate,supply-chain,increase,sailing,COVID-19,outlook Free

Sea transportation is the backbone of the global merchandise trade, which is responsible for nearly 80 percent of global trade. Container vessels are the dominant contributors, owning a whopping 60 percent of all seaborne trade in terms of value. Disruptions in the container industry might affect global trade as a whole.

With a massive decline in industrial activities, the main-line operators (MLO) responsible for carrying cargo across the globe implemented a blank sailing to avoid huge losses. A blank sailing aims at canceling planned sails by either skipping a certain port or canceling the whole set of ports.

According to Sea-Intelligence Maritime Consulting in early June of 2020, an alliance of MLOs announced that blank sailing has happened in several main trading routes globally. There were 126 in the Asia-North America route and 94 in the Asia-Europe route. The route between China and North America is the largest bilateral flow of merchandise trade, according to a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report in 2019.

The subsequent impact of the blank sailing was soaring fright rates. Based on Bloomberg data, from early 2020 until the end of 2020, there have been ascending freight rates in major trade routes. The rate between Asia and North America increased by 58.89 percent, whereas the route connecting Asia-Europe rose by 51.19 percent and the intra-trade rates within Asia increased by 83.87 percent. In some major routes, the increase is simply inexplicable. The freight rates of Singapore-Rotterdam was US$2.015 per forty feet-equivalent unit (FEU) in early 2020, and now it books about $12.203  equivalent to sixfold in only a span of two years

Plenty of containers are now stuck in ports across the globe because the slow repositioning of empty containers created a shortage of these storage units, and delivery delays cause exorbitant demurrage costs.

The shock in the supply side has been decoupled with the demand side. The demand for commodities has increased thanks to economic recovery starting in the second half of 2020. To illustrate, McKinsey reported that in the first quarter of 2021, expenditures for furniture and household equipment in the United States increased by 28 percent and motor vehicles and parts by 31 percent, to compensate for the drop in expenditures for recreation by 25 percent, and food and beverages, as well as accommodations by 11 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2019. This huge swap from services to manufacturing goods was a significant shock to the container shipping industry, especially its efforts to carry these goods across the globe .

To make things worse, sea transportation is also exposed to risks and irregularities that complicate the supply chain. For example, in March, there was huge congestion in the Suez Canal after a 20,000-TEU Evergreen container ship got stuck in the waterway. The incident was responsible for $6.7 million for every minute of postponement.

Other than that, a disruption in Yantian port, the third-busiest port in the world that only operated at 30 percent capacity in order to prevent the spread of the Alpha variant of COVID-19, has also contributed to the havoc. This caused the dwell time of ships to double to 16 days in the port, entailing a cascading impact of congestion across the world.

What is the outlook for freight rates?

On the supply side, the issue of congestion is starting to alleviate. Busy ports such as Yantian started to operate at maximum capacity from June 28 to clear the backlog. Vaccination has facilitated the containment of COVID-19, allowing ports and logistics back on track. In an effort to increase capacity, new container ships have been ordered, but they require at least 18 months to be ready. In addition, the shipping industry must be careful not to be too aggressive in ordering new vessels, as an oversupply might happen and cause big losses if not well foreseen.

The freight rates might not return to pre-C0VID-19 levels any time soon as we are approaching the peak seasons of August, September and October, which is when many retail shops are filling their stock in preparation for holiday sales. It is expected that the rates will be close to the initial level by mid-2022.

In Indonesia, this condition has contributed to some hurdles for exporters, especially small and medium enterprises (SME), whose products might be cheaper than the freight rates. Bank Indonesia (BI) data shows that the volume of Indonesias non-oil exports dropped by 12 percent in 2019-2020. Textile products, fatty acids, leather and rubber were among the impacted commodities.

The government should realize that intervention is needed in the current situation. In the US, presidential executive orders have been introduced to encourage the Federal Maritime Commission to protect US exporters from hiking fees and to improve detention and demurrage practices for container traffic  something we might consider implementing here.

***

Ibrahim Kholilul Rohman is a lecturer at the School of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia. Ahmad Nidham Khalid is a researcher at Samudera Indonesia Research Initiatives. The views expressed are personal.
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, July 29, 2016

The accidental death of a soldier during Operation Tinombala in Poso, Central Sulawesi, was a result of procedure failure resulting a pure accident, Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo said on Thursday.

The soldier, Second Sgt. Muhammad Ilman, was a member of the Sandi Yudha Intelligence Task Force that received information regarding stockpiles of weapons buried underground that were thought to belong to the East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) group.

As he and six other soldiers were digging to unearth the weapons, the National Police's Bravo task force received information about unidentified people in the area. A Bravo task force officer mistakenly presumed that Ilman was an MIT member and shot him, Gatot said.

"I want to assert that there was no exchange of fire, since the intelligence team know the Bravo task force members are their comrades," he told journalists on Thursday, stressing that it was an accidental shooting while also denying reports that there was an exchange of fire.

He further called for TNI members not to be provoked by the accidental death, since the Bravo and Sandi Yudha task forces were doing their best to ensure the success of Operation Tinombala. The TNI is waiting for the results of the investigation following the deployment of an investigative team.

The military and the National Police have joined forces to hunt down Islamic State-linked MIT militants in Poso in a massive counterterrorism operation code-named Operation Tinombala, which involves more than 3,000 personnel since January. The personnel are closing in on the terrorist group members operating in the mountainous forest of Poso.

Despite tension that has often erupted between the two institutions, the two forces recently demonstrated their ability to cooperate by hunting down and killing MIT leader Santoso, aka Abu Wardah. It is believed that his demise will demoralize and weaken the remaining MIT militants still hiding deep in the mountainous area of Poso. (rin)
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Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 8, 2023 11:02 17 5fceed71997e5776a1634d25dc40ffc5 1 Editorial easter,Christian,Christmas,sacrifice,recovery,COVID-19,recession,peace,Harmony,Idul-Fitri Free

Few would doubt, even among Christians, that Easter is less merry compared with Christmas. For businesspeople, too, the Easter holiday offers fewer opportunities to sell their products than during Christmas, the festivities for which begin at the start of December or even earlier.

You will not find Easter sales in any of Jakartas popular shopping malls or perhaps in predominantly Christian countries across the globe, unlike at Christmastime during which many employers allocate holiday bonuses for their workers to spend with their families. In a nutshell, Easter is not as colorful and dazzling as Christmas.

This is despite the fact that in the tradition of Christianity, Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodox and many other denominations, Easter is a testimony of the mystery of the Christian faith. For them, Easter is the most important holiday as on that day they celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead three days after his crucifixion, therefore the victory of Gods love over the power of sin and death.

As a Muslim-majority country, understandably Indonesia does not recognize Easter as a public holiday. Therefore, the minority Christian community cannot expect the government to wish them a happy Easter tomorrow, unlike on Christmas.

Nevertheless, Easter is never short of lessons, if not a source of inspiration, that we can learn to make this world a better place to live.

Easter speaks volumes of hope and the spirit to emerge from a catastrophe. While Christians believe there is no crown without a cross, mankind learns there is always a gain after pain.

This years Easter could not be more fitting for Indonesia and the entire world now that we are clawing our way back from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, only to find another daunting challenge in the looming global recession. The pandemic tested the resilience of nations and Indonesia should be grateful to have passed the trial, albeit with some errors in the beginning.

As a nation known for its religiosity, Indonesian people of various faiths sought in their devotions at home or places of worship divine intervention to escape from the perils of the health crisis. Many found that their prayers were answered now that COVID-19 has been brought under control, but more importantly, the nation demonstrated fortitude in the face of future threats.

The governments tagline Recover stronger and rise faster reflects the countrys intention to resurrect from the deadly impacts of the pandemic, but it will sound like wishful thinking if it does not receive the full support of the people. As with the spirit of Easter, the government is responsible for transforming the anxiety and despair facing the people into a source of power that they badly need to realize their quest for recovery.

Easter is also a story of reconciliation between humans and their God, through the sacrifice of Jesus according to Christian belief. In todays context, at a time when humankind is on the verge of ecological destruction as a result of our centuries-old greedy development model, the reconciliatory gesture has taken the form of greater awareness of environment, social and governance principles on the part of policymakers and industry players.

There can be no sustainable business without respect for the rights of people around operational areas, commitment to transparency and accountability and the preservation of nature. There have been movements calling on people to reduce carbon emissions through energy-saving initiatives or a shift to renewables. All are intended to restore the relationship between man and Mother Nature.

Easter falls in April, as does Idul Fitri this year, which is likely to be observed on April 22, depending on the governments decision. Whether coincidental or not, having two major holidays of two Abrahamic religions within the same month only suggests the need for us to stay close to each other in heart so that we can care for one another.

Indeed, harmony, amid diversity, will allow peace to prevail on Earth. Happy Easter.
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Linkedin Hyonhee Shin (Reuters) (The Jakarta Post) Seoul  Sat, April 8 2023

North Korea has accused the United States and South Korea of escalating tensions to the brink of nuclear war through their joint military drills, vowing to respond with "offensive action", the Norths state-operated Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday.

KCNA released a commentary by Choe Ju Hyon, whom it called an international security analyst, criticizing the exercises as "a trigger for driving the situation on the Korean peninsula to the point of explosion".

"The reckless military confrontational hysteria of the US and its followers against the DPRK is driving the situation on the Korean peninsula to an irreversible catastrophe [...] to the brink of a nuclear war," the article said, using the acronym of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

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LUANDA, April 8 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese-funded five-day course with an aim to enhance capacity building in the civil aviation sector concluded on Friday in Luanda, the capital of Angola.

A total of 26 civil aviation managers from five Portuguese-speaking African countries participated in the course and were presented with certificates upon completing the course.

The course was part of the Civil Aviation Master Planning (CAMP) program, organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and financed by a Chinese South-South cooperation fund. The CAMP will provide quality and competency-based training opportunities to 500 participants, with 20 sessions to be held globally from early 2022.

During the closing ceremony, Angola's Minister of Transport Ricardo de Abreu praised the initiative in a video, highlighting its capacity to respond to the "critical needs" of respective states regarding the development and management of civil aviation.

Fernando Coelho, the ICAO official responsible for the course in Luanda, told Xinhua that the program aims to train civil aviation authorities' personnel and promote the sector as a leveraging factor for socioeconomic development in relevant countries. "For a week, we were training people who leave here with the necessary knowledge and skills so that each of them in their respective countries can promote the idea and develop these master plans for civil aviation."

He also expressed his satisfaction with the event's result, stating that it ran "excellently" in Angola, and praised the financing from the Chinese fund, calling it a "good investment."

"As a trainer in this course, my opinion and that of my other colleagues (is that) this course is a success, and the help given by the Chinese government is very welcome. I want to thank the Chinese fund for its contribution given on behalf of ICAO."

Since its creation in 2015, the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund has collaborated with several international organizations, including the ICAO, and implemented more than 130 projects in more than 50 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

In June 2022, China upgraded the fund to the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and announced the addition of 1 billion U.S. dollars on top of the 3 billion dollars already committed. 
Assurant (NYSE:AIZ  Get Rating) had its price objective lowered by Piper Sandler from $133.00 to $129.00 in a report issued on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the financial services providers stock.

A number of other research analysts have also commented on the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised Assurant from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $52.00 price target for the company in a research report on Tuesday, March 21st. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Assurant in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Assurant has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $129.00.

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Assurant Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:AIZ opened at $118.33 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $123.53 and a 200-day moving average price of $129.94. The company has a market cap of $6.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 0.54. Assurant has a 12 month low of $104.49 and a 12 month high of $194.12.

Assurant Dividend Announcement

Insider Transactions at Assurant

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 20th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 27th were issued a dividend of $0.70 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, February 24th. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.37%. Assurants dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 56.57%.

In related news, CAO Dimitry Dirienzo sold 525 shares of Assurant stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $131.68, for a total transaction of $69,132.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 5,881 shares in the company, valued at $774,410.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in shares of Assurant by 11.5% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 6,180 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,124,000 after purchasing an additional 639 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Assurant during the first quarter valued at $211,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Assurant by 23.1% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 15,499 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,818,000 after acquiring an additional 2,912 shares in the last quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Assurant by 17.5% in the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 6,005 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,092,000 after acquiring an additional 896 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its holdings in shares of Assurant by 6.6% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 7,624 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,386,000 after acquiring an additional 472 shares in the last quarter. 95.86% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Assurant Company Profile

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Assurant, Inc engages in the provision of lifestyle and housing solutions of consumer purchases. It operates through Global Lifestyle and Global Housing segments. The Global Lifestyle segment offers mobile device solutions and extended service products and related services for mobile devices, consumer electronics and appliances, vehicle protection and related services.

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Slate Office REIT (TSE:SOT.UN  Get Rating) had its price target lowered by Cormark from C$4.60 to C$3.40 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports.

Separately, TD Securities decreased their target price on Slate Office REIT from C$4.50 to C$3.75 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$4.05.

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Slate Office REIT Stock Performance

TSE:SOT.UN opened at C$2.42 on Wednesday. Slate Office REIT has a twelve month low of C$2.17 and a twelve month high of C$5.22. The company has a quick ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 0.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 182.52. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is C$4.01 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$4.31. The firm has a market capitalization of C$193.65 million, a PE ratio of -11.52 and a beta of 1.12.

Slate Office REIT Cuts Dividend

Slate Office REIT Company Profile

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 15th. Investors of record on Monday, May 15th will be paid a $0.01 dividend. This represents a $0.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.96%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 27th. Slate Office REITs dividend payout ratio is currently -190.48%.

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Slate Office REIT is an open-ended real estate investment trust. The REIT's portfolio currently comprises 43 strategic and well-located real estate assets located primarily across Canada's major population centres including one downtown asset in Chicago, Illinois. The REIT is focused on maximizing value through internal organic rental and occupancy growth and strategic acquisitions.

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Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW  Get Rating) had its price target reduced by KeyCorp from $16.00 to $15.00 in a research note released on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. KeyCorp also issued estimates for Medical Properties Trusts Q1 2023 earnings at $0.36 EPS, Q2 2023 earnings at $0.36 EPS, Q3 2023 earnings at $0.47 EPS, Q4 2023 earnings at $0.42 EPS, FY2023 earnings at $1.61 EPS, Q1 2024 earnings at $0.39 EPS, Q2 2024 earnings at $0.40 EPS, Q3 2024 earnings at $0.41 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $0.41 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $1.62 EPS, Q1 2025 earnings at $0.41 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $1.65 EPS.

MPW has been the subject of several other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on Medical Properties Trust from $14.00 to $12.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, March 3rd. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on Medical Properties Trust from $8.00 to $9.00 in a report on Friday, March 31st. Barclays decreased their price objective on Medical Properties Trust from $17.00 to $14.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, February 27th. Raymond James decreased their price objective on Medical Properties Trust from $18.00 to $16.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, March 2nd. Finally, Bank of America lowered Medical Properties Trust from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $10.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $13.73.

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Medical Properties Trust Stock Performance

Shares of MPW stock opened at $8.10 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $4.85 billion, a PE ratio of 5.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.51 and a beta of 0.95. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $10.15 and a 200-day simple moving average of $11.31. The company has a quick ratio of 1.92, a current ratio of 1.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19. Medical Properties Trust has a 52-week low of $7.10 and a 52-week high of $21.35.

Medical Properties Trust Dividend Announcement

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Medical Properties Trust

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 13th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 16th will be paid a dividend of $0.29 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 15th. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 14.32%. Medical Properties Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 77.33%.

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 87,449,640 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,037,153,000 after purchasing an additional 550,802 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 11.7% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 36,158,910 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $774,593,000 after purchasing an additional 3,800,294 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 13.2% during the 4th quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 20,044,006 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $223,290,000 after purchasing an additional 2,330,812 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 24.5% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 17,071,940 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $202,473,000 after purchasing an additional 3,355,195 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Centersquare Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 3.3% during the 4th quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 11,064,042 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $123,253,000 after purchasing an additional 348,998 shares during the last quarter. 80.31% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Medical Properties Trust

(Get Rating)

Medical Properties Trust, Inc is a self-advised real estate investment trust, engages in the investment, acquisition, and development of net-leased healthcare facilities. Its property portfolio includes rehabilitation hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, hospitals for women and children, regional and community hospitals, medical office buildings, and other single-discipline facilities.

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StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Leju (NYSE:LEJU  Get Rating) in a report issued on Thursday. The brokerage set a buy rating on the financial services providers stock.

Leju Stock Performance

NYSE LEJU opened at $1.35 on Thursday. Leju has a 12 month low of $1.03 and a 12 month high of $7.20. The companys 50 day moving average is $1.26 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1.43.

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Leju Company Profile

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Leju Holdings Ltd. engages in the provision of online-to-offline real estate services. It offers electronic commerce, online advertising, and listing services on new residential property sales. The company was founded on November 20, 2013 and is headquartered in Beijing, China.

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Telos Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of American Tower Co. (NYSE:AMT  Get Rating) by 5.2% in the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 14,054 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 696 shares during the period. Telos Capital Management Inc.s holdings in American Tower were worth $2,977,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in American Tower by 0.7% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 60,720,664 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $13,036,726,000 after buying an additional 406,906 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in American Tower by 1.5% in the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 6,223,809 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,336,250,000 after buying an additional 91,188 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its stake in American Tower by 1.8% in the third quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 5,191,334 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,115,635,000 after buying an additional 89,868 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its stake in American Tower by 8.8% in the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 5,073,686 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,089,321,000 after buying an additional 408,300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in American Tower by 19.5% in the third quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 4,658,127 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,000,100,000 after buying an additional 760,958 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.65% of the companys stock.

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American Tower Stock Up 1.0 %

American Tower stock traded up $2.00 on Friday, hitting $206.69. 1,273,382 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,316,864. The company has a current ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.75. The firm has a market cap of $96.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 53.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 0.57. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $205.00 and its 200 day simple moving average is $210.10. American Tower Co. has a 1 year low of $178.17 and a 1 year high of $282.47.

American Tower Announces Dividend

American Tower ( NYSE:AMT Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 23rd. The real estate investment trust reported ($1.47) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.16 by ($3.63). The firm had revenue of $2.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.68 billion. American Tower had a net margin of 16.49% and a return on equity of 15.80%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 10.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.18 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that American Tower Co. will post 9.26 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, April 14th will be given a dividend of $1.56 per share. This represents a $6.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.02%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 13th. American Towers dividend payout ratio is currently 162.50%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on AMT shares. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of American Tower from $225.00 to $245.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 14th. UBS Group cut their target price on shares of American Tower from $278.00 to $270.00 in a report on Tuesday, December 13th. Moffett Nathanson upgraded shares of American Tower from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and cut their target price for the stock from $244.00 to $234.00 in a report on Thursday, March 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of American Tower from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $215.00 to $245.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 10th. Finally, Truist Financial cut their target price on shares of American Tower from $325.00 to $275.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $257.76.

Insider Buying and Selling at American Tower

In other American Tower news, CFO Rodney M. Smith sold 2,035 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $220.85, for a total transaction of $449,429.75. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 48,645 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,743,248.25. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, CFO Rodney M. Smith sold 2,035 shares of American Tower stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $220.85, for a total value of $449,429.75. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 48,645 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,743,248.25. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Samme L. Thompson sold 1,739 shares of American Tower stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $218.59, for a total value of $380,128.01. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 22,099 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,830,620.41. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 8,587 shares of company stock valued at $1,947,849. 0.24% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About American Tower

(Get Rating)

American Tower Corp. provides real estate investment services, and owns, operates, and develops multi-tenant real estate properties. It offers leasing of space on communications sites to wireless service providers, radio and television broadcast companies. It operates through the following segments: U.S.

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ADDIS ABABA, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese tech giant Huawei has won acclaim for its role in accelerating digital education in Ethiopia.

This came at an education-themed summit that was organized by Huawei Ethiopia on Friday in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, under the theme "Accelerate the Digital Education Journey for Ethiopia."

Zelalem Assefa, head of ICT and digital education at the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, said during the occasion that the East African country is developing a digital education strategy to make education more accessible and engaging through digital technology.

He said Huawei has been a key partner of the Ethiopian Ministry of Education in the digital transformation of the education sector in the country. "Huawei's expertise in ICT solutions has helped us develop innovative solutions that have transformed the way we teach and learn."

"Huawei's decision to open an ICT Academy in our higher education institution has helped us cultivate many ICT professionals, enabling our students to communicate with and learn from experts in other industries around the world," the official said.

Huawei's annual flagship summit for the regional education industry brought together industry elites, experts, and related industry partners to discuss digital transformation and ICT development trends in education.

During the summit, experts, academia as well as heads of major Ethiopian universities discussed challenges and opportunities for promoting technology adoption in the education sector, while addressing different perspectives about digital education, such as improving school management effectiveness.

Liu Jifan, chief executive officer (CEO) of Huawei Ethiopia, said Huawei is cooperating with customers in many industries, including the education industry in Ethiopia, so as to promote the digital sector in the country.

Different presentations related to education have been delivered during the summit. Among them was a survey of Debre Tabor University's data center, which was built and completed using Huawei Technologies products.

Anegaregn Gashaw, president of Debre Tabor University, highlighted that the project shows the attention that Huawei has given to education centers.

The Chinese tech giant has several annual projects to promote Ethiopia's education system, such as the ICT competition, seeds for the future, women in tech, and the recently announced project Digi Truck.

The company, by utilizing ICT technologies, supports the country in developing talents, reducing gaps in learning, and facilitating digital education revolution. 
S4(1) of the Nigerian constitution as amended vests the legislative powers of the federation on the National Assembly, which constitutes the House of the Senate and the House of Representatives . Subsections 2 through 4 of the above mentioned section of the Nigerian constitution statutorily empowers the National Assembly to make laws for peace, order and good governance of the federation. One important question is, do our federal legislators understand the laws they make for the health sector .This is importance because in Latin we say, Nemo quod dat non-habet, which means when translated ,one cannot give what one does not have . In sane climes the lawmakers are people that have either distinguished themselves or versed in a particular area of life hence they are knowledgeable of the laws they make but in Nigeria our lawmakers are those who can outsmart their opponents in an election.

First, I want to specially thank Hon. Nkem Abonta who not only opposed the proposed bill but also described it as offensive during the House plenary. It may interest Honourable Johnson and his fellow lawmakers to know that brain drain is not only restricted to medical doctors as the banking sector seems to be the worst hit by this tsunami because most of their software engineers and other relevant workers have since emigrated out of this country hence the present network issues and poor services in our banks today. In view of this, I will encourage Johnson and his fellow lawmakers to sponsor more bills to stop other Nigerian professionals from leaving the country until after five years and another bill that will stop our public servants or political office holders from travelling abroad for medical tourism. Is it not an affront to the good people of Nigeria for a Nigerian federal minister of education to have all his/her children schooling abroad?

I want to first remind the House of Representatives that Section 1(3) of the Nigerian constitution, as amended, is clear on the supremacy of the Nigerian constitution and must always prevail when it clashes with any othe law .It states that If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this (Nigerian )Constitution, this (Nigerian ) Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void. Having laid the foundation for the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution over other laws in Nigeria, let us quickly go to S.34 of the Nigerian Constitution, which talks about the right to dignity in human person. S 34(1b) states that no person shall he held in slavery or servitude while S 34 (1c) states that no person shall be required to perform forced of compulsory labour. The next question is what is a forced labour? Forced labour occurs when individuals are compelled against their will to provide work or service through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. I want to quickly remind Johnson and his colleagues that S.34(2) of the Nigerian constitution does not include medical doctors as part of the people that will be exempted from S34(1) of the constitution .

WHAT DOES THE LABOUR ACT SAY?

The Labour Act, enacted by the Nigerian National Assembly, is clear on how to terminate a contract of employment as contained in Section 11 of the Labour Act .It should be noted here that this section 11 of the LabourAct is in line with section 34 of the Nigerian constitution .Section 11(1) of the Labour Act states that either party to a contract of employment may terminate the contract on the expiration of notice given by him to the other party of his intention to do so. Section 11(2 & 3) of the Labour Act goes further to state how such termination of contract of Labour will be executed. This is because there are factors that determine the efficiency of supply of Labour, one of the factors is the state of mind of the employee. No employee will be efficient in a work place he is no interested in and there is no law that can stop that.

ON THE ARGUMENT OF USING TAX-PAYERS MONEY TO TRAIN MEDICAL DOCTORS

Honourable Johnson goofed in this area as it is clear that he does not know how medical doctors are trained in Nigeria. The responsibility of paying for UTME registration is on the prospective medical students and the same thing applies to their registrations for O level examinations. It is the students that pay their university tuition fees, hostel fees, buy their textbooks and other learning materials. The medical students feed themselves and cater for other sundry expenses during their undergraduate medical training, so where comes the so-called tax-payers money mentioned by Honourable Johnson in his argument as each doctor pays a certain fee to the federal government establishment (Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria ) yearly in the name of Annual Practising Licence .

CURRENT BILL CONTRAVENES S42 OF THE NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION

Section 42(1a) of the Nigerian constitution states that a citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person:-

(a) be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religions or political opinions are not made subject . In view of this , Nigerian citizens from the medical community should not be made to serve the country for five years after the compulsory one year National Youth service for no other reason other than they are from the medical community .

THE BILLS NIGERIANS EXPECT HONOURABLE JOHNSON TO SPONSOR

The first question is what causes the brain drain? It is disheartening that a medical doctor after practising in Nigeria for more than ten will still remain as a tenant and cannot even buy a car of his choice or take up his immediate family financial responsibility .Sequel to this; we want Johnson and his colleagues to start sponsoring the following bills:

1. A bill to reduce the monthly salaries of our Federal lawmakers and the proceeds from such exercise will be added to the salaries of all healthcare workers in the country.

2. A bill to reduce the monthly and yearly allowances of our federal lawmakers and the proceeds will be used for the welfare of the Nigerian citizens in line with Section 14(2b) of the Nigerian constitution.

3. A bill to reduce the sitting allowances of our federal lawmakers so that the proceeds from such exercise will be used to buy medical equipment for our public hospitals.

4. A bill to compel banks to give loans of up to 100 million naira or more to any medical doctor where the only collateral will be the medical certificate and the doctors National ID card ,Drivers licence, orInternational Passport

5. A bill for compulsory car and house loans to medical doctors immediately after graduation because any doctor that is repaying loans will not think of travelling out of the country

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Dr Paul John, Port Harcourt .

Secretary, Rivers state NMA Doctors Rights Committee

[email protected], 08083658038


The Niger Delta Development Commission has re-establish its commitment to modernising agriculture in the Niger Delta region to ensure food security.

At the presentation by the KASHA International Agricultural Development Organisation, in Port Harcourt, the Executive Director of Projects, NDDC, Mr Charles Ogunmola, disclosed that the commission would partner with other organisations to promote modern agricultural practices in the country.

Meanwhile, the Country Representative and Director African Project for KASHA International Agricultural Development Organisation, Ms Hilda Josef, stated the organisations readiness to work with the NDDC in introducing modern reproductive methods, particularly in the breeding of goats, in the Niger Delta region.

Josef also stressed the importance of passion among farmers, stating that agriculture offers abundant prospects and opportunities.

Moreover, the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries at NDDC, Mr Seigha Glasgow, stated that prioritising agriculture would help in the expansion of the countrys resource base and decrease dependency on oil and gas in the Niger Delta.

According to him, the NDDC has always recognised agriculture as the way forward for the country and will continue to support IFAD in integrating rural dwellers into agricultural entrepreneurship.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited disclosed that the Nigerias domestic gas infrastructure network has the capacity to transport 6.9 billion standard cubic feet of gas to support power generation and gas-based industries.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Malam Mele Kyari, made this known on Thursday in Abuja at the 2023 edition of the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum.

The forum, which was organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, had its theme as Effective Gas Resources Utilisation: A Lever for Enhancing Energy Security and Achieving Net-Zero Emission Goals in Nigeria.

Kyari noted that Nigerias huge investment in gas infrastructure is hinged on its growing natural gas reserves, thus supporting the Nations aspiration to create Africas biggest industrial hub, powered by low-carbon energy, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

He said this significant reserve would serve as a low-carbon energy alternative that would support growth in power and industrial sectors, address energy poverty, reduce carbon footprint and create more employment opportunities.

NNPC is playing a leading role in the realisation of the National Gas Expansion Programme, which seeks to deepen natural gas utilisation as an alternative transportation fuel, and an important feedstock for gas-based industries development.

We are working assiduously to ensure timely delivery of gas pipeline infrastructure projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline corridor, planned Nigeria-Morocco and Trans-Sahara Gas Pipelines, that will connect West African countries to deliver natural gas to international markets, he said.

He said it was leveraging the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act to attract more investment in the Nigerian petroleum sector, to continue to guarantee access to energy while aligning with the global energy transition.

Kyari, while thanking the SPE for their efforts in promoting innovation, knowledge sharing required for our industry, urged them and other industry stakeholders to continue to collaborate with NNPC Ltd to guarantee energy security.

In an address, Commission Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, said how to provide clean, sustainable and affordable energy to the global populace is a critical challenge.

Komolafe, represented by Dr Nuhu Habib, Executive Commissioner, Production and Development, NUPRC, said it was committed to ensuring access to enabling environment and regulatory frameworks for progressive investments in gas production and energy transition achievement.

Also speaking, Mr Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, called for concerted efforts of all levels of government to ensure energy security was guaranteed.

Ahmed, represented by Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Community, said the authority drafted 20 oil and gas industry regulations to fully deliver value to Nigerias economy.

He, however, expressed assurance that the authority is positioned to ensure enabling environment and investments in gas value chain for business to thrive.
Health Canada has issued multiple recall warnings to shoppers after finding numerous injury and other hazards in products sold at several popular stores.

One recall involves Yardworks 15-Amp Electric Corded Snowblower, 22-in., sold at Canadian Tire. The batch numbers is located on the back of the product.

The power cable on the affected units may become brittle and break when exposed to temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius, leading to a potential electric shock injury, according to the recall warning.

As of February 10, 2023, the company has received 11 reports of incidents relating to the power cord becoming brittle and breaking in Canada, and no reports of injuries, Health Canada said.

The company reported that 25,400 units of the affected product were sold in Canada from March 2019 to December 2021.

"Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and return them to any Canadian Tire Store for a full refund," the warning states.

For more information, consumers may contact the Canadian Tire Call Centre by telephone toll-free at 1-800-387-8803. The call centre is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

Another recall involves pacifier and bottle accessories sold at Walmart with Calico Critters Flocked Animal Figures. The pacifier accessories were sold in yellow, orange, pink, dark pink, blue and teal colours. The bottle accessories were sold in yellow, pink, blue and orange colours. One style of the bottle has two yellow handles.

The bottle and pacifier accessories were sold with the following products listed by item number. This item number is printed on the bottom of the product packaging. The recall does not include item numbers listed below which were sold with accessories other than the pacifier and bottle accessories; only the bottle and pacifier accessories are being recalled, according to Health Canada's recall warning. Here are the affected products:

The bottle and pacifier accessories pose a potential "choking hazard" to children under 3 years of age, Health Canada said.

The packaging of the product is labelled for ages 3+ and cautions that it contains small parts which are not suitable for children under 3 years.

As of March 3, 2023, the company has received no reports of incidents or injuries in Canada. In the United States, the company has received 2 reports of choking incidents, including one death of a child due to choking on an accessory, Health Canada said.

The company reported that approximately 248,069 units of the affected product were sold in Canada and 3,264,769 were sold in the United States from January 2000 to August 2021.

"Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact Epoch Everlasting Play LLC for a free replacement accessory," Health Canada said.

For more information, consumers can contact Epoch Everlasting Play LLC by telephone at 1-800-631-1272, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm ET, by email at productsafety@epocheverlastingplay.com or visit the company website.

Another recall involves the Chikitoe plush dinosaur with rattle, sold at Dollarama.

A label sewn on the bottom left side of the plush indicates the Chikitoe brand and contains the information regarding its stuffing, according to Health Canada.

A rattle in a shape of a ball is inside the Chikitoe plush dinosaur toy. In some cases, the rattle size is too small, potentially posing a choking hazard in the event the rattle is released from the Chikitoe plush dinosaur toy, Health Canada said in its recall warning.

As of March 1, 2023, the company has received 1 report of incident without injuries in Canada. The company reported that 159,247 units of the affected product were sold in Canada from September 2021 to January 2023.

"Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Chikitoe plush dinosaur with rattle toy and return it to any Dollarama store for a refund," Health Canada added.

For more information, consumers can contact Dollarama S.E.C./L.P. by telephone at 1-888-365-4266, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m (EST), by email at Client@Dollarama.com or visit the company website.

A fourth recall involves the Jetson 3-Wheel Kick Scooter (Costco Item 1662152), sold at a Costco warehouse or on Costco.ca between October 2022 and February 2023.

The bolts which secure the wheels can loosen over time, causing the wheel to detach from the Scooter, posing a fall hazard to the user, Costco said in its recall warning.

Jetson Electric Bikes has received multiple complaints of the wheels detaching from the Scooter, with one resulting in a fall and minor injury.

"If you have the Scooter in your possession, please immediately stop using it," Costco said.

You may contact Jetson Electric Bikes to request a free repair to eliminate the wheel detachment issue. The repair kit consists of necessary hardware and instructions to perform the repair.

Please do not use the Scooter until the repair has been made with the repair kit.

Health Canada has issued its own recall warning about the scooters.

To request the free repair kit or for more information, please contact Jetson Electric Bikes at 1-800-635-4815.

Lastly, IKEA is recalling the BLAVINGAD multicolour fishing game multicolour due to potential choking hazard.

"IKEA develops its products using a rigorous risk assessment and testing program, to make sure that the products live up to all applicable laws and standards on the markets where they are sold," the company said in a statement.

"Despite of this it has come to our attention that small rivets on the toy can come loose, which results in a potential choking hazard, especially for smaller children. Therefore, BLAVINGAD fishing game multicolour is being recalled."

BLAVINGAD fishing game multicolour can be returned to any IKEA store for a full refund. Proof of purchase (receipt) is not required.

For more information, please visit www.IKEA.ca

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Cobourg resident Chloe Craig posed a question to CPS Chief Paul VandeGraaf at a community meeting on April 4.





Cobourg Police Service (CPS) Chief Paul VandeGraaf received plenty of food for thought from the community during a recent well-attended meeting at the Lions Community Centre.

With the venue changed twice to accommodate the large crowd of about 300 attendees, the event gave citizens a chance to pose face-to-face questions to VandeGraaf and Deputy Chief Jeff Haskins, in reference to community safety. And many did, although audience members also had the opportunity to have their questions read aloud by Cobourg police communications manager Lisa Munday and by Special Const. Hillary Detlor.

The meeting ran more than two hours. Citizens were looking for straight answers to counter concerns around homelessness, crime and mental health issues they believe have been building in town.

In a preamble to the Q-and-A session that was to follow, VandeGraaf said Cobourg remained a safe place to live and work, and that Cobourgs crime metrics, including violent crime, are trending downwards.

Cobourg is a safe place to be, live, entertain and call home. Violent crime has steadily gone down, said VandeGraaf, who presented a myriad of charts and statistics to back up this statement.

The hot-button issue was in regards to the overdose prevention site that has cropped up in Cobourg in recent weeks. There were inquiries surrounding what is legal and what isn't and police's role.

In response, VandeGraaf explained there are safe consumption sites for illegal drugs in Ontario, as well as across Canada, while also referencing that is a long and thorough process to an official site.

As per charging people involved in the safe consumption site, the chief noted federal laws prohibit police from arresting people for simple possession of illegal drugs. Moreover, by doing so, VandeGraaf said it opens the CPS, its leadership and officers and also the town to legal jeopardy.

The federal Crown has asked us to look for diverted opportunities to get the person to detox, to assistance and not to charge them  Ive gotten a lot of questions about this as you can imagine, said VandeGraaf.

Audience member Chloe Craig noted shes lived in Cobourg for nearly 40 years and the changes she has witnessed in town of late have been kind of substantial.

I used to walk around this town, no questions asked, no problem, 2 a.m. in the morning when I was finishing a shift. Nowadays, I wont even do that. When its dark I am not by myself, she told the audience.

Craig noted her family lives in the downtown area near where the Transition House emergency shelter is located. She noted she routinely sees people under the influence of drugs. She said shes found a bag of knives, as well as drug paraphernalia in her backyard where her kids play.

I get why people use. I have a background in social service work, mental health and addictions. I understand where people are coming from.

The problem is Im not seeing the response from the community and I love that we have members of town council (here), but I dont see county and I dont see provincial and federal and I think they need to be here as well because they need to know, she said, and was met with applause.

Craig ended by saying there needs to better integration of action from all levels of government and agencies toward those struggling with mental health and addiction.

In response, the chief agreed these issues are not solvable by just one agency, while also acknowledging officers like Sgt. Janice MacDonald and Const. Janet Bertrand, who are among those working through homelessness and addictions response programs.

The chief also heard an emotional plea from Debbie Irwin, a business owner in town for 35 years, who's grown weary of property damage, trespassing, people who leave needles and garbage on her property, and harassment of her staff on an almost daily basis.

I am trying to run a business. How do we handle the constant harassment of our staff?  Our staff has been spit at, chased, screamed at 

Its hard enough to get staff in Cobourg right now. I dont need staff leaving because of this situation ... How do I run a business in downtown Cobourg under the present circumstances? she asked.

VandeGraaf responded: Obviously, weve got to do better for you. Were not doing well enough  Your staff should not ever feel they are unsafe walking to their car  We must know who these people are and must hold them accountable for their criminal behaviour. And we will.

Further, he noted consultation with the health unit and with PARN (Peterborough AIDS Resource Network) could help alleviate the problem of needles found on her property by having a better needle repository.

We have partners in this room who can take that as a takeaway and challenge  challenge the health unit, challenge council and there are councillors here to create a harm-reduction strategy for the safe disposal of needles that isnt (taking place) your property, said VandeGraaf.

In terms of trespassing and urination on her property, the chief recommended she contact CPS regarding its Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Program.

Our people do a great job. Were all over downtown, our auxiliaries do a fantastic job and maybe there is something simple we can do to help you and your business in creating a less attractive space for this behaviour to occur, he said.

In a media scrum following the public meeting, VandeGraaf said he was happy with the turnout and the challenging questions that citizens posed. He was also pleased there were a large cross-section of community members  including business owners, politicians, and county and town executive  who attended.

Tonight was obviously a needed opportunity for the community to come together. Theres been a lot of stuff going on in the community. We have been hearing these safety versus fear concerns for a while. It has come to boiling point most recently.

As for take-aways, VandeGraaf said he heard loud and clear that citizens want more police presence on the street. In response, he noted the CPS has already soft launched its increased visibility program, which includes having auxiliary officers present after a recent evening show at Victoria Hall to ensure safety. As well, he noted the police service will be rolling out its dynamic patrol program in the near future.

By way of explanation, the chief said the program will be geared toward addressing key elements that are in our lane  enforcement, holding people accountable and actually moving people from a situation to resources.

Were going to keep moving forward, were going to keep addressing the issues day by day, we have significant plans coming, we heard from the community ... Were going to do it in a directed manner, so we can measure results.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: We wanted to hear what the Cobourg community had to say at a public meeting regarding a perception of increasing safety concerns in town.

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In the basement of a Pentecostal Congolese Church, four teenage girls meet for Bible study, but the conversation soon turns to topics including the sexy pastor, drinking alcohol and whether the Bible is in fact boring.

Elsewhere, two theatre artists perform a song cycle that defies their fetishization as Asian women, including games with the audience they call rice-breakers.

Both these productions playing this month in Toronto  Vierge by Rachel Mutombo and Love You Wrong Time by Maddie Bautista and Deanna H. Choi  explore and challenge young womens experiences of sexuality and sexualization.

The conversations with me and my brothers were different

Mutombos family is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and she was the first of her siblings to be born in Canada. Vierge draws on her experience of gendered expectations around sexuality.

I have several older brothers and our family is Christian  the conversations my parents were having with me and my brothers were different, she said. I remember thinking to myself, OK, well, if the girls are all supposed to stay virgins  who are the guys doing it with?

Vierge means virgin in French (the official language of the DRC), but it has the additional implication of meaning blank or clean. I think its really important, the duality of those things, but also how theyre linked to each other, said Mutombo, because there is an idea of virginity being purity, being untouched and untainted.

First-time playwright Mutombo and Vierge director Natasha Mumba met as actors in the award-winning 2019 School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play, and Mutombos desire to write came directly out of that experience.

It completely changed my perspective about how African stories could be told onstage and what audiences would be interested in, said Mutombo of that Jocelyn Bioh play. It talked about dark subject matter but with a lot of levity and joy.

Vierge casts a light on older generations fear of talking about sex, said Mumba. This play explores the cost of their inactivity, and young people figuring it out by being educated by culture and everything outside the church, she said. The play is asking us to re-engage with those traditions and customs to create a way for bigger conversations because, without them, there is a cost.

We want to go beyond talking about how we are perceived

When talking about Vierge, Mutombo underlined that its a funny show about serious themes: a quality it shares with Bautista and Chois Love You Wrong Time. That show draws on the pairs close friendship, which grew as they explored their similar artistic practices as musicians and sound designers, and their experiences as Asian women.

Before Maddie and I even met, I was flipping through (the now defunct) NOW magazine, recalled Choi, and I saw all these personal ads  and I fell upon the specifically Asian category and the ways that people were being described. I just had the idea of, I wonder what it would be like to do a show about these back pages called Love You Wrong Time, she said, punning on the phrase thats come to be associated in limited and demeaning ways with Asian female sexuality.

With the show, they intend to confront this stereotype, said Bautista. We want to go beyond the talking about how we are perceived, she said. The show talks about how were sexualized and fetishized, but we really luxuriate in that  we want to reclaim that in ways that serve us, that feel good for us.

We have fun with it, we poke fun at it, and its in that humour that we discover more truths about ourselves and our relationships, and what is actually authentic about our desires versus what's imposed on us, said Choi.

In the production they call on an anthology of alter egos that include, in Bautistas words, K-pop superstar wannabes, superhero and magical girls. The songs are in a wide variety of styles and genres, from K-pop to musical theatre to country to Lada Gaga-style anthems.

As part of their research, the pair ran what Bautista called a yellow fever hotline by buying a burner phone and advertising online for people who wanted to have risque talk with an Asian woman.

We got a lot of calls, said Choi.

The one that most caught her off guard was a man who was just looking for someone to have a drink with and to be their friend, she said.

That was the moment when we realized how lonely people are. We initially thought it was all going to be this gross and creepy sexualization. But then a lot of people who called just wanted to talk.

There were, Bautista underlined, plenty of gross and creepy calls too.

Produced by Bad Muse Collective and presented by Nightwood Theatre, Love You Wrong Time is popping up at three very different venues across Toronto: the popular Asian nightlife spot Superfresh, the Emmet Ray whisky bar and the cabaret space at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

During our interview, Bautista and Choi tried out one of the shows rice-breaker exercises on me and Im proud to declare that I guessed each of their backgrounds correctly: Choi is Korean and Bautista is half-Filipina (though I had help, in that Bautista had hinted at Chois background already).

Theres no forced audience participation in the show, said director and co-creator Erin Brubacher, but theres ample opportunity for anybody who wants to be involved much like the way a comedian holds a crowd.

Such comically pointed exercises  theres also a game in which audience members take a drink if theyve been on the receiving end of various microaggressions  are a way of sizing up their audience and having representation reflected back to us, said Choi.

Its a way of releasing tension as a group and its wonderful to watch.

Vierge plays at Factory Theatre from April 8 to 30. See factorytheatre.ca or call 416-504-9971. The Love You Wrong Time shows at Superfresh and the Emmet Ray are sold out. Tickets remain for Buddies in Bad Times from April 20 to 23. See nightwoodtheatre.net for information.

Karen Fricker is a Toronto-based theatre critic and a freelance contributor for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @KarenFricker2

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TRIPOLI, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Saturday revealed that the Libyan Joint Military Commission (JMC) had agreed to support and secure elections in Libya during a meeting in the eastern city of Benghazi.

"In presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary General in Libya, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) organized a meeting in Benghazi bringing together several military and security leaders from the western, eastern, and southern regions," UNSMIL said in a statement.

The purpose of the meeting was to enhance confidence among the military and security leaders in support of the political process and to move forward with creating a conducive environment for holding free and fair elections this year and the acceptance of the results by all parties, the statement said.

The attendees reaffirmed their readiness to provide all forms of support to secure all stages of the elections.

They also expressed support for the efforts of the JMC and its Libyan Liaison Committees on the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters from the country.

"The meeting initiated practical measures to start addressing the problems of internally displaced persons and missing persons and ensure their safe return through coordination among the concerned security agencies in the various regions of Libya," the statement added.

The attendees also exchanged information on the detainees held by both sides and considered practical steps to exchange detainees as soon as possible.

Libya failed to hold general elections in December 2021 as previously scheduled due to disagreements over election laws among the Libyan parties.

Earlier in January, Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah said his government is ready to hold general elections in the year 2023.

Ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011, Libya has been struggling to make a democratic transition amid escalating violence and political division. 
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  When Gadiel Galvez learned that the owner of his mobile home park south of Seattle was looking to sell, he and other residents worried their largely Latino community would be bulldozed to make way for another Amazon warehouse.

So, they decided to form a cooperative and buy their park in Lakewood, Washington. With help from a nonprofit that advises communities like theirs and helps them secure loans, they bought it for $5.25 million. Since becoming owners in September, everyones worked to make improvements.

Everybody thought, You know what? ... Im going to make this place the best that I can, said Galvez, 22, who is a co-op board member. Some people painted their homes, some people remodeled their interiors and exteriors, and some are working on their roofs.

With rents rising at mobile home parks nationwide, advocates tout the cooperative model as a way to preserve one of the last affordable housing options for people with low- or fixed-incomes and to give them a greater voice in managing their parks.

So far these resident-owned communities are proving to be a reliable option. None of the more than 300 in the network of nonprofit ROC USA have defaulted or closed. One decided to sell back to the county housing authority it originally purchased from.

They have a 100% track record of success, which tells you that its working for the residents, said George McCarthy, president and CEO of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, a Cambridge, Massachusetts, think tank. Resident ownership is an absolute bulwark against the intrusion of institutional capital in the market.

The push to promote resident ownership comes as parks have become a favorite target of investment banks, hedge funds and other deep-pocketed investors.

Nearly a third of mobile home parks in the U.S. have been bought by such investors since 2015, lured by reliable cash flow and high returns from raising rents at nearly double the general rental market rate, McCarthy said.

Theyre trading on the desperation of people living in the parks, he said. Theres no place that they can take their homes if they cant afford to keep paying the increasing rents.

Park residents often own their home but rarely the land beneath it. So if a landlord raises rent, residents can be evicted or forced to sell their home. If a park is sold to be redeveloped, mobile homes that cant be moved are demolished.

Homelessness is really what residents are facing if investors aggressively raise rents, said Victoria OBanion, ROC Northwests marketing and acquisitions specialist.

At Rimrock Court in the central Oregon town of Madras, rent increased from $350 to $495 over five years. When the owner notified residents he planned to sell, they feared further increases  or worse, that it would be torn down to make way for apartments. So they decided to buy it.

We were really worried about being forced out of our homes, said Shawn King, who lives there with her husband on a fixed income and had experienced homelessness before.

To pay off the purchase loan, residents now pay $520 a month  a stretch, but one that comes with reassurance, King said.

Just to have that peace of mind, to know that our rent is going to be locked in for awhile and not keep going up, and also knowing that our rent monies ... are going back into the property, that is the cool part, she said.

The required rent increase to go co-op was even steeper in Evergreen Village Cooperative in Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania,  from $460 a month to $750 to pay off the $12 million loan.

Still, more than two-thirds of residents voted in favor, figuring their rent would stabilize in the long run.

We are not for profit. All the money that we get has to go back into the village and pay the mortgages off, said Stephen Laclair, board president.

Evergreen Village has earmarked funds for improvement projects for the next decade, and this year plans to enhance the sewer plant and fix electrical issues, he said.

Co-ops can also provide social support to residents. At Liberty Landing Cooperative in Missouri, residents started a food pantry to help neighbors in need.

If theres a hardship, were willing to work with somebody. ... Its emotional when you find out that somebodys lost their job, their child support ... and they dont know what to do, said Kristi Peterman, the board vice president. Our president likes to say: If it doesnt work for the poorest of us then its not going to work for anybody.

Despite the talk of better management and stronger community, most parks arent co-ops.

The countrys roughly 43,000 mobile home communities are home to 22 million people, according to the Manufactured Housing Institute, a national trade organization. But only about 1,000 are resident-owned, according to Carolyn Carter, deputy director at the National Consumer Law Center.

Some resistance comes from residents, many of whom are seniors and people with disabilities who may not want the responsibility of managing their park. Others argue rent control or stricter zoning regulations protecting mobile home parks from redevelopment are more effective.

Zoning is critical. ... That is what we ought to be fighting for everywhere, said Jan Leonard, who lives in a park in Walla Walla, Washington, and worked with other residents to successfully push the city council to amend zoning codes to add mobile home parks as a land-use type.

Other residents considering buying their parks are running up against the same forces that make them popular with investors  a red-hot market and competition from private equity firms and other prospective buyers.

Sarah Marchant, vice president of Community Loan Fund, ROC USAs New Hampshire affiliate, recalled Tara Estates, a 380-home park in Rochester. The steep $45 million asking price discouraged residents from organizing.

Another challenge is that few states provide funding for residents looking to buy their parks. The lack of grants can make it difficult for residents to finance large loans.

New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Colorado and Oregon are among states with laws that have been effective in helping residents buy their parks, the National Consumer Law Center said.

A new bill in Oregon would allocate $35 million in grants to help residents purchase their parks. Washington passed a bill last month requiring that landlords offer tenants a chance to compete to purchase their park. It also requires two years notice if a park will be closed, although that can be reduced if landlords financially compensate residents.

Mobile homes are an important and affordable housing option for a lot of folks, especially older people aging in place, and we need to make sure its preserved, said state Sen. Noel Frame, the Washington bills prime sponsor.

Some real estate groups and park owners argue the bill places an undue burden on landlords.

If you want tenants to organize and make offers to purchase their communities ... they should not wait until theres a clock ticking, said Robert Cochran, property manager of Contempo Mobile Home Park in Spokane.

Housing advocates say they hope that $225 million in recently approved federal funding may provide some relief for mobile home park residents. Starting this year, the money will be funneled through grants to states, resident-owned parks, nonprofits, and local and tribal governments to preserve mobile home communities and improve infrastructure.

King cherishes the mobile home that going cooperative at Oregons Rimrock Court saved from rent increases and a potential buyout by investors.

Its so hard to find affordable housing when youre low income. To be able to own your own home is so empowering, she said.

Its 600-square-feet. Its not much, but its a castle to me.

___

AP writer Michael Casey in Boston contributed.

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Surrounded by the snow-capped Andes, Santiago is the largest city in Chile, and one of the biggest in South America. Since the country become a democracy in 1990, after decades of military rule, the capital has evolved into a vibrant travel destination, filled with sights historic and contemporary.

The citys evolution is reflected in beautiful architecture: Its main square, Plaza de Armas, dates to 1541; 19th-century Belle Epoque-style homes and museums surround the downtown; and towering landmarks are shaping a modern skyline. And after decades of censorship, the arts and culture scene is thriving, as are the buzzing restaurants and bars that spill out into heritage neighbourhoods around the downtown.

In the food world, the city is home to Benjamin Nast, one of Chiles most notable young chefs, whose first fine-dining restaurant in Santiago, De Patio, made the list of Latin Americas 50 Best Restaurants. This past November, he opened his latest concept, Demencia, a circus-themed restaurant and bar that has become a hot spot to eat, drink and play.

We have the same great gastronomic focus, but with the extra of a really great cocktail bar, explains Nast, whose menu elevates Chilean comfort food with modern techniques. Plus, we have fantastic music and performers between the tables. This could be firebreathers, dancers or a magic show. We want you to enjoy an exceptional meal, then drink and be there till two the next morning. Here, Nast shares some of his favourite places in the city.

For a creative community: Factoria Franklin

This former laboratory and warehouse in Barrio Franklin, an industrial area of the city, has transformed into a hub for food and drinks, contemporary art and pop-up stores. Nast picks up vermouth for Demencias cocktails from Casa Luther, an urban distillery in the complex, and hes a big fan of Mirai Food Lab, which makes kombucha and artisanal bread and has an izakaya-style restaurant. For me, they make the best ramen in the city. Its owned by a Chilean guy, Ignacio Roa, who lived in Japan, says Nast. But the whole factory is great, a community of makers supporting each other.

For an exquisite lunch: DeMo

This gem of a spot is located in Persa Victor Manuel, which draws vintage shoppers to its multi-warehouse market, and is open only on weekends. DeMo is super small, maybe 20 seats, and has such a cool atmosphere, explains Nast, noting that the young chef, Pedro Chavarria, creates a fantastic menu that changes every day. His dishes are so simple but perfect, says Nast, describing a particularly memorable confit hamachi with pureed pumpkin. He might use just two ingredients, but it tastes amazing.

For a leisurely wander: Barrio Yungay and Parque Quinta Normal

One of the citys oldest residential quarters, Barrio Yungay marries historic charm and youthful appeal  even landing on Time Outs list of the worlds coolest neighbourhoods in the fall. On the weekends, this is a beautiful neighbourhood to explore, full of colonial architecture and very vibrant, says Nast. On the edge of Barrio Yungay, be sure to duck into Parque Quinta Normal, a 40-hectacre green space and nature sanctuary that also includes several museums. Created in 1841 for the citys elite families, its still gloriously old-fashioned  you can picnic under the shade of huge old trees or take a retro paddleboat out on the lagoon.

For the loftiest views: Sky Costanera

To understand the scope of the city, Nast recommends riding the elevators up from the nondescript mall at the base of this 300-metre tower and grabbing a beer or coffee at Sky 300 Bar & Coffee, right at the top. You can see the entire city spread out below, he says. Its so high up, you feel the change in altitude. He may be exaggerating but only a little  youll get a 360-degree perspective from the highest viewpoint of its kind in South America.

For a cultural immersion: Centro Gabriela Mistral

There are many superb art galleries and cultural centres in the city, Nast says, but one of his favourites is this one, commonly called the GAM, which hosts incredible dance and performance art. This years programming focuses on eco-social justice and the 50th anniversary of Augusto Pinochets coup, so expect plenty of thought-provoking pieces.

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BEIJING (AP)  China sent warships and dozens of fighter jets toward Taiwan on Saturday, the Taiwanese government said, in retaliation for a meeting between the U.S. House of Representatives speaker and the president of the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory.

The Chinese military announced the start of three-day combat readiness patrols as a warning to Taiwanese who want to make the islands de facto independence permanent. The Peoples Liberation Army gave no indication whether they might include a repeat of previous exercises with missiles fired into the sea, which disrupted shipping and airline flights.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy held talks with President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday in California, adding to a series of foreign lawmakers who have met Tsai to show support in the face of Chinese intimidation. Beijing responded Friday by imposing a travel ban and financial sanctions against American groups and individuals associated with Tsais U.S. visit.

On Saturday, eight warships and 71 planes were detected near Taiwan, 45 of which flew across the middle line of the strait that separates it from the mainland, the islands Ministry of Defense said. It said they included Chengdu J-10, Shenyang J-11 and Shenyang J-16 jet fighters.

Also Saturday, the navy planned to hold live fire training in Luoyuan Bay in Fujian province opposite Taiwan, the local Maritime Authority announced. Ships were banned during the firing, which also was due to take place on five dates over the next two weeks.

Taiwan split with China in 1949 after a civil war. The ruling Communist Party says the island is obliged to rejoin the mainland, by force if necessary. Beijing says contact with foreign officials encourages Taiwanese who want formal independence, a step the ruling party says would lead to war.

This is a serious warning against the collusion and provocation between the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces, said a PLA statement. The Joint Sword exercises defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Plans also called for the exercise to include a destroyer, missile boats, ballistic missiles and land-based anti-ship missiles as well as early warning, electronic warfare and tanker aircraft, according to the The Global Times, a newspaper published by the Communist Party.

The Taiwanese military said missile defense systems were activated and air and sea patrols sent to track the Chinese aircraft.

We condemn such an irrational act that has jeopardized regional security and stability, a Ministry of Defense statement said.

Chinese President Xi Jinpings government has stepped up efforts to intimidate the island by flying fighter jets and bombers nearby and firing missiles into the sea.

The United States has no official relations with Taiwan, a center for high-tech industry and one of the biggest global traders, but maintains extensive informal and commercial ties. Washington is required by federal law to ensure the island of 22 million people has the means to defend itself if China attacks.

Military analysts suggest a possible Chinese strategy in the event of an attack is to try to pressure Taiwan to surrender by blocking sea and air traffic, preventing the United States, Japan or other allies from intervening or sending supplies.

On Saturday, the PLA was testing its ability to dominate the sea, air and information and to create a situation of deterrence and suppression, the mainland newspaper The China Daily said.

Taiwan and the mainland have multibillion-dollar trade and investment ties but no official relations.

We will never leave room for Taiwan independence separatist activities in any form and will definitely take resolute measures to defeat any foreign interference, said a spokesperson for the Cabinets Taiwan Affairs Office, Zhu Fenglian, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

Complete reunification of our country must be realized, and it can, without doubt, be realized, Zhu was quoted as saying Friday.

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As the prime minister travels the country to convince people Budget 2023 will make life more affordable, he wont be talking about the single biggest expense for most families: housing.

It was an odd decision to leave housing off the budget, given the facts on the ground: homelessness is on the rise across the country, rental accommodation is increasingly unaffordable, made worse by the corporate concentration of ownership, which continues to scale, and home ownership is now beyond reach for most average earners.

Those who care about all this have come out swinging. The budgets scant efforts to address housing unaffordability and homelessness received widespread critique from The Office of the Federal Housing Advocate, The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, and the National Right to Housing Network, among others.

The outrage is warranted. Housing insecurity and homelessness undermine dignity and are a matter of life and death. This is why the prime minister himself committed to implementing housing as a human right, passed into legislation in 2019. Yet every opportunity following this historic commitment has revealed that the federal government is neither committed nor has the know-how to address the housing and homelessness crisis. Budget 2023 is no exception.

Budget 2023 provided no new money for programs designed to solve the housing crisis and did not allocate any significant money to build new affordable housing. It also did nothing to address the financialization of housing, even though the government acknowledges financialized landlords have engaged in excessive renovictions, above-guideline rent increases, and other actions that have made rent more expensive, all of which runs afoul of human rights.

The federal government seems to be throwing up its hands in self-defeat. Perhaps it became spending-shy in light of the auditor-generals recent finding that the government didnt know if the $6 billion in spending meant to address housing need had actually benefited anyone.

So, what can be done? Theres no choice but to be more creative and consider lower-cost solutions that rely less on the mega-budgets required to build new housing. This might produce results that are not just more expeditious, but that are also greener  something rarely considered in most supply-oriented housing strategies.

Greenhouse gas emissions caused by the construction of housing is a significant driver of climate change. Considering Canadas already heavy carbon footprint, and the countrys commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, we have no choice but to reimagine just how much new housing supply the planet can afford, while still meeting our climate commitments. Canada will blow through its carbon budget should it build 2.3 million homes by 2030, as CMHC has recommended.

To meet the housing challenge, municipalities should be supported to develop less carbon and cost intensive solutions, such as repurposing vacant units, short-term rentals, and stranded assets like office buildings and creating community land trusts.

Without spending, provincial and territorial governments could have a significant impact on the housing crisis by implementing rent freezes, eviction moratoriums, and vacancy control, to stem the tide of people losing their homes and falling into homelessness.

The private sector must also put its resources behind its commitment to housing solutions. The most cost-effective, rapid, and greenest solution to the housing crisis is to require financialized landlords to convert a percentage of existing units across their portfolios into social housing and commit to maintaining that percentage in future developments, at their own expense  a condition of profit-seeking in an area that is a human right. This would provide an immediate and significant increase in the supply of affordable housing.

While the federal government may want to shortchange people experiencing the housing crisis, there are clearly a wealth of ways in which we can continue to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time.

Leilani Farha is global director, The Shift and former UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing. Julieta Perucca is deputy director, The Shift.

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The field is crowded and the big ideas are starting to flow. Welcome to the beginning of Torontos mayoral by-election  the consequence of Mayor John Torys shocking resignation in February.

The race to the June 26 vote for mayor formally kicked off this week at city hall. By Thursday afternoon, 34 candidates had already signed up to contend for the citys top job.

Some had their young kids in tow as they arrived to register. Mayoral candidate Rob Davis, meanwhile, approached the desk on Monday holding something different: an old Dundas St. W. sign. It was a symbol, he said, of Torontos misguided priorities, specifically the citys several-million-dollar plan to rename Dundas street.

Some mocked Davis sign stunt as over the top. But regardless of ones stance on the renaming issue, it drew attention. Candidates will have to be memorable in this campaign if they are going to stand out in a crowded byelection field.

During the last municipal election, held just last October, many residents struggled to name a candidate who was not Tory. This time around it seems as though everyone but Tory is on the ticket.

Those vying for mayor include former city councillors Ana Bailao and Giorgio Mammoliti, current councillors Josh Matlow and Brad Bradford, Liberal MPP Mitzie Hunter, former police chief Mark Saunders, and urbanist Gil Penalosa  among others. Former NDP MP Olivia Chow is rumoured to be contemplating a run as well.

Needless to say thats a lot of names for voters to remember. The challenge for candidates will be in differentiating themselves from the rest of the pack. So far, it appears, the theme of the election is safety on Torontos transit system and concerns over random acts of violence, including the slaying of a teenage boy at Keele station.

Several candidates have announced their intentions to improve transit safety. Bradford launched a plan that includes installing platform edge doors on the subway, bringing cell reception to every station, beefing up security, and forming a new agency of crisis outreach workers. He is also keen to fight gridlock in Toronto by appointing a congestion relief commissioner.

Matlow, meanwhile, has announced a $115 million Community Health and Safety Fund to address the root causes of violent crime  a fund to be financed by what he calls stabilizing the police budget for three years. For too long, weve expected police to do too much, Matlow said in a statement. They arent social workers, youth counsellors or public health nurses. Lets allow them to focus on solving crimes while properly resourcing community experts who can prevent violent incidents before they happen.

Hunter has also launched a transit plan that involves pairing social workers with transit officers, installing glass sliding doors on subway platforms, and establishing a city-wide network of community ambassadors to conduct safety audits of their local transit stations.

Bailao is running to fix services and build more housing. Shes offered an alternate plan to Premier Doug Fords controversial spa venture for Ontario Place: a proposal to move the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place so that the lands remains public. She would also approve the building of 5,000 new homes, among them 1,500 affordable homes, on the city-owned lands where the science centres current location.

Matlow, on the other hand, has his own ideas for Ontario Place. The city councillor announced plans to withhold the city owned land there that the Ford government would need to go ahead with the controversial spa project. As mayor, he would instead use the site for a revitalized public park.

Former police chief Mark Saunders is determined to make Toronto safer and cleaner. Adding bike lanes to busy streets should not be a major priority for Torontos next mayor, Saunders argues.

In the end, the next mayor will have to pay for their bold ideas  a daunting undertaking in a city facing a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall on the heels of a pandemic. In addition to laying out their platforms in these coming weeks, the candidates will need to explain exactly how they intend to tackle the financial hole in the municipal budget. That includes their strategy for getting senior governments to negotiate a new fiscal framework to support cities.

Yet even the soundest fiscal proposal ceases to matter if residents dont vote for it. Ultimately, we hope a crowded by-election with no clear shoe-in, inspires Torontonians to show up at the polls. In 2022, voter turnout in the city was abysmal at just below thirty percent.

Torys resignation has given us an opportunity to choose a new path for the city. The only way to make that choice is to cast a vote.

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St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge is seen in February.



Waterloo Regions Catholic schools have stopped supporting students proms.

And thats a shame.

The issue came to a head last month when the mother of a Grade 12 student at St. Benedict school in Cambridge issued an open letter to the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), asking that support for the prom be reinstated in the regions five Catholic high schools.

To advertise this event, we put up black and white signs throughout the school. We learned that the principal tore them down, without notification or consideration for the students, Barb Melansons letter reads.

Without the boards endorsement and the ability to advertise to students, it is incredibly difficult to let 400+ students know about this event and ensure that they have the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments together.

One would think that, after years of COVID disruptions, wed be bending over backwards to find ways to help our students connect, socialize, and celebrate accomplishments together.

But it turns out, wed started allowing this support to slip even before the pandemic.

In explaining its actions at St. Benedict, the WCDSB pointed out that three of its five local high schools had transitioned to student-or-parent-run proms even before 2020. When students and/or parents proved themselves capable of staging the events, the remaining two WCDSB high schools decided to follow suit this year and wash their hands of proms and prom-related activities.

My question is, why?

I recognize that a schools first priority is to a students academic success but how far behind can we rank the development of that student as a young adult? It seems to me that building personal relationships and engaging in social activities is a key part of that overall development, not to mention a key part of the high school experience as a whole.

Also, if our schools and the staff within them are truly most interested in doing whats best for the students, why would the students be denied support for a time-honoured event theyve expressed interest in organizing?

Perhaps the school board is concerned about liability should students engage in bad behaviour and something awful results. Even still, this doesnt seem like an insurmountable hurdle.

If the prom is held at a venue not on school property, is organized by students and their families, and is clearly not sanctioned or endorsed by the school in any way, whats the risk to the school?

Surely we can support our kids enthusiasm through advertising in school to the very audience that will be participating in the event. The school could make room for bake sales or other fundraisers to help students offset costs, or even create a social committee to collect funds through the year that can help pay for the prom at the end of it.

The efforts of students can still be encouraged even while the school absolves itself of official responsibility.

Melansons efforts did yield modest results at St. Benedict, with the school sending an email to students that contained a QR code linking to more information about the prom.

You might say its the very least the school could do.

It should be doing more.

Columnist Mike Farwell is a broadcaster, MC and advocate. Follow him on Twitter at @farwell_WR, or connect with him via Mike.Farwell@rci.rogers.com.

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NEW DELHI, April 8 (Xinhua) -- India's National Volunteer Organization (RSS) has pledged efforts to impart technical skills through affiliated NGOs to the unemployed across the country, thus making them self-employed and self-dependent.

The RSS, of which India's main ruling the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the political outfit, announced its commitment at a three-day event that ended on Saturday in Jaipur, the capital city of the western state of Rajasthan.

An estimated 3,500 delegates from around 800 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) participated in the mega event.

RSS' top functionary Suresh Joshi said one of the main objectives was women empowerment and bringing the people out of abject poverty, thus making them a part of the mainstream society.

In his inaugural speech, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said the need of the hour was to bring about equality and harmony among all segments of the Indian society.

"Our aim is to make the have-nots so capable that they themselves start contributing to society. The ideas of social service and social upliftment have been in our culture since ages," he added. 
KITCHENER  Waterloo Regional Police are asking for the publics help in identifying the occupants of a white Mercedes-Benz sedan who pointed a firearm at a group of youths in the Overlea Drive and Eagen Drive area of the city Friday April 7 at about 7:50 p.m.

The white Mercedes was last seen going west on Overlea Drive. The gun was not fired but police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information call 519-570-9777.

To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

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A fire caused by unattended cooking ripped through a commercial/residential building in downtown Hamilton leaving half-a-million dollars damage to the structure.

Firefighters battled the blaze in the second floor of the Hess Variety building from above Friday night.

The fire department was called to the two-storey structure at the corner of Hess and Market streets (south of King Street West) for the blaze just after 10 p.m., assistant deputy chief Shawn De Jager said in an email.

First-arriving crews reported smoke and flames from the roofline, De Jager said.

Occupants of the home reported to firefighters that everyone left the building safely.

Firefighters set up a ladder truck, with aerial hoses to battle the blaze from above, De Jager said.

The fire spread through the walls of the second storey residential unit to the roof area and extended to the neighbouring structure.

Photos from the scene showed firefighters working on a ladder over the corner building which houses the convenience store and the attached home, just south on Hess Street North.

The bulk of the fire had been extinguished by about 11 p.m., De Jager said, but firefighters remained on scene for some time working putting out hotspots and reducing any possible spread.

By midnight, 12 fire units had been dispatched to the blaze.

Tenants reported the fire was caused by unattended cooking, De Jager said in a Saturday morning update. He estimated damage at $500,000.

No one was injured in the blaze.

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The wait list for a public health program that provides dental care to low-income seniors has climbed to 300 Hamiltonians over the course of the pandemic.

Exams are now being booked five months out in Hamilton for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP), which is funded by the province. It provides comprehensive dental care to individual seniors age 65 and older with an annual income of $22,200 or less and no other coverage. For couples, the cut off is $37,100 a year.

Its not excellent to hear 300 seniors are on the wait list but that is how popular and most-needed this program is for our community, Coun. Tom Jackson said during a board of health meeting on Monday. Often the importance of oral health as people get older is forgotten and how important it is to self-esteem and to their overall health.

To help ease the wait list, public health plans to expand the existing clinic at 891 Upper James St. with construction starting in the last three months of 2023. The province has already approved funding for the build and its expected to be completed within four to six months.

The program remains in high demand because of the backlog of services that occurred during the COVID redeployment, said Jennifer Vickers-Manzin, director of healthy families at public health. We do have a bit of a wait list for services so this expansion will be a real asset.

The expansion will significantly increase seniors dental services at the clinic to five days a week from the current one day a week.

During the past two years OSDCP services have been reduced due to the diversion of resources to the pandemic response, stated an information report to the board. As a result of service delays and high need, a wait list for OSDCP services exists. Increased clinic space will increase capacity to provide much-needed dental services for this population.

During construction, services provided at the Upper James clinic will be temporarily moved. The seniors dental program is also available at PHS Robert Thomson Building dental clinic, Urban Core Community Health Centre, Centre De Sante Communautaire and Public Health Services East End Clinic.

We have chosen those locations very carefully based on areas of the city where we see pockets of low-income seniors to help ease access to those services, said Vickers-Manzin.

In addition, the Seniors Dental Health Bus goes to Binbrook Library, Harry Howell Arena, Sackville Seniors Centre, Olympic Westoby Arena and Morgan Firestone Arena.

Between all the sites, the program provided roughly 5,000 appointments to 4,000 Hamilton seniors in 2022.

Another way the city hopes to expand the program is by re-establishing a pilot project cut during COVID that would see the bus bring dental care to long-term care homes Macassa and Wentworth lodges.

Public health also runs a dental program for low-income adults with no other coverage that is funded by the city and Healthy Smiles Ontario, which is a free dental program that is paid for by the province for kids age 17 and younger from low-income families.

The program for kids is run out of the Upper James Street clinic as well and will benefit from the expansion. In addition, the construction will see consultation services at a sexual health clinic brought back to the site after being halted during the pandemic. Vaccine clinic services at the site will transition from weekly to ad hoc services in the evenings and weekends.

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WINNIPEG - A third person has died from injuries sustained in what Winnipeg police have described as a string of random assaults last summer, and two more people now join a pair of teens already facing murder charges in the case.

Thirty-six-year-old Danielle Ballantyne and 54-year-old Marvin Felix died in the days following the alleged attacks in the Point Douglas area on Aug. 22, and a pair of 15-year-old boys were charged with murder and assault.

Police now say Troy Baguley, 51, whod suffered life-altering injuries in the attacks, died on March 3.

Police say the teens, one of whom has since turned 16, were arrested Wednesday at the Manitoba Youth Centre and face second-degree murder charges in the deaths of Felix and Baguley, and first-degree-murder in Ballantynes death.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested at his home on the same day and is charged with second-degree murder in Baguleys death.

Investigators also charged Tristan Colten Moose, 21, with second-degree murder in Baguleys death after arresting him at the Headingley Correctional Centre late last month.

Police say the victims and suspects were not previously known to one another.

All four have been detained in custody.

Police say the Homicide Unit has concluded its investigation, and further arrests are not anticipated.

They also say the Winnipeg Police Service has collaborated with community organizations to provide a trauma-informed and culturally safe support network for the families involved.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 7, 2023.

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WINNIPEG - Protesters attending a rally honouring an Indigenous woman whose remains were recovered at a landfill taped their protest signs to the windows of the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters, demanding officials investigate the death further and search the citys dumps for the bodies of other missing women.

The Friday afternoon event in memory of Linda Beardy began with attendees blocking the intersection of Portage Avenue and Main Street and was originally going to end with a march to City Hall.

The plans changed, however, and police said approximately 150 people showed up at the forces headquarters where a large window pane was broken near one of the stations entrances.

Video of the rally posted to social media showed the broken pane, as well as an attendee on a bullhorn pleading with people not to bang on the windows and instead tape their signs to them.

Were not here to vandalize anything. Were here in a peaceful protest, the man told the crowd.

Police said Thursday that Beardys death was not a homicide, saying the 33-year-old mother-of-four was last seen leaving a store and climbing into a garbage bin which was emptied by a truck three hours later. Her body was found later at the city-run Brady Landfill, police said.

The medical examiner reported no signs of injuries other than those consistent with being moved around by a truck, although the autopsy is ongoing, including toxicology tests.

Police said in an email Saturday that their Major Crimes Unit is investigating the broken window, adding an initial damage estimate is not available.

A woman who took the bullhorn later during Fridays rally downplayed the vandalism.

Thats just a little bit of an inconvenience for them, but our lives are more than a broken window, she said.

Theyre killing our women.

The remains of Rebecca Contois were found in the same landfill in June, and police have also said the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran are believed to be in the privately run Prairie Green landfill north of Winnipeg.

Jeremy Skibicki has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Contois, Harris and Myran  all First Nations women  as well as an unidentified woman Indigenous leaders have named Mashkode Bizhikiikwe, or Buffalo Woman. Police have also not located her remains.

An Indigenous-led committee is in the process of putting together a feasibility study to search the Prairie Green landfill.

Winnipeg police initially rejected the idea of a search of the Prairie Green landfill for Harris and Myran, citing the passage of time, the lack of a precise location within the landfill and the tonnes of material that were later deposited in the area.

Beardys family said in a statement Thursday that they were saddened and disappointed by the police conclusion that the womans death was not being considered a homicide, stating there are many unanswered questions about what happened.

The statement also accused police of being disrespectful and intimidating, and of not being transparent with information. It called on Canada to appoint an independent investigator to thoroughly investigate the untimely death of our sister under suspicious circumstances.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 8, 2023.

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A two-year-old GTA boy will soon see his name among the stars.

Gaspard and his father Jean-Francois Gauthier have travelled to California from Campbellville to watch the launch of a rocket that carries a satellite with Gaspards name on it.

The boy will see his name in space after winning an employee contest at his fathers company GHGSat, which will launch three satellites with SpaceX on Monday.

Having a small satellite like this named after my first son is so exciting. Its such an honour, Gauthier, who is vice-president of strategy at GHGSat, said.

The launch is set to take place at 11:44 p.m. PST from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, but that date could change.

Its unclear whether little Gaspard will be awake for the late-night launch, which takes place well after bedtime, or even how aware he is that its happening.

But Gauthier said its important to document the milestone for Gaspard.

Hell grow up with this, you know? Hell be able to ask, Wheres my satellite right now? And I can pull it up on the phone and show him exactly where in the orbit it is ... Thats going to be a part of his life for a long time, he said.

The three satellites Mei-Lin (C6), Gaspard (C7), and Oceane (C8) will travel aboard SpaceXs Transporter-7 Rideshare mission, adding to the six satellites GHGSat already has in orbit.

The SpaceX mission operates like a very expensive Uber ride, but its passengers are satellites belonging to commercial and government customers.

Gauthier said GHGSats satellites weigh about 15 kg each, and are around the size of a microwave oven.

The Montreal-based company is a pioneer in designing satellites that attribute greenhouse gas emissions to individual facilities, helping governments, industries and financial services reduce emissions.

Gauthier said the company can track methane emissions down to a single coal mine, which allows its customers to take action to reduce their environmental footprint.

One of the biggest methane producers is the oil and gas sector, since methane is a main component of natural gas, Gauthier said.

There is a financial incentive for companies to reduce emissions  for example, identifying the source of a pipeline leak saves money and understanding emissions data helps financial companies decide how to invest, Gauthier said.

GHGSat plans to launch three additional satellites later in 2023, and aims to reach more than 100 by 2027.

The company will launch its first satellite designed to monitor carbon dioxide this fall.

Each satellite is named after the child of an employee.

Gauthier said its a tradition that highlights the importance of the companys mission.

It became a symbol of wanting to pass on a better future to the next generation, he said.

With files from Edward Djan and Ana Pereira

MB Marissa Birnie is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @marissabirnie

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After three long years, hundreds of families filled College Street, with some even sitting on rooftops, drawn together by shared faith to commemorate what some describe as one of the most important events in Christian history.

A Good Friday procession marched its way through the streets of Little Italy. The hoots and hollers you might hear at such an occasion were absent, replaced by respectful reflection and meditations. The circumstance may have been sombre, but the day was sunny with the crisp smell of spring in the air.

Men dressed as Christ, carrying a wooden cross and struggling to stay afoot, were pushed along by others dressed as Roman soldiers. Participants carried banners of biblical scriptures, while some played instruments and drums. For many the sight of a face etched with pain and suffering was a reminder of the sacrifices that Jesus had made for his followers.

One bystander, Marisa Colallilo, said Its a very serene atmosphere when describing a beautiful experience she had while at St. Francis of Assisi Church, where the procession started, prior to her racing to College to catch a second glimpse.

People are just taking in this whole procession as if this is the day that Jesus died.

Colallilo usually attends the church service and then goes to a relatives home for a fish dinner, but this year she decided to participate in the procession. She reflected on the contrast between this event and others, noting the crowd is not loud and rowdy. Instead, people are solemnly contemplating the significance of Jesus death, and she became emotional as she described the experience. This is not a parade, this is a procession

Matt Napolitano secured himself a good spot to record a video. But his excitement was short-lived when realized the sun was shining right into his face, making it difficult to capture the moment.

He reflected on the significance of the day, explaining that it was about the death of Christ as well as the events that led up to it. He acknowledged that it was important for Christians to keep these events in mind and reflect on them on a yearly basis.

Napolitano said he appreciates that the story of Christ is being passed down, even after so many centuries given the events that took place in Roman times. He believes that reflecting on that time helps people be better Christians.

Another spectator, Nadia Damario, said she was happy to come together with her community once again. She expressed her joy at the return of the procession after COVID and appreciated the opportunity to see everyone out and about.

I just want to say thank you to all the organizers of the procession because (its) really beautiful to have a special event like this to come to and celebrate together.

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Live music, colourful floats and bunnies (especially the chocolate kind) are all on tap for the Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade. Heres everything you need to know about one of the citys most celebrated family-friendly holiday events.

When and where

The annual celebration is set to hit the road at 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday, beginning at Munro Park Avenue and Queen Street East and proceeding west along Queen Street East to Woodbine Avenue. The event will go ahead rain or shine, though the forecast promises a sunny 11-degree afternoon.

Whats on tap

With around 60 floats entered in the parade this year, Toronto Beaches Lions Club secretary and parade director Andre Buhot says parents and children alike can expect an eye- and earful.

Without doubt, there will be a lot of groups handing out candies and various things that arent edible, he said. Kids can expect quite a bit of chocolate to be handed out this year.

Attendees will also see fan favourites like the Toronto Fire Pipes and Drums, Malvern Marching Band and the Beaches very own York Lions Steel Band.

Whats different

This marks the second year the parade is returning post-pandemic, which has Buhot optimistic.

We were sad that we had to stop the parade for two years during COVID. We were back last year and it was nice to be back, but last year was a little different too, because it was like taking the cobwebs off, he said.

This year, were hoping to get back to normal.

Some history

More than 50,000 spectators enjoy the event annually, ranking it among the largest Easter parades in the world, according to the Beaches Lions Club.

It depends on what you qualify as a parade, because there are several religious processions and large gatherings across the world for Easter, Buhot said. Its definitely the largest in North America.

The parade was founded in 1967 by community advocate William Gordon Stewart and the East Toronto Community Association to commemorate Canadas centennial year. Originally, it took place on the boardwalk near the beach, but due to increased popularity, it was moved to Queen Street East in 1974. In 1981, after many of its members had active roles in coordinating the parade in years prior, the Beaches Lions Club took over and became the official organizers.

Previous highlights

Past parades saw Sesame Street characters handing out candy and even elephants marching down Queen Street.

But one of the most memorable spectacles happened away from the street, in 2014, when then-mayor Rob Ford, got stuck with 10,000 Easter eggs that he had planned to give away.

At the time, news outlets reported that this was because a previous Beaches Lions Club parade director had announced that the event would be a political-free zone, in order to keep the focus on the parade rather than election campaigning. Buhot says this is a rule set by Lions Club International, the parent organization of their community branch, and will be once again upheld this year as the citys mayoral race is underway.

One thing we will not allow in our events are expressions of political affiliations, only because that tends to divide people. Weve never allowed political participation, he said.

In terms of Ford and his excess of eggs, Buhot said he remembers it a little differently.

Elected officials are encouraged and welcomed to attend the parade as representatives of their communities, he said, citing deputy mayor Jennifer McKelvies apparent confirmed attendance to this years event. Ford, was already serving as mayor, and his attendance would have been appreciated. However, the then-mayor, who died of cancer in 2016, allegedly had a bad habit of throwing candies from the centre of the parade towards the crowds, potentially endangering young children who would be enticed to climb over the boundaries to pick them up. He was told not to, which later resulted in him being banned.

It had nothing to do with distributing the eggs, Buhot said.

Thats the spirit

Buhot says he anticipates another successful year for the parade.

In essence, the parade is an expression of community spirit, he said. Its an opportunity for community groups and businesses to showcase their talent, so were happy to be back again. Were happy to continue doing our part in keeping life in the Beaches fun and exciting.

Road closures

Expect full and partial road closures around the parade route. As the TTC will be rerouting buses and streetcars through the area, passengers can expect delays. Police said that drivers can also expect delays and should consider alternate routes or methods of transportation.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (partial road): Queen Street East, from Munroe Park Avenue to Fallingbrook Road.

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (full road): Queen Street East, from Munroe Park Avenue to Fallingbrook Road; Nursewood Road, from Queen Street East to 24 Nursewood Rd.

1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (full road): Queen Street East, from Woodbine Avenue to Fallingbrook Road.

2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (full road): Woodbine Avenue, from Queen Street East to Lake Shore Boulevard East; Lake Shore Boulevard East, from Coxwell Avenue to Woodbine Avenue.

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KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) has remained a key economic driver along Malaysia's east coast a decade after its launch, boosting industrial output and job creation, said an official overseeing the region's development.

This has allowed Malaysia to streamline its trade with East Asia, chiefly China, which is Malaysia's largest trading partner for a range of commodities and manufactured goods, East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) CEO Baidzawi Che Mat told Xinhua.

"MCKIP is a flagship project for bilateral investment cooperation between Malaysia and China and it is the first industrial park in Malaysia to be jointly developed by both Malaysia and China, and to be accorded the national industrial park status," he said.

"Through the development of MCKIP, Malaysia and China saw an increase of investment from both sides. Since MCKIP was launched in February 2013, it has become one of ECERDC's most successful industrial parks," he added.

The MCKIP is a key Belt and Road cooperation project and a demonstration base for cross-border industrial capacity cooperation. The MCKIP, together with the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park situated in China's southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has set an innovative example of bilateral economic cooperation under the model of "Two Countries, Twin Parks."

"The development of MCKIP has generated high-paying jobs in various positions from management to production for locals in the area," he said.

In tandem with the MCKIP, Baidzawi said, the development and expansion of Kuantan Port in Pahang state has allowed products from the industrial park as well as other key Malaysian industries, particularly palm oil, rubber and other commodities, to benefit, having a direct outlet to the South China Sea, facilitating ease of trade with East Asia.

"With the full completion of the expansion, the throughput of Kuantan Port is expected to double from 26 million freight weight tonnes to 52 million freight weight tonnes. The increased port activities and expansion of cargo services will generate jobs for the locals in the shipping industry and business opportunities for local freight forwarders and logistic players," he said.

Commenting on the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), of which Malaysia was an early partner and remains strongly committed to, Baidzawi said the MCKIP is one of Malaysia's key projects under the initiative, which includes the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).

"Its success speaks loudly of the strong cooperation between Malaysia and China. With the completion of ECRL, which is also a key project under the BRI, ECERDC expects a significant increase in the movement of goods and personnel to and from MCKIP via Kuantan Port and ECRL," he said. 
VATICAN CITY (AP)  Pope Francis returned to public view on Saturday, presiding over Easter vigil Mass in St. Peters Basilica, a day after unseasonably chilly weather in Rome convinced the recently ailing pontiff to skip Good Fridays nighttime procession at the Colosseum.

The evening basilica service began in darkness. Then the basilicas cavernous interior was suddenly bathed in light, reflecting the Christian beliefs that Jesus rose from his death by crucifixion and that goodness can triumph over evil.

The 86-year-old pope is recuperating from bronchitis, which saw him hospitalized on March 29 for three days. On Sunday, tens of thousands of faithful are expected to join the pope in St. Peters Square for Easter Mass at the end of Holy Week.

In his homily, Francis sought to spur Catholics to be renewed by Easter.

At times, we may simply feel weary about our daily routine, tired of taking risks in a cold, hard world where only the clever and the strong seem to get ahead, Francis said. At other times, we may feel helpless and discouraged before the power of evil.

He cited other sources of discouragement: the attitudes of calculation and indifference that seem to prevail in society, the cancer of corruption, the spread of injustice, the icy winds of war.

But Easter motivates us to move forward, to leave behind our sense of defeat, to roll away the stone of the tombs in which we often imprison our hope, Francis said.

The power of Easter, brothers and sisters, summons you to roll away every stone of disappointment and mistrust, the pope said.

His stamina appeared to hold during the vigil, which lasts more than two hours, although Francis at times coughed or cleared his throat.

At the start of the Easter vigil, Francis, who arrived in a wheelchair he uses to cope with knee pain, incised in the wax of a tall candle a cross, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet  alpha and omega  and the numerals of this year. Then the lit candle was carried by a cleric up the basilicas center aisle, past darkened pews filled with some 8,000 faithful. Dozens of cardinals and other prelates followed, each carrying a smaller, lit candle.

The Church calls upon her sons and daughters, scattered throughout the world, to come together to watch and pray, Francis said, beginning the service. Later, the basilica bells tolled, resounding in the night.

The basilica Mass during the vigil of Christianitys most important day has become an occasion for pontiffs to baptize several adults from around the world. Selected to be baptized at this years vigil were eight believers, from Albania, the United States, Nigeria, Italy and Venezuela, the Vatican said.

One by one, they approached the pope and told him that they wanted to be baptized. Then they leaned over a basin so Francis could pour water over their heads as part of the sacraments ritual, formally welcoming them into the Catholic Church.

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CAIRO (AP)  Saudi Arabia on Saturday released over a dozen war prisoners to their rivals, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, a Houthi official said. The release came as Omani officials arrived in the Yemeni capital as part of international efforts to end Yemens years-long conflict.

Abdul-Qader el-Murtaza, a Houthi official in charge of prisoner exchange talks in Yemens conflict, said 13 Houthi prisoners arrived Saturday in the capital, Sanaa.

He said the prisoners were released in exchange for a Saudi prisoner the Houthis freed. He did not say when the rebels released the Saudi prisoner.

Saturdays release was part of a U.N.-brokered deal which Yemens warring parties stuck last month and includes the release of nearly 900 prisoners from both sides, el-Murtaza said.

The U.N.-brokered deal is scheduled to be implemented this month.

Yemens conflict began in 2014, when the Houthis seized Sanaa and much of the countrys north, ousting the internationally recognized government that fled to the south then into exile in Saudi Arabia.

The Houthi move prompted a Saudi-led coalition to intervene months later in a bid to restore the internationally recognized government to power. The conflict has in recent years turned into a regional proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It has killed more than 150,000 people, including fighters and civilians, and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters.

Omani officials, meanwhile, landed in Sanaa for talks with Houthi officials in the latest efforts to renew a ceasefire deal that expired in October, said Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the chief negotiator of the Houthi rebels.

Oman has for years hosted talks between the Iranian-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The talks have been intensified since the warring sides failed to renew a U.N.-brokered cease-fire in October.

The Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that a Saudi delegation, led by the Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Jaber, would visit Sanaa on Sunday, also for talks with the Houthis.

The negotiations in Oman's capital, Muscat focused on preventing all-out fighting after the ceasefire collapsed, and laying out a path for a negotiated end to Yemens civil war.

These talks have gained momentum in recent weeks after Saudi Arabia reached an agreement with Iran to restore their diplomatic ties after a seven-year rift. The Iran-Saudi deal, announced in Beijing on March 10, has invigorated hopes of a settlement to Yemens conflict.

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BAGHDAD (AP)  The commander of the main U.S.-backed force in Syria and Iraqs presidency Saturday condemned what they say was a Turkish attack on an airport in northern Iraq.

The condemnation came as the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces confirmed Saturday that its chief commander, Mazloum Abdi, was at the airport in northern Iraq at the time of the attack but withheld information until he returned home safely. Abdi later spoke to Kurdish media saying that at the time of the attack he was with troops from the U.S.-led coalition that is fighting the Islamic State group.

Iraqs presidency called the late Friday explosion in northern Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region a flagrant aggression against Iraq and its sovereignty in the area. It called on Turkey to issue a formal apology, saying it should not continue terrorizing Iraqis in the north.

A representative of the Turkish defense ministry said he had no information about the incident.

Turkey has spent years fighting Kurdish militants in its east and large Kurdish communities live in neighboring Iraq and Syria, where they have a degree of self-rule. Turkey considers the main Kurdish militia in northeast Syria an ally of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. The PKK has for decades waged an insurgency within Turkey.

On Saturday, Iraqs National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji, heading a high-level security delegation, arrived in Suleimanyah to discuss the issue with local officials, the state news agency reported.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based opposition war monitor, and some local media reported Friday that the explosion next to the Suleimaniyah International Airport was a Turkish drone attack targeting Abdi, the leader of the SDF.

The blast came days after Turkey closed its airspace to flights to and from the airport, citing an alleged increase in Kurdish militant activity threatening flight safety. The airports security directorate said an explosion took place near the fence surrounding the airport causing a fire but no injuries.

Officials with the SDF and the Kurdish regional government in northeast Syria said on Friday Abdi was not in Suleimaniyah at the time and was not the target of an attack.

On Saturday, SDF spokesman Farhad Sham said in a statement that as part of their emergency security response related to the safety of our forces command, we deliberately restricted the release of information about the Turkish attack on Sulaymaniyah airport, where our commander-in-chief, Mazloum Abdi, was present.

Shami added that the restrictions were done to ensure his safety until he arrived unharmed in the secure areas of north and eastern Syria. Shami added that further details about the attack will released later.

Abdi later spoke with the Kurdish North press agency saying he was in a convoy that included troops from the U.S.-led coalition and members of the Iraqi Kurdish anti-terrorism force. He added that the SDF and anti-terrorism forces in northern Iraq have joint operations rooms and the U.S.-led coalition is aware of that.

Asked about the reason behind the attack, Abdi said it is a clear message from the Turks that they are bothered and oppose our international relations and they want to damage them. Abdi added that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is looking for a free victory ahead of the countrys parliamentary and presidential elections next month.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory, said Saturday that Abdi was not directly targeted but was near the airport holding a meeting with Kurdish officials when the Turkish military carried out the attack.

Retired U.S. Col. Myles B. Caggins III, a senior non-resident fellow at the U.S.-based New Lines Institute for Strategy, said the missile targeted a convoy carrying leaders of the Syrian Democratic Forces as well as U.S. advisers to the Kurdish-led force.

Turkey sent a warning shot. A deadly and dangerous and provocative warning shot when it fired a missile at the convoy, he said.

Caggins added that it appears Turkey was sending a warning to both the United States and Iraqi Kurds to stop supporting the SDF. He added that Turkey is likely to continue such attacks with impunity because it says the SDF is aligned with the PKK and therefore Turkey feels justified in targeting the SDF.

A statement from the Iraqi Kurdish regional government in Iraq on Friday appeared to blame local authorities in Suleimaniyah. It accused them of provoking an attack on the airport and using government institutions for illegal activities.

The regional government, with its seat in Irbil, is primarily controlled by the Kurdistan Democratic Party, while Suleimaniyah is a stronghold of the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

Qubad Talabani, deputy prime minister of the regional government and a member of the PUK, rejected the regional government statement that appeared to cast blame on his party. He said the statement represents only one party ... and cannot speak for the entire government.

We strongly condemn the targeting of Suleimaniyah airport by Turkey, Abdi tweeted Saturday, adding that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistans support for their brothers in Syria is bothering Turkey.

Abdi vowed that Syrias Kurds will continue with their principle relations with our brothers and allies in Suleimaniyah and we stand united against these violations.

Caggins said he expects that the leaders of Turkey are emboldened by their ability to conduct cross-border strikes into Syria and into Iraq because the only response has been a little bit of finger wagging and minor protest from Baghdad and Damascus and Washington.

____

Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Hogir Al Abdo in Qamishli, Syria contributed to this report.

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AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S. plunged into uncertainty Friday following conflicting court rulings over the legality of the abortion medication mifepristone that has been widely available for more than 20 years.

For now, the drug the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2000 appeared to remain at least immediately available in the wake of two separate rulings that were issued in quick succession by federal judges in Texas and Washington.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, ordered a hold on federal approval of mifepristone in a decision that overruled decades of scientific approval. But that decision came at nearly the same time that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an Obama appointee, essentially ordered the opposite and directed U.S. authorities not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats sued in an effort to protect availability.

The extraordinary timing of the competing orders revealed the high stakes surrounding the drug nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed access to abortion across the country. President Joe Biden said his administration would fight the Texas ruling.

The whiplash of the conflicting decisions is likely to put the issue on an accelerated path to the Supreme Court.

FDA is under one order that says you can do nothing and another that says in seven days Im going to require you to vacate the approval of mifepristone, said Glenn Cohen of Harvard Law School.

Abortion providers slammed the Texas ruling, including Whole Womans Health, which operates six clinics in five states and said it would continue to dispense mifepristone in person and by mail over the next week as they review the rulings.

The abortion drug has been widely used in the U.S. since securing FDA approval and there is essentially no precedent for a lone judge overruling the medical decisions of the Food and Drug Administration. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortion in the United States, along with misoprostol, which is also used to treat other medical conditions.

Kacsmaryk signed an injunction directing the FDA to stay mifepristones approval while a lawsuit challenging the safety and approval of the drug continues. His 67-page order gave the government seven days to appeal.

The Court in this case has substituted its judgment for FDA, the expert agency that approves drugs, Biden said. If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription, approved by the FDA, that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks.

Clinics and doctors that prescribe the two-drug combination have said that if mifepristone were pulled from the market, they would switch to using only the second drug, misoprostol. That single-drug approach has a slightly lower rate of effectiveness in ending pregnancies, but it is widely used in countries where mifepristone is illegal or unavailable.

The lawsuit in the Texas case was filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which was also involved in the Mississippi case that led to Roe v. Wade being overturned. At the core of the lawsuit is the allegation that the FDAs initial approval of mifepristone was flawed because it did not adequately review its safety risks.

Courts have long deferred to the FDA on issues of drug safety and effectiveness. But the agencys authority faces new challenges in a post-Roe legal environment in which abortions are banned or unavailable in 14 states, while 16 states have laws specifically targeting abortion medications.

Since the Texas lawsuit was filed in November, legal experts have warned of questionable arguments and factual inaccuracies in the Christian groups filing. Kacsmaryk essentially agreed with the plaintiffs on all of their major points, including that the FDA didnt adequately review mifepristones safety.

The Court does not second-guess FDAs decision-making lightly. Kacsmaryk wrote. But here, FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns  in violation of its statutory duty  based on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions.

Mifepristone has been used by millions of women over the past 23 years, and complications from mifepristone occur at a lower rate than that seen with wisdom teeth removal, colonoscopies and other routine medical procedures, medical groups have recently noted.

Elsewhere, Kacsmaryk sided with plaintiffs in stating that the FDA overstepped its authority in approving mifepristone, in part, by using a specialized review process reserved for drugs to treat serious or life-threatening illnesses. The judge brushed aside FDA arguments that its own regulations make clear that pregnancy is a medical condition that can sometimes be serious and life-threatening, instead calling it a natural process essential to perpetuating human life.

His order also agreed with plaintiffs in invoking a controversial 19th century law that anti-abortion groups are now trying to revive to block sending abortion medications through the mail. Originally passed in 1873 and named for an anti-vice crusader, the Comstock Act was used to prohibit the mailing of contraceptives, lewd writings and instruments that could be used in an abortion. The law was seldom invoked in the 50 years after Roe established a federal right to abortion.

Kacsmaryk, though, agreed with plaintiffs that the law  as literally interpreted  prohibits mailing mifepristone.

His order, if upheld, would also dismantle a number of recent FDA actions intended to ease access to the drug.

In late 2021 the FDA  under the Biden administration  dropped a requirement that women pick up the drug in person, opening the door to delivery by mail-order pharmacies. In January the agency dropped another requirement that prevented most brick-and-mortar pharmacies from dispensing the pill.

Anti-abortion groups, which are newly encouraged about their ability to further restrict abortion and prevail in court since lasts years reversal of Roe v. Wade, embraced the Texas ruling.

The courts decision today is a major step forward for women and girls whose health and safety have been jeopardized for decades by the FDAs rushed, flawed and politicized approval of these dangerous drugs, said March for Life President Jeanne Mancini.

Legal experts warned that the ruling could upend decades of precedent, setting the stage for political groups to overturn other FDA approvals of controversial drugs and vaccines.

This has never happened before in history  its a huge deal, said Greer Donley, a professor specializing in reproductive health care at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. You have a federal judge who has zero scientific background second guessing every scientific decision that the FDA made.

Still, because of the contradictory nature of the rulings, Donley and other experts said there would be little immediate impact.

In the short term, nothings going to change, Donley said. This is the time to be preparing for the fact that in a week, potentially, mifepristone becomes an unapproved drug in this country.

___

Perrone and Whitehurst reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter Gene Johnson in Seattle and Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon, contributed.

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Spring has rushed into Ukraine. We usually have snow in March but on this March day it was 12C outside. I received a message from our mayor that the electricity in our city will not be turned off for the next few days. Finally.

This winter seemed so long and so dark. Russia had high hopes for frost. However, natural forces were on the side of Ukraine this time.

General Frost is a mythical person who helped Russia in several important military battles. Frost prevented Napoleon Bonaparte from occupying Moscow for long in 1812. During the Second World War, cold weather spoiled Germanys plans to attack Russia. The German army had no winter clothing and had more losses from the cold than from the Soviet army. The cold also affected the equipment: there was no antifreeze so the German equipment broke down.

Russia expected many victories this winter with the help of General Frost, not only in Ukraine but also to influence other European countries, which, under the pressure of their citizens, would stop military and financial aid to Ukraine.

Russia often broadcast news videos of German citizens buying candles, batteries and flashlights in a panic. During the war, my niece left Ukraine to continue her studies at a German medical university. Her German student friends were shocked by this Russian fake news. The Germans were upset, but there was no panic.

Russia cut off gas supplies to EU countries and waited for Europe to freeze, hoping Europeans would be unable to survive without Russian gas and be forced to negotiate and make concessions. General Frost failed as winter was unusually warm.

Europe also compensated for the lack of Russian gas by increasing the share of liquefied gas and EU countries significantly limited consumption and resorted to savings.

Meanwhile, the Russians systematically bombarded Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The threat was real and great  millions of Ukrainians were left without heat and electricity for the winter.

The most authoritative analysts predicted frozen cities and a humanitarian crisis with millions of refugees from Ukraine.

It was frightening and cold at that time. There were days when there was only four hours of electricity a day. I remember a funny story. My neighbour ordered 500 flashlights on Ali Express on the eve of the blackouts. He dreamed of making good money. The parcel was delayed coming from China for so long that they lost their relevance. He donates flashlights to all his friends now. All he earned was a few thousand reprimands from his wife.

In this difficult time, Ukrainians showed themselves from the best side. Their courageous struggle attracted the attention of the world  entire countries, private companies, film actors and ordinary citizens began to collect money and send thousands of generators and other aid to Ukraine. Generators helped a lot. Over 300,000 generators of various capacities were delivered to Ukraine in December. There were so many of them that it started to pollute the air.

The Russian attacks provoked massive power outages and heating failures. However, hundreds of Russian missiles and drones did not destroy the energy system of Ukraine. Built in Soviet times, it was designed for the possibility of a nuclear war. The system has been quickly restored.

Allies of Ukraine are a great help. They provided us with modern air defence equipment. In the second half of winter, the Russians ran out of both missiles and Shahids  the attacks decreased and more and more missiles and drones became the prey of the Ukrainian defenders of the sky.

It was a very difficult time for the Ukrainian people. But we persevered. No one taught Ukrainians how to behave in such a situation. There are no such instructions. We wrote a new history of our country, we wrote our personal instructions.

Ukrainians have passed this test and I am convinced that there are still many new difficulties ahead. But spring is ahead, a time of change and hope.

Clarification  April 11, 2023. This story has been updated to clarify that Napoleons army did briefly occupy Moscow in 1812.

Julia Marich lives in Ivano-Frankvisk with her family and is a graduate of Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpacian Nacional University.

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Ottawa blocking Highway 413, Mulroney claims, April 4

Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney sounds like a petulant child, complaining that the federal government wont give her permission to pave over a large swath of Ontario farmland and green space.

In keeping with the angry tone of her boss, she claims that federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault has locked up her toys. Face it, Madame Minister, everyday Ontarians dont see the need to spend billions on a highway that will benefit Fords business cronies. The federal government is right to require factual information on the impacts before making a decision.

Jim Gough, Toronto

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Before TTC attack, alleged stabber led troubled life, April 5

The horrific death of Gabriel Magalhaes should never have happened. I will never be able to understand how this family can move forward after going through the trauma of losing their child.

As I read about Jordan OBrien-Tobins past, I cannot help but feel that he is in many ways a victim as well. With the bit of information about his childhood, I try to imagine how difficult his life must have been at age four, or nine or 14. Too many people are born into destructive families. The system clearly was not there for Jordan as a child and it is not there for him today.

I know there is no profit in servicing homeless people, addicts or those struggling with inner conflicts. However, if our society can build prisons for criminals why can we not build rehabilitation centres for people at risk. Instead of prison, lets send individuals like Jordan to six months (at least) rehab where they can receive the services they need to survive in our society.

Prison will not help broken people, but rehab is a stepping stone.

Melanie Kohek, Whitby

Its so very sad to see these ongoing tragedies happening within our public transportation systems premises. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Magalhaes family who lost their teenage son, Gabriel.

Andrea Magalhaes was right when she said: People will talk about him for one day and then they are going to forget about him.

To not forget Gabriel and the many more, I suggest Andrea Magalhaes, along with others whove lost their loved ones to tragedies within the Toronto Transit Commission property and the general public band together and call for the TTC to install a plaque commemorating the names in a prominent location, for example outside Union Station near the Monument to Multiculturalism.

If plaques and/or monuments are erected for lost lives of service folks, why not for others.

Aquil Ali, Toronto

I am dismayed at the wilful blindness of our penny-pinching politicians. They grudgingly agree that more TTC staff and transit running more often would likely reduce the isolation that seems to enable these attacks. But, its not in the budget.

Moses Shuldiner, Toronto

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China has been putting all kinds of pressure on Taiwan politically and economically as well as issuing threatening statements frequently. It claims the island nation is a part of China and must therefore be reunified with the mainland.

China has been sending naval vessels frequently into Taiwans territorial waters and violating its airspace in order to intimidate its smaller neighbour by displaying its military power.

Any direct Chinese action on Taiwan shall have escalating consequences as geopolitical and geostrategic considerations affecting the region shall draw in many countries if a conflict breaks out.

The United States, which is bound by the Taiwan Relations Act, shall be the first responder. Many countries in the region are in a race to beef up their military and combat capabilities by acquiring lethal weapons, resulting in a veritable arms race.

Another strategy of China has been to diplomatically isolate Taiwan in order to strangulate its economy and weaken its profile. The latest in this narrative is to lure away the Central American country, Honduras from Taiwan and establish diplomatic ties at the ambassadorial level.

This severs Honduras decades-long ties with Taiwan and ends relations dating back to the 1940s. In fact, relations between Honduras and Taiwan date back to 1941 when the government of the Republic of China, which remains Taiwans official name, was still in China before it fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedongs communists.

A joint communique formalising establishment of diplomatic ties with China was signed on 26 March 2023 at a ceremony in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing between Honduras Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. Now Honduras has joined 181 countries that maintain official diplomatic relations with China.

Taiwans Foreign Minister lost no time in decrying Hondurass demand of exorbitant sums before being lured away by Beijing. Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen said the switch was a part of Chinas coercion and intimidation of Taipeis allies. The Xiomara Castro government asked Taiwan for billions of dollars in economic assistance and compared prices of assistance programmes provided by Taiwan and China.

It now transpires that Reina wrote to Taiwan on 13 March demanding a total of $2.45 billion in aid, including the construction of a hospital and a dam, and to write off debt. Reina justified the demand of $2.45 billion by saying it was not not a donation, but rather a negotiated refinancing mechanism.

It may be noted that Honduras is one of the poorest countries in the region, with almost 74 per cent of its nearly 10 million people living in poverty. Honduras President Castro sent Reina to Beijing to open relations and start ties. By switching allegiance,

Honduras now recognises the Peoples Republic of China as the only legitimate government that represents all of China and also that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory.

China claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory with no right to state-to-state ties, a position Taipei strongly rejects. China demands that countries with which it has ties recognise its position.

Since no mention of aid was made in the joint statement, it is suspected that Honduras just wanted money from Taiwan, not a hospital.

Taiwan President Tsai Ingwen had already announced her plan to visit Guatemala and Belize and also meet US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles at the end of the trip and therefore the timing of the Honduran decision close to Tsais overseas tour was suspicious. Tsai departed Taiwan on 29 March for the 10-day trip.

The US has been watching the developments with concern as China expands its footprint in its backyard by taking away Taiwans Central American allies, and has repeatedly warned countries not to believe Chinas promises of aid as such promises in exchange of diplomatic recognition are often not fulfilled.

The US however cannot do anything to alter Hondurass decision as it is one taken by a sovereign nation. After Honduras switch of allegiance, Taiwan is now left with only 13 countries, mostly poor and developing countries in Central America, the Caribbean and the Pacific, which still diplomatically recognise it. Taiwan has lost several Latin American allies in recent years.

Honduras now follows the trend in the region and joins Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, as countries which have switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in recent years. The communique stated that China and Honduras agreed to develop friendly relations on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each others internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence.

With this development, Taiwans Ambassador to Honduras, Vivia Chang returned home. China said it highly appreciates Honduras clear attitude and firm determination to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries. Beijing claimed that the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Honduras was fair and square, and part of a historical trend that no person or force can stop. As a part of this change in diplomatic ties,

Beijing is likely to push several important bilateral agreements and cooperation mechanisms, including Hondurass participation in its Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative. With this, Chinas imports of Honduran speciality products are likely to increase.

Chinese companies are also likely to increase their investment in large-scale infrastructure construction and implement on-going projects to help benefit the people of Honduras.

Honduras hopes that deepening economic ties with China would result in a win-win situation for both. This would include strengthening cooperation with China on finance, trade, infrastructure, science and technology, culture and tourism.

Honduras hopes bilateral ties would receive a heft based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

But ultimately, this is another step in Chinas long-term game plan to annex Taiwan by both military intimidation and diplomatic isolation. It is premature to hazard a guess what the world would be if Beijing becomes too adventurous and takes military action as the likely consequences would be too perilous for the region and the world.

(The writer is Senior Fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi)
NEW DELHI, April 8 (Xinhua) -- India's federal health ministry has advised states to stay alert amid a spike in COVID-19 cases across the country.

According to data released by the ministry on Saturday, 6,155 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours.

This was the first time since Sept. 16 last year that daily cases have crossed the 6,000 mark.

On Friday, federal health minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a review meeting on the COVID-19 pandemic with local health officials.

Mandaviya said the federal government and states need to continue working together to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. He issued directions to ramp up testing and vaccination efforts.

A spike in influenza and COVID-19 cases has been witnessed since mid-February this year. 
BJP leader Satish Poonia, 58, is the new Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly. He was the partys Rajasthan unit chief until recently. A party worker to the core, he has an RSS background and is considered close to the Sangh Parivar. He is the MLA from the Amber constituency in Jaipur.

In an interview with Yash Goyal, Poonia talked about the BJPs achievements under his leadership as the state unit chief and the saffron partys prospects in the coming Assembly elections in the state. Excerpts:

Q. What are your achievements as the BJP chief in the state?

A: From Jan Sangh to BJP, we focus on three main tasks; organisational structure, creative work and agitation (when in Opposition) or governance (when in power). The state unit has gone from Pradesh to Zilla and Mandal levels. The party has considered every booth in the constituency as one unit. Out of a total of 52,000 booths, the party has set up 50,000 booth units. In another campaign on the pattern of the Gujarat model, the partys objective was to appoint 10 lakh Panna Pramukhs, of which 60 per cent has been achieved. During the Corona pandemic, the party reached two crore people with ration, food and medical treatment successfully. On the agitation front, the party opposed the Congress rule inside and outside the Legislative Assembly on the farmers loan issue, unemployment, paper leak and deteriorating law order at every district level. Seven frontal organisations, including those of women, OBCs, SCs/STs and minorities in each district, are the backbone of the party. In the recently held Jan Aakrosh Yatra, party men travelled 5 lakh km and reached up to 2 crore people in all 200 constituencies to show public resentment against the state government and to gather feedback on the antiincumbency factor against the Gehlot government. I can claim that these would be the main causes for power change in the Assembly elections due later this year, and Congress would not be able to counter us. The BJPs Jan Aakrosh Yatra was a rehearsal of the election campaign as we reached nearly 40,000 villages and covered all Assembly constituencies.

For the 2023 Assembly and 2024 LS polls, the party has deputed Vistaraks who will verify each unit at the booth level.

Q. In Rajasthan, there are many Opposition parties like CPI(M), RLD, RLP, BTP, Independents and the AAP which are entering the poll fray. How does the BJP expect a two-thirds majority in this situation in upcoming Assembly polls? At present, the BJP has only 70 of the 200 seats in the Assembly.

A: In the 2003 and 2013 Assembly polls results, the BJP had come to power with an absolute majority as compared to the Congress party that was short of a majority in the 2008 and 2018 polls. The voters had not discarded us in the 2018 polls and we had lost by a gap of 0.5 per cent votes, which means a difference of 1.5 lakh voters against the Congress. There could be some lacunae in ticket distribution and the party has analysed the results. The people of Rajasthan change the government every five years. The second important reason is that the public has already expressed their resentment against the present government. I claim that this time the BJP would return to power based on its organisational power with a comfortable majority of 150 seats in a House of 200. If we take into account our Lok Sabha poll-2019 performance on all 25 seats (one with RLP) in the state, the victory figure in the upcoming polls could be up to 175. No other party can dare to split our votes.

Q. The Ghar Vapsi of some prominent leaders to the party fold is awaited though BJPs Union ministers from Rajasthan are reluctant about the entry of some of them. Whats going on in the matter?

A. Besides the Ghar Wapsi move, a number of bureaucrats, social engineers, and intellectuals want to join the saffron party. In principle, the party is likely to settle the issue soon. Those who are talented and have a name and identification in society will be welcomed from next month. In some exceptional cases, those who had left the party would be considered on merit and a consensus of senior leaders would be obtained to avoid controversy.

Q. It is often said that there are four to five groups working in the BJP, and all want to see the head of their group as the chief minister. What do you have to say?

A. People generally try to compare the minor things in the BJP with the Congress partys major happenings, which is not appropriate. In 2018 at the oath ceremony of Ashok Gehlot as CM, slogans were raised in favour of Sachin Pilot. There were tussles over the Ministry formation, and distribution of rooms in the secretariat, and thereafter for 52 days, the Congress MLAs and ministers had to go under Barabandi at a resort. The CM had to dismiss his Deputy CM, the PCC president, and two ministers from the government. Last year, 81 Congress MLAs, including ministers, tendered their resignations to the Speaker when the AICC called a CLP meeting in September. Thus, it was the weakness of the Congress High Command that it did not address the problems at the right time. The BJPs high command is not like Congresss high command. The partys parliamentary board is equally strong and takes tough decisions easily. Whatever is decided at a higher level is acceptable to everyone. Our mission is to win the polls with a comfortable majority because we lost Rajasthan in 2018 by a narrow margin. Q. Vasundhara Raje has been the CM twice, why cant the election be contested for a third time under her leadership? A. I told you, anyone can be CM. The Parliamentary Board has to decide the name, which could be a new name or an old one. The party has not drawn a line on it. One thing has to be understood, the party would contest the Assembly polls collectively in Rajasthan in Prime Minister Narendra Modis name and his work. The party would not project any name or face for the leadership in the state Assembly elections. Q. What do you have to say about the much-publicised budget of the Congress government in Rajasthan in the election year? A: As compared to all previous Congress governments, the Ashok Gehlot governments performance in the current term is the worst. There is something called governance which has been totally finished in the state.

Q. The Gehlot government is accusing the central government of not cooperating on major schemes like Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and sanctions on Pachpadra Refinery. What will be the stand of the BJP on these issues in the elections?

A: They think they will be able to mislead the people by spreading confusion on such topics, I dont think there will be any atmosphere in their favour due to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). They weaponised it, but it wont work. Our party has to take its decision on OPS. A team of Karnataka bureaucrats had come to Jaipur for a survey and study of OPS. There are many technical, financial and economic points linked to OPS. The Finance Minister had clarified the pros and cons of the OPS against the New Pension Scheme (NPS) which is prevalent in the country.

Q. BJP senior leader G C Kataria, who was the Leader of the Opposition, is now the Governor of Assam. Is there any possibility of filling up the LoPs position in the Assembly now?

A: The party high command is aware of the matter and they have to decide on the new LoP. Since this is an election year, it might take time.

Q. How do you look at the Ashok Gehlot vs Sachin Pilot tug of war in the Congress for the CMs chair?

A: The Congress party used to say that it is their internal matter but the people are upset due to the quarrel in their house. The infighting between the two leaders in the last 4.5 years has tarnished the image of the Congress party and that has affected the governance in the state causing instability and resentment against the Congress in public at large which was visible in our Jan Aakrosh Yatra.
Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek banerjee will address a public meeting at Alipurduar tomorrow.

Mr Banerjee will address gatherings in several districts, including Bankura and Purulia in April. Tomorrows rally is significant as the West Bengal Election Commission may announce the date of panchayat election any day.

Trinamul, despite its success in the 2021 Assembly election, when it bagged 213 seats, failed to make any dent in Alipurduar. BJP got all the seven Assembly seats in Alipurduar. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, John Barla of BJP was elected from the seat.

However, over the years the BJPs organizational strength suffered a major setback with hundreds of the partys youth force fleeing the party.

Trinamul Congress is trying to improve its organizational strength, up to the booth level. Mr Banerjee has met the leaders of some districts. Party chairperson Mamata Banerjee will meet the leaders of Hooghly on 20 April at her Kalighat residence. She has asked the leaders to campaign against the BJPs deliberate attempt to stall rural development in West Bengal by not clearing the dues which has reached a staggering Rs 1.15 lakh crore. Trinamul Congress in Alipurduar said last minute preparations were on for tomorrows meeting. There is overwhelming response from the people and party leaders and everyone is eager to listen to him.

Political experts said in many districts there was resentment among the leaders over the distribution of tickets for the forthcoming panchayat election. How Mr Banerjee addresses this problem is a major issue for Trinamul Congress. As panchayat elections are held on local issues, leaders, who are popular in the area will win the poll irrespective of political party. Trinamuls main target is the 2024 Lok Sabha election and it wants to test its organizational strength in the panchayat election. Mr Banerjee will announce the road map for the forthcoming rural polls which the leaders will follow to retain their position.
The General Insurance Employees All India Association (GIEAIA), the majority union in the government owned non-life insurance companies, is demanding an audit of consultancy firm EY by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and statutory audit.

Citing the German government levying a hefty fine 5,00,000 euros on the German arm of audit firm EY and banning it from taking audit of certain kinds for two years, Trilok Singh, General Secretary, GIEAIA said the firm should be audited by CAG and its report on the restructuring of the public sector general insurance companies should be scrapped.

According to Singh, under the pressure from some officials of the Department of Financial Services, the management of public sector general insurance companies are blindly imposing the EYs report involving closure/merger of offices and imposing key performance indicators (KPI) in haste.

It is strange that the management of PSGI (public sector general insurance) companies have not shared the complete reports with the employees, officers, and other stakeholders and are moving ahead unilaterally, Singh said in a statement.
The country recorded 6,155 fresh Covid-19 infections in the last 24 hours, marking a marginal increase from Fridays tally of 6,050 cases, the Union health ministry stated in a bulletin on Saturday.

Covid infections in the country have seen an upward trend in the past few days, with the daily fresh infections at 2,994 on April 1, 3,824 on April 2, 3,641 on April 3, 3,038 on April 4, 4,435 on April 5, 5,335 on April 6 and 6,050 on April 7. The overall active cases are stands at 31,194, as of Saturday, with the daily positivity rate at 5.63 per cent, the Health ministry stated further in its release.

With 3,253 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the overall count stood at 4,41,89,111, the bulletin stated, adding that the overall recovery rate is currently at 98.74 per cent.

Under the nationwide vaccination drive, a total of 220.66 crore vaccine doses (95.21 cr second doses and 22.87 cr precautionary doses) have been administered, as of Saturday, of which 1,963 doses were administered in the last 24 hours.

The ministry further stated that the weekly positivity rate currently stands at 3.47 per cent.

On Friday, Delhi reported 755 fresh Covid cases, in a continuing upward spiral in infections. Neighbouring Bihar reported 17 new cases.

The superintendent of Patnas Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) said, Cases have increased due to recklessness and lax observance of Covid protocols. It could also be attributed to the changing weather pattern. But hospitals and the Bihar government are on alert.

Compared to other states, the situation in Bihar is still normal. Two patients were detected with Covid on Friday. They are receiving treatment and there is no need to panic, he said.

Amid a nationwide upward trend in the Covid cases, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday chaired a review meeting with health ministers of all states and Union Territories through video conferencing.

Mandaviya urged state Health ministers to conduct mock drills at hospitals on on April 10 and 11 to assess their preparedness in handling a surge in cases.

He also urged states to identify emerging hotspots by monitoring trends of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) cases and sending sufficient samples for testing of COVID-19 and Influenza; and ramping up whole genome sequencing of positive samples.

It was observed that 23 states and UTs had average tests per million below the national average.Irrespective of the new COVID variants, the five-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and Adherence to COVID Appropriate Behaviour continue to remain the tested strategy for COVID management. This would facilitate the undertaking of appropriate public health measures, he said, Mandaviya said.

According to the Union health ministry, states and UTs were also requested to expeditiously increase the rate of testing from the current rate of 100 tests per million, as of the week ending 7th April and further advised to increase the share of RT-PCR in tests.
Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Kamal Nath and MP Women Congress President Vibha Patel today launched a scathing attack on BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya over the latters statement allegedly comparing girls to Shoorpanakha, the mythological demoness in the Ramayana.

Nath said that the BJPs repeated claims of empowering women, the partys leaders are bent upon shaming and demeaning women and girls continuously. Nath said Vijayvargiyas comments are highly sexist and depict the real mentality of BJP leaders.

Vibha Patel led a demonstration with several women outside Vijayvargiyas house in Bhopal today over the issue. The women waved branches of the besharam shrub in their hands. Nath and Patel demanded an immediate public apology from Vijayvargiya.

According to reports, Vijayvargiya had allegedly made the derogatory comments at a religious function in Indore. Critcising certain types of clothes worn by girls, Vijayvargiya had said that girls who wear such clothes look like Shoorpanakha.

Vijayvargiya also said that whenever he sees young people intoxicated, he feels like slapping them to sober them.

and MP Women Congress President Vibha Patel today launched a scathing attack on BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya over the latters statement allegedly comparing girls to Shoorpanakha, the mythological demoness in the Ramayana.

Nath said that the BJPs repeated claims of empowering women, the partys leaders are bent upon shaming and demeaning women and girls continuously. Nath said Vijayvargiyas comments are highly sexist and depict the real mentality of BJP leaders.

Vibha Patel led a demonstration with several women outside Vijayvargiyas house in Bhopal today over the issue. The women waved branches of the besharam shrub in their hands. Nath and Patel demanded an immediate public apology from Vijayvargiya.

According to reports, Vijayvargiya had allegedly made the derogatory comments at a religious function in Indore. Critcising certain types of clothes worn by girls, Vijayvargiya had said that girls who wear such clothes look like Shoorpanakha.

Vijayvargiya also said that whenever he sees young people intoxicated, he feels like slapping them to sober them.

and MP Women Congress President Vibha Patel today launched a scathing attack on BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya over the latters statement allegedly comparing girls to Shoorpanakha, the mythological demoness in the Ramayana.

Nath said that the BJPs repeated claims of empowering women, the partys leaders are bent upon shaming and demeaning women and girls continuously. Nath said Vijayvargiyas comments are highly sexist and depict the real mentality of BJP leaders.

Vibha Patel led a demonstration with several women outside Vijayvargiyas house in Bhopal today over the issue. The women waved branches of the besharam shrub in their hands. Nath and Patel demanded an immediate public apology from Vijayvargiya.

According to reports, Vijayvargiya had allegedly made the derogatory comments at a religious function in Indore. Critcising certain types of clothes worn by girls, Vijayvargiya had said that girls who wear such clothes look like Shoorpanakha.

Vijayvargiya also said that whenever he sees young people intoxicated, he feels like slapping them to sober them.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said the transformation has taken place in the Delhi government schools over the span of the last 8-9 years due to the work done by former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the field of education across the National Capital.

Kejriwal, who laid the foundation stone for the new building blocks at Rajkiya Sarvodaya Kanya/Bal Vidyalaya, East Vinod Nagar, said with the Education Revolution in the National Capital, the children of government schools now dream big and have big aspirations.

He added that they dream about studying in prestigious institutions such as IIT and AIIMS.

I have studied in an IIT and I know how difficult it is to get admission over there. But now when the children from our government schools get admission in the IITs, it gives me a lot of happiness. Our children are also getting admitted to AIIMS, which is the biggest medical college in the country. So, therefore a massive transformation has taken place in the last 8-9 years in Delhi, he said.

The CM went on to credit Manish Sisodia for this transformation that has taken place in the field of education across Delhi.

There is only one name that can be associated with this revolution in Delhi and that name is Manish Sisodia, he said.

He went on to add that the Education Revolution in Delhi has now given hope to millions of children studying in the government schools in other states of the country.

They believe that the way things changed here in Delhi, similarly their government schools in other states will also improve and they will also be able to have a bright future very soon. A ray of hope has been brought in the lives of poor children across the country because of the work of Manish Sisodia, he said.

Hitting out at the BJP-led Central Government, Kejriwal said, These people went on to jail the person who improved the lives of poor children of Delhi. Why would anyone want to jail a person who brought such hope to the lives of millions of children across the country? The BJP leaders say that he was involved in a scam and earned bribes worth crores. Any person who gets so much money is likely to misuse the money and indulge in wrong and criminal activities.

But Manish Sisodia would wake up at 6 am and go to inspect schools. Have you heard of any criminal who wakes up that early and goes to inspect schools? Kejriwal asked.

Kejriwal told the students present at the occasion that a photo has been displayed which shows how the school building will look when it is finally inaugurated after a year. He added that the school will look as beautiful as Colombia University in the US and the students will be very proud of it.
A controversy has sparked in Kerala over the participation of Lokayukta and Upalokayukta in the Iftar party hosted by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

RS Sasikumar, the petitioner in the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund(CMDRF) case, has expressed his disappointment after the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta attended the party.

RS Sasikumar said he believes that the Lokayukta judges in having attended the party hosted by the Chief Minister, while a case against the Chief Minister is before them, is an insult to the judiciary and that he has lost his faith in the judiciary after this.

Sasikumar alleged that the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta were invited to the banquet as a sign of gratitude for the verdict granting temporary relief to the Chief Minister. He added that even if they are being invited, both of them should have stayed away from the function.

It is alleged that Lokayukta Justice Cyriak Joseph and Upalokayukta Justice Haroon Rasheed were invited to the iftar banquet and both of them attended.

The petitioner has questioned the presence of the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta at the banquet when the Lokayukta full bench is going to consider CMDRF misuse case on April 12.

NK Premachandran MP alsocame out against the presence of the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta at the Iftar party hosted by the Chief Minister. He said this is against the self-restraints and practices followed by the rulers and judges in independent India.

The presence of the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta at the party hosted by the Chief Minister, when the Lokayukta full bench is going to consider the CMDRF misuse case against the CM on April12,has raised questions about the independence of the judiciary.

Government sources explain that the participation of Lokayukta and Upalokayukta in receptions of the Chief Minister and the Governor is a regular practice and there wont be any controversy over it. But the government tried to hide the Lokayuktas presence at the chief ministers party as much as possible. The Lokayuktas name was not listed in the PRD press release about the event. The Lokayukta was also omitted in the footage provided by the PRD to the channels.

In a temporary relief to the Chief Minister,The Kerala Lokayukta recently referred the case pertaining to the alleged misuse of the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) to a three-member full bench.

The decision to constitute a three-member bench was taken after Lokayukta Cyriac Joseph and Upa Lokayukta Harun-ul-Rashid had a difference of opinion.

Chief Mnister Pinarayi Vijayan, 16 ministers who was part of his first term (2016-21) and the then Chief Secretary are the accused in the case.
President Murmu has become the second woman head of the state and third resident to take a sortie on Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tezpur Air Force Station. This move not only showcases the Presidents support towards the Indian Armed Forces but also highlights the advanced capabilities of the Sukhoi 30 MKI aircraft.

President Murmu is on a three-day-visit to Assam. She was scheduled to attend Kaziranga Gaj Utsav as the chief guest and later will flag off the Mount Kanchenjunga Expedition 2023.

Presidents flight was a part of her visit to the Tezpur Air Force Station, where she was briefed on the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and its ongoing operations. The Tezpur Air Force Station is located in Assam, and it is a crucial airbase for the IAF, given its strategic location in the northeastern region of India.

The Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft, which President Murmu flew in, is one of the most advanced aircraft in the IAFs inventory. It is a multi-role fighter aircraft that can carry out air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions with equal ease. The aircraft has been jointly developed by India and Russia, and it is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and weapons systems, making it a formidable force in the skies.

In 2009, former President Pratibha Patil had flown in the frontline fighter aircraft. Patil penned down the history when she became the first woman head of state to fly in a Sukoi-30 MKI.

In recent years, the Indian Government has taken significant steps towards modernising the Armed Forces and enhancing their capabilities. The induction of advanced aircraft like the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft and the Rafale fighter jets, along with other modern equipment, has significantly improved the Indian Armed Forces combat capabilities.
Clashes and violence over Ram Navami procession at Rishra in Hooghly district of West Bengal on April 2 was instigated by the processionists, the state government has informed the Calcutta High Court.

Chandernagore City Police, under whose jurisdiction Rishra comes, on Friday evening, submitted to the court a detailed report on the clashes.

Sources aware of the contents of the report said that it mentions that those participating in the procession had been constantly instigating the local people by using abusive and offensive language constantly since the beginning of the procession.

As per the report, although initially a section of those participating in the procession restricted themselves to using offensive language, later, some of them started pelting at the local people. Also, DJ was used in the procession without police permission and some of the participants even brandished lethal sharp weapons.

The report has maintained that such use of such offensive language and pelting of stones instigated the locals who retaliated by resorting to counter stone-pelting. It said as police tried to restrain both sides, attacks were led against the cops and some of the police vehicles were vandalized.

On April 2 evening, clashes first broke out at Rishra over the Ram Navami procession. Among those injured were BJP legislator Biman Ghosh and some police officers. Tension escalated and continued till April 3 night, when violent mobs started pelting stones at trains passing by in Rishra.

The police report submitted to the Calcutta High Court had also detailed the situations over the continued tension on April 3.

As per the reports, that evening when the police contingent was patrolling at Rishra Rail-Gate area, a group of around 500 people suddenly attacked the cops with sticks, stones and bricks.

They also started pelting stones at the trains passing by. The police had to resort to lathi charge and charging of teargas shells to bring the situation under control.
South Korea Foreign Minister, who is on a 2-day state visit to India, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Rajghat in New Delhi on Saturday.

After laying a wreath, Park Jin also signed visitors book at Rajghat.

Calling Mahatma Gandhis spirit of Satyagraha noble, the minister said he had always cherished his teachings, advocating democracy and human rights.

He added that it was 27 years ago when he visited India for the first time.

I visited India 27 years ago, it was my first to India. I always cherish his (Mahatma Gandhi) noble spirit of Satyagraha, the Foreign Minister of South Korea said.

I hope we can pursue contributive diplomacy together with India, which is Koreas special strategic partner to contribute to freedom, peace and prosperity to the world, he added.

South Korea Foreign Minister Park Jins visit to India comes as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

The official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Arindam Bagchi, on Friday welcomed Park Jin to India, saying his visit will help strengthen India-South Korea Strategic Partnership.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his South Korean counterpart on Friday held discussions on taking forward India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership.

Glad to welcome @FMParkJin of Republic of Korea on his first official visit to India, Jaishankar tweeted on Friday.

Our discussions today will take forward our Special Strategic Partnership, he further wrote.

Park on Friday said South Korea would like to upgrade its existing successful partnership with India and focus on trade, investment and supply chain stabilisation in manufacturing sector and also critical minerals.

The South Korean Foreign Minister on Friday also called on Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar.

In an exclusive interview with ANI in which he dwelt on a range of subjects  from India as a soft powerhouse to the viral Naatu Naatu song from the movie RRR, which won as Oscar this year, Park Jin on Friday said he was happy that the Korean embassy here has paid special attention to the movie and that both the countries need much wide cultural exchange.

Naatu Naatu dance is really popular in Korea. I saw the movie myself which is a fantastic movie and story. I think it was extraordinary and I am very glad that our embassy has given special attention to Naatu, Naatu and the movie. They demonstrated music, singing and dancing to the Indian public which I think is a great way to communicate with each other, the Minister said.

I love Bollywood movies, I saw 3 idiots and Chennai Express. I think we need a wider cultural exchange between the two countries especially among the young generation to understand each other and to appreciate Indias culture and vice versa, he added.

On the strategic partnership between the two countries, Park said that it is mutually beneficial.

Korea and India have a special strategic partnership. This is very special relationship through which we can work together with the same vision towards the future and I think that we should make full advantage of this special relationship for our mutually beneficial relationship in the future.

Expressing optimism about Indias G20 Presidency, the visiting Foreign Minister said that South Korea would be very happy to work with India.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (R) and his visiting Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov shake hands in Ankara, Turkiye, April 7, 2023. Turkiye agrees with Russia to solve the problems concerning Russian fertilizer and grain exports so that the Black Sea grain deal could be extended, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Friday (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

ANKARA, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye agrees with Russia to solve the problems concerning Russian fertilizer and grain exports so that the Black Sea grain deal could be extended, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Friday.

"We attach importance to the continuation of the agreement ... not only for Russia and Ukraine's grain and fertilizer exports but also for stopping the world crisis," Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with his visiting Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in the capital Ankara, referring to the grain deal named the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed last year.

"We agree that the barriers to Russian grain and exports should be removed," Cavusoglu said.

He said it is also important to implement the parallel memorandum of understanding between Russia and the United Nations signed in July 2022 on the issue of transporting Russian food products and fertilizers, including ammonia, to the world markets.

For his part, Lavrov said while the West has not placed sanctions on Russian grain and fertilizer exports, they were affected by an insurance problem that has hindered Russian vessels from docking in certain ports, and by a lack of access to the SWIFT system -- a messaging network through which international payments are initiated.

He warned that Moscow could abandon the grain deal if obstacles to Russian shipments remained. "If there is no further progress in removing barriers to the export of Russian fertilizers and grain, we will think about whether this deal is necessary."

"If they do not want to approach this matter honestly, they can transport the relevant products from Ukraine by highways and streams," he said.

Lavrov added that if necessary, Russia will work on grain exports through Turkiye and Qatar outside the grain deal.

On July 22, 2022, Russia and Ukraine separately signed a document in Istanbul with Turkiye and the United Nations on grain and fertilizer exports from Ukraine and Russia to ensure supplies to global markets amid the Ukraine crisis.

The deal, initially in effect for 120 days, was extended in mid-November 2022 for a further 120 days to March 18. After that, the deal was extended again, with Russia agreeing to only extend it for 60 days.

On the Ukraine crisis, Lavrov said at the joint press conference that Russia does not refuse peace negotiations with Ukraine, but the talks must focus on creating a "new world order," one "based on UN conditions" rather than "a unipolar world order led by one hegemon."

"Any negotiation needs to be based on taking into account Russian interests, Russian concerns. It should be about the principles on which the new world order will be based," he said.

The two foreign ministers also briefed the media on an upcoming fuel loading ceremony at the Russian-built Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Turkiye, as well as on efforts to restore the broken relations between Ankara and Damascus. 

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (R) and his visiting Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov hold a joint press conference in Ankara, Turkiye, April 7, 2023. Turkiye agrees with Russia to solve the problems concerning Russian fertilizer and grain exports so that the Black Sea grain deal could be extended, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Friday (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that Uttar Pradesh has no room for illegal activities and that anti-social elements that terrorised the public in the past, today wet their pants when court sentences them.

Addressing a gathering after performing Bhoomi Poojan and laying the foundation stone of M/s Varun Beverages, a franchisee of multinational company PepsiCo, to be built at the cost of Rs 1071 crore at the industrial corridor being built near Gorakhpur Link Expressway in Sector 27 of Gorakhpur Industrial Development Authority (GIDA), CM Yogi said that the security of investors and their capital is guaranteed in the state today. He added that everyones safety is the responsibility of the government and it is the governments resolve to bring prosperity in the lives of the citizens.

The Chief Minister said that six years ago goons and mafia used to openly threaten businessmen and kidnap them and the state was known for riots and anarchy. But today, all such elements have been silenced. This year, when riots were taking place in some states of the country during Ram Navami celebrations, there was absolute peace in Uttar Pradesh. Thirty-three lakh people visited Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, and more than 1,000 processions were taken out on the occasion, but no untoward incident took place. Instead, Hindus and Muslims showered flowers on the processions, he remarked.

According to the Chief Minister on April 6, on the occasion of Hanumat Janmotsava, more than 500 processions were taken out peacefully in the state. The CM said that in UP, bombs are no longer hurled at processions during religious festivals, and it has been replaced by showering of flowers.

CM Yogi said that 25 crore people of Uttar Pradesh today believe in the double engine government which promotes development, investment and employment. He added that it is because of this belief that Uttar Pradesh has received investment proposals worth Rs 35 lakh crore in the Global Investors Summit, pointing out that the Chief Ministers Office itself monitors all the online facilities and incentives for the investors.

The Chief Minister said that Uttar Pradesh today boasts of excellent connectivity of all kinds. Purvanchal and Bundelkhand Expressway have opened while work is underway on Ganga Expressway. By the time this plant is ready, the Gorakhpur Link Expressway will also be completed. Four-lane connectivity has been provided till Nepal, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Till 2017 only two airports were fully functional and two partially functional in the state and today nine airports are functional whereas work is underway on 12 airports. UP will soon be a state with five international airports.

Work on Metro and Ropeway is going on a war footing, CM Yogi remarked.

He said that due to excellent connectivity from Gorakhpur, the products of Varun Beverages would reach Lucknow in three hours and Varanasi in two hours. The Chief Minister said that Gorakhpur has excellent rail connectivity while waterway facility is available from Varanasi, adding that it will products of the district reach every corner of the country and the world.

CM Yogi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis intention is to increase the income of farmers manifold and by supplying fruits like mango, guava, litchi and milk to the plant of Varun Beverages, farmers and livestock farmers will be able to multiply their earning. According to him, the plant in Gorakhpur will provide employment to 1500 youths whereas 10,000 villagers will be linked to an additional source of income.

When three more plants of Varun Beverages will be set up in UP, 6000 youths will get employment and 50,000 villagers will get additional income, he said.

The Chief Minister appealed to all industrial organizations, including Varun Beverages, to take the initiative ahead of time to create skilled manpower.

He said, There are four universities, hundreds of colleges, engineering colleges, polytechnics and ITIs in Gorakhpur. Youths should be trained as per the requirement of the industry so that there is no shortage of skilled manpower at the time of starting the industry. The youth will also not have to go outside for employment.

The Chief Minister said that the Gorakhpur fertilizer factory dedicated to skilled manpower a year ago by PM Modi is producing at 110 per cent capacity.

He said that to make the youth technically competent, the government is providing tablet-smart phones to two crore youth. The government is also giving half the honorarium for the apprenticeship.

On this occasion, States Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi said that today Purvanchal is witnessing rapid industrial development due to the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He said that the previous SP-BSP governments never thought of industrial development and employment.

MP Ravikishan Shukla said that CM Yogi is turning dreams into reality for the prosperity of the state and the happiness of the citizens.

In the welcome address, Ravikant Jaipuria, Chairman, M/s Varun Beverages said that Varun Beverages operates 36 plants in the country out which seven are in UP and the plant being set up in Gorakhpur will be the 8th. He told that production will also start in this super mega project with advanced technology from this year itself. Jaipuria said that milk-based products like milk powder, butter, desi ghee would also be produced by processing 3 lakh liters of milk per day in the plant. He also informed that after Gorakhpur, plants will be set up in Prayagraj, Chitrakoot and Amethi as well.

On this occasion, State Vice President of BJP and MLC Dr Dharmendra Singh, MLAs Pradeep Shukla, Vipin Singh, Advisor to Chief Minister Avnish Awasthi, Industrial and Infrastructure Development Commissioner Manoj Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta Medicity Dr Naresh Trehan, District Magistrate Krishna Karunesh, GIDAs Chief Executive Officer Pawan Agarwal etc. were prominently present.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also planted saplings on the proposed plant premises after performing Bhoomi Pujan amid chanting of Vedic hymns.
China is set to launch a three-day military drill around Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-Wen returned from a US visit during which she met House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, reported Taiwan News.

The declaration was made following Tsais return from a trip to the US, which culminated in a meeting in Los Angeles with McCarthy and other members from both political parties. The Peoples Liberation Armys Eastern Theatre Command will conduct a combat readiness patrol and a unified sword exercise in the Taiwan Strait and the airspace to Taiwans north, south, and east, Taiwan News reported citing a statement from the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MOD).

According to China, the drills will commence on Saturday, April 8. The drill, according to the statement, was planned.

In addition to the ministry of Defense drill, the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration announced on Friday (April 7) that it would conduct a live rounds drill near Luoyuan Wan on April 11, 13, 15, 17 and 20, Taiwan News reported.

There will also be a live rounds drill close to Pingtan on Monday, April 10, the statement read.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen met the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, McCarthy, on Wednesday (local time) in California. This was the first time when Taiwans President met with a US House speaker on American soil.

Both leaders briefly shook the hands after her SUV pulled up to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, northwest of Los Angeles.

The meeting between the two leaders is seen as something China extremely disapproves of and has repeatedly shown opposition to.

Ahead of their meeting, China dispatched several maritime vessels near Taiwans coast. On Wednesday night local time, Beijing sent a large scale patrol and rescue vessel to the central and northern Taiwan Strait for a three-day joint patrol and inspection operation, Chinas Fujian Maritime Safety Administration said in a statement.

Taiwan has never been governed by the Chinese Communist Party, but Beijing claims it is part of its territory and seeks peaceful reunification with Taiwan.

Tensions escalated between China and Taiwan after the US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi travelled to Taiwan in August last year. China raised objections to Pelosis visit to Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.

China announced military drills around Taiwan over Pelosis visit to the island.
Senior officials from Nepal and China reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties in Beijing but failed to mention that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI) were also discussed.

In a statement issued by the Nepali side on Friday evening upon completion of the 15th meeting of the Bilateral Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism between the Foreign Ministries of Nepal and China, there was no mention of discussions about BRI and GSI.

Nepal and China had signed the BRI agreement some six years ago but it has failed to make any tangible progress.

Beijing recently came up with the new security architecture named GSI and is pushing Nepal to support it but Nepal has not responded yet.

Both sides took stock of the existing Nepal-China bilateral relations and cooperation and deliberated on the ways to further expanding and consolidating cooperation in various areas, including the exchange of bilateral visits; economic cooperation; promotion of trade, investment and tourism; building connectivity; and strengthening cooperation in the fields of agriculture, education, culture and people-to-people relations, among others, according to a statement issued by the Nepal Embassy in Beijing said.

The two sides discussed promoting people to people contacts and cultural cooperation, increasing the number of scholarships to Nepali students and professionals, capacity development of technical experts, among others.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of different infrastructure development projects under Chinas grant assistance as well as Chinese-contracted projects and agreed to expedite the implementation of the projects so as to complete them in time.

With a view to reduce trade deficit, Nepals Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal proposed for preferential treatment to Nepali primary products such as tea, coffee, herbal products, cooked buffalo meat, and other agricultural products.

The Chinese side agreed to encourage Chinese investors to make investments in mutually beneficial areas, according to the statement.

On the occasion, the two sides reviewed the cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral forums, including in the UN, and exchange of mutual support to each others candidatures.

They also discussed the importance of implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the usefulness of the GDI to promote the SDG agenda.

Vice Foreign Minister of China Sun Weidong led the delegation from the Chinese side.

During the meeting, Paudyal appreciated the government of China for enlisting Nepal as one of the outbound destination countries for group tourism.

The Vice Minister of China admired Nepals consistent adherence to one China policy and respect for the five principles of peaceful coexistence.

Paudyal appreciated the Chinese policy of non-interference and respect for Nepals sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence, reads the statement by the Nepali side.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
FILE - The Boeing logo appears above a trading post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on March 11, 2019. Boeing has had several production problems with its 787 Dreamliner planes over the last couple years, and now you can add leaky lavatory faucets to the list. Federal regulators say, Friday, April 7, 2023, it's a safety issue because the water can get into electronic equipment bays and damage critical parts.
Top sanctions officials from the U.S. Treasury Department are set to make a series of international trips as part of a new campaign to pressure firms and countries that continue to do business with the Kremlin to cut off financial ties because of Russia's war on Ukraine
Then and now: Falk's Market becomes An Unlikely Story
NEW YORK, April 8 (Xinhua) -- With about 140 incidents of mass shootings reported and verified in the United States so far in 2023, it has become disturbingly easy for the public to be desensitized and move on with their days, the USA Today reported recently.

In November, six associates at a Walmart in Virginia were killed in a mass shooting. Just two months later, another attack occurred at a Walmart in Indiana. "These tragedies don't stand alone," said the report written by Cynthia Murray, a Walmart staff member.

"But for retail workers like me, these shootings are a reminder of how dangerous our jobs have become, and increasingly, how little our employers value the lives of the people in their stores -- both the customers who shop there and the associates who work there," said Murray in the article published on Thursday.

According to Guns Down America, between Jan. 1, 2020, and last Nov. 22, there were at least 363 gun incidents and 112 gun deaths at Walmart. "Before that, in 2019, the Walmart community and our country at large was devastated by the loss of 23 lives during a mass shooting at a store in El Paso, Texas -- a racist attack that continues to haunt us today," said Murray.

"In the wake of these incidents, workers like me feel that Walmart executives, including CEO Doug McMillon, have failed to update store safety policies, to increase security, to listen to workers' concerns or take the steps necessary to protect associates -- and customers -- on the job," said Murray in the article.

"Company spokespeople are quick to offer thoughts and prayers -- and then it's on to the next incident. How many more people have to die at Walmart before the company makes real changes?" asked Murray. 
Protected Iran critic speaks at sentence in plot against her

A California woman who admitted unwittingly funding a plot to kidnap an outspoken U.S.-based opponent of Iran's regime has been sentenced to four years in prison
The 20-year-old driver of sport utility vehicle that crashed into a tree and burst into flames, killing four Maine Maritime Academy students, is facing four counts of manslaughter
ROXANA  The paramedic shortage reportedly led to an hour's wait in Roxana for an ambulance on Friday afternoon.

At 11:20 a.m. Friday, Roxana firefighters responded to a call on East Thomas Street for a person who had developed complications from surgery. The Wood River 911 Center contacted Alton Memorial Ambulance Service requesting a unit for traansport, but one was not available.

Dispatchers reportedly also went through the center's list of ambulances, both private and public, but could not locate an available ambulance from Abbott Ambulance or fire departments in Alton, Edwardsville, Granite City or Hamil.

Roxana firefighters tended to the subject and waited. By noon dispatchers had called everyone on their list and began calling through the list again, as well as looking outside of the area for an ambulance. At 12:21 p.m. Friday an ambulance from the Glen Carbon Fire Department was able to reach the location.

About the same time, an ambulance from the Edwardsville Fire Department responded to a medical call in Wood River.

On multiple times Friday and Saturday, Jerseyville ambulances were called to Alton locations. They sometimes were canceled in favor of a closer ambulance while heading to Alton.

In early March, Lakeside EMS took over ambulance service in the Riverbend after Lifestar ended it. In the final week of March Lakeside EMS reported financial and inventory irregularities at the Alton site to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The state suspended the firm's ability to service the area while an investigation is conducted. An attorney for Lakeside EMS said the firm hoped the suspension of services will be short-lived.

The shortage of trained paramedics is a nationwide problem from which the Riverbend is not exempt, with a limited number of available ambulances at during high demand times.


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WASHINGTON, April 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is under fire after the revelation that he has secretly accepted luxury trips from a major Republican donor.

ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism, reported on Thursday that Harlan Crow, a Dallas, Texas-based real estate developer, had paid for Thomas to join multiple vacations for more than two decades, including travels on the billionaire's private jet and superyacht.

Thomas, a conservative justice who has served in the U.S. Supreme Court since 1991, said on Friday that he "was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable."

"I have endeavored to follow that counsel throughout my tenure, and have always sought to comply with the disclosure guidelines," Thomas responded in a statement to the ProPublica investigation.

Crow is the chairman of the Board of Crow Holdings, a private family business established to manage the capital of the Trammell Crow family, according to its website. He is reportedly also an influential donor to causes related to the law and judiciary.

Thomas said Crow and Crow's wife were among his "dearest friends," and acknowledged that he had joined them "on a number of family trips during the more than quarter century we have known them."

U.S. Supreme Court justices are generally required to publicly report all gifts worth more than 415 U.S. dollars, defined as "anything of value" that isn't fully reimbursed, according to ProPublica.

U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, a Democrat, tweeted on Thursday that the Senate Judiciary Committee, which he chairs, will take action on the report.

"The highest court in the land shouldn't have the lowest ethical standards," Durbin said. "Time for an enforceable code of conduct for Justices." 
Actors Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon's upcoming movie has concluded production, the makers announced on Saturday.

Backed by Jio Studios and Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films, the romance drama is written and directed by Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah.

Maddock Films shared the news of production wrap on the project and also revealed the movie will be released in theatres in October this year.

"An impossible love story! announce the wrap of their untitled film starring Shahid Kapoor & Kriti Sanon together for the first time ever!" the banner wrote alongside a poster of film.

A Maddock film's production, the movie is also produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Laxman Utekar. It will also feature veteran actors Dharmendra and Dimple Kapadia in pivotal roles.
The covid-19 pandemic has prompted countries to focus on innovation and collaboration as well as fixing gaps in primary healthcare systems to ensure universal health coverage.

As C20 India, an official engagement group of G20, gathered in the capital for a three-day summit on integrated holistic health beginning Friday, global healthcare experts and institutions have decided to prioritise reorienting health systems for an inclusive approach and address future challenges that are linked to a healthy environment to reduce both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed on the need for universal health coverage and fixing up primary healthcare systems across countries. He was speaking virtually at the C20 summit on Integrated Holistic Health (IHH) being held in Faridabad in Haryana from April 7 to 9.

Covid-19 has shown why universal health coverage is important and why we must pursue it with more collaboration, determination and innovation. Thats why WHOs top priority is to reorient health systems towards primary healthcare. Further, integrating evidence-based traditional medicine into national health systems can contribute towards achieving health for all, including in mental health and nutrition, Tedros said.

The C20 India summit is deliberating upon identifying, articulating, discussing and addressing key health challenges in the domain of mental health, nutrition, women and children health, elderly care, holistic health approaches, and one health (an approach recognising that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and environment) as well as the reduction of non-communicable diseases.

The summit hosts delegates from over 700 civil society organisations from 88 countries, including health professionals, educators and leaders from across the public health landscape whose insights will be incorporated to frame the policy on holistic health (traditional and alternative forms of medicine, including yoga and meditation).

Speaking at the summit, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar emphasised on the well-being of humans saying people need to create balance between the body, mind and environment for a better lifestyle and to avoid falling sick. One of the factors that causes people to fall sick is the bad quality of grains due to the chemicals used in agricultural pesticides. To stay healthy, we should be careful about what we eat, and also incorporate Ayurveda in our daily lives, the chief minister said.

The C20 working committee will send its recommendations to its Chair Mata Amritanandamayi Devi by May 10 who will further send it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by end of July for framing the final policy.
Conman Kiran Patel, who was nabbed by security officials in Kashmir for posing as a senior PMO official, was brought to Gujarat on Saturday morning. Patel was brought to the crime branch headquarters in Ahmedabad by road from Srinagar.

Four FIRs related to cheating have been registered against Patel in different police stations in Gujarat, including one by the Ahmedabad crime branch for trying to usurp a senior citizen's bungalow.

Patel was arrested by J-K police from a five-star hotel in Srinagar last month for allegedly posing as an 'additional secretary' in the Central government and enjoying security cover, besides other hospitality. Patel had claimed to have been given a mandate by the government to identify buyers for apple orchards in south Kashmir. While he posed as a senior government official, he had also received Z+ category security that included a bulletproof SUV and two Sashastra Seema Bal escort cars.

The incident is seen as a serious security lapse in the militancy-hit Union territory. Vijay Kumar, additional director general of police, told The Week earlier that the con was not the result of an intelligence lapse. A team from the Gujarat Polices anti-terror squad has also arrived in Kashmir to investigate the incident after Patel was nabbed. The investigators recovered forged orders and documents from Patels possession. The police also seized 10 fake visiting cards and two mobile phones from him.

He had two accomplices, Amit Pandya and Jai Sitapara, both from Gujarat. Patel had introduced them also as 'officials from the PMO'. Patels first visit to Kashmir is said to have been in October 2022.

His wife Malini Patel was also arrested recently.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday claimed that gangsters, who used to terrorise people with extortion threats and abduct them without caring for law and order, were now wetting their pants after their sentencing by courts.

Addressing a gathering after the "bhoomi pujan" of a bottling plant here, Adityanath said people are seeing that those who showed little respect for law and order earlier were now running for their lives.

"When the court sentences them, their wet pants are becoming visible. People are seeing it. The mafia used to terrorise people, send extortion threats to industrialists, abduct businessmen. But today they are scared out of their wits and running for their lives," the chief minister said.

His remarks have come days after an MP/MLA court held gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad and two others guilty in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case and sentenced them to life imprisonment. That was Ahmad's first conviction even though more than 100 cases have been registered against him.

The 60-year-old former Samajwadi Party MP was brought from Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat by road for hearing in the case in Prayagraj. Before leaving the jail in a police cavalcade, Ahmad said he feared he might be killed. "Hatya, hatya (murder, murder)," Ahmad said outside the prison.

During the long journey, Ahmad's vehicle was stopped in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh to allow him to attend nature's call. There, he was asked by reporters whether he was afraid, to which he said, "Kahe ka dar" (what fear).

The Uttar Pradesh administration began cracking down on his aides and gang members after the killing of Umesh Pal, a witness in the murder of BSP legislator Raju Pal in January 2005, in broad daylight in Prayagraj.

After the brazen criminal act, Adityanath had vowed in the state assembly that he will destroy the mafia.

In his address on Saturday, the chief minister said everyone's safety is the responsibility of the government and it is the government's resolve to bring prosperity in the lives of the citizens.

According to a press statement issued by the state government, the chief minister said that six years ago goons and mafia used to openly threaten businessmen and kidnap them and the state was known for riots and anarchy, but today, all such elements have been silenced.

"This year, when riots were taking place in some states of the country during Ram Navami celebrations, there was absolute peace in Uttar Pradesh. Thirty-three lakh people visited Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, and more than 1,000 processions were taken out on the occasion, but no untoward incident took place. Instead, Hindus and Muslims showered flowers on the processions," he said.

On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti on April 6, more than 500 processions were taken out peacefully in the state. The chief minister said that in Uttar Pradesh, bombs are no longer hurled at processions during religious festivals, and it has been replaced with showering of flowers.

Adityanath said that 25 crore people of Uttar Pradesh today believe in the double engine government which promotes development, investment and employment.

He added that it is because of this belief that Uttar Pradesh has received investment proposals worth Rs 35 lakh crore in the Global Investors Summit. The Chief Minister's Office itself monitors all the online facilities and incentives for the investors, he said.

Adityanath said that Uttar Pradesh today boasts of excellent connectivity of all kinds.

"Purvanchal and Bundelkhand Expressways have opened while the work is underway on Ganga Expressway. By the time this (bottling) plant is ready, the Gorakhpur Link Expressway will also be completed," he said.

"Four-lane connectivity has been provided till Nepal, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Till 2017 only two airports were fully functional and two partially functional in the state and today nine airports are functional whereas the work is underway on 12 airports. UP will soon become a state with five international airports. The work on metro and ropeway is underway on a war footing," he said.
Bonhomie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was on full display on Saturday during the former's visit here, as it came in the backdrop of persistent political face-offs between the ruling DMK in the state and the BJP.

Incidentally, BJP state chief K Annamalai, who has already levelled allegations of irregularities against the ruling dispensation, has said he will soon release what he described as a "corruption list" involving the DMK ministers.

Modi was received by Stalin on Saturday afternoon at the Chennai airport. The PM was in the city to attend various official engagements.

After a warm reception at the Chennai Airport, the CM, also the DMK president, briefly held the PM's hand and patted on the back of the latter's palm while walking through the displays exhibited at the new Chennai airport terminal.

The display of camaraderie comes at a time when the DMK is politically opposed to the BJP at the Centre and Stalin batting for a Congress-led opposition unity against the NDA government. The state leaders of the two parties have been sparring over a number of issues.

The warm gesture between the two top leaders also came just hours after the PM had launched a political tirade on the leadership of the Telangana where he had visited earlier in the day. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhara Rao did not attend PM Modi's event in Hyderabad.

While speaking at Hyderabad after inaugurating railway projects and developmental schemes, Modi attacked the Telangana state leadership for "obstructing" the developmental projects being implemented in there by the Centre. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan was seated on stage as the PM launched his attack on the state leadership.

It was after the events in Telangana that the Prime Minister reached Chennai airport around 2.45 pm.

Tamil Nadu has been witnessing war of words between the DMK and the opposition BJP apart from the ruling dispensation's issues with the state governor, RN Ravi.

Ravi had very recently kicked up a political storm by saying the 2018 anti-Sterlite protests by people were completely "foreign-funded".

While responding to a question on Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) violations during an event at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai on Thursday, the governor had said "Sterlite protest, it was purely foreign-funded, and the entire activities which led to the protest and the unfortunate police firing that cost innocent lives."

DMK had reacted sharply to these comments saying it was an insult to the people who not only participated in huge numbers against the functioning of the Sterlite plant over pollution concerns but even gave their lives in their struggle. At least 13 people were killed when police opened fire at anti-Sterlite protestors in Thoothukudi. DMK had threatened statewide protests against the governor's remarks.

Meanwhile, the ruling DMK's ally Congress party had threatened to hold a black flag demonstration at the airport to protest the arrival of Modi in the state amid disqualification of party leader Rahul Gandhi as Lok Sabha member, following his conviction in a court case over the Modi surname remark.

Only days before the PM arrived did Stalin write to him demanding that three coal blocks identified in the Cauvery Delta region of the state be removed from the national auction list.

The centre was quick to remove the three blocks from the list, even Annamalai issued a statement thanking the PM for his swift response to the saffron party's demands.

In such an atmosphere, of the three events the PM was to participate in Chennai, Stalin not only participated in the first one where the Prime Minister inaugurated Chennai Airport's new integrated terminal, but also expressed some warmth.

Stalin received the PM at the Chennai airport and later both together, with Governor Ravi in tow among others including Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, took a walk around the newly integrated terminal.

The PM then went on to his next stop which was to flag off Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express from the MGR Chennai Central Station, which was also attended by Stalin.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on Friday and Saturday to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects worth thousands of crore. This is seen as a major infrastructure and connectivity push for southern states, especially as two of theseKarnataka and Telanganawill go to polls soon.

Telangana

In Telangana, Modi will lay foundation stones for multiple projects including AIIMS Bibinagar, besides flagging off the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express in Hyderabad on Saturday. AIIMS Bibinagar is being developed at the cost of more than Rs. 1,350 crore. The Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express, connecting Hyderabad with the abode of Lord Venkateswara, Tirupati, is the second Vande Bharat train to be started from Telangana within a short span of three months. The train will reduce the travel time between the two cities by almost three and half hours and will be particularly beneficial for pilgrim passengers.

During the visit, Modi will flag-off 13 new Multi-Modal Transport Service (MMTS) services in the suburban section of Hyderabad-Secunderabad twin city region, providing commuters with a fast and convenient travel option. He will also inaugurate the doubling and electrification of the Secunderabad-Mahabubnagar project. The project stretching for a distance of over 85 km has been completed at a cost of nearly  1,410 crore.

The Hyderabad traffic police has issued traffic advisories to be followed during the PM's visit. Ahead of the PM's visit, Hyderabad is witnessing a poster war between BJP and the ruling BRS. Taking a dig at Modi's recent comments about 'pariwarwad' of dynastic politics, the BRS, according to reports, has put huge poster with the photographs of BJP leaders whose fathers or other relatives were also in politics at Secunderabad.

Tamil Nadu

Modi will arrive in Chennai on Saturday where he will inaugurate the state-of-the-art integrated terminal building set up at a total outlay of Rs 2,437 crore at the Chennai airport. The new terminal, the first phase of which has been completed, is expected to enhance the passenger traffic to 35 million per year. The terminal is equipped with 108 immigration counters which are split equally between arrival and departure areas.

Modi will also flag off the Vande Bharat train between Chennai and Coimbatore at the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr M G R Central Railway Station. Later, Modi would take part in the 125th annual day celebrations of Ramakrishna Mutt at Vivekanandhar Illam

Security has been beefed up across the city and while motorists have been asked to plan ahead in the wake elaborate traffic diversions.

On Sunday, he will also visit the Theppakadu Elephant camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and interact with mahouts. At Theppakadu, he will also meet Bomman and Belliethe star couple of the Oscar-winning documentary The Elephant Whisperers.

Karnataka

Modi's visit comes right at the peak of poll fever in the state where elections are scheduled for May 10. According to reports, Modi will meet leaders to finalise the list of candidates for the polls. The party's state unit has completed screening process and shortlisted candidates for each seat. It is now up to the central leadership to make the final picks.

PM Modi will visit Bandipur Tiger Reserve on Sunday morning and interact with staff involved in conservation activities. Ahead of Modi's visit, the Chamarajanagar district administration has barred the general public from taking the safari ride till April 9. Modi will also inaugurate the programme 'Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger'. A commemorative coin on the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger will also be released by the Prime Minister.
Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju escaped unhurt after his car met with an accident on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Ramban district on Saturday. Reports said a fully-loaded truck hit the minister's car.

"No injuries happened to anyone and Honourable Minister was driven safely to destination," a police officer told ANI.

The accident took place near Sita Ram Passi in the Maroog area around 6 pm when he was on his way to Srinagar after attending two functions in Jammu and Udhampur.

Security personnel in accompanying cars rushed and escorted the minister out of his vehicle.

The minister was in the Union Territory to to attend the inauguration of the first edition of the Constitution of India in Dogri language at the University of Jammu.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is leaving for Ayodhya this evening, and will be accompanied by Shiv Sena leaders and senior BJP ministers Girish Mahajan and Sudhir Mungantiwar.

Shinde, who claims to be the true inheritor of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology, knows well that Thackeray had wanted to see a grand Ram temple at Ayodhya. When Babri Masjid was demolished by kar sevaks on December 6, 1992, and BJP leaders shied away from taking responsibility, it was Thackeray who had said that 'if Shiv Sainiks were involved in the demolition of mosque, he is very happy'.

One may recall that it was Shinde who had planned and organised Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray's Ayodhya visit when Shiv Sena was united. In fact, during Uddhav Thackeray's last visit, all legislators supporting Shinde, who eventually rebelled against the former's leadership, wanted to go to Ayodhya. But Uddhav Thackeray told them not to leave their constituencies and districts as he sensed that so many MLAs leaving Maharashtra could spell trouble.

Shinde is a strong believer in religion and deities, and performs pooja daily. He has been associated with Ganesh Chathurthi and Navaratri festivals in his bastion Thane. In fact, during Ganesh Chathurthi, he makes it a point to visit his supporters or the pandals, he gets invited to  a practice that has helped his popularity.

So, when he flagged off the special train from Thane to Ayodhya yesterday, his supporters found nothing new in it. He has been wanting to go to Ayodhya ever since he took oath as the Maharashtra chief minister. But, he was advised to first settle down as the CM of the state, start running the administration effectively and then visit the Ram temple at Ayodhya.

Almost all the legislators who sided with Shinde in the rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, are likely to travel to Ayodhya with him, along with their supporters. Hence, two special trains - one from Thane and the other from Nashik - have been arranged.

According to Shinde's spokesperson Viraj Mulye, they will reach Lucknow in the evening and will go to Ayodhya by a special helicopter in the morning.

At Ayodhya, Shinde will be welcomed by Acharya Paramhansa. The CM will then perform a pooja at the Hanuman Gadhi temple, and then at the Ram temple. He will perform a mahapooja and maha aarti. Shinde will then meet the seers and mahants. He will also see the construction of the temple complex, and address the media.

They will return to Mumbai by late night on April 9.
NEW YORK, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Maryland's top prosecutor on Wednesday accused Catholic Church officials in Baltimore of engaging in a yearslong cover-up of the sexual abuse of 600-plus children, some of whom were "preyed upon by multiple abusers over decades," according to an NBC News report.

State Attorney General Anthony Brown chronicled the abuse in a 463-page report that named several priests and described what they are alleged to have done, NBC News reported on Thursday.

"Time and again, members of the Church's hierarchy resolutely refused to acknowledge allegations of child sexual abuse for as long as possible," NBC News said, citing the report.

"When denial became impossible, Church leadership would remove abusers from the parish or school, sometimes with promises that they would have no further contact with children. Church documents reveal with disturbing clarity that the Archdiocese was more concerned with avoiding scandal and negative publicity than it was with protecting children."

In total, the state found, more than "600 children are known to have been abused by the 156 people included in this Report, but the number is likely far higher," said NBC News.

The sexual abuse was so pervasive that it wasn't uncommon for more than one adult to target a young victim, said NBC News, citing the report.

"Young people in some parishes were preyed upon by multiple abusers over decades, and clergy used the power and authority of the ministry to exploit the trust of the children and families in their charge," Brown found.

The findings, which were made public after four years of investigation, illustrated a "depraved, systemic failure of the Archdiocese to protect the most vulnerable - the children it was charged to keep safe," Brown said in a statement, according to NBC News.

"Based on hundreds of thousands of documents and untold stories from hundreds of survivors, it provides, for the first time in the history of this State, a public accounting of more than 60 years of abuse and cover-up," he said, cited by NBC News. 
The United States government is considering a national ban of TikTok, a social media application used by over 150 million Americans. Although the primary reason for the ban is privacy concerns, it presents an opportunity to consider other potential risks.

It is well known social media apps can negatively impact mental health outcomes, a fact even acknowledged by Facebook's leaked internal research. The impact social media use may have on our cognitive abilities, however, is less well known.

As an attention researcher, I study all the different processes our brains use to focus and maintain attention. Attention isn't a single mechanism, but rather the result of a number of different mechanisms across various areas of the brain.

One of these mechanisms is executive functioning, defined as our ability to focus on the task at hand and filter distractions. However, not all tasks are created equal: it's easier to focus when the object of our attention is engaging and entertaining.

Designed with attention in mind

In order to keep you entertained, social media companies are constantly tracking the content you engage with. This not only means the content you like, but also how long you spend on each piece of content. By doing this, the app methodically presents you with related content, to keep you on its platform as long as possible.

The way social media apps present content is crucial, as many apps now use an endless scroll feature in which users simply swipe upwards to view the next piece of content. Having a continuous stream of content is meant to absorb users into what researchers refer to as a flow state.

We experience flow states when we are so deeply engaged in an activity that we lose our sense of time. Flow states can be highly advantageous in a work setting, as they help us stay focused and increase efficiency in completing relevant tasks. However, social media apps try to elicit flow states to make it more difficult to leave their platform.

To put it briefly, companies are constantly tracking our attention and leveraging this data to keep us hooked.

With a majority of social media users logging in at least once a day, and one-third of teenagers using these apps almost constantly, it raises the question of whether social media is hurting our attention abilities.

The cost of task-switching

Throughout the day, many individuals multitask by alternating between work-related activities and using social media platforms. According to a study conducted on middle and high school students, teenagers spend, on average, less than six minutes on a task before switching to social media or texting.

While some forms of multitasking are harmless, like walking and chewing gum at the same time, it is not possible to effectively multitask on activities that share cognitive mechanisms. Instead, we engage in task-switching, which involves alternating between two related activities.

Think of trying to read while simultaneously engaging in conversation: it's not possible without disengaging from one of these activities, since they both involve language processing. Social media and most forms of work fall into this category.

One of the problems with task switching lies in switch costs, a term used to describe the negative effect that re-engaging with a task has on your cognition. This means every time you open social media while studying for school or working at your job, you will be slower and more error prone for a period of time when getting back to work.

Not surprisingly, people who typically engage with multiple forms of media at once show general decreases in sustained attention, or the ability to maintain focus. It is much better to block off time for work: 20 continuous minutes of work is significantly better than four five-minute blocks separated by brief social media breaks.

What about executive functioning?

There is limited research measuring the impact of social media use on the various aspects of executive functioning, but researchers do know a bit about how social media addiction may impact cognition.

Social media addiction was determined based on a developed questionnaire which asks questions on how social media impacts mood, whether the person experiences withdrawal, and whether it negatively impacts different areas of their life. If the person scores high enough on this scale, they are considered to meet the criteria for social media addiction.

Those who meet that criteria tend to be more impulsive than non-addicted social media users, as measured by a risk-assessment task, in which those addicted to social media tend to make more risky choices associated with long-term losses.

People in the study were also more impulsive after being exposed to social media during the testing session, compared to when they were tested without exposure. However, overall, individuals with social media addiction functioned normally on many of the other cognitive assessment tasks, so it appears impulsivity is the main component of cognition being impacted with problematic social media users.

It's not all bad news, though: there are possible cognitive benefits associated with social media use for some people. Researchers found social media use in middle-aged and older adults can help improve executive functioning because of the increased access to social connection it provides. This offers a support channel to individuals who are at risk for cognitive decline due to social isolation or loneliness.

Internet trends as a measure of attention

Until there is more research on social media use and its effects on attention, we can look at alternate sources of data to make some early predictions.

One group of scientists looked at how long hashtags spend on the top 50 charts as a measure of attention span. Researchers found that in 2013, a hashtag stayed in the top 50 for an average of 17.5 hours. This number gradually decreased to 11.9 hours by 2016. This may reflect how our capacity to engage our attention shrinks as more content becomes available.

More recently, there has been a trend on TikTok of using split-screening to display multiple videos at once. This is a new development that reflects the desire to multitask media, where a viewer can shift their eyes to another stream of content as soon as any level of boredom arises. While further research is needed to determine potential cognitive costs associated with this new style of media, the trend suggests a growing preference for content that demands less attentional effort.

(The Conversation)
China on Saturday announced that it had begun three days of military exercises around Taiwan. China's People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command announcement came a the day after Taiwan President Tsai Ingwen returned from a trip to the United States.

PLA said that it would hold "combat readiness patrols" and exercises in the Taiwan Strait and to the north, south and east of Taiwan "as planned".

While Taiwan's defence ministry said that it would respond calmly and with a serious attitude, neither escalating conflicts nor causing disputes, after China announced plans for the drills, reported The Guardian.

The Ministry also said that 12 PLA warplanes and three ships were detected inside its air defence identification zone (ADIZ), including four planes which crossed the median line- a de facto border in the Taiwan Strait.

Since the drills in August last year, PLA has sent planes and ships into the ADIZ on a near daily basis.

"In recent years the (Chinese Communist Party) has continued to send aircraft and ships to harass the region, threatening the regional situation," the ministry said.

"It has used president Tsai's visit to the US as an excuse to conduct military exercises, seriously damaging regional peace, stability and security."

The People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist party said that All countermeasures taken by Chinese government belong to China's legitimate and legal right to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Reportedly, Tsai will meet a visiting US delegation of lawmakers led by Michael McCaul, chairman of the House foreign affairs committee later on Saturday.

However, China is yet to announce whether they will be carrying out missile drills. While announcing the drills, China had also released a map showing the maritime areas near Taiwan it would be firing into.

Also, Chinese maritime authorities has announced an inspection patrol operation in the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwan's government directed its vessels and cargo ships to refuse any such attempt by the patrols to board.

China's announcement came hours after French president Emmanuel Macron, left China following meetings with senior leaders including president Xi Jinping, in which Macron urged Beijing to talk to Russia over war.

China on Friday announced sanctions against two Asia-based organisations and Taiwan's representative in the US in response to the closely watched meeting this week between the US House Speaker and Taiwan's president. Despite China's warnings, Taiwan president met with US Speaker last week.
Kolkata, Apr 8 (PTI) Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C) on Saturday awarded degrees to 461 students of two-year flagship MBA programme in the 58th annual convocation.

Wunderman Thompson's Executive Director (APAC) Tarun Rai delivered the keynote address.

"A total of 461 students of the 58th batch of the 2-year flagship MBA programme were awarded their degrees, along with 78 students who were awarded for the 1-Year MBAEx Programme," IIM-C said in a statement.

The Institute also conferred 40 students with their post-graduate programme for executives for Visionary Leadership in Manufacturing (PGPEX VLM) and 10 students with their PhD degrees.

Recently, the final placement process for the 58th batch of IIM Calcutta's flagship 2-year MBA programme was completed, with a three per cent rise in the average yearly salary offered to candidates this year, the statement said.

The median salary offered also increased by almost nine per cent compared to that of last year, standing at Rs 33.67 lakh.

A total of 573 offers were secured for the entire batch, with the top 25 per cent of students receiving yearly compensation of around Rs 50.86 lakh, an increase of five per cent compared to last year.

The average yearly compensation for the 2021-23 batch was Rs 35.07 lakh, up from Rs 34.20 lakh in the previous year.

The Board of Governors chairperson Shrikrishna Kulkarni and the director of IIM-C, Prof Uttam K Sarkar, were present on the occasion.
New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be leaving for the US to attend the 2023 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with G20 meetings.

During her week-long trip, she will be hosting the second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under India's G20 Presidency and G20-related side events. the finance ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Besides, she will have bilateral meetings, a few investor sessions and other associated meetings during the April 10 to April 16 trip to Washington DC.

Accompanied by officials from the finance ministry, she will attend World Bank Development Committee and IMF Committee Plenaries.

She will have interaction with global Economists, global business leaders, think tanks and investors in roundtables, it said, adding, the minister will also have bilateral engagements with countries and international organisations.

As part of the itinerary, the trip also includes engagement with the Indian Diaspora.

Sitharaman and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das will jointly chair the second G20 FMCBG meeting on April 12-13, 2023.

Around 350 delegates from G20 members, 13 invitee countries, and various international and regional organisations will participate and engage in multilateral discussions centred around a broad spectrum of pressing global issues, it said.

The second G20 FMCBG meeting will comprise of three sessions -- Global Economy and International Financial Architecture; Sustainable Finance, Financial Sector and Financial Inclusion; and International Taxation.

The focus of these sessions will be to deliberate on issues such as addressing food & energy insecurity, managing global debt vulnerabilities, strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), mobilising finance for climate action, advancing financial inclusion, and accelerating progress on International Tax and Financial Sector issues, it said.

The meeting will take stock of the progress made on outcomes envisaged under India's G20 Finance Track agenda, it said.

This G20 FMCBG meeting will advance efforts towards the preparation of G20 India Finance Track deliverables for the third G20 FMCBG meeting to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, in July 2023, it said.

These meetings are expected to provide informed Finance Track contributions to the Leaders Declaration set for adoption in the New Delhi Summit in September 2023, it said.

On the sidelines of the Spring Annual Meetings, the finance minister will have bilateral engagements with her respective counterparts from G20 countries and heads of other delegations, including major international organisations, to discuss issues and areas of mutual interest and cooperation under India's G20 Presidency.

In the course of her visit, she will also participate in a fireside chat at the Peterson Institute of International Economics (PIIE) on April 10, 2023.

In a high-level meeting on April 11, Sitharaman will meet US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to discuss issues of mutual interest.

During the official visit, it said, a meeting of the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable will be co-chaired by India, International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank on April 12, to discuss the current global debt landscape and ways to address existing challenges in debt restructuring.

A high-level seminar on 'Macro-financial implications of Crypto assets' will be held on April 14 to review the macro-financial implications of Crypto Assets and discuss policies to leverage benefits and contain risks, it added.

Sitharaman will also meet the G20 Expert Group on strengthening MDBs on April 15, to discuss the need for an updated MDBs ecosystem for the 21st century towards financing sustainable development goals and transboundary challenges.

Besides these, the finance minister will also participate in a high-level seminar on 'Stacking up the benefits of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)' organised by the IMF on April 14.

The seminar aims to discuss lessons from India and other countries on the transformational power of DPI and ways to maximise its potential, it said.

Other side events that will be held on the margins of the IMF-WB Spring Meetings include an event on 'Enhancing the Economic Empowerment of Women as Entrepreneurs and Leaders' (April 13), 'LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) event on Behavioral Change to Tackle Climate Change' (April 14), and 'Launch of debt restructuring negotiation process on Sri Lanka' (April 13), among others.
Baghdad, Apr 8 (AP) The commander of the main US-backed force in Syria and Iraq's presidency on Saturday condemned what they say was a Turkish attack on an airport in northern Iraq.

Iraq's presidency called the late Friday explosion in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region a flagrant aggression against Iraq and its sovereignty in the area.

It called on Turkey to issue a formal apology, saying it should not continue terrorising Iraqis in the north.

There was no immediate comment from Turkish officials. Turkey has spent years fighting Kurdish militants in its east and large Kurdish communities also live in neighbouring Iraq and Syria, where they have a degree of self-rule.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based opposition war monitor, and some local media reported Friday that the explosion next to the Suleimaniyah International Airport was a Turkish drone attack targeting Mazloum Abdi, the leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces.

The blast came days after Turkey closed its airspace to flights to and from the airport, citing an alleged increase in Kurdish militant activity threatening flight safety.

The airport's security directorate said an explosion took place near the fence surrounding the airport causing a fire but no injuries.

Officials with the SDF and the Kurdish regional government in northeast Syria said Abdi was not in Suleimaniyah at the time and was not the target of an attack. Abdi in a tweet Saturday did not mention whether he thought he was targeted.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory, said on Saturday that Abdi was not directly targeted but was near the airport holding a meeting with Kurdish officials when the Turkish military carried out the attack.

A statement from the Iraqi Kurdish regional government in Iraq on Friday appeared to blame local authorities in Suleimaniyah.

It accused them of provoking an attack on the airport and using government institutions for illegal activities.

The regional government, with its seat in Irbil, is primarily controlled by the Kurdistan Democratic Party, while Suleimaniyah is a stronghold of the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

We strongly condemn the targeting of Suleimaniyah airport by Turkey, Abdi tweeted Saturday, adding that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's support for their brothers in Syria is bothering Turkey.

Abdi vowed that Syria's Kurds will continue with their principle relations with our brothers and allies in Suleimaniyah and we stand united against these violations. (AP) FZH
Baghdad, Apr 8 (AP) The commander of the main U.S.-backed force in Syria and Iraq's presidency Saturday condemned what they say was a Turkish attack on an airport in northern Iraq.

Iraq's presidency called the late Friday explosion in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region a flagrant aggression against Iraq and its sovereignty in the area.

It called on Turkiye to issue a formal apology, saying it should not continue terrorising Iraqis in the north.

A representative of the Turkish defence ministry said he had no information about the incident.

Turkiye has spent years fighting Kurdish militants in its east and large Kurdish communities live in neighbouring Iraq and Syria, where they have a degree of self-rule.

Turkiye considers the main Kurdish militia in northeast Syria an ally of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.

The PKK has for decades waged an insurgency within Turkiye.

On Saturday, Iraq's National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji, heading a high-level security delegation, arrived in Suleimanyah to discuss the issue with local officials, the state news agency reported.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based opposition war monitor, and some local media reported Friday that the explosion next to the Suleimaniyah International Airport was a Turkish drone attack targeting Mazloum Abdi, the leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces.

The blast came days after Turkey closed its airspace to flights to and from the airport, citing an alleged increase in Kurdish militant activity threatening flight safety.

The airport's security directorate said an explosion took place near the fence surrounding the airport causing a fire but no injuries.

Officials with the SDF and the Kurdish regional government in northeast Syria said Abdi was not in Suleimaniyah at the time and was not the target of an attack. Abdi in a tweet Saturday did not mention whether he thought he was targeted.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory, said Saturday that Abdi was not directly targeted but was near the airport holding a meeting with Kurdish officials when the Turkish military carried out the attack.

Retired U.S. Col. Myles B. Caggins III, a senior non-resident fellow at the U.S.-based New Lines Institute for Strategy, said the missile targeted a convoy carrying leaders of the Syrian Democratic Forces as well as U.S. advisers to the Kurdish-led force.

Turkiye sent a warning shot. A deadly and dangerous and provocative warning shot when it fired a missile at the convoy, he said.

Caggins added that it appears Turkiye was sending a warning to both the United States and Iraqi Kurds to stop supporting the SDF.

He added that Turkiye is likely to continue such attacks with impunity because it says the SDF is aligned with the PKK and therefore Turkiye feels justified in targeting the SDF.

A statement from the Iraqi Kurdish regional government in Iraq on Friday appeared to blame local authorities in Suleimaniyah.

It accused them of provoking an attack on the airport and using government institutions for illegal activities.

The regional government, with its seat in Irbil, is primarily controlled by the Kurdistan Democratic Party, while Suleimaniyah is a stronghold of the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

Qubad Talabani, deputy prime minister of the regional government and a member of the PUK, rejected the regional government statement that appeared to cast blame on his party.

He said the statement represents only one party ... and cannot speak for the entire government.

We strongly condemn the targeting of Suleimaniyah airport by Turkey, Abdi tweeted Saturday, adding that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's support for their brothers in Syria is bothering Turkiye.

Abdi vowed that Syria's Kurds will continue with their principle relations with our brothers and allies in Suleimaniyah and we stand united against these violations.

Caggins said he expects that the leaders of Turkiye are emboldened by their ability to conduct cross-border strikes into Syria and into Iraq because the only response has been a little bit of finger wagging and minor protest from Baghdad and Damascus and Washington. (AP)

VM
Sagar (MP), Apr 8 (PTI) Police have started a probe after a private school in Sagar district was found to be in possession of a human foetus, an official said on Saturday.

A member of the Madhya Pradesh Child Rights Commission has lodged a police complaint against the school, situated in Bina town, in this regard.

MPCRC member Omkar Singh Thakur said that following a complaint, a two-member MPCRC committee on April 6 paid a surprise visit to the school and found that the biology laboratory had a human foetus kept in a jar.

When asked how they got hold of it, the school management could not give a satisfactory answer, he claimed.

While medical colleges have such preserved foetuses, permission is needed for other organisations for keeping them, Thakur said.

Bina police station in-charge Kamal Nigwal said a probe has been started on the basis of the report forwarded by the MPCRC, though no First Information Report has been registered yet.
Thane, Apr 8 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has taken a swipe at the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray by asking them to heed the words of Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar on the Adani issue.

United States-based Hindenburg Research had alleged large scale stock manipulation and accounting fraud in the firms of billionaire Gautam Adani, leading to strident protests by the opposition Congress and others against the Narendra Modi government. The group had refuted the allegations.

In an interview to NDTV, Pawar came out in support of the Adani Group and criticised the narrative around Hindenburg Research's report on the conglomerate.

"Such statements were given by other individuals earlier too and there was a ruckus in Parliament for a few days but this time out-of-proportion importance was given to the issue," he said.

"The issues that were kept, who kept them, we had never heard of these people who gave the statement, what is the background. When they raise issues that cause a ruckus across the country, the cost is borne by the country's economy, we cannot disregard these things. It seems this was targeted," Pawar had said.

Speaking to the media after a property exhibition in Kalyan on Friday night, CM Shinde said, "The Congress started an agitation seeking explanation of Rs 20,000 crore in the Adani group. Even Uddhav Thackeray continuously spoke on this issue. Now Pawar has commented and those who are protesting should heed these comments."

Pawar is a very senior politician and must have spoken on the Adani issue after much study, and, therefore, those protesting should clarify their stand, the CM said in a swipe at the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), which are allies with the NCP in the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
Barpeta (Assam), Apr 8 (PTI) Three leaders of the proscribed Popular Front of India (PFI) and Campus Front of India (CFI) were arrested by Assam police from Barpeta Road Railway station, police said on Saturday.

Two of the three arrested are top leaders of PFI and one to CFI, superintendent of police Amitabh Sinha told reporters here.

The trio were arrested from the railway station on Thursday night when they arrived there by train from Delhi, he said.

The CFI leader was identified to be its national treasurer Jahidul Islam while the PFI leaders are its Assam secretary Jakir Hussain and state president Abu Sama, Sinha said.

The police also seized Rs 1.5 lakh in cash and several documents from them, the SP said.

Sinha said that the trio had fled from the state after both the outfits were banned in September 2022 and were continuing their activities from outside Assam.

Police was on their trail for long and the three are being interrogated to ascertain the reason for their visit, he said.

Islam and Hussain were residents of Baksa district, while Sama hails from Barpeta.

A total 36 PFI activists were arrested from different parts of the state and New Delhi during a national crackdown against the outfit in September. It led to a ban on the outfit the same month.

The organisation was found to be active in the minority-dominated districts, particularly in the char (riverine) areas, since 2014 when its activists began helping people from the community in filing documents for inclusion of their names in the National Register of Citizens.

Prior to that, they were found to be mainly involved in educational activities in the riverine areas of Bengali-speaking Muslim dominated areas.

PFI shot into prominence in the state during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2019 and some of their activists were also arrested during the stir for alleged stone-pelting in the state.

The CFI is the student wing of PFI. PFI, CFI and seven other associated outfits were banned by the Centre for unlawful activities in September, 2022.
New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday greeted people on the eve of Easter and said everyone should spread love and harmony in society by adopting the values of lord Jesus Christ and take a pledge for contributing to the nation's development.

Celebrated as Jesus Christs resurrection, this festival of happiness is a symbol of love and compassion, she said.

Jesus Christ gave us the message of love and forgiveness by sacrificing his life for truth and justice, the president said, adding that his life is an ideal example of compassion and sacrifice.

"Let us spread love and harmony in our society by adopting the values of Lord Jesus Christ and take a pledge for contributing to the development of the nation," Murmu said.

The President has sent her greetings to all fellow citizens on the eve of Easter, a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

On the auspicious occasion of Easter, I convey my greetings to all citizens living in India and abroad, especially the Christian community," she has said in a message.
Photo: The Canadian Press Faithful hold the cross as they take part in the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) torchlight procession at the Colosseum on Good Friday, in Rome, Friday, April 7, 2023. The Vatican saiid Pope Francis won't go to the Colosseum for the traditional Good Friday procession but instead he will watch it from his home at the Vatican due to unseasonably cold nighttime temperatures in Rome. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis, hospitalized recently with bronchitis, skipped the traditional Good Friday nighttime procession at the Colosseum because of chilly weather in Rome, staying instead at his home at the Vatican while thousands of faithful turned out for the torchlit event.

This Good Friday was the first time a pontiff was a no-show at the Colosseum Way of the Cross procession since 2005. Then, a weakened and ailing St. John Paul II, eight days before his death, silently watched the Way of the Cross ritual on TV at his apartment in the Apostolic Palace.

The Vatican had said Francis would preside at the ancient Roman arena at the procession that recalls Jesus' suffering before his crucifixion and death on a cross. But just a few hours before the processions start, the Vatican, citing the intense cold that has made evenings unseasonably chilly in Rome these days, revealed that Francis would stay at his residence in a hotel in Vatican City and follow the event from there.

The 86-year-old pope was discharged from a Rome hospital on April 1 after being administered antibiotics intravenously for bronchitis.

Earlier on Friday, Francis presided at a two-hour long early evening prayer service in St. Peters Basilica. Good Thursday, a day earlier, saw the pope attend a lengthy Mass in the basilica and in the afternoon go to a Rome juvenile prison where he washed and dried the feet of a dozen young residents in a symbolic gesture of humility that imitates what Jesus did for his 12 apostles ahead of his crucifixion.

The Colosseum appointment is a highlight of Holy Week ceremonies. At this year's procession, in which a tall, slim, lightweight cross was carried by faithful, some 20,000 people turned out, holding lighted candles in the darkness outside the arena. When the procession ended, and a cardinal, instead of the pope, gave a blessing, a shout of Long live the pope! rose from the crowd.

Francis chose as the procession's theme voices of peace in a time of war. Read aloud were accounts of suffering, of migrants and refugees from war, civil warfare or hunger, in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South America and elsewhere.

The selection came from among the many accounts of suffering that Francis has heard from migrants and others who spoke with him during his overseas trips and other occasions.

Among the accounts were those of a Ukrainian youth who at first fled to Italy where his grandmother works to escape the war at home, but later, homesick, returned to Ukraine. Following that account was that of a young Russian who said his brother died, presumably after being sent to fight in Ukraine, which Russia invaded in February 2022.

Francis has repeatedly lamented the suffering of the Ukrainian people and issued many appeals for peace.

The pope did keep his appointment at an early evening Good Friday prayer service at St. Peter's Basilica. Wearing crimson-colored vestments, Francis, who has a chronic knee problem, used a wheelchair to reach the central area of the basilica and preside over the service.

During the Good Friday basilica ceremony, the pope at times sounded hoarse while reading aloud and when he gave his blessing at the end of the nearly two-hour long service. At one point, he stood up to kiss a figure of Jesus on a tall cross which was brought to him, then bowed his head in silent reflection.

While Rome has lately experienced spring-like weather during the day to Rome, temperatures have dipped into the high 30s Fahrenheit (about 4 degrees Celsius) after dark.

Francis is also scheduled to preside at an Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday night in the basilica. On Sunday, he is due to be in St. Peter's Square for a mid-morning Mass. He is expected to deliver a long speech that reviews wars and other conflicts in the world, known by its Latin name, Urbi et Orbi.
The pickup truck jolted up the steep mountain path flanked by snow-capped Himalayan peaks that were nearly 7,000 metres (22,965 feet) high, away from the thundering Sutlej River. The nine passengers were on their way to the isolated Kandar village in India's Kinnaur area to carry out their activism against the construction of new dams.

Once the majority of the few dozen Indigenous occupants' old dwellings were damaged by falling stones in 2005, they were forced to relocate. Villagers also think tunnelling for dams was to fault, despite official denials to the contrary.

The 30-year-old Buddha Sain Negi travelled there to learn more about the ongoing difficulties of the Kandar people. The activists listened to locals describe how India's hydropower push had upended their lives and sparked nearly two decades of resistance while sitting on a steep slope overlooking a 19-year-old dam. Before they received. compensation to build new homes, some people sought refuge in sheds, and more lives were lost as a result of falling stones. Yet, the compensation was insufficient to restore livelihoods.

Raj Kumari, 48, a peasant, still recalls that night's terror. The farmer claimed that when the boulders started to fall, her husband was outside. She remarked, "My daughter predicted that only her father would survive and we'll get left behind and perish."

The urge for dams, a favourite project of Indian governments, has exploded as the country searches for 24/7 energy that doesn't emit greenhouse gases. Hydropower is often created when swift water rotates turbines to produce electricity.

But in this area with low rainfall, dams have changed the natural water systems, making it difficult for farmers to irrigate their orchards. Climate change is also causing the spring waters from melting glaciers that they have historically relied on to dry up.

After a deadly landslip in the region last August, farmers found themselves transformed into activists fighting against further dams. Scientists and residents have warned that mountain tunnel construction has increased the frequency of disastrous landslides, despite the fact that the authorities claim to take safeguards.

Opponents of the dam cite further effects: To make room for building, thousands of trees are being hacked down, including the rare Chilgoza pine, whose nuts are coveted and generate significant cash for nearby communities. Some families find it difficult to submerge their loved ones' cremated remains since parts of the Sutlej River are now dry. And other locals worry that the influx of thousands of migrant workers who would be working on the dam will be too much for them.

According to Jiya Lal, a farmer who is a member of an advocacy group for environmental justice in the highlands, the area, which is home to over 100,000 people, already produces 4,000 megawatts of clean energy, which is equal to four nuclear power plants. He said that villagers have been urged to reconsider their opposition to dams in the name of "national interest." How much more can be expected of us, he posed in a query that reverberated throughout the Himalayas?

By 2030, the federal government wants India's dams to produce 70,000 megawatts of energy, a 50% increase that may make up 8.5% of the country's total installed capacity. Additionally, it aims to build pumped-storage dams with a combined capacity of 18,800 megawatts. These dams serve as enormous batteries that store energy by pumping water from one elevated reservoir to another, where it is then released through turbines to generate electricity.

India has more dams than any other country, with about 4,400 total. The nation is hoping that dams will assist in finding a solution to the clean energy conundrum of how to keep the system powered by renewables when the sun isn't out or the wind isn't blowing.

The electricity produced by dams in the Himachal Pradesh state, according to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will create income and jobs. In October, he observed, "The abundance of water and forest in tribal areas is priceless. But, previous catastrophes, like as the flooding of a holy town in January, have raised "questions" about the emphasis on dams as a means of delivering 24/7 clean power, according to Vibhuti Garg, an energy economist at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.

Large dams serve as the "backbone" of India's energy system by enabling it to balance the grid in the event of sudden changes in demand, according to Ammu Susana Jacob, a scientist at the think tank Center of Study of Science, Technology, and Policy. Around 10% of India's electricity comes from the sun or wind. As per government estimations, India has to grow its energy storage capacity to 41 gigawatts in order to transition away from dirty fuels and achieve its 2030 goals.

The hydroelectric company Shree Bhavani Power Project's director, Bhanu Pratap Singh, bemoaned the fact that dams hadn't had the same level of government support as solar or wind energy, but he said that this was beginning to change.

Private enterprises were less eager to construct major dams as a result of delays brought on by legal difficulties obtaining property, according to Singh. He also stated that there needed to be "constant and transparent conversation" between those opposed to dams and those building them due to growing worries about the dangers of doing so in the vulnerable highlands.

Although dams don't require pricey imports, unlike battery storage, they are nonetheless expensive. Communities are frequently uprooted in order to make room for them, and land is limited. Local protests, like the one in Kinnaur, are brought on by cascading environmental effects and raise expenses. Due to this, hydropower in India is more expensive than solar or wind electricity.

India is confronted with the "tricky" decision of whether it makes sense to lock billions of dollars into new dams when other technologies are becoming more practical, according to Rahul Walawalkar, the executive director of the industry group India Energy Storage Alliance. Global battery prices have been falling since 2017 and are expected to continue to do so.

There are few choices available to India if it wishes to impose import restrictions because of the sheer size of its energy transition and the fact that its demand for power would increase more than anywhere else over the next 20 years. It's a necessary risk, according to Walawalkar.

According to Shanta Kumar Negi, a local politician, people in the upper elevations of the mountains purchase water to irrigate their farms, and dams exacerbate the water issue brought on by global warming. The costs of India's response to this challenge weigh big in Kinnaur. How will I answer my children if I don't fight to stop the harm being done to us? he asked.

According to experts, the current demonstrations in Kinnaur and other places highlight the dangers of building dams without considering the potential environmental effects and associated expenditures. According to a parliamentary study, at least 37 dams were delayed in 2019, and there were another 41 where building hadn't started due to factors like financial difficulties or protests.

On the national highway in Kinnaur, there are warnings about loose boulders on mountain sides, and old trees have red crosses painted on them to indicate that they are to be cut down due to concerns over dam construction.

According to Abinash Mohanty, who oversees climate change and sustainability at the international development group IPE Global, the issue represents India's "siloed approach" to developing large-scale projects like dams that ignore climate concerns. Although the Himalayas have a more delicate ecosystem than others due to climate extremes and extensive human activity, it was not considered whether the environment had reached a tipping point.

Mohanty compared it to somebody attempting to lift more weight than they are capable of. He warned, "You'll either hurt yourself or drop it."

Threats are being made worse by climate change. A 2016 study found that 177 dams built close to Himalayan glaciers may be at risk of flooding if glacial lakes break. Five years later, two dams were destroyed by a flood made worse by melting glaciers, resulting in at least 31 fatalities.

Even some dams stated in official records as having been built to pump water to aid in electricity storage aren't actually doing so. According to the India Energy Storage Alliance, an additional reservoir is currently being created for a 17-year-old dam while a 25-year-old Gujarati dam cannot pump water due to an engineering problem.

India has developed rules that recommend doing away with environmental reviews and public hearings for some projects in order to increase the use of pumped-storage dams.

But, Walawalkar of the business alliance argued that governments should exercise caution when deciding where to build dams. Broad environmental clearances could have both benefits and drawbacks, he said.

India to cut Windfall tax on all crude products

Kazakhstan intends to increase the flow of oil to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline in Russia
Gorakhpur (UP), Apr 8 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said criminals who earlier had little regard for authorities, shake like a leaf when law takes its course.

"Today, you can see that they know their own lives are in danger," Adityanath said addressing the public after the opening of a bottling plant here,

"When the court awards sentences to them, their faces get drained of colour. Public knows how the mafia used to ruin them, send threats to the industrialists, and abduct the traders. But today, mafia is scared and speechless," he said.
New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI) More than 1,700 undertrial prisoners and convicts, who were granted emergency bail or parole during the COVID-19 pandemic, have returned to Delhi's jails after the Supreme Court directed them to surrender, officials said on Saturday.

On Friday, 963 inmates returned to three jails of the city -- Tihar, Mandoli and Rohini.

In Tihar jail, 448 undertrial prisoners (UTPs) and 195 convicts returned on Friday, according to official data.

Similarly, 196 UTPs and 63 convicts surrendered at Mandoli jail. In Rohini jail, 52 UTPs and nine convicts returned on Friday, the data stated.

A total of 1,245 UTPs and 523 convicts have returned to the jails till Friday, the data said.

According to officials, around 3,600 UTPs and around 600 convicts were released on emergency bail or parole.

The Supreme Court on March 24 directed that all convicts and undertrial prisoners, who were released during the COVID-19 pandemic in a move to decongest jails, to surrender within 15 days.

The apex court had said undertrial prisoners, who were released on emergency bail during the pandemic, can move for regular bail before competent courts after their surrender.

Several convicts and undertrial prisoners were released during the pandemic in various states on the recommendations of a high-powered committee set up in pursuant to directions of the apex court.
New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI) A man was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in east Delhis New Ashok Nagar area, police said on Saturday.

The accused has been identified as Farman (33), a resident of Mayur Vihar Phase-1, they said.

The victim, in her complaint lodged on Friday, alleged that Farman sexually assaulted her by extending threats of causing harm to her parents, a senior police officer said.

A case was registered and the accused has been arrested, Deputy Commissioner of Police (east) Amrutha Guguloth said.

On September 27, 2022, the victims mother filed a missing complaint about her teen daughter following which a case was registered, police said.

The victim was found then and during her medical examination, she told police about the sexual assault but while recording a statement before the magistrate under section 164 of CrPC, she did not disclose any such incident, they said.

On Friday, she reported that after recording her statement in the previous incident, Farman again sexually assaulted her, police said.

Farman was previously involved in seven cases of snatching, theft, burglary and dacoity registered in Delhis east district, they said.
Shimla, Apr 8 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh registered 258 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday and two more deaths in Mandi and Sirmaur districts were reported due to the virus, according to Health officials.

The state's active caseload currently stands at 1,807, they said.

A 63-year-old man in Mandi district and a 68-year-old woman in Sirmaur district died of the viral infection, taking the state's total death toll to 4,200.

A 19-year-old woman died of the virus in Mandi on Friday.

So far, the maximum number of deaths due to Covid were reported from Kangra (1268) followed by Shimla (730), Mandi (518), Solan (341), Hamirpur (333), Una (283), Sirmaur (228), Chamba (179), Kullu (164), Bilaspur (97), Kinnaur (41) and Lahaul and Spiti (18).

The weekly positivity rate in the hill state was 6.6 per cent, the health officials said.

The daily Covid 19 testing was around 5000 and the current hospital admission rate was 0.9 per cent, Health and Family Welfare Minister Col Dhani Ram Shandil had said on Friday.

During a virtual review meeting with the Centre, Health Minister Col Dhani Ram Shandil had said the state government is monitoring the situation on a regular basis.

Shandil said while there is no cause for panic, he batted for vigilance and following Covid-appropriate behaviour.

He also requested the Centre to supply COVID-19 vaccines so that precautionary doses can be administered.
New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI) A team of officials from Uttar Pradesh has visited the biodiversity zone Asita East and bamboo theme park Baansera to get an insight into the Yamuna floodplain rejuvenation projects in Delhi, according to a statement from the lieutenant governor's office on Saturday.

The team also visited the Dhaula Kuan-IGI Airport road project and the Waste to Wonder Park at Sarai Kale Khan to learn the innovative ways to manage municipal solid waste.

The delegation comprising Bareilly Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agarwal, Bareilly Development Authority Vice Chairman Jogendra Singh and Municipal Commissioner Nidhi Gupt Vats visited the sites on Friday at the instance of Delhi Lieutenant V K Saxena.

The officers went into the details of restoration and rejuvenation of the Yamuna floodplain being undertaken by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

They said the development of Asita East and Baansera -- from the heaps of garbage to lush green assets in the heart of the capital -- could be replicated along the ghats of the Ram Ganga river in Bareilly.

They said that creation of water bodies at Asita East and Baansera could also be replicated in the entire Uttar Pradesh, it said.

The officers also met the LG and sought to know how these projects were implemented in a short span of time and learn about micro-detailing in the planning of these projects and coordination with multiple agencies.

The LG stressed upon the need to properly utilize the time and available resources in order to get the desired results. He said that properly designing the projects, formulating a workable plan of action and pursuing them rigorously was critical for timely completion of any project, it added.
Gurugram, Apr 8 (PTI) Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav has issued showcause notices to 17 hospitals that did not send representatives to a meeting of the District Task Force.

The hospitals have been instructed to explain the reason for their absence.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena said Yadav on Thursday chaired a meeting of the task force called by the Health department.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the spurt in Covid and influenza cases in the district, the conduct of mock drills, measles and rubella eradication, and dengue and malaria, Meena said.

"Expressing displeasure towards the hospitals, which remained absent despite receiving the information, the deputy commissioner directed by issuing notices to the hospitals concerned to clarify their position regarding not attending the meeting," he added.
LAUREL MCINTOSH, Chariho Girls Lacrosse, Senior; McIntosh scored six goals and assisted on another in a Chariho win against Toll Gate. Chariho is 5-0 this season.

DYLAN CIMINI, Stonington, Baseball, Junior; Cimini allowed just one hit and struck out 10 in a win against Ledyard. Cimini did not give up the hit until the sixth inning.

ALLYSON FAUBERT, Westerly, Girls Lacrosse, Sophomore; Faubert scored the winning goal with 49.6 seconds left in a win against Cranston East. Faubert finished with two goals in the game.

REESE MAIN, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Main pitched a one-hitter and struck out 10 in a win against Bacon Academy. Main walked just two batters and also drove in three runs at the plate.

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A 36-year-old Italian tourist was murdered and seven tourists were wounded on Friday night in a ramming attack in Tel Aviv.

An Arab rammed his car into a group of British and Italian tourists on the Tel Aviv promenade, killing one, moderately wounding one, and lightly injuring four.

An investigation of the incident revealed that the terrorist drove from north to south near the Charles Clore Promenade, drove on the sidewalk, and hit the tourists. He then continued driving on a nearby bicycle path, where he was shot by a nearby police officer. He lost control of his car, which overturned, and he was killed in the crash.

In the wake of the attack, which followed the murderous terror attack on Friday morning in the Jordan Valley, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu ordered the mobilization of all Border Guard reserves, as well as additional IDF reserves.

The murdered tourist was later identified as Alessandro Parini, a lawyer from Rome who was in Israel for Easter.

The terrorist was identified as Yousef Abu Jaber, a 45-year-old Arab-Israeli resident of Kafr Qassem and father of six who used to work as a janitor in an Israeli middle school. He had a criminal record but no prior security offenses.

(YWN Israel Desk is keeping you updated on Motzei Shabbos from Jerusalem.)
Almost three million people describe themselves as vegan in the UK. The rest of us are happy to tickle our taste buds with meat, fish, eggs and dairy produce.

And, while the vegan movement advances over here, most parts of the world are moving in the opposite direction. They are eating more animal produce, not less, and likely to continue doing so for many years to come.

In 2022, meat production rose 5 per cent to 345 million tons and independent research suggests this figure will increase by around a third over the next 20 years. That means an awful lot of animals will need to be fed and looked after, even as questions mount about their impact on the environment and our health.

Ocean Harvest Technology may have some of the answers. Founded in 2005, the company spent years collaborating with top universities to see how and whether seaweed could be used in animal feed.

Boost: Ocean Harvest Technology's seaweed-based feed ingredient makes animals healthier and more productive

Results were conclusive. Adding seaweed to the mix makes cattle, poultry and even fish healthier and more productive.

Last week, Ocean Harvest listed on the stock market, one of only a handful of firms to opt for a public listing this year  and succeed in its endeavours. The shares were 16p on admission, rose to 17.6p by the end of the week and should continue to gain ground.

Seaweed is an abundant resource. Millions of tons can be found in oceans around the world and the amount is increasing annually, not least because fertiliser used on land finds it way into the sea and makes the weeds grow faster.

Many animal feed additives are either chemical or introduce dubious elements, such as antibiotics, into the human food chain. Some are costly too. Seaweed is natural and highly nutritious, enhancing gut health in animals and the end-consumer.

Because seaweed has such a beneficial effect on animals, they need to eat less than they otherwise would, they grow more and there is a marked decrease in premature death.

Dairy cattle and egg-laying hens are also significantly more productive, with recent studies showing increased yields of up to 10 per cent. Seaweed can even improve fertility among stallions and mares, reduce methane emissions from cattle and help pets to digest their food more easily.

Ocean Harvest has developed a network of harvesters from South East Asia, East Africa and closer to home to gather the seaweed from the ocean. Plants are dried and shipped to the company's own processing facility in Vietnam, close to where most of the harvesting is carried out. Using a range of seaweeds, Ocean creates pellets, meal, powder and granules all designed for different animals and their needs.

The farming market is inherently conservative but, under former banker turned animal nutrition specialist Mark Williams, Ocean Harvest has been making significant progress. The company sells its wares to more than 30 large-scale animal feed producers around the world, has never lost a major customer and expects to take on many new ones this year and next.

Across the world, farmers spend more than 30 billion a year on animal feed additives. The figure is rising at around 6 per cent annually and natural products are increasingly popular.

Ocean Harvest is a minnow in the market but it is expanding fast, with revenues up 67 per cent to 2.5 million in 2022 and further hefty growth expected this year.

Having invested heavily in the business, Williams delivered a loss last year, but the company should soon move into profit.

Figures are reported in euros because Ocean Technology was founded in Ireland, but it is now based outside Reading and results should switch to sterling, following the decision to list in London.

Midas verdict: Demand for meat and fish is rising and demand for animal feed is growing in sync. Natural additives help farmers to do more with less and seaweed is up there with the best of them, making animals healthier, happier and more productive. Ocean Harvest Technology is a true pioneer in this field and the shares, at 17.6p, should go far.

Traded on: AIM Ticker: OHT Contact: oceanharvesttechnology.com or Camarco on 020 3757 4991
Advice: Dinah Wolf learned from her father about how to grow a nest egg

Setting a young family member on a sound financial footing can be an expensive business, but new research suggests one of the best ways may involve handing over no money at all.

Simply talking to young people about saving and investing can help embolden them to take the first step themselves.

The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) asked a panel of young investors what prompted them to get started in the first place. The most common trigger  for 39 per cent of those surveyed  was a discussion or recommendation from a family member.

Other motivators included a build-up of savings (36 per cent); low rates on savings accounts (24 per cent); and seeing something online that sparked their interest (24 per cent). Three quarters of young investors said they knew someone else who invests.

Annabel Brodie-Smith, communications director of the AIC, says: 'Friends and family who invest have a key role to play in encouraging the under-40s to start investing.

'Friends, family and financial advisers are also the main sources of information for younger investors. It's encouraging that these investors are engaged and interested, with two-thirds holding individual stocks and shares.' Wealth & Personal Finance spoke to three young people about what helped them to get started investing.

Dinah Wolf, 23, invested her 2,000 savings four years ago, after conversations with her father throughout her childhood piqued her interest.

Dinah, from London, said that even as a child she would often rather hear her father share tales about investing than listen to a bedtime story. That was because money feels like a taboo subject  which made it sound like a secret world she wanted to learn more about. Dinah prefers to invest in things she knows about and thinks show great potential.

So far, she has invested in a watch company and an investment platform through a crowdfunding company, Crowdcube.

She also plans to put some money in investment trusts to invest in a wider group of companies. 'I am a believer in investing for the long-term and not get-rich-quick  nor putting money into something I do not understand, such as biotechnology,' says Dinah.

Dinah, who writes a lifestyle blog on kneadyourdough.uk, adds: 'One of the great lessons I have learned from my family is compounding  how drip feeding money over time can turn a small nest egg into a substantial investment pot.'

Kieran Ayre, from Shaftesbury in Dorset, is thinking about investing, thanks to the encouragement  but not the funds  of his parents.

Kieran, 18, was given a 250 Child Trust Fund by the Government when he was born. His parents invested it on his behalf and he now has 790. Kieran has been discussing with his mother, Maggie, how to grow his money further still. He is looking at investments that align with his own interests.

Kieran, who is hoping to study physics at the University of Bristol, is considering funds that invest in new types of energy.

'Friends, family and financial advisers are also the main sources of information for younger investors,' according to the AIC's Annabel Brodie-Smith

'My thought is that nuclear fusion will help as an energy in the future  so that fossil fuels will no longer have to be relied upon,' he says.

'Many think of atom bombs, which involved nuclear fission where atoms get split. But nuclear fusion is where atoms combine  and in the last year scientists have had some exciting breakthroughs.'

Investing in fusion is still quite challenging as it is a relatively new innovation for creating energy. But, Kieran is biding his time and is looking at environmental funds that also hold other energy stocks.

Kieran's mum, Maggie, works for the charity Young Enterprise, which provides financial education support for schools  so knows the power of talking to young people about money.

Saira Pandhal, 11, used to spend her pocket money on things like chocolate. 'But then my mum told me I could afford an iPad if I saved towards a goal, and that changed my thinking,' she says.

Saira, who lives with her parents and two siblings in Rugby, Warwickshire, started saving through financial education app GoHenry three years ago. Every time she was rewarded with 5 for completing chores around the house, she added it to her pot until she had enough money for the iPad.

'Now I want to move on to the next step and invest my savings,' says Saira.

'But rather than putting my money into stocks and shares funds run by others, I want to put it towards starting up my own business.'

Saira is a budding actress and has had roles in three films. 'I want to start a business that helps other young people who want to act, with tips and support material posted out as a subscription service,' she says. 'My mum is a real entrepreneur and this has inspired me.'
Wealth manager Hargreaves Lansdown is cutting the cost of regular investing by dropping some of its charges for buying and selling investments, Wealth & Personal Finance can reveal.

From Tuesday, customers who invest regularly by direct debit will no longer be charged 1.50 for buying and selling shares, investment trusts and exchange-traded funds. Regular investing into funds is already free of charge.

The wealth platform is also removing fees for reinvesting dividend income into shares. Reinvesting dividends currently carries a one per cent fee, with a 1 minimum and up to a maximum fee of 10.

Holly Mackay, founder of financial website Boring Money, says: 'Hargreaves Lansdown has a reputation for being one of the more expensive online brokerages  but also for offering a good quality service.

> How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account

Cutting the cost: Customers who invest regularly by direct debit will no longer be charged 1.50 for buying and selling shares, investment trusts and exchange-traded funds

'Although it still has a relatively expensive initial 0.45 per cent annual management charge, the move to cut regular trading fees is a positive step towards attracting investors to drip feed a small amount of money on a regular basis, which can be an appealing way to build up a long-term nest egg.'

Competition has been heating up among investment platforms in recent months, with several cutting fees for customers. Last month, Hargreaves Lansdown removed charges on its Junior Isas and cut the fee on its Lifetime Isa from 0.45 to 0.25 per cent.

In February, rival Interactive Investor launched its Investor Essentials product, to allow customers with up to 30,000 to invest for a competitively priced flat fee of 4.99 a month.

> What's a fair price to pay for DIY investing? On average 25 a month say investors but many want to pay much less

Keeping fees in check is essential to successful investing. While investors cannot control stock markets, how much they hand over to their investment platform and fund managers is in their power.

Hargreaves Lansdown has a 0.45 per cent management charge for fund investors up to 250,000, which falls to 0.25 per cent above this level up to 1 million.

Rival AJ Bell has an annual charge from 0.25 per cent, which drops to 0.1 per cent for those with more than 250,000 in their portfolio. Interactive Investor charges a 9.99-a-month fee for investors with over 30,000, which includes a 'free' trade each month.

Wealthify and Nutmeg charge an annual fee of around 0.76 and 1.03 per cent a year respectively, including trading charges.

Ruchir Rodrigues, commercial officer at Hargreaves Lansdown, says: 'Cutting the cost of regularly saving is a commitment to support those at the start of their investment journey as well as passing on savings to loyal clients with a better value service.'
The former head of Barclays bank has hit back at allegations about his connection to the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, dubbing them 'slanderous and baseless'.

Jes Staley faces a lawsuit from his former employer JP Morgan, which wants to hold him liable for penalties it incurs amid claims it enabled Epstein's crimes.

Staley, the former head of JP Morgan's private bank, has asked the court for his October trial to be delayed until March 2024.

Allegations: Jes Staley (pictured) faces a lawsuit from his former employer JP Morgan, which wants to hold him liable for penalties it incurs amid claims it enabled Jeffrey Epstein's crimes

The timeline gave him 'grossly insufficient' time to defend himself against what he argues are false claims.

JP Morgan faces two civil suits alleging it enabled Epstein's sex trafficking and believes Staley, 66, should have to pay compensation if it loses the cases.

In a letter to a Manhattan court last week, Staley asked for the lawsuit against him to be severed from the other civil lawsuits.

But JP Morgan said he was 'inextricably linked to these cases' and it made 'no sense to separate him'.
Analysts at StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Golden Star Resources (NYSE:GSS  Get Rating) in a research note issued on Thursday. The brokerage set a hold rating on the stock.

Golden Star Resources Stock Performance

Golden Star Resources has a 1-year low of $2.04 and a 1-year high of $4.04.

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About Golden Star Resources

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Golden Star is an established gold mining company that owns and operates the Wassa underground mine in Ghana, West Africa. Listed on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Ghanaian Stock Exchange, Golden Star is focused on delivering strong margins and free cash flow. Since winning the PDAC 2018 Environmental and Social Responsibility Award, Golden Star has remained committed to leaving a positive and sustainable legacy in its areas of operation.

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ZTE (OTCMKTS:ZTCOY  Get Rating) and SGS (OTCMKTS:SGSOY  Get Rating) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, dividends, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation and institutional ownership.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares ZTE and SGSs gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio ZTE $17.75 billion 0.53 $1.06 billion $0.47 8.60 SGS $6.96 billion 2.45 $616.16 million N/A N/A

ZTE has higher revenue and earnings than SGS.

Dividends

Profitability

ZTE pays an annual dividend of $0.07 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. SGS pays an annual dividend of $0.51 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.2%. ZTE pays out 14.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend.

This table compares ZTE and SGSs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets ZTE 5.89% 13.25% 4.04% SGS N/A N/A N/A

Volatility & Risk

ZTE has a beta of 0.77, suggesting that its stock price is 23% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, SGS has a beta of 0.71, suggesting that its stock price is 29% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings for ZTE and SGS, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score ZTE 0 1 1 0 2.50 SGS 4 3 1 0 1.63

Summary

ZTE beats SGS on 7 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About ZTE

(Get Rating)

ZTE Corporation provides integrated communication information solutions in the People's Republic of China, rest of Asia, Africa, Europe, the United States, and Oceania. It operates through three segments: Carriers' Networks, Government and Corporate Business, and Consumer Business. The Carriers' Network segment provides wireless access, wireline access, bearer systems, core networks, telecommunication software systems and services, and other technologies and product solutions for meeting carries' requirements. The Consumer Business segment offers smart phones, mobile data terminals, family terminals, and fusion terminals, as well as related software application and value-added services. The Government and Corporate Business segment focuses on providing informatization solutions for the government and corporations through the application of products, such as communications networks, Internet of Things, big data, and cloud computing. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Shenzhen, the People's Republic of China.

About SGS

(Get Rating)

SGS SA is engages in the provision of inspection, verification, testing, certification and quality assurance services. It operates through the following segments: Connectivity & Products (C&P); Health & Nutrition (H&N); Industries & Environment (I&E); Natural Resources (NR); Knowledge (Kn). The Connectivity & Products segment includes Electrical and Electronic goods, Softlines, Hardlines and Trade Facilitation. The Health & Nutrition segment includes Food, Crop Science, Health Science and Cosmetics & Hygiene. The Industries & Environment segment includes Field Services and Inspection, Technical Assessment and Advisory, Industrial and Public Health & Safety, Environmental Testing and Public Mandates. The Natural Resources segment includes Trade and Inspection of minerals, oil and gas and agricultural commodities, Laboratory Testing, Metallurgy and Consulting and Market Intelligence. The Knowledge segment includes Management System Certification, Customized Audits, Consulting and Academy. The company was founded in 1878 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

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Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE:GNW  Get Rating)s stock price shot up 2.3% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $5.29 and last traded at $5.28. 435,862 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 88% from the average session volume of 3,731,079 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.16.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com began coverage on Genworth Financial in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating on the stock.

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Genworth Financial Stock Up 4.5 %

The company has a quick ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The company has a market cap of $2.66 billion, a PE ratio of 4.53 and a beta of 1.03. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $5.60 and a 200-day moving average of $5.04.

Insider Buying and Selling

Genworth Financial ( NYSE:GNW Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 6th. The financial services provider reported $0.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by $0.14. Genworth Financial had a return on equity of 5.22% and a net margin of 8.11%. The company had revenue of $1.90 billion for the quarter. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.32 EPS.

In related news, CFO Daniel J. Iv Sheehan sold 250,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.06, for a total value of $1,515,000.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 1,132,023 shares in the company, valued at $6,860,059.38. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.99% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Genworth Financial

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in GNW. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its position in Genworth Financial by 60.7% during the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 62,634 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $237,000 after purchasing an additional 23,663 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC purchased a new stake in Genworth Financial during the first quarter valued at about $40,000. Citigroup Inc. raised its position in Genworth Financial by 5.3% during the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 589,415 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,228,000 after purchasing an additional 29,834 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in Genworth Financial by 58.2% during the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 78,974 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $299,000 after purchasing an additional 29,046 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Natixis Advisors L.P. purchased a new stake in Genworth Financial during the first quarter valued at about $265,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.91% of the companys stock.

About Genworth Financial

(Get Rating)

Genworth Financial, Inc is a financial services company, which engages in the provision of insurance, wealth management, investment and financial solutions. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Mortgage Insurance, Australia Mortgage Insurance, U.S. Life Insurance, and Runoff. The U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment offers mortgage insurance products predominantly insuring prime-based, individually underwritten residential mortgage loans.

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Orchard Funding Group plc (LON:ORCH  Get Rating) announced a dividend on Thursday, April 6th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Investors of record on Thursday, June 8th will be paid a dividend of GBX 1 ($0.01) per share on Friday, June 23rd. This represents a yield of 2.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 8th. The official announcement can be viewed at this link.

Orchard Funding Group Price Performance

Shares of ORCH stock opened at GBX 41.50 ($0.52) on Friday. Orchard Funding Group has a twelve month low of GBX 37 ($0.46) and a twelve month high of GBX 65.90 ($0.82). The company has a quick ratio of 1.86, a current ratio of 1.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 153.05. The stock has a market cap of 8.86 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 592.86 and a beta of 0.16. The businesss fifty day moving average is GBX 43.30 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 46.56.

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Orchard Funding Group Company Profile

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Orchard Funding Group plc, through its subsidiaries, provides insurance premium finance, professional fee funding, finance, and secured property lending services in the United Kingdom. It offers credit to businesses and consumers for spreading the cost of their insurance premiums; and professional customized fee funding solutions to accounting firms, professionals, and small businesses to provide extended credit to their business clients.

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Greenleaf Trust boosted its position in shares of Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR  Get Rating) by 4.8% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,762 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 262 shares during the period. Greenleaf Trusts holdings in Ingersoll Rand were worth $301,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. American Century Companies Inc. grew its position in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 12.0% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 15,601 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $786,000 after buying an additional 1,675 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in Ingersoll Rand by 47.6% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 9,880 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $497,000 after buying an additional 3,185 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC bought a new position in Ingersoll Rand in the first quarter valued at approximately $327,000. Panagora Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in Ingersoll Rand by 62.2% in the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 28,937 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,457,000 after buying an additional 11,096 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Yousif Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Ingersoll Rand by 1.7% in the first quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 57,771 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,909,000 after buying an additional 988 shares in the last quarter. 99.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have recently commented on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Ingersoll Rand in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $60.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $57.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $60.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 19th. Finally, Robert W. Baird boosted their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $52.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Ingersoll Rand has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $58.50.

Insider Activity at Ingersoll Rand

Ingersoll Rand Stock Performance

In other Ingersoll Rand news, CAO Michael J. Scheske sold 1,742 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.00, for a total transaction of $99,294.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 7,112 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $405,384. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . In other news, insider Vicente Reynal sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.00, for a total transaction of $1,500,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 102,856 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,171,360. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link . Also, CAO Michael J. Scheske sold 1,742 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.00, for a total transaction of $99,294.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 7,112 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $405,384. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 51,742 shares of company stock worth $3,036,794 in the last quarter. 0.75% of the stock is owned by insiders.

NYSE IR opened at $54.46 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.37, a quick ratio of 1.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The firms fifty day moving average price is $56.59 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $53.21. Ingersoll Rand Inc. has a 1 year low of $39.28 and a 1 year high of $60.39. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.80 and a beta of 1.42.

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 21st. The industrial products company reported $0.72 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.59 by $0.13. Ingersoll Rand had a net margin of 10.22% and a return on equity of 9.99%. The firm had revenue of $1.62 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.54 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.64 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Ingersoll Rand Inc. will post 2.36 EPS for the current year.

Ingersoll Rand Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 24th. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 1st were issued a $0.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 28th. This represents a $0.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.15%. Ingersoll Rands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 5.41%.

Ingersoll Rand Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Ingersoll Rand, Inc provides a broad range of mission critical air, fluid, energy, specialty vehicle and medical technologies, providing services and solutions to increase industrial productivity and efficiency. It operates through the following segments: Industrial Technologies and Services, Precision and Science Technologies, High Pressure Solutions, and Specialty Vehicle Technologies.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR  Get Rating).

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Strs Ohio increased its stake in Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE:IRM  Get Rating) by 28.1% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 389,264 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 85,301 shares during the period. Strs Ohio owned 0.13% of Iron Mountain worth $19,404,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in IRM. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Iron Mountain by 12.8% during the 2nd quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 1,767 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $86,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Herbst Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Iron Mountain by 0.8% during the third quarter. Herbst Group LLC now owns 25,300 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,112,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System boosted its position in shares of Iron Mountain by 1.1% in the 4th quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 18,800 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $937,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. Mariner LLC increased its stake in Iron Mountain by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 19,352 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,072,000 after purchasing an additional 204 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV raised its holdings in Iron Mountain by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 50,307 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,210,000 after buying an additional 217 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.12% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other Iron Mountain news, EVP Deborah Marson sold 1,125 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $53.72, for a total transaction of $60,435.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 63,151 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,392,471.72. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other Iron Mountain news, CEO William L. Meaney sold 62,904 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.78, for a total value of $3,320,073.12. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 376,320 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,862,169.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Deborah Marson sold 1,125 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.72, for a total transaction of $60,435.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 63,151 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,392,471.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 94,552 shares of company stock worth $4,970,966. 2.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Iron Mountain Price Performance

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Iron Mountain in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Barclays reduced their target price on Iron Mountain from $57.00 to $56.00 in a report on Monday, March 20th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $58.00 price target on shares of Iron Mountain in a report on Monday, March 6th. Exane BNP Paribas assumed coverage on Iron Mountain in a research note on Wednesday, December 14th. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Finally, BNP Paribas assumed coverage on Iron Mountain in a research note on Wednesday, December 14th. They set an outperform rating and a $66.00 target price on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Iron Mountain currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $60.40.

Shares of NYSE:IRM opened at $52.29 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $15.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.52, a P/E/G ratio of 3.41 and a beta of 0.90. Iron Mountain Incorporated has a 1 year low of $43.33 and a 1 year high of $58.61. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 16.46. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $52.67 and a 200 day simple moving average of $51.16.

Iron Mountain (NYSE:IRM  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 23rd. The financial services provider reported $0.43 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.89 by ($0.46). Iron Mountain had a return on equity of 79.49% and a net margin of 10.91%. The firm had revenue of $1.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.32 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.74 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 10.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Iron Mountain Incorporated will post 3.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Iron Mountain Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, April 5th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 15th were paid a dividend of $0.6185 per share. This is a positive change from Iron Mountains previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, March 14th. This represents a $2.47 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.73%. Iron Mountains dividend payout ratio is 130.00%.

Iron Mountain Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Iron Mountain, Inc engages in the provision of storage and information management solutions. It operates through the following business segments: North American Records & Information Management Business, North American Data Management Business, Western European Business, Other International Business, Global Data Center Business and Corporate & Other Business.

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OTTAWA, ON, April 8, 2023 /CNW/ - Hydro Ottawa continues to make progress in restoring power to customers across the City of Ottawa. As of 9:30 a.m. this morning, approximately 2,900 customers remain without power.

Hydro Ottawa crews restoring power yesterday near Rockland. (CNW Group/Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.)

Hydro Ottawa continues to treat this as a multi-day restoration event and is working to restore power to all customers by end of day, Saturday, April 8, with the possibility that small pockets may still exist by the end of the day.

Today's efforts will focus on restoring power to those customers who remain without power in the following areas:

Bayshore - Belltown

Billings Bridge - Alta Vista

Borden Farm  Fisher Glen

Braemar Park - Bel Air Heights - Copeland Park

Bridlewood - Emerald Meadows

Britannia Village

Carlington

Carlingwood West  Glabar Park  McKellar Heights

Centrepoint

Cityview - Crestview- Meadowlands

Iris - Queensway Terrace South

Laurentian

Lindenlea - New Edinburgh

Old Barrhaven West

Parkwood Hills - Steward Farm

Playfair Park - Lynda Park - Guildwood Estates

Richmond

Rockcliffe Park

Skyline - Fisher Heights

Tanglewood

Urbandale Acres - Canterbury

Westboro

Whitehaven  Queensway Terrace North

Hydro Ottawa will continue to post information regarding these ongoing outages on its website , outage map , and on social media.

If customers are still out of power or do not see their area on the Hydro Ottawa's outage map, there are two ways customers can report:

Call our 24/7 outage hotline at 613 738-0188

Submit a report online through the MyAccount customer portal

Safety tips

Hydro Ottawa asks the public to respect work site perimeters by keeping a safe distance from crews and as they work on energizing the power grid.

If customers notice downed power lines, stay at least 10 metres away (the length of a school bus) from the wires and from any objects that are in contact with the lines such as trees. If there is a downed power line, please call us at 613 738-0188.

Drive carefully. When traffic signals are out, always treat intersections as all-way stops and proceed through intersections with caution.

As power is being restored, Hydro Ottawa reminds residents to conserve their use of energy and avoid turning on all electronics and appliances to avoid impacting the electricity supply.

Please reserve the use of 911 to situations where there is a risk to public safety, and life-threatening emergencies.

Story continues

About Hydro Ottawa Limited

Hydro Ottawa Limited, a subsidiary of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc., delivers electricity to approximately 353,000 homes and businesses in the City of Ottawa and the Village of Casselman. For more than a century, Hydro Ottawa has supplied its customers with clean, safe and reliable power to help build a vibrant and sustainable national capital region. As a leading partner in a smart energy future, Hydro Ottawa proudly contributes to the well-being of the community it serves through its integration of innovative and sustainable business practices, corporate citizenship initiatives, and offering best-in-class customer service.

SOURCE Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.

Cision

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Comerica Bank cut its stake in shares of American Express (NYSE:AXP) by 0.4% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 83,797 shares of the payment services companys stock after selling 376 shares during the quarter. Comerica Banks holdings in American Express were worth $12,884,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC lifted its position in American Express by 1.2% in the first quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 5,566 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $1,041,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares during the period. Frontier Wealth Management LLC raised its position in American Express by 0.5% in the first quarter. Frontier Wealth Management LLC now owns 13,355 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $2,344,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares in the last quarter. Forum Financial Management LP lifted its holdings in American Express by 1.3% in the third quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 5,485 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $740,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares during the period. Summit Trail Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of American Express by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Summit Trail Advisors LLC now owns 4,345 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $586,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Boston Financial Mangement LLC grew its stake in shares of American Express by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Boston Financial Mangement LLC now owns 5,607 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $756,000 after purchasing an additional 71 shares during the period. 83.30% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

AXP has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on shares of American Express from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, January 30th. Argus raised their price target on American Express from $180.00 to $210.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 31st. Stephens lowered shares of American Express from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and set a $134.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Thursday, January 5th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of American Express from $167.00 to $197.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, January 30th. Finally, Piper Sandler raised their price objective on shares of American Express from $159.00 to $179.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, January 30th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $175.33.

American Express Trading Down 1.4 %

NYSE AXP opened at $158.83 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.72, a quick ratio of 1.62 and a current ratio of 1.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $118.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.14, a PEG ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 1.18. The companys 50 day moving average price is $170.19 and its 200 day moving average price is $156.11. American Express has a one year low of $130.65 and a one year high of $192.42.

American Express (NYSE:AXP  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 27th. The payment services company reported $2.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.18 by ($0.11). American Express had a net margin of 14.16% and a return on equity of 31.76%. The firm had revenue of $14.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.25 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.18 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 16.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that American Express will post 11.25 EPS for the current year.

American Express Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, April 7th will be issued a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, April 5th. This is a boost from American Expresss previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.51%. American Expresss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 21.14%.

American Express declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback plan on Wednesday, March 8th that authorizes the company to buyback 120,000,000 outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the payment services company to repurchase shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other American Express news, insider Howard Grosfield sold 5,456 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $174.52, for a total value of $952,181.12. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 7,045 shares in the company, valued at $1,229,493.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Monique Herena sold 15,217 shares of American Express stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $173.18, for a total value of $2,635,280.06. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 13,712 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,374,644.16. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Howard Grosfield sold 5,456 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $174.52, for a total transaction of $952,181.12. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 7,045 shares in the company, valued at $1,229,493.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 49,361 shares of company stock worth $8,773,678 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock.

About American Express

(Get Rating)

American Express Co engages in the provision of charge and credit card products and travel-related services. It operates through the following segments: U.S Consumer Services (USCS), Commercial Services (CS), International Card Services (ICS), Global Merchant and Network Services (GMNS), and Corporate and Other.

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Strategic Blueprint LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IVW  Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 14,939 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $874,000.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. First Manhattan Co. raised its position in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 0.5% in the first quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 37,027 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,828,000 after buying an additional 166 shares in the last quarter. Family Firm Inc. raised its position in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 0.3% in the third quarter. Family Firm Inc. now owns 56,253 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,254,000 after buying an additional 172 shares in the last quarter. Southern Capital Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 0.7% in the third quarter. Southern Capital Advisors LLC now owns 24,906 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,441,000 after buying an additional 184 shares in the last quarter. Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo LLC raised its position in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 5.1% in the third quarter. Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo LLC now owns 3,842 shares of the companys stock valued at $222,000 after buying an additional 186 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Investment Advisory Group LLC increased its stake in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 0.4% in the third quarter. Investment Advisory Group LLC now owns 50,549 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,924,000 after acquiring an additional 189 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:IVW opened at $64.12 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $61.97 and its 200 day simple moving average is $60.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.15 and a beta of 1.04. iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF has a 1 year low of $55.30 and a 1 year high of $75.63.

About iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF

iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF, formerly iShares S&P 500 Growth Index Fund (the Growth Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500/Citigroup Growth Index (the Growth Index). The Growth Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market.

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Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund boosted its holdings in Albemarle Co. (NYSE:ALB  Get Rating) by 186.0% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 25,689 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after purchasing an additional 16,707 shares during the quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Albemarle were worth $5,571,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of ALB. International Assets Investment Management LLC increased its stake in Albemarle by 79,043.1% in the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 1,407,165 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $1,650,000 after acquiring an additional 1,405,387 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in Albemarle by 33.6% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 865,408 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $191,386,000 after purchasing an additional 217,538 shares during the period. Fred Alger Management LLC lifted its stake in Albemarle by 71.3% in the third quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 488,490 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $129,176,000 after purchasing an additional 203,385 shares during the last quarter. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC boosted its position in shares of Albemarle by 86.4% during the third quarter. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC now owns 375,347 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $99,257,000 after buying an additional 173,996 shares during the period. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Albemarle by 1.1% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 13,933,369 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $3,684,541,000 after buying an additional 158,005 shares during the last quarter. 82.24% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Albemarle Stock Performance

Shares of ALB opened at $194.68 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.89, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The firm has a market cap of $22.84 billion, a PE ratio of 8.53, a P/E/G ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 1.53. Albemarle Co. has a 12 month low of $185.15 and a 12 month high of $334.55. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $243.37 and a 200-day moving average price of $255.34.

Albemarle Increases Dividend

Albemarle ( NYSE:ALB Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 16th. The specialty chemicals company reported $8.62 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.46 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $2.62 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.60 billion. Albemarle had a return on equity of 37.63% and a net margin of 36.75%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 193.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.01 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that Albemarle Co. will post 30.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, April 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 17th were issued a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, March 16th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.82%. This is a boost from Albemarles previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. Albemarles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 7.01%.

Insider Activity

In other Albemarle news, CFO Scott Tozier sold 417 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $255.49, for a total transaction of $106,539.33. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 75,203 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,213,614.47. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently issued reports on ALB. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on Albemarle from $290.00 to $305.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 25th. Credit Suisse Group restated an underperform rating and issued a $240.00 price target on shares of Albemarle in a report on Thursday, February 16th. Piper Jaffray Companies started coverage on shares of Albemarle in a report on Thursday, January 26th. They set an overweight rating for the company. UBS Group lowered their price target on Albemarle from $297.00 to $250.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 11th. Finally, Citigroup decreased their target price on Albemarle from $345.00 to $295.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 15th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $299.00.

Albemarle Company Profile

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Albemarle Corp. engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of chemicals for consumer electronics, petroleum refining, utilities, packaging, construction, transportation, pharmaceuticals, crop production, food-safety, and custom chemistry services. It operates through the following business segments: Lithium, Bromine, Catalysts, and All Other.

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Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund lifted its holdings in AmerisourceBergen Co. (NYSE:ABC  Get Rating) by 3.4% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 32,256 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,053 shares during the quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in AmerisourceBergen were worth $5,345,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of ABC. United Bank lifted its position in shares of AmerisourceBergen by 16.6% during the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 3,632 shares of the companys stock valued at $562,000 after acquiring an additional 518 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. boosted its stake in shares of AmerisourceBergen by 29.9% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 5,193 shares of the companys stock valued at $803,000 after buying an additional 1,194 shares during the period. Synovus Financial Corp grew its stake in AmerisourceBergen by 123.4% in the first quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 6,301 shares of the companys stock valued at $975,000 after purchasing an additional 3,480 shares in the last quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its stake in shares of AmerisourceBergen by 22.5% in the 1st quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 2,767 shares of the companys stock valued at $430,000 after buying an additional 508 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL increased its stake in shares of AmerisourceBergen by 12.4% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 8,124 shares of the companys stock worth $1,257,000 after purchasing an additional 899 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.79% of the companys stock.

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AmerisourceBergen Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE ABC opened at $166.35 on Friday. AmerisourceBergen Co. has a twelve month low of $135.14 and a twelve month high of $174.63. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 63.30. The stock has a market cap of $33.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.19, a P/E/G ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.52. The companys fifty day moving average is $157.45 and its 200-day moving average is $157.49.

AmerisourceBergen Announces Dividend

AmerisourceBergen ( NYSE:ABC Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 1st. The company reported $2.71 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.62 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $62.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $62.77 billion. AmerisourceBergen had a return on equity of 597.57% and a net margin of 0.72%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.58 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that AmerisourceBergen Co. will post 11.61 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 27th. Investors of record on Friday, February 10th were given a $0.485 dividend. This represents a $1.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.17%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 9th. AmerisourceBergens payout ratio is currently 23.54%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other AmerisourceBergen news, CEO Steven H. Collis sold 10,499 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.28, for a total value of $1,724,775.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 257,967 shares in the company, valued at approximately $42,378,818.76. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other AmerisourceBergen news, EVP Gina Clark sold 1,924 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.22, for a total transaction of $300,567.28. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 26,733 shares in the company, valued at $4,176,229.26. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Steven H. Collis sold 10,499 shares of AmerisourceBergen stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.28, for a total transaction of $1,724,775.72. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 257,967 shares of the companys stock, valued at $42,378,818.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 28,633 shares of company stock worth $4,490,081. Corporate insiders own 20.10% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on ABC. Argus boosted their price objective on shares of AmerisourceBergen from $170.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 12th. Mizuho raised their price objective on AmerisourceBergen from $162.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, February 2nd. Citigroup assumed coverage on AmerisourceBergen in a research note on Friday, March 31st. They issued a buy rating and a $185.00 target price for the company. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on shares of AmerisourceBergen from $199.00 to $201.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, February 2nd. Finally, Evercore ISI restated an outperform rating and issued a $185.00 price objective on shares of AmerisourceBergen in a research note on Tuesday, January 31st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $180.46.

AmerisourceBergen Profile

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AmerisourceBergen Corp. engages in the provision of pharmaceutical products and business solutions that improve access to care. It operates through the Pharmaceutical Distribution Services and Other segments. The Pharmaceutical Distribution Services segment distributes an offering of brand-name, specialty brand-name and generic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter healthcare products, home healthcare supplies and equipment, and related services to healthcare providers, including acute care hospitals and health systems, independent and chain retail pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, medical clinics, and long-term care and alternate site pharmacies.

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Comerica Bank lessened its stake in shares of Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE:JCI  Get Rating) by 4.7% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 164,042 shares of the companys stock after selling 8,090 shares during the period. Comerica Banks holdings in Johnson Controls International were worth $11,117,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of JCI. Canton Hathaway LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Johnson Controls International in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its position in Johnson Controls International by 48.3% in the third quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 654 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 213 shares during the period. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton acquired a new position in shares of Johnson Controls International in the 3rd quarter valued at $36,000. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Johnson Controls International by 152.4% during the 1st quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 588 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 355 shares during the period. Finally, CI Investments Inc. increased its position in shares of Johnson Controls International by 979.1% during the 3rd quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 928 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 842 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.76% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have weighed in on JCI shares. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on shares of Johnson Controls International from $74.00 to $69.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, March 1st. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Johnson Controls International from $67.00 to $73.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 6th. Oppenheimer cut their target price on Johnson Controls International from $76.00 to $72.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, February 2nd. Bank of America lowered Johnson Controls International from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $85.00 to $72.00 in a research report on Monday, December 12th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price objective on Johnson Controls International from $64.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, December 9th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $70.14.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Johnson Controls International Stock Up 0.5 %

In other news, VP Daniel C. Mcconeghy sold 3,068 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, February 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.43, for a total transaction of $197,671.24. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 5,054 shares of the companys stock, valued at $325,629.22. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . 0.71% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Shares of NYSE:JCI opened at $55.98 on Friday. Johnson Controls International plc has a fifty-two week low of $45.52 and a fifty-two week high of $69.60. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $62.26 and its 200-day simple moving average is $61.77. The company has a market cap of $34.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.42, a PEG ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 1.22.

Johnson Controls International (NYSE:JCI  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 1st. The company reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.66 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $6.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.25 billion. Johnson Controls International had a return on equity of 12.51% and a net margin of 4.98%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.54 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Johnson Controls International plc will post 3.48 earnings per share for the current year.

Johnson Controls International Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 14th. Investors of record on Monday, March 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.36 per share. This is an increase from Johnson Controls Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. This represents a $1.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.57%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 17th. Johnson Controls Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 78.26%.

Johnson Controls International Profile

(Get Rating)

Johnson Controls International Plc engages in the provision of building products, energy solutions, integrated infrastructure and next generation transportation systems. Its technology and service capabilities include fire, security, HVAC, power solutions and energy storage to serve various end markets including large institutions, commercial buildings, retail, industrial, small business and residential.

Further Reading

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Sigma Investment Counselors Inc. grew its position in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC  Get Rating) by 18.2% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 12,707 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,956 shares during the quarter. Sigma Investment Counselors Inc.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $421,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Avondale Wealth Management acquired a new stake in Bank of America in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. WD Rutherford LLC acquired a new stake in Bank of America in the 3rd quarter valued at $33,000. Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Bank of America by 1,491.8% in the 3rd quarter. Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,162 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 1,089 shares during the period. McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Bank of America in the 4th quarter valued at $38,000. Finally, Marshall & Sullivan Inc. WA acquired a new stake in Bank of America in the 4th quarter valued at $38,000. 68.34% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Bank of America Stock Performance

Bank of America stock opened at $27.84 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $32.08 and its 200 day moving average price is $33.44. The firm has a market capitalization of $222.83 billion, a PE ratio of 8.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 0.78. Bank of America Co. has a one year low of $26.32 and a one year high of $40.40.

Bank of America Dividend Announcement

Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.76 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $24.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $24.17 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 11.41% and a net margin of 23.93%. Bank of Americas quarterly revenue was up 11.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.82 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Bank of America Co. will post 3.3 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 31st. Investors of record on Friday, March 3rd were paid a dividend of $0.22 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, March 2nd. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.16%. Bank of Americas payout ratio is currently 27.59%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Matthew M. Koder sold 105,054 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.27, for a total transaction of $3,600,200.58. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 319,803 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,959,648.81. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, insider Matthew M. Koder sold 105,054 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.27, for a total transaction of $3,600,200.58. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 319,803 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,959,648.81. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Matthew M. Koder sold 214,745 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.91, for a total value of $7,711,492.95. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 214,747 shares in the company, valued at $7,711,564.77. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.27% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BAC has been the topic of several recent research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut shares of Bank of America from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price target for the company from $45.00 to $36.00 in a research report on Friday, January 6th. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Bank of America from $51.00 to $48.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 3rd. Piper Sandler lowered shares of Bank of America from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and cut their target price for the stock from $36.00 to $33.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 17th. Oppenheimer lowered their price target on Bank of America from $53.00 to $44.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, March 23rd. Finally, Odeon Capital Group downgraded Bank of America from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $35.20 price objective for the company. in a report on Wednesday, March 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Bank of America has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $38.04.

Bank of America Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Bank of America Corp. is a bank and financial holding company, which engages in the provision of banking and nonbank financial services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth and Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, Global Markets, and All Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers credit, banking, and investment products and services to consumers and small businesses.

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Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund lowered its stake in shares of Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG  Get Rating) by 4.6% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 156,222 shares of the companys stock after selling 7,510 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Conagra Brands were worth $6,046,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in CAG. Securian Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Conagra Brands by 0.7% during the third quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc. now owns 39,071 shares of the companys stock worth $1,275,000 after purchasing an additional 286 shares in the last quarter. Czech National Bank grew its stake in Conagra Brands by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 56,097 shares of the companys stock worth $2,171,000 after buying an additional 295 shares in the last quarter. Fortitude Advisory Group L.L.C. increased its holdings in shares of Conagra Brands by 3.7% in the 2nd quarter. Fortitude Advisory Group L.L.C. now owns 8,265 shares of the companys stock worth $283,000 after buying an additional 298 shares during the last quarter. Utah Retirement Systems raised its position in shares of Conagra Brands by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. Utah Retirement Systems now owns 83,870 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,737,000 after buying an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Louisiana State Employees Retirement System lifted its holdings in shares of Conagra Brands by 1.0% during the 4th quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 31,000 shares of the companys stock worth $1,200,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. 81.08% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Conagra Brands Trading Up 0.3 %

Shares of CAG opened at $38.38 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $18.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.98, a PEG ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.56. Conagra Brands, Inc. has a twelve month low of $31.01 and a twelve month high of $41.30. The company has a quick ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $36.48 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $36.57.

Insider Activity

Conagra Brands ( NYSE:CAG Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 5th. The company reported $0.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.64 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $3.09 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.08 billion. Conagra Brands had a return on equity of 15.34% and a net margin of 6.59%. Conagra Brandss revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.58 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Conagra Brands, Inc. will post 2.72 EPS for the current year.

In related news, COO Thomas M. Mcgough sold 45,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $38.66, for a total value of $1,739,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 104,859 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,053,848.94. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.98% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently commented on CAG. UBS Group increased their target price on Conagra Brands from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. StockNews.com started coverage on Conagra Brands in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Credit Suisse Group upped their target price on Conagra Brands from $36.00 to $38.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, March 31st. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on shares of Conagra Brands from $35.00 to $38.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, January 6th. Finally, Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of Conagra Brands from $40.00 to $42.00 in a research note on Thursday. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $40.73.

Conagra Brands Profile

(Get Rating)

Conagra Brands, Inc engages in the manufacture and sale of processed and packaged foods. It operates through the following segments: Grocery and Snacks, Refrigerated and Frozen, International, and Foodservice. The Grocery and Snacks segment includes branded, shelf stable food products sold in various retail channels in the United States.

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Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund increased its stake in Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD  Get Rating) by 0.4% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 17,018 shares of the basic materials companys stock after purchasing an additional 74 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Air Products and Chemicals were worth $5,246,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of APD. Invesco Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 36.3% in the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,287,687 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $321,806,000 after purchasing an additional 342,982 shares in the last quarter. Ceredex Value Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Air Products and Chemicals in the third quarter worth approximately $71,442,000. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC bought a new position in Air Products and Chemicals during the third quarter valued at approximately $52,411,000. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. raised its stake in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 15.0% during the third quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. now owns 1,529,566 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $355,976,000 after acquiring an additional 199,867 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec lifted its holdings in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 204.9% in the 3rd quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 271,100 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $63,093,000 after acquiring an additional 182,200 shares during the last quarter. 82.74% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts recently commented on APD shares. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $339.00 to $329.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, February 3rd. Mizuho cut their target price on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $330.00 to $325.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, February 3rd. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $335.00 to $315.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, February 6th. StockNews.com cut Air Products and Chemicals from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price objective on Air Products and Chemicals from $295.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, March 7th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $311.45.

Air Products and Chemicals Trading Down 0.7 %

Shares of NYSE APD opened at $282.00 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $284.69 and its 200-day moving average price is $284.12. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. has a 52-week low of $218.88 and a 52-week high of $328.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 1.74 and a current ratio of 1.93. The company has a market cap of $62.63 billion, a PE ratio of 27.67, a P/E/G ratio of 2.15 and a beta of 0.84.

Air Products and Chemicals (NYSE:APD  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 2nd. The basic materials company reported $2.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.73 by ($0.09). The business had revenue of $3.17 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.27 billion. Air Products and Chemicals had a net margin of 17.61% and a return on equity of 16.45%. The businesss revenue was up 6.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.52 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. will post 11.39 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Air Products and Chemicals Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 8th. Stockholders of record on Monday, April 3rd will be paid a $1.75 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 31st. This is a positive change from Air Products and Chemicalss previous quarterly dividend of $1.62. This represents a $7.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.48%. Air Products and Chemicalss payout ratio is currently 68.69%.

About Air Products and Chemicals

(Get Rating)

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc engages in the manufacture and distribution of atmospheric gases. It operates through the following segments: Industrial Gases-Americas, Industrial Gases-EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), Industrial Gases-Asia, Industrial Gases-Global, and Corporate & Other. The Industrial Gases-America, EMEA, and Asia segment markets and produces atmospheric gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and rare gases, process gases, such as hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, syngas, and specialty gases and equipment for the production and processing of gases, such as air separation units and non-cryogenic generators.

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United Asset Strategies Inc. bought a new position in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 4,399 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $201,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Altria Group by 85.6% during the 4th quarter. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC now owns 542 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 250 shares during the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P acquired a new position in Altria Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. 1832 Asset Management L.P. acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $41,000. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $48,000. Finally, Atlas Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 199.7% in the 2nd quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,190 shares of the companys stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 793 shares during the period. 58.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Altria Group Stock Performance

NYSE MO opened at $44.43 on Friday. Altria Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $40.35 and a 1-year high of $57.05. The company has a market capitalization of $79.33 billion, a PE ratio of 13.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 0.59. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $46.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is $45.37.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 1st. The company reported $1.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.18. Altria Group had a net margin of 22.97% and a negative return on equity of 284.29%. The company had revenue of $5.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.15 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.09 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 18.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.05 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 24th will be paid a $0.94 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 23rd. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.46%. Altria Groups payout ratio is presently 117.87%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Altria Group in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a buy rating for the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Altria Group from $43.00 to $46.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, January 23rd. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price objective on Altria Group from $46.50 to $49.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 7th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Altria Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $45.55.

Altria Group Profile

(Get Rating)

Altria Group, Inc operates as a holding company, which engages in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States. It operates through the following segments: Smokeable Products, Oral tobacco products, and Wine. The Smokeable Products segment consists of cigarettes manufactured and sold by PM USA and machine-made large cigars and pipe tobacco manufactured and sold by Middleton.

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Key Insights

Significantly high institutional ownership implies Healius' stock price is sensitive to their trading actions

The top 7 shareholders own 51% of the company

Insiders have been buying lately

A look at the shareholders of Healius Limited (ASX:HLS) can tell us which group is most powerful. With 58% stake, institutions possess the maximum shares in the company. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

Since institutional have access to huge amounts of capital, their market moves tend to receive a lot of scrutiny by retail or individual investors. Hence, having a considerable amount of institutional money invested in a company is often regarded as a desirable trait.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Healius.

View our latest analysis for Healius

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Healius?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

We can see that Healius does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Healius' earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Healius. The company's largest shareholder is Perpetual Limited, with ownership of 12%. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 8.6% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 8.0% by the third-largest shareholder.

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On further inspection, we found that more than half the company's shares are owned by the top 7 shareholders, suggesting that the interests of the larger shareholders are balanced out to an extent by the smaller ones.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of Healius

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own less than 1% of Healius Limited. Keep in mind that it's a big company, and the insiders own AU$8.9m worth of shares. The absolute value might be more important than the proportional share. It is always good to see at least some insider ownership, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 32% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Private Equity Ownership

With an ownership of 8.0%, private equity firms are in a position to play a role in shaping corporate strategy with a focus on value creation. Some might like this, because private equity are sometimes activists who hold management accountable. But other times, private equity is selling out, having taking the company public.

Next Steps:

It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Healius better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should be aware of the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Healius .

If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

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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Yale School of Managements new academic center will further the study and practice of asset management by supporting research, convening thought leaders, and funding scholarships for students.

From New Haven, Connecticut: The Yale School of Management has established the Swensen Asset Management Institute with the support of a $20 million gift from an anonymous donor, and has appointed Tobias J. Moskowitz the institutes inaugural director.

The new institute is named for David F. Swensen 80 Ph.D., the longtime Yale chief investment officer whose investment performance became a byword for excellence guided by a set of values, ethical rigor, and a sense of purpose. The Swensen Institute will build on that legacy of principled investment and strengthen SOMs mission of educating leaders for business and society.

The cornerstone gift is among the most significant the school has received. Kerwin K. Charles, Yale SOMs dean, says the new Swensen Institute reflects the schools founding principles.

Asset management is a field where financial and societal interests are inseparably intertwined, Charles says. Skillful investment managers further all kinds of social goalsincluding fortifying university endowments, ensuring the strength of the funds that support individuals in retirement, and allocating capital to high-impact, high-growth businesses. The Swensen Institute will build on SOMs tradition of phenomenal academic work in the area of finance and further amplify our ability to impact this critical field by demonstrating how effective, principled, and values-based asset management serves both business and society.

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Brian Trelstad is an alumnus of Harvard College, where he received a degree in Social Studies; he also received an M.B.A. from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford. Harvard photo

Harvard names long-time prof to head leadership initiative

From Cambridge, Massachusetts: Brian Trelstad, senior lecturer of business administration and Joseph L. Rice III Faculty Fellow at Harvard Business School, will become the next faculty chair of the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative beginning this month.

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In his new position, Trelstad will succeed Meredith Rosenthal, C. Boyden Gray Professor of Health Economics and Policy at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who has served as ALI faculty chair since January 2019 and, prior to that, as an ALI faculty board member since 2016. In collaboration with faculty across Harvard, Trelstad will advance ALIs mission to prepare experienced leaders to take on new challenges in the social sector. He will continue his affiliation with the Harvard Business School, where he teaches elective courses on social entrepreneurship and systems change and required courses on the role of business in society.

Brian brings to ALI deep experience in training leaders to support efforts for social good, said John H. Shaw, the Universitys vice provost for research. His commitment to understanding innovation and how it drives social and environmental change makes him the right person to carry forward ALIs mission of empowering leaders to contribute solutions to complex problems.

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Florida university system imposes 5-year tenure review; profs, others criticize the change

From Tallahassee, Florida: Floridas state university system is making major changes to long-time tenure protections, meaning that established professors would have to undergo a review every five years to determine the faculty members productivity.

However, Florida-based professors and other advocates say that the new rule, approved by the Florida Board of Governors Wednesday, could hurt academic freedom and impact a faculty members livelihood.

The move is the latest in what many are calling a war on education in Florida, led by Governor Ron DeSantis as he plans a likely presidential bid.

Like DeSantis other moves in the education arena, the issue of Floridas five-year post-tenure evaluations, among other changes to the states universities, is getting nationwide criticism from multiple organizations, including American Association of University Professors, the American Psychological Association, Modern Language Association, and American Historical Association and a dozen others.

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DONT MISS ENTREPRENEURS FLOCK TO OXFORDS MOST POPULAR PROGRAM, WHICH EXPANDS TO MEET THE DEMAND

The post With Anonymous $20M Gift, Yale SOM Launches New Asset Management Institute appeared first on Poets&Quants.
For another example of intolerance toward free expression, we dont need to travel far. It occurred a few days ago on the University at Albany campus.

Conservative writer and podcaster Ian Haworth was set to give a talk on the importance of irony alert free speech when a mob stormed into the room and began chanting witticisms such as Ian sucks. After about an hour of such nonsense, campus police brought Haworth to a smaller room where he delivered a shortened version of a speech arguing that campuses should, as he put it, allow people of all viewpoints to interact so that ideas can flourish.

In other words, Haworth spoke against a growing intolerance that scraps honest debate and demands conformity, which hardly seems controversial. But thats what the mob refused to hear  and tried to prevent everyone else from hearing.

There is ample video of the Tuesday disruption, of course, and what struck me when watching was the laziness and cowardice of the protesters. Standing up before a crowd to deliver a speech requires courage and many hours of preparation. Standing up to challenge a speaker with a tough question also requires a bit of bravery, along with the knowledge needed to hold up one side of the debate.

But chanting inane slogans is the easy way out, requiring no daring or backbone. The mentality of the mob is disrespected for good reason. Its so often dumb.

Ian sucks! Ian sucks! Ian sucks!

Thankfully, theres growing recognition that campus intolerance is a significant problem. After Stanford law students recently shouted down a conservative judge, the universitys president issued a much-publicized apology for the corrosive conduct while stressing the importance of intellectual curiosity and assuming good intent in the people one disagrees with and giving them grace.

Much closer to home, Skidmore College is hoping to head off such incidents by hosting a symposium devoted to speech and civil discourse on campuses. Headlined by New York Times columnist David Brooks, the event scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 14-15, includes student discussions on the erosion of free speech on university campuses, the reality of wokeism in higher education and the effects of mistrust in academic institutions.

Marc Conner, the schools president, said the conference is about rebuilding a culture of free speech at Skidmore and instilling lessons students will need to navigate a diverse yet increasingly divided democracy.

Every week theres an example of something like that happening at one place or another, Conner said after I told him about the UAlbany incident. Its something Im trying to avoid at Skidmore.

The Saratoga Springs campus has had incidents of its own. In 2020, activists accused David Peterson of hateful conduct and unsuccessfully demanded his dismissal after the art professor was spotted watching a pro-police rally in Congress Park. Students who refused to join a boycott of Petersons jewelry classes were accused of enabling bigoted behavior on this campus.

Whats troubling is the mob mentality, Peterson told me at the time. All of a sudden, you have all these people who hate your guts and they know nothing about you.

Conner regards Petersons treatment as another example of a dogmatism hed like to prevent as Skidmore works to encourage free expression and debate. He doesnt want students to fear speaking their minds.

I would love it if people said, 'Look at Skidmore. Theyre doing it right,' Conner said. I want to make progress that will last.

Back at UAlbany, the Young Democratic Socialists of America are noting the arrest of two students involved in Tuesdays disruption and demanding that police drop the charges that resulted from what the group characterizes as peaceful protest.

The intent of our showing up there was ultimately not to engage in a debate, Mehr Sharma, co-chair of the student group told the Times Unions Kathleen Moore. Were not going to change their minds.

Maybe not. But that doesnt mean you cant try.

Students are, of course, free to disagree with Turning Point USA, the conservative group that sponsored Haworths talk at UAlbany, or with his opinions on transgender issues, abortion or gun control  and to express those disagreements as vociferously as possible.

But theres a massive gap between protesting speech and silencing it. Its the difference, really, between humility and hubris, mercy and hostility, democracy and totalitarianism.

And since Haworth, who is British but lives in Nashville, Tenn., was treated so discourteously during his visit to our corner of the world, Ill give him the last word here, albeit with a slight adjustment to meet the stuffy language requirements of a family newspaper.

College is now where free speech goes to die, he said, and we need to push back against this (baloney) with everything we have.

cchurchill@timesunion.com  518-454-5442  @chris_churchill
NEWBURGH  More than 400 people flooded the streets in Newburgh on Good Friday, inching through the citys East End as they watched actors dressed in Roman soldier garb whip and jeer a man playing Jesus Christ. The midday pageant reenacting Christs crucifixion  an annual tradition for the Parish of St. Patricks and St. Marys  took hours to loop back to its starting point on Liberty Street.

Some, like Alba Vidal, take part in the stations of the cross procession every year. Vidal has attended each one for the past 25 years.

We believe in God, that Jesus is the son of God. Easter is the most important day of the year for us Catholics, Vidal said as she paused to watch one of the stations at Liberty and Washington streets. It reminds us that he (Christ) is fighting for us, for all the world, for all the people.

The reenactment, conducted mostly in Spanish, began in the gymnasium of the school with events leading up to Christs death. The actors replayed Judas Iscariots betrayal, Christs trial and sentencing by Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. Attendees, many of them young children, encircled a small stage on the gym floor as Christ was whipped and a crown of thorns was placed on his head. Fake blood was dribbled down his face and marked his torso where ropes and tubing had lashed  but did not seriously injure  the actor.

You really get a sense of how much he suffered for us, said Father Fernando Hernandez, pastor for the parish. It is like the worst way to die.

City police watched over the procession as it routed down Liberty Street, onto Benkard Avenue, up William Street, and through Lower Broadway, ending in the parking lot of St. Patricks School, where Christ was hoisted onto a cross.

The crowd sang as they marched and prayed at the many stations marking different events in Christs journey. Curious residents opened windows as the flood of people pressed down their street; some watched from their porches, recording video with their cellphones.

Hernandez took note of the reactions from onlookers in different neighborhoods and said he believed the crowd was more reverent than in years past.

Rosy Santiago, of Newburgh, attended the presentation with her niece, grandmother and other family members. Shes watched the procession several times before. Santiago said stations of the cross reenactments were also a big tradition for Catholics in Mexico, where she is originally from. While the Newburgh procession was somber and jarring at times, Santiago said the presentations in her hometown near Mexico City were more dramatic  that people would pilgrimage on foot from her hometown to The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which could take one or two days to reach.

But the experience was new for Sacred Heart parishioner Maria Strano, also of Newburgh. The procession filled her with wonder and surprise.

Its like reliving that moment, she said outside one of the final stations on Broadway. Ive read about it many times; Ive seen it in movies many times, but to see something live like this, reenacted, its very moving and very touching. There have been moments where I look over there and its like Im actually there at that time.

She laughed when she admitted the soldiers were kind of scary.

The costumes are realistic and they do some pretty good acting, Strano said. And that poor guy has been getting beat up all day.

Strano was encouraged to see so many children in the procession.

It seems like everybody is moving away from God and we need to keep bringing the children in so it continues  but it will always continue, she said. People can push God away all they want, but the story of Jesus will never stop.
The outcomes of China trips by two Southeast Asian leaders signal the region's growing importance to Beijing and that it could be willing to "smooth over potential rough spots" amid tensions with the West, observers say.

Last week Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim both travelled to China, where they separately met Chinese President Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials.

Singapore - which counts China as its largest trading partner - signed a list of agreements, including on science and technology and the arts, and bilateral ties were upgraded to an "all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership".

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.

China and Malaysia, meanwhile, pledged to deepen trade relations and economic cooperation under Xi's flagship Belt and Road Initiative and to explore new areas in which to work together, such as next-generation cars.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (left) with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 31. Bilateral ties between the two nations have been upgraded. Photo: AP alt=Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (left) with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 31. Bilateral ties between the two nations have been upgraded. Photo: AP>

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Monday said the visits "opened a new chapter" in China's ties with the two countries.

She said Xi and Anwar's announcement on building a "China-Malaysia community with a shared future" was the "right step at the right time" and the "most important political outcome" of the visit.

Chong Ja Ian, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, said the visits were significant as they demonstrated China's continued efforts to reach out in the region.

Story continues

He said that while the substantive results appeared incremental and were focused on economic cooperation, the meetings between the two leaders and Xi showed some "positivity in relations".

Thomas Daniel, a senior fellow at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, echoed that view.

"As an immediate neighbour to Southeast Asia, China will naturally prioritise its bilateral and multilateral relationships, especially in the face of growing weariness from the West," he said.

"This might convince Beijing to smooth over potential rough spots with the region to ensure that Southeast Asia remains receptive to its initiatives."

Anwar told local media after the trip that Kuala Lumpur was prepared to negotiate with Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. China claims sovereignty over almost all of the resource-rich waterway.

Asked about the negotiations on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao said only that China was "committed to handling disputes in an appropriate manner through communication and consultation".

Zha Daojiong, a professor at Peking University's School of International Studies, said the visits were also an "important show of support" from Southeast Asia for China's efforts to resume high-level diplomatic contact after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Daniel - describing Anwar as a "man on a mission" for his first official visit to China since he took office - noted that the Malaysian leader's objectives were "largely met".

Anwar secured significant investment commitments and gave a rare glimpse into his foreign policy thinking, stressing the need for good relations not just with China but also with the United States and other world powers.

"This is quintessential Malaysian hedging but also a statement of fact," Daniel said.

"Malaysia has benefited from good relationships with both major powers and is interested in doing all it can in partnering with other like-minded countries to mitigate the adverse effects of increasingly zero-sum calculations in both Beijing and Washington."

Chong similarly suggested that China would likely place greater importance on its neighbours as competition with the US intensified.

"If regional actors are lucky, they could be wooed by both sides and see some gain in the short term," he said. "But as the contest becomes more intense, pressure from both Washington and Beijing will likely grow."

The deepening rivalry between the two world powers and its spillover effects were a key concern aired by the Southeast Asian leaders at the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan last week.

In his address, Singapore's Lee said he hoped China and the US would "succeed in stabilising their relationship and establishing mutual trust and respect, to cooperate in areas where their interests are aligned".

"Big powers have a heavy responsibility to maintain stable and workable relations with one another because any clash between them will have grievous consequences for themselves and the world," he said.

Like Beijing, Washington has sought to foster closer ties with Southeast Asian countries in recent months, including the Philippines, with which it expanded a defence pact that gives American troops access to additional bases.

Manila on Monday announced the locations of those bases - including one near the South China Sea and another not far from Taiwan - prompting Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao to say the move would "only lead to more tensions and less peace and stability in the region".

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said an expanded defence pact between the Philippines and the US would lead to more tensions in the region. Photo: Kyodo alt=Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said an expanded defence pact between the Philippines and the US would lead to more tensions in the region. Photo: Kyodo>

Chong said countries could face pressure even as they try to strike a balance between the two world powers since "not choosing sides could be seen as helping the other side or as duplicity".

"Southeast Asian states may find efforts to encourage Washington and Beijing to get along fall increasingly on deaf ears," he said.

"[Countries] may find themselves better off by paying more attention to considering ways to buffer themselves against rising friction than hoping for a resolution to US-China differences any time soon."

But for Singapore and Malaysia at least there is a "high degree of independence from the sort of 'with or against me' expectations from either Beijing or Washington", according to Zha from Peking University.

"It would be too simplistic to envision either China or the US as the diplomatic locomotive of separate trains - and, on a collision course - with countries in the rest of Asia on them," he said.

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.
Will Waldron/Times Union

SCHENECTADY - A man accused of stabbing his victim several times after he started verbally harassing them on a CDTA bus is charged with felony attempt to commit murder, city police said Friday.

Carlos A. Prince, 29, of Albany is accused of pulling out a knife and stabbing a passenger who was riding on a bus travelling along State Street in Schenectady the night of March 15. The victim suffered injuries to the chest and abdominal areas as well as the head and was taken to Albany Medical Center.
SALEM, Ore. (AP)  A man who has been serving a life sentence for the murder of an Oregon couple decades ago died Friday in prison, officials said.

The Oregon Department of Corrections said in a news release that Michael Robert Tucker, 67, died at the state penitentiary in the infirmary while on hospice care, the Statesman Journal reported.

Tucker entered Department of Corrections custody in 1995, from Polk County. Statesman Journal archives show he was convicted of the October 1987 shooting deaths of Barbara Farmer, 71, and her husband Robert, 70, in their mobile home west of Salem in Rickreall.

Tucker and an accomplice planned to rob the couple with help from the accomplices wife, who once worked for the Farmers, according to Statesman Journal coverage.

Tucker admitted he killed the Farmers, each dying from a gunshot to the head.

A year later, a Polk County Circuit Court jury found Tucker guilty of 10 counts of aggravated murder, two counts of first-degree robbery and one count of first-degree burglary. The aggravated murder charges, five for each victim, were brought under different sections of the law related to multiple killings.

The same jury sentenced Tucker in 1988 to death by lethal injection.

The Oregon Supreme Court, where death penalty cases are automatically appealed, upheld Tuckers convictions in 1993 but overturned the death sentence, returning the case to Polk County for a new jury to decide sentencing. He was sentenced to life in prison in 1995.
TROY  The city and the Northeastern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer to install free smoke alarms as part of the Sound the Alarm event on Saturday, April 29, in the city.

Troy is the location of the event in order to draw attention to improving safety by installing smoke detectors, said Abigail Adams, the regional communications director for the American Red Cross.

New York leads the nation in fire deaths, which is why Troy is taking action and partnering with the American Red Cross to provide lifesaving alarms to families in need. I encourage families to register for this event, consider volunteering to help with alarm installations, and to practice a fire escape plan that gets you and your family outside of your home in less than two minutes, Mayor Patrick Madden said in a statement.

The smoke alarms distributed by the American Red Cross will last for a decade, Adams said.

A working smoke alarm can be the difference between survival and tragedy when a home fire strikes. Thats why the Red Cross is teaming up with partners to help ensure Troy residents, especially those most vulnerable, have these lifesaving devices, Kevin Coffey, CEO, American Red Cross Eastern New York Region, said in a statement.

Residents can register at redcross.org/STAeny or contact the Red Cross via email at preparedness.eny@redcross.org or call 518-694-5121 to arrange an installation visit between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. April 29.

The Red Cross also is seeking volunteers for the program. They can sign up at redcross.org/STAeny or call 518-694-5121. They will be trained on how to install the smoke alarms and to provide fire safety information. Volunteers will meet at the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region at 21 First St., Troy on the day of the event.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  The Senate's top two leaders demanded on Friday that Russia immediately release Evan Gershkovich in a rare bipartisan statement that condemned the detention of the Wall Street Journal reporter and declared that journalism is not a crime.

The statement from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., comes as the United States is working to swiftly end what it calls the unlawful detention of Gershkovich, the first journalist to be held on alleged espionage since the Cold War.

We strongly condemn the wrongful detention of U.S. citizen and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, and demand the immediate release of this internationally known and respected independent journalist, Schumer and McConnell said.

They said Gershkovich was accredited by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work as a journalist in Russia and Russian authorities have failed to present any credible evidence to justify their fabricated charges.

Schumer and McConnell wrote: "Let there be no mistake: journalism is not a crime."

U.S. officials are working for the release of Gershkovich, 31, who was arrested late last month and was being held in a Moscow prison. The son of immigrants from the Soviet Union, he grew up speaking Russian at home in Princeton, New Jersey. Russias top security agency said Gershkovich was trying to obtain classified information about a Russian arms factory.

Gershkovich has been formally charged with espionage in Russia and has entered his official denial, Russian state news agency Tass reported Friday.

President Joe Biden told reporters last Friday that his message to Russia was: Let him go.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday he has no doubt that Russia has wrongfully detained Gershkovich.

On Thursday, the U.S. ambassador to Russia, Lynne T. Tracy, and Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, met to discuss the situation.

The Wall Street Journal has adamantly denied the allegations against Gershkovich and demanded his release.

The Senate leaders said the U.S. Embassy has been denied consular access against standard diplomatic practice and likely in violation of international law.

Schumer and McConnell also said that Russia has a long history of unjustly detaining U.S. citizens, and called for the release of another American, Paul Whelan.

Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive, has been imprisoned in Russia since December 2018 on espionage charges that his family and the U.S. government have said are baseless. He is serving a 16-year sentence.
ALBANY  Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Attorney General Letitia James on Friday filed a brief in support of a lawsuit brought by Democrats that is seeking to compel the redrawing of New Yorks congressional boundaries, which are not scheduled to be reconfigured for another decade.

The case is pending in a state appellate court in Albany and is being pushed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee after 11 New York Republicans won elections last year  helping secure their partys narrow majority in the House.

The lawsuit seeks to force the state Independent Redistricting Commission to submit a new map to the Legislature that would reshape New Yorks congressional boundaries after a series of court rulings scrapped the gerrymandered districts that were created by state Democratic lawmakers. The boundaries were subsequently redrawn in a court proceeding prior to last years elections, and those maps are set to remain in place through the 2030 Census.

The governor and attorney general argue in the brief, which was filed by the solicitor general's office, that the maps drawn last year by a special master  with oversight from a state Supreme Court justice  were appropriate for the 2022 Election but they contend the process did not follow the state constitution for congressional maps going forward.

Our states constitution makes it clear that an independent body, with participation from the general public, is charged with drawing maps for congressional districts, James said in a statement. Relying on a process with no accountability and with limited time for public input is not how we engage the public and ensure their interests are addressed throughout this process.

The appeal is being waged as Democrats in Congress are hoping to regain control of the House in next years election. The handful of unexpected GOP congressional victories last year in New York have made those seats a top priority for Democrats. If they are able to get new congressional boundaries through a court battle, it could improve their chances if those districts favor their candidates.

The appeal is filed on behalf of 10 New York residents who are being represented by the Elias Law Group in Washington, D.C., which touts itself as the nations largest law firm focused on representing the Democratic Party, Democratic campaigns, nonprofit organizations and individuals committed to securing a progressive future.

The case is scheduled to be argued next month before the Appellate Division of state Supreme Court in Albany. It essentially seeks a redo of the litigation that unfolded last year when the redistricting commission deadlocked along partisan lines, an impasse that allowed the Democrat-led Legislature to step in to finish the job  creating boundaries that were later determined to be gerrymandered during a process that was also found to be procedurally unconstitutional.

The Court of Appeals, after determining the Legislatures maps were unconstitutional, sent the process back to a state Supreme Court in Steuben County, where new maps for Congress and the state Senate were drawn by a special master.

The appeal seeks to overturn an Albany judges ruling seven months ago that rejected their petition to compel the Independent Redistricting Commission to revive its work and submit a second congressional map to the Legislature. That outcome would result in the redistricting process thats supposed to be completed every 10 years being redone in time for the next congressional election in 2024.

On Sept. 12, state Supreme Court Justice Peter A. Lynch rejected the petition and said there was no authority for the redistricting commission to issue a second map, noting the 2022 congressional maps had been certified by a court in accord with the Court of Appeals' decision and also the state constitution.

The constitution clearly states that the redistricting shall take place 'every 10 years,' which means the current maps are in full force and effect, until redistricting takes place again following the 2030 federal census, Lynch wrote.

In a brief responding to the appeal, attorneys for 14 Republican New York residents who filed the lawsuit last year that successfully challenged the constitutionality of the Legislatures redistricting process  and led to those maps being thrown out  argue that the constitutional mandate that redistricting maps remain in place for 10 years is intended to provide stability in the election process.

Petitioners sought-after relief runs afoul of that intent, for it would provide a path to an annual redistricting process, wreaking havoc on the electoral process, the brief states.

Its unclear what prompted the governor and attorney general to wade into the political squabble.

I am committed to protecting the rights of all New Yorkers to fully participate in our electoral system, Hochul said in a statement. We are urging the court to support the constitutionally protected process in order to ensure accountability and fairness for New York voters.
[April 07, 2023] Shareholder Alert: Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP Announces the Filing of Securities Class Action Lawsuit On Behalf Of SVB Financial Group Investors Expanding the Claims Asserted

Today, prominent investor rights law firm Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP ("BLB&G") filed a class action lawsuit for violations of the federal securities laws in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against certain of SVB Financial Group's ("SVB" or the "Company") senior executives, members of the Company's Board of Directors, the underwriters of SVB's public offerings, and the Company's auditing firm KPMG, LLP (collectively, "Defendants"). The complaint expands the claims that were asserted in the previously filed related securities class actions pending on behalf of SVB investors captioned Vanipenta v. SVB Financial Group, No. 3:23-cv-01097-JD (N.D. Cal.); Snook v. SVB Financial Group, No. 3:23-cv-01173-VC (N.D. Cal.); and Siddiqui v. Becker, No. 4:23-cv-01228-HSG (N.D. Cal.), and is brought on behalf of all persons or entities that purchased or otherwise acquired SVB securities: (i) between January 22, 2021, and March 10, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"); and/or (ii) pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's public securities offerings on or around January 26, 2021, March 22, 2021, May 6, 2021, August 9, 2021, October 25, 2021, and April 26, 2022 (the "Offerings"). BLB&G filed this action on behalf of its clients, City of Hialeah Employees' Retirement System, Asbestos Workers Philadelphia Welfare and Pension Fund, and Heat & Frost Insulators Local 12 Funds, and the case is captioned City of Hialeah Employees' Retirement System, Asbestos Workers Philadelphia Welfare and Pension Fund, and Heat & Frost Insulators Local 12 Funds v. Becker, No. 23-cv-1697 (N.D. Cal.). The complaint is based on an extensive investigation and a careful evaluation of the merits of this case. A copy of the complaint is available on BLB&G's website by clicking here. SVB's Alleged Fraud SVB is a diversified financial services company, and is the parent company of Silicon Valley Bank, a California state-chartered bank, primarily providig banking and financial services in the technology and life science/healthcare industries as well as to global private equity and venture capital clients. Prior to the Class Period, SVB filed a shelf registration statement authorizing the Company to "offer and sell from time to time any combination of the securities described in [the registration statement] in one or more offering." During the Class Period, SVB issued prospectuses in connection with the Offerings that incorporated the shelf registration statement.



The complaint alleges that, in the prospectuses issued in connection with the Offerings, and throughout the Class Period, some or all Defendants misrepresented the strength of the Company's balance sheet, liquidity, and position in the market. Among other things, Defendants understated and concealed the magnitude of the risks facing the Company's business model that would result from any decision by the Federal Reserve system raising the federal funds rate. As a result of Defendants' misrepresentations and omissions, SVB's stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the Class Period. The truth began to emerge on July 21, 2022, when SVB announce disappointing second quarter 2022 financial results and slashed its 2022 financial guidance. Among other things, SVB lowered its expected net interest income ("NII") growth to the mid-forties, down from its April 2022 guidance projecting growth in the low fifties. In response to this news, SVB common stock declined $74.81 per share, or more than 17%. Then, on October 20, 2022, SVB reported disappointing financial results for the third quarter of 2022, further reduced its 2022 financial guidance, and again lowered its expected NII to the low forties. In response to this news, the price of SVB common stock fell $72.43 per share, or approximately 24%. Finally, after the market closed on March 8, 2023, SVB announced it was seeking to raise approximately $2.25 billion in capital to address its mushrooming liquidity issues after having incurred a loss of approximately $1.8 billion on the sale of its available for sale securities portfolio. In response to this news, the price of SVB common stock fell $161.79 per share, or more than 60%. Similarly, on this news, the price of SVB preferred stock fell $4.27 per share, or more than 21%.

The filing of this action does not alter the previously established deadline to seek appointment as Lead Plaintiff. Pursuant to the March 13, 2023 notice published in connection with the Vanipenta action, under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, investors that purchased or otherwise acquired SVB securities: (i) between January 22, 2021, and March 10, 2023; and/or (ii) pursuant and/or traceable to the Offerings may, no later than May 12, 2023, seek to be appointed as Lead Plaintiff for the Class. Any member of the proposed Class may seek to serve as Lead Plaintiff through counsel of their choice or may choose to do nothing and remain a member of the proposed Class. If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, please contact Scott R. Foglietta of BLB&G at 212-554-1903, or via e-mail at [email protected]. About BLB&G BLB&G is widely recognized worldwide as a leading law firm advising institutional investors on issues related to corporate governance, shareholder rights, and securities litigation. Since its founding in 1983, BLB&G has built an international reputation for excellence and integrity and pioneered the use of the litigation process to achieve precedent-setting governance reforms. Unique among its peers, BLB&G has obtained some of the largest and most significant securities recoveries in history, recovering over $37 billion on behalf of investors. More information about the firm can be found online at www.blbglaw.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230407005160/en/

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[April 07, 2023] Optoma Building the Smart Classroom with Chiao Tung University

The newest Interactive Flat Panel launched HSINCHU COUNTY, April 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart space have been growing in numbers at a considerable rate in recent year. To accommodate the diversified models of working and learning, institutions and corporations are looking into sustainable and cost-effective ways to upgrade smart campuses and offices. Optoma, the leading visual solutions provider, launched its first Interactive Flat Panel (IFP) 5 series last year and continues to enhance product connectivity, interactivity, and multi-device integrations. Optoma is excited to release its newest IFP 32 and 52+ series in April to compete in the interactive visual solutions market. This year, Chiao Tong University became the first practical partner of Optoma's large-scale interactive touch screen 52+ series. Regular use experience and opinions are provided through on-the-spot teaching and operation so that Optoma can understand the most accurate use. It can meet users' needs and improve the user experience more efficient. Chiao Tong University will also present a certificate of appreciation to Optoma on the 4/8 anniversary, showing the excellent interaction of industry-university cooperation. Retaining the characteristic of the IFP 5 series, the newest IFP 52+ series focus on easy-to-use user interactions, connectivity between devices, and smooth syncing capability. Optoma's IFPs come with an exclusively developed Creative Board for interactive writing experiences. The newest touchscreen technology ensures the IFP 52+ series provides a smooth writing experience facilitating presentations; the capability of detecting twnty touchpoints and ten lines simultaneously encourages team discussions and collaborations.



The new IFPs' Creative Cast Pro adapts diverse presentation methods; integrating smart cloud platforms and Apps like Google Slides enables usability no matter where the users are. When a room already has a projector, the Grouping Show feature can sync and display contents on up to 4 IFPs and projectors to ensure everyone can keep up with the presentation and discussion. In addition, the IFP's management solution, Optoma Management Suite, is designed to streamline the monitoring, diagnosis, and control of connected displays. IT administrators can easily broadcast or schedule messages across collections and remotely schedule device updates and operating hours to reduce energy consumption.

Optoma IFP enhances software and app integration to seamlessly connect the before, during, and after business meetings and educational sessions. For example, a teacher can use IFP to include multimedia resources in their lesson plan and utilize Google Classroom to allow students to prep for class. After uploading the lesson plan on campus or remotely, the teacher can teach with IFPs in different classrooms. Through the OMS and integrated Apps, capturing class notes, assigning homework, and providing post-class materials are simplified and easily accessible for the users. Optoma's IFP also supports distance learning and remote working; users can collaborate in real time from anywhere with Internet connections. The IFP 52+ series is an enhanced version of the 5 series with more powerful hardware specs and additional features. The series comes with the Quick-draw Pen to instantly activate the whiteboard application for quick and easy interactions. The IFP 52+ series launched in Taiwan and Asia-pacific in April 2023. Optoma's IFP 52+ series inquiries and demos, please get in touch with Optoma's regional sales representative: https://www.optoma.asia/company/contact Media Contact: Chris Lu

(02)8911-8600 ext.3708

[email protected] About Optoma Optoma delivers engaging visual experiences for a connected world. With customer needs and user experience at the center, Optoma's projection and LED and interactive flat panel display products combine superior image processing technologies with exceptional engineering innovation to deliver stunning images with ultimate reliability. We have demonstrated our capabilities as a first-mover, innovator, and market leader and firmly established our position as the world's leading 4K UHD projector and DLP brand. The Optoma Group has continental headquarters in Asia Pacific, China, Europe, and the USA. To learn more about Optoma, visit https://www.optoma.com/tw/. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/optoma-building-the-smart-classroom-with-chiao-tung-university-301792489.html SOURCE Optoma APAC

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It's an exciting time to be a PC gamer needing a new gaming monitor. Not only are more brands getting into the mix, but there is a plethora of panel sizes, panel types, resolutions, aspect ratios, refresh rates, and features to choose from. Do you need AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync support? Do you prefer a traditional flat monitor or a more immersive experience with a curved monitor? The best thing about having so many available options to the consumer is that you can ideally pick the perfect monitor based on your gaming needs.

When seeking the best gaming monitor for your rig, different panel types are vying for your eyeballs  IPS (opens in new tab), TN (opens in new tab), VA (opens in new tab) and even OLED (opens in new tab) each with its own pros and cons. You can't forget about screen size and aspect ratio, which affect your views, desk space and, again, bank account. And we haven't even discussed bonuses, like speakers, RGB or port selection. There are so many options available to gamers, so some guidance is necessary to make the best possible pick.

For a deep dive into how to pick the best monitor, check out our PC Monitor Buying Guide (opens in new tab). Below is a list of the best gaming monitors currently available, based on our own tests.

Shopping Tips for Gaming Monitors

Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

When trying to buy the best gaming monitor for your PC, consider the following:

G-Sync or FreeSync? G-Sync only works with PCs with Nvidia graphics cards, while FreeSync only works with systems using AMD ones. So you can technically run G-Sync on a FreeSync-only monitor, but performance isn't guaranteed. FreeSync monitors tend to be cheaper, and performance is comparable. For a detailed comparison of the two technologies' performance, see our Nvidia G-Sync vs. AMD FreeSync comparison (opens in new tab) article.





G-Sync only works with PCs with Nvidia graphics cards, while FreeSync only works with systems using AMD ones. So you can technically run G-Sync on a FreeSync-only monitor, but performance isn't guaranteed. FreeSync monitors tend to be cheaper, and performance is comparable. For a detailed comparison of the two technologies' performance, see our Nvidia G-Sync vs. AMD FreeSync comparison article. For image quality, TN < IPS < VA < OLED. Typically, TN monitors are the fastest and cheapest but have weaker viewing angles. IPS displays have slightly slower response times but better color than VA monitors. The best gaming monitors for contrast are VA, but VA also has slower response times. Displays with OLED panels are expensive but the most colorful by far.





Typically, TN monitors are the fastest and cheapest but have weaker viewing angles. IPS displays have slightly slower response times but better color than VA monitors. The best gaming monitors for contrast are VA, but VA also has slower response times. Displays with OLED panels are expensive but the most colorful by far. Refresh rates: bigger is better. This number explains the number of times your monitor updates with new information per second  stated in hertz (Hz)  and, therefore, how many frames per second (fps) the monitor can display. Bigger numbers mean smoother images. Refresh rate is especially important for gamers, so you'll want to shoot for a monitor with at least 120 Hz (most gaming monitors offer at least 144 Hz), combined with the lowest response time you can find.





This number explains the number of times your monitor updates with new information per second  stated in hertz (Hz)  and, therefore, how many frames per second (fps) the monitor can display. Bigger numbers mean smoother images. Refresh rate is especially important for gamers, so you'll want to shoot for a monitor with at least 120 Hz (most gaming monitors offer at least 144 Hz), combined with the lowest response time you can find. Resolution: Full HD, QHD, 4K. The most popular screen resolutions for gaming monitors are Full HD (1920 x 1080), QHD (2560 x 1440) and 4K (3840 x 2160). The more pixels a screen has, the sharper its image should look. So a 4K monitor will show a more crisp image and more detail than a lower resolution Full HD monitor. Generally speaking, the lowest resolution monitors push the fastest refresh rates, reaching upwards of 500 Hz. Because they have to push many more pixels, 4K monitors usually top out at a 144 Hz refresh rate, although some can hit 240 Hz.

Best Gaming Monitors in 2023

(Image credit: Best Buy)

1. Dell S3222DGM Best Gaming Monitor Our expert review: Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches / 21:9 Resolution: 2560 x 1440 Panel Type: VA Refresh Rate: 165 Hz Response Time (GTG): 0.2ms Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible Today's Best Deals View at Dell (opens in new tab) View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Sharp image with vivid and accurate color + Premium level contrast + Solid video processing + Excellent build quality Reasons to avoid - No HDR

The Dell S3222DGM is just a great, all-around pick as the top gaming monitor thanks to its excellent image quality, plentiful features and typical solid build quality. At the heart of this display is a 2560 x 1440, curved VA panel that supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync at up to 165 Hz.

The S3222DGM's delivers an enviable contrast ratio thanks to its 1800R curved VA panel. While the IPS competition often struggles to break much past 1,000:1, the S3222DGM's VA panels shot to 4209:1 in our tests. The display also reproduced 122 percent of the sRGB color gamut and 85 percent of the DCI-P3 gamut on our tests along with an incredibly accurate gamut error rate of 2.07dE.

On the connectivity front, the S3222DGM features two HDMI 2.0 connectors and one DisplayPort 1.2 port.

For anyone looking for an excellent gaming monitor that won't break the bank, it's hard to argue against the Dell S3222DGM.

Read: Dell S3222DGM Gaming Monitor Review

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

2. Alienware AW2524H 500 Hz Best Ultra-High Refresh Rate Monitor Our expert review: Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 25 inches, 16:9 Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Panel Type: IPS / W-LED Refresh Rate: 500 Hz Response Time (GTG): 0.5ms Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible Today's Best Deals View at Dell (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Next level speed and responsiveness + Class leading color saturation and contrast + Solid build quality Reasons to avoid - Expensive - Requires premium hardware to maximize its potential

As the world's first 500Hz gaming monitor, the Alienware AW2524H plants its flag in the ground for all to see. While 360Hz displays are commonplace today, Dell's new entry ensures no frame tears or motion blur with flagship graphics cards capable of pushing 400+ frames per second.

In addition to its outright speed, the AW2524H commands a 2ms advantage in control lag over its 360Hz peers. Regarding competitive gaming, the AW2524H is an excellent tool for your arsenal. Throw in Alienware's usual excellent build quality and color performance, the AW2524H is among the best gaming monitors available on the market.

The AW2524H has no real flaws of consequence, but you will need high-end hardware to utilize its performance fully. You'll need a performant Alder Lake or Raptor Lake processor with a GeForce RTX 4090 graphics processor. The other thing to consider is pricing; the AW2524H is way more expensive than its 360Hz peers. For example, the Asus ROG Swift PG259QN is priced at around $450, while the AW2524H costs $829.99.

But for gamers with the budget and the hardware to pull it fully utilize it, the Alienware AW2524H is hard to beat.

Read: Alienware AW2524H 500 Hz Gaming Monitor Review

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

3. Alienware AW3423DWF Best Widescreen Gaming Monitor Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab)      Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 34 inches / 21:9 Resolution: 3440 x 1440 Panel Type: QD-OLED Refresh Rate: 165 Hz Response Time (GTG): 0.5ms Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at BHPhoto (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Stunning SDR and HDR images + Deep contrast and color saturation + Large color gamut + Super smooth motion processing + No need for calibration + Premium styling and build quality Reasons to avoid - No flaws of consequence

Desktop-class OLEDs used to be a rarity in the gaming monitor segment, but over the years, prices have come down, and more entries have entered the fray. The latest comes to us from Alienware, and its the jaw-dropping AW3423DFW.

This is a 34-inch ultra-wide monitor with a 1800R curve and a resolution of 3440 x 1440. However, the most important spec is its use of a Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) panel, which offers an extremely wide color gamut and the blackest blacks youll find in a gaming monitor.

The QD-OLED heart of the AW3423DFW gives it unmatched contrast and excellent color saturation and we felt no need to calibrate the panel further out of the box. Throw in premium build quality  as we expect from Alienware  and top-notch video processing and the AW3423DFW hit all the high notes without any demerits worth mentioning for enthusiast gamers.

If you can get past the $1,100 price of entry, the AW3423DFW would make a perfect companion for Nvidias newest graphics cards, like the GeForce RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 .

Read: Alienware AW3423DW Gaming Monitor Review

Best Budget Gaming Monitor: Monoprice Dark Matter 42770 (Image credit: Monoprice)

4. Monoprice Dark Matter 42770 Best Budget Gaming Monitor Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab)      Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 25 inches, 16:9 Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Panel Type: IPS / W-LED, edge array Refresh Rate: 144 Hz Response Time (GTG): 1ms Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible Today's Best Deals View at Newegg (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Good contrast + Superb overdrive Reasons to avoid - Slightly dark gamma - No sRGB gamut option

With a price tag of around $250, the Monoprice Dark Matter 42770 is an easy to recommend 1080p gaming monitor with a wide color gamut, excellent contrast ratio for an IPS display and solid build quality. At this price, you're getting a relatively barebones monitor, but Monoprice spent its time throwing in the features that matter most to gamers on a budget.

The Dark Matter 42770 offers a 1ms GTG response time and tops out with a 144 Hz refresh rate. Another feather in its cap is that the monitor supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync Adaptive-Sync technologies.

Although the monitor doesn't support HDR, its native dynamic range is excellent, and it features a wide color gamut and excellent gamma tracking. Its deep blacks are welcome here given that this is an IPS panel, with its color and contrast on part with monitors that costs hundreds of dollars more.

While the Dark Matter 42770 hits many high notes, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that it lacks USB ports or speakers. But given its attractive pricing and performance, we'll gladly accept those negatives for the great overall performance brought on by this 25-inch monitor.

More: Monoprice Dark Matter 42770 review (opens in new tab)

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The Gigabyte G27F2 represents a revamp of the G27F we first reviewed in late 2020. While the original monitor was highlighted by a 144Hz panel, the new G27F2 revision ups that figure to 170Hz. While that might not be as fast as more high-end Full HD gaming monitors, we have to remember that the G27F2 has a bargain basement price of just over $200.

However, that low price doesn't mean that Gigabyte skimped on quality. You'll still find low response times and input lag compared to others in this segment. In addition, the build quality throughout is excellent, as is color accuracy and contrast (which is somewhat of a revelation given that the G27F2 uses an IPS panel instead of VA).

If there's one thing we could knock the G27F2 for, it would be its lack of integrated speakers. But that's just being nitpicky towards an overall excellent performance value in the Full HD gaming monitor segment.

More: Gigabyte G27F2 Gaming Monitor review

This 144Hz IPS panel is the best gaming monitor in 4K for most. (Image credit: Dell)

6. Dell G3223Q Best 4K Gaming Monitor Our expert review: Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches / 16:9 Resolution: 4K Panel Type: IPS Refresh Rate: 144 Hz Response Time (GTG): 1ms Adaptive-Sync : FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible Today's Best Deals View at Dell (opens in new tab) View at BHPhoto (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Pro-level color accuracy out of the box + Colorful and bright image + Low input lag + Solid build quality Reasons to avoid - Average contrast and color gamut volume

The Dell G3223Q is a stellar entry in the 4K gaming monitor segment, offering a 32-inch panel size, low total input lag (measured at just 30ms) and an excellent balance between response and motion resolution. As you might expect for a 4K gaming monitor, we have a 144Hz refresh rate with support for both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Adaptive Sync technologies.

Not only does the Dell G3223Q nail the basics, but it also offers a bright and colorful picture. And color accuracy straight out of the box is top notch in both DCI-P3 and sRGB color gamuts. With DisplayHDR 600 support, accuracy and color reproduction were also well represented in HDR mode.

If there were any downsides, it was that contrast and color gamut volume came up a little bit short compared to some of its close rivals. However, with a street price of less than $800, the Dell G3223Q is easy to recommend for 4K gamers.

More: Dell G3223Q review

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The HyperX Armada 27 is one of those standout monitors that offers the whole package. This is a 27-inch QHD display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate HDR and premium built quality that we expect from HyperX.

One thing that makes the Armada 27 stand out (along with its smaller Armada 25 sibling) is the inclusion of a gaming mount for attaching the monitor to your desk instead of a traditional stand. This gives customers greater flexibility in positioning the Armada 27 for height, swivel and tilt.

Video processing on the Armada 27 is solid, with an excellent overdrive implementation, low input lag and minimal motion blur from the backlight strobe. Throw in handy calibration tools and good image quality, and the Armada 27 is a definite winner. We had only a few minor quibbles with the monitor, like the lack of speakers, but that doesn't detract from HyperX's rock-solid entry into the gaming monitor field.

Read: HyperX Armada 27 QHD 165 Hz Gaming Monitor Review

The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is the most colorful monitor we've ever tested. (Image credit: MSI)

If you like your games to look extra colorful, the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is the best gaming monitor for your rig. This monitor posted the widest color gamut weve ever recorded: 112.19% of DCI-P3 after our recommended calibration. 90% of DCI-P3 would be impressive, so this is one color-saturated screen.

Contrast is also strong for an IPS panel, hitting 1,129.1:1 after our calibration. And for those concerned about speed, this 165 Hz screen kept up with the 170 Hz Gigabyte M27Q in our testing

Color purists, however, will lament the lack of an sRGB mode, considering the MAG274QRF-QDs sRGB coverage is at 166.33%. Its backlight strobe for fighting motion blur is also a disappointment. You cant use Adaptive-Sync with it, the brightness goes down by about 50% and it created ghosting that resulted in a parallax effect with fast motion. In addition, this is yet another gaming monitor to offer HDR but without any noticeable image boost over SDR.

But if you can get past those caveats, youll enjoy the most colorful monitor to ever hit our lab.

More: MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD review

The Viotek GNV34DBE has the curves you want and a good price for the specs. (Image credit: Viotek)

9. Viotek GNV34DBE Best Curved Gaming Monitor Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab)      Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 34 inches, 21:9 Resolution: 3440 x 1440 Panel Type: VA Refresh Rate: 144 Hz Response Time (GTG): 4ms Adaptive-Sync : FreeSync Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Contrast + Effective overdrive + HDR Reasons to avoid - Needs calibration for best results - Wobbly stand - Low, with no height adjustment

The Viotek GNV34DBE is a well-performing and affordable curved gaming monitor. Its 1500R curve proved to add an immersive touch while gaming, helping to fill our peripheral vision. Despite its tight curve, we still found the GNV34DBE fit for working. There was no distortion, and we enjoyed having multiple windows open for boosted productivity.

But its not just about the GNV34DBEs curve. You also get a 144 Hz refresh rate and response times and input lag that kept up with 144 Hz rivals during our testing. On the battlefield, we realized the high pixel density of a 1440p screen and smooth gaming without any screen tearing, thanks to FreeSync. Color and contrast were competitive with pricier gaming displays too.

With its edge-lit backlight, the GNV34DBE also makes a good HDR display, offering a noticeable improvement over your typical SDR monitor. At its low price, the build quality of the stand is lacking. But for a speedy gaming monitor with an effective curve, the Viotek GNV34DBE is a solid deal.

More: Viotek GNV34DBE review

High contrast meets sharp 1440p resolution in the Aorus CV27Q. (Image credit: Aorus)

10. Aorus CV27Q Best 1440p Gaming Monitor Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab)      Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9 Resolution: 2560 x 1440 Panel Type: VA Refresh Rate: 165 Hz Response Time (GTG): 1ms Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync Premium Pro Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Contrast + Color accuracy + Speed and responsiveness Reasons to avoid - Inaccurate sRGB mode - No image controls for HDR

Gigabytes Aorus CV27Q is the best 1440p gaming monitor when it comes to high-speed gaming performance. With its impressive specs, it shined in our input lag and response time tests when pitted against 144 Hz rivals. Sure, you could get slightly better performance from the 1080p version, the Aorus CV27F , but then you wouldnt be getting that sharper QHD resolution or higher pixel density (109ppi).

With a VA panel offering 3,000:1 contrast, image quality is no joke either. The CV27Q has a low black level that made image depth look great, particularly with HDR titles. But as far as HDR goes, this monitor only goes up to 400 nits brightness; we prefer HDR displays that hit at least 600 nits.



Bonus features include Aorus active noise cancellation (ANC) feature, which uses two mics on the front bezel to reduce background noise others may hear coming from your gaming headset , a 1500R curve and RGB lighting on the back. The Asus ROG Strix XG279Q on this page is a hair faster.

Read: Aorus CV27Q review

Asus' ROG Strix XG27AQ is the best of the best 1440p gaming monitors. (Image credit: Asus)

11. Asus ROG Strix XG279Q Best 1440p Gaming Monitor Splurge Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab)      Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9 Resolution: 2560 x 1440 Panel Type: IPS Refresh Rate: 144Hz (170 Hz with overclock) Response Time (GTG): 1ms Adaptive-Sync: G-Sync Compatible Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Excellent dynamic contrast + ELMB blur reduction works in tandem with Adaptive-Sync + Better than average HDR Reasons to avoid - Needs calibration for best accuracy

If you have extra room in your budget and want to squeeze out that additional drop of performance from your 1440p screen, the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQ may be the best gaming monitor for you. This screen is ready to compete with the speediest of screens, competing well against other 165-170 Hz screens in our response time test and falling just 1-3ms behind in our input lag test.

Out of the box, we recorded solid IPS contrast (1,158.4:1). Of course, youll want to calibrate to get rid of some visible grayscale tracking errors, but our recommended settings can help you there. This is also an excellent HDR monitor, thanks to a dynamic contrast feature that bumps contrast up to a whopping 22,506.9:1.

Not only does it have the sharper resolution of your dreams, but its one of the rare monitors to allow you to run blur reduction alongside side screen tear-fighting Adaptive-Sync.

Alternatively, the Asus ROG Strix XG279Q is another fantastic 1440p option with similar performance. But for slightly less money as of writing ( $500 (opens in new tab)versus $570 (opens in new tab), respectively), the XG279Q features one of the best motion blur implementations we've seen and the rare ability to run motion blur alongside Adaptive-Sync.

More: Asus ROG Strix XG27AQ review

With supreme 1440p image quality, this is the best 144Hz gaming monitor. (Image credit: Razer)

12. Razer Raptor 27 Best 144Hz Gaming Monitor Our expert review: Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9 Resolution: 2560 x 1440 @ 144Hz Panel Type: IPS Refresh Rate: 144 Hz Response Time (GTG): 4ms Adaptive-Sync: G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) View at Razer (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Excellent HDR contrast + Saturated color + Near-100% DCI-P3 coverage + Fantastic style and build quality Reasons to avoid - No true sRGB color mode - User must manually switch between SDR and HDR modes

The Razer Raptor 27 is the best gaming monitor for 144 Hz refresh rates. It'll make any gamer you know jealous with premium touches, like an RGB stand, flat green cables for cable management and drool-worthy build quality. Plus, HDR delivery is some of the best weve seen in an edge-lit panel yet.

Despite its 144Hz refresh rate, the Raptor 27 was able to stay competitive with 165Hz monitors in our benchmarking. There wasn't significant motion blur, but finicky, pro-level players will have to choose between dealing with it or activating the backlight strobe, which limits you to 120Hz, reduces brightness by 40% and grays out FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility.

If you like the Raptor 27's design but want more speed, the 2021 Razer Raptor 27 has a 165 Hz refresh rate for $100 more. (opens in new tab)

More: Razer Raptor 27 review (opens in new tab)

If you want 240Hz, Asus' 27-inch ROG Swift PG279QM is the best gaming monitor for you. (Image credit: Asus)

For speed demons, a 240 Hz monitor hits the spot. Up until recently, that level of speed required two things: settling for 1080p resolution and a TN panel. But the Asus' 27-inch ROG Swift PG279QM is the best gaming monitor in this class. It manages that speed with a color-accurate IPS panel. Not only does it deliver a huge color gamut, but it also has excellent video processing and premium build quality.

We should also mention that the Asus ROG Swift PG279QM is one of the rare monitors we've reviewed that doesn't have any glaring faults.

More: Asus ROG Swift PG279QM review (opens in new tab)

It's expensive, but the Samsung Odyssey G7 32-inch is nearly perfect. (Image credit: Samsung)

The 32-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 is in a class all its own. Its one of Samsungs 1000R screens, meaning its one of the curviest gaming monitors you can find on the market. If youre a fan of the immersive feel of a curved monitor, the 32 Odyssey G7 will elevate this experience even higher.

At 32 inches, the Odyssey G7s amazing 1000R curve drew us in, whether we were playing games or doing work. With this curvature, we could view productivity apps without any image distortion, and when gaming our vision was filled with action. The 32-inch, 16:9 build offers ample height for productivity and, coupled with 1440p resolution, hits a sweet spot for gaming.

In terms of image quality, the 32-inch Odyssey G7 proved accurate before we even calibrated it while boasting a 2,121:1 contrast ratio, according to our testing.

In our response time benchmarking, this monitor kept up with similarly specced screens, doing justice to the 240 Hz category. If youre looking for high-end speed, image quality and form factor, this is it.

More: Samsung Odyssey G7 32-inch review

Viotek's GFI27DBXA is an extra colorful 27-incher. (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

15. Viotek GFI27DBXA Best 27-Inch Gaming Monitor Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab)      Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9 Resolution: 2560 x 1440 Panel Type: IPS Refresh Rate: 180 Hz Response Time (GTG): 1ms Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Best-in-class overdrive means no motion blur + Solid build quality Reasons to avoid - Switching to HDR is clunky - Needs calibration for best picture

The 27-inch gaming monitor competition is crowded, but the Viotek GFI27DBXA stands out with an incredibly colorful image thats also bright and sharp. The 1440p panel covers 101% of the DCI-P3 color space, according to our testing. Contrast, meanwhile, proved comparable to your typical IPS panel, but the dynamic contrast feature helped when gaming. Combined with the wide color coverage, the image impressed during gaming.

Speed-wise, the GFI27DBXA is ready to play. In our benchmarks, it showed a competitive 6ms response time. With a 180 Hz refresh rate, it fell behind 165 and 170 Hz screens from more premium brands but only by 2-6ms. Plus, its overdrive is one of the best weve seen, ensuring zero perceivable delays for mainstream players. Plus, the monitor feels strong and reliable, despite its lower price.

For a strong alternative, consider the MSI Optix MAG272CQR, which may also be cheaper (opens in new tab).

More: Viotek GFI27DBXA review

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

16. Dell S2422HG Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor Our expert review: Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 23.6 inches / 16:9 Resolution: 1080p Panel Type: IPS Refresh Rate: 165 Hz Response Time (GTG): 4ms Adaptive-Sync : FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible Today's Best Deals View at Dell (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Saturated and accurate color + Excellent contrast + Low input lag + Superb value Reasons to avoid - Weak overdrive - No sRGB mode - No speakers or USB

The Dell S2422HG might be small in stature at just 23.6 inches across, but it packs quite a punch at a very attractive price point. Not everyone has the cash to drop $400 or $500 on a gaming monitor, so it's nice to see Dell providing a value-conscious entry here.

The S2422HG has a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a relatively fast refresh rate at 165 MHz. Dell uses a VA panel here, so you get excellent contrast at 3,000:1 (we measured better at 3,261.8:1) and a factory-rated brightness of 350 nits (although we only measured 324 nits). We also commend Dell for including both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility in this budget-oriented monitor.

Video processing for the S2422HG was good in our testing, and the low input lag was appreciated. However, we did have to knock the motor for its lack of sRGB mode, no integrated speakers, and a lack of USB hub functionality.

But with an MSRP of $199, the Dell S2422HG represents an excellent value in this gaming monitor space. In addition, we've seen the S2422HG fall to as low as $170 in recent months, which makes it an easy-to-recommend gaming monitor.

Read: Dell S2422HG Review

Samsung's massive ultrawide is an extremely premium option. (Image credit: Samsung)

17. Samsung 49-Inch Odyssey G9 Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor Our expert review: Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 49 inches / 32:9 Resolution: 5120 x 1440 Panel Type: SVA (VA) Refresh Rate: 240 Hz Response Time (GTG): 1ms Adaptive-Sync : G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Samsung (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Accurate color out of the box + Tight curve delivers maximum immersion Reasons to avoid - No motion blur reduction - No speakers

The Samsung 49-Inch Odyssey G9 is one of the most extreme monitors on this page. Not only is it a massive 49 inches diagonally, but it also carries a 1000R curve, the most dramatic curve offered on a gaming monitor today. From a 2-3-feet distance, this panel will fill your view. Its like having two 27-inch, 1440p monitors in one. You'll need nearly 4 feet of desk width and 17 inches of depth to accommodate it, but if you do, youll enjoy a wraparound gaming environment without image distortion. Are you looking for a smaller ultrawide? The Acer Predator X38 is also excellent.

Testing of the 49-Inch Odyssey G9 revealed excellent contrast (2,152.9:1 after calibration), which climbed to 58,881.7:1 when it came to HDR testing. This is a bright monitor with a sharp picture and accurate DCI-P3 and sRGB color.

At this price, though, wed expect a little more. For example, the monitor doesnt offer any blur reduction. However, we typically opt for Adaptive-Sync over motion blur reduction, and motion blur shouldnt be an issue if you have a powerful enough graphics card. You also dont get any speakers or, oddly, a framerate counter. But with solid image quality and a whole lot of speed for an ultrawide, some sacrifices are worth making.

More: Samsung 49-Inch Odyssey G9 review

The ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C is an ultrawide value that's hard to top. (Image credit: ViewSonic)

18. ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C Best Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab)      Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 35 inches, 16:9 Resolution: 3440 x 1440 Panel Type: VA Refresh Rate: 100 Hz Response Time (GTG): 3ms Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Excellent contrast and accurate color + Fast response from 100 Hz refresh rate + Good build quality + Loud speakers Reasons to avoid - No additional contrast in HDR mode - No extended color

Currently going for $660 (opens in new tab), the ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C is cheaper than many other 35-inch ultrawides and ultrawides with fewer features (theres even RGB lighting on the back of the XG350R-C). But what youll really love about the XG350R-C is its vivid and accurate color that makes textures pop, skin tones look natural, and everything looks more realistic.

If you want life-changing HDR or to use HDR with Adaptive-Sync, look elsewhere. But in addition to a 21:9 aspect ratio, the Elite XG350R-C employs an 1800mm curve radius that engulfed us with solid image quality, making for an immersive ultrawide experience.

More: ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C review

The ViewSonic Elite XG270QC offers strong HDR for cheaper than most. (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

19. ViewSonic Elite XG270QC Best Budget HDR Gaming Monitor Our expert review: Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9 Resolution: 2560 x 1440 Panel Type: VA Refresh Rate: 165 Hz Response Time (GTG): 3ms Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync Premium Pro Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Build quality + Accurate color + Adaptive-Sync with HDR Reasons to avoid - No sRGB mode

If youve wanted to try out an HDR monitor but cant afford the best HDR monitors with FALD backlights, the ViewSonic Elite XG270QC (available here (opens in new tab)) is worth a look. Admittedly, its not quite FALD-quality, but with edge-lit backlighting, the runner-up, and a VA panel, this monitors HDR performance will give you a noticeable upgrade over SDR.

This monitor kept up with other 165 Hz screens in our benchmarks, such as the Dell S3220DGF above. ViewSonic's XG270QC also delivers 1440p resolution with on-point gamma . Even without HDR, contrast hit 2,897:1 with our calibration settings. Plus, you get a surprisingly loud pair of 3W speakers.

For the ultimate HDR gaming, though, you'll want to visit our Best 4K Gaming Monitors list.

More: ViewSonic Elite XG270QC review

The 280Hz Asus TUF VG259QM packs plenty of speed. (Image credit: Asus)

The Asus TUF Gaming VG259QM isnt the only 240 Hz monitor here, but its the only one that overclocks to an impressive 280 Hz so impressively. Its not only about the high refresh rate, though. Its also the ability to incorporate FreeSync (despite lacking certification) or G-Sync Compatibility alongside Asus Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) feature that bests any monitors overdrive. With those features and 280 Hz, our inputs almost felt predicted. This is the kind of monitor that could help your game. Asus VG259QM topped our response time test and did admirably in terms of absolute input lag.

One of the downsides of this monitor is its HDR capability. Using an IPS panel with 1,000:1 contrast and only DisplayHDR 400 certification, HDR wont look much better than SDR content. And, of course, youll need a decent graphics card to make the most out of this high-refresh screen.

But if you want one of the fastest monitors on the market, the VG259QM is up there. There are 360 Hz monitors now, but 280 fps is more achievable than 360 fps. And at $319 (opens in new tab), the VG259QM is favorably priced.

More: Asus TUF Gaming VG259QM review

Ready for eSports, this is the fastest monitor we've ever tested. (Image credit: MSI)

21. MSI Oculux NXG253R Best Gaming Monitor for eSports Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab)      Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 24.5 inches / 16:9 Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Panel Type: IPS Refresh Rate: 360 Hz Response Time (GTG): 1ms Adaptive-Sync: G-Sync Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Good contrast with variable backlight + Incredibly smooth and fast Reasons to avoid - No extended color - No speakers

If you're the kind of gamer who can take advantage of things like 8,000 Hz mice, the most advanced GPU, and play at a competitive level, the MSI Oculux NXG253R is as good as it gets. Weve tested a few 360 Hz monitors, namely the Asus ROG Swift PG259QN, Alienware AW2521H, and Acer Predator X25, and theyre all amazingly fast and impressive. However, MSIs 360 Hz monitor stands above them all as the fastest screen weve ever tested.

Our benchmarking recorded the NXG253Rs absolute input lag at 17ms, 1ms faster than the next fastest 360 Hz monitor (Asus PG259QN). The NXG253R matched the other 360 Hz screens with a 3ms result when it came to response time. You also get Nvidias Reflex latency analyzer, plus G-Sync all the way down to 1 Hz. Nothing is missing for gaming performance here.

There are some things missing, though. Despite the high price (especially for a 1080p monitor), the NXG253R doesnt have speakers. And its color gamut is sRGB, rather than the more colorful DCI-P3 thats increasingly popular among gaming monitors. But this is still a bright screen with decent contrast (1,190.6:1) for an IPS panel. HDR is aided by a variable backlight, which brings contrast to a high 7,972.5:1 with HDR content.

If youre ready to leap to 360 Hz, the fastest refresh rate currently available on a PC monitor, the NXG253R is the best of the best for speed.

More: MSI Oculux NXG253R review

The AOC PD27 makes 240Hz look good. (Image credit: AOC)

22. Porsche Design AOC Agon PD27 Best Gaming Monitor Splurge Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab)      Specifications Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9 Resolution: 2560 x 1440 Panel Type: VA Refresh Rate: 240 Hz Response Time (GTG): 0.5ms Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync Premium Pro Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Wide, accurate color gamut + Build quality, styling Reasons to avoid - Backlight strobe causes some smearing - Expensive

The Samsung 27-inch CRG5 provides incredible speed at 1080p resolution, and the Porsche Design AOC Agon PD27 takes things to the next level, including a higher resolution, shorter response time, and a price tag thats more than twice the size.

For most, the CRG5 is in the sweet spot for a 240Hz monitor. Its 1080p resolution will require less graphics power than the 1440p PD27. When it came to our speed benchmarks, the PD27 was 1ms faster than the CRG5 in the response time test and 2ms slower in the absolute input lag test. So performance there is comparable, but the PD27 is also in a different style class.

With a unique metallic stand reminiscent of a racecars roll cage, LED lighting, including a projector that casts a customizable Porsche Design logo, and even its own remote, this monitor is as much about premium looks as it is about premium performance. If you want a little bit of it everything, its tough to beat this stylish monitor.

More: Porsche Design AOC Agon PD27 review

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MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2023 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor
It looks like we've got a campaign on our hands . . .

CLAY CHASTAIN ISN'T PULLING ANY PUNCHES IN HIS CAMPAIGN AGAINST MAYOR Q AS HIS LATEST E-MAIL BLAST BRINGS UP MAYOR Q'S DUI CHARGE!!!

Now . . . Clay does the right thing and notes the charge was dropped.

Still . . .

In a town known for politeness . . . ESPECIALLY during election season. This blast from the past is sure to raise eyebrows and shows us that the transit activist hasn't given up his effort to compete for the top job in KCMO.

Check-it . . .



Mayoral Candidate Clay Chastain Press release: In the final race for Mayor, (Shady) Lucas is not the transparent Mayor he claims to be as his dubious actions (against his political opponent Clay Chastain) prove otherwise.

#1. (Shady) Lucas was arrested on a DUI charge (intoxicated while sleeping in his car outside a bar in Lawrence). Lucas said he wanted to be "transparent" and added, "he behaved responsibly". A Kansas prosecutor dropped the charge. Yet, Lucas is pushing prosecuting Chastain on a trespassing charge (Chastain was arrested while on his way to a council hearing to protest the fact Lucas was refusing to debate). Chastain said, "I am just exercising my right to free speech". The City prosecutor did not agree and he and (Shady) Lucas decided not to drop the charges. Chastain pleaded not guilty and his trial is set for June 9th. (Stand by)!

#2. (Shady) Lucas took full advantage of being able to appear (and campaign) on KCUR 89.3 Public Radio knowing full well that KCUR (Steve Kraske (host of Up to Date) & News Editor, CJ Janovy) was discriminating against Chastain (playing favorites) and denying Chastain any time on Kansas City's ("State-affiliated media") NPR station. (Stand by)!

#3. (Shady) Lucas refused to place Chastain's 2019 Airport rail petition (signed in support of by 4,000 KC voters) before voters because it out-shined his superfluous, costly and Touristy Frou Frou streetcar extension. (Lucas killed a petition from the people)!



35,351 voters were misled in voting for a shady Mayor (who has also presided over record levels of homicides, started a Cold War with police and is stupidly pushing Reparations & Glitz) at the Primary election. But, "you can't fool all the people all the time". Let's see if the other 300,000 Kansas City voters (who did not vote in the Primary) will be fooled in the General election.



Clay Chastain

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Developing . . .
Another instance of fatal gunfire starts our news cycle as the homicide rate continues to spike during the low-turnout election season.

Here is the first report . . .



Homicide 7800 block of E. 48th St.

This morning just after 3:30am, officers were called to the 7800 block of E 48th Street on a report of a 911 hangup call. While officers were en route, the call was updated to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located the victim inside the residence suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. EMS responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.



Officers detained a subject of interest at the scene.



Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel have responded to the scene. They will be processing the scene to recover any evidence and speaking to any potential witnesses.



Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 816-234-5043. Or if you wish to remain anonymous you can do so by calling the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case.



We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

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Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link. . .

Kansas City, Missouri, police locate 1 victim in fatal shooting Saturday morning KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Officers with the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department responded to a fatal shooting Saturday morning in Kansas City, Missouri. At around 3:33 a.m., KCPD responded to reports of a disturbance and shots fired in the 7800 block of east 48th Street.

One dead in deadly shooting near E. 48th Street in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting that left one dead early Saturday morning. Officers were called to the 7800 block of E 48th Street on a report of a 911 hangup call. The call was updated to a shooting call while en route.

Police investigating homicide on E. 48th Street Kansas City, MO, police are investigating a deadly shooting on E. 48th Street early Saturday morning.Officers say they got a report of a 911 hang-up at around 3:30 a.m. As they were heading to the scene to investigate, police learned it was a shooting.Officers arrived at a home on E.

Developing . . .
Hydrogen

David Martin ditched the oil-fired heating system at his three-bed bungalow in rural West Wales three years ago. The 74-year-old widower installed a heat pump and solar panels instead, and has never looked back.

He says his energy costs were 347 in 2022 once sales of electricity from his solar panels were taken into account, with his bungalow never allowed to go cold.

Hundreds of miles east, near Peterborough, 70-year-old Sara Hawkes had a very different experience with the heat pump she had installed in 2018.

In prolonged cold weather, mine ices up and stops the blades from turning, she says.

The two households are early movers in a growing shift up and down the country as the net zero push reaches inside the home.

Over the next few decades, 23m or so UK homes will be asked to ditch their gas boilers for a cleaner alternative as Britain tries to cut its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.

What will replace them has been the subject of fierce debate, with industry divided over the merits and pitfalls of the front-runners  hydrogen or heat pumps.

Recent developments have led to heat pumps gaining ground, with hydrogen still a long way off from being deployed in peoples homes.

Hydrogen-ready boilers are not yet on the market, and a growing body of research has raised questions about its usefulness for mass heating.

As the future of heating starts to take shape, is hydrogens potential role diminishing? And what does this mean for households looking to ditch their gas boilers?

I think heat pumps are definitely in the box seat, says Guy Newey, chief executive at the government-backed Energy Systems Catapult, but there are still challenges.

Weve got to make sure that whatever technology is installed in peoples homes, people want it and welcome it. Consumers have a veto on net zero.

Heating UK homes is a major source of carbon emissions, accounting for about 14pc of the countrys carbon footprint.

None of gas boilers potential replacements are without challenges at a system-wide level, however.

Story continues

Heat pumps are highly efficient, drawing warmth from the outside air, to produce more energy than they use to run.

They are powered by electricity, more of which in the future will be generated from green sources such as the wind and the sun.

However, that adds to the strain on the grid, which will already be trying to cope with increased demand from electric cars.

Studies suggest heat pumps more than double a households annual electricity consumption  and they will add to surges in demand at peak times.

The Government is considering introducing short, randomised delays to when appliances including heat pumps switch on, to help lessen the pressure on electricity grids.

Hydrogen, on the other hand, which does not produce carbon emissions when burned, can be produced at any time, transported through the existing gas network and used by the consumer in the same way as natural gas.

The gas is currently expensive and difficult to produce cleanly, however, potentially eating up vast amounts of clean electricity.

Many experts believe it will end up being prioritised in areas which have no other options for cutting carbon emissions, such as some parts of heavy industry.

Dr Jan Rosenow, an energy efficiency expert at the University of Sussex, recently reviewed 32 independent studies, and says they indicate hydrogen for domestic heating is less economic and efficient than heat pumps and other sources.

He says it takes about five times more electricity to heat a home with hydrogen than it takes to heat the same home with an efficient heat pump, either individually or as part of a district heating.

In a paper published in September, he added: Despite the significant attention heating with hydrogen has received, independent evidence does not support wide-spread use of hydrogen for space and hot water heating.

Meanwhile, households are starting to engage with heat pumps. More than 40,000 were installed last year  albeit a fraction of the 1.7m gas boilers put into houses.

Leading energy suppliers Octopus and British Gas have started something of a price war, with British Gas offering a heat pump at 1 less than its rival.

The Governments confidence in heat pumps appears to be increasing, spurred by an Energy Systems Catapult report earlier this year that reported better efficiency than expected.

So are its efforts to ramp up the market. Ministers are pressing ahead with plans to force boiler makers to make a certain number of heat pumps, and to move levies off electricity bills.

Grant Shapps, the energy minister, is planning on getting a heat pump.

The Government does not intend to decide on its strategy for hydrogen in home heating until 2026, after trials have been carried out.

One of those planned trials has had a troubled start. Cadent Gas has had to promise households in Whitby, Ellesmere Port, they can opt-out and stick with natural gas, following an uproar at being forced to ditch their boilers.

Dr Angela Needle, director of strategy at Cadent Gas, says its still too early to determine hydrogens role.

We expect the future energy system to have about 30pc hydrogen in it, she says.

The amount of homes that end up having hydrogen is quite difficult to say  it will depend on if there is enough hydrogen, and how much of the gas network gets converted.

I think it will be somewhere between 30pc and 50pc, lets say, but it comes down to choice for customers and how much it costs.

As heat pumps gather pace there is a risk of choices narrowing, however. Gas network owners will, presumably, need a certain number of customers to make a pipeline commercially viable.

It depends, says Dr Needle. There may be some streets where you say, this is a heat pump street, and we end up looking at decommissioning at some point in the future.

But we are a long way away from that.

Questioning the conclusions that can be drawn from the academic research studied by Dr Rosenow, she asked: Do they [the studies] cover the whole value chain of production of the energy to consumption? Are they relevant for the UK energy system?

With so much yet to play for, investors are still hedging their bets. Brookfield Asset Management, the $800bn asset manager chaired by Mark Carney, the former Bank of England governor, paid 4bn for the UK home repairs and boiler installer HomeServe last year.

Through its Thermondo subsidiary, it installed hundreds of heat pumps in Germany last year. It also owns a stake in UK gas pipeline owner Scotia Gas Networks.

We think that there's a range of decarbonisation technologies which will be critical to reduce household emissions in a cost-effective way, says Louis Socha, who leads on Brookfields strategy for residential decarbonisation in Europe.

There'll be use cases for hydrogen; it obviously has benefits. But also we think therell be millions of homes that will be retrofitted to heat pumps over the long term.

We see benefits to both  we want to remain agnostic. Were focused on providing consumers with the right package.

For households wanting to ditch their gas boiler right now, however, the slow progress on hydrogen means there is little choice other than a heat pump.

Getting the best possible installation is the best advice for those that do. The range of experiences is stark.

The only way to stop [the heat pump icing up after initial defrosting] is by pouring warm water from a watering can over it, says Mrs Hawkes.

As you can imagine I'm very happy, says Mr Martin. I really feel for the people who have been struggling this winter.
The rate of local violence continues to climb and tonight we share a quick glimpse at local police action, courtroom deets and all manner of crime reporting . . .



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Man charged in death of girlfriend who was found at abandoned car wash in south Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City man is accused of killing his girlfriend and later leaving her body at an abandoned car wash in south KCMO. Donnell Buckman, 44, is charged with second-degree murder and armed action in the death of Leigh Dalton. Court documents detail the investigation into the incident.

'Not one ounce of remorse': Olathe man sentenced in 2019 murder of 17-year-old Amy Workman stood in a Johnson County Courtroom Thursday afternoon as 28-year-old Raymond Cherry was sentenced to a minimum of 31 years in prison. Her shirt was covered with photos of her son, Ben Workman, who was shot and killed in his Overland Park apartment four years ago when he was just 17.

16 arrested by Lenexa police in operation targeting shoplifting Sixteen people have been arrested following a nearly weeklong Lenexa Police crackdown on retail theft.The suspects include people who face arrest warrants in other states, a woman wanted by federal immigration authorities and the recovery of stolen weapons."These are folks who are intentionally coming in to ours and other surrounding

Ray County inmate who escaped from jail back in Missouri A man accused of stabbing his pregnant girlfriend and later escaped the Ray County Jail is back in Missouri. Justin Robinson escaped from the Ray County Jail on March 28. He was on the loose for nearly a full week before he was taken into custody at a bus stop in Tulsa, Okla.Robinson will reside at the Clay County, Mo., Detention Center.

Northland family remembers father killed in hit-and-run; Reward offered for answers KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Northland family is hoping for answers two weeks after a hit-and-run driver killed their father. Rockne "Rocky" Gross, 73, was walking in his Kansas City neighborhood near North Walrond Avenue and Maplewoods Parkway on Thursday, March 23, around 3:15 p.m. when it happened.

Kansas City woman, 28, has been missing since April 4 SOURCE: KCPD Kansas City police need your help in finding a missing 28-year-old woman. Heather Harms was last seen April 4 in the area of 106th Street and N. Dalton Ave. Police say she was wearing a gray jacket, black leggings and a handbag. Family members believe she is traveling on foot.

Independence police looking for missing 16-year-old INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - The Independence Police Department is looking for a 16-year-old girl who has not been seen since Friday afternoon. According to the police, Lauren Calles-Mendez was last seen at 1:40 p.m. in the area of 8th Street and Sterling Avenue. She was on a bicycle.

Developing . . .
Humber College has joined forces with four other Ontario colleges to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to improve local access to programs for military-connected learners.
Quite a few insiders have dramatically grown their holdings in NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust (NYSE:NXDT) over the past 12 months. An insider's optimism about the company's prospects is a positive sign.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

See our latest analysis for NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when President & Principal Executive Officer James Dondero bought US$2.0m worth of shares at a price of US$15.75 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of US$10.91. Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price.

While NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Insider Ownership

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. It appears that NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust insiders own 18% of the company, worth about US$74m. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders.

Story continues

What Might The Insider Transactions At NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust Tell Us?

There haven't been any insider transactions in the last three months -- that doesn't mean much. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Overall we don't see anything to make us think NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust insiders are doubting the company, and they do own shares. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 4 warning signs for NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust (of which 1 doesn't sit too well with us!) you should know about.

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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Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Alamo Group fair value estimate is US$161

Current share price of US$168 suggests Alamo Group is potentially trading close to its fair value

Our fair value estimate is 20% lower than Alamo Group's analyst price target of US$202

How far off is Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

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. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for Alamo Group

Crunching The Numbers

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. 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, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

Story continues

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$93.8m US$106.0m US$115.1m US$122.7m US$129.1m US$134.6m US$139.5m US$143.9m US$147.9m US$151.8m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x3 Est @ 8.52% Est @ 6.59% Est @ 5.23% Est @ 4.28% Est @ 3.62% Est @ 3.15% Est @ 2.83% Est @ 2.60% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 8.4% US$86.5 US$90.3 US$90.5 US$89.0 US$86.4 US$83.2 US$79.5 US$75.7 US$71.9 US$68.1

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$821m

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 8.4%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$152m (1 + 2.1%)  (8.4% 2.1%) = US$2.5b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$2.5b ( 1 + 8.4%)10= US$1.1b

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$1.9b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of US$168, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. 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 Alamo 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 8.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.058. 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 Alamo Group

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Machinery market.

Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 2 years.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the American market.

Next Steps:

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. 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 Alamo Group, there are three pertinent elements you should further examine:

Risks: Case in point, we've spotted 1 warning sign for Alamo Group you should be aware of. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for ALG's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. 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 American 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
After many years of training people in the cocoa industry, the University of the West Indies
Commander of Ukraines Air Force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, explained why F-16 fighter jets are important for Ukraine.

As reported by Ukrinform, Oleschuk wrote about this on Telegram.

According to the commander, first of all, the F-16 offers the best protection for the rear regions. On average, Ukrainian air defense destroys about 75% of incoming cruise missiles and attack drones. But 25% do hit their targets. F-16s can effectively destroy them even at the borders, preventing missiles and drones from reaching Ukrainian cities.

Currently, Russian Air Force outnumbers the Ukrainian one by magnitudes, and most importantly, the invaders enjoy a technological advantage.

"The Air Force does not have enough ground and air assets to effectively protect the airspace, front-line troops, and civilians in the front-line zone from the daily terror of enemy attack aircraft and helicopters. The F-16 will allow us to gain dominance in the air, significantly weakening the enemy, saving many lives every day," Oleshchuk noted.

The enemy is increasingly using 500kg guided air bombs along the entire front line. There are signs of preparation for the mass use of 1,500 kg bombs. Russian planes do not enter the zone of destruction of Ukrainian air defense, striking remotely at the front line and near-frontline cities. Civilians are suffering in the northern, southern, and eastern regions.

"The F-16 is armed with air-to-air missiles with a range of up to 180 km. This will allow for driving enemy aircraft away from our borders and the line of contact, which minimizes the likelihood of them using guided air bombs and other air-based weapons," Oleshchuk emphasized.

He noted that the wide range of modern high-precision weapons available in F-16s will allow for high-precision strikes on Russian forces during a counteroffensive.

Read also: Slovakia suspects Russia of sabotaging its MiG29s

"It is necessary to stop the enemy offensive actions, gain air superiority, and destroy the means of equipment, ammunition, and manpower supply. The F-16 will be able to perform these tasks!" Oleshchuk emphasized.

F-16s will also help Ukraine regain control of the sea area.

"The Black Sea is still under the control of the Russian fleet. F-16s are armed with powerful anti-ship missiles that can easily drive the entire enemy fleet either to ports or to the sea bottom. Ukraine needs to ensure freedom of navigation and protection of grain corridors, Oleshchuk said.

The available equipment and weapons available in Soviet-era aircraft turn all missions of Ukrainian pilots into mortally dangerous ones, which causes irreparable losses for Ukraine. Only modern technology will make their work effective and safe. Oleshchuk assured the public that Ukrainian pilots are prepared and motivated to learn. And they are ready to fight and train at the same time.

Now Ukraine employs 40-year-old aircraft. Some of them are twice the age of their crew. "It is becoming more and more difficult to maintain their serviceability with each day. Own stocks of spare parts are running low, while allies have none either. Many issues are dealt with through so-called "cannibalization", but this cant last forever. Ukraine can't wait until all of its aviation is grounded. Thanks to the transfer of aircraft from Slovakia and Poland, it will be possible to restore to a certain extent the MiG-29 fleet for several air brigades, and strengthen the capabilities of fighter jets to perform current combat missions. However, to achieve air superiority and to win, we need modern aircraft!" Oleschuk emphasized.

Also, stocks of even obsolete and ineffective Soviet ammunition are depleting.

"Even with a sufficient number of serviceable warplanes and trained pilots, at a certain moment our aviation will have no more weapons left. Switching to the F-16 or another Western platform with a wide range of modern weapons is the only way out. Ukraine needs F-16s!" Oleschuk concluded.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, referring to the Air Force Command spokesman, Yuriy Ihnat, Russian invaders are now massively launching guided air bombs along the entire front line.
Five Ukrainian citizens received minor injuries in a road accident that occurred in Moldova on the morning of April 8. There is no threat to their lives.

Ukrinform learnt this from spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oleg Nikolenko.

"Today, a road accident occurred in Drochia District in Moldova involving a bus traveling from Chisinau to Kyiv. As a result of the road accident, five Ukrainian citizens received minor injuries. They were taken to the hospital, now they are receiving the necessary medical assistance, there is no threat to their lives," he said.

Nikolenko added that other passengers continued their journey to Kyiv by bus provided by the carrier. In total, there were nineteen Ukrainians on the bus.

The spokesman also said that the Ukrainian embassy interacts with Moldovan law enforcers in order to find out all the circumstances of the accident and keeps in touch with doctors.

"After the treatment ends, consuls will help our citizens return to Ukraine," he assured.

As reported, a regular bus heading from Chisinau to Kyiv overturned in Drochia District in Moldova on the morning of April 8. The accident happened around 09:40. The police officers who arrived at the scene found that the bus driver lost control and crashed into a tree, and then drove into a ditch.
Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Mantas Adomenas says that the NATO Summit in Vilnius will be successful if there is clear progress on the political track of Ukraine's integration into the Alliance.

"The NATO Summit will be successful if there is clear progress on the political track of Ukraine's integration into NATO. At the same time, it is clear that the content of the declaration and the essence of the planned decisions are still at the stage of discussion, so it is too early to talk about it. But we and our partners  their circle is expanding, by the way  seek concrete steps to integrate Ukraine into the Alliance," Adomenas told Ukrinform in an interview.

He added that negotiations were ongoing to ensure Ukraines representation at the summit at the highest level.

The Lithuanian diplomat pointed to another important component of the future summit  strengthening the defense of NATO's eastern flank. "We see positive changes in Poland and other neighboring countries. But it is disturbing that the situation in the Baltic states is the same as a year ago, before the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Therefore, progress in this direction is also much needed," Adomenas stressed.

As reported, on Thursday, April 6, the Parliament of Lithuania adopted a resolution for the NATO Summit in Vilnius which includes an official invitation to Ukraine to join the Alliance.

The NATO Summit will be held in Vilnius on July 11-12. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg invited President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to participate.
Mykola Kuleba, Executive chief of the Save Ukraine Charitable Foundation, Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights (2014-2021), believes that some of the Ukrainian children deported by Russia will also be found on the territory of Belarus.

He stated this during a press conference at the Media Center Ukraine-Ukrinform, answering the question of whether there is any data on how many Ukrainian children deported to Russia were further brought to Belarus.

"We have no information on how many Ukrainian children are on the territory of Belarus. I think that we will also find these children in Belarus. But at the moment (data on - ed.) how many such children there are, and where they are - we dont have as we dont even know that as regards the Russian Federation. Now it is very difficult to find any information at all  in both Belarus and Russia," he said.

As the executive director of Save Ukraine clarified, that is why the activists are looking for any information on where these children could be, including across Russia.

Kateryna Rashevska, a lawyer with the Regional Center for Human Rights (RCHR), member of the Quebec Community of International Law and Interdepartmental Commission on the Application and Implementation of International Humanitarian Law in Ukraine, said that Russia has lists of so-called resource families - those that are already raising a certain number of Russian adopted children.

"And this creates additional space for manipulation. For example, (in Russia they tell these parents  ed.): "in order not to lose benefits or custody of these children  please take another 10 or eight (Ukrainian  ed.) children or something like that," lawyer said.

According to her, the Russian Federation illegally and unreasonably refuses to return Ukrainian children to their Homeland.

"This unjustified delay in the repatriation of these children  not even a delay but actions that are entirely aimed at making this repatriation impossible  is a serious violation of the Geneva Conventions, international humanitarian law, and can be qualified as a war crime," Rashevska is convinced.

As reported, since the outset of the full-scale war with Russia, as of April 7, a total of 11,090 children were considered to have been found in Ukraine after going missing.
cbi

A woman working for the Confederation for British Industry (CBI) was allegedly told by a male colleague that everyone should be bullied once in their lifetime as part of a campaign of verbal abuse at the embattled lobby group.

The woman, who has since left the organisation, told The Telegraph that she felt unsafe and helpless in her job following a barrage of derogatory and offensive remarks.

The alleged bullying, which was reported to the womans manager, played a key role in her decision to leave the CBI.

She said: I felt unsafe, vigilant of the next ambush and helpless it did have a negative impact on me, my ability to perform well at the CBI and my career overall.

This unwanted attention also played a deciding role in me ending my work contract early and being reluctant to go back to the corporate world.

The fresh claims come as the CBI  which claims to represent 190,000 businesses including much of the FTSE 100  faces a deepening crisis over alleged serious sexual misconduct.

One woman told the Guardian last week that she was raped at a 2019 staff party, with other complainants describing a toxic culture of unchecked misogyny.

The crisis forced the organisation to postpone its flagship annual dinner, while the Government and Labour Party have broken off contact.

Tony Danker - Rory Arnold/No10 Downing Street

The woman who spoke to the Telegraph claimed that on one occasion, the male colleague told her that everyone should be bullied once in their lifetime.

At the time, the female CBI employee raised the bullying allegations with her manager, who she said was supportive. However, she decided not to escalate the complaint to HR over concerns that she lacked concrete evidence, which she now regrets.

The woman said: Maybe if I had acted then it would have stopped unwanted attention and I would still have a job.

City law firm Fox Williams has been hired by the CBI to carry out an independent investigation into the alleged victims' claims.

It is also examining separate allegations of impropriety against director-general Tony Danker, who has stepped aside pending the outcome of the investigation.

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Mr Danker, who is accused of sending unsolicited messages to a female employee, has apologised for causing offence or anxiety to any colleague, saying it was completely unintentional.

Last week, in a significant blow to the lobby group, ministers and officials at both the Treasury and the Department of Business and Trade said they would stop meeting with the CBI while it investigates the allegations.

Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, on Tuesday pulled out of the bodys flagship annual dinner, prompting it to cancel the event. A number of high-profile businesses are also understood to be reviewing their membership.

Andrew Bailey - Hollie Adams/Bloomberg

Other accusations being examined by Fox Williams include a former CBI board member allegedly touching a female employees bottom and making a sexualised remark to another woman within earshot of colleagues.

The board member who made the remark apologised and claimed they did not mean to cause offence, according to the Guardian, but then made a similar remark to a different woman some months later. The board member is said to deny touching the female staff members bottom.

Despite the allegations about its culture, the lobby group outwardly champions workplace equality, with Mr Danker last month telling businesses to embrace progressive values.

Matthew Fell, the CBIs policy chief, has taken over as interim director-general while Mr Danker stands aside and is understood to have held briefings with staff in recent weeks.

A spokesman for the CBI said: Its deeply regrettable and completely unacceptable that any staff member would feel poorly treated or unsafe.

The CBI has treated and continues to treat all matters of workplace conduct with the utmost seriousness. We would encourage those who wish to raise matters of this nature to report them to the independent investigation.
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The Finance Minister says he will virtually attend the upcoming annual spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund.

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 8th, 2023) Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday said that the government was planning to bring new schemes for the development of the country.

In a video statement on Saturday, he said provision of fuel subsidy to motorcycles and cars up to 800cc is under consideration.

He said he will virtually attend the upcoming annual spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund.

Refuting the impression given by some media outlets, Ishaq Dar said our team will be participating in the scheduled meetings as per routine whereas he will attend important meetings virtually.

Citing prevailing political situation of the country, the Minister said he decided to participate in IMF meeting virtually as Supreme Court of Pakistan has asked the government to provide funds to Election Commission of Pakistan to hold elections in Punjab.

Ishaq Dar said Pakistan has repaid debt around eleven billion Dollars in the past few months.

He expressed hope that staff level agreement with the IMF will be finalized soon.
Millions of lives could be saved by a groundbreaking set of new vaccines for a range of conditions including cancer, experts have said

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Apr, 2023 ) :Millions of lives could be saved by a groundbreaking set of new vaccines for a range of conditions including cancer, experts have said.

A leading pharmaceutical firm said it is confident that jabs for cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, and other conditions will be ready by 2030, the Guardian reported.

Studies into these vaccinations are also showing "tremendous promise", with some researchers saying 15 years' worth of progress has been "unspooled" in 12 to 18 months thanks to the success of the Covid jab.

Paul Burton, the chief medical officer of pharmaceutical company Moderna, said he believes the firm will be able to offer such treatments for "all sorts of disease areas" in as little as five years.

The firm, which created a leading coronavirus vaccine, is developing cancer vaccines that target different tumour types.

Burton said: "We will have that vaccine and it will be highly effective, and it will save many hundreds of thousands if not millions of lives. I think we will be able to offer personalised cancer vaccines against multiple different tumour types to people around the world." He also said multiple respiratory infections could be covered by a single injection -- allowing vulnerable people to be protected against Covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) -- while mRNA therapies could be available for rare diseases for which there are currently no drugs, the Guardian reported.

Therapies based on mRNA work by teaching cells how to make a protein that triggers the body's immune response against disease.
Kanaan Rogers outside the Dill Pickle Food Co-Op, 2746 N. Milwaukee Ave., on April 7, 2023. An administrative law judge with the NLRB ruled that the co-op illegally fired Rogers and another worker who had participated in walkouts. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

A Logan Square grocery co-op illegally fired two workers and disciplined others who participated in walkouts at the store, a National Labor Relations Board judge ruled Thursday.

The Dill Pickle Food Co-op must offer reinstatement to the two workers it fired, administrative law Judge Arthur Amchan ruled. It must also pay them for any loss of earnings that resulted from their firings.

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The Dill Pickle, at 2746 N. Milwaukee Ave., must cease and desist from discharging or otherwise discriminating against employees for engaging in protected concerted activity, Amchan ordered.

The ruling comes after workers filed unfair labor practice charges with the NLRB last year. The case was tried during a three-day hearing in the NLRBs Chicago offices in January.

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The Dill Pickle can appeal the ruling. General manager ITalia McCarthy said any decision about whether to appeal the ruling would have to be discussed with the Dill Pickle board and the co-ops attorney. McCarthy said the co-op would not issue a statement about the decision before it met with union stewards early next week.

Kanaan Rogers, 21, was one of the two co-op staff members Amchan ruled was fired illegally by the Dill Pickle last spring. Rogers worked as a facilities assistant at the store, cleaning, stocking shelves and sometimes working at the cash register.

At the time, he told the Tribune, he was living in Logan Square with his mom and other family members, supporting the family with rent. Losing his job was a financial hardship. I used up all my savings, he said.

Some Dill Pickle employees participated in walkouts in December 2021 and January 2022 over concerns about COVID-19 exposures, crowding in the store that made social distancing difficult and in one case because they believed another employee had been unfairly disciplined.

Amchan found that Rogers was illegally fired in April 2022 in part because of his participation in one of the walkouts.

They just didnt like the union, Rogers said. Workers didnt want to walk off the job, he said, but felt that was the only way they could change things about their working conditions.

Thats what we had to do, to get a reaction, or get some type of change, he said. We had to walk out.

A shopper enters the Dill Pickle Food Co-Op in Logan Square on April 7, 2023. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

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At the time the unfair labor practice charges were filed, Dill Pickle workers were unionized with the Industrial Workers of the World, with whom they had first voted to unionize in 2017. In December, the co-op staff voted to end its affiliation with the IWW and form its own union, the Dill Pickle Food Co-op Workers Union.

The (unfair labor practice charges) were filed by our old bargaining union, the IWW, which is no longer our union. They were voted out by our current staff right now, McCarthy said. Management and our new union are actively working with one another right now to try and mitigate some of the issues that we have had in the past, and its been a very good relationship thus far.

Amchan ruled that in addition to Rogers, the Dill Pickle illegally terminated produce clerk Aoife Sweeney, who was fired after being unfairly accused by Dill Pickle management of theft and of purposely vandalizing products in order to take them home, Amchan wrote. Sweeney was also a union steward.

Due to its animus towards Sweeneys protected activity, it seized upon every ambiguity in its video footage and sales records to accuse Sweeney of theft and vandalism, Amchan wrote in the decision.

In one case, for instance, management accused Sweeney of taking hand soap from the store. Sweeney said they had brought the soap to the produce office for workers to use to wash their hands, a statement supported by surveillance video, Amchan wrote.

Amchan ruled that other employees who had participated in walkouts were illegally disciplined.

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One of those employees was Jessico Dickerson, who has worked at the Dill Pickle since 2013. Dickerson currently works for the co-op part time in social media and marketing.

It does appear that those workers rights and my rights were infringed upon, Dickerson said.

I think its a little too late, they said of the remedies ordered by the labor board judge. A lot of people have moved on, and the damage has been done. The way that people were let go was unreasonable and unjust.

The Dill Pickle also violated labor law by failing to bargain with the union over the temporary closure of the store parking lot during inclement weather in February 2022 and by failing to provide information in the form of time sheets to the workers union, Amchan ruled.
The head of China's state assets watchdog visited the country's top chip design tool developer Empyrean Technology and called for more local achievements in the sector, as Beijing pushes ahead with its semiconductor self-sufficiency drive amid US sanctions.

Zhang Yuzhuo, head of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, the top agency supervising the central government's state-owned assets, visited the company on Thursday, the agency said on its official website.

Zhang was appointed head of the agency two months ago, after his predecessor Hao Peng was reassigned as party secretary of Liaoning province last November. Previously, Zhang held multiple roles at state-owned companies and in local governments, including chairman of oil and gas giant Sinopec and party secretary of the Binhai New District of Tianjin, a port city in northern China.

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.

Zhang praised Empyrean Technology as a market leader in China's electronic design automation (EDA) industry, and urged the company to come up with more "iconic and pioneering achievements" and strive to be the world's leading provider of EDA tools.

Zhang also said the regulator would further implement "precise policies" to increase support for talent and funding related to the industry, and support state-owned companies in "overcoming difficulties" in the development of China's integrated circuit supply chain.

The Beijing-based company, which was founded in 2009 and went public in Shenzhen last July, is considered one of China's best hopes in cutting reliance on imported chip design tools. It is the only company in China that can provide a full suite of EDA tools to "meet the needs of most customers for analogue circuit design", according to a 2022 research note by Zheshang Securities.

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The company held a 6 per cent share of China's EDA market in 2020, according to CCID consulting. Domestically-developed EDA tools accounted for just 12 per cent of the total market that year, with the remainder held by foreign EDA giants like Synopsys, Cadence and Siemens EDA, according to data from the China Semiconductor Industry Association.

Zheshang Securities forecast that the local share of EDA tools will grow to 22 per cent by 2025, because it will be easier for the sector to achieve self-sufficiency compared with other parts of the semiconductor supply chain.

Zhang Yuzhuo, head of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, visits Empyrean Technology on April 6, 2023. Photo: Handout alt=Zhang Yuzhuo, head of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, visits Empyrean Technology on April 6, 2023. Photo: Handout>

Empyrean's customers include Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp and Hua Hong Semiconductor, China's top two chip foundries.

Zhang's visit comes as Beijing and provincial governments are doubling down on their chip self-reliance drive, with massive financial support and preferential policies being offered as the country digs in for a protracted tech war with the US.

Liu He, the former vice-premier, told industry representatives last month that China must maintain a "whole nation" approach to its semiconductor industry by leveraging both state and market power.

Starting last year, a number of local governments in China, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Suzhou, rolled out generous subsidies and other supporting measures for the semiconductor self-sufficiency push.

In October last year, the US Commerce Department updated its export controls, restricting China's access to advanced chips and certain semiconductor manufacturing and design tools. It also restricted "US persons" - including American citizens and green card holders - from working at China-located facilities if their work included advanced chips.

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.
PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Apr, 2023 ) :The senior lawyers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa here on Saturday demanded the formation of a full court to decide KP and Punjab assemblies election case after the dissenting note of senior judge of the supreme court, Justice Athar Minallah.

They said that Justice Athar Minallah has raised serious questions and the formation of a full court was now inevitable to clear all the issues and controversies related to the case.

Gohar Rehman Khattak, former President of Peshawar Bar Council and member Peshawar High Court Bar Association told APP that the observations passed by Justice Athar Minallah was of serious nature and demanded the formation of a full court comprising all judges of the Supreme Court to remove the prevailing confusion in this high profile case.

He said that Justice Minallah has agreed with Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Jamal Khan Mandokhail, who penned the dissenting note in the suo motu case. He said the courts should show extreme restraint in matters which involve political stakeholders.

He said it was also in the interest of SC to make a review of the high profile case and give full opportunities to all political parties including PDM, PTI and Election Commission of Pakistan in full court.

Esa Khan, former Advocate General KP said that full court was the best solution to address all the issues raised by Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel.

He said Justice Athar Minallah also questioned the move to dissolve provincial assemblies and asked if such conduct is in consonance with the scheme of constitutional democracy.

Esa Khan said that Justice Athar Minallah has confirmed that the Supreme Court's suo motu of delay of Punjab and KP election was dismissed by 4-3 judges. He said that the intent of the political party that dissolved the assemblies should also be critically examined.

He said political parties should address political problems through dialogue and inside the Parliament rather than bringing it to courts. He said that political unity was required for a transparent and free election. Without political dialogue and unity, he said elections in KP and Punjab would be unproductive. Would PTI accept the election results if it lost the polls in Punjab, he questioned.

He underscored the need for immediate initiation of political dialogue among the government and PDM imperative to take the country out of economic and political challenges.
TEL AVIV (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th April, 2023) A total of three rockets were fired from the Syrian territory toward the Golan Heights in northern Israel on Saturday night, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

Earlier on Saturday, Israeli media reported that two missiles were fired from Syria toward Israel and that the warning system near the Israeli kibbutz of Metzer was activated.

"3 rockets were launched from Syria into Israel a short while ago. 1 of them crossed into Israeli territory and landed in the southern Golan Heights," the IDF said on Twitter later in the night, adding that "No interceptors were launched in accordance with policy."

Israeli KAN national public broadcaster said that one of the missiles fell in an open area, while another one landed in the Jordanian territory.
Militants has kidnapped 85 people from the settlement in the northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara, the Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday, citing the local authorities

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th April, 2023) Militants has kidnapped 85 people from the settlement in the northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara, the Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday, citing the local authorities.

The spokesperson for the local government, Abdulmalik Saidu Maibiredi, said that the incident had taken place in the village of Wanzamai on Thursday, according to the news outlet.

It was mostly women and children who were abducted on that day, the report said.

Gang attacks and kidnappings are frequent In Zamfara, especially in rural areas.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

The Movement of Socialists, a part of the governing coalition in Serbia, on Saturday urged the dismissal of Serbian Economy Minister Rade Basta over his new calls for sanctions against Russia

BELGRADE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th April, 2023) The Movement of Socialists, a part of the governing coalition in Serbia, on Saturday urged the dismissal of Serbian Economy Minister Rade Basta over his new calls for sanctions against Russia.

Earlier in the day, Basta reportedly said at a meeting with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that he supports President Aleksandar Vucic, but "does not understand why he does not impose sanctions" against Russia. Last month, the minister urged the government to make up its mind on the issue of sanctions against Russia, noting that Belgrade is already paying a high price for its refusal to support the Western restrictions.

"The Movement of Socialists reminds the Serbian public of the call for the dismissal of Rade Basta from the government. He acted earlier as an ill-mannered Russophobe, and now, before the IMF delegation, he showed that he is also undisciplined and opposes the state ... We call on Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to dismiss this incapable instigator and defend the honor of the institution she leads," the party said.

Basta, a member of United Serbia conservative party, assumed office in October 2022. The chairman of United Serbia, Dragan Markovic, said that his party was against introducing sanctions against Russia.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Sri Lanka has seen an increase from tourism earnings with around 530 million U.S. dollars being received in the first three months of 2023, according to the latest data from the country's central bank

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Apr, 2023 ):Sri Lanka has seen an increase from tourism earnings with around 530 million U.S. dollars being received in the first three months of 2023, according to the latest data from the country's central bank.

Sri Lanka earned 198.1 million dollars in March, bringing tourism earnings in the first quarter to 529.8 million dollars, the data showed.

In the first three months of 2022, Sri Lanka earned 482.3 million dollars from tourism.

A tourism official said earlier this month that Sri Lanka's tourism industry is aiming to attract 2 million visitors in 2023, compared to the previous target of 1.5 million.

Tourism, one of Sri Lanka's leading foreign exchange earners, suffered a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as economic and political crises in the country.
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BERLIN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th April, 2023) Several thousand people are taking part in a peace march ahead of Easter in Berlin, calling for stopping arms supplies to Kiev and starting peace negotiations on Ukraine, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported on Saturday.

So-called Easter marches are traditional in Germany, with this year's weekend peace demonstrations expected to be held in over 120 cities and towns across the country.

The organizer of the Berlin march, Netzwerk Friedenskooperative (Peace Cooperation Network), estimates the attendance at up to 3,000. The demonstration began at Berlin's central quarter of Wedding.

The participants can be seen carrying flags depicting the dove of peace, as well as banners that read "US and NATO Get Out of Ukraine," "Diplomacy, Not Arms," "Against Pointless Sanctions, Cheap Energy Now," "Tanks Never Bring Peace," as well as other slogans against Europe's dependence on the United States.

A performer sang a pacifist song in Russian, German and Yiddish and some speakers called for prompt peace negotiations on Ukraine from a mobile stage before the start of the procession.

"Stop supplying weapons to Ukraine, it only escalates and prolongs the conflict," one of the speakers said, stressing that Russia's security interests should also be respected given NATO's weaponization and its expansion up to the country's borders.

A small number of pro-Ukrainian activists attempted to disrupt the march, but failed to shout down the speakers.

In the march's announcement, the organizers call against delivering weapons to Ukraine, deploying nuclear weapons at the Ramstein air base and Russian sanctions, which, as organizers say, backfired on Germany itself. They also urge the German authorities to facilitate peace talks between Moscow and Kiev, as well as to create Europe's security architecture "from Lisbon to Vladivostok."
Three UK citizens have been among seven injured tourists in a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, The Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th April, 2023) Three UK citizens have been among seven injured tourists in a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, The Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, UK Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan said that there were UK citizens among the injured in the Tel Aviv attack.

On Friday, at least one person was killed and seven others were injured after a car had plowed into pedestrians in Tel Aviv. The 30-year-old man who died in the attack was an Italian citizen. The incident came a few hours after two British-Israeli sisters were killed in a shooting attack in the West Bank.
TOKYO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th April, 2023) Two US F-16 fighter jets on Saturday made an emergency landing at the Miyako Shimojishima airport in Japan's Okinawa prefecture after one of the planes experienced engine problems, media reported.

The problems with the engine occurred when the jet was 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Japan's Miyako island, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported.

The report said that there were no victims or delays in civilian flights, adding that the US military have been conducting repairs on one of the fighters.
SAN JOSE, Calif., April 08, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Part of the Colorado State University System, Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo) has selected the YuJa Panorama Digital Accessibility Platform to increase the accessibility of digital media and course content campuswide.

The institution learned about YuJa through LETA, a group of higher education systems in Colorado and Wyoming that focuses on accessibility needs and tools. A demonstration highlighted YuJas ability to provide a comprehensive, streamlined approach to delivering accessible, engaging media and course content to students. Rather than using a number of disparate tools, instructors will be able to rely on a single tool to pinpoint and correct accessibility issues, and students can easily generate accessible alternative formats of uploaded documents and customize their LMS and website experience. YuJa Panorama also integrates with Blackboard, the institutions learning management system.

"YuJa works with a number of institutions in Colorado, and were proud and excited for CSU Pueblo to begin using YuJa Panorama," said Nathan Arora, Chief Business Officer at YuJa, Inc. "The institution is focused on reimagining higher education across the Southwest United States, regionally, in its community and campus. The university takes accessibility seriously, and were glad to join them in their accessibility journey."

ABOUT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY PUEBLO

With an enrollment of nearly 4,000 students, Colorado State University Pueblo is a fully accredited, regional comprehensive state university that provides social, educational, and cultural opportunities to its constituents. The University is nestled in a historically and culturally rich community of more than 100,000 people, located in the southern part of the state near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains-just a short drive to Denver and Colorado Springs.

ABOUT YUJA, INC.

YuJa is a leader in ed-tech solutions. Our platforms provide organizations of all sizes with the tools to educate, engage, inspire and collaborate. We serve learning enterprises within all sectors, including higher-ed, K-12, government, healthcare, non-profit and corporate. We have legal headquarters in Delaware with primary U.S. offices in Silicon Valley, California, and Canadian offices in Toronto.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230407005161/en/

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Pope Francis led the world's Roman Catholics into Easter at a Saturday night vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, decrying the "icy winds of war" and other injustices.

The 86-year-old Francis skipped an outdoor event on Friday night because of unseasonably cold temperatures in Rome. His doctors ordered prudence after he was hospitalized last week for bronchitis.

Francis appeared to be well during the Easter Vigil service, during which he baptized eight adult converts to Catholicism.

After Francis started the service in the rear of the church with the traditional lighting of a large paschal candle, he was taken in a wheelchair to the front to preside at the Mass.

Easter is the most important day in the Christian liturgical calendar because it commemorates the day the Bible says Jesus rose from the dead.

In his homily, read before about 8,000 people in Christendom's largest church, Francis spoke of the bitterness, dismay and disillusionment many feel today.

"We may feel helpless and discouraged before the power of evil, the conflicts that tear relationships apart, the attitudes of calculation and indifference that seem to prevail in society, the cancer of corruption, the spread of injustice, the icy winds of war," he said.

Francis has called for an end to all wars, and since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, he has repeatedly referred to Ukraine and its people as being "martyred."

Reading his homily in a strong, confident voice, Francis said that even when people felt the wellspring of hope had dried up, it was important not to be frozen in a sense of defeat but to seek an "interior resurrection" with God's help.

Francis concludes Holy Week celebrations on Sunday by presiding at an Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square and then delivering his twice-annual "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing and message from the central external balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
Joe Blewitt is just about the busiest man in Ballina. His phone rings constantly with calls from locals and the world's media as he prepares to welcome a relative  U.S. President Joe Biden.

Biden is scheduled to travel to Ireland next week, with a stop in Ballina, the town from which one of his great-great grandfathers left for the United States in 1850. Blewitt, a distant cousin who first met Biden when he came to town as vice president in 2016, said the U.S. leader pledged to return once he'd won the presidency.

"He said, 'I'm going to come back into Ballina.' And sure to God he's going to come back into Ballina," Blewitt said. "His Irish roots are really deep in his heart."

The 43-year-old plumber was among Biden relations invited to the White House for St. Patrick's Day last month. He says it was a "surreal" experience that included a half-hour private meeting with the president.

"He's a people person. He loves meeting the Irish people," said Blewitt, who shares Biden's high forehead  he says people joke that he looks like the president "from the mouth up."

"The Irish people love him back."

Buildings are getting a new coat of paint and American flags are being hung from shopfronts in Ballina, a bustling agricultural town of about 10,000 at the mouth of the River Moy in western Ireland that proclaims itself the nation's "salmon capital."

There's already a mural of a beaming Biden, erected in 2020 in the center of town. Many people from Ballina and the surrounding County Mayo moved to Pennsylvania in the 19th century. Ballina is twinned with Scranton, Biden's hometown.

"I wouldn't think there's a family in Ballina that doesn't have someone, some connection with the States," said Anthony Heffernan, owner of Heffernan's Fine Foods, where Biden had lunch with his local relatives during his 2016 visit.

"It was a fantastic day for Ballina," Heffernan recalled.

"He was very keen to talk about the town  how it was, and how it is now. He was really connected with the area."

The White House says Biden will visit Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday and Wednesday to mark 25 years since the Good Friday peace accord, before heading south to the Republic of Ireland, where he will address the Dublin parliament. In Ballina, he's due to deliver a speech Friday in front of the 19th-century cathedral, which local lore says was built partly using bricks supplied by his great-great-great grandfather, Edward Blewitt, a brickmaker and civil engineer.

The Irish Family History Center says Biden "is among the most 'Irish' of all U.S. Presidents"  10 of his 16 great-great grandparents were from the Emerald Isle. All of them left for the U.S. during the Great Famine of the mid-19th century, which killed an estimated 1 million people.

Biden also plans to visit the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Ballina on Ireland's east coast. His great-grandfather, James Finnegan, left the mountainous, wind-battered peninsula as a child in 1850, one of more than a million Irish people who emigrated during the famine years.

"There's a great sense of euphoria around the place. Everyone is asking 'What's happening, when's he coming, where's he going?'" said Andrea McKevitt, a local politician and distant Biden relative.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the president would use his Irish trip to highlight "how his family history is part of that larger shared history" between the U.S. and Ireland.

The trip is also a reminder of the central role of Irish Americans in U.S. political life. Ireland has warmly welcomed American presidents since John F. Kennedy became the first to visit in 1963. Barack Obama got a jubilant reception in 2011 when he visited the tiny hamlet of Moneygall, home to one of his great-great-great grandfathers.

"My name is Barack Obama, of the Moneygall Obamas, and I've come home to find the apostrophe we lost somewhere along the way," he joked to a crowd in Dublin.

More than 30 million Americans  almost one in 10  claim some Irish ancestry. Richard Johnson, senior lecturer in U.S. politics at Queen Mary University of London, said Irish Americans no longer form the solidly Democrat voting bloc of decades gone by, but it's still "good politics domestically for Americans to emphasize their Irish roots."

"One of the reasons Irish identity resonates so much with Americans is that U.S. identity is based in part on the notion that the United States broke free from the British Empire and set its own course," he said. "There is a kind of echo of that story that can be found in the Irish experience. It makes it feel like the Irish have shared a common experience of breaking out of British rule that I think is attractive to Americans."

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Biden "has always been a friend of Ireland," and the visit would be "an opportunity to welcome a great Irish-American president home."

In Ballina, Blewitt said the town is getting ready to give Biden a rousing welcome.

"The streets will be packed," he said. "It'll be like another St. Patrick's Day."
Authorities in northwestern Pakistan said Saturday that a roadside bomb blast had blown up a military vehicle, killing two soldiers and wounding four others.

A military statement said that the attack had occurred in the Khyber district abutting Afghanistan.

The banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing. The group has lately intensified attacks, including suicide bombings, in the country.

On Friday, Pakistan's national security committee, which comprises top civilian and military leadership, met and approved plans to carry out a nationwide anti-militant operation to stem resurgent terrorist attacks by the TTP and other extremist groups.

"The meeting agreed to launch an all-out comprehensive operation... to rid the country of the menace of terrorism," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office said in a statement. It did not say when the military action would proceed, noting that a committee was formed to make recommendations within two weeks to determine details.

Attacks nearly routine

TTP attacks have almost become routine in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where Saturday's bomb blast occurred.

In January of this year, a powerful bomb ripped through a mosque in the provincial capital of Peshawar, killing more than 100 people, mostly police officers. It was one of the deadliest-ever assaults on the country's police force.

Local conflict-monitoring watchdogs documented more than 1,000 deaths of Pakistanis, including nearly 300 security forces, across the country in 2022.

Pakistani authorities say that the TTP's central command is based in Afghanistan and has enjoyed "greater operational freedom" after the Taliban returned to power in the war-ravaged neighboring country in August 2021, leading to the reemergence of terrorism in Pakistan.

"The TTP's operational capacity has grown significantly following the takeover of the Afghan Taliban next door, and it, along with peer militant groups, presents an existential threat to Pakistan's security and the stability of its neighborhood," the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center wrote in a recent commentary.

Group designated global terrorist organization

The Pakistani Taliban, an offshoot and close ally of Afghanistan's Taliban, has also been designated a global terrorist organization by the United States and Britain.

Islamabad has been pressing the Afghan Taliban to evict TTP insurgents or rein in their cross-border terrorism.

The de facto authorities in Afghanistan insisted instead that Pakistan negotiate a peace deal with the militants. They eventually brokered talks in Kabul between Pakistani officials and the TTP. But the dialogue collapsed when the TTP unilaterally ended a cease-fire agreement with the Pakistani government last November.

The surge in terrorism in Pakistan comes amid a lingering political turmoil and severe economic and financial challenges facing the country.
A British Iranian man who has been on a hunger strike outside the British Foreign Ministry building in London for 44 days says he is ready to continue his protest for 100 days.

Vahid Beheshti told Forbes that he is preparing to more than double the length of his strike, despite not knowing "how long my physical body can cooperate with me."

Beheshti is on a hunger strike to pressure the British government to add the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to the country's list of terrorist organizations.

He met with British Security Minister Tom Tugendhat on March 27 but told Forbes he has yet to hear anything from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Beheshti, who began his strike in February, has lost more than 13 kilograms (29 pounds).

The Guardian newspaper reported that Beheshti, 44, had been a friend of the journalist and activist Ruhollah Zam, who was abducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iraq. Zam was executed while imprisoned in Iran in 2020.
China has conducted a second day of military drills near Taiwan on Sunday. Dozens of fighter jets and warships were deployed in the exercises.

China began the three-day drills on Saturday. Monday is set to be the last day for the drills, which are widely viewed as a retaliatory measure for the Taiwan president's recent meeting in California with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

The Chinese military said in a statement that the combat readiness patrols and Joint Sword exercises around Taiwan are a serious warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces collusion and provocation.

The operations are necessary for safeguarding Chinas national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the military said.

Taiwans defense ministry said Saturday eight Chinese warships and 42 fighter jets were detected around the island and that some of the deployed craft had crossed the middle line of the strait that separates the island from the mainland.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen denounced the drills, saying Taiwan will continue to work with the United States and other democracies as the island faces continued authoritarian expansionism from China.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, but Taiwan claims it is independent.

The United States has a One China policy, which acknowledges that Beijing considers Taiwan to be part of China. The U.S. considers Taiwans status unsettled and sends military aid to the self-governed island to help it defend itself.

U.S. President Joe Biden has frequently said the United States would defend Taiwan militarily if China were to invade, although Washington has maintained that its One China policy has not changed.

Last year, Tsai hosted then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan and China reacted by holding its largest live-fire military drills in decades around the self-governed island.

Some material for this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Chinese health officials defended their search for the source of the COVID-19 virus and lashed out Saturday at the World Health Organization after its leader said Beijing should have shared genetic information earlier.

The WHO comments were "offensive and disrespectful," said the director of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shen Hongbing. He accused the WHO of "attempting to smear China" and said it should avoid helping others "politicize COVID-19."

The global health body's director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said March 17 that newly disclosed genetic material gathered in Wuhan in central China, where the first cases were detected in late 2019, "should have been shared three years ago."

"As a responsible country and as scientists, we have always actively shared research results with scientists from around the world," Shen said at a news conference.

The origins of COVID-19 are still debated and the focus of bitter political dispute.

Many scientists believe it jumped from animals to humans at a market in Wuhan but the city also is home to laboratories, including China's top facility for collecting viruses. That prompted suggestions COVID-19 might have leaked from one.

The ruling Communist Party has tried to deflect criticism of its handling of the outbreak by spreading uncertainty about its origins.

Officials have repeated anti-U.S. conspiracy theories that the virus was created by Washington and smuggled into China. The government also says the virus might have entered China on mail or food shipments, though scientists abroad see no evidence to support that.

Chinese officials suppressed information about the Wuhan outbreak in 2019 and punished a doctor who warned others about the new disease. The ruling party reversed course in early 2020 and shut down access to major cities and most international travel to contain the disease.

The genetic material cited by the WHO's Tedros was uploaded recently to a global database but collected in 2020 at a Wuhan market where wildlife was sold.

The samples show DNA from raccoon dogs mingled with the virus, scientists say. They say that adds evidence to the hypothesis COVID-19 came from animals, not a lab, but doesn't resolve the question of where it started. They say the virus also might have spread to raccoon dogs from humans.

The information was removed by Chinese officials from the database after foreign scientists asked the CDC about it but it had been copied by a French expert and shared with researchers outside China.

A CDC researcher, Zhou Lei, who worked in Wuhan, said Chinese scientists "shared all the data we had" and "adhered to principles of openness, objectivity and transparency."

Shen said scientists investigated the possibility of a laboratory leak and "fully shared our research and data without any concealment or reservation."

Shen said the source of COVID-19 had yet to be found but he noted it took years to identify the AIDS virus and its origin still is unclear.

"Some forces and figures who instigate and participate in politicizing the traceability issue and attempting to smear China should not assume that the vision of the scientific community around the world will be blinded by their clumsy manipulation," Shen said.
The U.S. House of Representatives has voted unanimously to challenge China's status as a developing nation, a classification made by organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations that gives the world's second-largest economy special treatment for trade and low-interest loans.

Young Kim, a Republican congresswoman from Southern California who introduced the bill, told lawmakers before the vote that China accounted for 18.6% of the global economy.

"Their economy size is second only to that of the United States. [The] United States is treated as a developed country, so should PRC," Kim said before the March 27 vote on The PRC Is Not a Developing Country Act. Kim, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, introduced the bill with Gerry Connolly, a Virginia Democrat.

China's state-backed media Global Times responded by saying that the U.S. has no right to play referee on China's developing country status.

"Such attempt has only further exposed Washington's sinister intentions to increase China's development cost and force China to assume international responsibilities beyond its ability," it said.

How is China, the world's second-largest economy and home to the most billionaires China has 969 while the U.S. has 691  still categorized as a developing country, which means it enjoys the same special treatment in international trade as nations such as Bolivia and Zambia? When will China graduate and join the U.S. as a developed country?

Developing or developed?

China has long referred to itself as a developing country in its official narrative. Wang Yi, director of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Foreign Affairs Office, said when he was serving as China's foreign minister in 2019 that China's per capita GDP was only one-sixth that of the United States.

"Requiring a country that has only been developing for a few decades to shoulder the responsibilities of those industrial countries who have developed for hundreds of years, this itself is unfair," he said at a news conference when meeting with European scholars, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Yet on the world stage, people are watching China's economic power explode. Since 1978, its GDP has increased from less than $150 billion to $18.3 trillion in 2022, making it the second-largest economy after the United States. In 2023, China's military spending will reach $230 billion, ranking second in the world after the U.S., which will spend more than $800 billion in fiscal year 2023.

And China has established a series of international organizations, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment bank and the Shanghai Cooperation Origination, to challenge the international aid order established by the U.S. after World War II.

"A widely adopted understanding for assessing a country's development status is the income per capita, not the size of the whole economy," said Weifeng Zhong, a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

The World Bank uses gross national income (GNI) per capita and categorizes the world's economies into four income groups: low, lower-middle, upper-middle and high income. The high-income countries, which need to have a GNI per capital above $13,205, are commonly considered to be developed countries.

The latest GNI per capita for China, $11,880 in 2021, is $1,325 below the threshold, so it is a developing country by the World Bank standard. Yet experts cautioned that classifying a country's development status is inexact.

"International organizations ... do not always have a clear income threshold for a country to 'graduate' from a developing country status," Zhong told VOA in an emailed response.

The United Nations uses an aggregate indicator called the Human Development Index, which includes but is not limited to income. By this measure, China is a developing country.

The World Trade Organization allows countries to self-declare whether they are a developing country, and China always maintains that it is.

With that self-declaration being approved by other members when China joined the WTO in 2001, Beijing is able to enjoy special treatment, such as higher subsidies and better tariff rates, reserved for developing countries.

Robert Ross, a professor of political science at Boston College and an associate at Harvard's John King Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, told VOA Mandarin that the WTO classification of China is political rather than economic.

"China lobbies hard to pressure countries not to change China's status because it benefits immensely from the conditions for its exports and tariff levels and other issues. The U.S. has been unable to reach a consensus among WTO membership to change China's status," he said in a phone interview last week.

Why China wants the label

Experts who spoke with VOA Mandarin said there are tangible benefits in international trade to being recognized as a developing country.

When China joined the WTO in 2001, its GDP per capita was less than $1,000. Trading as a developing country meant China could impose an import tariff of 14%, compared with the 7% imposed by developed countries, according to the WTO. Developing countries also enjoy relaxed restrictions on trade subsidies and receive technical assistance from developed countries.

"Being considered a developing country for an unduly long time may allow China to enjoy a host of special and differential treatments that it may no longer fairly deserve," said Zhong of George Mason University.

He said the Chinese government is known for heavily subsidizing preferred sectors to encourage growth. For example, as the world confronts the challenge of over-fishing, being considered a developing country would allow China, a world leader in fishing capacity, to retain more subsidies in negotiations with other countries, making the global over-fishing problem harder to tackle.

James Wen, an emeritus professor of economics at Trinity College in the U.S. state of Connecticut, said that in addition to tariff reductions and subsidies, China also enjoys special treatment in terms of loans from international financial institutions.

"International financial institutions have long been providing low-interest or interest-free loans to developing countries. China is qualified for such preferential treatment as a developing country. There are also many private NGOs offering financial aid to developing countries; China has benefited immensely from them as well," he told VOA Mandarin via phone.

Brian Hart, a fellow with the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that apart from material benefits, China is using the label as a political signaling tool.

"I think in places like the WTO, what China really likes to do is to be able to cast itself as the leading developing country. It sees itself as being able to corral developing countries together on certain issues, and that's a place where it really likes to be," he told VOA Mandarin.

Ross from Boston College told VOA Mandarin said that the contradiction between China's developing country status and its economic and political influence worldwide is "frequently frustrating to other countries, because China has these advantages that enable it to have a greater impact than it would otherwise have if we examine its political and economic clout."

Zhong from George Mason University cautioned that the vote in the U.S. House of Representative won't be enough to change China's status.

He told VOA Mandarin, "U.S. representatives at various international organizations would need to work with like-minded countries to challenge China's development status, which, depending on an international organization's rule, may be a bigger undertaking than Washington policymakers think."
At least 74 people were killed in Nigeria's Benue state in two attacks by gunmen this week, local officials and police said on Saturday, the latest clashes in an area where violence between pastoralists and farmers is common.

Violence has increased in recent years as population growth leads to an expansion of the area dedicated to farming, leaving less land available for open grazing by nomads' cattle herds.

Benue State police spokesperson Catherine Anene said 28 bodies were recovered at a camp for internally displaced people in the Mgban local government area between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the attack but witnesses said gunmen arrived and started shooting, killing several people.

Shooting follows Wednesday attack at funeral

That followed a separate incident in the same state on Wednesday in the remote Umogidi village of Otukpo local government area, when suspected herdsmen killed villagers at a funeral, Bako Eje, the chairman for Otukpo, told Reuters.

Paul Hemba, a security adviser to the Benue state governor, said 46 bodies were recovered after Wednesday's attack.

President orders more surveillance

President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement on Saturday, condemned "the recent bout of killings in Benue State in which tens of people were killed in Umogidi community" and directed security forces to increase surveillance in affected areas.

Many such attacks in remote parts of Nigeria go unreported as thinly stretched security forces often respond late to distress calls by communities.

Benue is one of Nigeria's Middle Belt states, where the majority Muslim north meets the predominantly Christian south.

Competition over land use is particularly intractable in the Middle Belt, where fault lines between farmers and herders often overlap with ethnic and religious divisions.

In further violence, gunmen abducted at least 80 people in Zamfara state, a hot spot for kidnappings for ransom by armed gangs targeting remote villages, residents said on Saturday.
Last month, French journalist Olivier Dubois, who was held hostage in Mali for over a year, was finally released, but foreign and local journalists working in the Sahel tell VOA that press freedoms continue to be eroded in the region, making it more dangerous for those reporters who are still working.

In the past decade, five journalists have been killed and six have gone missing in the Sahel, a vast, semiarid region of western and north-central Africa that stretches along the Sahara desert's southern rim from Senegal to Eritrea.

In 2013, French journalists Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon were kidnapped and killed by an armed insurgent group in Mali; in 2021, two Spanish journalists, David Beriain and cameraman Roberto Fraile, were attacked and killed by a terrorist group in Burkina Faso; in 2018, Malian journalist Birama Toure disappeared and likely died following torture by Malis intelligence agency, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Home to numerous violent Islamist extremists, the region suffers from political instability and sometimes regular coups, including two in Mali and Burkina Faso and one in Chad since 2020.

In some Sahel countries, journalists are persecuted by armed Islamist factions and ruling military juntas alike  the former abducting or killing reporters, the latter restricting press freedoms or conducting arbitrary arrests.

We have seen the trends that after taking power, the military juntas have not hesitated to reshape the media landscape in order to better serve their interests, said Sadibou Marong, sub-Saharan Africa director at Reporters Without Borders, which this week published a new report on the region. This has been the case in Mali and Burkina Faso, where local broadcasting of several French media outlets has been suspended.

While the release of Dubois after 711 days in captivity  the 48-year-old French freelancer had been held by al-Qaida-linked Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin  is cause for celebration, Marong said threats to reporters covering the region are growing.

Contacted by VOA, Dubois wife, Deborah, said her husband, who was freed at the end of March, is not currently giving interviews.

An editor who has worked with Dubois, Sonia Delesalle-Stolper, told VOA the French newspaper she works for has been affected by the unrest across the Sahel.

Its been quite challenging over the last two years for Liberation and our coverage of the Sahel, said Delesalle-Stolper, the newspapers chief foreign editor. First of all, we had our correspondent in Mali, Olivier Dubois, who was taken hostage in April 2021 and has just been freed over the last two weeks  and the other correspondent who worked afterwards in Mali has decided recently to come back to France, because it has become too dangerous and there are too many threats towards freedom of press.

Things arent much better in neighboring Burkina Faso, she added, noting that Liberation and Le Monde each saw a correspondent expelled from the country in recent days after publishing content perceived by leaders of its military junta as critical of the government.

"So it has become very difficult for the foreign press and Liberation, but as well for the press who have been working locally in Burkina, who are still there, and have more and more difficulties to cover whats going on, Delesalle-Stolper said.

Although Dubois has been freed, other local reporters who have been abducted havent been heard from since, the Reporters Without Borders report said. Among them are Malian radio journalist Moussa MBana Dicko, who was kidnapped in 2021, and Hamadoun Nialibouly, abducted in Mali in 2020.

Not in the field

Benin-based freelance journalist Flore Nobime says working in her country is also becoming more fraught.

It is becoming more and more difficult for journalists to travel to the northern border areas of Benin to work because of the insecurity that now prevails there, she told VOA. We fear armed groups  and, on the other hand, it can turn into a nightmare when we come across the defense and security forces.

Nobime was detained along with a Dutch reporter last year while reporting from the countrys northern region. Both were accused of espionage, and the foreign journalist was deported.

With so many restrictions on movement and threats to security, some journalists are opting to cover large parts of the Sahel from the various capitals or even from abroad.

Since last year, Mali has permanently suspended Radio France International (RFI) and France24, while Burkina Faso has banned their broadcasts.

David Bache, who worked in Mali as RFIs correspondent for some four years, has been unable to acquire a Malian visa or press accreditation since early last year  prior to the RFI ban.

Its more difficult for the Malian colleagues who are in the country, he told VOA. The journalists who used to work for our broadcasts, for Radio France International and who were based in Mali, some of them have traveled and are now in another country.

One of them is now in Senegal, he added, and other people are still in Mali but dont work for us anymore because its too dangerous for them.

In Mali itself, according to an RSF report, numerous local radio stations have been shuttered, reflecting a similar trend in Burkina Faso.

Bache says he uses his large network of contacts to continue reporting on Mali from Paris, but that its always better to be on the ground.

For many Sahel reporters, though, that remains too difficult and risky at the moment.
Editor's note: Here is a look at immigration-related news around the U.S. this week. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email the VOA immigration team: ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com.

Immigration system problems linger

Ten years ago this month, Senator Chuck Schumer declared, We all know that our immigration system is broken, and its time to get to work on fixing it. Senator John McCain quoted Winston Churchill. But it was Lindsey Graham who offered the boldest prediction. I think 2013 is the year of immigration reform, the South Carolina Republican said.

It wasnt. And neither has any year since those Gang of Eight senators from both parties gathered in a Washington auditorium to offer hopeful pronouncements. Reported by The Associated Press.

Immigration Reform Remains Stalled Decade After Gang of 8's Big Push

Relocation of Afghans continues

Inside a large building that was once used as a commercial guesthouse for foreign visitors in Kabul are numerous rooms occupied by families and individuals who are not allowed to go outside or disclose their exact location to anyone. Brought from different parts of Afghanistan, the residents are hosted in the facility before their flights to a third country where they will be processed for final relocation to the United States. Story by Akmal Dawi.

US Continues Relocating Afghans Even Under Taliban Rule

Venezuelan migrant family forges ahead

After her husband survived a fire that killed dozens of migrants at a detention center in northern Mexico, Venezuelan Viangly Infante crossed into the United States on Saturday, in search of new opportunities for her three children. Reuters reports.

Survivor of Mexico Detention Fire, His Family Cross Into US

Thousands head back to Puerto Rico yearly

Achieving economic stability is typically the main reason that many Puerto Ricans migrate to the U.S. mainland. At the same time, thousands return to Puerto Rico annually, describing their homecoming as "a dream come true." After 22 years abroad, married doctors Sheila Perez Colon and Lionel Lazaro Collazo decided to practice medicine in Puerto Rico. Story by Salome Ramirez.

Many Puerto Ricans Leaving US Mainland

Problems of undocumented in Sudan

More than 10 years after South Sudan split from Sudan, as many as 1.2 million ethnic South Sudanese could be living in Sudan without citizenship for either country, the U.N. refugee agency says. In this report from Sudans capital, Khartoum, reporter Henry Wilkins meets undocumented people and discovers they have problems accessing work, education and medical care.

Over 1M Undocumented Ethnic South Sudanese Thought to Be in Sudan

Women face junta's brutality in Myanmar, activist says

A Myanmar human rights activist told VOA in a recent interview that the ruling junta in Myanmar is using rape and other violence against women as a bigger part of its campaign to crack down against opposition groups. Story by Ingyin Naing.

Women Seen Targeted by Myanmar Forces With 'Rape and Other Violence'

In brief

 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updates guidance on administrative naturalization ceremony venues.
Josephine Biclar, an elder-care giver, stands in the front entrance of her studio apartment that is divided by screens and makeshift walls in Panorama City. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

Hard work. Long hours. Paltry wages. Isolation from relatives. Barracks-style housing.

That's a snapshot of life for thousands of California workers who toil in the elder-care industry, which doesn't always function well for the clients, either.

The range of experiences is dramatic. Clients of ample means are able to pay for in-home or residential facility care that can easily cost $10,000 to $15,000 a month. Low-income Californians can qualify for limited publicly financed care, which I wrote about last week.

But those who are in the middle are going broke paying for help, and a lot of people are simply going without any care at all.

As for the workers, Ive been in homes where the caregivers are U.S. citizens with decent wages and benefits, and Ive been in homes where the workers are undocumented and paid less than the minimum wage ($16.04 an hour in the city of Los Angeles) in cash. Its a wink-and-nod system, much like farm labor, in which cheap labor is prized over any other consideration.

Its very much a legacy of slavery and a history in this country of not valuing the work done by  people of color, said attorney Yvonne Medrano, who heads the employee rights program at Bet Tzedek Legal Services.

Several weeks ago I reached out to the Pilipino Workers Center, a Los Angeles nonprofit that has been educating domestic workers on their rights and leading a fight against a system in which labor laws are often ignored and workers  many of them old enough to be receiving elder care themselves  are cheated and exploited.

Aquilina Soriano Versoza, the centers director, said research indicates a majority of clients appreciate the care they get and would be willing to pay more for it, but many cant afford to.

Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California, in Los Angeles. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

On the workers side, Versoza said, theres still a lot of wage theft happening, and its kind of a regular business model for a lot of the agencies.

Ive met some caregivers who, in their off time, volunteer for various organizing activities at the Pilipino Workers Center. Here are brief sketches of four of them.

Story continues

Josephine Biclar, 71, is the only one of the four who is a U.S. citizen (the others asked me not to use their full names because they don't have legal status). Biclar is limited to part-time work because her knees are worn out and she broke her shoulder when she fell in the home of an elderly client who insisted on keeping the lights off.

Josephine Biclar, an elder-care giver, outside her studio apartment in Panorama City. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

Ricky, 46, says he was routinely cursed and yelled at by an elderly client and has never been paid as much as minimum wage for changing bedpans and diapers, among other chores.

Emy, 64, is a breast cancer survivor with no health insurance. She lives in a converted garage, with no kitchen, and is still being paid less than minimum wage to care for an elderly woman even though the state won a wage theft case on behalf of her and other workers.

A.V., 55, said she was paid $30 daily for shifts that began at 5 a.m. and ended at 9 p.m., with additional work through the night when patients needed help in a private home that doubled as a nursing facility. She has moved on to other jobs only slightly less exploitative.

The workers told me they have endured these conditions because they were born into traditions of caregiving and take pride in their work, their employment options are limited, and they need to send money home to their struggling families in the Philippines.

Those who work as live-in aides can clock 100 or more hours per week and make $150 to $250 a day over a typical five-day workweek. They could be on duty 24 hours a day. State law dictates a minimum wage for the first nine hours each day and overtime pay thereafter. And yet there have been cases in which employees are averaging less than half the minimum wage.

Emy, who works five 24-hour shifts in the home of a 94-year-old client in Long Beach, was part of a settlement in which the state labor commissioners office ordered her employer to pay almost $2 million for wage theft, with some of the employees having averaged as little as $6.25 an hour.

But even with the victory, Emy is still making less than minimum wage as her employer appeals the ruling. Her employer did not respond to my requests for an interview.

Its very frustrating, Emy said.

Medrano, the attorney, said that when workers try to go after their employers, and even when they win, the legal process can take years to play out. In the meantime, she said, some employers use various gimmicks to create new legal entities, transfer assets and avoid responsibility.

State Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower echoed those concerns. She told me her office is greatly understaffed, despite substantial abuse in the industry, with bad faith employers taking advantage of workers, underpaying them and illegally classifying them as contract employees to avoid paying benefits and offering protections. The state is currently investigating 51 cases of alleged abuses.

Its not only  workers who are impacted, but the state as a whole, Garcia-Brower said. There are issues of tax evasion, workers' compensation fraud and tax fraud that impact all of California.

On a recent afternoon, I visited Emy in the converted Eagle Rock garage that has been her home five days a week for five years, and she said her client is playing by the rules but her employer is not.

She pays $350 a day to the agency, Emy said of the client, and they pay me $210. So the agency gets $140 a day, which is the equivalent of about 40%.

Emy, who earned an accounting degree in the Philippines and said she is helping her client do her taxes, used a calculator to determine her hourly wage for a 24-hour day.

I get about $8.75, said Emy, who told me she lugs two suitcases with her when she takes an Uber to Long Beach to begin her five-day shift. She packs clothes, her own food and a 5-gallon jug of alkaline water, because she thinks it can be beneficial for cancer survivors. She said she has completed training in the care of various physical conditions and Alzheimer's, "because I care about my craft."

When I asked Emy why she doesn't quit her agency and arrange to work directly for her client, she said her contract makes it virtually impossible to do that. She said it may sound to some people like a pretty good deal to get free lodging five nights a week as an in-home care provider, but youre not in your own home, you cant see friends or family or run personal errands, and you can never really relax.

At the end of a hard workday, I want to put my feet up, Emy said.

Many domestic workers share living quarters to cut expenses. Versoza told me she knew of one case in which 16 caregivers shared a home and another in which 10 shared a home.

You see places where theyll kind of divide up the space with curtains or other partitions, Versoza said.

Josephine Biclar in the front entrance of her studio apartment, which is divided by screens and makeshift walls. She shares it with two other caregivers, who are older than 70. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

Biclar, who arrived in the U.S. in 2010 and went 12 years without seeing her grandchildren in the Philippines, showed me how this plays out in her apartment. She shares a small Panorama City studio with two other caregivers, one in her 70s and the other in her 80s.

A tight entrance leads to a small kitchen on the right. To the left is a partition created by room dividers that stand roughly head high, forming two sleeping quarters. A third sleeping compartment, Biclars, has accordion doors that offer at least a smidgen of privacy in a cell-like space that contains her bed and all her belongings.

Bare two-by-fours  installed by the building owner, according to Biclar  help frame the sleeping quarters. An overhead tubular fluorescent light is attached to one of the two-by-fours, secured to the beam with narrow strips of cloth.

This is the life of a caregiver in the United States, Biclar said, adding that more than half the 20 or so units in her apartment building are home to caregivers living in similar fashion.

None of this is acceptable, but how can it be fixed?

For starters, the governor and Legislature can make sure the state has enough resources to enforce labor laws and aggressively go after the bad-faith actors, prohibiting them from reemerging in newly formed agencies.

Beyond that, the state needs to prioritize its own goals  under the 10-year Master Plan for Aging  of adequate and affordable care for consumers and better pay and working conditions for workers.

Maybe workforce housing should be subsidized, and state officials should work with the congressional delegation to explore some form of legal status for workers who don't have it. If we don't have enough citizens interested in taking care of our elderly, immigrants who step up shouldn't have to fear deportation while they're changing bedpans and taking clients to medical appointments.

Maybe the states publicly financed In Home Supportive Services program can be expanded, with more incentives to attract new caregivers and address the current shortage.

There are no easy answers. But in the last week, Versoza and other California policymakers and advocates met at an MIT workshop, along with counterparts from New York state, with the goal of coming up with a strategy. Ill have more on that in upcoming columns.

Whats clear is that as the country and the world age, the crisis can be seen as an opportunity, and civil societies have a moral duty to find a way forward.

steve.lopez@latimes.com

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Gobonamang Kgetho has a deep affection for Africa's largest inland delta, the Okavango. It is his home.

The water and wildlife-rich land is fed by rivers in the Angolan highlands that flow into northern Botswana before draining into Namibia's Kalahari Desert sands. Several Indigenous and local communities and a vast array of species, including African elephants, black rhinos and cheetahs, live among the vibrant marshlands. Much of the surrounding region is also teeming with wildlife.

Fisher Kgetho hails from Botswana's Wayei community and relies on his pole and dug-out canoe to skirt around the marshes looking for fish. But things have changed in recent years  in the delta and across the country.

"The fish sizes have shrunk and stocks are declining," Kgetho, whose life and livelihood depends on the health of the ecosystem, told The Associated Press. "The rivers draining into the delta have less volumes of water."

Drilling for oil exploration, as well as human-caused climate change leading to more erratic rainfall patterns and water abstraction and diversion for development and commercial agriculture, has altered the landscape that Kgetho and so many other people and wildlife species, rely on.

The delta's defenders are now hoping to block at least one of those threats  oil exploration.

A planned hearing by Namibia's environment ministry will consider revoking the drilling license of Canadian oil and gas firm Reconnaissance Energy. Local communities and environmental groups claimed that land was bulldozed and cut through, damaging lands and polluting water sources, without the permission of local communities.

Kgetho worries that rivers in his region are drying up because of "overuse by the extractive industries, including oil exploration activities upstream."

In a written statement, ReconAfrica, the firm's African arm, said it safeguards water resources through "regular monitoring and reporting on hydrological data to the appropriate local, regional and national water authorities" and is "applying rigorous safety and environmental protection standards."

The statement went on to say that it has held over 700 community consultations in Namibia and will continue to engage with communities in the country and in Botswana.

The company has been drilling in the area since 2021 but is yet to find a productive well. The hearing was originally scheduled for Monday but has been postponed until further notice. The drilling license is currently set to last until 2025, with ReconAfrica previously having been granted a three-year extension.

Locals have persisted with legal avenues but have had little luck. In a separate case, Namibia's high court postponed a decision on whether local communities should pay up for filing a case opposing the company's actions.

The court previously threw out the urgent appeal made by local people to stop the Canadian firm's drilling activities. It's now deciding whether the government's legal fees should be covered by the plaintiffs or waived. A new date for the decision is set for May.

The Namibian energy minister, Tom Alweendo, has maintained the country's right to explore for oil, saying that European countries and the U.S. do it too. Alweendo supports the African Union's goal of using both renewable and non-renewable energy to meet growing demand.

There are similar fears of deterioration across Botswana and the wider region. Much of the country's diverse ecosystem has been under threat from various development plans. Nearby Chobe National Park, for example, has seen a decline in river quality partly due to its burgeoning tourism industry, a study found.

In the Cuvette-Centrale basin in Congo, a dense and ecologically thriving forest that's home to the largest population of lowland gorillas, sections of the peatlands  the continent's largest  went up for oil and gas auction last year.

The Congolese government said the auctioning process "is in line" with development plans and government programs and it will stick to stringent international standards.

Environmentalists are not convinced.

Wes Sechrest, chief scientist of environmental organization Rewild, said that protecting areas "that have robust and healthy wildlife populations" like the Okavango Delta, "are a big part of the solution to the interconnected climate and biodiversity crises we're facing."

The peatlands also serve as a carbon sink, storing large amounts of gas that would otherwise heat up the atmosphere.

Sechrest added that "local communities are going to bear the heaviest costs of oil exploration" and "deserve to be properly consulted about any extractive industry projects, including the many likely environmental damages and decide if those projects are acceptable to them."

Steve Boyes, who led the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project that mapped the delta, said researchers now have even more data to support the need to maintain the wetlands.

Aided by Kgetho and other locals whose "traditional wisdom and knowledge" led them through the bogs, Boyes and a team of 57 other scientists were able to detail around 1,600 square kilometers of peatlands.

"These large-scale systems that have the ability to sequester tons of carbon are our long-term resilience plan," said Boyes.

For Kgetho, whose journey with the scientists was made into a documentary released earlier this year, there are more immediate reasons to defend the Okavango.

"We must protect the delta," Kgetho said. "It is our livelihood."
More than 30 children were reunited with their families in Ukraine this weekend after a long operation to bring them home from Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea, where they had been taken from areas occupied by Russian forces during the war.

Mothers hugged sons and daughters as they crossed the border from Belarus into Ukraine Friday after a complex rescue mission involving travel across four countries.

Dasha Rakk, a 13-year-old girl, said she and her twin sister had agreed to leave the Russian-occupied city of Kherson last year because of the war and go to a holiday camp in Crimea for a few weeks. But once in Crimea, Russian officials said the children would be staying for longer.

"They said we will be adopted, that we will get guardians," she said. "When they first told us we will stay longer we all started crying."

Dasha's mother Natalia said she had traveled from Ukraine to Crimea via Poland, Belarus and Moscow to get her daughters. Ukraine's Crimea peninsula has been occupied by Russia since 2014.

"It was terribly difficult, but we kept on going, we did not sleep at night, we slept sitting up," she said, describing her journey to the camp. "It was heartbreaking to look at children left behind who were crying behind the fence."

Kyiv estimates nearly 19,500 children have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea since Moscow invaded in February last year in what it condemns as illegal deportations.

Moscow, which control chunks of Ukraine's east and south, denies abducting children and says they have been transported away for their own safety.

"Now the fifth rescue mission is nearing its completion. It was special regarding the number of children we managed to return and also because of its complexity," said Mykola Kuleba, the founder of the Save Ukraine humanitarian organization that helped arrange the rescue mission.

Kuleba told a Kyiv briefing Saturday that all 31 children brought home said no one in Russia was trying to find their parents.

"There were kids who changed their locations five times in five months, some children say that they were living with rats and cockroaches," he said. The children were taken to what Russians called summer camps from occupied parts of Ukraine's Kharkiv and Kherson regions, Kuleba said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

'We were treated like animals'

Three children  two boys and a girl  were present at the media briefing in Kyiv. Save Ukraine said they came home on a previous mission last month that returned 18 children in total.

The three said they had been separated from their parents who were pressured by Russian authorities to send their children to Russian summer camps for what was billed as two weeks, from occupied parts of Kherson and Kharkiv regions.

The children at the briefing said they were forced to remain at the summer camps for four to six months and were moved from one place to another during their stay.

"We were treated like animals. We were closed in a separate building," said Vitaly, a child from the Kherson region whose age was not clear. He added that they were told their parents no longer wanted them.

Arrest warrants issued for Russian leaders

The International Criminal Court last month issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's children's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, accusing them of abducting children from Ukraine.

Moscow has not concealed a program under which it has taken thousands of Ukrainian children from occupied areas but presents it as a humanitarian campaign to protect orphans and children abandoned in the conflict zone.

Russia rejects the ICC allegations, saying it does not recognize the court's jurisdiction and calling the warrants null and void.

Lvova-Belova said earlier this week that her commission acted on humanitarian grounds to protect the interests of children in an area where military action was taking place and had not moved anyone against their will or that of their parents or legal guardians, whose consent was always sought unless they were missing.

Kateryna Rashevska, a lawyer from a Ukrainian NGO called Regional Center for Human Rights, told the briefing they were collecting evidence to build a case that Russian officials deliberately prevented the return of the Ukrainian children.

"In every story there is a whole range of international violations, and it cannot go unpunished," she said.
A missile fired from Ukrainian-held territory was shot down over the Black Sea town of Feodosia in Russian-controlled Crimea, the Moscow-installed head of Crimea's administration said Saturday.

Russia's campaign to "severely degrade" Ukraine's energy system this winter has probably failed, Britain's Defense Ministry said in a post on Twitter Saturday.

Thirty-one children "kidnapped by the Russians from Kherson and Kharkiv regions" are back in Ukraine after being separated from their parents for several months.

One day after 31 children were returned to Ukraine, the head of Presidential Office of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, emphasized in a phone call with Amal Clooney, a prominent human rights lawyer, the importance of returning all the deported children to Ukraine.

Yermak and Clooney, co-founder of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, discussed protecting the rights of Ukrainian children and holding Russia accountable for crimes committed against them, according to the official website of the president of Ukraine.

Clooney, who specializes in international criminal law and human rights issues, has addressed the United Nations Security Council calling for justice as evidence of the crimes and atrocities allegedly committed by the Russian military began emerging weeks after the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

On behalf of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Yermak thanked Clooney.

"People in Ukraine know about your support and appreciate it a lot. Many people heard your speech and everything you said about the war and Ukrainians. This is extremely important indeed," Yermak said, according to the president's website.

Clooney reiterated her support for Ukraine and Ukrainians, adding that she and her foundation colleagues remain committed to their work to promote accountability and deliver justice for victims of international crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.

Kyiv says thousands taken

Kyiv estimates nearly 19,500 children have been taken to Russia in what Ukraine condemns as illegal deportations since Moscow invaded in February of last year. Moscow claims the children were transported away for their own safety.

Earlier Saturday, the head of a humanitarian group said 31 children were reunited with their families in Ukraine after what he described as was one of the group's most difficult operations to return children from Russia, where they had been taken during the war.

So far, the Save Ukraine humanitarian organization says it has undertaken five missions to return Ukrainian children to their families. The group has helped with the transportation and planning needed to help parents bring their children back.

Mykola Kuleba, the head of Save Ukraine and Ukraine's former commissioner for children's rights, told reporters no one in Russia was trying to find the children's parents.

Missile downed over Crimea

A missile fired from Ukrainian-held territory was shot down over the Black Sea town of Feodosia in Russian-controlled Crimea, the Moscow-installed head of Crimea's administration said Saturday.

"A missile launched from Ukraine was shot down over Feodosia," Sergei Aksyonov said on Telegram, without providing any detail on the kind of projectile in question.

Feodosia, located in the southeastern part of Crimea, is almost 300 kilometers from the nearest Ukrainian-held area. Kyiv did not comment Saturday, and it is not publicly known to possess missiles with that range. U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets used by Ukraine have a range of 80 kilometers.

Reuters said it could not immediately verify the reports and that it was unclear how Ukraine could have attempted such a strike.

Kramatorsk memorial

Ukrainians placed flowers at a small memorial Saturday to the 61 people killed a year ago when a Russian missile struck the transportation hub as about 4,000 people gathered there to board evacuation trains. Experts said the Tochka-U missile was armed with cluster munitions. More than 160 people were injured.

"What is there to say? My close friend and her daughter and their dog died. What more can be said?" 67-year-old Tetiana Syshchenko told Agence France-Presse, tearing up.

She said she narrowly avoided being killed in the blast.

Residents arrived a few at a time to approach the small plaque topped with flowers and children's toys at the station.

Russia denied responsibility for the attack.

Classified documents leaked

The U.S. Justice Department said Friday it has begun an investigation into the leak of several classified U.S. military documents that have been posted on social media.

"We have been in communication with the Department of Defense related to this matter and have begun an investigation. We decline further comment," a Justice Department spokesperson said Friday.

A new batch of classified documents that appear to detail U.S. national security secrets from Ukraine to the Middle East to China surfaced on social media sites Friday, The New York Times reported.

Russia or pro-Russian elements are likely behind an earlier leak of several classified U.S. military documents posted on social media that offer a skewed, month-old snapshot of the war in Ukraine, three U.S. officials told Reuters Friday.

Tatiana Vorozhko of VOA's Ukraine Service contributed to this report. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
A missile fired from Ukrainian-held territory was shot down over the Black Sea town of Feodosia in Russian-controlled Crimea, the Moscow-installed head of Crimea's administration said Saturday.

Russias campaign to severely degrade Ukraines energy system this winter has probably failed, Britains Defense Ministry said in a post on Twitter Saturday.

Thirty-one children, kidnapped by the Russians from Kherson and Kharkiv regions are back in Ukraine after being separated from their parents for several months.

Thirty-one children were reunited with their families in Ukraine this weekend after what the head of a humanitarian group said Saturday was one of its most difficult operations to return children from Russia, where they had been taken during the war.

Kyiv estimates nearly 19,500 children have been taken to Russia in what Ukraine condemns as illegal deportations since Moscow invaded in February of last year. Moscow claims the children were transported away for their own safety.

So far, the Save Ukraine humanitarian organization says it has undertaken five missions to return Ukrainian children to their families. The group has helped with the transportation and planning needed to help parents bring their children back.

Mykola Kuleba, the head of Save Ukraine and Ukraines former commissioner for children's rights, told reporters no one in Russia was trying to find the childrens parents.

Missile downed over Crimea

A missile fired from Ukrainian-held territory was shot down over the Black Sea town of Feodosia in Russian-controlled Crimea, the Moscow-installed head of Crimea's administration said Saturday.

"A missile launched from Ukraine was shot down over Feodosia," Sergei Aksyonov said on Telegram, without providing any detail on the kind of projectile in question.

Feodosia, located in the southeastern part of Crimea, is almost 300 kilometers from the nearest Ukrainian-held area. Kyiv did not comment Saturday, and it is not publicly known to possess missiles with that range. U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets used by Ukraine have a range of 80 kilometers.

Reuters said it could not immediately verify the reports and that it was unclear how Ukraine could have attempted such a strike.

Kramatorsk memorial

Ukrainians placed flowers at a small memorial Saturday to the 61 people killed a year ago when a Russian missile struck the transportation hub as about 4,000 people gathered there to board evacuation trains. Experts said the Tochka-U missile was armed with cluster munitions. More than 160 people were injured.

"What is there to say? My close friend and her daughter and their dog died. What more can be said?" 67-year-old Tetiana Syshchenko told Agence France-Presse, tearing up.

She said she narrowly avoided being killed in the blast.

Residents arrived a few at a time to approach the small plaque topped with flowers and children's toys at the station.

Russia denied responsibility for the attack.

Classified documents leaked

The U.S. Justice Department said Friday it has begun an investigation into the leak of several classified U.S. military documents that have been posted on social media.

"We have been in communication with the Department of Defense related to this matter and have begun an investigation. We decline further comment," a Justice Department spokesperson said Friday.

A new batch of classified documents that appear to detail U.S. national security secrets from Ukraine to the Middle East to China surfaced on social media sites Friday, The New York Times reported.

Russia or pro-Russian elements are likely behind an earlier leak of several classified U.S. military documents posted on social media that offer a skewed, month-old snapshot of the war in Ukraine, three U.S. officials told Reuters Friday.

Black Sea Grain Initiative impasse

Russia warned Friday that it would not renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed by the Kremlin, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations last July unless Moscow's terms are fulfilled.

The deal allows Ukraine  one of the world's top grain producers  to export grain through a safe corridor in the Black Sea. According to official data, more than 27 million tons of grain and other foodstuffs have been exported from Ukraine aboard 881 outbound vessels since the initiative began last August. According to the U.N., continuing the deal is vital to averting a world food crisis.

At a news conference in Ankara, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov threatened to abandon the agreement if the West does not remove obstacles to Russian agricultural exports, allow a resumption in supplies of agricultural machinery and parts, lift restrictions on insurance and reinsurance, and unblock assets and accounts of Russian companies involved in food and fertilizer exports.

Lavrov said that if those terms are not honored, Russia would bypass the U.N.-brokered initiative exporting products and Ukraine would have to use land and river routes for its exports.

Tatiana Vorozhko of VOAs Ukraine Service contributed to this report. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
North Korea conducted another test of a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone, state media said on Saturday, the latest in a show of force against the U.S. and South Korea.

The country tested another kind of a nuclear-capable unmanned underwater attack weapon called Haeil-2, more than a week after it disclosed a new underwater drone system dubbed Haeil-1, which translates to tsunami in Korean, designed to make sneak attacks in enemy waters.

Analysts said North Korea was displaying its diverse nuclear delivery capabilities against Washington and Seoul, though they were skeptical about whether the underwater vehicle was ready for deployment.

During the underwater strategic weapon system test that ran from Tuesday through Friday, state media KCNA said, the drone navigated 1,000 km of underwater distance for 71 hours, 6 minutes and successfully hit a simulated target.

"The test perfectly proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its fatal attack ability," KCNA said.

North Korea has ramped up its military activities in recent weeks, protesting the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises.

It unveiled new, smaller nuclear warheads and fired an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking anywhere in the United States.
North Dakota lawmakers have appointed an Ojibwe woman as the state's poet laureate, making her the first Native American to hold the position in the state and increasing attention to her expertise on the troubled history of Native American boarding schools.

Denise Lajimodiere, a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band in Belcourt, has written several award-winning books of poetry. She's considered a national expert on the history of Native American boarding schools and wrote an academic book called Stringing Rosaries in 2019 on the atrocities experienced by boarding school survivors.

"I'm honored and humbled to represent my tribe. They are and always will be my inspiration," Lajimodiere said in an interview, following a bipartisan confirmation of her two-year term as poet laureate on Wednesday.

Poet laureates represent the state in inaugural speeches, commencements, poetry readings and educational events, said Kim Konikow, executive director of the North Dakota Council on the Arts.

Lajimodiere, an educator who earned her doctorate degree from the University of North Dakota, said she plans to leverage her role as poet laureate to hold workshops with Native students around the state. She wants to develop a new book that focuses on them.

Lajimodiere's appointment is impactful and inspirational because "representation counts at all levels," said Nicole Donaghy, executive director of the advocacy group North Dakota Native Vote and a Hunkpapa Lakota from the Standing Rock Nation.

The more Native Americans can see themselves in positions of honor, the better it is for our communities, Donaghy said.

"I've grown up knowing how amazing she is," said Rep. Jayme Davis, a Democrat of Rolette, who is from the same Turtle Mountain Band as Lajimodiere. "In my mind, there's nobody more deserving."

By spotlighting personal accounts of what boarding school survivors experienced, Lajimodiere's book Stringing Rosaries sparked discussions on how to address injustices Native people have experienced, Davis said.

From the 18th century and continuing as late as the 1960s, networks of boarding schools institutionalized the legal kidnapping, abuse and forced cultural assimilation of Indigenous children in North America. Much of Lajimodiere's work grapples with trauma as it was felt by Native people in the region.

"Sap seeps down a fir tree's trunk like bitter tears.... I brace against the tree and weep for the children, for the parents left behind, for my father who lived, for those who didn't," Lajimodiere wrote in a poem based on interviews with boarding school victims, published in her 2016 book Bitter Tears.

Davis, the legislator, said Lajimodiere's writing informs ongoing work to grapple with the past like returning ancestral remains  including boarding school victims  and protecting tribal cultures going forward by codifying the federal Indian Child Welfare Act into state law.

The law, enacted in 1978, gives tribes power in foster care and adoption proceedings involving Native children. North Dakota and several other states have considered codifying it this year, as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a challenge to the federal law.

The U.S. Department of the Interior released a report last year that identified more than 400 Native American boarding schools that sought to assimilate Native children into white society. The federal study found that more than 500 students died at the boarding schools but officials expect that figure to grow exponentially as research continues.
Saudi Arabia has released a U.S. citizen who was sentenced to 19 years in prison for tweets critical of the Saudi government.

Saad al Madi was freed Monday and was at home with family in Riyadh, his son said.

Madi is a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen who had been living in Florida. He was arrested on charges that included working to destabilize the kingdom and funding terrorism in 2021 after traveling to Saudi Arabia.

There was no immediate comment from U.S officials about Madis release.

The development comes after U.S. officials pushed for Saudi Arabia to free Madi, and after U.S. President Joe Biden made a July visit to Saudi Arabia.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul said Saturday the United States would help provide Taiwan armed forces training and expedite weapons deliveries, as China began three days of military exercises around the self-ruled island.

Speaking at a luncheon in Taipei, McCaul expressed U.S. support for Taiwan. I sign off on those deliveries and we are doing everything in our power to expedite this, he said. Peace through strength is real, and thats why we need to harden Taiwan.

One way to speed up the delivery of arms to Taiwan, McCaul said, is to assess high-risk and high-threat areas and rearrange the order of the arms deliveries.

The Chinese military said Saturday combat readiness patrols and Joint Sword exercises around Taiwan had begun as planned, adding it was a serious warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces collusion and provocation.

Earlier this week, after meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said the decadeslong policy of selling arms to Taiwan represents a cross-party consensus in the U.S. Congress, and that the Biden administration should also know the importance of strengthening arms sales to Taiwan and accelerating the delivery of weapons.

A story by The Wall Street Journal last November indicated that the backlog of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan had reached $18.7 billion including 208 Javelin missiles and 215 Stinger missiles that showed their prowess in the Ukraine war.

McCaul said the strengthening of Taiwan through arms sales and the joint military training will show China that it will pay a huge military and economic price if it tries to invade or encircle Taiwan.

"We want to do everything possible to deter a very aggressive nation, Communist China, from ever thinking about landing on the shores of this beautiful island, because that would be a serious mistake for everybody," he said.

Due to China's longstanding pressure, many countries are reluctant to sell arms to Taiwan. At the end of the last century, the Netherlands sold submarines to Taiwan, and France sold Mirage fighter jets and Lafayette warships to Taiwan, all of which caused strong reactions from Beijing.

Tzu-Yun Su, an associate research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei, said the countries that can export weapons quickly are mainly Western European nations as well as Japan and South Korea. He said, for example, the production speed of anti-ship missiles in Western European countries can make up for the lack of production of Harpoon missiles in the U.S.

He also said the production speed of South Korea's military industry should not be underestimated since it recently delivered K9 self-propelled howitzers and K2 tanks to Poland. Japan has also revised its arms export regulations and can sell weapons to other countries.

Su said, But I think the most important thing is that this symbolizes that the democratic arsenal of the West may be further integrated in the future. Then it will be very helpful to resist the military threats from the Chinese Communist Party and Russia. Taiwan's own defense industry also has the opportunity to reconsider joining the supply chain industry."

However, Ying-Yu Lin, an assistant professor at the Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies at Tamkang University in Taipei, believes the biggest problem facing third-party arms sales to Taiwan is system integration. He said Taiwan still uses American weapons in bulk, which may not be compatible with other countries weapons. For example, the main fighters of the Taiwan Air Force are the U.S.-made F-16 fighters and the French-made Mirage fighters, which are two different systems.

Lin told VOA, "For system integration and logistics supplies, it may be possible to obtain military assistance from other countries, but at most it is about cooperation on some technologies. In the end, if integration is to be carried out, it may be possible. It will still take some time and there will be some difficulties.

Besides the weapons provided by the U.S., there is also a continuing military training program that has seen a rise in the number of U.S. troops sent to the island.

When asked Friday whether he would welcome the presence of the U.S. military in Taiwan, You Si-Kun, president of Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, said, "We welcome any friendly country to resist the foreign aggression of authoritarian dictatorships."
South Africa's justice minister has expressed shock after a court in the United Arab Emirates refused to extradite two brothers from the wealthy Gupta family.

The Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola said he was dismayed to learn this week that a United Arab Emirates court held an extradition hearing for Atul and Rajesh Gupta in February. The court denied Pretorias request, but South Africa was only informed now.

The Indian-born siblings were close friends of former President Jacob Zuma and are suspected of using that connection to influence Cabinet appointments and win lucrative government contracts -- a scandal thats become known here as state capture.

Zuma is facing charges in a separate corruption case. He and the Guptas deny all allegations.

The Guptas fled South Africa in 2018. They were arrested in the UAE last year on South Africas request.

Lamola says South Africa will appeal the courts decision, which the UAE court denied on a technicality.

The court said the charge of money laundering related to crimes committed in the UAE as well as South Africa, meaning the UAE has jurisdiction to prosecute it. The court also found the arrest warrant relating to the charge of fraud and corruption had been canceled, which the Justice Ministry called inexplicable.

This level of noncooperation is highly unprecedented in the arena of extradition requests, the Justice Ministry statement said.

South Africans would be justified to believe that they are being denied justice, the statement continued, adding the denial flies in the face of the assurances given by the Emirati authorities that our requests meet their requirements.

Its unclear if the Guptas are still in the UAE, after recent media reports that they were spotted in Switzerland.
Tennessee has become a new front in the battle for the future of American democracy after Republicans expelled two Black lawmakers from the state Legislature for their part in a protest urging passage of gun-control measures.

In separate votes Thursday, the GOP supermajority expelled Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, a move leaving about 140,000 voters in primarily Black districts in Nashville and Memphis with no representation in the Tennessee House.

Kevin Webb, a 53-year-old teacher from Pearsons district, said removing him for such a small infraction is classic America.

Theres been bias against Black individuals in this country for 500 years, Webb said. What makes us think that its going to stop all of a sudden?

Pearson and Jones were expelled in retaliation for their role in the protest, which unfolded in the aftermath of a school shooting in Nashville that killed six people, including three young students. A third Democrat was spared expulsion by a one-vote margin.

The removal of the lawmakers, who were only recently elected, reflects a trend in dozens of states where Republicans are trying to make it harder to cast ballots and challenging the integrity of the election process.

At least 177 bills restricting voting or creating systems that can intimidate voters or permit partisan interference were filed or introduced in dozens of states so far this year, according to the Brennan Center.

It represents a really slow erosion of our democracy, said Neha Patel, co-executive director of the State Innovation Exchange, a strategy center for state legislators working toward progressive policies.

Patel called the expulsions the third prong of a long-range strategy. She said it was once unprecedented for states to make it harder for people to vote, but the practice has become commonplace.

Its also become common for the GOP to challenge the electoral process and raise questions about election integrity. The next question is whether states with Republican supermajorities will follow Tennessees lead in expelling opponents with different points of view, she said.

Fred Wertheimer, founder and president of Democracy 21, a nonpartisan organization advocating for better government, said expulsions have generally been reserved for lawmakers involved in criminal activity.

Voters losing their chosen representatives for doing their jobs is unheard of, Wertheimer said. He has not learned of any similar action in other states, but this stuff travels.

The action in Tennessee drew outcries from a range of groups.

National Urban League President Marc Morial said the issue was about race, but its not only about race. Its about basic American values.

Referring to the right to vote, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, he said, It appears as though the Tennessee Legislature needs a refresher on the American Constitution.

The president of the Congressional Black Caucus, Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford, called for the Tennessee lawmakers to be returned to their seats and for Attorney General Merrick Garland to look into potential violations of the Voting Rights Act.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said the civil rights organization was prepared to take legal action to ensure that this heinous attempt to silence the voice of the people is addressed in a court of law.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton pushed back against criticism that he was leaving thousands of Tennesseans without representation and taking away their voice.

There are consequences for actions, he said. Those members took away the voice of this chamber for 45 minutes when they were on the House floor leading the protest and disrupting the business that were doing.

The trios participation in the demonstration lasted only a few minutes. It was Sexton who called for a recess to meet with lawmakers.

Webb questioned why Jones and Pearson would be expelled while Rep. Gloria Johnson, who is white, was not.

Clayton Cardwell, who lives in Jones district in Nashville, said in a telephone interview that the protest in favor of stricter gun laws last week was the right thing to do.

I was hoping that the entire House would join in, he said. When the retired teacher was getting his masters degree in special education, Cardwell remembers being told that teaching was the safest occupation you could have. Now I think it is one of the most dangerous.

Cardwell, who is white, also questioned the motives behind the expulsions: Weve just got a lot of old white men there who are prejudiced.

Nashville attorney Chris Wood was so concerned about the possible expulsion of his representative that he went to the Capitol on Thursday to watch the proceedings.

It was appalling, he said. It was an abuse of power.

Wood has three children in public schools and called it unbelievable and immoral that the Republican majority would refuse to even consider gun restrictions.

No issue could be more important to the community than ending gun violence and letting our kids come home at the end of the day, he said. This is the only country in the world where this happens.

Wood expects Jones and Pearson to be back soon. They could be reappointed to the House by county commissions in their districts and run again in a special election.

Andrea Wiley, a lifelong Tennessee resident who lives and works in Pearsons district, said she was embarrassed for the state.

Its really hard to be from here and see us in the national news at this level, she said. It is really scary to me that I dont have a voice in Nashville thats representing me, my community, my neighborhood.

Tamala Johnson said she and her family voted for Pearson and she agreed with him about changing gun laws.

I dont think he should have been expelled for voicing his opinion, Johnson said.

The vote to expel makes me feel like we dont have a word, she said. You threw him out just because hes fighting to improve gun laws.  Theres no trust.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Computershare is AU$16.28 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Computershare's AU$21.82 share price signals that it might be 34% overvalued

Analyst price target for CPU is US$27.79, which is 71% above our fair value estimate

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Computershare Limited (ASX:CPU) as an investment opportunity by taking the expected future cash flows and 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. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Computershare

Crunching The Numbers

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. 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, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$483.9m US$739.9m US$726.7m US$614.9m US$454.3m US$408.3m US$381.7m US$366.5m US$358.5m US$355.0m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Est @ -10.12% Est @ -6.51% Est @ -3.98% Est @ -2.20% Est @ -0.96% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 7.6% US$450 US$639 US$583 US$458 US$315 US$263 US$228 US$204 US$185 US$170

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$3.5b

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 1.9%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.6%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$355m (1 + 1.9%)  (7.6% 1.9%) = US$6.4b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$6.4b ( 1 + 7.6%)10= US$3.1b

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$6.6b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of AU$21.8, the company appears reasonably expensive at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

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 Computershare 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 7.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.957. 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 Computershare

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Professional Services market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Australian market.

Good value based on P/E ratio compared to estimated Fair P/E ratio.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Dividends are not covered by cash flow.

Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the Australian market.

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation 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. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Can we work out why the company is trading at a premium to intrinsic value? For Computershare, we've put together three pertinent aspects you should explore:

Risks: Take risks, for example - Computershare has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does CPU'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. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian 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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The Manhattan district attorney's indictment of Donald Trump on 34 felony charges and the prospect of more charges to come have injected more uncertainty into the November 2024 race for the White House.

Trump, who has declared himself a candidate for next year's Republican presidential nomination, was formally charged this week with falsifying New York business records to conceal his role in paying hush money to an adult film actress before the 2016 election. He is also facing potential charges in at least three other cases.

Never before in American history have criminal charges been brought against a former president, much less one who is attempting another run. According to the most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, even with the indictment Trump is leading the Republican primary field.

Should Trump become the nominee, he will likely face President Joe Biden. Biden won over Trump in 2020.

In the short term, Trump may be benefiting from the controversy. One of the first polls done after the indictment showed Trump surging to his largest-ever lead over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, 57% to 31% among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents. As recently as February, DeSantis was narrowly ahead of Trump by 45% to 41%.

Trump is also leveraging his grievance over the case to rake in funds, $12 million in just one week since the indictment's announcement, according to his campaign.

Watch related video by Mike O'Sullivan:

However, pollsters say the indictment is unlikely to sway the crucial independent voters that Trump will need in the general election.

"All the polling basically shows [is] a very divided America. You have one America that is very much in favor of the indictment, believes that Trump has been lawless, has not followed the rules," said Clifford Young, president for U.S. public affairs at Ipsos. "On the flip side, there's another America, red America, Republican America, that thinks it's completely, utterly, politically motivated."

Impact on Republican primary

Since the indictment, Trump has widened his lead over other Republican contenders. According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll, 48% of self-described Republicans said they wanted Trump to be their party's presidential nominee, up from 44% in a March 14-20 poll.

DeSantis, Trump's closest rival, was backed by 19%, down from 30% last month. Other likely rivals, including former Vice President Mike Pence and Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina and former ambassador to the United Nations, polled in the single digits.

Aside from former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, those eyeing the Republican nomination have been rushing to defend Trump from the indictment.

"They can't be critical of the former president because they clearly want his supporters to go with them in the event that Donald Trump can't or will not run," political consultant Julie Roginsky told VOA.

Roginsky noted the risk for Republican challengers who voice support while silently hoping Trump will bow out.

"Then essentially they're anointing him as the next nominee, if they don't all get together and try to take him down based on these issues," she said.

Should Trump become bogged down by more legal woes, including those related to allegations of trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat in the state of Georgia, and mishandling classified documents at his Florida home after leaving office, more Republican candidates would likely run, said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics.

But if he survives them, his opponents will push for a smaller field, Sabato told VOA. "It's the only way you could stop him, if you consolidate support behind one or two candidates."

Trump vs. Biden

If Trump becomes the Republican nominee, that's good news for Biden's reelection prospects because it would galvanize the Democratic base and most independent voters, Sabato said.

"He's going to generate those votes because they can't stand the alternative."

Even if he is not the nominee, Trump's influence over the Republican base will force other potential nominees to embrace him, possibly making it easier for Biden to beat him or her, Sabato added.

Trump could also split the Republican vote by refusing to support the nominee. In a February radio interview, Trump said that if he were not the party's pick, his support "would have to depend on who the nominee was."

Biden has not officially announced that he is running for reelection and will likely do so at a time when he does not have to share the political spotlight with Trump, whom he beat in 2020.

"It's not like anybody's gearing up, anybody of consequence is gearing up to run against him. So, he can take his time and doesn't have to start incurring any expenses of an official campaign at the moment," Roginsky said.

What if Trump wins?

Trump can be found guilty and still win the election, in which case the country would have a convicted felon as its commander in chief.

"There's nothing in the Constitution that precludes someone who has been convicted of a crime from being elected president," said Richard Pierce, a law professor at George Washington University.

There are only three constitutional requirements for the presidency: he or she must be at least 35 years of age, be a natural-born citizen and have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

Experts say if convicted on the New York charges, Trump is unlikely to spend any time behind bars as judges rarely sentence first-time offenders to jail for falsifying business records.

However, other criminal investigations, including the one on his role in the efforts to overturn the 2020 election result, may lead to more serious charges and potential imprisonment.

That would be a "truly unprecedented situation," Pierce told VOA.

"I don't know how one could be effective as president of the United States while being in a jail cell," he said. "But there is nothing in the Constitution that would keep somebody from being president of the United States and being incarcerated at the same time."

But a conviction could bar Trump from voting for himself. Florida, where he is registered to vote, is one of 11 states with the most restrictive laws regarding voting while incarcerated.
Former President Donald Trump was arraigned on 34 felony charges earlier this week, accused of falsifying New York business records to conceal his role in paying hush money to an adult film actress before the 2016 election. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara looks at how the unprecedented charges could inject fresh uncertainties into the 2024 presidential race.
The United States is preparing long-term assistance for the Ivory Coast, Benin and Togo as concerns rise that jihadi violence in the Sahel could spill into coastal West Africa, officials said.

Speaking to AFP, the officials said Western support was also critical to halting Russia's Wagner mercenary group, which has made major inroads in violence-torn Sahel countries, including by allying with Mali's military junta.

Vice President Kamala Harris, visiting Ghana last month as part of a growing U.S. push in Africa, promised $100 million over 10 years to reinforce resilience in coastal West Africa. State Department officials are looking at additional funding, including some from the counterterrorism budget.

In a new global strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability, President Joe Biden's administration identified coastal West Africa as a priority for the coming decade.

The report, released in March, said that the Sahel to the immediate north had experienced more terrorist attacks than any other region and that it was critical to "prevent violent conflicts from emerging or further spreading across the region."

While coastal cities connected to the world through seaports have been unscathed, violence has been rising in areas bordering Mali and Burkina Faso.

"It's a significant and burgeoning threat," said Michael Heath, the deputy assistant secretary of state in charge of West Africa.

"It's something of concern to us because the capabilities of the governments in place  they've never faced a threat like this before," he told AFP.

"They're trying to cope with this, and we're trying to see what kind of tools they need," said Heath, who recently returned from a trip to the region with other State Department officials to assess needs.

Heath said he has not yet seen a presence in the three countries of the Wagner Group, which has been accused of human rights abuses in several countries including Ukraine, where the unit has played a key role in the invasion.

"They're not yet in the coastal West African states, but we know they're looking for opportunities to take advantage of instability wherever they see it," he said.

U.S. officials accuse Russia of stepping up disinformation in French-speaking Africa, seeing a ripe audience due to post-colonial resentments.

Holistic approach

Concerns in the Sahel about violence as well as Russia have grown in the months since France ended an eight-year campaign against jihadis, which some critics faulted as overly focused on military solutions.

U.S. officials said that coastal West Africa would not be seeing violence without spillover from the north, but that instability can also be attributed to local factors and competition for resources as climate change aggravates scarcities.

U.S. officials said assistance would focus in part on addressing economic gaps that would help extremists recruit.

"We want to obviously help these governments who are more interested in a holistic approach and good governance address the problems of the north, where the resources are sparser," said Gregory LoGerfo, a senior State Department counterterrorism official who was on the trip.

One key area, U.S. officials said, will be helping West African governments build their legal systems so they can distinguish between legitimate refugees fleeing the Sahel and security threats.

"There's a lot of people with family ties across borders in Burkina Faso and back and so forth," LoGerfo said. "You want a management system where you're not shutting off families or economies, but you also have to address the security problem."
The U.S. Navy has deployed a guided-missile submarine capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk missiles to the Middle East, a spokesman said Saturday, in what appeared to be a show of force toward Iran following recent tensions.

The Navy rarely acknowledges the location or deployment of submarines. Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for the 5th Fleet based in the Gulf nation of Bahrain, declined to comment on the submarine's mission or what had prompted the deployment.

He said the nuclear-powered submarine, based in Kings Bay in the U.S. state of Georgia, passed through the Suez Canal Friday. It is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet to help ensure regional maritime security and stability, Hawkins said.

The 5th Fleet patrols the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil transits. Its region includes the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen and the Red Sea stretching up to the Suez Canal, the Egyptian waterway linking the Mideast to the Mediterranean Sea.

The U.S., the U.K. and Israel have accused Iran of targeting oil tankers and commercial ships in recent years, allegations denied by Tehran. The U.S. Navy has also reported a series of tense encounters at sea with Iranian forces that it said were being recklessly aggressive.

Last month, the U.S. launched airstrikes against Iran-backed forces in Syria after a rocket attack killed a U.S. contractor and wounded seven other Americans in that country's northeast.

Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from ships or submarines can hit targets up to 2,500 kilometers away. They were famously employed during the opening hours of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and in response to a Syrian chemical weapons attack in 2018.

U.S.-Iranian tensions have soared since then-President Donald Trump withdrew from a 2015 agreement with world powers that provided sanctions relief in return for Iran curbing its nuclear activities and placing them under enhanced surveillance.

The Biden administration's efforts to restore the agreement stalled last year. The tensions have worsened as Iran has supplied attack drones to Russian forces in Ukraine and as Israel and Iran have escalated their yearslong shadow war in the Middle East.

In addition to drawing closer to Moscow, Tehran has sought improved relations with China, which brokered an agreement last month to restore diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
A missile fired from Ukrainian-held territory was shot down over the Black Sea town of Feodosia in Russian-controlled Crimea, the Moscow-installed head of Crimea's administration said Saturday.

Russias campaign to severely degrade Ukraines energy system this winter has probably failed, Britains Defense Ministry said in a post on Twitter Saturday.

Thirty-one children, kidnapped by the Russians from Kherson and Kharkiv regions are back in Ukraine after being separated from their parents for several months.

Thirty-one children were reunited with their families in Ukraine this weekend after what the head of a humanitarian group said Saturday was one of its most difficult operations to return children from Russia, where they had been taken during the war.

Kyiv estimates nearly 19,500 children have been taken to Russia in what Ukraine condemns as illegal deportations since Moscow invaded in February of last year. Moscow claims the children were transported away for their own safety.

So far, the Save Ukraine humanitarian organization says it has undertaken five missions to return Ukrainian children to their families. The group has helped with the transportation and planning needed to help parents bring their children back.

Mykola Kuleba, the head of Save Ukraine and Ukraines former commissioner for children's rights, told reporters no one in Russia was trying to find the childrens parents.

Missile downed over Crimea

A missile fired from Ukrainian-held territory was shot down over the Black Sea town of Feodosia in Russian-controlled Crimea, the Moscow-installed head of Crimea's administration said Saturday.

"A missile launched from Ukraine was shot down over Feodosia," Sergei Aksyonov said on Telegram, without providing any detail on the kind of projectile in question.

Feodosia, located in the southeastern part of Crimea, is almost 300 kilometers from the nearest Ukrainian-held area. Kyiv did not comment Saturday, and it is not publicly known to possess missiles with that range. U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets used by Ukraine have a range of 80 kilometers.

Reuters said it could not immediately verify the reports and that it was unclear how Ukraine could have attempted such a strike.

Kramatorsk memorial

Ukrainians placed flowers at a small memorial Saturday to the 61 people killed a year ago when a Russian missile struck the transportation hub as about 4,000 people gathered there to board evacuation trains. Experts said the Tochka-U missile was armed with cluster munitions. More than 160 people were injured.

"What is there to say? My close friend and her daughter and their dog died. What more can be said?" 67-year-old Tetiana Syshchenko told Agence France-Presse, tearing up.

She said she narrowly avoided being killed in the blast.

Residents arrived a few at a time to approach the small plaque topped with flowers and children's toys at the station.

Russia denied responsibility for the attack.

Classified documents leaked

The U.S. Justice Department said Friday it has begun an investigation into the leak of several classified U.S. military documents that have been posted on social media.

SEE ALSO:

"We have been in communication with the Department of Defense related to this matter and have begun an investigation. We decline further comment," a Justice Department spokesperson said Friday.

A new batch of classified documents that appear to detail U.S. national security secrets from Ukraine to the Middle East to China surfaced on social media sites Friday, The New York Times reported.

Russia or pro-Russian elements are likely behind an earlier leak of several classified U.S. military documents posted on social media that offer a skewed, month-old snapshot of the war in Ukraine, three U.S. officials told Reuters Friday.

Black Sea Grain Initiative impasse

Russia warned Friday that it would not renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed by the Kremlin, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations last July unless Moscow's terms are fulfilled.

The deal allows Ukraine  one of the world's top grain producers  to export grain through a safe corridor in the Black Sea. According to official data, more than 27 million tons of grain and other foodstuffs have been exported from Ukraine aboard 881 outbound vessels since the initiative began last August. According to the U.N., continuing the deal is vital to averting a world food crisis.

SEE ALSO:

At a news conference in Ankara, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov threatened to abandon the agreement if the West does not remove obstacles to Russian agricultural exports, allow a resumption in supplies of agricultural machinery and parts, lift restrictions on insurance and reinsurance, and unblock assets and accounts of Russian companies involved in food and fertilizer exports.

Lavrov said that if those terms are not honored, Russia would bypass the U.N.-brokered initiative exporting products and Ukraine would have to use land and river routes for its exports.

Tatiana Vorozhko of VOAs Ukraine Service contributed to this report. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Uncertainty during the first few weeks of Russias assault on Kyiv drove many people out of the city. A year later, some of those who stayed say their lives have been transformed forever. Anna Chernikova tells one young couple's story. Camera: Eugene Shynkar.
While ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) shareholders are probably generally happy, the stock hasn't had particularly good run recently, with the share price falling 10% in the last quarter. But in three years the returns have been great. In fact, the share price is up a full 206% compared to three years ago. So the recent fall in the share price should be viewed in that context. The thing to consider is whether the underlying business is doing well enough to support the current price.

Since the stock has added US$8.6b to its market cap in the past week alone, let's see if underlying performance has been driving long-term returns.

View our latest analysis for ConocoPhillips

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.

ConocoPhillips was able to grow its EPS at 33% per year over three years, sending the share price higher. In comparison, the 45% per year gain in the share price outpaces the EPS growth. So it's fair to assume the market has a higher opinion of the business than it did three years ago. It is quite common to see investors become enamoured with a business, after a few years of solid progress.

You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).

It's good to see that there was some significant insider buying in the last three months. That's a positive. That said, we think earnings and revenue growth trends are even more important factors to consider. Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here..

What About Dividends?

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. 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. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. As it happens, ConocoPhillips' TSR for the last 3 years was 247%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

Story continues

A Different Perspective

It's good to see that ConocoPhillips has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 8.5% in the last twelve months. That's including the dividend. However, the TSR over five years, coming in at 14% per year, is even more impressive. Potential buyers might understandably feel they've missed the opportunity, but it's always possible business is still firing on all cylinders. 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 learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with ConocoPhillips (including 1 which is concerning) .

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American 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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The apocalypse is not nigh, as I have long maintained, but what about a cataclysm? I am talking about a sudden and extreme violent event: Just last month, an asteroid big enough to destroy a city passed between the Earth and the moon. The possibility of a nuclear exchange is greater than it has been in decades. Scientists are still studying the global impact of last years eruption of a super-volcano in the South Pacific.

If you fear that America is going to face a cataclysm of some sort soon, you may ask yourself where you should you ride it out. I have a counterintuitive answer: If you live in a dense urban area, stay put  especially if, like me, you live in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.

The biggest advantage of the Washington region is that, in the case of a real catastrophe, it would receive a lot of direct aid. Its not just that Congress and the White House are nearby  so are the Pentagon, the FBI, the CIA and hundreds if not thousands of government agencies. Insofar as there might be an emergency response to a cataclysmic event, the Washington area will be prioritized.

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The region also has plenty of hospitals and doctors, and a wide variety of law-enforcement units  including the various federal agencies as well as police from Maryland, Virginia and D.C. If you care about order being restored, Washington will be better than most places.

Of course, a counterargument is that Washington is more likely than most places to be hit by a cataclysmic event, especially if it involves a nuclear exchange or some other weapon of mass destruction. But theres good news, scare-quotes intended: If a foreign enemy is truly intent on targeting Americas capital, the conflict may be so extreme that it wont matter where you go. (If I were a foreign power attacking the US, Washington would not be my first choice as a target, as it would virtually guarantee the complete destruction of my own country.)

I realize that my advice runs counter to the usual recommendation of getting a cabin in some remote area of the American West. And its true that you could go there with a shotgun and be safe from looters and the risk of civil unrest. Still, when it comes to getting food or medical care, not to mention internet service, I would rather be in a densely populated area. People usually pull together in times of extreme need, so I would want to be near more people, not fewer people.

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Another common answer to the where-should-I-go question is to leave the US entirely and buy a second home or a bunker in New Zealand. New Zealand has some great advantages: Its relatively safe, has a lot of water, and could be self-sufficient in agriculture and food. Its relative isolation could be a real benefit if there were a nuclear exchange.

Nonetheless, I consider the New Zealand option to be overrated. Remember, the country closed itself to foreigners during the Covid pandemic  might it do the same in response to a sudden cataclysmic event? And even if it were open to foreigners, getting there could be difficult.

But the problem is not merely logistical. If there is a collapse of some degree of civil and economic order, then informal social networks will become even more crucial  not just for companionship but possibly for survival. New Zealanders are generous  I used to live there myself  but the notion that they would welcome some rich American stepping off his private jet  lets just say that might not go so well.

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The history of humankind features plenty of catastrophic events. Maybe they were not as objectively bad as what I am postulating, but they were extreme misfortunes nonetheless. And one way people dealt with these events was to move to cities and centers of population density. Except during pandemics, economies of scale and scope have typically proved to be protective of human beings.

So for the four out of five Americans who live in the cities or suburbs, there is some qualified good news: If youre worried about a cataclysm, the best thing to do may be simply to stay put.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 The Preppers Were Right All Along: Amanda Little

 There Is No Refuge From Climate Change: Francis Wilkinson

 Will an Asteroid Destroy You Before You Finish This?: The Editors

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Tyler Cowen is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. He is a professor of economics at George Mason University and writes for the blog Marginal Revolution. He is coauthor of Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Around the World.

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Biden made the announcement in a video, saying that he wanted to finish the job he started when the country was racked by a deadly pandemic, a reeling economy and a teetering democracy.
A lot of brands are pulling out [of plus-size], she says. Its not cost-effective to stay in retail spaces like that ... We constantly reach out to brands and ask [how] they are catering [for plus-sized consumers]. Curvy Sam also relayed in her video that Myer staff told her that Myers own plus-sized brand, Taking Shape, was no longer on the shop floor at Chadstone, despite it being one of the companys more high-profile locations. Model Ashley Graham has appeared in campaigns for The Commonry. Credit: AP David Jones head of menswear, childrens wear and home, Chris Wilson, says the company has invested in more brands with extended sizing, including The Commonry, which has featured model Ashley Graham in its campaigns. This month, David Jones will launch Curve Project, which offers up to size 24, in seven stores across four states.

Previously, this brand has only traded online, but we see an opportunity to expand into stores to offer a destination for curvy women, Wilson says. Curvy Sam says the fact that many curvy brands are only available online is a form of discrimination, or at the very least exclusion, denying plus-sized consumers the in-store experience, and sometimes forcing them to pay postage that straight-sized people can avoid by going to the shops. She accuses some brands of performative inclusion, possibly for the halo effect of being seen to be doing something. They will take our money, but they wont actually cater for us, she says. I want to be proved wrong. Department stores have the space, they have the floor, they could make a lot of money. I wouldnt blink at spending $300 on a dress. Department stores have the space, they have the floor, they could make a lot of money. Curvy Sam, plus-size fashion influencer

The frustrations Curvy Sam has experienced are in part what led her to create her own brand, Hildas, which launched this week with a range of robes and sleep dresses in size 8 to 34. Gary Mortimer, a professor of marketing at Queensland University of Technology, says its unacceptable for brands to be tokenistic about inclusivity. If this is a segment you [a brand] wish to move into, you simply cant pay it lip service, you cant bolt it on without doing the necessary research  styles and cuts and tailoring  to suit a person of a larger figure, Mortimer says. Wilson says David Jones is aiming to increase its options for larger men, including a dedicated section on its website to make shopping easier. Theres obviously still lots of work to do, he says.

Myer carries several brands up to size 30, according to a spokeswoman. The dominant players in the plus-size industry in Australia, which was worth $1.2 billion in 2022 according to market analysts IBISWorld, are City Chic, Taking Shape and Mosaic Brands, which owns the Beme and Autograph labels. Tara McKeon, a former emergency nurse whose weight reached 140 kilograms after the birth of her first child, started Proud Poppy Clothing four years ago after feeling disenfranchised while trying to buy clothes. Women shouldnt have to feel like this. I was 31 at the time and shopping at Millers or Kmart and thinking, This is not OK, she says. Tara McKeon, a former emergency nurse who founded Proud Poppy Clothing.

Proud Poppy has grown to three stores  two in Melbourne and one on the Gold Coast  plus a thriving online business, and caters for sizes 6 to 28, though McKeon, who is size 18, has plans to extend that to size 32. She says she has had customers burst into tears from finally being able to buy clothes they love. One woman messaged to say that although McKeon was no longer an emergency nurse, she was saving lives by giving women hope. Its given women back choice, quality of life, they can go out and experience things and feel good, she says. The demand for plus sizes among fashion-conscious consumers has also led brands such as Portmans, Gorman and Forever New to expand into curve sizing. But Curvy Sam says the experience  she documents her shopping trips to these stores, among others, for her TikTok audience  is mixed. She says some brands have good intentions, but they fall short when trying to adapt straight-sized styles to a larger pattern. Regardless of someones health and size, we should be able to buy clothes, she says. Being in a bigger body, we have lumps and bumps, we arent just straight up and down like a size 10. Portmans, for example, only offers its curve range online and in three stores, all of which are located inside outlet centres. Gorman, which integrates curve into its main line, goes up to a size 20. Loading

A spokeswoman for Forever New says it has 41 dedicated curve stores, and carries its plus-size range in two regular stores. The company recently extended its curve range to a size 24, up from a size 22, and uses size-18 models in its marketing and e-commerce. Managing director Carolyn Mackenzie says the company has recently added six new curve stores, and has entered the Canadian market. As we continue on our journey to becoming more size-inclusive, we have expanded the number of locations where our curve range is available, she says. McKeon says she cant understand why some brands jump on the curve bandwagon but stop short of being truly inclusive in their sizing. They just dont want fat people associated with their brands. Theyre happy to take their money but there ... is this stigma. The demand is there, the women are there, they need to wear clothes, they want to buy clothes, she says. When you see these brands jumping on, when they have been around for years, [you have to ask] are they truly passionate about helping women, and the body positivity movement, or do they just not want to miss out on sales?
Trailblazing vegan chef Shannon Martinez, 40, and rock n roll jewellery designer Emma Terzini, 45, got each other at hello. But it took cancer, divorce  and a shared A-list muse  to really seal the deal.

Shannon Martinez, left, and Emma Terzini: Were both busy entrepreneurs but, more than that, were each others safe space. Credit: Josh Robenstone

EMMA: Before I met Shannon, Id bought her cookbook [Smith & Daughters: A Cookbook (That Happens to be Vegan)] and loved it. I started following her restaurant on Insta. I thought Shannon was awesome: a brave chick with vision and attitude. And possibly intimidating with her no-bullshit, zero-f---s charisma.

We met in March 2019, at Download Festival in Melbourne, through a mutual friend. I told Shannon I was a fan. She was super-friendly, full of energy, loud, funny, smart and talked as fast as I do. I felt comfortable straight away. Neither of us was looking for friendship, but weve been inseparable ever since. Were both busy entrepreneurs but, more than that, were each others safe space. We understand each other.

I separated from my husband a few months later. Embarking on a new friendship while I was so vulnerable, with my life unravelling around me, was very unexpected. Learning how to co-parent through a divorce, coping with that grief and keeping my jewellery business [Heart Of Bone] running during the isolation of the pandemic  I was pushed to my limit. Shannon just got it, though. She was the friend who showed up in her cool, badass way with meals for me and the kids. It was never intrusive. Shed say she was just driving past; it wasnt a problem. She never made me feel uncomfortable about accepting her generosity, nor did she allow me to feel sorry for myself. Shes someone who has this magical way of making you feel better.
Crypto WealthBay has published a report on the Secure 2.0 Act that was recently signed into law.

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Crypto WealthBay's latest report outlines these legislative changes and how they may impact an individuals' approach to retirement planning.

The Secure Act (or the "Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement" Act) was approved by then-President Trump in December 2019. The Act allowed Americans to invest more funds in tax-advantaged accounts. The revised Act details plans for the establishment of new investment products.

The new report outlines additional provisions of the revised Act impacting retirement savings accounts like 401(k) plans, Roth IRAs, SEP plans, SIMPLE plans, and others.

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New York: The first-ever arraignment of a former US president played out behind closed doors last week, walled off from the sea of television cameras and microphones outside.

Journalists who made it inside the Lower Manhattan courtroom where prosecutors detailed the criminal charges against Donald Trump were free to scribble quotes and observations in their notebooks.

But beyond their accounts, the only publicly available record of the proceeding  an event with sprawling political consequences and no parallel in American history  is a 32-page court transcript and drawings from three courtroom sketch artists. (New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan permitted five still news photographers to document the scene, but they were dismissed before the arraignment began.)

In total, Trump uttered just 10 words during the hour-long hearing.
Irving, Texas: A district judge in Texas has suspended the two-decade-old national approval of the abortion pill mifepristone while a legal challenge proceeds, dealing another setback to abortion rights in the United States.

The 67-page ruling by District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Amarillo, Texas, is a preliminary injunction that would essentially ban sales of mifepristone while a case by anti-abortion groups before him continues. The judge has not yet made a final ruling on the merits of the challenge.

Boxes of the drug mifepristone line a shelf in Alabama. In Australia, the drug along with misprostol, is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Credit: AP

The ban will not take effect for one week to give the Biden administration a chance to file an emergency appeal, which the Department of Justice said it will do.

Kacsmaryk, who was appointed to the bench by then president Donald Trump, said the US Food and Drug Administration had ignored risks in approving the drug.
Long term investing can be life changing when you buy and hold the truly great businesses. And highest quality companies can see their share prices grow by huge amounts. Don't believe it? Then look at the Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) share price. It's 362% higher than it was five years ago. If that doesn't get you thinking about long term investing, we don't know what will. In more good news, the share price has risen 16% in thirty days.

Since the stock has added US$22b to its market cap in the past week alone, let's see if underlying performance has been driving long-term returns.

See our latest analysis for Eli Lilly

There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

During the last half decade, Eli Lilly became profitable. That kind of transition can be an inflection point that justifies a strong share price gain, just as we have seen here. Given that the company made a profit three years ago, but not five years ago, it is worth looking at the share price returns over the last three years, too. We can see that the Eli Lilly share price is up 153% in the last three years. Meanwhile, EPS is up 12% per year. Notably, the EPS growth has been slower than the annualised share price gain of 36% over three years. So it's fair to assume the market has a higher opinion of the business than it did three years ago.

You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Even so, future earnings will be far more important to whether current shareholders make money. Dive deeper into the earnings by checking this interactive graph of Eli Lilly's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What About Dividends?

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Eli Lilly the TSR over the last 5 years was 406%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

Story continues

A Different Perspective

We're pleased to report that Eli Lilly shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 20% over one year. That's including the dividend. However, the TSR over five years, coming in at 38% per year, is even more impressive. The pessimistic view would be that be that the stock has its best days behind it, but on the other hand the price might simply be moderating while the business itself continues to execute. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Eli Lilly that you should be aware of.

Eli Lilly is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American 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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CAIRO (AP)  The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen said they were imposing severe restrictions starting Saturday on U.N. and other humanitarian flights arriving in the capital, Sanaa.

The Houthi-run Civil Aviation Authority said no humanitarian flights would land in Sanaa between March 25-30. It said in a statement they would allow such flights into Sanaa only on Fridays.

The Houthis said their decision was in response to what they claimed was a prohibition by a Saudi-led coalition that backs the government on commercial flights to and from the Yemeni capital, and a ban on booking flights from Sanaa.

The Houthis provided no evidence supporting their claim of a ban on commercial flights, which were still partly operating as part of last years cease-fire deal between the warring parties. Yemens state-run airline operated flights between Sanaa and the Jordanian capital, Amman, as recently as Friday.

Yemens war erupted in 2014, when the Houthis seized Sanaa and forced the government into exile in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition entered the conflict in March 2015 to try to restore the internationally recognized government to power.

The U.N.s World Food Program, which manages humanitarian flights to the war-torn country, expressed deep concerns about the Houthi move.

This decision could have significant impacts on the ability of the United Nations and our NGO partners to deliver urgently required support to people in need, Abeer Etefa, a spokeswoman for the WFP, said in an email.

Waleed al-Abarah, a spokesman for Yemens Human Rights Ministry in Aden, said the Houthi decision amounts to a war crime, accusing the rebels of weaponizing humanitarian activities to achieve political gains.

In televised comments, he warned of a looming famine in Yemen amid funding shortages of the humanitarian response in 2023.

The Sanaa International Airport was partly reopened for commercial fights last year as part of a U.N.-brokered cease-fire deal between Yemens warring parties. The cease-fire expired in October when the two sides failed to reach a compromise to renew the truce.

The Houthi move comes amid an escalation in fighting in the central province of Marib, where the Houthi rebels in recent days attacked government-held areas.

On Saturday, a suspected Houthi attack targeted the convoy of Nabil Shamsan, the governor of government-held province of Taiz, as he was returning from a visit to the city of Mocha on the Red Sea, according to Yemens Minister of Information Muammar al-Eryani.

The attack killed one of Shamsans companions and wounded two others, al-Eryani said on Twitter. The provincial governor survived the attack, he added.

While, al-Eryani said that attack was by an explosive-laden drone, the state-run SABA news agency later reported that the rebels used a missile and mortar shells in the attack.

A Houthi spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.

The escalation comes after Iran and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement earlier this month to restore bilateral relations, reviving hopes of a political settlement to Yemens conflict, where the two regional powerhouses support opposing sides.

The Houthi restrictions on humanitarian flights is likely to exaggerate the suffering of Yemenis in Houthi-held areas, including the capital.

Yemens conflict has created one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises. More than 21 million people in Yemen, or two-thirds of the countrys population, need help and protection, according to the U.N.

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  The U.S. Navy has deployed a guided-missile submarine capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk missiles to the Middle East, a spokesman said Saturday, in what appeared to be a show of force toward Iran following recent tensions.

The Navy rarely acknowledges the location or deployment of submarines. Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for the 5th Fleet based in the Gulf nation of Bahrain, declined to comment on the submarines mission or what had prompted the deployment.

He said the nuclear-powered submarine, based out of Kings Bay, Georgia, passed through the Suez Canal on Friday. It is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and is deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet to help ensure regional maritime security and stability, Hawkins said.

The 5th Fleet patrols the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil transits. Its region includes the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen and the Red Sea stretching up to the Suez Canal, the Egyptian waterway linking the Mideast to the Mediterranean Sea.

The U.S., the U.K. and Israel have accused Iran of targeting oil tankers and commercial ships in recent years, allegations denied by Tehran. The U.S. Navy has also reported a series of tense encounters at sea with Iranian forces that it said were being recklessly aggressive.

Last month, the U.S. launched airstrikes against Iran-backed forces in Syria after a rocket attack killed a U.S. contractor and wounded seven other Americans in that countrys northeast.

Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from ships or submarines can hit targets up to 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles away). They were famously employed during the opening hours of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and in response to a Syrian chemical weapons attack in 2018.

U.S.-Iranian tensions have soared since then-President Donald Trump withdrew from a 2015 agreement with world powers that provided sanctions relief in return for Iran curbing its nuclear activities and placing them under enhanced surveillance.

The Biden administrations efforts to restore the agreement hit a wall last year. The tensions have worsened as Iran has supplied attack drones to Russian forces in Ukraine and as Israel and Iran have escalated their yearslong shadow war in the Middle East.

In addition to drawing closer to Moscow, Tehran has sought improved relations with China, which brokered an agreement last month to restore diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

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First Republic Bank branch in Midtown Manhattan in New York City

(Reuters) - First Republic Bank said in a regulatory filing on Friday that it will suspend payments of quarterly cash dividends on its preferred stock "as a measure of prudent oversight."

Last month, the bank suspended its dividend on common stock after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

Large U.S. banks injected $30 billion in deposits into First Republic Bank last month to rescue the lender caught up in a widening crisis triggered by the collapse of two other mid-sized U.S. lenders.

(Reporting by Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru; editing by Diane Craft and Bill Berkrot)
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Sunshine mixing with clouds and rather cool. There might be a stray afternoon shower primarily north and west..

Tonight

Turning out mainly clear or partly cloudy and chilly.
LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. - A man in Hunterdon County, New Jersey has been accused of possessing child pornography.

Richard Carmosino, 70, of Lambertville, was arrested Thursday after a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led to an investigation by the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Offices Forensic Services Unit, according to a news release from the prosecutor's office.

Carmosino is the tax assessor in Lambertville, but the incident is not connected to Carmosinos employment, the prosecutor's office said.

Carmosino was charged with one count of third-degree possession of child pornography.

Carmosino is in the Warren County Jail pending his first court appearance.
BALLINA, Ireland (AP)  Joe Blewitt is just about the busiest man in Ballina. His phone rings constantly with calls from locals and the world's media as he prepares to welcome a relative  U.S. President Joe Biden.

Biden is scheduled to travel to Ireland next week, with a stop in Ballina, the town from which one of his great-great grandfathers left for the United States in 1850. Blewitt, a distant cousin who first met Biden when he came to town as vice president in 2016, said the U.S. leader pledged to return once he'd won the presidency.

He said, Im going to come back into Ballina. And sure to God hes going to come back into Ballina, Blewitt said. His Irish roots are really deep in his heart.

The 43-year-old plumber was among Biden relations invited to the White House for St. Patricks Day last month. He says it was a surreal experience that included a half-hour private meeting with the president.

Hes a people person. He loves meeting the Irish people, said Blewitt, who shares Bidens high forehead  he says people joke that he looks like the president from the mouth up.

The Irish people love him back.

Buildings are getting a new coat of paint and American flags are being hung from shopfronts in Ballina, a bustling agricultural town of about 10,000 at the mouth of the River Moy in western Ireland that proclaims itself the nation's salmon capital.

Theres already a mural of a beaming Biden, erected in 2020 in the center of town. Many people from Ballina and the surrounding County Mayo moved to Pennsylvania in the 19th century. Ballina is twinned with Scranton, Bidens hometown.

I wouldnt think theres a family in Ballina that doesnt have someone, some connection with the States, said Anthony Heffernan, owner of Heffernans Fine Foods, where Biden had lunch with his local relatives during his 2016 visit.

It was a fantastic day for Ballina, Heffernan recalled.

He was very keen to talk about the town  how it was, and how it is now. He was really connected with the area.

The White House says Biden will visit Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday and Wednesday to mark 25 years since the Good Friday peace accord, before heading south to the Republic of Ireland, where he will address the Dublin parliament. In Ballina, hes due to deliver a speech Friday in front of the 19th-century cathedral, which local lore says was built partly using bricks supplied by his great-great-great grandfather, Edward Blewitt, a brickmaker and civil engineer.

The Irish Family History Centre says Biden is among the most Irish of all U.S. Presidents  10 of his 16 great-great grandparents were from the Emerald Isle. All of them left for the U.S. during the Great Famine of the mid-19th century, which killed an estimated 1 million people.

Biden also plans to visit the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Ballina on Irelands east coast. His great-grandfather, James Finnegan, left the mountainous, wind-battered peninsula as a child in 1850, one of more than a million Irish people who emigrated during the famine years.

Theres a great sense of euphoria around the place. Everyone is asking Whats happening, whens he coming, wheres he going? said Andrea McKevitt, a local politician and distant Biden relative.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the president would use his Irish trip to highlight how his family history is part of that larger shared history between the U.S. and Ireland.

The trip is also a reminder of the central role of Irish Americans in U.S. political life. Ireland has warmly welcomed American presidents since John F. Kennedy became the first to visit in 1963. Barack Obama got a jubilant reception in 2011 when he visited the tiny hamlet of Moneygall, home to one of his great-great-great grandfathers.

My name is Barack Obama, of the Moneygall Obamas, and Ive come home to find the apostrophe we lost somewhere along the way, he joked to a crowd in Dublin.

More than 30 million Americans  almost one in 10  claim some Irish ancestry. Richard Johnson, senior lecturer in U.S. politics at Queen Mary University of London, said Irish Americans no longer form the solidly Democrat voting bloc of decades gone by, but its still good politics domestically for Americans to emphasize their Irish roots.

One of the reasons Irish identity resonates so much with Americans is that U.S. identity is based in part on the notion that the United States broke free from the British Empire and set its own course, he said. There is a kind of echo of that story that can be found in the Irish experience. It makes it feel like the Irish have shared a common experience of breaking out of British rule that I think is attractive to Americans.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Biden has always been a friend of Ireland, and the visit would be an opportunity to welcome a great Irish-American president home.

In Ballina, Blewitt said the town is getting ready to give Biden a rousing welcome.

The streets will be packed, he said. Itll be like another St. Patricks Day.
Xi Scholz - Kay Nietfeld/Shutterstock

Over the past 75 years, the Germans have rebuilt Europe in their own image. With its coalition politics, mercantile economics, green ideology and woke culture, the EU is in many ways the Federal Republic writ large.

So why is Germany, which likes to proclaim its liberal values and European virtues, locked in a toxic love affair with Russian and Chinese autocrats?

The reception in Berlin for King Charles and Queen Camilla earlier this month was genuinely warm. Germans admire the British monarchy and most might even welcome an end to the EUs vindictive treatment of the UK since Brexit.

German MPs appreciated the Kings speech to the Bundestag and applauded when he said that the UK and Germany had together shown vital leadership over Ukraine.

The reality in Berlin, however, is less reassuring. In Ukraine, the Kings host, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, was seen as so pro-Russian that a year ago he was told that he was persona non grata (six months later he did go to Kyiv). Yet Germanys unloved head of state is not unrepresentative.

As the bloodiest war in Europe since 1945 continues to rage in Ukraine, the Continents biggest economy remains unwilling to confront the twin menace of Putins Russia and Xi Jinpings China.

Xi Putin - Vladimir Astapkovich/AFP

Despite the genocidal nature of this war, Russophilia is still a fact of life in Germany. Public support for Ukraines fight for survival is falling: half the country no longer supports sending arms and four out of five think it is more important to end the war quickly than for Ukraine to win.

German trade with Russia almost halved by volume in 2022, but the value of imports actually rose by 6.5 per cent. This means that last year Germany alone contributed more than 30 billion to Putins war chest.

Despite all his bold talk of a Zeitenwende  an epochal shift  Chancellor Olaf Scholz has failed to deliver a robust response to Russian aggression. This year, like last year and probably next year too, German spending on defence will fall short of the Nato minimum, 2 per cent of GDP.

Story continues

Under pressure from Washington and London, Berlins new defence minister, Boris Pistorius, has sent small numbers of Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv. He has persuaded his coalition partners to enshrine the 2 per cent target in writing. But he has barely begun to repair the pitiful state of the German military.

Even though Germany remains wholly dependent on the United States for its defence, anti-Americanism has surged. Extremes of both Left and Right play on popular fears of being dragged into war.

Ubiquitous in the media, the neo-Stalinist demagogue Sahra Wagenknecht has made waves with her Manifesto for Peace, demanding a halt to arms deliveries to Ukraine, an end to sanctions on Russia and talks with Putin.

If Scholz is so far resisting the siren song of Wagenknecht and the chorus of Russias useful idiots in academia and the arts, the German Chancellor is only too ready to give in to the blandishments of Beijing.

Last November, Scholz led a large business delegation to China, the first Western leader to meet Xi Jinping since the UN condemned the genocidal persecution of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

Yet he barely raised this or other awkward subjects, such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, with his host. Instead, Scholz begged the Chinese President to ask the Kremlin to end the war in Ukraine.

Good luck with that. Last month, Xis summit with Putin made it abundantly clear that China will continue to give tacit support for Russian aggression. Autocrats like Xi dont take instructions from salesmen like Scholz.

Last Thursday, Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beijing, following in the footsteps of Scholz. The French President reassured Xi that France, like Germany, has no intention of decoupling from China.

Xi Macron - Jacques Witt/AFP

Next week, the German Foreign Minister will also visit China. No doubt Annalena Baerbock, as a Green, will outdo Scholz and Macron in virtue signalling on human rights.

But from a Chinese perspective her visit, like theirs, will merely emphasise the fact that Xi has paid neither an economic nor a diplomatic price for his brutality. If China were to carry out its threat to invade Taiwan, it would have little to fear from a Europe where Berlin sets the tone.

So why does Germany still have such a toxic relationship with autocracy? The short answer is: because that was the price of German reunification.

The question might seem provocative, even insulting, given the Federal Republics proud record of support for democracy and human rights.

Except among neo-Nazi fringe groups, there is no nostalgia for the Third Reich. But many former East Germans feel that they are second-class citizens and some yearn for the certainties of the Communist era.

Russian military, political and cultural domination is a recent German memory. For them, the Soviet occupation only ended a generation ago.

The fact that the Federal Republic was able to absorb East Germany without violence was seen as a miracle, made possible by Mikhail Gorbachevs reluctance to use military force. The quid pro quo came with the disastrous Ostpolitik of Gerhard Schroder and Angela Merkel, which left Germany dependent on Russian energy and virtually defenceless.

Katja Hoyers new history of the German Democratic Republic, Beyond the Wall, explains that Stalin wanted not a divided Germany but a neutral, demilitarised one.

The Cold War happened because the West would not settle for German neutrality. The Berlin Wall, the visible manifestation of that struggle, fell as soon as the Russians gave up on Stalins ambitions, accepting that Germany and with it Central Europe would belong to the West.

But some Russians have never been reconciled to the loss of Ukraine. Unlike the Germans, the Poles know what is at stake there. A century ago, Marshal Pilsudski said: Without an independent Ukraine, there cannot be an independent Poland.

President Zelensky visited Britain last year and Poland last week, but has yet to visit Germany. If and when he does, he will certainly remind the Germans once again that Putin has in effect resurrected the Berlin Wall in Ukraine.

Scholz's levels of support for Zelensky have attracted criticism - Alexey Furman/Getty Images Europe

Yet there are plenty of Germans who think Zelensky should do a deal  any deal  with Putin, even if it left the Russians in possession of large parts of his country. After all, they think, that is what Germany endured for 40 years.



The flaws in such parallels may be obvious, but memories of a traumatic past can be quite selective. Having occupied and devastated Europe until it was forced to submit to unconditional surrender, Germany had no choice but to accept the division of its land and people.



By contrast, Ukrainians are fighting in self-defence, not against but with the support of the West. Hence Ukraine, rightly, still has a choice.



What Berlin sees as business as usual looks from Moscow or Beijing more like meek acquiescence in the authoritarian imperative  defined by the ancient Greek historian Thucydides thus: Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.



Scholz implies that Germany cannot afford to deter Russia. Yet the country he leads raised a record 1 trillion (877 billion) in taxes last year. Poland, with an economy one sixth the size of Germanys, now has a larger and better equipped military.



It is high time for Scholz to end Germanys toxic relationship with autocracy. Instead of deluding himself that dependency on China will end any better than reliance on Russia, he should at least double his 100 billion fund for modernising the military. And Scholz could redeem his credibility as a leader by transforming Germany into Europes arsenal of democracy.
I dont want to tell you how to write your story, said Manoucher Madani inside the supper club that he ran with his wife, Pat, for nearly 50 years, telling me how to write my story. He said, Have it not be about us as much as it is about this community.

This, then, is not a story about the Madani family. Its a story about the Portage community.

They took us in, he said. We were strangers and they supported us. They encouraged us. They were friendly to us. Its been a privilege. Theyve made this a great experience.

This is not a story about the Madani familys experience. Its a story about a restaurant, a supper club since they bought it in 1976, a place for people to gather, sip an Old Fashioned, eat prime rib, enjoy a Friday fish fry, celebrate, commiserate, enjoy each others company in a place that seems both frozen in time, but also, always current, as generation upon generation come in for a good meal.

Trails Lounge, the place the Madani family has owned for decades, was a place like that  where strangers, like Manoucher and Pat walked in and, after a meal, friends walked out. Where locals walk in, and after, something like family is forged before they walk out, all done over a stiff drink or those amazing corn fritters.

The Trails Lounge Supper Clubs last supper was at the end of March. The Madani family have retired and sold the business. Theyre eager now to relax, to visit family. They have children to visit. They can visit them in Los Angeles, and Indianapolis, and Paris.

Of course, their family was also all those they served (thousands upon thousands of meals) at the supper club. But this isnt their story, its the story of those they served.

It was a place to see friends, said Pat, sitting not far from the bar her husband stood behind for decades. He remembered everyones name the first time, she marveled, and remembered what they drank, too.

It was a place, Pat said, to meet up with friends, with family, to talk to people. It was a place to tell stories.

Pat grew up around restaurants. When she was a child there was a restaurant her father owned named after her on Regent Street in downtown Madison where she grew up. I remember playing in the storage room in that cafe.

She, admittedly, wasnt a cook. The chef she knew best was Boyardee. The only Mac she knew came from a Kraft box.

At the Trails Lounge she was proud of being a consummate hostess.

I liked organizing, she said. On a busy night, orchestrating it. Talking to people. I have so many favorite memories.

It is impossible for Pat to pick individual moments when the warmth of the community washes over her. When you seat newlyweds underneath the stained glass. When you seat a family celebrating a birthday under the teepee shaped windows. When you laugh with neighbors near the totem pole by the bar. When, after close, you work with, and thank, your dedicated employees.

We wouldnt be here without them, Manoucher said. Weve had employees here for 20, 30, 40 years. Weve have people here since the beginning, he said. People like Rita and Mike; Matt and Diane; Karen and Reece. Theyre family.

This isnt a story about the Mandani family. Its about the family created inside a building that served twice-baked potatoes and liver with bacon and onions; walleye pike and baked ham; poor mans lobster and porterhouse steak.

Of course, there was more served than chicken and shrimp; ribs and whiskey. Hospitality was served. Kindness was served. Friendship was served. Love was served.

Art, too. Pat was honored to showcase local artists on the Trails Lounge walls. Shed done it for decades. Its important to have art, she said. There werent a lot of places to show it.

She wanted to show art and it was her artistry, and her husband, to have a place for people to gather.

The restaurant was recently sold to Humberto Bravo. It will reopen later this year as Nachos Mexican Restaurant. It will be a place that will start its own history, its own memories, its own stories.

In the meantime, this story is not about Manoucher and Pat Madani, who are nearly overwhelmed with all the work thats been done at the restaurant, all the history that has been made there, all the support that theyve had over the years.

Its never been work, Manoucher said, standing at the Trails Lounge bar for one of the last times. Its been a wonderful life.
AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Oshkosh Co. (NYSE:OSK  Get Rating) by 50.2% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 18,443 shares of the companys stock after selling 18,626 shares during the period. AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLCs holdings in Oshkosh were worth $1,626,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in Oshkosh by 4.1% in the third quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,877,633 shares of the companys stock valued at $202,269,000 after buying an additional 113,433 shares during the last quarter. Synovus Financial Corp boosted its stake in Oshkosh by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 29,944 shares of the companys stock worth $2,106,000 after purchasing an additional 866 shares in the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. grew its position in Oshkosh by 8.1% during the 3rd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 9,955 shares of the companys stock worth $700,000 after purchasing an additional 742 shares during the last quarter. Creative Planning increased its stake in Oshkosh by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 156,526 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,857,000 after purchasing an additional 1,790 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bayesian Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of Oshkosh in the third quarter worth $267,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.43% of the companys stock.

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Oshkosh Price Performance

Shares of OSK stock traded down $0.07 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $76.38. 895,672 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 610,996. Oshkosh Co. has a 52-week low of $69.30 and a 52-week high of $106.66. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The company has a market cap of $5.00 billion, a PE ratio of 31.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.38 and a beta of 1.38. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $88.20 and a 200 day moving average of $87.02.

Oshkosh Increases Dividend

Oshkosh ( NYSE:OSK Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 31st. The company reported $1.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.73 by ($0.13). The business had revenue of $2.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.18 billion. Oshkosh had a return on equity of 7.18% and a net margin of 1.92%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 23.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.09 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Oshkosh Co. will post 5.52 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, February 16th were issued a $0.41 dividend. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.15%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, February 15th. This is a positive change from Oshkoshs previous quarterly dividend of $0.37. Oshkoshs payout ratio is presently 67.77%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

OSK has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. DA Davidson boosted their price objective on shares of Oshkosh from $90.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, February 1st. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on Oshkosh from $100.00 to $103.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 20th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Oshkosh from $93.00 to $99.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Oshkosh from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $94.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Finally, Credit Suisse Group lifted their price objective on shares of Oshkosh from $105.00 to $113.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Oshkosh has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $101.36.

Insider Buying and Selling at Oshkosh

In other news, SVP Jason P. Baab sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.00, for a total transaction of $89,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 1,352 shares of the companys stock, valued at $120,328. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.64% of the companys stock.

Oshkosh Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Oshkosh Corp. engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies. It operates through the following segments: Access Equipment, Defense, Fire & Emergency, and Commercial. The Access Equipment segment consists of JerrDan and JLG, which manufactures aerial work platforms and telehandlers that are used in construction, industrial, institutional, and general maintenance applications to position workers and materials at elevated heights.

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Alpha DNA Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Alteryx, Inc. (NYSE:AYX  Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 24,113 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,222,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Alteryx by 14.9% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,583 shares of the companys stock valued at $114,000 after buying an additional 205 shares in the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Alteryx by 10.6% in the third quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 2,294 shares of the companys stock valued at $128,000 after buying an additional 219 shares in the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio lifted its stake in shares of Alteryx by 0.8% in the third quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 29,761 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,662,000 after buying an additional 235 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Alteryx by 7.1% in the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,636 shares of the companys stock valued at $332,000 after buying an additional 307 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Treasurer of the State of North Carolina lifted its stake in shares of Alteryx by 1.3% in the third quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina now owns 25,417 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,419,000 after buying an additional 330 shares in the last quarter. 74.23% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Rosenblatt Securities raised their price target on shares of Alteryx from $77.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 10th. Wedbush assumed coverage on shares of Alteryx in a research report on Wednesday, December 14th. They set a neutral rating and a $50.00 price target on the stock. Cowen raised their price target on shares of Alteryx from $75.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, February 10th. Needham & Company LLC raised their price target on shares of Alteryx from $62.00 to $78.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 10th. Finally, Oppenheimer raised their price target on shares of Alteryx from $70.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, February 10th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $77.54.

Alteryx Price Performance

NYSE:AYX traded up $0.21 on Friday, reaching $53.85. 1,225,897 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,087,414. The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.57. Alteryx, Inc. has a 12 month low of $39.55 and a 12 month high of $73.65. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $60.71 and its 200 day simple moving average is $53.45.

Alteryx (NYSE:AYX  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 9th. The company reported $0.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.14) by $0.28. The firm had revenue of $301.08 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $278.64 million. Alteryx had a negative net margin of 37.24% and a negative return on equity of 119.37%. As a group, research analysts expect that Alteryx, Inc. will post -1.65 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Alteryx news, Director Eileen Schloss sold 4,500 shares of Alteryx stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.47, for a total transaction of $294,615.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 6,715 shares of the companys stock, valued at $439,631.05. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 13.84% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Alteryx Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Alteryx, Inc engages in the provision of self-service data analytics software. Its subscription-based platform allows organizations to prepare, blend, and analyze data from a multitude of sources and benefit from data-driven decisions. The company was founded by Dean A. Stoecker, Olivia Duane-Adams, and Edward P.

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StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Argo Group International (NYSE:ARGO  Get Rating) in a report issued on Tuesday morning. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the stock.

Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on ARGO. Compass Point cut Argo Group International from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $30.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Monday, March 13th. Raymond James downgraded shares of Argo Group International from a market perform rating to an underperform rating in a report on Tuesday, February 28th.

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Argo Group International Price Performance

Shares of NYSE ARGO opened at $29.54 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $1.04 billion, a PE ratio of -5.56 and a beta of 0.99. Argo Group International has a 1-year low of $19.00 and a 1-year high of $45.26. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $29.13 and a 200 day moving average price of $27.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 0.63 and a quick ratio of 0.56.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Argo Group International

Argo Group International ( NYSE:ARGO Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 27th. The company reported ($2.69) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($1.62) by ($1.07). The business had revenue of $379.40 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $504.90 million. Argo Group International had a positive return on equity of 0.06% and a negative net margin of 9.98%. Sell-side analysts forecast that Argo Group International will post 2.85 EPS for the current year.

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of ARGO. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in Argo Group International by 14.8% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 28,947 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,195,000 after acquiring an additional 3,735 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in Argo Group International by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,194,998 shares of the companys stock valued at $90,610,000 after buying an additional 21,380 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in Argo Group International by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,237,969 shares of the companys stock valued at $133,663,000 after buying an additional 28,602 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP boosted its holdings in shares of Argo Group International by 56.7% in the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 45,888 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,894,000 after purchasing an additional 16,602 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Argo Group International by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 373,460 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,417,000 after purchasing an additional 7,648 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.92% of the companys stock.

About Argo Group International

(Get Rating)

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd. engages in the provision of underwriting property and casualty insurance and reinsurance products. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Operations, International Operations, and Run-off Lines. The U.S. Operations segment include distribution through retail, wholesale, and managing general brokers/agents in the specialty insurance market.

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China's military said on Saturday said it is testing the PLA's capabilities to "seize control of the sea, air and information" with a multi-day exercise around Taiwan days after the island's president met the US House Speaker.

Video and images published by state media showed that the exercise included a long range rocket unit from the Eastern Theatre Command, destroyers, frigates, missile boats, fighter jets, bombers and electronic warfare planes.

The troops are conducting patrols "surrounding and approaching" the island to encircle it, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

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.

Eastern Theatre Command spokesman Shi Yi said the three-day drill codenamed "Joint Sharp Sword" would continue under Monday.

"This is to send a serious warning against Taiwan independence separatist forces and their collusion with foreign forces to stir provocations," he said.

Taiwan's defence ministry said 42 sorties from PLA warplanes had been detected, 29 of which crossed the median line - an unofficial dividing line in the Taiwan Strait - entering the island's southwest air defence identification zone.

It said a total of eight warships were detected, the ministry said, adding the island's forces "closely monitored and responded".

Hours before the PLA's announcement, the maritime safety administration in the southeastern province of Fujian, just across the strait from Taiwan, announced live-fire military drills at two areas off its coast over several days.

The notice said some drills would be held between 8am and noon on Saturday off the coast of Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian, and would be repeated at the same time on Tuesday, Thursday and the following Saturday, as well as April 17 and 20.

The notice, released late on Friday, also warned other ships not to enter the waterway.

Story continues

Live-fire drills will also take place in another, confined area off the coast of Pingtan county in Fujian between 7am and 8pm next Monday, according to the notice.

While they did not mention President Tsai Ing-wen's recent 10-day tour to Central America that included stopovers in New York and Los Angeles, the announcment came hours after she returned to Taiwan on Friday.

She met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and a bipartisan group of 17 other American lawmakers on Wednesday during the California leg.

Tsai's predecessor as president, Ma Ying-jeou, also returned to Taiwan on Friday, ending a 12-day trip to mainland China, where he sought to promote the one-China framework as the basis for improving cross-strait ties and holding talks.

Ma criticised the current government in Taipei, saying it continued to put the island's future in jeopardy.

But after landing at Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport, Tsai said Taiwan would not yield to "suppression", nor stop engaging with the world.

Beijing carried out large-scale military exercises in six different areas around the self-ruled island in August after the previous speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei.

The live-fire drills offshore from Fuzhou and Pingtan are due to take place in waters farther from the main island of Taiwan than those conducted eight months ago.

The PLA frequently stages exercises along the Fujian coast.

However, the two locations for the new exercises are near the Taiwan-controlled Matsu islands, where Taipei has troops garrisoned to guard against a potential attack from the mainland.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen speaks to the media at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei on Friday. Photo: AFP alt=Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen speaks to the media at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei on Friday. Photo: AFP>

Washington has repeatedly warned Beijing not to use Tsai's transits and meetings with American lawmakers as a pretext to overreact. It has argued that Tsai and previous US presidents have been to the US before and noted that the recent visit is consistent with long-standing US policy.

But Beijing has described Tsai's previous US stopovers as "mistakes" and warned that the mainland will not be restrained by precedent when responding to her recent visit.

Before the announcement of the new drills, military deployment around Taiwan had already increased, with both China and the US sending advanced warships close to the island.

The Taiwanese defence ministry said a People's Liberation Army fleet led by the Shandong aircraft carrier passed through the Bashi Channel - which runs between the island and the Philippines - before reaching waters southeast of Taiwan. The carrier was en route to its first manoeuvres in the western Pacific.

The deployment of the Shandong followed an announcement from Fujian's maritime safety administration on Wednesday that a three-day joint cruise and patrol operation was under way in the northern and central parts of the Taiwan Strait.

Beijing on Friday imposed sanctions against two American organisations - the Hudson Institute and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library - as well as their senior executives who hosted Tsai during her US stay, saying they had provided platforms and facilities for "Taiwan independence".

Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's de facto ambassador in Washington, was also sanctioned for "relying on the US to promote Taiwan independence".

Additional reporting by Amber Wang

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.
Rosenblatt Securities reiterated their buy rating on shares of Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET  Get Rating) in a research report released on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. Rosenblatt Securities currently has a $175.00 price target on the technology companys stock.

Several other brokerages have also commented on ANET. Needham & Company LLC boosted their price objective on Arista Networks from $155.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, February 14th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Arista Networks from $165.00 to $177.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, February 14th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Arista Networks from $170.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, March 22nd. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on Arista Networks from $164.00 to $155.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 17th. Finally, Cowen lifted their price target on Arista Networks from $212.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 14th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $176.20.

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Arista Networks Price Performance

NYSE ANET opened at $159.85 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $147.49 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $130.17. Arista Networks has a 1 year low of $89.11 and a 1 year high of $171.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $48.98 billion, a PE ratio of 37.44, a P/E/G ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 1.26.

Insider Buying and Selling

Arista Networks ( NYSE:ANET Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 13th. The technology company reported $1.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.21 by $0.20. Arista Networks had a return on equity of 30.00% and a net margin of 30.87%. The company had revenue of $1.28 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.20 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.66 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 54.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Arista Networks will post 5.22 EPS for the current year.

In other Arista Networks news, SVP Kenneth Duda sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.69, for a total transaction of $2,293,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 3,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $372,054.36. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, SVP Marc Taxay sold 1,048 shares of Arista Networks stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.49, for a total value of $131,513.52. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, SVP Kenneth Duda sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.69, for a total value of $2,293,800.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 3,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $372,054.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 322,687 shares of company stock valued at $47,155,276 over the last three months. 19.59% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of Arista Networks

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Arista Networks during the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Arista Networks by 73.0% during the 3rd quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 275 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 172.7% during the 3rd quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. now owns 270 shares of the technology companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 171 shares during the period. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Arista Networks by 126.7% in the 4th quarter. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 297 shares of the technology companys stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 166 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new position in shares of Arista Networks in the 4th quarter worth approximately $43,000. Institutional investors own 64.30% of the companys stock.

Arista Networks Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Arista Networks, Inc engages in the business of developing, marketing, and selling cloud networking solutions. The firm is also involved in switching and routing platforms and related network applications. The company was founded by Andreas Bechtolsheim, David Cheriton, and Kenneth Duda in November 2004 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA.

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First National Bank Sioux Falls grew its stake in shares of Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX  Get Rating) by 2.5% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 16,693 shares of the asset managers stock after purchasing an additional 400 shares during the quarter. Blackstone makes up 0.9% of First National Bank Sioux Falls portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest holding. First National Bank Sioux Falls holdings in Blackstone were worth $1,238,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Mach 1 Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Blackstone during the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. acquired a new stake in Blackstone in the third quarter worth about $26,000. HWG Holdings LP acquired a new position in Blackstone during the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. Ameliora Wealth Management Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Blackstone during the 3rd quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Trust Co. of Vermont boosted its holdings in shares of Blackstone by 133.3% in the third quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 350 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.39% of the companys stock.

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Blackstone Stock Up 1.0 %

Shares of NYSE BX traded up $0.78 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $82.19. The company had a trading volume of 2,998,313 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,443,958. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $89.35 and a two-hundred day moving average of $86.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 0.97. The company has a market capitalization of $58.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.68, a PEG ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 1.50. Blackstone Inc. has a 12-month low of $71.72 and a 12-month high of $126.80.

Blackstone Increases Dividend

Blackstone ( NYSE:BX Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 26th. The asset manager reported $1.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.95 by $0.12. Blackstone had a net margin of 20.52% and a return on equity of 19.43%. The business had revenue of $1.70 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.62 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.71 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Blackstone Inc. will post 4.62 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 13th. Investors of record on Monday, February 6th were paid a $0.91 dividend. This is a boost from Blackstones previous quarterly dividend of $0.90. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 3rd. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.43%. Blackstones payout ratio is presently 153.59%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BX has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on Blackstone from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, January 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on Blackstone from $86.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 30th. Credit Suisse Group cut their price objective on Blackstone from $69.50 to $69.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, February 2nd. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Blackstone from $86.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, January 27th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Blackstone in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They set a sell rating for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Blackstone presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $108.79.

Insider Activity at Blackstone

In related news, major shareholder Holdings L.P. Blackstone III sold 99,889,464 shares of Blackstone stock in a transaction on Friday, March 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.00, for a total value of $1,198,673,568.00. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, major shareholder Holdings L.P. Blackstone III sold 99,889,464 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.00, for a total value of $1,198,673,568.00. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Bx Buzz Ml-1 Gp Llc sold 11,750,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.17, for a total transaction of $260,497,500.00. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders acquired 10,950,338 shares of company stock valued at $18,744,064 and sold 140,617,616 shares valued at $1,734,240,167. 1.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About Blackstone

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Blackstone, Inc engages in the provision of investment and fund management services. It operates through the following segments: Real Estate, Private Equity, Credit and Insurance, and Hedge Fund Solutions. The Real Estate segment includes management of opportunistic real estate funds, Core+ real estate funds, high-yield real estate debt funds, and liquid real estate debt funds.

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Boston Financial Mangement LLC boosted its stake in Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT  Get Rating) by 144.5% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 1,035,220 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 611,740 shares during the period. Boston Financial Mangement LLC owned 0.15% of Clarivate worth $8,634,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Farallon Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Clarivate by 65.1% during the 3rd quarter. Farallon Capital Management LLC now owns 40,546,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $380,730,000 after buying an additional 15,988,500 shares during the last quarter. Clarkston Capital Partners LLC boosted its position in Clarivate by 86.1% during the third quarter. Clarkston Capital Partners LLC now owns 33,781,635 shares of the companys stock worth $317,210,000 after purchasing an additional 15,626,160 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in shares of Clarivate by 1.3% in the third quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 24,170,785 shares of the companys stock worth $226,964,000 after purchasing an additional 319,618 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its position in shares of Clarivate by 10.0% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 11,090,387 shares of the companys stock valued at $185,875,000 after purchasing an additional 1,011,303 shares during the period. Finally, Elliott Investment Management L.P. purchased a new stake in shares of Clarivate during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $93,900,000. 87.34% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Clarivate Price Performance

Clarivate stock traded up $0.07 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $9.08. 5,162,372 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,821,851. The company has a market cap of $6.13 billion, a P/E ratio of -1.46, a PEG ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 0.89. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $10.28 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $9.81. Clarivate Plc has a 52-week low of $7.85 and a 52-week high of $17.25.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Clarivate Profile

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $14.00 price objective on shares of Clarivate in a research note on Friday, March 10th. Morgan Stanley lowered Clarivate from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $11.00 to $12.00 in a research note on Monday, February 6th. Bank of America began coverage on Clarivate in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. They issued a neutral rating for the company. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Clarivate from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, March 2nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $13.88.

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Clarivate Plc engages in the provision of global information, analytics, and workflow solutions. It operates through the following segments: Academia and Government (A&G), Life Sciences and Healthcare (LS&H), and Intellectual Property (IP). The A&G segment consists of products and services to organizations that plan, fund, implement, and utilize education and research at a global, national, institutional, and individual level.

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Capital City Trust Co. FL lessened its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Rating) by 2.5% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 27,362 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 695 shares during the quarter. Capital City Trust Co. FLs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,969,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Boston Financial Mangement LLC increased its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.9% during the third quarter. Boston Financial Mangement LLC now owns 15,468 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,100,000 after buying an additional 133 shares during the period. Accredited Investors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.9% during the third quarter. Accredited Investors Inc. now owns 15,461 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,099,000 after buying an additional 134 shares during the period. Lincoln National Corp increased its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.4% during the third quarter. Lincoln National Corp now owns 36,282 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,579,000 after buying an additional 140 shares during the period. CWA Asset Management Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.4% during the third quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC now owns 10,053 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $715,000 after buying an additional 140 shares during the period. Finally, Elmwood Wealth Management Inc. increased its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.0% in the third quarter. Elmwood Wealth Management Inc. now owns 13,686 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $973,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.51% of the companys stock.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Trading Up 2.1 %

NYSE:BMY opened at $70.74 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $148.79 billion, a PE ratio of 23.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 52-week low of $65.28 and a 52-week high of $81.43. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $69.78 and a 200-day simple moving average of $72.76.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Dividend

Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 2nd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.82 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $11.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.20 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.60% and a net margin of 13.71%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.83 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 8.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 1st. Investors of record on Monday, April 10th will be given a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.22%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 6th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is presently 77.29%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have commented on BMY shares. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, January 17th. They issued an overweight rating and a $95.00 price target on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, March 6th. They issued a hold rating and a $62.00 price target on the stock. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a strong-buy rating on the stock. Atlantic Securities raised their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, February 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, February 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $79.69.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Giovanni Caforio sold 240,000 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.65, for a total transaction of $17,916,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 236,104 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,625,163.60. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, CEO Giovanni Caforio sold 240,000 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.65, for a total value of $17,916,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 236,104 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,625,163.60. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Ann Powell sold 11,183 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.69, for a total value of $835,258.27. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 23,043 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,721,081.67. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile

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Bristol Myers Squibb Co engages in the discovery, development, licensing, manufacture, marketing, distribution, and sale of biopharmaceutical products. It offers chemically-synthesized drugs or small molecules and products produced from biological processes called biologics. The company was founded in August 1933 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

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BTC Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM  Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 37,703 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,501,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 29.4% during the third quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 6,524,033 shares of the companys stock valued at $524,856,000 after buying an additional 1,483,115 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 62,966,053 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,065,619,000 after acquiring an additional 522,009 shares in the last quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. boosted its position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 38.7% during the 3rd quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 1,555,762 shares of the companys stock valued at $125,162,000 after acquiring an additional 434,131 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 0.9% during the third quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 44,149,903 shares of the companys stock worth $3,551,860,000 after purchasing an additional 385,172 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ProShare Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 17.4% in the third quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 2,231,900 shares of the companys stock worth $179,556,000 after purchasing an additional 331,490 shares during the last quarter. 78.23% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Archer-Daniels-Midland Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE ADM opened at $78.74 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $43.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 1.46 and a quick ratio of 0.85. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a 1 year low of $70.02 and a 1 year high of $98.88. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $79.89 and a 200 day moving average of $86.65.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Increases Dividend

Archer-Daniels-Midland ( NYSE:ADM Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 26th. The company reported $1.93 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.64 by $0.29. The company had revenue of $26.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $25.37 billion. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a return on equity of 18.32% and a net margin of 4.26%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 13.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.50 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 6.74 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 9th were paid a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, February 8th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.29%. This is a boost from Archer-Daniels-Midlands previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio is currently 23.35%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

ADM has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $114.00 to $116.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 3rd. UBS Group initiated coverage on Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research report on Tuesday, December 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $115.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Archer-Daniels-Midland in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a buy rating for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $104.71.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company Profile

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Archer-Daniels-Midland Co engages in the production of oilseeds, corn, wheat, cocoa, and other agricultural commodities. It operates through the following segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, Nutrition, and Other. The Ag Services and Oilseeds segment includes activities related to the origination, merchandising, transportation, and storage of agricultural raw materials, and the crushing and further processing of oilseeds such as soybeans and soft seeds cottonseed, sunflower seed, canola, rapeseed, and flaxseed into vegetable oils and protein meals.

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CAE (TSE:CAE  Get Rating) (NYSE:CAE) had its price objective upped by Scotiabank from C$37.00 to C$38.00 in a research report report published on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports. Scotiabank also issued estimates for CAEs FY2026 earnings at $1.73 EPS.

Several other analysts also recently weighed in on CAE. National Bankshares lifted their target price on shares of CAE from C$34.00 to C$37.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, February 15th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of CAE from C$33.00 to C$37.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 15th. CIBC raised their price objective on shares of CAE from C$33.00 to C$37.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 15th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on shares of CAE from C$33.00 to C$35.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 15th. Finally, TD Securities raised their price objective on shares of CAE from C$34.00 to C$37.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$36.75.

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CAE Stock Performance

TSE:CAE opened at C$31.44 on Tuesday. The companys 50-day moving average is C$30.22 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$27.55. The firm has a market capitalization of C$9.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 55.16, a PEG ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 2.01. CAE has a 1-year low of C$20.90 and a 1-year high of C$35.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 73.28, a current ratio of 0.97 and a quick ratio of 0.71.

CAE Company Profile

CAE ( TSE:CAE Get Rating ) (NYSE:CAE) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 14th. The company reported C$0.28 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$0.25 by C$0.03. The business had revenue of C$1.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$1.04 billion. CAE had a net margin of 4.60% and a return on equity of 4.42%. Analysts forecast that CAE will post 1.2864121 EPS for the current year.

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CAE Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides simulation training and critical operations support solutions worldwide. It operates through three segments: Civil Aviation, Defense and Security, and Healthcare. The Civil Aviation segment provides training solutions for flight, cabin, maintenance, and ground personnel in commercial, business, and helicopter aviation; flight simulation training devices; and ab initio pilot training and crew sourcing services, as well as end to end digitally enabled crew management, training operations solutions, and optimization software.

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Capital City Trust Co. FL trimmed its position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF  Get Rating) by 16.1% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,608 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 499 shares during the period. Capital City Trust Co. FLs holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF were worth $559,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of IWF. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P raised its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 34.1% during the 1st quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 26,203 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $7,275,000 after acquiring an additional 6,665 shares in the last quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $42,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 11.6% during the 1st quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 6,211 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,724,000 after acquiring an additional 644 shares in the last quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC raised its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 3.7% during the 1st quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 7,595 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,109,000 after buying an additional 272 shares during the period. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $33,422,000.

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iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA:IWF opened at $242.94 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $235.05 and its 200 day moving average is $225.31. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a fifty-two week low of $202.05 and a fifty-two week high of $274.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $63.86 billion, a PE ratio of 26.14 and a beta of 1.07.

About iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth.

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Citigroup downgraded shares of Cellnex Telecom (OTCMKTS:CLLNY  Get Rating) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report published on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

A number of other brokerages have also commented on CLLNY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Cellnex Telecom from 53.00 ($57.61) to 58.00 ($63.04) and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 5th. HSBC initiated coverage on Cellnex Telecom in a research report on Monday, December 12th. They set a buy rating for the company. Berenberg Bank lowered Cellnex Telecom from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, February 27th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lowered Cellnex Telecom from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, January 23rd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $56.75.

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Cellnex Telecom Stock Up 0.9 %

Shares of CLLNY stock opened at $20.77 on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $19.29 and a 200 day moving average of $17.61. Cellnex Telecom has a 52 week low of $13.56 and a 52 week high of $27.57.

About Cellnex Telecom

Cellnex Telecom SA engages in the operation of wireless telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructures. Its business activities include rental of sites for telecom operators, broadcast infrastructure activity, and other network services. It operates through the following segments: Telecom Infrastructure Services, Broadcasting Infrastructure and Other Network Services.

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City Holding Co. decreased its stake in DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE  Get Rating) by 3.8% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,216 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 400 shares during the period. City Holding Co.s holdings in DTE Energy were worth $1,201,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in DTE. Retirement Income Solutions Inc lifted its stake in shares of DTE Energy by 6.8% in the first quarter. Retirement Income Solutions Inc now owns 2,498 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $330,000 after purchasing an additional 158 shares during the period. Prudential PLC acquired a new stake in shares of DTE Energy in the first quarter valued at about $1,710,000. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its stake in shares of DTE Energy by 4.3% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 7,094 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $938,000 after purchasing an additional 290 shares during the period. Moors & Cabot Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of DTE Energy in the first quarter valued at about $280,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of DTE Energy by 6.6% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 23,028,699 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,044,624,000 after purchasing an additional 1,420,586 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.55% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of DTE Energy from $138.00 to $133.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, February 1st. TheStreet upgraded shares of DTE Energy from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Friday, January 13th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of DTE Energy in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of DTE Energy from $126.00 to $120.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, March 21st. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, DTE Energy currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $128.56.

DTE Energy Stock Performance

NYSE:DTE opened at $113.85 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $110.40 and a 200-day simple moving average of $113.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.62, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The firm has a market cap of $23.47 billion, a PE ratio of 20.63, a P/E/G ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 0.59. DTE Energy has a 1-year low of $100.64 and a 1-year high of $140.23.

DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE  Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 23rd. The utilities provider reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.24 by $0.07. DTE Energy had a net margin of 5.63% and a return on equity of 12.99%. The firm had revenue of $4.48 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.07 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.05 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that DTE Energy will post 6.22 EPS for the current year.

DTE Energy Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, April 15th. Investors of record on Monday, March 20th will be issued a $0.9525 dividend. This represents a $3.81 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.35%. This is an increase from DTE Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.95. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 17th. DTE Energys payout ratio is presently 69.02%.

DTE Energy Company Profile

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DTE Energy Co operates as a diversified energy company, which engages in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services. It operates through the following segments: Electric, Gas, DTE Vantage, Energy Trading, and Corporate and Other. The Electric segment consists of generation, purchase, distribution, and sale of electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in southeastern Michigan.

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Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG  Get Rating) updated its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $2.70-$2.75 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $2.68. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Conagra Brands also updated its FY23 guidance to $2.70-2.75 EPS.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Conagra Brands from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of Conagra Brands from $40.00 to $42.00 in a research report on Thursday. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on Conagra Brands from $40.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on Conagra Brands from $48.00 to $46.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Conagra Brands from $38.00 to $43.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, January 6th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $40.73.

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Conagra Brands Price Performance

Conagra Brands stock opened at $38.38 on Friday. Conagra Brands has a 12 month low of $31.01 and a 12 month high of $41.30. The stocks 50 day moving average is $36.48 and its 200-day moving average is $36.57. The company has a current ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. The company has a market capitalization of $18.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.98, a PEG ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.56.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Conagra Brands ( NYSE:CAG Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 5th. The company reported $0.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $3.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.08 billion. Conagra Brands had a return on equity of 15.34% and a net margin of 6.59%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.58 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that Conagra Brands will post 2.72 EPS for the current year.

In other news, COO Thomas M. Mcgough sold 45,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $38.66, for a total value of $1,739,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 104,859 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,053,848.94. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.98% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of CAG. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 6.6% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 64,185 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,155,000 after acquiring an additional 3,975 shares during the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can lifted its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 309,389 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,942,000 after acquiring an additional 1,186 shares during the last quarter. Synovus Financial Corp lifted its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 22,548 shares of the companys stock valued at $758,000 after acquiring an additional 807 shares during the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 19.8% in the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 27,151 shares of the companys stock valued at $911,000 after acquiring an additional 4,487 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH increased its holdings in Conagra Brands by 509.0% in the first quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 366,225 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,294,000 after purchasing an additional 306,086 shares during the period. 81.08% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Conagra Brands

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Conagra Brands, Inc engages in the manufacture and sale of processed and packaged foods. It operates through the following segments: Grocery and Snacks, Refrigerated and Frozen, International, and Foodservice. The Grocery and Snacks segment includes branded, shelf stable food products sold in various retail channels in the United States.

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Justice Clarence Thomas in Dallas, Texas, in May 2022. Democratic lawmakers on April 6, 2023, reiterated calls to tighten ethics rules for the Supreme Court after a report shed light on gifts and favors Thomas accepted from a major conservative donor for nearly 20 years. (Allison V. Smith/The New York Times)

It must be more than a little embarrassing for a Supreme Court justice to lament that he took some bad legal advice.

But the embarrassment will be worth it for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas if it helps him to get out from under the bigger embarrassments reported by the investigative news service ProPublica.

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Im referring to his failure to report more than two decades and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of luxury trips around the world on the sort of superyacht and private jets lifestyle that I usually associate with the Roy family on HBOs Succession.

The largesse came courtesy of Harlan Crow, a Dallas billionaire and longtime friend of Thomas and his wife. The core of the controversy is not so much that Justice Thomas received the gifts but that he did not disclose receiving them.

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For example, Thomas did disclose a 2015 gift from Crow  a bronze bust of abolitionist Frederick Douglass valued at $6,484, ProPublicas report said. But his reports dont mention the vacations and other travel on Crows plane.

On Friday, more than 24 hours after ProPublicas report, Thomas responded in a statement that he and his wife, Virginia Ginni Thomas, were among the dearest friends of Harlan and Kathy Crow, and, as friends do, had joined the Crows on family trips for more than 25 years.

He also pleaded innocent to any suspicions that he was trying to slip past ethics rules. Since his early days on the court, Thomas statement said, he was advised by colleagues and others in the judiciary that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the court, was not reportable.

Well, that may sound lovely, as far as the Thomases and Crows are concerned but, in todays fashionable parlance, its not a good look.

In that vein, ProPublica couldnt help but compare Thomas luxurious vacationing among the rich and famous with the modest RV park reglar-guy version he describes in a documentary financed partly by Crow.

I prefer the RV parks. I prefer the Walmart parking lots to the beaches and things like that. Theres something normal to me about it, ProPublica quoted Thomas as saying. I come from regular stock, and I prefer that  I prefer being around that.

Well, I dont think anyone should begrudge Thomas enjoyment of an old friends generosity, as long as he discloses it. That way, in keeping with our nations democratic principles of governance and accountability, we all get a chance to be the judge,

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, said his panel will act based on the ProPublica report, although he did not specify what steps they would take.

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We probably have a clue in another bill, the Supreme Court Ethics Act, that was introduced earlier this year to close what Durbin called the inexcusable Supreme Court loophole in federal judicial ethics rules.

The highest court in the land shouldnt have the lowest ethical standards, Durbin said.

He makes a good point. In fact, a federal statute already governs gifts to judges. But, perhaps because it was produced by arguing lawyers, its wording is open to interpretation and the justices have questioned whether it can be constitutionally applied to them.

To end that confusion and clarify the value of ethical conduct, the proposed Supreme Court Ethics Act calls for a code of conduct for the Supreme Court and a mechanism for the public to report potentially unethical conduct by justices.

Judges below the Supreme Court are instructed to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Thats an excellent standard that should be fundamental to all of the Supreme Courts business.

None of the justices should feel insulted or inconvenienced by the need to protect their own integrity  on which rests the rule of law itself.

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Despite his reputation for abundant silence on the bench, Justice Thomas has spoken wisely and at length in other forums about the importance of honesty, integrity and the danger of victimhood mentalities and entitlement attitudes.

Whether his failure to file all of his disclosure statements resulted from bad legal advice or not, he is hardly the only person who needs to have a code of ethics to help end that confusion.

The public needs it too. The demands of self-government call on all citizens to appreciate sound standards of ethical conduct  and then do our best to live by them.

cpage@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @cptime
hs2

HS2 needs a major rethink in the wake of revelations it will blow its budget, according to the chief executive of one of its biggest contractors.

Bob Pragada, head of Fortune 500 engineering consultancy Jacobs, suggested Boris Johnson failed to properly scrutinise data on travelling patterns and demand before he greenlit the controversial train line.

He said that now is the time to pause and properly analyse this data before deciding which parts of the project should be prioritised.

The call for more detailed analysis comes after Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, announced last month that HS2 would be pared back and delayed to combat the soaring cost of Europes biggest building project.



Mr Pragada's comments drew praise from Lord Tony Berkeley, the Labour peer who served as deputy chairman of the Oakervee Review on deciding whether or not to go ahead with HS2, and Sir John Armitt, chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission.



Officials are scrambling to find new ways to avoid blowing HS2s budget, which at one point officially hit 98bn. Cuts already announced include only running services to outer London, rather than central, in the initial stage of the project.

Mr Pragada admitted he was not close enough to the inner workings of Parliament, and how those decisions are made, but said it appeared that the use of data in order to optimise sometimes is happening after the decision, or the debate, the political debate.



The Government is reaching out to the supplier community, the consultancy community, he said.



Right now the debate is around [the fact that] these are expensive programmes, and they will have an impact on the UK balance sheet.



How do we optimise that? I think what HS2 and others are doing in order to say: Okay, how do we start to optimise that finite amount of capital in order to get more.



Mr Pragada suggested the process be flipped on its head, with data driven decision making on how much to spend rather than simply trying to get as much out of the budget as possible.



What if we were to turn it [around] and get some analysis that can drive the decision-making process?



The sizing of that line, the distance of that line, the mechanics of where the stations go, and the frequency of the use and all those types of things  data can really help with that.

The American executives remarks drew cautious praise from the Governments infrastructure adviser.



Sir John Armitt said: Reviewing the latest data on transport trends is vital during the development stage of the project, and can help guide decisions about later enhancements.



But you cant avoid hard decision points at which stage you commit to core elements of a project, to give certainty to contractors, investors and communities affected by schemes.



Weve reached that point with the phases of HS2 from central London to Manchester, and we now just need to get on and deliver it.



Lord Berkeley said: He [Mr Pragada] is absolutely right. We couldnt get any demand forecasts out of the Department for Transport when we were doing the Oakervee Review.



He has done everybody a great service by questioning it. My understanding is that many of the other contractors are very concerned because they want to make money and build the thing - but they want to make sure it is the right thing that they are building.



HS2 declined to comment.

A DfT spokesperson said: HS2 continues to represent a crucial investment into our national infrastructure, levelling up communities right across our country, providing a net-zero alternative to car travel and domestic flights, increasing capacity on our rail network and training a skilled workforce for the UKs future construction industry.
Cowa LLC trimmed its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Rating) by 9.8% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 7,401 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 802 shares during the quarter. Cowa LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $532,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 199,886,585 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $14,209,937,000 after purchasing an additional 3,058,491 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 174,002,852 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $12,369,862,000 after acquiring an additional 3,357,590 shares in the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc increased its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 17,053,158 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,313,101,000 after acquiring an additional 674,921 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 14,659,982 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,042,264,000 after acquiring an additional 155,845 shares in the last quarter. Finally, California Public Employees Retirement System increased its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 11,442,639 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $813,457,000 after acquiring an additional 59,791 shares in the last quarter. 75.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Trading Up 2.1 %

Shares of BMY stock traded up $1.48 on Friday, hitting $70.74. 9,669,523 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 8,549,033. The firms 50-day moving average price is $69.78 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $72.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.25. The stock has a market capitalization of $148.79 billion, a PE ratio of 23.98, a PEG ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.45. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a twelve month low of $65.28 and a twelve month high of $81.43.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Dividend

Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 2nd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.82 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.71 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $11.41 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.20 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 13.71% and a return on equity of 51.60%. The companys revenue was down 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.83 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 8.06 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 10th will be given a $0.57 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 6th. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.22%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is currently 77.29%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts recently commented on BMY shares. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Friday, February 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $70.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 3rd. Atlantic Securities boosted their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, February 3rd. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald assumed coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, January 17th. They set an overweight rating and a $95.00 target price on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Bristol-Myers Squibb has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $79.69.

Insider Buying and Selling at Bristol-Myers Squibb

In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, EVP Ann Powell sold 11,183 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.69, for a total value of $835,258.27. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 23,043 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,721,081.67. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, CEO Giovanni Caforio sold 240,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.65, for a total transaction of $17,916,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 236,104 shares in the company, valued at $17,625,163.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Ann Powell sold 11,183 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.69, for a total transaction of $835,258.27. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 23,043 shares in the company, valued at $1,721,081.67. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Bristol Myers Squibb Co engages in the discovery, development, licensing, manufacture, marketing, distribution, and sale of biopharmaceutical products. It offers chemically-synthesized drugs or small molecules and products produced from biological processes called biologics. The company was founded in August 1933 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

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Credit Suisse Group AG (NYSE:CS  Get Rating) declared a  dividend on Friday, March 24th, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, April 11th will be given a dividend of 0.0547 per share by the financial services provider on Monday, April 24th. This represents a dividend yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, April 10th. This is a positive change from Credit Suisse Groups previous  dividend of $0.05.

Credit Suisse Group Stock Performance

NYSE:CS opened at $0.88 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.47, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a current ratio of 1.53. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $2.38 and its 200 day simple moving average is $3.32. Credit Suisse Group has a twelve month low of $0.82 and a twelve month high of $7.85.

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Credit Suisse Group (NYSE:CS  Get Rating) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 9th. The financial services provider reported ($0.28) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.22) by ($0.06). The business had revenue of $3.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.30 billion. Credit Suisse Group had a negative net margin of 33.10% and a negative return on equity of 3.99%. As a group, research analysts expect that Credit Suisse Group will post -0.67 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Credit Suisse Group

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in shares of Credit Suisse Group by 6.8% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 49,762 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $195,000 after buying an additional 3,164 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its position in shares of Credit Suisse Group by 70.3% during the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 7,931 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 3,273 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE grew its position in shares of Credit Suisse Group by 8.9% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 50,292 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $395,000 after buying an additional 4,130 shares during the last quarter. Credit Suisse AG bought a new stake in shares of Credit Suisse Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Finally, Sei Investments Co. grew its position in shares of Credit Suisse Group by 1.8% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 274,767 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,179,000 after buying an additional 4,883 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 11.20% of the companys stock.

A number of brokerages have commented on CS. Bank Of America (Bofa) upgraded shares of Credit Suisse Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a CHF 3.60 price objective on the stock in a report on Friday, December 9th. Bank of America upgraded shares of Credit Suisse Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 9th. Kepler Capital Markets lowered shares of Credit Suisse Group from a hold rating to a reduce rating in a report on Monday, February 13th. Royal Bank of Canada began coverage on shares of Credit Suisse Group in a report on Monday, December 19th. They issued a sector perform rating on the stock. Finally, Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Credit Suisse Group from CHF 4 to CHF 2.90 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 13th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Credit Suisse Group has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $5.14.

About Credit Suisse Group

(Get Rating)

Credit Suisse Group AG is a holding company, which engages in the provision of financial services. It operates through the following four divisions: Wealth Management, Investment Bank, Swiss Bank and Asset Management and four geographic regions: Switzerland, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific, and Americas.

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Equius Partners Inc. bought a new stake in McDonalds Co. (NYSE:MCD  Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 794 shares of the fast-food giants stock, valued at approximately $209,000. McDonalds makes up approximately 0.1% of Equius Partners Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 22nd largest holding.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in MCD. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its position in McDonalds by 1,189.7% during the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 2,191,692 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $541,962,000 after purchasing an additional 2,021,754 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in McDonalds by 16.3% during the 3rd quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 7,869,149 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $1,816,219,000 after purchasing an additional 1,105,231 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its position in McDonalds by 44.2% during the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 2,531,400 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $625,965,000 after purchasing an additional 776,419 shares during the period. Barclays PLC lifted its position in McDonalds by 48.4% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 1,879,173 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $433,603,000 after purchasing an additional 612,854 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp lifted its position in McDonalds by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 34,704,308 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $8,007,672,000 after purchasing an additional 365,601 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.86% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Marion K. Gross sold 1,396 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $265.44, for a total value of $370,554.24. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 308 shares in the company, valued at $81,755.52. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Marion K. Gross sold 1,396 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $265.44, for a total value of $370,554.24. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 308 shares in the company, valued at $81,755.52. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Christopher J. Kempczinski sold 3,850 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $267.69, for a total value of $1,030,606.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 34,637 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,271,978.53. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 8,122 shares of company stock worth $2,177,681. Company insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock.

McDonalds Price Performance

MCD stock opened at $282.89 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $206.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.88, a PEG ratio of 3.33 and a beta of 0.63. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $269.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $265.00. McDonalds Co. has a fifty-two week low of $228.34 and a fifty-two week high of $284.98.

McDonalds (NYSE:MCD  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 31st. The fast-food giant reported $2.59 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.46 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $5.93 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.75 billion. McDonalds had a negative return on equity of 120.10% and a net margin of 26.65%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.23 EPS. Research analysts expect that McDonalds Co. will post 10.49 EPS for the current year.

McDonalds Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 1st were given a $1.52 dividend. This represents a $6.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 28th. McDonaldss payout ratio is currently 72.81%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have recently commented on MCD. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on McDonalds from $315.00 to $320.00 in a research note on Thursday. Credit Suisse Group upped their price target on McDonalds from $298.00 to $300.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 1st. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on McDonalds in a research note on Monday, January 23rd. They issued an equal weight rating and a $280.00 price target for the company. Barclays increased their target price on McDonalds from $295.00 to $310.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 5th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on McDonalds from $263.00 to $277.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 1st. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-one have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $290.36.

McDonalds Company Profile

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McDonalds Corp. engages in the operation and franchising of restaurants. It operates through the following segments: U.S., International Operated Markets, and International Developmental Licensed Markets and Corporate. The U.S. segment focuses its operations on the United States. The International Operated Markets segment consists of operations and the franchising of restaurants in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, and the U.K.

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Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK  Get Rating) had its price target trimmed by Evercore ISI from $53.00 to $46.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday morning, The Fly reports. The brokerage currently has an in-line rating on the banks stock.

A number of other brokerages also recently commented on BK. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Bank of New York Mellon from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $59.00 price target for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 4th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $53.00 to $52.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $49.00 to $46.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Citigroup increased their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $50.00 to $55.00 in a report on Friday, December 9th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $49.00 to $44.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, March 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of New York Mellon presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $51.61.

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Bank of New York Mellon Price Performance

Shares of NYSE BK opened at $44.85 on Wednesday. Bank of New York Mellon has a 1-year low of $36.22 and a 1-year high of $52.26. The business has a 50-day moving average of $48.11 and a 200-day moving average of $45.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.66. The company has a market capitalization of $35.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.47, a PEG ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.07.

Bank of New York Mellon Announces Dividend

Bank of New York Mellon ( NYSE:BK Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, January 13th. The bank reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.08. Bank of New York Mellon had a return on equity of 10.78% and a net margin of 12.87%. The company had revenue of $3.92 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.12 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.04 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Bank of New York Mellon will post 4.8 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 3rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 23rd were given a dividend of $0.37 per share. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.30%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 20th. Bank of New York Mellons payout ratio is 51.03%.

Institutional Trading of Bank of New York Mellon

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in BK. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Bank of New York Mellon by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 67,626,336 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,604,967,000 after acquiring an additional 1,183,130 shares during the period. First Eagle Investment Management LLC increased its position in Bank of New York Mellon by 3.9% in the 4th quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 17,130,608 shares of the banks stock valued at $779,785,000 after acquiring an additional 647,934 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in Bank of New York Mellon by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 15,074,935 shares of the banks stock valued at $684,941,000 after acquiring an additional 144,887 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $503,489,000. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. increased its position in Bank of New York Mellon by 1.3% in the 4th quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 9,401,434 shares of the banks stock valued at $427,953,000 after acquiring an additional 122,471 shares during the period. 82.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Bank of New York Mellon Company Profile

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The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. is a bank holding company, which engages in the provision of financial services. It operates through the following segments: Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and Other segment. The Securities Services segment includes Asset Servicing business, which provides global custody, fund accounting, integrated middle-office solutions, transfer agency and data and analytics solutions.

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Funding Circle Holdings plc (LON:FCH  Get Rating)s stock price rose 3.8% on Friday . The company traded as high as GBX 54 ($0.67) and last traded at GBX 54 ($0.67). Approximately 68,940 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 61% from the average daily volume of 176,298 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 52 ($0.65).

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have commented on FCH shares. Berenberg Bank reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 120 ($1.49) target price on shares of Funding Circle in a report on Tuesday, February 21st. Numis Securities reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 250 ($3.10) target price on shares of Funding Circle in a report on Friday, March 17th.

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Funding Circle Trading Up 3.8 %

The company has a quick ratio of 3.33, a current ratio of 4.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 23.27. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 57.64 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 52.93. The company has a market cap of 195.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2,700.00 and a beta of 0.82.

Insider Buying and Selling at Funding Circle

About Funding Circle

In other news, insider J Eric Daniels sold 93,919 shares of Funding Circle stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 53 ($0.66), for a total transaction of 49,777.07 ($61,819.51). 23.03% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

(Get Rating)

Funding Circle Holdings plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides online lending platforms in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. The company offers small business loans, recovery loan schemes, and business finance solutions to small and medium enterprises. It also provides flexipay and flexipay card solutions.

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Human Investing LLC lessened its stake in Lowes Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW  Get Rating) by 26.0% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 2,590 shares of the home improvement retailers stock after selling 911 shares during the period. Human Investing LLCs holdings in Lowes Companies were worth $516,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Pershing Square Capital Management L.P. increased its stake in Lowes Companies by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter. Pershing Square Capital Management L.P. now owns 10,374,801 shares of the home improvement retailers stock worth $1,948,491,000 after buying an additional 167,495 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its holdings in Lowes Companies by 13.0% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 7,916,354 shares of the home improvement retailers stock worth $1,486,770,000 after acquiring an additional 912,518 shares in the last quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. grew its holdings in Lowes Companies by 4.9% during the 3rd quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 3,463,854 shares of the home improvement retailers stock worth $650,546,000 after acquiring an additional 160,651 shares in the last quarter. London Co. of Virginia grew its holdings in Lowes Companies by 2.9% during the 3rd quarter. London Co. of Virginia now owns 2,071,408 shares of the home improvement retailers stock worth $389,031,000 after acquiring an additional 58,983 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its holdings in Lowes Companies by 7,952.8% during the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,586,400 shares of the home improvement retailers stock worth $320,754,000 after acquiring an additional 1,566,700 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 72.62% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

LOW has been the topic of several recent research reports. Robert W. Baird dropped their target price on shares of Lowes Companies from $250.00 to $235.00 in a report on Wednesday, March 1st. UBS Group lowered their price target on shares of Lowes Companies from $260.00 to $250.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Lowes Companies from $230.00 to $210.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, March 2nd. Oppenheimer lowered their price target on shares of Lowes Companies from $300.00 to $275.00 in a report on Tuesday, February 28th. Finally, TD Cowen lowered their price target on shares of Lowes Companies from $220.00 to $210.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, March 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $223.85.

Insider Activity

Lowes Companies Stock Down 0.4 %

In other news, EVP Donald Frieson sold 9,411 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $197.00, for a total transaction of $1,853,967.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 17,888 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,523,936. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . Corporate insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock.

Shares of LOW opened at $198.57 on Friday. Lowes Companies, Inc. has a 52-week low of $170.12 and a 52-week high of $223.31. The firms fifty day moving average is $202.62 and its two-hundred day moving average is $200.90. The stock has a market cap of $118.42 billion, a PE ratio of 19.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 1.09.

Lowes Companies (NYSE:LOW  Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, March 1st. The home improvement retailer reported $2.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.21 by $0.07. Lowes Companies had a net margin of 6.63% and a negative return on equity of 82.30%. The company had revenue of $22.40 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.71 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.78 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Lowes Companies, Inc. will post 13.84 earnings per share for the current year.

Lowes Companies Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 10th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, April 26th will be given a dividend of $1.05 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, April 25th. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.12%. Lowes Companiess payout ratio is 41.96%.

Lowes Companies Profile

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Lowes Cos., Inc engages in the retail sale of home improvement products. The firm offers products for maintenance, repair, remodeling, home decorating and property maintenance. It also provides home improvement products in the following categories: appliances, bathroom, building supply, electrical, flooring, hardware, paint, kitchen, plumbing, lighting & fans, outdoor living, windows and doors.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Insurance Australia Group (OTCMKTS:IAUGY  Get Rating) from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report report published on Wednesday morning, The Fly reports.

Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Insurance Australia Group in a report on Tuesday, January 24th. They set a neutral rating on the stock.

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Insurance Australia Group Trading Down 0.3 %

Insurance Australia Group stock opened at $16.52 on Wednesday. Insurance Australia Group has a 12-month low of $13.79 and a 12-month high of $18.10. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $15.90 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $15.79.

Insurance Australia Group Increases Dividend

About Insurance Australia Group

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, April 7th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 23rd were paid a $0.1833 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, February 22nd. This represents a dividend yield of 1.99%. This is an increase from Insurance Australia Groups previous dividend of $0.11. Insurance Australia Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 69.30%.

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Insurance Australia Group Ltd. engages in underwriting of general insurance and related corporate services. It operates through the following business divisions: Direct Insurance Australia, Intermediated Insurance Australia, New Zealand, and Corporate and Other. The Direct Insurance Australia division provides personal lines, some commercial lines, and general insurance products sold to customers under the NRMA, SGIO, SGIC, the RACV in Victoria, as well as the CGU and Poncho brands.

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J. L. Bainbridge & Co. Inc. bought a new stake in Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 492 shares of the aerospace companys stock, valued at approximately $239,000.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 22,885,865 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $8,840,580,000 after purchasing an additional 289,110 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 5.3% in the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,256,069 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $2,320,030,000 after buying an additional 264,665 shares during the last quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System raised its stake in Lockheed Martin by 2.3% in the third quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 1,148,736 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $443,745,000 after buying an additional 25,283 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 988,725 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $381,934,000 after buying an additional 10,587 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Advisers LP boosted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 59.2% during the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 698,200 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $269,708,000 after acquiring an additional 259,700 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Lockheed Martin Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE LMT traded up $0.18 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $490.17. 1,093,500 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,615,269. The stock has a market cap of $124.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.58, a PEG ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 0.67. Lockheed Martin Co. has a 1 year low of $373.67 and a 1 year high of $498.95. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $475.20 and a 200 day simple moving average of $464.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67.

Lockheed Martin Dividend Announcement

Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 24th. The aerospace company reported $7.79 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $7.41 by $0.38. The company had revenue of $18.99 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $18.25 billion. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 68.01% and a net margin of 8.69%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $7.47 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 26.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 24th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 1st were paid a $3.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, February 28th. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.45%. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio is currently 55.27%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on LMT. DZ Bank raised Lockheed Martin from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $523.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 30th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $417.00 to $422.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 25th. Susquehanna lifted their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $510.00 to $512.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 25th. Vertical Research cut shares of Lockheed Martin from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $491.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Friday, January 6th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Lockheed Martin from $542.00 to $532.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 25th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Lockheed Martin presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $490.43.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director John Donovan bought 556 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 25th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $451.20 per share, with a total value of $250,867.20. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 2,324 shares in the company, valued at $1,048,588.80. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Timothy S. Cahill sold 2,534 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $479.44, for a total transaction of $1,214,900.96. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 10,460 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,014,942.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director John Donovan bought 556 shares of Lockheed Martin stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 25th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $451.20 per share, with a total value of $250,867.20. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 2,324 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,048,588.80. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.17% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Lockheed Martin Profile

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Lockheed Martin Corp. is a global security and aerospace company, which engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services. It operates through the following business segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS), and Space.

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Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE:LEVI  Get Rating) released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The blue-jean maker reported $0.34 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.32 by $0.02, Briefing.com reports. Levi Strauss & Co. had a net margin of 9.23% and a return on equity of 33.62%. The business had revenue of $1.69 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.61 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.46 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. Levi Strauss & Co. updated its FY23 guidance to $1.30-1.40 EPS.

Levi Strauss & Co. Trading Down 16.0 %

Shares of LEVI opened at $15.14 on Friday. Levi Strauss & Co. has a 1-year low of $13.57 and a 1-year high of $20.49. The company has a 50-day moving average of $17.36 and a 200 day moving average of $16.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.74, a PEG ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.43 and a quick ratio of 0.71.

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Levi Strauss & Co. Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, May 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 4th will be issued a dividend of $0.12 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, May 3rd. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.17%. Levi Strauss & Co.s payout ratio is 34.04%.

Insider Activity at Levi Strauss & Co.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Levi Strauss & Co.

In other news, insider Lisa Stirling sold 5,017 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $18.04, for a total value of $90,506.68. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 28,485 shares in the company, valued at approximately $513,869.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . 3.77% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of LEVI. Deutsche Bank AG purchased a new position in shares of Levi Strauss & Co. in the 4th quarter worth approximately $43,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased a new position in shares of Levi Strauss & Co. in the 1st quarter worth approximately $93,000. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Levi Strauss & Co. in the 4th quarter worth approximately $168,000. CI Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of Levi Strauss & Co. in the 4th quarter worth approximately $187,000. Finally, Man Group plc purchased a new position in shares of Levi Strauss & Co. in the 4th quarter worth approximately $196,000. Institutional investors own 18.76% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group cut shares of Levi Strauss & Co. from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $18.00 to $17.00 in a research note on Monday, December 12th. TheStreet raised shares of Levi Strauss & Co. from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 31st. Telsey Advisory Group reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $24.00 target price on shares of Levi Strauss & Co. in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of Levi Strauss & Co. from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and cut their target price for the company from $19.00 to $17.00 in a research note on Monday, January 23rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Levi Strauss & Co. from $19.00 to $20.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 1st. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $20.27.

About Levi Strauss & Co.

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Levi Strauss & Co engages in the design, marketing, and sale of apparel products. The company offers jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, footwear, and related accessories. It operates through the following geographical segments: Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company was founded by Levi Strauss in 1853 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

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M&G Investment Management Ltd. lessened its position in The AES Co. (NYSE:AES  Get Rating) by 27.0% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,017,125 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 1,484,769 shares during the quarter. M&G Investment Management Ltd. owned approximately 0.60% of AES worth $116,497,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. State of Michigan Retirement System raised its holdings in shares of AES by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 181,495 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,220,000 after buying an additional 700 shares during the period. Joel Isaacson & Co. LLC purchased a new stake in shares of AES in the 4th quarter valued at $201,000. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund raised its holdings in shares of AES by 165.0% in the 4th quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 135,386 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,894,000 after buying an additional 84,305 shares during the period. FirstPurpose Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of AES in the 4th quarter valued at $205,000. Finally, Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of AES by 6.8% in the 4th quarter. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC now owns 23,737 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $683,000 after buying an additional 1,510 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.46% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on AES shares. StockNews.com assumed coverage on AES in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. TheStreet cut AES from a b- rating to a c rating in a research note on Monday, February 27th. Evercore ISI upped their price objective on AES to $30.00 in a research report on Monday, December 12th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $32.00 price objective on shares of AES in a research report on Monday, March 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, AES currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $31.00.

AES Price Performance

Shares of NYSE AES opened at $24.40 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.93, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 1.01. The AES Co. has a 52-week low of $18.62 and a 52-week high of $29.89. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $24.67 and a 200 day moving average price of $26.03.

AES (NYSE:AES  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.49 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.46 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $3.06 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.58 billion. AES had a positive return on equity of 37.94% and a negative net margin of 3.99%. The firms revenue was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.45 EPS. Equities analysts predict that The AES Co. will post 1.72 EPS for the current year.

AES Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.1659 per share. This represents a $0.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.72%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, April 28th. AESs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -75.86%.

AES Profile

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The AES Corp. engages in the provision of power generation and utility services through its renewable and thermal generation facilities and distribution businesses. It operates through the following segments: U.S. and Utilities Strategic Business Unit (SBU), South America SBU, MCAC SBU, Eurasia SBU. The U.S.

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When it comes to A.I., investors have a torturous choice to make: Believe the hype and jump in headfirst, or ignore the hype and potentially miss out on a once-in-a-generation tech transformation. Its the early days in terms of picking winners and losers of the A.I. boom, explained Scott Helfstein, head of thematic solutions at Global X ETFs. Were not sure yet of the different ways that were going to be able to monetize this technology. Some are obvious, and some are not obviousand it might be that the ones that are not obvious become more important over time, he said. According to analysts at PricewaterhouseCoopers, A.I. could add up to $15.7 trillion in global GDP in 2030, which is more than the current output from India and China combined.

But experts caution that investing in generative A.I. is far more nuanced than just buying Big Tech stocks that have integrated the technology. This could be another one of those moments where were getting to the peak of the hype cycle, so companies are going to spend the money, but theyre going to find its a lot harder to build something truly compelling, explained Peter Cohan, business professor at Babson College. Microsoft has a big investment in OpenAI, and they also have GitHub, which has a lot of the software that can be used for developing A.I., yet I still dont know if thats going to generate enough revenue for Microsoft for A.I. itself to become a significant part of its business, he noted.

But its impossible to ignore that in an era of high inflation and subpar index returns, companies and funds that focus on A.I. and machine learning have strong growth potential. For example, the Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ), which tracks 44 holdings of companies involved with industrial robotics and automation, nonindustrial robots, and autonomous vehicles, is up 18% year to date, while the S&P 500 is just up 7%. For investors who want to get in on this burgeoning area, here are the smartest ways to approach investing in A.I.

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Big Tech

A plethora of companies across sectors are integrating A.I. into their operations, from Land OLakes to Microsoft to cybersecurity firm SentinelOne. So you may already be indirectly investing in A.I. Big Tech is leading the charge from both investment and innovation standpoints. A.I. is being defined actively by leading tech giants, explained PitchBook tech analyst Brendan Burke, citing the leaders as Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN), and Meta (META). Those companies have the research labs and the operational tools to bring basic innovations in A.I. algorithms to market, he said.

If you want to bet on Big Tech, Microsoft has forged ahead the furthest with its $10 billion investment in OpenAI and the subsequent rollout of revamped search service Bing with new A.I.-powered search features. While Bings features have debuted with some bizarre and disturbing interactions with users, if the technology does successfully upend Googles search, Microsoft has a huge market share to gain. We believe incorporating ChatGPT capabilities into Bing may provide Microsoft with a once-a-decade opportunity to unseat Googles Search dominance, wrote D.A. Davidson software analyst Gil Luria in a recent research note. Luria increased Microsofts price target from $270 to $325 and gave the firm a buy rating. While Google has announced a project to add [generative] A.I. to Google Search, we believe Bings head start could create a permanent share shift, Luria wrote. Yet with the speed bumps in the rollout of Bing, it is clear that generative A.I. chatbots still have a long way to go.

Chart shows AI-focused fund performances y-t-d

Bank of America analysts, on the other hand, wrote in a recent report that Metas stock has the most to gain from A.I. implementation, citing the companys incorporation of A.I. into its Reels video feature. We expect an outsized impact from the adoption of A.I. given rich consumer data sets and massive ramp-up in A.I. investments, led by Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon, the report detailed. Bank of America gave Alphabet and Amazon buy ratings in its forward-looking 2023 report.

Comparing the A.I. boom to the dotcom boom of the early 2000s, it is clear that if you pick the right companies you can still make out very well. Even if you bought Amazon at the height of the dotcom boom, you still would have made a lot of money, said Tom Taulli, a startup advisor and A.I. author.

But the giants have a problemtheyre huge. Its harder to move the needle for [Big Tech] as opposed to some of these smaller or midsize companies that are going to wind up playing in space that is going to be significant, Helfstein said. Maybe they wont be as recognizable, but they have better growth potential, which can turn into investment returns, explained Helfstein.

The picks and shovels of the A.I. boom

During the California gold rush, some of the savviest investors eschewed chasing gold itself and made a mint investing in the picks and shovels that those looking for riches needed for their search. Cohan sees an analogy in A.I. It might well be that the initial beneficiaries of A.I. expansion are going to be in the hardware space, instead of the software space, Helfstein predicted.

So what picks do experts recommend? PitchBooks Burke explained: A.I. growth is based on the improved efficiency and the decreased cost of [graphics] processing units (GPUs). The most basic enabler for these new models is the latest hardware innovations coming from chip giants such as Intel (INTC), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Nvidia (NVDA). Semiconductors are necessary for A.I. software to function, and the companies that produce them will supercharge its expansion.

Nvidia is currently the leading chip producer in the A.I. space. A lot of capital is going to go into these generative A.I. startups, said Cohan. And the question for investors is: What technology will they be using to build their APIs? The answer is that theyre very likely to be using Nvidia chips.

Its the early days in terms of picking winners and losers. Scott Helfstein, head of thematic solutions at Global X ETFs

Beyond chips, there is software infrastructure to support the huge volume of data that the A.I. explosion will rely on. The next layer up, theres a need for enterprises to integrate their data into centralized data warehouses to improve the performance of their A.I. models, Burke explained. Thats where database management vendors, such as Snowflake (SNOW) and Alteryx (AYX) can help enterprises, he said. Zacks gives both companies buy ratings.

Dynatrace (DT) is another cloud-computing infrastructure firm that could have upside. The company operates a software intelligence platform that uses A.I. and automation. Bank of America thinks the stock, which is up 1% year to date, has further to run, giving it a buy rating.

Another winner could be Palantir Technologies (PLTR), which is projected to increase its market share and revenue as one of its biggest clients, the U.S. government, expands its military A.I. implementation. In October 2022, the company signed an $85 million contract with the U.S. Army Materiel Command to use its software to increase military A.I. capabilities. The company was founded in 2003 by a group of VCs including Peter Thiel, Nathan Gettings, Joe Lonsdale, Stephen Cohen, and Alex Karp. While the stock is up 31% year to date, analysts (like those at BofA who have a buy rating on the stock) expect it can further capitalize on the A.I. boom.

A.I.-focused funds

Though A.I. technology has had a breakthrough year, there are already a robust number of funds and ETFs that give you exposure to the sector, which is a win for investors. With these emerging technologies, people are better off playing a basket of companies, rather than putting their chips in a single one, said Helfstein. He drew a comparison to Tesla in the electric vehicle industry. While Tesla was first out of the gate to dominate the EV market, competitors are now lining up to surpass the reigning EV king: I dont think were gonna live in a world thats dominated by a single A.I.its going to be a competitive market. Not to mention the inherent unpredictability of an industry evolving at warp speed. This can be a volatile space; you never know what could happen tomorrow, so diversification is important, explained Taulli.

A solid option is the Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ), which is up 18% year to date and has $1.64 billion in assets under management. Its top holdings include Nvidia, Intuitive Surgical, Upstart Holdings (UPST), Keyence (KYCCF), and ABB (ABB).

BlackRocks iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO) is another option, which has 118 holdings and around $288 million in assets under management. Year to date, the fund is up 15%, solidly outpacing the S&P 500.

A widely diversified option is the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO), which holds 79 stocks with the top five holdings representing just 9% of the funds value. Year to date, the ETF is up 12%.

The Defiance Machine Learning and Quantum Computing ETF (QTUM) has roughly $116 million in assets under management, and its top holdings include Nvidia and Alteryx. Year to date, its return is roughly 16%, and the fund received a five-star rating from Morningstar Research in December 2022.

Overall, experts advise cautionand patiencewhen it comes to investing in generative A.I. Investors should keep in mind that breakthroughs tend to be nonlinear, explained Helfstein. Having just seen a period of what he calls exponential innovation, dont be shocked if now we level off for a little bit before the next surge.

A version of this article appears in the April/May 2023 issue of Fortune with the headline, Buying the A.I. boom.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

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Human Investing LLC lessened its position in National Bank Holdings Co. (NYSE:NBHC  Get Rating) by 18.2% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 14,803 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 3,288 shares during the quarter. Human Investing LLCs holdings in National Bank were worth $623,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its stake in National Bank by 145.4% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 1,698 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $68,000 after buying an additional 1,006 shares during the period. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd increased its stake in National Bank by 2,677.4% in the 1st quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd now owns 1,722 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $69,000 after buying an additional 1,660 shares during the period. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC increased its stake in National Bank by 104.3% in the 2nd quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC now owns 2,354 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $90,000 after buying an additional 1,202 shares during the period. Silvant Capital Management LLC increased its stake in National Bank by 27.9% in the 3rd quarter. Silvant Capital Management LLC now owns 2,458 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $91,000 after buying an additional 536 shares during the period. Finally, Mutual of America Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of National Bank by 18.6% during the 3rd quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC now owns 5,984 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $221,000 after purchasing an additional 937 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.50% of the companys stock.

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National Bank Stock Performance

NYSE:NBHC opened at $32.79 on Friday. National Bank Holdings Co. has a 1 year low of $31.30 and a 1 year high of $50.00. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $38.20 and its 200 day simple moving average is $41.10. The company has a current ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.23 billion, a PE ratio of 14.84 and a beta of 0.93.

National Bank Dividend Announcement

National Bank ( NYSE:NBHC Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 25th. The financial services provider reported $0.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.80 by $0.11. National Bank had a net margin of 20.25% and a return on equity of 10.92%. The business had revenue of $110.66 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $108.16 million. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.75 EPS. National Banks revenue was up 49.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that National Bank Holdings Co. will post 3.71 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 15th. Investors of record on Friday, February 24th were paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 23rd. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.05%. National Banks payout ratio is presently 45.25%.

Insider Activity at National Bank

In related news, CEO G. Timothy Laney sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.38, for a total value of $433,800.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 215,023 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,327,697.74. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 4.80% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently commented on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of National Bank in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price target on shares of National Bank from $49.00 to $40.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday.

About National Bank

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National Bank Holdings Corp. is a bank holding company. The firm engages in the provision of banking products to both commercial and consumer clients. It operates under the following brand names: Bank Midwest in Kansas and Missouri, Community Banks of Colorado in Colorado, and Hillcrest Bank in Texas, Utah and New Mexico.

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New York Community Bancorp (NYSE:NYCB  Get Rating) had its price target decreased by research analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $10.50 to $9.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday, The Fly reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price objective points to a potential upside of 2.16% from the companys previous close.

NYCB has been the topic of several other research reports. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of New York Community Bancorp from $10.50 to $10.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Wedbush raised shares of New York Community Bancorp from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, March 20th. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of New York Community Bancorp from $8.00 to $10.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Raymond James started coverage on shares of New York Community Bancorp in a research report on Wednesday, March 22nd. They issued a strong-buy rating and a $13.00 target price for the company. Finally, Stephens raised shares of New York Community Bancorp from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $8.50 price objective for the company in a research report on Friday, December 9th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, New York Community Bancorp presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $10.50.

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New York Community Bancorp Stock Performance

NYSE:NYCB opened at $8.81 on Thursday. New York Community Bancorp has a twelve month low of $5.81 and a twelve month high of $11.02. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.05, a PEG ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.56. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $8.86 and its 200 day simple moving average is $8.97.

Insider Transactions at New York Community Bancorp

New York Community Bancorp ( NYSE:NYCB Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 31st. The financial services provider reported $0.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.27 by ($0.02). New York Community Bancorp had a return on equity of 9.32% and a net margin of 27.79%. The firm had revenue of $577.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $410.71 million. As a group, equities research analysts expect that New York Community Bancorp will post 1.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In related news, Director Marshall Lux purchased 5,000 shares of New York Community Bancorp stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 3rd. The stock was bought at an average cost of $10.05 per share, with a total value of $50,250.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 17,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $170,850. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other New York Community Bancorp news, Director Marshall Lux bought 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 3rd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $10.05 per share, with a total value of $50,250.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 17,000 shares in the company, valued at $170,850. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Ronald A. Rosenfeld purchased 30,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 6th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $24.57 per share, for a total transaction of $756,756.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 30,800 shares of the companys stock, valued at $756,756. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Company insiders own 1.58% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NYCB. Bessemer Group Inc. acquired a new position in New York Community Bancorp in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. TFC Financial Management acquired a new position in New York Community Bancorp in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in New York Community Bancorp in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Quadrant Capital Group LLC increased its stake in New York Community Bancorp by 181.0% in the 3rd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 3,347 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 2,156 shares during the period. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in New York Community Bancorp in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.17% of the companys stock.

About New York Community Bancorp

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New York Community Bancorp, Inc is a bank holding company, which engages in the provision of multi-family loans on non-luxury rent-regulated buildings that feature below-market rents. It also offers financial products and services to individuals and businesses. The company was founded on July 20, 1993 and is headquartered in Westbury, NY.

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Drive Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Rating) by 19.4% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 5,439 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 884 shares during the period. Drive Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $736,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC raised its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 184.4% in the 2nd quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 73,193 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,156,000 after acquiring an additional 47,455 shares during the last quarter. Resonant Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 4th quarter valued at $258,000. Keybank National Association OH raised its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 11.1% in the 3rd quarter. Keybank National Association OH now owns 27,511 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,741,000 after acquiring an additional 2,755 shares during the last quarter. Brookstone Capital Management raised its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 6.1% in the 4th quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 8,304 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,151,000 after acquiring an additional 479 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Old North State Trust LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the 3rd quarter valued at $41,000. 6.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Up 0.9 %

Shares of Novo Nordisk A/S stock opened at $159.36 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $145.02 and a 200-day moving average of $128.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.69. The company has a market capitalization of $360.63 billion, a PE ratio of 45.93, a P/E/G ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.48. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 1-year low of $95.02 and a 1-year high of $160.91.

Novo Nordisk A/S Increases Dividend

Novo Nordisk A/S ( NYSE:NVO Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 1st. The company reported $0.83 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.81 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $6.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.74 billion. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 73.39% and a net margin of 31.44%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 4.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, April 4th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 27th were paid a dividend of $1.1887 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, March 24th. This is an increase from Novo Nordisk A/Ss previous semi-annual dividend of $0.58. This represents a dividend yield of 0.8%. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 48.70%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

NVO has been the subject of several research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from 925.00 to 1,100.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 3rd. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company. Cowen boosted their price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $130.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Monday, December 12th. Finally, Cowen boosted their price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $130.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Monday, December 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $697.78.

Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile

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Novo Nordisk A/S is a global healthcare company, which engages in the the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products. It operates through the Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Biopharm segments. The Diabetes and Obesity Care segment includes insulin, GLP-1 and related delivery systems, oral antidiabetic products (OAD), obesity, and other serious chronic diseases.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Nu Skin Enterprises (NYSE:NUS  Get Rating) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the company. Citigroup increased their price target on Nu Skin Enterprises from $35.00 to $41.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. DA Davidson lowered their price target on Nu Skin Enterprises from $40.00 to $38.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, February 16th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered Nu Skin Enterprises from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price target for the company from $43.00 to $39.00 in a research report on Monday, January 30th. Finally, TheStreet lowered Nu Skin Enterprises from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 15th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $39.33.

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Nu Skin Enterprises Price Performance

Shares of NUS opened at $40.34 on Wednesday. Nu Skin Enterprises has a 12-month low of $29.95 and a 12-month high of $51.79. The businesss fifty day moving average is $41.11 and its 200 day moving average is $39.80. The company has a quick ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 2.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The stock has a market cap of $2.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.49 and a beta of 1.21.

Nu Skin Enterprises Increases Dividend

Nu Skin Enterprises ( NYSE:NUS Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 15th. The company reported $0.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.53 by $0.36. Nu Skin Enterprises had a return on equity of 16.20% and a net margin of 4.71%. The company had revenue of $522.34 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $542.32 million. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.11 EPS. Nu Skin Enterprisess quarterly revenue was down 22.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Nu Skin Enterprises will post 2.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 8th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 27th were given a dividend of $0.39 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 24th. This is a positive change from Nu Skin Enterprisess previous quarterly dividend of $0.39. This represents a $1.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.87%. Nu Skin Enterprisess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 75.36%.

Insider Transactions at Nu Skin Enterprises

In other news, Director Andrew D. Lipman sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, March 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.29, for a total transaction of $78,580.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 62,393 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,451,420.97. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Nu Skin Enterprises news, Director Emma S. Battle sold 987 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.70, for a total value of $41,157.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 4,659 shares in the company, valued at approximately $194,280.30. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Andrew D. Lipman sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.29, for a total value of $78,580.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 62,393 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,451,420.97. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 89,115 shares of company stock worth $3,610,007. 2.80% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Nu Skin Enterprises by 37.1% in the 2nd quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC now owns 809 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 219 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its position in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 20,205 shares of the companys stock valued at $875,000 after acquiring an additional 292 shares during the last quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 18,353 shares of the companys stock valued at $774,000 after acquiring an additional 293 shares during the last quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC boosted its position in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC now owns 8,900 shares of the companys stock valued at $297,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Inspire Investing LLC boosted its position in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises by 1.8% during the 4th quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 17,351 shares of the companys stock valued at $732,000 after acquiring an additional 307 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.67% of the companys stock.

About Nu Skin Enterprises

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Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the development and distribution of beauty and wellness solutions. It operates through the following segments: Mainland China, Americas, South Korea, Southeast Asia/Pacific, EMEA, Japan, Hong Kong/Taiwan, Nu Skin Other, Manufacturing, and Rhyz Other.

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Ovintiv (TSE:OVV  Get Rating) had its price target reduced by Royal Bank of Canada from C$57.00 to C$55.00 in a report published on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a sector perform rating on the stock.

Ovintiv Stock Performance

OVV opened at C$52.65 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of C$12.80 billion, a PE ratio of 2.78, a P/E/G ratio of 0.05 and a beta of 3.57. The company has a current ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 58.43. Ovintiv has a 1 year low of C$44.45 and a 1 year high of C$79.28. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is C$56.48 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$64.71.

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Ovintiv Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be given a dividend of $0.406 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 14th. This is a boost from Ovintivs previous quarterly dividend of $0.33. This represents a $1.62 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.08%. Ovintivs payout ratio is currently 8.56%.

Ovintiv Company Profile

Ovintiv Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids. It operates through USA Operations, Canadian Operations, and Market Optimization segments. The company's principal assets include Permian in west Texas and Anadarko in west-central Oklahoma; and Montney in northeast British Columbia and northwest Alberta.

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Solo Brands (NYSE:DTC  Get Rating) had its price target increased by Piper Sandler from $9.00 to $11.00 in a report released on Wednesday, The Fly reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the stock.

A number of other research analysts have also recently commented on DTC. Credit Suisse Group boosted their price objective on Solo Brands from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, March 10th. Citigroup lifted their target price on Solo Brands from $8.00 to $9.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, March 23rd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $8.80.

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Solo Brands Trading Up 2.2 %

Shares of DTC opened at $8.03 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $5.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $4.52. The stock has a market cap of $771.12 million, a PE ratio of -114.71, a P/E/G ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 2.41. Solo Brands has a 12 month low of $3.39 and a 12 month high of $8.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 2.91 and a quick ratio of 0.93.

Insider Transactions at Solo Brands

Solo Brands ( NYSE:DTC Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 9th. The company reported $0.26 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.18 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $197.24 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $153.71 million. Solo Brands had a positive return on equity of 12.18% and a negative net margin of 0.96%. Equities analysts forecast that Solo Brands will post 0.73 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In other news, Director David Powers acquired 15,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 15th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $6.49 per share, with a total value of $100,595.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 15,500 shares in the company, valued at $100,595. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 4.34% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Solo Brands

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Zacks Investment Management bought a new stake in Solo Brands in the third quarter valued at about $39,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its holdings in shares of Solo Brands by 282.3% during the third quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 16,630 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,000 after purchasing an additional 12,280 shares during the last quarter. Hodges Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Solo Brands during the third quarter valued at approximately $1,163,000. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC acquired a new stake in shares of Solo Brands during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $46,000. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in shares of Solo Brands in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $46,000. 78.25% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Solo Brands

(Get Rating)

Solo Brands, Inc operates a direct-to-consumer platform that offers outdoor lifestyle branded products in the United States. The company provides camp stoves under the Solo Stove Lite brand name; fire pits under the Solo Stove brand name; grills, cook tops, and tools; kayaks under the Oru brand name; paddle boards under the ISLE brand name; and storage solutions for fire pits, firewood, and other accessories.

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Rice Hall James & Associates LLC cut its stake in Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG  Get Rating) by 4.1% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 24,156 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 1,032 shares during the period. Rice Hall James & Associates LLCs holdings in Alamo Group were worth $3,420,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in ALG. Quadrant Capital Group LLC bought a new stake in Alamo Group in the third quarter worth $29,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Alamo Group in the 3rd quarter valued at about $32,000. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in Alamo Group during the 3rd quarter valued at about $44,000. FMR LLC grew its position in Alamo Group by 17.4% during the 2nd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 701 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $81,000 after acquiring an additional 104 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors increased its stake in Alamo Group by 30.1% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 964 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $139,000 after purchasing an additional 223 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 91.67% of the companys stock.

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Alamo Group Stock Up 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE ALG opened at $167.55 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $170.49 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $153.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.01 billion, a PE ratio of 19.62 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a current ratio of 3.82, a quick ratio of 1.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Alamo Group Inc. has a 12 month low of $108.35 and a 12 month high of $186.37.

Alamo Group Dividend Announcement

Analyst Ratings Changes

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 17th will be issued a $0.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, April 14th. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.53%. Alamo Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 10.30%.

ALG has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Alamo Group in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. DA Davidson upgraded shares of Alamo Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $173.00 to $196.00 in a research report on Thursday, March 16th.

Insider Buying and Selling at Alamo Group

In related news, EVP Edward Rizzuti sold 394 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $184.21, for a total value of $72,578.74. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 5,433 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,000,812.93. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Edward Rizzuti sold 394 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $184.21, for a total value of $72,578.74. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 5,433 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,000,812.93. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, VP Janet S. Pollock sold 150 shares of Alamo Group stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $180.40, for a total transaction of $27,060.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 2,606 shares of the companys stock, valued at $470,122.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 2.30% of the companys stock.

About Alamo Group

(Get Rating)

Alamo Group, Inc engages in the design and manufacture of agricultural equipment and infrastructure maintenance equipment for governmental and industrial use. Its products include tractor-mounted mowing and other vegetation maintenance equipment, street sweepers, excavators, vacuum trucks, snow removal equipment, zero turn radius mowers, agricultural implements, and related aftermarket parts.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG  Get Rating).

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Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI.B  Get Rating) (NYSE:RCI) had its price objective lifted by TD Securities from C$78.00 to C$80.00 in a research report released on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have an action list buy rating on the stock.

A number of other analysts have also weighed in on RCI.B. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated a focus stock rating on shares of Rogers Communications in a research note on Wednesday, February 1st. Cormark upped their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$69.00 to C$74.00 in a research note on Friday, February 3rd. Canaccord Genuity Group cut their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$69.00 to C$68.00 in a research note on Monday, April 3rd. National Bankshares lowered their price target on Rogers Communications from C$78.00 to C$76.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Finally, UBS Group raised Rogers Communications from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from C$64.00 to C$75.00 in a report on Monday, February 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of C$73.20.

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Rogers Communications Stock Down 0.6 %

RCI.B stock opened at C$64.17 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day moving average price is C$63.91 and its 200 day moving average price is C$60.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 364.11, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 2.02. Rogers Communications has a fifty-two week low of C$50.53 and a fifty-two week high of C$80.85. The firm has a market capitalization of C$25.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.87, a PEG ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 0.38.

About Rogers Communications

Rogers Communications Inc operates as a communications and media company in Canada. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The Wireless segment offers wireless voice and data communication services to individual consumers, businesses, governments, and other telecommunications service providers; postpaid and prepaid wireless services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands; and wireless devices, services, and applications to consumers and businesses.

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State of Michigan Retirement System lessened its stake in The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL  Get Rating) by 2.1% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 68,838 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,500 shares during the period. State of Michigan Retirement Systems holdings in Estee Lauder Companies were worth $17,079,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of EL. Vigilant Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Estee Lauder Companies by 280.0% during the 3rd quarter. Vigilant Capital Management LLC now owns 114 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 84 shares during the last quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Estee Lauder Companies by 52.6% in the 4th quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 116 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Estee Lauder Companies by 450.0% in the 2nd quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 132 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. Align Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Estee Lauder Companies in the 4th quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, Exchange Traded Concepts LLC increased its position in shares of Estee Lauder Companies by 496.4% in the 4th quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 167 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 139 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 55.74% of the companys stock.

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Estee Lauder Companies Price Performance

EL stock opened at $241.26 on Friday. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. has a one year low of $186.47 and a one year high of $285.79. The companys fifty day moving average price is $248.65 and its 200-day moving average price is $238.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.66. The company has a market capitalization of $86.18 billion, a PE ratio of 58.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.25 and a beta of 1.02.

Estee Lauder Companies Announces Dividend

Estee Lauder Companies ( NYSE:EL Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 2nd. The company reported $1.54 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.25. Estee Lauder Companies had a net margin of 9.13% and a return on equity of 32.65%. The business had revenue of $4.62 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.58 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.01 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 16.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts anticipate that The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. will post 4.97 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 28th were issued a $0.66 dividend. This represents a $2.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.09%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 27th. Estee Lauder Companiess dividend payout ratio is currently 64.23%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on EL shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Estee Lauder Companies from $274.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 13th. Cowen started coverage on shares of Estee Lauder Companies in a research note on Tuesday, March 14th. They set a buy rating and a $280.00 price objective for the company. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Estee Lauder Companies from $271.00 to $281.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 17th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Estee Lauder Companies in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, TD Cowen started coverage on shares of Estee Lauder Companies in a research note on Tuesday, March 14th. They set an outperform rating for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, nineteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Estee Lauder Companies presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $279.58.

Insider Activity at Estee Lauder Companies

In other Estee Lauder Companies news, CEO Fabrizio Freda sold 6,831 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $280.00, for a total transaction of $1,912,680.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 118,931 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $33,300,680. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other Estee Lauder Companies news, Director Jennifer Hyman sold 5,234 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $266.88, for a total transaction of $1,396,849.92. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 1,000 shares in the company, valued at $266,880. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Fabrizio Freda sold 6,831 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $280.00, for a total value of $1,912,680.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 118,931 shares of the companys stock, valued at $33,300,680. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 33,511 shares of company stock valued at $8,943,120 in the last three months. 12.75% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Estee Lauder Companies Company Profile

(Get Rating)

The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc engages in the manufacture of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. It sells products under the following brand names: Estee Lauder, Clinique, Origins, MAC, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Jo Malone London, Aveda and Too Faced. Its channels consist of department stores, multi-brand retailers, upscale perfumeries and pharmacies, and prestige salons and spas.

Further Reading

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Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO  Get Rating) had its price target decreased by Barclays from $660.00 to $625.00 in a report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Barclays currently has an overweight rating on the medical research companys stock.

Several other research analysts have also commented on TMO. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $525.00 to $505.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 3rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a report on Tuesday, December 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $620.00 price objective on the stock. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $613.00 to $670.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, February 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada began coverage on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a report on Tuesday, December 6th. They issued an outperform rating and a $661.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $650.00 to $700.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Thermo Fisher Scientific presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $640.45.

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Thermo Fisher Scientific Stock Performance

TMO opened at $575.35 on Tuesday. Thermo Fisher Scientific has a 12-month low of $475.77 and a 12-month high of $618.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $221.76 billion, a PE ratio of 32.63, a P/E/G ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 0.79. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $561.10 and a two-hundred day moving average of $546.18.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Increases Dividend

Thermo Fisher Scientific ( NYSE:TMO Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 1st. The medical research company reported $5.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.19 by $0.21. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a net margin of 15.47% and a return on equity of 21.42%. The firm had revenue of $11.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.41 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $6.54 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that Thermo Fisher Scientific will post 23.72 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 14th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 15th will be issued a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.24%. This is an increase from Thermo Fisher Scientifics previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 14th. Thermo Fisher Scientifics payout ratio is 7.94%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Jim P. Manzi sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $584.56, for a total transaction of $584,560.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 14,807 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,655,579.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, February 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $569.18, for a total value of $11,383,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 128,705 shares in the company, valued at $73,256,311.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Jim P. Manzi sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, February 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $584.56, for a total value of $584,560.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 14,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,655,579.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 30,100 shares of company stock worth $16,966,971. 0.43% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Thermo Fisher Scientific

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Verity & Verity LLC raised its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Verity & Verity LLC now owns 1,234 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $670,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Roffman Miller Associates Inc. PA raised its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Roffman Miller Associates Inc. PA now owns 31,116 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $17,135,000 after acquiring an additional 166 shares in the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 36.3% in the 4th quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 5,583 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $3,075,000 after acquiring an additional 1,486 shares in the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 9.9% in the 4th quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 6,417 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $3,534,000 after acquiring an additional 580 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SVB Wealth LLC raised its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 3.8% in the 2nd quarter. SVB Wealth LLC now owns 7,390 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $4,015,000 after acquiring an additional 273 shares in the last quarter. 85.92% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

(Get Rating)

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc engages in the provision of analytical instruments, equipment, reagents and consumables, software, and services for research, analysis, discovery, and diagnostics. It operates through the following segments: Life Sciences Solutions, Analytical Instruments, Specialty Diagnostics, and Laboratory Products and Services.

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By buying an index fund, you can roughly match the market return with ease. But many of us dare to dream of bigger returns, and build a portfolio ourselves. For example, the South Port New Zealand Limited (NZSE:SPN) share price is up 31% in the last three years, clearly besting the market return of around 8.5% (not including dividends).

Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns.

Check out our latest analysis for South Port New Zealand

To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' 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.

South Port New Zealand was able to grow its EPS at 7.3% per year over three years, sending the share price higher. In comparison, the 9% per year gain in the share price outpaces the EPS growth. This suggests that, as the business progressed over the last few years, it gained the confidence of market participants. It's not unusual to see the market 're-rate' a stock, after a few years of growth.

The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on South Port New Zealand's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of South Port New Zealand, it has a TSR of 47% for the last 3 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

Story continues

A Different Perspective

We regret to report that South Port New Zealand shareholders are down 9.1% for the year (even including dividends). Unfortunately, that's worse than the broader market decline of 2.6%. However, it could simply be that the share price has been impacted by broader market jitters. It might be worth keeping an eye on the fundamentals, in case there's a good opportunity. On the bright side, long term shareholders have made money, with a gain of 8% per year over half a decade. If the fundamental data continues to indicate long term sustainable growth, the current sell-off could be an opportunity worth considering. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand South Port New Zealand better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should learn about the 3 warning signs we've spotted with South Port New Zealand (including 1 which can't be ignored) .

But note: South Port New Zealand may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with past earnings growth (and further growth forecast).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on New Zealander 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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Rice Hall James & Associates LLC increased its stake in shares of Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:THR  Get Rating) by 12.8% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 161,528 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 18,369 shares during the period. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC owned about 0.48% of Thermon Group worth $3,243,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of THR. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can grew its stake in shares of Thermon Group by 134.3% during the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 2,324 shares of the technology companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 1,332 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Thermon Group during the 3rd quarter valued at about $41,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Thermon Group during the 1st quarter valued at about $45,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its holdings in Thermon Group by 243.2% in the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 4,393 shares of the technology companys stock worth $68,000 after purchasing an additional 3,113 shares during the period. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. purchased a new position in Thermon Group during the third quarter worth approximately $188,000. 94.59% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Thermon Group news, VP Candace Harris-Peterson sold 6,358 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.15, for a total transaction of $172,619.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 12,799 shares of the companys stock, valued at $347,492.85. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Thermon Group Stock Down 1.4 %

Separately, StockNews.com started coverage on Thermon Group in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company.

Shares of NYSE THR opened at $22.56 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $755.76 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.69 and a beta of 1.27. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $25.41 and its 200-day simple moving average is $21.20. The company has a quick ratio of 1.47, a current ratio of 2.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. has a 52-week low of $13.26 and a 52-week high of $27.85.

Thermon Group Profile

(Get Rating)

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc engages in the development, manufacture, and trade of engineered thermal solutions for process industries. It operates through the following geographical segments: United States & Latin America (US-LAM), Canada, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), and Asia Pacific (APAC).

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Tower Bridge Advisors boosted its position in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Get Rating) by 1.5% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 234,130 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 3,350 shares during the period. Charles Schwab comprises 1.6% of Tower Bridge Advisors holdings, making the stock its 17th largest position. Tower Bridge Advisors holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $19,494,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Fisher Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Charles Schwab in the third quarter valued at about $1,109,194,000. Boston Partners grew its stake in Charles Schwab by 37.0% in the 3rd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 10,355,686 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $747,479,000 after buying an additional 2,798,159 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Charles Schwab by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 124,437,061 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $8,943,291,000 after acquiring an additional 2,589,952 shares during the period. Brown Advisory Inc. lifted its position in Charles Schwab by 49.3% during the second quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 4,986,327 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $315,036,000 after acquiring an additional 1,645,558 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alliancebernstein L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 7.4% during the third quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 20,767,564 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,492,565,000 after acquiring an additional 1,431,879 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 73.49% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab

In other Charles Schwab news, insider Jonathan M. Craig sold 51,144 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.30, for a total value of $4,106,863.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, insider Jonathan M. Craig sold 51,144 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.30, for a total value of $4,106,863.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Marianne Catherine Brown acquired 5,000 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 28th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $53.47 per share, for a total transaction of $267,350.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 9,984 shares in the company, valued at approximately $533,844.48. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have acquired 81,000 shares of company stock worth $4,706,960 and have sold 728,106 shares worth $58,067,403. 7.50% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Charles Schwab Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:SCHW opened at $49.35 on Friday. The Charles Schwab Co. has a one year low of $45.00 and a one year high of $86.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 0.38 and a quick ratio of 0.38. The company has a market cap of $88.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.10, a PEG ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 0.88. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $68.17 and a 200 day simple moving average of $74.57.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 18th. The financial services provider reported $1.07 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by ($0.03). The firm had revenue of $5.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.55 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 34.60% and a return on equity of 24.94%. The firms revenue was up 16.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.86 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Charles Schwab Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 24th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 10th were paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 9th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.03%. This is an increase from Charles Schwabs previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 28.57%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms recently weighed in on SCHW. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price target on Charles Schwab from $109.00 to $83.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, March 14th. Credit Suisse Group raised shares of Charles Schwab from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and reduced their target price for the company from $81.50 to $67.50 in a research report on Wednesday, March 15th. Piper Sandler decreased their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $100.00 to $95.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, March 14th. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $79.00 to $61.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, March 22nd. Finally, Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $75.00 to $65.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, March 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $78.27.

Charles Schwab Profile

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The Charles Schwab Corp. is a savings and loan holding company, which engages in the provision of wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. It operates through the Investor Services and Advisor Services segments. The Investor Services segment includes retail brokerage and banking services to individual investors, and retirement plan services, as well as other corporate brokerage services, to businesses and their employees.

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Traynor Capital Management Inc. raised its position in Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX  Get Rating) by 26.5% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 77,186 shares of the natural resource companys stock after acquiring an additional 16,163 shares during the period. Traynor Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Freeport-McMoRan were worth $2,933,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Jeppson Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in Freeport-McMoRan by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. Jeppson Wealth Management LLC now owns 26,164 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $994,000 after acquiring an additional 545 shares in the last quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System raised its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 388,433 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $14,760,000 after buying an additional 1,400 shares in the last quarter. Baldwin Brothers LLC MA acquired a new position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan in the 4th quarter worth approximately $2,512,000. Close Asset Management Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 21.9% in the 4th quarter. Close Asset Management Ltd now owns 14,200 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $540,000 after buying an additional 2,550 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Successful Portfolios LLC acquired a new position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan in the 4th quarter worth approximately $262,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.12% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Freeport-McMoRan

In other Freeport-McMoRan news, CAO Ellie L. Mikes sold 11,678 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.17, for a total value of $504,139.26. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 32,333 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,395,815.61. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.72% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Freeport-McMoRan Trading Down 0.1 %

NYSE FCX opened at $40.29 on Friday. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. has a one year low of $24.80 and a one year high of $51.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 2.46 and a quick ratio of 1.64. The firm has a market cap of $57.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.00 and a beta of 2.01. The stocks 50-day moving average is $40.74 and its 200-day moving average is $37.74.

Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX  Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 25th. The natural resource company reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.42 billion. Freeport-McMoRan had a net margin of 15.22% and a return on equity of 14.59%. The firms revenue was down 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.96 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Freeport-McMoRan Inc. will post 2.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Freeport-McMoRan Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, April 14th will be issued a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 13th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.49%. Freeport-McMoRans dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 12.66%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

FCX has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Freeport-McMoRan in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Raymond James increased their target price on Freeport-McMoRan from $40.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 31st. Citigroup increased their price target on Freeport-McMoRan from $44.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, January 26th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on Freeport-McMoRan from $35.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 10th. Finally, Scotiabank upgraded Freeport-McMoRan from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and increased their price target for the stock from $41.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Tuesday, March 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $39.38.

About Freeport-McMoRan

(Get Rating)

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc engages in the mining of copper, gold, and molybdenum. It operates through the following segments: North America Copper Mines, South America Mining, Indonesia Mining, Molybdenum Mines, Rod and Refining, Atlantic Copper Smelting and Refining, and Corporate and Other. The North America Copper Mines segment operates open-pit copper mines in Morenci, Baghdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona and Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico.

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Enviva (NYSE:EVA  Get Rating) had its target price trimmed by Truist Financial from $70.00 to $40.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the energy companys stock.

EVA has been the subject of a number of other research reports. TheStreet cut shares of Enviva from a c- rating to a d+ rating in a report on Friday, March 24th. Raymond James cut their price objective on shares of Enviva from $80.00 to $65.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, March 2nd. Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of Enviva from $62.00 to $32.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of Enviva from $61.00 to $44.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, March 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Enviva to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, January 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $40.60.

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Enviva Stock Performance

Enviva stock opened at $25.03 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.48, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.46. Enviva has a 1-year low of $23.83 and a 1-year high of $91.06. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.69 billion, a P/E ratio of -9.63 and a beta of 0.99. The companys 50-day moving average is $36.99 and its 200 day moving average is $49.35.

Enviva Announces Dividend

Enviva ( NYSE:EVA Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, March 1st. The energy company reported ($0.76) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.66 by ($1.42). The business had revenue of $239.31 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $443.54 million. Enviva had a negative net margin of 15.38% and a negative return on equity of 20.29%. Research analysts forecast that Enviva will post -0.06 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 24th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 21st were paid a dividend of $0.905 per share. This represents a $3.62 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 14.46%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, February 17th. Envivas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -139.23%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Gerrit Livingston Jr. Lansing bought 2,000 shares of Enviva stock in a transaction on Friday, March 24th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $27.38 per share, with a total value of $54,760.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 8,477 shares of the companys stock, valued at $232,100.26. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 13.30% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Enviva

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in EVA. Vanguard Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Enviva in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $194,589,000. State Street Corp grew its holdings in Enviva by 1,306.1% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,310,007 shares of the energy companys stock worth $74,959,000 after acquiring an additional 1,216,841 shares in the last quarter. Inclusive Capital Partners L.P. grew its holdings in Enviva by 10.2% during the 4th quarter. Inclusive Capital Partners L.P. now owns 5,742,439 shares of the energy companys stock worth $304,177,000 after acquiring an additional 530,143 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. acquired a new position in Enviva during the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,740,000. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD purchased a new position in shares of Enviva in the 3rd quarter valued at $18,456,000. 83.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Enviva Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Enviva, Inc engages in the production, process, and distribution of wood biomass to power generators. It offers wood pellets and wood chips which are used in coal-fired power generation and power plants. The company was founded on November 12, 2013 and is headquartered in Bethesda, MD.

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Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded shares of Virgin Money UK (OTCMKTS:CYBBF  Get Rating) from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports.

Several other analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 215 ($2.67) to GBX 205 ($2.55) in a research report on Thursday, February 2nd. Berenberg Bank lifted their target price on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 170 ($2.11) to GBX 195 ($2.42) in a research report on Tuesday, February 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of Virgin Money UK from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 20th. Finally, Barclays lowered shares of Virgin Money UK from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, February 6th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $197.00.

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Virgin Money UK Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS CYBBF opened at $2.00 on Tuesday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $2.09 and its 200-day simple moving average is $1.83. Virgin Money UK has a 52-week low of $1.44 and a 52-week high of $2.29.

Virgin Money UK Company Profile

Virgin Money UK PLC provides banking products and services for consumers, and small and medium sized businesses under the Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank, and Virgin Money brands in the United Kingdom. The company offers savings and current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, and home loans; business loans, overdraft facilities, treasury solutions, and corporate and structured finance; asset and invoice finance services; risk management; international trade services; and home, car, and life and critical illness insurance products.

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Wabash National (NYSE:WNC  Get Rating) was upgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report issued on Friday.

Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. DA Davidson upped their target price on shares of Wabash National from $29.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 3rd. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on shares of Wabash National from $17.00 to $27.50 in a research note on Friday, February 3rd. Finally, Raymond James upped their target price on shares of Wabash National from $29.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 3rd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Wabash National has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $28.30.

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Wabash National Stock Down 4.2 %

Wabash National stock traded down $0.95 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $21.53. The stock had a trading volume of 1,201,676 shares, compared to its average volume of 574,825. The company has a market capitalization of $1.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.48 and a beta of 1.61. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $26.09 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $23.29. Wabash National has a one year low of $12.23 and a one year high of $30.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 1.71 and a quick ratio of 1.00.

Insider Transactions at Wabash National

Wabash National ( NYSE:WNC Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 2nd. The company reported $0.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $657.40 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $668.58 million. Wabash National had a return on equity of 31.21% and a net margin of 4.49%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 37.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.07 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Wabash National will post 2.9 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, CEO Brent L. Yeagy sold 94,961 shares of Wabash National stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.55, for a total transaction of $2,616,175.55. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 338,038 shares in the company, valued at $9,312,946.90. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Wabash National news, CEO Brent L. Yeagy sold 94,961 shares of Wabash National stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.55, for a total transaction of $2,616,175.55. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 338,038 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,312,946.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Brent L. Yeagy sold 16,864 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.21, for a total transaction of $458,869.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 275,787 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,504,164.27. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 230,249 shares of company stock worth $6,347,724 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 1.13% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Wabash National

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of WNC. Arizona State Retirement System lifted its holdings in Wabash National by 2.8% in the 4th quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 13,699 shares of the companys stock worth $310,000 after purchasing an additional 374 shares in the last quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC lifted its stake in Wabash National by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC now owns 47,300 shares of the companys stock worth $1,069,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares in the last quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in Wabash National by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 54,350 shares of the companys stock worth $1,228,000 after purchasing an additional 437 shares in the last quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. NY lifted its stake in Wabash National by 21.7% in the 4th quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. NY now owns 2,998 shares of the companys stock worth $68,000 after purchasing an additional 535 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY lifted its stake in Wabash National by 21.7% in the 4th quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY now owns 2,998 shares of the companys stock worth $68,000 after purchasing an additional 535 shares in the last quarter. 98.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Wabash National

(Get Rating)

Wabash National Corp. engages in the design, manufacture and market of semi-trailers, truck bodies, specialized commercial vehicles, and liquid transportation systems. It operates through the following segments: Commercial Trailer Products, Diversified Products, and Final Mile Products. The Commercial Trailer Products segment manufactures van and platform trailers and other transportation related equipment to customers who purchase directly from the company or through independent dealers.

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StockNews.com downgraded shares of Watts Water Technologies (NYSE:WTS  Get Rating) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday.

Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on shares of Watts Water Technologies from $151.00 to $169.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, February 10th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on shares of Watts Water Technologies from $145.00 to $146.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 20th. Robert W. Baird upped their price objective on shares of Watts Water Technologies from $144.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, February 10th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of Watts Water Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $155.00 to $150.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 10th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $145.00.

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Watts Water Technologies Stock Down 1.6 %

NYSE:WTS opened at $155.14 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $5.16 billion, a PE ratio of 20.74, a P/E/G ratio of 2.98 and a beta of 1.00. Watts Water Technologies has a twelve month low of $116.31 and a twelve month high of $181.40. The company has a current ratio of 2.51, a quick ratio of 1.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The companys 50 day moving average is $168.95 and its two-hundred day moving average is $152.87.

Watts Water Technologies Dividend Announcement

Watts Water Technologies ( NYSE:WTS Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 8th. The technology company reported $1.60 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.54 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $501.90 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $489.21 million. Watts Water Technologies had a net margin of 12.70% and a return on equity of 19.75%. Watts Water Technologiess revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.42 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Watts Water Technologies will post 6.96 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 1st were issued a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.77%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, February 28th. Watts Water Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 16.04%.

Institutional Trading of Watts Water Technologies

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WTS. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in Watts Water Technologies by 12.9% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 4,237 shares of the technology companys stock worth $591,000 after buying an additional 483 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE raised its position in Watts Water Technologies by 41.6% during the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 881 shares of the technology companys stock worth $123,000 after acquiring an additional 259 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers raised its position in Watts Water Technologies by 14.8% during the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 79,951 shares of the technology companys stock worth $11,160,000 after acquiring an additional 10,288 shares during the period. Vontobel Holding Ltd. acquired a new position in Watts Water Technologies during the first quarter worth $2,395,000. Finally, Lord Abbett & CO. LLC acquired a new position in Watts Water Technologies during the first quarter worth $14,626,000. 74.85% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Watts Water Technologies

(Get Rating)

Watts Water Technologies, Inc engages in the manufacture and provision of products for water conservation, safety, and flow control. It operates through the following geographic segments: Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa. Its services include plumbing and flow control solutions, water quality and conditioning, water reuse and drainage, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and municipal waterworks.

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West Branch Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN  Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 702 shares of the energy companys stock, valued at approximately $43,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of DVN. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Devon Energy in the first quarter valued at $364,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Devon Energy in the first quarter valued at $188,000. Blair William & Co. IL grew its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 52.1% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 99,120 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $5,861,000 after purchasing an additional 33,936 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. grew its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 9.2% in the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 414,354 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $24,500,000 after purchasing an additional 34,870 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased a new position in shares of Devon Energy in the first quarter valued at $26,000. Institutional investors own 78.08% of the companys stock.

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Devon Energy Stock Down 1.2 %

Shares of DVN stock traded down $0.62 on Friday, hitting $52.91. The stock had a trading volume of 6,239,534 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,850,701. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $54.27 and a 200 day moving average price of $62.09. The company has a market cap of $34.60 billion, a PE ratio of 5.80, a P/E/G ratio of 0.16 and a beta of 2.33. Devon Energy Co. has a one year low of $44.03 and a one year high of $79.40.

Devon Energy Increases Dividend

Devon Energy ( NYSE:DVN Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 15th. The energy company reported $1.66 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.75 by ($0.09). The firm had revenue of $4.30 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.29 billion. Devon Energy had a net margin of 31.38% and a return on equity of 52.20%. The businesss revenue was up .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.39 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Devon Energy Co. will post 6.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a None dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 15th were issued a $0.89 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, March 14th. This is an increase from Devon Energys previous None dividend of $0.49. This represents a yield of 9.3%. Devon Energys payout ratio is currently 8.77%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director John E. Bethancourt bought 3,765 shares of Devon Energy stock in a transaction on Friday, February 17th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $53.06 per share, for a total transaction of $199,770.90. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 94,669 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,023,137.14. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, EVP Dennis C. Cameron sold 7,179 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.77, for a total value of $393,193.83. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 262,498 shares in the company, valued at $14,377,015.46. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director John E. Bethancourt bought 3,765 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 17th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $53.06 per share, for a total transaction of $199,770.90. Following the transaction, the director now owns 94,669 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,023,137.14. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.80% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Devon Energy from $70.00 to $59.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday, February 17th. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $82.00 to $67.00 in a research note on Friday, March 17th. Raymond James dropped their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $80.00 to $67.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, February 22nd. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $89.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, March 7th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Devon Energy in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating for the company. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Devon Energy currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $71.95.

About Devon Energy

(Get Rating)

Devon Energy Corp. engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas properties. It develops and operates Delaware Basin, Eagle Ford, Heavy Oil, Barnett Shale, STACK, and Rockies Oil. The company was founded by J. Larry Nichols and John W. Nichols in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK.

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The Kansas Legislature voted Thursday to block the University of Kansas and other public colleges from spending any funds to require students, employees and job applicants to affirm support for diversity, equity and inclusion on campus.

Republican lawmakers tucked the ban into a budget bill that authorizes nearly $17 billion in spending over the next fiscal year. The move to restrict DEI statements, sometimes called oaths by conservative critics, comes as lawmakers in neighboring Missouri and other states also target DEI initiatives, attacking them as woke or left-wing ideology.

I dont agree with anyone having to subscribe to a particular ideology or line of thought, especially in higher education, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, told The Star.

The Senate approved the budget 24-12, followed by the House in a 79-44 vote. The next budget year will begin July 1.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has the power to line-item veto the DEI provision. Her office didnt immediately comment.

The budget provision prohibits universities from requiring anyone from endorsing or opposing DEI, or from requiring statements about someones commitment to DEI. During a Senate budget hearing in March, state Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Salina Republican, read from a University of Kansas job posting asking applicants to describe their experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds and how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion.

But the provision also includes carve-outs that limit its sweep. It allows the universities to ask about commitments to DEI if expertise in it is necessary in the persons field. It also says the prohibitions shall not limit academic freedom related to teaching, researching or writing.

The provision also permits compliance with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Each university would be required to provide a report about compliance to the Legislature and the Kansas Attorney Generals Office.

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Kansas Board of Regents chair Jon Rolph in a statement called the board a leader in upholding freedom of expression, citing a 2021 resolution affirming a commitment to the free speech rights of students. At the same time, Rolph said, the regents value diversity and are committed to the success of all members of our diverse campus communities.

Those two commitments are not in conflict with each other, Rolph said. We must respect and protect freedom of expression while also working to ensure that every student in our system can achieve success.

The regents institutions are more racially diverse than Kansas as a whole. In 2022, about 62% of students were white, compared to 74% of the state population, according to statistics from the Kansas Board of Regents.

Hispanic students account for nearly 12% of those enrolled and make up about 13% of the state population. About 6% of students are Black, in line with the state population of 6%. All other races and ethnicities account for 13.5% of enrollment. The race or ethnicity of about 6% of students are unknown.

Critics of the DEI budget measure called it unnecessary intrusion into university operations. The Kansas Board of Regents is already responsible for governing public higher education, including Kansas State University and Wichita State University.

Theres a reason we have the Board of Regents. Theres a reason they govern our universities, said state Rep. Brandon Woodard, a Lenexa Democrat.

They should be the ones that if they feel that its necessary to talk about setting standards for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training to do it, not the politicians in this room.

State Rep. Barbara Ballard, a Lawrence Democrat who is the senior associate director of KUs Dole Institute of Politics, said shes opposed to the provision. We all need to kind of stay in our own lane, she said.

In Missouri, after state lawmakers proposed legislation that would ban public colleges from asking job candidates questions about diversity and race, the University of Missouri System preemptively scrapped the use of diversity statements in its hiring practices. Instead of using diversity, equity and inclusion statements, university leaders will now send a values commitment to job applicants.

The full consequences of the Kansas language werent immediately clear, given the exemptions within the provision. The University of Kansas gave few details when asked if it had taken a position on the provision or had concerns with it.

We continue to engage with the Kansas Board of Regents, our colleagues at the other Regents institutions, and state legislators to determine how the proposed legislation could impact our university, KU spokesperson Erinn Barcomb-Peterson said in an email.

The budget bill includes $6 million to develop a foster care therapeutic program, nearly $7 million for a new Kansas Highway Patrol helicopter and provides $2 million to establish a program to encourage women with unplanned pregnancies to give birth rather than having an abortion.

But the legislation doesnt include a 5% pay raise for state employees proposed by Kelly, valued at $170 million. It also doesnt include funds that Kansas would receive from Medicaid expansion, which Kelly has also included in previous budget proposals. Republican lawmakers have refused to authorize expansion.

The legislation wont be the last budget measure approved by the Legislature this year, however. In a few weeks, lawmakers will debate a final budget.

The Stars Jenna Barackman and Kacen Bayless contributed reporting
The fallout from the leak of what appears to be classified US military documents on the war in Ukraine took a bizarre turn on April 7 as evidence surfaced that versions of the documents had been posted over a month ago to a video game-focused chatroom on social media.
Users don't have to get rid of their FreeStyle Libre products, the FDA says, but should charge them only with the provided equipment.
We can readily understand why investors are attracted to unprofitable companies. 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. But the harsh reality is that very many loss making companies burn through all their cash and go bankrupt.

So, the natural question for POET Technologies (CVE:PTK) shareholders is whether they should be concerned by its rate of cash burn. In this article, we define cash burn as its annual (negative) free cash flow, which is the amount of money a company spends each year to fund its growth. The first step is to compare its cash burn with its cash reserves, to give us its 'cash runway'.

See our latest analysis for POET Technologies

When Might POET Technologies Run Out Of Money?

A company's cash runway is calculated by dividing its cash hoard by its cash burn. As at December 2022, POET Technologies had cash of US$9.2m and such minimal debt that we can ignore it for the purposes of this analysis. Looking at the last year, the company burnt through US$15m. That means it had a cash runway of around 7 months as of December 2022. To be frank, this kind of short runway puts us on edge, as it indicates the company must reduce its cash burn significantly, or else raise cash imminently. You can see how its cash balance has changed over time in the image below.

How Is POET Technologies' Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

In our view, POET Technologies doesn't yet produce significant amounts of operating revenue, since it reported just US$553k in the last twelve months. Therefore, for the purposes of this analysis we'll focus on how the cash burn is tracking. With the cash burn rate up 27% in the last year, it seems that the company is ratcheting up investment in the business over time. However, the company's true cash runway will therefore be shorter than suggested above, if spending continues to increase. While the past is always worth studying, it is the future that matters most of all. For that reason, it makes a lot of sense to take a look at our analyst forecasts for the company.

Story continues

How Hard Would It Be For POET Technologies To Raise More Cash For Growth?

Since its cash burn is moving in the wrong direction, POET Technologies shareholders may wish to think ahead to when the company may need to raise more cash. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash and drive 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).

Since it has a market capitalisation of US$144m, POET Technologies' US$15m in cash burn equates to about 11% of its market value. As a result, we'd venture that the company could raise more cash for growth without much trouble, albeit at the cost of some dilution.

So, Should We Worry About POET Technologies' Cash Burn?

On this analysis of POET Technologies' cash burn, we think its cash burn relative to its market cap was reassuring, while its cash runway has us a bit worried. Summing up, we think the POET Technologies' cash burn is a risk, based on the factors we mentioned in this article. Separately, we looked at different risks affecting the company and spotted 6 warning signs for POET Technologies (of which 3 are potentially serious!) you should know about.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies insiders are buying, 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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Last week, human rights organizations in El Salvador issued a joint report that includes over 4,500 human rights complaints against the security forces during the ongoing state of exception launched 10 months ago by the government of President Nayib Bukele, ostensibly in a war against gangs.

The complaints are mostly of arbitrary detentions, as Bukele openly boasts of having detained almost 63,000 terrorists, or 1 percent of the population, without a fair trial. The report also cites harassment, threats and battery. One of the organizations, Cristosal, has recorded at least 102 deaths of inmates during the regime of exception.

The Salvadoran ombudsman, moreover, has gathered evidence of hundreds of cases of torture, while Human Rights Watch accessed an official database of 1,082 children detained, as of August 2022.

Military police patrol the Tutunichapa market in San Salvador, February 12 [Photo: @FUERZARMADASV]

The state of exception authorizes troops and police to make warrantless searches and arrests, including of minors as young as 12. It also allows mass trials and trials in absentia, includes 45-year prison sentences for suspected gang members and suspends democratic freedoms, including freedom of speech and the press. As the country approaches a total of 100,000 inmates, Bukele inaugurated this month the largest prison in the world with a capacity of 40,000.

In a country smaller in size than the US state of New Jersey, the massive scale of the roundups is comparable to those carried out by the military dictatorships in Central and South America during the 1970s and 1980s.

Moreover, these policies have been accompanied by an avalanche of fascistic propaganda by officials and most of the media glorifying the security forces and portraying impoverished youth as rats and terrorists.

In this context, polls show that the state of exception is supported by almost eight in every 10 Salvadorans, with similar numbers feeling safer, and the measures have reportedly reduced the number of homicides and other crimes. Recent investigative reports have found that the largest gangs, Barrio 18 and MS13, have been dismantled as functioning organizations in the communities surveyed.

The popular support for these policies is partly explained by the fact that workers and small shop owners in El Salvador have faced decades of daily terror and killings by gangs, which have connived with state authorities to profit from taxes, drug trafficking, and robberies.

At the same time, only one or two generations ago, a series of brutal military dictatorships backed, armed and trained by the United States, and a subsequent civilian-led regime plagued by death squads, massacred tens of thousands of left-wing youth, workers and peasants. The lack of mass opposition from below against what is clearly the establishment of another dictatorship can only be explained by the political bankruptcy of the organizations that claim to be left.

When elected to power, the official left composed of the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) quickly abandoned its reform promises to oversee IMF austerity measures, while maintaining El Salvador as a cheap labor platform for transnational corporations. Ultimately, the ex-guerrilla FMLN dropped any opposition to US imperialism, whose brutal domination over the course of a century engendered the economic conditions that have proven to be so fertile for gangs and criminal activity.

While Bukele was expelled from the FMLN, and has since exploited the widespread hatred for all the political forces involved in the civil war (1980-1992), and heading the governments since to refashion himself as an anti-establishment figure, he offers no real alternative. This is demonstrated by three facts.

First, his key campaign promise of ending impunity for the crimes committed during the civil war, like the Mozote massacre by the military, has largely been abandoned.

Second, several media reports have found that part of the leadership of the gangs has remained unscathed and moved temporarily to rural areas and neighboring countries. Amid worsening poverty under the boot of a police state, and countless youth unrelated to the gangs now locked away with actual gang members and far from their studies and work, conditions could again be ripe for a violent resurgence of the same gang structures.

Third, and most importantly, as demonstrated by his let it rip policies during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Bukele has little concern for the actual safety and lives of the Salvadoran people. The regime of exception responds to the pressing demands by the American ruling elite to establish a safe corridor to connect the North American supply chains with the cheap labor and natural resources in Central and the South America.

But this safety doesnt refer to protecting workers and their families, but rather protects the foreign capital investments, factories, products and profits from the workers, even if initially this takes the form of crushing the extortion-seeking gangs.

These corridors are urgently needed by US imperialism as it tries to near-shore production and consolidate a North American economic platform to compete against its rivals, including China, Russia and the major European powers.

Any challenge from below that may disrupt these plans will be met by deadly repression. There are indications that the Bukele regime is already using the state of exception to crack down on social opposition. The Development Association of the rural community Santa Marta on Monday denounced the arbitrary detention for over a month of five of its leaders under the regime of exception. Those arrested had led protests against mining corporations.

The official poverty rate has jumped to one-third of the population, while 21.4 percent of Salvadorans would like to emigrate, according to a recent IUDOP poll. Such desperate economic conditions will eventually lead to an eruption of the class struggle.

The influential US think-tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) published last December a report titled Advancing U.S. Nearshoring Priorities in Central America with Special Economic Zones. The report indicates that providing investors inviting macroeconomic environments is the first challenge for these nearshoring plans.

Investors and governments must therefore seek out geographically defined areas, where rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and regulatory stability and predictability characterize the landscape, the report indicates. Moreover, it proposes a network of US-dominated special economic zones (SEZ) with tax and regulatory incentives where management can rule unimpeded.

The CSIS report focuses in on El Salvador, where Washington has successfully pressured the government to halt plans for a Chinese-dominated special economic zone. The report says this project is troubling because it would mainly benefit China-based investors while sidelining many U.S. and European companies.

With geopolitical considerations front and center, supply chains and the global investment landscape are likely to become less global and more regional, the report concludes.

While the report describes China as a nondemocratic competitor, the corporate incentives and suppression of the class struggle that the CSIS proposes are incompatible with democratic forms of rule. At the same time, this competition will inevitably drag Central America into the maelstrom of a third world war.

Any hypocritical criticism by the Biden administration against Bukele is part of its pressure campaign to pull the country away from China. But even as Bukele attempts to balance ties with US imperialism and China, Washington has become more openly supportive of Bukeles state of exception.

Human Rights Watch analyst Juan Pappier noted to CNN that, while there was initial criticism of Bukeles measures by the White House, more recently we have observed ambiguous positions. This was confirmed by the response of Bidens State Department to CNN.

El Salvador and the United States have a personal interest in making sure these violent criminals remain off the streets, a spokesperson said, while unconvincingly claiming grave concerns about human rights violations, arbitrary detentions and deaths.

Just as in El Salvador, ruling elites across Latin America are prepared to subordinate every social policy to creating inviting macroeconomic environments to compete for foreign capital, especially as the crisis of global capitalism worsens.

Governments identified as part of the misnamed Pink Tide and openly right-wing regimes alike are emulating Bukeles repression and implementing their own militarization strategies.

On November 24, only hours after Bukele launched a new phase of his war, the supposedly left President Xiomara Castro in neighboring Honduras announced an ongoing national state of emergency and military deployment to suspend constitutional rights where needed. These are the same security forces that have repeatedly killed protesters and local leaders like Berta Caceres who opposed the regime installed by the US-backed 2009 coup.

Throughout 2022, the right-wing administration of Guillermo Lasso in Ecuador declared four states of exception in different regions, including one against a national strike in June.

Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has enshrined into the Constitution the permanent presence of the military on the streets and created a new National Guard that has already been deployed against migrant workers and strikers.

Colombias pseudo-left President Gustavo Petro announced last week a US$1.1 billion purchase of military equipment. Colombias forces will be better prepared, more modern, interoperable and adapted to the new realities in the national and regional context, his defense minister boasted. These are the same security forces that killed thousands of civilians in the 2000s and used live ammunition against mass demonstrations in 2021. In December 2022, Petro renewed troop deployments to Putumayo, where only a few months earlier the military massacred 11 civilians and tried to cover it up by moving the bodies.

Chiles pseudo-left President Gabriel Boric has kept the military deployed under a state of exception to repress the indigenous population in the south, while Brazil's Workers Party President Lula da Silva has promised massive investments in the military and protected leading military officials who were behind the January 8 fascist coup attempt.

Finally, the US-backed coup regime of Dina Boluarte in Peru has employed a state of emergency, the military and live ammunition to crush mass demonstrations ultimately driven by opposition to the policies subordinated to the mining transnationals and Wall Street.
Leaked figures from the Victorian Health Department, published last week in Melbournes Age newspaper and the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) reveal that more than 3,200 people are suspected to have contracted COVID-19 in hospitals in Victoria between January 1 and October 26 last year. Of these patients, at least 344or more than 10 percentdied.

These figures from Australias second most populous state are an indication of what is without doubt occurring in hospitals across the country as COVID wards are disbanded and mask mandates in clinical settings scrapped.

Staff prepare to collect samples at a drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. [AP Photo/Mark Baker]

According to the Age and SMH reports, Monash Health, the largest metropolitan health service in Victoria, as well as Austin Health have closed their COVID wards and now isolate patients in single rooms or with other infected patients.

Healthscope, which operates a number of private hospitals across Australia, confirmed that it has removed its mask mandate for staff and visitors, unless deemed necessary due to clinical indication.

A healthcare worker at Box Hill Hospital, in Melbournes eastern suburbs told the media that COVID-positive patients are no longer segregated from other patients in designated wards but are placed in private rooms on the general ward. Previously if you were on the COVID ward you knew you were on the COVID ward and you would wear PPE all the time. Now theres a little bit of COVID floating through the ward, the worker said.

The removal of public health measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 is the result of the deliberate policy of Labor and Liberal-National governmentsfederal, state and territoryto sacrifice the health and lives of the population for corporate profits.

This policy has only been intensified under the Albanese federal Labor government, which dismantled virtually all public health mitigations against the pandemic, including mask and vaccine mandates and isolation requirements, and has overseen the closure of mass COVID testing facilities.

Official statistics show more than 11,000 COVID-19 fatalities in the ten months since Labor took office last May 21, compared to fewer than 8,500 deaths in over two years, under the former Liberal-National Coalition government.

Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses federal government, along with state and territory governments, also ended daily reporting of COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths in September last year and moved to a stripped-back weekly reporting.

Official figures on infections are all but meaningless as governments at all levels have largely shut down the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing system and wound back access to the less reliable rapid antigen tests (RATs), the results of which are no longer mandatory to report.

Nonetheless, even with the limited figures available, the number of COVID infections are growing, particularly in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Cases increased last week for the seventh week in a row, with every state and territory reporting more infections than the previous week. The death toll continues to grow, with 98 COVID-19 deaths recorded across the country in the week to Friday, 31 March.

Hospitalisations are also increasing. The number of people in Victoria hospitalised with COVID grew last week by almost 60 percent to 183 patients. There are currently some 1,561 COVID-19 patients hospitalised across Australia and 32 in Intensive Care.

Under these conditions, mask mandates continue to be removed in clinical areas of hospitals and other healthcare settings. Even when masks are provided to staff and visitors, they are typically surgical masks, which are not adequate for preventing airborne transmission of COVID-19.

Responding to the SMH article, one NSW health worker wrote: The COVID ward in my local hospital has also been disbanded, with COVID patients treated in general wards. Visitors asked to wear a surgical mask but not enforced seems we rely on the goodwill of people nowadays. As a health worker its frustrating watching people walk the corridors maskless knowing we have vulnerable patients in hospital.

Another person wrote: I am one of these people who caught COVID in the RMH [Royal Melbourne Hospital]. I waited in ED over 5 hours with a ruptured appendix. There were few seats and the only ones available were next to the seats that were assigned to suspected COVID patients. These seats were just marked with red tape After discharge, I was very unwell and ended up with pleurisy and was admitted to a private hospital. I was one of the lucky ones I am over 50, a carer, an employee, mother and daughterI do not consider myself old and believe I still have loads to contribute to my community.

The continued spread of COVID-19 has exacerbated the catastrophic conditions in public healthcare, contributing to overwhelmed emergency departments and chronic staffing shortages. These conditions are the product of decades of funding cuts to public healthcare under both Labor and Liberal-National governments.

Despite the mounting crisis, the federal Labor governments October budget cut pandemic funding and payments to the states and territories for public hospitals are expected to decrease by more than $755 million this financial year and $2.4 billion over four years. Whilst demanding sacrifices from workers and real-wage cuts, the Labor government is allocating hundreds of billions of dollars for military weaponry to prepare for involvement in a US-led war against China.

Last Saturday, the Labor government officially ended COVID-19 pandemic leave payments for workers in high-risk settings, including disability care, Aboriginal healthcare and hospital care sectors, who were eligible for a lump sum payment of up to $750. This will now only be available to aged care workers.

The implementation of let it rip COVID policies and the deepening assault on healthcare would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of the trade unions. They have overseen workers being forced back into unsafe workplaces and enforced the let it rip policies of governments, at the cost of workers health and lives, just as they have implemented deepening wage cuts and attacks on workers conditions for decades.

None of the health unions opposed the ending of basic public health measures to stop the spread of COVID. In fact, they promoted the slashing of these measures. Their position was expressed sharply by the NSW Health Services Union state secretary, Gerard Hayes, who called for the ending of the COVID-19 isolation requirements, voicing his concern in the media about their impact on the economyi.e., big business profits.

Over the past year there have been strikes and protests by nurses, aged care workers, paramedics and orderlies, over the issue of wages as well as intolerable and unsafe working conditions. In NSW alone, some 50,000 public sector nurses and midwives went on strike five times last year. Last November, 18,000 public sector nurses in Western Australian walked out for 24 hours, defying a ban ordered by the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC), the state Labor government of Mark McGowan and the efforts of the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) to impose a sell-out.

In their fight for decent wages and safe working conditions, workers confront the trade unions, which have isolated strikes, blocking health workers from taking unified action and linking up their struggles with those of other sections of workers, including teachers and rail workers who have also taken industrial action over the past year.

This is why workers must form their own independent rank-and-file committee, democratically controlled by workers themselves, not union bureaucrats, to discuss and develop demands, share information and broaden their industrial and political action.

The Health Workers Rank-and-File Committee (HWRFC), established as an initiative of the Socialist Equality Party, is fighting for the development of rank-and-file committees among health workers.

SEP supporters campaigning last year outside the Royal Melbourne Hospital for a combined meeting of rank-and-file health workers and educators to oppose the Labor government's let it rippolicies. [Photo: WSWS]

In November last year, the HWRFC and the Committee for Public Education (CFPE), a rank-and-file committee of educators, held a public meeting to oppose the ending the ending of COVID protection measures and unite educators and health workers against this offensive.

In February, an important step forward was taken when a group of pathology workers in Victoria formed a rank-and-file committee and developed safety demands, when, following the closure of mass COVID testing facilities in Victoria, they were forced to undertake COVID-19 testing without training, mask mandates for patients or separate waiting areas for potentially COVID-positive patients. Their demands include dedicated collection sites for COVID-19 tests, mandatory masks for patients in clinics and the provision of N95s, adequate ventilation and increased sick leave and paid isolation for staff who test positive, as well as those with Long COVID.

To fight for their interests, health workers and other sections of workers must likewise develop rank-and-file committees, to unite with workers across the country and internationally, in a broader struggle against the destruction of healthcare.

Because of the lack of information about the COVID-19 protocols in health services across the country, the HWRFC has initiated a COVID-19 safety survey for health workers, the results of which will be published on social media and on the WSWS. We urge all health workers to complete this questionnaire and share your experiences.
One of the most highly anticipated exhibitions in years opened February 10 at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Vermeer is widely and quite rightly regarded as a once in a lifetime occasion to see the work of the widely revered 17th-century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675). This is the first time that the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, founded in 1885, has hosted an exhibition exclusively dedicated to Vermeers paintings.

Visitors to the exhibition [Photo: WSWS]

The exhibition has evoked immense interest and enthusiasm both in the Netherlands and well beyond its borders. After tickets were put on sale, more than 200,000 were sold by the Rijksmuseum in less than 48 hours, and by mid-March no more were available. The museums website explains, The Vermeer exhibition is definitively sold out. It is not possible to buy tickets via e-mail or by phone.

This came as a genuine disappointment to large numbers of people unable to attend in person. The museum attempted to compensate for this to some degree by organizing Instagram livestreams led by the curator, watched by tens of thousands simultaneously in every part of the globe.

The exhibition is scheduled to run until June 4. However, one of Vermeers greatest masterpieces, Girl with a Pearl Earring (1665), was only on display until the end of March.

Concurrent to the Rijksmuseum exhibition, Vermeers native city of Delft is hosting an event, Vermeers Delft, featuring an extensive collection of historical documents, including the artists marriage certificate, maps and household objects.

Taco Dibbits, the general director of the Rijksmuseum, has acknowledged that he had long had this dream of having all the pictures together, but that we thought it was never possible.

The present show includes four paintings from the Rijksmuseums collection, three others from the Maurithuis (a famed art museum in The Hague) and 21 other paintings loaned from private collections and institutions in six different countries. Out of a total of only 37 paintings that art historians generally attribute to Vermeer, 28 are now on display under one roof. Four of the works, in fact, are being displayed in the Netherlands for the first time in 200 years.

Vermeers life

The exhibition and the catalogue document the extensive research conducted by a team of international Vermeer experts, who have closely collaborated with the Rijksmuseum leading up to the event. The catalogue asserts that this has resulted in new insights about his [Vermeers] social position, his household, his faith, his technique and the influence of his environment on his art. By connecting the latest knowledge about his personal life and his work, we now come closer to Vermeer than ever before.

The Vermeer exhibition catalogue [Photo: WSWS]

No doubt the latest research has brought Vermeers 43 years closer to us. However, in comparison with our knowledge about other Dutch masters of his time, we still know relatively little about the facts of Vermeers life.

When the painter died in poverty in December 1675, he did not leave behind any notes, diaries or letters, no records about his teachers or his pupils and not a single self-portrait that can be identified with absolute certainty as his own. Furthermore, only 24 of his paintings were signed and only five dated. Some 350 years later, art historians still cannot determine for certain the number of paintings he produced. The unanswered questions and disputed facts have led time and again to the conclusion that Johannes Vermeer is a mystery.

Nonetheless, the general social, economic and cultural rise and decline that distinguished 17th-century Holland, and strongly influenced and shaped Vermeers life and work, are far from being a mystery. In sum, Vermeers life and fate were deeply entwined with the outcome of the Dutch revolt against Spain, the emergence of the Dutch Gouden Eeuw (Golden Ageapproximately 1588 to 1672) and the eventual occupation of the Netherlands by France and Britain.

Vermeers exact date of birth, sometime in late October 1632 in Delft, is unknown. He was the second of two children. His family, in contemporary terms, might be defined as lower middle class. His mother, Digna Baltens, could neither read nor write, and her family moved from Antwerp, todays Belgium, to northern Netherlands to escape the war with Spain.

Vermeers father, Reijnier Janszoon, had been primarily employed as a weaver in the textile industry. As of 1631 he became a master art dealer and ran an inn in Delft, which at the time was the third-largest Dutch city. The catalogue notes, Thanks to his fathers business, Vermeer must have become familiar with paintings and leading painters at an early age. Pubs and taverns were important meeting places in the cities of the Dutch Republic in the seventeenth century, social hubs where many people gathered and where paintings were often displayed and sold in the taproom.

Aside from gaining familiarity with exceptional art works during his formative years, Vermeer also had contact with a handful of other prominent contemporary artiststhose who lived in Delft or frequently visited the city. That group includes two prominent painters, Leonaert Bramer and Gerard ter Borch. From 1650 onward, Jan Steen, Pieter de Hooch, Cornelis de Man and one of Rembrandts pupils, Carel Fabritius, all settled in Delft.

The catalogue further observes that although Delft no longer enjoyed the cultural and artistic elan of the previous decades, this mobility and interaction of artists fueled a flourishing art production in the city and encouraged artistic innovations, both in the field of townscapes and contemporary interior painting, two genres in which Vermeer would also distinguish himself in the following years.

Map of Delft, Netherlands in 1649

The most prosperous period in the history of the Dutch republic came to an end in 1672, following simultaneous invasions by France and Britain. The war and destruction reduced the Dutch economy to shambles. Vermeer, like other Dutch masters of his time, could no longer sell his work, as the art market had collapsed.

Earlier, the death of Vermeers father in 1652 had been a financial blow. The older man left behind a debt of 250 guildersequivalent to six months pay for a carpenter at the timeand Vermeer and his wife Catharina Bolenes, whom he married a few months after his fathers death, were liable for the debt. As a consequence in part of his protracted financial distress, Vermeer witnessed the death of four of his children.

Vermeer died December 15, 1675. Some 18 months later, his final days were summed up by his 44-year-old wife, Catharina, in the form of a petition. As a single mother with 10 children to raise and feed, she filed a petition with the authorities requesting a waiver of her debts. We learn from the catalog that due to the ruinous wartime conditions, Vermeer had not only been unable to sell his own art, but also to his great sorrow had been stuck with the paintings of other masters in which he dealt. Because of this, the catalogues authors continue, and the very onerous burden of childcare, while he had no assets of his own, he had lapsed into such degradation and decline, which had affected him so deeply, that he, as though stuck by total confusion, had gone from healthy to dead in a matter of a day and a half.

Following his death, Delft baker Hendrick van Buijten, who already possessed a painting by Vermeer, claimed two more to settle outstanding bills for bread.

The Dutch Republic

From the early years of the 17th century, the Netherlands, a country situated partly below sea level in northern Europe, experienced progress in the fields of science, technology, literature, culture and art at lightning speed. This found especially sharp expression in printing and painting. The Dutch Republic became known as the bookshop of the world, and its population was the most literate anywhere.

A powerful position in world trade and finance through a large shipping fleet, the slave trade and extensive colonial plunder created the foundations for the Dutch Republics hitherto unknown wealth and global status. Expensive and luxury goods from all over the world, such as gems and silks, sugar and fruit, porcelains and spices, tobaccos and wine, poured into Dutch ports to adorn, delight and enrich the newly emerging elite.

An estimated 300 million works, including pamphlets and documents, were printed in the Netherlands during the Golden Age, a figure far exceeding the total printed in all other European countries combined. Meanwhile, some 5 million art works were commissioned and executed. This is an extraordinary cultural achievement considering that Hollands population by the middle of the 17th century was only 2 million or so. Definitive social and political conditions contributed to this remarkable burst of artistic and intellectual production.

Girl with a Pearl Earring (1665) [Photo: WSWS]

The Dutch Republic emerged out of the popular revolt in the Seventeen Provinces, roughly coinciding with contemporary Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, in the late 16th century against Spanish Habsburg rule. The revolt helped break the chains of feudalism and paved the way for the development of a new society rooted in capitalist property relations.

The German writer Goethe, in his famed Egmont (1788), a drama about the decades-long Dutch revolt against Spanish oppression, had his title character utter these lines in regard to the struggle with despotism:

Forward! Brave people! The goddess of liberty leads you on! And as the sea breaks through and destroys the barriers that would oppose its fury, so do ye overwhelm the bulwark of tyranny, and with your impetuous flood sweep it away from the land which it usurps.

In 1848, Karl Marx pointed to the significance of the Dutch revolt, arguing that the model for the French Revolution of 1789 was the English Revolution of 1648 and the model for the revolution of 1648 was the revolt of the Netherlands against Spain.

In 1579 the northern Dutch provinces came together under the leadership of wealthy nobleman William of Orange to end Spanish Habsburg rule and establish the United Provinces of the Netherlands. The protracted conflict for independenceknown as the Eighty Years Warbetween the Spanish armies and the Dutch independence forces came to an official end in 1648 with the Peace of Munster, which recognised the independent Dutch Republic as a sovereign state.

The WSWS has previously commented that the rupture with Spanish rule and accompanying economic and social processes encouraged the Dutch artists to turn their attentions to everyday life in a manner that was unprecedented in the history of art. Their subject matter no longer included gods, mythology or the lives of kings and queens. The decision to devote intense artistic effort to depicting bakers, notaries, shipbuilders and prostitutes, the interiors of small shops, the family circumstances of a knife-grinder or the courtyard of a modest home in Delft had something heroic about it. This new middle class culture had a revolutionary aspect.

Unlike the situation in Italy, France, Germany and other major European countries at the time, where the artists were dependent on commissions from the church, state or aristocratic patrons, Dutch painters in the 1600s were free to work for an independent art market. The great Enlightenment philosopher Baruch Spinoza, born in Amsterdam and whose life span (1632-1677) coincided almost identically with Vermeers, argued in 1670 that in a free state every man may think what he likes, and say what he thinks. This same principle, whether or not it could be realized at the time, undoubtedly emboldened the Dutch artists of the Golden Age.

Vermeers work

Vermeer, along with Rembrandt and Frans Hals, is one of the most remarkable of the great Dutch painters, creating intimate, meaningful and timeless work. Each picture in the current exhibition deserves detailed comment. It is impossible to go through the 28 works on display. We will limit ourselves to one of Vermeers best-known and best-loved works, and a highlight of the exhibition, The Milkmaid (sometimes known as The Kitchen Maid).

The Milkmaid (c. 1658)

The title of this painting may be misleading because the woman in the painting is actually a housemaid pouring milk. Vermeer was in his mid-20s when he painted this work. Commentators note that in contrast to his earliest known historical paintings, the young Vermeer had made significant progress by this time in composition, perspective, lighting and, above all, subject matter.

The painter is frequently referred to as the Master of Light and indeed he mastered both the science and the art of lighting. The manner in which he demonstrates command and skill in terms of his understanding of the nuances of light, in the form of gradients of luminosity, contrast and colour, not only in his Milkmaid but also in his later works, is simply outstanding.

In The Milkmaid, as in Vermeers other interior domestic paintings, the soft and diffused key light falls on the left side of the composition from the viewers perspective. The type of delicate, dispersed light he depicts is only possible if the subject is close to the light source and the light source is larger than the subject itself. Since Vermeers rays of light passing through the semi-opaque or translucent glass are diffused, they illuminate the composition from multiple angles instead of from a single one. If the viewer takes a closer look at the window, he or she discovers that Vermeer incudes a broken pane of glass, presumably to demonstrate how the light would have influenced the composition if it were not diffused.

The daylight, from a sole source, the sun, spreads fluidly on the kitchen wall, its plastered nooks and crannies, its cracks, nails and nail-holes. Against this backdrop, the female figure stands pouring milk into an earthenware bowl with singular concentration. If one stands close to The Milkmaid at the Rijksmuseum, the scene seems intensely and physically present, as though it were unfolding cinematically in front of ones eyes.

The Geographer (1669)

In his work, Vermeer did not use contrast in the narrower sense of the word, that is, the mere difference between light and dark, but rather in a broader fashion, using colour, texture and the placement of objects.

Along those lines, a further fascinating aspect of Vermeers composition involves his palette, or range of colour. The pigments he used came from the four corners of the globein keeping with the new epoch of international economic life. The ultramarine blue in particular, which can be found in nearly all the painters work, came from what is today Afghanistan. In the 17th century, this pigment was more valuable than gold. The subject in The Milkmaid is not an aristocrat, but a domestic servant going about her daily chores, represented with an expensive pigment that the painter was resolved to find, invest in and make use of.

Inspired by the Dutch masters, the German philosopher Hegel once observed that in their paintings we can study and get to know men and human nature. On June 4, by the time the Vermeer exhibition ends, more than half a million people will have seen this one artists work in person at the Rijksmuseum. In an official climate dominated by reaction, social barbarism, national chauvinism, austerity and war, great numbers of people are putting themselves in position to know and study men and human nature through the great painters efforts.

In itself, this is a remarkable social and cultural fact, which points toward the objective unity of the worlds population and the logic of global economic and cultural life, incompatible with the reactionary, increasingly unbearable fetters of capitalism.
In March, the administration of Howard University in Washington D.C. rejected without explanation an International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) request to hold a public antiwar meeting on its campus.

The decision is an act of censorship directed not only against the IYSSE but the democratic rights of all students and workers at Howard University. It sets a chilling precedent for freedom of speech at the university and beyond. We call on all students, faculty and staff members at Howard University to oppose this censorship and demand that the IYSSE be allowed to hold its planned meeting on campus!

The planned meeting is part of an international meeting series, The War in Ukraine and How to Stop it. The IYSSE has already held successful meetings in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Sri Lanka, the UK and Canada. The meetings focus on providing a historical background to the war and explaining the socialist perspective on how to fight it.

Howard University initially gave the IYSSE a tentative approval to host a meeting as part of this series on campus in an email dated March 14. Just one week later, on March 21, an official from Howard Universitys office of central scheduling rejected the event. Unfortunately, the officials email states, after reviewing this event with the appropriate personnel, we are unable to host this proposed event. Please know that this decision is not a reflection on yourself, your program, or your organization. Please let me know if there are any questions.

The IYSSE responded to this email by asking for the specific reasons for the rejection. The university has failed to provide an answer.

There are two fundamental questions that all students should ask:

First: Why are students and workers at Howard University deprived of the opportunity to hear about the historical background to the war in Ukraine and the socialist opposition to it?

It has been over a year since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Already, it is the bloodiest war in Europe since the end of World War II, with hundreds of thousands of casualties.

The dangers of this war cannot be overstated. It has the worlds most heavily armed nuclear powers on a collision course that threatens a planet-wide conflagration. This is not hyperbole. Without any democratic mandate or discussion, the US and NATO have armed the Ukrainian government to the teeth. In the past year, NATO has given more than $100 billion in weapons and war planning to the Ukrainian military. This includes budget-busting spending on the USs own military. The US and NATO are at war with Russia, in all but name.

The IYSSE, the student and youth organization of the International Committee of the Fourth International, opposes the Putin governments war in Ukraine. The IYSSE in the US works in solidarity with the Young Guard of Bolshevik Leninists in the former Soviet Union, who are fighting to mobilize workers and youth against this war, and oppose both the Putin government and the Zelensky government from a socialist standpoint.

But our opposition to the Putin regime and its invasion of Ukraine comes from the socialist left, not the imperialist right. The fact is that the war in Ukraine was instigated by Washington and NATO. The official narrative given by the Biden administration about this war, that the Putin government is engaged in unprovoked aggression against its neighbor, is a self-serving lie. The US has not only invaded multiple countries and been at a constant state of war over the past 30 years. It has also systematically encircled Russia through the expansion of NATO and has been arming the Ukrainian regime for war since it coordinated the toppling of the pro-Russian Yanukovich government in the Maidan coup of 2014.

Washingtons real aim in this war is to assert US imperialisms domination over the vast resources of Russia and the former Soviet Union as part of a new imperialist redivision of the world. This insane operation has been intensified by the crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the growth of class struggle internationally.

The IYSSE insists that students and workers have a basic democratic right to learn about this war, which has the greatest implications for their own lives and future. It is on Howard Universitys administration to explain why they refused to allow for a political discussion of these fundamental questions on their campus.

Second: Who were the appropriate personnel that rejected the IYSSE request to hold an antiwar meeting?

Howard University, a historically black college (HBCU), was founded after the American Civil War with the democratic goal to improve the education and advancement of disadvantaged persons in American society and throughout the world. Yet in its decision to reject, without any explanation, the IYSSEs request to hold an antiwar meeting on campus, Howard University repudiates the most elementary democratic rights of its students.

Students have a right to know who made this decision.

Was the university board of trustees involved? The boards leadership includes venture capitalists, along with representatives of Citigroup, ExxonMobil, and other corporations. Democratic Party congressional aides, media analysts and the cabinet officials of former Democratic presidents also sit on the board. In other words, Howard Universitys Board of Trustees represents the key shareholders of this war and the capitalist system as a whole: finance capital, big business, the media and the Democratic Party political establishment. These are the same forces that have helped instigate this war and have every interest in its continuation.

Students should also ask whether the universitys direct ties to the Pentagon played any role in this decision. In January, Howard University announced that it was forming a $90 million partnership with the US military to become the nations first HBCU-based University Affiliated Research Center. Announced to great fanfare, the director of Howards Data Science and Cybersecurity Center told The Dig that this initiative would provide operational advantages to our war fighters.

The Pentagon has already delivered tens of billions worth of weapons, including tanks and sophisticated weapons systems, to the Ukrainian army. It is, hence, an interested party in this war.

Oppose political censorship at Howard University! Build the IYSSE!

The act of censorship by Howard University comes amid a dangerous escalation of the war against both Russia and China, and growing effort to suppress discussion of revolutionary socialism as the genuine opposition to both capitalism and imperialist war. In Canada, Australia and New Zealand, IYSSE meetings have been threatened with censorship and its participants subjected to right wing threats by far-right Ukrainian nationalist and pro-NATO forces. Thuggish threats have also been launched against our comrades in Sri Lanka.

The IYSSE refuses to be intimidated by these attacks. We have held successful meetings in spite of these attacks and call upon Howard University students to fight for their right to hear the socialist perspective on the war in Ukraine.

This fight raises fundamental questions of political perspective. Howard University is at the center of a filthy nexus of the Democratic Party, big business, militarism and the promotion of identity politics.

At Howard, millions of dollars for ceremonial positions and lavish speaking fees have been showered on racialist ideologues such as Nikole Hannah-Jones and Ta-Nahesi Coates. Hannah-Jones, the multimillionaire author of the New York Times 1619 Project, a mythological, racial re-envisioning of American history as a nonstop war between whites and blacks, was given $20 million in seed money to establish a so-called Center for Democracy and Journalism at Howard.

This has occurred while the low-paid workforce is denied basic job protections and living wages. Meanwhile, the students live in dangerously unsanitary dorm rooms on the campus.

Nikole Hannah-Joness purported first-of-its-kind academic center committed to strengthening historically-informed, pro-democracy journalism has printed nothing about the plight of the staff, or its students, or the creeping hand of US militarism, for that matter.

The role of ideologues like Hannah-Jones is to cover up the basic class issues in society, while promoting the interests of the wealthy upper-middle class that is closely tied to the US capitalist system and war machine.

In opposition to these forces, the IYSSE and the World Socialist Web Site have exploded the racial myths of society and exposed the reality of the class struggle, both at Howard and more broadly in our refutation of the 1619 Project.

It is for this reason, above all, that the universitys appropriate personnel have sought to ban us. But in resorting to this attempt at censorship, Howard University has only revealed that it knows our views will find support at its institution among students and university workers.

We call on all Howard University students, lecturers and staff to oppose this antidemocratic ban on the IYSSEs antiwar meeting! Students and workers have a democratic right to learn about the war in Ukraine! Fight to build the IYSSE at Howard University! Get in touch with the IYSSE today to join our campaign against censorship at Howard and against the war in Ukraine!
On Thursday, the investigative journalism website ProPublica published an extensive and damning report documenting the fact that Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas has for decades enjoyed luxurious vacations paid for by Harlan Crow, a billionaire far-right Republican donor.

Crow, the Dallas, Texas, heir to a real estate fortune and leading figure within far-right corporate and political circles, has treated Thomas and his wife Ginni to cruises on his super yacht, trips on his private jet and annual retreats at his private resort in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. Pampered by valets and servants, fed by private chefs and housed in remote mansions, the Thomases have mingled with the heads of right-wing think tanks, anti-democratic judicial groups and corporate bosses.

Over the course of more than 20 years, the cost of these junkets would add up to millions of dollars if the Thomases had to pay for them. None of these gifts have been reported by Thomas, in violation of the minimal ethical standards and laws that apply to federal officials, including judges and Supreme Court justices.

A cropped image of a painting that hangs at billionaire Harlan Crow's private Topridge resort, featuring him sitting next to Clarence Thomas. Across from Thomas and Crow, are lawyers Peter Rutledge, Mark Paoletta and billionaire Leonard Leo. (center) [Photo: Sharif Tarabay via ProPublica]

To cite some details from the ProPublica report:

In 2019, the Thomases made a trip to Indonesia via Crows private jet. They spent nine days island-hopping from Crows 162-foot yacht, staffed by attendants and a private chef. The cost of that trip alone is valued at $500,000.

Crow has hosted Thomas at the Bohemian Grove, an exclusive California all-male retreat, as well as at his ranch in East Texas.

Roughly a decade ago, Thomas went on a river day trip around Savannah, Georgia, and an extended cruise in New Zealand on Crows yacht.

According to the article, ProPublica based its investigation on flight records, internal documents distributed to Crows employees and interviews with dozens of people ranging from his superyachts staff to members of the secretive Bohemian Club to an Indonesian scuba diving instructor.

Crow is a major figure in right-wing Republican organizations, including the anti-tax Club for Growth and the extreme free market American Enterprise Institute. He sits on the board of the Hoover Institution, a CIA-linked foreign policy think tank. He has publicly given more than $10 million to Republican candidates as well as donationslikely far higherto groups that do not disclose their donors.

He recently named Marxism as his greatest fear.

To call these revelations evidence of a conflict of interest is a vast understatement. In fact, they expose the real economic and class interests that Thomas, and the court as a whole, serve.

As ProPublica reports:

During just one trip [to Topridge, Crows private resort in the Adirondacks] in July 2017, Thomas fellow guests included executives at Verizon and PricewaterhouseCoopers, major Republican donors and one of the leaders of the American Enterprise Institute, a pro-business conservative think tank, according to records reviewed by ProPublica. The painting of Thomas at Topridge shows him in conversation with Leonard Leo, the Federalist Society leader regarded as an architect of the Supreme Courts recent turn to the right.

The Supreme Court, whose unelected justices are appointed to lifetime terms, is institutionally undemocratic. For the vast bulk of its history, it has served as a bastion of political reactionupholding slavery until the slave system was smashed by the Civil War (the Second American Revolution), later sanctioning Jim Crow segregation, safeguarding capitalist property and profits against the working class, and increasingly over the past half-century attacking and dismantling democratic rights.

Since joining the high court in 1991, Thomas has been on its extreme right, playing a key role in discrediting the bodyportrayed by the media and the politicians as august and unimpeachablebefore the eyes of the working class. In 2000 he was part of the five-member Republican majority which halted the vote count in Florida and stole the presidential election for George W. Bush, the loser of the popular vote. Thomas signed on to an opinion by Justice Antonin Scalia that declared the American people had no constitutional right to vote for the president.

In this Sept. 20, 2019, file photo, Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, right, and wife Virginia Ginni Thomas arrive for a State Dinner with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington. Lawyers who aided former President Donald Trump's coup regarded an appeal to Justice Thomas as a key to their success. [AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File]

He is clearly implicated in the conspiracy to overthrow the 2020 election and maintain Donald Trump in power as dictator. He refused to recuse himself from cases relating to the attempted coup of January 6 and its cover-up, despite the fact that his wife, Ginni, played a major role in the plot. A leading member of fascistic groups, she worked to convince state legislators in Republican-controlled states that voted for Biden to reject pro-Biden electors and unilaterally approve pro-Trump elector slates. She promoted Trumps fascist lawyers such as Sidney Powell and repeatedly texted Trumps White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, urging him to defy the results of the election and do whatever was needed to keep Trump in power. No wonder that Clarence Thomas issued the only dissent in voting to support an attempt by Trump to block the January 6 Committee from accessing Meadows text messages.

That committee, dominated by the Democrats, allowed Ginni Thomas to testify behind closed doors rather than in public in order to shield Justice Thomas and conceal his role and that of at least one other justice, Samuel Alito, in the conspiracy.

Thomas voted last year to overturn Roe v. Wade, marking the first-ever action by the Supreme Court to retract a previously established constitutional right, and condemning millions of women and children to poverty and ill health.

He has cruelly condemned perhaps hundreds of death row prisoners, deprived of basic due process rights and overwhelmingly poor and working class, by ruling against their appeals. The most recent example was last Monday, when the six-member Republican bloc on the court refused to hear the appeal of a death row prisoner whose lawyers had not been informed of exculpatory evidence by state prosecutors until after sentencing.

On Friday, Thomas responded to the ProPublica report by blandly denying any wrongdoing. In a statement issued through the courts public information office, he wrote:

As friends do, we have joined [the Crows] on a number of family trips during the more than quarter century we have known them. Early in my tenure at the Court, I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary, and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable.

The Democratic response has been predictably feckless. No leading legislator or Biden official has even called for Thomas resignation or removal.

The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Dick Durbin, merely called for an enforceable code of conduct for high court justices. Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse urged Chief Justice John Roberts to open an investigation. Elizabeth Warren, the supposed scourge of Wall Street, could only bluster that the ProPublica article was a stark reminder that judges should be held to the highest ethical standards and free from conflicts of interest.

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted that Thomas must be impeached, knowing that the Democratic Party will do no such thing.

No one in the Democratic Party or the media has compared the impunity given Thomas, despite the most grotesque levels of corruption and criminality, to the purge of Abe Fortas, a liberal Democrat who was blocked from becoming chief justice in 1968 under Lyndon Johnson and forced off the Supreme Court by the Nixon administration in 1969.

Fortas, a veteran of the New Deal, argued the landmark case of Gideon v. Wainwright before the Supreme Court in 1963, establishing the right of indigent defendants to have defense counsel supplied by the state. He was named to the high court by Johnson in 1965. His elevation to chief justice was torpedoed by a coalition of Republicans and Southern segregationist Democrats, who used, in part, claims that his acceptance of $15,000 for nine speaking engagements at American Universitys Washington College of Law was improper. However, the real basis of the opposition to his elevation was his liberal record, his support for civil rights and the fact that he was Jewish. Fortas called the campaign against his nomination as chief justice anti-Negro, anti-liberal, anti-civil rights and anti-Semitic.

The next year, after Nixons election, the White House and Attorney General John Mitchell used other allegations of financial misdeeds to threaten an investigation and force Fortas to resign from the court. This marked the end of the relatively brief period of liberal rulings under Chief Justice Earl Warren and the beginning of a sharp shift of the court to the right.

The contrast between the ruthlessness of the Republican-led purge of Fortas and the cowardice of the Democrats toward Thomas is stark.
The US Park Police (USPP) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington D.C. have each released video footage of police killing of 17-year-old Dalaneo Martin in Northeast D.C. on March 18.

Dalaneo Martin with his son. [Photo: Terra Martin]

The footage, released Tuesday as separate videos from USPP and MPD, was drawn from six different responding officers body mounted cameras. Both USPP and MPD released the raw camera footage from each officers vantage point, along with an edited compilation version from cameras worn by each departments respective officers.

Neither department has released the names of the officers involved in the incident. Martins family, represented by attorney Andrew Clarke, wants the names of the officers made public and for them to be fired and prosecuted for misconduct.

On the morning of March 18, USPP and MPD officers responded to a report about an alleged stolen vehicle. An MPD officer found a white vehicle parked with Martin inside, asleep, according to a statement from the Park Police and called for backup. The vehicles ignition was punched, the statement continued.

Upon arriving in the River Terrace neighborhood, near the Anacostia River, officers from MPD and USPP can be seen in the body camera footage discussing how to approach the situation so as to avoid a police chase. MPD policy forbids officers from blocking a cars path during a pursuit, to help minimize collateral damage to nearby property.

In the body cam footage from the Park Police, officers can be heard discussing tactics such as breaking the car windows and pulling Martin out of the vehicle. One officer said, Once you break it, hes gonna wake up, start it, and put it in drive to go. We dont want nobody to get hurt.

One of the MPD officers chimed in, Hes knocked out. The back window is just a plastic. I'm going to try to cut that out quietly, unlock the door. If he doesnt get startled, doesnt wake up then were going to try to get in there, grab him before he puts that car in gear. The officer added, If he does take off, just let him go.

In addition to being trained not to block in vehicles during a pursuit, D.C. police are also trained not to enter vehicles. But that is not what happened.

Instead, officers from both agencies approached the vehicle. Martin was sleeping in the drivers seat. One of the MPD officers opened a door on the passenger side of the vehicle. Two Park Police officers hopped in the back seat on both sides shouting, Police, dont move! Dont move! Dont move! At the same time, they started choking Martin from behind.

Martin awoke to the officers strangling him while trying to pull him out of the vehicle. Panicked, he drove off. One of the Park Police officers, on Martins side of the car, fell out onto the roadway. The other officer, in the rear passenger-side seat, screamed, Stop! Stop, or Ill shoot!

Then, the officer fired multiple rounds of his gun at Martin at what amounted to point blank range. The vehicle stopped after crashing into a building. A medical examiner found six of the officers shots hit Martin. The teen died instantly at the scene.

Police used the discovery of a gun inside the vehicle to malign Martins character and intent in the wake of the incident. Investigation officials, however, revealed they do not know the circumstances surrounding the weapon, such as whether it belonged to Martin or had been in the car without his knowledge.

On Wednesday, Martins family held a press conference in which his mother, Terra Martin, repeated her calls for the names of the officers involved to be made public, and for them to be charged with first-degree murder.

Martin said, This pain hurts so bad. I just want justice for my son. And I need the officer to be locked up, all of them that played a role. She continued by saying the video of my son being murdered has left her with a profound grief that has left her unable to eat or sleep.

Im lost, she said. The video self-explains everything that they did to my son. And how can you justify this?

Dalaneo, known affectionately as Debo, was a loving father to his now seven-month-old son, according to family. One of nine siblings, Martin had been planning to take his son and nephews to a local park on the day he was killed. The family has held protests in the days after Martin was killed demanding charges be filed against the police responsible.

Although it is MPD policy to release body camera footage in cases involving excessive force, the Park Police do not share those protocols. The release of the footage weeks after Martins death followed public outcry demanding an explanation for how he died.

Clark, the family attorney, said the familys investigation at the time in late March, before body camera footage had been released, indicated Martin had been choked and shot multiple times.

Martins sister, Rahketa Steele, said at a recent march and rally, No matter what the circumstances is, no matter what you found or what you think you found, my brother deserves to be here. Hes 17.

In the wake of the release of the police video this week, reactions on social media expressed outrage at the behavior of the officers. On Twitter, one user asked in disgust, How do 4 cops not manage to take a sleeping person into custody without killing him?

Another Twitter user wrote, Dalaneo Martin didnt even have time to respond to the demand before the officer plugged his back with bulletsNot to mention the video looks like the police broke into his car while he slept to set up the ambush for his murder. Even if the car was stolen, he had to die?

For their parts, the two police agencies under scrutiny have defended the actions of the unidentified officers. On Thursday, two days after the release of the body camera footage, the Executive Board of the US Park Police Fraternal Order of Police released a statement saying, Our officers actions are justified based on well-established case law, USPP policies, and training.

The chair of the Park Police Fraternal Order of Police, Kenneth Spencer, told the Washington Post on the day of the release of the police video, There is a lawful reason for him [the Park Police officer who shot Martin] to be in the car, the use of force was justified, and the union stands behind the actions the officers took.

The MPD Force Investigations Team is leading an investigation to determine what happened, with a review by the US Attorneys Office for D.C. The Interior Department is conducting a review of the Park Police actions in the incident.

This week, the FBI and US Attorneys Office opened a civil rights investigation into the events leading to Martins death. That investigation is ongoing, coming amid the latest wave of scrutiny over police use of force in the wake of the killings of people such as Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennesse; Alonzo Bagley in Shreveport, Louisiana; and Timothy Johnson in Tysons, Virginia. The latter was shot and killed after being suspected of stealing sunglasses from a shopping mall.
If you're not sure where to start when looking for the next multi-bagger, there are a few key trends you should keep an eye out 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. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. Ergo, when we looked at the ROCE trends at Sturm Ruger (NYSE:RGR), we liked what we saw.

Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)

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. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Sturm Ruger:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.32 = US$103m  (US$485m - US$163m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2022).

Thus, Sturm Ruger has an ROCE of 32%. That's a fantastic return and not only that, it outpaces the average of 20% earned by companies in a similar industry.

Check out our latest analysis for Sturm Ruger

roce

Above you can see how the current ROCE for Sturm Ruger compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

The Trend Of ROCE

Sturm Ruger deserves to be commended in regards to it's returns. Over the past five years, ROCE has remained relatively flat at around 32% and the business has deployed 39% more capital into its operations. Now considering ROCE is an attractive 32%, this combination is actually pretty appealing because it means the business can consistently put money to work and generate these high returns. If these trends can continue, it wouldn't surprise us if the company became a multi-bagger.

Story continues

Another point to note, we noticed the company has increased current liabilities over the last five years. This is intriguing because if current liabilities hadn't increased to 34% of total assets, this reported ROCE would probably be less than32% because total capital employed would be higher.The 32% ROCE could be even lower if current liabilities weren't 34% of total assets, because the the formula would show a larger base of total capital employed. With that in mind, just be wary if this ratio increases in the future, because if it gets particularly high, this brings with it some new elements of risk.

What We Can Learn From Sturm Ruger's ROCE

Sturm Ruger has demonstrated its proficiency by generating high returns on increasing amounts of capital employed, which we're thrilled about. In light of this, the stock has only gained 39% over the last five years for shareholders who have owned the stock in this period. So to determine if Sturm Ruger is a multi-bagger going forward, we'd suggest digging deeper into the company's other fundamentals.

On a final note, we found 3 warning signs for Sturm Ruger (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable) you should be aware of.

If you want to search for more stocks that have been earning high returns, check out this free list of stocks with solid balance sheets that are also earning high returns on equity.

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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Amidst the relentless war propaganda against Russia in the Western media, developments in the Russian working class receive little to no coverage. But over the past month, a strike by workers at Wildberries, a giant online shopping site, has resonated widely. Wildberries is a platform on which small and medium-sized entrepreneurs sell goods. They pay a commission to the corporation for the sites services. The owner of Wildberries is the billionaire Tatyana Bakalchuk, who had estimated net worth $13.3 billion, as of 2021.

To ensure that goods can be delivered to customers, the company has 1) managers (who take orders remotely and ensure goods reach their destinations); 2) warehouse workers (who are responsible for checking for defects and packaging); 3) couriers (who bring goods either to a home or a delivery station); 4) owners and employees of the delivery stations (who are responsible for receiving, storing and delivering products to the customer).

On March 3, Wildberries announced new rules under which if the buyer returns the product because of defects or because he was sent the wrong item, the worker at the delivery station is considered at fault and the entire price of the product is withheld from his wage. This was allegedly adopted in order to protect against fraud at delivery stations.

The company was not known for having good working conditions even before these new rules were put in place, and it suffers from very high staff turnover. All the hardships of the economic crisis in Russia fall on the shoulders of the workers and small business owners who have signed deals with the company. Bakalchuk has a scandalous reputation as a businesswoman.

The owners and employees at the distribution points lost their patience. At first, on March 14, they protested at the companys headquarters, to no avail. The next day a full-fledged strike started in which distribution centers in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, Barnaul, the Kuzbass, Irkutsk, Chita, Vladivostok and others took part. Not all workers participated, but it put a certain amount of pressure on the company.

Even though the action at Wildberries was not a mass strike, it made a lot of noise and a number of government officials decided to intervene. The Federal Labor Office, the State Duma Deputy Corps, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and other government agencies, immediately began looking into Wildberries. The official explanation for this investigation was that in order to preserve social stability during the special operation in Ukraine, prompt decisions were taken to resolve the situation between the parties to the conflict.

In response, Wildberries retreated, the strike ended, and the authorities promised to find a resolution to the conflict.

There are even plans to pass a Bakalchuk Law, which will allegedly allow for more oversight of retail giants such as Wildberries. While the strike itself may have had limited immediate impact, it gives food for thought and indicates just how insecure the Putin regime feels. The Kremlin chose to intervene immediately in a relatively small labor conflict in order to avoid a broader eruption of social tensions.

In another indication of how concerned the Putin regime was, on March 14 that is, during the Wildberries strikethe Russian president made a trip to Ulan-Ude, the capital of Buryatia. The purpose of this trip was to put on a show of how the Russias leader communicates with the working class. Putin visited an aircraft factory, where he was given a tour and spoke with workers.

This meeting had a clear propagandistic character. It was aimed at underscoring the supposed consolidation of society. During the gathering with the workers, Putin reiterated typical nationalist cliches. He noted that although we are different people, we have one Motherland. In a comment on the meeting, Alexei Martynov, director of the Institute of Modern States, wrote: The logic of unity, the logic of the Russian people, the logic of the Russian character is that the more you put pressure on us, the more we unite, and in the end we always winthroughout the entire thousand-year history of our great state, no matter how threatened we are, no matter what horde stands against us: the Tatar-Mongols, Europeans, the West, or anyone else.

Putin tried to draw a dividing line between his regime and Western countries, noting that for the West, territories are important, but for us (Russia), people are. This was his justification for Russias intervention in the Donbass and the start of the invasion of Ukraine.

But in reality, for Putin, peoples lives are important only insofar as they can help to preserve his own existence and the existence of his regime, which stands atop the ruins of Soviet society. Putin is trying in every way to obscure the class contradictions in Russian society in order to ensure support for his war in Ukraine. For this he needs a strong state and a consolidated nation.

But this unity is a myth, a fact underscored by a report by the Labor Protest Monitor on labor conflict in Russia in 2022. The reports concluding paragraphs state:

1. Labor protests have not disappeared. Their number has not decreased, although there was one period [toward the beginning of the war] when they almost stopped. However, subsequently the situation returned to last year's level. 2. In recent years, the dynamics [of labor conflicts] has changed significantlythere are more fluctuations and their scope has increased. The resulting picture can be characterized as feverish. But at the same time the tendency of growth remains, i.e., the general trend of the fluctuations is not downward, but upward, which is alarming. 3. Protests occur in the vast majority of regions of the country, with about the same frequency. Labor tensions persist almost throughout the entire country. 4. The distribution of protests across industries is largely unchanged. The structure remains the samehealth care, transport and industry. In recent years, transport and health care have either taken a lead or remained in second place. 5. In 2022, full or partial non-payment of wages again regained its status as a super cause [for labor conflict].

The report continued,

The main result of 2022 can be considered a dramatic change connected with forms of labor protests. Complaints and petitions can hardly be considered full-fledged forms of protest, rather these are cases when the situation has become intolerable for workers, but they are aware of the fact that open conflict is impossible for them. This is an indicator of the narrowing of the corridor of possibilities, when employees not only do not have the opportunity to express their disagreement with the actions of the employer, but they also have fewer opportunities to participate in the regulation of labor relations. In the future, this situation will contribute to the accumulation of latent irritation, fraught with the potential for deep alienation, if not a social explosion.

Based on this report, one can conclude that the political and economic situation in the country is far less stable than it may seem at first glance. The Putin regime is trying to present itself as good at playing on the world stage and capable of blocking the development of an internal crisis. That is why we can also anticipate an intensification of historical falsifications and repressions by the capitalist, restorationist regime in Russia.

The Putin regime understands that it needs to conceal its bourgeois character in every possible way, in order to maintain its status as a supposed state of the people. However, despite its isolation and the sanctions imposed on the country, the development of the global financial crisis will inevitably also affect Russia. This in turn will lead to an ever clearer manifestation of the capitalist essence of the regime. No matter how much Putin plays at being an all-powerful ruler, he is subject to the laws of the capitalist economy, which means he will launch a brutal attack on the rights and social position of workers in order to hold his ground in the conflict with imperialism. In light of these dynamics, we can anticipate that this year the class struggle in Russia will erupt, catching up with its level in the West.
This is the fourth and final part of a multi-part series on Long COVID. Part one can be read here, part two here, and part three here.

Scientists have known for decades that viral infections like COVID-19 can lead to longer-term consequences years and even decades after the initial acute infection. Scientifically, these are known as post-viral syndromes. The long-term manifestations of the infection can appear completely different from the symptoms of the original infection. In an earlier historical period, they were treated as unrelated medical events.

One of the most reactionary aspects of the ruling elites response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been the refusal to accept the vital lessons learned from humanitys long struggle against infectious diseases. Scientific knowledge was thrown out the window as public health was subordinated to capitalist profit interests.

In launching the Global Workers Inquest into the COVID-19 Pandemic, the World Socialist Web Site International Editorial Board noted that one of its aims would be to debunk the myth that the pandemic was an unforeseeable and unstoppable disaster. It stressed, In the decades prior to the initial outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, China there was a mass of scientific literature, books and even films that anticipated such a pandemic.

The same can be said of the attendant Long COVID mass disabling event. Although the prevalence and scope of Long COVID globally are unprecedented in human history, mankind had ample experiences with post-viral syndromes which should have redoubled efforts to contain the pandemic from the start.

Instead, when patients reported having Long COVID symptoms, they were routinely dismissed and disparaged as having psychological problems. Even after three years of the pandemic and a veritable tsunami of Long COVID cases, the condition remains largely covered up by the mainstream media and many physicians remain unaware of its vast consequences.

Long-term consequences of previous coronavirus infections

SARS-CoV-2 is a member of the coronavirus family of viruses, several of which are known to infect humans and cause more long-term symptoms.

A comment published in the British Medical Journal last September cited biologist Vett Lloyd of Mount Allison University, who noted, Long covid really shouldnt have been a surprise. When the pandemic started, the general assumption was that there were two possible outcomes to an infectionyoud either get better or die There was no real reason to think SARS-CoV-2 should be any different than the original SARS, which also caused post-infection syndromes.

In many ways, the outbreak of SARS-CoV-1 from 2002-2004 that hit 29 countries, infecting over 8,422 people and resulting in 916 deaths worldwide, was a precursor of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Its fatality rate was 11 percent. Although the virus fizzled out by 2004, it should have been seen as a warning of a future possible pandemic. Instead, the ruling elites completely ignored the ominous signs.

In the period after the SARS-CoV-1 epidemic, scientific research published on the longer-term consequences of the virus bears a striking resemblance to what is currently being published on Long COVID.

Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in June 2007 by Catherine M. Tansey and her team at the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy at McGill University examined 117 SARS-CoV-1 survivors from Toronto, Ontario, three months, six months, and one year after being discharged from hospital.

Catherine Tansey [Photo: Research Gate]

The researchers reported that many patients continued to report shortness of breath and fatigue as notable contributors to exercise limitation at one year. They added, Of the survivors, 37% were still reporting an important reduction in their physical health at 1 year after acute care hospitalization.

Many of the research participants also reported long-term impacts on their mental health.

In June 2012, there was an epidemic of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS) in the Middle East. Over 2,519 cases were reported with 866 fatalities. While most cases were confined to the Middle East, a major outbreak occurred in South Korea in 2015, infecting 186 people with 38 deaths.

According to a literature review published in Clinical Medicine in January 2021 by Oliver OSullivan of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall in Britain, the longer-term symptoms of MERS were similar to SARS-CoV-1, including fatigue, persistent shortness of breath, reduced quality of life and a significant burden of mental health problems.

OSullivan cited research that examined 78 people who suffered MERS infection 14 months after being hospitalised in Saudi Arabia. The researchers found that as with SARS, 48 percent showed symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome one year after the initial infection, and 33 percent showed the same symptoms 18 months later.

He concluded, Given the similarities noted between SARS, MERS and COVID-19, it is reasonable to infer that the complications will be similar with a significant impact on long-term morbidity in a large patient population.

The Russian flu pandemic of 1889-94 is considered the first pandemic of the industrial age. It was known to have killed approximately one million people. Although it is thought to have originated in Turkistan, it traveled across the Russian Empire, Europe, the US and internationally in successive waves. Recent research indicates that the Russian flu was caused by a coronavirus.

An October 2020 paper by researchers Mark Honigsbaum and Lakshmi Krishnan published in The Lancet quoted a 1892 letter by Josephine Butler, a victim of the Russian flu, describing symptoms reminiscent of Long COVID. She wrote, I don't think I ever remember being so weak. After three months, Butler had experienced little improvement, writing, I am so weak that if I read or write for half an hour I become so tired and faint that I have to lie down.

Josephine Butler, 1851 [Photo by National Portrait Gallery; published in Butler, Josephine (1909) / CC BY 4.0

With little understanding of the condition, observers at the time gave many names to the post-viral condition, including neuralgia, neurasthenia, neuritis, nerve exhaustion, grippe catalepsy, post-grippal numbness, psychoses, prostration, inertia, anxiety, and paranoia.

The German-born neurologist Julius Althaus working in London presciently stated that there are few disorders or diseases of the nervous system which are not liable to occur as consequences of grip (epidemic influenza).

The authors cite medical investigator H. Franklin Parsons, whose final report for England's Local Government Board on the 188992 epidemic in 1893 reported that further severe outbreaks of this post-viral condition were observed in 1893, 1895, 1898, and 18991900.

The official end of the pandemic, therefore, did not mean the end of illness but was merely the prelude to a longue duree [long duration] of baffling sequelae, Honigsbaum and Krishnan stated.

The historical record of post-viral syndrome for other viral infections

The pattern of post-viral syndrome with coronavirus infection is repeated for other species of virus. Overwhelmingly, debilitating fatigue seems to be a common symptom, often referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or ME/CFS. It is beyond the scope of this article to examine the entire plethora of viruses that cause post-viral syndrome or ME/CFS, but the sample considered here demonstrates the general rule.

Spanish flu

The most devastating pandemic to strike humanity in the twentieth century was the 1918-19 influenza pandemic that is thought to have killed 17-50 million people. Some historians put the toll at 100 million, making it possibly the deadliest pandemic in human history so far. The pandemic was caused by the H1N1 Influenza virus.

Although the pandemic is commonly called the Spanish flu, its actual place of origin is uncertain. There is evidence it began in Kansas and spread as American soldiers stationed there were deployed to World War I, although this place of origin is debated. Regardless, the pandemic started towards the end of World War I and spread around the world in successive waves, two in 1918 and a third in 1919 and 1920.

A paper published in the journal Fatigue: Biomedical, Health & Behavior in June 2020 by Mohammed F. Islam and his team from the Center for Community Research at the University of Chicago noted:

Of those who survived, some experienced complications during recovery. For example, one report stated that of 1,000 cases of influenza, about 200 patients did not fully recover and, of these, about 40 remained severely ill. Physical exertion was cited as a factor deterring recovery or even leading to death. Fatigue was one of the most common longer-term consequences of the Spanish Flu.

Chicken pox and shingles

The virus varicella-zoster, which causes chicken pox, can manifest itself as shingles several decades after the initial infection. The two conditions were not definitively connected to the same virus until the 1960s. This virus in particular highlights the criminality of ignoring the long-term impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as it proves that is impossible to know the further possible effects of the virus decades into the future.

A November 2015 historical review published in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences by neurologists Kristin M. Galetta of Harvard Medical School Boston and Don Gilden of the University of Colorado outlined the historical development of an understanding of varicella-zoster.

Patients with chickenpox (left) and shingles (right) [Photo: Camiloaranzales]

The existence of chickenpox (and shingles) was known from ancient times. The Roman encyclopedist Celsus (c. 25 BC  c. 50 AD) used the term herpes zoster to describe rounded lesions that spread like a belt across the skin. The word zoster derives from Greek and Latin for the word belt. The word shingles derives from the medieval Latin word cingulus meaning girdle, referring to the characteristic skin lesions often around the waist.

In the early 19th century the condition was considered a disorder of the sensory ganglia. In 1892, Hungarian pediatrician James von Bokay suggested a connection between the two disorders. In the 1920s B. Lipschutz and K. Kundratitz conducted an experiment where they inoculated subjects with fluid from a ruptured shingles blister, resulting in the development of symptoms similar to chicken pox.

It wasnt until 1965 that Robert Edgar Hope-Simpson postulated that shingles was caused by the reactivated chickenpox virus due to a waning of the immune system. Definitive proof that the virus lay dormant in sensory ganglia wasnt provided until the publication of research in Nature in December 1983 by medical scientist Donald H. Gilden et al.

The centuries-long struggle to understand the chickenpox virus demonstrates that scientific progress is never instantaneous nor straightforward, but the result of protracted research by many scientists over a long period of time. This makes the precautionary principle so critical in the current pandemic: when the evidence isnt yet available, then public health measures should be activated to avoid the proliferation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Ebola virus

The Ebola virus first emerged in sub-Saharan Africa in 1976, and there have been subsequent waves of infection ever since. It is a devastating viral disease known to kill 25-90 percent of those infected, about 50 percent on average. The long-term effects on survivors of the infection are called post-Ebola syndrome.

Colorized scanning electron micrograph of Ebola virus particles (green) found both as extracellular particles and budding particles from a chronically-infected African Green Monkey Kidney cell (blue) [Photo by BernbaumJG / CC BY 4.0

Research published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases in September 2021 by Nell G. Bond and her team examined 375 Ebola survivors and 1,075 contacts. The original outbreak occurred in West Africa in 2013-16, resulting in more than 28,000 cases and 11,325 deaths. It was the largest outbreak up to that time. The paper presents an in-depth characterization of post-Ebola syndrome more than two-and-a-half years after the initial infection.

The study found that there were

very high levels of constitutional symptoms such as fever (27.9 percent) and headache (38.1 percent) as well as MSK (musculoskeletal) symptoms such as joint (39.1 percent) and muscle pain (24.5 percent) in EVD (Ebola virus disease) survivors. Ocular symptoms were also highly prevalent in EVD survivors. Interestingly, survivors frequently complained of neurologic symptoms such as numbness/tingling (14.3 percent) and psychiatric symptoms such as difficulty sleeping (14.2 percent) and nonsensical vocal outbursts (13.7 percent).

A Clinical Infectious Diseases journal editorial cited a 2001 study that listed post-Ebola syndrome symptoms one year after the initial infection as abdominal pains, loss of vision, loss of hearing, impotence, bleeding, psychological problems, and general weakness about 25 percent of survivors still report to the clinic [they] have become poorer unable to perform simple exercises such as riding a bicycle.

Epstein-Barr virus

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a herpes virus and is considered one of the most common viruses known to afflict humans. According to the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease in the US, about half of all five-year-old children and about 90 percent of adults have evidence of previous infection.

During initial infection, EBV can cause fatigue, fever, inflamed throat, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen, swollen liver and rash, although many are asymptomatic.

EBV has been identified as possibly causing several debilitating conditions in the period after initial infection. It has been described as a risk factor for ME/CFS, a debilitating illness where symptoms of extreme fatigue increase after exercise or mental effort, known as post-exertional malaise (PEM). Long COVID sufferers experience similar symptoms.

Further research has implicated EBV in causing several debilitating conditions. A review paper published in the Frontiers in Immunology in November 2021, led by medical scientist Manuel Ruiz-Pablos from the European University of Madrid, cited various studies that listed rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogrens syndrome, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, diabetes mellitus type 1, fulminant type diabetes, celiac disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma as possible long-term consequences.

Although EBV was first identified in 1964, scientists still have not proven definitively the long-term consequences of infection.

Conclusion

As this partial review of previous post-viral illnesses makes clear, the development of Long COVID was foreseeable and clearly identified at the very beginning of the pandemic. Although scientists and Long COVID advocates warned consistently of the long-term consequences of mass infection with COVID-19, citing known precedents as proof, they were silenced by capitalist governments on behalf of the ruling elites.

When principled medical practitioner Dr David Berger in Australia issued warnings of the mounting dangers of Long COVID, he was threatened with disciplinary action by governmental authorities as they attempted to suppress his democratic rights. Throughout the pandemic, many other principled scientists were similarly censored and attacked by far-right and ostensibly liberal politicians globally.

Last September, after US President Joe Biden falsely claimed that the pandemic is over, dozens of demonstrators affiliated with the patient advocacy group #MEAction protested outside the White House, chanting, Biden lied, we died, ME treatments now! and The pandemic is not over! Bidens lies are costing lives!

This powerful demonstration was ignored by the Biden administration and met with nearly universal silence in the corporate media.

Supporters of the Long COVID and ME/CFS awareness organization #MEAction demonstrate at the White House, Monday, September 19, 2022. [Photo: Kate Travis]

Most recently, the Democrats and Republicans have colluded to end the pandemic declarations of emergency, capping off the lifting of all mitigation measures and the dismantling of all data-tracking systems. Beginning on April 1, the expansion of Medicaid at the beginning of the pandemic is now being completely rolled back, under conditions in which potentially millions of Medicaid recipients are now suffering from Long COVID.

The same processes are unfolding globally. The pandemic and the deepening Long COVID catastrophe are being covered up and ignored by capitalist politicians, as well as a range of pseudo-left organizations which claim to be socialist, but in fact fully support capitalism.

The only political party which has not and will not ignore the dangers of the pandemic, in particular the ongoing the threat of Long COVID, is the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), which publishes the World Socialist Web Site.

As part of the Global Workers Inquest, the WSWS has interviewed numerous Long COVID patients from throughout the world. We encourage any Long COVID patients and advocates who wish to share their stories, as well as scientists who have researched the condition, to take part in the Inquest.

As this review of Long COVID makes clear, capitalist governments internationally are rolling back all the scientific gains of public health developed by mankind over centuries, in favor of the short-term profit interests of the capitalist corporations.

In 1926, the great Marxist revolutionary Leon Trotsky warned in a reply to British empiricist philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell, Logical arguments, even if elevated by Russell to the status of mathematical formulae, are impotent against material interests. The ruling classes will sooner condemn all civilization, including mathematics, to ruin rather than renounce their privileges.

Trotskys warning takes on new meaning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The research shows conclusively that society is being subjected to a deepening disaster that will continue to disable millions more until the pandemic is stopped. Due to ongoing viral evolution and the unknown longer-term impacts of COVID-19, even more dire consequences may emerge in the future, but the capitalists continue to plunge headlong into this disaster.

It is necessary to stop this mass disabling event in its tracks. This requires an international movement of the working class, in alliance with scientists and medical practitioners opposed to the homicidal pandemic policies, in a struggle for a Zero-COVID global elimination strategy. We call on all of our readers to join this fight today.

Concluded
Despite the opposition of an overwhelming majority of French people to Emmanuel Macrons pension cuts, the all-trade union alliance is preparing to give up the fight. While two-thirds of the population say they want to block the economy and harden the struggle, the union bureaucracies insist that workers must prepare to abandon it.

This vindicates the Parti de legalite socialiste (PES). From the beginning it has insisted that this struggle was between the workers and the whole capitalist state, in which the workers would be forced to organize independently of the trade union apparatuses in order to bring down Macron. The union leaders declarations confirm this. To continue to struggle against Macron, the working class will have to form rank-and-file action committees, independent of the union apparatuses.

The union bureaucracies issued a joint statement for Thursdays protest. It explained why the union bureaucracies continue, for now, to criticize the pension reform, while they launch a mediation with Macron aimed at ending the struggle against his government. The intersyndicale said:

Each of our organizations, on each of the issues, will be able to formulate proposals at the appropriate time to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. But the time has not come! The postponement of the legal retirement age to 64 will have very concrete consequences on the lives of our fellow citizens, on their health and on their projects. This is why we will not go back to the consultation table as if nothing had happened and once again call for the withdrawal of the text, pure and simple.

This cynical hodgepodge aims to hide the union leaders alignment with Macron, who plans to slash workers living standards. The fact that Macron imposed this reform without a vote in the Assembly underlines that he is governing against the people in the interests of the banks.

Indeed, the all-union alliance does not say why the time has not yet come to make proposals to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. One might naively expect that any time is a good time to try to improve the lives of the masses. Moreover, a proposal that would improve their lives, according to the opinion of the majority of the French, would be to mobilize the workers to block the economy with a general strike, stop the reform, and bring down Macron. But the inter-union alliance has no intention of hearing this proposal.

Indeed, it intends to wait for the protests to run out of steam and, when the time comes, to put forward its proposals within the framework of the cuts dictated by Macron. These cuts will devastate the lives of French people, with many premature deaths of older workers in arduous jobs. The union alliance therefore prefers to hide its support for the cuts.

But as it goes to its negotiating table with Macron, the union alliance is sending a signal to the ruling elite: that its call once again to withdraw the cuts could be the last. Afterwards, it will develop its proposals within the framework of the cuts, which it will accept.

This is what CFDT head Laurent Berger indicated. Perhaps there will be no way out, and this law will be enacted and it will apply, he said on BFM-TV. He added that if Macron succeeded in forcing through the law, the CFDT apparatus would stop calling strikes.

If you ask if there will still be a demonstration a week in six months, the answer is no, Berger declared.

On the refinery strike, Berger said: There are disruptions, I am truly sorry about it, but the objective is not to blockade the economy.

The statements of Berger and the inter-union group trample on the will of the workers and the people. Two-thirds of the French call for blocking the economy, the obvious purpose of a strike of all the countrys refineries; moreover, three-quarters of the French people are hostile to the cuts. But Berger says he does not want to block the economy, and that he will not consider implementing the cuts.

While the workers seek to intensify the struggle against the cuts, the union apparatuses call for mediation with Macron and want to stop the mobilization against him.

This vindicates the analyses of the PES, which has stressed the need for workers to organize independently of the union bureaucracies into action committees to bring down Macron. On March 9, it issued a statement titled Stop the pension cuts and the war, Bring down the Macron government! This statement rejected attempts to subordinate workers initiatives to national union bureaucracies and called for the formation of rank-and-file committees, independent of the apparatuses.

This starkly contrasts with the class line of petty-bourgeois pseudo-left parties like the Morenoite Revolution permanente group, or the lambertiste Independent Democratic Workers Party (POID). They argue for the union bureaucrats to put more pressure on Macron, either by transforming themselves into a revolutionar' fraction of the bureaucracy or by imploring the bureaucracy to become revolutionary. Both these utopian perspectives have failed.

The PES bases its analysis, on the other hand, on the International Committee of the Fourth Internationals (ICFI) analysis of the unions. In the era of globalized capitalism after the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, their bankruptcy is ever more obvious. In France, where they lost the mass base they had up until the 1970s and 1980s, they have capitulated to the partial or total imposition of numerous cuts to pensions or other social programs since the 1990s.

In The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished 20th Century, David North, the chairman of the WSWS International Editorial Board, pointed to the root causes of the union bureaucracys tendency to betray the interests of the rank and file. North wrote:

There is, to be sure, a definite link between trade unionism and the class struggle; but only in the sense that the organization of workers within trade unions derives its impulse from the existence of a definite conflict between the material interests of employers and workers. It by no means follows from this objective fact that trade unions, as a specific, socially-determined organizational form, identify themselves with, or seek to prosecute, the class struggle (to which, in a historical sense, they owe their existence). Rather, history provides overwhelming evidence that they are far more devoted to its suppression. 

Standing on the basis of capitalist production relations, the trade unions are, by their very nature, compelled to adopt a hostile attitude toward the class struggle. Directing their efforts toward securing agreements with employers that fix the value of labor-power and determine the general conditions in which surplus value will be pumped out of the workers, the trade unions are obligated to guarantee that their members supply their labor-power in accordance with the terms of the negotiated contracts. As Gramsci noted, The union represents legality, and must aim to make its members respect that legality.

But the legality the French union bosses aim to impose on the workers is the illegitimate and artificial legality of a president ruling against the people. Despite the vast media propaganda held around the demoralizing statements of the union leaders, among rank-and-file workers and youth, there remains an enormous readiness for struggle. If the union leaders are preparing to abandon the fight, this is because it would require a political struggle to bring down Macron that would threaten their own position in the state machine.

The PES will react however by intensifying its struggle to build rank-and-file committees among the workers and to develop a Marxist revolutionary consciousness in the working class, allowing it to mobilize in struggle to bring down Macron as well as his union lackeys.
The Nazi accomplices of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and its paramilitary wing, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and their leaders were involved in many crimes, including against the Ukrainian people. Yet today, to many in Ukraine, their ominous names are not synonymous with criminals, but with the names of national heroes. Streets, stadiums and cafes are named after them, and monuments are erected in their honor throughout the country.

Stepan Bandera Monument in Lviv [AP Photo/Bernat Armangue]

Ukrainian bourgeois nationalists have always argued that the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic was not a legitimate state like todays bourgeois Ukraine, and therefore Soviet Ukraine was not Ukraine at all.

For them, the liberation from fascist occupation through the Red Army in October 1944 and the victory over fascism in Germany in May 1945 did not constitute a liberation, not a victory, but a new occupation of Ukraine by Soviet Russia. They only accept as legitimate the Ukrainian state that was proclaimed in the summer of 1941, when the SS division Nachtigall and Stepan Banderas detachment Roland entered Nazi-occupied Soviet Lvov (Lviv), and the Ukrainian capitalist state that emerged as a result of the restoration of capitalism and the liquidation of the Soviet Union by the Stalinist bureaucracy [in 1991]. Those who did not or do not share their vision of a capitalist Ukraine will be subject to political repression by the Ukrainian bourgeois nationalists.

Bandera`s OUN and Nazi officials at joint celebration dedicated to the establishment of Ukrainian statehood in Western Ukraine, July 7,1941.

From 1944 to 1953, a civil war raged in newly Sovietized Western Ukraine between the OUN-UPA, on the one hand, and the Stalinist-led Red Army, on the other. Throughout this period, the OUN-UPA, which had earlier collaborated with the Nazis, received funding, arms and other support from the imperialist powers and their secret services, including the newly founded CIA.

Historians now believe that almost 25,000 Soviet servicemen, policemen and frontier guards, two and a half thousand party workers, and about six hundred chairmen of collective farms and village councils were killed in this civil war by the OUN-UPA in the western areas of Ukraine. Among those murdered were 30 secretaries of district committees, 32 chairmen and deputy chairmen of the district executive committees, 37 secretaries of the regional party and Komsomol committees and hundreds of deputies of the local Soviets. According to historian Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, the OUN-UPA also murdered more than 20,000 Ukrainian civilians.

This does not include the many tens and even hundreds of thousands of Jews and Poles in Ukraine who were slaughtered by Ukrainian fascists during the Nazi occupation of Ukraine. Alas, the total numbers of people murdered by the Banderites have been silenced by history but the memories of their atrocities and the blood they spilled of the Soviet people in Ukraine are deeply engrained in the consciousness of the working class.

Polish civilian victims of the UPA massacre in Lipniki on March 26, 1943, public domain via Wikimedia commons.

You will not find these memories in any books, even though you should. I have had the good fortune to speak with some who survived these atrocities and thanks to the WSWS, their memories can now be related to an international audience.

In my life I have met many people who have shaped my opinion of the Bandera people more than any written source. The first accidental conversation I had was with my elderly neighbor, whom I had known for a long time and maintained a friendship with until her death in 2021. During our summer walk in 2012, she told me about an incident that happened to her when she was young.

She recalled how she was once in a cafe near the train station, sitting at a table with a man she had met there. While chatting with her, he saw a man sitting not far from them. He recognized him immediately as a Banderovite and drew her attention to him. After this incident, she soon learned that her acquaintance had been found in the woods with his throat cut. This happened in Western Ukraine.

My second conversation about the Banderovites and their crimes took place in March 2013. An old man told me and a number of friends about his childhood in a village in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. What he told us about the horrors he had seen as a child was shocking. Four years after that conversation, I suggested we meet again so I could put his memories in writing. Here is what I recorded almost 6 years ago.

I was born in 1934. My cousin was killed by the Banderites only because she went to work in the canteen after the war, cooking food for the Soviet soldiers. [I also recall that one day] At night there was a knock at the window of our peasant house, my stepfather opened the door, and they shouted at him: Stop! Do you have a Browning? And he answered them, Where should I have gotten one? I'm just a construction worker! Then they tied his hands with barbed wire, and the next day, only in another village, they found him in a well, thrown upside down with other ethnic Poles.

The man also recalled how, one day, when he was going to another village,

I saw a man standing near a tree by the road. I shouted at him: Where are you going, sir? Can you go where I am going? I shouted again. Sir! I then decided to go closer to him, touched him he had been hanged.

He joined the Komsomol but, as he recalled, I was afraid to tell my mother that I had joined the Komsomol, so she wouldnt be worried about me, because they could report me [to the Ukrainian nationalists.] He continued,

[One day] I was swimming with my friends in the river, and there were two Bandera men sitting next to us. They were sitting there, boasting: We came to the hut, we had a lot of good stuff [weapons], and felt strong, so we killed them all; and look, the old woman was alive, and we started shooting at her: and she turned around, and we killed her only with the third shot.

He also recalled how at one point the NKVD distributed leaflets among UPA gangs: if you surrender to the Soviet authorities, nothing will happen to you. Many [UPA fighters] did come out of the forests, but they were killed the same night by the Bandera fighters, along with their whole family.

He continued,

I once met a girl in our neighborhood, and shortly thereafter I saw her lying in the middle of the road with her head torn off, next to a Banderovite who was also dead. They had probably fled from NKVD persecution, and the Banderovite blew himself and her up with a grenade. The leading forces of the Banderovites on the ground were mostly well-to-do kulaks, who owned many tithes of land.

The last recollection that I recorded from his words sheds light on the legend that the Banderovites fought against the Nazis during the occupation.

Now they say that the Banderovites fought against the Nazis - in all my memory I remember only one occasion when a German shot a Banderovite. It was when both of them, being drunk, started shooting at each other. The German killed the Banderovite on the spot, while he made it to the hospital.  The Banderovites were not fighting the Germans. If the Germans were shooting somewhere, they were running or hiding. When our troops attacked them, they fought with the Germans against the Red Army.

My third conversation took place with my neighbor, who was born in 1937. After the war, he moved to the north of the Khmelnitsky region for the duration of his fathers service in the Red Army. He told me how once his father, together with his soldiers, went to the forest to get firewood. They were attacked by Bandera fighters, and his father was shell-shocked as a result of the attack.

In the house where they lived, the Banderites had hidden weapons. They only discovered this after an accident, when a man of his age blew himself up with a grenade while fishing. He also told me a story he had heard in his village: The Banderites were starving and looking for food. And many in the village, whether because they were afraid or simply did not want to, did not give it to them. One elderly man, in order to protect his cow, slept with her in the stable, tying the cow to his leg. Well, this did not help him when he woke up, he found only her head tied to his leg and what they had left of her.

The last conversation took place around November 2018. It was a conversation with an elderly woman who told me about the great tragedy of her life: she was left a widow at 18 because her husband, who had gone to Western Ukraine, was killed by Bandera fighters on a business trip. There were other conversations in which I was told about how the Bandera men took wounded Soviet soldiers from a military hospital and then killed and burned them in the woods. About how they broke into the barracks where Soviet soldiers were sleeping and killed them.

When you hear all these recollections and stories from people who have experienced all this themselves, you realize how true the account of the Ukrainian communist writer Yaroslav Halan was. In his famous pamphlet What Has No Name?, he wrote,

A 14-year-old girl cant stand looking at meat. When in her presence people are going to fry cutlets, she turns pale and trembles like an aspen leaf. A few months ago, on a night of sparrows, armed men came to a peasant hut near the town of Sarna and stabbed the owners. The girl looked with horror at the agony of her parents. One of the bandits put a knife point to the throat of the child, but at the last minute a new idea was born in his brain. Live for the glory of Stepan Bandera! And to make sure that you wont starve to death, we will leave you food. Come on, boys, chop her some pork !.. The boys liked this. They were grabbing plates and bowls from the shelves; and a few minutes later, before the desperate girl, a mountain of meat grew from the bleeding bodies of her father and mother. This is what the degenerate bandits who call themselves Ukrainian nationalists  Bandera, Bulbov, Melnikov  have come to. Their activity in recent years is a continuous chain of wild atrocities, monstrously unbridled behavior and unsurpassed provocations.

Halan, who was a Soviet correspondent at the 1948 Nuremberg Trials against the leaders of Nazi Germany, was himself killed in his office by Banderites who struck him eleven times with an axe in his head in Lvov (Lviv) in 1949.

The body of Soviet anti-fascist writer Yaroslav Halan after his murder at the hands of two OUN-members n October 24, 1949.

Today, just as then, the crimes of those who call themselves the ideological successors and followers of Bandera are almost too numerous to count. Like then, they are a bloody pack of jackals in the service of capital, running from one capitalist to another. But in changing their paymasters, they do not change their essence. There is nothing but backwardness and animal hatred in their faces and minds. Their ideas are reactionary.

Yet these very ideas of Bandera are today promoted not only by the imperialists and the bourgeois Ukrainian nationalists who want to justify the crimes of OUN-UPA, but also by those who call themselves Ukrainian national-communists, who want to justify all these horrors, by claiming that all this was caused by the policy pursued by Stalin in Western Ukraine.

But is it possible to justify those who turned the towns and villages of Western Ukraine into a real hell, who tortured mothers and children, who filled the wells with corpses of Ukrainians and Russians, Jews and Poles?

Yes, there were many among them who were intimidated, deceived, offended, and unjustly repressed, but there is no basis for portraying the fascist Banderites as fighters for freedom against Stalinism.

We orthodox Trotskyists hold that the historical truth about the events that took place in the western Ukrainian lands in the 40s and early 50s has to be established and clarified. The Stalinist bureaucracy refused to fight Ukrainian fascism by mobilizing the working class, and instead engaged in violent bureaucratic repression, often targeting people who were entirely innocent. As Trotskyists, we have always strongly condemned and condemn to this day Stalinism and the repression and violence associated with it.

However, this can in no way justify the terror and national and political genocide unleashed by the Ukrainian bourgeois nationalists and fascists. Those who sowed death, fear, grief and tears on the Ukrainian land, who poured blood into peasant huts, who filled wells with corpses, cannot be national heroes. One can only say one thing  Shame!  Shame on all those who under the guise of criticism of Stalinism try to justify the crimes of the OUN gangs.

People in Ukraine and all over the world must know and must never forget whose support the imperialists have used and are using in their struggle for their hegemony, for the continuation of the oppression of the workers under the yoke of capital.
Less than two weeks after three nine-year-old schoolchildren and three education workers were massacred at a private Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, two recently elected Democratic state representatives who helped lead a peaceful protest of thousands of students demanding gun reform were expelled by the Republican supermajority in the lower Tennessee House.

Democratic state Rep. Justin Jones, Nashville, responds to questions from other lawmakers during his expulsion proceedings on the floor of the House chamber Thursday, April 6, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. Jones and fellow Democratic Rep. Justin Pearson, Memphis, were expelled from the legislature on Thursday. [AP Photo/George Walker IV]

In a completely undemocratic action that will leave some 130,000 Tennesseans without a representative, the gerrymandered Republican state legislature expelled Justin Jones (Nashville) and Justin Pearson (Memphis) in party-line votes for alleged disorderly conduct within the Capitol building.

Democratic Rep. Gloria Johnson (Knoxville) also faced expulsion, but the resolution seeking her ouster failed by one vote after seven Republicans joined all Democrats in rejecting the measure. Only one Republican, Charlie Baum (Murfreesboro), voted against expelling Jones, Pearson and Johnson.

The expulsion of Jones and Pearson is a symptom of the intensifying political crisis within the United States more than two years after former President Donald Trumps failed coup. The political crisis, which did not lessen with the election of Biden and the Democratic majority in 2020 and has only intensified following the Republican takeover of the House of Representatives in the 2022 elections, is intersecting with the massive social crisis that underlies the epidemic of mass shootings.

The Covenant school shooting last month is just one of at least 144 mass shootings in the United States this year, according to GunViolenceArchive.org (GVA). Its research shows that 455 children have been shot to death so far this yearnearly five a daywith over 1,100 injured. Last year, GVA recorded 1,676 children killed in gun-related deaths in the US, the highest number the researchers have ever tabulated.

Unlike the aspiring dictator Trump, who was not removed from office after leading a violent insurrection, neither Democratic representative who was expelled on Thursday was accused of committing a crime or attempting to overthrow the government. Instead, Jones and Pearson were expelled for approaching the well on the floor of the House out of turn and speaking on the need for gun reform without being recognized by Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton. This action was characterized by Republicans as a grievous breach of House decorum.

A week prior to Thursdays vote, on March 30, three days after the mass shooting at Covenant School, thousands of students, parents and teachers peacefully protested at the state Capitol in Nashville, demanding that the legislature take action to restrict access to guns, including military grade weaponry such as the AR-15. Audrey Hale, the 28-year-old Covenant shooter, was armed with an AR-15-style rifle, the same weapon used in the Uvalde, Parkland and Newton massacres.

During their protest, demonstrators, overwhelmingly children and students, held up signs, sang songs and chanted in a non-violent fashion while Republicans largely ignored them.

Instead of presenting a facade of democracy, Republicans sought to move the agenda forward and block debate, preventing Reps. Jones and Pearson from speaking on behalf of their constituents. After being denied a chance to speak, Jones left the House chamber and spoke with student supporters protesting outside. Once he returned, Reps. Jones, Pearson and Johnson approached the well and began to speak in the microphone, requesting action on gun reform.

As soon as Jones began to speak, Speaker Sexton cut off the microphone and gaveled the House out of session for roughly an hour before business resumed. Despite the peaceful character of the student demonstration, Sexton took to right-wing media following the protest and ludicrously compared the actions of the Democratic lawmakers and student protesters to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol by armed Trump supporters, acting at Trumps direction.

Speaking on a conservative talk-radio show last week, Sexton said, Representative Jones and Representative Johnson have been very vocal about January 6 in Washington D.C., about what that was, and what they did today was equivalent, at least equivalent, maybe worse depending on how you look at it, of doing an insurrection in the Capitol.

The absurd comparison underscores the blatantly undemocratic and authoritarian character of the Republicans actions.

According to a 2019 report by the Tennessee attorney general, there were only three times in the states history when the state legislature expelled members: in 1866, following the Civil War; in 1980, after a member was caught taking a bribe that influenced his vote; and in 2016, when Republican Rep. Jeremy Durham was expelled after the Tennessee attorney general accused him of sexually harassing 22 Capitol Hill women during his tenure. Unlike the three previous occasions, Thursdays expulsions were not bipartisan, as no Democrats voted in favor.

Sextons comparison to January 6 is also notable because one of his Republican colleagues, former Republican state Rep. Terry Lynn Weaver, admitted to being at the US Capitol on January 6 in support of Trumps coup. On January 6, 2021, as the Capitol was being overrun by Proud Boys and neo-Nazis, Weaver tweeted from her account: Epic and historic day gathering with fellow Patriots from all over the nation DC.



Weaver added on Facebook later that night, in a now-deleted post, that one word to describe January 6 was Absolutely Epic and Historic. Weaver claimed that 3.2 million PEACEFUL patriots marched on the Capitol and that Antifa did the damage.

Despite her admitted and documented participation in the coup, no Republican or Democratic Tennessee House member put forward a resolution for Weaver to be expelled. Nor have any Democratic members requested that Speaker Sexton be expelled, despite the fact he and 65 other Tennessee Republicans signed on to a letter following the November 2020 election backing Trumps bogus claim that the election was tainted by voter fraud and malpractice.

Instead of warning of the growing danger the Republican Party represents to the democratic rights of all workers and students, immediately following Thursdays votes members of the Democratic Party, including the expelled legislators, joined with the capitalist press to frame the actions of the Republicans within a racial prism, presenting the votes, including the non-expulsion of Johnson, a white woman, as a textbook example of white supremacy.

Speaking on MSNBC on Thursday night, Democratic Tennessee state Sen. London Lamar called the expulsion of the two black representatives a political lynching. Lamar said she was absolutely pissed at the mass display of racism that you just experienced, the expulsion of two black men who were sent here by their district, overwhelmingly, for speaking out.

Seemingly arguing in favor of expelling her fellow Democratic colleague, Lamar added, Yet they [the Republicans] kept the white woman [Gloria Johnson] in office, who was just as guilty of speaking out against gun violence and has displayed multiple acts of disruption and civil disobedience throughout the years that she has been here.

While racism may have played a role in the outcome, it was not the primary factor.

Emboldened by the fecklessness of the Democratic Party and Joe Biden, who have done nothing to hold Trump and his accomplices in the failed coup accountable more than 27 months after the fact, the Republican Party is increasingly rejecting any election it loses as illegitimate and any challenge to its authoritarian policies as treasonous.

Prior to Thursdays vote, the Democratic Party did nothing to organize its supporters against the planned expulsion of elected representatives, instead accepting it as a fait accompli for which there was no recourse beyond remembering in November.

Joe Biden and the rest of the national Democratic Party were silent on the imminent expulsions until after the lawmakers were removed, at which point the White House released a perfunctory statement calling the Republicans actions dangerous, while urging Congress, led in the House by fascists like Marjorie Taylor Greene, to pass commonsense gun safety reform.

The expulsion of the two Tennessee lawmakers is further confirmation of the ongoing breakdown of the entire political setup in the United States. In the over 20 years since the Columbine Massacre, neither bourgeois political party has proven itself capable of addressing the real cause of rampant gun violence, which is endemic to American capitalist society and the inequality it produces.
Swiss Life Holding (VTX:SLHN) Full Year 2022 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: CHF21.2b (down 3.9% from FY 2021).

Net income: CHF1.45b (up 16% from FY 2021).

Profit margin: 6.9% (up from 5.7% in FY 2021). The increase in margin was driven by lower expenses.

EPS: CHF47.90 (up from CHF40.06 in FY 2021).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Swiss Life Holding EPS Beats Expectations, Revenues Fall Short

Revenue missed analyst estimates by 3.2%. Earnings per share (EPS) exceeded analyst estimates by 9.7%.

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 2.2% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 6.5% growth forecast for the Insurance industry in Switzerland.

Performance of the Swiss Insurance industry.

The company's shares are up 3.8% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

Don't forget that there may still be risks. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Swiss Life Holding that you should be aware 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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TAIPEI, Taiwan  Taiwan faces two imperatives to decarbonize its grid: the looming threat of climate change, and the potentially more imminent risk of intervention by Chinas military.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen recently enacted a binding target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. As it stands, Taiwans economy depends almost entirely on coal, oil and gas  all of which must be shipped in, since the 245-mile-long island lacks deposits of those fuels. But shipping depends on open sea lanes, and Chinas increasingly belligerent attitude toward Taiwan has many observers worrying about military intervention in the years to come.

Against that backdrop, Taiwans state-run utility Taipower is attempting to nearly quadruple its share of renewable electricity by 2025. Thats also forcing a complementary buildout of battery storage to balance the surges of intermittent power on the isolated island grid.

Any location that builds a bunch of renewable power plants needs to figure out how to build energy storage at scale. Move too fast, and you can end up with faulty systems catching fire, as South Korea did after a lucrative incentive prompted a rowdy storage boom. Move too slowly, and the grid wont have much-needed flexibility to handle the swings of wind and solar production. Outside of the U.S. and Australia, hardly any other places have cracked the code for sustained, large-scale grid battery construction.

Now Taiwan is looking to join that group of storage stalwarts as quickly as it can.

In terms of rapid adoption, the percentage growth each year [for Taiwans energy storage market] is much higher than other countries, said Danny Lu, senior vice president at Oregon-based grid battery integrator Powin Energy.

As one of the top energy storage integrators, Powin sells the most battery capacity to the U.S. and Australia; China and India have considerable demand for storage but also high barriers to entry. Taiwans appetite for new batteries is approaching the U.K. in size, Lu said  that's notable given that the U.K. has nearly three times the population to serve.

Story continues

Decarbonizing the grid is tricky anywhere. The stakes are higher than usual for Taiwan since it must transition its energy system  serving some 23 million people and a world-leading cluster of microchip factories  under threat of interference from a well-armed foreign power. Its too early to tell how feasible net-zero goals can be under these circumstances, but incubating a bustling energy storage industry is a critical early step in the right direction.

Big clean energy goals  with tough limitations

Government-owned Taipower has a hefty task ahead of it: It wants to transform its energy mix by 2025.

The governments plan is to reduce coal generation from 45 percent to 27 percent of the energy mix and to take nuclear from 11.2 percent to zero over that timeframe, according to Taipower materials. To compensate, imported fossil gas will rise from 35.7 percent to 50 percent of the energy mix, and renewables will increase from 5.5 percent to 20 percent.

In raw capacity terms, that means solar needs to go from 6.5 gigawatts in 2020 to 20 GW in 2025 (8 from distributed, 12 from utility-scale), and wind from 1.3 GW to 5.5 GW. That adoption curve would rival Taiwans verdant mountain ranges in steepness. The government also wants to see more than 500 megawatts of new storage, an eminently achievable sum.

The grid overhaul faces some structural challenges. For one thing, Taiwan has pretty poor solar economics, said Joseph Webster, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council who covers energy issues in East Asia. The skies over Taiwan are often rainy or cloudy, and forested mountains cover much of the island. The flat lands south of the major population centers host rice paddies and pig farms, crucial resources for a population that still depends on imports for a majority of its food.

They're doing a lot on building out solar, but theres going to be constraints there, Webster said.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) wants to shutter Taiwans current fleet of fully functional nuclear plants. That policy runs counter to decarbonization and energy security goals, Webster noted. But the political leadership wants to avoid the risk of a Fukushima-style disaster in this densely populated, seismically active, geopolitically turbulent region.

There is offshore wind potential off the western coast, he added. Taiwan is starting to develop that, but offshore wind is a nascent industry here, much like it is everywhere outside of the North Sea. Taiwans military also has concerns about offshore wind farms impacts on radar, something that has also slowed development in Hawaii, for instance.

A few other challenges round out the bunch. Transmission constraints limit the ability to send power up the western coast to the population center in Taipei. And wherever large amounts of solar rush onto a geographically limited grid, a predictable set of problems arise. The wires need to handle surges of power at some times and not enough power at others.

Taiwan has already suffered some bad blackouts in recent years, making grid reliability a topic of public concern.

Luckily, theres a proven technology that bolsters grid reliability, circumvents transmission constraints and improves the usefulness of renewable generation. Its called battery storage.

The green energy will be more and more, said David Chen, a vice president at Taiwanese grid engineering and construction firm Leader and a 40-year veteran of Taipower. We cannot connect another country's electricity line to our country, so we will need the battery systems.

Renewables growth spurs battery uptake

Five years ago, there wasnt any inkling of a grid storage market in Taiwan, said Lu. But Powin started making inroads there nevertheless, in part due to a personal connection to the place: Lu was born in Taiwan, and his grandfather served as a head engineer at the state-owned utility.

Things changed quickly. Powin signed its first Taiwan deal in 2020  three sets of battery enclosures totaling nearly 50 megawatt-hours, Lu said.

Rather than manage sales from the misty hills of Oregon, Powin chose Taiwanese engineering and construction firm Leader to act as the sales agent and distributor for the battery systems. In the first year of that partnership, Leader bought 300 megawatt-hours from Powin to be installed at around a dozen different sites, Lu said.

The big early driver for storage adoption was a market product called Dynamic Regulation Reserve (dReg). Its a form of frequency regulation whereby batteries provide little bursts of energy to stabilize the grid. Taipower builds some of these facilities for itself, but it also lets independent developers erect their own batteries and bid into the market.

Batteries are appealing for this application because they respond faster and more nimbly than traditional power plants, and they do it without burning fuel. Battery developers can make an impact with small, short-duration batteries, which saves money compared to big battery plants that need to discharge for hours.

Frequency regulation is the gateway drug for grid storage adoption globally, but the next step is using longer-duration systems to deliver power for multiple hours at a time. Thats where Taiwan is going next.

Developers there are now gearing up for a newer grid storage service: Enhanced Dynamic Regulation (E-dReg), which calls for at least 2.5 hours of dispatch capability. The early dReg batteries had to stay under 10 megawatts to connect to local distribution grid feeders; E-dReg batteries can hook up to the transmission grid with capacity levels five, 10 or even 20 times bigger, Lu noted.

New solar power plants will also be required to add a certain level of accompanying storage, though the full details are still getting worked out, Lu noted.

Other countries spent years hashing out policy reforms to promote storage adoption. Legacy utility companies ignored the technology in favor of the familiar gas plants; when storages efficacy was proven, they ruled it out based on cost. Jumping in after a decade of battery cost declines, Taiwan has managed to bypass the foot-dragging and get batteries built by both the incumbent utility and a mix of competitive developers. Its setting the scene for batteries to bulk-shift the islands renewable production to times of day when it is more valuable, and to help ensure the grid doesnt get wobbly as even more wind and solar connect to it.

That energy mix is going to be changing aggressively over the next 10 years, Lu said. Its a really good feeling to be able to support where our ancestors are from.

Not that Powin is alone in that. Fellow integrator Fluence won a deal to supply Taipower with a 60-megawatt/96-megawatt-hour battery at a substation; other global leaders such as Tesla, Wartsila and Saft have a presence in the market too.

Batteries serve decarbonization and security

Taiwans grid planning cant happen without consideration of its neighbor across the water. China has become increasingly assertive with its military exercises in and around Taiwan, violating the islands territorial boundaries multiple times last year in a show of force.

I don't think invasion is imminent, said Atlantic Councils Webster  in contrast to the breathless prognosticating on display in some Washington, D.C. press coverage of the situation. But, he added, China is going to attempt to apply more military, political and economic coercion to Taiwan over the next five years.

A full-on invasion across the 100-mile-wide Taiwan Strait would entail a logistical undertaking of world-historical proportions, enough to make D-Day look easy. It would be considerably simpler for China to impose a blockade of the island or a quarantine  in which China would stop and inspect ships before letting them land in Taiwan. Either of those could bring modern life in Taiwan to a halt if it is still dependent on imported fossil fuels to keep the lights on.

Renewables generation is indigenous, so you're not as reliant on imports as you would be otherwise, Webster said.

But renewables alone cant ensure a reliable grid for Taipei and local juggernaut TSMC, the linchpin of the global semiconductor industry. Storage needs to grow significantly, and Taiwan will ultimately need different technologies beyond just lithium-ion batteries to deliver clean energy around the clock.



Its not clear what a viable net-zero grid for Taiwan would look like, given the renewables constraints. Nor is it clear how quickly and how far Taiwan can cut dependence on imported fuels. But every bit of new solar, wind and storage helps.

***

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Three in every five new cars entering China's roads are expected to be powered by electricity by 2030, according to a UBS forecast. In the first of a four-part series, Daniel Ren looks at Tesla, and whether it can hang on to its pole position in the world's largest and most competitive market for electric vehicles.

Zhang Hua spent three months looking at half a dozen electric-car models before deciding to ditch his eight-year-old Honda Civic.

The research fellow at Shanghai Jiao Tong University trawled websites for reviews, kicked tyres at half a dozen showrooms and asked detailed questions about resale values, add-on services and enhancements before settling on a P7 sedan made by electric-vehicle (EV) start-up Xpeng in early March.

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What sold him on the P7 was the EV's driver-assistance system and its voice-command functions. He paid 250,000 yuan (US$36,340) for the EV by the Guangzhou-based carmaker.

"I gave priority to the level of intelligence, because it's a digitalised era, where drivers and passengers demand more in-car entertainment activities and digital connectivity," Zhang said.

"Chinese-made smart electric cars are now good choices for middle-class consumers, because their technologies and services cater to our demands."

Zhang, 40, is not alone in thinking so. Tens of thousands of Chinese car buyers have been flocking to BYD, Nio, Xpeng, Li Auto and a number of China-domiciled EV makers of late, unseating Tesla as the most desirable EV brand in China and demoting the US carmaker to 10th place, according to a survey conducted by JD Power and Shanghai's Tongji University in December last year.

Nio's ET7 sedan topped the list, followed by Xpeng's G9 sport utility vehicle (SUV) in second place and Li Auto's L9, another SUV, in sixth place, according to the survey, which also assessed the vehicles' on-board technology and entertainment capabilities. JD Power did not reveal the number of respondents it surveyed.

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"Tesla has been highly successful in China, based on its sales volume and brand recognition," said David Zhang, an analyst with the research centre for automobile industry innovation at the North China University of Technology. "But it is now facing the hard question of [how] it can stay ahead of the competition."

Keen on newer tech

Chinese EV buyers are particularly attracted by the bells and whistles in such cars, like their digital cockpits, their on-board entertainment systems and the ability of their voice-recognition systems to recognise various Chinese accents.

"Our conclusion is that Chinese consumers are more keen on new [in-car] technologies that can bring comfort and entertainment to them," said Jeff Cai, chief consultant at the JD Power China auto product practice, who concluded that the top 10 cars on the list understand at least 87 per cent of voice commands by Chinese consumers.

"For example, they prefer strong voice-command functions, which is very different from western drivers. Indeed, some Chinese smart-car assemblers have proved to be superior to global rivals in terms of digital cockpit development."

Nio's ET7 comes equipped with PanoCinema, a panoramic and immersive digital cockpit boasting augmented-reality (AR) and virtual-reality (VR) technologies. The PanoCinema system is powered by 256-colour curtain ambient lighting and a Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 surround-sound system.

Tesla's theatre function allows various video-streaming services to be played on its controls screen while parked. Model Y users are also able to use the steering wheel buttons to play video games through its Arcade system.

Tesla also offers voice-recognition technology to Chinese users, but the system does not work well in a noisy environment, the survey by JD Power and Tongji University said. Moreover, Tesla's Model 3 failed to make the top 10.

Despite its low ranking, however, Tesla continues to be the front runner in mainland China's premium EV segment. After a roaring success over the past three years, Tesla's China growth story remains intact and the company looks set to overcome dwindling consumer demand.

The Shanghai Gigafactory, Tesla's largest production base worldwide, is still working in high gear, while locally built Model 3s and Model Ys continue to be bestselling premium EVs, after recent heavy price cuts.

The Texas-based carmaker was once viewed by Chinese drivers as synonymous with intelligent EVs. After its Shanghai-made Model 3s hit the mainland market in January 2020, it drew rave reviews from Chinese drivers, even as Covid-19 wreaked havoc on the country's economy and hit consumption. The Model 3 was the mainland's bestselling EV until it was dethroned in September 2020 by a mini EV assembled by SAIC-GM-Wuling.

Tesla remains very popular. Last year, it delivered more than 710,000 Model 3s and Model Ys to customers on the mainland, a year-on-year increase of 50 per cent. In comparison, Beijing-based Li Auto, Tesla's nearest rival, handed over just 133,246 units to customers last year, but a year-on-year increase of 47 per cent for the Chinese carmaker.

"Our global customer survey indicates that Chinese car buyers highly value - and are more willing to accept - advanced new technologies, including autonomous driving and intelligent cockpit functionality," said Stephen Dyer, Greater China co-leader and head of the Asia automotive practice at global consultancy AlixPartners, referring to the company's survey from August 2021.

"Foreign carmakers had a head start with some of these technologies. However, Chinese players are rapidly catching up and, in many cases, surpassing their foreign peers."

Tesla cars are termed "international models" in China, because they are not specifically designed for mainland motorists and passengers.

People check out a Tesla in this file photo from the second China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November 2019. Photo: AFP alt=People check out a Tesla in this file photo from the second China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November 2019. Photo: AFP>

"They are not designed for Chinese drivers and passengers, and they are not the up-to-date smart vehicles that many rich Chinese consumers desire," said Eric Han, a senior manager at Suolei, an advisory firm in Shanghai. "But the cars are still deemed high-quality and value-for-money products in China, because of Tesla's strong brand awareness."

Geared for Chinese roads

Tesla's main Chinese competitors - Nio, Xpeng and Li Auto - have developed battery-powered cars ranging from sedans and coupes to full-size SUVs with longer driving ranges than the Model 3 and Model Y.

While the basic editions of Tesla's Shanghai-made Model 3 and Model Y can go as far as 556 kilometres and 545km on a single charge, respectively, the entry-level versions of Nio's ET7, Xpeng's P7 and Li Auto's L8 have driving ranges of 530km, 480km and 1,315km, respectively.

Aside from the ET7, Chinese smart EVs are fitted with AR and VR systems to offer passengers a so-called immersive experience, which Tesla cars lack. Moreover, Tesla's advanced driver-assistance system, its full self-driving (FSD) software, has not been approved for use in China. Chinese drivers of Tesla cars can, however, access autopilot, a driver-assistance system that allows the vehicles to steer, accelerate and brake automatically within their lanes.

Xpeng, which is backed by e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding, the owner of this newspaper, unveiled its X navigation guided-pilot (NGP) software - similar to Tesla's FSD - at the end of March. X NGP allows Xpeng cars to navigate automatically on city streets in mainland China.

"Tesla played a leading role in making EVs 'intelligent', but the city NGP, benefiting from our meticulous work, is not inferior to the FSD," said Wu Xinzhou, vice-president and head of the autonomous driving centre at Xpeng. "Were [the FSD] to be used in China, it might not be as efficient as ours due to complicated scenarios on China's roads."

Chinese media outlet Caixin said on April 1 that Tesla plans to test its FSD software on Chinese roads soon, but did not elaborate on whether the US carmaker would launch it in the world's largest EV market.

Tesla would not comment on its strategy and operations in China. The company said in a statement late last year that it would continue to innovate to boost the popularity of its locally built cars. "We will stick to innovation to drive product popularisation, use technology to drive productivity and lean on intelligence to lead lifestyle changes," Tesla China said.

Rethinking strategy

Tesla also sells its US-made Model S and Model X luxury cars in China, but they represent just a tiny portion of its total sales in the country.

Tesla's Gigafactory 3, based in Shanghai's Lingang free-trade zone, can churn out as many as one million vehicles a year after it expanded capacity by 30 per cent mid last year.

In January, Tesla said after reporting record profit for the three months ending on December 31 that there were no plans to further increase capacity at its Shanghai facility. The statement confirmed a report by the Post earlier that month about the carmaker's decision to put off building another assembly line at its Gigafactory 3 complex because of a lacklustre sales outlook.

Tesla is likely to produce a revamped version of its Model 3 at the Shanghai factory in September to enhance its competitiveness on the mainland. There will be changes to the exterior and power-train performance with a focus on production efficiency, Reuters reported last month.

On January 9, Grace Tao, Tesla China's vice-president of external affairs, told Chinese media outlet Economic Review, a subsidiary of state-owned China News Service, that the US company had never seen other EV makers as competitors, and urged all industry players to work together to fine-tune their battery-powered vehicles to meet the needs of customers.

Her remarks came after Tesla slashed prices of all its Shanghai-made vehicles to bolster mainland sales. The US carmaker cut prices on October 24 last year and January 6 in China, as a result of which the prices of its cars hit their lowest levels since the Shanghai factory began operations at the end of 2019.

"I expect Tesla to launch new locally built models in China," said Jane Kong, a Shanghai resident. "I will replace my Model 3 with one of them. The Model 3 does not look fancy and modern any more, now that Chinese carmakers are launching new models."

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.
One-day promotion exclusively for DBS Altitude Cardmembers

SINGAPORE, April 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trip.com, in partnership with DBS Bank, is launching a Buy 1 Get 1 Free promotion on Singapore-Bangkok Economy Class return tickets across all airlines. This exclusive promotion will be valid on 10 April 2023 from 00:00:00 to 23:59:59 through the Trip.com Mobile App Singapore Site and is on a first-come first-served basis.

Edmund Ong, Senior Product & Marketing Director (Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia), Trip.com said, "We are excited to launch a Buy 1 Free 1 airfare offer in line with our commitment to provide affordable travel access for everyone in a post-pandemic world. We hope this promotion with DBS will encourage travellers to book their next cross-border adventure."

During the campaign period, Trip.com members can purchase two selected Economy Class return tickets from Singapore to Bangkok at the price of one with their DBS Altitude Card. This is limited to Singapore to Bangkok flights with the "Buy 1 Get 1" promotion tag and one redemption per account per eligible DBS Altitude Card, made on a first come-first serve basis.

Geraldine Low, Head of Credit Card Products, DBS Bank said, "As travel begins to normalise, we have seen a surge in our customers making travel plans to satisfy their wanderlust. As one of Singapore's best travel credit cards, we are committed to providing our DBS Altitude cardmembers with the best travel deals and perks. Partnering with Trip.com enables us to extend more privileges to our cardmembers as they plan for their next getaway to Bangkok."

For more details on the terms and conditions, please visit https://sg.trip.com/w/1FOR1DBSALT.

About Trip.com

Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 31 local currencies and sites. Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.2 million hotels and flights from over 480 airlines covering 2,600 airports in 200 countries and regions around the globe. Trip.com's world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit trip.com.

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Ray Clarke, left, and Eddie Ruane put up flags in Ballina, Ireland, Tuesday, April, 4, 2023. Excitement is building in Ballina, a small Irish town that was home to some of President Joe Biden's ancestors. Biden is scheduled to visit the town next week, part of a four-day trip to Ireland and neighboring Northern Ireland. (Peter Morrison/AP)

Joe Blewitt is just about the busiest man in Ballina. His phone rings constantly with calls from locals and the worlds media as he prepares to welcome a relative  U.S. President Joe Biden.

Biden is scheduled to travel to Ireland next week, with a stop in Ballina, the town from which one of his great-great grandfathers left for the United States in 1850. Blewitt, a distant cousin who first met Biden when he came to town as vice president in 2016, said the U.S. leader pledged to return once hed won the presidency.

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He said, Im going to come back into Ballina. And sure to God hes going to come back into Ballina, Blewitt said. His Irish roots are really deep in his heart.

The 43-year-old plumber was among Biden relations invited to the White House for St. Patricks Day last month. He says it was a surreal experience that included a half-hour private meeting with the president.

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Hes a people person. He loves meeting the Irish people, said Blewitt, who shares Bidens high forehead  he says people joke that he looks like the president from the mouth up.

The Irish people love him back.

Buildings are getting a new coat of paint and American flags are being hung from shopfronts in Ballina, a bustling agricultural town of about 10,000 at the mouth of the River Moy in western Ireland that proclaims itself the nations salmon capital.

Theres already a mural of a beaming Biden, erected in 2020 in the center of town. Many people from Ballina and the surrounding County Mayo moved to Pennsylvania in the 19th century. Ballina is twinned with Scranton, Bidens hometown.

I wouldnt think theres a family in Ballina that doesnt have someone, some connection with the States, said Anthony Heffernan, owner of Heffernans Fine Foods, where Biden had lunch with his local relatives during his 2016 visit.

It was a fantastic day for Ballina, Heffernan recalled.

He was very keen to talk about the town  how it was, and how it is now. He was really connected with the area.

The White House says Biden will visit Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday and Wednesday to mark 25 years since the Good Friday peace accord, before heading south to the Republic of Ireland, where he will address the Dublin parliament. In Ballina, hes due to deliver a speech Friday in front of the 19th-century cathedral, which local lore says was built partly using bricks supplied by his great-great-great grandfather, Edward Blewitt, a brickmaker and civil engineer.

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The Irish Family History Centre says Biden is among the most Irish of all U.S. Presidents  10 of his 16 great-great grandparents were from the Emerald Isle. All of them left for the U.S. during the Great Famine of the mid-19th century, which killed an estimated 1 million people.

Biden also plans to visit the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Ballina on Irelands east coast. His great-grandfather, James Finnegan, left the mountainous, wind-battered peninsula as a child in 1850, one of more than a million Irish people who emigrated during the famine years.

Theres a great sense of euphoria around the place. Everyone is asking Whats happening, whens he coming, wheres he going? said Andrea McKevitt, a local politician and distant Biden relative.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the president would use his Irish trip to highlight how his family history is part of that larger shared history between the U.S. and Ireland.

The trip is also a reminder of the central role of Irish Americans in U.S. political life. Ireland has warmly welcomed American presidents since John F. Kennedy became the first to visit in 1963. Barack Obama got a jubilant reception in 2011 when he visited the tiny hamlet of Moneygall, home to one of his great-great-great grandfathers.

My name is Barack Obama, of the Moneygall Obamas, and Ive come home to find the apostrophe we lost somewhere along the way, he joked to a crowd in Dublin.

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More than 30 million Americans  almost one in 10  claim some Irish ancestry. Richard Johnson, senior lecturer in U.S. politics at Queen Mary University of London, said Irish Americans no longer form the solidly Democrat voting bloc of decades gone by, but its still good politics domestically for Americans to emphasize their Irish roots.

One of the reasons Irish identity resonates so much with Americans is that U.S. identity is based in part on the notion that the United States broke free from the British Empire and set its own course, he said. There is a kind of echo of that story that can be found in the Irish experience. It makes it feel like the Irish have shared a common experience of breaking out of British rule that I think is attractive to Americans.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Biden has always been a friend of Ireland, and the visit would be an opportunity to welcome a great Irish-American president home.

In Ballina, Blewitt said the town is getting ready to give Biden a rousing welcome.

The streets will be packed, he said. Itll be like another St. Patricks Day.
Ukraine Latest: Russia Said to Ramp Up Evacuations From South

(Bloomberg) -- Russia has formally charged detained Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich with espionage, an accusation the White House and the newspaper denied again on Saturday.

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Russia has intensified efforts to evacuate civilians to Crimea from occupied areas of Ukraines southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, Ukraines general staff said, in what appears to be in anticipation of a counteroffensive by Kyivs forces. The occupiers are spreading information that the forced evacuation of civilians will begin in late April, Ukraine said.

A Ukrainian missile was shot down near Feodosia in southeastern Crimea on Saturday, according to Russian media reports that cited local officials, in what would be a rare long-range strike by Ukraines forces.

(See RSAN on the Bloomberg Terminal for the Russian Sanctions Dashboard.)

Key Developments

Russia Formally Charges US Journalist With Spying, Tass Says

Xis Support for Ukraine Peace Falls Short of Macrons Ambitions

Russia Shrinks Budget Deficit a Little as Spending Growth Slows

Estonian PM Vows More Defense Spending in New Ruling Coalition

Russia Says It Cut Oil Output by 700,000 Barrels a Day in March

(All times CET)

Ukraine Brings Back 31 Children from Russia (4:30 p.m.)

Ukraine is repatriating 31 children who were illegally deported to Russia, Mykola Kuleba, head of the NGO Save Ukraine, said during an online briefing. It was the fifth such mission and one of the largest since Russias invasion over a year ago. The kids are expected to arrive in Kyiv on Saturday.

Relatives of the children need to endure lengthy interrogations by the Russian security agency FSB before being allowed to pick up their children. Two other kids were unable to return after their grandmother, who traveled to bring them home, died during the trip.

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Kuleba estimated 19,500 Ukrainian children are being held in Russia. The total number of Ukrainian children in Russia and in Russia-occupied territories may be as high as 1.5 million, he said.

Ukraine Says Russia Preparing to Evacuate Civilians to Crimea (4 p.m.)

Russia has intensified preparations to evacuate civilians to Crimea from the occupied parts of Ukraines southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, Ukraines general staff said on Facebook.

Residents of the occupied cities of Melitopol and Skadovsk are being surveyed on personal details, from whether they hold a Russian passport to their level of education. Buses with those willing to evacuate are reported to periodically depart, the general staff said, and occupying officials are spreading information that the forced evacuation of civilians will begin in late April.

The efforts come ahead of a potential counteroffensive by Kyiv to recapture territory held by Kremlin forces since shortly after the February 2022 invasion. Russian President Vladimir Putin formally annexed the regions in October in defiance of international law.

French Defense Chief Speaks With Ukraines Zeluzhnyi (3 p.m.)

General Thierry Burkhard, Frances chief of defense staff, said on Twitter that he spoke by phone with Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraines armed forces. Burkhard said the pair had a fruitful change, with the Ukrainian giving an analysis of conditions at the front.

No Damage Reported as Russia Shoots Down Missile Over Crimea (11:30 a.m.)

Russian air-defense forces shot a missile launched from Ukraine over the region of Feodosia in eastern Crimea on Saturday, Interfax reported, citing Sergei Aksyonov, the head of the Russian-occupied peninsula.

Debris fell on a settlement that wasnt immediately identified, with no casualties or damage reported, the Tass news agency said, citing regional authorities.

Feodosia lies on Crimeas southern coast, between Sevastopol and Kerch, end-point of the bridge that connects Crimea to the Russian mainland. Ukrainian officials havent commented on what would be a long-range hit for Kyivs forces.

Russia Lawmakers to Consider Life Sentence for Treason (10 a.m.)

Russias lawmakers will consider a bill introducing life sentence for acts of state treason, Tass reported on Saturday, citing Vasily Piskarev, head of the security committee in the lower chamber of parliament. The current maximum sentence is 20 years.

The bill also proposes raising punishment for terrorist attacks to as much as 20 years in prison from 15 years now.

Estonian PM, Big Backer of Ukraine, Clinches New Coalition Deal (9:50 a.m.)

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas secured a deal for a new ruling coalition following her victory in last months elections, extending her tenure as one of Europes most ardent backers of Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Under her leadership, Estonia has stood out as the biggest contributor of weapons aid to Ukraine on a per-capita basis. Alongside Baltic neighbors Latvia and Lithuania, the country has pushed hard for tough sanctions to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Uncertainty on Russian Oil Output After It Cites Reduction for March (8 a.m.)

Russias energy ministry said the nation reduced its oil output by about 700,000 barrels a day in March, according to a person familiar with the figures. The figure is inconsistent with data on the nations March seaborne exports and supplies to domestic refineries, adding to the uncertainty over how much oil Russia is actually pumping at the moment.

The Kremlin pledged to curb crude-only output by 500,000 barrels a day between March and December in retaliation for Western trade restrictions and a price cap imposed by the Group of Seven industrialized nations. The reduction was 40% higher, according to the Energy Ministry data.

Read more: Russia Says It Cut Oil Output by 700,000 Barrels a Day in March

Ukraine Energy Systems Made It Through Russias Barrage, UK Says (7:30 a.m.)

Moscows efforts to severely degrade Ukraines energy systems over the winter highly likely failed, and the large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure seen since October have become rare over the past month, the UK defense ministry said.

While Ukraines network operating companies continue to source replacement transformers and other parts, transporting and installing these components is a major logistical challenge, especially high voltage transformers which weigh at least 100 tonnes, the ministry said in a Twitter thread.

Ukraines energy ministry said late Friday that the nation will resume electricity exports to Europe.

Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Working on Potent Sanctions List (7:30 a.m.)

Ukraines government is working on a new potent list of sanctions to block people who work for aggression, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Friday in his nightly address, without offering details. Several rounds of sanctions have been announced in the past few months.

Zelenskiy repeated his vow for Ukraine to recapture the Crimean peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

On Friday, a Ukrainian foreign ministry official pushed back on a a recent suggestion from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that Kyiv should cede Crimea as a way to end the war.

Xis Support for Ukraine Peace Falls Short of Macrons Ambitions (7 a.m.)

Paris and Beijing agreed to support any effort to restore peace in Ukraine on the basis of international law in a joint statement on Saturday that fell short of French President Emmanuel Macrons hopes for his three-day China visit.

Macron had hoped, however, to persuade Chinese leader Xi Jinping to use his influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin to help end the war. Yet Xi refrained from mentioning Russia or Putin in public remarks during the visit, and Chinas commitment didnt go beyond its existing 12-point proposal to end the conflict.

As for a much-awaited call between Xi and Ukraines president also doesnt appear to be any closer to happening.

Wall Street Journal, White House Deny Spying Allegations (10:40 p.m.)

The Wall Street Journal and the White House on Saturday again denied accusations by Russia that detained correspondent Evan Gershkovich is a spy. Russian media reported on Saturday the US citizen has been formally charged with espionage.

Weve seen media reports indicating Evan has been charged. As weve said from the beginning, these charges are categorically false and unjustified, and we continue to demand Evans immediate release, the Journal said in a statement. The White House called the charges baseless.

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Registered radiologic technologist Holly Speer performs a mammogram on Heather Simonsen at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 7, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

We are pleased to inform you that your recent mammogram  shows no sign of cancer.

This sentence often elicits a sigh of relief from women reading their mammogram results, but about half of them will go on to read a sentence that isnt so comforting: Your mammogram indicates that you do have dense breast tissue.

The letter then typically explains that dense breast tissue makes mammograms harder to read and that the patient could benefit from additional screening.

Rather than relief, this part sparks questions. What is dense breast tissue? How serious is it? What does additional screening look like?

It leaves me thinking maybe Im not as in the clear as I think I am, said Martha Thomas, a Utahn who has received the density notification.

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In early March, the Food and Drug Administration announced a requirement for medical practices to tell patients when their mammograms show dense breast tissue, which will take effect later this year. Breast density notification has been required by law in Utah since 2018.

Still, women with dense breast tissue often dont know what to do when they find out  many dont even know what it means.

What is breast density?

Breast density is essentially the proportion of milk-producing glands to fat in the breasts. The more glandular tissue a woman has in her breasts, the denser they are.

So it doesnt have anything to do with how the breast tissue feels to someones fingers or how it looks to your eyes, said Dr. Cindy Matsen, a physician at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah.

There are four categories of breast density, based on the amount of glandular tissue a woman has. Patients are notified of their density when they fall in categories three or four.

Breast density is mostly a result of genetic makeup, according to Kathryn Everton, a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging at St. Marks Hospital; however, age and body type also play a role.

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Younger women  premenopausal women  tend to have more dense breast tissue overall, because their ovaries are still producing estrogen, Everton said. And slender women actually tend to have denser breast tissue and less fat in their breasts.

Dense tissue typically decreases gradually after menopause, but breasts can stay dense if a woman uses a hormonal treatment.

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Why do you need to know if you have dense breast tissue?

Dense breast tissue is common  about 50% of women over 40 have it  but it presents two problems. First, it makes finding cancer more difficult.

Dense tissue shows up as white on a mammogram, and tumors and other things that were looking for also show up as white, Matsen said.

Everton compared reading a mammogram of dense breast tissue to looking for a snowman in a snowstorm, while a mammogram of a breast thats mostly fat is like looking into a clear pool of water.

The second problem is that dense breast tissue can increase risk for breast cancer.

It doesnt necessarily increase your risk nearly as much as having a family history or having a genetic mutation, Everton said. It only slightly increases most womens risk. However, in some cases, dense breast tissue can cause women to go from intermediate to high risk for breast cancer.

What should you do if you have dense breasts?

Aside from recommending a conversation with a primary care provider and additional screening, most post-mammogram letters do not give recipients with dense breast tissue much guidance.

Its so hard for women to know what to do next, Matsen said. They kind of get this letter, and theyre like, OK, I have dense breasts  what am I supposed to do?

Everton says the first step is not to panic  Its not like youre abnormal. Its not like theres anything you can do to control it.

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After talking to a primary care doctor or gynecologist, there are two main options for supplementary screening: ultrasound and MRI.

In a screening breast ultrasound, or sonogram, either a handheld device or an automated machine uses sound waves to detect abnormalities that the mammogram missed. One downside to ultrasounds is that they find abnormalities that arent cancer, which may prompt even more testing, like biopsies, for some women.

MRIs are even more sensitive than sonograms. Its basically a test that uses magnetic waves and a little bit of contrast in your veins, and it looks at blood flow to the tissue of both breasts, Everton said.

A screening breast MRI costs more than an ultrasound, but it is the recommended supplementary test for women with high risk for breast cancer.

Catherine Graham, an Intermountain Health patient, chose to get an MRI after she discovered that she had dense breast tissue, and said she was surprised by how expensive the test was.

I was a little sticker shocked, Graham said. I think I paid like $1,000 out of my own pocket for it.

But recently, Intermountain has made available a less costly version called an abbreviated MRI, which doctors are recommending for women at higher risk for breast cancer.

Despite the federal legislation requiring medical practices to alert women of their breast density, Everton pointed out that there is work to be done when it comes to resources for women with dense breast tissue.

Theres this huge gap in notification and then assisting women in finding an additional screening test, if they choose it, that their insurance will cover, she said.

No matter a patients breast density, Everton recommends that they conduct monthly self-breast exams and continue with yearly mammograms.

Nothing can replace a mammogram in terms of the mortality benefit, she said. Mammograms are proven to save lives, and you cant replace it with MRI  although a lot of women would love that  because it can find earlier signs of cancer that even an MRI cant in some cases.

Those with questions about breast density can visit densebreast-info.org or connect with a cancer information specialist at the University of Utah.
A red ring of light appears to hang above an Italian town.

A red ring of light appears to hang above an Italian town.

An enormous, circular halo of eerie red light, which looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, recently flashed in the night sky above Italy. The bizarre disk appeared and disappeared within milliseconds, meaning most people likely missed the strange spectacle.

But one person, nature photographer Valter Binotto , managed to capture a shot of the luminous halo in the sky above the town of Possagno in northern Italy on March 27. However, the red ring was not actually located above the town. Instead, the massive circle, which was around 224 miles (360 kilometers) in diameter, blinked above central Italy and part of the Adriatic Sea. It was only a forced perspective that made the ring look as if it were hanging above the town.

The ring flash is known as an "emission of light and very low-frequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources," or ELVE for short, according to Spaceweather.com . ELVEs are a rare type of stratospheric/mesospheric perturbation resulting from intense thunderstorm electrification ( SPRITE ). The red rings are created when electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) given off by lightning hit Earth's ionosphere, the ionized part of the upper atmosphere that stretches between 50 and 400 miles (80 and 644 km) above the ground.

Related: UFOs and UAP: History, sightings and mysteries

A map of Italy with the ring's location superimposed on top.

Due to their short-lived nature, ELVEs are normally visible only to satellites orbiting Earth and were discovered just in 1990 thanks to cameras onboard NASA's space shuttles. Binotto's new image is likely "the best ever picture of one from the ground," according to Spaceweather.com.

Binotto believes that the ELVE was produced by an EMP generated from a large thunderstorm near Ancona, a city around 174 miles (280 km) southeast of Possagno. Normally, lightning bolts do not emit EMPs because they do not carry enough current. But during this storm, an unusually powerful bolt, at least 10 times more powerful than regular lightning bolts, likely generated the electrical shockwave, which then hit the ionosphere, according to Spaceweather.com. When electrons from within the EMP hit the ionosphere, the charged particles excite nitrogen atoms which then give off the reddish glow.

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Binotto has photographed hundreds of ELVEs and other types of transient luminous events (TLEs) since he began shooting them in 2019, and this is "one of the biggest structures" he has ever seen, he told Spaceweather.com.

This is not the first time SPRITEs like this have been photographed from Earth. In February 2021, a red sprite in Hawaii was photographed alongside blue jets , which are lightning bolts that shoot upward instead of downward. And in April 2013, red sprites were photographed above multiple bolts of lightning in Nebraska .

This story was originally published on Live Science, a Space.com sister site.
From left to right: Russell Crowe in Poker Face and Hugh Jackman in X-Men Days of Future Past

Looking back on Hugh Jackmans successful career, the movie that really shot him into stardom was X-Men when he appeared as Wolverine for the first time. In the two decades that followed, the actor has reprised his role as Logan nine times, and he will appear as the character for the tenth time by teaming up with Ryan Reynolds for Deadpool 3 . Its a well-known fact that before Jackman got the Marvel role Russell Crowe was considered for it , however, the Gladiator star didnt feel right for it. So, he recommended his fellow Australian actor. Now, the man weve come to know as Wolverine is sharing a sweet message about the actor who helped him land one of his most iconic roles.

Russell Crowe has openly talked about turning down the role of Wolverine, and recommending Hugh Jackman for the part. He spoke about it recently on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast , talking about how he felt like his fellow Aussie looked a lot like the Marvel character. Crowe said:

Yeah, but I also suggested him for [Wolverine], too. You know, because look, they show me art and stuff like that, and its like it doesnt look like me. But, Ill tell you who it looks like, it looks like Hugh Jackman.

The Logan star, who was actually cast as Wolverine at the last minute , saw the video, and posted a sweet message to Crowe, writing:

Theres countless ways [Russell Crowe] has helped me behind the scenes. Hes a good man and a great friend.

Hugh Jackman reposting Josh Horowitz's interview with Russell Crowe

Knowing that Crowe turned down such a massive role because he thought he wasnt the perfect fit, and then recommended an up-and-coming actor instead says a lot about him, and its extremely generous. I also think Jackmans message to his friend is also incredibly sweet and telling about how grateful he is for the role that kind of made his career.

On top of recommending Jackman for the role, Crowe has also been very complimentary about his fellow actors performance. He said he never could have done Wolverine as well as Jackman did, saying he wouldnt have carried it through with the grace and the direction that Hugh gave it.

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Turns out, X-Men was not the only time Crowe recommended Jackman for a role. He also told Josh Horowitz that when Baz Luhrmann offered him Australia, he recommended his Les Miserables co-star for the role instead, saying:

And I did the same with Baz Luhrmann. They were doing sort of like pictures and stuff for Australia, and Im like OK, but these drawings dont make me think of me. That looks like Hugh Jackman. Ive always been able to say no, though.

Crowe went on to say that hes never had an issue turning down roles that he didnt feel right for. Not only has it helped make careers for actors like Hugh Jackman, its also a big reason the actor said he still loves his job.

Since Crowe turned down Wolverine, and Jackman went on to play him, both actors have had legendary careers, and are still hard at work. Jackman will return once again as the iconic Marvel character in Deadpool 3. While Crowe joined the MCU last year by joining the Thor: Love and Thunder cast as Zeus. While it seems unlikely, it would be incredibly fun to see the longtime pals work together on one of Marvels upcoming projects considering the X-Men are officially part of the MCU.

However, that will probably never happen, so let's focus on what is a guarantee. When it comes to Crowe, he has four movies on the 2023 movie schedule, including Kraven the Hunter. And in terms of Hugh Jackman, we can look forward to Wolverines official debut in the MCU in 2024, and we have Russell Crowe to partially thank for that.
Vicente Zuffo, general manager of the Principe Italia, Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson prepare to cut the ribbon on the official opening of the Columbia plant. They are joined by Principe staff, along with other county, state and federal officials and representatives.

Arby's may no longer be able to claim "It has the meats" after Principe Italia celebrated its grand opening Thursday in Columbia.

The Italian meats factory is a subsidiary of JBS Foods, a major U.S. meat-product manufactuer, which also has Swift Prepared Foods plant making bacon in Moberly. Principe is under the Swift portfolio.

Products made both for food service and retail sales includes, salami, prosciutto, along with a variety of others.

The Columbia site was selected two years ago along Columbia's major industrial corridor on Route B/Paris Road, that also is home to Schneider Electric, 3M, Kraft Heinz, Aurora Organic Dairy and Quaker, among others.

The first phase of the plant includes a 275,000-square-foot plant. A future 50,000-square-foot building also is planned. Principe, and by extension Swift Foods and JBS, were able to come to Columbia through use of Chapter 100 Bonds, that offers a 75% property tax abatement over the next 10 years. The first round of bonds were issued about five months ago.

More: New plant in Columbia expected to process 40 million pounds of Italian meats per year

Missour Gov. Mike Parson delivers remarks Thursday at the official opening of the Principe Italia meat processing facility located on Route B/Paris Road in Columbia.

The investment Principe is making is a great opportunity for Missouri, said Gov. Mike Parson, who participated in a ribbon-cutting to mark the official opening. The Columbia Principe plant is home to more than 200 new jobs. Paired with the Moberly bacon plant, that is 400 jobs in meat processing and manufacturing.

"Workforce development and infrastructure that I seem to talk about all the time are so important and that is why these companies come here, look at us and our communities," Parson said.

The ability to welcome Principe to Columbia was a matter of collaboration, said Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe. This included the city council, city departments, Regional Economic Development Inc. and the county.

"Collaboration started this. It is a longstanding collaboration and communication our community does to help invest in our sustainable local economy," she said. "This project solidifies our community's standing in food manufacturing, with compliments to our other food-based companies."

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Buffaloe also recognized the company's Hometown Strong and Better Futures programs.

Examples of various salami made by Principe Italia sits in a rack Thursday as part of grand opening celebrations of the Columbia plant. Principe is a subsidiary of JBS Foods, a major meat processor in the U.S.

More: These companies received Boone County Chapter 100 tax breaks. EquipmentShare could be next

The land on which the plant now sits historically was owned by the Hinshaw family, said Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick.

"This family had the foresight to have this designated as a Missouri certified site through the Missouri Department of Economic Development," he said, adding having this designation aids manufacturing site selectors. "It shows that we are ready and prepared to have such major facilities."

U.S. Rep Mark Alford, R-Mo., noted his excitement at business expansion in Missouri along with the proposed Interstate 70 widening to six lanes throughout the state.

"It is so key to what is going to be happening not only for this facility but up and down the I-70 area," he said.

Celebrating collaborations continued with Missouri Department of Economic Development Acting Director Maggie Kost.

"It really does take an incredible team to make a project like this happen. It takes a company being willing to invest in a community. ... It takes folks at the state, the local the federal level as well ensuring we have a great business climate, the workforce, the infrastructure, all those ingredients," she said.

Samples of the types of products made at Principe Italia sit on a table Thursday outside the Columbia plant as part of grand opening celebrations. Tours were not available as the plant already is in operation.

The group that helped with site selection is known as the Missouri Partnership. It was this organization that worked directly with Principe.

"We work to do one thing and that is attract companies to the state," said Subash Alias, president and CEO. "... (Selecting a site) is not throwing a dart on map. It is a very deliberate process."

Considerations include location, infrastructure, workforce, business climate and quality of life. Those are weighted and scored as part of a selection process, that also includes working with outside consultants, Alias said.

Swift was dreaming big when it developed plans to create an Italian meats facility, said Tom Lopez, Swift Prepared Foods president.

"To have a second facility here in Missouri is phenomenal. ... Before 2020 JBS and Swift didn't have jobs in the processing industry. Today and when the plant is fully operational, we'll have more than 400," he said. "The $200 million investment we have in this facility is the largest private investment in Columbia, ever and I am really proud about that."

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Italian meats manufacturer Principe Italia opens plant in Columbia
Retired South Carolina Judge John C. Hayes III, who served on the bench in York County and across the state for more than a quarter century, died Friday, according to his family and York County Coroner Sabrina Gast.

Hayes was 77.

Hayes gained national attention in 2015 when he vacated the convictions of the Rock Hill Friendship Nine civil rights protesters.

John Hayes was simply a great man, York County Clerk of Court David Hamilton said Friday.

Flags outside the Moss Justice Center and at the historic York County Courthouse, both in the city of York, S.C., will be lowered to half-mast to honor the memory of Hayes.

Hayes was a South Carolina Circuit Court judge for 26 years. He served as an active judge from 1991 until mandatory retirement at age 72 in 2017. Judges must retire at age 72 under South Carolina state law. He continued to sit on the bench for some cases as a retired judge after his official retirement.

Current Judge William McKinnon said Friday that he remains honored to sit on the bench once presided upon by Hayes.

This is an enormous loss to the York County legal community, McKinnon said. I am honored to have succeeded Judge Hayes on his retirement. My hope is to live up to the standard he set as a judge. We will all miss him terribly.

York Countys other resident judge, Dan Hall, said Hayes was a mentor to other judges and his service to the community will always be remembered.

I was saddened to hear of Judge Hayes passing this morning, Hall said. As a fellow judge, he mentored and encouraged me for the past nine years with his sharp intellect, integrity and wise counsel. We can be grateful that Judge John Calvin Hayes III spent his life serving this community and our state as an attorney, legislator and judge.

The case of the Friendship Nine

In 2015, Hayes vacated the 1961 convictions of the Rock Hill Friendship Nine.

The protesters, all Black, had been sentenced by Hayes uncle -- Rock Hill city judge Billy Hayes -- in 1961 to 30 days hard labor after being convicted of trespassing. The protesters staged a sit-in at what then was a whites-only lunch counter in Rock Hill.

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On that historic 2015 day, Hayes said for the court record and in front of the national media that he was proud to be the judge who vacated those wrongful convictions. Hayes said the court could vacate the convictions of South Carolina law and customs from the era of segregation and Jim Crow that discriminated against African-Americans and all people of color.

We cannot rewrite history, but we can right history, Hayes said that day as the courtroom broke into applause.

Hayes ruling was covered by media across the country, including CNN, NBC, the New York Times, NPR, and other national and international reports.

Hayes told The Herald in 2015 that he was very proud to have played a part in righting that wrong.

The order was heartfelt, and I believe on solid legal grounds, Hayes said. These individuals were exonerated. I genuinely believe they were not guilty of anything and were prosecuted because of the color of their skin. It was a correction of a wrong. So the proceeding was not symbolic  it was very real.

Family: Judge Hayes loved Rock Hill, South Carolina, and its people

Hayes was a Rock Hill native who served as a lawyer, legislator, and judge. He also was a military veteran.

John was honored to serve his state and country as an Army Reservist, a lawyer, legislator and Judge, his wife, Sarah Lynn Hayes, said in a statement to The Herald on Friday. Even with all his professional accomplishments, John loved his role as husband, father and Pop Pop more than anything. He will be remembered for how effortlessly he combined wisdom with warmth and wit and how he showed kindness to all.

One of Hayes children, John C. Hayes IV, who practices law in Charleston, told The Herald Friday that his father believed in being kind to everyone.

My father spent almost his whole life in York County and never wanted to be anywhere else, John Hayes IV said. With all that he did, he believed that as a judge, he had found his calling.

Judge Hayes was always extremely proud he served for the 16th Judicial Circuit in his home county of York, his son said. The 16th Judicial Circuit is made up of York and neighboring Union counties.

He was a lot of things to a lot of people, his son said. He loved the people. He was one of them his whole life.

Hayes honored with courtroom portrait

In January 2023, a portrait of Hayes was unveiled during a ceremony in the courtroom where he presided at the Moss Justice Center.

A painted portrait of Judge John C. Hayes III was unveiled and hung in the courtroom he presided over at the Moss Justice Center in York County, South Carolina in January 2023. Hayes died April 7, 2023 at age 77.

Hayes told a courtroom packed with lawyers, judges and others that day hat he was proud to be a judge and run a courtroom where matters could be settled without bloodshed or fights.

The courtroom is where people settle disputes without fisticuffs or pistols, Hayes said.

Firm but fair

Hayes had a reputation for being fair but tough on sentencing of criminal defendants who were guilty.

Former York County prosecutor and S.C. Rep. Tommy Pope, R-York, now one of South Carolinas top politicians in the S.C. General Assembly, said at the January ceremony that Hayes had a reputation for tough sentences but was always fair.

Hayes said at the January ceremony the toughest part of being a judge was sentencing criminal defendants. Some deserved mercy, while others did not.

You have to distinguish between the misguided and the truly evil, Hayes said.

During his years as a judge, Hayes presided over the York County trials that were national in scope. He was the trial judge for the double murder death penalty case of James Robertson, who was convicted in 1999 of killing his parents.

Hayes also was the judge in the trials of Billy Wayne Cope and James Sanders who were convicted in 2004 of child rape and murder.

People who practiced and appeared before Hayes during his quarter-century as a judge said Hayes was an intellect without peer.

Judge Hayes was calm and deliberate, former York County Public Defender Harry Dest said at the January ceremony. Dest was public defender for almost three decades and appeared before Hayes in hundreds of cases. He was wise, fair, and smart. He made an enormous impact on the judiciary of South Carolina.

Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor Kevin Brackett said in January that Hayes cared about the community he served and the people in it.

John Hayes furthered the cause of truth, justice, and humanity, Brackett said.

Hayes served in the S.C. General Assembly for 11 years before he was elected judge in 1991.

Hayes, a lawyer from 1971 until elected judge in 1991, also was a character in his own right: He once was an actor in a television movie. Hayes had a cameo appearance as a state trooper in the 1983 TV miniseries Chiefs, which was shot in nearby Chester, S.C.

A celebration of life service is set for April 16 at 3 p.m. at McBryde Hall on the Winthrop University campus in Rock Hill, S.C. The family will receive friends after the service.
DNIPROPETROVSK OBLAST, Ukraine (AP)  Deep underground in southeastern Ukraine, miners work around the clock extracting coal to power the country's war effort and to provide civilians with light and heat.

Coal is central to meeting Ukraines energy needs following the Russia's military's 6-month campaign to destroy power stations and other infrastructure, the chief engineer of a mining company in Dnipropetrovsk province said.

Elevators carry the company's workers underground to the depths of the mine. From there, they operate heavy machinery that digs out the coal and moves the precious resource above ground. It is hard work, the miners said, but essential to keep the country going.

Today, the countrys energy independence is more than a priority, said Oleksandr, the chief engineer, who, like all the coal miners interviewed, spoke on the condition of giving only his first name for security reasons.

Russias attacks on Ukraines nuclear, thermal and other power stations continue to disrupt electricity service as the war grinds on for a second year.

Negotiations to demilitarize the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which the Kremlin's forces captured last year at the start of the full-scale invasion, are at an impasse. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy opposes any proposal that would legitimize Russian control of the plant, which is Europes largest nuclear energy facility.

At full capacity, the plant can produce 6,000 megawatts of electricity. The Ukrainian operators of the plant shut down the last reactor in September, saying it was too risky to run while Russia bombarded nearby areas.

Shelling has damaged the plant numerous times, raising fears of a possible nuclear meltdown. Russian missiles have also threatened the power lines needed to operate vital cooling equipment at Zaporizhzhia and Ukraine's other nuclear plants.

Before the war, the Ukrainian government planned to reduce the country's reliance on coal-fired power stations, which contribute to global warming, and to increase nuclear energy and natural gas production. But when Russian attacks damaged thermal plants in the middle of winter, it was coal that helped keep Ukrainian homes warm, Oleksandr said.

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The work of the coal miners cannot fully compensate for the loss of energy from nuclear power plants, but every megawatt they had a role in generating reduced gaps.

We come and work with optimism, trying not to think about what is going on outside the mine, a miner named Serhii said. We work with a smile and forget about it. And when we leave, then another life begins (for us), of survival and everything else.

While many miners from the area joined the armed forces when Russian troops invaded and are now fighting at the front in eastern Ukraine, nearly 150 displaced workers from other coal-producing regions in the east joined the team in Dnipropetrovsk.

A man named Yurii left the embattled Donetsk province town of Vuhledar, where he worked as a coal miner for 20 years. The war, of course, radically changed my life, he said. It is now impossible to live there and the mine where I used to work.

Life begins from scratch, he said.

British military analysts reported Saturday that they think Russias campaign to degrade Ukraines energy grid over the winter through intense missile and drone strikes highly likely failed, and that the invaded countrys energy situation would improve as temperatures rise.

The U.K. Defense Ministry said that while the strikes have continued since October, large-scale attacks causing significant infrastructure damage are becoming rare. Ukraines network operators also managed to source replacement transformers and other critical components to keep electricity flowing, the ministry said.

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Samya Kallab contributed to this story from Kyiv, Ukraine.

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Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Two affordable housing leaders in Polk County will step down from their roles in June.

Russ Frazier, president of the Des Moines-based nonprofit Anawim Housing, and Eric Burmeister, executive director of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund, have separately announced plans to leave their posts.

Each have dedicated than a decade of service to building and preserving affordable housing in central Iowa, according to news releases issued each of their organizations.

More: As Des Moines' homeless population grows, the city grapples with solutions

Russ Frazier, president of Anawim

Russ Frazier

Frazier became president of Anawim, the state's largest permanent supportive provider, in 2010 to replace its founder Sister Stella Neill. Over the years, he worked with staff to expand Anawim, added more than 800 affordable housing units and supported hundreds of households through its services, the news release said.

In a statement, Frazier said he looks forward to the next chapter of his career to pursue "other professional interests" but remain active in housing development.

"It has been and continues to be my great honor to serve in this role. I am proud of our exceptionally strong team and all that we have accomplished," he said.

In the last year, the nonprofit's board of directors has worked to find Frazier's successor. An event marking Frazier's departure and welcoming the new successor will take place in late June, the release said.

Eric Burmeister, executive director of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund

Eric Burmeister

For 12 years, Eric Burmeister has been at the helm of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund, shaping the advocacy and planning agency into a "go-to" resource for all things affordable housing, Cole McClelland, chair of the board of directors, said in a news release.

Last year, the organization was chosen to manage $12 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to develop and improve multi-family, affordable housing. It also has helped leverage $20 million to preserve and produce houses and assist other local governments to plan for their future housing needs.

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More: Polk County commits COVID-19 relief money to adding 600 affordable housing units

This is an incredibly exciting and important time," Burmeister said in the release. "The support and momentum around housing affordability has never been greater and I am grateful to the board, staff and the many community partners, developers and elected officials who have all been part of getting us to where we are now  well-positioned for the critical policy work and support that is needed next.

"I hope the new Executive Director receives all the support needed to close the gap and be that much closer to ensuring everyone in Polk County has a place to live.

McClelland said he and his colleagues hope to fill the vacancy with someone who can "maintain the momentum of the great work underway," see the "potential that is possible" and "work with the urgency needed."

The job is posted online at www.PCHTF.org/join-our-team.

The board also plans to hire a director of housing development. It hopes to fill both positions by next month, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, the release said.

F. Amanda Tugade covers social justice issues for the Des Moines Register. Email her at ftugade@dmreg.com or follow her on Twitter @writefelissa.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Anawim Housing, Polk County Housing Trust Fund leaders to step down
Maiwenn

Johnny Depps new film, Jeanne du Barry, continues to be a lightning rod for controversy, with Variety reporting today that the films star and directorthe mononomial actor and filmmaker Maiwennhas now been sued for allegedly assaulting a journalist in France. A police report about the incident was filed back in early March, but leaked today, just days after the Cannes film festival announced that itd be opening this year with the premiere of the film.

The complaint against Maiwenn was lodged by Edwy Plenel, editor-in-chief of Mediapart magazine, who says that Maiwenn assaulted him at a restaurant in late February of this year. According to Plenel, Maiwenn saw him at the restaurant and, without saying a word, came to his table and grabbed him by the hair before spitting in his face. (No motive has been given for the alleged attack, although Variety notes that Mediapart has done some in-depth reporting on allegations of sexual misconduct against Maiwenns ex-husband, Luc Besson.) No word yet on what steps are being taken to pursue the complaint.

Read more

Meanwhile: Jeanne du Barry rolls along; the film is based on the life of the historical figure of the same name, the mistress of King Louis XV of France. (Hes the one in between The Really Famous One, Louix XIV, and The One Who Got His Head Chopped Off, Louis XVI, FYI.) Depp plays the aging king, while Maiwenn plays Jeanne, a working-class woman who achieves considerable status by catching the eye of the monarch. The film is Depps first major acting role in several years; Maiwenn cast him while he was still in the midst of losing a defamation trial against his ex-wife, Amber Heard, in the U.K., and winning a subsequent one in the United States.

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An Ohio man has been indicted for fatally stabbing his pregnant girlfriend and killing her unborn child, believed to be his own, in the process.

Jimmy David Cole, 29, is charged with three murder counts, two counts of felonious assault and a count of tampering with evidence, for allegedly killing Alicia Rosa, 23, and her unborn baby, according to People.

RELATED: Michigan Mother Of Eight Missing After Her Burnt-Out Vehicle Was Found With Blood In It

"She was reportedly in a relationship with Cole and it is believed that the child she was carrying was Cole's," reads a statement from Wood County Prosecutor Paul Dobson and Bowling Green Police Chief Tony Hetrick that People obtained.

The Wood County Sheriffs Office got a 911 call at around 4:18 p.m. on March 30 about an unresponsive female on North Main St. in the city of Bowling Green, according to The Bowling Green Police Division, which responded and discovered Rosa dead. Detectives investigated the death as suspicious.

A photo of Alicia Rosa Confer

Alicia Rosa Confer Photo: GoFundMe

The next day, just after 3 p.m., Cole was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant in Fostoria, Ohio, before later being indicted on the charges related to Rosa, according to Bowling Green Police. He was taken to the Wood County Justice Center. The Fostoria Police Department said that Cole was arrested without incident.

"We would like to thank the public for the numerous tips received in relation to his whereabouts," Bowling Green Police said about Cole's arrest.

Cole faces up to life in prison if convicted, according to People. The accused killer "took steps to destroy or conceal evidence of his other offenses," according to the indictment, accounting for the tampering with evidence charge. The three murder counts are due to Cole being charged with causing Rosa's death by felonious assault, People reports, adding he can only be convicted on two of the murder charges.

Oxy App

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Dobson and Hetrick didn't rule out further charges as the investigation into the incident continues.

"While we are just at the beginning stages of the prosecution and Mr. Cole is innocent until he is proven guilty, we are hopeful that we have taken the first steps to bring closure to Ms. Rosa's family for this violent act," they stated. "The family has asked that their desire for privacy be honored as they deal with this terrible loss."

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help cover funeral expenses for Rosa. "There are no words to describe the hurt that we feel for losing our loved one too soon," the online fundraiser states. "Alicia was full of life and laughter. She had a smile that lit up every room she went into, and a laugh that unveiled her whenever it was heard.

"She was smart and determined, and had a work ethic beyond measure," the GoFundMe continues. "Alicia had a great love for her family and was excited to share the news of becoming a new mommy to a baby boy."

Cole is due in court on April 13, according to records from the Wood County Sheriff's Office.
U.S. federal agents visited Haiti this week where they questioned several Colombian suspects in the ongoing investigation into the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

The four suspects are among dozens of Colombian mercenaries accused of storming Moises private residence in the hills of Port-au-Prince and shooting him to death. They were removed from their cells at Haitis National Penitentiary and met with Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, according to several sources.

The day after questioning the suspects, agents visited Moises private residence in the Pelerin 5 neighborhood accompanied by Haiti Investigative Judge Walther Wesser Voltaire, who is conducting his own separate inquiry into the killing.

Their visit coincided with the recent guilty plea in Miami federal court of Haitian businessman and convicted drug trafficker Rodolphe Jaar, 50. Jaar is providing insider-information to the FBI about how he provided the ex-Colombians soldiers with weapons, housing, food and solicited funds to bribe Haitis security officials to stand down on the July 7, 2021. He is among 11 defendants charged by federal authorities in Miami.

READ MORE: Who was involved in killing of Haiti President Jovenel Moise?

The first to plead guilty in the murder conspiracy, Jaar is hoping to avoid a potential life sentence for providing material support in the conspiracy to kidnap and kill Moise. The case was thought to be completed, but it appears that the FBI is retracing its steps and pursuing new leads.

While they interrogated four Colombian commandos, contrary to commentary on social media, FBI agents did not question Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has been supportive of the U.S. investigation. Henry recently allowed the United States to transfer four of the jailed suspects to Miami to stand trial.

The deadly plot to kidnap and kill Haitis president was allegedly coordinated among various suspects in South Florida, Haiti and Colombia, including 11 suspects who have been charged by indictment in Miami.

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In late January, Haitian-American suspects Christian Emmanuel Sanon, James Solages and Joseph Vincent, along with Colombian national German Rivera Garcia, were transferred to Miami to to face federal conspiracy charges in connection with the slaying. Three of the four suspects are accused of helping coordinate a failed kidnapping of Moise to remove him from office upon his return from a state visit to Turkey in June of 2021. The same three are also accused of conspiring in a final, successful plan to kill him at his home in the hillside suburbs of Port-au-Prince the following month.

Solages, Vincent and Rivera are looking at life in prison for their alleged roles in the kidnapping attempt and assassination plot. Despite assertions by Haitian investigators that he was the intellectual author of the plot, Sanon faces different but related charges involving smuggling, which carry up to 20 years.

Two weeks after the transfer of Sanon and the others, U.S. authorities arrested four other individuals in the slaying. They included the owner of the Miami-area security firm CTU, which allegedly hired the ex-Colombians soldiers, and Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, who ran a sister company, CTU Federal Academy, which allegedly recruited the Colombian suspects via a WhatsApp group.

Ortiz, the Miami Herald previously reported, was an active FBI informant and, according to U.S. authorities, once met with FBI agents and promoted regime change in Haiti head of the killing. There is no indication that the FBI was aware of Ortizs alleged involvement in the plot to kill Moise.

Miami Herald staff writer Jay Weaver contributed to this report.
A sign stands outside the entrance to Spaceport America, prior to the launch of Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo Unity, July 10, 2021, in Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico.

This story was originally published by Source New Mexico.

Billionaire Richard Branson-backed space ventures aim to shoot for the stars, but one has landed in bankruptcy court this week  raising questions about the future of New Mexicos long-promised space tourism business.

Virgin Orbit, a satellite-launching business, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in a Delaware Court Tuesday following weeks of upheaval. After a rocket mishap in January, the company failed to raise enough money to operate, which culminated in laying off 85% of the companys 750 employees this week. The company will seek a buyer as bankruptcy proceedings continue, according to court documents.

Virgin Orbit  based in Long Beach, California  launched small satellites using a combination of rockets and a modified carrier airplane. Virgin Orbit was founded in 2017 as a spinoff company from spaceflight venture Virgin Galactic, which aims to make space tourism a reality  most recently at $450,000 a ticket. Virgin Orbit promotional materials call the two sister companies.

Virgin Galactic is the anchor tenant and largest employer at the Truth or Consequences-adjacent Spaceport America  a publicly owned site to launch and land spacecrafts that cost New Mexico nearly $220 million to build. Virgin Galactic has been promising spaceflight tours out of the spaceport since 2008. British billionaire Branson would later publicly say flights would start in 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2018. The first fully crewed spaceflight took off from the Spaceport in May 2021 featuring Branson and five employees. In a February earnings call, CEO Michael Colglazier told investors that commercial flights would begin at the Spaceport by June 2023 after a series of test flights. More than 600 people have paid for tickets, some of those are more than a decade old.

Virgin Orbit is one company. Virgin Galactic is another. But among the risks of doing business  from concerns of accidents to high costs of building space crafts  Virgin Galactic officials said that bad publicity at one brand can mean trouble for another.

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Any adverse publicity in relation to the Virgin brand name or its principals, or in relation to another Virgin-branded company over which we have no control or influence, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, the company wrote in a 2020 federal filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, when officials were taking the company public.

Tom Fullerton, a professor in economics at University of Texas at El Paso, said hes unaware if other companies named bad publicity for a brand name as a risk factor, but said it makes sense in Virgin Galactics case.

When youre dealing with these new technologies, the new products and services that are directed towards a very, very narrow market niche, its not surprising that type of language is included in the prospectus, he said.

Virgin Orbits bankruptcy filing will probably have a temporary effect on Virgin Galactics ability to raise money, he said. Fullerton added that in prior years a loss could have posed a threat to Spaceport America operations, when Virgin Galactic was their sole tenant.

But fortunately, the spaceport has diversified well beyond just Virgin Galactic, he said.

In recent years the spaceport added five long-term tenants. These include Colorado-based launch provider UP Aerospace, centrifuge satellite launcher SpinLaunch, Virginia-based defense contractor AeroVironment, and their partnership with a Japanese conglomerate to create HAPSMobile, which develops and launches solar gliders.

Spaceport America spokesperson Alice Carruth declined to make any Spaceport officials available for comment.

We do not have connections to Virgin Orbit and although both companies have the same parent company, they are very separate operations, Carruth wrote in an email. We do not comment on companies that are outside of our business operations.

Carruth deferred all questions about the proposed 2023 commercial flights to Virgin Galactic.

They put out their operations publicly when they want to, Carruth said. "Outside of that, we are not able to discuss their operations.

Virgin Galactic provided no comment to emailed questions and declined an interview.

Danielle Prokop is a reporter for Source New Mexico.

Others are reading:

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Officials mum on dates for spaceflights after Virgin Orbit bankruptcy
[Source]

A province in the Philippines held bloody crucifixions to uphold a local Good Friday tradition despite the objection of the Catholic church.

The religious tradition saw eight people nailed to wooden crosses wearing thorny crowns of twigs as they reenacted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, according to The Associated Press.

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Christ before his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The crucifixions, which were held in San Pedro Cutud, Pampanga, are the provinces first display of religious devotion after a three-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Prior to the crucifixions, devotees carried heavy crosses on their backs for more than half a mile to the top of a hill. Hundreds of others also walked barefoot and whipped their bare backs with sharp bamboo sticks.

Villagers dressed as Roman centurions later hammered 4-inch stainless steel nails through the eight mens palms and feet. They were then left on the cross under the sun for about 10 minutes.

One of the men was 62-year-old sign painter Ruben Enaje, who has now reportedly participated in the crucifixions a total of 34 times.

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To be honest, I always feel nervous because I could end up dead on the cross, Enaje told The Associated Press before his crucifixion. When Im laid down on the cross, my body begins to feel cold. When my hands are tied, I just close my eyes and tell myself, I can do this. I can do this.

While on the cross, Enaje said he prayed to God for the end of the COVID-19 virus and Russias invasion of Ukraine.

The 62-year-old reportedly chose to devote his life to Christ after surviving what he described as a miracle. Enaje said he survived uninjured after falling from a three-story building in 1985. He then extended the ritual after his loved ones recovered from serious illnesses.

Story continues

More from NextShark: Ghibli Park releases illustrated guide that advises visitors to bring their trash home with them

Enaje became a village celebrity known as the Christ in the Lenten reenactment of the Way of the Cross.

Wilfredo Salvador, a 66-year-old former fisherman who played the role of Jesus Christ, said he began participating in the crucifixion 15 years ago after suffering a mental breakdown.

[God] gives me physical strength unlike others who cannot bear it, said Salvador, according to Digital Journal. I do this by choice. I thank Him for giving me a second life.

More from NextShark: Airbnb plans hanok category as K-wave continues sweeping the globe

The bloody tradition draws thousands of devotees and tourists to the Philippines.

This year, organizers said more than 15,000 Filipino and foreign tourists gathered in Cutud and two other nearby villages.

Johnson Gareth, a British tour organizer, reportedly brought 15 tourists from eight countries to watch the crucifixions.

They like this because there is really nothing like this on earth. Its less gruesome than people think. They think its going to be very macabre or very disgusting but its not. Its done in a very respectful way, Gareth told The Associated Press, adding that the tourists were genuinely inspired.

For me, it is an exceptional experience and chance to see such a cultural thing, which is unique in the world, said Milan Dostal, a tourist from the Czech Republic. I respect it, Im very open-minded.

However, church leaders in the country have objected to the crucifixions in the past, noting that devotees can express their devotion by doing charity work instead.

Its very clear that the crucifixion of Christ is more than enough to save humanity from sin, said Father Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines public affairs committee. If you want your sins to be forgiven, go to confession.

The health department had also warned participants of getting infections from being whipped and nailed.

Catholic priest Robert Reyes, who is also a human rights activist in the country, said the bloody practice is a reflection of the churchs failure to educate Filipinos regarding Christian tenets, which then prompts many to explore alternative ways of seeking divine help.

The question is, where were we church people when they started doing this? Reyes asked. If we judge them, well just alienate them.

Reyes suggested that the clergy should immerse themselves in the communities and regularly engage in conversations with the villagers.
Authorities are frantically trying to uncover the whereabouts of a missing Minnesota mother, who vanished under suspicious circumstances last week.

Madeline Jane Kingsbury, 26, was last seen at her home in Winona, Minnesota on March 31. She was reported missing after not showing up to work and later for failing to pick up her children from daycare. Shed dropped off her children at around 8 a.m. that day with the children's father before returning home with him, ABC News reported.

[Kingsbury] didnt show up or make other arrangements,Winona Police Department said in a press release statement on April 3. All of this is extremely out of character for her.

RELATED: Where Is Billie Lynn Groff? Cold Justice Investigates The Ohio Moms 1977 Disappearance

The children's father told authorities he left the home in Kingsbury's van that morning, but when he returned, she was gone, according to ABC News. He hasn't been identified.

In the week since her disappearance, Kingsbury hasnt responded to numerous calls and texts from loved ones, investigators said. Her cellphone, wallet and personal identification were left at her home. According to surveillance footage, a van matching Kingsburys was seen in the vicinity of her residence between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on March 31. Authorities didnt state whether Kingsbury had been driving the vehicle at the time.

A police handout of missing girl Madalina Cojocari

Police, for the moment, suspect foul play in Kingsburys disappearance. Detectives, however, are still piecing together a timeline of Kingsburys movements in the hours and days leading up to her disappearance. No arrests have been made in the active case.

"We believe Maddi's disappearance is involuntary, suspicious and we are all concerned for her safety," Winona Police Chief Tom Williams said.

Her family has offered a $50,000 reward for any information in the case.

Story continues

On Friday, authorities conducted a mass search for the 26-year-old mother of two. Authorities had asked for the publics assistance in carrying out the search, advising volunteers theyd be scouring rough terrain over long distances. Officials didnt specify where search efforts were concentrated. However, as of early Friday afternoon, it was unclear if the search had yielded any new information as to Kingsburys whereabouts.

Oxy App

Kingsburys sister, Megan Kingsbury, appeared alongside police officials and addressed reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.

"Please help us find Madeline," said Megan Kingsbury, who became tearful at times, while addressing reporters from behind a lectern. "Her children need their mother. We need our daughter, our sister, our aunt and our best friend back."

Kingsbury is described as being 5 feet, 4 inches tall, police said. She weighs roughly 135 pounds, has brown hair and hazel eyes.

Our hearts go out to Kingsburys family and we are asking everyone to help us bring her home safely, the Winona Police Department also stated.

A spokesperson for the Winona Police Department was unable to provide additional updates regarding Kingsbury's case when contacted by Oxygen.com on Friday afternoon.

Anyone who has information related to Kingsburys whereabouts is asked to contact the Winona Police Department at 507-457-6288 or 507-457-6492.
Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.

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Cape Canaveral Space Force Station hosted the Space Coast's 18th launch of the year early Friday.

At 12:29 a.m. EDT, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 40 carrying a communications satellite and hosted NASA payload  a roughly $200 million pollution-detecting mission  to orbit high above Earth. After flying along an eastern trajectory, the rocket's first stage landed on the Shortfall of Gravitas drone ship, completing its fourth round trip to space.

The primary payload for Friday's launch was Intelsat 40e, a commercial communications satellite owned by Luxembourg operator Intelsat. Once in its final position, it will deliver high-speed internet to private airplanes, vehicles, and mobile devices.

Over the next few weeks, the satellite will go through checkouts before becoming operational at its final location in geostationary orbit high above North America where its orbit will match Earth's rotation, allowing it to continuously service a specific part of the planet.

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Organized through the satellite's builder, Maxar Technologies, Intelsat 40e also hosted an important payload for NASA. The agency's Tropospheric Emissions Monitoring of Pollution instrument, or TEMPO, will detect air pollutants across North America to help enhance air quality forecasts.

"The TEMPO instrument, one of the things that make (it) unique is that (it's) developed as a hosted payload," Kevin Daugherty, NASA's TEMPO project manager, said during a pre-launch news conference on Wednesday. "The total cost to NASA is approximately $210 million. Of that, just over $90 million was for the instrument development itself."

Story continues

The Intelsat 40e satellite and its hosted pollution-monitoring NASA payload known as TEMPO is encapsulated into the payload fairings of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ahead of launch vehicle integration.

This way of sourcing a ride to space "is a relatively new business model that NASA is using to enable placing instruments like TEMPO into an orbit at greatly reduced cost when compared to building and launching our own satellites," Daugherty said.

According to a statement from NASA, "TEMPO will be the first space-based instrument to monitor major air pollutants hourly in high spatial resolution  down to four square miles  in a region stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Canadian oil sands to below Mexico City, encompassing the entire continental United States."

Don't expect the launch action to slow this month.

Notably, SpaceX is gearing up for the April 18 launch of a three-core Falcon Heavy from Kennedy Space Center with another communications satellite. At least two more Falcon 9 rockets can also be expected to fly from the Space Coast this month, though SpaceX has yet to announce mission specifics or confirm targeted launch dates with the Eastern Range.

United Launch Alliance, meanwhile, confirmed on Thursday that a national security mission originally slated to launch later this month on a massive three-core Delta IV Heavy rocket was postponed due to an issue with a flight valve. A new target date for the mission set to fly from the Cape's Launch Complex 37 was not available.

For the latest, visit floridatoday.com/launchschedule.

Contact Jamie Groh at JGroh@floridatoday.com and follow her on Twitter at @AlteredJamie.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX launches NASA pollution monitor and satellite from Florida
A Spanish film and television actor became the subject of global scrutiny this week after honoring her late son in an unusual, if heartfelt, way.

Ana Obregon adopted a baby girl, Ana Sandra Lequio Obregon, last month via a surrogate. The child arrived March 20 at Miamis Memorial Regional Hospital, according to Reuters.

In translated excerpts of an interview published Wednesday in Spains Hola magazine, Obregon revealed that the newborn is actually her granddaughter and the biological daughter of her son, Aless Lequio, who died in May 2020 at age 27.

This baby girl is not my daughter, but my granddaughter, Obregon, 68, told the magazine. She is Aless daughter and when she grows up I will tell her that her father was a hero so that she knows who she is and how proud she should be of him.

She said her son froze his sperm shortly after being diagnosed with cancer, as chemotherapy can affect fertility.

What people dont know is that this was Aless last wish: to bring a child into the world, Ana Obregon said.

What people dont know is that this was Aless last wish: to bring a child into the world, Ana Obregon said.

After sharing that the process of conceiving the baby began the day my child went to heaven, she said, What people dont know is that this was Aless last wish: to bring a child into the world.

Though the bulk of Obregons acting career has been in Spain, shes made a handful of guest appearances in American television series, including The A-Team and Whos the Boss? She played Bo Dereks best friend in the big-screen romantic drama Bolero, released in 1984.

Her announcement has sparked controversy among Spaniards, though many dont seem particularly vexed by the unusual family arrangement. Instead, much of the criticism stems from the actor being permitted to travel abroad for a surrogate pregnancy. All forms of surrogacy are banned in Spain along with a number of other European countries, including France, Germany and Italy.

Womens bodies should neither be bought nor rented to satisfy anyones desires, Spains Minister for the Presidency Felix Bolanos told Reuters.

Story continues

Despite the controversy, Obregon has maintained that shes not opposed to using surrogates to have more grandchildren.

My son wanted five kids, she explained. Maybe one day we will have a boy.

Related...
Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy has been busy this week thanks to Star Wars Celebration. The fan event, held this year in London, has been chockablock with development news  including a new film with Daisy Ridley returning as Rey, a project from Indiana Jones filmmaker James Mangold about the very first Jedi, and a feature from The Mandalorian executive producer Dave Filoni that would serve as a capstone to the Star Wars television universe.

Speaking to Variety on Saturday, however, Kennedy had some information to pass along about the Star Wars content that isnt in active planning stages  like the previously announced trilogy of films Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson was set to write and direct.

More from GoldDerby

Rian and I talk all the time, Kennedy said. He is unbelievably busy. So were not actively involved in anything at the moment because hes doing another one of the Glass Onion movies and then God knows what else. But he really wants to step back into the space. Its a big commitment of time, so thats really on him.

Johnson has talked frequently about his Star Wars return. I have talked to Kathy [Kathleen Kennedy] about it and were still talking about it, Johnson told Variety last year. I had such an amazing experience making The Last Jedi. Its entirely a matter of scheduling. For me, putting this [Glass Onion] out and making the next one of these the answer is I dont know.

In a later interview with Insider, however, Johnson said, It wouldnt be the end of the world for anyone, I think, were the films to wind up scrapped. But, he added, I would be sad. I love the world. I love the people. I love Star Wars fans. I love the passion of how they engage in it. Theres nothing like telling a story in this world and then experiencing people truly connecting to it and letting you know that. Its extraordinary.

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Back in 2017, before the release of The Last Jedi, it was revealed Johnson would create an all-new trilogy of Star Wars films. We all loved working with Rian on The Last Jedi, said Kennedy at the time. Hes a creative force, and watching him craft The Last Jedi from start to finish was one of the great joys of my career. Rian will do amazing things with the blank canvas of this new trilogy.

We had the time of our lives collaborating with Lucasfilm and Disney on The Last Jedi, Johnson and producer Ram Bergman said in a joint statement. Star Wars is the greatest modern mythology and we feel very lucky to have contributed to it. We cant wait to continue with this new series of films.

The Last Jedi was a massive hit and critical success but proved controversial among Star Wars fans due to its portrayal of Luke Skywalker and how the film sought to walk back some details about its characters established in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Beyond Johnsons Star Wars future, Kennedy also discussed whether or not fans could expect another season of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Disney+ series from director Deborah Chow starring Ewan McGregor.

That is not an active development, she said about a possible Season 2. But I never say never, because theres always the possibility. That show was so well-received and [director] Deborah Chow did such a spectacular job. Ewan McGregor really wants to do another. Everybodys all hands on deck with what were doing right now, as you can see by what we showed everybody [at the Celebration with Disney+ shows Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and The Acolyte]. Well turn our attention to that again maybe down the road.

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This week in coins. Illustration by Mitchell Preffer for Decrypt.

It was a relatively quiet news week in the cryptoverse, reflected by the fact that barely any of the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization moved dramatically in the past seven days.

Market leader Bitcoin (BTC), which has a market cap of well over half a trillion dollars, entered the weekend down a marginal 1.4% from seven days ago. It currently trades at $28,030 according to CoinGecko.

Ethereum (ETH) went in the opposite direction, starting Saturday up 2.4% from a week ago, trading hands at $1,869 at the time of writing. That modest bump is thanks to anticipation of next weeks Shapella network upgrade, a portmanteau of Shanghai and Capella," two steps that will unlock withdrawals of ETH staked on the network at the execution layer and the consensus layer, respectively.

In very basic terms, the execution layer executes and records Ethereums transactions in real-time, while the consensus layer is where those transactions are validated. Every validator has staked 32 ETH to activate their software and is rewarded with ETH for confirming transactions. The validated information is then shared across the whole network.

The biggest success story this week in coins came from meme coin Dogecoin (DOGE), which pumped at the start of the week, then dove, and is heading into the weekend up 8.8% over the last seven days.

The coins rally kicked off after Elon Musk filed a motion with a U.S. judge on Friday to dismiss a $258 billion lawsuit accusing him of allegedly running a racketeering scheme to back the cryptocurrency.

On Monday, DOGE ballooned 20% in less than an hour after Musk changed the iconic blue bird logo on the social media site to a picture of Doge, the adorable Shiba Inu behind the iconic meme that inspired the coin, but the rally ran out of steam by Thursday, when the coin posted an intraday loss of over 8%.

Adoption news

In spite of stagnant prices, three big crypto adoption stories hit the press this week.

On Tuesday, Ralph Lauren announced the opening of a new luxury concept store in Miamis Design District; it will be the fashion houses first store to accept cryptocurrency payments. Items can be purchased with Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Polygon (MATIC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and other cryptocurrencies via a partnership with crypto payments service provider BitPay.

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That same day, Latin Americas biggest investment bank, Brazil-based BTG Pactual, announced the launch of its own stablecoin, the U.S.-dollar pegged BTG Dol token, which runs on Polygon. BTG Pactual said in a statement that this stablecoin will allow investors a simple, efficient, and secure way to put their equity into dollars. Clients can start investing with as little as 100 reals ($20).

And on Wednesday, PostFinance, the Swiss bank fully owned by the Swiss government, announced it will offer its customers a range of regulated crypto services delivered through Sygnum's B2B banking platform, including the ability to buy, sell and store Bitcoin and Ethereum.

All positive signs for crypto adoption, even if they didn't spark a rally.
Timothee Chalamet is soon going to find out how it feels to perform songs as the inimitable Bob Dylan.

James Mangold, who is set to direct the actor in the forthcoming Dylan biopic entitled A Complete Unknown, spoke to Collider at Londons Star Wars Celebration in an interview published Friday. During the chat, Mangold was asked whether Chalamet will sing for the film and replied with an emphatic, Of course!

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Mangold  the director behind Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, hitting theaters in June  explained what appealed to him about Searchlight Pictures Dylan film. The project is based on author Elijah Walds 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric and has a script from Jay Cocks.

Its such an amazing time in American culture and the story of a young, 19-year-old Bob Dylan coming to New York with, like, two dollars in his pocket and becoming a worldwide sensation within three years  first being embraced into the family of folk music in New York and then, of course, kind of outrunning them at a certain point as his star rises so beyond belief, Mangold told the outlet. Its such an interesting true story and about such an interesting moment in the American scene.

Mangold added that filming was likely to commence in August and that such music figures as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Joan Baez would be part of the story.

Chalamet, who was most recently seen in Bones and All, has Dune: Part Two set for release in November and Wonka hitting theaters in December. He told British Vogue last year that he has seven musical numbers in Paul Kings Wonka, which serves as a prequel to Roald Dahls 1964 novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Click here to read the full article.
Early in the year, the Oregon Ducks had a top-10 class nationally after landing a flurry of four-star players, including a pair of top-100 wide receivers in Tyseer Denmark and Jordan Anderson, as well as a top-150 player in OT Fox Crader.

Over the last couple of months, that top-10 national ranking started to slip a little bit as the Ducks got passed by other teams picking up commitments. While Oregon was experiencing positive momentum as far as making recruiting cutdowns and scheduling visits, the commitments were infrequent.

That changed on Friday afternoon, with 4-star safety Aaron Flowers announcing his commitment to the Ducks. Flowers is rated by 247Sports as the No. 109 player in the 2024 class, and the No. 9 safety. He is the sixth player to join the Ducks 2024 class, all of whom are rated as 4-stars.

So where did his addition bump Oregon to in the national recruiting rankings? Lets take a look:

Georgia Bulldogs

Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 11

247Sports Team Score: 233.94

Top-Ranked Commit: 5-star CB Ellis Robinson IV

Michigan Wolverines

Michael Allio-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 11

247Sports Team Score: 200.66

Top-Ranked Commit: 5-star QB Jadyn Davis

LSU Tigers

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 12

247Sports Team Score: 196.29

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star LB Maurice Williams

Ohio State Buckeyes

Barbara Perenic/Columbus Dispatch

2024 Commitments: 8

247Sports Team Score: 176.36

Top-Ranked Commit: 5-star WR Jeremiah Smith

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 9

247Sports Team Score: 175.25

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star WR Cam Williams

Florida State Seminoles

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 9

247Sports Team Score: 164.12

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star RB Kameron Davis

Tennessee Volunteers

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 7

247Sports Team Score: 144.33

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star QB Jake Merklinger

Pittsburgh Panthers

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

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2024 Commitments: 10

247Sports Team Score: 140.26

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star WR RicDarious Farmer

North Carolina Tar Heels

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 9

247Sports Team Score: 135.50

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star RB Davion Gause

South Carolina Gamecocks

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 6

247Sports Team Score: 130.89

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star OT Kam Pringle

Oregon Ducks

2024 Commitments: 6

247Sports Team Score: 129.27

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star WR Jordan Anderson

Florida Gators

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 5

247Sports Team Score: 120.89

Top-Ranked Commit: 5-star QB DJ Lagway

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 8

247Sports Team Score: 130.89

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star RB Johann Cardenas

Iowa Hawkeyes

Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 7

247Sports Team Score: 117.30

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star IOL Cody Fox

Clemson Tigers

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 6

247Sports Team Score: 117.20

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star TE Christian Bentancur

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 9

247Sports Team Score: 115.19

Top-Ranked Commit: 3-star EDGE Camden Hardy

Penn State Nittany Lions

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 6

247Sports Team Score: 114.14

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star IOL Cooper Cousins

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 8

247Sports Team Score: 112.14

Top-Ranked Commit: 3-star DL Jide Abasiri

Alabama Crimson Tide

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

2024 Commitments: 4

247Sports Team Score: 106.63

Top-Ranked Commit: 5-star QB Julian Sayin

Ole Miss Rebels

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 6

247Sports Team Score: 93.72

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star DL Jeffrey Rush

Colorado Buffaloes

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 5

247Sports Team Score: 92.84

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star DL Omar White

Auburn Tigers

2024 Commitments: 4

247Sports Team Score: 86.45

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star QB Walker White

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 5

247Sports Team Score: 84.00

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star QB Jakhari Williams

Texas A&M Aggies

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 4

247Sports Team Score: 82.45

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star DL Dealyn Evans

Purdue Boilermakers

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Commitments: 5

247Sports Team Score: 80.78

Top-Ranked Commit: 4-star QB Marcos Davila

Story originally appeared on Ducks Wire
Archaeologists have uncovered artifacts Native Americans left nearby nearly 2,000 years ago in Newark, Ohio, including pottery, oven fragments and tools.

"They're just absolutely beautiful," said Andrew Sewell, senior historian and principal investigator at Lawhon & Associates in Columbus, an environmental engineering firm, describing the semi-translucent flint tools.

Through extensive surveys and analysis, Sewell determined that a Hopewell family likely inhabited the excavation site in what became the front yard of a house at the corner of Reddington Road and Thornwood Drive.

The discovery was made at a construction site where workers are building a temporary bridge. The bridge will allow them to reopen a crossing, Cherry Valley Road crossing, that abruptly closed in October.

Katie Piatek of Lawhon & Associates in Columbus digs as part of an archaeological survey of the site where a new Thornwood Crossing roadway and roundabout will connect with Thornwood Drive, Reddington Road and River Road.

How was the site discovered?

The 190-year-old bridge was closed on Oct. 5 because engineers deemed it unsafe. The city of Newark had plans to replace the original bridge, but the unexpected closure forced a change in plans  installing the temporary bridge to get traffic flowing again as construction begins on a nearby new bridge and roadway expected to open in 2025.

Before any site preparation or construction could begin on the new bridge, roadway realignment and roundabout, an archaeological survey was performed. Starting in early 2018, a team of archaeologists from Lawhon & Associates were hired to do the survey.

What theyve found is shedding new light on the lives and culture of the Hopewell Native Americans who once lived in the area.

Their survey was required by the National Historic Preservation Act, which mandates surveying such a construction site to determine whether it has historic and/or cultural structures that otherwise would be affected by regulations guiding projects involving federal funding. In this case, it did.

With the temporary bridge in place, construction workers are now installing the temporary bridge deck and approaches to the bridge, which is several feet above the original roadway. The temporary bridge is scheduled to open at the end of April.

More on the bridge where artifacts were found

The Showman Arch Bridge was built in 1833 as an Ohio & Erie Canal aqueduct and later became a road bridge.

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Nearly 10 years prior to the bridges closure, archaeologists discovered artifacts relating to the Hopewell Native Americans, but no scientific investigation of the site was conducted until recently.

"This was an extensive, multi-step operation," said Sewell, describing the dig done in the past year.

Their investigation was divided into phases. First, the team conducted a baseline archaeological survey, with the primary objective of identifying significant dwelling or ceremonial sites in the area. Their search would lead them to the yard at a house at the intersection of Reddington Road and Thornwood Drive, just west of the old bridge.

Once the primary site was found, the team continued with a test-pit excavation done with hand shovels. They dug small holes 50 feet apart, and when areas of interest were found, the distribution of holes was narrowed to 25-foot intervals as they honed in on areas of "primary occupation."

The final step of the first stage was a geophysical survey, carried out by a magnetic gradiometer. The instrument is used to measure fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field, which indicate the presence of subsurface structures, such as mineral deposits or archaeological sites. In this case, Sewell and his team were able to detect the location of fire hearths due to the contrast of "fiery" soil against the natural magnetic background of the earth.

Following phase one, the Lawhon and Associates team crafted a memorandum of agreement.

"Lots of different parties were interested in the project," Sewell said.

This agreement between the Ohio Department of Transportation, the state and Licking County historical societies and affiliated Native American groups outlines a partnership to address issues related to historic preservation and cultural resources at the site. Then phase two began.

Robert Milton, Sam Meanor, Wesley Walsh of Lawhon & Associates in Columbus conduct an archaeological survey of the site where a new Thornwood Crossing roadway and roundabout will connect with Thornwood Drive, Reddington Road and River Road.

Researchers used new methods during the excavation

Sewells team began this larger excavation with a new practice of analysis. Soil samples were taken every 10 feet within the designated area. These samples were subsequently sent to the anthropology lab at Ball State University for in-depth analysis. The lab conducted measurements of the soil phosphate levels, with elevated concentrations indicating a presence of human activity. The results of the analysis were conclusive.

"We really got excited about this, knowing we were on the right track," Sewell said.

The large-scale excavation was then conducted at the site, with test holes measuring between 3 square feet and rectangles 6 by 3 feet. A total of 24 holes were excavated, with 12 located in the front yard, and an equal number scattered on the sides and in the back of the site. The excavation yielded the pottery, oven fragments and stone tools.

At the top of this list were the flint tools, also called "bladelet cores." Cylindrical in shape, these flint cores wear the scars of small, thin bladelets that have been cut off of them.

The Hopewell people, known for their advanced flint-working techniques, crafted small bladelets from flint mined at the Flint Ridge quarries east of Newark. These cores, measuring between 3 and 4 inches in length, feature striking bands of red and blue color and were used in ritual settings for decoration in various domestic settings.

During the site study, 23 unique features were identified and interpreted as cultural remnants of the native inhabitants. Among the discoveries were patterns of post stains, indicating the presence of structures, as well as stains associated with earthen ovens, a primitive method of cooking that involved digging a hole in the ground, lining it with stones, and building a fire inside.

Archaeologists commonly refer to these structures as hamlets.

They were similar to others found in the region, specifically the "Murphy Site," which was investigated in the late 1980s before construction of the Erinwood subdivision along Newark-Granville Road in Granville. This site also was home to an early 1800s farmhouse that was moved to become the core of the nearby Welsh Hills School building. The distribution of Hopewell artifacts and domestic features at that site was comparable to Sewells recent findings just about a mile south.

Construction crews built reinforced concrete and steel supports at each end of the 190-year-old Showman Arch Bridge, seen here in early March, to hold the temporary bridge that is expected to open at the end of April.

Why are these findings important?

Sewell says that its important to gain a deeper understanding of the everyday, domestic life of ancient people, in addition to studying the grand ritual sites such as the Newark Earthworks a couple of miles east.

"By examining domestic sites, we can gain valuable insights into the agricultural, behavioral and familial sides to Hopewell culture," Sewell said.

While their field work is complete, Sewell and his team are continuing to catalog and analyze their findings. Sewell aims to complete their report within the coming months.

"We still have a lot of work to do and many questions to be answered," Sewell said.

Jack Wolf writes for TheReportingProject.org, the nonprofit organization of the Denison University Journalism program, which is funded in part by the Mellon Foundation.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Beautiful': 2,000-year-old Hopewell dwelling site found in Ohio
PROVIDENCE  A suspended Providence, Rhode Island police captain who was seen on video slamming a handcuffed man's head to the pavement last summer was sentenced to a year of probation on Thursday.

Stephen J. Gencarella pleaded no contest to a charge of simple assault after he was charged over the arrest of 21-year-old Armando Riva during a city fireworks show on July 3, 2022.

Video posted online showed a handcuffed Rivas lying prone on the ground while Gencarella and another officer detained him. At one point in the video, Gencarella appeared to lift up Rivas' head by the hair and slam his face forcefully to the ground.

He received the probation sentence and a no-contact order during an appearance Thursday before Judge Anthony Capraro in District Court, Providence.

Providence police Capt. Stephen J. Gencarella, right, appears last year in District Court, Providence, where he was arraigned on a charge of simple assault.

The video sparked harsh criticism and calls for then-Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and the city's police chief to recommend Gencarella be fired.

WITNESS POLICE VIOLENCE?: Organization wants to train bystanders on what to do

Rivas allegedly refused to remove a parked Jeep Cherokee from the travel lane of the nearby on-ramp to Interstate 195, according to police.

Gencarella and the other police officer struggled to get Rivas into handcuffs, a police report said. Gencarella's lawyer, Michael Colucci, had previously argued that the use of force was reasonable, telling reporters that Rivas remained a threat even after he was handcuffed.

On July 5, the first business day that followed his holiday weekend arrest, Rivas pleaded no contest to resisting arrest, obstructing an officer and double counts of simple assault. District Court Judge Melissa Dubose ordered Rivas to serve a year of probation.

Gencarella, who was charged in August, previously pleaded not guilty.

Later, Providence police moved to fire Gencarella through a process governed by the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights, accusing him of six violations of rules, regulations, policies and standards of conduct, including violations related to the department's use of force policy.

On Thursday, Assistant Attorney General Michael McCabe asked Capraro to sentence Gencarella to a suspended one-year prison term, as well as a year of probation and a no-contact order, according to Brian Hodge, a spokesman for Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. McCabe also requested 100 hours of community service.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Rhode Island police captain gets probation for slamming man's head
Screenshot: ABC News, Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels, Facebook

In a number of police brutality cases, the actions of a police officer are justified if the person is holding or reaching for a firearm, even when it is found later that the cop made a mistake. Recently, a Missouri Prosecutor has decided not to criminally charge two Independence Police Department officers who shot and killed 39-year-old Tyrea Pryor after a car crash after mistaking him for holding a gun.



Pryors case is one of many examples of police brutality but here are seven examples of cops pulling the they had a gun card.



Read more

1. Tyrea M. Pryor

Dash camera footage from the March 11 incident shows officers approached a totaled white vehicle with Tyrea Pryor and a female passenger inside. They ordered the woman to exit the car and spoke with Pryor, who was disabled and groaning in pain. Hes got a gun, the officer said and immediately 15 shots rained toward Pryor. Authorities say they opened fire after seeing a floating gun when in reality, Pryor was unarmed, per The Kansas City Star. Moments after the shooting, another officer is heard saying, I dont see a pistol.

2. Jayland Walker

Before Pryors killing, 25-year-old Jayland Walker was shot and killed by Akron police in a hail of over 40 bullets. Authorities say before the shooting, they saw Walker fire a shot at them while being followed in a high-speed chase. The firearm they say was found in the back of his vehicle has been speculated to be planted there.

3. Frederick Cox

In 2020, Frederick Cox was shot and killed by High Point police outside a funeral after being seen with a gun. Reports say the medical examiner didnt find any gun residue on Coxs hand and the deputy who suggested the false notion faced no charges in the death.

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4. Donovan Lewis

Lewis was in bed when a group of Ohio police officers showed up at his door to serve an arrest warrant, per CBS News. The officers detained the other men in the house and unleashed a K-9 to find Lewis. When within seconds of opening his bedroom door, one officer shot at Lewis as he raised his arms with a vape pen in hand. No firearm was recovered from the scene.

5. Stephon Clark

In 2018, Clark was shot and killed in the backyard of his grandmothers house by Sacramento officers who mistook his cellphone for a firearm. None of the officers involved were criminally charged.

6. Sean Bell

Bell was out at a bachelor party the night before his wedding when he was shot and killed by plainclothes NYPD officers. The cops claimed they overheard one of Bells friends ordering him to get a gun. However, witnesses say the officer came up by his car brandishing a firearm resulting in Bell trying to speed off. The officers fired over 50 rounds at Bells vehicle and not were convicted in his death.

7. Aiyana MoNay Stanley-Jones

The 7-year-old was shot in the head while asleep in her grandmothers living room. Officers from Detroits Special Response Team raided the apartment, threw a flash-bang grenade and fired within seconds. They claimed they saw her grandmother reaching for one of their guns but she was on the other side of the room, according to Mother Jones.

Attorney Weighs In on Police Accountability

The Jackson County prosecutor deciding not to criminally charge the officers who shot Tyrea Pryor comes as no surprise given the exhaustive list of police killings we see in the news. Though, the absence of a guilty conviction suggests the police these life-threatening mistakes are on their job applications.

Civil rights attorney Harry Daniels, who is representing Pryors family, told The Root what needs to be done to keep these tragedies from happening again is letting the law enforcement know they themselves are not above the law.

Its accountability, charges, arrest, convictions, prison sentences - They unlawfully killed a man so they should be reviewed and presented to the grand jury for further charges unless they include murder If you shoot a person who is unarmed accidentally or whatever you want to call it, then you know then you should be reviewed as to whether you committed murder or sometimes voluntary manslaughter, Daniels said.

The accountability people want to see is police officers being prosecuted as if they were citizens for committing these egregious crimes.

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Not all heroes wear capes.

Cortney Carlson

An Arkansas teacher said she felt like the coolest teacher ever when one of her students opted to dress up like her for the schools super hero day.

Jaime Deigh of Bentonville said she got a heads up that it was happening when her student Caroline Carlsons mom Cortney texted her to ask her what she planned to wear to school that Friday.

Cortney amusedly remembers that Mrs. Deigh just wrote back - no questions asked - and said shed probably wear one of her school t-shirts and jeans. It took a couple more questions for it to sink in why one of her students moms wanted to know about her attire.

Cortney Carlson

Caroline wants to dress like you for superhero day because youre her superhero, Carlson texted her again.

Deigh, a 19-year teaching veteran, said she was shocked and delighted and sent back to Cortney several crying face emojis.

Even though she knew it was happening, when Deigh saw Caroline walking down the hallway on Friday she said was in disbelief.

Donning an R.E. Baker t-shirt, jeans and a jean jacket, she was dressed exactly like me, Deigh said. Caroline even slept in curlers to copy Mrs. Deighs naturally curly hair, a process she called a little uncomfortable and one that she said made her feel like a granny.

Bentonville Schools posted a picture of the duo on Facebook with the caption, Forget the cape. Throw on a jean jacket and change the world wherever you are today, Bentonville!

Caroline said Mrs. Deigh is a superhero because she isnt like any other teacher shes ever had. She treats her class like a family and expects her students to serve each other and cooperate like brothers and sisters would - even during disagreements.

She doesnt only teach us teacher stuff . . .she teaches us how to be kind, responsible and helpful, Caroline said.

Cortney Carlson couldnt be more thrilled that Caroline has Mrs. Deigh - who also happens to be the reigning R.E. Baker Teacher of the Year. Shes already seen the impact Mrs. Deigh has had on Caroline.

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Theres just a mutual respect and admiration in how she runs the classroom, the way she talks to people, and how she leads them and guides them, Cortney Carlson said about Mrs. Deigh.

Mrs. Deigh said Carolines powerful sweet gesture dressing like her is just another reminder of her feelings about the group of kids shes teaching.

For me, a person of color, Im so thankful for what this generation is becoming, she said.

Theyre gonna be the future leaders of America theyre just seeing goodness in people no matter who you are.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.
Demand for Champagne has been surging in recent months, and thats especially been true in the United States.

Last year, the French region shipped more than 33 million bottles of bubbly to America, according to data from the Champagne Bureau, USA. Thats a 31 percent increase from 2019, and the highest amount shipped anywhere outside of France.

More from Robb Report

The strength of the U.S. market in 2022 shows that Americans are still eager to consume Champagne, Gaelle Egoroff, the director of protection and appellation promotion activities at the Comite Champagne, said in a statement. In addition, American consumers are increasingly seeking out new moments for Champagne consumption outside of celebrations or special events, contributing to this strong result.

In total, the U.S. received 33,720,198 bottles of Champagne, worth more than $997.9 million. Globally, the region shipped out 325.5 million bottles last year, up 1.5 percent from 2021. The total value of all shipments surpassed $6.6 billion for the first time ever.

What accounts for the increased interest in Champagne? The Champagne Bureau attributed the massive increase to a return to pre-Covid habits, such as in-person celebrations and gatherings. Additionally, the organization noted that more people are turning to Champagne during smaller, more untraditional moments, such as after-work happy hours or meals with family and friends. After the past few years, weve certainly learned that those quieter moments are just as worth celebrating, if not even more so.

The Champagne Bureau, USA is the official stateside representative of the Comite Champagne, a trade group for the grape growers and houses of the Champagne region. In response to the wild demand it saw last year, the Comite Champagne is planning to increase its annual budget by a whopping 50 percent and create a new center for research, development, and innovation, among other changes.

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While thats good news for fans of bubbly, Champagne is facing a bit of a crisis: Some producers are expecting a shortage for the next couple of years. However, there should be more than enough of the good stuff to supply the world in 2023, as long as people dont start hoarding bottles. Thankfully, if the Champagne Bureaus analysis is to be believed, it seems like people are breaking out the bubbly whenever they feel like it.

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Click here to read the full article.
[Source]

Congress has passed a resolution declaring Vaisakhi, or April 14, as National Sikh Day on Tuesday.

Supported by the American Sikh Congress Committee, the resolution was passed to honor and celebrate the important role played by the Sikh community in strengthening and inspiring the people of the United States.

Acknowledging the presence of roughly 1 million Sikhs in the U.S., the resolution hailed the Sikh community as a force for social justice, an inspiration to create inclusive communities where all are respected" and leaders of charitable events.

Vaisakhi was chosen as National Sikh Day because it recognizes the 1699 founding of the Order of Khalsa, a fellowship of saint-soldier Sikhs who played an important role in shaping the religions history and identity.

More from NextShark: Stanford professors don't remember alum Rishi Sunak, who could become UK's next PM: report

The passing of the Congress resolution occurred a week after Republican legislators from Georgia passed a state resolution condemning Hinduphobia.

Sponsored by Republican representatives Lauren McDonald, Todd Jones, Rick Hasperse, David Clark and Brent Cox, the resolution condemned "Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, and intolerance.

Noting the American Hindu community as a major contributor to diverse sectors and Hindu contributions that have enriched the cultural fabric of American society, the Georgia State Legislature stated it welcomes the diversity brought by Hindu Americans and all those who work hard, follow our laws, uphold family values, and contribute to our economic and social well-being.

More from NextShark: Comedian Bobby Lee shares 'nightmare' story about a musician confusing him for DJ Steve Aoki

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San Jose Police ID Suspect Who Targeted Asian-Owned Businesses For Vandalism

Crowdfunding campaign for Oakland toddler killed by stray bullet raises over $100,000 in 14 hours
King Charles' coronation is nearing, but President Joe Biden might not be in attendance

As King Charless coronation day approaches, royal fans are starting to question which crown King Charles III will wear at his coronation ceremony.

The coronation will take place on May 6 at Westminster Abbey, and as anticipation for the big day heightens, more and more details have been announced . From the coronation concert at Windsor Castle to Prince William and Harrys scrapped role and the relaxed dress code, we are slowly learning what we can expect from the historic event.

Ahead of the celebrations, Buckingham Palace released a statement that read, Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort hope the Coronation Weekend will provide an opportunity to spend time and celebrate with friends, families, and communities across the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. Their Majesties are looking forward to marking the occasion with the public throughout 2023.

But what crown will King Charles wear for his coronation ceremony? Heres everything you need to know.

King Charles

What crown will King Charles wear at the coronation?

King Charles III will wear the St Edward's Crown when he is officially declared King during his coronation. This will be the first and only time that Charles will wear this particular crown and he will only wear it for a few moments , for the pivotal moment of the actual crowning. The crown will be placed on his head by the Archbishop of Canterbury and guests will declare, God save the King.

This crown is traditionally worn by monarchs when they are crowned, and was worn by the late Queen Elizabeth at her coronation ceremony back in 1953.

It was originally made for the coronation of Charles II back in 1661 and is stored safely in the Tower of London - although it was recently announced that St Edward's Crown has been removed from the Tower of London to allow for modification work to begin ahead of the coronation.

Made of solid gold and weighing five pounds, it contains 444 gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, garnets, and tourmalines. The 17th-century crown is almost identical now to when it was first created, aside from some replacement stones.

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King Charles crown

Which Crown Jewels will be used at King Charles' coronation?

As well as the famous St Edwards Crown, we will also see The Crown Jewels at the coronation of King Charles.

The Crown Jewels comprise of the Coronation Regalia, which is a number of important objects used in the coronation of monarchs, including scepters, rings, and orbs. These items all play a key role in the traditional coronation proceedings.

The Sceptre with Cross

During the ceremony, the Sceptre with Cross is passed to the monarchs right hand by the Archbishop of Canterbury, symbolizing power and justice.

The Sceptre with Cross features a large cross on top of the large Cullinan I diamond, which was cut from the same stone as that in the Imperial State Crown.

The Sceptre with Dove

The second sceptre used during the Coronation is the Sceptre with Dove, which is passed into the monarchs left hand. This golden spectre is set with 285 gems and features the emblem of a dove with outstretched wings, which symbolizes equity and mercy.

The Orb

Also used in the coronation is the spherical orb, which symbolizes the globe and is constructed of two hemispheres that are joined together at the equator by a band of jewels. The cross on the top of the Orb references Christian traditions and symbolizes Gods influence over the world.

The Coronation Ring

When a new King or Queen is crowned, The Coronation Ring is placed on their fourth finger to represent the wedding of the sovereign to the people. The ring is a thick gold band featuring a ruby cross over a blue stone, making it look similar to the Union Jack flag, and is outlined with diamonds.

The Sword of Offering

The Sword of Offering is presented to the monarch during the coronation to represent strength and power. The highly decorated Sword of Offering was made for King George IV back in 1820. It is set with emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, which form the shapes of roses, thistles, and shamrocks to denote different realms of the United Kingdom.

The Ampulla

The Ampulla is a 20cm-tall eagle made of gold. The head unscrews, allowing it to be filled with holy oil, which is poured from a small hole in the birds beak onto a special spoon. The Archbishop of Canterbury then uses the oil to anoint the new monarch in a cross shape on their forehead.

The Spurs

The set of spurs features small spikes, protruding out from a traditional rose shape. Spurs have been used to invest royalty at coronations since King Richard I back in 1189, although the current set was made in 1660. The spurs are brought in to touch the back of the monarchs heels during the coronation and represent the concept of a knight earning their spurs.

Queen Camilla

What crown will Queen Camilla wear at the Coronation?

Queen Camilla will wear Queen Marys Crown for the Coronation, which has already been removed from the Tower of London ready to be re-sized ahead of the ceremony. As revealed by the Royal Family website , this marks the first time in recent history that an existing crown will be used for the coronation of a Queen Consort instead of a new crown being made.

This has been done in the interests of sustainability and efficiency, according to the Buckingham Palace announcement. The last time a Queen Consorts crown has been re-used was by Queen Caroline, the wife of King George II, in the 18th century when she wore Queen Mary of Modenas crown.

However, some changes will be made other than the re-sizing, in keeping with another tradition that involves the insertion of jewels that are unique to the occasion and which showcase the Queen Consorts personal style. The alterations will also pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, with the Cullinan III, IV, and V diamonds being added to Queen Camillas coronation crown.
Deer graze in the Salt Lake foothills on Feb. 20. Utah DWR officials say Utahs deer population grew by about 10% between 2021 and 2022 as moisture returned. Theyre requesting fewer hunting permits because of snow impacts, though. | Carter Williams, KSL.com

Utah wildlife biologists are seeking a reduction in general-season deer hunting permits for the fifth straight year; however, there are signs that the struggling species is improving as the statewide drought weakens.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources unveiled its 2023 hunting permit recommendations on Tuesday, which call for 71,600 general season buck deer permits this fall  1,475 fewer than were issued last year. It comes as Utah's deer population remains tens of thousands shy of the state's goal of 404,900 overall.

"The way we hunt buck deer in Utah doesn't drive deer populations, but what happens with deer populations drives how we hunt buck deer," said Dax Mangus, the division's big game coordinator, in a statement.

The division is also seeking a general increase in elk hunting permits as a result of a new management plan for the species in the state, among other permit requests. The Utah Wildlife Board is set to vote on the final number of big game hunting permits next month.

Addressing Utah's deer

Utah wildlife officials say there are an estimated 335,000 deer, up nearly 30,000 from an estimate unveiled in late March 2022 but still about 70,000 below the state's population objective. The state's long-term drought is a major reason for the decline after deer populations had finally neared the goal of over 400,000 deer.

However, a shift in precipitation between December 2021 and December 2022 made a big difference in reversing the downward trend.

"Our statewide deer population actually grew about 10%," Mangus said in a video explaining the permit change proposal. "Late summer-early fall monsoon moisture patterns that we've seen have been really beneficial and helped deer."

But the recommendations are based on a formula of variables to come up with a preferred hunting permit figure, not just the current deer population. He explained that cutting buck permits isn't a "silver bullet" in population growth. Instead, other factors like buck-to-doe ratios, fawn production, as well as doe and fawn survival rates after the winter help determine the permit amount for a season.

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These factors were trending in the right direction when data was collected in December. However, the same precipitation helping deer populations recover for the first time in a few years is likely going to impact survival rates in some parts of the state.

Some herds are expected to struggle with this year's record snowpack impacting their primary habitat. This is a major reason why the division announced Monday that it will keep 24 wildlife management areas in central and northern Utah closed through the end of April, so wintering deer and other big game animals aren't disturbed during a pivotal time in the year.

"There is such a thing as too much of a good thing," Mangus said. "We anticipate to see some declines this year in units in the northern part of the state. But we also do anticipate to see some growth in the southern part."

Adding all these factors together, the division came up with a recommendation of 71,600 general season buck permits for this season.

About all of the decreases would be in the division's northern and northeast regions, where populations have struggled the most with snow. The division is requesting a reduction of about 4,800 permits in northern Utah and a decrease of another 1,000 in northeast Utah this year.

It's also requesting that 3,275 permits be added to southern Utah, which had lost permit totals over the past few years. It's also seeking 450 more permits in southeast Utah, as well as 600 more in central Utah.

Utah does offer more than just the standard general season buck deer hunt. The division is requesting 1,305 limited-entry deer permits this year, which would be an increase of 40 permits. It is also seeking to set aside 530 antlerless deer permits, down from 635 last year.

Other big game hunting permit changes

Elk are a different story, as populations remain nearly 3,000 above the state's objective of 80,000 in the state. Wildlife biologists explain that elk are far less influenced by drought or winter conditions than deer, which is why they are thriving.

State wildlife officials are seeking 15,000 general season any elk hunting permits for adults, while there's an unlimited amount of permits for youth hunters, as well as archery and late hunt permits. These changes are based on a new statewide management plan adopted late last year. The state set aside 17,500 permits altogether in this category last year.

The division is also proposing that general season spike bull elk hunts remain at 15,000 permits, though this year would include a new cap of 4,500 multiseason permits. There would also be 19,857 antlerless elk permits, up 2,749 permits from 2022. The youth draw-only any bull elk permit would remain at 500 permits, while there would also be 3,336 limited-entry bull elk permits in 2023.

Other big game permit proposals for the hunting season include:

75 desert bighorn sheep permits (up four from 2022)

52 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permits (down five from 2022)

5 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep ewe permits (the same as 2022)

177 bison permits (up 19 from 2022)

102 bull moose permits (down three from 2022)

9 antlerless moose permits (half of 2022's amount)

96 mountain goat permits (down seven from 2022)

1,372 buck pronghorn permits (up 123 from 2022)

155 doe pronghorn permits (down 123 from 2022)

The division is also seeking some rule changes, including clarifications on the technology used in hunting.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is accepting public comment on the proposed changes leading up to a Utah Wildlife Board meeting on May 4. More information about the proposed changes can be found on the division's website, which is also where public comments can be submitted.

Utahns have until 11:59 p.m. on April 25 to provide input on the plan ahead of the May 4 vote.
In order to justify the effort of selecting individual stocks, it's worth striving to beat the returns from a market index fund. But every investor is virtually certain to have both over-performing and under-performing stocks. At this point some shareholders may be questioning their investment in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC), since the last five years saw the share price fall 26%. We also note that the stock has performed poorly over the last year, with the share price down 22%. Furthermore, it's down 11% in about a quarter. That's not much fun for holders.

So let's have a look and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress.

See our latest analysis for Wells Fargo

To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

Looking back five years, both Wells Fargo's share price and EPS declined; the latter at a rate of 5.1% per year. This change in EPS is reasonably close to the 6% average annual decrease in the share price. This implies that the market has had a fairly steady view of the stock. Rather, the share price has approximately tracked EPS growth.

You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Wells Fargo's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

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 Wells Fargo the TSR over the last 5 years was -14%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

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A Different Perspective

While the broader market lost about 9.2% in the twelve months, Wells Fargo shareholders did even worse, losing 20% (even including dividends). However, it could simply be that the share price has been impacted by broader market jitters. It might be worth keeping an eye on the fundamentals, in case there's a good opportunity. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 3% per year over five years. Generally speaking long term share price weakness can be a bad sign, though contrarian investors might want to research the stock in hope of a turnaround. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For example, we've discovered 3 warning signs for Wells Fargo that you should be aware of before investing here.

Of course Wells Fargo may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of growth stocks.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American 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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Gov. John Carney plans to end Delawares Public Health Emergency order at the end of the day on May 11, his office announced Thursday.

It is the same day that President Joe Biden plans to end the federal Public Health Emergency.

Delaware has consistently been in a state of emergency since March 13, 2020, due to the pandemic. The status ensures access to emergency assistance from the federal government, and previous iterations of the Public Health Emergency order enforced safety precautions like the closing of nonessential businesses.

MORE: Food banks bracing as pandemic SNAP benefits end in Delaware in March

'Continued progress in moving beyond COVID-19'

Because of the state's "continued progress in moving beyond COVID-19," Carney said he felt comfortable ending the Public Health Emergency order in May.

However, like the federal government, the administration may reverse this decision and continue to extend the state of emergency if there are any "unanticipated developments" to public health.

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on Twitter at @h_edelman.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware's COVID-19 public health emergency status set to expire
For 43 years, the identity of a woman whose partially decomposed body washed ashore on Lake Erie was unknown.

And then on March 30, the exact day her body was discovered more than four decades earlier, the woman wearing a "disco style" dress was finally identified. Her name was Patricia Greenwood, said the City of Sandusky Police Department.

"We were able to put a real name to our Jane Doe," Det. Eric Costante told CBS affiliate WOIO.

The cold case had haunted the Sandusky, Ohio, police department until technology advanced enough to extract DNA from the body's skeletal remains and build a familial tree to trace the identity of the woman.

Porchlight Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding DNA testing for Ohio cold cases offered to fund the necessary testing, the group said on its website.

Using the raised funds, Costante sent a tissue sample to Bode Technology, a forensic laboratory that works closely with the nonprofit, Porchlight Project said on their website.

Greenwood had addresses in several Michigan towns, including Traverse City, Bay City, and Saginaw, according to police. She was from a family of 12 children who were all given up for adoption all throughout the state of Michigan, police said.

Surviving siblings told investigators Greenwood may have been a sex worker. Greenwood was "transient by nature" and gone "for long periods of time," Costante told WOIO. She was 32 years old when she disappeared, police said.

Police are considering Greenwood's death a possible homicide.

"She had significant injuries to the right side of her body, including a broken femur and pelvis," Costante told WOIO. "Our next steps are to try and find out what indeed happened to her."

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In a profile of Emily Ratajkowski for the Los Angeles Times, the model seemed to address the viral clip of her kissing pop star Harry Styles in Tokyo from March. The 31-year-old talked to the publication for two months to generate the piece, and about two weeks before being seen with Styles, she told them, I'm really just not thinking about guys...I'm working, I'm a single mom. I've been so busy that its easy not to think about.

Ratajkowski is friends with Olivia Wilde, and after the kiss video, rumors were rampant that Wilde, Styles, and Ratajkowski once engaged in a threesome while the director and musician were dating. The model sent a voice not to the Los Angeles Times' Amy Kaufman from Japan that referenced the story, saying, There's a million insane, inaccurate things about my relationships [that are said].

Im definitely still not thinking about guys, she continued. Although, yeah. You know, sometimes things just happen.

The model's two-year-old son, Sylvester, could be heard in the background of the memo. She shares Sylvester with ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard. They are currently estranged, and the model shared that the last year has been horrifying.

However, she stated she needed to be discreet for the sake of custody of her son.

I'm scared, she said. I'm learning that outspoken women don't often get their children.

Throughout the profile, Ratajkowski was reluctant to name names in general, and did not specifically say she was discussing her short-lived romance with comedian Eric Andre. But she shared how she had to ask one of her recent flings if they thought she was pretty after he constantly commented on other women's looks.

So I said, What do you think of me? she recalled. And he was like, Are you serious? Youre a famous model. I was like, Wow, you dont get it. I need to know that you are specifically attracted to me. Beauty is totally subjective. I dont care how much its validated by a standard.

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The true mark of "making it" in Hollywood isn't an Oscar or a billboard with your face on it  it's getting a coconut cake from Tom Cruise. See which A-listers have bragged about receiving one of the coveted coconut cakes (and which ones have mourned falling off the gift list)

wireimage; rosie o'donnell/instagram

Rosie O'Donnell

Vera Anderson/WireImage

Rosie O'Donnell and Tom Cruise have been friends for 25 years now (she famously used to gush about him on her talk show) and the actress doesn't feel the holiday spirit until the delicious dessert shows up on her doorstep each year.

This past Christmas, O'Donnell proudly showed off the sweet delivery writing on Instagram, "My Tommy sent me a coconut cake!! I love that guy."

Jay Ellis

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Cruise's cake is so renowned that his Top Gun costar, Jay Ellis flew it to Mexico last year.

"This year, my family, we all met in Mexico to spend Christmas together," Ellis said while on The Jennifer Hudson Show. "And I was away filming a movie, and I was like, 'Mom, can you freeze the cake and take it to Mexico?' My whole family was like, 'Yes, freeze the cake.'"

He continued, "Whatever it is  dry ice, ice cubes, whatever it is  we froze the cake," he said. "We took it to Mexico, thawed it out and we had it on Christmas Day."

(Assuming you don't get added to Cruise's list by Christmas, the Woodland Hills, Calif.-based bakery that makes the cake, Doan's, will ship you one in dry ice via their Goldbelly page.)

Tom Hanks

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty for The Recording Academy Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

Also on the gift list? Tom Hanks,who described the cake as being "so great you can really only have it once a year."

Apparently, the cake is a huge hit at his production company, Playtone, where his colleagues wait with bated breath, for it to be delivered each year.

"They start eyeing: What mail has come in? Is the big box coming in? Are we getting, what has essentially been called the Tom Cruise cake?" he said while on Mythical Kitchen's YouTube series Last Meals.

And because the cake is such a treat, the company begins to savor each slice as the days go on. "Everybody starts slicing thinner and thinner slices," Hanks joked.

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"It's a mathematical proof that if you just keep cutting everything in half, you will never run out of Tom Cruise cake."

Angela Bassett & Courtney B. Vance

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett

During an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Cruise revealed Angela Bassett and husband Courtney B. Vance are also recipients of the famous cake.

"I like to send cakes to people and stuff like that," Cruise stated. "I sent one to you and Courtney-"

"Yeah, but only I ate it," the Black Panther actress gleefully joked about her refusal to share.

Elle & Dakota Fanning

Lester Cohen/WireImage Tom Cruise and Elle Fanning

After getting a special shout out from the Mission Impossible actor during last year's Cannes Film Festival, Elle Fanning revealed Cruise has shown her and sister Dakota so much love over the years.

Cruise and Dakota starred in War of the Worlds together back in 2005.

Elle told PEOPLE that Cruise "made it a point to kind of stay in [Dakota's] life ... which was so kind."

She continued, "And he sends her a birthday gift every single year still. We get the coconut cake that he sends, which I know Kirsten Dunst said she gets one, as well, from working with him in Interview with the Vampire."

Kirsten Dunst

Amy Sussman/WireImage

As Elle mentioned, Dunst has been on the list of recipients since working with Cruise in 1994.

"He gives me a cake every Christmas," Dunst told Graham Norton during a 2016 appearance on his show. "We call it the Cruise cake at my house. It's the best coconut cake I've ever had in my life."

Jon Hamm

Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Paramount Worldwide Jon Hamm

Though Jon Hamm starred in Top Gun: Maverick with Cruise, he was a receiver of the coconut bundt cake long before then.

"I'm on the list. I'm very proud to be on the list," Hamm told Dish Nation. "I was on the list pre-Maverick so I'm very happy. I predate the movie, so somehow I got on that list."

Miles Teller

Kevin Winter/Getty Images Tom Cruise and Miles Teller

Much like the team at Tom Hanks' production company, Miles Teller couldn't fathom the thought of finishing the cake in its entirety when he got it for his birthday.

"The coconut cake is very good," he admitted to Dish Nation during the Hollywood premiere of the Top Gun last year.

"I have one in my fridge right now he sent for my birthday in February. So what month are we in? May? I still have it, so that that let's you know how good it is."

Cobie Smulders

Sean Gallagher/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Also on the preservation train is Cobie Smulders, who freezes her holiday gift so it lasts for months.

"It's so good. I leave it in my freezer and it lasts until like March," she told Jimmy Fallon (who also bragged about being on "the list"). "I just slowly chip away at this thing. It's so good, I don't know why. I'm not even a big sweets person, but it's so good."

Graham Norton

This famous cake is so much of a hot item, sometimes it doesn't even get to its intended recipient, as Graham Norton found out.

While prepping for an episode in which Renee Zellweger appeared, Norton found out Cruise had sent the cake to his office for years  he just never received it.

"I didn't know we were on the Tom Cruise Cake List 'til today!" he told the Jerry Maguire actress, while asking her about her own receipt of the treat.

"I was talking about you being on the cake list and somebody said 'Oh, yeah, we get a cake from Tom every year,' and I went, 'Do we? I've never seen the bloody cake.'"

Turns out, it was "the nicest cake" someone in Norton's crew had ever had...and didn't last long enough to make it to the host himself!

Brooke Shields

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Someone who received the cake for a while  and would like to again  is Brooke Shields.

"I was on the list for a while. I had a good 10-year run, and I got the coconut cake every year, which I was very happy [about]," she told PEOPLE recently, adding with a laugh, "I want to get back on that cake list. It's the best cake. Tom, I need to be back on the cake list!"

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Read the original article on People.
FALMOUTH  With a helicopter lending a hand in the air, state and local police were searching for a man who robbed the Rockland Trust Bank in Falmouth on Saturday morning, authorities said.

A man entered the bank at 20 Davis Straits around 9:10 a.m. Saturday armed with a handgun and threatening that he was carrying a bomb, according to accounts from Falmouth Police and the Massachusetts State Police. He fled after a teller handed him an undisclosed amount of money.

Following the robbery, the suspect drove away in a stolen 2019 Ford Flex SUV, said Procopio in an email. State police later found the vehicle abandoned on Teaticket Highway in Falmouth.

A State Police helicopter searches Teaticket Park in Falmouth for a bank robber who held up a Rockland Trust Bank in Falmouth then stole an SUV as a getaway car, later ditching it at Teaticket Park. State and local police began an extensive search to the find suspect.

Massachusetts State Police officers, and a K-9 team were searching the area surrounding the highway. A state police helicopter also helped in the search. Air Wing units conduct incident, scene and surveillance assessments, according to the state of Massachusetts, and collaborate with state and local police to locate wanted, missing, or endangered persons.

State police spokesman David Procopio said an FBI-Mass. State Police task force was joining in the investigation.

A State Police K-9 and officers stand by a black Ford Flex SUV that was used by a bank robber who held up a Rockland Trust Bank in Falmouth Saturday morning then stole the vehicle as a get away car, later ditching it at Teaticket Park. A massive search was undertaken to locate him.

Customers who attempted to enter the bank were turned away by Falmouth Police.

There were no injuries during the robbery, according to Emily McDonald, vice president and marketing manager for Rockland Trust Bank. She declined to say how much was stolen during the robbery.

Falmouth Police released this surveillance photo of the bank robber holding a handgun at the Rockland Trust Bank, 20 Davis Straits in Falmouth on Saturday morning around 9 a.m. Falmouth Police said the man also threatened that he had a bomb.

A police dog tries to pick up the scent of a man who police say robbed the Rockland Trust bank at 20 Davis Straits in Falmouth on Saturday morning.

"We're grateful to the authorities who worked swiftly an diligently to respond to the incident," said McDonald in an email. "We will continue to apply stringent security measures to safeguard their wellbeing."

Aerial view of the Rockland Trust bank at 20 Davis Straits in Falmouth which was robbed Saturday morning.

The Falmouth branch will remain closed for the remainder of Saturday, said McDonald, but didn't indicate when the branch would re-open.

State Police cruisers race down Route 28 in Falmouth on Saturday to join in the search for a bank robber who held up a Rockland Trust Bank in Falmouth then stole an SUV as a getaway car. The robber later ditched the vehicle at Teaticket Park where a massive search was underway.

Falmouth Police released this surveillance photo of the bank robber holding a handgun in his right hand and an object that he said was a bomb at the Rockland Trust Bank on Davis Straits in Falmouth on Saturday morning around 9 a.m.

Rockland Trust Bank has been robbed before

Last month, three men were indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with the Nov. 17 armed bank robbery of Rockland Trust Bank in Tisbury on Marthas Vineyard, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Miquel Antonio Jones, 39, of Edgartown, and Omar Odion Johnson, 32, of Canterbury, N.H., were each indicted on one count of armed bank robbery and aiding and abetting.

Romane Andre Clayton, 21, of Jamaica, was indicted on one count of being an accessory after the fact to armed bank robbery.

Jones, Johnson and Clayton will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date, according to the Justice Department.

On Nov. 17, at around 8:15 a.m., the Rockland Trust bank in Vineyard Haven was robbed at gunpoint by three people. According to police, robbers wearing dark clothing and masks that looked like an older man with exaggerated facial features entered through the back of the bank and held semi-automatic weapons. They forced a teller to open a vault at gunpoint, stealing $39,100. They also tied up employees with plastic ties and duct tape. They stole a vehicle from a teller, later driving it to Manuel F. Correllus State Forest next to Marthas Vineyard Airport where they abandoned it around 8:30 a.m.

Rachael Devaney writes about community and culture. Reach her at rdevaney@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @RachaelDevaney.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: State and Falmouth police are searching for suspect in bank heist
Two Middle Georgia men, one of whom is a former U.S. airman, admitted to possessing child sexual abuse material in U.S. District Court this week in Macon, officials said.

One man pleaded guilty while another was sentenced in two separate cases of child sexual abuse materials in Georgia Middle District court, according to a statement from the U.S Attorneys Office.

Kenneth Queen, 35, of Forsyth pleaded guilty Thursday to possessing child abuse materials and failing to register as a sex offender. Justin Wayne Pallett, 29, of Warner Robins was sentenced Tuesday to 17.5 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

Our office will work tirelessly to protect children from child predators, said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said in the statement. Through Project Safe Childhood, our office has a team of prosecutors working with law enforcement from every level dedicated to protecting our most vulnerable citizens from child victimization.

The cases

Police caught both men with the abuse materials in 2020, according to court documents.

Police identified Pallett, then an active duty service member at Robins Air Force Base, in November of 2020 after a mother reported that her 13-year-old daughter sent explicit Snapchat pictures to a 26-year-old man, according to Palletts plea agreement.

Police obtained a search warrant and found 178 pictures and six videos of sexual child abuse material across Palletts computers, tablet and cell phone, the statement said. Pallett was also still having sexual conversations with multiple underage girls on Snapchat.

He pleaded guilty in November and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. Self III.

Queen was accused of illegally tattooing minors in summer of 2020, which led to police investigating him, the statement said. They discovered Queen captured explicit content involving a minor and had also failed to register as a sex offender in Monroe County after moving there from Tennessee. He had been convicted of child molestation in Madison County in 2008.

Queen will face sentencing in July after he pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell.
Penn State is kicking off another April weekend on a good note after securing a verbal commitment from one of the top running backs in the Class of 2024. Quinton Martin, the top recruit in Pennsylvania, announced he will be staying close to home by committing to the Nittany Lions. Martin announced his commitment via Twitter on Friday evening.

This is a major commitment for Penn State. Martin carries the top ranking in the state from each of the recruiting services, and he is a top 50 player overall in the nation according to 247Sports (no. 48), Rivals (no. 37), and ESPN (no. 27). On3 ranks Martin as the no. 99 player overall in the nation.

Martins commitment continues Penn States recruiting efforts to keep the best prospects in the state. Recent commits that have been among the best players in the state to choose to play for Penn State have included Micah Parsons, Jven Williams, and Nick Singleton.

In addition to Singleton and Kaytron Allen in the Class of 2022, Penn State also added four-star running back London Montgomery out of Scranton in the Class of 2023. The addition of Marton should ensure some good stability and quality depth at the running back position in the coming years.

Martin is the seventh commit in Penn States Class of 2024, which now owns a top 10 recruiting class ranking from 247Sports (no. 9) with the latest commitment on the board for the Nittany Lions.

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More Recruiting!

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Story originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire
An illustration of an astronomical instrument.

Researchers have deciphered an ancient manuscript that they think Claudius Ptolemy, an Egyptian mathematician and astronomer of Greek descent, penned during the first century A.D.

Written in Greek on parchment, the text was originally discovered in 1819 by Angelo Mai, a Roman Catholic cardinal and scholar of ancient texts, who found it hidden in a library at Bobbio Abbey in northern Italy.

Now, a team of researchers from Sorbonne University in Paris and New York University (NYU) has deciphered much of the mysterious text and revealed its contents. They detailed their work in a study published March 9 in the journal Archive for History of Exact Sciences .

Prior to this, experts struggled to decipher the manuscript and could decode only chunks of copy. Because parchment, or prepared animal skin, was considered wildly expensive, at some point during the sixth or seventh centuries A.D, someone had recycled the pages and printed another work  in this case, Spanish theologian Isidore of Seville's "Etymologiae"  on top of Ptolemy's writing. Someone also "cleaned" the paper in an attempt to read it, causing portions of the pages to turn dark brown, according to the study.

Related: Cryptic 4,000-year-old writing system may finally have been deciphered

"Angelo Mai had splashed chemicals on the pages to erase the Latin," study co-author Alexander Jones , a professor at NYU's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, told Live Science. "On some pages [he] did a pretty good job of erasing the writing. And then you also have this other writing written directly on top of Ptolemy's."

The researchers needed a way to get an optimized view of the text, since "it was essentially impossible to read more than just a few isolated words on these particular pages," Jones said. So they turned to a method called multispectral imaging.

A portion of ancient text written on parchment.

"The basic idea is that different wavelengths of light have different illuminations on a page that's written using ink of any particular composition," Jones said. "The technique is to take lots of digital photos with different wavelengths of light and then combine these images by adding and subtracting the signals of various proportions to see if you can bring out the writing you want to see and suppress the writing you don't. For each page, it's a different recipe."

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This method allowed them to "read well over half of what was written," Jones said.

Notably, it revealed a manual, written by Ptolemy, that explained how to construct a meteoroscope, an armillary instrument used to trace distances and study the stars. Composed of nine metal rings that pivot around one another, the device could be used to orient a person as they made astronomical calculations. In the text, Ptolemy advised constructing an instrument that was no smaller than about 1 foot (0.3 meter) in diameter, according to the study.

So how did the researchers know that Ptolemy was indeed the author of this work?

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"Unfortunately, we don't have the first and the last pages, so we don't have an author name," Jones said. "But things started showing up that are very characteristic of Ptolemy's Greek vocabulary. He has a distinctive style and uses certain phrases and words that either no one else used in all of ancient Greek literature or hardly anybody unless they were influenced by him."

The subject matter itself also offered clues."Then we found a particular passage where the author is speaking in the first person, saying, 'I introduced a new terminology for certain angles used in astronomy,'" Jones said. "We also have another book by Ptolemy where he used the same terminology of new names for these angles. That's our strongest piece of evidence that it is by him."
US-NEWS-ABORTION-TRAVEL-RESTRICTIONS-ID

A sign taped to a hanger hangs near the Idaho Capitol in Boise after protests against the state's new abortion laws, which effectively banned the procedure Credit - Sarah A. MillerIdaho Statesman/Tribune News

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a first-of-its-kind law Wednesday night that criminalizes any adult who helps a minor undergo an abortion through a procedure or medication in another state without parental consent.

Under the law, adults would be facing felony charges and could be punished with two to five years in state prison for aiding with procuring an abortion, whether that be driving a minor across state lines, or helping them find an abortion provider out-of-state. Doctors who perform abortions would also be liable to criminal penalties. The law adds to the states near-total abortion ban, which prohibits abortions unless a pregnancy is the result of rape or incest (which has to be reported to law enforcement), or is a life-saving measure.

Proponents of the measure have heralded the law as a continuation of the states right to ban abortions. With the U.S. Supreme Courts reversal of Roe vs. Wade last summer, the right and duty to establish legal policy on abortion was finally returned to our state democratic process, Gov. Little said in a letter to the Idaho legislature on Wednesday.

Opponents warn that this law adds on to the continuous attacks against the bodily autonomy of youth.

If young people are unable to travel for care, they are forced to either self-manage an abortion and take on the potential legal risks, or carry an unwanted pregnancy to term along with the serious consequences that can have for their health and well-being, says Megan Darby, Director of State Policy at the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization. Young peoplealong with everyone in Idaho and across the countrydeserve compassionate and affordable access to the whole spectrum of sexual and reproductive health care.

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The law is set to go into effect in thirty days.

What does the new law do?

The new law, formerly known as House Bill 242, criminalizes so-called abortion trafficking by making it illegal to obtain abortion pills for minors or help them leave the state to obtain an abortion, with the intent of hiding the abortion from a minors parent or guardian.

Under the law, the father, grandparent, sibling, aunt, or uncle of the unborn child has a right to sue an adult who helps a minor obtain an abortion up to four years after the abortion. The law also allows the specified family members to file lawsuits against out-of-state doctors who perform these abortions.

The criminal ban does say that adults who help pregnant minors access abortions with the consent of parents/legal guardians have an affirmative defense. That means that if a defendant presents evidence that a minors parent or guardian agreed the child could travel out-of-state for an abortion, they do not have criminal liability.

The measure, however, says it is not an affirmative defense for an abortion provider or the provider of an abortion pill to be out of state. In other words, if a pregnant minor has a physician across state lines and obtains an abortion, that procedure is illegal.

Violators can face anywhere from two to five years in state prison.

How would the law be implemented?

The passage of the law does not mean its necessarily popular with Idahoans. In a poll commissioned by Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii but conducted by public opinion firm Lake Research Partners, nearly half of all Idaho voters reported being pro-choice, with 24% saying they think abortion should be generally available and only subject to limited regulation.

Theres been a movement among progressive prosecutors to say that theyre not going to prosecute some abortion offenses, says Cynthia Soohoo, Co-Director of the Human Rights and Gender Justice Clinic at CUNY School of Law. But the law actually gives the Attorney General the power to enforce the law if local prosecutors dont.

In terms of implementation, experts tell TIME, prosecutors would have to have substantial evidence that someone crossed state lines to access care. Because Idaho is between Washington and Oregon, where legislators are already working to enact shield protection laws, there is likely to be a conflict of state laws.

Shield laws explicitly protect abortion providers from lawsuits if an out-of-state patient receives an abortion, but these laws also often protect helpers. The loose phrasing of the word helper applies to people who assist with the abortion, Elisabeth Smith, Director of State Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Reproductive Rights tells TIME that assistance could be anything [from] driving someone to the clinic, to providing financial assistance, to helping them make the appointment.

Shield laws also prohibit that state from collaborating with any investigation that is about the provision of or assistance with reproductive health care, according to Smith. And so part of that prohibition on collaboration is a prohibition on subpoenas and providing evidence. In other words, states like Idaho would be unable to access medical records or other evidence of abortion care if neighboring states do pass shield laws, making it difficult for a prosecutor to gather evidence.

With that in mind, its imperative that people who are seeking abortion care be private about their actions, Smith says. Thinking about how each of us share information, what information we put on social media, and what messaging services we use to share information [is critical] because again, none of these prosecutions can go forward without enough information to prove that someone has helped a young person access abortion, Smith tells TIME.

Idahos current abortion laws

Idahos abortion banwhich is modeled after a law in Texasbars abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The Idaho Supreme Court upheld the ban this January, despite legal challenges that said that the right to abortion was implied in Idahos constitution. Justice Robyn Brody, who presided over the case, said that abortion advocates argument had no backing.

Abortion continues to be a contentious issue in the state. Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union announced on Wednesday that they are suing Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador after he issued a legal opinion that said state law prohibits medical practitioners from referring a patient across state lines to obtain abortion services.

His opinion said that even doctors who offer information about abortion providers and funds in other states would violate Idahos existing abortion ban.

This is a five-alarm fire. Banning abortion wasnt enough for anti-abortion extremists in Idaho; they now want to ban where you go, what information youre legally allowed to obtain, and even what health care providers can say, Rebecca Gibron, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest said. Attorney General Labradors opinion is an egregious extension of Idahos abortion ban. We wont stand for it.

Similar to the rising number of anti-LGBTQ bills seen flooding state legislatures, Soohoo says it is very likely other conservative states will attempt to pass copycat laws, which would have similar provisions to Idahos law.

There is actually a long history of writing laws initially to challenge Roe vs. Wade or to limit access to abortion by conservative think tanks [that] draft these laws and then share them amongst state legislature[s]. Soohoo tells TIME.

Whats next for Idaho?

Abortion access is likely to remain limited in the state after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which will have dire consequences on pregnant people in the state.

In 50 years, when someone or multiple people, write the definitive history of all of the harms that flowed from the Dobbs decision, there are countless harms that we are not yet aware of right now in terms of maternal mortality and morbidity [in the state], Smith says.

There have already been reports of at least one hospital discontinuing its labor and delivery services, which they say is partially because of Idahos political climate. And efforts to track the effects of the states anti-abortion laws remain up in the air as the states existing special committee that studies maternal deaths is set to end in July.

On the national front, experts say that Congress needs to act, though their most recent attempts have not been fruitful.

Last year, House Democrats attempted to pass the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022 that would protect health care providers who provide abortion services to out-of-state residents, people who help pregnant people travel across state lines for an abortion, and more. The bill passed in the House in July 2022, but did not move forward.

Senate Republicans also blocked the Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act of 2022, which would have protected people who travel state lines to receive an abortion and physicians who perform them.
Courtesy of Ayla Murick

Ayla Murick is a regional flight attendant who doesn't like her uniform.

Growing up, she saw flight attendants in fashionable outfits. Her airline's uniforms aren't, though.

"I think airlines should relax the rules more so they aren't so confining and outdated," she said.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ayla Murick, a regional flight attendant who doesn't like her uniform. Insider has confirmed her employment and airline, which she's chosen not to share for her privacy. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

Ever since I was a teenager, I wanted to become a flight attendant. I've always loved traveling, and I have a goal to visit every country in the world. It seemed like getting to fly for free as a flight attendant was the best option to make that dream happen.

I started that career nine years ago, and I've been able to travel to 48 states. My airline doesn't fly internationally, so during my time off, I pay to go to places like New Zealand, South Korea, Argentina, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Cuba, Greece, Ireland, and Germany.

While I love the flexibility and responsibilities of this job, one part of being a flight attendant that's always bugged me is that the uniforms we have to wear are pretty awful. Here's why.

The uniforms aren't as exciting as I thought they'd be

Growing up, I thought flight attendants wore such fashionable outfits. But my company's uniforms are anything but fashionable.

Courtesy of Ayla Murick

I'll never forget the first time I tried on the uniform in 2014. It was a white shirt with navy pants and a vest. My mom told me I looked like a bartender at a fancy restaurant, not a flight attendant.

Most of our uniforms are completely navy, so you end up looking like a blob of color when you put it on. When I'm not at work, my personal style includes wearing darker colors and bold or sparkly accessories. I wish I could look more like me when I'm at work.

Even now, seeing the cool uniforms that flight attendants wear at other airlines, like Emirates or Air New Zealand, makes me wish that what I was allowed to wear was more exciting.

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The options are limited

We're allowed to wear skirts, dresses, and pants. There are two types of dresses  one is long-sleeved with buttons in the middle and a belt, so it's more flattering.

The short-sleeved dress doesn't have buttons or a belt, and looks like a navy burlap sack. It's not flattering for most body types to wear.

We're only given a small allotment of around $300 a year to buy uniform pieces. You can buy other pieces with your own money or shop in the airline's used uniform store to buy items that ex-flight attendants have returned. A dress costs around $100, shirts are $30 to $60, and a jacket is around $200.

I usually have to replace my wardrobe on a yearly basis

The uniforms rip from all the wear and tear throughout the work year, meaning we have to get new ones.

The first year, we're only given a few pieces (two shirts, one skirt, and one pair of pants). When you're new, you can't really afford to buy new ones, so you find yourself wearing the same thing to work.

Personally, I've spent quite a bit of my own money throughout the years buying extra uniform items. But most of my money goes to alterations, since the uniforms don't fit well. The company doesn't pay for alterations or cleaning. That's on us to do.

To save money, I don't dry clean my uniform. I wash it on a gentle cycle and hang it to dry.

The rules are strict

The rules are pretty tight around any changes we make to the uniforms. For example, dresses and skirts have to be two inches above the knee. Shoes aren't provided, but we technically have to get them approved  especially our boots, which can't have any buckles or laces and have to be solid black.

We're also not allowed to wear ankle boots. They have to be knee length, or below the knee.

When it comes to jewelry, what you wear has to be silver, gold, or rose gold. We can only have two piercings in each ear, and only recently did they allow nose piercings and visible tattoos, as long as they are the size of our badge or smaller.

The uniforms are uncomfortable

It feels like the uniforms are meant to make us look professional and easily identifiable, but they're not at all practical for the job we do.

For example, the short-sleeve dress is really tight in the armpit area, so when we're sitting in our jump seats and have to reach up to grab the phone, our uniform can stretch or rip. The pants are polyester on the outside and lined with a silky fabric, so you find yourself sweating when it's hot out. The pants are sticking to your leg.

Ideally, it would be great to wear something more comfortable, since our job involves constantly moving around and reaching for things. I wish we could wear gym shoes, since we're standing all day, and I usually go home with blisters from the boots I'm wearing. It's hard to find dress shoes that are comfortable.

The uniforms that female flight attendants wear are made for us to look pretty and aren't functional. I definitely think airlines should relax the rules more around what a flight attendant can wear so they aren't so confining and even outdated.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Easter Sunday may empty out shopping malls and present a good opportunity to get some shopping done without the hassle of long lines. But you may find that many of the countrys popular retailers are closed or have reduced hours.

Some notable stores like Target, Macys and JCPenney give their employees Easter Sunday off and dont open up again until Monday. But other stores such as Bass Pro Shops, Bed Bath & Beyond and Old Navy are open.

Its best to check online with your local store as hours and closures can vary by location. Heres a list of what retailers are open and closed Easter Sunday.

Easter savings: As you hop into Easter, here are a few ways to save on eggs and basket stuffers

When is Easter 2023?: How the holiday's date each year is determined and why some celebrate.

Is Target closed on Easter?

Yes, Target confirmed to USA TODAY that it remain closed on Easter as the big box retailer has in recent years.

Is Home Depot open on Easter?

Most Home Depot stores are open today with limited hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the company told USA TODAY. Check your local store's hours at Home Depot's website.

Is Lowe's open on Easter?

No, Lowe's confirmed to USA TODAY it's closed on Easter Sunday.

Are Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack open on Easter?

Nordstrom said its stores hours vary by location. Check your local Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack store's hours online.

Retailers open Easter Sunday

Retailers closed Easter Sunday

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Target, Lowe's, Costco closed Easter Sunday; Walmart, others open
A traveller claimed that Frontier Airlines lost his luggage on his flight before an airline employees grandfather brought it to him.

In a recent video posted to TikTok, Cole, @madeleineandcole, recounted the craziest experience he had with Frontier Airlines during a trip from Denver, Colorado, to Hartford, Connecticut. He explained that when got to the airport, he had a personal bag for the flight and paid to check a bag.

He said that when he checked his bag and went through security at the airport, everything was fine. However, once he got to the gate, the airline workers started looking at passengers personal bags.

They line us all up and theyre like, We are checking everyones bag size, he explained. And it wasnt just like a little normal checkSomeone tried to take a phone out of a bag and theyre like, Nothing in your pockets. What?

Cole claimed that when someone tried to put on a jacket, the airline worker said no and claimed that each person could only have one jacket. He explained that people continued to put bags into the baggage sizer, which is used to determine if personal items can fit on the plane or not. When people had bags with straps hanging out, he alleged that workers told them that the items couldnt fit on the plane.

According to Frontiers official site, each traveller is allowed one personal item on the plane, which has to be 14H X 18W X 8D including handles, wheels and straps. If the items are not this size, they will be charged an additional cost during boarding. Passengers can also check bags or have a carry-on bag when they board for an additional cost.

In his video, Cole claimed that workers proceeded examined passengers luggage before sending them to the counter to check their items.

They sent everyone to the counter, he claimed. People were, like, filming. Some people were crying because they were being so sticklers, and peoples bags were, like, actually fitting.

The TikTok user said that when he saw this, he put on his jacket and threw away some stuff before putting his bag in the bag sizer. He claimed that when an airline worker told him that his bag still didnt fit, he asked to put in the bag sizer again. In response, she allegedly she said no.

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From there, he claimed he snuck out of the line to empty more stuff out of his bag. When he got back on the line, he said that he got the bag to fit in the sizer because the airline worker was dealing with someone else. So, he was able to grab the bag and take it on the plane with him.

He continued on to say he asked an attendant for a bandage for a cut when he got on the plane, but claimed that the attendant told him no. He later got a bandage from a different attendant.

Once he landed, Cole claimed that he waited 20 or 30 minutes at a baggage carousel to get the luggage he checked. After noticing that the information desk was closed, he said that he finally got to talk to a TSA person, who told him: Oh yeah, Frontier doesnt have a carousel right now.

Cole said that the TSA worker told him that normally an attendant would come down and show passengers where their bags are. Instead of waiting, Cole decided to go home and return to the airport the next morning for his bag.

Upon returning the next day, Cole said his luggage was not in the airports baggage room so he had to file a claim about the missing bag. An airline worker also apparently told him that they couldnt track his bag.

Cole said that he filed another claim with a Frontier bot before he was then transferred to a human.

So I was like, Hey, Im sorry Im being short with you. Im not mad at you. I just cant believe how helpless I feel right now. Because theres literally not one outlet that has offered me any substance of information about where my bag is, he explained of the ordeal.

In a follow up video, Cole shared an update on the situation and revealed that he did get his bag back moer than 48 hours after he landed.

He said that after the employees called him to say that his bag would be delivered, he got another call from Frontier about the person dropping it off.

Hes like: Hey, so just wanted to give you an update on your bag. One of our Frontier drivers is in the hospital, so I got it so far, but my grandfather is actually going to drive it down to you, Cole recalled. And I was like, Okay thats fine...but it seems weird that his grandfather would give it to me, but at this point I didnt think I was going to get my bag.

Cole then recalled that the grandfather had driven to the wrong town in Connecticut, which was three hours north from where the traveller lived. Still, the workers grandfather drove to his house and dropped the luggage off.

He drove a bunch of extra time, this guys grandfather apparently, which is like so crazy, he added. I cannot believe that this Frontier employee was in a position where he was going to have his grandfather drive it.

As of 7 April, Coles two videos have more than 539,200 views. Many TikTok users in the comments have been criticising Frontier.

Honestly I feel like budget airlines in the end just cost more money and hassle, one wrote.

Frontier: you cant have your bag on board with you, but also you cant have it after you land. Good luck, another added.

A third wrote: These airlines act like passengers are inconveniencing them.

Other people shared their reactions to the airline employees grandfather dropping off the luggage and asked more questions about the experience.

The grandfather delivery, one wrote, along with three laughing face emojis.

I have sooo many questions but like what about everyone elses bags?? another added. Did grandpa drive and drop those off too??

The Independent has contacted Cole and Frontier Airlines for comment.

This isnt the first time that travellers have shared their difficult experiences with Frontier. Last month, the budget airline came under fire after a passenger claimed to have been charged $100 to check a bag which appeared to fit the size requirements.

Dyana Villa shared a video of her experience travelling with Frontier on TikTok, in which she and her friends can be seen fitting their bag into the baggage sizer. She later shared an update and claimed she was contacted by a Frontier Airlines attendant, who said staff are eligible for a $10 bonus for every passenger bag they check and collect a fee for.

A Frontier spokesperson told The Independent that the fee is simply an incentive for our airport customer service agents to help ensure compliance with our policies and that all customers are treated equally.

The spokesperson rejected Villas baggage complaint claiming that the traveller had brought a second carry-on bag.

Each customer is allowed one free personal item that must fit within the smaller sizer box, they said. This customer had more than one bag and they were not able to combine them into a single bag that fit in the personal item box.
Trey Braswell of Braswell Family Farms says providing the eggs for this tradition is an honor and its an opportunity to serve in a civic capacity to provide this for the kids."

The Washington Post / Contributor/Getty Images

In 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes began the tradition that we now know as the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Per the National Park Service, President Rutherford issued an order that if any children should come to the White House to roll their Easter eggs, they would be allowed to do so.

For the second consecutive year in a row, and as they have for many Easters since 1997, Nashville, North Carolinas Braswell Family Farms will provide the eggs for this beloved holiday event that will take place on April 10. In fact, this year, they are providing 30,000 hard boiled, dyed eggs. Braswell Family Farms is a fourth generation, family owned business, now run by Trey Braswell who recently spoke to Southern Living ahead of this years big endeavor.

Braswell remembers attending the White House Easter Egg Roll when he was a young child when George H.W. Bush was president. The White House itself was beautiful. The lawn was beautiful. It was like a perfect spring day. So the grass was immaculate and it was just a lot of families and children running around on the lawn of the White House, he recalled.

I remember at some point during that day, they were like the president is going to come out. And he didnt come out and mingle but he came out that door there I guess facing the South Lawn and it was very close to us. So that was really neat. You got to be fairly close. It was really cool and then as a child knowing, at that point we werent supplying the eggs, but just knowing an egg farmer that we knew was, that was really neat to think about that.

Now, Braswell is overseeing the operation of the donation of 30,000 eggs for this years event.

It is an honor. We treat it with great respect. Theres a nation full of really good egg farmers in the United States. Im really close with a lot of them. So it is an honor. And its cool to think, in a couple of years, Ill be able to take my three young children out there and theyll get the experience, how surreal it is. But it is neat to think that other egg farmers are going and their children and theyll have that same thought, like wow, somebody we know, could be us one year. It's a real honor to supply these eggs so all these American families and children can come and enjoy celebrating Easter there at the White House.

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Andrew McMillan



He told us that unlike previous years, they are now responsible for hard boiling and dying the eggs before the delivery to the White House. But they have partnered with The Stocked Pot, another family-owned North Carolina business to help them in this monumental task. The Braswell team gather, wash, dry, and grade the eggs before they package them up to be transported from their farm in Nashville, North Carolina, to The Stocked Pot in Winston Salem. Then the process to hard boil and dye the eggs takes seven days. The eggs are hard boiled in large batches, which the folks at The Stocked Pot have gotten down to an exact science. Then they begin the very specific dying process.

Braswell Family Farms

Andrew McMillan

What theyre doing to be most effective and efficient is one color each day of the five colors that are going and then putting them back on a refrigerated truck, Braswell said. Adding that the White House picks the colors and sends the specific Pantone color code that must be matched exactly. To do this successfully, takes a lot of steps, patience, and expert-level knowledge. To match exactly, they must have the perfect ratio of vinegar to dye and the water has to be a very specific temperature. Approximately 16-20 gallons of dye are used to create the vibrant Easter eggs for this American tradition. Once the boiling and dying is done, the eggs are then transported and stored at a Braswell warehouse facility in Virginia until they are delivered to D.C. three days before the event. In total, the eggs will travel 493 miles.

Braswell Family Farms

All in all, its a very involved process and one done as a donation and voluntarily by the Braswell family, but as Trey Braswell told us, its not just an honor to serve in this capacity but also to represent the agricultural community as a whole. On Easter Sunday, a lot of us do worship Christ and celebrate the holiday but for people in farming and livestock, it doesnt stop. There are people working every day on our farms and obviously it's planting season for the row crop farmers. So Americas farmers of all types work really hard day and night every day of the year to make sure we supply affordable and quality food and protein to our citizens.

Braswell Family Farms

Just as important as how the eggs get to the White House, is what happens after all of the festivities are over. We are giving these eggs to this because we really feel like its an honor and its an opportunity to serve in a civic capacity to provide this for the kids and the families but we would hate 30,000 eggs just go to waste. But they dont. What is going to happen afterwards is a company that composts food waste is going to take those eggs and work them into their compost and then that compost is gonna get used for fertilizer and soil enhancement to grow more crops. Oftentimes corn, which our chickens eat and its a really good sustainable cycle. So its just another opportunity to talk about how sustainable animal agriculture is.

Although the Braswell family has participated in this tradition for years, Braswell says it is never something they take for granted. It is surreal still. We have great respect for The White House regardless of who is there on either side of the aisle. So were just thankful to be a part of it.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.
Anika Molnar/Netflix



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The passion with which Lucas Englander speaks about Transatlantic, and playing Albert Hirschman, is evident.

"My life has changed because of this series," Englander, an Austrian actor, tells me over Zoom from a friend's apartment in Paris. He has previously appeared in small parts in Catherine the Great and The Witcher, but this is his first leading role on TV. Englander threw himself into playing Hirschman, a real life German Jewish refugee who worked with Varian Fry (played by Cory Michael Smith) and the Emergency Rescue Committee to help many escape occupied France. He considered enlisting in the army after wrapping, so inspired by the real life Albert Hirschman's hunger to help others. He's also reconnected with his family's heritage, particularly the story of his grandfather, Alois Englander.



Anika Molnar/Netflix

In Transatlantic, Englander's Albert falls for Mary Jayne Gold (Gillian Jacobs), and is torn between his sister's desire for him to save himself and his own need to help others. Englander describes Albert's mindset maybe in this time period as "I am burning and I don't know where to go." Over a long chat, we spoke about the presence of history, his grandfather's attempt to assassinate Hitler (yes, really), and what it means to bring this story to Netflix.



What drew you to Transatlantic in the first place?

I received a few sides [Ed. note: pages from a script] from my German agent about a casting where he was like, 'I think you want to look into that.' I was, at that moment, in a very, very stormy time in my life. I had no time and I looked at the sidesI couldn't, it was too harsh, too hard, too something that I didn't want to touch. After about ten days of having them, I looked at them and I learned them.

I do my lines very often with my mom and dadit's not necessarily just because I need line readers to help me, because I can't memorize things if I just read them by myself, but it's really because that makes me be able to spend time with them.

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I was doing the lines with my mom, and suddenly I started feeling very emotional. While doing the lines with my mom, I asked her about my grandfather's journey because I knew about it, but not really. I knew that we had a Jewish lineage, but it's been cut off, it's been transformed into no religion. Suddenly, while talking to her, I realized that what this Albert that we have created is living something that was very close to my grandfather's story. Like my grandfather, he became a refugee, and he left to the States.

Before he left to the States, he tried to assassinate Hitler. He left to the States in quite a funny journeybut I'll tell you another time.

Tell me everything!

brandstaetter images - Getty Images

My grandfather was something called Prager Osterreicher [Ed. note: Austrians with a strong connection to Prague], which were Austrians that lived between Prague and Vienna, very often tied to finance or other jobs of that sort. There were a lot of Jewish families that were Prager Osterreicher. His family converted to Christianity at the turn of the 19th century because of persecution, but he was still seen as a quarter Jew. He had connections to resistance cells in Austria and in the Czech Republic. He found himself with revolvers, waiting at the street corner, having had the plans of Hitler's convoywaiting for him to show up and knowing that he's gonna do this and he's willing to die for it. Hitler never came, he took another road!

He left, and before he left, he had a call with a friend from the States. His friend was like "Alois, we need rubbers! You need to get as many rubbers as possible. We need rubbers." And my granddad's like, ok, perfect. No problem. We got a lot of condoms. I'm gonna buy a lot of condoms. And so my granddad buys a lot of condoms, puts them all into a suitcase, leaves, makes this crazy journeyAustria, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland, somehow, over Russia, China to Japan. Arrives in L.A. meets his friend and is like, "There you go. We're gonna make a big business." His friend is like, "What the freaking hell is that?" And he's like the "condoms" and the guy is like, "rubberswe need rubbers, pencil rubbers!"

Irving Haberman/IH Images - Getty Images

So he arrived in the States, he worked as a firefighter for the New York Fire Department. He wanted to go back to war, but he couldn't because he had flat feet. He worked for a rescue organization that helped Austrian refugees cross the channel. All this suddenly exploded inside of me as I spoke to my mom.

I did the audition and while I did the audition, I just couldn't stop crying. Between the takes, I just really needed a lot of time to do them, because suddenly I felt my story, my family's storywell, one side of it. I am also Austrian. My father's side have also served in the war on the other side, while my mother's side escaped. To be allowed to understand this, and to be allowed to understand also this place of why it is no more, to understand what a certain sense of persecution can do, and can eliminate, extinguish, delete from history. Made me just... made me feel very warm about this project.

What was it like working on a period drama that felt so relevant to current events?

Anika Molnar/Netflix

It felt like the project influenced my behavior in the real world, to the degree where it became a little dangerousbecause the Albert we are telling is not the real Albert Hirschman, right? He's somebody who's put together from like Albert Hirschman, other influences like Justus Rosenberg, Charles Fawcett, influences of people who were all part of the ERC and, he's also representing, I find, this certain form of almost post-burnout need to do and trying to grab on to every new energy,

It opened up inside of me, this place of, I was sure that after the show, I'm going to go to the Austrian military. I'm gonna do my service. I'm going to join some kind of forces or I'm going to at least know that if an attack happens on European soil, that I can defend and I know what to do. This idea, it hasn't left me.

But obviously, I've also understood: I'm not Albert, I'm more one of the artists. And this is my power, and I should not forget the power of thatas much as I enjoy putting weight on to my shoulders and believing that I'm never doing enough in all this, I should also understand that it's OK to be a voice through my work, be it as an actor or be it as other forms of art that I'm finding.

What was it like filming in Marseille where these events actually took place? Did it connect you more to the history? What was it like for the cast to be on location like that?

My own process of going into characters that is coming to me recently is something that is very fluid. I do take on certain patterns of lifestyle that these characters have. Albert was somebody who was very much out and about in the city, and was connecting to various dodgy thingsbe it mafia, prostitution, or just street life and gangs. There was a part of me that opened up to this thing of Marseille as well, where I lived a certain kind of Albert lifestyle, to a certain degree, not in any way that was too edgy, but in a way where where I feel like I connected to the city through Albert.

Marseille's a port, you have a vibrance of cultures there that live with an authentic kind of conversation and therefore also a certain sense of brutality. It is incredible to experience, and something that I could relate to very much because it. I grew up in Vienna, and part of my teenage years I spent with a certain group of people where brutality was the case. Marseille felt normal.

Anika Molnar/Netflix

What was it like to work with such an international cast?

I was honestly a little intimidated by the fact that I'm in a leading role next to American actors who are not only known, but who are doing admirable work. Maybe that was also Albert as well, right? That was a mixture as well. This part of, I'm nobody but I'm being seen and I'm on the same level. Albert forced me to be on the same level.

There is this disparity still happening; you're more important when you're an American actorit's just a strange thing and I think we're getting past it. But because I'm young and because I obviously also have dreams of certain projects in the States, I definitely felt this place with a certain kind strange respect that wasn't necessarily truthful. I'm this Austrian kid for whom this is the biggest project so far. And I'm like, I need everything. I want to bite into everything.

Anika Molnar/Netflix

Apart from that, it was easy because we were a gang. We really became friends, and Ralph [Amoussou] is now one of my closest friends in France.

What does it mean to bring this story to a global platform like Netflix? What do you hope people learn? What did you learn?



I learned everything about it. Everything I learned, I learned through this process. I did not know anything about this story before and to be able to be given that gift, already, oh my God, incredible. My life has changed because of the seriesbecause of knowledge.

Shop Now Albert O. Hirschman: An Intellectual Biography $26.00 amazon.com

You're allowed to act, you're allowed to act on things. It doesn't matter if you fail, you try it, you go for it. If it's dangerous, don't fear away from it just because it's dangerous, you gotta go for it, you gotta do it.

Albert has this sentence that he wrote in one of his books. He wrote, "full and complete knowledge is not a necessary precondition for action." I think it's so beautiful and I think that the thing that they have created, the ERC, it's collective force. It's people from all different paths of life being together, accepting each other. In a world where we're becoming very individualist, I think the ERC is a shining star. They were people from everywhere, they were refugees, they were rich people, they were just Americans who were like, what the fuck is this? They were people in the consulateI mean, there was one person in the consulate.

All these little parts that work together, that's the magic. To dare to make that call, to dare to do these things and not to be afraid of action, but doing it together and not making it about yourself. None of those people made it about themselves.

Anika Molnar/Netflix

It sounds like Albert and this story has really lingered with you since filming.



I cannot think of a more important turning point of my life. I'm really not a perfect person in any way, but to know that that's okay, and to see people succeed in doing things together because they really sat down and they were like, we're gonna do this. That's my dream.

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Prince Andrew

King Charles is reportedly torn over whether to ban younger brother Prince Andrew, a knight in the Order of the Garter, from wearing his ceremonial robes to the coronation on May 6th.

If youll recall, the 63-year-old disgraced royal wasnt allowed to wear his military uniform to his mother the late Queen Elizabeth IIs funeral in September 2022 due to being fired as a working royal and stripped of his royal patronages and affiliations as a result of the sexual assault lawsuit filed against him by Virginia Giuffre, as well as his alleged friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Therefore its quite likely that he could also be expected to wear a less grand outfit to the coronation as a result of this.

READ MORE: Prince Andrew Is Reportedly Writing An Autobiography To Set The Record Straight And Fix His Reputation

Prince Andrew's Coronation Snub

According to The Mirror, Prince Andrew's outfit for the coronation isnt something King Charles, 74, is taking lightly, as he is said to be "torn" over whether to prevent him from wearing his grand regalia. "The letdown for Charles' younger brother may be even worse than what has been reported," The King: The Life of Charles III author Christopher Andersen told Fox News Digital.

"Prince Andrew would normally have been entitled to wear something even grander than his blue velvet Knight of the Garter getup," Andersen explained. "As the King's brother and the Duke of York, he would presumably wear the same jaw-dropping costume Prince Philip wore at Queen Elizabeth's coronation: a flowing red velvet robe draped with five ermine tails, not to mention his own coronet."

"Being a Knight of the Garter is a big deal," Andersen continued, adding, "It is the senior order of knighthood in the realm  but not as big as being a duke and the brother of the King." So what will Prince Andrew wear to the coronation if he isnt allowed to wear his first option? According to The Mirror, he may be instructed to wear a lounge suit, which Andersen claims will totally humiliate him.

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"If the King doesn't allow his own brother to at least wear his Knight of the Garter robes  or barring that, the ceremonial uniform he is still entitled to wear as a vice admiral in the Royal Navy  it will be humiliating for Andrew," Andersen, who also wrote Brothers and Wives: Inside the Private Lives of William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan, explained. "Conversely, at this historic moment, does the new King want to strike yet another note of disharmony in the royal family? It was unsettling enough to watch Prince Harry scowling as he was initially forced to wear a simple suit at Queen Elizabeth's funeral. King Charles clearly does not want a repeat of that."

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich also weighed in, saying a change in the dress code has resulted in Prince Andrew "being purportedly 'furious' at not being able to play a part. He believes it is he who is being disrespected and being dictated over something he is fully entitled to wear."

"Given that the coronation will be a 'Collar Day' for the Order of the Garter, an elite club of just 24 members, they will be wearing collars depicting their knighthoods," Fordwich explained, adding, "But Prince Andrew, albeit still a Knight of the Garter, is projected to be only permitted to wear a lounge suit. He already was not allowed to wear his military uniform at Queen Elizabeths funeral. He previously held eight military titles in total but he was unceremoniously stripped of his royal patronages and military titles by his mother."

Royal Experts Discuss Prince Andrew's Role In The Coronation

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arent the only ones without a role in King Charles' coronation on May 6th, as Prince Andrew will also not have an official part to play on the big day if we are to believe reports. Fordwich told Fox News Digital that both King Charles and Prince William like to keep Prince Andrew "away from public engagements in general," so although he is currently expected to be there, his role could be very minimal.

This Is Why I Resist author Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, who has regularly voiced her disapproval of Prince Andrew, told Newsweek: "I'm not surprised that Prince Andrew will be at his brother's coronation. He's still a prince of the realm and he's still the Duke of York. He still has [the] title and he still has the benefits that come with being a member of the royal family. It's his brother and he's a duke."

READ MORE: Prince Andrew Reportedly 'Doesnt Want To Withdraw' From Public LifeKing Charles Must Be Freaking Out!

"I think people will maybe make a noise about it, but it very much depends on whether he is simply attending or whether he has a specific function," she continued. "I think if he's simply attending, I don't see how he can't attend. He attended his father's funeral, he attended his mother's funeral, I would expect him to be there for any other family function which this coronation would be."

Prince Andrew, Maxwell and the Palace author Nigel Cawthorne told Newsweek, "I think there'll be a lot of pressure to be there in some kind of minor role," before going on to reference the role he took in the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, including the Vigil of the Princes, in which he stood guard as his mother lay in state at Westminster Hall days before her funeral. "[Andrew] did attend the Vigil of the Princes and marched around behind his mother's coffin," he recalled, "so he has been out in public without anyone throwing eggs at him, so it'll be mentioned in Britain. But the actual crowning will be the thing and that's what the cameras will be on."

READ MORE: Prince Andrew Is Reportedly Bewildered That He Hasnt Received His Inheritance From The Queen Yet
The SI Swimsuit model landed three covers throughout her six years being featured in the magazine.

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

SI Swimsuit model Kate Upton is known for her anything for the shot mentality. Remember when she posed in negative degree weather with Derek Kettela in Antarctica, resulting in one of the most iconic cover images in 2013? Or when she went zero gravity with James Macari in 14?

The 30-year-old has been featured in the magazine six separate years and landed a cover during half of them. She made her debut in 2011 with photographer Raphael Mazzucco in the Philippines and posed for a second body paint feature that year with artist Joanne Gair and shutterbug Stewart Shining.

Shes a modeling legend and an SI Swimsuit veteran, so when Upton brought out her inner contortionist and showed off her flexibility during her 2018 photo shoot in Aruba with Yu Tsai, no one was surprised.

I am channeling my inner pretzel, the model said while laying on her side in the sand. Her upper leg was bent at the knee and folded forward. In another segment, the mom of one laid on her lower stomach in the sand and assumed a seal position, reaching her heels for her head.

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

In a different snapshot Upton, who is married to Mets pitcher Justin Verlander, donned an orange satin-finish plunge-neck bikini from Beach Riot. She stood on one leg and stretched the other leg up and behind her until she was able to grab her foot with one hand.

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Upton was also captured in an upside down plank position, supporting herself with her palms and one foot as the other leg was bent up and resting on a rock.

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

View the full 2018 gallery in Aruba here.

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!
Jason Ross-Lattion Fleming, 36, pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of production of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexual activity and providing child pornography to a minor, according to court documents.

Fleming was a firefighter employed by the City of Alamogordo at the time of the offenses, but was since terminated from the position.

According to court documents, from Feb. 1, 2012 until Dec. 1, 2013 Fleming persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit activity, and recorded the acts with photographs and video on his cellphone.

Fleming was babysitting a 9-year-old who he engaged in sexual contact with from January 2021 until March 2021. According to case records, Fleming exposed himself to the child and showed her pornographic material.

New Mexico State Police (NMSP) executed a search warrant on Dec. 9, 2021 and seized two cellphones from Fleming. Homeland Security Investigations then obtained a federal warrant to go through the contents of the phones on April 18 and found child pornography on his personal cellphone.

Fleming faces a minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison for providing child pornography to a minor and up to 30 years for the production of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexual activity.

He remains in custody pending sentencing which has yet to be scheduled. After his time in prison, Fleming will be under five years of supervised release and is obligated to register as a sex offender.

Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on twitter at @Juan36Corr.

This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: Alamogordo man pleaded guilty to production of child pornography
Apple Store workers from Towson, Maryland, have been meeting with the company at a hotel in downtown Baltimore this week to negotiate what they hope will be a groundbreaking union contract at the tech giant.

But after four two-day bargaining sessions since January, those workers say they arent convinced Apple ever wants to reach a deal with its first unionized shop in the U.S.

They are fighting us at every step of the process, Kevin Gallagher, who teaches classes for customers at the Apple Store, told HuffPost during a break in talks at the hotel. It feels like theyre trying to drag this out as long as they can.

Gallagher and his pro-union co-workers emerged victorious in their election last June, voting 65 to 33 in favor of joining the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, or IAM  one in a string of recent high-profile victories for organized labor at previously non-union companies, including Amazon, Starbucks, Trader Joes and REI.

But like workers at those other companies, the Apple Store employees have an even heavier lift still ahead of them: bargaining a first contract at a powerful employer that wants to keep unions out.

They dont seem to want to accept that they have a union now, Jay Wadleigh, a business representative for the IAM who is leading negotiations for the union, said of Apple.

The stakes are high for both sides, since a solid collective bargaining agreement can convince Apple workers elsewhere to try to unionize. The company is facing organizing campaigns not only from the IAM but also the Communications Workers of America, which formed the companys second retail union last October, at a store in Oklahoma.

They are fighting us at every step of the process. It feels like theyre trying to drag this out as long as they can.Kevin Gallagher, Apple Store worker and union bargaining committee member

Billy Jarboe, who, like Gallagher, is a member of the Towson stores bargaining committee, said he was outraged last week when he learned managers had shared a small handful of the unions proposals with non-union stores during their morning meetings. Jarboe said the proposals were cherry-picked and taken out of context to make the union look bad.

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One of the proposals related to seniority and promotions. Workers proposed that if managers have determined two workers are equally qualified for a position, then it should go to the one with the longer tenure, rather than be left to the managers discretion. They argue this would remove management bias, but they say the proposal was spun to make it sound like newer workers wouldnt get promotions.

Theres a great plan to dismantle this movement and invalidate it in any ways they can, Jarboe said.

Wadleigh said the company sharing the unions proposals with other stores was a stab in the back.

That solidified in my mind that they have no intentions of getting to a contract, he said.

Gallagher and Jarboe said after they learned of those meetings, they proposed to the company that they bargain over Zoom so that all the workers at the Towson store could see both sides proposals and negotiations for themselves. They said the companys lawyer immediately denied the request.

We want full transparency now, Jarboe said.

California-based Apple didnt respond to emails from HuffPost seeking comment.

The Apple Store in Towson, pictured above, was the first of the company's locations to unionize.

The Apple Store in Towson, pictured above, was the first of the company's locations to unionize.

Workers at other newly unionized companies have faced similar hurdles in their bargaining efforts. The union Workers United has organized nearly 300 Starbucks stores and is at odds with the company over remote negotiations, with Starbucks insisting both sides meet solely in person. The labor boards general counsel has accused Starbucks of illegally refusing to bargain over Zoom.

After Amazon workers formed the companys first U.S. union last year, at a warehouse in Staten Island, New York, the company challenged the results of the election, accusing the union and labor board agents of improprieties. The litigation surrounding that challenge delayed bargaining for months, with the union calling it a stall tactic by the company. A board official certified the election results in January but Amazon has appealed that finding as well.

When it comes to negotiating first contracts, time is on the side of the employer. The union has every incentive to reach a deal soon and show workers elsewhere they can improve their pay and gain new protections by forming a union. But its typically in the employers interest to take their time and hope union support will erode as time passes and workers still have no contract to show for their efforts.

Employers sometimes deliberately draw out the process in hopes a decertification campaign will take hold. Thats when employees petition for an election to vote the union out of the workplace. Workers can request a decertification vote once a year has passed since the union became their representative.

Hopefully we can bring them a contract that will demonstrably improve their lives, Gallagher said of his co-workers. It all comes down to whether Apple is actually wiling to agree to anything.

Theres a great plan to dismantle this movement and invalidate it in any ways they can.Billy Jarboe, Apple Store worker and union bargaining committee member

According to data from Bloomberg Law, it takes on average 465 days for a union to negotiate a first contract these days. In some cases, no agreement is ever reached  a factoid that many employers are happy to share with workers before they vote in a union election.

Its been less than a year since the Towson Apple Store unionized. The IAM says last year it agreed to delay negotiations until after the companys busy season during the holidays, so long as the company put bargaining days on the calendar.

Workers said that so far, the company and the union have reached a few tentative agreements on smaller issues, but what are expected to be the most contentious still lie ahead. The union declined to share details on what the workers economic demands will be  such as a minimum pay rate or annual percentage raises  since they have not been brought to the table yet.

One of the challenges of bargaining a first contract is that there is no existing framework to draw from. Many employers who are union-free are hesitant to break from any of their existing policies, for fear of opening themselves up to new demands from other workers.

Wadleigh said the bargaining team proposed a grievance procedure  another standard in union contracts  and that Apple quickly rejected it.

Theyre reluctant to do anything different than they already do, he said. I dont believe they want to give us anything that you could use to organize someplace else.

Related...
Leah Millis/Reuters

The Biden administration doesnt plan on taking the heat for the chaotic 2021 withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistaninstead issuing a report Thursday which pins the blame largely on former President Donald Trump and his administration.

The reportput together by the National Security Council (NSC) with guidance from the president himselfsaid Biden was severely constrained by Trump-era policies. The current administration takes little responsibility for the disastrous withdrawal, which included a bombing at Kabul International Airport that killed over 100 Afghans and 13 U.S. troops.

The report comes after Biden asserted that the February 2020 deal Trump agreed to with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, cornered the U.S. into leaving Afghanistan.

Last month, U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Tyler Vargas-Andrewswho was injured in the explosiontold the House Foreign Affairs Committee the withdrawal was a catastrophe.

The administration conceded the withdrawal should have begun sooner, but cited delays within both the Afghan government and U.S. assessments of the evolving situation. The report states earlier evacuations from conflict zones will be a priority moving forward: We now prioritize earlier evacuations when faced with a degrading security situation.

NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby, however, defended Bidens execution of the withdrawal.

They ended our nations longest war, Kirby said to reporters Thursday. That was never going to be an easy thing to do. And as the president himself has said, it was never going to be low grade or low risk or low cost.

Just hours after it was released, Trump railed against the report as a disinformation game by the Biden White House.

I watched this disaster unfold just like everyone else. I saw them take out the Military FIRST, GIVE $85 Billion of military equipment, allow killing of our soldiers, and leave Americans behind, the former president wrote on Truth Social. Biden is responsible, no one else!

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The remains of a church and ancient village emerged from the drought-stricken Sau reservoir in Vilanova de Sau, Catalonia (AP)

A severe and prolonged drought has taken hold in Spain as wildfires wreaked havoc unseasonably early and reservoirs dried up almost completely, with authorities fearing the dry spell could be the worst the country has faced in decades.

The drought has already affected up to six million people with restrictions on water use and evacuations due to widespread wildfires even during springtime.

The water level in Sau reservoir, which supplies water to the city and other towns in the northeastern region of Catalonia, has dropped so low that there is already a risk the water will be contaminated by silt.

Authorities have ordered the removal of fish from the reservoir with nets to prevent them from dying and rotting in the water, making it unusable for human consumption, BBC reported.

View of La Baells reservoir in Berga, Spain at the end of March which is only 25 per cent full. For the past 30 months, there has been very little rain in the region (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

We are trying to transfer the water as quickly as we can, because the quality right now in the winter was good [but] in the spring, it will become really, really bad, and were trying to extract all the fish we can find there, Samuel Reyes, director of the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), told BBC.

The reservoir became the most visible symbol of the worst drought this area has seen in living memory after 11th century church of Sant Roma de Sau, which was submerged when the reservoir was created, showed above as water levels went down.

Agustin Torrent, a 70-year-old man who has lived nearby his whole life, told BBC, Ive never seen it so empty. Its sad when youve seen [the reservoir] full before. But thats the way it is. Its climate change and anyone who says it doesnt exist, I dont know what you can say to them.

Last month, Spain officially entered a period of long-term drought, and the first three months of 2023 show no major signs of change, owing to high temperatures and low rainfall over the past three years.

The first available predictions for the summer of 2023 point to a likely situation of temperatures once again above normal, spokesperson for state weather agency Ruben del Campo, said.

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Locals in some of the hardest-hit villages have been turning to ceremonial rain prayers, asking God to open the heavens.

A procession was held lEspunyola, north of Barcelona where local residents carried a statue of the Our Lady of the Torrents, a virgin historically associated with drought, in Spain. Prayers and hymns were offered to ask for divine intervention in solving the crisis.

Globally, 2022 was the hottest and sixth driest year since records began. Last winter was the fifth consecutive year to be declared warm or very warm. This, combined with rainfall for the year being 16 per cent below average, has led to hostile land for farmers as well as record low levels of water in the countrys reservoirs.

Although Mr del Campo pointed out that Spain has experienced severe droughts before, he said that this drought is still important.

To put it in context, were in a drought, but there have been worse droughts, he said.
Again this week, mass shooting events are headlining the news. And again, the most recent is an unspeakable tragedy that took place in an elementary school. The headlines beg for solutions and leave us feeling helpless and sorrowful. We have yet to see the assignment of blame in any of these terrible situations result in significant change; instead, we see and feel our collective energy being used to fuel anger at a particular person, or a group of people, rather than toward a meaningful solution.

Maggie Pritchard

Too often the people responsible, the ones with the guns, are identified as having a mental illness, further marginalizing an already stigmatized group of vulnerable citizens. The 10 community mental health centers in New Hampshire are charged with caring for this population. Often these mass shooting events and the sensationalizing around them serve to hamper our efforts and make our difficult work even more difficult.

The most recent events in Tennessee, Mississippi and California - sadly, you could insert the name of almost any state here - have led to the shooters being called mentally ill monsters. Imagine how that description is heard by someone attempting to manage their depression, or by a family who has just learned that their 19-year-old son has been diagnosed with schizophrenia? Are these people really monsters? Of course not, but the cavalier comments of political opportunists and media outlets do shape the thoughts and beliefs of those listening.

The stigma associated with mental illness already presents obstacles to treatment. It is so powerful that a friend of mine openly discusses his struggles with alcohol, but cannot accept his underlying depressive disorder.

The continued focus on mental illness as a cause of mass shootings only serves to perpetuate and amplify the stigma. For perspective, the overwhelming majority of people with a mental illness are more likely to be victims of violent crime rather than to be the perpetrators. It is also true that the majority of recent mass shootings have been carried out by an individual with a mental illness. However, there is a significant qualitative difference between an individual who becomes agitated and fixated on a particular theme and then acts on those feelings, and a person with a major depressive illness or bipolar disorder.

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This year, the New Hampshire Community Behavioral Health Association, which represents the 10 community mental health centers, joined with NAMI-NH, Moms Demand Action, and hundreds of citizens, to support legislation that could have made a difference: HB 106, relative to extreme risk protection orders. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia now have so-called red flag laws, and in New England, all our neighboring states except for Maine have enacted these laws.

Unfortunately, our House of Representatives rejected HB 106 on a vote of 198-172, even when presented the facts that suicide was the cause of death for over 23% of residents in New Hampshire, age 1 to 21, between 2017 and 2021; and that 38% of those suicides were gun deaths. I want to emphasize that gun safety translates into public safety, for an at-risk individual who owns firearms; for their family members; and for the community at large. With an extreme risk protection order law, there are no losers but only winners, who can temporarily remove a weapon and prevent a tragic incident.

Please join me, the community mental health centers, and our many partners in the mental health field by continuing to support change every chance we get. The current headlines causing us to weep and despair can change - but only if we develop public policies that will both reduce both gun violence and start to erase the stigma around mental illness.

Maggie Pritchard is president of the New Hampshire Community Behavioral Health Association and chief executive officer of Lakes Region Mental Health Center. She lives in Boscawen.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Commentary: Changing the headlines around gun violence
Around 8:30 on the morning of July 7, 2022, a 28-year-old employee climbed inside a trash compactor to clear out a piece of rebar at the Chancellor Convenience Centers station No. 5.

A short time later, a coworker was yelling for someone to call 911.

The machine activated while Spotsylvania County resident Brandon Nutter was still inside. It appears the compactor was likely activated when he cut free the piece of rebar, and he was killed by the machine.

The workplace incident seems to be the result of a number of factors that played crucial roles leading to Nutters death.

The county faces nearly $300,000 in Occupational Safety and Health Administration fines for violations related to the fatal incident. The labor and industry department is handling the state-based investigation for OSHA, and the case remains open.

The Spotsylvania Sheriffs Office, along with fire and rescue crews, responded to the Chancellor Convenience Center that summer day. The Sheriffs Office supplemental report on the fatal incident, obtained by a Freedom of Information Act request, portrays a troubling scene and work environment.

Detective Anthony Harris, who wrote the report, arrived on the scene shortly after Nutters death. He discovered a series of missteps made by new employees in an environment with no clear safety supervision or training.

The detective interviewed two workers who were on the scene.

One workers job was to check the bins and areas around them to make sure it was clean. That employee and Nutter were inspecting the lower bin areas that morning when they stopped at the bin for station No. 5, where a piece of rebar was wedged.

The other worker manned the control booth for station No. 5.

The morning of the fatal incident was the booth operators third day on the job. He had no previous experience working at a similar facility or with such a machine. He told the detective there was no one who was formally training him on the machine or his duties and responsibilities.

The booth operator said he got to work around 7:30 that morning and tried to turn on the machine, but couldnt. He got another worker, from a nearby control booth, to come help. But they couldnt get the machine started, and the other worker had to return to his station because a line was forming at the trash bin.

Below the station No. 5 control booth, Nutter had removed the compactor cover and got inside with a reciprocating saw to cut out the rebar. A key safety measure wasnt followed, though, as the power had not been turned off/de-energized and  no lock-out procedures had been followed, Harris wrote in the police report.

At the same time, the other booth operator returned to station No. 5, according to the report. When he entered the control booth the machine kicked on, without either man doing anything.

They then heard yelling from below that someone was inside the compactor and to call 911.

Harris said in the report that it appeared the two control booth workers had activated the machine earlier while the rebar was jamming the machine.

The worker who was below with Nutter had rushed to shut down the circuit breaker to the machine. But it didnt happen in time to save Nutter, who was crushed at the waist as he tried to climb out through the top of the compactor.

In his report, Harris said he determined that there were no safety protocols followed and it was unlikely the new employees were properly trained on those protocols. There were no safety lock-outs at either power location and no cones or safety flags placed on the lower level on the outside of bin #5, which would have visually indicated to personnel both up top and down below that there was (maintenance) being performed on the machine.

Another facility employee told the Harris there was absolutely no formal training program in place at the facility. The employee said he started work at the convenience center in early 2022 and had not been trained at all.

The worker told Harris that it was a more of a learn-as-you-go type of program.

Equipment issues also could have been a factor in Nutters death. The detective noted that he was told the machines manufacturer had done maintenance on station No. 5s bin because it was having issues where it would not turn on.

There was also a problem with documents for the facilitys safety procedures, maintenance procedures and training records for the workers involved.

On the day of the fatality, the countys safety officer, Loren Kato, told Harris there were no such documents handy. Kato told the detective he could could possibly get it the following week, according to the report.

Harris also reported what he found to be odd behavior by the countys safety officer.

Shortly after Harris started investigating the scene, the countys safety officer appeared, saying she needed to be with Harris throughout the investigation.

This was unusual to me, being that this was an active crime scene, Harris wrote.

The detective said Kato took photographs with a cell phone. When he contacted OSHA and the medical examiners office, Harris said the safety officer wanted to be right next to me as he spoke with officials.

When OSHA officials were on the scene investigating, the safety officer followed and was adding commentary, Harris reported. The OSHA officials eventually told the safety officer to stay back.

Harris ended his report saying he didnt find any criminal violations, but there were serious safety violations committed.

He added that he would follow up with OSHA and confer with the Commonwealths Attorney to determine if any other avenues should be explored in the case.

The criminal case remains open.

In a statement, county officials said they are working to address a variety of issues this tragic event brings to our attention.

The County would be premature in addressing it or taking personnel action at this time, the statement read. It is important to the County meaningfully to learn from this terrible accident and engage in actions to prevent something similar from happening to someone else.
A deputy at the Kenton County Detention Center has been arrested and fired from his position in light of allegations that he was smuggling fentanyl into the jail and giving the drugs to inmates, prosecutors said.

Curtis Edwards, 26, was arrested Friday by Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force agents, according to the Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. He's charged with felony counts of trafficking in a controlled substance with a firearm and promoting of contraband.

His arrest came after the detention center discovered evidence indicating that drugs were being given to inmates by an employee, prosecutors said in a news release.

An investigation by the drug strike force revealed Edwards was receiving money from people outside the jail in exchange for delivering drugs to inmates he was in charge of guarding, prosecutors said, adding agents stopped Edwards as he was returning to work from his lunch break and they discovered narcotics in his possession.

"The jail acted quickly to put a stop to it," Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders said in a statement. He said the discovery that an employee was smuggling drugs into the jail landed on Edwards' day off, so agents had time to investigate before he returned to work.

Edwards was under constant surveillance once he came back to work, Sanders said, so agents were able to "catch him in the act." He was immediately fired upon his arrest.

Edwards was working with multiple inmates to bring the drugs into the detention center, Sanders said. The investigation is ongoing and there will likely be additional charges filed against Edwards and some of the inmates when the case is presented to a grand jury.

Edwards remains incarcerated on a $10,000 bond. He's next scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. If convicted on all counts, Edwards faces up to 25 years in prison.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: NKY jail deputy arrested, accused of dealing narcotics to inmates
Supporters of Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida at a rally before his re-election, in Sun City Center, Fla., Nov. 6, 2022. (Zack Wittman/The New York Times)

As Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida prepares to take a widely anticipated leap into the 2024 presidential campaign, one of his chief strengths is his ability to raise huge sums from deep-pocketed donors.

But his formidable war chest  at least $110 million in state and federal committees aligned with him  is no guarantee of success on the national stage, and his financial firepower brings with it a series of challenges he must navigate to capture the Republican nomination.

DeSantis unsteady debut on the national stage over the past month, including remarks about Ukraine that alarmed many Republicans and hesitant counterpunches against former President Donald Trump, has also showcased his aloof and at times strained relationship with donors.

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Recent additions of seasoned advisers to his team and to an allied super political action committee have allayed some concerns, strategists and donors said, but the early rookie mistakes, as one Republican donor put it, may have rattled influential would-be backers. DeSantis poll numbers have sagged against Trump, who has repeatedly taunted DeSantis and weaponized his fundraising strength against him, painting the governor as a puppet of wealthy Republican elites.

Those barbs by Trump  who was largely forsaken by big donors even before his recent indictment by New York prosecutors  underscore the political reality that no matter how much money DeSantis has, he will have to overcome the grassroots enthusiasm and army of small donors that Trump continues to command. The former presidents popular appeal was particularly apparent this past week, with his campaign announcing Wednesday that it had raised $12 million off the news of his indictment.

DeSantis will also have to cultivate and tend to relationships with the everyday financial players in Republican politics  the millionaire donors, bundlers and fundraisers whose enduring support is necessary to sustain a presidential campaign. He has, by many accounts, kept these donors at arms length while touring the country this past month, opting for rallies, book signings and closed-door meetings with allies instead of fundraising dinners.

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Although it is still early in the campaign cycle, some donors and strategists have questioned whether DeSantis skills as a politician are lagging behind his robust bank account.

He is in the most enviable financial position of any candidate, possibly including Trump, said Mike Murphy, a longtime Republican strategist. There are questions in Republican circles about DeSantis candidate skills; can he make the transition from being the governor of a Republican state, where you exist on peoples TV screens, to the microscope of New Hampshire and Iowa?

DeSantis also has a campaign finance conundrum on his hands: Most of his money  more than $80 million, as of the end of February  is tied up in a Florida PAC. He is prohibited by law from transferring that soft money  dollars raised without federally imposed limits  into a presidential campaign.

Any move to use that money in support of his national ambitions, including transferring it to an affiliated super PAC, would still be likely to raise red flags among campaign finance watchdogs, although campaign finance experts said the Federal Election Commission, which has for years been deadlocked between the parties, was unlikely to act on it.

Can he take that money, which was raised through his state PAC, and use it to advance his presidential campaign directly or through a federal super PAC supporting him? said Saurav Ghosh, a former FEC enforcement lawyer who is now the director of federal campaign finance reform at the Campaign Legal Center, a watchdog group. The common-sense answer, and the law, says no.

Ghosh added, The unfortunate reality is that the FEC is probably not going to do anything about it.

In a statement, the FECs chair, Dara Lindenbaum, and vice chair, Sean Cooksey, said any assertion that the commissions bipartisan structure prevented it from fulfilling its mission was misinformed.

Without commenting on any specific case, commissioners assess each enforcement matter on its merits, and we reach agreement in nearly 90% of them, they said.

Representatives for DeSantis and for Never Back Down PAC, a super PAC that is expected to serve as a main vehicle for supporting DeSantis in a presidential bid, did not respond to detailed requests for comment.

At the end of February, as DeSantis began a national tour of speaking engagements and promotional events for his new book, his allies and backers stepped up preparations for a possible presidential run.

Friends of Ron DeSantis, a Florida PAC that had supported his successful reelection effort in November, continued to take in millions of dollars, including $10 million in February alone.

The vast majority of money the group has raised since the election has come from a few rich donors. Jeff Yass, a Philadelphia investment manager and major Republican donor, gave $2.5 million; Joe Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade and an owner of the Chicago Cubs, gave $1 million; and Gregory Cook, a founder of a Utah-based multilevel marketing company that sells essential oils, gave $1.3 million.

Yass has given tens of millions of dollars in recent years to conservative and libertarian candidates and committees, including the Club for Growth PAC, an arm of a prominent conservative anti-tax group that has sought to move the Republican Party beyond Trump. Ricketts, the patriarch of a powerful political family in Nebraska, gave at least $1 million to support Trump in 2016, after initially opposing him in the primaries. Cook does not have a record of major gifts to federal candidates.

John Childs, a billionaire Republican donor in Florida, gave $1 million to Friends of Ron DeSantis in late February, as did Stefan Brodie, the founder of a Pennsylvania chemical company.

In March, Kenneth Cuccinelli, a former Trump administration official, announced the creation of Never Back Down. The group, which has brought on the veteran Republican strategist Jeff Roe as an adviser, said it had raised at least $30 million since March 9.

Super PACs, though powerful tools for pooling enormous sums of unregulated cash, come with drawbacks for candidates. For one, the campaigns cannot directly control how that money is spent. Crucially, television ads also cost more for PACs: Federal law lets candidate committees pay a lower price.

So the money raised by official campaigns  ideally, from bundlers who can summon hundreds of friends and allies to max out their individual contributions, now capped at $3,300 per person  is often worth more to the candidate.

You make me choose between a bundler and a big-check writer, Id rather have the hard dollars, Murphy said. Most bundlers really need to be pursued  and that goes back to the interpersonal skills.

For that reason, DeSantis nine-figure haul is hard to compare to the $21.8 million that, at years end, sat in the federal campaign account of Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, another potential Republican candidate.

Scott is also supported by a super PAC, the Opportunity Matters Fund, which since 2020 has raised tens of millions of dollars  including at least $35 million from Oracle founder Larry Ellison.

And big-dollar fundraising does not always translate to victory. Donors and strategists cite the examples of former Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin and former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida as warnings. Cast as front-runners for the 2016 election, both took in huge cash hauls in 2015  Bush raised more than $100 million  only to fizzle out of the race early.

In his recent stops in Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia, DeSantis has offered a preview of how he might interact with donors as a national candidate. Some Republican donors, strategists and bundlers took note of what they said appeared to be DeSantis diffidence or even discomfort with the mingling and small talk that are staples of the campaign trail, particularly with contributors.

Many also said, though, that some donors and bundlers were waiting until the election cycle was further along to take a side.

Some were taken aback by DeSantis comments last month calling Russias invasion of Ukraine a territorial dispute and saying the war was not a vital U.S. interest. Those remarks, coupled with his aversion to old-fashioned grip and grin politics, may have given some supporters pause.

I think hes had a wobbly few weeks in communicating to donors, said Rob Stutzman, a public affairs consultant who worked for former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and for Mitt Romneys 2008 presidential campaign. Donors keen to move on from Trump might start to imagine, Maybe this isnt the way, he said.

Trumps campaign, which he announced in November, said at the end of January that it had raised $9.5 million  a sluggish start in comparison to front-runners from past elections. Although official numbers will not be out for several weeks, his campaign appears poised to see a significant boost after the indictment.

An affiliated super PAC, MAGA Inc., reported $54.1 million on hand at the end of 2022.

Last month, MAGA Inc. filed an ethics complaint with Florida officials accusing DeSantis of operating a shadow presidential campaign.

A spokesperson for the governors office, Taryn Fenske, called the complaint part of a list of frivolous and politically motivated attacks.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
I'm sure you all know this, but just in case: USA TODAY is part of a massive network of media properties all over the country.

That means we also have opinion writers spread across the country, covering the news that matters to those communities and writing about news that often has a national impact.

It's with that in mind that we offer a roundup of columns from across the USA TODAY Network from the happenings of this week.

Opinions in your inbox: Get exclusive access to our columnists and the best of our columns

Tennessee in the spotlight for the wrong reasons

The Tennessee House of Representatives on Thursday conducted one of the longest, most robust and passionate debates in recent memory on the state Constitution, decorum and the role of a legislator.

The problem is that lawmakers did not discuss or do anything of importance to better the lives of the community.

Justin Pearson speaks at the State Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., following moves to expel him from the House of Representatives on Thursday, April 6, 2023. Justin Jones and Pearson were expelled while Gloria Johnson retained her seat.

Instead, Republican lawmakers made national celebrities of the three Democratic lawmakers they sought to expel.

People from all over the world were watching hours of video on the House live stream or media outlets, and letters poured into The Tennessean from people nationwide decrying the proceeding as an affront to democracy. Read the full column.

North Carolina lawmakers switches from Democrat to Republican

This week, State Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Mecklenburg legislator, switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, giving the GOP a veto-proof majority in the state legislature.

Democratic Party leaders are livid. Some are calling for her resignation. Cotham said she was considered a traitor.

State Rep. Tricia Cotham announced she was changing her affiliation to the Republican Party, handing the GOP a veto-proof majority.

In her defense, she alleges Democrats bullied her, calling her names and coming after her family and children. She said the tipping point came when she was criticized for using the American flag and praying hands emoji on social media, and displays on her vehicles. Read the full column.

Failed governor candidate Kari Lake could become Baroness of Arizona

Kari Lake is angry (or is it jealous?) that former President Donald Trump has been indicted, especially, Id guess, given the tremendous amount of publicity this has given him and the $7 million or so in campaign donations hes pocketed in just about a week.

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Kari Lake speaks during an event hosted by the Johnson County Republicans and the University of Iowa Republicans, Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at The Airliner in Iowa City, Iowa.

Lake expressed her undying support for Trump in a tweet, saying in part, I didnt think I could possibly support him more  .

Nice try, but I cant imagine itll do much for her coffers.

These are tough days for Lake.

However, when Lakes last-ditch effort to become governor fails, and then her attempt to become a U.S. senator fails, all is not lost. Read the full column.

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.

If you figure out these references then you're getting old

I stopped by a younger co-workers office the other day and noted her desk tidiness.

My office looks like Fred Sanfords backyard, I said.

Huh? she looked at me blankly. Sanford?

Redd Foxx, left, stars as Fred G. Sanford, a widower and junk dealer in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, and Demond Wilson as his son Lamont, in "Sanford and Son."

Just a week earlier I was meeting with someone who called to say she was running about 20 minutes late and she promised shed be there any second.

Yeah, and the Skipper said it was only going to be a three-hour tour.

Skipper? Three-hour tour?

Whats a maturing sarcastic to do when staples of popology grow cobwebs? Where exactly is my generations line of demarcation when it comes to wit? What happens when pop culture references no longer get a Fonzie thumbs-up? Read the full column.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tennessee expels Justin Jones, Cotham now Republican: News of the week
Four environmental groups are suing to stop a new law requiring Ohio to accept private petitions to drill for oil and gas underneath state parks.

House Bill 507, which Republicans passed in the final days of the last legislative session, changed Ohio's code to require rather than authorize state agencies to lease the lands they own for oil and gas development. And it directed the Oil and Gas Land Management Commission to develop a set of rules for applications.

Opponents called the move a "dirty industry power grab." Proponents said the change forced state agencies to finally fulfill the intent of a law passed a decade ago legalizing these kinds of leases.

But the main legal objections in the lawsuit filed Thursday centered around how HB 507 became law and how the commission has written those rules.

Hikers walk Friday through Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County. Located in eastern Ohio, Salt Fork is the largest state park in Ohio, covering 17,229 acres of land and 2,952 acres of water, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Three chickens and a state park

The bill requiring state agencies to lease their lands started out as a proposal to reduce the minimum number of baby poultry (chickens, geese, ducks, etc.) that can be legally purchased at one time.

Ohio had required people to purchase six, but the sponsors of HB 507 wanted to lower that number to three, saying it would make it easier for suburban and urban children to raise them for groups like 4-H.

Wildflowers grow along a trail at Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County. Located in eastern Ohio, Salt Fork is the largest state park in Ohio, covering 17,229 acres of land and 2,952 acres of water, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

But by the time the legislation reached Gov. Mike DeWine's desk, it included a prohibition on local governments banning pesticides registered with the Department of Agriculture, changes to Ohio's canning and bottling laws, a definition of green energy that included natural gas, and the shift from "may" to "shall" when it came to writing leases for state parks.

"This has become the ultimate Christmas tree of a hot mess," Rep. Juanita Brent, D-Cleveland, said at the time.

A woman returns to the trail Friday at Hosak's Cave at Salt Fork State Park. Located in eastern Ohio, Salt Fork is the largest state park in Ohio, covering 17,229 acres of land and 2,952 acres of water, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The Ohio Environmental Council, Ohio Valley Allies, Buckeye Environmental Network and Sierra Club agreed.

Their lawsuit, filed in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, says HB 507 violated two provisions of the Ohio Constitution: Article II, Section 15(D) says bills must only "contain one subject that is clearly expressed in the title." And Article II, Section 15(C), requires three considerations of any changes "that vitally alter the substance" of legislation.

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The final version of HB 507 had one consideration in both the House and Senate that didn't include public testimony.

We as Ohioans deserve to have our voices heard when the future of our state parks is on the line," Nathan Johnson, attorney and public lands director for the Ohio Environmental Council, said in a statement.

A woman walks her dog Friday near the Salt Fork State Park Nature Center in Guernsey County. Located in eastern Ohio, Salt Fork is the largest state park in Ohio, covering 17,229 acres of land and 2,952 acres of water, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

No rules, no leases

HB 507 is set to go into effect Friday, but the commission hasn't finalized its rules for the application process.

That worries all four plaintiffs because they believe the effective date coupled with the mandatory leasing requirement "creates a period of unknown duration during which Ohio state agencies will be forced to lease public lands for oil and gas development" without clear rules.

Rules like public notice, ensuring leases go to the highest and best bid, the economic benefits, compatibility with current land uses, environmental impacts, geological impacts and potential impacts to visitors.

The Salt Fork State Park Nature Center is seen from the air. Located in eastern Ohio, Salt Fork is the largest state park in Ohio, covering 17,229 acres of land and 2,952 acres of water, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

"The vitality of our public lands is essential to our own well-being. No one wants to experience visual blight or breathe in toxic air pollution when out on the trail," Johnson said. "Our parks are often our best refuge for health and relaxation."

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said in a statement that it expects companies to wait until the commission finishes its work.

"We expect that the rules will be established soon, and we don't anticipate any drilling in the interim," according to ODNR. "Gov. DeWine has previously noted that there will be no drilling on the surface of state park lands during his administration."

Anna Staver 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.

A double-crested cormorant perches on a log at Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County. Located in eastern Ohio, Salt Fork is the largest state park in Ohio, covering 17,229 acres of land and 2,952 acres of water, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio environmental groups sue to block oil drilling under state parks
A ruling by a federal judge in Texas Friday revoked the decadeslong government approval of mifepristone, a key abortion drug, potentially decimating access to medication abortion nationwide. The ruling won't immediately go into effect, as the federal government has seven days to appeal.

The ruling means healthcare providers could be barred from prescribing mifepristone, even in stateslike Oregon were abortion is legal. In-clinic, procedural abortion care will not be affected by the ruling.

A coalition led by the conservative legal advocacy organization Alliance Defending Freedom in November filed a federal lawsuit in Amarillo, Texas, arguing the drug comes with medical risks and should be pulled from the market. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Texas sided with anti-abortion groups in the case.

Abortion access advocates said the ruling could have severe consequences on peoples ability to access abortion and miscarriage care, especially after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Gov. Tina Kotek in a statement criticized the ruling.

This is a shameful, dangerous ruling that will prevent patients across the country from accessing safe, effective medication. As we sort out the impact of this ruling, hear me loud and clear: abortion is still accessible and legal in Oregon," she said in the statement.

Oregon state law protects abortion access and has none of the significant restrictions on abortions that are seen in other states, such as waiting periods, mandatory ultrasounds or parental involvement.

Oregon's law: How the Supreme Court abortion ruling impacts Oregon

What does this ruling mean?

The ruling could affect medication abortion access for about 64.5 million women of reproductive age nationwide, according to an analysis released Feb. 10 by NARAL Pro-Choice America.

Lorie Chaiten, senior staff attorney at the ACLU's Reproductive Freedom Project, said the ruling could "create an unprecedented disruption to healthcare access."

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The decision "will unleash a public health crisis by removing health care options for millions of people," said Jenny Ma, senior counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights.

What is mifepristone and medication abortion?

Even before the U.S. Supreme Court last year struck down the constitutional right to abortion granted by Roe v. Wade, medication abortion accounted for more than half of all abortions in the United States, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization that supports abortion rights.

The FDA approved mifepristone for medication abortion in 2000. The drug is typically taken in a two-step regimen along with another medication called misoprostol. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists call mifepristone a safe and effective abortion medication and a component of treatment and management for early pregnancy loss or miscarriage.

What could happen next?

While the FDA could choose to restart the approval process, this may take years, Chaiten said.

The case would likely be appealed, landing it in the right-leaning Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. If the case is appealed again in federal circuit court, it may arrive before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Filing lawsuit in Amarillo part of legal strategy

Several legal experts said it was no accident the complaint was filed in Amarillo, Texas, where the only judge is Kacsmaryk, an appointee of former President Donald Trump who has a history of conservative rulings.

"This is one single judge in Texas, a state that has already banned abortion, deciding the medication abortion access of every single person across the country," Ma said.

Alliance Defending Freedom, which filed the suit, is considered an anti-LGBTQ hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The group told USA TODAY it "categorically rejects" this classification, calling it a "deliberate mischaracterization of our work."

Providers rush to consider misoprostol-only options

Providers nationwide are rushing to shift to misoprostol-only protocols for medication abortions, and clinics have already begun ordering more misoprostol supplies, said Ashley Brink, clinic director at Trust Women Kansas in Wichita.

She said misoprostol-only methods have been used globally for years as "a safe and effective alternative" to using both mifepristone and misoprostol.

Studies show misoprostol-only methods are less effective than the two-step regimen.

Ruling to hit marginalized communities hardest

Low-income and people of color could be disproportionately impacted by the reversal, experts say. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis showed about 67% of U.S. abortion seekers were non-white.

Terri-Ann Thompson, senior researcher at Ibis Reproductive Health, said the reversal disregards patient preference, cost and travel burdens of marginalized communities.

"One of the reasons, among many, that people actually choose a medication abortion is because it is the less costly option of the abortion options available," she said. "It's a racial justice issue and economic disadvantage is at the root."

Lupe Rodriguez, executive director at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, said many immigrant women are accustomed to medication abortion and prefer it.

The Statesman Journal contributed to this article. Contact Christine Fernando at cfernando@usatoday.com or follow her on Twitter at @christinetfern.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Judge revokes FDA approval of key abortion drug nationwide
Newsoms false bravado over oil

Re: Tom Elias April 4 column, Message on gas gouging hurts the states GOP:

Id like Mr. Elias to put aside his Newsom fan-boy status by asking some tough questions of the governor. Why are the oil companies so much more diabolical here than in other states? Why do Californians pay so much more for fuel? At the end of a month, or a year, does Mr. Elias really believe that fuel prices in California are going to be lower due to Newsoms bravado?

Regarding the election outcome which led to the Legislatures support for Newsoms farce, the results were predictable. Theres no balance to the voting populace; they left. In 2021, 360,000 people departed California, and its estimated that over 70% of them were conservative-leaning, and their voting records reflected that. They got tired of excessive taxation, anti-business policies, and micro-management.

Back to fuel prices/oil companies: How much do state government policies impact a corporations willingness and ability to do business in that state?

Daniel G. Mattera, Thousand Oaks

Parks name change is good news

Re: your April 6 story, Oxnard Beach Park to receive Chumash name:

I was so glad to read positive local news today, learning that Oxnard Beach Park will be renamed with the Chumash word for dolphin, ololkoy, to honor the original inhabitants of this unceded land. Thank you to Manuel Herrera for initiating this action, and to the Oxnard City Council for unanimously approving the name change.

Kari Aist, Ventura

Donald Trump isnt above the law

Re: Phil Boas April 6 guest column, This Trump case is no Watergate:

In his column, Mr. Boas accuses the Manhattan District Attorney prosecuting former President Donald Trump of attempting to turn a criminal case into a political power grab. If the United States of America is truly a nation based on the rule of law, then Donald Trump is not above the law.

It is entirely fitting that Donald Trump be indicted, arrested, and tried in a court of law as anyone else accused of breaking the law. If the facts of the case prove guilt, Donald Trump should be convicted. The argument some make that the criminal case against a former president is unprecedented is not correct. There was a very strong criminal case in the works against Richard Nixon when Gerald Ford pardoned the former president. The charges against Nixon included obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy.

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Even though the charges against Trump in Manhattan were not committed during his presidency, does not negate the fact that living under the rule of law applies to everyone, no matter who they are, how much money they have, or where they used to work.

Carol Brock, Ventura

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Newsom and oil; park's name change; Trump and the law
A large percentage of people in 11 Muslim-majority nations, and two others in the region, disagree that the United States is serious about democracy, according to a new poll released by Gallup.

In addition, most dont believe the U.S. will be able allow them to fashion their own political future.

Its been 20 years since the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and despite the overwhelming favorability the U.S. received from the Iraqi people after toppling Saddam Husseins dictatorship in 2003, it has been difficult for America to establish the democracy they hoped for in Iraq.

Fast forward to today, and a little less than a third of Iraqis  around 26 percent  believe the U.S. is serious about establishing democratic commitments in the Middle East, while 72 percent doubt the U.S.s intentions, the poll found.

The highest percentage of disagreement, 81 percent, comes from Iran.

The survey found that Tunisia, Turkey, Palestinian Territories and Iraq round out the top five, all falling between 78 and 75 percent. Yemen, Pakistan, Lebanon, Libya and Afghanistan follow, with 68 to 61 percent disagreement.

Jordan  at 33 percent  is the country that views the U.S. as the most serious about democracy in the region, according to the poll.

In terms of perceptions about the United States commitment to letting Middle Eastern countries determine their own future, all 12 of the countries surveyed disagree that the U.S. will let that happen  with the highest percent of disagreement, 80, coming from Iran.



Turkey, Tunisia, the Palestinian Territories and Iraq followed with disagreement between 78 and 71 percent.

The three countries with the least amount of disagreement almost mirrored the first question, with 59 percent from those in Libya and Jordan. Kuwait followed with 42 percent disagreement, and then Morocco with 35 percent.

Finally, the new poll asked 13 nations in the region about the United States commitment to improving the economic wellbeing of their people and once again, all of the countries had a majority of those surveyed disagree.

The highest amounts of disagreements came from Iran, Turkey, and Tunisia  with percentages from 82 to 74. The least amount of disagreement on this question came from Kuwait at 41 percent and Morocco at 34 percent.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A North Carolina college professor believes his freedom of speech was violated when he was fired after writing a critical note to a supervisor teeming with racial slurs.

Alvin Mitchell still hasnt found a court to agree with him.

In a 2-1 decision announced this week, a three-judge panel of the N.C. Court of Appeals upheld a 2018 decision by Winston-Salem State University to fire Mitchell, in part due to his racially charged written remarks to a department head over which academic conference two of Mitchells students should attend.

The ruling reveals a long-running academic dispute inside one of the states more prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities, a case roiling with racial tensions, charges of implicit bias in academics, as well as a legal debate among the judges over the reach of First Amendment rights.

Mitchells attorney, Allison Tomberlin of Winston-Salem, said she plans to appeal.

Were looking forward to having our freedom of speech argument heard by the (state) Supreme Court, she told The Charlotte Observer in a Wednesday phone interview.

The faculty in-fighting flared up at the 130-year-old school during the 2016-17 academic year, when Mitchells students requested university money to attend a Race, Gender and Class conference in New Orleans where they hoped to present a research paper.

Instead, Dr. Denise Nation, one of Mitchells direct supervisors, suggested an academic event sponsored by the American Society of Criminology.

According to the appeals court opinion, one of the students believed Nation preferred the other conference because it was primarily Caucasian.

Mitchell, a tenured associate professor of Justice Studies, took it from there.

In his letter to Nation, he railed against her recommendation and stood up for the academic rigor of the New Orleans event.

Moreover, he dismissed the ASC conference as being run by nothing but a bunch of white men, and accused his boss of making her decision largely to ingratiate herself with white peers. Both Nation and Mitchell are Black.

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After all these years, it is amazing that you think anything white is better, he wrote.

In their eyes you will never be equal to them. They still look at you as a wanna be white, an international n-----, an international c--n and an international sambo (lol) because you display that kind of behavior.

You will never get it. Wake up.

In Mitchells termination notice, the university cited the letter, along with Mitchells failure to give a final grade to one of his students in a 2015 class. That misstep, according to the courts opinion, threatened the students financial aid and eventually led to campus police being called to an angry classroom confrontation between Mitchell and several superiors.

(The supervisor who summoned police, Dr. Cynthia Villagomez, made national headlines in December when she called campus officers to her own classroom to have a student arrested following an argument over an assignment.)

The school also accused Mitchell of failing to open an online class during the fall 2017 semester that he had been assigned to teach.

After twice overruling the universitys Faculty Hearing Committees finding that university administrators had not made their case, school Chancellor Elwood Robinson fired Mitchell in January 2018 for neglect of duty and, due to the letter, misconduct.

Mitchell appealed. His firing was upheld by Winston-Salem States Board of Trustees, the Board of Governors of the UNC System and, in July 2021, Superior Court Judge Martin McGee.

On Tuesday, the panel from the states second highest court followed suit  with one major exception.

In their opinion, Appeals Court judges Toby Hampson, Valerie Zachery and Hunter Murphy dismissed Mitchells claims that his firing had violated his due process rights.

But the courts consensus ended over Mitchells argument that since his letter had touched upon a matter of public concern, his firing had been illegal.

In her written argument, Tomberlin described Mitchells letter as an impassioned plea and a strongly worded condemnation of racism within academia and Nations perceived participation in that racist culture.

Once again, Hampson and Zachary disagreed. They ruled that Mitchell had presented no evidence to show that Nations decision to deny the students money for the New Orleans conference had been based on race, or that Mitchell intended his letter to be an effort to combat racism in academia.

Rather, the judges found that Mitchells written remarks were nothing more than an expression of his personal grievance towards Dr. Nation and her decision to withhold the expense money.

That Petitioner did so by invoking his own racist epithets does not convert his letter into one addressing a matter of public concern, Hampson wrote.

Murphy differed, arguing that Mitchell had made a legitimate First Amendment case that should be returned to the Forsyth County courts for a full airing.

The broader subject of academias relationship with race has long been acknowledged as a subject of public concern and remains so, now more than ever, Murphy, wrote in his dissenting opinion.

The Waynesville Republican also alluded to the ongoing nationwide furor over Critical Race Theory, an academic course of study holding that racism is entwined throughout the American way of life.

The way race is taught in schools has become one of the defining political issues of this decade, he wrote. Few topics could be more legitimately said to constitute issues of public concern.

Rather than being a tool of racial abuse, Mitchells letter, according to Murphy, reads as a defense of the academic legitimacy of a conference, an expression of dissatisfaction on the state of racial diversity in academia, and a statement of frustration with Dr. Nation, both personally and with any potential unconscious biases.
Now we have a former president who has been arrested and indicted.

Donald Trump faces 34 felony counts, mostly related to bookkeeping allegations resulting from hush money payoffs.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg chose to bring these charges against the former president in a manner that seems carefully timed to disrupt Trumps 2024 presidential run.

In other words, these charges are more about politics than they are about justice. Bragg and Democrats  and maybe even some Republicans  want to make sure the former president doesnt get back to the White House.

The law is a tool, just like a shovel or a hammer. Any good lawyer will tell you that. It can be used and manipulated to bring about a desired result and thats what Bragg is attempting to do. He wants Trump discredited to guarantee he wont get the Republican nomination for president.

Had the former president not announced his intention to run again, I seriously doubt that Braggs investigation would have continued and the subsequent grand jury indictments would have come down. This was all carefully planned.

Not that I am a Donald Trump fan. I am not defending the man but rather laying out the facts as I see them. I absolutely dont want to see Trump back in the White House. Four years of craziness was enough.

Still, I dont like to see the law used as a tool, or in this case a weapon, something designed to destroy. But thats what is happening. Braggs charges are intended to put a halt to Trumps 2024 election bid. Thats the long and short of it.

To this end, Bragg seems to have no faith in the American people or our elective process. Just as he contends that Trump paid hush money to manipulate the outcome of the 2016 election, so are the Manhattan District Attorneys charges, which are designed to bring about a desired result in the 2024 race.

There was no need for Braggs preventative actions. Trumps day is past. Like me, the American people have had enough of him. That was evident by his 2020 defeat and his loss of appeal was further supported by the fact that only about 100 protesters turned out in New York on Tuesday when he was arraigned.

This is not 2016 when Trump whipped right wing conservatives into a frenzy. Even those followers now understand that although he promised wonders, he delivered only chaos. All but a few have given up on Trump and are now seeking a new political messiah.

If Bragg thinks these charges will compel Trump to pull out of the 2024 presidential race, he obviously doesnt know the man. These indictments will only serve to put the former president back on the nightly news and give him a world of free publicity.

Donald Trump is so arrogant and hard-headed that he will stay in the race till the very end. He never gives up.

These charges also provide him with sympathy and create new converts and bring back old ones that had thrown him by the wayside. Donations to Trumps campaign have already reportedly gone way up.

Still, he wont get enough votes to win him the Republican nomination. Republicans may not like the way he is being treated, but they wont sympathize enough to give him their votes.

As for the charges, I am no Philadelphia lawyer, but I agree with most legal experts who dont think Bragg has a chance for a conviction. Trump will have the best lawyers money can buy on his team and, as he always has, he will wiggle his way out of this latest mess.

Thats the way Trump operates. As with the Stormy Daniels affair, he pays someone else to do is dirty work. His foot may often be in the door, (or in his mouth), but it never gets slammed. He is a slick character.

So, now we have a man running for the highest office in the land who is under indictment on 34 felony counts. This should serve as a perfect opportunity for Trumps Republican primary opponents to bash him, but they wont  for two reasons.

First, they dont like the way the law is being used as a weapon and, second, they dont want to alienate former Trump followers because they need their votes.

Ah, American politics.

The world watches and shakes its head.
In 1988, we outlawed lawn darts. LAWN DARTS!

For those of you who are too young to remember the game, it was a yard game where you tossed small, weighted spears, attempting to have them land in a plastic circle 30 feet away. Some people were too stupid to not lob them in the direction of other people, and three children died in a year.

Congress voted 301-54 to outlaw LAWN DARTS.

This year we have had 130-plus mass shootings. In February, my alma mater was shot up (three killed, five critically wounded) and this week in Nashville, six people (three 9-year-olds) were killed in a Christian elementary school. Both shooters were killed by police.

Curt MacRae

When Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee was asked how he would protect his own daughter from escalating violence in schools, he noted "Well, we homeschool her."

When asked a follow-up question about what should be done about the epidemic of school shootings, he added "we're not gonna fix it."

He went on, "Criminals are gonna be criminals. And my daddy fought in the Second World War, fought in the Pacific, fought the Japanese, and he told me, 'Buddy, if somebody wants to take you out, and doesn't mind losing their life, there's not a whole heck of a lot you can do about it.'"

Just three weeks ago, Burchett shared a much more pro-active stance after Tennessee passed a law banning drag performances in public spaces, telling Newsmax, "We don't put up with that crap in Tennessee."

What else have our representatives been saying since the Nashville shooting? What they always say  its too early to talk about change. Or, liberals want to take away guns from rightful owners. Or, our hearts and prayers are with the families of those affected.

WE ARE ALL AFFECTED!

Im going to ask you to imagine. Look around your neighborhood, your city. Is there anyone that might have the potential to be crazy? Is there an 18-year-old that seems less interested in ordering his cap and gown than buying guns? Is there a nutty neighbor who picks fights with everyone? Is someone having a difficult day?

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Because you know, right now, there is someone already planning the next horrific event, and the goal will be to kill more than the last nut killed.

What Burchett and his ilk do is opt for complacency and wait for the emotion to wane. Or, they try to scare citizens with nonsense that liberals will repeal the second amendment, when NO ONE has proposed, or is proposing, that.

But can we admit that the Second Amendment was ratified in 1791, so perhaps it could tolerate review? Most Americans want changes that could inhibit the carnage that is becoming far too normal. Republicans fear gun lobbies. They are afraid for their jobs.

But that IS THEIR JOB  to protect the citizens. And most citizens, while not advocating a repeal of the Second Amendment, want change.

I ask you to imagine again. A nut with a gun enters a classroom. What are those 8-year-olds thinking? They run for their lives, or they cower in fear under their desks. They have no escape, and they cry. They are alone, terrified, and mom is not there to comfort them. They are torn by bullets and die alone on the floor. But your Congressperson wants to get re-elected.

When 26 people were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in Newtown, Connecticut, 10 years ago, many thought Congress would act. Who cannot be spurred to action by first-graders dying in such horror? Apparently, Congress  no one acted.

Imagine one last time: Now the 8-year-old is your child, or your grandchild. You took them to school this morning, dropped them at their second-grade classroom, gave them a kiss, and told them to have a great day.

It was not a great day. And there was nothing you could do because someone you did not know, someone you had no connection with, someone that had no issue with you or your child, decided to murder your baby for no reason. Is it too early for you to talk about change?

When the Second Amendment was written, do you suppose its author, James Madison, imagined 8-year-olds running for their lives?

 Curt MacRae is a resident of Coldwater and writes columns each month. Columns are tweeted (@curtmacrae). Send comments to rantsbymac@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Rants by Mac: We outlawed lawn darts  but not assault rifles
Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Reuters/Library of Congress

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On Thursday, two Black members of the Tennessee House of Representatives, Justin Jones of Nashville and Justin Pearson of Memphis, were expelled after they participated in protests at the State Capitol. A third representative, Gloria Johnson, who is white and also participated in the protest, was not expelled. The protests were centered around calling for more gun control after the deadly mass shooting at Nashvilles Covenant School.

The politicians expulsion has drawn national attentioneven former President Barack Obama who is typically fairly muted on daily political issues stated, What happened in Tennessee is the latest example of a broader erosion of civility and democratic norms. Silencing those who disagree with us is a sign of weakness, not strength, and it wont lead to progress.

Republicans Make Rock Stars Out of the Tennessee Three

Asked why her two colleagues had been expelled while she had not, Johnson was blunt: I think its pretty clear. Im a 60-year-old white woman, and they are two young Black men. In listening to the questions and the way they were questioned and the way they were talked to, I was talked down to as a woman, mansplained to, but it was completely different from the questioning that they got.

As Pearson departed the Tennessee house chambers, the words he had for the Republicans who undemocratically ousted him carried the weight of the American experience. We, and you, are seeking to expel District 86ths representation from this House in a country that was built on a protest, he said. In a country that was built on a protest. You, who celebrate July 4, 1776, pop fireworks and eat hot dogs, you say to protest is wrong, because you spoke out of turn.

Because you spoke up for people who are marginalized, he added. You spoke up for children who wont ever be able to speak again. You spoke up for parents who dont want to live in fear, you spoke up for Larry Thorn, who was murdered by gun violence. You spoke up for people that we dont want to care about. In a country built on people who speak out of turn, who spoke out of turn, who fought out of turn to build a nation.

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The Republican Speaker of the House in Tennessee ludicrously likened what Pearson, Jones, and Johnson did in their anti-gun violence protest to the January 6 attack on the Capitol. As if peacefully protesting for the government to address the systemic problem of gun violence is the same as a violent insurrection in which hundreds of police officers were injured.

Rep. Justin Pearson and Rep. Justin Jones raise their fists as a video of last weeks gun control demonstration at the statehouse is screened, and Republicans who control the Tennessee House of Representatives prepare to vote on whether to expel them for their role in it, in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., April 6, 2023. Reuters/Cheney Orr

This moment reflects a dangerous antidemocratic trend in American history; the unjust expulsion of Black politicians in the South. Jones and Pearsons removal isnt the first time Black elected officials have been kicked out of office for going against the grain. This happened right after the Civil War to 33 Black representatives from Georgia, also known as the Original 33.

In 1868 following the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, some of the first Black elected lawmakers were from Georgia. They were known as Frederick Douglass Republicans. They stood for an inclusive political platform based on the values of Douglass. As a result of the end of slavery and the new enfranchisement of Black men, white politicians in the South started passing racist voter suppression laws in order to prevent Black voters from spending the political power they earned.

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Another suppression tactic they embraced was the expulsion of newly elected Black state representatives. Following the election of the first 33 Black members, the white majority in the Georgia state legislature voted to remove all Black and mixed-race elected representatives.

This sent shockwaves through the Black community in Georgia, and one of the expelled members, Georgia Representative Philip Joiner, planned a protest in a town square nearby to bring to light the antidemocratic actions of the Georgia State Legislature. A violent protest followed, leading to the death of multiple protesters by radical white nationalists. In the following months, voter intimidation tactics were used to pressure Black voters to stop voting. As a result the Original 33 never returned to Congress.

Anthony Michael Kreis, a Professor of Law at Georgia State University a constitutional law scholar, told The Daily Beast: The lesson of 1868 is there was certainly an impulse in Georgia resistant to any Black political power in the state legislature. What we saw unfold in Tennessee is a resistance to the same dynamic, where you had very strong leaders who represent heavily black populations and they are being met with a certain infantilization and dismissiveness.

Although hundreds of years apart and in different circumstances its impossible to not see some of the uncanny similarities between the Original 33 and the Tennessee 3. Jones and Pearson were expelled not because of their political views but because they were Black politicians who were speaking out against the status quo. The removal of Jones and Pearson represents a complete rejection of the American democratic process, and of the peoples right to have the representatives they voted for.

In the revolutionary era, as misguided as those who designed the government were in the enfranchisement of women and minority groups, some understood the power of elections and the value of democracy.

As Founding Father George Mason said, The people will be represented; they ought to therefore choose their representatives. By removing Jones and Pearson, not only are Tennessee Republicans perpetuating the racist attitudes of those hundreds of years ago, but they are acting as the antithesis to the American doctrine of democratic rule which has been a part of our country since its founding.

Its painful to watch the treatment of the Tennessee 3 on our cellphones and television screens. For all the progress our nation has made, moments like these can feel as if we are going backwards in time, and reversing decades of racial progress.

The American project sits in its own unique space, before its creation the destination of a multi-racial democracy seemed impossible and at times our trek to reach it seems brutal, never-ending, and almost Sisyphean as if we are pushing a gargantuan boulder up a hill. Instances like Tennessee remind us of how sometimes humans can be vengeful and selfish. Its painful to see some politicians value weapons and corporate special interest over childrens lives.

But as we grimace with frustration its important to remember the journey to reach a perfect multi-racial democracy is long, but its not a lonely one. As long as we all speak out whenever we see an injustice happenas the young protesters who are supporting Jones and Pearson so admirably and volubly arewe are only getting closer to a destination of true equality.

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President Joe Biden was addressing the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Chicago last May, explaining how "middle-class folks" just want to provide for their families, when he returned to his favorite word.

"As my grandfather would say, 'Maybe it's the Irish of it.' The word 'dignity.' The simple dignity," the Biden said.

Biden has long made his Irish Catholic heritage central to his political identity, reciting Irish sayings, poems, humor and tales of his ancestors with regularity in an appeal, above all, to the common man.

This week, Biden will make his first presidential trip to Ireland for a four-day swing, stopping first in Belfast to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement that ended civil war in Northern Ireland, before revisiting where his ancestors lived in Ireland.

Yet the trip is also a way for Biden to connect with voters at home, allowing him to reintroduce his Irish American roots  and lean into his economic message of "dignity"  as he works to win back working-class voters who have fled the Democratic Party.

"Joe Biden, in many respects, is a much more typical Irish American than Jack Kennedy," said Brendan O'Leary, a professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania, contrasting Biden's humble upbringing to the enormous family wealth of the nation's other Irish Catholic president. "Literally, an ordinary Joe."

A man puts a U.S. flag up in the town of Ballina, the ancestral home of President-elect Joe Biden, in North West of Ireland, on Nov. 7, 2020, after Biden was elected president.

From famine-ravaged Ireland to Scranton, Pa.

The Blewitts and Finnegans: Biden draws most of his Irish heritage from his mother Catherine "Jean" Finnegan's side of the family, with lineage tracing back to the Blewitts in County Mayo and Finnegans from County Louth, Ireland. Biden will visit both counties during his trip.

'Most Irish of all presidents': Ten of Biden's 16 great-great-grandparents are from Ireland. "He really probably is the most Irish of all the presidents," said Fiona Fitzsimons, a genealogist from Dublin and director of the Irish Family History Centre, who traced Biden's genealogy in 2016 on the then-vice president's behalf.

What did Biden's ancestors do? Biden's Irish ancestors were a diverse bunch: engineers and surveyors, overseers in charge of building roads, a coast guard, a stone mason and tenant farmers.

Famine Irish: Fitzsimons said each of Biden's Irish American ancestors were "famine Irish." They came to the U.S. between 1848 and 1855 to escape the Irish Potato Famine that ravaged the country, settling mostly in Biden's hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to work in mining.

Christmas Day 1850: Patrick Blewitt, one of Biden's great-great-grandfathers, sailed to the U.S. in 1850 and spotted the mining opportunities in Scranton. He returned to Ireland and gathered the rest of the Blewitt family. They left together for the U.S. on Christmas Day of 1850.

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Fiona Fitzsimons, a genealogist in Dublin, delivers then-Vice President Joe Biden his family's story during a trip Biden took to Ireland in 2016.

Irish values feed working-class pitch

Biden uses his Irish American identity to cast himself as a political fighter and champion the hard-working American  the little guy fighting the odds  who deserves a chance even if lacking financial resources.

It's Biden's way of speaking the language of a factory worker even though he's a millionaire.

"Their work has borne centuries of fruit," Biden said, recognizing Irish immigrants at a White House St. Patrick's Day Celebration last month. "And their values have been passed down, generation to generation, around countless Irish American dinner tables just like the one I grew up in."

More: As Biden prepares 2024 reelection run, Democrats worry blue-collar voters are slipping away

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, Biden is leaning into those values to promote his economic agenda  one he says is aimed at "places and people that have been forgotten."

The Biden administration is leveraging the power of the federal government to expand U.S. manufacturing of computer microchips and electric vehicles. Biden talks about turning depleted factory towns in the Midwest into manufacturing hotbeds of a new green economy. It's an appeal to non-college educated voters, particularly white voters, who have turned Republican during the raging culture wars of the past decade.

"Every worker deserves to be treated with dignity," Biden said last week in Fridley, Minnesota, speaking inside a facility that builds low- and zero-carbon engines for trucks.

President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the Cummins Power Generation Facility in Fridley, Minn., on April 3.

How the image of the Irish American politician was born

Timothy Meagher, retired associate professor at Catholic University, said the image of an Irish politician as the common man was "cultivated over time" as Irish Americans embraced their working-class stature and made elitism the enemy.

Early Irish immigrants were depicted in American literature as dumb and bumbling, stereotypes that author Hugh Henry Brackenridge played off in his 1792 political satire "Modern Chivalry." In the book, an Irish servant named Teague uses his plain-speaking appeal to become an American hero with ambitions to run for Congress.

"Breckenridge thought this was an indictment of the Irish, but in a way, in a democratic society, that's a useful way to be understood," Meagher said. "That image as working-class people pushes to a certain degree up to the present, even though it's long been true that (the Irish are) no longer mostly blue-collar workers."

More: Poll: President Joe Biden's approval dips near lowest point ahead of likely presidential bid

President Joe Biden speaks during a St. Patrick's Day reception in the East Room of the White House on March 17 in Washington.

Biden's political brand contains two central themes to Irish- American politics, according to Meagher: principles of egalitarianism and "communal solidarity"  the idea that "we're all in this together."

"My mother's creed is the American creed," Biden said in his 2008 Democratic National Convention speech accepting the vice presidential nomination. "No one is better than you. Everyone is your equal, and everyone is equal to you."

Takeaways: Biden's $6.9 trillion budget proposal: Tax the rich. Cut the deficit. Take on the GOP.

Biden uses Irish heritage for humor and empathy

Biden reminds his audience of his Irish roots in almost any situation. He uses it to empathize with Black Americans seeking racial justice, identify with the plights of immigrants and address conflicts in other countries.

"My family is Irish American," Biden said in Jerusalem last year, "and we have a long history of  not fundamentally unlike the Palestinian people with Great Britain and their attitude toward Irish Catholics over the years, for 400 years ."

"Look, all of you know all of us in the United States are immigrants. And mine go all the way back to the Irish famine ," Biden said in January in Mexico City, standing alongside Mexican President Lopez Obrador as he discussed ways to tame migration at the southern border.

Biden, commemorating this year's Martin Luther King Day, said "I get accused of being an inveterate optimist. I call that the 'Irish of it ,'" Biden said, drawing laughter. "Were never on top, always stepped on. But we are optimistic, like Dr. King was optimistic."

Amid a stalemate last year on his social-spending agenda because of opposition from Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W. Va., Biden dismissed holding animosity, saying: " Some people think maybe Im not Irish because I dont hold a grudge ."

When Biden introduced Ketanji Brown Jackson last year as his historic pick as the first Black female Supreme Court justice, the president told her, "Judge, you are the very definition of what we Irish refer to as dignity. You have enormous dignity."

More: With 2024 looming, how long can President Biden stay silent on Trump's indictment?

'Unmistakably a son of Ireland'

Ireland's prime minister, or Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, visiting the White House last month, joked that all U.S. presidents are "a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day," but Biden is "unmistakably a son of Ireland."

"President Biden, in your life story we see reflected the story of Ireland," he said.

President Joe Biden and Ireland's Taoiseach Leo Varadkar hold a bowl of shamrocks during a St. Patrick's Day reception in the East Room of the White House on March 17.

Biden last visited Ireland in 2017 after taking an ancestral trip the year before. His son, Beau Biden  who died of brain cancer in 2015  had talked about taking the family to Ireland to see first-hand the places and people described by Joe Biden's late mother.

"It was almost a way of leave-taking, of his son, but also of his mother," said Fitzsimons, one of the genealogists who met the Biden family in Ireland in June 2016. Biden, according to Fitzsimons, came equipped with family stories written down over the years.

"We verified those stories," she said.

'Happy birthday, Mr. President': Biden turns 80 amid questions about a reelection bid

Biden, in his memoir, "Promise me, Dad," recounted something former Democratic New York Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan told him. "To fail to understand that life is going to knock you down is to fail to understand the Irishness of life."

But hardship isn't even half the "whole story of Irishness," he continued, recalling the optimism his grandfather Finnegan often passed on: "Keep the faith, Joey. Remember the best drop of blood in you is Irish."

Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @Joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden's Ireland trip: How his heritage shapes his political identity
U.S. soldiers at a joint military exercise against the Islamic State group in Syria on Sept. 7, 2022. (Delil Souleiman/AFP via Getty Images)

A tranche of what appears to be classified U.S. intelligence material was posted anonymously on the social media platform Discord over the last three months in the latest leak of highly guarded national secrets.

The documents, all photographs of printouts, pertain to a host of sensitive American national security matters, including the ongoing U.S.-led coalition campaign to defeat the Islamic State group, the disposition of U.S allies in the Middle East and Europe with respect to Russia, and the United Kingdoms military plans for countering China in the Pacific.

Yesterday, Discord was used to leak a number of Pentagon documents relating to Russias war against Ukraine, including estimated losses on both sides, the New York Times reported. The U.S. Defense Department confirmed today that the material was genuine but claimed it had been selectively edited before being released, which was corroborated by open-source analysis. The Washington Post reported that many of the documents appear to have been prepared over the winter for Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other military officials.

Yet the Ukraine files were evidently just a portion of the leaked U.S. intelligence materials. Multiple documents in the latest batch are marked TOP SECRET, a high category of classification. Others are marked FVEY, meaning they are only to be shared with the U.K., Canada, New Zealand and Australia, which together with the United States constitute the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance.

Yahoo News has seen over 60 other documents but cannot verify their authenticity. There is the possibility that some or all may be forgeries or manipulated versions of originals. They cover a gamut of urgent U.S. foreign policy preoccupations.

Since the previously reported Ukraine documents have been selectively altered, it is quite possible that even if these documents are real, in part or in whole, they may have been obtained by a hostile foreign intelligence apparatus, if not manipulated or seeded with disinformation designed to undermine U.S. or Ukrainian national security interests. However, even if that is the case, they offer insights into how the source for the leaks wants outside parties to see Americas intelligence assessments across a swath of portfolios and regions.

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. (Denes Erdos/AP)

One document labeled TOP SECRET allegedly originated from the CIA. It contains an assessment that Viktor Orbans Hungary, a NATO and EU memberalbeit one still close to Russianow considers the U.S. to be one of its most significant geopolitical adversaries. Another assessment details the Russian Wagner mercenary groups attempt to build contacts with the Haitian government. The spelling of the mercenary corps is Vagner, a common Russian phonetic spelling of the organization but one that is rarely used in material designated for public consumption. Yahoo News found previous examples of this transliteration being used in internal Defense Department maps, such those contained in an assessment of Wagner Group operations in Libya from July 24, 2020.

Another document details the proposed opening of a Russian-made weapons repair facility in the United Arab Emirates in coordination with Moscow. The UAE, an American ally in the Middle East, operates a significant amount of weaponry from Russia, most notably the Pantsir air defense system and the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle. It is unclear from this assessment whether refurbished military hardware would be for Russian use in Ukraine, a situation that would certainly tax Washingtons relationship with Abu Dhabi.

An alleged "CIA Intel Update" dated March 1 states that the leaders of Israel's Mossad intelligence service were egging on national protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial judicial reforms.

One printout posted on Discord contains significant technical detail about the numbers and potential failures of a specific weapon system provided by the United States to Ukraine. The document is marked SECRET/NOFORN,  with NOFORN meaning Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals. That is an explicit classification used to indicate intelligence information that may not be released in any form to foreign governments, foreign nationals, foreign organizations, or non-U.S. citizens, according to the Defense Department.

The British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in Oslo, Norway, on Nov. 21, 2022. (Terje Pedersen/AFP via Getty Images)

Another text suggests that the United Kingdom is planning to deploy one of the Royal Navys new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers to the South Pacific to counter Chinese influence in the region. It also assesses the priorities of the U.K. opposition Labour Party and how Beijing would react to an incoming Labour government scrapping the South Pacific plan in order to focus resources closer to home. This is also designated for American eyes only.

Other material contained in the tranche is less sensitive, such as an assessment of efficiency of the government response to the outbreak of the Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea or the progress of the Nigerian election.

The timing of the leaks, coming at a moment when the Ukrainian military is preparing to launch a much-anticipated offensive, and also the method of their dissemination raise many questions about how these documents were obtained and also about their veracity.

The Ukraine documents that were circulated by pro-Russian sources contained crudely photoshopped modifications to casualty figures to suggest that Ukrainian forces had suffered significantly more casualties, and Russian forces significantly fewer casualties, than had actually been assessed by American intelligence. Whoever doctored them put the estimated killed-in-action figure for Ukraine, 16,000-17,500  in the Russian field, which originally gave 35,50043,500 killed in action. It also transposed the digits for the Ukrainian assessment, changing 16,000-17,500 to "61,000-71,500."

Another eyebrow-raising aspect of these disclosures is that they were made via a bespoke and since-removed server. All of the materials, according to open-source analysts, can be traced back to a Discord user named MrLucca, who claimed to have originally received them on another, now-deleted server named for a notorious American racial epithet used to describe Black people, before reposting them onto a channel primarily about the popular video game Minecraft. The leaks apparently began in early February but only gained significant attention in the last few days. After his posting of the sensitive documents became international news, MrLucca deleted his account, with his final message being ILY (short for I love you) bros, see you on the flipside.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting with the State Council Presidium on Tuesday. (Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool photo via AP)

Russian intelligence has often relied on anonymous internet accounts, such as Guccifer 2.0, to launder hacked information, including digital correspondence belonging to the Democratic National Committee and former U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clintons campaign chief, John Podesta. But that doesnt mean MrLucca or the original source for the leaks arent Americans with access to classified intelligence.

The murkiness of where this information came from and whether or not its genuine has already become a big part of the story.

Ironically, pro-Russian commentators who originally saw the Ukraine files as valuable gotchas now doubt their authenticity after evidence of their doctoring came to light. Instead, they believe the U.S. or Ukraine released these texts as a psychological operation meant to dupe the Kremlin.

The Wall Street Journal recorded Russian military analyst Yuri Kotenok, a blogger with over 400,000 followers posting to his Telegram channel, saying: Isnt that leak part of a big deception plan against Moscow on the verge of the intensification of combat on the frontline?

Meanwhile, Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior Ukrainian official, claimed the leak of the original Ukraine files was a Russian provocation to discredit Kyivs forthcoming counteroffensive. Its a bluff, Podolyak said. Russia is seeking any means to regain the information initiative, to attempt to influence the scenarios and plans for Ukraines counteroffensive.
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty

While there are more than a few people who are rooting for Donald Trump to go to jail over the Stormy Daniels hush money case, one pretty huge event could prevent that from happening, says CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig.

The 2024 election.

The next time theyre going into court with Trump present is December, he says on this episode of The New Abnormal politics podcast. Thats eight months away. Ive never seen a judge set a next appearance. And I get that its very, very complicated for Trump. We just saw it was like a military operation almost to get him moved around. But the reality of that is... theres no way there will be a trial date set until 2024, and likely at least several months into 2024.

Subscribe to The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Overcast.

Now, is a judge really going to try a case while Donald Trump is in the middle of primaries and debates and the convention, and maybe the front-runner and maybe the presumptive nominee? That to me is really difficult to do as a practical matter, he adds.

Honig thinks the Trump teams best course of action would be to delay a trial. Because if he wins the presidency, the chances of getting Trump tried are slim.

Honig shares why in this episode, along with what could happen to the trial timeline if Trump winsand if he loses. And neither is great.

The Worst Thing That Can Happen if Trump Beats These Charges

Honig also shares when he thinks the Fulton County, Georgia, indictment will hit and how Michael Cohen may not be the squeaky-clean hero we think he is. In fact, his shady past could put the Trump case in jeopardy in a few ways.

Plus, Wall Street Journal reporter Robbie Whelan, who covers Walt Disney Co. and the business of Hollywood, joins New Abnormal co-host Danielle Moodie to walk through the battle between Ron DeSantis and Disney.

Whelan reveals the reason DeSantis is set on trying to control the Mouse and how Disneys old board quietly stuck it to himfor now.

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Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon and Stitcher.

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Kansas City will recognize International Transgender Day of Visibility Friday with a visit from the highest-ranking transgender official in the U.S. government.

Adm. Rachel Levine  who serves as the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health  is one of several speakers for the event beginning at 3 p.m. at the National WWI Museum Auditorium.

Mayor Quinton Lucas, Kansas Citys Director of Health Dr. Marvia Jones and members of the citys LGBTQ commission will also be present, according to a release from the city. The event will be streamed online.

Levine oversees the countrys Health and Human Service offices and previously served as Pennsylvanias top health secretary.

Levine was nominated by President Joe Biden in January 2021 and became the first transgender official to become confirmed by the Senate later that year in March.

According to the Associated Press, Levine was hailed by Biden as a someone who could serve all citizens no matter their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Levine, a trained pediatrician, was also sworn in as the head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps in October 2021, becoming the first openly transgender four-star officer to serve in any of the countrys eight uniformed services.
Eclipse lovers, your moment in the sun (or the dark) is just one year away.

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada, NASA said.

It will be the nation's biggest eclipse event since the Great American Eclipse of Aug. 21, 2017, when millions of Americans were able to enjoy the cosmic spectacle. Next year's eclipse is the last total solar eclipse that will be visible in the U.S. until 2044.

States in the path of the eclipse are Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

The diamond ring effect is displayed during totality of the solar eclipse in Hopkinsville, Ky. on Aug. 21, 2017.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon gets in the way of the sun, turning day to an eerie twilight.

People viewing the eclipse from locations where the moons shadow completely covers the sun  known as the "path of totality"  will experience a total solar eclipse, NASA said. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the suns corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the sun.

Outside the path of totality nearly all of North America will get a partial solar eclipse, the American Astronomical Society said.

Preparations are underway

Some of the big cities in the path include Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Cleveland, Buffalo and Indianapolis, where preparations already have begun. Indianapolis, which is calling itself the "eclipse capital of the Midwest," is anticipating an influx of more than 1 million visitors next April, according to the city's tourism bureau.

There will even be a viewing celebration at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the annual Indianapolis 500 auto race in May.

Cleveland's visitor's bureau also is getting in on eclipse fever, which calls the eclipse "a life-changing experience."

"The stars are literally aligning over 'The Land' for a blackout youll never forget. On April 8, 2024, at 3:13 p.m., Cleveland will be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse.

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"If youve never seen an eclipse, this is the only way to do it, as the moon will block out the sun for nearly four minutes  one of the longest durations of any major city in the path of totality."

A map of North America shows the path of the total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024.

'Four-minute solar eclipse climax'

Solar eclipse enthusiasts, such as John Robinette, a self-described "eclipse chaser" from Takoma Park, Maryland, are already looking forward to next year's event:

If youve never experienced a total solar eclipse, imagine the thrill and excitement of witnessing a shooting star," he said. "Amazing, right? And how long does it last? Maybe half a second?

"Now, multiply that half-second feeling of a shooting star to that of a four-minute solar eclipse climax. I guarantee youll never forget it and youll do everything you can to experience it again."

Robinette, who traveled with his family to South Carolina to watch the eclipse in 2017, is already planning on how to view the 2024 eclipse.

Get your eclipse glasses ready

NASA reminds skywatchers to practice safe viewing before and after the total eclipse: "Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the suns bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing."

In fact, it's never safe to view the sun with the naked eye. The suns surface is so bright that if you stare at any portion of it, no matter how small, it produces enough light to permanently damage your retina.

Length of time doesn't matter either. Without proper eye protection, you can suffer eclipse blindness  a serious injury in which the eyes retina is damaged by solar radiation  within seconds of staring at the sun, according to the American Optometric Association.

So a pair of approved solar eclipse glasses are a must.

Melissa Cheatwood, from Baltimore, Md., gazes up as the eclipse enters totality in Charleston, S.C. on Aug. 21, 2017.

Clouds could spoil the view

Past weather data indicates that "clouds are more likely to get in the way along northern portions of the eclipse's path, while southern areas tend to have a clearer sky at the time of year coinciding with the eclipse," FoxWeather reports.

"Cities such as Austin and San Antonio ... average only 30 to 40% cloud coverage on an early-April afternoon," FoxWeather said. "Meanwhile, the sky is typically 60 to 70% filled with clouds at the same time in places like Cleveland and Buffalo."

Annular solar eclipse coming to the Southwest in October

Folks in the Southwest will get their own peek at a solar eclipse later this year, though it won't be a total one. An annular eclipse of the sun will be visible in the southwestern U.S. on Oct. 14, NASA said.

An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth while it is at its farthest point from Earth, according to NASA. "Because the moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the sun and does not completely cover the star."

This creates a ring of fire effect in the sky. The name annular comes from the Latin word for ring, annulus, according to TimeandDate.com.

On Oct. 14, the annular eclipse will begin in the United States, traveling from the coast of Oregon to the Texas Gulf Coast. Weather permitting, the annular eclipse will be visible in Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas, as well as some parts of California, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona, NASA said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A total solar eclipse will occur April 2024. Here's what to know.
Nebraska astronaut Clayton Anderson was at Kennedy Space Station on what began as a lovely day in February 2003.

Andersons career eventually would include 167 days in space and six space walks.

But that day  more than 20 years ago  Anderson was a family escort for the Space Shuttle Columbia crew. Hed come to know his fellow astronauts families.

On Feb. 1, Anderson and the families were awaiting the Columbias return. He was talking with the sister of astronaut Laurel Clark, when he saw a security guard lift a walkie-talkie to her ear.

Her face went white, Anderson said. It was at that moment that I knew I would have to call on my faith in God more than Id ever relied on it in my life.

On Friday morning, the now-retired NASA astronaut was on a different mission  this time as keynote speaker of the Fremont Area Leadership Prayer Breakfast. More than 600 tickets were sold for the 19th annual event, which takes place on Good Friday each year.

Nebraskas first and only astronaut spoke to an estimated 550 people in the Wikert Event Center at Midland University. He talked about the challenges and heartache astronauts can face, but also of seeing Gods expression in a butterfly and numbers.

Anderson has long said his faith in God became stronger as he looked out a space shuttle window and saw the earths beauty.

Very few people have witnessed the wonder and majesty of Gods creation like Clayton, Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg said. His testimony of faith is one of perseverance, of family and a strong belief in something far greater than ourselves.

Anderson, who grew up in Ashland, was an engineer at the space center for 15 years before being accepted to become an astronaut in 1998.

During the prayer breakfast, Anderson talked about the launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia in January 2003.

The shuttles commander, Rick Husband, a fighter pilot and Christian, had personally asked Anderson, who was newer to the program, to be a family escort. Crew member, Kalpana Chawla (called K.C.), had been one of Andersons mentors.

Anderson had grown close with families of Columbia crew members, getting them doughnuts, playing with their children and moving their luggage.

As the Columbia launched, Anderson and the other astronauts families stood on the roof of the Launch Control Center at Kennedy Space Station.

I was pretty nervous, because Launch Day was the day we lost the Challenger (Space Shuttle), he said. I was aware of what could happen, but fortunately nothing did. We would make it through the mission.

History records that the Columbia crew conducted more than 80 experiments while in space.

On Feb. 1, 2003, Anderson was back at Kennedy Space Center with the families awaiting the Columbias return.

It was a beautiful day, he said. The kids were throwing Frisbees and running around in the grass.

Then he saw color drain from the security guards face.

It would turn out that it was a really rotten day, he said.

Just minutes before it was set to land, the space shuttle broke up as it re-entered the atmosphere, claiming the lives of all seven astronauts.

Anderson said he didnt know why he was there.

That night when he arrived home to his wife, Susan, and then 6-year-old son, Cole, Anderson saw the boy clinging to his mothers leg.

Dad, did they die? the little boy asked.

Yeah son, they did, Anderson said.

Did they have children, Dad? Cole asked. Did I know their children?

Anderson said yes to both of those questions, too.

The astronaut told his wife that he needed to be in church the next morning.

I didnt know if I could take it, but I had to be there, Anderson said.

The Webster Presbyterian Church was known as the church of the astronauts, where John Glenn and Buzz Aldrin and several others, had grown up in their faith, he said.

People from the church put their hands on Andersons shoulder as he cried in Sunday school.

We cant think of anyone better than you to be there to represent God to those families, they said.

In June 2007, Anderson was the Kennedy Space Center with his wife. It was the day before his first launch. He and other crew members had the opportunity to walk the launch pad with their spouses. The Andersons reached the 195-foot level.

We didnt talk too much, because it was a pretty anxiety-filled day, he said. I held Susans hand very tightly, because I knew what was coming the next day.

He wasnt sure what to say.

I was pretty scared, not about flying in space, but about never having the opportunity to hold her hand again, he said.

About that time, they got a visit from a butterfly.

Anderson considered it a gift from God to tell him that it was going to be OK. The Andersons reached the top of the launch pad over 200 feet above the Florida coast.

The butterfly flew around both of them even there.

I didnt know butterflies could fly that high, Anderson said.

Anderson sees God in numbers as well.

On June 8, 2007  which would have been his fathers 77 birthday  he was launching into space as part of the crew of STS-117. His parking space as an astronaut at the space center was 117.

Hed launch on the Space Shuttle Atlantis to become a member of the Expedition 15 crew. Before that, Anderson had applied several times to become an astronaut, but wasnt selected until his 15th try.

If you write, Clayton Anderson, on a piece of paper and count the letters, youll get the number 15, he said.

He spent 152 days on the International Space Station, before returning to earth aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on Nov. 7, 2007.

If you write November 7 as a digital number its 117, he said. And that day, Nov. 7, 2007, would be Susan and my 15th wedding anniversary, he said.

In 2010, he returned to space for a 15-day mission.

If you dont believe theres a power greater than us  someone who watches over us and looks for the example thats needed in the world todaythen you and I need to have a talk outside in the hall, Anderson said. Im nothing special. Im a small-town kid from Ashland, Nebraska, but I believe that Im here for a reason.

Anderson is president and CEO of the Strategic Air & Space Museum in Ashland.

He said the museum was built on land he climbed on as a Boy Scout. The museum opened in May 1998  one month before he was selected to become Nebraskas first astronaut.

Anderson sees his current mission.

For me its God, family and then astronaut and I believe with all my heart that Im supposed to be here, Anderson said. Im supposed to have come home. I have a job to do. I dont believe in failure, but I cannot do it alone. None of us can do it alone. We need each other, but we also need faith.

He encouraged listeners with their own missions and priorities.

We have the power to change lives, he said. I challenge you to put faith first and always make it: God, family, astronaut.
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Native American tribal members fighting plans for an enormous copper mine on land they consider sacred say they are increasingly worried U.S. officials will move forward on the project even as they await a federal appellate court ruling in the case
Stiri pe aceeasi tema

- Approximately 600 dogs from several countries were registered at the international exhibition Satu Mare Dog Show, during the days of Saturday and Sunday being a total of five canine beauty competitions. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro

- President Klaus Iohannis drew attention, on Saturday, in a message on the occasion of Earth Day, that the degradation of the environment attracts huge human and material costs, which is why we must find time and resources to prevent it. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste

- President Klaus Iohannis on Saturday sent warm wishes for health and prosperity to all those celebrating Easter and also greeted those celebrating Palm Sunday. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro  Help your friends know

- As many as 82,428 people, including 8,103 Ukrainian citizens, entered Romania on Saturday, March 4, the General Border Police Inspectorate (IGPF) reported on Sunday. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro  Help your friends

- More than 84,000 people, including 7,687 Ukrainian citizens, entered Romania on Saturday, the General Inspectorate of the Border Police (IGPF) informs. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro  Help your friends know more

- MEP Eugen Tomac (EPP, People's Movement Party - PMP) estimated on Saturday that CJEU proceedings over the lawsuit initiated by him for Romania's not being accepted to join the Schengen could last between one year and a half and two years. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste

- At the national selection final held on Saturday and broadcast by public television channels TVR 1, TVR International, the TVR+ platform and the national broadcaster's social media accounts, 18-year-old Theodor Andrei with the song "D.G.T. (Off and On)" was picked to represent Romania at the Eurovision

- President Klaus Iohannis will pay an official visit to Azerbaijan on Thursday and Friday, at the invitation of his counterpart Ilham Aliyev, told Agerpres. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro  Help your friends know
New Delhi: inder-owner Match Group and Indian startups have asked the country's competition body to investigate Alphabet's Google for alleged non-compliance with an antitrust directive by charging a high service fee for in-app payments, filings show. The filings by Match and Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) mark the latest tussle between Google and rival companies, which have repeatedly criticised the U.S. company for what they say are unfair business restrictions.

"Google's policy change of a charging service fee even on transactions processed by third-party payment processors ... has detrimental consequences for users and app developers," the 15-page confidential March complaint by ADIF said.

Google, which declined to comment, has previously said the service fee supports investments in Google Play app store and the Android mobile operating system, ensuring it distributes it for free, and covers developer tools and analytic services.

Details of the ADIF and Match filings, which were reviewed by Reuters on Thursday, have not previously been reported. ADIF, Match and the CCI did not respond to requests for comment.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) in October imposed a $113 million fine on Google and said it must allow the use of third-party billing and stop forcing developers to use its in-app payment system that charges commission of 15%-30%.

Google later decided to start offering User Choice Billing (UCB) for allowing alternative payments alongside Google's when purchasing in-app digital content, but the ADIF said in its filing that this new system imposes a "service fee".

"The app developers will have to pay 1%-3% for alternate payment service providers and 11%-26% to Google, which makes the entire ecosystem unsustainable," ADIF said.

Match in its March 21 filing asked the CCI to direct Google not to collect or impose any commission or service fee, including via user choice billing, saying the system was "anti-competitive". Google, which counts India as a major growth market, faces other regulatory challenges, including a setback that forced it to change how it markets its Android system. In an order in October, the CCI said Google abused its market position and its mandatory imposition of the proprietary payment system limited the scope of payment processors and app developers for technical development and innovation.

Google has challenged this in an Indian tribunal. ADIF, which represents Indian startups including digital payments firm Paytm and social media app ShareChat, in its March complaint alleged that Google was using the new service fee system to bypass the antitrust directive that ordered it not to impose any "unfair and disproportionate" conditions.

"The policy of UCB is unfair and the same would lead to unjust enrichment to Google," the ADIF filing said.
JAIPUR: A Dalit woman was allegedly raped and set on fire in Rajasthan's Barmer district, police said on Friday. The victim, who suffered 40 per cent burn injuries, is undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Jodhpur, they said. Pachpadra Police Station SHO Rajendra Singh said the alleged incident occurred on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Shakoor, allegedly raped the woman and then poured some chemical on her before setting her on fire. Shakoor, who lives near the victim's house, has been arrested, Singh said.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the police added.
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that dates cannot be erased from history even if the government tries to remove chapters of the Mughal era from the school curriculum. While addressing the media, Farooq Abdullah said, "Dates cannot be erased from history. How can you forget Mughal rulers like Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb, Babur, Akbar, and Jahangir?"

"They have ruled the country for 800 years. No one can forget that. When the public will visit the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Red Fort, and Humayun Tomb, what will you tell them? These monuments have got international heritage recognition. So however hard the government tries, it cannot change history," he added. Earlier National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani had clarified that chapters on Mughals had not been `dropped` from CBSE books, and said that it`s a "lie"."It`s a lie. The chapters on the Mughals have not been dropped. There was a rationalisation process last year because due to COVID, there was pressure on students everywhere," the NCERT director told ANI.

"Along with this, the history of Mughals is being taught in Empires in section-2 of the 11th class book. And in the class 12th book there were 2 chapters on the history of the Mughals, out of which theme nine was removed last year, while theme eight is still being taught to the students. This year no chapter has been removed from any book," he added.In this regard, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also said that the decision to remove a few chapters from the textbook has been done with political intentions.

"The decision to remove a few chapters and sections from the NCERT textbooks with a political intention is not only a denial of history but also objectionable. Historical facts cannot be rejected by cutting out what is inconvenient to them from textbooks. It is clear that the aim of such measures is to complete the saffronization of the textbooks," he said. (ANI)
Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 11,300 crore in Telangana besides flagging off the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express here on Saturday. During his visit to the city, at 11:45 AM, the Prime Minister will reach Secunderabad Railway Station and flag off the train and at 12:15 PM, he will attend a public function at Parade Ground, according to official sources. He will lay the foundation stone of AIIMS Bibinagar near here and five National Highway projects. He will also lay the foundation stone of redevelopment of Secunderabad Railway Station and dedicate to the nation other development projects related to the Railways.

The Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express, connecting Hyderabad with the abode of Lord Venkateswara, Tirupati, is the second Vande Bharat train to be started from Telangana within a short span of three months.

The train will reduce the travel time between the two cities by almost three and half hours and will be particularly beneficial for pilgrim passengers.

Also Read: PM Modi To Inaugurate Slew Of Developmental Projects In Tamil Nadu Today

The redevelopment of Secunderabad Railway Station, to be done at a cost of Rs 720 crore, is being planned such that it will undergo a massive makeover with world-class amenities and aesthetically designed iconic station building.

The redeveloped station would be having double-level spacious roof plaza with all passenger amenities at one place along with multi-modal connectivity for providing seamless transfer of passengers from rail to other modes among others.

During the visit, Modi will flag-off 13 new Multi-Modal Transport Service (MMTS) services in the suburban section of Hyderabad-Secunderabad twin city region, providing commuters with a fast, convenient and comfortable travel option, a press release from the Railways said on Thursday.

He will also dedicate to the nation the doubling and electrification of Secunderabad?Mahabubnagar project. The project stretching for a distance of over 85 km has been completed at a cost of nearly Rs. 1,410 crore. The project will provide seamless connectivity and assist in enhancing the average speed of trains.

At the public programme at Parade Ground, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of AIIMS Bibinagar, Hyderabad. This is a testimony of the PM's vision of strengthening health infrastructure across the country, an official release had said earlier.

AIIMS Bibinagar is being developed at the cost of more than Rs 1,350 crore. The establishment of AIIMS Bibinagar is an important milestone in providing comprehensive, quality and holistic tertiary care health services to the people of Telangana at their doorstep.

Modi will also lay the foundation stone of National Highway projects worth more than Rs 7,850 crore. These road projects will strengthen the road connectivity of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and will aid in the socio-economic development of the region. Modi is scheduled to leave for Tamil Nadu after the Hyderabad visit.
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday hit back at former party leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Ghulam Nabi Azad among others over their recent remarks against the party. Linking five former leaders with the Adani row, Gandhi alleged that these leaders hide the truth and mislead people. Taking to Twitter, Gandhi slammed Ghulab Nabi Azad, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, former Andhra Pradesh CM Kiran Reddy and Ex-Defence Minister AK Antony's son Anil Antony. "They hide the truth, that's why they mislead every day! The question remains the same - who has 20,000 crore benami money in Adani's companies?," he tweeted.

Earlier this week, launching a sharp attack on Gandhi and the Congress, Scindia alleged the party has been left with no ideology, except the one of a "traitor who works against the country".

He attacked Congress for giving Gandhi "special treatment" following his conviction in a defamation case. He accused the party of pressuring the judiciary and doing everything possible to stay relevant.

Scindia, who was once considered close to Gandhi, left the Congress following differences with the leadership and joined the BJP in 2020.

Similarly, Azad, who quit the Congress last year, said Gandhi was the primary reason why he and many others were not in the Congress today and claimed that one had to be "spineless" to remain in the grand old party.

Gandhi also mentioned two former Congress leaders who joined BJP this week. On Friday, ex-Congress leader and last chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh N Kiran Kumar Reddy joined BJP. Reddy hit out at the Congress leadership for failing to accept the people's verdict and correct course. "They believe they are correct and all others, including the people of India, are wrong," he said.

Meanwhile, Anil K Antony, the son of former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader A K Antony, joined the saffron party on Thursday.

The opposition and the government are at loggerheads over US firm Hindenburg`s report on the Adani group where the former is demanding the setting up of a JPC to probe the issue while the latter has been demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks during his UK trip.
Alipurduar (West Bengal): Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday said the party will send to Prime Minister Narendra Modi one crore signed letters of daily wage earners of West Bengal, who could not get employment under MGNREGA as the Centre allegedly did not release funds for the project for the state. Upping the ante against the BJP-led government at the Centre ahead of the panchayat election, Banerjee considered number 2 in the TMC said that party workers will hit the streets of Delhi if the government does not release the money which is due to the state.

This has stalled the implementation of 100 days work project for the past one year, he claimed while addressing a public meeting here in Alipurduar district in the northern part of the state. "From April 16, our workers will reach out to the 1.38 crore families who could not be employed in any project (under MGNREGA). We will collect their signed letters to the Prime Minister and send over one crore of such letters to the Centre in a month," Banerjee said.

He alleged that BJP MPs and MLAs of the state are asking the Centre not to release the funds due for the state The Diamond Harbour MP said, "By denying MGNREGS funds to Bengal, they (BJP) are attacking the hapless people with unprecedented acrimony. We will always stand against tyranny. They are taking their revenge for the 2021 defeat but we won't let our people down!"

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had met Modi twice to facilitate the release of the funds while a delegation of party MPs had sought appointment of Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Giriraj Singh but he did not meet them despite being in Delhi", the TMC leader said. He charged union minister John Barla, who is an MP from West Bengal, and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Suvendu Adhikari with conspiring against the people so that they do not get their due payment.

These two leaders and several others had asked the Centre not to release MGNREGA funds to the state, he claimed. "Have they been elected to work against people's interest? People of the state should pose this question to big and small BJP leaders," Banerjee added.

Accusing the BJP of peddling the politics of religion while ignoring basic issues such as escalation in fuel prices and threats to livelihood, he said votes cannot be decided on the basis of caste, creed and religion. Alleging that the Modi government is using central agencies to intimidate political opponents, Banerjee said, "One or two leaders had been arrested and we have taken action against them. TMC does not protect thieves."

Several TMC leaders including a minister and a district president were arrested by central agencies for their alleged involvement in cash for jobs and cattle scams. Banerjee said the party will field people with clean images in the upcoming panchayat polls and asked TMC leaders in every panchayat to come up with such names. On the accusations of the TMC leader, BJP national Vice-President Dilip Ghosh said, "The Mamata Banerjee government is only interested in frittering away the central funds by holding fairs and festivals and filling up pockets of its local leaders."
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh): Uttar Pradesh police on Saturday announced to double the reward on jailed gangster Atiq Ahmed`s wife, Shaista Parveen, who is on the run in connection to Umesh Pal murder case. UP police have increased the reward amount from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000. "A reward amount for the fugitive Shaista Parveen has been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000, who is currently absconding," Prashant Kumar, Additional Director General (ADG), Law and Order said. Shaista recently submitted a bail application in court and stated that she had been falsely implicated in the Umesh Pal Murder case.

"The anticipatory bail application has also been rejected by the Allahabad District Court," ADG Kumar said.

Atiq Ahmed and his family came under the scanner in the Umesh Pal murder case. On March 28, Mafia don-turned-politician, Atiq Ahmed was convicted by an MP-MLA court and sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment in the abduction case of now-deceased Umesh Pal.

Atiq Ahmed, who has over 100 cases against him over the last 43 years, has been convicted in the same case. 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.
West Bengal MLA from Uluberia Dr Nirmal Majhi today inspected the construction work of the upcoming Amta Superspecialty Hospital. Notably, Majhi is also the chairperson of the West Bengal State Medicinal Plants Board. The hospital is nearing completion and will prove to be a boon for patients who will not have to travel long distances for getting treatment. The hospital will be a G+7 building with facilities similar to PGMER hospitals.

"We started this hospital with 10 bed facility and now it will have 400 beds. We are planning to increase it to 500 bed. The West Bengal government is committed to providing world-class healthcare facilities to its people. We believe in working for people and not in mere optics," said Majhi.

The Amta Superspecialty Hospital has an area of around 28,000 square feet and the estimated construction cost is Rs 200 crore. The hospital is likely to be made operational soon partially even though the work on the remaining segment will continue. Once the superspecialty hospital in Amta is completed, it will provide a boost to healthcare services in Howrah rural district and at least six assembly constituencies of the region. Majhi has been keeping a tab on the construction work. A few months ago, he had paid a visit to the site along with a team from the Health Department to supervise the progress of the construction works. It may be recalled that the first phase of construction work is underway.

Amta Superspecialty Hospital will have around 400-450 beds and the construction will be completed in a phased manner. The state government is trying to make the hospital fully operational before 2024. Since it's a superspecialty hospital, it will have all the modern technologies and facilities to treat patients. The eye surgery unit and blood bank unit are likely to be started this year. The West Bengal government has so far established 43 new multi-speciality hospitals in the state.
A 55-year-old man who had been incarcerated at the Reception and Treatment Center, a prison in south Lincoln, died Friday at a local hospital, according to authorities.

The cause of Francisco Luna's death wasn't immediately clear Friday, but the former Omaha resident was at the hospital for treatment of a medical condition, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in a news release.

Luna was less than a year into a four-to-six-year sentence that began in May 2022, when he was convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in Sarpy County, according to court records.

A grand jury will be convened to investigate Luna's death, as is the case whenever an inmate or defendant dies in state custody.
NEW DELHI: A day before a meeting to finalise candidates for the Karnataka assembly polls, BJP president JP Nadda on Saturday held discussions with key state leaders, including Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and BS Yediyurappa, on probable names. The BJP's parliamentary board will meet on Sunday to finalise candidates for the May 10 elections to the 224-member Karnataka assembly. Before the discussions started, Chief Minister Bommai said, "We will discuss about all probable candidates. We have district and constituency wise details and recent survey outcomes. Keeping all that in mind, we will have a detailed discussion with national leaders."

The BJP, which aims to come back to power again in the southern state, has set a target of winning at least 150 of the 224 seats. Asked if the entire list will be announced in one go, Bommai told reporters that barring a few names, the rest may be announced after getting the board's approval. The list of candidates will be finalised at the parliamentary board meeting scheduled at 5pm on Sunday, he said.

Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Mansukh Mandaviya, who are the BJP's in-charge for the assembly elections in the state, as well as senior party leader Arun Singh attended the meeting at Nadda's residence here. Besides Bommai and former Karnataka chief minister Yediyurappa, BJP national secretary C T Ravi and state BJP president Nalinkumar Kateel were also present in the meeting.

The state's principal opposition party, Congress, and the JD(S) have announced their initial lists of candidates for the polls. Their final lists are awaited. Smaller parties in Karnataka such as the Karnataka Rashtra Samithi, the Aam Aadmi Party, the All India Majlis-Ittehadul Muslimeen and the Social Democratic Party of India too have announced their first and second lists.

The Congress has announced candidates for 166 out of the total 224 seats, while the JD(S) has announced a list of 93 candidates. Election notification will be issued on April 13, while the last date for filing nominations is April 20. Results will be declared on May 13.
New Delhi: Actress Raveena Tandon was recently feted with India's fourth highest civilian honour, Padmi Shri, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi for her contribution to Indian cinema.

However, a section of Internet users trolled the actress questioning the win. Now the actress has responded to the trolls saying that she will choose silence as she doesn't want to give any importance to them.

Hitting back at the trolls the actress said that she is not bothered about people with a following of not more than 20 as they come with their own agenda. She said: "I don't want to give any importance to them as they have their own agenda. The comments of a few, who have 20 followers and haven't seen the work that I have done, will not diminish my body of work."

The actress further said: "They only see the glamour; they don't see the hard work and long hours we put in. We know how polarised things are on social media today, but others have sent such beautiful (wishes)."

Talking about the Padma awards ceremony, the actress and her family attended the gilded ceremony which was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
New Delhi: A resident of Bhind in Madhya Pradesh with a monthly income of Rs 53,000 got a demand notice from income tax (I-T) department to cough up Rs 113.83 crore for alleged transactions of Rs 132 crore in his account in 2011-12. According to the I-T department, Bhind resident Ravi Gupta is a promoter of Tiya Traders, a diamond-trading company registered as a firm in Surat and Mumbai.

The I-T department also said Gupta has Tax Identification Number (TIN) registration, service tax registration, cheque details of Tiya Traders of RBL Bank and an Axis bank account which had been opened at Malad, Mumbai branch. However, Gupta said except for PAN copy and his photograph, nothing else belongs to him and that he is a victim of a big fraud racket. It is learnt that PMO had initiated an inquiry into Ravi Gupta`s case after it was first reported by ANI in 2020.

Despite this, Gupta has received yet another notice from the income tax department on March 28. Talking to ANI, Gupta said at first, he received a notice from I-T department in 2019, asking him to pay Rs 3.49 crore in penalties for 2011-12. He said he was then working at a BPO in Indore and earning a monthly salary of only Rs 7,000. "That time I thought that I-T department has mistakenly sent him notice and asked the department to correct it. But again, when I got notice of Rs 113,83,32,008, I was shocked," he said.

For the last five years, Gupta has been tirelessly approaching central agencies in a desperate attempt to get his name cleared. He has since filed complaints with the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and is surprised that they have not investigated the matter, despite similar cases coming to light, he said. According to Gupta, CBI Bhopal office has forwarded his complaint to Economic Offence Wing (EoW) Gwalior, and said, "I believe that EoW is investigating this matter."

Gupta said that though the investigation is on by EoW, income tax department has again last week issued a demand notice, leaving him no choices but to appeal against the notice."These notices are no less than mental harassment for me. There may be many others like me. I don`t know when and where this will stop," Gupta said.Two of his colleagues from the same BPO -- Kapil Shukla and Khandwa`s Praveen Rathore -- have received similar I-T notices for 2011-12."

The notice said, "If you do not pay the amount of the tax within the period specified above, penalty (which may be as much as the amount of tax in arrear) may be imposed upon you after giving you a reasonable opportunity of being heard in accordance with Section 221."It further said, "If you intend to appeal against the assessment, you may present an appeal under Part A of Chapter XX of the Income-Tax Act, 1961, to the NATIONAL FACELESS APPEAL CENTRE (NFAC) within thirty days of the receipt of this notice, in Form No. 35, duly stamped and verified as laid down in that form."
President Droupadi Murmu flew a sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday. The President is the Supreme Commander of the three services and is currently in Assam. With this event, President Murmu became the second female Indian president to take a flight in a fighter jet. The first female leader to do so was former President Pratibha Patil. She took her flight in a Sukhoi fighter jet in 2009 from the Pune Air Force Base.

President Murmu took a 30-minute flight before landing back at the Tezpur Air Force Station. During her flight she covered Brahmaputra and Tezpur valley with a view of Himalayas, as per the information shared on Rashtrapati Bhavan

Also read: Drunk Passenger Tries To Open Emergency Door On Bengaluru-Bound IndiGo Flight, Booked

The president is currently on her three-day visit to Assam. She arrived in Assam on April 6. On the first day in the state, she inaugurated the Kaziranga National Park. Following this, on April 7, President flagged off Mount Kanchenjunga Expedition-2023. After opening the two-day "Gaj Festival" in the park on Friday, she also attended the event to celebrate the Gauhati High Court's 75 years in Guwahati.

President Droupadi Murmu took a historic sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam. President Murmu is the third President and second woman President to undertake such a sortie. pic.twitter.com/DozRAWm3Yp  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 8, 2023

Notably, this was President Murmu's second state visit after assuming the top constitutional office in the nation in July 2022. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, also welcomed her on his official Twitter account.

The Sukhoi Design Bureau in Russia and the government-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited jointly developed this multipurpose combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force. (HAL). The Indian version of this aircraft, which is based on the Su-30 fighter jet, has canards and thrust vectoring control.

#WATCH | Assam: President Droupadi Murmu takes sortie on the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft pic.twitter.com/jtRVsFR2X2  ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023



The Russian Sukhoi and Irkutsk Aircraft Production Association were formerly in charge of the development and production of the aircraft at that time, according to reports in the public domain. Development of the Su-30MKI for the IAF began in 1995. However, in 2000, India an Russia signed an MoU to commence production of the fighter jet.
New Delhi: Posters with hashtags 'Get out Ravi' and 'Dictator Ravi' were seen at various places in Tamil Nadu's capital Chennai on Saturday ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is at loggerheads with the TN Governor R N Ravi over his recent "Bill is dead" remark. Earlier on Thursday, while interacting with the civil services aspirants at Raj Bhavan, Ravi had commented on the procedure for approval of bills, remarking that if a bill was "withheld", it meant that the bill in question was dead. The DMK and its allies said that this comment of his was a breach of the oath of office he had taken, and it showed his "irresponsible" nature.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Posters with hashtags 'Get out Ravi' and 'Dictator Ravi' were seen at various places in Chennai today. pic.twitter.com/oynXY7mvu2  ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2023

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin slammed the Governor and alleged that he "escaped" from his duties and did not give assent to 14 bills.

"Governor by escaping from his administrative duties and roles he didn`t give assent to 14 documents like bills, Ordinance and act which was introduced by people representatives who were all elected by crores of people," Stalin said in a statement.

The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) said that ever since Ravi assumed office in 2021, his speeches and activities have been controversial and mysterious. "Our struggle will not cease until he stops activities that lower the Assembly's dignity."

PM Modi In Chennai Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday will inaugurate several infrastructure projects, including the state-of-the-art integrated terminal building set up at a total outlay of Rs 2,437 crore at the Chennai airport. Security has been beefed up across the city in view of the visit while motorists have been asked to plan ahead of their journey to reach their destination as elaborate traffic diversions have been made, police said.

Later, Modi would take part in the 125th annual day celebrations of Ramakrishna Mutt at Vivekanandhar Illam on the arterial Kamarajar Salai (Beach Road) and also inaugurate infrastructure projects at Pallavaram.
New Delhi: Former IT minister Kapil Sibal attacked the Centre on Saturday over the fact-check provisions of the IT Amendment Rules, saying the government will now decide what is fake, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah said democracy is not in danger. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and IT, said on Thursday that internet companies such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter may lose safe harbour protection if they do not remove content identified as false or misleading by a government-notified fact-checker. Under the IT amendment rules, the govt has given itself the authority to form a 'fact-checking unit' with broad powers to determine what is "fake, false, or misleading" in relation to "any Central Government business.

The ministry has also given itself the authority to direct 'intermediaries' (such as social media intermediaries, Internet Service Providers, and other service providers) not to host such content.

Taking to Twitter, Sibal said, "Online Platforms : Now PIB will decide what is fake and what is not and notify it If online platforms choose to ignore they will lose their immunity from prosecution Now Government to decide what is fake and what is not ! And Amit Shah ji says democracy is not in danger !"

Online Platforms :



Now PIB will decide what is fake and what is not and notify it



If online platforms choose to ignore they will lose their immunity from prosecution



Now Government to decide what is fake and what is not !



And Amit Shah ji says democracy is not in danger !  Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) April 8, 2023

Sibal was referring to Shah's remarks in Uttar Pradesh on Friday, when he attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent comments in the UK, saying that "your family" and the idea of dynasty politics are in danger, rather than democracy.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar Issues Clarification On Amended IT Rules

Chandrasekhar had said the IT ministry will notify an entity that will flag false information posted online pertaining to the government. While releasing guidelines under the IT Rules 2021, the minister had said that the work on fact check is still in progress.

On Friday, Chandrasekhar dismissed the criticism of the change in rules as "deliberate misinformation".

"There are NO Sweeping powers - neither is it 'draconian'. IT Rules already have provisions from Oct 2022, which mandate Social Media intermediaries to not carry certain types of content if they are to have legal immunity under Sec79 of IT act," Chandrasekhar had said on Twitter.

He said the new credible fact-checking unit for all government-related content will help social media intermediaries.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President and MP from Srinagar Farooq Abdullah on Saturday during his visit to Kokernag in south Kashmir on the sidelines of his visit, Farooq questioned the double speak of the Union Government on holding of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Centre is saying the situation has normalized in Jammu and Kashmir. One of our local IGs is saying that militancy has declined but is not over. Why this double talk? If the indices of security have improved, then what is holding them back from holding elections? First, it was security then it was the weather. Now that the weather is clear and the security situation admittedly better. What is it then? When we visited the Election Commission, we were told that the delimitation exercise and voter lists have been completed. All they are doing is manage new excuses every day to delay Assembly elections," he said.

While responding to a question on the removal of chapters relating to Mughal history from NCERT books, he said, "It's sheer mockery. What are we going to tell visitors who built the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and many other fascinating buildings/structures? How will you hide the architectural and cultural insignias of Mughals spread across the country? It's there to remain. People come and go, but history remains unchanged."

Farooq Abdullah batted for the unity of the Opposition and said thats the only way to defeat them (BJP). He said, "Alliance is what we have, and we can't fight separately, the parties in centre are also thinking of coalition and I am sure there would be a great decision of fighting elections together."

Abdullah was accompanied by senior leaders of south Kashmir to commiserate with senior leader Choudhary Zaffar Ali Khatana on the demise of his brother Choudhary Amjad Ali Khatana, he expressed sympathies and condolences with the bereaved household and offered Fatiha for the deceased.
Chandigarh: Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases, the Haryana government made wearing face masks mandatory in public places, said a bulletin issued by the Haryana Health Department on Saturday. The statement said, "It is intimated that in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Hon`ble Health Minister, Haryana on April 3, it has been observed that there is a significant upsurge in the number of COVID cases with an increased positivity rate of COVID-19 infection in the State of Haryana over past few weeks."

The statement further added that this was decided as a precautionary measure against another possible outbreak of COVID-19. "It has decided that wearing of face mask by the general public at all the public places, where there is a gathering of more than 100 people, government offices, malls, etc. is mandatory", reads the statement.

The district administrations and panchayats have been instructed to ensure that it is implemented in all parts of Haryana. Also, the general public be motivated to adopt COVID-appropriate behaviour in public places, the statement said. Haryana on Friday reported 407 fresh Covid-19 cases, the Health Department said in a bulletin.

According to the bulletin, Gurugram reported the highest cases at 206. Two Covid-related deaths were also reported in the past week -- one in the Yamunanagar district on Tuesday and another in Gurugram on Thursday.
BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: BJP and Congress leaders took swipe at each other on Friday during the poll battle in Karnataka as electioneering gathered pace in the southern state with almost a month left for polling. While the Congress taunted BJP over "delay" in the declaration of its candidate`s list, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai hit back saying that the opposition party in the state did not have candidates on many seats and got them from other parties. The two parties also sparred over the Karnataka government`s decision to remove religious minorities from the backward classes list, which gave them four per cent reservation, and putting them under the 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections.

Bommai said that the BJP`s central leadership will decide the candidates and the state unit recommend a panel of names. "We will have a meeting on April 8-9 and apparently, tickets will be distributed on April 10. The process of ticket selection is going on as per the rules. We held meetings for three consecutive days and took the opinion of party workers, leaders and people. The final list will be discussed as we have cleared 3 names (for each constituency)," he said. He also responded to Congress leader DK Shivakumar's remarks that they will undo the decision of the BJP government concerning the reservation of religious minorities in the backward classes list.

"They can't touch it, let`s see what they can do," Bommai said.Congress leader Siddaramaiah, who is seen as a chief ministerial aspirant if Congress wins the polls, said the party is hopeful of winning at least 130 of 224 seats. He said this is going to be his last election and he will retire from electoral politics. Siddaramaiah said his relationship with Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar is cordial. "I am contesting from Varuna assembly constituency as my native village comes under this constituency. This is going to be my last election. I will retire from electoral politics. My relationship with DK Shivakumar (Karnataka Congress president) is cordial. There are no differences between us. Of course, differences exist in democracy but it is not detrimental to the interests of the party," he told ANI.

The former chief minister said that Congress is expecting more than 130 seats this time and the party will come to power with a comfortable majority on its own. He said that people have decided to change the government. Siddaramaiah attacked the Chief Minister and the ruling BJP. "BJP is a sectarian party. Ours is a secular party. There can`t be any disparity among the people of Karnataka. I treat all human beings equally whether they belong to Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or any other community or religion, I treat them all equally," he told ANI.

Siddaramaiah alleged that Basavaraj Bommai failed 'miserably' to protect the interest of Kannadigas and doesn't deserve to continue as CM. "Modi and Shah are coming to Karnataka to get votes and claim it's a double-engine govt but Maharashtra government is blatantly interfering with the freedom of the state," he said. He also hit out at BJP over its move on reservations. "Recategorising (of reservation) is not proper, not constitutional. It is not valid... We`ve no objection to increasing the reservation of Vokkaliga and Lingayat but why you abolished the reservation of Muslims... It clearly shows vendetta, hate politics," the Congress leader said.

A former Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said he is contesting from Varuna assembly constituency as it has been cleared by the party`s central leadership. "It`s not that I am interested to contest but Kolar people want me to contest from there," he said.

Congress and Janata Dal-Secular have announced 166 and 93 candidates respectively so far for the Karnataka polls. DK Shivakumar took a dig at BJP and said while Congress has released two lists of candidates for assembly polls in the state, the BJP has not been able "to release even its first list". He also said that if Congress forms a government in Karnataka it will change the BJP government`s decision to remove religious minorities from the backward classes list, under which they got four per cent reservation.

"Till now, Congress party has released two lists of candidates and discussions are going on for a third list and as soon as possible Congress will release the third list too. But the BJP could not be able to release even its first list yet," Shivakumar told the media here. Shivakumar also took potshots at AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. "I don`t want to discuss much on that. Asaduddin Owaisi, he is like A team, B Team and C Team of BJP. People of Karnataka are very intelligent and Congress will make government," Shivakumar said.

Congress on Thursday announced its second list of 42 candidates for the Karnataka polls. No decision has yet been taken on who would contest from Kolar. "BJP government removed four per cent reservation for minorities which is against the law and the minority (community) is going to support the Congress party. After the Congress government is formed, we will protect the right of minorities and reservation policy will be changed," Shivakumar added.

The BJP government in Karnataka has decided to remove religious minorities from the backward classes list and redistributed the four per cent quota. The minorities, it said, will get reservation under the 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections. The Karnataka BJP also hit back at Shivakumar. "DK Shivakumar clarified that we will cancel the reservation given to Okkaliga, Veerashaiva-Lingayat, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. For appeasement politics, the right of these communities to be uprooted INC Karnataka will be punished accordingly," the party said in a tweet.

Congress MP Randeep Surjewala, who is AICC incharge of Karnataka, alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is "panic-striken" as it has not announced its first list of candidates for the Karnataka Assembly elections. "Because Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is unwilling to fight election from his seat and his ministers don't want to contest from their seats either. All are running away from their seats. Nobody wants to contest the election therefore, they`re dependent on film stars & rowdy sheeters...," he alleged.

Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar said that the BJP has always ensured social justice while distributing tickets for elections. "Let`s wait for one more day. BJP has always given a lot of opportunities to the youth and women and has maintained social justice. Above all, we have always given priority to workers of the party. So the party is different from all other parties today," he said. He said Congress does not have clarity on its chief ministerial candidate in the upcoming election. "I am seeing more Surjewala than Siddaramaiah and DK Shivkumar. Let them decide on one face how can they say both? They (Congress) are not clear, they have no clarity on who will become the CM face. We have clarity, we have our PM under whose guidance govt will run and we have an able, efficient CM Basavaraj Bommai who is also the chairman of the campaign committee," Sudhakar said.

Meanwhile, Janata Dal-Secular has written to the Election Commission to stop the show starring Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep and advertisements featuring him till the end of the elections, in view of the fact that his films, advertisements, posters etc can influence votes as he is currently recognized as BJP`s star campaigner. "Mr Sudeep, does a press conference along with Karnataka CM and invitation to all media sent on letterhead of BJP. He really says that he is going to do whatever CM says, he adheres to a political party, so he is a politician. According to rule of law of the land, any person who has political affiliation, cannot be seen on a public platform. That`s the reason, we have requested EC to look into the matter of Sudeep`s movies, OTT platforms, advertisements...." JD-S leader Tanveer Ahmed said.

Sudhakar reacted to the JD-S move. "It doesn`t matter whether they show it on TV or not. Kichcha Sudeep is a hugely popular actor, when he goes in favour of our people, for campaigning we will definitely have great support from the cadre and also he will fetch us votes and seats". The Karnataka assembly elections will be held in a single phase on May 10 with the counting of votes scheduled on May 13.
CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate several infrastructure projects, including the state-of-the-art integrated terminal building set up at a total outlay of Rs 2,437 crore at the Chennai airport, upon his arrival in the state today. Security has been beefed up across the city in view of the visit while motorists have been asked to plan ahead of their journey to reach their destination as elaborate traffic diversions have been made, police said.

Following his arrival, Modi will open the new terminal, the first phase of which has been completed. It is expected to enhance the passenger traffic to 35 million per year. "This will be an important addition to Chennai's infrastructure. It will boost connectivity and also benefit the local economy," Modi had said in a tweet.

According to Chennai airport officials, the new integrated terminal is spread across 2.20 lakh sq metres and would cater to the growing air traffic in Tamil Nadu. The terminal is also a reflection of the government's commitment towards providing high-quality infrastructure to travellers, they said. "With the annual passenger handling capacity of 35 million passengers, the modern facility at the Chennai Airport will improve air travel experiences for all," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.

The terminal is equipped with 108 immigration counters which are split equally between arrival and departure areas. It would significantly enhance the travel experience for passengers by expediting the transit process, it said. Besides the inauguration of the integrated new terminal, Modi will flag off the Vande Bharat train between Chennai and Coimbatore at the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr M G R Central Railway Station here.

Southern Railway has planned to operate the high-speed Vande Bharat express train between the two cities on all days except Wednesdays. The train would ply at a speed of 130 kmph reaching the destination on both sides in about 5.50 hours thereby saving 1.20 hours journey time compared to express trains, Southern Railway said.

Later, Modi would take part in the 125th annual day celebrations of Ramakrishna Mutt at Vivekanandhar Illam on the arterial Kamarajar Salai (Beach Road) and also inaugurate infrastructure projects at Pallavaram.
A pedestrian passes a building that housed The Warehouse in the 200 block of South Jefferson Street on March 22, 2023, in Chicago. (Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune)

When The Warehouse made the top seven list of most endangered buildings in Chicago facing possible demolition, preservationists sprung to action to save the West Loop industrial building where legendary DJ Frankie Knuckles elevated Chicago to a higher musical level with house music.

Besides playing soul-moving music through sound systems created by a New York engineer Knuckles brought together partygoers from all backgrounds. Some have said The Warehouse was Chicagos Paradise Garage and Studio 54.

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Frankie Knuckles would take the patrons of The Warehouse on a musical journey, said longtime friend Kevin Abdullah, a retired Chicago Fire Department lieutenant. He said that Knuckles, along with the former owner of The Warehouse, Robert Williams, brought elements of the New York party scene to Chicago.

DJ Frankie Knuckles listening to his music in the DJ booth at The Warehouse in the late 1970s. (Reginald Corner)

To date more than 12,000 people have signed a petition agreeing The Warehouse deserves landmark status. The building, which is in the West Loop, an area once commercial and desolate, is a hotbed for redevelopment.

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Preservationists said the three-story industrial building has no historical protections, which puts it at risk of being demolished. A petition was started to urge city officials to take action. Under landmark rules, owners would have to get permission to make any changes to the building.

In the late 70s and early 80s, Ward Miller, the executive director of Preservation Chicago, remembers attending The Warehouse.

It was a nice time. It was a different time and place, Miller remembered. The whole building rocked. We were young and probably naive, but Black, white, Asian, Hispanic ... we all were together having a good time. Miller said. The building was beautiful but modest. I am very proud to say I knew the place.

The body-moving sound was developed by house music promoter and native New Yorker Robert Williams, who visited Chicago in the 70s before making it his home.

DJ Frankie Knuckles and a close friend, Jeff Parker, are pictured here in the mid-1970s. (Reginald Corner)

Williams found the parties back then to be different from what he was accustomed to in New York, he explained in an interview after being recognized by Chicago under the Rahm Emanuel administration. He was recognized with Robert Williams Day on May 28, 2021.

Williams took house music parties to another level, hiring Richard Long, the New York engineer, to build the sound system for The Warehouse. He also tagged Knuckles to spin records, looking to bring a DJ from New York to seize a pivotal moment in Chicagos nightlife scene.

Robert Williams was an important part of the house music movement in Chicago, said Abdullah, a close friend of Knuckles and Williams. The Warehouse was the first club that had a predominantly Black gay following. Of course, people of other races came later, but it started as a safe haven for Black gays to party, and it became a place for them to call their own.

Abdullah said once people got over homophobic beliefs, the party began.

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If you could get over (homophobia), you would have a wonderful time, Abdullah said.

He told a story of how Knuckles embraced the term house music. Abdullah said Knuckles and a few close friends were driving and stumbled across a window advertisement stating The Warehouse plays house music. Knuckles asked the group, What is house music? and one of them replied: Thats the music you play at The Warehouse.

A South Bronx native, Abdullah and others navigated the house music scene in Chicago that mimicked Paradise Garage and Studio 54 in New York. He mentioned other clubs such as Sauers, the Penthouse and the Power Plant.

Knuckles combined gospel, disco, techno, R&B and soft rock, creating the house music scene at The Warehouse.

There were other underground clubs in Chicago as well that played house music, but The Warehouse put Chicago on the map. The unforgettable sound system, set up in an industrial building, created a powerful sound.

Last fall, the property was up for sale and slated for redevelopment. Max Chavez, the director of research and special projects at Preservation Chicago, said recently there were no demolition permits on hand for the structure.

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The new buildings owners said they plan to use the property for office space, Miller said.

With almost 10,000 signatures, its a place that really matters to people, even in the United Kingdom, Chavez said. We need to be proactive while we have a chance. The Warehouse is such a cultural building with historic importance.

Chavez said the petition will gain the citys attention and the sky is the limit for how many may sign.

Former owner of The Warehouse, Robert Williams, is seen here in the early 1970s. (Reginald Corner)

Robert Williams told the Tribune that he is following the landmark effort.

I am very happy about the movement. The Warehouse in itself made a big contribution to Chicago, Williams said.

He noted the importance of Mayor Richard J. Daley backing The Warehouse in the 70s.

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During the mid-70s, they werent accustomed to Blacks in that area, Williams said.

He said mothers often would show up looking for their children, and when they would appear in the front yelling, I know shes in there, someone would direct the partygoer out the back where they would take refugee at Union Station until the coast was clear.

Williams said youth learned networking at The Warehouse.

The Warehouse inspired people to live and go on, he said.

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One of Williams proteges, party promoter Reginald Corner, said he thinks its an excellent idea to give The Warehouse landmark status.

It would be nice to have a museum because its one of the founding places of the genre called house music, Corner said. Its all around the world now. The Warehouse played a significant role of Chicago being the place were house music was born.

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Knuckles, a 1997 Grammy Award winner for Remixer of the Year-Nonclassical, also had a portion of Jefferson Street between Monroe and Van Buren named Frankie Knuckles Way in 2004.

The following year he was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame for his musical achievements.

Knuckles died March 31, 2014, in Chicago due to complications of diabetes, friends said.

The Warehouse gave partygoers a dramatic sound, allowing the crowd to hear things in songs they didnt hear at other clubs.

The sound was incredible, the best (expletive) Ive ever heard, Corner said.
Last week, I spoke on the Senate floor to fight a blatant power grab by the federal government. The Senate considered a resolution attempting to block the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule from President Bidens Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This rule would change the definition of navigable waters to include things like roadside ditches, puddles on construction sites, and farm ponds.

Think about that  President Bidens EPA and his Army Corps of Engineers apparently believe that drainage ditches, construction site puddles, and farm ponds are navigable waters. If allowed to stand, this rule would increase costs and uncertainty for farmers and ranchers, property owners, and small businesses. To say this rule defies all common sense is an understatement.

I know that Nebraska is a land-locked state, but it doesnt take a PH.D to understand that the word navigable means you can put a boat in the water and go someplace. The Merriam Webster definition of navigable is deep enough and wide enough to afford the passage of ships. If you put a boat in a roadside ditch, you arent going anywhere. If you put a boat on the construction site puddle, you arent going anywhere. If you put a boat on a pond, youre not leaving the pond. Nebraskas farmers and ranchers know that what the EPA is proposing just isnt right.

Beyond that, the Biden administration is trying to change the meaning of a law without coming to Congress. The 1972 Clean Water Act says navigable waters 50 times. Congress intent was very clear. The EPA had authority over streams, rivers, and oceans, not temporary water sources. The Biden administration is trying to subvert our laws and the correct response from Congress is to stop it.

President Biden and liberal bureaucrats have absolutely no business regulating this, and I think the President knows it. Why? Because President Bidens EPA and Army Corps of Engineers quietly finalized this new rule on the last working day of the year. It appears that the regulators hoped no one would notice this power grab. Well, we noticed. Nebraskas farmers and ranchers noticed. My colleagues and I noticed and we pushed back hard. Our resolution passed with bipartisan support, sending a message to President Biden that our farmers and ranchers need relief, not regulation. We provided needed oversight and accountability in response to executive overreach. We defended Article I of our U.S. Constitution which says that Congress makes laws, not D.C. bureaucrats.

I recently participated in a telephone town hall with my colleague Senator Deb Fischer where we heard directly from Nebraskans about this issue. One woman told us that she was tired of fighting EPA bureaucrats. For years, she had rallied her friends and neighbors to write letters and comments opposing a similar rule proposed by President Obamas EPA in 2015. She was angry that President Bidens EPA refused to listen, forcing her to raise grassroots opposition once again. I fought the Obama rule in 2015 as Governor, and I am fighting the Biden EPA now as Senator.

It is clear that Washington bureaucrats are in desperate need of some Nebraska common sense. I was proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in opposing this rule.

Along with Senator Fischer and the rest of my colleagues in the Nebraska delegation, my team and I are here to serve you. Contact my team and I anytime by phone at 202-224-4224, on my website www.ricketts.senate.gov, or via email contactricke@ricketts.senate.gov. I am honored to serve our great state and will continue to work to protect the Good Life from Washington overreach.
New Delhi: Varun and Natasha are one of the most loved couples in Bollywood today. Both often make headlines for their adorable appearances at award functions, dinner dates and celebrity events. The actor, who was last seen in 'Bhediya' grabbed attention as he was spotted with his wife Natasha Dalal after their visit to a fertility clinic in Mumbai. Their recent appearance have sparked pregnancy rumours and fans are excited.

Fans have flooded the comment section with 'congratulations' for the couple. One wrote, "Congratulations in advance," another one wrote, "Congratulations both of you coming.... parents"

While Varun sported a casual look with a hoodie t-shirt and joggers paired with shoes, Natasha wore a monochromatic dress with an abstract print and left her tresses open. The two were seen walking out of the clinic, making their way to the car.

Varun Dhawan and Natasha, who have been longtime partners, tied the nuptial knot back in January 2021 in an intimate ceremony in Alibaug, Maharashtra. The wedding, which was held in The Mansion House in Alibaug, had a tight guest list.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Telangana today, is set to flag off Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express. The semi-high-speed train on this route will be the 12th unit of the locomotive. Along with this, the PM will also lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the Secunderabad Railway Station. Moving ahead in the day, PM is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu, where he will flag off another Vande Bharat Express on the Chennai-Coimbatore route. The inauguration of the trains comes a week after he flagged off the 11th unit of the train on the Bhopal-New Delhi route.

While travelling the 660 kilometres between the two cities, the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express will make halts at Nalgonda, Guntur, Ongole, and Nellore stations. The inaugural train, though, will take a different route going through Nalgonda, Miryalguda, Piduguralla, Guntur, Tenali, Bapatla, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, and Gudur stations.

Also read: Indian Railways' Initiative To Modernise Stations Picks Momentum: Check Progress

The train will leave Secunderabad at 11.30 am and stop at 10 different locations before arriving at Tirupati Railway Station at 9 pm, where it would have reached its destination. Similar to the earlier Vande Bharat train between the Telugu-speaking states, the Secunderabad-Tirupati train will reduce the distance between the two cities. The estimated time for the train to complete its 660 kilometre journey is 8 hours and 30 minutes. Currently, the train is moving 3 hours and 20 minutes more quickly than it was previously.

The train is scheduled to run between the two cities six days a week, just like other Vande Bharat Express trains. It is anticipated that Secunderabad to Tirupati Vande Bharat Express tickets will cost Rs 1150. The actual fare structure has not yet been made public by Indian Railways.

In the near future, the presence of Vande Bharat Express in India will be further boosted. The train is reported to be deployed on various other routes, including Jaipur to New Delhi, New Jalpaiguri to Guwahati, and Udhampur to Srinagar and Baramulla.
Senators in the Nebraska Legislature recently selected priority bills for this session. This process allows each senator to decide which bill they believe should be a priority for the body and have the best chance of being debated and ultimately passed into law. For my priority bill, I selected LB516 which is a bill to advance school security across the state of Nebraska.

After the Uvalde shooting, I requested that the Department of Education put together a task force to review school safety in Nebraska. The task force was made up of law enforcement, city leaders, public and private school educators and concerned parents. The task force put together four recommendations which are reflected in LB516.

The first recommendation is to have regionally focused school security specialists. These individuals would help schools update safety plans, increase training and serve as a central point for schools. Second, the bill continues funding of Safe2HelpNE, the anonymous report line that students, teachers and concerned parents can reach out to. The report line is for when individuals know someone is going to hurt themselves, others or property. This is incredibly important to changing the path of potential incidents in schools and bringing about safer environments for all community members.

Third, the bill would help schools update the physical safety of schools by providing grants. The grants could be used for surveillance equipment, door-locking systems and double-entry doors. Finally, the bill provides more mental health resources to our schools and communities. Recent data shows the high levels of stress and depression our students are feeling and we need to ensure that were meeting them where they are.

LB516 is an important step to ensure that our students can feel safe in their schools every day. We have heard too many stories from around the country of tragedies that have taken the lives of students and staff. LB516 is one step that our state can take to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and communities.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact my office at (402) 471-2625 or email me at lwalz@leg.ne.gov.
Mark down January, 2023, as the month the Water Wars of the West began in earnest.

Four incidents this month point to intensifying skirmishing ahead as the fight is joined over the dwindling amount of water carried by The Colorado River. The Wests most important waterway has reached a crisis point because of a 23-year megadrought, earning the designation of most endangered river in America.

Our reporters hear that the state Attorney Generals Office is lawyering up for a possible onslaught of litigation over who has rights to what water across seven Western states in the Colorado River Basin.

Here are three battlegrounds that have emerged just this month. More are sure to come:

Western Slope vs. Wall Street

Is water the new oil?

That was the question posed by a joint investigation by CBS News and The Weather Channel about a Wall Street firms possible water speculation outside of Grand Junction. Private investment firms are showing a growing interest in an increasingly scarce natural resource in the American West: water in the Colorado River. For some of the farmers and cities that depend on the river as a lifeline, that interest is concerning, CBS wrote.

The scarcer a commodity becomes, the more valuable it grows (think housing or diamonds), and the story explored whether a company called Water Asset Management is looking to make some serious financial gain off of Colorados pain.

The Madison Avenue hedge fund has bought at least $20 million of land in western Colorado in the past five years.

WAM President Matthew Diserio has called water in the United States "a trillion-dollar market opportunity."

Andy Mueller, general manager of the Colorado River Water Conservation District, told CBS that it is clear WAM wants the water, not the land, betting theyll be able to sell some of the water rights at big profit as demand outstrips supply. The question is, what happens to the farms in Grand Valley if that happens  do they dry up and blow away?

"I view these drought profiteers as vultures," Mueller said to CBS. "They're looking to make a lot of money off this public resource. Water in Colorado, water in the West, is your future. Without water you have no future."

There are laws against water speculating in Colorado that require people to put their water rights to beneficial use, such as irrigating a farm, delivering tap water for a city, or releasing more water into rivers for recreation.

But beneficial is pretty broad, so the laws are too weak to stop what Water Asset Management is doing, which they say is improving farms by making them more efficient so they can sell parts of its water rights to other farmers and cities in need.

Just the way outside investors drove up prices in Colorados housing market, look for more hedge funds to see big dollar signs in buying up Colorado water rights in the future. Ranchers and farmers vs. hedge funds may be the new Cowboys and Indians of the West.

City vs. suburb

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Earlier this month, the city of Scottsdale, Ariz., turned off the tap for the unincorporated suburb of Rio Verde Foothills, blaming the megadrought. Scottsdale said its own residents must come first and the city could no longer sell water to 1,000 people in 500 to 700 homes just beyond the city limits.

Rio Verde residents now scramble each week to buy water at much higher prices on the open market from other sources and brokers, and in a mad dash to conserve, are flushing their toilets with rainwater, eating off paper plates, skipping showers and taking laundry to friends houses in Scottsdale, according to recent media reports.

Its a perfect example of what happens when runaway growth slams into shrinking water supplies.

A variation on this theme is happening right now in Colorado Springs.

The most powerful developer in Colorado Springs, Norwood Development Group, in order to get the city to prioritize water for its in-city developments over future suburban annexations, threatened to ask voters to approve a stringent water rule that could block new annexations for decades. With that threat hanging over it, the city adopted a similar, but less restrictive standard that still prioritizes water for Norwood developments, according to a story by Gazette reporter Mary Shinn.

Norwood's measure could have blocked the city from growing in size for 20 to 30 years because of the water requirements it insisted on, Mayor John Suthers told Shinn. A cynic might say Norwood is leveraging drought fears to strong arm the government into preferential treatment. Anyone for a replay of Chinatown?

Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada vs. California

In response to a Jan. 31 deadline set by the federal government for proposed Colorado River water usage cuts from the seven basin states, six states agreed on a plan while California begged off, proposing its own plan.

Most notable about what was suggested by Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada in the Jan. 31 letter to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is that the lower basin states  Arizona, Nevada and California  would take into account evaporation as water is transported across the desert when they tally how much water they use from the river, which they dont now. That means big cuts in usage to account for those losses. The agreement also said lower basin states should accept additional cuts to water use if the level at Lake Mead falls below certain elevations.

No way, said California. Its plan has no evaporation losses built into it and hints at bigger cuts for Arizona and Nevada, while preserving California's senior water rights that give it first dibs on Colorado River water.

CNN reported that during negotiations, representatives from Californias powerful water districts proposed cutting off some of the Wests biggest cities  including Phoenix and Las Vegas  in favor of California agriculture. Cities versus farms could become the biggest battleground of all in the future.

If all seven states cannot agree on a single plan together, the Bureau of Reclamation promises to impose arbitrary cuts on all states.

And water officials said that almost certainly will provoke a flurry of lawsuits.

Then the wars that are heating up now will be fought in a new ring by new contestants  courtrooms and lawyers.

But make no mistake: Though developers, hedge funds and lawsuits have replaced hired guns, raiding parties and six shooters, the Waters Wars of the West have truly begun.
If you live in a freestanding home on a nice size lot in Colorado, chances are good that you have single-family zoning.

That means that only one family lives in your house, and only one family lives in every other house in your single-family zone.

If you do have single-family zoning, the form and character of your neighborhood is going to be changed by Senate Bill 23-213, which is now being considered for adoption by the Legislature.

If SB 23-213 is enacted, the home next door to yours could be changed into apartments, with apartments being created inside the home next door and/or in a large, detached structure in the backyard.

Meanwhile, across the street from your single-family home, the property owner will have built a three-story-high six-unit apartment house with six different families living in it. The six or more automobiles driven by these six new families will be parked on the street in front of your single-family home, likely creating a parking problem.

Theres more. Over the back fence, they have just opened up another cottage cluster. That is four  or more  small, detached living units (no larger than 900 square feet) arranged around a common courtyard. SB 23-213 specifically forbids requiring the owner to provide off-street parking for all the extra automobiles coming into the neighborhood.

And, down the street from your single-family home, a nice set of townhomes (row houses) have just opened up for sale or rent on what was a single-family building lot.

SB 23-213 will allow all of these forms of multifamily housing in your single-family zoned neighborhood, and there will be nothing you and your neighbors can do to stop it.

As soon as SB 23-213 goes into effect, any property owner in a single-family zone in Colorado Springs will be allowed, as a matter of right, to install apartments in an existing house, build six-unit apartment houses in the backyard, and construct townhomes and cottage clusters.

To make such dramatic land-use changes under present law, a property owner would have to propose a zoning change and have it approved by their city planning commission and city council. Nearby residents opposed to the zoning changes could lobby and petition the planning commission and council to deny the changes at public meetings.

But no such avenues of appeal exist under SB 23-213. The Legislature will have granted the power to build multifamily dwellings in single-family zones throughout Colorado, and the cities of Denver and Colorado Springs will have to go along.

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Living in a single-family zone governed by a legal homeowners association (HOA) will not protect you from this onslaught of state-required multifamily housing.

The new law mandates in-house apartments, backyard apartments, six-unit apartment houses, townhomes, and cottage clusters in all HOA-type associations. Your HOA board of directors, which normally decides on zoning issues in your neighborhood, will be powerless.

The same will be true for neighborhoods that are zoned as planned-unit developments (PUDs). There will be no way the current residents can stop property owners from installing state-permitted in-house apartments, backyard apartments, six-unit apartment houses, townhomes, and cottage clusters on their properties in the PUD.

The executive director of the state Department of Local Affairs, an appointee of the governor, will be in charge of seeing that SB 23-213, if enacted, is enforced throughout Colorado. It will be the executive directors job to see that every property owner who wants to build higher-density multifamily housing in single-family zones, HOAs and PUDs gets to do so.

Many neighborhoods in Colorado have adopted master plans that provide for the future growth and development of the neighborhood. These master plans often involve zoning. SB 23-213 requires that all neighborhood master plans be reviewed and changed to conform to the state dictate for more multifamily housing in single-family zones.

Copies of all the revised neighborhood master plans must be sent to Denver for review to ensure compliance. One has to wonder: Do state administrators in Denver really have a better idea of what is needed in a neighborhoods master plan than the people in Colorado who actually live in the neighborhood?

Supporters of SB 23-213 argue that Colorados cities need to be more densely populated. They point out that apartments are generally less expensive than single-family housing. Therefore, requiring multifamily zoning in all single-family zones in Colorado will help produce more affordable housing.

There are also climate-change benefits to SB 23-213. More people living in apartments in what are now single-family zones will encourage the use of mass transit, which will in turn reduce the use of automobiles and their damaging exhaust.

SB 23-213 will soon go to legislative committee hearings. If you question the wisdom of increasing multifamily land uses in single-family zoning in Colorado, you should contact your state senator and state representative and urge them to oppose this legislation.

Search the internet for find my legislator Colorado to get their names and email addresses, and give them your opinion about SB 23-213.

Tom Cronin and Bob Loevy are news columnists. Cronin has written extensively on state and local government. Loevy served on the Colorado Springs Planning Commission from 1972 to 1975.
Less than two months after a district judge ruled in favor of Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell in a lawsuit protesting his enforcement of federal immigration law, the case is headed back to the Colorado Court of Appeals.

The case has been revived after the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado on Thursday filed to appeal Teller County District Court Judge Scott Sells Feb. 22 ruling that Mikesell was able to hold undocumented inmates after they posted bond.

Were appealing because we think the lower court got the law here very wrong, said Annie Kurtz, an attorney with the ACLU. The program is not compatible with the Colorado constitution or Colorado statutes.

According to court documents, the Teller County Sheriff's Office entered into an agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in early 2019 that would enable deputies to carry out immigration-related duties while assigned to the jail or correctional facilities. It was known as a 287(g) agreement, based on the provision in federal law allowing individuals to perform the work of an immigration officer.

But that same year, the ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of six plaintiffs: Teller County residents Berck Nash, Joanna Nash, Rodney Saunders, Paul Michael Stewart, Janet Gould and Darlene Schmurr-Stewart. Schmurr-Stewart is no longer listed as a plaintiff in the most recent filing.

The lawsuit claimed that Mikesell violated a statute signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis in May 2019, which bars local police agencies from honoring ICE requests to hold inmates beyond their scheduled release dates so that they can be picked up by federal agents. The lawsuit also claimed that the 287(g) agreement uses taxpayer money illegally.

The lawsuit was the first of its kind in the nation alleging that a sheriff violates state law by participating in a 287(g) agreement, according to previous reporting by The Gazette.

In April 2020, Judge Sells dismissed the case on procedural grounds, saying the program doesnt use taxpayer money and therefore the plaintiffs have no basis to sue. In 2022, the Court of Appeals reversed and sent the case back to the district court for trial. The trial was held in January, with Sells again presiding and ultimately ruling in favor of the sheriff.

In the ruling, Sells stated that sheriffs deputies who function under the 287(g) agreement as Designated Immigration Officers do not arrest or detain individuals on a civil immigration detainer request, but rather do so by serving a valid federal arrest warrant issued by an ICE officer.

As a result, he said, the DIOs are de facto federal officers under the supervision of ICE and their actions are lawful and consistent with Colorado law, and that the agreement is a function of the sheriffs duty to preserve the peace.

With the ACLUs appeal filed Thursday, a three-judge panel with the Colorado Court of Appeals will now consider whether Sells erred in that ruling, as asserted by the appeal. If it sides with the plaintiffs, the last 287(g) agreement in the state would end and no one will have to be harmed by these programs in Colorado anymore, Kurtz, the ACLU attorney, said.

Although the Teller County Sheriff is the only sheriff in Colorado operating these programs, there are plenty of them causing a great deal of harm around the country, she added. So, the case is impactful beyond the borders of our state.

Paul Hurcomb, one of the attorneys representing Mikesell, said in a written statement to The Gazette that he is confident Sells ruling will be upheld, saying the judges 26-page order was very well-reasoned and that the ACLU has distorted the facts of this case and operation of Mikesells 287(g) agreement.

The (agreement) is a Jail Enforcement Model, so the authorized functions all take place in the jail and are designed to enhance public safety by reducing the number of criminal noncitizen offenders released back into the community, Hurcomb said.

The judge concluded that the Sheriffs program is consistent with his duty to preserve the peace and noted that the Plaintiffs preferred procedure for making ICE arrests gives no consideration for the safety of the inmate, family, ICE Officers, Sheriffs deputies, or the public, he said.

According to Kurtz, the ACLU will now ensure documents from the lower courts ruling make it to the appellate court and attorneys will submit opening briefs, which could be due by mid- to late summer.
Tuesdays elections in Denver and Colorado Springs were decided by something Id kind of forgotten was possible in politics in this day and age.

To my pleasant surprise, inspiration won the day.

The candidates who most inspired voters, the candidates who promised something more than the trench warfare weve grown accustomed to in the last decade, are the ones who won.

This is exactly what we should want most from those who run for office: to be inspired. The best of our politicians engage in challenge and response politics, lifting up our sights to something better, and then inspiring us to go there with them.

Colorado Springs probably saw the biggest surprise of the night when avowed independent Yemi Mobolade, an immigrant from West Africa who has never won political office before, took first place in the first round of the mayoral election there.

Why did this political outsider strike a chord? I think it was because in a race marked by multicandidate mudslinging, he offered inspiration.

My vision for our city is that we will become an inclusive, culturally rich, economically prosperous, safe and vibrant city that shines on a hill brightly for the world to see, he said on election night at an energetic watch party. They said, Theres no way he has a chance, that Colorado Springs would never vote for a Black immigrant with big dreams of unifying this city. But they were wrong, and you the voters have spoken.

In Denver, Mike Johnston won the day with a similarly inspiring message and a campaign that never went negative.

In his victory speech, Johnston said Denver chose optimism and hope and change tonight.

This is a city that houses all of us. This is a city that protects all of us. This is a city that includes all of us. That is what is at stake in this election. What we know tonight is that the hope is far bigger than the truth. Because we have the history bound in that hope to say we have solved hard problems before and we can solve them again.

Second-place finisher Kelly Brough, who will face Johnston in a runoff, made inspiration a centerpiece of her campaign as well.

When you grow up poor or disadvantaged or sometimes just different, you hear a lot more about what you cant do or who you cant be, Brough told her supporters Tuesday night. What changes all of that in all our lives is when we get support from others. When people believe in us before we believe in ourselves.

Their words and their campaigns were like rays of sunshine breaking out on a bloody battlefield.

Its clear to me after Tuesday that many of my fellow Coloradans are as tired as I am of attack partisanship, of sound bite sensationalism, of politicians pandering to the media, bashing their opponents to build themselves up.

A politician should first and foremost, inspire. If our political leaders are not idealists about who we are and what we can be, then who will be? Why would they run otherwise  to make things worse? Give us a well-articulated vision of a sunny day ahead. Lead opinion, dont just follow it.

Wouldnt it be something if these elections herald a return to politics of high purpose, reigniting imagination, empathy and even a little romance in our civil lives?

Yes, we need people who can balance the books, keep our cities running smoothly. Yes we need people who know how to compromise, collaborate, build coalitions among our diverse peoples. And yes, politicians need to spend a lot of time and money just on winning.

But we also need public servants who literally want to save the world right now.

We need more politicians driven by passion like the late great Phil Burton of California, a one-man spectacle with a towering rage for justice. Once, when asked by a reporter if he was trying to single-handedly save the world, he replied: Im determined to make the universe a better place. Not the world, the universe.

Weve seen inspiration before, but its been a while. We got it from John F. Kennedys Ask not inaugural address that drew hundreds of thousands of young people into public service, and from Ronald Reagans Morning in America campaign that restored a battered nations optimism.

One of the most inspirational political leaders of our time wasnt even a politician at all. He was a polish priest named Karol Jozef Wojtya, the one man Id credit with ending the Cold War.

When shipyard worker Lech Walesa dared Poland to stand up to its Soviet occupiers, most of the world believed it was only a matter of time before Soviet tanks rolled in and crushed the resistance as they had done so many times before. But when Wojtyla became pope he sent a message to the Kremlin warning them that if tanks crossed the Polish border, he would fly to Warsaw and, armed with just his papal walking staff, personally march out to meet them.

The tanks never rolled. The Russians blinked. Within months, Hungary and Czechoslovakia defied Russia, then Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Bulgaria, Romania and Albania. And soon after the Soviet Union itself crumbled. The Russians knew John Paul was to blame, and they sent an assassin to kill him, but failed. And then what did the pope do? John Paul visited his attacker in prison  and forgave him.

Thats the power of inspirational politics.

Another time we saw the true majesty and power of what politics could be was the night the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot in Memphis. Bobby Kennedy was in Indianapolis that night campaigning for president, and amid the chaos of that dark day he went to an impoverished Black neighborhood and gave an impromptu, improvised speech that was more like a prayer. He stood on the bed of a flatbed truck with a microphone in it and delivered the news of Kings death to screams and wailing in the crowd. He acknowledged that many there were probably filled with bitterness, hatred and a desire for revenge.

We can move in that direction as a country, in greater polarization  Black people amongst Blacks, and white people amongst whites, filled with hate toward one another. Or we can make an effort, as Martin Luther King did, to understand, and to comprehend, and replace that violence, that stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand, compassion and love.

He appealed to the crowds deepest humanity. Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.

Yes, a politician once quoted a Greek poet to an inner-city crowd and asked his constituents to make gentle the life of this world.

Riots broke out in all the big cities in America that night, but not in Indianapolis.

Political journalist Joe Klein gave Kennedy credit for that.

Kennedys words in Indiana stand as an example of the substance and music of politics in its grandest form and highest purpose  to heal, to educate, to lead, Klein wrote. Sadly his speech also marked the end of an era: the last moments before American public life was overwhelmed by marketing professionals, consultants and pollsters who, with flaccid acquiescence of the politicians, have robbed public life of much of its romance and vigor.

On Tuesday night in Colorado, I heard words that made me think there is still a place in our hearts for a politics of inspiration, for a politics of substance and music and romance and vigor.

And maybe even a hunger for its return.

Vince Bzdek, executive editor of the Denver Gazette, Colorado Springs Gazette and Colorado Politics, writes a weekly news column that appears Sunday.
Critical toxicology results from the autopsy of an Aurora woman whose dentist husband is accused of poisoning her will be complete in the next two to three weeks, prosecutors revealed in a court hearing Friday. According to the arrest document, James Craig fed his wife Angela potassium cyanide and possibly other poisons over several days, sometimes in protein shakes, before she died last month at University Hospital.

The affidavit reported that James Craigs dental business was spiraling down and he was starting up a relationship with a Texas orthodontist.

Craig, in handcuffs and dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit, did not say a word during the proceeding except to confer quietly with his attorneys. At times, he appeared to be looking toward the back row of the courtroom where two of his six children watched the proceedings. He has been charged with first degree murder in the death of his wife.

18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner told The Denver Gazette that he is not ruling out the possibility of adding or modifying charges against the 45-year-old stressing that the investigation is ongoing and that searches for evidence continue.

Mrs. Craigs mother sat in the front row of the courtroom behind the prosecution table. She listened as the future of her six grandchildren, three of whom are adults, was discussed. Two of them are living with a paternal uncle, prosecutors said.

The fact that an entire family of children have suddenly lost their mother and their father was not lost on anyone in the courtroom including James Craigs attorneys.

Its tragic. Everything about this case is tragic, said defense attorney David Beller.

In a statement, the defense team said, Dr. Craig is devastated by the loss of his wife. He loves and misses his family and declines to make any statements that fuel the public interest in invading their privacy or sensationalizing their loss.

Monday, a court hearing will define parameters for a time when the Craig children will be able to visit their father, but prosecutor Michael Mauro expressed concern that Craig would attempt to manipulate them.

He has the capacity to do significant damage to them,  he said.

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Court records show that Angela Craigs brother, Mark Pray, rushed her to University Hospital on March 15 where she collapsed. She was declared brain dead March 18 at 4:29 p.m., the arrest record said.

She was taken off of life support March 21, investigative sources confirmed to The Denver Gazette. Her autopsy was performed Wednesday, March 22, the Arapahoe Coroners office confirmed.

According to the arrest affidavit, Angela Craig was treated at two hospitals three separate times over a week and a half as symptoms to a mysterious illness got progressively worse. She complained about everything from dizziness to having problems focusing, nausea and shakiness.

Her final trip was an urgent life and death situation.

The arrest affidavit revealed that an office staff worker mistakenly opened a package that James Craig ordered to Summerbrook Dental contained potassium cyanide. He had given his staff instructions not to open the box before it arrived, but the employee did not get that message, the document revealed.

During Fridays afternoon hearing, the two sides discussed upcoming evidentiary testing, the defense making sure their experts can be present for and the prosecution assuring they would provide notice of when those tests would happen. Judge Shay Whitaker warned the defense not to impede the timing of those tests.

The high-profile case has garnered national attention. Producers from 2020, Dateline, and 48 Hours were in the courtroom taking notes. Judge Whitaker was asked by the defense to instill a gag order, but she denied the request with the stipulation that attorneys and investigators should stay within ethical bounds when they speak with the press.

James Craig is being represented by four attorneys from the Denver law firm of Recht Kornfeld, PC. and his children have a separate attorney.

His next hearing is May 22, and a proof evident presumption great hearing during which the judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to move the case forward was scheduled for June 2 and is expected to take at least half a day.
A postal worker delivers mail near the 2000 block of North Leavitt Street on Jan. 9, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

Postal carriers citywide continue to be robbed at gunpoint and police say at least 12 have occurred in the last month, most recently on Wednesday in the citys North Lawndale neighborhood.

In each instance, one to three armed robbers approached mail carriers on the public way during the afternoon and demanded their postal keys by threatening force before fleeing the scene in a waiting vehicle, according to a Chicago police community alert.

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In one of the incidents, the robbers took a victims vehicle by force following one of the attacks, which began March 2 in the Little Italy neighborhood.

Police described the robbers as African American males, 15 to 25 years of age, wearing dark clothing and ski masks. The robbers are armed with semi-automatic handguns.

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In February, the head of the Chicago branch of the National Association of Letter Carriers told the Tribune that mail carriers in the Chicago area are traumatized, fearing for their lives, following a string of armed robberies and thefts targeting postal workers since last summer.

Its a traumatizing experience to have a gun pulled at you in the performance of your duties while servicing the public, said Elise M. Foster, the president of the unions Branch 11, who says she represents the local carriers who recently have been victims of assaults. Theyre scared and some dont even want to return back to work.

In the most robberies, armed thieves target mail carriers master keys. The keys provide access to blue drop-off boxes and to cluster mailboxes. The ongoing robberies raise concerns not only for the safety of the mail carriers but also for the security of the public, whose personal information could be compromised in the hands of the criminals, Foster said.

Here are the most recent incidents reported:

1400 block of South Halsted Street on March 2

100 block of South Leavitt Street on March 7

7900 block of South LaSalle Street on March 7

200 block of North Wells Street on March 7

9200 block of South Throop Street on March 14

2200 block of West Warren Boulevard on March 15

100 block of South Seeley Avenue on March 16

2900 block of West Wilcox Street on March 18

6600 block of North Hoyne Avenue on March 20

1800 block of West Maypole Avenue on March 23

700 block of South Claremont Avenue on April 4

1500 block of South Drake Avenue on April 5

Anyone with information is urged to contact Area Three detectives, 312-744-8263.

larodriguez@chicagotribune.com
By Anna Dabrowska and Anna Voitenko

UKRAINE/BELARUS BORDER (Reuters) - More than 30 children were reunited with their families in Ukraine this weekend after a long operation to bring them back home from Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea, where they had been taken from areas occupied by Russian forces during the war.

Mothers hugged sons and daughters as they crossed the border from Belarus into Ukraine on Friday after a complex rescue mission involving travel across four countries.

Dasha Rakk, a 13-year-old girl, said she and her twin sister had agreed to leave the Russian-occupied city of Kherson last year because of the war and go to a holiday camp in Crimea for a few weeks. But once in Crimea, Russian officials said the children would be staying for longer.

"They said we will be adopted, that we will get guardians," she said. "When they first told us we will stay longer we all started crying."

Dasha's mother Natalia said she had travelled from Ukraine to Crimea via Poland, Belarus and Moscow to get her daughters. Ukraine's Crimea peninsula has been occupied by Russia since 2014.

"It was terribly difficult but we kept on going, we did not sleep at nights, we slept sitting up," she said, describing her journey to the camp.

"It was heartbreaking to look at children left behind who were crying behind the fence," she said.

Kyiv estimates nearly 19,500 children have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea since Moscow invaded in February last year, in what it condemns as illegal deportations.

Moscow, which control chunks of Ukraine's east and south, denies abducting children and says they have been transported away for their own safety.

"Now the fifth rescue mission is nearing its completion. It was special regarding the number of children we managed to return and also because of its complexity," said Mykola Kuleba, the founder of the Save Ukraine humanitarian organisation that helped arrange the rescue mission.

Kuleba told a Kyiv briefing on Saturday that all 31 children brought home said no one in Russia was trying to find their parents.

"There were kids who changed their locations five times in five months, some children say that they were living with rats and cockroaches," he said. The children were taken to what Russians called stays in summer camps from occupied parts of Ukraine's Kharkiv and Kherson regions, Kuleba said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

ARREST WARRANTS

Three children - two boys and a girl - were present at the media briefing in Kyiv. Save Ukraine said they came home on a previous mission last month that returned 18 children in total.

The three said they had been separated from their parents who were pressured by Russian authorities to send their children to Russian summer camps for what was billed as two weeks, from occupied parts of Kherson and Kharkiv regions.

The children at the briefing said they were forced to remain at the summer camps for four to six months and were moved from one place to another during their stay.

"We were treated like animals. We were closed in a separate building," said Vitaly, a child from Kherson region whose age was not clear. He added that they were told their parents no longer wanted them.

The International Criminal Court last month issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's children's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, accusing them of abducting children from Ukraine.

Moscow has not concealed a programme under which it has taken thousands of Ukrainian children from occupied areas, but presents this it as a humanitarian campaign to protect orphans and children abandoned in the conflict zone.

Russia rejects the ICC allegations, saying it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction and calling the warrants null and void.

Lvova-Belova said earlier this week that her commission acted on humanitarian grounds to protect the interests of children in an area where military action was taking place and had not moved anyone against their will or that of their parents or legal guardians, whose consent was always sought unless they were missing.

Kateryna Rashevska, a lawyer from a Ukrainian NGO called Regional Centre for Human Rights, told the briefing they were collecting evidence to build a case that Russian officials deliberately prevented return of the Ukrainian children.

"In every story there is a whole range of international violations and it cannot go unpunished," she said.

(Additional reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by Tom Balmforth, David Ljunggren and Frances Kerry)
Chicago firefighter Jermaine Pelt, left, was killed in a fire April 4, 2023, in the West Pullman neighborhood. Firefighter Lt. Jan Tchoryk, right, was killed in a Gold Coast high-rise apartment building fire on April 5, 2023. Chicago Fire Department photo and family photo (Chicago Fire Department and family photos)

Services have been finalized for two Chicago firefighters whose separate back-to-back line of duty deaths earlier in the week rocked the city, according to the Fire Department.

Lt. Jan Tchoryk, 55, died Wednesday in a Gold Coast fire, and firefighter Jermaine Pelt, 49, died Tuesday during a West Pullman blaze.

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Pelt, known as a pillar of the West Pullman community, and Tchoryk, who had a smile on his face most of the time, were more like brothers to those who worked alongside them.

A visitation for Jermaine Pelt will be held Thursday at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St., in Oak Lawn from 3 to 10 p.m., a statement from the Fire Department said.

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Firefighters leave the medical examiners office in Chicago April 4, 2023, following a procession for fallen Chicago firefighter Jermaine Pelt. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Pelts funeral service is set for 11 a.m. Friday at the House of Hope, 752 E. 114th St., in Chicago.

Meanwhile, a wake for Lt. Jan Tchoryk will be Wednesday at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., in Norridge from 3 to 9 p.m.

A 10 a.m. funeral will be held Thursday at St. Joseph Ukrainian Church, 5000 N. Cumberland Ave., in Chicago.

Chicago firefighters salute as the body of Chicago Fire Department Lt. Jan Tchoryk arrives at the Cook County medical examiner's office in Chicago on April 5, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

rsobol@chicagotribune.com
Ranked choice voting confusion

Recently, there has been much debate within local cities and counties regarding ranked choice voting, and many need help understanding the concept.

If we the voters cannot understand the system, is it a choice for our elections to even consider?

Lets get the obvious out of the way  ranking candidates is far more complicated than just selecting one.

In my studies, I have found a handful of critiques of ranked-choice voting, which include:

 Its too complicated.

 Its undoubtedly more expensive.

 The person with the most votes still can lose.

 Your voice might count if its exhausted.

 It will most certainly delay the results.

 It violates one person, one vote.

Ballots in ranked choice voting elections are more complex than our traditional one person, one vote elections. American elections are decided on the one-person, one vote principle, in which each voter chooses one candidate, and the winner secures the plurality of votes. However, voters in Ranked Choice Voting elections must rank candidates on the ballot. If no candidate wins a 50% majority, the race goes through multiple rounds of tabulation in an instant runoff.

Lastly, and most importantly, Ranked Choice Voting lowers voter turnout rates. Because Ranked Choice Voting is more complex than traditional voting, the system inherently discourages new and infrequent voters from participating. Between voter confusion, high rates of ballot exhaustion, and the difficulty of tabulating the results, Ranked Choice Voting increases the opportunity costs of electoral participation.

I say no to Ranked Choice Voting; it needlessly complicates our local elections.

We do not have government by the majority; we have government by the majority who participate.  Thomas Jefferson.

Steve Schleiker, Clerk & Recorder

El Paso County

When will people get tired of this?

I appreciated the letter by Sue Gordon in Tuesdays paper wondering why our governor passes bills without voter input. The answer is because he can.

People have complained about the economy, cost of groceries, cost of gasoline and things going on in our own state. We as a state had an opportunity to make a change at the midterm election and the chance for a different governor. However, the state of Colorado has definitely turned blue and now we are getting the same old thing. One cannot vote for the same thing and expect a different result. Heidi Ganahl did great debating, but in the end did not do well. Jared Polis had lots of money to back his campaign. The question is when will the people in our state get tired of this.

Cherry Burger

Colorado Springs

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Not a fair description

I find it disheartening and disingenuous your portrayal of Yemi Mobolade. In two separate articles on two different days, you have described him as a West African immigrant, entrepreneur and political newcomer. Is that really a fair descriptor?

After all, we all have immigrant backgrounds.

What if you said: Yemi served as the Small Business Development Administrator for the city of Colorado Springs, VP of Business Retention for the Colorado Springs Chamber and has two local businesses in Colorado Springs?

Wayne Williams born in Virginia and educated at BYU, started in politics in 1994 on the Colorado Springs Housing Authority Board and has been in politics ever since.

Cathy Sellers

Colorado Springs

Trying to call it progress

I read and thoughtfully considered what Richard Skorman had to say in his guest opinion.

He makes a lot of sense to me. I know he was probably the biggest force wanting to maintain Strawberry Fields, and I give him credit for that. He has been a very good respected member of our community and servant to the people of Colorado Springs and El Paso County for many years. You do not have to always agree with him, but this time he brings out some things that go on in Denver, our city of lost souls, to the north. We do not want to become another Denver, a city where the last few mayors has taken a good city to one of absolute shame and try calling it progress.

His points about Integrity Matters are very interesting,

I know one thing about my neighbor who lives just a stones throw from me, he does his research. His thoughts about TOPS are interesting and valid.

So unless Integrity Matters is open and a valid association it might need to clean its act up.

Larry A. Sportsman

Colorado Springs

Answer is to abolish guns

Bob Lee in a recent letter, asks why antigun activists call for ban on semi-automatic firearms after another shooting. First of all, the reason is to get as much awareness to the public that another senseless killing has occurred. Spelling out the use of the semi-automatic weapon is to drive home that this type of weapon has no place in our society. There is no reason for an AR-15 or high-capacity magazines and large-caliber ammunition. It is just another gun owners fancy toy, and gunowners dont want to give up any of the toys, no matter how dangerous they can be, even in the hands of supposed law-abiding citizens. There are a lot of shooters who were law-abiding citizens one day and killers the next.

Most gun regulations, laws and processes are reasonable and are being enforced adequately. Of course, there are some failures from time to time. He blamed the administration for not carrying out adequate existing gun violence procedures. I know that President Joe Biden has stated that he has accomplished all he can under executive privilege. He asks for so much more, but Congress is always reluctant to do such. The majority of the people want much more gun control, but the Congress doesnt seem to care.

The one very obvious solution to Bob Lees question and to ending gun violence is to abolish guns. All 400 million of them in the United States. The leading cause of death for children would be eliminated.

Jac Roberson

Colorado Springs
Construction was launched Friday on an apartment project in downtown Colorado Springs that supporters say would provide sorely needed, low-cost housing for the city's arts community.

The 51-unit Artspace apartments, being developed by a Minneapolis nonprofit of the same name, will be built at 315 E. Costilla St. at the site of the former home of Rocky Mountain PBS and the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado.

"As we face rapidly rising rent and home costs we need a broader range of housing choices for our residents throughout town, including downtown. Artspace Colorado Springs will help to address that need," said Mayor John Suthers during a ceremonial groundbreaking for the project. "As downtown continues to grow, it's important that our artists and creatives are able to live and thrive in Colorado Springs."

Suthers cited a 16% growth increase in projects consisting of small businesses, galleries, hotels and restaurants that have been completed or are in progress, in 2023.

"More resources went into this project than any other project weve worked on in Colorado," said Artspace's vice president of consulting, Wendy Holmes. "It's great to be in such a large community and a community thats appreciative of both affordable housing and the creative sector, and what that means."

Thousands of new apartments have been built, are under construction, or are planned in downtown Colorado Springs, including 2,000 that are expected to be completed by 2024. But the Artspace project promises a different type of housing in the area, its supporters say.

As envisioned, the Artspace project would target artists, graphic designers and others in the arts community. Rents will be priced to serve tenants who make 60% or less of the area's median household income; as a result, Artspace tenants will pay hundreds of dollars less than Colorado Springs' average monthly rent, which at one point last year topped $1,570, according to a University of Denver report.

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And though Artspace apartments will be open to anyone who qualifies under the income restriction, the project's supporters hope that members of the arts community will take advantage of the lower cost rents.

"Colorado Springs has a creative vitality index score of 6, which means we have 6 times the national average of creative activity  nonprofit arts groups, creative industries, enterprises, grant-making  all the things it takes to have a vibrant city center," said Susan Edmondson, president and CEO of both the Downtown Partnership advocacy group and the Downtown Development Authority, which promote downtown development. "Its important to ensure our creatives have a home here."

As planned, a 3,245-square-foot portion of a two-story building along Costilla Street will be demolished. A 1928, Spanish-style, 2,500-square-foot portion of the existing building would be preserved, renovated and combined with a newly built, five-story building.

When completed, the project will feature 51 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 7,500 square feet of community and commercial space. That space could become home to artist studios and galleries or provide offices for nonprofit organizations.

According to Edmondson, construction will begin this month and continue through this year and into the next. She said developers are hoping to have spaces available to rent near the end of 2024.

Potential applicants will be able to join a wait list on the property's website. Edmondson said that portal will open at the tail-end of the project.
Six of the seven states on the Colorado River submitted a plan Monday that could save hydropower at two dams and the Wests $5 billion-a-year agricultural industry.

But without agreement from California  the largest water user on the Colorado  the proposal could fall flat.

Or wind up in court.

The most notable change to river management in the letter to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation requires the lower basin states  Arizona, Nevada and California  to take into account evaporation and other losses, part of whats known as system loss accounting. The lower basin states see 1.5 million acre-feet of system losses a year. Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada agreed to this measure and cuts to releases from Lake Mead as part of their proposal.

The Bureau of Reclamation has called on all seven states to cut 2 million to 4 million acre-feet of use and accounting system losses in the lower basin is a big step toward that goal.

The Upper Basin states have never used their full allotment of the Colorado River. While collectively, the 1922 Colorado River Compact and subsequent agreements dictated the Upper Basin states receive 7.5 million acre-feet per year, the four states have never used more than 4.6 million acre-feet. In 2021, the consumptive use in the Upper Basin states dropped to 3.5 million acre-feet, according to the Upper Colorado River Commission. In comparison, the compact says Colorado should receive 3.9 million acre-feet from the river annually.

Andy Mueller, general manager of the Colorado River Conservancy District, called the requirement that the Lower Basin states start system loss accounting a watershed moment for the Colorado River.

If the Bureau of Reclamation had started forcing the Lower Basin states to account for system losses 20 years ago, that would have left 25 million acre-feet of water in Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

Wed have about 12.5 million acre-feet more in those two reservoirs, and the Colorado River would not be a front-page news story. It would not be in a state of crisis had the Bureau of Reclamation and Department of Interior implemented this at the turn of the millennium, Mueller said.

Mueller said this accounting would be a huge piece of how to fix the river.

However, all the steps are simply a proposal for the Bureau of Reclamation to evaluate, right now.

Even so the proposal is a good sign, said Kalsoum Abbasi, water conveyance planning supervisor for Colorado Springs Utilities.

If adopted, the measures could be temporary ahead of major operational changes for the river that will take effect after 2026, Abbasi said.

These are stopgap measures to get us through, she said. Without these steps, Mead and Powell could see water levels crash.

However, Abbasi agreed that accounting for system losses, such as evaporation, in the Lower Basin states is a straightforward step to help Lake Meads levels.

The Upper Basin states have been accounting for evaporation and other losses in their annual allocations since 1948, Mueller said, while the Lower Basin states, until now, have resisted.

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The cost to California to account for those losses could be huge.

California allocation on the river is 4.1 million acre-feet per year, the largest among the seven states. More than 3 million acre-feet of that water goes to the Imperial Valley Irrigation District, the nations largest producer of winter vegetables. The Colorado River supplies 100% of the water used in the district, which also holds the most senior water rights.

Were the Bureau of Reclamation to account for system loss, evaporative loss could result in 708,000 less acre-feet of water for California, said Mueller, who added that the U.S. Department of Interior should impose those requirements and it has the legal authority to do so.

But that almost certainly will provoke a lawsuit from California or at least from the Imperial Valley, he said.

They have made it very clear they will sue the Bureau over this, Mueller said, adding that has so far stopped the Department of Interior from moving forward on a system accounting standard.

We think its really important that it be set up correctly. Not only does Interior have the legal authority, [the standard] also follows the laws of physics, Mueller said. Those users should be held accountable for those losses.

California appears to be ready for the possibility of a suit.

JB Hamby, chairman of the Colorado River Board of California and the states Colorado River commissioner, said in a statement Tuesday that California water agencies will submit their own modeling framework for additional water use reductions  based on what is practical, voluntary, and achievable through 2026 in a way that works within the existing body of laws, compacts, decrees, and agreements known collectively as the Law of the River.

The proposal submitted by the six other basin states, Hamby said, is inconsistent with that law, which includes the 1922 Colorado River Compact. Hamby added that California is not able to provide input on the six-state proposal and detail our states specific concerns, which he did not identify in his statement.

California remains focused on practical solutions that can be implemented now to protect volumes of water in storage without driving conflict and litigation, Hamby continued.

Our states voluntary commitment to conserve 400,000 acre-feet of water a year through 2026 is the only concrete proposal submitted to date from any basin states water users as part of a solution to address the current water shortage.

The six-state proposal submitted to the Department of the Interior will become one among dozens of suggestions the department will consider under a supplemental environmental impact statement for near-term Colorado River operations. The SEIS, as its known, will address the potential for continued low-runoff conditions in the Colorado River Basin in the next couple of years, a stopgap that the department hopes will cover the rivers operations until the seven states, Mexico and tribal nations conclude negotiations for new operational guidelines, slated to be in place by Jan. 1, 2027.

The decision on the SEIS from Department of Interior is expected in August.

In a statement Tuesday, the department said it remains committed to pursuing a collaborative and consensus-based approach, and ongoing conversations with the basin states, Tribes, water managers, farmers, irrigators and other stakeholders are helping to inform the supplemental process to revise the current interim operating guidelines for the operation of Glen Canyon and Hoover Dams.

The dams, on Lake Powell and Lake Mead, respectively, are both in danger of seeing water levels drop so low that they will not be able to generate the hydropower that supplies electricity all over the West.

The departments statement added that its collaborative supplemental process is our strongest immediate tool to help improve and protect the short-term sustainability of the Colorado River System by empowering the Bureau of Reclamation with additional alternatives and tools needed to address the likelihood of continued low-runoff conditions across the Basin over the next two years.
Luis Gomez plays the part of Jesus Christ as he carries the cross followed by hundreds of faithful during a reenactment of the Way of the Cross down the streets of the city's South Chicago community on Good Friday. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Susan Mota said that while growing up in South Chicago, she didnt care at first about Good Friday traditions.

She was forced into costumes and made to walk in the communitys annual Good Friday procession. At 9 years old, she recalled, she would rather have just hidden in her closet.

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Then when I played Mary Magdalene, my perspective on the whole day shifted, said Mota, who is now 23. She was the rebel. She didnt care.

Playing Mary Magdalene, a saint who Scripture says was a follower of Jesus, was what connected Mota to her faith and to the community of Immaculate Conception and St. Michael Parish at a young age.

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Just thinking about it brings me chills. It means something more to me, Mota said Friday, looking at the young girls who hula-hooped and ran around on the blue-checkered basement floor of Immaculate Conception after this years procession.

Mota now works at Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School. Her mother, Sandra Mota, organizes the Via Crucis Viviente every year. Via Crucis Viviente, which translates to Living Way of the Cross, encompasses 14 episodes in Jesus life leading to his crucifixion and burial.

Portraying Jesus Christ, Luis Gomez leads a procession of hundreds of faithful during a reenactment of the Way of the Cross in the city's South Chicago community on Good Friday. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

The community has held an annual Good Friday procession since 1977, and Sandra Mota has helped for the past 20 years. Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, Mota said that the community eagerly waits every year for Good Friday. People take off from work. They cook big meals to celebrate.

To me, its not a play. Its an event. And it makes me stronger every year, she said.

While Pilsens Good Friday procession typically attracts thousands, South Chicagos crowd was tight-knit  closer to hundreds. Kids wore helmets and red capes, and stood on the top of a semitruck covered with a brown sheet. A hush came over the crowd as the reenactment started.

When Jesus was whipped and fake blood covered the back of his shirt, kids looked at each other wide-eyed. Is he bleeding? they said, turning to one another.

The procession began at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3200 E. 91st St., and moved to Immaculate Conception and St. Michael Catholic Church, 2944 E. 88th St.

The Rev. Pius Kokose, 55, is the pastor of Immaculate Conception. Hes been a priest for almost 25 years, and said Holy Week is always one of his favorite weeks of the year.

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He said he mostly serves migrant communities  from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Nigeria, Puerto Rico and Colombia. Many people in this neighborhood come to Chicago with deep roots in Catholicism.

The practice of their faith gives them hope. Especially migrant communities. They go through different types of suffering, he said.

People playing Roman soldiers lift the cross holding Luis Gomez, playing the part of Jesus, inside Immaculate Conception Church on Chicagos South Side on Good Friday, April 7, 2023. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Kokose is from Ghana, but he spent 10 years living in Paraguay. He speaks six languages, including Spanish. On Friday there was a liturgy in English at 3 p.m. and one in Spanish at 7 p.m..

Jesus, you are beginning your suffering and walk, a young girl spoke into a microphone. So do the people who migrate to this country. They walk long hours and days to get here. How many of them lose their lives on the way, looking for a better life?

Sandra Mota said many people cry during Jesus crucifixion.

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Gabriela Zavala, 56, walked along the procession, proudly watching her 16-year-old son, who was dressed up.

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There is a lot of violence, and a lot of young people, Zavala said. This tradition is very important because it helps our young people to be close to God.

Ivan Lopez, 27, who has been involved with the youth group at Immaculate Conception for the past 10 years, works at a juvenile detention center. Seeing the youths come together gives him hope. Kids learn communication skills and how to take care of each other, he said. They feel like theyre part of something.

It helps me sleep at night. It helps me stay connected to them. I learn from them, too, Lopez said.

Zavala said Good Friday is a day of color, of family togetherness. For migrant families in South Chicago, its a chance to celebrate and reflect.

Susan Mota said she uses it as an opportunity to pray for all communities who are suffering.

Theres so many immigrants, she said. And we only know so much about what they suffered through to get here. Its just another prayer for them.
The country was out of the organization for four years, after the decision of former president Jair Bolsonaro to leave the group amid the crisis in the international organization

WILTON JUNIOR/STADAO CONTENT President signaled return to Unasur during a trip to Argentina, at the beginning of his third term



After four years outside the organization, Brazil resumed its participation in the Union of South American Nations (unasur), regional intergovernmental organization for international cooperation of South American countries. The country had left the group during the management of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The Brazilian return to the Union comes after Lula published a decree in the Official Union Gazette (DOU) on Thursday, 6th. The measure takes effect on May 6th. Argentine President Alberto Fernandez has also indicated that he intends to rejoin the group, which currently comprises Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela. According to a note released by the Planalto Palace, the objective of Unasur is to promote integration between South American countries, in a model that seeks to integrate the two customs unions of the continent, the Mercosur (Southern Common Market) and the CAN (Andean Community), but going beyond the economic sphere, to reach other areas of interest, such as social, cultural, scientific-technological and political.

In January, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT) had already expressed interest in returning to the group. We are going to recreate Unasur because we have to understand that we are fragile, but together we can create the great nation dreamed of by Bolivar and so many people who fought for it, he said. The speech was made at Centro Cultural Kirchner (CCK), in Buenos Aires, in the presence of the president of Argentina, Alberto Fernandezand the former president of Bolivia Evo Morales. In 2019, former President Jair Bolsonaro (PSL) decided to withdraw Brazil from Unasur. According to a note from the Itamaraty, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay and Peru had already decided to suspend participation in the group in April 2018. The reason would be the crisis in the organization. In March, the six countries announced their intention to set up the Forum for the Progress of South America (Prosul), replacing Unasur. The creation of the new group was also supported by Ecuador and Guyana.
The Music Man Square in Mason City held its inaugural Easter Craft Show and Egg Hunt Saturday, bringing folks of all ages to shop, eat and, of course, meet the Easter Bunny.

Jennifer Martin of Clear Lake is organizer for the event on behalf of The Music Man Square. 100% of funds raised from the vendors fees and the hot meal served at the event benefits the nonprofit tourist attraction.

It takes a village, said Martin, whose contacts yielded 32 vendors from all over North Iowa and Southern Minnesota, giving a smattering of a little bit of everything." Its a wide variety of everything you could hope for at a bazaar: handmade and homemade made sundries and tasty treats. Goods that have been canned, quilted, bottled, bought or otherwise crafted all filled the tables at the craft show.

When it came time for the egg hunt in the courtyard, as soon as go was called, the kids shot off to the hunt, easily stocking up their basket with the eggs, which were plentiful enough that all the hunters could enjoy whatever tasty treat the Easter Bunny had stuffed inside as a reward.

The vendors will be back at The Music Man Square, which is located at 308 S. Pennsylvania Ave, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Saturday May 6 and 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, May 7 for the Mothers Day Market. Martin also plans to recruit vendors again to return for another pair of shows in November and December.

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Email special events to news@registerbee.com. The deadline is noon Wednesday.

EASTER EGG HUNT

Hillcrest Baptist Church, 4401 Westover Drive, will hold an Easter Egg Hunt from noon to 4 p.m. today.

Baynes Baptist Church will hold an Egg Hunt at 10:30 a.m. today followed by a pizza lunch.

PRE-EASTER CELEBRATION

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 13602 Martinsville Highway, Cascade, will hold a pre-Easter celebration honoring the Rev. Dion Noel at 5 p.m. today with musical guest The Joybells of Axton.

ONE DAY SESSION

Cherrystone Missionary Baptist Association will hold the annual One Day Session at 9:30 a.m. today with Greater Triumph Missionary Baptist Church as host church.

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICES

Ringgold Baptist Church, 4620 Ringgold Church Road, will hold an Easter sunrise service at 7 a.m. Sunday on the front lawn of the church, followed by a covered dish breakfast in the Family Life Center.

Bethel Christian Church will hold Sunrise Service joined by Kerr's Chapel at 7 a.m. Sunday, breakfast to follow.

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES

Ringgold Baptist Church, 4620 Ringgold Church Road, will hold Easter worship service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Baynes Baptist Church will hold Easter service starting at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Watson Level Missionary Baptist Church, 2900 Toshes Road, Chatham, will hold Easter Sunday services on April 9 at special time 10 a.m.

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

New Ephesus Missionary Baptist Church, 375 Ephesus Church Road, Semora, North Carolina, will celebrate Resurrection Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday. Bishop Gerald Franklin will preach the sermon and the New Ephesus Praise Team will render the music. Holy Communion will be observed. Everyone is invited to worship service inside the church wearing masks and taking additional health safety measures. If attendees choose to remain in a car in the church parking lot, turn radio to 107.3 FM. Service also is available on Facebook Live or by conference call by dialing 1-978-990-5000, access code 197724.

EASTER ACTIVITIES

Cherrystone Center will hold Easter activities beginning at 11 a.m. Monday at the Cherrystone Center. There will also be a fish fry and bake sale sponsored by the men's ministry and the clerks and secretaries.

REVIVAL SERVICES

Watson Level Missionary Baptist Church, 2900 Toshes Road, Chatham, will hold a three-night Spring Revival at 7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. There will be different speakers and guest choir each night. On the program are minister Travon Ragsdale and Callands choir, pastor James Perkins and Truevine Missionary Baptist Choir, and pastor Lewis S. Waller and Fresh Start Ministries of Fieldale.

Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, Semora, North Carolina will host Spring Revival at 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday with guest speaker overseer Darren Brantley Jr. of Ignited Blue Apostolic Church International in Haw River, North Carolina.

Mt. Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold spring revival services at 7 p.m. April 19-21 with guest evangelist the Rev. Herbert Holly, of St. John Missionary Baptist Church of Stony Creek and a native of Danville.

REVIVAL SERVICES

Cherrystone Missionary Baptist Association Clergy will hold revival services at the Cherrystone Center at 7 p.m., April 18-20. Nightly speakers will be: Tuesday, pastor Antonel Myler, of Shockoe Baptist Church; Wednesday, pastor Teresa Harris, of New Chapel Baptist Church; Thursday, pastor Dabble Garner, of Elba Baptist Church.

PRAYER & PRAISE SERVICE

Cherrystone Baptist Association Women's Ministry will sponsor a Prayer and Praise Service at 4 p.m. April 22 at the Cherrystone Center. The Theme is "Staying the Course in Unity." The ministry is asking each person to represent with a donation. There will also be a raffle for a 65-inch Vizio Smart TV. Raffle tickets are $10 donations.

HEALTH & WELLNESS MINISTRY

Shockoe Missionary Baptist Church, 857 Java Road, Java, hosts a monthly Wellness Walking Ministry from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., meeting every fourth Saturday. All ages are welcome to participate. The Health and Wellness Ministry will meet at 9 a.m. before each walking session. For information, contact Kathy B. Ramsey at 434-251-0379 or atbjrk@gmail.com.

IN PERSON/ONLINE SERVICES

Ascension Lutheran Church, 314 West Main St., worships Sundays at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary and live on Facebook at www.facebook/ascensionlutherandanville.

Mount Vernon United Methodist Church offers in-person services at 10 a.m. each Sunday as well as online worship services every Sunday at mtvernonumc.org or www.facebook.com/MountVernonUMC.

IN-PERSON SERVICES

Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1172 Franklin Turnpike, will have in-house worship services on Sundays at 11 a.m. Masking requested if not immunized. Social distancing except for family members. Free books available anytime in outdoor library located on a post next to the driveway.

Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 406 Gay St., has in-person services at 10 a.m. for hour of power on the first and third Sundays.

North New Hope Baptist Church, 123 Old Piney Forest Road, has resumed in church worship services at 11 a.m. and Sunday school at 9:30 p.m.

Mount Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold services in the sanctuary with Sunday school at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to wear a mask and to practice social distancing. The service also will be streamed on Facebook.

Mount Freeman Baptist Church, 2100 Laniers Mill Road, hosts in-person service at 11 a.m. Sunday. There will be no Sunday school.

ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES

Sacred Heart Catholic Church will livestream worship service at 9 a.m. Sundays in English and noon in Spanish at www.facebook.com/sheartchurch.

DRIVE-IN SERVICES

Staunton River Baptist Church, Long Island, will hold drive-in services at 10 a.m. each Sunday.

ONGOING SERVICES

Sacred Heart Catholic Church celebrates Mass every weekend with a vigil Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday and at 9 p.m. Sunday in English and noon in Spanish.

Watson Level Missionary Baptist Church holds Sunday worship services each week at 11 a.m. Because of COVID-19, a face mask is required for all attendees and social distancing is mandatory.

Calvary Church of the Nazarene, 2450 Franklin Turnpike, from 6 to 7 p.m. every Sunday, will hold Ladies Need Encouragement, an hour of worship and prayer. Participants are asked to bring a Bible and practice social distancing. The event is for ages 10 and up with adult supervision. For more information, call 540-907-8836.

Mount Zion Temple, now located at 503 Hughes St., presents The Word Homelitic Institute at 10 a.m. every Sunday. Transportation is provided by calling Bishop David K. Fuller at 434-429-8960.
With major manufacturers eyes on the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill and the upcoming Caesars Virginia casino resort, there is the potential for thousands of additional new jobs in the Dan River Region.

That scenario brings up the question: where will the workers come from to fill those positions?

Local officials are banking largely on a labor shed of 500,000 potential workers from four surrounding metropolitan areas and a small pool of residents in Danville and Pittsylvania County who commute outside the region to their jobs.

Industries looking for a place to open up a facility consider not just the number of available workers in the immediate area where they want to operate, but the wider market covering a surrounding geographic region.

Companies offering higher-paying jobs look at the 60-mile radius around a potential site, since employees are willing to travel farther for those positions. Industries with lower-tech jobs will consider a 45-mile radius, said Linda Green, executive director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance.

For industries offering more lucrative positions, the Dan River Regions four surrounding metropolitan areas include Lynchburg and Roanoke in Virginia and Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill and Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point in North Carolina.

All those areas combined represent a labor pool of a half-million workers, Green said.

Thats as large as Richmonds labor shed, Green said.

The Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill, a 3,500-acre site jointly owned by Danville and Pittsylvania County through the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority, has been in the spotlight of major industries over at least the past year.

Albemarle Corp. considered Berry Hill in southwestern Pittsylvania County for locating a lithium hydroxide processing facility, but chose last month to take its project to Chester County, South Carolina, instead.

The company plans to invest at least $1.3 billion and create more than 300 new jobs with average annual pay at about $93,000 at a nearly 800-acre parcel of land in South Carolina, according Albemarle Corp.

Late last year, a $3.5 billion Ford electric-battery manufacturing project  which would have brought about 2,500 jobs to the region  was shut out of contention in Virginia by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Ford ended up deciding to build its plant in Michigan after Youngkin removed Virginia from consideration for the project due to the projects partnership with a Chinese company.

Also, the Berry Hill megasite nearly landed a $5.5 billion Hyundai plant last spring that would have brought 8,500 jobs to the region. The plant opted to locate in Georgia, where it was called the largest economic development plan in Georgia history.

As for Caesars Virginia casino being built in Schoolfield, it is expected to bring 1,300 jobs when its permanent facility begins operations in late 2024. The company plans to open a temporary casino at the site this summer.

Casino hiring

Caesars is looking to hire about 450 workers for the temporary facility. The company has held recruiting events and employees have already been hired.

Caesars Virginia is proud to have hired a diverse group of individuals right here in Danville to as far as the West Coast, said Chris Albrecht, general manager for Caesars Virginia.

The company is marketing and hosting hiring events in areas close to Danville, he added.

Every industry coming to a community can face challenges in recruiting and hiring, Albrecht said.

With any industry new to an area, there is an education curve to understanding the opportunities available, he said. We have worked diligently to meet with the appropriate community groups to explain what is available at the casino.

Bristol, where a Hard Rock Bristol casino is being built and is expected to open in July 2024, has a tri-city area also including Kingsport and Johnson City in Tennessee, from which to draw workers.

Bristol, which is located in both southwest Virginia and Tennessee, has a population of almost 500,000 people to pull from within a 30-mile radius, according to figures provided by Mack Chapman, economic development specialist for Bristol, Virginia.

We have the workforce, Chapman said. Were trying to get our other industries filled as well.

Like Danville, Bristol faces a housing shortage.

Were very similar, Chapman said of the two localities.

A commute

As for how far people are willing to drive for a job, employers who come to the Dan River Region have access to a population of nearly 1.1 million, said Corrie T. Bobe, director of economic development and tourism for Danville. Bobe added that there are more than 541,000 potential workers in that labor shed.

She also mentioned commuting patterns in the region.

New and existing industry can benefit from the in-and-out commuting patterns within our region, Bobe said. Since we are a border community, nearly 30% of current employees come into our community from North Carolina. In addition, nearly 16,000 workers commute outside of Danville-Pittsylvania County for job opportunities.

Those figures offer local industries an opportunity to target residents who choose to live in the Dan River Region due to its quality of life, but are traveling 45 to 75 miles elsewhere for work, Bobe said.

As for the new jobs taking workers away from local existing businesses in the Dan River Region, Bobe said supporting current industry of all sizes remains a priority.

The health of our small- and medium-sized businesses ensures a diverse economy that will be better insulated should there be a shift or change in the market, she said. Larger employers coming into our region will also benefit from our existing industry as each job created has the ability to bring a new family into the community.

Relatives associated with one employee may also seek local job opportunities, she added. There have been industry multipliers, or additional jobs created for every job generated at a new facility, associated with prospects looking at the Berry Hill megasite that range form 1.5 to four, Bobe said.

This means for every one job created at that facility, between 1.5 and four new jobs will be created to support its operation, Bobe said. This multiplier effect can be realized through new opportunities with existing businesses within our community.

The spouse of an executive or other employee at an industry here may be an entrepreneur who decides to open a new business, Green said.

Attracting residents

To help attract new residents who may want to work in the Dan River Region, Greens group has a website, www.sovaishome.com, that promotes amenities within a 75-mile radius of the region as well as within a days drive. They include outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking and kayaking, and destinations including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Richmond, Charlotte and Mid-Atlantic beaches.

Weve got to make sure that they understand those assets and resources, Green said.

She pointed to the upcoming Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing, a regional training facility in the Cyber Park in Danville, as a source of potential new residents.

We expect some of those [trainees] to live and work here, Green said.

The facility will be located next to the Center for Manufacturing Advancement and will include more than 100,000 square feet. The program plans to provide 800 to 1,000 qualified candidates to fill vacancies in the defense industrial base by 2024.

Multiplier effect

As for the multiplier effect from new industries, Morgan Olson is doing a lot of with secondary suppliers, she added. The company, located in Cane Creek Centre Industrial Park, makes walk-in vans and work trucks.

Besides bringing in secondary suppliers, large industries hiring hundreds or thousands of workers also entice restaurants and retail stores to open where those employees can spend their money, Green said.

Those manufacturers and other large industries can tap into the market of graduates from schools such as Virginia Tech or North Carolina State University, some of whom may come from Danville or Pittsylvania County, Green said.

There is also the talent accelerator program under the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Green said. That was used to train and recruit employees for Morgan Olson, she said.

Danville has used Greenville, South Carolina, as a model for downtown redevelopment efforts, but that city can serve as an example in other ways, as well Bobe said.

After Greenville brought in a BMW plant in 1991, it saw a gradual population growth from just under 59,000 to more than 72,000 due to attraction of additional employers and workers to their region, Bobe said.

This example is to briefly showcase how these large-scale employers could assist in further expediting the population growth that our community is currently seeing, she said.

To support growth in the Dan River Region, Bobe said, the community is investing in areas such as:

Housing: expanding single- and multi-family housing options across all price points;

Workforce development; more than $93 million has been invested over the past decade to develop programs to ensure industry has access to a pipeline of skilled labor;

Tourism: marketing amenities that the community offers to visitors and future residents;

Education: residents approved a 1% sales tax referendum to support nearly $205 million of facility improvements and the expansion of programs in both Danville and Pittsylvania County Public Schools.

Quality of life: Over $52 million of public funds has been invested in the River District that has resulted in over $310 million of new private sector investment. Bobe said they are expanding redevelopment efforts to now include the Schoolfield District and North Main Hill. In addition, there are new investments being made on the main streets of Chatham and Gretna.
A newly protected 848-acre swath of undeveloped land along the Dan River in Stokes County will become the first educational state forest in the Piedmont Triad region, a conservation group announced Monday.

The Piedmont Land Conservancy said its purchase of the undeveloped property, known as the Shoebuckle Tract because of its unique shape, will protect more than a mile of forested buffer on the Dan River and almost two miles of tributary creeks, benefitting water quality downstream.

Though much of the land has been cleared for commercial logging, lines of hardwoods still protect the creeks, Piedmont Land Conservancy said in its announcement.

Forestry production is a longstanding tradition in North Carolina and a valuable contributor to our economy, said Kevin Redding, Piedmont Land Conservancys executive director. We look forward to this property serving the educational and recreational needs of our citizens, protecting the important waters of the Dan River, and providing important wildlife habitat on the uplands while continuing to hold a portion of our irreplaceable history.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a 1,175-mile route from Clingmans Dome in Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockeys Ridge State Park in the Outer Banks, will pass through the property, according to PLC.

The new park also will provide river access to the Dan River State Trail, a route for canoers and kayakers authorized by the N.C. General Assembly in 2021. It includes 90 miles of the river through Surry, Stokes and Rockingham counties.

The land also holds historical significance, Piedmont Land Conservancy noted in its announcement.

The property is located across the river from the site of Upper Sauratown, one of two large settlements occupied by the Saura Indians and abandoned in the early 18th century.

The recently purchased site land was formerly part of the Shoebuckle Plantation, one of the largest and oldest plantations on the Dan River.

The property has been in the Hairston/Kluttz family continuously since 1804, when Peter Hairston bought land from Absalom Bostick, who established the plantation after purchasing nearly 4,300 acres.

The planned park will open visitors to unique aspects of North Carolinas natural resources, said Will Summer, executive director of the state-run N.C. Land and Water Fund, one of the funding sources for the purchase of the property.

In addition to the recreational and historic benefits, this section of the Dan River is rated as exceptional by the N.C. Natural Heritage Program for a host of rare aquatic species that call it home, Summer noted.

Piedmont Land Conservancy said it will transfer ownership of the property to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services within the next year to become an educational state forest. The N.C. Forest Service operates a system of educational sites designed to teach the public, especially school children, about the forest environment.

Educational state forests in North Carolina are treasures for citizens and visitors, said N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. The Shoebuckle property is an important addition to our ESF system not only because it will be an outdoor, living classroom for children but also because of the natural resource conservation and recreational value it will add to the Piedmont Triad region.
China-Denmark all-cargo air route launched in Hangzhou

Xinhua) 09:35, April 08, 2023

This photo taken on April 6, 2023 shows two freighters of Maersk Air Cargo parked at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province.

Zhejiang Province, a manufacturing and trade hub in east China, has launched a new cargo air service linking its capital city of Hangzhou with Denmark. (Photo by Tan Shenjie/Xinhua)

HANGZHOU, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Zhejiang Province, a manufacturing and trade hub in east China, has launched a new cargo air service linking its capital city of Hangzhou with Denmark.

A Boeing 767-300 freighter of Maersk Air Cargo, loaded with 23 tonnes of goods that include small household appliances and auto parts, left Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport for Billund in Denmark on Thursday.

The launch expanded the Xiaoshan airport's international all-cargo air destinations to a total of 20, the airport said.

The airport has also launched regular air freight service to Chicago in the United States recently. It is China's first airport to operate scheduled cargo flights of Maersk Air Cargo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the global shipping logistics giant Maersk.

Currently, three round trips are scheduled weekly between Hangzhou and Billund. The airport plans to increase the flight frequency of the route in the third quarter of this year.

The airport's newly launched air freight services are expected to further promote and support Zhejiang's foreign trade growth, according to Zhang Rong, general manager of the Zhejiang airport logistics development company.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
A mob supporting U.S. President Donald Trump breaks into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

One of the first Chicagoans charged in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot was found guilty Friday on all six counts he faced related to the mob breach.

Kevin Lyons, 40, of the Gladstone Park neighborhood, had allegedly posted a photo of the plaque outside then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis ransacked office. The statement of facts Lyons agreed to with federal prosecutors offers new details describing what happened as he roamed Pelosis room and removed items.

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The North Side man gave prosecutors plenty of clues to work with. He publicly posted his car route from Chicago to Washington, D.C., the day before the riot, writing, Im heading to DC to STOP THE STEAL, court records show.

On Jan. 6, he recorded himself throughout the day and texted updates to others while weathering tear gas and flash-bangs as rioters broke into the building after a rally hosted by then-President Donald Trump.

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Were storming the Capitol building, he said. I guess were all going to jail.

[ 36 people from Illinois have been charged for taking part in the US Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021 ]

He called the riot an (expletive) revolution as he ascended stairs to the Capitols Senate Wing doors, court records show.

Kevin Lyons, of Chicago, is pictured in a Chicago police photo from a 2014 arrest. He was found guilty Friday on all six counts he faced related to the mob breach. (Chicago Police Department)

Once inside, the man goaded politicians hiding elsewhere nearby while sharing chants with the mob.

Nancy, where are you? he said, referring to the Californian representative who then led the Democrats House majority.

Then he found her office on the second floor, court records say. He called out her name again and took a photograph of the plaque outside her wall.

He posted the photo to Instagram, court records say, but took it down after about an hour.

Back inside Pelosis office, Lyons walked around. He caught his own image reflected in a mirror, screenshots shared on the court records show.

He saw a gray, wool coat hanging from a coat rack as a news show playing on a television screen covered the mob storming the Capitol.

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Anyone need a coat? he said.

According to court records, he reached into the coats pockets and pulled out a brown, leather wallet. The wallet contained about $50, a TSA PreCheck card, two bank cards and a drivers license. Lyons never returned it.

[ From January 2021: Feds say Chicago man charged with entering US Capitol during attack posted photo outside Nancy Pelosis office ]

The Chicago man entered Pelosis personal office next, the statement of facts said. There, he removed a framed photograph of Pelosi with civil rights icon and former U.S. Rep. John Lewis. He took that too, the records said.

He texted a friend a picture of the photograph to someone else, telling them he was now a felon.

I took this off Pelosis (expletive) desk, he said.

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 >

He then snapped another picture of himself with the stolen photo as he left the Capitol in an Uber.

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Lyons signed to agree that all of the facts stated in the court records describing his time in the Capitol are true, the records show.

The statement of facts is part of a stipulated trial plea deal that allows Lyons to accept conviction as if a guilty plea had been entered without admitting guilt. Through the agreement, he has waived his right to a trial by jury.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia found Lyons guilty on counts of entering and remaining in a restrict building, disorderly conduct in a restricted building, entering and remaining in certain room in the Capitol, disorderly conduct in the Capitol, demonstrating in the Capitol and obstructing an official proceeding, the records show.

The counts include five misdemeanors and one felony, court records show. A preliminary sentencing guidelines estimate shows he might be sentenced to 10 to 16 months in prison.

His sentencing is set for July 14.

jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
" " Lucile Randon, aka Sister Andre, is the world's oldest living person and female. She was born Feb. 11, 1904 in France. She's also the oldest known living person in Europe, and the world's oldest living nun. NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images

If you feel like you've aged 10 years in the last two, join the club. But feeling old and actually being old are two different things entirely.

Take sister Lucile Randon. Now she's old. In fact, the native of France is 118 and as of April 25, 2022, she's been officially named by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living female and oldest living person. Randon also is the third-oldest French person and the third-oldest European person ever recorded.

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Randon, also known as Sister Andre, became the official oldest person after Japan's Kane Tanaka died April 19, 2022, at the ripe old age of 119! Randon also is the oldest known survivor of the COVID-19 pandemic. She tested positive for COVID-19 when she was nearly 117, but had only mild symptoms.

Randon was born Feb. 11, 1904, in Ales, France. She had three brothers  Andre, Lucien and Pierre  and a twin sister  Lydie  who died of pneumonia at age 1. Randon's father was a Protestant pastor, but she converted to Catholicism in 1923 when she was just 19. She joined the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent De Paul and took the name Sister Andre in honor of her brother. She remained a Catholic nun and missionary until she retired  43 years ago!  at age 75. Today she lives in a nursing home in Toulon, France, where she enjoys her chocolate and wine daily.

" " Jeanne Calment is the oldest person to have ever lived. She lived 122 years and 164 days. GEORGES GOBET/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

But Randon isn't the oldest person to have ever lived. That record is still held by French woman Jeanne Calment, who lived to the astonishingly old age of 122 years and 164 days. She was born in February 1875 when the average life expectancy for a French woman was 45.

According to The New Yorker, Calment outlived her daughter Yvonne, husband Fernand and nearly everybody she knew. She was still riding her bike at age 100 and was living alone at 110. She smoked until age 117 and never stopped drinking her favorite port. She eventually died in 1997 at the seriously old age of 122.

However, controversy has surrounded her after death  specifically whether she lived 122 years or not. Some have tried to prove with scientific evidence that Calment died in 1934 and not 1997, suggesting it was Jeanne Calment who died in 1934 and not her daughter Yvonne, and that Yvonne took her mother's identity to avoid financial problems.

Still others say that hypothesis is less probable than Jeanne Calment living out all of those 122 years  even in the 19th century. Whatever the case, the French  and Guinness World Records  still consider her the oldest person to ever live, and that's good enough for us. A votre sante Jeanne.

Now That's Interesting Guinness World Records works with Robert D. Young, a lead consultant for gerontology who studies aging, to verify the world's oldest people. Young has been the director of the supercentenarian research database division for the Gerontology Research Group since 2015.

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Originally Published: Jul 6, 2021
The state of Montana used to oversee chairlift safety and operations at ski areas across the state  until the Legislature abolished the Board of Passenger Tramway Safety in 1997.

That left oversight of Montana's chairlifts, rope-tows and gondolas to the U.S. Forest Service, but only in situations where a ski area operates on Forest Service land via a special-use permit. The Forest Service doesn't regularly inspect lifts itself. The agency requires ski areas to conduct their own annual inspections. Inspection reports are kept private by ski areas and are not submitted to the Forest Service or made public.

Before 1997, the Montana Board of Passenger Tramway Safety provided the Forest Service with annual inspection reports that offered far greater insight into lift safety. The Forest Service opposed abolishing the board 26 years ago, arguing that the state offered vital independent oversight of the ski industry and helped the Forest Service ensure lifts were safe. The ski industry in Montana supported abolishing the board. The bill abolishing the board sailed through the Legislature with bipartisan support.

Concerns over chairlift safety have mounted after a March 19 incident at Missoula's Snowbowl ski area in which a lift chair carrying a 4-year-old boy and his father swung into the first tower on the ride up. The chair seat-back broke off, dumping the child about 15 feet to the ground below. The father, Missoula resident Nathan McLeod, was left clinging to the vertical hanger pole that extends down from the haul cable. He had to jump off moments later. The Forest Service is now probing the safety of Snowbowl.

Now, a group of Democratic lawmakers from Missoula are looking into whether the state should revive the Board of Passenger Tramway Safety.

McLeod contacted state Sen. Willis Curdy, who represents west Missoula, Lolo and the mountains west of both towns. Curdy said in an interview Thursday that, after this legislative session concludes, he will see if there's "any interest moving forward in resurrecting the tramway board or something similar to that." He brought concerns to Laurie Esau, the state's commissioner of labor and industry. Esau, he said, will be reaching out to other states in the West and in New England to better understand how they do, or don't, oversee chairlift safety. Curdy said he's also approached the Forest Service to better understand how it oversees ski area safety.

State Sen. Ellie Boldman, who represents Missoula's southeast side, wrote in a Facebook post March 26 that "nobody 'local' is surprised" at the Snow Park chairlift incident: "I say that with a spectrum of both visceral anger and support for my hometown mountain, and with full knowledge that any public criticism means the current owners will exact real retribution. Aint no joke."

Boldman, herself a season-pass holder at Snowbowl, wrote, "Im planning to introduce a 'study bill' on Montanas regulation (or lack thereof) on outdoor recreational activities and their applicability on public safety, including monitoring, enforcement, liability, and effect on tourism." She tagged the Facebook profiles for state Sens. Curdy, Shannon O'Brien, Shane Morigeau and Andrea Olsen, and wrote, "They'll be in."

Snowbowl owners Andy and Brad Morris did not respond to multiple requests for comment this week.

Bipartisan deregulation

In 1997, Rep. Roger DeBruycker, a Republican from Floweree, northeast of Great Falls, was the chairman of the Legislature's Joint Subcommittee on Natural Resources. On Feb. 18, 1997, the subcommittee heard from Steve Meloy of the state Department of Commerce. Meloy suggested that the state could save money by abolishing the Board of Passenger Tramway Safety. It would also eliminate fees the state charged ski areas. Ski areas must have their lifts inspected annually anyway, to keep their insurance and to comply with their special-use permits  so the state board was redundant, he argued. The subcommittee voted unanimously the next day to request a bill that would abolish the board.

DeBruycker introduced House Bill 594, a bill to abolish the Board of Passenger Tramway Safety, into the Legislature on Feb. 25, 1997. During a House Committee on Appropriations hearing on the bill on March 13, 1997, Pat Melby of the Montana Ski Area Association and the owners of Great Divide and Red Lodge Mountain ski areas voiced support for the bill. Forest Service Region 1 Forester Hal Salwasser opposed the bill. The bill passed the House on a 97-1 vote March 26, 1997.

The Senate Committee on Finance and Claims held a hearing on the bill on April 8, 1997. In that hearing, Melby and the owners of Great Divide, Showdown and Discovery ski areas testified in support of the bill. Kevin Taylor, then the owner of Great Divide, was appointed to the Board of Passenger Tramway Safety in 1990 and was the board president from 199496. He testified that "the functions performed by the board were redundant and unnecessary and maintained a level of regulation and taxation that provided no benefit to the citizens of Montana or the ski area industry." The tramway board itself considered the bill, he said, and saw no reason not to disband itself.

George Willett of Showdown Ski Area testified, "Our business dictates that we operate a business that is perceived by the public to be free of as much danger as possible ... If we have incidents where a number of people get hurt on tramways, we'll be out of business."

Discovery Ski Area's Peter Pitcher put it more bluntly: "(T)he tramway board is a part of government that doesn't work."

John Drake, of Forest Service Region 1, testified that the agency lacks the capacity to perform annual lift inspections itself, and it relies on ski areas to perform their own, generally through their insurance companies. Those inspection reports aren't handed over to the Forest Service. But, he told the committee, the Board of Passenger Tramway Safety's inspections are given to the Forest Service.

"We review the tramway board's inspections," he said. "They are clear enough for us to monitor and have been very useful to us. We are not able to tell from insurance inspections what is occurring and it may not be to their advantage to point some of these things out."

Without the state board and its inspections, Drake testified, "We rely on what we can get from the insurance industry and we may have a third-party inspection. It is a more difficult arrangement when we do not have a tramway board to deal with."

The bill passed the Senate unanimously. Gov. Marc Racicot signed it on April 22, 1997. It took effect on July 1 that year.

The bill saved Montana $56,090, according to a state analysis. A year later, DeBruycker lost reelection to a farmer from Big Sandy named Jon Tester.

Trusting ski areas

The abolition of the state board left chairlift safety oversight to the Forest Service, and Montana joined the ranks of states that don't regulate chairlift safety. In the West, only Alaska, Washington, California, Colorado and Utah have some sort of passenger tramway board. Fifteen other states, including all of New England, have such boards; 30 states do not.

Direct oversight of chairlift safety from the Forest Service is largely reactive  responding after a safety incident occurs. Only after a safety incident occurs does the Forest Service send its own engineers to observe a lift. The agency can then order a ski area to hire an independent, third-party engineer to address any identified problems, as it recently did with Snowbowl.

Chairlifts in the U.S. are supposed to meet standards established by ANSI, the American National Standards Institute. When ski areas perform their annual lift inspections, they only need to send the Forest Service a generic statement that the inspection occurred.

The Missoulian obtained Snowbowl Ski Area's special-use permit. Under a section titled "Ski Lift, Holder Inspection," the permit states that upon annual inspection of a lift, Snowbowl need only tell the Forest Service: "Pursuant to our special use permit, we have had an inspection to determine our compliance with American National Standard B77.1. We have received the results of that inspection and have made corrections of all deficiencies noted. The facilities are ready for public use."

The Forest Service has some regional and national ropeway engineers who often oversee lift installation. But the agency doesn't have enough of the specialized engineers to regularly monitor lifts, according to multiple retired Forest Service employees the Missoulian interviewed.

Margaret Gorski, a former Region 1 recreation program leader, said in a March 30 interview, "(With) the loss of the tramway board to Montana, the net effect was in order to have the expertise to know the technical engineering issues with the lift, we had to rely on the national organization in Washington to have someone we could call on. The responsibility lies with the ski area operator" to ensure lifts are safe.
In between sets of tumbling warmups, Adrienne Prashar crossed the gym to where she had stashed her diabetes supplies and tested her blood sugar. Prashar, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes the day before her 13th birthday, said tumbling usually drops her blood sugar levels.

Prashar, now 14, did a finger stick, saw her blood sugar was 127, and went back to the mat. For most people with diabetes, the target range is about 80-130, and up to 180 two hours after meals.

Prashar doesnt have to check her blood sugar often. She wears a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, that gives her blood glucose readings on her phone every five minutes. When shes feeling differently than her CGM is showing, as on that March day at the gym, she checks her level by doing a finger stick.

But most of the time, she simply glances at her phone to see whether her numbers are trending low or high, which beats repeatedly pricking her finger, she said.

I would hate it so much, Prashar said. Its such a pain and its harder to see trends.

Montana lawmakers are considering a bill that would require insurance companies to cover CGMs for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Multiple studies and experts back up the effectiveness of the devices, showing better blood test results, fewer long-term complications, and a reduction in health care costs.

Studies show CGMs can greatly benefit people with Type 1 diabetes. There are also promising results for people with Type 2 diabetes, the more prevalent of the two types, but the research is limited compared with that on Type 1.

House Bill 758 has broad support from lawmakers, but it faces opposition from insurance companies and some providers. That opposition focuses on the cost, whether a CGM is medically necessary at all stages of diabetes, and the possibility that CGM manufacturers will raise their prices if there is an insurance mandate.

CGMs can be worn on the legs, stomach, or arms, and they stay in place with an adhesive patch. A thin tube goes under the skin and measures blood glucose levels from tissue fluid. The data is transmitted via Bluetooth to a phone or similar device. Instead of a finger prick, which provides a reading for a single point in time, a CGM gives the wearer a continuous stream of data.

According to GoodRx Health, CGMs can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 each year out-of-pocket.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, the states largest insurer, estimates the bill, if passed, would cost the organization nearly $5 million a year, spokesperson John Doran said.

CGMs arent medically necessary in all circumstances, Doran said, and medical necessity should be determined through a partnership between provider and payer. But Doran said that he understands there are instances in which a CGM may be necessary and that Blue Cross already covers CGMs in those cases.

These things are a convenience, Doran said. They provide you real-time information and there is some benefit to a persons lifestyle to these monitors.

Lawmakers in several states are considering bills to regulate coverage of CGMs, and Illinois governor signed one such bill into law last year.

A study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology in 2022 says about 30 million Americans have diabetes, a condition in which a persons body cant make enough insulin (as in Type 1) or use it effectively (as in Type 2). By 2030, the study estimated, 55 million people in the U.S. will have diabetes, with total medical and societal costs of more than $622 billion  a 53% increase from 2015. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 78,000 Montanans have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Various studies, diabetes educators, and health care providers say that CGMs can help people with diabetes reduce their A1C levels, a common measure of blood sugar levels used in diabetes management. Proper management can reduce complications from diabetes  like retinopathy, heart attack, and nerve damage  that lead to higher costs in the health care system through emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Dr. Brian Robinson, an endocrinologist at St. Peters Health in Helena, said supplies for people with Type 1 diabetes are generally covered by insurance. When he considers recommending a glucose monitor for a patient, he said, the decision is driven by insurance rules that are informed by the American Diabetes Associations standards of care.

My patients are better because of CGMs, theres no doubt about that, Robinson said. But he noted the science doesnt yet support his opinion that CGMs should be given to everyone with diabetes, no matter what.

Not all physicians, especially in endocrinology, agree that a person with Type 2 diabetes needs a continuous glucose monitor, Robinson said. But if a person needs a shot each day to manage diabetes, he said, that patient should have access to a CGM.

Lisa Ranes, manager of the diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism center at Billings Clinic, said the benefits of a CGM are the same for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Many studies have shown that CGMs are just as effective for patients on lower quantities of insulin, like some people with Type 2 diabetes, as for people with Type 1 diabetes, who rely on insulin throughout the day.

It gives patients that complete picture to help them make the decisions on what they need to do to keep their blood sugar safe, Ranes said, giving examples like upping the frequency or dose of insulin, having some food, or exercising.

For people with Type 2 diabetes, Ranes said, CGMs could be helpful in early diagnosis. Type 2 diabetes is progressive, Ranes said, so the sooner it is under control, the better.

When Cass Mitchell, 76, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes over 30 years ago, her doctor told her that people with Type 2 diabetes dont live long because they have a hard time managing their care.

Mitchell, who lives in Helena, warmed to finger pricks. But test strips were expensive, about $1 each at the time, she said.

About 10 years ago, she got a CGM. Mitchell went from testing maybe twice a day to looking at her blood sugar on an app 20 to 25 times each day. She said shes more in tune with her diabetes and uses her devices time-in-range reports  showing how often blood glucose stays within a set range  to make lifestyle changes.

Mitchell has lowered her A1C from around 11% to 7%. According to the ADA, the target for most adults with diabetes is less than 7%.

Mitchells device is covered under Medicare and supplemental insurance and would remain so with the passage of HB 758. She said if she had to pay out-of-pocket she wouldnt be able to afford her CGM and that she was excited about the potential of the bill to give more people access to CGMs.

Dr. Hayley Miller, medical director of Mountain States Diabetes in Missoula, initially thought HB 758 sounded good, but now she isnt so sure. She thinks the biggest risk of the bill passing is that prices for CGMs go up.

It seems like Im against it, but it really is, when insurance gets involved everything gets tricky, Miller said.

Emma Peterson, a former diabetes educator for St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings and Providence Endocrinology in Missoula, said most people working in diabetes care think everyone diagnosed should just have a continuous glucose monitor.

At the end of the day, both forms of diabetes and all the other many forms of diabetes have the same complications and still face the same struggles of trying to keep blood sugars in range, Peterson said.
Of all the brains Id like to download into mine, the ones of talented top designers top my list.

I would like to internalize their ability to see potential in pieces I thought were defunct, to provide solutions to problems I didnt know existed, and to have the creative confidence to put a zebra print rug under a polka-dotted armchair.

So, when I got an advance copy of Think Like a Decorator, I dove into its pages. Then I called the author, interior designer Leslie Banker. She opened our conversation by telling me shed started her career as a writer, then swerved into design. Now she really had my attention.

Back in the 1990s, when Banker, now age 53, was fresh out of college with an English degree, she worked as a newspaper reporter. In 1999, she got an assignment that would set her in a new direction.

While helping her mom, interior designer Pamela Banker, set up an office for her growing design business, the younger Banker got a request from an editor. Would she consider writing a design book with her mother as the expert?

The mom-daughter duo put an outline together, made notes, and took a run at writing it. However, the subject felt too big and broad to get off the ground. They wound up publishing a smaller book on design terminology instead. Meanwhile, Banker continued working alongside her mom, and, yes, downloading much of her design acumen. When her mom died in 2013, Banker continued in the profession.

Five years ago, I came across those old notes, Banker told me. Some were in my moms handwriting. I decided it was time.

Think Like a Decorator came out last week.

In her new book, Banker, who lives in New York City and Jamestown, Rhode Island, with her husband and daughter, channels what she learned working alongside her mother and also applies her journalism skills interviewing other notable designers and sharing their insights.

She opens the book with a discussion of how her mom likened design to writing. An interior designer must play the role of editor. Being an editor on a design project is about knowing how to develop the story of the space. I get that.

Woven among the books many of eye-popping photos that feature interiors Banker has created as well as ones from the designers she interviewed, is a narrative that reads as if youre eavesdropping on the designers themselves.

Here are some of my favorite takeaways

 Dont wing it. Good design is not instant or quick. Though it looks effortless, its highly edited. (Ditto with good writing, by the way.) Youve got to do the thinking before you start. Dont just buy a sofa and figure it out from there.

 Start with the essentials. Put function first. Every bed in the house needs a lamp next to it. The eating area should have a table big enough to seat everyone in the household. Everyone in the household needs a well-lit place to work. The door where household members come and go needs to have a place to hang coats and set down keys. Homes need adequate storage for clothing, books, and linens. If you dont have enough room in the linen closet to store bedding and towels, add an armoire or chest.

 Address the mess. Good design is not just about picking palettes, combining fabrics, and arranging furniture. Its about identifying and eliminating the pain points of a home: a room no one goes in because its drafty, a reading chair no one uses because the light is bad, a closet that stays a mess because its organized poorly, a home office you avoid because you can hear the television in the next room. Sometimes a $15 fix is all it takes. Be open to observing how things are and how they could be better. Whats important is not just how a home looks but how it lives.

 Use your words. Find three designers whose work you love. Study photos of their interiors and write down specifically what you like about what you see. Saying, I dont know why, I just like it isnt enough. Describe the vibe. Is it sophisticated and formal or casual and comfortable? Urban or rustic? Calm or playful? What materials and elements in the room contribute to the look: pine, bamboo, metal, glass, brass, leather, chrome, fur, stone, lacquer, silk. Deconstruct what you see to figure out why you like it, and how to get there.

 Drop anchor. After you have thought about the look you want drop a few anchors. An anchor might be a paint color you definitely want, a rug that has been in your family, or a wood finish that has the right character. An anchor might also be a feature of the room you cant or dont want to change, such as a stone floor or existing wallpaper. Use these anchors to guide the rest of the room. If your anchor is a rug, then the sofa fabric for that room should work with it. If it doesnt, find another sofa fabric.

 Get offline: Go see things in person. This was one of my mothers golden rules, Banker said. We have gotten used to buying furniture online, and theres nothing wrong with it, but it is better to go talk to the furniture makers, dealers, or salespeople. Get tangible samples. Put them in a box or tray dedicated for each project, and let the materials speak to each other.

 Think beyond paint. The walls of a room dont have to be painted. Bring texture to the room by covering walls with wood, plaster, mirrors, wallpaper, or even upholstery. You want to think like a decorator? Come up options that arent obvious.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Rain showers in the morning with thunderstorms developing for the afternoon. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 73F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy with showers and a few thunderstorms. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low around 65F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
BRISTOL, Va.  In anticipation of this weekends Bristol Motor Speedway Food City Dirt Race, race fans from across the United States gathered at Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. in downtown Bristol, Virginia, for a lawnmower showdown and an opportunity to meet a couple of the racers who will be participating in the Food City Dirt Race.

Alan Ramey from Chesapeake, Virginia, who was in attendance at Michael Waltrip Brewing Co., has so far attended 10 races at BMS and is looking forward to this weekends dirt race and believes that Kyle Larson is most likely to come out of the race victorious.

Im not a great big dirt enthusiast. I like the asphalt a little bit better, but the dirt is interesting, Ramey said. If I had to pick one, I would say Kyle Larson would probably be the possible winner.

Ramey is looking forward to seeing how teams have adapted to the dirt at BMS now that they are in their third year competing in it.

Brenda Leroux, who came all the way to BMS from Louisiana, was excited to be able to meet Waltrip and is prepared for the dirt race, for which she has brought goggles.

The only dirt race Ive been to was in Texas, the Tony Stewart Dirt Race that was some years ago, Leroux said. I said, oh my god, we should have worn goggles there because the dirt was in our eyes.

I dont know whos gonna win, probably Kyle Busch or maybe Joey Logano, she said. Not anyone that Im following.

Bryan Sperber, the president and CEO of Michael Waltrip Brewing Co., was excited to see such a big crowd gather at the brewery to meet and take pictures not just with Waltrip but also with Stewart Friesen.

Race week in Bristol is something that we look forward to all year long, and were so excited to be a part of this community and be able to host race fans here during this incredible week, Sperber said.
The Chinese military began a three-day military exercise in the Taiwan Strait on Saturdayamid tensions with the island nation, after Taiwans president, Cai Jing-wen met in the United States met with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, With Kevin McCarthy.

The spokesperson of the Chinese army wrote in a statement that the military maneuvers serve as a serious warning to the separatist forces striving for the independence of the island nation and the external forces colluding with them, and their provocative activities.

Local maritime authorities announced that the Chinese military was conducting a live-fire drill in the Taiwan Strait off the coast of the eastern Fujian province on Monday. According to Taipei, the maneuvers threaten the stability and security of the Asia-Pacific region.

The announcements follow President Cai Jing-wens visit to the United States this week, where he met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday. Beijing has threatened to take decisive and forceful measures in retaliation.

China views with displeasure the rapprochement between the Taiwanese authorities and the United States in recent years, in the framework of which Washington provides significant military support to the island despite the lack of official relations.

A long-standing diplomatic blunder

China considers Taiwan, with a population of 23 million, as one of its provinces, which has not been reunited with the rest of its territory since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. The United States recognized the Peoples Republic of China in 1979, and under the principle of one China protected by Beijing, it cannot in principle have official relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Since Thursday, Beijing has increased military pressure on Taiwan by sending warships and aircraft to the strait.

The exact location of the new maneuvers has not been determined, apart from Mondays live-fire drills, which will take place at Chinas closest point to Taiwan.

The narrowest part of the strait between the Chinese coast and the island is about 130 kilometers long.

(via MTI)
RALEIGH  House Bill 401, Funds for Dolly Partons Imagination Library, was introduced in March by Reps. William Brisson (R-Bladen and Sampson), Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth), and Dean Arp (R-Union).

It would provide $1.5 million in recurring funds from 2023-25 to the Smart Start Network to implement Dolly Partons Imagination Library (DPIL).

DPIL is a program that fosters a love of reading among children aged birth to five through the gift of a specially selected book delivered right to their home each month. With the support of the N.C. General Assembly, Smart Start expanded DPIL in October 2017, and it is available in every county. Smart Start currently administers DPIL for approximately 50% of North Carolinas eligible children from birth-to-age 5. Over 14 million books have been sent to children across the state.

Here in Cabarrus County, Dolly Partons Imagination Library is in the homes of 52% of the children from birth to age 5, and 367,586 books have been sent to children since the Imagination Library expansion. With increased funding, we hope to grow this number, stated Ann Benfield, executive director at the Cabarrus Partnership for Children.

Benfield continued, Because of the support of our state representatives, more children may have access to Imagination Library.

Our state representatives recognize the importance of an early foundation for literacy, said Amy Cubbage, president of the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC) that oversees the Smart Start Network. Because of Dolly Partons Imagination Library, children are fostering a love of literacy, more parents are reading to their children, and children have access to books that they wouldnt have been able to access.

In North Carolina, an estimated 300,000 children receive books monthly through this program. In Cabarrus County, over 7,000 books are delivered to children and families each month. Data from a recent DPIL survey conducted by Smart Start shows that parents who participated in DPIL for any length of time reported an increase in reading to their children daily from 41% before they began receiving books to 62% after enrollment. Additionally, 45% of families reported that without DPIL, they would not have been able to purchase the types of books provided through DPIL for their children.

Smart Start Local Partnerships work in every community to administer Imagination Library and with additional funding, the Network can work to ensure more children across the state receive books, stated Cubbage. Since its expansion, we have seen data that shows children are being read to more often and with enhanced reading strategies. I cant wait to see the trend continue for even more children!

Additional DPIL investments will help sustain and expand DPIL across North Carolina by preventing waitlists and covering increasing book, postage, and outreach activity costs  providing critical program support to provide books to more children across the state.

Cubbage continued, At Smart Start, we are thankful for Representative Brissons leadership on behalf of children and their families. We appreciate his support of this bill as well as the support of Representatives Lambeth and Arp and their acknowledgement of Smart Starts ability to effectively implement DPIL.

To find out more about Smart Start and Dolly Partons Imagination Library partnership, and to check availability and register a child, visit http://www.smartstart.org/dolly-partons-imagination-library/.
Brandon Johnson will be looking to Springfield for help with parts of his estimated $450 million package of tax proposals, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker made clear after meeting Friday with Chicagos mayor-elect that he doesnt support a major component of the plan: a tax on financial transactions.

As part of a plan to help stabilize the citys finances, Johnson, a Cook County commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union organizer, has proposed a tax of $1 to $2 per securities trading contract, a concept that has long been floated in the statehouse without gaining traction.

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After an hourlong meeting with Johnson in the governors Chicago office, Pritzker told reporters during a joint news conference that he has not stood for a transaction tax because he believes financial services companies would relocate their operations or their computer servers if one were enacted.

Obviously, what we all want is a thriving financial services economy in the state and the city, and its been that way, Pritzker said.

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Johnson did not respond directly to Pritzkers rebuff, but said we did not have a full conversation about the entire budget plan.

For his part, Pritzker, who faced huge budget challenges when he took office in 2019 following the two-year budget standoff under his Republican predecessor, indicated he could relate to Johnsons situation, saying: The challenge of finding balance between expenditures and revenue is not lost on me.

Another component of Johnsons tax plan that would require approval from the Democratic-controlled General Assembly is an additional levy on high-end real estate transactions. Mayor Lori Lightfoot campaigned on such a tax, though she later rejected a proposal put forth by activists and progressive aldermen.

Johnson has endorsed a plan from the Bring Chicago Home coalition that would raise the real estate transfer tax for properties of at least $1 million from $3.75 to $13.25 for every $500. Sales under $1 million would remain at the $3.75 per $500 rate. The revenue from the hike, estimated at $100 million, would be used to fund permanent housing and homeless services.

With Johnson set to be sworn in just four days before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn for the spring on May 19, there is a limited window for the proposal to be addressed, though lawmakers could take it up when they return to the Capitol in the fall.

Johnson wouldnt say whether he thinks lawmakers need to approve a transfer tax during their spring session, adding that he and the governor have yet to have a full discussion on his plans to address structural challenges that the city of Chicago has been facing.

Theres certainly an urgency that the city of Chicago has, and we recognize that there is a process in order to get things done, Johnson said. Look, the bottom line is this: The governor and I are committed to uniting not just the city of Chicago but the state of Illinois. We both are committed to making sure that working people can live and thrive and grow in the city of Chicago.

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson, left, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speak to the media after meeting at the governor's downtown Chicago office on April 7, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

Pritzker and Johnson said they also discussed a shared commitment to supporting jobs and small businesses by investing in the citys neighborhoods.

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The governor, who remained neutral in the mayoral race, said the progressive Johnsons victory over the more conservative former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas in Tuesdays runoff will boost the citys chances of landing next years Democratic National Convention, which has been a major goal for Pritzker as he seeks to raise his national profile.

He brings a real excitement to the job, I think, to the people of Chicago, Pritzker said, and I think thats being felt in Washington, D.C.  where President Joe Bidens team is evaluating Chicago, Atlanta and New York as possibilities to host the convention.

Pritzker, a billionaire who regularly gives money to Democratic candidates and causes nationally, said Thursday on Twitter that he had contributed to the campaigns of two Democratic state lawmakers who were expelled from the Tennessee legislature for their role in a protest in the state House calling for stricter gun laws after the school shooting in Nashville last week.

The two expelled legislators, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, can seek to regain their seats in an upcoming special election.

There is a threat to democracy that is occurring all across this nation and especially in states that are controlled by Republican governors and Republican majority and supermajority legislators, Pritzker told reporters Friday.

Chicago Tribunes A.D. Quig contributed.

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dpetrella@chicagotribune.com
A couple of Chicago mayoral race polling results from last month have been stuck in my head ever since they were released.

The BSP Research poll taken March 15-23 for Northwestern Universitys Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy found the two mayoral runoff candidates were running neck and neck. The poll was almost universally ignored by the citys news media, yet it mightve possibly contained an important nugget which could help explain at least part of Brandon Johnsons win and Paul Vallas loss.

The poll found that 82% of Chicagoans supported the idea of increasing the number of police on the force. OK, no surprise there.

Immediately after answering that question, however, 63% said they supported the idea of decreasing police funding and investing in addressing root causes of crime. According to the poll, 68% of Black people, 66% of Latinos and 59% whites supported that idea.

If that second result is even close to accurate, it upends everything were supposed to believe about this contest, I wrote at the time.

Vallas heavily outspent Johnson on television ads, warning voters for weeks that Johnson wanted to defund the police. According to Vallas, Chicago crime was out of control and Johnson would only make things worse. Almost Vallas entire platform centered around both hiring more police officers, which is something that Chicago voters of all persuasions clearly said they wanted, and ridiculing Johnson for his past remarks on the topic of police funding. Johnson soft-pedaled his past remarks, but insisted that crime prevention and solving crimes should be at the top of the priority list.

Ive often declared that voters dont do nuance, but its been clear that pundits and many political reporters are the ones whove been far less nuanced about crime than voters over the past year in this state, and particularly in the Chicago metro area.

As we saw in 2022, polls showed that suburban and downstate voters simply did not view the crime problem as the over-arching issue portrayed by the news media and Republican political operatives.

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin spent tens of millions of Ken Griffins dollars to use the crime issue in a spectacularly failed effort to capture the Republican gubernatorial nomination and prove his questionable Republican bonafides.

The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police aggressively attacked Sen. Rob Martwick (D-Chicago) over his support for the SAFE-T Act in an attempt to nominate a candidate with Republican affiliations in a Democratic primary. That also failed miserably.

And then, of course, there were the endless TV ads from Dan Profts People Who Play by the Rules PAC last year designed to depress the Democrats Chicago base and hurt Gov. J.B. Pritzker and wound Democrats in the suburbs. Nope.

A GQR poll released the day after Chicagos mayoral election found similar results.

Likely Chicago voters were asked if they preferred 1) Doing more to get tough on crime, like having stricter sentences for people convicted of violent crimes, maintaining strong bail laws to keep potentially dangerous people in jail, and giving police more support and resources; or 2) Fully fund things that are proven to create safe communities and improve people's quality of life, like good schools, a living wage, and affordable housing, and do more to prevent crime by increasing treatment for mental health and drug addiction and cracking down on illegal gun sales.

By a 58-39 margin, respondents chose the prevention angle over the tough on crime angle.

At least in this state, the Bill Clinton era sure appears to be over. Ginning up fears about crime and promising to throw more money at the police just arent enough by themselves any longer to win races. In that bygone time, Vallas wouldve likely easily defeated Johnson with the message he used this spring, despite his affiliations with the far right in the recent past (including the ultra-radical Awake Illinois and Dan Proft). Todays voters here want far more than just lock em up rhetoric.

Not all of Clintons lessons are now passe, however. Vallas, who will turn 70 in June, constantly surrounded himself with older Democrats like former Secretary of State Jesse White, former Senate President Emil Jones, former US Rep. Bobby Rush and US Sen. Dick Durbin. But that ignored one of Clintons most valuable and enduring political lessons: Dont offer to be a bridge to the past; promise instead that you will build a bridge to the future. Brandon Johnson did that, Vallas did not.
BLOOMINGTON  Illinois Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Carroll of Mattoon has been awarded the prestigious Military Police Regimental Associations Order of the Marechaussee.

The honor recognized "exceptional dedication, competence, and contribution to the Military Police Corps Regiment over an extended period of time."

It was awarded during the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigades welcome home ceremony on March 12 in Bloomington.

Carroll, a military police soldier throughout his career, is the brigades command sergeant major.

The Illinois Army National Guards 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based in Normal, returned from Djibouti, Africa in late 2022 where it filled the nucleus of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. The unit celebrated its successful 11-month deployment as part of its final reintegration event with its families.
Cone Health is stating clearly and boldly its opposition to Atrium Healths plans for a northern Greensboro community hospital, citing concerns about duplicative services and claims of more expensive health-care services.

High Point Regional Health System, an affiliate of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, filed in February a certificate-of-need application with the N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation.

Baptists proposal is to relocate 36 acute care beds and two operating rooms from High Point Medical Center to a planned $246.5 million Greensboro Medical Center.

Cone stated its opposition in full-page ads in the Winston-Salem Journal and News & Record. It asked the N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation to deny Baptists application.

Overlapping services and facilities concentrated in certain pockets of our communities only amplify already pronounced health care disparities, Cone said in the ad.

"Let's not confuse entering a market with 'investing in a community.' "

Charlotte-based Atrium issued a statement through the Baptist affiliate in which it said its proposed Greensboro hospital would ensure our patients have access to the highest quality care close to home.

We have an established base of patients with our primary and specialty care clinics and urgent cares in Greensboro. We are now proposing to better serve them with a new, 36-bed hospital  complete with two operating rooms and an emergency department, among other amenities.

Sen. Gladys Robinson, D-Guilford, said she has met with Cone officials about the proposed Greensboro hospital by Baptist.

Some of our delegation have signed a letter opposing this move on the basis that it takes beds from High Point where they are needed, and moves them from a low-income area to a wealthy area, Robinson said.

It seems to be about money only.

The process

Baptist has projected getting a CON application decision by Sept. 1 and  if approved  construction commencing by December 2024. The goal is opening by July 2026.

However, Cones opposition is likely to cause delays to those projections.

A public hearing is set for 1 p.m. April 18 in Greensboro Public Librarys Benjamin branch, 1530 Benjamin Parkway.

Baptist said the proposed campus at 2909 Horse Pen Creek Road would provide more health-care services for city residents and surrounding counties.

Cone, meanwhile, opened in May 2022 a 160,000-square-foot MedCenter Greensboro facility at 3518 Drawbridge Parkway thats just 2.1 miles away from the proposed Greensboro Medical Center site.

The $97 million Cone facility includes an emergency department, ambulatory care center, imaging, physical therapy, cardiology, wellness programs and 13 overall services. It houses a Sagewell Fitness center, swimming pool and teaching kitchen.

Atrium is attempting to fill what it considers as pivotal health-care market gaps  internally and within the Triad  with the Greensboro hospital proposal.

Its clear from the application that Atrium desires a hospital presence in the states third-largest city, which also is the largest city without two competing hospitals.

Atrium also wants to become the first health-care system to operate a hospital in the Triads three largest cities.

Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan said in February she looked forward to learning more about the proposal and why the Horse Pen Creek location was chosen.

Last year, Cone Health opened a new integrated health-care facility less than two miles away, she said.

We have a need for health care in underserved areas of our city. We welcome more health care providers especially in areas where they can really have an impact.

Cone CEO response

Cone chief executive Mary Jo Cagle said in a statement that the proposed Atrium Greensboro hospital is bad for Greensboro, bad for High Point and bad for any attempt to keep the lid on health care costs.

Cagle cited as an example comparing simple visits to the emergency department for example. $160 at Moses Cone Hospital vs $518 at High Point Medical Center.

Cagle said the Atrium Greensboro hospital would be designed to send anyone needing more than basic care will be sent to Winston-Salem  and to higher academic medical center prices.

She suggested that Atrium and Baptist spend some of the proposed $256 million on modernizing High Point Medical Center and adding new services there.

Cone Health does not shy from competition, Cagle said.

But, lets be truthful about Atriums intentions. They are entering a market  not investing in a community. And everyone will pay for it.

More competition

Baptist said in the CON application that opening Greensboro Medical Center would be complementary and supplementary to Moses Cone.

Approval of Greensboro Medical Center will enable Greensboro to match the other top five North Carolina cities in hosting multiple hospital systems and having local hospital competition, which will be a benefit to local residents, according to the Baptist application.

In the Baptist statement, Atrium stressed that services at High Point Medical Center will not be impacted by the transfer of the 36 beds and two operating rooms.

Baptist cited recent infrastructure and equipment investments in the High Point hospital that include opening a high-risk obstetrics clinics, enhancing its intensive care units and advanced technologies, including robotic surgical techniques.

CON purpose

The purpose of the states controversial CON laws is to limit or prevent duplication of medical services within a community.

The laws also serve as a disincentive to for-profit health-care providers to open facilities.

Cone indicated its willingness to support additional health-care services in Greensboro  as long as it is not located in the 27410 ZIP code.

Cone claimed that while competition often results in more favorable pricing, it is not necessarily the case here.

Publicly available data shows that Cone Health typically provides similar services at less cost than Atrium Health, across all services and all insurance types.

Cone also cited that if the CON application is approved, High Point residents would be affected by the shift of the 36 hospital beds and two operating rooms.

Cone said the transfer would increase the likelihood that High Point patients will be transferred to Winston-Salem for advanced care.

Cone summed up the ad by saying denial is not a word or action we take lightly.

In fact, it goes against the very fabric of what Cone Health stands for.

But, in this care, rejection can pave the way for greater acceptance.

Replanting flag

Atrium would be able to replant a strategic flag as it grows comfortable in its affiliation with Advocate Health, the nations fifth-largest health-care system.

This time, the Atrium brand would be front and center in Greensboro.

In June 2012, Atrium (then branded as Carolinas HealthCare System) entered into a 10-year management contract with Cone in which it gleaned valuable operational insight into the Greensboro and Guilford County marketplaces.

That contract ended in February 2020 by mutual consent as Atrium was negotiating with Wake Forest Baptist to expand its collaboration beyond a November 2019 agreement.

That agreement proved to be the catalyst that led to Atrium acquiring all of Baptist in October 2020.

Keith Debbage, a joint professor of Geography & Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality at UNC Greensboro, said that a health-care market that offers choice may well translate to health-care services that offer more competitive, affordable prices.

Debbage cautioned that Cone is never going to take any incursion into their home base lightly.

The hope is better choice and more affordable prices but not before, potentially, a protracted regulatory and legal battle, which may delay the provision of improved health services.

Triad hospital competition

Cones official opposition to the Baptist Greensboro hospital proposal stirs memories of the intense competition between Baptist and Novant Health Inc. about opening similarly sized community hospitals in Bermuda Run and Clemmons, respectively.

The major difference between the Baptist-Novant dispute and Atrium-Cone dispute is that Atrium has the CON review gauntlet to undertake with Cones facility in northern Greensboro already established.

In December 2009, the health-care systems dropped their opposition to each others plans for $100 million hospitals, ending an often-heated 27-month dispute.

The Bermuda Run and Clemmons hospitals are about four miles apart. Each has been focused on providing outpatient surgical procedures to free up space on their main Winston-Salem campus.

Both hospitals gained state CON approval in 2008, only to both appeal the decision favoring their rival, with Novant ending its pursuit in March 2009 and Baptist dropping its appeal as part of the settlement.

There were times when emotions ran high and some people thought litigation would be the only way to get to the finish line, said Greg Beier, then-president of acute-care services for Novant.

But the realities of legal expenses of more than $1 million a year, and the prospects of seven to 10 years of litigation and appeals, persuaded the systems to reach a compromise.

Donny Lambeth, then-president of Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, said its officials eventually determined that there was a slim chance of its appeal of the Clemmons hospital being approved.

As we started the steps of litigation, we realized we were wasting resources that could be used to focus on the health-care needs of the communities, Beier said.

The systems did not offer inpatient bed services until 2017.

Responses

Tony Plath, a retired finance professor at UNC-Charlotte, said Atriums plan for the Greensboro community hospital is a natural progression given its acquisition of Baptist.

How can Atrium maintain and advance its market leadership position without maintaining a major branded industry presence in Greensboro, which is the largest urban market in the Triad area? Plath asked.

Answer: It cant. To do otherwise would be like Bank of America having no branches in Greensboro, and simply ceding a growing, profitable and lucrative market to Wells Fargo, which is just preposterous.

Atrium simply cant leave the Greensboro market unchallenged for Cone to claim.

Lambeth, now a Republican state House member from Forsyth County, said the Atrium proposal is sparking a classic turf war for market share between two large systems.

The area being targeted is a very lucrative area, and Atrium could gain new market share in that area that has historically defaulted to Cone. This seems to be the first major attempt by Atrium to flex their muscle as a mega health system with an interest in growing within North Carolina.

These fights never end well, as this fight could go on for years, Lambeth said.

Zagros Madjd-Sadjadi, an economics professor at Winston-Salem State University, said Cone could opt to counter Atriums incursion into northern Greensboro by expanding Cones presence in High Point.

If this is a problem (transferring 36 hospital beds) for the citizens of High Point, why doesnt Cone suggest that they should expand their own High Point presence to make up for this deficit? Madjd-Sadjadi asked.

Of course, it is unclear whether these beds are needed in High Point since if they are being used by Greensboro residents, moving them to Greensboro may be a superior strategy than keeping them in High Point.

Madjd-Sajdadi said that Cones biggest argument seems to be that Atrium costs more than Cone.

But, that would suggest that Atrium needs to lower its costs to compete with Cone, so why would Cone be worried if they are already the lower-cost provider?
Sunday is Easter. Here are some questions and answers about Easter traditions.

Q: What is the story behind the Easter lily?  R.B.

Answer: Lilies are mentioned several times in the Bible, including Jesus reference in Matthew 6:28: Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin. Some religious traditions say that white lilies sprang up from drops of Jesus sweat during his crucifixion or that lilies were found in Marys tomb three days after her death. Church paintings of Mary and the baby Jesus often featured lilies as symbols of purity.

Easter lilies gained widespread popularity (and, presumably, their name) because they bloom around Easter.

Q: How did the Easter Bunny get the name Peter Cottontail? I mean, I know why a rabbit would be referred to as having a cotton tail, but how did that specific name come about?  B.B.

Answer: The name actually derives from a 1914 childrens book, The Adventures of Peter Cottontail by childrens story author Thornton Burgess. The characters actual name was Peter Rabbit, and he originated with writer Beatrix Potter, who named the character after her childhood pet rabbit Peter Piper.

Burgess tried briefly to call his rabbit Peter Cottontail, according to a 1944 article in Life magazine. But he went back to Peter Rabbit for, as Peter himself said, Theres nothing like the old name after all.

He continued to write about the character as Peter Rabbit, but the temporary nickname took off separately, perhaps helped along in 1949 by a popular Easter song, Here Comes Peter Cottontail, written by Jack Rollins and Steven Nelson, the same duo who later wrote Frosty the Snowman.

Q: Where did the tradition of the Easter Bunny come from?  J.H.

Answer: In his book Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things, author Charles Panati traces the origins to pre-Christian customs celebrating the goddess Eastre, who was worshiped by Anglo-Saxons through her earthly symbol, the hare.

Eastre was the goddess of springtime, and rabbits were often associated with fertility. Second-century Christian missionaries learned of the celebrations in honor of her when they were trying to convert the Teutonic tribes north of Rome.

Whenever possible, the missionaries did not interfere too strongly with entrenched customs, according to Panati. Rather, quietly  and often ingeniously  they attempted to transform pagan practices into ceremonies that harmonized with Christian doctrine.

If converts took part in a Christian ceremony on a day when no other people were celebrating, they could become targets for persecution. But if a Christian rite took place on the same day as a similar custom, it was less obvious.

Also, having similar customs would make it easier to convince people to adopt new ways and, perhaps, convert to Christianity.

Over time, more and more people converted to Christianity. The rabbits came along for the ride, and the Easter Bunny eventually became the egg-delivering scamp we know today, eggs also being a traditional symbol of fertility and the renewal of life.
Its been more than a decade since then-North Carolina House Speaker Thom Tillis uttered his infamous, but accurate, description of the strategy that he and his fellow Republicans would need in order to remain ascendant in state politics.

In 2011 Tillis told an audience of supporters in western North Carolina that the key to GOP victories was to divide and conquer their potential adversaries by convincing a large subset of that group to look down on people of low income who might find themselves reliant upon public assistance. Or, as Tillis put it offensively, these people who choose to get into a condition that makes them dependent on the government.

Tillis later expressed some regret for the statement. But when it comes to the senators comrades on the political right, theres been no such backtracking. Indeed, as Donald Trump and others have demonstrated time and again, divide and conquer has become the go-to strategy of modern American conservatives as theyve worked to construct and sustain governing majorities in states like North Carolina, where their policy agenda  tax cuts for the rich, low wages for working people, limits on reproductive freedom, no limits on guns  remains broadly and consistently unpopular.

Nowhere is this deeply cynical tactic better epitomized in 2023 than in the GOP effort to convince white voters that there exists some kind of diabolical conspiracy among public school educators to heap demoralizing, inferiority-provoking guilt upon their children.

Republican lawmakers have been egged on by Fox News provocateurs and others of their ilk to believe (or, at least, to say) that teachers  most of them white  are somehow (and for some reason) intentionally inundating white kids with constant reminders of the racist sins of their forebears as part of a monstrous wokeness conspiracy. In response, these lawmakers have been advancing bill after bill to crack down on critical race theory and other components of the supposed scheme.

The result: At a time when the states tax code grows more regressive by the year, income and wealth gaps continue to soar, many schools are crumbling, the environment is in crisis, and our children are being mowed down by gunfire at a ghastly rate, the top agenda item for the states most powerful political leaders is to micromanage the states U.S. K-12 history curricula.

One of the great tragedies here is that there are many important lessons about race in American history that unintimidated teachers could and should impart to students.

As N.C. State professor emeritus Michael Schwalbe, a social scientist, explained in a powerful essay last week, when this subject is approached in a thoughtful and truthful way, there are enormous and powerful insights that can be conveyed and absorbed by students.

Sadly, those are precisely the kinds of insights that leaders on the right would prefer to keep safely under wraps, lest working- and middle-class white voters recognize how much more they have in common with average people of color than they do with the Donald Trumps, Ron DeSantises and Marjorie Taylor Greenes of the world.

And so it is that even as North Carolina Republican legislative leaders have finally and grudgingly conceded that Medicaid expansion is both a policy and political winner that will save thousands of lives while greatly adding to the states wealth and well-being, they simply cant resist the temptation to sully this small but important spit of mutually beneficial common ground.

This is why theyve made enactment of the expansion legislation contingent on final passage of a state budget. And its why the state House version of said budget that was written behind closed doors and made public last week, contains all manner of controversial law changes totally unrelated to funding government  many of them from the far rights political and culture war agendas.

As NC Newslines Lynn Bonner reported, this means that, in order for our state to enact a popular, bipartisan and lifesaving bill to extend health care access to half-million-plus people, well also have to swallow new laws to micromanage and privatize our public schools, embrace crazy election-law conspiracy theories, and change state retirement laws to benefit a Republican Supreme Court justice.

In other words, divide and conquer. Force well-meaning Medicaid champions whove been fighting for expansion since Thom Tillis first broached his strategy, to look down on other progressive advocates who might urge a gubernatorial veto of the budget in order to block attacks on our schools, elections and the judiciary.

The bottom line: The state budget should be about funding government, not leveraging a political agenda favored by a small and extreme minority. All North Carolinians should be angered by this deeply cynical, if maddeningly familiar, maneuver.
Johnny Rawls, 5 p.m. Friday, Zoo Bar. Multiple Blues Music Award nominee and Soul Blues Album of the Year winner for 2018s Im Still Around, Mississippi legend Johnny Rawls is set for the Zoo Bars FAC this week. Rawls, who began his career playing guitar with O.V. Wright and backing the likes of Little Milton and Bobby Bland, has recorded 22 albums in his nearly 30-year solo career and is widely acclaimed as a soul-blues renaissance man.

The Last Ten Seconds of Life, 6 p.m. Friday, 1867 Bar. Pennsylvania deathcore band, The Last Ten Seconds of Life, emerged in 2010, taking its name from a song by The Smiths, and have become a major draw in the genre known for their ferocious, physically punishing sound.

Static X, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Bourbon Theatre. Heavy metals Static X is midway through its Rise of the Machine Tour, celebrating its 2001 album Machine and supporting its latest album, Project Regeneration: Vol. 2, a combination of recently found songs with vocals by original vocalist Wayne Static, who died in 2014, and new songs featuring vocalist XerO, who joined the band in 2018. The Bourbon show, like most of the others on the tour, is sold out
Prosecutors charged a 39-year-old Lincoln man with four felonies Wednesday after a 10-year-old girl told investigators she woke up at a sleepover to find the man touching and photographing her, police alleged in court filings.

Nathen Mcthenia is accused of touching the girl underneath her shirt and taking photos of her bare bottom as she slept at a sleepover in the Belmont neighborhood in October, Lincoln Police Investigator Robert Norton said in the affidavit for Mcthenia's arrest.

The girl reported the incident to police in March, telling investigators that she woke up to Mcthenia touching her and, she said, he had asked her earlier in the night if she was a heavy sleeper, Norton said in the affidavit.

The 39-year-old was arrested Tuesday.

Prosecutors on Thursday charged Mcthenia with generation of child pornography, possession of child pornography, third-degree sexual assault of a child and felony child abuse.

At his initial court hearing Thursday afternoon, Judge Laurie Yardley set a percentage bond at $750,000. He must pay $75,000 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
Emmy Pollen can still remember the commercials.

Those ones where the presenter makes an impassioned plea to save the children, hoping to elicit an emotional response  and ultimately, action  from the viewer.

"I would go to my mom crying and be like, 'We have to help them,'" Pollen recalled.

Those ads, in a way, kicked off Pollen's lifelong passion for helping children  whether in overseas orphanages in countries like Romania and Trinidad, classrooms back home or as a foster parent.

"It's basically been a passion since I was a little girl."

Now, Pollen is hoping to help children in another way: as a member of the Lincoln Board of Education. Pollen, a substitute in Lincoln Public Schools and self-described homemaker, is running as a Republican for the seat vacated by Connie Duncan in District 2, which covers parts of south-central and east Lincoln. School board races are officially nonpartisan.

The 34-year-old Pollen, who announced her candidacy in February, said she decided to try her hand at politics when she learned only one candidate had filed to run for the open seat.

"My husband said you should run (for) politics sometime, you would be good at that," she said. "We found ourselves between foster placements, and I just thought I have the time right now."

But more than simply bringing competition, Pollen said she has the experience, having been an educator in various roles for more than a decade.

"I've been in the buildings, I've seen different things, I definitely have opinions," she said. "I care a lot about kids. (Running for school board) just seemed like a good fit."

Helping children  especially orphans and abandoned children  has been the lifelong work of Pollen, a native of Bloomington, Minnesota.

When she was growing up, she remembered a missionary visiting her church and soliciting donations for children in Romania. Then, when she was in college at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minnesota, she traveled to Romania through Heart to Heart International to work with orphans and abandoned children.

Pollen later made similar trips to Taiwan, Trinidad, Haiti and Native reservations in the U.S.

After graduating from college in 2011 with a degree in intercultural relations, she discovered she needed a job to supplement her overseas volunteer work. She had done a couple of nannying gigs and figured being a paraeducator would be a good fit.

Teacher who had an impact Pam Sulack, fourth grade, Westwood Elementary School in Bloomington, Minnesota: She was my favorite teacher because she read us really great books out loud and I had dyslexia and struggled to learn to read. ... So that really kind of encouraged me to read  and read a lot.

So she worked for a time as a one-on-one para for a student with autism in Urbandale, Iowa, and as a special education para in a specialized behavioral building in Des Moines.

Then in 2018, Pollen and her husband, Rick, moved to Lincoln and bought a fixer-upper in the Near South neighborhood after Rick found work as a hospital chaplain with Bryan Health. The two have welcomed foster children into their home over the years.

Pollen spent time as an infant teacher at a Lincoln preschool before COVID-19 hit and her position was no longer needed. So, in November of 2020, she decided to become a sub at LPS filling various roles, including para, teacher, bus associate and nutrition services worker.

She's also recently taught figure-skating classes and served as a children's pastor at her church.

Now she's hoping to add another job title: School board member.

"I just wanted to try, and it's up to the people to decide."
When Piyush Srivastav and his wife, Aradhna, moved to Lincoln in 1991, they soon realized that the Capital City was where they wanted to plant their roots.

The strength of the public schools  where they would eventually send their two daughters  played a big role in that decision.

The city felt a lot like Roorkee, India, where Piyush Srivastav grew up, too. Both are university cities. Both had the same strong sense of community.

"Lincoln just felt like a very nice small town (with) a hometown feel. The people were nice. Everybody was friendly," Piyush Srivastav said. "We kind of saw that same sense of community in the schools."

With his family's roots firmly established now, Srivastav is looking to give back to Lincoln Public Schools by running for the District 2 seat on the Lincoln Board of Education vacated by Connie Duncan. Duncan scouted out Srivastav, a Democrat, to run in her stead in the officially nonpartisan race when she declined to seek a third term.

Srivastav, the founder and president of the environmental consulting firm NAQS Environmental Expert, said at first he was concerned he wouldn't be able to devote enough time given his busy schedule. But after he met with several LPS officials, including every current board member, he felt it was right to run.

"I told myself there is nothing more important than giving your time and services to an organization like LPS," he said. "I decided to give it a shot."

Originally from India, Srivastav came to the U.S. in 1989 to pursue his master's in hydrogeology at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He came to Lincoln two years later at the recommendation of his professors, who praised the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's groundwater program.

It was in Lincoln he and his wife decided to stay. His two daughters ultimately attended LPS: One graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School and another is a freshman there.

Teacher who had an impact K.V. Gupta, math teacher, and S.K. Bana, biology, in India: I thought about why did I enjoy them and I kept coming back to this answer: Both of them made it fun. It wasn't all about memorizing stuff. ... They gave us real-life examples. You were not just solving an equation.

"We made a conscious decision; we were not going to move from place to place to get better jobs," said Srivastav, 56. "We wanted a place that our kids could call home and could, again, have a sense of community, and we're so glad we (stayed)."

Srivastav first worked as a regulator for the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality before he went to work for the Nebraska Public Power District, where he oversaw air regulations for power plants.

Through that work, he learned that environmental regulations were extremely complex and that many businesses didn't know how to navigate them. So in 2003, Srivastav founded his own consulting firm, where his wife is a part-time consultant as well.

"One of the things I told myself is I have this knowledge, wouldn't it be (better) to share it with as many companies as possible and do good for as many companies as possible," said Srivastav, who served on the Foundation for LPS board for six years, including one year as chair. "It truly has been a gratifying experience."

Srivastav was also heavily involved in the planning of The Career Academy, LPS' career pathway programs at Southeast Community College, ahead of the 2014 bond issue. He was among a team of people who traveled the country to study similar programs in other districts.

"There was this one kid (on one visit) who said that had it not been for this career academy, (he) probably would have been killed in gang violence," Srivastav said. "These are the things that show if you make education fun, if you give kids opportunities that give them real-life experiences, then it just changes their life."

They're similar opportunities Srivastav is hoping to make possible for children at LPS.

"I want to make sure that all our students and teachers and parents have the resources needed for a world-class education in Lincoln."
It appears voters have rejected a bond issue in Batavia School District 101 that would have paid for the replacement of the current H.C. Storm Elementary School building as well as the Louise White Elementary School building, as well as other improvement projects in the district. (Batavia School District / HANDOUT)

After the apparent defeat of a bond issue proposal by voters, Batavia School District 101 Superintendent Lisa Hichens on Friday reached out to the community for input, saying the districts facility needs are real.

Voters appear to have rejected a $140 million bond issue to replace H.C. Storm Elementary and Louise White Elementary with new school buildings plus make other district-wide improvements to schools.

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The unofficial vote totals show 54.36% of the voters were against the bond issue, while 45.64% were in favor of the measure.

The community rejected the plan that was developed over many years with staff and community input along the way, Hichens said in a message posted on the districts website. Our facility needs are real and we cannot ignore them. It is critical that we come together as a community to create a new plan that reflects the desires and needs of everyone involved. We cannot move forward without everyones assistance and input.

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If the referendum question had been approved by voters, the Batavia School District Board of Education would have be able to issue school building bonds that would have coincided with the retirement of existing debt and generate funding for the proposed projects without increasing the current bond and interest property tax levy, district officials said before the election.

The districts existing bond debt is set to expire in two years, according to officials.

Hichens, who is retiring at the end of the school year, has encouraged the community to come together to develop a new plan.

At some point in the near future, we will need to go back to the drawing board, she said.

While many in the community participated by voting on the plan, we need more than just your vote. We need your assistance. I urge each and every one of you to participate in this process, share your thoughts and ideas, and work with us to develop a new plan that will meet the needs of our schools and community. Your engagement and commitment are essential to our success, Hichens said.

Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
Nebraskas Capital City is facing a stark housing shortage, and one of its largest nonprofit developers is retooling to be part of the solution.

NeighborWorks Lincoln has hired Leslie Coleman, who will be joining its ranks as chief operations officer in mid-April. The senior leadership position will be filled a month after Charlie Wesche was promoted to the organizations chief of staff role, and comes on the heels of the release of its 2022-24 strategic plan late last year.

Leslie and Charlie bring an array of practical abilities and mission-fit to a roster of team members and partners that have us bullish about our ability to serve the City of Lincoln at a higher level, said Wayne Mortensen, CEO.

Established in 1986, NeighborWorks Lincoln has historically functioned as a niche developer of for-sale affordable housing for low- and moderate-income Lincoln families, but has taken a more aggressive stance, beginning in 2020, with the following actions:

 Hired Mortensen in July 2020 to serve as its chief executive officer.

 Between 2020 and 2023 created four new roles  financial services administrator, real estate director, real estate associate, and chief of staff  and now has its largest team with 12 full-time equivalent positions.

 Expanded its board of directors while decreasing the overall age by 12 years and doubling female (58%) and non-white member participation (37%).

 Incorporated Nebraskas first citywide community land trust (CLT), which facilitates perennial affordable housing through land leases.

 Approved its new strategic plan in late 2022 that calls for more involvement in workforce, mixed-income and multi-family housing.

 Increased its access to working capital by 200% and attracted $2.1 million in federal (ARPA) support.

The board made a series of strategically impactful decisions on the premise that we wanted the organization to play a larger role in solving Lincolns systemic housing challenges, said Eric Gerrard, NeighborWorks Lincoln president.

Coleman joins NeighborWorks Lincoln after five years as chief executive officer of NeighborWorks Home Solutions in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where she helped achieve an exemplary rating from NeighborWorks America.

Prior to that, Coleman served as the chief operating officer at NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska in Norfolk, and managed the housing division of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

In her new role, Coleman will spearhead organizational compliance and program evaluation. She is a native of Falls City, Nebraska, and attended Northeast Community College.

Wesche continues six years of service with NeighborWorks Lincoln in the newly created position of chief of staff. In addition to his ongoing responsibilities as the real estate director, Wesche will play a larger role in organizational strategy, development and team performance. He previously worked as a middle school science instructor at Lincoln Public Schools and managed his own home renovation contracting business. Wesche is a native of Laramie, Wyoming, and a graduate of Hastings College.

The mission of NeighborWorks Lincoln is to improve lives by expanding affordable housing opportunities and strengthening neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.nwlincoln.org or call 402-477-7181.
Five Noyes Art Gallery artists will exhibit in the Nebraska State Office Building lobby at 301 Centennial Mall South during regular business hours in April and May.

The artists work represents a variety of subjects, media and styles:

- Deb Brown creates abstract mixed-media works full of texture and color.

- Joni Brown explores flora and fauna with joyful colors that express her love of nature.

- Kelsey Dooley experiments with paint and other materials to make images ranging from the abstract to the whimsical.

- Heather Duckers abstract paintings explore the qualities of paint, color and movement.

- Maryellen Fulton uses her masterful drawing skills to create engaging pictures inspired by nature and fantasy.

For more information on the show or to make a purchase, call the Noyes Art Gallery at 402-475-1061.
The Lincoln Commission on Human Rights (LCHR) will host the annual Civil Rights Conference Wednesday, April 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Nebraska Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Dr.

This years keynote speaker is Ryan Sallans, speaker and author on gender diversity and mental health awareness.

The conference will open with remarks from Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird at 8:30 a.m. and includes sessions on the following topics:

 Fair housing law;

 Employment discrimination law;

 Current events related to human rights;

 Ethics;

 Health and mental health care and equity;

 Education and equity; and

 Equitable data collection.

The conference will include presentation of the Gerald Henderson Human Rights Award, which honors a person, organization or group that has made significant achievements in promoting human rights in our community.

The $105 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and conference materials. Professional continuing education credits are being requested for this event.

For more information on the event, continuing education credits and online registration, see lincoln.ne.gov/crc2023, call 402-441-7625 or contact Francisca Beltran at fbeltran@lincoln.ne.gov. The registration deadline is April 11.

For more information on LCHR, visit humanrights.lincoln.ne.gov.
Nearly 300 Rotary members from the 38 clubs across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa turned the spotlight on their communities as they gathered for the annual Rotary District 5650 Convention April 1.

Members from each club in the district selected someone in their community who was not part of Rotary to recognize for their service to the citizens of the city. The recognition culminated in a dinner celebration at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center.

I wanted our clubs to look beyond their walls for examples of service to their communities, said District Governor Barbara Bartle. Rotarys motto is service above self, and this new award for our district, the Golden Wheel, was designed to exemplify not only that motto, but to highlight all that Rotary does around the world by helping education, women and children, community development, our environment and so much more.

Award recipients ranged from a young teen from Red Oak, Iowa, who has raised thousands of dollars for the local food pantry, to a senior citizen in Fillmore County, Nebraska, who has opened her arms to those experiencing the loss of a loved one.

As members from across the two states gathered in Lincoln for the banquet, one by one the 38 recipients walked in and received a Golden Wheel medallion from Bartle. Those medallions, designed and produced by TMCO in Lincoln, were given to a former Marine from Iowa who is reaching out to help fellow veterans as they return home, and to a guy who manages a giant pumpkin patch for a festival in Crete. Also among the honorees were an Omaha woman who volunteers to help incarcerated people return to society and a Lincoln woman who provides a caring Christmas celebration for families impacted by cancer.

As each recipient was introduced, you could hear chatter from the Rotarians who had nominated them. Once all 38 recipients had been recognized, the room erupted in thunderous applause as the recipients stood at their tables to receive one final recognition. Their profiles are all shared online by the Lincoln Journal Star, one of the corporate sponsors of the event.

The convention, an annual event for the nearly 2,000 Rotary club members in District 5650 from across the region, included a number of other special events and guests. The morning focused on the work Rotary does with and for youth. Current and former participants in the Rotary Youth Exchange shared their experiences. Each year, high school students from across the district are selected to travel to another country and spend a year attending school, and as they do, they are hosted by Rotarians. In exchange, youth from districts in those countries come to Nebraska and Iowa to spend a year. It's a life-changing experience.

Rotary International also sponsors an Ambassadorial Scholar program for college-age students. Dr. Brady Beecham, a physician originally from Lincoln who now works in Lexington, shared her experiences both as a youth exchange participant in Spain and later as an Ambassadorial Scholar in India.

The noon luncheon featured two very special people. Robert Simmons, a member of Rotary in Glenwood, Iowa, was presented with the districts Cadwallader Award. Simmons has been very active in his club and served clubs throughout the district in a variety of ways. The Cadwallader Award is named for Charles Cadwallader, who served as president of Lincoln Club 14, as district governor and as a director of Rotary International in the 1930s.

Also during the noon celebration, the very first woman to become a member of a Rotary club, Dr. Sylvia Whitlock of California, shared her experience not only as a person who changed the face of Rotary, but as someone who has helped Rotary build schools in poverty-stricken areas of other countries.

Two afternoon panel discussions focused on community involvement and the impact that can result. Jessie Rasmussen of the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Thomas Judds from the Lincoln Housing Authority and Tony Goins, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, each shared how Rotarians could get involved in their communities to make a positive impact. That was followed by discussion of examples of involvement by Roger McQueen, mayor, and Greg Connell, director of Economic Development, both of Shenandoah, Iowa; as well as Randy Bretz, representing Rotary 14 on the task force to develop a convention center for Lincoln.

The evening celebration culminated by recognizing Steve Glenn, a member of Lincolns Rotary 14, for his extraordinary effort to help Ukrainian refugees as they fled the invasion of their country. Hardly a dry eye could be found in the audience as Glenn stepped to the podium to receive the Rotary District 5650 Distinguished Humanitarian Award from Past District Governor Carol Horner of Council Bluffs, and recognition including a certificate from Nebraska National Guard Adjutant General Daryl Bohac.

Glenn, through the resources of his Executive Travel company, his personal financial support and over $1 million donated, rented rooms in a hotel in Warsaw, Poland, for nearly a year and gave free housing to Ukrainian women and children who left their homes and families behind as they fled. Many Rotary members and others from the area traveled to Poland to offer a warm welcome to the refugees. It was a touching conclusion to the conference, which focused on the theme of Peace  Love  and Understanding.

To see the complete list of Golden Wheel recipients, go to https://bit.ly/40VKIz9.
Killeen, TX (76540)

Today

Showers this morning then scattered thunderstorms developing during the afternoon hours. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 71F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 62F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
1. Yes. Police officers should be the only ones armed in the council chambers. Period.

2. Yes. Such a ban is allowed by state law, and the city council should consider it .

3. No. The possibility of violence is always present, but disarming everyone isnt the answer.

4. No. Its unwise to change the city ordinance based on one unfortunate incident.

5. Unsure. Some steps must be taken, but its hard to say if a gun ban is necessary.

Vote

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HEARTWELL  When he was small, Zander Mais and his friends shot cans with BB guns and pellet guns. Carefully. Safely.

Wed shoot cans, but only outside of town, in a safe direction. We always made sure that there was nothing in the way and that we did it safely, he said.

As he grew older, Mais began learning about firearms, especially those invented during World War II. World War II history is about innovation. There were so many new inventions in a short period of time, he said.

Now, 19-year-old Mais is studying to become a gunsmith, which is the art of customizing, cleaning and repairing firearms. I just fell in love with working on guns, he said.

He is an apprentice for Michael Valenzuela, owner of Sappa Creek Gunsmithing in Alma.

He works with lathes, drill presses, horizontal band saws, sanders, grinding wheels, a bench lathe and a drill and mill machine. Some repairs can be done in an hour while other projects might take many months.

Mais' hours there are 2-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, but he often stays later to finish a project.

A 2022 Kenesaw High School graduate, Mais met Valenzuela last August at a Grand Island gun shop when he went with his parents, Alan and Gail, to get a firearm repaired.

We were talking, and Mike showed us how he fixed the gun. I kind of fell in love with gunsmithing then, Mais said. He also has a fascination for World War II firearms and a deep interest in the history of that era.

Valenzuela was so impressed with Mais knowledge of firearms that he offered him an apprenticeship last fall.

Mais also began browsing the internet and YouTube and registered for an online course in gunsmithing offered by Sonoran Desert Institute in Tucson. He expects to complete it and become a certified gunsmith within two years.

His apprenticeship here gives him valuable hands-on experience to bolster what he's learning online.

Valenzuela described his shop as a mixed bag that covers the whole gamut of gunsmithing, from repair and cleaning to customizing firearms, including painting and adding scopes and other accessories.

We do everything from general repairs to full refurbishments. We rebarrel rifles. They get old and wear out just like cars, he said.

His customers bring in between four to 15 firearms in one month  and even more as hunting season approaches.

Mais has become familiar with the machinery. His tasks might include adjusting the trigger spring in a rifle to make the trigger require a sturdier squeeze.

One past customer damaged his gun during a fall. It is being repaired.

Valenzuela moved his shop from Orleans to Alma last month. For many years, he did gunsmithing on the side at home and planned to do that after he retired, but when his full-time job ended during the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to move into full-time gunsmithing.

Mais expects to do gunsmithing as a profession, too. He would like to focus on World War II guns and hopes to build his own gun someday.

Firearms just caught my eye, and so many firearms were introduced in World War II. Theres so much history to World War II. Its something so many Americans were involved in. I wanted to learn more, he said.

World War II has personal relevance, too. Mais late grandfather handled clean-up duties in France with the U.S. Army after D-Day. Mais uncle still has his grandfathers uniform. Mais hopes to wear it in a Veterans Day parade this November.

He is also interested in being a World War II re-enactor. Right now, he attends such events as a spectator.

At Kenesaw High School, Mais was on the wrestling team, played in the marching band and sang in the choir. He has volunteered at Methodist Churchs East Lawn Food Pantry and at the Knights of Columbus Lenten fish fries.

Valenzuela said that hiring Mais was one of the best decisions I ever made. Zander has the drive to do this. You have to have a passion for this, and you need attention to detail, which Zander has.

He added, Hes trading his time for my help, and hes getting education and experience.

When Mais earns his certification, Valenzuela plans to make him a partner in the business. He will have his own area in Sappa Creek Gunsmithing, where he can work on customers firearms.

Mais said he is fortunate to be getting valuable hands-on experience with Valenzuela. I am learning a lot, and Im learning hands-on. I expect to stay here until life takes me down another path, he said.
LINCOLN  As Ted Carter gazed at the large crowd gathered inside the Warner Legislative Chamber, he saw much more than an enthusiastic group of college students.

The University of Nebraska System president was looking at the states future  the teachers, lawyers, health care professionals, engineers and information technology experts who will lead their communities for years to come.

This is a chance for you to tell your story, he said Wednesday during the sixth annual I Love NU Day event.

Students, staff, faculty and administrators from the NU Systems four campuses converged on the State Capitol in Lincoln to meet with lawmakers, show support for the university and promote its importance to the state. More than 50 people made the trip from Kearney, including UNK senior Trenten Theis.

A native of Superior, where his mother is a family practice physician, Theis attends UNK as part of the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP), a partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center designed to grow the states health care workforce by recruiting and training students from rural Nebraska who will return to these communities to practice after professional school. Participants are awarded full-tuition scholarships to study at UNK and guaranteed admission to UNMC if all requirements are met.

Theis called the investment money well spent.

These programs, they make a huge impact. And theyre working, he said. Its a great opportunity that Ive been given, and Im not wasting it. And I can tell you that Im not alone. In KHOP, there are a lot of people who really cherish what the university has given them, and they have every intention of coming back and serving rural Nebraska.

The pre-medical student participates in undergraduate research, Student Government, Fraternity and Sorority Life and other activities at UNK, giving him a chance to create connections across campus. That combination of high-quality education on a close-knit campus made his decision to become a Loper a no-brainer.

UNK has been a really great experience for me. I dont think I would trade that for anything, said Theis, who will attend medical school at UNMC after graduating from UNK this spring.

Strong partnership

The NU Systems impact extends well beyond health care.

Our universities and our system touch every single aspect of life, Carter said. There isnt anything that happens in the state of Nebraska that we are not deeply involved in or influencing.

The teaching, research and outreach activities of the University of Nebraska grow the states economy by $5.8 billion every year, reaching all 93 counties and returning $9 for every $1 the state invests. And the 11,000 students who graduate from NU campuses each year are ready to fill the high-demand, high-skill jobs available across the state.

Carter noted that most new jobs require education or training beyond high school, making a four-year degree more important than ever. Thats why hes focused on initiatives and programs that make a university education affordable and accessible for Nebraska families.

With support from the Legislature, the NU System was able to freeze tuition rates for 2021-22 and 2022-23 while expanding a program that allows qualified Nebraska students with family incomes of $65,000 or less to attend any of the NU campuses tuition-free. Another scholarship program was launched two years ago to support in-state students pursuing undergraduate degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, health care, information technology and other high-need areas.

Earlier this week, the Appropriations Committee approved a recommendation that would increase state funding for the university system by 2.5% annually over the next two fiscal years.

Thats a huge victory for the university, Carter said while thanking the Legislature and Gov. Jim Pillen for their ongoing support.

Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, vice chair of the Appropriations Committee, was among the lawmakers voting in support of the funding increase, calling it a good step in the right direction.

But I think we have a lot more to do in terms of investing in our university system, she said during I Love NU Day.

Nebraska is already facing significant workforce shortages, a problem that will continue to worsen if the current population trends arent reversed.

By 2030, in our state we will have more people 65 and older than 18 and younger. And in some areas of our state, thats already the case, said Wishart, emphasizing the importance of legislation that can attract and retain young professionals who build their careers and families here.

When I think about all of the things that help in terms of anchoring young people in our state and reducing brain drain, at the top of the list is a strong and healthy university system, she said.

Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte also spoke during the event, describing himself as a staunch advocate for the university.

The first-generation college graduate talked about growing up with seven siblings on the Clay County farm his family rented and following his fathers advice to attend UNL so hed have something to fall back on.

That was some great advice, said Jacobson, who studied agricultural economics and agricultural education.

The former ag teacher went on to become the founder, president and CEO of NebraskaLand Bank, which has locations in North Platte and Kearney.

I dont know where I would be today without my university education, Jacobson said. It was affordable. It was quality. There were great professors to work with. It was a great learning environment.

Great hope

Those are the same qualities that attracted Temo Molina to UNK.

The sophomore from Stanton was looking for a school that offered strong academics at an affordable price.

I found both of those at UNK, he said.

Molinas scholarship through the UNK Honors Program covers tuition, fees, room and board and books. Hes involved on campus through Student Government, Undergraduate Research Fellows, Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion, Model United Nations, Pre-Law Society and other organizations and was recently elected student body president and student regent for 2023-24.

Im passionate about the university and the opportunities it provides for students like myself, said Molina, whos studying political science and business administration with an accounting emphasis.

He attended I Love NU Day to encourage senators to invest in the future of the state and its young people.

Lawmakers need to hear from their constituents about whats going on and where their values and priorities lie, Molina said. Although many of our policymakers have been in the university themselves, they should probably be aware of whats going on in the present moment, and current students are in the best place to offer that perspective.

UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen agrees.

The best advocates that we have are our students, he said, because theyre not getting paid to come down here. Theyre being themselves. Theyre being sincere and genuine. That helps a lot.

Like many Nebraskans, they just want to get an education, pursue a career and give back to the state.

I think the average student who comes to UNK is just like the average Nebraskan, Kristensen said. They all have hopes and dreams. Theyre hardworking. They respect their education. And they want to be here for the long-term.

That ought to give legislators great hope, he added.
An Oswego woman is accused of fatally shooting a woman in February in the village, law enforcement officials said.

Oswego police and the Kendall County Coroners Office said they were dispatched around 6:56 a.m. Feb. 18 to the 100 block of Presidential Boulevard and found Annissa Ellen-Williams, 25, shot in the head next to a vehicle.

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Detectives from the Oswego Police Department and Illinois State Police investigated the case and Alexia Telles, 26, of Oswego, was recently charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting, officials said.

Telles was already in custody at the Kendall County jail, officials said. Telles appeared in court Wednesday, where her bond was set at $3 million.

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Oswego police previously said they were told Ellen-Williams had shot herself Feb. 18 while driving on a highway and that Telles, who was a front seat passenger, was able to gain control of the vehicle and drive it to their home in Oswego. When officers arrived, Ellen-Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said they were not told the location of the highway, and received assistance from the Illinois State Police since it was unclear where the shooting occurred.

During the investigation Feb. 18, Telles is accused of battering two officers while at the Oswego Police Department. She was charged with two counts of felony aggravated battery against a peace officer and taken to the Kendall County Jail, according to officials.

State police ask anyone with additional information about the shooting to call 815-726-6377. Officials said the case remains an open and ongoing investigation.

mejones@chicagotribune.com
As part of their unit on the Holocaust, seventh grade students in La Crosse Lincoln Middle School teacher Scott Bagniefskis class read aloud and discuss various Nuremberg laws before placing each one on a timeline. This allows the students to see the gradual progression of the Nazi persecution of Jews using the German legal system in the years leading up to the Holocaust.

The timeline is one of the classroom lesson ideas Bagniefski received at Viterbo Universitys Teaching the Holocaust Workshop. He and fellow Lincoln Middle School teacher Tim Sprain have attended the annual two-day workshop for more than a decade.

It is by far the best conference Ive ever attended in my 29 years of teaching, Bagniefski said. I learn so much every year, and it affirms what Im teaching in the classroom.

A leader in Holocaust education, the School District of La Crosse added the subject to its middle school curriculum more than a dozen years ago. Wisconsin Act 30, which became law in 2021, requires the teaching of the Holocaust and other genocides in grades 5-8 and 9-12 in state public and charter schools.

The workshop covers what is age-appropriate subject matter for big topics like this, Sprain said. For middle school, were covering what led up to the Holocaust under the larger lesson of preventing anything like this from happening again.

The highlight of their studies was a personal message and interaction with Holocaust survivor Peter Feigl, who shared a message and interacted via video with all Lincoln seventh- and eighth-grade students.

For the students, this was not a book or story, but a real person, Bagniefski said. The students were completely engaged and very serious and adult-like with the questions they asked because they knew they were talking to someone who lived it.

Feigl also held a question and answer session with workshop participants and spoke to a capacity Viterbo Fine Arts Center Main Theatre audience as part of the universitys D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership spring lecture series. His presentation continued the tradition of Holocaust survivors speaking at Viterbo that began in 2005.

Started in 2007, the Viterbo Teaching the Holocaust Workshop has grown to a two-day event and features leading Holocaust education expert Stephen Feinberg and other presenters. Feinberg worked at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., for 15 years and was responsible for the development and implementation of the Museum Teacher Fellowship Program.

Seventy-three people took part in this years workshop, and more than 800 from six states have participated since its inception. People from all walks of life attend, not just educators, and many come every year.

The annual workshop was founded and is led by Darryle Clott, a retired La Crescent High School English teacher and Viterbo University adjunct faculty member who has dedicated herself to providing outstanding Holocaust education and bringing Holocaust survivors to La Crosse to share their incredible stories and inspiring messages firsthand. Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel and Presidential Medal of Honor recipient Gerda Weissmann Klein are just two of many Holocaust survivors she was instrumental in bringing to the community since 2002 to speak to the public and area students.

Educators arent taught how to teach the Holocaust in college, and I think its very important to do so, said Clott, who has been honored with numerous awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, for her efforts. The workshop presenters put their hearts and souls into their presentations, and everyone is so inspired and uplifted by the survivors. Workshop evaluations are off the charts. Were so blessed to be able to do this.

Teaching the personal accounts and stories of Holocaust survivors and those who didnt survive is a key aspect that makes the important lessons more relatable to students, Clott said.

When kids are interested and excited to learn, you know youre doing something right, she said. We can use the Holocaust as a backdrop to teach people to respect each others differences. We can teach against bullying and how to get involved and intercede. Its important that we all be upstanders and not bystanders when we see injustice occur.

When I reflect on the many Holocaust survivors who have blessed us by coming to our area to share stories of personal loss, inspiration, and the strength to survive despite overwhelming odds, I am truly humbled, she said.

Ruth Busalacchi attended the workshop for a slightly different reason than most educators  she was invited to be a presenter. The Menomonee Falls sixth-grade social studies teacher had been teaching her students about the Holocaust using diary and other primary sources from young people who experienced the events of the time. One of the survivor stories they discovered was Feigls.

Last year, learning Feigl was still alive at the age of 93 and would be speaking at Viterbo, Busalacchi and her students sent him a package filled with letters, cards and art pieces.

We wanted to honor this amazing man and his harrowing escape to freedom, Busalacchi said. Then the unthinkable happened  he called me at school and offered to set up a Zoom call with my kids. I was stunned. It was the teaching moment of a lifetime.

Feigl would spend 30 minutes via Zoom with 97 students of the Menomonee Falls sixth grade, sharing his story and answering questions.

Words cant explain the experience, said Busalacchi, who gave a presentation about it and her teaching at this years Teaching the Holocaust Workshop. Peter is such a brilliant man, yet that pales in comparison to his graciousness. Our students were very honored by his gift of time he spent with them.

Feigl was unable to speak at Viterbo in 2022 due to illness but made the trip to La Crosse this year instead.

The entire workshop was riveting, Busalacchi said. For me, it was a personal and professional game-changer. The knowledgeable speakers and great teaching strategies inspired us to teach the Holocaust experience in a more informed and engaging way that will encourage students to do more reading and research on their own.

Busalacchi will take what she learned at the workshop and up her game as a Holocaust educator.

The childrens book Peters War tells the story of Feigls survival in Europe from his birth to his salvation in 1944, she said. I am going to take this story and create a readers theater script, to share with our entire sixth grade. The students will be able to read, research, and partake in this experience through drama. This is an art form I consider to be one of the premiere methods in engagement and understanding through the expression of the student voice. Im excited for the kids.

For more information about the Teaching the Holocaust Workshop, visit www.viterbo.edu/db-reinhart-institute-ethics-leadership/teaching-holocaust-workshop.
The idyllic American family conjures up images of a home in 1950s suburbia, a white picket fence, a golden retriever, and 2.5 kids.

The United States total fertility rate indicates that, for the U.S. to sustain its current population, women need to have an average of 2.1 children.

If that birthrate isnt sustained, the country risks a shrinking workforce, economic decline and a dwindling tax base.

Those risks have turned into reality.

The United States total fertility rate is now 1.7 kids and falling. Almost half of non-parent adults tell the Pew Research Center they will likely not have any children.

Northeastern Wisconsin families understand why. They know the persistent struggle to afford everything from diapers to housing. It now costs $310,600 to raise a child from birth to age 18, a 9.1% increase from five years ago, according to The Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C. nonprofit public policy organization.

One challenge has become particularly severe: child care.

The Economic Policy Institute found that a year of infant care can cost Wisconsinites more than tuition at a public college. Families have started to plan pregnancies around the availability of care, as they encounter years-long wait lists at child care centers.

Missy Schmeling, executive director at Encompass Early Education and Care Inc., hears about families struggles when they visit one of Encompass seven Brown County locations in search of a slot.

We have families asking where the food pantries are, about transportation, Schmeling said. Its an impossible burden on families. And another child will require more care.

The NEW (Northeast Wisconsin) News Lab is launching its fourth series, Families Matter, covering issues important to families in the region. This year, reporters from six news outlets  Green Bay Press-Gazette, Appleton Post-Crescent, Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR), Wisconsin Watch, The Press Times and FoxValley365  will spotlight the daily struggles families face, dig up solutions and options, and explain why these topics impact not only families, but the whole state.

A really tricky spot: Child care imperative for many Wisconsinites

In more than 70% of Wisconsin households with children under 6, all available parents are in the workforce, according to Annie E. Casey Foundation data.

Without access to affordable child care, parents are forced to work less, ultimately earn less and risk deeper financial struggle.

Theres this really tricky spot that I feel like a lot of millennials have found themselves in where you are making too much money for it to make sense for one of you to stay home, but not enough money to feel comfortable with how much money you have to put toward daycare, said Christine Gunderson, a Green Bay mom whose infant is in full-time child care.

Child care issues may result in a parent moving from full-time work to part-time. A parent may have to sacrifice their career and earnings altogether. Others may find no feasible solution.

Plus, not just any care is acceptable.

Experts say 85% to 90% of a childs core brain development occurs before the age of 5, and quality child care teaches social emotional skills that are key for school readiness. High-quality early education is even linked to higher career earnings later in life, according to Alejandra Ros Pilarz, an early care and education researcher.

Its kind of wild its come to that: Parents time pregnancies around child care

Tammy Dannhoff opened Kids Are Us Family Child Care in her Oshkosh home 34 years ago. Seeing families were timing pregnancies around child care providers openings, she added a Baby Watch section to her newsletter, to keep parents in the loop regarding openings.

As of early 2023, her centers next opening was in fall 2026.

Given the state of child care availability in Wisconsin, planning far in advance doesnt seem so far-fetched. The Center for American Progress in 2018 estimated more than one in two Wisconsinites lived in a child care desert  an area where care is not available or the number of children exceeds the number of slots. Rural areas are worse: 70% of rural Wisconsin is a child care desert. Staffing shortages regularly exacerbate availability issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown County lost an estimated 600 child care slots to closures and providers opting to retire, according to Family and Childcare Resources of Wisconsin officials.

Lack of available care leads to massive waitlists. For example, Encompass had about 350 children on its waitlist in January. Some centers do not know when the next opening might be.

Even if families get on waitlists as soon as they learn theyre pregnant, Wisconsin parents still might not be able to secure a slot at their first-choice facility. Some might still be without care by the time their child is born.

A friend told Green Bays Destiny Desotell to get on child care waitlists after she learned she was pregnant in May 2021. By that summer, she was on several wait lists and shocked when some centers told her itd be years before they had an opening for an infant.

Essentially, you have to be like I think I am going to have a kid in two years, put me down on the waitlist now, because its a realistic expectation that its going to be a two-year wait, Desotell said.

Eventually, Desotell secured care for her infant, now 13 months old, at Encompass Bellin Health Center location in Allouez. Her child received priority placement because she works for Bellin as a cardiac sonographer. Even then, the spot was not open until a month after Desotell returned from maternity leave, forcing her to bridge the gap with a licensed, in-home provider and help from her family.

Abby Funseth of New Glarus timed the conception of her second child, who is now 7 months old, around a child care opening. To even consider having another child, she said she needed to know she had care lined up first.

The Funseths were given a two-month window if they wanted their second child to make it into an opening at Corrines Little Explorers. They met that timetable, but that might not be possible for every family.

The entire  trajectory of our family planning came down to child care and its lack of availability, Funseth said. You put pressure on this timeframe to conceive a child, and it just takes all of the joy out of it. Its like a business (transaction).

Alex Steen, a Beaver Dam mom, is thinking about child care as she plans to have a second child. She recently paid Community Care Preschool & Child Care Inc., which her 2-year-old daughter attends, $200 to secure an infant spot.

Its kind of wild that its come to that: that you can place your unconceived children on a waitlist just to ensure they have care when they come about, she said.

Unaffordable care also contributes to larger age gaps between children

Affordable child care is defined as costing no more than 7% of a familys household income, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Thats not a realistic number to attain, Schmeling said.

In reality, a typical Wisconsin family with an infant and a 4-year-old spends 33.6% of its income on child care, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Infants typically require more costly care.

Brown, Outagamie, Winnebago and Fond du Lac county families are familiar with these costs. Home-based child care for one infant will cost a median-income family 10.5% to 12.2% of their income, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Center-based care costs 14.7% to 17.4% of the median household income.

Meanwhile, a minimum wage worker in Wisconsin would spend on average 83% of their income on child care, according to the Economic Policy Institute.

Tyler Sjostrom of Appleton said child care for he and his wifes two children costs more than their mortgage, car payments, insurance and utilities combined.

I dont know anybody who has kids in daycare who isnt always a little bit seething about (the cost), Sjostrom said. If you get a group of parents together and somebody mentions daycare, it descends into chaos really quick.

Costs may be high  Northeast Wisconsin families pay an average of $11,000 to $13,000 per year for in-center toddler care  but what families pay often does not cover all of a centers operating costs, such as rent, maintenance and food, or allow it to provide its employees with a living wage and competitive benefits.

Green Bays Savannah Zoch and her husband feel high-quality early education and care is vital to early childhood development. Because Zoch is a community engagement specialist for Encompass, she receives a 60% employee discount on child care for her two children  a lifesaver for her family.

Without the Encompass employee discount, I would basically be working to pay for child care, Zoch said.

Because of the high cost of child care, many families now wait to have a second child until their first begins school, at least part time. Thats the case for Steen, who said shell probably wait until her daughter enrolls in 4K.

Currently, her daughter only attends child care three days a week, but if it were five days a week, the cost would make having a second child impossible, she said.

In our situation, we are settling for a larger age gap than we might truly want, Steen said.

Anna Schneider, a mom of two from Denmark and sister to Abby Funseth, wants a third child, but financial concerns are also prompting her to wait.

You want to be able to have kids when you want to have kids, but financially speaking, it doesnt make any sense for us to have three kids in daycare right now because it would make more sense for one of us to stay home (and not work), she said.

To delay or not to delay? That is the dilemma.

Waiting to have a second or third child, however, may come with its own costs.

Gunderson pointed out that car seats expire and may need to be replaced, and other equipment, like cribs, may be deemed unusable due to recent safety upgrades.

While children are in care, parents often have to make sacrifices. Sjostrom said child care costs determine his familys discretionary income. For other families, the tradeoffs may be more grave. Roughly one in three households in Brown, Outagamie, Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties are already below the federal poverty level or struggle to afford the basic cost of living, according to the 2020 Wisconsin ALICE Report.

Age is also a consideration for many parents  both the age gap between their children and their own.

Desotell is in her late 20s, and her husband is in his early 30s.

(My 13-month-old) still sometimes doesnt sleep through the night consistently, and I dont know if I want to do that at 35, Desotell said.

Its a reality more families will have to confront, as many parents are starting families later in life.

U.S. Census American Community Survey data shows that between 2011 and 2021, fewer people between the ages of 20 and 34 bore children, while the birth rate among ages 35 to 50 steadily increased.

Medical professionals generally categorize giving birth at 35 or older as advanced maternal age. While it is increasingly common for people to have children after 35  even a first child  the medical community recognizes there are medical risks to both the pregnant person and baby.

Thats something that has been on Funseths mind recently.

When we think about the potential of adding another child to our family, Im thinking about: When does my oldest go into the school system so we wont be paying for her daycare anymore? she said. And  When will (our child care provider) have another opening for a baby? That might be for a couple of years yet, and Im almost 35; will we be able to have another?

Beyond families: The broader impact of the child care crisis

Northeast Wisconsins child care crisis is taking an increasing economic toll, too. As such, employers and economic development organizations are already realizing its impact their workforce.

Its no secret that Wisconsins workforce situation is less than ideal: Help wanted signs adorn most workplaces, and in September Forward Analytics projected the state could lose 130,000 working-age people by 2030.

The report said women drove a decline in workforce participation among all Wisconsinites ages 35 to 44 and cited family reasons, including a lack or high cost of child care, as potential contributors to the trend.

Child care challenges have a ripple effect, costing Wisconsins economy $1.1 billion annually, Raising Wisconsin, the advocacy arm of Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, found. The same study found 75% of business owners believe child care affects the economy, and 86% of caregivers said child care issues hurt their work time.

Christina Thor, Wisconsin director for the advocacy group 9 to 5  National Association of Working Women, said available, affordable child care  like affordable housing and adequate health care  can either attract people to Wisconsin or hasten young peoples departures.

We are estimated to lose 130,000 residents by 2030, Thor said. Thats young people moving from the state for different opportunities. Thats huge. And thats scary.

Ana Hernandez Kent, a senior researcher at the Federal Reserves Institute for Economic Equity, said employers miss out on potential employees when they do not consider the needs of working moms. While 84% of women without children are employed, that figure falls to 74% for working mothers.

If you talk about women in the economy, you cant do that without talking about child care issues. (Women and mothers) bear the brunt of taking care of the kids whether or not they work, Kent said. But it also has broader implications. If a mom has to take time off she didnt want to, it impacts their (familys) financial stability, their economic mobility.

Because women bear a disproportionate brunt of child care responsibilities, flexible workplace policies like the ability to work from home, child care assistance and paid family leave have already become vital benefits to working parents.

Those kinds of things are really positive for women and mothers, Kent said.

Northeast Wisconsin workforce would boom if child care issues were resolved

Thor prefers to think about what Northeastern Wisconsin would look like if the region found ways to address families child care needs, especially the big, big gap in culturally-competent child care she said the regions increasingly diverse communities need.

Wed bloom, Thor said. I feel like our workforce would boom.

Raising Wisconsin estimates addressing child care needs would enable 250,000 people to enter the states workforce.

Ann Franz, executive director of the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance, said manufacturers recognize the need to do something different. Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry now offers employees a $400 monthly reimbursement to help with child care costs while Schreiber Foods is testing a $5,000 annual child care stipend for workers at two of its facilities. A variety of employers secured Partner Up Grants from the state to provide child care for their employees.

Theres no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are a lot of resources that can help our companies and our region know the options, Franz said.

Shawn Phetteplace, Midwest regional manager for Main Street Alliance, a group that empowers small businesses to create policy changes, warns that leaving the issue to businesses alone could lead to further inequity for small businesses.

If child care becomes a benefit that an employer provides rather than a broad-based community asset, it puts small businesses at a competitive disadvantage, Phetteplace said. If we make public investments in health care, child care, paid leave, (small businesses) can increase pay. It creates a level playing field for them to grow.

Wisconsin stands to reap huge economic benefits if family-friendly incentives allowed more women and minority residents to enter the workforce, studies such as Council for a Strong Americas Want to Strengthen Wisconsins Economy? Fix the Childcare Crisis have shown.

Just like many other issues families face, the child care crisis cannot be solved with a single program, grant, innovation, incentive or change.

But such solutions are what Sjostrom, the Appleton father of two, longs for.

I hope that were still not talking about this when my kids have kids, but I also think that if we are, (my wife and I) will understand and try to help, Sjostrom said. There has to be a solution where families arent mortgaging everything for the right to have kids and help them thrive.

This story was produced as part of the NEW (Northeast Wisconsin) News Lab, a consortium of six news outlets covering northeastern Wisconsin. Wisconsin Watch is a member of the network.

The cost of child care in every state Intro With rising prices for housing and goods, a larger number of single-parent households and increased female participation in the workforce, the number of young families with stay-at-home parents is far below that of previous generations. Unlike in decades past, today, 73 percent of families with children under 18 must rely on some form of child care. In these families, either both parents are in the labor force, or in the case of single-parent families, the one parent is in the labor force. The importance of quality child care cannot be overstated. Researchers at Harvard have found that the human brain undergoes its most rapid development within the first few years of a childs life. Over time, the brain loses much of its ability to adapt to new challenges and create new neural connections associated with learning, which means that early childhood care and education can have lasting impacts. Consistent with these findings, other studies have shown that individuals who receive high-quality child care experience higher levels of academic achievement, increased income potential, and overall improved socioeconomic and health outcomes in adulthood. Despite the benefits, the unfortunate reality is that families across the country lack access to affordable child care options. According to Child Care Aware, the average annual cost of center-based infant care in the U.S. is $11,959. This amount eats up more than 12 percent of the median married-couple family incomewell above the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommendation that child care should cost no more than 7 percent of household income. According to Haven Lifes analysis of Child Care Aware, U.S. Census and U.S. Department of Labor data, single parents (especially single moms) and minimum wage earners are hit even harder. The average annual cost of center-based infant care accounts for 28.1 percent of the median income for single-fathers, 42.9 percent for single moms, and 79 percent for minimum wage earners. Furthermore, as a generation, millennials in most states struggle to pay for child care, and the high cost of raising children is a reason many report not having kids. Despite a strong need for reform, some states offer better opportunities for affordable child care than others. To help parents better plan for their future, Haven Life compiled data on child care cost by state and how it compares to various income thresholds. Based on the 7 percent HHS recommendation, child care is only considered affordable for the typical married-couple family in two states (Mississippi and Alabama), in no states for single parents, and also in no states for minimum wage earners. Southern states such as Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina and Louisiana tend to have the lowest child care costs, while coastal states such as Massachusetts, New York and California have the highest. Below is the full list of child care costs by state. Alabama Photo Credit: Bruce Len / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $5,858

$5,858 As a share of married-couple family income: 6.9 percent of $84,734

6.9 percent of $84,734 As a share of single-father income: 15.8 percent of $37,067

15.8 percent of $37,067 As a share of single-mother income: 27.6 percent of $21,201

27.6 percent of $21,201 As a share of minimum wage income: 38.7 percent of $15,131 Alaska Photo Credit: Ania / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $11,832

$11,832 As a share of married-couple family income: 11.8 percent of $100,499

11.8 percent of $100,499 As a share of single-father income: 22.1 percent of $53,554

22.1 percent of $53,554 As a share of single-mother income: 33.6 percent of $35,232

33.6 percent of $35,232 As a share of minimum wage income: 57.3 percent of $20,640 Arizona Photo Credit: incamerastock / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $10,687

$10,687 As a share of married-couple family income: 12.5 percent of $85,782

12.5 percent of $85,782 As a share of single-father income: 26.1 percent of $40,952

26.1 percent of $40,952 As a share of single-mother income: 36.4 percent of $29,359

36.4 percent of $29,359 As a share of minimum wage income: 46.6 percent of $22,957 Arkansas Photo Credit: Paul Brady / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $6,726

$6,726 As a share of married-couple family income: 8.9 percent of $75,914

8.9 percent of $75,914 As a share of single-father income: 18.7 percent of $36,002

18.7 percent of $36,002 As a share of single-mother income: 27.1 percent of $24,804

27.1 percent of $24,804 As a share of minimum wage income: 34.8 percent of $19,305 California Photo Credit: Kevin Griffin / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $16,542

$16,542 As a share of married-couple family income: 16.4 percent of $101,026

16.4 percent of $101,026 As a share of single-father income: 34.7 percent of $47,637

34.7 percent of $47,637 As a share of single-mother income: 52.4 percent of $31,567

52.4 percent of $31,567 As a share of minimum wage income: 72.1 percent of $22,957 Colorado Photo Credit: Andrew Zarivny / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $14,960

$14,960 As a share of married-couple family income: 14.7 percent of $101,844

14.7 percent of $101,844 As a share of single-father income: 27.1 percent of $55,273

27.1 percent of $55,273 As a share of single-mother income: 42.8 percent of $34,937

42.8 percent of $34,937 As a share of minimum wage income: 64.6 percent of $23,166 Connecticut Photo Credit: LEE SNIDER / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $15,132

$15,132 As a share of married-couple family income: 12.4 percent of $122,525

12.4 percent of $122,525 As a share of single-father income: 29.4 percent of $51,455

29.4 percent of $51,455 As a share of single-mother income: 46.1 percent of $32,837

46.1 percent of $32,837 As a share of minimum wage income: 71.8 percent of $21,079 Delaware Photo Credit: Jon Bilous / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $10,759

$10,759 As a share of married-couple family income: 10.9 percent of $98,600

10.9 percent of $98,600 As a share of single-father income: 24.6 percent of $43,812

24.6 percent of $43,812 As a share of single-mother income: 34.6 percent of $31,075

34.6 percent of $31,075 As a share of minimum wage income: 58.9 percent of $18,261 Florida Photo Credit: James Houlihan / Stockimo / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $9,018

$9,018 As a share of married-couple family income: 11.0 percent of $82,041

11.0 percent of $82,041 As a share of single-father income: 22.3 percent of $40,370

22.3 percent of $40,370 As a share of single-mother income: 32.4 percent of $27,874

32.4 percent of $27,874 As a share of minimum wage income: 51.1 percent of $17,656 Georgia Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $8,327

$8,327 As a share of married-couple family income: 9.2 percent of $90,104

9.2 percent of $90,104 As a share of single-father income: 20.3 percent of $41,006

20.3 percent of $41,006 As a share of single-mother income: 30.3 percent of $27,467

30.3 percent of $27,467 As a share of minimum wage income: 55.0 percent of $15,131 Hawaii Photo Credit: Sorin Colac / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $13,404

$13,404 As a share of married-couple family income: 12.9 percent of $103,541

12.9 percent of $103,541 As a share of single-father income: 23.6 percent of $56,772

23.6 percent of $56,772 As a share of single-mother income: 37.3 percent of $35,901

37.3 percent of $35,901 As a share of minimum wage income: 63.6 percent of $21,079 Idaho Photo Credit: Gregory Johnston / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $7,296

$7,296 As a share of married-couple family income: 9.7 percent of $75,263

9.7 percent of $75,263 As a share of single-father income: 20.2 percent of $36,034

20.2 percent of $36,034 As a share of single-mother income: 28.1 percent of $25,962

28.1 percent of $25,962 As a share of minimum wage income: 48.2 percent of $15,131 Illinois Photo Credit: rudi1976 / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $13,474

$13,474 As a share of married-couple family income: 13.3 percent of $100,936

13.3 percent of $100,936 As a share of single-father income: 32.2 percent of $41,843

32.2 percent of $41,843 As a share of single-mother income: 47.6 percent of $28,327

47.6 percent of $28,327 As a share of minimum wage income: 78.3 percent of $17,218 Indiana Photo Credit: Jessica Kirsh / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $12,312

$12,312 As a share of married-couple family income: 13.8 percent of $89,198

13.8 percent of $89,198 As a share of single-father income: 28.8 percent of $42,814

28.8 percent of $42,814 As a share of single-mother income: 48.0 percent of $25,639

48.0 percent of $25,639 As a share of minimum wage income: 81.4 percent of $15,131 Iowa Photo Credit: Natalia Kuzmina / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $10,131

$10,131 As a share of married-couple family income: 10.7 percent of $94,591

10.7 percent of $94,591 As a share of single-father income: 23.4 percent of $43,368

23.4 percent of $43,368 As a share of single-mother income: 35.0 percent of $28,924

35.0 percent of $28,924 As a share of minimum wage income: 67.0 percent of $15,131 Kansas Photo Credit: Stephanie Bishop / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $10,955

$10,955 As a share of married-couple family income: 12.4 percent of $88,524

12.4 percent of $88,524 As a share of single-father income: 24.2 percent of $45,309

24.2 percent of $45,309 As a share of single-mother income: 40.7 percent of $26,926

40.7 percent of $26,926 As a share of minimum wage income: 72.4 percent of $15,131 Kentucky Photo Credit: GeoStills / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $6,258

$6,258 As a share of married-couple family income: 7.5 percent of $83,847

7.5 percent of $83,847 As a share of single-father income: 16.7 percent of $37,434

16.7 percent of $37,434 As a share of single-mother income: 27.2 percent of $22,994

27.2 percent of $22,994 As a share of minimum wage income: 41.4 percent of $15,131 Louisiana Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $7,540

$7,540 As a share of married-couple family income: 8.2 percent of $91,725

8.2 percent of $91,725 As a share of single-father income: 18.6 percent of $40,511

18.6 percent of $40,511 As a share of single-mother income: 36.0 percent of $20,951

36.0 percent of $20,951 As a share of minimum wage income: 49.8 percent of $15,131 Maine Photo Credit: Enrico Della Pietra / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $9,224

$9,224 As a share of married-couple family income: 10.0 percent of $92,172

10.0 percent of $92,172 As a share of single-father income: 22.8 percent of $40,392

22.8 percent of $40,392 As a share of single-mother income: 30.9 percent of $29,838

30.9 percent of $29,838 As a share of minimum wage income: 40.2 percent of $22,957 Maryland Photo Credit: Jon Bilous / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $14,970

$14,970 As a share of married-couple family income: 11.9 percent of $125,988

11.9 percent of $125,988 As a share of single-father income: 28.6 percent of $52,355

28.6 percent of $52,355 As a share of single-mother income: 38.5 percent of $38,867

38.5 percent of $38,867 As a share of minimum wage income: 71.0 percent of $21,079 Massachusetts Photo Credit: Roman Babakin / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $20,415

$20,415 As a share of married-couple family income: 15.1 percent of $134,915

15.1 percent of $134,915 As a share of single-father income: 38.1 percent of $53,555

38.1 percent of $53,555 As a share of single-mother income: 64.9 percent of $31,463

64.9 percent of $31,463 As a share of minimum wage income: 81.5 percent of $25,044 Michigan Photo Credit: Linda Parton / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $10,603

$10,603 As a share of married-couple family income: 11.4 percent of $92,792

11.4 percent of $92,792 As a share of single-father income: 27.9 percent of $37,979

27.9 percent of $37,979 As a share of single-mother income: 40.3 percent of $26,283

40.3 percent of $26,283 As a share of minimum wage income: 54.9 percent of $19,305 Minnesota Photo Credit: Alex Holder / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $15,704

$15,704 As a share of married-couple family income: 14.1 percent of $111,045

14.1 percent of $111,045 As a share of single-father income: 31.0 percent of $50,615

31.0 percent of $50,615 As a share of single-mother income: 44.7 percent of $35,128

44.7 percent of $35,128 As a share of minimum wage income: 76.3 percent of $20,578 Mississippi Photo Credit: RSBPhoto / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $5,307

$5,307 As a share of married-couple family income: 6.8 percent of $77,740

6.8 percent of $77,740 As a share of single-father income: 14.9 percent of $35,518

14.9 percent of $35,518 As a share of single-mother income: 25.5 percent of $20,818

25.5 percent of $20,818 As a share of minimum wage income: 35.1 percent of $15,131 Missouri Photo Credit: Ginos Premium Images / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $9,802

$9,802 As a share of married-couple family income: 11.0 percent of $89,229

11.0 percent of $89,229 As a share of single-father income: 25.3 percent of $38,671

25.3 percent of $38,671 As a share of single-mother income: 36.8 percent of $26,672

36.8 percent of $26,672 As a share of minimum wage income: 54.6 percent of $17,948 Nebraska Photo Credit: Chris Boswell / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $12,272

$12,272 As a share of married-couple family income: 13.4 percent of $91,646

13.4 percent of $91,646 As a share of single-father income: 28.1 percent of $43,701

28.1 percent of $43,701 As a share of single-mother income: 45.6 percent of $26,926

45.6 percent of $26,926 As a share of minimum wage income: 65.3 percent of $18,783 Nevada Photo Credit: Andrew Zarivny / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $11,137

$11,137 As a share of married-couple family income: 13.1 percent of $85,235

13.1 percent of $85,235 As a share of single-father income: 23.3 percent of $47,772

23.3 percent of $47,772 As a share of single-mother income: 35.3 percent of $31,570

35.3 percent of $31,570 As a share of minimum wage income: 64.7 percent of $17,218 New Hampshire Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $12,487

$12,487 As a share of married-couple family income: 10.5 percent of $118,603

10.5 percent of $118,603 As a share of single-father income: 22.8 percent of $54,778

22.8 percent of $54,778 As a share of single-mother income: 39.5 percent of $31,584

39.5 percent of $31,584 As a share of minimum wage income: 82.5 percent of $15,131 New Jersey Photo Credit: joel zatz / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $12,679

$12,679 As a share of married-couple family income: 9.9 percent of $127,504

9.9 percent of $127,504 As a share of single-father income: 25.0 percent of $50,752

25.0 percent of $50,752 As a share of single-mother income: 38.8 percent of $32,707

38.8 percent of $32,707 As a share of minimum wage income: 68.6 percent of $18,470 New Mexico Photo Credit: John Sirlin / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $8,412

$8,412 As a share of married-couple family income: 10.5 percent of $80,057

10.5 percent of $80,057 As a share of single-father income: 25.9 percent of $32,460

25.9 percent of $32,460 As a share of single-mother income: 34.5 percent of $24,361

34.5 percent of $24,361 As a share of minimum wage income: 53.7 percent of $15,653 New York Photo Credit: Andriy Kravchenko / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $15,028

$15,028 As a share of married-couple family income: 14.3 percent of $105,088

14.3 percent of $105,088 As a share of single-father income: 35.4 percent of $42,440

35.4 percent of $42,440 As a share of single-mother income: 51.7 percent of $29,059

51.7 percent of $29,059 As a share of minimum wage income: 64.9 percent of $23,166 North Carolina Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $9,254

$9,254 As a share of married-couple family income: 10.4 percent of $88,784

10.4 percent of $88,784 As a share of single-father income: 25.0 percent of $36,978

25.0 percent of $36,978 As a share of single-mother income: 34.7 percent of $26,692

34.7 percent of $26,692 As a share of minimum wage income: 61.2 percent of $15,131 North Dakota Photo Credit: John Brueske / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $8,875

$8,875 As a share of married-couple family income: 8.8 percent of $101,039

8.8 percent of $101,039 As a share of single-father income: 18.7 percent of $47,496

18.7 percent of $47,496 As a share of single-mother income: 32.3 percent of $27,470

32.3 percent of $27,470 As a share of minimum wage income: 58.7 percent of $15,131 Ohio Photo Credit: Viktor Posnov / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $9,466

$9,466 As a share of married-couple family income: 10.0 percent of $95,134

10.0 percent of $95,134 As a share of single-father income: 23.0 percent of $41,090

23.0 percent of $41,090 As a share of single-mother income: 37.9 percent of $24,968

37.9 percent of $24,968 As a share of minimum wage income: 53.0 percent of $17,844 Oklahoma Photo Credit: Amanda Bannister / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $8,372

$8,372 As a share of married-couple family income: 10.7 percent of $78,578

10.7 percent of $78,578 As a share of single-father income: 24.7 percent of $33,957

24.7 percent of $33,957 As a share of single-mother income: 33.4 percent of $25,050

33.4 percent of $25,050 As a share of minimum wage income: 55.3 percent of $15,131 Oregon Photo Credit: Jason Rothe / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $13,292

$13,292 As a share of married-couple family income: 14.6 percent of $90,941

14.6 percent of $90,941 As a share of single-father income: 33.5 percent of $39,713

33.5 percent of $39,713 As a share of single-mother income: 46.4 percent of $28,664

46.4 percent of $28,664 As a share of minimum wage income: 59.2 percent of $22,435 Pennsylvania Photo Credit: Jon Lovette / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $11,560

$11,560 As a share of married-couple family income: 11.4 percent of $101,115

11.4 percent of $101,115 As a share of single-father income: 25.4 percent of $45,543

25.4 percent of $45,543 As a share of single-mother income: 41.6 percent of $27,788

41.6 percent of $27,788 As a share of minimum wage income: 76.4 percent of $15,131 Rhode Island Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $13,370

$13,370 As a share of married-couple family income: 13.0 percent of $103,063

13.0 percent of $103,063 As a share of single-father income: 30.1 percent of $44,357

30.1 percent of $44,357 As a share of single-mother income: 48.3 percent of $27,699

48.3 percent of $27,699 As a share of minimum wage income: 61.0 percent of $21,914 South Carolina Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $6,840

$6,840 As a share of married-couple family income: 7.9 percent of $86,299

7.9 percent of $86,299 As a share of single-father income: 19.0 percent of $35,937

19.0 percent of $35,937 As a share of single-mother income: 27.9 percent of $24,544

27.9 percent of $24,544 As a share of minimum wage income: 45.2 percent of $15,131 Tennessee Photo Credit: kacielandis / Stockimo / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $8,524

$8,524 As a share of married-couple family income: 10.3 percent of $82,906

10.3 percent of $82,906 As a share of single-father income: 23.2 percent of $36,683

23.2 percent of $36,683 As a share of single-mother income: 34.4 percent of $24,751

34.4 percent of $24,751 As a share of minimum wage income: 56.3 percent of $15,131 Texas Photo Credit: Bryan Mullennix / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $9,102

$9,102 As a share of married-couple family income: 10.3 percent of $88,529

10.3 percent of $88,529 As a share of single-father income: 21.9 percent of $41,504

21.9 percent of $41,504 As a share of single-mother income: 33.3 percent of $27,344

33.3 percent of $27,344 As a share of minimum wage income: 60.2 percent of $15,131 Utah Photo Credit: Andriy Kravchenko / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $9,708

$9,708 As a share of married-couple family income: 10.9 percent of $89,392

10.9 percent of $89,392 As a share of single-father income: 17.3 percent of $56,138

17.3 percent of $56,138 As a share of single-mother income: 30.6 percent of $31,689

30.6 percent of $31,689 As a share of minimum wage income: 64.2 percent of $15,131 Vermont Photo Credit: Jon Bilous / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $12,507

$12,507 As a share of married-couple family income: 14.0 percent of $89,058

14.0 percent of $89,058 As a share of single-father income: 31.6 percent of $39,607

31.6 percent of $39,607 As a share of single-mother income: 43.9 percent of $28,477

43.9 percent of $28,477 As a share of minimum wage income: 55.6 percent of $22,498 Virginia Photo Credit: Andrei Medvedev / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $13,728

$13,728 As a share of married-couple family income: 12.4 percent of $110,720

12.4 percent of $110,720 As a share of single-father income: 28.0 percent of $49,079

28.0 percent of $49,079 As a share of single-mother income: 43.5 percent of $31,570

43.5 percent of $31,570 As a share of minimum wage income: 90.7 percent of $15,131 Washington Photo Credit: MIHAI ANDRITOIU / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $14,208

$14,208 As a share of married-couple family income: 13.7 percent of $103,520

13.7 percent of $103,520 As a share of single-father income: 27.9 percent of $51,010

27.9 percent of $51,010 As a share of single-mother income: 45.8 percent of $30,991

45.8 percent of $30,991 As a share of minimum wage income: 56.7 percent of $25,044 West Virginia Photo Credit: Andrei Medvedev / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $8,528

$8,528 As a share of married-couple family income: 11.0 percent of $77,244

11.0 percent of $77,244 As a share of single-father income: 25.1 percent of $33,968

25.1 percent of $33,968 As a share of single-mother income: 49.5 percent of $17,215

49.5 percent of $17,215 As a share of minimum wage income: 46.7 percent of $18,261 Wisconsin Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $12,268

$12,268 As a share of married-couple family income: 12.2 percent of $100,160

12.2 percent of $100,160 As a share of single-father income: 27.4 percent of $44,693

27.4 percent of $44,693 As a share of single-mother income: 42.2 percent of $29,080

42.2 percent of $29,080 As a share of minimum wage income: 81.1 percent of $15,131 Wyoming Photo Credit: Robert Garrigus / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $10,394

$10,394 As a share of married-couple family income: 11.7 percent of $88,781

11.7 percent of $88,781 As a share of single-father income: 17.6 percent of $59,141

17.6 percent of $59,141 As a share of single-mother income: 33.3 percent of $31,201

33.3 percent of $31,201 As a share of minimum wage income: 68.7 percent of $15,131 District of Columbia Photo Credit: Vlad Ghiea / Alamy Stock Photo Annual cost of child care: $23,666

$23,666 As a share of married-couple family income: 12.6 percent of $187,764

12.6 percent of $187,764 As a share of single-father income: 43.9 percent of $53,924

43.9 percent of $53,924 As a share of single-mother income: 100.6 percent of $23,528

100.6 percent of $23,528 As a share of minimum wage income: 85.6 percent of $27,653
The Iowa Attorney Generals Office has paused its practice of paying for emergency contraception, and in rare cases abortions, for victims of sexual assault. The move has drawn criticism from some victim advocates. Federal regulations and state law require Iowa to pay many of the expenses for sexual assault victims who seek medical help, including treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Under the previous attorney general, Democrat Tom Miller, Iowas victim compensation fund also paid for the so-called morning after pill, as well as other treatments to prevent pregnancy. The Des Moines Register reports that a spokeswoman for Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird, who defeated Miller in November, said those payments are on hold as part of a review of victim services.
A dog missing for seven years had a touching reunion with his owner just weeks before he died.

Nugget the dog was found limping down a wet dark road in South Carolina  more than 1,700 miles from his home. Then, the Greenville-based organization Carolina Loving Hound Rescue said it helped the pup get back in touch with his long-awaiting family in February.

Nugget was a warrior and fought to make it back home and when he did, he knew it was OK to just let go, the dogs owner, Facebook user Jessie Springer, wrote in an April 4 post.

Springer told KOB that her beloved pet was in a Farmington, New Mexico, yard when he disappeared in December 2015, setting off a frantic, yearslong search. Facebook posts describe Nugget as a spunky dog who had been his owners ride or die.

He rode horses, drove with her in the truck, went to rodeos, was kicked by a horse and survived being shot, the animal rescue organization wrote. He was and is her heart.

Then in February, a woman stepping outside to drink tea in South Carolina spotted a 16-year-old dog in horrific shape. The dog was stinky to high heaven with long nails, an ear infection and muscle loss  which is common in older pups, according to the rescue and WXIA.

The dog was scanned for a microchip, which contained contact information for Springer. Rescue organizations have urged people to microchip their pets and take stray animals they find to vets to check for the devices, McClatchy News reported.

The chip helped to identify the dog as Nugget. He got medical clearance to fly home with his owner before the two had an emotional reunion, rescue officials said.

There was not a dry eye in the house, I think the entire airport, because people were coming out and watching, even my most (hardened) volunteers (had) tears running down their eyes, Angela Gschwind, founder and director of the rescue, told KOB.

Over the next two months, officials said Jessie took amazing care of Nugget and got him to embrace his spunky self. But the dogs health worsened in recent days despite his owner trying to feed him.

Nuggets story resonated with thousands of Facebook users before his death. After the sad update, several people went online to share their condolences.

Im really grateful for the miracle of Nugget coming home to his family, one person wrote. Im praying for you all.

Another person commented: Nugget waited to be home where he belonged. Im so very sorry for your loss. He was inspiration to all of those missing their pet.

While the rescue said it isnt sure how the dog made it across the country to South Carolina, it believes he brought people together.

My heart is breaking for Jessie, the organization wrote. After all the years missing Nugget she only had him for such a short time."

The top 10 most popular dog breeds in America 1. French bulldogs 2. Labrador retrievers 3. Golden retrievers 4. Golden shepherds 5. Poodles 6. Bulldogs 7. Rottweilers 8. Beagles 9. Dachshunds 10. German shorthaired pointers
Editors note: This is the final installment in a two-part series which began in the April 29 edition of the Lake Geneva Regional News.

Many older residents who live in Lake Geneva today regard the two decades that followed World War II as the citys halcyon years.

Just as veterans returning to Geneva after service in the Civil War and veterans returning to Lake Geneva after serving in France during World War I had done, veterans of World War II returning to Lake Geneva after the war played key roles in the city during the late 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad and Greyhound buses transported thousands of tourists to Lake Geneva during the summers following World War II.

The citys hotels  the Geneva Hotel, the Surf Hotel, the Traver Hotel and the Luzern Hotel  were filled to capacity. The downtown business district on Broad and Main streets was flourishing. The downtowns bowling alley, three drugstores, a bakery, two hardware stores, a jewelry store, law offices, First National Bank, Y.M.C.A., Montgomery Wards store, three grocery stores, three taverns, two mens clothing stores, two womens clothing stores, two variety stores and three automobile dealers served as magnets that drew the citys residents to the business district.

The first post World War II addition to Lake Geneva was developed during the early 1950s by Clark Habecker. It was the Sturwood subdivision, west of Elmwood Avenue on what had been the Buckingham Sturges estate.

In 1954, the new Lake Geneva Public Library, designed by one of Frank Lloyd Wrights best known students, James Dresser, was opened.

And in 1958 the citys higher educational center moved from north of Maple Park to the far southeast side of the city when Badger High School was opened. Badger High School was a merger of Lake Geneva High School and Genoa City High School.

The newly built Eastview School on Sage Street replaced the old Third Ward School on Henry Street. And a Catholic school was opened during the early 1950s, the St. Francis de Sales School.

I will leave it to a future historian to write the history of Lake Geneva after 1966. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1964 and pursued graduate studies in American history at the University until March 1965, when I dropped out of school to join the Civil Rights movement in Alabama.

After I returned to Lake Geneva following my involvement in the Civil Rights movement, I taught English and History at Racine Park High School.

In 1966 I left Lake Geneva and began working for the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison. I then served as the assistant university archivist at the University of Wisconsin before being appointed university archivist at Northwestern University in 1974, a position that I held until I retired in 2008, and moved back to Lake Geneva.

My wife and I saw that the house on Maxwell Street that I had grown up in  a house that my maternal grandparents had bought in 1912 when they moved from the south side of Chicago to Lake Geneva  was for sale.

We bought it and live there now.

Who's playing Elkhorn's DAS Fest USA this year? Red Hot Chilli Pipers Alex Meixner The Gebel Girls Ed Wagner Brass Band Jenny Hundt JFK the Band Copper Box The Happy Players Dirndolls Petty Union
Xi Jinping Reports on Meetings with Macron and von der Leyen

April 7, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)As reported in Global Times, Chinas President Xi Jinping took an upbeat note on the official visit over April 5-7 of French President Emmanuel Macron, as he did for the visit of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the trilateral meeting among Xi, Macron, and von der Leyen. Xi made clear to both leaders that the Ukraine crisis cannot bear on the development of their relations.

Macron brought with him a business delegation of 50-strong, including representatives of Airbus, luxury giant LVMH, and nuclear energy producer EDF. They also signed a series of agreements to deepen cooperation in aviation, aerospace, and civilian nuclear energy, and to cultivate new growth drivers in cooperation, such as scientific and technological innovation and green development. At Chinas invitation, France will be a guest of honor country at the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services, and the seventh China International Import Expo.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the fifth meeting of the China-France Business Council on April 6, President Xi said that China-France economic and trade cooperation have not only boosted the economic growth of the two countries and improved peoples well-being, but also boosted confidence and stabilized expectations for the worlds economic recovery, Xinhua reported.

Global Times covered Xis comment that Macrons visit marks the first by a European head of state since Chinas full resumption of exchanges with the world, and the successful conclusion of Chinas two sessions. The visit will inject new momentum and bring new vitality to China-Europe relations. China supports Europe in achieving strategic autonomy; upholds that the China-Europe relationship is not targeted at, subjugated to, or controlled by any third party; and believes that Europe will take an independent approach to developing its relations with China, Xi said.

During his talks with Macron, Xi reaffirmed Chinas commitment to facilitating peace talks and political settlement to the Ukraine crisis, and said China stands ready to issue a joint call with France for the international community to stay rational, exercise restraint, and avoid taking actions that might cause the crisis to further deteriorate or even spiral out of control.

Concerning their trilateral meeting, Xi said it

demonstrated the positive desire of the European Union to grow relations with China and advance the common interests of China and the EU. China and the EU need to stay committed to dialogue and cooperation, uphold world peace and stability, foster common development and prosperity, promote human progress, and address global challenges together.

Xi told Macron and von der Leyen that the Ukraine crisis is not an issue between China and the EU. China will continue to play a positive role in facilitating peace talks, while it supports EU efforts to propose approaches and plans for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and to build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework, which serves the fundamental and long-term interests of the EU.
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL SATURDAY APRIL 8, 2023

The Global Majority and a New Birth of Freedom

April 7, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)Someone once said, the philosophers have merely interpreted the world. The point is to change it. Where, however, does the power to change the world come from? The principle of Agape, as expressed in the words Greater love than this, no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends, is the power that drives change. But how is that power to be conveyed to an entire society, such that it becomes the fabric of the constitution of the state?

In this Easter season, convergent with Passover and Ramadan, Pope Francis has once again called for a ceasefire. In Saudi Arabia, Iran, Yemen, Oman and other Southwest Asian countries, not only a mood, but a practice of reconciliation is occurring, for example toward the suffering and illegally occupied state of Syria. The eight-year Yemen war may be about to end, perhaps as a result of the China-brokered negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia that blind-sided the U.S. This is the diplomacy of Agape, diplomacy that can only be carried out by those with the courage to change their axioms, as the soon-to-be assassinated Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin had insisted only months before he gave his life in 1995 in the cause of peace.

Republican statecraft since Dante Alighieri has viewed the purpose of language to be the empowering of a people to impart and receive, in the words of P.B. Shelleys In Defense of Poetry, profound and impassioned conceptions respecting man and nature. A democratic republic can not long survive unless most members of the nations electorate, as well as its statesmen and other policy-influentials, share a common use of a literate language developed to communicate profound and scientifically rigorous thought respecting the consequences of choices of public policy. Until such a condition of the general electorate is achieved, every republic continues to be threatened from within by the danger that the irrational passions of an underdeveloped popular majority might wreck those institutions of government and policy on which the progress and survival of that nation depends.

Lyndon LaRouche, Religion, Science and Statecraft: New Directions in Indo-European Philology

The advanced deliberations and resultant policy recommendations required to wrest control from the grip of the doomed semi-literates of the trans-Atlantic zombie dollar sector, before they bring aboutincluding accidentallya thermonuclear obliteration they might not even suspect, must be put on a fast track. The world cannot wait. A system of conferences and public discourse that can override the antics of Foggy Bottom and Vauxhall Cross, headquarters of the State Department and MI6 respectively, must be employed by free-thinking citizens and representatives of institutions. Deliberations, informed by the profound and scientifically rigorous thought of which LaRouche speaks, must not be secret, but available to each and every citizen anywhere in the world who recognizes not only how directly he or she is affected by world events, but also, how those events may be altered by even one individual fortified with the whole armor of truth.

If hundreds, or even scores of such discussions, both going into and coming out of the April 15-16 conference are now provoked by our movement, whether in the form of interventions, street discussions, or blog posts and virtual programs, that can become the process by means of which the democratic republic might yet still be saved. That agapic principle of bringing the democratic republic back to life through creative nonviolent direct action, must first be reintroduced into an Anglosphere now dominated by thought-control and proto-dictatorship, like in the 1930s, in almost every Western nation. That can only be done by the vigorous calling to public account of the masters of the universe that have failed, and by providing the solutions that they refused to devise or adopt.

A world town hall discussion will take place Saturday-Sunday, April 15-16, sponsored by the Schiller Institute. Without the Development of All Nations, There Can Be No Lasting Peace for the Planet will convene more than a thousand participants from many nations. Their united voices and actions can incite a shift from the march of folly toward a Malthusian dead end in economics, science and culture, to a narrow path out of the dark wood of self-inflicted poverty, violence and despair now epidemic in the once-prosperous developed world.

To aid in the organizing for this conference, please pre-register today at the Schiller Institute site. Also, before next week, and in the spirit of the Passover/Easter/Ramadan season, here is a spiritual exercise proposed for all. Pick a nation not your own, and with which you have little familiarity. Then ask, and try to answer: how would a new security and development architecture change this country for the better? Then you are thinking and working in the complex domain that will indeed ensure not only others, but your own durable survival as well.
Western Springs

Assisting another agency

At 1:50 p.m. March 28, Western Springs Police assisted Chicago Police with the execution of a search warrant on the 3800 block of Woodlawn Ave, where several weapons and ammunition were seized and a male subject was taken into custody.

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Criminal damage to property

A resident on the 4100 block of Gilbert Avenue reported at 9:56 p.m. March 28 that someone threw a rock through their front window. No financial loss yet reported.

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Traffic violations

Raymundo Aleman-Cedillo, 57, of the 5100 block of West 30th Place, Cicero, was charged at 2:02 p.m. March 31 at Ogden Avenue and Wolf Road, with operating an uninsured vehicle, suspended registration for no insurance, and operating a vehicle without a license.

Retail theft

Management at Walgreens 4700 S. Willow Springs Rd. reported at 2:15 p.m. March 30 that three female subjects stole allergy medication and left without paying. Loss not reported.

Management at Marianos, 4700 S. Willow Springs Rd., reported at 8:33 p.m. March 27 that a female subject stole meat products and left without paying for it. Loss not reported.


VOA Learning English presents Americas Presidents.

Andrew Jackson, the seventh president, was unlike the earlier U.S. presidents.

His family was poor, he had little education, and he lived on what was then the western part of the country.

Jackson became nationally known in the early 1800s  first as a fighter against Native American tribes, and then as a general in the War of 1812 against the British.

His image as a military hero and man of the people made him a popular choice for the presidency.

But critics said Jackson did not accept any limits on his power.

He is also remembered for supporting slavery, and for forcing Native Americans from their homes.

Wild child

Andrew Jacksons parents were immigrants from Ireland. His father died in an accident before Andrew, the third and youngest son, was born.

When the American colonies entered a war of independence, Andrew and his two brothers fought against the British  although Andrew was too young to be a regular soldier.

Andrews oldest brother soon died.

Then Andrew and his other brother were both captured by British soldiers. One cut Andrews face, leaving a scar that remained his entire life.

But Andrew, unlike his brother, survived captivity.

A short time later, Andrews mother became sick and died.

By age 15, Andrew Jackson had no living immediate family.

He had already stopped attending school, but taught himself enough to become a lawyer. He moved to what became Nashville, Tennessee, where he developed a successful law career.

In time, he bought land and slaves.

Jackson was tall and thin, with red hair and bright blue eyes. Sometimes Jackson was playful. He loved to dance, hold parties, and play games where he could win money.

Sometimes he was violent. He was known for getting angry easily. Jackson fought duels with several men. In one, he killed a man who insulted his wife.

Yet many people liked Jacksons passionate, action-first personality. By the time the United States entered the War of 1812, Jackson had been a congressman, senator, and judge.

Three nicknames

Jackson did not have any officially recognized military training. But during the War of 1812, he volunteered in the Tennessee militia and quickly took control of troops.

Many of his soldiers came to respect him. Jackson refused to give up, even when the government ordered the militia to disband. And, when some of the men wanted to leave, he threatened them with a gun.

Because he was uncompromising and strong as a tree, soldiers called Jackson Old Hickory.

A group of Creek Indians gave him another name. After he defeated them in battle, Jackson negotiated a treaty that punished both his Native American enemies and his Native American allies.

The treaty was more severe than the U.S. government had asked. In time, it forced the Creeks  as well as several other tribes  off their land.

The move was popular with many white settlers. It was less popular with the Creeks, who called Jackson Sharp Knife.

His best-known military operation was in New Orleans, Louisiana. A large, experienced army of British soldiers moved to attack. Jackson defended the city with a small group of untrained soldiers. His group included volunteers, free blacks, Creoles, Native Americans, and pirates.

Jacksons ragtag troops not only defeated the British force, but suffered only a few losses.

Jackson didn't know that the battle came after the British and Americans had already agreed to end the war. But his victory there gave many Americans a feeling of pride.

It also made Jackson famous. He became known across the country as the Hero of New Orleans.

A man of the people

Voters across the country supported Jackson, too. He was especially well-liked in the South and West.

Many Americans saw him as a man of the people. They believed his success came from experience and hard work, not wealth and family connections.

In the presidential election of 1824, Jackson received more popular and electoral votes than any of the other candidates. But, because no candidate had a majority, lawmakers in the House of Representatives decided the election.

Those lawmakers chose John Quincy Adams, the son of former president John Adams. They were persuaded, in part, because a leader in Congress, named Henry Clay, said Jackson did not have the temperament to be president.

Immediately after Quincy Adams won, he appointed Clay secretary of state.

The appointment angered Jackson. He believed Adams and Clay had entered into a corrupt bargain.

In the next presidential election four years later, Jackson defeated Quincy Adams in a landslide.

And in the presidential election after that, he crushed Henry Clay.

A powerful president

Jackson wanted to be a powerful leader who controlled a limited federal government. But he wanted that government to have power over state governments.

For example, Jackson refused to let the state of South Carolina nullify, or ignore, a federal law that state officials opposed. Jackson said if they failed to obey the law, he would consider them traitors and send in troops.

In time, South Carolina and Congress were able to reach a compromise on the law.

Jackson also refused to extend the charter of the National Bank. He believed the bank helped industrialists and businesses more than farmers and settlers. His move was popular with many voters  especially farmers and settlers.

But Jacksons opponents warned against the bank veto. They disagreed with his economic plan, and they objected to how he had operated outside of Congress. Senators censured Jackson for acting as if he did not have to follow the law.

Jacksons supporters fought back. They removed the official criticism from the Senate records.

Indian Removal Act of 1830

Jackson vetoed more bills than the first six presidents combined. He actively worked for only one major law: the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Jackson believed Native Americans occupied land that should belong to white settlers. He also thought Native Americans would be destroyed or lose their culture to white people anyway.

So he offered several tribes what appeared to be generous treaties to move onto land west of the Mississippi River.

But the treaties were often unfair or illegal. The tribes who accepted rarely received the benefits Jackson promised them. And some tribes, such as the Cherokees, simply refused to go.

Empowered by Jacksons Indian Removal Act, U.S. government officials eventually forced 15,000 Cherokees off their land. They were made to march over 1,600 kilometers. About 4,000 died on the march. It is remembered as the Trail of Tears.

For white settlers, Jacksons Indian removal policies resulted in over 100,000 square kilometers of new land to farm. Thousands of cotton planters moved west with their enslaved workers.

The Indian Removal Act served not only to aid an economic boom in cotton, but to spread slavery further in the United States. Jackson had no objections.

Final years

In 1837, Jackson officially moved out of the White House  but he did not really leave the presidency. He advised the presidents who followed him from his home in Tennessee.

Jackson had particular influence over two future leaders: Martin Van Buren, his former vice president; and James Polk, who shared Jacksons beliefs so closely that he was called Young Hickory.

Jacksons beloved wife, Rachel, had died before he took office. They did not have any children together, but they raised two boys: a Native American orphan who died as a teenager; and a nephew, whom they called Andrew Jackson, Jr.

The younger Andrew Jackson and his wife lived with the former president in his final years.

He died in his bed at 78 of old wounds and old age. But his legacy remains very much alive.

Legacy

Jackson changed the U.S. presidency. After him, presidential candidates had to show they could connect with voters, not just lawmakers.

He also increased the power of the chief executive. Jackson often questioned  or dismissed  the power of Congress, the Constitution, and the Supreme Court.

And, he began the custom of replacing experienced government officials with people whose main qualification was their loyalty to him.

Critics added to Jacksons nicknames. They called him King Andrew, King Mob, or American Cesar. The opposition to Jackson led to a new political party called the Whigs.

Part of Jackson's legacy is the two major party system that exists in the U.S. today.

But those who loved Jackson really loved him. His humble beginnings, rise to power, and defense of the common man inspired them.

In the U.S., the name of Andrew Jackson is still often used as a positive symbol of American democracy.

Im Kelly Jean Kelly.

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Words in This Story

man of the people - n. a politician who understands and is liked by ordinary people

pride - n. a feeling that you respect yourself and deserve to be respected by other people

temperament - n. the usual attitude, mood, or behavior of a person

nullify - v. to make something legally null

charter - n. a document issued by a government that gives rights to a person or group

generous - adj. providing more than the amount that is needed or normal : abundant or ample

legacy - n. something that comes from someone in the past

chief executive - n. the president of a country

qualification - n. a special skill or type of experience or knowledge that makes someone suitable to do a particular job or activity

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Willem Aspinall is a 19-year-old student at New College of Florida. He grew up near Chicago.

He called his school, near the small city of Sarasota, a little bubble. The term bubble means a safe or protected area.

New College of Florida is a public liberal arts college that is an independent school in the State University System of Florida.

The state recently changed the colleges leadership group, known as the board of trustees, removed the president and closed the office of diversity and equity. After that, Aspinall said the bubble has kind of been burst.

Recapture the school

No plans have been written down yet, but the schools new leaders promised changes within 120 days. One of the new trustees is Christopher Rufo, who often writes about higher education and is critical of New College. He said his group is out to recapture the college. Some current students will leave, and the college aims to accept new ones who will be, in his words, mission-aligned. The board will change the schools study programs.

The changes are part of what some people call a war on woke by the states Governor Ron DeSantis and his allies. Dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster says woke is a term that describes a persons attentiveness to issues of racial and social justice. But some people and groups, especially conservatives in the U.S., now use the word to attack and express their opposition to those who are woke.

DeSantis is seen as a possible Republican Party candidate for the presidency in 2024. Earlier this year, he called for new legislation that would change higher education for colleges and universities in Florida.

DeSantis says he wants legislation that will generally require classes to be based on educational ideas rather than political ideas. He says he wants students to finish with degrees that lead to high-paying jobs. And he wants to ban public schools from supporting programs that put forward divisive ideas.

In addition, the Florida governor wants boards of trustees to have the power to reconsider a professors job guarantee, called tenure, at any time. And he is calling for university presidents to have power over the hiring process.

A different kind of school

New College is different from many large universities in Florida. With only 700 students, it has more in common with small liberal arts colleges in New England than the University of Florida, which has nearly 35,000 students.

Many students create their own study programs with the help of teachers. The students say they feel welcome to be themselves. As a result, New College brings in students who did not like being in other places. Some did not go to traditional high schools but learned at home.

The professors know all their students by name. Most classes only have about 10 students.

Elizabeth Leininger is a science professor. It is one of the most unique places, I think, that exists in American higher education, she said. But with the leadership change, she said she is concerned one of her classes called Sex, Gender, Mind and Brain might be canceled.

I would have to think very carefully about how I am going to teach that class now, Leininger added. There is very much a policing of ideas. So, she uses her personal email to discuss her concerns.

Olivia Pare studies biology at the school. She said: I am here to learn. I am not here to be more woke.

Like, my professors are more stressed. Theres just a lot more stress and anxiety in my education than I feel like is necessary. I just want to get my degree in peace, you know?

Pare noted that students are no longer talking about science in her classes, they are talking about whether their professors will be permitted to keep teaching at New College of Florida.

Because it is small and open, the school is good for students like Lola White. White is both autistic and has ADHD, which makes it hard for her to center her attention on tasks such as schoolwork. But at New College, she has been happy for the first time.

I felt like I could connect to the people here. The kids are accepting  of anyone. There is no judgment, she said. White said when she was having problems with her schoolwork, people offered help. She said she is going to stay at the school for the time being although some of her friends are leaving.

Changes coming

New College is not without its problems. Some buildings are old and need to be repaired. In some recent years, the school had fewer students than it would have liked. Other students said they would not mind going to school with classmates who have different opinions.

Some people at the school are already noticing that small things are different. For example, professors have been instructed to change the information they give at the end of an email. It can only include their name, job description, the schools address, and their phone number.

An event for students thinking about coming to the school was canceled with little notice. And cleaning workers washed off messages written on the side of a bridge on campus. Some of the messages were critical of DeSantis and the new board members.

Aspinall, who talked about the bubble of New College, now worries that the new leaders will take a school that does not indoctrinate students and turn it into one that does.

Im Dan Friedell. And Im Dorothy Gundy

Dan Friedell adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on a report by the Associated Press.

Quiz - Small Florida College Worries about Government Involvement Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

bubble n. a small, enclosed space often seen in soapy water

diversity adj. the state of having many different kinds of people together in a group

equity n. a word that can relate to the idea of fairness or equality

degree n. an official document given to someone who successfully completes studies at a college

divisive adj. causing people to disagree and to separate into groups

tenure n. a university job guarantee saying that a professor will have their position for most of their career

stressed adj. to feel tense or troubled

anxiety n. a feeling of fear and nervousness about what might happen

unique adj. not like anything else

autistic adj. a disorder that causes a person to have problems forming relationships and communicating with others

____________________________________________________________________

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The United States gets hit by some of the strongest and most destructive storms on Earth.

Examples of extreme weather include hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and droughts.

But the storms themselves are not the only problem. Weather experts say human choices about where and what to build are making the situation much worse.

Rick Spinrad heads the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He told The Associated Press that more extreme weather events are expected to keep happening across the U.S. in coming years. International weather officials have partly blamed climate change for causing more severe storms.

Kathie Dello is a climatologist with the state of North Carolina. She told The Associated Press the main reason the U.S. gets many intense and destructive storms is because of geography. Its truly a little bit  unlucky, Dello said.

Susan Cutter is a geography professor at the University of South Carolina. She said a country like China has more people and land area than the United States. But, she added, They don't have the same kind of clash of air masses as much as you do in the U.S. that is producing a lot of the severe weather.

The U.S. experiences by far more tornadoes and other severe storms than other countries, said Victor Gensini. He is a weather expert and professor at Northern Illinois University.

Gensini described a repeating weather pattern that leads to many strong U.S. storms. The pattern involves dry air from the western U.S. moving up over the Rocky Mountains. There, it crashes into warm, wetter air from the Gulf of Mexico.

Overall, the U.S. South experiences more severe weather than other parts of the country, said Marshall Shepherd. He is a former president of the American Meteorological Society.

Shepherd told the AP that areas in the South can experience every single type of extreme weather event. These include wildfires, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes. Theres no other place in the United States that can say that, Shepherd said.

In the West, people face wildfires as well as a severe weather event known as an atmospheric river. Atmospheric rivers are long and wide areas of water vapor that form over an ocean. When atmospheric rivers reach land, they often release the water vapor in the form of rain or snow.

The U.S. Northeast experiences severe storms in the winter and hurricanes in the summer. Sometimes it experiences an unusual combination of both. It is a reality that regardless of where you are in the country, where you call home, youve likely experienced a high-impact weather event Spinrad said.

But weather experts say even though geography puts Americans in the path of numerous intense storms, human activity can make the storms more destructive. One of the main problems is when communities permit development in areas with a high risk for storms and flooding.

In some cases, the experts say building standards have gone down in recent years, putting more structures at risk during severe storms, Shepherd said. In addition, poverty can make it difficult for people to prepare for and recover from disasters. This is also true for people in many other places of the world.

Safety can be bought," noted Walker Ashley, a meteorology professor at Northern Illinois University. Those that are well-to-do and who have resources can buy safety and will be the most resilient when disaster strikes, Ashley said.

He added, Unfortunately that isn't all of us.

Im Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

tornado  n. an extremely strong and dangerous wind that blows in a circle and can cause major destruction

drought  n. a long period of time during which there is very little or no rain

geography  n. the study of all the countries of the world, as well as the surface of the Earth and the mountains and seas

pattern  n. a regular and repeated way in which something happens

vapor  n. many small drops of liquid that form in the air

high-impact  adj. having a large or powerful effect

well-to-do  adj. wealthy

resilient  adj. able to improve quickly after being hurt or ill

unfortunately  adj. unlucky or having bad effects

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To submit an item to this column or for more information about any of the events, email dixonhershel51@gmail.com, call (936) 671-1419 or send it by mail to Kissin Kuzzins P. O. Box 151001 Lufkin 75915-1001.
Faced with heavy workloads and short staffing, Wisconsin's probation and parole program has been falling short on monitoring offenders and offering them rehabilitation resources, according to a nonpartisan legislative audit published Friday.

Auditors found that the Department of Corrections, which also oversees the state's substantially understaffed prisons, has not completed required risk assessments or investigations of people on release or probation quickly enough. The agency also did not adequately review the penalties it imposed on people who violated the terms of their release to see which consequences were most effective at preventing re-offense, auditors said.

More than 63,000 people are part of Wisconsin's community corrections program. Most are on probation, meaning they were sentenced to supervision instead of prison time, or on extended supervision, which is served after release from prison.

Some people receive services such as housing assistance or treatment for substance abuse through the program, but corrections agents said they believed many people under their supervision weren't getting the help they needed  especially in areas including child and health care, education and mental health.

According to the audit, corrections staff didn't have a central database to track whether people fulfilled the treatments or programs they were required to complete, and check-in programs were administered inconsistently across the state.

In a statement Friday, Republican Sen. Eric Wimberger, co-chair of the Legislature's audit committee, laid blame on Democratic Gov. Tony Evers for the problems the nonpartisan audit discovered. Conservative groups attempted to brand Evers as soft on crime during his bid for reelection last year, and Evers and Republicans have disagreed on how to address crime rates and problems in prisons.

Evers' spokesperson, Britt Cudaback, had not responded to an email Friday asking for comment.

Between 2019 and 2022, the period auditors examined, the Department of Corrections cited roughly 57,000 participants for more than 380,000 violations of the terms of their supervision, including broad restrictions against possessing drugs or alcohol, visiting certain places or people, or failing to attend required treatment.

More than half the violations were non-criminal, and most were for using drugs or alcohol. Less than 7% were violent criminal offenses.

Corrections agents were most likely to address violations with short jail stays, according to the audit. The next most popular options revoked someone's release altogether or issued a warning.

Consequences varied based on the seriousness of the violation, but most corrections agents said they were frustrated by a push to use methods other than revoking someone's release, since they didn't believe those options protected the public or held offenders accountable.

The corrections agents overseeing the release program also overwhelmingly voiced unhappiness with their high workloads and low pay. As of July 2022, the program had more than 250 unfilled positions  nearly 13% of its total staffing. It's a problem the corrections department faces across its workforce as lawmakers consider whether to increase wages for prison guards and other criminal justice workers.
A Dane County judge found a Madison man guilty Friday of mutilating the body of a woman who was found in a wooded area in the town of Madison in 2020, ending an unusual three-day trial that was presented without a jury.

Circuit Judge John Hyland said Marcus J. Kilgore, 37, partially burned the body of Kiara M. Lopez, 27, of Madison, in an area along a sparsely populated street, before it was found by passers-by early on July 8, 2020.

About 25% of her body was burned using an accelerant. Hyland ruled that although there was debate about whether Lopez was alive but unconscious at the time she was burned, evidence including a lack of soot in her lungs and a lack of carbon monoxide in her bloodstream convinced him that she was dead at the time, and that Kilgore was trying to burn her body to conceal a crime.

Hyland said he was satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Kilgore was the person who committed the crime, and that what had been done to Lopez fit the definition under state law of mutilation of a corpse. The fact that she was not completely burned, Hyland attributed to the greenness of the underbrush, and to Kilgore leaving the scene thinking the fire would continue to burn after he left.

Kilgore faces up to six years of combined prison and extended supervision when he is sentenced by Hyland on June 13.

Nobody has been charged with causing Lopezs death, and there has never been a ruling on the cause and manner of her death. But the presence of a number of drugs in her body and a head injury may have each contributed to her death, Medical Examiner Dr. Agnieszka Rogalska testified, though it remains a mystery what the mechanism was that caused the head injury.

Testimony at the trial also did not establish what Kilgore was doing with Lopez  they did not know one another  but his DNA was located on several areas of her body, which was nude when found, and on a cigarette butt that was found near where her body lay. Lopezs DNA was also found in the trunk of a Lincoln MKX that Kilgore drove, a vehicle that he angrily demanded be returned to him in calls he made to then-town of Madison police Detective Robb Hale that were played in court.

Since the investigation, the town of Madison and its police department have been dissolved and absorbed into the cities of Madison and Fitchburg. Hale, now retired from policing and living overseas, returned to assist prosecutors and to testify.

Rare proceeding

A felony trial without a jury, decided only by a judge, is a rarity in Dane County, and is a choice that a criminal defendant can make. It is so rare that there was some question about how Hyland would deliver his verdict and whether he would simply state it without explanation, the way a jury would. But Hyland, who issued his ruling right after closing arguments by Assistant District Attorney Tim Verhoff and defense attorney Amanda Riek, said he believed he should provide some explanation of his thinking while delivering the verdict.

Verhoff argued that while the case against Kilgore was largely circumstantial, as there were no witnesses to say what had happened and who was involved, the DNA evidence was especially compelling. He pointed to the number of areas all over Lopezs body where Kilgores DNA turned up in strength that left no doubt he had contact with her.

Kilgore was linked to the case after investigators, using video from security cameras on nearby homes, saw the Lincoln head down the dead-end Nygard Street, where Lopezs body was found, then back the other direction. With help from car dealers, state vehicle registration records and other records, police first tied Kilgore to the incident.

DNA then tied him to Lopez, and her DNA, from blood and saliva, was found even months later in the trunk of the Lincoln.

Defense stance

Riek argued that even the DNA evidence didnt prove the case against Kilgore, because the cigarette butt also contained the DNA of another man who said he had shared cigarettes with Kilgore, and weaker indications of DNA of another man on Lopezs body. She also argued there was no way to say how or when the DNA got on Lopezs body, and said police found no DNA evidence suggesting Kilgore had ever used the Lincoln.

There is nothing connecting Mr. Kilgore to her death in any way, Riek told Hyland.

She also argued the evidence showed Lopez was not dead at the time her body sustained the burns.

Kilgore also had been charged with hiding a corpse, but after Riek discovered Friday that the charge was one of a number of lesser included charges to mutilating a corpse, Verhoff agreed to dismiss it.
There were no injuries reported in a structure fire that damaged a town of Dunkirk home Saturday morning.

Officers with the Dane County Sheriff's Office and Stoughton Police Department, along with firefighters from departments in Stoughton and Oregon, as well as Stoughton EMS, responded at 10:45 a.m. to a fire on the 1900 block of Pleasant View Drive, according to a press release from the Dane County Sheriff's Office.

A residence, garage and vehicle were damaged in the fire, which officials say is believed to have started in the driveway before spreading to the garage and home.

A damage estimate is unknown at this time and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Kung fu megastar Jackie Chan has pledged to continue acting for his fans worldwide, regardless of age or pain, with his new film reflecting his long career.

Jackie Chan practices kung fu in "Ride On." [Photo courtesy of Alibaba Pictures]

The martial arts comedy, "Ride On," released nationwide on April 7, revolves around a man and his horse. Chan stars as Lao Luo, a washed-up martial arts stuntman deeply attached to his old stunt horse, Chitu. When a debt dispute threatens to separate him from Chitu, Lao Luo turns to his daughter Xiaobao (played by actress Liu Haocun) and her boyfriend (played by actor Guo Qilin) in a desperate attempt to save his beloved companion. Together, they embark on a road trip to resolve the crisis.

The film is directed by Yang Zi, best known for his heartwarming 2019 pet drama "Adoring."

Chan started out as a martial arts stuntman and consistently championed real combat, action, and stunts throughout his career. Over the decades, he has suffered numerous injuries in pursuit of his craft. With "Ride On," Chan seeks to honor the fearless stuntmen who, behind the scenes, risk their lives to deliver breathtaking action scenes year after year. However, the rise of CGI, special effects, and a dwindling talent pool have left the group needing greater support. This film portrays the challenges and hardships martial arts stunt performers face.

Chan said during the film's premiere in Beijing on March 31 that he admired Yang's dedication to creating a film for martial arts stunt performers. "I felt that the story was not only about me, but all the stuntmen in the world, including my past self. I accepted the film on behalf of them."

At the premiere, Yang disclosed his longtime admiration for Chan and the significant influence Chan had on his filmmaking career. He shared that he had always harbored a "Jackie Chan dream" and contemplated this story for several years. During the scriptwriting phase, Chan was the only actor he envisioned for the lead role.

Embarking on this project was no small feat for Chan, particularly given his age (67 during filming in 2021) and his history of injuries. He had scheduled surgery then, but postponed it and received nine cortisone shots to alleviate the pain before performing his action scenes on set. Nevertheless, Chan went above and beyond, assisting others on set despite needing to rest himself.

"I love being in a state of working," he said.

A poster for "Ride On." [Image courtesy of Alibaba Pictures]

Collaborating with a large horse is no simple task, but Chan drew on his experience to craft heartwarming interactions between man and animal. Chan also discussed building rapport with horse Chitu, explaining, "From the first day of filming, I've been developing a bond with Chitu. I fed him daily to help him get familiar with my scent and establish complete trust between us."

When filming concluded and it was time to part ways, Chan couldn't contain his tears, admitting, "Chitu is like a family member to me." At the premiere, Yang also shared Chan's genuine concern for Chitu, saying, "Jackie has been asking about Chitu's final destination since the start of filming, and he even reached out to people to make sure Chitu would be taken care of. Ultimately, he sent Chitu to the best horse farm in China before he could rest assured."

At the premiere, reflecting on his past, Chan appeared unfazed, sharing, "I used to break my foot in the morning and start working in the afternoon. I would even sit in a wheelchair and continue working."

Though the methods of martial arts stuntmen are no longer popular due to advancements in the film industry, particularly CGI, their spirit of courage and perseverance endures. "We actually aimed to convey that that era will never pass. The spirit of choosing one's path and dedicating oneself to it has been preserved. Their love for film is something that every generation should inherit, and their era was brilliant," said Yang.

"Ride On" also pays tribute to Chan, incorporating a scene where his daughter plays a VHS cassette featuring a behind-the-scenes montage from his classic action movies.

The cast and crew pose for a group photo at the premiere of "Ride On," held in Beijing, March 31, 2023. [Image courtesy of Alibaba Pictures]

"Speaking frankly, there is only one Jackie Chan in the world," acknowledged Zhang Yimou, one of China's most renowned filmmakers, in a video made to promote "Ride On." Although he has never worked with Chan, Zhang recognizes Chan's irreplaceable status in Chinese and global cinema. "I think it's impossible to replicate him. He is the pride of the Chinese people. I don't know if there will be another kung fu superstar in the future who can make a name for himself as Jackie Chan did worldwide, promoting Chinese culture and the spirit of the Chinese people."

In response to Zhang and his fans, Chan said, "I have never intended for you to praise me for what I have done in the past. I knew I had to do my best in every scene, and the audience could see my dedication. Today, I am proud to tell you that I have taken Chinese martial arts and culture to the world and succeeded. I want to thank all the people who support Chinese films."

When asked about his future plans, Chan said, "This year marks my 60th year in the industry since childhood. From being unknown to who I am now, I have received support from fans worldwide. As long as I can move and fight, I hope to make a movie every year as a gift to my audience and fans around the world."




Though far from the only U.S. president dogged by legal and ethical scandals, Donald Trump now occupies a unique place in history as the first indicted on criminal charges.

Two others, like Trump, found themselves impeached by Congress  Bill Clinton for lying under oath about his affair with a White House intern, and Andrew Johnson for pushing the limits of his executive authority in a bitter power struggle following the Civil War.

Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace over his role in the infamous Watergate break-in. And Ronald Reagan and Ulysses S. Grant both became forever tied to scandals in which close aides got prosecuted, though neither president was ever charged.

Here's a look at how Trump's predecessors fared:

Bill Clinton

Clinton spent more than half his presidency under scrutiny in investigations that ranged from failed real estate deals to the Democratic president's affair with a White House intern.

Investigators took a lengthy look into Bill and Hillary Clinton's investments in the troubled Whitewater real estate venture. Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr, appointed to oversee the investigation in 1994, turned up no evidence of wrongdoing by the Clintons. But two of their close associates, Jim and Susan McDougal, ended up convicted of Whitewater-related charges. So did Jim Guy Tucker, Clinton's successor as governor of Arkansas.

Starr's 1998 report packed with lurid details of Clinton's affair with intern Monica Lewinsky proved far more damaging. While being questioned in a sexual harassment lawsuit fi led by former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones, Clinton had denied having "sexual relations" with Lewinsky.

Starr concluded that Clinton had lied under oath and obstructed justice. That led to the House voting to impeach Clinton on Dec. 19, 1998. He was acquitted by the Senate, allowing him to remain in office until his term ended in January 2001.

Ronald Reagan

Reagan never faced impeachment or court charges for the biggest scandal of his presidency. But the arms-for-hostages scheme that became known as the Iran-Contra affair dogged him long after he left the White House.

In 1986, during Reagan's second term, the public learned that his administration had authorized secret arms sales to Iran while seeking Iranian aid in freeing American hostages held in Lebanon. As much as $30 million from the arms sales was diverted, in violation of U.S. law, to aid rebels fighting the leftist government of Nicaragua.

Reagan's national security adviser, John Poindexter, resigned and an aide, Lt. Col. Oliver North, was fi red. Both were also convicted of crimes stemming from eff orts to deceive and obstruct Congress. Their convictions were later overturned. President George H.W. Bush, Reagan's successor, pardoned six others involved.

Reagan insisted money from the arms sales was funneled to the Nicaraguan Contra rebels without his knowledge.

Richard Nixon

Nixon resigned from office in August 1974 rather than face impeachment for his administration's cover-up of its involvement in a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington.

The bungled burglary at the Watergate office building resulted in the indictment of seven men, including two former White House aides. Five of the Watergate defendants pleaded guilty; two were convicted in criminal trials.

Intrigue over the 1972 Watergate break-in didn't stop Nixon from cruising to reelection a few months later. He endured the storm until the House Judiciary Committee in 1974 approved three articles of impeachment accusing him of obstruction of justice, abuse of power and contempt of Congress.

Before the full House could vote, a bombshell tape recording was released in which Nixon could be heard approving a plan to pressure the FBI to drop its Watergate investigation. Nixon resigned after losing support from key congressional Republicans.

His vice president, Gerald Ford, became president and pardoned Nixon a month later.

Ulysses S. Grant

While never personally charged with crimes or formally accused of wrongdoing, Grant as president torpedoed a corruption case prosecuted by his own administration. The man on trial was Grant's personal secretary in the White House.

In 1875, an investigation launched by Treasury Secretary Benjamin H. Bristow resulted in hundreds of arrests in a scheme known as the Whiskey Ring, in which distillers, revenue agents and fellow conspirators diverted millions of dollars in liquor taxes to themselves.

The Civil War general-turned-president found himself at odds with the crackdown when Gen. Orville E. Babcock ended up charged as a conspirator. Not only was Babcock the president's personal secretary, but he and Grant had also been friends since the war.

Prosecutors said they had uncovered telegrams Babcock sent to ringleaders to assist their scheme. Regardless, Grant insisted on testifying in his aide's defense.

To avoid the spectacle of the president appearing at Babcock's trial, attorneys questioned Grant under oath at the White House on Feb. 12, 1876. A transcript of his testimony was later read in court in St. Louis. The jury acquitted Babcock, a decision largely credited to Grant's unwavering defense.

Andrew Johnson

The first American president to have his legacy tarnished by impeachment, Andrew Johnson's woes arose from his intense feuding with Congress over Reconstruction following the Civil War.

The Tennessee Democrat was elected vice president in 1864 as part of a unity ticket with Abraham Lincoln, and Johnson assumed the presidency after Lincoln's 1865 assassination. From the White House, Johnson called for pardoning Confederate leaders and opposed extending voting rights to freed Blacks, infuriating congressional Republicans.

It was Johnson's fi ring of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, a Lincoln appointee who favored tougher policies toward the defeated South, that prompted the House to pass articles of impeachment that accused the president of ousting and replacing Stanton illegally.

Johnson's impeachment trial began in the Senate on March 5, 1868. It ended more than two months later, with senators just one vote short of removing Johnson from office. He served the remainder of his final year, but fellow Democrats denied him their nomination to run again.
A Peoria, Illinois, man was killed in a crash with a wrong-way driver on Interstate 39/90/94 in Madison early Friday, the State Patrol said.

At about 2:45 a.m. Friday, the wrong-way driver was reported on I-39/90/94 north near milepost139, and shortly after that a crash was reported, Sgt. Luke Yahn said in a statement.

The wrong-way driver, a26-year-old Stoughton man who was operating a 2014 Chevy Silverado pickup truck, was taken to UW Hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, Yahn said.

The other driver, a 58-year-old Peoria man who was operating a 2011DodgeAvenger, was killed in the crash, Yahn said.

No names had been released.
The Patrick County Sheriffs Office has made two arrests in unrelated catalytic converter theft rings.

Tony Lee Epperson, 50, of Mount Airy, North Carolina, and Susan Michelle Smith, 44, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, have both been charged with six counts of grand larceny and two counts of conspiracy to commit grand larceny as the result of an on-going investigation into thefts in the Claudville and Stuart areas of the County, Sheriff Dan Smith said.

Epperson was arrested by Patrick County Deputy Robbie Haynes on March 31 and Smith was arrested on Monday by the Martinsburg, West Virginia Police Department.

The Patrick County Sheriffs Department provided a police photograph of Epperson, but a photograph of Smith was not made available by the Martinsburg Police Department by late Friday.

Sheriff Smith said they are awaiting her extradition back to Virginia and Investigator Oscar Tejada is leading that investigation.

In a third arrest involving the theft of a catalytic converter, but unrelated to the two theft rings, Michael Wayne Kessler, 44, of Stuart, was arrested on Tuesday on a single charge of grand larceny.

The arrest came as the result of the reported theft of a catalytic converter in the Patrick Springs area of Patrick County.

Sheriff Smith said Deputy Coty Fortner made the arrest and Kessler is being held in the Patrick County Jail without bond.

With rising previous metal prices, catalytic converter thefts continue to plague our communities nationwide, Smith said in the release. Platinum palladium and rhodium are valuable metals found in catalytic converters, and legislation in Virginia has recently changed making converter thefts a felony, regardless of the value.

Anyone with information regarding converter thefts in Patrick County is urged to contact Sheriff Smith confidentially at 276-692-7012.
The security situation and risks associated with it at the regional level, and the terrorist threats, especially in the Sahel-Saharan region, were at the focus of a meeting held in Rabat Friday by Director General of Territory Surveillance, Abdellatif Hammouchi, and visiting Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), William Burns.

Talks focused on the assessment of the security situation and risks associated with it at the regional level, and the review of threats and security challenges arising from the tense situation in some parts of the world, in addition to monitoring and anticipating threats from terrorist organizations, especially in the Sahel-Saharan region, says a statement by the Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST).

This meeting provided an opportunity to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the working visit Hammouchi paid to the United States on June 13 and 14, 2022, during which he met with the Director of U.S. national intelligence, Avril Haines, William Burns, and the Director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Christopher Wray, the statement says.

The exchange of visits attests to the strength and depth of the strategic cooperation and coordination in the fields of security and intelligence between the DGST and the CIA, confirms the common will of both parties to strengthen this cooperation even further, and consolidate bilateral coordination in the fight against terrorism and various threats to security at the regional and international levels, adds the statement.

William Burns was accompanied by some of his key collaborators as well as the U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California's Medicaid program will continue to pay Walgreens about $1.5 billion each year despite Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom declaring last month the state was done doing business with the pharmacy giant after it indicated it would not sell abortion pills by mail in some states.

California wont be doing business with @Walgreens -- or any company that cowers to the extremists and puts womens lives at risk. Were done, Newsom tweeted March 6.

He then ordered his administration not to renew a $54 million contract with the company to provide prescription medication to the state's prison system.

But cutting ties with Walgreens wasn't as clear cut as the governor first indicated. Walgreens has a much more lucrative connection to California's Medicaid program  the joint federal and state health insurance program for people who are disabled or have low incomes. Federal law says Medicaid patients have the right to fill prescriptions from any willing and qualified provider.

That includes Walgreens.

Last year, California's Medicaid program paid the company more than $1.5 billion. The California Department of Health Care Services said California will continue to comply with that law, Kaiser Health News reported.

California has no intention of taking any action that would violate federal Medicaid requirements, or that could undermine access for low-income individuals, said Tony Cava, spokesman for the California Department of Health Care Services.

Anthony York, spokesman for the governor, also told Kaiser Health News that the Newsom administration had invited Walgreens to apply again for the $54 million contract the state chose not to renew last month.

Tweeting is not policy, York told the news outlet.

York said Friday the Walgreens contract was not renewed but that the company "may seek future procurement opportunities.

This is not the first time Newsom has made a splashy announcement without first working out all of the details behind it. At the beginning of the pandemic, the Newsom administration quickly signed a contract to purchase masks and other personal protective equipment, frustrating some lawmakers who did not know the details.

This is something that politicians bump up against all the time," said Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University who focuses on politics and elections. They want to say something strong and big and bold and splashy, and the devil is in the legal details.

Newsom's spat with Walgreens began after the company indicated it would not distribute abortion pills by mail in some conservative states. That pill, mifepristone, when combined with another pill, will end a pregnancy. It's been approved since 2000 in the U.S. for use up to the 10th week of pregnancy. Today, more than half of all abortions in the U.S. are done this way, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.

Several states have taken steps to restrict mifepristone, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal abortion protections last year. Earlier this year, attorneys general in 20 states, mostly with Republican governors, warned Walgreens it could face legal consequences if it distributed mifepristone in their states. Walgreens responded by saying it would not distribute mifepristone in states where it is not legal to do so.

On Friday, Walgreens spokesperson Fraser Engerman referred questions to Newsom's office. But Engerman reiterated the company's position about abortion pills.

Walgreens plans to dispense mifepristone in any jurisdiction where it is legally permissible to do so, Engerman said. Once we are certified by the FDA, we will dispense this medication consistent with federal and state laws. Providing legally approved medications to patients is what pharmacies do, and is rooted in our commitment to the communities in which we operate.

Newsom's former chief of staff, Ann O'Leary, represented Walgreens in discussions with the Newsom administration over the issue last month, Politico reported.
FRIDAY, April 7, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Two ongoing outbreaks of Marburg virus in Africa prompted U.S. health officials to issue an alert on Thursday for doctors to be on the lookout for any cases that might surface in the coming weeks.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also plans to reach out to some travelers arriving in the United States after being in either Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, the two countries where the outbreaks are happening.

"Currently, the risk of MVD [Marburg virus disease] in the United States is low; however, clinicians should be aware of the potential for imported cases. It is important to systematically assess patients for the possibility of viral hemorrhagic fevers," the CDC said in its alert.

Authorities in Equatorial Guinea have identified 14 cases since Feb. 13. Ten people have died. Another 23 cases are probably caused by the virus, according to the World Health Organization. The people infected do not have known links, so the virus may be spreading undetected. In Tanzania, five people have died in eight confirmed cases. The two outbreaks were likely separate, spreading from an animal host to a human and then between humans, the CDC added.

"Though we do not know yet the origin of the Marburg outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, we do know that there continues to be increased capacity in Africa to recognize and test samples for viral hemorrhagic fevers like Marburg and Ebola," Tieble Traore, M.D., of the World Health Organization, said Tuesday.

The CDC is texting travelers who have been in either of the two countries and asking them to call public health officials if they develop symptoms within 21 days of their return to the United States. There are no direct flights between those countries and the United States. "Currently, no enhanced domestic travel measures are recommended, as the overall risk in the United States is considered low at this time," the CDC alert said.
DETROIT (AP)  About a dozen people were hurt in an apartment building fire early Friday morning on Detroit's west side.

Twenty people were displaced and 11 people suffered injuries including smoke inhalation, bumps and bruises, Fire Chief James Harris told reporters.

The blaze was reported around 3:30 a.m. It left the five-story building heavily damaged.

At least some sections of the building's roof appeared to have collapsed. Harris described the building as a total loss, meaning it's uninhabitable.

Most of the buildings residents were taken to a nearby recreational center where the Red Cross was providing help.

Betty Smith told the Detroit Free Press that smoke alarms woke her up. She escaped her first-floor apartment with nothing but her dog and the clothes she was wearing.

Theres no coming back from this. Just have to tough it out, Smith said while sitting on a bench outside the recreation center.

The cause of the fire was under investigation Friday morning.
Michael G. Cohen, M.D., from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and colleagues assessed the impact of a nurse-led primary palliative care intervention on ACP uptake among patients with advanced cancer. Analysis included data from a trial in which patients with advanced cancer received either monthly primary palliative care visits with trained nurses within their cancer center or standard care.

The researchers found that 182 of 336 patients (54 percent) in the intervention arm and 196 of 336 (58 percent) in the standard care arm lacked an end-of-life conversation (EOLC) at baseline and completed the three-month assessment. Among these patients, at three months, 45.1 percent of patients in the intervention arm and 14.8 percent in the standard care arm reported having an EOLC (adjusted odds ratio, 5.28). At baseline, 33 percent of patients in the intervention arm and 31 percent in the standard care arm lacked an advance directive and completed the three-month assessment. Similarly, more patients in the intervention arm had an advance directive at three months (43.2 versus 18.1 percent; adjusted odds ratio, 3.68).
NorthWestern Energy will appeal a state District Court ruling order halting construction on the utilitys gas-fired power plant because regulators failed to address greenhouse gas emissions.

In a press release Friday, NorthWestern called the order by Judge Michael Moses extreme.

In his order Thursday, Moses said the impacts of the gas-fired power plants greenhouse gas emissions received no consideration by Montanas Department of Environmental Quality. Light from the power plant was the second issue, of which DEQ did little analysis. Both issues would have to receive due diligence before construction could proceed, the judge ordered.

The lawsuit was brought by the Montana Environmental Information Center and the Sierra Club on behalf of the Thiel Road Coalition, a neighborhood group which has argued for two years that the power plant was poorly located and posed threats to the public health and quality of life.

However, Moses ruled that DEQs work on other permitting issues was adequate. The judge ruled in DEQs favor on the adequacy of work on water quality, noise, aesthetics and the cumulative impacts of sulfur dioxide in an area that the EPA has identified as problematic because of emissions from nearby CHS oil refinery.

NorthWestern didnt respond to questions from Montana Lee Newspapers concerning the several regulatory issues that have arisen concerning the power plant.

Thursday's work stoppage order isn't the first. In January, 2022, the court ordered Yellowstone County to revoke the permit allowing NorthWestern to bore a pipeline beneath the Yellowstone River.

The permit had been issued without public notice or opportunity to comment. Once Yellowstone County followed the law, the pipeline permit was approved.

The power plant is being built on land zoned for agricultural use. A third lawsuit challenges NorthWestern's decision to build without getting the land use changed to heavy industrial. That lawsuit hasn't yet gone to hearing.

DEQ spokeswoman Moira Davin said the permitting agency was still reviewing the Moses order.

In court DEQ and NorthWestern argued that assessing the effect of the power plant's greenhouse gases were beyond the state's legal authority.

Moses said that DEQ "must take a hard look at the greenhouse gas effects of this project as it relates to impacts within the Montana borders."
jeremy-renner-02-RS-1800 - Credit: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Jeremy Renner opened up about the terrifying snowplow accident that left him with several injuries in an emotional interview with Diane Sawyer on Thursday night. The program, Jeremy Renner: The Diane Sawyer Interview  A Story of Terror, Survival and Triumph, aired on ABC. During the interview, the actor admitted he was at fault in the snow plow accident and detailed the how the Jan. 1 incident unfolded.

Renner, who has been nominated for two Oscars and is best known for playing Hawkeye in Marvels Avengers movies, was at his home near Lake Tahoe, Nevada on New Years Day when his adult nephews truck got stuck in the snow. The actor attempted to use his Pistenbully snow groomer to dislodge the vehicle when the snow plow started sliding downhill.

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I just happened to be the dummy standing on the dang track a little bit, seeing if my nephew was there. You shouldnt be outside the vehicle when youre operating it, you know what I mean? Its like driving a car with one foot out of the car, said Renner. But it is what it was. And its my mistake, and I paid for it.

Renner jumped out but didnt engage its emergency brake; when he saw the seven-ton vehicle hurtling toward his nephew, he tried to jump back in but was pulled under one of the tracks.

Thats when I screamed, by the way, when I went under the thing, said the actor. Not today, motherfucker! is what I screamed. Sorry for the language.

The Pistenbully rolled over him and continued down the road, a police report stated. [Renner] laid on the ground and focused on his breathing while (his nephew and others) rendered aid to him until medical personnel arrived on the scene. Medics airlifted him to a hospital where he received treatment for two weeks before being discharged.

Story continues

In a preview from Sawyers interview, she listed Renners injuries: Eight ribs broken in 14 places, she says. Right knee, right ankle broken, left leg tibia broken, left ankle broken, right clavicle broken, right shoulder broken. Face, eye socket, jaw, mandible broken. Lung collapsed. Pierced from the rib bone, your liver  which sounds terrifying.

When she asked him if he remembered the pain, he said he remembers all of it. I was awake through every moment, he said. The clip also showed Renner doing physical therapy and moving around on a knee scooter.

In a moment of reflection, Renner told Sawyer, hed do everything again if he had to. Yeah, Id do it again, because it was going right at my nephew, he said.

The interview aired a week before Renners new Disney TV+ show, Rennervations, which he has described as one of my biggest passions, and its a driving force in my recovery.

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Thirty-six Chinese and French enterprises inked 18 agreements to expand cooperation in areas including manufacturing, green development, new energy and innovation at a meeting of Chinese and French entrepreneurs on Thursday, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Friday.



In an opening speech, MOC official Yu Yuantang said the trade volume between China and France has increased from 60 billion U.S. dollars to 80 billion U.S. dollars in the past five years.

In 2022, China-EU cooperation overcame multiple adverse impacts and achieved steady progress, with bilateral trade hitting a new high of 847.3 billion U.S. dollars and new investment from European companies in China up 70 percent to 12.1 billion U.S. dollars, Yu said.

Representatives from companies such as Bank of China, BNP Paribas, the China National Nuclear Corporation and Electricite de France discussed topics ranging from jointly braving global challenges to promoting cooperation, and made suggestions on deepening China-France economic and trade ties.

They also vowed to seize the opportunities of China's high-quality development, ensure stable industrial and supply chains, and expand cooperation in areas from nuclear energy to finance and consumption.




Ask about any kid which day of the week is his or her favorite, and the kid will probably say: Saturday. There is no school on Saturday and there is no having to get ready and get dressed in Sunday clothes to go to church. Also, back in the 1950s and 1960s, the local TV channels showed nothing but cartoons and other child-oriented programs on Saturday morning.

This favorable attitude towards Saturdays persists in many adults, I suspect.

At the end of my four years of service in the Navy in 1975, Judy, Chris and I returned to Mooresville to live. Chris had finished the first grade in a school on the west bank of the Mississippi River and was 7 years old when we returned to North Carolina and family. We brought with us our New Orleans-born terrier-mix pooch, Skippy.

Once back home, I would set about resuming my career as a public-school teacher and Chris would resume his education as a second-grader at Mooresvilles new South Elementary School.

A sort of ritual evolved for Saturday mornings. While Judy cleaned house, Chris and I would drive the short distance to downtown Mooresville. Very often we would end up parked in front of the Mooresville Bakery, owned and operated by Mr. R. C. Powers and his wife, Bessie. The name of their white loaf bread was Golden Crust. Students at Davidson College, I am told, would often drive to Mooresville in the wee hours just to get fresh goodies at the towns bakery.

I might mention here that Mr. & Mrs. Powers were near relatives, as their daughter, Katherine, was married to my fathers brother, Mason Stonestreet. To my brother and me, they were Uncle Mason and Aunt Kat.

The Mooresville Bakery was located across the curve in Main Street from the Mooresville Municipal Building. The municipal building had been constructed when my grandfather, O. C. Stonestreet Sr., and my wife, Judys, grandfather, E. T. Christenbury, were both town commissioners. The building housed the mayors office and the commissioners meeting room, an office of the county health department, a small courtroom and, on the ground floor, the towns police department and small jail and the towns fire department.

When we arrived, Mr. Powers would often be in the back of the bakery, brushing clarified butter on the tops of yeast rolls to be baked, while Mrs. Powers manned the front, waiting on customers bent over display cases teeming with cookies, brownies, pies and examples of decorated wedding cakes. You could add five pounds to your weight just by inhaling deeply in the bakery.

Chris and I would come in, greet Mrs. Powers and ask if we could go into the back to say hello to Mr. Powers. Permission was always granted.

After speaking to Mr. Powers, Chris and I would go back out to the front sales area and look over the pastries, particularly the creme horns, donuts, turnovers, cinnamon buns and other confections.

We would usually buy at least a half-dozen donuts: a mix of plain, chocolate-covered and jelly-filled.

Often, before driving back home, Chris and I would stop by the fire department to say hello to the firemen and admire the gleaming red and chrome fire trucks. Chris was allowed to sit behind the steering wheel of a ladder truck and ring the bell. I wouldnt have been surprised if he had become a fireman, but he did not.

We, with the bag of donuts, then went back to the duplex we shared with Judys parents. I would start a pot of coffee for me  Luzianne, with chicory, and we would have the donuts for breakfast. Usually there was an extra pastry tucked into the bag.

In North Carolina we referred to this as a bakers dozen. In New Orleans, from which we had just come, the tradition of the inclusion of an extra pastry was known as lagniappe, pronounced lan-yap.

There was a large cookie jar shaped like Howdy Doodys head in the front window of the Mooresville Bakery. I wonder what became of it. If you dont know who Howdy Doody was, ask your parents or grandparents. Theyll know and, if they grew up around Mooresville, they can tell you about the bakery.
Culinary students from all four traditional Burke County high schools participated in the districts first-ever Chopped competition on Thursday at Freedom High School.

The competition, developed collaboratively by Burke County Public Schools and Chartwells, pitted the four teams against each other in a battle for culinary bragging rights. The teams cooked for an hour and a half, with the winning team earning a $25 gift card for each student and a $250 donation from Chartwells to that schools culinary program.

Students were required to prepare an entree (either a skirt steak or catfish), a dessert and side dishes created from a variety of ingredients at their stations.

They can make whatever sides with the food we have available here, said Nick Bobotas, resident district manager for Chartwells. Theres various things  rice, fresh fruit, vegetables, beans, pasta  whatever they can come up with.

Bobotas said the inaugural BCPS Chopped competition was originally conceived of in early 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic put the idea on hold.

We tried planning this back in April of 2020, but, obviously, things got a little crazy, he said. We finally got it planned out, working with the CTE department. We got the teachers on board, got the students on board from all four high schools, and here we are today to cook some food and give the kids an opportunity to use their culinary skills.

At 9:45 a.m., after about an hour planning their menus, the 16 students entered the kitchen and went to work.

We have fish tacos with a pineapple salsa, and dessert is going to be a drop biscuit with icing and chocolate syrup, said Freedom High School student Oasis Evans, describing her teams menu.

She said the team has been staying after school for an hour and a half every Thursday for several weeks to prepare for the competition.

We cooked with random ingredients she provided us, she said. We just made a bunch of random stuff as if we got put in here with a bunch of random ingredients like we are now.

The East Burke High School team practiced after school once a week and during the schools Pride time.

We looked at our ingredient lists and came up with recipes with stuff we knew we would have, said Marlee Cooper.

They even got the chance to use one of their recipes during the competition.

Right now, Im working on a tart, Cooper said. We practiced this last week during Pride, so we feel very confident and were going to do great with it.

The Pig Rig, the districts new meat smoker also was involved in the competition. Since there is only one smoker, the teams were not able to use the smoker in the competition. However, they did prepare ribs to be smoked. Students made the rubs and prepared the meat for smoking, and while they competed indoors, the ribs cooked under low, indirect heat outdoors.

Bobotas said the competition, a collaborative effort between Chartwells and BCPS, is one of the many ways Chartwells and the district are partnering together to bridge the gap between the cafeteria and the classroom.

The district challenged us to come up with something where we could integrate it with the foods programs and use our expertise in the program, he said. Our goal is to be a good business partner with the district and do anything we can to assist them in student education and development  whatever we can do to benefit them.

After two hours of frying, sauteing, searing and chopping, students presented their creations to Bobotas and the other three judges:

Aaron Propst, Chartwells regional operations director

Rod Taylor, BCPS meal mobile food truck manager

Courtney Morris, former owner of Homers

At the end of the day, Freedom High School won the competitions top prize, taking home the gift cards and the $250 top prize for its culinary program. Draughn High School took second overall, and their rib dry rub won first place.
HICKORY  On Wednesday, April 5, Catawba Valley Health System (CVHS) officially announced the completion of a new heart center to better meet the growing demand for these services. The center is part of a larger construction project that also includes an expanded Emergency Department.

Led by CVHS President and CEO Dennis Johnson, the ribbon-cutting featured representatives from the Catawba County Board of Commissioners, CVHS trustees and medical staff, Catawba Medical Foundation, local leaders, and Rodgers Builders of Charlotte handled construction. Special recognition was given to Bob and Michele McCreary, who helped make the center possible through a significant gift to CVHS.

The unveiling showcased how all heart and vascular services are in one area of the hospital with a short transport route from the Emergency Department. Expanded cardiac catheterization labs will more efficiently treat growing numbers of cardiac patients and can accommodate electrophysiology, invasive radiology and vascular procedures.

Access to invasive labs internal to the ED improves heart attack response from door to procedure, which supports our Chest Pain Accreditation standards, said Chuck Scronce, CVHS administrator for the Cardiac and Emergency service lines. Other changes include the relocation of our existing invasive labs, which will improve diagnostic services. The new heart center also has a dedicated care team with prep and recovery patient bays to better accommodate patient safety.

Within Catawba County, CVHS administers care for the highest number of cardiology inpatients, according to Johnson. This new heart center will often be the front door to those inpatient services, he said. With the volume of cardiovascular cases we already see, plus the addition of this new heart center, we have positioned ourselves as what we call the The Heart of the Community.

CVHS employs 12 physicians and advanced practice providers at its Catawba Valley Cardiology practice and is in expansion mode itself, according to Vincent Pompili, MD, medical director of the practice. Physicians want to deliver care in an organization that actively invests in only the best equipment and facilities, Pompili said. And our patients tell us they want the best care possible close to home. The expertise of our medical staff and the opening of the heart center ensure that level of care is delivered to our community for many years to come.
HICKORY  Veterans Coffee Connection, a coffee group for veterans of all ages and branches of military service, will meet Wednesday, April 12, at 8:30 a.m. at Outback Steakhouse on Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard in Hickory.

The group, sponsored by Carolina Caring, is designed to be a welcoming place for veterans to meet other veterans in the area. This free gathering, which meets on the second Wednesday of every month, is a great place to share a cup of coffee, enjoy tasty doughnuts and swap stories.

The group will welcome guest speaker Emily Pitts, MSW, LCSW, Program of General Caregiver Support Service coordinator, from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Asheville. Pitts will be speaking on the VA Comprehensive Caregiver Program, which offers enhanced clinical support for family caregivers and veterans.

Carolina Caring for Veterans is proud to be a Level IV partner of the We Honor Veterans program, an awareness initiative spearheaded by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

For more information, contact Cindy Stamey, Carolina Carings director of community and veteran relations at cstamey@carolinacaring.org or call 828-466-0466.

Carolina Caring, founded in 1979, is an independent, community-based, nonprofit health care provider. It specializes in programs that offer relief from chronic conditions, serious illnesses, and the challenges they bring, including palliative medicine and hospice care for all ages, primary care and grief counseling. Currently, Carolina Caring serves 12 counties across western North Carolina and the Charlotte Region. For more information about Carolina Caring, call 828-466-0466 or visit www.CarolinaCaring.org.
Supporters of access to sexual and reproductive health services rallied Friday at the Montana Capitol as the Legislature, dominated by a Republican supermajority, granted final passage to two bills ralliers have strongly opposed.

In the Capitol's second-floor rotunda, lawmakers and advocates thanked the audience for their defiance during the session and in the legislative sessions to come.

"The truth is that people, not legislators really set the tone for the debate in this building," Rep. SJ Howell, D-Missoula, said at Friday's rally. "The truth is that all power is and always has been with the people."

If mostly party-line votes with GOP support and Democratic opposition continue, more legislation that opponents say would limit access to abortion care looks poised to be heading to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.

The bills that passed Friday include legislation to ban the most commonly used abortion procedure in the second trimester. Its carried by Speaker of the House Matt Regier, a Kalispell Republican who has described the procedure  called dilation and evacuation  as "barbaric." The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has said D&E "is evidence-based and medically preferred because it results in the fewest complications for women compared to alternative procedures.

Sen. Steve Hinebauch, a Wibaux Republican, carried House Bill 721 in the Senate.

This may not be enough for those of us who seek to end all abortions but it is an important step forward in the fight to protect the unborn, Hinebauch said Thursday when the Senate debated the bill.

According to 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 5.8% of abortions happen between 1420 weeks gestation and only 0.9% occur after that point. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists who deal with high-risk pregnancies have repeatedly testified to lawmakers that abortions later in pregnancies are almost always for wanted pregnancies where something has gone tragically wrong.

Opponents to the bill have called it extreme government overreach and the Legislature inserting itself into private medical decisions between families and doctors that are protected by the state Constitution.

I think it's clear that the intent is to distort what is otherwise a safe and effective procedure that is the standard of care for women seeking abortions, said Democratic Sen. Jen Gross, of Billings, on Thursday in the Senate. This bill takes aim at the quality of life of Montana women and by proxy their families, their employers, our communities.

At one point during debate on the bill in the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Democratic members walked out over concerns about what they said was inflammatory and misleading language. Committee chair Sen. Keith Regier, the speakers father, said the debate was about sharing ideas and opinions.

Martha Fuller, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Montana, said during Friday's rally this session featured more misinformation than past Legislatures.

"This is the fifth legislative session that I have observed," she said. "It seems to me that I have heard more lies and misinformation about abortion and people who have abortions this session than I have ever heard before.

"No one, and I mean no one, cares more about health and safety of people who are having abortions in the state of Montana than Montana's abortions providers," she said.

The other bill that cleared the Legislature on Friday would require reporting of adverse effects following medication abortions. House Bill 786 was among those that were heard in a landslide of other legislation early in March against a transmittal deadline, drawing objections from opponents who were frustrated at the timing.

That vexation happened again at the end of March for another bill related to abortion, this time carried by Rep. Amy Regier, R-Kalispell and the sister of the Speaker of the House.

House Bill 968 would require consultation with parents for non-emancipated minors seeking abortion. Several people raised red flags that the bill had its initial hearing the morning after it was first read across the rostrum in the House, giving people limited time to know about giving public comment. Up against a procedural deadline, the bill was passed out of a committee the same day it was heard; Republicans made clear no rules were broken in the process even as opponents objected.

The bill came after a Helena judge earlier in the session found Montanas parental consent law for minors seeking abortions unconstitutional and ordered a trial over a notification law.

Rep. Amy Regiers bill was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday, after clearing the House on mostly party lines.

Abortion landscape in Montana

This is the second legislative session with a GOP governor after 16 years of most abortion-limiting legislation meeting the veto pen of a Democratic governor. Its the first since the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision that overturned the right to access an abortion at the federal level. Montanas state Constitution, however, still preserves that ability through its right-to-privacy provision upheld with the state Supreme Courts 1999 Armstrong decision.

Though legislators did not bring a constitutional referendum aimed at abortion this session, one law advancing tries to address the GOPs Armstrong problem. Its carried by Sen. Keith Regier, a Republican from Kalispell.

Regier said he believed the Supreme Court erred nearly a quarter of a century ago when they mistakenly left out the word individual in deciding the right to privacy ensured the access to a pre-viability abortion. His bill would not change access to abortion or the Constitution, but would aim to get at the Armstrong roadblock through state law.

That bill has cleared the Senate on mostly party-line votes and advanced out of a House committee earlier this week.

Opponents to Regiers bill said it doesn't fall to the Legislature to decide how the state Constitution should be interpreted and that the document itself gives that job to the judiciary.

Other bills, litigation

While Democratic legislators this session have brought several pieces of legislation aimed at preserving access to abortion, those have all failed.

But several other major Republican bills related to the procedure are working their way through, some attempts at previously passed policies that have either stalled in courts or at the ballot box.

Another bill advancing is the "Infant Safety and Care Act," from Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, R-Billings. The legislation was amended and passed a Senate committee earlier this week. It would say an infant born alive following an attempted abortion in an abortion clinic, medical facility, or other facility is entitled to the same protections under the law that would arise for any newborn infant or for any person who comes to a medical facility or other facility for screening or treatment.

House Bill 625 is similar to legislation from 2021 that put a so-called born-alive infant protection act before voters, who defeated the measure by a 53%-47% margin. But Seekins-Crowe said this iteration gives parents the right to deny care that would only prolong the death of an infant; opponents dont believe the language in the bill would protect that and point out Montana laws already do not allow infanticide or homicide.

Other bills moving through the process include:

House Bill 544, to require preauthorizations for abortions covered by Medicaid and tighten what would qualify as a medically necessary procedure. The bill, which is similar to an administrative rule being considered by the state health department, has cleared the House and is awaiting action in a Senate committee.

House Bill 862 to prohibit public funding to be used for abortions except in some limited cases. The bill has cleared the House and was heard in a Senate committee on Friday.

House Bill 937 to add licensure requirements for abortion clinics. The bill has cleared the House and has its first hearing in a Senate committee April 13.
Montana legislators amended and advanced this week the primary bill aimed at facilitating management of grizzly bears should they be delisted federally.

The House Fish, Wildlife & Parks Committee voted along party lines to advance Senate Bill 295 from Sen. Bruce Butch Gillespie, R-Ethridge. The bill is backed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks as a means to put sidebars on grizzly management including for livestock producers in an effort to ensure stable grizzly populations.

Before passing the bill it saw an amendment from Rep. Denley Loge, R-St. Regis. The amendment states that FWP will transplant bears to the greatest extent possible to promote genetic exchange.

The subject of genetic exchange has been a significant issue in grizzly delisting debates as populations remain largely isolated from each other.

This is really important that we get this on this bill, said Rep. Jonathan Karlen, D-Missoula.

Rep. Paul Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, who is a retired wildlife biologist, said transplants may increase both genetic diversity as well as vitality in the population.

The amendment passed unanimously, but lawmakers were divided along party lines over the bill. Democrats raised issues over killing conflict grizzlies on public lands and the lack of definition of a bear deemed threatening.

But with Republican support, SB 295 advances to the full House. It previously passed the Senate mostly along party lines.

The bill comes as the Biden administration recently announced a 12-month review of the bears status in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems, a potential step toward delisting in a swath of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. The bruins were placed on the Endangered Species List more than 40 years ago, and twice efforts to delist the Yellowstone population have failed under court challenges.

Gov. Greg Gianforte has pushed for delisting as populations have increased in Montana and neighboring states, citing a rise in conflicts and potential for better management by the state. The move is backed by livestock and some hunting groups.

At the same time the bill has seen opposition from environmental groups, who say delisting is premature as not all populations are recovered.

The bill states that upon delisting, state wildlife officials must adopt mortality thresholds including for bears killed due to livestock conflicts. That includes establishing an annual quota for the number of bears that may be killed and adjustments if a quota is reached.
Paris Hilton may end up being the unlikeliest lobbyist of the 2023 Legislature.

She touched down at a private airplane hangar in Belgrade just a day after House Bill 218, a legislative proposal to ratchet up restrictions on the so-called "troubled teen industry" in Montana, emerged out of the Senate Health, Welfare and Safety Committee, although in a compromised form of its original draft.

Hilton grew to fame as hotel heiress and reality TV star, but in recent years has parlayed her prominence to advocate for regulations over the therapeutic residential boarding school industry for youth with behavioral needs. Hilton was sent to four programs, including one in Montana.

In an interview Thursday with the Montana State News Bureau, 42-year-old Hilton described being assaulted, strangled, malnourished and watched by male staff while she showered at a now-shuttered therapeutic boarding school in northwest Montana near the Idaho border.

Since the state in 2019 gave the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services oversight of the industry and codified a new set of regulations, several programs have closed or moved to states with more relaxed regulatory environments. Still, state inspectors have found repeated violations of those rules, including a mishandling of a Texas girl's suicide in 2017. She died at age 17.

"These people are elected to protect the people and the community and the children and the families," Hilton said.

As the Montana Legislature approaches its final stretch, where citizens elected to these offices are eyeing a return to the normal pace of their day jobs, Hilton's synonymy with glamor and fame may get mixed receptions.

"Is she a Montana citizen?" Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, said when asked about Hilton's potential impact on the Senate's decision on HB 218. "I'm a Montana state senator. I represent the people of Montana."

Hilton has taken her advocacy work to state Legislatures before, as well as the halls of Congress. Where federal regulations have been hard to muster, states like Utah, where scores of programs have for years operated with little-to-no regulations, have taken them up in stride. Across that work, Hilton said she's spoken with enough former students to recognize the pattern of their shared experiences.

"My story is the same as hundreds of thousands of other survivors," she said. "If this could happen to me, I don't even want to know what could happen to the other children that are coming from the foster care system, children who have no voice, children with disabilities who are being abused and no one can stand up for them."

On Thursday, Hilton handed HB 218 sponsor and Rep. Laura Smith, D-Helena, 50 individual signed letters for each state Senator. Some appeared to be well-received, at least in part, because of Hilton's celebrity status.

"Celebrities have the ability to put a whole bunch of light on an issue, and I don't think that's negative at all," Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings, said Friday. "This isn't some issue-of-the-day to her."

By midday Friday, communications teams for the Montana Senate appeared ready to connect with Hilton's team. Several GOP senators responded directly to a tweet Hilton posted Friday offering to connect with any lawmaker willing.

"Several Republican Senators are willing to meet with you to discuss the bill, @ParisHilton," the Senate GOP account tweeted Friday.

"I'm game," Sen. Chris Friedel, R-Billings, tweeted.

Hilton's appeal to individual lawmakers in Montana's citizen Legislature is just one instrument for advocacy. She has millions of followers on social media platforms; among them, people who consider themselves survivors of these programs.

"I feel that's my mission and my legacy," she said. "I feel really grateful to have this platform to be able to shine a huge spotlight on such an important issue. I'm so proud of all the impact that myself and all the survivors coming together have made."

Sen. Shannon O'Brien, D-Missoula, applauded Hilton's willingness to share her trauma.

"I believe that every human being has their own experiences and their own story, no matter where they come from, no matter how many Instagram followers they have," O'Brien said. "I admire Ms. Hilton for speaking her truth, for doing her part and to make the world a better place."

The bill from Smith meant to provide unmonitored communication between children in these programs and their parents, a potential opening for children to report the kind of abuse and neglect Hilton and others have spoken about in committees this session. The amendment made in the Senate committee would allow programs to monitor calls.

Several on the Senate panel, including the amendment sponsor, Sen. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, said they feared open lines of communication for children could lead to more runaways or drugs being ferried into the program. The bill goes well beyond the communications provision, including additional inspections and restrictions on what can be done to discipline or restrain children in the programs. Some lawmakers, in voting against the bill in committee, worried overburdening the programs would push them, and the services for children with behavioral health needs, out of state.

In Hilton's letter to senators, one of which was shared with the Montana State News Bureau, she asserts the unmonitored communication as a parental rights issue meant to provide protections and prevent deaths.

"Just it was just torture every single day, and I wasn't able to tell my family, because they would only allow monitored calls, and they would have their hand on the receiver," she said in Thursday's interview. "And if I would try to say one negative thing, the phone would immediately be hung up, I would be slapped, strangled, yelled at. And then they would lie to my parents.

"It's kind of the perfect storm for these people because they can get away with it because they've just manipulated not only the children, but also the families."

Smith, former deputy director of DPHHS, said Friday afternoon Hilton's new presence was already "bringing genuine visibility to the issue."

"I've had really meaningful conversations today with Senate colleagues on both side of the aisle," Smith said in a text. "Abuse of children and parents' right to talk, unmonitored, to their own children transcends party lines."

HB 218 passed out of committee earlier this week and is yet to be scheduled for a debate on the Senate floor.
As the housing affordability crisis rages on across Montana with no end in sight, dozens of bills are making their way through the Montana Legislature that proponents say would help alleviate the problem.

None of the proposals, however, lack critics and there's no broad bipartisan consensus that enough is being done with what many say is the No. 1 problem facing Montanans.

Legislative proposals dealing with housing, zoning, tenant rights, landlord rights and unhoused people have been introduced. Many have died in committee. Quite a few are still alive. Depending on who you ask, the Legislature has either made historic headway or failed miserably to help people who are suffering financially right now.

If the session ended tomorrow, we would still have the most significant pro-housing reform we have seen at the Montana Legislature in a very long time, said Kyle Schmauch, the communications and policy manager for the Senate Republicans. And were not done yet. Were hoping to get more done.

Schmauch said the Senate has been focusing on a free-market zoning reform approach while the House has been looking at other issues.

Weve seen really great progress on three of the four big bills addressing zoning reforms, Schmauch continued. Putting those together, thats really transformational change when looking at the ability to build more affordable and dense housing in Montana."

He said Senate Republican lawmakers are targeting long-term land use reform, looking to create more starter homes and missing-middle housing (housing types between single-family detached homes and large-scale apartment complexes) and trying to create laws that would allow developers to build much more multifamily workforce housing.

The bills focused on those efforts, Schmauch said, are Senate Bill 382 (Create the Montana Land Use Planning Act), Senate Bill 323 (Allow for duplex housing in city zoning) and Senate Bill 245 (Revise municipal zoning to allow multifamily and mixed-use development).

"These are the most significant changes to housing affordability and housing construction weve seen from the Legislature in decades in just those three bills," Schmauch explained.

But Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, recently vented his frustration at the lack of immediate relief for working Montanans. He got up to speak at the end of a Senate floor session on March 31.

Weve done some work on housing, and I think weve done some good work when it comes to some zoning changes and opportunities to encourage more housing stock, Flowers said. And I think thats good for short-term and long-term solutions when it comes to the housing crisis. But we have not done a thing to deal with that crisis today. So those of us that come from Gallatin County are going to go back at this point and have nothing to tell our constituents about how were going to fix that crisis today.

Flowers said that there are bakery owners and restaurant proprietors that cant find employees because workers cant afford anywhere to live.

All those folks who cant find employees are still going to be left trying to find employees, he said. And we wont bring a bill to this floor to get serious about doing something now that will be effective immediately. We have a few weeks left and hopefully weve got some ideas about how were gonna fix this. But we just shot three down today that we wont even have a debate on this floor."

Democrats in the Legislature have argued that simply cutting regulations still doesnt guarantee that developers will build homes that people on the lower end of the income scale can afford.

House Minority Leader Kim Abbott of Helena told the Lee Montana State Bureau recently that the state should be investing money in housing that guarantees attainability.

Earlier in the session, Democrats proposed creating a $500 million workforce housing trust fund that would have come from the state's budget surplus, but it was tabled after not getting Republican support.

"I dont think were doing enough and I dont think were paying close enough attention to what our constituents want," Flowers told his colleagues. "They want some solutions now so people can get out of their campers into apartments and find a place where they can afford to live and work in our towns that are experiencing incredibly high rents. So I hope we can get serious about that over the next couple of weeks.

Danny Tenenbaum of Missoula, a former lawmaker and current Montana Housing Task Force member who's on the other side of the political spectrum from Schmauch, said a number of bills from both Republicans and Democrats will increase housing options and provide protections for renters and mobile home residents.

"These bills have passed preliminary votes with broad, bipartisan support," Tenenbaum said. "It's a little too early to celebrate, but this bipartisan alliance working to solve our statewide housing crisis gives me great hope."

A major housing proposal championed by Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, was shot down earlier this week in the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a large majority.

The HOMES Act, sponsored by Rep. Mike Hopkins, R-Missoula, would have dedicated $200 million to expanding water and sewer infrastructure around the state in order to help developers increase the housing stock.

Gianforte had strongly advocated for passage of the bill.

It went down in the House on a 30-69 vote, but often legislation, especially a governors priorities, can be used as leverage for lawmakers to get other things they want. Gianforte himself, at a press conference on Thursday, hinted that the HOMES Act is simply hung up in that bargaining game.

Im optimistic that well be able to get this bill back on track and get it over the finish line.

At least one Republican lawmaker agrees with him.

"You have to remember there are armies of titles, Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, said March 31 of the HOMES Act first being defeated in House Appropriations before its final rejection on the House floor days later. I would say the HOMES concept is far from dead.

It remains to be seen what impact this legislative session will have on Montanas acute shortage of homes that people making wages in the state can afford.

Bill roundup

Heres a few of the more significant housing bills proposed this session and where they stand:

HB 889: The bill is officially titled Revise the Residential Mobile Home Lot Rental Act. Among other provisions, the bill would block mobile home park owners from instituting month-to-month lease agreements and instead would require year-long leases unless a month-to-month lease agreement is mutually agreed upon. It would also mean that if a landlord terminates a rental agreement due to nonpayment, the tenant has 45 days to correct the issue instead of the current seven-day period. If passed, a landlord would not be able to require a resident or a resident association to obtain liability insurance in order to use common areas or facilities unless alcohol is being served. And it stipulates that a landlord may not retaliate by altering or refusing to renew an existing rental agreement, by imposing any fee, by changing park rules, by enforcing park rules in an unreasonable or non-uniform manner or by bringing or threatening to bring an action for eviction. The bill passed the House and has been transmitted to the Senate.

HB 282: It would revise rental laws. It would allow a landlord to issue a 24-hour notice to correct or obtain immediate injunctive relief to compel access to a unit if a tenant refuses to allow lawful access or replaces a lock. If the 24-hour notice to correct is not remedied, the landlord would be able to issue a three-day notice to terminate the rental agreement. The bill passed the House and passed the Senate Local Government committee.

SB 105: The bill would prohibit local governments from enacting rent control caps on private property. It passed the Senate and passed a preliminary vote in the House.

SB 245: Is a zoning reform bill that will allow multifamily housing and mixed use in all commercially zoned urban areas with existing water and sewer connections. It would only apply to cities and towns with a population over 7,000. Many cities and towns have regulations such as parking requirements, height restrictions, setback rules and other ordinances that developers need to follow in order to build housing projects. The bill would cut the power of local governments to enforce those rules in many cases. Passed House Local Government Committee.

SB 268: A bill that revises short-term rental laws and establishes that short-term rentals are a residential use of property and are permissible unless prohibited throughout a zoning district. Passed third reading in the House.

SB 331: A bill that revises the exemption law for certain condominiums and townhouses to establish that they dont have to comply with setbacks, height requirements and lot coverage requirements when local zoning regulations are in effect. Passed third reading in the House.

SB 382: Senate Bill 382, the Montana Land Use Planning Act, would provide a quicker review process for planning reviews of development proposals. The bill would require local governments to establish planning commissions, provide continuous public participation and adopt land use plans and land use maps. It would also require local governments to analyze expected population trends, take action to meet current and future housing needs and plan for environmental hazards. Passed third reading in the Senate and passed the House Local Government Committee.

SB 407: Zoning bill that would revise municipal zoning laws. It would prohibit a municipality from using an external board when reviewing permits or variances. Passed the House Local Government committee.

HB 927: A bill that would use state coal trust funds money for loans to support price-controlled housing for low-income residents. The bill has passed the House and is pending in the Senate.

SB 323: A bill that would allow duplexes in existing city zoning regulations in towns with a population of at least 5,000 residents. It passed the House Local Government Committee.

HB 785: The bill would require landlords to give a 60-day notice when changing rental agreement terms or if they refuse to offer a new lease. The current law allows for just a 30-day notice. The bill passed third reading in the House and has been referred to the Senate.

HB 943: It would raise the property tax rate on short-term rental units from 1.35% to 1.89% by classifying them as commercial property instead of residential. The bill passed the House.

Several other bills have failed to make it through the process this session, including one that would have prohibited cities and counties from banning short-term rentals and another that would have put an additional fee on those rentals and used it to fund grants for affordable housing projects.

Holly Michels and Sam Wilson of the Lee Montana State Bureau contributed to this story.
The Supreme Court will be the next stop for a legal fight over the pill used in the nations most common abortion method. A federal appeals court ruled late Wednesday that the abortion pill mifepristone can still be used for now but reduced the period of pregnancy when the drug can be taken and said it couldn't be dispensed by mail. The decision temporarily narrowed a ruling by a lower court judge in Texas that had completely blocked the Food and Drug Administrations approval of the drug while a lawsuit over it plays out. Mifepristone was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration more than two decades ago. The Biden administration says it will take the case to the high court.
Cannabis regulators have halted operations at several outdoor pot farms and processing facilities on a stretch of former fruit orchards in north-central Washington state. Testing found high levels of chemicals related to a dangerous pesticide used decades ago. The sweeping action announced Thursday night has renewed concerns about pesticides in marijuana. It also has put dozens of people at least temporarily out of work. The businesses are in an area where fruit growers used the cancer-causing pesticide DDT before the U.S. banned it in 1972. Officials are working to identify any products the tainted marijuana was used in. They have asked the affected companies to issue recalls.
The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Saturday launched combat readiness patrol and military exercises around the Taiwan Island, which will last from April 8 to 10 Beijing time as scheduled.

The patrol and exercises take place in the maritime areas and airspace of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the island's east, said Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the command.

These operations serve as a stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence" and external forces and against their provocative activities, said Shi, adding that the operations are necessary for safeguarding China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared last month that California was done doing business with Walgreens after the pharmacy chain said it would not distribute an abortion pill in 21 states where Republicans threatened legal action.

But California is legally bound to continue doing business with Walgreens through the statesMedicaid program, health law experts said. And according to a public records request, the state paid Walgreens $1.5 billion last year.

Newsoms administration confirmed it will continue to comply with federal law by paying Walgreens through Medi-Cal, which provides health coverage to roughly 15 million residents with low incomes and disabilities. Were California to stop covering Medi-Cal prescriptions filled at Walgreens stores, legal scholars warned, the state would run afoul of federal law, which allows patients to get their medications at any approved pharmacy.

California has no intention of taking any action that would violate federal Medicaid requirements, or that could undermine access for low-income individuals, said Tony Cava, a spokesperson for the California Department of Health Care Services, in a statement.

Newsom spokesperson Anthony York said, Tweeting is not policy. He added the governor will not take any action that hurts people who need access to care. Walgreens has even been reinvited to apply for a specialty drug contract that Newsom pulled back on renewing last month, York said. Walgreens has received about $54 million from the state under the contract.

The dust-up with the Illinois-based pharmacy chain illustrates Newsoms panache for sweeping announcements on social media, where he garners national headlines but offers few specifics and little follow-through, political strategists said. Newsom has raised his national profile  and speculation of a presidential bid  by traveling to red states and launching a new political action committee.

Its much more about appearances and style and approach than it is about substance, said David McCuan, political science department chair at Sonoma State University. Newsom and his administration oversell their pronouncements and dont actually deliver.

On March 6, the governor tweeted California wont be doing business with @walgreens  or any company that cowers to the extremists and puts womens lives at risk, after the second-largest U.S. pharmacy chain said it would not dispense mifepristone in states where it is illegal to dispense the pill or where the company faced potential lawsuits if it did so.

Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio said continuing to pay Walgreens through Medi-Cal doesnt take away from Newsoms support of abortion rights.

Hes going to get the headline for protecting abortion rights, and this he can chalk up to a technical difficulty, Maviglio said. He will be rewarded for standing up to a corporation.

Federal law is designed to ensure Medicaid patients have choices in where they get health care, including prescriptions. Approved providers like Walgreens are protected by Medicaid statute, which states that no health plan or entity can restrict the choice of the qualified person from whom the individual may receive services. Legal and Medicaid experts said that makes it extremely difficult for the Newsom administration to disqualify Walgreens.

As long as Walgreens is performing for Medicaid beneficiaries as it should, dispensing all legal drugs in a manner that is consistent with permissible pharmacy practice, then I dont see the basis for excluding them, said Sara Rosenbaum, a professor of health law and policy at George Washington University.

The federal regulations that protect Walgreens are the same that have allowed Planned Parenthood to offer health care services to Medicaid enrollees in conservative states, where leaders have sought unsuccessfully to exclude the network of clinics from receiving taxpayer funding.

An approved pharmacy company can be excluded from state networks only if it has committed fraud or other contract violations, added Edwin Park, a research professor at Georgetown University with expertise in Medicaid law.

Certainly, that wouldnt be the case for Walgreens, Park said.

Its unclear whether Newsom was aware of how difficult it would be for California to unwind its Medi-Cal provider agreement with Walgreens, said Daniel Schnur, a Republican-turned-independent strategist who also teaches political science at the University of Southern California.

The original announcement sounded like a seminal step for the state of California to take on principle, even at great financial expense, Schnur said. Theyve quietly backed away.

Through a records request, KHN learned the state paid Walgreens $1.5 billion last year to buy and dispense prescriptions to Medi-Cal enrollees. The bulk of the payment, $1.4 billion, reimbursed Walgreens for the prescriptions it distributed. And the remaining $123 million went to dispensing fees, a payment to pharmacists for each prescription they fill. The federal government covers at least half the states payments, which are also offset by rebates from drug manufacturers.

A Walgreens spokesperson declined to comment on its business with California, referring to the same statement it issued in March: Providing legally approved medications to patients is what pharmacies do, and is rooted in our commitment to the communities in which we operate.

Walgreens said it plans to dispense mifepristone in any jurisdiction where it is legally permissible to do so. The company was responding to an FDA rule finalized in January that allows certified pharmacies to dispense the abortion pill, which is the most common way people terminate pregnancies. Walgreens isnt proposing to limit abortion pill sales in California or other states where abortion is legal and pharmacies are allowed to dispense it.

Democrats have urged pharmacy chains to sell the abortion pill even as GOP attorneys general threaten legal action. But many, including Walmart, Costco, Albertsons, and Health Mart, have not waded into the fight. Only Rite Aid and CVS have said they plan to begin certification to dispense the pills.

Had Newsom been able to sever Medi-Cals relationship with Walgreens, he would have contradicted one of his signature health initiatives. When he took office in 2019, Newsom proposed the state take over prescription drug coverage for Medi-Cal patients, many of whom had been covered through managed-care plans.

Part of Newsoms pitch: Patients could go to nearly any pharmacy in California.

Kaiser Health News is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation, which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.
The opinion of the Napa Valley Register

Napa Valley is an incredibly desirable place. Driving through the bucolic hills and vineyards  en route to even pedestrian pursuits like a doctors appointment  can feel like a bit of a dream. The recent heavy rains have turned them greener than they might otherwise be, giving them an extra boost of beauty.

Its not an accident. Creation of the Agriculture Preserve in the 1960s preempted almost all development on the valley floor, savvy winery owners almost single-handedly created the demand for high-end California wines in the 1970s and 80s, and forward thinking planners and developers made downtown Napa safer from flooding, setting the stage for its revival earlier this century.

And thats just part of the story. The countys history is a crush of deals  some shady, but most not  aimed at making this an international destination.

Napa County, were reminded periodically, looked much like Santa Clara County in 1900. Without all of the above, its not hard to imagine having to share all of this with a million or so other residents. Our main exports might well have been heavy metals rather than Merlot, chemicals rather than Cabernet.

But there are less-than-rosy implications. Almost all of the workers at the local hotels and resorts, wineries and fine-dining establishments are not paid well enough to live here. Neither can many of the people who work in our schools, drive our buses, pick up our trash, or fix our cars. Many current homeowners might not be able to afford their own neighborhoods if they were suddenly forced to move.

The overall enrollment in Napa Valley Unified is projected to be around 14,000 in 2028  down from about 17,000 in 2020. Since state funding is based almost solely on enrollment figures  and after Napa voters turned down a $200 million school bond late last year  this may soon become an unshakable downward spiral.

There are few jobs that pay enough for a recent college graduate to live here, and so they establish themselves and grow their families elsewhere. Perhaps, one day, when theyve made their fortune theyll come back  to buy their vacation home, in cash.

All this is to say that the inequity that sustains this way of life is not a bug, it is a feature. Locals may very well complain about the lack of affordable restaurants or activities for teens or teetotalers, but we are all beneficiaries of the services the taxes of visitors  by way of Transient Occupancy Tax and sales tax  provide. In fact, because of the outflow of younger people and the influx of second (or third) homeowners here, many other governmental revenue streams are either flat or decreasing.

TOTs are a 12% tax on guests at county hotels, money that goes in the general fund of the municipality where that full-service resort or limited-amenity motel (if you can find one) is located. The cities and the county itself use that money to pay for police, firefighters, street services, or pretty much anything else needed.

Depending on the city, this can be as much as 60% of its total budget (Calistoga) or as little as 6% (American Canyon and Napa County, which receives funds from hotels located in unincorporated areas.) The city of Napa is in the middle at 25%.

This highlights something deeply obvious: Our local economy lacks diversity, and potentially dangerously so. History is filled with examples of once-affluent areas who suffered because its leaders didnt react quickly enough to the changing economic winds.

The editorial board recently had a vigorous discussion based on a thought experiment: What will Napa County look like in 10 or 20 years if we continue on as we are now, and what, if anything, can or should be different?

Should nothing change, Napa Valley may become solely a playground for the ultra-wealthy, a place where the only members of the have-nots with physical access to its pleasures are the ones in service to those haves. Its population will be primarily empty nesters and the childless, and it will become increasingly racially and economically homogeneous.

Instead of that future, our goal should be to maintain our current overall quality of life, but also expand the number of people throughout the socioeconomic chain that can enjoy it. There are no easy solutions, but success will take a concerted effort from a wide variety of groups, many with conflicting interests. This includes those hotels and wineries, yes, but also governmental agencies, teachers, environmentalists and affordable housing advocates.

Otherwise, our green hills may one day wither and die, leaving us with not only a less aesthetic reality, but an economic fire hazard as well.

The editorial board researches, interviews stakeholders and discusses issues of importance to Napa County residents. Its written opinions are the institutional views of the Napa Valley Register and is not beholden to interest groups, public officials, or its own advertisers. Its larger goal is to provide clear-eyed analysis of these issues to help make our county and region a safe, equitable, peaceful, and just place to live and work.
American Armenians march, with huge Karabakh flag, to Turkey embassy in Washington

Adam Schiff: I've never been more concerned, frankly, that there may be another major outbreak of war

Germany Bundestag human rights committee head: New Azerbaijani checkpoint contradicts international law

Loucas Fourlas visits border regions of Armenias Syunik province

Adam Schiff submits to US Congress draft resolution recognizing Karabakh independence

France FM to visit Armenia and Azerbaijan, to discuss situation in Lachin corridor

Newspaper: Pashinyan-Putin telephone conversation result being awaited

Karabakh ombudsman: Azerbaijan takes blatantly brazen step that directly contradicts tripartite statement

Kamala Harris on Armenian Genocide: Let us never forget, let us rededicate ourselves to speaking out against hate

Bruno Retailleau: Azerbaijani checkpoint installation on Hakari bridge could be beginning of new large-scale operation

Canada FM issues message on Armenian Genocide 108th anniversary

The struggle for international recognition of this horrific crime continues. President of Cyprus

U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE: The United States is deeply concerned about Azerbaijan's actions

Valerie Boyer: Turkey has started a new war of aggression in Armenia and Artsakh

The Second President of Armenia visited Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex with his wife and son

Azerbaijan's decision to set up checkpoints in the Lachin corridor contradicts EUs call to reduce tensions

Russian Defense Ministry noted Azerbaijan's unilateral and uncoordinated actions

Foreign Minister of Artsakh Meets with Head of the Republicans Group of the French Senate

France commemorates 108th Anniversary of 1915 Armenian Genocide: Macron

Commemoration ceremony was held in Amsterdam near the monument dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide

PACE Rapporteur wants to visit Lachin corridor

Trudeau on Armenian Genocide Memorial Day: Canada will continue to promote peace and justice

Greece PM on Armenian Genocide: We are against any act that incites discrimination, violence against humanity

European People's Party on Armenian Genocide: We urge Turkey to acknowledge reality of past

Italy MP: International organizations access to Karabakh for humanitarian aid should be facilitated

PACE pays tribute to Armenian Genocide victims with minute of silence (VIDEO)

Representation at ECtHR: Armenia will apply to International Court of Justice regarding Lachin checkpoint matter

Yeghishe Kirakosyan: Armenia will apply to International Court of Justice regarding Lachin checkpoint issue

Levon Aronian: Message of remembering and demanding must be directed towards ourselves

Biden: We renew our pledge to never forget Armenian Genocide

Armenian Genocide commemoration event held in Istanbul

Russia ambassador, embassy military attache lay flowers at Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan (PHOTOS)

Peskov on setting up Azerbaijani checkpoint at Lachin corridor: Situation not easy, requires extra effort

Greece president: We honor Armenian Genocide victims memory

Russia calls on Armenia, Azerbaijan to immediately return to existing agreements

Armenian Genocide victims honored at PACE chamber courtyard (PHOTOS)

Bruno Retailleau on Armenian Genocide victims: They are our victims also

Artsakh MFA: Armenian people are again facing threat of new Genocide

France senator: We should help Armenia arm itself

Karabakh president: Today more than ever we need to turn words into action

Greece FM: Preserving Armenian Genocide victims memory is minimum duty of all humanity

Sotk gold mine of Armenia inactive for 10th day due to periodic Azerbaijani shooting

Colorado declares April 24, 2023 as Armenian Genocide remembrance day

Ambassador: France stands with Armenia to commemorate victims of 1915 Genocide (PHOTOS)

Karekin II: Azerbaijan's goal is to de-Armenianize, take over Karabakh

US Congressman Adam Schiff to introduce bill recognizing Karabakh independence, sovereignty

Karabakh MFA: Any proposal to discuss Azerbaijans illegal demands is tantamount to condoning its genocidal policy

Karabakh president pays tribute to Armenian Genocide victims

Catholicos visits Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan

Armenia ex-President Sarkissian: We must be able to move forward without retreating from our identity, history

Armenia army General Staff chief: We are doing positional improvement work at Tegh village

Nathalie Loiseau: No one should approach risk of new violence against Armenians lightly 108 years after Genocide

Armenia MFA: Armenians in Karabakh are facing danger of genocide, ethnic cleansing even today

Netherlands ambassador expresses support to Armenians in the words of great poet Hovhannes Tumanyan (VIDEO)

Georgia Armenians hold torchlight procession in Tbilisi

PM Pashinyan, other state officials visit Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan (PHOTOS)

Kristina Kvien: No US sanctions against Azerbaijan at the moment

MFA: France condemns setting up of Azerbaijani checkpoint at Lachin corridor, demands to reopen corridor

Karekin II: Fight for just cause of Armenians, contribute to prevention of genocidal acts and crimes

Armenia ex-President Serzh Sargsyan: Bloody scimitar which has now become Bayraktar hangs over our people again

Armenia PM: This is best moment to think about past, present, future

Armenian Genocide Memorial entrance closed

108 years later: It is Armenian Genocide victims commemoration day

State minister: People of Karabakh have right to demand from players to make clear assessments, take steps

US 'deeply concerned' by Azerbaijan's checkpoint in Lachin corridor

Edmon Marukyan: Peaceful Armenians of Artsakh taken hostage by Azerbaijan

Kanaani: Iran's military program is solely defensive

Ministry of Defense of Armenia: The Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan has spread disinformation

Erdogan: Putin to take part in fuel delivering ceremony to Akkuyu

Security Council of the Republic of Artsakh makes a statement

Kosovo Serbs boycott local elections

An Armenian serviceman was lethally wounded in a position in Sotk

Armenians in Great Britain remember Armenian Genocide victims

Azerbaijan establishes checkpoint on Lachin-Stepanakert road

Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day rally in Berlin

Azerbaijan blocks Hakari bridge on Artsakh-Armenia border

Faro Palace in Marseille in Armenian tricolor

Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Green Sunday

AK Party office in Istanbul attacked

Spain shipping Leopard 2 to Ukraine
Omani mediators in Yemen to try to broker new truce

Omani mediators in Yemen to try to broker new truce

Omani mediators arrived in Yemen on Saturday to discuss a new truce between the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, an airport source said, amid renewed moves to end the conflict.



Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have multiplied since the Yemeni government's main foreign backer Saudi Arabia signed a Chinese-brokered deal to restore relations with Iran last month.



The top Saudi and Iranian diplomats met in Beijing on Thursday, resuming diplomatic relations and pledging to work together to bring "security and stability" to their turbulent region.



Nearly a decade of war in Yemen has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, both directly and indirectly, and triggered what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.



The Houthis seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, triggering the conflict with the government which has been backed for eight years by a military coalition led by regional heavyweight Riyadh.



The rapprochement between the two great regional rivals, Shi'ite-majority Iran and mainly Sunni Saudi Arabia, has fuelled hopes of reduced tensions in the Middle East, particularly in Yemen. (AFP)
In another incident of unruly behavior by an air passenger, a drunk flyer on board an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Bengaluru on Friday tried to open the flap of an emergency door. The matter was reported to the agencies concerned and appropriate action was initiated. "The passenger travelling on flight 6E 308 from Delhi to Bengaluru tried opening the flap of the emergency exit in an inebriated state. On noticing this, the crew on board alerted the captain and the passenger was appropriately cautioned," an airline spokesperson said. "There was no compromise on the safe operation of the said flight and the unruly passenger was handed over to CISF upon arrival in Bengaluru," the spokesperson added. In end March, two passengers on a Indigo flight from Dubai to Mumbai continued consuming alcohol onboard despite multiple warnings from the crew, and then verbally abused the crew and co-passengers. Airlines have witnessed many such incidents of unruly behaviour by some air passengers in the last few months. In order to deal with unruly behaviour on-board, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued CAR, Section 3- Air Transport, Series M, and Part VI titled "Handling of unruly/ disruptive passengers". As per the procedure defined in the CAR, airlines are required to follow a prescribed procedure for holding passengers accountable before they are placed in the 'No Fly List' by the airline. Based on the information provided by the airlines, 'No Fly List' is maintained by the DGCA. --IANS kvm/vd ( 266 Words) 2023-04-07-22:40:03 (IANS)
Out of the 16 operational central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) under the administrative control of the heavy industries ministry, five CPSEs including Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) and Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) are making losses. A high-level Parliamentary panel of Rajya Sabha has expressed concern over this fact and also noted that a number of CPSEs under the ministry's administrative control are gradually decreasing. The panel has asked the heavy industries ministry to work towards enhancing the performance of CPSEs under its control and adopt restructuring measures to revive the loss making units, so that no further closure of PSUs takes place. The Parliamentary standing committee on industry which is headed by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, in its report, presented in the Parliament during the recently concluded budget session, said that HEC has been a loss-making enterprise continuously for the past several years, yet a meagre token amount of Rs 0.01 crore has been kept as a budgetary support for it for 2023-24. The committee thus has recommended that the ministry should make concerted efforts to improve the situation of HEC and if need arises, may seek additional funds at the "revised estimate" stage. The ministry should also give details of the steps taken and plans conceived to revive and strengthen the CPSEs within its administrative ambit to the panel, it said in the report. Apart from HEC and HMT, the other loss making PSUs under the ministry's control are Engineering Projects (India) Limited (EPIL), Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments Limited (REIL) and NEPA Ltd. The committee also expressed dismay that year after year the number of CPSEs under the control of the heavy industries ministry are decreasing. The committee has recommended that the ministry should do a serious and holistic analysis of the causes that are making its PSEs sick and loss-making, and make concerted efforts for their revival and restoration. --IANS ans/pgh ( 327 Words) 2023-04-07-23:22:02 (IANS)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 8 (ANI/NewsVoir): Greaves Cotton Limited, India's leading diversified engineering company, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement for the multi-tranche acquisition of Excel ControLinkage Private Limited. As part of this agreement, in the first tranche, the Greaves Cotton Limited will acquire 60% of the shareholding through a secondary route from the existing shareholders, subject to the fulfilment of customary closing conditions. Greaves Cotton Limited, in February 2023, announced the signing of the binding term sheet to acquire a 100% stake through multiple tranches in Excel ControLinkage Pvt. Ltd. Nagesh Basavanhalli, Executive Vice Chairman of Greaves Cotton Limited, expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating that it "Will unlock powerful synergies between the two companies, streamlining product offerings and enhancing customer convenience." By combining competencies in the motor controller line of business in Greaves and electronic sensors in Excel, the two companies will have a stronger right-to-win in the electric powertrain and power electronics segments. This will allow them to stay ahead of the competition and establish a stronger market position by offering a larger playing field for specialised technical talent, providing more career growth opportunities for the Company. This further enhances the Company's ability to attract and retain top talent, driving future growth and innovation. Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL) is a diversified multi-product and multi-location engineering Company with a rich legacy and brand trust of over 163 years. The Company is a leading name in Fuel Agnostic Powertrain Solutions, E-Mobility, Aftermarket & Retail. The Company's diversification strategy is driven by customer-centricity and sustainability. As a part of this diversification strategy, the Company has recently announced the acquisition of Excel Controlinkage Pvt. Ltd. to unlock new avenues of growth and continue to build expertise in future technologies. GCL is on a mission to redefine the sustainable, cleantech mobility ecosystem through transformative technologies. It is powered by the purpose of touching a billion lives by 2030 and enabling them to make a sustainable transition to green mobility. For more information, visit- www.greavescotton.com. Excel Controlinkage Pvt. Ltd. (Excel) is one of the leading players in manufacturing of mechanical and electronic motion control systems catering to vast majority of OEMs in India in Commercial Vehicle, Construction Equipment, Agriculture and other Industrial applications segments in India and aftermarket. Excel generates ~40% of its revenue from Exports market including Marine segment and Industrial aftermarket. Company achieved a Turnover of INR 1665 million with a PBT of INR 367 million in FY 2022. This story has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
New Delhi/Pune (Maharashtra) [India], April 8 (ANI/NewsVoir): The second edition of the AFINDEX-2023 (Africa-India Field Training Exercise), was recently held at Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune. The joint exercise, with over 100 participants was focused on Humanitarian Mine Action and Peace Keeping Operations. The improvement of interoperability and operational readiness for UN peacekeeping missions depends on military engagement and cooperation among the participating member countries. Exicom Technologies India was a part of the joint exercise conducted by the Indian Army on various tactical scenarios. Exicom's radio technology was used to integrate various manned/unmanned entities like soldiers, drones, and UGVs on a centralised digital network. Speaking about Exicom Technologies participation in the joint exercise, Raghav Agarwal stated that, "It was our honour to have gained Indian Army's trust over the years for them to let us be in charge of such a critical aspect of an operation that had the presence of both Indian and allied decision makers." One of the most trusted names in wireless communication services, Exicom Technologies' solutions are renowned for extending reliable communications to Armed Forces, and entities in harshest of terrain and climate conditions for remotest of locations. The impetus given by the Indian Government and policy of "Make in India" has motivated the company to continue to focus on R&D. This story has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
Romanian music composer and DJ Edward Maya, who is known for his chartbuster 'Stereo Love', is in Mumbai. The DJ arrived in the city on Friday and is set to do a number of shows in India. Maya will be in Mumbai till April 14. He'll then leave for Delhi for his show on April 15 and will be back to where he is stationed in Rishikesh. His Raasta SINE Tour will also kick off from Mumbai on April 28, followed by a show in Goa on April 29. After a break of five days, the DJ will be in Kolkata for his performance scheduled on May 5 and the next day in Gurugram. He will perform in Dehradun from May 10 to May 15. followed by an international show on May 19 in Quito, Ecuador. And then, finally, he will land in Goa for the International Dirt Week on May 21. Apart from this, the composer is busy with his new venture called Mayavin School. He has called India his second home and says the country has played an important role in shaping his artistic career. His Mayavin School, based in Rishikesh, seeks to unite people from all around the globe in a community ready to create and experience 'conscious art and yoga' at a whole new level. --IANS aa/srb ( 235 Words) 2023-04-07-22:46:03 (IANS)
Raveena Tandon, who received the Padma Shri for her contribution to Indian cinema described the award ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan as beautiful and detailed how President Draupadi Murmu told the actor that she had watched all her films. Speaking exclusively to ANI about her experience of receiving the award, Raveena said, "My daughter Rasha (Tandon) has put it in a beautiful way, it's an achievement that is recognized before an entire community, a nation. I am truly honoured." She has worked for 32 years in the Hindi film industry. While speaking about her interaction with President Murmu, Raveena said, "It was a very beautiful moment. President Murmu told me she has seen all my movies. It's so sweet of her that she said that it's an honour for her to give me this award." "I told her that it was my honour that I am receiving this from you," Raveen said. Raveena was accompanied by her husband Anil Thadani, daughter Rasha and son Ranbir at the award ceremony. "When I saw them all smiling at me, that moment is etched in my mind forever. It feels great when your family feels proud of your achievement," said the actor. Apart from being an actor, Raveena is also working for humanitarian causes through her own foundation and other organisations, where she has been serving as an ambassador. But the actor clearly said that she does not feel like bragging about her social work. "During covid, my organization provided oxygen cylinders to Delhi free of cost. But I don't do this for limelight. My organization has also contributed to the education of Pulwama victims' children. I am the only actor chosen from the industry to represent women and child causes at the W20 podium which comes under G20." Raveena also emphasized the fact that she prefers quality over quantity. "In the coming days, You will see me in a lot of projects. Films, OTTs... But while I was working in films only, I did not burden myself with numbers. I need to spend time with my family." On the work front, Raveena will be next seen in an upcoming romantic-comedy film 'Ghudchadi' alongside Sanjay Dutt, Parth Samthan and Khushali Kumar. She also has 'Patna Shukla' in her kitty. She also has a Disney Plus Hotstar project at hand as well. The 'KGF' actor also mentioned that her daughter has an interest in Arts whereas her son is far away from this world. "But I can't thrust my dreams upon them. It's children's dreams, they will choose their own path." For fans and followers, Raveena has a beautiful message to share. "Jio aur Jeene do... Zindagi bohat choti hai, khusiyan baton (Live and let live... Life is short, spread happiness). Jiski jitney bhi hasiyat hai, us hisab se dusro ka help karo. Even if you have 5000 rupees salary, spare 100 rupees for a child's education. (Everyone should help the underprivileged at whatever capacity they can.. Even if your salary is 5000 rupees, spare 100 rupees for a child's education). (ANI)
BJP and Congress leaders took swipe at each other on Friday during the poll battle in Karnataka as electioneering gathered pace in the southern state with almost a month left for polling. While the Congress taunted BJP over "delay" in the declaration of its candidate's list, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai hit back saying that the opposition party in the state did not have candidates on many seats and got them from other parties. The two parties also sparred over the Karnataka government's decision to remove religious minorities from the backward classes list, which gave them four per cent reservation, and putting them under the 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections. Bommai said that the BJP's central leadership will decide the candidates and the state unit recommend a panel of names. "We will have a meeting on April 8-9 and apparently, tickets will be distributed on April 10. The process of ticket selection is going on as per the rules. We held meetings for three consecutive days and took the opinion of party workers, leaders and people. The final list will be discussed as we have cleared 3 names (for each constituency)," he said. He also responded to Congress leader DK Shivakumar's remarks that they will undo the decision of the BJP government concerning the reservation of religious minorities in the backward classes list. "They can't touch it, let's see what they can do," Bommai said. Congress leader Siddaramaiah, who is seen as a chief ministerial aspirant if Congress wins the polls, said the party is hopeful of winning at least 130 of 224 seats. He said this is going to be his last election and he will retire from electoral politics. Siddaramaiah said his relationship with Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar is cordial. "I am contesting from Varuna assembly constituency as my native village comes under this constituency. This is going to be my last election. I will retire from electoral politics. My relationship with DK Shivakumar (Karnataka Congress president) is cordial. There are no differences between us. Of course, differences exist in democracy but it is not detrimental to the interests of the party," told ANI "We are expecting more than 130 seats this time and Congress Party will come to power with a comfortable majority on its own. People have decided to change the government," he added. Siddaramaiah attacked the Chief Minister and the ruling BJP. "BJP is a sectarian party. Ours is a secular party. There can't be any disparity among the people of Karnataka. I treat all human beings equally whether they belong to Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or any other community or religion, I treat them all equally," he told ANI. "Basavaraj Bommai miserably failed to protect the interest of Kannadigas. He has no business to continue as CM. Modi and Shah are coming to Karnataka to get votes and claim it's a double-engine govt but Maharashtra government is blatantly interfering with the freedom of the state," he said He also hit out at BJP over its move on reservations. "Recategorising (of reservation) is not proper, not constitutional. It is not valid... We've no objection to increasing the reservation of Vokkaliga and Lingayat but why you abolished the reservation of Muslims... It clearly shows vendetta, hate politics," the Congress leader said. A former Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said he is contesting from Varuna assembly constituency as it has been cleared by the party's central leadership. "It's not that I am interested to contest but Kolar people want me to contest from there," he said. Congress and Janata Dal-Secular have announced 166 and 93 candidates respectively so far for the Karnataka polls DK Shivakumar took a dig at BJP and said while Congress has released two lists of candidates for assembly polls in the state, the BJP has not been able "to release even its first list".He also said that if Congress forms a government in Karnataka it will change the BJP government's decision to remove religious minorities from the backward classes list, under which they got four per cent reservation. "Till now, Congress party has released two lists of candidates and discussions are going on for a third list and as soon as possible Congress will release the third list too. But the BJP could not be able to release even its first list yet," Shivakumar told the media here Shivakumar also took potshots at AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi."I don't want to discuss much on that. Asaduddin Owaisi, he is like A team, B Team and C Team of BJP. People of Karnataka are very intelligent and Congress will make government," Shivakumar said. Congress on Thursday announced its second list of 42 candidates for the Karnataka polls. No decision has yet been taken on who would contest from Kolar. "BJP government removed four per cent reservation for minorities which is against the law and the minority (community) is going to support the Congress party. After the Congress government is formed, we will protect the right of minorities and reservation policy will be changed," Shivakumar added. The BJP government in Karnataka has decided to remove religious minorities from the backward classes list and redistributed the four per cent quota. The minorities, it said, will get reservation under the 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections. The Karnataka BJP also hit back at Shivakumar. "DK Shivakumar clarified that we will cancel the reservation given to Okkaliga, Veerashaiva-Lingayat, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. For appeasement politics, the right of these communities to be uprooted INC Karnataka will be punished accordingly," the party said in a tweet. Congress MP Randeep Surjewala, who is AICC incharge of Karnataka, alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is "panic-striken" as it has not announced its first list of candidates for the Karnataka Assembly elections. "Because Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is unwilling to fight election from his seat and his ministers don't want to contest from their seats either. All are running away from their seats. Nobody wants to contest the election therefore, they're dependent on film stars & rowdy sheeters...," he alleged. Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar said that the BJP has always ensured social justice while distributing tickets for elections. "Let's wait for one more day. BJP has always given a lot of opportunities to the youth and women and has maintained social justice. Above all, we have always given priority to workers of the party. So the party is different from all other parties today," he said. He said Congress does not have clarity on its chief ministerial candidate in the upcoming election. "I am seeing more Surjewala than Siddaramaiah and DK Shivkumar. Let them decide on one face how can they say both? They (Congress) are not clear, they have no clarity on who will become the CM face. We have clarity, we have our PM under whose guidance govt will run and we have an able, efficient CM Basavaraj Bommai who is also the chairman of the campaign committee," Sudhakar said. Meanwhile, Janata Dal-Secular has written to the Election Commission to stop the show starring Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep and advertisements featuring him till the end of the elections, in view of the fact that his films, advertisements, posters etc can influence votes as he is currently recognized as BJP's star campaigner. "Mr Sudeep, does a press conference along with Karnataka CM and invitation to all media sent on letterhead of BJP. He really says that he is going to do whatever CM says, he adheres to a political party, so he is a politician. According to rule of law of the land, any person who has political affiliation, cannot be seen on a public platform. That's the reason, we have requested EC to look into the matter of Sudeep's movies, OTT platforms, advertisements....": JD-S leader Tanveer Ahmed said. Sudhakar reacted to the JD-S move. "It doesn't matter whether they show it on TV or not. Kichcha Sudeep is a hugely popular actor, when he goes in favour of our people, for campaigning we will definitely have great support from the cadre and also he will fetch us votes and seats". The Karnataka assembly elections will be held in a single phase on May 10 with the counting of votes scheduled on May 13. (ANI)
The Karnataka unit of Janata Dal (Secular) has written to the Election Commission of India for stopping a show starring popular Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep, along with advertisements featuring him, till the end of the Assembly elections scheduled on May 10. The move came after Sudeep declared that he would campaign for Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and other candidates of the BJP, as he has shared a good bond with the CM since their childhood. He had also clarified that he is not going to join BJP. The JD(S) has approached the poll panel claiming that Sudeep's show, advertisements, posters etc. can influence the voters as he is currently recognised as one of the star campaigners for the BJP. Asked about former CM and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy's claims that Sudip was extending support to him, Chief Minister Bommai sought to know had Kumaraswamy not fielded candidates in the elections previously. "Has the JD(S) leader forgotten about roping in (late actor) Ambareesh for campaign during the 1996 Ramanagar bypolls? Film actors extending support to political parties is not new, as they have done it in the past for all the parties. This is a prevalent trend in the country, and also in Karnataka. "Why is Kumaraswamy shocked if a superstar supports BJP's campaign? He is making such statements because he is scared. The writing on the wall is loud and clear -- the JD(S) will lose in the upcoming Assembly elections," Bommai said. --IANS mka/arm ( 257 Words) 2023-04-07-20:34:03 (IANS)
Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJPR) President Chirag Paswan on Friday said that his party will contest in all 40 Lok Sabha seats of Bihar. The decision was taken during the party's state executive committee meeting here. "We are preparing to contest the Lok Sabha election for all 40 seats. I am a firm believer that every party has to prepare for every seat. We are strongly preparing for all 40 seats of Lok Sabha and 243 Assembly constituencies," Paswan said. His statement came in wake of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his Nawada rally, claiming that the BJP will contest on 40 seats of Bihar and will win all of them. With his announcement, Paswan, who claimed to be 'Hanuman' of PM Narendra Modi and always stood on the side of NDA, has given a strong message to the saffron party leaders. Asked about alliance with any other party, he said: "We have to prepare for every challenge. I cannot demand seats from any other party and I also will not break the alliance pact. During the 2020 Assembly election, you have seen that the election commission had announced the dates of voting and alliance partners were not decided in the NDA as well as in Mahagathbandhan. So, going with the alliance has time." Asked about the Iftar party of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday evening, Paswan said that he will not go there, but will sent a senior leader of his party to the event. "We cannot form an alliance with Nitish Kumar. He brought Bihar on the path of destruction. I did not make an alliance with him when my party was weak. Now, we have huge public support. So, there is no question of making an alliance with him at this stage," he said. --IANS ajk/vd ( 316 Words) 2023-04-07-20:50:04 (IANS)
In a surprise inspection conducted by the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) led by its chief Swati Maliwal, officials have seized around 50 litres of acid from a public toilet located opposite the G.B. Pant Hospital in central Delhi. The operation was carried out on Thursday and the officials confirmed the seizure of the acid on Friday. Maliwal has now asked the concerned officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to appear before the commission on April 11 with a detailed report on the matter. "I was shocked to discover huge quantities of acid kept in the open at a public toilet in Delhi. It could have been used by people for criminal activities. The fact that acid is being used in public toilets for cleaning purposes on a large scale is unacceptable and shameful," said Maliwal. "Strict action should be taken against the authorities for encouraging the use of acid for cleaning in toilets. Also, there should be no fee for using public toilets. All the toilets should be functional at all times, and if any toilet is non-functional, strict action should be taken against the official(s) responsible for it," she added. During the inspection on Thursday, the commission had noticed that Rs 10 was being charged from the users each time they used the toilet. "The commission was also informed that the toilet closes down at 10 p.m., rendering women and girls vulnerable to open defecation," said a DCW official. --IANS ssh/arm ( 264 Words) 2023-04-07-20:52:03 (IANS)
Realising the importance of technological changes emerging across the globe, a government school in Raipur is all set to offer classes related to robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning students from the new academic session. The move was taken following the significance of robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning for career perspective in future. With the setting up of a robotics laboratory, Pt. RD Tiwari Government English School (transformed under Swami Atmanand Excellent School Scheme) became the 10th government school in India to have such a lab under project 'Jigyasa', according to a press statement. In this laboratory, around 500 students from separate classes will learn about the development of models as well as electronic devices. Apart from Chhattisgarh's capital, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat are also included under project 'Jigyasa'.In this laboratory, students from classes 4th to 10th will learn about the making of electronic devices, robots, technical models and others. The students of 4th and 5th will be taught about models (without electronic devices) while the students from 6th to 10th will be trained to make electronic models. Moreover, the students will be taught about programming through computers in the robotics lab. To enhance the creative skills of students, they will be subjected to the task of developing models, programmes and robots."The basic objective of this is to develop interest among the students towards key subjects like mathematics and science," stated the headmaster of Pt R D Tiwari Government English School Anuj Kumar Dwivedi. "All the equipment of the laboratory came from Sweden", added the headmaster. He further explained that when a student engages in the development of a model, a student has to calculate space as well as other requirements. Through this project, the students would be able to learn about the things being required in development of a building. The robotics lab will encourage innovation among students and enhance their interest towards science, mathematics and technology. "The things students will learn here at the laboratory are going to be helpful to them for attaining a better career in future", Headmaster Anuj added."A mentor has also been appointed to teach students about programming and making of robots", he said."The students of primary level will be taught the basics of design while the students of 6th and 7th will be trained about things related to electronics", said Saurabh Verma, mentor of the laboratory, elaborating that thereafter, they will be taught about making robots."The students of higher secondary classes will be detailed about the basics of language as well as programming", added Verma. "The students of primary level will learn designing through an interactive session. Particularly, the students will be trained about load balancing as well as the concept of sciences" said Verma.He further informed that in the robotics lab, the students will be skilled in making models solving the problems linked to common people like development of traffic signals (lights) and the programme used for its functioning. (ANI)
The youth wing of Telugu Desam Party took out a protest rally in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district against Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) on Friday demanding strict action against illegal drug trafficking in the state. Ravipati Sai Krishna Youth President of Guntur District led the protest rally at the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) office on Inner Ring Road. People carrying posters and play cards reached SEB office and handed over a memorandum to the officers present there. Ravipati Sai Krishna said, "We demanded strict action against illegal trafficking and drug dealers in the state. Youths are getting addicted to it and their future is getting ruined. While the state government is busy in filling illegal cases against TDP leaders." On April 1, TDP workers were detained for conducting a rally without permission in the Tenali area of Guntur district as part of the Tenali Bandh programme. The rally was organised in a protest of a scuffle between the YSRCP and TDP councillors in a Municipal Council meeting in the Tenali area of the Guntur district on 31st March. TDP councillors had objected to the approval of a single tender for the door-to-door works, and over the matter, a scuffle broke out between TDP and YSRCP councillors at Tenali Municipal Office. As a result of the scuffle, TDP members held a rally in the Guntur District, and YSR Congress Party members also held a massive protest at Tenali Municipal Office, on Saturday. (ANI)
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP Central Parliamentary Board member B.S. Yediyurappa said on Friday that the party's candidates for the May 10 Assembly elections would be finalised following consultations with the high command considering the prospective nominee's ability to win, even as the party is under pressure from the aspirants over giving tickets. "I will be leaving for Delhi in connection with finalising tickets. The matter needs to be discussed with the party's senior leaders. After a discussion, the candidates' list would be finalised," he said. The senior BJP leader said that "a list having two or three names for each constituency has already been sent to the high command". "I am going along with CM Basavaraj Bommai and others to Delhi. We will release the list soon," he said. Meanwhile, a preliminary meeting to finalise the tickets was cancelled by the party high command. The meeting was scheduled to take place on Friday evening. Yediyurappa and Bommai had planned to leave Bengaluru in the morning. The Central Parliamentary Board will hold a meeting on Saturday and the candidates' list will be finalised. On Sunday, the party would be holding the Central Election Committee meeting and the first list would be announced on the same day, according to sources. The BJP Parliamentary Board meeting will be held in Delhi on Saturday to finalise the list of candidates, Bommai said. He told reporters here on Friday that the process of seeking feedback and opinion at the Assembly and district level had been completed, and that was also discussed at the state level. "The Parliamentary Board will take a final decision," he said. Asked about Minister V. Somanna contesting against Leader of the Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah in the Varuna constituency, Bommai said no decision has been taken in this regard, and discussion about all the constituencies will be held on Saturday. --IANS mka/pgh ( 328 Words) 2023-04-07-23:14:02 (IANS)
Bar council of Delhi has recently written a letter to Delhi police requesting to lodge an FIR against a person impersonating himself as an advocate by using the enrolment number of an advocate. In the said letter of April 5, Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) informed the police that A.K. Gupta is impersonating himself as an Advocate by mentioning and misusing the enrolment number, which in fact is alloted to an accused. Further, the instances of Gupta abusing and threatening other advocates have also been reported, the letter said. BCD has requested SHO Police station Hauz Khas to lodge an FIR against A.K. Gupta, for impersonation as advocate by misusing the enrolment number. "It is said that as per BCD records, A.K. Gupta is not enrolled with it. Hence, a thorough enquiry may be conducted and he may be arrested in appropriate sections of the IPC," added the letter. BCD chairman said that a letter has been written to the police to lodge an FIR against AK Gupta regarding the allegation as he is not enrolled with BCD but impersonating himself as an advocate by misusing the enrollment number of an advocate. (ANI)
The youth Congress in Shimla held a torch protest march on Friday night against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as a Lok Sabha MP. Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha, a day after a Surat court sentenced him to two years imprisonment in a defamation case filed against him over his 'Modi surname' remark. The protest was led by the National president of Youth Congress Srinivas Bhadravathi Venkata and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also participated in the protest. While participating in the protest, CM Sukhu said, "This is important that all need to come together to save the democracy which is being throttled by the central government in India". "The membership as parliamentarian of the biggest leader of the principal opposition party has been disqualified, the youth Congress has organised this torch March to save the democracy," he added. CM also added, "Congress party saved the democracy in India, whereas Bharatiya Janata Party is trying to finish democracy. The National President of Youth Congress Srinivas BV is here to lead this protest march and I am here to participate in it". Taking a dig at the Central government, the state President of Himachal Pradesh Nigam Bhandari said that the Union government and BJP is trying to kill the democratic values of the country. "We are protesting here under the call of National Youth Congress president, Sriniwas BV. He has led the protest and we are holding such protests across all Assembly segments level. We shall keep raising our voice against such non democratic efforts by the union government and BJP," said Bhandari. "The Union government has disqualified Rahul Gandhi as a Member of Parliament as he was raising the voice of people and wanted to expose the relationship of the Prime Minister with Adani," added Nigam Bhandari. Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha triggered a massive political row with the BJP stating that the Congress leader was "a habitual loose cannon" and the Congress alleging that he was got "deliberately disqualified". Meanwhile, on Monday a Surat Sessions Court granted bail to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had filed an appeal following his conviction in a criminal defamation case over his "Modi surname" remark during a political campaign in April 2019. The court in Gujarat's Surat granted bail till the disposal of the appeal to Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case. The court will hear Rahul's application seeking suspension of conviction on April 13. (ANI)
Based on a tip-off, troops under Border Security Force, Guwahati Frontier carried out a search operation against trans-border crimes and narcotics trafficking and apprehended one narcotic smuggler with prohibited Yaba Tablets at India-Bangladesh international border on Thursday.

According to the officials, the smuggler was apprehended with 600 numbers Yaba Tablets worth Rs 3,00,000 from a village in the South Salamara district of Assam.

"The consignment was meant to be smuggled from India to Bangladesh," added the officials.

The officials further said that the apprehended smuggler and seized items were handed over to police.

Further investigation into the matter is underway. (ANI)
Janata Dal (Secular) leader Abdul Aziz, who sought a ticket from the Narasimharaja assembly constituency, has resigned from JDS, which is a big setback for the party, said sources. The letter of resignation of Abdul Aziz, from the primary membership of the party and the post of secretary of the state unit has been submitted to the president of the state unit Changaai Mangalote Ibrahim. As per sources, JDS is yet to announce a candidate for this constituency after the resignation of Abdul. As per sources, his name hasn't been announced in first list even though he contested in 2018 and lost. He had a good connection with the voters though he wasn't given priority which made him take such a decision. Along with his supporters, he met Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru today. After his meeting, he is likely to join Congress soon. Notably, while the opposition Congress and Janata Dal-Secular have announced 166 and 93 candidates respectively so far, the ruling BJP is yet to announce its first list of candidates for the 224-seat assembly elections in Karnataka. Elections are slated to be held in Karnataka in a single phase on May 10, and the counting of votes will take place on May 13. Karnataka, which has 224 seats in the Assembly currently has 119 MLAs of the ruling BJP, while Congress has 75 and its ally JD(S) has 28 seats. The model code of conduct had come into effect after elections were announced in the State. (ANI)
Police arrested a man on Friday for killing his nephew suspecting him of having illicit relations with his wife from the Palghar district in Maharashtra, said police. According to the police, the incident happened in the Dahanu area of Palghar and the accused identified as Vinesh Harishchandra Tandel (40) was having a suspicion that his nephew Atul Vilas Tandel (23) was having illicit relations with his wife. Raged with this Tandel attacked Atul Vilas while he was sleeping the in his house. The accused barged into the house and brutally killed him by attacking him with a sharp-edged knife and iron pipe and then he fled from the spot, said police. As soon as the information about the incident was received, the Wangaon police reached the spot, took the body in their possession and sent it for post-mortem. A case under section 302 of IPC got registered and subsequently, the arrest was made. (ANI)
Leaders of the Indian Secular Front (ISF), a Muslim outfit, were stopped from entering violence-hit Rishra town of West Bengal's Hooghly district on Friday. Speaking to ANI, an ISF leader, who was part of the delegation, said, "The situation here is not that bad. Some political forces are trying to stoke tension and violence. Locals of Rishra are peace-loving and united but some people did try to incite trouble here. Our objective was to go to Rishra and talk to the local administration on the prevailing situation." "We believe in our Constitution and take a lot of pride in it. so, if the administration asks us not to visit a particular place, we won't dispute that and take the law into our hands," he added. On the violent clashes and rioting that broke out recently in Howrah and Hooghly districts during the Ram Navami celebrations and after, the ISF leader said, "The incidents have scarred both the communities and have put fear in their minds. We just wanted to ask the local administration why they haven't been able to restore normalcy and calm to the town yet." Following the clashes and stone-pelting at police personnel around Ram Navami, a sizeable contingent of security personnel was deployed in the area. A clash erupted during a Shobha Yatra (march) taken out by BJP supporters in Hooghly on April 2. The day after, on April 3, a fresh incident of stone-pelting in Rishra town forced the Eastern Railway to suspend all suburban and long-distance express train services to and from Rishra railway station. (ANI)
The toast of Agra after topping the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) on Friday, Divya Sikarwar credited her family members and their constant support for her "proud moment". The results for the UPPSC were declared on Friday. In a first for the state's civil services examination, eight female candidates figured in the Top 10 in the public exam conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC). The daughter of a retired Border Security Force personnel, Divya cleared the UPPSC in her third attempt. "I am very happy. I would attribute my success to the constant support I received from my parents, family and friends. I took online tuition for the exam. It was a very proud moment for the family. I would advise all the girls to focus on their careers and goals," Divya told ANI. Her beaming mother Saroj said, "I am very proud of my daughter. She worked very hard and used to study all day." While Divya emerged as the topper, Pratiksha Pandey from Lucknow and Namrata Singh from Bulandshahr ranked second and third respectively. They were followed in the Top-10 list by Akansha Gupta, Kumar Gaurav, Saltanat Praween, Mohsina Bano, Prajakta Tripathi, Aishwarya Dubey, and Sandeep Kumar Tiwari.A total of 110 female candidates cleared the state civil services exam this year. For the first time, the whole exam procedure was conducted in a record 10 months. According to Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, the main examination was conducted from September 27 to October 1, 2022, in centres in Lucknow, Prayagraj and Ghaziabad districts. A total of 5,311 candidates have appeared for the main exam. Out of the total candidates, 1,070 qualified for the mains examination and are eligible to appear for the interview round. The interview for the selected candidates was conducted from February 20 to March 21.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended congratulations to the rank holders and said that the record success of the "daughters" of the state in this examination and the representation of almost every district is a new picture of 'new Uttar Pradesh'. "Congratulations to all the successful candidates in the Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services Examination-2022 which were conducted by UPPSC in a transparent and fair manner in a record 10 months! The record success of the daughters of the state in this examination and the representation of almost every district is a new picture of 'new Uttar Pradesh'," UP CM tweeted. (ANI)
After his explosive claim on the report by Hindenburg Research against the Adani Group, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday said there are more important issues such as price rise and farmers' issues that the Opposition should raise instead of giving undue importance to the report by the US short-seller. "Nowadays, the names of Ambani-Adani are being taken (to criticise the government) but we need to think about their contribution to the country. I think other issues such as unemployment, price rise, and farmers issues are more important and should be raised by the Opposition," the senior Opposition leader said. Addressing a press conference on Saturday, after his explosive interview with a television news channel, Pawar said there is "no need" for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani issue as the Supreme Court-appointed committee will be more reliable and unbiased in its probe into the claims made in the report against the Indian conglomerate. "There is a certain structure to a JPC. If a JPC comprises 21 members, 15 of them will be from the government side, as the other parties can only have a maximum of 6 members. So, in all likelihood, the JPC report will only reaffirm the government's position in the matter. So, I think instead of a JPC, a Supreme Court-appointed committee will be more reliable and unbiased," Pawar said. On whether his statement would harm the Opposition unity at a time when major Opposition players are adamant on a JPC into the Adani row, Pawar said, "As far as the Opposition unity is concerned, I do not see the demand for a JPC have anything to do with it. My party has extended support to the JPC demand but I feel that the panel will be dominated by ruling party members. That's why I am saying that the demand for a JPC probe should not be linked with Opposition unity." Reiterating that a Supreme Court-appointed committee will be reliable, the NCP chief said one should introspect on the relevance one should give to a "foreign company" and the position it has taken on an "internal matter" of the country. "I don't know what Hindenburg is. A foreign company is taking a stand on an internal matter of this country and we should think that how much relevance that company has for us. We should, instead, demand a Supreme court-monitored probe by a committee appointed by it," said Pawar. The NCP chief's remarks are at variance with those of the Congress, which has insisted on a JPC probe into the Hindenburg report on the Adani group. Several other Opposition parties have supported the demand for a JPC probe. "....Someone gave a statement, and it created uproar in the country. Such statements were given earlier too, which created ruckus. But the importance given to the issue this time was out of proportion. There was a need to think who raised the issue (gave report). We had not heard the name who gave the statement. What is the background?. When such issues are raised, they create uproar in the country, the cost is borne ....how it impacts the economy. We can't ignore such things, and it seems (it) was targeted," Pawar told NDTV in an interview. He said the SC-appointed committee has been given guidelines, and a timeframe to submit its probe report. He said the Opposition, which has been raising a ruckus in the Parliament to press for a JPC, should realise that the BJP has a majority in both Houses. "Today, who has the majority in Parliament? The ruling party. The demand was against the ruling party. The committee to probe against the ruling party will have majority of members from the ruling party. How will the truth come out, there can be apprehensions. If Supreme Court investigates the matter, where there is no influence, there is a better chance of the truth coming out. And once the SC announced a committee for probing the matter, there was no need of JPC (probe)," he said. The second half of the budget session saw continuous disruptions over the demand for a JPC into the Hindenburg-Adani row. The Supreme Court had last month set up a six-member expert committee "to investigate if there was a regulatory failure in dealing with the alleged contravention of laws pertaining to the securities market in relation to the Adani Group or other companies". The committee was asked to give the report in two months. (ANI)
The BJP's West Bengal chief Sukanta Majumdar alleged that some tribal women, who had joined the party, were forced by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) to perform a 'dandavat parikrama' as punishment and were forced to rejoin the state's ruling party. "TMC did everything to insult them (Tribal community). I appeal to all people of the tribal community across the nation to protest against the party as they are anti-tribal," Majumdar said. The BJP state chief shared a video on Twitter in which three women can be seen performing 'dandavat parikrama'. "Martina Kisku, Shiuli Mardi, Thakran Soren and Malati Murmu, residents of Tapan Gofanagar, Tapan, joined the BJP yesterday. They belong to the ST community. Today, TMC goons forced them to return to the ruling party and punished them by asking to do a Dandavat Parikrama," tweeted Majumdar "TMC has time and again insulted tribal people. This takes it even higher. This is highly condemnable. We firmly stand with our karyakartas and will do everything to protect them," he added. Earlier on Sunday, clashes erupted during the BJP's Shobha Yatra (procession) in Hooghly. The state government later issued prohibitory orders and also suspended internet services across the district. Notably, violent clashes erupted in West Bengal's Howrah during a Ram Navami procession. Last week, several vehicles were set on fire after two groups clashed in Howrah amid Ram Navami celebrations. During the procession, the rioters vandalised public and private properties while setting vehicles on fire. Following the violence in Howrah, the West Bengal government on March 31 handed over the probe to Criminal Investigation Department (CID). A special team led by Inspector General of Police, CID Sunil Choudhury initiated the investigation. (ANI)
Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park marks 10th anniversary

Xinhua) 10:02, April 08, 2023

KUANTAN, Malaysia, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), the first industrial park jointly developed by Malaysia and China, marked its 10th anniversary here on Friday.

Delivering a speech during the celebration, Liu Ning, secretary of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China, said that the event will surely inject new impetus into deepening the practical cooperation between China and Malaysia, and create new opportunities.

He also said that Guangxi is willing to cooperate with friends from Malaysia to seize the opportunities of joint construction of the Belt and Road and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to deepen cooperation with Malaysia in areas such as trade and investment, industrial development, and cultural exchanges.

For his part, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook hailed the MCKIP as a solid success of the relationship between China and Malaysia, noting that it had boosted the infrastructure and economic development of the country's east coast and would continue to be a key point of cooperation between both countries.

"MCKIP is a testament to the robust economic ties between our two nations. Over the years, this industrial park has grown to become one of the largest and most successful joint ventures between Malaysia and China, attracting investments from both domestic and foreign companies," he said.

The MCKIP, together with the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park situated in China, has set an innovative example of bilateral economic cooperation under the model of "Two Countries, Twin Parks."

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that a humane touch of law is essential for ensuring that the law serves the needs and interests of all the people and it requires a willingness to be empathetic to the unique identities of people. "A humane touch of law is essential for ensuring the law serves the needs and interests of all the people, it requires a willingness to be empathetic to the unique identities of people with a commitment to accessibility and fairness," CJI Chandrachud said while addressing the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Gauhati High Court on Friday. He said that when the law is wisely applied and interpreted in the hands of judges it takes a step forward towards realising justice. "When the law is wisely applied and interpreted in the hands of judges it takes a step forward towards realising justice. But when the law is wielded without principle it can carry the burden of arbitrariness. For the judges and lawyers and for all of us as citizens, the constitutional path is reflected in the value of the preamble. These parameters provide the beacon for the unity of our nation and the stability of the social fabric," he said. The CJI said that the confidence and faith of citizens lie in the fierce sense of judicial independence. "...Confidence and faith of citizens lies in the fierce sense of our own judicial independence...Constitutional statesmanship requires deliberation and dialogue and not public grandstanding," said DY Chandrachud. President Droupadi Murmu was also present during the function and launched a mobile app 'Bhoroxa' made for the safety of women and elderly people. Addressing the gathering, the President said that the Gauhati High Court holds a unique place in India's judicial landscape. After its inception in 1948, it had jurisdiction over seven states for more than six decades and still has jurisdiction over four states. It has established a distinct identity for itself by producing a number of legal luminaries. It has also received attention for delivering several landmark decisions. She expressed confidence that the Gauhati High Court would continue to serve the people in the same manner in the years to come. "North-Eastern Region is possibly the best example of how various communities have lived together historically. As a result, it has rich ethnic and linguistic diversity. In such a region, institutions need to have a great deal of sensitivity and responsibility, as divergent traditions and laws govern the lives of the people of the region. The legislation applicable to different areas may vary, but the entire area is administered by a common High Court," she said. She said that it is heartening to see that the Gauhati High Court continues to uphold the customary laws that have been in practice in some of the states under its jurisdiction. By respecting the sentiments of the indigenous people, this institution has helped enhance the ethos of peaceful coexistence in this region. She said that justice, by definition, has to be inclusive, and thus must be accessible to all. However, access to justice is hindered by many factors. The cost of justice is one of them. "We need to keep expanding the reach of free legal counselling. The language of justice is another hindrance, but there is praiseworthy progress in that direction and the higher judiciary has started making verdicts available in more and more regional languages," she said. (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday took a sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam. Earlier in the day, the President was accorded a guard of honour at the station. President Murmu is on a three-day state visit to Assam from April 5-8. https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1644575351614636033?s=20 On Friday, President Murmu attended a function to mark the completion of 75 years of the Gauhati High Court in Guwahati. On occasion, she launched a mobile app 'Bhoroxa' made for the safety of women and elderly people. "Addressing the gathering, the President said that the Gauhati High Court holds a unique place in India's judicial landscape. After its inception in 1948, it had jurisdiction over seven states for more than six decades and still has jurisdiction over four states. It has established a distinct identity for itself by producing a number of legal luminaries. It has also received attention for delivering several landmark decisions. She expressed confidence that the Gauhati High Court would continue to serve the people in the same manner in the years to come," a press release said earlier. During the second day of her visit, the President inaugurated the Gaj Utsav 2023 at the Kaziranga National Park in Assam on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that there is a sacred relationship between nature and humanity. "The culture of respecting nature has been the identity of our country. In India, nature and culture have been linked to each other and have been receiving nourishment from each other. Elephants have been most respected in our tradition. It has been considered a symbol of prosperity. It is the National Heritage Animal of India. Therefore, protecting elephants is an important part of our national responsibility to preserve our national heritage," President Murmu said. She emphasized that for the success of Project Elephant and Gaj-Utsav, all the stakeholders would have to move forward together. President Murmu arrived in Assam's Golaghat District on Thursday morning for her three-day visit to the state. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma along with state Governor Gulab Chand Kataria received President Murmu at General Field Helipad, Bokakhat in Golaghat on Thursday. (ANI)
Responding to NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar's explosive statement that there was no need for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Hindenburg report on the Adani Group, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said that the TMC and NCP have their own opinions on the Adani issue but the same will not affect Opposition unity. Despite Pawar's divergent opinion in the matter, which he articulated during an interview with a television news channel on Friday, the NCP has backed the demand for a JPC probe into the claims made by the US short-seller against the Adani Group. However, the Trinamool Congress, which is the ruling party in West Bengal, has not clarified its position on the issue. In a press conference earlier on Saturday, the NCP chief reiterated his stand in the interview, saying that the Supreme Court-appointed committee will be more reliable and unbiased in its probe into the claims made in the report against the Indian conglomerate. "Sharad Pawar said that the Opposition is demanding a JPC but nothing will come out of it as the chairman of the committee will be from the BJP. The TMC and NCP may hold different opinions on Adani. It will not affect the Opposition unity," said Raut. Senior NCP leader and the son-in-law of the party's patriarch, Ajit Pawar said, "I also watched Pawar Saheb's interview on TV. He is our top leader and once he has articulated his stand on a subject, we don't need to comment on it. His stand will also be the party's position in the matter." Earlier, on Friday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said even though the NCP has a different view, 19 like-minded Opposition parties are convinced that the Adani issue is grave in nature. Responding to Pawar's remarks, Ramesh said despite differences, that all 20 Opposition parties were "united" and will fight to "defeat" the BJP. Ramesh said in a statement, "The NCP may have a divergent view but 19 like-minded Opposition parties are convinced that the PM-linked Adani Group issue is real and very serious." "But all 20 like-minded Opposition parties, including the NCP, are united and will be together in saving the Constitution and our democracy from the BJP's assaults and in defeating the BJP's divisive and destructive political, social and economic agenda," he added. On whether his statement would harm the Opposition unity at a time when major Opposition players are adamant on a JPC into the Adani row, Pawar said, "As far as the Opposition unity is concerned, I do not see the demand for a JPC have anything to do with it. My party has extended support to the JPC demand but I feel that the panel will be dominated by ruling party members. That's why I am saying that the demand for a JPC probe should not be linked with Opposition unity." Reiterating that the probe by the Supreme Court-appointed committee will be reliable, the NCP chief said one should also introspect on the relevance one should give to a "foreign company" and the position it has taken on an "internal matter" of the country. "I don't know what Hindenburg is. A foreign company is taking a stand on an internal matter of this country and we should think that how much relevance that company has for us. We should, instead, demand a Supreme court-monitored probe by a committee appointed by it," said Pawar. The NCP chief's remarks are at variance with those of the Congress, which has insisted on a JPC probe into the Hindenburg report on the Adani group. Several other Opposition parties have supported the demand for a JPC probe. "....Someone gave a statement, and it created uproar in the country. Such statements were given earlier too, which created ruckus. But the importance given to the issue this time was out of proportion. There was a need to think who raised the issue (gave report). We had not heard the name who gave the statement. What is the background?. When such issues are raised, they create uproar in the country, the cost is borne ....how it impacts the economy. We can't ignore such things, and it seems (it) was targeted," Pawar told NDTV in an interview. He said the SC-appointed committee has been given guidelines, and a timeframe to submit its probe report. He said the Opposition, which has been raising a ruckus in the Parliament to press for a JPC, should realise that the BJP has a majority in both Houses. "Today, who has the majority in Parliament? The ruling party. The demand was against the ruling party. The committee to probe against the ruling party will have a majority of members from the ruling party. How will the truth come out, there can be apprehensions. If Supreme Court investigates the matter, where there is no influence, there is a better chance of the truth coming out. And once the SC announced a committee for probing the matter, there was no need of JPC (probe)," he said. (ANI)
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has approved the VVP with central components of Rs 4,800 crore including Rs 2,500 crore exclusively for road connectivity for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26.

The VVP is a centrally sponsored scheme under which 2,967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts abutting the northern border in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been identified for comprehensive development.

In the first phase, 662 villages have been identified for priority coverage, which includes 455 villages in Arunachal Pradesh.

The VVP will help in improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and encourage them to stay in their native locations thereby reversing the outmigration from these villages and adding to the security of the border.

District Administration with the help of appropriate mechanisms at the block and panchayat level will prepare Action Plans for the identified village to ensure 100 per cent saturation of central and state schemes.

The focus areas of interventions identified for the development of villages include road connectivity, drinking water, electricity including solar and wind energy, mobile and internet connectivity, tourist centres, multi-purpose centres and healthcare infrastructure and wellness centres.

The Home Minister will also inaugurate nine Micro Hydel Projects of the Arunachal Pradesh government constructed under the "Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme" in Kibithoo, on April 10.

These electricity projects will empower people living in border villages. He will also inaugurate Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) projects to augment infrastructure at Likabali (Arunachal Pradesh), Chapra (Bihar), Nooranad (Kerala) and Vishakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).

The Union Home Minister will also interact with ITBP personnel at Kibithoo.

An exhibition of the products made by women members of Self-Help Groups of border districts will be organized as well.

Amit Shah will visit exhibition stalls to acquaint himself and to appreciate the efforts of women of border villages.

On April 11, the Home Minister will visit Namti field and pay homage at the Walong War Memorial. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reached BJP National President JP Nadda's residence in the national capital for a parliamentary board meeting of the party to discuss and finalise the list of candidates for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls. Karnataka BJP president Nalinkumar Kateel, former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and other leaders are also present at Nadda's residence. According to sources the party will hold its Central Election Committee meeting on Sunday. The Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had on March 29 this year announced the poll schedule for the election of 224-member Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The state will go to polls on May 10 and the votes will be counted on May 13. The term of the current Karnataka Legislative Assembly is set to end on May 24 this year. Earlier speaking to reporters, Bommai said here on Saturday that a discussion over candidate selection for 224 assembly constituencies will take place in the core committe meeting of the BJP. "Today, an important meeting is to be held under the guidance of BJP national president JP Nadda. During this meeting, a discussion over candidate selection for 224 assembly seats will be done. And tomorrow Parliamentary board of the party is also meeting," the Karnataka chief minister said. BJP is yet to declare its candidates for the polls. Congress MP Surjewala on Friday at a press briefing in Delhi said that his party had announced most of the seats, "but the BJP could not declare a single seat. I want to ask JP Nadda, why are you scared? Do JP Nadda, PM Modi, Amit Shah and CM Bommai think that announcement of seats will lead to issues in the party?" Chief Minister Bommai had hit back saying that the opposition party in Karnataka did not have candidates on many seats and got them from other parties. Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader BS Yediyurappa on Friday had said that the party would soon finalise the list of candidates for the State Assembly elections. Since Karnataka is the only south Indian state where BJP is in power, It is in no holds bar campaign to retain the state. A BJP senior source told ANI that BJP is also planning carpet bombing in Karnataka. "The names of 40-star campaigners have also been decided for Karnataka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Goa CM Pramod Sawant, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and several Union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Nirmala Sitharaman have been included in the list. All have been asked to give two weeks' time in the poll-bound state," he added. Congress and Janata Dal-Secular have announced 166 and 93 candidates respectively so far for the Karnataka polls. (ANI)
UP police have increased the reward amount from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000.

"A reward amount for the fugitive Shaista Parveen has been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000, who is currently absconding," Prashant Kumar, Additional Director General (ADG), Law and Order said.

Shaista recently submitted a bail application in the court and stated that she had been falsely implicated in the Umesh Pal Murder case.

"The anticipatory bail application has also been rejected by the Allahabad District Court," ADG Kumar said.

Atiq Ahmed and his family came under the scanner in the Umesh Pal murder case.

On March 28, Mafia don-turned-politician, Atiq Ahmed was convicted by an MP-MLA court and sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment in the abduction case of now-deceased Umesh Pal.

Atiq Ahmed, who has over 100 cases against him over the last 43 years, has been convicted in the same case.

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)
The operation of Vande Bharat Express between Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer will begin on April 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the train virtually from Delhi, stated an official release. Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnav and all major ministers, MPs and MLAs will be present in Jaipur to inaugurate this train, which will depart from Jaipur at 12.30 pm. Train operation will start from Jaipur. Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway Shashi Kiran said, "All preparations for the operation of the Vande Bharat Express train have been completed. Its trial run was completed recently. At the same time, the trial report was also sent to the Railway Board by the North Western Railway." He said that currently there will be a stoppage of the train in Gurgaon in Jaipur, Alwar. "The commencement of the train operation will bring great relief to the people and will complete the journey between Delhi-Jaipur in less time," said Shashi Kiran. Earlier on March 19, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had said that a new 'Vande Bharat Express train is expected to be introduced on Delhi Jaipur/Ajmer route before April 10. While speaking to ANI, the Union Railway Minister noted that some technical changes are needed in this route before the operation of the Vande Bharat Express, fully. "Two initiatives to be taken in this route. First increasing speed on this route by making certain changes in the track, like installation of a double distant signalling system and removing some curves. After these initiatives, we will able to run trains on 130 KMPH to 160 KMPH," he said. "Secondly, a special pantograph (an apparatus mounted on the roof of an electric train to collect power through contact with an overhead line) has also got prepared and the new train would arrive in Jaipur on March 24," Vaishnaw added. He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways is on the path of transformation. "Many steps have been taken up in the last 7-8 years towards modernising railways. In the next 3-4 years, we will be able to export Vande Bharat technology," he said. Ashwini Vaishnaw also inspected New Delhi-Ajmer Shatabdi Express and takes feedback from passengers. Minister said that the passengers had given positive feedback. "They said that trains are more cleaner now, they are on time, and platforms are also very clean," he told ANI. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reached BJP National President JP Nadda's residence in the national capital for a meeting of the party to discuss and finalise the list of candidates for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls. Karnataka BJP president Nalinkumar Kateel, former Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and other leaders were also present at Nadda's residence. According to sources, the party will hold its Central Election Committee meeting on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nadda, Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP general secretary BL Santosh and members of the party's Central Election Committee will be present at the meeting, they said. According to party sources, the core group of the BJP in Karnataka has shortlisted three names for each Assembly seat which will be placed before the Central Election Committee. The party's central leadership will then brainstorm over these names before locking the candidates. On April 4, the BJP's core group in Karnataka drew up a shortlist of candidates in a meeting with the party's national general secretary Arun Singh, state election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, co-in-charge Mansukh Mandaviya, Central Election Committee member Annamalai, former chief minister Yediyurappa and his successor and incumbent Basavaraj Bommai. The BJP emerged as the largest single party in the last Assembly elections, winning 104 seats, with the Congress winning 80 and the JD(S) 37 seats. The Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had on March 29 this year announced the poll schedule for the election of 224-member Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The state will go to polls on May 10 and the votes will be counted on May 13. The term of the current Karnataka Legislative Assembly is set to end on May 24 this year. Earlier speaking to reporters, Bommai said here on Saturday that a discussion over candidate selection for 224 assembly constituencies will take place in the core committee meeting of the BJP. "Today, an important meeting is to be held under the guidance of BJP national president JP Nadda. During this meeting, a discussion over candidate selection for 224 assembly seats will be done. And tomorrow Parliamentary board of the party is also meeting," the Karnataka chief minister said. BJP is yet to declare its candidates for the polls. Congress MP Surjewala on Friday at a press briefing in Delhi said that his party had announced most of the seats, "but the BJP could not declare a single seat. I want to ask JP Nadda, why are you scared? Do JP Nadda, PM Modi, Amit Shah and CM Bommai think that announcement of seats will lead to issues in the party?" Chief Minister Bommai had hit back saying that the opposition party in Karnataka did not have candidates on many seats and got them from other parties. Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader BS Yediyurappa on Friday had said that the party would soon finalise the list of candidates for the State Assembly elections. Since Karnataka is the only south Indian state where BJP is in power, It is in no holds bar campaign to retain the state. A BJP senior source told ANI that BJP is also planning carpet bombing in Karnataka. "The names of 40-star campaigners have also been decided for Karnataka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Goa CM Pramod Sawant, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and several Union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Nirmala Sitharaman have been included in the list. All have been asked to give two weeks' time in the poll-bound state," he added. Congress and Janata Dal-Secular have announced 166 and 93 candidates respectively so far for the Karnataka polls. (ANI)
Amid Amul's entry into the Bengaluru market, Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar on Saturday said that the state's dairy cooperative Nandini is a "better brand" than Amul and that there is no need for the latter. While talking to ANI, Shivakumar said, "We want to protect our milk and our farmers. We already have Nandini which is a better brand than Amul...We don't need any Amul..our water, our milk, and our soil is strong." Congress and BJP were at loggerheads soon after Amul's announcement of entry in the Bengaluru market. Congress accused the ruling BJP of plotting a conspiracy to kill the state's formidable dairy brand, Nandini. On Friday, Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah called on the people of Karnataka and said that "all Kannadigas should pledge not to buy Amul products" over speculations of a merger between the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) and Gujarat's Anand Milk Union Limited (Amul). "All the Kannadigas have to unanimously resist the usurpation of the KMF, which is built for the welfare of the farmers of the country. All Kannadigas should pledge not to buy Amul products", Siddaramaiah said. He further stated, "In addition to language treason by the imposition of Hindi and land treason by trespassing within the state borders, now the BJP government is going to betray the farmers by shutting down Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which is the livelihood of millions of dairy farming families in the country." Siddaramaiah also called on Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai asking him to immediately intervene into the matter and stop Amul from "entering through the back door." In this regard, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah should bring the referendum of the state to his attention and stop this treacherous thinking, he added. The former CM also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah and alleged that it was the weak leadership of BJP in the state which is the direct cause of the KMF's present dying condition. On Wednesday, Amul tweeted that a wave of freshness in coming to Bengaluru from Kengeri to Whitefield - from the west end of the city to the east - with the hashtag "LaunchAlert." The cooperative said in a following tweet that quick commerce platforms will be used to facilitate milk and curd delivery. (ANI)
A day after NCP chief Sharad Pawar said that there is "no need" for a JPC probe into the findings of the Hindenburg report, a tool Congress and its ally have been using to attack the ruling BJP, party leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that he will not give up the Adani issue. "They hide the truth, that's why they mislead every day! The question remains the same - who has Rs 20,000 crore benami money in Adani's companies?" Rahul Gandhi tweeted in Hindi. The Congress leader, in his tweet, also took a dig at former Congress leaders, who have jumped ship to the Bharatiya Janata Party or have snapped decades-old ties with the grand old party like Ghulam Nabi Azad and former Defence Minister AK Antony's son Anil Antony. https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1644579351059652615 However, Anil Antony, who joined BJP on Thursday, hit back at the former Congress president and said that the "so called" PM candidate of the Congress speaks like a social media cell troll. "Sri. @RahulGandhi- This is sad to see a former President of a national party - the so called PM candidate of the @INCIndia speak like an online / social media cell troll and not like a national leader. Very humbled to see my fledgling name also with these tall stalwarts who have contributed decades for nation building work - and had to leave the party as they preferred to work for India and our people and not for a family," Antony said in a tweet. Anil Antony joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi's stinging remarks came after senior opposition leader Sharad Pawar said that there is "no need" for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani issue since the Supreme Court-appointed committee is examining the relevant issues and that it seems the Adani group was "targeted" in the Hindenburg Research report. "....Someone gave a statement, and it created uproar in the country. Such statements were given earlier too, which created ruckus. But the importance given to the issue this time was out of proportion. There was a need to think who raised the issue (gave report). We had not heard the name who gave the statement. What is the background?. When such issues are raised, they create uproar in the country, the cost is borne ....how it impacts the economy. We can't ignore such things, and it seems (it) was targeted," Pawar told NDTV in an interview. NCP chief's remarks are at variance with those of Congress which has insisted on a JPC probe into the Hindenburg-Adani row. Some other opposition parties have also supported the demand for a JPC probe. Pawar, a former union minister, said a demand was raised for a probe into Adani issue and the Supreme Court took the initiative and appointed a committee which has retired a SC judge, experts, administrators and economists. He said the committee has been given guidelines, a timeframe and asked to submit the probe report. He said the Opposition wanted a Parliamentary Committee to probe the matter and added that BJP has a majority in Parliament. "Today, who has the majority in Parliament, the ruling party. The demand was against the ruling party. The committee to probe against the ruling party will have majority members from the ruling party. How will the truth come out, there can be apprehensions. If Supreme Court investigates the matter, where there is no influence, there is a better chance of the truth coming out. And once the SC announced a committee for probing the matter, there was no need of JPC (probe)," he said. Notably, the second half of the budget session saw continuous disruptions over JPC demand for a probe into the Hindenburg-Adani row. The Supreme Court had last month set up a six-member expert committee "to investigate if there was a regulatory failure in dealing with the alleged contravention of laws pertaining to the securities market in relation to the Adani Group or other companies". The committee was asked to give the report in two months. (ANI)
Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Saturday asked that if Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is convicted by a court, then how is BJP responsible for it. While addressing the media, he said, "Some political parties do not have any faith left in democracy. The age of Rahul Gandhi is increasing but unfortunately, his powers of understanding are not growing. If Rahul Gandhi has been convicted by a court, how is the BJP responsible for that? He made remarks about a community. Someone did not like it and registered a complaint against him. He was punished. How is BJP responsible for this situation?" He further stated that no family is bigger than the Constitution. "He should appeal his case in the courts but he is not doing that. He was disqualified from Lok Sabha as per the provisions written in the constitution. He thinks they are above every institution in this country. Our country is run by the constitution and no family is bigger than the constitution," he said. Last month Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha, a day after a Surat court found him guilty in a defamation case filed against him over his 'Modi surname' remark. Union Minister Tomar also said that former Ghulam Nabi Azad is a polite man and Congress always kept him on the sidelines. "Ghulam Nabi Azad's rift with Congress is their internal matter but from what I have observed in Rajya Sabha, he is a very polite man who was always kept on the sidelines by the Congress Party," he said. He also said that Government is working hard to improve the production of various items agriculture sector. "Our Government is working really hard in this matter. Recently we touched agriculture exports of Rs 4 lakh crores. We are celebrating the 'International Year of Millets' in 2023 due to the efforts PM Modi put in. We are working to improve production capacities to match the demand," he said. (ANI)
The State unit Congress leaders, from the State Congress Office, Block Congress Office and District Congress Office, are taking up a topic every day and writing a letter to the Prime Minister.

Congress leaders say that people's attention should be attracted towards the real problems, so it is necessary to launch such a program in which they can voice their real problems.

Party State president Karan Mahara has named it 'Today's letter', which commenced on Saturday and will continue till April 30.

"Congressmen will write a letter every day on at least one subject whether it is related to the Centre or the State," he said.

Senior Congress leader Navprabhat said that not only Congress workers will participate in this campaign, but we will also encourage the general public to buy a postcard and send their problems to the government in writing.

He said that nowadays attention is being diverted from real problems towards communal frenzy. "No one is talking about employment, no one is talking about price hikes, and no one is talking about women's security. There are many such issues," he added. (ANI)
Ramban Police said that while going from Jammu to Srinagar by road, the Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju's car met with a minor accident.

"No injuries happened to anyone and Honourable Minister was driven safely to destination," police added.

Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju on Saturday visited Jammu and Kashmir to attend the inauguration of the first edition of the Constitution of India in Dogri language at the University of Jammu. (ANI)
After joining Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday, former Congress leader CR Kesavan said that the people of India believe in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Talking to ANI, Kesavan said, "PM Modi's transformative leadership has inspired everyone in the country. You see progress everywhere...We believe in the leadership of PM Modi and he will take us on the right path." Earlier on the day, Kesavan who is the great-grandson of India's first Indian Governor-General, C Rajagopalachari joined the BJP. Speaking to reporters after his saffron switch, Kesavan said, "I wish to thank the BJP for having inducted me into the world's largest political party, and, that too, on a day when our PM is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu." Kesavan resigned from Congress on February 23, saying that he has not even seen vestiges of the values that made him work for the party with dedication for over two decades. Kesavan shared his resignation letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Twitter saying he could no longer concur with "what the party symbolises, stands for or seeks to propagate". The former Congress leader also thanked Sonia Gandhi for the responsibilities assigned to him saying that he forged cherished friendships in the party that will remain. His resignation came within a month of the desertion by former Union minister AK Antony's son, Anil Antony, who parted ways with the party after coming out in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the controversial BBC documentary series. Anil Antony joined the BJP on April 6, in the presence of Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and V Muraleedharan. Kerala BJP chief K Surendran and senior party leaders Tarun Chugh and Anil Baluni were also present on the occasion. (ANI)
Dreaded gangster Manish Sahu, who figures in Delhi Police's top 10 list of most wanted criminals has been arrested from Bihar's Chapra, police officials here said on Saturday. Sahu alias Nata, a member of the infamous Ravi Gangwal-Rohit Choudhary gang was apprehended from Parsa in Chhapra on April 4 in connection with a case of murder, Delhi Police said. A Special Cell of the Delhi Police tasked with the apprehending hard-core criminals made the arrest. On August 26, last year around 8 pm, a PCR call regarding incident of firing in the area of Police Station Neb Sarai in the national capital was received. It was revealed that two people Kapil Panwar, resident of Devli and Pramod a resident of Sangam Vihar were taken to hospital after sustaining gunshot injuries and Panwar was declared brought dead with multiple gunshot wounds. Police recorded the statement of Pramod in which he stated that Kapil and he were sitting in a car when one person opened fire on them resulting in multiple gunshot injuries to them. Based on Pramod's statement police registered a case under Sections 302/307 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 25/27 of the Arms Act. Police said that over 15 bullets were pumped into the body of Kapil, which clearly showed the intention to eliminate the target at any cost leaving no scope for his survival. Sahu had been absconding since the incident. Due to the gravity of the case, multiple teams of Delhi police were involved in the investigations and Delhi Police Team of Special Cell initiated the investigation in this case and on September 2, 2022, one of the accused named Praveen Devli was arrested with illegal firearms in possession. Upon interrogation, Praveen disclosed that he and Manish Sahu had gone on a scooty and fired multiple rounds at Kapil with the intention to kill him. Information about Kapil's wheraabouts was given by Paras and Jonty, two other members who were accompanying Kapil at the time of the incident. Using technical surveillance, manual sources and groundwork, Delhi Police team conducted raids on some of the suspect's hideouts in Delhi/NCR and in Uttar Pradesh. The fact that Manish kept changing his mobile phone numbers and hideouts to avoid arrest posed a challenge, said police. After being nabbed, Manish during interrogation disclosed to the that he had hidden an illegal pistol along with two live rounds at his house. Police recovered the firearms and lodged a separate case and launched an investigation. Praveen and Kapil Panwar were friends turned foes and the former hatched hatched a plan to kill Kapil with the help of Manish. Kapil was involved in more than six cases including those of murder, firing for intimidation, Arms Act etc. and was a key gang member of the infamous Deepak Pandit Gang,police said. Manish Sahu and Praveen are associated with Ravi Gangwal-Rohit Chowdhary Gang and are also linked with the Neeraj Bawania gang. According to Delhi police there is a long-standing rivalry between the gangs of Deepak Pandit and Ravi Gangwal-Rohit Chaudhary for many years for dominance in the South Delhi area. Police said that Manish Sahu initially started working as a property dealer in Neb Sarai. The accused has been previously involved in 11 cases of murder, attempt to murder, rioting, Arms Act among tothers. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Culture and Tourism Minister Usha Thakur came out in support of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya's remark about calling girls and women wearing indecent dress 'Surpanakha'. Usha Thakur on Saturday said, "If one doesn't follow the Vedic Sanatan tradition, then the person will be called of Rakshas Pravriti (characteristics of demons)." Notably, Vijayvargiya made the controversial remark which hit the headlines during an event organised on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district on April 5. Speaking on the occasion, Vijayvargiya had said, "We consider women Goddess, but the girls wear such indecent clothes in which they look like 'Surpanakha' (sister of Lanka king Ravana)." Vijayvargiya had also expressed his displeasure over the increasing trend of intoxication among the youth on that occasion. Reacting to Vijayvargiya's remark, Women Congress President, Vibha Patel said, "BJP is forgetting dignity after being puffed with the pride of power. By using indecent words, he (Vijayvargiya) considers himself a great leader, but the truth is that he should pay attention to his words." "In which era Vijayvargiya is living, today women are moving ahead in every field, so they have every right to wear clothes, eat and drink according to their own choice. If women are using their freedom, then definitely there should be decorum in it. But leaders should take care of their dignity before making any comment," She added. BJP spokesperson Neha Bagga said, "Vijayvargiya's statement is being presented in a distorted manner. His intention is that of a parent. There is a concern because of that he has put his point in front of the society. His topic was on the girls who get intoxicated with liquors. Kailash ji, as a parent, has tried to explain to the girls that we have to take our own responsibility for the safety of ourselves in the society." Targeting the congress party, she said, "Congress is that party whose senior leaders say on incidents like rape that if one cannot protest then they should enjoy it. Congress is of that mindset that if one of their leader Karan Morwal rapes a worker of their own party and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi remains silent even after being a woman. So it would be better if the Congress does not give advice on this matter." "What Vijayvargiya has said is the concern of the society and the concern of the parents. Sometimes this type of language is used to explain to the children and I think that instead of distorting the video, understand its feelings," Bagga added. (ANI)
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Saturday said that irrespective of NCP chief Sharad Pawar's opinion on the constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Adani issue, there should be a JPC to find the truth about the alleged scam. Patole said that Congress is firm on its demand for the JPC on the Adani issue. This comes after Sharad Pawar said that there is "no need" for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani issue as the Supreme Court-appointed committee will be more reliable and unbiased in its probe into the claims made in the report against the Indian conglomerate. Dismissing his remarks, Patole said, "Irrespective of Sharad Pawar's opinion, there should be a JPC inquiry to find out the truth about the scam." The Congress leader stressed that a JPC probe is necessary to reveal the position of the alleged scam. "Although the number of members of the ruling party is more in JPC, members of all parties will also be in this committee. JPC is necessary to reveal the true position of the Adani scam," Patole said. "The Court Committee was formed following allegations of coal scam during the UPA government but a Joint Parliamentary Committee was also formed on the demand of the opposition. MP Sharad Pawar may have a different opinion on the Adani scam, but the Congress is firm about the JPC probe," he added. Patole asked why is Prime Minister Narendra Modi silent on the issue. "Why is Prime Minister Modi not talking about the Adani scam when it is such a big and serious issue? If there is no scam then what is the point of worrying?" the Congress leader asked. The Supreme Court had last month set up a six-member expert committee "to investigate if there was a regulatory failure in dealing with the alleged contravention of laws pertaining to the securities market in relation to the Adani Group or other companies". The committee was asked to give the report in two months. (ANI)
At the end of his visit to Chennai on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with a specially-abled Bharatiya Janata Party worker, Thiru S. Manikandan and took a "special selfie" with him. PM Modi was on a visit to Chennai to inaugurate several development projects. Sharing his selfie on his Twitter handle, PM Modi said, "A special selfie... In Chennai I met Thiru S. Manikandan. He is a proud Karyakarta from Erode, serving as a booth president." "A person with a disability, he runs his own shop and the most motivating aspect is, he gives a substantial part of his daily profits to BJP," he added. Extending his gratitude to Manikandan, PM Modi said, "I feel very proud of being a Karyakarta in a Party where we have people like Thiru S. Manikandan." "His life journey is inspiring and equally inspiring his commitment to our Party and our ideology. My best wishes to him for his future endeavours," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated developmental projects worth Rs 5,200 crores in Tamil Nadu's Chennai and said that the government's work culture and vision have made its achievements possible. The Prime Minister said that his government works with deadlines and achieves results even before the final date. "Two things made the government's achievements possible: work culture and vision. Earlier, infrastructure projects meant delays, now they mean delivery. The journey from delay to delivery has happened due to our work culture. We feel accountable for every rupee that our taxpayers pay. We work with specific deadlines and achieve results even before them," PM Modi said in his address at a public meeting. He said that his government does not see infrastructure as concrete, bricks and cement but with a human face which "connects aspirations with achievements". "Infrastructure connects Aspirations with Achievements, People with Possibilities, and Dreams with Reality. It is the time for new hopes, new aspirations and new beginnings. Some new generation infrastructure projects will begin to serve the people from today. In the past few years, India has been witnessing a revolution in terms of infrastructure. It is driven by Speed and Scale. When it comes to Scale, you can just look at the Union Budget!" the Prime Minister said. He laid down the statistics of the change in the pace of execution of developmental projects in the country after his government came to power at the Centre in 2014. "As far as the speed is concerned, some facts can give us the right perspective. The length of the National Highways added per year has almost doubled when compared to the pre-2014 era. Before 2014, every year, 600 Route KMs of the Rail lines were electrified; today, this rate is reaching about 4,000 Route KMs! Until 2014, there were only 74 airports in the country, but post-2014, the number stands at around 150," PM Modi said. "The long coastline of Tamil Nadu is very significant for trade. Today, the capacity augmentation of our ports has almost doubled when compared to the pre-2014 era. The development of Tamil Nadu is of priority to us," he added. The Prime Minister mentioned the Vande Bharat Express between Chennai and Coimbatore which he flagged off earlier today, and said that it connects small businesses with customers."The new terminal of Chennai airport brings the world to Tamil Nadu. It brings investment which creates income opportunities for the youth here," he said. (ANI)
A total of 30,000 vehicles have entered Himachal Pradesh's Shimla during the past two days, as per the data available with the city police. The data stamp the fact that as the mercury in the plains is soaring, tourists are rushing to the hill State to enjoy their weekends. Over 30,000 vehicles have entered hill state's capital city during the past two days and on the weekend, the police are expecting that the number will increase by 4000 to 5000. The hotels are also running at their full capacity in the city and tourists are enchanted with the pleasant weather conditions here. "We arrived here at around 2 am but did not get any hotels, finally we were able to explore and get a hotel by 6 am, and here tourists have rushed due to the long holidays. Hotels are full. We had to move around for 10-12 kilometres here." said Sanjeet, a tourist from Punjab. The tourists are coming here from Delhi, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana and other parts of India. "We arrived yesterday. I have come for the first time, Shimla is crowded, like Delhi and neighbouring states. The weather is pleasant here. We are enjoying it here. I am happy to be here. The tourists rush is somewhat troublesome as we were not able to find a hotel, after long and hard efforts we were able to find a hotel," said Pooja, a tourist from Delhi. Those tourists who are coming here for a longer stay are enjoying the beauty in Hill state and are exploring the Himalayan region of Kinnaur and other parts of the state. "We arrived here on April 3, and we were able to see snow in Chitkul. I experienced fresh snowfall thrice in the hills here. It was a wonderful experience. We are leaving back today by train. I am not facing any problems here, we are happy to be here. Everything is planned and systematic." said Disha Mondal Haldar, a tourist from West Bengal. The tourism stakeholders are hopeful of getting a boost in business. "This is very good for us currently as we could not do good business during the winter season owing to less snowfall. Now this inflow will be able to give us recovery. The hotels of Shimla are full and there would be few. After Monday rooms will be available. Till the weekend these are local neighbours, It has paved a way for our business to recover," a tourism stakeholder said. "Thousands of vehicles have entered Shimla city during the past 48 hours. The vehicular inflow, through Victory Tunnel, capacity is 20 to 27 vehicles per minute but the number has almost doubled," said Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, The Superintendent of Police (SP) Shimla District Police. He said that the police have regulated the movements. "We are trying to regulate vehicular traffic so that people do not face problems. By late evening today we are expecting 4000 to 4500 more vehicles to enter the city we are ready to deal with it," he said. "We were preparing for vehicular traffic management during the past two months for the tourist season. According to the traffic plan prepared by the Shimla Police, till now the system is working perfectly. So far we are working with district resources to regulate traffic, and a proposal for additional force was sent to the police headquarter. The core value of the basic plan is being worked so that the city's heart line runs smoothly on the city roads, and traffic is being diverted, for some time to avoid tourists getting stuck in traffic jams for a long time," Gandhi said further. Thousands of tourists annually visit Himachal Pradesh. As per the data available from the tourism department of the State, during the year 2019, nearly 1,72,00,000 tourists including nearly 4,00,000 foreign tourists visited the state with a jump of nearly five per cent in comparison to the year 2018. From 2021 to 2022, the arrival decreased due to the pandemic and now again it has started increasing. An economy of over 11000 crores is generated in the state of Himachal Pradesh in the tourism sector and it is considered a backbone for the economy in the state which contributes to 7.3 per cent of the state GDP. There has been less snowfall this year during the winter season and now the weekend tourist inflow has brought hopes high for the people involved in the travel and tourism business. (ANI)
During the raid, a 583 KW load was caught stealing. Following this, the Electricity Corporation has imposed a fine of Rs 3.13 crore against the offender.

The Chief Minister's flying squad team is also probing the involvement of the employees of the Electricity Corporation.

Based on secret inputs, the Chief Minister's Flying Squad formed a joint team with Farukhnagar Electricity Corporation and raided a crusher named KTC of Ransingh of Shikohpur village in the Naurangpur crusher zone. Electricity was being stolen by bypassing the meter at the crusher zone.

Four big motors of 100 HP, four motors of 30 HP, and 10 small motors of 20 HP each were found running on the spot, whose load is 583.95 KW. A fine of Rs 3.13 crore was imposed by the Electricity Corporation.

Inderjit Singh Yadav, Deputy Superintendent of Police of the Chief Minister's flying squad, also expressed the apprehension of connivance of the employees and officers of the Electricity Corporation in the matter of electricity theft on such a large scale.

"The entire matter is being investigated. If any officer and employee is found complicit in this matter, action will be taken against them as well," Yadav said.

--IANS str/uk/

( 239 Words)

2023-04-08-19:36:05 (IANS)
It is a fact that a missing tigers mystery has been haunting the desert state for years. However the experts have been unable to trace these missing big cats. Even as the nation celebrates the 50 glorious years of Project Tiger, the questions being raised about these missing big cats are yet to be answered by officials. The Forest Department recently found the carcass of a male tiger in Masalpur range of Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS). The death at KWLS adjoining the famous Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) came as a conservation setback at the proposed tiger reserve. Four tigers have gone missing from the reserve since 2020. After pregnant Tigress-138 went missing from the proposed reserve, male tiger T-132 has not been sighted for long. Evidence of the big cat was last found in Masalpur range a couple of months ago. Young tigers T-132 and T-136 moved out of RTR nearly five months ago. While T-136 reached till Morena district of MP, T-132 found its home in KWLS. Forest officials, however, claimed the carcass recovered is not of T-132. Last year, Amer MLA Satish Poonia raised a question in the Assembly on whether an inquiry has been conducted into the number of tigers born and missing from areas like the Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Mukundra Hills National Park, among others, from January 2019 to January 2022. The forest department said, "The record submitted in the state Assembly on missing tigers revealed that a total of 13 tigers have disappeared from the Ranthambore National Park between 2019 and 2021. Two male tigers T-20 and T-23 went missing from the park in 2019 and seven big cats -- five males named T-47, T-42 T-64, T-95, T-97 and two females T-73 and T-92 -- disappeared in 2020. "At present most of the 32 female tigress are in reproductive age, due to which there has been an increase in the birth of cubs," the department stated. "A total of 44 cubs have been born between the year 2019 to 2021. Due to the high number of tigers in the battered areas of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, there is a high number of cases of missing tigers, territorial fights and deaths." It was also informed that since the establishment of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in 1973, the number of tigers is maximum at present. The number of tigers and their cubs in the adjoining areas of Ranthambore has gone up from 66 in 2019 to 81 in 2021. Presently, the ratio of male to female tigers is 1:1.3 which is abnormal, said the Forest Department in response to a question raised by Poonia on the missing tigers. Environmentalist Babulal Jaju says that around Rs 50 crore have been spent on installing cameras in the jungles, yet the missing tigers are still to be traced. Why, Jaju asked? He went on to say: "We need to believe that tiger area has decreased due to which there are many territorial fights. More jungles need to be created in days to come. Also, boundaries need to be created in jungles to ensure smooth and safe living of big cats. "The villages inside Project Tiger should be vacated and compensation should be paid to villagers dwelling there. This will ensure a healthy relationship between the villagers and animals. If there are no villagers in the jungle, the animals will be safe. "Also, thee is a need to create more tiger reserves for plenty of space for this big cat. The much-awaited Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve project should be turned into reality. Vehicles for safaris should be reduced and within limits."`` Rajsamand MP and NTCA member Diya Kumari has been pitching for making Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary into a Tiger Reserve. The NTCA had already sent the Feasibility Assessment Report for appropriate action. The State Government had to take action on the report and send it to the Ministry of Wildlife and Environment along with its recommendation. However, so far no action has been taken on the matter by the Rajasthan government, she said recently during the NTCA meeting. The other points discussed at the meeting pertained to development of a tiger corridor for tiger movement; tiger relocation from one state to another which will solve the problem of inbreeding; opening new zones in Ranthambore, Sariska and Ramgarh Tiger Reserve; increasing the funds. --IANS arc/bg ( 740 Words) 2023-04-08-21:14:02 (IANS)
Singh visited the Shanan Power House at Jogindernagar for inspection.

While taking round of the powerhouse, the minister said the Punjab government was fully concerned with the powerhouse and shortly, the requisite maintenance works would be initiated.

Lauding the engineers, employees and staff of the power house, Singh assured that all their genuine issues and needs would also be fulfilled as early as possible.

The Shanan Hydropower project constructed in 1932 by British Engineer Colonel B.C. Batty and his team, which started generating 48 MW power at that time.

Currently, the powerhouse is running with a capacity of generating 110 MW.

The minister also expressed satisfaction that the project was playing a significant role in development of the country by providing power.

--IANS vg/pgh

( 162 Words)

2023-04-08-21:20:02 (IANS)
At least eight officials of the West Bengal education department have come under the scanner of the CBI probing the multi-crore scam in the recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff in different state-run schools. Sources said that the central agency will summon these officials one by one for the purpose of integration. However, for the sake of investigation, the CBI has not revealed the identities of the officials who are under its lens, nor did the agency disclose the specific units they are associated with. As per the sources, these eight officials were reportedly responsible for maintaining day-to-day communication with the agents engaged in identifying candidates who were willing to pay handsome amounts for obtaining teaching and non-teaching jobs in the state-run schools. It is believed that the CBI has come across some critical information about hefty sums being transferred to the accounts of these officials. On March 29, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a parallel probe into this multi-crore scam, had conducted search operations at two residences of Arnab Basu, an employee in the accounts department of West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), in the Salt Lake area. The investigating officials had also seized his laptop and cellphone. Later, he was summoned at the agency's office where he was interrogated for hours. --IANS src/arm ( 232 Words) 2023-04-08-21:36:03 (IANS)
The recent spurt in clashes between terrorists and the police in Pakistan post failure of ceasefire with outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) reflects precarious security situation in the country, which is already struggling with the economic meltdown, according to Pakistan based The Express Tribune newspaper. According to The Express Tribune, systematic and targeted attacks in major cities have been reignited after the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) called off their ceasefire. Over the past three months, 125 brave policemen have lost their lives in militant attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa alone. This highlights the need for urgent action to address the rising threat of terrorism. The brave policemen's loss is not just a tragedy for their families but a travesty for the entire nation. These officers put their lives on the line every day to protect their communities and uphold the rule of law. They are the first line of defence against terrorism and extremism, and their sacrifice should not be forgotten. As per The Express Tribune, the remnants of the War on Terror have come back to haunt us yet again. Peace never seems to prevail and these attacks are a clear indication that militants are fully active, threatening the security and stability of the country. It is imperative that the government come up with a counter-strategy immediately. To mitigate these growing attacks, it is imperative to improve intelligence gathering and sharing among law enforcement agencies. The police in Pakistan, according to The Express Tribune, should be provided with the latest equipment and training to better protect themselves and carry out duties more effectively. It is equally important to address the root causes of the rising extremism and terrorism. While terrorist movements may germinate from radical events, such as the US intervention in Afghanistan, recruiting and brainwashing new militants become easy when poverty, illiteracy and unemployment prevail. Apart from government action, community leaders and religious scholars must stand up to promote a message of peace and tolerance to help counter extremist ideologies. Our goal should not just be to prevent future attacks but also to ensure that those responsible for past attacks are brought to justice. (ANI)
The underwater nuclear attack drone "Haeil-2" entered into the test in Kajin Port, Kumya County, South Hamgyong Province in the afternoon on April 4.

It cruised 1000 km of simulated underwater distance in elliptical and "8" patterns set in the East Sea of Korea for 71 hours and 6 minutes, reported KCNA.

In the afternoon on April 7 it arrived in the waters off Ryongdae Port, Tanchon City, South Hamgyong Province, the place of simulated target, where the test warhead accurately detonated underwater.

The system will serve as an advantageous and prospective military potential of the armed forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) essential for containing all evolving military actions of enemies, removing threats and defending the country, reported KCNA.

North Korea has ramped up its military activities in recent weeks in a show of force against the United States and South Korea that conduct joint military drills.

US and South Korean forces held their biggest war games in five years on the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea has been testing various missiles at the same time, including the test of an intercontinental ballistic missile last week and the tests of smaller-range missiles.

Earlier in March, it had tested an underwater nuclear attack drone able to unleash a "radioactive tsunami," amid deteriorating relations with the US, reported CNN.

The drone, called the "Unmanned Underwater Nuclear Attack Craft 'Haeil," was tested from March 21 to 23, reported KCNA. (ANI)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan on Friday expressed his concern about the government's actions, stating that they are making a mockery of Pakistan abroad. "The dangerous ruling buffoons don't realise the damage they are doing to Pak's image abroad by sham FIRs & absurd sedition charges against a former PM for using terms 'Dirty Harry' & 'psycopath'! They are making a mockery of Pakistan," tweeted Khan. He also warned that foreign investors may be getting a troubling message after the Pakistani government's decision to not accept the Supreme Court's decision in the Punjab polls delay case. "Also, what msg is being sent to foreign investors when govt itself is not accepting SC decisions? Investors need security of contracts & that means faith in judicial system. What confidence can they have when govt itself casting aside SC orders? This happens in a banana republic," he tweeted. Khan's comments came after the federal government demanded that Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial step down, claiming that his position had become "controversial" after Justice Athar Minallah's note in the case. Justice Minallah stated that the Supreme Court's suo motu notice over the delay in the announcement of provincial assembly elections was dismissed by a majority 4-3 ruling. A three-member SC bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, and Justice Munib Akhtar had announced the verdict on the PTI's petition challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) move to postpone the Punjab Assembly polls till October 8. This ruling was rejected by the government, who labeled it a "minority verdict", with the National Assembly also passing a resolution against the top court. The government's refusal to accept the Supreme Court's decision has raised concerns about the state of country's democracy and judicial system. The PTI chief also claimed that the sedition cases filed against him and the imprisonment of senior party leader Ali Amin Gandapur are attempts to undermine their party's ability to contest elections. "Sedition cases against me - this is 144th case against me- and our senior ldr Ali Amin along with his imprisonment, are simply attempts to undermine our Party's ability to fight elections. This is all part of London Plan in which Nawaz Sharif was given assurances that PTI would be crushed before elections through fake cases & imprisonment of its leadership," he tweeted. Imran Khan has been pushing for assembly elections in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces as part of a campaign to force an early general election that he has waged since being forced from office a year ago after losing a vote of confidence, reported The Express Tribune. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has rejected Imran Khan's call for an early general election and his government had backed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) delay in the votes in the two provinces to Oct 8. The commission cited a lack of resources and the government agreed, saying it was not possible to organise the provincial elections while the country was struggling with an economic crisis and with a general election due around early October anyway. But the Supreme Court ruled that the delay was illegal and voting in the two provinces should be held between April 30 and May 15, reported The Express Tribune. (ANI)
Moscow wants Ukraine peace talks to focus on creating a "new world order," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a visit to Turkey on Friday, reported The Moscow Times. "Any negotiation needs to be based on taking into account Russian interests, Russian concerns. It should be about the principles on which the new world order will be based," said Lavrov. He was in Turkey, which has retained ties with both Moscow and Kyiv, to hold talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, reported The Moscow Times. Lavrov added that Russia rejects a "unipolar world order led by 'one hegemon'." Russia has long said it was leading a struggle against the United State's dominance over the international stage, and argues the Ukraine offensive is part of that fight. The Kremlin this week said it had no choice but to continue its more than year-long offensive in Ukraine, seeing no diplomatic solution. The top Russian diplomat also threatened to abandon a landmark grain deal, which Turkey helped broker, if obstacles to Russian exports remain, reported The Moscow Times. Last July, Turkey, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine signed an agreement in Istanbul to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports after they were paused due to Russia's war on Ukraine, which had threatened a world food crisis. The beginning of the offensive saw rising fears of a global food crisis as Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of grain and other agricultural products. Lavrov however said Russia may pull out of the landmark deal that allowed vital exports to leave blocked ports in the Black Sea. "If there is no further progress in removing barriers to the export of Russian fertilisers and grain, we will think about whether this deal is necessary," Lavrov said. On the eve of the visit, Moscow said it extended the agreement "as a gesture of goodwill for another 60 days". Russia has repeatedly threatened to abandon the agreement that has allowed the export of more than 25 million tons of grain, reported The Moscow Times. Moscow has been complaining that its side of the agreement, promising the right to export fertiliser free from Western sanctions, is not respected. (ANI)
Amid rising tension between China and Western countries over the control of key technologies, Italy is mulling over ways to curtail the influence of China's Sinochem on tyre maker Pirelli, reported The Straits Times. Italian officials are currently discussing several options, as part of talks with Pirelli investors over the company's ownership structure as Sinochem is Pirelli's largest shareholder. Options include limiting information sharing on sensitive and strategic technology with Sinochem-appointed board members, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named on confidential issues, reported The Straits Times. Options include limiting information sharing on sensitive and strategic technology with Sinochem-appointed board members, the people said. Italy will soon get a chance to intervene in Pirelli by using its so-called "golden power", which enables the government to stop or modify business deals among private companies operating in strategic sectors. Pirelli specialises in high-technology tyres and is a supplier of super carmakers, as well as a partner of Formula 1 racing. They may also involve limiting the voting rights of board members appointed by Sinochem. No decision has been taken and talks are ongoing, reported The Straits Times. The company recently notified the Italian government of the intention to renew a shareholder pact between Sinochem and Camfin, the financial holding of Pirelli's chief executive Marco Tronchetti Provera, reported The Straits Times. The pact is seen as a brake on Pirelli, as Chinese involvement requires the company to seek the government's approval for most business decisions according to golden power rules. The dilemma is particularly delicate for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Italy is the only Group of Seven countries that has signed a memorandum of understanding with China on its Belt and Road initiative. The pact, which has a limited practical impact but high symbolic value, will be automatically extended in 2024 unless Meloni decides to opt out, a move that could risk retaliation from Beijing, reported The Straits Times. The discussions reflect a dilemma in Europe about doing business with Beijing as relations between the United States and China are quickly deteriorating over issues ranging from export controls to sanctions over human rights. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping aims to use the visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to create some distance between Europe and the US. (ANI)
Thousands of devotees stood on the edge of the pond which now is surrounded by high-edging houses. The beat of traditional musical instruments was signalling the arrival of Goddesses who will be toured around the pond thrice in search of missing jewellery. The Tudaldevi Jatra commonly known as "Gahana Khojne Jatra" translated as "A festival to search for jewellery" is celebrated every year on Chaitra Shukla Ashtami according to the lunar calendar. This year the festival was marked on Friday late evening. "Back in the time, the goddess had dropped her jewellery in this pond. Based on that event the pond also is named Gahana Pokhari. Later a fair was started which has been named Gahana Khojne Jatra," Asta Prajapati, a devotee told ANI. The festival which goes on for a week features goddesses touring round the ancient city of Hadigaun but the main day of the Jatra, the idol of Goddess Tudaldevi Baishnavi is placed on a chariot that is pulled from her temple at Baluwatar and taken through the ancient town of Hadigaun by devotees. On the way to Gahana Pokhari, the chariot is stopped multiple times at the doorsteps of the houses where red mud is painted in front. This is a symbol for the chariot to halt and devotees take their time to pay respects and make various offerings to the goddess. One of the interesting offerings is an umbrella that is hung on the top of the chariot. Once the chariot arrives at Gahana Pokhari, two men take three rounds of the pond with a silver pole (like a spectre) on their hands. Scores of musicians playing Dhime and Nyakhin follow the two men and make three rounds. Following the lead of a man with a torch, devotees pull the chariot into the pond. They also take three rounds pulling the chariot deep into the pond. The main chariot is accompanied around the pond by another chariot of Goddess Mahalaxmi, the youngest sister of Tudaldevi, which is also called Manekhat. Manekhat is placed in the dabali (a platform or open space), waiting for Tudaldevi to arrive. When Tudaldevi finds her jewels and comes back to the dabali, the chariot of Mahalaxmi take three round around Tudaldevi chariot. The idol of Mahalaxmi is then returned to Naxal. The chariot of Tudaldevi is placed at the oldest dabali at Hadigaun for two more days and prasad and flowers are sent to the goddesses of Nuwakot and Manamaiju as news that the lost jewels have been found. According to the lore, Tudaldevi had lost her jewels in Gahana Pokhari while she and her three sisters Mahalaxmi, Manamaiju, and Nuwakotdevi were swimming. As it was getting dark and their homes were far, Nuwakotdevi and Manamaiju went to their respective homes while their elder sister Tudaldevi stayed back searching jewels. The other sister, Mahalaxmi from Naxal, gave her company as her home was nearby. After the jewels were found, both sisters returned home. (ANI)
China is set to launch a three-day military drill around Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-Wen returned from a US visit during which she met House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, reported Taiwan News. The declaration was made following Tsai's return from a trip to the US, which culminated in a meeting in Los Angeles with McCarthy and other members from both political parties. The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command will conduct a "combat readiness patrol" and a "unified sword" exercise in the Taiwan Strait and the airspace to Taiwan's north, south, and east, Taiwan News reported citing a statement from the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MOD). According to China, the drills will commence on Saturday, April 8. The drill, according to the statement, was "planned". In addition to the ministry of Defense drill, the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration announced on Friday (April 7) that it would conduct a "live rounds" drill near Luoyuan Wan on April 11, 13, 15, 17 and 20, Taiwan News reported. There will also be a live rounds drill close to Pingtan on Monday, April 10, the statement read. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen met the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, McCarthy, on Wednesday (local time) in California. This was the first time when Taiwan's President met with a US House speaker on American soil. Both leaders briefly shook the hands after her SUV pulled up to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, northwest of Los Angeles. The meeting between the two leaders is seen as something China extremely disapproves of and has repeatedly shown opposition to. Ahead of their meeting, China dispatched several maritime vessels near Taiwan's coast. On Wednesday night local time, Beijing sent a "large scale patrol and rescue vessel" to the central and northern Taiwan Strait for a three-day "joint patrol and inspection" operation, China's Fujian Maritime Safety Administration said in a statement. Taiwan has never been governed by the Chinese Communist Party, but Beijing claims it is part of its territory and seeks "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan. Tensions escalated between China and Taiwan after the US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi travelled to Taiwan in August last year. China raised objections to Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory. China announced military drills around Taiwan over Pelosi's visit to the island. (ANI)
"OU-Norman Emergency: There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!," read a post on the official Twitter account of Oklahoma university.

Another tweet posted at 9.45 pm (local time) said the school police were looking into "potential shots fired" on the campus. "Avoid South Oval area. Shelter in place," the University said in the tweet.

The investigation is underway. Alert has been issued in the region by the authorities.

In recent times, incidents of gun violence have been on the rise across the US. Earlier, in March, at least two people were hospitalised in a shooting at East High School in Denver, the capital of Colorado. (ANI)
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called upon the de-facto authorities of Afghanistan to once again revisit the ban on Afghan women staff of the UN agencies in the country from working, TOLOnews reported. Many nations and international organisations have continued to respond negatively to the prohibition. Calling the restrictive measures placed on women and girls regressive for country's growth, the OIC's general secretariat said that the barring of females from state organisations is of grave concern, the Afghan news agency said. Moreover, the German mission for Afghanistan on Twitter also condemned the ban on women working for UNAMA. "It puts millions in acute danger and blatantly violates human rights. Women are essential to humanitarian assistance," the German mission said on Twitter, adding, "We are now coordinating further steps with our international partners." The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, stated that Afghan women would not be replaced with men. "Afghan women and men are essential to all aspects of the UN's work in Afghanistan. As we've said repeatedly, Afghan women's meaningful participation is essential to reach safely and effectively populations in need with principled and quality assistance," he said, reported TOLOnews. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the situation of women in the country has only got worse. Women in the country are prohibited from leadership posts, and not allowed to work as well as travel unless accompanied by a male companion. The Taliban promised to reopen all schools on March 23, this year, but, instead, on that day, they closed secondary institutions for girls. There is still no word on when or if these schools will reopen or if the ban is indefinite. As women's education continues to suffer majorly in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in March agreed to send a team of scholars to the country to discuss women's right to education and work with the regime, TOLOnews reported. (ANI)
During the visit, Dzhaparova will hold talks with Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sanjay Verma, where both sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations, exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest, the MEA said in an official press release.

The Ukrainian minister is on an official visit to India from April 9-12, the release said.

Dzhaparova will also call on Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi and meet Deputy National Security Adviser, Vikram Misri during the visit.

India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine, and over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence, the MEA release said.

The visit of the First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests between the two countries. (ANI)
The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Emine Dzhaparova, is set to commence her 4-day India visit on April 9. She is the first Ukrainian official to visit India since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February. During the visit, Dzhaparova will hold talks with Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sanjay Verma, where both sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations, exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest, the MEA said in an official press release. The Ukrainian minister is on an official visit to India from April 9-12, the release said. Dzhaparova will also call on Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi and meet Deputy National Security Adviser, Vikram Misri during the visit. India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine, and over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence, the MEA release said. The visit of the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests between the two countries. (ANI)
The incident took place in Playa la Cabana, in the San Lorenzo area of Honduras, the fire department said. However, no casualties or injuries have been confirmed as of yet.

Search and rescue is underway. Further details awaited. (ANI)
Opposition parties in the province on Friday said that the murder of a famous teacher associated with the IBA-Sukkur in Kandhkot was indicative of a lack of law and order, and they demanded that police and district authorities face harsh punishment for their "criminal negligence," reported Dawn. Dr Mohammad Ajmal Sawand was returning to Sukkur from his Shawli village when gunmen opened fire on his car in the Shalo area of Kandhkot, killing him on the spot. PTI Leader Haleem Adil Shiekh lashed out at the Pakistan People's Party-led government in the province and alleged that it had appointed "corrupt and incompetent" cops for "certain objectives", according to the report in Pakistan's daily. In a statement, he said, "The police force in Sindh is actually not there to protect the life and honour of people." He added, "It's there to protect the PPP feudal lords. They are paid by the government for the protection of interests of ministers, leaders, and feudal lords of the PPP." Condemning the killing of Dr Sawand, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) called it unfortunate that the tribal feud in rural Sindh had claimed the life of a genius teacher who returned to the country after acquiring an education in France to serve his own people. In a statement issued on Friday, the MQM-P coordination committee said, "The MQM-P has always condemned tribal clashes in Sindh. This saga has claimed so many lives but, unfortunately, the provincial government has failed so far to stop this menace despite all resources and power." The party has also demanded that the Singh chief minister take notice of the killing and bring the culprits to justice. The Sindh United Party (SUP) too had similar thoughts. SUP's Syed Zain Shah said that the growing number of criminal activities across the province, the connections between police administration and the criminals, and the unchecked exploitation of locals by certain tribal elders have caused resentment among Sindh's citizens towards the PPP government, as per Dawn. He said, "Apart from other crimes, there's been a surge in kidnapping for ransom cases in Sindh." He added, "There's an organised campaign that causes tribal clashes to achieve certain targets which claim human lives. Along with Karachi, no area of Sindh is safe for a common man. This is a result of the 15-year rule of PPP. The PPP has ruined Sindh economically, politically and socially," Dawn reported. (ANI)
The 15th meeting of the Foreign Secretary-level bilateral diplomatic consultation mechanism between Nepal and China was held at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing on Friday. In the meeting, emphasis on the timely implementation of Chinese investment projects, silence on BRI, and discussions on GDI were concluded, Pardafas reported. After Nepal did not take any official interest in China's ambitious project Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the military alliance Global Security Initiative (GSI), it has put forward a plan to expand its influence in Nepal through the Global Development Initiative (GDI) launched by President Xi Jinping. Which is taken positively by Nepal as a humanitarian aid and development program. China informed the Nepali side about the importance of GDI in the meeting on Friday. After the meeting, in a statement released by the Nepali Embassy on Friday evening, Nepal requested China to facilitate the export of Nepali products to China. The Chinese side has promised to provide all possible support for the development and prosperity of Nepal, Pardafas reported. In the statement issued by the embassy, there is no mention of whether or not the issue of BRI was discussed. It is mentioned that both sides have agreed to implement the Chinese grant projects in Nepal promptly. Economic partnership, trade promotion, investment and tourism, connectivity building, agriculture, education, cultural and people-to-people relations between the two countries were discussed in the five-hour-long meeting, Pardafas reported. In the meeting, the Nepali delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Bharatraj Paudyal and the Chinese delegation was led by Sun Weidong, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Shrestha, Joint Secretary of the Northeast Division of Foreign Affairs, Lok Bahadur Thapa. In the meeting, the Chinese Deputy Minister expressed happiness that Nepal's continuous stance towards the One China Policy and the five principles of peaceful coexistence are being respected. Foreign Secretary Paudyal reiterated Nepal's stance towards the one-China policy, Pardafas reported. Foreign Secretary Paudyal appreciated the Chinese policy of always non-interference and respecting Nepal's sovereignty, geographical integrity and political independence. In a statement released by the Nepali Embassy, all aspects of Nepal-China relations and cooperation issues were reviewed in the meeting between the two parties. There was also a discussion on the issue of continuing the exchange of visits between the two countries. "In the meeting, it was agreed that various infrastructure development projects being built with the help of Chinese grants and the projects contracted by the Chinese should be completed on time," the statement issued after the meeting said, Pardafas reported. Foreign Secretary Paudyal proposed to help Nepal's primary products be exported to China to reduce Nepal's trade deficit with China. He requested to create an environment for the export of tea, coffee, herbs, buffalo meat and agricultural products to China. The Chinese side has responded positively. The Chinese Deputy Minister also promised to encourage Chinese investors to invest in areas of mutual interest in Nepal. Foreign Secretary Paudyal praised China for including Nepal in the list of foreign destinations for group tourism. "The two sides also discussed promoting public relations and cultural cooperation, increasing the number of scholarships for Nepali students and professionals in China, increasing the capacity of technical experts of Nepal," said the statement of the Nepali Embassy, Pardafas reported. In the meeting, it was also agreed to cooperate between the two countries in the United Nations and multilateral forums and mutually support each other's candidacy. They also discussed issues including cooperation in the implementation of sustainable development goals. (ANI)
A cop was killed and two others were severely injured when terrorists attacked the vehicle they travelled in with a hand grenade in the Swabi district on Friday evening, Dawn reported. On the same day, another police constable was also killed in an act of 'target killing' in the North Waziristan tribal district. The Swabi attack was reported in the famous Yar Hussain Market, a few minutes before Iftar. According to the police, as the police van was travelling to the Yar Hussain police station, the terrorists threw a hand grenade at it. They said that ASI Sair Khan was killed in the incident while the accompanying constables Gul Naseeb Khan and Ajaz Khan were severely injured, according to Dawn. The deceased was from the Kalu Khan village according to police. According to them, the injured were immediately taken to the Mardan Hospital Complex, where the medics claimed constable Gul Naseeb's condition was critical. The police said that ostensibly, it was a terrorist attack, and was being probed. District police officer Najmul Hussain told Dawn, "It seems that terrorists are being this hand grenade attack, but they are investigating it from different angles to know about it." After the attack, the police cordoned off the area and increased security at all entry points and key locations in the area. Also on Friday, gunmen killed a police constable in the Khadikhel market of the tribal region of North Waziristan. According to the authorities, it was a "target killing" incident. They claimed that while policeman Zahidullah was shot while performing his duty in a market. According to the authorities, unidentified persons shot the constable and then ran away. They claimed that the policeman immediately died on the spot. The police said that the body was sent to the major hospital in Mirali while an investigation into the "target killing" was being conducted, reported Dawn. (ANI)
A delegation from Mongolia, which visited several Buddhist pilgrim sites in India has praised India for promoting peace through spiritualism that can help resolve ongoing wars and conflicts in the world. Headed by 7th Naro Banchen Rinpoche, head of Naro Banchen Trust and founder of Naropa Monastery, the delegation met with Indian Buddhist scholars and officials of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in New Delhi. The 40-member Mongolian delegation comprises artists, journalists, businessmen, anthropologist, historian and others. Naropa Rinpoche told ANI, "We have so many things to learn from India. It's peaceful, calm and very tolerant to one another. These good qualities inspire us". He added, "Mongolians appreciate India's ancient wisdom and India is a country where from ancient times people come to learn how to train a mind, how to analyse and how to train our mind from a logical perspective using concrete methodologies. And this is our inspiration. We take spiritual inspiration from our Indian brothers and sisters. This ancient Buddhist knowledge offers very comprehensive methodologies that can be used to solve the problems in current days humanity is facing, war and conflicts". This delegation from Mongolia will also participate in the upcoming Global Buddhist Conference in New Delhi. Naropa Rinpoche added, "The upcoming Global Buddhist Conference, I am expecting to be very beneficial because Buddhism teaches us that happiness should come from within ourselves. Although we have many materialistic progresses that make our life very comfortable but they cannot guarantee a happy life. That's why this symposium is going to discuss about the wellbeing of the world and how Buddhist knowledge and tradition can help us to solve conflicts and problems we have been facing." Deputy General Secretary of IBC, Jangchup Choedon Rinpoche said, "India and Mongolia have had strong relations for a long time. Naropa Rinpoche has come to India with a delegation and visited several Buddhist spiritual sites in the country. They met His Holiness the Dalai Lama also". He added, "We are organising Global Buddhist Summit in which a delegation from Mongolia is also participating along with delegates from 32 countries. They will discuss about global issues and will implement them for the wellbeing of the global community". Odzaya Deremchimed, a news anchor from Mongolia, praised India and said, "Indian people are very kind and nice. It was a nice experience visiting Dharamshala and meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama". Prof Ranjana Mukhopadhyaya, a member of the Indian delegation said, "It is important to have these kinds of interactions because Buddhism is one of the strongest links that India has with the rest of Asia. And it is one of the longest, oldest and one of the most enduring links". She added, "I think we should use these ties to re-establish and reaffirm our relationship with Buddhist countries such as Mongolia because we should realise that although Mongolia is so far from India, Buddhism at that age had travelled there so obviously this was the medium through which people of rest of the world came to know about India. So, it is very important for India that we should capitalise on this goodwill that we have about India and further strengthen it." (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], April 8 (ANI/WAM): Following the huge success of its inaugural seminar last year, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a leading global scientific research centre and the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has announced that the Additive Manufacturing team within its Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMRC), will host a second edition of the "Additive Manufacturing the Future" seminar this year. The seminar in its second year is poised to become an annual fixture for Abu Dhabi's manufacturing sector and will take place on April 27 at the W Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Additive Manufacturing the Future 2023 will bring together global additive manufacturing and 3D printing experts, industry giants, and relevant stakeholders for a comprehensive dialogue and expert-level networking on various breakthrough technologies in the field. The seminar will highlight the critical challenges and opportunities for the industry and discuss emerging trends that are shaping and empowering this burgeoning sector. Additive manufacturing, also commonly referred to as 3D printing, has recently become a top contender among traditional advanced manufacturing technologies in sectors including aerospace, automotive, space, biomedical, oil & gas, and tooling, among others. The robust seminar agenda will span four significant topics - design for additive manufacturing, materials for additive manufacturing and their sustainability, manufacturing processes and post-processing, and lastly, industry applications of additive manufacturing that include successful and impactful use cases, standardization, certification, and IP issues related to additive manufacturing. Nesma Aboulkhair, Director, Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Materials Research Centre, will headline the opening session on "Unlocking the potential in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing". Josefine Lissner, CEO and Founder of Leap 71, UAE, and Lin Kaiser, Founder of Hyperganic, will follow her with a session titled "Creating the Physical Future of Humankind through Computational Engineering and Integrated Digital Manufacturing - or - From code to Aerospike". Among the other eminent speakers confirmed to attend the seminar are Wesley Cantwell, Professor, Aeronautics and Astronautics at Khalifa University, Aijun Hwang, Director, Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Federico Bosio, Senior Researcher, AMRC, TII, and Markus Glassner, Senior Vice President - EMEA at EOS Global. Daniel France, Global Sales and Business Development Director, BEAMIT SpA, Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder, Skyroot Aerospace, and Dr. Alberto Bordin, Additive Manufacturing Technical Lead at ASTM Centre of Excellence, will also host dedicated sessions. Barrie Finnin, CTO and General Manager of AMAERO Additive Manufacturing Australia, a company that is partnering with a UAE-based entity to strengthen the AM landscape here, is also slated to present a session titled "Understanding the cost drivers of Metal AM". Speaking on the expectations from the upcoming seminar, Nesma Aboulkhair said, "Additive manufacturing is a relatively new entrant on the UAE's manufacturing landscape and such events expand our understanding of this unique and fast-paced discipline. In addition, they help accelerate the discovery of transformative solutions that can benefit the UAE and other countries worldwide. This seminar offers a critical platform for strategic synergies in additive manufacturing R&D and will undoubtedly boost TII's credibility as a leading hub of knowledge, collaborations, and technological expertise in additive manufacturing in the UAE and beyond." Hend Alqaydi, Engineer, Material Science, on the AM team, added, "We have a fantastic line-up of speakers whose vast experience and skillsets will certainly add immense value in enabling the attendees to adopt additive manufacturing in their business operations. Furthermore, academicians can jointly explore potential new areas of research collaboration to deepen their additive manufacturing insights to reinforce TII's leadership in shaping innovative solutions to tackle the world's most pressing challenges." (ANI/WAM)
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is to embark today on an official visit to the United States where she will attend Spring Annual Meetings of the IMF-World Bank. She will begin her official visit to the US from April 10. The Union Finance Minister will also participate in G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings besides investor and bilateral meetings with various countries. During the visit, Sitharaman will be attending the 2023 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with G20 meetings, Investor/ Bilateral meetings, and other associated meetings, which are scheduled to take place from April 10 to April 16, 2023, in the WBG and IMF Headquarters in Washington DC. The Spring Meetings will be attended by Finance Ministers and Central Bankers from across the world. The Indian Finance Ministry delegation will be led by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs and will comprise officials from the Ministry of Finance and RBI. Key engagements of the Union Finance Minister will include the following: Spring Meetings of IMF-WB;Hosting the Second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under India's G20 Presidency and G20-related side events;World Bank Development Committee and IMF Committee PlenariesInteraction with Global Economists and Think-Tanks,Bilateral engagements with countries and international organisations;Interaction with global business leaders and investors in roundtables; andEngagement with Indian Diaspora. Finance Minister Sitharaman and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India Shaktikanta Das will jointly chair the 2nd G20 FMCBG meeting on April 12-13, 2023. Around 350 delegates from G20 members, 13 invitee countries, and various international and regional organisations will participate and engage in multilateral discussions centred around a broad spectrum of pressing global issues. The 2nd G20 FMCBG meeting will comprise three sessions: Global Economy and International Financial Architecture;Sustainable Finance, Financial Sector and Financial Inclusion; andInternational Taxation. The focus of these sessions will be to deliberate on issues such as addressing food & energy insecurity, managing global debt vulnerabilities, strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), mobilising finance for climate action, advancing financial inclusion, and accelerating progress on International Tax and Financial Sector issues. The meeting will take stock of the progress made on outcomes envisaged under India's G20 Finance Track agenda. The 2nd G20 FMCBG meeting will advance efforts towards the preparation of G20 India Finance Track deliverables for the 3rd G20 FMCBG meeting to be held in Gandhinagar, India, in July 2023. These meetings are expected to provide informed Finance Track contributions to the Leaders Declaration for adoption in the New Delhi Summit in September 2023. On the sidelines of the Spring Annual Meetings, the Finance Minister will have bilateral engagements with her respective counterparts from G20 countries and Heads of other delegations, including major international organisations, to discuss issues and areas of mutual interest and cooperation under India's G20 Presidency. In the course of her visit, the Union Finance Minister will also participate in a fireside chat at the Peterson Institute of International Economics (PIIE) on April 10, 2023. In a high-level meeting on April 11, 2023, the Finance Minister will meet the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to discuss issues of mutual interest. During the official visit, a meeting of the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable will be co-chaired by India, International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank on April 12, 2023, to discuss the current global debt landscape and ways to address existing challenges in the debt restructuring. On April 14, 2023, a high-level seminar on "Macro-financial implications of Crypto assets" will be held to review the macro-financial implications of Crypto Assets and discuss policies to leverage benefits and contain risks. Sitharaman will also meet the G20 Expert Group on strengthening MDBs on April 15, 2023, to discuss the need for an updated MDBs ecosystem for the 21st century towards financing sustainable development goals and transboundary challenges. Besides these, the Finance Minister will also participate in a high-level Seminar on 'Stacking up the benefits of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)' organised by the IMF on April 14, 2023. The Seminar aims to discuss lessons from India and other countries on the transformational power of DPI and ways to maximise its potential. Other side events that will be held on the margins of the IMF-WB Spring Meetings include an event on 'Enhancing the Economic Empowerment of Women as Entrepreneurs and Leaders' (April 13, 2023), 'Life (Lifestyle for Environment) event on Behavioral Change to Tackle Climate Change' (April 14, 2023), and 'Launch of debt restructuring negotiation process on Sri Lanka' (April 13, 2023), among others. (ANI)
The Iranian authorities will use cameras in public places to identify women who violate the country's hijab law, state media reported, according to CNN. Notably, under Iran's Islamic Sharia law, imposed after the 1979 revolution, women are obliged to cover their hair and wear long, loose-fitting clothes to disguise their figures. Violators have faced public rebuke, fines or arrest. Iranian women who don't cover their hair risk being arrested. As part of the widespread protests, many have been disobeying the mandatory dress code, following the death of a young woman while she was being held for allegedly breaking hijab laws. Yet, authorities don't appear to be changing their stance on the matter. "In an innovative measure and in order to prevent tension and conflicts in implementing the hijab law, Iranian police will use smart cameras in public places to identify people who break the norms," the state-aligned Tasnim news agency quoted police as saying, CNN reported. After the women have been identified, they would be sent warning messages which detail the specific time and place they had "violated" the law, reported CNN. "In the context of preserving values, protecting family privacy and maintaining the mental health and peace of mind of the community, any kind of individual or collective behaviour against the law, will not be tolerated," CNN reported quoting Tasnim. Earlier this month, a viral video showed a man throwing yoghurt on two women for not wearing their hijab. The video shows a male staff member removing the suspect from the store. The two women were arrested after being issued an arrest warrant for failing to wear the hijab in public, according to Mizan News Agency. Iranian officials said the incident is under investigation, and the male suspect has been arrested for a disturbance of order, reported CNN. Later, both women were arrested for violating Iran's dress code. Describing the veil as "one of the civilizational foundations of the Iranian nation" and "one of the practical principles of the Islamic Republic," an Interior Ministry statement said there would be no "retreat or tolerance" on the issue.It urged citizens to confront unveiled women. Such directives have in past decades emboldened hardliners to attack women without impunity. In September 2022, Iranians took to the streets nationwide in protest for several months against Iran's mandatory hijab law, and political and social issues across the country, following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police.Women have burned their headscarves and cut their hair, with some schoolgirls removing them in classrooms.Those arrested for participating in anti-government demonstrations have faced various forms of abuse and torture, including electric shocks, controlled drowning, rape and mock executions. (ANI)
"Joined the Iftar hosted by UAE Ambassador @aj_alshaali at @UAEembassyIndia this evening. Ramadan Kareem!" tweeted Jaishankar.

The bilateral relationship between the two countries has only strengthened over the years, with UAE becoming one of India's most significant strategic partners in the West Asian region.

Both countries have put in considerable diplomatic efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship through high-level official visits. There continues to remain a warm relationship between the two countries leadership.

The recently held I2U2 summit, involving a partnership between India, Israel, UAE and the US only underscores the strategic alignment between the two countries.

The vision statement of the summit emphasizing green investment into India by the UAE with technology support from Israel and the US would be a win-win situation for all. It would involve investment in the renewable energy sector along with investment in land and water conservation.

On the economic front, India and UAE have the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which will strengthen the economic ties between the two emerging economic powers. The vision is to raise bilateral trade between the two countries to USD 100 billion dollars from the current USD 60 billion.

India and UAE have expressed their mutual willingness to cooperate in the diverse fields of food security, health, skill development, education, defence and space. (ANI)
A Saudi Arabian diplomatic delegation arrived in Tehran on Saturday to discuss the reopening of its diplomatic missions since 2016, according to Riyadh's Foreign Ministry. The focus of the discussions is expected to be on the resumption of official relationships, the reopening of embassies and consulates, and mutual interests. Saturday's visit is part of "implementing the tripartite agreement" reached on March 10 between the two regional powers, brokered by China, to restore relations ruptured in 2016, the Saudi foreign ministry said, cited by the official Saudi Press Agency. The visit follows an unprecedented meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries in China this week after they agreed last month to restore diplomatic ties after a seven-year gap. The UAE downgraded relations with Iran after Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran in January 2016 after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran following Riyadh's execution of a prominent Shiite cleric, reported Dawn. The animosity between Iran and Saudi Arabia had previously threatened stability and security in the Gulf, and fuelled conflicts in the Middle East from Yemen to Syria. However, in a significant breakthrough last month, Riyadh announced that it would re-establish ties with Tehran in a China-brokered deal, marking a step-change in years of hostility between the two nations. In the first high-level meeting between Iran and Saudi Arabia in over seven years, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian of Iran and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia signed an agreement to reopen embassies and consulates in their respective countries. Iran released a statement saying that the two sides expressed their willingness to overcome any obstacles to expanding cooperation between their nations. The embassies will be located in Tehran and Riyadh, while the consulates will be established in Mashhad and Jeddah. The two longtime Middle East rivals have now pledged to work together. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met in Beijing on Thursday and vowed to bring "security and stability" to the turbulent Gulf region. On Saturday, a Saudi "technical delegation" met Iran's chief of protocol at the foreign ministry in Tehran, SPA said. (ANI)
As the world confronts climate change and brewing geopolitical tensions, China has built up its dominance over critical minerals in the past two decades and the potential weaponization of such dependence is spurring the push to "friend-shore" critical mineral supply chains, reported Hinrich Foundation. It is a unique Asia-based philanthropic organization that works to advance mutually beneficial and sustainable global trade. In a study, Akhil Ramesh and Rob York of Pacific Forum map the supply chains of critical minerals, showing how China assumed a central role in harvesting and distributing them, and offer suggestions on diversifying the industry. Friend-shoring is a strategy where a country sources the raw materials, components and even manufactured goods from countries that share its values. The dependence on the countries considered a "threat" to the stability of the supply chains is slowly reduced. The purpose of friend-shoring is to insulate countries' supply chains from less like-minded nations, such as China in the case of the US. Critical minerals go beyond "rare earths", constituting the key ingredients in a wide variety of high-end technologies that have become omnipresent in modern-day societies. The significance of these minerals has expanded in scope as nations work toward their green transition, said Ramesh and York. Over the last 20 years, China has become the leader in mining most and processing all major critical minerals. China's demand for critical minerals soared due to its rapid technological advancements and transition to clean energy sources. As a result, the Middle Kingdom exerts significant control over both upstream and downstream markets. In the long run, this dominance could impact innovation and impede global climate response, reported Hinrich Foundation. From the availability of critical minerals to the industrial capacity for processing in each economy, the authors conclude that Canada, Australia, and Chile present the most viable alternatives to re-shoring supply chains away from China in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada has joined the US in its trade tussle with China. In November 2022, the Canadian government forced Chinese companies to divest from three Canadian-listed lithium companies, read the report. Earlier in 2022, the Canadian government announced a slew of economic incentives, "To enable the exploration of critical minerals, a new 30 per cent Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit is being introduced that would be available to investors under certain flow-through shares agreements to support specified exploration expenditures incurred in Canada." Meanwhile, Australia has offered tax offsets to increase battery cell production and capitalize on its FTA with the US to reduce reliance on its small domestic market and China, said Ramesh and York. Chile is the world's largest producer of copper and one of the leading suppliers of processed lithium carbonate and hydroxide. The Chilean government has incentivized the local processing of minerals by offering companies processing in Chile the option to buy 25 per cent of lithium production at special rates, reported Hinrich Foundation. The US, Europe, and Japan have become patently aware of the risks associated with a single closed economy controlling entire value chains - particularly as China's ability to weaponize its hegemony against the West's own clean energy transition and progress in the fourth industrial revolution becomes evident with its export control measures and securitization of commodity trade, such as the closed loop in manganese supply chains and bilateral deals through the BRI. While the US has used the IRA, BIL, and other legislations and Europe has unveiled its Critical Raw Materials Act, these legislation are not immediate fixes, said Ramesh and York. In conclusion, Canada, followed by Chile and Australia present the most viable options for friend-shoring critical mineral supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region. (ANI)
Rege-Jean Page is an actor best known for his role in "Bridgerton." Mitch Haaseth/Getty Images

Rege-Jean Page has starred in the hit series "Bridgerton" and fantasy movie "Dungeons & Dragons."

The British-Zimbabwean actor graduated from the same acting school as Colin Firth and Emilia Clarke.

Here are some facts about Page that you may not know.

Rege-Jean Page had a small role in "Harry Potter Deathly Hallows: Part 1."

Rege-Jean Page, Emma Watson and Dame Julie Walters in "Deathly Hallows Part 1." Warner Bros

After his starring role in "Bridgerton" season one, many fans were quick to point out that Rege-Jean Page had actually appeared in the "Harry Potter" film series.

Page made a short cameo as an uncredited extra during the early wedding scene in "Deathly Hallows Part 1," standing right next to Emma Watson's Hermione Granger and Dame Julie Walters' Molly Weasley.

Page also had several other big roles before "Bridgerton" made him a star.

He starred in Shondaland's "For The People" in the late 2010s, played Chicken George in the Emmy-nominated reboot of "Roots," and also appeared in the "Mortal Engines" movie.

Page was born in London but spent his first years in Zimbabwe.

Rege-Jean Page in 2016 at the "Roots" premiere. Brad Barket / Getty Images for A+E

In interviews, Page has said he was born in London but he grew up in Zimbabwe in the early years of his life with his father, who was a preacher, and his mother, who was a nurse. He told GQ that he returned to London to attend high school in his teen years.

In his 20s, Page moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.

When asked about home, Page told Interview Magazine: "We were in Zimbabwe [until I was 14]. But throughout that period my family was rather spread out  I have family in South Africa, Australia, Sweden, Grenada, Florida  so you make pit stops and you grow your perspective. Home is a relative concept. Home is very much wherever it is that your people are and where you fit in."

He continued: "I spent my whole life figuring out how to be different people. Zimbabwe's one of the youngest countries in the world, it became independent from British colonialism in the 1980s. In America, you can still feel the echoes of slavery, and Zimbabwe is very much feeling the echoes of British colonial rule. It's very hard to craft an identity in that environment as a young, mixed raced man. I learned from the age of three that I was a walking political statement."

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When Page returned to London, he created a punk band with his brother.

Rege-Jean Page is a British actor. Morgan Lieberman/Getty Images

After Page returned to London, the "For the People" actor became interested in punk music.

He told Square Mile in 2020: "What else are you going to do as a teenager? You're going to scream at people one way or another. You might as well do it in a productive way. Was my logic."

Page also said that he formed a band with his brother and dyed his hair purple.

"It was good fun. It was a healthy place to have opinions, and have them very, very loudly," the "Waterloo Road" actor said, but refused to reveal the name of the band.

In 2017, Page also told The Fall magazine that he was drawn to the idea that labels didn't matter.

"When I got involved in the punk scene, my notion of what a career was changed. I realized that a career in the arts was actually about having the people and community to support you making your art," he said. "I want to break down the boundaries of what is considered normal and do away with labels  gay, straight, brown, white "

Tabloids were able to find pictures of punk rocker Page after his big break in "Bridgerton."

Page graduated from the same drama school as Pierce Brosnan, Paul Bettany, and Colin Firth.

Rege-Jean Page and Pierce Brosnan. David M. Benett / Getty Images / Mike Marsland / WireImage

Page told Flaunt magazine that he first began acting at the age of 10. While he was a teen, Page went on to make small appearances in British series like "Casualty" and "Gimme 6."

After university, Page said he went on to go to drama school at the Drama Centre London. This school has a number of famous alumni: Marvel stars Paul Bettany and Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and "Game of Thrones" stars Emilia Clarke and Gwendoline Christie.

After graduating, Page pursued acting as his full-time career.

"Fresh Meat" star Zawe Ashton said she helped Page get a US visa.

Zawe Ashton and Page worked together on "Fresh Meat." Dave J Hogan / Getty Images / Liam Daniel / Netflix

In 2013, Page appeared in two episodes of the British comedy series "Fresh Meat."

Last year, Zawe Ashton, who starred in the series alongside Page, told Insider that she kept in touch with the "Bridgerton" actor after his time finished on the show and even helped Page get to LA when he moved for his career.

"We just started talking and he was clearly extremely hard-working and really inspiring," Ashton said. "We swapped contacts and I said, 'Look, if you want a soundboard for the journey that you are on right now, it's hard out there especially for actors of color, so you just gimme a text.'"

Ashton continued: "And I actually had helped him write this series of letters for when you're applying for a US visa. Didn't think any more about it. I just thought, 'I hope that guy does what he wants to do.' And then I turn on 'Bridgerton' and I'm like, 'This is so phenomenal.' Full-circle moment."

Ashton later said she was inspired by "Bridgerton" to appear in a period drama, which she did with the 2022 movie "Mr. Malcolm's List."

Starring in Roots led to Page being cast as the Duke of Hastings in "Bridgerton."

Rege-Jean Page in "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" and "The Gray Man." Paramount / Paul Abell / Netflix

Starring in the critically successful History Channel reboot of "Roots" in 2016 was Page's first big break.

According to Shondaland executive Betsy Beers, the role was crucial in leading to his casting as the Duke of Hastings in "Bridgerton."

She told Esquire that the "Roots" series brought Page to her attention and he was discussed when they were looking for their "Bridgerton" lead.

"It would be so great to get somebody like Rege. I wish there was somebody like Rege," Beers said the atmosphere was like in the casting room.

She added: "Every time I came back to the 'Bridgerton' set, I looked at Rege's face, and I felt like I was coming home," Beers said. "When he speaks to you, he makes you feel like the only person in the world. Even on our busiest days, he always found moments to be unerringly delightful and solicitous and kind."

"Bridgerton" was crucial to his casting in "The Gray Man" and "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves."

Rege-Jean Page as Chicken George in the "Roots" remake. History Channel

"Bridgerton" also landed Page his next two gigs.

In 2022, he played a villain in the 2022 spy movie "The Gray Man." And this year, Page stars as a heroic paladin in "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves."

Page told GQ in 2021 that both meetings went the same way.

"The conversation was, 'So my wife saw this ['Bridgerton'] and told me that I need to see it,'" the 34-year-old actor said.

He added that there is "something super interesting that powerful men had me recommended by the women in their lives, which I think says something about where the power actually lies."

Last year, "The Gray Man" directors Joe and Anthony Russo told Insider the same thing.

"My wife is a huge 'Bridgerton' fan. That's how we discovered him," Joe said. "We did not pull him away from 'Bridgerton.' I don't want anyone coming after us."

Joe added that Page's "Saturday Night Live" appearance also inspired the directing duo to cast him as the movie's villain, Denny Carmichael.

"I saw him on 'Saturday Night Live' and I thought he was charismatic and really, really compelling and fun to watch and so we thought he'd be perfect as a villain," Joe said.

The first album Page owned was by Tracy Chapman.

US singer and musician Tracy Chapman performs on the main stage, during the Paleo Festival Music Open Air in Nyon, Switzerland, Friday, July 21, 2006. Martial Trezzini/AP/KEYSTONE

In 2020, Page told InStyle that Tracy Chapman's 1988 self-titled album has become his "Bible" after it was passed down by his parents.

When asked about the first album he owned, he said: "I was lucky enough to have parents with good taste, who passed that down to me. It's still basically my Bible. I think there's this incredible clarity and honesty that Tracy has in the album."

He continued: "People overuse the phrase timeless but it's completely timeless. There's a pure, unfiltered humanity, and it's the most moving thing I own still."

Chapman is an American songwriter best known for her hit singles "Fast Car," which was covered by Jonas Blue in 2015, and "Give Me One Reason," which has been covered by Kelly Clarkson twice.

Page and his "Bridgerton" costar Phoebe Dynevor had "horrendous coffee breath" while filming intimate scenes.

Page played Phoebe Dynevor's character's love interest. Mike Marsland/WireImage and Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

During an appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" to promote "Dungeons & Dragons" in February, Page shared a humorous tidbit about filming "Bridgerton."

After discussing what "D&D" star Chris Pine smells like, Page added: "That's what no one knows about 'Bridgerton.' Phoebe and I had horrendous coffee breath the whole way through. We made a pact early on."

He continued: "It's one of the things you do, you approach the other actor and you go, 'Hey, so the scene is after lunch. What are our rules? Are we no onions? Are we no garlic? Do I have to get the coffee in early?'

"And we both were like, 'Actually, I really like coffee so I don't mind.' Thank god. So we had a coffee safe space the whole way through that show."

Page once had to hide in his hotel in Belfast after a radio show started a competition encouraging fans to find him.

Rege-Jean Page at the L.A. premiere of "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves." Axelle / Bauer-Griffin / Getty Contributor

Page also discussed how he handled becoming famous overnight while on "The Late Show."

"Bridgerton" was an instant success and within a month of its release, it became the most-watched Netflix original series ever on the platform.

In fact, Page said that when he went to shoot "Dungeons & Dragons" three months after "Bridgerton" was released, a radio show announced a competition to find him.

"When we were shooting 'Dungeons & Dragons,' we were in Belfast," the "Bridgerton" star said. "I remember landing in Northern Ireland and I got in the car. On the ride from the airport, the driver turned on the radio and they were running a competition to find me. They were like, 'Rege-Jean Page is in town. Call us if you know where he is.' So, I kind of holed up in the hotel."

Page continued: "A couple of people did [find me]. Folks are very, very friendly in Belfast, and very forthcoming. So it's not like anyone sneaked pictures. They just kind of ran up to me and grabbed me and was like, 'Welcome to Belfast!' 'Ahh! Thank you so much.'"

Page has been described as the most handsome man in the world by a plastic surgeon.

Rege-Jean Page at San Diego Comic Con 2022. Daniel Knighton/Getty Images

In January, a UK-based plastic surgeon named Page the most handsome man in the world because his face is said to be in near-perfect alignment with the Greek "golden ratio."

Dr. Julian De Silva, whose website describes him as a facial cosmetic surgeon, commented on several celebrity faces in a post on Instagram as he measured them against the mathematical ratio.

De Silva wrote that Chris Hemsworth had a 93.53% accuracy to the ratio, while Michael B. Jordan was in third with 93.46% accuracy.

However, he said: "The 34-year-old British actor - Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings in the hit Netflix series - was found to be 93.65% accurate to the Greek Golden Ratio of Beauty Phi - which measures physical perfection."

In the past, De Silva has claimed that Amber Heard had the "most beautiful face in the world" in 2016 and gave George Clooney the same title in 2017.

Reacting to the news on "The Late Show," Page said the title felt like an "ambush."

"That was news to me. That's not the conversation I had with myself in the mirror every morning," Page said. "It was a bit of an ambush headline. It's that thing where you do a show and you know you got to ride the press cycle. People are going to be looking out for you more while you're on the 'Dungeons and Dragons' press tour where you're talking about the movie or when 'Bridgerton' has just come out."

He continued: "But at this point, I just kind of finally ridden this thing and I was sitting at home feeling a little bit relaxed. We're in the lull before I do this and then there's just this ambush headline. Like bam! Everyone's looking at you again. I didn't even ask for this. I had no idea that I was apparently scientifically..."

Read the original article on Insider
Two people were injured when a vehicle went off the road, hitting a utility pole and then crashing into a business overnight in Washington. Channel 11 was told it was the result of a police chase.

Video shared with Channel 11 captures a police pursuit and an SUV slamming into a utility pole, breaking at its base and bringing down wires.

The crash occurred at McCarrells Insurance Agency and Tax Service, located under the Interstate 70 overpass.

Two people were injured when a vehicle went off the road, hitting a utility pole and then crashing into a business overnight in Washington. Channel 11 was told it was the result of a police chase.

Susan McCarrell Gleason is one of the owners of the business and got the call at about 1:30 Saturday morning.

They were just pulling the car out from the building and it was really wrecked, especially the front end, she said.

Two people in the vehicle were flown by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital, according to a 911 dispatcher.

McCarrell Gleason said she talked to police at the scene, who told her an 18 year old and two juveniles were in the SUV.

The outside of the building is damaged  the walkway is in pieces, lumber is all over the ground, and the downspout is broken.

Inside, the floor was compromised, plus the wall was pushed into the workspace.

But the tax prep business opened as scheduled.

McCarrell Gleason said she heard the car was stolen. Washington police have not released any details.

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Candidates stood tall as their native countries were called off, and students and spectators cheered loudly.

It was as much a pep rally as a ceremony Friday afternoon at Dunn Elementary, where 32 people from 19 countries took their oaths and received certificates identifying them as naturalized U.S. citizens.

The three fifth-grade classes at the IB World School put on the ceremony, the schools first since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their fourth-grade counterparts watched from the back of the schools gymnasium/auditorium, to help them understand what their class would be tasked with doing next spring as part of their study of immigration.

It was really amazing to experience, especially since I wasnt born here, said fifth-grader Quinn Day, who was born in Japan. Its really nice to see people getting naturalized and getting their citizenship because it makes me really happy, and I know there are a lot of people who want to get it, and these people are just lucky enough to get it today.

Day and other students born in foreign countries stood to be recognized, as well, when their native countries were called out: France, India, Libya, The Netherlands, South Korea, Uganda, United Kingdom.

That was really cool, said Mini Choi, a South Korean who was becoming a U.S. citizen. I think that helps the kids feel like its not just me here, theres other people like me out here. So I really like that aspect.

Kristi Goldinger, deputy district director for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, oversaw the ceremony, noting that it was one of her favorites among the many group events in which she has been involved.

She said in her opening remarks that the people invited to take part in this ceremony were not chosen to be representative in any particular way; they were just the next people in line locally who were ready to complete the final step in what she said was a long journey to become naturalized citizens.

More: What to know about PSD's newly approved literacy curricula for elementary schools

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The mix of native countries, from Canada and Mexico, to Krygyzstan and Russia, to Kenya and South Africa, was typical of those in Colorado who have chosen to become U.S. citizens.

Goldinger urged members of the audience to cheer and celebrate the accomplishment.

Many of the new citizens were passing their cellphones off to one another to shoot photos and video as they went to the front of the room to receive their certificates from Goldinger, a small U.S. flag from one of three students passing them out and congratulatory handshakes from a receiving line of dignitaries who earlier had each given brief speeches welcoming them.

Andrea Neguse was there on behalf of her husband, Rep. Joe Neguse, whose U.S. House of Representatives district includes Fort Collins. James Thompson, a member of Michael Bennetts staff, was there to represent the U.S. senator. State Sen. Joann Ginal, Fort Collins Mayor Jeni Arndt and Traci Gile, Poudre School Districts assistant superintendent of elementary schools, also spoke of the United States proud history as a nation of immigrants coming together.

Students lead the Pledge of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony for people becoming U.S. citizens at Dunn Elementary on Friday in Fort Collins. Friday marked the first such ceremony since 2019, as COVID-19 stopped this annual event from taking place at the school from 2020 to 2022.

It was beautiful; I wasnt expecting this, said Fred Bonnard, a native of France who has been living and working in the United States since 2000. I thought it would just be a simple thing, and I was absolutely blown away by these kids signing, clapping, all the people here. It was amazing. To be all together here, I think, makes it better than one-by-one.

Fifth-grader Shoshana Goldstein read the winning essay she wrote for a contest on What it Means to be an American, noting the role each of the new citizens plays in increasing the diversity and richness of our country.

More: 12% of water fixtures at PSD schools exceed state lead standard in early testing

It was really astounding to see how happy they all were, Goldstein said.

A video message from President Joe Biden, welcoming and celebrating the new citizens, was shared on a large screen at the front of the room.

Students led the singing of the national anthem at the start of the ceremony, led the new citizens in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance after they took their oaths of citizenship and closed it by singing This Land is Your Land.

And, other than when people were delivering speeches or the oath was being delivered, there was a lot of clapping and cheering and occasional tears of joy from a few of the new citizens and their family members in the audience.

Several new citizens were particularly excited about earning the right to vote, and many signed up to do so on their way out at a table staffed with League of Women Voters volunteers eager to help.

The whole thing was very nice, listening to the kids sing and getting to do a ceremony, meeting new people, said Renato Francis, a native of Panama. Everything was beautiful.

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: Fort Collins elementary school helps 32 people become U.S. citizens
The commitments are coming, and the recruiting visits continue to stack up for the Oregon Ducks.

On Friday afternoon, Dan Lanning and Co. landed a big commitment from 4-star safety Aaron Flowers, the No. 109 player in the 2024 class, helping to bolster their newest signing class and stack talent in the defensive secondary.

Not long before that commitment, the Ducks also got the great news that Jordon Davison, a 5-star RB in the class of 2025, will be taking a visit to Oregon next week.

Davison is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 11 overall player in 2025, and the No. 2 RB in the nation. The highly-rated RB was in Eugene last year for the Ducks game against the UCLA Bruins.

Jordon Davison Recruiting Profile

Twitter

Ratings

Stars Rating State Position 247Sports 4 90 CA RB 247Sports Composite 5 0.9921 CA RB Rivals 4 6.0 CA RB ESPN N/A N/A CA RB On3 Recruiting 4 93 CA RB

Vitals

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Height 5-foot-11 Weight 210 pounds Hometown Santa Ana, California Projected Position Running Back Class 2025

Recruitment

Received Oregon offer on June 14, 2021

Visited Oregon for game vs. UCLA on October 22, 2022

Top Schools

Oregon Ducks

Ohio State Buckeyes

USC Trojans

Texas Longhorns

Clemson Tigers

South Carolina Gamecocks

Highlights

Story originally appeared on Ducks Wire
Six people were injured in a shooting at a beach near Charleston, South Carolina, on Friday afternoon, during a Senior Skip Day event.

Five of the injured individuals were teenagers between 15 and 16 years old, while the sixth was a woman in her mid-30s, Isle of Palms Police Department Chief Kevin Cornett said at a press conference on Saturday.

Two fights broke out among the large crowd that had gathered on the beach for the Senior Skip Day event, before several shots were fired, the police chief said.

Cornett touted his officers rapid response to the situation, noting that the Isle of Palms Police Department already had people on the beach prior to the shooting.

The moment we saw a crowd gather we deployed resources to the beach just to make sure things didnt get out of hand, Cornett said.

I cant stress enough how impressed I was with our team and their immediate actions to move in, stop the threat, and to render aid to those who were injured, he added.

Police have arrested a 16-year-old for possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful carry of a firearm and an 18-year-old for possession of a firearm but could not confirm whether either were involved in the shooting.

While Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano commended officers response to the shooting, she repeatedly called the event unacceptable.

Here we are, once again, talking to the public about a mass shooting in Charleston, in the Charleston area, Graziano said at Saturdays press conference. This is simply unacceptable.

There are people that were on that beach yesterday that know what happened. There are parents that know these kids were on the beach and know what happened, she added. These parents need to have a serious conversation with these kids, and if they have information that will help us get more guns off the street, they need to call that tip line and let us know.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Pleasant Hill police received an unusual call Wednesday afternoon: The Goppert Financial Bank at 2100 N. Highway 7 had been robbed by an elderly woman.

Witnesses said the suspect  dressed all in gray, with plastic gloves, a black N95 mask and black sunglasses  approached the counter and passed the teller a note, which, according to documents filed in Cass County Circuit Court, read in part: ... is a robbery I need 13,000 small bills  thank you sorry I didnt mean to scare you.

Surveillance video captured her banging on the counter, asking the teller to hurry and give her the money, Cass County prosecutors claim. The woman allegedly advised the teller not to count the money and just give it to her.

After she was given the money, the suspect, later identified by police as 78-year-old Bonnie Gooch, was seen leaving in a Buick Enclave with its handicap registration number on display. Prosecutors say the vehicle pulled out of the bank and onto southbound Highway 7.

Officers were then able to locate Gooch and stopped her vehicle in the Pleasant Hill Animal Clinic parking lot. The suspect smelled strongly of alcohol, prosecutors claim, and police found a large amount of cash in small bills on the floorboard.

Police arrested Gooch. Thursday, she was charged with one count of stealing or attempting to steal from a financial institution.

She remains in Cass County Jail, with her bail set at $25,000.

But the recent arrest and charge is not Goochs first. According to court records, the woman has at least two other bank robbery convictions.

Her first conviction came out of California in 1977, and more recently, the robbery of a Lees Summit bank in 2020.

Atypical suspect?

On the evening of Jan. 23, 2020, police responded to a Lees Summit residence after Goochs son called and told them his mother was off her rocker, according to documents filed in Johnson County Circuit Court.

Her son claimed Gooch had left in a maroon SUV, neon Nike hat, black wig and BB gun . She was angry, he said, saying she was going to rob a bank.

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About 30 minutes later, officers responded to a robbery at Bank of the West near Northeast Route 291 and Chipman Road.

There, a teller told police she was working the drive thru window when a short, older woman wearing a lime green hat and wig entered the bank. The woman handed her what looked like a blank birthday card with a note on top that read this is a robbery, according to court documents.

The note requested $3,000 in $50 and $20 bills.

An officer located Goochs vehicle not long after and arrested her without incident.

Gooch was sentenced to probation, which ended in November 2021.

Details of Goochs decades-old conviction in California were not publicly available Friday afternoon.

Pleasant Hill Police Chief Tommy Wright told The Star Friday that the suspect had no diagnosed ailments, but because of her age, the department is working to determine whether any underlying health factors contributed to the incident.

Were working with agencies to figure out what the next steps are, Wright said. Its just sad.

Wright called the case unusual, saying that in his 30 years of police work, hes never encountered a bank robbery suspect her age. Even officers were surprised when they tracked down Goochs vehicle Wednesday, he said.

When officers first approached her, they were kind of confused ... Its a little old lady who steps out, he said. We werent sure initially that we had the right person.

Wright said their suspicions were confirmed when the wads of cash were found in her vehicle. He added that the woman appeared intoxicated and was very stern with officers. Tellers were fearful of her, he said, though no gun was presented.

He wasnt aware of her being a suspect in any additional bank robberies.

Court documents indicate that Gooch had been sued by several financial institutions in the past few years.

Goochs arraignment is scheduled for May 25.
Federal judges in Texas and Washington on Friday issued dueling rulings that intensified the legal battle over abortion and a commonly used medical abortion drug.

The legal battle over the pill mifepristone has grown more intense since the US Supreme Court last year tossed out the federal right to the procedure.

The abortion pill was at the center of two conflicting federal court rulings on Friday.

In one ruling, a federal judge in Texas halted Food and Drug Administration approval of the abortion pill, pending a seven-day window to give the Justice Department time to appeal.

Then Friday night, in a dramatic lurch in a different legal direction, a federal judge in Washington state said that the FDA must keep the abortion pill available in at least 12 liberal states.

Here is background on the abortion pill and its use.

- How widespread is abortion pill use? -

According to the Guttmacher Institute, the pill accounted for more than half -- 53 percent -- of the 930,160 abortions documented by the reproductive health research and policy organization in the United States in 2020.

That was up from 17 percent in 2008 and 39 percent in 2017.

While the number of so-called medication abortions has gone up dramatically in the United States in recent years, it is still not as prevalent as in several European nations.

In France, for example, medication abortions represented 70 percent of the total number of abortions in 2020.

- How does it work? -

The abortion pill is different from the "morning after" pill, which is taken by a woman after sexual intercourse to prevent becoming pregnant.

The abortion pill is taken to induce an abortion once a woman confirms that she is pregnant.

It in fact involves more than one pill. The first, mifepristone, also known as RU 486, stops a pregnancy from proceeding normally by blocking production of the hormone progesterone.

Another drug, misoprostol, is taken up to 48 hours later and causes cramps, bleeding and the emptying of the uterus.

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Abortion pills can be used at home and a medical setting is not required.

- When was the abortion pill approved? -

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the green light to mifepristone and misoprostol in 2000.

It is approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, after which a woman would need to undergo an abortion through another means such as vacuum aspiration.

The average cost of a medication abortion at Planned Parenthood is $580 but it can cost up to $800.

- Is it safe and effective? -

Use of the abortion pill during the specified time period is considered to be safe and effective by medical experts.

Pregnancies are successfully terminated in more than 95 percent of cases where the pill is used, according to studies.

Serious complications -- excessive bleeding, fever, infection or allergic reaction -- which require a medical consult, are rare.

The abortion pill does not work for ectopic pregnancies, which account for around two percent of all pregnancies and where a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus.

- Where is the pill available? -

At least 13 US states have banned most abortions, including medication abortions, since the Supreme Court's ruling in June overturning the constitutional right to an abortion.

Despite the bans, a number of organizations have mobilized to provide abortion pills to women in states where abortion is restricted.

The extent of their efforts is difficult to evaluate.

In the states where abortion is legal, the FDA recently loosened restrictions surrounding mifepristone, allowing it to be sent through the mail with a prescription or to be sold directly in pharmacies like any other drug.

la-cl/tjj/bfm
On today's episode of the 5 Things podcast: Dueling federal rulings have sent the future of a major abortion pill into legal uncertainty. Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich has been charged with espionage in Russia. And new polling shows Americans' dissatisfaction with politics. Then Hampton County Guardian Managing Editor Michael DeWitt, Jr. gives the latest on the new autopsy for Stephen Smith. And finally, USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise looks at the rise of solar and wind jobs.

Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here.

Hit play on the player above to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript below. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text.

Taylor Wilson:

Good morning. I'm Taylor Wilson, and this is 5 Things you need to know, Saturday the 8th of April 2023.

Today the future of abortion pills is up in the air after dueling federal rulings, plus a Wall Street Journal reporter remains detained in Russia. And we hear the latest on the autopsy of Steven Smith in South Carolina.

Competing rulings by federal judges in Texas and Washington state have created uncertainty around the future of a key abortion drug. A ruling by US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee in Texas put a stop on government approval of the drug Mifepristone. But just minutes later, US District Judge Thomas O. Rice in Washington ordered the FDA not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in 17 states and DC that sued to expand access. At least in the short term, the rulings mean that access to Mifepristone remains unchanged and the legal battle may be destined for the Supreme Court. Even before the high court struck down the constitutional right to abortion, granted by Roe v. Wade, medication abortion accounted for more than half of all abortions in the US. That's according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization that supports abortion rights.

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Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was formally charged with espionage yesterday in Russia, according to Russian state news agency TASS. The country's federal security service said, "Gershkovich was acting on US orders to collect information about the activities of the Russian military-industrial complex." Stateside Senate majority leader Democrat Chuck Schumer and Republican leader Mitch McConnell, issued a joint statement condemning the detention and they said, "Russian authorities have failed to present any credible evidence to justify the charges." The arrest marks the first time an American journalist has been arrested on espionage charges there since the Cold War.

Americans seem to be able to agree on one thing, they're not satisfied with Washington. According to a survey out yesterday from the Pew Research Center, the majority of Americans have negative views of President Joe Biden and both Republican and Democratic leadership in Congress. Only 26% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the new Congress, and that pessimism extends beyond political leaders. Most Americans also have little confidence in the country's ability to solve major problems and they don't trust the American public in making political decisions. You can read the poll's full results with a link in today's show notes.

Stephen Smith has been given a second autopsy. The teenager's body was found in 2015 and initially ruled a hit-and-run death before the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division or SLED reopened the case in 2021. And last month, SLED confirmed to the Smith family that it was officially considering the case, a murder investigation. The case is the latest chapter in the same rural Hampton County where disgraced lawyer Alex Murdoch, was convicted of murdering his wife and son. For more, I caught up with Hampton County Guardian managing editor Michael DeWitt, Jr. Hi, Michael. Thanks for hopping back on 5 Things.

Michael DeWitt, Jr:

Always a pleasure.

Taylor Wilson:

How was Steven Smith initially found back in 2015?

Michael DeWitt, Jr:

It was early in the morning on July 8th, 2015, I think roughly a little before 4:00 AM. And a local gentleman was going to work and saw a young man sprawled out in the middle of the road. And being that time of night, that isolated road, he was afraid to stop, but he called 911 and told them that there was a young man in the road and that he was going to get run over if somebody didn't come to his rescue. And police responded and found him there, part of his body was touching the yellow line in the middle of the road.

Taylor Wilson:

And why did South Carolina Law Enforcement reopen this case in 2021?

Michael DeWitt, Jr:

We don't know the exact reasons. It was a cold case for a while. We just know that in June of 2021, not long after the Murdaugh murders in Colleton County, SLED reopened the case. Their statement back in June of 2021, red light, they had found something in the case in the course of investigating the Murdaugh murders that led them to reopen Steven Smith's case. Now, their more recent statement indicates that maybe there's no real connection there.

Taylor Wilson:

And Michael, what do we know about the autopsy as of now?

Michael DeWitt, Jr:

We know a whole lot of little pieces of information. We don't know if there's going to be any major breakthroughs coming from this. The initial autopsy in 2015 was that the young man died from blood-force trauma to the head, whether you consider it a hit-and-run or whatever, it was still a homicide back in 2015. The only difference is SLED has now officially declared it to be a murder instead of just a random hit-and-run accidental homicide.

Taylor Wilson:

Michael, you wrote in one of your recent pieces that a crime scene forensic expert hired by the family has said that the autopsy yielded new evidence.

Michael DeWitt, Jr:

Any evidence they find is probably going to be new evidence. It may not be groundbreaking evidence. So I didn't read as much into that as I did his optimistic tone that they feel like things are moving forward. They were able to do a total autopsy, meaning they were able to check for DNA, do x-rays, check for bones, pretty much as if he died yesterday. It's also a symbolic kind of step as attorney Eric Bland, attorney for the Smith family said, "Steven can rest easier now. And now that he's been taken from his grave and the new investigation has begun, he can rest easier and perhaps his family can rest a little easier now."

Taylor Wilson:

So Michael, we've had this new autopsy. There's been a GoFundMe page that the Smith family posted that raised a lot of the money for it. What is next for the Smith family, what's their plan going forward?

Michael DeWitt, Jr:

I can't speak to the Smith family, but attorneys and investigators that they have hired are clearly on a mission. It's my understanding that the results of the autopsy are going to be turned over to SLED in about a week or so. SLED wants to save some face. They want to show South Carolina that hey, we are a good law enforcement agency and we are committed to doing proper thorough investigations and we take this very seriously.

Taylor Wilson:

All right, Michael DeWitt, Jr. Always with a new chapter for us in this low country saga. Thanks so much.

Michael DeWitt, Jr:

Thank you.

Taylor Wilson:

As green energy grows in America, so too to the jobs associated with it, places like wind and solar farms are hiring and many will train people with no experience in the field. USA Today national correspondent, Elizabeth Weise has more. Elizabeth Weise is back on the program. Hi, Beth.

Elizabeth Weise:

Hello.

Taylor Wilson:

I want to start by talking about the demand for renewable energy jobs. Is this something that's on the rise?

Elizabeth Weise:

Oh boy, is it? Yes. So the renewable workforce in the United States is about 443,000 Americans. And people who can work in wind tech jobs, it's the second fastest-growing job in the country, second only to nurse practitioners according to the Department of Labor Statistics. And I mean we're building more wind installations and it is not a job where you just show up and start climbing a 300-foot tower. You need to get trained.

Taylor Wilson:

Yes. So these training programs are popping up around the country. What do they aim to achieve?

Elizabeth Weise:

These are fantastic jobs. I mean, it's a two-year degree, so you go to a community college, you get a two-year wind tech degree. And you can walk into your first job at 45 to $50,000 a year. And if you're willing to travel, it can be up to 60 to $70,000 a year. And if you have one of these two-year associate degrees from a community college in this, you quickly move up the ladder, and in five years you can be a manager and some of those people are making six figures. I started talking to people who were in these programs or were graduates and you do one year at the program and then you do a summer internship and they have trouble keeping those people because the companies are so eager to have new workers that they will try and hire them away.

If you're willing to travel, you just choose among your jobs. And the people that I talked to said it was nice because not everybody needs or wants a four-year college degree. In fact, one of the young women I spoke with said, "Yeah, my teachers in high school were like, 'Oh, you should go to college.'" And she's like, "I love this. I love being outside. I do something different every day. It's physical, it's interesting, and I'm happy." And they kind of thought, "Oh, but you could do well after a four-year degree." And she's like, "I have a two-year degree and I'm employed and I love it."

Taylor Wilson:

That's awesome. So when I think of these wind farms, I think of massive wind turbines. Do these jobs require folks to climb up to the top of them, what do these jobs look like?

Elizabeth Weise:

Oh yeah, they do, they do. Listen I talked to the guy who runs the program in Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas. I went out and visited the school and he said, "It's okay to have a fear of heights because that's pretty rational. Everybody should be concerned when you're really high up because bad things can happen." He said, "You just can't have a paralyzing fear of heights." Most of your work is happening 300 feet up, some of it hanging by a harness, especially if you're repairing the blades. All the programs that I spoke with at the very beginning, they spend a lot of time training and drilling on safety and you're always wearing a harness. You've always got contact and you're always hooked into the actual turbine or to something so that you can't fall. But yeah, I mean it's serious because 300 feet up, you don't want to step back to take a look at what you just did and not be harnessed to something.

Taylor Wilson:

All right, Elizabeth Weise. Thanks so much.

Elizabeth Weise:

You're so welcome.

Taylor Wilson:

Thanks for listening to 5 Things. You can find us every day of the week right here, wherever you get your podcast. James Brown is back with the Sunday edition tomorrow. And I'll see you Monday with more of 5 Things from USA Today.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Abortion pill uncertainty, Americans unite in hatred of Washington: 5 Things podcast
Access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S. plunged into uncertainty Friday following conflicting court rulings over the legality of the abortion medication mifepristone that has been widely available for more than 20 years.

For now, the drug the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2000 appeared to remain at least immediately available in the wake of two separate rulings that were issued in quick succession by federal judges in Texas and Washington.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, ordered a hold on federal approval of mifepristone in a decision that overruled decades of scientific approval. But that decision came at nearly the same time that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an Obama appointee, essentially ordered the opposite and directed U.S. authorities not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats sued in an effort to protect availability, including Illinois.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has described the Texas judges decision as legally-unsound. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker called it dangerous.

Let me be clear: thanks to the Washington decision, nothing has changed in Illinois. But the Texas court has issued a dangerous decision, Pritzker wrote in a statement Friday. For more than 22 years, the FDA has made clear that medication abortion is a safe, accessible way for millions of people to make choices about their own bodies. But today, a federal judge in Texas declared  against all precedent and science that doctors have been doing their job wrong for decades.

Despite these attacks, reproductive rights are enshrined in Illinois law and will stay that way. This ruling is a clear and concerted effort by anti-abortion, far-right activists and politicians to dismantle sexual and reproductive health care nationwide. We will not let them win.

The extraordinary timing of the competing orders revealed the high stakes surrounding the drug nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed access to abortion across the country. President Joe Biden said his administration would fight the Texas ruling.

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The whiplash of the conflicting decisions is likely to put the issue on an accelerated path to the Supreme Court.

FDA is under one order that says you can do nothing and another that says in seven days Im going to require you to vacate the approval of mifepristone, said Glenn Cohen of Harvard Law School.

Abortion providers slammed the Texas ruling, including Whole Womans Health, which operates six clinics in five states and said it would continue to dispense mifepristone in person and by mail over the next week as they review the rulings.

The abortion drug has been widely used in the U.S. since securing FDA approval and there is essentially no precedent for a lone judge overruling the medical decisions of the Food and Drug Administration. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortion in the United States, along with misoprostol, which is also used to treat other medical conditions.

Kacsmaryk signed an injunction directing the FDA to stay mifepristones approval while a lawsuit challenging the safety and approval of the drug continues. His 67-page order gave the government seven days to appeal.

The Court in this case has substituted its judgment for FDA, the expert agency that approves drugs, Biden said. If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription, approved by the FDA, that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks.

Clinics and doctors that prescribe the two-drug combination have said that if mifepristone were pulled from the market, they would switch to using only the second drug, misoprostol. That single-drug approach has a slightly lower rate of effectiveness in ending pregnancies, but it is widely used in countries where mifepristone is illegal or unavailable.

The lawsuit in the Texas case was filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which was also involved in the Mississippi case that led to Roe v. Wade being overturned. At the core of the lawsuit is the allegation that the FDAs initial approval of mifepristone was flawed because it did not adequately review its safety risks.

Courts have long deferred to the FDA on issues of drug safety and effectiveness. But the agencys authority faces new challenges in a post-Roe legal environment in which abortions are banned or unavailable in 14 states, while 16 states have laws specifically targeting abortion medications.

Since the Texas lawsuit was filed in November, legal experts have warned of questionable arguments and factual inaccuracies in the Christian groups filing. Kacsmaryk essentially agreed with the plaintiffs on all of their major points, including that the FDA didnt adequately review mifepristones safety.

The Court does not second-guess FDAs decision-making lightly, Kacsmaryk wrote. But here, FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns  in violation of its statutory duty  based on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions.

Mifepristone has been used by millions of women over the past 23 years, and complications from mifepristone occur at a lower rate than that seen with wisdom teeth removal, colonoscopies and other routine medical procedures, medical groups have recently noted.

Elsewhere, Kacsmaryk sided with plaintiffs in stating that the FDA overstepped its authority in approving mifepristone, in part, by using a specialized review process reserved for drugs to treat serious or life-threatening illnesses. The judge brushed aside FDA arguments that its own regulations make clear that pregnancy is a medical condition that can sometimes be serious and life-threatening, instead calling it a natural process essential to perpetuating human life.

His order also agreed with plaintiffs in invoking a controversial 19th century law that anti-abortion groups are now trying to revive to block sending abortion medications through the mail. Originally passed in 1873 and named for an anti-vice crusader, the Comstock Act was used to prohibit the mailing of contraceptives, lewd writings and instruments that could be used in an abortion. The law was seldom invoked in the 50 years after Roe established a federal right to abortion.

Kacsmaryk, though, agreed with plaintiffs that the law  as literally interpreted  prohibits mailing mifepristone.

His order, if upheld, would also dismantle a number of recent FDA actions intended to ease access to the drug.

In late 2021 the FDA  under the Biden administration  dropped a requirement that women pick up the drug in person, opening the door to delivery by mail-order pharmacies. In January the agency dropped another requirement that prevented most brick-and-mortar pharmacies from dispensing the pill.

Anti-abortion groups, which are newly encouraged about their ability to further restrict abortion and prevail in court since lasts years reversal of Roe v. Wade, embraced the Texas ruling.

The courts decision today is a major step forward for women and girls whose health and safety have been jeopardized for decades by the FDAs rushed, flawed and politicized approval of these dangerous drugs, said March for Life President Jeanne Mancini.

Legal experts warned that the ruling could upend decades of precedent, setting the stage for political groups to overturn other FDA approvals of controversial drugs and vaccines.

This has never happened before in history  its a huge deal, said Greer Donley, a professor specializing in reproductive health care at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. You have a federal judge who has zero scientific background second guessing every scientific decision that the FDA made.

Still, because of the contradictory nature of the rulings, Donley and other experts said there would be little immediate impact.

In the short term, nothings going to change, Donley said. This is the time to be preparing for the fact that in a week, potentially, mifepristone becomes an unapproved drug in this country.

Associated Press reporters Paul J. Weber, Matthew Perrone, Lindsay Whitehurst, Gene Johnson and Claire Rush contributed information to this report.
JALALABAD, Afghanistan (AP)  Afghan religious scholars Saturday criticized a ban on female education, as a key Taliban minister warned clerics not to rebel against the government on the controversial issue.

Girls cannot go to school beyond sixth grade in Afghanistan, with the education ban extending to universities. Women are barred from public spaces, including parks, and most forms of employment. Last week, Afghan women were barred from working at the U.N., according to the global body, although the Taliban have yet to make a public announcement.

Authorities present the education restrictions as temporary suspensions rather than bans, but universities and schools reopened in March without their female students.

The bans have raised fierce international uproar, increasing the country's isolation at a time when its economy has collapsed and worsenied a humanitarian crisis.

Two religious scholars who are well-known within Afghanistan said Saturday that authorities should reconsider their decision. Public opposition to Taliban policies is rare, although some Taliban leaders have voiced their disagreement with the decision-making process.

One scholar, Abdul Rahman Abid, said institutions should be permitted to re-admit girls and women through separate classes, hiring female teachers, staggering timetables, and even building new facilities.

Knowledge is obligatory in Islam for men and women, he told The Associated Press, and Islam allows women to study.

My daughter is absent from school, I am ashamed, I have no answer for my daughter, he said. My daughter asks why girls are not allowed to learn in the Islamic system. I have no answer for her.

He said reform is needed and warned that any delays are at the expense of the global Islamic community and also weakens the government.

Another scholar, who is a member of the Taliban, told the AP there is still time for ministries to solve the problem of girls' education. Toryali Himat cited ministries comprising the inner circle of the supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, who is based in Kandahar.

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It was on his orders that the government banned girls from classrooms. Himat said there are two types of criticism, one that destroys the system and another that makes corrective criticism.

Islam has allowed both men and women to learn, but hijab and curriculum should be considered, said Himat. Corrective criticism should be given and the Islamic emirate should think about this. Where there is no criticism, there is the possibility of corruption. My personal opinion is that girls should get education up to university level.

Acting Higher Education Minister Nida Mohammad Nadim said Friday that clerics should not speak against government policy.

He made his remarks after another scholar, Abdul Sami Al Ghaznawi, told students at a religious school that there was no conflict over girls' education. He said Islamic scripture was clear that girls' education was acceptable. Al Ghaznawi was not immediately available for comment.

Nadim appeared to target Al Ghaznawi by mentioning an honorable scholar at the top of a video statement released on social media.

You encouraged the people to rebel, so what is the result? Nadim said. The result is that rebellion against this (ban) is allowed. If people are encouraged to rebel against the system, will it benefit Muslims?"

The minister was not immediately available for comment. But his spokesman, Hafiz Ziaullah Hashimi, confirmed Nadims remarks without giving further details about who they were directed at or the reason behind them.
MOMBASA, Kenya (AP)  Gobonamang Kgetho has a deep affection for Africas largest inland delta, the Okavango. It is his home.

The water and wildlife-rich land is fed by rivers in the Angolan highlands that flow into northern Botswana before draining into the desert sands of the Kalahari Basin. Several Indigenous and local communities and a vast array of species including African elephants, black rhinos and cheetahs live among the vibrant marshlands. Much of the surrounding region is also teeming with wildlife.

Fisher Kgetho hails from Botswanas Wayei community and relies on his pole and dug-out canoe to skirt around the marshes looking for fish. But things have changed in recent years  in the delta and across the country.

The fish sizes have shrunk, and stocks are declining, Kgetho, whose life and livelihood depends on the health of the ecosystem, told The Associated Press. The rivers draining into the delta have less volumes of water.

Drilling for oil exploration, as well as human-caused climate change leading to more erratic rainfall patterns and water abstraction and diversion for development and commercial agriculture, has altered the landscape that Kgetho, and so many other people and wildlife species, rely on.

The deltas defenders are now hoping to block at least one of those threats  oil exploration.

A planned hearing by Namibias environment ministry will consider revoking the drilling license of Canadian oil and gas firm Reconnaissance Energy. Local communities and environmental groups claimed that land was bulldozed and cut through, damaging lands and polluting water sources, without the permission of local communities.

Kgetho worries that rivers in his region are drying up because of "overuse by the extractive industries, including oil exploration activities upstream.

In a written statement, ReconAfrica, the firm's African arm, said it safeguards water resources through regular monitoring and reporting on hydrological data to the appropriate local, regional and national water authorities and is applying rigorous safety and environmental protection standards.

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The statement went on to say that it has held over 700 community consultations in Namibia and will continue to engage with communities in the country and in Botswana.

The company has been drilling in the area since 2021 but is yet to find a productive well. The hearing was originally scheduled for Monday but has been postponed until further notice. The drilling license is currently set to last until 2025, with ReconAfrica previously having been granted a three-year extension.

Locals have persisted with legal avenues but have had little luck. In a separate case, Namibias high court postponed a decision on whether local communities should pay up for filing a case opposing the companys actions.

The court previously threw out the urgent appeal made by local people to stop the Canadian firm's drilling activities. It's now deciding whether the government's legal feels should be covered by the plaintiffs or waived. A new date for the decision is set for May.

The Namibian energy minister, Tom Alweendo, has maintained the country's right to explore for oil, saying that European countries and the U.S. do it too. Alweendo supports the African Union's goal of using both renewable and non-renewable energy to meet growing demand.

There are similar fears of deterioration across Botswana and the wider region. Much of the countrys diverse ecosystem has been under threat from various development plans. Nearby Chobe National Park, for example, has seen a decline in river quality partly due to its burgeoning tourism industry, a study found.

In the Cuvette-Centrale basin in Congo, a dense and ecologically thriving forest that's home to the largest population of lowland gorillas, sections of the peatlands  the continent's largest  went up for oil and gas auction last year.

The Congolese government said the auctioning process is in line with development plans and government programs and it will stick to stringent international standards.

Environmentalists are not convinced.

Wes Sechrest, chief scientist of environmental organization Rewild, said that protecting areas that have robust and healthy wildlife populations like the Okavango Delta, are a big part of the solution to the interconnected climate and biodiversity crises were facing.

The peatlands also serve as a carbon sink, storing large amounts of the gas that would otherwise heat up the atmosphere.

Sechrest added that local communities are going to bear the heaviest costs of oil exploration" and deserve to be properly consulted about any extractive industry projects, including the many likely environmental damages, and decide if those projects are acceptable to them.

Steve Boyes, who led the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project that mapped the delta, said researchers now have even more data to support the need to maintain the wetlands.

Aided by Kgetho and other locals, whose traditional wisdom and knowledge" led them through the bogs, Boyes and a team of 57 other scientists were able to detail around 1,600 square kilometers (1,000 square miles) of peatlands.

These large-scale systems that have the ability to sequester tons of carbon are our long-term resilience plan, said Boyes.

For Kgetho, whose journey with the scientists was made into a documentary released earlier this year, there are more immediate reasons to defend the Okavango.

We must protect the delta," Kgetho said. "It is our livelihood.

___

This story was first published on April 8, 2023. It was updated on April 13, 2023 to correct that the Okavango Delta drains into the Kalahari Basin.

___

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.
U.S. Air Force

After over a decade in development, Raytheons GBU-53/B StormBreaker precision glide bomb is stepping up production. The Air Force plans to spend $320 million buying 1,500 units of the 204-pound munition, designed to home in on moving ground targets regardless of weather conditions or time of day.

These relatively small (7 diameter) but sophisticated weapons will be built at a facility in Tucson, Arizona through June of 2027. European missile manufacturer MBDA will contribute the pop-out wings that swing out from the bomb upon launch. The latest order is comparable to past unit costs, equating to $213,000 per bomb.

This is on top of the 2,626 units ordered since 2015spanning the first five production lotsof which 840 went to the Navy. The Pentagon has suggested it might eventually order up to 26,610 StormBreakers, though figures of 12,000 or 17,000 have also been floated. The bombs were already authorized on F-15E strike planes, but are in the process of being integrated into Super Hornet fighters and F-35 stealth jets, too.

While its not quite the Dwarven lightning axe of the same name used by Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it still has a whiff of the supernatural thanks to its three-eyed tri-spectral seeker, offering the option of laser-guidance, an uncooled infrared seeker and a millimeter-wave radarall mounted on the same moveable gimbal in the nose.

Those sensors can be used in concert to improve accuracy, or used individually if one sensor type is degraded by counter-measures or the explosive device encounters smoke, fog, or rain (which is why 'StormBreaker' is all-weather capable). On average, the bomb lands within a meter of its designated target.

While gliding to its target, the bombs sensors also allow it to function as a reconnaissance system, feeding back sensor data to be used in locating additional targets or updating mission plans. It can even be instructed to search for specific enemies, using its infrared system to classify possible targets and send back targeting suggestions for approval or refusal by a human operator. This allows use in a fire-and-forget manner, improving survivability of the launching aircraft.

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For a good measure, StormBreaker also uses jam-resistant GPS and inertial guidance, and can receive course-corrections from other aircraft or ground forces via its two-way Link 16 datalink. That could potentially allow re-directing of strikes to avoid collateral damage to civilians, or to hit higher priority targets as theyre detected.

When launched from maximum altitude, the glide bomb can engage moving targets up to 45 miles away, or static ones at 69 milesallowing use from outside the range of short-range air defenses, and even lower-end medium-range systems. Against closer targets, though, the bomb employs an energy-burning spiral mode trajectory to avoid overshooting its target.

The weapons 105-pound multi-purpose shaped-charge warhead is said to be effective against targets ranging from main battle tanks to infantry, unfortified buildings, and patrol boats. The bombs ability to hit moving targets is meant to make it capable of enforcing a no-drive zone (the ground-based equivalent to a No-Fly Zone), forbidding traversal of an area by a warring partys ground vehicles. It also seems useful for battling navies that rely on numerous smaller boats, like those of North Korea or the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Between the warheads precision and relatively small sizeas compared to unguided or GPS-outfitted bombs often clocking in at 500-, 1,000 and 2,000 poundsRaytheon has argued that this bomb is ideal for minimizing collateral damage in densely populated areas.

Having all of these options built into one weapon streamlines logistics by removing the need to load multiple weapon types on a warplane in the interest of accounting for various contingencies.

The air forces of Finland, Germany, and Norway also plan to procure StormBreakers to arm their fleets of F-35 stealth fighters. Though it was designed during an era focused on battling insurgents in the Middle East and Central Asia, the weapon will figure into European conventional deterrence of Russias military.

South Korea has considered obtaining GBU-53/Bs for its F-15K fighters, which would allow them to pickoff North Korean missile trucks from a safe distance. Australia has also requestedand been given authorization to purchaseup to 3,900 StormBreakers for its F-35A fighters at an estimated cost of $815 million, but its unclear if an order has been placed.

Its been a long journey for the winged bomb, which was initially inspired by problems encountered during the U.S. Air Forces 1999 bombing campaign that sought to compel Serbian forces out of Kosovo.

Originally, a rival design from Boeing won an Air Force competition in 2005, but the program was re-competed due to a corruption scandal involving the Air Forces undersecretary-of-acquisition-turned-Boeing-executive. Raytheons GBU-53/B prevailed in the re-compete in 2010.

The Pentagon gave Raytheon $794 million in contracts in 2006, 2009 and 2019 shepherding the weapon from R&D through manufacturing and finally to integration and sustainment. During operational testing in the mid-2010s, the weapon allegedly achieved a 90% success rate, though failures noted in government reports led to improvements being made to the bombs algorithms. Other problems related to the weapons fuse (going off prematurely, or not at all), fold-out wings, and ruggedness in maritime conditions (such as exposure to seawater on a carrier deck) emerged and were addressed.

The project overran costs to an extent that the Pentagon required Raytheon to cover some expenses out of pocket. Major delays to the F-35 program also, at one point, caused congressional overseers to consider nixing the bombs entry into service. More recently, Raytheon had to correct a flaw in which vibrations threatened to cause the bombs tail fins to pop out mid-flight despite restraining clipssomething which could damage carrying aircraft, particularly if carried internally.

The Air Combat Command finally approved the GBU-53/Bs operational use on F-15E Strike Eagle jets in September 2020, with fourteen more test shots made in 2021. These beefy twin-engine, non-stealth fighter bombers can carry up to 28 Stormbreaker bombs externally on seven quad racks.

Integration on the U.S. Navys carrier-based FA-18E/F Super Hornet jets is also planned using the BRU-55/A twin-storage rack by L3Harris, as you can see in the video below published by The Drive.

However, the F-35s that these bombs were originally intended for cant carry the warheads until until they are integrated with the F-35s much anticipated Block 4 upgrade. One issue is that the internal bays of the F-35B jump jet sub-model proved unable to accommodate the BRU-61A racks, which can hold four Stormbreakers each and releases them using compressed air ejectors. Following modifications, however, integration tests are apparently proceeding well, with a series of seven F-35B jump jet test-drops concluded in September of 2022with two high-speed releases at transonic Mach .9 speeds.

Up to two of the F-35s internal stations can support the quad racks, for a total 8 GBU-53/Bs. And eight more that could be mounted externally when stealth is not required.

There have already been captive-carry tests to potentially integrate the weapon on the Air Forces numerous F-16 fighters, which can also use the BRU-55 rack. Looking forward, the AC-130W and J gunships, MQ-9 combat drones, F-22 Raptor stealth fighters, A-10 attack jets, and B-52, B-1 and B-2 heavy bombers have, in the past, also been listed as candidates for StormBreaker integration.

Intriguingly, Raytheon has also suggested adding propulsionlikely a rocket boosterto further extend the weapons reach. If that can be done at limited additional cost, the glide bomb might transform into a comparatively cheap missile for picking off air defenses and high-value mobile targets from a moderate standoff distance.

Unfortunately, theres no getting around the fact that, like any other aerial bomb, StormBreaker is all about the ugly business of killing people. But the ultimate hope is its three-eyed sensors could enable it to more effectively destroy valid military targets on the movelike columns of invading tanks, militants racing towards a community in technical pickup trucks, or ballistic missile launchers setting up to firewhile avoiding flattening everything and everyone else nearby.

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A few years back Republicans lawmakers railed against cancel culture when Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was removed from two committee assignments.

Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan said, "Everyone has said things they wish they didn't say. Everyone has done things they wish they didn't do. So who's next? Who will the cancel culture attack next?"

Greene, you may remember, had embraced the worst conspiracy theories. She said a plane didnt hit the Pentagon on Sept. 11. She liked a social media post saying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could be removed with "a bullet to the head." She suggested the massacre at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, which killed 17, might be a false flag. It goes on.

Republicans rallied to her defense.

Where was the anti-'cancel culture' crowd in Tennessee?

So, where were they when Tennessee Republican lawmakers expelled two Democrats simply for protesting in favor of gun control in the aftermath of a deadly school shooting in Nashville?

Where is Arizonas Rep. Andy Biggs, who once went on a long, long tirade against cancel culture in a speech before the House, saying in part, Cancel culture is eroding the very foundation of who we are as an American people. Rowan Atkinson, the star of the British TV series Maigret, said that it is like a medieval mob coming to burn witches. That is what the cancel culture is all about.

April 6, 2023: Former Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, and former Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, raise their hands April 6 outside the House chamber after Jones and Pearson were expelled from the General Assembly in Nashville, Tenn.

How about taking an analogy from George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four novel where they take history and they throw it into the chute. They revise history constantly, and you can't even control what you think anymore, Mr. Speaker. That is what cancel culture is becoming.

Great news for guns!: Tennessee Republicans expel two Black Democratic lawmakers

Where is former President Donald Trump? In a speech he once claimed that cancel culture is driving people from their jobs, shaming dissenters and demanding total submission from anyone who disagrees, is the very definition of totalitarianism.

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Should only one type of person be cancelled?

Where is the Republican National Committee? At one point the GOP group issued a resolution stating: Freedom of speech is trampled on daily with the notions of political correctness, the plan to eliminate so-called hate speech, and the promotion of a cancel culture, which has grown into erasing of history, encouraging lawlessness, muting citizens, and violating free exchange of ideas, thoughts, and speech.

A plan for Trump: President Biden should pardon Trump. It's the right thing to do.

Where are the talking heads on Fox? Theyve all complained about cancel culture. They obsessed on it so much that, eventually, the closest thing to a new angle they could come up with was for Fox contributor Tomi Lahren to urge conservatives to start canceling the companies that engage in 'cancel culture.' 

Or is it simply because, in this case, the expelled lawmakers are Democrats?

And young.

And Black.

EJ Montini is a news columnist at The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com, where this column was first published. Follow him on Twitter: @ejmontini

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 Arizona Republic: Republicans hide after expelling the Tennesee three from statehouse.
Leading Democrats are condemning a federal judges ruling that suspends of the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) approval of the abortion-pill mifepristone and demanding the White House ignore it.

I believe that the Biden administration should ignore this ruling, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., Ny.) said on CNN on Friday night. AOC went on to condemn deeply partisan judges that have engaged in unprecedented and dramatic erosion of the legitimacy of the courts, adding that skepticism surrounding mifepristone was unfounded.

The interesting thing when it comes to a ruling is that it relies on enforcement, the New York representative noted. And it is up to the Biden administration to enforce, to choose whether or not to enforce a ruling.

Shes right. Kacsmaryk claimed a power that he simply does not have. He cannot force the FDA to suspend or revoke approval of mifepristone. The agency cannot simultaneously comply with tonights order and adhere to the law. https://t.co/vL62mOFSMk https://t.co/EQoBKNGv1P  Mark Joseph Stern (@mjs_DC) April 8, 2023

Senator Ron Wyden (D., Ore.) expressed similar alarm at the implications of the ruling by Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump-appointed U.S. district judge based in Texas.

This devastating ruling has no basis in law and will ban the most common method of abortion in EVERY single state. President Biden can and must ignore this ruling and keep mifepristone on the market and accessible for every woman in America, the Oregonian senator tweeted Friday night following the news.

This devastating ruling has no basis in law and will ban the most common method of abortion in EVERY single state. President Biden can and must ignore this ruling and keep mifepristone on the market and accessible for every woman in America. https://t.co/g5fyYI4zkr  Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) April 7, 2023

Judge Kacsmaryks ruling on Friday suspended the FDAs approval of mifepristone, which dates back to 2000.

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The Court does not second-guess FDAs decision-making lightly, Kacsmaryk wrote in the 67-page opinion published Friday night. But here, FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns  in violation of its statutory duty  based on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions.

However, Kacsmaryks injunction stopped short of completely withdrawing or suspending the federal agencys approval of the abortion drug over the objections of pro-life groups.

The case stems from a lawsuit filed in November by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) on behalf of the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, an organization representing pro-life medical groups, alongside four pro-life doctors. The filing claims that the FDA never had the authority to approve the chemical-abortion regimen, which was first developed in France in the 1980s.

The two-step process relies on mifepristone, a progesterone blocker to kill the unborn baby by depriving it of nutrients, followed by misoprostol, which causes uterine contractions to empty the uterus.

The lawsuit further claims the FDA failed to properly study the safety of the procedure and blocked doctors for nearly two decades from attempting to challenge its use, according to the lawsuit.

The backlash among Democrats was immediate following the publication of the ruling.

Attorney General Merrick Garland released an official statement strongly disagreeing with the ruling and insisting that the Justice Department will be appealing the courts decision and seeking a stay pending appeal.

Todays decision overturns the FDAs expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective. The Department will continue to defend the FDAs decision, Garland added.

More than half of all abortions in the U.S. are now performed via chemical-abortion pills.

More from National Review
As many as six people were wounded in a shooting Friday along the Isle of Palms beach as hundreds of high school students from Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties were enjoying a traditional spring day of cutting class.

Videos captured by pedestrians showed the chaos as crowds of students and beachgoers fled in panic from the picturesque beach, just north of Charleston.

First responders, some already on the beach breaking up fights between the teens, attempted to shield those nearby when shots rang out.

Bystanders also rushed to help, offering clothing to help the wounded, said Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett at a Saturday morning press conference.

It is devastating to me that we have a community anywhere where children are injured, where children are involved in violence, where children think it is OK to commit any violent act, Cornett said.

The Isle of Palms Police Department confirmed two arrests for weapon possession following the shooting that wounded have been unable to verify whether either suspect was involved in the shooting.

Shawn Alexander Martin-Goods, 18, was arrested in a municipal parking lot for possession of a firearm. Also arrested, according to Cornett, was a 16-year-old juvenile, whose name is not being released, for possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful carrying of a firearm.

Cornett confirmed that handguns were seized from both teenagers, who were booked at the Charleston County jail.

On Friday, hundreds of teenagers showed up on the wide, sandy beach surrounded by grassy dunes to celebrate senior skip day. Cornett said that the tradition of cutting class to enjoy a day of good weather and freedom was known to school administrators.

That morning, anticipating many people, Cornett requested additional deputies from the Charleston County Sheriffs Office to supplement the officers sent to the beach.

By 5:20 p.m.,, social media videos showed a large crowd had formed around the boardwalk in front of the Sea Cabins vacation rentals. Cornett said two fights broke out, and law enforcement rushed to respond when gunshots cracked through the air.

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Shots in rapid succession can be heard on the videos as people fled the scene.

In a chaotic scene, two law enforcement officers can be seen on a Snapchat video wrestling an individual to the ground in the middle of a melee in front of the boardwalk, as kicks and fists fly around them. It is still unknown what caused the fights or shooting, Cornett said.

The wounded individuals were treated at MUSC. Among them was a woman in her mid-30s who was just an innocent victim in a bad spot, Cornett said.

Cornett said the injuries were not life-threatening and most victims had already been released from the hospital.

Investigators are now left to puzzle through a chaotic scene where, despite the crowds and cameras, few have been willing to talk, Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano explained.

We didnt get cooperation from most of the folks that we spoke to, Graziano told the media. There are people that were on the beach yesterday that know what happened. There are parents that know the kids that were on the beach and know what happened. I guarantee they know something.

Cornett said officers were reviewing footage from video cameras in the area, and urged anyone who captured footage to come forward.

In addition to the Dorchester and Charleston Sheriffs offices, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, FBI, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division responded to the shooting.

The police chief credited the agencies strong relationships and collaborative training for the swift response.

Mayor calls gun violence unacceptable

The tri-county response was just incredible, said Isle of Palms Mayor Philip Pounds. Too many times this is happening in our country.

The shooting just before Easter weekend comes almost exactly a year after gunfire shattered a peaceful day at the Columbiana Center Mall and barely two weeks after six were killed at the Convent School, a private elementary school, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Charleston remains haunted by the killing of nine black parishioners at the Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church by white supremacist Dylan Roof in 2015. Last summer, Deljavon Lamat Simmons was arrested after 12 people were shot during a block party in downtown Charleston over Memorial Day weekend.

Here we are once again, talking to the public about a mass shooting in the Charleston area, Graziano told the media. The response is always the same: Weve had a lot of practice doing it. This is simply unacceptable.

Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, who represented the 1st Congressional Districts, including Isle of Palms, tweeted in part, I will not politicize this horrific event tonight, but I have many thoughts about policies worked on over the years to reduce gun violence. Its past time to WORK TOGETHER.

Mace added that it made her sick to see that policies did not address root causes. Both sides just dig their heels in, unwilling to have an honest conversation.

In response, Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who Mace defeated in the general election this past November tweeted that she would sincerely (love) to sit down w/you to discuss the issue of gun violence. I am an expert on this, in fact. We know why its on the rise. And we know what the solutions are.
President Emmanuel Macron and the people of France are facing a significant challenge to government authority, social stability and the future of the nation. Massive sustained protest demonstrations have turned into violent clashes between enraged workers and the police. The unrest is continuing.

The source of the ongoing unrest is the effort by President Macron to increase the retirement age in the nation. The change raises the retirement age from 62 to 64 and also requires people to work for 43 years to qualify for a full pension.

Arthur I. Cyr

President Macron decided to make these significant shifts through executive order rather than a vote in parliament. The constitution of the Fifth Republic, instituted by President Charles de Gaulle, provides considerable power to the chief executive.

Protestors have set fire to uncollected garbage in Paris. There has been sporadic fighting with police. Separate from the pension protests, protestors near the village of Sainte-Soline in western France have clashed with police over a projected water reservoir, which is opposed by environmentalists.

The massive displays of public hostility are particularly important, given the important role of France in the European Union, and the continuing war in Ukraine. Britain has postponed a planned visit by King Charles to France.

These dramatic developments are occurring only eleven months after Macrons impressive reelection to office. Last April, he received just over 58 percent of the vote, against just under 42 percent for opponent Marine Le Pen. This margin, while decisive, is narrower than in 2017 when these same two candidates competed for the presidency.

Most important is that the presidential election seemed to reconfirm the stability of Frances domestic political structures and institutions of government. This is no small matter.

Instability previously characterized France.

The decisive, stunning military defeat of the large, well-armed but woefully weak army of France in the spring of 1940 by the fast-moving blitzkrieg of Nazi Germany began four years of brutal humiliating occupation. Years of weak ineffective governments followed Allied liberation of France in 1944.

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General Charles de Gaulle, exceptional leader of the Free French during the war, returned as leader of France in 1958. He succeeded in stabilizing the nations politics, and finally reestablished effective national authority and legitimacy.

De Gaulles constitution creates a powerful presidency, key to long-term stability. A referendum in 1962 confirmed direct election of the president through universal suffrage. In 2000, a referendum reduced the presidential term from seven to five years.

In this century, the alliance with the U.S. has been strong. Immediately after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, French aircraft joined those of other NATO allies in patrolling the skies over North America. The struggle against al Qaeda and the Taliban represents a comprehensive collective enterprise, authorized and supported by the United Nations as well as the NATO alliance

De Gaulle was in power during President Dwight Eisenhowers second term. Ike developed good working rapport with the difficult French leader during the Second World War. While planning the Normandy invasion, some American and British air commanders argued against heavy bombing, which would kill many civilians.

General Eisenhower was able to turn to General de Gaulle to support the heavy bombing.

The Kennedy and Johnson administrations clashed with de Gaulles nationalist policies. In 1966, France withdrew from NATO. Fortunately, in 2009 the nation rejoined the alliance.

Current unrest in France has significant international implications.

Learn More: Stanley Hoffmann (Editor), In Search of France.

 Arthur I. Cyr is author of After the Cold War  American Foreign Policy, Europe and Asia (NYU Press and Palgrave/Macmillan).

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Arthur Cyr: France demonstrations disturbing in a troubled time
My profiles on the dating apps Bumble (above) and Hinge could use some help. So I enlisted ChatGPT and a human writer to overhaul them. Lakshmi Varanasi/Alyssa Powell/Insider

I wanted to see how ChatGPT would overhaul a dating profile, so I used it on my Hinge and Bumble.

To compare, I also enlisted the help of a human  a professional dating app writer named Lydia Kociuba.

Both the app and the human writer showed me that being direct is key. Here's what else I learned.

Dating apps are supposed to lower the social pressures of attracting a partner  in theory.

Just download an app, create a profile with a few pictures and a witty bio, and boom: You're circulating among a virtual pool of people you know are single  or at least open to your romantic overtures. There's no need for the guessing games that can make real-life interactions  awkward.

In practice, though, I've found that crafting a profile that's polished yet personal enough to attract the right partner isn't easy. Matches say my profiles are vague and don't really offer much information for them to start a meaningful conversation.

One way to improve my profiles could be to shell out dollars to a professional dating app writer. Yet, with people testing a new spate of free, generative AI bots with almost everything under the sun, I wondered: How might ChatGPT fare at writing a dating profile?



I decided to see whether human talent or artificial intelligence would win out in the world of romantic pursuits. I asked a professional dating app writer to craft Bumble and Hinge profiles for me  the two apps on my phone right now. I put ChatGPT to the test, too.



Here's what happened 

I took the path well-traveled to finding a dating app writer by searching for one on Google. Hidden Gem, which bills itself as a professional online dating profile-writing service, was one of the first results on Google search.

Lakshmi Varanasi

Lydia Kociuba, the writer behind Hidden Gem, told me she credits her success to her search-engine-optimization skills. She said web search is the main way clients find her.

While Kociuba has been writing dating profiles since 2016, she said her business has really picked up in the past two years. She said she has 20 to 30 clients a month and offers packages ranging from $85 for one profile, $105 for two profiles, and $125 for unlimited profiles.

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Lydia Kociuba

Insider paid Kociuba her normal fee of $105 to write my two profiles for the purposes of this story and I verified her number of clients by reviewing her monthly PayPal statements from February and March.

Kociuba provided me with the questionnaire she sends to new clients. It was an almost 100-question survey that included queries like, "What makes a good friend?" and "What do you define as 'manliness'?"

Lydia Kociuba

Less than 24 hours after I had sent in responses, Kociuba delivered a completed set of profiles to my inbox. Her first take: Bumble.

Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

For reference, Bumble is app where only women can make the first move.



The app asks users to fill out a section called "My bio," along with personal data like height, occupation, age, and other things.

Users are also asked to respond to prompts, which are intended to offer "potential matches a closer look into your personality" and "help them break the ice and feel more comfortable about making the first move," according to Bumble's site.

There are more than 30 prompts on the app that range from questions like, "I guarantee you that" to "My most useless skill is"

Here's a look at what she came up with for my Bumble bio:

Lakshmi Varanasi

I thought this was pretty well done! It certainly conveyed more about me than my current Bumble bio, which says: "Grew up in the Midwest. I lived in DC, Detroit, and Palo Alto (briefly) before that."

I had reservations about the word choice here and there, and I probably wouldn't use "gab fest." With a few tweaks, though, I could include it on my profile.

I usually have a hard time picking prompts, so I was happy to see that Kociuba selected them for me.

Lakshmi Varanasi

My instincts usually lead me away from describing myself in so many words. My profile currently has "I'm hoping you  give me travel tips, tell me about your favorite place!" However, Kociuba's responses made me wonder if a more straightforward approach might actually work better.

I was curious to see how ChatGPT would compare. To generate my Bumble bio, ChatGPT first asked me to describe my interests. Here's what it came up with:

Lakshmi Varanasi

I tried to ensure my answers to ChatGPT were consistent with the ones I provided Kociuba. So, I offered up a generic set: writing, reading, cooking, spending time with family and friends.



I was surprised at the liberties ChatGPT took with my bio  especially compared to what Kociuba wrote. The bot presumed that I loved "classic literature." I was also surprised by the phrasing "When I'm not in the kitchen."



ChatGPT certainly has a "voice," which is what I'm told is missing in my profiles

For the prompts, ChatGPT first created its own ones I didn't even see on the Bumble app.

Lakshmi Varanasi

That said, these were definitely creative, albeit bold. I've never thought to ask someone for a recipe before meeting them face-to-face.

So, I specifically asked it to respond to the same prompts Kociuba had picked:

Lakshmi Varanasi

I definitely preferred Kociuba's responses over ChatGPT's responses here. There was something cheesy and obviously "bot-like" about the tone. If anyone ever wrote "I think we could have a lot of fun in the kitchen together," I would immediately swipe left

Now, onto Hinge.

Hinge

Hinge, a dating app owned by Match Group, recently launched a pricey subscription tier. I'm still using the free version.



Aside from the standard biographical information, the app only asks users to respond to three prompts that range from open-ended questions like "Typical Sunday" and "I'm convinced that" to more revealing questions like "My cry-in-the-car song is" and "My most controversial opinion is"

One of my struggles with Hinge is choosing prompts that reveal something, but not everything, about my personality. Here's what Kociuba came up with:

Lakshmi Varanasi

First of all, I was happy to see that Kociuba went ahead and also selected Hinge prompts for me.

I also liked the way she incorporated some of my answers to her questionnaire here. One of her questions was who my childhood hero was Andre Agassi. She turned that into a fun prompt that I would definitely include on my profile!

Then I turned to ChatGPT, asking it to respond specifically to the prompts Kociuba had selected:

Lakshmi Varanasi

Some of these were nice, like: "I believe in treating others the way you want to be treated, and I value people who share that philosophy." Including a line like that on my profile would certainly eliminate casual, non-committal matches.



Others, however, seemed robotic and vague in a way that might be worse than what I currently have on my profile: "Whether it's through a shared interest or a deep conversation, I love getting to know people and building meaningful relationships." That's a no from me.

I was also amused  again  by the liberties it took with a couple of the responses. I never mentioned the board game Settlers of Catan to ChatGPT, and to be honest, I'm not a big game person. However, a few of my friends thought that was a good detail to include, and might help others strike a conversation.

Overall, I'd probably still write my own profile. Yet, the experience was an interesting self-study and offered me some helpful tips.

Malte Mueller/Getty Images

The dating app writer's answers were fun! They also offered me insight into how someone else would portray my best qualities. I came away with a good model of how to be more straightforward on an app.

On the other hand, I was impressed, amused, and a little disturbed by ChatGPT's answers. They read with the fluency of someone who is terminally online, has a grasp on trends, and is well-versed in the mechanics of writing clever phrases.

I wouldn't be surprised if there were already several dating app users relying on the bot to craft profiles. Yet there was still something impersonal, and at times creepy, about its answers.



My biggest takeaway from both is that I might need to be more direct about who I am and offer more conversation hooks on my profiles. I realized that I often default to vague phrases  or even jokes  to describe myself on apps as a form of self-protection.

I'll incorporate these ideas into how I write my profiles  on my own  in the future.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Atlanta police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that left a suspect shot and an officer injured.

Atlanta police told Channel 2 Action News the incident happened around 3:56 a.m. at the Atlanta Sanitation Substation on North Avenue NW.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, when police arrived at the location they found a Ford F-250 that had crashed into the guard shack. The officer then tried to make contact with the driver, 39-year-old Jamario Duffy, but he did not respond. The officer then went to the drivers side of the truck, opened the door and Duffy attempted to drive off but was unable to.

The officer started to give Duffy commands to get out of the truck, and that is when Duffy got out of the truck and attacked the officer, the GBI said.

Duffy allegedly hit the officer in the face and head. During the attack, the officer shot Duffy.

TRENDING STORIES:

Officials clarified that the officer was not shot during the incident.

The investigation is ongoing.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Raiffeisenbank will stop issuing salary cards in the Russian Federation

Already issued payroll cards will continue to be serviced until their expiration date.

The bank told the publication that this decision "was made based on an analysis of customer preferences and market conditions."

Read also: Investors demand Raiffeisen Bank decide on further work in Russia

"Previously (issued) payroll cards will be serviced as usual until the card expires," the bank said.

Customers who receive their salaries on the bank's card as part of their employer's payroll (card program) will not lose their privileges even if the payroll service package is discontinued.

Read also: Ukraines central bank slams Raiffeisens proposed Russia exit strategy

According to Russian specialized media, Raiffeisenbank accounts for 2% of payroll card programs in Russia.

Earlier, news agency Reuters reported, citing its own sources, that the European Central Bank insisted that RBI close its business in Russia.

According to Austrian media, Raiffeisen Bank International plans to exchange its assets in Russia for the Austrian assets of Russias state savings bank, Sberbank.

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
dollar bills and globe Getty Images

Kiplinger logo

Taking a summer vacation doesn't have to drain your bank account. While that might seem hard to believe with the price of flights and lodging, there are ways you can get away affordably. Planning a budget-friendly vacation might require a bit more planning and greater flexibility, but it might be all the easier to kick back and relax when you get there without worrying about the tab you're racking up.

If that sounds like just what you need this summer, here are some tips to keep in mind as you start planning that getaway you've been dreaming about.

1. Choose your destination with cost in mind

Rather than setting your sights on the new hotspot everyone's been talking about, you might consider selecting your destination by evaluating the economics. Kiplinger recently compiled a list of the least expensive countries to visit, which it says is "based on the average total daily cost you might pay once you reach your destination  including accommodation, food, and the daily cost of living" (though note airfare is not factored into the equation).

Here are the top five:

Laos : Visiting this country in Southeast Asia that boasts over 4,000 islands will set you back an average of just $15 a day. Kiplinger estimates that the average accommodation cost is $8, while average daily meals run $5.

Turkey: This country that Kiplinger describes as "an underrated tourist destination" will run you an average of $23 a day. Plus, visitors can choose from a range of activities, from mountains, to beaches, to cities.

Indonesia: In Indonesia, you can see "stunning beaches, volcanoes, jungles, orangutan colonies, giant Komodo dragons, and vast mountain ranges"  all for an average daily cost of $47, Kiplinger says.

Thailand: While Kiplinger acknowledges that flights to Thailand can be pricey, once you're there, your average daily costs is just around $52.

Hungary: If you were hoping to make it to Europe, know that it's possible to do it on the cheap. Kiplinger estimates that visitors will spend around $70 on average in Hungary.

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2. Consider what's currently in demand

As you plan your trip, it's also helpful to consider what else is going on that might impact prices. For instance, did an airline recently cut or add routes to a destination? Are there any events going on that might cause prices to spike?

You might consider planning your trip on slightly off-peak times, or shortly after happenings that will attract big crowds. Understand, however, that this might require a bit of sacrifice  there's a reason people are flocking to that location when they are, after all. But per GOBankingRates, "[i]If you're willing to sacrifice things like primo weather and scheduling, on the other hand, you can expect to pay much less and have the run of the place when you get there."

3. Keep your eyes peeled for flight deals

This might sound like a no-brainer, but given that flights are often one of  if not the  most expensive part of a trip, getting savvy about it can make a big difference cost-wise. The Ascent suggests turning to third-party sites, such as priceline.com, kayak.com or expedia.com, to help you do the legwork of finding affordable flights. Consider setting up alerts to track whether flight prices drop.

Other resources that Kiplinger recommends to get flight deals are Scott's Cheap Flights, Airfarewatchdog, and Secret Flying.

Some additional ways to save on flights include:

Book as early as you can: Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com, told Kiplinger that in an ideal world, you'd book a flight to Europe 11 months before your trip to get the lowest fare." And if that sort of lead-up time is already way out of the question, "make sure you purchase tickets at least six weeks before your departure because fares will dramatically increase after that point," Klee told Kiplinger.

Aim to fly mid-week: According to Kiplinger, the best deals for flights are usually "if you fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday (and include a Saturday night)." The most expensive travel days, at least for Europe? Friday and Sunday.

Remain flexible: This applies to both travel dates and which airports you fly into and out of. The Ascent notes that many of the sites mentioned above "offer extra discounts" if you're flexible on these factors, not to mention the wide variance in flight prices in any given month. Also considering flying into major hubs  even if that's not your final destination. For the final part of your journey from those hubs, Kiplinger suggests switching to a low-cost regional airline or even the train.

4. Don't forget to take advantage of travel rewards

What easier way to save money on travel than by earning rewards from the money you're spending? You might put your costs on a credit card that offers hotel or airline rewards. Often, The Ascent says, "these cards will give bonus miles just for opening up an account."

Another way to secure travel benefits  including "free upgrades, free luggage check-in, and even free flights, says The Ascent  is by joining an airline frequent flier program. You might also check into benefits programs offered at hotels, especially if there's a chain you often choose for your stays.

Becca Stanek has worked as an editor and writer in the personal finance space since 2017. She has previously served as the managing editor for investing and savings content at LendingTree, an editor at SmartAsset and a staff writer for The Week. This article is in part based on information first published on The Week's sister site, Kiplinger.com.

New Tax Rules for 2023: Download your free issue of The Kiplinger Tax Letter today. No information is required from you.

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James Cromwell, who saved a loving piglet in Babe (1995), has just rescued a real one  and named it Babe.

The young animal was in the midst of being fattened for its meat in preparation for slaughter when it fell off a truck, Variety reported. Cromwell, who serves as an honorary director at PETA, is now helping to transfer Babe to the Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Pennsylvania.

Having had the privilege of witnessing and experiencing pigs intelligence and inquisitive personalities while filming, the movie Babe changed my life and my way of eating, and so I jumped at the chance to save this real-life Babe, Cromwell told the outlet Friday.

PETA told Variety the piglet was found scraped, bruised and covered in mud this week before Cromwell met the animal virtually and decided to adopt it. The actor played farmer Arthur Hoggett in Babe and its sequel and has been an animal rights activist for years.

Every pig deserves to live in peace and joy at a sanctuary, choosing when to frolic, where to forage, and how to spend their time, yet few do, Cromwell told Variety.

The incredible @jamesocromwell is meeting Babe for the first time! 



James and PETA will be taking the pigletwho is named after his critically acclaimed movie Babeto his new life at @IndralokaAS



Dont miss this sweet #Easter story unfold. Stay tuned for updates! pic.twitter.com/NaRfdyk7AH  PETA (@peta) April 7, 2023

PETA told the outlet that the meat industry slaughters 129 million pigs every year. In addition, the animal rights organization added, Their tails are chopped off, their teeth are cut with pliers, and the males are castrated  all without painkillers.

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Cromwells piglet will join countless other rescue animals in Pennsylvania at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, spanning nearly 100 acres. The sanctuarys guiding principles are that the earth herself, and all life, is sacred and we are all related.

While Cromwell rescuing a pig from slaughter is an example of life imitating art, the effort is similar to the film  as all the whopping 48 pigs used to shoot Babe were reportedly sent to farms afterward to live out their lives in peace.

Each pig was released with a signed document that (the people getting them) understood these pigs were not meant for the table, Karl Lewis Miller, whose Animal Action company trained the pigs for Babe, told The Chicago Tribune at the time.

Luckily for this particular babe, itll join pigs, chickens, cows and alpacas at Indraloka.

Related...
Ronald Woodham III wasnt feeling well the day Horry County investigators knocked on his door three years ago.

He had just gotten back from a visit with his mother a few days prior.

Investigators began to ask him about his girlfriends in college.

(Investigators) wanted to know what stores (his girlfriends) shopped at, the things they would wear, Woodham said April 3 from his Bennettsville home.

Woodham, who describes himself as an organized person, doesnt like to be surprised. Finally, he was told why investigators were there.

A DNA forensic test matched him as the father of a newborn child who was found dead in 2008. The child was named Baby Boy Horry by officials.

Five workers from Horry Electric found the newborn in a Bath and Body works bag inside a shoebox off Meadowbrook Road, a few miles outside of Coastal Carolina University, where Woodham, now 35, graduated.

Officials also identified the mother, Jennifer Sahr, through DNA forensic testing. In March 2020, Sahr was arrested.

Sahr pleaded guilty in September to voluntary manslaughter. She was originally charged with homicide by child abuse.

Her guilty plea came with the condition that she plead guilty under North Carolina v. Alford, a Supreme Court case that establishes a defendants ability to plead guilty while maintaining innocence of the charges.

Sahr has yet to be sentenced for the death. Instead, she has been out on house arrest.

Seeking closure, Woodham shares story in exclusive interview

With his parents and his fiance sitting in on the interview, Woodham, who shared his story in an exclusive interview with the Sun News, said he felt like he has been given the runaround by investigators and attorneys.

He is now seeking closure and wants justice for Baby Boy Horry. He says for every year Sahr didnt come forward, she should serve time. Its been 15 years since the babys death.

Jennifer Sahr, said she was sorry and asked for forgiveness after pleading guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the death of the her infant child known as Baby Boy Horry on Thursday. Judge Paul M. Burch delayed passing a sentence on Thursday opting for a pre-sentence investigation that could take 45-60 days. September 15, 2022. JASON LEE/JASON LEE

Apology given, closure didnt come

Woodham was in court the day of Sahrs hearing  although he had less than two days notice about it. It was not enough time to write what he wanted in an impact character witness statement, he said.

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Before the hearing, Woodham met with Sahr as part of an agreement.

When he walked into the office, Sahrs attorney, Morgan Martin, showed him an envelope full of photos of Sahrs children, who were age 2 and 5 at the time.

To me, it seemed manipulative in some sense, Woodham said.

The meeting was supposed to offer closure for Woodham. It was also supposed to be private, Woodham said, but the content of that meeting would later be brought up in the hearing by the defense.

That closure would likely not come from the courtroom, Woodham said, but rather by speaking out and telling his story.

Sahr apologized to Woodham during the meeting, adding that she had no idea she was pregnant and couldnt remember anything about that day, Woodham said.

Woodham said he doesnt believe Sahrs apology was sincere.

Morgan Martin, representing Sahr, reiterated those points in court. Martin could not be reached for comment when The Sun News called on April 7.

I truly feel that he was alive and that he suffered

Woodham said what bothers him the most is thinking about the baby freezing to death.

He said sometimes he sits outside his work after a shift with only a T-shirt on and its cold.

I truly feel that he was alive and that he suffered, he said.

When media initially began reporting on the case that had gone unsolved for 12 years, the soft-spoken Woodham didnt want to be in the public eye.

Sahr and Woodham met in college, and were decent friends, Woodham said. They had a one-night stand.

If he had known at the time, Woodham said he wouldve tried to be a father and make it work out.

Now, the soon to be stepfather to three said its a matter of telling his side of the story, and being a voice for Baby Boy Horry.

His father, Ronald Woodham II, described finding out about his would-be grandson as a scene from the Twilight Zone.

It was a blur, he said.

From 30 years to no time at all

When investigators found Sahr through forensic DNA testing, she told them she was the monster.

At the hearing, Judge Paul Burch ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be conducted by the South Carolina Department of Probation, parole and pardon.

Its uncommon, but well within the rights of a judge to order it, Horry County Solicitor Jimmy Richardson said. It boils down to the fact that prosecution was asking for the upper two-thirds of the sentence  around 20 to 30 years, and defense was asking for basically nothing, Richardson explained.

That pre-sentence investigation was completed earlier this year. What remains is her sentencing, which could be anything between 30 years to no time served at all.

Judge Burch is scheduled to be back in Horry County the week of June 12, according to the South Carolina courts website. The Sun News was unable to reach him for a comment on April 3.

For a decade, memorial remembered Baby Horry without a family. That changed this year.

Baby Boy Horry mother, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, punishment pending

Should parents with kids go to prison? A look at Todd Chrisley and SCs Baby Boy Horry
Brighton Area Schools is the latest school district in Livingston County to add vaping detection devices in its school buildings.

BRIGHTON  Brighton Area Schools is the latest school district in Livingston County to add vaping detection devices in its school buildings.

Electronic cigarettes, commonly known as a vape, hold many names: including e-cigs, vape pens and hookah pens.

The district has purchased 12 vape detection devices to be dispersed between Brighton High School and Scranton Middle School.

Two different vape detector companies are being piloted in Brighton, including Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based Triton Sensors and Bayshore, New York-based HALO Smart Sensor.

Other schools in the county have already put vape detectors in place. Hartland Consolidated Schools Superintendent Chuck Hughes said that five HALO Smart Sensor detectors were installed in the fall in select restrooms for $3,050 per unit.

"Our take is that, unfortunately, vapes are pretty prevalent in the community and we're seeing that students don't necessarily understand that vapes are bad, that vapes are the same as other drug use," Hughes said. "If anything else, it's probably more on the rise than it is on the decline, and that's bothering us."

He added it hasn't been determined how effective the detectors are.

The verdict isn't in yet on whether or not they're effective or not, and then we'll make some assessments with our high school at the end of the school year, Hughes said.

Hughes and BAS Superintendent Matthew Outlaw said the detectors have a singular goal.

"The goal is to deter any future usage of vapes by students in our schools," Outlaw said.

Triton Sensors are about $750 a piece, while the HALO Smart Sensor is more than $3,000 per unit. But there are additional costs to Triton Sensors, including a subscription fee for software updates.

Triton Sensors look similar to smoke detectors and can be installed in locker rooms and bathrooms.

"The problem with vaping is we don't know the long term effects," Hughes said. "We see the research here and there, but they (students) don't see that it's detrimental in our eyes, from our perspective as adults in the building. We are concerned about the abuse we see."

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What are the consequences?

At HCS, vaping devices are investigated for either tobacco or marijuana. Students can receive 3-10 days' suspension, as well as an expulsion hearing, a referral, and contact with the Livingston County Sheriff's Department, with the possibility of educational training.

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"The intent of the expulsion hearing is always to bring a student forward with parents and intervene in the hopes that we can help the student make better decisions and choices," Hughes said.

At BAS, a student found with tobacco, including smokeless, e-cigarettes, vaporizers and any paraphernalia, will have a parent notified. The student could face a 5-day suspension and a police referral. If the vape contains marijuana oil, the consequences increase to up to 10 days' suspension and a possible recommendation for expulsion.

 Contact reporter Patricia Alvord at palvord@livingstondaily.com.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: BAS installs vape detectors at high school, Scranton Middle School
A new batch of classified documents that appear to detail American national security secrets regarding Ukraine, the Middle East and China have surfaced on social media sites.

Source: The New York Times

Details: A new leak of classified information has alarmed the Pentagon and added turmoil to a situation that seemed to have caught the Biden administration off guard, the NYT said.

Analysts say more than 100 documents may have been obtained. The scale of the leak, along with the sensitivity of the documents themselves, could be hugely damaging, US officials said.

A senior intelligence official called the leak "a nightmare for the Five Eyes," in a reference to the United States, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, the so-called Five Eyes nations that broadly share intelligence.

The latest documents were found on Twitter and other sites on 7 April, a day after senior Biden administration officials said they were investigating a potential leak of classified Ukrainian war plans.

One slide, dated 23 February, is labelled "Secret/NoForn", meaning it was not meant to be shared with foreign countries.

Mick Mulroy, a former senior Pentagon official, said the leak of the classified documents represents "a significant breach in security" that could hinder Ukrainian military planning.

"As many of these were pictures of documents, it appears that it was a deliberate leak done by someone that wished to damage the Ukraine, U.S., and NATO efforts," he said.

At the same time, one analyst described what has emerged so far as the "tip of the iceberg".

"Even as officials at the Pentagon and national security agencies were investigating the source of documents that had appeared on Twitter and on Telegram, another surfaced on 4chan, an anonymous, fringe message board. The 4chan document is a map that purports to show the status of the war in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. But the leaked documents appear to go well beyond highly classified material on Ukraine war plans," the NYT wrote.

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Security analysts who have reviewed the documents tumbling onto social media sites say the increasing trove also includes sensitive briefing slides on China, the Indo-Pacific military theatre, the Middle East and terrorism.

Behind closed doors, as the NYT reported, chagrined national security officials were trying to find the culprit. One official said it was likely that the documents did not come from Ukrainian officials, because they did not have any access to the specific plans, which bear the imprint of the offices of the Pentagons Joint Staff. A second official said that determining how the documents were leaked would start with identifying which officials had access to them.

The first tranche of documents appeared to have been posted in early March on Discord, a social media chat platform popular with video gamers, according to Aric Toler, an analyst at Bellingcat, the Dutch investigative site.

In Ukraine, Lt. Col. Yurii Bereza, a battalion commander with Ukraines National Guard whose forces have fought in the countrys east in recent months, shrugged off the news of the leak. He noted that information warfare had become so intense that "we can no longer determine where is the truth and where is the lie", the NYT added.

Background:

The New York Times has reported that classified military documents "detailing secret American and NATO plans for building up the Ukrainian military ahead of a planned offensive against Russia" have circulated on Twitter and Telegram.

Mykhailo Podoliak, an advisor to the head of the Presidents Office, said the "leaked" materials are "photoshopped" and joked about the deterioration in Russian intelligence.

Anonymous US officials told Reuters that Russia or pro-Russian elements are behind the leak of several secret American military documents, which were posted on social media and allegedly indicated Ukraine's preparations for the spring counteroffensive.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Ben Ferencz, a former prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials who secured convictions against 22 Nazi death squad commanders, has died. He was 103.

His son confirmed his death to NBC News.

Ferencz was the last living prosecutor from trials marking the first time in history that mass murderers were prosecuted for war crimes. Ferencz was 27 at the time and later played a crucial role in securing compensation for Holocaust survivors and creating the International Criminal Court at The Hague.

A tireless advocate for human rights, he also wrote nine books and dozens of articles, gave countless speeches and traveled the world into his 90s spreading his motto of "law not war."

"I was damn lucky to live this long," Ferencz told NBC News in November in what was his last media interview. "I hope that Ive done some good during that lifetime."

Ferencz turned 103 on March 11. A photo posted to his official Twitter page showed him in a wheelchair holding a small piece of paper that read, "Do something you love."

One of Ferencz's friends re-posted the tweet on Saturday, telling people to be "filled with gratitude that we had him, in all his wisdom, for so long."

"My friend and mentor of more than 25 years, the inspirational Ben Ferencz, passed away last night," Dan Skinner tweeted, adding, "RIP, Ben."

Ferencz, born in 1920 to Hungarian Jews, was 10 months old when his family immigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. He grew up poor on the rough and tumble streets of Hells Kitchen, where his father worked as a janitor-turned-house painter.

He attended the City College of New York and earned a scholarship to Harvard Law School. He enlisted in the Army after graduation as World War II engulfed Europe, landing in Normandy and fighting in the Battle of the Bulge.

He was later transferred to a unit responsible for gathering evidence of war crimes as the allied forces closed in on the center of the Nazi power in Berlin. Ferencz traveled to multiple concentration camps  Buchenwald, Mauthause, Flossenburg, Ebensee  often within days and sometimes hours of their liberation.

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Ferencz said it was "grim as hell" and he "had to refrain from letting it get to me emotionally" so it did not interfere with his job of securing Nazi records before they were destroyed.

"My goal was clear: Grab the documents," he said. "I headed straight to the main office and closed it off. 'Nobody goes in or out without my permission. No German, no American  nobody. I want complete control of the archives,' which I got."

Ferencz and his team collected thousands of documents at the camps and facilities in Berlin, including detailed reports on the Einsatzgruppen, special SS units that roamed Nazi-occupied Europe and killed more than 1 million people.

Those documents were later used to seal the fates of the Nazi death squad commanders during the trial. Fourteen of the 22 who were convicted were sentenced to death. But only four were executed.

After the trial, Ferencz was recruited to lead an effort to return property seized by the Nazis to its owners or their heirs and was called in to help negotiate a reparations agreement with the government of West Germany. It was a fraught and dangerous undertaking but the German government ultimately agreed to compensate Holocaust victims around the world.

Since the agreement was finalized, roughly $90 billion has been distributed to Holocaust survivors, according to the Claims Conference.

Ferencz was also involved in pushing the Germans to agree to maintain cemeteries where Holocaust victims were buried. After spending 10 years in Germany, he relocated his family to the U.S.

Ferencz is survived by his four children. His wife, Gertrude, died in 2019, his website states.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
GAZA, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The latest round of tension between Israel and Gaza militants led by the Islamic Resistance Movement of Hamas came to a close on Friday with no truce declared by either side, Palestinian and Israeli sources said.

An anonymous Palestinian official told Xinhua that Arab mediators, mainly Egypt and Qatar, held intensive contacts with both Hamas and Israel to calm down the situation in the Gaza Strip.

The official added that Palestinian factions told the mediators that their militants would resume launching rockets from the Gaza Strip at Israel if the latter "continues its aerial assaults on militants' posts and facilities."

"The factions will not tolerate any Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and will respond directly to it," the official said.

Meanwhile, Hamas released a press statement warning Israel of the potential consequences of persisting in violating both the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Palestinian worshipers in East Jerusalem.

According to Israel Radio, senior Israeli officials have announced that the recent round of air strikes on the Gaza Strip have ceased, on the condition that there are no further rocket attacks launched toward Israeli towns and communities.

The latest tension, which came during a sensitive holiday time as Muslims were observing the holy month of Ramadan with prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and Jews were commemorating the Passover holiday, was triggered by Israeli raid of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Muslims' third holiest site, for two consecutive days.

Earlier this week, militants in Gaza fired about 20 rockets at southern Israel in response to Israeli raids at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. 
The best breweries in Pierce County, according to readers of The News Tribune, include the oldest craft brewery in Tacoma, one that started in Gig Harbor and a newcomer in a city of just 10,000 people.

E9 Brewing Co. took home a landslide victory in the TNT Diner Best Brewery poll, garnering 44 percent of more than 1,200 tallies. It makes sense when you consider the brewerys expansive catalog dating back to 1995 on Sixth Avenue. Brewer Shane Johns has run the show since John Xitcos ownership team bought the business in 2011, building one of the nations preeminent barrel-aged and sour programs.

E9 Brewing Co., established in 1995, expanded to Tacomas historic brewery district in 2019.

Allegiances for other Pierce County breweries  more than two dozen  remain strong, as the rest of the vote split the rest of the way down.

In second place, 7 Seas Brewing, which started in Gig Harbor but is well-known for its expansive production facility and taproom in Tacoma, landed 13 percent of tallies.

Showing the importance of breweries as community anchors, Top Down Brewing in Sumner snagged bronze with 8 percent, or more than 100 votes.

Rounding out the Top 5, Narrows Brewing in Tacoma received 55 tallies (about 4 percent), followed by North 47 Brewing in Browns Point with 45.

Odd Otter, Sig, Wet Coast, Camp Colvos and Dystopian State filled out the Top 10. (Scroll to the end of this story for full poll results.)

Pierce County breweries

Top Down owners and brewers Chad Cray and Greg Burd, writing on their Instagram page when the poll went live in March, asked their fans to vote either way.

All of the breweries around the county deserve more recognition, they said.

Visiting their taproom on a recent Wednesday afternoon, youd wonder what the heck people in Sumner did before Top Down opened in August 2021. It was half-full at 3 p.m. and full two hours later, with both people (many greeted by name) and dogs.

Brewery owners Greg Burd (left) and Chad Cray at Top Down Brewing Co. in Sumner, Washington, on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

Through the Washington State Food Truck Association, Pierce County trucks park outside on the regular, serving tacos, pizza, burgers and more. As is true of most breweries without an in-house restaurant, guests are welcome to bring food from elsewhere  and highly encouraged to support another local business in the process.

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Cray and Burd are proud to recognize the locals that play a role in the Top Down experience, starting with Tacoma-based Ferguson Architecture, whose team developed the one-of-a-kind setup. Inspired by the brewerys name, the fermentation tanks are overhead on custom steel beams, saving space and fostering a unique atmosphere in an otherwise cookie-cutter housing development. Their almost-full Coaster Club features wooden coasters from two centuries-old maple trees that had to be torn down in Sumners Loyalty Park, cut by Live Edge Woodworks in Auburn. Dan the Sausage Man, now headquartered in Burien, supplies picnic packs of cheese, meat and crackers.

En route to its second birthday in August, Top Down unveiled its first collaboration beer, a Kolsch made with Seattles Lowercase Brewing, and is looking forward to adding the final two fermentation tanks.

We want people to come to Sumner, stay in Sumner and spend money in Sumner, Cray said.

With more than 420 breweries, Washington state has more than all but three states, and though the scene has long focused on Seattle, Tacoma and Pierce County has blossomed in the past decade. Many are family-friendly, some serve food, most allow outside eats, and plenty permit pups to join you on your beer journey.

In honor of National Beer Day, weve collected all of Pierce Countys breweries in one place, with essential info  food, dogs, kids  and fun facts to guide you to the best choice for your palate or your party.

Click here for a comprehensive guide to drinking beer in Pierce County
The Biden administration is appealing the ruling by a federal judge in Texas that a common abortion pill was improperly approved more than two decades ago, which has put access to the drug at risk.

A filing in the case states that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is appealing the ruling from U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, gave the government a week after his ruling to file their appeal and request emergency relief before it takes effect.

An FDA spokesperson told The Hill in a statement that the abortion pill was approved based on a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence available. They said the agency stands behind its determination that the pill is safe and effective under the approved conditions for use.

The approval was based on the best available science and done in accordance with the laws that govern our work, the spokesperson said.

Attorney General Merrick Garland denounced the decision in a statement, saying the Justice Department (DOJ) strongly disagrees and plans to appeal and seek a stay on the ruling.

Todays decision overturns the FDAs expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective. The Department will continue to defend the FDAs decision, Garland said.

He said the DOJ is also reviewing another ruling from a federal judge in Washington state that prevents the FDA from altering the status quo and rights as it relates to the availability of Mifepristone, the abortion pill, in 17 states and Washington, D.C.

The conflicting rulings could lead to a higher court, and perhaps eventually the Supreme Court, stepping in.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra said in a statement that the decision is a regressive ruling from one court in just one state that could have implications across the country.

We will vigorously fight this unprecedented decision in court. We have appealed the decision and will seek a stay, he said.

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He noted that some medical providers prescribe mifepristone for managing miscarriages, which can be one of the most difficult times in a womens life.

Todays decision jeopardizes the health of women across the country, he said. It undermines our nations entire system of drug approval. It opens the door for courts to overturn FDAs evidence-based decisions for purely political or ideological reasons.

President Biden said in a statement that his administration will fight the Texas ruling. He said he and Vice President Harris will continue to lead the fight to protect abortion rights and allow women to make their own medical decisions.

But lets be clear  the only way to stop those who are committed to taking away womens rights and freedoms in every state is to elect a Congress who will pass a law restoring Roe versus Wade, he said.

Most abortions in the United States happen through a pill instead of a procedure. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medical abortion in the country.

 Updated at 9:56 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden vowed to fight a ruling from a conservative judge in Texas that could block a widely used abortion drug, thrusting the issue of reproductive rights back into the spotlight ahead of the 2024 election.

Most Read from Bloomberg

If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription, approved by the FDA, that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks, Biden said in a statement late Friday. It is the next big step toward the national ban on abortion that Republican elected officials have vowed to make law in America.

Bidens statement came among a wave of condemnations from Democrats, and as the fate of the pill, mifepristone, remained unclear. The Texas ruling, issued by US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, was followed almost immediately by a separate order that affirmed the US Food and Drug Administrations approval of the drug and blocked the government from restricting access.

Vice President Kamala Harris said the Texas decision threatens womens rights nationwide and ripples beyond abortion rights.

This decision undermines the FDAs ability to approve safe and effective medication, she said in a separate statement. Our Administration will continue to fight to protect reproductive freedom and the ability of all Americans to make health care decisions with their doctors free from political interference.

The Supreme Courts move to strike down Roe v. Wade last year opened up fresh legal challenges, as Democrats pledged to fight against the rollback of abortion access or similar care, while some Republicans sought to further curtail access.

DOJ Appeal

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Attorney General Merrick Garland said the government will appeal the decision and seek a stay pending appeal. Todays decision overturns the FDAs expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective. The Department will continue to defend the FDAs decision, Garland said.

Still, Biden warned that its ultimately Congress that has the power to restore the protections of Roe.

Lets be clear  the only way to stop those who are committed to taking away womens rights and freedoms in every state is to elect a Congress who will pass a law restoring Roe versus Wade, he said.

Other Democrats also joined in a cascade of outcry. Todays ruling is another massive step towards Republicans goal of a nationwide abortion ban and could throw our country into chaos, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement. This ruling from an activist judge is wildly out of step with the law and sets a dangerous new precedent.

Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden, meanwhile, urged the administration to ignore the ruling and keep the drug on the market. No matter what happens in seven days, I believe the Food and Drug Administration has the authority to ignore this ruling, which is why Im again calling on President Biden and the FDA to do just that, he said in a written statement.

Republicans Respond

Republicans were more muted on an issue that hurt them in the 2022 midterm elections; many said after last years Supreme Court decision that the abortion issue should be decided by the states.

One Republican who enthusiastically embraced the ruling was former Vice President Mike Pence, whos weighing his own bid for the partys presidential nomination.

Life won again today, he said. When it approved chemical abortions on demand, the FDA acted carelessly and with blatant disregard for human life and the wellbeing of American women, and todays ruling fixed a 20-year wrong.

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, meanwhile, tweeted the ruling was a victory for pregnant mothers & their unborn children.

The preliminary injunction issued Friday by Kacsmaryk, who was appointed by Donald Trump, could soon end the sale and distribution of mifepristone  used as part of a two-pill regimen to terminate a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks  while a lawsuit seeking a more permanent ban on the drug proceeds.

Kacsmaryks order will not go into effect for seven days, giving the Biden administration time to appeal his decision to the New Orleans-based 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals, which is considered one of the most conservative courts in the country.

Separately in Washington state, US District Judge Thomas Rice, an appointee of Barack Obama, granted a request by several Democratic-leaning states for an order affirming FDA approval of mifepristone and blocking the government from further restricting its distribution. Its unclear how the opposing rulings will affect each other.

Kacsmaryks decision is sure to further elevate abortion access as a potent political issue heading into the 2024 US elections. Medication abortion has become the most common method in the country as states grapple with how to legislate reproductive rights in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

--With assistance from Steven T. Dennis and Madlin Mekelburg.

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Biden extended sanctions against Russia for a year

This allows the U.S. administration to continue imposing sanctions on Russia.

Read also: Biden, Trudeau pledge enduring support for Ukraine

The letter specifies that the harmful international activities of the Russian leadership include efforts to undermine free and fair democratic elections and democratic institutions in the United States, its allies, and partner countries.

Additional activities include Russia's participation and assistance in malicious cyber activities against the United States, its allies, and partners; encouragement and use of transnational corruption to influence foreign governments; extraterritorial activities targeting dissidents or journalists; undermining security in countries and regions important to U.S. national security; and violations of established principles of international law.

Read also: Biden mocks Putin's war aims in Ukraine

According to Biden, Moscows actions continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States."

"For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14024 [...] must continue in effect beyond April 15, 2023," he concluded.

The one-year extension of the national emergency also means the extension of the previous sanctions imposed by Washington against the Kremlin for the same period.

In the United States, the introduction of a national emergency allows the president to take additional measures to address a particular problem. The Congress can choose to cancel the national emergency if it deems it necessary.

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President Biden on Friday spoke with the three Tennessee state lawmakers targeted with expulsion votes for protesting gun violence on the House floor and invited them to visit the White House.

Biden spoke via conference call from Camp David with Democratic state Reps. Justin Jones, Justin Pearson, and Gloria Johnson, the White House said in a statement.

The President thanked them for their leadership in seeking to ban assault weapons and standing up for our democratic values, the White House said. The officials thanked the President for his leadership on gun safety and for spotlighting the undemocratic and unprecedented attacks on them this week in the Tennessee statehouse.

Biden invited them to visit the White House in the near future, though no official date was given.

Jones and Pearson on Thursday were expelled from the legislature for their participation in the recent demonstrations following a shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., last month. Johnson, who also participated in the protests and is white, narrowly survived her expulsion vote.

President Biden has renewed his calls for an assault weapons ban following the shooting The Covenant School in Nashville that left three 9-year-olds and three adult employees dead.

Jones, Johnson and Pearson led chants on the House floor last week in the aftermath of the shooting, chanting No action, no peace. Resolutions to expel them state that they engaged in disorderly behavior and did knowingly and intentionally bring disorder and dishonor to the House of Representatives.

The expulsion of Jones and Pearson, both of whom are Black, has fueled a nationwide debate in recent days over gun violence, race and the freedom to protest. The White House called the expulsion votes undemocratic.

Vice President Harris traveled to Nashville on Friday to meet with the three lawmakers during a previously unscheduled visit.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden slammed the ruling by a federal judge in Texas rejecting the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) approval of an abortion pill as a political, ideological attack.

Biden said in a statement on Friday that the court has substituted its judgment for that of the FDA, which he called the expert agency on approving drugs. He said mifepristone, the pill, has been available for more than 22 years and safely and effectively used by millions of women in the United States and throughout the world.

If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription, approved by the FDA, that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks, he said.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, ruled that the FDA improperly rushed the approval process for the pill, violating federal standards and allowing an unsafe drug regimen to be on the market.

The pill was approved in 2000 after a four-year approval process and can be used for abortions up to 10 weeks into pregnancy and to manage early miscarriages. A majority of abortions in the U.S. happen by medication instead of a procedure. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortions in the country.

Kacsmaryk gave the federal government a week to appeal and seek an emergency stay before his ruling goes into effect. The Biden administration is appealing the decision.

The lawsuit, and this ruling, is another unprecedented step in taking away basic freedoms from women and putting their health at risk, Biden said.

He said the ruling, if it stands, would restrict womens access to abortion nationwide, even in states where the procedure remains legal in the aftermath of the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

Biden vowed his administration would oppose the ruling, but he added that the only way to ensure abortion rights are protected is to elect members of Congress who support a federal law to reimplement the ruling under Roe.

Vice President Harris told reporters that she and Biden will stand with the women of America to make sure they can make their own health care decisions.

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This is a drug that the FDA approved as safe 20 years ago and has been proven to be safe for 20 years, so this is a dangerous precedent, she said.

Another ruling separately handed down on Friday from U.S. District Judge Thomas Rice, an Obama appointee, in the Eastern District of Washington bars the FDA from pulling mifepristone from the market, conflicting with the Texas ruling.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday morning, the White House announced.

In a statement, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden, 79, is experiencing very mild symptoms and has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral therapy that was recommended by Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician.

According to O'Connor, Biden began experiencing symptoms  a runny nose, fatigue and an occasional dry cough  on Wednesday evening.

The president will continue to work remotely from his residence at the White House, where he is expected to self-isolate for at least five days, according to current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jean-Pierre said that Biden has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone and will participate in his planned meetings "via phone and Zoom" from the residence.

President Biden speaks about climate change and clean energy at Brayton Power Station in Somerset, Mass., on Wednesday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

"Once he tests negative, he will return to in-person work, Jean-Pierre said. His last previous test for COVID was Tuesday, which was negative.

"Out of an abundance of transparency," she added, "the White House will provide a daily update on the presidents status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation."

According to a White House official, Vice President Kamala Harris, who was last with Biden on Tuesday, tested negative. Her trip to Charlotte, N.C., went on as planned.

First lady Jill Biden, who is in Detroit, told reporters she tested negative on Thursday morning and will keep up with her travel schedule while wearing a mask and socially distancing, according to CDC guidelines.

She added that the president is "doing fine."

I talked to him just a few minutes ago," she said. "Hes doing fine, hes feeling good.

In a subsequent tweet, the president  who had been scheduled to travel to Wilkes-Barre, Pa.  said he was feeling "great."

Folks, I'm doing great. Thanks for your concern. Just called Senator Casey, Congressman Cartwright, and Mayor Cognetti (and my Scranton cousins!) to send my regrets for missing our event today.



Keeping busy! pic.twitter.com/uf7AsOg571  President Biden (@POTUS) July 21, 2022

He posted a follow-up video as well.

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An update from me: pic.twitter.com/L2oCR0uUTu  President Biden (@POTUS) July 21, 2022

Biden is fully vaccinated and twice-boosted. He received his first two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shortly before his inauguration in January 2021. He received a Pfizer booster shot in September and another one in late March.

The president had appeared maskless at several events in recent days, including at an event in Somerset, Mass., on Wednesday, shaking hands with supporters on a rope line as he was flanked by current and former lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and presidential climate envoy John Kerry.

The White House Medical Unit is in the process of contacting anyone who interacted with Biden on the trip, Jean-Pierre said.

Biden greets supporters in Somerset, Mass., on Wednesday. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

News of Bidens positive test comes amid a surge in cases across the United States that is being driven by more transmissible Omicron subvariants, such as BA.5.

According to Johns Hopkins University, there have been more than 90 million confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. since the beginning of the pandemic  far more than in any other country in the world.

More than 1,025,000 Americans have died as a result of complications from COVID-19.

Read the memo from the president's physician below.
In early February, on the other side of the world, a major earthquake collapsed buildings that crushed thousands of people in Turkey and Syria. A trained search and rescue team made up of Ford Motor Co. workers raced to disaster sites to aid victims  and now the automaker is playing a key role in recovery.

"Theres nothing more important to me than us helping where we can," Bill Ford, executive chair of the company, told the Detroit Free Press during a recent interview. "At the end of the day, when I think about how many years Ive been at Ford, I guess my whole lifetime, its always about the extraordinary people Ive met. Its not about any particular vehicle or any particular plant or any particular piece of machinery or office building."

Ford, both the company and the great-grandson of the company's founder, are familiar with crisis rescues in Turkey. This wasn't the first time. But with each disaster comes a strengthening of the partnership between two families that began a century ago, when a Turkish businessman named Vehbi Koc stood outside the office of Henry Ford and gave him a letter urging the industrialist to make the man who spoke no English a Ford representative overseas, Bill Ford said.

"And that's exactly what happened," Bill Ford said. "In 1928, he became a Ford dealer in Ankara. And the Koc family and my family have been friends and business partners ever since."

It would mark the beginning of a collaboration that extended far beyond cars to include disaster relief.

'Refused to give up'

Ford Otosan is a joint venture between Ford and its local partner Koc Holding, the largest industrial conglomerate in Turkey that dates its start to 1926 and is controlled by one of Turkey's wealthiest families. The automotive partnership employs about 20,000 employees; 14,000 in Turkey and 6,000 or so in Romania. Ford has a large manufacturing operation in Turkey that includes two assembly plants and other facilities that build different versions of the Transit van for all of Europe, Ford confirmed Thursday.

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"One of the most heartwarming stories for us was the experience of an employee who knew where his family lived but in the rubble it was a mess. People would go through and mark buildings with no life and nothing left. He refused to believe that," Dave Johnston, deputy general manager of Ford Otosan, told the Free Press recently from Istanbul about the hours and days after the February quakes. "After four or five days, his sister and his brother and mother were pulled out, helped by our Ford Otosan search and rescue team."

Sadly, the employee's father did not survive the devastation in Hatay, Johnston said.

In telling these stories, Johnston disclosed that he had no idea that the company had a search and rescue team, created after a 1999 quake.

"These are (25) ordinary people who become extraordinary. They get thrown into a situation and they become heroes," said Johnston, who joined Ford in 1995 and has worked in Istanbul for nearly four years.

Members of the volunteer search and rescue team have enrolled in earthquake training on their own time, just as Americans learn CPR and other lifesaving preparations. Earthquakes are an unfortunate reality in Turkey and residents know every bit of training can and will save lives, Ford Motor said.

One Ford dealer in Turkey lost 11 employees, basically while they were sleeping, Johnston said. "They got buried under the rubble. Another dealer lost two employees. Ford lost a total of 13 employees. I met with one service personnel who had lost 41 members of his family and was back at work. We weren't asking people to come back. For him, it was some level of getting back to normality."

A magnitude-7.8 earthquake before sunrise killed thousands in Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6, immediately followed by another strong quake and then 10,000 aftershocks over three weeks, Reuters reported. Thousands died. The United Nations estimated more than a million people were left homeless, Reuters said.

These support supplies were collected by Ford Otosan in Sancaktepe, Turkey on Feb. 8, 2023.

One Ford dealer initially housed 700 people overnight after the earthquakes because the dealership building in Kahramanmaras was deemed a safe structure, he said.

"They had people sleeping everywhere," Johnston said. Another 200 people parked cars outside the dealership to use the bathroom facilities and have access to water because their homes had been destroyed.

"Even two weeks later, there were still 100 people sleeping at the dealership," Johnston said. "These dealers are seen as kind of pillars of the community. People have rushed to them to keep warm and keep safe.

"You see so much pain and suffering in these faces," he said.

February 20, 2023: A couple climbs the rubble of collapsed buildings in Antakya, southern Turkey. - A 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit near Gaziantep, Turkey, in the early hours of February 6, followed by another 7.5-magnitude tremor just after midday. The quakes caused widespread destruction in southern Turkey and northern Syria and killed more than 44,000 people.

Memo within 24 hours

An email titled "earthquake update" landed in the mailbox of Ford CEO Jim Farley on Feb. 7 at 21:26 hours that framed the situation.

"Another very difficult day for the team, as we were made of aware of the first deaths of relatives of our employees," Johnston wrote. "One employees brother has been confirmed dead. Another team member has lost an aunt, her aunts husband and their daughter-in-law."

The memo included these direct words and phrases:

The reported death toll now stands in excess of 6,300  more than 4,500 in Turkey and more than 1,800 in Syria. Internet communications have been severely interrupted today in the region. Challenging weather conditions for rescuers also persist.

Having received new information from our employees, 136 employees now have relatives unaccounted for, which is a big increase versus our prior information. Our search and rescue team in Hatay is prioritizing employees families.

In addition to Antakya and Adiyaman dealers, our Malatya Ford Trucks dealership has today reported serious damage.

Second FO (Ford Otosan) search and rescue team, health team (2 doctors and 3 nurses) and a Ford Otosan ambulance (with paramedics) is on their way to the region, arriving tonight.

Unrelated to the humanitarian aid effort, Ford Otosan employs doctors and nurses in its Kocaeli, Eskisehir and Sancaktepe facilities, the automaker confirmed to the Free Press.

'Delivered three babies'

On March 22, Farley hosted a global town hall that typically engages about 30,000 employees.

"I want to start by acknowledging the absolute tragic events in Turkey and Syria. The devastation and loss of life and destruction in Turkey is actually almost unspeakable," Farley said that day in remarks provided to the Free Press by Ford upon request.

"Our dealers, Ive talked to many of them. They turned their dealerships into shelters," he said. "We had a nurse from our medical team who delivered three babies in the impact zone. They all helped without being asked. It's what makes our company different."

More: How a Ford dealership in Puerto Rico became a rescue site

Bringing in 'homes' for survivors

Ford and Koc are working to deliver 5,000 shipping containers to sites of need identified by the government that can each house up to eight people displaced by the earthquake, he said. They're about 22 feet by 10 feet with different living areas. These kinds of container homes are not uncommon in disaster zones.

"What we're trying to do is create some container cities where people can live and develop a sense of community," Johnston said. "Their houses are completely ruined or structurally unsafe."

The Ford Motor Company Fund, a multimillion dollar charitable arm of the automaker, is providing financial support for this recovery. In addition, the Ford Family Fund, established in 2018 as a collective family philanthropy initiative, is directly involved in Turkey and includes monies from Bill Ford personally.

Ford Motor Co. and Koc Holding, longtime partners in Ford Otosan in Turkey, have worked to bring in thousands of containers to house earthquake survivors after February 6, 2023. These images were taken in Sanlurfa, Turkey on February 19, 2023

After the earthquake in 1999, Ford made a $2 million contribution and built buildings and other projects, Johnston said. "We're trying to work through a similar investment concept. We're also looking at pre-fabrication houses. The relationship is so deep between Koc and Ford."

Koc Holding, an investment holding company, is involved in automotive, energy, consumer durables and finance, according to its website. The entity told the Free Press in a statement that the company continues to play a part in "healing the wounds" of Turkey's Feb. 6 disaster. The Ford partner said it has allocated a total of 2 billion Turkish Liras (approximately $104 million US) to the project to help cover the cost of container housing in areas identified by the government and to provide hot food, laundry and cleaning needs in the region.

Ford Motor Company is working to bring in these container homes to house an estimated 20,000 survivors of the back-to-back earthquakes. These images were taken in Sanlurfa, Turkey on Feb. 19, 2023.

How 1999 influences today

"Let me take you back," Bill Ford said. "There was a terrible earthquake that hit Turkey, just like this one. Although in 99 it happened to hit our facilities, as well. I was just in my first couple months as chairman of Ford."

A Ford Otosan point man named Mark Schulz immediately organized small groups of first responders, Ford said.

"Our people arrived before the Red Crescent," Ford said.

The aid agency known as the Red Cross in many countries is known as the Red Crescent in Muslim nations.

Ford Otosan workers went "out into the neighborhoods and started recovering bodies, yes, but also uncovering people still alive," Ford said. "He and his team I dont think went to bed for a week. Im not kidding. They saved so many lives. Then he turned our plant into a temporary morgue. ... He called me, I was brand new at the time in my job. He said, 'Can you help?' I said, 'What do you need?' And he said, 'Everything.' I called everybody I knew in the Detroit area that could potentially help us. We got tents, phones, because they had no way to communicate with each other, medical supplies. We flew over a doctor and a nurse as soon as we could. We got cargo space on a Northwest airline. Of course, nothing was flying into Turkey then. So we landed in Greece and then we had a caravan."

Schulz set up tent cities, Ford said.

"Even to this day, they call that area Fordtown or Fordville or something," Ford said. "Mark was given the highest honor that a foreigner can get by the Turkish government for all he did."

More: Ford loses senior leader: Where she's working now

Ford continued, "Values sit above ... and that really is who we are and what we stand for. That has to be believed and known by everybody in the organization. When you see it come to light, like it did during COVID, for example. Our team didnt wait to ask permission to jump into action, they just did. Starting to make all kinds of COVID relief material in our plants. It was funny, (former Ford CEO) Jim Hackett called me up and he said, 'This is either great news or we should be concerned.' I said, 'What?' He said, 'Our team didnt even ask us, they sprung into action.' I said, 'That is perfect. Thats exactly what we want.'"

Bill Ford, executive chair of the company his great-grandfather founded, is seen here in 2018 at Michigan Central Station in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood.

But that experience made Bill Ford realize that the Ford Fund needed to "get calibrated" to responding immediately to disasters, which it does after flooding and tornados in the U.S. and crises abroad. And the other was launching a volunteer corps to be prepared to mobilize in times of disaster, such as the 2011 tsunami in Asia.

"In many ways, the earthquake in 99 and the kind of heroism that Mark Schulz showed kind of became the launching point for our whole disaster relief capabilities that we have today," Ford said.

Why care about Turkey?

Bill Ford bristled at the idea that he or the company has bigger financial priorities than disasters outside the U.S.

"First of all, I think, any company, if its not making peoples lives better, probably shouldnt exist. Ive always felt that," he said. "I also feel that its really important that companies have values. Thats very different than a companys culture, and I separate the two. The culture is what you need to run the business; be lean, be quick. All those things you hear management talking about."

More: These sunflowers in Dearborn have personal meaning for Bill Ford

'It means everything to me'

"Look, my family name is on every vehicle we sell. That means a lot to me. In fact, it means everything to me. Nothing is more important to me than Fords reputation," Bill Ford said.

"But this goes way beyond the cars and trucks that we make. Its how we behave in the communities that we operate. Its how we treat each other. Its how we treat the families of our employees. So, theres nothing actually more important to me than the values of our company," Ford said. "Ive thought about this a lot. Values should be timeless. How each generation expresses those values could be very different. But the values themselves shouldnt change. I believe those values are something that I very much try to keep alive and in front of everybody at Ford."

Ford dealers in Turkey gathered supplies to help earthquake survivors on Feb. 9, 2023.

He was in Turkey just before the earthquake and he plans to return soon, he said. While he closely monitors the progress of this latest relief effort, Ford said he doesn't want to be intrusive. He's fine reading emails and updates sent to others in the company.

More: The hidden injury Puerto Ricans still feel a year after Hurricane Maria

While some people may wonder why a U.S.-based company is playing such a key role in the earthquake recovery, Bill Ford says it should be obvious. When thousands of lives have been lost in an instant, a global company cannot just focus on factory production, he said.

"The values of a company are the most important thing that a company can have. Many companies dont seem to have them. Then its just a paycheck," Ford said.

When Ford goes to Turkey, he often takes his grown children (his grandchildren are too young; "They can recognize the Ford oval and they think that's fun and that's about it.") so the next generation of Ford and Koc leaders understand each other and the "values" that have contributed to the long partnership.

Message to Ford children

"I want them to understand that Ford is much more than just a place to work or a corporation. It really is about affecting peoples lives around the world," Ford said. "My daughter Ellie, when she was very young, I took her to Mexico because weve opened over 200 schools in rural Mexico where the government simply couldnt afford to, and Ford built the schools and then we get a local dealer to adopt the school."

He added, "I wanted her to see what our values in action would look like. It wasnt just dinner conversation. It wasnt just me telling them. ... We talk about the values of the company and you cant just say them, you have to live them. And this is what living them looks like."

More: Bill Ford's controversial viewpoint has changed Detroit automaker

More: HBCU students stranded by virus rescued by Ford Fund with $55,763 for plane, bus tickets

Contact Phoebe Wall Howard: 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @phoebesaid

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bill Ford describes his workers' heroic acts during, after quake
FAITHFUL: The Diocese of Venice held a Eucharistic Congress and Youth Rally in Fort Myers on March 24-25 with more than 4,400 participating at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center. The Youth Rally included a candlelit Eucharistic Adoration and a keynote address by Father Timothy Anastos. The event culminated with a Eucharistic Procession and a Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Bishop Frank J. Dewane. The Venice diocese includes 61 parishes, 15 schools and serves 250,000 Catholics in 10 counties. Visit dioceseofvenice.org.

Bishop Dewane, Venice diocese celebrates annual Chrism Mass

The Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice, was joined by 132 priests and 66 deacons from across the diocese on April 4 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice for the annual Chrism Mass, one of the most important liturgies in the Catholic calendar.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane consecrates the Chrism Oil during the annual Chrism Mass on April 4 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

At the Chrism Mass, priests renewed their promises of ordination and Bishop Dewane consecrated the Chrism Oil that is used in the administration of sacraments at each parish throughout the year. Priests and deacons celebrating anniversary years were also recognized, including:

 60 years: Rev. Jerome Carosella, Rev. John Rourke.

 50 years: Rev. Richard York, Deacon Eugene Egendoerfer.

 25 years: Very Rev. Robert Kantor, Rev. Murchadh OMadagain, Rev. Jaroslaw Sniosek, Rev. Remigious Ssekiranda, Deacon Humberto Alvia, Deacon Riordan Ripperton, Deacon John Ruh.

Diocesan seminarians, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, the Sovereign Order of Malta, the Knights of Columbus, and the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women also were in attendance. For more information, visit dioceseofvenice.org.

Safe Children Coalition holds inaugural Giving Breakfast

The Safe Children Coalition recently presented its inaugural Giving Breakfast and honored four Champions for Children for contributions in the community: Michele Grimes of Williams Parker Attorneys at Law; Rick Oswald of CMSA Architects; and Bobbie and Floyd Price of Guardian Angels of SW Florida.

The Safe Children Coalition recently honored four Champions for Children at its inaugural Giving Breakfast. From left, SCC vice president Jacqueline House, honoree Michele Grimes, SCC president Brena Slater, and honorees Bobbie and Floyd Price and Rick Oswald.

SCC also announced plans for a new Youth Shelter to provide a safe place for homeless or unaccompanied teens. The capital campaign has been seeded with a $1 million leadership gift from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

The event, emceed by Joe Girvan of Alpert Enterprises, raised roughly $118,000 through sponsorships and a paddle raise. Sponsors included Sunset Automotive Group, Tandem Construction, M.E. Wilson, Barancik Foundation, CMSA Architects, Williams Parker Attorneys at Law, and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. For information on SCCs efforts to protect at-risk children and strengthen families, contact Jacqueline House at jhouse@sccfl.org or 941-225-6166.

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Fostering services for dogs needed by Manatee County

The Manatee County Animal Welfare Division is seeking volunteers to provide short- or long-term fostering services for dogs at the adoption center in Palmetto, where workers are currently providing care to 100-plus dogs.

"Reducing our kennel population through temporary fostering allows us to give dogs who are experiencing anxiety and kennel stress a break from the shelter and helps alleviate the workload of our team," volunteer coordinator Kerra Almy said. "We need help from as many members of our community as possible. Our population consists of large breed dogs. We do not have any small breed dogs available for foster currently."

All food and supplies will be provided. For a list of dogs that are available for fostering and adoption, visit mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/animal_services/adopt_a_pet. Volunteers to foster cats and kittens will also be needed. Contact Almy at 941-742-5933, ext. 8316, or Kerra.Almy@mymanatee.org for more information.

Conservation Foundation receives $59,000 FWC grant

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast recently received a $59,000 grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to help create a buffer of managed lands on the Conservation Foundations Upper Myakka Preserve, which borders Myakka River State Park.

The foundation manages Upper Myakka Preserve collaboratively with the FWC, MRSP, and the Wild and Scenic River Protection Program to improve wetland habitats throughout the Myakka River corridor. Funds from the FWC grant will support the foundations initiative to eradicate invasive plant species.

The Conservation Foundation also is working to restore the river shoreline and floodplain forests by planting thousands of native trees and wildflowers. To learn more about volunteer planting opportunities, visit conservationfoundation.com/myakkarestoration.

Around and about ...

"Writers on the Air," a community open-mic radio show on Tuesdays on WKDW 97.5 FM in North Port, is seeking volunteer techs. No experience necessary; training will be provided by the radio station, WKDW marketing volunteer Linda Schell said. The volunteer will be needed once every three weeks from 5-7:20 p.m. For information, contact Schell at Lschell2@verizon.net or 941-223-1262.

 The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is hosting USF Week Carnival on April 14, capping a week of events celebrating the universitys history and ties to the community. The carnival runs from 4-9 p.m. and will feature rides, games and food in the south parking lot at USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For details about USF Week events, visit usf.edu/usfweek.

Submissions by Karen Barry Schwarz, Sharon Kunkel, Letitia Latek, Sam Valentin, Linda Schell, Marc Masferrer.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Safe Children Coalition raises $118,000 at inaugural Giving Breakfast
An early 20th-century NAACP map showing lynchings between 1909 and 1918. The maps were sent to politicians and newspapers in an effort to spur legislation protecting Black Americans. Library of Congress

How can maps fight racism and inequality?

The work of the Black Panther Party, a 1960s- and 1970s-era Black political group featured in a new movie and a documentary, helps illustrate how cartography  the practice of making and using maps  can illuminate injustice.

As these films show, the Black Panthers focused on African American empowerment and community survival, running a diverse array of programming that ranged from free school breakfasts to armed self-defense.

Cartography is a less documented aspect of the Panthers activism, but the group used maps to reimagine the cities where African Americans lived and struggled.

In 1971 the Panthers collected 15,000 signatures on a petition to create new police districts in Berkeley, California  districts that would be governed by local citizen commissions and require officers to live in the neighborhoods they served. The proposal made it onto the ballot but was defeated.

In a similar effort to make law enforcement more responsive to communities of color, the Panthers in the late 1960s also created a map proposing to divide up police districts within San Francisco, largely along racial lines.

The Black Panthers proposed police districts for the city of San Francisco, created in 1966 or 1967. Ccarolson/FoundSF, CC BY-SA

The Black Panthers are just one chapter in a long history of counter-mapping by African Americans, which our research in geography explores. Counter-mapping refers to how groups normally excluded from political decision-making deploy maps and other geographic data to communicate complex information about inequality in an easy-to-understand visual format.

The power of maps

Maps are not ideologically neutral location guides. Mapmakers choose what to include and exclude, and how to display information to users.

These decisions can have far-reaching consequences. When the Home Owners Loan Corporation in the 1930s set out to map the risk associated for banks loaning money to individuals for homes in different neighborhoods, for example, they rated minority neighborhoods as high risk and color-coded them as red.

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The result, known as redlining, contributed to housing discrimination for three decades, until federal law banned such maps in 1968. Redlinings legacy is still evident in many American cities patterns of segregation.

Colonial explorers charting their journeys and city planners and developers pursuing urban renewal, too, have used cartography to represent the world in ways that further their own priorities. Often, the resulting maps exclude, misrepresent or harm minority groups. Academics and government officials do this, too.

Counter-maps produce an alternative public understanding of the facts by highlighting the experiences of oppressed people.

Black people arent the only marginalized group to do this. Indigenous communities, women, refugees and LGBTQ communities have also redrawn maps to account for their existence and rights.

But Black Americans were among the earliest purveyors of counter-mapping, deploying this alternative cartography to serve a variety of needs a century ago.

Black counter-mapping

Mapping is part of the broader Black creative tradition and political struggle.

Over the centuries, African Americans developed way-finding aids, including a Jim Crow-era travel guide, to help them navigate a racially hostile landscape and created visual works that affirmed the value of Black life.

The Black sociologist and civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois produced maps for the 1900 Paris Exposition to inform international society about the gains African Americans had made in income, education and land ownership since slavery and in face of continuing racism.

Similarly, in 1946, Friendship Press cartographer and illustrator Louise Jefferson published a pictorial map celebrating the contributions of African Americans  from famous writers and athletes to unnamed Black workers  in building the United States.

In the early 20th century, anti-lynching crusaders at the NAACP and Tuskegee Institute stirred public outcry by producing statistical reports that informed original hand-drawn maps showing the location and frequency of African Americans murdered by white lynch mobs.

One map, published in 1922 in the NAACPs magazine Crisis, placed dots on a standard map to document 3,456 lynchings over 32 years. The Southeast had the largest concentration. But the blots of shame, as mapmaker Madeline Allison called them, spanned the country from east to west and well into the north.

These visualizations, along with the underlying data, were sent to allied organizations like the citizen-led Commission on Interracial Cooperation, to newspapers nationwide and to elected officials of all parties and regions. The activists hoped to spur Congress to pass federal anti-lynching legislation  something that remains to this day unfinished business.

Civil rights activist Bayard Rustin organizing the 1963 March on Washington, an example of how existing maps can also be used in politically disruptive ways. AP Photo

Much anti-lynching cartography was inspired by the famed activist and reporter Ida B. Wells, who in the early 1880s made some of the first tabulations of the prevalence and geographic distribution of racial terror. Her work refuted prevailing white claims that lynched Black men had sexually assaulted white women.

Modern maps

The precariousness of Black life  and the exclusion of Black stories from American history  remains an unresolved issue today.

Working alone and with white allies, Black activists and scholars continue using cartography to tell a fuller story about the United States, to challenge racial segregation and to combat violence.

Today, the maps they create are often digital.

For example, the Equal Justice Initiative, the Alabama-based legal defense group run by Bryan Stevenson, has produced a modern map of historical lynching. Its an interactive update of the anti-lynching cartography made 100 years ago  although a full reconstruction of lynching terror remains impossible because of incomplete data and the veil of silence that persists around these murders.

The Equal Justice Initiatives map tells stories of people who were lynched. Screenshot, Equal Justice Initiative

Another modern mapping project, called Mapping Police Violence, was launched by data activists after Michael Browns murder in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. It tracks police use of force using a time-series animated map. Deaths and injuries flash across the screen and accumulate on the map of the United States, visually communicating the national scale and urgency of this problem.

Counter-mapping operates on the theory that communities and governments cannot fix problems that they do not understand. When Black counter-mapping exposes the how-and-where of racism, in accessible visual form, that information gains new power to spur social change.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts. Try our free newsletters.

It was written by: Derek H. Alderman, University of Tennessee and Joshua F.J. Inwood, Penn State.

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Derek H. Alderman receives funding from National Science Foundation and National Endowment for the Humanities.

Joshua F.J. Inwood receives funding from the National Science Foundation.
NANJING, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Saturday launched combat readiness patrol and military exercises around the Taiwan Island, which will last from April 8 to 10 Beijing time as scheduled.

The patrol and exercises take place in the maritime areas and airspace of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the island's east, said Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the command.

These operations serve as a stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence" and external forces and against their provocative activities, said Shi, adding that the operations are necessary for safeguarding China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. 
HANOI (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Vietnam next week, Senator Jeff Merkley told a news conference in Hanoi on Saturday, as part of Washington's efforts to move diplomatic relations with Hanoi on to a higher level this year.

Blinken's visit, which has not yet been officially announced, would come after U.S. President Joe Biden had a phone call last week with the chief of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong.

The United States is hoping to upgrade relations with Hanoi this year, ideally to coincide with the 10th anniversary in July of its comprehensive partnership with Vietnam.

"Next week the Secretary of State will be here," Senator Merkley told reporters during a visit to Vietnam by a delegation of U.S. lawmakers aimed at boosting relations with Hanoi.

Blinken is expected to visit Vietnam, likely on Saturday, before he heads to a meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries in Japan on April 16-18.

In the call, Biden and Trong agreed to boost ties, according to statements from both parties after their conversation, but no mention was made of a formal upgrade of relations.

Before the call, multiple analysts had said Vietnam was cautious about an upgrade this year fearing that could cause tensions with China.

Though it is Vietnam's biggest export market, the United States is currently ranked as a third-tier diplomatic partner for Hanoi. Its top tier consists of China, Russia, India and South Korea, while its second tier, which Washington wishes to join, includes European countries and Japan.

(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; Editing by Giles Elgood @fraguarascio)
With springtime, Texans turn watchful eyes to the sky for rising storm clouds or sudden shifts in winds. Thought tornadoes have occurred in all 50 states, Texas is part of the notorious Tornado Alley where the often-volatile mix of cool, dry air from the Rocky Mountains mixes with the warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico most commonly meet on the Great Plains to produce the violent storms.

Tornadoes have been observed in Texas for centuries. In fact, tornado is a Spanish word originating from the early Spanish explorers who saw the deadly twisting winds on the early frontier. Though they have been observed as long as people have trod on Texas soil, one of the earliest recorded tornado deaths in Texas was from an April 1885 outbreak that killed 60 people in the Waco area. Tornadoes have been reported in every region of the state and have been reported in each of the Lower 48 states.

Tornadoes are powerful, compact storms with swirling winds of up to 300 mph. It is these intense winds in the more powerful tornadoes that produce the more unusual stories of straw being flung into trees intact or cars or even trains being lifted up and carried long distances. Most tornadoes have weak winds and never touch the ground, but they can intensify suddenly and without warning. Some tornadoes can travel over a hundred miles before dissipating. In fact, a 1947 tornado formed in the Panhandle and tore through Oklahoma before dissolving in Kansas, leaving 181 dead in its wake. And in May 1970, a tornado outbreak in Lubbock left 26 people dead and damaged much of the central part of the city.

Tornadoes can form at any time of day or night, they are most common in the late afternoon. However, tornadoes at night have often been the most terrifying. In the years before weather warnings, radio, or storm sirens, communities had no way of knowing if a violent storm was approaching during the night and no way to prepare. Near midnight on May 30, 1909, the town of Zephyr in Brown County was wrecked by a tornado that left 34 dead.

One of the deadliest was in Goliad in May 1902. A tornado that day left 114 dead and nearly 300 injured. Equally as deadly was the disastrous May 11, 1953, tornado in Waco. The storm, measured at one-third of a mile wide, also claimed 114 lives and left nearly 600 injured as the tornado swept through the city, destroying 600 homes. In April 1927, a tornado in Rocksprings in South Texas destroyed all but 12 buildings in the city and killed 74. An April 1947 outbreak saw a tornado move from near Canadian to Glazier and Higgins in the Panhandle before moving into Oklahoma, leaving 181 dead.

One of the worst in Texas History struck Wichita Falls on the afternoon of April 10, 1979. The tornado formed northeast of Holliday in Archer County and raced to the city. The tornado was more than a mile wide as it wrecked a school and a shopping center in the south side of the city, leaving 42 dead and more than 1,700 injured. More than 3,000 homes were destroyed. What came to be called Terrible Tuesday haunted the city for years afterward.

Tornadoes are most common in the span of April through June. In fact, each May will see an average of 100 tornadoes erupting in the state. If the conditions are right, they can appear any time during the year, from the Gulf Coast to West Texas. A February 1935 tornado hit the East Texas counties of Leon and Houston, leaving 12 dead in its wake. In January 1946, a deadly tornado hit rural Anderson County, leaving 15 dead.

Since the end of World War II, technological advances have steadily improved understanding of how and when tornadoes form. Use of radar combined with observations of wind, humidity, and air pressure associated with storm activity greatly advanced weather forecasting techniques. Looking at the success of Air Force weathermen in issuing a tornado watch in 1948 to save lives, prompted the warning system to be adopted everywhere. By the late 1980s, extensive research into tornadoes and new radar systems prompted the National Weather Service to establish a system of Doppler radar towers to monitor the weather. By the mid-1990s, a network of improved Doppler radar sites had been set up across the nation, carefully scanning each storm and relaying that information to the media, to the public, and to government agencies. Better computer systems allowed forecasters to scan these storms for rotation that would indicate tornado formation. Meteorologists can now have a warning of up to 15 minutes that one may be forming. Because of these developments, better warning systems, and better storm shelters, fatalities from tornadoes have plummeted since the 1950s. Tornado drills have been regular features in schools across the South for decades.

In spite of our advances in technology and more sophisticated warning systems, we are still at the mercy of nature. With each storm, neighbors would always come together and rebuild, determined not to let disaster be the end. Though tornadoes can appear with little warning, careful attention to weather forecasts, preparation, and modern technology can save lives.

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: Bridges: Texas' history in 'Tornado Alley'
"Never," Manzo said of returning to a Bravo series after an alleged incident occurred with Brandi Glanville while filming season 4 of Peacock's The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip

Santiago Felipe/Getty

Caroline Manzo is swearing off the Real Housewives franchise for good.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum, 61, appeared on Tamra Judge and Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave's Two Ts in a Pod podcast Friday, where she spoke about staying away from various Bravo series following an incident on season 4 of Peacock's The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, where fellow cast member Brandi Glanville allegedly kissed Manzo repeatedly without her consent, ultimately leading to both of them departing the series early.

When asked if she would ever return for another iteration of the Girls Trip series, where Housewives from various franchises embark on a trip together, Manzo replied with a simple response: "Never."

As she was then pressed about making a return to RHONJ instead, Manzo repeated her response, though she hinted at what it would've taken for her to return to the series. "I know over the years, multiple times I've been asked, this last season being one of them," she said.

Added Manzo: "It was something that I was done with, and happy to be done with, and I walked away for a reason. ... For me to go back, it would have to be a number that was financially irresponsible to walk away from."

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Astrid Stawiarz/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images Caroline Manzo in November 2019

Manzo had initially appeared on the first five RHONJ seasons before exiting.

She later returned to the Real Housewives universe for RHUGT's fourth season alongside Vicki Gunvalson, Eva Marcille, Phaedra Parks, Camille Meyer, Alex McCord and Gretchen Rossi, before the alleged incident with Glanville, 50, took place shortly into the group's stay in Morocco and caused her to leave early.

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Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty; Santiago Felipe/Getty Brandi Glanville and Caroline Manzo

On the latest Two Ts in a Pod episode, Manzo detailed that she hasn't spoken to Glanville since filming, and noted that the investigation into the reported ordeal between the two stars is now over.

When asked her reaction to a recent tweet from Glanville, where she spoke out about the alleged incident, Manzo said the entire thing was "very traumatic" and expressed her disappointment in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum. "This is a really large onion with a lot of large layers, and I guess it'll play out," she said, then adding of Glanville's tweet: "That statement's disappointing to me."

RELATED VIDEO: Brandi Glanville and Caroline Manzo Exited 'Ultimate Girls Trip' Early After 'Unwanted' Kisses

Manzo's latest comments come about after the reality star spoke publicly after her early RHUGT departure while promoting her Food, Love, and Chaos cooking show on New York Live last month.

"I can't say much, only because it's not good for my headspace, but it took a lot for me to go back [on a Housewives show]," Manzo said. "[I was] going back with the best of intentions, with the highest of hopes, to do something fun. Unfortunately, it didn't work out for me that way."

"I came home early," she continued. "And at this point, I just truly don't have the space in my head to talk about it. So, I'd rather not, but I would imagine it would unfold on the series when it airs and there'll be a lot said then."

Glanville has since denied the claims in a statement shared with PEOPLE. "Brandi has been prohibited from sharing her side of the story and in turn, people have only heard unsubstantiated versions," a rep for Glanville said. "Brandi maintains her innocence and vehemently denies any wrongdoing."

Though it's not certain when season 4 of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip will air, season 3 is currently airing on Peacock, where all episodes of RHUGT can be streamed.

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About 25 protesters gathered outside the Stanislaus County District Attorneys Office on Friday to call for criminal charges against a former sheriffs deputy involved in a fatal crash in January 2022.

Eric Fulmer was driving a department-issued vehicle 121 mph in the fog on the way to an emergency call just before he broadsided the vehicle driven by Saul Betancourt.

Betancourt, 21, died at the scene. Maria Prado, his passenger and the mother of his child, was seriously injured. Fulmer also was seriously injured.

Though the California Highway Patrol, which investigated the crash, found Fulmer primarily responsible for the crash, District Attorney Jeff Laugero has declined to file vehicular manslaughter charges against him.

We are here trying to change his mind, Betancourts sister Maria Madrigal said. If it doesnt happen today, we will just be back. We are not going to stop. My brother, he deserves justice.

Family and friends of Saul Betancourt, including his sister Maria Madrigal, right, and Luis Servin, middle, protest outside the Stanislaus County District Attorneys Office in Modesto, Calif., Friday, April 7, 2023. About 25 protesters gathered outside the Stanislaus County DAs Office on Friday to demand criminal charges against a former sheriffs deputy involved in a fatal crash in January 2022.

Protesters held signs with pronouncements such as, 121 mph is reckless driving, Stop protecting him and Eric Fulmer swore to protect the public & didnt.

Madrigal said she organized the protest with the help of Darlene Ruiz, the mother of Trevor Seever, who was fatally shot by former Modesto police Officer Joseph Lamantia.

Its important to me that other impacted families have support, Ruiz said.

She held similar protests outside the DAs office before Lamantia was fired and charged with voluntary manslaughter. His case is pending.

Ruiz said that when the former district attorney, Birgit Fladager, made the decision to charge Lamantia, she told her that she had heard her protesting outside her office.

CHP: Fulmer primarily at fault

The CHP put Fulmer primarily at fault for the collision due to the traffic conditions and limited visibility.

Betancourts action, rolling the stop at 6 mph at an intersection where Fulmer had no stop sign, was an associated factor in the collision, according to the report.

Using video from an officers body camera and a patrol car camera, the CHP calculated that visibility was between 350 and 425 feet. Using crash reconstruction software, investigators estimated that a safe speed for the limited visibility would have been 64 to 72 mph.

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As Betancourt was pulling into the intersection, Fulmers Nissan was approximately 392 feet away and most likely not visible to Betancourt, according to the CHP report.

Under California law, authorized emergency vehicles are exempt from certain vehicle code laws, like speeding, when they are being used to respond to an emergency call. Fulmer had activated the Nissans lights and siren.

But the law states that the driver is not relieved of the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway, nor protect him from the consequences of an arbitrary exercise of the privileges.

Why the DA says he didnt charge

Regarding his decision not to file charges, Laugero previously cited several witness reports that contradicted the CHPs calculations of visibility that day; Betancourts associated actions of rolling the stop sign; and the hurdle of overcoming the emergency vehicle exemption, which has no specific language of what due regard is as it relates to speed and weather conditions.

On Friday, Laugero told The Bee in a text, I appreciate and understand what (protesters) are asking for, but in the absence of new evidence, we still cannot meet our burden of proof.

Fulmer, whod worked at the Sheriffs Office for 10 years, was fired March 29, following the conclusion of an internal investigation.

Betancourts family has said it is pleased Fulmer was fired but its not enough.

Madrigal said her brother was a funny, outdoorsy man who enjoyed fishing and swimming at area rivers. She said he and his family were at the river every weekend the summer before his death.

More than anything, Madrigal said Betancourt loved being a father to his daughter, Yahaira.

He was a young father but he loved his daughter so much, Madrigal said.

Yahaira was only 2 when her father died but Madrigal said he is alive in her memories. She tells us that hes playing with her, Madrigal said.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A Nevada judge has thrown out a drug trafficking charge against a former Dances With Wolves actor but upheld a Las Vegas grand jurys sweeping indictment on 18 sexual abuse-related felony crimes.

In an order issued late Friday afternoon, Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny said state prosecutors presented enough evidence for "a reasonable grand juror to conclude that the sexual assaults occurred" but found that there was no substantive testimony connecting Nathan Chasing Horse to the psilocybin mushrooms investigators found while searching his home.

Chasing Horse, 46, had asked Kierny to toss the entire indictment, saying his accusers wanted to have sex with him. One of the women was younger than 16  the age of consent in Nevada  when she says Chasing Horse began abusing her.

Public defender Kristy Holston said she had no comment on the judges ruling.

Chasing Horse was indicted in February on charges of sexual assault of a minor, kidnapping, child abuse, lewdness and drug trafficking. He has been held on $300,000 bail at a county jail since Jan. 31, when he was arrested by SWAT officers near the home he shared with his five wives in North Las Vegas.

His arrest sent shockwaves throughout Indian Country and led to more criminal charges in at least three other jurisdictions, including in Canada and the U.S. District Court in Nevada, as well as on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana.

Chasing Horse was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota  home to the Sicangu Sioux, one of the seven tribes of the Lakota nation  and is widely known for his portrayal of Smiles a Lot in Kevin Costner's 1990 film.

Police and prosecutors have said that in the decades since appearing in the Oscar-winning movie, Chasing Horse had marketed himself to tribes nationwide as a medicine man with healing powers who could communicate with higher beings. They accuse him of using his position to lead a cult known as The Circle, gain access to vulnerable girls and women, and take underage wives.

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The alleged crimes date to the early 2000s and cross multiple U.S. states, including Nevada, Montana and South Dakota, according to his indictment in state court.

One of the victims was 14, authorities have said, when Chasing Horse told her that the spirits of their ancestors had instructed him to have sex with her.

Her mom is ill, Clark County prosecutor Stacy Kollins said in court Wednesday, and shes told that her virginity is the only pure part of her left and she has to sacrifice this to maintain her moms health.

Kollins also declined to comment Friday on the judge's decision.

A trial in the state case is scheduled to begin on May 1. Chasing Horse has pleaded not guilty and invoked his right to a trial within 60 days of his indictment.

He is due back in court next week for a hearing on another motion asking the judge to grant him separate trials. Chasing Horse and his attorneys argued in the motion that his accusers' allegations are unrelated.
Have you ever heard of check washing fraud? It's a simple yet clever scam that criminals will use to steal money that is rightfully yours, and they typically get away with it.

Here's how to avoid this scam from happening to you.

Check washing fraud is when important information is removed from an original check and new information is added on. Typically, a scammer will use some sort of acetone solution like nail polish remover to carefully remove the information on the check. They then will use the same type of ink that was originally used on the check, and if it looks close enough to the original handwriting, it will typically be cleared.

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Here's what to know about the dangers of check washing fraud.

This allows the scammer to get the money that was supposed to belong to you, and you are left waiting weeks for your money to come. The worst part is you do not have to be super skilled to make this type of fraud successful. However, there are numerous ways to prevent this from happening to you if you follow the steps below.

The main way to avoid check washing is to try to pay online with a credit card whenever you can and avoid using checks altogether. Many services will have an online system for paying, so you're better off using that option. If you do have to pay via check, see if there is a "bill pay" option. This will mean that the information will be printed onto a check and a scammer will not be able to remove the information.

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If writing a check is the only form of payment you can make for a specific service, make sure you're using a black gel pen. These types of pens have ink that can rarely be removed, which would be a serious issue for a scammer.

You should also be cautious of the steps you're taking to mail a check. The safest place for you to mail a check would be the post office. However, if you do not have time to get there and can only mail from your home, just make sure that you're never leaving a check in the mail overnight. This would give a criminal plenty of time to snatch it before your mail person can even get to it.

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DID YOU ACCIDENTALLY DELETE THAT SENTIMENTAL TEXT MESSAGE

If you're expecting a check to come for you in the mail and you know that you won't be there to retrieve it, you can arrange for your mail to be held via the USPS Mobile app. The app is available for both iOS and Android phones. If you are outside the U.S., you can call your post office and let it know you will be out of town, and they will assist you. You can either arrange for your check to be delivered to you the following business day after you're home or go pick it up at your post office.

If you think you've become the victim of a scam, contact the Better Business Bureau. You can file a complaint with them 24/7. Besides the BBB, you can also use IdentityTheft.org or call 877-438-4338 if you feel that your identity has been stolen or misused.

Go here for more information on personal security.

Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

One of the best parts of using my No. 1 pick includes identity theft insurance of up to 1 million dollars to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses.

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft by visiting CyberGuy.com/IdentityTheft.

Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
child running toward factory Getty Images / Shannon Ramos / EyeEm

Should America's kids be sent to work? NBC News reports that Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) have sent letters to the CEOs of 27 companies asking about their compliance with the nation's child labor laws  a query that comes after federal reports of a 69 percent increase in the number of kids found working in violation of those rules. The letters went to high-profile companies including General Mills, J. Crew, and Target.

But the inquiry comes as state-level lawmakers across the country "are invoking a widespread labor shortage to push bills that would weaken long-standing child labor laws," Axios reports. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) in March signed a bill loosening her state's barriers to child labor, allowing teens as young as 14 to work without obtaining special permits. "The governor believes protecting kids is most important, but this permit was an arbitrary burden on parents to get permission from the government for their child to get a job," said a spokesperson for Sanders.

That effort has generated a pushback of its own, The Guardian reports. "It's just crazy to me that we are re-litigating a lot of things that seem to have been settled 100, 120 or 140 years ago," says Charlie Wishman, president of the Iowa AFL-CIO, adding: "Child labor law is there to make sure that kids are working in age-appropriate work activities or occupations that are appropriate for their age."

What are commentators saying?

It's easy to see why employers like young workers, Jessica Martinez and Marcy Goldstein-Gelb write at The Progressive. "With less information, less power, and fewer options, they are easier to exploit." There are good reasons to keep kids out of the workplace: They're more prone to injury, and they usually end up falling behind in their education as well. That means it is urgent "to enforce the child labor laws that already exist and push back forcefully against any attempts to weaken them."

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"Most successful adults began working as teenagers," the Washington Examiner editorializes. Those youngsters learned valuable life lessons about how to "work, earn, and be responsible for making their own way in life." Today's teenagers, meanwhile, spend too much time on social media while doing "too little growing up." Working lets them share in their responsibility to pay for college, and can even let them get a head start on saving for retirement. But ultimately, the question is one of parents' rights: "If parents believe their 14-year-old is ready to work a part-time job, the government has no business intervening."

But the debate isn't really about teens, Helaine Olen writes at The Washington Post. "It is part of an ongoing campaign to roll back worker protections. While child labor advocates are "draping their appeals in the language of parental rights" that's actually disingenuous: The real goal is to reduce wages for employers under the guise of expanding opportunities. The result hurts young people. "We should  if anything  be putting tighter curbs on employing high school students."

What's next?

Iowa may be the next battleground. Legislators there are considering a bill that would let teens participate in "work-based learning programs" that let them "work hazardous jobs, such as in meat packing factories and mines," Siouxland News reports. The bill would also expand the hours teens can work  from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  and allow 16- and 17-year-olds to serve alcohol with a parent's permission. The Des Moines Register reports the effort has the support of 50 percent of Iowans.

If states do relax their child labor laws there are some safeguards still in place. "States will still have to comply with federal regulations, which sets standards for the types of jobs minors can work," Axios points out. But critics are skeptical. "Relying on the federal system to protect children from exploitative work is a dubious proposition," Ellen Ioanes writes at Vox. Recent reports of child labor law violations suggest "the federal system has failed the most vulnerable children."

Using child labor may not always be a winning proposition for big companies. NBC News reports that PSSI, a slaughterhouse cleaning company that was found illegally employing 100 children in dangerous jobs, recently hired a new CEO and launched a $10 million fund to fight  child labor. The company says it did not knowingly hire the kids, but says: "Regardless of the reason [the violations] occurred, however, it is our responsibility to fix the problem."

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Thanks to decades of scientific advances, we have the ability to save the lives of infants born months prematurely, prevent infectious diseases and effectively treat previously fatal conditions such as diabetes, leukemia and HIV/AIDS.

We lay infants to sleep safely on their backs, buckle children into crash-tested carseats and make them wear helmets when they ride their bikes. We have the knowledge, the technology and the resources in this country to protect kids better than ever before. A graph of child mortality in the U.S. should show a line steadily approaching zero.

But it doesnt. Instead, that line ticks up. A recent analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) of all-cause child mortality data from 1999 to 2021 reveals that deaths in the 1-19 age group rose 10.7% from 2019 to 2020, and again by 8.3% from 2020 to 2021. These increases are the largest in decades, and they reverse what was previously a downward trend.

Our stance, based on archival data, is that the last time an increase occurred of this magnitude for two consecutive years might have been as long ago as the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, Dr. Steven H. Woolf of Virginia Commonwealth University, one of the authors of the JAMA paper, told HuffPost.

There was also a surge in the death rate of older adults in 2020, caused by the coronavirus pandemic. But COVID-19 does not account for the rise in pediatric deaths.

The number of children who died of COVID was very low, and though the pandemic was global, the rise in child mortality was not.

Rising death rates in children and teens is not happening in other countries. This is all an American phenomenon, Woolf said.

What are we doing differently here? And, more critically, what can we do to reverse course?

What are the primary causes of death in children and adolescents?

Of the hundreds and hundreds of causes of death that we study in children and adolescents, Woolf said, weve made tremendous progress for most of those major conditions.

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Injury, not disease, is behind the recent rise in deaths.

We identified four causes of death that seemed to be the main drivers of this trend: suicide, homicide, drug overdoses and car accidents, Woolf said.

None of these is a natural cause, meaning that each one of those deaths could have been prevented.

Which children are most at risk?

Not all children in this country face the same risk of death from the four causes named above. Boys and older children and teens (ages 10 to 19) are more likely to die overall.

There are also significant differences in the death rates of different racial groups from each of the major causes.

Drug overdose deaths are highest in white children, generally speaking; car crash accidents [are] highest in Native American young people; and the homicide rates [are] markedly higher in African American youth, Woolf said.

These racial disparities predate the uptick in child mortality, but most have held strong in recent years. One exception is deaths from drug overdoses, which have historically been higher among white children. Woolf and his co-authors found that, in 2020, overdose deaths among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic youth reached equivalency with those among their white peers.

The difference in homicide deaths is stark. Non-Hispanic Black youth accounted for 62.9% of homicide victims ages 10 to 19 years, although they comprise 14% of the population of this age group.

When compounded by gender, the difference in risk is even more astonishing. Woolf and his co-authors found that a 10- to 19-year-old Black male is 61 times as likely to be killed in a homicide than a non-Hispanic white female in the same age category.

The reasons why gun violence is more concentrated in low-income communities and communities of color is not an accident, Woolf said. There is not always recognition of the role that society has played in choking off economic resources and segregating these communities and creating very difficult conditions that foster hopelessness in young people, and thats a fuel that feeds these kinds of problems.

Woolf said that some have criticized the paper for grouping 19-year-olds with young children in this analysis. He pointed out that these are the standard age categories that demographers use when analyzing deaths.

What role do firearms play?

In these rising homicide deaths, the weapon is almost always a gun. Guns are also the cause of almost half of suicide deaths in young people ages 10 to 19.

Of youth gun deaths, about two-thirds are homicides and one-third are suicides, Sarah Burd Sharps, senior director of research at Everytown for Gun Safety, told HuffPost.

In 2020, shootings overtook car accidents as the number one cause of death for U.S. children and teens.

Only in the U.S. are guns the leading killer of children because only in the U.S. do we allow such easy access for children and teens to guns, Burd Sharps said.

When it comes to suicide attempts, those involving guns are uniquely lethal, she added. According to Everytown, 90% of suicide attempts with guns are fatal. Of those not involving guns, only 4% are fatal. This means that if the rate of attempted suicides didnt change but access to guns did, the number of suicide deaths would plummet.

But gun ownership and gun suicides are both going up dramatically. Everytown reports that the firearm suicide rate for kids ages 10 to 14 in 2020 rose 31% from 2019. This rate has increased 146% from 2011 to 2020.

Gun sales spiked during the early months of the pandemic, with 1 in 5 American households purchasing a firearm from March 2020 to March 2022. Five percent of U.S. adults became gun owners during this time.

Though there is a dire need for greater access to culturally competent mental health care, Burd Sharps said, what makes most of these deaths immediately preventable is ensuring that children cant access firearms in the first place.

Where does mental health fit into the picture?

Americans of all ages have been struggling more with mental health issues in recent years, and the stress of the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated issues such as depression and opioid addiction.

Suicides in youth ages 10 to 19 have been going up since 2007, Woolf pointed out, a reflection of a much larger mental health crisis, as suicide deaths represent a relatively small number of those suffering emotionally.

The increase in youth deaths correlates with an overall increase in deaths in adults ages 25 to 64, which Woolf says has been happening since 2010.

Again, he added, thats not happening in other countries. But its happening here.

Though we cant isolate which of many potential factors are causing this mental health crisis, we can see the enormity of its effect.

Woolf thinks the data offers another reminder, to parents, families, schools and communities, to give more attention to the mental health of our children... to be more tuned in to how our children are coping with these challenges.

Our mental health care system, he says, was declining before the pandemic began and has taken a hit over the last several years. The situation is particularly dire in rural areas. A related problem, the opioid epidemic, is also causing huge numbers of American deaths, and ingestions of opioids such as fentanyl are responsible for many of the pediatric deaths categorized as poisonings.

Woolf also noted that politicians who are quick to blame an individual shooters mental illness for an incidence of violence often arent the ones asking for more spending on mental health care. Its a talking point but not necessarily a policy, he said.

Politicians often create this sort of false dichotomy, he added. Its clearly both. I think the policy strategy has to be multifaceted.

What policies could reverse this trend?

There are some simple things that can be done to protect children from guns that I think most gun owners would find reasonable, Woolf said.

Burd Sharps mentioned child access prevention laws, which can vary in the level of protection they offer. Oregon, for example, has a safe storage law that requires gun owners to secure firearms so that they cannot be accessed by minors.

Gun dealers in Oregon must prominently place the following warning where customers can see: The purchaser of a firearm has an obligation to store firearms in a safe manner and to prevent unsupervised access to a firearm by a minor. If a minor or unauthorized person obtains access to a firearm and the owner failed to store the firearm in a safe manner, the owner may be in violation of the law.

Burd Sharps said that such laws have been shown to reduce youth suicides, school shootings and unintentional shootings by children. The unintentional shootings, she explained, happen in this country nearly once every day. Nearly one time every day, a child somewhere in the United States, under 17 but often 2, 3, 4 and 5 years old, gets their hands on a gun and unintentionally shoots themselves or someone else.

Locking a gun securely and separately from ammunition prevents these tragedies, she added.

Other policies that would reduce gun deaths among children include, among many others, bans on high-capacity magazines, tighter age restrictions on gun purchases and anything that would reduce the number of firearms in circulation.

In addition, Burd Sharps suggested that parents ask about the presence of firearms and their proper storage in any home their children spend time in, before visits with relatives or playdates.

Finally, she emphasized that it is on us as the adults to keep our children safe from firearms.

Its not the childs responsibility, she said, noting that studies have shown that even when taught not to touch firearms, children will do so anyway.

Incidents of gun violence have reverberations far beyond the kid struck by a bullet. Its shaping the lives of the kids who witnessed that shot, who live in fear of the next shooting, Burd Sharps said.

Related...
By Josh Arslan, Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard

FUZHOU, China/TAIPEI (Reuters) -Seventy-one Chinese military aircraft crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait on Saturday as China began drills around Taiwan in anger at President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The three-day drills, announced the day after Tsai returned from the United States, had been widely expected after Beijing condemned her Wednesday meeting with Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan's government strongly objects to China's claims.

Beijing's announcement also came just hours after China hosted a visit by senior European leaders.

The People's Liberation Army said it had started the combat readiness patrols and "Joint Sword" exercises around Taiwan, having said earlier it would be holding them in the Taiwan Strait and to the north, south and east of Taiwan "as planned".

"This is a serious warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces' collusion and provocation, and it is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Chinese army's Eastern Theatre Command said in a statement.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said as of 4 p.m. (0800 GMT) on Saturday it spotted 71 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, crossing the median line that normally serves as an unofficial barrier between the two sides, as well as nine Chinese ships.

China was using Tsai's U.S. visit "as an excuse to carry out military exercises, which has seriously damaged regional peace, stability and security", the ministry said in a statement.

"The military will respond with a calm, rational and serious attitude, and will stand guard and monitor in accordance with the principles of 'not escalating nor disputes' to defend national sovereignty and national security."

Story continues

Chinese state television released what it said was footage of the drills, set to stirring martial music and showing warships at sea and mobile missile launchers being readied, though did not show missiles being fired. It said fighter aircraft went up armed with live weapons.

Reuters could not establish when or where the material was shot.

SITUATION 'AS EXPECTED'

There was no broader sense of alarm in Taiwan about the drills, where people are long accustomed to Chinese threats.

China had threatened unspecified retaliation if the meeting with McCarthy - second in line to succeed the U.S. president, after the vice president - were to take place. Beijing staged war games around Taiwan, including live-fire missile launches, in August after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei.

A senior Taiwan official familiar with security planning in the region told Reuters the aircraft involved in the morning missions had only crossed the median line briefly.

The situation was "as expected" and manageable, and Taiwan's government has rehearsed various scenarios for its response, the person said on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

Reuters reporters in a seaside area near Fuzhou, opposite the Taiwan-controlled Matsu islands, saw a Chinese warship firing shells onto a drill area on China's coast, part of drills announced by China late on Friday.

Writing on her Facebook page, Tsai said she was briefed about the security situation and that the military was at its post around the clock.

"Taiwan will stand with all democracy-loving partners in the world and jointly assume the responsibility of ensuring regional stability and prosperity," she added.

Tsai has repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rebuffed as the government views her as a separatist. She says only Taiwan's people can decide their future.

The People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party, said in a commentary on Saturday that the government has "a strong ability to thwart any form of Taiwan independence secession".

"All countermeasures taken by the Chinese government belong to China's legitimate and legal right to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said.

DIPLOMACY AND DRILLS

Unlike in August, China has yet to announce whether it will also stage missile drills. When China announced the previous drills, it published a map showing which maritime areas near Taiwan it would be firing into.

The security source said April is when China typically carries out military exercises.

Taiwanese officials had expected a less severe reaction to the McCarthy meeting, given it took place in the United States, but they had said they could not rule out the possibility of China staging more drills.

China's announcement came hours after French President Emmanuel Macron left China, where he met President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders. Macron urged Beijing to talk sense to Russia over the war in Ukraine.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen, also in China this week to meet Xi, said stability in the Taiwan Strait was of paramount importance.

Xi responded by saying that expecting China to compromise on Taiwan was "wishful thinking", according to China's official reading of the meeting.

China's defence ministry, alongside the announcement of the drills around Taiwan also showed pictures on its home page of Xi meeting Macron and von der Leyen.

The Taiwan security source said China's recent efforts to charm foreign leaders proved in vain after the announcement of the drills.

"Upon the announcement of drills in the strait, all those efforts have vanished overnight and become a wasted effort."

(Reporting by Josh Arslan in Fuzhou, China, and Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Diane Craft, William Mallard, Toby Chopra and Tomasz Janowski)
China sent warships and dozens of fighter jets toward Taiwan Saturday in retaliation for a meeting between the president of the self-ruled island democracy and U.S. House speaker earlier this week, according to the Taiwanese government.

Taiwans Ministry of Defense said eight warships and 71 planes were detected near the island Saturday, 45 of which were flown across the strait that separates it from the mainland.

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The Chinese military announced the beginning of three-day combat readiness patrols as a warning to those who want to make Taiwans de facto independence permanent. However, China didnt indicate whether that would include a repeat of previous exercises of missiles fired into the sea, which disrupted shipping and airline flights.

China previously threatened resolute countermeasures over a meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., during one of her stopovers in the U.S. on her recent 10-day trip. Beijing condemned the meeting and demanded that no U.S. officials meet with her.

Why is China retaliating?

China has repeatedly laid claim to Taiwan, despite Taiwan maintaining its own democratic system of government since the two split after a 1949 civil war. However, the ruling Communist party maintains its position that the island is obliged to rejoin China, including by force if necessary.

The Chinese government says the islands contact with foreign officials encourages those who want formal independence, a step Beijing says would lead to war.

This is a serious warning against the collusion and provocation between the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces, the Peoples Liberation Army said in a statement, also arguing that the exercises defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

US Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (L) and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, on April 5, 2023.

How important is US-Taiwan relations?

The U.S. maintains the longstanding one China policy, which acknowledges Beijings claim of Taiwan as their territory but doesnt endorse the claim. However, the U.S. remains an important military and defense assistance provider for Taiwan.

Story continues

While the U.S. has no official ties with Taiwan, it maintains widespread informal and commercial relations that would require the U.S. to intervene if China attacks the island. Federal law requires Washington to ensure Taiwan has the means to defend itself from Beijing.

We are monitoring Beijings actions closely, a senior Biden administration official told USA TODAY. As we have said, there is no reason for Beijing to turn this transit  which was consistent with longstanding U.S. practice and policy  into something it is not or use it as pretext to overreact.

More: Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy visit draws Chinese threats

National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby told reporters Wednesday that China had no reason to overreact over Tsais meeting with McCarthy, noting that the Taiwanese leader was not meeting with any administration officials, nothings changed about our policies with respect to Taiwan.

Ratcheting up tensions between US-China

The meeting between Tsai and McCarthy is just the latest to further intensify tensions between already strained U.S.-China relations, which has fallen to their lowest point in decades.

Issues of Taiwans status, security, technology and Chinas treatment of Hong Kong and Muslim ethnic minorities have contributed to the strained relations between the two countries.

Related: Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan, angering China, which warns she's 'playing with fire'

A visit to Taiwan by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., last August also escalated tensions between Washington and Beijing as it was the first official trip to the island by a House speaker in 25 years.

Minutes after Pelosi landed, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, condemning her visit as a serious violation of the one-China principle and accusing the U.S. of emboldening separatist forces.

Contributing: Michael Collins and The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chinese military conducts exercises near Taiwan after leader visits US
Members of the Chinese medical team pose for a group photo at the Rhamna Provincial Central Hospital in Ben Guerir, Morocco, Feb. 26, 2023. "I'm a living example among the thousands of cases saved by Chinese doctors in Morocco," Rachidi Imane, a Moroccan doctor, recalled how she was saved upon birth by a Chinese doctor 42 years ago. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

by Xinhua writers Xu Supei, Wang Hao

RABAT, April 8 (Xinhua) -- "I'm a living example among the thousands of cases saved by Chinese doctors in Morocco," Rachidi Imane, a Moroccan doctor, recalled how she was saved upon birth by a Chinese doctor 42 years ago.

On Oct. 21, 1981, Imane's pregnant mother was rushed to a local hospital in the northern Moroccan city of Taza, as she encountered a rarely complicated childbirth marked by macrosomia and face presentation, which threatened the lives of both the mother and baby.

A Chinese obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) at the hospital diagnosed her with fetal distress and quickly decided to perform a Cesarean section on the mother, saving her and the baby, who was named Imane.

"If it were not for the timely and skillful surgery by the Chinese doctor, my mother and I would have died that day, and I would not have had the chance to become an OB-GYN just like her," Imane told Xinhua.

Inspired by her own birth story, Imane grew up to become an OB-GYN doctor herself, and worked with the Chinese doctors sent from China to help Morocco deal with the shortage of doctors.

Imane has a deep personal bond with China, not only because of her birth story, but also of the daily collaboration with Chinese colleagues in the Rhamna Provincial Central Hospital in the Moroccan town of Ben Guerir, around 180 km south of Casablanca.

Until now, Morocco is still facing a shortage of medical personnel, not to mention 42 years ago when the health care system was far worse. Since 1975, a total of 1944 Chinese medical personnel from Shanghai have been dispatched to Morocco. The Chinese doctors have so far treated a total of about 5.78 million outpatients and emergency cases, and 800,000 inpatients.

Currently, 78 Chinese medical staff are working in Morocco, providing free medical services to Moroccans in remote areas short of doctors and medicines, including Mohammodia, Rachidia, Taza, Chefchaouen, Agadir, Meknes, Ben Guerir and Settat.

Achibet Mostafa, dean of the Hassan II Hospital of Settat who has been working with Chinese medical teams for 30 years, said that "a shortage of medical personnel remains a critical problem we must overcome."

He praised China for sending doctors to Morocco over the past decades, because it is "more important than providing the aid of material resources."

When the 194th Chinese medical team arrived at Ben Guerir in November 2021, Imane quickly got to know the newcomers and became good friends with them.

"Doctor Zhang Qian and I are more than colleagues. She is my friend and my sister. We recommend cosmetics brands to each other, exchange beauty tips, and I teach her how to dress in Moroccan clothes," she said.

Imane was also touched by Zhang's kindness and generosity. When Imane was on shift, Zhang often brings her food and covers her shift during meal times or when Imane is on sick leave.

By working together harmoniously, Moroccan and Chinese doctors learned a lot from each other.

"The Chinese colleagues generously share their medical knowledge and skills with us. It is truly a stroke of luck for me to have the opportunity to learn these without having to study in China," Imane said.

Nasser Bouchiba, president of the Africa-China Cooperation Association for Development in Morocco, lauded the Chinese medical teams for providing timely help to Morocco from the beginning.

"African countries like Morocco were badly short of talent when they were grappling with the national reconstruction following the colonial era. The Chinese doctors ... undeniably played a significant role in providing essential medical aid to our underserved regions," said Bouchiba.

"Chinese doctors are our best teachers. I hope more Chinese doctors will come to help us in the future," Imane said. Enditem

(Yang Yiran and Sui Xiankai contributed to the story.)

Moroccan doctor Rachidi Imane poses for a photo at an operating room of the Rhamna Provincial Central Hospital in Ben Guerir, Morocco, Feb. 26, 2023. "I'm a living example among the thousands of cases saved by Chinese doctors in Morocco," Rachidi Imane, a Moroccan doctor, recalled how she was saved upon birth by a Chinese doctor 42 years ago. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Moroccan doctor Rachidi Imane works at the Rhamna Provincial Central Hospital in Ben Guerir, Morocco, Feb. 26, 2023. "I'm a living example among the thousands of cases saved by Chinese doctors in Morocco," Rachidi Imane, a Moroccan doctor, recalled how she was saved upon birth by a Chinese doctor 42 years ago. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Chinese doctor Yin Hongli (2nd L) poses for a group photo with local women and their babies at the Rhamna Provincial Central Hospital in Ben Guerir, Morocco, Feb. 26, 2023. "I'm a living example among the thousands of cases saved by Chinese doctors in Morocco," Rachidi Imane, a Moroccan doctor, recalled how she was saved upon birth by a Chinese doctor 42 years ago. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Chinese doctor Yin Hongli (R) checks a newborn at the Rhamna Provincial Central Hospital in Ben Guerir, Morocco, Feb. 26, 2023. "I'm a living example among the thousands of cases saved by Chinese doctors in Morocco," Rachidi Imane, a Moroccan doctor, recalled how she was saved upon birth by a Chinese doctor 42 years ago. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Moroccan doctor Rachidi Imane (R) speaks with Chinese doctor Zhang Qian outside an operating room at the Rhamna Provincial Central Hospital in Ben Guerir, Morocco, Feb. 26, 2023. "I'm a living example among the thousands of cases saved by Chinese doctors in Morocco," Rachidi Imane, a Moroccan doctor, recalled how she was saved upon birth by a Chinese doctor 42 years ago. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Chinese doctor Zhang Qian speaks with a Moroccan doctor at the Rhamna Provincial Central Hospital in Ben Guerir, Morocco, Feb. 26, 2023. "I'm a living example among the thousands of cases saved by Chinese doctors in Morocco," Rachidi Imane, a Moroccan doctor, recalled how she was saved upon birth by a Chinese doctor 42 years ago. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)
(Bloomberg) -- China held a second day of military drills around Taiwan, with multiple exercises involving aircraft and ships, after the islands president, Tsai Ing-wen, returned from a visit to the US.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Taiwans Defense Ministry said in a statement that on Sunday it detected 70 aircraft from Chinas Peoples Liberation Army and 11 warships near Taiwan as of 4 pm, with 35 of the warplanes crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entering the southwestern part of the islands air-defense identification zone.

Warships and warplanes passed over the median line in groups from the north, center and south of the strait, according to the statement. Taiwans military spotted J-15s, the Chinese navys carrier-based fighter jets, among the aircraft.

The PLA said Saturday it will hold drills and patrols in airspace and waters on the north, south and east sides of Taiwan from April 8 to 10. Eastern Theater Command spokesman Senior Colonel Shi Yi said in a statement on Saturday that the drills are a stern warning against Taiwan separatist forces collusion with foreign elements. He didnt mention Tsais visits to New York and Los Angeles, which included meetings with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other US lawmakers.

Chinas drills only let the world see it destroys peace, Taiwans vice premier Cheng Wen-tsan told reporters Sunday. We dont show weakness. We dont evade, and we are not afraid. Our policies ensure security of territorial sea. This is our bottom line.

In a statement late Saturday night, Chinas Ministry of Defense said the PLA dispatched several conventional missile brigades, along with some army artillery brigades, under the command of the Eastern Theater. The units conducted simulated strikes on designated targets, according to the statement, with photos and video clips showing launching vehicles moving to positions and missiles being erected.

Story continues

Beijing had pledged to respond to any meeting between Tsai and McCarthy, calling it a provocation that damages Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity. The latest planned drills appear to be on a smaller scale than exercises held by China after then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan last year, and didnt include any imposition of exclusive zones in its airspace and waters.

In August, China announced missile tests and military drills near Taiwan less than an hour after Pelosi landed in Taipei. The PLA also imposed six exclusive zones, banning ships and aircraft from entering.

Beijings latest announcement of the military exercises came after French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrapped up a three-day visit to China on Friday. Taiwans former leader Ma Ying-jeou also concluded on Friday a historic 12-day tour of China.

China earlier leveled largely symbolic sanctions on Taiwans envoy to the US, two think tanks, and the venue that hosted Tsai in California. The Taiwan leader had urged Beijing not to overreact before her departure from Los Angeles on Thursday.

Addressing the media shortly after her plane landed in Taipei on Friday, Tsai said: We show the world that Taiwan will only be more united when facing pressure and threats. We will never give in because of suppression, and we will never stop exchanges.

On Saturday, Tsai lauded Taiwans stronger relationship with the US in a joint press briefing with US House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Michael McCaul in Taipei. She said Taiwan is looking forward to advance trade ties with the US in addition to boosting security cooperation.

McCaul and his delegation had lunch with Tsai in Taipei, the last stop on their trip to the region. The US lawmakers also met with Vice President Lai Ching-te earlier this week while Tsai was flying back from Los Angeles. McCaul said the US congress is doing everything we can to speed up arms sales to Taiwan. We will provide training for your military, not for war but for peace, he said.

Live-Fire Exercises

On Friday evening, China announced that it would hold live-fire exercises in the waters off Fujian province on April 10. The shooting drills were near Pingtan, a county about 130 kilometers (81 miles) from Hsinchu city across the strait in northwestern Taiwan.

Taiwans Defense Ministry said in a statement Saturday that Chinas incursions in recent years have threatened the regional situation, and using the Taiwan presidents trip as an excuse for drills seriously affects regional peace and stability. The ministry will be on high alert and will defend national security, it said.

Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council urged China to exercise self-restraint and not misjudge the situation by escalating tension across the strait and in the region, sabotaging cross-strait ties, according to a statement.

--With assistance from Jacob Gu.

(Updates with latest Taiwan defense ministry statement in second paragraph)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron in Guangzhou, April 7, 2023

This is turning into one of the world's two centers of power, competing with a united West.

Read also: Paris adamant China can significantly influence the war in Ukraine

Chinese President Xi Jinping invited the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to discuss investments and the expansion of road, rail, and pipeline projects that link China to Europe, bypassing Russia, she said.

The summit, dubbed C+C5, will take place in May.

Read also: China's Putin Problem

These five Central Asian countries have been Russia's vassals for decades, Francis notes.

"The reorientation of China's foreign policy is transformative: it further distances Beijing from Putin's 'borderless' partnership and significantly expands the range of soft power," she wrote.

"The goal is to secure trade and exploit resource opportunities in Central Asia and the Middle East. By pursuing such a policy, China is increasing its influence and elevating its status as the world's second-largest economic power, she said.

The new world order is now the G2, or the hegemony of the West against the hegemony of China."

Due to Russia's shameful war in Ukraine, the land trade corridor from China to Europe will shift to going exclusively through Central Asia and the Middle East, so dictator Vladimir Putin has essentially "cut Russia off from the global economy."

Read also: A critical moment in the war. Why China started to talk about the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine

The G7 has practically adopted Xi Jinping's strategy, announcing its version of China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative called the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), Francis says. The West plans to raise $600 million to implement projects in developing countries over five years.

"I hope that the deployment of a new diplomatic duality will be about trade and prosperity, not imperialism," she said.

And I also hope that Russia's fangs will be pulled out forever.

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
At least 71 Chinese planes and nine ships crossed the Taiwan Straits median line on Saturday morning, according to the countrys defence ministry.

This move has come just days after Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wens meeting with the speaker of the US House of Representatives in Los Angeles.

A clearly angry China, that has always been wary of Taiwans government officials interacting with Western officials, also issued a serious warning to the self-governed island nation that China claims as its own territory, something refuted by Taiwan.

This is a serious warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces collusion and provocation, and it is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Chinese armys Eastern Theater Command said in a statement.

Taiwans defence ministry said it spotted 71 Chinese planes and nine ships crossing the median line  that serves as an unofficial barrier between the two sides  as of 4pm (0800 GMT) on Saturday.

China was using Ms Tsais US visit as an excuse to carry out military exercises, which has seriously damaged regional peace, stability and security, the ministry said in a statement.

The military will respond with a calm, rational and serious attitude, and will stand guard and monitor in accordance with the principles of not escalating nor disputes to defend national sovereignty and national security.

Taiwans defence ministry also said it condemned irrational actions and added it will defend national security with solid combat readiness.

This handout picture taken and released by the Taiwan Presidential Office on 8 April shows Taiwans president Tsai Ing-wen (centre) talking to Michael McCaul (left) (TAIWAN PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE/AFP v)

People of Taiwan love democracy and seek peace, MS Tsai said about her meeting with Mr McCarthy.

We look forward to further strengthening security cooperation with the US.

I would like to reiterate that the people of Taiwan love democracy and seek peace, Ms Tsai said, without mentioning the Chinese drills in her statement.

A delegation led by Michael McCaul, the chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, was also hosted by Taiwan on Saturday. Mr McCaul said he looked forward to the strengthening of Taiwans security cooperation with the US.

Story continues

Other than the drills, China has also imposed a fresh tranche of sanctions against the US in retaliation to Mr McCarthys meeting with the Taiwanese president.

(Getty Images)

The measures announced on Friday apply to Taiwans de facto ambassador to the US, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and the Hudson Institute, a Washington think tank which hosted Ms Tsai in New York and presented her with a leadership award.

The Chinese foreign ministry on Friday said the two organisations were sanctioned for providing a platform and convenience to Taiwan separatist activities.

It said Chinese institutions were prohibited from having any cooperation or contact with them.

The ministry also sanctioned Sarah May Stern, chair of the Hudson Institute board of directors, John P Walters, the institutes director, John Heubusch, former executive director of the Reagan Foundation, and Joanne M Drake, the foundations chief administrator.

China has banned these officials from entering the country and frozen any of their properties in the country.

A separate round of sanctions targeted Taiwans de facto ambassador to the US. Beijing has prohibited Hsiao Bi-khim and her family members from entering the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau.
In this image taken from video footage run Saturday, April 8, 2023 by China's CCTV, a Chinese fighter jet performs an mid-air refueling maneuver at an unspecified location CCTV via AP

China's military has encircled Taiwan during three days of "combat readiness patrols."

The move follows Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the US.

China has described the drills as a "stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces."

China's military has encircled Taiwan during three days of "combat readiness patrols" following Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the US, AP reports.

China has described the drills, involving 42 military planes and eight ships crossing the Taiwan Strait median line, as a "stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence" and external forces and against their provocative activities," according to Chinese state media Xinhua.

 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C.  (@MoNDefense) April 8, 2023

The BBC reported that the three-day operation  dubbed "United Sharp Sword"  had deployed "long-range rocket artillery, naval destroyers, missile boats, air force fighters, bombers, jammers, and refuellers," according to Chinese state media.

The Taiwanese Defense Ministry said it condemned the "irrational act that has jeopardized regional security and stability."

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., second from right, welcomes Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen as she arrives at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., on April 5, 2023. AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu, File

China's war gaming comes after President Ing-wen met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy this week. He hailed her as a "great friend of America," according to AP.

McCarthy said, "America's support for the people of Taiwan will remain resolute, unwavering, and bipartisan," per AP.

Taiwan, with a population of 23 million, considers itself a sovereign state. This is disputed by China, which believes the island, 112 miles from the southeast coast of the mainland, is a former territory that was an intrinsic part of China before 1949.

Read the original article on Business Insider
TAIPEI (Reuters) - A senior U.S. lawmaker pledged on Saturday to help provide training for Taiwan's armed force and to speed up the delivery of weapons, as China began three days of military exercises around the island Beijing claims as its territory.

China announced the drills the day after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen returned to Taipei from Los Angeles, where she met speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy, infuriating Beijing.

Speaking at a lunch in Taipei hosted by Tsai for his bipartisan delegation, Michael McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, said they were there in strong support of Taiwan and that it was important democracies stood together.

"As the House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, I sign off on all foreign military sales, including weapons to Taiwan, and I promise you, Madam President, we will deliver those weapons," he said.

Taiwan has since last year complained of delays to deliveries of U.S. weapons, such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, as manufacturers turn supplies to Ukraine to support its defence against Russia.

"We are doing everything we can in Congress to speed up these sales and get the weapons that you need to defend yourselves," McCaul, a Republican, said.

"And we will provide training to your military - not for war, but for peace," he added, without giving details. "Projecting weakness only invites aggression and conflict. Projecting strength provides deterrence and promotes peace."

While a defence pact between Taiwan and the United States ended in 1979 when Washington severed formal diplomatic ties in favour of Beijing, a close military relationship endures and the United States is Taiwan's main foreign source of arms.

The United States and has long offered some degree of training on weapon systems, as well as detailed advice on ways to strengthen its military to guard against an invasion by China's People's Liberation Army.

Story continues

Some Taiwanese fighter pilots already train in the United States.

The United States is set to expand the number of troops helping train Taiwanese forces, two U.S. officials told Reuters in February.

Reuters reported in 2021 that a small number of U.S. special operations forces have been rotating into Taiwan on a temporary basis to train its forces.

China describes Taiwan as the most sensitive and important issue in its relations with the United States, and the topic is a constant source of friction between Beijing and Washington.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Robert Birsel)
China's military is rehearsing the encirclement of Taiwan during three days of military drills.

Beijing - which views Taiwan as a breakaway province of China - called the operation a "stern warning" to the island's government.

The exercises began hours after President Tsai Ing-wen returned from a trip to the United States.

The Taiwanese Defence Ministry said 71 Chinese military planes and nine ships crossed the Taiwan Strait median line.

The line is an unofficial dividing line between Chinese and Taiwanese territory.

One of the ships fired a round from its deck as it sailed near Pingtan island, China's closest point to Taiwan, Reuters reported.

Chinese state media said the military drills would "simultaneously organise patrols and advances around Taiwan island, shaping an all-round encirclement and deterrence posture".

It added that "long-range rocket artillery, naval destroyers, missile boats, air force fighters, bombers, jammers and refuellers" had all been deployed by China's military.

Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state, with its own constitution and leaders.

But China sees the island as a breakaway province that will eventually be brought under Beijing's control - by force if necessary. China's President Xi Jinping has said "reunification" with Taiwan "must be fulfilled".

Although China often holds drills around Taiwan, the "encirclement" is being seen as a response to Taiwan's President Tsai meeting US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday.

President Tsai said on Saturday that her government would continue working with the US and other democracies as the island faces "continued authoritarian expansionism" from China.

She made the comments in a meeting with a US congressional delegation in Taipei led by House foreign affairs committee chairman Michael McCaul.

Mr McCaul said Washington was working to supply weapons to Taiwan, "not for war, but for peace".

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But in Taiwan's capital Taipei, residents seemed unperturbed by China's latest manoeuvres.

"I think many Taiwanese have gotten used to it by now, the feeling is like, here we go again!" Jim Tsai said.

Meanwhile, Michael Chuang said: "They [China] seems to like doing it, circling Taiwan like it's theirs. I am used to it now.

"If they invade we can't escape anyway. We'll see what the future holds and go from there."

China's three-day operation around Taiwan - dubbed "United Sharp Sword" - will run until Monday, the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command said.

Taiwan's defence ministry said it would respond to China's exercises "with a calm, rational, and serious attitude" based on the principle of "not escalating conflicts, nor causing disputes to defend our national sovereignty and security".

Last August, Beijing carried out almost a week of drills around Taiwan after Kevin McCarthy's predecessor, Nancy Pelosi, visited Taipei.

The exercises, China's largest show of force in years, included the deployment of fighter jets and warships, and the firing of ballistic missiles.
By Thomas Peter and Josh Arslan

FUZHOU, China (Reuters) -A Chinese warship in seas facing the Taiwan Strait began live-fire drills on Saturday as Beijing launched military exercises it calls a warning against what it considers pro-independence forces in Taiwan.

The amphibious landing ship - capable of carrying troops and vehicles - fired multiple artillery rounds in the Luoyan Bay area on the coast of Fujian province, about 50 km (30 miles) northwest of the Matsu islands near the mainland that are controlled by Taiwan.

China views the democratically governed island of Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control. Taiwan's government strongly objects to China's claims.

Smoke and muzzle flares were visible on the stern of the warship as it fired shells at targets on land and at sea. Fishing boats and cargo vessels cruised nearby, steering clear of the exercise zone.

The warship did not sail towards the windswept Matsu islands, controlled by Taiwan since the Republic of China government fled to Taipei in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong's Communist forces.

The area is considered a likely early target for Beijing in the event of a military escalation.

China's Eastern Theater Command, one of the five commands of the People's Liberation Army that oversees the East China Sea including the Taiwan Strait, said combat readiness patrols would be conducted around Taiwan for three days as a "serious" warning against pro-independence forces in Taiwan and to safeguard China's territorial integrity.

Drills to the north, south and east of the island of Taiwan were also planned, after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the United States on Wednesday, infuriating Beijing.

An oil refinery worker surnamed Zhao at a village southeast of the drill area told Reuters he was used to seeing military exercises as he had grown up in the city of Qingdao, just up the coast.

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"I wasn't aware that there's a drill here until I came, but I'm not surprised at all because I've seen it a lot," said Zhao, 40.

When asked about Taiwan, Zhao said he hoped the two sides could "reunite" as quickly as possible.

Forty-two Chinese fighter jets also briefly crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait on Saturday. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said it had spotted eight Chinese ships.

At the 68-Nautical-Mile tourist spot in Fujian's Pingtan, one of the closest points in China to the main island of Taiwan, a 25-year-old college student surnamed Chen said he hoped China would reclaim Taiwan during his lifetime.

"I personally hope we could reclaim Taiwan in a peaceful way," he said. "The drills are just a way to show our national strength, after all."

(Reporting by Thomas Peter and Josh Arslan; Additional reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by William Mallard)
Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer urged Republicans to speak out against a ruling from a right-wing MAGA judge in Texas suspending the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) approval of abortion pills or else be complicit in attacks on womens health.

Theyre afraid to speak out. That is outrageous, the Senate majority leader told HuffPost during a press call on Saturday. Theyre letting the MAGA extreme wing of their party run the whole show. They have an obligation to speak out, or they are complicit in taking away reproductive rights from tens of millions of Americans.

In an unprecedented ruling late Friday, Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk held that the FDA manipulated and misconstrued certain parts of the drug approval process in 2000 in order to greenlight elective chemical abortions on a wide scale. The Department of Justice immediately filed an appeal directly to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, a conservative-dominated court.

Democrats said the ruling, if it goes into effect, would jeopardize the lives of millions of women and further threaten the FDA approval process for other drugs that conservatives may find objectionable.

It is the next big step toward the national ban on abortion that Republican elected officials have vowed to make law in America, President Joe Biden said in a statement on Friday, adding that the only way to deal with moves like these is to elect a Congress who will pass a law restoring Roe v. Wade.

Schumer said the Texas judge, a favorite of conservative legal groups, completely eviscerated the FDA as we know it. Then he asked: What could come next if some fringe radical group brings a lawsuit, Cancer drugs, insulin?

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who joined Schumer on the call, said the Texas ruling did not happen by accident.

Republicans have meticulously plotted out every confirmation, every lawsuit, to get us to this point, she said. Republicans want to ban abortion everywhere, from Seattle to New York.

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Medication abortion is used for nearly 60% of all abortion and miscarriage care in the U.S. More than 100 studies have shown abortion pills to be safe.

In the same hour on Friday, a federal judge in Washington state issued a competing ruling that blocked the FDA from removing mifepristone from the market in 17 states and the District of Columbia, where abortion is currently legal. The contradictory rulings from two federal judges likely will result in a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Few Republican lawmakers have addressed the ruling so far. However, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) said she was grateful to the Texas judge for suspending an FDA approval from 23 years ago that she said had been recklessly violating the law. The Mississippi Republican was one of 13 GOP senators who signed an amicus brief in support of the Texas case halting approval of medication abortion.

There is ample evidence that the GOPs continued embrace of abortion restrictions, even after the repeal of Roe v. Wade, has cost them at the ballot box. In 2022, Republicans won a much smaller-than-expected majority in the House and failed to capture a majority in the Senate after energized Democratic voters angry over abortion rights flooded the polls.

And just this week in Wisconsin, voters delivered a huge rebuke to Republicans over abortion restrictions in a hotly contested state supreme court race that tipped the balance of that in favor of liberals for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Related...
The City of Cocoa is teaming up with CareerSource Brevard, and the Florida Department of Corrections to celebrate National 2nd Chance Month.

They are inviting companies and individuals to participate in the 2nd Chance Job and Resource Fair.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The hiring event will be held on Thursday, April 13 at the Dr. Joe Lee Smith Community Center, located at 415 Stone Street.

According to a news release, employers can meet second-chance job seekers and offer on-the-spot interviews.

Read: SoDo Main Street District announces 5th annual SoDo After Dark

Other benefits for employers listed in the release are:

Help your business by hiring loyal job candidates while helping reduce the recidivism rate in your community.

Qualify to receive up to 50% wage reimbursement for training your new hire.

Receive a work opportunity tax credit, reducing your taxes up to $9,600 over two years.

join the federal bonding program for free business insurance for money or property losses resulting from a new hire.

Read: Barnett Skate Park opens in Orange County

For those seeking jobs, the event is open to the public and walk-ins are welcome.

Some of the employers you will have the chance to meet are:

CMTI

Labor Maxx

Labor Finders

Florida Justice Center

Read: Disney on Ice returns to bring Frozen, Encanto to Amway Center

Jobseekers are encouraged to get their resume ready and dress for success.

To register, CLICK HERE.

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.
EVERETT, Wash. (AP)  A legal battle over a dress code for bikini baristas at coffee stands is ending after a city north of Seattle agreed to pay $500,000 to the owner and employees who sued over it six years ago.

The Everett City Council voted unanimously this week to authorize Mayor Cassie Franklin to sign the settlement agreement with Jovanna Edge and employees, The Daily Herald reported.

Plaintiffs had been seeking more than $3 million in damages and attorney fees.

Under the agreement, the city will keep most of its rules for probationary licensing of coffee stands and other quick-service business but will no longer dictate that baristas wear at least tank tops and shorts.

Instead the city will align dress code rules with an existing lewd conduct standard that makes it a crime to publicly expose too much of ones private parts. Another provision mandates that business owners post materials for employees with information on how to seek help if they are being trafficked or otherwise exploited.

I am glad were for the baristas and against the people who are trying to get them to do things they dont want to do, City Council member Liz Vogeli said after the vote.

The settlement may end the saga that started in 2009 when the city said it received complaints prompting investigations that revealed some stands were selling sex shows and sex acts and allowing customers to physically touch the baristas. Four people were arrested and prosecuted.

In 2013 two espresso stand owners were arrested on accusations of promoting prostitution and exploitation of a minor, as well as a Snohomish County sheriffs sergeant for tipping off baristas about undercover officers in exchange for sexual favors. The sergeant resigned, and the owners were convicted.

The city in 2017 created the dress code ordinance requiring employees, owners and operators of quick service facilities from coffee stands to fast-food restaurants to wear clothing that covers the upper and lower body or face fines.

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Edge, the owner of Everett bikini barista stand Hillbilly Hotties, and employees Natalie Bjerke, Matteson Hernandez, Leah Humphrey, Amelia Powell and Liberty Ziska filed a legal complaint arguing that the ordinance violated their First Amendment rights.

Some countries make you wear lots of clothing because of their religious beliefs, Hernandez wrote. But America is different because you can wear what you want to wear. I wear what Im comfortable with and others can wear what they are comfortable with."

The case has seen various rulings in the courts, but in October a U.S. District Court judge found the dress code ordinance unconstitutional.

Ramerman told the council the city could appeal but a defeat would lead to a much higher tab than the $500,000. The city has spent nearly $400,000 defending the ordinance.

The settlement still gives us our best tool to require stand owners to make sure their employees are not engaging in illegal conduct, the city attorney said.
Turkiye agrees with Russia to remove obstacles to Russian fertilizer, grain exports

Xinhua) 10:04, April 08, 2023

ANKARA, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye agrees with Russia to solve the problems concerning Russian fertilizer and grain exports so that the Black Sea grain deal could be extended, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Friday.

"We attach importance to the continuation of the agreement ... not only for Russia and Ukraine's grain and fertilizer exports but also for stopping the world crisis," Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with his visiting Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in the capital Ankara, referring to the grain deal named the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed last year.

"We agree that the barriers to Russian grain and exports should be removed," Cavusoglu said.

He said it is also important to implement the parallel memorandum of understanding between Russia and the United Nations signed in July 2022 on the issue of transporting Russian food products and fertilizers, including ammonia, to the world markets.

For his part, Lavrov said while the West has not placed sanctions on Russian grain and fertilizer exports, they were affected by an insurance problem that has hindered Russian vessels from docking in certain ports, and by a lack of access to the SWIFT system -- a messaging network through which international payments are initiated.

He warned that Moscow could abandon the grain deal if obstacles to Russian shipments remained. "If there is no further progress in removing barriers to the export of Russian fertilizers and grain, we will think about whether this deal is necessary."

"If they do not want to approach this matter honestly, they can transport the relevant products from Ukraine by highways and streams," he said.

Lavrov added that if necessary, Russia will work on grain exports through Turkiye and Qatar outside the grain deal.

On July 22, 2022, Russia and Ukraine separately signed a document in Istanbul with Turkiye and the United Nations on grain and fertilizer exports from Ukraine and Russia to ensure supplies to global markets amid the Ukraine crisis.

The deal, initially in effect for 120 days, was extended in mid-November 2022 for a further 120 days to March 18. After that, the deal was extended again, with Russia agreeing to only extend it for 60 days.

On the Ukraine crisis, Lavrov said at the joint press conference that Russia does not refuse peace negotiations with Ukraine, but the talks must focus on creating a "new world order," one "based on UN conditions" rather than "a unipolar world order led by one hegemon."

"Any negotiation needs to be based on taking into account Russian interests, Russian concerns. It should be about the principles on which the new world order will be based," he said.

The two foreign ministers also briefed the media on an upcoming fuel loading ceremony at the Russian-built Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Turkiye, as well as on efforts to restore the broken relations between Ankara and Damascus.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The Niukouyu Wetland Park in southwest Beijing, which occupies an area of 140 hectares, is a witness to the successful collaboration between Chinese and French companies.

The site of the park had been home to an industrial wastewater reservoir of Sinopec Yanshan Petrochemical Company (SYPC). In 2006, SYPC and Veolia Environnement of France started cooperating on wastewater treatment, discharge, and ecology restoration. In 2017, the site became a wetland park and opened to the public for free, with this treated wastewater as its main water source.

Today, the Niukouyu Wetland Park is a habitat for over 140 species of birds, including rare ones, and a hot destination for tourists and shutterbugs.

Christophe Maquet, Veolia's senior executive vice president for the Asia-Pacific Zone, said that Veolia is "one of the companies that are providing solutions for customers in terms of CO2 savings," and China's "dual carbon" goal is "a very important driver" for the company.

"What we expect from the Chinese market for us in the future will be about decarbonization, de-pollution, as well as the circular economy," Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, said on Wednesday in Beijing.

Earlier this week, in the southern metropolis of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi signed a letter of intent for cooperation with the government of Shenzhen's Pingshan District.

The two sides agreed to accelerate the market access to innovative vaccines and promote innovative development of the biopharmaceutical industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Thomas Triomphe, executive vice president and head of vaccines at Sanofi, said the company is currently committed to promoting the landing of several innovative product pipelines in China.

A bio-industry cluster has formed in Pingshan District over recent years. Data showed that by 2022, the number of biopharmaceutical enterprises in Pingshan had exceeded 1,000.

"Sanofi's steady growth in China, especially in vaccines, owes much to the open international business environment created by the Shenzhen municipal government and Pingshan District," said Triomphe.

He added the company would introduce more innovative products and preventive solutions to help support China's public health system and contribute to Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area's economic growth. 
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is considering a plan to eliminate door-to-door school bus service for more than 5,000 magnet school students.

The proposal comes as the district struggles to keep its bus routes staffed.

CMS officials say due to vacancies, people on leave and daily absences, the district has around 180 bus drivers out each day.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: CMS leaders to discuss Express Stops program that would reduce bus ride times

We are running the risk of not being able to get kids to school for teaching and learning, said Adam Johnson, executive director of transportation services for CMS. I just want to implore you to understand that we are at that breaking point with our operation, its just not there.

If the Express Stops plan were to be implemented, students would travel to their closest Express Stop based on which magnet school they attend. From there, the bus would take them to school and drop them off at the same spot at the end of the day.

Right now, it would only apply to high school students enrolled in magnet schools that are not their home school.

The district has hosted community engagement meetings for weeks where many people have voiced their opposition.

While it is still only a proposal, some students and their parents are envisioning what it would be like to get to school each day.

I get up at like 5 a.m. right now, and then me having to potentially get up at like 4:30 a.m., said Joshua Watts, a student at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology.

ALSO READ: Theres only so much flexibility: Stanly County families frustrated by school bus service

Then I would have to pick him up in the afternoon and thats in the middle of my work day, said Kim Watts, Joshuas mother. You take away a key component like transportation, I mean youre shaking up peoples personal lives and thats not fair.

Other parents say the plan simply isnt feasible for their children.

Between our home and that school, there are no sidewalks, so its not safe for her to walk even if she could walk, said Samantha Smith, whose daughter has attended magnet schools for close to a decade.

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Smith is now having to consider a huge change in her childs education.

Transportation played a major, major role when it comes to being able to get her to and from school, Im a single parent, so Im very dependent on the school bus, she said.

READ MORE: Parents alarmed after students dropped off at wrong stop amid bus driver shortage

Earlier this week, school board members pressed CMS staff about the plan and why the district is only focusing on magnet schools.

What I worry about is the parents whose kids didnt apply for (magnet schools), because of the Express Stops, said board member Summer Nunn. I think this is inequitable, what were doing.

Thats a concern shared by parents like Smith.

Instead of certain groups having to make these adjustments, why not make the adjustments all across the board and sort of spread the wealth? she said.

A survey on the express stop plan ended on Friday, but the district will hold another community engagement meeting on April 18 at West Mecklenburg High School from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to hear once more from the public.

More information on the Express Stops plan can be found on the CMS website.

(WATCH BELOW: CMS leaders concerned about funding security in proposed budget)
Smoke billows from the crater of a snow-capped Andean volcano, reminding local inhabitants of the threat of another potential deadly eruption.

Yet at the foot of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in the Colombian Andes, thousands of villagers are staying put to tend to their crops and pack animals, despite an urgent call from the government to evacuate.

Luis Canon admits he is afraid but says he sees no other option than to "resign" himself to his fate.

"If you leave things here, the crops, the animals, when you come back there is nothing," the 50-year-old, dressed in a traditional hat and poncho, told AFP.

The eruption threat has loomed since the end of March when the number of daily tremors within the volcano shot up from 50 to 12,000.

The government raised the alert level from yellow to orange and ordered the evacuation of 7,500 people living in the foothills and flanks of the volcano.

But that did not convince many of those dwelling in danger zones to leave.

"The villagers have cows, horses, sheep, goats and poultry, and that in some way prevents them from moving and taking part in the preventative evacuation ... because of the fear that they will be stolen," said presidential adviser Luis Fernando Velasco.

So the government said it was adopting "exceptional measures to move around 80,000 animals ... away from the alert zone."

More than 57,000 people live in areas that could be affected by a new eruption.

- 'Great fear' -

Authorities fear that a major Nevado del Ruiz eruption could cause the kind of devastation that rocked the area in 1985.

In a matter of hours, an eruption of lava melted part of the volcano's snowcap, creating raging torrents of mud, ash and rocks that streamed down the mountainside and buried the town of Armero, killing 25,000 people. It was the worst natural disaster in the country's modern history.

The entire world became captivated by the fate of 13-year-old Omaira Sanchez, who spent three days buried up to her neck in muddy water with her legs trapped by the debris from her destroyed home in the town of Armero.

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With rescuers helpless to free her, she died in agony under the gaze of journalists and villagers alike.

A picture of her haunted expression made the front page of newspapers all over the world.

Luis Londono, 65, remembers that "very scary" November 13.

People heard a roar in the dead of night and fled for their lives "crying and shouting that it was the end of the world."

A villager in the municipality of Herveo, home to 9,000 people some 30 kilometers to the northeast of the volcano, Londono fears another such tragedy.

"There is great fear that the Nevado will explode," he said.

Like many others, though, he has not heeded the call to evacuate the mountainous area where peaks rise up to more than 5,000 meters (16,400 feet).

Nicknamed the "sleeping lion," the volcano lay dormant for decades after that 1985 eruption.

But 10 years ago there was a new eruption.

Every so often, "some ash" falls but Cecilia Gallego, a villager from Herveo, said she feels "calm."

- 'Born again' -

Few people travel along the steep trails that surround the volcano.

Occasionally a villager with a face reddened by the biting cold, comes past with a mule.

Soldiers patrol the route to a natural park that has been closed to tourists due to the eruption threat.

Earlier this week, President Gustavo Petro called on local authorities to speed up the evacuation.

The geological service publishes daily reports about seismic activity and while the readings can fluctuate, the alert remains.

"We're concerned that the tremors keep getting closer to the crater and this, according to volcanologists, is not the best sign," said Velasco.

Some have heeded warnings, though.

Cesar Ortegon, who works in the local tourism industry, survived in 1985 and did not want to tempt fate again.

"It was like being born again," he said.

He locked the door to his workplace and left in a truck.

"Not everyone will leave," he admitted, but he did.

pho-lv/ag/db/bc/tjj
A Columbus police cruiser

Columbus police homicide detectives are investigating the death of a man who succumbed on Saturday to gunshot wounds he sought treatment for nearly two weeks prior when he walked into OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital.

Travis Rush, 46, had been reportedly expected to survive his injuries when he first walked into the North Side hospital on March 25, police said. But 13 days later, police now say he has died.

Police were dispatched to the hospital at 12:16 a.m. that March morning when the hospital reported that a man had come in with gunshot wounds. According to police, Rush's girlfriend said the pair were in their vehicle in the parking lot of a Family Dollar store at 1499 Oakland Park Ave. on the Northeast Side when they heard a loud bang and realized Rush had been shot.

No suspects have been named in Rush's death.

Anyone with information can call the Columbus police homicide unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.

Eric Lagatta is a reporter at The Columbus Dispatch covering public safety, with a focus on in-depth coverage of social justice issues and crime trends.

elagatta@dispatch.com

@EricLagatta

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus man dead after he was shot in parking lot of Family Dollar
Columbus police Cmdr. Mark Denner, who leads the homicide unit, updates reporters Wednesday on investigations into five recent homicides during a 48-hour period, including that of 15-year-old Maria Fernanda Guerra-Sandoval.

An 18-year-old Far West Side man has been arrested and charged with murder after Columbus police identified him as the suspect in the shooting death of a teenage girl on Monday.

Homicide detectives investigating the death of 15-year-old Maria Fernanda Guerra-Sandoval say that Kevin Jesus-Lopez was the only other person with her when she was killed, according to a probable cause affidavit in Franklin County Municipal Court. Though Jesus-Lopez claimed to detectives that the girl shot herself, detectives said in the affidavit that the evidence at the scene appeared to indicate that the fatal wounds were not self-inflicted.

Neighbors called 911 around 5:30 p.m. Monday to report seeing an unresponsive female outside a home on the 4700 block of Sullivant Avenue on Columbus' Far West Side. Guerra-Sandoval was found unresponsive, and medics with the Columbus Division of Fire pronounced the girl dead at the scene.

Jesus-Lopez, whose listed address is about a half-mile away from the home where Guerra-Sandoval was found, made his first court appearance Saturday morning, according to the online court docket.

Anyone with information can call the Columbus police homicide unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.

Eric Lagatta is a reporter at The Columbus Dispatch covering public safety, with a focus on in-depth coverage of social justice issues and crime trends.

elagatta@dispatch.com

@EricLagatta

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus man arrested, charged with murder of 15-year-old girl
Emma Hernandez is defiant even if she fears what may come in the latest stage of the nation's fight over abortion: a widening prohibition to safe and legal ways to end unwanted pregnancies, including access to abortion pills.

Competing rulings by two federal judges over the availability of the abortion drug mifepristone are sowing alarm and confusion for Hernandez and countless other Americans who insist that availability must be guaranteed. Others celebrated one judge's ruling that would restrict that access but acknowledge the battle is far from over.

Hernandezs concerns were heightened Friday when U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee in Amarillo, Texas, overruled decades of scientific approval and put on hold federal approval of mifepristone, one of two drugs used in combination to end pregnancies. The judge immediately stayed his ruling for a week so federal authorities could file a challenge.

At about the same time in Spokane, Washington, U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an Obama appointee, directed federal officials not to hinder access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats sued to keep the drugs availability intact. The issue will likely be settled by the U.S. Supreme Court, which last year repealed Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark Supreme Court decision that had established a constitutional right to abortions.

As a person whos had multiple medication abortions, we know that the medication itself is safe and effective, said Hernandez, a 30-year-old Texas resident who works for We Testify, an organization that provides an outlet for people to share their stories about abortions.

These restrictions are intentionally creating confusion and limiting our options to a point where were being asked to accept whatever abortion option remains available, she said Saturday.

Abortion opponents like Rose Mimms, the executive director of Arkansas Right to Life, welcomed the Texas decision.

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Thats really going to put a big dent in the abortion industry across the country, (but) I do expect it will be appealed, Mimms said.

While some states like hers have sharply curtailed access to abortions, she wants stricter controls over abortion-inducing medications that can be delivered through the mail, even in states where abortion is illegal or severely restricted.

In his ruling, Kacsmaryk noted how some groups are undermining a state's ability to regulate abortion. He specifically mentioned New York-based Mayday Health, a nonprofit that provides information on how to obtain the medication.

Mayday Health's executive director, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, urged women to begin stockpiling mifepristone in case it is banned. She said pills can be obtained from international suppliers through the mail.

You can order them now and keep mifepristone like you would keep Tylenol. It has a shelf life of about two years, said Lincoln, a Portland, Oregon, obstetrician and gynecologist.

About a million people every month visit the organization's website. Following the Texas ruling, Lincoln said, the number of visits has become even more brisk.

We know those numbers will climb when people see that safe healthcare is threatened, she said.

Renee Bracey Sherman, founder and executive director of We Testify, said she is frustrated that access to abortion care is hanging on by a thread.

While mifepristone and misoprostol, another abortion-inducing drug, remain available in the U.S., Sherman calls the court battle and debate over the drugs a very slippery slope toward an outright ban on abortion in any form.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said during an interview Saturday on CNN that she would push legislation that would require insurance companies to cover misoprostol, which can be used alone but is more effective when taken with mifepristone.

Were also concerned about the next phase, Hochul said. Were trying to figure out all the different ways we can get ahead of this.

In recent years, abortion foes have won major victories, and they have become more emboldened in their efforts to further erode access to abortions, said Hernandez.

Its something that we saw around the bend, she said. I do know that weve been preparing for these moments and understanding how we can get people to still have access in whatever way is available in their region.

The growing restrictions could particularly hurt people who don't have the resources to travel to such places as California and New York to get in-clinic abortions.

Hernandez recalls her first abortion when she was 21. She didn't want to reveal her pregnancy to anyone; to retain her privacy, she relied on medication to abort her pregnancy. Without access to a car, she would not have had a convenient way to get to a clinic.

For me it was the best option because it did not require any sort of sedation," Hernandez said. And I did not have a support system that could assist me in traveling to and from a clinic for an abortion procedure.

__________

Calvan reported from New York and Miller from Oklahoma City.
The rush to evacuate is clear in this scene of unmade beds and leftover personal items. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

Fukushima hospitals were flooded with victims after the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 2011.

Now, 12 years later they sit abandoned, providing a frozen snapshot of what it must have been like.

Some areas are pristine while others convey a chaotic rush to evacuate after the nuclear plant's meltdown.

Urban explorer Bob Thissen and crew recently explored two abandoned hospitals near the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant that was hit by a massive tsunami in 2011, causing damage and eventual meltdown. His documentation is a stunning time capsule inside one of the worst nuclear disasters in history.

Perfectly preserved, expensive medical equipment like what you see in this operating room is left to decay. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

On March 11, 2011, a 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's East Coast. It was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Japan, triggering a massive tsunami that swept over the region and killed more than 18,000 people. The first victims of the devastating event were rushed to nearby hospitals like this one.

Some of the rooms were left in great condition as if nothing had happened. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

Hospitals in the area also served as temporary housing for the thousands of people whose homes were destroyed. Here's a hospital cafeteria with equipment, tables, and chairs untouched since the disaster.

People seeking refuge probably ate in this cafeteria. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

Twelve years later, mattresses remain on the floor showing where people found refuge in the hours and days after the natural disaster.

Patients and their loved ones probably spent many nights sleeping on these makeshift floor beds. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

Little did the victims and their caretakers know they would soon have to evacuate again, as the towering tsunami crashed over the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant flooding all the backup generators, causing them to overheat.

These neonatal intensive care units are a bleak reminder of what some parents must have gone through during evacuation. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

Two of the reactors exploded on March 12 and 14, sending plumes of radioactive material into the air. "I can only imagine how hard it must be to evacuate a hospital with patients who are in need of constant care," Thissen told Insider.

What the Minamisanriku City Hall Disaster Prevention Center looked like one month after the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 2011. Sankei / Contributor / Getty Images

Here you can see remnants of the chaotic rush to evacuate. Patients left their unmade beds with no intention of returning. They left personal items and medical equipment behind.

The rush to evacuate is clear in this scene of unmade beds and leftover personal items. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

A third explosion on March 15 released more radiation, and the nuclear disaster continued to unfold over the next several days. Eventually the government would evacuate everyone within a 30-km (19-mile) radius of the nuclear plant.

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A Fukushima shelter where volunteers sort through clothes and other relief supplies shortly after the nuclear disaster in 2011. AFP / Stringer / Getty Images

Wheelchairs were left abandoned in many parts of the hospitals, Thissen said, showing how quickly injured people had to flee.

Wheelchairs were probably impossible to bring along during the evacuation and so were left behind, strewn all over the hospitals. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

"You could feel the stress and terror people had while exploring these places. People were in a rush and left in a hurry," Thissen said. "Many, if not all, personal belongings were still lying in the abandoned hospital."

People left almost all of their personal belongings behind as they rushed to evacuate. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

"In contrast to Chernobyl where people immediately began to steal items, Fukushima is some kind of time capsule," Thissen said. "Everything is still standing like it was abandoned in 2011."

So many supplies and so much equipment are left in these abandoned hospitals in pristine condition. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

Posters and documents can still be found in the abandoned hospitals, like these signs about germs and personal hygiene.

These signs were taped up over 12 years old and still look brand new. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

After years of cleanup and examination of radiation levels, the government has deemed many areas near the power plant "stable" and safe to visit for short periods of time, like these hospitals. But many have yet to return, leaving the preserved equipment, sheets, and beds shown here untouched.

So many hospital beds that may have been useful during the early rise of the COVID pandemic were just sitting here, abandoned. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

While many places remain clean and intact just as they were in 2011, there are some areas where you can see evidence of wild animals roaming around in the trash or causing destruction in the buildings.

The mess shown here is probably the result of wild animals rummaging around for food. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

Thissen said it's important to show the public these images. "It shows the reality, tragedy, and consequences of the nuclear disaster. It's not the first and will not be the last nuclear accident," he said. "Human technology is not perfect and we're not invincible."

This chaotic scene may be the result of wild animals or perhaps it was made by people rushing to evacuate. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

These hospitals are, "a part of history, which would be forgotten if nobody documented them," Thissen said. "Abandoned places are often monumental and should be a museum, but there's simply no money to maintain, open, or renovate these places, so they get forgotten."

The time reads 1 o'clock exactly on this clock that stopped ticking who knows how many years ago. Bob Thissen/Exploring The Unbeaten Path

Thissen and his crew have visited Fukushima four times to document what people left behind as they fled for their lives. This video shows him and his crew exploring more of Fukushima's hospitals and the surrounding area.

Other abandoned, hidden, and forgotten parts of the world Thissen and his crew have explored include Cold War bunkers in Italy and a naval ship graveyard in France, all of which you can see on their YouTube page "Exploring the Unbeaten Path."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A builder passes through a residential property construction site in Surrey - Jason Alden/Bloomberg

Britain's housing crisis will become even worse as councils scrap house building targets in a move criticised as giving in to "nimbyism", developers have warned.

Some 55 local authorities, including Surrey Heath  the constituency of Housing Secretary Michael Gove  have dropped their targets for new home building, according to research.

It follows Mr Gove's decision to scrap a mandatory target of 300,000 new homes a year in December, in the wake of concerns from backbench MPs about the effect on local communities.

Worries over building on greenbelt land, budget cuts and decisions to delay until local elections in May were among reasons for the councils holding or ditching their plans.

It comes as the number of housing projects granted planning permission in the last three months of last year fell to the lowest levels since at least 2006.

The Home Builders Federation (HBF), which collated the figures on the number of councils scrapping their building targets, said the Government and local councils were giving in to the "nimby wing of the Conservative party.

Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of HBF said: The collapse in planning permissions is a direct result of the Governments increasingly anti-development policies and an overall negative stance on home building. We fear this may just be the start.

This short-term thinking might be clever politics but its social and economic consequences will be felt for decades. The impact will be immediate and acute with even fewer young people being able to access decent, affordable and energy efficient housing, hundreds of thousands of jobs will go and local economies up and down the country will lose billions.

Home builders are facing a raft of challenges to new projects including rules from Natural England which aim to cut river pollution and which make building impossible in some areas of the country.

Property firms are also concerned about changes to planning laws which will allow locals to oppose the development of new sites.

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The HBF has estimated growing red tape could mean house building drops to 122,000 homes per year, which it says would hit jobs and the countrys economic growth and take building to the lowest rates since the Second World War.

It blamed a hostile political attitude towards building for the potential slowdown in a report on the health of the industry published in February.

The term "nimby", standing for "not in my back yard", emerged in the 1970s amid resistance to large-scale nuclear power projects, but it became an epithet for anyone resisting small changes in their local environment, ignoring outside demands for improvements such as housing and airports.

A Government spokesman said it did not recognise the figures on local plans.

"We remain committed to delivering 300,000 new homes per year and we are investing 11.5bn to build the affordable, quality homes this country needs. Some 232,820 new homes were built last year, the third highest rate for the last 30 years.

"The proposed changes to the planning system are designed to support areas to get more local plans in place and deliver more housing. They will stop communities being exposed to development by appeal, where developers push new sites through the system before they have built out existing permissions," she said.
A Tesla Model Y. Patrick Pleul/Getty Images

A Tesla may have been using assisted driving technology when it struck a student, per The AP.

The 17-year-old had exited a school bus in Halifax County, North Carolina on March 15.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation, per The AP.

A crash involving a Tesla that struck a student who had just got out of a school bus and may have been using assisted driving technology is being investigated by authorities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into the March 15 crash in Halifax County, North Carolina, that left 17-year-old student Tillam Mitchell with serious injuries, The Associated Press reported.

A 51-year-old man was driving a 2022 Tesla Model Y, which failed to stop despite the bus displaying its warning signals. The State Highway Patrol initially described it as a case of distracted driving.

Mitchell was crossing the street to his house when he was struck by the car. The driver was charged with reckless driving.

Mitchell had major surgery the following day, his school principal Melissa Richardson told WRAL News. He was listed in good condition two days later, the news agency reported.

The NHTSA's decision to investigate the crash indicated that some form of self-assisted driving may have been in operation at the time, according to The AP.

Tesla's Autopilot function is intended for use on highways, while Full Self-Driving mode can operate in urban settings and allows the vehicle to change lanes, recognize stop signs and traffic lights, as well as park.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously said that the software would eventually be able to operate entirely on its own and be safer than human drivers. He's argued that fully self-driving cars represent Tesla's future.

The NHTSA is investigating several instances of Teslas using Autopilot and colliding with stationary emergency vehicles at the scene of accidents.

In March, the agency opened an investigation into a February crash involving a Tesla Model S that killed the driver and injured a passenger in Contra Costa County, California.

The NHTSA, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and Tesla didn't immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment from The AP Friday.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Banners dedicated to the occupation of Crimea in Simferopol, March 16, 2023

He also explained in which cases occupied Crimea could face the same destruction as Bakhmut, Avdiyivka, and Maryinka in Donbas, which are subjected to incessant, indiscriminate Russian artillery shelling.

"Any such narrative, apart from the military liberation of Crimea, leaves millions of Russians in Crimea who will hear these narratives and act accordingly," Svitan said.

In the information field, the single mechanism for the liberation of the territory should sound unambiguous. There is simply no other way; only a military way to liberate Crimea. Then the Russians will make a swift decision to leave now  not later.

Read also: Fiercest fighting taking place for Bakhmut, Avdiyivka and Maryinka, General Staff says

Ukrainian politicians that spread information about using diplomacy to liberate Crimea are "simply provocateurs."

Read also: Russian offensives to continue near Avdiyivka and Maryinka, Ukrainian military predicts

"Only the supreme commander can deliver a message of this level," he said.

He alone is endowed with such authority. What do the talking heads of the President's Office allow themselves? Generally speaking, it is unclear. This person [I do not know him and do not want to know him] should at least put a [resignation letter] on the table, as [Oleksiy] Arestovych did, man up and leave the civil service. And then everything will depend on whether counterintelligence will have questions for him or not.

In Crimea, as in the rest of occupied Ukraine, two tasks need to be fulfilled: "to destroy Russians with weapons and to deport Russians without weapons," he said.

He described how he believes the first phase of the liberation of Crimea will operate.

Read also: Russian invaders advancing toward Maryinka, Pisky in Donbas, says Ukraines General Staff

"We must enter [the peninsula] using long-range weapons  to burn Crimea to the range where our weapons reach. If we get ATACMS  then with ATACMS. If we still have GLSDB, then 150 kilometers, if we only have M31 remaining, then its 80 kilometers. If only artillery shells remain, then artillery up to 30-40 kilometers. And then enter Crimea.

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The military expert emphasized that the more long-range weapons Ukraine has, "the less Crimea will look like a lunar landscape."

"If we have insufficient means of destruction, then we will have to liberate it with the help of artillery," said Svitan.

It will be the same as now, say, with Bakhmut, with Maryinka, with Avdiyivka. That is, it will look like the Moons Sea of Tranquility.

Read also: Russian troops launch missile and artillery attacks on Avdiyivka, governor shows destruction

Presidents Office deputy head, Andriy Sybiha, recently told the Financial Times that Ukraine would be ready to start negotiations on Crimea when the Ukrainian Armed Forces approach the administrative border of the peninsula, but Kyiv does not rule out "the way of liberation [of Crimea] by [Ukrainian] army."

When questioned about this, Zelenskyy spokesperson Sergii Nykyforov said to focus on the words of the head of state.

Zelenskyy reiterated on Feb. 24 that negotiations with Moscow are possible only after Russian occupying forces leave Ukrainian territory and stop bombing and killing Ukrainians.

Responding to Russias attempt to annex captured Ukrainian territories, Zelenskyy enacted on Sept. 30, 2022, the NSDC decision that it is impossible to negotiate with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

According to the survey conducted by the Razumkov Center think tank in February-March 2023, 72% of Ukrainians do not consider negotiations with Russia to be an effective way to achieve peace.

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
SANAA, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said on Saturday that it had received 13 prisoners of war released by Saudi Arabia, coinciding with the arrival of Omani officials in the Yemeni capital as part of international efforts to end the country's long-standing conflict.

Abdulkadir al-Murtada, the Houthi official in charge of prisoner exchange talks, said in a statement that the group received on Saturday "13 detainees at Sanaa International Airport who were released by the Saudi authorities."

He further revealed that the prisoners were released in exchange for a Saudi prisoner who was previously freed by the Houthis, without disclosing the exact timing of the Saudi prisoner's release.

This step came ahead of a UN-backed wider prisoner exchange agreed upon by the warring sides in Yemen last month, which is scheduled to be implemented next week and see a total of 887 detainees released.

Also on Saturday, Omani officials arrived in the Houthi-controlled capital for talks with Houthi officials as part of the latest efforts to renew a ceasefire deal that expired in October 2022, according to Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the chief negotiator of the Houthi group.

"We want to reaffirm our demands, which include the immediate stop of the (Saudi-led coalition) aggression, the complete lifting of the blockade, and the payment of salaries of all state employees from the government revenues of oil and gas," Abdulsalam said when greeting the Omani delegation at Sanaa airport.

The Omani delegation made no comments.

Peace efforts to end the war in Yemen have been increasing, particularly after recent Chinese efforts to ease tensions and restore diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Yemen has been mired in a war since the Iran-backed Houthi militia seized control of several northern cities and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa. The war has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and pushed Yemen to the brink of starvation. 
Court

Criminals in the south of England get softer treatment from judges than those in the North, according to the first analysis of sentences challenged for being unduly lenient.

Convicted offenders in the south of England are almost a third more likely to have their cases referred to the Court of Appeal because victims, members of the public or the Attorney General believe they may be too lenient.

Data compiled by the Labour Party shows that in the south of England, 23.9 per cent of eligible cases are referred by the Attorney General, compared with 18.6 per cent in the North.

In Wales, the judges are ostensibly the toughest, as just nine per cent are referred as being potentially unduly lenient - nearly a third of the rate in the south of England. The Midlands is slightly above the North, with 19.3 per cent referred.

'Tough and hard' northern judges

Dame Vera Baird, the former victims commissioner and a former solicitor general, suggested that judges in the North were more likely to be getting it right and were tougher and harder on criminals.

There may be better judges in the North who get it right and who are not unduly lenient. They might be tough and hard, being northerners, she said.

Anyone - including victims - can ask Victoria Prentis, the Attorney General, to consider whether to refer a case to the Court of Appeal. But Ms Prentis and her legal advisers will only do so if there is evidence of a serious error in the sentencing by the judge. A subjective opinion that a sentence is too lenient will not be enough.

Inner London Crown Court had the highest rate of referrals for unduly lenient sentences, with half being passed by the Attorney General to the Court of Appeal to be reconsidered.

Thomas Mulligan, a 62-year-old sex offender sentenced to 18 months in jail for 21 counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child, grooming and possession of indecent images, was a typical example.

This was more than tripled to six years in jail by judges at the Court of Appeal, which agreed that the sentence was unduly lenient. Alex Chalk, then the solicitor general, cited the exhaustive nature of his crimes and number of children affected by his abuse, which the original judge had underestimated.

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'Postcode lottery'

Other courts in the top 10 with the highest unduly lenient sentence referral rates included Winchester at 44.4 per cent, Woolwich in London at 41.2 per cent, Portsmouth at 36 per cent, Guildford at 35.3 per cent, Bristol at 47 per cent, and Cambridge at 31.8 per cent.

At Worcester, also in the top 10 at 40 per cent, one drug-dealers original sentence of two years and nine months for dealing heroin and cocaine was increased to six years and three months. Michael Tomlinson, the solicitor general, said it sent a clear message that money made from dealing drugs will never be worth the punishment.

At the other end of the scale, some courts had none of their eligible cases referred to the Court of Appeal. Top of the table with ostensibly some of the toughest judges in the country was Hull, where none of the 27 eligible cases were referred.

Emily Thornberry, the shadow attorney general, said the huge variation in referral rates across different regions was turning the publics last hope of justice into a postcode lottery.

She added: For the victims, families and communities who put their faith in this scheme, it is unacceptable that their chances of success are being affected by where in the country they live.

They already felt let down by the courts, and they will now rightly feel let down by government ministers themselves.
WASHINGTON  After two decades of criticism over the lavish trips and other gifts he's accepted from billionaire GOP megadonor Harlan Crow, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas finally went public on Friday to defend himself.

In a statement, Thomas said "colleagues and others in the judiciary" not only blessed his cozy relationship with the Texas real estate developer but determined that he didn't have to publicly disclose the gifts on his annual financial disclosure statements.

Legal experts and Democratic lawmakers, however, said Thomas' explanation raises a lot more questions than answers.

"And these are questions that he should answer under oath, under penalty of perjury," said Lisa Graves, the former deputy assistant attorney general in the Justice Department's Office of Legal Policy.

A complicated relationship: Following furor over GOP-donor luxury trips, Joe Biden reckons with another Clarence Thomas scandal

"He needs to name every person he spoke with who gave him such advice, and whether they're in government or outside the government," Graves told USA TODAY. "Because I would be shocked if he actually told any official the specifics of what he was doing and that they said it was OK not to disclose it."

Decades of secret gifts and 'family trips'

Thomas, at times with his wife, Ginni, has accepted luxury trips virtually every year from Crow, including international travel on his private jet and yacht and annual retreats at his plush Adirondacks resort, ProPublica reported on Thursday. It said the value of a 2019 trip to Indonesia could have cost Thomas more than $500,000 if he had chartered the yacht and jet himself, and that his failure to disclose such gifts appeared to violate federal gift and travel disclosure requirements.

"The extent and frequency of Crows apparent gifts to Thomas have no known precedent in the modern history of the U.S. Supreme Court," ProPublica reported.

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Since 2004, such trips and other gifts from Crow appeared nowhere on Thomas financial disclosure reports, according to a USA TODAY review of the annual forms on Friday.

A staunch conservative, Thomas was appointed to the nation's highest court by Republican President George H.W. Bush and has served since 1991. In his statement, he said he was "advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the court, was not reportable."

I have endeavored to follow that counsel throughout my tenure," Thomas said, "and have always sought to comply with the disclosure guidelines."

Ethics and legal experts told USA TODAY on Friday that Supreme Court law and policy is indeed vague when it comes to such gifts. While the justices are required to report gifts they have received on their annual financial disclosure reports, an exemption is allowed for hospitality from friends.

Several ethics experts, including Graves, said the hospitality exemption intended for the receipt of small personal gifts from longtime friends, not lavish gifts like weeklong resort stays and international jet and yacht trips.

"But it is true that the U.S. Supreme Court has never had a binding code of ethics, unlike every other court in the country," said Graves, who was also chief counsel for judicial nominations for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. "And that reform is long overdue."

(L-R) Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas sits with his wife and conservative activist Virginia Thomas while he waits to speak at the Heritage Foundation on Oct. 21, 2021, in Washington, DC. Clarence Thomas has now served on the Supreme Court for 30 years. He was nominated by President George H. W. Bush in 1991 and is the second African-American to serve on the high court, following Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Late Friday, congressional Democrats responded by calling on Chief Justice John Roberts to launch an investigation into Thomas "unethical, and potentially unlawful, conduct at the Supreme Court."

We believe that it is your duty as Chief Justice to safeguard public faith in the judiciary, and that fulfilling that duty requires swift, thorough, independent and transparent investigation into these allegations, the lawmakers, led by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), wrote in a letter.

SCOTUS ethics: Supreme Court justices don't have a code of ethics. Hundreds of judges say that's a problem

A long history

Advocates for more transparency and accountability on the court said the new revelations once again raise serious questions about the access some conservative groups affiliated with Crow have had to Thomas and whether those connections have improperly influenced the court.

But the ProPublica report is only the latest of a series of exposes about the relationship between Crow and Thomas, which began sometime in the 1990s after Thomas joined the high court.

In 2004, the Los Angeles Times reported that Crow had given Thomas lavish gifts, a $5,000 personal check to help pay a relatives education expenses and a free trip aboard Crows private jet to the exclusive Bohemian Grove club in Northern California.

At the time, Crow  already a major Republican donor  was helping run an advocacy group that filed briefs with the Supreme Court, the Times reported.

In 2011, The New York Times reported that Thomas visited a seafood cannery in his birthplace in tiny Pin Point, Georgia, that had once employed his mother as a crab picker. While there, he asked proprietor Algernon Varn about his plans for the collection of crumbling buildings, and Mr. Varn said he hoped it could be preserved.

And Clarence said, Well, Ive got a friend Im going to put you in touch with,  Mr. Varn told the Times, adding that he was later told by others not to identify the friend.

The publicity-shy friend turned out to be Harlan Crow," the Times reported. Mr. Crow stepped in to finance the multimillion-dollar purchase and restoration of the cannery, featuring a museum about the culture and history of Pin Point that has become a pet project of Justice Thomass.

Since then, the Times reported in 2011, Crow has done many favors for the justice and his wife, Virginia," including helping finance a Savannah library project dedicated to Justice Thomas and providing $500,000 for Ginni Thomas to start a tea party-related political group.

They have also spent time together at gatherings of prominent Republicans and businesspeople at Mr. Crows Adirondacks estate and his camp in East Texas, according to the Times, referencing some of the same gifts that ProPublica did in its report on Thursday.

WHO IS HARLAN CROW? The real estate magnate and GOP megadonor's relationship to Clarence Thomas

Calls for reform go unheeded

Over the years, legal experts have responded to such exposes by saying Crows gifts to Thomas were at best controversial and at worst illegal. But Thomas kept accepting them and, until Friday, not making any formal attempt to explain why.

In April 2022, Gabe Roth, the executive director of the nonpartisan watchdog group Fix the Court, testified before Congress that Thomas' continued acceptance of gifts from Crow underscored the urgent need for reforms in the way the Supreme Court policed ethics lapses.

He also said that without more stringent reporting requirements, the public has no idea whether Thomas and the other justices are being influenced by people with matters before the Supreme Court.

Roth testified that Thomas had accepted a bible from Crow that was once owned by Frederick Douglass and valued at $19,000. He also referred to Crowe's $500,000 donation to help Thomas' wife, Ginni, establish her Liberty Consulting firm, "a platform she used to lobby against laws like Obamacare that were before the Court."

Last month, a judicial policy-making body told the Supreme Court to close a much-criticized loophole in its financial disclosure requirements, which will make it harder for Thomas and other justices to avoid reporting such lavish gifts and travel, Roth told USA TODAY on Friday.

It is, of course, my intent to follow this guidance in the future, Thomas said in his statement Friday in reference to the new policy.

More reforms needed

But Roth, Graves and other legal experts say the court needs to go much further and adopt the kind of stringent ethics laws that govern what members of Congress can accept and have to report.

In the meantime, the latest disclosures about Thomas and Crow  and Thomas response to them  have raised enough questions to merit civil and potentially criminal investigations by the Justice Department and Congress, according to Norman Eisen, a former White House counsel and ethics czar.

The Supreme Court should also launch an internal investigation into Thomas that is similar to the probe it conducted following a leak of its pending abortion rights decision, Eisen said. And congressional committees with oversight of the court should call Thomas in to testify, he said.

We don't have all the facts. We need answers, said Eisen, who was special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee for the first impeachment and trial of Donald Trump. He is now a senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution.

Eisen said he couldnt recall Thomas ever issuing a response to any of the reports of his potential ethics violations in the 20 years he has come under fire for them.

This is a sign of how uncomfortable he feels, he told USA TODAY. Ours is a democracy in which public officials including judges are accountable. They can't wave away accountability simply by claiming they got anonymous advice."

Contributing: Michael Collins

Associate Justice Clarence Thomas.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GOP donor gifts to Clarence Thomas show need for Supreme Court reform
Democratic lawmakers voiced outrage on Friday over the ruling from a Texas federal judge that could threaten access to abortion pills.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryks opinion claimed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) improperly rushed the approval process of mifepristone and violated federal standards. He granted the FDA just seven days to file an appeal and seek emergency relief before his ruling goes into effect.

The FDA appealed to the conservative-leaning Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals later Friday night.

The Democrats responding to the ruling said it constitutes an attack on reproductive health care.

Rep. Sarah Jacobs (D-Calif.) tweeted that she is sick of misogynistic attacks on her health care from men who dont know a damn thing about my body. She called for the ruling to be appealed and ensuring that the FDA uses its authority to protect access to the pill.

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) called the ruling a horrific judicial overreach to create a backdoor national abortion ban.

I will do everything in my power to protect the full range of reproductive health care, he said. This is an outrage.

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) posted that the decision infringes on the rights of individual states to protect abortion rights, goes against more than two decades of safe and effective use of mifepristone and could endanger womens health and safety.

Abortion care is health care, and while we wait for the governments response to this ruling, I am committed to working with [House Democrats] to continue defending the freedom of women to make their own healthcare decisions without interference by politicians or activist judges, he wrote.

Medication abortions make up more than half of all abortions done.

Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) said in a statement that mifepristone has been safely used for 20 years. She said the ruling exploited a technicality to deny access to the pill.

She noted that the pill is also used to safely manage miscarriages.

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While Mifepristone is still legal for now, this ruling sets a terrible precedent, Adams said. Yet again, the Republican rollback of our rights will cause pain to women and parents, and disproportionately affect women of color and others without the means to travel for care.

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) also vowed that Democrats will continue to stand up against a far-right attack on reproductive rights.

A separate ruling from U.S. District Judge Thomas Rice in Washington State prevented the FDA from altering the status quo and rights as it relates to the availability of Mifepristone in 17 states and Washington, D.C., conflicting with Kacsmaryks ruling.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A group of 16 congressional Democrats asked Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to investigate the luxury trips that Justice Clarence Thomas has accepted from a major Republican donor for more than two decades.

Eight senators and eight representatives sent Roberts a letter on Friday to urge him to initiate an investigation into any unethical and potentially unlawful conduct that Thomas might have committed. The letter states that the court has barely acknowledged the allegations so far.

We believe that it is your duty as Chief Justice to safeguard public faith in the judiciary, and that fulfilling that duty requires swift, thorough, independent and transparent investigation into these allegations, the letter reads.

ProPublica first reported on Thursday on the trips that Thomas has received over the years from billionaire Republican donor Harlan Crow, going on cruises on Crows yacht, flying on his private jet and engaging with Crows powerful friends at his private resort.

Crow is a Dallas-based real estate developer.

The outlet reported that some of these gifts are worth more than $500,000, but Thomas has not disclosed any of them during the years he received them.

Thomas said in response to the report that he was advised that he did not need to disclose any of the trips.

Early in my tenure at the Court, I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary, and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable, he said.

The letter from the Democrats states that finance disclosure laws require top officials, including Supreme Court justices, to annually report these types of gifts. It said limited exceptions exist for the law to allow officials to enjoy hospitality in the course of ordinary, personal friendships but not for them to hide from the public extravagant gifts by wealthy political interests.

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The signers said an investigation should look into who accompanied Thomas on these trips. They said they have reason to believe that Crow is connected to multiple groups that have filed amicus briefs to the court, but the public does not know if anyone else on these trips had interests connected to Thomas official duties.

They said they will urge Congress to act to restore ethics and accountability on the court if Roberts does not act.

It is well past time for the Supreme Court to align with the rest of government in a proper code of ethics enforced by independent investigation and reporting, the letter states.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Daniil Berman, the lawyer of arrested Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, speaks to journalists near the Lefortovsky court, in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, March 30, 2023. | Alexander Zemlianichenko, Associated Press

Russia charged detained American Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage Friday, according to Russian state media reports. A Journal spokeswoman said the charges were false.

As weve said from the beginning, these charges are categorically false and unjustified, and we continue to demand Evans immediate release, the spokeswoman said in a statement.

Gershkovich appeared before a judge in Moscow and plead not guilty to acting on instructions of the American side, collected information amounting to a state secret about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex, according to a report from RT, an English-language Russian state media outlet.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called the charges ridiculous.

Evan is not a spy, she said at a briefing Tuesday. Evan has never been a spy. Evan has never worked for the U.S. government and he is an independent journalist employed by the Wall Street Journal.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a press conference Wednesday theres no doubt Gershkovich was being wrongfully detained by Russia and said the U.S. was working on a formal wrongful detention determination for his case.

Russias handling of Gershkovich has been condemned widely in Washington, including by Senate leaders from both parties. In a bipartisan joint statement, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said they condemned the wrongful detention.

Related

Let there be no mistake: journalism is not a crime, the Senate leaders said in their statement. We demand the baseless, fabricated charges against Mr. Gershkovich be dropped and he be immediately released.

Gershkovich has worked as a journalist in Russia since 2017, first for the Moscow Times, a Russia-based English-language news outlet, and then for the French news agency Agence France-Presse, before joining the Journal in 2022, and he was accredited by Russias foreign ministry to work as a journalist in the country, according to the Journal.
SANFORD, Maine  While the inferno that destroyed the back tower of the Stenton Trust Mills complex will be long remembered as a sad chapter in the history of Sanford, it turns out that dark day in 2017 produced a silver lining.

Local architect Mike Binette shared that silver lining with the Sanford Planning Board on April 5 when he helped present a well-known developers proposal to transform the last-standing mill at 13 River Street into housing and commercial spaces.

The silver lining of the fire is that this is now a bit-size piece, Binette said. This is a piece thats more manageable.

This rendering shows what the Stenton Trust mill will look like on River Street, once a Boston-based redevelopment firm finishes turning the currently vacant structure into housing and commercial opportunities.

In other words, if there had not been the blaze, redeveloping both of the Stenton mills would have been significantly more challenging and perhaps less likely to happen. Now, though, with just a single tower on site, the proposed redevelopment would be a walk in the park for us, said Binette, who grew up on Brook Street, a few blocks from the citys mill yards.

This is really ripe with opportunity, Binette told the Planning Board. Its the right time and the right place.

Anchorage by the Sea hotel sold: Here's what new owners have planned

90 apartments, commercial retail planned

WinnCompanies is proposing to build 90 apartments on the top four floors of the five-story mill and create both commercial spaces and amenities for tenants on the ground floor. The Boston-based developer is known for redeveloping more than 35 historic mills and remaining their longtime owners and managers, according to Adam Giordano, WinnCompanies assistant manager for the project.

As Binette said of the company, They dont build and sell. Theyre going to be here 30 years from now. Youll have a longstanding partner in the community.

Here is the Stenton Trust mill at 13 River Street in Sanford, Maine, on April 6, 2023.

The Planning Board approved the preliminary subdivision application for the project during its April 5 meeting. Code Enforcement Officer Jamie Cole said the developers will revise their application to meet the towns conditions and likely will appear before the board again, this time with a final application, at some point during the next couple of months.

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Attorney Brad Morin, of Bourque Clegg Causey & Morin, LLC, in Sanford, is representing the developers. He said his clients started meeting with city officials about redeveloping the mill last July.

Morin said the project, once complete, will beautify that section of the mill yard while preserving its historic character. He also said the project will work well alongside the citys plans to use $25 million in federal funds to improve downtown infrastructure and create a promenade around Number One Pond, which is located across the street from the Stenton mill.

Here is the floor plan for the second through fifth stories of the Stenton Trust mill, which developers are proposing to fill with apartments in Sanford, Maine. According to the applicants, the zig-zag-like path of the hallway is designed to prevent a straight "bowling alley look" and instead create a sense of small "neighborhoods" within the building.

Its something we think is going to benefit the community for decades to come, Morin said.

'Golden opportunity': Kennebunkport eyes purchase of first public boat launch

Mill redevelopment called a 'game changer'

Mary Hastings, the small business advocate for the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council, agreed. During a public hearing for the proposal, Hastings praised the developers and called their proposal a game changer.

This project is going to help a really crucial housing deficit that we have, Hastings said. This is going to catapult more businesses into the Sanford area, into our downtown.

City officials previously said a large influx of new residents in the downtown will create a demand for goods and services that the area currently lacks. At least two other separate, unrelated projects in the downtown  the construction of apartment complexes at the corner of School and Bodwell streets and behind Dunkin on Roberts Street  are seeking to fill that need for new residents, as well.

Here is the site plan for a developer's proposal to renovate the Stenton Trust mill into housing and commercial spaces on River Street in Sanford, Maine. At top, the area designated for parking is where the mill's twin stood for nearly 100 years, before it was destroyed by a fire in 2017.

Other cities, such as Biddeford and Dover, New Hampshire, have redeveloped their mills and increased their downtown populations and have seen the economic and cultural benefits that Sanford is now seeking to create.

Binette specifically mentioned Biddeford as an example during his remarks.

Sanford makeover: City gets $25M in federal funds to revitalize downtown

According to Giordano, the rents for the 90 apartment units would be restricted at or below certain percentages of the median income of the area. For example, he said, a four-person family with an annual household income of less than $86,360 would qualify for such a unit. As well, a four-person family must earn less than $67,020 per year to qualify for a unit set at 60% of the areas median income.

Such an arrangement will allow the property owner  WinnCompanies  to take advantage of local, state and federal subsidies, Giordano said.

Giordano added that the project is being designed to attract a wide spectrum of working-class individuals. He cited full-time waitresses, police officers, and educators as examples.

We are really excited to breathe new life into a site and building that has been long vacant, Giordano said.

Big plans: New owners of mill envision stores, restaurants and more

Historic property to get new life

A lot of history went up in smoke when that rear tower of the Stenton Trust Mills complex burned for hours on the evening of Friday, June 23, 2017. The complex opened in 1922 and was originally where Goodall Worsted Company made its popular Palm Beach Cloth, a lightweight fabric often used in manufacturing mens suits. The two mills were identical in appearance and ran parallel to each other.

The fire was one of the biggest in Sanfords history. More than 150 firefighters from Maine and New Hampshire needed more than 30 pieces of apparatus to battle the inferno and drew water from four hydrants and Number One Pond across the street. The 300,000-square-foot structure was so engulfed that the firefighters only option was to attack the flames from the outside.

Here are the twin mills of the Goodall Worsted manufacturing complex during its first years after they opened in Sanford, Maine, in the early 1920s. The rear mill was destroyed by a fire in the summer of 2017 and eventually torn down.

The blaze drew one of the largest crowds in Sanford in recent times. Hundreds of people, maybe even thousands, watched the firefighters as they battled the flames underneath thick, unceasing clouds of pitch-black smoke. People lined the streets and sidewalks, filled Gateway Park and the Mid-Town Mall parking lot, and sat in the front yards of surrounding blocks. Some stood. Some sat in folding chairs, like they would to watch fireworks in those very spots on the Fourth of July.

Three local boys  ages 12 and 13 at the time  were arrested and charged with arson within days of the blaze. Two of them later pleaded guilty to charges of misdemeanor criminal mischief and were sentenced to a year of probation. The third boy pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal mischief.

In the summer of 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency led crews in the demolition of the burned mill, whose charred, skeletal frame had been tilting at the site for the past two years. The EPA also oversaw efforts to remediate the site and the remaining mill.

If all goes according to plan, construction at the lone-standing Stenton Trust Mill is expected to start in the spring of 2024.

Binette told the Planning Board that everything the developers will do will be dictated by the Maine Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service, as financing from the project will derive from historic tax credits. Binette said both entities have very rigid standards for what the mill must look like once the project is complete.The bottom line is, its going to look like the day it was built, Binette said. Its going to shine.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Sanford ME mill: 90 apartments and businesses to be developed
Star Wars: Episode VI  Return of the Jedi is heading back to theaters. At its Star Wars Celebrations event in London, Disney announced today it would rerelease the classic film in cinemas in the US, UK and other parts of the world on April 28th. The theatrical rerun will give Star Wars fans the chance to celebrate the movie ahead of its 40th anniversary on May 25th.

Star Wars #ReturnoftheJedi is making a triumphant return to theaters on April 28th for its 40th anniversary. https://t.co/IP3IMsjts6 pic.twitter.com/DDmbItRO5r  Industrial Light & Magic (@ILMVFX) April 8, 2023

Return of the Jedi wont be the first time Disney has brought an old Star Wars film to theaters. Last year saw the brief return of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to the silver screen in anticipation of the debut of Andor on Disney+. In 2020, it was also possible to see The Empire Strikes Back in theaters in between Covid-19 lockdowns. Looking to the future, fans can look forward to three new Star Wars films, one of which will feature the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey.

Separately, Disney announced on Saturday that a new season of Tales of the Jedi is in production. Creator Dave Filoni shared the news during a Star Wars Celebrations panel dedicated to The Clone War. Tales of the Jedi was so fun the first time, I decided to do some more, he told event attendees. Filoni didn't say when the new season would debut, but between all the new live-action series coming to Disney+ over the next year-and-a-half, there wont be a dearth of Star Wars content anytime soon.
Ukrainian soldiers driving a tank. Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating an apparent leak of classified war documents relating to plans by the United States and NATO to support Ukraine's fight against Russia, Pentagon officials said Friday.

The documents were reportedly leaked from the Department of Defense (DOD) in recent weeks, and were posted on numerous social media sites. The files reportedly "contain classified information on topics ranging from the mercenary Wagner Group's operations in Africa and Israel's pathways to providing lethal aid to Ukraine, to intelligence about the United Arab Emirates' ties to Russia and South Korean concerns about providing ammunition to the U.S. for use in Ukraine," according to CNN.

The latest batch of documents, discovered Friday, were printed-out photos that contained top-secret markings, CNN added. In addition, The New York Times reported that the documents appeared to have been at least slightly modified to overstate estimates of both Ukrainian and Russian casualties from the war, and also revealed previously classified information.

For instance, the documents mentioned Ukraine's expenditure rate of American-supplied rocket systems, the Times reported, a figure that has not been publicly released.

The DOJ told CNN that it had "been in communication with the Department of Defense related to this matter and have begun an investigation," but would not comment further. In a separate statement to The Hill, though, Sabrina Singh, the deputy press secretary at the Pentagon, said the DOD was "actively reviewing the matter, and has made a formal referral to the Department of Justice for investigation."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly addressed the leaks during a meeting with his senior staff on Friday. This meeting, among other things, "focused on measures to prevent the leakage of information regarding the plans of the defense forces of Ukraine," Zelensky's office said in a press release.

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At the center of the recent indictment of Donald Trump are hush money payments made by Michael Cohen, his longtime fixer, to two women alleging past affairs with Trump.

The former presidents likely first challenge to the indictment will aim to dismiss the case over questions about alleged election and tax law crimes underpinning it. Trumps legal team could ask if these were sufficient to increase the 34 counts of falsifying business records from misdemeanors to felonies. (Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has referenced underlying violations, but he hasnt specified exactly what crimes he is alleging to increase Trumps charges to felonies.)

While there are many defenses that Trump will probably make if he fails to get the charges dismissed, only one involves the proposition of true love.

When former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards beat similar charges in 2012, he did so by arguing that payments secured from campaign donors to keep his extramarital lover quiet were done primarily to protect his marriage and his family from embarrassment  and were not, therefore, illegal campaign expenditures.

Trumps lawyers have already argued that he authorized the hush money payments to protect his marriage to Melania Trump. But how credible is the notion that the former president is a wife guy?

There is a lot of evidence against the idea that Donald Trump  who carefully (or perhaps carelessly) crafted an image of himself as a Lothario and a playboy  really cared about the sanctity of his three marriages.

Melania and Donald Trump at a luncheon following the 2017 presidential inauguration.

Melania and Donald Trump at a luncheon following the 2017 presidential inauguration.

His relationship with first wife Ivana Trump ended in divorce in 1990 after a yearslong affair came to light. When he brought girlfriend Marla Maples on a family vacation to Aspen, Colorado, she confronted Ivana Trump, purportedly declaring: Im Marla and I love your husband. Do you?

A front-page New York Post article blaring a supposed quote from Maples  BEST SEX IVE EVER HAD  followed soon after.

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In a 1994 interview with ABC News, Donald Trump described his life with both a beautiful girlfriend [and a] beautiful wife as a bowl of cherries. He further said that had the Aspen confrontation not taken place, he may have remained married while continuing the affair.

Its possible that maybe it would still be going on. Im not sure, Trump said.

In that same interview, Trump did not discuss marriage as a commitment between yourselves and God, as Maples did in her own remarks to ABC News. Instead, he described the end of his first marriage  which had a draconian prenuptial agreement  as more like a deal.

I guess I look at everything like a deal, Trump said.

After the 1990 divorce, Trump used his John Miller pseudonym to call up People magazine to say he would never marry Maples and that he was dating three other women besides her. Ultimately, he did marry Maples. But in a 1994 conversation with Vanity Fair, he suggested he may have done so in part to help his professional image amid the out-of-wedlock birth of their daughter.

During this same period, while he dated Maples as his casino empire failed, Trump boasted about how sleeping with various women had distracted him from his work.

The one thing Ive learned through this: I had to go back to work. I had been in Europe fucking every model in the world. My life was wild, he told Vanity Fair.

Trump and Maples separated in 1997 after the National Enquirer published photos of her on a beach with a Trump bodyguard, and the two divorced in 1999. By that point, Trump was dating a model then named Melania Knauss.

Porn star Stormy Daniels received $130,000 from Michael Cohen to keep her alleged affair with Donald Trump quiet ahead of the 2016 election.

Porn star Stormy Daniels received $130,000 from Michael Cohen to keep her alleged affair with Donald Trump quiet ahead of the 2016 election.

While dating Knauss, Trump routinely appeared on shock jock Howard Sterns radio show. The two listed off the names of famous women to rank their beauty and body parts, discussing whether they would sleep with them.

After Trump announced his bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2015, a flood of women came out to accuse him of creepy and inappropriate behavior, unwanted touching and kissing, and rape, allegedly taking place when he was dating his future wives or married to them. Trump has denied all of the allegations, claiming that they are politically motivated attacks.

Many were spurred on to tell their stories after the release of a behind-the-scenes recording of Trump from the show Access Hollywood  recorded in 2005, the year of his third marriage, but leaked just weeks before the 2016 election.

In the recording, Trump boasted about trying to sleep with a married woman, made lewd comments about a female actor he was about to meet, and bragged that he could sexually assault women because he was famous.

You know Im automatically attracted to beautiful  I just start kissing them. Its like a magnet. Just kiss. I dont even wait. And when youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything, he said in the recording.

Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything, added Trump.

The release of the Access Hollywood tape prompted Trump and his associates to attempt to keep one woman alleging an affair, porn star Stormy Daniels, from speaking to the press.

Daniels alleges that she slept with Trump multiple times in 2006. Prior to the 2016 election, she received $130,000 from Cohen, Trumps lawyer at the time, to stay quiet. Trump later reimbursed Cohen in a series of payments resembling ones for a legal retainer. In addition, the parent company of the National Enquirer paid $150,000 to model Karen McDougal, who said shed had an affair with Trump from 2006 to 2007.

With all of this evidence suggesting that Trump may not be a particularly loyal or respectful husband, he would have a stronger argument in court now by claiming that what he feared most about the revelation of these alleged affairs was the financial hit he might take in a divorce.

Trump likely has a prenuptial agreement with his third wife, just as he did with Maples. He felt burned by the divorce proceedings with his first wife and afterward stated that prenuptials are totally necessary. His prenuptial with Maples provided her with $1 million upon divorce.

If Trump currently has a prenuptial agreement, it may include an infidelity clause. A violation of this clause could trigger greater financial rewards for Melania Trump in a divorce if he cheated on her.

While Donald Trump may not be a wife guy, hes definitely a Trump guy. His best bet is to argue that hes just looking out for himself. Thats an argument that no one could disagree with.
JERUSALEM, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Militants in Syria fired three rockets toward northern Israel on Saturday night, Israel's military said, in a rare attack from Syria amid escalating tension in the region.

According to a statement released by the army, only one of the rockets crossed into the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights and landed in an open area.

It triggered sirens in the northern community of Moshav Meitsar, however, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The Israeli army on Thursday and Friday struck southern Lebanon and Gaza Strip as Israel accused Hamas and other militant groups of being responsible for firing dozens of rockets at Israel.

The latest tension was triggered by Israeli raids of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Muslims' third holiest site, during a sensitive holiday time as Muslims were observing the holy month of Ramadan with prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and Jews were commemorating the Passover holiday. 
Sidney Smith, co-owner of 1820 Candle Co., outside the family owned business in East Palestine, Ohio, on March 23, 2023.

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio  Atop a hill near the Pennsylvania border, where her family farmhouse sits, Sidney Smith stared up at a fiery orange sky.

As smoke filled the air, she was curious and mystified. More than anything, she feared what would come next.

A train carrying hazardous materials had derailed a quarter mile from the house, near the center of town. And an explosion lit up the sky.

"I just thought to myself, 'I've never seen anything like this in my life,'" Smith recalled of the Feb/ruary 3 incident.

Even then, before the extent of the damage was clear, Smith worried what this would mean for her town, for her family, for the life she intended to build here with her fiance.

Two months later, shes still worried.

The derailment didn't cause any injuries that night, but some train cars were carrying dangerous chemicals. A spill of those chemicals, followed by a controlled chemical burn, released toxins into the air, water and soil in and around East Palestine, Ohio.

In the weeks since the toxic derailment, East Palestine residents have seen their businesses lose customers, faced blowback online for trying to get back to normal, and watched real estate values fall, leaving some stuck in homes theyd like to sell.

Many others have wondered if it was safe to stay in their beloved village, long term.

"It scares me thinking, if I want to have kids in the next couple of years, will I get them sick by having them live here?" said Smith, who will marry her fiance, Eric Diaz-Guy, next year.

A daily disruption

Many in East Palestine are asking similar questions. The fire and smoke may be gone, but theyve been replaced by fear and uncertainty.

The disaster has complicated daily life and decisions for everyone here, whether they want to stay, like Smith, or leave, like some of her neighbors.

Smith can trace her lineage in East Palestine back to 1918, when her ancestors bought a farmhouse that had been built in 1820. Her great grandfather and grandfather started Parker Dairy, which they ran for years.

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In the 1980s, they got out of the dairy business to focus on crops and cattle. Then the house was empty for a while until Smith's parents moved back to the farm and it became Smith's family home as a child.

The farm and, more broadly, the village, are all she's ever known.

"I've never thought of myself being anywhere else," Smith said of East Palestine. "This is where I grew up. This is where my ancestors grew up. And this whole town is pretty much family."

Smith went to college to become a nurse. But after taking a few business classes, she found that she had a new passion. Since she was in middle school, she had been helping out at her mom Melissa's candle shop, 1820 Candle Co., which she started in 2004.

Sidney Smith, co-owner of 1820 Candle Co. in East Palestine, Ohio works on orders March 23, 2023.

Then, she gradually took on more responsibilities. When she graduated college, she wanted to take all she had learned and go all in on her mom's business. They currently run the shop together and have grown the business to the point where they receive online orders from all over the country.

"I love it, it's such a unique job," Smith said. "Not a lot of people can say 'I make candles for a living.' And to do it with your mom, is one of the most special things ever."

But like many other businesses in East Palestine, getting back to normal has been difficult. Business owners have faced some backlash online for re-opening their shops as the aftermath of the derailment unfolds. Posts on social media often come with comments accusing local businesses of being irresponsible by bringing customers to a contaminated area even though state officials have assured the public that the water and air are safe.

"A lot of people want to assume we're villains for wanting people to come here and shop," Smith said. "It's our livelihood. My parents have invested a lot of money in being here. We wouldn't tell our customers to come down here if it wasn't safe or we didn't personally feel safe."

'It ain't good'

In the weeks since the derailment, Smith said she's felt better about staying in East Palestine, long term.

"I have a lot of friends and family here and I don't want to leave them behind," she said.

Many other families, however, are considering other options.

More than two-thirds of homes in East Palestine are owner-occupied. Local realtors say the derailment has caused many challenges for people trying to sell their homes. And at least one insurance company, Allstate, has stopped offering coverage to new homeowners.

East Palestine, Ohio, resident T. Ross said he is worried about the area's economy after the train derailment that spilled toxic chemicals. He is concerned that local businesses may lose revenue if residents leave.

You burned me, resident Jim Stewart said at the town hall. We were going to sell our house. Our value went phoom, he added while pointing his hands downward.

T. "Preacher" Ross, a resident who lives near Market Street, fears the small village could lose a lot if people pack up and leave. As a village of less than 5,000 residents, East Palestine relies on all its small businesses and shops, he said.

"There's a rumor going around of a ghost town, and I know that because I started it," he said. "I've already surmised that if people are leaving and nobody is waiting to come in, and the population gets too small in this town, companies and businesses are going to get hit.

"It will become a question of who's going to bail and who won't."

Ross fears the derailment has caused a stigma that will, for a long time, cause travelers who may normally stop and shop while passing through East Palestine, to say Oh no, this is toxic town, before driving further to stop somewhere else.

"That's what creates a ghost town," he added. "I don't think it will ultimately be that bad, but it ain't good."

'What is best for us'

Last month, an activist team of lawyers, environmentalists, and experts led by Erin Brockovich added a community advocate to their team. That advocate, East Palestine native Jessica Conard, has been tasked with outreach in the community as they continue fighting through remediation, legal, and safety processes.

Conard said the tight-knit community has a "connection" and trust of each other. But that trust doesn't extend to government and certainly doesn't extend to Norfolk Southern. The community feels they've been lied to throughout the process.

"When we have all these big corporations and big names coming into town, it's hard to know who to trust," she said. "The information has not been transparent."

That mistrust has led residents into a cycle of constantly trying to sort out what is fact from fiction and whether things are better or worse than they've been led to believe. While trying to make sense of all the information they receive, many are also battling just to get through the day. Norfolk Southern began giving reimbursements to all residents of East Palestine as part of remediation efforts, but some have complained about how difficult the process is.

Janet Whittet of Rogers, Ohio, and her son Peter Fiest of East Palestine said they have been fighting to get reimbursement from Norfolk Southern Railway after the train derailment on February 3, 2023.

One man, Peter Fiest, said he hasn't been able to receive any reimbursements because he doesn't have any mail in his name at his address. He was unable to go to work as evacuations began February 3. And months later, he's been unsuccessful in getting compensation.

"I had a letter stating that I stay there," Fiest said of a letter from his landlord he presented to the claim center. "I can't work. I don't got no money right now. It's hard."

Those daily battles are becoming a new normal. As remediation continues, home sales in East Palestine will likely suffer for a while, Michael Stevens, board president for the Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors told the Canton Repository.Homebuyers don't have confidence in buying in the village right now, he said. And that lack of confidence won't go away quickly.

Smith said her concerns have continually waned as time has gone by, but she's preparing in case that changes.

"As of right now we plan on staying here, but obviously keeping cautious of those things that could pop up that put a family at risk," Smith said. "You're constantly thinking about what is best for us."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Families weigh future after train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio
Burkina Faso's new military chief has vowed to step up efforts to counter jihadist violence in the country

Some 44 people have been killed after two deadly attacks in northern Burkina Faso on Thursday, officials have said.

The twin attacks happened in the villages of Kourakou and Tondobi in the Sahel region, near the Niger border.

No group has admitted to carrying out the attacks, but jihadist violence is common in the area and officials have blamed "armed terrorist groups".

Militant groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) are known to operate in the region.

The Lieutenant-Governor of the Sahel region, Rodolphe Sorgho, said the assailants behind the "despicable and barbaric attack" had been "put out of action".

Other villagers were reportedly injured in the attacks, but it is unclear how many. Mr Sorgho said "actions to stabilise the area are under way".

One resident told the AFP news agency that "a large number of terrorists burst into the village" and that he heard gunfire all night long.

"It was on Friday morning that we saw that there were several dozen dead," he said.

AFP has also reported that the killings were in retaliation for the lynching of two jihadists who had tried to steal cattle a few days earlier.

Thursday night's killings happened close to the village of Seytenga, where dozens of people were killed last June.

Burkina Faso and its neighbours have faced protracted jihadist insurgencies since 2013.

Thousands of people have been killed during the crisis and more than two million have been displaced. The violence has led to significant political turbulence in the country.

The military - led by Lt Col Paul-Henri Damiba - seized power in the country in January last year, promising an end to the violence.

But he failed to stamp out the attacks, and he was removed in a second coup by Capt Ibrahim Traore the following September.

Capt Traore has promised to win back territory from the jihadists, and to hold democratic elections in July 2024.

His new military chief, Col Celestin Simpore, vowed earlier this week to step up a "dynamic offensive" to counter the jihadists.

But Capt Traore has also requested that French troops leave the country and there has been widespread speculation that he might start working with Russian mercenaries.
Mifepristone (Mifeprex), one of the two drugs used in a medication abortion, is displayed at the Women's Reproductive Clinic, which provides legal medication abortion services, in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, on June 15, 2022. Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

Two federal judges issued contradicting rulings on the abortion pill mifepristone on Friday.

A Texas judge imposed a stay on the FDA's approval of the drug, while a Washington judge disagreed.

The dueling rulings set up a likely battle in the Supreme Court.

Two federal judges issued dueling rulings regarding the abortion pill mifepristone on Friday afternoon, setting up a likely Supreme Court battle over whether or not the medication can be legally distributed in the US.

Texas Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk sided with conservative, anti-abortion activists this week in an effort to block the distribution of mifepristone. The conservative justice, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, imposed a stay on the Food & Drug Administration's 2000 approval of the drug in a ruling that is set to take effect in one week, giving the Biden administration the chance to appeal the decision to a higher court.

But just minutes after the Texas ruling was made public, Washington State Judge Thomas O. Rice issued his own ruling on mifepristone, arguing the exact opposite of Kacsmaryk, and prohibiting the FDA from pulling the drug from the market. Rice said a nationwide injunction on the pill would be "inappropriate."

The Texas lawsuit was filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, representing a coalition of medical groups and doctors who oppose abortion. The group alleged that mifepristone is dangerous and rallied against the FDA's initial approval of it more than 20 years ago. Kacsmaryk's Friday ruling was much anticipated, given his noted anti-abortion stance. Critics have accused the plaintiffs of seeking Kacsmaryk out specifically because of his Christian beliefs.

Meanwhile, in Washington State, several Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the FDA accusing the agency of excessively regulating the pill. The judge in the case responded by prohibiting the FDA from taking "any action" that would cause the drug to "become less available."

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It's not immediately clear how the opposing rulings will affect one another, but it seems increasingly likely that mifepristone's future will lie with the Supreme Court  the same body that overturned the landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade last year in an unprecedented decision.

The Biden administration is almost certain to appeal the Texas ruling, and mifepristone remains available in states where it was already legal to purchase for at least one more week.

Read the original article on Insider
Eddie Marsan admitted to being fearful of white working-class men while growing up in east London.

The Ray Donovan actor was born into a working-class family in Bethnal Green; his father was a lorry driver and his mother was a school dinner lady.

On the Channel 4 News podcast Ways To Change The World With Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Marsan said there was a lot of violence when he was growing up, a lot of criminality.

The estate where I was raised, most of the fathers had court orders not to come near the house.

Guru-Murthy asked the actor if he remembered being afraid of men as a young boy.

I remember being afraid of white working-class men, the actor responded.

Its very interesting... there are other actors from the same background like Danny Dyer or Ray Winstone who are much more successful and much more charismatic in portraying those men, he continued.

I mean, when you see Danny Dyer and Ray Winstone, they have a kind of appeal to me and Ive never been able to do that, and its because my experience of growing up within the white working class, [there] was always an element of fear. I always felt very vulnerable.

I love the format of long form interviews because you can discuss challenging issues with complexity and nuisance, & @krishgm is one of the best interviewers in the business. He comes prepared, he listens, encourages, and at times challenges you. Just as it should be. https://t.co/IyexJJ2e2I  Eddie Marsan (@eddiemarsan) April 7, 2023

Marsan was born a year before the Divorce Reform Act (1969)  which allowed couples to divorce without proving fault  was passed.

He added: It was the beginning of womens liberation, women were beginning to divorce [their] husbands, who were treating them bad, and 20, 30 years earlier, they didnt divorce them, they just stuck it out.

So men began to feel like their power was being taken away and thats why they then turned to violence.

Earlier this week, Marsan won plaudits on Twitter for having the perfect response to the friend of a college bully who tried to mock him on social media.
Lindsay London holds a protest sign in front of the federal court building in support of access to abortion medication outside the federal courthouse in Amarillo, Texas, in March. (David Erickson / Associated Press)

In the most far-reaching court ruling on abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade and robbed women of the constitutional right to an abortion last year, a federal judge in Texas has suspended the Food and Drug Administration's approval of mifepristone, the first of a two-drug regimen taken as part of a medication abortion.

U.S. District Court Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk on Friday ordered the preliminary injunction on mifepristone in a ruling on a lawsuit filed by an alliance of antiabortion groups and doctors claiming the FDA did not adequately study the drug before it was approved in 2000 and that using the medication is dangerous. The second drug, misoprostol, has other uses including preventing stomach ulcers and is less regulated. It can be used alone to terminate a pregnancy, though it is slightly less effective.

Fortunately, the ruling does not go into effect for seven days so that the federal government may file an appeal, which U.S. Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland said it will do. Adding to the uncertainty is a preliminary injunction on Friday by U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice in Spokane, Wash., barring the FDA from removing mifepristone from the market in 17 states and the District of Columbia, in response to a lawsuit arguing that the special rules that the FDA has put on mifepristone are too restrictive and should be removed. It's not clear which injunction will prevail.

No matter the outcome, the Texas ruling is a travesty that seeks to outlaw overwhelmingly safe medication abortion across the entire country, including in states that vigorously protect abortion such as California, Oregon and New York.

If the judge's ruling goes into effect, it will create chaos across a post-Roe nation that is already a patchwork of states that allow abortion, ban abortion and have varying restrictions in between. Medication abortion is the most common form of abortion in the first trimester of gestation and a ban on mifepristone will leave clinics across the country scrambling to decide whether to use just the second drug, misoprostol, for abortions.

Story continues

Reproductive rights advocates and doctors decried this decision that ignores two decades of safe usage and oversight by the FDA. "This medicine has gone through the toughest safety reviews and has been used safely and effectively for over 20 years," said Daniel Grossman, a faculty member in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at UC San Francisco and director of a reproductive health research program there. "We need expanded access to abortion care, not court rulings based in junk science. According to that research program, medication abortion is safer than Tylenol.

The Texas lawsuit was always just a ploy to restrict abortion access masquerading as concern over the drug's safety. Antiabortion activists found a sympathetic federal judge and got the result they wanted. The ruling ignores good sense, sound medical judgment and more than two decades of the drugs safe usage around the world.

Though it is among the safest drugs a person can take, and has a serious complication rate of about one third of 1%, Kacsmaryk agreed with the plaintiffs that the FDA improperly used an accelerated process for drugs intended for life-threatening illness and severe disease. He agreed with them that pregnancy is not an illness. In fact, he bought all their arguments  including that the moribund Comstock Act, the work of a 19th century anti-vice crusader, covers medication abortion pills sent through the mail.

Most troubling was that Kacsmaryk bought into the plantiffs' questionable horror stories about women supposedly injured after taking the medication. He said the ruling would ensure "that women and girls are protected from unnecessary harm."

In fact, this ruling is more likely to harm pregnant people seeking a safe abortion with pills by leaving them with fewer options.

More than half the people who have abortions do it by medication now, making it the most common abortion procedure in the country and the easiest to access. And that is why abortion opponents have focused on outlawing it using every argument they can dream up: Its dangerous. The FDA didnt study it enough. Its against the law to send it through the mail.

None of this is about protecting women or the U.S. Postal Service. This is about denying pregnant people the right to healthcare and the ability to control their own bodies. And it should not be allowed to stand.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The City of Oviedo hosted a family-friendly celebration for the Easter weekend on Saturday.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Photos: City of Oviedo celebrates Easter with festival

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children and their families participated in Easter-themed activities like egg decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Guests also enjoyed face painting, bounce houses and coloring stations. There were three races: an egg and spoon race, a three-legged race and a potato sack race.

The festival was at Center Lake Park.

Read: Central Florida residents ready to hop into Easter celebrations this weekend

For more events in Central Florida, visit our event calendar here.

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.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, at the company's Hawthorne, California, factory in March 2019. Frederic J. Brown/Getty Images

Elon Musk reacted to Twitter users discussing his management style.

The Twitter owner admitted to being "dumb way more often" than he'd like to be.

Musk's managerial style has been under closer scrutiny since he took control of Twitter.

Elon Musk has reacted to a Twitter discussion about his management style, which has been under more scrutiny since he took control of the social-media platform.

A user, whose Twitter handle is @TSLAFanMtl, wrote Friday that he disagreed with Musk about the affordability of Teslas and the demand for its cars. That prompted one of the billionaire's fans to respond: "To think you're smarter than Elon Musk."

The user @TSLAFanMtl then said: "Do I think I am smarter than Elon? No. Does that mean he or management gets everything 100% right? No. Let's not be a cult and try to be objective. This is a cultist response."

Whole Mars Catalog, an account that often interacts with the Tesla CEO, seemed to agree and praised the openness of Musk's companies' management methods: "What I love about Tesla Twitter is that we can debate & discuss what the company should do, have employees and management join in that discussion, & try and ultimately push the company and mission forward."

"'Elon knows best' is a terrible argument," Whole Mars Catalog added. "He's great but can also be dumb."

Musk responded: "I am dumb way more often than I'd like to be!"

Since taking over Twitter in late October, Musk's methods of turning the company around have been questioned.

He cut more than half the workforce, which is now down to about 1,300 staff, CNBC reported. Musk also fired some top executives and workers who criticized his leadership.

He gave employees an ultimatum in November, asking them to commit to his vision for "Twitter 2.0," which he said would involve working "long hours at high intensity," or risk being laid off.

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At the end of March, the billionaire emailed remaining Twitter employees to tell them that coming to the office was not optional after he ended the work-from-home policy in November.

But his managerial style at his other companies such as Tesla, where he's also previously issued office ultimatums, has come under scrutiny.

In June last year, Musk told Tesla executives to come into the office and stop "phoning it in," or quit.

At the time, Whole Mars Catalog asked Musk how he would respond to those who consider in-person work "antiquated." Musk responded on Twitter: "They should pretend to work somewhere else."

Twitter and Musk didn't immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Emirates Boeing 777X and Boeing 787 rendering. Boeing

Ever wonder how your in-flight meals are prepared?

Emirates Flight Catering makes all the food served to passengers aboard the airline.

The facility, which is located in Dubai, makes more than 200,000 meals a day.

Emirates Flight Catering makes approximately 225,000 meals daily.

A meal setting in a first class seat aboard an Emirates Airlines A380 on August 1, 2008. STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images

It serves as the world's largest flight catering facility located at Dubai International airport. It operates 24-7, cooking every snack, dessert, and main dish eaten by its millions of passengers annually.

"Emirates Flight Catering provides in-flight catering and support services to over 100 airlines across the globe from its catering units at Dubai International Airport," an Emirates spokesperson told Insider. "Additionally, the team provides over 10,000 meals per day for 19 airline hospitality lounges."

The facility's crew is made up of thousands of employees.

The facility's employees are from around the world. Insider/Youtube/Screenshot

The crew works around the clock and comprises more than 6,000 people  a melting pot of individuals from around the globe. This includes their chefs who have experience in a variety of culinary cuisine.

Before cooking, employees remove and clean trolleys, trays, plates, and other tableware from the incoming flight.

Emirates catering staff works around the clock to make the meals. Insider/Youtube/Screenshot

Emirates handles approximately 3 million pieces of tableware on a daily basis.

They are taken to the ground level where dishes are separated and put through industrial-sized ware washing machines for proper cleaning.

The trolleys pushed by the flight attendants are loaded onto the facility's miles-long monorail to be taken upstairs. It has pickup and drop-off points at multiple locations on every building floor.

Staff in the cold kitchen, located on the upstairs level, preps and plates the appetizers and sandwiches.

The sandwiches go through a wrapping machine to keep them fresh. Screenshot/Insider/Youtube

Due to each cabin on the plane having different menu options, the food for first and business class and prepared on a different side of the kitchen than the economy cabin.

The sandwiches are then fed through the flow-wrapping machine to keep the bread fresh until it's unwrapped aboard the plane.

Story continues

In the main kitchen, where hot food is prepared, chefs prepare food according to four regions; Middle Eastern, European, Asian, and Sub-Continent.

The international chefs tailor each menu based on the region of the arrival destination. Insider/Youtube/Screenshot

The meals made are congruent and inspired by the region of the flight's arrival destination.

Therefore, nearly 2,000 international chefs cover the culinary gamut of every destination Emirates flies to. For instance, if you're traveling to France, you'll most likely get a croissant for breakfast.

"All chefs learn about regional cuisines, local seasonal ingredients and techniques to give passengers a taste of the destination before they land," the Emirates spokesperson said. "Customers can savor a traditional Arabic mezze when flying from Dubai, tuck into a Mauritian chicken curry on the way to Mauritius, or feast on a traditional moqueca from Brazil. "

Emirates told Insider that although onboard specialties change each season some notable dishes include spiced bean curd and peppers and Batata Wa Bayd Mfarakeh  or potatoes and eggs, Bzar chicken and pan-fried beef tenderloin, among other dishes.

The food prepared in the last kitchen is for those with a sweet tooth.

The baked goods are made fresh and in-house. Insider/Youtube/Screenshot

The sweets for example, pastries, cakes, and cookies  are all made in-house. The facility, which notably specializes in Arabic sweets, has a hydro processor, a high-powered water laser that cuts precise pieces of cake.

For example, a sample menu for a long flight shows desserts like orange frangipane and chocolate mango tarts.

In the assembly room, each meal gets a day code. It prevents the airline from serving spoiled dishes. Fruit and salads are prepared here too.

Once the trays are loaded into the trolleys, it is placed on the monorail and transported to the flight two hours before departure. Insider/Youtube/Screenshot

Additionally, this is where tableware and utensils are prepped.

The meals are placed on trays and then onto the trolleys which are eventually transported to the aircraft and served to the passengers aboard.

Meals are put back into the trolleys and sent to the departing aircraft. Insider/Youtube/Screenshot

See more on Emirates Flight Catering:

Read the original article on Insider
Alex Murdaugh has gotten a steady stream of ardent messages from a cadre of admirers since he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison last month for killing his wife and son, according to reports.

Murdaugh, 54, has received a series of affectionate notes from a number of fans who are purportedly infatuated with the convicted killer and disbarred legal scion. The letters, which were first obtained by FITSNews via a Freedom of Information Act request, were published Tuesday.

RELATED: Alex Murdaugh's Murder Trial Judge Speaks Publicly For First Time: 'The Person Who Is Killed Will Haunt'

"I think I love you," Nicollete K. wrote in a letter to Murdaugh on March 12, while he was being held at the Kirkland Correctional Institution in Columbia, S.C. "I think about you all day everyday. I swear on my life I'll never say a single word to anyone important or not important. I genuinely care for you."

Murdaugh was since relocated, as of March 31, to an undisclosed state maximum-security prison. Hes one of 28 inmates being held in the specialized facility for safety and security reasons, the South Carolina Department of Corrections said, Greenville Online reported. According to FITSNews, Murdaugh had received the flurry of romantic letters prior to his transfer late last month.

Alex Murdaugh's New Mugshot

Alex Murdaugh's New Mugshot Photo: South Carolina Department of Corrections

"I am just a small town girl from Missouri," a separate woman named Lacie K. wrote, per the message log cited by FITSNews. "I am here if you want to talk. Or vent. XXLacie."

Other Murdaugh devotees proclaimed his innocence in his wife and sons murder.

"You didn't kill your family, somebody else did and you don't wanna tell it," Destiny H. wrote. "I give you all the love for not snitching but then again, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do for your freedom."

Another woman, Shianne D., proposed in her note that she could include images of herself so Murdaugh could "put a face to a name." She described herself as a bored 31-year-old female [who] decided to write a letter to someone who could use a friend too.

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Buster Murdaugh in court.

The South Carolina Department of Corrections has since confirmed the authenticity of the jailhouse letters, People reported.

Alex Murdaugh was convicted on March 2 for the murder of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and youngest son, Paul Murdaugh, 22, who were shot and killed at the family's estate in June 2021. The once prominent attorney was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Murdaugh, who has maintained his innocence since his arrest, intends to appeal the verdict.

According to the prison message log, Murdaugh was also contacted by Netflix, specifically Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal producer Mike Gasparro, who begged the imprisoned former legal scion to grant a jailhouse interview.

Alex Murdaugh Sentencing

Alex Murdaugh is led to the Colleton County Courthouse by sheriff's deputies for sentencing Friday, March 3, 2023. Photo: AP

"We feel at this point it's very important to have your voice in the [remainder] of our series," Gasparro stated in his letter to Murdaugh, according to FITSNews. "Our first three episodes [were] viewed by 40 million households and also 75 million hours [were] watched in just ten days. Those numbers will continue to rise. We believe you can have the largest platform on TV if you are willing to speak to us."

Some of the jailhouse correspondence included references to Murdaughs surviving son, Buster Murdaugh, and unfounded speculation he was somehow tied to a renewed homicide investigation into 19-year-old teenager Stephen Smith, who was mysteriously found dead near the Murdaugh home in 2015.

I am so proud of Buster for giving a statement about Stephen Smiths murder, Laken B. also wrote in her note to Murdaugh.
BRUSSELS  Behind the curtains of Estonia's substantial support for Ukraine lies the struggle of pushing allies to do more.

In an exclusive interview with the Kyiv Independent, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu admitted that he is not satisfied with either the quantity or pace of the allies' arms support "because the war still continues."

Reinsalu, who previously called on allies to finally send tanks to Ukraine, stressed that holding back on crucial arms delivery for Kyiv would be the same as "co-signing a decision for Ukraine to lose on the ground" even if Russia is "playing" with nuclear threats.

Estonia, one of the smallest nations in Europe, has been at the forefront of calling on NATO allies to keep much-needed weapons flowing into Ukraine.

Located on NATO's eastern flank bordering Russia, the Baltic state has worked hard to push allies to keep up the momentum until Russia cannot invade neighboring countries again.

Reinsalu said Russian President Vladimir Putin has already made "one strategic mistake" by thinking he can achieve results quickly in Ukraine. However, he's still to be proven wrong about his another dangerous presumption concerning Western unity's fragility.

Putin likely assumes "the willpower of the Western community is actually weaker than his capacity to mobilize his society and state, and in the past, it has shown he turned out to be right," Reinsalu said, referring to the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014.

"(Putin) is also putting his leverage, prolonging this war and weakening the Western willpower with the intent that (the West) will look for some kind of separate political solutions," the Estonian minister said.

And with both Russia and Ukraine acknowledging that it would be a long war, Reinsalu warned that it would be "very dangerous" if some allies drop support for Kyiv as it becomes costlier for the West.

According to the Estonian official, allies should not pressure Ukraine into "working out a certain political solution" even if it cannot meet the West's expectation of a certain timeframe to liberate its territory.

Story continues

Reinsalu said it would be "immoral and unfair" to even suggest freezing a conflict or making compromises to end the war when "we have still not given enough weapons to Ukraine."

While the easiest way to end the war might be to surrender, Reinsalu emphasized that the West would be complicit in "giving up the future of Ukraine."

"And if we give up, the world will first lose Ukraine and our dignity, and afterward, we will also lose ourselves  at least our security or our coming generation's security," Reinsalu said.

"I'm sure that all the countries are interested in peace, particularly those countries who are neighboring Russia, but false peace is just a prelude to new wars," the 47-year-old minister said.

"History taught us this," said Reinsalu, whose country suffered a brutal 50-year-long Soviet occupation.

Estonia's Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu (L), Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau (R) and his counterpart from Romania Bogdan Aurescu (C) are pictured before a meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Bucharest Nine (B9) countries in Lodz, Poland, on March 30, 2023. (Photo by Wojtek Radwanski/AFP via Getty Images)

Isolating Putin

Reinsalu underscored during the interview that isolating the Russian leader from the rest of the world will help approach the war's end.

"An isolation of Putin is an asset which makes him weaker," Reinsalu said, adding that it is also necessary to "give a signal" to the Russian society that Putin doesn't have any leverage over the West.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) 's decision in March to issue an arrest warrant against Putin for the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia has increased the Kremlin's isolation.

Reinsalu said Estonia was ready to arrest Putin if he entered its territory, as obliged by the Rome Statute signed off by 123 member states.

While the chances of Putin ending up behind bars are deemed to be low, the ICC's highly symbolic move is expected to isolate the Russian leader further.

"I can't imagine now the Western leaders having some kind of direct vis-a-vis negotiations with Putin, with the person who is under an arrest warrant," Reinsalu said, adding that Estonia won't be open to talks.

Reinsalu said that the arrest warrant is, however, only a "first step" to holding the Kremlin accountable, but an important one.

He added that "the full isolation" of Putin and his elites, who are "accountable for the war crimes" committed in Ukraine, should continue even after the war is over.

"The top military and political leadership, of course, bears responsibility," Reinsalu said.

As evidence of Russia's alleged war crimes across Ukraine mounts, Kyiv and its allies have pledged to hold Moscow accountable. Ukrainian prosecutors recorded nearly 80,000 alleged war crimes across the country as of early April.

However, delivering on the promises has been difficult.

For one, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly approved a resolution that appeals to set up a special international tribunal against Russia for its war against Ukraine.

Half a year later, the allies have not yet found a unified approach for creating a mechanism to hold Russia accountable for its "crime of aggression," according to Reinsalu.

A man walks among graves of unidentified people who were killed in the Ukrainian town of Bucha, northwest of Kyiv, on March 30, 2023. Bodies of a few dozen people found in Bucha's mass grave have not been identified yet. (Photo by Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images)

Closing the gap

The Estonian minister said that some nations have still not switched their mentality from helping Ukraine to avoid defeat to helping Ukraine win the war.

Over the course of the full-scale invasion, Reinsalu said there are allies who still hold a "scholastical debate" on "what type of weapons we are allowed to give to Ukraine without further escalating (the war) or making Russia angry."

Currently, there are debates about the possible transfer of longer-range missiles and F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, he said, but he emphasized that it is "a wrong perspective" to fear escalation, especially since Russia is using "all types of conventional weaponry" without any caveats to get what it wants.

Even Ukraine's key ally Poland said a transfer of F-16s is not being considered.

Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau told the Kyiv Independent that the possible transfer of the jets is "right now not on the table."

Reinsalu said it is "unfortunate" that Estonia doesn't have F-16s, tanks, and longer-range missiles and that it would have been "proud" to send them to Ukraine if they were in stock.

But despite lacking Kyiv's top-priority items, Estonia's military support for Ukraine added up to more than one percent of its GDP. Estonia is the frontrunner in this metric.

Estonia, along with its Baltic allies, made a joint call to Germany  just days before Berlin authorized the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine  to speed up tank delivery.

Kyiv joined the call, saying that Berlin's "indecision" regarding tanks is "killing more of our people."

"We, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania foreign ministers, call on Germany to provide Leopard tanks to Ukraine now," Reinsalu tweeted on Jan. 21.

Ukrainian servicemen stand in a trench near their position near the town of Bakhmut, Donetsk region on April 8, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)

During the interview, Reinsalu explained that some Western nations' hold-up on transferring much-needed military assistance is nothing new.

Western leaders were told by their military advisors last spring that "Ukraine would lose," and many still keep this mentality, according to Reinsalu.

"If you are not delivering howitzers, it means you are co-signing on a decision of Ukraine losing on the ground," he adds.

"And now, it is also the same case about tanks and might be the case also about the F-16s because now Russia has air superiority, (and) it's a problem," Reinsalu said.

Reinsalu didn't rule out the possibility of Estonia purchasing F-16s and sending them to Ukraine, saying that "I think it is very reasonable."

Meanwhile, Estonia's proposed plan, approved by the EU in late March, aims to provide 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine over the next 12 months under a first-of-a-kind joint procurement idea.

"I put the issue that there are still several gaps between these amounts of weaponry and ammunition which have been promised and what has arrived to the Ukrainian ground," Reinsalu said, adding that the EU's joint procurement plan is aimed at reducing the gaps.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba speaks at a press conference after a tripartite meeting with Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu and Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra in the western city of Lviv on March 3, 2023. (Photo by Mykola Tys/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Bringing an end to Russia's brutality

The interview took place at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on the sidelines of a two-day-long ministerial meeting, where Finland officially joined NATO.

British Foreign Affairs Secretary James Cleverly told the Kyiv Independent that while "Finland has maintained its position of non-alignment for a very, very long time," the country's position likely changed "in response to Putin's foolish, foolhardy full-scale invasion of Ukraine."

The Estonian minister argued that the only way to achieve European security was for Ukraine to join NATO.

"To speak about every type of security guarantee, they are false replicas of NATO membership," Reinsalu said.

"NATO is the only consistent security guarantee to Ukraine, and also for Europe to evade a new war of aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation."

General view taken at the start of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on April 4, 2023. (Photo by Olivier Matthys/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Responding to the Kyiv Independent, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a news conference on April 3 that "Ukraine will become a member of the alliance," but it was too early to say when.

At the April 4-5 ministerial meeting, Reinsalu said Ukraine's path to NATO was among the key topics discussed. He emphasized that even amidst war, it's vital to "discuss what are the preconditions of European security (and) new order to avoid a new war."

However, there are differences between NATO allies on whether it's too early to discuss Ukraine's membership bid as Russia continues to wage its brutal war against the country.

A Western official, who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity, said after the meeting ended that "we've got several weeks of hard negotiations ahead to close those gaps and craft a political outcome."

Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, who oversaw his country's blue-and-white flag raised as the new NATO member, told the Kyiv Independent that he also expected Ukraine's membership bid to be a long process.

Ukraine applied for a fast-track NATO accession just as Russia made illegal annexation claims of four Ukrainian regions in September.

Despite the NATO leader's reassurance that Ukraine is set to join the alliance one day, the prospects of membership are low until Russia's war against Ukraine comes to an end.

"Ending the war is only in the hands of Putin," Reinsalu added.

Can Russia afford to commit to a years-long war? When Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out war against Ukraine, U.S. intelligence claimed that Russian forces planned to sweep Kyiv within days. More than 13 months on, Ukraines defenses still stand firm. But Ukrainians are now faced with a different threat  the Kremlin appears to Kyiv IndependentKatie Marie Davies

_____________________________________________________

Note from the author:

Hi, this is Asami Terajima, the author of this article.

Thank you for reading my story. I've arrived in Brussels just a few days after leaving the Donbas, and it was quite surreal to go from Ukrainian soldiers telling me how crucial it is for them to receive more advanced tanks to end the war faster  to seeing the reluctance from the Western side to provide what they really need. To help the Kyiv Independent's reporting on the ground and elsewhere, please consider supporting us by becoming our patron.
LAGOS, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian authorities said on Saturday that 85 people were abducted by gunmen suspected to be bandits in a village in the northwest state of Zamfara on Thursday.

This was announced in a brief statement by Abdulmalik Saidu Maibiredi, media assistant to the governor.

The victims, mostly children and women, were abducted on Thursday at Wanzamai village in the Tsafe local government area of the state.

Abductions have been frequent in the state for many years. 
(Bloomberg) -- Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas vowed higher defense spending after finalizing a deal for a new governing coalition following her victory in last months elections, extending her tenure as one of Europes most ardent backers of Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The alliance, to be sworn in next week, will swap out one of the three parties in Kallass outgoing cabinet for a new administration focused on reigning in fiscal deficits and promoting socially progressive policies as well as boosting the Baltic nations defense.

Members of Kallass center-right Reform Party will dominate ministerial posts after their commanding win in the March 5 vote.

Without security we dont have to talk about anything else, Kallas said at a news conference in Tallinn on Saturday afternoon. Thats why we are increasing our defense expenditure to 3% (of GDP) in the coming years.

Under her leadership, Estonia has stood out as the biggest contributor of weapons aid to Ukraine on a per-capita basis. Alongside Baltic neighbors Latvia and Lithuania, the country has pushed hard for tough sanctions to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Kallas, 45, is a former lawyer and the daughter of former Prime Minister and European Commissioner Siim Kallas. Like many in the Baltics, her family was directly affected by the Soviet Unions mass deportations in the 1940s and 1950s.

The premiers third government since she first took office in 2021 will also include Estonia 200 and the Social Democrats. The parties described the coalition talks as arduous, agreeing to tax hikes, a minimum wage rise and marriage equality.

Story continues

We cant live above our means. The crises of the last few years have taken us to a place where there is a big deficit in the budget, Kallas said.

With a civil union law thats been in limbo since 2014, a decision to adopt full marriage equality would make Estonia the first of 15 former Soviet republics to do so.

(Updates paragraphs four, seven and eight with quotes and coalition deal details.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is facing another lawsuit over nursing home deaths in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the plaintiff alleging that Cuomos pride and "unmitigated greed" had led to needless deaths.

The lawsuit alleges that Cuomo and other top officials had exhibited "deliberate indifference" toward nursing home residents and caused 15,000 avoidable COVID-19 deaths," the New York Post reports.

The lawsuit was filed by Sean Newman in a Brooklyn federal district court. Newman is married to Janice Dean, who works for Fox News Channel as a senior meteorologist. Newmans parents died in early 2020 at nursing homes in the state amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

ANDREW CUOMO BLASTS MANHATTAN DA BRAGG'S TRUMP PROBE: I THINK ITS ALL POLITICS'

Cuomo was at the center of an ongoing scandal over the states handling of nursing homes at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The controversy focused on a state order that required nursing homes to receive patients who had been treated for COVID-19.

The policy was later rescinded, but that emerged again in 2021 when Attorney General Letitia James announced that the death toll had been undercounted by as much as 50%. Cuomo would later resign over unrelated sexual misconduct allegations.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

CUOMO ACCUSER FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST NEW YORK STATE, ALLEGING RESPONSIBILITY FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The new lawsuit alleges: "It was not only Governor Cuomos pride that was leading to thousands of needless deaths, but his unmitigated greed as well."

Specifically, Newman alleges that the former governor "tailored his policies and actions to generate material" for a $5 million book deal, according to the Post. That book "American Crisis" would highlight "leadership lessons" from the pandemic and appeared as many in the media were making comparisons between Cuomos leadership during the pandemic and then-President Donald Trumps.

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It is the second such lawsuit that the former governor is facing over the states nursing home policy.

Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi called the lawsuit "meritless."

"Its unfortunate that peoples pain continues to be politicized and weaponized in order to distort the truth, which is that the DOJ, the AG, the Manhattan DA and the Assembly all critically examined this and found no there there," he said. "This suit is meritless, and we expect any fair hearing in a court of law will also bear this out."

He added that the allegations regarding the book are "false, wrong and the product of the furthest depths of right-wing paranoia."
Faced with a stream of vicious insults on social media, Canada's first Indigenous governor general Mary Simon has decided to turn her pain into a learning moment for her country and launch a fight against racism and misogyny online.

"For me, it's important to call it out and bring it out and address these threats every day," Simon told AFP in a recent phone interview.

She added: "I felt that because the comments directed at me became personal and attacked my identity that it was enough to open up the conversation in Canada."

Simon, a former diplomat and native rights activist, is the first member of the country's Indigenous community to serve as the representative of the British crown and the official head of state.

Simon's duties as governor general are largely ceremonial, but she also has an important symbolic role as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces as well as summoning and dissolving parliament.

Her appointment in 2021 marked a symbolic step as Canada grapples with a dark history of systematic mistreatment of its native peoples -- and she addressed the public in Inuktitut, one of Canada's main Inuit languages, alongside English when she was named.

- 'Trash' -

Several weeks ago Simon chose to publish some of the violent messages she has received online. She was called a "treacherous bitch," "a worthless piece of meat" and "trash," among other things.

"Every day, we were bombarded with harmful words, attacks against my identity as a woman, as a woman of a certain age, and as an Inuk," said Simon, who is 75. "Unfortunately, I know very well I am not alone."

Simon says she is encouraged by how Canadian society has responded to her campaign.

"There's been a big reaction to the fact that I opened this up in a public way. And a lot of people are responding and saying, 'Enough is enough,' you know, so hopefully we can move this forward."

Last month, on International Women's Day, Simon hosted a roundtable with women from across the globe to discuss ways of combating online harassment.

Story continues

In the interview, Simon stressed that while the government has a role to play so do big tech and civil society.

"Big industries have a role," she said. "Communities have a role. So I think this is the beginning of a conversation."

- 'Renewed relationship' -

Simon, who comes from the Inuit people in the Nunavik province in northern Quebec said such abuse takes a heavy toll on girls and women -- especially those in high-level positions -- and ethnic minorities, adding that women are targeted more than men.

Hate campaigns have "devastating impacts on civic engagement, confidence and mental health, and can limit women's professional pursuits," she said.

Simon believes that racist attacks against her demonstrate the country still has a long way to go to atone for past abuses and find peace.

"Reconciliation is a process really, it's a lifelong commitment to improve our relationship in Canada amongst different cultures and different peoples, especially with Indigenous peoples," Simon said.

Indigenous Canadians experience higher levels of poverty and have a lower life expectancy than fellow countrymen, and are more often victims of violent crime, substance abuse and incarceration.

In recent years, Canada has been engaged in a painful reckoning with its dark colonial past after the discovery of hundreds of mass graves at the sites of residential schools where Indigenous children were forcibly enrolled.

Many were physically and sexually abused, and thousands are believed to have died of disease, malnutrition or neglect.

Simon expressed hope the nation was truly serious about reconciling.

"I think there was a reawakening of Canadians to work on this renewed relationship," Simon said.

tib/md/tjj
A Charlotte woman was displaced from her home after a tree fell on her house while she was there as strong storms moved through the Charlotte area Friday.

Delcovia Gettys and her family were in their house along Norris Avenue in north Charlotte shortly after 4 p.m. when a tree fell on their home. She heard a loud bang and then realized a large tree had fallen on the home.

Out of nowhere, I heard boom, Gettys said. I thought it was thunder. I heard screaming, crying from my bedroom.

ALSO READ: Fallen tree blocks Charlotte streetcar; power restored for thousands in NC

Gettys said she realized the tree came from a nearby yard once she went outside to see the damage. Neighbors came to Gettis yard to see if everyone was okay.

Gettys and her family will be staying with her parents and at a hotel until the damage to the house can be fixed. The Red Cross is also assisting the family

The family went to the emergency room to be checked on. No one suffered any serious injuries.

It can happen to anyone, Gettys said. Im just glad it was daylight when it happened.

(WATCH BELOW: NC foothills face debris cleanup over Easter weekend)
In an unprecedented decision, a federal judge in Texas has issued a stay that will shut down the prescribing and distribution of mifepristone in seven days, one of two drugs used for medication abortions that has been on the market in the U.S. for more than two decades.

District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, an appointee of former President Trump, gave the government a weeklong window to appeal and seek emergency relief before his ruling goes into effect.

The FDA appealed the decision to the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals later on Friday.

Separately on Friday, U.S. District Judge Thomas Rice, an appointee of former President Obama who sits in the Eastern District of Washington, blocked the FDA from altering the status quo and rights as it relates to the availability of Mifepristone in 17 states and Washington, D.C. that filed a lawsuit saying the drug was too tightly regulated.

The dueling rulings could have far-reaching implications for access to abortion nationwide, as well as the authority of the entire Food and Drug Administration. The dispute could eventually reach the Supreme Court.

Kacsmaryk sided with the antiabortion group that brought the lawsuit and said the agencys approval process was improperly rushed, and resulted in an unsafe drug regimen getting on the market.

Kacsmaryk said that FDA violated federal standards when it first approved mifepristone 23 years ago.

The Court does not second-guess FDAs decision-making lightly. But here, FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns  in violation of its statutory duty  based on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions.

He also hinted the agency bowed to political pressure, and deliberately stonewalled any challenges to the drugs approval.

Why did it take two decades for judicial review in federal court? After all, Plaintiffs petitions challenging the 2000 Approval date back to the year 2002, right? Simply put, FDA stonewalled judicial review  until now, he wrote.

Story continues

The drug was first approved in 2000, a process that took more than four years. It is indicated for use in abortions up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy. Mifepristone is also used by OB-GYNs to manage early miscarriages.

But the stay means FDAs longstanding approval has been blocked, a move that the Justice Department argued was extraordinary and unprecedented. In court filings ahead of the March 15 hearing, the government said the lawsuit was based on false claims of severe complications from the drug.

The lawsuit was initially filed in November by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a powerhouse conservative legal group that has helped author states anti-abortion laws and defended Mississippi in the case that led the Supreme Court to overturn the abortion protections granted in Roe v. Wade.

The lawsuit claims the drug is unsafe and alleges that the FDA failed to study it carefully enough. Legal experts said the argument was purely political and had no merit, but the lawsuit was strategically filed in the Northern District of Texas so that Kacsmaryk was guaranteed to hear it.

Medication abortion is the most common method for terminating a pregnancy, and ever since the Supreme Courts decision overturning Roe v. Wade in June, pregnant Americans have increasingly turned to abortion pills.

This story was updated at 7:05 p.m.

Many of the countrys leading medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said medication abortion is safe and effective.

Despite arguments from anti-abortion advocates, the medical groups said years of clinical evidence has shown there is a greater risk of complications or mortality for procedures like wisdom tooth removal, cancer-screening, colonoscopy, or the use of Viagra.

Medication abortion in the U.S. is a two-step process. The first step involves taking mifepristone, which is followed up 24 hours later by a dose of misoprostol, a drug first approved in the 1970s for stomach ulcers. In the absence of mifepristone, medical providers have said they would offer misoprostol only, though studies have shown it to be less effective

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Six of the seven caskets rest side by side following graveside services in La Verkin, Washington County, for members of the Haight and Earl families. Tausha Haight, her 17-year-old daughter Macie, 12-year-old daughter Brilee, 7-year-old twins Sienna and Ammon, 4-year-old son Gavin and Heights mother Gail Earl were laid to rest in the La Verkin City Cemetery on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Enoch city officials on Friday released the completed investigation into the Jan. 4 murder-suicide where Michael Haight, 42, shot and killed his entire family before turning the gun on himself.

The 57-page report includes interviews with friends, family, colleagues and neighbors of the Haights, and cements what has already been widely reported  that Michael Haight was obsessed with his image, had a manipulative, controlling, and violent relationship with his family, and in his final weeks spiraled out of control after being served with divorce papers and losing his job.

And that his estranged wife, 40-year-old Tausha Haight, was relieved after filing for divorce, but worried about how her husband might react.

Help for people in abusive relationships can be found by contacting:

Police also released body-worn camera footage from four officers who responded that day and discovered the bodies of Michael and Tausha Haight, their five children  Macie, 17; Briley, 12; 7-year-old twins Ammon and Sienna; and Gavin, 4  and Gail Earl, Taushas mother, all deceased.

Officers responded to the house after neighbors had entered the home, saw a body on the bed with blood, and called police.

Most of the family, the footage shows, were killed in their beds. And according to the report, a neighbor told police days after the shooting that they heard what sounded like fireworks at about 3:30 a.m. on Jan 4. Police, in the report, describe a cadence similar to gunshots.

Officers then found Michael Haight deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a small home gym in the basement. In the report, officers say he had tissue paper in his ears to muffle the sound of gunshots. He also left a note where he takes no responsibility for the murders, and instead blames his family.

Story continues

A timeline leading up to Jan. 4

The report paints the most detailed picture of the events leading up to the murders to date.

On Dec. 8, 2022 the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, or DCFS, receives a report from 17-year-old Macie Haight detailing prior allegations of abuse.

On Dec. 12, 12-year-old Briley texts a friend complaining about her dads behavior, telling the friend that she needs to have someone to make sure she is safe.

On Dec. 19, a DCFS caseworker visits the Haight home, where Tausha details a more recent instance of abuse, in which her husband allegedly threw 7-year-old Ammon to the floor. The caseworker, in the Enoch report, told police he intended to follow up with Tausha Haight on Jan. 5, the day after the murders.

On Dec. 21, Tausha and her attorney draw up divorce papers.

On Dec. 22, Michael tells a friend that he left his job as an insurance agent at Allstate. According to Michael, he was terminated with cause for a policy violation  something that would make it very difficult for him to get a job elsewhere  and he would not be receiving his Christmas bonus.

On Dec. 27, Michael is served with divorce papers at his Allstate Insurance office.

On Dec. 30, Michael does an internet search for a series of disturbing questions. They include: What does a gunshot sound like? If you hear a single gunshot in your neighborhood at night would you immediately recognize it a such? Would you either way be alerted enough to call the police, or would you chalk it up to being just another sound in the night? and Would a neighbor hear a gunshot in a garage?

On Dec. 31, 17-year-old Macie tells a dance chaperone that her dad is being a jerk again.

My mom finally filed for divorce and I couldnt be more excited. He needs to go, she said, according to police.

On Jan. 2, 2023, Tausha tells her attorney that Michael removed several firearms from the house, including a handgun that Tausha kept in her nightstand.

On Jan. 3, Michael uncharacteristically leaves his secretarys paycheck on her desk, and his living trust paperwork on his desk. He also records a video on his phone of himself asking Tausha to work things out. I feel like you are backing me into a corner, he tells her, according to police. He also messages her, asking to talk, and she does not respond. Michael also receives a text from a friend asking if he needs anything. Ive got my hands full right now, he replies.

On Jan 4, at about 3:30 a.m., a neighbor hears what they think are fireworks, but police in the report suggest they are likely gunshots. A welfare check is requested on Michael Haight by someone who tells police that he has been acting strange for a couple weeks. Police fail to make entry to the home, and are unable to contact the Haight family. Neighbors then enter the home and discover the bodies.

The Haight family, including Tausha Haight and Mike Haight and five children were found shot to death in a murder-suicide. | Haight family photo

Strange behavior leading up to the murders

Tausha wanted to wait to serve Michael with the divorce papers until after Christmas. When he was served on Dec. 27, the report describes a strange reaction from Michael. He asked her how her day was going. He acted as if nothing had happened, the report reads.

After he acknowledged that he got the divorce papers, he told her that she needed to be out of the house when he got home. He also told her that she was to leave the kids there, police said in the report, after interviewing two of Taushas friends.

Tausha had already arranged to have the kids out of the house and at a neighbors home because she feared for their safety, the friends told police. And after the odd call with Michael, she took the kids to her mothers home in La Verkin for the weekend.

Thats when Michael showed up, unannounced, trying to get Tausha to leave with him and go for a drive, the report states. Tausha told (her friends) that she had a terrible feeling and felt like she shouldnt go anywhere alone with him. She ended up shutting the door in his face and telling him to leave.

The family came home that Saturday night, and at church the next day, Tausha would not let Michael sit with the family.

According to the ladies, the suspect was angry because his public image was going to be questioned because he was not sitting with his family, the documents state.

In the weeks leading up to the murders, Macie had also been apparently filming her father on a secret phone hidden in her room, police said after an interview with the 17-year-olds friend.

Macie told (redacted) that she was doing this to use as evidence for her parents divorce, the report reads. However, Macie told the friend that just before Christmas that Tausha found the phone and took it away.

Police say the phone was never located during the investigation.
Here comes the general! Oh, sorry, Grand Admiral.

When it became clear that the upcoming Star Wars Disney+ series, Ahsoka, was going to be a sequel to Star Wars Rebels, everyone had one question: Who is playing Grand Admiral Thrawn, one of the biggest, baddest Star Wars villains who has never been seen in live action? Well, at Star Wars Celebration 2023, series creator Dave Filoni finally made the news official. Its Lars Mikkelsen, who did the voice on Star Wars Rebels. The news was broken in a special Ahsoka teaser trailer shown only at Celebration.

Mikkelsen joins Rosario Dawson as the title character, a former Jedi apprentice now off on her own in a galaxy far, far away, and Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren, Ahsokas friend who vowed to search for their mutual friend Ezra Bridger. Bridger is played by Eman Esfandi, which was previously announced but has not yet been made official. And, of course, the leader of the Ghost crew, Hera Syndulla, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

Read more

Its wonderful, Mikkelsen said about returning. The actor provided Thrawns voice remotely on Rebels but, at the time, Filoni asked him if hes ever been to Los Angeles. Later he realized, that was the filmmaker thinking about bringing him in to return for the role in person.

Filoni said that Timothy Zahn, who created the character for his iconic book Heir to the Empire (a phrase specifically reused in the Ahsoka trailer) was contacted about the casting and use of Thrawn on the show, and that those talks will continue in the future. He doesnt have the Force but it doesnt matter, Filoni said. He will outsmart you and trap you and play chess better than you.

I feel really, really privileged, Lars too, to bring [Thrawn] to life in this way and we want to make sure we get it right, Filoni added.

Ahsoka comes to Disney+ in August. Watch the first trailer here.

Story continues



Ahsoka | Teaser Trailer | Disney+





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.

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Two British-Israeli sisters killed in a gun attack in the occupied West Bank have been pictured for the first time as their mother fights for her life.

Rina and Maya Dee were shot dead in an attack on their car near an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank on Friday.

Naming the sisters in a tweet on Saturday evening, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters, Rina and Maya, in the severe attack in the Bekaa.

Rina and Maya Dee were killed in an attack on their car (Family handout)

In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.

The two sisters 45-year-old mother was seriously wounded in the crash and is still in hospital. Their father, Rabbi Leo Dee, was driving in a separate car ahead of them when a relative called to ask if he knew about the shooting and if the family was OK.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, he said: I said everyone was fine, but when I called my wife and two daughters there was no answer.

Panicked, he turned on a Google tracking device that allows parents to follow their childrens mobile phones. It led him to Hamra, a settlement 30 miles north of Jerusalem, where he saw his wife being airlifted from the wreckage.

Rabbi Dee said: My daughters were friends of each other as well as sisters. Now we are diminished. Maya was doing national service in the south, and was passionate about helping others. Rina is what you would call an A* pupil. We were proud of them.

My wifes condition is very serious. We are praying, and people around the world are praying, that she will get better.

He added: I dont blame the terrorists as they will be brought to justice. I am more worried about the tensions between Jews in Israel.

In a statement released to The Telegraph, Rabbi Dee said the family was saddened by the current political situation in Israel, referring to fears over the presence of several religious, ultra-nationalist politicians in Israels new government, which was formed under Mr Netanyahu in January.

Story continues

Israeli security forces patrol outside the Dome of the Rock shrine in Jerusalems al-Aqsa Mosque compound (AFP/Getty)

Some people think that a religious government will suppress minority rights and become totalitarian, he said.

But this is not a risk in Israel as religious Jews simply believe in balancing love and justice. For our part, we have felt a warm hug of love from Jews in Israel and beyond and we are confident that justice will be done.

The family lived in the Efrat settlement, near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, according to the settlements mayor Oded Revivi. Reports said the family moved back to Israel in 2014, having left there for Britain in 2008.

According to The Telegraph, Rabbi Dee works at the Zait Ranaan synagogue in Efrat, and was formerly a senior rabbi at Radlett United Synagogue in Hertfordshire and assistant rabbi in Hendon, north London.

The paper also reported that Palestinian gunmen are said to have chased the car containing the three women off the road before firing on it, with some 22 bullet casings found at the scene.

The murders triggered an outpouring of grief in Efrat, a Jewish settlement near Bethlehem in the southern West Bank, and young residents held an impromptu vigil on Friday afternoon.

Israeli police stand at the scene of the attack in Tel Aviv (AP)

Fridays attacks came after Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes at Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Tensions have been heightened by days of fighting at Jerusalems most holy site during the rare convergence of Ramadan, Passover and Easter, sparked by an Israeli police raid on the sacred compound home to the Al-Aqsa mosque.

That outraged Palestinians marking the holy fasting month of Ramadan and prompted militants in Lebanon  as well as Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip  to fire a heavy barrage of rockets into Israel. In retaliation, Israeli war planes struck sites allegedly linked to the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military said on Saturday that three rockets were launched from Syria toward Israeli territory, a rare attack from the countrys northeastern neighbour.

Palestinian Muslim devotees perform an evening prayer known as Tarawih outside the Dome of the Rock shrine in Jerusalems al-Aqsa Mosque compound (AFP/Getty)

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the rocket launches, which caused no damage or casualties. Only one rocket managed to cross into Israeli territory and landed in a field in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

Also on Saturday, Israeli security forces shot and killed a 20-year-old Palestinian in the northern occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials said. The Israeli military said it opened fire at Palestinians hurling stones and explosive devices at troops. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the Palestinian killed in the West Bank town of Azzun as Ayed Salim.

Meanwhile, a few hundred Palestinian worshippers barricaded themselves in Al-Aqsa mosque, which sits on a hilltop in the heart of Jerusalems Old City sacred to both Muslims and Jews.

Late on Friday, an Italian tourist was killed and five other Italian and British citizens were wounded when a car rammed a group in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

Foreign secretary James Cleverly held a call on Saturday with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen to discuss the appalling attacks.

Middle East minister Lord Ahmad said: I condemn yesterdays attacks in the West Bank.

People gather and lay flowers at the site where Alessandro Parini, an Italian tourist, was killed (AP)

British Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan added: My thoughts are with those affected by another horrific terror attack last night in Tel Aviv ... We are in touch with the hospital and will offer our support.

The Hamas militant group that rules Gaza praised both incidents as retaliation for Israeli raids earlier this week on the Al-Aqsa mosque.

Foreign affairs committee chair Alicia Kearns said it was incredibly difficult to see how the raid earlier this week was legitimate as she urged the government to increase its efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.

The Tory MP told BBC Radio 4s Today programme there has been too much silence from the Foreign Office in recent weeks.

We need to step up, she said. We really need to re-engage, we need to make sure that our Arab partners know that we are here and listening and we need our Israeli friends to know we stand completely behind their security.

She added that the UK must be a critical friend to both sides.

Israeli medics and policemen check a damaged car at the scene of a shooting attack, in the Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank (REUTERS)

The Foreign Office released a statement saying it was saddened to hear about the deaths of the two British-Israelis and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual.

The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions, it added.

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: I am shocked by reports of the killing of two British sisters in an appalling and cowardly attack in the West Bank.

My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. More civilian victims of this cycle of violence show the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.

The Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon came after militants fired nearly three dozen rockets from there.
A Florida deputy was shot three times by an alleged burglar on March 12, according to video released by the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office.

The incident happened while Cpl. Matt Aitken and Sgt. Jake Viano were pursuing a burglary suspect, according to FOX 35 Orlando.

Body camera video shows that when located by deputies, the suspect shot Aitken multiple times.

Taco, the K-9 who was with the deputies, jumped on the suspect after shots were fired, according to the sheriff's office, giving Viano an opportunity to respond.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff's office.

'SNOOTY' THE SHARK FLASHES RAZOR SHARP SMILE OFF FLORIDA COAST

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

A deputy in Florida was shot three times by an alleged burglar March 12, according to video released by the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office.

Aitken needed surgery for injuries suffered from the shooting and is recovering.

FLORIDA SHERIFF BILLY WOODS GOES OFF AFTER REPORTER ASKS ABOUT GUN CONTROL FOLLOWING TEEN MURDERS

The incident happened while Corporal Matt Aitken and Sergeant Jake Viano were pursuing a burglary suspect, according to FOX 35. Body camera video shows that when located by deputies, the suspect shot Aitken multiple times.

Pinellas County Sgt. Amanda Sinni said that K-9 Taco and Viano helped save Aitken's life.

Pinellas County Sheriffs Office K-9 Taco.

"If it wasnt for the heroic actions of K-9 Taco and Sergeant Viano, Corporal Aitken may not have made it out of this tragic incident alive," Sinni said.
by Chanthaphaphone Mixayboua, Zhang Jianhua, Lin Hao

VIENTIANE, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The arrival of Chinese visitors is "a boon" for businesses that depend on tourism, said Noy Savanh, a food vendor at a night market in this capital city.

"Chinese tourists are valued guests in terms of their large number and strong spending power," Noy said.

"I believe that the cross-border passenger service on the China-Laos Railway will bring a lot more Chinese tourists to Laos and will be a strong boost to Laos' economy and tourism," she said, telling Xinhua that she is preparing for the arrival of Chinese travelers by learning some Chinese and providing Chinese menus.

Cross-border passenger service on the China-Laos Railway will notably boost Laos' tourism, the country's top priority in revitalizing its economy.

The tourism industry, a main source of foreign currency, has been viewed as a key sector to bolster the Lao economy, Deputy Head of the Prime Minister's Office Thipphakone Chanthavongsa has said at a meeting recently.

The meeting called for preparations for the planned start of cross-border passenger trains on the China-Laos Railway, which has become an important driver of the Lao tourism.

The first cross-border passenger service between the Lao capital Vientiane and Kunming, the capital city of southwest China's Yunnan province, will be operational on April 13 ahead of the Lao New Year holiday, which falls on April 14-16.

More than 200 Chinese tourists are expected to arrive in Laos on the first cross-border passenger train.

In February, Director General of the Tourism Development Department Phonemaly Inthaphome presented a draft plan on preparations for Chinese tourists, outlining the general situation and future outlook concerning the Chinese tourism market.

As the China-Laos railway becomes a crucial factor in facilitating travel, the Lao tourism authorities anticipate that around 368,000 Chinese travelers will visit Laos in 2023, up 21 percent compared to 2022.

The cross-border passenger train is a great advantage for Laos because it facilitates tourist travel, Bounthone Siphone, a vendor in VangVieng, a tourism town in Vientiane province, told Xinhua.

Bounthone added that the arrival of Chinese tourists has brought hope to the recovery of the Lao tourism industry, as China is one of the world's largest outbound tourism markets. He is confident that the return of Chinese visitors would boost his sales.

Also, some people are looking forward to taking a train to China when the cross-border passenger service starts operation.

"Curiosity about the train makes many Thai people decide to travel to the north of Laos. And Thai tourists will also be really interested in taking a bullet train directly to China," Thanyart Areeyat, a tour guide from Thailand told Xinhua in an interview at the Vientiane station in November last year.

Tourism experts predicted that millions of Chinese tourists will visit countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and many of them will travel on the China-Laos Railway.

Since the China-Laos Railway came into operation in December 2021, it has seen an increasing demand for its services. From January to February, the railway of the Lao section carried 417,400 passengers, up 256.2 percent compared to the same period in 2022.

On the busiest days, the railway made a record by carrying 10,197 passengers a day.

As more passengers travel on the railway, the Laos-China Railway Company (LCRC) officially launched its ticketing mobile application on March 15, allowing passengers to book and manage their journeys on mobile devices.

Meanwhile, the Lao government is taking steps to prepare for the start of the cross-border passenger service on the China-Laos Railway to ensure safe and smooth travel of all visitors.

Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith traveled to Luang Namtha province last month to inspect work on the railway preparations.

Saleumxay instructed all relevant sectors, including the LCRC and the Special Economic Zone in the region, to work together and ensure the new service operates as planned and runs smoothly.

The Lao government hopes to attract 1.4 million visitors in 2023, which is expected to generate more than 340 million U.S. dollars. 
The three teenage victims of a triple homicide in Florida were apparently involved in illegal activities with their three suspected killers before the murders, which unfolded in a flurry of gunfire, dumping of bodies and ditching of a car in a pond, court documents reveal.

The two suspects who have been arrested told police how the fatal shootings played out, according to their arrest affidavits.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office said Friday two male suspects, ages 12 and 17, were arrested in the March 30 murders of 16-year-olds Layla Silvernail and Camille Quarles and an unnamed 17-year-old male.

Police are searching for a third suspect, a 16-year-old boy, whom the 12-year-old suspect said opened fire on the unsuspecting victims, according to the affidavit.

FLORIDA POLICE ARREST 2 JUVENILE SUSPECTS IN MURDERS OF 3 TEENS, HUNT FOR THIRD SUSPECT

"I'm here to assure that small-knit community the Major Crimes detectives are working very hard to determine who was the individual that committed [these] heinous crimes," Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said Monday.

In the affidavit, investigators describe the suspects' activities with the victims on the night of March 30, which included driving to a "trap house," smoking, "car hopping," and committing burglaries.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Detectives found photos on a confiscated phone showing one of the victims pictured with the suspects "displaying firearms and ammunition."

Police said Friday the victims had likely known the suspects for a short time. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said the suspects eventually turned on the victims for an undisclosed reason, resulting in the alleged triple homicide.

SHERIFF BILLY WOODS GOES OFF AFTER REPORTER ASKS ABOUT GUN CONTROL FOLLOWING TEEN MURDERS

A few hours before the killings, at least one of the victims appeared to have been involved in a robbery with the 12-year-old and 17-year-old shooting suspects, according to the affidavit.

An unidentified male told police he agreed over Snapchat to buy a gun through a friend of one of the victims around 6:30 p.m. March 30.

That male said he got into the backseat of Silvernail's white sedan, where "there were two Black males he does not know." Police said they determined those two Black males were likely the 12-year-old and 17-year-old shooting suspects.

Story continues

A gun sale set up over Snapchat allegedly led to a robbery before the shootings, according to the affidavits.

The male witness took out $240  presumably in exchange for the firearm  and one of the Black males in the backseat struck him in the cheek with the barrel of a gun and demanded the money, according to the affidavit.

The witness fled the car and told police one of the suspects fired a shot at him.

FLORIDA TRIPLE HOMICIDE VICTIMS LIKELY KNEW GANG-LINKED SUSPECTS, SHERIFF SAYS

Layla Silvernail and Camille Quarles and an unidentified 17-year-old male were shot and left for dead in Marion County, Fla., between March 30 and April 1.

At some point later that evening, the three shooting victims were in Silvernail's car with the 12-year-old and 17-year-old, according to the affidavit. Both of those shooting suspects told police the group then picked up the 16-year-old, whom the 12-year-old said he did not know and who was wearing a ski mask the entire time.

According to the affidavits, Silvernail was driving, the male victim was in the front passenger seat and Quarles was in the trunk smoking, "by her own choice."

The group planned to rob someone for marijuana and was traveling through Ocala, according to the 17-year-old's account.

The 12-year-old, known by the nickname "35," told police the teens were driving toward Ocklawaha when the 16-year-old pulled out a handgun and shot the two victims who were in the front seats.

Silvernail's car then struck a garbage dumpster in the area of SE 183rd Avenue Road in Silver Springs. The owner of the dumpster called police at 10:48 p.m. and saw Silvernail bleeding.

THIRD FLORIDA TEEN DIES IN SUSPECTED GANG-LINKED TRIPLE HOMICIDE

A woman who lives in the area told police she heard four or five loud "pops" that sounded like gunshots and looked out her window and saw the sedan hit the dumpster, according to the affidavit. She told police a male then got into the drivers seat and sped away.

The 12-year-old told police he then shot "the female victim," though it was not clear whether he was referring to Silvernail or Quarles. He said the 17-year-old forced him to shoot Quarles "or his family would be killed," according to the affidavit.

The 12-year-old told police he did not think one of the victims was dead after he shot her.

FLORIDA POLICE EYE GANG LINK TO TEEN MURDERS, ARREST IMMINENT

The 17-year-old also told police he shot one of the victims "because she was still alive. She was going to snitch on us all. We was all going to go to jail for life."

The 16-year-old, known as "Reaper," then drove Silvernail's car and stopped to dump the male victim in a ditch, the 12-year-old told police. The three suspects then drove the car to a pond, where it was later found partially submerged.

After the shootings, Silvernail was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

In the following days, investigators found the male victim's body in the ditch and Quarles in the trunk of Silvernail's vehicle.

Three teenage shooting victims were found left for dead miles apart in Marion County, Fla., between March 30 and April 1.

Authorities said they found "voluminous amounts" of the victims' blood inside the vehicle and on one of the victims' phones.

The two juveniles who have been arrested are facing first-degree murder and robbery charges.

On Friday, Woods blamed societal and school failures for the tragedy.

"Our school districts, not just here, across this state and across this nation, need to stop minimizing the actions of their students. Hold them accountable. That's where the failure is," he said.

He said earlier during his press conference he does not know what the solution is, but, "the bad guy's going to get a gun no matter what laws you put in place."
Former San Franciso fire commissioner Don Carmignani has undergone emergency skull surgery after being brutally beaten by a man armed with a metal pipe, his family said.

The 53-year-old was attacked around 7.20pm on Wednesday outside his parents home on Magnolia Stree in the Marina district,The San Francisco Chronicle reported.

A suspect, identified by police as 24-year-old Garret Doty, was arrested nearby shortly afterwards.

The vicious assault came a day after tech executive Bob Leewas stabbed to death in the citys Rincon Hill neighbourhood. It has further fuelled anger and fear among residents about crime rates in the California city.

The victims father Ray Carmignani told The Chronicle that his son had been attacked by two homeless men who lived in the Marina neighbourhood.

Mr Carmignani Sr said his son suffered a fractured skull, broken jaw, and cuts to his head and face that needed 51 stitches.

He underwent surgery on Thursday in San Francisco General Hospital and is facing a long recovery.

Former San Francisco Fire Commissioner Don Carmignani was brutally attacked this week (Allinradiodotcom)

The elder Carmignani added that he had lived his entire life in San Francisco but the family had decided to leave after Wednesdays attack.

Enough is enough. Well go to Nevada, well go to Arizona, well go somewhere, he told The Chronicle.

Im not staying here. I cant worry about walking out my door and getting attacked.

At a community meeting on Thursday night to address safety concerns, SF Police Chief William Scott acknowledged the city had been shaken by Mr Carmignanis assault.

Hes expected to survive his injuries which is good news. But these types of brutal attacks and these types of brazen attacks, these are the kinds of things that have people anxious, Chief Scott told CBS San Francisco.

A suspect, identified as 24-year-old Garet Doty, was seen on surveillance footage walking with a long metal object soon after the assault (CBS San Francisco)

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins described it as a very brutal and violent attack at the same meeting.

Friends had initially express alarm that Mr Carmignani may not survive. He is at SF general fighting for his life. Pray4Him, Joe Alioto Veronese, a lawyer and close friend, wrote on Twitter.

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I dont want you to die Don. FIGHT LIKE HELL!

Mr Doty was booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and battery causing serious bodily injury.

Bob Lee, known to his friends as Crazy Bob, was knifed to death in central San Francisco early on Tuesday morning (Twitter / Bob Lee)

San Francisco is already on edge after the unsolved murder of beloved tech executive Bob Lee early on Tuesday morning.

Police are yet to make an arrest in Mr Lees fatal stabbing, and say it is too soon to say whether it was a random attack.

Don Carmignani, a father of two, has worked in the legal cannabis industry and real estate after retiring from the San Francisco Fire Department.
High-profile diplomatic meetings on opposite sides of the world are underscoring growing tensions between the U.S. and Europe in how to engage with China.

French President Emmanuel Macron, on a three-day trip to China, is billing his outreach as an effort to recruit Chinese President Xi Jinping to play a major role in building peace between Ukraine and Russia, with an eye on reining in Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The summit comes as Chinese officials have warned of consequences and retaliation in response to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif) hosting Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen in California this week.

McCarthy, speaking to reporters following his meeting with Tsai, said he hoped Macron asked Xi not to fund Russias war in Ukraine and reiterated that democracy makes the world safer and stronger.

I hope he delivers a message that Americans meeting with President Tsai is positive for the same aspect that he is meeting with President Xi, he said.

The dueling diplomatic summits highlight the gap between the U.S. and Europe over how to deal with China.

While the Biden administration and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle describe Xi as working to reshape the world in the view of Chinas authoritarian model, European leaders are less unified on the risks versus rewards of close ties with Beijing.

The Elysee Palace said Macron and President Biden, in a call ahead of the French leaders trip, discussed a common desire to engage China to accelerate the end of the war in Ukraine and to participate in building a lasting peace in the region.

The administration was more reserved in its description of the conversation. A two-line readout from the White House simply stated that Biden and Macron talked about the French presidents upcoming travel and reiterated support for Ukraine.

Frances approach: Seek peace, maintain economic ties

Macrons visit, accompanied by dozens of business officials, highlights Frances focus on maintaining, if not strengthening, economic ties to China, even as the U.S. has for months warned that Beijing is considering sending weapons to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine.

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I am convinced that China has a major role to play in building peace. This is what I have come to discuss, to move forward on, Macron tweeted on Thursday. With President Xi Jinping, we will also talk about our businesses, the climate and biodiversity, and food security.

Xi has sought to portray himself as a global peacemaker. Alongside Macron on Thursday in Beijing, he said China is committed to facilitating peace talks and a settlement on the Ukraine crisis, affirmed that a nuclear war should never be fought, and that legitimate security concerns of all parties should be taken into account.

Frances President Emmanuel Macron, bottom right, arrives to deliver a speech at the Sun Yat-sen university in Guangzhou, China, Friday, April 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

French officials say they do not see a conflict of interest between maintaining trade ties with China while trying to engage Xi to act more responsibly.

Talking with China and having direct engaging discussions doesnt mean you erase the economic ties, one French diplomat told The Hill.

Personal engagement is even more important with China, after three years of pandemic, and considering the nature of the regime, the diplomat continued, a reference to Xis near total power over the state.

How Europe, US differ on China

But critics say that Macrons coterie of business executives undermines any effort to push Xi to get tough on Russia.

In a situation where were trying to talk strategy with the Chinese, trying to get them to commit not to deliver weapons to Russia, bringing along so many business people with all deals in their minds, and Euro signs in their pupils, is the wrong signal, said Roland Freudenstein, vice president and head of GLOBSEC Brussels, a think tank based in Slovakia. It means that you come with a carrot, but you dont come with a stick, and any talk of the stick is not valid at that moment.

Other experts though said that Macron should not be made into a boogeyman from this visit to China, considering that Europe has business interests to maintain in China.

Both the U.S. and Europe have this new sort of idea that China is a rival, a partner, and a competitor. For the U.S., the ordering is probably rival first, then competitor, then partner. For Europe, that used to be the other way around, said Matthias Matthijs, European expert at the Council on Foreign Relations.

The Europeans are slowly moving closer to the American line on China, but the U.S. has also moved very aggressively in a different direction than, say, it was during the Obama administration, and the Europeans arent quite there yet because they have no reason to be, added Matthijs, also a professor of international political economy at Johns Hopkins Universitys School of Advanced International Studies.

Biden and Xi have not spoken since they met in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of the Group of 20 Summit in November, but Biden said he would talk to Xi in the wake of the Chinese spy balloon traversing the United States in February.

When asked about the phone call between Biden and Macron, national security council spokesman John Kirby on Wednesday declined to provide further details but said the president was grateful that Macron called him before his trip to Beijing.

We still urge China, that if they truly want to accelerate an end to the war, to join the rest of the international community in condemning what Mr. Putin is doing, Kirby said.

China has a relationship with them, so, weve said this before, wed like to see them put more pressure on Mr. Putin to end this war. And if they really do believe in a sustainable peace, then they could do that.

FILE  U.S. President Joe Biden, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands before their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit meeting, Nov. 14, 2022, in Nusa Dua, in Bali, Indonesia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Europe, though, is less concerned than the U.S. is about China providing weapons to Russia, mainly because China is already buying oil and gas that help Putins regime stay afloat, Matthijs argued.

I dont think it isnt a red line [for Europe], I just dont think its something that is a very high-risk scenario. If there were to be evidence, I think Europe would get closer to the U.S.s line on this, but theyre just not convinced the Chinese are willing to go there, he said.

Europe itself is split on China

But not all European leaders share Frances view of China.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who accompanied Macron on his trip, has staked out a more hawkish position, calling Beijing more repressive at home and more assertive abroad, and saying Europe should derisk in its economic ties with China.

Far from being put off by the atrocious and illegal invasion of Ukraine, President Xi is maintaining his no-limits friendship with Putin, von der Leyen said in major speech about China late last month.

How China continues to interact with Putins war will be a determining factor for EU-China relations going forward, she said.

Her hawkish approach is viewed as more in line with central and eastern European countries, which have split with mainstream views from France and Germany that engagement with China can help deter aggression.

Lithuania is on the frontlines of calling out Chinas malintent. China decreased Lithuanian imports in 2021 by 80 percent after Vilnius deepened economic ties with Taiwan. And Czechia and Slovakia, Freudenstein said, are increasingly aligned with Vilnius.

While the general trend is negative, even in France and Germany, you have, in my view, an increasing cleavage between most of the eastern flank countries, and then Britain, on the one hand, he said, and continental western and southwestern Europe on the other. And the latter club hasnt completely given up on China.

Still, theres also concern about the future of the U.S., and if the 2024 presidential election ushers in an isolationist Republican administration that will undo the Biden administrations efforts at rebuilding ties with Europe that were severely strained during the former Trump presidency.

Theres a relief in Europe with Biden being so engaged, but theres always at the same time an apprehension that this could all go sideways in the next two years, Matthijs said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
More than 90 employees at an Upper Peninsula paper mill are believed infected with a fungus found in soil and decaying wood, with about a dozen requiring hospitalization.

Investigation of a blastomycosis outbreak at the Billerud paper mill in Escanaba is ongoing, and involves local, state and federal health and occupational safety officials. With nearly 900 employees, the Billerud mill is the largest manufacturing employer and economic driver north of Midland in the state, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

A blastomycosis outbreak affecting large numbers of people is highly unusual, as the fungal disease is not typically transferred from person to person. It indicates that instead, scores of employees were infected from the same materials containing the blastomyces fungal spores, which exist in the environment in the eastern U.S. and parts of Canada.

The Billerud paper mill in Escanaba is experiencing a highly unusual outbreak of the fungal disease blastomycosis.

What the fungus does inside the human body

"I've been at the paper mill for about 11 years, and we have never seen anything like this," said Gerald Kell, president of the United Steel Workers Local 21 union that represents about 670 of the mill's employees.

According to a release Friday from the local health department, Public Health Delta and Menominee Counties, some 19 cases of blastomycosis have been confirmed in Billerud employees through biopsies and/or laboratory cultures, with another 74 workers testing as probable cases  having symptoms of blastomycosis with a positive antigen or antibody test from urine or saliva.

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"Roughly a dozen" employees have been hospitalized "to one degree or another" as a result of the disease, including at least one employee who has required hospitalization for weeks, Kell said.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people contract blastomycosis after breathing in microscopic fungal spores from the air, often after participating in activities that disturb the soil. Once inside the lungs, the body's warmth and moisture can transform the spores into yeast that can stay in the lungs or be transferred through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, including the skin, bones, joints, organs, brain and spinal cord.

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The fungal spore that can cause blastomycosis is found throughout the Great Lakes region and eastern U.S.

Cases are rare; death is even more unusual

Most people who breathe in the blastomyces spores don't get sick, but some develop symptoms that mimic a cold, the flu or other more common respiratory ailments: fever, cough, night sweats, muscle aches or joint pain, chest pain and extreme fatigue.

In some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, blastomycosis can become serious.

States that track blastomycosis report only about one or two cases per 100,000 population a year. Deaths from the disease are similarly rare, with the CDC finding 1,216 blastomycosis-related deaths occurred in the U.S. from 1990 to 2010.

Kell said symptoms of the infection began in early March.

"We had a few people out with respiratory (symptoms)," he said. "A couple of them were pretty severe; they required hospitalization."

Those early hospitalized workers were treated for bacterial pneumonia, and weren't improving, Kell said. That was when additional testing by medical personnel discovered the blastomycosis.

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"It's not something they would typically test for," he said. "Now, people are getting identified quickly, and are getting more effective treatment."

Treatment is with anti-fungal medications, often requiring courses of treatment lasting six months to a year.

In addition to the local health department, investigating agencies at the paper mill include the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Source of fungus not yet determined

The Escanaba plant is owned by the American Subsidiary of Billerud AB, a Swedish pulp and paper manufacturer. Company officials referred the Free Press to a statement made by Billerud Escanaba Mill Operations Vice President Brian Peterson.

"The health and safety of our Escanaba employees is our first priority," he said. "Although the source of the infection has not been established, we continue to take this matter very seriously and are following recommendations from health and government officials and implementing numerous, proactive steps to protect the health and safety of our employees, contractors and visitors."

It's not clear whether more workers are contracting the disease, or whether more are exhibiting symptoms from the same exposure, Kell said.

"You and I may be exposed on the same day from the same source, and you might develop symptoms in three or four weeks, and I might in three or four months," he said.

"Of course, people are concerned. We aren't sure where the exposure is coming from. It's not pinpointed; we have cases throughout the mill. It's a 2,200-acre facility."

Workers are being encouraged to wear company-provided N95 masks, and HVAC systems and other areas of the plant are being deep-cleaned as advised by health and occupational safety officials, Kell said.

The community has rallied around the paper mill, with a fundraiser hosted by the union last weekend to offset the expenses of the most seriously ill employees, generating more than $30,000, Kell said.

Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Fungal infection outbreak affects 90+ workers at Escanaba paper mill
Adam Motz and Tee Lam and the cover of the book You Come From Love

Although Adam Motz always expected that parenting would be full of adventures, he never imagined that he would share his parenting journey on social media with hundreds of thousands of followers as part of the dynamic Illinois LGBTQ+ TikTok family 2 Dads 2 Twins. In You Come From Love, his first childrens book, he conveys a message of love that is heartfelt and universal.

In 2019, Motz, an attorney and musician from Chicago, and his entrepreneur husband, Tee Lam, started IVF and gestational surrogacy to have a family. After sperm from both men was used to fertilize eggs from a childhood friend of Motzs, the resulting embryos were transferred together, and one of Lams closest friends carried the babies to term. Reve and Sky, twin girls, were born in August 2021.

Throughout the book, Motz celebrates the universal values of love and history that are important to his family, reflecting the diversity within his family  his husband and he are of different races, faiths, and nationalities, and their twin daughters are of different races  one Black, and one white.

Although he credits medical miracles for making his dream of having children a reality, Motz knows that his daughters will someday wonder where they came from.

His book was inspired by his and his husbands experience with surrogacy and their desire to teach their daughters about love and diversity, Motz tells The Advocate.

Adam Motz and Tee Lam with their daughters

I was just sitting at the kitchen table kind of daydreaming, and I really imagined all the questions that these girls would ask me when they were a little older because kids ask a million questions, and the lawyer in me just wanted to be ready for any question they might throw my way, he says.

@2dads2twins You Come from Love is OUT NOW! #booktok #childrensbook #dadsoftiktok #momsoftiktok #lgbt #ivf #surrogacy #youcomefromlove





Adam Motz and Tee Lam with their daughters





They have two dads, and their family isnt like most, so he thought his daughters might ask about their origin story.



So my husband and I have talked, and we plan to share as much as age-appropriate with them at the right time about the medical science that brought them to be and the people involved, he says.

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Adam Motz and Tee Lam with their daughters

He also emphasizes the importance of sharing diverse stories, especially in light of potential anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and book bans. Regardless of their background, any family will be able to appreciate the message of love in the book, he says.



Motz says social media has become influential in normalizing diverse family structures.

People are initially curious about the four of them when they are out in public, he says, but eventually, they realize they are a typical family with the same values as everyone else.

But having to battle their insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, after it denied coverage of fertility services because they are a male couple was a one-of-a-kind experience, Motz says. Eventually, they filed a discrimination complaint and settled it after two years of fighting.

Although Motz is aware of the challenges their daughters may face because they have two dads, he's prepared to be there for them.

Its really important that they understand first and foremost that they come from love. So then the follow-up question to that is, well, what does that mean? And thats what I talk about in the book, he says. Love is all of these different things. Its the universe, and its your ancestors. Its your family.

You Come From Love is out now.
Photo Illustration by Erin OFlynn/The Daily Beast/Getty Images and Pixabay

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President Gerald Ford believed he did the right thing when in 1974 he pardoned his predecessor, Richard Nixon, of any criminality connected to the cover-up of the Watergate scandal that had forced Nixon to be the first (and to date, only) president to resign from office.

Like many Americans at the time, I was furious at Ford for preempting what surely would have been an indictment for obstruction of justice and related crimes, and I was convinced there had been some secret deal to let Nixon get away with crimes that sent others in his administration to prison. Nixon should have been prosecuted, not pardoned.

Trump Has Made Politician Sex Scandals Passe

Had that happened, former President Donald Trump wouldnt be poised to travel the country, campaigning for president without much of a platform beyond, Im the first president to be indicted in a partisan witch hunt, the 2020 election was stolen from me by the Democratsand only I can fix it!

If Ford, 49 years ago, had performed his duty to the country and the Constitution, Trump would just be another ex-president who went off the railsnot the far-and-away frontrunner for the 2024 GOP nomination.

The sonofabitch pardoned the sonofabitch, is how Washington Post reporter Carl Bernstein broke the news to his partner Bob Woodward on Sept. 8, 1974. Those five words summed it up for me and many of my generation. A Gallup poll at the time showed 53 percent of those surveyed disapproved of the pardon, a number that would be transposed a dozen years later, in 1986, to 54 percent of Americans approving of the pardon.

It wasnt for another 15 years, in 2001, when I softened my view on Fords pardon of Nixon. Sen. Ted Kennedy awarded Ford the Profile in Courage from the John F. Kennedy Library, saying, I was one of those who spoke out against his action then. But time has a way of clarifying past events, and now we see that President Ford was right. His courage and dedication to our country made it possible for us to begin the process of healing and put the tragedy of Watergate behind us.

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If Kennedy saw the pardon in a different light, that was enough for me. And if we never had another president who secretly or openly defied the rule of law, we could leave it there.

Trumplawless, reckless, corrupt, and preternaturally dishonestchanged everything.

Now Im back to where I was originally. Gerald Ford was wrong. No president should be above the law.

Trump is testing that proposition, running for president as a shield to protect himself from the law. And his indictment in Manhattan on charges related to hush money payments to a porn star are the least consequential of looming prosecutions. A Georgia DA has him on tape trying to intimidate Republican election officials into finding enough votes for him to win. And the feds are looking into his incitement of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, as well as his theft and prolonged storage of highly classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

US President Gerald Ford signs a document granting former President Richard Nixon a full pardon, at the White House in Washington on Sept. 8, 1974. UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

The safest place for Trump, from a legal jeopardy standpoint, is on the campaign trail. And it all goes back to the Nixon pardon.

Ford testified before Congress in October 1974 to explain the pardon, telling the House Judiciary committee that an indictment followed by a trial and potential conviction would consume the countrys attention, that it was time to close the Watergate chapter.

Tom DeFrank, author of Write It When Im Gone (2008) about his off-the-record interviews with Ford over 32 years, told The Daily Beast. Ford would still believe the pardon was the right thing for the country at the time. But given his sense of personal probity and respect for the office, he would have been appalled by the way Trump behaved as president. So I suspect that hed believe Trump should be pursued to the full extent of the law.

After Ford pardoned him, Nixon coined a phrase in an interview with British journalist David Frost that presidents were above law, saying, When the president does it, that means it is not illegal.

That is the legacy of the Ford pardon.

It took 40 years for those of us who wanted to wish away Nixon as an oddity to understand the poison tree that was planted. Richard Ben-Veniste, one of the Watergate prosecutors, told The Daily Beast in an email that after Nixons resignation, he wrote a memo to his boss, Leon Jaworski, the special prosecutor for Watergate, arguing that citizen Nixon should be indicted for conspiracy to obstruct justice. (Jaworski had named Nixon as an unindicted co-conspirator, and Ben-Veniste hoped the former president would be held to account in a separate indictment.) The looming prospect of a pardon clouded the issue.

Trumps Piggish Behavior Toward Women Is What Brought His Ass Down

Jaworski was unwilling to present such an indictment to the grand jury if President Ford had decided that he would eventually pardon Nixon, Ben-Veniste continued. Although Ford had initially said that he would not pardon Nixon until such time as the need to decide that question reached his desk, he changed course and issued a pardon without waiting for an indictment or requiring Nixon to acknowledge his criminal misconduct. I have always felt that the timing of Fords unconditional pardon of Nixon was wrong. Had Ford made clear that he would not issue a pardon until such time as the charges against Nixon were set forth in a formal indictment, history would have had a clearer precedent for how our democracy should respond to serious criminal conduct by a former president.

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In a follow-up phone call, Ben-Veniste said he did not condemn Fords action. He saw it as a political decision. It was the timing that was wrong. He should have waited for an indictment, or an acknowledgement of criminal conduct by Nixon.

As it was, Nixon spent the last 20 years of his life contending hed been railroaded from office, and many analysts are convinced that if Fox News and the right-wing media industry existed in 1974, Nixon could have ridden out the charges the way Trump is gearing up to do today.

TV image of President Richard Nixon announcing his decision to resign on Aug. 9, 1974. Tom Middlemiss/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

We could have been spared all the theater surrounding Trump today if Ford had let the justice system work instead of capitulating to pressure from Nixon allies that the discredited president was depressed and might be suicidal. Presidential historian Michael Beschloss posted a tweet in December 2022 noting, Before Nixon was pardoned by President Ford, he called up friends in Congress, saying he was having nightmares about being in prison and the cell door swinging shut.

Ford acted preemptively to short-circuit the legal process, and he justified it by relying on a 1915 Supreme Court decision, Burdick v. United States, that says a pardon carries an imputation of guilt and its acceptance is a confession of guilt. Ford carried a piece of paper in his wallet with the text from the Burdick decision. He would pull it out and read from the dog-eared copy whenever anyone brought up the pardon.

Meanwhile, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg was on the defensive for bringing allegedly insignificant and outdated charges against Trump about hush money paid to silence a building doorman, a Playboy model, and an adult film star to keep voters from knowing damaging information that might have affected the outcome of the 2016 election.

Heres Why the Trump Indictment Charges Are Felonies

Would Bragg have brought 34 felony counts attached to each check and document if the case involved Donald J. Trump, real estate developer, and not a former president? And why now, reporters wanted to know?

Bragg answered questions calmly, noting these payment schemes were set up just weeks before the election, and its a felony to falsify business records made to cover up other crimes. These are criminal cases in New York state, the DA said.

Trump said nothing and sat stone-faced through his arraignment. Oh, the irony. He was in a courtroom charged with election interference in the race he won. His supporters had chanted Lock her up.

A long legal road stretches ahead, and the only thing certain is that the impact on the country of a former president being charged with a crimethat Gerald Ford hoped to head offis now before us.

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Political activist Laura Loomer stands across from the Women's March 2019 in New York City on January 19, 2019 in New York City. John Lamparski/Getty Images

The New York Times reported Trump wanted to hire far-right xenophone Laura Loomer to his campaign.

The potential hire shows how far the Republican Party has moved from the median voter.

GOP leaders keep hiring odd characters and pursuing unpopular legislation, pushing voters away.

On Friday, the New York Times reported that former President Donald Trump told his aides to hire far-right xenophobic activist Laura Loomer to his campaign. It's just another example of how out of touch the Republican Party has become with the average voter.

Loomer, who Trump ultimately did not choose to hire, has an extensive history of hateful, Islamophobic speech. As the Times' piece points out, she previously called the religion of Islam a "cancer" and would tweet using the hashtag "proudislamophobe" before she was banned in 2018 for violating Twitter's hateful conduct policy.

Following Loomer's ban, she handcuffed herself to the doors of Twitter's New York headquarters while wearing a yellow "Star of David," a reference to what Jews in Germany were forced to wear under Nazi rule. She's since been reinstated on the platform after Elon Musk purchased it.

Voters really do not care about these fringe GOP issues

The possibility Trump will add Loomer to the staff of the campaign shows how far removed Trump's Republican Party has become from the median voter, whom the party desperately needs to attract if it has any chance of winning future presidential elections.

Just as Trump is potentially looking to hire Loomer, his rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has gotten into a dense legal battle with Disney, one of the nation's most beloved media companies.

DeSantis has championed countless controversial laws, such as ones that restrict students from accessing certain books, a decision that doesn't sit well with independents. He's also begun picking fights with businesses hosting drag shows, which has become another growing issue amongst many local GOP leaders, but not necessarily a whole lot of voters.

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And Trump, the leading Republican presidential candidate at the moment, has been a wild card on the campaign trail.

Following his arraignment in Manhattan, he flew back to his residence at Mar-A-Lago in Florida and, in a speech designed to argue his prosecution in New York was improper, instead meandered through a litany of right-wing talking points anyone not steeped in right-wing grievance culture likely wouldn't understand, including the "Hunter Biden laptop from hell," the military going "woke," and the allegation that George Soros is personally backing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Independent and moderate voters simply don't seem to care for "culture war" issues, like banning or restricting books YouGov polling shows that only 40% of independents feel there's ever a time to ban a book or novel from a public school classroom or library. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of all respondents in a Data for Progress survey said they thought there was too much legislation across the country aimed at limiting the rights of transgender and gay people.

At the same time, having access to abortion has polled very well among Americans, the majority of whom disapproved of the Supreme Court's decision in mid-2022 to overturn the protections granted by Roe v. Wade.

Republicans are pursuing unpopular and controversial social policies

Trump and DeSantis aside, many Republican-led state legislatures in the country appear to have shifted their focus to issues like restricting transgender women from playing sports, making it a felony for transgender people to use a public bathroom at the same time as a minor, and seriously curtailing people's ability to easily access abortion services.

While supporting firearm owners has been on the Republican platform for decades, recent laws, such as one enacted by DeSantis that allows for permitless concealed carrying, poll horrifically among actual voters.

Republican-led state legislatures have also made it incredibly difficult to voice any displeasure with how easy it is to access guns. After three Tennessee state representatives (two who are Black, one who is white) recently led a protest to call for gun law reform after a shooter killed six at a private elementary school just days prior, the state legislature made headlines by only expelling the two Black representatives, Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, but not state Rep. Gloria Johnson. Pearson and Jones were the third and fourth legislators to be expelled from the Tennessee House in 157 years.

Meanwhile, Democrats are winning just by supporting the the fairly popular right to abortion

While Republicans keep platforming divisive people and issues, many in the Democratic Party have just been campaigning  and winning  by speaking out about the right to an abortion.

Supporting access to abortion is an easy win for Democrats, as a majority of Americans, according to a 2022 Pew poll, said that abortion should be legal in most or all cases.

By campaigning on access to abortion, the Democratic Party far exceeded expectations in the 2022 midterm elections, maintaining control of the Senate via a runoff win in Georgia and just barely losing control of the House. Democrats were elated just this past Tuesday when progressive candidate Janet Protasiewicz handily won her election to the state supreme court, where she's expected to rule on several abortion-related cases.

The Republican Party has yet to win the popular vote in presidential elections since 2004. Should the party keep hiring oddballs and pursuing culture war issues while failing to address substantive issues affecting the country, it's unclear that will change.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The author in Mexico after the procedure. Courtesy of the author.

I traveled to Mexico and decided to get my teeth whitened with a laser.

It cost $200, which was cheaper than in the US, and I liked the results.

Still, the experience left me wondering if I was going to pay a price for not doing it in the US.

Getting cosmetic procedures in the US can be very expensive. Even a relatively simple procedure, like laser teeth whitening, could cost anywhere from $500 to over $1,000, according to the Dental Health Society. That's a big reason why 1.2 million Americans traveled to Mexico City for dental tourism in 2022, according to Medical Tourism Mexico.

This year, I became one of them.

I didn't go to Mexico City to see a dentist. But while staring at years of red wine and coffee stains in the mirror, I thought "Why not?" and made an appointment to placate my perfectionism. I found the provider by browsing Google and picking among places with five-star reviews and within 20 minutes' walking distance from where I was staying. But I didn't notice the listing I chose had only a handful of reviewers.

As soon as I arrived, I questioned my decision

When I arrived at the building, I immediately wanted to cancel my appointment. It looked like an abandoned retail space; I glanced a few times at my phone and then at the numbers above the entrance to be sure I was correct.

In Mexico, most businesses communicate via WhatsApp. A man opened the office door and introduced himself as my dentist, and with no assistant in sight, I realized he had been messaging me pretending to be his own assistant. I tried to be understanding.

I walked inside, straight into an operating room with another dentist going away at a patient's mouth. I waved awkwardly, and my dentist led me into the adjacent room. I sat in the orthodontic chair, forcing myself to stop overthinking it. It would all be fine; he was wearing a lab coat. But this was the only evidence I had of his expertise.

Mexico is known and respected for dental tourism, so I clung to the hope I had not chosen the wrong provider. I had just gotten Botox done for the first time there as well, and it was a lovely, professional experience. I ignored my gut and stayed seated.

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A dentist in New York shares her tips when choosing a provider

Dr. Angela Abernathy, a general and cosmetic dentist and the owner of Boutique Smiles in New York, said there should be a guarantee of privacy for patients to meet HIPAA regulations. "If you're in Mexico, you might have different regulations, and I would not feel comfortable with that," Abernathy said. "But the biggest concern is having someone who knows what to do if something goes wrong."

She said one of the main risks of laser teeth whitening is the product burning the gums, which can be severe if a proper barrier is not used. You also need a provider who knows when not to operate if you go to get a cavity filled, for example.

The Mexican dentist began by putting his hands in my mouth  without gloves on  to prepare me for the treatment. Abernathy said this might've been normal back in the 1980s, when it wasn't a requirement in dentistry. But it has become standard procedure due to diseases, and it's done to protect the practitioners as much as the patients. "I would not let anyone touch me in that regard without gloves on," Abernathy said.

I liked the end result

After a grueling 40 minutes, I was done. Despite his lack of professionalism or following protocol, it seemed like he did the correct procedure.

I thought it was odd that I had to go out of my way to ask him what I shouldn't consume. He suggested "probably to avoid coffee for a little bit," but Abernathy said patients should steer clear of anything they wouldn't want to get on a white shirt for three to seven days. Plus, she sends patients home with vitamin E capsules for sores or blisters, and suggests using Sensodyne toothpaste leading up to the appointment and the week after.

Initially, I asked his "assistant" over WhatsApp how much it would cost, and they said the provider would let me know in person. I forgot to inquire about it again, and he charged me a little bit over $200 for the procedure, which is the standard in Mexico. But it suddenly seemed expensive.

"People go overseas, and they get work done, not just for whitening but maybe for veneers or body changes. Yes, it is more expensive in the States than in other countries," said Abernathy. "But we also have regulations that protect doctors and patients. The education we get is not cheap, and it costs a lot of money to train our staff to do these things."

She said you often get what you pay for. However, for many Americans, it's the most they can afford, especially because insurance doesn't help with cosmetic procedures. That's where due diligence comes into play  knowing how to vet your providers properly and learning what to expect. The rest comes with following your instincts on who you trust, a feeling I will never ignore again.

Read the original article on Insider
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has awarded more than 1,750 bonuses to newly employed law enforcement recruits through the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program.

To date, 530 law enforcement recruits from 48 states and U.S. territories have relocated to Florida, including more than 200 from California, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania. Each of the more than 1,750 law enforcement officers have received a $5,000 bonus after taxes, bringing the total amount awarded though the program to more than $11.8 million to-date.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

What Recruits Are Saying:





Davey, Clermont Police Department, relocated from New York

After working in the NYPD for 17 years, I began to feel as if the city I served no longer supported my efforts. I decided to look into relocating my family and practicing law enforcement elsewhere. I began the process for my transition to the Clermont Police Department long before the law enforcement sign on bonus was offered. I was relieved by the news of this bonus as It carried a message that was very reassuring- law enforcement were welcome and embraced here in the state of Florida! I am happy to say that in July of last year I moved to Florida and joined the Clermont Police Department soon after. As my family and I begin our new life here in Florida, I am proud to say that our first mortgage payment was paid with the bonus money I received from a state that truly supports its officers! My family and I are grateful for this blessing as it has made us feel welcome and has affirmed our decision to move.

Rob, Clermont Police Department, relocated from New York

New Yorks over-taxation is burdensome and pays for failed policies that have led to both a dramatic increase in crime and decrease in quality-of-life. The cost of living in Florida and weather is also important! Despite 25 years and four promotions at the NYPD, the choice of moving to Florida was an easy one. The people and the government in Florida are far more appreciative and supportive of law enforcement. Governor DeSantiss call is being heard and I was happy to make the move. The process of going into law enforcement is relatively easy for out-of-state officers and the Clermont Police Department was incredibly supportive and understanding of the challenges faced by the move. Despite all that, moving was incredibly expensive and the bonus was crucial in easing that burden. It is much appreciated.

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Jason, Clermont Police Department, relocated from New Jersey

When I decided I no longer wanted to live in NJ, there were many factors that played into the move. Including career decisions, life goals, and most importantly the schooling curriculum up north. I no longer wanted to work in a state that did not support law enforcement and could not handle the way the school systems were changing their curriculum for my kids. Ultimately, moving to Florida was a decision to better not only myself and my career but to give my family a better life. The $5000 recruitment bonus that was given, was something that helped relieve the financial stress of relocating to another State. Especially after paying for the EOT course and other trips down for medical, physical assessment, and interviews it was a financial relief. Having a Governor that genuinely cares for his states first responders is something I was not used to working in NJ for the last 9 years. It really makes it easier when you know the work you do on a daily basis is actually appreciated at the highest level. I look forward to my career in the City of Clermont and being a resident of this great State.

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Kevin, Bradenton Police Department, Relocated from New York

My name is Kevin Williams. In September 2022, I was hired as a Police Officer with the Bradenton Police Department. My family and I are extremely gracious and blessed to obtain the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus as our relocation from New York to Florida was expeditious. The bonus assisted us in many ways including offsetting relocation fees and more importantly, giving us peace of mind by reaffirming our decision to relocate. In addition to the bonus, the great state of Florida has offered us so much opportunity including the Step Up for Children tuition program and an education system that has truly set our children up for success. I believe that my nearly 20 years of experience and training in emergency service ranging from a volunteer Firefighter/Fire Chief, Emergency Medical Technician, career NYC Fire Dispatcher and NYC Police Officer in the Counterterrorism Bureau will benefit the Bradenton Police Department and more importantly, Floridians. Once again from the Williams Family, THANK YOU!

Daniel, Clermont Police Department, relocated from Virginia

My wife and I have always planned to move to Florida from Virginia eventually, but the recruitment bonus made this the right time to make the move. I worked for the Newport News Police Department in Virginia for five years. I enjoyed it there and discovered my passion for law enforcement. My wife and I have always planned to move to Florida from Virginia eventually, but the recruitment bonus made this the right time to make the move. We were able to move 800 miles away and purchase a home much more comfortably with the recruitment bonus, especially with the federal taxes already built in to the bonus. Im looking forward to continuing my law enforcement career in Clermont, Florida.

Philip, Clermont Police Department

I have always wanted to be a Police Officer in the state of Florida. I have always lived in Florida and have only visited other states through traveling. During my process of becoming a Law Enforcement Officer I had to attend a academy where I was offered a job at Clermont Police Department. During this process it was a blessing to receive a $5,000 dollar bonus from the state. This bonus allowed for me to put a down payment on a vehicle I have wanted for quite some time. With my old vehicle breaking on me this $5,000 dollar bonus was a real life saver. The bonus also directly affected my ability to get a jump start on building up a investment account for later down the line.

Bailey, Clermont Police Department

This bonus has positively impacted me because I have a child on the way and this bonus has granted me the opportunity to fully furnish his room as well as get him clothing and supplies that will help care for him for the first year of his life. Without this bonus, I would have to find alternate ways to acquire a crib and stroller for my baby as well as struggle to pay the hospital bills. Thanks to this bonus, these expenses have been taken care of in advance allowing me to focus on developing my understanding and skillset in this new career. I am thankful for this bonus as well as the department for granting me this opportunity to better provide for my family as it begins to grow, with my new career in law enforcement.

Kyle, Clermont Police Department

The state of Florida continues to show its appreciation for law enforcement. This is done through programs that assist with housing, training... The latest one is the recruiting bonus that the State of Florida provides new hire officers from within and outside of the state. This $5,000 USD bonus assists officers out of state with funding to help relocate to Florida and give officers within the state the ability to move around. I have benefitted from this recruitment bonus by reinvesting in myself to help further assist those I serve in the City of Clermont. In addition, I applied some of my bonus towards equipment and planned to reinvest it within local businesses. With these funds, I was also able to offset some costs of the academy in terms of transportation costs. This bonus is a significant commitment to invest in the future for those who serve in law enforcement in the State of Florida. As well as, a great recruiting tool to bring those with experience from out of state to better serve the constantly changing community in Florida.

Joe, Longboat Key Police Department, relocated from Maryland

The main reasons I relocated to the State of Florida was for the quality of life and the backing for law enforcement professionals. The 5,000 dollar bonus did take some of the stress from moving from up north down to Florida. The bonus helped with renting the U-Haul and other little necessities along the way.

Emmanuel, Bradenton Police Department

I had recently returned back home from an overseas deployment and immediately placed myself into a self sponsored Police Academy. One of my biggest concerns I had was getting picked up by an Agency and taking care of my finances. Bradenton Police Dept was one of the first agencies that came by our Academy and were extremely easy to work with during the hiring process. Soon enough, I found myself graduating in the Bradenton Police Depts Class A uniform and receiving a 5K Bonus from the Florida House Bill which helped to clean up some of my finances post Academy. I am proud to be a Law Enforcement Officer within the State of Florida and I am glad to have taken this opportunity to pursue this career path when most others wont. I would like to thank Governor DeSantis for passing the Florida House Bill and giving those who are wishing to pursue Law Enforcement as a career path, a helping hand to reach their goals and serve their communities.





Brett, Longboat Key Police Department, relocated from Ohio

The bonus helps with some of the cost of moving across the country.

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For more information about the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/Recognition-and-Recruitment.

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JACOB LAKE, Ariz.  The official start of a beloved national park is set to reopen following a record-setting snow season.

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open at 6 a.m. June 2 after receiving more than 250 inches of accumulated snowfall this winter.

The National Park Service said this delayed opening is necessary to ensure the safe plowing of State Route 67 and allow staff to reopen visitor facilities on the North Rim.

GO JOURNEY, GO: TEXAS TODDLER ON QUEST TO EXPLORE ALL OF AMERICAS NATURAL WONDERS

"We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our neighbors and visitors with this delay as our partners and park staff work to open the North Rim roads, trails, and facilities safely," Superintendent Ed Keable said.

The entrance to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake. The actual rim of the canyon is an additional 14 miles south from the entrance.

Jacob Lake is located in northern Arizona on Highway 89A, not far from the Utah border. Grand Canyon lies entirely within the state of Arizona.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Major infrastructure projects have been launched in Malaysia under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which have boosted development and job creation along the Southeast Asian country's east coast, creating employment opportunities for the Malaysian youth.

In particular, the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) and the Kuantan Port, both located in Pahang state, have seen strong demand for a skilled workforce where talented young Malaysian graduates have found a home.

Among these eager workers is 27-year-old Nursuhada Mazlan, who has been working as an administrative specialist at the Alliance Steel plant in the MCKIP since 2019.

Nursuhada, whose job is to monitor staff attendance and other administrative matters, said working with the Chinese company has allowed her to find satisfaction through career progression and personal development, including classes to learn the Chinese language.

"I first learned Chinese in school but lost touch. When I started working here classes were offered. At first, it was difficult. But I have gained proficiency, which helps me communicate better with my Chinese colleagues," she told Xinhua, adding that she had learned to work more efficiently and deliver targets expected by her superiors.

"More than that, I have seen the development and progress of Kuantan since the launch of MCKIP. I would also like to visit the sister park, China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (CMQIP), if there is an opportunity," she said.

The MCKIP, the first industrial park jointly developed by Malaysia and China, marked its 10th anniversary on April 7. The MCKIP, together with the CMQIP in China, has set an innovative example of bilateral economic cooperation under the model of "two countries, twin parks."

For Norfazila Sukur, 28, who has been working with Alliance Steel for five years, the experience has been an expansive and fulfilling one. "I improved myself. I feel my quality of life has improved and I have grown personally," she said, adding that the good salary she receives has allowed her to live independently.

The job has allowed Norfazila to pick up additional skills, besides the worker safety and environment that is her job scope, such as emergency response and safety management.

"I also gained a greater appreciation for the Chinese language. I learned how words can have multiple meanings. It's broader than I thought. Of course, I also learned many words and terms related to my work," she said.

The MCKIP is close to Kuantan Port to be linked by the Chinese-built East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which runs from Malaysia's largest transport hub Port Klang and travels across the peninsula to Kelantan state in northeastern Malaysia.

Shervynn Lee Xue Yin, 27, who works as a senior operation administration executive at Kuantan Port and hails from the northern Borneo state of Sabah, said her superior from China had encouraged her at her work, which is traditionally seen as a male-dominated field.

"When I first started working here, someone told me that it's not easy for women to work in operations but when I met my boss from China ... he told me that I have to believe in myself," she said, adding that her boss taught her the importance of her role in the post for planning and management.

Lee had learned much from her Chinese colleagues on how to develop her occupational skills. "When I have tasks assigned to me, I learned to be more responsible in everything I do and I learned to think ahead before anything happens," she said.

The BRI, a reference to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was initiated by China in 2013 to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes. 
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Saturday that he intends to seek a pardon for an Army Sergeant recently convicted of murder for shooting a Black Lives Matter protester during an anti-police demonstration in 2020.

"I am working as swiftly as Texas law allows regarding the pardon of Sgt. Perry," the Texas Republican tweeted Saturday along with a statement on how his office will go about a pardon.

Abbott said in his tweet that pardons in Texas must be recommended by the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

"I have made that request and instructed the board to expedite its review," Abbott said.

ARMY SERGEANT INDICTED FOR MURDER IN 2020 AUSTIN RIOT SHOOTING PLEADS SELF-DEFENSE: POLICE INVESTIGATOR AGREES

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a news conference on January 31, 2023

The governor said he looks forward to signing the pardon as soon as it reaches his desk.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Army Sergeant Daniel Perry was convicted of murder on Friday for shooting and killing a Black Lives Matter protester holding an AK-47 after the gun was raised toward him. The Austin Police Department concluded at the time that Perry acted in self-defense.

Perry, who was stationed at Fort Hood at the time of the shooting, was driving for Uber to make extra money in downtown Austin on the night of July 25, 2020, when he encountered a large crowd of protesters . They were illegally blocking city streets that night, according to police, as protesters in Austin and elsewhere had done during the weeks of rioting.

Among the protesters was 28-year-old Garrett Foster, who was carrying an AK-47. Perry's defense team says that the demonstrators encircled and starting pounding on his vehicle and that Foster raised the firearm at Perry, prompting him to open fire with a handgun he legally carried for self-defense.

SOROS DA PUT MURDER CASE ON 'BACK BURNER' BECAUSE IT DOESN'T 'FIT' LIBERAL AGENDA: VICTIM'S FAMILY

Army Sgt. Daniel Perry was convicted of murder for killing Garrett Foster while driving an Uber amid a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest. Fosters family is suing him over the death.

"When Garrett Foster pointed his AK-47 at Daniel Perry, Daniel had two tenths of a second to defend himself. He chose to live," Doug OConnell, an attorney for Perry, told Fox News Digital in a statement last year.

Story continues

"It may be legal in Texas to carry an assault rifle in downtown Austin. It doesnt make it a good idea. If you point a firearm at someone, youre responsible for everything that happens next."

Abbott explained that Texas has one of the "strongest stand your ground" laws in the country that "cannot be "nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney."

SOROS-BACKED DA CUTS DEAL GIVING NO JAIL TIME TO 'WASTED' BUS DRIVER WHO KILLED CYCLIST IN CRASH

People hold up signs outside Austin Police Department after a vigil for Garrett Foster on July 26, 2020 in downtown Austin, Texas.

Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, the George Soros-backed prosecutor who brought the case, has been widely criticized for pursuing charges against Perry for political clout rather than the merits of the case.

"Self-defense is a God-given right, not a crime. Unfortunately, the Soros-backed DA in Travis County cares more about the radical agenda of dangerous Antifa and BLM mobs than justice," Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement to Fox News Digital following the Perry verdict.

Garza's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

"Right now we are completely focused on preparing for Daniels sentencing hearing," O'Connell told Fox News Digital following Abbott's tweet.

"I visited Daniel in jail this morning. As you might expect he is devastated. He spoke to me about his fears that he will never get to hug his Mother again. Hes also crushed that this conviction will end his Army service; he loves being a Soldier."
The perpetrator was arrested in August 2022

The statement says that during the investigation irrefutable evidence was gathered proving that the collaborator was responsible for guiding missile strikes by Russia against civilian infrastructure in the oblast.

The guidance provided by the informant led to missile strikes on two local schools by Russian invasion forces. As a result, both buildings were completely destroyed, the SBU said.

The enemy informant was detained during counter-sabotage operations in the front-line areas of the oblast in August 2022.

Read also: "War is a time for change and a chance to become better." The mayor of Mykolaiv about the first year of the invasion, support from partners

SBU

Read also: Ukraine calls UNSC meeting, China call still pending, exclusive with Mykolaiv mayor

Criminal proceedings were initiated against the offender for violating Article 114-2, Part 3 (unauthorized dissemination of information on the supply of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, the movement or deployment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, or other formations), as well as Article 436-2, Parts 2 and 3 (justification, recognition as legitimate, denial of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

The court sentenced him to eight years in prison.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
An impassioned Kamala Harris took the stage in Nashville Friday evening before a packed room of energized students, just 24 hours after Tennessee Republicans booted two young, Black lawmakers from office.

The vice president had just met privately with the Tennessee Three  Democratic Reps. Gloria Johnson of Knoxville, Justin Jones of Nashville and Justin Pearson of Memphis  who were punished for violating statehouse decorum rules by participating in a gun protest last week after three 9-year-old children and three school officials were murdered at a Nashville elementary school. Johnson, who is white and participated in the same demonstration, was not expelled.

The three lawmakers have captured national attention in the wake of last weeks mass shooting, as the nation watched Tennessee Republicans unprecedented use of overwhelming political power unfold. Democrats have rallied around the events, warning of an attack on democracy. The White House hasnt slept on the opportunity to do the same.



We need leaders who have the courage to act at statehouses and Washington, D.C. in the United States Congress, Harris said, her voice rising above the cheers and applause in Fisk Memorial Chapel. Have the courage to act, instead of the cowardice to not allow debate and to not allow a discussion on the merits of what is at stake. Courage. You cant call yourself a leader if you dont have the courage to know what is right and act on it regardless of the popularity of the moment.

President Joe Biden spoke to the three lawmakers Friday evening and invited them to the White House, according to officials. And Harris, in her last-minute trip, brought the White Houses push for an assault weapons ban and universal background checks to Nashville.

Some things are up for partisan debate. Sure, and they will be because that is also a sign of a democracy. But on the issue of smart gun safety laws  background checks  the policy is really pretty straight forward. Its to say, you might want to know before someone buys a gun whether they have been found by a court to be a danger to themselves or others. You just might want to know, Harris said.



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During the speech, Harris praised the lawmakers for their bravery and leadership amid the tragedy, drawing a throughline from Johnson, Jones and Pearson to civil rights icons like John Lewis and Diane Nash.

Harris looked out to the crowd of students and said it would be the younger generation to lead on this issue.

We need you all. And your leadership in this movement is going to impact people that you may never meet. People who may never know your name. But because of your leadership, they will forever be benefited, she said.

We will not be defeated. We will not be deterred. We will not throw up our hands when it is time to roll up our sleeves. We will fight. We will lead. We will speak with truth. We will speak about freedom and justice. And we will march on.
Karen DeBonis's son, Matthew. Karen DeBonis

When my son was 11, we found out he had a benign brain tumor.

Soon, I learned the word "benign" didn't mean harmless, as I'd previously thought.

The tumor was inoperable, but they did surgery to treat his hydrocephalus, with a slow recovery.

At 11, my son was mature enough to understand why doctors wanted to take pictures of his brain and trusting enough of his parents to do whatever we said was necessary.

I'd never had an MRI, but I knew what the procedure entailed. Picturing the narrow hole that swallows the occupant of the machine brought to mind the confines of a submarine or rocket.

"It's cool, like a spaceship," I told Matthew, as much to allay my fears as to prevent his.

As a younger child, Matthew could hardly sit still at home. He'd climb trees in our backyard, clown around for a camera, and run from room to room in his Superman pajamas. Yet when he worked on a task like building a Lego spaceship, he was laser-focused. Well behaved in school and a straight-A student, he earned a spot in the gifted program.

At 8, he developed facial tics, and his energy started to wane. Over the next three years, his motor tics piled on, his grades tanked, and he became clumsy, easily tired, and forgetful. We took him to myriad specialists, and none of their diagnostic hypotheses panned out. I didn't expect much of this MRI; it was simply another test to rule out something sinister.

Less than an hour after I tucked in Matthew on the gurney, my husband, Mike, and I squeezed into a lab room among several technicians and a thin, white-coated man introduced himself as the radiologist. After an agonizing moment of silence, he spoke.

"We found a growth," he said.

It would be hours before I absorbed the true meaning of the euphemism: Matthew had a brain tumor.

Understanding what Matthew's tumor meant for his future

That morning in October 1997, my son became one of an estimated 700,000 Americans living with brain and central-nervous-system tumors. This year, almost 4,000 new cases of primary childhood brain tumors are expected to be diagnosed in children ages 0 to 14.

Story continues

The club of unwilling members represents those with 140 types of brain tumors, which have a dizzying array of symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. Headaches and seizures are two of the most common symptoms, yet Matthew experienced neither, validating that each patient presents in a unique way. The way his presented, unfortunately, is part of why his diagnosis took so long.

An MRI image of Matthew's tumor. Karen DeBonis

The absence of typical clues, along with the fact that facial and motor tics, forgetfulness, and disorganization are common in healthy school-age children, contributed to his being undiagnosed for two years. Another factor in Matthew's delayed diagnosis: our pediatrician's unwillingness to validate my concerns. My self-doubt and fear of conflict added to the destructive dynamic.

I finally took Matthew to a psychologist, who diagnosed him with attention-deficit disorder, which felt like a reasonable diagnosis at the time. As Matthew continued to deteriorate, the specialists and diagnostic hypotheses snowballed to include muscular dystrophy, Tourette syndrome, and even schizoid personality disorder.

The radiologist had more to say. Pointing to a computer monitor, he explained that the growth  which at the time was the size and shape of a kidney bean  clung to Matthew's brain stem, a structure deep inside the brain that controls and regulates vital bodily functions, including respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure.

"It's inoperable," he said, "but benign." The word "benign" kept me upright that day. Everything I knew about that word told me what he'd just said meant the tumor wasn't cancerous. In my lay world, "benign" also meant harmless. I was wrong.

Learning the difference between benign and malignant

Sometime in the blur following Matthew's diagnosis, the neurosurgeon on call one day told us it didn't matter whether a brain tumor was benign or malignant. With no additional explanation, his words made no sense and were too scary to consider, especially when I'd just begun to have hope. Thus, I didn't investigate the full meaning of his words until years later.

When I did, I learned that even if a growth in the brain did not invade and damage healthy cells  characteristics of a malignancy  it could crowd and damage structures of the brain that enable us to breathe, think, move, and feel. For a child, whose brain is still growing and forming connections, the danger is magnified.

This means that even a benign brain tumor can be deadly. For this reason, the American Brain Tumor Association prefers the term "nonmalignant" to make a distinction between the way they act.

My misunderstanding of benign wasn't the only wrong assumption I'd made about Matthew's condition. The neurosurgeon told us Matthew had a pilocytic astrocytoma, a low-grade, slow-growing mass, rare in itself but common among brain tumors in children. Like most kids, the doctor said, Matthew would "bounce back." The more I learned, the more I thought, "If my child must have a brain tumor, this is the one to have."

But the danger in Matthew's pilocytic astrocytoma lay in its location. It trapped cerebral spinal fluid in the ventricles  the four cavities in the brain  and expanded them like water balloons, a condition called hydrocephalus.

I had heard of babies being born with "water on the brain," but I didn't know it could happen in older children; in fact, it can even happen in adults. Matthew's hydrocephalus was so severe that it squished his gray matter into a sliver against his skull. Every part of his brain was affected, which explained his cognitive, motor, and emotional decline over the previous three years.

Figuring out the right treatment  and the aftermath

While Matthew's tumor itself was inoperable, the recommended treatment for his hydrocephalus was a novel surgery  an endoscopic third ventriculostomy. I understood only the basics: The neurosurgeon would poke a hole in the third ventricle, and the excess fluid would drip away to be absorbed by the body. Unless the tumor grew significantly, which was not expected, chemotherapy and radiation wouldn't be necessary.

After Matthew's surgery and two-night hospital stay, I believed that the nightmarish medical mystery we'd been going through since he was 8 years old was solved. I believed our life of contentment would return.

Wrong again: It took about a year for us to realize Matthew's bouncing back would be more like a slow dribble. His brain had been under siege for too long; the hydrocephalus had caused too much damage.

Matthew in the hospital. Karen DeBonis

Often, patients and survivors of both benign and cancerous brain tumors bear visible evidence of their ordeal  surgical scars, as well as physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments. Many of the 700,000 Americans living with a brain tumor look healthy but struggle with a variety of aftereffects, including anxiety and confusion, memory difficulties, fatigue, and depression. Like Matthew, other survivors may also suffer from a lack of executive-functioning skills, which help work toward goals and plan with big-picture-type thinking.

Post-surgery, Matthew functioned too well to qualify for rehabilitation programs, yet his struggle to get through each day weighed heavily on our family. I left my job to support his recovery, convinced it was the only way he'd get through school. With the help of a 504 education plan, supportive teachers, and my full-time cheerleading, he bumbled through middle school and then graduated from high school.

Then he earned his four-year college diploma, entered the workforce, and eventually bought a house on his own. Today, Matthew's impairments  I call them hiccups  are mild, most apparent when he is tired, stressed, or overloaded by information. If you didn't know, you'd never suspect what he has overcome.

You may not think you know a person with a brain tumor, but maybe you do. You never know what's making their lives difficult, what invisible affliction makes it hard to get through their day.

If you are one of the 700,000 Americans living with a brain tumor, know that you are seen, that you are not alone. If you are a loved one, know that others understand your frustration and impatience. Know that we, too, hate the tumor but love the person. Most likely, our loved ones are doing the best they can with the "benign" hand they were dealt. And we are doing the best we can to support them.

Read the original article on Insider
Angel Pittman told Insider one of her buses for her mobile hair salon was vandalized. Courtesy of Angel Pittman

A Black business owner purchased land for her mobile hair salon in North Carolina.

Angel Pittman told Insider she was soon met with intimidation from her neighbor.

She said her property was vandalized with the N-word and "bitch" spray-painted on her mobile salon.

Angel Pittman always knew she had a knack for hairstyling.

The 21-year-old's passion started in her early teens. She began doing her sisters' hair after they told Pittman that bullies had been harassing them in school.

"When I was younger, I knew my mom loved me, but she just wasn't able to do my hair ... because she worked so much. So I started trying to help my mom out and started doing my sisters' hair," Pittman told Insider. "I started to love the craft. I started to love how it helped my mom. I started to love how it helped my sisters. I started to love how it even helped me."

Pittman's dream would soon come true. But she told Insider she would have to put her passion on pause because a neighbor racially targeted her forcing her to relocate.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the owner of @hothaircompanyllc, Pittman wanted to expand and to do her craft anywhere at any time without being tied to one place.

Angel Pittman, 21, is the owner of Hot Hair Company LLC. Courtesy of Angel Pittman

So, at 18, she came up with the idea to start a mobile hair salon. She told Insider she saved up enough money to purchase less than an acre of land for $10,000 and and three school buses for $14,000  she'd operate her salon out of one bus and convert the other into a tiny home.

"I could go anywhere in the world and put my salon in the middle of the street and just start doing hair," she told Insider. "I can go anywhere. I can go to a lot where homeless people are and do their hair. I can go to Miami and do hair."

But just as her dreams were becoming a reality, an incident of overt racism tore them all down.

Pittman said her property was destroyed just days after she purchased the land

Pittman and her mother managed to find land in Rowan County, North Carolina  about 42 miles outside of Charlotte  last September. She wanted to place three buses, all of them in pristine condition, on the property. Her plan was coming together.

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But when she and her parents returned to her land days after closing the sale, she discovered that someone had vandalized her buses. Photos given to Insider by Pittman, show her buses spray-painted with profanity, including "bitch" and the N-word. Her parents called the police. Pittman said she broke into tears.

"When I first saw that I thought I was dreaming because I would've never thought in the million years that someone would even have that much hate in their heart to sit there and write on someone else's property," she said.

According to the most recent data the FBI released in March 2023, overall , hate crimes increased by 11.6% from 8,120 in 2020 to 9,065 in 2021. Roughly 8,300 hate crimes were committed against individuals in 2021, and of that number, the FBI classified 43.2% as intimidation. Of roughly 3,800 hate crimes against property, 71.2% of them were "acts of destruction/damage/vandalism."

Separately, just this month, a judge sentenced a 24-year-old Mississippi man to 3  years in prison after he plead guilty to a federal hate crime. Federal officials said the man, identified as Axel Cox, tried to intimidate his neighbors and admitted he burned a cross "because of the victims' race and because they were occupying a home next to his."

Pittman told Insider that she recalled a strange interaction with her neighbor, who said it "was his sister's land," before the vandalism. However, she said she explained to the man that she had purchased the land.

Pittman said she soon noticed other things in her neighbor's yard that she hadn't seen before, including Confederate flags and statues glorifying the KKK.

And while she and her family were sitting in the car trying to make sense of the situation, Pittman said the same neighbor approached her family with a gun in his hand and demanded that they get "off his yard," though they weren't near it.

Pittman said she did not know the man's name and had no footage of who committed the vandalism because she did not have cameras installed on her property at the time. However, she filmed other confrontations and posted snippets in an Instagram post and TikTok earlier this year.

It 'hurts me really bad'

When Rowan County police arrived at the scene, Pittman said her mother filed a report because she was distraught, and authorities did not offer much help to resolve the situation.

Pittman first spoke to The Guardian about her encounter and after the outlet's initial reporting, the Rowan County Sheriff's Office told the outlet that it had reached out again to Pittman and her family about the case. The police also told the outlet that Pittman's mother "never reported that any threats had been made to her or anyone else."

"This is the first time I've ever had to deal with the police or call the police in my life," Pittman said. "This is the first time and they let me down."

Rowan County Police Captain Mark McDaniel told Insider that the responding deputy, who has worked in the area for years, told the family that the neighbor was known to have those items in his yard long before she moved in. Pittman, however, disagreed.

"There was no sign that he did not like Black people. There was no sign that he hated black people. But when I come back, when my bus got destroyed, there's two Ku Klux Klan statues in your yard, swastika symbols everywhere," she told Insider. "And it is scary."

A statement from the sheriff's office dated March 23 said that the agency reached out to Pittman's mother "to see if they would like to make any further comment or complaint in reference to this incident" to which "she advised us that she would speak with the others involved and get back to us."

After the ordeal, Pittman and her father drove two of the defaced buses back to Charlotte.

The third bus wouldn't run at the time. A mechanic later told Pittman that the wires had been cut, that the catalytic converter was missing, and that someone had left excrement inside of the bus.

"It was very emotional and scary," she said. "The whole time while I'm driving the bus, I'm sitting there crying the whole time because I'm like, 'This is something that I dreamed of doing and that I prayed about. This was something that was mine, this was my dream. I did it.' And then it was just easy for somebody to just literally poop on it like it's nothing."

She started a GoFundMe in November to help her to move to a safer place in Charlotte and be closer to her family. She has since raised over $118,00 as of Saturday.

Now, months after the incident, she has continued to do hair out of a suite she rents in the city until she gets back on her feet. Though working has been a good distraction, she said she has been depressed because of the situation.

"For it to be taken away just because I'm Black, just because somebody doesn't like me because of the color of my skin, is crazy and it most definitely hurts me really bad," she said.

Read the original article on Insider
TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Honduras' government on Friday extended until late May emergency powers that suspend some constitutional rights, part of an anti-gang push implemented by leftist President Xiomara Castro in the Central American country's largest cities.

Earlier this week, Castro's government deployed soldiers across the nation to fight violent criminal groups.

This is the third extension - this time by another 45 days - of the so-called state of exception that is now set to expire on May 21, the government said in a statement.

The crime-fighting policy applies to 123 local districts covering the largest population centers and allows authorities to restrict freedom of movement and assembly, as well as to search homes and make arrests without a warrant.

"This legal measure has made it possible for security authorities to capture more than a hundred members of criminal organizations," the statement added.

The decision to continue with the policy underscores a change in tack by Castro, who previously criticized the role of the military in past administrations and pledged to "demilitarize citizen security" during her successful 2021 presidential campaign.

(Reporting by Gustavo Palencia; Editing by David Alire Garcia and Kenneth Maxwell)
A Hooters server has gone viral for the clever jokes she pulls on customers during her shift.

TikTok user Charity (@charityy_harris) went viral on the platform when she revealed the comedic bits she comes up with during her shift. Since posting her video on 27 March, Charity has received more than 1.6m views on her TikTok, as fellow users say that light bullying is a guaranteed way to get more tips.

My bits as a server but Hooters edition, she began the video. First, Charity shared that her go-to bit to start is telling customers that the Hooters restaurant ran out of water. I always tell people were out of water every time they order water. Ill hit them with a, Oh my god, no one told you? We just ran out of water, she explained.

Other friendly jokes included addressing male customers as princess, play-fighting with her table, or telling people they cant leave when they ask for the bill.

Of course, a majority of dudes come in. I hit them with the princess, she went on. Here you go, princess. Heres your drink for you, princess.

When checking up on a customer, Charity explained how shell ask them, Yall miss me?

If its a big group of people and one of the dudes says something sassy, Ill hit him with the: Were fighting now. Im not talking to you for the next two minutes, she continued.

Another bit was that when a group asks for their bill, Charity will joke that theyre not allowed to leave the Hooters.

When people ask for the tab, I always look at them and be like, Oh my god, I didnt tell you. I actually kind of like you guys and I came to the conclusion you cant leave. Im sorry, she explained, before finally giving them their check.

While she didnt include this one bit in her list, Charity even shared that sometimes shell suggest her customers make bird noises to flag her down.

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Whenever I put in peoples food Ill be like, If you need anything just cacaw, she said. And Ive actually had people cacaw and it brings so much light to my life.

Many viewers took to the comments section to applaud Charity for the clever comebacks, while others wondered whether the playful bits help guarantee bigger tips from customers.

i know u get TIPS, said one TikToker, to which she replied: paying my rent one step at a time

When another person asked how good are your tips, Charity said they were sooo good im not even going to lie.

Nah because light bullying with princess on the end gets them everytimeeeee, one user wrote.

Fellow service industry workers were also prompted to share some of their own amusing interactions with customers, like one TikTok user who said: My favorite bit as a server is handing the check to the baby/little kid at the table.

I like to say idk, I just work here when people ask questions, another server commented.

Anytime I get a group of guys Ill always call them ladies, said someone else. Can I get yall anything else, ladies?

A third person said: When my table asks me for something I say, What is this.. a restaurant?

While some people wondered how Charity can get away with pulling jokes on customers without getting in trouble, she clarified to her followers: Its all about reading the room and making sure they know youre joking.

Many Hooters servers go viral on TikTok for sharing an inside look into what its like to work at the infamous American chain restaurant. Last year, one Hooters waitress from Florida went viral after revealing how much she earned in tips after one shift. Throughout her 12 pm to 8pm shift at Hooters, TikToker Leah Fennelly earned a total of $382 in tips, which inspired some viewers to put in an application after learning how much she made from one night of waitressing at Hooters.

Meanwhile, a pregnant woman recounted some of the inappropriate comments she has received from customers while working at Hooters.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Hundreds of mourners, including the leader of Russia's Wagner private militia group, attended the funeral on Saturday of pro-war blogger Vladlen Tatarsky, who was killed on April 2 in a cafe bomb blast that Moscow has blamed on Ukraine.

Russia charged Darya Trepova, 26, on Tuesday with terrorist offences over the killing of Tatarsky in the St Petersburg cafe where he had been due to talk. She was remanded in custody and could face up to 20 years in jail.

The 40-year-old Tatarsky, whose real name was Maxim Fomin, was accorded military honours including a gun salute and an army band at the funeral at Moscow's Troyekurovskoye cemetery due to his past participation in military operations in eastern Ukraine alongside Moscow-backed separatists battling Kyiv's forces.

Tatarsky was among the best-known members of an influential group of bloggers who have provided a running commentary on the fighting in Ukraine. He was often scathing about Russia's defence establishment but strongly backed Moscow's actions in Ukraine and said they should be pursued more aggressively.

"Vladlen has proven that today the front line passes everywhere: in the zone of military action, in the rear, and in cities, hearts and minds," said Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the Telegram messaging app, noting he had died "in the centre of peaceful St Petersburg at terrorists' hands".

Tatarsky made extensive reporting trips to the front lines in Ukraine and had ties to Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who on Saturday thanked the blogger on behalf of his fighters.

"Vladlen Tatarsky did a lot so that we could move towards victory and destroy the enemy," Prigozhin's press service quoted him as saying. "He is a soldier who will stay with us, whose voice will live on forever ..."

Prigozhin is also known for his sharp criticism of Russia's top brass over their performance in Ukraine. The Wagner group has been spearheading efforts in recent months to capture the city of Bakhmut in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.

Ukraine has not taken responsibility for the cafe bomb blast and instead blamed "domestic terrorism" in Russia.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Gareth Jones; Editing by Giles Elgood)
Edward Cross is president of the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association.

The benefits of hydrogen for generating power from fuel cells are well-documented, whether for vehicles or commercial electricity production. Hydrogen combines with atmospheric oxygen in an oxidation/reduction reaction to produce electricity, with water and heat as the only byproducts. This avoids waste products like sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. However, many folks may not have a clear understanding of the sources of hydrogen.

Hydrogen, the most abundant of all elements, makes up more than 90% of all atoms. Hydrogen is almost always atomically bound to something else, and to separate an appreciable volume of hydrogen gas, these bonds must be severed. There is plenty of hydrogen around, but not in a usable form.

Hydrogen contains no stored energy like wood, coal, oil, or uranium. Thus, it is not considered an energy source; rather, it is an energy carrier, like electricity. Also like electricity, hydrogen requires a great deal of infrastructure to produce in commercial quantities, is difficult to store, and suffers from losses and added costs when transported. When converting energy from a source (e.g., oil, natural gas, coal) to an energy carrier, inefficiencies occur.

The efficiencies involved in the production of electricity vary dramatically, from a low of about 30% to a high of about 90%, with the midpoint being about 40%. Predicting what efficiency levels will be in the ensuing years, when hydrogen presumably would become a more widespread energy carrier, is a subject of great debate. Fuel cell technology is an integral part of clean energy solutions.

More: Ed Cross: Crisis brings oil, gas challenges into focus

Currently, the global hydrogen industry is a large and rapidly growing industry. Worldwide, about one-fifth as much volume of hydrogen is produced as there is natural gas produced each year. About 48% is derived from natural gas, 30% from oil, and 18% from coal. Only 4% comes from dissociating water with electricity. Generating hydrogen from electricity makes no sense from an environmental or economic perspective. Hydrogen and electricity are both energy carriers, both cost about the same to transport and once in the grid, electricity is a clean energy source. It doesnt make sense to use one clean energy source to generate another clean energy source.

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If we use hydrogen to generate power from fuel cells, where would all this hydrogen come from? The best source of hydrogen is methane, which, of course, comes from natural gas. Natural gas is widely viewed as the easiest fuel from which to derive hydrogen.

Obviously, if hydrogen were used for transportation, demand for natural gas would increase. Fortunately, our nation has abundant reserves of natural gas to meet this demand. And, the American oil and natural gas industry has the capital and know-how essential for converting these reserves of natural gas into supplies for consumers.

So what does this mean for oil and natural gas producers? In a hydrocarbon-based energy system like the one we have, the only way to generate hydrogen is to produce more hydrocarbons. The nuclear alternative has its own problems because if hydrogen is generated by high temperature, it must be done at the nuclear plant and transported. If it is done using electrolysis, after the electricity is transported, then efficiency becomes the problem that needs improvement.

The only thing that makes any sense, if hydrogen is the desired fuel for vehicles, is to provide the natural gas feedstock for all the hydrogen that we are going to need. Demand for natural gas would increase. This, in turn, would encourage exploration and development activities for more natural gas.

In short, lets drill some hydrogen feedstock wells and supply the market with the fuel for which they so vehemently clamor.

Edward Cross is president of the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Hydrogen fuel isn't silver bullet solution
Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador (R) rescinded a legal opinion that prohibited referrals for out-of-state abortions, CNN reported Friday.

Labrador reportedly said in a letter to state Rep. Brent Crane (R) that the opinion was mischaracterized as law enforcement guidance sent out publicly to local prosecutors and others.

It was not a guidance document, nor was it ever published by the Office of the Attorney General, he said. Accordingly, I hereby withdraw it.

Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union had announced legal challenges against Labrador on Wednesday over the interpretation of the states abortion ban to prevent medical providers from referring patients to out-of-state abortion services.

Labradors initial letter stated that Idahos near-total abortion ban prohibits an Idaho medical provider from either referring a woman across state lines to access abortion services or prescribing abortion pills for the woman to pick up across state lines.

Idahos abortion ban prohibits the procedure except for cases involving rape, incest or the life of the mother is at risk.

CNN reported that U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill said the opinions removal indicates that the urgency behind a lawsuit from Planned Parenthood might have been somewhat or completely abated.

An attorney for Labrador argued that the new letter essentially means as if the first letter were never written, but attorneys for Planned Parenthood said they were not immediately prepared to withdraw their motion for a temporary restraining order on Labradors original opinion.

They argued it violates parts of the Constitution, including freedom of speech from the First Amendment.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) signed a bill into law on Wednesday to criminalize adults helping a minor obtain an abortion or abortion pills out of state without parental consent.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
ISLAMABAD, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed in a clash with police in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Saturday morning, the city's police said in a statement.

"The police stopped three people on two motorbikes during routine patrolling across the city, but rather than stopping they opened fire at the police," the statement read.

All three suspects were killed in retaliatory fire by the police, who later seized their weapons and motorbikes, according to the statement.

The killed street criminals were later identified, and an investigation about them is underway, the police statement said.

The local law enforcement agency has intensified operations against street criminals, following an increase in incidents of snatching and robberies in the city.

On Saturday morning, police launched operations in various areas of the city and arrested five suspects, the statement added. 
Leaked Document Indicates Supreme Court Set To Overturn Roe v. Wade - Credit: Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

More than two decades after its approval, Federal Texas Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk ordered the Food and Drug Administration to suspend authorization of the abortion medication mifepristone nationwide within the next seven days.

In a separate ruling, issued an hour after the Texas decision, Washington District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice ordered the FDA to maintain the status quo availability of the medication. With access to the most widely used abortion medication in the country in jeopardy, abortion advocates, womens rights groups, and Democratic lawmakers condemned the decision Friday.

More from Rolling Stone

The American Medical Association in a statement that evening declared the ruling flies in the face of science and evidence and threatens to upend access to a safe and effective drug that has been used by millions of people for more than 20 years.

The courts disregard for well-established scientific facts in favor of speculative allegations and ideological assertions will cause harm to our patients and undermines the health of the nation, the organization wrote. This decision introduces the extraordinary, unprecedented danger of courts upending longstanding drug regulatory decisions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Medical abortions, often performed using a combination of the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol, accounted for more than half of documented terminations last year. Advocates often point out that mifepristone has been proven to be safer than Tylenol.

Texas Judge Matthew Kacsmaryks opinion was widely anticipated; prior to the order coming down, abortion providers around the country made plans to continue offering care. Domestic providers like Hey Jane, Choix, and Just The Pill have said they will make misoprostol-only medication available, while international providers, like Aid Access, are expected to continue shipping mifepristone and misoprostol to the U.S.

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We will not let this unjust ruling stop people from accessing abortion pills, which are readily available through alternate supply routes in the US, Plan C Co-Director Elisa Wells said in a statement. Our website lists vetted sources that will ship abortion pills directly to your mailbox, no matter what state you live in.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the Texas ruling a massive step towards Republicans goal of a nationwide abortion ban fueled by an extremist judge who is vehement in his desire to take womens rights away.

Schumer reaffirmed his commitment to securing passage of the Womens Health Protection Act, which would federalize the right to abortion care and has been stalled by the Senates filibuster rules, as well as to ensure mifepristone remains available in pharmacies, protecting health data around abortion, and much more.

We are committed to passing the Womens Health Protection Act to enshrine the right to choose into law, ensuring mifepristone remains available in pharmacies, protecting health data around abortion, and much more.  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 7, 2023

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, who previously urged the Biden administration to simply refuse to enforce the ruling, repeated in a statement on Friday: There is no way this decision has a basis in law. It is instead rooted in conservatives dangerous and undemocratic takeover of our countrys institutions. No matter what happens in the seven days, I believe the Food and Drug Administration has the authority to ignore this ruling.

His comments were echoed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-N.Y.) in an interview on CNN Friday, in which she condemned the ruling as an egregious overreach by the judiciary, and echoed Wydens call to ignore this ruling.

It is the justices themselves, through the deeply partisan and unfounded nature of these rulings that are undermining their own enforcement, she added.

Congresswoman @AOC on a Texas judge attempting to overturn the FDA's approval of mifepristone: "The Biden Administration should ignore this ruling." pic.twitter.com/xQNsI65W3F  Ari Drennen (@AriDrennen) April 8, 2023

Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) called the decision overreach by a right-wing judge who does not know more than the women who have safely used this medication for decades or the medical experts at the FDA.

The Supreme Court, currently controlled by a 5 to 4 conservative majority, is expected to intervene to settle the dispute created by the dueling rulings.

In the meantime, women across the country will be left wondering about their options. On Friday, the groups that advocate for women and people who can become pregnant channeled their collective rage over the decision.

Nancy Northup, president and CEO at the Center for Reproductive Rights, said the decision has no basis in law or fact and said the lawsuit was manufactured as part of an orchestrated campaign to deny all women in the U.S. access to abortion, even those living in states with strong abortion rights protections.

Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights is calling for nationwide protests of Kacsmaryks order; the groups founders, Merle Hoffman and Sunsara Taylor called the decision an intolerable escalation of the concerted Christian fascist assault on women, our bodies, our children and families, and our ability to live free from forced motherhood, and an outrageous and illegitimate violation of womens fundamental right to abortion and their very humanity.

Others planned to channel their fury into electoral consequences. In a statement on Friday, EMILYs List President Laphonza Butler declared the powerful womens PAC is working overtime to replace Republicans up and down the ballot with Democratic pro-choice women who are committed to protecting our reproductive freedoms no matter what.

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NEW DELHI, India  I dont know whether India is going to replace China as the worlds new economic engine, but a week-long vacation here, many years since my last visit, left me surprised at this countrys rapid progress.

While there are some troublesome political signs, there is much less visible poverty on the streets than I saw the last time I visited in 2007.

The New Delhi airport, which I remembered as old and chaotic, has been rebuilt into a fairly modern and orderly airline hub.

The nearly 10-mile trip from the airport to the capital, which used to be a crumbling road where traffic was slowed by wandering cows, tricycles and bicycles, has become a much faster ride. The road is now lined with new hotels and corporate buildings.

New Delhi today looks much like Mexico City: a huge, bustling city of wide and relatively clean avenues, with magnificent monuments and public buildings. I saw more poverty in Varanasi and Agra, the other two cities I visited this time, but it was a far stretch from what I remembered.

According to World Bank projections released recently, Indias economy will expand by 6.3% this year, and by 6.4% in 2024, one of the highest growth rates in the world. By comparison, estimates by the International Monetary Fund show Chinas economy is expected to grow by 5% this year and 4.5 percent in 2024.

More important in the long run, on April 14, is poised to overtake China as the worlds most populous country. According to U.N. projections, on that day Indias population will reach 1,425,777,850 people.

But friends with whom I met in India told me that the most significant number in terms of Indias importance in the world is that some 200 million Indians have joined the middle class in recent years. That is turning this country into a major business partner  and opportunity  for U.S. and Latin American businesses.

Its not so much the population growth, but the market growth that will count, R. Viswanathan told me. Hes a former head of Indias foreign ministrys Latin America department. Indias trade with Latin America today is about $44 billion a year, but I wouldnt be surprised if it more than doubles to $100 billion over the next five years, he said.

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Cars, motorcycles and pharmaceutical products are among the main Indian exports to Latin America, according to Viswanathan. Latin America exports mostly oil, gold and minerals to India.

In addition to its rapid growth, many Indians boast that their expats and their descendants have some of the worlds most important jobs these days.

Among them is U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (whose mother was born in India); Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley (her parents were Indian immigrants); U.K. prime minister Rishi Sunak (his grandparents emigrated from India to Africa); and Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, both born in India.

However, I also saw an alarming personality cult following the countrys popular prime minister Narendra Modi, who has been in power since 2014 and is likely to be re-elected next year.

I saw huge signs with Modis picture almost on every other block along New Delhis main avenues, as well as in buses and public buildings. His image is virtually the only one you see on street signs.

While Modi gets high marks for helping modernize Indias economy, he is increasingly intimidating independent media and has used a loyal judiciary to ban opposition leaders.

Late last month, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, Modis main political rival, was ousted from Parliament after being sentenced by a court to two years in prison for criminal defamation. His offense was jokingly asking in a 2019 campaign speech, Why do all thieves have Modi as their surname?.

Modis growing abuse of power is dangerous, becaue, among other things, unlike in China, Indias recent progress has been partly due to its democratic stability.

If Modi becomes a full-blown elected autocrat, Indias economic growth may be thwarted by favoritism, corruption and skepticism about its future. But if he somehow manages to control his authoritarian instincts, India is likely to become the worlds new economic success story.

Dont miss the Oppenheimer Presenta TV show on Sundays at 8 pm E.T. on CNN en Espanol. Blog: www.andresoppenheimer.com
Women and girls are more likely to be left vulnerable by the devastating impacts of a severe cyclone, studies have shown (Namita Singh/The Independent)

It is a little past 6pm. The sun has already gone down, but 13-year-old Tara* is not yet home. She is out for her tuition classes in the neighbourhood, says her grandmother Aaravi*. Though Tara is not late, her grandmother is visibly worried.

It is not until she sees the familiar silhouette of a 3ft-tall girl wearing a traditional salwar kameez dress and swinging her hands from side to side that Aaravi gives a sigh of relief. She is here, announces the grandmother, though she still wont take her eyes off Tara until she is safely inside the boundary of their home.

Aaravi was not always this protective of her granddaughter, she tells The Independent, even though the family live in a district of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, a Unesco world heritage site that has been dubbed the cyclone capital of India.

Located about 110km (68 miles) from the state capital Kolkata, the district known as 24 Parganas suffers a cyclonic storm on average once every 20 months, making it statistically the most badly affected by cyclones in the entire country. Mangrove forests historically offer good protection from these weather events, absorbing the impact of storm surges, and communities here have adapted to cope with the conditions.

But studies show that the tropical storms are growing in intensity and frequency as a result of the climate crisis, and Cyclone Yaas struck the district with particular ferocity in May 2021, with Taras house, built from clay, among the 300,000 homes that were damaged or destroyed.

Clearing debris in Digha, some 190km from Kolkata, after Cyclone Yaas hit Indias eastern coast in May 2021 (AFP via Getty)

The cyclones immediate impact was a blow to Taras family, but the destruction of their home was not what changed their lives for ever. That came in the aftermath of the storm, when the 11-year-old was trafficked into sex slavery.

Taras father was forced to move away from their village to seek work as a driver in Kolkata; her mother had died when she was six. After the cyclone struck and the entire village was submerged in water for days, there was nowhere for Tara to stay, her grandmother says. So I sent her to live with her aunt, [who was] living close by.

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Her husband seemed more than happy to take Tara in, she adds.

It was an error of judgement, says Aaravi. In August 2021, Tara was abducted, trafficked 1,600km away to Delhi, and forced into sex work. One day, he took me out, recalls Tara, referring to her uncle. He fed me with chapati and ladoo. I fainted after having it. When I woke up, I was in a train.

Locals in the Sundarbans are dependent on farming and poultry for their livelihood (Namita Singh)

I was very scared, she says. In Delhi, there was a house in an isolated place where I was kept. I did not even understand what happened with me there. I did not know anything about what trafficking means, she says in a voice that is barely audible.

They forced me into prostitution... I used to cry and resist, but they used to beat me more. I did not even know that I was trafficked, she says. I did not understand anything. I used to just miss my home.

Neither Tara nor her grandmother accepted her fate without a fight. I had gone mad without her, says Aaravi. I went from pillar to post  from police, to occultist, to anyone who would claim to help me in bringing her back.

Eventually Aaravi found a local NGO, Goranbose Gram Bikash Kendra (GGBK), which works with police to rescue women and girls from trafficking. At the same time, Tara managed to befriend a girl in Delhi around her age, who informed the local authorities about her situation.

Realising they were being investigated and could soon be arrested, Taras traffickers sent her, along with the other girl, back to West Bengal, and once she was there she made her way back to her village. But that was just the start of a long road of rehabilitation.

Tara almost lost her sanity, says Aaravi. She used to scratch her wounds, self-harm, pull and eat her own hair.

It was me who used to take her to the doctor and for counselling. Her body was scarred from the physical assault she was subjected to. She does not seem to remember much about the aftermath of the incident.

Subhashree Raptan, the programme manager leading GGBKs work against human trafficking, says climate change is one of the major factors that leads to trafficking in the region.

Taras relatives were left penniless after Yaas hit, she says. All farmland was submerged under sea water, destroying their source of income. Her home was also destroyed. Her father did not have any livelihood option but to leave the village and move to the city.

Because Tara was out of the care of her parents, the accused persons  who are also her relatives  took advantage of her vulnerability, leading to her [being trafficked].

Its also widely accepted that the impacts of the climate crisis are not gender-neutral, says Avni Mishra, a Delhi-based gender researcher with CGIAR, a global partnership working on food security.

Women and men tend to suffer differently, she explains. And we have studies that tell us that women and children are more vulnerable to climate change... and any sort of natural extreme weather events.

Also this happens because there is already gender inequality, and that gets [exacerbated] during climate change, she says.

If a mother is killed during an extreme weather event, kids are seen vulnerable, and usually the father refuses to take the responsibility, or they tend to become burdensome, Mishra says. So of course theyre trafficked, or sold, or married early.

If the father of the house is killed, then its a challenge for the female heads who become single and are widowed. It becomes a challenge to take care of the house.

India saw an uptick of almost 28 per cent in trafficking during the pandemic, according to official data, with 2,189 cases registered in 2021  though this is generally assumed to be just the tip of the iceberg, with many instances likely going unreported. And while there is clear evidence that women and children are more vulnerable during and after extreme weather events, if they happen at a huge scale, we do not know, says Mishra.

Rahima Khan was 13 when she was trafficked from West Bengal to Maharashtra (Namita Singh)

Rahima Khan was 13 when she was trafficked by her neighbours in 2012. She expressed her willingness to waive her right to anonymity as a survivor of human trafficking in order to raise awareness of the issue.

I was returning home from school. My traffickers were waiting for me over a bridge on the way to my home, she says, adding that she recognised them as her neighbours.

They kidnapped me and put me inside a car. When I started to scream, they made me inhale something which left me unconscious. After a while, when I gained consciousness, I realised that while I could see everything around me, I was not able to say anything out loud.

From the back of the car she saw a signpost for Pune, a city in Indias southwestern state of Maharashtra, located over 1,600km from her village in South 24 Parganas. When I tried to run, my traffickers held me, threatening to chop me to pieces, she says.

Next she was handed over to a pimp, who took her to a brothel. She would spend the next six years of her life there, before finally managing to escape with the help of a client.

They put me in a room where there were lots of girls, all sitting in make-up, says the 25-year-old as she narrates her story  similar to that of Tara  of physical, mental and sexual abuse, while repeatedly breaking down in tears.

The girls who were living there for days, they told me that I have been trafficked. They told me I have been sold for Rs 100,000 (about 1,000) and have to engage in sex work. They would beat me a lot. They assaulted me physically till I agreed to their terms.

Rahima continues: Every day was a torture there. The women in the brothel used to burn me with cigarettes, forced me to drink alcohol, beat me. If a customer comes, and you do not take them in, they would beat you with anything they find.

One day, one of those ladies beat me with a beer bottle. My leg was cut. Another time, I got so frustrated that I locked myself in the bathroom and tied a rope around my neck, in the hope of dying... I did not want to live there, she says.

Indian villagers collect donated food from a social work organisation in the cyclone-hit village of Kumirmari in the Sundarbans in 2009 (AFP via Getty)

In September 2017, Rahima managed to escape. Her ordeal did not end immediately  she was followed home by her traffickers, who threatened her family with violence if they went to the police. But when I told the authorities about the traffickers, they did not harm me further, she adds.

Rahimas home was destroyed in 2009 by Cyclone Aila, she says. I was directly hit [by the cyclone], as my house is next to the river. It was made of mud, and the traffickers was made of concrete. So my house was completely destroyed.

There was no work in the area because everything was submerged under water, she explains. The financial hardships prompted both my parents to move to West Bengals capital, Kolkata. There, my father worked as driver and my mother started as a househelp.

Knowing the vulnerability, my traffickers offered work opportunities to a lot of women in the neighbourhood, saying they would help them get employed so they can earn anywhere between Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 [per month].

It is a lot in the village where I come from, she says. But we sort of suspected the intent of these men, so they never walked up to our family to offer me something similar. Instead, they abducted me.

As with Tara and Rahima, Aditis* trafficker was known to her. I really liked to dance, she says. But the financial condition of my house[hold] was not good. We did not have enough income.

Aditi explained her hardship to her dance teacher, who said he would be happy to help. She never questioned his intent.

When he offered to take me to a tailor willing to stitch the clothes for free so I could participate in a school competition, I was elated. He took me to the tailor, saying that the school does not have my size, says the 20-year-old.

But it was a trap. As soon as she reached the tailors, she was drugged, she recalls. They drugged me using a cloth. I fainted. When I woke up, I realised I was able to see everything, but could not scream or shout or call for help.

Aged just 12 at the time of her abduction in 2015, Aditi was sold to a brothel in Delhi.

After being trapped there for at least three months, Aditi managed to steal a phone and contact her relatives. My family contacted the police and they helped in the rescue.

Upon her return, Aditi was traumatised. I began to stay inside. I would not talk to anyone. I did not leave my house for four to five months.

When she finally returned to school, teachers and students would not speak with me, she says. Or they would ask intrusive questions aimed at shaming me  Where were you all this while? Where are you coming from? You must have done something wrong.

Aditi started sitting at the back of the classroom, trying to stay invisible. That significantly impacted my mental state. I used to faint on the way [to school], while walking outside.

Aditi says she was helped in her recovery by a local NGO and professional counsellors. She now wants to dedicate her life to helping to counsel other victims of trafficking.

Financial independence remains a dream for Rahima, who says she is in the process of appealing to the court to review the Rs 300,000 (about 3,000) in compensation she received in 2022 after a five-year legal battle. Her traffickers are now in jail awaiting trial.

Aditi*, now 20, in her village in the district of South 24 Parganas (Namita Singh)

I have challenged in the high court demanding higher compensation, because it was nothing in the face of all that I have gone through, and how it still haunts me. I want to have a business of my own. If I have my own business, then I will not have to ask anyone for help and no one would be able to exploit me, ever, she says.

Tara, who is now extremely shy compared with the carefree person she was before, says  after a lot of encouragement  that she wants to be a doctor. If you ask whether she wants to be a teacher, she will say yes to that as well, chips in her grandmother, as Tara chews on her hair.

As for Aditi, alongside her advocacy work she is also pursuing a bachelors degree, and is happily married to her school sweetheart.

I met my husband in school, she says, blushing. When he asked me out, I shared my entire story with him. But he said it does not bother him one bit.

That was a long journey for me.

*The names of some interviewees have been changed to protect their identities

If you are a child and you need help because something has happened to you, you can call the NSPCC free of charge on 0800 1111. You can also call the NSPCC if you are an adult and you are worried about a child, on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adults on 0808 801 0331
Wall-to-wall media coverage of Donald Trumps indictment this week underscores the former presidents hold on the press and the challenges for rivals to break through.

Cable networks breathlessly covered the indictment, even when there was little new to report.

Local news helicopters followed as Trump left his Florida home for the airport, prompting comparisons to the O.J. Simpson Ford Bronco chase in 1994.

Choppers hovered again as Trumps motorcade snaked up the highway to the Manhattan courthouse, and again as he departed the Big Apple that afternoon.

On Tuesday night even with a consequential election in Wisconsin to determine the balance of the states supreme court there was little talk of anything else.

The non-stop Trump-cycle foreshadows what the months ahead are likely to look like for Trumps GOP opponents and President Biden.

The public appetite for Trump news can make it difficult for others to break through.

While some cable networks love to hate him, as one Democratic strategist put it, the former president is good for business.

As much as I hate to say it, Trump sells, hes good for television ratings, hes good for books, he drives the conversation for better or worse, the Democratic strategist acknowledged.

Its an old story in the media, that prompted some to question whether companies criticized for giving Trump free press in the run-up to the 2020 election had learned anything.

Seven years ago, as Trump dominated the airwaves and front pages, then-CBS CEO Les Moonves declared at a Morgan Stanley Conference that Trumps presidential run may not be good for America, but its damn good for CBS. Moonves later claimed it was a joke, saying it lacked context and was in response to a question not about TV ratings but local political ad spending.

The current Trump media blitz created a meta moment of sorts. Even television pundits highly critical of Trump acknowledged he was driving their coverage.

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MSNBC morning host Joe Scarborough, who has made a name for himself in the cable news business criticizing Trump and his allies, pointed out on his show Wednesday morning that Trump was once again manipulating media companies like the one he works for as part of a campaign strategy.

We were on it, Scarborough said of the television coverage of Trumps plane taking off from Mar-a-Lago and landing in New York. Every network was on it forever, and then it lands, and were on the Trump plane. We gave the guy, I would guess, $40 to $50 million of earned media.

If the news business is addicted to Trump, it will be a difficult addiction to fix.

Nielsen Media Research data showed each of the three major cable news networks  Fox News, CNN and MSNBC  averaged more than a million total day viewers on Tuesday.

Fox experienced its biggest bump during Trumps post-indictment speech from Mar-A-Lago, which it aired in full, averaging 4.4 million viewers in prime time.

CNN, which also carried the majority of Trumps speech live, netted 1.7 million. MSNBC, which notably decided against airing Trumps speech live, pulled in 2.3 million during the same time period.

The cable news channels have shown no sign of turning their attention away from the former president since, with Fox announcing late Thursday the former president would sit with Tucker Carlson, cables top-rated host, for what it billed as Trumps first interview since his indictment.

Tobe Berkovitz, a professor emeritus at Boston University who worked as a political media consultant, said it is the gift that will keep on giving for cable news.

Prior to the indictment news cycle, the liberal cable networks managed to eke out hour after hour of commentary about Trump. But that was a stretch, Berkovitz said. With the indictment, all-Trump, all the time is a lay-up.

He predicted that when the current story reverts to a lower key hiatus between the indictment and court hearings, Trump will fire up the publicity afterburners and provide cable news a revised rationale for the Trump obsession.

Other political players have to adapt their strategies for the medias Trump obsession.

During the 2020 presidential election, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe Biden and his team debate what to do.

They ended up building a television studio at Bidens Wilmington home, allowing him to speak directly to the public. That worked during a pandemic that has much of the country locked in their homes, but 2024 will be a different situation.

On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked by a reporter whether there was concern that Bidens trip this week to Minnesota and his overall messaging would be overshadowed by the media spotlight on the Trump indictment.

Our focus is going to continue to be on the American people, Jean-Pierre said. What you all cover is up to you, but were going to do our best to stay the course, to talk about the issues that matter.

By the end of the week, another story the expulsion of two Tennessee lawmakers after their participation in an anti-gun protest  became the top story for most news outlets.

But Michael Serazio, an associate professor of communication at Boston College, predicted that Trump would continue to dominate news coverage in the coming months.

Its entirely symbiotic, Serazio said of the relationship between the former president and the press. As much as he needs the media to fortify his popularity, the media needs a character like Trump because he was and will remain a totally unique performer in American politics.

These media companies are stages, and they need a lead actor, he continued, adding that this week it felt like the main character had returned to the stage.

Brett Samuels contributed.

 Updated at 10:33 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
BALIKPAPAN, Indonesia  As the small red car came to a halt, the window slid down and a hand emerged, tossing some yellow crackers on the ground. Seconds later, a group of southern pig-tailed macaques, a monkey species native to the island of Borneo, swarmed the area and devoured the food in an instant.

Until recently, this road in the wilds of Indonesia was seldom used by either people or macaques, an endangered species that spends most of its time in trees. But with its repairs as part of the development of a new national capital, Nusantara, it is drawing macaques who have discovered the roads new users are a reliable source of food.

They were rarely seen before that, said Satwika Satria Prahita, a resident of the nearby port city of Balikpapan.

The Indonesian government says the new capital is necessary because the 11 million residents of the congested current capital, Jakarta, face environmental threats including pollution, sinking land and rising seas. Construction has started on the chosen site 1,200 miles away in Borneo, an island shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei that has some of the worlds highest levels of biodiversity.

Officials say Nusantara will adopt a forest city concept, in which more than 75% of the area is green space, and that it will be carbon neutral by the time construction is completed is 2045. But conservationists worry about the impact on orangutans, dolphins and other wildlife in and around the new capital, citing the publics lack of conservation knowledge.

Indonesia is offering more tax cuts and looser terms for land acquisitions under a new rule as it struggles to attract more investors to its $34 billion new capital project. (Rony Zakaria / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Our big homework now is figuring out how to educate the people, said Hadi S. Alikodra, a professor in the faculty of forestry and environment at IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia.

Experts have urged the government to protect wildlife from construction workers, as well as the 1.9 million people who are expected to eventually live in Nusantara, which is set to be inaugurated in August next year. Otherwise, there could be some disastrous conflicts between humans and animals, said Muhammad Ali Imron, a wildlife expert at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

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And it will lead to biodiversity loss, he said.

Wiratno, an official with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, acknowledged the concerns but said the government was making wildlife protection a top priority.

We will intensively educate the workers and all of the people about conservation and how to live among wildlife in this forest city, said Wiratno, who like many Indonesians uses only one name.

He said Nusantaras 75% forest cover would make it an attractive place for animals to live. As a safeguard against conflict between humans and animals, he said, the government is establishing a wildlife response unit and call center.

Some of those potential conflicts can be dangerous. Conservationists say large-scale mangrove clearings and an increase in activity by large ships have already spurred crocodile attacks on local fishermen, putting them in a bind.

If I can choose, I would rather go fishing in daylight to avoid encounters with crocodiles, said Hasanudin, a fisherman in the village of Gersik. But the outcome will be less than doing it at night or before dawn.

Indonesia is offering more tax cuts and looser terms for land acquisitions under a new rule as it struggles to attract more investors to its $34 billion new capital project. (Adek Berry / AFP via Getty Images)

According to the Indonesian Ministry of National Development Planning, the new capital  whose name means archipelago  could one day encompass almost 1,000 square miles of East Kalimantan province, or four times the size of Jakarta.

About 125 square miles of that land is classified as primary forest that has been untouched by human activity, according to Auriga, an Indonesian nongovernmental organization focused on biodiversity. There are also about 75 square miles of mangroves, about three-quarters of which is considered nonforest, meaning it can be converted for agricultural, residential or industrial use.

Mangroves are the natural habitat for the proboscis monkey, a primate native to Borneo that has been classified as endangered since 2015.

You cant find the monkey anywhere but in Indonesia, Alikodra said.

About 1,400 proboscis monkeys live in the mangroves of Balikpapan Bay, or 5% of the total population in Borneo, according to a coalition of local civil society groups.

The bay, which will serve as Nusantaras harbor, is also home to the Irrawaddy dolphin, another critically endangered species. According to the most recent survey by the Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia, there were only 71 dolphins left in the area in 2015.

The escalated activity in Balikpapan Bay, either during construction or once Nusantara is populated, is likely to put stress on the dolphins environment, the coalition said, pointing to a 2018 oil spill that killed four of the creatures.

Indonesia is offering more tax cuts and looser terms for land acquisitions under a new rule as it struggles to attract more investors to its $34 billion new capital project. (Rony Zakaria / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Another endangered species that could be affected by the Nusantara project is orangutans, about 200 of whom live in a local sanctuary. Aldrijanto Priadjati, East Kalimantan program manager for the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, said the new capital would consume all of the sanctuarys 28 square miles.

He said the Nusantara project was an opportunity for officials to demonstrate their commitment to orangutan protection.

We welcome the project with open arms, and (are) open to help the government establish safeguards for these orangutans, Priadjati said.

Medrilzam, director of environmental affairs at the Ministry of National Development Planning, said the Nusantara project would create environmental solutions rather than problems.

We have carefully planned this project in all aspects, including the environment, said Medrilzam, who also goes by one name.

He said he was confident that no mangroves would be converted and the orangutan sanctuary would be unaffected.

We will protect these iconic ecosystems, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Michael Robert Tucker, serving a life sentence in the Oregon Department of Corrections, died April 6 in the infirmary of the Oregon State Penitentiary while on hospice care. He was 67.

Michael Robert Tucker, serving a life prison sentence for the murder of a retired Rickreall couple in 1987, has died in Oregon Department of Corrections custody, according to a news release.

Tucker, 67, was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary and died in the infirmary while on hospice care, the release said. As with all in-custody deaths, corrections notified the Oregon State Police.

Tucker entered Department of Corrections custody March 14, 1995, from Polk County, serving a life sentence. The news release did not include his crimes, but Statesman Journal archives show he was convicted of the October 1987 shooting deaths of Robert Farmer, 70, and his wife, Barbara, 71, in their mobile home in Rickreall.

Tucker and an accomplice planned to rob the couple with help from the accomplice's wife, who once worked for the Farmers, according to Statesman Journal coverage of the trial and sentencing. Tucker admitted he killed the couple, each dying from a single gunshot to the head.

A year later, a Polk County Circuit Court jury found Tucker guilty of 10 counts of aggravated murder, two counts of first-degree robbery and one count of first-degree burglary, according to the newspaper's coverage of the five-day trial. The aggravated murder charges, five for each victim, were brought under different sections of the law related to multiple killings.

The same jury sentenced Tucker in November 1988 to death by lethal injection.

The Oregon Supreme Court, where death penalty cases are automatically appealed, upheld Tucker's convictions in 1993 but overturned the death sentence, returning the case to Polk County for a new jury to decide sentencing.

In 1995, Tucker was re-sentenced to life in prison with a 30-year minimum term.

Capi Lynn is a veteran reporter for the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips to her at clynn@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6710. Follow her work on Twitter @CapiLynn and Facebook @CapiLynnSJ.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Inmate who murdered Rickreall couple in 1987 dies in Oregon prison
WPA Pool - Getty Images

King Charles III's coronation ceremony is taking place next month, and despite reports that the service would be pared down compared to prior services, the guest list is looking longer and longer every day.

This April, Buckingham Palace announced that more than 850 community and charity representatives from across the United Kingdom have been invited to enjoy the coronation from Westminster Abbey.

These include more that 450 British Empire Medal recipients and 400 young people representing charitable organizations, nominated by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the United Kingdom government. The guests will have the opportunity to watch the May 6 coronation and procession from St. Margaret's Church at Westminster Abbey.

The news comes after the palace revealed that invitations were sent to more than 2,000 guests who will form the congregation in the abbey. The king's royal family members, of course, are among themincluding Prince William, Princess Catherine, the Wales kids, and even Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan.

Buckingham Palace and an Archewell spokesperson confirmed the Duke of Sussex's attendance to BAZAAR.com this April 12. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, will not be joining her husband, they said. "Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on May 6th," the palace said in a statement. "The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet."



(A spokesperson for the Sussexes previously confirmed to BAZAAR in March that the two "recently received" email correspondence from the monarch's Buckingham Palace household regarding the coronation, but had not decided if they would attend.)



Additionally, various government figures from the U.K. and other parts of the globe will be present at the coronation. The White House recently announced that first lady Jill Biden will attend the ceremony on behalf of the president.

Apart from their guests and family members, the king and queen consort will be coronated alongside eight pages of honor. The king's pages will be Prince George, Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, Master Nicholas Barclay, and Master Ralph Tollemache. The queen consort's will be her grandsons, Master Gus, Master Louis Lopes, and Master Freddy Parker Bowles; as well as her great-nephew, Master Arthur Elliot.

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The Iowa Attorney General's Office has put on hold its longstanding practice of paying for emergency contraception, and in rare cases abortions, for victims of sexual assault.

Iowa law and federal regulations require the state to pay for many of the expenses facing assault survivors who seek medical help, including the costs of forensic examinations and treatments for sexually transmitted infections. Under Attorney General Tom Miller, a Democrat, the state's victim compensation fund also picked up the tab for Plan B  the so-called "morning after" pill  and similar treatments to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

A spokeswoman for Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird, who defeated Miller's bid for an 11th term last fall, confirmed to the Des Moines Register that payment for such costs is on hold as part of a larger review of victim services.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird.

"While not required by Iowa law, the victim compensation fund has previously paid for Plan B and abortions. As a part of her top-down, bottom-up audit of victim assistance, Attorney General Bird is carefully evaluating whether this is an appropriate use of public funds," Bird Press Secretary Alyssa Brouillet said in a statement. "Until that review is complete, payment of these pending claims will be delayed."

Victim advocates say they weren't informed of the pause on payments, and said they hope the state will eventually resume them to ensure the victims, already dealing with the trauma of their attacks, are not left holding the bill.

In a statement, Ruth Richardson, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, which includes Iowa, called the move "deplorable and reprehensible."

What is the victim compensation fund?

Under Iowa law, money from the victim compensation fund is used to directly compensate victims of crimes, and to fund programs that provide them services and train law enforcement and victim services agencies to address human trafficking and domestic abuse.

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The state's Sexual Assault Examination Payment Program, which is run by the attorney general's Crime Victims Assistance Division, specifically states that victims and their insurance companies are not to be billed for the cost of exams. The compensation fund covers the bills whether or not the victim chooses to report the assault to law enforcement.

Iowa law requires the state to cover "the cost of a medical examination of a victim for the purpose of gathering evidence and the cost of treatment of a victim for the purpose of preventing venereal disease," but makes no mention of contraception or pregnancy risk.

Dollars for the victim compensation fund come from fines and penalties paid by individuals convicted of crimes. No general taxpayer dollars are used for the fund.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates over half of all women nationwide have experienced some form of sexual violence during their lifetimes.

Under Tom Miller, state covered all victim costs

While not explicitly required, it has been the state's longtime policy to include the cost of emergency contraception in the expenses covered by the victim compensation fund, said Sandi Tibbetts Murphy, director of the victim assistance division under Miller.

"The procedures that the office had were ... that all costs were billed directly to the sexual assault exam program at CVAD and victims were to receive no bills for any of that, nor was their insurance to be charged," Tibbetts Murphy said. "... Our compensation specialists, they're not medical providers. Their job is to review the records and cover the costs in accordance with the policies and statutes, and if the doctor prescribed Plan B or any other intervention, that's what was covered."

Tibbetts Murphy, who resigned at Bird's request after the new attorney general took office, said the policy predated her tenure as head of the division, and that she hopes Bird ultimately decides to resume covering those expense.

"My concern is for the victims of sexual assault, who, with no real notice, are now finding themselves either unable to access needed treatment and services, or are now being forced to pay out of their own pocket for those services, when this was done at no fault of their own," she said.

Victim fund has also paid for abortions

Tibbetts Murphy confirmed that in rare cases, the fund has also paid for abortions for rape victims.

"If there was the need later for an abortion service, the provision (was made) in the coverage for that, which was rare but provided and usually involved abortion medication, as opposed to an actual treatment," she said.

State laws governing the victim compensation fund do not directly address coverage for abortions. While many federal laws and programs have restrictions on the use of government funds to pay for abortions, such as the Hyde Amendment that has long been included in federal appropriations bills, such limits usually have exceptions for cases of sexual assault or to save the life of the mother.

Advocate: Review contraception, abortion separately

The decision to pause and reevaluate payments for contraception and abortion comes in the midst of a broader audit of victim services Bird announced on her first day in office. Bird's office did not respond to messages asking how often the victim fund had paid for such expenses previously, or how much was spent.

Beth Barnhill, executive director of the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault, said her organization had not been aware of the change until the Register reached out for comment, and that she also hopes the state will decide to continue its payment policy.

"I hope that they would, because we want survivors to have as many options as possible," Barnhill said.

But she also said she's urging the Attorney General's Office to consider paying for emergency contraception separately from abortions, a more politically controversial procedure.

"I hope they really consider (my comment to them) to not consider emergency contraception and abortion as the same, because emergency contraception is not the same as abortion, and I know it gets conflated in the public discourse pretty often," she said. "But if a rape survivor had access to emergency contraception, then they would potentially not have to make that difficult decision about a pregnancy.

"If you want to lessen trauma to survivors, we would certainly want to make that available."

Major health care systems unaware of payment pause

It's unclear whether health care providers or victims themselves are picking up the tab for the cost to provide these over-the-counter medications since Bird paused payments. The Register has not been able to confirm whether any individual victims have received bills, and Barnhill said she has not heard such reports from any of her organization's member agencies.

The typical cost for one dose of Plan B is about $50 at retail pharmacies. Other options, including generic morning-after pills available to purchase online, typically cost less  about $15-$25.

Officials at UnityPoint Health and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics told the Register earlier this week they had not been informed of the pause in victim compensation. When asked about the potential impact, UIHC officials did not respond.

UnityPoint Health and MercyOne both declined to comment.

Officials with Planned Parenthood called the move "abhorrent," saying it "further demonstrates politicians crusade against Iowans health and rights."

Sexual assault survivors shouldnt have to worry about how they are going to cover the cost of health care after being assaulted," Richardson, the regional Planned Parenthood CEO, said in a statement. "Survivors should be able to get the health care they need, and which survivors have relied on for years. Its deplorable and reprehensible for the state government to take away health care from victims, and it is critical for the attorney general to resume the health care funding immediately.

Brenna Bird's policies reflect larger anti-abortion push

Since taking office, Bird  a vocal abortion opponent  has reversed the approach to abortion policies under her predecessor. She has signed on to represent Gov. Kim Reynolds in her lawsuit to implement the state's "fetal heartbeat" law, a ban on abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy that was blocked in court. Miller had declined to defend the law during his time in office.

Recently, Bird has signaled plans to join a multistate lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration if it allows major pharmacy chains to start selling abortion pills by mail. She also has written to Walgreens and other major companies warning them not to sell abortion pills in Iowa. And her office has supported a lawsuit in Texas that seeks to revoke FDA approval for the abortion-inducing medication mifepristone.

These moves come as most Iowans continue to support legal abortion. A new Iowa Poll last month found 61% of Iowa adults say abortion should be legal in most or all cases, while 35% say the procedure should be illegal in most or all cases.

Those findings mirror results from an October Iowa Poll that found 61% of Iowa adults supported legal abortion in most or all cases, compared to the 33% who said it should be illegal in most or all cases.

Federal health officials have taken steps to distinguish emergency contraceptives from abortion pills. Morning-after pills do not cause an abortion, and instead function as back-up birth control to prevent pregnancy from occurring.

Still, reproductive rights advocates have raised concerns that Republicans in some states may take steps to restrict morning-after pills in their efforts to reduce abortion. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, at least two states have proposed bans on certain birth control medications, including emergency contraception. However, no policy has come to fruition.

Iowa Republicans have not taken such steps. In fact, Reynolds has pushed a proposal in the state Legislature to allow Iowans 18 and older to receive birth control from pharmacists without a prescription.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com, 715-573-8166 or on Twitter at @DMRMorris.

Michaela Ramm covers health care for the Des Moines Register. She can be reached at mramm@registermedia.com, at (319) 339-7354 or on Twitter at @Michaela_Ramm.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa stops paying for morning-after pills for rape victims
DUBAI (Reuters) - The foreign ministers of Iran and Azerbaijan discussed "problems and misunderstandings" between the two countries in two phone calls, Iranian state media reported on Saturday, days after Baku expelled four Iranian diplomats over "provocative actions".

The expulsions came amid a deterioration of ties, partly due to Baku's improving relations with Tehran's arch-enemy Israel. The dispute came to a head when Baku last week opened an embassy in Israel.

"In these frank and transparent discussions, existing problems and misunderstandings and solutions ...were discussed," state media said about the phone calls on Friday and Saturday between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov.

"The two sides emphasised good neighbourliness and mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the report said.

During the row, Azerbaijan suggested that Iran may have been connected to an attempted assassination of an anti-Tehran Azerbaijani lawmaker. Tehran has denied the accusation.

Iran, which has a large population of ethnic Azeris in its northwest, has strongly criticised Azerbaijan for moving closer to Israel, with its foreign ministry saying it sees the relationship between Azerbaijan and Israel as "anti-Iranian".

(Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Christina Fincher)
A group of Iranian women wearing hijabs. Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Iran's crackdown on women's rights continued Saturday, as the country's police announced it would be installing cameras in public places to identify and punish unveiled women, Reuters reported.

Women who are caught without a head covering will first receive "warning text messages as to the consequences," Iranian law enforcement said in a statement. Consequences beyond this are unclear, though the statement went on to describe the hijab as "one of the civilizational foundations of the Iranian nation" and urged business owners to uphold their wearing through "diligent inspections."

The cameras come as more women continue to defy the country's compulsory hijab laws amidst ongoing protests and tensions over Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who died in police custody in 2022 after being arrested for not covering her head.

While hundreds of women have removed their hijabs in protest since Amini's death, Iran's Interior Ministry has remained steadfast in mandating its wearing. It also urged the public to confront women who were not wearing one, per Reuters.

Public attacks against women with uncovered heads is common in Iran. Despite this, though, many of the protesters continued to defy the country's law. "I feel that our mere presence on the streets is an act of resistance. Practicing everyday life as we want is a part of our revolution," Ava, a Tehran-based protester, told ABC News. "This is life. This is womanhood. I will never forget the epic feeling I had the day I went out with my friend and saw how we, women, have conquered the city with our bodies, with our hair in the wind."

Even as the protests grow, though, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reiterated that the wearing of hijabs was a "religious necessity," BBC News reported, and mandatory head coverings remain as part of Iran's law.

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MANILA, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has shipped the first batch of fresh durian fruits to China, three months after the two countries signed the protocol of exporting the "king of fruits," the Chinese Embassy in Manila said on Saturday.

The batch, sourced from producers and processors in Davao region in southern Philippines, has passed the stringent requirements for entering the Chinese market, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) of the Philippines said, adding more batches will be transported to China via airfreight or sea vessel.

The latest development can "make the farmer's dream come true" and durian trade can "truly benefit our two peoples," Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said in a social media post.

In January, China and the Philippines signed a protocol on the export of fresh durian, which opened up the fast-growing Chinese market for the tropical fruit that is widely grown in the Southeast Asian region.

The Philippine government is committed to implementing plans to ensure high-quality fruits for export. The PCO said the durian deal is expected to gain millions of U.S. dollars in revenue for the local durian industry. 
An unveiled woman standing on top of a car in Iran last October - AFP

Cameras are being installed in Iran to catch and punish women walking in public without a headscarf, as the regime in Tehran cracks down on those defying strict dress codes.

The authorities want to rein in an increasing number of women who are defying the rule on mandatory head coverings after the death of a young woman in police custody last year ignited a nationwide anti-government protest movement.

Mahsa Amini was detained by Tehrans notorious morality police for apparently not wearing her headscarf properly. Her death in September has sparked months of anti-regime protests with women refusing to wear the hijab in solidarity.

The cameras will be installed in public places and thoroughfares to identify and penalise unveiled women, the police announced on Saturday.

After they have been identified, violators will receive warning text messages as to the consequences, police said, adding that the move is aimed at preventing resistance against the hijab law.

A protester holds a sign with a photo of Mahsa Amini - NurPhoto/NurPhoto

The law for women and girls over the age of nine to wear a headscarf in public became compulsory two years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Under the former president, Hassan Rouhani, rules around their wearing were relaxed. But since the ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisim came to power in 2021, the countrys formidable morality police have taken a harder line against women who flout the rules, demanding a complete hijab.

Videos of unveiled women resisting the morality police since Aminis death have flooded social media. Women have been increasingly seen walking around unveiled in malls, restaurants, shops and streets around the country.

Describing the veil as "one of the civilisational foundations of the Iranian nation" and one of the practical principles of the Islamic Republic, an Interior Ministry statement said on March 30 that there would be no retreat on the issue.

Attacks on women

It urged citizens to confront unveiled women, which in the past has emboldened hardliners to attack women.

Story continues

Last week a video went viral showing a man throwing yoghurt at two unveiled women in a shop.

The incident, in the holy city of Mashad, came as Irans judiciary chief threatened to prosecute women who defy the countrys strict rules on head coverings without mercy.

In the video, which surfaced as Iranians celebrated Nowruz, or the new year, a mother and daughter can be seen at a shop counter.

A man who noticed that neither was wearing a hijab then enters the shop and confronts them before dumping a large tub of yoghurt over their heads.

Authorities issued arrest warrants for the two women for committing a forbidden act by removing their headscarves.

Tens of thousands of people have protested since September, viewing Aminis death as emblematic of government corruption and civil oppression under the clerical establishment.

Demonstrators have burned their head coverings and shouted anti-government slogans.

The police have responded aggressively, arresting nearly 20,000 people and killing 500, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency.

Shot in the eye deliberately

One woman recently told the BBC she was shot deliberately in the eye. The PhD student was protesting in a northeastern city near Mashad in September when the bullet struck her and lodged in her head.

"You aimed at my eyes but my heart is still beating," she said.

"Thank you for taking the sight from my eye which has opened the eyes of so many people.

In December, Iran's attorney general, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, said parliament and the judiciary were looking at whether the law on headscarves needed to be changed.
Authorities were called in to question Boba Fett Friday night. No, not Imperial Stormtroopers.

MBTA Transit Police responded to the Back Bay Station around 6 p.m. for a report of a person with a long rifle. They arrived to find a person cosplaying as Boba Fett, the most feared bounty hunter in a galaxy far, far away.

After chatting with the Kamino native, officials declared the scene safe - no one on the platform had a bounty on their head.

2023 Anime Boston is currently being held at the Hynes Convention Center.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Israeli authorities say that an attack in Tel Aviv has left multiple people injured and three people dead after a car rammed into a group of people.

The attack happened on Friday and police say that a car hit a group of people in Tel Aviv near a seaside park and flipped over. The driver of the car was shot and killed by police, according to an EMT who was on the scene. Officials identified the driver as a 45-year-old who's a Palestinian citizen of Israel.

At least five Italian and British citizens were injured in the attack, according to officials. Among those injured are a 74-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl.

Israels rescue service said that a 30-year-old Italian man was killed in the attack.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the incident was a "terror attack."

ISRAEL LAUNCHES AIRSTRIKES ON HAMAS TUNNELS AND WEAPON SITES IN GAZA STRIP

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Israel's rescue service described the Friday incident as a shooting attack.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the attack that he's calling up all reserve forces in Israel's border police to "confront the terror attacks."

ISRAELS NETANYAHU AGREES TO HALT JUDICIAL REFORM FOR NOW AS MASS PROTESTS CONTINUE

An Israeli policeman inspects the site of an attack in Tel Aviv on April 7, 2023. - One man was killed and four people were wounded in an attack in central Tel Aviv, Israeli rescue services said, updating a previous casualty toll of two injured.

Israeli police gather next to a car used in a ramming attack in Tel Aviv on April 7, 2023. - One man was killed and four people were wounded in an attack in central Tel Aviv, Israeli rescue services said, updating a previous casualty toll of two injured.

Hamas praised the Tel Aviv attack as a response to Israel's "crimes against Al-Aqsa Mosque and worshippers."

In a separate incident on Friday, two British-Israeli women were killed by a settlement in the West Bank.

Police and forensic officers work at the site after a driver rammed passers-by with his car before flipping over.

Israeli police secure the site of an attack in Tel Aviv on April 7, 2023.

The attack comes at a time of increased tensions between Israel and Hamas and as the Jewish Passover began on Wednesday. The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is also continuing.

Fox News' Paul Best and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  Thousands of Israelis gathered Saturday for a weekly demonstration against the governments contentious judicial overhaul plans, despite security concerns stemming from a surge in Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put his overhaul on hold after mass protests against the plan, which has brought together large swaths of Israeli society in opposition to a series of bills that aim to weaken the country's Supreme Court.

The main protest in Tel Aviv, Israels commercial hub, was held less than two kilometers (a mile) from Fridays attack, in which an Italian tourist was killed and five other Italian and British citizens were wounded when a car rammed into a group of tourists. In a separate incident, two British-Israeli women were shot to death near a settlement in the occupied West Bank.

The spasm of violence in Israel and the West Bank has heightened fears of an even more intense surge, with the rare convergence of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, the Jewish Passover holiday and Easter currently underway.

Leaders of the grassroots protest movement against the judicial overhaul called for the weekly mass protest to continue as planned Saturday, with tens of thousands of people attending for a 14th consecutive week.

They portrayed the anti-government demonstration as a rally of solidarity with those killed and wounded in Fridays attacks, as well as with Israelis living near the Lebanese border and the Gaza border affected by recent Palestinian rocket fire. In Tel Aviv, protesters held a moment of silence for the victims.

The protest organizers argue that the overhaul plans have diminished Israels national security by roiling the military and weakening the country in the eyes of its enemies.

Upon announcing the delaying of the proposed changes in Israels legal system, Netanyahu appeared to calm some of the tensions that have fueled three tumultuous months of unrest. But his announcement failed to address the underlying issues that have polarized the nation, and he has vowed to revive the plan in the coming weeks if negotiations on a compromise with the political opposition fail.

The plan would give Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his allies the final say in appointing the nations judges. It would also give parliament, which is controlled by his allies, authority to overturn Supreme Court decisions and limit the courts ability to review laws.

Netanyahu's supporters say the plan is needed to rein in the powers of unelected judges. Opponents say it will destroy a system of checks and balances by concentrating power in the hands of Netanyahu and his allies in parliament. They also say that Netanyahu, who has been indicted on corruption charges, has a conflict of interest at a time when he is on trial.
Jeremy Renner enjoyed spring break with his family at an amusement park, thanks to the help of an electric wheelchair.

The 52-year-old "Mayor of Kingstown" star has kept his fans updated with his recovery efforts following the near-fatal accident at his home near Lake Tahoe on New Year's Day, when he was crushed by a snowplow.

Renner appeared to be in great spirits at the Six Flags, Magic Mountain amusement park in Valencia, California.

"Leading the way best I can," he wrote across an Instagram story. "Spring break 2023!!!"

JEREMY RENNER REVEALS LAST WORDS TO HIS FAMILY AFTER HORRIFIC SNOWPLOW ACCIDENT: JUST LET ME GO

Jeremy Renner uses mobility scooter at theme park four months after near-fatal accident.

He shared another snap with the full crew, and wrote: "Good Friday, made magic on the mountain with some of my amazing family!"

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Renner smiled while standing with the assistance of a cane and wearing a compression sock.

JEREMY RENNER FEARED HE'D BE SCIENCE EXPERIMENT' AFTER ACCIDENT: WHATS MY EXISTENCE GONNA BE LIKE?'

The Marvel Cinematic Universe star recently detailed his traumatic snowplow accident with Diane Sawyer, and remembered writing "last words" for his family after he was crushed by his 7-ton PistenBully.

"Dont let me live in tubes on a machine," he recalled writing in a note on his phone, "and if my existence is going to be on drugs and painkillers, just let me go now."

Jeremy Renner listened to music while roaming around amusement park with his family.

He typed the note out, because he could not speak after his chest and back were completely crushed by the snowplow, but he also remembered telling his family, "I'm sorry" in sign language, "because I am sorry I did that to them, and its my responsibility. I feel bad my actions caused so much pain."

On Jan. 1, Renner was airlifted to a local hospital in Reno, Nevada and had surgery after suffering blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries when he was "completely crushed" by his 14,000-pound PistenBully snowcat.

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Renner was involved in an accident near his Lake Tahoe home while attempting to help a family member whose vehicle was stuck in the snow on the first day of the year.

Story continues

Jeremy Renner enjoyed a "Good Friday" at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Jeremy Renner uses unique treadmill to strengthen his legs after snowplow accident

A massive snowstorm the night before had left multiple vehicles stranded, and Renner attempted to move one vehicle from his driveway by using his PistenBully. He successfully moved the car, exited the PistenBully and was speaking with a family member when the snowplow began to roll unexpectedly.

JEREMY RENNER CHOSE TO SURVIVE SNOWPLOW ACCIDENT: I WAS AWAKE THROUGH EVERY MOMENT

Renner attempted to jump back into the 14,000-pound snowcat, but he was run over. Dispatch reported that a subject was "moaning loudly in the background" of a call at 8:58 a.m. where "serious bleeding" was reported. Seconds later, dispatch wrote, "subject is bleeding heavily from his head and other unknown injuries."

It was also noted the caller wasn't sure "where all the blood is coming from." Additionally, the 911 call log stated that it's believed Renner's "right side of his chest is collapsed" and "upper torso is crushed."

Jeremy Renner shares hospital selfie after surgery following snowplow accident.

Jeremy Renner questioned what his body would look like after the accident.

Renner told Sawyer, " I was awake through all of it, its exactly how youd imagine it feels like  I was on asphalt and ice  it feels like someone took the wind out of you. Too many things are going on in the body to feel pain, its everything. Its like if your soul could have pain."

He suffered chest trauma and broke over 30 bones, and he has undergone multiple surgeries as a result of the accident.
A police officer in New Jersey was shot in Phillipsburg, New Jersey on Saturday afternoon, along with a civilian.

The officer and the injured woman are being treated at St. Luke's Hospital. Warren County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer told News 12 New Jersey that a bullet went through the officer's car door and into his leg.

Pfeiffer said that investigators believe the suspect, who shot the woman in the torso, died of a self-inflicted gunshot. Both victims were conscious and alert before being transported to the hospital.

The Town of Phillipsburg wrote on Facebook that there is no longer a threat to the public.

NEW JERSEY SCHOOL SUICIDE: MOM TO VIEW VIDEO AFTER BULLIED DAUGHTER'S DEATH

A police officer in New Jersey was shot in Phillipsburg, New Jersey on Saturday afternoon, along with a civilian.

"The Phillipsburg Police Department is actively investigating a shooting incident," the Facebook post read. "At this time there is no immediate threat to the public and there is no confirmed information to be released."

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Town Councilman Peter Marino told NJ.com that the shooting demonstrates how needed police officers are in the community.

"This is a sad day for Phillipsburg. We need more police," Marino said. Another resident said that he heard several rounds of shots from his apartment.

ADRIANA KUCH DEATH: NJ PARENTS, STUDENTS ERUPT AT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING AFTER BULLIED TEEN'S SUICIDE

Local police departments, such as Hackettstown Police Department and Lebanon Township Police Department, wrote Facebook posts offering their thoughts and prayers.

"Please pray for the Phillipsburg officer and the civilian who were both wounded," the New Jersey State PBA wrote in a Twitter post.

No other information about the shooting is available at this time.
US President Joe Biden will give a key address at Ulster University's newly opened Belfast campus next week, it has been confirmed.

He is visiting NI and the Republic of Ireland to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

His speech at UU's 350m campus, understood to be his sole NI engagement, will take place on Wednesday.

He is expected to leave Northern Ireland that afternoon.

Mr Biden will also attend engagements in Dublin, County Louth, and County Mayo during his four-day visit.

Announcing the Belfast speech, UU vice-chancellor and president Prof Paul Bartholomew said the university was "looking forward to what will be a very special day in [its] history and to hosting President Biden on his first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming president".

The university's Belfast campus, which opened last autumn, "truly reflects the hope and promise" of the Good Friday Agreement "and our aspirations for a positive, prosperous, and sustainable future for everyone", he added.

It is believed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will also be in Northern Ireland for Mr Biden's visit.

On Saturday Louth County Council confirmed Mr Biden will visit both Dundalk and Carlingford, close to the border with Northern Ireland.

Irish broadcaster RTE has reported his visit to the Republic of Ireland may include government receptions at Farmleigh House and Dublin Castle.

It is also believed the US president will attend the Irish presidential residence, Aras an Uachtarain, to meet Michael D Higgins.

White House spokesperson John Kirby said Mr Biden was expected to address the Oireachtas (Irish parliament) on Thursday.

He will become the fourth US president to do so, following John F Kennedy on 28 June 1963, Ronald Reagan on 4 June 1984 and Bill Clinton on 1 December 1995.

'Looking ahead'

It has also been confirmed that Mr Biden will be in County Mayo on Friday, where he will speak at an event outside St Muredach's Cathedral, Ballina.

Story continues

Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Leo Varadkar said he was "delighted" Mr Biden would be visiting Ireland.

"When we spoke recently in the White House, President Biden was clear that in celebrating the Good Friday Agreement, we should be looking ahead, not backwards," he said.

The involvement of the United States and of Mr Biden personally had been "essential to the peace process in Ireland", he added.

BBC News NI understands Joe Kennedy III, the US special envoy for Northern Ireland, will accompany President Biden on his visit.

It will be his first trip to Northern Ireland since taking up the post of special envoy in December.

Mr Kennedy will stay in Northern Ireland for several days after President Biden travels to the Republic of Ireland, it is understood.

On Thursday Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Asst Ch Constable Chris Todd said the visit would require a security operation on a scale not seen in Northern Ireland since the G8 summit in 2013.
Joe Lycett took aim at Rupert Murdoch during his opening monologue on Late Night Lycett.

Reports broke earlier this week that the billionaire media mogul and Ann Lesley Smith had called off their engagement just two weeks after announcing their plans to marry.

Hosting his new Channel 4 live show on Friday (7 April), Lycett told the live studio audience: Rupert Murdochs had a big week, hes broken off his engagement.

People say she was only after his money but I think thats unfair, she may have just really been turned on by a flaccid, yellow, 92-year-old c***.

After the audience reacted with shocked laughs at the explicit joke, Lycett responded: What? Whats he gonna do to me?

After a pause, he predicted: F***ing everything.

Murdoch, who has been married four times previously, announced his engagement to the former dental hygienist, 66, last month.

Joe Lycett (left) and Rupert Murdoch (Getty Images)

I was very nervous. I dreaded falling in love  but I knew this would be my last. It better be. Im happy, the Fox Corporation chairman told gossip columnist Cindy Adams in an article published in the New York Post.

On 4 April, Vanity Fair and CNN reported that the couple had abruptly called off their engagement, with one source citing Murdochs alleged discomfort with Smiths evangelical views.

In 2013, she told the Christian Broadcasting Network that, after a bitter divorce, she found meaning in her life through religion.

I was so hurt, so alone, and so rejected ... And I prayed for God to help me and forgive me of my sins, she said, adding: The Lord gave me thirst and a hunger for Him, and I actually replaced the things of the world with the Scriptures. As I began to walk with God, the things of the world just seemed pointless to me.

Representatives for Murdoch did not respond to The Independents request for comment.

Late Night Lycett airs Fridays at 10pm on Channel 4.
John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, said that he doesn't "buy the whole argument of chaos" regarding the sudden U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, despite describing the scene as such in 2021.

In August 2021, President Biden began the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, prompting members of the Taliban to quickly retaliate and take control of the country despite assurances that Afghani forces supplied by the U.S. would keep the country stable.

During an Aug. 24, 2021, White House press briefing, Kirby described the scene of the withdrawal as chaotic, telling reporters in "the first few days" of the event, there was "physical crush and chaos."

Despite his initial description of the scene, Kirby recently attempted to walk back on his claim, telling reporters that he "just didn't see" the "chaos" in the withdrawal that led to the deaths of 13 American soldiers.

BIDEN ADMIN DRAGGED FOR BLAMING BOTCHED AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWL ON TRUMP: DISGRACEFUL AND INSULTING

Kirby made the comment on Thursday while discussing a new 12-page report detailing the White House's review of Biden's withdrawal.

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WHITE HOUSE INSISTS AFGHANISTAN REPORT NOT ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY: DIDN'T SEE CHAOS IN DEADLY WITHDRAWL

"For all this talk of chaos, I just didn't see it. Not from my perch. At one point during the evacuation, there was an aircraft taking off full of people, Americans and Afghans alike, every 48 minutes. And not one single mission was missed," he said.

The Taliban celebrate their first anniversary of retaking Afghanistan after the U.S. troops withdrew.

"So I'm sorry. I just don't buy the whole argument of chaos. It was tough in the first few hours you would expect it to be. There was nobody at the airport and certainly no Americans. It took time to get in there," Kirby told reporters.

A Biden administration official said Kirby "was pushing back on the narrative that the evacuation itself that US troops carried out was chaotic and referencing how US troops did a masterful job accomplishing the evacuation of approximately 120,000 ppl in just over two weeks, an impressive feat and one of the largest airlifts in history."

Story continues

During Thursday's press briefing, Kirby also insisted that the report was not about "accountability" for the Biden administration.

American troops are shown helping people to safety.

"The purpose of the document that we're putting out today is to sort of collate the chief reviews and findings of the agencies that did after action reviews. The purpose of it is not accountability. The purpose of it is to study lessons learned," Kirby told Fox News' Peter Doocy when pressed on who would be held accountable for the withdrawal.

The report attempted to place blame on former President Donald Trump for the event, despite him not being in office at the time of the withdrawal.

During the withdrawal, 13 American soldiers were killed in a suicide bombing while protecting the Kabul airport, and a number of individuals were stranded.

Fox News Digital's Peter Hasson and Brandon Gillespie contributed to this report.
John Regan, an accomplished bassist who played with Peter Frampton, David Bowie and Mick Jagger, died on Friday. He was 71.

His cause of death is currently unknown.

Frampton, along with a handful of musicians Regan performed with through the years, mourned his loss on social media.

"There might only be a handful, if that, of people who come into your world and truly enrich your life. I have lost one of my closest buddies," Frampton wrote on Twitter. "He certainly enriched my life because of the person and the great player he was. John Regan was the best of us."

COOLIO'S CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED

John Regan, a bassist who played with Peter Frampton, died Friday. He was 71.

"He went out of his way to help people when things werent right," Frampton continued. "It didnt matter who you were, prince or pauper. I know there are many of you out there who knew him. He was a friend to all. Always musically inspiring and one of the funniest people on the planet."

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PETER FRAMPTON SAYS HE'S SUFFERING FROM A DEGENERATIVE MUSCLE DISEASE, ANNOUNCES FAREWELL TOUR

Frampton continued, "My thoughts are with his wife Cathy, his children, Christopher and Jeness and his grandchildren. I love you my brother you will be missed by so many. rest in peace."

Vocalist Tod Howarth, who performed with Regan and ex-Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley in the band Frehley's Comet, shared an emotional tribute on Facebook to the "world class talent."

Regan recorded with Billy Idol, David Lee Roth and Scandal, including Patty Smyth.

Howarth spoke to Regan on the phone just yesterday morning by accident, saying the call had been a signature Regan "butt dial."

"When I texted him 'You rang?' he responded, 'Not that I know of' and said that he hoped he didn't wake me up. I replied, 'No worries I was about to walk the dog,'" Howarth wrote. "This would be the last time I got to 'speak' with my dear friend of 38 years because I never got to call him back before I got a devastating request from a mutual friend to 'please call.'

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"John of course was a world class talent and an incredible human being and from a personal level, he was responsible for me joining him with Ace and Anton."

Story continues

Bruce Kulick, a former member of the band Kiss, remembered Regan as a "fantastic musician and wonderful person."

The Chance Theater, a legendary music venue in Poughkeepsie, New York where Regan played for decades, mourned his loss.

"We are sad to announce the passing of one of our Chance family, John Regan," they shared on Facebook. "John was an incredible musician, a rockstar, but most of all, he was one of the nicest, most humble humans youve ever known. John, you will be missed by all of us who had the honor of knowing you. RIP."

Regan met his wife at The Chance, and even credited the venue with jumpstarting his career.

"When I started playing there, it was when I really made the decision that I wanted to make music a lifelong profession," Regan told the Poughkeepsie Journal in 2017. "So many milestones of my life have been on that stage. Thats my home base right there."
Air China flight CA745, carrying some 125 Chinese tourists, arrives at the Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Feb. 7, 2023. The Chinese flag carrier's inaugural post-COVID-19 flight to Cambodian capital is greeted by a water cannon salute upon arrival. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

"Not only Cambodia, but also the whole ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Asia and Europe need Chinese tourists, so China's reopening has contributed to reviving tourism around the world in the post-COVID-19 era," Cambodian government chief spokesperson Phay Siphan says.

PHNOM PENH, April 8 (Xinhua) -- China's optimization of its anti-COVID-19 strategy and resumption of its outbound group tours earlier this year have revived the tourism industry in countries around the world, Cambodian government chief spokesman Phay Siphan has said.

In an interview with Xinhua on Thursday, Siphan said with the population of more than 1.4 billion, China is the most important outbound tourism market for the world.

"Not only Cambodia, but also the whole ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Asia and Europe need Chinese tourists, so China's reopening has contributed to reviving tourism around the world in the post-COVID-19 era," he said.

"China's reopening has added momentum to the global economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic," Siphan said. "This is a great boon to boost tourists to Cambodia and other regions."

Chinese tourists arrive at the Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Feb. 7, 2023. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

Siphan also predicted that China's economy would remain strong and resilient in 2023, propelled by the country's reopening and effective pro-growth policies. He added that China would remain the engine of global economic growth this year and beyond.

Tourism is one of four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy. China was the biggest 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.

The Southeast Asian nation is expected to attract 4 million international tourists, including between 800,000 and 1 million Chinese tourists, in 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism's prediction.

Photo taken on April 5, 2022 shows the Angkor Wat Temple in the Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua)

"Thanks to close relationship between our two governments and peoples, I believe that a large number of Chinese tourists and investors will return to Cambodia, like it was before the pandemic," Siphan said.

"The comeback of Chinese tourists and investors will undoubtedly inject fresh vitality into Cambodia's socio-economic development and poverty reduction in the post-pandemic era," he added.

Photo taken on May 24, 2021 shows a view of the Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia. (Apsara National Authority/Handout via Xinhua)

Cambodia is famous for its three world heritage sites, namely the Angkor archeological park in the northwest Siem Reap province, the Preah Vihear Temple in the northwest Preah Vihear province, and the Sambor Prei Kuk archeological site in the central Kampong Thom province.

Also, it has a pristine coastline stretching in the length of 450 km in the four southwest provinces of Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep and Koh Kong. 
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Gage Skidmore

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Jordan Peterson has undergone the worst possible transition for a pop-culture intellectual. He has become boring. He is largely played outnot as a prominent and popular figure with a committed, even growing fanbase; but as a compelling and consequential figure capable of shifting the needle in the wider public discourse.

The issue isnt whether his positions and sentiments resonate as strongly as ever with his followersthey do. The issue is the forfeiture, of his withdrawing from the war for hearts and minds in the malleable middle, where social narratives are effectively contested.

Grifter Really Is the Only Word to Use for Jordan Peterson

He has squandered his agency, and openly positioned himself as just another embittered culture warrior. He regularly becomes ensnared in public or institutional spats that bring out the worst in everyone.

His Twitter feed is a repository of bitter invective, demagoguery, and reactionary grievances. And his seeming need to view everything through the prism of his own personal culture war leads him to make some truly embarrassing proclamations, like when he recently retweeted a clip purporting to have originated out of China, featuring naked males confined in beds, each with a milking apparatus attached to them. Peterson quote-tweeted: Such fun in unbelievable techno-nightmare CCP hell. It turned out the clip actually derived from a U.K. porn fetish video, issued by someone called Mistress Jane.

Before emerging as a public intellectual, Jordan Peterson taught in the faculty of psychology at the University of Toronto. His early online lectures were delivered with verve, authenticity, and a tangible appreciation for the array of interests he drew upon for material in his first book, Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief, which combined psychology, mythology, religion, literature, philosophy, and neuroscience to analyze systems of belief.

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Peterson was troubled by a federal amendment to add gender identity and expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act as prohibited grounds for discrimination. He argued that the bill would make the use of certain gender pronouns compelled speech. In short order, his views on cultural and political issues drew acclaim, notoriety and a coterie of followers.

The Banned OK Groomer Guy James Lindsay Is Not a Free-Speech Martyr

In relating his argument about compelled speech to a general critique of identity politics, Peterson became a focal point for what was then a somewhat inchoate and centerless dislike of what would popularly become known as wokeness. Peterson emerged at exactly the right moment as a mix of academic rabble rouser, uniquely not from the left, combined with elements of the pop culture intellectual, and with further elements of the provocateur, contrarian and essayist, comparable in some ways to the likes of Gore Vidal and Christopher Hitchens.

He was similar to them in their critiques of hierarchies of power and cultural sacred cows, but differed in that, whilst they could be au courant and hedonistic, he was pronouncedly more straight-laced; and whereas they had an equal disdain for the crass ignorance and hypocrisies of the right and the flakier aspects of the left, Peterson was by his own admission a traditionalist.

Jordan Peterson speaks in Amsterdam, on Oct. 31, 2018. Romy Arroyo Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Many of his resentments were hardly new: marginalized groups are systemically corralled into victimhood and offense-taking; political correctness inhibits freedom of thought and speech, and a sinister blend of neo-Marxism and postmodernism undermines identity and responsibility. But he appeared to bring heavyweight academic rigor to standard complaints about social-justice warriors. He claimed that ideas intrinsic to social justice movements, such as the patriarchy and other forms of structural oppression, are illusory and treacherous, and that he could prove this with science. I hit a hornets nest at the most propitious time, he later reflected.

Petersons lectures and conversations soon gathered millions of views. In 2018, he published his bestselling second book: 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. With chapters such as Stand Up Straight With Your Shoulders back, Treat Yourself Like You Are Someone You Are Responsible for Helping, and Set Your House In Perfect Order Before You Criticize the World, the book was full of hokey, time-honored verities. A central idea was that suffering is built into the structure of being, and although it can be unbearable, people have a choice either to withdraw, which is a suicidal gesture, or to face and transcend it.

Jordan Petersons Politics Make Life Harder for Young Men

The other parts of the work explored and criticized the state of contemporary masculinity; the upbringing that ignores sex differences between boys and girls; moral nihilism; relativism; and lack of respect for the values that built Western society.

The parts of the work criticizing the state of young men had a massive catalyzing effect, becoming, for many young male adherents, a practical and welcome framing device through which to see and begin to alter their lives.

As part of the promotion, Peterson assented to an interview on Britains Channel 4 with a slightly listless and cagey Cathy Newman, an exchange that, catching and framing Petersons rollicking momentum, went viral. The more Newman flat-footedly paraphrased his beliefs, the better Peterson came across, bolstering his preferred image as the coolly rational man unfazed by the histrionics of political correctness.

Much of Petersons appeal seemed to stem from his pulling no punches in asking young men to account for themselves and take responsibility for their own betterment, and framing this in terms of a noble and decent undertaking, a model with roots and precursors stretching back through history, literature, myth and philosophy. He simultaneously created a permission structure for them to critique and pushback against what he defined as a corrosive cultural relativism that was deconstructing and devaluing masculinity, rather than positing it as something to aspire to develop on the way to self-realization.

Jordan Peterson addresses students at The Cambridge Union on Nov. 2, 2018 in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. Chris Williamson/Getty Images

He also strongly emphasized existing research that showed, contrary to the beliefs and efforts of the social constructivists, that gender differences, in the most egalitarian societies, actually maximized, showing that gender proclivities between men and women were real and not abstract or constructed, and that when given the ideal circumstances to do so, those proclivities would come to the forethe exact opposite of what the social constructivists were hoping for.

Young men could look to Peterson, and quote him, as a figure within academia where, in his estimation, the worst excesses of woke deconstruction were being indulged in humanities faculties, and being propagated into the political and cultural mainstream without being contested. Such young men now had their academic firebrand. His beliefs attracted a heterogeneous audience that included atheist libertarians, Christian conservatives, and moderate liberals a little wan and wary of the prissier elements within liberalism. Even among many skeptics, he was considered, to varying degrees, legitimate and relevant.

But even at this height in his influence and popularity, many of his lesser qualities, ones that would later become more pronounced, were also already in evidence: a disparagement of the lefts efforts to portray him as a reactionary caricature, when he himself had gone to some lengths, slicking back his hair and choosing ensembles of checked suits and silk waistcoats, posing imperiously in photographs and generally cultivating a vaguely Machiavellian, debonair public persona; a querulousness, an initial amenability and receptivity that would give way to a kind of crotchety standoffishness, and an absence of the qualities of irony and wit that made the likes of Gore Vidal and Christopher Hitchens so compelling.

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Nevertheless, during this high noon of Jordan Petersons cultural influence, there were two significant appearances. One was at Oxford, where he held forth before a receptive audience, in the heart of the academic establishment.

Jordan Petersons Constant State of Delusional Panic

The second, and for me the most crucial appearance around this time, was when he joined the actor and comedian Stephen Fry in a Munk debate against New York Times journalist Michelle Goldberg and distinguished academic and author Michael Eric Dyson, to discuss whether political correctness was an enemy of free speech.

It stood out as a unique opportunity: political correctness critiqued through an intellectual collaboration between a self-described liberal of the most milquetoast variety in Stephen Frywho was trying to distinguish between the robust, relatable, and decent elements of liberalism and the strident, flakier excesses of identity politicsand a self-proclaimed classic British Liberal in Petersonchallenging political correctness from the perspective of someone bristling at compelled speech and academic activism.

Jordan Peterson speaking at the 2018 Young Women's Leadership Summit hosted by Turning Point USA in Dallas, Texas. Gage Skidmore

The promise of such a collaboration, and its effectiveness and coherence on stage, was enormousan ideological coalition that, if properly followed up on or expanded with multiple iterations of other partners and crossovers, could have brought to bear the intellectual prowess and energies of liberalism onto the more prissy extremes of identity politics and political correctness, and made the left, as a broader idea, more palatable to the mainstream.

As it happened, shortly after these appearances, Jordan Peterson was faced with a string of crises. After his wife Tammy was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer, he was prescribed benzodiazepines to quell his anxiety, only to find himself dependent, and critically sick.

His return was gradual, but he found himself, in his own words, forgiven by his audience. Here I am this guy, Im a clinical psychologist, I got tangled up with benzodiazepines. Im talking to people about getting their house in order, and things collapse around me. He approached his return with the hypothesis of including myself in the audience of reprobates to whom Im lecturing. I dont assume that I abide by all these rules. There are targets for attainment, and hopefully, that has protected me at least to some degree, against the perception of undue moral superiority

At this point, he had lost much of his luster as a contrarian, which, to a large degree, is reliant, as a trope, on a perception of redoubtable toughness and composure. In some quarters he was being perceived as a bit of a spent force or an eccentric.

He had written a follow-up to 12 Rules for Life that, no doubt personally cathartic and a salve as an academic and expressive exercise, was nonetheless seen by many as him pawing in the same old litterbox. He would sign up to a content distribution deal with conservative media company the Daily Wire, further placing him outside the mainstream discourse, and emphatically cordoning off a left or center-left audience who might retain some interest in his perspectives.

The Intellectual Dark Webs Descent Into Paranoia and Trumpism

In a novel by Alan Hollinghurst, one character laments of another: He has become more brutal, more sentimental. This is an apposite phrase for Peterson, whose personality seemed to maximize, with him, in interviews, coming across as sentimental, maudlin, lachrymose, and easily susceptible to open weeping; but his resentment and invective toward perceived outrages of woke ideology also maximized.

He lambasts liberal politics in Western Democracies, Canada in particular; but his criticisms of autocratic impulses and trends on the right, in the West, are dispassionate and muted, often tweeted out as a subordinate clause amidst some other preoccupation.

For the most part, Peterson now dwells in a limited right-wing and libertarian ecosystem of podcasters and social media.

Elon Musk let Peterson back on Twitter after he had been suspended for refusing to stop misgendering and deadnaming actor Elliot Page. His once dynamically formulated grievances in relation to prevailing attitudes around the topic were now almost embarrassingly undermined by truculent language. His posts sometimes positively highlight the plight of young women in Iran and other worthy causes and issues, but are more frequently, and dispiritingly, close to the banal invective laced with hyperbole and cheap sarcasm that can be found practically anywhere.

He tweets to promote a lecture intended to discuss the undeniable need for fossil fuels, and the toxic underlying nihilism of the climate concerned left. He describes Canadian plans to make all new cars emissions-free by 2035 as Utterly deluded and criminally virtue-signaling, and exclaims, Keep your damned hands off my car, Justin Trudeau or face the consequences. He declares the Twitter Files as truly worse than Nixons Watergate.

Peterson now describes medical specialists working with trans youtha subject he had only a few years prior argued about uncompromisingly, but on a sound intellectual footing, and with rhetorical controlas pandering cowardly medical professionals utterly inexcusably castrating them, and labels them sanctimonious butchers.

He opted to wear a tuxedo while on Joe Rogans podcast, and reappeared on the podcast recently wearing a two-toned devil and angel suit. He tweets at his bete noire Justin Trudeau upwards of three or four times a day. He described Tucker Carlson as having a streak of comedic genius.

Elliot Pages Abs Have Got Jordan Peterson in a Tizzy Again

For an academic who ought to be scrupulous in his sources, Peterson frequently cites or retweets dubious sites full of spurious facts. He retweets an obscure and dubious scientist who claims to be peer-reviewed, despite an investigation casting doubt on the validity of the internal review process of the foundation where she posts. He retweets a vulgar, horribly vicious, almost singularly anti-trans site.

In response to a trans ad on menstruation, Peterson tweets, Wheres Nelson Muntz when you need him, a reference to the Simpsons bully, who he previously wrote about as a symbolic figure whose bullying provides a necessary corrective to resentful, touchy or effete kids.

While still popular, his shrunken influence on the broader culture and ideological spectrum, maximized resentments and reactive rather than framing or paradigm shifting rhetoric has given him the feel of a public figure who is largely played out.

Occasionally, there will be perspectives that almost hauntingly evoke the globe-trotting figure of a few years back, but he no longer has a claim to being a mainstream, enduring academic provocateur. Instead, hes become the worst thing a pop-psychologist can beboring.

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AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S. plunged into uncertainty Friday following conflicting court rulings over the legality of the abortion medication mifepristone that has been widely available for more than 20 years.

For now, the drug the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2000 appeared to remain at least immediately available in the wake of two separate rulings that were issued in quick succession by federal judges in Texas and Washington.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, ordered a hold on federal approval of mifepristone in a decision that overruled decades of scientific approval. But that decision came at nearly the same time that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an Obama appointee, essentially ordered the opposite and directed U.S. authorities not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats sued in an effort to protect availability.

The extraordinary timing of the competing orders revealed the high stakes surrounding the drug nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed access to abortion across the country. President Joe Biden said his administration would fight the Texas ruling.

The whiplash of the conflicting decisions is likely to put the issue on an accelerated path to the Supreme Court.

FDA is under one order that says you can do nothing and another that says in seven days Im going to require you to vacate the approval of mifepristone, said Glenn Cohen of Harvard Law School.

Abortion providers slammed the Texas ruling, including Whole Womans Health, which operates six clinics in five states and said it would continue to dispense mifepristone in person and by mail over the next week as they review the rulings.

The abortion drug has been widely used in the U.S. since securing FDA approval and there is essentially no precedent for a lone judge overruling the medical decisions of the Food and Drug Administration. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortion in the United States, along with misoprostol, which is also used to treat other medical conditions.

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Kacsmaryk signed an injunction directing the FDA to stay mifepristones approval while a lawsuit challenging the safety and approval of the drug continues. His 67-page order gave the government seven days to appeal.

The Court in this case has substituted its judgment for FDA, the expert agency that approves drugs, Biden said. If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription, approved by the FDA, that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks.

Clinics and doctors that prescribe the two-drug combination have said that if mifepristone were pulled from the market, they would switch to using only the second drug, misoprostol. That single-drug approach has a slightly lower rate of effectiveness in ending pregnancies, but it is widely used in countries where mifepristone is illegal or unavailable.

The lawsuit in the Texas case was filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which was also involved in the Mississippi case that led to Roe v. Wade being overturned. At the core of the lawsuit is the allegation that the FDAs initial approval of mifepristone was flawed because it did not adequately review its safety risks.

Courts have long deferred to the FDA on issues of drug safety and effectiveness. But the agencys authority faces new challenges in a post-Roe legal environment in which abortions are banned or unavailable in 14 states, while 16 states have laws specifically targeting abortion medications.

Since the Texas lawsuit was filed in November, legal experts have warned of questionable arguments and factual inaccuracies in the Christian groups filing. Kacsmaryk essentially agreed with the plaintiffs on all of their major points, including that the FDA didnt adequately review mifepristones safety.

The Court does not second-guess FDAs decision-making lightly. Kacsmaryk wrote. But here, FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns  in violation of its statutory duty  based on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions.

Mifepristone has been used by millions of women over the past 23 years, and complications from mifepristone occur at a lower rate than that seen with wisdom teeth removal, colonoscopies and other routine medical procedures, medical groups have recently noted.

Elsewhere, Kacsmaryk sided with plaintiffs in stating that the FDA overstepped its authority in approving mifepristone, in part, by using a specialized review process reserved for drugs to treat serious or life-threatening illnesses. The judge brushed aside FDA arguments that its own regulations make clear that pregnancy is a medical condition that can sometimes be serious and life-threatening, instead calling it a natural process essential to perpetuating human life.

His order also agreed with plaintiffs in invoking a controversial 19th century law that anti-abortion groups are now trying to revive to block sending abortion medications through the mail. Originally passed in 1873 and named for an anti-vice crusader, the Comstock Act was used to prohibit the mailing of contraceptives, lewd writings and instruments that could be used in an abortion. The law was seldom invoked in the 50 years after Roe established a federal right to abortion.

Kacsmaryk, though, agreed with plaintiffs that the law  as literally interpreted  prohibits mailing mifepristone.

His order, if upheld, would also dismantle a number of recent FDA actions intended to ease access to the drug.

In late 2021 the FDA  under the Biden administration  dropped a requirement that women pick up the drug in person, opening the door to delivery by mail-order pharmacies. In January the agency dropped another requirement that prevented most brick-and-mortar pharmacies from dispensing the pill.

Anti-abortion groups, which are newly encouraged about their ability to further restrict abortion and prevail in court since lasts years reversal of Roe v. Wade, embraced the Texas ruling.

The courts decision today is a major step forward for women and girls whose health and safety have been jeopardized for decades by the FDAs rushed, flawed and politicized approval of these dangerous drugs, said March for Life President Jeanne Mancini.

Legal experts warned that the ruling could upend decades of precedent, setting the stage for political groups to overturn other FDA approvals of controversial drugs and vaccines.

This has never happened before in history  its a huge deal, said Greer Donley, a professor specializing in reproductive health care at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. You have a federal judge who has zero scientific background second guessing every scientific decision that the FDA made."

Still, because of the contradictory nature of the rulings, Donley and other experts said there would be little immediate impact.

In the short term, nothings going to change, Donley said. This is the time to be preparing for the fact that in a week, potentially, mifepristone becomes an unapproved drug in this country.

___

Perrone and Whitehurst reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter Gene Johnson in Seattle and Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon, contributed.
A federal judge in Texas on Friday ruled to suspend the abortion drug mifepristone, which was approved by regulators 23 years ago and has now become one of the most common methods of abortion in the country.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk ruled to suspend the FDA's approval of mifepristone. The ruling is paused for seven days so the federal government may appeal.

Late Friday, the Department of Justice appealed the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Department of Justice strongly disagreed with the decision.

"Today's decision overturns the FDA's expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective. The Department will continue to defend the FDA's decision," Garland said in a statement.

Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, held a hearing on the issue on March 15 in Amarillo, Texas, where the conservative plaintiffs in the case argued the Food and Drug Administration was wrong to approve mifepristone.

PHOTO: In this Jan. 13, 2023, file photo, a patient prepares to take mifepristone, the first pill given in a medical abortion, at a reproductive clinic in New Mexico. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters, FILE)

Meanwhile, a Washington state judge issued a dueling injunction on Friday in a separate case regarding the status of the FDA's approval of mifepristone. In his ruling, Judge Thomas Rice of Washington's Eastern Federal District Court granted the preliminary injunction requested by the plaintiffs, made up of Democratic attorneys general, and prevents the FDA from "altering the status quo and rights as it relates to the availability of mifepristone."

MORE: What to know about Texas ruling that could see abortion drug taken off the market

GenBioPro, the manufacturer of generic mifepristone, responded to Kacsmaryk's ruling and said they were confident in the legality of the drug.

"Nothing in the court's order changes the decades of science and evidence regarding mifepristone's safety and efficacy. As we review the court's order, we will continue to make our product available," Evan Masingill, CEO of GenBioPro, said in a statement.

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Masingill added that GenBioPro was reviewing Rice's order but was "pleased that he recognizes the importance of preserving the status quo as it relates to the availability of mifepristone."

About half of all abortions in the U.S. were medication abortions as of 2020, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Such methods usually rely on mifepristone in a two-drug regimen along with misoprostol.

Erik Baptist, senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, the group that filed the Texas lawsuit, said after the March hearing that the judge needed to provide a check on the FDA, which he said ignored safety concerns with mifepristone -- an allegation the government and most medical doctors refute.

PHOTO: In this Jan. 13, 2023, file photo, boxes of mifepristone, the first pill given in a medical abortion, are prepared for patients at Women's Reproductive Clinic of New Mexico in Santa Teresa, N.M. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters, FILE)

"The FDA never had the authority to approve these drugs and remove important safeguards," Baptist said.

Government lawyers defending the FDA said at the hearing that the government has reviewed extensive data and found no such safety concerns.

"The public interest would be dramatically harmed" by siding with the plaintiffs, said Julie Straus Harris, an attorney for the Justice Department, while Baptist urged the judge: "Relief must be complete and nationwide."

Outside, pro-abortion access advocates were blunt. "There are a whole host of reasons why this court should just dismiss [the lawsuit] out of hand," said Carrie Flaxman, senior director for public policy litigation and law with Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

The FDA is appealing the ruling, standing behind its determination that the drug is safe and effective.

"Patients should have access to FDA-approved medications that FDA has determined to be safe and effective for their intended uses," the FDA said in a statement.

Danco Labs, which makes the brand name version of mifepristone and joined the FDA as a defendant in the lawsuit, called the ruling a "dark day in public health," in a statement. It said it's appealing the decision alongside the FDA.

If the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upholds the Texas ruling -- and the two federal orders remain in conflict -- the issue is likely to be expedited to go before the U.S. Supreme Court.

MORE: If an abortion drug is banned, could misoprostol be used as a safe alternative?

Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement to ABC News that the judge's decision in Texas "could threaten the FDA's role in this country's public health system, and -- if allowed to stand -- will have broad and unprecedented consequences that reach far beyond abortion."

The decision "is an outrage and exposes the weaponization of our judicial system to further restrict abortion nationwide. However, I want to be clear that access to mifepristone remains safe for now," the statement said. "But we should all be enraged that one judge can unilaterally reject medical evidence and overrule the FDA's approval of a medication that has been safely and effectively used for more than two decades."

PHOTO: Used boxes of Mifepristone pills, the first drug used in a medical abortion, fill a trash at Alamo Women's Clinic in Albuquerque, N.M., Jan. 11, 2023. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters, FILE)

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists condemned the Texas decision in a statement Friday and called it a "grievous legal overstep into America's well-established regulatory system."

"The decision itself betrays the bias and prejudice that informed its rhetoric, which deliberately ignores decades of evidence-based scientific data and eschews clinically appropriate language about mifepristone, a critical medication used for both abortion and miscarriage management," Dr. Iffath Abbasi Hoskins, the organization's president, and Dr. Maureen Phipps, its CEO, said in a joint statement.

Alliance Defending Freedom meanwhile said the decision Friday in its lawsuit is a "significant victory for the doctors and medical associations we represent and more importantly, the health and safety of women and girls."

Vice President Kamala Harris offered the first reaction from the Biden administration on the Texas ruling, telling reporters Friday night as she prepared to depart Nashville, Tennessee, that it sets a "dangerous precedent."

She and President Joe Biden will "stand with the women of America and do everything we can to ensure that women have the ability to make decisions about their health care, their reproductive health care," Harris said. "And they decide that, not their government."

ABC News' Justin Gomez and Meredith Deliso contributed to this report.

DOJ files appeal after judge reverses FDA approval of abortion drug originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
New York judge Juan Merchan has received threats to his safety since he began presiding over the arraignment of former President Donald Trump on Tuesday, according to a law enforcement source.

The NYPD intelligence division is investigating the threats to Merchan, which came in the form of social media posts.

A spokesperson for New York courts said that "we continue to evaluate and reevaluate security concerns and potential threats."

"We have maintained an increased security presence in and around courthouses and throughout the judiciary and will adjust protocols as necessary," said spokesperson Lucian Chalfen.

A court sketch shows former President Donald Trump and Judge Juan Merchan, at right, during Trump's arraignment on charges of falsifying business records in New York on April 4, 2023. / Credit: Jane Rosenberg

Since Trump's arraignment hearing, there has been a marked increase in death threats against Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the team of prosecutors working on the Trump case, according to a second law enforcement source.

Threats have landed in Bragg's office by phone, email, and social media post. The source did not specify how many threats the D.A.'s office has received but said the number is significant.

Court officers and NYPD have increased security for Bragg and his prosecutors and tightened overall security at the Manhattan criminal courthouse.

The courthouse received bomb threats before and after the indictment, and on Mar. 24 received a threatening note in an envelope with white powder that was later deemed non-hazardous.

During Trump's court appearance Tuesday, a prosecutor gave Merchan a printout of social media posts made by Trump, describing them as "public statements threatening our city, our justice system, our courts, and our office."

Merchan, who was also targeted in a Trump post, asked defense attorneys to ask the former president to "please refrain from making statements that are likely to incite violence or civil unrest."

Trump entered a "not guilty" plea to 34 counts of felony falsification of business records. He has denied all wrongdoing in the case.

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Harlan Crow, the Republican billionaire and megadonor to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, allegedly has a collection of Adolf Hitler artifacts and Nazi memorabilia on display at his home, according to news reports.

Crows million-dollar estate in Dallas, Texas, houses Adolf Hitler artifacts, including two paintings by Hitler and a signed copy of his book Mein Kampf, along with a stockpile of other Nazi mementos such as a swastika medallion, statues of dictators of the 20th century in the backyard and more, according to the Washingtonian.

Inspired by his hatred for communism and fascism, the Washingtonian reports, Crows collection faced major backlash in 2015 after he hosted a fundraiser at his estate on the eve of Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday. An anonymous source who attended the fundraiser told the Washingtonian that the house felt like a museum, describing it as strange given the assortment of family photos in one room, World War II artifacts in another and a backyard full of dictators.

Researcher Danah Boyd tweeted on Saturday that she was deeply shaken by the displayed Nazi memorabilia when she attended a meeting at Crows house a few years ago.

Years later, I still shudder thinking about the Nazi uniform decorations in Harlan Crows house. And the painting. And the book. And the statues. And the antebellum (pro-slavery) artifacts. Im glad others are questioning the acceptability of those materials, Boyd said in a tweet, adding that she left the meeting after seeing the Nazi artifacts.

Boyd pointed out that this topic is not new and that Dallas reporters have been covering this for years.

In a 2014 home walk-through and interview with the Dallas Morning News, Crow described the home display as not an art collection, but a historical nod to the facts of mans inhumanity to man. He received online backlash about his artifacts but maintained that the motivation behind the display is based on patriotism and living generations debt to the past.

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He added: We all, collectively  whether were a little bit blue or a little bit red, or a lot  owe a huge debt. We need to understand how we all got here and to try to do in our own time what we can do for our future.

The resurfaced controversy surrounding Crows house comes days after a ProPublica report revealed undisclosed ties between the megadonor and Thomas. Democrats and judicial advocates are calling for action after ProPublica found that Thomas failed to report the lavish trips he had accepted from Crow for over two decades.

Related...
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said that the DOJ strongly disagrees with the decision to pull FDA approval of mifepristone, one of two drugs widely used for medication abortions.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said that the DOJ strongly disagrees with the decision to pull FDA approval of mifepristone, one of two drugs widely used for medication abortions.

The Department of Justice filed an immediate appeal following a Texas federal judges shocking decision Friday to pull the Food and Drug Administrations approval of mifepristone, one of two drugs used in medication abortion.

The Justice Department appealed directly to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Friday night, only a few hours after the initial ruling.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that the DOJ strongly disagrees with the decision and will be appealing the courts decision and seeking a stay pending appeal.

Todays decision overturns the FDAs expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective, Garland wrote. The Department will continue to defend the FDAs decision.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk ruled that the FDAs approval of mifepristone was unlawful when the drug first went to market in 2000. Kacsmaryk stated in his decision that the FDA manipulated and misconstrued certain parts of the drug approval process in order to greenlight elective chemical abortions on a wide scale.

The decision does not take effect for seven days, allowing the DOJs appeal to play out.

Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal group, filed the suit in November in a federal court in Amarillo, Texas, arguing that the FDA went beyond its authority 22 years ago and fast-tracked the approval of mifepristone. But medication abortion, the combination of mifepristone and another drug called misoprostol, has a highly safe and effective track record in the 20-plus years its been FDA-approved. Medication abortion accounts for nearly 60% of all abortion and miscarriage care in the U.S.

A federal judge in Washington state issued a competing ruling also on Friday, which blocks the FDA from pulling mifepristone approval in 17 states and the District of Columbia. The dueling decisions will likely force the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in quickly, legal scholars speculated.

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Garland said in his Friday night statement that the DOJ is also reviewing the Washington state judges decision.

Although there is much confusion around the Texas judges ruling and what will happen next, its safe to say this is a staggering blow to abortion rights around the country.

Vice President Kamala Harris said in a Friday night statement that the ruling is an unprecedented decision.

Simply put: this decision undermines the FDAs ability to approve safe and effective medications  from chemotherapy drugs, to asthma medicine, to blood pressure pills, to insulin  based on science, not politics, she wrote.

Each person in our nation should have the right to access safe and effective medication which has been approved by the FDA. In the face of attacks on a womans right to access an abortion, our Administration will continue to fight to protect reproductive freedom and the ability of all Americans to make health care decisions with their doctors free from political interference.

Related...
Easter Sunday is this weekend, which means many businesses will be closed in observance of the holiday.

Although many big brand stores like Target and Aldis will be closed, there are also a number of local shops, restaurants and grocery stories that will stay open.

If you dont celebrate Easter or still have errands to run this weekend, make sure to check out this list of open and closed establishments so you can plan your weekend accordingly.

Some stores will also be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday. If you have questions about any stores holiday hours, make sure to contact them directly.

Stores that will be closed on Easter around Kansas City

Aldi

Best Buy

Burlington

Crate & Barrel

Costco

Container Store

Chick-fil-a (Closed every Sunday)

Dollar Tree

Dicks Sporting Goods

Hobby Lobby (Closed every Sunday)

JCPenney

Kohls

Lowes

Macys

Marshalls

T.J. Maxx

Nordstrom

Oak Park Mall

Ross Dress For Less

Hobby Lobby

HomeGoods

Target

Party City

Sams Club

Grocery Stores Open on Easter around Kansas City

WALMART

Walmart is open normal operating hours Easter Sunday. Most stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Operating hours may differ between stores, so be sure to check with your specific location before making the trip.

TRADER JOES

Trader Joes will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Easter Sunday. It will be open normal hours Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

Whole Foods is open normal operating hours Easter Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

PRICE CHOPPER

Most locations will be open but make sure to check he Brookside location will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Price Chopper on Wornall Ave. will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. The Brywood Centre Price Chopper will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

SUNFRESH

Sunfresh locations will likely be open on Sunday. The location in Westport will be open 24 hours on Sunday and the location on Prospect will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the holiday.

Restaurants open on Easter around Kansas City

This list is not exhaustive, but just some businesses that sent information to The Star. Many restaurants and bars will remain open around Kansas City.
The thing I love most about travel is the vast wealth of mostly useless information and knowledge I come packing home with me after every trip. The whirling dervishes, trance-inducing dancing my daughter and I saw performed in Istanbul was a mesmerizing wonder, yet nothing which might ever help in my gardening practices or atricky home repair project.

While closer to home, the Saugatuck chain ferry that spans the Kalamazoo River is an eccentric engineering marvel, though it will never help me figure out why my rototiller wont start. But while those, and many other travel quests may have enriched my imagination with wonderfully useless information and wonders, they mostly just take up space in my head; albeit enjoyable space, providing memories, as they say, to last a lifetime.

Michael Jones

While other folks may queue in long lines to visit dusty old forts, castles, museums or an amusement park ride to get their useless memory fix, my wife and I happily wander the aisles of grocery stores, big and small, shiny and bright, dusty and cramped, throughout the world, and in turn learn a little bit about the everyday lives of the people who live there.

These super or mini mercados (depending on their size), as they are known throughout Portugal and where we had rented a small apartment in the seaside town of Lagos, were everywhere and ripe for theexploring to enrich my mind with yet more useless stuff.

My wife found a package of chocolate-covered digestives (ie: biscuits (ie: cookies)) to purchase and I fell in love with the juxtaposition of bland digestive/biscuit/cookie taste, overwhelmed by pure European milk chocolate. We never know what we will stumble upon as we cruise the beverage aisle hoping to find a unique beer rather than the Portuguese national brands of Sagres or Superbock most folks favor.

In a cramped mini mercado tucked away near the Owl Story English Bookshop and Beer & Co., my wife discovered a biscuit-type raisin cookie she couldnt live without, and the Pingo Doce Supermercado, on the other side of the river, stocked packages of the dry toast ends we favored when smeared with hummus.

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Fortunately, Lagos was awash in mini mercados, more so than most American towns brimming with convenience stores where folks drive up for a terrible styrofoam cup of coffee, a six pack of beer, a pack of smokes, or lottery ticket. That said, anytime we came upon a new teeny-tiny store, we had no choice but to investigate and it was on our first full day in Lagos that we hit the mini mercado jackpot on our way back from one of the many cliffside beaches which ring themselves around the city on its ocean side.

On our way out, I noticed a basket of dense, round loaves of bread on the counter, and on a whim, picked one up, hefted it in my hands and purchased with a small handful of euros tucked away in the pockets of my shorts. Outside, I tore off a small chunk; not having a clue as to what it was I had just bought  sweet or savory? I knew not which but one small nibble told me I was in the land of the enjoyable unknown. A subtle licorice/fennel taste gave way to a sublime sweetness and I was hooked.

Back at the apartment, I sliced down the middle of the loaf intending to have a slice for lunch when surprise number two insinuated itself inside the part of my brain I reserved for useless facts and information. Crunch, crunch went the knife as it bit into something somewhat hard.

Upon separating the bread, I discovered two halves of a fully cooked egg in its shell inside the center of the loaf. Strange, I told my wife who immediately went to her phone and discovered near Easter the Portuguese make a sweet fennel bread with an egg baked in the center to represent the rebirth and rising of Christ from the dead. Imagine that! And such tasty bread as well.

Thank goodness for the vast wealth of useless information we seek out and keep tucked away with us as memories; much like the egg hidden inside Portugals delicious fennelly sweet Easter bread, which I was fortunate enough to stumble upon one fine morning at yet another nondescript grocery store while out and about in the big, wide world.

 Michael Jones is a columnist and contributor for the Gaylord Herald Times. He can be reached at mfomike2@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Keep it Simple: The joys of the teeny-tiny mini mercado
Kennesaw State University issued a shelter-in-place order for its Marietta campus later Friday night after the university said a possible armed suspect was on campus.

The order went out right before 10:15 p.m. telling students to shelter indoors immediately due to a campus emergency.

TRENDING STORIES:

About 20 minutes later, the campus emergency management tweeted that a suspect running from police was on campus and it was unclear if that person was armed.

By 11 p.m., the university gave the all-clear.

Cobb County police told Channel 2 Action News they were conducting a traffic stop and the driver fled on foot toward the Marietta campus. Police said the driver was arrested and the alert is over.

KSU Alert: Marietta Campus: Shelter indoor immediately due to a campus emergency situation on the Kennesaw State Marietta campus.  KSU Emergency Management (@ksuoem) April 8, 2023

KSU Emergency: Police are searching for a suspect on the MARIETTA CAMPUS who fled from Police. Unknown if person is armed. Please remain indoors.  KSU Emergency Management (@ksuoem) April 8, 2023

KSU Emergency: All clear has been issued for the Marietta Campus. Police K9 tracking suspect off campus. Normal campus operations may resume.  KSU Emergency Management (@ksuoem) April 8, 2023

IN OTHER NEWS:
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Pam Sleeper/Gwinnett Police Department

For a former Playboy Bunny and model, the last day of Eva Kay Wenals life was not particularly glamorous.

Kay was an attractive 60-year-old who could pass for half her age, and her alluring personality always seemed to make her the center of attention. Almost two decades earlier, her charms had caught the eye of Harold Hal Wenal, a jet-setting developer, when they both were married to other people. He swept Kay off her feet and, as her fourth husband, gave her a fairytale marriage.

They had a lot of fun together, Kays little sister Pam Sleeper told The Daily Beast. Hal adored her.

The Wenals were known in their Atlanta suburb for their luxurious lifestyle and extravagant trips. But Thursday, May 1, 2008, started out uneventfully, as Hal would later tell the police.

He left their five-bedroom home in the Atlanta suburbs around 6:40 a.m., as usual, to go to work after a quick breakfast with his wife. At 11:00 a.m., Kay joined him at his companys offices, where one employee told police she stayed for about 30 minutes. She was wearing a casual outfit: blue sweatpants and a matching sweatshirt.

After the visit, Kay made a fateful decision. Shed intended to spend the afternoon helping to find tenants for her husband's shopping centers, as a private investigator eventually learned. But she wasnt feeling well, so she ended up staying home.

Americas Most Beautiful Small Town Is Murder, U.S.A.

When she returned to the house just before noon, she took her last phone call, a telemarketing pitch from the Art Institute of Colorado. By mid-afternoon, she was lying on the couch, curled up reading a book with her glasses on, when someone arrived at the door.

When she went to greet them, she was met with sudden, shocking violence.

The attacker apparently assaulted her several times as she staggered around the first floor of her homeslamming her head against the wall or the floor, and punching her in the face. Then, the visitor slit the ex-models throattwice. A bloody coup de grace that seemed intensely personal.

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The brutality of Kays murder was one thing that shocked us when we started investigating her death, Ned Timmons, a former FBI Special Agent who was hired to be Hals private eye in the case, told The Daily Beast. The way Kay was killed suggested anger. It was violent. Pure violence.

The killer left no fingerprints and no signs of a forced entry, only a blood-stained towel in the closet of the upstairs master bedroom. Nothing was taken from the housenot the safe full of Kays expensive jewelry in the bedroom, not her wallet and credit cards, not her sexy bondage wear that investigators found in the closet.

They didnt even take the rings from her fingers, even though the jewels had the appearance of being valuable and likely expensive, the Gwinnett County police noted in an investigators report.

Hal discovered the grisly scene when he arrived home later that night. He told police that he found Kay lying in a large pool of her own blood.

The harrowing murder rocked their affluent community. And when the Gwinnett Police Department started investigating, they uncovered a host of secrets: a slew of lawsuits against Hals companies, sightings of a mystery man wearing wire-rimmed glasses who was lingering near the Wenals house, and a bizarre letter to a local newspaper claiming to be from Kays lovelorn admirer.

Still, for the past 15 years, authorities have been unable to find Kays killer.

Hal died just two years after Kay, in 2010. So Kays sister is the one who still holds out hope for a break in the case. Someone knows something, Pam Sleeper insists.

All we need is one person to help us figure out what happened to my sister. Im not going to give up.

SHE LOVED BEING LOVED

For as long as Pam could remember, her big sister Kayborn Eva Kay Smith in Nevada County, Arkansasnever had a problem fitting in. Or speaking her mind.

Kay was a wonderful person, Pam said. She could come down hard on you if she thought you were wrong. She didnt hold back on anything. She would hold you accountable. But she was also very giving and she shared everything that she had.

She made you feel special.

Still, Kays early years were a struggle. Her childhood was dominated by constant moves, due to their fathers job in the oil business and their parents bitter divorce.

Kay married young and had a child soon after college. Pam said that soon after, her sister left her first husband and child and moved to Texas to be with their father. But before long, Kay was on the move again, to Florida, and a second marriage ended in 1976. Around that time, she also became a certified dental assistantand found quick success as a cocktail waitress at a Playboy Club in Miami.

Everyone loved Kay there, Pam said. When she visited her older sister during a trip to the Florida city, she got first-class treatment at the club. That was kind of cool, she remembered with a laugh.

Eva Kay Wenal. Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Pam Sleeper

Kays beauty and determination always made her stand apart, Pam said. Her attractiveness and work ethic were even mentioned in a December 1972 Playboy Clubs International letter, reviewed by The Daily Beast. In the note, Kay is described as an asset to Playboy and shes also commended for helping out a local organization, VIVA Florida.

By the 1980s, Kay was on her third husband and had a career in modeling. Pam said that at least one of her sisters former spouses had also remarried, but Kay did not make an effort to keep in contact with her exes. Kays third marriage, to a casino worker, lasted less than a decade, and they divorced in 1987. By that time, Pam said, her sister had already met Hal, and the two seemed to hit it off right away. The pair got married on Aug. 5, 1992, and honeymooned in Africa.

Kay waswhen she would get something in her mind, thats it, Pam said. She wanted Hal.

In the late 1990s, the Wenals settled in Atlanta, where Hal made a killing by buying land, building strip malls, and then flipping them for a profit. At the time of Kays murder, his company owned shopping centers in Atlanta and Lawrenceville, Georgia, and had previously managed projects in New York, Texas, and California.

Friends of the Wenals told The Daily Beast that the couple always seemed extremely in love, sometimes to the point where their public displays of affection made others uncomfortable.

It was sometimes even embarrassing, A.J. Block, an Atlanta attorney and friend of the family, told The Daily Beast. They were so close and always touchy-feely. Hal also would talk about sex with his wifecontinuously.

Timmons said that he believed Hal was proud to have a woman like Kay on his armnoting that even at the time of her death the 60-year-old was a workout freak and that shed had several plastic surgery operations.

She loved being loved, Timmons said. We had questions about whether her desire for attention may have prompted her to seek attention from other men.

The private investigator noted that Hal also had secrets of his ownincluding that his company was perhaps not as successful, or even lawful, as the world seemed to believe.

Money Troubles

From the outside, friends of Hal Wenal said, he was an attractive and wealthy man who had a penchant for extravagance and for beautiful women.

He was a successful real estate developer, Block said. But years later, I found out that a lot of these shopping center projects were in trouble.

In fact, at the time of Kays murder, the Wenals were both named in an ongoing federal lawsuit about one of Hals construction properties, according to court documents reviewed by The Daily Beast. (The federal case was ultimately settled in 2011, where several parties, including Block acting as Hals executor, had to pay $10,000.)

Family photos of Eva Kay Wenal and her husband Hal Wenal. Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Pam Sleeper

That lawsuit was one of at least 10 legal actions involving Hal, in various states, over a period of 17 years starting in 1990. Court records indicate that Hal was named in several lawsuitsincluding one in Pennsylvania where he settled for over $6 million in 1992 and two New York cases that transferred to Florida. In one judgment, Hal had to pay more than $570,000 to Marine Midland Bank in 1992and then was named in a second judgment that owed a total of over $23 million to MMB Realty Credit that same year. (It is not immediately clear if any of the judgments was ever paid.)

Kay would sometimes talk about Hals finances to her sister. Pam noted that at one point, money was so tight for them that she even felt compelled to send Kay $500. Marie Lundquist, who began working for Hal in 2007 as an administrative assistant, told CBS 48 Hours that she also believed that her boss would sometimes cook the books.

Send The Daily Beast a Tip

We sold a shopping center in Lawrenceville, she said. And the whole deal was bad. He was paying tenants rent so when the new owners bought it the books looked like they were paying rent every month, when, in fact, Hal was paying their rent. Some of them.

In December 2007, Hal was named in the federal lawsuit about the Villages shopping center in Gwinnett County, Georgia, for several alleged misdeeds, including breaching a contract and fraud. Harold dismissed the lawsuit, indicating that it was trivial to him and of little consequence, the investigative report states.

Amidst the ongoing litigation, Hal gifted his wife a trip to Miraval Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, in April 2008. Pam said her sister had explained that the trip was a surprise because Hal did not want to bother her with the lawsuit and that he would be working late.

At the spa, Kay made a new friendTami Mulcahey, who was at the Arizona retreat with her sister ahead of her nuptials. They bonded after Kay encouraged Tami to take a morning swim fitness class with her. The two women forged an easy friendship as they enjoyed the luxury wellness resort, whose pampering activities included horseback riding and spiritual drumming.

We nicknamed her Julie, the Cruise Director from The Love Boat, because she knew everybody, Tami told The Daily Beast, adding that Kay had smuggled them booze and cheese.

During meals, Tami said, her new friend would gush about her relationship with Hal and how in love they were. But Kay also revealed that she was at the glamorous retreat because of her husbands legal problemsa task that would keep him busy for many days and resulted in her getting an open-ended stay at the spa.

She didnt seem upset or worried, Tami added. Kay later revealed the litigation was about one of his building projects.

Eva Kay Wenal and her husband Hal Wenal. Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Pam Sleeper

When Tami left to go back home to Texas, Kay was still at Miraval. The two pals exchanged information so Tami could send photos of their trip together. Weeks later, Tami said, she said she got a call from a Georgia police officer asking to meet.

On the way to the local police station, she learned that Kay had been murdered.

Murder Most Foul

When Kay returned to Georgia from her spa trip in late April 2008, Pam called her to chat. She was hiding something from her sister and I wanted to tell Kay my secret. At the last minute, I decided that I wasnt going to tell her. Instead, they only talked for a short time.

My secret was that I started smoking again after I had stopped for years, Pam told The Daily Beast.

To this day, she wonders whether, if shed told her sister the truth, Kay might have disclosed a secret of her own in return. I am just wondering, if I would have just told her that I was smoking again, maybe she might have said something to me about something, Pam said. Maybe we would have a clue.

About three days later, she received a call from her sisters home. But it wasnt Kay. It was a distraught Hal, who told Pam how he came home from work and found Kay murdered and lying in her own blood on their kitchen floor.

The Gwinnett County Police Department would later discover that Kay was also punched before her throat was slashed in the afternoon attack, which occurred on the first floor of the home they rented in Lawrenceville.

When Hal first arrived home, a police report noted, he knew something was wrong. He drove his Bentley into the garage just before 7 p.m., and found it unusual that Kay did not meet him at the garage to [the] kitchen door, the report states. He claimed that this was her usual custom upon hearing the garage door being activated.

Hal later told police that when he entered the house and found Kay in the kitchen, he believed that she had the house phone clutched in her hands and must have been trying to call for help when she was killed.

Authorities were called to the house on Sugar Lake Court at around 6:54 p.m. on May 1, 2008. When officers arrived, Kays body was already cold to the touch, and Hal was exceedingly distraught, the investigative report states.

The report notes that while Hal repeatedly stated that he had no idea why anyone would do this or what happened to Kay, the scene suggested a personal attack. Timmons noted that the way Kays body was positioned, it appeared she had been lying on the couch reading a book when he believes she let her killer inside.

Her sneakers were still in the living room by the couch, the private investigator said. And there were blood droplets everywhere. The droplets suggested it was a violent attack, and that she was hit hard with a very intense blow that must have stunned her.

The manner of Kays death was overly gruesome, Timmons said, suggesting either a crime of passion or a paid hit. He also noted that nothing was taken from the homeeven though the safe in the master bedroom was full of Kays jewelry. Authorities also found a white towel with Kays blood on it in the adjoining closet.

The investigative report says that a medical examiner concluded that Kay sustained two distinct lacerations on her neck and died from the blood loss.

The first [blow] would have killed her. The second one is what was called an insurance cut, Timmons said. Why not just walk in and shoot her with a gun? Why the violence? Its not easy to cut anyones throat.

An autopsy noted that Kay exhibited no signs of being sexually active or assaulted prior to her death, and that she sustained at least two contusions to the head during her attack, one to the forehead and the other on the right side of her face. The wounds were consistent with being struck a hard blow or having the forehead against something such as a wall or floor and then again with a punch or other strike.

Investigators say that Kay was most likely murdered in the middle of the afternoon and hours before Hal returned from worka fact that stunned several of the Wenals neighbors.

It was in broad daylight, which was the weirdest part, neighbor Sundus Adhi told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution at Kays funeral five days later.

Another neighbor, Som Sharma, told the paper in 2008 that Hal had called home around midday to invite his wife out to lunch, but she didnt pick up the phone. Later, when Hal discovered Kays body, he ran to Sharmas house for help. (Sharma and Adhi did not respond to requests for comment.)

On that day he was crying, Oh my wife, what happened? What happened to you? Sharma said.

The Man in the Wire-Rimmed Glasses

From the start, police tried to piece together whether Kays murder was a crime of passion.

Authorities quickly ruled out Hal as a suspect, as he had an alibi. The investigative report notes that after briefly visiting an employee at home, Hal was in and out of work all day. He even stopped at Taco Bell for lunch.

Hal went all over on the day of the murderand a lot of those places had security cameras, Timmons said, adding that investigators were able to piece together his day and conclude he had an ironclad alibi.

As for Kays exes, the model had apparently heard from her third husband just months before the murder. Pam said that he had called to say hi, and offered that his wife wanted to have dinner with Kay and Hal.

Kay didnt see any reason for that to happen, the sister added.

But Timmons, the private investigator, noted that his team looked into Kays third husband and saw no indication that he was involved. It is not clear if authorities looked into her other former spouses.

Then, on July 23, 2008, authorities were alerted to a suspicious package that had been mailed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which had previously reported on the crime. Inside the manila envelope, officers discovered an unsigned letter comprised of letters cut from magazines and other source clipping glued to a sheet of paper to compose a message.

The letter purported to be from Kays jilted lover.

The letter purported to be from Kays jilted lover. Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Gwinnett Police Department

I bet Kay Wenal never told anyone what she really was. It turns out she was just a money-grubbing whore, the note, a copy of which was reviewed by The Daily Beast, began.

I loved her. She said we could be together. She told me she hated her house and That fat Miserable lying mother fucking husband. She said she loved me. But that was a lie too. I told her this would happen if she didn't keep her goddamned promises to me.

The note stated that Kays white trash family screwed everything up.

His money was more important than our love, the note added. We could have been so happy together but they fucked everything up.

Authorities were unable to identify who sent the letter, and no DNA or other useful forensics were found on it. Mary Ellen O'Toole, a retired FBI agent and Behavior Analysis Unit profiler who examined the note for The Daily Beast, said that the very negative tone of the note does indicate familiarity with the victim and her husband.

OToole noted that while the author suggested an intimate relationship with Kay, she believes that portion was purposely misleading. But she added that the author might have had a connection to the Wenals home given their decision to claim that Kay hated the property.

As for the decision to send the note to a news outlet, OToole said that points to the authors desire to publicly shame the Wenalswhich again suggests that the unknown individual may have known Kay.

The themes of the note also suggest that the author, in everyday circumstances, might make insulting and or demeaning off-handed comments about the victim and her husband in conversations, for the same purposeto put them downbut sans the profanity, OToole added.

A police spokesperson told The Daily Beast that despite the angry tone of the letter, it did not point to any known suspects.

While investigators found no evidence that Kay had been having an affair, they did discover some racy fetish-wear inside the master bedroom closeta black corset, two star-shaped silver colored nipple pasties, a fishnet bodysuit, a black brazier connected by a strap to a matching thong and an outfit best described as lederhosen incorporating a neck strap, the investigative report states.

Hal tried to tell us that all of Kays kink stuff was from a Halloween costume, Timmons said. Yeah right. I think there was something more to that. I think she had a secret life and I think Hal knew about it.

Still, the investigative report notes that authorities asked Hal point blank about whether he believed Kay was having an affairand he responded that he honestly didnt think his wife was cheating and believed that she opened the door to the wrong person on the day of her murder.

Harold expressed his concern that Kay was often too friendly with people she encountered, the report adds. When asked about the anger or revenge motive, Harold reported that he had been in the business over 40 years and nobody, not even the mafia, would kill a mans wife.

Timmons and his team continued to investigate the case for two years alongside the police department. At one point, they looked into reports that a Hobby Lobby employee had allegedly asked Kay out for a drink.

And they also investigated a strangera man who wore wire-rimmed glasseswho had been seen in the neighborhood at the time of Kay's death.

The investigative report states that neighbors told investigators they believed the physically fit and clean-shaven white male was between 45 and 55 years old and that he was no more than 5 feet, 10 inches tall. One neighbor, Vishal Sharma, told investigators that the stranger approached him about a house for sale on their streetand Sharma saw him again, walking on Wenals driveway, on the day of the murder.

A few minutes later Vishal intentionally looked out the window, looking for the subject. He did not see him, the investigative report states. Vishal was certain that this was the same individual who had approached him the afternoon before. (Sharma did not respond to a request for comment.)

Investigators discovered a photo of a unidentified man in Hal's belongings, left, that appeared to match the crime sketch, right. Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Gwinnett Police Department

After Hals death in 2010, when investigators were going through the developers personal effects, they found a photo of a man who looked similar to the description of the stranger in the wire-rimmed glasses. According to a 2012 Gwinnett Daily Post article, the crime sketch appeared to match the individual, who showed up in two photos from the 1980s.

But authorities still do not know the identity of the man in the photographs. A spokesman told The Daily Beast that there have been there have been tips of people fitting the description but when investigated it eventually did not pan out.

Weve talked to everyone we can get our hands on who knew [the Wenals]I mean, everyone, Gwinnett police spokesman Cpl. Jake Smith told the Daily Post at the time. This guy [in the photos] clearly knows them. To this day, we dont know who this is.

Pam added that she does not recognize the spectacled man, but believes that identifying him could be an important clue to figuring out what happened to her sister.

Somebody has to know this guy, right? she added.

The Definition of a Cold Case

After Kays murder, Hal offered a reward for leads that eventually grew to $250,000. He also refused to leave the rental home he shared with his wife of 16 years, Pam said.

He said he felt closer to Kay by staying there, Pam said. I was always scared [to go back] when we went back to help Hal with different things.

Hal also hired a team of private investigators, led by Timmons, in his desperate search for answersand, his lawyer friend Block speculates, to squelch any speculation that he might be connected to his wifes death.

Block, who said he took Hal home with him the day of the murders and began acting as the Wenals family spokesperson, believes one reason for the lack of answers was that the investigation was not handled well.

I think its the definition of a cold case from day one, Block said. It was never an exciting investigation or an intense investigation from my perspective.

The 132-investigative report details that authorities tracked down dozens of Hals business associates across the countrybut came up empty on leads. A police spokesperson told The Daily Beast that investigators looked at Hals finances and didnt find anything that would lead us to believe there was a connection between his money troubles and the murder.

Two years after Kays slaying, Hal was trying to adjust to a new normal without his beloved wife. He threw himself into work. In June 2010, he met up with a longtime friend, Mike Galla, to discuss businessand the thousands of dollars Hal owed him.

We went to a very upscale restaurant. We had some wine, and we had an appetizer. I think we had ordered dinner and were in the midst of a conversation when he fell to the floor, Galla said. There was a nurse at an adjoining table, so we did CPR. He was still alive when the emergency folks got there.

But by the time Galla and Block got to the hospital, Hal had died from a heart attack. Block said he had to identify Hals body because he arrived at the hospital first. Afterward, Block said he became the executor of Hals estate and quickly learned that his long-time friend had been hiding many monetary secrets.

Did the stress of losing Kay, of seeing his finances fall apart, contribute to his health? I dont know, but I knew he was under a lot of stress. I know he wanted answers, Galla said.

With Hal gone, those answers have remained elusive. The Gwinnett Police Department spokesperson told The Daily Beast that while the case is still active, no suspects have ever been identified and the identity of whoever wrote the note is unknown.

Kays sister Pam said that after Hals death, she believes the momentum in the murder investigation diminishedespecially since Timmons and his team were no longer leading their own private search. She hopes that someone might still come forward with a clue to the identity of the man in the wire-rimmed glasses. That, she hopes, could be the puzzle piece they are missingthe thing that could crack the case wide open.

As the police spokesperson noted to The Daily Beast, every cold case is deemed to be ultimately solvable given the right circumstances.

Someone somewhere knows what happenedand all it takes is for someone to come forward to offer new evidence.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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King Charles III has invited more than 850 community and charity representatives to his and Queen Camillas coronation in May.

Invitations to the service at Westminster Abbey have been extended to more than 450 British Empire Medal (BEM) recipients in recognition of their contributions.

Among them is record-breaker Max Woosey, 13, dubbed the boy in the tent, who raised more than 750,000 for North Devon Hospice by camping in his garden for three years.

Some 400 young people representing charities will also be able to watch the coronation service and procession from the adjacent St Margarets Church.

The youngsters were nominated by the King and Queen and the UK government.

The BEM recognises the achievement or contribution of service to the community in a local area.

Many recipients attending the coronation were instrumental in providing services and support to their local communities during the Covid-19 lockdowns, Buckingham Palace said.

Max, of Braunton, Devon, first pitched his tent in March 2020 with the aim of raising 100, inspired by his neighbour and friend Rick Abbot, who died of cancer in February 2020.

He went on to set a Guinness World Record for the biggest sum raised by camping, with the proceeds paying for 16 community nurses in north Devon.

Other BEM recipient invitees include Dawn Wood, a constable with Essex Polices marine unit, who became the second fastest woman to row solo across the Atlantic in February 2019, after a 3,000-mile journey from the Canary Islands to Barbados in 51 days.

Since then, she has visited more than 50 schools and communities to talk about her experiences and raise awareness of marine plastic pollution, and in August 2019 she arranged the Big Burnham Litter Pick to clear the shoreline.

(Hugo Burnand/Buckingham Palace) (PA Media)

Grandfather John Anderson, 72, from Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire, who was honoured for his community work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, has also been invited.

The retired firefighter helped set up a call centre where people with Covid-19 could call for a food parcel and have it delivered to their home, and he later established a community food pantry in Fraserburgh.

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On being invited to the coronation, he said: Its quite a privilege because I wont see another one and Ive never seen one.

Theres a lot more higher up people than me, film stars, lords and ladies... to be asked is quite an honour.

Buckingham Palace said the 400 young people invited to the special private viewing of the coronation at St Margarets Church represent a range of charities.

Half of them are involved with the Princes Trust, the Princes Foundation, Barnardos, the National Literacy Trust or the Ebony Horse Club, after the organisations were chosen by Charles and Camilla.

The other 200 are from the Scout Association, Girlguiding UK, St John Ambulance and the National Citizen Service and were nominated by the government.

The four organisations are providing stewarding, route lining and first aid services on coronation day across London.

The 400 guests will also be able to see the coronation procession leaving Westminster Abbey at the end of the service.

St Margarets is known as the Church on Parliament Square and is a 12th century place of worship.

It is understood that this is the first time St Margarets has been used to host youngsters at a coronation, Buckingham Palace said.

The late Queen was a royal patron of the Scout Association, Girlguiding UK and Barnardos, and Charles and Camilla are involved with many of the organisations invited to St Margarets.

Reporting by PA
King Charles is supporting research into the monarchys involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. The Guardian first reported that the King is supporting a new research project co-sponsored by Historic Royal Palaces and Manchester University. The comment from Buckingham Palace is thought to be the first time the royals have publicly stated they support research into this history.

"This is an issue that His Majesty takes profoundly seriously," a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told the Guardian. "As His Majesty told the Commonwealth heads of government reception in Rwanda last year: 'I cannot describe the depths of my personal sorrow at the suffering of so many, as I continue to deepen my own understanding of slaverys enduring impact.'"

The spokesperson continued: "That process has continued with vigour and determination since His Majestys accession. Historic Royal Palaces is a partner in an independent research project, which began in October last year, that is exploring, among other issues, the links between the British monarchy and the transatlantic slave trade during the late 17th and 18th centuries. As part of that drive, the royal household is supporting this research through access to the royal collection and the royal archives."

The comment is in response to a Guardian article that revealed a 1689 document showing a transfer of shares in the Royal African Company, a British slave-trading company, to King William III, who reigned over the UK from 1689 to 1702. Buckingham Palace, however, did not comment on the document.

Like King Charles, Prince William, too, expressed his "profound sorrow" over slavery while he visited Jamaica last year. "I strongly agree with my father, the Prince of Wales, who said in Barbados last year that the appalling atrocity of slavery forever stains our history. I want to express my profound sorrow. Slavery was abhorrent, And it should never have happened," he said.

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William is referring to Charles's comments during a ceremony celebrating Barbados becoming a republic, wherein he referred to "the darkest days of our past and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history."

Per the Associated Press, the research into the monarchy's links with slavery is expected to be completed in 2026.

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One person is dead and two firefighters are injured after a kitchen fire started in a home in Holyoke.

Crews responded to the deadly house fire in the area of 19 Donlee Street in Holyoke Friday afternoon at about 1:20 p.m., according to the State Fire Marshal.

Upon arrival firefighters heavy fire from by high winds at the front of the two-story single-family home.

Firefighters entered the home and battled the flames for about 30 minutes before locating one older adult deceased inside.

Two firefighters suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.

Initial investigation shows that the fire began on the left side of the gas range in the kitchen and grew from that point.

This is a sad time for the victims loved ones and our community, said Chief Kadlewicz. I want to offer the family our heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Holyoke Fire Department. Because many families may be sharing meals together this Easter weekend, I also want to remind everyone to stay safe in the kitchen. Stand by your pan when cooking on the stovetop, keep food packaging and other flammable items away from hot surfaces, and never try to move a burning pan or douse it with water. Instead, cover it with a lid or cookie sheet to smother the flames.

Cooking is the leading cause of fires at home in Massachusetts, said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. More than 10,000 fires each year start with cooking, and the results can be devastating. Please use caution in the kitchen.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The U.S. Supreme Court Poses For Official Group Photo

United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas poses for an official portrait at the East Conference Room of the Supreme Court building in Washington, DC. on October 7, 2022. Credit - Alex WongGetty Images

For more than 20 years now, conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has been accepting luxury trips from billionaire and Republican super donor Harlan Crow, without reporting them in his financial disclosures, a news investigation from ProPublica found. On Friday Thomas referred to Crow as a dear friend and said that he didnt have to report hospitality from Crow.

ProPublica reports that Thomas and his wife have flown on Crows private jet, cruised on his yacht and spent about a week every summer at his private resort in the Adirondack mountains. The investigative nonprofit news outlet reports that Thomas 2019 trip island hopping in Indonesia with a chartered plane and a superyachtowned by Crowwould have cost Thomas more than half a million dollars if hed paid for it. As a public servant, Thomas has an annual salary of $285,000.

Legal experts are debating the ethics of Thomas omitting the vacations from his financial disclosures, but it remains unclear whether Thomas has violated any laws.

Extravagant vacations

ProPublica looked into flight records and internal documents from Crows office and interviewed dozens of witnesses. The report found that Thomas has flown on Crows private jet on many occasions and has accompanied Crow to Bohemian Grove, an exclusive all-male retreat in California, as well as to Crows ranch in Texas.

More from TIME

Harlan and Kathy Crow are among our dearest friends, and we have been friends for over twenty-five years. As friends do, we have joined them on a number of family trips during the more than quarter century we have known them, Thomas said in a statement Friday.

A real estate developer from Dallas, Crow is the CEO of his own company, Crow Holdings. For years, Crow has contributed millions of dollars to conservative lobbying and other ideological efforts. Crow told ProPublica that he had occasionally extended hospitality to the Thomases over the years.

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In his most recent annual disclosure, Thomas checked the box indicating that he had no gifts to report. Early in my tenure at the Court, I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary, and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable, Thomas added Friday.

As the longest-serving justice on the Supreme Court, Thomas has outlived many justices who he worked with at the beginning of his tenure.

The ethical dilemma

Supreme Court justices are generally required to report gifts worth more than $415, classified as anything of value. Exceptions for staying or dining with friends exist, but transportationsuch as flights on Crows private jetare still supposed to be reported.

Following the Watergate scandal, a 1978 law mandated that government officials, including congressmen, federal judges and Supreme Court justices, disclose their finances in an annual report. However, new guidelines launched on March 14 clarify which things must be reported, and justices are now required to disclose when they receive any free gifts and lodging at commercial properties, or whenever the hospitality is reimbursed by an outside third party.

It is, of course, my intent to follow this guidance in the future, Thomas said.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, said Thursday that the Senate Judiciary Committee will act on the report.

The highest court in the land shouldnt have the lowest ethical standards. Todays ProPublica report reveals that Justice Thomas has for years accepted luxury travel on private yachts and jets and a litany of other gifts that he failed to disclose, Durbin said. Todays report demonstrates, yet again, that Supreme Court Justices must be held to an enforceable code of conduct.

On Friday, 24 Democrats from both chambers of Congress sent Chief Justice John Roberts a letter calling for a swift, thorough, independent and transparent investigation to determine if Thomas vacations broke any laws or ethics rules.
A serviceman of the 28th mechanized brigade with an RPG in a front-line trench in the Bakhmut area, April 5, 2023

A serious shift in aerial warfare in the area has been noted due to the appearance of guided bombs on the battlefield, while deep inside Russia, the situation is increasingly out of the Kremlin's control.

Read also: The 12 steps to de-occupy Crimea  Ukraines Security Council

Kyiv Security Forum experts analyzed this weeks key frontline events.

Global debate continues as to whether Ukraine should continue to hold Bakhmut

Read also: Ukraine's Defense Ministry refutes Russian myths about Battle of Bakhmut

The Russian offensive near Bakhmut and Avdiyivka in Donbas has nearly ended. This is recognized both in Moscow and abroad. Ukraine is losing small sections of the front, but capturing others nearby, which is typical for this type of defense.

The key aspect of the Battle of Bakhmut is military-political (in other words, "strategic communications"). Both sides face an intense debate about correct tactics.

In Russia, talks are centered on whether their offensive will ultimately fail, despite the huge human losses, and whether they will withstand the Ukrainian counteroffensive. Feuding with the Russian Defense Ministry, Wagner PMC leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is publicly threatening Russians with the loss of Donbas and Crimea. The network of FSB agent Girkin-Strelkov is also stepping up its alarmist rhetoric. In spite of the censorship on Russian TV, these factors are discrediting Russias continued mobilization.

Read also: Bakhmut is protecting four near-front cities, says former Aidar commander

Ukraine has demonstrated qualitative changes in the defense of Donbas, primarily with the increased use of armored vehicles. There is still an ongoing debate about whether it is worth continuing to hold Bakhmut. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was forced to clarify that political considerations are important in the decision-making process of the Commander-in-Chief when it comes to the small Donbas city.

The most important trend is the increased use of tactical aviation (fighter jets) by the enemy.

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Profound and controversial changes in the use of aviation are being see thanks to the emergence of a fundamentally new weapon: guided aerial bombs.

Read also: Is it even possible to equip MiG fighter jets with Western missiles?  Air Force answers

Ukraine has received several Soviet-made MiG-29 fighters from NATO. This is a success: "The impossible" in relations with the Ramstein Club has once again become a reality.

Russia continues to outnumber Ukraine in terms of quantity and quality of fighter jets, but cannot dominate the skies because of Ukraine's strong air defense and Moscow's internal problems.

The key to modern air warfare is not the aircraft (platforms), but the weapons (bombs, missiles, etc.) that they launch. Here, Ukraine has long been critically inferior to Russia, but the nature of the weapons used by the parties is currently changing.

Both Ukraine and Russia have begun using so-called gliding (or "guided") bombs without an engine but with a control system. They are dropped from fighter jets 10-50 kilometers from the target. This is a compromise technology between expensive guided missiles and unguided weapons (with a maximum range of 3-4 km).

The Ukrainian Air Force has a small number of American JDAM-ER bombs. Russia has begun to massively deploy the UPAB-1500 and UPAB-500, untested Russian analogs of the JDAM.

Russia cannot protect deep inside its borders, including the Putin regime.

The assassination of Russian propagandist Vladlen Tatarsky (Maxim Fomin) in St. Petersburg and the outbreak of guerrilla warfare in Ingushetia (at least three Russian security officers were killed) further undermine the situation in Russia.

Read also: Salute to Prigozhin or Putins provocation to more brutal actions. Who benefits from the death of the propagandist Tatarsky?

On the one hand, confidence in internal security is eroding  and this is key to the existence of the Putin regime. Before his death, Tatarsky was a well-known figure among the Z-zealots, a subculture that has become the regime's only political support, influencing its ideology and propaganda.

On the other hand, the Kremlin again failed to protect deep inside its own borders when it comes to mass mobilization for the frontline in Ukraine.

The question of the dispersion of Russian forces  which might further be "torn away" from Donbas and Kherson Oblast to protect Moscow and the Caucasus, or to conduct mass repressions against "liberals", arises.

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
The Arizona US senator Kyrsten Sinema is preparing for an independent re-election campaign in a move that will not only test whether the former Democrat can build a centrist base apart from her former party  but may also risk splitting votes among Democratic supporters.

Earlier this week, Sinema gathered her team in Phoenix and discussed re-election strategies, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing anonymous sources. Part of the meetings involved Sinema and her team reviewing slideshows that laid out a timeline of her potential run, as well as timing details, according to the Journal which reviewed the slides.

Related: Ruben Gallego to run for Arizona Senate seat held by Kyrsten Sinema

The slideshows covered Sinemas current communications strategy and highlighted her track record as an independent senator.

Kyrsten is an independent voice for Arizona. As Arizonas senior senator, shes committed to ignoring partisan politics, shutting out the noise and delivering real results helping everyday Arizonans build better lives for themselves and their families, one of the slides said, according to the Journal.

Another slide indicated obtaining a poll and opposition research by 30 September and finalizing campaign staff by the end of the year, the Journal reported.

Sinema defected from the Democratic party and declared herself an independent last December, days after Democrats and independents secured a 51-49 majority in the Senate.

I have joined the growing numbers of Arizonans who reject party politics by declaring my independence from the broken partisan system in Washington, Sinema announced in an op-ed in Arizona Central at the time.

The switch came after Sinema, over the last two years, often withheld her support for the Joe Biden White Houses various legislative initiatives, including voting rights protections. That drew the ire of many of her colleagues and supporters of the Democratic president.

With Sinema preparing for a re-election campaign, Arizona seems to be in store for a competitive three-way race that also involves Democratic US House representative Ruben Gallego, 43, and unsuccessful 2022 Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, 53.

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According to an individual familiar with Sinemas campaign, she has brought in $2m this year through March and has approximately $10m cash on hand, the Journal reported.

Experts speculate that Sinemas independent re-election campaign could split Democratic votes and set the Republicans up to turn the seat in their favor.

Last Thursday, Arizona Democrats announced that they would sue to prevent the moderate organization No Labels from being recognized as a political party for the 2024 elections. The move signals Democrats concerns that a third-party candidate may split votes and in turn risk Bidens re-election as well as bring about a potential Republican majority in the Senate.
Pointing to concerns about its water supply, Lakeland is challenging a decision by the state Department of Environmental Protection to approve a permit for a new Duke Energy Florida high-voltage power line in Polk County.

The challenge, filed Thursday at the state Division of Administrative Hearings, alleges that the project could damage a city wellfield that plays a key role in Lakelands water supply.

Read: Central Florida man arrested, charged with attempted murder after shooting at McDonalds drive-thru

The project would cross the Northeast Wellfield and include such work as driving power poles into the ground and building an access road, according to the citys petition for an administrative hearing.

Due to a number of complex factors  no reasonably achievable or economically feasible replacement of the citys permitted water supply is available, the petition said. Thus, the destruction of the NEWF (Northeast Wellfield) or the elimination or restriction of the permitted and authorized water supply of the City of Lakeland would be a public disaster equal to or worse than that caused by a major hurricane or other natural disaster.

Read: Florida Power & Light customers may see lower costs on their bills

The Department of Environmental Protection approved the Duke permit in November.

The petition raises a series of arguments, including that the city did not properly receive notice about the permit application and the states intent to issue the permit.

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.
Police have identified the attempted murder suspect who led officers on a vehicle pursuit through South Los Angeles on Friday during which a puppy was thrown from the suspect's moving vehicle.

Gustavo Alvarez, 27, of Los Angeles was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and carjacking, police said. He is being held without bail.

Police also identified two women arrested on suspicion of helping Alvarez evade officers: Lynette Moreno, 27, of Los Angeles and Michelle Zamudio, 25, of Santa Monica.

During the long chase, a dog was put in a designer bag and tossed from the suspect's vehicle, police said. The dog was not harmed and is now in the care of South L.A. Animal Services, where it is being held pending the police investigation.

LAPD News: (Pursuit Update): On April 7, 2023, around 12:12 p.m., Southeast officers initiated a pursuit of a wanted suspect in connection to an attempted murder/carjacking that occurred on March 26, 2023, in the area of 101st Street & San Pedro Street. pic.twitter.com/Bu719ZWpvg  LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) April 8, 2023

The pursuit started around noon Friday at 99th Street and Avalon Boulevard, police said. The suspect was wanted in connection to an attempted murder and carjacking that occurred on March 26, near the 101 Freeway and San Pedro Street, police said.

The chase continued near Los Angeles International Airport before heading back into South L.A., with the suspect's pickup ramming into other vehicles, officials said.

At one point, the truck stopped in the middle of a roadway and the suspect and two women exited, with the man jumping into an SUV that sped off, footage from KTLA-TV Channel 5 showed.

Around 2 p.m., the SUV slowed in West Carson and the man and the female driver jumped out of the vehicle as it was still moving, KTLA footage showed. The suspect ran through a neighborhood before being arrested without incident in front of a home at Vermont Avenue and Belson Street in West Carson, police said.

The two women were arrested a short time later.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
"Real Housewives" star Jen Shah isn't putting her money where her mouth is according to lawyer's Thursday filing. (Bravo)

Jen Shahs attorney has moved to drop the reality TV star and prison inmate as her client for allegedly racking up a hefty debt.

Shah, who starred in "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" and who is currently imprisoned at a federal facility in Bryan, Texas, allegedly owes her attorney $50,000 in unpaid fees and $74,422.95 in unpaid expenses, totaling $124,422.95.

Shah's attorney, Priya Chaudhry, filed court documents Thursday, obtained by People, that claimed that Shah was falling short on promises she made to pay that outstanding debt.

Chaudhry filed a motion last month requesting to withdraw as counsel for the TV personality, arguing that Shah had failed to pay her firm and was in breach of their contract, the court documents say.

Chaudhry represented Shah when she faced charges of carrying out a nearly decade-long nationwide telemarketing scam. Shah pleaded guilty last year.

Shah and her husband Sharrieff Shah repeatedly promised to pay these outstanding amounts, and the firm continued to provide services, relying on the written engagement with Shah and the promises of her husband, Chaudhry stated in March 24 court papers.

The law firm claims they made several unsuccessful collections attempts and that Shah was notified of her debts last month while incarcerated, according to the documents.

Assistant U.S. Atty. Kiersten Ann Fletcher said at the sentencing hearing in July that Shah had engaged in the scheme from 2012 to 2021, conspiring to sell illegitimate services to older and computer-illiterate people.

Shah admitted she was aware of the fraud during the hearing, saying, I knew this was wrong and that many people were harmed, and Im so sorry.

She also pledged to pay more than $6.6 million in restitution and agreed to a forfeiture of $6.5 million, 30 luxury items and 78 counterfeit luxury items.

Per the Federal Bureau of Prisons' inmate database, Shahs 6 -year sentence was reduced, and she will now be released on Aug. 30, 2028  a year earlier than her under her original sentence.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WASHINGTON  The Justice Department is investigating the leak of secret documents from the Pentagon on the war effort in Ukraine that show sensitive data on military activities, including U.S. drone spy planes in the region and use of ammunition by Ukrainian forces.

A Ukrainian MSLR BM-21 "Grad" fires towards Russian positions, at the frontline in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Saturday, April 8, 2023.

The Justice Department, at the Pentagon's request, has launched an investigation of the leak and who is responsible for the intelligence breach. It's unclear, officials said Saturday, if more documents could be released or the motivation for leaking them.

The Department of Defense is actively reviewing the matter, and has made a formal referral to the Department of Justice for investigation," Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon's deputy press secretary, said in a statement.

The leaks, first reported by The New York Times, include documents released on social media sites, including Twitter.

Detailed information on Ukrainian weaponry

One document appears to have come from the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It is dated March 1, and is labeled secret and not for distribution to foreign governments. It details U.S. forces in the region on the ground, air and at sea. The document also includes how many artillery shells Ukrainian forces have fired, including rocket-assisted missiles that have been used to devastating effect on Russian command posts and supply depots.

The Times also reported Saturday that more documents had been released that show the U.S. spying on allies.

Ukrainian soldiers install an anti-tank missile system 'Stugna' near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Friday, March 17, 2023.

Senior administration officials contacted Saturday by USA TODAY called the leaks worrisome. One said it's unclear if more will be released. The sources were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.

More context: Ukraine keeps fighting in Bakhmut; Pentagon investigating leak, report says: Live updates

Why did the documents about Ukraine leak online?

A second administration source called the leak an egregious betrayal of trust but speculated that the information released had limited value because it is several weeks old. The war changes rapidly, day by day, rendering the information a snapshot in time, the source said.

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The motivation for the leaks is unclear, according to that source. It's possible that hundreds of people had access to the documents. The administration official said it could be an extremist who sympathizes with Russia and Vladimir Putin, or an ideologue bent on changing the course of the war, or a disloyal U.S. spy.

Those who spill U.S. government secrets face stiff penalties. Chelsea Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2013 for her role in leaking classified government material to WikiLeaks. President Barack Obama commuted her sentence in 2017.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why did secret Pentagon documents about Ukraine leak online?
19th Chinese medical team provides medical services in Senegal

Xinhua) 10:06, April 08, 2023

Chinese medical team member Yan Duan works at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal on March 21, 2023. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Chinese medical team member Huang Jianbin (2nd R) works at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal on March 21, 2023. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Chinese medical team member Zhang Yong (L) prepares for surgery at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal on March 21, 2023. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Chinese medical team member Cai Zhiliang examines a young patient at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal on March 21, 2023. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Chinese medical team member Peng Jie identifies the patient's blood samples at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal on March 21, 2023. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (Xinhua/Wang Zizheng)

Members of the 19th Chinese medical team work out near the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal on March 26, 2023. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (The 19th Chinese medical team to Senegal/Handout via Xinhua)

Chinese medical team member Zhang Yong (2nd R) operates on a child at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal on March 21, 2023. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Chinese medical team member Jiang Wenkuang works with a local doctor at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal on March 21, 2023. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

This photo taken on March 21, 2023 shows a view of the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Chinese medical team member Huang Jianbin encourages a patient who is about to undergo surgery at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal on March 29, 2023. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (The 19th Chinese medical team to Senegal/Handout via Xinhua)

Chinese medical team member Guo Lianghua and a young patient fist bump at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal on Feb. 23, 2023. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (The 19th Chinese medical team to Senegal/Handout via Xinhua)

Nurse Qiu Jinghua (1st L) of the Chinese medical team assists the doctor in an operation at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal on March 21, 2023. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Chinese medical team member Tang Rongning examines a young patient at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio in Dakar, Senegal on March 21, 2023. The 19th Chinese medical team dispatched to Senegal has been providing medical services at the Children's Hospital of Diamniadio since November 2021. As of March 31, 2023, the medical team had provided 7,058 outpatient services, completed 3,150 surgeries and 1,039 cases of anesthesia. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 8)  The Philippines has shipped its first batch of durian to China as part of the implementation of a bilateral deal signed with the East Asian giant in January, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Saturday.

The DA said the country sent out on Thursday a 28-ton durian cargo, sourced from local producers and processors, particularly from the Davao region.

"Another shipment of 28 tons was sent off via airfreight, while 10 container vans loaded with a total 7.2 tons was transported via sea vessel, on Saturday, April 8," the agency added.

The DA also said that prior to the delivery, the General Administration Customs of China said five packaging facilities and 58 durian farms received the "green light" from the Chinese government.

In February, Malacanang announced that the Philippines was poised to send in March an initial volume of 7,500 metric tons of durian, which would be sourced from 59 local farmers and producers.

On Jan. 4, Manila and Beijing signed the "Protocol of the Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Durians from the Philippines to China," which opened up the Chinese market for an estimated 50,000 metric tons of fresh durian.

The DA said the deal is expected to generate $260 million or 14.3 billion in revenues for the local durian industry.

RELATED: DA to expand durian production
President Joe Biden walks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at St. Michaels Golden-Domed Cathedral on a surprise visit, Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, in Kyiv. Leaked documents prove the U.S. infiltrated the Russian military and intelligence in order to warn Ukraine about incoming threats. | Evan Vucci, Associated Press

Highly sensitive classified documents leaked from the Pentagon on social-media sites show that the U.S. has access to Russias security and intelligence agencies. The leak could compromise American and Ukrainian efforts in the war.

The Wall Street Journal reported over 100 images of classified documents were posted on social-media sites in early March, showing how the U.S. is assisting Ukraine in the war.

The New York Times reported that the trove of documents reveals that the U.S. has been able to warn Ukraine before any Russian strikes, and that the Russian military is struggling in its war in Ukraine and of a military apparatus that is deeply compromised. The leak could also hurt the U.S.s efforts in Ukraine, and could compromise American intelligence sources.

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What now? As the leaked documents were marked classified, the Department of Justice has reportedly opened up an investigation into how the documents appeared online, according to CNN.

We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the Department is reviewing the matter, Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said.

Singh further said, The Department of Defense is actively reviewing the matter, and has made a formal referral to the Department of Justice for investigation.

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How much information was released? The Wall Street Journal reported well over a hundred classified documents were released online. CBS reported that five slides were published on a pro-Russian Telegram channel on Thursday.

The documents ranged in date from late February to early March of this year and discussed worldwide intelligence briefings to tactical-level battlefield updates and assessments of Ukraines defense capabilities, according to The Washington Post.

There is speculation on whether or not people will get in trouble with the law for forwarding or reposting the documents on social media.

The fact that unedited and edited  doctored  versions of some files are available online makes me skeptical that this is a professional Russian intelligence operation, Thomas Rid, an expert on state-backed information operations, told CNN.

CNN further reported that Russia analyst Dmitri Alperovitch said, If real, the leaking of these documents can do significant damage to Ukrainian counteroffensive since this information effectively provides Russia with Ukrainian order of battle  extensive information on capabilities of brigades that would be involved in upcoming counteroffensive.
Used boxes of mifepristone pills, the first drug used in a medical abortion, fill a trash at Alamo Womens Clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico, January 11, 2023. Evelyn Hockstein / Reuters

A drug approved by the FDA over two decades ago for use in medical abortions and miscarriages is at risk of being pulled from the market after a decision by a Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas on Friday.

However, a second federal judge in Washington state issued a competing ruling that would prohibit the FDA from pulling the drug, mifepristone, off the market, in the 12 states covered by the ruling, which include Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Vermont.

The conflicting rulings may set the stage for a Supreme Court battle over the drug, which is used in combination with misoprostol for medical abortions and to treat miscarriages.

In the Texas ruling, US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk said the FDA did not consider "the psychological effects of the drug or an evaluation of the longterm medical consequences of the drug. His decision is on hold for seven days, giving the Biden administration time to appeal  which it has already done. On Friday night, the Department of Justice filed an appeal in the Texas case, and issued a statement saying it "strongly disagrees" with the ruling. The DOJ will also review the Washington ruling.

As of April 8, mifepristone is still available in the United States. Depending on the ultimate decision, it could mean that mifepristone, which is widely considered safe by medical experts, may not be able to be dispensed even in states where abortion is legal.

The medical community is in consensus that mifepristone, which was first approved in 2000, is safe under its current regulations. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and nine other medical organizations submitted a brief to the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Amarillo Division, saying there is overwhelming evidence demonstrating that mifepristone  which has undergone rigorous testing and review and has been safely used in the United States for 23 years  is conclusively safe and effective.

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Coming on the heels of last years overturn of Roe v. Wade, the Texas ruling, which major medical groups said is not based on science , would place further burdens on equal access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion treatment. A Christian legal group filed the lawsuit claiming, among other things, that mifepristone is a dangerous drug and the FDA has failed Americas women and girls.

The lawsuit is the latest step in a long-running effort to restrict or even ban abortion across the United States. Following the Supreme Court's overturn of Roe, many states rushed to ban or seriously restrict abortion.

As of April 2023, 13 states have banned abortion from the point of conception, according to reproductive rights think tank the Guttmacher Institute, and many states with restrictions are also looking to tighten them: State lawmakers in Florida, for example, recently introduced bills to change the deadline to access abortion from 15 weeks to 6 weeks, before many people know they're pregnant. Notably, many of the new laws restricting abortion exclude the pregnant person from prosecution for their own abortion  making self-managed abortion via medication a vital lifeline. Medical abortions currently account for 53% of abortions in the US.

Even if the courts ultimately rule in favor of blocking access to the drug, doctors will continue to make evidence-based abortion options available to their patients in states where its legal , healthcare providers said.

When my patients and I come up with a treatment plan together, my priority is to use the science to make recommendations that best honors my patients' priorities, and for a third party to interfere with that process because of their own interests is ridiculous, said Dr. Melissa Myo, an OB-GYN in California and fellow of the advocacy group Physicians for Reproductive Health. Yes, we will continue to have alternatives because our goal is to take care of our patients, but it also means that patients will have a more narrow range of choices available to them, for no justifiable reason.

What are the abortion options if mifepristone is no longer available?

First, heres a brief explanation of how mifepristone works: Used through the 10th week of pregnancy, the drug stops the production of progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue; then, misoprostol is given to expel the pregnancy tissue from the uterus, which involves cramping and bleeding.

The two-drug regimen is the recognized standard of care for medication abortion, with less than 1% of patients having any serious side effects, as ACOG stated in the court brief . There is a greater risk of complications and death from colonoscopy, wisdom tooth removal, or using Viagra.

Both drugs together are also used for miscarriage treatment , particularly for missed abortions, which are miscarriages where the pregnancy has stopped progressing but the tissue has not been expelled by the body. Failure to remove the fetal tissue in these cases can lead to infections and potentially life-threatening sepsis.

Mifepristone is a very safe and effective medication that millions of patients have used for medication abortion and miscarriage management, said Dr. Kristyn Brandi, a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

If access to mifepristone is restricted nationwide, there are two alternatives.

One option is using misoprostol alone. Prior to the approval of mifepristone, a regimen that only uses misoprostol was used and has been shown to be safe and effective, Myo said. Misoprostol-only regimens are used worldwide in places that do not have mifepristone. With the single-drug method, multiple doses of misoprostol are taken to induce contractions so that the uterus can pass the pregnancy, she said.

However, the addition of mifepristone decreases the amount of misoprostol and time required to completely pass the pregnancy, Myo said. While misoprostol-only regimens are also safe and effective, banning mifepristone when we have good evidence that tells us it is safe is another way for politics to dictate quality medical care.

Brandi said that although using misoprostol alone is an option, it may not be the best one. There are other options for medication abortion, but the data show that mifepristone plus misoprostol is the safest and most effective treatment regimen, she said. Neither the evidence supporting the use of mifepristone nor the clinical recommendations from ACOG have changed  only the law has.

Misoprostol can also be used on its own for miscarriage management, but, as with elective abortion, research has shown that adding mifepristone for miscarriage treatment is more effective.

A patient prepares to take mifepristone, the first pill given in a medical abortion, at Women's Reproductive Clinic of New Mexico in Santa Teresa, US. Evelyn Hockstein / Reuters

How to access medication in your state

As has long been the case for mifepristone, misoprostol, which is not subject to the new court rulings, is also available with a prescription obtained in person or through telehealth appointments depending on state law. Many pharmacies offer the drug, and its also available through mail-order; however, confusing state laws  which sometimes conflict with federal law  on how abortion pills can be distributed have muddied the waters around how to legally obtain them.

In January 2023, the FDA loosened restrictions on medication abortion, for the first time allowing retail pharmacies to dispense the pills with a prescription. However, under pressure from anti-abortion politicians, pharmacies like Walgreens have declined to offer the medication in 21 states where abortion is banned or lawmakers have proposed bans or restrictions. Meanwhile, 15 states where abortion is legal have some kind of restriction on medication abortion use.

Ask your doctor or use a trusted online resource like Planned Parenthood to find out about access to the drug in your state.

The second abortion and miscarriage alternative is surgical, which is a more invasive option.

For both abortion and miscarriage management, alternatives to mifepristone include a misoprostol-only medication regimen as well as procedures that can remove the pregnancy, Myo said. Both of these possible treatment options are safe and effective, and are completed routinely as a part of full-spectrum gynecologic care.

With the surgical route, the most common procedural option is an aspiration procedure, where a small straw is placed into the uterus from the vagina, through the cervix, and vacuum suction is applied to remove the pregnancy, Myo said. It is a similar principle to getting your blood drawn, where some suction has to be applied to be able to remove blood from your body.

Another common procedure used in abortions, whether they are elective or spontaneous abortions like a miscarriage, is the D&C, or dilation and curettage .

Removing mifepristone access could have a wide-ranging impact

In addition to increasing the demand for misoprostol and potentially overburdening clinics that provide surgical procedures, ending access to mifepristone is a way for anti-abortion groups to make access to these other abortion options more difficult, and sow confusion about what alternatives are legal.

For people who experience poverty, racism, or disabilities, or who have less social, physical, or financial capability to travel and accommodate an ever-changing legal landscape, banning mifepristone when it is a safe and effective medication means potentially removing abortion care from their options altogether, Myo said ahead of the ruling. For people who already have problems accessing healthcare in general, the compounding effects of legal obstacles, financial obstacles, and abortion stigma have prevented so many from being able to obtain the care that is right for them.

Brandi also expressed her frustration with the possibility of ending access to mifepristone. This outrageous case has nothing to do with the safety of mifepristone, and the decision to remove it from the market will cause harm for patients like mine across the country, she said ahead of the ruling.

For example, what should you do if you dont live near a clinic, or cant afford to get to one?

Abortion funds can help, and you can find abortion funds on abortionfunds.org ," Myo said. The fact that there are resources available, however, should not distract from the core of the problem: The anti-abortion extremists who are influencing policy based on their beliefs should not be allowed to change the provision of quality medical care.

Because of the current legal landscape around abortion, Myo said her advice to patients includes doing your research ahead of time, so you know what your options are before the need for abortion or miscarriage treatment even arises. Doing the research when you have an arbitrary deadline is more stressful than when you are simply planning for a possible future scenario, she said. If seeking a pregnancy termination is ever, at all, a possible decision for you or for people you care about, doing the research now may become very important in the future.

Myo recommends locating providers using trusted resources like Ineedana.com , Abortion Finder, or the National Abortion Federation clinic finder. I would also recommend keeping an eye out for crisis pregnancy centers, [run by] scammers that pretend that they offer abortion services and take advantage of the crisis that is trying to find an abortion provider when you have a time limit, she said. These places have websites and clinic fronts that seem to provide all options that should be available to you, but their main goal is to deter abortions, even if it means lying to you about how pregnant you are.

If youre facing a crisis pregnancy, a miscarriage, or simply want to be informed for the future, talk to your doctor about the options in your state. In my practice, I answer as many questions about the different options as thoroughly as possible, because my job is to help my patients choose a treatment that is right for them, Myo said. As providers, we will continue to care for our patients as best we can, because we understand that abortion care is essential healthcare.

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If youre traveling to or from the island, you better pack a snack, one Lowcountry Facebook user posted on Tuesday.

The quip warned drivers attempting to cross the U.S. 278 bridge to Hilton Head Island of an all-too-familiar obstacle  a standstill caused by an accident, disrupting traffic on the two-lane span.

Delays have become more and more common when traveling during peak traffic periods, which seem to get longer each year  especially throughout spring and summer when the warm weather draws millions of tourists to its beaches each year.

Hilton Head has fewer than 40,000 year-round residents, but 2.5 million visitors a year, according to discoversouthcarolina.com. That means traffic and lots of it.

The traffic jams, an inconvenience for some, have serious consequences for others, including businesses. Sea Pines resident Daryl Morgan told The Island Packet on Wednesday his long-time plumbing provider, based on the mainland, has decided to no longer take work on the island.

Our employees spend more time stuck in traffic than at actual jobs, Morgan recalled the owner telling him. Its not sustainable ... there are people who commute from Bluffton, and theyve had enough. Someone that I work with on the North End said that it sometimes took her two hours to get home. She lives in Bluffton. Even locals like me who take back ways to avoid circles and busy intersections, were all doing that now, so thats just as congested.

A Wednesday NextDoor post referenced another business that made the same decision. The Island Packet reached out to the owners, but did not receive a response back.

The answer, according to man, is a new, larger bridge, which is in the works. But where do things stand?

Beaufort County and the town of Hilton Head Island narrowly agreed to a partnership last fall after lengthy disagreements on the design of a new bridge and the lack of citizen oversight, but the project has seen little movement since then.

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The town recently formed a citizen advisory committee to help oversee a new study of the 278 corridor, and Beaufort County has simultaneously launched its own review alongside CBB, a Missouri-based transportation company. With two new reviews coming and the projects final design still in limbo, the projects next steps, and how long residents will wait for visible progress, are unclear.

A crash on March 9, 2023 near Squire Pope Road blocked lanes and caused a traffic backup heading onto the island. The sight has become common for long-time island residents and visitors.

Citizens earn a voice

When Hilton Heads Town Council approved a memorandum of understanding between itself and Beaufort County, it was only through a contentious 4-3 vote. One of the opponents, Ward 4 Councilwoman Tamara Becker, said she voted against the agreement because it left citizens on the sidelines.

That has since been rectified by the town, which recently created a citizens committee to move the towns next step in the 278 project forward.

Ward 3 Councilman David Ames said the group and town staff will determine what the most important information about the interstate corridor is, and author a proposal to recruit independent firms to gather that data in a new, town-commissioned study.

There is a segment of the population that is very concerned that the [South Carolina Department of Transportation] work to date has not ferreted out all the options that might benefit the community, and it is the hope of this additional work to discover, if possible, ways of bettering the project, Ames said.

It has a lot to do with a communitys dissatisfaction with the scrutiny and logic of the work to date. ... In order for this additional work, to have credibility in the community, community representatives have to be involved in the selection process.

The committee members appointed by the Town Council after an open application period are engineer Charles Walczak, finance professional Diederik Advocaat, Stoney community representative Willie Young, and Edward Warner. Mayor Alan Perry also sits on the committee.

Advocaat stands out as one of the leading members of an island cadre calling itself the Technical Working Group, which has long criticized Beaufort County and SCDOTs decision-making on the 278 project. It launched a petition  which over 10,000 residents have signed  opposing the current plan for a six-lane expanded bridge. The group argues a larger bridge wont address the root cause of congestion on the island  clogged intersections along U.S. 278.

The group has also campaigned for SCDOT to consider a second bridge connecting the islands South End to the mainland.

Because the technical working group was the spokesgroup for a large portion of the population, and we are trying to create a direct communication with that segment of the population, it would make sense to me that that group had a representative on the committee, Ames said of the selection.

Advocaat said while he wouldve wished for more members of the Technical Working Group on the committee, hes pleased with the selected members.

I think it was a gutsy move from the town to actually do their own review, Advocaat said.

Steven Baer, a former Beaufort County councilman and prominent member of the Technical Working Group, also approved of the new committees makeup.

Im delighted, actually, with the way that committee is structured, and if its really an honest effort, I think it will accomplish a lot, Baer said.

Steven Baer

Distrust of county lingers

Hilton Heads decision to launch its own study closely follows Beaufort County hiring its own firm to examine the 278 corridor. In late 2022, the county submitted a request for proposals from traffic firms interested in the project, but only received one bid from a Missouri firm, CBB.

Weve initiated that contract and theyve begun their work, Assistant County Administrator Jared Fralix said.

However, many Hilton Head residents, including Advocaat, remain wary of a county government they say has tried to undercut local authority and force the project forward since its inception.

(Beaufort County) did a quick selection around the end of the year that sort of smells of trying to do things quickly, do things their way and have another review of the same stuff. Its a total waste of money, Advocaat said. Its quite a silly thing to spend money on this.

State Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufourt) remains engaged as a facilitator between the town and county as the new studies move forward, Advocaat said.

Sen. Tom Davis addresses the Hilton Head Town Council on Sept. 20. Davis said he hopes to serve as a mediator between town and county interests on the U.S. 278 project.

Fralix said the county and SCDOT are finalizing work on a finding of no significant impact, or FONSI, to submit to the Federal Highway Administration. The FONSI is the next vital step in moving the project forward, and should the FHA accept SCDOTs findings, the project will enter its final design stage.

Baer and the Technical Working Group published a March 31 letter to the FHA asking the agency to hold off on any FONSI approval until we see a well-documented and justified plan for the corridor.

Baer has repeatedly criticized the project for not including well-known congestion points in its scope, particularly ramps and intersections near the convergence of Gumtree Road, the Cross Island Parkway and U.S. 278.

Created by critics of the countys resolution, this diagram shows the potential ramifications of the bridge expansion project without additional infrastructure improvements.

The countys contract with CBB does account for traffic issues beyond the projects defined scope, Fralix said.

Theyre looking at an end-to-end simulation to see if the proposed improvements address the traffic not only through the corridor, but just beyond the corridor as well, Fralix said. If theres any assumptions that need to be evaluated further, or designs that could be modified or tweaked, or any kind of stone left unturned to make sure that we had the best possible design, thats what theyre evaluating.

The town has yet to provide its municipal consent for any plans. At an October 2022 Town Council meeting, Davis said Hilton Head could rightfully withhold that consent and essentially halt the project.

While the town and county continue their evaluations, island residents and commuters still face a long road ahead before the project is completed, and it remains to be seen how effectively the finished product will address traffic.

The $328 million project doesnt currently have a publicly posted estimated completion date.

With Hilton Heads continued growth and popularity drawing more bodies and cars every year, some locals, like Morgan, wonder whether the projects improvements will keep pace after theyre finally completed or be worth the headaches when construction begins.

Were in for a world of hurt in five to 10 years, Morgan said. This islands going to have huge issues.
That dashing cloudburst that dabbled droplets of rain on your yards plants Saturday morning in Miami? Call it a tease to a wet week ahead local meteorologists forecast.

At this point it looks very, very wet, said CBS News Miami meteorologist Cindy Preszler.

NEXT Weather forecast for Friday 4/7/23 11PM https://t.co/ZZy2lMUseJ  CBS News Miami (@CBSMiami) April 8, 2023

The National Weather Service in Miamis forecast grid is a solid gray from Sunday through Thursday. The sogginess starts with a 60% rain and thunderstorm chance on Easter Sunday, keeps on going Monday, and ramps up again Tuesday and Wednesday to 70% before dipping to 60% Thursday and 40% Friday.

Its been rather dry over the past couple of weeks so to have chances of rain [every day,] this is probably the longest stretch within a couple of weeks, weather service meteorologist Chuck Caracozza told the Miami Herald.

South Florida hasnt seen a weeks worth of rain in the forecast often in 2023 but from Sunday, April 9, to the end of the work week look for up to a 70% chance, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.

What is causing this rain?

Blame (or bless) the rains on a frontal boundary coming down from the north, Caracozza said.

Basically were going to see an increase in moisture with that frontal boundary that is going to come down ... and basically stall just to the south of the area, Caracozza said.

That lingering front will contain enough moisture to support increased chances of showers and thunderstorms into the early portion of the week.

And then another contributor comes to play.

A mid- upper-level low will dive down into the Gulf and that may try to stir up an area of low pressure in the Gulf there, which could throw some moisture our way towards the middle of the week keeping the chances of rainfall in play, Caracozza predicted.

What weather are we looking at?

Its a bit too soon to predict rainfall inches during the week, according to Caracozza.

The models arent in agreement, Preszler explained Friday night.

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But on Saturday the weather services hazardous weather outlook noted several concerns:

 Thunderstorms could have frequent lightning, strong winds, and heavy rainfall leading to localized flooding.

Rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch are possible in South Florida on Easter Sunday.

A breezy weekend gives way to an east wind gusting over 20 mph starting Monday and blowing as high as 25 mph Wednesday.

 Marine conditions deteriorate ahead of that frontal boundary, meaning choppy and high Atlantic seas with swells and crummy beach conditions, along with the gusty winds.

 High rip current risk likely for east coast beaches by Monday, the weather service forecast.

Is there a bright side?

It wont be a washout by any means but therell be chances of showers and thunderstorms each day and areas that do get hit with some of these storms could see locally heavy rainfall, Caracozza said.

So whats the bright side, then?

Note, the weatherman said the week ahead shouldnt be a washout. There will be periods when well have breaks from the rain and some sun.

The Keys will also be nice for the holiday weekend, with only a slight chance of showers at 20% Saturday and Sunday night, according to the weather service in Key West. But then rain begins to invade the island chain Monday with a 40% chance and bumps to 50% Tuesday and Wednesday with thunderstorms in the forecast.

Temperatures will also feel more comfortable than they have been so far in this hot spring.

Look for low- to mid-80s highs Saturday and Sunday and lows about 10 degrees cooler into the low-70s.

As the Miami-area work week resumes the weather service forecasts highs around 78 and lows around 72 Monday through Wednesday. Thursday and Friday eyes a high of 80 and low around 74.

The Keys follows a similar pattern, with highs around 80 or just above and lows in the low-70s.

After Saturdays teasing morning rain, well get one more day today of relatively dry conditions and most of the showers and thunderstorms are going to stay over the interiors, Caracozza said.

Another warm day with highs in the low-mid 80s near the coasts, and upper 80s to around 90 inland. A few showers may develop today, with best chances over interior areas. pic.twitter.com/IbxzZvhGbV  NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) April 8, 2023

Forecast around of Florida

Almost a carbon copy of yesterday morning across the area with lows in the mid to upper 60s!



 Rain chances increase into the afternoon and evening today as frontal boundary approaches the state! #FLwx pic.twitter.com/kYlmbRQZlc  NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) April 8, 2023

Rain is expected in much of the state. Traveling? Heres what to know.

 Orlando: Rain and possible thunderstorm chances are up to 60% from Sunday through Thursday and 50% Friday. Highs in the mid-70s, lows in the mid-60s.

 Tampa Bay area: A 60% rain chance Easter Sunday and 40% Monday and Tuesday. Like elsewhere, that front in the Gulf drives rain and possible thunderstorm chances up Wednesday and Thursday to 60%. Highs in the low-80s, lows in the mid-60s.

 Gainesville: A 60% rain chance Saturday. Easter Sunday the rain chances drop to 30% but there is a wind and marine hazard warning for Sunday and Monday into mid-week for Northeast Florida. Gusts could be in the 35 to 45 mph range, dangerous rip currents and gale conditions late Saturday into Sunday. Highs in the mid-70s, lows around 59.

 Sanibel and Captiva: Easter Sunday ranges from 20 to 50% rain chances and stays gray Monday and Tuesday. Showers and windy Wednesday as the forecast climbs to 70%. Highs in the low-80s, lows in the upper-60s.
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho says attendance at district schools has improved this school year  but one local board district has had a dramatically higher rate of chronically absent students.

In the 2021-2022 school year, 55.4% of students in Board District 2 (BD2) were chronically absent, according to the LAUSD Open Data portal. It was the highest among LAUSDs seven local districts, higher than the 45.2% of all LA Unified students that were chronically absent that same year.

At a press conference earlier this year, Carvalho said chronic absenteeism has decreased by 10% this academic year.

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Schools in BD2 are located in the neighborhoods of East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Downtown Los Angeles, El Sereno, and Lincoln Heights, with a predominantly Latino population and low-income families, which community advocates say have been hit harder by the pandemic.

The neighborhoods BD2 serves are still areas with the most reported COVID-19 cases per 10,000 residents in Los Angeles County.

The data shows that district 2 is in a crisis, said Maria Brenes, a senior advisor to InnerCity Struggle, an advocacy organization based in East Los Angeles. I would compel the district to develop an adequate response, to call for a state of emergency.

Brenes said the lack of affordability in L.A., income inequality, and the housing crisis are ongoing issues that impact these communities. With COVID, shutdowns resulted in the displacement of many families, and some still experience its repercussions.

Loss of income, loss of loved ones, distance learning, all together directly impacts attendance and engagement, Brenes said. Many families feel like theyre on their own, depending on what school their child attends, theres different levels of support and relationships.

Many district 2 schools are experiencing staffing shortages and struggling to address the needs of many families.

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By comparison, 35.3% of students attending schools in Board District 3, which covers the communities of San Fernando Valley, largely Latino and white populations, were chronically absent last school year.

We have working class communities, we have foster youth, we have unhoused communities, said LAUSD Board District 2 member Dr. Rocio Rivas. The pandemic really allowed the district to really see the vulnerable areas in our communities and how that affects education.

Rivas and community advocates said that chronic absenteeism is a repercussion of the difficult circumstances surrounding these communities, exacerbated by the pandemic.

The district has really implemented structures and procedures and tool kits for principals, Rivas said. Theyre really reaching out and trying to understand the resources and services that communities need.

Despite ongoing efforts, other factors have also prevented students from attending school. Community advocates have noticed a common pattern among families.

Some of the biggest challenges were hearing from families are around transportation, said Icela Santiago, the Senior Director of Operations and Strategy at the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, an in-district partner with LAUSD.

She said that in many instances, when there is just one car in a family, its used to go to work, leaving children without access to transportation. Santiago also said that when walking to school doesnt feel safe, it deters students from attending classes.

Santiago also attributed fear of COVID and general illnesses, especially among elementary students, that have made many parents more inclined to keep their children home. After recovering from an illness, families are also unsure when they should send their children back to school.

iAttend, launched by Superintendent Carvalho in August, is a district-wide effort to address chronic absenteeism across LAUSD. Carvalho said that three iAttend events have been conducted since it began, in which over 9,000 doors were knocked, and thousands of students were brought back to school.

Asked the number of households visited in District 2, an LAUSD spokesperson could not provide the information.

To address the challenges of attending school, community engagement is a priority for Rivas, and organizations like InnerCity Struggle and the Partnership LA.

Although its gone down we need to re-engage them, so that these students who are engaged, dont leave once again, Rivas said.

Since she joined the school board, Rivas said her staff have been researching chronic absenteeism policies and other support systems, and providing information to schools, especially to parents who are unfamiliar with district policies.

Earlier this month, she and her staff visited schools to speak with principals and community representatives, an effort to understand the issues specific to each school

Im really looking at community-based partnerships, she said. We have a lot of providers that are connected to families and know more of the circumstances that a lot of the families are facing.

If families are not well, then that means their city is not well, Rivas said, and that means we have a lot more work to do.

This article is part of a collaboration between The 74 and the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Norton Healthcare will no longer consider Cigna Healthcare as one of its accepted insurance providers if a new deal between the two companies isn't reached soon, a letter sent to patients said.

The heath care service, which owns several facilities in Louisville and the surrounding region, said its contract with Cigna will end on May 15. The letter said the company is nonprofit and it "must receive an adequate reimbursement rate from insurance companies in order to continue providing the care our community deserves."

Still, the company hopes to reach an agreement with Cigna, and officials will notify patients if they do. Renee Murphy, senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer for Norton Healthcare, said company leaders have been trying to reach an agreement with Cigna since last year.

Cigna Corp. | Health insurance, related services | 2019 employees: 4,889 | 2018 employees: 3,100 | Ownership: Public | Headquarters: Bloomfield, Connecticut | www.cigna.com

"The costs connected to providing quality care continue to climb, just like costs have increased across various industries. Cigna has been a good partner with us over the years and we hope to continue that working relationship," Murphy told The Courier Journal.

The letter said patients will still be able to get services in Norton's emergency departments after the contract expires, and people whose insurance lets them can complete any ongoing treatment. But after the deadline, many will have to pay out-of-network costs if they want to continue using Norton facilities.

A Cigna spokesperson said the company has been trying to negotiate with Norton Healthcare, but the rates they are asking are too high. The spokesperson said that the cost of health care is paid by the employers and their employees.

"The price increases Norton Healthcare is demanding will directly impact local companies, their employees and families through higher out-of-pocket costs and increased payroll deductions," the spokesperson said.

This will affect many families whose doctors are within the Norton Healthcare system or who have ongoing treatments at their facilities.

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One example is Michael Kuhr and his wife, whose 5-year-old son has been hospitalized for RSV three times and has had two heart catheters and a heart surgery, all at Norton. And his pulmonologist is also within the Norton Healthcare system.

And although the Kuhrs' son is the priority, they are also worried about their own treatments and doctors, which are both within the Norton Healthcare system. They both work for nonprofit companies and say its unimaginable to pay for medical care at the full rate.

Patients can apply to Norton Healthcare's financial assistance program, which helps people in households with incomes up to 350% of the federal poverty guidelines. Applications can be completed through NortonHealthcare.com/FinancialAssistance or by calling 502-479-6300.

Cigna Healthcare is a Bloomfield, Connecticut-based insurance company ran by The Cigna Group that offers dental plans, Medicare plans, Medical plans, supplemental health and insurance through employers. Cigna has a service line that functions daily and can help its customers find in-network doctors and hospitals.

More: What news is most important to you? Tell us in this Courier Journal reader survey

More: Rep. Thomas Massie reintroduces bill to let governments allow guns in school zones

Reach Ana Rocio Alvarez Brinez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Norton Healthcare to drop Cigna in May if new deal isn't reached
Ellie Goulding: Youre not allowed to have flings if youre a female artist (Press image)

Ellie Goulding is in her gleaming open-plan kitchen trying to order a salad on an app. Sorry, all I can think about is food, she says. Dressed in leggings and a sweater, she looks more like a fitness influencer than an award-winning, multimillion-selling pop star with No 1s and Brit awards to spare. Ive already eaten, I tell her  some leftover daal my housemate made for a dinner party. Gosh, she says. Are you guys just farting all the time?

Clearly, Goulding is an easy conversationalist, hence the discussion of flatulence mere minutes after I arrive. The kettle hasnt even boiled before were talking about our mental health and the various pills and potions we take in an effort to reach some kind of equilibrium. This isnt Gouldings main home  she lives in Gloucester with her husband, the art dealer Jasper Jopling, and their two-year-old son Arthur  so theres a slight emptiness to the spacious penthouse where we sit on squishy sofas in front of a burnished mirror wall. A long dining table that runs approximately the length of most London flats suggests the ghosts of dinner parties past, a bookshelf is stuffed with recipe books, and the milk in the fridge is almond, of course.

She is very interested in how to deal with anxiety. Its something she has been struggling with for years, pre-dating even her first album, the heady Lights, released in February 2010 when she was 23. Thirteen years of international chart success later, a now 36-year-old Goulding has not lost the generalised fear that something bad is coming; it makes her constantly jumpy, and dragging herself to events and exercise sessions can feel like wading through mud. Its debilitating, she says, leaning back into the cushions, seemingly exhausted. I staved it off for years because I just exercised so much  I didnt even notice because I was running so much  like, non-stop. So when I stopped I was like, Oh. Reluctant to take medication, she has opted instead for, among other holistic solutions, lavender capsules, which calm her and also make her burp lavender like a cartoon princess.

Once vegan, she now thinks about food in a different way. She gives her body what it needs to function. I try and eat food that has extremely high nutritional value, she says. I like to understand what my bodys doing and how its working. She has regular blood tests to check what her body is low or high in, almost consumed with finding the perfect balance that will make her feel the best it is possible to feel.

Exercise was the focus of that obsession when she was younger, as she worked with trainers who encouraged constant motion, constant pushing, constant sprints. Now, post-pandemic and post-pregnancy, which sent my nervous system into ... overdrive, she feels the value of slower movements like stretching and headstands, anything that changes where your blood is going. Performing  which is essentially a hardcore workout  was the only time she felt her anxiety really ebb away, so spending months stuck at home during the pandemic felt all the more excruciating. So Im just going to keep trying stuff. Since the pandemic, I dont know a single person, actually, who doesnt have anxiety.

But having Arthur has changed her, too. She loves being a mother: you can hear it in every moment she grabs to talk about her little boy, showing pictures and marvelling at how much he changes every day  every hour, actually! He has inherited his mothers love of singing, and his big chubby cheeks are ripe for pinching when he grins. Many artists opt to record a swooning ode to parenthood when they have their first baby, but Gouldings imminent fifth album, Higher Than Heaven, is a pristine, dazzling banger-fest.

After 13 years, Goulding has reached a level of success where she has the freedom to make whatever she wants  if she fancied coming back with a spoken-word freeform jazz album, no one could really stop her. Thankfully, thats not where her passions lie, although she has been thinking about a new direction. I was meant to meet with a composer I love yesterday because Ive been making some classical music, she says. Ive loved classical since I was 11 or 12, when my grandfather gave me a compilation called, like, Classical Chill Out or something. Thats when I fell in love with it  Id never heard that stuff before, I grew up listening to rave and dance music so I just didnt really know it existed.

But for now, pop music has her attention, and she beams when she talks about playing the songs from Higher Than Heaven live. I think it was a reaction to the f***ing lockdown, she says. I didnt want to write any ballads. She began work on it before the world started opening back up, while she was also pregnant. Everything was hyper-real and strange. We wanted to feel some kind of joy when we were writing  I didnt want to be delving into my deepest fears. There is joy stamped all over Higher Than Heaven, from the swooning disco jam Love Goes On to the endlessly brilliant single-gal anthem Cure for Love with its Heres to being lonely toast.

Ellie Goulding: I think this album was a reaction to the lockdown (pictured at the 2023 Brit Awards) (Getty)

Goulding has long been tabloid catnip  a side effect of a high-profile love life  which she finds particularly frustrating. Im a female artist, and I get defined by my male partners  sometimes people Ive only been on dates with! Youre not allowed to have a fling! You couldnt possibly have a fling, no, thats not allowed: youve got to have solid relationships and be married. Most recently, there was a backlash against her about a years-old story involving Ed Sheeran, Niall Horan, and the possibility of infidelity. In January, the temptation to respond on social media became overwhelming, especially after a glass of wine: False!!!!! she slammed back.

I shouldnt give in to that, she says now. For me to think that the right thing is to respond to rumours, knowing that in real life there arent just heroes and villains like there are in the fake world of social media and tabloids... I think, by replying, Im kind of making out that world is real, or adding validity to a world that is manufactured to keep us scrolling and keep us in fear and fascinated by celebrities. I think that the best thing for me is to stay in the real world. With a glint in her eye, she adds, But sometimes you just gotta  occasionally; every, like, five years or so  put something out there...

Theres a fake world that was manufactured to keep us fascinated by celebrities

There is an undeniable optimism to Ellie Goulding. She is constantly pointing out positives  even to anxiety  and talks about the worlds problems as though they are things that she, personally, is going to sort out. Microplastics, violence against women, social media... she brainstorms half-thought-out plans and asks, Well, what can we do about that?, as if she and I are about to storm parliament and demand a solution to the problem of societal misogyny.

Taking action is a theme, whether its defending herself on social media or putting her money where her mouth is when it comes to lessening her environmental impact. She is a UN global environmental ambassador, and has taken pains to ensure that Higher Than Heaven is as environmentally sustainable as possible by making elements of its physical release either biodegradable or recyclable, resulting in multiple delays to the album coming out. She lights up when talking about the things shes found out about bioplastics, and the calls with really cool people who source renewable materials, and real scientists. But then she flops back onto the cushions again, her positivity wavering in the face of the magnitude of the thing. I need to create some kind of forum for musicians and artists, successful ones who are in a position to do something significant. Suddenly she sits up with a pointed message: I would love Live Nation to make sure that all merch for every artist they look after is sourced responsibly.

Ellie Goulding: When the #MeToo stuff happened, I think certain people in music were freaking out (Press image)

There are other things the music industry could do with addressing too, I suggest, like when will its #MeToo moment come? Oh I think it has! Really? When the #MeToo stuff happened, I think certain people in music were freaking out  and there has been a palpable change. Goulding has talked before about her early days of unease in an industry surrounded by men  that feeling that, even though everyone is being friendly, there is an undeniable shift into self-protective mode. She likens it to being a woman walking down a street at night and seeing a man walking the other way: the way you click into hypervigilance. Thats whats changed, she thinks: that feeling of being unsafe. Younger artists have to be chaperoned, female artists, she said at the time, and therapy for artists  which obviously didnt exist when I started out.

There is a line in Like a Saviour, the lead single from her new album, that keeps coming back to me: Sleeping with my shadow, trying to find my faith in tomorrow. Thats what she seems to be doing all the time  trying to find her faith in tomorrow, and all the tomorrows that will come after it. Goulding plans to take some time off after Higher Than Heaven  she wants to spend time in the countryside playing with her son, remembering the real world and what matters most. The worlds problems might not be going anywhere, but shes doing what she can.

Higher Than Heaven is out now
Macrons high-profile trip to China comes as protests continue to rage across France.

French president Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing this week, in an attempt to bolster the deteriorating relationship between the West and China. Macron reportedly pressed Xi to condemn Russias invasion of Ukraine during a closed-door meeting.

I know I can count on you to bring Russia back to reason and everybody to the negotiation table, Macron said to Xi, who declined to directly mention Russia or Putin at any point during the trips public remarks.

Read more

The Chinese leader did say he would be willing to meet with Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy when conditions and time are right, according to European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who accompanied Macron on his trip. Otherwise, his only mention of Ukraine was when he referred to Chinas position paper outlining a peace plan, repeating previous talking points that China advocates for peace talks and seeks a political solution.

A foreign policy expedition in the middle of a pension-reform crisis at home

Macons decision to flex his foreign policy credentials and thrust himself into a major geopolitical issue sent a mixed message back in France, where protests over recent pension reforms continue to rage.



On April 5, labor unions called for more protests and strikes after failed negotiations with French prime minister Elisabeth Borne. The next day, over 1 million people protested across the country, temporarily setting fire to Macrons favorite restaurant.

The protests have become about more than just the pension reforms, turning into a platform for larger worker grievances about wage stagnation and reduced benefits. Meanwhile, Macrons approval rating is at 25%, a 7% percent drop from last months polling.

A timeline to understand the French pension crisis

January 10: The government announces plans to move forward with its plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, saying it is a necessary step to adequately fund the pension system.

Story continues

January 31: A million protestors take to the streets to voice their opposition to the pension reforms in a demonstration mostly organized by the countrys labor groups. It is among the first major protests opposing the proposed bill.



February 18: The pension plan moves to the French senate after tense debate in the lower houses of parliament.



March 16: Prime minister Elisabeth Borne announces that the government would trigger Article 49.3 to force the legislation through parliament, in order to prevent any possibility of the bill being defeated.

March 20: Macron faces two votes of no confidence, called by both the far-left and the far-right, as protests and strikes rage throughout France. He narrowly survives both.

March 28: Protestors close all access to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, with local officials deploying a record 13,000 Paris police officers to meet the largest demonstrations yet.

April 5: French union leaders meet with Borne for last-minute talks before the reforms are ratified, but negotiations quickly break down.

Why are French protestors storming Blackrock headquarters in Paris?



Earlier this week, anti-government demonstrators broke into the Paris headquarters of Blackrock, the worlds largest asset management fund, wielding lit flares that resembled torches, singing patriotic songs, and setting fires in the lobby of the companys corporate offices, located near the Opera Garnier in the 9th arrondissement.

The protestors accused the company of profiting off the erosion of public-service pensions and welfare programs. The investment firms CEO, Larry Fink, has met with Macron on multiple occasions.

Still, Blackrock has little to do with Macrons actual decision to raise the retirement age, which most of the protestors recognize. Rather, building on the Gilets Jaunes and other populist movements, the demonstrators have focused their ire on how technocrats like Macron have ushered in an American-style free-market ethos to Europe.



And, with Macron being investigated over allegedly improper ties to US-based consulting firms like McKinsey and BCG, they might have a point.

Related stories

 Macron narrowly won a no-confidence vote as protestors shut down France

 Workers in France are organizing a new wave of strikes against the pension reform

 Macron could be in trouble for hiring McKinsey to help run France

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Click here to read the full article.
No suspects have been named in the disappearance of Madeline Kingsbury, the Minnesota mother-of-two who went missing under suspicious circumstances one week ago.

Ms Kingsbury, 26, vanished in Winona on 31 March shortly after she dropped her children off at daycare with their father.

The father, who has not been described specifically by police as her husband, said they returned home and he departed for work in her van at around 10am.

Alarm bells were raised when Ms Kingsbury failed to pick the children up from daycare, which police described as extremely out of character for her. Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge said on Friday that there are no suspects in the investigation.

The department asked residents in the City of Winona, Wilson Township, and Hillsdale Township to search their acreage, wooded property, outbuildings, vehicles and trails for anything suspicious.

A map of priority areas was shared by the law enforcement agency on Wednesday.

Walk your acreage, check your buildings, check your vehicles, walk trials, check your cameras, surveillance cameras, doorbell cameras, your trail cameras for any indications of anything suspicious or for any sign of a dark coloured Chrysler Town & Country minivan, Mr DeGeorge said, per Postbulletin.com.

No suspects in week-long search for Madeline

14:17 , Andrea Blanco

Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge said on Friday that there are no suspects in the investigation.

The department has asked residents in the City of Winona, Wilson Township, and Hillsdale Township to search their acreage, wooded property, outbuildings, vehicles and trails for anything suspicious that may help find Madeline.

A map of priority areas was shared by the law enforcement agency on Wednesday.

Walk your acreage, check your buildings, check your vehicles, walk trials, check your cameras, surveillance cameras, doorbell cameras, your trail cameras for any indications of anything suspicious or for any sign of a dark coloured Chrysler Town & Country minivan, he said, according to Postbulletin.com.

Story continues

What we know about Madeline Kingsburys disappearance

13:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Mother-of-two Madeline Kingsbury has not been seen for a week.

Now, investigators are honing in on the last known travels of her minivan.

The Independents Rachel Sharp reports:

What we know about missing mother Madeline Kingsburys disappearance

Family release photos of Madeline Kingsburys tattoos

09:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Madeline Kingsburys family have released several photos of her distinct tattoos in hopes that they could help locate the mother who has now been missing for a week.

The photos were included in a post on the Find Madeline Kingsbury Facebook page which sought to debunk false speculation on the case.

Madeline Kingsburys sister pleads for her safe return

05:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Ms Kingsburys elder sister, Megan, addressing the media on Wednesday, offered a $50,000 reward for information on the missing womans whereabouts.

To be honest I dont know everything, she said about the current investigation into her sisters disappearance.

Madeline is many things. Shes a mother, sister, daughter, best friend, granddaughter, niece. Its a long list.

Madeline is a hard-working and dedicated mother. Family is everything to her and shes grown into an impressive and beautiful young woman.

Please help us find Madeline. The children need their mother. We need our daughter, our sister, our aunt, our best friend back. We just want to find her, so, thank you.

Daycare drop-off, a blue van and missing mother-of-two  what we know so far

01:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Last Friday morning, Madeline Kingsbury dropped her two young children off at their daycare in Minnesota.

She was never seen or heard from again.

Now, one week on, a desperate search is underway to find the missing 26-year-old Maddi whose disappearance has been described as involuntary and suspicious.

Rachel Sharp outlines what we know so far about Madelines disappearance.

What we know about missing mother Madeline Kingsburys disappearance

Watch: Aerial footage shows extent of todays search

Saturday 8 April 2023 00:30 , Oliver O'Connell

What do we know about Madelines last movements?

Friday 7 April 2023 23:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Winona police have offered scant details about the day of Madeline Kingsburys disappearance.

What we do know is that Ms Kingsbury and the father of her children dropped their two children  aged two and five  off at daycare at around 8am on 31 March.

At around 8.15am, the mother-of-two returned to her home.

Her whereabouts after this time remain a mystery.

She failed to show up for work  something that police said was very unlike her  and her cellphone, wallet, ID and the jacket she was wearing that morning were all found inside the home.

The father of her children told investigators that he left Ms Kingsburys home at around 10am that morning, driving off in her 2014 dark blue Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

He said that he returned later that day and found Ms Kingsbury wasnt home.

Friends and family members tried to contact the 26-year-old that day but couldnt get hold of her.

Again, police said this was unusual behaviour for her.

Based on all this we believe Madelines disappearance is involuntary, suspicious and were all concerned for her safety, said Winona Police Chief Tom Williams.

Maps show areas of priority in search for Madeline Kingsbury

Friday 7 April 2023 22:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The Winona Police Department has requested assistance from neighbouring authorities in the search for missing mother-of-two Madeline Kinsley, 26.

The department has also asked residents in the City of Winona, Wilson Township, and Hillsdale Township to search their acreage, wooded property, outbuildings, vehicles and trails for anything suspicious that may help find Madeline.

A map of priority areas was shared by the law enforcement agency on Wednesday.

Almost 2,000 turn out for search, second planned for Saturday

Friday 7 April 2023 21:54 , Oliver O'Connell

Nearly 2,000 people came out to assist in the search for Madeline Kingsbury on Friday and now authorities are organising another mass search for Maddi for Saturday, ABC 6 reports.

First and foremostThank you to all the volunteers, fire departments and first responders who aided in the search today. There was a large amount of area searched and we had over 1,860 volunteers in the two search areas.

Ben Klinger, Winona County Emergency Management Coordinator

If you are willing to volunteer, registration will be from 9am  11am at either:

Winona County -Goodview Fire Department, 4135 5th St, Winona MN

Fillmore County Rushford-Peterson School, 1000 Pine Meadows Lane, Rushford MN.

Volunteers will be assigned and bussed to the search areas.

What do we know about Madelines last movements?

Friday 7 April 2023 21:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Winona police have offered scant details about the day of Madeline Kingsburys disappearance.

What we do know is that Ms Kingsbury and the father of her children dropped their two children  aged two and five  off at daycare at around 8am on 31 March.

At around 8.15am, the mother-of-two returned to her home.

Her whereabouts after this time remain a mystery.

She failed to show up for work  something that police said was very unlike her  and her cellphone, wallet, ID and the jacket she was wearing that morning were all found inside the home.

The father of her children told investigators that he left Ms Kingsburys home at around 10am that morning, driving off in her 2014 dark blue Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

He said that he returned later that day and found Ms Kingsbury wasnt home.

Friends and family members tried to contact the 26-year-old that day but couldnt get hold of her.

Again, police said this was unusual behaviour for her.

Based on all this we believe Madelines disappearance is involuntary, suspicious and were all concerned for her safety, said Winona Police Chief Tom Williams.

Megan Kingsbury asks public to spread the word about missing sister

Friday 7 April 2023 21:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Megan Kingsbury posted a TikTok on Wednesday with updates about the search for her missing sister Madeline.

Megan said she, relatives and family friends have been driving through Winona County, where Madeline lived, and Fillmore County.

The Fillmore County Sheriffs Office previously requested assistance from residents in Winona and nearby townships to search their property.

No persons of interest in Madeline Kingsburys disappearance

Friday 7 April 2023 20:15 , Oliver OConnell

Winona police have said that there are currently no suspects and no persons of interest in the case.

However, they appear to be focusing on the movements of Ms Kingsburys minivan  and are asking for the publics help in tracing its journeys on the day of her disappearance.

Chief Tom Williams confirmed that the vehicle is not missing and that both the van and Ms Kingsburys home have been searched.

Surveillance footage has captured a vehicle matching the description of the van was captured driving from the home along highways and through Winona County and Fillmore County before heading back to the house.

After the vehicle returned home, it is not believed to have gone anywhere else.

During Thursdays press release, police refused to say who was driving the van.

That is not information we can share at this time, they said.

The police chief said that there is nothing to indicate that she left the residence on foot or in another vehicle.

The two children are safe and there does not appear to be any threat to the public, police said.

Law enforcement ask people to check properties and security footage

Friday 7 April 2023 20:00 , Oliver O'Connell

WATCH LIVE: Law enforcement officials are updating the search for 26-year-old Madeline Kingsbury, a mother of 2 from Winona who disappeared March 31. https://t.co/6epAQJ6UAA  KARE 11 (@kare11) April 7, 2023

Massive search continues

Friday 7 April 2023 19:47 , Oliver O'Connell

A massive search of the area is underway today. Volunteers continue to show up to help, many who dont know Kingsbury but felt compelled to assist.



The Winona Police Chief said today We remain very hopeful well bring [Madeline] back home to her family pic.twitter.com/3VvBvVhDA7  Callan Gray (@CallanGrayNews) April 7, 2023

Family offers $50K Reward for information regarding Madelines whereabouts

Friday 7 April 2023 19:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Madeline Kingsburys elder sister, Megan, addressed the media on Wednesday and announced a $50,000 reward for information on the missing mothers whereabouts.

To be honest I dont know everything, she said about the current investigation into her sisters disappearance.

Madeline is many things. Shes a mother, sister, daughter, best friend, granddaughter, niece. Its a long list.

Madeline is a hard-working and dedicated mother. Family is everything to her and shes grown into an impressive and beautiful young woman.

Please help us find Madeline. The children need their mother. We need our daughter, our sister, our aunt, our best friend back. We just want to find her, so, thank you.

ICYMI: What happened to Madeline Kingsbury?

Friday 7 April 2023 18:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Madeline Kingsbury, a 26-year-old mother of two children, was last seen on 31 March.

According to the police, Ms Kingsbury and her husband returned to their home in Winona after dropping off their kids at daycare on Friday.

The husband said he left for work in Ms Kingsburys van, around 10am local time, and returned later in the day only to find his wife gone.

Ms Kingsbury did not show up for work that day or respond to numerous calls and messages from friends and family. She also failed to pick up her children from daycare that afternoon, which the police said was extremely out of character for her.

Huge turnout for mass search

Friday 7 April 2023 18:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Tremendous turnout this morning for the mass search of missing Madeline Kingsbury in Rushford. Info on signing up for the search: https://t.co/6zdtMCH7wh pic.twitter.com/eZe0kEM8fX  R-P TROJANS Activities (@RPTrojansJLoney) April 7, 2023

Volunteer search leaders warn against family harassment

Friday 7 April 2023 17:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The official Facebook page for Madeline Kingsburys disappearance has put out a stern statement indicating that members of the missing mothers family have been targets of harassment over the course of the search.

A post on the Finding Madeline Kingsbury page late Thursday night states: We want to address something that has been brought to our attention. We will not condone the harassing of Maddis family or friends for information.

When there is an active investigation, they do not need to disclose every detail for any number of reason. More often than not though, its to protect the victim or to not jeopardize their chances at catching the perpetrator and pressing charges. If there is information we can share, it will be shared via the page.

We post this information so that people can be aware but we will not post info like that anymore if people are going to harass family, friends and businesses that may be involved. And that would be a huge disservice to Maddi. It is completely inappropriate and we will not tolerate it.

Madeline Kingsburys loved ones continue desperate search

Friday 7 April 2023 16:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Madeline Kingsburys loved ones are combing through the area where she was last seen hoping to find clues of her whereabouts.

We need hundreds of people to cover this ground. It takes like 100 people in one field just to do I think what they call American Arms and if you send two people out there its just not enough, a friend of Madeline who did not wish to be named told KIMT3 News.

The Winona Police Department has requested assistance from neighbouring authorities in Wilson Township and Hillsdale Township.

Its just draining for me and the family and some of the friends here. Theyre just over the questions, you know? What was happening, what was she doing? Its just not going to help find her.

What do we know about Madelines last movements?

Friday 7 April 2023 15:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Winona police have offered scant details about the day of Madeline Kingsburys disappearance.

What we do know is that Ms Kingsbury and the father of her children dropped their two children  aged two and five  off at daycare at around 8am on 31 March.

At around 8.15am, the mother-of-two returned to her home.

Her whereabouts after this time remain a mystery.

She failed to show up for work  something that police said was very unlike her  and her cellphone, wallet, ID and the jacket she was wearing that morning were all found inside the home.

The father of her children told investigators that he left Ms Kingsburys home at around 10am that morning, driving off in her 2014 dark blue Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

He said that he returned later that day and found Ms Kingsbury wasnt home.

Friends and family members tried to contact the 26-year-old that day but couldnt get hold of her.

Again, police said this was unusual behaviour for her.

Based on all this we believe Madelines disappearance is involuntary, suspicious and were all concerned for her safety, said Winona Police Chief Tom Williams.

Maps show areas of priority in search for Madeline Kingsbury

Friday 7 April 2023 15:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The Winona Police Department has requested assistance from neighbouring authorities in the search for missing mother-of-two Madeline Kinsley, 26.

The department has also asked residents in the City of Winona, Wilson Township, and Hillsdale Township to search their acreage, wooded property, outbuildings, vehicles and trails for anything suspicious that may help find Madeline.

A map of priority areas was shared by the law enforcement agency on Wednesday.

Family release photos of Madeline Kingsburys tattoos

Friday 7 April 2023 14:20 , Megan Sheets

Madeline Kingsburys family have released several photos of her distinct tattoos in hopes that they could help locate the mother who has now been missing for a week.

The photos were included in a post on the Find Madeline Kingsbury Facebook page which sought to debunk false speculation on the case.

Daycare drop-off, a blue van and missing mother-of-two: What we know about Madeline Kingsburys disappearance

Friday 7 April 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco

Mother-of-two Madeline Kingsbury has not been seen for a week.

Now, investigators are honing in on the last known travels of her minivan.

The Independents Rachel Sharp reports:

What we know about missing mother Madeline Kingsburys disappearance

Search for Madeline Kingsbury could draw nearly 1,000 volunteers

Friday 7 April 2023 13:30 , Megan Sheets

A mass search for missing Minnesota mother Madeline Kingsbury is expected to see a stunning volunteer turnout today, as nearly 1,000 sign-up slots have been filled.

Authorities from several law enforcement agencies near Winona organised the search beginning at XXam local time Friday. It is slated to last eight hours and cover specific areas identified by investigators as priorities.

A sign-up website has seen at least 990 people sign up across two four-hour slots as of Friday morning.

The website cautions: Volunteers need to dress appropriately, be able to walk long distances and in rough terrain.

The Winona Police Department previously released maps showing the priority areas of the search.

The department has also asked residents in the City of Winona, Wilson Township, and Hillsdale Township to search their acreage, wooded property, outbuildings, vehicles and trails for anything suspicious that may help find Madeline.

Madeline Kingsburys sister pleads for her safe return

Friday 7 April 2023 13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Ms Kingsburys elder sister, Megan, addressing the media on Wednesday, offered a $50,000 reward for information on the missing womans whereabouts.

To be honest I dont know everything, she said about the current investigation into her sisters disappearance.

Madeline is many things. Shes a mother, sister, daughter, best friend, granddaughter, niece. Its a long list.

Madeline is a hard-working and dedicated mother. Family is everything to her and shes grown into an impressive and beautiful young woman.

Please help us find Madeline. The children need their mother. We need our daughter, our sister, our aunt, our best friend back. We just want to find her, so, thank you.

Winona Police asks public to report sightings of Madelins blue minivan

Friday 7 April 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco

Winona Police said that there are currently no suspects and no persons of interest.

However, they appear to be focusing on the movements of Ms Kingsburys minivan  and are asking for the publics help in tracing its journeys on the day of her disappearance.

Chief Williams confirmed that the vehicle is not missing and that both the van and Ms Kingsburys home have been searched.

Winona Police and Madeline Kingsburys family held a press conference

Surveillance footage has captured a vehicle matching the description of the van was captured driving from the home along highways and through Winona County and Fillmore County before heading back to the house.

After the vehicle returned home, it is not believed to have gone anywhere else.

During Thursdays press release, police refused to say who was driving the van.

That is not information we can share at this time, they said.

The police chief said that there is nothing to indicate that she left the residence on foot or in another vehicle.

The two children are safe and there does not appear to be any threat to the public, police said.

Volunteer search leaders warn against family harassment

Friday 7 April 2023 11:46 , Megan Sheets

The official Facebook page for Madeline Kingsburys disappearance has put out a stern statement indicating that members of the missing mothers family have been targets of harassment over the course of the search.

A post on the Finding Madeline Kingsbury page late Thursday night states: We want to address something that has been brought to our attention. We will not condone the harassing of Maddis family or friends for information.

When there is an active investigation, they do not need to disclose every detail for any number of reason. More often than not though, its to protect the victim or to not jeopardize their chances at catching the perpetrator and pressing charges. If there is information we can share, it will be shared via the page.

We post this information so that people can be aware but we will not post info like that anymore if people are going to harass family, friends and businesses that may be involved. And that would be a huge disservice to Maddi. It is completely inappropriate and we will not tolerate it.

Madeline Kingsburys loved ones continue desperate search

Friday 7 April 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco

Madeline Kingsburys loved ones are combing through the area where she was last seen hoping to find clues of her whereabouts.

We need hundreds of people to cover this ground. It takes like 100 people in one field just to do I think what they call American Arms and if you send two people out there its just not enough, a friend of Madeline who did not wish to be named told KIMT3 News.

The Winona Police Department has requested assistance from neighbouring authorities in Wilson Township and Hillsdale Township.

Its just draining for me and the family and some of the friends here. Theyre just over the questions, you know? What was happening, what was she doing? Its just not going to help find her.

WATCH: Winona Police hold press conference in disappearance of mother-of-two Madelin Kingsbury

Friday 7 April 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco

What do we know about Madelines last movements?

Friday 7 April 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco

Winona police have offered scant details about the day of Madeline Kingsburys disappearance.

What we do know is that Ms Kingsbury and the father of her children dropped their two children  aged two and five  off at daycare at around 8am on 31 March.

At around 8.15am, the mother-of-two returned to her home.

Her whereabouts after this time remain a mystery.

She failed to show up for work  something that police said was very unlike her  and her cellphone, wallet, ID and the jacket she was wearing that morning were all found inside the home.

The father of her children told investigators that he left Ms Kingsburys home at around 10am that morning, driving off in her 2014 dark blue Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

He said that he returned later that day and found Ms Kingsbury wasnt home.

Friends and family members tried to contact the 26-year-old that day but couldnt get hold of her.

Again, police said this was unusual behaviour for her.

Based on all this we believe Madelines disappearance is involuntary, suspicious and were all concerned for her safety, said Winona Police Chief Tom Williams.

Maps show areas of priority in search for Madeline Kingsbury

Friday 7 April 2023 08:00 , Andrea Blanco

The Winona Police Department has requested assistance from neighbouring authorities in the search for missing mother-of-two Madeline Kinsley, 26.

The department has also asked residents in the City of Winona, Wilson Township, and Hillsdale Township to search their acreage, wooded property, outbuildings, vehicles and trails for anything suspicious that may help find Madeline.

A map of priority areas was shared by the law enforcement agency on Wednesday.

Winona Police Department

Mass search for Madeline scheduled for Friday

Friday 7 April 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco

The Winona Police Department has asked residents of the area to sign up for an organised mass search for Madeline on Friday.

Winona Police Department

Megan Kingsbury asks public to spread the word about missing sister

Friday 7 April 2023 06:00 , Andrea Blanco

Megan Kingsbury posted a TikTok on Wednesday with updates about the search for her missing sister Madeline.

Megan said she, relatives and family friends have been driving through Winona County, where Madeline lived, and Fillmore County.

The Fillmore County Sheriffs Office previously requested assistance from residents in Winona and nearby townships to search their property.

Megan on TikTok

No persons of interest in Madelin Kingsburys dissapearance

Friday 7 April 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco

Winona police have said that there are currently no suspects and no persons of interest in the case.

However, they appear to be focusing on the movements of Ms Kingsburys minivan  and are asking for the publics help in tracing its journeys on the day of her disappearance.

Chief Tom Williams confirmed that the vehicle is not missing and that both the van and Ms Kingsburys home have been searched.

Surveillance footage has captured a vehicle matching the description of the van was captured driving from the home along highways and through Winona County and Fillmore County before heading back to the house.

After the vehicle returned home, it is not believed to have gone anywhere else.

During Thursdays press release, police refused to say who was driving the van.

That is not information we can share at this time, they said.

The police chief said that there is nothing to indicate that she left the residence on foot or in another vehicle.

The two children are safe and there does not appear to be any threat to the public, police said.

This is everything we know about Madeline Kingsburys disappearance

Friday 7 April 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco

Mother-of-two Madeline Kingsbury has not been seen for a week.

Now, investigators are honing in on the last known travels of her minivan.

The Independents Rachel Sharp reports:

What we know about missing mother Madeline Kingsburys disappearance

Family offers $50K Reward for information regarding Madelines whereabouts

Friday 7 April 2023 01:30 , Andrea Blanco

Madeline Kingsburys elder sister, Megan, addressed the media on Wednesday and announced a $50,000 reward for information on the missing mothers whereabouts.

To be honest I dont know everything, she said about the current investigation into her sisters disappearance.

Madeline is many things. Shes a mother, sister, daughter, best friend, granddaughter, niece. Its a long list.

Madeline is a hard-working and dedicated mother. Family is everything to her and shes grown into an impressive and beautiful young woman.

Please help us find Madeline. The children need their mother. We need our daughter, our sister, our aunt, our best friend back. We just want to find her, so, thank you.

Watch the full press conference where Megan Kingsbury gave her plea below:

ICYMI: What happened to Madeline Kingsbury?

Friday 7 April 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco

Madeline Kingsbury, a 26-year-old mother of two children, was last seen on 31 March.

According to the police, Ms Kingsbury and her husband returned to their home in Winona after dropping off their kids at daycare on Friday.

The husband said he left for work in Ms Kingsburys van, around 10am local time, and returned later in the day only to find his wife gone.

Ms Kingsbury did not show up for work that day or respond to numerous calls and messages from friends and family. She also failed to pick up her children from daycare that afternoon, which the police said was extremely out of character for her.

Madeline Kingsbury vanishes before childrens school pickup

Thursday 6 April 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco

Madeline Kingsbury, a 26-year-old mother of two children, was last seen on 31 March.

According to the police, Ms Kingsbury and the father of her children returned to their home in Winona after dropping off the kids at daycare on Friday.

The father said he left for work in Ms Kingsburys van, around 10am local time, and returned later in the day only to find his wife gone.

Ms Kingsbury did not show up for work that day or respond to numerous calls and messages from friends and family. She also failed to pick up her children from daycare that afternoon, which the police said was extremely out of character for her.

The Independents Alisha Rahaman Sarkar has more:

Family of missing Madeline Kingsbury offer $50k reward in mysterious disappearance

Community rallies around loved ones of Madeline Kingsbury

Thursday 6 April 2023 22:32 , Andrea Blanco

Friends and family members of missing mother-of-two Madeline Kingsbury have opened up about the desperate search to find her.

Shes the person that everybody likes, a friend of Ms Kingsbury who asked not to be identified told KIMT3 News.

Theres nothing about her that you can hate or dislike. Im honestly shocked by the amount of people she has touched in her life.

The friend also told the network that it was extremely unusual for Ms Kingsbury not to answer her phone.

The first red flag was is that the van was backed in, because shes a terrible driver and anybody will tell you that.

Devoted mother Madeline Kingsbury vanishes

Thursday 6 April 2023 22:01 , Andrea Blanco

Madeline Kingsbury, 26, was last seen on the morning of 31 March in Winona, Minnesota.

Authorities say she and her husband dropped their two children off at daycare at around 8am.

Then, her husband says they returned home before he left for work in her dark blue Chrysler minivan at around 10am.

When he returned home that afternoon, the husband said Ms Kingsbury was nowhere to be found.

The mother had failed to turn up to her work that day and also didnt go to pick up her children at daycare.

Her disappearance has been labeled involuntary and suspicious and investigators say there is reason to fear for her safety as the search nears its second week.

No suspects have been identified and the case is being treated as a missing person with the possibility of foul play.

Ms Kingsbury is described as 54 with brown hair and hazel eyes.

Read more:

Family of missing Madeline Kingsbury offer $50k reward in mysterious disappearance

Massive search for Madeline Kingsbury underway

Thursday 6 April 2023 21:40 , Andrea Blanco

A huge multi-agency search is under way to find the missing mother and bring her home safe.

Search teams have been looking near her home and along the highways that the van was seen travelling along for clues as to her whereabouts.

Police said officials have searched on foot, in vehicles, by water and by air.

No stone is being left unturned and were using every tool at our disposal, the police chief said.

Investigators are asking residents in both Winona County and Fillmore County to check their home security cameras for any signs of Ms Kingsburys minivan driving by or stopping. Even if there is nothing in the footage, police are urging residents not to delete footage captured from 31 March to 1 April.

Residents and landowners in the City of Winona, Wilson Township, and Hillsdale Township are also asked to search their acreage, wooded property, outbuildings, vehicles and trails for anything suspicious such as signs of a disturbance.

As the police chief said: Your information might be the final piece that brings Maddie home.

Ms Kinsgburys sister Megan also made an emotional appeal to the public for help, offering a $50,000 reward for information as she said family is everything to her.

At the moment, police say they are looking into all possibilities as to what happened to the mother-of-two but have not ruled out foul play.

Chief Williams said the case is being investigated as a missing person but also as foul play based on the totality of evidence.

Winona Police asks public to report sightings of Madelins blue mini van

Thursday 6 April 2023 21:20 , Andrea Blanco

Winona Police said that there are currently no suspects and no persons of interest.

However they appear to be focusing on the movements of Ms Kingsburys minivan  and are asking for the publics help in tracing its journeys on the day of her disappearance.

Chief Williams confirmed that the vehicle is not missing and that both the van and Ms Kingsburys home have been searched.

Winona Police and Madeline Kingsburys family held a press conference

Surveillance footage has captured a vehicle matching the description of the van was captured driving from the home along highways and through Winona County and Fillmore County before heading back to the house.

After the vehicle returned home, it is not believed to have gone anywhere else.

During Thursdays press release, police refused to say who was driving the van.

That is not information we can share at this time, they said.

The police chief said that there is nothing to indicate that she left the residence on foot or in another vehicle.

The two children are safe and there does not appear to be any threat to the public, police said.

Read more.

Madelin Kingsburys last known movements

Thursday 6 April 2023 21:03 , Andrea Blanco

Ms Kingsbury and the father of her children dropped their two children  aged two and five  off at daycare at around 8am, Winona Police said.

At around 8.15am, the mother-of-two returned to her home.

Her whereabouts after this time remain a mystery.

She failed to show up for work  something that police said was very unlike her  and her cellphone, wallet, ID and the jacket she was wearing that morning were all found inside the home.

The father of her children told investigators that he left Ms Kingsburys home at around 10am that morning, driving off in her 2014 dark blue Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

Madeline Kingsburys family have offered a $50,000 reward for information on her whereabouts

He said that he returned later that day and found Ms Kingsbury wasnt home.

Friends and family members tried to contact the 26-year-old that day but couldnt get hold of her.

Again, police said this was unusual behaviour for her.

Based on all this we believe Madelines disappearance is involuntary, suspicious and were all concerned for her safety, said Winona Police Chief Tom Williams.

Mass search for Madeline search underway

Thursday 6 April 2023 20:40 , Andrea Blanco

The Winona Police Department has asked residents of the area to sign up for an organised mass search for Madeline on Friday.

Family of missing Madeline Kingsbury offer $50k reward after dedicated mother vanishes before school pickup

Thursday 6 April 2023 20:20 , Andrea Blanco

The sister of a Minnesota woman who went missing last week under suspicious circumstances has appealed for help from members of the public.

Madeline Kingsbury, a 26-year-old mother of two children, was last seen on 31 March.

According to the police, Ms Kingsbury and the father of her children returned to their home in Winona after dropping off the kids at daycare on Friday.

The Independents Alisha Rahaman Sarkar has more:

Family of missing Madeline Kingsbury offer $50k reward in mysterious disappearance

Desperate search for mother-of-two Madeline Kingsbury continues

Thursday 6 April 2023 20:00 , Andrea Blanco

Madeline Kingsburys loved ones are combing through the area where she was last seen hoping to find clues of her whereabouts.

We need hundreds of people to cover this ground. It takes like 100 people in one field just to do I think what they call American Arms and if you send two people out there its just not enough, a friend of Madeline who did not wish to be named told KIMT3 News.

The Winona Police Department has requested assistance from neighbouring authorities in Wilson Township and Hillsdale Township.

Its just draining for me and the family and some of the friends here. Theyre just over the questions, you know? What was happening, what was she doing? Its just not going to help find her.

Daycare drop-off, a blue van and missing mother-of-two: What we know about Madeline Kingsburys disappearance

Thursday 6 April 2023 19:40 , Andrea Blanco

Mother-of-two Madeline Kingsbury has not been seen for a week.

Now, investigators are honing in on the last known travels of her minivan.

The Independents Rachel Sharp reports:

What we know about missing mother Madeline Kingsburys disappearance

Maps show areas of priority in search for Madeline Kingsbury

Thursday 6 April 2023 19:20 , Andrea Blanco

The Winona Police Department has requested assistance from neighbouring authorities in the search for missing mother-of-two Madeline Kinsley, 26.

The department has also asked residents in the City of Winona, Wilson Township, and Hillsdale Township to search their acreage, wooded property, outbuildings, vehicles and trails for anything suspicious that may help find Madeline.

A map of priority areas was shared by the law enforcement agency on Wednesday

Madeline Kingsburys asks public to spread the word about missing sister

Thursday 6 April 2023 19:00 , Andrea Blanco

Megan Kingsbury posted a TikTok on Wednesday with updates about the search for her missing sister Madeline.

Megan said she, relatives and family friends have been driving through Winona County, where Madeline lived, and Fillmore County.

The Fillmore County Sheriffs Office previously requested assistance from residents in Winona and nearby townships to search their property

Police track Madelines blue minivan

Thursday 6 April 2023 18:40 , Megan Sheets

Winona police have said that there are currently no suspects and no persons of interest in the case.

However, they appear to be focusing on the movements of Ms Kingsburys minivan  and are asking for the publics help in tracing its journeys on the day of her disappearance.

Chief Tom Williams confirmed that the vehicle is not missing and that both the van and Ms Kingsburys home have been searched.

Surveillance footage has captured a vehicle matching the description of the van was captured driving from the home along highways and through Winona County and Fillmore County before heading back to the house.

After the vehicle returned home, it is not believed to have gone anywhere else.

During Thursdays press release, police refused to say who was driving the van.

That is not information we can share at this time, they said.

The police chief said that there is nothing to indicate that she left the residence on foot or in another vehicle.

The two children are safe and there does not appear to be any threat to the public, police said.

What we know about Madelines last movements

Thursday 6 April 2023 18:20 , Rachel Sharp

Winona police have offered scant details about the day of Madeline Kingsburys disappearance.

What we do know is that Ms Kingsbury and the father of her children dropped their two children  aged two and five  off at daycare at around 8am on 31 March.

At around 8.15am, the mother-of-two returned to her home.

Her whereabouts after this time remain a mystery.

She failed to show up for work  something that police said was very unlike her  and her cellphone, wallet, ID and the jacket she was wearing that morning were all found inside the home.

The father of her children told investigators that he left Ms Kingsburys home at around 10am that morning, driving off in her 2014 dark blue Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

He said that he returned later that day and found Ms Kingsbury wasnt home.

Friends and family members tried to contact the 26-year-old that day but couldnt get hold of her.

Again, police said this was unusual behaviour for her.

Based on all this we believe Madelines disappearance is involuntary, suspicious and were all concerned for her safety, said Winona Police Chief Tom Williams.

Madison Kingsleys family offer $50K reward for information about her whereabouts

Thursday 6 April 2023 18:02 , Andrea Blanco

Ms Kingsburys elder sister, Megan, addressing the media on Wednesday, offered a $50,000 reward for information on the missing womans whereabouts.

To be honest I dont know everything, she said about the current investigation into her sisters disappearance.

Madeline is many things. Shes a mother, sister, daughter, best friend, granddaughter, niece. Its a long list.

Madeline is a hard-working and dedicated mother. Family is everything to her and shes grown into an impressive and beautiful young woman.

Please help us find Madeline. The children need their mother. We need our daughter, our sister, our aunt, our best friend back. We just want to find her, so, thank you.

ICYMI: What happened to Madeline Kingsbury?

Thursday 6 April 2023 16:58 , Andrea Blanco

Madeline Kingsbury, a 26-year-old mother of two children, was last seen on 31 March.

According to the police, Ms Kingsbury and her husband returned to their home in Winona after dropping off their kids at daycare on Friday.

The husband said he left for work in Ms Kingsburys van, around 10am local time, and returned later in the day only to find his wife gone.

Ms Kingsbury did not show up for work that day or respond to numerous calls and messages from friends and family. She also failed to pick up her children from daycare that afternoon, which the police said was extremely out of character for her.
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia said on Saturday it was firmly committed to protecting its sovereign rights and interests in the South China Sea after China expressed concern about Malaysian energy projects in a part of the sea that China also claims.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday China was worried about activity by the state energy firm Petronas in a part of the South China Sea that Malaysia says is its territory.

Anwar said he was open to negotiations with China, drawing criticism from the opposition, which said Anwar was risking Malaysia's sovereignty.

The foreign ministry said in a Saturday statement Anwar's comment meant Malaysia would like all issues related to the South China Sea to be resolved in a peaceful manner and without compromising Malaysia's position.

"The government of Malaysia is unequivocally and firmly committed to protecting Malaysia's sovereignty, sovereign rights and interests in its maritime areas in the South China Sea," the ministry said.

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, through which about $3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes annually. Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have some overlapping claims.

Petronas operates oil and gas fields within Malaysia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and has in recent years had several encounters with Chinese vessels.

China stakes its claim with a reference to a "nine-dash line" on its maps, which loops as far as 1,500 km south of its mainland, cutting into the EEZs of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration, however, ruled in 2016 that the nine-dash line has no legal basis.

Anwar said this week Petronas would continue its activities in the South China Sea.

(Reporting by A. Ananthalakshmi; Editing by Robert Birsel)
When Zsazsa Zaturnnah first debuted onstage 17 years ago, it shook up the Philippine theater scene. First birthed by Carlo Vergara in 2002 as a National Book Award-winning graphic novel, Zsazsa Zaturnnah was adapted into a landmark musical by Tanghalang Pilipino in 2006, becoming an on-and-off staple until 2011. With a book by Chris Martinez, music and lyrics by Vincent de Jesus, and direction by Chris Millado, Zsazsa Zaturnnah made audiences chuckle and cheer while queering the dominant ideas of heroism, provincial life, the bakla, and our patriarchal roots during a time when such interrogations werent commonplace.

The epic tale finds Ada, a timid bakla, transforming into the titular bombastic redheaded superwoman after swallowing a glowing rock. While his best friend Didi initially plans to use these strengths to pull them out of poverty, Ada is forced to defend their barangay from Queen Femina and the Amazonistas of Planet XXX  colonizers from an all-female planet bent on destroying all male forms and grabbing land. While battling giant frogs and reanimated corpses, Ada wrestles not only with his one-sided attraction to the dreamboat Dodong, but also with familial traumas and inner saboteurs.

12 years since its closing show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Zsazsa Zaturnnah now finds itself in the hands of the collegiate musical theater organization Ateneo Blue Repertory in their first on-site production since the pandemic began, in what is likely the companys most ambitious undertaking. Doing student productions online was not easy. Transitioning back onsite was not easy, says Missy Maramara, director of the new restaging. Even the experienced ones seem to be back to zero. Its really the learning curve that were up against. But whats wonderful is everyone is learning from each other.

Phi Palmos as Ada and Almond Bolante as Didi. Photo by JL JAVIER

The musical finds Ada (Phi Palmos), a timid bakla, transforming into redheaded superwoman Zsazsa Zaturnnah after swallowing a glowing rock. Photo by JL JAVIER

New treatment

Maramara, who serves as the organizations moderator, previously directed Ateneo Blue Repertorys critically acclaimed darlings Spring Awakening in 2019 and the short-lived Next to Normal in 2020 and is a long-time fan of the graphic novel and the staging directed by Chris Millado. Yet despite her reverence for the material and its various interpretations, she felt something was amiss when she first watched it at CCP. I couldnt understand it back then, says Maramara. Maybe because wala pang literature for what I was feeling.

Thanks to the development of queer theory and conversations around LGBTQIA+ representation in the Philippines over the years, Maramara realized the core of her discomfort with the text. Ang ayaw ko kasi nung babae versus bakla, says Maramara. I love so many gay men and have been loved by so many gay men that I do not see that sexuality as conflicting. So bakit masama yung mga Amazonista? Knowing the only way to alleviate this pinch was to face it head-on, Maramara agreed to direct the production after a unanimous decision by the company core.

In search of an alternative, Maramara sat with transwomen and LGBTQIA+ advocates Mela Habijan and Janlee Dungca to talk to them about the possibility of having a trans woman portray the titular character, but Maramara ultimately felt like it wasnt her story to tell yet. [Instead,] they taught me the term terf  trans exclusionary radical feminists, says Maramara. So [its] not women versus bakla. Were against being exclusionary. Because terf is an extension of patriarchy and thats exactly what the Amazonistas are. The violence by which they assert their femininity I refuse that. I think we can choose love.

Director Missy Maramara tapped production designer Tata Tuviera for the musical. In photo: A sketch of Femina's costume by Tuviera. Photo courtesy of TATA TUVIERA

A sketch of the set by Tata Tuviera. Photo courtesy of TATA TUVIERA

Opposing femininities

Maramara worked with production designer Tata Tuviera and choreographer Franco Ramos to arrive at a visual language to embody this conflict. Femininity is a power that [Ada] finds in the rock, but its also the same power weaponized by the Amazonistas, says Ramos, who contrasted the Amazonistas sharper, geometric, and canned movement with Zsazsas fluidity, playful, and kenkoy dance breaks, much of which was thanks to the collaboration with Kim Molina. Her movement also has this energy about it that feels like its bursting at the seams, escaping her body any which way it likes.

In bringing out the larger-than-life personalities of Zsazsa and the Amazonistas, Maramara and Tuviera used drag as a source of inspiration. Before we even fully explored the material, sinabi na ni Missy: This has to be one big drag show! These are most apparent with Queen Femina and the Amazonistas, whose looks veer away from the Spice Girls-esque inspirations in the graphic novel. Instead, Tuviera opted to externalize the values and the rigidity of their wearers  their hair hardened to become glittered helmets and their caged armor matching their caged, regressive ideals.

Its not just Zsazsa that transforms. The community transforms with her, says Tuviera, who has the ensemble progressively exchanging their black, white, and brown clothing for a wardrobe and interior design with bursts of color and more daring patterns and prints. They become more open to the queerness and Im trying to do that with color, with their hairstyles, etc.

In bringing out the larger-than-life personalities of Zsazsa and the Amazonistas, Maramara and Tuviera used drag as a source of inspiration. In photo: Kim Molina as Zsazsa, Almond Bolante as Didi, and Kakki Teodoro as Queen Feminas. Photo by JL JAVIER

Its not just Zsazsa that transforms. The community transforms with her, says Tuviera. Photo by JL JAVIER

Love and transformation

Through these collaborations, Maramara zeroed in on the spine of the musical  transformation. How does a queer person find love within this heteronormative world? she asks. They wont. Unless we transform that world. The new staging emphasizes how radical Vergaras work is by never shying away from the flamboyance and shamelessness of Ada and Didi, rightfully celebrating them as crucial parts of the community, while also subverting their personas in the choice to humanize them.

Case in point: Adas first transformation into Zsazsa (Babae Na Ako!) is not played strictly for laughs, but is instead depicted as a genuine moment of discovery akin to ones self-exploration in adolescence. Didis star moment in Act II (Nakikita Ko Na Ang Nakakasilaw Na Ilaw) becomes a chance to question how the audience perceives gays as mere human punchlines. And Dodongs earnest act of confession becomes a balm after the chaos, challenging Adas invisibility, assuring that someone sees through his mask of strength.

In revisiting the music, de Jesus, who also serves as the productions musical director, only altered the lyrics minimally after consulting with the actors, opting instead to rearrange and trim all 21 tracks for the new staging and adding three new ones. It was meant to sound like karaoke even if its gospel, soul, and rhythm and blues kasi [nasa] probinsya, says de Jesus. Its been 17 years I feel like I had to redress this to give it a fresh take. In the process, a new song emerged  Wag Mong Itataboy  which catalyzes the shows thesis on love and transformation before the finale, sung not by the apple of Adas eye Dodong but by Aling Britney  the voice of experience, the closest thing Ada has to a parental figure, and a pillar of the community.

Similar struggles

Vergara, concerned that Ada may be lost in the shadows of his spectacular superhero alter ego, requested that the character be given more time onstage. Hoping to show how Ada and Zsazsa are not competing entities, Maramara weaves Ada in during crucial emotional moments as a specter, emphasizing how they are two sides of the same coin. I see Zsazsa and Ada as one entity. None is more than the other. Its just that Zsazsa has more avenue to be brave, says Maramara. In one of the shows most touching moments, Zsazsa protects Ada from the insults hurled at him by his reanimated father (Multo Ng Nakaraan), the two embracing as an act of self-love. But as the story progresses, Maramara also displays how Ada grows further from his identity, his kabaklaan, by choosing to hide beneath the protection of Zsazsas ideal female body.

I see Zsazsa and Ada as one entity. None is more than the other. Its just that Zsazsa has more avenue to be brave, says Maramara. Photo by JL JAVIER

While not intended by Vergara, Zsazsa Zaturnnahs emergence and reemergence as an icon of queer strength seems to parallel the battle for LGBTQIA+ rights in the Philippines. When Zsazsa was first staged by Tanghalang Pilipino, anti-discrimination bills were already being submitted to Congress to little progress. 17 years later, despite the mainstream popularity of LGBTQIA+ entertainers and shows, LGBTQIA+ representation has still not translated into legislative support  with not only recent pushback against the SOGIE Equality Bill in the Philippines but also a more disturbing crackdown against trans and gender non-conforming individuals, especially in the US.

What makes this piece even more important now is that weve developed so much and yet were still staying in that old mindset. Its ridiculous, says Maramara. So the young ones have to step up. And I see them stepping up.

***

Erratum: The article has been edited to reflect the productions full title, Zsazsa Zaturnnah The MusicalYun Lang! which is different from the original production by Tanghalang Pilipino. We apologize for this oversight.
A male shot in Hazelwood Friday night told police he fled to a nearby home for help.

Pittsburgh police said they responded to to several ShotSpotter alerts near Flowers Avenue around 11:30 p.m.

Responders found a male with a graze wound to the neck. He told officers he was shot on Flowers Avenue by males who have not been identified before fleeing to a nearby home for help.

EMS transported him to a a local hospital in stable condition.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Manchester Uniteds Anthony Martial and Tyrell Malacia at full time after the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday April 8, 2023. (PA Wire)

Anthony Martials first Premier League goal of 2023 wrapped up a comfortable Manchester United victory against Everton but Marcus Rashfords injury threatens to take the sheen off this win.

A mixture of poor finishing, questionable decision-making and string of Jordan Pickford saves prevented Sean Dyches visitors from being on the end of a first-half hiding at Old Trafford.

United had an eye-watering 21 shots in a one-sided opening period but Scott McTominay was the only player to find the net, and that was after Evertons Ellis Simms wasted a glorious chance at the other end.

The Toffees improved after the break but Erik ten Hags men remained in control, with substitute Martial completing a 2-0 win as Rashford capitalised on a Seamus Coleman error.

The France internationals first Premier League goal since December came on his third substitute appearance after spending two months of this injury-hit campaign out with a hip complaint.

Martials return may have come at just the right time given the concerning sight of Rashford pulling up holding his groin late on, before limping heavily around the pitch and down the tunnel.

Everton were a pale imitation of the side that fought for a 1-1 draw against Tottenham on Monday and were on the backfoot from the outset on Saturday lunchtime.

Marcel Sabitzer saw an early shot deflected wide before Rashford was put through on goal, only to shoot straight at Pickford under pressure from James Tarkowski.

Rashford was then frustrated by an excellent recovery tackle by Alex Iwobi, with the resulting corner so nearly bringing about a 12th-minute opener.

Antony sent a curling, bobbling effort off the post and Aaron Wan-Bissaka snatched at the rebound, inexplicably dragging across the face of the empty goal.

Scoring at the Stretford End > pic.twitter.com/kQjn3lG1di  Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 8, 2023

That was a glorious chance, so too was Evertons in the 19th minute.

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Simms collected a return ball from Coleman, dropped a shoulder and then mishit a shot that trundled wide from close range.

That was as good as it got for the Toffees as United continued to unleash a barrage of attacks.

Sabitzer stung the palms of Pickford after great skill by the lively Jadon Sancho, while Antony was failing to make the most of Uniteds threat from balls over the top.

First Bruno Fernandes put him behind only to see a shot saved when Rashford was looking for a pass, then David De Gea put him behind only for shaky Ben Godfrey to get back to deny him.

The theme of open spaces and United missed chances continued as Everton threw bodies in front of a couple of Rashford shots before Fernandes struck over.

But the 36th minute finally brought a breakthrough.

Rashfords repeated attempts to find a gap were stopped so he laid off to Sancho, who smartly found McTominays run and the midfielder lashed past Pickford at his near post.

Pickford palmed away Antonys latest effort in stoppage time after again getting behind Godfrey  a player withdrawn for Vitaliy Mykolenko at the break.

Uniteds intensity dipped after the opening periods one-way traffic and Ten Hag turned to Martial off the bench in place of Antony in the 60th minute to kickstart their attack.

Everton made a pair of midfield changes at the same point and were beginning to ask more questions of the hosts, with Simms, Iwobi and James Garner seeing attempts blocked in quick succession.

That mini-period woke the hosts up, with Fernandes seeing a header saved from Sabitzers superb clipped cross before Wan-Bissaka was denied from the resulting corner.

Rashford fizzed over from 25 yards before Colemans inability to deal with a raking Lisandro Martinez ball out from the back ended the contest. Rashford lapped up the loose ball and squared for Martial to beat Pickford.

There was a huge roar then, so too when Christian Eriksen came on for his first appearance since sustaining a nasty ankle injury in January.

But as two United players return, another picked up an injury.

Rashford pulled up and held his groin, immediately indicating to the bench he was hurt. He limped off round the pitch and was consoled by Ten Hag.

United had further chances to add more, mainly through man of the match Fernandes, but settled for a simple win and clean sheet.
Particles of Marburg virus are shown in false color here. FR/NIH/NIAID/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Image

The CDC is warning doctors to be on the lookout for Marburg virus amid outbreaks in two African countries

The highly contagious virus causes fever, fatigue, and blood-stained vomit.

There are no vaccines or antiviral treatments currently approved to treat the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week issued a health advisory warning to US doctors regarding an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in two African nations.

The World Health Organization confirmed an outbreak of the virus in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania earlier this year. Authorities first issued a warning for Equatorial Guinea in February following a series of deaths in early January. The Ministry of Health of Tanzania then announced its own outbreak in late March.

There have been 14 confirmed cases in Equatorial Guinea since the epidemic began, with 10 of those patients dying, according to the CDC An outbreak among a group of fisherman in Tanzania produced eight confirmed cases of the viral fever, five of which were fatal, the CDC said.

The CDC on Thursday warned doctors to watch for possible imported cases and patients exhibiting symptoms that include fever, fatigue, and blood-strained vomit and diarrhea. There have not been any reported cases of Marburg virus thus far in the US and the CDC said the risk of imported cases is relatively low.

The virus' presence in both Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania mark the first outbreak of the disease in either country. It comes approximately six months after an outbreak of cases was reported in Ghana in July 2022.

Marburg virus is rare among people but it is highly infectious once it finds a human host, and the disease can be fatal, with an average fatality rate of around 50%, according to the WHO. During a 2005 outbreak of the virus in Angola, the death rate among Marburg patients was as high as 88%, the agency said.

What are the symptoms of the Marburg virus?

Common symptoms of the Marburg virus include hemorrhagic fever, fatigue, blood-stained vomit, and diarrhea.

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Illness from the disease often begins abruptly, according to the WHO, starting with a high fever, a bad headache, and malaise. Muscle aches and cramps can accompany the onset, as well as jaundice, nausea, and pain in the abdomen.

The CDC said a non-itchy rash can also appear around the fifth day of the disease, striking the patient's chest, back, or stomach.

Patients can appear "ghost-like" around day three, with deep-set eyes, expressionless faces, and extreme lethargy, according to the WHO.

In fatal cases, death often occurs between eight and nine days after the onset, usually preceded by blood loss and shock, the agency said.

The virus is highly contagious and bodies can remain contagious even after death.

What is the treatment for Marburg?

There are no known vaccines or antiviral treatments currently approved for the virus, according to the WHO, but supportive care, including rehydration efforts and treatment of specific symptoms, can improve patients' chances of survival.

The WHO convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss whether to test one of the multiple Marburg virus vaccines and treatments that are currently in the development process.

Marburg virus can be difficult to diagnose given its similar presentation to several other infectious diseases, including malaria, typhoid fever, meningitis, and Ebola.

Marburg originates from the same family of viruses that cause Ebola, according to the WHO, a group called filoviruses.

The Marburg virus is transmitted to humans via fruit bats, which are a natural host of the virus, according to the WHO.

The virus is not respiratory. Once a human is infected, the virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, as well as via contaminated surfaces and materials.

The virus was first recognized in 1967 among lab workers conducting research in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia.

How is the WHO responding to the outbreak?

The UN health agency said in a February that it had deployed health emergency experts in epidemiology, case management, and infection prevention to Equatorial Guinea to try and control the outbreak.

The organization also sent advance teams to the impacted area to trace contacts, isolate people showing symptoms of the disease, and provide medical care.

02/16/2023: This story has been updated to clarify that Marburg virus is caused by a filovirus in the same family as Ebola, and not the same virus.

04/07/2023: This story has been updated to include the CDC's April health advisory warning.

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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (left) Laura Loomer (right). Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images, John Lamparski/Getty Images

The Georgia Republican warned Trump not to hire Laura Loomer to work on his 2024 campaign.

Greene and far-right activist Loomer once publicly praised one another, but they are now feuding.

The New York Times reported that Trump wanted to hire Loomer, but sources said the plan was scrapped.

Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene and far-right activist Laura Loomer are feuding after the congresswoman said she would warn former President Donald Trump against hiring her to work on his 2024 presidential campaign.

The war of words was sparked by a The New York Times report that said Trump had told aides to hire Loomer, a self-described "proud Islamophobe" who has promoted COVID-19 misinformation.

Greene took to Twitter on Friday to say Loomer is "mentally unstable and a documented liar" who "can not be trusted."

Marjorie Taylor Greene  (@mtgreenee) April 7, 2023

The Georgia Republican listed various complaints about Loomer, including claims that the activist attacked her for supporting Kevin McCarthy's bid for House speaker and for not endorsing Loomer in her most recent congressional campaign.

She also claimed that Loomer loves "weirdo" Nick Fuentes, the conservative firebrand and white supremacist who Trump had a controversial dinner with in November along with rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.

"Never hire or do business with a liar. Liars are toxic and poisonous to everything they touch. I'll make sure he knows," Greene said about Loomer.

Loomer responded with multiple tweets attacking Greene, calling her a liar and describing her behavior as "not very "Christian."

Loomer shared a video of the congresswoman praising her in 2018, and claimed that she had screenshots of Greene promising to endorse her for Congress and accused her of changing her mind after she "made deals with McCarthy."

She also criticized Greene for hiring Milo Yiannopoulos, a British alt-right provocateur, to intern for her last year, and accused her of not doing enough to attack Trump's rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

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After Greene and other MAGA world figures reacted negatively to The New York Times report, a high-ranking campaign official told the paper that Loomer was no longer going to be hired.

The controversial activist was barred from ride-hail apps Lyft and Uber and temporarily banned from Twitter for making bigoted comments.

It is not clear what sparked their feud. Greene and Loomer once publicly praised and defended one another, but the relationship has since soured.

Read the original article on Business Insider
One of Volusia County's better charter schools was roiled last week with news that its principal, a woman who had been pivotal in building the school and its reputation, had fallen for what would seem to the casual reader to be a garden-variety internet scam.

At one point, after a back-and-forth with a person she thought was Elon Musk, she wrote a check for $100,000 made out to an individual identified to her as Musk's assistant.

Yes, the planet's second-richest man needed up-front money in the form of a check made out to his assistant. At least he wasn't asking for funds in the form of Walmart gift cards.

The Burns Science and Technology school board gathered Monday to determine next steps after resignation of principal.

Fortunately, the school's business manager canceled the check before it could be cashed. Ah, thank goodness for the inconveniences of good old-fashioned paper checks, which, unlike many instantaneous electronic transfers, can often be yanked back.

And here, it should be noted that charter schools are private-public partnerships that work through the public school system and receive public money. So yes, tax dollars could have been involved here. The incident made national news. Another crazy-stuff-in-Florida story.

The principal, Janet McGee, resigned. "I am a very smart lady, well-educated. I fell for a scam," McGee admitted to school parents.

Which goes to show how even a sophisticated person might, under the right circumstances, after hearing a pitch perfectly attuned to her frequency, jump in with both feet regardless of advice to the contrary.

And often it is the more self-assured among us who buy the goods most completely and resent it the most should someone point out a smell in the room. I once covered what seems in retrospect to have been the cheesiest of penny-stock cons. After the story ran, I was naively shocked that some investors who had been hornswoggled were furious at me for ruining what they still considered an outstanding investment opportunity. Fake news!

When people fall for a con, they fall hard. These are called confidence schemes for a reason.

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No longer do we live in those dark days of boiler-room stock-pumping operations. Social media, the internet and smartphones allow scam artists a reach they never before dreamed of.

Every week like clockwork, I get a text message telling me to please forward my credit card number so my Netflix account won't be canceled. (I don't subscribe.) Fake invoices for anti-virus software and expensive laptops fill my inbox. And look! A text from the IRS. Settle up or else. (Unsurprisingly, the IRS doesn't initiate prosecutions by text message.)

I have a phone app that blocks the most prolific phone scammers, but many still get through. I recently got a call with a computer-synthesized voice warning me that my "social security number is about to be suspended." (No, numbers don't get suspended, and no government agency is looking to be paid in big-box store gift cards, either.) Last week, I got a live caller telling me I won airline tickets out of the Ormond Beach airport. (There is no regular airline service out of that airport.) I had a friend who recently got the old grandchild-in-distress-needs-money scam call. (She has no grandchildren and played with the caller for a while, asking him his name. "John?" he guessed.)

The volume of scam calls, phishing texts, and email scams makes me, as an older person, feel kind of targeted. People believe that on your 60th birthday, the con-detection area of your brain checks out. And sadly, that sometimes happens. The FBI reports that 46% of call-center fraud complaints they got last year were from people over 60. And Florida ranks second among the states in fraud losses and complaints.

Because my email address runs with this column and is easily found online, I get dozens and dozens of old-fashioned advance-fee scam emails. (Actual text: "My Name is Mr. Mohamed Ebrahim Ahmed. I am a banker by profession. I hail from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa. My reason for contacting you is to transfer an abandoned $13,500,000.00 to your account.)

Unlike the call-center come-ons, I enjoy these because they make me feel like a citizen of the world. A sophisticated kind of guy. The kind of guy that Ahmed (whom I imagine has a voice like Peter Lorre's) might sidle up to with a mutually advantageous business proposition in a sweaty tropical bar while I nurse a palmetto (two parts rum, one part vermouth). "A cool $13 million, and surely a man of your financial standing, can manage an insignificant $10,000 in fees, retainers, customs taxes and the bank manager's, uh, customary gratuity," he coos.

Despite the daily dump of email come-ons, text message cons and robocalls, I've yet to hear from Musk. Bill Gates, sure, but not Musk.

I'll be looking for him in future batches. Just because this time the con was unsuccessful doesn't mean it won't inspire imitators. Just ask Ahmed.

Mark Lane is a News-Journal columnist. His email is mlanewrites@gmail.com, but don't try to sell him anything.

Mark Lane

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Mark Lane: Elon Musk scam of school proves smart folks can be conned
Davalos Mercado celebrated its opening with a ceremonial ribbon cutting Thursday afternoon.

The busy retail strip mall where the Davalos family members operate Ponchos Tacos at 1344 Lexington Ave. now has a second business by the Davalos family, just two doors down, where you can enjoy dessert, coffee, flavored teas, nutritional smoothies, homemade popsicles made with fruit ice cream, homemade Mexican breads and more.

The Mexican Grocery & Ice Cream Davalos Mercado (Spanish for market) celebrated its opening Thursday with a ribbon cutting with Richland Area Chamber-Economic Development officials and community leaders at 1350 Lexington Ave. No one went away hungry as the large crowd sampled food and tasty treats.

Luis and Natalie Davalos and their children Byanka Aguirre, Elizabeth Aguirre, Litzky Davalos, Mia Davalos and Moises Davalos with Jesus Davalos were joined by community members for a ribbon cutting outside the store at 3 p.m. Luis Davalos and brother Jesus Davalos also work together at their various businesses.

Elizabeth Aguirre is operating the grocery store which is modern and painted a bright shade of fuchsia and packed with hundreds of items needed to prepare homemade Mexican and ethnic dishes.

Christina Rolland savors a bite of homemade watermelon popsicle from Davalos Mercado. Jason J. Molyet/News Journal

The new business is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, the same hours as Ponchos Tacos eatery.

Grocery items from Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Colombia

The new family-operated market in the busy strip mall provides grocery store products from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and Colombia, said Jesus Davalos while welcoming customers to the new store.

Natalie Davalos said the grocery store will sell items to customers and many local Mexican restaurants that previously had to drive to Columbus to buy.

The aisles are filled with peppers, cookies, beans, hot sauce, dried chilis, rice, tortillas, Mexican sour cream, cheese sauces and more from many countries plus a large variety of chips and nonalcoholic beverages not usually available locally.

Natalie has been making the many homemade popsicles with fresh fruits in many flavors including watermelon and more.

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The ice cream counter is filled with traditional and nontraditional flavors for young and old alike.

The shelves of Davalos Mercado are filled with Mexican food favorites.

Local officials give friendly welcome to new Mansfield business

Mansfield Councilman Aurelio Diaz said many customers from the Willard area will enjoy shopping at the new market as there is a large community of Hispanic people who work seasonally in Willard and Celeryville.

Luis Davalos thanked the community for being so supportive of the many Mexican businesses operating in Richland County.

The grocery store has Mexican pottery items and almost life-sized pinatas for sale. The new business also provides a service similar to Western Union for customers who might need to send money back home, Natalie said.

Jodie Perry of the Chamber, Richland County Commissioners Cliff Mears and Tony Vero and Mansfield City Council president David Falquette each thanked the Davalos family for all the investments they have made in Richland County.

lwhitmir@gannett.com

419-521-7223

Twitter: @LWhitmir

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Grocery store offers items from Columbia, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico
McDonagh, pictured at February's Baftas, says some theatres want to make his plays more "palatable" as a result of "petty outrage"

The playwright Martin McDonagh has said theatres have refused to revive his work because he would not allow changes to the language.

He blames "petty outrage" for some venues wanting to make his plays more "palatable".

It is a "major problem", he told BBC Radio 4's Today, and a "dangerous place" for writers.

McDonagh's film The Banshees of Inisherin was nominated for nine Oscars earlier this year.

His 2003 play The Pillowman, which concerns a writer imprisoned by a totalitarian state, is being revived in June on London's West End starring Steve Pemberton and Lily Allen.

The free speech charity PEN International has launched a partnership with the production to support "many of the values we promote such as the need for tolerance, critical thinking and informed debate".

McDonagh's film The Banshees of Inisherin won four Bafta awards and stars Colin Farrell and Barry Keoghan

"Only in the past few years have I had theatre companies refuse to do my plays, because they don't like some of the wording in them," McDonagh said.

They wanted to make some words "more palatable to them or what they think their audience is", he said, despite him being "an established writer who sells tickets".

There was a backlash after the publisher of Roald Dahl's stories announced some wording would be changed to make them suitable for modern audiences.

The decision was reversed in February after high-profile authors including Salman Rushdie called the move censorship and the prime minister's spokesperson said works of fiction should be "preserved and not airbrushed".

McDonagh has long courted controversy with his fictional work.

In 2006 he told the New Yorker magazine that his play The Lieutenant of Inishmore was the result of "trying to write a play that would get me killed".

The play satirised an IRA paramilitary returning home and violently avenging the death of his cat.

McDonagh's most recent film The Banshees of Inisherin won four Bafta and three Golden Globe awards

Despite the case of Salman Rushdie, who long faced death threats over his work and was stabbed last year, McDonagh said writers should not fear threats of personal injury because "it might not actually exist anyway".

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He told BBC Radio 4: "I do think it's a good idea to write something that's dangerous or explosive."

McDonagh said state-sponsored censorship of writers is "not getting any better", adding: "It seems like governments are becoming increasingly more scared of dissenting voices."

A new production of his play The Pillowman will star Pemberton and Allen because they are "cool people and quite dangerous in their own art forms as well", he says.

"I think it's a very frightening time," he added, suggesting new writers should "get off social media", "stop checking the internet" and "go out and outrage".
Massachusetts politicians sounded off after access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the country became shrouded in certainty.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, ordered a hold on federal approval of mifepristone in a decision that overruled decades of scientific approval. But that decision came at nearly the same time that U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, an Obama appointee, essentially ordered the opposite and directed U.S. authorities not to make any changes that would restrict access to the drug in at least 17 states where Democrats sued in an effort to protect availability.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus Abortion Rights and Access Task Force, said in a statement that abortion pills are medically safe and called the ruling from Kacsmaryk a devastating ruling.

If allowed to go into effect, this ruling, like all abortion restrictions, would fall hardest on Black, brown, low-income, LGBTQ, Indigenous folks, the disabled, and more of the most marginalizedand it marks the latest in a decades-long, white supremacist effort to control and deny us our bodily autonomy, said Pressley.

Medication abortion is a safe, effective form of routine medical care.



The Administration must appeal this harmful ruling. https://t.co/gkSTnGYXE2  Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) April 8, 2023

The abortion drug has been widely used in the U.S. since securing FDA approval in 2000. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortion in the United States, along with misoprostol, which is also used to treat other medical conditions.

Kacsmaryk signed an injunction directing the FDA to stay mifepristones approval while a lawsuit challenging the safety and approval of the drug continues. His 67-page order gave the government seven days to appeal.

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Simply put, FDA stonewalled judicial review  until now, Kacsmaryk wrote.

We will fight this relentless, radical right-wing assault on reproductive freedom and we will win, wrote Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey on Twitter.

Mifepristone is safe, scientifically sound, and still legal. Republicans will stop at nothing to ban abortion nationwide, but we wont back down. We will fight this relentless, radical right-wing assault on reproductive freedom and we will win.  Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) April 7, 2023

Senator Elizabeth Warren called for President Biden to intervene.

One Trump-appointed judge in Texas thinks he knows better than decades of scientific evidence and ruled to block access... Posted by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren on Friday, April 7, 2023

Clinics and doctors that prescribe the two-drug combination have said that if mifepristone were pulled from the market, they would switch to using only the second drug, misoprostol. That single-drug approach has a slightly lower rate of effectiveness in ending pregnancies, but it is widely used in countries where mifepristone is illegal or unavailable.

Anti-abortion groups, which are newly encouraged about their ability to further restrict abortion and prevail in court since lasts years reversal of Roe v. Wade, embraced the Texas ruling.

The courts decision today is a major step forward for women and girls whose health and safety have been jeopardized for decades by the FDAs rushed, flawed and politicized approval of these dangerous drugs, said March for Life President Jeanne Mancini.

Legal experts warned that the ruling could upend decades of precedent, setting the stage for political groups to overturn other FDA approvals of controversial drugs and vaccines.

This has never happened before in history  its a huge deal, said Greer Donley, a professor specializing in reproductive health care at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. You have a federal judge who has zero scientific background second guessing every scientific decision that the FDA made.

Still, because of the contradictory nature of the rulings, Greer and other experts said there would be little immediate impact.

In the short term, nothings going to change, Greer said. This is the time to be preparing for the fact that in a week, potentially, mifepristone becomes an unapproved drug in this country.

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Matthew Kacsmaryk at the Senate Judiciary Committee's nomination hearing on December 13, 2017. U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary

Matthew Kacsmaryk is a Texas federal judge who was nominated by Donald Trump in 2017.

Since his confirmation, the judge has handed several cases in favor of conservative causes.

Kacsmaryk is presiding over a lawsuit that seeks to reverse the FDA approval of an abortion pill.

Matthew Kacsmaryk, 45, is a federal judge for the Amarillo division of the Northern District of Texas and is presiding over a lawsuit that seeks to ban an FDA-approved abortion pill  a decision that could have nationwide implications for the drug's availability.

The suit, filed by the Alliance For Hippocratic Medicine, targets the Federal Drug Administration's 2000 approval of mifepristone, a medication abortion that can be prescribed in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

On Friday, Kacsmaryk issued a suspension of the FDA approval with a one-week window for the federal government to appeal and seek emergency relief, meaning that the ban will not go immediately into effect.

Shortly after the ruling, Justice Department attorneys and a lawyer from Danco Laboratories, which manufactures a version of mifepristone, submitted an appeal to Kacsmaryk's decision.

Experts have argued the lawsuit relies on false claims about the drug. Attorneys for the American Medical Association and other groups have said that the drug is about as safe as ibuprofen and that Viagra and childbirth pose many more risks.

In his Friday decision, Kacsymaryk appeared sympathetic to the plaintiff's arguments, stating that the "FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns" and referred to the pill as "chemical abortion."

The Texas judge has a decadeslong affiliation to conservative causes and has been an outspoken opponent of abortion for years.

Here's what we know about Kacsmaryk:

What was his upbringing like?

Kacsmaryk  pronounced kaz-mare-ik  was born in 1977 in Gainesville, Florida, according to the Federal Judicial Center.

He was raised in Forth Worth, Texas, by born-again Christians, his sister, Jennifer Griffith, told The Washington Post.

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Religion was a critical part of the Kacsmaryk household, which regularly attended West Freeway Church of Christ, according to the Post's profile of the judge.

Griffith told the newspaper the children were taught early on that abortion was wrong. Their mother, Dorothy, is a microbiologist who began working at anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers, she said.

Kacsmaryk is "very passionate about the fact that you can't preach pro-life and do nothing," Griffith told the Post.

Where did he go to school?

Kacsmaryk graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1999 and received his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 2003.

In a blog post highlighting Kacsmaryk's confirmation as a "win for religious freedom," First Liberty Institute, a Christian conservative nonprofit, wrote how he met Kelly Shackelford, the organization's CEO, when he took her class on religious freedom at law school. About a decade later, Kacsmaryk would take on cases for the organization as a deputy general counsel, according to a questionnaire all judicial nominees must fill out before their confirmation.

The Post reported that it was during law school when Kacsmaryk focused on abortion rights. He and Rep. Chip Roy, who represents the 21st District of Texas, attended meetings of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal group, at law school and would discuss the Supreme Court's landmark ruling of Roe v. Wade.

"I very clearly remember having conversations at length about how the Supreme Court had contorted itself to achieve the ends of a policy outcome the result of which was tearing asunder the fabric of our country," Roy told the Post.

Kacsmaryk also served as the executive editor of the Texas Review of Law & Politics and received two Dean's Achievement Awards, according to the questionnaire.

What has he previously said about abortion and his political views?

During his undergraduate years, studying political science, Kacsmaryk was outspoken about his conservative views and stances on abortion.

In a 1996 letter to the editor published in his college newspaper, Kacsmaryk advocated for extending full legal rights to an "unborn child."

"The Democratic Party's ability to condone the federally sanctioned eradication of innocent human life is indicative of the moral ambivalence undergirding this party," he wrote. "Perhaps more than any other national institution, the liberal Democratic Party and its ideological affiliates have facilitated the demise of America's Christian heritage."

The letter also appeared to criticize the idea of "homosexuality as a legitimate alternate familial unit" and the Clinton administration's repeal of a ban on LGBTQ members serving in the military.

He also led the College Republicans group, the Post reported.

In 2015, Kacsmaryk published two articles lambasting same-sex marriage and abortion rights.

In the National Catholic Register, Kacsmaryk wrote how decades of litigation have removed "three pillars of marriage law: first, permanence; second, exclusivity; and third, procreation."

"The third pillar fell when the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional nearly all restrictions on contraceptives and abortion in Griswold v. Connecticut (1965), Eisenstadt v. Baird (1965), Roe v. Wade (1973), and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992)," he wrote.

Who nominated Kacsmaryk?

Donald Trump nominated Kacsmaryk for a lifetime appointment in 2017.

The Senate confirmed Kacsmaryk in June 2019 almost across party lines with the exception of Sen. Susan Collins.

"Mr. Kacsmaryk has dismissed proponents of reproductive choice as 'sexual revolutionaries,' and disdainfully criticized the legal foundations of Roe v. Wade," Collins said in a statement at the time. "Such extreme statements reflect poorly on Mr. Kacsmaryk's temperament and suggest an inability to respect precedent and to apply the law fairly and impartially."

During his confirmation hearing, Kacsmaryk was asked if judges ever apply their religious beliefs while deciding on a case.

"They should not," he said.

What were some of his recent major rulings?

Kacsmaryk's law practice has varied, at once focusing on intellectual property cases while at Baker Botts LLP and later arguing cases involving "terrorism, fraud, forgery, counterfeiting, firearms, drug-trafficking," among other crimes, while as the assistant district attorney for the Northern District of Texas, according to his resume.

Before he was confirmed, he represented two Oregon-based Christian bakers who refused to make a wedding cake for a lesbian couple in 2013 while with the First Liberty Institute.

More recent high-profile cases include a November ruling that struck down the Biden administration's effort to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in healthcare.

Kacsmaryk also paused the current administration's attempt to end a Trump-era law known as the "remain in Mexico" border policy, which requires asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their status is being processed.

In December, Kacsmaryk ruled in favor of a Texas father's case that challenged Title X, a federal program that provides access to contraceptives to teenagers without parental consent.

The federal judge ruled that Title X denies the "fundamental right to control and direct the upbringing of his minor children."

A spokesperson at Kacsmaryk's chambers could not be reached for comment.

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Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris (Getty Images)

The Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer for McDonalds reportedly told other advertising heavyweights that Elon Musks relentless shitposting in the name of free speech is perpetuating racism. The Mickey Ds exec is also concerned about the general chaos the Twitter CEO has caused and the threat he poses to the fast food chains brand. The statements were made ahead of a major marketing conference next week where Musk will try to convince rapidly fleeing advertisers to return to Twitter. Hes facing an uphill battle.

For many communities, his [Musks] willingness to leverage success and personal financial resources to further an agenda under the guise of freedom of speech is perpetuating racism resulting [in] direct threats to their communities and a potential for brand safety compromise we should all be concerned about, Tariq Hassan wrote in a leaked email exchange revealed by Semafor. Further, all of us who lead our brands investments across platforms were required to navigate a situation post-acquisition that objectively can only be characterized as ranging from chaos to moments of irresponsibility.

Read more

The leaked email thread included executives from McDonalds, Colgate-Palmolive, and the Albertsons grocery chain. Those executives are board members of MMA Global, the organization hosting next weeks Possible conference. Colgate-Palmolive vice president and general manager of consumer experience Diana Haussling echoed some of Hassans sentiments and expressed concerns about the harmful and often racist rhetoric of Elon Musk.

While I am a huge supporter of free speech and enterprise we can not ignore the impact of such hate speech, Haussling wrote. I especially cant ignore it as a black woman.

Kristi Argyilan, Albertsons senior vice president of retail media, meanwhile, expressed concerns unhinged antics or statements by Musk at the conference could reflect poorly on the groups reputation. Twitters VP of global sales and marketing, who was also on the email thread, didnt defend Musk and instead proposed each of the executives meet with her boss individually.

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McDonalds, Colgate-Palmolive and Albertsons did not immediately respond to Gizmodos requests for comment.

Elon and Twitter desperately needs advertisers

The advertisers concerned messages couldnt come at a worse time for Musk and Twitter. Data shared with CNN earlier this year by SensorTower shows Twitter has 625 of the top 1,000 advertisers it had prior to Musks takeover in September. That massive exodus reportedly resulted in a 60% decline in Twitters monthly revenue from advertisers between October 2022 and the end of January. Advertisers have faced pressure from dozens of civil society organizations who called on them to cut ties with Twitter due over Musks change to the site.

Musk badly needs to make amends with advertisers, especially given the lackluster reception to the companys mostly useless Twitter Blue subscription offering. The company reported holds around $13 billion in debt, which it began paying off in January.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 8) Devotees can keep and follow some beliefs related to Black Saturday, but should let go of other unhelpful rituals, according to a church official.

May mga na-assimilate na burial practices at tsaka mga traditions [sa Sabado de Gloria], Fr. Earl Valdez, spokesperson of the Quiapo Church, said in an interview.

On one hand may mga nakakatulong naman sa debosyon katulad nito na tahimik lang ang simbahan. Mayroon ding mga hindi nakakatulong katulad nga noong sabi nga nila, dahil nilalamayan natin ang Panginoon e bawal maligo, bawal mag-ingay, he added.

[Translation: Burial practices and traditions were assimilated in commemorating Black Saturday. Some are helpful, like now that the church is quiet. But there are some that are not, such as the saying that people should not take a bath or make loud noises because we are mourning the death of the Lord.]

Black Saturday, or Sabado de Gloria, is commemorated by Catholics as the day when Jesus Christ was laid in His tomb after death by crucifixion.

This day is the time of the in-between, or waiting that the resurrection of Jesus will eventually come, University of the Philippines Diliman anthropologist Dr. Hector Guazon explained.

Some of the faithful still believe in superstitions

Some Filipinos, however, still believe in superstitions or practices associated with Black Saturday.

Lori Cepe, who traveled from Quezon province to Quiapo in Manila, said she always finds time to embark on the journey as part of her devotion.

She also takes with her some practices passed down from generations.

"Ang pagkaalam ko kasi sa ninuno namin bawal ng pumunta kung saan-saan, kasiyahan, bawal pumunta ng mga outing," Cepe said.

[Translation: From what I know from our elders, we should not be wandering about, having celebrations, or joining outings.]

Another churchgoer, Aurora Rivera, also shared some traditions she has diligently followed during the Lenten season.

"Dapat tahimik daw, huwag kakain ng mga pork, meat, dapat fish tsaka vegetables. Fasting kung pwede pang-alis lang ng kasalanan kahit slight lang," Aurora said.

[Translation: They said we should keep quiet, must not eat pork, meat, only fish and vegetables. Fast, if possible, for the cleansing of sin, even if just a little.]

Guazon, citing anthropology studies, explained that there are still ritual remnants in people even if they are engaged in other activities during Lent.

Meanwhile, as more people take advantage of the long Holy Week break to go on vacation, Fr. Valdez said Catholics can still practice their faith anywhere, including internal observance for the Easter Vigil.

"At least make time, some effort to have this as a part of your day," he said.
Pierce College has selected presidents to lead its Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup campuses following a nationwide search, the college announced this week.

Matthew Campbell, whos currently the interim president for Pierce College Puyallup, will assume a permanent role at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. Chio Flores, an administrator at Wenatchee Valley College in central Washington, will become president at the Puyallup campus.

Their hires will be effective on May 1 and June 1, respectively, the college said.

In a statement announcing their selections Friday, Pierce College Chancellor and CEO Julie White said that both hires understood the educational landscape in Washington and are experienced in making colleges more equitable, accessible and successful.

I look forward to working with these talented leaders to advance Pierce Colleges work in engaging with our communities as we relentlessly pursue our mission of creating quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world, White said.

Campbell holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Temple University and previously served as vice president of Learning and Student Success at Pierce College Puyallup.

Pierce College is an amazing community and I look forward to continuing our actions to center Black and Brown student excellence and advancing equitable access and success to move us all closer to educations promise of economic and social mobility, Campbell said in a statement.

Flores will arrive from Wenatchee Valley College in Wenatchee, where she currently serves as vice president of Student Services and Enrollment Management. She holds a doctorate in Higher Education and Administration from Washington State University.

I am eager to work alongside Pierces amazing team as we advance the colleges anti-racism efforts to better serve the community and most importantly, our students, Flores said in a statement.

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The focus on racial equity aligns with the stated goals of White, who only this year took the reins as chancellor and CEO of the college, following the retirement of former college head Michele Johnson. White, who was formerly president of Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, told The News Tribune in November that she planned to make the college an anti-racist institution.

White had said she looked forward to helping the college define what that meant and how to achieve it. She added that college job candidates are asked how they view their role in contributing to that goal.

All of our efforts over the past several years are focused on eliminating the disparities in success rates among students of color, and specifically among Black and Brown students, she said in an email at the time.

Pierce College is the largest college district in Pierce County and serves more than 13,500 students each year, according to the college. State financial data shows that college campus presidents made $197,000 annually in 2021.
Its still unknown whether Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will put on a brave face for King Charles big day.

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently told the BBC that theres no update on whether they will be attending the upcoming coronation or not.

Charles, Harrys father, is set to be crowned on May 6. He ascended to the throne after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September.

Despite the couple staying silent, Christopher Andersen told Fox News Digital that "its not too late."

It's still unclear whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will travel across the pond for King Charles' coronation in May.

"It's not too late for Harry to put on his big boy pants and go," said the author of "The King: The Life of Charles III." "This is his father, after all, and there will be no more important occasion in Charles' life. I think if Harry goes, he will want Meghan to attend as well. Going solo might imply that Harry has chosen his family over his wife, and above all else, the Sussexes want to make it clear they are an unbreakable team."

"It is a complicated situation made all the more vexing by each side's intransigence," Andersen shared. "The king and Prince William have shown little interest lately in repairing the royal family's relationship with Harry and Meghan, and the Sussexes have responded in kind. Everyone is digging in for now, but that doesn't mean that at the last-minute Harry and Meghan will decide that, at least in terms of optics, it looks better for them to be the 'bigger' people in this dispute  the less petty ones, in other words  and show up."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"If they do, they will have to be willing to stiff-upper-lip it because the reception they receive will be frosty at best," he added.

SARAH FERGUSON'S HARSH MESSAGE TO ROYALS AFTER PRINCE HARRY, MEGHAN MARKLE'S EXIT: 'CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS'

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reside in California with their son Prince Archie, 3, and Princess Lilibet, 1.

On March 5, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed that Harry received "email correspondence" from the kings office about the coronation. Buckingham Palace didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

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"An immediate decision on whether the duke and duchess will attend will not be disclosed at this time," the couples office said in a statement.

Speculation about whether the Sussexes would be invited to the coronation has raged since the release of Harrys explosive memoir, "Spare," which contained damning allegations of intrigue behind the palace walls.

King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla pose for a royal portrait to coincide with the release of their invites to the coronation.

The disclosures, including details of private conversations with his father and brother, fanned tensions between Harry and his family that became public when he and his wife moved to North America in 2020.

On Tuesday, Buckingham Palace released the coronation invitation, which was issued to 2,000 guests for the ceremony at Londons Westminster Abbey.

The palace also announced that Williams eldest son, Prince George, 9, will serve as a Page of Honor alongside Queen Camilla's grandsons, Freddy Parker Bowles, Gus Lopes and Louis Lopes.

Royal expert Emily Andrews told Fox News Digital shes surprised the Sussexes havent announced whether they are going to attend or not.

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Prince George (seen here with his sister, Princess Charlotte) will have an important role in his grandfather's coronation. The eldest child of Prince William is second in line to the throne.

"Were only four weeks away and frankly its just really bad manners," she said. "A huge amount of planning has to go into every step of this global event and the guest list, particularly of the royal family, needs to be finalized. Relations between Harry and his father are still at a low ebb, and non-existent between him and William, after the publication of his autobiography."

"So whilst I understand Harry wanting to iron out every potential issue and pitfall with Buckingham Palace  negotiations are ongoing, I understand  it's really a simple choice," she shared. "Is he going to support his father on the most important day of his life or not? Charles wants him and Meghan there; he has made that clear. I hope they both go, as surely that is the first step to reconciling this huge family rift."

"Their delaying is no doubt deliberate," royal expert Hilary Fordwich alleged to Fox News Digital. "They know and can see the global media is still speculating. The moment they confirm a decision the speculation and the ongoing media focus on this issue ceases. This is probably their ploy. The royal family has planned as if they are both coming since it is far easier to undo plans for an attendee versus to create the space and protocol."

King Charles became king upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Britain's longest-reigning monarch passed away in September at age 96.

Kinsey Schofield, the host of the "To Di For Daily" podcast, pointed out the decision is a complicated one. In 2022, Harry launched a legal challenge to the U.K.s governments refusal to let him personally pay for police protection when he comes to Britain.

Harrys legal team said the 38-year-old wants to bring his two young children to visit his home country from the U.S. but thinks it would be too risky without police protection. While senior members of the British royal family are given taxpayer-funded police protection, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex lost that when they stepped down as working royals in 2020. The couple said their decision was due to what they described as unbearable intrusions and the racist attitudes of the British media.

Harry wants to be able to pay for the protection, saying his private security team in the U.S. doesnt have adequate jurisdiction abroad or access to U.K. intelligence information.

PRINCE WILLIAM'S NEW MOVE SENDS MESSAGE TO PRINCE HARRY, EXPERTS SAY: 'THE CROWN WILL WIN OUT OVER TINSELTOWN'

"I believe that the palace already knows which way the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are leaning and are keeping things tight-lipped due to their very public security concerns," Schofield suspected. "Would Harry and Meghan not reveal their plans to be difficult? Totally. But they would also strongly argue that they don't feel like they are appropriately protected when they are in the U.K., so they might be postponing the announcement to ensure safe travel."

"Harry claims as recently as 2021 he's had dangerous encounters with paparazzi," she explained. "His attorney told courts that his security was put in jeopardy when his car was chased by photographers as he left a charity event. At the time, his lawyers said Harry was 'unable to return to his home' with his family because it is too dangerous."

Despite the security concerns, Schofield said shes "pretty confident" the couple will be present.

Meghan Markle, an American actress, became the Duchess of Sussex when she married the British prince in 2018.

"Royal commentators joke among ourselves that Meghan probably had her outfits picked out months ago," said Schofield. "Bags are packed! Hopefully, she's Googled the lyrics to 'God Save the King.' But the palace has devised multiple plans that include them and exclude them so no matter what they decide to do... the day will run smoothly. There wouldn't be empty seats in the Abbey where they were supposed to be."

If the couple were to attend, it would be the first meeting between Charles and his younger son since Harry deepened the rift within the palace by revealing family secrets in "Spare," a bestseller.

The acrimony between Harry and his family once again spilled into public view in March when the Sussexes acknowledged they were asked to vacate their home in Britain.

PRINCE HARRY, MEGHAN MARKLE 'WILL BE SIDELINED' DURING CORONATION, EXPERT CLAIMS: 'TOO MUCH BITTERNESS

Prince Harry's explosive memoir "Spare" became the fastest-selling nonfiction book of all time.

Frogmore Cottage, on the grounds of Windsor Castle west of London, was the couples main residence before they gave up royal duties and moved to Montecito, a wealthy enclave in Southern California.

The Sun newspaper reported that Charles asked them to relinquish the dwelling on Jan. 11, the day after Harrys memoir was published. But issues other than the book may have sparked the request.

Charles has said he plans to cut the number of working royals and reduce the cost of the monarchy as he seeks to modernize the 1,000-year-old institution in hopes of ensuring its survival.
King Charles III's coronation is exactly a month away, slotted to take place on Saturday, May 6. For weeks, media outlets and the internet alike have been speculating whether or not Charles' youngest son Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle will fly over from California to attend. Their rep gave the BBC a statement this week on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision: They have not yet made one. The spokesperson told the outlet, there was no update on whether they were attending, the BBC wrote.

Harry and Meghan's non-decision comes shortly after Harry was in London for a lawsuit against the Daily Mail's publishers, Associated Newspapers Ltd, in late March.

In his witness statement, he spoke out against the royal family's handling of the British press, revealing he felt the institution withheld information from him regarding his phone being hacked by The Sun's publishers.

The Institution was without a doubt withholding information from me for a long time about NGN's phone hacking [News Group Newspapers, the publisher of The Sun] and that has only become clear in recent years as I have pursued my own claim with different legal advice and representation, he said.

He added that what he learned when he stepped back from his senior royal family role and relocated to the U.S. was eye-opening. It is not an exaggeration to say that the bubble burst in terms of what I knew in 2020 when I moved out of the United Kingdom, he shared.

He also expressed that when dating Meghan, he became "increasingly troubled by the [royal family's] approach of not taking action against the press in the wake of vicious persistent attacks on, harassment of and intrusive, sometimes racist articles concerning Meghan. The family has an infamous never complain, never explain policy with the press.

The royal family made no comment on Harry's witness remark or its claims. The relationship between Harry and Charles last got major media attention when Harry and Meghan's rep confirmed Charles ordered them to vacate their UK home, Frogmore Cottage last month.

Story continues

Royal reporter Omid Scobie reported for Yahoo! UK then that the couple was left stunned by Charles decision, per sources.

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Take a trip under the sea!

The Sea Life Aquarium in Concord will host a Mermaid Adventure on weekends from April 8-30, including the week of Spring Break (April 10-14).

ALSO READ: Sea Life of Concord to release sea turtle back into ocean

Guests can meet live mermaids, take photos with them, and get a mermaid makeover.

The aquarium will also unveil its new Doodle Reef exhibit, where guests can design and color their own fish to play in an AR sandbox.

Sea Life is located at Entrance 7 in the Concord Mills Mall. For information on hours and tickets, click here.

(WATCH BELOW: WATCH: Local shelter pups visit Sea Life Aquarium)
















Samuel Howes died in September 2020 after being struck by a train at South Croydon station - Family Handout

The Metropolitan Police failed a teenager who took his own life when officers assumed his threats to kill himself were attention seeking, an inquest jury found.

Samuel Howes, 17, died in September 2020 after being struck by a train at South Croydon station.

A jury-led inquest concluded that the way Mr Howes was treated by the police two days before his suicide, as well as poor communication between agencies, could have contributed to his death.

It also found mental health and social services used Covid to justify an inadequate response to Mr Howes addiction issues.

The teenagers mother, Suzanne Howes, told MyLondon the missed opportunities to help her son will haunt us forever.

Mr Howes was arrested by British Transport Police (BTP) on Aug 30 2020 and placed in Met Police custody. He repeatedly tried to harm himself, but was not referred for psychiatric support and his behaviour was described as attention-seeking by some officers, the inquest heard.

Police did not notify family

Two days later Mr Howes, who was cared for by Croydon Council, did not return to his semi-independent accommodation and was classed as a missing person, the inquest heard.

Mr Howes called the emergency services in tears and said he was experiencing suicidal thoughts. Met officers tried to visit him but could not find him. Police did not notify Mr Howes family and did not carry out an active search, the inquest was told. He died the following day.

A jury-led three-week inquest recorded a narrative verdict of suicide and that Samuels mental health and his use of drugs and/or alcohol probably contributed to his death.

A statement from the jury on March 30 said: There was an inadequate approach of staff and safeguarding process within Croydon custody suite. Samuels actions were regarded as attention seeking. The [forms] were not completed. The limited collaboration between the Met Police and British Transport Police led to a lack of recognition of Samuels mental health needs resulting in inadequate care, MyLondon reported.

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Mrs Howes said: Hearing evidence of Samuels pain, unanswered cries for help and the many missed opportunities to save him will haunt us forever.

Crying out for help in custody

Samuel was crying out for help in custody and severely self-harming. He was denied mental and physical health assessments and records were recorded in error to state that they had been given. A robust police missing person investigation should have been initiated. Instead, he was failed.

Mr Howes, from Purley, South London, had been under the care of Croydon Council for more than two years and was living in social services semi-independent accommodation when he died. He had obsessive compulsive disorder, anorexia, addiction and self-harm. He was receiving mental health support from South London and Maudsley child and adolescent mental health services.

The Met referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the death.

An investigation found five officers should receive informal management action, and it said the force has also introduced a safeguarding team for vulnerable detainees in custody.

Seek to learn any lessons

Detective Superintendent Fi Martin said: The death of a young person is all the more tragic when it becomes apparent that they have come into police contact and not received the high level of service we strive for day in day out.

We will now take some time to carefully consider the findings of the jury and seek to learn any lessons.

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust said: It deeply saddens us that despite the efforts of all professionals and multi-agency services involved, they were unable to prevent this tragedy.

Debbie Jones, chair of Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership, said a review had been launched following Mr Howes death, adding: There is much we as a partnership can learn from Samuel.

Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle, of BTP, told the BBC: Protecting vulnerable people is one of our top priorities, and we are sorry that on this occasion we havent maintained the high standards we expect.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  After two months of hard work assembling and painting devil-like cardboard figures popularly known as Judas, Mexican artisan Marcela Villarreal is eager to watch her creations burn.

Villarreal and dozens of fellow crafters created the figures ahead of the annual Burning of Judas, a celebration that takes place in Mexico every Holy Saturday, when people across the country gather in public plazas to light fireworks that will destroy these colorful figures made as symbolic embodiments of evil.

This festivity  filled with satirical humor  is not associated with the Holy Week celebrations led by the Catholic Church in this mostly Catholic country. The practice is common in several Latin American nations and in some parts of Greece.

Originally, the burning figures were effigies of Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, according to the Biblical account of the days leading up to Christ's crucifixion. Nowadays, though, Mexican artisans shape their Judas like red, horned devils or other characters considered evil by society.

Villarreal and other artisans made 12 figures for Saturdays event in Santa Maria la Ribera neighborhood of Mexico City. Five of them were to be hanged from branches and destroyed; the others will be displayed at a nearby museum.

It is a spectacle to see how the Judas are lit, to see the emotion of the people, Villarreal said.

Researcher Abraham Dominguez, in an article published by the National Institute of Anthropology and History, wrote that this ritual originated in Europe during the Middle Ages and reached America with the Spanish conquest.

Although it is unknown when it first took place on this continent, the earliest records date from the 19th century. In modern times, variations of the tradition in some countries have drawn criticism for being antisemitic. A 2019 event in Poland was condemned by the World Jewish Congress and others.

But in Mexico, the tradition is embraced as positive and fun.

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By exploding with rockets, evil and betrayal are symbolically destroyed, Dominguez wrote. In the burning of Judas, social evil becomes laughable.

In a few Mexican neighborhoods that host this event, some satirical figures resembling politicians burn, too.

They are burned because of what people are accusing them of, Villarreal said. It is a way of expressing disagreement with humor, she said.

Villarreal has spent more than a decade working in cartoneria, as the craft of creating papier-mache sculptures is known. Most notably, cartoneria creations fill Mexican streets during the Day of the Dead celebrations in late October and early November.

Inside each figure lies a reed skeleton covered with newspaper and cardboard. Depending on weather conditions and how fast the glue dries, it can take several weeks of work to be ready.

Villarreal speaks with enthusiasm about a 10-foot-tall Judas she and her colleagues crafted for this years celebration in Santa Maria la Ribera.

His body is covered in masks representing the seven deadly sins. Its awesome, she said.

Painted in blue, red and yellow, the devilish character will be spared from the fire. After Sunday, it will be transferred to the Pulque Museum, a few kilometers away from Santa Maria la Ribera.

This years celebrations in this Mexican neighborhood began on Holy Thursday. The agenda included workshops, conferences, raffles and dances.

The most gratifying thing for us is to see that our work is part of a tradition, Villarreal said. It gathers people who probable didnt know this tradition exists.



Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Police in Farmington, New Mexico, fatally shot a man Wednesday night after approaching the wrong home during a domestic violence call, in an incident that the police chief called "unbelievably tragic."

The deadly incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday after Farmington police officers responded to the call in the city of around 46,000 in the northwestern part of the state, officials said.

Once on scene, officers mistakenly approached New Mexico State Police, which is investigating the shooting, said in a statement.

The homeowner of the incorrect residence, Robert Dotson, 52, eventually opened the door holding a handgun, state police said, and was fatally shot.

Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe acknowledged in a video Thursday that officers mistakenly went to the wrong address.

Mr. Dotson was not the subject of the call that our officers were responding to, and this ending is just unbelievably tragic, Hebbe said. Im extremely sorry that were in this position. Well find more facts as we go through the investigation.

Based on the addresses given by state police, the two homes appear to be across the street and diagonal from each other.

When the Farmington officers arrived at the wrong home, they announced they were there, there was no answer, and the officers asked dispatch to call the person who had reported the domestic violence, according to state police.

Body camera footage showed that as the officers backed away from the home, Dotson "opened the screen door armed with a handgun, state police said.

One or more officers fired at least one round, killing Dotson, state police said.

Dotsons wife then fired from the doorway, officers shot back, and she dropped the gun when she realized they were police, state police said. She was not hurt.

Hebbe, the Farmington police chief, said body camera video will be released after the officers' statements, likely within a week. He called it "a very dark day."

Story continues

"I extend nothing but my deepest condolences to the Dotson family," he said. "There's nothing I can say that will make this better. Its a terrible event, and Im heartbroken by it.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was called in to investigate the Farmington police shooting, the state law enforcement agency said.

Farmington is a city in the northwestern part of New Mexico, around 50 miles east of the Arizona border.

CORRECTION (April 4, 2023, 7:55 p.m.): An earlier version of this article misstated where Farmington is. It is in northwestern New Mexico, not northeastern New Mexico.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The New Mexico state police are investigating police officers of the Farmington Police Department after they fatally shot a man when they showed up to the wrong house, the department said Thursday.

According to the state police statement on Facebook, three officers , who were not identified to the public, received a call about a domestic violence incident on Wednesday night in Farmington, a city in rural northwestern New Mexico. But on arrival, the officers mistakenly approached the house across the street. As they were verifying the address, the homeowner Robert Dotson, 52, arrived at the door with a handgun, but did not shoot. At this point in the encounter, officer(s) fired at least one round from their duty weapon(s) striking Mr. Dotson, the statement read. Dotson was later pronounced dead at the scene by medical investigators, police said.

After officers fatally shot Dotson, his wife (who was not identified in the statement) fired from the doorway, the statement continues. Officers returned fire, and once the woman realized the people outside were police officers, she put her gun down and complied. The officers and Dotsons wife were unharmed. Dotsons wife did not immediately respond to BuzzFeed News request for comment.

The Farmington Police Department told BuzzFeed News on Saturday that the officers are currently on paid administrative leave. Their names and the body camera footage of the event will be released after they have issued public statements later this week. A statement from the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau, part of the State Police, said the incident remained under investigation as of Thursday, and that findings from the investigation would be shared with the "appropriate district attorney" for review throughout the process.

Farmington police Chief Steve Hebbe called the event extremely traumatic and said he was heartbroken by the situation in a video on Thursday.

This is a very dark day, he said. I extend nothing but my deepest condolences to the Dotson family. Theres nothing I can say that will make this better.

Farmington mayor Nate Duckett did not immediately respond to BuzzFeed News request for comment.
Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe said it was a "dark day" for the police force and Dotson's family. Farmington Police Department / Facebook screenshot

Police in New Mexico went to the wrong address and fatally shot the homeowner on Wednesday.

Officers in Farmington were responding to a domestic violence call.

Robert Dotson's death is "unbelievably tragic," Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe said.

Police in Farmington, New Mexico, went to the wrong home in response to a domestic violence call and shot and killed the homeowner on Wednesday.

Officers in Farmington, a city in the northwestern part of the state, mistakenly approached 5305 Valley View Avenue instead of 5308 Valley View Avenue late Wednesday evening, state police investigating the shooting said in a statement.

After no one answered the door, police officers asked their dispatchers to call the person who reported the incident and have them come to the front door, authorities said.

Body camera footage reviewed by state police showed that the homeowner, Robert Dotson, eventually opened the screen door armed with a handgun. The officers then fired at Dotson, 52, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Dotson's wife, who also had a handgun, exchanged gunfire with the officers from the doorway, not knowing they were police. "Once she realized that the individuals outside the residence were officers, she put the gun down and complied with the officer's commands," state police said in their statement.

Dotson's wife, who was not injured, was not charged with a crime.

Calling the incident a "chaotic scene" and an "extremely traumatic event," Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe said in a video statement on Thursday that more information would be released in the coming days.

"This ending is just unbelievably tragic. I am extremely sorry that we are in this position," Hebbe said, saying it was a "dark day" for the police force and Dotson's family.

Farmington police said Friday that the three officers involved are on paid administrative leave awaiting a review of the case, the Associated Press reported.

The shooting comes just one day after authorities in Boston raided the wrong hotel room during a training exercise, CNN reported.

In a time of reckoning over police violence across the US, concerns over the use of deadly force by police continue. The US Justice Department also recently opened an investigation in a case where a sleeping teenager was shot and killed by police in Washington.

Read the original article on Insider
A minutes silence will be observed at Ukrainian railway stations on the anniversary of the attack on Kramatorsk that happened on 8 April 2022, when Russia launched a missile attack on the railway station which was then one of the main evacuation points for the residents of Donetsk Oblast.

Source: Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways)

Details: A moment of silence will be announced at all railway stations in Ukraine today, 8 April, at 10:30.

According to law enforcement officers, 61 people, including 7 children, were killed in a Russian missile strike a year ago.

Ukrzaliznytsia reiterates that a few hours before the attack, at night, the railway workers managed to remove three trains with evacuees from Kramatorsk station.

Six months later, rail services to Kramatorsk resumed, and the station started operating again.

Background: On 8 April 2022, the Russian invaders attacked a railway station in Kramatorsk.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 8)  The Filipino faithful continue to flock to different churches outside Metro Manila, particularly in Rizal province, to mark Black Saturday.

For John Christopher Inguillo, going on a Visita Iglesia once again with his family was refreshing after over two years of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Honestly, its very relieving, John Christopher said. It has been a nice change, even though we have been doing this annually before or pre-pandemic.

Nette Cabrera said she was very happy to revive the long-time tradition of her family which serves as a religious learning experience for her children.

Sinasabi ko nga sa kids, kahit very simple prayer, as long as youre saying your thanks, malaking bagay na yon, Nette shared.

[Translation: I always tell my kids, as long as youre saying your thanks, even a very simple prayer will do.]

With so much blessings coming along, especially in terms of good health, financial blessings, very smooth-sailing ang life ng family [our life has been very smooth-sailing], she added. It is our way of giving back, giving thanks to the Lord.

Ryan and Angel Echavarria, who came from Quezon City to see historical churches in Rizal, also highlighted the significance of devotion to the faith and upbringing of their children.

It was their second Visita Iglesia since Maundy Thursday.

Mahalaga yung faith o pananampalataya namin and how we express it  going to churches, attending the Masses. Mahalaga na maituro namin siya sa kids namin, Angel said.

[Translation: Having faith and learning how to express it is important  going to churches, attending the Masses. It is important that we teach our kids these things.]

Kaysa nasa bahay  walang gagawin kundi mag-TV o manood ng videos [Its better than staying at home, doing nothing but watch TV or videos]. So, [its a] shared experience, Ryan said.

We also want to make it meaningful for us, hindi lang bakasyon [not just some sort of vacation] from work or from school. Its our time also to pray for our family and for others, he added.

Visita Iglesia is the Roman Catholic tradition of visiting and praying in at least seven different churches on Maundy Thursday.
A fire in August 2022 ripped through an estate that sits among the trees in Boulder, Colorado, and now the home needs someone to step in and rescue what stands in its wake.

And its listed for $5 million.

Misfortune becomes an incredible opportunity, the listing on Compass says. Located on a once-in-a-lifetime, 2-acre ultra-private and peaceful parcel in the highly sought-after Chautauqua area, the property offers the rare chance to restore a spectacular Boulder, Colorado home to meet your exact specifications.

It goes on to describe the six-bedroom, six-bathroom homes breathtaking location.

Nestled on peaceful 5th Street, this extraordinary parcel boasts unimpeded city and mountain views and an exceptionally private location abutting City of Boulder land, the listing says. The handsome shingle and stone residence spans more than 10,000 square feet, creating an ideal environment for relaxing and entertaining.

While there are no photos of the fire damage inside the home, the listing does paint a vivid image of the surrounding views and the size of the parcel itself.

Its clearly an area where someone can build the absolute mountain dream home.

Located in the gorgeous Flagstaff neighborhood, this one-of-a-kind property is close to numerous trails, parks, Chautauqua attractions and Flagstaff Mountain Summit venues, including the Sunrise Amphitheater, Stone Shelter and Nature Center, the listing says. The Fox Theater, CU Campus, Pearl Street and Downtown are all nearby.

The listing is held by Zach Zeldner.

NHL icon Chris Chelios lists seaside estate for $75M in California. No better place
During a March 29 hearing on the Missouri Non-Discrimination Act (MONA), Timothy Faber testified against the bill as "a legislative liaison for the Missouri Baptist Convention." Democratic senators are calling for Faber's removal as chair of the Missouri Human Rights Commission for "misleading state senators" and putting his own views "before his duties as chairman."

In the hearing, Faber identified himself as the legislative liaison for the Missouri Baptist Convention, a role he stepped into in January.

"The fact of the matter is, this bill cannot be separated from religion and particularly religious liberty. The United States constitution, and the Missouri constitution, both guarantee the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech. This bill sets up a host of conflicts against such freedoms," Faber said in the hearing.

More: Missouri AG weighs in on College of the Ozarks 'gender identity' dorm lawsuit

Faber also said that if the bill passed, the MCHR would see more work.

"There would be an increase in lawsuits, and the caseload of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights would increase exponentially. This will create an even greater backlog of cases for the MCHR staff than what they already have, and more expense for the citizens of Missouri to defend a case that will ultimately be lost."

Sen. Doug Beck questioned Faber about bringing up the MCHR while not disclosing his connection to it, saying it was "kind of disingenuous."

I do not speak for the Human Rights Commission. Thats not my role, Faber later told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. That was not my intent. And I dont even have the legal right to do so, especially considering that the commission has not addressed these issues. Thats why I did not identify myself as a commissioner.

The letter, signed by the 11 Democratic state senators, said that Faber misled state senators and that his testimony was "in direct contradiction to the mission" of the MCHR.

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The MHRC is meant to "eliminate discrimination through the enforcement of the Missouri Human Rights Act and prevent social inequality through education and outreach," according to its site.

More: LGBTQ committee hosts Springfield's first 3-day Transgender Day of Visibility event series

Missouri's Human Rights Act currently prohibits discrimination on basis of "race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, or age as it relates to employment, disability, or familial status as it relates to housing." MONA, proposed this year by Sen. Greg Razer, aims to include sexual orientation and gender among the protected statuses. Some form of the act has been filed yearly in Missouri's legislature since 2000.

In addition to the Democratic state senators, Missouri's LGBTQ advocacy organization, PROMO, also called for Faber's removal.

"Listening to someone testify for the ability to discriminate against any Missourian is already horrifying, but to hear the Chair of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights do so is absolutely reprehensible," said Robert Fischer, director of communications for PROMO. "To say that someone should have the right to 'discriminate against someone on any number of factors' when your specific job is to defend all Missourians and ensure equitable treatment  it is time for a change at the MCHR."

The Missouri Commission on Human Rights and the governor's office have not responded to requests for comment.

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: MO Senate Democrats call for human rights commission chair's removal
The terms "open rule," "structured rule" and "modified open-rule" dont mean much to people who dont toil on Capitol Hill.

But those phrases speak volumes if you want to understand how House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., finally ascended to the Speakers suite after a raucous five days of balloting in the Speakers race.

Most major pieces of legislation to hit the House floor require a "rule." The powerful House Rules Committee establishes how the House will debate any given piece of legislation. The Rules Committee sets time limits for debate on the bill and if any amendments are in order.

For years, under both Republican and Democratic control, the House Rules Committee often locked down bills which came to the House floor. Very few bills hit the House floor with the opportunity for rank-and-file members to offer amendments.



HOUSE LAWMAKERS REIMBURSED FOR RENT, FOOD, OTHER EXPENSES AS NEW POLICY TAKES EFFECT

But most lawmakers prefer a more "open" process. That allows them to have their say on the House floor.

However, if the Rules Committee  usually under the direction of the Speaker  says no amendments or only a few, thats it. Lawmakers have a take it or leave it proposition. Leaders from both parties often designed the bills in such a way that they were streamlined to pass. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and former House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., tailored legislation to block "poison pills." They knew that certain ideas were popular. But they also knew those ideas  if adopted as an amendment  would detonate the bill.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Thats why they battened down the hatches on "must pass" bills." Measures to fund the government. Lift the debt ceiling. Tax reform.

McCarthy promised something different.

Thats why the House considered 140 proposed amendments and alterations to a bill in January dealing with the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Republicans also allowed amendments to a bill setting a federal "parents bill of rights" for education. The same with an energy package to expedite drilling.

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A "closed rule" crafted by the Rules Committee forbids any amendments. A "structured rule" permits a few, pre-ordained amendments. A "modified open rule" usually grants lawmakers the right to prep any amendment  so long as its done ahead of time. Some forms of "open rules" means pretty much anything goes.

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) delivers remarks during an event to introduce the Parents Bill of Rights Act with Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-VA) (L) and Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA) in the Rayburn Room at the U.S. Capitol on March 01, 2023 in Washington, DC. According to the Speaker's office, "the Parents Bill of Rights was designed to empower parents and ensure that they are able to be involved in their kids' education."

So, while lawmakers may embrace a more open amendment process, the gambit could also pose headaches for McCarthy.

"Ultimately the job of the majority leadership is to pass its agenda," said Tom Kahn, a longtime former House Budget Committee Staff Director and now a professor at American University. "But youve got critical bills like the debt ceiling. Like spending bills. Like the defense bill. And if they get so bogged down (with amendments) then ultimately the agenda wont pass."

In fact, one of the objectives of House leaders to lock down bills wasnt so much to prevent the minority party from offering amendments  but to block some of the more exigent proposals by the majority.

In essence, the Rules Committee functioned like a computer firewall. The goal was to keep the "spyware" and "worms" out of the bill.

Abortion was a great case study when it came to crafting a closed rule for floor debate.



HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE SUBPOENAS BANKS, BIDEN FAMILY ASSOCIATES IN PROBE OF FINANCES

When in the majority, House Republicans always wanted to vote on an abortion-related bill around the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. Pro-choice members and liberals took a dim view of these pro-life bills. But the House Republican leadership always made sure that the bill was something which could pass. The brass might lock down a rule to prevent what even some pro-life Republicans would interpret as "too extreme." Say an amendment to outright ban all abortions.

The key was greasing the skids so a bill would pass.

House Republicans feature a big agenda on energy policy and social issues. But there are really only a few "must pass" bills this year. Theres a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. Theres the farm bill. Then, the annual defense policy bill. A measure to fund the government and avoid a shutdown is due this fall. Finally, there will be legislation to lift the debt ceiling. So, if a bill isnt going to make it through the Senate let alone earn President Bidens signature, the House can pass any bill it wants. That makes good on the Republican agenda.

But its another story when you have to craft a bill which can make it through the Senate and score the Presidents signature.

House Republicans touted their "Commitment to America" to voters while campaigning in the fall of 2022.

One plank of that policy platform was the "parents bill of rights." The measure would mandate that parents have the right to be heard at school board meetings, understand the curriculum taught in the classroom and require schools release reading lists from libraries. The House approved that measure 213-208. Five GOPers voted nay: Reps. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Ken Buck, R-Colo., Matt Gaetz, R-Fla, Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., and Matt Rosendale, R-Mont. No Democrats voted yea. Had all Democrats been present and voting, the roll call tally would have been 213-212. One more GOP defection would have killed the bill.

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarth (R-CA) and Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA) talk about the Parents Bill of Rights Act during an event in the Rayburn Room at the U.S. Capitol on March 01, 2023 in Washington, DC. According to the Speaker's office, "the Parents Bill of Rights was designed to empower parents and ensure that they are able to be involved in their kids' education."

Fast forward to last month. The House approved the marquee of their legislative agenda  an energy package  225-204. Only one Republican voted nay. But four Democrats crossed party lines to vote aye: Reps. Henry Cuellar, D-Tex., Vicente Gonzalez, D-Tex., Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., and Jared Golden, D-Maine.

The House considered several dozen amendments. One senior source in the House GOP leadership structure remarked that it was hard to track who was for or against the bill. With so many amendments in play, the bill is organic. Its contents morphs in real time on the floor. Thats because someones vote could hinge on whether an amendment they liked or disliked made it into the bill or was euthanized.

"Its like Whac-A-Mole," said the source. "You just dont know until the end."

Gonzalez explained why he supported the package.

"We should be leading the world in energy production," said Gonzalez. "We shouldn't rely on the Middle East and other countries to produce energy."

But Democratic leaders said their defectors should explain themselves.

U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) holds a copy of "Roberto Clemente" by Jonah Winter which was recently banned in public schools in Florida's Duval County, during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on March 24, 2023 in Washington, DC. Jeffries spoke out against the recently passed Parents Bill of Rights Act and the banning and censorship of books in schools.

"Every member who either votes for or against a bill that, in my view, puts polluters over people, will articulate their perspective to the constituents that they represent back home," said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

McCarthy dismissed questions about if it was harder to pass bills with an open amendment process.

"I think youre overthinking it," said McCarthy. "You might analyze a lot and worry about what you think were doing. We dont do that. We just focus on policy. Make good policy."

Still some GOPers believe more amendments inhibits the viability of legislation.

"The downside is that some of these rules become more partisan through the amendments," said Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb. "I'm looking to pass things that have a chance to go through the Senate."

So what happens on a bill which could spark a financial crash like the debt ceiling? Or prompt a potential government shutdown this fall?

The concepts of "open rules" and "modified open-rules" boosted McCarthy to the Speakership in January.

But on a must pass bill?

Like an open rule, that remains an "open question" for McCarthy.



Or, at the very least, a "modified open question."
As decisions will be made this year and next on how to invest Monroe County's $33 million share of ARPA funds, it stands to reason that a smart investor would sharpen their pencil and consider the ROI, or Return on Investment, of each expenditure.

This approach was taken recently by county government and community leaders in their 2022 Return on Environment report, showing how protecting open space contributes 2,755 jobs, $368 million in outdoor recreation, and tax revenue of $27 million to the county on an annual basis.

Our health care deserves the same careful analysis, and we should consider the needs and how to meet them. Every year, the Federal Reserve conducts a national household economics survey, and it consistently finds that one out of four adults go without necessary medical or dental care because they cannot afford it  so it would not be unusual for a reader to know of a friend or relative in that situation.

Related: PoconoInfo helpline serves Monroe County residents | Something to Think about

A recent Pocono Record column [February 18, by Debbie Kulick] revealed that 72,000 Monroe County residents (43% of the 2020 Census population of 168,327) are in what United Way considers the ALICE population  Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.

While their income exceeds the federal poverty level and disqualifies them from many assistance programs and benefits, they still don't earn enough to pay for basic needs, even though they're employed, typically working as a cashier, healthcare or childcare worker, security guard or laborer.

And if they have a medical or dental problem, or a child is sick, they often have to make a choice between paying the deductible, or paying the rent.

This "benefit cliff" problem is why federally-qualified Community Health Centers (FQHC) have been established over the past 20 years in most of Pennsylvania, including in five of our surrounding counties. Their fees are based on a sliding scale, and nobody is turned away for inability to pay or lack of insurance.

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As nonprofit organizations meeting stringent requirements, their annual funding, none of which comes from county government, comes mostly from HRSA, the federal Health Resources & Services Administration. If we had the initial funding to establish such a health center in Monroe County, and if only one-fourth of the above mentioned 72,000 residents received even a $200 break on their medical care on average, the annual benefit would add up to $3.6 million, while taking exactly zero dollars from the county budget.

More from this contributor: Investing ARP funds for the long-term benefit of Monroe County | My Turn

So if the county invested $3 million (a mere 9% of its ARPA allotment), for example, to provide funding for the startup costs of a FQHC, it would receive an annual return of 120% on that investment year after year, and the benefit to county residents would accumulate to 1,000%, or ten times the original investment, in less than ten years of operation.

A Community Health Center would not only provide a truly affordable healthcare alternative to 43% of Monroe County's taxpayers, whose real estate taxes pay into the county budget either as homeowners, or indirectly as renters, it would provide an unparalleled ROI of 100%, year after year. What better investment could Monroe County make with 9% of its ARPA funds?

Tim Sanders, East Stroudsburg

Healthy Monroe  Nonprofit advocacy for community healthcare  healthymonroe.org

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Opinion: Here's how Monroe County can spend 9% of ARPA funding
Montana state capitol and hand with transgender pride flag

Montana was among the first states to grant women the right to vote. But now the state is set to deliver a setback to gender equality  affecting both cisgender and transgender women as well as all trans and nonbinary people.

Senate Bill 458 would define sex based on reproductive characteristics  females would be defined by their ability to produce an egg and males by their ability to produce sperm, under normal development. Those who cant do so because of a condition present at birth would be defined according to their nonambiguous genitalia, the bill reads. Intersex people would be assigned a gender based on the characteristic deemed predominant. The bills provisions would affect more than 40 sections of state law.

If the bill becomes law  it has passed the Montana Senate and is pending in the House  it will write trans people out of existence and promote the stereotype that women should be excluded from certain jobs because their role in reproduction is the most important thing about them, activists say.

The bill was the subject of a recent conference all organized by the Human Rights Campaign and the American Civil Liberties Union. Its terrible in many ways and would have a really egregious impact  on the transgender population of Montana and possibly other states if it begins to spread across the country, attorney and law professor Paul Smith said on the call.

It would make it difficult, if not impossible, for trans people to live in the state successfully, he said, forcing them to either leave Montana or forgo the gender-affirming procedures needed for their well-being. Trans people couldnt have their lived gender recognized on their birth certificates, drivers licenses, or other legal documents, and it would set up a situation in which their use of public restrooms would be policed.

The legislators behind the bill are simply refusing to accept the concept that transgender individuals exist, he said.

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It's the first bill he knows of to define sex so narrowly, but if it starts to spread across the country, its going to be a real scourge, added Smith, a professor at Georgetown Law.

And trans people wont be only people to suffer if the bill becomes law, said Ria Tabacco Mar, director of the ACLUs Womens Rights Project.

Womens reproductive capacities have been used against them for years, she said. For instance, she said, many states once excluded women from juries because jury service would interfere with what was considered to be a womans proper role  keeping house and taking care of children.

The Montana bill is based on impermissible stereotypes about the right way to be a woman, she noted, and could enable all sorts of sex discrimination, such as denial of employment to women with children.

Fighting this legislation is the right thing to do for all of us, she said.

SB 458 also conflicts with the Montana constitution, said Akilah Maya Deernose, a staff attorney with the ACLUs Montana affiliate. The state constitution has an individual dignity clause, stating, Neither the state nor any person, firm, corporation, or institution shall discriminate against any person in the exercise of his civil or political rights on account of race, color, sex, culture, social origin or condition, or political or religious ideas.

Its directly at odds with what this sweeping bill aims to do, Deernose said. Its not up to legislators to interpret this clause, she added, but up to the courts.

Whats more, the Montana Human Rights Bureau, which enforces certain antidiscrimination laws, has been following the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County in doing so, she said. That ruling held that discrimination based on sexual orientation of gender identity is sex discrimination, forbidden under Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964. SB 458 would go against that too.

It would also be devastating to Montanas economy, Deernose said. Federal agencies that fund state universities and other institutions have the right to deny money to those that discriminate, and if these agencies do so, it could cost the state up to $7.5 billion, half its annual budget, she said.

The ACLU may sue if the bill becomes law. Smith said its vulnerable to a federal constitutional challenge under both the Equal Protection Clause and the Due Process Clause of the U.S. Constitution. He has more than a casual familiarity with constitutional law  he was counsel to the plantiffs in Lawrence v. Texas, the case that led the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down all remaining anti-sodomy laws.

As bad as SB 458 is, its not the only anti-LGBTQ+ bill pending in Montana. Both the House and Senate have approved Senate Bill 99, which would ban gender-affirming care for minors in the state. Its now awaiting either a signature or veto by Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte, who has said only that hell consider all legislation carefully. Lambda Legal, the national ACLU, and the ACLU of Montana intend to sue if the bill becomes law.

The Senate has also OKd a bill that would require schools to obtain parental permission before a student uses a new name, nickname, or pronouns that are perceived as not matching the student's assigned gender at birth, essentially forcing schools to out trans students to their parents. It is pending in the House.
Two motorcycle groups hopped on their bikes to spread some Easter joy to children and teens at the UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital.

PHOTOS: Motorcycle groups deliver stuffed bunnies to children at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital

The Protectors of the Phoenix and Steel City Vulcan Riders rode by the hospital Saturday and dropped off a donation of 150 stuffed bunnies for the hospital patients.

Staff and community members met the bikers on OHara Street to cheer them on.

We are celebrating our second annual bunny run today, it is an opportunity for us to recognize spring, new life, joy hope, said Deborah Brodine, president of UPMC Western Psychiatric.

The bikers traveled all the way from North Huntingdon to drop off their donations.

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The ex-head of the SBU, Ivan Bakanov, was dismissed in July 2022

Bakanov was dismissed in July 2022.

Read also: MP Rakhmanin explains Ukrainian army's move to withdraw from Lysychansk

"If it were somehow proven that he was working for the FSB, he would probably be brought to criminal responsibility," Rakhmanin said.

I am proceeding from a healthy life logic and the requirements of the law.

"[Ukrainian] services have no problem with Bakanov in terms of the violation of criminal law, Rakhmanin quoted Ukrainian law enforcement as saying.

"Bakanov was removed from the post of the head of the SBU, and an internal audit was conducted against him," he added.

Read also: Ex-SBU chief involved in criminal cases on Ukraines occupation, says top official

There is no information on the opening of criminal proceedings. As I understand it, the inspection revealed that he did not violate the law, and no ties to Russian special services were found. I don't know how correctly this check was conducted.

Rakhmanin also noted that the evidence of the official inspection of Bakanov are classified.

Read also: SBU and SBI make public recordings alleged to show Kulinich working with FSB

"So why and who else, relatively speaking, besides the head of the Security Service or other officials, is involved in this?" the lawmaker said.

Who will be held responsible for the fact that people whom the SBU itself accuses of working for the enemy have been hired by the Service? The question remains open.

He noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had high trust in Bakanov and had no reason to believe "that he had put forward a person who did not fit the position, let alone work for an enemy special service."

"If we're talking about the head of the SBU, there is a criminal law that requires intent," Rakhmanin concluded.

If, relatively speaking, the head of the SBU was misled, that's one story. If he deliberately chose to appoint a person who poses a threat to national security, this already entails criminal prosecution, including liability, in accordance with the current legislation, i.e., imprisonment. Obviously, the Security Service did not find any intent in Bakanov's actions. This is how I understand it.

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The investigation of the case of former head of the Main Department of the Security Service of Crimea, Oleh Kulinich, did not reveal any criminal violations by former SBU head Bakanov, SBI Communications Advisor Tetiana Sapyan said on April 5.

Read also: Security services complete investigation into ex-SBU chief, reports RFE/RL

Earlier, NV reported, citing a source, that Bakanov is involved in criminal proceedings of the State Bureau of Investigation regarding the occupation of Ukraine's territories.

The former SBU chief was in Ukraine and that the internal investigation into his actions had been completed as of early February, Zelenskyys parliamentary representative, Fedir Venislavskyi, said in late March. Bakanov was dismissed in July 2022 with the wording "dereliction of duty that caused human casualties or other grave consequences.

The SBU and the SBI released new evidence on April 5 of cooperation with the Russian FSB by detainee Kulinich and his overseer, former NSDC Deputy Secretary Volodymyr Sivkovych.



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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Take a good look at Nashville police officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo working their way quickly and methodically toward the shooter at Covenant School on Monday morning.

That is valor uncommon in our world today: Two men leading other men to something terrible around one of those corners at that tidy private school.

In the police body camera footage you see training take charge to stop a killer. The officers come upon a tiny body in the hallway and run past understanding with certainty now what theyll soon confront.

And still they go on.

The Covenant School shooting timeline: 14 minutes: Visual timeline of Nashville school shooting from break-in to police response

Nashville officers undoubtedly saved lives

When they reach the shooter, Officer Engelbert fires at least three rounds. Officer Collazo fires four, according to the Nashville Tennessean.

Soon after, Audrey Hale, 28, is dead. Armed to the hilt with weapons and ammo, Hale had just fatally shot three students and three adults. The victims might have multiplied were it not for the quick work of officers.

Officer Rex Engelbert and Officer Michael Collazo, the Metro Nashville Police Department officers credited with taking down the shooter in the Covenant School shooting March 27.

Today, Engelbert and Collazo are hailed as heroes, and no one is doubting their worthiness. They showed extraordinary courage putting their lives at risk.

Take a good look because men and women like that are becoming less common in our country as it is torn apart by squalid infighting and deeply divided political outlooks.

Young Americans today no longer want to sign up to protect their communities or their country.

Can Americans talk about guns?: These students in Austin and Knoxville showed how to do it

Few people want to join police, military

Across America there is serious shortage of police officers in departments large and small. At the Pentagon, the U.S. Armed Forces are facing dangerous shortfalls in military recruiting, the Washington Post reports.

The causes are many, but it is no secret that our culture has greatly devalued police officers and the country itself.

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From Philadelphia to Phoenix to Los Angeles and in between, the nations police forces are struggling to add new officers.

Facing a shortage of some 500 police officers this summer, the Phoenix City Council bumped up the salary for new police recruits by $20,000, reported 12 News.

It is getting better, but were still a long way from where we need to be, said Andy Anderson, a retired assistant Phoenix police chief.

Police shortages negatively affect citizens

In Austin, the police shortage is so great that state police were brought in to help with patrols. With some 200 police vacancies, Austin police cannot perform all of their regular functions, reports the Texas Tribune.

Lacey and Dustin Purciful experienced the practical consequences of that shortage when their vehicle was struck head-on by a suspected drunken driver. They waited more than two hours for Austin police to respond to the 911 calls.

As they waited in the car with their two young children, the driver who struck them managed to sober up and walk away, they told "Fox & Friends."

In a city struggling with a violent crime rate double the national average, Tulsa, Okla., is short 160 officers, according to the Marshall Project.

A group prays with a child March 27 after a shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn.

Public safety is the greatest challenge facing the city, Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said. The toxic national dialogue that demonizes police officers has made police department staffing significantly more difficult for every major city in America.

Public perception is a 'sizable barrier'

A 2019 survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police points to other reasons young people dont want to be cops.

Todays young people are more apt to value work-life balance than their Baby Boomer counterparts ... hoping for more flexible hours and guaranteed time off. Mandated overtime and missing holidays with family are less appealing to Millennials and members of Generation Z.

But it adds this: Public perception of law enforcement limits interest in the profession and is a sizable barrier to effective recruitment.

On March 22, Pentagon officials appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee and warned of a dangerous decline in military recruiting that threatens our national security, the Washington Post reported.

U.S. defense officials face the bleakest recruiting environment since the aftermath of the Vietnam War, The Post reported, with less than a quarter of Americans ages 17 to 24 years old eligible to serve  and just 9 percent willing to do so.

No wonder young people aren't willing to serve

None of this should come as a surprise.

Young people today share their parents own flagging sense of belief in the country, only more so.

In a March survey by the Wall Street Journal and the independent research institution NORC, under 40% of Americans said patriotism was very important to them.

In 1998, that number was 70%.

Todays young people are even more pessimistic about the country. Only 23% of adults under 30 consider patriotism an important value.

Phil Boas is an editorial columnist for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com

In a society that has lost faith in cops and country, is it any surprise that young people arent eager to serve? Or that Americans look to other alternatives for protection?

Heres one.

Firearms sales are soaring in America. Last summer The New York Times reported that the number of guns is outpacing the population.

And the fastest-growing group of gun buyers?

Women.

Phil Boas is an editorial columnist for The Arizona Republic where this column was first published. Email him at phil.boas@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Police are heroes in Nashville shooting, but who wants to be cop today
A search and rescue team from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, recovered an injured snowmobiler near Mount Baker on Sunday.

The team received a request to assist a snowmobiler involved in an accident at approximately 3:40 p.m. and launched about 50 minutes later, according to the Navy.

The [search and rescue] crew arrived on scene just before 5 p.m. and had two crew members inserted via the helicopter hoist by approximately 5:05 p.m., a Navy news release said. The [search and rescue] ground crew found the patient was unconscious and had a restricted airway.

Navy search and rescue team saves stranded hunter in Washington

The snowmobiler was then taken to St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham for additional treatment, the Navy said. No additional details were available.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island search and rescue team has completed one MEDEVAC, one search and three rescues this calendar year to date.

The search and rescue team completed more than 30 missions last year, including rescuing a 55-year-old hiker who suffered a heat-related issue and a stranded hunter experiencing fatigue and severe hydration.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Islands search and rescue team is equipped with three MH-60S helicopters.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 8)  Another Filipina who was trafficked in Myanmar and forced to work as a marketing scammer was brought home after she paid ransom for release, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) disclosed on Saturday.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the woman was recruited through Facebook and was promised a salary of $1,000 as a customer service representative in Thailand.

The victim was instructed to pose as a tourist during immigration inspections, he said. After her arrival in Thailand, she was fetched by a private car and traveled several hours to cross a river to Myanmar, he added.

Tansingco said the Filipina was forced to scam Indian nationals to invest in a platform known as Pacific Mall, where she was made to work for almost 16 hours without a day off nor compensation.

After her employers destroyed evidence in her mobile phone, the bureau chief said she was escorted back to Thailand where she sought help from the Philippine Embassy in Thailand.

The BI did not reveal amount of ransom paid as of publishing.

The repatriated Filipina arrived via a Philippine Airlines flight from Bangkok at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 last April 4.

On Monday, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the bureau has recorded some 6,000 suspected victims of human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and misrepresentation for the first two months of 2023.

READ: BI records 6,000 victims of human trafficking, illegal recruitment for Jan to Feb

READ: BI intercepts 3 suspected victims of trafficking syndicate working in PH
Two whistleblower former employees will share in the proceeds after a Union County pharmacy settled False Claims Act allegations in federal court in Charlotte Friday, U.S. Attorney Dena King said.

MedCare Clinic & Pharmacy LLC in Indian Trail agreed to pay $213,677 to resolve the claims that it billed federal health care programs over four years for never-dispensed drugs, according to a news release by Kings office.

Citing inventory records, prosecutors claimed MedCare failed to buy enough of the medications to fill all 200 prescriptions the pharmacy billed both to Medicare Part D and North Carolina Medicaid from 2016 through 2020.

When that happens, taxpayer dollars are wasted and finite resources are diverted from beneficiaries in need, King said in a statement.

Whistleblowers Brittanie Henry and Zilphia Adcock will get $53,419.43 as their share of the settlement, according to King.

Still, claims in the case are allegations only, and no liability has been determined, according to Fridays news release.

Pharmacy management didnt reply to a request for comment from The Charlotte Observer Saturday. Henry declined comment. Adcock told the Observer she needed to think about her reply before commenting about the settlement.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes that ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are impossible at this point.

Source: Tagesschau, citing Blinken

Quote: "For some people, the idea of a ceasefire may be tempting, and I understand that. But if this means the actual ratification of Russia's seizure of significant Ukrainian territories, then this will not be a just and lasting peace."

Details: Blinken believes that Russia could use the ceasefire to regroup its troops in order to attack again after a while.

"Russia must get to the point where it is ready for constructive negotiations. The goal should be a just and lasting peace," the US Secretary of State emphasised.

Background:

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that diplomacy will still play a role in the future, as Kyiv may decide not to regain all the territories by military means.

Blinken said that the decision to regain Crimea should be made by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as head of state, taking into account the will of Ukrainians.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Republican senators on Thursday criticized Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and President Joe Biden for waiting five days to provide "direction" to the military on whether to shoot down a Chinese spy balloon last month.

During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of U.S. Northern Command, told lawmakers that he scrambled armed fighter jets to intercept the balloon when it was detected on radar over Alaskan airspace on Jan. 28. But at the time, only Biden or Austin  who was on official travel in the Philippines  had the authority to shoot it down, because the military did not assess the inflatable to have "hostile intent."

Although VanHerck immediately asked his team to develop options to counter the balloon, his first discussion with Austin on the matter wasn't until Feb. 1, five days later, the general said. During that time, the inflatable had floated into Canadian airspace, then reentered U.S. airspace over northern Idaho on Jan. 31.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) ripped Biden and Austin, accusing them of delaying action.

So on the fifth day, it is apparent that you took the right steps, Wicker told VanHerck. But it's also clear that you received no direction from the president of the United States or the secretary of Defense until the fifth day of this crisis, by which point the balloon had traversed Alaska and Canada and then reentered the United States.

But Defense Department spokesperson Sabrina Singh disputed the assertion, noting that Austin had been communicating with Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Mark Milley and VanHerck to develop options earlier than the discussion on Feb. 1. The Feb. 1 call was scheduled by the secretary's team because Austin wanted to review those options, Singh said.



The comments on Thursday shed new light on the Biden administrations handling of the incursion, from the balloons detection near a remote island chain off Alaska until it was shot down by an Air Force F-22 on Feb. 4. They reveal that the military was prepared to shoot down the balloon as soon as it was detected on radar as it flew over a remote island chain off Alaska, but did not have the legal authority to do so until days later.

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A senior Defense Department official noted that VanHerck did not initially recommend shooting down the balloon, and that it was the generals preference to observe it instead. Austin pushed the commander to consider kinetic options, said the person, who was granted anonymity in order to describe internal deliberations.

Critics have accused the administration of mishandling the incident, specifically faulting the decision to not eliminate the balloon as soon as it was spotted and instead wait until it was over water a week later. Lawmakers, especially Wicker, have also pressed the Pentagon to answer specific follow-up questions about the decision process and about previous balloon incursions over the past few years that have only recently come to light.

So all that was needed on January 28 was to pull the proverbial trigger? Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) asked during the hearing.

Yes, VanHerck responded. Had they had hostile intent or hostile act, I had the authority and I would have made that decision. So you're exactly correct. [At] that point, it was not my decision to make to pull the trigger. In the case of a direct threat to the homeland, VanHerck has the legal authority to take the shot, he explained. Without that determination, that authority resides with the Pentagon chief or the president.

"If the administration's policymakers thought they had legal justification to shoot it down off the coast of Carolina, surely they have legal justification to shoot off the coast of Alaska," Cotton followed up. VanHerck responded: "My assessment is the legal basis would have been the same for either place."



VanHerck also used his appearance on Capitol Hill to fill in other details from the initial timeline. A senior Defense Department official told reporters in early February that the president asked for military options when he was notified on Jan. 31. VanHerck on Thursday said he did not present options to Austin until 7 a.m. on Feb. 1.

That same day, Feb. 1, Biden told the military to take out the balloon, which was flying over Montana after leaving Canadian airspace. The military scrambled F-22 fighter jets at the time in case the decision was made to shoot it down. But top generals ultimately advised the president to wait until the craft was over water because of the risk to people on the ground from falling debris.

VanHerck said that if he had been asked to provide options to Austin or the president earlier, while the balloon was still over Alaska, he would have been prepared to do so, he said.

VanHerck said the intelligence community first made him aware of the balloon on Friday, Jan. 27. He spoke with Milley that evening about his plan to send aircraft to intercept and assess the craft the next day.

The militarys North American Aerospace Defense Command detected the balloon on radar the next day, Jan. 28, VanHerck said. That same day, the general sent two F-35 and two F-16 fighter jets  all of them armed  to intercept the balloon, he said in response to questioning by Cotton.

Also on the 28th, VanHerck officially notified his chain of command, sending classified emails to Milley and Austins military assistant, he said. He did not have any direct communications with Austin at the time, and does not know when Biden was notified.

At the time, the military assessed that the balloon did not present a threat, VanHerck said, explaining that hostile intent would be maneuvering to an offensive advantage on platform and airplane or shooting missiles or weapons would be a hostile act.



The next day, on Jan. 29, VanHerck advised Austin and Milley "that he was looking at options to engage the balloon should that be directed or if the balloon became a threat to safety of flight," according to Singh. After the balloon re-entered U.S. airspace on Jan. 31, the president, through national security adviser Jake Sullivan, directed the military to "refine and present options to shoot down the balloon," she said.

The hearing comes almost two months after the Chinese surveillance balloon first emerged over the U.S. Since then, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have pressed Biden officials for more details on what led the administration to shoot down the inflatable, what its learned from its debris and what more it plans to do to track aerial objects floating in American airspace.

Both Republicans and Democrats have said they are still waiting for answers to their questions despite several rounds of briefings  some of them classified  with the administration.

The questions being raised on Capitol Hill are not solely focused on the surveillance balloon  they are also about the existence of hundreds of unidentified aerial phenomena, which are flying objects that have not been classified as balloons or other surveillance tools.

An office inside the Pentagon known as the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office is conducting a review of those objects, some of which may be owned by foreign governments. Lawmakers want to know whether the U.S. has the capability to not only track those objects but to analyze them in near real-time.
A Fresno man whose blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit of intoxication was sentenced to 12 years in prison Friday for causing a hit and run crash that killed a Sanger father and injured his 8-year-old son.

Miguel Angel Escamilla, 26, pleaded no contest in January to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing injury under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol and hit and run resulting in permanent injury or death.

Several other charges, including driving without a valid drivers license, failing to stop and DUI with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08 were dropped as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Fresno Police said the crash happened on Feb. 28, 2021 at about 6 a.m. in the intersection of Church and Sunnyside avenues. Escamilla was driving a BMW south on Sunnyside Avenue when he blew through the stop sign on Church Avenue, slamming into a Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck driven by Daniel Barrera, 34.

Also in the truck was Barreras 8-year-old son, who was out early with dad for a morning hike.

Barrera suffered major injuries and would later die at Community Regional Medical Center. His son was also injured, but survived.

Escamilla was arrested nearby, despite trying to flee the scene of the crash.

During his sentencing, Judge Kimberly Gaab gave her condolences to Barerras relatives, including his fiancee Cendy Gomez, who was six months pregnant at the time of the crash. The baby was born in June 2021.

I am very, very sorry for your loss, Gaab said. This was a horrendous case, there are just no other words for it. The defendant will have to live with what he did and he will have a lot of time in prison thinking about that.

Prosecutor Steven Ueltzen said he was satisfied with the outcome of the sentencing, saying Escamilla deserved prison.

He acted without any regard for the lives of other people, Ueltzen said. And he showed no remorse up to and including his conduct in the hospital. He was laughing at the delay in the blood test, saying that by the time they got the results he would be sober.

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His blood alcohol concentration was .13 four and a half hours after the crash, according to court records. The legal limit is .08.

Barreras fiancee said she was shocked to hear about Escamillas actions at the hospital.

We are the ones who are suffering and he was laughing, Gomez said. He didnt care about what he did.

Civil lawsuit alleges driver had just left a party at an Airbnb

A civil lawsuit, filed by Barreras family against Escamilla, alleges that just prior to the crash, the defendant was coming from a party at an Airbnb for his 20-year-old cousin.

A Ring doorbell camera captured video of a highly intoxicated Escamilla leaning against walls and urinating off the porch, according to the lawsuit.

The homes owner shut the party down and Escamilla is seen on the video visibly angry and leaving, driving away in his newer-model BMW. Moments later, the audio from the Ring camera captures the sound of the crash, two blocks away, according to the lawsuit.

Yan Shrayberman, Escamillas defense attorney, called the crash a senseless crime but one that his client feels sorry about.

Escamilla elected not to speak during his sentencing, choosing instead to write a letter to the judge expressing his remorse.

My client fully supported the decision for a 12-year sentence, thats why he pleaded no contest, said Shrayberman.
California lawmakers called a federal judges decision to suspend access to an abortion pill an assault on womens health and dignity and vowed to protect reproductive healthcare access in the Golden State.

Texas U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk on Friday issued a ruling that would stay the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations 2000 approval of mifepristone, a pill used to induce early-term abortions. Kacsmaryks decision does not take effect for seven days, giving President Joe Bidens administration a window to appeal it.

Almost immediately after the ruling, a federal judge in Washington state ordered the FDA to continue to make the pill available. The dueling judicial orders mean that the matter is likely to be resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Kacsmaryks decision sparked outrage from reproductive rights advocates.

Todays ruling, by an extremist judge pursuing a radical political agenda, ignores facts, science, and the law  putting the health of millions of women and girls at risk, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. Abortion is still legal and accessible here in California and we wont stand by as fundamental freedoms are stripped away.

Another drug, misoprostol, is also used for medication abortions. However, most pregnant people seeking abortions follow a treatment plan that includes both mifepristone and misoprostol.

More than 50% of all abortion-seekers in the United States obtained one using medication, as opposed to seeking a surgical procedure, the Guttmacher Institute reported in February.

American Medical Association president Jack Resneck, Jr. said the decision flies in the face of science and evidence.

By rejecting medical facts, the court has intruded into the exam room and has intervened in decisions that belong to patients and physicians, Resneck said in a statement. The courts rebuff of scientific facts also undermines informed decisions, erodes trust in institutions, exacerbates social divides, and places individual and collective health at risk.

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California Legislative Womens Caucus chair Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, and vice chair Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, called the decision an assault on womens health and dignity.

That one anti-abortion judge has the power to block access to a safe and medically proven treatment is an outrage, Skinner and Curry said. This decision does not just affect Texans. By reversing federal approval of an essential medicine, this decision imposes a doctrinaire, personally held belief on each and every American, a majority of whom stand firm in their own beliefs that women deserve the right to control their own bodies and health care.

Skinner and Aguiar-Curry assured Californians that misoprostol remains a fully legal, viable, and safe medication for abortion. But they expressed support for any Biden administration moves to to appeal the decision.

California will not back down, Skinner and Aguiar-Curry said. We remain steadfastly committed to safeguarding access to reproductive care and abortion services and to legally protect our health providers and those who seek services.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Roman Catholics in Nicaragua had to hold traditional Stations of the Cross and other Holy Week processions on church grounds or inside churches Friday amid a ban on public demonstrations.

Relations between autocratic President Daniel Ortega and the church have frayed to near non-existence since Nicaragua's government proposed severing relations and sentenced a bishop to 26 years in prison.

Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes told The Associated Press that celebrations were held throughout the country near the churches.

In absolutely every parish there were celebrations, Brenes said, though he added they went off not with all the intensity of years past.

German Miranda, one of hundreds of faithful who showed up for the procession at the Managua Cathedral, was one of those who found it less inspiring this year.

He said Holy Week celebrations were better in the past when they wound through the streets of the capital. It was better before, because it was freer."

Miranda said he hoped the government and the church could reconcile, to give us a better future.

On Thursday, Ortega's wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, lashed out at those who complained.

We see it as part of a manipulation by those who do not believe in God, who do not live as Christians, who do not know how to be respectful or show solidarity, Murillo said.

Earlier this week, the government expelled a Panamanian parish priest, Donaciano Alarcon, who police accused of holding an Easter-week procession and attempting to stir up the people.

Alarcon said police forced him into a patrol vehicle Monday after he celebrated Mass in the rural town of Cusmapa and drove him to the border with Honduras, They made me cross and told me, You are out of the country, and you cant come back in,' he told a radio station in Panama.

Alarcon denied lthere was any procession. I did not lead a procession, because they are prohibited, he said. I was the first to tell people that there would be no procession.

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Since anti-government street protests broke out in 2018, Ortega has banned all opposition demonstrations in Nicaragua and has also restricted Catholic activities. He says Catholic figures sympathetic to the opposition are terrorists.

In March, the Vatican closed its embassy in Nicaragua after Ortega's government proposed suspending diplomatic relations, the latest episode in a years-long crackdown on the church.

Dozens of religious figures have been arrested or fled the country. Two congregations of nuns, including from the Missionaries of Charity order founded by Mother Teresa, were expelled last year, and Bishop Rolando Alvarez was sentenced to 26 years in prison after he refused to board a plane that would have flown him to exile in the United States.

Pope Francis had remained largely silent on the issue, apparently not wanting to inflame tensions, but in a March 10 interview with Argentine media outlet Infobae he called Ortegas government a rude dictatorship led by an unbalanced president.

In Nicaragua we have a bishop in prison, a very serious and capable man, who wanted to give his testimony and did not accept exile, Francis said, referring to Alvarez. It is something from outside of what we are living, as if it were a communist dictatorship in 1917 or a Hitlerian one in 1935.
Renfield makeup artist Christien Tinsley has revealed the extreme lengths Nicolas Cage went to, to play Dracula.

In the new movie by director Chris McKay, Cage plays the vampire, while Nicholas Hoult portrays the title character, Draculas long-suffering assistant and henchman.

In an interview with Variety, Tinsley revealed they used 3D printing to craft Draculas famous fangs.

This was the first film that I know of where we used 3D printing to do all the dentures, Tinsley said. We jumped in headfirst with 3D printing. We would scan Nics teeth and digitally sculpt them.

Once the fake teeth were made, We shaved Nics teeth down and the dentures were fitted so as not to impede on Nics speech and allow full freedom, he said.

Nic wanted to emote and annunciate properly, so it was important the veneers were thin.

McKay recently claimed in an interview that whatever scene we did he [Cage] would still be 100 per cent living in that attitude after we stopped shooting.

Nicolas Cage as Dracula in Renfield, directed by Chris McKay. (UNIVERSAL STUDIOS)

As such, the director said that if Dracula was a little frosty in a given scene, Cage would then be frosty too between takes.

However, Cage later denied being standoffish between scenes. I just dont have that recollection, I dont know why Chris said that, he told The Hollywood Reporter.

I had a lot of laughs in between takes with both Chris McKay and Nick Hoult, so maybe that was his experience, maybe because I still had the fangs in my mouth that made me speak a certain way, but that wasnt my experience.

The film marks the first time Cage and Hoult have worked together since 2005s The Weather Man, which Hoult starred in when he was just 14 years old.

I think getting to work with him again as an adult gave me a true appreciation of what a master he is of the craft, how much hes given to the cinematic world over the years, all of the iconic performances hes given, and I think this is another one, Hoult said.

Renfield arrives in UK cinemas on 14 April.
Detroit-born violinist Regina Carter takes a bow while being celebrated as one of 2023's National Endowment for the Arts' Jazz Masters at Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center on April 1, 2023.

Americans have decided to "assign" celebratory months to various cultural entities.

We mark February as Black History Month, and Womens History Month takes place in March. Hispanic Heritage Month's span  September 15 to October 15  actually straddles two distinct months, which makes sense once you know the opening date marks Independence Days for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua; and that Mexico and Chile celebrate their respective Independence Days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18.

Other demarcated months and days take place, distinguished from federal and state holidays.

I am of two minds here. On the one hand, the fact that such designated recognitions have come into existence greatly saddens me. Cultural contributions go on year-round  and should be recognized accordingly.

Yet, because we as a country have a 200-plus year history deserving a poor grade, under-appreciating, stifling, disallowing and even attempting to destroy the very existence of said contributions, we have compensated for such misdeeds and  perhaps assuaged our guilt-ridden conscience in the process  by creating a set of concentrated, month-long cultural and historical reparations.

On the other hand, celebratory months  when at their best  can have an enormously positive impact; they potentially serve as great educators and knowledge-makers of us all. Special months expand and broaden our horizons; they teach tolerance, awareness and understanding; they underscore Americas unique place as not the only, but the ultimate, melting pot  something we should unilaterally embrace.

As Johnny Mercer wrote just about 80 years ago now, these specific months do accentuate the positive.

April is Jazz Appreciation Month. Those of us who toil within the jazz community celebrate this art form year-round. Gail Boyds pandemic-induced Alternate Venues For Jazz, which continues to thrive, owns a four-sentence  theyre one-word each  collective mantra that sums up the industry vibe nicely: Eat. Sleep. Jazz. Repeat.

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That being said, I am greatly enjoying the measurable number of emails from all parts of the country housing localized information about whats going on, whats being produced during JAM, as we refer to it. The Smithsonians now 22-year-old initiative, initially an extremely under-the-radar, minimal endeavor has now bloomed  just as cherry blossoms do in the nations capital each year.

Coast-to-coast, jazz activity arrives in intensified fashion, with jazz organizations now making it a point to stuff their April schedules. Granted, Im in the middle of it, but I would encourage people to simply go online, pick a random locale, attach Jazz Appreciation Month to it and see what pops.

Obviously, there are a greater number of goings-on taking place in larger municipalities, but Im betting many less-populated spots, in one way or another, are part of the composite JAM picture.

The 2023 celebration is, interestingly enough, bookended by a pair of high-profile events, both visible to the world via webcast and available globally as audio-only programs. The month opened with the National Endowment for the Arts holding its Annual Jazz Masters Tribute Concert, featuring its recipients: violinist Regina Carter, saxophonist Kenny Garrett, drummer Louis Hayes and the late Sue Mingus, who oversaw and managed iconic bassist and her husband Charles Mingus musical contribution and legacy. The two-hour affair remains viewable on several sites including, of course, the NEAs.

The month culminates with International Jazz Day, the UNESCO-sponsored global jazz day celebrated on April 30 in some 190 countries, representing every continent. The annual highlight  its global concert  will be broadcast nationally on PBS, premiering locally on KMOS-TV on April 28.

My suggestion for those of you who want to absorb some jazz: theres no better time than to give this music a try, to show it some TLC than during Jazz Appreciation Month.

Jon W. Poses is executive director of the We Always Swing Jazz Series. Reach him at jazznbsbl@socket.net.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: No better time to give jazz a try than during Jazz Appreciation Month
North Carolina agriculture just cant help getting involved in national holiday events.

First it was turkeys. Then a tree. This time, Braswell Family Farms in Nashville, is supplying 30,000 eggs  20,000 will be dyed  for the White House Easter Egg Roll Monday.

Every year, since 1878, children gathered on the South Lawn of the White House and used wooden spoons to roll colorful eggs across the lawn.

How did this tradition start? Well, originally children gathered on Capitol Hill every Easter Monday to participate in the tradition, but Congress, being Congress, took note that the activity was damaging the Capitol lawn, according to the National Park Service. So lawmakers took it upon themselves in 1876 to pass the Turf Protection Law, making it illegal for children to continue.

Thankfully, President Rutherford B. Hayes was not a fun-sucker like the suits on the Hill and told the children of Washington they were welcome on the White House lawn. The Easter Egg Roll has continued annually ever since.

This is the second year in a row that Braswell Family Farms provided eggs to the White House; it also provided eggs in previous years. Trey Braswell, president of his family farm, acknowledged in an interview with The Washington Post that due to the national egg shortage that caused egg prices to soar this year, the White Houses request for a 30,000 egg donation was a big ask. But he told the Post, We look at it as an opportunity to do our civic duty. We do it joyfully and gladly.

The eggs were sent to The Stocked Pot, in Lewisville, to be boiled and dyed. The Stocked Pot was given five Pantone color codes to match the egg dye to. The Washington Post reported the colors as neon pink, green, orange, royal blue and aqua.

Its great to see North Carolina continue to be represented so well by strong, family-run businesses like Braswell Family Farms and The Stocked Pot, said Gov. Roy Cooper. We know theyll make sure this special event is a success where everyone has a hopping good time!

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Once dyed, the eggs will travel to Washington, D.C., where children will be greeted by celebrities, including Halle Bailey, star of the upcoming Disneys The Little Mermaid, and characters from Bluey, Winnie the Pooh, Sesame Street, Paw Patrol and Snoopy.

First lady Jill Biden announced earlier this week that the theme of this years roll is Eggucation. The South Lawn and the Ellipse will be transformed into a school-like atmosphere with a reading nook, a field trip to the farm, picture day in front of the White House, an obstacle course for physical education, a talent show and a snack tent. There will also be an Easter egg hunt with special prizes.

NASA sent astronauts at the International Space Station a wooden Official White House Easter Egg to allow them to demonstrate weightlessness in space. Videos will be posted to the White House social media pages.

White House officials invited service members and veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors to the event. The public was also able to get tickets through an online lottery system.

North Carolina has participated in most of D.C.s holidays in the past 12 months, including supplying the turkeys, Chocolate and Chip, to be pardoned by President Joe Biden at Thanksgiving and the Capitol Christmas Tree named Ruby.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea on Saturday claimed it tested this week a second known type of nuclear-capable underwater attack drone designed to destroy naval vessels and ports, adding to a flurry of weapons demonstrations this year that have heightened tensions with rivals.

The report of the four-day test came a day after the nuclear envoys of the United States, South Korea and Japan met in Seoul to discuss the growing North Korean nuclear threat and called for stronger international efforts to crack down on illicit North Korean activities funding its weapons program.

The Norths official Korean Central News Agency said the drone, named "Haeil-2" after a Korean word meaning tsunamis or tidal waves, traveled underwater for more than 71 hours before successfully detonating a mock warhead in waters near the eastern port city of Tanchon on Friday. KCNA said the test proved that the weapon could strike targets 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) away with fatal attack ability.

North Korean state media last month reported two tests of another drone, named Haeil-1, and described the weapon as capable of setting off a radioactive tsunami to destroy enemy vessels and ports.

Analysts, however, are skeptical whether such a device would add a meaningful new threat to North Koreas growing nuclear arsenal built around missiles and whether its reasonable for the North to pursue such capabilities considering its still-limited supplies of nuclear bomb fuel. South Koreas military has said it believes North Korean claims about Haeil-1 were likely exaggerated or fabricated.

On Friday, U.S. President Joe Bidens special representative for North Korea, Sung Kim, met with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts in Seoul where they issued a joint statement calling for stronger international support to stem North Korean efforts to evade U.N. Security Council sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons ambitions.

The envoys expressed particular concern about North Koreas cybercrimes and illicit labor exports, which Seoul says could possibly expand as it further reopens its borders as COVID-19 fears ease.

North Korea in 2023 alone fired around 30 missiles in 11 different launch events, including an intercontinental ballistic missile that demonstrated potential range to reach the U.S. mainland and several shorter-range weapons designed to deliver nuclear strikes on South Korean targets.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 8)  Brushing off claims of violation of Philippine sovereignty, the Department of National Defense (DND) reiterated that the country retains its responsibility over agreed locations under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

There is no gross violation of our national sovereignty as claimed by certain quarters. The EDCA, which is an offshoot of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), was deemed constitutional by the Supreme Court, the DND said on Friday.

On top of the existing five sites, Malacanang on Monday announced the additional four new locations of EDCA sites after Manila and Washington agreed to expand the deal in February.

READ: Palace unveils 4 new EDCA sites

Party-list groups Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and Bayan Muna earlier cited some provisions in the agreement that will just allow United States unlimited access to troops, bases, and activities in the country.

ACT Rep. France Castro said under Article 3, paragraph 2 of EDCA, the Philippines cant decline if the US requests access to use any public land and facilities in the country  including private property.

Castro said the nine EDCA locations is bound to increase, turning the whole country into a US base.

Meanwhile, former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares questioned Article 12, Paragraph 4 of the agreement which states EDCA shall continue in force unless terminated.

The EDCA is a continuing agreement, and this is the fundamental problem. Because it does not have a term limit there is no mandatory requirement for its review within a certain period before it expires, nor does it require renegotiation upon the expiry, he said.

READ: US dictates the terms of EDCA  Bayan Muna

But according to the DND, EDCA sites will be mutually operated by the two countries, stressing that it will not turn into a permanent basing facilities for the US.

The EDCA sites primarily consist of storage facilities, which require minimum use of utilities since they will only be utilized during exercises and emergencies, and improvements on existing facilities owned and operated by the AFP, the DND added.

It also said that EDCA will also create jobs and boost the local economies of the communities where the sites are located.
A remarkable opportunity to live among the trees in the mountain air has graced the real estate market in Hedgesville, West Virginia.

Exterior

A three-bedroom, 2.5-plus-bathroom home made with contemporary glass and copper is listed for $1.5 million, and its definitely worth the price tag based on its listing on Realtor.com.

Interior

Floor to ceiling glass makes you feel as though you are one with nature, the listing describes. Home has been listed as one of the 10 most unique homes in West Virginia.

Staircase

The 3,024-square-foot estate was designed by architect, author and philosopher Travis Price, whose primary focus is making sure his creations allow people and nature to connect.

Bedroom

Along with its unique aesthetic exterior appeal, the estate comes loaded with upscale features including:

Dining area, kitchen

Spiral staircase

Glass bridge connecting rooms

Large kitchen

Fireplace

Mountain views

Rooftop patio

Roof

Theres a spectacular view that you take in from every level, listing agent Gina Wood told Realtor. Then theres the rooftop patio, which when I go there, I dont want to come off. Its beautiful.

The listing is held by Kesecker Realty, Inc.

Roof

Hedgesville is about 85 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.

NHL icon Chris Chelios lists seaside estate for $75M in California. No better place
The Seminole County Fire Department said one cat has died following a house fire Saturday morning.

Seminole County firefighters responded to a home in Casselberry for the fire call.

Fire crews contained the fire in the kitchen.

WATCH: Seminole County firefighters save cow stuck in the mud for 24 hours

Investigators said one person was transported to a hospital as a precaution.

Firefighters saved many animals from the fire, including two dogs, three cats and reptiles.

Read: Firefighters work to control brush fires in Daytona Beach

But one cat did not survive.

Longwood firefighters also helped to battle the fire.

According to the fire department, the American Red Cross of Central Florida will help the residents recover.

Read: Apopka mayor: Fire chief, city attorney to keep jobs despite demands to remove them

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A sunset in Cape Coral is second to none in Florida.

We love lists. Especially lists that include places we know and love.

Cape Coral frequently appears on "best places to" lists, so it is not surprising that this Southwest Florida city with a population now over 200,000, and known for its canals and burrowing owls, showed up recently on another list that will likely encourage even more people to visit.

The folks at the website Trips to Discover crunched some data in March and revealed Cape Coral is No. 9 on the Top-10 places to visit in Florida, specifically for overseas visitors. Miami came in at No. 1 with 2,759,000 overseas visitors. Nearby Naples is No. 6 (84,000).

Based on 2021 data and before Hurricane Ian hit Southwest Florida on Sept. 28, 2022, the website reports Florida is the No. 1 most visited state in the U.S. by overseas tourists. The report said more than 4 million overseas travelers visited the Sunshine State in 2021, an estimated 44.6% of the nations total that year. The data for the report comes from the International Trade Administrations National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO).

Using NTTO data, the Trips to Discover team found the 10 most-visited metropolitan areas in Florida as ranked by the total estimated overseas visitors to each city in 2021 (excluding Mexico and Canada).

More: Crumbl Cookies to open in Cape Coral this week: 5 things to know

The Top-10 list

Miami

Orlando

Fort Lauderdale

Tampa

West Palm Beach

Naples

Jacksonville

North Port

Cape Coral

Key West

What they are saying about Cape Coral

Overseas visitors: 53,000

The Cape Coral, Florida, metro is a home base peninsula for tourists to explore the vast stretches of islands nearby. The waters near Pine Island and Sanibel Island provide some of the best deep-sea fishing in Florida. The snow-white sands of Fort Myers Beach entice travelers to relax or play by engaging in one of the many watersports offered on the barrier island, like parasailing, kayaking and wave runners. It may be No. 9 in the state, but the Cape Coral, Florida, metro drew more overseas visitors than San Antonio, Baltimore and Nashville, Tennessee, in 2021.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral Florida ranks in top 10 in for overseas visitors
You & I Primary Care, Aesthetics and Wellness believes that beauty doesnt have to equal pain. A pioneer in non-surgical aesthetic medicine, the medical practice is pleased as it announces its upcoming anti-aging technology, the Inmode Morpheus 8.

Weve always held that obtaining a desired look need not be painful and surgical, states the CEO and founder of You & I Primary Care, Aesthetics and Wellness, Leonard Einstein. Einstein founded the medical practice when he recognized a need in the market for a safer and softer form of non-surgical approaches to medicine. With a passion for aesthetic medicine, he began You & I Primary Care to help these people via non-surgical practice-designed techniques, such as Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers, PDO threads, laser resurfacing treatments, IPL lasers, CO2 lasers, hormone replacement therapy, general internal medicine, plasma rich platelets treatment, medical weight loss therapy, and radiofrequency or micro-needling like Pixel 8, and Morpheus 8, which is the latest acquisition.

The new service that the medical practice plans to offer customers starting in the summer of 2023, the Morpheus 8 RF machine, is a technology that employs radiofrequency energy to tighten and revitalize the skin without requiring surgery. It stimulates collagen synthesis and tightens the skin by delivering radiofrequency energy to the deeper layers of the skin, states Einstein. This aids in the reduction of wrinkles, sagging skin, and other indications of aging.

The gadget may also be used to treat regions such as the face, neck, and chest, and it helps to enhance skin tone and texture. As its non-invasive it does not need any downtime, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their looks without undergoing surgery. It is a non-surgical, safe approach to obtain a more contoured and toned figure, he adds.

As the medical practice stocks itself with this new and updated option for local pursuers of figure toning, it aims to expand to the Las Vegas area. Our expansion happens with the market, says Einstein. Once we noticed more and more desiring this type of body and face sculpting over more painful and scarring ones, we recognized that it was time to offer our services to a larger crowd.

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You & I Primary Care, Aesthetics and Wellness leans on Einsteins extensive experience in and out of school. I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University to become a registered nurse, says Einstein. Then, the nurse worked for the Broward Health Hospital system until 2017 and moved into a masters program, where he earned a Master of Sciences in Nursing with a concentration in family medicine and primary care. He opened his practice in 2019 in the city of Aventura. Later, I obtained my Doctorate Degree in Nursing with a fellowship focused on dermatology for Nurse Practitioners from Chamberlain University, he states.

After earning a Post-Master Certification at Florida Atlantic University, Einstein worked as a speaker and trainer for numerous pharmaceuticals including Allergan, Galderma, and MERZ, as well as the South America Society of Anti-Aging Medicine. He is the co-author of numerous articles in the American Journal of Dermatology Drugs and a collaborator of ISPAN (International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses).

I also spoke for Alcomece, Einstein notes. When he opened You & I Primary Care, Aesthetics and Wellness in Florida, the doctor garnered attention nationally. I was flying all over the country to meet peoples medical anti-aging needs, states the doctor. The doctor soon became well-known in his sector for providing delicate yet permanent and innovative solutions to those who desired physique redefinition.

You & I Primary Care is essentially a large summary of my life. I put everything I know into the practice to help others obtain their desired figures without having to suffer pain or damage. The doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner hopes that the new service will contribute toward this mission, as well as the medical practices move into a brand-new area.

McClatchy newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
Fyodor Dostoevsky, in his book The Idiot, reveals the beauty of life in the face of immense suffering. | Adobe.com

In August 1867, at a museum in Basel, Switzerland, the Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky found himself standing before a painting of Christ, unable to look away.

The work, entitled The Body of the Dead Christ in the Tomb and painted by Hans Holbein, depicts the disfigured reality of Christs mortal frame after the crucifixion.

Dostoevskys second wife, Anna Grigorievna, wrote that the painting portrays Jesus Christ, who has suffered inhuman torture. ... His swollen face is covered with bloody wounds, and he looks terrible.

She described her husbands reaction: The painting made an overwhelming impression on my husband, and he stood before it as if dumbstruck. This experience later bled into Dostoevskys work when he wrote The Idiot, which was published in serialized form.

That novel, in many ways, explores a central question that relates to Holbeins shocking painting: How do we reconcile Christs literal resurrection with the brutal reality of his death? It is a question many Christians around the world may ponder this weekend as they journey from the sorrow of Good Friday into the glory and triumph of Christs Easter resurrection.

Whether consciously or not, Dostoevsky answers the question through the novels protagonist, Prince Myshkin. The prince, known as an idiot for his epileptic seizures and his innocent child-like view of the world, was Dostoevskys creation of a perfectly beautiful man, one who spoke the now-famous phrase Beauty will save the world. Dostoevskys prince was someone who embraced and loved the world all while perfectly knowing its darkness.

In creating such a character, Dostoevsky inevitably made a literary mirror of Christ, the Prince of Peace. Paradoxically, however, in creating his fictional prince, Dostoevsky drew from the mundane realities of his own life.

For example, Prince Myshkin, like Dostoevsky, also traveled to Basel and saw the original Holbein painting of Christ. In the novel, while discussing the painting, another character asks Myshkin, Do you believe in God?

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The question repeats: what value, what beauty, could ever come from something so lowly as this crucified Christ?

Myshkin replies, A man could  lose his faith from that painting! Continuing on, he does not answer the question directly, but instead tells a story of a woman he once saw with her 6-week-old baby.

He recounts seeing the infant smile up at the mother. After this, she made the sign of the cross with great piety, and Myshkin asked why.

Its just that a mother rejoices, she said, when she notices her babys first smile, the same as God rejoices each time he looks down from heaven and sees a sinner standing before him and praying with all his heart.

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Of the many personal attributes Dostoevsky gave to the fictional Myshkin, the most autobiographical was his deep and sincere love for children. At the beginning of the novel, Myshkin speaks to a group of children, talking with them as if adults, holding their opinion in high esteem. He hides nothing from them and lets them come unto him, entrusting to them, as Christ would, the full truth of anything he had to say, noting that a child can give extremely important advice even in the most difficult matters.

Myshkins love for children becomes all the more profound when Dostoevskys infant daughter passes away only five months after the novel began its serial publication.

His grief is as painful to behold as the visage of Holbeins Christ: This little three-month-old creature, so poor, so tiny, was already a person and a character for me. She was beginning to know me, to love, and smile when I came near. ... And now they say to me in consolation that Ill have other children. But where is Sonya? Where is this little personality for whom, I say boldly, I would accept the crosss agony if only she might be alive?

The most famous story of the novel also comes from Myshkin, who tells of a man led to a scaffold, along with others, and a sentence of death by firing squad was read out to him, for a political crime. Twenty minutes pass after the man hears his final sentence when a pardon is given to save his life. Myshkin says for a quarter of an hour at the least, (he) lived under the certain conviction that in a few minutes he would suddenly die.

Like the stories cited above, Myshkins tale comes directly from Dostoevskys life. Before Dostoevsky began his literary career, he was sentenced to die before a firing squad for a political crime, only to be pardoned moments before his execution.

In that moment of imminent death, Dostoevsky drew on his faith in Christ to save him. The records state that as Dostoevsky awaited his execution, he turned to his peers and said: We will be together with Christ. And from this moment of intense beauty, inches from death, sprang the well of light that is the work of Dostoevsky.

That beauty, the beauty in Christ, not only saves Dostoevsky, but will, as Myshkin prophesied, save the world. For Dostoevsky, faith in Christ, even with Christ in the most lowly of forms (as he is depicted in the Holbein painting, and as he was on Good Friday), is the only answer to the woes of life: to the inexplicable suffering or death of a child, to the ravages of war, even to facing ones own imminent execution.

We live in a world that often feels like Holbeins Christ, dead and dying still; a world full of wars and rumors of wars, where the hearts of men continue to fail them day and night. We currently live under the real threat of nuclear war, as Dostoevsky before the firing squad. We stand before this world as Dostoevsky before the dead Christ, as if dumbstruck. Yet beyond the dark chaos there is light  and that light is Christ, the one who overcame this world.

No matter the human torture that was forced upon Christ, or however we try to limit Him with our words, our poetry, even our painting, he is still the light of the world. Whether wrapped in swaddling clothes, hanging on the cross or descending in robes of crimson, Christ is the King of Kings, and the hope of the world  the beauty that will save the world.

Scott Raines is a writer and doctoral student at the University of Kansas.
The end of a tarmac road shows the devastation caused by coastal erosion of the cliff face in the village of Happisburgh on November 6, 2019. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Happisburgh, located in England's Norfolk county, has been crumbling into the sea.

Coastal erosion has plagued the village for decades, and could be worsened by increasing storms.

Million-year-old human footprints were once discovered in the historic village, but they washed away.

A small English village on the North Sea coast with thousands of years of history has been crumbling into the sea due to decades of coastal erosion.

Happisburgh, located in Norfolk County, has seen dozens of homes wash away to sea as the cliff face edges closer and closer to its remaining residents.

Photos show how the sea could soon swallow more of the historic town if the coastal erosion continues.

Happisburgh, pronounced "haze-bruh," is home to about 1,400 people and about 600 homes.

Aerial view of Happisburgh, Norfolk, England, in 2021. Historic England Archive/Heritage Images/Getty Images

Source: British Geological Survey

Though Happisburgh is currently a seaside town, it was previously further from shore. Records suggest more than 820 feet of land was swept away between 1600 to 1850.

Village sign and houses in Happisburgh, Norfolk, England. Geography Photos/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Source: British Geological Survey

An increase in storms that are linked to climate change may be exacerbating the erosion of the sandy shoreline. Storm surges cause raised water levels that batter the shore, causing more erosion.

Eroded shoreline at Happisburgh, Norfolk, United Kingdom, pictured in 2006. Tim Graham/Getty Images

Source: BBC

Bryony Nierop-Reading, 77, refused an offer of about $65,800 in 2013 to evacuate her home before it ultimately fell into the sea in 2013 during a storm.

A house on the edge of a cliff after erosion from a North Sea storm surge, pictured on December 5, 2013, in Happisburgh, Norfolk, UK. David Tipling/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Source: BBC

One Happisburgh resident told the BBC when she purchased her home 18 years ago, it was in the middle of a street. Now, her house is the last one before the cliff's edge.

A road in Happisburgh, England, now falls straight off a sea cliff as a result of coastal erosion. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Source: BBC

Many others in Happisburgh have already been forced to evacuate, with 34 homes getting swallowed by the sea over the past 20 years.

A general view of erosion to the cliff face in the village of Happisburgh on on November 06, 2019, in Great Yarmouth, England. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Source: BBC

"It's changed unbelievably. You just don't recognize the place," a Happisburgh resident told Bloomberg. "Houses, friends that have lived in those houses, have all gone. It's all gone.'"

Houses abandoned and derelict awaiting demolition because of coastal erosion, Happisburgh, Norfolk, England, pictured in 2006. Geography Photos/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Source: Bloomberg

Along with homes, the situation in Happisburgh is also washing away history, which has contributed to the village being a tourist attraction.

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Former beach access stairs standing alone after the cliff receded due to coastal erosion in Happisburgh, Norfolk, England, pictured in 2006. Geography Photos/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Scientists in 2014 discovered human footprints in Happisburgh that they said were 800,000 to 1 million years old, the most ancient ever found outside of Africa and the earliest sign of humans in Europe.

A general view of erosion to the cliff face and the scarred landscape of a former caravan site in the village of Happisburgh on November 06, 2019. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Source: Associated Press

But the million-years-old footprints washed away just two weeks after they were discovered.

People walk past a recent landslip on the cliff edge and beach in the village of Happisburgh on January 27, 2021, in Happisburgh, England. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Source: Associated Press

Happisburgh is also home to St. Mary's, a still-standing 14th-century church.

The end of a tarmac road shows the devastation caused by coastal erosion of the cliff face in the village of Happisburgh on November 06, 2019. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The red-and-white-striped Happisburgh Lighthouse, built in 1790, is the only independently run lighthouse in Great Britain.

Happisburgh Lighthouse, Norfolk, 2021. Historic England Archive/Heritage Images/Getty Images

Source: Happisburgh Village

Coastal defenses were put in place decades ago to help avoid coastal erosion, but those have been weakened over the years by the sea.

Waves crash against destroyed sea defenses in the coastal village of Happisburgh on January 16, 2020 in Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The government is still working on solutions to address the situation, with many residents wishing officials would do more to defend the community.

Source: BBC

Have a news tip? Contact this reporter at kvlamis@insider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Pablo Picasso Taking a Break

Famous Spanish Cubist painter, Pablo Picasso. Credit - Bettmann Archive

April 8, 2023 marks half a century since the death of the worlds most famous painter, Pablo Picasso. My mother said to me, he once revealed, if you are a soldier, youll become a general, if you are a monk, youll become the pope. Instead, I was a painter and became Picasso.

Just one word: Picasso. More than fty exhibitions in over twenty countries will be celebrating this artist like no other. Last September, the Spanish and French Ministers of Culture launched an entire year of celebrations with typical pomp and ceremony. And yet, for the rst four decades of his life in France, Picasso was treated with wariness, suspicion, and even scorn by the same country that now acclaims him as one of its great geniuses.

In 1900, a young, brash Picasso arrived in Paris from Barcelona to make his name as an artist, joining the luminous center of the art world. But he did not roll down the Champs Elysees. He entered the city through the narrow doorway that was Montmartre, a neighborhood of subalterns, bohemians, and foreigners, and he was quickly labeled an anarchist by the policeequivalent to being called a suspected terrorist today.

In a France shaken by waves of xenophobia, obsessed by the idea of national purity, and corseted by the omnipotence of its Academy of Fine Arts, Picasso endured the triple stigma of being a foreigner, a purported anarchist, and an avant-garde artist, before the latter became a badge of honor. He mingled with non-conformists, free thinkers, poets, and other expatriates who understood and supported his art. From the Russian Empire to the United States, from Munich to Prague and from Berlin to Vienna, he became a sensation, and a wealthy man.

In Paris, however, he remained a foreigner and an individual who regularly aroused the attention of the authoritiesall while enduring the political instability of the 20th century, with the Spanish Civil War, two world wars, and a Cold War taking place in the heart of a Europe torn apart by nationalism.

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Nevertheless, by the 1930s Picasso was perceived as a singular talent outside of France, especially in the U.S., where Alfred Barr, the director of MoMA celebrated him as so fecund and versatile a genius that no retrospective can lay claims to completeness [. . .] even with more than 300 works. When Les Demoiselles dAvignon (1907), his cubist masterpiece, joined MoMAs permanent collection, Barr went a step further, declaring, There are few works of art in which the arrogance of genius presents itself with such power.

"Official receipt from Picassos request for a foreigners identity card, 1935 Courtesy of the Archives de la Prefecture de Police de Paris

In 1937, when the civilian population was annihilated by fascist bombings in a small Basque town, Picasso seized the moment to produce, in a matter of weeks, his iconic masterpiece Guernica, widely considered the most famous work of art of modern times. The Old World has committed suicide, Picassos friend, writer and anthropologist Michel Leiris, commented. Meanwhile, Guernica traveled to museums throughout the Western world and raised money for the Spanish Republicans. Picasso became the leading anti-fascist artist of the period.

And yet both stability and formal recognition in France eluded him. In Paris, fearing for his life at a time when fascism was on the rise all over Europe, Picasso decided to apply for French citizenshipa request which was rejected by the police. This rejection could have broken him, but it did not; rather, he continued to work and reinvent himself. He became the general that his mother saw in him, and continued to push the boundaries of modern art.

That he was able to do so is no coincidence. Picassos status as an as outsider in France meant that relied on his inventiveness and nonconformity for inspiration and survival. Could a creature of the establishment have painted Guernica? Picasso became Picasso because of his foreignness.

It was only after World War II, having nally been contacted by the director of Frances museum of modern art, that Picasso made a generous donation of ten paintings to the French state. All of his conicting feelings about France accumulated over the previous decades are summed up in this gesture: the pariah transformed into a patron of the arts, the ignored, the excluded artist now a great tutelary gure.

But even as the French establishment grudgingly accepted him, he turned his back on Paris. In 1955, he left for the South of France, never to return. He became a ceramist and made ceramics into a high art. This late-career burst of creativity not only reaffirmed his genius, but also aligned him with local artists and craftsmen. He chose the South over the North, the artisans over the Academy of Fine Arts, the provinces over Paris, and tied his international fame to the sphere he had always belonged tothe Mediterranean, rich with its plurality of cultures.

In an age when xenophobia is on the rise, lets remember that Picasso was himself a foreigner, subject to prejudices that might remind us of those endured by people crossing the Mediterranean, the English Channel, and the Rio Grande today. He came to France for his own unique reasons, but the hostility he faced remains sadly familiar.Today more than ever, Picassos odyssey, his endless strategies to overcome adversity, are a model that all of us must urgently reect upon.
This article originally appeared on Velo News

ROUBAIX, France (VN) -- When Alison Jackson was a child, she used to help out on her family's farm by picking up rocks from the fields so that the farming equipment wouldn't get damaged.

It seems fitting now that the 34-year-old Canadian has her own rock trophy after blasting to victory at the third edition of the Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift.

Jackson proudly showed off her cobbled reward in her winner's press conference and noted how tickled her family would be by it, particularly her young nephews.

"I grew up on a farm in rural Alberta and one of my jobs as a kid was to go into the field and pick rocks by hand and put them in the truck and lo and behold, I'm picking another rock and taking it home," Jackson said. "It's pretty fun with my nephews. They will go into the back field and look for rocks to pick so they have their own rock collection or just so the farmers don't run into trouble. I think that they will really love and appreciate this trophy that I won.

"I always say that I love bike racing, it's so fun, but it's always really fun when you win. To win at such a big bike race and we're just building the history of it, and also as a Canadian to win this race is pretty monumental for cycling in Canada, for me it's the biggest win of my career, it's a dream come true."

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Jackson's buildup to the race was less than ideal and she is still recovering from a knee injury that she picked up last month, which required stitches, at the Ronde van Drenthe.

She was part of the early 18-rider breakaway that went clear on the opening laps around Denain, which contained representatives from almost all of the teams. With little impetus to chase early on, the group was allowed a substantial gap that stood the group in good stead in the closing kilometers.

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Alison Jackson celebrates her win on the podium (Photo: Chris Auld)

As the Roubaix velodrome neared, it looked like the group of favorites behind would reel them in as the gap dropped to a nerve-wracking 10 seconds. Jackson has a proven sprint finish, but she knew that letting the chasers catch the break could spell the end of her chances so she wanted to go all in and risk it to keep them behind.

"I tried a couple of times on the cobbles to really pull hard. Even some of the girls in that move were telling me that I'm riding really strong and I knew that I would be one of the strongest in that group, but when you are that also means you've got to play your cards and actually commit to using some of that energy to keep it away," Jackson said.

"I know I have a good sprint, but when you've been in the breakaway for so long and you've been away for 100km, to give it up at the end by playing it safe wasn't going to sit well with me. I would rather give my heart out fully and then end up mid-pack in that group then sit in and allow the group to catch us and still have a minimal result. It's the gamble of what sport is."

Allowing the riders to make the race

Alison Jackson after her win at Paris-Roubaix Femmes (Photo: Gruber Images)

In three editions of the race, this is the first time that a true early breakaway has won the Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift with Lizzie Deignan and Elisa Longo Borghini going solo over the cobbles to win the first two events.

Jackson believes that the extra 20 kilometers that were added before the cobbles for this year's race was the key to helping the break have a fighting chance.

"The first edition was far too short. We did two crit laps and then we were straight into the cobbles. This now we had time to set up the race," Jackson said. "We set up the race with this break going early and it was a big break, and not many teams missed it, and then also Paris-Roubaix always getting ahead of the tough positioning in the cobbles was always going to be better and when you're in a smaller group there's always less fighting.

"It had rained earlier this week, so some of the cobbles were going to be wet and the cobbles were going to be muddy. Just to get ahead, you're saving yourself from bad luck, crashes, flats. The group wasn't always working together but there were enough girls that you see this as your chance. In Paris-Roubaix, to go in a group that early, if you watch the men's, those can go really far. I just wanted to get ahead of Lotte Kopecky, basically. It's always a gamble."

At 145km, this year's edition of Paris-Roubaix Femmes is the longest since the race began in 2021. As women's racing develops, racing is getting longer but Jackson believes that it was not necessarily the overall distance that made the difference Saturday.

"I don't think our races have to be longer to be exciting, but for this type of race we needed to have a longer start so that we could make it more entertaining. Maybe we could set up the race, and maybe a break could go and it's not just all determined on how one rides the cobbles and you can play the tactic more," she said.

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Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube are being sued by Pittsburgh Public Schools over the alleged harm they have done to students mental health.

In the federal lawsuit, Pittsburgh Public claims the companies targeted youth to compulsively use their services to maximize profits while causing harm to their mental health. They cite an increase in the rates of teen suicide, attempted suicide, emergency room visits for anxiety disorders, and increased reporting in feeling sad and hopeless.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Pittsburgh Public Schools to file lawsuit against social media companies

Pittsburgh Public Schools announced plans to file the lawsuit in January.

School leaders said since the district provides mental health services for students, it needs a comprehensive, long-term plan and funding to help reduce the mental effects of social media.

Pittsburgh will likely have its case heard in conjunction with districts around the country filing similar suits.

Channel 11 has reached out to Pittsburgh Public Schools for comment.

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Former embattled Boise chief appears in line to become next Pittsburgh police chief, sources say Teen injured after man fleeing police crashes into her while she was driving her sweet 16 gift Walmart employee dies after getting run over in stores parking lot VIDEO: Historic Butler County church put up for sale DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
For the first half of this week, an active weather pattern will continue across much of the northwestern United States. A plume of moisture will surge into parts of Washington, Oregon and far Northern California.

A northward bulge in the jet stream over much of California, Nevada, Utah and southern Idaho will help to keep much of the Southwest dry into at least midweek.

"While a majority of the West will experience a trend towards drier conditions this week, that will not be the case across the Pacific Northwest. Multiple waves of moisture taking aim at the region will likely keep wet weather in the forecast into the middle of this week," explained AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham.

A zone of low pressure advanced into the far southeast flank of Alaska and the coast of British Columbia over the weekend and spread rain and snow across the region. The storm's associated frontal boundary has swung into the Pacific Northwest Monday night and has continued to bring a swath of rain and high elevation snow into Tuesday morning.

During the second half of the week, storm activity along the Northwest coast is expected to decline gradually. Although nearby areas of low pressure could bring intervals of rain or snow to the region from Wednesday to Friday, these events are likely to be weak compared to the river of moisture approaching for the early days of the week.

Even though the stream of rain forecast to move into the Northwest early in the week may bring pockets of localized flooding, rockslides and rises on select streams and creeks, the rain may also prove beneficial for western Washington.

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Many observation sites in western Washington, including Seattle, Olympia and Tacoma, Washington, recorded lower rainfall totals throughout January, February and March. From January to March, all three locations recorded roughly 54% of the historical average rainfall for each site. However, April showers have helped to keep rainfall amounts on track for the most part for those locations in Washington so far this month.

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So far in April, temperatures across the Seattle and Portland areas have trended on the cooler side compared to what is typically observed this time of year. AccuWeather meteorologists say that monthly values are generally running between 4-5 degrees F below the historical average for early April, and this trend is forecast to continue through the week.

Daytime high temperatures in Seattle this week are forecast to dip to around 50 F, with intervals of rain expected across the metro area through Wednesday or Thursday.

Cooler conditions will largely be confined to areas west of the Rocky Mountains during the first half of the week, while locations from the Intermountain West into the Plains will be experiencing a surge of warmth throughout the week.

Even places in Utah, such as Salt Lake City, will see much milder conditions early this week, climbing to near 80 F on Tuesday. This surge of warmth will be quite noticeable compared to high temperatures recorded around Salt Lake City at the start of the previous week when the city only climbed to the 30s F and totaled nearly 15 inches of snow from Sunday to Wednesday last week.

Due to the climbing temperatures, forecasters are monitoring the threat of flooding from area snowmelt across parts of the western and central states.

"Across the interior Northwest, valley rain and mountain snow will be much more sparse in coverage over the coming days, but even though largely dry weather is in store, the flooding threat is expected to increase. This will occur as a result of climbing temperatures that will begin to melt off some of the deep snowpack across the mountains," stated Buckingham.

Ice jams will elevate the flood from Montana and Wyoming to the Great Lakes region through Tuesday. Snowmelt along the foothills of the mountain regions could quickly cause rises in area rivers and streams, including portions of the Missouri River.

"Widespread major flooding of the Missouri River is not anticipated due to average snowfall east of the mountains and flood mitigation (dams) in place," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.

If possible, residents are encouraged to clear any snow or ice from flow paths and culverts to allow for runoff to be transported away from roadways and structures.

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.
(CNN)  Indias government is planning to create a state fact-checking unit with the power to order social media platforms to take down content about its activities that it deems fake or misleading.

In an amendment to rules covering digital and social media published Thursday, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said that the fact-checking would apply to information about any business of the central government on social media platforms.

The Editors Guild of India, a nonprofit organization representing more than 200 journalists, said in a statement on Friday that it was deeply disturbed by the new rules, saying they had deeply adverse implications for press freedom in India.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a minister in the IT ministry, told Indian news agency ANI on Friday that the updated rules did not represent censoring at all, and that social media companies could choose to continue to share content that fell foul of the fact-checking process, but there would be consequences if they did.

If these companies failed to take down the offending content, Chandrasekhar said, they would lose the automatic legal protection they currently enjoy against complaints about third-party content on their platforms. That would open up the possibility for aggrieved parties, including government ministries, to take them to court.

The dangers of misinformation, the impact of patently false information in a democracy like ours, is never to be underestimated, Chandrasekhar said.

Absolute power

The Editors Guild expressed alarm that there was no mention in the rules of what will be the governing mechanism for such a fact-checking unit, the judicial oversight, [or] the right to appeal.

In effect, the government has given itself absolute power to determine what is fake or not, in respect of its own work, and order take down, the guild added. It urged the government to withdraw the rule change and consult with media organizations.

Twitter and Facebook, which both have a significant presence in India, did not immediately respond to CNNs request for comment.

Concern has been brewing in recent months over the Indian governments increasingly restrictive stance towards the media.

In February, Indian tax authorities searched the BBCs offices in Delhi and Mumbai, accusing the British broadcaster of tax evasion. The incident came nearly a month after the government used emergency powers to block the release of a documentary about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi has been accused of silencing his critics in recent months. A senior member of Indias opposition Congress party was arrested in February for allegedly insulting the prime minister.

And last month, the former leader of the party  Rahul Gandhi  was disqualified as a lawmaker after a court found him guilty of defamation. He was convicted over a speech he made in 2019, in which he referred to thieves as having the same surname as Modi.

This story was first published on CNN.com, Indian journalists warn of new government assault on press freedom
Dallas police are investigating a shooting that killed one man on the south side of the city early Saturday, officials said.

Officers responded to a shooting in the 8100 block of Leigh Ann Drive around 3 a.m. Police said two men were involved in a fight and one of them shot the other. The assailant fled the scene, according to police.

The victim was taken to a local hospital but later died from his injuries, officials said. Authorities hadnt released the name and age of the victim as of Saturday afternoon.

The investigation is ongoing, police said.
Falmouth Police are investigating a robbery where a man showed up at a bank, showed a gun, and made a bomb threat.

According to Falmouth Police, on April 8 around 9 a.m., a man walked into Rockland Trust Bank on Davis Straits in Falmouth and demanded money from a bank teller. The man then brandished a handgun and claimed to have a bomb

The teller handed the man an undisclosed amount of money and the man then stole a black 2019 Ford Flex SUV from a customer and fled the scene, state police said.

The stolen car was found a short distance away in the area of 200 block of Teaticket Highway in Falmouth.

According to state police, the suspect may have switched to another vehicle after abandoning the SUV. An active search was in the area with MSP K9 and Air Wing.

The incident is under investigation by Falmouth and State police. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 508-457-2527.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Metropolitan Police cadets on parade in the courtyard at Peel House, in 1946 - George Konig/Getty

The list of what is wrong with our system of law and order is now so long that one hardly knows where to start. Prisons, and especially the remand system, are so overcrowded that judges are urged to think very carefully before sending anyone there. In Crown Courts in some areas there is a two-year time lag before potential inmates even come to trial. Barristers are so dismally paid that it is sometimes hard to find any to defend or prosecute a case.

And then there are the police. Even those of us who thought we had seen everything were stunned when Sir Mark Rowley, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, admitted that 161 of his 35,000 officers had criminal records. Perhaps now word has got round that a career in the police  most of whose officers are decent people doing what is often a very horrible job  is not what it used to be, the Met is having to recruit its former clients if it is to maintain numbers.

The widespread respect in which the police were held had deteriorated long before the horrific rape and murder of Sarah Everard by PC Wayne Couzens, or before the publication of Lady Caseys report highlighting the institutional vices of the Metropolitan Police  sexism, homophobia, corruption and, inevitably, racism. Our democracy is worthless without equality under the law. If some officers in the Met or any other constabulary find it acceptable to treat black or homosexual people differently, then they must be kicked out. It is also abominable that officers have behaved in such a way that many women distrust the police, which will take years to rectify. Commissioner Rowley seems to get that, and the process of cleaning up has begun.

But this, however necessary, does nothing to address some even more deep-seated law and order problems. For most of the British public the police have one glaring difficulty: there are still too many criminals and too much crime, and people feel increasingly vulnerable  not just on the streets, but in their own homes. The so-called county lines drug trade, where dealers in big cities recruit young people to take their merchandise into the provinces, is one example of the deterioration. Quiet backwaters that once had little or no crime now teem with it; for with drugs come not just the offences of buying and selling the substances, but robberies and burglaries to fund drug habits, and turf wars in which innocent people get killed  such as nine-year old Olivia Pratt-Korbel and, last Christmas, the beautician Elle Edwards, killed while with friends in a Wallasey pub.

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Everyday crime also highlights the polices failures. Last year 45,000 burglaries went unattended by them, or 120 a day. One does not want to be simplistic, but if the police arent attending burglaries (let alone solving them: it is becoming a safe career option for certain people), arent having much effect on the gangsterism that is flourishing in our cities, are arresting few drug dealers and even fewer of their customers, then what are they doing?

The answer  apart from running the speed traps that cheer up the burgled and mugged middle classes so much  is, according to a legal expert I talked to, dealing with the problems caused by people (often drug addicts) with mental illnesses. In short, the police have become social workers rather than protectors of the decent majority from the criminal minority.

Changing their designation from a force to a service said it all: for the sake of morale, a reversion to the old language would send a signal the police are serious. The common denominator in these difficulties is the Government, more specifically the Home Office (which oversees the police) and the Ministry of Justice (which oversees the courts and the prisons). There have been years of choosing to spend money on welfare, the state keeping a vast army of economically inactive people  22 per cent of people of working age were thus defined in 2021  rather than on public safety. The Home Office has also failed entirely to control illegal immigration, a failure for which we can thank the network of Albanian criminals in Britain who are cornering, the police believe, the cannabis and cocaine trade.

Even if it means seriously cutting our bloated welfare state, money must be spent on extending our courts system, appointing more judges with more sitting days, and building more prisons so that criminals, on the occasions they are caught and convicted, end up there. But that brings us back to the police, who must first catch those criminals.

However much Home Office civil servants squeal  as they historically have about forceful measures  the Home Secretary must give them the order to put in place measures to enable the police to do their job properly. Chief Constables must be appointed on merit and not as part of a box-ticking exercise, and that merit must be judged on how good they are at reducing crime and protecting the public. Drug crime must be seriously tackled, starting with punishing the people who by being customers create a market for narcotics. Police must be retrained to be crime fighters first and social workers second.

It will take better leadership from senior officers, but, above all, proper leadership and support from the Home Secretary. Suella Braverman has her work cut out.
One man is dead after a shooting in Rochester, Friday night.

Officers were called to 259 New Bedford Rd. just after 9:30 p.m. for reports of a shooting.

Upon arrival, police found a 41-year-old male with a single gunshot wound. The victim was transported to St. Lukes Hospital in New Bedford, where he was pronounced dead.

Upon initial investigation, the shooting resulted from an argument

Police arrested Perry Cody, 34 who was still on the scene. He has been charged with homicide.

This shooting remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Police are seeking the public's help to solve the shooting death of Andre Davis Jr. on April 9, 2019.

Four years after he was shot while playing dominoes in an East Austin park, police are asking the public's help to find Andre Davis Jr.'s killer.

Investigators said they have exhausted all available tips and are now asking for anyone with information on the case to come forward. Police are offering a $1,000 reward.

At 10:44 p.m. on April 9, 2019, officers responded to a shooting at Givens Park at 3911 E. 12th St. and found Davis' body in the parking lot. Witnesses said he was playing dominoes when he was approached by one or two people who robbed him and shot him, even though Davis complied with their demands.

Anyone who has information can contact the Austin police cold case unit at 512-974-5250. Tips also can be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers program at austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin police still working 2019 shooting death of Andre Davis Jr.
Photo: Austin Nooe (Shutterstock)

This week, the New York Times reported that a tranche of classified material had leaked to the web. The documents, which were purported to involve the Pentagon and NATOs military stratagems to assist the Ukrainians in their war with the Russians, were found on Twitter and the chat app Telegram.

On Thursday, the Defense Department told the Gray Lady that its in the process of investigating how the apparently secret plans had ended up splashed across newsfeeds.

Read more

Before the Pentagon could clear that up, however, more documents leaked online. The Times reported Friday that a new batch of classified documents had spilled onto social media platforms. This time, the documents initially popped up on 4chan, the rightwing cess pool where digital diseases like QAnon have been known to fester. The new docs appear to cover a broader range of secretive material than the previous onesallegedly detailing a host of national security secrets that involve not only the U.S.s activities in Ukraine but also the Middle East and China.

Something like this hasnt happened in quite a long time. Julian Assange is behind bars and Edward Snowden is busy writing a Substack, so there arent a ton of digital whistleblowers out there to flush the governments secret docs into public view. But as officials scramble to figure out whats going on, a question has quickly emerged: are the documents in these leaks even legitimate?

Indeed, suspicions are swirling that the docs are not what they seemand the Times is also reporting that both sides of the Russo-Ukrainian war have been referring to it as potential disinformation effort. But if thats the case, then whose disinformation is it? And what are they trying to disinform us about?

Weirdly, the Pentagon has acknowledged that the documents are legitimate Defense Department documents, but the copies appear to have been altered in certain parts from their original format, the Times writes. These edited versions, according to DoD officials, overstate American estimates of Ukrainian war dead and underestimate estimates of Russian troops killed.

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Ukrainians dont seem totally convinced of the veracity of the documents, with the Times quoting a senior Ukrainian official who thought the leak was a Russian ploy to discredit a counteroffensive.

But Russian media, too, would appear to be suspect. On RT.com, one of the nations most popular news outlets, an op-ed entitled Heres why the leaked secret plan for a Ukrainian military offensive doesnt add up calls the docs misinformation and argues that the documents were probably prepared and distributed by pro-Kiev analysts. The Times also reports that pro-war Russian bloggers had suggested that the leak was part of a disinformation effort and a researcher that the Times talked to who studies Russian messaging said that pro-Kremlin voices were saying the leak was an American or Ukrainian disinformation campaign.

So, make of that what you will. From here, things look about as clear as mud.

The Justice Department told the Times that its opened an investigation into the leaks but has declined to comment further. I dont think Im going to hold my breath for any forthcoming results from that investigation but I am pretty damn curious to see what happens next in this little saga.

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VATICAN CITY (AP)  Pope Francis returned to public view on Saturday, presiding over Easter vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, a day after unseasonably chilly weather in Rome convinced the recently ailing pontiff to skip Good Friday's nighttime procession at the Colosseum.

The evening basilica service began in darkness. Then the basilica's cavernous interior was suddenly bathed in light, reflecting the Christian beliefs that Jesus rose from his death by crucifixion and that goodness can triumph over evil.

The 86-year-old pope is recuperating from bronchitis, which saw him hospitalized on March 29 for three days. On Sunday, tens of thousands of faithful are expected to join the pope in St. Peters Square for Easter Mass at the end of Holy Week.

In his homily, Francis sought to spur Catholics to be renewed by Easter.

At times, we may simply feel weary about our daily routine, tired of taking risks in a cold, hard world where only the clever and the strong seem to get ahead,'' Francis said. At other times, we may feel helpless and discouraged before the power of evil."

He cited other sources of discouragement: "the attitudes of calculation and indifference that seem to prevail in society, the cancer of corruption, the spread of injustice, the icy winds of war."

But Easter "motivates us to move forward, to leave behind our sense of defeat, to roll away the stone of the tombs in which we often imprison our hope,'' Francis said.

"The power of Easter, brothers and sisters, summons you to roll away every stone of disappointment and mistrust,'' the pope said.

His stamina appeared to hold during the vigil, which lasts more than two hours, although Francis at times coughed or cleared his throat.

At the start of the Easter vigil, Francis, who arrived in a wheelchair he uses to cope with knee pain, incised in the wax of a tall candle a cross, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet  alpha and omega  and the numerals of this year. Then the lit candle was carried by a cleric up the basilica's center aisle, past darkened pews filled with some 8,000 faithful. Dozens of cardinals and other prelates followed, each carrying a smaller, lit candle.

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"The Church calls upon her sons and daughters, scattered throughout the world, to come together to watch and pray,'' Francis said, beginning the service. Later, the basilica bells tolled, resounding in the night.

The basilica Mass during the vigil of Christianity's most important day has become an occasion for pontiffs to baptize several adults from around the world. Selected to be baptized at this year's vigil were eight believers, from Albania, the United States, Nigeria, Italy and Venezuela, the Vatican said.

One by one, they approached the pope and told him that they wanted to be baptized. Then they leaned over a basin so Francis could pour water over their heads as part of the sacrament's ritual, formally welcoming them into the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis has praised sex as a beautiful thing and said that meeting romantic partners on dating apps is normal in a new documentary.

In the Disney+ documentary The Pope: Answers, which was released on 5 April, the 86-year-old pontiff shared his thoughts on a variety of topics such as sex, masturbation, racism, migration, abortion, and the LGBTQ+ community. The Spanish-speaking documentary was filmed in June 2022 during the Popes open dialogue with 10 young adults in Rome.

Sex is one of the beautiful things that God has given to the human person, he said in the documentary.

During a conversation about pornography and masturbation, the Pope said those who use pornography debase themselves.

Those who are addicted to pornography are like being addicted to a drug that keeps them at a level that does not let them grow, he said. To express oneself sexually is something rich. Anything that diminishes a true sexual expression diminishes you as well, it renders you partial, and it diminishes that richness. Sex has a dynamic of its own. It exists for a reason. Its an expression of love.

Pope Francis was also asked by the group what he thought about young people meeting romantic partners on Tinder.

Its normal, he said. Young people have that eagerness to meet each other, and thats very good.

In conversation with a young adult named Celia, who identified as non-binary, the Pope was asked whether there was room in the church for nonbinary people and the LGBTQ+ community. He responded that LGBTQ+ people must be welcomed by the Catholic Church.

Every person is a child of God, every person, he said. God does not reject anyone, God is Father. And I have no right to expel anyone from the Church. Not only that, my duty is always to welcome. The Church cannot close the door to anyone. To no one.

The Pope also criticised members of the church who use the Bible to promote hate speech against gay or transgender people, adding that these members are infiltrators who take advantage of the Church for their personal passions, for their personal narrowness. It is one of the corruptions of the Church.

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As for his thoughts on abortion, the pontiff suggested that priests must be merciful towards women who have terminated a pregnancy. However, he maintained that the practice remains unacceptable.

It is good to call things by their name, he said. It is one thing to accompany the person who had one (abortion), quite another to justify the act.

Pope Francis has often been hailed for his more progressive views on the LGBTQ+ community compared to some of his predecessors. Earlier this year, the Pope criticised laws that criminalise homosexuality as unjust and reaffirmed that homosexuality is not a crime.

Being homosexual isnt a crime, Francis said during an interview with The Associated Press in January. Its not a crime. Yes, but its a sin. The pontiff also called on Catholic bishops to welcome LGBTQ+ people into the church, saying, These bishops have to have a process of conversion.

In 2020, Pope Francis became the first pontiff to endorse same-sex civil unions. Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God, he said in the documentary Francesco. You cant kick someone out of a family, nor make their life miserable for this. What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered.
Jon Super/Pool via REUTERS

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Prince Harry was reportedly infuriated when his father King Charles III told him he couldnt pay for Meghan Markle in the future. A new book, Our King, by respected royal chronicler Robert Jobson, reveals that after Harry told Charles and Prince William he was going to marry Meghan, William asked, Are you sure Harold?

Then, according to an extract in the Daily Mail, Charles delivered the bombshell that he couldnt afford to pay for Meghan in the future alongside Camilla, William and Kate, and their children. An infuriated Harry already thought William disapproved of Meghan, thinking their relationship had become a whirlwind affair, Jobson writes. Meghan thought Kate was being stand-offish with her. Kate then demanded an apology after Meghan said Kate may have baby brainbefore their now-notorious fight over bridesmaid dresses for Harry and Meghans wedding.

Harry and Meghan Called Charles Bluff Over Princess Lilibetand Won

The queen herself had witnessed volatile exchanges between William and Harry, Jobson writes, believing Harry and Meghan to be quite mad. Their criticisms of the family made the late monarch tired, although she retained great affection for Harry.

Jobson writes that in January 2020, at the Sandringham Megxit summit where Harry and Meghans departure terms from their roles as senior royals were discussed, the queen had the room swept for bugs as she was concerned about the possibility of press leaks of conversations between herself, Charles, William, and Harry.

The queen also ruled out Meghan joining the discussion. Jobson writes: There was a suggestion that Meghan should join Charles, William and Harry via video link from Canada, but the queen ruled that her attendance in any form was not necessary as Harry would represent her. It was also felt that a video link wouldnt be secure, as Charles and William wouldnt be able to tell if the meeting was being recorded or if Meghan had anyone else listening in as they spoke.

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Jobson writes that after Harry and Meghans accusations and revelations in their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interviewincluding that a senior royal had questioned the skin tone of their then-unborn childCharles and William decided they couldnt be alone with Harry.

William went to his father and told him that the Royal Family needed a clear strategy in dealing with the renegade royals, Jobson writes. Charles agreed. From then on, Harrys father and brother decided, they would no longer treat him as a trustedif often infuriatingmember of the family. In short, they would never again meet Harry alone. There would always have to be another person in the room.

A senior source in the royal household told Jobson: They were both deeply disappointed in him. He had no right or authority to speak on their behalf. The queen thought Harry being so consumed with love for Meghan was clouding his judgment. The queen felt let down by Harry stepping down as a senior royal, seeing his and Meghans departure as a missed opportunity.

Britain's William, Prince of Wales and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the state funeral and burial of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, in London, Britain, September 19, 2022. REUTERS/Tom Nicholson

Harry spoke to the queen by phone regularly, Jobson writes. She hoped he had found peace and happiness, but the monarch felt troubled when Harry asked her to voice his grievances, telling him to speak to Charles directlyeven if, as Harry told Oprah, his father stopped taking his calls.

Queen Elizabeth was reportedly surprised when, having suggested to Meghan she turn to Sophie, Countess of WessexPrince Edwards wifefor support, Meghan replied, Ive got Harry.Jobson writes in Our King, the Mail reports, that the incident took place at a one-to-one meeting between the two women, where the late queen warmly welcomed Meghan to the family, Jobson wrote, where she told Meghan she was so pleased Harry had at last found love.

In November 2016, Harry released a strongly worded statement decrying media and online harassment of Meghan, fearing, he said, for her safety. Some of this has been very publicthe smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments.

Jobson writes that Charles, who was in Bahrain on a Foreign Office-sponsored visit to the Gulf states was disappointed at what he regarded as his sons bad manners, in taking attention from him. He would never have done such a thing if the Queen was on tour, one former aide told Jobson. Understandably, there is a hierarchy and a grid system, but Prince Harry seemed to think when it came to Meghan Markle, she would always take precedence. William was said to be uneasy and thought privately that his brother had overreacted.

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Prosecutors are seeking nearly 16 years in prison for Patrick McCaughey, a Jan. 6 defendant who pinned a police officer in a Capitol doorway amid some of the most chaotic moments of violence that day.

The Justice Department called for the sentence  which would be more than five years longer than the longest sentence handed down in any Jan. 6 case  to reflect what it called McCaugheys heinous conduct, some of the most egregious of any Jan. 6 defendant.

McCaughey taunted police officers at the West Front bike racks and joined the mob that threw its weight against the beleaguered line of officers guarding the Capitol, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Paschall wrote in the 45-page sentencing memo. McCaughey used a deadly and dangerous weapon against Officer Hodges, where he spent over two minutes using his body weight to crush the officer in the doorframe.

McCaugheys restraint of D.C. Police Officer Daniel Hodges in a Capitol doorway is one of the most recognizable and horrifying images of the violence that day. McCaugheys restraint of Hodges lasted more than two minutes while other rioters disarmed the officer, removed his gas mask and ignored his screams or help. Images of McCaughey face-to-face with Hodges became a symbol of the brutality of the Jan. 6 riot. It occurred in the Capitols lower west terrace tunnel, where many of the most violent confrontations that day took place.

The defendants actions on January 6 show an absolute disregard for the rule of law coupled with a willingness to incite and engage in violence, Paschall wrote. The nature and circumstances of this defendants crimes weigh heavily towards a significant term of incarceration.

U.S. District Court Judge Trevor McFadden convicted McCaughey of nine charges  including three counts of assaulting police and obstruction of Congress Jan. 6 proceedings  at a bench trial in September 2022. He has characterized McCaugheys actions as particularly horrific, even compared to other rioters who participated in some of the same violent attacks. But McFadden has also repeatedly rejected prosecutors sentencing recommendations, often disagreeing with their calculations and proposed enhancements. Prosecutors indicated in their sentencing memo that they anticipate him disagreeing with them once again.

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Still, DOJs recommendation is the second-steepest it has made in any Jan. 6 case so far, trailing only the 17.5-year sentence it recommended for Thomas Webster, a former New York Police Department officer who brutally assaulted an officer on the front lines of the riot. Webster is currently serving a 10-year sentence, the longest of any handed down to a Jan. 6 defendant so far, issued by U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta. Mehta viewed Websters conduct as particularly egregious and also concluded that Webster lied on the stand when he testified about it.

The recommendation for McCaughey surpasses the 15-year sentence the Justice Department recommended for Guy Reffitt, the first Jan. 6 rioter convicted by a jury. Reffitt, a militia member, planned for violence with associates ahead of Jan. 6, carried a firearm and engaged with police in a lengthy standoff that enabled the mob to start amassing at the base of the Capitol. Ultimately, the judge in his case, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney Friedrich, sentenced Reffitt to just over seven years in prison.

Prosecutors say McCaughey, like Webster, was dishonest when he testified in his own trial last year. In addition to his lack of candor on the stand, prosecutors say McCaugheys recommended sentence was influenced by the brutality of his attack against Hodges and a second officer, Henry Foulds  who McCaughey struck with a riot shield as the officer tried to close the doors to the tunnel.

McCaughey, for his part, is arguing for a sentence of a year in prison, contending that his crimes on Jan. 6 were an aberration in an otherwise law-abiding life.

Although his conduct is indeed serious, it represents the only legal transgression this hard-working person has ever committed, his attorney, Dennis Boyle wrote in a 25-page sentencing memo. It is also significant to note that his actions were not motivated by any desire for personal financial gain or any other type of benefit. Rather, his actions, which he himself admits were reprehensible, were motivated by a misunderstanding as to the facts surrounding the 2020 election.
(CNN) Two separate attacks in the West Bank and Tel Aviv killed three people on Friday after Israel struck Palestinian militant targets in southern Lebanon and Gaza, concluding three days of rising tensions in the region following police raids on the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

The Israeli strikes came hours after dozens of rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory, an attack the Israeli military blamed on Palestinian militants. The barrage from Lebanon was the largest since a 2006 war between the two countries.

Violence continued to spiral Friday when two sisters, aged 16 and 20, with dual British-Israeli citizenship, were killed and their mother was seriously wounded in a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank.

Later in the evening, a group of tourists was hit by a vehicle during an attack in Tel Aviv, described by Israeli authorities as a "terror attack." An Italian man was killed and seven people were wounded, including three British tourists and an Italian citizen.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "instructed the Israel Police to mobilize all border police units in reserve and the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) to mobilize additional forces in face of terrorist attacks," according to his office.

The Israeli military said it was on high alert, calling up an unspecified number of reservists amid what it described as "very volatile times."

Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, international spokesperson for the IDF, said that it was dealing with a "convergence of frontiers" in the region. "An event started off in Jerusalem got expanded to Gaza, Hamas and into Lebanon," he told CNN.

In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes hit an open area near the southern coastal city of Tyre. The Israeli military believes Palestinian factions launched dozens of rockets from that city. Israel has blamed Hamas, the militant group which controls Gaza, for the rocket launches.

"The IDF will not allow the Hamas terrorist organization to operate from within Lebanon and holds the state of Lebanon responsible for every directed fire emanating from its territory," the IDF said in a statement.

Some regional countries have reportedly intervened to de-escalate tensions. A Qatari official told CNN that the gas-rich Gulf country was mediating to "deescalate the situation on all sides."

"Qatar's primary goal is to prevent unnecessary bloodshed and avoid destructive consequences for Palestinians and civilian populations," the official said.

It is unclear which of the warring parties Qatari officials have been communicating with. Qatar does not have official diplomatic relations with Israel.

The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, which holds sway over south Lebanon, has neither denied nor claimed responsibility for the attacks. But the powerful Iran-backed armed group warned that "hundreds of millions of Muslims" were prepared to "shed blood" in response to the Israeli police raids on al-Aqsa. In recent months, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said that violations at the mosque compound in Jerusalem's old city would cause "all hell to break loose in the region."

Israel has not blamed Hezbollah for the attack. On Friday afternoon, Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib told CNN that the government had "no information" on whether Hezbollah greenlit the strikes.

"We know we have a very tough and difficult situation in south Lebanon. Hezbollah is there and they are armed. The Lebanese army and UNIFL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) are also there and working with others in order to stop such things, but they are not always successful," Bou Habib said.

The foreign minister said that the ministry understands the attack "had its reasons...but we don't like it coming from Lebanon."

"What happened in Aqsa is the reason for what happened in Lebanon yesterday. I'm not justifying it ... I'm explaining that what happened in al-Aqsa is very important and really there is a reaction," Bou Habib added.

Lebanon said it would submit an official complaint to the UN Security Council, calling Israel's strikes a "flagrant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty." Hamas also condemned the strikes in a statement Friday, and expressed "solidarity with the Lebanese people." In a separate statement, it condemned Israel's strikes on the Gaza Strip.

In Gaza, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said Israeli strikes damaged a children's hospital, causing distress to the young patients inside. "This is not the first time that health facilities have been targeted, and it is unacceptable," the ministry added in a statement.

Hecht said the Israeli strikes targeted 10 sites in Gaza, including production sites and research and development sites as well as tunnel infrastructure. In earlier statements, the IDF said it hit several Hamas weapons manufacturing sites, an underground weapons complex, and "terror" tunnels in Beit Hanoun and Khan Yunis.

Anger over police raids on mosque

The exchange of fire comes as anger boils across the region over Israeli police raids at the al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, in Jerusalem on Wednesday, which drew widespread condemnation from the Arab and Muslim world and sparked retaliatory rocket fire from Gaza into Israel.

Then on Thursday, the IDF said some 34 rockets were launched into Israel from Lebanon. Videos posted on social media showed rockets from Lebanon streaking through the skies over northern Israel, and the sounds of explosions in the distance. Israel closed its northern airspace in the wake of the barrage.

Footage from inside the mosque on Wednesday showed Israeli officers beating people with their batons and rifle-butts, then arresting hundreds of Palestinians. Israeli police said they entered the mosque after "hundreds of rioters" tried to barricade themselves inside.

Hecht, the IDF international spokesman, linked the rocket fire to the two Israeli incursions into the al-Aqsa mosque, saying they had created "very negative energies."

"The context of the story starts two days ago on Temple Mount with these very, very harsh pictures coming out of the prayer at night," Hecht said, using the Jewish name for the Jerusalem holy site, which is known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary.

The foreign minister for Jordan, the custodian of the al-Aqsa mosque and other Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, said "we are at a very dangerous moment."

"What we see unfolding on the Lebanese border is obviously a consequence, a reaction to what we saw happening in al-Aqsa (mosque)," Ayman Safadi told CNN on Thursday.

Lebanon and Israel are considered enemy states, but a truce between them has largely held since the 2006 conflict. On Friday, the UN's peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said its head of mission and force commander was speaking with authorities on both sides, and that both Israel and Lebanon have said "they do not want a war."

There have been several small-scale rocket attacks from Lebanon in recent years that have prompted retaliatory strikes from Israel. Few casualties were reported in those incidents, with the largest death toll in an exchange of fire in 2015 that left two Israeli soldiers and a Spanish peacekeeper dead. Palestinian factions in Lebanon were believed to be behind those rocket attacks.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Attacks in West Bank, Tel Aviv as tensions remain high following Israeli strikes."
Empty classroom. Andrea Chu

A psychology teacher made students write their obituaries before an active shooter drill, say reports.

He said he felt the assignment would help students reflect on their lives.

Jeffrey Keene was fired from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida, hours after the lesson.

A high school psychology teacher in Florida was fired after he asked students to write their obituaries ahead of an active shooter drill on campus, reports say.

Jeffrey Keene said he decided to tie the upcoming drill to a psychology lesson on Tuesday as he felt it would help students reflect on their lives, NBC reported.

"'This isn't a way to upset you or anything like that,'" Keene said he told the class, which included high school students from different grades at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando.

"It wasn't to scare them or make them feel like they were going to die, but just to help them understand what's important in their lives and how they want to move forward with their lives and how they want to pursue things in their journey," he told NBC.

"If you can't talk real to them, then what's happening in this environment?" he said. "In my mind, I've done nothing wrong."

The lesson plan, a photo of which Keene shared on Facebook, asked students to write their obituaries as if it was their "last day alive" and to reflect on the active shooter drill and, more generally, on the "mass shooting epidemic" in the country. The message ended with a disclaimer that the assignments were not intended to upset anyone.

Keene wrote on Facebook that some students were upset after the first-period class and went to their counselors.

He told Fox 35 Orlando that he was given the option to resign without violating his contract, which he said he refused because he didn't believe he had done anything wrong. He said that he was terminated and that he plans to appeal the decision.

However, NBC reported that Keene, who started working at the school in January, said he was not a member of the union and had no recourse to appeal the decision.

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He told Fox 35 Orlando that he did not regret the assignment and said he would "absolutely" do it again, even knowing the consequences.

A school district spokesperson said in a statement reported by Fox 35: "Dr. Phillips High School families were informed that a teacher gave an inappropriate assignment about school violence. The administration immediately investigated, and the probationary employee has been terminated."

Read the original article on Insider
Republicans on the House Oversight Committee quietly sent six subpoenas as part of their investigation into Biden family finances, according to a memo from Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.).

Raskin, the ranking member of the committee, wrote in a memo to other Democrats on the committee that Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has issued six subpoenas and sent 39 letters in the Biden investigation.

Subpoenas went to Bank of America, Cathay Bank, JPMorgan Chase, HSBC USA N.A. and Mervyn Yan, a former business associate of Hunter Biden. The initial subpoena to HSBC Bank USA N.A. was misaddressed and did not include the word Bank, causing Comer to issue the subpoena a second time with the correct name.

Raskin previously disclosed the Bank of America subpoena to the public in a letter to Comer last month.

The memo accuses Comer of breaking longstanding committee precedent in issuing the subpoenas privately and not giving the minority proper notice.

Committee Republicans decision to conduct this probe behind a veil of secrecy runs counter to the Committees traditional commitment to transparency and raises serious questions about the integrity of the investigation, Raskin said.

The memo comes as Raskin sent Comer a letter on Thursday alleging that he has withheld evidence or misled the public about the witnesses who Republicans have spoken to in relation to the investigation into Biden family finances. He said he was concerned with a statement from Comer that committee Republicans had spoken with four witnesses in the investigation.

Your repeated statements about four people suggest that either you have intentionally misrepresented the Committees investigative progress to your conservative audience or that key investigative steps have been deliberately withheld from Committee Democrats, Raskin said in the letter.

The subpoenas cover financial records for six people and at least 10 entities and in most cases cover more than 14 years.

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Comer said in a statement to The Hill that Raskin disclosed the subpoenas in a cheap attempt to thwart cooperation from other witnesses.

Given his antics with the first bank subpoena, the American people and media should be asking what information Ranking Member Raskin is trying to hide this time. No one should be fooled by Ranking Member Raskins games, he said.

Emily Brooks contributed reporting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MIAMI  Elsa Romero eyes the $3.38 vanilla poundcake. A tiny bite could save her life. She's not sure she can afford it.

Romero, 57, looks around the discount grocery in her Liberty City neighborhood, the cacophony of Spanish and Haitian Creole voices competing for her attention as she tries to do the math.

There's $90 in her bank account, and her next paycheck arrives in 10 days. As a janitor making minimum wage, she can't afford $110 for her weekly insulin, but a forkful of the dessert whenever her blood sugar drops could keep her out of the emergency room.

That cake  cheap and full of empty calories and sugar that could exacerbate her diabetes in the long run  is a short-term necessity, she decides.

Elsa Romero, a janitor working for minimum wage in Miami, says she can't afford insulin for her diabetes.

Romero's predicament is dire and tragic and common. Across the USA, 58.3 million people work for less than $15 an hour. What hope they held out for relief in the form of a boosted hourly pay was dashed when Republicans and some Democrats had a $15 minimum wage removed from President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion COVID-19 aid package. For people such as Romero, life continues to be a daily struggle.

With the cake in her basket, Romero moves to the hot bar. She picks up a quart of beef broth and a side of mashed potatoes, her only other food for the next few days.

She gets in line at the checkout counter.

"$11.24," the cashier says, ringing her up.

"Un momentico," she replies. One moment, please.

Romero pulls out a scrunched $10 bill and a couple of singles. When the clerk hands her the change, Romero puts it in the tip jar.

"There's always someone that needs it more," she says.

Elsa Romero purchases a vanilla poundcake, fruit and milk at a discount grocer March 16 in Miami. For Romero, 57, the cake is a cheap alternative to her expensive insulin.

Working two jobs to barely pay the bills

Most voters  Republicans and Democrats  support raising the federal minimum wage, which has remained at $7.25 since 2009. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans said soaring housing and food prices threatened their ability to pay for everyday expenses.

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"There's no place in the United States where you can get a one-bedroom apartment for $7.25 an hour and still have enough to buy food and the absolute necessities," former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich tells USA TODAY in a phone interview.

Biden said he wants Congress to pass a federal minimum wage increase, but there's no deal in sight. Experts say people such as Romero often must make difficult decisions to sustain themselves.

"It's not a question of being smart or being thoughtful or planning for the future. You are forced to make a series of bad decisions when life doesn't work, and it can't work with wages that low," says Thea Lee, president of the Economic Policy Institute, a think tank based in Washington that researches economic policies for working people.

Elsa Romero shops for food at a supermarket March 16 in Miami.

Romero works five days a week, from 4 until 11 p.m., cleaning three floors at the Miami Tower, a luxury high-rise building downtown.

She has no paid sick leave or benefits. The company charges employees $50 a month for parking in the empty building at night while they work.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, she had to buy her own personal protective equipment until she organized her co-workers with the Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union. Their efforts led to a three-day strike. Now, the company gives her and the other janitors one disposable mask a day.

The company was fined $10,000 in November by the U.S. Department of Labor for spraying the building with chemicals while employees were inside. Romero and her co-workers were overcome by the noxious fumes, suffering severe burning in their eyes, coughing, lesions and trouble breathing.

In her other job, Romero does housekeeping work for a family twice a week. Those are 14-hour days. The years of working with her hands have taken a toll. Last year, she was diagnosed with arthritis. Her right middle finger flares up constantly. The stiffness shoots radiating pain up her arm.

"When I get home, I have to run it through warm water, and then I daub an ointment the doctor sent me," Romero says.

She withstands the pain and looks for more homes to scrub and polish through word of mouth, but additional work is intermittent at best. All in all, Romero makes $1,600 a month.

Elsa Romero waits in line to buy lunch at a supermarket March 16 in Miami.

The rent for her trailer is $700. The electric bill can be upward of $100. Her car payment is $303. It's $216 for insurance and $200 for gas. Her health insurance is $95 a month  she doesn't qualify for Medicaid. Other expenses, including food, toiletries and medicine, run about $100. Romero's insulin costs $440 a month.

Sometimes she stays up until 3 a.m. thinking about how she will make ends meet.

"When that happens, I turn on worship music, I begin praising my God. That fills me, and the Lord blesses me with sleep," Romero says.

She is from La Ceiba, a port city in Honduras. Romero emigrated 40 years ago to the USA after getting pregnant at 16. She left her baby behind with her mother as she found work to provide for everyone back home.

She met a man, got married, became a U.S. citizen and had another daughter. Romero's husband left when their little girl was 8 years old. She raised her as a single mom  never earning more than minimum wage  in the small trailer park she has called home for three decades.

Elsa Romero lives in a trailer park in Miami.

Inside her trailer, the unkempt shelves reveal more old paper calendars, church posters and kid drawings than canned food. The window air-conditioning unit is turned off to save money. The old white gas stove doesn't work.

There are exposed wood two-by-fours in the kitchen. Romero's been trying to fix the floor since her home suffered water damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Sections of it are patched with fresh plywood that she's replaced little by little. Part of the roof is missing, and there's mildew in some corners.

In the early years, Romero sent money to her family. Remittances paid for the construction of a three-bedroom house for her mother. Now her sister in Honduras sends money to Romero when she can afford it.

Part of the roof is missing in Elsa Romero's home.

There are more old calendars, posters and kids' drawings than canned food in the trailer.

Blessed with work

The only abundant thing in Romero's life is her faith.

Dressed in her Sunday best  a long ruffled denim dress with a black cardigan and matching sneakers, some colorful pink bracelets with rhinestones and a single gold ring adorning her right hand  Romero enters the sanctuary of her small church.

As congregants lift their voices to sing in Spanish accompanied by a keyboard and crows of the rooster outside, Romero closes her eyes, swaying from side to side and sings, "Blessed is the Lord, the king."

Romero's fingers caress her Holy Bible pages. As the pastor begins his sermon, she takes out her devotional notebook where she jots down every verse in black ballpoint ink. I Timothy 2:13-15, Galatians 4:4, Matthew 1:23, Luke 3:23-38.

Elsa Romero jots notes during her pastor's sermons, then reviews them at home.

Even the pages of her notebook are a prayer. Inscribed is a verse from the Book of Proverbs: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

This is Romero's moment of respite. Meditation. Fortitude. Her only day off from workingtwo jobs.

After the service, families pick up their weekly grocery donation box in the courtyard. The church runs a small food pantry for its neediest families, including an 81-year-old woman Romero drives to church on Sundays.

Romero doesn't join her friend in the line for free food. She asked for a donation box only once during the pandemic lockdown, when she didn't work for two months because she was terrified of catching the virus. She doesn't need the "cajita (box)," she says, because she is "blessed with work."

"Anyone else would throw in the towel, but I am strong, Christ makes me strong," she says.

Paying bills on minimum wage forces workers to make tough choices

Romero is up before sunrise. She sits on the most expensive item in her trailer, a two-seat brown electric recliner her daughter got her for Christmas.

She hasn't brushed her teeth or washed her face yet. She opens her Holy Bible.

"Senor, te entrego mis pensamientos y mi dia," Romero prays. "Lord, I offer you my thoughts and my day."

Romero pricks her finger to check her blood sugar. It's low. She eats a small piece of the vanilla poundcake.

Romero is prescribed 22 cubic centimeters of insulin daily by her doctor, but sometimes she skips it. During the lockdown, she stopped taking insulin for five days. The attempt to wean herself off to save money nearly killed her. She was nauseous, dizzy, dozing off. Rationing insulin can cause a person to lose consciousness and die if untreated.

The plan for this morning is to pay the electric bill. But Mariposa, Didi and Princess, Romero's three aging dogs, are out of dog pee pads.

The dogs, some of whom have been with Romero for more than a decade, spend much of their day alone unable to go outside. She's worried the wood could rot from the dog urine, arresting the progress she's made repairing her floor.

Elsa Romero shares her home with three dogs.

For America's poor, there's no such thing as a simple setback.

Three years ago, Romero got into a car accident. A vehicle rear-ended her, and the insurance paid her $1,800 to fix her car. When she went to pick up the vehicle, the body shop wanted $3,700, charging her every day for holding the car in its lot. She couldn't pay and lost the car.

She was too afraid to ruin her credit in the process, so she kept making the monthly $290 car payments to pay off the balance while riding the bus to and from work. Sometimes she'd miss the bus at night, and it would take her two hours to get home. A few months ago, she was able to buy another car.

Romero drives to the nearest Petsmart. In less than 15 minutes, she's in Miami's Design District, an upscale neighborhood filled with art galleries, celebrity chef restaurants and Gucci and Christian Dior luxury boutiques.

She finds the blue absorbent pads and carries the box to the checkout lane. She pays $39.58 with tax  half the cost of the power bill.

Elsa Romero buys supplies for her three dogs at a pet store in Miami.

"I saved up my points, and I was able to get a whole $10 off," Romero says with a triumphant smile.

"Asi hago mis cositas," she says. "This is how I take care of things."

Back at the trailer, Romero drinks some of the beef broth, takes a shower and puts on her orange uniform.

She serves Mariposa, Didi and Princess their kibble before closing the door behind her and heading to work.

Romero spends the next 7.5 hours cleaning out garbage bins, dusting surfaces and mopping floors. Sometimes, she stops to catch her breath and crack a joke with her co-worker Milagritos, 73, a janitor who is saving to send money to her family in Cuba.

Romero returns home after midnight and changes into her pajamas. She runs her hand under the bathroom faucet for the pain.

As she lies in bed, she turns to God and prays she'll wake up tomorrow to do it all again.

Follow Romina Ruiz-Goiriena on Twitter: @RominaAdi

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minimum wage: Worker struggles to pay rent and insulin
Mifepristone and misoprostol, two medications that are used in a common drug regimen to terminate pregnancies, at a clinic in Fort Myers, Fla., May 9, 2022. (Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times)

As Americans digested a Texas judges ruling on Friday night invalidating the Food and Drug Administrations approval of the abortion drug mifepristone  and a contradictory ruling from a judge in Washington state ordering the FDA to maintain its approval as is in some states  the divide in political reactions was as much between words and silence as it was between pro- and anti-abortion rights.

National Democratic officials reacted with a torrent of statements condemning the Texas judge, Matthew Kacsmaryk, for seeking to remove from the market a drug that women have safely used for more than two decades.

Many Democratic and abortion-rights leaders made it clear that the Texas ruling had not, for the time being, cut off womens access to the medication. But they also used the moment to denounce Republicans  a recognition that Democrats have won recent elections by tapping into voters fury over the loss of abortion rights.

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Republican officials were relatively quiet on the rulings Friday night, and talked about almost anything else on social media: transgender athletes, China, fentanyl and Israel. Many, including Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, tweeted in recognition of Good Friday.

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., was an exception, writing on Twitter that the abortion ruling was a victory for pregnant mothers & their unborn children.

Democratic senators and representatives called the ruling outrageous, extreme and devastating. Several Democratic governors, including Gavin Newsom of California, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Kathy Hochul of New York, vowed to keep abortion legal and accessible in their states, without going into detail on how.

The Extreme MAGA Republican assault on abortion care is spreading across America like a malignant tumor, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., the House minority leader, wrote on Twitter.

Lets be clear: Abortion bans have become the definitive litmus test of the 2024 GOP primary, Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee, tweeted.

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The response from those who oppose abortion fell largely to the Alliance Defending Freedom, the right-wing group that led the Texas lawsuit, and to advocacy groups that are pushing Republicans to enact further restrictions.

This is a significant victory for the doctors and medical associations we represent and, more importantly, the health and safety of women and girls, Erik Baptist, a lawyer for the Alliance Defending Freedom, told reporters Friday evening, adding that he could not comment on the Washington ruling because he had not read it yet.

Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, which opposes abortion, called the ruling a major step forward for women and girls whose health and safety have been jeopardized for decades by the FDAs rushed, flawed and politicized approval of these dangerous drugs.

There is robust scientific evidence that mifepristone is safe.

Katie Glenn, state policy director for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, similarly called the ruling a win for the health and safety of women and girls. She called the Washington case concerning.

Alexis McGill Johnson, president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood, which provides abortions and lobbies for abortion rights, emphasized that access to mifepristone would not immediately change.

But we should all be enraged that one judge can unilaterally reject medical evidence and overrule the FDAs approval of a medication that has been safely and effectively used for more than two decades, McGill Johnson said, arguing that the ruling exposes the weaponization of our judicial system to further restrict abortion nationwide and that it could threaten the FDAs role in this countrys public health system.

Attorney General Lynn Fitch of Mississippi, who led a coalition of Republican attorneys general who wrote a brief supporting the Texas lawsuit, praised the ruling in a Twitter post.

Democratic governors and attorneys general condemned the ruling without, for the most part, promising specific actions.

In a statement, the co-chairs of the Democratic Attorneys General Association, Kathy Jennings of Delaware and Aaron Ford of Nevada, said: While there are still unknown elements and effects of these rulings, rest assured: Democratic attorneys general will be on the front lines of the fight to protect abortion access in every corner of our country.

Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, a Democrat, offered a specific plan earlier this week. On Tuesday  with Kacsmaryks ruling expected any day  he announced that his state had purchased 30,000 doses of mifepristone in what he called an insurance policy.

Combined with another 10,000 doses that the state had asked the University of Washington to purchase, the stockpile is a four-year supply.

The state went through the Department of Corrections, using its pharmacy license, rather than the Department of Health, Inslee said, because existing laws and rules made it easier to buy the medication that way.

In an interview Friday night, Inslee said he was confident that even if the Texas order were upheld, and even if the Washington ruling were overturned, we have the right under our state law to dispense the product. Not all states have state laws that allow that; ours do.

Asked what advice he was giving clinics or providers who might have been confused by the dual rulings Friday, he said: They should make medical decisions. They should continue to give advice to women and their patients, just as they did before this decision out of Texas.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
Sunlight streams through a church window during an Easter morning service.

If you are a believer in old school biblical retribution  you know, heretics and skeptics getting struck down by celestial thunderbolts  I would avoid downtown Phoenix in the coming days, particularly the area around the Hyatt Regency hotel.

In a way that some might consider symbolic, others might deem militant, and still others would regard as blasphemous, American Atheists are holding their national convention there.

This weekend.

Including Easter Sunday.

For which I would tell this bold and eclectic gathering of nonbelievers  bless you.

Christian nationalism is a real danger

The aim of the atheists, as stated in their convention information, is to draw attention to the advancement of Christian nationalism  a movement that is not Christian and goes against the core beliefs of the nation.

Nick Fish, president of American Atheists, said in a news release, In Phoenix and elsewhere, Christian nationalists want to force their theocratic vision on everyone. We cannot allow them to succeed.

Theyre already doing pretty well in Arizona.

Unholy rise: Beware of Arizona's Christian nationalists

In January 2020, for example, the Christian nationalist Pine Tree flag was on display on the second floor lobby of the Arizona State Capitol.

Versions of that same flag appeared alongside the stars and bars flags of the Confederacy, large crucifixion crosses and Trump banners during the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Arizona politicians are a part of it

Baylor University communications professor Leslie Hahner said, Christian Nationalism is a set of ideological beliefs expressed by [some] white, evangelical Christians. Their beliefs champion the U.S. as a Christian nation, as one that is ordained by God. Its often connected to, if not an outright embodiment of, ideologies of white supremacy.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation lists Reps. Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar among what it calls Christian nationalist House members.

Unhinged Republican state Sen. Wendy Rogers says stuff like, I stand with Christians worldwide, not the global bankers who are shoving godlessness and degeneracy in our face.

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That remark is a common anti-Semitic trope, and you may recall that Rogers also shared a picture on social media of herself next to a dead rhino branded with a Star of David.

Kari Lake has played that card for months

Losing Republican candidate for Arizona governor Kari Lake has been playing the Christian nationalist card almost from the beginning of her campaign.

Like when a group of evangelical supporters laid hands on and anointed Lake at an event in Scottsdale.

Or when she compared MAGA Republicans to Jesus and said God would help her and her supporters take back our country and save this republic.

Or after the election, when her followers marched around Maricopa Countys election center seven times while blowing horns, expecting the walls to come tumbling down as in the Bible story of the battle of Jericho.

Religious organizations are also opposed

Nationally, we have politicians like Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene saying things like, We need to be the party of nationalism and Im a Christian, and I say it proudly, we should be Christian nationalists.

The problem with that, on the most elemental level, is the First Amendment to the Constitution, which says simply, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the exercise thereof  .

A grassroots religious organization called Faithful America is also working to draw attention to politicians like Greene and Rogers, saying in part, Christian nationalism poses a grave threat to democracy, the church, and the common good  and grassroots Christians are sick of seeing false prophets distort the Gospel for their agenda of hatred, power, and division.

Atheists will do even more this weekend

Programs scheduled during the atheists convention include sessions titled A Bullet Train to Christian Nationalism: Vouchers and Public School Privatization and The Christofascist Attempt to Take Over Arizona School Boards.

Jeanne Casteen, the executive director of Secular Coalition for Arizona, said, Arizona has a Christian nationalism problem, and we must work together to stop it.

That isnt all that the men and women attending the convention will try to do, however.

On Sunday, working with a group called The Outreach Program, atheists will be packing 25,000 meals for people in need in Phoenix.

No matter what faith you believe in, if any, putting together meals for the hungry is an act of grace.

Amen to that.

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Real atheists take on fake Christians in Phoenix during Easter
A 62-year-old "distraught suicidal male" was shot to death Friday by two Edgewater police officers when he pulled a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at them, according to the police department.

Officers responded to the 400 block of North Riverside Drive where the homeowner and another person reported the man. He was identified as Mark Wadsworth, 62, and didn't live there but was known to the homeowner, according to a release.

Two Edgewater officers arrived and began to speak with Wadsworth in the rear yard. After a brief conversation, Wadsworth "quickly pulled a handgun from his waistband and pointed it toward the two officers."

"The two officers fired multiple shots to protect themselves ultimately incapacitating him. The officers then rendered aid; however, he was pronounced deceased on scene," the release said.

More: Edgewater man to be sentenced for Jan. 6, 2021, attack on Capitol

The officers, identified as Sgt. Anthony Binz and Officer Melissa Cabrera were not injured during the gunfight and "acted in accordance with their training."

The release stated, "It is important to note that after the aggression shown to these officers, they then rendered first aid."

Both officers have been placed on administrative leave. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.

"EPD is thankful the officers were unharmed and we give our condolences to the family of the deceased," police said in the release.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Edgewater police shoot distraught man to death who pulled gun
(Elijah Vardo/For The Times)

For the record:

4:35 p.m. April 10, 2023: An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed Macedonia as a country where Romani people have faced marginalization in the last 20 years. The country is North Macedonia.



April 8 is known as International Romani Day, marking Romani communities' survival and resistance through centuries of persecution. The date commemorates a historic meeting of activists in 1971 outside London. They adopted a Romani anthem, known as Gelem, Gelem, and the Romani flag depicting a green field, a blue sky and a red wheel at the center, to create a sense of nationhood for the Roma people, scattered across the world.

For Romani people such as myself, the xenophobic and anti-immigrant rhetoric of recent years in Europe and the United States is nothing new. Our story is that of so many migrants and oppressed peoples and communities of color. International Romani Day recognizes the ways in which we make lives, build worlds, resist  for ourselves and for everyone  within these histories of marginalization and exclusion. On Saturday, we celebrate that coming together, but also the ways in which our individual identities  and notions of what it means to be Romani today  can evolve.

Romani people are Europes largest ethnic minority. We are descendants of people who moved from the Indian subcontinent to Europe a millennium ago. There are an estimated 10 million to 12 million Roma in Europe, with millions more making up Romani diasporas in North America, South America, Australia, Africa and Asia. Romani migrants have had a presence in the United States since the colonial era. Larger waves of immigration began in the 1860s, from England, Eastern and Southern Europe, and continued into the 20th century.

Romani communities have contributed to European culture, from music and dance to medicine and horse-breeding. Despite this long presence, Romani groups have been subjected to centuries of slavery, pogroms, segregation, violence and genocide. During the Holocaust, hundreds of thousands of Romani people were victims of genocide, murdered by the Nazis and their allies. Some countries have also enforced assimilation of Roma, including restrictions on using the Romani language. Over the past 20 years, Romani people have faced racially motivated violence, discrimination, school segregation, evictions and expulsions in place such as Romania, Ireland, Turkey, Hungary, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Greece and now in Ukraine.

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We celebrate April 8, 1971, as a defining moment of standing up and speaking out. Its part of a larger activist history where Romani people advocated for rights and claimed a Romani identity that was transnational, based on shared Indian origins, language and culture. This coming together of Romani and non-Romani activists in defense of rights was a claim to belonging, a recognition of ethnicity, of peoplehood and part of a larger wave of movements for civil rights and national liberation that stretched across the globe.

The legacies of those activists meeting also include the use of the terms Romani and Roma to name ourselves, our people, in place of the G-word, the exonym that had defined us for so long, and the acknowledgment that we share a common language, Romanes or Romani chib, and a common culture. These elements  the anthem, the flag, the understanding of ourselves as a people  are also part of the making of a national narrative encompassing who we are, our shared history and our shared future.

And yet, my own Romani identity is one that is built on diversity. People can  and should  identify as Romani, as one of us, without negating the multiple ways we can be Romani: with the multiplicity of our language practices, cultural formations, gender and sexual identities, religions and class.

I am a feminist, not a nationalist. I love the Gelem, Gelem anthem and have taught it to my daughters. The flag is beautiful. I grew up speaking a Romani dialect. I believe that Romani people are a transnational minority who share a common history and a common future. But I also know that when any group constructs its own nationalism and national myths, these are built on patriarchy, on maintaining power and hierarchy, on erasing diversity and effacing difference.

Our Romaniness  our romanipe  includes the strong community of women who raised me; it includes my daughters, cousins, sisters and my ancestors who continue to sustain me. It includes various accountings and stories about who we are. Whether we are women, queer, poor, disabled, we are still Romani. We should refuse exclusion and embrace the changing, makeshift and contingent ways of being Romani.

This is why my celebration is about coming together to celebrate our community, beautiful cultural practices, language, sense of solidarity  of yekipe the love that has sustained us throughout.

On April 8, 1971, Romani and non-Romani activists came together in a makeshift, contingent way, in a boarding school outside London. They came together because the cook at the boarding school was a Welsh Romani man who convinced the headmaster to open its doors to a group of Romani people from all over Europe.

That coming together was in remembrance of those we had lost in the Holocaust; in mourning for the group of children who had just died in Birmingham, in central England, after their caravan had been set on fire in an act of racist violence; and in protest for our homes that had been taken away, for our children who had been denied schooling, for our history that had been suppressed and for our people, whose lives had been marginalized and threatened.

There is still much work to be done to promote Romani rights, to teach Romani history and to ensure that Roma are accorded basic human rights. Far too little has changed. People still have to fight for a voice, a place. We continue to make a home in the U.S., in Europe, globally, together and alongside other marginalized communities.

For us, our survival is proof of our strength, our history, our future. Survival is resistance, and resistance is survival.

Ethel Brooks is a professor of womens, gender, and sexuality studies and sociology at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Defending Bristol dirt race champion Kyle Busch wonders if NASCAR drivers need a refresher course on the rules.

Busch, who'll try and make it two in a row on the dirt at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday, acknowledged that NASCAR's rules process is front-and-center these days of punishment and appeals.

Last week, it was Hendrick Motorsports getting its points penalties on all four drivers rescinded by an appeals panel. This week, its Denny Hamlin's appeal for his actions at Phoenix last month upheld by a three-person panel.

And Hendrick teams are on the clock again after NASCAR docked the teams of Alex Bowman and William Byron 60 points apiece Thursday for illegal modifications in the greenhouse, or center area, of the car after Richmond last week.

Hamlin detailed his strategy, ultimately unsuccessful, on his podcast after the hearing. He compiled nearly three dozen examples of past NASCAR incidents like he had with Ross Chastain at Phoenix.

He had 35 examples," Busch said Saturday. I wonder how many of them were me?

Probably a few. The bigger issue for Busch and all competitors is staying on the right side of NASCAR's complex rule book.

If were supposed to be self-policing, how are we supposed to do that?" Busch said. "Tell me what is and isnt OK.

Bowman was the points leader leaving Richmond and slid to seventh after the NASCAR penalties. He's off to the best start of his Cup Series career and is not frustrated with the scrutiny. I feel like my team, we did a really good job of overcoming the first one and staying plugged in and not letting it get to us, he said at Bristol. I'm confident we can do that throughout the second one as well.

Hendrick Motorsports said it would decide on a possible appeal after Bristol.

Right now, the job for all competitors is figuring out how to best handle NASCAR's lone dirt layout on the schedule.

That was evident a year ago when Busch was likely out of the mix on the final lap as leaders Tyler Reddick and Chase Briscoe closed in on the finish line. But both slid from contention on the slippery surface and Busch cruised into the winner's circle.

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Kyle Larson, the winner last week at Richmond and the 2021 NASCAR champion, took the pole at Bristol with the most points in the four heat races. Austin Dillon is second followed by J.J. Yeley, Christopher Bell, Busch and Reddick.

Austin Cindric, Ryan Preece, Ryan Blaney and Byron round out the top 10.

Larson, who won a Late Model dirt race this week, would love his chances if he drove a standard dirt cart sliding through the corners of the half-mile track. Instead, the Next Gen cars are heavier and harder to maneuver with confidence.

I maybe can read a (dirt) track better than (most) people, but now this is our third year on it, so I think everybody has kind of got a good idea of what to look for, Larson said.

ODDS AND ENDS

Tyler Reddick, an experienced dirt racer, is favored to close the deal this year and win at Bristol, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Reddick is a 5-1 favorite to take the race, followed by Kyle Larson (5.5-1), Christopher Bell (7.5-1), Chase Briscoe (8.5-1), Joey Logano (10-1). Defending champion Kyle Busch and two-time season winner William Byron were at 13-1.

IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE

It's a drone and it will hover over Bristol sending an LED marker on the track for drivers to signify the choose area ahead of restarts in the NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday.

It's the first time drivers can pick a lane on a dirt restart, darting to the left of the marker to choose the inside lane or right for the outside lane. The drone will fly to the frontstretch just past the start/finish line, with the box lighting up to signify the choose zone.

I think its neat. Its a unique way of doing it, right? reigning NASCAR champ Joey Logano said.

ABSENT WARE

Rick Ware Racing announced its driver, Cody Ware, would not drive the No. 51 car at Bristol this weekend due to a personal matter and asked for privacy going forward. The organization, owned by Cody's father, did not detail anything else about the driver's reason for stepping away. It said veteran Matt Crafton would pilot the car on the half-mile dirt layout.

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
A runaway pony has started a new life at a therapeutic riding center in Alabama after his arrest went viral on social media, according to the centers volunteer coordinator.

After body camera footage of Tuscaloosa police officers wrangling the pony on March 20 was posted on Facebook, the animal was re-homed to Therapeutic Riding of Tuscaloosa.

During the officers nearly two-hour attempt to capture the pony, they tried to coax him with pizza crusts and peppermints, McClatchy News previously reported. He eventually allowed himself to be caught and posed for selfies.

When the pony, who police at first nicknamed Ginuwine, arrived at the riding center, he was kinda feisty and rude, Lorianne Neal-Epperson, volunteer coordinator for the riding center, told McClatchy News.

Because people arent allowed to keep horses in their backyards, the pony, whose real name is Knight, stayed to live at the center rather than being returned to his owner, she said.

He later underwent surgery to be neutered, and his demeanor became much calmer, she said.

Since then, hes become a joy, she said.

Knight is too small to be ridden but hell help young and beginner riders gain confidence around horses, the centers volunteer coordinator said.

People at the center have loved interacting with him, and he even got to have a slushie at the organizations Easter extravaganza, she said.

Neal-Epperson said Knight is too small to be ridden, but hell help newcomers to the center, especially children, familiarize themselves with horses and start to feel comfortable around the animals, she said. Hell also go on trips to schools and senior centers to provide therapy.

When hes not working, hell be able to frolic in the pasture and lay in the sun, she said.

Therapeutic Riding of Tuscaloosa serves riders of all levels, many of whom have cognitive or physical disabilities, Neal-Epperson said. Equine therapy can help riders gain confidence and assist with body stability, cognitive learning and self image, she said.

And Knight will soon have his own role to play.

I see him offering confidence to our younger riders, particularly, and I see him offering solace to our older and geriatric population, she said.

Story continues

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Russell Crowe's ex-wife had some kind words for the actor on his 59th birthday.

More than a decade after the couple split, Crowe's ex Danielle Spencer sweetly sent birthday wishes to the actor on the same day that would have been their 20-year anniversary.

Spencer shared a sepia-toned photo on her Instagram feed April 7, which captured Crowe smiling as he wrapped his arms around his two sons, Charles and Tennyson. In the caption, she penned a short message dedicated to her ex.

Twenty years ago today, I married the father of my boys, she wrote. While it is no longer our anniversary, it is still that guys birthday. Happy Birthday @russellcrowe.

Spencer added several hashtags at the end of the caption, writing, #birthday #birthdaywishes #ex #father #russellcrowe #family #friends.

Crowe and Spencer initially met on the set of the 1990 movie The Crossing. They went on to tie the knot on April 7, 2003, with the ceremony held at Crowes farm located in Nana Glen, Australia.

The couple welcomed their older son, Charles, Dec. 21, 2003. Their younger son, Tennyson, was born July 7, 2006.

After nine years of marriage, the couple split in 2012. Several years later, Crowe revealed on Twitter in April 2018 that the couple were officially divorced.

In other news ... yesterday , April 9th , 2018 at 12:30pm Eastern Daylight time (Aus) ... I officially became divorced, he tweeted. Thank you linesman . Thank you ball boys.

In other news ... yesterday , April 9th , 2018 at 12:30pm Eastern Daylight time (Aus) ... I officially became divorced .

Thank you linesman .

Thank you ball boys.  Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) April 9, 2018

Though the couple have been separated since 2012, Spencer has shared several tributes to Crowe and their family over the years.

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Spencer posted another throwback photo of the family of four back in March. In the snap shared on Instagram, Spencer and Crowe posed with their sons as everyone smiled wide for the camera.

Throwback.. This old family photo just popped up, she wrote in the caption. Looks like were having fun.

Spencer wrote several hashtags at the end of her message, adding, #sons #myboys #family #memories #oldtimes #goodtimes.

Spencer also shared her support for her ex-husband after the death of his father March 30, 2021.

On Instagram, to mark the actor's birthday in April 2021, Spencer posted an old photo of the family together, as well as a snap of Crowe posing with his two sons.

"It has been a very tough & sad week for the Crowe family," she wrote in the caption. "Wishing you some happiness on your birthday today Russell."

Crowe shared news of his father's death at age 85 on Twitter, writing in part, "My dear old man, my beautiful dad, the most gentle of men, has passed away."

"I had a father whos pride in my efforts gave me strength," he wrote in a later tweet. "I had a father who was married to my mother for 59 years and 4 months. Until death, they had never parted."

I had a father whos pride in my efforts gave me strength.



I had a father who was married to my mother for 59 years and 4 months.

Until death, they had never parted.



I had a father I wish for everyone else.



Grief has a thousand shards, but love is stronger.  Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) April 1, 2021

He added, "I had a father I wish for everyone else. Grief has a thousand shards, but love is stronger."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
(CNN)  In picturesque Bonner County, Idaho, Leandra Wright, 40, is pregnant with her seventh child.

Wright is due in August, but three weeks ago, the hospital where she had planned to deliver, Bonner General Health, announced that it would be suspending its labor and delivery services in May.

Now, she's facing a potentially precarious drive to another hospital 45 minutes from her home.

"It's frustrating and worrisome," Wright said.

Wright has a history of fast labors. Her 15-year-old son, Noah, was born on the way to the hospital.

"My fifth child was born on the side of the highway," Wright said. "It was wintertime, and my hospital at the time in California was about 40 minutes away, and the roads were icy, so we didn't make it in time."

By the time she and Noah got to the hospital, about 15 minutes after he was born, his body temperature was lower than normal.

"It worries me not to have a doctor there and worries me to have to go through that," Wright said.

Residents of Bonner County aren't the only ones dealing with unexpected maternity unit closures.

Since 2011, 217 hospitals in the United States have closed their labor and delivery departments, according to a report by the health care consulting firm Chartis.

A CNN tally shows that at least 13 such closures have been announced in the past year alone.

Closures nationwide

Services provided at maternity units vary from hospital to hospital. Most offer obstetrics care in which an obstetrician will deliver a baby, either vaginally or via cesarean section. These units also provide perinatal care, which is medical and supportive care before and after delivery.

Other services provided may include lactation specialists and private delivery rooms.

After May 19, Bonner General Health will no longer offer obstetrical services, meaning there will be zero obstetricians practicing there. Consequently, the hospital will no longer deliver babies. Additionally, the unit will no longer provide 24-hour anesthesia support or post-resuscitation or pre-transportation stabilization care for critically ill newborns.

Some hospitals that have recently closed their maternity units still offer perinatal care, along with routine gynecological care.

Bonner General is planning to establish a clinic where perinatal care will be offered. Gynecological services  such as surgical services, preventative care, wellness exams and family planning  will still be provided at a nearby women's health clinic.

The Chartis report says that the states with the highest loss of access to obstetrical care are Minnesota, Texas, Iowa, Kansas and Wisconsin, with each losing more than 10 facilities.

Data released last fall by the infant and maternal health nonprofit March of Dimes also shows that more than 2.2 million women of childbearing age across 1,119 US counties are living in "maternity care deserts," meaning their counties have no hospitals offering obstetric care, no birth centers and no obstetric providers.

Maternity care deserts have been linked to a lack of adequate prenatal care or treatment for pregnancy complications and even an increased risk of maternal death for a year after giving birth.

Money is one reason why maternity units are being shuttered.

According to the American Hospital Association, 42% of births in the US are paid for by Medicaid, which has low reimbursement rates. Employer-sponsored insurance pays about $15,000 for a delivery, and Medicaid pays about $6,500, according to the Health Care Cost Institute, a nonprofit that analyzes health care cost and utilization data.

"Medicaid funds about half of all births nationally and more than half of births in rural areas," said Dr. Katy Kozhimannil, a public health researcher at the University of Minnesota who has conducted research on the growing number of maternity care deserts.

Kozhimannil says communities that are most likely to be affected by maternity unit closures tend to be remote towns in rural counties in states with "less generous Medicaid programs."

Hospitals in larger cities are often able to offset low reimbursement rates from Medicaid births with births covered by employer-sponsored insurance, according to Dr. Sina Haeri, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and CEO of Ouma Health, a company that provides virtual prenatal and perinatal care to mothers living in maternity care deserts.

Many large hospitals also have neonatal intensive care units.

"If you have a NICU, that's a substantial revenue generator for a hospital," Haeri said.

Most rural hospitals do not have a NICU, only a nursery where they care for full-term, healthy babies, he said. Due to that financial burden, it does not make financial sense for many rural hospitals to keep labor and delivery units open.

A low volume of births is another reason for the closures.

In announcing the closure, Bonner General noted that in 2022, it delivered just 265 babies, which the hospital characterized as a significant decrease.

Rural hospital administrators providing obstetric care say it takes at least 200 births annually for a unit to remain safe and financially viable, according to a study led by Kozhimannil for the University of Minnesota's Rural Health Research Center.

Many administrators surveyed said they are working to keep units open despite low birth rates.

"Of all the folks that we surveyed, about a third of them were still operating, even though they had fewer than 200 births a year," Kozhimannil said. "We asked why, and they said, 'because our community needs it.' "

Another issue for hospital administrators is staffing and recruitment.

The decision to close Bonner General's labor and delivery unit was also directly affected by a lack of experienced, qualified doctors and nurses in the state, said Erin Binnall, a Bonner General Health spokesperson.

"After May 19th, Bonner General Health will no longer have reliable, consistent pediatric coverage to manage neonatal resuscitations and perinatal care. Bonner General's number one priority is patient safety. Not having board-certified providers certified in neonatal resuscitation willing to provide call and be present during deliveries makes it unsafe and unethical for BGH to provide these services," Binnall told CNN by email.

The American Hospital Association acknowledges the staffing challenges some hospitals face.

"Simply put, if a hospital cannot recruit and retain the providers, nurses, and other appropriately trained caregivers to sustainably support a service then it cannot provide that care," the association said in a statement. "Such challenges are only magnified in rural America, where workforce strain is compounded by aging demographics that in some communities has dramatically decreased demand for services like Labor and Delivery."

More stringent abortion laws may be playing a role in the closures, too.

Bonner General said in a news release last month that due to Idaho's "legal and political climate, highly respected, talented physicians are leaving. In addition, the Idaho Legislature continues to introduce and pass bills that criminalize physicians for medical care nationally recognized as the standard of care."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, Idaho has one of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the country: a complete ban that has only a few exceptions.

Idaho requires an "affirmative defense," Guttmacher says, meaning a provider "has to prove in court that an abortion met the criteria for a legal exception."

No matter the reason, Kozhimannil said, closures in rural communities aren't just a nuisance. They also put families at risk.

"That long drive isn't just an inconvenience. It actually is associated with health risks," she said. "The consequence that we saw is an increase in preterm births. Preterm birth is the largest risk factor for infant mortality. It is a huge risk factor for developmental and cognitive delays for kids."

Haeri says the decline in maternal care also has a clear effect on maternal mortality rates.

The maternal death rate for 2021  the year for which the most recent data is available  was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in the US, compared with rates of 20.1 in 2019 and 23.8 in 2020, according to a report from the National Center for Health Statistics. In raw numbers, 1,205 women died of maternal causes in the US in 2021.

Conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes may raise a person's risk of complications, as can being pregnant with multiples, according to the National Institutes of Health. Pregnant women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk of pre-eclampsia.

Searching for solutions

As labor and delivery units continue to shut their doors, possible solutions to the growing problem are complex, Haeri says.

"I think anyone that comes to you and says the current system is working is lying to you," he said. "We all know that the current maternity system is not good."

Kozhimannil's research has found that many women who live in maternity care deserts are members of minority communities.

"When we conducted that research, we found the communities that were raising the alarm about this ... tended to be Black and indigenous, or tribal communities in rural places," she said. "Black communities in the South and East and tribal communities throughout the country, but especially in the West, Mountain West and Midwest."

Haeri says one possible solution is at a woman's fingertips.

"I always say if a woman's got a cell phone, she should have access," he said.

A 2021 study found that women who live in remote areas of the US could benefit from telehealth visits, which would decrease the number of "in-person prenatal care visits and increase access to care."

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends 12 to 14 prenatal care appointments for women with low-risk pregnancies, and the study suggests that expansion of prenatal telehealth appointments could help women living in remote areas better adhere to those guidelines.

Ouma works with mothers who are typically remote and high-risk, Haeri says.

He also believes that promoting midwifery and doula services would help bolster maternity care in the US.

Certified nurse midwives often assist remote mothers who are high-risk or who decide to give birth at home, he says.

Midwives not only deliver babies, they often work with medical equipment and can administer at-home physical exams, prescribe medications, order lab and diagnostic tests, and assess risk management, according to the American College of Nurse Midwives. Doulas  who guide mothers through the birthing process  are often present at home births and even hospital births.

"That midwifery model shines when it comes to maternal care. [And] doula advocacy involvement leads to better outcomes and maternity care, and I think as a system, we haven't made it easier for those two components to be really an integral part of our maternity care in the US," Haeri said.

'Everybody has babies'

After living in Idaho for 10 years, Wright says, she and her fiance have considered leaving the state. The lack of maternity and pediatric care at Bonner General Health is a big reason why.

"I feel safe being with [my] doctors. Now, I have to get to know a doctor within a couple of months before my next baby is born," Wright said.

As she awaits the arrival of her new son, she feels doubtful that there is a solution for mothers like her.

"Everywhere  no matter what  everybody has babies," she said. "It's posing a problem for people who have babies who don't have the income to drive or have high risk pregnancies or first-time mothers who don't even know what to expect."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Maternity units are closing across America, forcing expectant mothers to hit the road."
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has stated that Russia plans to hold early graduation from higher military educational institutions in a number of cities to replenish losses in the war against Ukraine.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 8 April

Quote: "Russian invaders continue to suffer significant losses. In order to replenish them, the leadership of the Russian Armed Forces decided to hold early graduations from the higher military educational institutions of the aggressor country in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kostroma, Penza, Omsk, Tyumen, Kazan, Novosibirsk, Volsk and Blagoveshchensk on 29 April this year.

At the same time, graduations from higher education institutions that train specialists for military units of the Strategic Missile Forces, Air Force and Navy of the Russian Armed Forces will be held in accordance with previously planned schedules."

Previously: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also announced in the spring and November of 2022 that Russia plans to release cadets from higher military educational institutions early because of the war against Ukraine.

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Russia announced its winter offensive in Ukraine with great fanfare, but the ill-fated campaign has been another disappointment for Moscow.

As spring arrives, the two armies are deadlocked with troops stretching from the shores of the Black Sea to northeast Ukraine -- and the Kremlin has once again been forced to take the long view after failing to make a breakthrough.

Here's how Russia suffered a bitter setback, and what could happen next:

- Battle for Bakhmut -

Bakhmut has become the longest and bloodiest battle in Ukraine. Both sides have endured heavy losses in the eastern industrial city, home to around 70,000 people before the war.

They have waged a war of attrition for months, and the city has taken on huge symbolic importance even though analysts say it has little strategic value.

The Russian mercenary outfit Wagner has been spearheading the attack and claimed Monday that it had captured Bakhmut city hall -- but Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has said his forces are still suffering losses.

"Even if Bakhmut falls, the Russian invasion will fall well short of seizing control of Donetsk Oblast, one of its main territorial objectives", the Washington-based Hudson Institute said in its latest military report.

- Stalled offensive -

Russia captured just 70 square kilometres (less than 30 square miles) across Ukraine in March, said Leo Peria-Peigne of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI).

The Russian army "lacks trained men" and has "artillery ammunition supply problems", he told AFP.

American analyst Michael Kofman said "the Russian offensive is going about as poorly as expected".

"The question is, how much will Russian forces exhaust themselves and be forced to ration ammunition?"

Kofman warned that Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov is "exhausting the force with an ill-timed, feckless set of offensive operations, whose gains will not change the strategic picture for Russia, but could leave Russian forces more vulnerable".

Story continues

- War of attrition -

The war has decimated forces and drained resources on both sides for more than a year.

"Ukraine has expended a lot of its forces keeping cities without much strategic importance," said Alexander Khramchikhin, an independent military analyst in Moscow.

But former Ukrainian defence minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk said he had "serious doubts that [Russian forces] can upscale their operation", arguing it would not be sustainable.

Kofman said he believed that "the Russian military likely has the manpower and reserves to mount a stubborn defence" against a Ukrainian counter-offensive, with "minefields and trenches" at its disposal.

- Western support -

Ukraine has access to Western intelligence, training and weapons, with heavy-duty tanks and long-range artillery arriving on the battlefield.

The outcome will depend "on the speed and scope of Western deliveries and the ability of Russian air defences to intercept this kind of weaponry", said Igor Korotchenko, editor of the Moscow-based National Defence journal.

Korotchenko, who is under Western sanctions, said such deliveries to Ukraine "prolong the conflict".

- No backing down -

Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be committed for the long haul and will have to fight a "war of resources", Zagorodnyuk said, adding that Ukraine's battered economy is "not recovering".

"Rage and despair are privately noticeable" among officials in Moscow, said Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank.

"Russian elites are united in their conviction that since Putin started this war, he must win it," she continued.

But she said that as it stands on the battlefield, "no one understands how Putin could secure a victory".

bur-jf-dla/fz/lcm/js
The Russian Defence Ministry has announced the trial of a chemical attack, planning to accuse the Armed Forces of Ukraine of this attack.

Source: Russian Defence Ministry

Details: The Russian authority writes that Ukraine allegedly plans to deliver "the bodies and remains of dead servicemen equipped with "toxic substances" to Sumy Oblast.

Then, allegedly, Ukraine will invite experts from Western countries and post intercepted phone calls with Russians talking about a chemical attack.

Why this is important: Russia has repeatedly used this tactic: it "foresaw" terrorist attacks or attacks and then carried them out by itself.

Last year, the UK feared that the Russian Federation might fabricate a pretext for using chemical weapons in the war with Ukraine, as the plan to occupy the country and capture Kyiv in a few days ultimately failed.

Note: Russian occupiers used against the Armed Forces banned chemical weapons, namely the K-51 aerosol grenades.

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Russian government officials have been banned from travelling freely outside the country, meaning that now they must obtain special permission from Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin for that purpose.

Source: The Bell, citing two sources



Details: Mishustin has effectively closed the borders to his subordinates, the outlet reports.

High-ranking members of the Russian government  ministers, chiefs of staff, their deputies and heads of departments  can now travel abroad only on official business and with the permission of the prime minister, informed sources told The Bell.

At the same time, the sources said, there are no such strict restrictions for employees of the Russian Presidential Administration. One of them explained the difference in restrictions for Kremlin and government employees as being due to Mishustin's "special zeal."

Background: Earlier, The Financial Times reported that Russian security services were confiscating the passports of senior officials and state company executives to prevent them from travelling overseas.

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Russian soldiers with dogs are going through apartment buildings in the occupied city of Melitopol in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, looking for Ukrainian resistance, the citys mayor Ivan Fedorov has said.

Source: Fedorov on Telegram

Details: The Mayor's office states that dozens of soldiers with dogs once again searched a multi-storey building in the city centre on the morning of 8 April.

Quote: "The occupiers in Melitopol are once again delusional that there are partisans everywhere.

However, terrorising civilians will not help reduce popular resistance. No matter how hard you try, searchers, we will come for you too."

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Russian propaganda channel RT France

RT France head Ksenia Fedorova confirmed the decision.

Read also: Russian propaganda narratives: What is the Kremlin betting on?

The channel had been subject to EU sanctions since launching its aggressive full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was blocked by the French government earlier this year. RT France will be liquidated, and all employees will be laid off in the coming days, said Fedorova.

The Nanterre court has decided to liquidate RT France - a media outlet that has been unpopular with Emmanuel Macron since its launch and was subjected to EU sanctions a year ago as a precautionary measure due to the conflict in Ukraine, she said.

Read also: RTs Simonyan, Russian propagandist with Armenian roots, banned from entering Armenia

In March of last year, the EU banned Russian state-owned media, including Sputnik and RT, formerly known as Russia Today, from broadcasting in Europe after Russias full-scale attack of Ukraine. The sanctions, however, did not prevent the media from creating content, reported Politico.

The Russian propaganda channel continued to create, publish, and broadcast materials in 2022, increasingly targeting audiences in French-speaking African countries.

The French government blocked the bank accounts of RT France in early 2023 following the EUs decision to freeze the media companys assets.

Russian propagandists announced in January 2023 that the channel had stopped broadcasting in France.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Two civilians have been injured in the cities of Orikhiv and Huliaipole in the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia Oblast on Saturday.

Source: Prosecutor's office in Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Consequences of attack

PhOTO:Prosecutor's office in Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Quote: "According to the investigation, on 8 April 2023, at around 10:30, military personnel of the aggressor state, using means of warfare prohibited by international law, carried out an aerial bomb attack on the cities of Orikhiv and Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Two men aged 56 and 67 were injured.

As a result of the shelling, farm buildings and private residential buildings were damaged, and windows were blown out by the shock wave. The premises of the enterprise, as well as the adjacent territory, were partially destroyed."

Details: Under the procedural leadership of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Prosecutor's Office, a pre-trial investigation was started in criminal proceedings on the facts of violation of the laws and customs of war (Art. 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The pre-trial investigation is carried out by investigators of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Department of the Security Service of Ukraine.

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The Russian invaders are preparing to evacuate the population from the occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts to Crimea.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 8 April

Quote: "The Russian occupiers intensified preparations for the evacuation of the local population in the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts to the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea.

The enemy conducted a survey of the local population in Melitopol and Skadovsk regarding possible evacuation. The presence of a Russian passport and a residence permit, as well as the level of education were checked during the survey."

Details: According to the General Staff, buses carrying those wishing to evacuate periodically leave the occupied territories. At the same time, the invaders are spreading information that the forced evacuation of the civilian population will begin at the end of April.

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Two men were killed in the shelling of the town of Dvorichna in Kharkiv Oblast by Russian troops, and a woman was wounded in the village of Podoly.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "The enemy is again striking the civilian population of Kupiansk district. There are victims and injured.

Today, as a result of the shelling of the town of Dvorichna, unfortunately, two men, 65 and 34 years old, were killed.

In addition, a woman was injured in the village of Podoly. Doctors are providing her with the necessary assistance."

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the Texas abortion pill ruling that could restrict access to mifepristone is about a Republicans goal of a nationwide abortion ban.

Schumer told reporters in a press call on Saturday that the decision from U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, is awful, extreme and unprecedented. He said the ruling would strip away health care from millions of Americans.

Lets be clear  this is about the Republicans goal of a nationwide abortion ban, he said.

Schumer said the lawsuit is coming from MAGA Republicans using the court system to enact an extreme agenda that is unpopular with the country.

Republicans have been working for years to chip away at reproductive rights. With the Dobbs decision last year, we saw the greatest backslide of individual liberties in half a century, he said.

President Biden also said the case is part of an attack on abortion rights, saying in a statement that the lawsuit, and this ruling, is another unprecedented step in taking away basic freedoms from women and putting their health at risk.

It is the next big step toward the national ban on abortion that Republican elected officials have vowed to make law in America, Biden added.

Schumer said Republicans are making clear through their case that their objective is your body, our choice. He said the ruling marks the first time that a long-time approval of a drug by the FDA has been overturned.

Kacsmaryk sided with an antiabortion group in ruling that the FDA improperly rushed the approval process for mifepristone, which took more than four years before the drug was approved in 2000. He said in his decision that the agency violated federal standards and allowed a dangerous drug regimen to get on the market.

Schumer said mifepristone has been widely and safely and effectively been used for many years. He said this ruling could set precedent for any drug on the market being subject to having its approval revoked if some person or group opposes its distribution.

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What could come next if some fringe radical group brings a lawsuit? Cancer drugs? Insulin? Mental health treatment? he said.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) told reporters on the call that far-right extremists came up with a legal challenge to a decades-old FDA approval to prevent women from having a medication abortion.

Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortions and is also used in some cases to manage early miscarriages. More abortions in the country happen through medication than through a medical procedure.

Murray said mifepristone is safer than Tylenol.

The science is done. The results are in. This ruling is not about science. It is about ideology. It is not about protecting women. It is about controlling their bodies, she said. It is cruel, and it flies completely in the face of all reasons and logic.

She said the public should be able to rely on the FDA to make its decisions based on science, not politics and not a ruling from one judge.

This is the result of a decades-long effort by Republicans to ban abortion in every part of the country every way they can, she said.

Murray said she opposed Kacsmaryks nomination before the Senate because of his far-right beliefs and view that someone else knows better than a woman about her own personal medical decisions.

Republicans want to ban abortion everywhere, from Seattle to New York, she said.

She said Democrats will continue to work to get the votes necessary to pass the Womens Health Protection Act to restore the rights enshrined by the Roe v. Wade ruling under federal law.

The Biden administration has launched an appeal to Kacsmaryks ruling. The judge gave a week for the government to try to get emergency relief before his ruling goes into effect.

A separate ruling from a judge in Washington, also released Friday, barred the FDA from pulling mifepristone from the market, conflicting with Kacsmaryks decision.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Senate lawmakers debated for more than an hour late Friday afternoon before approving a measure that would affect the process of purchasing firearms in Washington state.

Sponsored by Rep. Liz Berry, D-Seattle, at the request of the governor, E2SHB 1143 would require a 10-day waiting period before purchasing firearms.

Firearms dealers would not be able to sell or transfer guns without completion of a background check and until 10 days have elapsed since the check was initiated. Those purchasing firearms also would have to show valid proof of a completed firearms safety training program within the last five years, or proof that they are exempt from training requirements.

The bill passed the Senate with a 28-18 vote and will now head to Gov. Jay Inslee for a signature. If signed, the legislation will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

As a doctor I know once said to me, there are very few do-overs when a gun is used, said Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, who spoke in favor of the legislation Friday. Thats why this cooling off period thats in the bill is so critically important. Just like with semiautomatic rifles, this bill requires a basic safety training course that consists of safe handling, safe storage, and keeping guns safe from kids. ... This is just simple, common sense when you own a lethal weapon.

Several Republicans on the debate floor spoke out against the proposal, including Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn.

Fortunato claimed that while California has the strictest gun laws in the country, the state also has had the highest number of mass shootings. Because of this, he said, he thinks the bill is unnecessary and only adds an impairment to those trying to purchase guns.

Republicans also claimed that individuals, particularly women, would be burdened by the waiting period and that the 10-day timeframe prevents women from being able to protect themselves.

The move by lawmakers to approve the measure on Friday came one month after House lawmakers voted to pass the bill with a 52-44 vote.

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An earlier version of the proposed bill in Washington state would have required a permit to purchase firearms, but Berry introduced a striking amendment to the legislation prior to the House floor debate in March to remove that provision.

The Senate Law and Justice Committee also added a striker to the bill that was adopted by Senate lawmakers on Friday. The committee removed a provision that would have required firearms dealers to provide a record of weapons transfers to the Department of Licensing.

A waiting period for firearms purchases isnt new to Washingtonians. But currently a 10-day waiting period is mandatory in the state only when purchasing a semiautomatic assault rifle. Washington allows 10 days for background checks for firearms to be completed, unless purchasers clear the check before then.

In 2018, Initiative 1639 was adopted by Washington voters. It required purchasers of semiautomatic weapons to complete enhanced background checks and enacted the waiting period for those weapons. The law also made it illegal for those younger than 21 to purchase semiautomatic assault rifles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicides by firearms made up more than half of all suicides in the U.S. between 2018 and 2021. Gun violence is also the number one cause of death for children and youth.

The last day of the legislative session is April 23.
Police descended on the University of Oklahoma on Friday night after a report of an active shooter and later found no sign of a shooting and no injuries, officials said.

At this point, well probably say that it was a bogus call, University of Oklahoma Police Chief Nate Tarver told reporters.

Around 9:24 p.m, a call came in that reported shots fired at the library on campus at the university in Norman, near Oklahoma City, Tarver said. The university then sent an emergency alert.

"There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!" the university, which has an enrollment of around 26,600 at its Norman campus, said in a tweet.

Nearly 90 minutes after the first alert, the university tweeted no threat had been found and gave an all-clear.

April Sandefer, director of media relations at the university, said it was unknown if it was a hoax or if someone heard a sound that caused the report of gunshots.

Police plan to examine campus video footage to see if that shows more about what occurred, Sandefer said.

Tarver said there was some confetti found, like from a party popper, but police couldnt confirm if that prompted the call.

Video from the scene from NBC affiliate KFOR of Oklahoma City showed a large police presence and ambulances.

Helicopter news footage shown on live coverage by CBS station KWTV of Oklahoma City showed what appeared to be a massive police response.

Over 100 police officers and other first responders from several departments responded to the university.

The scare at the university, known as OU, comes almost two weeks after a shooter attacked a Nashville, Tennessee, school and killed three children and three adults, and almost two months after a gunman killed three students at Michigan State University.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Timberview Middle School in Colorado and Lilly Whitworth

The sister of a transgender teen who police say was plotting a mass murder may have prevented another mass shooting in Colorado.

Colorado Springs police arrested a 19-year-old on Thursday for allegedly plotting to conduct a mass school shooting at three schools and possibly a church.

A probable cause statement indicates that Lilly Whitworth planned a shooting at the school she attended last in seventh grade  Timberview Middle School  before switching to homeschooling.

Elbert County deputies recovered a manifesto when searching the suspects house. Timberview Elementary, Prairie Hills Elementary, and Pine Creek High School were mentioned as potential targets in her document. In her conversation with a deputy, she also said churches.

The arrest report indicates Whitworths sister called the police on March 31 to complain Lilly had threatened her, discussed a recent school shooting, and showed severe anger, CBS News reports.

The suspects sister may have prevented a tragedy by reporting a threat she saw.

Her family has lived in the house for two to three years, according to media reports.

According to a sheriffs deputy, they discovered the home full of trash, boxes, and empty alcohol containers. Then, Elbert County deputies had to go through another door to reach the suspects filthy bedroom.

Lilly was asked how much she had been planning the school shooting, and Lilly stated shes about a third of the way from doing it, wrote a deputy in the incident report.

Officials found floor plans of a school on a dry-erase board in the home. Authorities say the suspect wrote a screed detailing the targets, explosive devices, and firearms to be made using 3D printing technology, the network reports.

The arrest report initially misgendered the suspect, but upon discovering the suspects gender identity, the document uses her proper name and employs appropriate she/her pronouns.

Some far-right-wing extremists and social media influencers pounced on the possibility that the suspect could be transgender.

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Six people, including three children, died in the tragic shooting at Covenant School in Nashville in March, and conservatives tried to use the shooter's gender identity as a scapegoat for transgender people. While previous school shooting suspects have almost exclusively been cisgender men, a few incidents like these have contributed a great deal to the rise of transphobia in the U.S.

Transgender people are predominantly the target of violence, not the perpetrators.

As of Thursday night, the suspect was being held in the Elbert County jail after being charged with two attempted murders. She has also been charged with three felony counts of criminal misconduct and two misdemeanor counts of menacing and interfering with school personnel.



Currently, Whitworth is being held on a $75,000 bond.
While the world continues to execute AI studies and advancements, April Mullen's sci-fi thriller movie Simulant, starring Simu Liu, Robbie Amell, Jordana Brewster and Sam Worthington, takes us into a world where androids and humans coexist.

The Canadian film, shot in Hamilton, Ont., is largely focused around wealthy couple Faye (Brewster) and Evan (Amell). A fatal car crash killed Evan and Faye isn't prepared to say goodbye to her husband, so she she activates a Simulant (SIM) of Evan, an exact replica that's programmed with the human Evan's memories.

As time progresses, this SIM version of her husband becomes less appealing for Faye. The laws around SIMS is that any "unwanted" androids need to be deactivated, but Faye can't bring herself to do it, so she essentially stores him in his own apartment instead. That's when this SIM meets Casey (Liu), a programmer who's figured out how to hack these androids, and wants to help Evan become more human to hopefully win Faye back, while trying to dodge Artificial Intelligence Compliance Enforcement (AICE) agent Kessler (Sam Worthington).

Simu Liu as Casey in SIMULANT (Mongrel Media)

Mullen initially read Ryan Christopher Churchill's script for the movie six years ago and recalled that the ending "mortified" her.

"It just kept me up at night and I was tossing and turning, Mullen told Yahoo Canada.

I'm a huge advocate for humanity and human beings, and I love the everyday sort of mini miracles and mistakes, and happenstances of life.  It tore me up so much inside that I was like, I have to make this movie.

Jordana Brewster as Faye and Robbie Amell as Evan in SIMULANT (Mongrel Media)

'I would have done the exact same thing'

For Brewster, one of the things she loved about Simulant is that "you couldn't really tell who the villains were and who the good guys were."

In fact, the SIMS were among her favourite elements of the movie.

They were loving and human and yummy, Brewster said. They felt more warm than the humans, who had sort of lost part of their humanity by making these deals with the devil, in a way.

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So I think [that's] what I had fun with and had fun  discussing with April and with Rob and Simu, and it's just fun to be able to to make a film about these issues.

When it comes ethical questions around Faye's decision to create this android of her late husband, Brewster believes she would done the same thing, if she was in Faye's position.

I totally agree with what she did, but I wish that she could have given herself permission to enjoy it and to be present with him, instead of blocking him out and hating herself so much for it, Brewster said.

She's so torn with her choice, that's what's really frustrating about Faye, but I would have done the exact same thing.

Robbie Amell as Evan in SIMULANT (Mongrel Media)

Finding the humanity in a robot

While Amell was given the task of embodying this android robot, the actor said that the great part about the role was that, because SIMS are so much like humans, he could just play "a guy who's wondering why his relationship isn't working out."

He's a guy who's still in love with the same person that doesn't know why something's wrong, Amell said.

I think anybody can put themselves in those shoes and relate to that, and then finding that out  you've died and you've been replaced, and none of it makes sense, ... it just throws your entire world upside down.

When thinking about the advancements that we've made with AI to date, which is significantly more technologically advanced than we were when Mullen initially read the script, the director believes the film has a "stamp" of society before things like ChatGPT.

I don't know what's to come, but I do love that the film leaves you with four very different perspectives on life," Mullen said. "What love is, what it means to be a human being, whether we're fighting to coexist together and find love between each other, or whether that can't coexist."

"I like that it sort of poses those questions to the audience and leaves them to decide which storyline, or which future, they like to sort of live amongst."

Simulant opens in theatres across Canada April 7
One San Luis Obispo County animal shelter is experiencing a puppy boom  and its putting out a call for adoptions.

Woods Humane Society, a nonprofit organization that has locations in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero, has taken in 113 unwanted young dogs so far in 2023, according to the groups communications manager, Jamie Relth.

Thats more than three times the number taken in during the same timeframe the previous year, Woods Humane Society interim CEO Emily LHeureux said in a news release.

About a fifth of all puppies brought to the shelter this year have been cattle dog-type breeds such as Australian cattle dogs, kelpies and border collies, Relth wrote in an email.

The number of puppies at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero has tripled in 2023 as owners surrender unwanted dogs. Woods CEO Emily LHeureux holds one of four belonging to a cute mutt named Gracie.

The shelter has also seen lots of shepherds and Labrador retrievers, she said, with Chihuahuas, dachshunds, mastiffs, great Pyrenees, huskies and other breeds rounding out the pack.

As of Thursday, the shelter had 24 puppies in its care, including four that will soon be available for adoption, Relth said.

According to Woods, the unexpected increase in puppies means higher costs for the shelter.

We have budgeted for up to 3,000 animals, including an average of 130 puppies for the year, at an average cost of $406.98 in veterinary care per animal, LHeureux said in the release. If we continue at this rate, though, we are on track to increase our intake of puppies by 229%.

What has caused this sudden increase in unwanted puppies?

LHeureux attributed the trend to a lack of access to spay/neuter programs in some communities during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as increases in puppy-breeding programs.

The number of puppies at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero has tripled in 2023 as owners surrender unwanted dogs. Woods CEO Emily LHeureux introduces four belonging to a cute mutt named Gracie.

A couple of years ago, it was nearly impossible to adopt puppies because the demand was so high., she said in the release. As people return to working in the office and as the costs of animal care are rising in the current economy, the tide is turning and now the number of requests for owner surrenders or shelter transports of nursing mothers and puppies has gone up markedly.

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Other local shelters are also seeing a huge influx of puppies, Relth said.

We are fielding daily requests to take in puppies from other shelters or to take in owner-surrendered puppies, she said.

According to Relth, about half of the puppies in Woods care were transported from the San Luis Obispo County Animal Services shelter, while the others were either turned in by their owners or transported from shelters in the Central Valley.

The number of puppies at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero has tripled in 2023 as owners surrender unwanted dogs. Woods CEO Emily LHeureux holds one of four belonging to a cute mutt named Gracie.

How to help

Woods recently offered a $50 adoption special in an effort to find more puppies homes, although that promotion ended Sunday.

Puppies stay an average of three days at the shelter before finding new homes, the release said.

Adoption fees at Woods typically range from $65 for senior cats to $200 for puppies, she said. It costs $150 to adopt an adult dog, and $80 to adopt an adult cat.

All animals available for adoption at the shelter have been spayed or neutered, as well as implanted with microchips, according to Woods website. Theyve also been vaccinated for diseases including distemper and rabies in the case of dogs, and have received up-to-date treatment for fleas, ticks, worms and mites.

The number of puppies at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero has tripled in 2023 as owners surrender unwanted dogs.

Woods will raise money for puppies and other homeless animals in its care during its popular Wine 4 Paws fundraiser on April 22 and 23.

During that weekend, supporters can visit more than 75 wine, cider and olive oil producers throughout SLO County that have pledged to donate 10% of sales to Woods Humane Society.

Donations to help puppies can be made online via WoodsHumane.org/Donate or by texting WOODS to 24365.

Woods Humane Society is located at 875 Oklahoma Ave. in San Luis Obispo, and 2300 Ramona Road in Atascadero. Both locations are open to the public daily from noon to 5 p.m., with adoption hours from noon to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 805-543-9316 or visit WoodsHumane.org.
Snowy and cool conditions that persisted across the West through last month will likely create a gush of water unlike any the Colorado River has seen since 2011, river forecasters say.

The expected snowmelt should protect hydroelectric power production at Glen Canyon Dam and prevent immediate losses to already depleted reservoirs serving the Southwest, regional and federal officials say.

But it wont break a 23-year megadroughts threat to water supplies in coming years.

Even with this winters weather, conservation is more important now than ever, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said during a Thursday news conference celebrating federal funding for water savings by the Gila River Indian Community.

Lake Powell, the giant holding tank straddling Arizonas northern boundary, is currently forecast to receive 11.3 million acre-feet of water during the April-July snowmelt runoff season, the National Weather Services Colorado Basin River Forecasting Center said Friday. Thats 177% of what it has averaged over a 30-year period marked by extreme lows linked to a warming climate.

If the river flows as expected, it will nearly double the volumes in two of the last three years, and nearly triple the volume recorded in 2021. Still, in a river with the nation's two largest reservoirs sitting at roughly three-quarters empty, one good year doesn't end drought. Refilling Lake Powell alone would take two years like this one even if none of the millions of downstream residents or farmers demanded any water from it.

Water storage: 'Weather chaos' brings enough snow to fill Verde River reservoirs, ease drought conditions

States can't let up on conservation measures

The rush of cold water past Moab, Utah, in late March had Josh Stoner stoked for whats to come.

A ton of snow! the Grand Junction, Colorado, resident said after emerging in a dry suit from a riffle at the rivers Big Bend Beach. Super excited!

Stoner and friends were in Utah for a swift-water rescue course in preparation for a rafting trip later this summer. They joined a dozen or so people floating through the riffle and taking turns getting reeled in with floating ropes. He is an experienced rafter who expects big things from the river this year. Flows in western Colorado have peaked early, in May, during the last several years, he said. This year he expects the big fun to last into June.

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Arizonas top water official, Tom Buschatzke, was decidedly less exuberant on Thursday. As director of the state Department of Water Resources, he remains immersed in talks to persuade water users within Arizona and beyond to share further reductions to ensure a reliable source next year and for years to come.

Were still working on a deficit, he said. We have to keep the pedal to the metal.

If the flows materialize as expected, he said, it means Glen Canyon Dam wont stop producing power this year, and likely not next year either. If the next two years are poor  similar to a dry year like, say, 2002  the dams power plant could again be threatened, he said.

The river forecasting center does not compile total flow projections for tributaries downstream of Lake Powell, but its current snowpack estimates along the Little Colorado and Virgin rivers show potential far above a normal year. In all, it should spell a year in which severely depleted reservoirs slow or stop their recent plunges.

Lake Powell, now holding just 5.3 million acre-feet, is at 23% of capacity, while farther downstream, Lake Mead is at 28% with 7.4 million. The government measures water by the acre-foot, or amount needed to cover an acre to 1-foot deep, roughly 326,000 gallons.

Lake Mead: Feds finalizing $250M in water-saving measures to help drought-stricken Lake Mead

The same "atmospheric rivers" helping the Colorado have dumped colossal snows and rains elsewhere in the drought-stricken West, helping top off reservoirs in central Arizona and California. San Luis Reservoir, California's fifth-largest, has refilled after sitting at one-quarter full in December. But that reservoir is just a tenth the size of Lake Powell.

Last month, before continued snowfall improved the outlook, the dam-managing U.S. Bureau of Reclamation projected Powells surface elevation would end this year somewhat higher than it began. Lake Mead would continue to decline, by about 8 feet, but with more water perched upstream in Powell for later release. Though these are relatively minor changes, its unclear how they might affect mandated reductions among farmers and other water users.

The Bureau of Reclamation is set to release proposed emergency conservation measures next week, accounting for two decades of declines.

Dividing water: As Colorado River is stretched thin by drought, can 100-year-old rules that divide it still work?

'We've never had two good winters in a row'

Recent disappointing years were marred by dry and warm springs that sponged up much of what otherwise could have been decent flows based on snowpack alone. Utahs dry soils could again steal significant snowmelt this year, river forecaster Cody Moser said, but that states mountains also have the amplest snowpack now and were factored into the forecasting model. Soils in Arizona and western Colorado are relatively wetter thanks to summer and fall rains.

The Henry Mountains on March 26, 2023, north of Lake Powell in southeastern Utah.

Weve had a couple pretty good monsoon seasons, Moser said.

While pleased with the predictions, Central Arizona Water Conservation District board member Terry Goddard said its premature to celebrate. His district, which manages the Central Arizona Project Canal delivering water from the river, has already been hit hard by water reductions forced by Lake Meads slide. He considers this years heavy snows a short reprieve from nearly a quarter-century of spiraling disaster.

During that time, he cautioned, Weve never had two good winters in a row. And it would take more than two to refill the reservoirs to comfortable levels.

Like Buschatzke, Goddard said its imperative that all seven states negotiating their commitments to save water retain their urgency. Otherwise, he said, next years snowpack could deliver calamity.

Snowmelt: Salt River Project opens Bartlett Dam floodgates to make room for spring snowmelt

Were hoping that we continue the momentum built over the last several dry years, Goddard said.

What happens next is in the federal governments hands. After proclaiming last year that the seven states needed to conserve between 2 million and 4 million acre-feet a year to stabilize the reservoirs, the U.S. Interior Department asked the states to work out an agreement on how to do it. So far the states have not agreed on how to split up those cutbacks, and next week the department will reveal its own plan.

Deputy Interior Secretary Tommy Beaudreau traveled to Phoenix to tout the Biden administrations commitment to conservation during Thursdays news conference at the governors office. While there, he assured Arizonans that the administration will use every tool to save the river and, with it, the regions economy.

Deputy Secretary of the Interior Tommy Beaudreau speaks during a press conference discussing Colorado River conservation investments at the state Capitol in Phoenix on April 6, 2023.

This is one of the most significant challenges facing the United States today, Beaudreau said.

Brandon Loomis covers environmental and climate issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Reach him at brandon.loomis@arizonarepublic.com or follow on Twitter @brandonloomis.

Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Follow The Republic environmental reporting team at environment.azcentral.com and @azcenvironment on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Forecasters say Colorado River due for best flows in 12 years
Between food, airfare, activities, and lodging, Insider's reporter spent $4,500 for a week in Hawaii with her family. Emily Hochberg/Insider

Last year, I went to Hawaii with my husband and nearly 2-year-old daughter.

We spent a week on Oahu dividing our time between Honolulu and Ko Olina.

We saved with points but splurged on Disney's hotel. With food and a car rental, we spent $4,500.

Last summer, I was dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation. I wanted to go to Maui  until I saw it would easily cost $10,000 for one week for my family of three.

The author and her daughter posing on an Aloha sign in Hawaii. Emily Hochberg/Insider

When my family relocated from the northeast to the West Coast, I knew I wanted to plan a trip to Hawaii. I thought it would finally be easier and cheaper for us all to go than when we lived in New York.

As I started researching, I set my sights on Maui. I had been before and knew it would be a great mix of beautiful beaches and family-friendly resorts with plenty of things to do with my toddler.

But, I found a standard hotel room at a four-star resort with the amenities I wanted  pools, beach access, and on-site restaurants so this tired mama didn't have to cook  showed no less than $750 per night on Google before taxes and fees.

Even when I planned to pay with credit card points for a portion of the trip, I calculated we'd spend close to $10,000 if we went for a week, to cover flights, a hotel, rental car, and spending money on fun activities and good food.

Considering that's the same cost as a few mortgage payments, that was a no-go.

I booked a vacation on Oahu instead. With a mix of saving and splurging, it cost closer to $4,500.

The author with her husband and daughter on the beach in Hawaii. Emily Hochberg/Insider

To go to Honolulu on Oahu, however, flights from Los Angeles were under $400 per person, and standard hotel rooms in Honolulu on Waikiki Beach started around $250 to $300 per night, according to Google search results at the time.

By using my credit card points to offset the cost of Honolulu hotels, I was also able to splurge on two nights at Disney's Aulani Resort in Ko Olina.

All together with a rental car, food, and activities, Oahu would be half the price of a week on Maui.

Even though it was cheaper than Maui, our Oahu trip still cost much more than we typically pay for a vacation.

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The author and her family in Hawaii. Emily Hochberg/Insider

When I typically plan a week-long trip for my family of three, I expect to spend anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500 when I factor in flights, hotels, rental cars, food, and activities.

Choosing to go to Hawaii meant I was agreeing to pay a premium. My research showed that it cost more than if we'd chosen another tropical location near the West Coast, such as Mexico.

But after a long pandemic where we spent very little on travel, and with a preference to vacation domestically with my young child, I decided spending more on Hawaii felt like a worthy and much-needed investment in making memories for this one time.

Our first major expenses came with the flight, and included more than just the airfare.

Air travel to Hawaii became more expensive when luggage fees and parking were considered. Emily Hochberg/Insider

Flights on Delta for my husband and I cost $388 each. Since my daughter was under age two at the time, we were permitted to hold her on our lap, as opposed to purchasing a third seat.

But our airline costs didn't stop at our combined $776 fares. We also had a lot of cargo.

Flying with a young child isn't easy, and for us, it's not low maintenance, either. For seven nights and eight days, all three of us needed a full-size suitcase each, and we also traveled with a car seat, stroller, and Pack 'n Play crib. While my Delta credit card offered me one free checked bag each way per person, and a car seat is free, we still had to pay a $40 fee for our Pack 'n Play each way.

Plus, we live about two-and-a-half hours away from LA, and had to leave our car in long-term economy parking at the airport, which cost $100.

But the biggest costs by far were our hotels.

The author's hotel room at Aulani. Emily Hochberg/Insider

For the first three nights on Oahu, we stayed in a one-bedroom suite at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu. It was beachfront with all the amenities I wanted and I knew my daughter would love all the pools. Insider received a discounted media rate of $189 per night, but with taxes and fees, it still came out to $670.

We then moved on to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, where two nights in a standard room with partial ocean views cost $1,826.06 with taxes and fees.

Finally, we spent the last two nights in a junior suite at The Royal Hawaiian back in Honolulu on Waikiki Beach. I booked with my credit card points and only owed $100 for taxes and resort fees. Had I paid full price, it would have cost another $1,613.74.

Most hotels on Hawaii also charged pricey resort fees to use the facilities and amenities.

The author's daughter on the beach in Hawaii. Emily Hochberg/Insider

While our most expensive hotel, Aulani, didn't charge resort fees, the other two did.

At the time of our stay in August, Hilton Hawaiian Village's fee was $50 per night, plus tax, and The Royal Hawaiian's resort fee was $42 per day, plus tax.

While these fees included things like Wi-Fi, activities, and discounts on local services such as water sports, with two nights at each property, they collectively added around $200 to my total vacation cost.

Renting a car turned out to be much more expensive than I thought when I factored in parking.

The author's daughter in the car. Emily Hochberg/Insider

I booked a rental car for my family on Oahu. I thought it would give us freedom to explore and travel between hotels, and that it would be easiest to install my daughter's car seat once and be done with it, rather than move it between shuttles and transfers.

I booked our weeklong rental car through Costco Travel for $476, which I thought was a good price. But I had not considered parking expenses.

At Hilton Hawaiian Village, the self-parking charge for registered hotel guests is $57 per night; that meant $171 for our three-night stay.

At Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, self parking or valet parking are both $37 per day; for two nights, it cost $74.

And at the Royal Hawaiian, self parking was $45 per day, so our two-night stay cost $90.

That all totaled $335 spent on parking alone. I later ultimately decided this was a mistake, and it would have been cheaper to book cabs and airport transfers.

Food expenses for three people added up quickly. Every breakfast cost close to $50 and we routinely spent over $100 for lunch or dinner, even when we chose casual restaurants.

Even to-go casual meals were expensive in Hawaii. Emily Hochberg/Insider

A week in Hawaii in hotels meant a week of dining out, whether it was a restaurant, a casual cafe, or takeout.

I was excited to try local specialties like acai bowls for breakfast, poke bowls for lunch, and fresh fish for dinner. But they weren't cheap.

I especially felt sticker shock when I ate in hotels. That convenience I wanted by not cooking was expensive; my much-awaited poke bowl cost $28, a simple fish sandwich was $27, most dinner entrees cost $35, and a regular burger was $29.

Even dining outside of hotels was costly. In Ko Olina, we went to the much-recommended Monkeypod Kitchen, where my fresh-caught ahi tuna cost $45.

When my husband and I wanted to toast with a cocktail at the end of our trip, my Mai Tai cost $20.

Drinks at the Mai Tai bar ranged from $17 to $22 per cocktail. Emily Hochberg/Insider

According to The Royal Hawaiian's website, the original Mai Tai cocktail was created by "Trader Vic" Bergeron in 1944 and brought to Hawaii in 1953, where it was first served at The Royal Hawaiian hotel.

So, I knew I wanted to have one at the aptly-named Mai Tai bar when we stayed on-site. My husband and I each ordered drinks, and I was shocked when the bill showed mine as $20. We both lived in New York City for a long time and were used to expensive cocktail prices in big cities, but couldn't believe we were paying more than we would in NYC for a tropical drink at a casual beachfront bar.

Every drink was pricey, ranging from $17 to $22.

While beach access was free, renting beach chairs and umbrellas on Waikiki would have cost another $500.

Royal Hawaiian charged extra for beach chair rentals. Emily Hochberg/Insider

Despite paying those resort fees in Honolulu, they did not include the use of beach chairs and umbrellas on Waikiki Beach.

According to a sign I saw posted at the stand in front of the Hilton, one chair cost $25 to rent per day, and an umbrella cost another $40. That would mean $90 for me and my husband to both sit on the beach for just one day out of a week.

Similarly, at The Royal Hawaiian, two beach chairs and one umbrella cost $95 per day if you use their partner vendor, according to their website.

Only at Aulani were these amenities included in the hotel price.

Given that we'd easily spend around $500 if we paid to do this every day at the beach while staying at those hotels, we opted to just sit on the sand on our towel.

I admit I could have saved more money if I made a few different decisions.

The author and her family pose with Minnie Mouse at Aulani. Emily Hochberg/Insider

Skipping the beach chairs wasn't always comfortable, but it was smart.

And did I have to spend over $1,800 for just two nights at Disney's resort? No. Did I want to? Yes. I knew with all the characters and family-friendly pools that it was a place my daughter would love, and I felt like it was a cost that could be balanced given the lower prices of the other hotels.

We also could have left the resorts more to find cheaper dining options where meals might have cost less. But I was traveling with a toddler, and easy places that were close by were always the best choice for our family.

And I could have skipped the car rental if I'd considered we would mostly be spending time on-site at hotels.

I could have also booked a shorter trip. Rather than hop between three hotels, I could have done just two properties for a few less nights, and shaved a few hundred dollars off my total bill.

Even with small changes, Hawaii is still expensive. But in my opinion, it's worth it  for an occasional splurge.

The author and her family in Hawaii. Emily Hochberg/Insider

While I'd love to repeat some variation of this trip annually, I think Hawaii will remain a special splurge for my family that we only do every few years when it makes sense financially.

But for a one-off, much-needed vacation, I think it was worth the cost for the high-quality hotels and food we experienced, and the memories we made. And I'm glad we didn't spend as much as we could have on another island.

But next time, I'll implement a few of those small changes to try and offset the cost more.

Read the original article on Insider
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is set to become the first woman and person of color to direct a Star Wars movie with a new film in franchise, which will also see actor Daisy Ridley return as the character Rey.

The news is OUT! Obaid-Chinoy wrote Friday on Instagram following an official announcement at Star Wars Celebration Europe, a four-day event in London.

I am so very excited to be directing the next Star Wars movie and bringing ... [Ridley] back to the galaxy, wrote the filmmaker, who is a Pakistani national and Canadian citizen.

Obaid-Chinoy previously won two Academy Awards for the documentaries Saving Face (2012) and A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness (2015). She most recently helmed two episodes of the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel.

She is set to direct a screenplay by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. While little else is known about the the film, a Walt Disney Company news release states that the movie is set 15 years after the last events of the Skywalker Saga and will tell the story of rebuilding the New Jedi Order with Rey.

The character was last seen in 2019s The Rise of Skywalker, which infamously faced backlash for its aesthetic and narrative departures from 2017s The Last Jedi. At the time, this was thought to be Ridleys final apperance in the franchise.

When we wrapped ... I wept all day, she told People in 2021. I felt like I was going to pop a vein because I was crying so much.

Its just exciting, Jon Favreau, a major force behind multiple Star Wars projects, told Variety this week about Ridleys return. I always find it really satisfying, encouraging when you have people who come through Star Wars, come back to Star Wars. It shows you how strong that community is and how big of a bond you develop.

Obaid-Chinoy and Ridleys involvement wasnt the only announcement Friday, as it was revealed that Logan director James Mangold and Mandalorian executive producer Dave Filoni are set to direct new Star Wars movies as well.

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The franchise has recently faced difficulty with its planned offerings, however. In 2020, Disney had announced that the first female Star Wars director would be Patty Jenkins of Wonder Woman fame  only for the company to shelve the project, which was set for a 2023 release.

Meanwhile, Knight was only brought on as a screenwriter for the franchise after previous writers exited in February.

Related...
James Mangold is officially directing a "biblical epic" within the galaxy far, far away. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

James Mangold's Force-origins Star Wars movie has been described as a "biblical epic" by the director.

Announced at this weekend's Star Wars Celebration convention in London, alongside Dave Filoni and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's respective features, Mangold's story will rewind the clock back 25,000 years to a time untouched by this iconic franchise.

After stepping off the Studio Showcase stage, he told the media: "When I first started talking to Kathy [Kennedy] about doing one of these pictures, what occurred to me was thinking about what kind of genre of movie within Star Wars I wanted to do.

Read more: Star Wars: Ahmed Best's return in The Mandalorian is full circle for the Jar Jar Binks actor

"And I thought about a biblical epic, like a Ten Commandments, about the dawning of the Force. Where did the Force come from, when did we discover it, when did we learn how to use it?"

Jedi master Yoda is an iconic wielder of the Force in the Star Wars universe. (Lucasfilm)

The filmmaker, who called the shots on this year's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, also revealed to Empire Magazine that his galactic blockbuster won't be a slave to interconnectivity, like Disney+ series The Mandalorian or Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

"Its a movie that both connects to the worlds we know, but is also far enough away from it that I think there's a lot of opportunities to tell a story freely, also, and not be so incredibly tied in by the knots and different story strands that are already in place," said Mangold.

Read more: Star Wars: Skeleton Crew: Release date, cast, plot for Jude Law's Disney+ series

This comes after The Force Awakens actor Simon Pegg described the Star Wars fanbase as the most "toxic" one out there.

He played the creature Unkar Plutt for one scene.

Watch: Indiana Jones 5 director James Mangold on reshoots
Chinese, French enterprises sign 18 cooperation agreements

Xinhua) 10:10, April 08, 2023

BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-six Chinese and French enterprises inked 18 agreements to expand cooperation in areas including manufacturing, green development, new energy and innovation at a meeting of Chinese and French entrepreneurs on Thursday, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Friday.

In an opening speech, MOC official Yu Yuantang said the trade volume between China and France has increased from 60 billion U.S. dollars to 80 billion U.S. dollars in the past five years.

In 2022, China-EU cooperation overcame multiple adverse impacts and achieved steady progress, with bilateral trade hitting a new high of 847.3 billion U.S. dollars and new investment from European companies in China up 70 percent to 12.1 billion U.S. dollars, Yu said.

Representatives from companies such as Bank of China, BNP Paribas, the China National Nuclear Corporation and Electricite de France discussed topics ranging from jointly braving global challenges to promoting cooperation, and made suggestions on deepening China-France economic and trade ties.

They also vowed to seize the opportunities of China's high-quality development, ensure stable industrial and supply chains, and expand cooperation in areas from nuclear energy to finance and consumption.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Of the 10 most child-friendly states, only one has attempted to ban abortion. Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Some proponents of abortion bans and restrictions say they are concerned about supporting not just life, but what they call quality of life worth living, saying they want to promote laws and policies that help families. Three authors from Brigham Young University, for instance, have noted that the overturning of Roe v. Wade provides a genuine opportunity for pro-lifers to work with people of diverse political persuasions to seek a more just and compassionate world. This world would be not only pro-life, but also pro-child, pro-parent and pro-family.

U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah is one of three Republicans in the Senate who have sponsored a bill called the Family Security Act, billed as a pro-family, pro-life and pro-marriage plan that would provide a monthly cash benefit starting at pregnancy and continuing through the child turning 17.

But so far, these are minority voices in the anti-abortion movement.

As a law professor who studies reproductive care, policies that affect families and political partisanship, I have been following the relationship between abortion restrictions and family well-being for decades. It turns out that states taking the strictest stands against abortion tend to have among the worst statistics on child and family well-being in the nation.

Unintended pregnancy and infant mortality

Take Mississippi, the state that enacted the abortion restriction law that was at the center of the Supreme Courts June 2022 opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which struck down federal protection for the right to get an abortion.

In 2019, Mississippi had the highest rate of unintended pregnancy, defined as the percentage of women who recently gave birth but whose pregnancies were either unwanted or happened at an unwanted time. In Mississippi, 47% of women who recently had a child did not want to become pregnant or wanted to become pregnant later in life.

By contrast, Vermont had the nations lowest rate of unintended pregnancy in 2019, with just 20% of women who recently had a child saying they would have preferred not to get pregnant or wanted to do so at some point in the future. That state already protects abortion rights. If Vermonts upcoming referendum on abortion passes, the states constitution will protect an individuals right to personal reproductive autonomy.

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Mississippi also has the highest infant mortality rate in the country. Five of the other nine states with the highest infant mortality also have abortion bans. At the other end of the spectrum, of the 10 states with the lowest infant mortality rates, only one  Iowa  has a law restricting abortions, although a court has prevented its enforcement.

Childhood poverty and teen birth rates

Mississippi has the highest rate of child poverty in the country. Six of the other 10 states with the countrys highest child poverty levels also have abortion bans in effect: Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

Mississippi also had the highest teen birth rate in the country, and eight of the other nine states with the highest teen birth rates also ban abortions or have a ban blocked.

In all 10 states with the lowest teen birth rates, abortion is legal and likely to be protected for the foreseeable future.

A pregnant activist calls for abortion rights in Chicago on June 25, 2022. Vincent D. Johnson/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Supporting families

The well-being of children also depends on the availability of support for their parents.

For instance, 11 states plus the District of Columbia legally require employers to offer workers paid time off after the birth or adoption of a child. None of those jurisdictions bans abortions.

Another federal effort to support families came in the Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010, with sweeping changes to the nations health insurance marketplace. One provision allowed states to expand Medicaid eligibility to more adults, with financial support from the federal government. If Medicaid were expanded, reproductive-aged women would be among the groups to experience the largest coverage gains.

As of August 2022, 12 states had not adopted the expansion: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Eight of those states have either a full ban on abortion or a ban after six weeks  before many people realize they are pregnant.

Two of those states, South Carolina and Wyoming, have abortion laws that are tied up in the courts, and Florida bans abortions after 15 weeks.

In a June 2022 Brookings Institution study of the states that are considered most child-friendly  measured by state expenditures per child and childrens overall well-being  the authors found that among the top 10, only Wyoming was even trying to ban abortion. For the 10 states Brookings rated least child-friendly, nine either had a trigger ban or other abortion restriction.

The overall pattern is clear: A strong social safety net and other anti-poverty programs are more likely to be available in states that also support abortion access, while actual measures of child and family well-being are often worse in states that restrict abortions.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts. Try our free newsletters.

It was written by: Naomi Cahn, University of Virginia.

Read more:



Naomi Cahn does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Photo Illustration by Erin O'Flynn/The Daily Beast/Getty Images

Frida Kahlos story is well known. Theres the childhood polio. The elite female student at a predominantly male school. The bus crash at 18 that crushed her and her ambition to become a doctor. The monobrow. The early marriage to Diego Rivera, a fellow Mexican artist and revolutionary twenty years her senior. His affairs. Her affairs, including a brief fling with Leon Trotsky. Membership of the Mexican Communist Party. Her flirtation with Surrealism. Her death at 47. The 500 people who attended her funeral at the Palace of Fine Arts.

Frida Kahlos life was as colorful as her outfits. Its been the subject of movies, of books, and of many, many exhibitions. But her biography is not why she is famous. There are countless individuals with vivid life stories who are now long forgotten. She has risen to the status of international icon because of her art, which has connected with people across time and space. Fans from the Americas, Europe and Asia politely wait in line to see her politically charged, allegorical images. They resonate universally, even though her paintings are neither technically brilliant nor staggeringly beautiful. They are more like poems in picture form, an artist baring her soul with brushstrokes rather than a pen.

Frida Kahlo had incredible vision. She knew it. When she was 19 she wrote a letter to her boyfriend Alejandro Gomez Arias about her uncanny ability to perceive what others could not. I know everything now, without reading or writing I know there is nothing else beyond; if there was, I would see it. She wasnt boasting, more lamenting. The horrific accident that turned her from being a promising medic into a fledgling artist had happened only a few months earlier. She and Alejandro were traveling back to her hometown of Coyoacan on the outskirts of Mexico City when a tram crashed into the side of their bus, causing Frida to be impaled on a metal handrail. She survived, just, with a broken back, a smashed pelvis and several badly damaged organs. Her life thereafter was one of chronic discomfort and frequent operations. Now I live on a painful planet, she wrote in the same letter, transparent as ice; nothing is concealed.

If there was any upside to that life-changing collision, it was the insight and time for observation with which it left her. In photographs subsequently taken by lovers as well as the dozens of self-portraits she produced throughout her adult life, you can see Frida seeing. The expressionless face, the red lips, the dark hair, the faint mustache  and those critical eyes. With Kahlo the lights were always switched on; even when wrecked through drink and drugs, she was measuring up the world as a tiger stalks a deer. There was an inscrutability to her countenance, a stillness to her presence: we dont know what she is thinking but we definitively know that she is thinking.

It is too simplistic to say that the physical pain she endured was the subject of her highly personalized paintings. Such directness was never Frida Kahlos style. Symbolism, metaphor and story were the foundational elements of her art. The suffering she experienced because of her injuries was central to her art, but it wasnt the only subject  it was more a way into a much broader range of concerns. She didnt see pain, she used it to see.

To understand how she saw, it helps to consider how she might have thought. Frida Kahlo made the personal political long before the 1960s feminists claimed that notion as their own. She turned herself into the embodiment of her beloved Mexico, a nation in the process of creating a new identity following the end of colonial rule and the countrys subsequent decade-long revolution (191020). Her agenda was the peoples agenda, the agenda of the Mexican revolutionaries and their leaders, Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa. When she presented herself wounded but resolute in a painting, she was representing the spirit of a newly liberated Mexico as wounded but resolute. When her skin was pierced by a necklace of thorns, causing her to bleed, she was reflecting on the revolutionaries blood spilt during their struggles to save the countrys soul. When she split an image into two opposing halves, she was thinking of a divided Mexico. What she said, painted, wore and wrote was a statement about Mexicos independence and culture. That was her subject. Pain was the lens through which she saw it.

The constant discomfort she felt gave her access to the extra-sensory faculties needed to reveal the daily agonies and ecstasies taking place within her cherished country. You cant paint hurt without hurting. Frida Kahlo without pain is the Rolling Stones without Mick Jagger or a Margarita without tequila. The wounds and wonders she described in paint made plain her feelings, her heart pounding with joy one minute and broken in despair the next. She was a passionate woman who had many lovers, but none came close to Diego Rivera, who made her the happiest and saddest person to be alive. She once said, I suffered two grave accidents in my life. One in which a streetcar knocked me down . . . the other is Diego.

Rivera was already a world-famous, well-established, mid-career artist and revolutionary when he came to paint a mural in the amphitheater at the school the then fifteen-year-old Frida attended. He arrived with his paints and a gun in his pocket just in case any right-wing students attempted to kill him! As soon as she saw him enter her school, Frida knew they would become lovers and she would have his babies, a prediction made impossible to realize by the injuries she would suffer three years later. But he did become her one and only husband, by which time she was his third wife of what would be four. When they married, he was forty-three, she was twenty-two. He was big and stout, she was small and thin. They became a Mexican power couple, feted in New York and Paris and admired at home. They entertained leading artists, politicians and members of the worlds intelligentsia. Theirs was a romanticized view of Mexico and, to an extent, of themselves. They described their artistic-political movement as Mexicanidad, proclaiming Mexico as a modern Marxist state free of foreign rulers and reconnected to its ancient Meso-american cultures of the Olmecs, the Maya and the Aztecs.

Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo on December 8, 1939. Bettmann/Getty Images

They promoted their causes through art and action, including membership of the Mexican Communist Party and a public rejection of religion. Diego made Modernist frescos celebrating a new world order of workers empowerment under enlightened communist leadership. Frida painted Stalin as a hero. Rivera collected ancient Mexican objects with his friend Miguel Covarrubias, which he would reference in his murals. Kahlo turned personal style into political activism by wearing the traditional clothes of Tehuana women, the indigenous descendants of the pre-Colombian Zapotec culture based around the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in southern Mexico. It was a feminist as well as a nationalist statement, a light shone on to a community in which women expressed their economic and social status through beautifully crafted dresses, skirts and blouses.

To the ancient, Kahlo and Rivera fused the avant-garde. The Mexican modernist architect Juan OGorman designed them a Le Corbusier-inspired his-and-hers art studio, interconnected by a concrete bridge at roof level and surrounded by a cactus fence. Diego was particularly pleased when he returned from America to see what his old friend had built. Separate studios with separate entrances were a perfect working environment for a womanizing artist. Frida largely put up with her husbands bad temper and frequent infidelity, often giving as good as she got. But there was one affair she could not tolerate.

In 1934, five years after their marriage, Diego took Fridas younger sister Cristina as his lover. Frida was devastated. It is a twofold grief, she wrote to friends. I only had Diego and my family at home. She went to New York to meet friends, and talked to her father  Wilhelm Guillermo Kahlo  a German photographer who had moved to Mexico in the 1890s where he met and married her Mexican mother, Matilde. Frida adored her papa, who was instrumental in teaching her to see and be seen (he photographed her a lot), but he was no good when it came to the affair, as she noted: My father is a wonderful person, but he reads Schopenhauer day and night, and is no help to me at all. He could cope with complex philosophy but not his daughters complex relationship. He disappeared into a book and said nothing.

Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlotalk together in the garden, near the porch of Kahlo's home in Mexico City, Mexico in 1937. FPG/Getty Images

Fridas work became fiercer and franker. The humor she once sneaked into her pieces evaporated. Satire evolved into a Freudian examination of selfhood: Since my subjects have always been my sensations, my states of mind and the profound reactions that life has prompted in me, I have often objectified all this in figures of myself, which were the most real, most sincere thing I could do to express what I felt within and outside myself.

When Andre Breton, the self-styled founder and leader of Surrealism, visited Mexico and saw her work he immediately claimed it  and her  to be part of his movement. He adored its darkness and anger, describing her delicate paintings of nightmares and abortions as being a ribbon around a bomb. He invited her to show her work in Paris, an offer she accepted  apart from anything else, she needed to get away from home. While she worked on a series of new paintings for the show in France  and presented a successful exhibition in New York  her marriage was disintegrating. Her sister was still part of Diegos romantic life four years after the affair had started, and Frida was not putting up with it any longer. In 1939 she divorced Diego, which led to her producing one of her most famous pictures, Las Dos Fridas (The Two Fridas), which now hangs in the Museo de Arte Moderno in Mexico City.

It is much, much bigger than her usual paintings, which tended to be quite small as she was frequently bed-bound, or sitting with restricted mobility. Las Dos Fridas, though, is a large square composition measuring 173.5cm x 173cm  not far off life-size. There are two explanations for this sudden upscaling. One is commercial. Andre Breton advised her to make some larger works for her Paris show, as European collectors preferred more sizeable paintings. And second, she had a lot to say. Las Dos Fridas is the ultimate break-up picture.

The tone is set by the background, which is stormy and ominous. In the foreground, sitting on a green wicker bench, are the two Fridas. They are holding hands, united. Their shoulders are turned slightly towards one another, but their eyes stare directly out to the viewer: this is no interior conversation piece, they are talking to us. One Frida is wearing traditional Mexican clothes, the other a colonial-style wedding dress. These are the two sides to Frida: Mexican Frida with indigenous Indian roots on her mothers side, and European Frida with her fathers German heritage on the other. We suspect Diego prefers Mexican Frida because it is this Frida who is holding a miniature picture of him in her left hand. It is attached to a vein full of blood that winds itself up her arm and into her halved heart, which is exposed outside her body. The vein exits from an artery and makes its way over to European Frida, who has the other half of the heart beating over her breast. The vein passes through another artery and makes its way down to her right hand, which holds a pair of scissor forceps, clamped over the vein to stop it bleeding. Well, not entirely. A little blood has dripped on to European Fridas dress, blending in with the red flower decoration on its rim.

You can see why Breton, with his taste for the macabre and disturbed, would have delighted in Fridas ghoulish account of her marriage. Shes laid it all out there in the open: the organ failures, the hospitalizations, the anatomical knowledge from studying medicine, the dualistic nature of her background (a mestizo, meaning mixed race), her stoicism, the older and younger self, the interior and exterior, the mind and body, Madonna and child, life and death.

Circa 1945, married Mexican artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo read and work in a studio. Kahlo's self-portrait, 'The Two Fridas' (1939), hangs in the background with other works. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

European Frida has blood on her hands, Mexican Frida has love in hers. The menacing sky closes in, a sign of anxiety over a future direction  Western subjugation or Mexican values? Theres more. Although she was a publicly stated atheist, religion played a significant role in her painting style and outlook. It is there in the depiction of the sacred heart, bleeding and damaged, with the ventricles rising to form a cross in the hope, perhaps, of a miracle cure. The blood could be the blood of Christ, a symbol of martyrdom, unconditional love and redemption. The painting of Diego is a retablo, a small devotional picture that is part of the folk art of the Catholic Church, into which Kahlo was born. Has she refound her faith in God rather than in an unfaithful man? Her walls were covered in ex-votos, postcard-sized pictures that offer a prayer in the form of a pictorial story accompanied by text. They were a notable influence on Frida, whose paintings owe a lot to the ex-voto aesthetic, particularly the way they favored an easily legible image over painterly technique. Theres no attempt to convincingly represent perspective, or to achieve even basic levels of academic draftsmanship. Unnecessary flourishes are put aside to give prominence to the story encapsulated in the image. The result is a rigid, stiff composition that gives ex-voto images a distinctly spooky look: an effect Kahlo comprehensively mastered.

Las Dos Fridas didnt sell when exhibited, unlike many of her other pictures. Maybe Breton was wrong to encourage Frida to go large. He was certainly wrong about her being a Surrealist, as she made clear with this statement: I never painted my dreams, I painted my own reality. That is the way into her art. Her pictures were not the whimsical meanderings Breton believed them to be. They belonged to the time and place in which Kahlo lived. She made images that were overtly political, often with more than a hint of propaganda. She was deeply committed to helping shape the future of Mexico, and did so by becoming its cultural embodiment. The artist and her nation were inseparable, and still are today.

Frida Kahlo would probably have been a doctor if it wasnt for the bus accident. Instead of breaking her, it was the making of her. She learnt to live with the pain and to use it as a way of seeing the world and her place in it, the pain of the crash, of the miscarriages, of Diegos affairs, of her sisters betrayal, of a colonial past, of lost traditions, of an overbearing West, of her countrys turmoil. She was a force of nature whom few could resist. Not even Diego, who asked her to remarry him a year after their divorce. Which she did.

Publisher

Excerpted with permission from See What Youre Missing: New Ways of Looking at the World Through Art by Will Gompertz. Published by Pegasus Books.

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ZURICH (Reuters) - UBS's multi-billion state-sponsored takeover of Credit Suisse should proceed smoothly without political obstructions, Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said in an interview published on Saturday.

The Swiss parliament is due to hold an extraordinary session next week to discuss the emergency merger engineered by the Swiss authorities after Credit Suisse came close to collapse.

Nearly 260 billion Swiss francs ($287 billion) of liquidity support and state guarantees have been offered to back the takeover and avoid a financial meltdown the bank's uncontrolled failure could have triggered.

"There is a merger agreement between UBS and CS, for its part the cabinet has made a commitment to the national bank to provide CS with liquidity in order to ensure stability," Keller-Sutter told newspaper Finanz und Wirtschaft.

"The guarantee agreement with UBS is still being negotiated. In many committee meetings, I got the impression that politicians definitely don't want to jeopardise the takeover," she added.

"I don't see any stumbling blocks at the moment."

Completing the merger was the highest priority, the minister said, who defended the government's intervention last month, which critics have said came too late and promised too much taxpayer support for a bank that paid out billions in bonuses to executives.

"The primary goal of the Federal Council was to ensure the stability of the Swiss economy and the Swiss financial center and to prevent an international financial crisis," she said.

"Under the circumstances, it was and is the best possible choice, which also places the least burden on the state and the taxpayer," Keller-Sutter said.

The new combined bank will have $1.6 trillion in assets - double the size of the entire Swiss economy - and more than 120,000 staff and Keller-Sutter said the structure of UBS would have to be considered in the future.

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"UBS will have to hold more equity after the takeover. This will rather force them to shrink," Keller-Sutter said.

Switzerland's Competition Commission can also make recommendations, the minister added.

The risks to the taxpayer were also acceptable - even though the government could assume up to 9 billion francs in losses incurred by UBS by the takeover.

Keller-Sutter criticised the culture at Credit Suisse, which she said had set the wrong incentives and had not learned from previous scandals and prosecutions.

The minister also defended the writedown of AT1 bonds to zero, a controversial part of the rescue.

"These are high-risk bonds with high yields, sometimes over 9%," Keller-Sutter said. "The prospectus for these bonds makes it clear that if a company claims indirect government aid, they can be written off."

The special parliamentary session next week was important, she added, and a welcome opportunity to get to the truth of the Credit Suisse debacle.

"At the moment, parliament can 'only' advise on the commitment credit, but it also has the opportunity to comment on the case and play an active role in the process."

($1 = 0.9051 Swiss francs)

(Reporting by John Revill; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
Alex Cochran, Deseret News

The Rev. Ryan Burge has spent a lot of time in recent years thinking about the challenges Easter poses to Christian parents.

Sure, they, like other parents, can enjoy stealing some of their kids Easter candy or arranging cute family photo shoots. But they have to consider whether that candy or those photos or any number of other secular Easter traditions will distract from the religious significance of the day.

Oh, and they also have to explain the religious significance of the day, which can involve talking about complicated and potentially scary concepts like betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection.

You want to give your kids a religious foundation, but also let them be kids. I dont know how you square it all, said the Rev. Burge, pastor of First Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

The Rev. Burge, who has an 8-year-old and an 11-year-old, has essentially decided that you cant. So hes stopped focusing on finding the perfect approach to Easter and instead started focusing on feeling less guilty when some part of the celebration goes awry.

Related

Similarly, Kyla Rodriguez, the kids ministry coordinator for St. Peters Lutheran Church in Columbus, Indiana, goes bold with her Easter planning rather than dwelling on potential or actual awkward moments.

She takes her three children  a kindergartener, preschooler and 18-month-old  to a range of religious and secular events each spring, while regularly reminding them of what Christians believe.

I spend a lot of time teaching the basic framework of what happened, she said.

In general, Rodriguez, the Rev. Burge and other faith leaders recommend that Christian parents embrace the joy of the Easter season instead of the stress.

The Easter story and surrounding events can feel like a big, complicated puzzle that you have to teach your kids to put together, but they dont have to learn to do that all at once, Rodriguez said.

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Here are other tips for making Easter religiously significant and stress-free for your family:

Follow your heart, not the crowd

At Easter, as at Christmas, its hard to avoid the pressure to get swept up in popular trends, whether that be buying brand-new, matching outfits for Easter worship or drinking Peeps-flavored Pepsi.

But the problem with adopting new traditions on a whim is that once you start, it can be very hard to stop, the Rev. Burge said. You have to think about whether that activity will serve your family in the long term.

Youve got to be really careful about what you start doing, he said.

During his talk at last weeks general conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraged families to look for Christ-centered Easter traditions.

How do we model the teaching and celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Easter story, with the same balance, fullness, and rich religious tradition of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story? It seems we are all trying, he said. I observe a growing effort among Latter-day Saints toward a more Christ-centered Easter. This includes a greater and more thoughtful recognition of Palm Sunday and Good Friday as practiced by some of our Christian cousins. We might also adopt appropriate Christ-centered Easter traditions found in the cultures and practices of countries worldwide.

Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Dont let the Easter bunny steal the show

In the not-too-distant past, it was rare for churches to host their own Easter egg hunts, Burge said. It was also less common for Christians to embrace secular Easter traditions, like Easter bunny photo shoots.

Now, those activities are the norm, which is why few religious families try to avoid them. Rodriguez, for example, brings her kids to all sorts of fun Easter events, since the holiday is meant to be a celebration.

Easter is an amazing time of celebration for the church. ... I love having the opportunity to lean into that fun, she said.

Where problems arise, Rodriguez added, is when families focus on secular traditions at the expense of religious ones. In other words, parents have to strike a balance between sharing the biblical Easter story and sharing stories about the Easter bunny.

If your family is only attending Easter egg hunts and seeing the Easter bunny, your kids wont feel a religious connection, she said.

Similarly, the Rev. Burge said you dont have to banish chocolate bunnies or Easter eggs from your house to ensure that your kids understand the spiritual significance of Easter. But you do have to talk early and often about why Easter matters to Christians.

You want to make sure youre still centering the important part and talking about Jesus and the resurrection and all those things, he said.

Prepare your kids for worship (and then prepare to field questions)

Since Rodriguez and her husband both work at a church, they make Holy Week a family affair.

The kids come along for not only the kid-focused events, like a community Easter egg hunt, but also the more serious gatherings, such as the Good Friday worship service, which focuses on Jesus death on the cross.

Before each event, Rodriguez tells her kids what to expect, in hopes that she can help them feel comfortable. Before Good Friday worship, for example, she explains that the sanctuary will be darker than normal and that people may seem sad.

I let them know that church will be extra quiet, she said.

After each event, Rodriguez continues the conversation about what it meant, giving her kids a chance to ask questions.

Oftentimes, kids are really great discussion leaders and we dont realize it. ... I follow their lead, she said.

Ravell Call, Deseret News

Focus on the themes of the Easter story, rather than the details

The Easter story may have a happy ending, but it can be scary or confusing for young kids.

Thats why the Rev. Burge focuses on telling children about the lessons we can draw from Jesus sacrifice, rather than on the specific details of the crucifixion, like what it would feel like to be nailed to a cross.

I dont get into the ... brutality. I dont think that works with younger kids, he said.

Rodriguez favors a similar approach. Her goal is to plant seeds and lay foundations while her kids are young, not to get them to grasp every piece of the Easter story all at once.

I try to drip the information and follow their lead, not firehose them, she said.

As Lifeway, a Christian publishing company, puts it, Its important for children to understand certain foundational truths before they hear the Easter story.

What matters is for young people to understand the broad strokes of the biblical message, like the beauty and power of doing something you may not want to do on behalf of someone else, the Rev. Burge said.

I try to make it as simple as possible, he said. Talking about what the Easter story means is more important than talking about the nitty gritty details.

Dont beat yourself up

Easter is an important religious holiday, so its good to spend time thinking about how your family celebrates it, the Rev. Burge said.

But if things dont play out the way you imagined they would, you have to try to let go of your stress and just roll with it, he added.

Most parents end up feeling guilty all the time, the Rev. Burge said. But a lot of these battles are impossible to win.

The key is to be careful about where youre focusing your attention and to look for special moments instead of moments that cause you pain.

Rodriguez adopts this outlook as she tries to get her kids to memorize a short Bible verse each year in the lead-up to Easter. Rather than worry about mispronounced words or the tedious process of memorization, she thinks about how wonderful it is to hear them share a bit of the Easter story that is so central to her faith.

Its priceless to hear them repeat good news of the gospel with their own little voices, she said.
Tapit Trice was the favorite in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday and considered one of the top choices for next months Kentucky Derby, but his last race had left some questions.

His performance in his final Derby prep likely went a long way toward answering them.

The gray son of Tapit broke from the inside post in the 11-horse field, raced midpack around the first turn and started making his move on the backstretch  a major departure from his previous start in the Tampa Bay Derby, a race Tapit Trice eventually won but not without leaving himself ample work to do at the end.

In that race four weeks ago, he didnt make his move until it was nearly too late, entering the stretch in eighth place and needing a far-wide rally before gobbling up horses as the wire approached.

The Blue Grass Stakes ended the same way  with Tapit Trice in the winners circle  but getting there was a much different story.

He kind of takes a little while to get going, jockey Luis Saez acknowledged after the victory. But the first time we had an opportunity to put him in the clear  and I made a little move early, because the pace was pretty slow. So I wanted to be right there behind the horse we were supposed to beat. I know we gotta beat everybody, but that was the horse to follow. So we were right there, and when he made the move, we were right on top of him.

The horse to follow was Verifying  the 2-1 second choice Saturday and supposed early speed in this Blue Grass Stakes. Instead, it was 86-1 shot Clear the Air that set the pace and ultimately led the field into the final turn, but Verifying passed him before they hit the stretch.

By the time he did, Tapit Trice was just to his outside and on fairly even terms.

Those two battled throughout the stretch  even bumping slightly on at least a couple of occasions  and Tapit Trice stuck his nose in front just a few strides from the finish line, winning the race by a head to cement his standing as one of the top contenders in the Kentucky Derby.

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Exciting finish, said trainer Todd Pletcher. He fought with a nice horse and kept going to the wire, and thats what we were hoping to see.

An objection was filed over the contact in the stretch, but the replay showed Tapit Trice had kept his line and the final result held. He paid $5.28 to win, $3.12 to place and $2.64 to show. Verifying, trained by Brad Cox, paid $3.70 to place and $2.92 to show. Blazing Sevens, trained by Chad Brown, finished third at 6-1 odds and paid $3.74 to show.

The final time was 1:50.00.

All three of those colts have enough points to qualify for the Kentucky Derby on May 6.

Sun Thunder finished fourth, Gotham Stakes winner Raise Cain was fifth, Mendelssohns March was sixth, and Hayes Strike, Classic Car Wash, Scoobie Quando, Major Blue and pacesetter Clear the Air completed the order of finish.

Tapit Trice now has four wins in five starts, his only defeat coming on a third-place finish Nov. 6 at Aqueduct in his first career race. Saez has been aboard for the past three victories in his four-race winning streak. The Derby contender is owned by Whisper Hill Farm LLC and Gainesway Stables.

Pletcher, who has had a record 62 Kentucky Derby starters and won the race with Super Saver in 2010 and Always Dreaming in 2017, should have one of his best lineups yet this year.

He trains the presumptive favorite in Forte, the 2-year-old champion of this group and most recently the Florida Derby winner. Pletcher also has Kingsbarns, who won the Louisiana Derby last month.

We never take anything for granted, Pletcher said of his chances next month in Louisville. We feel great about the hand we have right now. But its four long weeks to get there.

Tapit Trice will go into May 6 at No. 4 on the Derby points leaderboard, behind only Forte, Arkansas Derby winner Angel of Empire and Practical Move, who won the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday.

This was Pletchers fourth Blue Grass Stakes win and the third such victory for Saez.

Before the race, Pletcher said he thought the added distance  from 1 1/16 miles to 1 1/8 miles  would benefit his colt, who had shown a penchant for taking some time to find his top speed. And even before Tapit Trice had won Saturday, the Hall of Fame trainer dropped a tease for the future.

I think the mile and a quarter will be in his wheelhouse, he said.

Jockey Luis Saez guides Tapit Trice to victory in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday.

Blue Grass Stakes favorite Tapit Trice warms up in the Keeneland paddock before the race on Saturday.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Tennessee has become a new front in the battle for the future of American democracy after Republicans expelled two Black lawmakers from the state Legislature for their part in a protest urging passage of gun-control measures.

In separate votes on Thursday, the GOP supermajority expelled Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, a move leaving about 140,000 voters in primarily Black districts in Nashville and Memphis with no representation in the Tennessee House.

Kevin Webb, a 53-year-old teacher from Pearsons district, said removing him for such a small infraction is classic America.

Theres been bias against Black individuals in this country for 500 years, Webb said. What makes us think that its going to stop all of a sudden?

Pearson and Jones were expelled in retaliation for their role in the protest, which unfolded in the aftermath of a school shooting in Nashville that killed six people, including three young students. A third Democrat was spared expulsion by a one-vote margin.

The removal of the lawmakers, who were only recently elected, reflects a trend in dozens of states where Republicans are trying to make it harder to cast ballots and challenging the integrity of the election process.

At least 177 bills restricting voting or creating systems that can intimidate voters or permit partisan interference were filed or introduced in dozens of states so far this year, according to the Brennan Center.

It represents a really slow erosion of our democracy, said Neha Patel, co-executive director of the State Innovation Exchange, a strategy center for state legislators working toward progressive policies.

Patel called the expulsions the third prong of a long-range strategy. She said it was once unprecedented for states to make it harder for people to vote, but the practice has become commonplace.

Its also become common for the GOP to challenge the electoral process and raise questions about election integrity. The next question is whether states with Republican supermajorities will follow Tennessees lead in expelling opponents with different points of view, she said.

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Fred Wertheimer, founder and president of Democracy 21, a nonpartisan organization advocating for better government, said expulsions have generally been reserved for lawmakers involved in criminal activity.

Voters losing their chosen representatives for doing their jobs is unheard of, Wertheimer said. He has not learned of any similar action in other states, but this stuff travels.

The action in Tennessee drew outcries from a range of groups.

National Urban League President Marc Morial said the issue was about race, but its not only about race. Its about basic American values.

Former Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, raises his fists as he leaves the House chamber after he is expelled from the legislature Thursday, April 6, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Tennessee Republicans ousted two of three House Democrats for using a bullhorn to shout support for pro-gun control protesters in the House chamber. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Former Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, raises his fists as he leaves the House chamber after he is expelled from the legislature Thursday, April 6, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Tennessee Republicans ousted two of three House Democrats for using a bullhorn to shout support for pro-gun control protesters in the House chamber. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Referring to the right to vote, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, he said, It appears as though the Tennessee Legislature needs a refresher on the American Constitution.

The president of the Congressional Black Caucus, Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford, called for the Tennessee lawmakers to be returned to their seats and for Attorney General Merrick Garland to look into potential violations of the Voting Rights Act.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said the civil rights organization was prepared to take legal action to ensure that this heinous attempt to silence the voice of the people is addressed in a court of law.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton pushed back against criticism that he was leaving thousands of Tennesseans without representation and taking away their voice.

There are consequences for actions, he said. Those members took away the voice of this chamber for 45 minutes when they were on the House floor leading the protest and disrupting the business that were doing.

The trios participation in the demonstration lasted only a few minutes. It was Sexton who called for a recess to meet with lawmakers.

Webb questioned why Jones and Pearson would be expelled while Rep. Gloria Johnson, who is white, was not.

Clayton Cardwell, who lives in Jones district in Nashville, said in a telephone interview that the protest in favor of stricter gun laws last week was the right thing to do.

I was hoping that the entire House would join in, he said. When the retired teacher was getting his masters degree in special education, Cardwell remembers being told that teaching was the safest occupation you could have. Now I think it is one of the most dangerous.

Cardwell, who is white, also questioned the motives behind the expulsions: Weve just got a lot of old white men there who are prejudiced.

Nashville attorney Chris Wood was so concerned about the possible expulsion of his representative that he went to the Capitol on Thursday to watch the proceedings.

It was appalling, he said. It was an abuse of power.

Wood has three children in public schools and called it unbelievable and immoral that the Republican majority would refuse to even consider gun restrictions.

No issue could be more important to the community than ending gun violence and letting our kids come home at the end of the day, he said. This is the only country in the world where this happens.

Wood expects Jones and Pearson to be back soon. They could be reappointed to the House by county commissions in their districts and run again in a special election.

Andrea Wiley, a lifelong Tennessee resident who lives and works in Pearsons district, said she was embarrassed for the state.

Its really hard to be from here and see us in the national news at this level, she said. It is really scary to me that I dont have a voice in Nashville thats representing me, my community, my neighborhood.

Tamala Johnson said she and her family voted for Pearson and she agreed with him about changing gun laws.

I dont think he should have been expelled for voicing his opinion, Johnson said.

The vote to expel makes me feel like we dont have a word, she said. You threw him out just because hes fighting to improve gun laws.  Theres no trust.

____

Sainz reported from Memphis, Tennessee. Fields reported from Washington, D.C. Associated Press writers Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville, Tennessee, and Hilary Powell in Richmond, Virginia, also contributed to this report.
Texas parents Temecia and Rodney Jackson have alleged that after they had a home birth and chose to treat their days-old child at home for jaundice, their pediatrician reported them to authorities, setting off a chain of events that led to Rodney Jackson's brief arrest and the infant being placed in foster care.

The Jacksons, who have two older children and live in Desoto, a suburb of Dallas, elected to do a home birth after Temecia Jackson had two prior Cesarean sections, the couple's midwife, licensed professional counselor Cheryl Edinbyrd, told CBS News. Edinbyrd said that she first began providing care to the Jacksons in September 2022 through The Tree of Life Wellness Center. Their daughter, Mila Jackson, was born on March 21, 2023.

The Jacksons declined to speak with CBS News, but Edinbyrd said that Mila was born at home in the family's bathtub and described the birth as "beautiful." There were no signs of jaundice within the first 24 hours, Edinbyrd said. The midwife, who said she has been present at over 100 births, said that there were follow-ups scheduled for three and five days after Mila was born.

On March 24, the Jacksons brought their daughter to the office of Dr. Anand Bhatt, their pediatrician of 12 years. In a press conference on Thursday, the Jacksons described the visit as for a "newborn checkup."

Press Conference: NGAN & AFIYA Center https://t.co/Qkhqi812Fd  The Afiya Center (@TheAfiyaCenter) April 6, 2023

"Within that visit, we were told 'everything is good, she looks great, the only thing is she has jaundice," said Temecia Jackson. Jaundice is fairly normal in newborns. "A couple hours later, the pediatrician called my phone and wanted us to admit Mila into the hospital."

An affidavit filed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services states that Bhatt contacted the agency on March 25. DFPS investigator Brenda Martinez spoke with Bhatt and said that in an interview, he told her that a bilirubin test  which is used to find the cause of health conditions like jaundice, anemia, and liver disease  showed bilirubin levels of 21.7 milligrams. That level, Bhatt told Martinez, was "cause for a lot of concern" and could lead to brain damage, "because the bilirubin can cross the blood brain barrier." According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' website, any level over 20 milligrams in a baby of Mila's age at the time would mean the baby needed treatment.

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The DFPS said they could not comment on the case. A representative for the practice Bhatt works at declined to comment, citing patient confidentiality. Bhatt is a board-certified pediatrician who is also affiliated with Baylor Scott and White Medical Center and other local medical facilities.

Edinbyrd did not join the Jacksons at the pediatrician's office, but said that Temecia Jackson called her shortly after they left the office to update her about the bilirubin levels because Edinbyrd was still their care provider. Edinbyrd told CBS News that she saw the bilirubin levels as "high" but not critical.

The Mayo Clinic website says that "mild infant jaundice" often disappears on its own, but warned that for "moderate or severe" cases, children may need to be hospitalized. Home jaundice remedies include enhanced nutrition, light therapy (also known as phototherapy) with specialty devices, or transfusions. Edinbyrd said the family had already ordered a blanket and goggles to provide light therapy. Phototherapy can be done at home or in hospitals. At home it is done using a blanket, also known as a biliblanket, that uses fiber optics to bathe the baby's skin in light, according to instructions from Kaiser Permanente, a healthcare facility, for treating jaundice at home.

According to court documents, when Martinez spoke to Bhatt, he told her that after the Jacksons visited, he decided to secure a bed for Mila at Children's Medical Center of Dallas and asked the family to bring her there. He said he told the family that he would call police for a welfare check if she did not arrive. In the press conference, Temecia Jackson said that she had received multiple calls and texts from the pediatrician, including a call at 11:00 p.m. on March 24 where Bhatt said they were "going against what he felt like we should do for her child" and warning the parents that he would call the Department of Family and Protective Services if they did not bring Mila to the hospital.

Dr. Anand Bhatt. / Credit: Baylor, Scott & White Health

"We were woken up by police banging at our door"

Court documents show that at around 4 a.m. on March 25, Martinez and two Desoto police officers went to the Jacksons' home. Rodney Jackson declined to speak with them without a "contract," according to documents, and both Martinez and the officers left. Court documents say the welfare check's "outcome" was "unknown."

An hour later, according to Martinez's notes in the affidavit filed by DFPS, Martinez returned to the home with officers, a fire truck and an ambulance to transport the child. Rodney Jackson again declined to open the door, and the officers departed the home again.

Documents show that a program director from DFPS approved removal of the four-day-old baby. A supervisor directed Martinez to take custody of Mila "due to her health being in immediate danger of serious long-term consequences."

Following the visit, Rodney Jackson called Bhatt, saying he was "very upset" and that he and his wife planned to "take care of their baby naturally," court documents show. He also reportedly told Bhatt that they "didn't believe in modern medicine," which, according to the DFPS affidavit, Bhatt said he understood. Their doctor did, however, once again urge them to go to the hospital.

Cheryl Edinbyrd on Apr. 6. / Credit: The Afiya Center

In their press conference, the Jacksons said they felt "traumatized" by those first visits.

"We were traumatized. We were woken up by police banging at our door at 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.," Temecia Jackson said.

On March 30, officers returned to the home with a warrant. Rodney Jackson, who was not home at the time, was arrested upon his return. Court documents show he was charged with one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and one count of preventing the execution of a civil process.

The Jacksons and Edinbyrd said that when Rodney Jackson was detained, his keys were removed and police entered the home and took Mila from Temecia Jackson. Since then, the baby has been in foster care.

"I called my husband and let him know there's police outside. He immediately turns around and comes back to the house. He's met by six constables pretty much demanding that he let them into our home, and they had a writ," Temecia Jackson said. "My husband said he would not be allowing them to go into the home but if they have a writ, they can do whatever it is they need to do. He made sure not to block our front door or anything like that. The constables chose to arrest my husband so that they could take his keys and use his keys to unlawfully enter my home and come and take my baby from me."

Temecia Jackson said during the press conference that she feared her baby was "stolen" because the child does not yet have a birth certificate because she was born at home.

Temecia and Rodney Jackson on Apr. 6. / Credit: The Afiya Center

A DeSoto Police Department spokesperson told CBS News in a statement Saturday that its officers "did not take the infant child" from the couple.

According to the spokesperson, DeSoto police were first called to the home on March 25 on a "welfare concern" at the request of Child Protective Services (CPS), according to the statement, because "CPS investigators were concerned about the health" of the infant.

According to the police spokesperson, Rodney Jackson refused to speak to officers or CPS investigators that day, and so the officers and investigators left.

"CPS investigators advised they would obtain a writ to take custody of the child and have the Dallas County Constable's office serve the writ to the parents and take custody of the child," the statement read. "Any police action after March 25th did not involve the Desoto Police Department."

"This loving, caring family is terrified"

The warrant used to justify Mila's removal does not list Temecia Jackson's name: It names a different woman as the child's mother, and lists a different man as the child's legal father. Rodney Jackson is named as the baby's "alleged" father. Edinbyrd, who was present at the birth, said Mila's parentage is not in dispute and said that the family does not know the people on the form. CBS News is not naming the people on the document.

"They handed (Temecia) a writ that did not have her name on it ... (The other woman) does not live there. They do not even know who (she) is," Edinbyrd said. "But they took her baby with an affidavit that has (the other woman's) name on it."

The family was meant to have a hearing about their child on April 6, but it was postponed to April 20, two weeks later, because of confusion about who will represent the Jackson family. Edinbyrd said that Temecia Jackson has been able to see her child in supervised visits once a week.

The family's two older children have not been removed from the home.

The Afiya Center, a reproductive and birth justice organization in Texas that is representing the Jacksons and organized their press conference, called the events a "direct attack on Black mothers and parents, Black families and midwifery - and Black midwives in particular" in a statement shared with CBS News.

"Our state already has a ruthless track record of removing Black kids from their homes, which has led to horrific results. Now this loving, caring family is terrified they'll fall into that category," the organization said. "We are devoted to improving maternal and infant health outcomes and families like the Jacksons. We support midwives and the immense role they play in promoting maternal and prenatal and infant health. We are outraged by this clear violation of this family's rights to choose their health care options and we stand in solidarity with them."

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By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) - The federal judge who on Friday suspended approval of the abortion pill mifepristone is a former Christian legal activist whose small courthouse in Amarillo, Texas, has become a go-to destination for conservatives challenging Biden administration policies.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, an appointee of former Republican President Donald Trump, had a long track record of opposing abortion and LGBTQ rights before the U.S. Senate confirmed him in 2019 to a life-tenured position as a federal judge.

Now on the bench, he has routinely ruled against Democratic causes. Since October alone, Kacsmaryk has blocked an end to Trump's "Remain in Mexico" immigration program and ruled against Biden administration policies designed to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in the workplace and at doctors' offices.

Kacsmaryk did not respond to a request for comment.

When anti-abortion groups in November filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's more than two-decade old approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, they filed in Amarillo, guaranteeing the case would be heard by Kacsmaryk.

Although his ruling on Friday was preliminary and not on the merits of the case, Kacsmaryk indicated he thought the challenge was substantially likely to succeed. He said that the FDA had ignored risks in approving the drug.

His ruling used language common in anti-abortion circles. Mifepristone, he said, is used to "kill unborn humans." He disclaimed the use of the word "fetuses" as "inaccurately describing unborn humans," noting they might be "persons" entitled to equal protection rights. He also described some of the defense arguments as supporting "eugenics."

Josh Blackman, a conservative law professor at South Texas College of Law who knows Kacsmaryk, compared his judicial philosophy to that of two of the U.S. Supreme Court's most conservative justices, Justice Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.

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"He's not a moderate," Blackman said.

'SHADOWY PENUMBRAS'

Kacsmaryk left a position as a federal prosecutor in 2014 to join the Christian legal group First Liberty Institute, where as its deputy general he fought against LGBTQ anti-discrimination protections, same-sex marriage and abortion rights.

In that role, he called abortion rights supporters "sexual revolutionaries" in a 2015 article that was critical of the 1973 Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision, which had guaranteed a national right to abortion, until the high court overturned it last year.

Kacsmaryk called Roe v. Wade a ruling in which "seven justices of the Supreme Court found an unwritten 'fundamental right' to abortion hiding in the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and the shadowy 'penumbras' of the Bill of Rights, a celestial phenomenon invisible to the non-lawyer eye."

During his time with the Christian legal group, he helped oppose a federal mandate that employer-provided health insurance cover women's birth control, and fought a Washington state law requiring pharmacists to stock a "representative assortment of drugs" to meet patient needs, including emergency contraception medications.

His nomination to the bench was part of a push during Trump's tenure to tilt the judiciary to the right. Trump got a near-record 234 judicial nominees confirmed, including Kacsmaryk, who like many other Trump appointees belongs to the conservative Federalist Society.

Facing fierce opposition from LGBTQ groups and Democrats, Kacsmaryk testified before a December 2017 Senate Judiciary Committee that it would be "inappropriate" for judges to allow their religious convictions to influence their rulings.

He won Senate confirmation on a party-line 5246 vote in 2019, with only one Republican, Senator Susan Collins of Maine, voting against him at the time, citing his "alarming bias" against LGBTQ people.

FAVORED VENUE

Since then, his courthouse has become a favored venue for conservative legal activists and Republican state attorneys general pursuing lawsuits seeking to halt aspects of Democratic President Joe Biden's agenda - often with success.

In October, Kacsmaryk vacated Biden administration guidance requiring employers to allow transgender workers to dress and use bathrooms consistent with their gender identities.

A month later, he ruled the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under Biden had wrongly interpreted a provision of the Affordable Care Act as barring healthcare providers from discriminating against gay and transgender people.

Kacsmaryk has also ruled for birth control foes, ruling in December that allowing minors to obtain free contraception though the Title X federal program without parental consent was unlawful.

He is currently presiding over a lawsuit filed by the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense and others accusing media companies, including Reuters, of violating federal antitrust laws by working with tech companies to censor information about COVID-19. A Reuters spokesperson has denied the allegations.

The fact that conservatives have been able to steer so many cases to Kacsmaryk's courthouse in the 14th largest city in Texas involves an obscure local order that assigns 95% of federal civil cases to him, its lone judge.

The order virtually guarantees litigants suing in Amarillo get Kacsmaryk and not any of the 12 other active judges in the Northern District of Texas, which also covers Dallas, Fort Worth and other cities.

The Biden administration has sought to transfer at least one case away from Kacsmaryk, accusing a group of Republican state attorneys general of "judge shopping" by filing a lawsuit challenging a rule that allows socially conscious investing by employee retirement plans in Amarillo to get Kacsmaryk. The judge rejected the administration's bid to move that case in late March, saying it had provided no evidence that the litigation did not belong in his court or that plaintiffs were attempting to manipulate the process.

While the district's chief judge could order cases be reallocated, he has not. Supporters of the current practice note that it ensures someone living in Amarillo and suing there does not need to drive five-plus hours to Dallas for a court hearing.

Sarah Lipton-Lubet, executive director of the progressive legal advocacy group Take Back the Court said, "conservative litigants know that they can make all sorts of outlandish arguments, because they know that right wing judges, and this judge in particular, are going to be receptive." (This story has been refiled to fix dateline)

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Bill Berkrot and Diane Craft)
Mifepristone is part of a two-drug combination used in more than half of all U.S. abortions, particularly those conducted early in pregnancy. (Allen G. Breed / Associated Press)

A federal judge in Texas delivered a major blow to reproductive rights advocates Friday, ordering a hold on the Food and Drug Administration approval of mifepristone, an abortion medication used in the United States since 2000.

The ruling, which does not go into effect for seven days and is being appealed by the Biden administration, could effectively halt FDA approval of the medication nationwide, including in California and other states where abortion is legal.

But soon after the Texas decision, a federal judge in Washington state issued a contradictory ruling  ordering the FDA not to make any changes to the availability of the abortion pill.

The dueling rulings set up a largely unprecedented legal battle, likely to reach the U.S. Supreme Court, over the FDAs rigorous medication approval process. Mifepristone is part of a two-drug combination used in more than half of all U.S. abortions, particularly those conducted early in pregnancy.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump nominee confirmed to the bench in 2019, sided with the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, an antiabortion group that filed suit in Texas last year arguing that the FDA had not adequately studied the safety of the drug before granting approval.

Kacsmaryk, who has long held antiabortion views, said the FDA omitted any evaluation of the psychological effects of the drug or an evaluation of the long-term medical consequences of the drug. The judge  who consistently used the terms "unborn human" and "unborn child," rather than "fetus" in the 67-page document  stated that he did not second-guess FDAs decision-making lightly." But he also argued that any analysis of "irreparable injury" could also apply "to the unborn humans extinguished by mifepristone."

Some supporters of abortion rights have called on the Biden administration and the FDA to ignore Kacsmaryks ruling, citing the judges outspoken opposition to abortion and the significant data compiled since mifepristones approval that show it is safe.

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The Justice Department on Friday night put out a statement from Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland that the agency "strongly disagrees" with the decision and will seek a stay as it appeals. "Todays decision overturns the FDAs expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective. The Department will continue to defend the FDAs decision."

In the Washington lawsuit, filed by Democratic attorneys general, the preliminary injunction by Judge Thomas O. Rice, who was appointed by President Obama, prohibits the FDA from taking any action to remove mifepristone from the market or otherwise cause the drug to become less available.

"The fact that there are two rulings means this is headed eventually for the U.S. Supreme Court, because there's no way for these two rulings to coexist longer term, said Mary Ziegler, a UC Davis law professor who specializes in the history of abortion law.

The Texas ruling was stunning, she said, because it was so deeply steeped in movement rhetoric  calling providers abortionists and referring to intense psychological trauma" to women from using mifepristone.

It was also striking, Ziegler said, that Kacsmaryk prioritized the plaintiffs argument that the Comstock Act of 1873 banned the mailing of anything related to contraception or abortion.

If you interpret the Comstock as many people in the antiabortion movement do, it means you have a national abortion ban, full stop, right? You can't mail any abortion drug or device under the logic that Kacsmaryk uses. So the fact that that's where he's going first tells you a lot. We'll see Comstock strategies used against other abortion drugs. We'll see them used against surgical abortion.

Residents of blue states such as California, Ziegler said, should be worried. Some justices could be sympathetic to Kacsmaryk's Comstock argument, she said. "I think there will definitely be some takers in the court.

Abortion providers who have been preparing for an adverse ruling in Texas say they have medical alternatives that will be available to patients. But the elimination of a key drug used in the preferred process of completing a medication abortion, even temporarily, would represent a new front in the fight over abortion rights after last years Supreme Court decision reversing Roe vs. Wade. And experts say the contradictory rulings put the FDA in a bind.

The FDA is a scientific agency  it really tries to avoid any sort of political limelight  but the agency is just thrust into this mess right now, and it's going to be forced to make decisions related to abortion access, because of its role regulating mifepristone, said Greer Donley, an associate law professor at the University of Pittsburgh who specializes in abortion policy.

Donley said the Texas decision was everything she feared: The judge overruled an agency full of scientists about medical decisions.

"The judge goes over and over and over again into all the different ways in which he disagrees with the FDAs scientific judgment," Donley said. "This should be very concerning for many people in this country, because it's opening the door to a world in which people can try to get safe and effective products removed from the market for political reasons and we have more and more political polarization of science.

The only way the FDA can comply with both orders, Donley said, is through enforcement discretion: making it clear that the agency is not going to target anyone violating the Texas ruling.

In seven days, barring any sort of different opinion from the 5th Circuit, we know that mifepristone will become an unapproved drug, so manufacturing it and dispensing it will become potentially illegal. But the FDA can say, Hey, we're not going to go after anybody who does that and provide kind of a safe harbor for those people so that it can remain on the market.'

On Friday evening, some abortion providers vowed to keep dispensing mifepristone, whatever the Texas judge ruled.

We follow directives from the FDA, and not antiabortion judges in Texas who lack any formal medical training, Whole Womans Health, an independent abortion provider operating in Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico and Virginia, said in a statement on Twitter. Whole Woman's Health will continue to dispense Mife in our clinics and our Pills by Mail Program for the next week as we monitor both decisions.

Meanwhile, antiabortion groups rejoiced at the Texas ruling, calling the FDA "reckless" and repeating claims against mifepristone's safety.

The FDA never had the authority to approve these hazardous drugs and remove important safeguards," Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel Erik Baptist said in a statement. "This is a significant victory for the doctors and medical associations we represent and more importantly, the health and safety of women and girls.

President Biden said in a statement that his administration would fight the Texas decision. "If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription, approved by the FDA, that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks," Biden said in a statement.

Reproductive rights advocates stressed that, for now, women can continue to access mifepristone, which they emphasize is safe.

The judge's decision in Texas today blocking the FDAs approval of mifepristone is an outrage and exposes the weaponization of our judicial system to further restrict abortion nationwide," Alexis McGill Johnson, president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement. "However, I want to be clear that access to mifepristone remains safe for now."

Mini Timmaraju, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, called a sudden prohibition on mifepristone  coming after the enactment of abortion bans in 17 states  a perfect storm for a crisis of access and infrastructure in an already fraught environment for providers and patients.

The standard protocol for an abortion via medication is a combination of two pills  mifepristone to end the pregnancy and misoprostol to cause cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. The combination is used in 98% of medication abortions in the United States, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.

Concerned that pregnant patients may be confused about their options in the wake of the decision, abortion providers and advocates stress that, whatever limits might be placed on mifepristone, medication abortion is still available in the form of misopristol.

We are ensuring at the state level that we  not only Planned Parenthood but all abortion providers that provide medication abortion in California  have the option of switching to a [misoprostol]-only protocol if that becomes necessary in light of the decision and subsequent actions by the FDA, said Lisa Matsubara, general counsel and vice president of policy at Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.

Misoprostol by itself is safe and effective, although not as effective as when the two drugs are used together. A 2019 study found that the two-drug combination was 95% effective at ending a first trimester pregnancy, while misoprostol alone was 78% effective, although higher when multiple doses were administered.

As of mid-2022, about 5.6 million women have used mifepristone in the United States, according to the FDA.

The agency's 2000 approval of mifepristone, also known as RU-486, was controversial at the time and came after years of public debate over the drug, which had already been approved and in use in Europe. The FDA approved the drug with limitations to how it could be distributed. Many of those restrictions have been repealed in recent years.

The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine filed the case in Amarillo, Texas, in hopes of landing it in front of a conservative judge sympathetic to the group's cause. The federal court in Amarillo is represented by only one judge, so plaintiffs knew Kacsmaryk would hear their case.

Kacsmaryk previously served as deputy general counsel for First Liberty Institute, a Christian conservative nonprofit group. He was one of more than 200 new federal judges placed on the bench under Trump and a Republican-controlled Senate in an acknowledged attempt by conservatives to remake the U.S. judiciary.

Civil rights groups campaigned against Kacsmaryk's nomination, warning that he was an anti-LGBT activist and culture warrior who opposed same-sex marriage and abortion rights.

As a judge, Kacsmaryk has blocked Bidens plan to reverse Trumps Remain in Mexico immigration policy, a ruling that forced tens of thousands of migrants seeking asylum to wait in Mexico for U.S. immigration court hearings. Last year, he ruled that teenagers need parental consent to obtain birth control and that the Biden administration overstepped its authority when it issued guidelines stating that employers that failed to accommodate transgender employees on dress codes, pronouns and bathroom facilities were guilty of sex discrimination.

The awful reality is, from the moment this case landed in front of Judge Kacsmaryk, its been a rigged game all along. Its illegitimate, said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). President Biden and the FDA must ignore it.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom decried the Texas ruling: Todays ruling, by an extremist judge pursuing a radical political agenda, ignores facts, science and the law  putting the health of millions of women and girls at risk."

Jarvie reported from Atlanta, Haberkorn from Washington.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Boxes of the drug mifepristone line a shelf at the West Alabama Women's Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Mifepristone is frequently used in combination with misoprostol to end pregnancies.Allen G. Breed, File/AP

Texas Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk issued a ruling Friday that jeopardizes the availability of a key abortion drug.

An antiabortion legal group had sought to revoke or suspend the FDA's approval of the drug mifepristone.

Medication abortions have grown in popularity and now account for more than half of all abortions.

A federal judge sided with conservative, anti-abortion activists on Friday and issued an unprecedented ruling that seeks to block the distribution of a key abortion drug, mifepristone.



In the ruling, Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, imposed a stay on the Food & Drug Administration's approval of the drug, arguing that it was unlawful. Anti-abortion activists have argued the FDA did not properly consider the risks to women, an assertion disputed by every leading medical organization, which have noted that an unwanted pregnancy is far more likely to result in injury or death.

To justify the decision, the ruling points to, among other things, research purporting to show that 14% of women who took the abortion drug were not properly informed about its side effects. The cited study, however, was of women's experiences as told in blog posts on one particular website, which the author analyzed using "relational dialectics theory."

The ruling was expected by most observers of the court, with Judge Kacsymaryk having been sought out by right-wing plaintiffs due to his own conservative credentials, and does not take effect immediately, providing the Biden administration a week to appeal the decision with a higher court.

Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a statement shortly after the decision was released, announcing the Biden Administration's intent to appeal Kacsymaryk's preliminary ruling.

"The Justice Department strongly disagrees with the decision of the District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA and will be appealing the court's decision and seeking a stay pending appeal," Garland said. "Today's decision overturns the FDA's expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective. The Department will continue to defend the FDA's decision."

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An attorney for Danco Laboratories, which manufactures Mifeprex, also filed an appeal on Kacsmaryk's decision on Friday evening.

President Joe Biden said in a statement on Friday that the ruling was "another unprecedented step in taking away basic freedoms from women and putting their health at risk."

"The Court in this case has substituted its judgment for FDA, the expert agency that approves drugs," Biden said. "If this ruling were to stand, then there will be virtually no prescription, approved by the FDA, that would be safe from these kinds of political, ideological attacks."

Vice President Kamala Harris also responded to Kacsmaryk's decision and said it was a threat to Americans' freedom.

"Simply put: this decision undermines the FDA's ability to approve safe and effective medications  from chemotherapy drugs, to asthma medicine, to blood pressure pills, to insulin  based on science, not politics," Harris said in a statement. She noted that another court, in the state of Washington, issued a ruling of its own on Friday directly contradicting the Texas decision, setting the stage for a possible showdown at the Supreme Court.

A coalition of medical groups and doctors opposing abortion, led by the Alliance Defending Freedom, filed a lawsuit late last year asking his court in Amarillo, Texas, to suspend or withdraw the FDA's approval of mifepristone. The groups called the drug "dangerous" and argued that the FDA never should have allowed it in 2000.

In response, the US government has argued that overwhelming evidence and numerous studies have shown mifepristone to be safe and effective for ending a pregnancy.

The litigation has sparked concern and outrage from reproductive rights activists. Revoking the FDA's approval of mifepristone could immediately upend abortion access for countless women across the country.

Melissa Shube, litigation counsel for The Lawyering Project which is a nonprofit that provides legal support for abortion access, characterized the Texas case as a smaller part of a broader effort to stifle access to abortion.

"This case is part of this larger strategy to sow fear and confusion amongst people seeking abortion care and supporting and providing abortion care," she told Insider. "It's clearly designed to do that, and it's working."

During a March 15th hearing, even the Alliance Defending Freedom acknowledged the significant and unprecedented nature of their demand.

The attorney representing Alliance Defending Freedom, Erik Baptist, said he could think of no other case in which a court has revoked FDA approval of a drug that has been on the market for over 20 years.

Baptist said in a statement on Friday that "it's high time the agency is held accountable for its reckless actions."

"This is a significant victory for the doctors and medical associations we represent and more importantly, the health and safety of women and girls," he said.

The abortion medications mifepristone and misoprostol have been the subject of heightened scrutiny and controversy since last June when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The decision prompted a wave of new abortion restrictions in states across the country. Some conservative lawmakers and activists have focused on limiting access to the pills, while their liberal counterparts have attempted to expand access.

The medication mifepristone typically works as part of a two-medication regimen to terminate pregnancies. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain a pregnancy, and then misoprostol is typically taken 24 to 48 hours later to induce contractions. The drug combination is effective through 10 weeks of gestation, according to the FDA.

Even before Roe v. Wade's overturning, medication abortions had been growing increasingly common in recent years  particularly during the pandemic when patients couldn't visit clinics in person. Recent research now indicates that more than half of all abortions in the US are done by medication, rather than surgery.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Synagogue interior. Izzet Keribar via Getty Images.

A Texas man pleaded guilty to a hate crime for setting fire to a synagogue in Austin in 2021.

Franklin Sechriest, 20, admitted in his journal that he set the house of worship ablaze.

With thousands in damages, the congregation's members are trying to "move forward," KUT 90.5 reported.

A Texas man has pleaded guilty to charges of arson and hate crimes, admitting to setting fire to a Jewish synagogue in Austin in 2021. His guilty plea came during the major Jewish holiday of Passover.

Franklin Sechriest, a 20-year-old from San Marcos, admitted to setting fire to the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue on Oct. 31, 2021, according to a Justice Department press release.

He first confessed in a journal entry discovered by police and was caught on surveillance video entering the synagogue with toilet paper and a 5-gallon container just before the building went up in flames.

"I set a synagogue on fire," Sechriest wrote in his journal, according to the Justice Department.

Investigators found that Sechriest drove to the parking lot outside the synagogue's sanctuary in the days leading up to the arson in order to "scout out a target," the Justice Department said.

"Sechriest admitted that he targeted the synagogue because of his hatred of Jews, and his journals were replete with virulent antisemitic statements and views," the Justice Department said. "Sechriest also possessed several decals and stickers expressing antisemitic messages."

Sechriest is due for sentencing on June 23 and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Repairs to the church cost hundreds of thousands, and the community is still working to heal, according to the local KUT 90.5 news radio station.

"No one here is cheering that this happened and that there is a guilty plea," Congregation member Lori Adelman told the outlet. "We're just trying to figure out how we ... move forward and stay strong and become stronger."

Read the original article on Insider
A federal judge in Texas released a ruling Friday night that overturns the federal approval of a common abortion pill, mifepristone, which would ban the medicine from being prescribed in the United States.

Mifepristone will still be available in North Carolina in the near future, as the Texas judge gave the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seven days to appeal before the ruling takes effect.

Hours after the ruling, the Justice Department appealed the decision and a Washington federal judge issued a contradictory ruling in a separate case that prevents the FDA from changing the availability of mifepristone.

If the Texas judges unprecedented ruling is upheld, mifepristone, which is currently used in nearly 60% of abortions in the state, could be taken off the shelves. The medication is also commonly used to help manage miscarriages.

Dr. Jenna Beckham, a Raleigh abortion provider, said doctors can still use other medications to safely and effectively carry out medication abortions.

Heres everything you need to know about how this ruling affects abortion care in North Carolina:

Medication abortion is still legal and available in North Carolina

Currently, most health care providers rely on two medications for medication abortions: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Doctors will typically prescribe mifepristone first, which blocks a hormone to stop the pregnancy from progressing, then misoprostol about a day later, which empties the uterus.

This method is extremely effective at ending pregnancy with a very low risk of major complications, the FDA and mainstream medical groups agree.

But even if mifepristone is taken off the shelves, there are other effective strategies doctors have to end a pregnancy.

This regimen typically requires patients to take 12 misoprostol pills, spaced out over several hours. This is a safe and well-studied way to end a pregnancy.

But Beckham said it is less effective than current best practices and is more likely to cause side effects like diarrhea, fever and chills.

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Since the U.S. Supreme Court ended the federal right to abortion, North Carolina abortion providers have seen an influx of patients from Southern states with strict restrictions on the procedure.

Beckham said she worries how moving to a less effective abortion regimen will affect women who are unable to easily seek another abortion if the first is not successful.

They may feel sort of forced or pressured into choosing a surgical abortion, she said. I dont think the choices will feel as close to equal as they currently do for patients.

How will this ruling affect efforts to make abortion pills more accessible?

In North Carolina, mifepristone is tightly regulated.

Among other things, state law requires that the pill be administered in-person, by a physician and after a 72-hour waiting period.

A lawsuit filed by a Triangle abortion provider in January challenged those restrictions, claiming that they were more burdensome than the regulations set by the FDA.

Its unclear how a lawsuit predicated on FDA regulations will continue now that a federal judge has overturned those regulations.

This decision also throws the FDAs decision to allow retail pharmacies to sell mifepristone into limbo. The Texas judge ruled that this decision, and another recent move to allow the pill to be prescribed via telehealth, was unlawful.

Dr. Beverly Gray, a Duke Health OBGYN, said even if the Texas judges ruling is overturned on appeal, it has already done damage by confusing patients.

I think confusion is part of the strategy, she said. To make it more complicated for patients to understand what they have access to.

FDA now allows pharmacies to sell abortion pills. NC law makes it complicated.

NC doctor who successfully challenged state abortion ban sues over pill restrictions

Teddy Rosenbluth covers science and health care for The News & Observer in a position funded by Duke Health and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work.
A rapist and murderer who escaped a South African prison by faking his own death has been arrested in Tanzania.

Thabo Bester was at large for a year after it was thought he died by setting himself on fire in his prison cell.

A manhunt was launched last month after a new post-mortem investigation revealed the body was not actually his.

Bester was caught on Friday with his girlfriend and a third suspect and will be extradited to South Africa.

Police said they believe the trio were intending to flee into neighbouring Kenya.

Bester is known as the "Facebook rapist" for using the social networking site to lure his victims.

He was convicted in 2012 for the rape and murder of his model girlfriend Nomfundo Tyhulu. A year earlier, he was found guilty of raping and robbing two other women.

In May, it was reported he had been found dead in his cell after apparently setting himself on fire at the Mangaung Correctional Centre in the city of Bloemfontein.

However, local media began to raise doubts about Bester's death late last year.

In March, police opened a new murder investigation after further tests revealed the deceased was not Bester - and that the unidentified person had died from blunt-force trauma to the head.

Employees of the British-owned security company G4S, which ran the prison where he was held, have been accused of helping him flee.

It has said three employees were dismissed in connection with the incident.

Earlier this week, representatives for the organisation failed to attend a meeting in parliament about Bester's escape. The BBC has approached G4S for comment.

There have been many reported sightings of Bester over the past year, including claims he was grocery shopping in an affluent suburb of Johannesburg, and was living in a rented mansion there.

Bester's escape sparked outrage in South Africa, which has one of the highest rates of sexual assault in the world.
Israeli police stand near the car used in a ramming attack in Tel Aviv - Ahmad Gharabli/AFP

A British holidaymaker has described his brush with death in Israel after he was nearly mowed down by the terrorist behind a car-ramming attack on a Tel Aviv beachfront on Friday night.

Freddie, a 31-year-old from London who declined to give his surname, said he and his girlfriend were strolling down the promenade on their first break as a couple when the attackers car mounted the pavement and roared towards them.

We left the hotel for a seaside walk... a car was revving and speeding, and I thought it was an out-of-control driver, he told The Telegraph. I had very little time to dive out of the way. It clipped me and we fell over.

Freddie and his girlfriend suffered minor scrapes and bruising, while the contents of her handbag were scattered across the street as the pair were knocked off the pavement.

If wed been just a few feet to the left it would have ended very differently, he said. But he stressed that he would not be intimidated by the attack, saying: I fully intend on coming back to Israel, and I fully intend to enjoy the rest of the holiday.

The car, driven by an Arab-Israeli citizen named by local media as Yousef Abu Jaber, 45, sped further down the promenade in search of other victims.

After ploughing into another group of people, killing an Italian citizen and wounding several other Italian and British tourists, it flipped over and the driver was shot dead by police.

Forensics investigators at the scene in Tel Aviv - Ilia Yefimovich/Avalon

The attack was a rare case in which foreign tourists were killed and wounded by a terrorist in Israel, where Palestinian militants almost exclusively target Israelis.

On Saturday night, it was unclear whether the attacker  who reportedly stole the car shortly before the attack  had chosen his victims at random. No group has yet claimed responsibility.

The Italian victim has been identified as Alessandro Parini, 36, from Rome. The Telegraph understands that at least one UK citizen is being treated in an Israeli hospital, having suffered broken bones, but is expected to recover.

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Israel is facing some of the worst violence in decades this year amid a major escalation in its decades-old conflict with the Palestinians.

Earlier in the week, Palestinian militants launched dozens of rockets at Israeli cities from the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon, triggering air raid alerts across the country.

The rocket barrages were partly in retaliation for video footage of Israeli police brutally beating Palestinian worshippers inside the al-Aqsa mosque during Ramadan, which has caused international outrage.

Israeli police said the pre-dawn raid was intended to dislodge law-breaking youths and masked agitators they claimed had barricaded themselves inside.

Israel responded to the northern and southern rocket fire by launching air strikes on Gaza and southern Lebanon in the early hours of Friday morning.

This was followed by a Palestinian shooting attack in the Jordan Valley later on Friday, which killed two British-Israeli sisters, and Friday night's attack in Tel Aviv.

On Sunday morning, Israel fired rockets at Syria in retaliation for launches against Israeli-controlled territory, the military said. Only three of the rockets crossed into Israeli-controlled territory, with two falling into open ground and a third intercepted by air defence systems. There were also reports of explosions in Damascus, the Syrian capital.

Prof Eli Sprecher, the deputy director of the Tel Aviv Medical Centre, told The Telegraph that five people had been hospitalised after the beachfront attack.

Three remain here with orthopedic injuries, fractures, and one patient has fractured the vertebral column. This will require intervention of surgeons, he said.

Hopefully they will be operated on shortly and we expect they will eventually recover, but its a little early to be sure of their injuries, he said, adding that all three had said they did not wish to be identified or to speak to journalists.

At the scene of the attack, by the Charles Clore Park on the Tel Aviv seafront, Israelis laid floral tributes for the Italian victim and messages of solidarity with Italy.

People leave floral tributes for the Italian victim of the Tel Aviv attack - Oded Balilty/AP

Some onlookers wept and lit candles as the sun went down on Israels largest city. The attack was particularly shocking as it took place during the Jewish holiday of Passover, which this year coincides with Easter and Ramadan.

In Kafr Qassem, the Arab town in Israel in which the terrorist lived, city officials issued a statement that said: We condemn any harm to innocent lives and call for tolerance from all sides. This is not the way of the residents of Kafr Qassem. The city was and remains a place for living together and pursuing peace.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has mobilised all border police reservists in response to the two attacks on Friday.
An after-dark Dockweiler Beach scene in August 2019. Three teens were wounded Friday after gunfire erupted during a spring break party at the beach in Playa del Rey. ( Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Three teenagers were wounded in a shooting at Dockweiler Beach on Friday night that occurred during a spring break party promoted on TikTok that drew hundreds of revelers to the shore, authorities said.

Officers responded to the 11400 block of Vista Del Mar in Playa del Rey after a report of a large crowd and gunshots around 8 p.m., said Officer J. Chavez of the Los Angeles Police Department. When authorities arrived, they determined two men had fired multiple shots with a handgun that wounded two teen girls and a teen boy, Chavez said.

The teens were taken to a hospital and were stable, Chavez said. Police did not provide the ages of the teenagers nor did they confirm whether the teens were attending the beach party.

The gathering, dubbed the Springbreak Takeover, was promoted on TikTok beginning in late March and was set to begin at Tower 56 at Dockweiler Beach about 4 p.m. Friday. The flier for the event tells attendees to "keep the BS at home." A video posted on TikTok purportedly from the event shows crowds of teenagers converging on a grassy area near the beach with lights from police cars flashing in the distance.

The number of attendees is not clear, but authorities suspect there were more than 1,000 people on the beach.

Officers from multiple law enforcement agencies showed up to try to disperse the crowd. When the group left the beach, they began to flood onto the streets of El Segundo, said El Segundo Police Sgt. Russel Patton.

"This caused a whole bunch of disturbances on our streets and we had to do a lot of keeping the peace and request mutual aid to keep them from disrupting our folks," he said.

About 100 people packed into a 7-Eleven store on Imperial Highway and stole candy and other snacks, according to police and the store manager, who declined to provide his name to The Times. A group also allegedly assaulted an employee at a doughnut shop in the city, but the worker did not want authorities to pursue a case, Patton said.

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Police did not make any arrests.

"We took a couple of crime reports and tried to keep the peace as best we could," Patton said.

This isn't the first time a viral TikTok event has prompted a large police response in Southern California.

In May 2021, nearly 150 people were arrested in Huntington Beach after a mans TikTok video inviting people to his birthday party went viral and the city was overrun with unruly revelers.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Researchers identified two distinct personality groups among Siberian tigers: "majesty" and "steadiness." Getty Images

Tigers have personality traits similar to human extroversion and introversion, researchers found.

The traits are described as "majesty" and "steadiness."

Tigers that score higher on "majesty" eat more, have higher group status, and mate more often.

New research has identified two distinct personality groups among Siberian tigers. These are "majesty" and "steadiness," which loosely correlate to introversion and extroversion, as seen in humans.

"If I were to choose which of these human dimensions resemble our tiger dimensions most, I would probably compare majesty to extraversion and steadiness to the opposite of neuroticism," Abdel Abdellaoui, a joint-first author of the research from the University of Amsterdam, told The Guardian.

Tigers that score higher on "majesty" are healthier, eat more live prey, have higher group status, and mate more often, according to the research published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

Rosalind Arden, a joint-first author of the research from the London School of Economics, said it shows tigers "do tend to have some dispositions, just as in humans you get people who are very extrovert or very introvert."

The findings came after Chinese researchers compiled a list of about 70 words to describe tigers' temperaments and created a tiger-personality questionnaire for feeders and vets that worked with 248 Siberian tigers  the largest tiger subspecies  in two wildlife sanctuaries in northeast China.

An average of more than three people rated each tiger, and researchers found that the words fit into two clusters, which they called "majesty" and "steadiness."

Tigers that scored high for "majesty" were highly rated on words including "dignified," "confident," and "fierce" and placed low on terms including "withdrawn" and "feeble."

High ratings for "steadiness" in tigers were associated with words like "friendly," "gentle," and "loving" but ranked low for words such as "aggressive" or "cruel."

Abdellaoui told The Guardian that the words were all initially Chinese, and some of their meanings might be harder to translate.

The researchers also noted that all of the tigers studied were semi-captive and living in fenced-in swaths of forests or snowy grasslands in China, and that results could be different for tigers living in the wild.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Timothy A. Lovell, convicted in the 1999 murder of his wife at Auburn in southwest Shawnee County, was released from prison Wednesday on parole.

Timothy A. Lovell, convicted in the 1999 murder of his wife at Auburn in southwest Shawnee County, was released from prison this week on parole.

Lovell, 55, was paroled Wednesday to live in Shawnee County, said the website of the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Lovell was serving time for intentional second-degree murder and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

More: Parole given to Tony Hobbs, convicted in 1980 double murder of Topeka woman and her 4-year-old son

Authorities said he fatally shot his wife, 35-year-old Amanda Jane Lovell, in 1999 in front of their home in Auburn in southwest Shawnee County.

Lovell then fired several shots at Auburn Police Chief Wayne Rees, who returned fire and struck Lovell once in an arm, authorities said.

Capital-Journal archives show Lovell was initially charged with first-degree murder but accepted a plea agreement through which he received sentences to run at the same time of life in prison for intentional second-degree murder and 19 months for aggravated assault to a law enforcement officer.

Lovell most recently served time at Ellsworth Correctional Facility, where he had been an inmate since January 2021, according to state corrections department records.

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Timothy Lovell, convicted of wife's murder in Auburn, given parole
Police march during a ceremony marking Myanmar's 75th anniversary of Independence Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. Aung Shine Oo/AP

The State Department ranks countries worldwide by their safety level for US citizens.

The countries deemed too dangerous for travel are often known for civil unrest, military actions, and kidnappings.

Avoid traveling to these 19 countries that the US has labeled as "Do Not Travel."

Venezuela

Teachers, other public workers and pensioners march for higher salaries and pensions, and payment of their full benefits on January 16, 2023, in Caracas, Venezuela, where the monthly minimum wage is about $7 dollars. Ariana Cubillos/AP

The State Department cautioned against traveling to Venezuela due to "crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws" as well as "wrongful detentions, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure."

Many Venezuelan migrants have fled to the US to seek asylum from "crimes against humanity," Insider previously reported.

"Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, are common," the State Department's warning said, adding that there is a "risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals."

Iraq

Policemen stand guard outside a polling station during parliamentary elections, in Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. Iraq closed its airspace and land border crossings on Sunday as voters headed to the polls to elect a parliament that many hope will deliver much needed reforms after decades of conflict and mismanagement. AP

"Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq's limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens," the State Department has cautioned.

"Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies throughout Iraq."

The US conflict in Iraq post-9/11 has been one of the most deadly, amounting to tens of thousands of deaths, Insider previously reported.

Somalia

Relatives wait for bodies to be removed from the destruction at the scene, a day after a double car bomb attack at a busy junction in Mogadishu, Somalia Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. Farah Abdi Warsameh/AP

The State Department advised against traveling to Somalia due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy."

"Violent crime, such as kidnapping and murder, is common throughout Somalia, including Puntland and the Somaliland region. Illegal roadblocks are widespread," the department warned of the East African country, where "terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks."

In October, two car bombings in the country's capital of Mogadishu left over 120 dead and 150 more injured, Reuters reported.

Haiti

A youth suffering from cholera is helped upon arrival at a clinic run by Doctors Without Borders in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Oct. 27, 2022. Ramon Espinosa/AP

The US State Department warned of "kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest" in the poverty-stricken country of Haiti.

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"Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings," according to the department's December 2022 warning.

Hundreds of Haitians have also died due to a cholera outbreak, Insider reported in December.

Ukraine

A wounded woman is seen after an airstrike damages an apartment complex outside of Kharkiv, Ukraine, on February 24, 2022. Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The State Department has warned against travel to Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

"Those choosing to remain in Ukraine should exercise caution due to the potential for military attacks, crime, and civil unrest," per the agency.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have "prohibited flights into, out of, and over Ukraine due to ongoing military actions."

Afghanistan

Taliban fighters hold weapons as they ride in a convoy to celebrate their victory day at the Bibi Mahro area in Kabul on August 15, 2022 Wakil Kohsar/Getty Images

US citizens should not travel to Afghanistan due to "armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping," the State Department said.

"Travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe and the risk of kidnapping or violence against U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is high," according to the department. "The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations on August 31, 2021. Since that time, U.S. citizens have been unjustly detained."

The department added that its ability to assist detained Americans is "extremely limited."

Yemen

A Yemeni fighter backed by the Saudi-led coalition fires his weapon during clashes with Houthi rebels on the Kassara frontline near Marib, Yemen, June 20, 2021. Nariman El-Mofty, File/AP

Americans shouldn't travel to Yemen because of "terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines," the State Department said.

"A civil war continues in Yemen. In addition, terrorist groups continue to plot and conduct attacks in Yemen," according to the notice. "Military conflict has caused significant destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities."

The US government cannot assist American citizens in emergencies since the US Embassy in Sana'a suspended operations in 2015, according to the department.

Syria

A Green Beret fires at a target during training with Maghaweir al-Thowra fighters at al Tanf Garrison in Syria on March 3, 2020. US Army/Staff Sgt. William Howard

The US warns against traveling to Syria due to "terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and risk of unjust detention," according to the State Department.

The country has endured armed conflict since 2011, the department said, adding starkly that "no part of Syria is safe from violence."

"Protests and demonstrations are quelled by government forces through aggressive tactics and protestors, activists, and political dissenters are routinely detained without access to legal representation or communications with friends and family," the State Department warned.

Sudan

Sudanese demonstrators march in Khartoum, Sudan, Monday, Dec. 26, 2022 to protest a deal signed between the country's main pro-democracy group and its ruling generals, who seized power in an October 2021 coup. Marwan Ali/AP

The State Department placed Sudan on the list due to civil unrest, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

"Sudan is experiencing sporadic civil unrest and protests across the country," the department said. "Crime, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking can occur. This type of crime is more frequent outside of Khartoum."

There is also violence along the borders with Chad and South Sudan, per the agency.

South Sudan

In this Saturday, June 27, 2020 file photo, trainees parade with the wooden mock guns which they use to train with, during the visit of the defense minister to a military training center in Owiny Ki-Bul, Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan. Maura Ajak, File/AP

South Sudan is rife with armed conflict among different political groups and ethnicities, according to the State Department.

"Violent crime, such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings is common throughout South Sudan, including Juba. Foreign nationals have been the victims of rape, sexual assault, armed robberies, and other violent crimes," the department warned, adding that weapons are "readily available" to the population at large.

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, attends a ceremony of donating 600mm super-large multiple launch rocket system at a garden of the Workers' Party of Korea headquarters in Pyongyang, North Korea Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP

The US State Department warned of the "serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals" in North Korea, calling it a "critical threat."

"All U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the Secretary of State," the department warned. "The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in North Korea as it does not have diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea."

Tensions between North Korea and other democratic nations have risen as the country continues to conduct ballistic missile tests.

Libya

Under tight security, Libyans mark the 10th anniversary of their 2011 uprising that led to the overthrow and killing of longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi in Martyrs Square, Tripoli, Libya. The country has become one of the most intractable conflicts left over from the Arab Spring uprisings. Hazem Ahmed/AP

US citizens should avoid travel to Libya due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict," according to the Department of State.

"Crime levels in Libya remain high, including the threat of kidnapping for ransom. Westerners and U.S. citizens have been targets of these crimes," the department said. "Militia or armed groups sometimes detain travelers for arbitrary reasons, do not grant detainees access to a lawyer or a legal process, and do not allow detainees to inform others of their status."

Iran

In this photo taken by an individual not employed by the Associated Press and obtained by the AP outside Iran, Iranians protests the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini AP Photo/Middle East Images, File

The State Department warned against travel to Iran due to kidnapping and arbitrary arrests and detentions on "spurious charges." The US doesn't have diplomatic relations with Iran.

"Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. nationals, particularly dual national U.S.-Iranian nationals--including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics--on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security," the department warned.

Burma (Myanmar)

Police march during a ceremony marking Myanmar's 75th anniversary of Independence Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. Aung Shine Oo/AP

The State Department cited protests and military actions as reasons not to travel to Burma, adding that at least one US national had been wrongfully detained by the Burmese military.

"Do not travel to Burma due to civil unrest and armed conflict," the State Department warned. "Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions and areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance."

Russia

A Russian serviceman in Melitopol, Ukraine, on July 14, 2022. Olga Maltseva/AFP via Getty Images

The State Department has warned against travel to Russia since President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. US citizens in Russia may be harassed, singled out, or arbitrarily detained, the department said.

"The U.S. government's ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel, the number of U.S. staff, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates," the department said.

Mali

Soldiers stand guard in front of the Radisson Blu hotel prior to the visit of Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in Bamako, Mali, Nov. 21, 2015. Jerome Delay, file/AP

The State Department warned against travel to Mali because of crime, terroristic threats, and kidnapping.

"Violent crime, such as kidnapping and armed robbery, is common in Mali. Violent crime is a particular concern during local holidays and seasonal events in Bamako, its suburbs, and Mali's southern regions. Roadblocks and random police checkpoints are commonplace throughout the country, especially at night," the department said.

Central African Republic

The streets of Bangassou, Central African Republic, remain empty on Feb. 13, 2021, as most residents fled when rebels attacked with heavy weapons on Jan. 3. Adrienne Surprenant, File/AP

US citizens should avoid travel to the Central African Republic due to crime, civil unrest, kidnappings, and the embassy's limited capacity to provide support to US citizens, the State Department warned.

"Although there have been no specific incidents of violence or threats targeting U.S. citizens, civil unrest, demonstrations, and election-related violence (including renewed outbreaks of armed conflict) may occur throughout the country, including the capital of Bangui," the department said. "Violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated battery, and homicide, is common."

Burkina Faso

Special forces soldiers carry the flag-drapped coffins of late special forces soldiers Cedric de Pierrepont and Alain Bertoncello, who were killed in a night-time rescue of four foreign hostages including two French citizens in Burkina Faso last week, during a national tribute at the Invalides, in Paris, Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Philippe Wojazer/Pool Photo via AP

Terrorism, crime, and kidnapping should ward US citizens off from travel to Burkina Faso, according to the State Department.

"Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Burkina Faso," the agency said. "Kidnapping and hostage taking is a threat throughout the country. On May 10, 2019 a hostage rescue operation freed four international hostages that had been kidnapped in Burkina Faso and in neighboring Benin."

The US is not able to provide emergency assistance to its citizens in the country, the department added.

Belarus

In this handout photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, Russian soldiers take part in drills at an unspecified location in Belarus. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

The State Department warned against travel to Belarus in eastern Europe due to "arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, the Russian military attack on neighboring Ukraine, and the buildup of Russian military in Belarus along the border with Ukraine."

"Due to Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine from Belarus, U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region," the department said.

Read the original article on Insider
Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File

Democrats are urging the Supreme Court to address ethics concerns around Justice Clarence Thomas.

ProPublica reported this week that Thomas has accepted free vacations worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The lawmakers are urging the court to adopt and enforce "a proper code of ethics."

The revelation that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has accepted free vacations worth hundreds of thousands of dollars  gifted him by a right-wing billionaire and Republican mega-donor  has prompted leading Democrats to demand that the nation's highest court adopt "a proper code of ethics."

In a letter sent Friday and addressed to Chief Justice John Roberts, the top-ranking Democrats on the House and Senate judiciary committees demanded an investigation into Thomas, writing that they were alarmed by the allegations "of unethical, and potentially unlawful conduct at the Supreme Court."

The investigative news outlet ProPublica on Thursday reported that Thomas has for decades now accepted free travel from Harlan Crow, a Texas-based real estate developer who in 2014 purchased a $55 million home in Dallas. One of the vacations cost more than a half million dollars, the outlet reported.

Crow has also given generously  some $500,000  to a right-wing activist group led by Thomas's wife, Ginni, who in 2020 lobbied state legislators in a bid to overturn the presidential election.

On Friday morning, Thomas himself issued a rare statement in which he described the gifts as "personal hospitality from close friends" and said he was advised that, as such, he did not need to disclose them, CNN reported.

The lawmakers  Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Richard Blumenthal, and Reps. Henry Johnson and Jerrold Nadler  are not buying that argument. In their letter, they argue that the trips should have been made public, stating that the disclosure exceptions for federal employees are meant for typical hospitality among "ordinary, personal friendships," not to "allow government officials to hide from the public extravagant gifts by wealthy political interests."

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They also call for a "swift, thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into these allegations."

They close by urging Chief Justice Roberts to ensure that the highest court's ethics code is treated are more than just a suggestion.

"It is well past time for the Supreme Court to align with the rest of government in a proper code of ethics enforced by independent investigation and reporting," the letter states, threatening congressional action if it should not do so.

In February, the lawmakers introduced legislation that would require the Supreme Court to create a process for fielding public ethics complaints, with a panel of lower-court judges empowered to investigate them.

Liberal activist groups, who have long been raising concerns about Thomas and his wife's activism, are urging Congress to step in.

"The highest court in the land should have the highest ethical standards," Kyle Herrig, president of the advocacy group Accountable.US, said in a statement. "When it doesn't, Congress should exert its oversight authority."

A spokesperson for the Supreme Court did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former president Donald Trump appears at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, on April 4, 2023. Steven Hirsch / Pool / AFP via Getty Images

Earlier this week, as you may have heard, former president Donald Trump was arraigned in Manhattan on 34 felony charges. Outside the courthouse was complete chaos , with BuzzFeed News reporter David Mack writing that it was exactly as clownish as many had imagined it would be.

BuzzFeed News also had cameras outside the court , along with virtually every other news outlet in the world, capturing demonstrators and the ensuing media circus. Inside the courtroom, a few select photographers had special access to capture Trump, who is the first US president to be arraigned on criminal charges.

Opposing demonstrators square off outside Manhattan Criminal Court during Trump's arraignment. Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet for BuzzFeed News

When I saw that he was looking right at me, it was chilling, said freelance photographer Steven Hirsch, whos been capturing images of proceedings at the Manhattan Criminal Court for 18 years. Seeing Trumps arraignment in person was absolutely surreal.

Hirsch and five other photographers had only 61 seconds to get their shot of the former president. The whole thing was over in a second, but it seemed like an eternity, Hirsch told BuzzFeed News.

Protests in Nashville

On April 3, thousands of student protesters descended on the Tennessee State Capitol during an anti-gun demonstration following March 27s deadly school shooting. Students walked out of their classrooms at 10:13 a.m., the same time the fatal attack at the Covenant School began.

On Thursday, Tennessee's Republican-controlled Legislature expelled two Democrats , Reps. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones, from the state House of Representatives for taking part in gun control protests in the state capitols chamber last week.

A protester holds a shattered window mimicking a gunshot to his forehead, as students from across Nashville walked out of schools and gathered at the Tennessee State Capitol to demand action for gun reform laws, on April 3, 2023. Seth Herald / Getty Images

Student protesters hold up a sign as they wait to enter the state capitol during antigun violence demonstrations in Nashville, on April 3, 2023. John Amis / AFP via Getty Images

Little Rock Devastated

At least 32 people were killed as tornadoes tore through several states last week, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Little Rock, Arkansas, was hit particularly hard, with homes and commercial buildings flattened. An estimated 2,100 homes or businesses were in the tornados path.

An aerial view of a home without a roof in the aftermath of a tornado in Little Rock, Arkansas, on April 2, 2023. Cheney Orr / Reuters

More from around the world

In China, authorities on April 4 used controlled explosions to break up frozen parts of the Heilongjiang river on the ChinaRussia border. The demolition was to reduce possible flooding in surrounding towns and villages. The practice, which has been used in years past , attracts throngs of spectators.

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Police officers use explosives to break up a section of the frozen Heilongjiang river on the ChinaRussia border in an effort to prevent floods in Huma County, Daxing'anling Prefecture, Heilongjiang Province of China, on April 4, 2023. VCG via Getty Images

A person visits the National Museum of Contemporary Arts with their dog during a dog-friendly event ahead of the World Stray Animals Day, in Athens, on April 2, 2023. Louiza Vradi / Reuters

A grocery seller waits for customers at the Feria de Ramos, or Palm Fair, in El Alto, Bolivia, on April 2, 2023. Juan Karita / AP

Norway's Halvor Egner Granerud in action during the Ski Jumping World Cup in Planica, Slovenia, on April 2, 2023. Borut Zivulovic / Reuters

The aftermath of the derailment of a passenger train after it hit construction equipment on the track, in Voorschoten, Netherlands, on April 4, 2023. Kyrlian De Bot via Reuters

People fly kites at Dongjiang Bay Beach in Tianjin, China, on April 5, 2023. Tong Yu / China News Service / VCG via Getty Images

A bowling facility that was abandoned in 2016 is photographed prior to its demolition in Tamba, Japan, on April 5, 2023. Buddhika Weerasinghe / Getty Images

A koala is seen in Sydney, on April 6, 2023. Jenny Evans / Getty Images

Residents of Ezbet Hamada in Cairo's Mataria district gather to eat Iftar, the meal to end their fast at sunset, during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on April 6, 2023. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
On Friday, a sit-in happened in DeKalb County to protest against the Atlanta Public Service Training Center.

The sit-in was held outside the DeKalb County Executive Building in Decatur.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Protesters told Channel 2 Action News they want county leaders to stop work at the site until a zoning-board appeal and lawsuit are decided.

County inspectors did order a work stoppage for a short time, Thursday.

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Dekalb County confirmed the stop to Channel 2 Action News on Thursday.

Inspectors told builders that erosion control measures were not in compliance. Shortly after that City of Atlanta officials corrected the issue and the stop work order was lifted Friday morning.

DeKalb County officials issued an updated statement to Channel 2 Action News shortly after that stating the following:

Atlanta Police Foundation was sent an email at 4:45 p.m. stating that the stop work order was lifted after a report by two inspectors was reviewed by the countys chief building official. The review confirmed that the BMPs had been brought back into compliance with DeKalb County building codes.

Crews have just recently started clearing the land at the site which has been the center of controversy for months.

Just last week, police conducted a raid on the property to clear it of trespassers and found barriers, and booby traps.

In recent months, agitators trying to keep crews from building the facility, have set fire to construction equipment, and even thrown Malakoff cocktails at police as they tried to clear them from the property.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Screenshot: YouTube/Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (Fair Use)

On Friday eveningwhich happens to be Good Friday for Christians (this was likely deliberate)Trump-appointed federal judge and devout Texas Christian Matthew Kacsmaryk issued a ruling that effectively bans the main abortion pill, mifepristone, nationwide. The ruling revokes the Food and Drug Administrations approval of the drug, which has been used safely since the year 2000, effective one week from today, unless the federal government can successfully challenge it by then.

Kacsmaryk, a rabidly anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ lawyer before Donald Trump nominated him to a lifetime seat on the federal bench in 2019, attempted to get around the criticism of withdrawing approval of a drug that was okayed over 20 years ago by blaming the FDA. He wrote that the agency stonewalled judicial review of mifepristone by ignoring anti-abortion activists petitions contesting the drugs approval. Had FDA responded to Plaintiffs petitions within the 360 total days allotted, this case would have been in federal court decades earlier. Instead, FDA postponed and procrastinated for nearly 6,000 days, he wrote.



Read more

Within hours of Kacsmaryks decision, Bidens Department of Justice filed a notice of appeal. Once the case is in appeals, the DOJ can take it to the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Kacsmaryk has certainly fulfilled his purpose. Anti-abortion activists strategically filed the federal lawsuit in a Texas district where Kacsmaryk is the only judge in order to ensure this outcome. Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal group that wrote the state law the Supreme Court used to overturn Roe v. Wade, baselessly argue along with the plaintiffs in their suit that the FDA was wrong to approve mifepristone decades ago and wrong to make updates to that approval, like approving its use through 10 weeks of pregnancy, up from seven. Notably, they filed the lawsuit against the government after the six-year statute of limitations, and after Roe fell.

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Kacsmaryk wasnt the only federal judge to issue an opinion on Friday night. Thomas Rice, a judge for U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington, wrote that the FDA is barred from altering the status quo and rights as it relates to the availability of Mifepristone in states involved in the lawsuit. The other states involved are, in alphabetical order, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Rice repeatedly characterized a nationwide injunctionlike the one Kacsmaryk issuedas inappropriate. Despite Kacsmaryks seven-day holding period, the conflicting rulings mean this lawsuit will likely make its way to the Supreme Court quicker than anyone expected.

Kacsmaryk made his personal feelings about abortion quite clear throughout the ruling, describing a medication abortion as the killing of an unborn human. In fact, mifepristone, the first of two drugs in the FDA-approved abortion regimen, halts a pregnancy from progressing, while the second drug, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions to expel the tissue. Misoprostol, an ulcer medication, can also be used on its own to end a pregnancy, though it may cause more side effects (more on that in a second). Medication abortions accounted for 54 percent of all abortions done in medical settings in 2020, and mifepristone is also used by people experiencing incomplete miscarriages.

Evan Masingill, CEO of generic mifepristone manufacturer GenBioPro and not a party in the case, said the company is reviewing the ruling, but the bottom line is, we are confident in the legality of mifepristones approval.

While Fridays ruling is devastating, it does not mean the end of medication abortion in blue states, as eight multistate providers including Planned Parenthood have said theyre prepared to offer misoprostol-only abortions if necessaryand others are expected to do the same. The two-drug combo will also remain available when shipped internationally from Aid Access and from community support networks like Red State Access. Anyone self-managing their abortions outside the U.S. medical system may face legal risks, so if they are going to buy pills, they should first read this guide to minimizing your risks, including your digital footprint.

Misoprostol-only abortions are safe and effective, but slightly less effective than medication abortions done with both drugs. Jamila Perritt, an OB/GYN and the president and CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health, told reporters on a recent press call that none of the legal issues around the abortion pill have to do with its safety. Its never been about the medicine. This is about ending abortion, Perritt said. It would be one thing if they were saying oh, we need to ban this medicine because its not safe, all these terrible things are happening. Thats not whats happening.

Ashley Brink, Wichita clinic manager at Trust Women Kansas, said on a press call she expected patients to be very confused as people called the clinic before Roe felt unsure if they could get a legal abortion. I can already assume that whatever ruling comes down, there will be people who believe that medication abortion in general has been banned in this country and may not be able to access it. That may be the truth or may be a half truth, Brink said.

The point of this latest ruling is to make it so difficult to get an abortion that people simply give up. Some clinics will only be able to continue with procedural abortions, which will impact the number of people they can serve at a time when clinics are slammed with patients from banned states and its taking longer and longer to get an appointment.

But there are questions about whether anything would change immediately. A trio of law professors noted in Slate that, under the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, only the FDA can withdraw approval for a drug. (Its an argument a group of food and drug law scholars made in an amicus brief supporting the FDA.) The FDA could also choose not to enforce Kacsmaryks ruling, and some providers could even choose to keep prescribing mifepristone. Before the ruling, three abortion providersWhole Womans Health, Trust Women, and Hey Janesaid theyd continue with the usual regimen unless the FDA tells them otherwise. (After the ruling, Whole Womans Health said it would continue with FDA-approved regimens for the next week.)



In general, though, the very idea that a judge can decree which drugs are legal or not could also undermine the entire federal system for approving medications, potentially imperiling everything from HIV drugs, birth control, and covid vaccines, as STAT News reported. One health law expert told CNBC that it could set a cataclysmic precedent.



Sarah Lipton-Lubet, president of advocacy group Take Back the Court, said the dueling rulings are a natural and confusing conclusion of the Supreme Court overturning Roe. While it will take time to sort out the rulings and next steps, three things are as true tonight as they were yesterday: Matthew Kascmaryk is a political hack who has no business in a federal courtroom, let alone as a judge. Mifepristone remains safe, legal, effective, and available. And decisions about drug safety should be made by medical experts, not by politicians masquerading as jurists, Lipton-Lubet said in a statement to Jezebel.

This is not a surprising outcome, said Karen Middleton, president of the Cobalt Abortion Fund in Colorado. Republicans promised to ban abortion nationwide. Its time we believe them.

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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.
Antron McCray, Raymond Santana, Yusef Salaam, Kevin Richardson and Korey Wise

Donald Trumps unprecedented criminal indictment is bringing to light his past misdeeds and his own attitudes towards the justice system in general and the New York justice system in particular. In addition to Trumps own actions catching up to him, many see his current legal troubles as karma catching up to him, specifically with regard to his treatment of the Exonerated Central Park 5. One of those wrongly convicted men has very publicly thrown Trumps own words back at him.

Yusef Salaam, one of the five Black and Latinx men who as teenagers were wrongfully convicted for the 1989 beating and sexual assault of a female jogger in New Yorks Central Park, took out a full-page ad noting Trumps arrest. The ads title, Bring Back Justice & Fairness. Build a Brighter Future for Harlem! references an ad that Trump placed in several newspapers in 1989 concerning the Central Park 5. As Salaam explained in a Twitter post, Over 30 years ago, Donald Trump took out full page ads calling for my execution. Now, Salaam wrote, On the day he was arrested and arraigned, here is my ad in response.

#PowerPost Over 30 years ago, Donald Trump took out full page ads calling for my execution. On the day he was arrested and arraigned, here is my ad in response. pic.twitter.com/nOYKkw1LD2  Yusef Abdus Salaam (@dr_yusefsalaam) April 5, 2023

Trumps 1989 ad, entitled Bring Back the Death Penalty. Bring Back Our Police! openly called for the five accused teenagers to be executed, despite the facts that they teens were not charged with murder (as the jogger did not die) and the five teens had not even been tried at the time. The ad portrayed New York City as being terrorized by roving bands of wild criminals who rape and kill and maim, playing on sensational and racialized fearmongering themes that Trump would later use in his 2016 presidential campaign.

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Now Donald Trump gets to see how the; Central park five felt when he took out full-page newspaper ads calling for the death penalty to be reinstated in New York state, wrongfully accusing five Black teenagers of rape of a White woman in Central Park telling the public that they pic.twitter.com/GeKl8YqBHX  Kenny Akers (@KeneAkers) March 31, 2023

As Salaam noted in his ad this week, Trump has stuck by his words and refused to acknowledge the that Central Park 5 were fully exonerated in 2002 when the actual attacker, a convicted murderer and rapist, confessed that he and he alone had assaulted the jogger in 1989; DNA evidence confirmed this confession. Nevertheless, Trump has simply stuck by his now-debunked belief that the five must be guilty and refusing to apologize for leading the rush to judgment against the wrongly-convicted teens. again showing a tendency towards dishonesty that Trump carried with him when into his political career.

Now Trumps alleged lies have caught up with him, as he stands accused of 34 felonies related to falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments for an alleged affair with adult actress Stormy Daniels. As Blavity previously reported, Trump was arrested, processed and arraigned in Manhattan on Tuesday after becoming the first current or former president to be criminally indicted. Trumps fate is now lying in the hands of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the same official who vacated the last of the false convictions related to the Central Park 5 case. Now, Trumps alleged misdeeds have left him at the mercy of a New York legal system that Trump once said shouldnt show mercy.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis at the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta, Ga. on Aug. 30, 2022. (Audra Melton/The New York Times)

WASHINGTON  The Fulton County district attorneys investigation into former President Donald Trumps effort to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia is nearing a decision point, posing fresh challenges for federal prosecutors considering charging him in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

The long-running investigation by Fani Willis in Atlanta substantially overlaps with the broader inquiry into Trumps conduct by the special counsel, Jack Smith, in Washington. Both rely on similar documentary evidence; some of the same criminal targets; and a small, shared pool of witnesses with knowledge of the former presidents actions and intent.

Trumps critics believe the concurrent investigations provide assurance that the former president and architects of the scheme to install fake electors in battleground states, including Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman, will be held to account.

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But they also create complications for two aggressive investigative teams pursuing some of the same witnesses, increasing the possibility of discrepancies in testimony that Trumps lawyers could exploit. Willis and her team have a head start, having begun their work in February 2021, and are expected to seek indictments early next month. That raises the pressure on Smith, who has pledged to work quickly, to move even faster, according to current and former prosecutors.

Normally, the lead federal prosecutor just picks up the phone and tries to work it out with the local prosecutor, but its obviously a lot more difficult in a case of this magnitude, said Channing Phillips, who served as acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia from March to November 2021. The stakes of not working things out are incredibly high.

The investigative efforts are by no means the same. Smiths purview extends into other areas  most notably, the investigation into whether Trump mishandled classified documents that were found at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after he left office.

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The federal investigation into Jan. 6 focuses on several charges, according to two law enforcement officials: wire fraud for emails sent between those pushing the false electors scheme; mail fraud for sending the names of electors to the National Archives and Records Administration; and conspiracy, which covers the coordination effort. (A fourth possible charge, obstruction of an official proceeding before Congress, has been used in many cases brought against participants in the Capitol attack.)

And some of Willis work has been more parochial in nature, including a review of false statements that Trump allies like Giuliani made at state legislative hearings in December 2020.

Justice Department officials said the indictment of Trump in New York by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg over a hush-money payment to a porn actress will have little effect on their investigations. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan passed on bringing a similar case.

But the Georgia investigation is entirely different. The Justice Department has no authority to order local prosecutors to step aside in areas where the investigations do overlap, unless their investigations conflict with federal law. In fact, internal department rules discourage indicting the subjects of prior state prosecutions.

Moreover, there is no formal rule book for settling jurisdictional questions or for deciding the chronological sequence of prosecutions, and disputes are usually hashed out informally, as they arise, on an ad hoc basis, said Preet Bharara, a former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Local and federal prosecutors routinely work together to coordinate charging decisions based on which jurisdiction offers better chances of conviction or a stiffer sentence. But in many high-profile cases, prosecutors view dueling investigations as a nuisance or even a hazard.

Witnesses, even forthright ones, sometimes offer different accounts when interviewed by lawyers representing different offices. Differences between state and federal laws can lead to damaging conflicts over strategy and priorities. Then there is what is known as witness fatigue, when important players simply grow tired or uncooperative after running gantlets of government inquisitors.

Fulton County prosecutors are conducting a wide-ranging investigation that includes calls made by Trump to exert pressure on state officials and efforts by the former president and his allies to replace legitimate electors in Georgia with pro-Trump alternates. Last year, Willis office sought to interview two key figures who had served in the Justice Department: Richard Donoghue, the acting deputy attorney general in the waning days of the Trump administration, and Jeffrey Clark, an assistant attorney general who led the departments environmental division.

Shortly after Trump left office, it emerged that Clark had tried to circumvent the departments leaders and aid Trumps efforts to stay in power. He even drafted a letter that was to have been sent to lawmakers in Georgia falsely claiming that the Justice Department had identified significant concerns that would affect the states election results and urging lawmakers to convene a special session.

Donoghue was alarmed when he saw the draft, according to testimony he provided to the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack.

Aides to Willis filed what are known as Touhy requests, named after a 1951 Supreme Court case. Under the rule, local prosecutors are required to get authorization from the Justice Department to question its current or former employees. But the requests were ultimately rejected.

It is not clear why the department rejected the requests. But both men were at the center of an investigation into Clarks conduct by the Justice Departments inspector general that was subsequently handed off to Smiths team.

A spokesperson for Smith declined to comment.

Fulton County prosecutors also declined to comment. The forewoman of an Atlanta special grand jury that issued an advisory report in January, which has remained largely under seal, appeared to hint in an interview this year that it had recommended that Trump be indicted.

The Atlanta case has put additional pressure on Smith. Justice Department officials have said they wanted to make charging decisions in the spring or summer, before the 2024 election kicks into high gear  which raises the question of whether Smith will try to bring charges before Willis does.

Looking at this as a federal prosecutor, I would just want to go first, said Joyce Vance, a University of Alabama law professor who served as the U.S. attorney in Birmingham from 2009 to 2017. I dont want to have to try my case after its already been brought in a state court. You really want to go first to avoid problems with witnesses and other technical or legal problems.

If Willis moves first, Smiths team would have to obtain department approval to waive an internal rule that precludes multiple prosecutions and punishments for substantially the same act(s).

That is not considered a high bar, however. Smith would simply have to show that the state case did not completely cover all the issues addressed in a federal case. It is believed that exemption was recently used to obtain a hate crimes conviction against three men who murdered Ahmaud Arbery, a young Black man who was jogging through their neighborhood.

John Fishwick Jr., a former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, said he often requested that local prosecutors step aside when he thought their investigations conflicted with his. He suggested that Smith could at least consider asking Willis to do the same.

DOJ and state prosecutors do not play well in the same sandbox, but at the end of the day, if it gets into a tug of war, DOJ is usually going to win, he said. The federal government just has more power as far as compelling witnesses, more power to assign people to a case and more oomph in general.

While prosecutors should clear up disputes over access to witnesses and documents, it is vital that the two efforts be seen as independent and fact-driven and not a witch hunt, as Trump has described all of the investigations into him, former Justice Department officials say.

I dont think they would coordinate on things like timing or language of the charges or anything like that  although that wouldnt be illegal, said Mary McCord, a former top official in the departments national security division who is now a visiting professor at Georgetown University Law Center.

But the goal here is avoid any appearance that they are coordinating prosecutions for political purposes, McCord added.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
Twitter has dropped the state-affiliated media label from NPRs account and replaced it with a government funded label, after facing backlash over the decision.

The label first appeared on NPRs account on Tuesday, leading the news organization to halt its posts on the social media platform.

We were disturbed to see last night that Twitter has labeled NPR as state-affiliated media, a description that, per Twitters own guidelines, does not apply to NPR, President and CEO John Lansing said in a statement on Wednesday.

NPR and our Member stations are supported by millions of listeners who depend on us for the independent, fact-based journalism we provide, he continued, adding, It is unacceptable for Twitter to label us this way.

NPR has since updated its Twitter bio to read, NPR is an independent news organization committed to informing the public about the world around us. You can find us every other place you read the news.

According to NPRs website, less than 1 percent of its annual operating budget comes from grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and federal entities.

The state-affiliated media label placed NPR in the company of Russian state-owned news agency TASS and Chinas official state news agency Xinhua, both of which have received such a label.

Twitter CEO Elon Musk acknowledged on Thursday that the state-affiliated media label might not have been accurate in an email exchange with an NPR reporter.

The operating principle at new Twitter is simply fair and equal treatment, so if we label non-US accounts as govt, then we should do the same for US, but it sounds like that might not be accurate here, Musk said in one email, per NPR.

The government funded label appears to have also been applied to PBS, as of Saturday evening.

The label links back to Twitters guidelines on government and state-affiliated media, which does not include a definition for the government funded label.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
GETTY IMAGES

Twitter has lifted restrictions on accounts linked to the Russian government that were put in place last April after the full-scale Russian invasion.

Source: The Telegraph

Tests conducted by the media last week showed that Russian government accounts appear at the top of certain search results and in other account suggestions for subscriptions.

In particular, we are talking about the accounts of Russian President Putin, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and their embassy in Britain.

Last April, in the weeks after Russian troops entered Ukraine, Twitter said it would "not amplify or recommend government accounts belonging to states that limit access to free information and are engaged in armed interstate conflict", saying the policy would instantly apply to Russian government accounts.

It said this would mean the accounts would not be recommended in searches, the home timeline and other parts of the service.

However, now Russian government accounts featured at the top of certain search results and would show up in Twitters algorithmically-driven For You feed for a newly created account, even when it did not follow them.

A former Twitter executive confirmed that it would be exceedingly unlikely that this change would have happened accidentally, or without the knowledge and direction of the company's staff.

Twitter also lifted restrictions on Russian and Chinese state media accounts last week, among them RT and the Global Times, introduced in 2020.

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Nashville has suddenly become the center of the political world, after the GOP-led Tennessee House of Representatives expelled two Black Democrats on Thursday.

State Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were expelled for breaking House rules as they protested in favor of gun control on March 30.

Jones and Pearson had marched to the well of the chamber without having permission to speak and, using a bullhorn, joined in with chants from protestors in the public galleries.

A third lawmaker who stood in support of them but did not use the bullhorn, state Rep. Gloria Johnson (D), survived her expulsion vote.

Jones and Pearson are Black. Johnson is white.

The original protests followed a March 27 mass shooting at Nashvilles Covenant School, in which three adults and three children were killed. The three children were all nine years old.

Given the scale of the human tragedy, its not surprising that political emotions are running high.

Here are the main takeaways from the expulsions.

Tennessee Republicans overplayed their hand

GOP lawmakers in the Tennessee statehouse claim they needed to act to nip any further acts of disorder in the bud. According to the Associated Press, one member, state Rep. Gino Bulso (R) said that the Democrats had effectively conducted a mutiny.

Other Republicans accused the Democrats of an insurrection  an inflammatory charge and a largely specious one, at least if it was meant to evoke a meaningful comparison with the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than three-to-one in the Tennessee House chamber. If their objective was simply to thwart a push for greater gun control and instead focus on school security and mental health, they could easily have done so, without even attracting much national attention.

Instead, they have made political stars out of the Tennessee Three, sparked cries of authoritarianism, catapulted the story to national prominence and  in their more lenient treatment of Johnson over Jones and Pearson  left themselves wide open to the charge of racism.

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By any reasonable measure, Tennessee Republicans have scored a sizable political own goal.

National Democrats are seizing on the story

The biggest names in Democratic politics have rushed to condemn the expulsions. Their outrage might well be sincere but it is another sign of how advantageous they consider the politics of the story to be.

In a Thursday night statement, President Biden described the expulsions as shocking, undemocratic and without precedent.

Vice President Harris headed to Tennessee on Friday, altering her schedule to meet with Jones and Pearson. Harris, who arrived in Nashville late in the afternoon, was expected to try to focus media attention on the White Houses desire for tighter gun laws as well.

Even former President Obama, who is careful not to speak out on each and every political controversy, called the events the latest example of a broader erosion of civility and democratic norms.

No-one really knows if this will shift the politics on gun control

The sheer scale of the controversy has led some advocates for gun control to claim a greater momentum for their cause.

Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, a prominent pro-gun control group, told The Hill, The moment isnt ending.

Watts added: I think the gloves are off on our side. And [Im] also hearing from so many Republican women who are becoming single issue voters. They are watching lawmakers say their kids are collateral damage and theyre not having it.

There is a strong case to be made that legislators across the country are out of step with public opinion on the issue.

An Economist/YouGov poll this week found an overwhelming 82 percent of Americans favoring universal background checks, 74 percent backing so-called red flag laws, and 63 percent  including 42 percent of Republicans  even in favor of an assault weapons ban.

But that doesnt come anywhere close to guaranteeing action either in Tennessee or at the federal level.

In Washington, there was some surprise that a modest gun safety measure passed Congress last June.

But Republicans on Capitol Hill dont seem enthused about going any further than that.

Expulsions are rare  but they may not stay that way

Thursdays expulsions were only the fourth time since the Civil War that such a step had been taken in the Nashville statehouse, according to The Tennessean.

The two other most recent examples were in 2016, when a Republican member was expelled over allegations of misconduct with women, and back in 1980 when another Republican was booted over a bribe.

The Tennessee state Senate did, however, vote to expel a Democratic member last year after her conviction for wire fraud.

Thursday reportedly marked the first time in the states history that lawmakers had been expelled simply for violating rules of decorum.

The question is whether this weeks events will set a precedent for similar expulsions in the near-future across the country  or whether lawmakers, looking at the furor in Nashville, will balk at taking similar steps in their states.

The expelled lawmakers will likely be back

It is highly improbable that the expulsions will end the political careers of Jones or Pearson.

Both men are vowing to fight on, and their political profiles have risen exponentially. On Friday alone, they did numerous television interviews.

The rules around expulsions in Tennessee are also idiosyncratic. A special election is called  but there is nothing barring the expelled lawmaker from running again. Moreover, it is possible for local authorities to appoint the expelled person as an interim member until that election takes place.

On Friday, NBC News reported that a majority of members of the Nashville Metropolitan Council would vote to reinstate Jones to his seat. Pearson, who represents a Memphis-area district, could get similar treatment.

One way or another, Jones and Pearson have emerged stronger than they were before any of this happened.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Protesters in support of access to abortion medication standing outside the courthouse during Wednesday's hearing. David Erickson / AP

A federal judge in Texas on Friday suspended the FDAs approval of mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortion, potentially making it inaccessible nationwide.

In his ruling , US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk said regulators had failed to consider "the psychological effects of the drug or an evaluation of the long-term medical consequences of the drug, but put his decision on hold for seven days to give the Biden administration a chance to appeal. Meanwhile, a federal judge in Washington state issued what appeared to be a competing ruling prohibiting the FDA from pulling the drug  which was approved more than two decades ago  off the market. But that ruling only applies to the 18 plaintiff states in that case, including Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Vermont.

It wasnt immediately clear what the dueling opinions will mean for access to medication abortion nationwide.

Anthony Michael Kreis, a professor at Georgia State University College of Law, told BuzzFeed News that the conflict almost guarantees that the Supreme Court will have to step in immediately.

What will be key to watch is whether the Court will step in to block the Texas injunction against the FDA, or if the Court will attempt to simultaneously resolve both cases on an expedited basis, he said. The competing rulings will cause considerable disruption and confusion without near-immediate intervention by the justices.

Steve Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law and an expert on federal courts, said on Twitter that even though the Washington ruling technically only applies to the plaintiff states "there would be no way for the FDA to comply with both *if* Kacsmaryks ruling ever goes into effect."

"This all-but guarantees that Mifepristone gets to #SCOTUS in a hurry," Vladeck tweeted.

Erik Baptist (right) and other legal team members with the anti-abortion group exit the federal court building after the hearing on Wednesday. David Erickson / AP

The federal ruling in Texas stems from a case brought by the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine , an anti-abortion group, that aimed to force the Federal Drug Administration to withdraw its approval of the drug via emergency order. Mifepristone is currently used, along with misoprostol, as part of the most common two-drug regimen for medication abortions.

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The case marks the latest right-wing endeavor to chip away at abortion access across the United States. Since the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in June 2022, mifepristone  also known as the abortion pill  has become more vital than ever , especially in states that have banned or seriously restricted abortion. Of the hundreds of thousands of abortions performed every year nationwide, more than half are done via medication, according to a 2022 survey from the Guttmacher Institute .

Kries said the Supreme Court should act quickly in favor of maintaining the status quo while the competing injunctions are sorted out.

Any disruption in the availability to mifepristone caused by the court would be an extraordinary departure from ordinary standards, he added.

Medication abortion is usually carried out by ingesting two pills: mifepristone, which blocks the hormone progesterone, and misoprostol, which induces the expulsion of pregnancy tissue from the uterus. The drugs, which must be prescribed by a healthcare provider, may be used for abortions until up to 10 weeks gestation. First authorized in France in 1988, mifepristone was approved for use in the US in 2000 after a four-year vetting process.

In a Friday evening statement, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Department of Justice strongly disagrees with the Texas ruling, and would appeal it. Todays decision overturns the FDAs expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective. The Department will continue to defend the FDAs decision, he said. The Department is committed to protecting Americans access to legal reproductive care. Garland also said the DOJ would review the competing ruling in Washington state.

Kacsmaryk, who was appointed as a judge in 2019 by then-president Donald Trump, has a long history of staunchly conservative beliefs and rulings. Last year, he ruled that minors in Texas could not access birth control without a parents permission.

He has also expressed significant and repeated opposition to the rights of LGBTQ Americans. In a 2015 journal article, he criticized federal protections for LGBTQ individuals, arguing that instituting these laws would give no quarter to Americans who continue to believe and seek to exercise their millennia-old religious belief that marriage and sexual relations are reserved to the union of one man and one woman. In a 2016 media article, he slammed a school district for allowing a trans student to use the bathroom matching their gender identity, and also served as the defense attorney for the owners of an Oregon bakery who had refused to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.

Knowing the abortion pill case was likely to spark public outrage, Kacsmaryk took extraordinary measures to keep proceedings under wraps: Typically, details on federal court cases are released on a publicly available docket. But in a conference call with lawyers on March 10, Kacsmaryk said he would try to delay the hearings announcement until the night before. However, the Washington Post learned of the call a day later, giving the public warning of the upcoming hearing.

During the hearing on March 15, according to the Washington Post , Kacsmaryk appeared open to the anti-abortion groups claims that mifepristone could be harmful or even deadly, and that the FDA approval process had been rushed.

"How many more women have to die? the anti-abortion groups attorney, Erik Baptist, asked during the hearing, according to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal .

In reality, scientific evidence categorically demonstrates that mifepristone is safe . As of 2018, FDA data shows, 24 people out of 3.7 million have died after taking mifepristone, though their deaths could not be conclusively tied to the drug. Department of Justice attorneys, who defended the FDA, said 99.9% of mifepristone users show no major side effects.

Ordering a ban on an FDA-approved drug  particularly one so widely used for over 20 years  would be an unprecedented decision. Acknowledging this, Kacsmaryk asked Baptist if he was aware of any other rulings that have taken a drug off the market, according to the Associated Press . There were none, Baptist said, but he contended that this was due to the FDA stonewalling previous challenges to the drug.

In a normal world, Lorie Chaiten , senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union's Reproductive Freedom Project, told BuzzFeed News ahead of the March 15 hearing, the anti-abortion groups lawsuit would have been thrown out from the get-go. The fact that it wasnt shows weve entered uncharted waters, she said.

What the plaintiffs have asked for here is unprecedented, Chaiten said. Courts just simply do not jump in and remove drugs from the market, particularly not ones that have been on the market for [23 years].

Ahead of the arguments in the Texas case, Democratic-led states sued the FDA in late February in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. The complaint primarily asked the court to order the agency to remove an extra layer of restrictions on mifepristone. But it also sought a ruling enjoining the agency "from taking any action to remove mifepristone from the market or reduce its availability." On Friday, District Judge Thomas Owen Rice, an appointee of Barack Obama, did just that, finding that a preliminary injunction was in the public interest.

Still, Rice wrote that a nationwide injunction in this case was "inappropriate," citing the competing litigation in Texas.

While it remains unclear how the Supreme Court will sort out the differences in the two opinions, the impact of Kacsmaryks ruling stands to be felt nationwide  if it is allowed to take effect.

Even in states where abortion is legal, if its an unapproved drug, there could be legal repercussions for continuing to prescribe it and certainly for these sponsors to continue to distribute it, Chaiten said.

David Mack and Stephanie K. Baer contributed reporting to this story.

Apr. 10, 2023, at 19:25 PM

More on this
Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber, completed about 100 trips and deliveries while moonlighting as a driver. Leigh Vogel/Getty Images

Uber's CEO moonlighted as a driver last September to better understand why recruitment was an issue.

Dara Khosrowshahi told The Wall Street Journal he encountered problems that discouraged drivers.

He also found that some passengers were rude and acted like they were alone in the car.

Uber's CEO moonlighted as a driver to find out why the company was having trouble signing up more drivers. He was surprised to find out just how many issues there were  and how unpleasant some riders could be.

Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber, told The Wall Street Journal that he secretly signed up as a driver in September last year to better understand the Uber-employee experience amid a slowdown in recruitment.

The company had traditionally focused on the rider experience, but he said it also needed to win the "hearts and minds" of drivers to maintain its lead over rivals such as Lyft.

He bought a secondhand Tesla Model Y to ferry riders around San Francisco and make deliveries using the alias "Dave K."

While there were several operational issues that made using the app difficult, some customers' behavior unpleasantly surprised Khosrowshahi.

The Journal reported that some experiences  such as riders discussing personal problems or confidential corporate information as if they were the only people in the car  made him feel slighted.

When Khosrowshahi made food deliveries using an electric bike, he often encountered a practice called "tip-baiting," where customers entice a courier with a big tip when they place the order, before reducing it after delivery.

Another passenger who recognized the CEO on one of his Uber shifts asked him for advice on his startup.

Khosrowshahi told the Journal he had a five-star rating for the roughly 100 rides and deliveries he'd completed around town.

However, he said he'd go to bed anxious about maintaining his perfect rating the next day.

Khosrowshahi said he would try to keep customers happy by offering them charging cables and making Spotify playlists featuring artists including Taylor Swift and The National.

Story continues

Five Uber drivers recently interviewed by Insider said they frequently encountered rudeness, no tips, late arrivals, and requests for stops at drive-thrus or convenience stores.

Khosrowshahi's moonlighting was part of a bigger operation called "Project Boomerang" that aimed to get more drivers back on the app.

The findings prompted Uber to create a single sign-up for both rides and deliveries, to allow drivers to see drop-off locations before pick-up, and to give drivers hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses.

Khosrowshahi told the Journal that some drivers had returned in response to economic uncertainty, which, at the time, did not have an impact on rider demand.

Read the original article on Business Insider
LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will meet Joe Biden in Northern Ireland next week when the U.S. president flies in to take part in events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday peace accord.

Having helped broker the 1998 deal, the United States remains an influential voice in Northern Ireland's politics and has sought to protect the peace from the strains caused by Britain's exit from the European Union.

Sunak will greet Biden on Tuesday evening when Air Force One lands for what will be a closely watched visit to both sides of the Irish border at a time of heightened political uncertainty in Northern Ireland.

Sunak hosts a gala dinner on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, his office said in a statement setting out some details of his itinerary.

Biden, who often speaks proudly of his Irish roots, will also spend time in the Irish Republic, where he will visit Dublin and his two ancestral homes.

The Good Friday Agreement - signed on April 10, 1998 - largely ended three decades of sectarian bloodshed that had convulsed Northern Ireland since the late 1960s.

However the anniversary has been overshadowed by a year-long boycott by Northern Ireland's largest pro-British unionist party of the power-sharing devolved government central to the peace deal. The Democratic Unionist Party is angry about post-Brexit trade rules that treated the province differently to the rest of the UK.

In March, Britain's MI5 intelligence agency increased the threat level in Northern Ireland from domestic terrorism to "severe" - meaning an attack is highly likely - though the move was not thought to be linked to the anniversary.

Biden clashed with the British government at times during Brexit talks, but has spoken in support of a recently agreed UK-EU deal to address some of the tensions caused by the original Brexit agreement.

Although that deal has so far failed to restore the devolved government in Northern Ireland, Sunak will seek to bolster his support for the province by announcing a summit later in the year to stimulate international investment.

(Reporting by William James; editing by Giles Elgood)
On Saturday, 8 April, 31 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia from the occupied territories were brought back to Ukraine.

Source: Mykola Kuleba, Presidential Commissioner for Child Rights of Ukraine (2014-2021) and CEO of Save Ukraine charitable foundation

Quote: "The fifth rescue mission is now ending, and 31 children will arrive in Kyiv in a few hours."

Details: He noted that with each mission, "the number of hours of FSB interrogations, [number of] ordeals that families have to go through to get their children back, increases."

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Ukraine has entered into an agreement with Poland to purchase 200 Rosomak armoured personnel carriers, of which 100 will be delivered now and 100 later.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening address

Quote: "The most significant thing these days, of course, is the visit to Poland, our agreements, our achievements.

Poland has done everything it promised regarding the tanks: they are already in Ukraine, in particular, Leopard tanks. There are new agreements on infantry fighting vehicles  more than 100 vehicles. On armoured personnel carriers  Rosomak  200 vehicles, 100 now and 100 later. More self-propelled mortars, additional missiles, MiGs [fighter aircraft  ed.]...

There are also important agreements on the economy, on the reconstruction of Ukraine  in particular, for our Kharkiv Oblast."

Details: Zelenskyy also noted that agreements on humanitarian and medical projects were entered into at the level of the first ladies of Ukraine and Poland.

"In particular, training our doctors in comprehensive care for burns patients, and emergency air evacuation of the wounded, particularly in war zones. Dozens of our doctors have already undergone or are undergoing such training. And the project will continue  rehabilitation training, training for Ukrainian psychologists," he said.

Background: Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced last week that Ukraine will acquire 100 Polish-made Rosomak armoured personnel carriers from Poland. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the purchase on Wednesday while on a visit to Warsaw, but did not specify the quantity.

On 6 April, Polish government representative Piotr Muller said that Ukraine had ordered 150 Rosomak armoured personnel carriers from Poland.

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Ukraine resumes electricity exports

Halushchenko noted that thanks to the work of engineers and the help of Western partners, Ukrainian energy system has been operating without restrictions for consumers for almost two months.

Read also: DTEK Energys direct losses due to Russian strikes exceed $160 million after cold season

The most difficult winter has passed, Halushchenko noted.

The next step is to open the electricity export, which will attract additional financial resources for the necessary restoration of the destroyed (facilities) and repairs on damaged energy infrastructure.

Read also: Two more reactors working at full capacity at Rivne NPP, cutting electricity generation deficit in country

The European network of transmission system operators, ENTSO-E, allocates 400 MW of export capacity to Ukraine. However, actual volumes may fluctuate depending on consumption patterns and market conditions.

The minister emphasized that meeting the needs of Ukrainian consumers remains a priority.

Read also: State mail company planning to provide electric bikes to mail carriers

Thats why the electricity export will work while (still) providing Ukrainian consumers with electricity  it can be suspended if the situation changes, said Halushchenko.

Read also: Ukrenergo completes restoration of energy facilities after Russias March 9 mass missile attack

Ukraine used to export electricity to Moldova and EU countries from June to October 2022, before Russia began launching regular mass cruise missile barrages targeting Ukrainian power generation and transmission facilities. For the next five months, households and businesses across the country were forced to adapt to only intermittent power supply, as technicians and air defense forces worked to mitigate the devastating effects of enemy missile strikes.

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
Recruits of the Steel Border storm brigade practice at the unit's base in central Ukraine March 24, 2023. REUTERS/Alina Yarysh

Ukraine is training eight new 'storm brigades' totaling 40,000 soldiers, according to Reuters.

The recruitment campaign is part of a counter-offensive plan against Russia.

New soldiers are being trained in target practice, flying drones, and rescuing injured soldiers.

Ukraine is training eight new military units called 'storm brigades' comprised of 40,000 soldiers as part of the planned counter-offensive attack against Russia in the near future, according to a new report by Reuters.

As Russia continues its attacks in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv has bolstered its recruiting campaigns in order to attract new volunteers.

"I want the war to be over as soon as possible, and I hope the strike brigade will make it happen a lot faster," Aleks, a translator with no prior military experience, told Reuters at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Aleks did not give his last name for security reasons.

Dmytro, another recruit who previously worked in a currency exchange office, said, "I wanted to join even more because I want revenge, as harsh as it may sound in the 21st century. We have to get revenge for all our people, for the murdered children."

The recruitment campaign for new brigades, drafted by the Interior Ministry rather than the army, began in February, according to the news outlet.

Recruits of the Steel Border storm brigade practice launching drones, at the unit's base in central Ukraine March 24, 2023. Reuters/Alina Yarysh

The new military units will fight with the Ukrainian army, but it will take up to four months to train those without any previous military experience, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko told Reuters. Former police officers or soldiers could be trained in two months, he said.

2.5% of the brigades were made up of female fighters, he added.

"For them, the objective is to liberate Ukraine," Klymenko said in an interview in Kyiv. "We are writing the great history of our state for many future decades."

Late last month, in a secret location, members of the "Border of Steel" brigade were trained in target practice, flying drones, and rescuing injured soldiers.

The other brigades are named Hurricane, Spartan, Chervona Kalyna, Frontier, Rage, Azov, and Kara Dag  a mountain in Crimea.

Story continues

More than a year into Russia's invasion of the country, a counter-offensive operation is considered crucial for Ukraine. If the fighters are unable to take back territory from occupying Russian troops, it could prompt Western allies to propose negotiations between Kyiv and Putin's regime.

Valeriy Padytel, commander of Border of Steel, would not hint at when they would launch their attack: "We will keep training, will train all the time while the brigade is being formed and while we are waiting for battle orders," he told Reuters.

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The Air Force of Ukraine warned of a new threat from Russia and explained why modern multipurpose jet fighters can be an effective countermeasure against Russian aircraft.

Source: Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, on Telegram; Yurii Ihnat, Spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during the national joint 24/7 newscast

Details: Ihnat reminded that recently the Russians have been actively using FAB-500 high-explosive aerial bombs [500 kg  ed.], which are being converted into cruise bombs to be used with impunity, from a distance that is unreachable for Ukrainian air defence. Moreover, the day before, information appeared in Russian media space that Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, was inspecting the plant where a production line for the creation of such bombs has been launched.

It indicates the date  2023, and that Russians plan to manufacture one-and-a-half-ton bombs. According to Ihnat, obviously, they will also be equipped with wings and GPS navigation.

According to representatives of the Air Force, modern fighter jets such as the F-16 can become a powerful means of countermeasures [keeping Russian aircraft at a distance that does not allow the use of such aerial bombs  ed].

Lieutenant General Oleschuk gives other arguments in favour of these aircraft.

Quote:

"The most effective countermeasure against the use of guided aerial bombs

Increasingly, Russia is using guided aerial bombs weighing 500 kg along the entire front line. There are signs of preparation for the mass use of 1,500 kg KABs [Russian precision guided weapon  ed.]!

The aircraft of the Russians do not enter the zone of damage of our air defence, striking remotely at the front line and near-frontline cities. Civilians in the northern, southern, and eastern oblasts are suffering.

The F-16 is armed with air-to-air missiles with a range of up to 180 km. This will make it possible to drive enemy aircraft away from our borders and the line of combat, which will minimise the likelihood of using guided aerial bombs and other air-based weapons.

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The best protection of rear areas

On average, our [Ukraine's] air defence destroys about 75% of cruise missiles and attack drones. But 25% still reach their targets!

Civilians die, and infrastructure is destroyed. F-16s can effectively destroy these air threats even at the borders, preventing missiles and drones from reaching our cities.

The advantage in the air is the reliable cover of the front line

Russian aircraft outnumber Ukrainian by many times, and most importantly, the occupiers have a technological advantage.

The Air Force does not have enough forces and assets, both ground and air, to effectively protect airspace, troops on the front lines and civilians in the front-line zone from the daily terror of enemy attack aircraft and helicopters.

F-16 will allow gaining air supremacy, significantly weakening the enemy, and saving many lives every day.

A powerful strike back

The wide range of modern high-precision weapons of the F-16 will allow for high-precision strikes on Russian troops during counter-offensive actions. It is necessary to stop the offensive actions of the enemy, to gain superiority in the air, and to destroy the means of supply of equipment, ammunition, and manpower of the enemy. F-16 will be able to perform these tasks!

Control of the sea

The Black Sea is still under the control of the Russian fleet. F-16s are armed with powerful anti-ship missiles that can easily drive the entire enemy fleet either to ports or to the bottom of the sea. Ukraine needs to ensure freedom of navigation and protection of grain corridors.

Pilots are hostages of old technologies

The available equipment and armament of Soviet aircraft turned all the missions of our pilots into mortally dangerous ones, which caused irreparable losses of the best sons of Ukraine.

Only modern technologies will make their work effective and safe. Our pilots are trained and motivated to learn. And they are enough to fight and study at the same time. Our pilots dream of F-16s, they deserve to fly on the best planes!

Serviceability, spare parts

Ukraine uses 40-year-old aircraft. Some planes are twice as old as their pilots! It becomes more and more difficult to maintain their serviceability every day. Own stocks of spare parts are running low, and allies do not have those either.

Many issues are closed through the so-called "cannibalization", but this cannot last forever. You can't wait until all aircraft stop completely. Thanks to the transfer of aircraft from Slovakia and Poland, it will be possible to restore the MiG-29 aircraft fleet of several air brigades to a certain extent and strengthen the capabilities of fighter aircraft to perform current combat missions. However, to achieve superiority in the air, to win, we need modern aircraft!

Stockpiles of ammunition

Stocks of even outdated and ineffective Soviet ammunition for the existing aircraft fleet are steadily decreasing. Even with a sufficient number of serviceable planes and trained pilots, at a certain point, our Air Forces will be left without weapons. Switching to the F-16 or another Western platform with a wide range of modern weapons is the only way out!"

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Fighters of the Security Service of Ukraine have released a video showing how they repulsed a Russian attack in Bakhmut.

Source: Security Service of Ukraine

Quote: "Special officers of the Security Service of Ukraine are joining in with the all-Ukrainian Saturday toloka [a meet-up to accomplish a task together or for communal fundraising, most often cleaning up the neighbourhood  ed.]: were cleaning up garbage from our beautiful land!

We are preparing for Easter with pure intentions and a strong spirit."

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In more than 100 days, Russian MiG-31Ks made almost 40 sorties from the Belarusian airfield Machulyshchi

Ihnat suggested that the first reason could be due to the need for repair or routine maintenance that the Russian warplanes must undergo at their main base airports.

After all, its an aircraft, a machine, so routine work needs to be done from time to time, Ihnat explained, adding that Belarus does not have the necessary equipment to repair Russian MiGs of this type.

Read also: Russian MiG-31K aircraft may soon return to Belarusian territory, says Ihnat

Ihnats second explanation is that the departure of the MiG-31Ks, which are potential carriers of the hypersonic missile Kh-47M Kinzhal, may have been due to a rotation of their crews.

In this case, some aircraft will go back to their main bases (in Russia), and others will leave (for Belarus), Ihnat said.

Read also: Lukashenko expects Russian governors will succeed him in Belarus, says Levin

He also noted that such cases have occurred before, where several MiG-31Ks flew to their main airfields and were replaced by other fighters. Ihnat predicted that the MiG-31Ks will return to Belarusian airfields in any case.

On April 6, the Belarusian Hajun monitoring group reported that three Russian MiG-31K fighters left the Machulishchy airfield in Belarus, where they had been based since December 2022 for 113 days.

During this time, the Russian Kinzhal carriers made 39 flights, causing air alarms throughout Ukraine.

Because Kinzhal missiles have a range of 2,000 kilometers, meaning they can reach all parts of Ukraine, any activity by their launch aircraft (the MiG-31K) triggers a nationwide air alert. However, Russia has used Kinzhal missiles rarely, as it has few of them, and most of the MiG-31K sorties are training flights.

The Belarusian Hajun group also noted that this was the second rotation for aircraft of this type. Earlier, three MiG-31Ks of the Russian Aerospace Forces arrived in Belarus in October 2022 and stayed there for 46 days.

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Last October, the Ukrainian military attempted to regain the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) from the Russian Federation, but the attempt failed.

Source: The Times

Details: At the end of October, officials of the occupation administrations and the Russian Defence Ministry reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had attempted to drop an airborne force and retake the ZNPP, the newspaper writes. At the same time, Kyiv did not officially acknowledge the attempt to storm the nuclear power plant, but representatives of the Ukrainian Special Forces, Defence Intelligence and the Navy told The Times on condition of anonymity about the details of the operation.

At that time, Russian troops had been holding the power plant for more than six months, using its territory to fire on Ukrainian cities on the other side of the Dnipro river and a large steel plant in Nikopol.

According to The Times, on the night of 19 October, about 600 Ukrainian troops in 30 boats packed with weapons, including heavy machine guns, MK-19 grenade launchers and anti-tank weapons, attempted to land on the left bank of the Dnipro.

"The idea was that this would be an infantry-only battle. They wouldnt be able to use artillery against us, as this is a nuclear plant," the newspaper quoted one of the military as saying.

However, the newspaper writes that the Ukrainian army soldiers did not expect such serious resistance.

"The Russians had built a very dense defence, they had mined everything. When we were approaching, they even pulled up tanks and artillery and started firing at us right on the water." the Ukrainian soldier said.

"As special forces speedboats crossed a stretch of river nearly three miles wide, precision Himars rockets provided by the US smashed into Russian positions on the riverbank (...) A handful of the Ukrainian special forces teams in smaller boats managed to make it to the shore as dawn broke, engaging the Russians in a three-hour firefight on the outskirts of the town of Enerhodar, which adjoins the plant. The main force was unable to land, however," the newspaper writes.

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The Times notes that due to the risk of radiation leakage, such an attempted assault raises questions even among Ukrainian officials who are convinced of the need to regain the ZNPP.

The head of Ukraine's Energoatom (the company that runs all power plants in this country  ed.), Petro Kotin, suggested that it would be possible to regain the plant if the Ukrainian army could advance south, toward Crimea and Melitopol.

"This is the only option [to regain the power plant - ed.]  no direct firing on the plant, no direct advance on the territory of the plant with direct actions against the Russians. It is very dangerous to do such things near nuclear materials," he said.

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Thierry Burkhard, Chief of the General Staff of France, and Valery Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, discussed the situation at the front and further military support.

Source: As European Pravda writes, this became known from Burkhard's post on Twitter.

Thierry Burkhard noted that Zaluzhnyi told him about his vision of the situation at the front.

"I assured him of the continuation of our support through supplies and training, which the Armed Forces of Ukraine receive from the French military," added the French Chief of General Staff.

Background: In late March, the Minister of Defence of France announced that Paris would double the number of 155-mm artillery shells supplied to Ukraine; up to 2,000 per month.

The minister also said that France will provide Ukraine with the promised SAMP/T air defence system "very soon". The Ukrainian military has been trained with it.

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NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova will ask India on an upcoming visit for humanitarian aid and equipment to repair energy infrastructure damaged during Russia's invasion, a newspaper reported on Saturday.

India's foreign ministry said the Ukrainian minister was arriving in India on Sunday on a four-day trip during which the two sides would discuss their relations, the situation in Ukraine and global issues.

India, which holds the presidency of the G20 bloc this year, has declined to blame its old ally Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and has sought a diplomatic solution while boosting its purchases of Russian oil.

"Ukraine has requested India for more humanitarian aid, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and energy equipment, to repair power infrastructure damaged during the war," the Hindu newspaper said of the upcoming talks, citing diplomatic sources.

Dzhaparova, making the first visit to India by a Ukrainian government minister since Russia's invasion, will call on India to send a "strong message for peace" to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is due to visit India in July for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and is due back in September for a G20 summit, the newspaper said.

While in India, Dzhaparova will expand on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's 10-point peace formula, and call on India to add its "crucial global voice" to building a consensus in its favour, the paper said.

Ukraine is keen to get an invitation to take part in G20 meetings and for Zelenskiy to be invited to speak to G20 leaders during their summit, the newspaper said.

Dzhaparova was expected to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Kyiv, the newspaper added.

The Indian Council of World Affairs, a New Delhi-based think tank, said on Twitter it would host a talk with Dzhaparova on Tuesday.

(Writing by Neha Arora; Additional reporting by Krishn Kaushik in NEW DELHI; Editing by Robert Birsel)
Ukraines Foreign Ministry has said that this years Good Friday procession in Rome was once again overshadowed by an attempt to equate the victim and the aggressor.

Source: Oleh Nikolenko, Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Facebook

Quote: "Yesterday, on Good Friday, a big religious event was held in Rome  the Way of the Cross. It symbolises the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, faith over despair. We are deeply grateful to Pope Francis for his concern for Ukraine and Ukrainians.

Unfortunately, we have to say that this year, the procession was once again overshadowed by an attempt to equate the victim and the aggressor."

Details: Texts were read out during the Tenth Station of the Cross on behalf of a Ukrainian teenager who found refuge in Italy after Mariupol was captured by Russian troops, and a young Russian man whose brother, a soldier, had lost his life, and whose father and grandfather are missing in action in Russias war of conquest against Ukraine.

The foreign ministry is disappointed that the Holy See had disregarded the arguments put forward by the Ukrainian side concerning the offensive nature of this kind of gesture.

Quote: "The joint participation of a Ukrainian and a Russian distorts the reality into which Russia has plunged Ukrainians in carrying out genocide against them. Moreover, such a step undermines the principles of justice and universal morality, and discredits the concept of peace and brotherhood.

Attempts to equate Ukraine, which is suffering, with Russia, which is causing the suffering, do not contribute to reconciliation. Reconciliation can come only after Ukraine is victorious, all Russian criminals are punished, there is repentance for the suffering caused, and Ukrainians are asked for their forgiveness."

More details: The foreign ministry hopes that from now on, the Holy See will take an approach based on a deep understanding of justice and responsibility for restoring peace in Ukraine and establishing justice.

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Background: The Vatican decided to combine the testimonies of Ukrainian and Russian teenagers during the procession in the Colosseum on 7 April, even though last year a similar initiative with two women caused an outcry in Ukraine.

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During the day, the occupiers use up to 20 aerial bombs along the entire demarcation line

These bombs, due to their extended range and navigation systems, pose a new threat to Ukraine. Oleh Katkov, the editor-in-chief of Defense Express, has explained to NV about the danger of such bombs, and what weapons the Ukrainian military needs to defend against the new threat.

Read also: Five ironclad arguments why Storm Shadow missiles are better than ATACMS

What is the principle of operation of gliding bombs, and how do they differ from regular bombs?

These are bombs that have better aerodynamic characteristics and can glide a significant distance. A regular bomb in theory can fly even tens of kilometers, but it will not provide the accuracy of hitting the target. In gliding bombs, the attachment of wings allows for an increased distance (from point of release to impact) with the use of correction, i.e., navigation systems. Usually, satellite and inertial, or only satellite navigation, are used now.

Gliding bombs first appeared during the Second World War with the Germans. Since the early 2000s, the Russians have been promoting the development of the UMPK (universal gliding and correction module) by the NPO Bazalt. It is an analogue of the U.S. JDAM-ER, which converts a regular bomb into a gliding one. JDAM makes it high-precision, while JDAM-ER or similar kits with wings allow hitting targets at distances of up to 80 kilometers. The bomb is dropped from a high-altitude and high-speed aircraft, (so it can travel) the necessary distance. JDAM-ER or a similar kit is much more accessible and cheaper than a new weapon like a bomb or missile, with a shorter production cycle and lower cost.

Read also: Zaluzhnyis US adviser explains why Ukraine needs ATACMS missiles and F-16 fighters

How exactly are the Russians using them against Ukraine now?

The first reports about the presence of serial UMPK products in the Russian Federation appeared in early February. However, besides these inexpensive UMPKs, there are other gliding bombs in their arsenal, and the most dangerous one is the hybrid rocket and bomb Grom-1E. They first used it in Ukraine in March, along with UPAB-1500. Its possible that this happened earlier, but isolated cases with bomb fragments and all other evidence only began to appear a month ago.

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It is now known that the enemy is using gliding aerial bombs not only in the border areas of Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts, but also in front line positions. Moreover, the range of dropping these UMPKs is unknown. Even with reduced capabilities compared to JDAM-ER, it will be at least 60 kilometers, which is already enough to avoid entering the zone of action of the Ukrainian Air Forces air defense systems. A hypothetical Su-35 or more likely, a frontline bomber Su-34, can ascend to an altitude of 12-15 kilometers and drop this UMPK with a powerful 500 kg high-explosive aerial bomb, such as the 500-FAB, without entering the air defense zone and hit a target whose coordinates are known. They can effectively target strong points, communication centers, and other military objects at a depth of 10-15 kilometers from the front line.

Read also: Ukrainian delegation to ask Biden for ATACMS missiles, advanced drones  Politico

What is the main danger of guided air bombs?

Their use presents a negative scenario for Ukraine. Firstly, the enemy can use them with impunity, without entering the Ukrainian air defense zone. To provide some context, the most common SAM (surface-to-air) system with relatively good characteristics, the Buk, has a range of 30 kilometers. This means it cannot reach the target if it is dropped from a distance greater than 30 kilometers.

Even if we bring S-300 SAM systems up to the front line, its still an unrealistic scenario because it could come under fire from enemy artillery. Even if Ukraine finally receives the NATO Patriot SAM system, which consists of only three batteries, it will still need to be brought into the engagement zone. At this distance, it will be detected by all means available to Russia and become a primary target. Therefore, its highly likely to be hit by everything they have, including guided air missiles, anti-radiation missiles, Kinzhal missiles, and Iskander ballistic missiles. Due to the large number of such launches, its uncertain that the Patriot will be able to cope. The Russians may spend enormous resources to destroy one Patriot, which will be advantageous for them because Ukraine has a limited number of them, and they can achieve a propaganda effect.

Read also: Danilov is sure that Ukraine will receive F-16 fighter jets

How can Ukraine resist such bombings?

Shooting down gliding bombs is a non-starter. Our main task is to fight against the (aircraft that drop them) themselves. The only scenario that will allow us to repel enemy aviation with all of these high-precision weapons is to obtain modern Western fighters. We need not just Mirage-2000 or Panavia Tornado, but full-fledged 4+ generation fighters such as F-16, F/A-18, Eurofighter, Rafale, or Gripen. Only they have the corresponding range of radar stations that can detect the enemy at a greater distance and launch AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles with effective air combat ranges. Even if we have only a few of these aircraft, it will enable us to repel enemy aviation to some extent.

Read also: Bipartisan group of US senators aims to persuade Pentagon to donate F-16s to Ukraine  Politico

And why did Russia resort to using gliding bombs now?

Firstly, their tactics have changed. There is no need to underestimate the enemys intellectual abilities  they learn, adapt, and adjust. The tactic that they wanted to implement initially was to gain full air superiority through a huge number of tactical aircraft and their technological level. Because when we talk about Ukrainian fighters, these are machines with an average age of far more than 30 years and significantly less range for detecting targets and launching air-to-air missiles. The enemys tactic did not work only because of the saturated air defense. Otherwise, every Ukrainian city would have been in the same situation as Mariupol when it was simply bombed with FAB-3000 bombs from Tu-22 (strategic bombers.

But the Russian Aerospace Forces are a huge number of warplanes with pilots who have combat experience honed in Syria. Since the enemy still cannot feel free in the Ukrainian airspace, they are looking for new ways: these UMPCs or other gliding bombs mean they dont have to enter the zone of activity of (Ukraines) air defense systems.

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A Ukrainian artillery unit fires toward Russian positions on the outskirts of Bakhmut on December 30, 2022. SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images

The mother of a Ukrainian soldier who was executed said Ukraine must continue to defend Bakhmut.

Paraska Demchuk told NBC News that the thousands of casualties in Bakhmut can't have been "in vain."

The bloody battle of Bakhmut rages on, even in spite of the city's relative strategic unimportance.

It was Paraska Demchuk's  and indeed, any mother's  worst nightmare.

While scrolling on social media one day, Demchuk stumbled upon a photo of her son, she told NBC News; the image was taken from a viral video of his execution.

Oleksandr Matsievsky, 42, was killed by Russian forces on December 30, near the frontlines of fighting in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, according to Ukrainian security sources.

A video of the soldier's execution went viral in early March, showing Matsievsky's final moments as he smoked a cigarette in the Ukrainian woods. He shouted, "glory to Ukraine!" in the seconds before he was annihilated by gunfire.

"In the end, he understood he couldn't do anything. He had no weapon, no grenade, no gun. But he had these words," Demchuk told NBC from her home outside Kyiv.

Demchuk immediately identified her son in the video, despite initial, incorrect reports regarding the video's subject. His body was returned home and his family buried him in his native Nizhyn, Demchuk told Suspilne media. The Ukrainian security services later confirmed that Matsievsky was the prisoner of war in the video, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posthumously granted him the Hero of Ukraine award.

But Matsievsky was just one of the thousands of casualties in the months-long, brutal battle of Bakhmut, which rages on more than three months after his death. The death toll continues to mount in the one-time mining town, despite its relative strategic unimportance to either Russia or Ukraine.

Capturing the city would afford Russia only a minor geographic advantage; the city itself is entirely decimated following months of attrition warfare. Neither side wants to give the other a decisive morale boost or symbolic win, but military experts and intelligence analysts are increasingly concerned that Ukraine has wasted precious resources on a hopeless fight.

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International doubts over both sides' commitment to Bakhmut come even as Kyiv insists that the future of the war depends on the defense of the city.

Demchuk recently echoed Zelenskyy's recent assertion that Bakhmut not be abandoned.

"We have no other option but to continue fighting," Demchuk told NBC News. "All this blood that was lost cannot be lost in vain. We need to continue defending ourselves."

But the tides may finally be turning for Russia, who has regained some momentum in recent days, according to UK intelligence, which said the Russian military has likely advanced into the town center and put previous internal struggles on the back burner to focus on securing a victory.

The Ukrainian military said in a Friday update that battles in and around Bakhmut continue even as Russia tries to take "full control." Even Zelenskyy's rhetoric around retreating has softened in recent days, with the president acknowledging that Ukrainian troops could pull out if they're at risk of being encircled entirely.

Concerns around Ukraine's persistence in Bakhmut center around a much-anticipated spring offensive the country hopes to execute, which will inevitably require troops that are, most importantly, still alive.

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The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) has denied that its leader, Metropolitan Onufrii, and other clergy have Russian citizenship.

Source: a statement by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP)

Quote: "His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufrii is a citizen of Ukraine by birth and does not hold passports of other countries."

Details: The church described an article published by Ukrainska Pravda alleging that Onufrii and a number of other UOC-MP priests have Russian citizenship as "unreliable and manipulative".

They also insist that some of the bishops mentioned in the video were stripped of their [Ukrainian] citizenship allegedly "without any justification", and therefore they have filed a lawsuit seeking the restoration of their Ukrainian citizenship, since they have no other. The court has opened proceedings at their request.

"Since the Security Service of Ukraine has repeatedly stated that it checked all UOC bishops for dual citizenship, and did not cancel the Ukrainian citizenship of other bishops mentioned in the story, the information in the video cannot be true. Especially since the author of the video cited as evidence footage that is frankly dubious, the content of which is not confirmed by anything," the UOC-MP representatives said.

They also accused the journalists of "persistently looking for non-existent Russian passports of bishops of the UOC, while ignoring the explicit statements of representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) that some bishops of that religious organisation have Russian citizenship and citizenship of the so-called LPR." The UOC-MP did not specify which "explicit statements" they were talking about.

Background: According to an investigation by Ukrainska Pravda, the UOC-MPs Metropolitan Onufrii (secular name: Orest Berezovskyi) and over 20 other clergymen have Russian citizenship.

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According to an extract from the Rospasport [Russian Passport] system, Onufrii obtained an internal Russian passport in Moscow on 20 March 2002. A year later, on 23 June 2003, he also obtained a passport for international travel as a Russian citizen - and not for the first time. He also obtained one in Moscow in 1998.

The other UOC-MP clergy who hold Russian passports, according to Ukrainska Pravda, are: Hedeon (secular name: Yurii Kharon), bishop and abbot of the Tithe Monastery; former Metropolitan Yelysiei (Oleh Ivanov) of Izium and Kupiansk; Metropolitan Ionofan (Anatolii Yeletskykh) of Tulchyn and Bratslav; Bishop Serhii (Serhii Anitsoi) of Ladyzhyn, Vicar of the Tulchyn Eparchy; Archbishop Panteleimon (Viktor Bashchuk), Vicar of the Kyiv Eparchy; Metropolitan Meletii (Valentyn Yehorenko), Head of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy; Metropolitan Mark (Mykola Petrovtsii), Bishop of Khust Eparchy; and Metropolitan Irynei (Ivan Serednii), Bishop of the Diocese of Dnipro.

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One of the armored personnel carriers purchased by the Serhiy Prytula Foundation

"Ninety-seven out of 101," Prytula said when asked how many of the armored vehicles contracted by his foundation are already in Ukraine.

The volunteer clarified that the armored personnel carriers have already been distributed among the brigades, but the Ground Forces Command  which was in charge of their distribution  forbids the disclosure of details at this stage.

Read also: 420 Russian troops killed in the past day, 6 tanks, 7 APCs destroyed

"We have fulfilled and exceeded our promise to the people in terms of the number of Spartan APCs," Prytula said.

There are 66 of them, these are Spartans for airborne troops. There are four Samaritans  medical evacuation APCs. There are Sultan command vehicles. And this is a Samson, a repair and recovery vehicle. We made up the rest with various other types of armored vehicles.

Prytula clarified that, in addition to Spartans, his foundation has purchased FV432 armored personnel carriers, which are designed to transport fire teams and can accommodate even more troops than Spartans.

Read also: Ukrainian volunteer Prytula announces new fundraiser to buy 50 British Spartan APCs

In addition, the volunteer's foundation purchased an FV434 repair and recovery vehicle, a number of Stormers that can be equipped with anti-aircraft guns, and a Shield multifunctional armored personnel carrier.

"It can be used as an anti-tank gun, a mortar, a roving vehicle, and much more," he said of the Shield APC.

Prytula promised that if there is positive feedback from the military, his foundation will continue to contract armored vehicles, but perhaps not on such a large scale.

"Its important to note that we didnt just purchase this equipment and hand it over," he added.

We closely monitored the preparation of this equipment for shipment. And when the equipment arrived in Ukraine, we hired a person from the UK who has about 25 years of experience with this particular type of armored vehicles. I won't say where the representatives of those brigades and units  mechanics, drivers, crew leaders, repairmen  went. Some of the equipment was distributed to the units, but some was left at the training ground so that they could learn the item identification and master the armored vehicles. The Foundation paid for the work of this instructor. The training has already ended. I think the vehicles are probably already on the front line somewhere.

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Read also: Ukrainian volunteer Prytula announces new fundraiser to buy 50 British Spartan APCs

According to the volunteer, the brigades installed weapons and communication systems on the APCs themselves.

On March 3, Prytula said that his charitable foundation had purchased and is delivering a record batch of 101 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
No threat was found at the University of Oklahoma Friday night after reports of shots being fired on the campus, according to university officials.

"[University of Oklahoma Police Department] has issued an ALL CLEAR. After a thorough search, no threat was found. There is no threat to campus. Alert has been canceled," the university tweeted just before 11 p.m. local time.

No victims or shell casings were discovered, according to university officials.

The university initially said at around 9:30 p.m. local time that campus police were investigating possible gunshots fired on the Norman campus. People were instructed to avoid the South Oval area and to shelter in place.

"There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!" the University of Oklahoma said in a tweet.

3 ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH DEADLY OKC BIKER GANG SHOOTOUT

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A lockdown was issued at the university as police investigated.

An all clear has since been announced.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the University of Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma Police.

This is a developing story.
(Bloomberg) -- The US military revealed Saturday that it has deployed a nuclear-powered submarine in the Middle East in a show of force amid rising tensions with Iran.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The USS Florida  capable of carrying as many as 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles  began transiting the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean Sea on Friday, according to the US Naval Forces Central Command, which is based in Bahrain in the Persian Gulf.

The submarine is being deployed in support of the US Fifth Fleet, which is also based in Bahrain, to ensure regional maritime security and stability, said Commander Tim Hawkins, spokesman for the US Naval Forces Central Command.

Hawkins declined to provide further details on the mission or its timing, or to specify whether the submarine was headed to the Persian Gulf.

Its extremely rare for the US military to publicize movements of its nuclear-powered submarines. In October US Central Command (Centcom) announced a visit by its chief General Michael Kurilla to a ballistic missile submarine in the Arabian Sea. Before that it was a guided-missile submarine transiting the Strait of Hormuz in late December 2020.

Irans Capabilities

The latest US effort follows increased attacks in recent months on US troops and their allies in Iraq and Syria. US commanders have also warned about Irans expanded missile capabilities and nuclear enrichment activities, and the grave threat this poses to the interests of the US and its allies.

It also comes in the context of an escalation in Israels shadow war with Iran and major geopolitical shifts in the Middle East.

Worried that any of this might jeopardize its grand economic plans, Saudi Arabia, the worlds largest oil exporter and Washingtons main Gulf Arab ally, is now seeking cooperation with Iran, pivoting toward China, and forging a closer alliance with Moscow, especially on oil policy. Meanwhile, the US and its Western allies have pressed on with their efforts to isolate and weaken Russia after it invaded Ukraine last year.

Story continues

Read more: Understanding the Shadow War Between Israel and Iran: QuickTake

As the USS Florida headed for the Middle East, Israel on Friday bombarded sites in the Gaza Strip that it said belonged to the Iran-allied Hamas militant group. The smaller Palestinian Islamic Jihad, fully supported by Iran, claimed responsibility for a barrage of rockets fired the day before at northern Israel from neighboring Lebanon, which is dominated by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. The latest wave of violence was triggered by clashes between Israeli police and Muslim worshipers at Jerusalems Al-Aqsa mosque.

Days before, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed to avenge the killing of two of its commanders in Syria in what it said were Israeli air strikes. And on March 23, an Iranian-made drone launched by groups tied to the IRGC hit a US military facility in Hasakah in northeast Syria, killing a US contractor and wounding five soldiers, prompting retaliatory US air strikes, according to the Pentagon.

Read more: Drone Strike Strains Bidens No Deal-No Crisis Iran Stance

The US has about 900 soldiers left in northeast Syria. The area is controlled by an allied Kurdish-led militia that constituted the bulk of the ground force in the US-led campaign to defeat the terror group known as Islamic State.

War-ravaged Syria is de facto partitioned. President Bashar Al-Assad holds the most territory, with the support of Iran, its allied militias, and Russian forces, while Turkey and allied rebel groups control sections of the north and northwest.

Irans malign behavior has increased in the last two years, Gen. Kurilla, the Centcom commander, said in testimony to the US Senate Armed Services Committee last month.

Diverse Missile Arsenal

Kurilla said Iran of 2023 is not the Iran of 1983, calling Tehran exponentially more capable of striking anywhere in the Middle East with the regions largest and most diverse missile arsenal.

While the US has officially welcomed the calming effect a Saudi-Iran rapprochement could have on the region, it was said to have been taken aback by Riyadhs decision to include China as guarantor, as well as its embrace of Assad, Irans main Arab ally, who is heavily sanctioned by the US over war atrocities.

Further fueling Washingtons concerns was the decision by Saudi Arabia to join as dialogue partner the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a China-led security and defense bloc whose members include Iran and Russia.

Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at the Chatham House think tank, says theres nothing contradictory between Iran seeking to repair ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab powers, while at the same time escalating its covert war against the US and Israel.

Thats right out of Irans playbook, she said.

Vakil said there was a lot of hubris in Tehran at the moment, with many elements of the regime feeling triumphant that they have not only withstood the US policy of encirclement and maximum pressure but have actually now driven a wedge between the US and its main Arab ally Saudi Arabia.

Its vindication of their decades-long objective of pushing the US out of the region, she said.

(Updates with more detail from sixth paragraph.)

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The United States is preparing long-term assistance for the Ivory Coast, Benin and Togo as concerns rise that jihadist violence in the Sahel could spill into coastal West Africa, officials said.

Speaking to AFP, the officials said Western support was also critical to halting Russia's Wagner mercenary group which has made major inroads in violence-torn Sahel countries, including by allying with Mali's military junta.

Vice President Kamala Harris, visiting Ghana last month as part of a growing US push in Africa, promised $100 million over 10 years to reinforce resilience in coastal West Africa. State Department officials are also looking at additional funding including from the counter-terrorism budget.

In a new global strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability, President Joe Biden's administration identified coastal West Africa as a priority for the coming decade.

The report, released in March, said that the Sahel to the immediate north had experienced more terrorist attacks than any other region and that it was critical to "prevent violent conflicts from emerging or further spreading across the region."

While coastal cities connected to the world through seaports have been mostly unscathed, violence has been rising in areas bordering Mali and Burkina Faso.

"It's a significant and burgeoning threat," said Michael Heath, the deputy assistant secretary of state in charge of West Africa.

"It's something of concern to us because the capabilities of the governments in place -- they've never faced a threat like this before," he told AFP.

"They're trying to cope with this, and we're trying to see what kind of tools they need," said Heath, who recently returned from a trip to the region with other State Department officials to assess needs.

Heath said he has not yet seen a presence in the three countries of the Wagner Group, which has been accused of human rights abuses in several countries including Ukraine, where the unit has played a key role in the invasion.

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"They're not yet in the coastal West African states, but we know they're looking for opportunities to take advantage of instability wherever they see it," he said.

US officials accuse Russia of stepping up disinformation in French-speaking Africa, seeing a ripe audience due to post-colonial resentments.

- 'Holistic' approach -

Concerns in the Sahel about violence as well as Russia have grown in the months since France ended an eight-year campaign against jihadists, which some critics faulted as overly focused on military solutions.

US officials said that coastal West Africa would not be seeing violence without spillover from the north, but that instability can also be attributed to local factors and competition for resources as climate change aggravates scarcities.

US officials said assistance would focus in part on addressing economic gaps that would help extremists recruit.

"We want to obviously help these governments who are more interested in a holistic approach and good governance address the problems of the north, where the resources are sparser," said Gregory LoGerfo, a senior State Department counterterrorism official who was on the trip.

One key area, US officials said, will be helping West African governments build their legal systems so they can distinguish between legitimate refugees fleeing the Sahel and security threats.

"There's a lot of people with family ties across borders in Burkina Faso and back and so forth," LoGerfo said.

"You want a management system where you're not shutting off families or economies, but you also have to address the security problem," he said.

sct/bgs
(Photo/U.S.Postal Service)

The U.S. Postal Service announced on Thursday that it will honor legendary Ponca Chief Standing Bear on a forever stamp.. The stamp will be released on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the Centennial Mall in Lincoln, Nebraska.

On hand at the ceremony will be Anton G. Hager, vice chairman, U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors; Candace Schmidt, chairwoman, Ponca Tribe; and Judi M. Gaiashkibos, executive director, Nebraska Commission of Indian Affairs.

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.

Chief Standing Bear became famous for his resistance to the U.S. governments forced relocation of the Ponca people to Indian Territory to what is now known as the state of Oklahoma.

The resistance came in a lawsuite that began when in 1877, the U.S. Army had forcibly relocated some 700 Ponca to Indian Territory (what is now Oklahoma) after the federal government had given away the tribes homeland in the Niobrara River Valley in what is now northeastern Nebraska.

In a landmark civil rights case, Standing Bear v. Crook, Standing Bear sued the government for his freedom after being arrested, along with 29 other Ponca, for attempting to return to his homeland. Lawyers filed a writ of habeas corpus to test the legality of the detention, an unprecedented action on behalf of a Native American.

After winning the case, Standing Bear and the members of the Ponca who had followed him were allowed to return to their old Nebraska reservation along the Niobrara River.

One issue that his 1879 trial had raised was finally resolved in 1924 when Congress adopted the Indian Citizenship Act, which conferred citizenship on all Native Americans born in the United States.

The stamp features a portrait of Chief Standing Bear by illustrator Thomas Blackshear II. Blackshear created the portrait based on a photograph taken of Standing Bear in 1877 while he was in Washington, DC, as part of a delegation of Ponca chiefs appealing to government officials for the right to return to their homeland. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

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Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.

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
Lieutenant Ryan Graves is leading an effort to encourage reporting of sightings of what the military calls Unidentified Aerial Phenomena - Science Photo Library RF

A former US Navy fighter pilot has told how his squadron encountered UFOs almost daily for months while training off the American coast.

The sightings included a near collision with an object that appeared like a cube inside a sphere, and a close encounter with a fleet of objects moving at 120 knots into the wind.

Lieutenant Ryan Graves, an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot, is now leading an effort to encourage reporting of sightings, and advocating for scientific study of what the military calls Unidentified Aerial Phenomena [UAPs].

Last year, Congress held its first hearing into UAPs for 50 years, and the Pentagon has received 350 new reports in the last two years, 171 of which remain unexplained.

Sealed-off block of airspace

Lt Graves told the Telegraph how in 2014 his squadron - the VFA-11 Red Rippers - was based on the USS Theodore Roosevelt, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, preparing for a deployment to the Persian Gulf.

The pilots trained in a sealed-off block of airspace called W-72 off the coast of Virginia, where nothing else was allowed to fly.

After the planes radar was upgraded pilots began picking up objects in the training area.

They were initially dismissed as radar errors, but then they flew closer and started seeing them on their FLIR systems, which are infrared cameras that detect heat.

It was almost as if the sun was shining a flashlight [on the UAPs], said Lt Graves. We would have them on a radar, and then wed have a FLIR. Wed fly by them as low as we could trying to see them.

We were trying to figure out what the heck these things were. We were seeing them pretty much daily. Wed go out there and theyd be out there in the morning, theyd be out there in the evening.

These things were pretty much always out there. That would range from two to three of them, to six or seven.

Then, the near collision happened when an object passed right between two jets, within 50ft of the lead aircraft.

Lt Graves said the pilot involved was shaken up after landing back on the carrier.

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Black cube inside of a clear sphere

He said I almost hit one of those damn things! and we all knew what he was talking about, he said.

It was completely stationary and he described it as a dark grey or black cube inside of a clear sphere.

He cancelled the flight, not trusting his ability to clear his airspace in front of him.

The pilots began operating in different parts of their training area to avoid hitting the unidentified objects.

In early 2015 the USS Theodore Roosevelt relocated, as scheduled, from Virginia to Jacksonville, Florida.

But the sightings of UAPs continued near the ship even though it had moved 600 miles south.

That was when an F/A-18 pilot filmed one of the most famous of all UFO videos, showing an object looking like a spinning top or gimbal.

It was a unique object that we recorded on one particular night only, said Lt Graves.

Video grab image shows part of an unclassified video taken by Navy pilots showing interactions with unidentified aerial phenomena - AFP

One aircraft from my squadron, they were returning to the boat, they were east of the ship, about three or four miles off the shore. Thats when they saw the gimbal.

On the video, which was later declassified, the pilots can be heard shouting Oh my gosh! and Look at that thing dude! and Its rotating!

Lt Graves was in the post-flight briefing with other pilots and a sizeable group of intelligence folks.

He said: No one thought this was benign. It was very clear that this was unusual and outside the normal.

What you dont see [on the declassified footage] is the radar information, which shows a formation of four to six objects that were operating kind of outward of the gimbal.

They turned very quickly, and they all kind of got jumbled up, and then they rolled out and reformed in the opposite direction. They turned, it was a sharp turn.

He added: I dont know 100 per cent if they were the same objects we were seeing before [off Virginia].

Americans for Safe Aerospace

Since leaving the Navy, Lt Graves has launched Americans for Safe Aerospace, which is aimed at promoting reporting of UAPs, aiming to help coordination between the public and private sectors.

He said: I think its moving in the right direction. I think a lot of the cultural baggage that had prevented the reporting has gone away, at least in the Navy, I cant speak for other branches.

Ive been getting reports from people that are still flying out there, that are still seeing these objects.

Some of them were describing cubes and spheres. Ive heard it described over the course of eight or nine years, basically the same object being reported. Also nondescript, white objects are reported as well.

He added: We have to be aware that there are objects in our airspace and we are not fully aware of what they are. Uncertainty in our airspace is a national security threat.

In terms of what they could be - foreign drones, extraterrestrial - he doesnt know.

An F/A 18 is not a proper scientific tool for understanding what were seeing, said Lt Graves.

So we need to gather more data. Theres a lot of things on the table, but we need more data.

Were just not at a point where we can draw conclusions.
On May 23, 22-year-old Abbi Schaeffer left her Northland Kansas City home carrying her purse and her black-and-white cat Izzy.

For six hours, a dark gray BMW, its windows tinted black, had been parked across the street in their quiet subdivision. Schaeffer walked out, spoke with the man in the drivers seat, and got in.

It was the last time her parents knew she was alive.

On April 1, after months of searching, Belinda and Jason Schaeffer received news they long feared.

Their daughter was dead. Her body lay abandoned near an expanse of hiking trails in south Kansas City.

Despite the troubling signs, they had still held hope that she might come home. For months, they fielded tips from social media  some even claimed to have found her.

You get everybody calling you and messaging you. And it was like, you get this shred of hope, and then its not Abbi, her mother told The Star on Friday.

It was like the up and down and the roller coaster that was the worst part. The hope, and then the hopes quashed.

Since her remains were discovered, Kansas City homicide detectives have been leading a death investigation. The Jackson County Medical Examiners Office is tasked with determining the cause and manner of her death. As of Friday, Officer Donna Drake said there had been no changes or updates.

Over the past 10 months, the Schaeffers have been left to wonder what happened to the brilliant, beautiful young woman they remember her as.

But they have long suspected something terrible happened to her. And on May 30, when she had been gone for several days, Belinda Schaeffer walked into Kansas Citys North Patrol station with a story to tell.

Her daughter had recently told her that she had information about a fentanyl trafficking operation, she said, and that she was supposed to talk to the FBI before she disappeared. Her phone had gone silent and dropped off the map, and its last signal had come from an apartment complex in south Kansas City one week earlier.

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She gave police the address, along with pictures of her missing daughter. She told them about the cat, too. Abbi never left home without Izzy, she said.

The Schaeffers worried that someone had found out their daughter was preparing to speak with law enforcement  and that she had gotten into trouble. The detectives who were first assigned to investigate the case in June would soon share that concern.

The information Belinda Schaeffer provided would soon lead detectives to connect the dots to a federal probe of a Kansas City area drug ring involving known associates of Schaeffer, whom detectives also described as a target of the investigation.

Days later, those detectives located surveillance footage that they believed showed Abbi Schaeffer walking into the same south Kansas City apartment where her phone had died one week before.

But they never saw her walk out.

Alleged fentanyl ring busted

Two months before Abbi Schaeffer went missing, Joseph Burgess, a former boyfriend of hers, was one of four men arrested in an alleged drug trafficking conspiracy that the federal government says began in September 2019. Prosecutors alleged at the time that Burgess and the other defendants were responsible for selling a fatal dose to a 17-year-old girl.

Burgess, who has pleaded not guilty, was charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute. The case was made by the Kansas City Police Departments Drug Enforcement Unit in partnership with the FBI.

After his arrest, Abbi Schaeffer remained in contact with Burgess, whom she had known since high school. An FBI agent assisting Kansas City missing persons detectives found a recorded jail call between them that occurred on May 23, roughly five hours after she left her Northland home.

During that call, the agent reported hearing the voice of 25-year-old Jacob Block, another target of the federal investigation. It sounded to the agent like they were driving somewhere, and Abbi Schaeffers cat was in the car with them.

On June 1, one day after Kansas City police opened their missing person investigation, police officers went out to check a home in the 3300 block of Bridge Manor Drive, a location Abbi Schaeffers family provided to investigators.

The officers werent able to contact a resident. But they spotted a black-and-white cat on the porch.

They also spoke to a neighbor, who said she knew a bit about the people who lived there. One was a young man who typically drove a gray BMW. Another was an older woman.

The neighbor said she had seen them using a rental truck that had been parked in the lot over the weekend. But it wasnt there anymore.

Meanwhile, detectives continued the search for the BMW in connection with Abbi Schaeffers disappearance. The FBI tip, which came after a review of the Schaeffers home surveillance, provided them with a license plate with Kansas registration.

They also got two names. One was Block, and the other was his girlfriend. Both were believed to be living at the address on Bridge Manor Drive.

Meanwhile, another police officer contacted detectives about a BMW with the same license plate.

On May 27, three days before the missing person case was opened, he was surveilling the car in the parking lot of a U-Haul rental agency. A detective following up later confirmed the truck had been rented in Blocks girlfriends name.

A stop order was out for the BMW. On June 2, it was spotted near 59th Street and Troost Avenue and pulled over.

Officers asked the occupants, identified as Block and his girlfriend, who was driving, whether they knew Abbi Schaeffer. Block allegedly admitted he knew someone by the same first name, and said he went to check on her recently at her ex-boyfriends request. But he left after that, he said, and she did not come with him.

Block was released from the scene. His girlfriend was arrested on outstanding warrants. The car was towed.

Detectives described the pair as evasive when presented with questions about Abbi Schaeffers disappearance. And they came to believe that they were both involved.

That same day, as Kansas City police began to publicly circulate a flyer asking for help to locate the missing 22-year-old, detectives made another visit to the home on Bridge Manor Drive. This time, they spoke with a person who lived there.

He had cameras that they could look at, and signed a consent form for detectives to take the footage. He said that his sister  whom police had arrested earlier  had lived there, too, but that she had just moved out.

As the detectives were investigating, Belinda Schaeffer and family were continuing to look for and provide police with leads. On June 6, another proved significant.

On Facebook, they got a tip from another resident on Bridge Manor Drive where they suspected Abbi Schaeffer had last been. The neighbor had seen a picture of the cat, and it resembled a stray shed recently found wandering the complex.

The information was passed on to the police. Detectives brought animal control officers to examine the cat. A microchip confirmed it was Abbi Schaeffers Izzy.

Once Izzy was home, the pet Abbi Schaeffer was inseparable from was acting odd. Although never the kindest to strangers, she even hissed at them.

I knew that Abbi was not OK at that point, Belinda Schaeffer said. Because she wouldnt have just left that cat in that neighborhood.

That was confirmation for me that my daughter was not OK.

Search warrants served

Beginning two weeks after Abbi Schaffer left her Northland home, detectives obtained a new series of warrants  including one that provided the authority to search the residence on Bridge Manor Drive where her phone last pinged.

They were relying on new information that came through a June 7 review of the video footage that was handed over to them five days earlier. On it, they said in court documents, they saw footage of the woman they had been looking for all that time.

The cameras were pointed toward the front entrance and walkway, and the rear entrance and patio. Based on timestamps the detectives recorded, Abbi Schaeffer was seen getting out of a gray BMW around 11 p.m. on May 23. She and Block were seen going inside together, the investigators determined.

On May 25, around 11 p.m., Blocks girlfriend was seen moving mops and buckets away from the sliding glass door at the rear entrance. Then a cord is pulled and one camera goes dark for an estimated 45 minutes.

On the morning of May 26, a U-Haul truck pulls into the parking lot and backs into a space.

Within five minutes, Block is seen pushing an orange dolly with a large black box-like object with the assistance of his girlfriend. They get in the truck and drive away before returning three hours later.

Detectives noted they never saw a recording that showed Abbi Schaeffer leave the residence.

The information gathered was compelling enough for the detectives to secure a series of search warrants through Jackson and Clay counties.

The other warrants were served on the BMW that Block was alleged to have driven and the U-Haul truck that was seen on cameras that day. Detectives also sought evidence from cellphones recovered during the searches, and from the personal accounts for Abbi Schaeffer.

In identifying their probable cause for searches, detectives said they feared Abbi Schaeffer may have been the victim of foul play or a violent crime.

Photographs, swabs and an assortment of items  including two buckets and a mop  were collected as evidence. Other swabs and photographs were taken of the U-Haul, and another vehicle associated with Blocks girlfriend was searched.

Drones were put up in an effort to locate her. Among the clues observed by police were tire tracks apparently made by a large vehicle on a private property nearby, that was also searched.

But Abbi Schaeffer would not be found for nine more months, roughly two miles to the north near the Blue River Parkway Trails.

Before then, authorities would get word that both Block and his girlfriend had left the state.

In August, Block was arrested and brought before a judge in southern Florida to face one count of participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. He was charged alongside seven others in a superseding indictment returned by a Kansas City grand jury.

Tough as nails, but wonderful

From the day she came to live with her parents, Abbi Schaeffer was their daughter.

She first came to stay full time when she was 12 years old and finished high school there. Before then, she had a difficult upbringing. Sometimes she wore a tougher exterior, her mother said, but she believes that was really a facade.

I dont think she ever felt truly accepted. And loved. Like a child should feel. Like a person should feel, Belinda Schaeffer said.

When she turned 18, they asked if she wanted to be formally adopted. She decided she did, her parents said, and she changed her last name to theirs.

She moved away for a bit before returning in early adulthood. At the time of her disappearance, she had been back home for about a year.

Belinda Schaeffer said part of her daughters childhood exposed her to people suffering from addiction. Her daughter never wanted that for herself, she said.

In life, she had close relationships with a small group of friends, and with her siblings. She struggled sometimes to find a path, but she always mastered the tasks she set her mind to.

She wasnt really a mushy person, and she could be sassy at times. She was always creative. And she had a natural culinary talent her family still misses  like a knack for making a meal without ever cracking a cookbook.

At heart, Abbi was a wonderful person. Whether or not she had done bad things, I think everybody has, but she always, always would help you out if you needed help. Always, Belinda Schaeffer said.

She would spend all the money she had to get somebody a birthday present. When they wouldnt even give her one. Like, friends or whoever.

She also gave the very best presents for Fathers Day. She crafted a wreath featuring the hand prints of all the kids. It sits on Jason Schaeffers work desk.

When he stops to reflect on all thats happened since she left, and all the pain theyve been through, Jason Schaeffer said it is difficult to put into words.

Its been a constant weight, he said. I keep looking around and seeing all the places that Abbi is supposed to be.

As the Schaeffers are now processing her death, theyre still awaiting answers from police. Theyve learned little since their daughters body was found. And no one has been charged with a crime directly related to her disappearance.

Over the past year, the holidays have been marked by the fact that shes gone. If they did not have other children to care for, the Schaeffers wonder if they would bother with Christmas or Thanksgiving. And they see how her absence has affected their youngest children.

They miss their big sister, Belinda Schaeffer said, recalling the recent sadness her 9-year-old shared. Theyre never gonna get to know her now.

She was just a generous, beautiful girl, she said. Tough as nails, but wonderful.
Under the Legislatures latest attempt to change election laws, your voting card  the document that most people assume gives them the right to vote  would be like a Monopoly dollar bill. The latter doesnt give you the ability to buy real products; the former wouldnt necessarily assure you the ability to vote.

Senate Bill 7050 is a 98-page kitchen sink of voting reforms rushed through its first committee stop this week. The legislation would add a disclaimer to voting cards: This card is proof of registration but is not legal verification of the eligibility to vote.

In other words, it would be up to Floridians wondering about their eligibility to navigate the labyrinth of Florida election laws or risk getting arrested as 20 former felons were last year for allegedly casting illegal ballots.

This a clean-up after some of those arrests turned out to be an embarrassment for Florida. Gov. DeSantis had held them up in triumph after pushing the Legislature to create an unnecessary election-crimes office.

Many of the accused said they thought they could vote after receiving voting cards from their local supervisors of elections. They likely assumed, as anyone with common sense would, that they were covered by a voter-approved constitutional amendment that restored voting rights for some felons. Who else was supposed to tell them they werent? The Department of State.

In 2020, then-Secretary of State Laurel Lee said it was the agencys job to screen for ineligible voters and tell county supervisors to remove them from the rolls.

To recap, the government told those felons they could vote. And then the government arrested them for voting. Now lawmakers wants to make it even easier to prosecute unsuspecting ineligible voters. Gotcha!

This is just one of many changes proposed in Senate Bill 7050. Lawmakers themselves are still digesting the proposal given they, and the public, had less than a day to review it ahead of a Tuesday committee vote. The committee also ran out of time to hear from the public, the Herald/Times reported. Parts of the legislation clearly were rushed, resulting in confusing sentences and sections that sponsor Sen. Danny Burgess said need clarification.

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Thats a sign of times in Tallahassee, where bills are seen as done deals before they are even filed, and members are expected to approve them with little debate. With Democrats neutered by a GOP super-majority, theres little interest in airing out controversial proposals.

A big chunk of SB 7050 would create new requirements for third-party groups that register voters. Those groups include political parties and religious and civic organizations like the League of Women Voters. Lawmakers want to give them 10 days, instead of 14, to turn in registration forms and increase fines if they fail to meet deadlines. The bill also would require groups to give voters a receipt and re-register with the state every election cycle.

Burgess gives a reasonable explanation for that crack down, saying those organizations should be held accountable when they fail in their mission. The Department of State fined nine voter-registration groups a total of $41,600 last year for not turning in 3,077 applications to an election supervisor on time, the Herald/Times reported. Yet many of those groups are small organizations helping low-income and minority voters. Some of them told lawmakers they wouldnt be able to bear the burden of increased requirements and fines. Making it harder for them to operate would hurt communities that are already marginalized from the voting process.

In 2021, the Legislature limited the use of drop boxes for mail ballots. Voters are now required to renew their requests for mail ballots every election cycle. In the past, those requests were good for two cycles, and the change resulted in almost all existing requests being canceled after the 2022 elections.

A provision in SB 7050 would invalidate two or more mail ballots that are submitted in the same mailing envelope (say, from family members living in the same home). Supporters say thats meant to bring uniformity given that each county currently deals with these cases differently.

Burgess said his legislation contains a lot of mundane election maintenance items. But we cant disregard, given recent history, that the Legislatures intent is to, once again, impose barriers and confuse voters.
Orange County students will soon have more educational opportunities.

The Walt Disney World Resort announced they would donate $100,000 for STEM education in Orange County Public Schools.

This announcement came as the theme park held its grand opening for TRON Lightcycle/Run on Tuesday.

Read: Walt Disney World to resume annual pass sales; see how much it will cost

OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez said the funding would create long-lasting moments for teachers and students.

The announcement came as the theme park held its grand opening for TRON Lightcycle/Run.

Rena Langley, senior vice president of communications and public affairs, said Disney hopes to support students futures with hands-on learning so they can use those skills and reach their goals.

During the past 18 months, Disney World celebrated its 50th Anniversary and has donated over $6.5 million to local nonprofits.

The announcement came as the theme park held its grand opening for TRON Lightcycle/Run.

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.
Wealth tax

My partner suffers from a chronic illness. After his diagnosis, I became his professional in-home caregiver represented by SEIU 775, the caregivers union.

We pay a disproportionate amount in taxes to fund the very services designed to help us. Under Washingtons tax system, lower-income workers, like myself, pay for what we must use to get by  like public transit, healthcare, schooling and housing.

The poor are locked in a vicious cycle  relying on unacceptably underfunded public infrastructure services, funded almost entirely by ourselves, and insufficient to elevate us beyond vulnerability.

HB 1473/SB 5486 would place a 1% tax on the financial property (exceeding $250 million) of Washingtons ultra-wealthy, so that working people who created that wealth can see the fruits of our labor take form in our own communities. We could see the vulnerable housed, healed and educated, and see our neighbors with disabilities truly cared for with fully funded programs and services.

Our communities need what we are owed by the extremely wealthy.

They will not feel the loss, but we will feel seismic shifts in our quality of life.

Matthew F. Garringer, Tacoma

Climate investments

As I was driving home from a ski trip recently, the massive burn area along Highway 2 from Septembers Bolt Creek fire was a stark reminder of the fact that Washingtonians are already experiencing the impacts of climate change.

While these impacts are felt close to home, we now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fund climate action using funds generated from the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), a landmark policy passed in 2021 that caps climate pollution and makes polluters pay for their emissions. The Legislature is deciding now how to spend these funds.

The list of proposals on the table is exciting and hopeful. The Houses budget includes $115 million to support building electrification and over $250 million to support incentives and infrastructure for zero-emission medium-sized and heavy-duty trucks. The Senate budget includes over $70 million for improving air quality, building out air monitoring, and reducing health disparities in overburdened communities. These are just some of the highlights.

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We must use CCA funds as intended: for projects like these that support solutions that get us closer to meeting our climate pollution reduction goals.

This is a historic opportunity. Lets not leave it on the table.

Pamela Clough, Steilacoom

Assault weapon ban

AR-15-style rifles should be banned. Republicans have spent enormous amounts of time enacting anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ laws, banning drag shows and banning books, while refusing to engage in conversation on stricter gun laws.

No child has been killed attending a drag show or reading a banned book. However, dozens of children have been killed in mass shootings, and hundreds more traumatized because of a mass shooters use of an AR-15. As long as these weapons are available to the public, some individuals will use them in mass shootings.

It is irrational for Republicans to fight the banning of these weapons. We cant say these Congress members dont understand the issue. We can say they dont care.

Doris Eddy, Tacoma
Vice President Kamala Harris talks during an interview on April 1 just outside Lusaka, Zambia. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

Hello, and welcome to this week's selection of top stories in pictures of Los Angeles Times photographers.

Vice President Kamala Harris wrapped up a weeklong trip across Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, aimed at highlighting Africas economic potential. Harris, the first person of color to hold the office of the vice president and a product of both African and Indian diaspora, is more than ever willing to explore her past, but she holds on to her mothers advice, and tells her own story about who she is.

Giraffes are seen in the background as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a news conference in Zambia. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

Well-wishers await the arrival of Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

Vice President Kamala Harris visted Panuka Farm just outside Lusaka, Zambia, to highlight climate-smart agriculture and how climate resilience can advance food security. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

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Former President Trump returned to Mar-a-Lago after his New York arraignment Tuesday on 34 felony counts related to an alleged scheme to cover up a hush money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels.

As Trump's indictment echoed across the nation, small protests bubbled up around Southern California . Even before Trump's court appearance, supporters gathered to protest in Orange County  some leaving with injuries.

Marcae Taurus waves a flag during a pro-Trump demonstration at Laguna Hills on April 4, the day the ex-president was arraigned on 34 felony counts in New York. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A man bleeds from a wound on his head after he was hit in the head with a skateboard at a pro-Trump rally April 1 in Huntington Beach. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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The much-hyped remote-work revolution hasnt landed in all places with equal force. The five states where employers offer the most flexible policies are liberal, wealthy and mostly coastal  California, Oregon, Colorado, Washington and Massachusetts. Meanwhile, according to Scoop Technologies survey data, employers in Memphis, Tenn., require on-site work more than those in any other U.S. city.

People walk along iconic Beale Street as the sun begins to dip behind the horizon in Memphis, Tenn. Downtown Memphis hasn't returned to pre-pandemic levels of foot traffic, but it's refilling faster than Los Angeles, San Francisco and other major cities. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

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The city of Los Angeles is suing a local journalist and an activist group after they published accidentally released photos of undercover officers through a public records request. In return, hundreds of undercover LAPD officers take steps to sue the city over its blunder in releasing their information, which made it onto "Watch the Watchers."

Los Angeles Police Department recruits assemble for exercises at the Los Angeles Police Academy in Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

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Maria Diaz takes care of seven clients, works seven days a week and can't afford to slow down. She is one of thousands who multitask for our aging population feeling the struggle of the crushing cost of elder and disabled care, and the crippling effects of low wages.

"Many aging people are going broke paying for in-home care or nursing facilities, and the care providers can barely survive on the low wages."

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Steve Lopez

Maria Diaz, right, prepares medication for Luis Aguayo, 86, at his home in South Los Angeles. Diaz cares for Aguayo  who suffers from high blood pressure, severe arthritis and rheumatism, and who needs assistance walking  several times a week along with six other clients. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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While relations between China, the U.S. and Taiwan have grown strained, U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) met with Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen in California this week. The friction between the countries was felt as the meeting inflamed a divide among local immigrants.

Taiwanese supporter Lijian Jie, middle, yells out as he and hundreds of supporters and protesters rally April 4 outside the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles as Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen arrived for her visit to California this week. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Simi Valley police officer and a security guard check on a man who fell during a scuffle between Taiwan supporters and Chinese supporters during the arrival of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley on April 5. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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Tulare Lake, once the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, was last full in 1878. Recent storms have flooded thousands of acres of farmland in the area, which now faces potential contamination by Los Angeles County sewage sludge and flood risk from spring snowmelt.

Watch the rebirth of Californias "phantom" Tulare Lake in striking before-and-after images.

A Corcoran estate remains flooded during the resurgence of Tulare Lake in the San Joaquin Valley (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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During the Holocaust, a Ukrainian family hid a girl from the Nazis. Decades later, with Ukraine at war, her son and a community of strangers repaid the kindness and sheltered a Ukrainian refugee.

Alex Bogancha, an 18-year-old refugee from Ukraine, sees his new temporary home, a guesthouse in Santa Monica, for the first time. As he walked in, he kept repeating, "Wow." (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

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And finally, enjoy a view of a pink moon, which is misleading in name because the color varies. It is named after Spring blooming wildflowers. The full moon lighted up the sky this week.

A fisherman and pier walkers enjoy a view of the setting full pink moon, named after blooming wildflowers, at the Huntington Beach Pier at dawn on April 5 when the pink moon was at its brightest. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The University of Alabama on Friday recognized the achievements of outstanding students and faculty during the Tapping on the Mound, a UA tradition since the early 1900s.

The event culminates Honors Week at UA.

Traditionally, Tapping on the Mound is held on the mound at the west side of the Quad. This year's ceremony was moved to the English Building because of the threat of inclement weather. Guests were also allowed to tune in to the ceremony online via livestream.

Marcella Martinez, center, the outstanding senior, is congratulated by friends for her recognition during the Tapping on the Mound academic awards ceremony held Friday in the English Building because of the threat of inclement weather at the University of Alabama.

Rosalind Moore-Miller, who serves as UA's assistant vice president for student engagement, said she believes the Tapping on the Mound ceremony allows UA to show the very best of what the campus has to offer.

We are so excited to welcome students and families to the time-honored tradition of the Tapping on the Mound, which recognizes the amazing contributions of students for excellence in their academic studies and beyond, said Moore-Miller in a news release.

... We love this time of year and look forward to celebrating our future legends as they are supported in this culminating experience. This experience highlights our UA commitment to excellence in every way, she said.

April 7, 2023; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; the Tapping on the Mound academic awards ceremony held in the English building due to weather Friday at the University of Alabama.

Students and faculty were recognized and presented awards in several categories, including outstanding students, outstanding alumni, Black scholars, living legends and more.

James Spann, longtime meteorologist for abc 33/40 in Birmingham, received this year's Frances S. Summersell Award for his work serving west-central Alabama and the university. Organizers said Spann was unable to make Friday's ceremony because he was preparing for a newscast because of threat of severe weather.

John England Jr., a retired circuit court judge who also served a short stint on the Alabama Supreme Court, received this year's Living Legend Award for his work and dedication serving the community and the university.

England said he was humbled to receive the recognition.

"I've seen a lot, experienced a lot. I appreciate the opportunity to see young folk coming up, who I'm sure will do far more than anything that I could have done," England said.

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"When I look back, I'm just glad to be here. I can't point to any one thing, but I can point to a lot of good relationships that I've had over the years. And so I'm thankful for that," he said.

England also has a student residence hall in his name, John England Jr. Hall, which is at 810 Second St. on the UA campus.

New members of the Mortar Board Honor Society are tapped during the Tapping on the Mound academic awards ceremony held Friday in the English Building because of the threat of inclement weather at the University of Alabama.

University honor groups Omicron Delta Kappa, the Mortar Board, the Blue Key National Honor Society and the Anderson Society inducted members during the Tapping on the Mound ceremony.

ODKs membership includes students of junior standing or above who are in the top 35% of their class scholastically and who exhibit leadership. Mortar Board membership, one of the highest honors granted to college seniors, is based on leadership, scholarship and service.

Blue Key National Honor Society recognizes seniors who represent high scholastic ideals, leadership and diversity of background. The Anderson Society recognizes UA students who have made significant contributions to the university or the Tuscaloosa community.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tapping on the Mound honors University of Alabama's best, brightest
President Joe Biden appears with first lady Jill Biden and the Easter Bunnies on the Blue Room balcony at the White House during the White House Easter Egg Roll, Monday, April 18, 2022, in Washington. | Andrew Harnik, Associated Press

The Easter Bunny costumes have been a memorable part of the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, but this year, the White House is sending those bunnies into retirement and hoping a new bunny will energize the crowds.

Since the 1870s, the White House has been hosting Easter events, and the last few administrations used costumes on loan for the party.

After years of using loaned Easter Bunny costumes, we are egg-cited to have our own Official White House Easter Bunny Family, thanks to the generous support of the White House Historical Association, Vanessa Valdivia, spokesperson for first lady Jill Biden, told CNN exclusively.

Former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, who once wore one of the iconic bunny suits during the George W. Bush administration, said the importance of the Easter Bunny and the Egg Roll all goes back to tradition.

There are certain things that are part of the American fabric. Tradition is what makes a country unique. Every country has things that are woven into its fabric, and this is one of ours.

Will the new costume have the same reactions as the old ones, with their meme-able facial expressions? We will have to see on Monday.

absolutely delighted to see the WH return of the easter bunny that always looked shocked & horrified by whoever is speaking. one of america's most incredible traditions pic.twitter.com/qmklWhgP9R  David Mack (@davidmackau) April 18, 2022

How did the White House Easter Bunny tradition begin?

In 1981, John Schenz owned a costume design shop in Cincinnati, Ohio. Schenz received a call from Washington with a request to make a bunny costume for a 6-foot-3 Secret Service agent to wear during a White House Easter event alongside former President Ronald Reagan, Schenz told WCPO 9 News.

After the event, he donated the costume to the parks department. The next year, he attended the White House Easter Egg Roll and was appalled at the state of the costume. He called into the office to complain about the costume and in turn, received another call with a request that he provide two Easter Bunny costumes the next year for the presidential event.

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And the tradition continued each year.

Which U.S. presidents have hosted the Easter bunnies?

The White House Easter Egg Roll event is held annually and has been sponsored by former Presidents Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and now President Joe Biden.

There are now multiple bunnies  Papa, Mama and Junior  who provide photo opportunities and guest interactions at the event each year.

AP Photo/Barry Thumma

AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

AP

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File

Who is in the Easter Bunny costumes at the White House?

Some presidents prefer to have Secret Service agents in the costume, while others feel comfortable with staffers and interns.

There are two notable figures who have donned the bunny ears. The first was Ursula Meese, wife of Attorney General Edward Meese during the Reagan administration.

The second was Spicer, Trumps press secretary, who wore the costume in 2008 during the George W. Bush Easter event, The Wrap reported.

Presidents come and presidents go, but the bunnies stay, Schenz would often say, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Why do the Easter Bunny costumes matter?

Its a silly tradition, but one that presidential families and guests for the event look forward to each year that provides some lightheartedness to a place with such gravity.

Friends of Schenz have continued providing the costumes for the event after Schenz died in 2020 from lung disease.

One of the things he wanted to see was the Easter Bunnies continue to go to the White House, and we promised we would as long as the White House would let us, a friend of Schenz told BuzzFeed News.
Matthew Kacsmaryk at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2017; boxes of mifepristone. (Photo illistration: Yahoo News; photos: U.S. Senate via YouTube, Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

In an unprecedented ruling, a conservative federal judge in Texas on Friday further restricted abortion access nationwide by suspending the Food and Drug Administrations approval of mifepristone, a widely used abortion drug that was approved over two decades ago.

The judge has decided to suspend the ruling for seven days, giving the Justice Department time to appeal the decision, which leaves the drug available on the market for the time being.

Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, ruled in favor of the plaintiffs Alliance Defending Freedom, a faith-based organization that has long sought to have abortion outlawed nationwide on the grounds it is harmful.

Pushing back on arguments that it was improper to allow a challenge to a medication that was approved decades ago by the FDA, Kacsmaryk wrote in the 67-page brief that the FDA stonewalled judicial review, claiming that the agency had ignored petitions from anti-abortion groups to revisit the approval of the abortion drug.

Mifepristone, in combination with a second abortion drug, misoprostol, has become the most common form of abortion in the U.S. It is also used in the treatment of miscarriages.

The delayed ruling could create a significant barrier for women who are seeking to terminate their pregnancies or manage miscarriages without a surgical procedure, even in states where abortion rights are protected.

Alliance Defending Freedom said in a tweet, This is a significant victory for the doctors and medical associations we represent and more importantly, the health and safety of women and girls.

Late on Friday, the Biden administration filed its notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which is considered one of the most conservative in the country.

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to reporters at an airfield in Nashville, Tenn., on Friday about the judges decision, saying, It is contrary to what makes for good public health policy to allow courts and politicians to tell the FDA what it should do.

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Immediately after Kacsmaryks ruling, U.S. District Judge Thomas Owen Rice, an Obama appointee in Washington state, countered the ruling in a separate lawsuit by ordering that the FDA keep the medication abortion pill on the market in 17 states and Washington, D.C., where Democrats sued to keep the pill.

The competing decisions mark some of the most significant abortion-related rulings, adding another layer of complexity to U.S. abortion laws, which vary by state after last years Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Before Kacsmaryk arrived on the federal bench, he had sharply criticized abortion.

Who is Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk?

Hes a federal judge for the Amarillo division of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Hes also the only judge in that federal district, guaranteeing that he will be the one who presides over cases that are filed there.

Trump nominated Kacsmaryk to the District Court in 2017. During his Senate confirmation hearings, Kacsmaryk asserted that he would be fair, separating his religious beliefs from his rulings.

As a judge, Im no longer in the advocate role, Kacsmaryk said at the time. Im in the role of reading and applying with all good faith whatever Supreme Court and Fifth Circuit precedent is binding.

He was confirmed in June 2019 by a Republican majority Senate by a vote of 52-46. Centrist Sen. Susan Collins of Maine was the only Republican who voted against Kacsmaryks appointment, citing his alarming bias against LGBTQ Americans and disregard for Supreme Court precedents.

Collins was referring to two articles he published in 2015 attacking same-sex marriage and abortion rights.

What have been some of Kacsmaryk's more recent rulings?

In November, Kacsmaryk rejected the Biden administrations efforts to extend health care discrimination protections to LGBTQ people. His ruling found that a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision that bans workplace discrimination doesnt apply to health care.

In December, Kacsmaryk sided with a Christian father who didnt want his daughter to have access to birth control without his permission. The judge ruled that Title X, a federal program that provides low-cost or free and confidential contraception access, violated the constitutional right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children.

What was his upbringing?

Kacsmaryk, 45, was born in Gainesville, Fla., according to the Federal Judicial Center.

He grew up in the suburbs of Fort Worth, Texas, where religion played a key role in his family of born-again Christians. The family regularly attended West Freeway Church of Christ and were taught at an early age that abortion was wrong, his sister Jennifer Griffith told the Washington Post.

Griffith recalled that their mother was a microbiologist who began to question some of what she was taught after joining the church. She started working with anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers.

According to the newspaper, Kacsmaryks anti-abortion beliefs were ingrained when he was a 22-year-old law student and one of his sisters, 17, became pregnant and chose adoption over abortion. Later on in life, he joined the organization that cared for his sister, Christian Homes and Family Services, and in 2016, became a trustee, according to public records.

How did Kacsmaryk's legal career get started?

Kacsmaryk attended Abilene Christian University, where he led the College Republicans student group. In a letter to the editor in his freshman year, he advocated for the rights of an unborn child, as reported by the Post. In the letter, he wrote, The Democratic Partys ability to condone the federally sanctioned eradication of innocent human life is indicative of the moral ambivalence undergirding this party.

Kacsmaryk received his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 2003, and he started his legal career at Baker Botts LLP. He went on to become an assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Texas.

In 2014, he joined First Liberty Institute, a conservative legal group focused on defending the rights of religious people. He represented the defendants in a high-profile case involving two Oregon bakers who refused to make a cake for a lesbian wedding.
Heres what to expect when youre flying in first class with Emirates.

Courtesy of Emirates

While flying first class is synonymous with luxury, the overall experience varies significantly depending on the airline, aircraft, and flight length, sometimes leaving fliers wondering if that cushy seat is worth the price. That said, a few airlines have gone to great lengths to develop  and continuously innovate  a first-class cabin thats worth every penny. Emirates is on that list.

Founded in 1985 by Dubais royal family, the airline has created an entire brand around long-haul luxury travel. While its hub is in the UAE, Emirates flies to 157 different destinations across 83 countries. In the United States, there are 12 airports  including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Miami International Airport  with direct flights to Dubai. Cabin classes include economy, premium economy, business, and, of course, first class. Described by the airline as having your own private hotel room in the sky on the Boeing 777 and as close as it comes to your own private jet on the Airbus A380, a first-class ticket on Emirates comes with a unique set of features and services. From unlimited caviar to a shower spa, heres what you can expect.

Emirates Airport Experience

Booking a ride to or from the airport can often be stressful, especially with limited cars or surge pricing during peak hours. If youre flying in first class, though, youll be all set. Emirates offers a Mercedes-Benz S450 chauffeur service  which can be arranged at least 12 hours ahead of your flight  that is complimentary for up to 50 miles. Any distance outside of the mileage limit will incur a fee.

Courtesy of Emirates

Emirates has lounges in more than 30 airports, each offering meals and access to showers; some even have direct boarding, as well. Most passengers will check in through priority lines at the airport, but those flying out of Dubai International Airport or Sharjah International Airport can take advantage of the at-home check-in service. DUBZ transportation agents meet you wherever  at home, your hotel, your office  to complete the check-in process and transport your bags to the airport.

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If youre flying out of Dubai, youll have access to the airlines first-class lounge. Here, you can take advantage of free Wi-Fi, a la carte dining, a cigar bar, a wine cellar, quiet areas, a duty-free boutique, showers (with towels, luxury toiletries, and hair dryers), and even a free 15-minute spa treatment. When it comes time to embark, passengers can board the plane directly from the lounge.

Emirates First-class Suites

The first-class seat  although its technically more of a suite  is slightly different on the Airbus A380 versus the Boeing 777. Both are equipped with luxurious touches that provide top-tier privacy and comfort, including ambient light controls, free Wi-Fi, vanities, snacks, minibars, and widescreen TVs with over 5,000 channels. Once aboard, youll be able to close your door and create an enclosed suite. If youre looking to get some shut-eye, the cabin crew will convert your seat into a lay-flat bed complete with sheets and a pillow. No worries if you forgot your pajamas, as a set of moisturizing sleepwear (the clothes contain shea butter and argan oil that release when you move) is provided to each first-class flier.

Courtesy of Emirates

While the A380 and the Boeing 777 have many similarities, the suite on the latter aircraft has a few other defining characteristics. The seat itself was designed using NASA technology, and the zero-gravity setting allows for total relaxation. Passengers can also put in requests to the flight attendants via video call from the comfort of their suite. Finally, the cabin in the Boeing 777 grants outside views to everyone in first class  even those who dont have a window seat. Through HD virtual windows, passengers seated in the middle suites can still see whats happening outside the plane.

In-flight Amenities

Each first-class seat comes with a Bulgari amenity kit, a feature also available to those in business class. Emirates first-class customers, however, are also gifted the exclusive Bvlgari Le Gemme fragrance and a range of Byredo skincare products.

Youll be hard-pressed to leave your comfortable seat during the flight, but if youre on the Airbus A380, youll want to check out the onboard lounge where the airline serves wine, spirits, soft drinks, and pre-packaged bites and snacks. The lounge is available to business class as well, but first-class passengers are the only ones who can enjoy the A380s shower spa. Yes, you can shower at 40,000 feet and arrive at your destination feeling extra fresh and clean.

Courtesy of Emirates

Emirates Suite Food and Drink Menus

Part of the Emirates touch is going above and beyond with culinary offerings. One of the most notable aspects is the flexibility; all meals are brought out based on your schedule and preferences through the dine on demand service. The regionally inspired menus change on a monthly basis but always include halal-certified cuisine and vegan offerings. While a three-course meal is available on all short, medium, and long-haul flights, first-class passengers can also order from the cinema in the sky snack menu, featuring selections like lobster rolls, edamame, and salted popcorn. For something a bit fancier, passengers can also partake in the Champagne and caviar experience as of 2022, you can order unlimited portions of Persian caviar paired with Dom Perignon, of course.

The drinks program extends into wine as well. The options are extensive  including a rotating selection of limited-edition offerings  but those in first class are only served wines that have remained in the Emirates cellar for an average of 12-15 years after purchase.

For more information on the first-class services and offerings aboard the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777, head to Emirates.com.



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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
The moon rises at sunset over the skyline of Scarborough on the outskirts of Christchurch, New Zealand, Wednesday, June 3, 2020. | Mark Baker, Associated Press

Theres a reason The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed in New Zealand. The island country has diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery. And now could be your chance to get there for free.

One American has the opportunity to get a free, four-day trip sponsored by Tourism New Zealand and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. The trip comes as a way to have the ultimate New Zealand underwater experience, per the press release.

The winner of the sweepstakes wins free roundtrip flights to and from the country, hotel stays, covered transportation and a scuba diving excursion at Poor Knights Islands with Dive! Tutukaka, according to USA Today.

Related

Many divers argue that Poor Knights Islands is one of the best diving spots in the world, and it also features some of the worlds largest sea caves, sea arches and dramatic sea cliffs, per USA Today.

Thrillist says that outside of the scenery on land, the faraway country has so much more to show you  if you are willing to, quite literally look below the surface.

How to enter to win a free trip to New Zealand

Heres how Americans can enter to win.

U.S. residents can enter the contest at newzealand.com.

You have from now until April 26 to enter.

You must be 18-years-old or older to enter.

You just enter your email, name and zip code and select your travel interests, which range from: outdoors, cuisine, wining and dining, thrills, nightlight and culture.

Agree to the terms and conditions.

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A pair of dice. Annette Riedl/picture alliance via Getty Images

A village in Wisconsin had a tie in their April election for village board president.

Sister Bay decided to determine the next president with a dice roll.

Nate Bell beat Rob Zoschke with a 6-2 to roll.

A town in Wisconsin decided its next village board president with a dice roll after a tie between the top two candidates, the BBC reported.

Nate Bell beat incumbent Rob Zoschke as the Sister Bay Village Board president after the dice rolled 6-2 in his favor, the BBC reported. Both candidates had been tied with 256 votes.

"All of us wish that one more person had voted," Village Board of Canvassers member Mary Smythe told NBC26.

Heidi Teich, the village's clerk, told NBC26 that when ties happen in the very small town, the tiebreaker is something random, such as pulling names from a hat, cutting a deck of cards, drawing straws, or flipping a coin.

"It's drawn a lot of interest because it's such an unusual thing," Teich told the BBC. "For it to be settled with a children's game is kind of unique."

This isn't the first time that an election has been determined by chance. This past December, a Richmond, California city council seat was determined by a name draw after two candidates, Andrew Butt and Cesar Zepeda, both recieved 1,921 votes, KGO reported. In Isleton, another small California town, a city council race last November was determined by a coin flip after two candidates tied, CBS News reported.

Smythe told NBC26 the incident shows why it's important to vote.

"Our nation, our democracy depends on informed and active citizens," Smythe said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BALTIMORE (AP)  The New York Yankees put infielder Josh Donaldson and right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga on the injured list Saturday.

Donaldson went on the 10-day IL retroactive to Thursday with a right hamstring strain. Manager Aaron Boone had said Friday that move was likely. Loaisiga went on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation.

The Yankees also transferred Tommy Kahnle (right biceps tendonitis) to the 60-day IL, although Boone said that did not mean the right-hander had a setback in his recovery.

That 60-day, I think it ends around May 28 or whatever, late May, Boone said. By the time he's probably pitching in rehab games, we're talking early, middle part of May. So hopefully we're in that position where he's ready to get back right before.

New York recalled right-hander Jhony Brito from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to start Saturday night's game at Baltimore, and the Yankees signed outfielder Willie Calhoun to a major league contract and selected him to the 40-man roster.

Calhoun, who played in 257 games over the past six seasons with Texas and San Francisco, signed a minor league deal with the Yankees in January.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Sitting through hundreds of startups on YC Demo Days, you're not always sure whether you are actually perceiving patterns or if your brain, as coffee battles with monotony, is inventing them in a kind of pareidolia for business plans. This year, though, the theme was pretty obvious: "AI can do that, probably! Maybe."

Certainly today's AI models are more capable than yesterday's, and yesteryear's. But we've seen over and over how these systems demo well but fall down under systematic requirements or as tools with reliable and repeatable results.

It's hard not to see this batch as the precursors of a coming wave of AI-powered shovelware. Pick a use case, do a little fine tuning of an available model (no one actually builds their own), cherry pick some good examples for screenshots and bolt on a prefab UI. Congratulations, you're now the very first AI social media content generation platform for independent bars and restaurants in the Middle East and North Africa. Buy a couple hundred five-star reviews and you're on your way!

Now, it's not that restaurants in Cairo and Beirut couldn't use a helpful tool to gain some traction online and attract new customers. It's that having AI, as it currently exists, do something for you is kind of like admitting that it doesn't matter.

Creating an AI-powered conversation agent that answers the phone at your business sounds good when you frame it as a way to never lose a customer. But what does the customer think when the business they call decides AI is the reception they deserve? Personally, I would hang up and try someone else. What about a trade worker who gets an AI calling to make an appointment? Same thing.

Realizing an email to you has been trivially "personalized" by AI is like being told, we can't be bothered to personalize our emails, but we want you to think we do. Wouldn't you feel tricked? It's a systematic imposture upon the customers.

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If your first interview with a company is with a conversation agent or a person obviously reading generated cues from the knowledge base or whatever, do you feel like a person joining a team or a part being sized up for installation? You're not even worth the full attention of a qualified human.

That's not necessarily the vibe I got from every AI startup in this YC batch, but I sure got it from a few of them. Here's a partial (!) list of the "AI can do that, probably" companies I jotted down.

Type - AI-first document editor.

Iliad - Generate game art assets.

Layup - Build workflows across apps with one line command, like onboarding a hire.

Nucleus - AI-powered onboarding orchestration that understands "the true nature of a business."

Hadrius - SEC-compliance robo-advisor.

Speedybrand - Generated marketing content for SMBs.

Quazel - Language learning with an AI tutor.

Booth.ai - Generative AI "photographer" for e-commerce.

Squack - Natural language accountant tools.

Berri.ai - Creating ChatGPT apps as a service.

Semantic - Financial news insights "enriched" by AI.

Credal.ai - ChatGPT-like interface for employees that references company docs but protects business secrets

Defog - Add AI data assistant to your app.

Linkgrep - Suggests things from knowledge base and adds to chat or notes live in browser.

Sail - Automated sales emails.

Aiflow - Automate market research based on reviews and feedback.

Tennr - Turn knowledge base into a custom LLM.

Truewind - AI-powered bookkeeping and finance processes.

Flair labs - Collect insights from customer service call data and emails.

JustPaid - Automate bill pay, catch over-payments to vendors.

Kyber - Automate insurance industry tasks like answering questions and underwriting.

Meru - Platform for training your own LLMs.

Sameday - AI that calls workers like plumbers and roofers to make appointments.

Zenfetch - Analyze customer calls live and surface talking points.

Syncly - AI to analyze customer emails.

Pair AI - Video courses generated using AI.

Latent - Automating electronic health records.

Avoca - AI receptionist to answer missed calls at SMBs.

Until about 30 seconds ago, I actually had appended thoughts about the companies to these brief and likely insufficient descriptions. But I realized the list was in danger of becoming a litany of complaints (not to mention way too long). No one likes to read someone just shooting down ideas left and right, especially when many of those ideas are being worked hard on by people for whom they are important. It's easy to criticize. So easy someone in the summer batch may try to automate it!

But I challenge you to look at that list and not wonder about some of the entries: Is that really what's needed? Won't that need lots of oversight? Doesn't this introduce liability, or decrease transparency? Did anyone ask customers if they want this? Who verifies and audits the results -- another AI? Who is displaced by these tools? Who trains people on them?

Practically every company that presented said they'd gone live a few weeks earlier and miraculously were already at some healthy ARR. But a few weeks is hardly enough time for a major automation tool to be even installed and the documentation read, let alone evaluate its performance and whether it's worth the price tag. I can't imagine even half of these have been used, really used, by a potential customer.

One example I can't help but share: A generative marketing imagery company in its slide had the following prompt for the system to work with: Our classic ketchup is made only from sweet, juicy, red ripe tomatoes for the signature thick and rich taste of America's Favorite Ketchup. The AI's copy: SWEET & JUICY KETCHUP FOR ALL! If I was a marketer at Heinz and that was in the demo I was given, I would stand up, thank them for their time and open the door.

Some of the companies admitted they'd pivoted halfway through the program and wrote their first line of code for this new application just recently. Of course we must allow for the adventurous and freewheeling nature of early-stage startups, that's part of the fun and excitement of the space. But do these companies really feel "innovative" to you? They seem rather to be big fans of innovation, sneaking into its room and trying on its clothes. ("Cute... here, you try it on, fintech.")

I know I'm underestimating the amount of work it takes even to build the most perfunctory AI-powered B2B SaaS service, but a lot of these feel like our old hackathons where someone would make an API available and everyone would try to shoehorn it in to the most realistic-sounding application, hoping to get that $1,000 gift card from SAP or whatever. There's joy in the process of creation, but the results don't really stand on their own.

Probably I'll be proven wrong when one of these companies goes unicorn and everyone laughs at the TechCrunch writer who doubted them. But I can't shake the worry I felt in hearing founder after founder say with such conviction that their AI could do something better, when I suspect that conviction has been cultivated upon false pretenses.
Locked gate in front of Marie Curie Middle School, Bayside, Queens, NY. Lindsey Nicholson/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

NYC will begin locking the main doors of elementary schools starting next month.

The move is in response to the threat of mass shootings across the country.

NYC schools will also be required to install cameras and a system for buzzing in visitors.

In response to the threat posed by school shootings across the United States, New York City public schools will begin locking their front doors and requiring staff to buzz in visitors next month.

"Something that keeps me up at night is when I look around the country and I see the issues that are happening with these mass shootings," New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks said during a school safety briefing on Friday.

Banks said the initiative will begin with elementary schools before expanding to all other public schools in the upcoming months.

"That is a different level of safety. That's not the daily issues that we're looking at, but that is meant to prevent the mass tragedies that we've been seeing all too often across the nation," Banks said. "And we're going to do everything we can to prevent something like that from happening."

The new system will mean that schools will now have cameras and buzzers installed. School safety agents who already sign in visitors will now monitor those cameras. The entrances will remain open for school arrivals and dismissals.

In February, the city's Panel for Educational Policy approved a $43 million contract with Symbrant Technologies, Inc. to implement the initiative, Chalkbeat reported.

Banks first introduced the idea of locking main entrances to schools in May 2022, following the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 students and two teachers dead, the Gothamist reported.

There have been multiple mass shootings since Uvalde, including at an elementary school in Nashville, Tenn. late last month that left three students and three staff members dead.

Read the original article on Insider
Melbourne looked something like this when young Irish orphans arrived

Between 1848 and 1850 more than 4,000 young Irish female orphans left workhouses and were transported to Australia.

It was part of what was known as the Earl Grey Scheme.

He was secretary of state for the colonies and the aim of the scheme was to reduce overcrowding in workhouses and provide labour for Australia whilst reducing a big gender imbalance there.

Thirty-five of the girls were from Newry.

They are now the subject of a new exhibition at the city's library.

Among the girls who left Newry workhouse was Lucy Ellis.

She was 16 when she travelled on the Derwent and she arrived in Melbourne on 25 February 1850.

"They come to Australia and they had to be inspected by the immigration officer before they come ashore," said Sue Jacques, the great-great-granddaughter of Lucy.

"They make their way to a depot where they stay. Employers come to the depot. Lucy was employed by a Mr George Hollis.

"Can you imagine coming to a land far, far away when you are 16?

"It was probably in a horse and cart that his man came down to collect her so you are really at their mercy.

"I'm really hoping that she was treated quite well. I feel she must have been treated reasonably well or she wouldn't have prospered the way she did."

Lucy's great-great-granddaughter hopes her ancestor was treated well

And prosper she did. Within a year Lucy married.

She had nine children and when she died of influenza in her late 50s it was in her own home, which still stands.

The Newry exhibition has been curated by historian Hugh McShane.

He said many of the girls who left workhouses would have felt they had nothing to lose.

"Conditions in the workhouse by 1848, which was at the peak of the famine, were absolutely dire," he said.

"I suppose this was one of the incentives for the girls to take up the option of moving to a faraway land that they knew nothing about.

"Newry workhouse had been built for 1,000 inmates as they were called - but by 1848 there were 1,500.

"There was a great deal of disease and a high mortality rate. It was either go to Australia or probably die in the workhouse.

Story continues

"It was a long journey. It began here in Newry. They travelled to Dublin then to Plymouth by steamship and then they embarked upon a three-month journey to Australia."

Hugh McShane curates the exhibition

As part of the exhibition special bonnets have been made with the names of each of the Newry girls to make the journey.

The ship they sailed on is also listed and the date of their arrival in Australia.

Mr McShane said he hoped the exhibition would ensure their stories are not forgotten.

"There is a saying that we die once, but if we die unremembered we die twice," he said.

"For those 35 girls, the majority of them drifted into obscurity.

"Some of them may have prospered some of them may not. But we do know from some of those girls we were able to identify that their lives were changed for the better.

"That they had a good life and some lived to a great age. And that when you consider the 4,000 orphans, their descendants now form more than 1,000,000 of the current Australian population."

The Newry exhibition runs throughout April.
Miguel Pantaleon says he is focused on responding to people's "pain, hurt and suffering"

When Miguel Pantaleon was ordained into the Catholic church last month, it was the biggest day of his young life.

The 28-year-old trainee priest had spent almost a decade working towards joining the clergy. At a packed Mass in his dusty village of Rincon del Carmen in western Mexico, he was officially brought into the priesthood by the diocese bishop.

Watching in the front pew, his mother, Petra Florencio, beamed with pride. Miguel is the 11th of 13 children, and his vocation is a source of great prestige for his family.

However, Petra would also be forgiven for harbouring a few doubts: Miguel has joined the riskiest priesthood in the world.

More than 50 priests have been killed in Mexico since 2006, nine of them under the current administration alone. Some were killed for speaking out against cartel violence, others caught up in the crossfire of an unending conflict between rival criminal organisations.

Almost always, the murders go unpunished and unsolved - the authorities often carrying out only the most cursory of investigations.

Miguel Pantaleon studied at a seminary in the heart of Tierra Caliente, where gangs have battled for control

Many of the killings took place in the western region of Mexico called Tierra Caliente, where in recent years the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Familia Michoacana gangs have battled for territorial control.

"To me, becoming a priest here in Tierra Caliente signifies love," Miguel told me after the service. "These are people who live with a lot of pain, hurt and suffering. So, when we respond to God's call, it's a sign of His love."

Miguel studied at a seminary several hours drive into the heart of Tierra Caliente, outside the city of Ciudad Altamirano.

Every morning, as the 18 trainee priests at the seminary gather in the chapel for morning Mass, they walk past a stark reminder of the dangers they'll face as clergy: the grave of a murdered priest who taught at the seminary.

On a simple granite tombstone, a wrought-iron name plate reads: "Father Habacuc Hernandez Benitez, 16 January 1970 - 13 June 2009."

Story continues

Father Habacuc - better known as Padre Cuco - is something of a local martyr, a symbol of the many murdered clergymen and seminarians in Mexico.

A twist of fate may well have saved the life of Father Marcelino Trujillo, who worked alongside Padre Cuco at the seminary

"The year Padre Cuco was killed marked a parting of the waves in the violence in this region," recalls his friend, Father Marcelino Trujillo. "Before then, the drug cartels were more discreet, there was still a degree of governability."

The story of Padre Cuco's murder is still shocking, more than a decade on.

The 39-year-old priest was on his way to a youth event with two seminarians. Gunmen surrounded their car and forced the men out of their vehicle. Without a word, they were executed at the side of the road, shot multiple times in the backs.

No clear motive was ever established.

Marcelino was supposed to be with his fellow instructor that day, but a last-minute change of plans meant he didn't leave the seminary. A twist of fate which surely saved his life.

It wasn't the only time the tight-knit seminary has been thrust into mourning by drug cartel violence.

On Christmas Day 2014, Father Gregorio, a cousin of Cuco's, met a similar fate. In an astonishingly brazen attack, he was taken from one of the rooms in the seminary, gang members tied him up and gagged him with gaffer tape.

"He asphyxiated," explains Marcelino. "As far as we understand, they planned to demand a ransom for him but on finding they'd killed him, they just abandoned him in nearby scrubland."

Teenager Antonio Abelez is one of the young seminarians determined to become a priest despite the risks

Such stories might deter any local young men, no matter how devout, from joining the clergy in Ciudad Altamirano. But between classes, some of the seminarians told me the opposite is true, that the murdered priests are an inspiration, not a warning.

"They've been clear examples to us," says 19-year-old Antonio Abelez. "Such unfair deaths, they serve us as examples of their bravery."

The seminary rector, Antonio Reinoso, says they teach the young men to exhibit "prudence" as priests - to restrict themselves to preaching the gospel and to think carefully before denouncing criminal gangs or cartel leaders at the pulpit.

"Organised crime is a beast with a thousand heads," he tells me. "They are not going to be able to solve the violence themselves. But, with faith, they can meet it head on."

Still, the seminarians acknowledged they've sometimes questioned the wisdom of their decisions to join the church.

"We live surrounded by violence and death," says Guillermo Cano, a student in his early 20s. "Given what people have been through, it intimidates us to think we could meet the same fate."

Miguel Pantaleon's ordination was a celebration for the whole village

Back in Rincon del Carmen, most of the village has turned out to celebrate their newly ordained priest, Father Miguel Pantaleon. In a procession from the church, they follow him through the streets with song, fireworks and fiesta.

As Miguel celebrates with his family and friends, he insists he's ready for whatever lies ahead.

"I know that one day I'll have to come into contact with the cartels," he says, "but not to confront them - rather, to show them the face of God's mercy, because God is for them, too."
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasises that the values for which Ukrainians are currently fighting are close even to the nations that are geographically far away.

Source: President's evening address.

Details: Zelenskyy noted that this week he addressed a parliament in Latin America for the first time  the National Congress of Chile.

Quote: "Actually, the values for which we all fight here in Ukraine are close to every nation, regardless of how far they are geographically from us.

Everyone values security and protection from terror. There is no such nation that would approve of what the Russian occupation brought: Russian concentration camps, the deportation of our children, the rape of women, the burning of cities...

The more the world knows about Russian aggression, the faster the aggressor will lose and peace will return. It will return not only to Ukraine, but to everyone in the world. I thank Chile for its support!"

Previously: On 4 April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the National Congress of Chile, calling on the members to support the efforts of the International Criminal Court which recently issued an arrest warrant for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!






President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasises that only together with Ukraine NATO will be able to guarantee real protection for Europe.

Source: President's evening address.

Details: Zelenskyy thanked the Lithuanian Parliament for recognising the need to invite Ukraine to become a member of NATO at the Alliance summit in Vilnius.

Quote: "I thank the Lithuanian people, all Lithuanian politicians for understanding the current security situation in Europe.

Only together with Ukraine will the Alliance guarantee real protection for Europe against any encroachment on the lives of peoples, [as well as  ed.] on the existing borders and international order based on rules. But it is difficult to imagine [such  ed.] strength without Ukraine."

Zelenskyy noted that this decision of the Lithuanian Parliament will continue "in the coming weeks and months".

"We are already working on it," he said.

Previously: On 6 April, the Lithuanian Parliament unanimously approved a resolution with a clause to officially invite Ukraine to NATO at the Alliance summit in Vilnius in July.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!






The Lynchburg Police Department is investigating a shots fired incident that occurred this week in the 2000 block of Ridge Avenue, according to a news release from the department.

The incident occurred Wednesday, April 5 at 5:17 p.m., when LPD officers responded to Ridge Avenue and were able to determine the shots had been fired from a home, the department said.

According to the news release, officers detained several subjects, one of whom assaulted an officer. During the investigation, officers located and seized four firearms, three of which were reported stolen out of vehicles parked in the Leesville Road area overnight.

A 16-year-old juvenile male was arrested and transported to the Juvenile Detention Center where he was charged with possession of a stolen firearm, reckless handling of a firearm, shooting within the city, possession of a firearm by person under the age of 18, and assault on a law enforcement officer, according to LPD.

The department said there is no ongoing threat to the community and the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact LPD at (434) 455-6050 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. Enter a tip online at http://p3tips.com or use the P3 app on a mobile device.
BEDFORD  The Bedford County Planning Commission voted Tuesday to send a draft ordinance of proposed amended regulations for short-term rental properties to the countys board of supervisors to schedule a public hearing by both bodies.

The commissions motion also seeks input from the board of supervisors on topics of daytime occupancy limits and possible capping of short-term rental permits approved in the county.

I will say, for the record, I am not in favor of any cap on short-term rentals, Vice Chair Jeff Burdett said while making the motion.

The draft ordinance includes a requirement that all short-term rental properties served by privately owned sewage disposal systems be pumped out every three years. Another proposal involves violation notice for properties not properly managed, and after three such violations, the county can prohibit it from being offered as a short-term rental.

A short-term rental, as defined in the draft ordinance, applies to provision of a room or space that is suitable or intended for occupancy for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes, for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days, in exchange for a charge for the occupancy. Under the draft, an operators failure to register a short-term rental property prior to use shall result in a registration fee of $500 as a penalty. Until the operator has completed registration, including payment of the registration penalty fee, the property shall not be offered for short-term rental.

The commission held an October 2022 public hearing for proposed amendments to the short-term rental ordinance and the following month had joint discussion with the board of supervisors, according to Jordan Mitchell, the countys director of community development.

Other proposed measures are requirements of yearly registration through issuing a zoning permit; the operator providing a management plan for their particular short-term rental use; advertisements of rental dwellings complying with all regulations, including the maximum number of occupants in the dwelling for overnight accommodation; and prohibiting short-term rental signage in all zoning districts.

Mitchell addressed challenges the planning and zoning department likely will have in enforcement, especially with many short-term rentals not being registered. He said in cases of violation it will be an undertaking for county staff tracking such properties that are not registered.

A few commission members said the publics help is part of triggering enforcement whenever the zoning regulations are violated, noting the shortage in county staffing in areas of planning and zoning, building code and law enforcement.

So, it takes other people providing assistance that helps everybody else do their thing, Burdett said. Im sure Mr. Mitchell will welcome any of that information because it makes his departments workload a little easier on that.

Mitchell told the commission he initially expects about 200 violations of the ordinance if the zoning changes are approved and also mentioned a possible cap on the number of short-term rentals in the county, which some localities have done, as a possible area to consider.

 I do think long-term, as these continue to grow in the county, they are going to have a drastic effect on your housing prices. So do you want to cap it? Mitchell said during Tuesdays discussion, adding: A lot of the localities are capping the amount of they will have in the locality permitted.

Commissioners also discussed possibly limiting daytime occupancy in short-term rentals, as Jordan said some citizens have spoken in favor of.

If were going to do it, it applies to everybody, Burdett said of a possible daytime occupancy limit. I always say what is good for the goose is good for the gander. Youve got to be fair.

Chair Nicholas Kessler said the commission and planning staff has been working on the zoning changes for a while and has heard residents and their frustrations.

We have been hoping to get something that has more teeth that we might be able to do something with but also not go overboard to where those with a short-term rental dont have the same rights as other people and the same opportunities, Kessler said, adding: I think this is a step in the right direction, much better than where were at currently.

Burdett said he feels the county is handcuffed in what can be done in some areas because of state code and some decisions to make are above the commissions pay grade. He feels the regulations as presented have been adjusted to have more teeth than what has been in place.

I think weve gone as far as we can with this draft ordinance, Burdett said. I dont know what else we can do to box in short-term rentals while being fair to those property owners as well.
For about the last two months, Lynchburg City Schools has been operating an alternative method to traditional suspension for middle and high school students, launching its restorative suspension center in early February, giving students the opportunity to improve their behavior while continuing their classwork.

Lynchburg City Schools Director of Student Services Derrick Brown says the division is very pleased with the early progress of the center, which he said provides students the chance to change a behavior rather than just be removed from the classroom.

We dont want to be about the business of punishing students, Brown said. The ultimate goal is to make sure that theyre changing their behavior and gaining the skills and knowledge that they need so they can be successful in the classroom.

The program is housed at the Amelia Pride Center beside Dunbar Middle School for Innovation on Polk Street.

One of the biggest benefits to the program, Brown said, is students can continue their learning supervised, and have the help and support of a teacher or school staff to make sure that their academic progress is continuing.

The division announced the opening of the restorative suspension center in early February.

The center serves as an alternative method to out-of-school suspension at home, where, instead, students will serve out their short term, one-to-10-day suspensions under the supervision of teachers, and help from a local mental and behavioral health organization, Life Push.

The teachers of the students who are sent to the center provide their regular curriculum in order for them to follow along with the class. Brown said when students arrive at the restorative suspension center, they lay out the expectations with students from the beginning.

Im a big believer that you have to have a high level of care and a high level of expectations in order to help students be successful, Brown said.

You have to have both. If you have high care and low expectations, that can lead to what I call loving kids to failure. If you have really high expectations and a low level of care, then students dont respond to that.

Brown said students are shuttled from their base school to the center, and in a typical day will do their schoolwork, sit in on group sessions for reflection and build relationships, and will work with coordinators at the school to work on transition plans for their return to their base school.

Those are really powerful sessions and our coordinators have had a lot of breakthroughs already, Brown said about the transition plans.

Additionally, through Life Push, Brown said the students are engaged three times per week to go through the five phases of human engagement, which helps students learn how to build relationships and accountability.

Darrius Bethel, the chief executive officer for Life Push, said working with Lynchburg City Schools at the center has been a blessing.

Bethel said students have really opened up to us about some of the experiences that they have been through outside of school on a weekly or daily basis through the five phases of human engagement approach.

The five phases approach allows the workers to challenge the students, according to Bethel, giving them the opportunity to open up about their experiences by demonstrating authentic interest in the students over a consistent period of time in the restorative suspension center.

Bethel also said his organization has helped the students process their emotions in school, equipping students with the skills to be able to not only operate in the school setting more effectively but also help them understand the importance of seeing school staff as an ally.

We want the students to understand that if they communicate with the school staff about their feelings then there is a strong possibility that they will support them with navigating this, Bethel added.

He would go on to say the students truly enjoy the opportunity to open up to some of the team members at Life Push, who the students feel have genuinely taken an interest in them.

For Lynchburg City Schools, the work going on at the restorative suspension center is just the beginning of a new push to bring restorative practices into the divisions toolkit.

Opening the restorative suspension center for high school students is just phase one, Brown said, adding the division is hoping to hire a middle school teacher to expand the program at the middle school level, and is posting positions for an elementary pilot program.

The division also has plans to soon launch restorative academies, part of its whole system that were re-designing for alternative education, Brown said. He is hoping the restorative academies will be up and running by the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, if all goes well.

At the restorative suspension center, Brown said one of the most beneficial things to the program is that they havent seen many students return after finishing their suspension, making administration pleased so far with the preliminary numbers of how students are responding to the suspension center.

All of the restorative practices work in motion by Lynchburg City Schools is part of a push in emphasizing the recently ... and beyond portion of the divisions mission statement, Brown said.

Its really, really important that we do this work so that students are becoming engaged and informed citizens, and that they have the workforce skills they need to be successful in the communities, Brown said.

And we have to be committed to that work.
Todays a good day to go outside  unless youre sensitive to smoke.

The forecast for Saturday is sunny skies with a high near 71, according to the National Weather Service office in Valley, Nebraska.

A south wind will blow 13 to 17 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph.

The evening will bring partly cloudy skies with a low around 45. The wind will continue to blow 13 to 15 mph from the south-southeast, with gusts hitting 24 mph, according to the forecast.

The Douglas County Health Department in Omaha cautioned that agricultural fires in Kansas and Oklahoma are expected to push local air quality into the moderate category or even unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The potential concern is about particulate matter that may get into the air, said Russ Hadan, supervisor of the DCHD air quality program.

Hadan said the weekends conditions will depend on how much material is burned in northeast Kansas and Oklahoma, the wind direction and precipitation.

Conditions can be checked at airnow.gov. Poor air quality conditions can harm, in particular, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children, who are cautioned to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

Public health officials offer the following advice:

If you see smoke outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

Pay attention to air quality reports, and listen to your doctor.

If youre advised to stay indoors, dont vacuum or smoke or use anything that burns, and make sure your windows and doors are closed.

Heres a look at the extended forecast:

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72. South wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. At night, a chance of showers before 1 a.m, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., then a chance of showers after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. South southeast wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. South wind 6 to 9 mph becoming north in the morning. At night, clear, with a low around 49. East northeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming south after midnight.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. At night, clear, with a low around 56. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Breezy, with a south wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 56. Breezy, with a south wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Students in Council Bluffs Community Schools TradeWorks Academy are doing their part to contribute to the communitys supply of affordable housing.

Second-year TradeWorks students taking construction classes at Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln high schools are building a house in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs and Builders of the Future.

The Builders of the Future have done this before at other schools, said Nathan Clausen, one of the TradeWorks instructors at Thomas Jefferson. They got us a grant to purchase tools (and scaffolding) in order to build the house, and they were also instrumental in getting the agreement between Habitat and Council Bluffs Schools.

It's the first time Builders of the Future has worked in Iowa and the first time it has worked with a Habitat affiliate, according to a news release.

It was a really neat start where a lot of things came together kind of all at once, said Blake Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs.

Habitat is paying for materials, since it will eventually sell the house.

Two class sections at TJ of about eight students each work on the house for two periods every afternoon  theyve only missed one since they started on Jan. 14 because it was sleeting, Clausen said  and a section of AL students works a couple periods a week in the morning.

To avoid busing students to the job site every day, the school district has them building it in a small parking lot behind Thomas Jefferson. Builders of the Future covered the cost of materials for the temporary foundation that makes it possible to build the house at the school.

When its done -- except for the top part of the roof, since it cant be more than 13 feet tall -- it will be moved to 313 N. 34th St., where a concrete foundation will be waiting for it. The 712 Initiative purchased the property last year so it could sell it to Habitat, Johnson said.

This is our first house, Clausen said. We will work on it until the last day of school.

In the past, students have built five or six yard sheds to raise money for SkilsUSA, a student trades organization, and a garage to keep supplies in at TJ, Clausen said.

By Wednesday, the students had the structure framed up, except for the roof, and were putting up sheets of wood on the sides. Trusses will be delivered to the school on April 17, Johnson said.

When theyre finished, it will be a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home with about 1,100 square feet of living space, plus a small porch, Clausen said. It will have a kitchen, dining room and living room, and a detached garage will be built on the lot at its permanent site.

Clausen anticipates that there may be some work left to do on the house when the school year ends.

We hope to build another one this fall and hopefully be able to complete the whole house, he said.

The house is elevated while under construction. When its ready to move, one end of that structure will be removed, Johnson said. A company from Seward, Nebraska, will transport it to its permanent home.

They will back a truck directly under the house, he said.

Once its in place, Habitat employees, volunteers and subcontractors will finish construction, and HVAC students who will be taking a summer class at Iowa Western Community College will help with the HVAC design and rough in ductwork, Johnson said.

Most of the TJ students working during eighth period Wednesday said they plan to take TradeWorks at Iowa Western Community College next year, but not necessarily for construction. Junior James Jordan is interested in automotive technology, and sophomore Aiden Jensen wants to become an electrician.

This is the first time Johnson has worked with high school students on a house, he said. He wants to grow the relationship.

Its really important to us that we engage them in work, because they are the future, he said. Its a natural marriage. The engagement of students as volunteers  its kind of a win-win. Theyre working for us, and theyre learning a skill, he said, adding, It wouldnt be possible without the instructors at TradeWorks.

Grants that helped fund the project came from Google, the Sunderland Foundation and the Iowa West Foundation, according to Habitat for Humanity.
An Omaha man was sentenced to more than eight years in prison for distribution of child pornography.

John R. Steier, 32, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha on Thursday to 8 1/2 years in prison for distributing child pornography via a file sharing program, according to the news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Between Oct. 28, 2019, and April 29, 2021, Steier made child porn available for download from his Elkhorn-area residence using eMule, a free open source peer-to-peer file sharing program.

Then, on July 19, 2021, Steier, who worked as a firefighter in Glenwood, made child porn available from the Glenwood Fire Station using the same eMule account that had been traced to his home address, according to the release.

The FBI executed a search warrant at Steiers home on Oct. 14, 2021. During the search, Steier took agents to the Glenwood station, where they obtained Steiers laptop.

Agents found about 80 videos of child porn on the laptop, the DOJ said.

Upon his release from prison, Steier will be placed on supervised release for 10 years. Steier was also ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution and a $4,000 assessment.
Small nonfarm businesses in nine Iowa counties and neighboring counties in Nebraska and South Dakota are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began April 1, according to Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBAs Disaster Field Operations Center-West.

The primary Iowa counties are Harrison, Monona and Woodbury. Cherokee, Crawford, Ida, Plymouth, Pottawattamie and Shelby are qualifying Iowa counties.

SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster, Garfield said.

Find more information or apply at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.
NEVADA, Iowa  Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake told Iowans Thursday shes willing to do anything I can to help former President Donald Trump get back into office.

Lake addressed about 80 people at the Story County Republicans Lincoln Highway Dinner. Her visit comes as Iowans are beginning to consider 2024 Republican caucus candidates, but Lake is likely not running for president. She is still fighting in the courts over her claims of election fraud in her 2022 loss to Democrat Katie Hobbs.

A member of the audience asked Lake whether she would consider serving as Trumps running mate in 2024.

You dont really run for that, Lake said.  I will do also anything I can to help President Trump. I believe he is the only man who can get us through these dark tumultuous times. I really do.

The Arizona Republican also weighed in on Trumps indictment, saying, Theyre going after President Trump for a nothing-burger.

She said the focus should be on President Joe Biden, who she said is bought and paid for by the Chinese Communist Party, and evil Anthony Fauci, the former chief medical adviser to the president. Lake spoke to supporters at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, following Trumps arraignment Tuesday in New York on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

Al Ortiz, a Grimes resident who came to Nevada for the event, said he was locked in to vote for Trump in the 2024 Republican caucuses, and does not believe the indictment will impact the former presidents campaign. He said hed love to see Lake as a running mate to Trump.

I think her message and Trumps are aligned really well, basically the same message, Ortiz said. Theyre concerned about elections, theyre concerned about just all the corruption going on  plus conservative values.

Lake also held Iowa events Wednesday. She posted on Twitter that her Iowa City event hosted an open bar that ran out of all beer brands except Bud Light. Lake and supporters criticized Bud Light for its sponsorship deal with Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender TikTok influencer.

Lake is scheduled to join a Good Friday prayer breakfast in Cedar Rapids with actor Kevin Sorbo. This trip is her second stint in Iowa following the 2022 midterm elections. She also held events in the state in February.

Lake said she hasnt given up on her court challenge over the 2022 election results. She has not conceded to Hobbs, who was sworn into office in January. The Arizona Supreme Court rejected most of Lakes appeal challenging the election results, but sent a challenge of early ballot signature verification procedures in one county back to a trial court for reconsideration.

The fake news isnt covering it, Lake said. They said that she lost on most counts in the Arizona Supreme Court. Most counts. But not all counts. And we made it, we made it and were still out and were still fighting.

Lake called for Iowans to question the presidential candidates coming through ahead of the 2024 Iowa caucuses on free and fair elections, and to specifically ask what they think about the 2022 Arizona governors race. She said globalists are committed to stopping the 2024 election from proceeding fairly, as she claimed they did in 2020 in Trumps loss and in her Arizona race.

Some candidates being pushed are Trojan horses, Lake said, and wont talk about election results.

I ask you that every candidate who comes through, when they stand on the stage, when theyre shaking your hand, when theyre walking through town, taking your questions, that you ask them where they stand on election integrity, Lake said. And I think you get even more specific: Was the 2022 election here in Arizona stolen? And if they wont say absolutely yes, thats a big red flag.  Ill tell you what, I know that one of them will be honest with you about these elections. And one of them is Donald J. Trump.
The state-run Glenwood Resource Center for people with disabilities has been cited by the state for placing residents in immediate jeopardy after three individuals were hospitalized due to staff errors.

It marks the fifth time since January 2022 that the Glenwood Resource Center has been fined by state inspectors for serious regulatory violations.

Last year, the state announced plans to relocate Glenwoods residents and close the facility by the end of 2024. Four months ago, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it had reached a settlement with the state of Iowa to resolve allegations concerning resident care at Glenwood. The DOJ had alleged the state was causing harm to residents through uncontrolled and unsupervised experimentation on residents, as well as inadequate physical and behavioral health care.

The home, which is run by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, was recently cited for two medication errors and fined $10,500. In addition, the facility was fined $5,250 for failing to ensure the staff correctly used the mechanical lifts that are designed to safely move residents who cant stand or ambulate on their own.

The first of the two medication errors was discovered in early December when a worker noticed a male resident was groggy and stumbly and appeared intoxicated. The staff then noticed the mans medications for the previous afternoon were still on hand, indicating they hadnt been dispensed, while another residents medications were missing, even though that individual had been discharged.

It was then determined the male resident, while receiving none of his own medications, had been given the drugs intended for the discharged resident. The man was taken to a hospital where it was determined he had a dangerous level of valproic acid in his system, according to inspectors. He was treated with intravenous fluids, held for observation, and then returned to Glenwood.

The second of the two medication errors occurred a few weeks later, on Christmas Eve, when a worker accidentally gave a female resident two 100 milligram doses of Clozapine, a drug commonly used to treat schizophrenia, rather than a single 100-milligram dose. The resident was taken to a local hospital by ambulance and kept there for observation for two hours before being returned to Glenwood.

Glenwood was also cited for an accident that resulted in a serious injury to a resident. According to inspectors, a female employee was in the process of using a mechanical lift to hoist a resident into the air and place him in a chair when the man slipped out of the device and fell to the floor.

I started screaming before he hit the ground, the worker later told inspectors. When he landed, he first landed on his left hip then his head hit on the left side.

The resident was taken by ambulance to a hospital and diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage and a laceration to the head that was closed with staples. The man remained in the hospitals intensive care unit for two days before being returned to Glenwood.

In speaking to inspectors, the worker admitted she had deliberately used the mechanical lift without the required second staff member to provide assistance, and said she had done so on other occasions, as well.

Another worker was interviewed and denied that he had ever used the lift without a colleague to assist. A few days later, however, that employee called the inspector and apologized for being dishonest, saying that he would routinely use the lift to transfer residents without another worker there to assist, especially when the home was short-staffed.

Last August, Glenwood was cited for having failed to notify a nurse when a female residents heart rate dropped to a dangerous level. The resident was later found unresponsive was rushed to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. The home was fined $4,785.

Last July, Glenwood was fined for $5,037 after a 48-year-old male resident was found in bed suffering from an hypoxic episode  a life-threatening lack of oxygen. A worker noticed the residents skin was gray, lips were blue and he was gasping for air. The worker discovered the mechanism used to deliver his bottled oxygen had been switched off by the staff.

Last May, Glenwood was fined $6,500 after a resident of the home died of septic shock related to acute dehydration.

In January 2022, Glenwood was fined $2,250 after inspectors said a residential treatment worker had yelled at a female resident of the home and shoved a plate in her face.

The most and least lucrative college majors in Iowa The most and least lucrative college majors in Iowa
LANSING, Iowa  Through the picture windows of The Driftless Center in Lansing, visitors can look out over the Mississippi River.

Now, with a 16-foot-long, 1,250-gallon aquarium filled with local fish species, including bass, bluegill and northern pike, it will be like guests can look below the waters, too.

"There are 125 different species of fish in the Mississippi River," said Ross Geerdes, director of The Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center. "We can't have all of them, but we'd like to have a dozen or maybe more. People want to look at the underside of the Mississippi River."

Workers from Under the Sea, an Oklahoma company that builds custom aquariums for customers including Bass Pro Shop and Cabela's, installed the new aquarium March 29 in the basement of The Driftless Center.

Once the weather warms up, staff from Allamakee County Conservation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will go out on the river and catch the fish that will inhabit the new aquarium, Geerdes said.

The county bought the aquarium with nearly $85,000 in donations to celebrate The Driftless Center's fifth anniversary.

Since the center opened in August 2017, it has hosted nearly 76,000 visitors, including people from all 50 states and 53 countries, Geerdes said. The 10,000-square-foot center is the hub of the Allamakee County Conservation Board and holds staff offices, but it also draws school and community groups from Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

On a recent day, local visitors mixed with a junior high field trip from Chicago.

"We had 60 people in here," Geerdes said. "It all worked out."

Geerdes, who was the center's naturalist before transitioning to the director position this spring when Jim Janett retired, said staff match programming to the group visiting the center.

"If they are younger people, we get animals out," he said. The center has seven kinds of snakes, reptiles and amphibians.

"If they are older and studying about glaciation, we'll talk about The Driftless Area and why it's so special," he said.

The Driftless Area, a topographical region in southwestern Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa and the extreme northwest corner of Illinois, was never covered by glaciers during the last ice age and doesn't have the silt, gravel and rock  called drift  the glaciers left behind.

The Driftless has a more rugged landscape than the rest of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota with caves, sinkholes, springs and cold streams ideal for trout fishing.

Education about the Mississippi River is core to the center's mission, Geerdes said. One of the challenges facing the river is invasive fish and plant species that threaten native species.

"With the expansion of Asian carp in northern part of the river it's very important to have those species in the aquarium as well," he said. "I think it's a wonderful idea to display those and educate people about the negative impacts they have on the environment."

While the carp can outcompete native species for food in the river, staff will be feeding fish in the aquarium minnows, worms and waxworms from River N Ridge Outdoors in Lansing. "They (carp) wouldn't be that detrimental in our aquarium because we're feeding them," Geerdes said.

Staff will keep the aquarium about 60 degrees year-round and change the filter every couple of weeks. They will start with young fish to allow them time to grow in the tank, which is equipped with faux rocks and plants that mimic the Mississippi River.

Photos: People flock to Tower Rock, low water on Mississippi River exposes land bridge
After first denying the covid-19 crisis, Tanzania is now unable to account fully for aid received from abroad, as the countrys controller and auditor general has found irregularities of more than $1.6 billion in the funds allotted for the countrys Covid-19 socioeconomic recovery and response (TCRP) plan.

The audit report of Tanzanias controller and auditor general Charles Kichere highlighted the flaws, with huge sums of money being misused while intended for the implementation of the countrys Covid-19 Socio-Economic Recovery and Response Plan (TCRP).

At the height of the pandemic between 2020 and 2022, East Africas most populous nation received much Covid-19 assistance in cash and loans from various sources. In 2021, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) disbursed a total of $972.4 million in Covid-19 relief. Tanzania also received $112 million from the Global Fund, besides nearly $44 million from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and $546,000 from the Irish government through the World Health Organization (WHO).

Tanzania was initially one of multiple countries whose leadership underplayed its seriousness even as millions died across the globe. Then president John Pombe Magufuli claimed that prayer and herbal remedies were more than sufficient to combat SARS-CoV-2. Meanwhile, the countrys healthcare system was overrun by the pandemic. To date, there is no accurate data on how many people in Tanzania died from the coronavirus.

Magufuli died in March 2021 from heart complications at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, with the opposition, however, saying that Magufuli died from SARS-CoV-2. The funds from IMF and other sources focused on health, education, water, tourism, social protection, energy, economic empowerment, and coordination and administration sectors for both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. The audit report, which was submitted to President Samia Suluhu Hassan last week, has highlighted the shortcomings that could be a red flag for fraudulent activities.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) will invest $12.5 billion to secure a 50% stake in the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project.

This historic project is expected to set a record as the worlds longest offshore gas pipeline, covering some 5,600 km across 11 African countries.

NNPCL and Moroccos National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) are jointly financing the project in equal parts.

NNPCL managing director Mallam Mele Kyari, who was speaking in Abuja on Thursday, said the Corporations pipeline project, which will link Nigeria to Morocco, is already in Phase II of the preliminary design study, and is undergoing an environmental impact assessment and rights of way investigations.

According to Kyari, NNPCL is taking advantage of Nigerias huge natural gas reserves of more than 200 billion cubic feet, which could grow to 600 billion cubic feet as more investment is expected due to the recent resolution of production sharing contract disputes with partners.

He said the large reserve will provide a low-carbon energy alternative that will support growth in the energy and industrial sectors, fight poverty, reduce the carbon footprint and create more job opportunities.

He added that Nigerias gas infrastructure network has the capacity to transport about 6.9 billion standard cubic feet of gas to support power generation.

The Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline is one of the flagship projects linking the two countries through several West African countries. Studies for this mega-project are at an advanced stage and memoranda of understanding have been signed in recent months.

The first was signed by Nigeria and Morocco with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Morocco and Nigeria signed, on December 5, 2022 in Rabat, five other memoranda of understanding with Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Ghana.

Two months earlier, on October 15, 2022, ONHYM and the NNPC had signed MoUs in Nouakchott with the Mauritanian Hydrocarbons Company (SMH) and the Petroleum Company of Senegal (PETROSEN).

The strategic Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project will run along the West African coast from Nigeria, through Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote dIvoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal and Mauritania to Morocco.

It will be connected to the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline and the European gas network and will also supply the landlocked states of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.
Three opposition parties called for the creation of a fact-finding mission to look into imports of Russian diesel in Morocco with a focus on prices in fuel stations.

Due to Western sanctions, Russian diesel is the cheapest on the market. But, some Moroccan consumers deplore that prices in fuel stations remain high.

Opposition parties, PPS, MP and PJD say the fact-finding mission would investigate import prices and the profits made by diesel distributors in the country.

The Wall Street Journal and Reuters reported a few weeks ago that Russia was ramping up diesel exports to north African countries, including Morocco.

According to these reports, Morocco had imported 2 million barrels in January this year and 3.1 million barrels in February.

Moroccos largest fuel importer and distributor Afriquia denied it has imported any Russian diesel, although it said it was seeking means to do so to help reduce prices for end consumers at home.

Its director general Said El Baghdadi told le360 that the company could not import Russian diesel due to Western sanctions which set obstacles to payments, adding that only multinationals that have banking services outside Europe could purchase from Russia.

He said the company, an offshoot of Akwa group, was importing from the Mediterranean and Saudi Arabia in view of logistical advantages.

Morocco had imported 9% of its diesel needs from Russia in 2022, which helps explain the high level of prices in the country compared to the pre-Ukrainian war period, according to finance ministry data.
The French foreign ministry said that Frances relations with Morocco were excellent and that authorities in the two countries maintain regular contacts in a context of what many analysts describe as a silently brewing crisis due to Paris vocal support for the military regime in Algeria.

The statement was made Friday at a press conference by spokesman for French foreign ministry Francois Delmas, a few weeks after his president Emmanuel Macron tried to downplay the silently brewing crisis between the two countries.

A Moroccan source has told Jeune Afrique that ties with France were not as friendly as Macron says.

Signs of the crisis, which France tries to conceal, abound, starting with the announced visit by Macron to Morocco early this year which has yet to take place.

Moroccan politicians and parliamentarians did not mince their words by blaming France directly for undermining Moroccos interests in the EU.

The Moroccan parliament referred to its disappointment at the instigation of members of European parliament by Stephane Sejourne, who leads Macrons MEPs at the European Parliament. Most French members voted for the anti-Moroccan resolution to save some right-wing politicians.

The context is not giving any credence to the statements of the French president as his country offers concessions to Algerias military regime going as far as promising to sell them arms, a fact that was acknowledged by Macron who bragged about prospects for military cooperation following the visit of Algerias genuine ruler chief of staff Chengriha.

As France empowers the military regime in Algeria, it is distancing itself from its longtime friend and ally signaling a decline in Frances foreign policy in the region in favor of closer ties with an oil and gas-dependent country mired in repression and instability and on the verge of collapse.

Empowering Algerian military rulers is not Macrons only fault. France under his leadership has steered away from mutual respect to adopt blackmail including through reducing visas offered to Moroccans in a measure that Morocco said was not reflective of the quality of consular cooperation.

French media have also indulged in Morocco bashing by parroting uncorroborated accusations in what has come to be called junk science concerning Amnestys and forbidden stories allegation on Rabats use of Pegasus malware to spy on French politicians.

Morocco has sued the media in question and no evidence has been offered more than18 months into the allegations.

Is France annoyed by Moroccos increasing influence in the Sahel where the former colonial master is receiving a series of blows?

Paris foothold is also shrinking in West Africa on the back of growing anti-French sentiment and increasing Russian incursions.

After their retreat from Mali following a ten-year failure to eradicate Jihadist groups, Burkina Faso asked France to withdraw its troops from the country.

Macrons African policy reflects the diminishing weight of France and so does the inconsistencies of its self-destructive foreign policy that has destroyed bridges with African peoples and governments.
North Platte Public Transit will sponsor daily special events starting Sunday to mark the 2023 Nebraska Public Transit Week.

The event is a celebration and promotion of public transit across Nebraska, city officials said in a press release Friday.

The city-operated bus system provides a connection to medical care, education, jobs, shopping and mobility for residents of North Platte and the surrounding area, it added.

Bus drivers will give away promotional items to passengers throughout the week. Riders also are encouraged to take part in the following events:

Sunday: Submit a selfie or scenery photo to the City of North Platte Public Transit Facebook page.

Monday: Team Spirit Day. Wear your favorite team shirt.

Tuesday: Patriotic Day. Wear red, white and blue.

Wednesday: Wheres Waldo? Find Waldo on the bus, take a photo with him and post it on the Facebook page.

Thursday: Tye Dye Day.

Friday: Crazy hat Day.

Saturday: Crazy Sock Day.

To schedule a ride, call 308-532-1370. For information, call 308-535-8562.
Photo: Amanda Voisard/REUTERS

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it, the Book of Proverbs says. To certain right-wing Christians, the concept is simple: A child can be broken, or stamped into shape, much like any domesticated animal. Though all parents hope theyll pass their values onto their children, for some that hope is more of a mandate. My own parents believe that Proverbs is the word of God, and they believed, too, that a righteous upbringing would produce an adult in their image. Who can blame them? The idea that a child should replicate her parents does not belong only to conservative Christianity or to religion at all. A proverb is common wisdom, and lately this one is hard to escape. Authoritarianism is gospel to modern conservatives. Nowhere is that clearer than in their assaults on children.

The parental rights movement is not new, but it is enjoying a resurgence. Adherents say theyre protecting children from harm, broadly defined. After an art teacher at a Florida charter school showed students a picture of Michelangelos David, parental complaints forced out the principal. Members of Moms for Liberty call for book bans across the country; books with LGBT content are at special risk of removal. The architects of state bans on gender-affirming care for minors say, falsely, that children are at risk from predatory physicians and activists. A gender cult destroys families, claimed conservative commentator Matt Walsh. The child they held as a baby and raised and gave their lives to and loved and still love becomes, suddenly, unrecognizable, he said. I would rather be dead than have that happen to my kids. The real sin isnt that trans youth will suffer but that the parental grip might loosen.

Conservative interest in the child extends beyond a traditional hostility to LGBT people. In March, Arkansas governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, signed a bill into law that makes it easier for companies to hire children under 16 years old. More states may follow, as Terri Gerstein, the director of the Harvard Law School Labor and Worklife Programs State and Local Enforcement Project, pointed out in the New York Times. Bills that would allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work in meatpacking plants and other dangerous jobs in Iowa as part of training programs and 16- and 17-year-olds to take jobs at construction sites in Minnesota are under consideration, Gerstein wrote, noting that the bills coincide with a rise in dangerous child-labor violations. Not long after Republicans sought to put more children to work in Arkansas, Republicans in North Dakota killed a bill that would have expanded a free-lunch program for children from low-income families. I can understand kids going hungry, but is that really the problem of the school district? Is that the problem of the state of North Dakota? Its really a problem of parents being negligent with their kids, said State Senator Mike Wobbema. His message was clear enough. A hungry child is not a collective responsibility but a private failing on the part of the parents.

Its possible to draw a line between Wobbemas remarks, the push for child labor, and the rights attacks on trans children. In each case, conservatives betray a conviction that a child is the property of parents. Because parents own their children, they can dispose of the child as they see fit. They can deny them evidence-based medical care. They can put a child to work. They can make sure a child is sheltered from the dangers of a serious education. When a child goes hungry, thats because a parent isnt caring for their property  and what a person does with their property is their right.

Like any piece of property, a child has value to conservative activists. They are key to a future the conservative wants to win. Parental rights are merely one path to the total capture of state power and the imposition of an authoritarian hierarchy on us all. So its no surprise that children have long been a fixation to the right wing. The late Christian reconstructionist R.J. Rushdoony was a prominent advocate of Christian homeschooling in the 1960s through the 1980s. To Rushdoony, all education was religious, as Dr. Clint Heacock observed in a 2021 piece for Public Eye magazine. So-called government schools are churches in their own right, Rushdoony believed, indoctrinating students in the religion of secular humanism. He thought parents ought to be solely responsible for the care and education of their children instead of relinquishing them to an anti-Christian state. That fear of state influence, and belief in total parental control, isnt limited to Rushdoony. At Salon, the journalist Kathryn Joyce reported that Michael Farris  a Trump ally who is the former president of the Alliance Defending Freedom and the founder of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association  launched a parental rights nonprofit in the late aughts that sought to amend the Constitution to read, The liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right. Farris also objected, strenuously, to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the U.S. still hasnt ratified. In his mind, the treaty threatened the parents right to homeschool and to use corporal punishment. No intermediary may come between parents and their property.

Taken to extremes, the concept of parental rights can be dangerous and even deadly for children. Proponents, like Farris and Rushdoony before him, ignore the basic fact that the home is often no refuge but a place of domination and abuse. The National Childrens Alliance says that over 600,000 children were documented victims of abuse and neglect in 2020. In 77 percent of substantiated cases, a parent committed the abuse. The language of parental rights can become a license to torture, as it did in the case of 13-year-old Hana Grace-Rose Williams. In 2011, officials found her face down, naked and emaciated in the backyard, the New York Times reported. An investigation later reported malnutrition and hypothermia as her causes of death. Her adoptive parents, Larry and Carri Williams, were reportedly followers of Michael and Debi Pearl and their book, To Train Up a Child. The book, named for that verse in Proverbs, urges corporal punishment with a switch and says that a little fasting is good training. By the time of the Times report, three children, including Williams, had died in homes with the Pearls book on the shelves. The Williams parents are now serving decades in prison for the girls murder.

State laws passed by conservative Republicans have made LGBTQ children in particular more vulnerable to abuse at home by practically requiring schools to out them to their parents. The denial of gender-affirming care is another act of violence. Far-right activists invent tales of wanton surgeries on minors and irreversible hormonal treatments. In doing so, they obscure the high suicide rate among LGBT youth who need gender-affirming care as a matter of life or death. Children who work may be exposed to adult dangers, like workplace injury or sexual harassment. In the home and at school, children must also fear gun violence in the name of the Second Amendment. Adults who encourage the proliferation of guns do so knowing well that children will die. In their hierarchy, the adult right to a gun is worth more than the childs right to live. Reduced to the level of a collectible or a beloved pet, the child is not a person to the right.

Only the unborn are spared the rights cruelty. Conservatives claim personhood for the fetus, who cannot disobey and requires nothing but a womb. The fetus is more valuable than the child because the fetus is a means to an end: the subjugation of women. Once born, a childs value depreciates. The parental right to train the child takes precedence over the childs basic rights. There are ways to circumvent a childs established right to an education, as conservatives know. Homeschooling laws are so lax in the U.S. that thousands of children have essentially disappeared into an academic void. Even if a child goes to public school, chronic underfunding deprives many children, especially in poor areas, of a sound education. In much of the country, trans youth arent treated like people with medical needs but political targets. This is ownership, and the U.S. rarely interferes. There is one exception to the rights belief in absolute parental rule: trans-affirming parents. A defiant parent is a threat to the right. Theyve stepped out of place and must be subdued.

In this perspective, rights arent innate. Theyre determined instead by a persons place in the conservative hierarchy. The opposite view  that everyone has rights by virtue of their humanity  requires us to change the way we commonly think of children. Liberals arent immune to the belief that children are property. The mainstream fearmongering over trans youth tells us that much. Yet combating the power of the parental rights movement requires an answering conviction in the rights of children. We can see them as people: uniquely vulnerable, yes, but nevertheless people who have independent minds and will develop private lives of their own.

There is no way to control a child forever. My parents learned that much. I hid books from them and discovered different ways of thinking through literature and furtive online searching. In relatively short order, I became an atheist and a socialist, a fate so dire that a former trustee at my Evangelical college told me he hoped my parents died before they knew the truth. (They did not share his sentiment.) If my example means anything, its this: Children are not dogs to train but adults in formation. They will learn, someday soon, that the future belongs to them. What they do with that knowledge matters to everyone. Children arent private property, then, but a public responsibility. To expand our democratic project to children is to grant them the security the right seeks to deny them: education, health care, shelter, food. A better America begins with the child.
Camp Hill is looking for the public's help as they recover from hailstorms that barreled through the southeast in late March, damaging over 400 houses.

On March 26, massive hail the size of softballs and grapefruit rained down for 15-20 minutes. No lives were lost, but property damage was extensive. Those same storms produced a tornado that destroyed 130 structures in West Point, as well as floods that breached the city water reservoir in LaFayette.

As of Friday, roofs are still being tarped in Camp Hill, which has a population of around 1,000.

Warren Tidwell, the town's community resilience coordinator, said they desperately need volunteers.

We need all hands on deck to get here, assess and get these tarps on these roofs, Tidwell said. These folks are hurting and this town is in trouble, because about three-quarters of this town is going to be uninhabitable in about six months from mold.

Tidwell added, We need every church in Auburn and we need volunteer. And the thing is were still in first response kind of stuff.

Over 400 houses need roofing repairs and another 300 need tarps. He added that 80 to 90 percent of the cars were totaled after the hailstorm.

It decimated every single roof, Tidwell said. These hailstones knocked ceilings inside of houses on to beds. We've got disabled folks. It's a very vulnerable community.

According to Camp Hill Mayor Messiah Cole-Williams, the hail burst through car ports and damaged the cars underneath. Residents can still see sunlight through their ceilings.

They can see the sky from their living room. When it rains, their roof leaks, he said. Were waiting for this rain to come in this weekend. So those are some of the things that we're dealing with.

Tidwell said local EMA has submitted a disaster declaration to FEMA for Camp Hill, but FEMA has not moved on it yet. Camp Hill declared a state of emergency on March 31.

Jason Moran, the director for the Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Agency, said over 420 damage assessments will be submitted to the Alabama EMA for review. They will then be sent onto FEMA for further review.

There's a 30-day window that you have to get all your data together and submit it. That's a normal protocol, Moran said. We're following the normal process. You do the assessment, submit to the state, and then they submit it to FEMA.

For the time being, things have to be handled at the local level while reaching out for volunteers.

At this point, we're just kind of in holding pattern until everything's done and we get some word from the federal government, Moran said.

Meanwhile, construction companies and the volunteer fire department are doing the best they can to work the disaster and get tarps on roofs in the town.

Cole-Williams said the town is currently in crisis cleanup mode and putting together a long-term recovery plan. Volunteers are needed to help in the efforts. People are needed to clean yards, tarp roofs, help with grocery deliveries among other needs.

We just need volunteers on the ground, Tidwell said. This has affected about 98 percent of the town.

It's just an invisible disaster. No one died. There's no one who got hurt, per se and it seems like it's just property," Cole-Williams said. "It goes by the wayside, but right now it's just people hurting that have often been forgotten.

Call Cole-Williams at 256-750-3750 to volunteer. Volunteers can also report to the volunteer resource center set up in town at 41 Heard St. in Camp Hill.
Bills introduced in the Texas House and Senate would create a state-issued, gold-backed digital currency.

Enactment of this legislation would create an option for people to transact business in sound money, set the stage to undermine the Federal Reserves monopoly on money and create a viable alternative to a central bank digital currency (CBDC).

Sen. Bryan Hughes (R) introduced Senate Bill 2334 (SB2334) on March 10. Rep. Mark Dorazio (R) introduced a companion, House Bill 4903 (HB4903) on the same day. The legislation would require the state comptroller to establish a digital currency that is fully backed by gold and fully redeemable in cash or gold as well. The comptroller would also be required to create a mechanism to use this gold-backed digital currency in everyday transactions.

In establishing the digital currency the comptroller shall establish a means to ensure that a person who holds the digital currency may readily transfer or assign the digital currency to any other person by electronic means.

The state of Texas would hold gold backing the currency in trust on behalf of the digital currency holders.

The trustee shall maintain enough gold to provide for the redemption in gold of all units of the digital currency that have been issued and are not yet redeemed for money or gold.

In practice, individuals would be able to purchase digital currency from the state. The state would then use the money to purchase gold that would be held in the Texas Bullion Depository or another secure vault. Individuals would be able to redeem their digital currency for dollars or gold.

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC)

A gold-backed digital currency would create an alternative and allow individuals and businesses to avoid a CBDC.

Digital currencies exist as virtual banknotes or coins held in a digital wallet on your computer or smartphone. The difference between a central bank (government) digital currency and peer-to-peer electronic cash such as bitcoin is that the value of the CBDC is backed and controlled by the government, just like traditional fiat currency. Related: G7 Plans To Back New Natural Gas Investments

At the root of the move toward a CBDC is the war on cash. The elimination of cash creates the potential for the government to track and even control consumer spending.

Nigeria is already trying to get people to accept its CBDC (with a great deal of resistance), and China, India, and the US have all launched pilot programs to test CBDCs.

Imagine if there was no cash. It would be impossible to hide even the smallest transaction from the governments eyes. Something as simple as your morning trip to Starbucks wouldnt be a secret from government officials. As Bloomberg put it in an article published when China launched a digital yuan pilot program in 2020, digital currency offers Chinas authorities a degree of control never possible with physical money.

The government could even turn off an individuals ability to make purchases. Economist Thorsten Polleit outlined the potential for Big Brother-like government control with the advent of a digital euro in an article published by the Mises Wire. As he put it, the path to becoming a surveillance state regime will accelerate considerably if and when a digital currency is issued.

A gold-backed digital currency would create an alternative to CBDCs.

Impact

The creation of a state-issued gold-backed digital currency would create currency competition with Federal Reserve notes and undermine the Feds monopoly on money. It would also provide an alternative if the Federal Reserve implements a central bank digital currency.

Broadly speaking, by making gold conveniently available for regular, daily transactions by the general public, gold-backed digital currency would create the potential for a wide-reaching effect. Professor William Greene, an expert on constitutional tender, said in a paper for the Mises Institute that when people in multiple states actually start using gold instead of Federal Reserve notes, it would effectively nullify the Federal Reserve and end the federal governments monopoly on money.

Over time, as residents of the state use both Federal Reserve notes and silver and gold coins, the fact that the coins hold their value more than Federal Reserve notes do will lead to a reverse Greshams Law effect, where good money (gold and silver coins) will drive out bad money (Federal Reserve notes).

As this happens, a cascade of events can begin to occur, including the flow of real wealth toward the states treasury, an influx of banking business from outside of the state  as people in other states carry out their desire to bank with sound money  and an eventual outcry against the use of Federal Reserve notes for any transactions.

Greshams Law holds that bad money drives out good. For example, when the U.S. government replaced silver quarters and dimes with coins made primarily of less valuable copper, the cheap coins drove the silver out of circulation. People hoarded the more valuable silver coins and spent the less valuable copper money. So, how do you reverse Gresham?

The key is in making it easier to use gold in everyday transactions. The reason bad money drives out good is that governments put up barriers to using sound money in day-to-day life. That makes it more costly to spend gold and incentivizes hoarding. When you remove barriers, you level the playing field and allow gold and silver to compete head-to-head with Federal Reserve notes. On an even playing field, gold beats fiat money every time.

Background

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The United States Constitution states in Article I, Section 10, No State shallmake any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts. Currently, all debts and taxes in Kansas are either paid with Federal Reserve Notes (dollars) which were authorized as legal tender by Congress, or with coins issued by the U.S. Treasury  very few of which have gold or silver in them.

The Federal Reserve destroys this constitutional monetary system by creating a monopoly based on its fiat currency. Without the backing of gold or silver, the central bank can easily create money out of thin air. This not only devalues your purchasing power over time; it also allows the federal government to borrow and spend far beyond what would be possible in a sound money system. Without the Fed, the U.S. government wouldnt be able to maintain all of its unconstitutional wars and programs. The Federal Reserve is the engine that drives the most powerful government in the history of the world.

Creating a gold-backed digital currency would take another step in the process of abolishing the Federal Reserve system by attacking it from the bottom up  pulling the rug out from under it by working to make its functions irrelevant at the state and local levels, and setting the stage to undermine the Federal Reserve monopoly by introducing competition into the monetary system.

Whats Next?

At the time of this report, SB2334 and HB4903 had not been assigned to committees. Once they get committee assignments, they must get a hearing and pass by a majority vote before moving forward in the legislative process.

The Tenth Amendment Center contributed to this report.

By Zerohedge.com

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